Football is back.

And so am I.

I had a so-so 2013 campaign with a 94-23 record for an 80.3 winning percentage.

Not good enough. With an extra team (and at least 10 extra picks) in the county, Cardinal Wuerl North Catholic, I may be able to reach that mythical 100-win mark.

Let’s get off to a good start.

On to the picks.

Altoona 19, Butler 17 — The Golden Tornado have a new coach and a new direction this season.

The first week carries them to Altoona. While I think Butler will be a scrappy squad this season, I don’t see this one going the Golden Tornado’s way.

Seneca Valley 25, North Allegheny 22 — No easing into the season for the Raiders. They begin with rival NA.

And win.

Knoch 17, Franklin Regional 14 — The Knights finished last season strong and have a roster busting with young, dynamic talent.

Keep your eyes on Knoch.

Mars 31, Indiana 12 — The Planets have been a machine. That machination will roll over the Little Indians.

Cardinal Wuerl North Catholic 26, Northgate 6 — The defending PIAA Class A champions get off to a good start.

Shady Side Academy 17, Freeport 12 — The Yellowjackets had a rough season in 2013, but played better down the stretch. They get a tough task in Week 1.

Karns City 34, Brookville 16 — The Gremlins will have a two-headed QB system it seems, at least in Week 1.

They still have a stable of weapons behind them.

Moniteau 25, Punxsutawney 12 — The Warriors won three of their last four games last season and that momentum will carry over into this season under new coach Wade Vogan.

Union 35, Keystone 16 — The Golden Knights have one of the best passers in the area in Lane Cicciarelli and one of the best pass catchers in Chet Carmichael.

Expect those two to connect many times this season and in this game.

Union gets off to a quick start.

Clarion 45, A-C Valley 6 — Clarion lost a ton from a team that rolled through the KSAC last season. Meanwhile the Falcons want to grind out the clock and yardage on the ground.

If A-C Valley can play keep-away, this game could be much closer, but the Bobcats have too much even with the loss of much of their firepower from a 14-1 season.

Wilmington 22, Grove City 18 — This once was a marque District 10 Class AA matchup, but now the Greyhounds have slipped to Class A.

Wilmington has a 39-3 record in September in the last decade. Grove City is unveiling a new offense.

Slippery Rock 40, Perry 15 — The Rockets are loaded. Perry has a new coach and only 22 players on its roster.

Ellwood City 25, Summit Academy 12 — The Knights made their first-ever playoff appearance last season. This year, they are in a killer section. The road back will be difficult.

Scoop is excited to build on his 2013 season.