There are too many big games on the docket to waste space with some witty introduction.

Besides, after an 8-4 week, I'm not feeling very fanciful.

On to the picks:

•

Karns City 22, Clarion 17 — After spending much of the first six weeks of the season dealing with pass-happy spread offenses, the Karns City defense must sink its teeth into a smashmouth attack much like the Gremlins' own offense.Clarion likes to run the ball with a trifecta of dangerous running backs, led by perhaps the greatest name in high school football history, Bubba Rue.Just say it: Bubba Rue. It rolls off the tongue.The Gremlins just hope Rue doesn't roll up some big yardage or they will rue the day they faced him.The difference in this one will be the stingy KC defense and the fact that the Gremlins are at home.With this win, the Gremlins will be in the driver's seat to win the Keystone Shortway Athletic Conference.•

Indiana 14, Knoch 12 — Don't look now, but the Knights have awoken from a slow start and are now a very tough matchup.The hook-and-lateral play last week was a brilliant move that got Knoch a much-needed win.A victory here and the Knights will have an inside track to the postseason.Unfortunately, I see Indiana stealing this game.•

North Hills 25, Butler 13 — Ugh. The Golden Tornado were already in trouble

before injuries ravaged the roster.•

Mars 27, Hampton 11 — The Planets made believers out of me with their win last week.I do have one question: Can anyone stop Austin Miele. The dude is a one-man wrecking crew.•

Brookville 26, Moniteau 24 — That noise you hear is the hundreds of people clamoring to flee the Warriors bandwagon.It might be a little premature to write off Moniteau, but the team hasn't looked good at times. The Warriors' three wins have come against teams with a combined 2-16 record, and one of those wins was a forfeit victory awarded to Union over Brookville.•

Freeport 45, West Shamokin 3 — Start the mercy rule clock now. West Shamokin has been outscored 287-3. Ouch.•

Slippery Rock 22, Meadville 5 — In a special "Thursday Night Football" edition of high school football in District 10, the Rockets will take their stellar defense into M-Ville and will leave with their third-straight win.•

Union 37, A-C Valley 14 — This is always a good, competitive game, but the Golden Knights have too much firepower and will pull away late.•

Corry 27, Grove City 10 — The Eagles are in a free fall after a promising start.Believe it or not, this is just the second region game for the Eagles, who technically are on top of the league standings.•

Summit Academy 18, Deer Lakes 10 — Two in a row for the defensive-minded Knights.Scoop is 55-13 this season.