Now things are getting interesting.

We’re at the halfway mark of the high school football season and some trends have already begun to be established.

Like Butler won’t be pushed around any more.

Like Slippery Rock is for real.

Like Mars is more about the system than the player.

Like Karns City is, well, Karns City, which is good. Very good.

This week there are some interesting match-ups on the docket.

There are some potential upsets in there, but I have decided to play it safe this week.

I have a stellar record to protect, after all.

On to the picks:

North Allegheny 30, Butler 11 — A part of me sees this as a possible upset special.

Butler is playing well right now. And North Allegheny isn’t as dominant as it once was.

Still, I’ll play it safe and pick the Tigers.

Pine-Richland 33, Seneca Valley 16 — The Raiders got a much-needed win last week that should give them confidence heading forward.

But P-R is rolling.

Hollidaysburg 24, Knoch 16 — Have a feeling the Knights will come up with a win here, but once again I’m playing it safe and going with the home team.

Mars 28, Gateway 15 — I like the Planets and what they are doing — staying the course.

Cardinal Wuerl North Catholic 43, Fort Cherry 12 — The Trojans are a lock. That’s not a reflection on Fort Cherry, just the machine that Cardinal Wuerl is these days.

Highlands 33, Freeport 14 — The Yellowjackets are an exciting team to watch these days. This is a tough match-up, however.

Karns City 46, Union 17 — Speaking of exciting teams with tough match-ups ... the Golden Knights have one this week against potent Karns City.

Clarion 28, Moniteau 12 — How will the Warriors respond after their first loss under coach Wade Vogan?

I think well, but the Bobcats are a talented team playing at home.

Punxsutawney 46, A-C Valley 14 — Another tough week for the Falcons.

Slippery Rock 33, Warren 10 — The Rockets knocked off Hickory in an emotional game in their new, renovated stadium in front of a packed house, so this could be a trap game.

The Rockets, though, are far too talented — and fast — to be trapped by anyone.

Sharon 31, Grove City 14 — Close losses have been a familiar refrain for the Eagles this season.

Sharon has won three in a row after a 0-2 start.

Waynesburg 38, Summit Academy 15 — The Knights have competed hard, but just don’t have the firepower or consistency.

Scoop went 9-2 last week and is now 49-11 on the season.