Well, I didn't go 7-0.

Not even close.

This season has been a tough one. I've come to grips with it. So, I'm not doing so great. So, I'm struggling.

It happens.

It's not how many times you get knocked down. It's how many times you get knocked down and keep getting back up.

I'm dusting off my feathers, straightening my beak and getting back to work.

On to the picks.

Butler 27, Erie 24 — The week off may have done the Golden Tornado some good.It allowed them to recharge. I think they'll emerge with that long-awaited win.

Seneca Valley 33, Baldwin 14 — The Raiders have lost both running back Ethan West and quarterback Dustin Horn for the season. West could come back if Seneca Valley makes a playoff run, but those two losses are tough to overcome.I think Seneca Valley can overcome them this week.

Plum 36, Knoch 12 — The Mustangs galloped to 49 points against Mars several weeks ago and have a dynamic offense.The Knights have also been bitten (more like devoured) by the injury bug, so this adds up to a long night for Knoch.

Mars 40, Greensburg Salem 12 — The Planets have given Teddy Ruffner the ball 140 times this season.That's a lot of work.This week, Mars may not need to ride Ruffner as much as they have. Look for others to get more involved as the Planets cruise.

Freeport 22, Burrell 11 — Rust is always a concern when you've had two weeks off like the Yellowjackets have had.But Ben Lane appears to be a difference-maker at quarterback and Freeport, after maybe a slow start, should double-up on Burrell.

North Catholic 51, Deer Lakes 6 — It doesn't seem like anyone can slow down Joey Prentice, Nick Maher, et all.The Trojans' offense is humming along and Deer Lakes has been coughing up points.It could be a pointsapalooza for North Catholic again.

Karns City 28, Moniteau 14 — Both teams are coming off heartbreaking losses in the final seconds.Both teams will probably be angry. Very angry.And it's a rivalry, as if this game needed any more juice.But never turn your back on an angry Gremlin. Karns City wins.

Hickory 35, Slippery Rock 17 — A Saturday night special, the Rockets lost 45-0 in the first meeting.This one figures to be much more competitive. Slippery Rock has something special in quarterback William Mokel, who led his team down the field in the final two minutes for a game-tying score last week.Hickory, though, has too much to handle.

Union/A-C Valley 30, Brockway 13 — The Falcon Knights won the first meeting in a rout.They should have no trouble the second time around, either.

Scoop is 28-16 this season, bringing shame upon his house.