Look who’s back!

Me. The ol’ Scoopster.

My early season struggles are behind me.

I went 11-1 last week and have raised my record to 37-15 this season.

Not too shabby coming off that dreadful start.

Let’s see if I can keep the good vibes going.

On to the picks:

Butler 24, Shaler 14 — After a couple of tough weeks, the Golden Tornado should rebound at home Friday night.

Penn Hills 26, Seneca Valley 24 — This is a huge section matchup.

The Raiders gave Central Catholic quite the tussle last week and look like a team that is about to click.

My heart says Seneca Valley in this one and I wouldn’t be surprised if the Raiders pulled this one out, but Penn Hills is at home and my mind always has to go to the home team in close tilts like this.

Montour 31, Knoch 17 — The Knights have hit a rough stretch here and it doesn’t get any easier at Montour.

Mars 27, New Castle 20 — The Planets are Running Back High. One goes down (Garrett Reinke), another steps up (freshman Teddy Ruffner).

It’s been like that for years at Mars.

Reinke could be back in action this week and what a combo that will be with Ruffner’s emergence.

Freeport 32, Burrell 15 — The Yellowjackets rebounded with a gutsy win over Shady Side Academy last week.

They’ll win again.

Cardinal Wuerl North Catholic 21, Avonworth 13 — The Trojans have been entertaining this year, to say the least.

North Catholic rallied from three touchdowns behind to win last week and this contest should also be a tight one.

But I’m going with the Cardiac Cardinal Wuerls.

Karns City 36, Keystone 21 — Keystone hasn’t beaten Karns City since 1995.

That’s quite a long streak. There have been close calls, but the Gremlins have always prevailed.

They’ll prevail again.

Clarion 40, Moniteau 17 — Clarion had a tough one against rival Clarion-Limestone last week and Moniteau is a dangerous team.

I think the Bobcats will pull away late, though.

Redbank Valley 39, Union/A-C Valley 21 — The Falcon Knights picked up their first win in dramatic fashion last week.

I have a feeling Union/ACV could pull off an upset here, but I still have to go with Redbank Valley.

Grove City 26, Slippery Rock 7 — This is going to be a good old fashioned slobberknocker.

Both teams have excellent defenses. No one has been able to run on Grove City and Slippery Rock has been stingy on defense as well.

Grove City has more fire power on offense.

Union (New Castle) 35, Summit Academy 16 — The Knights have been worthy opponents this season and they’ll give Union a test.

Scoop is still looking for that perfect week.