It’s another big week in the Allegheny 7 Conference, where Knoch will visit North Catholic looking to right the ship while the Trojans hope to continue their surge.

That’s one of the bigger games in Week 6, as we officially reach the second half of the PIAA football season. Each win feels like it matters a little more as teams hope to build a case to make the playoffs.

We’ve got our picks for all of this week’s games below, including analysis for a handful of the matchups. Follow along at butlereagle.com Friday for live updates, scores and highlights from every game.

Derek Pyda — 41-8 (9-1 last week)

Scoop — 40-9 (8-2)

Jake Merda Adams — 36-13 (7-3)

All games are Friday night unless otherwise indicated.

Butler at Hollidaysburg, 7

Merda Adams — Maybe if the Tornado (3-2) can make Hollidaysburg (4-1) one-dimensional and shut down an OK run game (148.2 yards per game), the defense can keep this one close enough to pull off the upset. Hollidaysburg 31-13

Pyda — Golden Tigers’ quarterback Vinny Albarano is a dual-threat (10 combined TDs). Hollidaysburg fell 35-21 last week to Fort Hill, one of the best teams in Maryland. It was the first time this season that unbeaten Fort Hill was at all challenged. Hollidaysburg 22-14

Scoop — The Tornado’s effort to stay above .500 will keep this one close, but .... Hollidaysburg 30-24

Karns City at Central Clarion, 7

Merda Adams — Time to start thinking about if the Gremlins (5-0) can run the table. They’ll at least pretty easily get to 6-0 against a Wildcats (2-3) team that cannot match KC’s dynamic offense. Karns City 28-14

Pyda — The Wildcats have fielded some very potent teams over the last few years. This is not one of them. Karns City 41-17

Scoop — The Gremlins won’t have trouble moving to 6-0. Karns City 37-6

Knoch at North Catholic, 7

Merda Adams — We know who the class of the Butler County Allegheny 6 Conference teams are now, and it’s the Trojans (2-3, 2-0). The Knights (3-2, 0-2) have to win via shootout, because NC has too much firepower. North Catholic 38-20

Pyda — After three games, Knoch was 3-0 and North Catholic 0-3. Stock in both teams has since headed in opposite directions. North Catholic 33-19

Scoop — North Catholic wide receiver/defensive back Will Waskiewicz will be the best player on the field. North Catholic 31-21

Smethport at Moniteau, 7

Merda Adams — I’m gonna say the Warriors (2-3) have found a rhythm now, but boy do the Hubbers (4-1) have a dangerous run game that has me really nervous about this pick. Moniteau 27-24

Pyda — Led by running back Jude Kisko (686 yards, nine TDs), the Hubbers are averaging over 300 yards rushing per game. Smethport 38-23

Scoop — The Warriors have won two straight to earn much-needed momentum. The bubble bursts on Friday. Smethport 37-14

Seneca Valley at Hempfield Area, 7

Merda Adams — Transitive property math here: Canon-McMillan thumped the Raiders (2-2), and the Trojans (2-3) thumped the Big Macs. Ergo ... Hempfield Area 35-10

Pyda — The Spartans just beat a solid Canon-McMillan team, and Seneca Valley is searching for answers on both sides of the ball. Hempfield Area 28-21

Scoop — The Raiders are in desperate need of a turnaround. They will almost get one. Hempfield 26-24

Keystone at Union/A-C Valley, 7 p.m. Thursday

Merda Adams — Keystone 35-13

Pyda — Union/A-C Valley 29-24

Scoop — Keystone 37-18

Freeport at Mt. Pleasant, 7

Merda Adams — Freeport 28-20

Pyda — Freeport 34-12

Scoop — Freeport 42-10

Fort LeBoeuf at Slippery Rock, 7

Merda Adams — Fort LeBoeuf 35-31

Pyda — Fort LeBoeuf 31-15

Scoop — Fort LeBoeuf 35-14

Summit Academy at Cornell, 7

Merda Adams — Cornell 53-6

Pyda — Cornell 40-8

Scoop — Cornell 45-14

Mars at Shaler, 1:30 p.m. Saturday

Merda Adams — Mars 35-17

Pyda — Mars 24-20

Scoop — Mars 33-7