I continued to improve with my high school football picks last week, going 8-3. But I know that the path to a successful season will be paved with double-digit win efforts, which have eluded me so far.

I am 20-13 on the season and need a breakout performance. It will be difficult as a number of tough calls are included on this week's schedule.

Let's dive in!

Hollidaysburg at Butler — While Butler is 2-1, the Golden Tornado are dealing with some unknowns on offense. Hollidaysburg, however, knows exactly what it's getting from senior quarterback Drew Wyland, who can pass and run. His ability, along with the Golden Tigers' big and physical offensive line, will be the difference.

Score: Hollidaysburg 33-22

Pine-Richland at Seneca Valley — I expected the young Raiders to make steady improvement as the season played out, but they are headed in the wrong direction after a 38-0 loss at Canon-McMillan last week.

Score: Pine-Richland 40-16

Mars at Indiana — In what could turn out to be the game of the week, the Planets travel to Indiana to open Greater Allegheny Conference play.

Both teams have playmakers, but the Planets, who can attack a defense through the air and on the ground, have a few more.

Score: Mars 31-23

Southmoreland at Knoch — Much like Mars, the Knights have no shortage of offensive firepower. They will hand the Scotties their first loss of the season.

Score: Knoch 32-24

Highlands at North Catholic — North's defense is in for an incredibly stiff test from Highlands' running game. Luke Bombalski runs over defenses while Aaran Randolph runs around and past them. That's not a good matchup for the Trojans.

Score: Highlands 34-17

Armstrong at Freeport — Star quarterback Cadin Olsen graduated last spring, but what has resulted from that is a more balanced attack for the River Hawks.

Score: Armstrong 26-14

Karns City at Saint Marys — Dutchmen running back Matt Davis will be the focal point of KC's defense. He's averaging over 10 yards per carry and has scored 10 touchdowns in three games. The Gremlins will hold a late lead, but Saint Marys mounts a game-winning drive.

Score: Saint Marys 30-25

Brookville at Moniteau — Who will be at quarterback for the Raiders, Charlie Krug or Easton Belfiore? Both are capable of big games.

Score: Brookville 23-14

Slippery Rock at Sharpsville — The Blue Devils are averaging over 60 points per game. Slippery Rock is struggling to find consistent production on offense.

Score: Sharpsville 45-15

Brockway at Union/A-C Valley — Brockway is 3-0, including an overtime win over DuBois Area, a much bigger opponent, two weeks ago.

Score: Brockway 28-19

Summit Academy at Rochester — The Rams have been stellar so far on both sides of the ball. That trend will continue against the Knights.

Score: Rochester 39-12