Oh how the mighty have fallen.

Last year I basked in unprecedented success. I was correct 89 percent of the time over the course of 116 predictions.

That's impressive. Trust me.

This year, I'm only right at a 76-percent clip.

That's not impressive. Trust me.

Still, I'm undeterred. I'm going to fight until the end.

On to the picks:

— Cooper Baxter is the real deal, but Central Catholic has a slew of real deals, particularly on both the offensive and defensive lines.Games are won in the trenches and the Vikings are loaded up front. Central Catholic 46-8.

— Talk about down years? Woodland Hills is having one.This is a prime week for the Raiders to continue building on the momentum they established for themselves last week. Seneca Valley 33-15.

— The Knights are on a two-game losing streak and are coming off a disappointing outcome against South Fayette last week in which virtually nothing went right.Knoch certainly doesn't want a three-game losing streak to erase that great start. Knoch 23-17.

— The Planets got off to a slow start offensively last week, but turned it on in the second half.Some guy named Teddy Ruffner had something to do with that.Look for Ruffner to run wild this week. Mars 37-12.

— The Yellowjackets have scored 146 points in the last four weeks and have certainly found themselves after an 0-3 start.Freeport has been in playoff mode for weeks now and it shows. Freeport 32-19.

— The Trojans have been unpredictable this season, but this outcome will be easy to predict. North Catholic 48-6.

— It was one of the more shocking scores in the state last week: Ridgway 42, Clarion 0.Ridgway served notice that it is legit.Karns City is legit, too, after rallying for 22 points in the fourth quarter last week at Kane to win.This should be an epic battle between two really good teams. But ... Ridgway 28-20.

— Moniteau is another team that is starting to get things together.Health has a lot to do with that. The Warriors have also found an identity with J.D. Dessicino getting the bulk of the carries.Saint Marys, however, can sling the ball all over the field and could be tough for Moniteau to stop for four quarters. Saint Marys 28-21.

— The Falcon Knights got humbled last week against Keystone, falling behind 30-0 before getting a first down.I have not abandoned the Union/A-C Valley bandwagon yet. They'll get back on track. Big time. Union/A-C Valley 34-7.

— There is a lot at stake in this game for both teams.Slippery Rock needs a win or a Conneaut loss to make the playoffs. Hickory needs a win to claim the region title.It will be a playoff-like atmosphere in Hermitage. Hickory 26-21.

— The Knights nearly got a win last week against Shady Side Academy and they have another shot Saturday when Valley comes to town. Valley 30-24.Scoop is a candidate for the Washington Redskins head coaching job.