Program note: Tonight's Live Blog will come from Penn Hills at Central Valley. Look to the right of this blog for score updates from other games. Follow @PGVarsityXtra on Twitter for score updates. You can tweet scores or photos to @PGVarsityXtra.
For now, it's time for "a dozen predictions to go:"
(Last week: 8-4. Season: 16-8, .750 pct.)
CLASS AAAA
Penn-Trafford at McKeesport - The winner establishes itself as the team to beat in the Foothills Conference. Key to the game is Penn-Trafford's defense and how it handles McKeesport running back Khaleke Hudson. Winner: Penn-Trafford.
North Allegheny vs. Central Catholic at Highmark Stadium - After seeing North Allegheny twice, the Tigers are good. But not great. They certainly don't appear to be in Central Catholic's class. Will Central give up a score? Winner: Central Catholic.
CLASS AAA
Penn Hills at Central Valley - This is a non-conference game that we will classify as AAA because Central Valley is the home team and in Class AAA. Will this be a high-scoring affair? Penn Hills' rushing attack is impressive, and Central Valley scored 67 points last week. Winner: Penn Hills.
Hampton at Gateway - Could Gateway go 0-3 for the first time since 2001? The Gators lack of experienced players has been evident in the first two games while Hampton has easily won its first two games. Gateway's offensive battery needs charged. Winner: Hampton.
Franklin Regional at Mars - Before the season, these were thought to be the two best teams in the Greater Allegheny Conference, but things changed after losses in Week 1. Is Hampton now the team to beat? The winner of this game can still have conference championship on their mind. Mars rebounded nicely last week from the season-ending injury to Josh Schultheis, and the Planets should take one more step forward. Winner: Mars.
Knoch at Ringgold - This is an interesting non-conference game. Throw out Ringgold's season-opening loss to Thomas Jefferson because it looks like no one will touch TJ in the Big Nine Conference until the regular-season finale against West Mifflin. Knoch started the season with two impressive wins. Winner: Ringgold.
WPIAL CLASS AA
Beaver at Beaver Falls - The winner establishes itself as the top challenger to Aliquippa in the Midwestern Conference. Winner: Beaver Falls.
Kittanning at Apollo-Ridge - The storyline in this contest is two Pitt recruits going against each other - Apollo-Ridge's Tre Tipton and Kittanning's Nick Bowers. But Kittanning QB Braydon Toy likely could be the difference. Winner: Kittanning.
WPIAL CLASS A
Neshannock at Riverside - After moving down from Class AA, Riverside could make waves in the Big Seven with a victory against Neshannock. A Riverside win shouldn't be considered an upset, but ... Winner: Neshannock.
Brentwood at Avonworth - This game was originally scheduled for Brentwood, but was moved because of construction at Brentwood's stadium. The change of site changes the favorite in this game. Winner: Avonworth.
Clairton at Greensburg Central Catholic - Don't look for Clairton to reach its average of 79 points a game. But look for Clairton to roll again. Winner: Clairton.
CITY LEAGUE
University Prep vs. Brashear - University Prep squeaked by Westinghouse in the City League opener last week. This one might be close also. Winner: University Prep.