Scoop set to soar in 2022
Another high school football season means another chance for me to soar to greatness.
As always, I will leave no doubt as to my goal for the season — 100 wins. I fell a few games shy of it last year when I went 94-17. I've actually come up short more times than not over the years, but I'm not about to lower my standards. It's time to step up, as grid coaches like to say.
I want to set the tone with a superb effort in Week 1.
Let's do this!
Shaler at Butler — I see both defenses struggling in this game. Shaler has to replace the vast majority of its starters on that side of the ball and Butler is dealing with a number of key injuries. But Golden Tornado quarterback Mac Schnur and Co. manage a few more big plays than the Titans.
Score: Butler 30-26
Penn Hills at Seneca Valley — Both teams have strong skill players, but I'm confident the Raiders have more grit. That goes a long way in a sport like football.
Score: Seneca Valley 31-18
Knoch at Hampton — The Talbots set a school record last year with 11 wins. They lost a lot from that team, but pride and the fact that they're playing at home will be the difference.
First-year Knoch coach Tim Burchett will see positives to build on despite the defeat.
Score: Hampton 22-14
Mars at Montour — This will be the debut for Eric Kasperowicz as head coach of the Planets. Meanwhile, Lou Cerro has been leading Montour for almost two decades.
I like Mars to get off to an impressive start to the season.
Score: Mars 24-17
Indiana at Freeport — The Indians graduated almost all of their 3,000-plus rushing yards from a year ago ... and they're coming to Freeport where there's a buzz surrounding the 'Jackets defense.
Score: Freeport 23-7
North Catholic at Serra Catholic — Both teams played at Heinz Field last year for a district title (in separate classes). The Trojans and Eagles have a lot of holes to fill, but North has more proven weapons, like speedster Jack Fennell.
Score: North Catholic 28-14
Karns City at DuBois Area — Who are the dominant running backs on KC's roster? It remains to be seen. Maybe the team will throw the ball more, at least early in the season, with third-year starting quarterback Eric Booher. Either way, the Gremlins will begin 2022 in style.
Score: Karns City 32-15
Moniteau at Saint Marys — Gone is Christian Coudriet, a quarterback for the Dutch who passed for nearly 3,000 yards and 26 scores last fall. Those are some massive shoes to fill and with blue-collar players like Matt Martino, Moniteau will keep this one close.
Score: Saint Marys 22-16
Cameron County at Union/A-C Valley — After reaching the District 9 title game last year, and returning a ton of talent on both sides of the ball, it's already a crowded bandwagon for the Falcon Knights.
But hype is for fans like me to dissect. Coach Brad Dittman prefers results and he'll be pleased with his team's opening act.
Score: Union/A-C Valley 34-8
Slippery Rock at General McLane — The Rockets have had nine months to think about a loss to rival Grove City in the District 10 title game. They aim for another shot and start the season with a bang.
Score: Slippery Rock 27-9
Summit Academy at New Castle — A tough opener for the Knights, who are dealing with a ton of inexperience.
Score: New Castle 38-6
Scoop worked out in the offseason, adding one pound of muscle to his already-intimidating frame.
