Butler returns to the friendly confines of Art Bernardi Stadium one last time in 2025, seeking a historic eighth win.

Karns City takes on Punxsutawney for a second time this season aiming to avenge an earlier home loss. And the end of the regular season is a week away.

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.

Of note: the result of the Westinghouse-Butler game in Week 5, all wins, was removed from our standings after the Bulldogs retroactively forfeited the game.

Related Article: Butler County high school football: See passing, rushing, receiving leaders after Week 8

Brendan Howe — 64-19 (9-2 last week)

Jake Merda Adams — 63-20 (8-3)

Scoop — 62-21 (8-3)

Derek Pyda — 59-24 (8-3)

Wheeling Park (W.Va.) at Butler, 7

Merda Adams — It’s a battle of run-heavy teams. The Tornado do it with the two-headed attack of Mark Klemz and Nicco Baggetta. The Patriots do so with just one — Brennan Wack if he’s healthy or backup Isaac Sands. Wheeling Park 42, Butler 21

Pyda — The Patriots have a QB who passed for 300 yards last week, a RB who rushed for almost 200 and two receivers who tallied over 100 yards in receptions. That’s a lot of offense. Wheeling Park 40, Butler 34

Howe — Wheeling Park’s Wack, one of the best players in the Mountain State, is dealing with a hamstring injury. Butler’s Mark Klemz will be out there, though. Butler 28, Wheeling Park 24

Scoop — I’ve struggled getting a read on Butler’s opponents this year — Hollidaysburg, University, Allderdice. ... This pick is probably good news for the Tornado. Wheeling Park 36, Butler 23

Karns City at Punxsutawney, 7

Merda Adams — The Chucks at home should be a favorite after storming back in the last meeting. Cole Johnston had three TDs (one passing, two rushing) last time, but it wasn’t enough. Punxsutawney 31, Karns City 24

Pyda — The Gremlins lost to Punxsutawney a month ago, but have looked very impressive since then. They will hand the undefeated Chucks their first loss of the season. Karns City 29, Punxsutawney 22

Howe — To go off what Derek wrote, Joe Sherwin’s team has gone 3-0 since losing to Punxsy last month. Make it four. Karns City 35, Punxsutawney 14

Scoop — Karns City let a 19-0 lead slip away in this matchup in September. The Gremlins seek and find revenge. Karns City 22, Punxsutawney 19

Hampton at Mars, 7

Merda Adams — The Planets can get right these last two weeks against the beatable Talbots and Indiana before preparing for the WPIAL playoffs. Real question is if Ayden Yocum makes it four straight 250-yard games. Mars 41, Hampton 13

Pyda — The Planets move one step closer to clinching a WPIAL playoff spot. Mars 37, Hampton 15

Howe — Mars is faced with some adversity having to rebound. Gabe Hein, Yocum and Zach Dentel are a pretty good core to lead them. Mars 32, Hampton 13

Scoop — I expect Mars to close out the regular season with a pair of victories, beginning with a defeat of the rival Talbots. Mars 43, Hampton 17

Avonworth at North Catholic, 7

Merda Adams — Expect a shootout. But the Trojans need to prove they have the defense to contain teams even when their offense is putting up points. Carson Bellinger has thrown for 19 TDs already for the Antelopes. Avonworth 41, North Catholic 28

Pyda — The Trojans have allowed 112 points in their last three games, not good when preparing to face the high-powered Antelopes. Avonworth 38, North Catholic 23

Howe — Avonworth, much like the Trojans, has a balanced attack. Expect a lot of points in this one. Avonworth 37, North Catholic 35

Scoop — North’s defense gives up a lot of points to good teams. Avonworth is a great team. Avonworth 47, North Catholic 27

Union/A-C Valley at Port Allegany, 7

Merda Adams — The Gators’ Aiden Bliss has nearly as many yards and TDs (1,445 and 21) by himself as the dynamic Falcon Knights’ duo of Max Gallagher (882, 16) and Logan Skibinski (768, 13). Port Allegany 38, Union/A-C Valley 28

Pyda — The game of the year in District 9. These two undefeated teams will turn in an instant classic. Union/A-C Valley 31, Port Allegany 29

Howe — Both teams are gonna feel this one waking up Saturday morning. The Falcon Knights will be sore, but happy. Union/A-C Valley 28, Port Allegany 25

Scoop — I just may fly north to catch this one myself. Union/A-C Valley 21, Port Allegany 18

East Allegheny at Freeport, 7

Merda Adams — Freeport 41, East Allegheny 21

Pyda — Freeport 28, East Allegheny 10

Howe — Freeport 23, East Allegheny 10

Scoop — Freeport 22, East Allegheny 3

West Mifflin at Knoch, 7

Merda Adams — West Mifflin 35, Knoch 7

Pyda — West Mifflin 34, Knoch 7

Howe — West Mifflin 35, Knoch 7

Scoop — West Mifflin 40, Knoch 14

Kane at Moniteau, 7

Merda Adams — Kane 33, Moniteau 14

Pyda — Kane 33, Moniteau 19

Howe — Kane 35, Moniteau 12

Scoop — Kane 27, Moniteau 14

Central Catholic at Seneca Valley, 7

Merda Adams — Central Catholic 49, Seneca Valley 14

Pyda — Central Catholic 46, Seneca Valley 20

Howe — Central Catholic 35, Seneca Valley 14

Scoop — Central Catholic 29, Seneca Valley 7

Slippery Rock at Hickory, 7

Merda Adams — Hickory 35, Slippery Rock 14

Pyda — Hickory 31, Slippery Rock 13

Howe — Hickory 27, Slippery Rock 7

Scoop — Hickory 42, Slippery Rock 17

Neshannock at Summit Academy, 12:30

Merda Adams — Neshannock 48, Summit Academy 14

Pyda — Neshannock 41, Summit Academy 12

Howe — Neshannock 32, Summit Academy 10

Scoop — Neshannock 38, Summit Academy 22