There’s nothing worse than a misinformed pundit, though some would say there’s nothing worse than a pundit, period.

With that in mind, I hesitate to write the annual football picks column. I’ve never seen a Sunflower League game. I could tell you the ins and outs of the Frontier League Eudora, despite losing its head coach and a chunk of its offensive line, will win it, followed by Baldwin and Paola but Sunflower League stuff? I don’t know so much.

How can I make an accurate prediction for the season without witnessing a Lawrence High-Free State matchup? Or watching Olathe North pound the ball down an opponent’s throat? Or gawking at Shawnee Mission South’s vaunted passing attack?

But if there’s anything one learns about high school football, it’s that traditions matter. Steve Rottinghaus, now the J-W special sections editor, and Andrew Hartsock, associate sports editor, wrote this column before I attended high school in Wyoming.

And it’s been around long before that.

Point is, on with tradition.

Olathe North has won the last eight Sunflower League titles, even when Lawrence High won its last state title in 1995. Gene Weir’s team is among the best in the country, losing three games in the last five years. If there’s a safe bet, it’s the Eagles. But they have a tough game against Jefferson City, Mo., and the usual slate of Sunflower League games. Pick: 9-2 overall.

Olathe South came up short against O-North last year, but won 31-8 in 1999. Why pick against the Falcons this year? They return only one starter, senior safety Blake Revelle. Still, O-South shouldn’t be discounted when it comes to top-tier league teams. Pick: 8-1.

Lawrence High has the tradition 26 state titles but does it have the players? Hey, the Lions have two of the league’s top players in Brandon McAnderson and super-quick Brian Seymour. They’ll run the ball well and play solid defense (second in total defense last year), but if the passing game clicks, they’re playoff-bound. Pick: 7-3.

Shawnee Mission East was the surprise of the Class 6A playoffs last year, winning six of its last seven games before bowing out to Olathe North in the semifinals. With Roy Loren (4.4-second 40-yard dash) catching the ball and covering the defensive secondary, the Lancers have talent and no Olathe North on the schedule. Pick: 6-3.

Shawnee Mission Northwest was just 3-6 last year, but after a strong summer of seven-on-seven football (or so the rumors indicate), look for the Cougars to be in the mix. Tough games against Kansas City Pius X and Blue Valley North (each of which lost one game last year), will hurt overall record. Pick: 5-4.

Free State High never gets mentioned among the Sunflower League’s elite. That may end this year. The Firebirds were 7-3 three years ago and were 0-6 last year until sweeping their district. Expect some surprises. Heck, expect them to have a winning record unless their offensive line gets hit with injuries. Pick: 5-4.

Olathe East’s rep isn’t just because it’s an Olathe school. The Hawks were 6-3 last year, but have to replace their starting quarterback and wide receivers. Still, the schedule is hardly a cakewalk, and that district (which has O-North and O-South) hurts. Pick: 4-5.

Shawnee Mission North could lose its first three games. Moving explosive receiver Brooks Faddis (12 touchdown grabs) to quarterback is a risky move. By the time district hits, the Indians may have had enough. Pick: 3-6.

Shawnee Mission South is the only team in the league that throws more than it runs. Quarterback Tim Barger (1,969 passing yards, 14 touchdowns) and wide receiver David Lewis (1,045 receiving yards) both return from last year’s 2-7 team. Why should its record change? Pick: 2-7.

Shawnee Mission West went 4-5 last year. That’s about all I know. They beat SM North and SM South, but I got questionnaires back from those coaches. Pick: 2-7.

Leavenworth hasn’t had a winning season since 1990. The Pioneers haven’t won a game in two years. Not this year either. Pick: 0-9.