The Fumbler noticed the PIAA released its new sports classifications this week, and he wanted to know where he fit among the new classes.

He made an inquiry to the PIAA on the matter, and the organization's assistant executive director, Bob Lombardi, issued a statement saying The Fumbler had no class.

Miffed, The Fumbler took his issue to the WPIAL offices in Green Tree. After some careful checking, WPIAL office assistant Diana Rossmann said, "After last week, The Fumbler is in a class by himself."

Smart woman, that Diana Rossmann. The Fumbler was indeed one of a kind last week, going 16-1 in playoff picks. He correctly picked a few upsets, and his only miss was North Hills beating North Allegheny.

His record last week brings his playoff mark to 41-10 (.803 percentage). His season record is now 520-11 (.824 pct.).

Here are his thoughts on this weekend's games (all contests tonight at 7:30 unless noted otherwise):

Gateway (11-0) vs. North Hills (6-5) at Fox Chapel -- When it comes to North Hills predictions, maybe The Fumbler should stop saying "no way." He said it against McKeesport and then against North Allegheny last week. And North Hills won both. But this time, The Fumbler really means it. NO WAY, NORTH HILLS! Gateway is much better than either McKeesport or North Allegheny because of one main reason -- Gateway has a quarterback who can throw the ball effectively. But The Fumbler has been impressed by North Hills' moxie. Winner: Gateway.

Woodland Hills (10-1) vs. Bethel Park (10-1) at West Mifflin -- When the two met earlier this season, it came down to the final minute before Woodland Hills won. This one will be close, too, but The Fumbler gives the edge to Woodland Hills because of its defense. That being said, don't be shocked if Bethel Park wins. Winner: Woodland Hills.

Thomas Jefferson (11-0) vs. West Allegheny (9-2) at Chartiers Valley -- Much of the talk about West Allegheny has centered around running back Mike Caputo. Then, quarterback Jared Buck went out and threw for 202 yards last week in the quarterfinals. That gives Thomas Jefferson something else to worry about. The Fumbler really wants to pick West Allegheny to win, but he picked Thomas Jefferson at the start of the playoffs. Winner: Thomas Jefferson.

Hopewell (11-0) vs. Hampton (7-4) at Montour -- The Fumbler is not here to downgrade what Hampton has done in the playoffs. It is a nice story. But, in the first round, the Talbots got to face a Chartiers Valley team without its star player (Wayne Capers). Then, because of the way the brackets were set up, Hampton got to face a Uniontown team that was not exactly strong. But Hampton's run is over. Winner: Hopewell.

Greensburg Central Catholic (9-2) vs. Keystone Oaks (10-1) at Elizabeth Forward -- Keystone Oaks is in the semifinals for the first time. But The Fumbler thinks Greensburg Central Catholic just might be on its way to winning the WPIAL title. He picked Beaver Falls at the start of the playoffs, but this Greensburg Central team is looking awfully good. Winner: Greensburg Central Catholic.

Beaver Falls (10-1) vs. Aliquippa (10-1) at Ambridge -- The Fumbler attended the South Fayette-Aliquippa game Friday at Chartiers Valley, and, before the game, stopped at the Bottleshop Café near the school. He heard important people always hang out there. Funny thing was someone knew The Fumbler's identity and wanted his autograph. He signed a napkin: "Joe Bendel." The owner then threw out The Fumbler.

Seriously, though, if you never have seen one of these Beaver Falls-Aliquippa playoff games in football or basketball, you should check out one of them. They usually are worth the price of admission -- and then some. The Fumbler likes Beaver Falls because he believes the Tigers might have a little better defense. Winner: Beaver Falls.

Rochester (11-0) vs. North Catholic (9-2) at Mars -- The Fumbler likes North Catholic's balance on offense, but the Trojans have not played anyone like Rochester. The Rams' defense is superb, and the offense seems to be rolling. North Catholic never has played in a WPIAL championship game. The Trojans won't this year, either. Winner: Rochester.

Clairton (10-1) vs. Laurel (10-1) at Center -- Finally, we can settle this thing. Ever since Laurel beat Clairton in the season opener, many have debated whether Laurel is indeed the better team. Winner: Clairton.

Schenley (9-1) vs. Punxsutawney (9-2) at DuBois, 7 p.m. today -- City League champion Schenley has a long ride for this Class AAA game. Punxsutawney qualified by winning its first District 9 championship since 1991. Is there a Phil on Punxsutawney's team? Winner: Punxsutawney.

Westinghouse (3-6) vs. Bedford (4-6) at Cupples Stadium, 7 p.m. today -- This is a Class AA PIAA game. Westinghouse, which qualified as the top Class AA finisher in the City League, has not played in three weeks. All The Fumbler knows about Bedford is the town has a nice hotel and golf course. Winner: Bedford.

Mike White's "High School Sports Edition" videos are featured exclusively on PG+, a members-only web site from the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Our introduction to PG+ gives you all the details.