For the first time since Week 0, weather was not an issue for high school football games. I brought back my Tour of the WPIAL (my quest to visit every high school stadium in Western Pennsylvania) with a trip to South Park. This week marked the halfway point of the regular season where we are equidistant from the start of heat acclimation to Week 9. Conference play started last week for conferences with 7 or 8 teams. The only classification with all 6-team conferences is 4A, which won’t start conference play until next week, making this the last “tune up” game for those teams. From here on out, the race for the playoffs is on.
On this week’s edition of the WPIAL Blitz Show, we interviewed South Fayette Head Coach Marty Spieler. Coach Spieler took over for legendary Joe Rossi at South Fayette and is off to a 4-0 start to the season. Our Week 3 Player of the Week award went to Central Valley QB Braddock Ambrose. Only a sophomore, Ambrose stepped in to make his first career start and threw for 224 yards and 5 TDs to give the Warriors their first win of the season. We also recognized Highlands QB Menage Lucas and Seton LaSalle QB Michael Pastirik who both had 6 TD performances.
With conference play underway, our 2024 WPIAL Standings Page has been fully updated with new helmets and tiebreakers. Be sure to bookmark the page and check back during the season!
6A Game of the Week
Norwin (2-2) at North Allegheny (4-0)
North Allegheny is the two-time defending WPIAL Champions and is off to a hot start this season. The Tigers started conference play by thrashing Hempfield 42-14. Norwin moved up from 5A to 6A this cycle and is one of just 3 6A teams with a non-losing record. Norwin fell to Seneca Valley in their conference opener, a setback to the Knights playoff hopes. With North Allegheny and Central Catholic as the presumed favorites in 6A, the last two playoff spots will likely come down to Seneca Valley, Norwin, Canon-McMillan, and Mt Lebanon (the later two play this week). Norwin’s offense runs through dual-threat QB Tristyn Tavares (667 passing yards, 3 TDs; 200 rushing yards, 4 TDs). Jake Knight (216 yards, 2 TDs) has been Tavares’ top target on the outside while Jake Sincak (176 yards, 2 TDs) averages 5 yards per carry out of the backfield. North Allegheny has used both Jackson Failla (202 yards, 2 TDs) and Brady Brinkley (196 passing yards, 1 TD; 197 rushing yards, 3 TDs) at quarterback this season. The Tigers have a strong ground game and their top four rushers all average over 5 yars per carry. Luke Rohan (265 yards, 3 TDs) has led the way with Dylan Brokos (198 yards, 2 TDs) and Liam Flaherty (157 yards, 2 TDs) also contributing. The X factor for North Allegheny is Alabama-commit kicker Peter Notaro who has made multiple field goals of over 50 yards this season.
5A Game of the Week
Armstrong (2-2) at Latrobe (3-1)
Both of these teams moved up from 4A to 5A this year and landed in the Big East Conference. This will be Armstrong’s first conference game while Latrobe lost a defensive struggle to Franklin Regional 3-0 last week. That was Latrobe’s first loss of the season after three convincing wins where they averaged 38 points per game. The Wildcats will look to get back on track against Armstrong who is allowing 39.5 points per game, the highest mark in 5A. On the other side, Armstrong is scoring over 30 per game, the second-best offense in 5A. Both teams feature dual-threat quarterbacks, though Armstrong leans more on their passing game while Latrobe is more of a run-heavy outfit. The Riverhawks are led by QB Jaydon Oliver (838 passing yards, 8 TDs; 222 rushing yards, 3 TDs) who is one of the top passers in the WPIAL. Leading receiver Kyan Kline (450 yards, 4 TDs) is an explosive playmaker who has also thrown a TD pass this year and gotten a few opportunities in the running game. Joining Oliver in the backfield is Costa Couknas (247 yards, 2 TDs) who is averaging over 7 yards per carry. Latrobe’s backfield is highlighted by two D1 talents – Penn State-commit Alex Tatsch and Marshall-commit John Wetzel. Tatsch leads the ground game with 495 yards and 9 TDs, averaging an incredible 14 yards per carry. Wetzel is a dual-threat player with 209 passing yards and 1 TD along with 309 rushing yards and 3 TDs. Fullback Brady Prohovic (107 yards, 3 TDs) is a masher in the ground game and gives Latrobe a third option out of the backfield. With Tatsch at linebacker and Wetzel at safety, Latrobe’s defense has been stout this season and should be a good matchup against Armstrong’s passing attack.
4A Games of the Week
Montour (3-0) at Mars (1-3)
Both of these teams made the 4A semifinals last year. Montour started the season with solid wins over Central Valley, Montour, and Trinity. On the flip side, Mars was handed a brutal schedule by the WPIAL and dropped two games against 5A teams (Bethel Park and North Hills) as well as last week’s game to defending 4A Champs Aliquippa. This game will be a good challenge for both squads as they enter conference play. Montour QB Trey Hopper (901 yards, 8 TDs) was the WPIAL’s leading passer last week 436 yards and 4 TDs. He has spread the ball around to 4 different receivers who all have over 100 yards on the season. The talented duo of AJ Alston (375 yards, 4 TDs) and Daniel Batch (229 yards, 5 TDs) lead the way on the outside. Montour has the ability to be balanced with Caden Halajcio (355 yards, 1 TD) running the ball. Mars’ offensive attack has undergone a complete rebuild under Coach Kasperowicz in the last two years, installing a downfield passing attack. Quarterback Luke Goodworth (755 yards, 8 TDs) has a dangerous tandem on the outside in Gabe Hein (446 yards, 4 TDs) and Mason Childress (224 yards, 4 TDs). On the ground, Eric Kasperowicz Jr has run for 331 yards and 4 TDs.
3A Game of the Week
Highlands (2-1) at Imani Christian (4-0)
Highlands moved down from 4A to 3A this season while Imani Christian opted to play up in 3A. Both teams came into the season as the presumed top contenders for the Allegheny Seven Conference title. Deer Lakes is also currently unbeaten and may have a say in the title race, but this game will certainly go a long way towards shaking out the pecking order. Highlands has been one of the most exciting teams in the WPIAL, losing by a point in OT in Week 0 then winning by a point in triple OT the following week. Last week, they trounced East Allegheny 64-36 in their conference opener. The Rams are averaging 51 points per game, the highest mark in 3A. But now they have to face an Imani defense that has allowed just 8.5 points per game, the best mark in 3A. Imani’s offense has also been clicking, to the tune of 42 points per game, and they have pitched two shutouts. Highlands is led by dual-threat QB Menage Lucas (525 passing yards, 6 TDs; 546 rushing yards, 10 TDs) who is coming off a double hat trick of 3 passing and 3 rushing touchdowns. Joining Lucas in the backfield is Darius Cherry (309 yards, 5 TDs). Lucas has spread the ball between three receivers, but his favorite target is Montrell Johnson (194 yards, 4 TDs). Jahmar Wright (143 yards, 1 TD), and Aiden Burford (114 yards) have also been factors in the passing game. Highlands’ passing attack will get a good test against an Imani defense loaded with D1 talent in the secondary including David Davis, Stephen Vandiver, and Gabe Jenkins. On offense, Vandiver runs the show (667 passing yards, 10 TDs, 150 rushing yards, 3 TDs). Jenkins (245 yards, 3 TDs) is the Saints leading rusher. Davis has over 200 yards of total offense and 4 TDs while Robert Torres-Johnson (167 yards, 2 TDs) leads the receiving corps. Watch out for LB/TE Dayshaun Burnett, a Penn State-commit who is an absolute wrecking ball on both sides.
2A Game of the Week
South Park (3-1) at South Allegheny (4-0)
Last week, South Park scored a last-minute touchdown to top Steel Valley, a team many thought was not only the favorite in the Allegheny Conference but also in 2A. Now, the Eagles take on an undefeated South Allegheny squad with a chance to separate themselves at the top of the conference. South Allegheny is off to their first 4-0 start since 1977, a historic achievement for their program, after going just 2-18 in the last cycle. South Park relies heavily on their rushing attack. Eric Doerue (498 yards, 5 TDs) leads the way in the Eagles backfield and will occasionally be used as a wildcat back. Dual-threat QB Robert Lenzi has thrown for 182 yards and 2 TDs and added 259 yards and 4 TDs on the ground (including last week’s game-winner). Change-of-pace back Kenyan Brown has run for 140 yards and scored twice, averaging nearly 7 yards per carry. Brown had the game-sealing interception on defense last week. South Allegheny’s resurgence has been led by a full team effort and a balanced offensive attack. Ryan Cortes has thrown for 819 yards and 9 TDs, primarily to Drew Cook (496 yards, 6 TDs). The explosive Cameron Epps (418 yards, 3 TDs) leads the Gladiators backfield to the tune of 10 yards per carry. Slot back Camden Lewis has been a Swiss Army Knife for South A, with over 300 yards of total offense and 5 total TDs. Last week, South Park absolutely dominated time of possession and never let Steel Valley’s offense get in rhythm. South Allegheny will need to convert 3rd downs in order to avoid the same fate this week.
1A Games of the Week
Fort Cherry (4-0) at Monessen (4-0)
This is our WPIAL TeamBuilder Game of the Week, featuring two of the most explosive players in Western Pennsylvania (regardless of classification). Fort Cherry is the defending WPIAL Champions and gets their first test of the season against an undefeated Monessen squad. The Greyhounds made the playoffs last season and are the highest-scoring team in 1A so far this year, averaging 49 points per game. Fort Cherry has been spectacular on both sides of the ball, scoring over 40 per game and allowing just 20 points in 4 outings. Fort Cherry has had to make some adjustments on offense this season. Junior QB Matt Sieg, who was just the second player in WPIAL history to hit the 1000/1000 twice, suffered a broken thumb early in the season. Sieg has moved to running back where his dynamic speed has still allowed him to reel off 445 yards and 11 TDs. Josh Silveira (344 yards, 4 TDs) has stepped in at quarterback with Sieg moving to a new position. Fort Cherry has been able to lean on their run game between Sieg and Ryan Huey (352 yards, 6 TDs). The Rangers quality receiving tandem of Evan Rogers (149 yards, 1 TD) and Shane Cornali (134 yards, 1 TD) hasn’t been called upon often this season. Monessen’s high-flying offense has been led by the dynamic Kershaw brothers. TyVaughn Kershaw has been the Greyhounds star with 501 rushing yards, 103 receiving yards, and scored 18 total TDs. TyVaughn has scored in all three phases of the game and is a threat to take it to the house any time he touches the ball. Tim Kershaw has also been a factor on the ground with 101 yards and 2 TDs. At quarterback, Dennis Hawkins has thrown for 421 yards and 6 TDs for the Greyhounds explosive attack.
Bishop Canevin (2-1) at Cornell (4-0)
While the Fort Cherry-Monessen game is the Main Event in 1A and in the Black Hills Conference, the undercard is just as good. Canevin has been a top contender for the 1A title over the last few seasons while Cornell has been solidly in the playoff hunt. Canevin’s only setback this year came against a loaded Seton LaSalle team while Cornell is unbeaten, averaging 41 points per game and only allowing 12 points all year. Both teams have explosive offensive players, but this game has all the makings of a defensive struggle. Bishop Canevin’s offense runs through explosive RB Myontae Mott (384 rushing yards, 111 receiving yards, 7 total TDs) who is coming off a 4 TD performance. Quarterback Kole Olszewski has thrown for 502 yards and 5 TDs, spreading the ball around between Mott, Demar Olds (165 yards, 3 TDs) and Jayden Lindsey (136 yards, 2 TDs). Cornell also has explosive playmakers which should make this a great matchup on both sides of the ball. The Raiders will do whatever they can to get the ball in the hands of Khylil Johnson who has put up 215 rushing yards, 154 receiving yards and found the end zone 10 times. Walter Clarit (438 yards, 6 TDs) leads the Raiders rushing attack. With the strength of the ground game, QB Mike Stuckey (417 yards, 8 TDs) is only averaging about 10 attempts per game. Mikey Keyes (200 yards, 4 TDs) is the Raiders leading receiver.
Inter-Classification Game of the Week
South Fayette (4-0) at Belle Vernon (1-1)
South Fayette is off to a 4-0 start under new head coach Mary Speiler and will get their last test before heading into their grueling Allegheny Six Conference schedule. Belle Vernon is coming off a loss to McKeesport and also tuning up for their Big Six Conference slate where they are expected to contend with Thomas Jefferson for the title. Both coaches preach hard-nosed, gap-sound, defensively responsible, team-oriented football. This should be a great matchup of similar-styled teams. South Fayette’s offense runs through dual-threat QB Drew Welhorsky who has thrown for 855 yards and 8 TDs and run for a team-high 390 yards and 6 TDs. He is capable in both phases of the game and has a pair of quality receivers in Alex Deanes (273 yards, 1 TD) and Ben Cavenaugh (247 yards, 3 TDs). Belle Vernon is working in some new starters to their lineup after a number of players from their back-to-back State title teams graduated. Curtis Wade has stepped in at quarterback for Belle Vernon and shown dual-threat abilities with 88 passing yards and 92 rushing yards (1 TD). Kole Doppelheuer has also run for 90 yards and 2 TDs. Anthony Crews has done a little bit of everything for the Leopards – including scoring the decisive touchdown in the fourth quarter in their win over Central Valley.
