In 1997, college football had a historic weekend where four teams ranked in the Top Five faced off. ESPN dubbed it “Judgment Day” on College Gameday. This week is the WPIAL equivalent of the 1997 Judgment Day. There are three massive matchups between teams at the top of their respective classifications. Central Catholic and North Allegheny face off in a rematch of last year’s Championship Game. The two schools are ranked second and third respectively in the PennLive statewide rankings. In 5A, two of the three remaining undefeated teams face off as Peters Twp takes on Upper St Clair. Those two have finished as runners up in three of the last four years. In inter-classification play, Route 51 Rivals Thomas Jefferson and Belle Vernon face off. Belle Vernon is the defending 3A State Champs and the top-ranked team statewide in 3A. Thomas Jefferson is currently 3rd in the PennLive statewide rankings for 4A.
On this week’s episode of the WPIAL Blitz Show, we interviewed Waynesburg head coach Aaron Giorgi. The Raiders went 0-10 last year and have had a massive turnaround this year with a 4-0 start to the season. Waynesburg won their conference opener against a Keystone Oaks team that featured Syracuse-commit Clinton Robinson. Coach Giorgi had some great insights on turning around a program and just how much this 4-0 start has meant to the Waynesburg school and community. The Raiders face McGuffey this week in a big conference showdown, which is our featured 2A Game of the Week (highlighted below). We also broke down the Week 3 results, looked ahead to some of the massive Week 4 matchups and broke down the statewide rankings.
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.
Our friends at KDKA Radio are now the official flagship station of the WPIAL. You can listen to their Game of the Week on the Audacity App or on the radio at 100.1 FM and 1020 AM. This week’s KDKA Game of the Week is Central Catholic at North Allegheny. Check out the full preview below in our 6A Game of the Week section.
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 Laurel Highlands taking on Latrobe in the Big Seven conference. This is a big game for both teams as right now there look to be four teams battling over two playoff spots. Thomas Jefferson and McKeesport look like the top two squads which leave the other two spots to be battled over between Trinity, Connellsville, and these two teams. Trinity edged Connellsville in a thrilling 41-40 game last week to get an early edge while these two both lost to the top two teams in the conference.
Be sure to keep tabs on our WPIAL Standings Page for updated standings and follow our WPIAL Twitter account @WPIAL_Blitz and check out our WPIAL Blitz Facebook Page.
6A Game of the Week
Central Catholic (4-0, 1-0) at North Allegheny (4-0, 1-0)
In a rematch of last year’s 6A Championship Game, the two remaining unbeatens square off in a behemoth matchup. North Allegheny won both head-to-head meetings last year, a 7-3 slugfest in the regular season and a 35-21 shootout in the WPIAL finals. Both teams have run out of the gate to hot 4-0 starts behind explosive offensive performances (averaging over 48 points per game) and stingy defenses. Central Catholic’s offensive revolution under new Head Coach Ryan Lehmeier has resulted in QB Payton Wehner (1012 yards, 15 TDs) leading the WPIAL in passing. He has spread the ball around between Jacob Sassic (347 yards, 4 TDs), Vernon Settles (282 yards, 5 TDs), and Penn State-commit Peter Gonzalez (248 yards, 5 TDs). Last week when Mt. Lebanon tried to limit the passing game, Elijah Faulkner stole the show. On the season, Faulkner has put up 258 yards and 6 TDs, averaging over 6 yards per carry. Defensively, Central has one of the best linebacking corps in the WPIAL with Penn State-commit Anthony Speca, Michigan-commit Cole Sullivan, and junior Bradley Gompers. North Allegheny returns most of their roster from the team that won the WPIAL Championship. Dual-threat QB Logan Kushner has thrown for 371 yards and 8 TDs and run for 333 yards and 5 TDs. Tyree Alualu, son of former Steelers DT Tyson Alualu, is the leader of the defense at linebacker and the team’s top running back with 305 yards and 5 TDs. Kushner has spread the ball around to a bevy of receivers this year with James Donaldson (2 TDs) and the electric Khiryn Boyd (1 TD) leading the way. Tyree Alualu isn’t the only Steelers connection on the North Allegheny roster, which also features sophomores James Harrison and Lincoln Hoke.
5A Game of the Week
Upper St Clair (4-0, 1-0) at Peters Twp (4-0, 1-0)
Two of the three remaining undefeated teams in 5A square off with the top spot in the Allegheny Six Conference on the line. This is a matchup of the historic Upper St Clair program against the up-and-coming Peters Twp squad. USC has won 7 WPIAL titles and 2 State Championships. On the other side, Peters Twp is on the verge of breaking through into the Championship echelon, having reached the finals twice in the last four years but never winning a title. The Indians are looking to stake their claim as the best team in 5A and as legitimate title contenders. That starts with this game against their South Hills neighbors who were the WPIAL runners-up last year. Both teams come into this game with sophomore quarterbacks that could set up a solid rivalry for years to come. Upper St Clair’s Ethan Hellmann has thrown for 554 yards and 7 TDs and Peters Twp’s Nolan DiLucia has thrown for 603 yards and 8 TDs. On the ground, Mason Chambers (298 yards, 4 TDs) and Evan Taylor (131 yards, 1 TD) lead the way for Upper St Clair. The Panthers also have a trio of quality receivers in Bryce Jones (178 yards, 2 TDs), Julian Dahlem (150 yards, 2 TDs), and Charlie Bywalski (92 yards, 2 TDs). For Peters Twp, their ground game has been led by the trio of DiLucia (146 yards, 2 TDs), Vinny Sarcone (246 yards, 6 TDs) and Preston Blair (180 yards, 4 TDs). The Indians have four receivers with over 100 yards so far this season. DiLucia has worked the ball around to Carter Shanafelt (149 yards, 3 TDs), Nate Miller (131 yards), Etahn Wertman (122 yards, 1 TD), and Thomas Aspinall (112 yards, 1 TD).
4A Game of the Week
Aliquippa (3-0, 1-0) at West Allegheny (3-1, 1-0)
The Quips opened the season in style with three victories at the new Heinz Field. They now take to the road for the first time this season against one of the top challengers in the Parkway Conference. Having dispatched Montour last week, West Allegheny and rivals Central Valley are the remaining roadblocks to the Quips claiming another conference crown. The Quips look the part of two-time defending WPIAL Champions and have rolled through their first three games with an average margin of victory over 22 points. Junior RB Tiqwai “Tikey” Hayes has been the focal point of the offensive attack, running for 485 yards and 8 TDs. Pitt-commit Cam Lindsey, an absolute wrecking ball at linebacker, has also gotten some work in the ground game with 130 yards and 2 TDs. When the Quips take to the air, senior QB Quentin Goode has been efficient, throwing for 434 yards and 4 TDs. Aliquippa’s explosive playmakers on the outside are two-way players who are also outstanding defensive backs, including DeMarkus Walker (145 yards, 3 TDs), Yale-commit Brandon Banks (132 yards), and Arison Walker (70 yards). West Allegheny stumbled out of the gate with a narrow win over rival Moon then a loss to South Fayette. The Indians have righted the ship the last two weeks with 40+ point victories over Ringgold and New Castle. West Allegheny is a run-heavy team that relies on the tandem of Roman Police (286 yards, 7 TDs) and Brock Cornell (249 rushing yards, 81 receiving yards, 8 total TDs). Cornell is also the Indians top receiver for QB Brody Malatak who has thrown for 189 yards an 1 TD. The Indians average only 11 pass attempts per game.
3A Game of the Week
Avonworth (4-0, 1-0) at South Park (3-1, 0-1)
Avonworth reached the WPIAL finals last year and has come out with a fire under them this season. The Lopes scored a huge victory over Central Valley in Week 1 which has set the tone for their season. After dispatching Hopewell, Avonworth now faces the three other teams that made the playoffs from the Western Hills Conference last year. After this meeting with South Park, they have West Mifflin and Beaver on the horizon. Avonworth has scored at least 28 points in all of their games, led by QB Carson Bellinger (506 yards, 10 TDs). Andrew Kuban (248 receiving yards, 51 rushing yards, 6 total TDs) leads the receiving corps and has been a playmaker on the back end of the defense at safety. On the ground, Bucknell-commit Brandon Biagiarelli (253 yards, 3 TDs) and Dimitri Vallsaris (289 yards, 7 total TDs) have been a formidable duo. South Park is coming off a loss to Beaver and needs a win to stay in the hunt for the conference title conversation. The Eagles rely heavily on RB Eric Doerue (619 yards, 5 TDs) who is the WPIAL’s second-leading rusher. In addition to Doerue, dual-threat QB Zach Ludwig (306 passing yards, 163 rushing yards, 2 TDs) has about as many rushing attempts as passes thrown. Leading receiver AJ D’Agostino (156 receiving yards, 71 rushing yards, 1 TD) is the primary target when the Eagles do take to the air.
Knoch (4-0) at Elizabeth Forward (4-0)
This non-conference matchup pits two of the 3A unbeatens against each other. Knoch has rebounded from their 1-9 record last year to a perfect 4-0 start. We interviewed Knoch Head Coach Tim Burchett on the WPIAL Blitz Show last week. Elizabeth Forward has a new head coach this season and is off to a hot start as well. The Warriors were one of the top seeds in the playoffs last year, so this should provide a good measuring stick for Knoch to see how they stack up against one of the power squads in the classification before conference play starts next week. Coach Burchett has completely overhauled Knoch’s offensive scheme, going from a run-heavy attack to an open passing game. The change has resulted in the emergence of QB Codi Mullen (855 yards, 8 TDs) ranking among the top passers in the WPIAL. Mullen is also the Knights’ leading rusher with 266 yards and 3 scores. His top targets on the outside have been Kaden Spencer (418 yards, 6 TDs) and Jackson Bauman (244 yards, 1 TD). Tony Nicolazzo (134 yards, 6 TDs) has complemented Mullen in the ground game. Elizabeth Forward boasts a strong two-pronged attack out of the backfield with big play machine Charlie Nigut (329 rushing yards, 103 receiving yards, 8 total TDs) leading the way. Nigut and Jace Brown (299 yards, 5 TDs) have split the workload in the Warriors ground game. Through the air, Ryan Messina (408 yards, 4 TDs) has a pair of dangerous receivers in Isaiah Turner (158 yards, 1 TD) and Connor Fleming (115 yards, 2 TDs). Both teams have powerful offenses, but don’t count out this game turning into a defensive struggle as Knoch is coming off a shutout of Southmoreland and Elizabeth Forward is allowing less than 10 points per game.
2A Game of the Week
Waynesburg (4-0, 1-0) at McGuffey (2-2, 1-0)
Waynesburg is one of the best stories in the WPIAL. After an 0-10 season last year the Raiders are off to a 4-0 start, including dispatching Keystone Oaks 12-0 last week. Waynesburg’s senior class had only won 4 games in 3 years prior to this season and has already doubled their win total. Now the Raiders look to make a statement in staking their claim to a potential playoff spot. The Raiders top two rushers both average over 7 yards per carry. Breydon Woods (531 yards, 3 TDs) leads the way while dual-threat QB Jacob Stephenson is the catalyst of the attack. Stephenson has more rushing attempts than passing attempts, and has run for 395 yards and 5 TDs while throwing for 350 yards and 4 scores. When Waynesburg does take to the air, Jack Ricciuti (225 yards, 3 TDs) has been the top target. Waynesburg’s unbeaten start has been keyed by their defense which has given up just 16 points in four games. This will be a unique test against a McGuffey team that is the second-highest scoring squad in the conference and runs a triple-option attack. The Highlanders have four players that have evenly distributed the workload in the running game, all averaging over 5 yards per carry. Dylan Droboj (245 yards, 4 TDs) leads the way while Malachi Ealy (240 rushing yards) is also one of the leading receivers (72 yards) and has scored 3 times. Quarterback Connor Crowe (370 pass yards, 3 TDs, 186 rush yards, 4 TDs) is a threat with his arm and his legs. Charles Wagers (179 rushing yards, 77 receiving yards, 3 total TDs) is McGuffey’s leading receiver but has also done his share of damage on the ground.
1A Game of the Week
OLSH (2-2, 1-0) at Fort Cherry (4-0, 1-0)
Both teams won their conference openers last week and the winner will set themselves up in solid position to make a run at the playoffs. The Black Hills Conference is loaded this season with Bishop Canevin (ranked #2 in the state), Cornell (who beat defending champions Union), Fort Cherry (the highest-scoring team in 1A), along with OLSH and Burgettstown who both made the playoffs last year and an improved Avella squad. OLSH has had to overcome a few injuries this season but managed to get past Carlynton 22-6 last week. Their two losses were to Rochester and Clairton, two top contenders in the classification. Due to injuries, Dorrien Tate has moved from receiver (where he had 201 yards) to quarterback. In a game and change, Tate has thrown for 145 yards and a touchdown). OLSH’s offense is built around the passing game and they have quality receivers in Ethan Gardner (349 yards, 4 TDs) and Dereon Greer (149 yards, 3 TDs). On the ground, Iseia Shulz (182 yards) has been explosive, averaging over 7 yards per carry. Fort Cherry’s offensive explosion has been led by the player we dubbed “the Shohei Ohtani of the WPIAL” Matt Seig (because his stat line always seems like something that hasn’t been done for 100 years). Last year, Seig became the first freshman to join the elite 1000/1000 club. He is on track to get there again this season with 489 yards and 6 TDs through the air and 408 yards and 7 TDs on the ground. Seig has also scored on defense (a pick-six) and special teams (a punt return). Joining Seig in the backfield is Ethan Faletto (361 yards, 7 TDs) and Nate Heirendt (188 yards, 4 TDs). Fort Cherry’s line play has been so good this season that their top four rushers all average over 9 yards per carry. On the outside, Seig’s favorite target has been Shane Cornali (304 yards, 4 TDs). OLSH will be the best defensive team Fort Cherry has faced to date, and this game will go a long way towards one team staking their claim to a playoff spot.
Inter-Classification Game of the Week
Thomas Jefferson (4-0) at Belle Vernon (3-0)
These two Route 51 Rivals are former conference foes but the rivalry has continued. Belle Vernon moved down to 3A last year and defeated Thomas Jefferson in a non-conference game. The Leopards are one of the few teams that has had TJ’s number over the last decade and the teams have played some memorable games. There is history between the two squads as Belle Vernon won regular season matchups (and conference titles) in 2017 and 2019 but fell to Thomas Jefferson in the playoffs. The Leopards finally broke through in 2021, beating TJ in the playoffs but falling to Aliquippa in the 4A Championship. Last year, after moving down to 3A, Belle Vernon ran through their classification, winning the WPIAL and State Championships. These two could potentially be conference opponents again next year after reclassification as the Success Formula could force Belle Vernon back up to 4A. Thomas Jefferson has used two quarterbacks this season with Brody Evans throwing for 486 yards and 2 TDs and Luke Kosko throwing for 289 yards and 3 TDs. The Jaguars have an explosive threat in Sean Sullivan (504 yards, 3 TDs) who is currently second in the WPIAL in receiving yards. On the ground, the workload has been split between Michael Banda (318 yards, 6 TDs) and Elias Lippincott (240 yards, 8 TDs) who both average over 6 yards per carry. Belle Vernon has faced one of the most challenging non-conference slates in the WPIAL, including McKeesport, Penn-Trafford and now Thomas Jefferson before they start conference play next week. The Leopards are a run-heavy team, led by Penn State-commit Quinton Martin who has run for 222 yards, is the team’s leading receiver (67 yards) and has scored 5 times. Fellow senior Jake Gedekoh (131 yards, 2 TDs) has complemented Martin. Anthony Crews has emerged as a dynamic playmaker all over the offense with 105 rushing yards, 57 receiving yards and 3 total TDs. Quarterback Braden Laux has committed to Eastern Michigan as a tight end and hasn’t thrown much but has put up 236 yards and 3 TDs to the air when needed. Laux has also added 2 TDs on the ground. While this is a non-conference rivalry game, it has the potential to become a conference game again next cycle if the Success Formula forces Belle Vernon back up into 4A.
