Allow me to introduce myself.

My name is Scoop and I'm the official mascot of this newspaper. I'm liable to show up just about anywhere to promote this place, mainly because I'm capable of doing just about anything.

Including predicting the outcome of football games.

Our sports staff is no longer selecting the winners of our local games each week. Those guys have called upon my services to bail them out, er .... make the selections.

So here is the season's first installment of Scoop Selects:

Kiski Area at Butler - The Golden Tornado only won one game last year and was on the wrong end of a 27-10 decision at Kiski. Butler is more seasoned in the skilled positions, which makes for a better offense and a better team.Kiski has a dangerous quarterback in Mychal Skinner, who might also be good for a big play or two on special teams.This year's opener should be much more competitive, but a team returning 18 seniors has the best chance of winning a nail-biter.

KISKI, 16-14.

Penn-Trafford at Seneca Valley - The Raiders are an improved bunch as well, especially with University of Pittsburgh-bound Kevan Smith at quarterback.On a nice night, synthetic surface, fill the air with footballs? … Wouldn't surprise me. I wouldn't fly too low over Raider Stadium, I'll tell you that much.P-T's senior quarterback, Tyler Huether, returns after throwing for 2,209 yards and 21 touchdowns last year. His team rates the edge.

PENN-TRAFFORD, 30-23.

Knoch at Freeport - The Knights bring back some nice experience at quarterback and Jordan Shoop rarely makes mistakes, throwing just four interceptions a year ago.The Yellowjackets can bring the defense - they blanked Knoch in two quarters last year - but the Knights are faster at the skilled spots than a year ago.Good game here, but Knoch extracts some revenge.

KNOCH, 17-10.

Pine-Richland at Mars - Give Paul Ferrese the ball and get out of the way. As this senior running back goes, so go the Planets. He rushed for 99 yards in this opener last year on his way to a 1,000-yard season.The Rams may be without their senior quarterback, Jake Long, but it may not matter. This program is deep in tradition.Mars will hang in, but Pine-Richland will get it done.

PINE-RICHLAND, 20-13.

Summit Academy at Beaver - Try as it might to succeed on the field, Summit Academy rarely returns any players. That usually makes for a rough start.The Knights have athletes, but consistency and defense always seem to be a problem.

BEAVER, 30-8.

Slippery Rock University at Bloomsburg - Big game here for The Rock, with a game at Youngstown State coming up just five days later. SRU has a young team looking to re-establish momentum after back-to-back losing seasons.Bloomsburg is a prime contender for the PSAC East title and has had The Rock's number in recent years. With its top skill players returning, that won't change.

BLOOMSBURG, 24-16.