H.S. Picks is depressed. He's having a hard time choosing between attending the Pitt-West Virginia game, or going to watch the Moon Area and Thomas Jefferson WPIAL playoff game.
He's golfing buddies with TJ coach Bill Cherpak and hates to miss one of his games.
He doesn't know why the WPIAL would match any playoff game opposite one of the biggest college games in years.
Since Pitt and West Virginia are now the class of college football in the area, Picks said the high school games should be played on Friday or noon Saturday.
There is more interest in the Pitt-WVU game than, say, the Penn State-Indiana contest.
"You couldn't pay me to go see those two Big Ten bottom feeders," Picks said.
Picks also is disappointed with the football teams from Westmoreland, Fayette and Indiana counties. Other than Jeannette, those teams are done.
He was shocked to see Monessen lose in the playoffs, and was surprised that Greensburg Salem and Greensburg Central Catholic didn't go further.
As for the Fayette County teams, well they were just a joke this season. The seven teams -- Brownsville (0-10), Connellsville (1-9), Frazier (1-8), Geibel (1-8), Albert Gallatin (2-8), Uniontown (4-6) and Laurel Highlands (4-6) -- had a combined record of 13-55. None had a winning record.
At least Picks had another winning performance last week. He correctly picked 12 of 19 games and improved his overall record to 337-97.
Here are this week's picks:
Class AAAA
Pittsburgh Central Catholic vs. North Hills: This game should have been the championship game. These are the best two teams remaining in Class AAAA. This should be a great one. North Hills 16, Pittsburgh Central Catholic 14.
Penn Hills vs. Upper St. Clair: The overrated Panthers got another free ride from the WPIAL. When the brackets were released, many coaches felt the upper half of the bracket was loaded with the best teams. They were right. USC, because of its political pull with the WPIAL, was given too much credit despite a weak schedule. The Panthers didn't play any strong teams. With that said, they're enough to defeat Penn Hills. Upper St. Clair 14, Penn Hills 10.
Class AAA
Thomas Jefferson vs. Moon Area: Is this finally the year the Jaguars get to the big game? Picks says yes. It is the 'Year of the Jaguar.' Thomas Jefferson 20, Moon Area 14.
Pine-Richland vs. Blackhawk: The Rams reached the WPIAL finals last year and were defeated by a good Hopewell team. Blackhawk has been impressive in the playoffs. This should be a dandy. Pine-Richland 28, Blackhawk 27.
Class AA
Jeannette vs. Beaver: Picks is concerned with the Jeannette defense. The Jayhawks have given up some big plays this season. If they can contain the Bobcats offense and don't make too many mistakes, the Jayhawks should be headed to Heinz Field. He's counting on Anthony Matt, Mike Dent and the A.J.'s (Graves and Tarpley) to play well defensively. Picks knows it will take a team effort to pull out a victory. Jeannette 26, Beaver 14.
Aliquippa vs. Freedom: The Quips defeated Freedom by two touchdowns in September. They should win again. This time, however, it will be a lot closer. Aliquippa 14, Freedom 12.
Class A
Springdale vs. Rochester: The Dynamos are on a super run. They've knocked off two good football teams -- South Side Beaver and Monessen. Can they knock off the returning WPIAL champion? Rochester is getting healthy at the right time. The Rams also are tough to beat in the playoffs. Rochester 20, Springdale 13.
Sto-Rox vs. Clairton: The Vikings have too many weapons for the Bears. Look for Sto-Rox quarterback Adam DiMichele to have a huge game. Sto-Rox 20, Clairton 14.
PIAA Playoffs
Class AAAA: Altoona 16, State College 14; Class AA: Forest Hills 20, Tyrone 14; Class A: Bishop Carroll 22, Northern Cambria 20.
More High School Football headlines
Larger text
Smaller text
Print
E-mail
