I actually had a bye.

It turns out there was a miscommunication between my agent and the sports editor - even paid communicators miscommunicate sometimes - and I was not eliminated from the postseason because of errant commas. I was granted a free-be into the second round.

That’s what I get for switching agents from Carnac the Magnificent to Better Call Saul.

So, I join Northern Lehigh, Palmerton and Northwestern Lehigh in extending our seasons into mid-November.

Unlike my brothers-in-pads, I got a solid week to rest, ice my fingers and think up catchy phrases that will make my high school English teachers cringe.

Before we move on to the second round of playoffs, let’s use our 20-20 hindsight goggles to recap Week 10 and the first round of playoffs.

No. 9 - Panther Valley

The Panthers didn’t make the playoffs, but their last regular-season game wasn’t their last game. They hooked up with Nativity for a Nov. 3 game, which truly was the end of the season. Couple of thoughts: Glad to see Mike Pascoe break a couple of school records, but I’m still up in the air on this non-playoff game after the regular season ends deal. It’s not something I stress over - that would be what I’m making for dinner tonight - so congrats to PV’s seven seniors who stuck with the program through some really lean times and went out with a win.

No. 8 - Marian

The Colts just couldn’t string together games, and within games, they couldn’t string together series of drives where they didn’t turn the ball over or make untimely mistakes. But they are improving, and expect an even better Marian club next season.

No. 7 - Jim Thorpe

On to basketball and wrestling.

No. 6 - Lehighton

Forget last week’s lopsided loss to North Schuylkill. The Indians ended the regular-season winning the Route 209 battle with the Olympians. Thorpe knew it was going to be a rough night when the team got stuck in tourist traffic by the train station on its way to Lehighton.

No. 5 - Tamaqua

Lump the Blue Raiders, Indians and Olympians into the same category - teams that are this close to getting over the hump.

No. 4 - Pleasant Valley

The Bears were the best team in Monroe County thanks to a thrilling win over Stroudsburg. They lose a lot of seniors, so moving up in the EPC will be challenging.

No. 3 - Palmerton

Here’s what we know: North Schuylkil - Palmerton’s opponent in the second round - is really good; and Palmerton has an outstanding offense, led by junior QB Matt Machalik. North Schuylkill won 35-21 on Oct. 14. Something tells me Bomber coach Chris Walkowiak harped on defense this week heading into this Class 3A semifinal matchup.

No. 2 - Northwestern

Well, lookey here, the other half of the Class 3A bracket has Northwestern against Notre Dame of Green Pond. Wouldn’t that be fun - Tigers vs. Bombers for a district title.

No. 1 - Northern Lehigh

Playing North Schuylkill, Northwestern Lehigh, Notre Dame of Green Pond and Palmerton during the regular season is going to pay off for the Bulldogs in this Class A clash of state-ranked teams. Not sure if the Bulldogs will be playing in December, but wouldn’t be surprised if they (ARE) playing after Thanksgiving.