Friday night marks one of the best nights of the WPIAL season. The Quarterfinals mean that all of the top teams in the WPIAL are in action in the playoffs. A number of top seeds in 4A, 3A, and 2A received byes last week. Tonight their playoff journeys will start. In the two largest classifications, tonight is the semifinals. You can check out a preview of the 6A and 5A semifinals in a separate article. In 4A, 3A, 2A, and 1A, the WPIAL Champions enter the statewide bracket in the semifinals so this weekend is the quarterfinal matchups in the WPIAL. Next weekend will be the semifinals followed by the Championships at Acrisure Stadium on Thanksgiving weekend.
On this week’s edition of the WPIAL Blitz Show, we interviewed Deer Lakes head coach Tim Burk after their first playoff win in school history. Congrats to Deer Lakes on their historic victory. Check out our Quarterfinals Preview of the 4A, 3A, 2A, and 1A classifications for more on their matchup.
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 Bishop Canevin. Both teams were dominant in their first round matchups, though in different ways. California has a run-heavy offense while Canevin has one of the best passing attacks in 1A. Check out the Game Preview below for more information on the matchup.
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4A Quarterfinals Preview
1. Aliquippa vs 9. Latrobe
The two-time defending WPIAL Champions Aliquippa will play their first home playoff game at the new Heinz Field and have the opportunity to win their 100th postseason game in school history. Aliquippa is far and away the most successful team in WPIAL playoff history and have been to the WPIAL finals in an incredible 15 consecutive seasons. The Quips are loaded at the skill positions, led by Penn State-commit RB Tikey Hayes (1182 yards, 14 TDs). Senior QB Quentin Goode (1332 yards, 17 TDs) is Aliquippa’s all-time leading passer. He has a dynamic trio of receivers in Yale-commit Brandon Banks (441 yards, 3 TDs), Demarkus Walker (230 yards, 5 TDs), and Arison Walker (182 yards, 3 TDs). Pitt-commit Cam Lindsey is the anchor of the Quips defense at linebacker and has also been used in the running game.
On the other end of the postseason spectrum is Latrobe, who last year claimed their first postseason victory since 1968. Building upon that win, the Wildcats ran past West Allegheny last week to set up a showdown with Aliquippa. Latrobe is led by dual-threat QB John Wetzel (1235 passing yards, 14 TDs, 1040 rushing yards, 17 TDs) who ran for four scores in their opening round win over West Allegheny. When Wetzel takes to the air his favorite target is Ja’Tawn Williams (756 yards, 14 total TDs). Joining him in the backfield is the tandem of Brady Prohovic (598 yards, 5 TDs) and touchdown machine Alex Tatsch (374 yards, 8 TDs) who has received numerous D1 offers as a linebacker.
4. Mars vs 5. Central Valley
This will be the third playoff meeting between Mars and Central Valley (fourth if you count Mars’ game against Center in 1998). Mars has never beaten Central Valley (or their predecessor Center) in the postseason. This is one of the best coaching matchups in the WPIAL this weekend which sees Mars Head Coach Eric Kasperowicz take on Central Valley’s Mark Lyons. Both have multiple WPIAL and State Championships to their name. In his second year at Mars, Coach Kasperowicz’s changes to Mars’ traditionally run-heavy offense have begun to take hold. Luke Goodworth (1872 yards, 19 TDs) has taken the reins of the offense. Leading receiver Gabe Hein (774 yards, 9 TDs) hasn’t played since suffering an injury mid-season, but in his place Aiden Alessio (439 yards, 4 TDs) has stepped up. Mars has not forgotten how to run the ball as Evan Wright (1676 rushing yards, 221 receiving yards, 31 total TDs) is one of the leading scorers in the WPIAL. On the other side, Coach Lyons saw the graduation of numerous starters from a team that went to four straight WPIAL finals. This year’s Central Valley squad is led by dual-threat QB Steven Rutherford (1250 passing yards, 10 TDs, 443 rushing yards, 10 TDs). The Warriors offense has primarily focused on their ground game. In addition to Rutherford, they have a number of other talented backs who play significant roles. Jance Henry (956 yards, 13 TDs), T Mason Dixon (717 yards, 12 TDs),and Brandon Singleton (561 yards, 4 TDs) have all be factors in Central Valley’s rushing attack this season.
2. McKeesport vs 10. Trinity
A conference rematch between Big Seven opponents, which McKeesport won 35-7 back in Week 4. This has been a historic season for Trinity with their victory over Thomas Jefferson and winning their first playoff game since 2007. McKeesport has fallen in the semis each of the last two years and is looking for their 7th semifinal appearance in the last decade. Trinity, on the other hand, has not been to the semifinals since 1986. The juggernaut that is the McKeesport Tigers Triple Option rolled through their regular season schedule with the only defeat coming in overtime against Belle Vernon. Anthony Boyd (1101 yards, 13 TDs) has been the focal point of the Tigers offensive attack. But as is typical with McKeesport, a number of other players have factored in including Keith Spell (391 yards, 6 TDs) and Kemon Spell (324 yards, 8 TDs). Typically McKeesport’s quarterbacks do more rushing than passing but this year is different as the Tigers have a capable QB in Garrett Tarker (619 passing yards, 7 TDs, 186 rushing yards, 6 TDs) with Dominique Cochran (222 yards, 4 TDs) on the outside. For Trinity, the catalyst of their offense is dual-threat QB Jonah Williamson (1709 passing yards, 12 TDs, 897 rushing yards, 11 TDs). Only a sophomore, Williamson is in his second year as a starter. In last week’s win over North Catholic the Hillers did it on the ground with Andrew Durig (530 yards, 9 TDs) leading the way. When Williamson takes to the air he has multiple options on the outside between Luke Lacock (575 yards, 8 TDs) and Dante DeRubbo (507 yards, 7 TDs).
3. Montour vs 6. Thomas Jefferson
This will be the 5th playoff meeting between the Spartans and the Jaguars, and there is certainly some history between Lou Cerro and Bill Cherpak. Montour has never beaten Thomas Jefferson in the playoffs, and TJ’s victories include two meetings in WPIAL Championship Games (2007 and 2017). Thomas Jefferson has reached the semifinals in 24 of the last 25 seasons while Montour has not been deeper than the quarterfinals since that 2017 run to the title game. Montour’s only loss this season came against top-seeded Aliquippa. In their 9 wins, the Spartans have been led by dual-threat QB Jake Wolfe (2258 passing yards, 25 TDs, 698 rushing yards, 13 TDs). Wolfe has spread the ball around between the trio of Keino Fitzpatrick (741 yards, 10 TDs), Andrew Alston (567 yards, 7 TDs), and Daniel Baatch (427 yards, 8 TDs). When Wolfe doesn’t run with the ball, Caden Halajcio (474 yards, 8 TDs) has been his counterpart in the backfield. While Montour’s offense runs through one player, Thomas Jefferson has used two quarterbacks this season. Both Brody Evans (1334 yards, 13 TDs) and Luke Kosko (950 yards, 9 TDs) have been successful and both players threw multiple touchdowns in their first round victory over Kiski. Regardless of the quarterback, the Jaguars have one of the best receiving tandems in the WPIAL in Sean Sullivan (932 yards, 12 TDs) and Jason Salman (698 yards, 9 TDs). When they do keep it on the ground, Elias Lippincott (491 yards, 12 TDs) is a freight train who is a load to bring down.
3A Quarterfinals Preview
1. Belle Vernon vs 8. Deer Lakes
Belle Vernon is the defending WPIAL and PIAA Champions and will open their title defense against a Deer Lakes team that is flying high after securing their first playoff victory in school history. Belle Vernon battled through one of the most difficult non-conference slates in the WPIAL with victories over McKeesport and Penn-Trafford and a narrow loss to Thomas Jefferson. The defending State Champs are led by Penn State-commit Quinton Martin who leads the team in rushing (656 yards), receiving (490 yards), and scoring (20 total TDs). Belle Vernon has limited Martin’s workload this year to keep him fresh for the playoffs. This has meant increased opportunities for Kole Doppelheuer (505 yards, 9 TDs) and Anthony Crews (277 rushing yards, 287 receiving yards, 7 total TDs). Belle Vernon has also opened up their passing game a little more this year with Braden Laux (1050 yards, 12 TDs), an Eastern Michigan-commit who will move to tight end at the next level. Deer Lakes has relied on dual-threat QB Derek Burk (1939 yards, 26 TDs, 469 rushing yards, 5 TDs) to lead the way in their historic campaign. The Lancers have a trio of talented young receivers in Wayne Love (649 yards, 6 TDs), Zach Grant (522 yards, 9 TDs), and Ryan Cochran (414 yards, 3 TDs) who have excelled this year and are building a foundation for the future. Deer Lakes has size and youth in the trenches as their line has paved the way for Zier Williams (1121 yards, 12 TDs).
4. East Allegheny vs 12. South Park
In Week 8, East Allegheny topped Knoch 14-13 in overtime to earn their first conference title since 2000. That earned the Wildcats a first round bye in the playoffs. A potential quarterfinal rematch with Knoch was upended when South Park went into Saxonburg and ran all over the Knights, pulling the biggest upset of the first round. These two teams met all the way back in Week 0 with South Park winning 22-16. East Allegheny’s offense is led by QB Michael Cahill (976 yards, 9 TDs). His favorite target is Brennan Rutledge who has found the end zone 8 times. Amir Rollins has scored three times on the ground. For South Park, their offense primarily focuses on the running game with Eric Doerue (1376 yards, 15 TDs) leading the way. The Eagles have a Michigan-commit in linebacker Zach Ludwig who also plays quarterback (708 passing yards, 6 TDs, 364 rushing yards, 2 TDs). AJ D’Agostino (228 receiving yards, 200 rushing yards, 7 total TDs) has been an all-around threat.
2. Avonworth vs 7. Beaver
A Western Hills conference rematch of a game that was Avonworth’s closest victory of the season. The Lopes enter the playoffs as the only unbeaten team in 3A. However, it took everything they had to top Beaver 33-28 in Week 6. For their part, Beaver is the highest-scoring team in 3A, averaging over 40 points per game. The Lopes offense is centered around their passing game and QB Carson Bellinger (1328 yards, 20 TDs). Andrew Kuban (753 receiving yards, 317 rushing yards, 14 total TDs) has developed into a play-making machine all over the field and has come up with big plays in all three phases. Dimitri Valisaris (645 yards, 10 TDs) leads the Lopes rushing game. Beaver’s offense is built around their running game and the two-headed monster of Qualan Cain (1124 yards, 15 TDs) and Drey Hall (1012 yards, 11 TDs). When the Bobcats take to the air, Travis Clear (1051 yards, 13 TDs) has a talented receiver in Amari Jackson (681 yards, 9 TDs). Brady Mayo has been an offensive weapon for the Bobcats, compiling 319 receiving yards, 257 rushing yards, and 7 total TDs.
3. Elizabeth Forward vs 6. West Mifflin
The final 3A Quarterfinal is another rematch. These two met in a non-conference game in Week 1 with Elizabeth Forward coming out on top 24-7. That said, West Mifflin’s offense has changed dramatically over the last few weeks with the insertion of freshman RB Armand Hill. Elizabeth Forward boasts a talented quarterback in Ryan Messina (1569 yards, 14 TDs) who can spread the ball all over the field. The Warriors do what they can to get the ball into the hands of Charlie Nigut (689 rushing yards, 325 receiving yards, 21 total TDs). Messina’s favorite target on the outside is Isaiah Turner (766 yards, 8 TDs) while Jace Brown (481 yards, 6 TDs) has also been a factor in the running game. West Mifflin’s offense is almost entirely centered on their running game. With the insertion of freshman Armand Hill a few weeks ago, the Titans now have a feature back that take over a game. In just four games Hill has run for 1329 yards and 18 TDs including a 495-yard game against Hopewell. DelRon White (665 yards, 2 TDs) and DelRicco White (3 TDs) have supplemented Hill in the running game behind West Mifflin’s massive offensive line.
2A Quarterfinals Preview
1. Steel Valley vs 9. Western Beaver
Steel Valley is the defending WPIAL Champions. These teams have a stark contrast of styles between Steel Valley’s rushing attack and Western Beaver’s passing game. The Ironmen are hoping to reach the WPIAL final for the 5th time in the 8 years of the six classification era, while Western Beaver has not been past the quarterfinals since 1995. Steel Valley heavily relies on RB Donald Barksdale (1663 yards, 32 TDs) one of the leading rushers in the WPIAL Due to injuries, Tyson Barron (654 yards, 9 TDs) took over at QB in Week 6 and has added another element to the Ironmen attack. Del Shields (369 receiving yards, 232 rushing yards, 5 total TDs) has also been a playmaker for Steel Valley when Barksdale doesn’t get the ball. Western Beaver’s offense is nearly the polar opposite as the Golden Beavers have one of the top passers in the WPIAL in Jaivin Peel (2637 yards, 29 TDs). Peel set the WPIAL freshman record for passing yards this season and has benefitted from the duo of Dorian McGhee (991 yards, 14 TDs) and Mikey Crawford (835 yards, 11 TDs) on the outside. Western Beaver has balanced their offense by using Tyson Florence (1190 yards, 16 TDs) on the ground.
4. Imani Christian vs 5. Mohawk
This is the first playoff meeting between two schools who are writing their history as we speak. Mohawk’s first round victory over Burrell was just the 4th playoff win in school history and they have never reached the semifinals. Imani Christian has only been past the quarterfinals once – a trip to the 1A Championship Game in 2017. For Imani, QB Steve Vandiver (1229 yards, 14 TDs, 475 rushing yards, 8 TDs) missed last few games due to injury. Star linebacker Dayshaun Burnett has stepped in and thrown for 449 yards and 6 TDs and run for 296 yards. Prior to playing quarterback, Burnett was also used at receiver where he had 218 yards. On the season Burnett has scored 11 times. In addition to their quarterback, the Saints will use Gabe Jenkins (469 yards, 7 TDs) and David Davis (7 total TDs) in the running game. On the outside, Imani’s QBs have benefitted from throwing to Chevon Allen (517 yards, 7 TDs) and Markus Williams (251 yards, 3 TDs). Mohawk has one of the top passers in the WPIAL in Jay Wrona (2022 yards, 33 TDs). The Warriors have a trio of receivers led by sophomore Bobby Fadden (651 yards, 17 TDs), along with Daunte Retort (543 yards, 6 TDs) and Blake Logan (336 yards, 5 TDs). On the ground, Justin Boston (942 yards, 8 TDs) has received the majority of work.
2. Neshannock vs 10. Beaver Falls
Semifinalists from last year and Midwestern Conference rivals square off with a trip to this year’s semis on the line. Neshannock won the Midwestern Conference title through coming out on top in a number of close games. The Lancers topped both Western Beaver and Beaver Falls by identical 27-26 scores in consecutive weeks mid-season. Beaver Falls has been to all three WPIAL Championship Games since moving down to 2A in 2020. Neshannock returned their entire offensive line this season and has found a talented group of skill position players around them, starting with dual-threat QB Jino Mozzoccio (906 passing yards, 9 TDs, 711 rushing yards, 9 TDs). The Lancers top three rushers – Mozzoccio, Anthony Eakin (804 yards, 9 TDs) and Patrick Argiro (404 yards, 13 TDs) -all average over 6.5 per carry. Beaver Falls also has a dual-threat QB in Da’Sean Anderson (789 passing yards, 5 TDs, 442 rushing yards, 9 TDs) though in recent weeks Kaiden Brickner has spent more time at quarterback with Anderson lining up all over the offensive formation. Beaver Falls has a powerful pair of backs in Da’Talian Beauford (1169 yards, 16 TDs) and Brixx Rawl (661 yards, 7 TDs).
3. Washington vs 6. McGuffey
Century conference rivals square off for the second time in a three week span. Back in Week 9, Washington topped McGuffey 13-7 in a showdown for the conference title. These two teams have gone back and forth over the last few seasons atop the Century Conference. Washington has had more success in the postseason, winning the 2017 WPIAL title and reaching the Championship Game again in 2019. McGuffey’s last trip to the semifinals was in 1994 when the Highlanders won the AAA Championship. Washington has a balanced offensive attack led by a pair of dynamic receivers Ruben Gordon (509 receiving yards, 265 rushing yards, 12 total TDs), Zxavian Willis (443 receiving yards, 242 rushing yards, 10 total TDs). Tristan Reed (1203 yards, 13 TDs) has put up big numbers throwing them the ball and the defensive focus on them has created plenty of opportunities for RB Eddie Lewis (1049 yards, 16 TDs). McGuffey runs a triple-option offense with dual-threat QB Connor Crowe (624 passing yards, 6 TDs, 554 rushing yards, 8 TDs) at the helm. Dylan Droboj (622 yards, 10 TDs) is the Highlanders lead back but they will also use Charles Wagers (479 rushing yards, 138 receiving yards, 9 total TDs) and Malachi Ealy (412 rushing yards, 219 receiving yards, 5 total TDs) in both the running and passing game.
1A Quarterfinals Preview
1. South Side Beaver vs 8. GCC
The Background: Both of these teams have seen historical successes this season. South Side Beaver won their first conference title since 1999 and GCC won their first playoff game since 2011. South Side reached the semifinals last year and shut out Monessen 39-0 in the opening round. GCC won a rematch against West Greene 41-22 behind a big performance from dual-threat QB Tyree Turner.
Players to Watch:
- South Side Beaver
- Brody Almashy (870 passing yards, 14 TDs, 568 rushing yards, 15 TDs)
- Ryan Navarra (1186 rushing yards, 23 TDs)
- AC Corfield (994 rushing yards, 341 receiving yards, 13 total TDs)
- Greensburg Central Catholic
- Tyree Turner (1495 passing yards, 17 TDs, 676 rushing yards, 13 TDs)
- Samir Crosby (623 receiving yards, 583 rushing yards, 18 total TDs)
4. Clairton vs 5. Union
Union is the defending WPIAL Champions after their magical run from the #10 seed last year all the way to the State finals. Clairton has not been to the semifinals since 2020 when they reached the semis for the 15th consecutive season. Union has a veteran roster that includes our 2022 1A Player of the Year Braylon Thomas. This year, Thomas joined the elite 1000/1000 club by putting up 1989 passing yards (27 TDs) and 1154 rushing yards (22 total TDs). In addition to Thomas, Mike Gunn has been an all-around playmaker for the Scotties with 410 rushing yards, 347 receiving yards and 7 scores. Thomas’ favorite targets have been Dayne Johnke (767 yards, 15 TDs) and Grayson Blakely (411 yards, 7 TDs). On the other side, Clairton’s roster is loaded with young and dynamic talent at the skill positions. After being shut out in their first two games against 2A opponents, the Bears have dominated the 1A teams they have faced to the tune of 43 PPG. Clairton’s balanced offensive attack starts with their dynamic rushing attack featuring Drahcir Jones (1434 yards, 15 TDs), Michael Ruffin (510 yards, 8 TDs), and Donte Wright (457 yards, 8 TDs). All three of Clairton’s top rushers average over 9 yards per carry, which opens up space for Michael Wright (1489 yards, 17 TDs) to throw the ball downfield. The Bears top receiver is Zaemere Correll with 558 yards and 7 TDs.
2. Fort Cherry vs 10. Rochester
The Background: In a matchup dripping with historic implications, Fort Cherry and Rochester face off in the quarterfinals for the second straight season. The Rams knocked the Rangers out last year at this stage, the fourth time Fort Cherry saw their season ended by Rochester. Most notably, the two teams squared off in the 2001 Championship Game. These two have also been conference opponents on and off over the last 30 years so there is plenty of familiarity between them. Fort Cherry won their first conference title since 2013 thanks to an explosive offense that averaged a 1A-leading 47 points per game.
Players to Watch:
- Fort Cherry
- QB Matt Sieg (1130 passing yards, 17 TDs, 1406 rushing yards, 28 TDs) – second player in WPIAL history to have TWO 1000/1000 seasons
- RB Ethan Faletto (907 rushing yards, 18 TDs)
- WR Shane Cornali (488 receiving yards, 8 TDs)
- Rochester
- Dom Guido (500 rushing yards, 7 TDs)
- Jayden Norman (410 passing yards, 4 TDs, 423 rushing yards, 7 TDs)
3. Bishop Canevin vs 6. California
The Background: Bishop Canevin has reached the WPIAL finals in each of the last two seasons. Their only setback this season came by 7 in a shootout with Fort Cherry. The Crusaders dominated Leechburg in the opening round. California breezed through the Tri-County South and won their first playoff game since a run to the semis in 2017.
Players to Watch:
- Bishop Canevin
- QB Kole Olszewski (1886 passing yards, 31 TDs)
- WRs Jason Cross (556 yards, 11 TDs), Jayden Lindsey (547 yards, 7 TDs), Az’Juan Marshall (502 yards, 9 TDs)
- RB Marquis Carter (829 yards, 9 TDs)
- California
- RB Spencer Petrucci (1529 yards, 22 TDs)
- QB/LB Jake Layhue (337 passing yards, 2 TDs, 889 rushing yards, 24 total TDs)
- Lee Qualk 516 rushing yards, leading receiver 131 yards, 12 total TDs
