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Moniteau, Grove City eyeing semifinal round

When it gets down to this time of the high school football season, it gets more and more difficult to pick winners.

At this point, every team is good. Darn good.

Most of the games this season have been easy to pick.

Not this week. Not in the playoffs.

But, that’s the job I have had for 13 weeks and why stop now?

We have a couple of doosies this week.

Teams in the two games Friday night — Aliquippa v. Moniteau and Montour v. Grove City — have a combined record of 47-2.

Moniteau and Aliquippa are both undefeated. Grove City is unbeaten and Montour has the lone two losses, but is arguably playing better than any Class AAA team in the state right now.

I’m excited.

Are you excited?

On to the picks:

Aliquippa 41, Moniteau 16 — The Warriors have had a great season — the best in school history — but they haven’t faced anything like what they are about to face Friday night against the Quips.Sure, there is that WPIAL hangover thing that could befall Aliquippa and, sure, Moniteau has the talent at key positions to challenge a team like the Quips.But it is awfully hard to go with Moniteau in this situation.Aliquippa has won 14 district titles. The Warriors have won one, which was accomplished this season.I do, however, believe that the Warriors have a chance to win this game if certain things align in their favor.Moniteau, though, simply can’t turn the ball over early like it did against Oliver and expect to compete.The Warriors can’t get off to a slow start or they will be looking at a huge deficit by the time the second quarter rolls around.That’s the worst case scenario.•

Grove City 26, Montour 20 — Wow, this should be a good one.Both of these teams are coming off big wins in their respective district title games.Grove City slayed its demon, Cathedral Prep, with a 33-0 win. Meanwhile Montour bounced back from losing the WPIAL title game last season with a lopsided win this year against Knoch.The Spartans are very balanced and have a top-notch quarterback and explosive tailback.Grove City have been getting things done the old fashioned way all season — brute force.It should be a good battle of wills and between teams who are both playing at a high level down the stretch.But I like the Eagles. Why? Because I think Montour will have a letdown and because Grove City viewed its win over Prep as a means to an end, not as the ultimate triumph.Scoop is a fearless prognosticator for the Butler Eagle.

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