It certainly seems that way for today's WPIAL football championships. Five of the eight coaches in the finals were members of WPIAL championship teams as players. They are Gateway's Terry Smith (at Gateway), Thomas Jefferson's Bill Cherpak (at Steel Valley), Montour's Lou Cerro (at Seton-LaSalle), Beaver Falls' Ryan Matsook (at Beaver Falls) and Serra's Rich Bowen (at Serra).

The Fumbler has had some championship experiences himself -- Western Pennsylvania tiddlywinks champion at age 13 and a soap box derby winner at age 44.

As for his predictions, The Fumbler is once again championship material. He was 7-1 last week, which lifted his postseason record to 49-8 (.860 percentage). He is now 517-125 (.801 pct.) for the season.

Here are his thoughts on this weekend's four championship games at Heinz Field, plus two PIAA playoff games involving City League teams.

Gateway (11-1) vs. Central Catholic (12-0), 7:30 p.m. today, Heinz Field -- The Fumbler picked Gateway at the start of the playoffs to win it all. He feels like flipping, but he always is a man of his word. The key to the game is Gateway's defense and if the Gators don't turn the ball over. Winner: Gateway.

Thomas Jefferson (12-0) vs. Montour (12-0), 4:30 p.m. today, Heinz Field -- This is only the second time since 2000 that the Class AAA final has matched two undefeated teams. The Fumbler also picked Montour at the start of the playoffs, and he wonders about his pick now. But he will once again go with his first instinct. Montour needs another big game from star running back Christian Wilson. Thomas Jefferson might be a little too strong on the lines. Winner: Montour.

Jeannette (12-0) vs. Beaver Falls (11-1), 1:30 p.m. today, Heinz Field -- In only his second season, Beaver Falls' Ryan Matsook has done a marvelous job in getting the Tigers to the WPIAL title. But Beaver Falls' best chance might be to suit up a few Steelers defenders. Otherwise, there is no stopping Jeannette. Winner: Jeannette.

Serra (12-0) vs. Springdale (11-1), 10:30 a.m. today, Heinz Field -- The Fumbler will never underestimate Springdale again, not after it shocked Clairton last week. The Dynamos are for real. They're just not the champions this year. Winner: Serra.

Erie Cathedral Prep (8-2) vs. Brashear (12-0), 7 p.m. today, Cupples Stadium -- This is a first-round PIAA Class AAAA game. The Fumbler is having second thoughts about Brashear after they squeaked out a 14-13 victory against Allderdice in the City League final. Winner: Erie Cathedral Prep.

Indian Valley (10-2) vs. Perry (4-6), 1 p.m. tomorrow, Mansion Park Stadium, Altoona -- This is a PIAA Class AAA first-round game. Perry has not played in 22 days. Winner: Indian Valley.