It's the final week of the regular season; hard to believe, for sure.

I was 8-2 last week and own a 72-14 overall record. Like many area teams, I seek a strong week as the postseason looms.

I envision a number of close games in Week 10. The outcome of those contests will make or break me.

For better or worse, here are my predictions.

Butler at Erie — This is, in effect, a playoff game. The winner will face McDowell for the District 10 Class 6A championship.

The Golden Tornado also have a chance to finish a regular season with a winning record for the first time in 24 years.

That's a lot of motivation for one game and Butler will not waste it.

Score: Butler 33-25

North Allegheny at Seneca Valley — The Raiders' quarterback situation is uncertain, which makes this one difficult to pick.

Both teams have good defenses and I see a low-scoring affair.

Score: North Allegheny 16-13

Knoch at Highlands — The Knights have a chance to end the season on a high note. The Golden Rams want to enter the playoffs with momentum and I believe they will succeed in doing so.

Score: Highlands 27-7

Mars at Hampton — The Planets and Talbots are at opposite ends of the spectrum in the Greater Allegheny Conference.

Mars has had Hampton's number for years, but not this time as the Talbots remain unbeaten.

Score: Hampton 34-10

Freeport at Deer Lakes — The outcome of this game will have major implications in the WPIAL Class 3A playoff seedings.

The Yellowjackets are coming off their first conference defeat and will be a surly bunch.

Score: Freeport 26-14

Derry at North Catholic — In 2018, Derry defeated North twice, including an incredible comeback in a WPIAL playoff game.

That was then and this is a very blunt and unfriendly now for winless Derry.

Score: North Catholic 54-6

DuBois Area at Karns City — The Gremlins have a ton of momentum with the playoffs just around the corner.

The Beavers will put up a fight, but KC rolls on.

Score: Karns City 33-20

Keystone at Moniteau — The Warriors have been plagued by a small roster, both in number of players and lack of size, this season.

I see them giving the playoff-bound Panthers a game, but not enough to win.

Score: Keystone 28-16

Coudersport at Union/A-C Valley — Here's another case of a good team coming off a tough loss. The Falcon Knights right the ship before the playoffs.

Score: Union/A-C Valley 25-12

Shady Side Academy at Summit Academy — Kudos to the Knights. They started the season with a roster numbering in the low 20s and have played every game. I'd love to pick them to upset SSA, but I think they'll fall just short.

Score: Shady Side Academy 22-18

Scoop has his Halloween costume ready to go.