The WPIAL playoffs are here! This week we have first round playoff action in 1A, 2A, 3A, and 4A. In all but 1A, the top teams received first round byes and won’t be on the field until next week. The condensed 5A playoffs (which I wrote about ways to fix earlier this week) start in the quarterfinals this week. The four 6A teams that qualified for the playoffs have the week off before playing their semifinal games next week. Additionally, check out this week’s edition of the WPIAL Blitz Show where we interviewed Jefferson-Morgan Superintendent (and WPIAL Steering Committee member) Brandon Robinson. We also discussed all 67 WPIAL playoff teams and how they got here. In this article, I previewed ALL 27 first round playoff matchups. With the Steelers game on Thursday night it was a multi-tasking marathon effort, so I probably made some typos along the way.
This year, our WPIAL coverage is proudly presented by GoMVB Sports and Sports Solutions Marketing. High school athletes should check out GoMVB Sports – SSM for tips on how to beef up their social media presence to attract college coaches and college recruiters. The Sports Solutions network provides pay per view hosting and broadcasting for high school sporting events. More information is available via EasternPAFootball.com.
I will once again be doing a pregame spot on WMBS Radio. You can listen to the show here, starting at 6pm on Friday. This weekend, WMBS will be broadcasting California taking on Jeannette. Both teams have high-scoring offenses which has all the makings of a shootout. Check out the Game Preview below for more information on the matchup.
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5A Quarterfinal Previews
1. Peters Twp vs 8. Franklin Regional
Peters Twp enters the playoffs as the only undefeated team in 5A and on a mission to claim their first WPIAL title in school history. The Indians have the top offense (over 40 points per game) and defense (under 7 points allowed per game) in 5A. Franklin Regional, despite losing their Week 9 game to Penn-Trafford, got into the playoffs via the Wild Card. The Panthers edged Woodland Hills by just 2 Tiebreaker Points. Peters Twp is led by dual-threat QB Nolan DiLucia (1935 pass yards, 17 TDs, 322 rush yards, 5 TDs). RB Vinny Sarcone (526 yards, 18 TDs) was the star last week in the conference title-clinching win over Bethel Park, finding the end zone four times. Carter Shanafelt (350 receiving yards) has been an all-around star, scoring 9 times between offense, defense, and kick returns. Franklin Regional has a balanced offensive attack. Kyle Dupill (1165 yards, 15 TDs) has led the way on the ground. When the Panthers take to the air, it is usually Chase Lemke (1193 yards, 13 TDs) throwing to Ayden Hudock (722 yards, 11 TDs).
4. Gateway vs 5. Moon
Both teams have had similar trajectories to their seasons. Both started 0-3 as they dealt with injuries at key positions. In mid-September, they caught fire. Gateway’s stride came when star quarterback Brad Birch (1960 yards, 19 TDs) returned from injury. But the Gators dropped 2 of their final 3 games to non-conference opponents. Gateway swept through the Big East Conference and won the conference crown, but was winless against non-conference competition. Moon dropped 2 of their last 4 games but won the 3-way tie for second place in the Allegheny Six Conference. These teams have contrasting styles between Gateway’s passing attack and Moon’s ground game. Birch’s top receivers have been Kenny Lewis (796 yards, 9 TDs) and Bowling Green-commit Steven Jenkins (332 yards, 5 TDs). Moon has been forced to use a number of different quarterbacks this season due to injuries but has a rotation of backs that have carried the load. Josh Bladel (817 yards, 10 TDs) and Nazir Brookins (735 yards, 7 TDs) have been the primary backs. Paul Bronaugh (156 receiving yards, 342 rushing yards, 4 total TDs) is a big play waiting to happen every time he touches the ball.
2. Penn Hills vs 7. Penn-Trafford
Penn Hills narrowly missed the playoffs last year but came out with a vengeance and won the Northeast Conference title this season. Penn-Trafford needed until the final week of the season and a victory over Franklin Regional to secure their playoff spot. Penn Hills is led by Pitt-commit Julian Dugger (1412 passing yards, 16 TDs, 628 rushing yards, 9 TDs). Dugger has spread the ball around between Cameron Thomas (458 yards, 7 TDs), Naytel Mitchell (319 yards, 2 TDs), and Martel Palmer (319 yards, 5 TDs). Amir Key (799 yards, 7 TDs) has been a workhorse back for the Indians. Penn-Trafford has relied heavily on their ground game and the tandem of Tasso Whipple (1269 rushing yards, 268 receiving yards, 14 total TDs) and Ben Grabowski (668 yards, 10 TDs). When the Warriors do take to the air, Jonny Lovre (1171 yards, 7 TDs) has a solid connection with Carmen Metcalfe (491 yards, 2 TDs).
3. Pine-Richland vs 6. Bethel Park
Pine-Richland is the defending WPIAL and PIAA Champions. Like last season when they started slow and went on a run, the Rams made a schematic change on offense at the mid-point this season. They shifted RB Ethan Pillar (1232 yards, 18 TDs) to a wildcat quarterback role. Remarkably, Pillar carried 56 times in a win over 6A top seed Central Catholic. Since that switch, the Rams defense has also cranked it up a notch, holding their final 4 opponents to just 33 total points (including shutouts each of the last two games). Bethel Park earned one of the Wild Card spots on Gardner Points, edging out conference rival Upper St Clair for the 3rd place position based on a Week 6 head-to-head victory. When Pillar is not operating out of the wildcat with Pillar, Kanan Huffman (495 yards, 3 TDs) and freshman Aaron Strader (216 passing yards, 2 TDs, 474 rushing yards, 3 TDs) have split time at quarterback. Bethel Park has a quality quarterback in Tanner Pfeuffer (1793 yards, 20 TDs). Ja Vaughn Moore (936 yards, 8 TDs) has seen most of the work in the Blackhawks ground game. If Bethel Park is going to pull the upset over the defending state champs, they will need a big game from offensive weapon Ryan Petras (391 rushing yards, 676 receiving yards, 13 total TDs).
4A First Round Previews
8. West Allegheny vs 9. Latrobe
West Allegheny had a strong start to the season that included a last-second loss to top-seeded Aliquippa. But the Indians offense slowed down the stretch. They narrowly beat a winless Blackhawk team then lost their final two outings to Central Valley and Montour. Latrobe is looking to build on last year’s historic playoff victory – their first since 1968. West Allegheny is a run-heavy offense with the tandem of Brock Cornell (1009 yards, 17 TDs) and Roman Police (443 yards, 11 TDs). Cornell has seen his role increase with time at quarterback over the later half of the season, throwing for 336 yards and 4 TDs. Latrobe also has a dual-threat QB in John Wetzel (1175 passing yards, 14 TDs, 793 rushing yards, 13 TDs). The Wildcats have a dynamic playmaker on the outside in Ja’Tawn Williams (712 receiving yards, 14 total TDs) who has contributed in all three phases. Watch out for RB/LB Alex Tatsch (349 yards, 8 TDs) who has drawn some D1 attention lately.
4. Mars vs 13. Chartiers Valley
The Coach Kasperowicz offense has fully taken over at Mars and delivered a conference title in the second year of his tenure. Mars won the Greater Allegheny crown on a last-minute touchdown pass to beat North Catholic. Chartiers Valley won just 3 games this season, but they were the wins they needed to get into the playoffs. The Colts beat Ambridge in a win-and-get-in Week 9 Parkway Conference showdown. Luke Goodworth (1727 yards, 18 TDs) has taken the helm of the Planets offense and found a reliable tandem in Gabe Hein (774 yards, 9 TDs) and Aiden Alessio (439 yards, 4 TDs). On the ground, Evan Wright (1526 yards, 27 TDs) tied for the most touchdowns in the WPIAL this season. Chartiers Valley has relied heavily on Austin Efthimiades (974 yards, 9 TDs) in their running game this season.
5. Central Valley vs 12. Highlands
Central Valley fell to Aliquippa in Week 9 after giving the Quips all they could handle. The Warriors have restocked their offensive attack with a dual-threat quarterback and powerful rushing attack. Highlands overcame a number of injuries that resulted in a 3-game losing streak mid-season. Once the Rams got their starters back, they won back-to-back games to close the season and make the playoffs. Central Valley’s strong line play has paved the way for their top four rushers to all average over 6 yards per carry. Jance Henry (950 yards, 13 TDs), T. Mason Dixon (717 yards, 12 TDs), and Brandon Singleton (483 yards, 4 TDs) have all seen their share of work on the ground. Dual-threat QB Steven Rutherford (1171 passing yards, 9 TDs, 396 rushing yards, 8 TDs) has also been a factor on the ground. Highlands is a run-heavy team with Luke Bombalski (954 yards, 13 TDs) as the focal point of the offense. Because of injuries, the Rams have used both Aaran Randolph (335 passing yards, 3 TDs, 760 rushing yards, 8 TDs) and Menage Lucas (217 passing yards, 1 TD, 298 rushing yards, 4 TDs) as dual-threat QBs this season. Randolph returned from injury late in the season and was the key to the Rams winning their final two games.
6. Thomas Jefferson vs 11. Kiski
Thomas Jefferson has reached the semifinals in 24 of the last 25 seasons, one of the most incredible streaks in WPIAL history. The Jaguars dropped conference games to Trinity and McKeesport, the later for the conference title in Week 9. Kiski bounced back from finishing last in the Greater Allegheny Conference last year and a 1-4 start to this season to win 4 of their final 5 outings and make the playoffs. Kiski QB Carson Heinle (1585 yards, 17 TDs) has already broken the school passing record and is only a junior. Heinle (468 yards, 5 TDs) and Landon Kucic (826 yards, 11 TDs) have been a one-two punch in the Cavaliers rushing attack. On the outside, Heinle has spread the ball around between Isaiah Gonzalez (538 yards, 6 TDs), Terry Martin (468 yards, 4 TDs), and Andrew Finney (361 yards, 4 TDs). Thomas Jefferson has used both Brody Evans (1116 yards, 10 TDs) and Luke Kosko (836 yards, 7 TDs) at quarterback this season. Regardless of who is playing quarterback, the receiving tandem of Sean Sullivan (802 yards, 9 TDs) and Jason Salman (644 yards, 9 TDs) has been explosive.
7. North Catholic vs 10. Trinity
After missing the playoffs by just one tiebreaker point last season, North Catholic is back in the postseason. The Trojans lost a showdown with Mars for the conference title in Week 9. North Catholic’s offense has been all about senior RB Jack Fennell (1275 yards, 23 TDs) who averages over 8 yards per carry. The Trojans have a D1 caliber player in TE/DE Brady O’Hara (308 receiving yards, 2 TDs), a Penn State-commit. On the other side, Trinity is back in the playoffs for the first time since 2017 and is looking for their first playoff victory since 2007. The Hillers turned some heads with a dominant victory over Thomas Jefferson in Week 6. Sophomore QB Jonah Williamson (1650 passing yards, 12 TDs, 820 rushing yards, 10 TDs) is in his second year as a starter and been a huge part of the Hillers success. He has a quality tandem of receivers in Luke Lacock (565 yards, 6 TDs) and Dante DeRubbo (507 yards, 7 TDs). Andrew During (441 rushing yards, 346 receiving yards, 7 total TDs) has been a threat all over the field.
3A First Round Previews
8. Deer Lakes vs 9. Southmoreland
This is a historic matchup as neither school has ever won a WPIAL playoff game. Both have been building towards a playoff victory in recent years. Deer Lakes is making just their 4th playoff appearance all-time but also qualified last year. Southmoreland snapped a 40-year playoff drought in 2019 but since then has made the playoffs in 4 out of 5 seasons. These two teams met earlier this year with Deer Lakes coming out on top 24-7, which is likely why the Lancers got the higher seed and the home game. Deer Lakes QB Derek Burk (1793 yards, 23 TDs) has carried the Lancers to their best season ever. He has spread the ball around between Wayne Love (649 yards, 6 TDs), Zach Grant (451 yards, 6 TDs), and Ryan Cochran (414 yards, 3 TDs). On the ground, Zier Williams (1006 yards, 11 TDs) has averaged over 6 yards per carry. Southmoreland also has a good quarterback in Kadin Keefer (1197 yards, 12 TDs). While Burk has spread it around, Keefer has primarily targeted Ty Keffer (796 yards, 9 TDs). On the ground, Da’sjon Craggette (1329 yards, 18 TDs) has added another dimension to the Scotties offense.
5. Knoch vs 12. South Park
Knoch has been one of the great turnaround stories in the WPIAL in recent memory. The Knights went from a 1-9 campaign last year to 8-2 this season, losing out on the conference title by just a point in overtime. The potential for a rematch against East Allegheny looms in the second round but first Knoch will face a South Park team that enters the playoffs on a two-game losing skid. South Park did defeat East Allegheny back in Week 0 and put up 35+ points in 4 of their 6 victories, but have allowed 30+ points in all four of their losses. Knoch has reinvented their offense over the last two seasons to focus on the passing game. Dual-threat QB Codi Mullen (1565 passing yards, 16 TDs, 513 rushing yards, 5 TDs) has flourished. Mullen has relied on the tandem of Kaden Spencer (561 yards, 6 TDs) and Jackson Buman (483 yards, 5 TDs) as his top receivers. Conversely, South Park has leaned on their rushing attack and Eric Doerue (1224 yards, 11 TDs) this season. Michigan-commit Zach Ludwig (708 passing yards, 6 TDs, 321 rushing yards, 2 TDs) will be a linebacker at the next level but is playing quarterback for the Eagles this year.
6. West Mifflin vs 11. Mt Pleasant
West Mifflin might be the hottest team in the WPIAL in the month of October. The Titans turned to freshman running back Armand Hill who exploded for over 1000 yards (including a 495-yard performance) over the last three weeks. Hill has found the end zone 14 times this year, including 11 over the last 3 games. While West Mifflin will pound the ball with Armand Hill, Mt. Pleasant also has a strong rushing attack and will use a number of different ball carriers. The Vikings will use Dante Giallonardo (544 yards, 7 TDs), Brody Hutter (438 yards, 6 TDs), Garrett Eicher (408 yards, 7 TDs), and Jackson Hutter (332 yards, 5 TDs). After a strong 5-1 start to the season, the Vikings faltered against playoff-level competition, dropping 3 of their last 4 outings to finish 4th in the Interstate Conference.
7. Beaver vs 10. Shady Side Academy
Beaver enters the playoffs as the highest-scoring team in 3A, averaging over 40 points per game. The Bobcats gave conference champions Avonworth all they could handle earlier in the season. Beaver has scored over 30 points in all 8 of their victories. Shady Side has also been a high-scoring bunch this year, averaging over 36 points per game. The Bulldogs’ struggles have been on the defensive side of the ball. Their offense produced in the last two outings but their defense could not slow down Deer Lakes and East Allegheny in nearly identical 41-35 and 41-34 defeats. This game promises to have plenty of scoring and has all the makings of a shootout. Beaver has relied on the tandem of Drey Hall (7 TDs) and Quanlan Cain (6 TDs) out of the backfield. Travis Clear has thrown 13 TD passes, primarily targeting Amari Jackson (9 total TDs). Brady Mayo has been an all-around playmaker for the Bobcats and found the end zone a team-high 11 times. Shady Side Academy has a quality quarterback in Devin Harris (1141 yards, 11 TDs). Carter Simko has found the end zone 8 times for the Bulldogs.
2A First Round Previews
8. Serra Catholic vs 9. Western Beaver
Two of the best quarterbacks in the WPIAL will square off at Norwin Stadium, where the WPIAL passing champion Tristyn Tavares played this season. Serra’s Quadir Stribling (2076 yards, 24 TDs) and Western Beaver’s Jaivin Peel (2434 yards, 27 TDs) will battle it out in what promises to be an aerial duel. Peel broke the WPIAL’s freshman passing record this season and has an explosive tandem of receivers in Dorian McGhee (890 yards, 12 TDs) and Mikey Crawford (777 yards, 11 TDs). On the other side, De’reon Washington (854 yards, 15 TDs) and Jesere Young (536 yards, 5 TDs) have been Stribling’s favorite targets. Western Beaver also has a big-play threat at running back in Tyson Florence (959 yards, 14 TDs) who has averaged 7.5 yards per carry. Serra has not run the ball much, but when they do Mason Jones (429 yards, 6 TDs) has been the lead back.
4. Imani Christian vs 13. Waynesburg
Imani Christian is back in the playoffs for the first time since 2018 in the second year under Head Coach LaRoi Johnson (who had tremendous success with Sto-Rox). Waynesburg is making their first playoff appearance since 2014. The Raiders rebounded from a winless 2022 campaign to earn their second trip to the playoffs in the last 20 years. Imani Christian is loaded with talented players all over the field. Dual-threat QB Steve Vandiver (1229 passing yards, 14 TDs, 475 rushing yards, 8 TDs) is also the team’s leading rusher. Dayshaun Burnett has been used all over the field with 296 rushing yards, 218 receiving yards, 11 total TDs as well as playing some quarterback (449 passing yards, 6 TDs). Chevon Allen (517 yards, 8 TDs) is Imani’s leading receiver. Waynesburg also has a dual-threat QB in Jacob Stephenson (955 passing yards, 7 TDs, 550 rushing yards, 10 TDs). Stephenson missed last week’s game against Charleroi and Teagan Crouse stepped in, throwing for 128 yards and a TD. On the ground, Breydon Woods (1318 yards, 14 TDs) has been the focal point of the Raiders offensive attack.
5. Mohawk vs 12. Burrell
This game has a dramatic contrast of styles. Mohawk’s passing attack, led by Jay Wrona (1875 yards, 30 TDs) faces off against Burrell’s ground game. Mohawk’s season was bookended by losses (to defending 1A Champions Union and to conference champions Neshannock), but that shouldn’t take away from what the Warriors accomplished. They had an 8-game winning streak and both of their losses came in the final minute of those respective games. Sophomore WR Bobby Fadden (604 yards, 15 TDs) has already broken Mohawk’s career receiving record. When Mohawk doesn’t put the ball in Wrona’s hands, Justin Boston (793 yards, 6 TDs) has seen the lion’s share of work in the rushing attack. Burrell ground out an 8-7 win over Serra Catholic in mid-September, but backed into the playoffs as the Bucs dropped 4 of their last 5 outings. Burrell’s offense relies almost entirely on Devin Beattie (1080 yards, 9 TDs) running the ball.
3. Washington vs 14. Ellwood City
Washington has been a bipolar team in the playoffs the last few seasons. Two years ago, they were the #4 seed and were upset in the first round. Last year the Prexies were the 12-seed but upset Serra Catholic and gave Neshannock everything they could handle in the quarterfinals. Washington bounced back from a Week 8 loss to Keystone Oaks to beat McGuffey in the final game of the season to claim the Century Conference title. Ellwood City has been an incredible turn-around story. Last year they entered the season riding a 25-game losing streak that dated back to 2018. After winning 2 games last year, the Wolverines topped archrival Riverside to earn their first playoff berth since 2011. Washington has a balanced offensive attack with a pair of electric playmakers on the outside in Zxavian Willis (435 yards, 9 TDs) and Ruben Gordon (400 yards, 9 TDs). Both Willis and Gordon have scored in multiple phases of the game. With them on the outside, Tristan Reed (1203 yards, 13 TDs) has flourished at the helm of the passing game while Eddie Lewis (947 yards, 14 TDs) has averaged over 7 yards per carry. Ellwood City’s explosive offense has been the key to the Wolverines snapping the second-longest playoff drought in the WPIAL. Chris Smiley (1641 yards, 17 TDs) has a dangerous connection with leading receiver Michael Walters (532 yards, 7 TDs). Elijah Palmer-McCane (1393 yards, 18 TDs) finished 4th in the WPIAL in rushing.
6. McGuffey vs 11. Derry
McGuffey fell to Washington in a Week 9 showdown for the conference title. That was the Highlanders only loss of the season to a 2A opponent. Derry entered this year with the longest losing streak in the WPIAL after going winless last year, but won their last two games to get back to the playoffs for the first time since 2019. McGuffey runs a triple-option attack and has a number of backs that have been a factor this season. Dylan Droboj (576 yards, 9 TDs) and Charles Wagers (416 yards, 9 TDs) complement dual-threat QB Connor Crowe (555 passing yards, 4 TDs, 521 rushing yards, 8 TDs). Derry’s bounce-back season has been led almost solely by RB Ahmad Ward (1030 yards, 13 TDs).
7. Keystone Oaks vs 10. Beaver Falls
Keystone Oaks had an up-and-down season. After losing Syracuse-commit Clinton Robinson to injury early, they battled through low-scoring defensive struggles until Robinson returned in Week 8. The Eagles got a statement victory over conference champions Washington then topped Brentwood to clinch a playoff spot. In Robinson’s absence, dual-threat QB Dimajio Locante (357 passing yards, 4 TDs, 1238 rushing yards, 12 TDs) became the focal point of the offense. Beaver Falls has been to every WPIAL Championship Game since moving down to 2A but struggled to find consistency this season. Other than their Week 9 loss to Western Beaver, all of the Tigers losses were by single-digits. They were competitive in all of their games but just not able to find the winning formula against playoff-caliber opponents. Beaver Falls’ offense has centered around their running game and the tandem of Da’Talian Beauford (978 yards, 14 TDs) and Brixx Rawl (648 yards, 7 TDs). Dual-threat QB Da’Sean Anderson has thrown for 789 yards and 5 TDs and run for 412 yards and 8 scores.
1A First Round Previews
1. South Side Beaver vs 16. Monessen
South Side is one of two 1A teams entering the postseason with unblemished records. They have been dominant on both sides of the ball, scoring nearly 45 points per game and holding opponents to just about 8 per game. Monessen rebounded from a 1-5 start to win 3 of their last 4 games, including a win-and-get-in matchup with Beth-Center. The Greyhounds have worked through injuries at skill positions and have struggled on the defensive side of the ball, allowing over 30 points per game (the most of any WPIAL playoff team). South Side boasts a trio of offensive skill players that have carried them to the top seed. Dual-threat QB Brody Almashy (799 passing yards, 12 TDs, 567 rushing yards, 15 TDs) is the catalyst of the offense. Ryan Navarra (1045 yards, 20 TDs) is the lead back and AC Corfield (886 rushing yards, 312 receiving yards, 13 total TDs) has been an all-around playmaker. Monessen has overcome injuries and had to use a number of different players at quarterback this season but have settled on Dennis Hawkins (664 yards, 6 TDs). They have a speedy back in Tyvaughn Kershaw (713 rushing yards, 10 total TDs) who also saw some time at quarterback (208 passing yards, 3 TDs).
8. GCC vs 9. West Greene
This game is a rematch of a Week 2 game when these two met. GCC won a shootout 48-30. Both teams enter the postseason on a hot streak. GCC has won four in a row while West Greene has won three in a row and six of their last seven. GCC’s offensive attack primarily comes from two players – dual threat QB Tyree Turner (1249 passing yards, 14 TDs, 600 rushing yards, 12 TDs) and Samir Crosby who is the second-leading rusher (533 yards) and leads the Centurions in receiving (493 yards) and scoring (15 total TDs). West Greene lost star RB Colin Brady to injury mid-season when Brady was leading the WPIAL in rushing. For many teams that would sink their season but the Pioneers were able to replace him with the tandem of Billy Whitlatch (1223 yards, 13 TDs) and John Lampe (383 yards, 13 TDs).
4. Clairton vs 13. Laurel
Clairton had a tough start to the season with back-to-back losses to two of the top 2A teams in the state – City League Westinghouse and Washington. Once the Bears got into 1A play they were dominant, with only two of their wins coming by less than 28 points. Laurel also started slow, winning just 1 game before the calendar flipped to October. The Spartans roster came together in the later month of the season, winning 3 of 4 including a Casket Match over Lawrence County rivals Shenango to get into the playoffs. Clairton and Laurel have some history as Laurel was the only team to beat the Tyler Boyd/Killer T’s Bears during his four years of high school. Additionally, Laurel beat Clairton in the 1980 Class A Championship Game. The Bears got their playoff revenge in the 1989 title game and the Killer T’s avenged their loss in the 2009 semifinals. Clairton’s explosive offense has been led by RB Drahcir Jones (1266 yards, 14 TDs) and slot back Michael Ruffin (510 rushing yards, 295 receiving yards, 8 total TDs). Michael Wright has thrown for 1329 yards and 14 TDs, primarily targeting Zamere Correll (476 yards, 5 TDs). Laurel’s offense mostly centers around RB Ben Hennon (980 yards, 8 TDs). Due to injuries, Luca Santini (574 yards, 5 TDs) stepped into the quarterback role mid-season. His favorite target has been Kolton Carlson (379 yards, 5 TDs).
5. Union vs 12. Burgettstown
Union is the defending WPIAL Champions after a historic run from the #10 seed all the way to the State Finals. The Scotties returned most of that team and have been a powerful offensive force, averaging over 37 points per game with their only losses coming to Cornell and South Side. Burgettstown is making their 8th playoff appearance in 9 years (since That Derry Game). The Blue Devils 19-13 win over OLSH in early October proved to be the decisive result to get them in the playoffs. Union’s star QB Braylon Thomas joined the elite 1000/1000 club this year with 1709 passing yards (24 TDs) and 1038 rushing yards (18 TDs). Dayne Johnke (670 yards, 12 TDs) has been Thomas’ top receiver, but watch out for Mike Gunn (393 rushing yards, 303 receiving yards, 7 total TDs) who the Scotties will use all over the field. Burgettstown is a run-first team that will look to grind the game down with their defense. The Blue Devils are led by dual-threat QB Brody Kuzior (676 passing yards, 5 TDs, 667 rushing yards, 7 TDs). Zack Schrokman (488 receiving yards, 9 total TDs) is a threat to score any time he touches the ball in any phase of the game.
2. Fort Cherry vs 15. Jefferson-Morgan
Fort Cherry’s high-flying offense led the WPIAL in scoring (46.8 points per game) and the Rangers claimed their first conference title in a decade. This was also a historic season for Jefferson-Morgan as they qualified for the postseason for the first time since 2012. Fort Cherry is led by sensational sophomore QB Matt Sieg (1011 passing yards, 15 TDs, 1335 rushing yards, 27 TDs). Last year Sieg became the first freshman to join the 1000/1000 club and this year became the second player in WPIAL history to have TWO 1000/1000 seasons (Skyy Moore was the other). Joining Sieg in the backfield is the equally dangerous Ethan Faletto (823 yards, 16 TDs) who averages nearly 10 yards per carry. Shane Cornali (476 yards, 8 TDs) is the Rangers top receiver and a dangerous kick returner. Jefferson-Morgan’s offense did average over 32 points per game this year thanks to the talents of QB Houston Guseman (859 passing yards, 10 TDs, 668 rushing yards, 9 TDs). He is joined in the Rockets rushing attack by Colin Bisceglia (744 yards, 11 TDs) and John Woodward (541 yards, 5 TDs). When Gueseman takes to the air, his favorite target has been Deakyn Dehoet (684 yards, 12 total TDs).
7. Cornell vs 10. Rochester
Cornell narrowly missed the playoffs last year but made an early season statement by defeating defending WPIAL Champions Union. The Raiders dropped back-to-back games in conference play to Bishop Canevin and Fort Cherry to drop them to third place in the Black Hills. Cornell has a talented back in Khylil Johnson (1029 yards, 11 TDs). Johnson joins QB CJ Jackson (976 passisng yards, 14 TDs, 373 rushing yards, 7 TDs) to form a dangerous Raiders backfield tandem. Rochester dealt with a number of injuries down the stretch, which turned a 4-1 start to the season into a 1-3 October. Over the past few weeks, it has been Dom Guido (477 yards, 7 TDs) and Jayden Norman (405 passing yards, 4 TDs, 410 rushing yards, 7 TDs) who have led the Rams offensive attack.
3. Bishop Canevin vs 14. Leechburg
Bishop Canevin has reached Acrisure Stadium each of the last two seasons and looks primed to make a run for the title game once again. The Crusaders have a roster loaded with talent and their only loss was in a 48-41 shootout against Fort Cherry. Canevin has used Kole Olsewski (1680 yards, 27 TDs) full-time at quarterback this year, moving WVU-commit Jason Cross (484 yards, 9 total TDs) out to wide receiver. Cross joins Jayden Lindsey (483 yards, 6 TDs) and Az’Juan Marshall (445 yards, 8 TDs) to form one of the most dangerous receiving corps in the entire WPIAL. Leechburg is making their third consecutive playoff appearance after snapping a 32-year playoff drought. Blue Devils quarterback Jayden Floyd joined the 1000/1000 club this year with 1357 passing yards (8 TDs) and 1096 rushing yards (18 TDs). His favorite target in the passing game is Jake Cummings (512 receiving yards, 244 rushing yards, 12 total TDs). With Olsewski and Floyd squaring off, this game figures to have plenty of offensive firepower.
6. California vs 11. Jeannette
This game matches up two high-powered offensive attacks that have contrasting styles. California is a ground-and-pound team who has four rushers averaging over 8 yards per carry. Spencer Petrucci (1340 yards, 22 TDs) finished in the Top 5 in the WPIAL in rushing while change-of-pace back Lee Qualk (516 yards, 12 TDs) averaged an incredible 13 yards per carry. The Trojans dominated the Tri-County South this season but have not yet faced a passing game like Jeannette’s. Statistically, California has the second-best offense (46.7 points per game) and defense (9.9 points against per game) in 1A. The key on both sides of the ball for the Trojans is QB/LB Jake Layhue (337 passing yards, 2 TDs, 744 rushing yards, 22 total TDs) who once had pick-sixes on back-to-back defensive drives this season. The Jayhawks have bounced back from their down season when they lost nearly their entire roster to graduations and transfers. They averaged 33 points per game this season with a balanced offensive attack. Jeannette relies on dual-threat QB Payton Molter (1420 passing yards, 19 TDs, 438 rushing yards, 8 TDs). Lead back Noah Sanders (1020 rushing yards) is also the second-leading receiver (314 receiving yards) and Jayhawks leading scorer (13 total TDs). When Molter isn’t throwing to Sanders out of the backfield, Kymon’e Brown (464 yards, 8 TDs) has been the top target.
