I'm fading fast with no signs of life.

Of the group of people picking each week at nwmosports.webs.com, I was last with my putrid performance last week. There are many very even teams around the area right now, and I'm struggling with the 50-50 matchups.

Now, last year, I dominated the Pick 'em, and I mean it wasn't even close.

But I have a theory for these 2009 struggles. In the previous format, we chose between not just games across the Midland Empire but also contests closer to Kansas City. I represent this part of the state in voting for the Associated Press poll each week.

Through those duties, I've developed a capable knowledge of not just our area but the rest of the state as well. Andy didn't spend as much time with the state-wide results.

I'm not often humble, but I must give some credit right now in this very piece of cyberspace. Andy, you sir, are a formidable opponent and well on your way to evening this 2-year series.

Thanks as always go out to the folks at NWMO Sports for the weekly selections. On to the picks:

Cameron (7-1) at Chillicothe (6-2) - Ross: Cameron. Andy: Chillicothe.

South Harrison (7-1) at Maryville (7-1) - Ross: Maryville. Andy: Maryville.

East Buchanan (5-3) at Mid-Buchanan (5-3) - Ross: Mid-Buchanan. Andy: Mid-Buchanan.

Lathrop (0-8) at Plattsburg (3-5) - Ross: Lathrop. Andy: Plattsburg.

North Platte (5-3) at West Platte (5-3) - Ross: West Platte. Andy: West Platte.

Maysville (2-6) at Gallatin (5-3) - Ross: Gallatin. Andy: Gallatin.

Rock Port (5-2) at King City (6-2) - Ross: King City. Andy: King City.

Christian (6-2) at DeKalb (6-2) - Ross: Christian. Andy: Christian.

Trenton (1-7) at LeBlond (0-8) - Ross: Trenton. Andy: Trenton.

Savannah (6-2) at Smithville (4-4) - Ross: Savannah. Andy: Savannah.

Year-to-date standings (after Week 5) - Andy 61-19, Ross 54-26.