We have passed the midpoint of the High School Football regular season. With just four games to go, playoff races are starting to heat up and the contenders have begun to separate themselves from the pack. Last week, Central Catholic became the first team to clinch a playoff spot. Additionally, the Vikings clinched the 6A Tri-County Five Conference title and will be the #1 seed in the playoffs. The winner of the North Allegheny-Mt. Lebanon game will add their name to the list of 6A playoff teams. In 5A, Gateway can clinch the Big East Conference title with a win over Penn-Trafford and a Norwin loss. McKeesport can clinch a playoff spot in 4A with a victory over Connellsville and losses by Trinity and Ringgold. Additionally, McGuffey can clinch a playoff spot with a win over Charleroi and a loss by Sto-Rox. Finally in 1A, Clairton can be the first team to clinch a playoff spot with a win over Springdale. 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 battle for the top spot in the 5A Big East Conference between rivals Gateway and Penn-Trafford. Check out the game preview below under the 5A Games 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 Fayette County rivals Albert Gallatin in non-conference play. Laurel Highlands is looking to get their offense back on track after a few down weeks. In order to get themselves into the playoff picture, the Mustangs likely need to win out after this week against Trinity, Ringgold, and Connellsville. Albert Gallatin has been playing as an independent for a few years but it is always interesting to see how they stack up against WPIAL competition to see where the Colonials would fall if they still played in the WPIAL.
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
North Allegheny (1-1, 5-1) at Mt. Lebanon (1-1, 4-2)
Last week Central Catholic secured the top seed in the 6A playoffs. This week, North Allegheny and Mt. Lebanon battle with second place on the line. This will be the penultimate conference game for both teams, meaning the winner will clinch a playoff spot. North Allegheny’s offense runs through dual-threat QB Logan Kushner. On the season he has thrown for 805 yards and 11 TDs and run for 520 yards and 9 TDs. Kushner’s favorite targets have been the dynamic Khiryn Boyd (233 yards, 3 TDs) and James Donaldson (166 yards, 2 TDs). On the ground, Tyree Alualu (360 yards, 8 TDs) has complemented Kushner. Alualu is also a standout linebacker on the other side of the ball. For Mt. Lebanon, Michael Malone has taken the helm at quarterback and thrown for 443 yards and 6 TDs. The receiving tandem of Noah Schaerli (233 yards, 2 TDs) and Ezra Heidenreich (146 yards, 2 TDs) have both produced big plays this season. Fred LaSota (476 yards, 4 TDs) and Patrick Smith (155 yards, 2 TDs) have led the Blue Devils ground game. If Mt. Lebanon is going to slow down North Allegheny’s offense, the duo of service academy commits in LB Beckham Dee and lineman Connor Young will need to have big games.
5A Games of the Week
Gateway (3-0, 3-3) at Penn-Trafford (2-0, 3-3)
A showdown between Big East rivals with first place on the line. Both teams started the season slow but have come on over the last few weeks. Gateway’s passing attack has been dominant with Brad Birch at the helm. On the other side, Penn-Trafford has found a dynamic duo on the ground in Tasso Whipple and Ben Grabowski. Last week, Birch produced 6 TDs (5 passing, 1 rushing) in the Gators win over Hempfield. On the season, he has thrown for 1011 yards and 10 TDs and added 190 yards and 3 TDs on the ground. Birch as spread the ball around between Steven Jenkins (433 yards, 4 TDs), Kenny Lewis (369 yards, 3 TDs), and Derek Selby (241 yards, 2 TDs). Additionally, Jaquon Reynolds (435 yards, 8 TDs) has been a threat on the ground. In their three wins, Gateway has averaged 52 points per game after scoring just 15 total points in the first three outings. Penn-Trafford also had a slow 1-3 start to the season but have put up 41 against Hempfield and 56 against Norwin the last two weeks. Tasso Whipple broke the school single-game rushing record against Hempfield. Last week against the rival Knights, Whipple and Ben Grabowski combined for 400 yards and 6 TDs on the ground. On the year, Tasso Whipple has led the way for the Warriors offense with 803 rushing yards, 153 receiving yards, and 9 total TDs. In addition to his 200 yards last week, Ben Grabowski has tallied 478 yards and 6 TDs on the season. With how good Penn-Trafford has been on the ground, they haven’t needed to throw the ball much. When they have, QB Jonny Lovre (652 yards, 4 TDs) has formed a solid connection with Carmen Metcalfe (353 yards, 2 TDs). Gateway can clinch a playoff spot and the conference title with a win over Penn-Trafford AND a Norwin loss to Franklin Regional.
Moon (1-0, 3-3) at Peters Twp (3-0, 6-0)
This battle for first place in the Allegheny Six Conference. Peters Twp is one of 10 remaining undefeated teams in the WPIAL and has scored more points on defense and kick returns than they have allowed. Moon had three tight losses to start the season but has rebounded to win three in a row, including victories over Penn Hills and South Fayette. Moon has been in a number of tight games this year with four games decided by 3 points or less. The Tigers have found a powerful tandem out of the backfield in running backs Nazir Brookins (477 yards, 4 TDs) and Josh Bladel (410 yards, 4 TDs). Moon has used a number of quarterbacks this season, but has given the majority of work to Andrew Cross (171 yards and 2 TDs) the last few weeks. Peters Twp has a dominant defense and an offense that can beat teams in multiple ways. It starts with dual-threat QB Nolan DiLucia who has thrown for 943 yards and 9 TDs and run for 185 yards and 3 TDs. Through the air, DiLucia has spread the ball around to a plethora of talented receivers. The Indians boast the talented corps of Nick McCullough (269 yards, 3 TDs), Nate Miller (208 yards), Carter Shanafelt (190 yards, 4 TDs), Ethan Wertman (158 yards, 1 TD), and Thomas Aspinall (141 yards, 1 TD) on the outside. Out of the backfield, Peters Twp has also distributed carries between DiLucia, Vinny Sarcone (299 yards, 9 TDs) and Preston Blair (275 yards, 4 TDs).
4A Game of the Week
Montour (2-1, 5-1) at Central Valley (3-0, 5-1)
Aliquippa has separated themselves from the pack in the Parkway Conference with wins over Montour and West Allegheny. The Quips can cruise to the Week 9 showdown with Central Valley. On the other side, the Warriors still have to go through the gauntlet of Montour and West A before the showdown with the rival Quips. This is a big test for a young Central Valley team against a veteran Montour squad who has been one of the most exciting teams in the WPIAL. Both teams have dual-threat quarterbacks that are the catalysts for their offensive attack. Montour is led by Jake Wolfe who has thrown for 1224 yards and 13 TDs and run for 403 yards and 8 TDs. Caden Halajcio (287 yards, 4 TDs) has complemented Wolfe in the Spartans ground game. On the outside, Montour has a handful of talented receivers in Keino Fitzpatrick (325 yards, 5 TDs), Andrew Alston (303 yards, 4 TDs), and Daniel Batch (204 yards, 5 TDs). Central Valley has given the reigns of the offense to Steven Rutherford who has thrown for 781 yards and 7 TDs and run for 271 yards and 7 TDs. Central Valley has a stable of running backs that have shared the workload. Jance Henry (472 yards, 6 TDs) has the most yards while T. Mason Dixon (447 yards, 8 TDs) has been a scoring machine. Brandon Singleton (353 yards, 3 TDs) has also been a factor. On the outside, Quinn Connolly (198 yards, 2 TDs) is the Warriors leading receiver.
3A Games of the Week
Elizabeth Forward (1-0, 6-0) at Mt Pleasant (1-0, 5-1)
The winner of this game will set themselves up as the primary challenger to Belle Vernon in the Interstate Conference. Elizabeth Forward rolled through the first five games before getting all they could handle from Southmoreland last week. Mt. Pleasant’s only setback came against GCC in Week 0. The Vikings have found their stride in the running game over the last few weeks. Last week in Elizabeth Forward’s victory, Charlie Nigut put up four total touchdowns to lead the Warriors to victory. Nigut has been an all-around swiss army knife for Elizabeth Forward, running for 243 yards and 8 TDs and adding 206 receiving yards and another score. He also had a kick return TD last week. Jace Brown (333 yards, 5 TDs) is the leading rusher. The Warriors have been balanced offensively, with Ryan Messina (1009 yards, 8 TDs) throwing primarily to Isaiah Turner (352 yards, 4 TDs). On the other side, Mt Pleasant’s offense is built around their running game. The Vikings have six players with over 150 rushing yards on the season. Garrett Eicher (366 yards, 7 TDs), Dante Giallonardo (354 yards, 4 TDs), Jackson Hutter (330 yards, 5 TDs), and Brody Hutter (209 yards, 2 TDs) have all been factors in Mt. Pleasant’s rushing attack. Dual-threat QB Cole Chatfield has also done his share of damage with 686 passing yards and 8 TDs while adding 183 rushing yards and 1 TD. When Chatfield does take to the air, Luke Nicotera (314 yards, 3 TDs) has been the primary target.
Avonworth (3-0, 6-0) at Beaver (1-1, 5-1)
Avonworth has been one of the most impressive teams in the WPIAL with an early season win over Central Valley and a dominant start to conference play. Beaver started conference play with a win over South Park then suffered a setback against West Mifflin. Last year those three teams finished in a three-way tie for second place. Avonworth’s offense is keyed by QB Carson Bellinger who has thrown for 827 yards and 14 TDs. The Lopes also have a strong rushing attack with the duo of Dimitri Valisaris (515 yards, 10 TDs) and Bucknell-commit Brandon Biagiarelli (253yards, 3 TDs). Andrew Kuban has been an all-around threat on both sides of the ball and has led the team with 448 receiving yards, added 106 rushing yards, and scored 9 total TDs. Beaver’s offense has been built around their rushing attack. The trio of Quay Cain (7 TDs), Brady Mayo (7 TDs) and Drey Hall (3 TDs) has run over the Bobcats opponents this season. When Beaver does take to the air, Travis Clear has thrown for 6 TDs this year. Leading receiver and all-around playmaker Amari Jackson has also found the end zone 7 times. Beaver will need to control the game and the clock with their running game if they are going to hang with the mighty Lopes.
2A Game of the Week
Beaver Falls (2-1, 3-3 at Mohawk (3-0, 5-1)
A showdown in the Midwestern Conference with conference title implications. Beaver Falls’ record is a bit deceiving as their 3 losses have been by a combined 8 points. The Tigers suffered a setback at the start of conference play when they went to overtime against Neshannock. Beaver Falls missed a two-point conversion in overtime, giving Neshannock the win. This game will be a contrast of styles between Beaver Falls’ rushing attack and Mohawk’s passing game. Beaver Falls has a dual-threat quarterback in Da’Sean Anderson who has thrown for 728 yards and 5 TDs and added 342 rushing yards and 7 TDs. Joining Anderson in the Tigers rushing attack is the duo of Da’Talian Beauford (612 yards, 10 TDs) and Brixx Rawl (317 yards, 2 TDs). Anderson’s favorite target in the passing game has been Di’Nari Harris (359 yards, 4 TDs). On the other side, Mohawk’s passing attack features one of the top quarterbacks in the WPIAL. Jay Wrona has thrown for 1434 yards and 24 TDs. Wrona has spread the ball around between three different receivers who all average over 45 yards and 1 TD per game. Mohawk’s receiving corps is made up of Bobby Fadden (470 yards, 11 TDs), Blake Logan (290 yards, 5 TDs), and Dante Retort (283 yards, 5 TDs). Out of the backfield, Justin Boston has been a factor in both the running game (463 rushing yards), and in the pass game (186 receiving yards), and scored 3 total TDs.
1A Games of the Week
Bishop Canevin (2-1, 4-1) at Cornell (3-0, 6-0)
In the Game of the Week last week, Fort Cherry topped Bishop Canevin in a shootout at Dormont Stadium. That was Canevin’s first loss of the season and first regular season loss to a WPIAL opponent since 2021. Cornell is off to an undefeated start and was the only team to beat defending WPIAL Champs Union this season. Canevin’s offense is built around their passing attack and QB Kole Olszewski who had 5 TDs in last week’s loss to Fort Cherry. On the season, Olszewski has thrown for 1019 yards and 14 TDs. The Crusaders have an explosive trio of receivers in Jayden Lindsey (314 yards, 3 TDs), WVU-commit Jason Cross (266 yards 4 TDs), and Az’Juan Marshall (239 yards, 5 TDs). Canevin doesn’t run the ball much, but when they do Marquis Carter (262 yards, 2 TDs) is capable of a big play at any time. Cornell’s offense is a bit more run-centric and they have a number of talented players with speed to burn. Dual-threat quarterback CJ Jackson has thrown for 649 yards and 11 TDs while running for 140 yards and 4 more scores. Joining Jackson in the backfield is dynamic playmaker Khylil Johnson (645 rushing yards, 102 receiving yards, 5 total TDs). Julian Cordice (269 yards, 5 TDs) has also been a factor in the ground game. On the outside, Jackson’s favorite targets have been Mikey Keyes (302 yards, 5 TDs) and Drevon Newton (172 yards, 2 TDs).
West Greene (3-0, 5-1) at California (3-0, 5-1)
The top spot in the Tri-County South is on the line between West Greene and California. These two have been the dominant forces in the conference over the last five years and once again have paced the field. Both of these squads are built around their running games, so this game will likely come down to who is able to control the trenches and prevent explosive plays. West Greene features the WPIAL’s leading rusher Colin Brady who was the first player this year to surpass the 1000-yard mark. Brady has put up 1055 yards and 13 TDs so far. As a testament to the Pioneers line play, both Brady and Billy Whitlatch (616 yards, 7 TDs) have averaged over 9 yards per carry. John Lampe (242 yards, 7 TDs) has also seen his share of work on the ground to round out West Greene’s backfield. In the rare event the Pioneers take to the air, Lane Allison (who averages fewer than 9 attempts per game) has thrown for 459 yards and 10 TDs, primarily targeting Cooper Chambers (140 yards, 4 TDs). For California, dual-threat QB Jake Layhue is the catalyst for the offensive attack. Layhue has thrown for 288 yards and 2 TDs and run for 335 yards. He has scored 12 times on the season between offense and multiple return touchdowns. Layhue had TWO pick-sixes a few weeks ago against Monessen to turn a 23-20 lead into a fourth quarter rout. The Trojans ground game is led by Spencer Petrucci who has put up 708 yards and 11 TDs. Offensive playmaker Lee Qualk has been involved in a bit of everything with 272 rushing yards, 122 receiving yards, and 8 total TDs.
