High school football Week 7 picks: Knoch vs Mars; can Butler win 2nd straight, Union/A-C Valley start 7-0?
And then, there were two.
North Catholic’s loss to Imani Christian last week leaves just Freeport and Union/A-C Valley as Butler County’s remaining unbeaten teams. The Trojans and Mars are 5-1 and are vying for the title of the area’s best team.
Do these teams continue their hot streaks? Can Karns City knock out a talented City League team? And can Butler win an out-of-state matchup?
Butler Eagle sports editor Jake Merda Adams, reporters Derek Pyda and Brendan Howe, and Scoop predict the winner and score of each local game this week, plus additional analysis for five of those games. Listen to this week’s “Eye On Sports” podcast wherever you get your podcasts for even more of a breakdown.
Brendan Howe — 49-14 (8-2 last week)
Jake Merda Adams — 49-14 (8-2)
Scoop — 48-15 (8-2)
Derek Pyda — 47-16 (7-3)
University (W.Va) at Butler, 7
Merda Adams — The Tornado (4-2) will need to scheme around WR/DB Hayden George. He debuted at CB last year in this matchup and recorded two picks; he has three this season and more than 500 yards receiving. University 38, Butler 27
Pyda — Butler has struggled at times this season stopping the run. This week, it will be the pass that brings down the Tornado. University 35, Butler 16
Howe — The Hawks have a dangerous passing game. That’ll be the key in this one. University 28, Butler 21
Scoop — University and I have something in common. We like to be in the air. That’s enough for me. University 33, Butler 23
Knoch at Mars, 7
Merda Adams — ’Twas a better effort by the Knights (0-6) last week, but the Planets (5-1) play in another orbit. Can Ayden Yocum record his third 200-yard game in a row? Mars 49, Knoch 7
Pyda — Too many playmakers on both sides of the ball for Knoch to contend with. Mars 40, Knoch 8
Howe — Mars is trending as the best team in WPIAL Class 4A. Knoch ... is not. Mars 49, Knoch 6
Scoop — The Planets have a stifling defense and a ground game that’s found its footing. Mars 43, Knoch 6
Moniteau at Ridgway, 7
Merda Adams — The Warriors (2-4) continue to fight in every game, despite losing the last three by a combined 162-15. RBs Nathan Steger and Markus Gerg could have big games for the Elkers. Ridgway 41, Moniteau 13
Pyda — The trek to Elk County will seem even longer on the way home for the Warriors. Ridgway 37, Moniteau 14
Howe — The Elkers gave a tougher fight against Union/A-C Valley. Moniteau suffers another loss. Ridgway 38, Moniteau 7
Scoop — I like the progress Moniteau has made. It just doesn’t amount to a win here. Ridgway 38, Moniteau 10
Central Valley at North Catholic, 7
Merda Adams — What can the Trojans (5-1) learn after being held under 40 points for the first time? They get to find out against a team not nearly as loaded as Imani. North Catholic 42, Central Valley 30
Pyda — The Warriors rebounded after three losses to open the season, but the Trojans are too stiff of a test. North Catholic 28, Central Valley 20
Howe — I think North Catholic’s offense doesn’t make a habit of being stifled. North Catholic 46, Central Valley 17
Scoop — Receivers have to love playing with Joe Felitsky. They’ll have another big day. North Catholic 34, Central Valley 27
Kane at Union/A-C Valley, 7
Merda Adams — Evan Anderson (877 yards, 13 TDs rushing) will get his for the Wolves (5-1). The undefeated Falcon Knights just have to limit the damage. Union/A-C Valley 27, Kane 21
Pyda — Kane’s five wins have come against teams with a combined seven victories. The Falcon Knights will be its toughest challenge yet. Union/A-C Valley 30, Kane 15
Howe — I still refuse to choose against the Falcon Knights’ ground game and impressive freshman passer. Union/A-C Valley 29, Kane 18
Scoop — Max Gallagher and Logan Skibinski are quite the rushing duo. I’ll stay out of their way. Union/A-C Valley 28, Kane 16
Westinghouse at Karns City, 7
Merda Adams — Westinghouse 34, Karns City 21
Pyda — Westinghouse 25, Karns City 14
Howe — Westinghouse 28, Karns City 21
Scoop — Westinghouse 27, Karns City 18
Highlands at Freeport, 7
Merda Adams — Freeport 35, Highlands 19
Pyda — Freeport 24, Highlands 20
Howe — Freeport 35, Highlands 16
Scoop — Freeport 27, Highlands 17
Seneca Valley at Canon-McMillan, 7
Merda Adams — Canon-McMillan 33, Seneca Valley 24
Pyda — Seneca Valley 38, Canon-McMillan 28
Howe — Canon-McMillan 35, Seneca Valley 16
Scoop — Canon-McMillan 34, Seneca Valley 20
Slippery Rock at Conneaut, 7
Merda Adams — Conneaut 28, Slippery Rock 20
Pyda — Slippery Rock 21, Conneaut 17
Howe — Conneaut 21, Slippery Rock 17
Scoop — Conneaut 24, Slippery Rock 18
Summit Academy at Laurel, 7
Merda Adams — Laurel 55, Summit Academy 7
Pyda — Laurel 44, Summit Academy 6
Howe — Laurel 33, Summit Academy 8
Scoop — Laurel 44, Summit Academy 6
