Here we are, Week 9 of the high school football season.

It's a week where dreams are made and broken. It's a week of happy cheers and sad moans. It's a week of joy and pain.

Five games this week have huge playoff implications. Another game has a huge traveling trophy implication.

Friday and Saturday will decide the fates of many people.

My fate will be decided as well. Will I rise atop the Butler Eagle standings or sink into the depths?

On to my fearless picks:

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Mars 26, Knoch 12 — This one is for all the marbles, or road kill, as we say in my flock.To the winner goes the spoils, namely a spot in the Class AAA WPIAL playoffs.If Mars wins, the Planets are in without a doubt. If Knoch wins ... well, the verdict is still out on that one. Some think the Knights will need help, others think they are in with a win. Only the eggheads at the WPIAL, with their slide rules and Gardner point calculations, know for sure.What I know for sure is this game is gonna be good.Knoch has Tim McNerney, but Mars has balance.This really could go either way, but Mars is the stronger team.And it's the survival of the fittest in the wild, after all.•

Butler 22, Seneca Valley 20 — Once again the season for the Golden Tornado and Raiders comes down to a game for the Butler Eagle Traveling Trophy.Butler gets it this year, but both teams would rather get a playoff spot with it, too.•

Moniteau 30, Redbank Valley 17 — The Warriors have to guard against a letdown after an emotional win over Karns City last week.But there is too much on the line for Moniteau to let a letdown sabotage it. A win over Redbank would give the Warriors their first Keystone ShortwayAthletic Conference title.•

Wilmington 28, Slippery Rock 16 — The winner of this game probably wins the region.Wilmington has been putting up video-game-like numbers this season, outscoring its opponents 358-48.Slippery Rock, meanwhile, always seems to find a way to stay close with teams that on paper appear superior.The Rockets, though, haven't faced a team nearly as talented as the Greyhounds.•

Freeport 24, Summit Academy 9 — The Yellowjackets can secure a WPIAL Class AA playoff spot with a win. With that defense, a victory over the Knights should be forthcoming.•

Grove City 23, Warren 8 — An Eagles win gives them the region title. Put it on the board because the Dragons have no fire, averaging 1.7 yards per carry.•

Karns City 46, A-C Valley 6 — The Gremlins bounce back in a big way.•

Union 23, Clarion-Limestone 13 — The Golden Knights close the season on a positive note.Scoop went 8-3 last week and is 64-26 this season.