A perfect week has eluded me all season and I would be lying if I said that hasn't ruffled my feathers. But I did go 9-1 last week and that makes me 28-3 over the last three weeks.

I had a rough go of it in some weeks earlier in the season, but with the playoffs drawing near, I stand at 69-16 for the year.

There's no time to admire my effort, though. Week 9 is upon us and a full slate of 11 games demands my attention.

Here's how I see action on the gridiron playing out for our local teams.

McDowell at Butler — It's been four weeks since the Golden Tornado won up in Erie for their fourth victory of the season. The wait for No. 5 continues.

Score: McDowell 33-17

Central Catholic at Seneca Valley — A WPIAL Class 6A playoff spot awaits for the winner of this game. The Vikings' offense has been up and down this season. It will be looking up at a staunch SV defense Friday.

Score: Seneca Valley 24-10

Hampton at Mars — The outcome of this game will go a long way in deciding the final two teams to make the playoffs from the Greater Allegheny Conference.

With that much on the line, I have to go with the Planets.

Score: Mars 34-21

North Catholic at Indiana — It has been a frustrating season for the Trojans, but they find themselves on the brink of another postseason berth. They won't let this opportunity slip from their grasp.

Score: North Catholic 21-14

Knoch at East Allegheny — The Wildcats are looking to clinch a postseason berth of their own. They get it at the expense of the Knights.

Score: East Allegheny 40-19

Freeport at Valley — There's no such thing as a sure thing when it comes to picking winners in any sport, but this is as close as it gets.

Score: Freeport 45-8

Karns City at Bradford — The Owls are winless and Karns City is looking to take out its frustration after a lopsided loss to Brookville. That adds up to a big night for the Gremlins.

Score: Karns City 46-14

DuBois Area at Moniteau — DuBois has lost three straight games and the Warriors will come painfully close to making it four.

Score: DuBois Area 26-24

Slippery Rock at Farrell — The Rockets won last week to grab a District 10 playoff spot, but momentum is very tough to maintain against the Steelers.

Score: Farrell 41-21

Union/A-C Valley at Ridgway — The Falcon Knights move above .500 against the Elkers.

Score: Union/A-C Valley 29-15

Laurel at Summit Academy — Facing the best team in the Big Seven Conference will make for a long Saturday afternoon for the Knights.

Score: Laurel 47-12

Scoop has been re-energized by his recent performance