It's been an interesting couple of weeks to open up the 2012 high school football season.

So interesting, with three weeks already under our belt, THE TIMES NEWS Grid Picks race is tighter than it's ever been.Five, yes I said five of our prognosticators are tied for first place. And thanks to a bunch of 10-5 records last week, there are a few others lurking in the shadows one game back.As we enter Week 4, don't look for much movement since there are quite a few games that everyone picked the same team. So look for it to stay close again.Oh yeah, and one more thing, got a call from staffer Andy Steinmetz this morning begging me not to blast him for being in last place......so I won't.Here's our picks:LEHIGHTON AT PLEASANT VALLEY - The Bears are well on their way to what could be the MVC championship. The Indians are suffering through some growing pains...Pleasant Valley, 35-7.PANTHER VALLEY AT JIM THORPE - Our hearts go out to Jim Thorpe's football family as they pray for a healthy recovery for teammate Khaaliq Lynch, who was seriously injured in an automobile accident this past weekend. Lynch was a standout on both offense and defense and will be missed. The Panthers have shown quite a running game with Richie Smith. Should be a barnburner...Panther Valley, 28-20.PIUS X AT MARIAN - The unbeaten Colts face a winless team in the Royals, but you can't rely on that since Pius has played a rough schedule. Marian just has too many good athletes at the skill positions so it goes 4-0....Marian, 28-7.MAHANOY AREA AT TAMAQUA - Learned my lesson picking against the Raiders the first two weeks. I couldn've been in first place right now. It's Hall of Fame Night so look for the Blue and White to respond with another "W"...Tamaqua, 35-7.NORTHERN LEHIGH AT PALISADES - Bulldogs haven't been overpowering, but still haven't lost a game. Tonight they go from their turf to the Pirates' turf and get the same result...Northern Lehigh, 28-7.SOUTHERN LEHIGH AT NORTHWESTERN - Could be the "Game of the Week" in the Colonial League. Spartans, the so-called pre-season favorites are still looking for their first win. After first week hiccup, Josh Snyder's Tigers have found some rhythm...Northwestern, 14-13.PALMERTON AT SAUCON VALLEY - Until the Bombers find some offense, they'll continue to struggle. The defense has kept them in games and if it does, the wins will come...Saucon Valley, 14-7.NOTRE DAME AT BANGOR - Crusaders seem to be a bit banged up right now which will make it easier for the Slaters...Bangor, 21-13.WILSON AT PEN ARGYL - The Green Knights have seemed to get it in gear and Saturday afternoon football in the Slate Belt in the fall is always a good thing...Pen Argyl, 35-6.POTTSVILLE AT READING - Going out of the area a little bit for what could be a Berks County showdown...Pottsville, 21-20.NORTH SCHUYLKILL AT SCHUYLKILL HAVEN - Spartans used some big plays to get by Jim Thorpe last week. This time, they take on a Hurricanes squad that is in a rebuilding mode...North Schuylkill, 31-7.STROUDSBURG AT POCONO MOUNTAIN WEST - The Mountaineers seem to be headed on a crash course with Pleasant Valley for the MVC title. Can't slip up here...Stroudsburg, 35-14.LIBERTY AT PARKLAND - A year or two ago, this one was a tossup. This year, the Trojans seem to have a bigger edge...Parkland, 28-14.EMMAUS AT FREEDOM - The Green Hornets have shown that they can play with the LVC elite. Look out Patriots...Emmaus, 35-0.WHITEHALL AT NAZARETH - Another LVC showdown where we'll just go with the home team here hoping the Blue Eagles have a little more firepower...Nazareth, 14-13.