If you’re still playing at this time of the year, it’s already been a special high school football season, but Freeport and Slippery Rock want more.

I picked both teams to win their respective playoff games last week, but I didn’t think either would advance so decisively. Freeport thumped West Mifflin, 42-6, while Slippery Rock dominated Hickory in a 28-0 decision.

The Yellowjackets are now preparing to play a WPIAL semifinal game and the Rockets are in the District 10 championship game.

Nothing beats playoff football and I’ve been looking forward to breaking these games down since last Friday’s results.

My season record is 90-22, including 6-1 in the postseason. Let’s see if I can keep going strong.

Freeport vs. Belle Vernon — The ‘Jackets incredibly strong defense is about to face its stiffest test of the season.

Leopards’ running back Quinton Martin has gained over 1,000 yards on the ground to go with 24 touchdowns ... and he’s averaging over 10 yards per carry. Also in Belle Vernon’s backfield is Jake Gedekoh, who has scored 14 times. That’s 48 touchdowns between two players!

Freeport brings its own standout into the game in Ben Lane, who has 1,075 rushing yards and 23 scores to his name.

Both defenses are rock solid, with Freeport giving up an average of just 12.7 points per game and the Leopards coming in at nine per contest.

It has been a great 2022 for the ‘Jackets. I just think the task Belle Vernon presents is a little too tall.

Score: Belle Vernon 27-17

Slippery Rock vs. Grove City — For the second straight season, these backyard rivals will tangle for a district crown and a berth into the state playoffs.

The Eagles won last year’s title game as well as a regular-season meeting with Slippery Rock earlier this season.

Grove City earned a dramatic 22-21 win over Sharon last week. The Tigers finished the game with no passing yards. Now the Eagles face a Slippery Rock team adept at both running and throwing the ball.

For Grove City’s offense, it’s quarterback Hunter Hohman and receivers Gavin Lutz and Nathan Greer leading the way.

Slippery Rock has the athletes to counter with William Mokel calling the signals, Maddox Allen running the ball and John Sabo, Sam Schwartz and Allen proving reliable in the passing game.

Call it whatever you want — revenge, turning the tables, evening the score ... the Rockets make it happen Friday.

Score: Slippery Rock 26-20

Scoop is glad he’s not a turkey this time of the year.