I’m about to be benched.

You think this prognostication game is all fun and roses, but it’s not.

There’s real pressure here.

It’s a results-oriented business and I’m just not getting results.

I was 6-5 last week and my season-record is 10-8. That may look good to the layman, but it’s hideous.

So, if I don’t do markedly better and get my clown act together this week, you may just see the Babe the BlueSox Ox in this spot next week.

Or the San Diego Chicken.

Or the Phillie Phanatic.

Or someone else in a mascot costume.

No pressure.

On to the picks:

Butler 18, Altoona 16 — The Golden Tornado return home and squeak out a victory.

Pine-Richland 38, Seneca Valley 14 — This is not a good opponent to see for the Raiders as they are trying to find their way.

The Rams are loaded.

Knoch 25, West Mifflin 19 — I’m on the Knoch triple-option bandwagon. It’s an extremely difficult offense to contain when it’s run well and it appears the Knights are running it well.

Mars 28, Blackhawk 14 — The Planets get back on the winning track. (Now if only I could.)

Freeport 35, Deer Lakes 16 — After a strange Week 1 bye, the Yellowjackets return to the field hoping to carry over the momentum for a big Week Zero win against the rival Lancers.

In Austin Romanchak I trust.

Cardinal Wuerl North Catholic 22, Mohawk 9 — I’m on the Trojans’ bandwagon now, too, after that impressive win last week against Neshannock.

Karns City 35, Redbank Valley 27 — The last time the Gremlins started 0-2, as they have this season, was in 1995. I wasn’t even a hatchling then.

I just cannot see Karns City starting 0-3. Just can’t see it.

Moniteau 27, Punxsutawney 11 — I’m also on the Moniteau bangwagon (I’m landing on a lot of bandwagons these days).

The Warriors’ up-tempo attack had an impressive debut and they welcome the 0-2 Chucks to town.

Union/A-C Valley 36, Keystone 32 — I’m actually being a bit conservative with this final score.

Both teams have potent offenses that could roll up a ton of points. I wouldn’t be surprised if both teams hit the 40s in this game.

Hickory 23, Slippery Rock 11 — Nothing wrong with the Rockets’ defense, which is already postseason calibre.

The offense showed glimmers this season, but needs some work. The Hornets should pull this one out.

Grove City 33, Conneaut 16 — The Eagles have picked up right where they left off last season (at least one Eagle is doing well).

Rochester 32, Summit Academy 16 — The Knights get doubled up.

Scoop would hide his face if it wasn’t hidden already.