High school football Week 4 picks: Karns City vs Moniteau prediction, and can Butler, Mars, others start 4-0?
Mars football has won its last two games in the final seconds. Butler and Freeport have largely dominated three straight opponents.
And this week features arguably the biggest local rivalry of the year: Karns City (2-1) vs. Moniteau (2-1). The Gremlins are smarting after a shootout loss to DuBois, and the Warriors are riding high after two shutout wins to start the season.
Who wins that game and all the others in Week 4 of the PIAA high school football season?
Butler Eagle sports editor Jake Merda Adams, reporters Derek Pyda and Brendan Howe, and Scoop predict the winner and score of each local game this week, plus additional analysis for five of those games. Listen to this week’s “Eye On Sports” podcast wherever you get your podcasts for even more of a breakdown.
Here are our picks and analysis for Week 4:
Brendan Howe — 27-5 (11-0 last week)
Scoop — 26-6 (10-1)
Derek Pyda — 25-7 (9-2)
Jake Merda Adams — 25-7 (10-1)
Hollidaysburg at Butler, 7
Merda Adams — We saw Butler get tested on the ground in a high-scoring game. The Tigers are more explosive than Meadville, with RB Carter Muth and QB Cole DeLattre producing a combined 582 yards (more than 5.8 per carry) and 10 TDs on the ground. Butler’s hot start cools a little. Hollidaysburg 35, Butler 27
Pyda — Both teams have strong running games, but Butler has the edge with its passing attack. Butler 34, Hollidaysburg 27
Howe — Hollidaysburg has two strong rushers and a solid passer to boot. Give me the Golden Tornado. Butler 26, Hollidaysburg 26
Scoop — Butler must improve its rush defense after last week's win over Meadville. I believe it will, at least enough to survive the Golden Tigers. Butler 31, Hollidaysburg 24
Deer Lakes at Freeport, 7
Merda Adams — I’m slotting the Yellowjackets No. 3A in my personal county power rankings this week behind only Mars and North Catholic, with a close edge over Karns City. This team is rolling. Freeport 44, Deer Lakes 7
Pyda — It would take a very strong opponent for me to pick against the Yellowjackets right now. Deer Lakes does not measure up. Freeport 38, Deer Lakes 20
Howe — Freeport has a balanced offense and Deer Lakes is reeling. Freeport 28, Deer Lakes 13.
Scoop — The Yellowjackets have yet to lose while Deer Lakes is trending downward after two straight losses. Freeport 40, Deer Lakes 16
Karns City at Moniteau, 7
Merda Adams — Who would’ve guessed back in August this would be a meeting of 2-1 teams? Not I. This will be a much more entertaining battle from start to finish than last year’s season opener, but the Gremlins should handle their rivals easily. Karns City 42, Moniteau 20
Pyda — The Gremlins were done in by a prolific DuBois passing attack last week. Moniteau poses no such threat. Karns City 38, Moniteau 13
Howe — Moniteau should put up a better fight than last year. How could they not? Still, Gremlins win. Karns City 42, Moniteau 7.
Scoop — Moniteau has more wins in the first three weeks than it earned in the previous 24 games, but the Gremlins' dominance in this rivalry continues. Karns City 42, Moniteau 16
Aliquippa at Mars, 7
Merda Adams — I feel less strongly about this pick than any of the previous ones for the Planets, only because the Quips are historically good, even if they just lost their first home game in four seasons. Mars ends its home opener with the dub ... barely. Mars 20, Aliquippa 18
Pyda — The Quips losing two straight does not happen often. This pick is based on their strong reputation. Aliquippa 25, Mars 17
Howe — This Aliquippa team isn’t as loaded as past years. Mars’ defense is quite strong. Mars 21, Aliquippa 20.
Scoop — These teams meet for the third straight year. This time, the Planets prevail. Mars 25, Aliquippa 21
Grove City at Slippery Rock, 7
Merda Adams — The Eagles have won five straight and should be favored to make it six in this backyard rivalry. The Rockets’ defense will be tested by Grove City’s passing game, with QB Heath Hohman (36 of 60, 518 yards, five TDs) connecting often with Levi Toth (14 for 249 yards). Grove City 37, Slippery Rock 20
Pyda — Grove City is a bit too balanced offensively for the Rockets to keep up. Grove City 23, Slippery Rock 14
Howe — Grove City’s quarterback will be the difference here, but rivalries are rivalries for a reason. Grove City 35, Slippery Rock 21.
Scoop — The Eagles feature too many weapons on offense for the Rockets to withstand. Grove City 28, Slippery Rock 14
Montour at Knoch, 7
Merda Adams — Montour 35, Knoch 17
Pyda — Montour 30, Knoch 20
Howe — Montour 35, Knoch 14.
Scoop — Montour 27, Knoch 13
North Catholic at Quaker Valley, 7
Merda Adams — North Catholic 54, Quaker Valley 20
Pyda — North Catholic 47, Quaker Valley 16
Howe — North Catholic 42, Quaker Valley 31
Scoop — North Catholic 44, Quaker Valley 23
Norwin at Seneca Valley, 7
Merda Adams — Norwin 35, Seneca Valley 21
Pyda — Seneca Valley 31, Norwin 17
Howe — Seneca Valley 23, Norwin 14
Scoop — Seneca Valley 30, Norwin 17
Cameron County at Union/A-C Valley, 7
Merda Adams — Cameron County 36, Union/A-C Valley 20
Pyda — Union/A-C Valley 33, Cameron County 15
Howe — Cameron County 31, Union/A-C Valley 28
Scoop — Cameron County 21, Union/A-C Valley 20
South Side at Summit Academy, 12:30
Merda Adams — South Side 35, Summit Academy 13
Pyda — South Side 38, Summit Academy 12
Howe — South Side 31, Summit Academy 14
Scoop — South Side 35, Summit Academy 14
