The Fumbler is back. He went on vacation for a few days last week, taking refuge in his hunting cabin in Tionesta.

The reason? The telephone campaigners just would not leave him alone. The Fumbler has an unlisted number and is also on the "do not call" list, so he is at a loss for how they obtained his number, but his phone just kept ringing, and ringing, and ringing and ...

But, hey, The Fumbler has been a ringing success this season, and last week he continued, going 25-8 (.765 percentage) to make his season total 475-117 (.802 percent). OK, so 25 out of 33 isn't tremendous, but give him a break.

Here are his thoughts on the WPIAL quarterfinals and City League championship (all WPIAL games are 7:30 tonight):

North Hills (9-1) vs. Penn Hills (9-1) at Pine-Richland -- After starting the season 1-3, Penn Hills has won six games in a row. A key to the game is North Hills running back Elijah David, who has more than 500 yards rushing the past five games. Winner: North Hills.

McKeesport (8-2) vs. Central Catholic (8-2) at West Mifflin -- This is the fourth time in the past six years these two have met in the playoffs. Central Catholic's string of five consecutive semifinal appearances is about to end, unless QB Nolan Krivijanski has a big game passing. Winner: McKeesport.

Hopewell (8-2) vs. Thomas Jefferson (9-1) at South Fayette -- Hopewell has never been much of a throwing team, but the Vikings threw 17 times in the first round of the playoffs. Hopewell has freshman phenom running back Rushell Shell, but Hopewell's success throwing might be the key to the game. Thomas Jefferson has been in the semifinals 10 years in a row. Winner: Thomas Jefferson.

Jeannette (9-1) vs. Beaver (8-2) at Fox Chapel -- Beaver running back Jake Nardone has 1,815 yards rushing. He'll get 100 yards in this contest, but Jeannette will get a semifinal berth. Winner: Jeannette.

North Catholic (8-2) vs. Avonworth (10-0) -- These two teams played only two weeks ago, and Avonworth pulled out a 13-12 win in overtime. This one will be close, too, and Avonworth will win again -- as long as it doesn't let North Catholic QB Martin Long hit big plays. Winner: Avonworth.

CLASS AAAA -- Gateway over Shaler; Bethel Park over North Allegheny.

CLASS AAA -- New Castle over Indiana; Highlands over Montour; Blackhawk over Mars.

CLASS AA -- Beaver Falls over Ford City; Aliquippa over Greensburg Central Catholic; Shady Side Academy over Center.

CLASS A -- Clairton over Monessen; Rochester over Western Beaver; Monaca over South Side Beaver.

Perry (9-1) vs. Brashear (9-1) at Cupples Stadium, 1 p.m. tomorrow -- Brashear beat Perry, 28-3, in the season opener, but Perry's offense seems to have improved since then. But can Perry's defense slow down Brashear's offense? Brashear is trying to win back-to-back titles for the first time since 1987-88. Winner: Brashear.