2023 WPIAL Week 5 Games of the Week

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Last week we dubbed “Judgment Day” in the WPIAL as there were three monster matchups between undefeated teams. While this week’s matchups don’t have that level of prestige, this is RIVALRY WEEK in the WPIAL. A lot of the key matchups this week are between teams that are either historical rivals or relatively recent ones. Conference play will be taking place in every conference this week across all six classifications. This is also the midpoint of the season and from here on out, the races for the playoff spots will start to take shape. The first playoff spot can be clinched this week in 6A if Central Catholic tops Canon-McMillan. The Vikings would clinch both a playoff spot and the conference title. On this week’s episode of the WPIAL Blitz Show, we ran through all of the conference standings as well as discussing some of the big storylines around the WPIAL.

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 the South Hills Showdown between Upper St Clair and Mt. Lebanon. Check out the game preview below under the Inter-Classification Games of the Week.

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 Thomas Jefferson in the Big Seven conference.  Last year, Laurel Highlands beat TJ for the first time in school history. Thomas Jefferson is coming off a big win over Belle Vernon and are the favorites in the conference. The Jaguars look like one of the best teams in 4A. On the other hand, Laurel Highlands has battled through some injuries this season but struggled to find consistency. After losing to Latrobe last week they have put themselves in position where they likely need to win out after this week against Trinity, Ringgold, and Connellsville to have a shot at making the playoffs.

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

Canon-McMillan (1-1, 4-1) at Central Catholic (2-0, 5-0)

The only conference game in 6A this week also features the first opportunity for playoff clinching. After Central Catholic’s win over North Allegheny last week, coupled with Seneca Valley’s loss to Mt. Lebanon, the Vikings are in position to be the first WPIAL team to secure a playoff spot with a win over Canon-Mac. Not only can Central secure a playoff spot, but they can clinch the Conference Title with a win this week. Canon-McMillan has a balanced offensive attack with senior QB Mike Evans at the helm. Evans has thrown for 584 yards and 2 TDs and run for 123 yards and 3 TDs. Out of the backfield, Zach Welsh has led the way with 572 yards and 5 TDs. Zyan Howard (241 yards, 1 TD) has been Evans’ top target on the outside. Keep an eye out for DE Kaeden Singleton, a Delaware-commit, who has wrecked havoc on opposing offenses all season. For Central Catholic, their revamped offense under new head coach Ryan Lehmeier has produced on of the top passers in the WPIAL in Payton Wehner (1165 yards, 17 TDs). He has spread the ball around to Jacob Sassic (347 yards, 4 TDs), Vernon Settles (330 yards, 5 TDs), and Penn State-commit Peter Gonzalez (310 yards, 5 TDs). When teams have tried to take the pass away, Elijah Faulkner (502 yards, 10 TDs) has flourished on the ground. Last week in the showdown with North Allegheny, Faulkner put up 229 yards and 4 TDs to lead the Vikings to victory. On defense, Central has the best linebacking corps in Western PA, led by Penn State-commit Anthony Speca and Michigan-commit Cole Sullivan.

5A Game of the Week

Penn-Trafford (1-0, 2-3) at Norwin (1-0, 2-3)

Former Quad-A Foothills rivals square off with huge playoff implications. Both teams won their initial foray into conference play but have games remaining against league powerhouses Gateway and Franklin Regional. The winner of this game will have the inside track to battle for one of the top three positions in the conference and potentially make a run at a playoff spot. Last week was historic for Penn-Trafford RB Tasso Whipple (609 yards, 7 total TDs), who broke school’s single-game rushing record with 300 yards and 4 total TDs. In addition to Whipple, Ben Grabowski (273 yards, 2 TDs) has gotten a share of the workload. When the Warriors take to the air, Jonny Lovre (505 yards, 2 TDs) has established a strong connection with WR Carmen Metcalfe (263 yards, 1 TD). Norwin’s offense is built around their passing game. Tristyn Tavares has thrown for 1150 yards and 11 TDs and added two more scores on the ground. The Knights have a number of talented receivers, led by Luke Denny (360 yards, 4 TDs), Jake Knight (306 yards), and Miami (OH)-commit Jackson Pons (245 yards). While Norwin’s record sits below .500, they have two close losses to Upper St Clair and Woodland Hills.

Woodland Hills (1-0, 3-2) at Shaler (0-0, 4-1)

Last year, Shaler defeated Woodland Hills for the first time ever. This season, they square off on Saturday afternoon in Shaler’s Homecoming Game. The Northeast Conference will be an absolute slugfest for which two teams make the playoffs and which third place team will have a shot at the Wild Card. Both of these teams are good enough to make the playoffs, but with Penn Hills and Pine-Richland looming later in the season the winner of this game will separate one team in the standings. Woody High has a dynamic passing attack with Cam Walter (1005 yards, 10 TDs) at the helm. The Wolverines have one of the best sophomores in the WPIAL in WR Scoop Smith (560 yards, 10 TDs) who is quickly becoming a household name for his explosive play-making. Woody High has one of the best group of linemen in 5A who have paved the way for a trio of running-backs-by-committee Elijah Nesby (240 yards, 1 TD), Zykir Moore (216 yards, 1 TD), and Brandon Jones (130 yards). Shaler has one of their best teams in school history and will have to battle down the stretch run to earn a playoff spot. The Titans are led by senior QB Keegan Smetanka who has thrown for 1133 yards and 12 TDs while adding 5 rushing TDs. Smetanka has spread the ball around to a primary trio of pass-catchers in Joe DeSabato (496 yards, 6 TDs), Kaden Orga (295 yards, 1 TD), and Brandon London (291 yards, 3 TDs). On the ground, Nathan Rozzo (441 yards, 2 TDs) has seen a lion’s share of the action.

4A Game of the Week

Trinity (1-1, 3-2) at Latrobe (1-1, 3-2)

In the Big Seven Conference, Thomas Jefferson and McKeesport are in the race atop the league. The last two playoff spots will come down to Latrobe, Trinity, Laurel Highlands, and Connellsville. Over the last two weeks, Latrobe and Trinity have gained early separation with wins over Laurel Highlands and Connellsville, respectively. The winner of this game will have the inside track to the #3 spot in the conference. This game is a battle between dual-threat quarterbacks. Trinity’s Jonah Williamson was the WPIAL Blitz GoMVB Player of the Week in Week 3 after putting up over 200 yards both passing and rushing and producing 3 TDs with his arm and 3 more with his legs. On the season, Williamson has thrown for 978 yards and 9 TDs and run for 346 yards and 5 TDs. His opposite number for Latrobe is John Wetzel who has thrown for 631 yards and 7 TDs and produced 310 yards and 5 TDs in the ground. Williamson has two dangerous receivers in  Luke Lacock (373 yards, 2 TDs) and Dante DeRubbo (311 yards, 4 TDs). On the other side, Wetzel has primarily targeted Ja’Tawn Williams (343 yards, 5 TDs).  Supplementing Williamson in the Hillers backfield is the duo of Nick Mauro (187 yards, 1 TD) and Andrew Durig (165 yards, 4 TDs). The Wildcats also have a tandem of backs that join Wetzel in Brady Prohovic (238 yards 1 TD) and touchdown machine Alex Tatsch (116 yards, 5 total TDs).

Armstrong (0-1, 3-2) at North Catholic (2-0, 3-2)

Just two weeks into section play, the Greater Allegheny Conference has already lived up to the “GACrazy” nickname. Defending conference champions Armstrong were upset by Hampton last week. Meanwhile, North Catholic’s defense allowed a lot of points the first few weeks but have been rock solid in conference play and the Trojans now sit atop the standings. North Catholic’s standout defensive end Brady O’Hara just committed to Penn State this week. O’Hara is also the Trojans leading receiver with 248 yards and 1 TD. North Catholic’s offense is built around dynamic RB Jack Fennell (596 yards, 7 TDs) who is averaging over 7 yards per carry. The Trojans also have an experienced QB in Jason Siket (546 yards, 7 TDs). Armstrong has an offense that can score in bunches and will test the Trojans defense. Colt Sprankle (761 yards, 11 TDs) started the season for the Riverhawks. Last week Jaydon Oliver (480 yards, 4 TDs) was at the helm after seeing a handful of snaps the first few games. Both quarterbacks have produced big numbers this year thanks to a pair of game-breaking talents at receiver in Ian Olsen (503 yards, 5 TDs) and Kyan Kline (368 yards, 6 TDs). In the ground game,  Alex Patton (444 yards, 6 TDs) has been a productive lead back.

3A Game of the Week

Deer Lakes (0-0, 4-1) at Knoch (0-0, 4-1)

Last year, just one point decided the fourth and final playoff team in the Allegheny Six Conference. Deer Lakes edged Knoch 37-36 and ultimately finished a game ahead of the Knights for the final playoff spot. Both teams have had a resurgent start to the season this year. Deer Lakes won just 4 games last year and already has equaled that total. Knoch’s only win last year was in Week 9 against Valley and got off to a 4-0 start before losing to Elizabeth Forward last week. Both schools feature dynamic passing attacks, and it is entirely possible this game is played in the 30s again this season. Deer Lakes is led by QB Derek Burk (790 yards, 12 TDs). He has been able to spread the ball around between the trio of Wayne Love (331 yards, 2 TDs), Ryan Cochran (221 yards, 1 TD), and Zach Grant (120 yards, 1 TD). Out of the backfield, Zier Williams (581 yards, 5 TDs) is averaging over 8 yards per carry. For Knoch, their offensive catalyst is dual-threat QB Codi Mullen. On the season, Mullen has thrown for 855 yards and 8 TDs and run for 266 yards and 3 TDs. Kaden Spencer (418 yards, 6 TDs) and Jackson Bauman (244 yards, 1 TD) have been Mullen’s favorite targets. In addition to Mullen, Tony Nicolazzo has run for 153 yards and 6 TDs.

South Park (0-2, 3-2) at Seton LaSalle (2-0, 4-1)

This is a massive game in the Western Hills Conference playoff race. Last year, South Park tied with Beaver and West Mifflin for second place and Seton finished near the bottom of the league. This year has been a renaissance for the Rebels while South Park has dropped their first two conference games. The winner of this game will have a leg up down the stretch in the run of the playoffs. Both of these teams will feed their star running backs. South Park’s Eric Doerue (678 yards, 5 TDs) currently ranks in the Top 10 in the WPIAL in rushing. The Eagles also have a dual-threat QB in Zach Ludwig (306 passing yards, 163 rushing yards, 2 rushing TDs) who has attempted as many passes as he has carries. Leading receiver AJ D’Agostino (156 receiving yards, 71 rushing yards, 3 total TDs) will be used all over the field. Seton’s offense is led by the powerful O’Malley Daly who has run for 534 yards and 12 TDs. The Rebels have used both Michael Pastirik (423 yards, 4 TDs) and Ray Miller (203 yards) at quarterback this year. Logan King (192 yards, 1 TD) has complemented Daly in the backfield. On the outside, freshman WR Khalil Taylor (334 yards, 3 TDs) just picked up a scholarship offer from Pitt.

2A Game of the Week

Washington (1-0, 5-0) at Waynesburg (1-1, 4-1)

These old rivals square off with the top spot in the Century Conference on the line. The county seat of Washington County against the county seat of Greene County.  Washington has had the better of the rivalry for most of the last 20 years, but Waynesburg is off to their best start since the glory days of the late 90s and early 2000s. Washington’s has a balanced offensive attack with dynamic playmakers all over the field. Tristan Reed has thrown for 627 yards and 4 TDs. Eddie Lewis leads the Prexies ground attack with 407 yards and 7 TDs. Percy Dudley (192 yards, 4 TDs) has been the change-of-pace back, averaging over 8 yards per carry. Both leading receivers have also been factors in the ground game. Ruben Gordon has put up 276 receiving yards, 118 rushing yards, and 5 total TDs. Zxavian Willis has 213 receiving yards and 130 rushing yards and has also scored 5 times. On the other side, Waynesburg’s offense has mostly come from their ground game. Breydon Woods has averaged nearly 8 yards per carry and run for 552 yards and 3 TDs. Dual-threat quarterback Jacob Stephenson has thrown for 416 yards and 4 TDs and run for 457 yards and 6 TDs. Stephenson has more rushing attempts than passing attempts this season in the Raiders run-heavy attack. Leading receiver Jack Ricciuti has accounted for 232 yards and 3 TDs.

1A Game of the Week

GCC (1-0, 3-2) at Clairton (2-0, 3-2)

The top two teams in the Eastern Conference face off and the winner will have the inside track to the conference title. GCC ended Clairton’s run of conference supremacy last year, but the Centurions were upset in the opening round of the playoffs. Clairton was the only Eastern Conference team to get out of the opening round last year. GCC has a dual-threat quarterback in Tyree Turner who has thrown for 715 yards and 8 TDs and run for 281 yards and 8 TDs. Tuner’s counterpart is the dynamic Samir Crosby. He has been used all over the field. Crosby is GCC’s leading receiver (301 yards), second-leading rusher (133 yards), has scored 6 total TDs and has thrown for 137 yards and a TD. Landon Honick (193 yards, 2 TDs) and Peter Mazowiecki (139 yards, 2 TDs) round out GCC’s receiving corps. Clairton’s offense started slow but has come on over the last three weeks. The Bears have two running backs with game-breaking ability. Drahcir Jones (487 yards, 4 TDs) and Donte Wright (314 yards, 4 TDs) are both averaging over 7 yards per carry. Michael Wright (638 yards, 5 TDs) has taken the helm at quarterback this season and put up 648 yards and 5 TDs. Zaemere Cornell (323 yards, 3 TDs) and Michael Ruffin (145 yards, 3 TDs) have emerged as playmakers on the outside. The Bears are still a young team but have started gelling over the last few weeks.

Fort Cherry (2-0, 5-0) at Bishop Canevin (2-0, 4-0)

The Game of the Week in the WPIAL will take place on Saturday night in Dormont. Bishop Canevin has been to the last two WPIAL Championship Games while Fort Cherry features one of the most exciting players in Western Pennsylvania in sophomore QB Matt Seig. Last year, Seig became the first freshman in WPIAL history to pass for 1000 yards and rush for 1000 yards in the same season. He is off to a similar pace this season with 552 passing yards and 8 TDs and running for 474 yards and 8 TDs. He has also scored on a kick return and a pick-six. Complementing Seig in the Rangers backfield is Ethan Faletto (408 yards, 9 TDs) and Nate Heirendt (229 yards, 5 TDs). On the outside, Shane Cornali (304 yards, 5 TDs) will test Bishop Canevin’s athletic defensive backs. Canevin has a D1 recruit in WVU-commit Jason Cross. Cross split time at quarterback last year but has moved out to receiver this year while focusing on defense where he will play safety in college. Kole Olsewski has taken the reins at quarterback and thrown for 606 yards and 9 TDs. His top targets have been Az’Juan Marshall (232 yards, 5 TDs) and Jayden Lindsey (212 yards, 2 TDs). On the ground, Marquis Carter (235 yards, 1 TD) has big-play ability. Canevin did not play last week after Avella was forced to forfeit due to a lack of players.

Inter-Classification Game of the Week

Pine-Richland (3-2) at North Allegheny (4-1)

Despite Pine-Richland moving down to 5A in 2020, these two have been able to continue their fierce rivalry. Last year, both won WPIAL Championships with Pine-Richland also claiming the 5A State Title. Pine-Richland has restocked their offense after losing most of their starters to graduation. The one returning starter is RB Ethan Pillar who leads the way with 535 yards and 7 TDs. Talan Hill-Ressler (239 yards, 1 TD) and Maclane Miller (120 yards) have both been big-play threats out of the backfield, averaging over 8 yards per carry.  Kanan Huffman has taken the helm at quarterback and thrown for 463 yards and 4 TDs. The Rams have also used freshman Aaron Strader as a wildcat option at quarterback. Strader has thrown for a touchdown and run for two more. On the outside, Bryce O’Brien (221 yards, 2 TDs) and Vasilios Balouris (141 yards) have emerged as the top targets. North Allegheny brought back nearly all of their starters from the team that won the WPIAL title. Dual-threat QB Logan Kushner leads the offense and has put up 541 yards and 8 TDs through the air and 388 yards an 6 TDs on the ground. Tyree Alualu has complemented Kushner in the ground game, running for 319 yards and 5 TDs. James Donaldson (166 yards, 2 TDs) and the dynamic Khiryn Boyd (71 yards, 1 TD) are the Tigers top receivers.

Mt. Lebanon (4-1) at Upper St Clair (4-1)

The South Hills Showdown between Mt. Lebanon and Upper St Clair is a historic, heated rivalry. Both teams are off to 4-1 starts with their lone setbacks being shutout defeats against the leaders of their respective conferences. Mt. Lebanon has two D1 recruits in LB Beckham Dee (an Air Force commit) and lineman Connor Young (a Navy commit). Michael Malone (315 yards, 4 TDs) has stepped in at quarterback to lead the Blue Devils offense. Mt. Lebanon has worked in a number of new starters this year, including leading rushers Fred LaSota (417 yards, 3 TDs) and Patrick Smith (103 yards, 2 TDs). Ezra Heidenreich (102 yards, 2 TDs) is the top receiver. The most impressive thing about Mt. Lebanon this year has been their defense, holding 4 of their 5 opponents under 20 points. Last week they came up with big stops in the 4th quarter to hold on and beat Seneca Valley. Upper St Clair reached the 5A WPIAL finals last year and returned a number of starters. Ethan Hellmann has become the full-time quarterback and thrown for 631 yards and 7 TDs. Julian Dahlem split time at quarterback last year and moved out to receiver this season where he has put up 174 yards and 2 TDs. Bryce Jones leads USC’s receivers with 191 yards and 2 scores. The Panthers rushing attack is keyed by Mason Chambers who has 308 yards and 5 TDs. Both of these teams have played in some close games this year, so it would not be surprising to see this one be a tight and relatively low-scoring game.

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