A 7-4 record is never the goal, but after my dreadful start to the pick ‘em season, it was definitely a step in the right direction last week.

The key now is to not regress, keep improving and turn my lousy 12-10 showing thus far into one I can be proud of. With that in mind, the third week of action beckons me. Eleven more games to dissect and I’m ready!

Butler at Brashear — The Bulls have struggled on defense over the first two weeks and I believe that will continue with the Tornado blowing into Cupples Stadium.

Score: Butler 30-16

Seneca Valley at Canon-McMillan — A third straight road game for the Raiders, but also the Tri-County 5 Conference opener for Ron Butschle’s squad. Frustration from two losses to start the season will give way to a triumphant night for SV, sparked by a couple of huge defensive plays.

Score: Seneca Valley 20-16

Knoch at Beaver Falls — This matchup may come down to Knoch’s passing attack against the Tigers’ powerful ground game, but the Knights’ Tony Nicolazzo is a rushing threat himself and will pick up crucial yards, especially late.

Score: Knoch 24-21

Mars at Blackhawk — The Cougars have struggled on offense in the first two games. The Planets have not.

Score: Mars 36-14

North Catholic at Aliquippa — A struggling defense is not something you want to bring along when visiting “The Pit”.

Score: Aliquippa 38-15

Freeport at Quaker Valley — The Yellowjackets’ 47-0 win last week put their Week 0 loss to Indiana in the rear-view mirror ... and there it will remain.

Score: Freeport 25-12

Cameron County at Moniteau — A second straight game against a District 9, Region 3 team and the Warriors will get a second straight win — at home this time.

Score: Moniteau 24-8

Karns City at Ridgway — The Gremlins don’t need more incentive to win this week, but they have it with the critically-injured Mason Martin.

Score: Karns City 22-18

Central Clarion at Union/A-C Valley — What’s coming to Rimersburg on Friday? An offense that’s run up and down the field for 12 touchdowns in two games.

The Falcon Knights keep it close for a while, but ...

Score: Central Clarion 40-15

Slippery Rock at Greenville — Two teams searching for answers and an initial win.

I think the Rockets find both this week.

Score: Slippery Rock 23-21

Springdale at Summit Academy — The Knights earn their first win of the season at the expense of the Dynamos.

Score: Summit Academy 22-14

Scoop is looking to fly high for the first time this weekend