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Here it is, the last regular season game of high school football. There have been many ups, downs, surprises, happy endings (almost) and nightmarish seasons.

If you’re plotting your team’s first-round opponent, congratulations. If you’re looking at the freshmen and JV teams and predicting an incredible 2010 season, though, more power to you. Hopefully your ride hasn’t been too bumpy.

So to send the 2009 regular season off with style, here are five games that mean something in the standings, playoff bracket or just plain ol’ bragging rights.

Enjoy.

McALLEN MEMORIAL AT DONNA: These Mustangs have somewhat shaken off its losing ways for the most part. No more do we see the old hapless ’Stangs serving up victories for the other side of the field. But they’re not out of the woods this season just yet. They need this game by 10 points — that’s what separates them from the post season and staying home. I have a funny feeling Donna isn’t going to allow Memorial to make the postseason at the Redskins’ expense. But that doesn't mean Memorial won't win. MEMORIAL 24, Donna 21

BROWNSVILLE HANNA VS. BROWNSVILLE PACE: This one should be good. The Golden Eagles return to the top of the district mountain. Hanna hasn’t been there in nearly 10 years (shared the 32-5A crown with Edinburg High in 2000), and can claim their first outright championship almost 10 years before yours truly was born (1962 as Brownsville High). But if Pace takes this one, it’s another shared championship for Hanna. HANNA 28, Pace 21

EDINBURG NORTH VS. EDINBURG HIGH: Talk about a cat fight. In a city where people refer to schools as mascots ("Where did you go to school?" The answer would be "The Bobcats." or any of the other two felines possible answers would do) this matchup really pulls the community apart. But for some reason the Cougars have had an edge over their crosstown rivals since they began play in the early 1990s. EDINBURG NORTH 24, EDINBURG HIGH 21

PSJA NORTH AT PSJA HIGH: Yet another cross-community grudge match. Clearly, on paper, PSJA North has the upper hand in this one. Outside of an old fashion whipping they took from Harlingen High last week, the Raiders haven’t been very dominant over Valley competition thus far. The Bears have had a less-than-stellar year, and it won’t help going up against a Goliath like PSJA North. PSJA NORTH 42, PSJA High 20

LA FERIA AT RIO HONDO: To the victor goes the spoils. A win from either of these teams and they’re in the playoffs. Both squads have had their ups and downs this year, but the Bobcats certainly seem to have some spring in their step after losing a close one to district leader Lyford last week. The Lions are proud group (no pun intended) and have a traditionally successful program in Class 3A. But tradition and extra pep alone won’t get a victory here. RIO HONDO 35, La Feria 28

Oscar Gonzalez Jr. is Mr. Pregame for Valley Freedom Newspapers. You can reach him at oscar@themonitor.com.