When I asked the question, the answer was a quick and resounding, “Yes.”

Our colleague Ben Spicer took his talents to Florida. The Daily Independent needed another friendly combatant in its pick ‘em contest.

News reporter Mary Jane Epling gladly took his place.

It’s all about new beginnings in Week 1 of the football season. Every team starts even at 0-0 and can open with a fresh, new outlook. The anticipation of a new football season can carry you through the summer months of practice and grunt work.

The 52nd annual high school football preview accompanies today’s edition and while we prepare as much as possible, we won’t know how teams will look until they take the field against opponents in games that matter.

We wish everybody tremendous success, but picking games in the opening week comes with difficulties. We will know more about area teams in 24 hours; more importantly, it’s time for football.

The great Tom Petty will join the selections this week. The musician’s amazing catalog has a song that said, “The last dance of Mary Jane.” It’s the first dance for our Mary Jane. The song was originally titled, “Indiana Girl.” Epling is an Olive Hill girl who said she will stay true to her Comet roots. Our apologies in advance to the great folks at East Carter.

Week 1 PicksFairview over Bath County — New Eagles coach Alex Roy said his team is “Learning to Fly” but can they soar into Owingsville and take a season-opening win? Jace Manning and Xavien Kouns help wash away memories of the loss to Bath County last year.

Boyd County over South Point — Another famous Petty line goes, “So, let’s get to the Point…” I won’t include the next line because this is a family column. The Pointers arrive in Cannonsburg on a mission but “You Don’t Know How It Feels” to defeat the Lions with Rhett Holbrook under center. The streak continues.

East Carter over Estill County — There is only “Room At The Top” for one in Class 3A, District 6 and the Raiders claimed their spot last year. East Carter opens a new season and hopes to stay on that track as they prepare for October against Estill County tonight. The opponents Engineered a late win last season.

Floyd Central over Paintsville — “I Should Have Known It.” Floyd Central held off the Tigers at Memorial Field last year and gets to host the matchup tonight. Can the Jaguars do it again after Paintsville’s leading rusher graduated?

Greenup County over Coal Grove — Coal Grove should “Breakdown” its defensive strategy from last season’s home victory against the Musketeers. The Hornets have to deal with Tyson Sammons and crew again. They get stung in the sequel.

Lawrence County over Rowan County — The Bulldogs and quarterback Luke Fetherolf has been “Waiting For Tonight” for several months. They won’t have to wait long after kickoff for a win.

Lafayette over Fleming County — The Panthers took down a Class 6A team to open last season and look to do it again at Lafayette. I hope I’m not “Free Fallin’” in the pick standings after Week 1. The Generals are coming off a 2-9 season. Can Fleming County produce late-night heroics again? KHSAA indicates an 8:45 start time for this game.

Johnson Central over Madison Central — It might be the “End of the Line” for Madison Central to open the season. The Golden Eagles bring their usual ground-and-pound game on the road, including Zack McCoart, who suffered an injury in last year’s opener and missed the rest of the season.

Russell over Mason County — Whoever coach T.J. Maynard decides to start at quarterback, he and the rest of the Red Devils will say “I Won’t Back Down.” Russell has new personnel at the offensive skill positions but can lean on defense to get past the Royals.

East Ridge over Morgan County — The Cougars can be sneaky at home. East Ridge should be weary on the road. I ask that you “Don’t Do Me Like That” in the pick ‘em game this year.

Nicholas County over Lewis County — The energy level is up in the Lions’ camp with new coach Dalton Stamm but “I Need To Know” how they perform on the road before selecting them to win in Carlisle.

Ashland over Raceland — Both teams are “Runnin’ Down a Dream.” They want to get back to a state championship game but the Tomcats running and explosive offense might be too much for the Rams this time around.

West Carter over Pike County Central — “The Waiting” is over for the Comets. After it lost four of its five games last year by one possession, two by one point, West Carter wants to start the season strong by swooping in and defeating the Hawks.

Ironton over Wheelersburg — The two rivals meet in Pirates territory tonight. It will be the 36th meeting between the two teams. They know each other well so it’s “The Same Old You.” The Fighting Tigers will scratch out a victory.

Listen Up!Tonight’s radio and streaming coverage:

Fairview at Bath County: koolhits1057.com

South Point at Boyd County: My Town TV

Estill County at East Carter: koolhits1057.com

Paintsville at Floyd Central: WKLW 94.7 FM

Coal Grove at Greenup County: My Town TV

Rowan County at Lawrence County: WIVY 96.3 FM, WKYH 99.3 FM,

Fleming County at Lafayette: WFLE 95.1 FM

Johnson Central at Madison Central: WSIP 98.9 FM

Russell at Mason County: My Town Radio

East Ridge at Morgan County: koolhits1057.com

Lewis County at Nicholas County: koolhits1057.com

Ashland at Raceland: Cats Radio 93.3 FM, 1340 AM, koolhits1057.com

Pike County Central at West Carter: koolhits1057.com

Ironton at Wheelersburg: WIRO 1230 AM