Not even the largest hurricane of the season could cool off H.S. Picks.
The Tribune-Review high school football prognosticator had his best week of the season, correctly picking 35 of 42 games. That improved his overall record to 129-34.
"As I predicted, Hurricane Isabel turned out to be nothing more than an all-day rain," Picks said.
Again a couple of upsets kept Picks from having even a better week. He was shocked to see that Greensburg Salem, Mt. Pleasant Area, Butler, Baldwin and Albert Gallatin were winners.
Picks is excited about this week's schedule. While last week failed to excite Picks, he's having a hard time deciding which game to attend Friday.
Here are this week's picks:
Gateway at Penn-Trafford : The Gators could be the best team in the state. They have great speed and too many weapons for a good Warriors team. Gateway 24, Penn-Trafford 17.
Greensburg Salem at Uniontown Area : The Golden Lions must find a way to stop the Red Raiders' running game. If they can, they can return home with a victory. This game will probably decide the conference crown. Greensburg Salem 17, Uniontown 14.
Kiski Area at Greater Latrobe : The Wildcats suffered their first loss of the season last week. The Cavaliers must stop Latrobe quarterback Ryan Flynn with a sound defense. Kiski Area 26, Greater Latrobe 14.
Penn Hills at Hempfield Area : The Indians are smarting after their loss to Baldwin. Look for them to take out their frustrations on the Spartans. Penn Hills 27, Hempfield 6.
Chartiers Valley at Jeannette : The Jayhawks get ready for the stretch run against the Class AAA Colts. The Jayhawks rolled to an easy victory last season and should breeze again. Jeannette 27, Chartiers Valley 7. Here are the rest of the picks:
Class AAAA : Baldwin 24, Mt. Lebanon 14; Pittsburgh Central Catholic 42, Connellsville Area 7; Woodland Hills 24, Norwin 14; Indiana Area 29, Franklin Regional 12; Upper St. Clair 35, Plum 7; Fox Chapel 14, Albert Gallatin 13; McKeesport 20, Canon-McMillan 14; Trinity 14, Ringgold 7.
Class AAA : Elizabeth Forward 17, McGuffey 7; Belle Vernon Area 17, Derry Area 14; Laurel Highlands 21, Yough 10; Hopewell 10, Mt. Pleasant Area 9; Knoch 10, Kittanning 7; Highlands 19, Valley 14.
Class AA : Apollo-Ridge 20, Shady Side Academy 15; Burrell 15, Deer Lakes 13; Ford City 20, Mars Area 3; Northgate 30, East Allegheny 7; Southmoreland 17, Brownsville Area 14; Waynesburg 20, Charleroi 7; Greensburg Central Catholic 32, Washington 7.
Class A : Brentwood 22, Leechburg 14; Avella 7, Bentworth 6; Beth-Center 17, Fort Cherry 7; Monessen 27, California Area 7; Carmichaels 26, Mapletown 7; Frazier 14, Jefferson-Morgan 13; West Greene 13, Geibel 12.
Others : Saltsburg 15, Blairsville 13; Greater Johnstown 33, Somerset 14; Homer-Center 25, Laurel Valley 14; Ligonier Valley 14, Penns Manor Area 6; Northern Cambria 22, Marion Center 6; Purchase Line 14, United 8; Turkeyfoot Valley 15, Northern Garrett 12; Kiski School 16, Western Reserve 14.
