The WPIAL Playoffs are here! After an exciting regular season the postseason kicks off in five classifications on Friday night. The 6A playoffs don’t start until next week due to only four teams qualifying. In 5A, 3A, and 2A, top teams received first round byes and will play the winners of this week’s games. In 4A, due to where the WPIAL Champion enters the statewide bracket, only 8 teams made the playoffs so this week is the quarterfinals. In 1A, 16 teams made the playoffs so it a true bracket with no byes.
For an in-depth breakdown of all the teams in the WPIAL playoff field, check out this week’s edition of the WPIAL Blitz Show!
5A First Round
8. North Hills vs 9. Franklin Regional
Two third-place teams will battle it out for the right to face top-seeded Pine-Richland. This is the first playoff meeting between these two schools. North Hills has one of the best defenses in 5A this year, holding opponents to just 12 points per game. On the other side, Franklin Regional has played a number of close games with all four of their conference wins coming by 5 points or less. North Hills has not won a playoff game since 2010 while Franklin Regional has just won one postseason game in the last 8 years. North Hills’ offense runs through their backfield. Leading rusher Jack Martin (516 yards) is also one of their top receivers and has scored 5 times. Dual-threat QB Kelly McCarthy (862 passing yards, 10 TDs; 246 rushing yards, 5 TDs) has shared the workload in the ground game. Franklin Regional has one of the top rushers in the WPIAL in Kyle Dupill (1773 yards, 15 TDs). The Panthers also have a 1200-yard passer in Chase Lemke (14 TDs).
5. Bethel Park vs 12. Latrobe
The high-flying Bethel Park offense led 5A by averaging 43 points per game. The Black Hawks only losses were by 4 to Upper St Clair and by 3 to Peters Twp. Both games were decided by scores in the final minute. On the other side, Latrobe overcame an injury to their star Penn State-recruit Alex Tatsch to pull out a win over Gateway in Week 8 which likely got them the last wild card. Bethel Park’s balanced offensive attack features explosive RB JaVaughn Moore (1603 yards, 23 total TDs) and strong-armed QB Tanner Pfeuffer (2251 yards, 29 TDs). Watch out for slot receiver Ryan Petras who recently retuned from injury. With Alex Tatsch’s injury, Latrobe’s offense now runs through dual-threat QB John Wetzel (880 passing yards, 6 TDs; 1012 rushing yards, 7 TDs). Alex’s younger brother Andy Tatsch is the Wildcats leading receiver (435 yards, 3 TDs) and is a standout defensive back.
6. Penn-Trafford vs 11. South Fayette
Penn-Trafford is making their 8th straight playoff appearance while South Fayette reached the postseason for the first time since 2020. These teams have been on opposite trajectories this season. Penn-Trafford got off to a bit of a slow start at 2-2 but went 6-0 down the stretch. On the other side, South Fayette started the year 6-0 then hit a road bump in conference play, dropping their last 4 outings in the brutal Allegheny Six. Penn-Trafford’s balanced offense runs behind a stout offensive line. The Warriors ground game is led by Tasso Whipple (1490 yards, 13 TDs) who averages over 8 yards per carry. Jonny Lovre (1174 yards, 9 TDs) has been able to keep defenses honest in the passing game, spreading it around to four different receivers. Dual-threat QB Drew Welhorsky (1695 passing yards, 14 TDs; 850 rushing yards, 11 TDs) is the catalyst for South Fayette’s offense. The Lions have five receivers that finished with over 100 yards.
7. Penn Hills vs 10. Moon
This one has all the makings of a hard-nosed knock-down drag-out playoff classic. Penn Hills battled through a brutal non-conference schedule before winning 6 of their last 7 games. The Indians run included a victory over Aliquippa and their only loss was by 10 against Conference Champs Pine-Richland. Moon has played tough football all season, including close losses to Penn-Trafford, Bethel Park and Peters Twp. Penn Hills’ offense started to take off when they made a QB change to Jay’mere Ellis (752 yards, 12 TDs). The Indians have a 1000-yard rusher in Naytel Mitchell who has scored 15 times. Penn Hills has been a factory for talented defensive backs in recent years and have a pair of talented WR/DBs in Martel Palmer and Carter Bonner. Moon is a run-heavy team that is going to battle in the trenches. The Tigers have 7 different players who have run for over 100 yards this season. Paul Bronaugh leads the team in rushing (471 yards), receiving (11 catches for 200 yards), and scoring (8 total TDs).
4A Quarterfinals
1. Thomas Jefferson vs 8. West Allegheny
This will be the 8th playoff meeting between these storied programs. The two programs have accounted for a combined 18 WPIAL titles and 6 state titles. West A leads the all-time series 4-3. Thomas Jefferson is making their 30th consecutive playoff appearance. Last year was a “down” year for TJ in that they were knocked out in the quarterfinals for just the 2nd time in the last 26 years. The Jaguars stormed through their schedule, averaging a 4A-best 41 points per game. West Allegheny had their first two games postponed due to weather and didn’t take the field until Week 3. The Indians lost 3 of their first 4 before getting hot in October, capping off the season with an overtime victory over Montour. Thomas Jefferson has a strong offensive line that has paved the way for RB Tyler Eber (1342 yards, 22 TDs). Luke Kosko (1469 yards, 17 TDs) has been efficient through the air when the Jaguars have needed to throw, primarily targeting Brayden White (861 yards, 10 TDs). West Allegheny’s offense is built around their running game where the top three backs average over 7 yards per carry. Brock Cornell (920 yards, 8 TDs) and Roman Police (639 yards, 6 TDs) lead the way with Brodie Cornell (259 yards, 2 TDs) pitching in.
4. Aliquippa vs 5. Trinity
The Quips are making their 30th consecutive playoff appearance and have reached the WPIAL finals in 16 straight years. Aliquippa is the three-time defending WPIAL Champions and looking to become just the third team in WPIAL history to score the elusive four-peat. Aliquippa has reached the State Championship game in three straight seasons, winning the title in 2021 and 2023. Trinity beat Belle Vernon in Week 9 to secure the second guaranteed playoff spot from the Big Six Conference. Last year, the Hillers won a playoff game for the first time since 2007. Aliquippa’s offense runs through the backfield tandem of Penn State-commit Tikey Hayes (757 yards, 11 TDs) and Sa’Nir Brooks (618 yards, 10 TDs). The Quips have been so good on the ground this year that QB Marques Council (1070 yards, 12 TDs) has not had to throw much, and has primarily targeted Arison Walker (334 yards, 6 TDs) when they do take to the air. Trinity’s offense runs through dual-threat QB Jonah Williamson (952 passing yards, 5 TDs; 674 rushing yards, 11 TDs). Williamson has a big arm and is fleet of foot. Joining Williamson in the backfield is Nico Mauro (805 yards, 6 TDs) to make a formidable tandem in the Hillers rushing attack.
2. Montour vs 7. Mars
Montour had one of the highest-scoring offenses in 4A entering the final week of the season, but were mired in a defensive struggle with rivals West Allegheny which they ultimately lost in overtime. The result did not impact Montour’s seed as the Committee still awarded them the #2 spot in the 4A bracket, despite technically being a wild card in the playoffs. Nevertheless, Montour has all the tools to make a run at their first Championship since 2011. This is a rematch of a mid-season game where Montour won 31-14. Montour’s offense is built around their passing attack and QB Trey Hopper (2170 yards, 23 TDs). The Spartans have four different receivers with over 300 yards. Defensively, watch out for linebacker Kaleb Platz who is a heat-seeking missile on the field. Mars had to reinvent their offense to overcome an injury to their starting quarterback, but the Planets have been hot over the last month, winning four of their last five games. With the shift to the running game, Eric Kasperowicz Jr (1074 yards, 14 TDs) has taken the helm. Nathan Walker (716 yards, 4 TDs) stepped in at quarterback and does have a talented receiver in Gabe Hein (774 yards, 11 TDs).
3. McKeesport vs 6. Belle Vernon
Another rematch of a non-conference game that happened earlier this season. After an 0-3 start to the season that included two overtime losses, McKeesport topped Belle Vernon 28-7 and then rolled through conference play. Belle Vernon, the two-time defending 3A WPIAL & PIAA Champs, needed a wild card to get in the playoffs. The Leopards had a tough non-conference schedule but looked dominant in their wins over the lower-tier teams of their conference. In a Week 9 showdown with Trinity for a guaranteed playoff spot, the Leopards came up short and had to sweat it out overnight to see if they got a wild card. McKeesport’s triple-option offense is clicking on all cylinders with speedster Kemon Spell (1062 yards, 19 TDs) leading the way. Anthony Cromerdie (580 yards, 14 TDs) and power back Anthony Boyd (365 yards, 2 TDs) also feature in the Tigers attack. Belle Vernon has built their offense around dual-threat QB Curtis Wade (956 passing yards, 12 TDs; 352 rushing yards, 3 TDs). The Leopards will look to get the ball into the hands of Kole Doppelheuer who leads the team in rushing (606 yards), receiving (353 yards) and scoring (13 total TDs).
3A First Round
8. Southmoreland vs 9. Highlands
One of these teams will be the feel-good story of the first round of the playoffs. Southmoreland is making their 5th playoff appearance in 6 years after snapping a 40-year playoff drought back in 2019. Highlands is making their 4th straight playoff appearance but has not won a playoff game since 2014. The big story entering this game is how will Southmoreland overcome a plethora of injuries that have hit their team in recent weeks. Unfortunately, the injury bug struck both 1900-yard passer Anthony Smith and leading receiver Elliott Premus. Leading rusher Cameron Phillips (797 yards, 8 TDs) may need to shoulder the load of the offense. Highlands dual-threat QB Menage Lucas joined the elite 1000/1000 club this season. Lucas threw for 1288 yards and 18 TDs and ran for 1293 yards and 19 scores, averaging nearly 10 yards per carry.
5. Avonworth vs 12. Greensburg Salem
This game is the perfect example of how one week can change the fortunes of teams. Avonworth entered Week 9 in the driver’s seat for the Western Hills Conference title while Greensburg Salem was sitting in 4th place in the Interstate Conference. Avonworth’s offense runs through QB Carson Bellinger (994 yards, 10 TDs). The Lopes will use a number of different complementary skill players and have 8 different players with over 100 rushing yards. Greensburg Salem is led by the Chismar brothers Brody and Peyton. Brody is a dual-threat QB who has thrown for 677 yards and 10 TDs and run for 515 yards and 4 scores.
6. Deer Lakes vs 11. North Catholic
This games has all the makings of a shoot out. Deer Lakes won their first playoff game in school history last year and followed up with a solid season and will host a home playoff game. North Catholic beat Hopewell in a Wild Card play-in game in Week 9 to get into the playoffs. Deer Lakes allows over 22 points per game while North Catholic has the most porous defense in the 3A field, allowing 31 points per game. Deer Lakes relies on their stout offensive line to set up their balanced offense. The Lancers have a trio of talented skill position players led by the connection of QB Jake Fleischer (1237 yards, 15 TDs) to WR Zach Grant (634 receiving yards, 200 rushing yards, 11 total TDs). On the ground, Zier Williams (1143 yards, 16 TDs) along with Fleischer and Grant have all averaged over 6 yards per carry behind the Lancers line. North Catholic has the WPIAL’s leading passer Joey Felitsky (2430 yards, 20 TDs) and WPIAL’s leading receiver Ryker Kennedy (83 catches for 1065 yards and 8 TDs).
7. Freeport vs 10. Mount Pleasant
This game will be won in the trenches. Both teams are run-heavy outfits who want to pound the rock. Freeport has always been known for their defensive toughness and that came through again this year with the 3rd best unit in 3A (18 points allowed per game). The Yellow Jackets will rely on dual-threat QB Drew Ross (1126 passing yards, 10 TDs; 459 rushing yards, 11 TDs) and workhorse RB Amos Glenn (1135 yards, 15 TDs). Mount Pleasant runs a triple-option offense and will cycle through a number of backs. The Vikings have 5 players with over 200 rushing yards, led by Brody Hutter (448 yards, 8 TDs) and Jarrett Garn (402 rushing yards, 411 receiving yards, 10 total TDs).
2A First Round
8. OLSH vs 9. Riverside
Both of these teams are coming off Week 9 games that determined their playoff seeding. OLSH topped Keystone Oaks in a non-conference game that earned the Chargers a Wild Card and put them ahead of KO in the playoff bracket. Riverside lost to conference foe Mohawk, ultimately costing the Panthers a home playoff game. This one has all the makings of a defensive slugfest. Both teams average around 17 points per game and Riverside got to this point by winning a number of low-scoring defensive games. OLSH’s team is built around Vann Kavals who has thrown for 1502 yards and 12 TDs and run for 563 yards and 8 scores. Kavals is also a game-wrecker on defense where he is a D1 recruit at defensive end. Riverside’s offense runs through star RB Robbie Janis (1106 yards, 9 TDs).
4. Steel Valley vs 13. Washington
This is a rematch of a Week 1 game that Steel Valley won 28-8. The Ironmen rebounded from a 1-3 start to the season to put up 40+ over their last 6 games and cruise to the playoffs. Both Barksdale brothers are now healthy and we are seeing a fully armed and operational Ironmen offense. Donald Barksdale (1761 yards, 27 TDs) is one of the top rushers in the WPIAL. His brother Da’ron, who missed the start of the season due to injury, has stepped in at quarterback and thrown for 235 yards and 4 TDs while running for 538 yards and 11 scores. Washington had a bit of a down year by their standards, losing their last two outings to Carlynton and Seton LaSalle. The Prexies Week 6 1-point win over Keystone Oaks is likely what got them into the playoffs as the last wild card. Wash High relies on dual-threat QB Tristan Reed (673 passing yards, 6 TDs; 339 rushing yards, 9 TDs) to be the catalyst for their offense.
5. Western Beaver vs 12. Carlynton
Saturday
Western Beaver will host a home playoff game on Saturday afternoon. The Golden Beavers are eyeing a quarterfinal rematch with a Steel Valley team that knocked them out in the same round last year by just 2 points. Western Beaver has one of the best young passers in the WPIAL in sophomore Jaivin Peel (2134 yards, 23 TDs) and will run a 5-wide offense that is difficult to defend. Peel has spread the ball around to 7 different players who have over 100 yards, led by Chris Kirkland (557 yards, 12 TDs). Carlynton topped Washington by 1 point in Week 8, ultimately earning the Cougars their first playoff berth since 2001. That snapped the longest active playoff drought in the WPIAL at 22 years. In a matchup of quarterbacks, Carlynton’s offense revolves around the multi-talented Devonte Dean (1383 passing yards, 15 TDs; 858 rushing yards, 12 TDs). Dean is joined in the backfield by Cougars leading rusher John Sciuilli (924 yards, 11 TDs).
6. South Allegheny vs 11. Waynesburg
This game features a matchup of reemerging teams. South Allegheny went 1-9 each of the last two seasons and rebounded in a big way this year to finish 8-2 and make their first playoff appearance since 2021. The Gladiators have not won a playoff game since 1986. On the other side, Waynesburg snapped a 9-year postseason drought last year and has not won a playoff game since 2000. South Allegheny had a number of players set school records this season, including QB Ryan Cortes (1891 yards, 22 TDs) and leading receiver Drew Cook (1236 yards, 13 TDs). Explosive RB Cam Epps (970 yards, 15 TDs) averages over 9 yards per carry. Waynesburg QB Jacob Stephenson joined the 1000/1000 club this year with 1108 passing yards and 7 TDs and 1016 rushing yards and 19 scores. The Raiders have a trio of receivers with over 300 yards in Jack Ricciuti (398 yards, 2 TDs), Teagan Crouse (339 yards, 2 TDs), and Zacheryh Jiblits (310 yards, 2 TDs).
7. Mohawk vs 10. Keystone Oaks
Mohawk topped Riverside in Week 9 to earn a home playoff game. The Warriors are coming off a run to the semifinals which was their best result in school history. Keystone Oaks played a number of tight, low-scoring games this season. The Golden Eagles had 1-score wins over Charleroi and Carlynton and had 1-point losses to both Washington and OLSH. Mohawk moved talented receiver Bobby Fadden to QB this season and he has excelled, throwing for 1466 yards and 15 TDs. The Warriors receiving tandem of Andrew Loyd (753 yards, 2 TDs) and Blake Logan (688 yards, 8 TDs) will stretch the KO defense. The Golden Eagles rely heavily on their running game and lead back Billy Bricker (775 yards, 9 TDs).
1A First Round
1. Fort Cherry vs 16. Brentwood
Fort Cherry is the defending WPIAL Champions, their first title in school history. The Rangers made it all the way to the State Finals last year and have their eyes set on another deep run in November. Fort Cherry has done it on both sides of the ball this year, scoring over 40 points per game and holding opponents to just a touchdown per game. Fort Cherry’s offense runs through one of the top players in the entire WPIAL Matt Sieg who threw for 871 yards and 16 TDs and ran for 1155 yards and 20 TDs. Leading receiver Shane Cornali (525 yards, 11 TDs) and Sieg’s backfield counterpart Ryan Huey (620 yards, 11 TDs) have scored double-digit TDs. Brentwood moved down from 2A to 1A this season and was awarded the final wild card spot in the field. This is Brentwood’s first playoff appearance since 2019. The Spartans have a solid connection between QB Cedric Davis (1175 yards, 17 TDs) and WR Forrest Betz (898 yards, 13 TDs).
8. Leechburg vs 9. Cornell
Both of these teams are strong in the trenches and have talented rushing attacks. Leechburg is making their 4th consecutive playoff appearance after a 33-year drought from 1988-2021. Cornell has a stout defense, holding opponents to just 12 points per game, the 3rd best mark in 1A. Both offenses average over 35 points per game. Leechburg QB Jayden Floyd joined the 1000/1000 club for the second year, making him the 3rd player in WPIAL history to accomplish that feat. Floyd threw for 1395 yards and 10 TDs ran for 1104 yards and 25 scores. Cornell’s offense mostly comes out of their backfield with 1000-yard rusehr Walter Clarit (16 TDs) and slot back Khylil Johnson who has run for 726 yards, led the Raiders with 414 reiceivng yards and scored 23 times.
5. GCC vs 12. Monessen
This game features two of the most exciting individual playmakers in the WPIAL. GCC dual-threat QB Samir Crosby can do it all on offense. Crosby has thrown for 1171 yards and 15 TDs and run for 927 yards and 16 TDs. Monessen RB Tyvaughn Kershaw is lightning in a bottle and has scored in all three phases of the game this year. Kershaw leads the Greyhounds in rushing (1348 yards), receiving (247 yards), and scoring (28 total TDs). Both teams average over 31 points per game so this one could absolutely turn into a Crosby vs Kershaw shootout.
4. Neshannock vs 13. Jeannette
Neshannock maintained their high level of excellence in the move down from 2A to 1A. The Lancers beat Lawrence County rivals Laurel in the final week of the season to clinch the Big Seven Conference title. Jeannette has a dynamic offensive attack but struggled to stop the run all season. This could prove troublesome against a big Neshannock line that will pound the rock on the ground. The Lancers offense runs through dual-threat QB Jino Mozzocio (1411 passing yards, 13 TDs; 696 rushing yards, 13 TDs). Joining Mozzocio in the ground game is Anthony Eakin (761 yards, 11 TDs). Jeannette also has a dual-threat QB in Kymone Brown (1444 passing yards, 19 TDs; 947 rushing yards, 12 TDs). The Jayhawks other big talent is WR Jayce Powell (703 yards, 13 TDs).
2. Clairton vs 15. Rochester
Clairton is back. The Bears had a historic season on the defensive side of the ball, allowing just 2 touchdowns all season. Clairton also boasted the highest-scoring offense in the entire WPIAL, averaging an incredible 54 points per game. Rochester was awarded a wild card spot but struggled offensively this year. The Rams are the lowest-scoring team in the 1A field (20 points per game). That said, there is a ton of history between these teams as they have met several times in Championship Games. This will be the 10th playoff meeting between the schools with Clairton holding a 7-2 advantage. Clairton’s offense is loaded with talent all over the field, starting with QB Jeffrey Thompson (1668 yards, 24 TDs). The Bears top three rushers all average over 11 yards per carry, led by Drahcir Jones (1028 yards, 18 TDs). Clairton also has four players with over 250 receiving yards, making them almost impossible to defend all over the field. Rochester has always been a run-heavy team and will rely on the tandem of Jason Clinton (685 yards, 9 TDs) and Antonio Laure (624 yards, 8 TDs).
7. Laurel vs 10. California
Spartans vs Trojans is a matchup of epic Greek proportions. Laurel was one of the best bounce-back stories in the WPIAL. After an 0-4 start to the season, the Spartans won 5 straight conference games to set up a showdown with Neshannock for the section title. The Spartans lost but still earned a home playoff game. Laurel retooled their traditionally run-heavy offense into a passing attack to match the talents of QB Luca Santini (1656 yards, 11 TDs). Five Spartans have over 100 receiving yards, led by Kolton Carlson (571 yards, 9 TDs). Califorina also lost a Week 9 game for the conference title, falling by just 1 point to Jefferson-Morgan. The Trojans have the WPIAL’s leading rusher Lee Qualk (1967 yards, 33 TDs) who should surpass the 2000-yard mark in this game. California has five players who tallied over 100 rushing yards this season and their strong offensive line has enabled three of them (including Qualk) to average over 9 yards per carry.
3. Bishop Canevin vs 14. Bentworth
Bishop Canevin is a strong contender for the WPIAL title. The Crusaders only losses this season were to Fort Cherry and 2A #1 seed Seton LaSalle. Canevin was leading Fort Cherry in the 4th quarter before a number of turnovers flipped the script. Canevin’s offense relies on the strong arm of QB Kole Olszewski (1892 yards, 22 TDs) who has spread the ball around to four different receivers. Demar Olds (741 yardsa, 12 TDs) leads the receiving corps while RB Myontae Mott (839 rushing yards, 251 receiving yards, 15 total TDs) can do it all for the Crusaders offense. Bentworth won a 3-way tie for 3rd place in the Tri-County South to earn their first playoff berth since 2014. Bentworth’s run to the playoffs was keyed by star Ben Hays who ran for 1382 yards, added 233 receiving yards, and scored 20 times. Hayes has also attempted a handful of passes this year, throwing for 301 yards and 6 TDs.
6. Jefferson-Morgan vs 11. South Side Beaver
Jefferson-Morgan has been a great story over the last two seasons. Last year the Rockets made the playoffs for the first time since 2012. This season, they stormed through the regular season and beat California in a showdown for the Tri-County South title in Week 9. Jefferson-Morgan got a defensive stand on a late 2-point conversion to seal the victory and clinch their first outright conference title since 1989. The Rockets resurgence has come thanks to 1000/1000 QB Houston Guesman who threw for 1664 yards and 23 TDs and ran for 1131 yards and 14 scores. Leading receiver Deakyn Dehoet (964 yards, 18 TDs) was the leading receiver in 1A. South Side reached the WPIAL finals last season and kept the momentum early this season with a 5-0 start. But the Rams offense cooled off in the later half of the year as they went 2-3 down the stretch. Their two October victories both came down to two-point conversions. South Side converted a 2-point try to beat Northgate in overtime then stopped a 2-point try to preserve a win over Rochester last week. South Side runs a triple-option offense that relies heavily on RBs AC Corfield (782 yards, 7 TDs) and Mateja Pavolvich (608 yards, 8 TDs).
