It only gets tougher from here.

Freeport, Union/A-C Valley and North Catholic won last week to keep their seasons alive, and Karns City gets to kick off its postseason Friday night.

Here’s who sports editor Jake Merda Adams, reporters Derek Pyda and Brendan Howe, and Scoop predict to advance one more week. All game times are 7 p.m. Friday unless otherwise noted.

Listen to this week’s “Eye On Sports” podcast wherever you get your podcasts for even more of a breakdown.

Brendan Howe — 84-25 (3-1 last week)

Jake Merda Adams — 83-26 (3-1)

Scoop — 82-27 (3-1)

Derek Pyda — 80-29 (3-1)

3A quarterfinals: No. 8 Freeport at No. 1 Avonworth

Merda Adams — No team has scored more than 19 points on the Antelopes this season, so the Yellowjackets are going to have to pull off some serious heroics here to get the upset. Need to do everything right and get some lucky bounces to do it. Avonworth 42, Freeport 20

Pyda — The Antelopes will try to avoid being rusty after a first-round bye. Freeport must start fast if it is to pull off the upset. Avonworth 32, Freeport 17

Howe — I talked to Freeport’s John Gaillot, Amos Glenn and Drew Ross on Monday. The ’Jackets are confident approaching this one, but I’ve seen Avonworth dismantle an opponent this season. Avonworth 41, Freeport 14

Scoop — Avonworth is averaging 411 yards of offense and nearly five TDs per game. Too much firepower for the Yellowjackets. Avonworth 35, Freeport 20

3A quarterfinals: No. 5 North Catholic at No. 4 Elizabeth Forward

Merda Adams — The Warriors (9-1) are averaging 44 points a game, and the Trojans give up 25.2 — 38 per over the last five games of the regular season. This is the kind of matchup North can struggle in. Elizabeth Forward 41, North Catholic 21

Pyda — The Trojans play in the most competitive conference — Western Hills — in WPIAL Class 3A. That will benefit them against the 9-1 Warriors. North Catholic 36, Elizabeth Forward 31

Howe — The Warriors pulled the plug on North Catholic’s season in the same round and at the same venue last year. A case of deja vu here. Elizabeth Forward 35, North Catholic 28

Scoop — Warriors quarterback Ryan Messina can do it all — pass, run and he’s accounted for 34 touchdowns this year. Elizabeth Forward 50, North Catholic 34

2A subregional final: No. 2 Central Clarion vs. No. 1 Karns City, at Brookville HS

Merda Adams — Nathan Hess ran for 139 yards and Hunter Scherer had three TDs in the last meeting between these two teams. The Wildcats have dominated in five straight since, but there’s nothing I can see that suggests they’ll slow down KC. Karns City 35, Central Clarion 14

Pyda — During its current five-game winning streak, Central Clarion has given up less than 10 points per game. But KC's ground game will not be denied. Karns City 28, Central Clarion 21

Howe — Central Clarion was without starting running back Ethan Rex the last time these two played. Be ready for a ground-based slobber knocker. Central Clarion 34, Karns City 28

Scoop — Punxsutawney and Wilmington, two teams with a combined record of 16-4, got trucked by KC's powerful rushing attack. Buckle up, Wildcats. Karns City 37, Central Clarion 17

1A semifinals: No. 3 Redbank Valley vs. No. 2 Union/A-C Valley, at Brookville HS, 1 p.m. Saturday

Merda Adams — Logan Skibinski has been unlocked since U/ACV beat the Bulldogs in Week 2, adding another threat Redbank will have to account for. Falcon Knights cannot let Braylon Wagner throw for 320 yards again. Union/A-C Valley 30, Redbank Valley 24

Pyda — These teams met in late August, with the Falcon Knights scoring a 26-22 victory. The rematch will be similarly close, and the result the same. Union/A-C Valley 28, Redbank Valley 23

Howe — Redbank Valley has historically been a thorn in the Falcon Knights’ side. This one feels like a toss-up to me. Union/A-C Valley 27, Redbank Valley 20

Scoop — Senior dual-threat QB Braylon Wagner is the heart of Redbank's offense. The Falcon Knights know this and will defend accordingly. Union/A-C Valley 22, Redbank Valley 10