Another year, another bad start.

The ol' Scoopster went 5-3 in Week 1 — another disappointing effort from yours truly.

The only solace I can take is I have a chance to redeem myself this week.

Let's try to be perfect.

On to the picks:

McDowell 25, Butler 22 — The Golden Tornado lost to Cathedral Prep 55-21 last week.While that looks like a bad loss on paper, Butler showed a lot of progress in that game.In the third quarter, the Tornado were within striking distance, trailing 34-21.Cooper Baxter is the real deal. He can make plays from anywhere on the field.While Butler will make this one close, I still see McDowell coming out on top.Barely.Better days are certainly ahead for the Golden Tornado.

Seneca Valley 28, Hempfield 19 — The Raiders finally get to take the field after having their Week 1 game against North Allegheny canceled because of COVID-19.Seneca Valley will shake off the rust, get Ethan West rumbling, and will start 1-0.

Knoch 20, Greensburg Salem 13 — The Knights had a bad start like moi.And like moi, the Knights will bounce back in a big way with a victory.

Mars 29, Highlands 23 — The Golden Rams have a dynamic quarterback in Chandler Thimons.Mars has a dynamic running back in Teddy Ruffner.Ruffner — and the Planets — will be a little more dynamic.

Apollo-Ridge 26, Freeport 17 — The Yellowjackets had an emotional opener and win last week.I'm not sure they can match that emotion again in their second straight home game.

North Catholic 49, Valley 11 — The Joey Prentice era began with a flourish.The Trojans' quarterback, who is replacing school-record-setting QB Zack Rocco, tossed four touchdown passes and also rushed for two.He may put up more gaudy numbers this week.

Karns City 33, DuBois 15 — Air Gremlins?Karns City had more passing yards than rushing yards last week against Moniteau, using the two-headed QB beast of Eric Booher and Brayden Christie.I don't necessarily see that trend continuing, but I do see the Gremlins rolling.

Moniteau 25, Punxsutawney 13 — The Warriors lost 31-8 to Karns City last week, but played better than the final score.Moniteau gave up two touchdowns on special teams.The Warriors get in the win column this week.

Slippery Rock 23, Grove City 17 — The Rockets rolled over Sharon with quarterback “Zip” Mokel having a nearly flawless performance.Grove City, meanwhile, took one on the chin against Hickory, falling behind 20-0 early and never recovering.This game is always tight. The Rockets find a way to win.

Keystone 29, Union/ACV 24 — This game is a pick-em. I go with the home team.

Scoop is willing to try out to kick for the Tennessee Titans.