This is nitty-gritty time, not just for high school football teams, but for me as well.

I carry a stellar 68-12 record into Week 8. I went 10-1 last week, my only loss coming by picking against Seneca Valley.

But there is another week to make amends, just like there is another week for local high school grid teams to distinguish themselves from the pack.

We’ve already had quite a bit of distinguishing going on.

Is there a better team out there than Knoch these days?

Maybe Grove City. I don’t know about you, but I’d love to see those two teams play in the state playoffs.

On to the picks:

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McDowell 41, Butler 7 — The Golden Tornado started out well this season, but once they hit the section schedule, things have quickly unraveled.Give them time, though. Rome wasn’t built in a day.It will be burned down like Nero Friday night.•

Seneca Valley 29, North Hills 27 — I won’t be fooled by the Raiders again. There is something special going on at SV.•

Knoch 33, Highlands 11 — The Highlands’ defense is good. Knoch’s offense is better.•

Mars 23, Valley 3 — The beat(downs) go on for a hungry and talented Planets team.Valley is no match for Mars and its deep backfield.•

Freeport 33, West Shamokin 6 — The Yellowjackets have had a penchant for getting off to a slow start in the first half of games this season.But Freeport has proven it’s not how you start, it’s how you finish.The Yellowjackets will sting sad-sack West Shamokin.•

Shady Side Academy 32, Summit Academy 18 — The Knights desperately need a win in this one to keep their playoff hopes alive.•

Karns City 36, Clarion-Limestone 10 — A win here and the streaky Gremlins can start thinking about the playoffs.•

Moniteau 48, Keystone 6 — The explosive Warriors’ offense is humming along with their triplets: Armagost, running back Dustin Geagan and receiver Ethan Pry.There are few trios more dangerous than these dudes.Keystone will have trouble stopping even one of them.•

St. Marys 31, Union 19 — I’m picking St. Marys, but it isn’t a stretch to think the Golden Knights can win here.They’ve been playing well, even against much bigger schools.•

Grove City 44, Slippery Rock 12 — This one could be closer than the score I predict.But the Eagles, man, are the Eagles good. They just aren’t beating teams, they are clobbering them.Slippery Rock is much improved on defense, but it’s hard to believe Grove City won’t be ready for this one.•

Hancock (Md.) 22, A-C Valley 14 — The Falcons broke a 40-plus-game losing streak last season by beating Hancock.I’d love to pick the Falcons in this one, but they are making the long trek to Maryland this time and Hancock is looking for some revenge.

Scoop was traded to the Raiders for a first-round draft choice in 2021.