Are you ready for some playoff football?

I sure am.

Like Mars and Freeport, I am rounding into playoff form — finally.

A 7-1 week was my best in a long, long time. But my overall record (71-27) is still as ugly as Jimmy Rollins' Elmer Fudd-looking baseball cap.

What was up with that, anyway? I half expected him to go hunting wascally wabbits during the rain delay.

But, I digress.

This week, I'm hunting for perfection. It's a light schedule with only five area teams in action, topped off by the Planets and Yellowjackets in the WPIAL playoffs.

On to the picks.

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Mars 17, Chartiers Valley 13 — The Planets reached the postseason in their first year in Class AAA of the WPIAL. Kudos to Mars for accomplishing that difficult feat.Against the Colts, the Planets will face freshman quarterback Wayne Capers, the son of the tall, lanky receiver of the same name who played for the Pittsburgh Steelers from 1983-86.In his three starts, the Wayne Capers Mars will face has shown he is capable of making plays.Still, the Planets must feel like a shark smelling blood in the water over the prospect of facing a freshman quarterback in the WPIAL playoffs.Expect Mars to throw everything but the kitchen sink at Capers and emerge with a close, hard-fought victory.•

Greensburg Central Catholic 29, Freeport 8 — The Yellowjackets have a staunch defense going for them, but they have yet to face a team with as much offensive firepower as GCC.It's kind of like the 300 Spartans making a last stand against the Persians in the Battle of Thermopylae.That battle didn't end so well for the Spartans, and this one won't end well for the Yellowjackets, even though Freeport will put up a Spartan effort.•

Slippery Rock 27, Greenville 16 — Both teams are District 10 playoff bound, but this game still has meaning. Seeding is on the line.Pride is on the line, too. The Rockets do not want to enter the playoffs on a two-game skid and it is senior night.Both are clear incentives to pull out a clutch win.•

Wilmington 33, Karns City 12 — No one will accuse KC coach Ed Conto of backing away from a fight. This is a huge challenge for the Gremlins a game before entering the District 9 playoffs.Wilmington has put the smackdown on eight of its nine opponents this season.This one will be interesting, though. Even in a loss, Karns City can gain a lot from this game.•

Moniteau 34, Riverside 14 — Don't call this game meaningless.The Warriors are shooting for a 10-0 regular season. Riverside is building for the future. It's a win-win for both teams.But Moniteau will get the win that counts.Scoop has a leaky record — and faucet. Where's Joe the Plumber when you need him?