We’re hitting the home stretch of the high school football season.

Some teams are in good shape. Others are in not-so-good shape.

This week should tell us a great deal about who are contenders and who are pretenders.

There are some big games on the docket. Some rivalry games and some intriguing match-ups you don’t see very often.

On to the picks:

Pine-Richland 42, Butler 7 — The Rams are cruising along and will remain unbeaten.

Central Catholic 39, Seneca Valley 27 — This could be one of the more exciting games this week.

Both teams have plenty of firepower on offense. I may be a little conservative with how many points each team will score.

But the Raiders will fall a little short.

Mars 22, Knoch 13 — The Route 228 Rivalry is in full bloom.

Knoch, um, knocked off Mars last year. But this one is at the Mars Athletic Complex and the Planets play well at The MAC.

CWNC 23, Avonworth 17 — Avonworth ended Cardinal Wuerl North Catholic’s winning streak in the WPIAL semifinals last year and the Trojans want payback.

They’ll get it.

Freeport 27, Deer Lakes 13 — This is basically for all the marbles in the Allegheny Conference.

Should the Yellowjackets win, they will be very much in the driver’s seat for a section title.

Should Freeport lose, the standings will be in chaos.

Karns City 29, Central Tech 27 — This could be one of the best games of the week and a good test for the Gremlins.

I say Karns City passes.

Moniteau 16, Brookville 11 — Just when you count the Warriors and second-year coach Wade Vogan out, they turn around and stymie Clarion.

Make that two in a row for Moniteau.

General McLane 37, Slippery Rock 12 — Slippery Rock is one banged up football team.

Last week, the Rockets had five starters on defense out as well as quarterback Bailey Mertens.

Slippery Rock may have more players sit out this non-region game to get healthy.

Farrell 38, Grove City 9 — The Eagles have shown glimmers this year, but have a tough task ahead of them against the Steelers.

Clarion 26, Union 12 — My heart and my gut is telling me to pick Union. Not sure why. Just a feeling.

But my mind says Clarion.

Redbank Valley 33, A-C Valley 12 — The Falcons have played everyone tough in the first half this season.

But A-C Valley has been worn down in the second half. I see that scenario again.

Apollo-Ridge 36, Summit Academy 14 — The Knights gave up only two offensive TDs last week to Deer Lakes. Unfortunately, the Lancers scored four touchdowns on defense.

Scoop went 9-3 last week and is 56-15 on the season.