Slow and steady goes the race.

I keep piling up wins and getting a step closer to 100.

I went 10-3 last week to run my win total to 80 this season — just 20 shy of the century mark.

Just as important as my run to 100 (who am I kidding? Waaaay more important) is the run some local teams are making toward the playoffs.

Week 9 is always a big one in the WPIAL and it is again, especially for Mars and Knoch.

You’d need to be Stephen Hawking or Sheldon Cooper to figure out all the playoff scenarios in the Greater Allegheny Conference.

It’s way too much for my bird brain to handle.

So, on to something I can handle — the picks:

Central Catholic 38, Butler 8 — The Golden Tornado have stood up to some of the best teams in the section this season and have not backed down.

They’ll do it again against Central Catholic.

Seneca Valley 37, Shaler 7 — The Raiders get a much-needed win.

Knoch 40, Yough 3 — The Knights should take care of business against Yough, then will have to wait and see how a slew of other games unfold to learn their postseason fate.

Hampton 21, Mars 15 — A win here would simplify things for the Planets when it comes to playoff scenarios. A loss and Mars will also be doing some hand-wringing.

Cardinal Wuerl North Catholic 34, Shenango 10 — No hand-wringing for the Trojans. Just winning.

Freeport 30, Valley 18 — Andrew Romanchak set a school record for passing yards in a game and career passing yards last week.

He and Dylan Hochbein have turned into a great tandem.

Karns City 35, Punxsutawney 14 — The Gremlins keep on rolling.

Moniteau 26, St. Marys 14 — This is likely a District 9 Class AA playoff preview. This game could very well decide where that game will be played.

My bet is on Moniteau.

Union 34, Clarion-Limesone 13 — My bad, Union. Last week I predicted a Ridgway win.

Not only was I wrong, but Union went out and thumped their previously undefeated foe.

I won’t make that mistake again.

Keystone 27, A-C Valley 14 — If A-C Valley could clone Zach Muhl, Evan Redding and Anthony Painter about 10 times each ... Sadly, such technology doesn’t exist, but the scrappy Falcons will give Keystone all they can handle.

Slippery Rock 39, Corry 11 — Is there a better all-around team out there than the Rockets? Offense, defense, special teams — they are the complete package.

Grove City 25, Warren 21 — The Eagles need a win badly. They’ll get one.

Laurel 31, Summit Academy 14 — The Knights have had moments this season, but in that section, it’s been hard to sustain them for very long.

Scoop has an overall record of 80-17 this season.