The more I think I know, the less I know I know.

You know?

Predicting the outcome of high school football games is an inexact science. Actually, it's not really a science at all, but an exercise in futility, it seems.

I went 9-3 last week. Not bad. Not good, either.

Let me get out my Magic 8-Ball and see what I can come up with this week.

•

Butler 17, Norwin 11 — The Golden Tornado lost a heartbreaker to New Castle while Norwin broke the hearts of Seneca Valley last week.Turnabout is fair play?Magic 8-Ball says: Signs point to yes.•

Erie McDowell 27, Seneca Valley 16 — The Raiders' offense was vanilla last week against Norwin. New Seneca Valley coach Don Holl knows McDowell inside and out and would like nothing better than to return to Erie and win.Will he?Magic 8-Ball says: Outlook not so good.•

Blackhawk 28, Knoch 10 — The young Knights aren't there yet.When will they be?Magic 8-Ball says: Ask again later.•

Hopewell 33, Mars 16 — The Planets are an exciting team with Austin Miele carrying the rock, but Hopewell is built for November — and perhaps December.It's going to be a good early season gauge for both teams.This could be an upset game.Can Mars pull one off?Magic 8-Ball says: Reply hazy, try again.•

Oil City 23, Slippery Rock 17 — Rare is an athlete like Oil City's 6-foot-5 tight end Ben Koyak, who caught nine passes for 249 yards and two scores last week in the Oilers' rout of Meadville.The Slippery Rock secondary will be tasked with covering him. The Rockets have been good at rising to the occasion.Can they this time?Magic 8-Ball says: Better not tell you now.•

Karns City 48, Union 16 — This is an intriguing matchup. KC is young. Union has shown some offensive life.Can Union keep up with the Gremlins?Magic 8-Ball says: My sources say no.•

Moniteau 28, Clarion-Limestone 10 — Clarion routed the Warriors last week. You don't want to make Warriors mad.Can Moniteau bounce back?Magic 8-Ball says: It is decidedly so.•

Freeport 21, Shady Side Academy 12 — Another early season section showdown between two teams with major playoff aspirations. Can the Yellowjackets keep buzzing?Magic 8-Ball says: You may rely on it.•

Clarion 43, A-C Valley 10 — Magic 8-Ball says: Do you really need my help?•

Grove City 28, Erie East 13 — Will the Eagles send East south?Magic 8-Ball says: Outlook good.•

Apollo-Ridge 19, Summit Academy 6 — Summit's defense could be very tough this year. But is the offense good enough?Magic 8-Ball says: Cannot predict now.Scoop wonders if he will go unbeaten this week. Magic 8-Ball says: Don't count on it.