They made a movie about noted statistician "Deuce" Skurcenski? Wow, they must have been hard up for a subject. It got The Fumbler thinking, "Why not me?" If they made a documentary about a statistician, they should definitely make one about a prognosticator. And last week was one of The Fumbler's best performances. He went a near-perfect 16-1, making him 41-9 in the postseason (.820 percentage) and 491-118 (.806 pct) for the year. Here are his thoughts on this weekend's WPIAL and PIAA games. All WPIAL games are today at 7:30 p.m.
Gateway (11-0) vs. Penn Hills (8-3) at West Mifflin -- Maybe now everyone can understand why the P-G had Penn Hills ranked highly at the start of the season. The Indians are good, winning seven games in a row. But are they good enough to beat Gateway? The Fumbler says yes, but Gateway still will prevail. Winner: Gateway.
Bethel Park (11-0) vs. McKeesport (9-2) at North Allegheny -- This is Bethel Park's best team in a few decades. The Fumbler believes McKeesport will get its points, no matter what. But can McKeesport handle Bethel Park's running game? Some might be surprised by the pick. Winner: Bethel Park.
Thomas Jefferson (10-1) vs. New Castle (8-3) at Chartiers Valley -- This game could be fun to watch because it should have plenty of offense. But The Fumbler likes Thomas Jefferson's defense a little better. Winner: Thomas Jefferson.
Highlands (11-0) vs. Blackhawk (10-1) at North Hills -- It has been a marvelous season for Highlands, but The Fumbler just has a feeling that Blackhawk will ruin the Rams' run at perfection. Winner: Blackhawk.
Beaver Falls (11-0) vs. Jeannette (10-1) at Pine-Richland -- The Fumbler feels this is the WPIAL title game. Beaver Falls might have an advantage in the lines, and that's where this one will be decided. Jeannette's bid for three consecutive titles will end. Winner: Beaver Falls.
Aliquippa (9-2) vs. Shady Side Academy (11-0) at Seneca Valley -- After Aliquippa lost two conference games, it seems many people forgot about the Quips, but they have a chance to play in the title game for the 19th time. But not so fast. This Shady Side Academy team is better than people think. Winner: Shady Side Academy.
Clairton (11-0) vs. Rochester (10-1) at Dormont Stadium -- Clairton is averaging 47 points a game. The Fumbler can't see Clairton scoring that many against Rochester, but he does see the Bears on top. Winner: Clairton.
Avonworth (11-0) vs. Monaca (10-1) at Moon -- Monaca has made a believer out of The Fumbler. He's calling the Indians the most-underrated team in the postseason. Stopping Avonworth's big plays will be a key. Winner: Monaca.
Brashear (10-1) vs. Clearfield (9-2) at Cupples Stadium, today, 7 p.m. -- Brashear isn't good enough to make a run in the Class AAA playoffs. But the Bulls are good enough to win one game. Winner: Brashear.
Langley (4-6) at North Star (9-1), tomorrow, 7 p.m. -- This is the first year the City League has had a team in the Class AA playoffs. The Fumbler doesn't know much about North Star, but wasn't this a onetime NHL team in Minnesota? Winner: North Star.