The post-season means it's 'Crunch Time'

When the regular season is finally over and we take a step into the post-season, it gets to become 'Crunch Time' around our Grid Picks corner.

It's time to really put your nose to the grindstone and (1) try and stay at the top if you're lucky enough to be there or (2) try to pick an upset or two along the way to get yourself at least within striking distance.

Shawn McFarland, Andy Steinmetz and Bob Ford all had 12-3 records last week putting McFarland, Joe Plasko and Steinmetz as the top 3, each a game apart. Ford moved ahead of yours truly and TJ Engle with his big week.

So let's take a look at what we have on this week's agenda and try to at least stay out of the bottom of the heap:

TAMAQUA AT PANTHER VALLEY - The Blue Raiders have something to prove this week as they left Lansford scoring only two points last time. The Panthers' defense rose to the occasion when it had to in the "Red Zone" in that win. Can they do it again? ... Panther Valley, 19-14.

SALISBURY AT NORTHERN LEHIGH - Bulldogs handed the Falcons their worst loss of the year in Week 5 of the regular season. Nolehi's next goal after qualifying for the playoffs is to get by the first round ... Northern Lehigh, 38-14.

SCRANTON PREP AT NORTHWESTERN LEHIGH - Tigers wound up as the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs. My scout up north tells me this will be a tough opener for them ... Scranton Prep, 14-13.

NAZARETH AT EASTON - The Blue Eagles have been one of the most improved teams in the Lehigh Valley Conference this year. Rovers had only one loss ... Easton, 21-14.

WILLIAMSPORT AT HAZLETON - Always wanted to be a millionaire, but we have to go with the Cougars in this one ... Hazleton, 21-7.

LIBERTY AT EAST STROUDSBURG SOUTH - The Cavaliers are definitely a power and could win this one, but we're going with the Hurricanes because they know how to shine when it's playoff time ... Liberty, 21-14.

SOUTHERN LEHIGH AT ALLENTOWN CENTRAL CATHOLIC - The Vikings earned the No. 1 seed with some quality wins. Spartans get a big test out of the Colonial League ... Central Catholic, 28-7.

POTTSVILLE AT WILSON - The Warriors haven't lost yet this season. And they won't this week either ... Wilson, 35-14.

PEN ARGYL AT NORTH SCHUYLKILL - If there was ever a reason a 4-6 team shouldn't be in the district playoffs, you'll see it here ... North Schuylkill, 42-0.

PALISADES AT CATASAUQUA - Roughies hiccuped away the No. 2 seed with a loss to the Tigers last week. Now they have to beat the Pirates, who they downed earlier 31-21, again ... Catasauqua, 28-14.

SCHUYLKILL HAVEN AT PIUS X - Only local team to play at Pius this season was Marian and the Colts got beat 38-19. The Colts also lost to the Hurricanes, however... Schuylkill Haven, 31-14.

TRI-VALLEY AT WILLIAMS VALLEY - The Vikings and Bulldogs in a backyard rivalry, but it didn't mean much earlier in the year when the Vikings won 34-6 ... Williams Valley, 35-12.

WHITEHALL AT WYOMING VALLEY WEST - George Curry might not be the coach at WVW anymore, but there still could be a old playbook of his around ... Wyoming Valley West, 21-20.

BETHLEHEM CATHOLIC AT WILKES-BARRE COUGHLIN - The Golden Hawks get an Eastern Conference playoff game and will take full advantage of the opportunity ... Becahi, 28-14.