Well, that didn’t last long.

We begin the best sports month on a sour note. The excitement for Reds fans quickly turned to disappointment a few days later in Hollywood.

My editor, Aaron Snyder, will not enjoy this column, especially when I point out that Cincinnati has only advanced to the playoffs six times since the 1990 World Series championship. The Reds haven’t won a postseason game since 2012 and haven’t recorded a series win since 1995. October is not the best month for Reds fans.

But I digress, and let me quickly find a parallel to a football Friday night, so I know it’s safe to go to work on Monday.

The football postseason arrives next month and teams only get a few weeks to solidify their spot and find the best path to Kroger Field.

Raceland and Paintsville will be the only area teams that haven’t played a district game after tonight. Home field is an important commodity in the playoffs and prevents an early strikeout to end the season.

Covering all bases this week by using baseball movie titles to assist the pics.

It’s time to play ball.

Week 7 Picks

Ashland over Rowan County—The Vikings may need an extra “Eight Men Out” on the field to tackle the Tomcats’ speed and athleticism in the backfield. Expect a heavy dose of runs, but it could be an opportunity for Ashland to find consistency in the passing game.

East Carter over Bath County—Landon Yoak became “Mr. 3000” earlier this year, but he should increase his status to Mr. 4000 after a big night in Owingsville.

Boyd County over Greenup County—“The Natural” feeling would be that the Lions have an excellent chance of winning tonight after giving Johnson Central all it could handle last week. The Musketeers showed plenty of fight in the second half at Putnam Stadium seven days ago, so it won’t be that easy. The game has become crucial as these two teams try to keep pace with Ashland and the Golden Eagles.

Johnson Central over Corbin—There will be a “Major League” matchup in southern Kentucky tonight. The Golden Eagles either needed a wake-up call or were looking ahead last week at home. Johnson Central comes alive against the Redhounds.

Nicholas County over Fairview—The Eagles look to play a little “Hardball” when they begin district play tonight. Whether they win or not, they welcome another stinging insect to Westwood, with the home team brimming with confidence.

Raceland over Hazard—The Rams have been in “A League of Their Own” on the offensive side of the football the past few weeks. Another long bus ride awaits before they meet another familiar foe. I can’t see these Bulldogs having much bite to slow down the visitors.

Lawrence County over Mason County—Luke Varney Jr. Memorial Stadium has become a “Field of Dreams” as the Bulldogs have huge postseason aspirations at home this year. Lawrence County takes a brief interlude from district play, and its offense will be the only royalty on the turf tonight.

Fleming County over Lewis County—The two teams are finding their way, but still play “For The Love of the Game.” The Panthers secure their first district victory, which keeps them on track for a playoff spot.

Paintsville over Ridgeview—I don’t have “61” reasons why the Tigers will win at home tonight. I don’t even have one. I don’t know anything about the visitors from Virginia. They are undefeated, according to MaxPreps, but they have played at Memorial Field this year.

Ironton over Uniontown—The Fighting Tigers will be a version of “The Bad News Bears” on their trip to Pennsylvania Saturday. After the first loss of the season to rival Wheelersburg last week, Ironton will be even more determined, and it will be bad news for the Red Raiders.

Listen Up!Tonight’s radio and streaming coverage

Rowan County at Ashland: 97.9 FM, My Town TV

East Carter at Bath County: WUGO 99.3 FM, WKCA 97.7 FM

Greenup County at Boyd County: Kool TV, My Town Audio

Johnson Central at Corbin: WSIP 98.9 FM

Raceland at Hazard: Kool TV Audio

Mason County at Lawrence County: WKYH 99.3 FM

Fleming County at Lewis County: WFLE 95.1 FM

Ridgeview (VA) at Paintsville: WKLW 94.7 FM

Saturday:

Ironton at Uniontown (PA): 106.7 FM