PIAA football: See our staff picks, predictions for Week 7 games in Butler County
Butler football crosses the West Virginia border this week as it seeks to earn a winning record. And Mars and Knoch duke it out in the only battle of two county teams this week.
Speaking of the Planets and Knights, both teams have suffered injuries at quarterback that has impacted the success of the offense. But both rebounded with wins last week and need a victory Friday night to continue a postseason push.
Here is how the Butler Eagle sports staff and Scoop see Week 7’s games unfolding. The staff breaks down five of the games in more detail while predicting winners and scores for every Butler County game on the schedule.
Derek Pyda — 43-17 (9-2 last week)
Scoop — 43-17 (8-3)
Brendan Howe — 42-18 (8-3)
Jake Adams — 42-18 (7-4)
Mars at Knoch
Adams — The Planets’ rookie QB has looked solid in two games stepping in for Luke Goodworth, but the Knights’ offense has proven more consistently dynamic all season. Knoch 33-28
Pyda — Knoch’s QB situation is much more stable. Colt Sprankle was still out for last week’s game at Indiana, but Codi Mullen rushed for three TDs and passed for two more. Knoch 31-20
Howe — I’m guessing there will be a lot of quarterback draws in this one. I’m a big fan of Codi Mullen’s toughness — which will be highlighted in a feature in Thursday’s paper. Knoch 29-27
Scoop — Despite both of their struggles, Mars and Knoch now sit atop the conference standings. The Knights will remain there. Knoch 37-30
Butler at University (W.Va.)
Adams — Going purely by gut here, as I’ve struggled to predict Butler’s games through five weeks. Guessing the Tornado keep the turnovers in check again and have an enjoyable bus ride back. Butler 27-21
Pyda — The Hawks are 1-3 and hungry for a win. A tough road trip for the Golden Tornado will yield a tough result. University 34-17
Howe — It’s hard to tell the talent of this University team. Their losses have come to three teams ranked in MaxPreps’ state top 10. Their win was against a team that’s 0-5. Being at home will help. University 31-14
Scoop — When not sold on either team, go with the hosts, especially when a long road trip is involved. University 36-24
Freeport at Highlands
Adams — I’m not sure how we pick against the monster that Amos Glenn has been the last two weeks, but Highlands is a worthy foe to slow down this ground game. Highlands 24-21
Pyda — Highlands has three losses by a combined four points (by two to Imani Christian two weeks ago). Freeport keeps it close into the second half. Highlands 29-13
Howe — After seeing Amos Glenn run in person last week, I’m sold. Freeport 28-27
Scoop — The Golden Rams have been very competitive in every game this season. That trend continues. Highlands 27-17
North Catholic at Central Valley
Adams — In the last decade, the Warriors have owned this matchup. But it seems no matter who is at QB for the Trojans, the passing game picks up big yards. North Catholic 35-21
Pyda — North’s Tom Arth has taken over at quarterback for Joey Felitsky. The former passed for 315 yards and three TDs against a very strong Imani Christian team last week. Central Valley is 2-3 and doesn’t seem to be as dominant as usual. North Catholic 27-21
Howe — This Central Valley team isn’t the Central Valley team of years past. North Catholic 35-20
Scoop — North passes its way over the Warriors. North Catholic 31-19
Karns City at Redbank Valley
Adams — The Gremlins’ defense has been stressed the last three weeks, allowing 146 points while going 1-2 against DuBois, Punxsy and Central Clarion. Redbank won’t make life any easier. Karns City 40-35
Pyda — The Bulldogs’ passing attack is very balanced with several playmakers. Their offense as a whole is not. Run, Gremlins, run. Karns City 33-28
Howe — Redbank Valley is averaging 42.6 points per game this season. Karns City won’t be able to keep up. Redbank Valley 42-22
Scoop — The Gremlins can use last week’s blowout loss to Central Clarion to their advantage. I expect they will. Karns City 34-31
Canon-McMillan at Seneca Valley
Adams — Canon-McMillan 24-13
Pyda — Seneca Valley 19-14
Howe — Canon-McMillan 28-14
Scoop — Canon-McMillan 35-23
Moniteau at Keystone
Adams — Keystone 37-7
Pyda — Keystone 28-12
Howe — Keystone 34-7
Scoop — Keystone 22-14
Union/A-C Valley at Punxsutawney
Adams — Punxsutawney 36-20
Pyda — Punxsutawney 37-34
Howe — Punxsutawney 38-27
Scoop — Punxsutawney 40-19
Conneaut at Slippery Rock
Adams — Conneaut 35-14
Pyda — Conneaut 41-36
Howe — Conneaut 31-15
Scoop — Conneaut 24-20
Laurel at Summit Academy
Adams — Laurel 28-7
Pyda — Laurel 35-18
Howe — Laurel 32-12
Scoop — Laurel 26-15
