It's week one of the PIAA high school football season, which means one thing (or many things): It's time for the Butler Eagle sports staff and Scoop to predict the winners of each game this season.
The first week of the 2024 season will feature a unique twist, with the annual Moniteau-Kerns City rivalry being played in August instead of the usual season opener in October.
This year, the Eagle sports staff – Editor Jake Adams, reporters Derek Pida and Brendan Howe, along with Scoop – will be making predictions for each Butler County game each week. You can also hear analysis of each week's games on the new Alter Eagle “Eye On Sports” podcast, wherever you listen to podcasts.
The format will be as follows: Each week, Eagle staff will select five games, analyze them in detail and predict the winners and scores. Each week, staff will predict the winners and scores for the remaining games.
Everyone starts the season undefeated, let's see who can stay undefeated the longest.
Related article: 2024 Pennsylvania high school football: Butler County team previews, top players, fall sports breakdown Related article: Preseason Sweet 16: Introducing the top football players on Butler County's defense in 2024 Related article: Preseason Sweet 16: Introducing the top football players on Butler County's offense in 2024
Butler quarterback Alec Teff throws a pass during practice at Butler High School on Tuesday, Aug. 13, 2024. Brendan Howe/Butler Eagle
Friday Games
Shaler at Butler, 7
Adams-Shaler lost a lot of players on both the defensive and defensive lines and will need to bring in a new QB. Butler has some question marks, but at least he has a QB he knows. Butler 27, Shaler 23
Pida — The Titans return two starters on offense and four on defense. It may take some time for Shaler to get back into form. Butler 21, Shaler 17
Howe — The Golden Tornadoes will have a roaring home crowd to cheer on their newest member. Butler 24, Shaler 22
Scoop — The Golden Tornadoes are playing as an independent team this season and are treating every game as a playoff game. This mentality will prevail against a Shaler team with a lot of holes to fill. Butler 16, Shaler 10
Related Article: Butler Football 2024 Preview: What to Watch, 3 Things to Know, Schedule
Moniteau at Karns City, 7
Adams — The Gremlins have won six straight in this series. They have a strong run game and two defensive ends who can make or break a game. Karns City 45, Moniteau 14
Pida — The Warriors have a lot of questions, especially on offense. Maybe they'll find the answers as the season progresses, but this week will be a tough one. Karns City 28, Moniteau 16
Howe — The Gremlins will hand off a lot and overwhelm their visiting nemesis. It's hard to screw up the running plays. Karns City 31, Moniteau 14
Scoop — Moniteau hasn't won a season opener since 2018. The Warriors are on the verge of ending that streak. Karns City 23, Moniteau 18
Related article: Moniteau football 2024 preview: What to watch, 3 things to know, schedule Related article: Karns City football 2024 preview: What to watch, 3 things to know, schedule
Knock 7, Kiski District
Adams — It's unclear how many points Knock can score in a deep but rebuilt offensive line. Kiski has a lot of question marks in the starting lineup. Knock 37, Kiski Area 20
Pida — The Knights may need to work on some weaknesses on offense, but they will be a tough opponent for the visiting Cavaliers. Knock 30, Kiski Area 22
HAUGH — Knock coach Tim Burchett's goal is to get his offense to score more than 30 points per game, and the Knights will look to make progress toward that goal here. Knock 31, Kiski Area 17
Scoop — The Knights move up to Class 4A this year and will start the season with a win over the Class 5A Cavaliers. Knock 27, Kiski Area 12
Related article: Noch Football 2024 Preview: What to expect, 3 things to know, schedule
Bethel Park in the Seneca Valley, 7
Adams — I think the defense will step up and keep the scoring lower than in the past few meetings. BP has a lot of returning players on both teams and looks to end a four-game losing streak. Bethel Park 28, Seneca Valley 21
PEDA — Standout wide receiver Ryan Petras of Bethel Park is out with an injury. SV has a lot of new faces on offense, but they should be able to put up some serious points. Seneca Valley 20, Bethel Park 13
HOWE — Seneca Valley is starting with a new quarterback and it will take a game or two for the offense to get back on track. Bethel Park 21, Seneca Valley 19
Scoop — SV has a lot of offensive players moving into new roles. It may take them a while to settle in. Bethel Park 21, Seneca Valley 15
Related article: Seneca Valley Football 2024 Preview: What to expect, 3 things to know, schedule
Freeport v. Indiana, 7
ADAMS — Indiana will look like Freeport a year ago, very young, probably inexperienced and will struggle. The Yellow Jackets are hopeful they can overcome the adversity. Freeport 28, Indiana 13
Pida — Both teams are coming off disappointing seasons, but the Yellow Jackets have a rising star in quarterback Drew Ross. Freeport 27, Indiana 7
HAUGH — Freeport learned a lot of lessons last fall. The Yellow Jackets put them to good use in their season opener. Freeport 28, Indiana 20
Scoop — I have much more confidence in Freeport's offense than I do Indiana. Freeport 26, Indiana 8
Related Article: Freeport Football 2024 Preview: What to Watch, 3 Things to Know, Schedule
Mars at Boone, 7
Adams — Boone 34, Mars 21
Pida — Boone 30, Mars 21
Howe — Mars 35, Boone 13
Scoop — Boone 25, Mars 20
Related article: Mars Football 2024 Preview: What to watch, 3 things to know, schedule
North Catholic at Seton LaSalle, 7
Adams — North Catholic 28, Seton LaSalle 20
Pida — Seton LaSalle 24, North Catholic 10
Howe — North Catholic 24, Seton LaSalle 17
Scoop — North Catholic 17, Seton LaSalle 14
Related article: North Catholic football 2024: highlights, schedule and three things to know about the Trojans
Slippery Rock at Fairview, 7
Adams — Fairview 23, Slippery Rock 14
Pida — Fairview 30, Slippery Rock 10
Howe — Fairview 14, Slippery Rock 7
Scoop — Fairview 23, Slippery Rock 9
Related article: Slippery Rock High School Football 2024 Preview: What to expect, 3 things to know, schedule
Union/AC Valley vs. Red Bank Valley, 7
Adams — Redbank Valley 34, Union/AC Valley 28
Pida — Redbank Valley 28, Union/AC Valley 24
Howe — Redbank Valley 42, Union/AC Valley 17
Scoop — Redbank Valley 22, Union/AC Valley 21
Related articles: Union/AC Valley Football 2024 preview: What to watch, three things to know, schedule
Saturday Games
Frasier at Summit Academy, 12:30 p.m.
Adams-Frazier 35, Summit Academy 7
Pida — Frazier 18, Summit Academy 16
Howe — Summit Academy 21, Frazier 20
Scoop — Frazier 28, Summit Academy 18
Related article: Summit Academy Football 2024 preview: What to expect, 3 things to know, schedule
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