Another high school football season is upon us ... time for me to dust off my feathers and think long and hard about local gridiron matchups on a weekly basis.

Last year was an incomplete season with teams playing just six or seven games, hence my abbreviated 51-19 record.

Not a horrible showing, but in 2018, I went 102-14. That’s right, 102-14!

It’s a lofty standard, but I’m not one to back down from a challenge. With that in mind, on to the picks for Week 1.

Butler at Kiski Area — The numbers are up on the Golden Tornado’s roster and that’s a huge step forward for the program. The Cavaliers, though, feature several big playmakers on offense.

This one will be tight throughout, with Butler coming up just short.

Score: Kiski Area, 23-20.

Moon at Seneca Valley — SV’s Graham Hancox will be making his second start at quarterback.

Moon has a very experienced and capable front seven on defense and I see the Tigers winning a low-scoring affair.

Score: Moon, 17-13.

Central Valley at Knoch — It’s out with the Triple Option and in with the Wing-T for Knoch’s offense.

This change should lead to more opportunities for big gains from guys like running back Keagan Fraser, but this opener comes against an always-dangerous Central Valley squad, the defending WPIAL Class 3A champion.

Score: Central Valley, 31-15.

North Hills at Mars — For the first time in 30 years, the Planets will stray from the Wing-T. Instead, they will spread it out and look to get big gains through the air.

Junior quarterback Rafael Bartley has a lot of upside. North Hills, however, has eight starters returning on defense.

At least for one week, the Planets will be grounded.

Score: North Hills, 16-13.

Armstrong at Freeport — Quarterback Garrett King is set to make his return to Freeport’s lineup after battling cancer last year.

He’ll have no shortage of playmakers around him with the likes of Brady Stivenson, Ben Lane, Vinnie Clark and Co.

Armstrong likes to air it out with quarterback Cadin Olsen and he’ll keep the River Hawks in it, but ....

Score: Freeport, 26-17.

North Catholic at Hopewell — The Trojans always seem to be in the mix as one of the top teams in the WPIAL.

They begin 2021 with another victory.

Score: North Catholic, 38-14.

Karns City at Girard — You know the Gremlins will have a bevy of running backs ready to go. Throw in quarterback Eric Booher, who played well as a sophomore last year, and it’s bad news for Girard.

Score: Karns City, 35-14.

Moniteau at Kane — The Warriors have a small roster and are under-sized on both lines. They’ll meet with a rough start in McKean County.

Score: Kane, 22-8.

Union/A-C Valley at Brockway — Caden Rainey does everything for the Falcon Knights. He might even drive the team bus Friday.

Either way, he’ll lead his team to victory.

Score: Union/A-C Valley, 25-8.

Fort LeBoeuf at Slippery Rock — The Bison always seem to field a competitive team. This year should be no different.

But the Rockets feature many skill players with experience like John Sabo, Ryan Montgomery and William “Zip” Mokel, to name a few.

I like the Rockets in an upset.

Score: Slippery Rock, 24-21.

Summit Academy at Avonworth — With only 21 players, just the fact that the Knights are taking the field is a victory. Finding it on the scoreboard will be very difficult this season.

Score: Avonworth, 41-6.

Scoop is looking for a bounce-back season in 2021