The day many of us have waited for has finally arrived: the first day of high school football season.

So without further ado, it's time to announce my first slate of predictions for the week's games.

Scott City at Malden: Last year, Malden won this game 33-14, racking up over 400 yards on the ground. However, the Green Wave's top three rusher from that team have graduated and Scott City returns experience and size up front.
Buhler's pick: Scott City.

Hayti at East Prairie: Last year, the Indians rolled to a 42-6 victory over East Prairie. While the Eagles are better this season, Hayti still has lots of weapons to choose from.
Buhler's pick: Hayti.

Ste. Genevieve at Dexter: The Bearcats won this game last year at Ste. Genevieve on their way to a 8-2 season. However, 17 starters from that team are gone and the Dragons look to be breathing fire in 2007.
Buhler's pick: Ste. Genevieve.

Sikeston at Caruthersville: The Tigers rolled to a 38-8 victory over Sikeston last season as Kendrickus Reed and Co. ran wild. But Reed has moved on to Henderson State University as Caruthersville re-opens Hopke Field.

This might be the best game of the night...
Buhler's pick: Sikeston.

And last but not least...

Charleston at Kennett: Kennett hasn't won a season opener since 2002, when it beat Charleston, and lost at Charleston 21-7 to open last year. But the Indians return several key people from last season, while Charleston lost a pair of Division 1-AA signees.

This might surprise some people, but...
Buhler's pick: Kennett.