Just two games this week!?

It feels like the very end of the season, but it's actually just the start of the playoffs.

Seven area teams have qualified for the postseason, but five of them — Seneca Valley, North Catholic, Karns City, Butler and Slippery Rock —will not be in action until next week.

That's a good thing, because I'm not ready to put my thinking cap away for the winter. I know there's still plenty of games to dissect and it all starts with Freeport and Union/A-C Valley both playing at home this Friday.

I went 81-15 in the regular season and am looking for a strong showing in November.

So let's get to it.

Ambridge at Freeport — After going 1-44 from 2016-2020, Ambridge is back in the WPIAL playoffs, albeit with a 2-8 record.

Two of the team's losses this season have come against WPIAL and state powers Central Valley and Aliquippa, so my guess is the Bridgers aren't as bad as their poor record indicates.

That said, Ambridge will be playing on the road against a Freeport team with a chip on its shoulder.

The Yellowjackets had two games canceled this season due to COVID concerns at Apollo-Ridge and Derry, games I am very confident Freeport would have won.

The 'Jacket defense will be stingy and Ben Lane and Co. will do enough offensively to earn a victory.

Freeport marches on to the WPIAL quarterfinals.

Score: Freeport 28-9

Cameron County at Union/A-C Valley — The Raiders have come in from the cold. They last made the District 9 playoffs in 2014 and endured a cumulative record of 5-47 between 2015-20.

Cameron County is 5-4, with one of those losses coming in a 20-6 setback at home against Union/A-C Valley Oct. 14.

The Raiders played the Falcon Knights tough that night and I expect no less this time around. But now it's Cameron County's turn to make the long road trip and Union/A-C Valley will be waiting with its stout defense and a ground game that has worn down opponents this season.

Look for Mikey Card and Dawson Camper to have a big night running the ball as the Falcon Knights move on to the district semifinals.

Score: Union/A-C Valley 28-6

Scoop ate way too much Halloween candy. Self-control has never been his strong suit.