It was Blowout Friday in high school football last week.

The average score of the 10 area games played that night was 40-8.

Only two games — Mars' win over Pine-Richland and Moniteau's victory over Clarion — were decided by a touchdown or less.

Luckily, my picks weren't nearly as ugly as some of the final scores.

I notched an 8-4 week and head into the third week with a solid 15-8 record.

This week should provide more competitive balance in the final score department. I see four games decided by two points or less.

And the picks ...

•

Butler 10, Canon McMillan 9 — The band will play in exuberant triumph as the Golden Tornado and new coach Jim Rankin get their first victory.•

Freeport 21, Shady Side Academy 14 — This game is so good it can't wait until Friday.The Yellowjackets will find a way to pull out a Thursday night win in Fox Chapel.•

Mars 29, Hampton 13 — This is another Thursday night special.The Planets had a Show Me game in their 29-24 win over Pine-Richland. They showed me not to take Mars for granted.Lesson learned, Fightin' Planets, lesson learned.•

Erie McDowell 29, Seneca Valley 27 — If the Raiders launch one of those crazy second-half scoring binges like they have the first two weeks, all bets are off on this one.•

Knoch 48, Valley 10 — The only thing that slows the Knights' running game and running back Andrew Rumburg-Goodlin these days is the goal line — they stop running when they cross it.•

Wilmington 30, Karns City 16 — The Gremlins' defense is in disarray, and unless the quarterback-center exchange problems KC has been having are ironed out as well, it could be a long night.But the Gremlins have a knack of sneaking up on people. They did it to the Greyhounds two years ago to become the only team to beat the eventual state champions.•

Moniteau 20, Brookville 19 — Make no mistake about it, the Warriors' offense is a glorified single-wing.Moniteau QB Kyle Armagost runs it well. Pop Warner would be proud.•

DuBois 21, Slippery Rock 20 — DuBois moved into District 10 this season and joined Slippery Rock's region. It's a big early conference game for the Rockets.•

Clarion 35, Union 12 — The Golden Knights were shellshocked last week by Saegertown. Clarion is another formidable foe.•

Redbank Valley 33, A-C Valley 6 — Redbank Valley could start the season 3-0 after being given up for dead before the first scrimmage.•

Grove City 30, Franklin 17 — Offense vs. defense. Defense wins.•

Summit Academy 30, Apollo-Ridge 14 — The Knights are for real.Scoop thinks Calvin Johnson and the Detroit Lions were robbed.