High school football games are usually quite one-sided — especially early in the season when the schedule is littered with non-league tune-up games.

Last week saw a fair share of these blowouts.

This week, though, there are a lot of games that are tough to call.

Luckily for you, dear loyal Butler Eagle reader, I am fearless in the face of a challenge.

Not only will I take these difficult prognostications head on, I will make a few bold ones along the way.

My track record speaks for itself. I was 9-1 last week — not a bad start if I do say so myself.

I won’t waste any more time lauding my considerable accomplishments. Here are my picks for an interesting Week 2:

• Butler 17, Shaler 16 — The Tornado nearly pulled off a stunner against heavily favored Seneca Valley last week. The game was in doubt in the fourth quarter. The only thing I thought would be in doubt in the fourth quarter was whether or not the mercy clock would be running.

So, this week, I am going with the Butler boys. I’m a sucker for an underdog and the Tornado certainly qualify.

The section losing streak is over! All rejoice!

• Seneca Valley 34, Pine-Richland 19 — Here’s the rub with the Raiders: Was Butler a lot better than we thought they would be or are the Raiders not quite as good as we thought they would be?

I think it’s the former. That’s why I think the Raiders will bounce back with a big win.

• Knoch 27, Trinity 11 — The Knights were sloppy in their opener, but still found a way to win by a pair of TDs.

Knoch will get its act together this week against the Hillers.

• Mars 37, Derry 10 — The Planets are loaded in every facet of the game.

Freeport 26, Ford City 10 — Ford City used to own the Yellowjackets.

Not these days.

• Karns City 26, Clarion 25 — Ah, our second pick-’em game of the week. This game is always hotly contested. It’s always a good, hard-hitting contest and I’m really not sure who will end up winning this one.

In situations like this I always, A) Go with the home team and B) Go with an Ed Conto-coached squad.

Karns City and Karns City.

• Meadville 25, Slippery Rock 24 — Another flip-a-coin contest, refer to the rationale above. This game is at Meadville, but neither team is coached by a Conto.

Bulldogs.

• Grove City 25, Wilmington 15 — This may be the marquee matchup of the week. After four years in different classifications and regions, the Eagles and Greyhounds are reunited — and it feels so good ... to pick the Eagles.

Punxsutawney 28, Union 14 — The Golden Knights will see their shadow.

Clay-Battelle 21, A-C Valley 15 — The Falcons are a much improved football team this year and, frankly, I have no idea how good West Virginia school Clay-Battelle is. Go with the home team.

Waynesburg 19, Summit Academy 18 — Our fourth one-point differential of the week and this one, too, goes to the home team.

West Middlesex 34, Moniteau 11 — It’s already been a long season for the Warriors.

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