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Magic number down to 1

Now we’re getting to the fun part.

We are down to four football playoff teams as we head into the second week of the postseason.

And the ol’ Scoopster’s Magic Number is one.

One more win and I’ll achieve a years-long goal: 100 victories.

To be honest, I never thought it was possible, but after a 6-1 record after the first week of the playoffs, I am now sitting at 99-12 for the season.

That’s nearly a .900 winning percentage. Translation: That’s pretty good.

There are some tough picks on the slate this week, so, without further crowing ... on to the picks:

North Allegheny 13, Seneca Valley 10 — This may be the lowest final score I have ever predicted, but if there is one tilt to break out the low numbers for, it is this one.

North Allegheny won the first meeting, 10-6.

Both defenses are impressive. Points will be at an extreme premium.

As much as it pains me to pick against a local team, I have to go with the Tigers at home to end a stellar season for the Raiders.

Derry 21, North Catholic 18 — North Catholic has been a tough team to figure out this season.

The first time North Catholic played Derry, it was shut out 27-0 in an outcome that was a bit shocking at the time.

Since then, however, Derry has proven to be a very good team and a very underrated team in the WPIAL.

Derry is solid in every phase of the game and can give teams fits.

It will again, ending North Catholic’s season.

Ridgway 22, Moniteau 14 — The Warriors don’t mess around.

They are going to run the ball behind a big and physical offensive line with a big and physical fullback in Nick Martino, with a big and physical running back in Cody Wise.

No matter what.

But Moniteau is going to have to hit a pass play or two against Ridway, which isn’t exactly playing well right now coming off a loss and a bye week ahead of its clash against the Warriors.

Still, I think Ridgway will score just enough to edge Moniteau.

Grove City 35, Slippery Rock 20 — The Eagles are 31-3 in the last three seasons, including three convincing wins over their nearby rival Rockets.

Slippery Rock, though, is playing good football right now, evidenced by a 44-3 dismantling of Harbor Creek in the first round last week.

Grove City, though, is playing on an entirely different plane right now with an offense that boasts of a slew of weapons and an opportunistic defense.

Slippery Rock will give the Eagles a battle, but will fall short.

Scoop is ready for his championship parade through downtown Butler when he reaches 100 wins.

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