High school football Week 1 picks: Does Butler win opener? Do Moniteau, Seneca Valley, Knoch get new coaches 1st wins?
It isn’t exactly fall weather yet, but football season is here.
Week 1 of the PIAA high school football season begins Friday night, with all 11 Butler County-area teams taking the field hoping for big years. That means it’s time to make some predictions.
The Butler Eagle sports staff and Scoop return for our weekly game predictions. As with last year, sports editor Jake Merda Adams, reporters Derek Pyda and Brendan Howe, and Scoop will predict the winner and score of each local game. We’ll add additional analysis for five of those games. And we’ll discuss these games every Thursday on Alter Eagle’s “Eye On Sports” podcast, wherever you get your podcasts.
Everyone starts the season undefeated. Let’s see who stays that way the longest.
Butler at Shaler, 7
Merda Adams — Shaler won this game last year by six, then won just two more games the rest of the way. The Titans have a returning QB (Aaron Aversa) and a veteran line. Nicco Baggetta is getting his first full season under center for the Tornado. Shaler 27, Butler 21
Pyda — Two programs hoping to surprise some people this season. The Golden Tornado get off to a good start. Butler 21, Shaler 14
Howe — I feel like this is a pretty even matchup. Mark Klemz, now playing a less-demanding position on defense, will be the difference on offense. Butler 18, Shaler 15
Scoop — Butler has impressive athletes on both sides of the ball. Will that lead to victories on the field? It will this week. Butler 22, Shaler 17
Indiana at Freeport, 7
Merda Adams — Too much firepower for the home team on offense. This game wasn’t close last year to start the season (30-7), I’m betting it’ll be even less so this time with Drew Ross and Amos Glenn a year older and stronger. Freeport 45, Indiana 13
Pyda — The ’Jackets are clearly the better team entering the season and will prove it in front of the home fans. Freeport 33, Indiana 9
Howe — The Yellowjackets have pieces in place on both sides. John Gaillot’s crew gets it done. Freeport 17, Indiana 0
Scoop — There’s no time to waste for a Freeport team loaded with senior talent. Freeport 35, Indiana 8
Karns City at Saint Marys, 7
Merda Adams — Think the Gremlins don’t want to give it to the Flying Dutchmen a little more than usual after St. Marys no-showed the second half of a loss last year? Yeah, me too. Karns City 49, Saint Marys 14
Pyda — The Gremlins have more experience at quarterback with Cole Johnston, and that will be a huge factor in them winning the opener. Karns City 31, Saint Marys 17
Howe — It’s safe to say this one lasts four quarters, unlike last season’s clash between these teams. The Gremlins dominate throughout. Karns City 42, Saint Marys 13
Scoop — The long road trip back home will be an enjoyable one for the Gremlins. Karns City 25, Saint Marys 10
Knoch at Kiski Area, 7
Merda Adams — The Cavaliers routed Knoch 42-7 at the start of what was supposed to be a promising season for the Knights but quickly proved otherwise. New coach, new result? Not sure yet. Kiski Area 34, Knoch 18
Pyda — Knoch passes its first test under new coach T.J. Wiley, but it won’t be easy against the Class 5A Cavaliers. Knoch 23, Kiski Area 19
Howe — Both teams sport a new look. The Knights will have to wait at least another week for their first win. Kiski Area 21, Knoch 13
Scoop — Wins are on the way for Knoch’s new regime, just not this week. Kiski Area 20, Knoch 14
Coudersport at Moniteau, 7
Merda Adams — There’s reason for optimism in Moniteau with a new coaching staff and energy. The Warriors probably get back in the win column this season, but it’s likely this team needs more time to build up to that. Coudersport 28, Moniteau 13
Pyda — The Clay Kohlmeyer era begins with a painfully close defeat. Coudersport 20, Moniteau 18
Howe — Moniteau has nowhere to go but up. The results of that incline will start later in the fall. Coudersport 26, Moniteau 6
Scoop — The Warriors’ first goal is to be competitive in every game. Mission accomplished against the Falcons. Coudersport 22, Moniteau 15
Seneca Valley at Bethel Park, 7
Merda Adams — Seneca Valley 24, Bethel Park 14
Pyda — Seneca Valley 25, Bethel Park 20
Howe — Bethel Park 34, Seneca Valley 15
Scoop — Seneca Valley 27, Bethel Park 13
Mars at Beaver, 7
Merda Adams — Mars 28, Beaver 20
Pyda — Mars 28, Beaver 24
Howe — Mars 35, Beaver 16
Scoop — Mars 21, Beaver 20
Seton LaSalle at North Catholic, 7
Merda Adams — North Catholic 35, Seton LaSalle 23
Pyda — North Catholic 38, Seton LaSalle 28
Howe — North Catholic 31, Seton LaSalle 21
Scoop — North Catholic 41, Seton LaSalle 10
Fairview at Slippery Rock, 8
Merda Adams — Fairview 35, Slippery Rock 7
Pyda — Fairview 30, Slippery Rock 14
Howe — Fairview 24, Slippery Rock 7
Scoop — Fairview 20, Slippery Rock 7
Union/A-C Valley at Otto-Eldred, 7
Merda Adams — Union/A-C Valley 38, Otto-Eldred 20
Pyda — Union/A-C Valley 33, Otto-Eldred 24
Howe — Union/A-C Valley 34, Otto-Eldred 14
Scoop — Union/A-C Valley 14, Otto-Eldred 0
Summit Academy at Frazier, 7
Merda Adams — Summit Academy 21, Frazier 17
Pyda — Summit Academy 20, Frazier 7
Howe — Summit Academy 21, Frazier 20
Scoop — Summit Academy 32, Frazier 12
