Still trying to find a way out of the basement

Last week, I talked about how different it was to be last in our Grid Picks list and this week it isn't much different.

Still last, still four games out of first, but at least heading in to Week 4 I have some company. Bob Ford and TJ Engle have been kind enough to join me.

I've received words of wisdom from many that it's not where you start, it's where you finish so at least some of you have helped keep things on a positive note here.

This week seems to be another tough week, however, so we might as well get right to it.

Here goes:

JIM THORPE AT PANTHER VALLEY - The Panthers came away with a big win over Lehighton last week, while the Olympians ran in to a tough North Schuylkill team. This one should be one of the better games around. I'm going with the home team ... Panther Valley, 24-21.

TAMAQUA AT MAHANOY AREA - Blue Raiders continue to roll as the lone unbeaten in the TIMES NEWS area ... Tamaqua, 48-7.

MARIAN AT PIUS X - A return to Saturday afternoon football for the Colts and I think they'll like it ... Marian, 27-7.

NORTHWESTERN AT SOUTHERN LEHIGH - The Tigers found out how good Wilson was last week, while the Spartans found out how bad Bangor was ... Northwestern, 21-7.

PALISADES AT NORTHERN LEHIGH - What better foe for the Bulldogs to flex their muscles a little bit than doing it against the Pirates ... Northern Lehigh, 28-14.

SAUCON VALLEY AT PALMERTON - Blue Bombers need a win badly and it better come here ... Palmerton, 14-13.

PLEASANT VALLEY AT LEHIGHTON - This is another tricky one since the Indians have been hit with a few injuries ... Lehighton, 28-14.

STROUDSBURG AT POCONO MOUNTAIN EAST - The Cardinals have also been hit with injuries, especially in the backfield. The Mounts get the nod here ... Stroudsburg, 21-14.

SALISBURY AT CATASAUQUA - Rough Riders continue to be the surprise of the Colonial League this year ... Catasauqua, 14-7.

SCHUYLKILL HAVEN AT NORTH SCHUYLKILL - It's tough to pick against the Hurricanes, but the Spartans have proved they are for real ... North Schuylkill, 28-21.

SHENANDOAH VALLEY AT MINERSVILLE - No contest here as I like the Blue Devils ... Shenandoah Valley, 21-0.

EMMAUS AT EASTON - Word out of the Lehigh Valley is that the Red Rovers are back on track ... Easton, 14-0.

NAZARETH AT PARKLAND - The Trojans have one heck of a defense. The Eagles will be in for a fight ... Parkland, 21-7.

WHITEHALL AT NORTHAMPTON - Zephyrs cost me last week. I won't let that happen again ... Northampton, 14-7.

BETHLEHEM CATHOLIC AT CENTRAL CATHOLIC - This is a big battle with the Golden Hawks and the Vikings looking pretty good the first three weeks ... Central Catholic, 21-20.