It's Week 9, the most important week on the high school football schedule.

Until Week 10.

This week features plenty of games to sink your beak into.

We have rivalry games.

We have unusual matchup games.

We have games for trophies and championships.

Yes, it should be an interesting weekend.

Every weekend is interesting for yours truly. Last week I went 9-2 to run my season record to 74-17.

That seems playoff worthy to me — if there were playoffs for prognosticating mascots.

On to the picks:

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Seneca Valley 33, Butler 16 — This one is for the Butler Eagle Traveling Trophy. Only the traveling trophy hasn't traveled much lately.The Raiders have beaten the Tornado three straight years and are going for their first four-game winning steak over Butler.•

Freeport 26, Summit Academy 12 — The Yellowjackets are in the WPIAL playoffs no matter what happens in this one.The Knights are out no matter what happens in this one.It's a shame, too, because Summit Academy is exciting.•

St. Marys 30, Karns City 19 — The Gremlins make the long trek to St. Marys Friday night.This is a battle of two of the coolest nicknames in the world: The Gremlins versus the Flying Dutchmen.Who could go wrong with a game like that?I can see Karns City stealing one from St. Marys, but logic tells me St. Marys will win.Still, a Gremlin is a better moniker than a Dutchman. That's all that really matters.•

Union 36, A-C Valley 11 — The Falcons broke a 46-game losing streak with a win over Hancock (Md.) Saturday.It was a sweet win for a program that desperately needed something positive to happen.Union, though, is a very talented team that has overcome much.•

Grove City 37, DuBois 12 — Offense. Defense. Special teams. A great mascot. The Grove City Eagles have it all this season.The Eagles already have wrapped up the region title and should wrap up DuBois.•

Knoch 20, Mars 17 — This game isn't important or anything.Just about half of the civilized world will be in attendance Saturday at Mars as the Planets and Knights meet for the section championship.This could be one of the most physical games of the season. Flip a coin because either team can win. But if I have to choose, I choose the jugger-Knoch.•

Moniteau 33, Kennedy Catholic 9 — Warriors QB Kyle Armagost can't be stopped. He can only be contained.•

Oil City 43, Slippery Rock 20 — The Oilers can throw the ball. The Rockets have trouble stopping the pass. Not a good combination.Scoop wishes high school football season lasted longer.