I am off the sidelines and back in the game.

After hitting rock bottom a few weeks ago, I'm pushing toward the leader board by way of a 13-2 record last week, which included my upset pick of Pen Argyl over previously undefeated Notre Dame of Green Pond.To paraphrase a line first said by Al Michaels and last week repeated by our own, Justin Carlucci, " Yes! I do believe in miracles!First, let me start some rumors to circle around the sports department water cooler to discredit my colleagues who sit at the top. Witnesses tell me that Bob Ford thinks he's so good he wants to be called the Pigskin Pundit and just might retire his camera to become a Las Vegas bookie. Hot Rod Heckman's predictions are secretly sent from a tropical island where there have been reported sightings of Ed Hedes, belly upped on a beach, looking through a crystal ball shaped like a football while he sips pina coladas.Carlucci and Engle, the guys at the bottom, well, the basketball season won't start soon enough.Now it's sink or swim for me. I have to count on some high risk, high reward upsets and hope the leaders lose on their picks of the favorites. So with a roll of dice and a howl at the full moon, here's my chance to get to dance with the big boys.JIM THORPE AT POTTSVILLE - The Crimson Tide have had their way with Schuylkill League opponents while rolling to a 7-1 record and are at home against the Olympians. JT's Brendan Carroll, Justin St. Hill, and the Red Swarm defense have career games to boil the Pot ... Jim Thorpe 20-16.BLUE MOUNTAIN AT LEHIGHTON - The Eagles will throw a bevy of talented running backs against the Tribe, who will hang tough like they do every week. In the second half, the wings soar past the Maroon and White … Blue Mountain 24-20.MARIAN AT MINERSVILLE - The Miners pulled off the upset last week against Mahanoy Area, but this week, Colts' quarterback Ethan Kuczynski has too many weapons to shoot at the young Minersville defense. Marian wins its fourth in a row on their march to the playoffs … Marian 38-7.PANTHER VALLEY AT MAHANOY AREA - With the new PIAA format, this game has huge playoff implications for two teams who have just five wins between them. The Golden Eagles stumbled last week against Minersville, but double threat quarterback Matt Lewandowski will be poised to right the ship. The Panthers' QB, Hunter Kennedy, a former Times News player of the week, can put points on the board with throws downfield to Tristan Blasko and Danny Gilberry. My money is on the black and gold in a shootout … Panther Valley 36-30.NORTH SCHUYLKILL AT TAMAQUA - The Raiders play everyone tough. They will rely on their war horse, Nick Breiner, to chew up yards to control the clock and keep the Spartan offense off the field. The feeling here is that North has too much defense and will win in a close one … North Schuylkill 14-13.NORTHERN LEHIGH AT NORTWESTERN - Last week, Northern Lehigh quarterback, Tekoah Guedes, put up nearly 200 yards of offense. The Bulldogs can score as they set their sights on making the playoffs … Northern Lehigh 35-27.SALISBURY AT PALMERTON - Coming off last week's blowout win, the Bombers will stay in stride and score, score, score … Palmerton 40-18.PLEASANT VALLEY AT PM EAST - Speaking of putting points on the board, the Bears are averaging an incredible four touchdowns a game. No stopping them here. Valley wins its eighth as QB Brandon Keyes lights it up with wideout Justin Richardson … Pleasant Valley 44-6.FREEDOM AT BETHLEHEM CATHOLIC - The Golden Hawks can do it all. Last week, they forced three turnovers that led to three of their touchdowns. Tough road game for the Patriots to win … Bethlehem Catholic 27-7.LIBERTY AT NAZARETH - This game's a toss up, but I'll take the home team, who has won three of its last four … Nazareth 18-14.PM WEST AT ES NORTH - After losing their first four games of the season, the Panthers have won two of their last three. The Timberwolves have allowed 166 points in four straight losses. Mild upset here ... PM West 34-31.WILSON AT BANGOR - Two teams having disappointing seasons. I've picked Wilson twice before and lost both. Third time's a charm. The Warriors get their first win of the season … Wilson 23-19.PEN ARGYL AT PALISADES - This could be the best matchup of the week. Both teams are at 6-2 with four-game winning streaks. Still riding high after knocking off unbeaten Notre Dame last week, the Green Knights will prevail in a nail biter … Pen Argyl 22-21.SAUCON VALLEY AT NOTRE DAME - Another great match up as both teams will do battle with 7-1 records. My bet is that the Crusaders are still reeling from last week's loss to Pen Argyl and won't be able to stop the Panthers high-powered offense ... Saucon Valley 28-21.WILLIAMS VALLEY AT TRI-VALLEY - Yet another great battle between two one-loss teams. You can bet your mortgage payment that Valley will win this game. That's Tri-Valley, who plays outstanding defense ... Tri-Valley 14-6.