Home WPIAL 2021 WPIAL Championships Preview

2021 WPIAL Championships Preview

by Ian

It’s WPIAL Championship Weekend at Heinz Field once again! Over Friday and Saturday, five Championship Games will take place. The weekend starts on Friday with the 1A and 2A title games, which will not be televised and only broadcast via our friends at the TribLive High School Sports Network. Saturday’s three games (3A, 4A, and 5A) will be televised on Pittsburgh’s CW as well as streamed by the TribLive HSSN. The first WPIAL Champion of the year was crowned last weekend as Mt. Lebanon beat Central Catholic to win their first title since 2000. On this week’s edition of the WPIAL Blitz Show, we were fortunate enough to have BOTH head coaches from the 1A Championship Game join us. Check out our interviews with Bishop Canevin’s Rich Johnson and OLSH’s Dan Bradley, along with previews of all five Championship Games and a look ahead to the PIAA tournament as this weekend is technically the state quarterfinals.

This year, our WPIAL coverage is sponsored by the Sports Stream Premium Network and PA Mortgage Protection and Life Insurance. The Sports Stream Premium Network enables schools to turn their livestreamed events into pay-per-view events where schools receive 100% of the revenue generated.

Be sure to follow our WPIAL Twitter account @WPIAL_Blitz and check out our WPIAL Blitz Facebook Page.

5A Championship Game

1. Moon (12-0) vs 2. Penn-Trafford (10-2)
Saturday, November 27, 6:00pm
WPIAL Blitz Show 5A Breakdown

How They Got Here

Moon won their second conference title in three seasons and was the only undefeated team in 5A this year. Back-to-back 3-point victories over Peters Twp and Upper St Clair set up a Week 8 showdown with Bethel Park for the conference crown. Moon’s running game and defense have been stout this season, holding 9 of their 12 opponents to under 14 points. In the playoffs, Moon has been able to get out to early leads against Woodland Hills and Penn Hills then rely on their defense to come up with stops down the stretch to secure the victories.

The saying that defense wins championships holds true in 5A this season. Moon and Penn-Trafford tied for the fewest points allowed in the classification, averaging just 12.2 against per game. Penn-Trafford rolled through the season with the second-best offense (33.3 points per game) in 5A. They lost to Belle Vernon, the top-seeded team in 4A, as well as Peters Twp early in the season, but ran through conference play. Penn-Trafford beat Gateway for the second straight time, clinching their third consecutive conference title. In the postseason, the Warriors dispatched Fox Chapel 42-14, the fourth consecutive playoff appearance for the Foxes that ended at the hands of Penn-Trafford. In the semifinals, they avenged last year’s loss to Pine-Richland with a 24-6 victory.

Recent History

In 2019 Moon won their first playoff game since 2006, but fell in the quarterfinals to Peters Twp. This is just Moon’s 4th playoff appearance in the last 15 years and first Championship Game appearance since 1998.

This is the 18th playoff appearance in the last 19 years for Penn-Trafford. The Warriors have the most playoff wins of any team in the WPIAL that has never won a Championship. Penn-Trafford lost at Heinz Field in 2015 (in AAAA) and in 2017 (in 5A).

Championship Pedigree

Moon won the WPIAL Championship in 1998, defeating Blackhawk 34-7 in the AAA Championship at Three Rivers Stadium. After defeating Huntingdon in the State semis, they lost to Allentown Central Catholic 10-0 in the 1998 PIAA Championship Game. This is just the second WPIAL Championship Game appearance in Moon’s history.

Penn-Trafford is appearing in their fourth WPIAL Championship game in school history. The Warriors previously reached the WPIAL Championship game in 1997, 2015, and 2017. They lost to Upper St Clair 28-27 in the 1997 Championship, lost to Central Catholic 24-17 in 2015, and lost to Gateway 21-16 in 2017. Trafford High School lost to Bridgeville in the 1949 Class B (which became single-A) Championship Game and Penn Joint lost to Albert Gallatin in the 1961 Class A (which became AA) Championship Game.

Dramatis Personae

Moon’s deep group of running backs has been the key to their offense this season. Five different players have accumulated at least 50 carries and 200 yards. Dylan Sleva (772 yards, 7 TDs) checks in at 6’3″ 230 pounds and has been an absolute hammer out of the backfield. Jeremiah Dean (542 yards, 9 total TDs) has been a change-of-pace back and also a factor in the passing game. Ian Foster (439 yards, 8 TDs) has also seen plenty of touches. Dual-threat QB Tyler McGowan has thrown for 1213 yards and 8 TDs this season and run for 243 yards and 3 scores. While Moon’s rushing attack has been strong, Taite Beachy (483 yards, 6 total TDs) has been a formidable threat on the outside. Ben Bladel has been an all-around stud for Moon, a force at defensive end and a threat in the passing game at tight end (226 receiving yards, 150 rushing yards, 7 total TDs). The Tigers line is anchored by Marshall-commit Trent Fraley.

Penn-Trafford’s dual-headed rushing attack has been deadly all season. Wisconsin-commit Cade Yacamelli (1498 rushing yards, 191 receiving yards, 22 total TDs) averages over 10 yards per carry and is a threat to take it to the house any time he touches the ball. Dual-threat QB Carter Green has committed to play lacrosse in college, and took over the QB role this season, throwing for 1024 yards and 9 TDs and running for 1019 yards and 14 TDs. Green has more rushing attempts than passing attempts this season, but when he does take to the air has spread the ball around between Yacamelli, Tommy Kalkstein (264 yards, 4 TDs), and Liam Hileman (187 yards, 1 TD). Penn-Trafford is also a team that is stout in the trenches led by two-way lineman Declan Ochendowski. One X-factor in this game could be kicking, and the Warriors have a good one in Nathan Schlessinger whose 7 field goals were the second-most in the WPIAL this season.

4A Championship Game

1. Belle Vernon (10-0) vs 2. Aliquippa (10-1)
Saturday, November 27, 3:00pm
WPIAL Blitz Show 4A Breakdown

How They Got Here

 Belle Vernon made two big statements in September, beating Penn-Trafford who was the top-ranked 5A team at the time, then beating rival Thomas Jefferson on a walk-off TD by Devin Whitlock on 4th down from 40 yards out. The Leopards persevered through an injury to star RB Quinton Martin and rolled into a Week 9 showdown with McKeesport where Martin and Whitlock stole the show. The offense continued rolling in the first round of the playoffs, racing past a feisty New Castle team 45-20. In the semis, the Leopards dominated Thomas Jefferson whose only score was a late touchdown. Other than the two TJ games, Belle Vernon won all the rest of their games by at least 20 points. Belle Vernon ranks second in the classification in offense (40.5 points per game) and defense (11.2 points against per game).

The PIAA “success formula” forced Aliquippa to move up from 3A to 4A last season and the Quips didn’t miss a beat, winning yet another conference title and reaching their 13th straight title game where they fell in overtime to Thomas Jefferson. The Quips enter their 14th straight title game as the highest-scoring team in 4A (42.6 points per game) and the tightest defense (9.7 points against per game). Aliquippa’s only loss came against defending 3A State Champions Central Valley in non-conference play. It sounds odd to say that Aliquippa has had a quiet season, but the Big Eight Conference has dominated the storylines in 4A and the Quips have just done what they do – pound everyone they face into oblivion (Aliquippa’s average margin of victory in conference play was 39 points). After ending Laurel Highlands’ storybook season in the Quarterfinals, the Quips battled back from a 14-0 deficit to take McKeesport to Overtime. After a scoreless first frame where McKeesport missed a field goal, the Quips forced a turnover in the second overtime then scored the game-winning touchdown to make it back to Heinz Field.

Recent History

Belle Vernon is in the playoffs for the 13th consecutive season. Belle Vernon has reached the semifinals in four straight seasons. They fell to Thomas Jefferson and South Fayette in 2017 and 2018 before breaking through and reaching the WPIAL final in 2019 where they lost to conference rival Thomas Jefferson. Last year they lost to Aliquippa in the semis.

Aliquippa is making their 27th consecutive playoff appearance, tied with Thomas Jefferson for the longest active streak. The Quips have reached the WPIAL title game in a record 14 straight seasons. After being upset by conference rivals two years in a row, they broke through in 2018 and beat Derry to win the WPIAL title. The Quips went on to also win the PIAA title, their third in school history. The last two seasons, the Quips have lost in overtime in the WPIAL Championship – to Central Valley in 3A in 2019 and to Thomas Jefferson in 4A last year.

Championship Pedigree

Belle Vernon won the WPIAL AAA Championship in 1995, beating Franklin Regional 22-6. That year, they lost to Sharon in overtime in the PIAA semifinals. That was part of a run of three trips to Three Rivers Stadium in five years, but their only title. They lost to Blackhawk in 1996 and West Allegheny in 1999. This is Belle Vernon’s second trip to Heinz Field in three years as they lost to Thomas Jefferson in the 2019 4A title game. In 1962, Rostraver (which would later merge to form Belle Vernon) tied Carmichaels 0-0 in the Class A (later AA) Championship Game.

Aliquippa has won the most WPIAL Championships of any school (17). The Quips won WPIAL AAA Championship in 1952, 1955, 1964, 1984, 1985, 1987, 1988, and 1989. They won the WPIAL AA Championship in 1991, 1996, 2000, 2003, 2008, 2011, 2012, and 2015 before the move to six classifications. In that timespan, they also won the 1991 and 2003 PIAA AA Championships. In the Six Classification Era, Aliquippa won the 3A WPIAL and PIAA Championships in 2018.

Dramatis Personae

This is a game that will absolutely be won in the trenches. Both teams have explosive rushing attacks that have flourished behind strong line play. Belle Vernon is led by the tandem of QB Devin Whitlock and RB Quinton Martin, who both average over 11 yards per carry. Whitlock is the most exciting player in the WPIAL with the ball in his hands. On the season he has thrown for 1023 yards and 9 TDs and run for 1189 yards and 22 TDs as well as returning 3 punts for touchdowns. Martin, a sophomore who already has offers from Penn State, Pitt, and West Virginia, missed a few games with injury but has been dynamic offensively with 902 rushing yards, 164 receiving yards, and 16 total TDs. In the games Martin missed, Jake Gedekoh stepped in and ran for 501 yards and 8 TDs, also averaging over 9 yards per carry, a credit to the Leopards offensive line and talent depth. While they don’t throw much, Evan Pohlot (299 yards, 1 TD) and Chase Ruokonen (233 yards, 3 TDs) have been their top receivers. Keep an eye out for TE/DE Cole Weightman who leads a defense full of fundamentally-sound tacklers that have bottled up explosive offenses so far this season.

For Aliquippa, it starts up front with an offensive line that averages over 300 pounds. The “Trench Dawgs” have paved the way for the emergence of freshman RB Tiqwai Hayes who has run for 1376 yards and 16 TDs. Hayes is complemented in the backfield by sophomore Jon Tracy (483 yards, 13 TDs). The young Quips have carried the offense this season with sophomore Quentin Goode stepping in and taking the reins of the Air Warfield offense, throwing for 1529 yards and 15 TDs. Goode has a dynamic set of receivers in Cyair Clark (513 yards, 7 total TDs), Tajier Thornton (392 yards, 6 total TDs), Jamar Jeter (198 yards, 1 TD), and Donovan Walker (140 yards, 6 total TDs). All four of them are also outstanding defenders and special teams players who are capable of making big plays any time they touch the ball.

3A Championship Game

1. Central Valley (12-0) vs 2. North Catholic (12-0)
Saturday, November 27, noon
WPIAL Blitz Show 3A Breakdown

How They Got Here

These were clearly the best two teams in 3A this season. Statistically Central Valley finished the year first in both offense and defense while North Catholic finished second. However, Central Valley has only played two games closer than 24 points all season and both were against 4A teams. The Warriors have cruised through the playoffs with a 41-0 victory over East Allegheny and a 51-0 win over Elizabeth Forward. By contrast, North Catholic had 7-point victories over Keystone Oaks and Avonworth in their playoff outings. Central Valley’s closest game against a 3A opponent was a 37-point win over Avonworth. Central Valley is the highest-scoring team playing at Heinz Field, averaging 48.3 points per game, a full touchdown more than North Catholic (40.7 points per game).

Both defenses have been outstanding this season. Only Blackhawk and Aliquippa scored more than once against Central Valley who pitched 5 shutouts. The Warriors defense held teams to just 6.8 points per game, though that number is a bit skewed as Blackhawk scored 35 of the 82 points Central Valley allowed this season. North Catholic have been the masters of the shutout this season, blanking 7 of their 12 opponents. Their 7.7 points against per game number is also a bit skewed as Keystone Oaks’ 41 points in the quarterfinals was just shy of the 51 total points the Trojans had allowed all regular season. North’s two playoff games could not have been any more different. They won a 48-41 shootout with Keystone Oaks then a 7-0 defensive struggle over Avonworth to get to Heinz Field for just the second time in school history.

Recent History

Since the merger of Center and Monaca School Districts in 2010, Central Valley made at least the semifinals in each of their first 6 seasons. After the change to 6 classifications, Central Valley dropped to 3A and missed the playoffs for the first time then were bounced in the first round two straight years. The Warriors won the 2019 WPIAL title with a 13-12 overtime win over Aliquippa then made a run to the State title game where they lost to Wyoming Area 21-14. Last year, Central Valley dominated the competition, rolling to the WPIAL title and defeating Wyomissing to win their first state title in school history.

North Catholic has made the playoffs in 10 consecutive seasons and 15 times in the last 16 years. The Trojans have reached the semifinals 7 of the last 9 seasons and won the WPIAL and PIAA Class A Championship in 2013 defeating a heavily favored Sto-Rox in the WPIAL title game and beating Old Forge in overtime to win the State title.

Championship Pedigree

Central Valley won the WPIAL AAA Championship in 2010 and 2014 and won the WPIAL 3A Championship in 2019 and 2020. Monaca won the WPIAL Class A Championship in 1975, 1982, and 1985. The Warriors have reached the PIAA finals three times, losing to Archbishop Wood in 2014 and Wyoming Area in 2019 before defeating Wyomissing in 2020.

This is only North Catholic’s second trip to a WPIAL Championship Game in school history. The Trojans won the WPIAL Class A Championship in 2013, defeating Sto-Rox 14-0 and followed it up by winning the 2013 PIAA Class A Championship, defeating Old Forge 15-14 in overtime. . Before this season, they were just 1-11 in the semifinals. Prior to joining the WPIAL in 1973 with the rest of the Pittsburgh Catholic League, North Catholic won seven Catholic League titles in 1959, 1960, 1961, 1963, 1965, 1970, and 1971.

Dramatis Personae

Central Valley has been led by their explosive backfield featuring 3A’s leading rusher Landon Alexander (1730 yards, 27 TDs). Alexander averages over 10 yards per carry and is on the verge of breaking Central Valley’s school rushing record set by Jordan Whitehead in 2014. Matt Merritt, who starred on last year’s State Championship team at linebacker, took over the quarterback role this season. When Merritt was injured early in the season, Antwon Johnson stepped in and the Warriors passing game opened up with Johnson throwing for 990 yards and 15 TDs. When Merritt returned, the two split time and Merritt stole the show in the semifinals, running for 162 yards and 3 TDs. With both Merritt and Johnson healthy, North Catholic’s defense will have to prepare to face both players at quarterback. In addition to Alexander, Brett FitzSimmons has run for 413 yards and 11 TDs. On the outside, Javin Thompson (559 yards, 8 TDs) and Denior Simpson (266 yards, 5 TDs) have been the top targets. Tight End Jack Bible has been a touchdown machine, scoring 6 times including a pick-six last week. Defensively, Pitt-commit Sean FitzSimmons has lived up to his “Terror of the Trenches” moniker, basically living in opponents backfields this season.

North Catholic also had to overcome a quarterback injury this season. Dual-threat QB Joey Prentice (1456 passing yards, 20 TDs, 367 rushing yards and 8 TDs) missed a few games with injury and Jason Siket stepped in. Prentice has returned and led the team with 4 TD passes in the win over Keystone Oaks then ran for the only touchdown in the semifinal against Avonworth. North Catholic’s offense is loaded with talent all over the field. Slot back Kyle Tipinski leads the Trojans in both rushing (495 yards), receiving (516 yards), and scoring (18 total TDs). The speedy Jack Fennell has 483 rushing yards, 315 receiving yards and 13 total TDs including multiple kick and punt returns for scores. Receivers Tyler Maziarz (443 yards, 9 TDs) and Liam Straub (295 yards, 7 TDs) both average over 23 yards per catch. Daniel Long is an absolute wrecking ball at defensive end and has contributed offensively at tight end with 156 yards and 2 TDs. Chase Arrington has run for 214 yards and 4 scores, in addition to being a shutdown defensive back who hasn’t allowed a TD all season. The Trojans have been outstanding in the trenches all season on both sides of the ball this season but will face their biggest challenge yet in Central Valley.

2A Championship Game

5. Beaver Falls (9-3) vs 6. Serra Catholic (12-1)
Friday, November 26, 5:00pm
WPIAL Blitz Show 2A Breakdown

How They Got Here

Beaver Falls is the defending WPIAL Champions but got off to a rocky start, losing their first 3 games. Losses to 4A squads (Blackhawk and Aliquippa) weren’t anything to worry about, but an 18-point loss to Laurel could have been. The Tigers rebounded on the strength of their passing attack and went 6-0 through the rest of their slate to enter the playoffs on a hot streak. In that run, only Neshannock played them closer than 20 points. Their run of dominance continued in the playoffs, dispatching Western Beaver for the second straight year then Jug Game rivals New Brighton in the quarterfinals. They met the top-ranked Steel Valley team in the semifinals who was without WPIAL leading rusher NiJhay Burt after an ankle injury in the quarterfinals. Beaver Falls won 21-8, dominating time of possession, to reach the finals on a nine-game winning streak.

Serra rolled through the regular season until running into Steel Valley in Week 9. Serra’s defense was outstanding this season, holding opponents to just 9 points per game and scoring 8 defensive touchdowns. Serra bounced back in a big way in the playoffs with an explosive 61-21 victory over Neshannock in the first round of the playoffs. From there, the Eagles rode their defense, shutting down Laurel and Sto-Rox who both averaged over 35 points per game. In the last two weeks Serra’s defense has produced 8 turnovers. After stifling Laurel 6-0, Serra hit a late touchdown pass to get revenge on Sto-Rox for last year’s semifinal defeat by a narrow 13-12 margin.

Recent History

 Beaver Falls made their 14th playoff appearance in the last 15 years. In 2016, Beaver Falls defeated Aliquippa 35-22 in the WPIAL Championship then went on to beat Middletown 30-13 and win the State Championship. Last year the Tigers moved down to 2A and were dominant, running to the WPIAL title before falling in the State semis to Wilmington.

This is Serra’s 6th straight playoff appearance after a 6-year drought. Their first round victory in 2017 was the Eagles’ first playoff win since they won the 2007 WPIAL title. Serra reached the semifinals last year and lost a thrilling game against Sto-Rox. This will be their first trip to Heinz Field since winning that 2007 title.

Championship Pedigree

Beaver Falls has won five WPIAL titles and were the 2016 State Champions.  The Tigers were awarded the WPIAL AAA Championship in 1928 and 1960 based on Gardner Points (no Championship Game played). Beaver Falls won the 1984 WPIAL AA Championship over Riverside 14-13. They won the WPIAL and PIAA 3A Championship in 2016. Last year they mercy ruled Sto-Rox to win the WPIAL 2A Championship. This will be Beaver Falls’ 8th appearance in a WPIAL Championship Game.

Serra Catholic has won two WPIAL Class A Championships, defeating Clairton 12-0 in 1981 and defeating Springdale 10-6 in 2007. The Eagles lost to Steelton-Highspire 34-15 in the 2007 PIAA Class A Championship. This will be just the third Championship Game appearance for Serra Catholic.

Dramatis Personae

Beaver Falls’ team that won the WPIAL title last year was a run-oriented offense. Only five players graduated from that team but those included their top three rushers. This year, the Tigers have been reimagined with a pass-heavy attack led by Jaren Brickner (2477 yards, 24 TDs). While Brickner did not win the WPIAL passing title in the regular season, he is just 147 yards shy of claiming the overall lead and the two players in front of him are both out of the playoffs. Beaver Falls has four players averaging over 20 yards per catch – Trey Singleton (848 yards, 11 TDs), Mekhi Clark (649 yards, 8 TDs), Quadir Thomas (451 yards, 9 TDs), and Tyler Cain (383 yards, 5 TDs). On the ground, Isaiah Aeschbacher (783 yards, 12 TDs) has averaged nearly 9 yards per carry and Brickner has contributed with 410 yards and 8 TDs.

Beaver Falls’ passing attack against Serra Catholic’s dominant defense is one of the most intriguing matchups of Championship weekend. Serra’s defense has generated 39 sacks, 15 interceptions, 24 fumble recoveries, and 8 defensive touchdowns. Serra’s offense has similarly been led by their passing attack and QB Max Rocco (1753 yards, 24 TDs). The Eagles have a slew of talent on the outside, led by a trio of receivers averaging over 17 yards per catch. Terrell Booth (842 yards, 14 total TDs) has been an explosive play-maker, including the game-winning 49-yard touchdown catch last week. Jayvon Holt (585 receiving yards, 186 rushing yards, 10 total TDs) has also been steller on defense at strong safety with 13 tackles for loss, 6 sacks, and 3 interceptions. Pharoh Fisher has found the end zone 7 times between offense (135 rushing yards, 133 receiving yards), defense (3 INTs), and special teams. Machai Brooks-Duetrieulle leads the Eagles backfield with 863 yards and 5 TDs, including the only score in the quarterfinal victory over Laurel.

1A Championship Game

3. Bishop Canevin (12-1) vs 9. OLSH (9-3)
Friday, November 26, 2:00pm

How They Got Here

We had the honor of interviewing both head coaches from this game on this week’s WPIAL Blitz Show. Both men had great stories to tell about how they have built their programs into Championship contenders. Check out our interviews with Bishop Canevin Coach Rich Johnson, OLSH Coach Dan Bradley, and our breakdown of the 1A Championship Game.

Brick by brick, Bishop Canevin has rebuilt their program from some recent struggles. They got off to a 5-0 start with a 3-point win over Springdale and a 6-point win over GCC before falling by 10 to Clairton in a game where the Bears scored two defensive touchdowns. The Crusaders defense allowed just 3 points over their last 4 games to roll into the playoffs on a hot streak. After putting up 40+ points in their first two games against Burgettstown and Shenango, Bishop Canevin battled a tough Cornell team in the semis and emerged with a 24-7 victory. The Crusaders defense pitched 5 shutouts and held 9 teams to single-digit outputs.

OLSH had an up-and-down season with easy wins over Burgettstown and Fort Cherry, a loss to Rochester, followed by a narrow win over Union. Their playoff hopes were in jeopardy after they dropped games to Shenango and Northgate, but the Chargers edged conference champions Cornell in the final week to secure a playoff spot. In the playoffs, their defense has been outstanding – holding GCC to just 8 points then shutting down Clairton’s offense as they mounted a comeback from down 15-0 to win 29-15. In the semifinals, OLSH got a shot at revenge against Rochester and was able to hold on to a 14-13 lead after Rochester missed an extra point in the third quarter.

Recent History

Bishop Canevin is making their first WPIAL Championship game appearance since 1990. This was also their first playoff appearance since 2017.  The Crusaders went through two down campaigns where they won just 1 conference game in 2018 and 2019 before bouncing back to the middle of the pack last year and breaking through to finish second in the conference and reach Heinz Field this year.

OLSH started playing football in 2010 and made the playoffs for the first time in 2016. They got their first playoff victory in 2017. After two straight playoff losses to Imani Christian, OLSH defeated the Saints in the first round in 2018 and went on to beat Clairton and Rochester to win the WPIAL title. OLSH’s 2018 season ended with a loss to Farrell in the PIAA semifinals. OLSH lost to Clairton in the first round each of the last two seasons before overcoming the Bears in the quarterfinals this year.

Championship Pedigree

Bishop Canevin won the WPIAL AA Championship in 1990. The Crusaders went on to lose to Hanover in the PIAA Championship in overtime. This is just their third Championship Game appearance in school history. Bishop Canevin also reached the WPIAL AA title game in 1983, falling to Jeannette 6-0. Canevin Catholic also won a Pittsburgh Catholic League title in 1969, prior to the merger of the Catholic League with the WPIAL in 1974.

OLSH won their first WPIAL Championship in 2018, defeating Rochester 28-6. They lost to Farrell in the PIAA semifinals. This is the second WPIAL Championship Game appearance in OLSH’s relatively short history as a football program.

Dramatis Personae

Bishop Canevin has a relatively young squad with just 5 seniors but those 5 provide tremendous leadership. At the skill positions, sophomore QB Jason Cross has thrown for 1371 yards and 16 TDs and run for 467 yards and 12 TDs. He has split time under center with freshman Kole Olszewski (649 yards, 9 TDs). Last week, it was Olszewski who stole the show in the box score – throwing for 142 yards and 2 TDs. The Crusaders have a dynamic tandem of junior receivers in Lasae Lacks (826 receiving yards, 14 total TDs) and Xavier Nelson (715 receiving yards, 11 total TDs) who both average 20 yards per catch. Both players have been tremendous in all three phases of the game this year, producing touchdowns on offense, defense, and special teams. In addition to Cross’ running abilities, Marquis Carter (550 yards, 5 TDs) and Keshawn Harris (356 yards, 5 TDs) have gotten the lion’s share of the work on the ground.

OLSH also has a relatively young team that is built around their senior-laden offensive line. The Chargers also have a strong passing attack, led by Nehemiah Azeem (1776 yards, 14 TDs). Azeem doesn’t run as much as his counterpart for Canevin, but has scored 7 TDs this season on the ground.  OLSH also has a dynamic talent at receiver in Ziggy McIntosh (668 yards, 6 TDs) who should provide a fun matchup to watch against the Canevin cornerbacks. In addition to McIntosh, Azeem has spread the ball around between Dereon Greer (356 yards,3 TDs), Dorrien Tate (261 yards, 4 TDs), and Ethan Gardner (189 yards, 1 TD). Out of the backfield, Stephen Greer (729 yards, 7 TDs) has led the rushing attack. BJ Vaughn (387 yards, 2 TDs) has been a change-of-pace back, averaging over 8 yards per carry. Brandon Brazell, who stars on defense with his twin brother Brady, has contributed on the ground (306 rushing yards), through the air (128 receiving yards) and scored 4 times.

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