The PIAA football championships are later than ever (Dec. 15-16) this season. The Fumbler has two words for the PIAA.

Enough already.

The PIAA added a week to the season for every district in the state. As much as The Fumbler likes his high school football, even he admits this season is a little too long.

		Listen In State playoffs edition! The Fumbler prognosticates on how Western Pa. teams will fare against squads from elsewhere in the state: Picks of the week

Pennsylvania football now lasts longer than many other states. The Fumbler did a quick sampling of 10 states and found the only state where football lasts longer is Texas, which plays some state championships Dec. 21-23, as well as Dec. 14-16. But at least Texas has weather conducive to playing games in mid- to late-December.

But Michigan had its finals last weekend. Ohio and Virginia are holding their finals this weekend. Oklahoma and Oregon are staging title games this weekend and next.

The Fumbler is a little worn out. He can only imagine how the players feel after playing in the WPIAL championships last Friday.

The Fumbler was 2-2 in his WPIAL picks and 3-3 overall, counting PIAA playoff games. His postseason record is 49-15 (.766 percentage) and his overall mark is 523-138 (.791 pct.).

Here are his thoughts on this weekend's PIAA quarterfinal games that involved WPIAL and City League teams:

Upper St. Clair (13-0) vs. Erie Cathedral Prep (11-1), 7 p.m. today, North Allegheny High School -- Cathedral Prep is good enough to give Upper St. Clair problems. But the Ramblers aren't good enough to win. Winner: Upper St. Clair.

Thomas Jefferson (13-0) vs. Selinsgrove (13-0), 7 p.m. tomorrow, Altoona's Mansion Park Stadium -- Many have wondered what will happen if Thomas Jefferson is forced to pass a lot in a game. We may never find out because the Jaguars' running game is too good. The Fumbler believes Thomas Jefferson is on its way to a PIAA title. This could turn out to be the Jaguars' toughest game in the championship run. Winner: Thomas Jefferson.

Oliver (11-2) vs. General McLane (10-2), 7 p.m. today, Cupples Stadium, South Side -- What a year for Oliver. The Bears win their first City League title since the 1940s. Just for good measure, they tack on a PIAA playoff win last week against Hollidaysburg. But it's time for basketball season. Winner: General McLane.

Jeannette (12-1) vs. Brookville (11-1), 7 p.m. today, at Greensburg Salem's Offut Field -- Brookville is a District 9 team. District 9 teams usually struggle against WPIAL teams. Winner: Jeannette.

Clairton (13-0) vs. Meyersdale (11-0), 7 p.m. today, at Berlin-Brothersvalley High School -- Where in the world is Berlin-Brothersvalley? Germany? Actually it's a District 5 school near Johnstown. At least Clairton will have a good feeling on the long ride home. Winner: Clairton.