I’ve been humbled before, but nothing like last week. I kicked off the high school football season by going a dismal 5-6.

Never before had I endured a losing record with a full slate of games. I apparently had to shake off more rust than I thought, maybe I simply misjudged what some teams have this season.

There’s no time for excuses, though. This week presents 11 new matchups to mull over and my gizzard can’t take another dud of an effort. It’s time to turn things around.

Moniteau at Elk County Catholic — A Thursday Night Special in Saint Marys and the Warriors will be looking to get on the scoreboard for the first time in 2023. They will, but the Crusaders’ passing attack will be the difference.

Score: Elk County Catholic 23-12

Meadville at Butler — The Bulldogs feature some new faces in their Wing-T offense, but they played well last week in a win over Corry. Butler will keep this one much closer than its lopsided loss at Shaler last week, but Meadville prevails.

Score: Meadville 26-19

Seneca Valley at Peters Township — Another tough draw for the Raiders and another frustrating defeat. Hopefully, stout competition will pay off for SV once conference play begins.

Score: Peters Township 27-20

Indiana at Knoch — I’m very impressed with Codi Mullen and Knoch’s passing game. Both of these teams are looking for a 2-0 start. I see Knoch getting there without much trouble.

Score: Knoch 38-15

Mars at New Castle — Last week, 28 points were not enough for the Planets to top Montour. This time around, they will be. New Castle’s skill players, however, will make the Planets sweat it out.

Score: Mars 28-23

South Allegheny at Freeport — The Yellowjackets need to find their way with a lot of new starters. They’ll come close this week, but the Gladiators prevail.

Score: South Allegheny 16-13

North Catholic at Shady Side Academy — Scoring points was not a problem for the Trojans last Friday. They won a wild 49-42 shootout with Serra Catholic. The defense will fare much better this week.

Score: North Catholic 40-17

Redbank Valley at Karns City — These old rivals went four years without facing each other before the Bulldogs celebrated the reunion with a 25-15 win last year.

This one will remain close, but I see Redbank winning on the road.

Score: Redbank Valley 30-22

Union/A-C Valley at Keystone — A pair of teams with high hopes for 2023, but one of them will be 0-2 after Friday’s game. The Falcon Knights will avoid stumbling for the second straight week.

Score: Union/A-C Valley 24-18

Slippery Rock at Mercyhurst Prep — The Lakers have a big and physical offensive front and skill players who can take advantage of it.

Score: Mercyhurst Prep 31-20

Summit Academy at Leechburg — The Blue Devils send the Knights back to Herman with a record of 0-2.

Score: Leechburg 34-8