District football surprises? Count on 'em

Farmington is still around. So is Crystal City. Same for Dexter and Salem.

Now we find out if those same teams can keep the momentum that's carried them through the season and make it last for three more weeks and vault into the playoffs.

Cape Girardeau Central and Poplar Bluff open the three-week district football schedule Thursday in a Class 4, District 1 race that looks like a toss-up. Central, Poplar Bluff and West Plains all are 2-5, and Sikeston is 1-6. Prediction: Central.

A look at the other Southeast Missouri districts and what to expect:

CLASS 1 DISTRICT 1: Valle is 4-3 and easily the team to beat in Class 1 District 1. Brentwood, Louisiana and Van Far are a combined 2-18. Prediction: Valle.

CLASS 1 DISTRICT 2: St. Vincent stands the best chance to give Hayti a run for the title, but don't count on it. Hayti has quickness, confidence and a 5-2 record. Prediction: Hayti.

CLASS 2 DISTRICT 1: Caruthersville and Charleston were expected to make it a three-way shootout, but both collapsed with a midseason freefall just as East Prairie rallied after a miserable start. Malden has looked strong all season. Prediction: Malden.

CLASS 2 DISTRICT 2: Scott City mounted a midseason run to come in at 4-3, but Crystal City is on a roll. The momentum continues. Prediction: Crystal City.

CLASS 2 DISTRICT 3: Maplewood-Richmond Heights (4-3) and Cuba (3-3) will decide the title. Herculaneum and Principia will have to hope be be spoilers, but don't count on it. Prediction: Maplewood-Richmond Heights.

CLASS 3 DISTRICT 1: Dexter and New Madrid County Central meet in Week 10 to decide who advances. NMCC struggled with Charleston. Dexter didn't. Prediction: Dexter.

CLASS 3 DISTRICT 2: Potosi lost for the first time in Week 6, and now the Trojans contend with one of the region's toughest districts. Look for Potosi and Ste. Genevieve to play for the title and hope that Fredericktown and Park Hills Central don't sneak into the mix. Prediction: Potosi.

CLASS 3 DISTRICT 9: Salem is 6-1 and Ava 5-2. The conference rivals will play for a league title and district title all at the same time. Prediction: Salem.

CLASS 4 DISTRICT 2: Farmington and Festus bring 6-1 records into the district that includes North County (3-3) and DeSoto (0-7). Farmington has been No. 1 in our SemoSportsWeb.com PowerPoll most of the season, but Festus knocked off unbeaten Potosi a week ago. And North County is notoriously strong at season's end. Prediction: Farmington.

CLASS 4 DISTRICT 9: Hillsboro (2-5) enters with momentum from a pair of recent wins, but the Hawks can't counter unbeaten Union. Prediction: Union.

CLASS 5 DISTRICT 1: Jackson, Parkway West or Seckman? All three are 5-2, so take your pick. Eureka was 4-0 and fell from the mix after three consecutive losses. Prediction: Seckman.