The WPIAL playoffs kicked off last week and had several upsets that shook up the playoff brackets. The biggest upset was Mars topping Montour in 4A, and we talked with Fighting Planets Head Coach Eric Kasperowicz on this week’s WPIAL Blitz Show. In 3A North Catholic upset Deer Lakes and in 1A Jeannette upset Neshannock and California beat Laurel. The other big story was South Allegheny beating Waynesburg and winning their first playoff game since 1986. This week is the semifinals in 6A and 4A and the quarterfinals in 5A, 3A, 2A, and 1A.
This week, all of the top seeds will be on the field. The opening round featured a number of byes across the five largest classifications. In 6A and 4A, the WPIAL Champion enters the statewide brackets in the quarterfinals so those classes will play their Championship Games next weekend at Norwin. With just 4 playoff teams in 6A, they will start the playoffs in the semifinal round this week. The 4A playoffs had just 8 teams and started last week and are also in the semifinals this week with the headline showdown between top seeded Thomas Jefferson and three-time defending Champions Aliquippa. The other four classification have the WPIAL Champion entering the statewide bracket in the semifinals so their title games are a week later at Acrisure Stadium. In 5A, 3A, and 2A teams that received first round byes will host playoff games this week as their postseason openers. The 1A playoff field featured 16 teams and is a normal bracket so those games will be played at neutral sites.
Be sure to keep tabs on my @WPIAL_Blitz Twitter account for updates throughout the night.
6A Semifinals
1. Central Catholic vs 4. Seneca Valley
at West Mifflin
Central Catholic is once again the top seed in the 6A playoffs and looking to claim their first WPIAL title since 2020. The Vikings have lost in the finals each of the last three years. The last time Central Catholic didn’t make the Championship Game was in 2018 when they fell to Seneca Valley. This is the fifth playoff meeting between the two squads with 2018 being the only time the Raiders beat the Vikings. Seneca Valley made the playoffs this year after a two-year absence. Central Catholic beat Seneca Valley 60-7 in Week 8 and has the highest-scoring offense and stoutest defense in 6A. On the other side, Seneca Valley is the lowest-scoring team in 6A (non-playoff teams included). Central has a balanced offensive attack with Jy’Aire Walls (1928 yards, 21 TDs) and the helm of the passing game. Walls has spread the ball around to four receivers, led two-way stars Duke-commit Bradley Gompers (660 yards, 10 TDs) and Penn State-commit Xxavier Thomas (546 yards, 10 TDs). Elijah Faulkner (766 yards, 11 TDs) has been the workhorse back for the Vikings all season. Seneca Valley’s offense is centered around their running game and the tandem of Cayden Parker (536 yards, 3 TDs) and Chase Mazanek (517 yards, 2 TDs). The Raiders also have a dual-threat QB in Andrew Loebig (592 passing yards, 6 TDs, 248 rushing yards, 3 TDs) who has as many rushing attempts as passing attempts. Central has their eyes set on a WPIAL title rematch with North Allegheny for the third straight year.
2. North Allegheny vs 3. Mt Lebanon
at North Allegheny
North Allegheny is the two-time defending WPIAL Champions and looking to join the elite group of WPIAL teams that have won three straight titles. The Tigers have had some roster turnover since last year’s run to the State Finals. This is the 6th playoff meeting between the Tigers and Blue Devils with Mt. Lebanon claiming the most recent meeting in 2021. Mt. Lebanon had a rough start to the season losing their first 5 games. The Blue Devils turned it around in Week 5 with a blowout over Seneca Valley. The following week they battled North Allegheny to a 7-point loss in which the Tigers blocked a punt to set up an easy touchdown. Mt. Lebanon won their final two games by identical 42-20 scores to make the playoffs for the 11th straight year. North Allegheny’s offense is primarily centered on their ground game with four players over 200 yards. Dual-threat QB Brady Brinkley (1053 passing yards, 9 TDs, 505 rushing yards, 7 TDs) is the catalyst of the offense with Luke Rohan (604 yards, 6 TDs) leading the run game. Mt. Lebanon has found a special player in junior QB Patrick Smith who has thrown for 1472 yards and 11 TDs and run for 972 yards and 14 TDs. The Blue Devils offense runs through Smith with Noach Schaerli (815 yards, 6 TDs) as the primary target in the passing game.
5A First Round
1. Pine-Richland vs 9. Franklin Regional
at Pine-Richland
This will be the first playoff meeting between Pine-Richland and Franklin Regional. This is Pine-Richland’s 12th straight playoff appearance and the Rams have made the semifinals in 10 consecutive seasons. Franklin Regional has not reached the semis since 2015 and won their second playoff game in the last 9 years with a comeback win over North Hills in the first round. Pine-Richland is the top seed after a regular season that included a Northeast Conference title and a win over 6A top seed Central Catholic. The big story in this game will be the availability of Pine-Richland QB Aaron Strader who was injured against North Allegheny in Week 8. Strader has thrown for over 1200 yards and run for over 300 yards this season. Carson Campbell started in Week 9 in relief of Strader. The Rams have a strong ground game led by Maclane Miller (909 yards, 9 TDs). They also have one of the top DBs in the WPIAL in Jay Timmons who also plays receiver (485 yards, 6 TDs). Franklin Regional has played a number of close games with all four of their conference wins coming by 5 points or less. Franklin Regional has one of the top rushers in the WPIAL in Kyle Dupill (1793 yards, 15 TDs). In the first round against North Hills, it was the Chase Lemke show as the Panthers dual-threat QB produced two touchdowns. On the season, Lemke has thrown for 1306 yards and 15 TDs and run for 181 yards and 6 scores.
4. Woodland Hills vs 5. Bethel Park
at The Wolvarena
Woodland Hills won the Big East Conference and earned a first round bye. After losing 2 of their first 3 outings, the Wolverines rattled off 7 straight wins to enter the postseason on a hot streak. 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. Bethel Park blew out Latrobe in the opening round to set up their 7th playoff meeting with Woodland Hills who they have never beaten in the playoffs. Unfortunately, Woody High lost their record-setting QB Cam Walter to injury late in the season.The Wolverines tried Prince Tarrant in Week 8 and Carter Akins in Week 9. They will need to do anything possible to get the ball into Scoop Smith’s hands. The speedy WR/DB put up 622 receiving yards, 226 rushing yards and led the team with 13 total TDs. Bethel Park’s balanced offensive attack features explosive RB JaVaughn Moore (1745 rushing yards, 302 rushing yards, 27 total TDs) who had 4 TDs in the opening round. Strong-armed QB Tanner Pfeuffer (2429 yards, 29 TDs) has spread the ball around with six different receivers posting over 100 yards.
3. Peters Twp vs 6. Penn-Trafford
at Peters Twp
Peters Twp is the defending WPIAL Champions, winning their first title in school history. The Indians had been knocking on the doors in recent years with losses in the WPIAL final in 2019 and 2020. This game is a matchup of two of the last three WPIAL Champions. Penn-Trafford claimed their first title in school history in 2021. Peters Twp received a first round bye after defeating Bethel Park in a Week 9 shootout. Their only loss this season was on a last-minute touchdown to conference rivals Upper St Clair. The Indians offense runs through junior QB Nolan DiLucia (2109 yards, 19 TDs) and big-play receiver Nick McCullough (844 yards, 14 TDs). DiLucia has six different receivers with over 120 yards this season and has also run for 407 yards and 3 TDs. Nick Courie (517 yards, 13 TDs) is the lead back in the Peters rushing attack. Penn-Trafford topped South Fayette in the first round thanks to a big performance by their running backs. Tasso Whipple (1638 yards, 15 TDs) scored twice last week and is averaging over 8 yards per carry this season. Derek Carr (537 yards, 10 TDs) scored three times against South Fayette. The Warriors also have a quality quarterback in Jonny Lovre (1228 yards, 9 TDs) to complement their rushing attack and has spread the ball between four different receivers.
2. Upper St Clair vs 7. Penn Hills
at Upper St Clair
This is the 6th playoff meeting between Upper St Clair and Penn Hills. They have met twice in WPIAL Championship Games with Penn Hills winning in 1995 and Upper St Clair winning in 2006. USC holds the 3-2 advantage in their prior meetings. The Panthers missed the playoffs last season for the first time in 23 years due to tiebreakers. The WPIAL made an offseason change to enable playoff Wild Cards to be selected by Committee and Upper St Clair came into this season on a mission. They ran off a perfect 10-0 record, averaging 36 points per game and holding opponents to just 10 points per game – the best mark in 5A. The Panthers will lean on their ground game with Julian Dahlem (1017 yards, 13 TDs) and John Banbury (589 yards, 7 TDs). When they do need to take to the air, Ethan Hellmann (859 yards, 15 TDs) has a big arm to push the ball down the field. Penn Hills won a hard-nosed knock-down drag-out playoff classic over Moon in the opening round. The Indians battled through a brutal non-conference schedule before winning 7 of their last 8 games, including a win over Aliquippa. Penn Hills’ offense started to take off when they made a QB change to Jay’mere Ellis (867 yards, 14 TDs). Star RB Naytel Mitchell (1201 yards, 18 TDs) put up 254 yards and 3 TDs last week, including the game-winning score. Penn Hills has been a factory for talented defensive backs in recent years and have a pair of talented WR/DBs in Martel Palmer (634 yards, 8 TDs) and Carter Bonner (423 yards, 6 TDs).
4A Semifinals
1. Thomas Jefferson vs 4. Aliquippa
at Chartiers Valley
This will be the third playoff meeting between these storied programs, both prior matchups coming in the WPIAL Championship. Thomas Jefferson won both – in 1980 and 2020. Both of these teams hold the WPIAL record for consecutive playoff appearances, hitting 30 years this season. Aliquippa has reached 16 straight championship games and is the three-time defending WPIAL Champions. This is Thomas Jefferson’s 25th semifinal appearance in the last 27 years, though one of their shortfalls came last year when they lost to Montour in the quarters. The Jaguars have stormed through this season, averaging a 4A-best 40 points per game. Thomas Jefferson has a strong offensive line led by Pitt-commit Shep Turk, that has paved the way for RB Tyler Eber (1574 yards, 24 TDs). In the opening round victory over West Allegheny, Eber carried 48 times for 235 yards and 2 TDs. Luke Kosko (1565 yards, 19 TDs) has been efficient through the air when the Jaguars have needed to throw, primarily targeting Brayden White (936 yards, 11 TDs). Aliquippa is not only looking to make the finals for the 17th straight season, but seeking to become just the third team in WPIAL history to win four consecutive titles. Aliquippa’s offense runs through the backfield tandem of Penn State-commit Tikey Hayes (933 yards, 14 TDs) and Sa’Nir Brooks (618 yards, 10 TDs). In the quarterfinals against Trinity, Hayes led the way with 176 yards and 3 TDs. The Quips have been so good on the ground this year that QB Marques Council (1217 yards, 14 TDs) has not had to throw much, and has primarily targeted Arison Walker (347 yards, 6 TDs) when they do take to the air.
3. McKeesport vs 7. Mars
at Gateway
The two Greater Allegheny Conference teams both won first round rematches from non-conference play and now have a showdown in the semifinals. McKeesport beat Mars 28-7 earlier this season to claim the conference title. Both teams struggled through a brutal non-conference schedule but are on a hot streak entering the playoffs. McKeesport has won 6 in a row entering the semifinals and Mars has won 5 of 6. McKeesport’s triple-option offense is clicking on all cylinders with speedster Kemon Spell (1336 yards, 21 TDs) leading the way. Spell, a Penn State-commit, ran for 274 yards and 2 TDs in the Tigers first round win over Belle Vernon. Anthony Cromerdie (592 yards, 14 TDs) and power back Anthony Boyd (427 yards, 3TDs) also feature in the Tigers attack. McKeesport doesn’t throw often, but Brady Eastman (756 yards, 5 TDs) has been able to rack up some yards through the air as well as on the ground (254 yards, 5 TDs). Mars scored the biggest upset of the first round, beating Montour 48-42 in a back-and-forth shootout. The Planets lost their starting quarterback to injury in Week 3 and have retooled their offense to a run-heavy attack. Mars found their offensive stride during their winning streak and have scored 35+ in every victory this season, while being held to 17 or fewer in all of their losses. With the shift to the running game, Eric Kasperowicz Jr (1287 yards, 20 TDs) has taken the helm and led the way with 6 TDs in the upset over Montour. Freshman QB Nathan Walker (921 yards, 4 TDs) stepped in at quarterback and does have a talented receiver in Gabe Hein (858 yards, 11 TDs).
3A Quarterfinals
1. Imani Christian vs 9. Highlands
at Graham Field
This is a rematch of Imani’s closest game of the season – a 2-point win in Week 4. The Saints won their first outright conference title in school history with the highest-scoring offense (45 points per game) and the stingiest defense (9 points against per game) in the classification. Imani is loaded with talent on both sides of the ball. Dual-threat QB Stephen Vandiver (1532 passing yards, 22 TDs, 296 rushing yards, 6 TDs) is the catalyst of the offense. The Saints have a pair of explosive running backs who have D1 offers in Gabe Jenkins (1108 yards, 18 TDs) and David Davis (247 yards, 8 TDs). Penn State-commit Dayshaun Burnett is a game-wrecking linebacker who also plays TE and leads the Saints receivers with 500 yards and 10 TDs. Highlands also averaged over 40 points per game and is coming off their first playoff victory since 2014. The Rams dual-threat QB Menage Lucas joined the elite 1000/1000 club this season, throwing for 1443 yards and 21 TDs and running for 1424 yards and 22 scores. Lucas had a double hat trick in the opening round with 3 passing and 3 rushing touchdowns. Joining him in the backfield is Darius Cherry (880 yards, 13 TDs) who also averages over 7 yards per carry. When Lucas does take to the air, Montrell Johnson (503 yards, 9 TDs) and Jahmar Wright (480 yards, 6 TDs) have been his top receivers.
4. Beaver vs 5. Avonworth
at Beaver
For the third straight season, Beaver and Avonworth will meet in the quarterfinals. Avonworth has won the last two matchups en route to the WPIAL finals, but Beaver won the Week 9 showdown this year by 20 points. Avonworth has reached the semifinals in 4 of the last 5 years while Beaver is looking to make the semis for the first time since 2017. Beaver is loaded with talent at the skill positions. The Bobcats balanced offense features a 1300-yard passer in Travis Clear (12 TDs) and 1300-yard rusher in Quanlan Cain (17 TDs). Amari Jackson is the all-around playmaker to watch in Beaver’s offense, leading the team with 713 receiving yards, second in rushing (522 yards) and first in scoring (21 total TDs). Drey Hall also has over 600 yards of total offense and scored 4 times. Avonworth’s offense is built around their multifaceted rushing attack. The Lopes have 8 players with over 100 rushing yards on the season, led by Dimitri Velsaris (512 yards, 8 TDs) and Nico Neal (280 yards, 6 TDs). Carson Bellinger has thrown for 988 yards and 11 TDs, spreading the ball around between four different receivers led by Luca Neal (468 yards, 4 TDs).
3. Elizabeth Forward vs 11. North Catholic
at Elizabeth Forward
This games has all the makings of a shoot out. Elizabeth Forward stumbled a little out of the gate, losing two games on the final play, then cruised through the Interstate Conference to claim the section title. North Catholic needed a Week 9 win over Hopewell just to earn a Wild Card then upset Deer Lakes in the opening round of the playoffs. Elizabeth Forward has one of the highest-scoring offenses in 4A, averaging over 40 points per game. The Warriors offense primarily comes out of their backfield. Ryan Messina has thrown for 1948 yards and 22 TDs and run for 480 yards and 9 scores. Do-it-all back Charlie Nigut has 1146 rushing yards, 482 receiving yards, and scored a team-high 26 times. The Warriors are also strong in the trenches, led on both sides of the ball by Buffalo-commit Christopher Climes. On the other side, North Catholic’s defense has allowed the most points of any playoff team (30 points per game) but the Trojans also have the best QB-WR tandem in the WPIAL. Joey Felitsky (2679 yards, 21 TDs) leads the WPIAL in passing. Top target Ryker Kennedy (1178 yards, 8 TDs) is the WPIAL’s top receiver. Five other Trojans receivers have topped 100 yards this season, including Jack White (738 yards, 8 TDs). On the ground, Logan Schade (441 yards, 6 TDs) and Christian Naylor (393 yards, 4 TDs) split the workload, along with swiss army knife Tom Arth (446 receiving yards, 177 rushing yards, 12 total TDs). North Catholic has a pair of D1 recruits who play TE/DE in Penn State-commit Brady O’Hara and Cornell-commit Joe Safar.
2. Central Valley vs 7. Freeport
at Central Valley
This game will be won in the trenches. Both teams are run-heavy outfits who want to pound the rock. Central Valley bounced back from three non-conference losses to 4A playoff teams to win 5 of 6 and claim the Western Hills Conference title. Both teams average around 30 points per game. Freeport has always been known for their defensive toughness and that came through again this year with the 2nd best unit in 3A (18 points allowed per game). Before moving up to 4A for two years, Central Valley had won 3 straight WPIAL 3A titles. Freeport has never won a WPIAL Championship but last made the semifinals in 2022. Central Valley has battled through a number of injuries and have a fully healthy team entering the playoffs. The Warriors ground game has featured Mason Dixon (996 yards, 16 TDs) and Jance Henry (636 yards, 8 TDs) who missed a few games due to injury. Steven Rutherford (825 passing yards, 5 TDs, 264 rushing yards, 4 TDs) started all but one game this season at quarterback. 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). In the Jackets first round win over Mt Pleasant, Ross had 5 total touchdowns – 3 rushing, 1 passing, and a pick-six on defense.
2A Quarterfinals
1. Seton LaSalle vs 9. Riverside
at Dormont Stadium
Seton LaSalle dropped down from 3A to 2A this season and made the playoffs for the first time since 2018. The Rebels ran through the regular season and earned the top seed in the 2A playoffs. Seton had the highest-scoring offense (45 points per game) and stingiest defense (10 points allowed per game) in 2A. The Rebels have a dynamic passing attack with QB Michael Pastirik (1664 yards, 29 TDs) at the helm. Pastirik leads the WPIAL in passing touchdowns and has a dynamic tandem in Khalil Taylor (802 yards, 18 T Ds) and Richard Littlejohn (439 yards, 8 TDs). On the ground, Logan King (845 yards, 14 TDs) leads the way in the Rebels rushing attack. Riverside bounced back from missing the playoffs last year to not only qualify but top OLSH in the opening round. Riverside got to this point by winning a number of low-scoring defensive games and are holding opponents to just 14 points per game (6th best in 2A). Riverside’s offense runs through star RB Robbie Janis (1106 yards, 9 TDs). Aidan Gaydosz (622 yards, 4 TDs) took over at quarterback halfway through the season and opened up the Panthers passing game, primarily throwing to Zack Hare (492 yards, 7 TDs).
4. Steel Valley vs 5. Western Beaver
at Moon
These two teams met in the quarterfinals last season with Steel Valley edging Western Beaver 21-18. The Golden Beavers had a pass into the end zone at the end of the game that fell incomplete. These two are a dramatic contrast of styles. Steel Valley has the dynamic duo of the Barksdale brothers in the backfield and is a run-heavy offense. Western Beaver runs a spread offense that will go 4- and 5-wide to stress the edges of the defense. Both of these strengths were on display in the opening round. The Barksdale brothers each had 3 TDs for Steel Valley while Western Beaver’s sophomore QB Jaivin Peel had 6 total TDs (5 passing, 1 rushing). Donald Barksdale (1985 yards, 30 TDs) is one of the top rushers in the WPIAL. His brother Da’Ron missed the beginning of the season due to injury but has been a force all over the field since returning, accounting for 613 rushing yards, leading the team with 110 receiving yards, scoring 14 total TDs, and throwing a few passes for 254 yards and 4 TDs. Western Beaver’s Jaivin Peel set the WPIAL freshman passing record last season and has put up 2134 yards and 23 TDs this year. He has seven receivers with over 100 yards this season, led by the trio of Chris Kirkland (557 yards, 12 TDs), Jaden Bishop (412 yards, 5 TDs), and Aidan Vula (363 yards, 4 TDs).
3. Ellwood City vs 6. South Allegheny
at Ellwood City
This might be the best “storyline” game of the weekend. Ellwood City won their first conference title since 1997 and had their first undefeated regular season since 1944. South Allegheny bounced back from consecutive 1-9 seasons to win 8 games this year and win their first playoff game since 1986. Ellwood City has a balanced offensive attack and a stout defense that holds opponents to just 11 points per game (2nd best in 2A). Elijah Palmer-McCane has been the feature back, running for 1328 yards and 17 TDs. Chris Smiley has thrown for 1194 yards and 14 TDs, spreading the ball around between five different receivers. South Allegheny had a number of players set school records this season, including QB Ryan Cortes (2117 yards, 25 TDs) and leading receiver Drew Cook (1346 yards, 17 TDs). Explosive RB Cam Epps (1155 yards, 13 TDs) averages over 9 yards per carry. In South A’s opening round victory, Cortes had 5 total TDs (4 passing, 1 rushing), Cook scored 4 times (3 receiving TDs and a fumble return on defense), and Epps scored 3 times (2 rushing and 1 receiving).
2. South Park vs 7. Mohawk
at South Park
South Park moved down from 3A to 2A this year and won the Allegheny Conference title. The Eagles are looking to make their first trip to the semifinals since 2019. Mohawk reached the semis for the first time in school history last season. Eric Doerue (1265 yards, 18 TDs) led the Eagles rushing attack and is now South Park’s all-time leading rusher. Dual-threat QB Robert Lenzi (543 passing yards, 5 TDs; 787 rushing yards, 13 TDs) averaged over 8 yards per carry. Watch out for playmaker Kenyan Brown (391 rushing yards, 225 receiving yards, 9 offensive TDs, 3 kick return TDs) who is a threat to score any time he gets the ball in his hands and a top-notch safety at the back end of the Eagles defense. In the trenches, the Cunningham brothers (Parker and Troy) are absolute maulers who pave the way for South Park’s rushing attack. Mohawk moved talented receiver Bobby Fadden to QB this season and he has excelled, throwing for 1573 yards and 17 TDs and running for 565 yards and 6 scores. The Warriors receiving tandem of Blake Logan (847 yards, 9 TDs) and Andrew Loyd (753 yards, 2 TDs) will stretch South Park’s defense on the outside. Fadden is complemented in the backfield by the tandem of Sam List (638 yards, 7 TDs) and Cash Stratton (467 yards, 7 TDs) who scored 3 times in last week’s win over Keystone Oaks.
1A Quarterfinals
1. Fort Cherry vs 9. Cornell
at West Allegheny
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. This is a rematch of a Black Hills Conference game from Week 6 that Fort Cherry won 35-6. Fort Cherry has done it on both sides of the ball this year, scoring over 42 points per game and holding opponents to just over a touchdown per game. Fort Cherry’s offense runs through one of the top players in the entire WPIAL Matt Sieg who threw for 958 yards and 18 TDs and ran for 1321 yards and 21 TDs. After Fort Cherry’s first round win over Brentwood, Sieg announced his commitment to Penn State. Leading receiver Shane Cornali (550 yards, 13 TDs) and Sieg’s backfield counterpart Ryan Huey (620 yards, 11 TDs) have scored double-digit TDs. Huey did not play last week but Eli Salvini (435 yards, 4 TDs) stepped in and ran for over 100 yards and 2 TDs on just 4 carries. Cornell has a stout defense, holding opponents to just 13 points per game, the 3rd best mark in 1A. Cornell’s offense mostly comes out of their backfield with 1000-yard rusher Walter Clarit (16 TDs) and slot back Khylil Johnson who has run for 836 yards, led the Raiders with 474 receiving yards and scored 26 times. In Cornell’s opening round win over Leechburg, Johnson had over 100 rushing yards and 3 total touchdowns (one passing, one rushing, and one receiving).
5. GCC vs 13. Jeannette
at Norwin
Westmoreland County rivals square off in the playoffs for the second time, the first meeting coming in the 2006 Championship Game when Terrelle Pryor led the Jayhawks to glory. GCC won their week 6 meeting 44-27. Both teams average over 30 points per game so this rematch has tremendous shootout potential. Both schools have dual-threat quarterbacks leading their offensive attacks. GCC topped Monessen in a 54-38 first round shootout thanks to a 6 TD performance from Samir Crosby (4 passing, 1 rushing, and a kickoff return). On the season, Crosby has thrown for 1335 yards and 19 TDs and run for 1000 yards and 18 scores. Leading receiver Landon Honick (705 yards, 11 TDs) has been a big play threat down the field. Jeannette upset Neshannock in the first round, holding in check the Lancers rushing attack and holding them to just 7 points. That was just the second time this season Jeannette held a team under 20 points. Jeannette also has a dual-threat QB in Kymone Brown (1540 passing yards, 19 TDs; 1113 rushing yards, 14 TDs). Similar to GCC, the Jayhawks other big talent is WR Jayce Powell (791 yards, 14 TDs). In Jeannette’s win over Neshannock, Brown had over 250 yards of total offense and scored twice.
2. Clairton vs 10. California
at Charleroi
Clairton is back. The Bears had a historic season on the defensive side of the ball, allowing just 2 touchdowns all season. Clairton also boasts the highest-scoring offense in the entire WPIAL, averaging an incredible 54 points per game. California averages over 40 points per game and is in the quarterfinals for the second straight year. This will be the 4th playoff meeting with Clairton winning the prior three matchups. Clairton’s offense is loaded with talent all over the field, starting with QB Jeffrey Thompson (1828 yards, 27 TDs). The Bears top three rushers all averaged over 11 yards per carry, led by Drahcir Jones (1161 yards, 21 TDs) and slot back Donte Wright (342 rushing yards, 465 receiving yards, 16 total TDs). Clairton also has four players with over 300 receiving yards, making them almost impossible to defend all over the field led by two-way star Taris Wooding (543 yards, 8 TDs) and Zaemear Correll (353 yards, 5 TDs). California lost a Week 9 game for the conference title, falling by just 1 point to Jefferson-Morgan then turned around and handled Laurel 22-6 in the first round. The Trojans have the WPIAL’s leading rusher Lee Qualk (2130 yards, 36 TDs) who had 145 yards and 3 total TDs against Laurel. California has four players who tallied over 200 rushing yards this season and their strong offensive line has enabled three of them (including Qualk) to average over 9 yards per carry. In recent weeks, California has expanded their passing game with Logan Hartley (578 yards, 9 TDs).
3. Bishop Canevin vs 11. South Side Beaver
at South Fayette
Both of these teams reached the semifinals last year and had their seasons end at the hands of Fort Cherry. Bishop Canevin was knocked out in the semis and South Side in the title game. This is the third playoff meeting with Canevin winning in 2005 and 2022). 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’s offense relies on the strong arm of QB Kole Olszewski (2003 yards, 22 TDs) who has spread the ball around to four different receivers. Demar Olds (781 yards, 12 TDs) leads the receiving corps while RB Myontae Mott (927 rushing yards, 251 receiving yards, 18 total TDs) can do it all for the Crusaders offense. Mott led the way in the opening round thrashing of Bentworth with 3 TDs. 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. In the opening round, their triple option rushing attack was too much for Tri-County South Champions Jefferson-Morgan. South Side relies heavily on RBs AC Corfield (953 yards, 9 TDs), Mateja Pavolvich (615 yards, 9 TDs), and Amare Moman (303 yards, 9 TDs). In the opening round, Corfield and Moman both found the end zone twice.
