The WPIAL football season has reached the halfway point. Including Week 0 games, most teams have now played 5 games and have 5 games left on the regular season slate. Teams in conferences of 7 or 8 teams started conference play in Week 3. In conferences with just 6 teams, they will start conference play this week. From here on out, the race for the playoffs is in full swing. The biggest news in the WPIAL last week was Penn Hills defeating Aliquippa in non-conference play, snapping the Quips 16-game overall winning streak and 29-game winning streak against WPIAL teams. Aliquippa’s last loss to a WPIAL opponent was in Week 2 of 2021 against Central Valley.
On this week’s edition of the WPIAL Blitz Show, we interviewed Penn Hills Head Coach Charles Morris to talk about their big win over the Quips and how things are setting up for conference play. Our Week 4 Player of the Week award went to Bethel Park RB JaVaughn Moore. In the KDKA Game of the Week against Trinity, Moore ran for 201 yards and 5 TDs, displaying an impressive combination of vision, speed, and power. We also recognized Elizabeth Forward QB Ryan Messina who put up 6 TDs in a non-conference win over Baldwin.
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
North Allegheny (2-0, 5-0) vs Central Catholic (2-0, 3-2)
at Baldwin
A likely preview of the 6A Championship Game. These two have met in the title game each of the last two seasons. Last year, Central Catholic won the regular season meeting but was topped by North Allegheny in the Championship Game. North Allegheny has convincing victories over Hempfield and Norwin while Central pounded both Mt. Lebanon and Hempfield. North Allegheny has been able to lean on their running game this season with Luke Rohan (329 yards, 4 TDs) and Dylan Brokos (221 yards, 2 TDs) leading the way. Dual-threat QB Brady Brinkley (352 passing yards, 2 TDs; 252 rushing yards, 4 TDs) has split time with Jackson Failla (255 passing yards, 3 TDs) who is more of a traditional passer. The X factor for North Allegheny is kicker Peter Notaro, an Alabama-commit who has booted multiple 50-yarders this year. Central’s offense is built around their passing attack and QB Jy’Aire Walls (980 yards, 9 TDs). The Vikings defensive stars have also pitched in at receiver with speedy Penn State-commit Xxavier Thomas (341 yards, 5 TDs) and Duke-commit Bradley Gompers (283 yards, 2 TDs) leading the way. When Central does take to the ground, Elijah Faulkner (441 yards, 3 TDs) has led the way.
5A Game of the Week
Peters Twp (5-0) at Upper St Clair (5-0)
This is the WPIAL Team Builder Game of the Week. Two of the four undefeated teams in the 5A Allegheny Six conference face off in a midseason showdown. Peters Twp is the defending WPIAL Champions while Upper St Clair missed the playoffs last year on tiebreakers, despite going 8-2. Both teams have roared out of the gate this year. This matchup features USC’s high-scoring offense (44 points per game) against Peters’ outstanding defense (6 points against per game). Peters has the WPIAL’s leading passer in Nolan DiLucia (1264 yards, 11 TDs). DiLucia has also added 241 yards and 2 TDs on the ground. Nick McCullough (507 yards, 7 TDs) leads the Indians receiving corps. Cole Neupaver (267 yards, 3 TDs) is the leading rusher, averaging over 6 yards per carry, while short-yardage back Nick Courie (192 yards, 7 TDs) is the leading scorer. On the other side, Upper St Clair’s offensive attack has centered around their ground game. Dante Coury (548 yards, 8 TDs) and the explosive Ethan Dahlem (507 yards, 6 TDs) lead the Panthers backfield. Don’t sleep on change-of-pace backs Josh Snyder (253 yards, 3 TDs) and John Banbury (141 yards, 3 TDs) who both average over 10 yards per carry. Through the air, Ethan Hellmann has thrown for 433 yards and 7 TDs while averaging just 8 pass attempts per game.
Woodland Hills (1-0, 3-2) at Latrobe (1-1, 4-1)
Both of these teams are new to the Big East Conference this season. Woodland Hills came over from the 5A Northeast while Latrobe moved up from 4A. Latrobe’s only loss this season was in a 3-0 defensive struggle against Franklin Regional. A win for Woody High puts them right in the mix with Franklin Regional for the conference title. The loser will have to battle the middle of the Big East pack for a playoff spot. This game pits Woodland Hills’ explosive passing attack against Latrobe’s stingy defense. Earlier this season, Cam Walter (721 yards, 8 TDs) became the career passing leader in Woodland Hills history. The dynamic tandem of Scoop Smith (345 yards, 5 TDs) and Malik McCloud (222 yards, 4 TDs) are both threats to score any time they touch the ball. When the Wolverines keep it on the ground, Elijah Nesby (236 yards, 3 TDs) has been the featured back. Latrobe’s offense is mostly built around their ground game and a two-headed monster of D1 recruits in their backfield. Penn State-commit Alex Tatsch’s future is at linebacker, but he has led the Wildcats with 716 yards and 9 TDs. Dual-threat QB John Wetzel is a Marshall-commit and has thrown for 283 yards and 1 TD and run for 403 yards and 4 scores. Wetzel is averaging just 10 pass attempts per game, and when he does take to the air Andy Tatsch (143 yards) has been his primary target.
4A Game of the Week
Belle Vernon (1-2) at Thomas Jefferson (5-0)
This Mon Valley rivalry game likely will decide the Big Six Conference title. With only 2 guaranteed playoff spots per conference in 4A, the winner of this game will put themselves in position to make the playoffs. The loser will not have any remaining margin for error in the playoff race. Belle Vernon moved back up to 4A this year after winning the last two 3A State titles. The Leopards have played a tough non-conference schedule with a win over Central Valley and losses to McKeesport and South Fayette. Thomas Jefferson also beat Central Valley and stormed back from a 28-7 deficit to beat McKeesport in OT. Belle Vernon’s offense has run through dual-threat QB Curtis Wade (200 passing yards, 1 TD; 88 rushing yards, 1 TD). Kole Doppelheuer is the Leopards leading rusher (143 yards), receiver (133 yards) and scorer (4 total TDs). Anthony Crews has yet to break out this season after an outstanding performance in last year’s State Championship game, but with a player of his talents it’s more a matter of when his breakout game comes. Thomas Jefferson has bounced back from their quarterfinal exit in last year’s playoffs in a big way. The Jaguars are averaging 40.6 points per game, the second-highest mark in 4A. Their balanced offensive attack is led by QB Luke Kosko (829 yards, 10 TDs) and RB Tyler Eber (714 yards, 9 TDs). Eber has been the primary back while the Jags have four receivers who have all accounted for over 100 yards. Brayden White (409 yards, 3 TDs) has the most yards while Kane Eggerton (139 yards, 4 TDs) is the leading scorer on the outside. Eber (119 yards) and Gavin Miller (113 yards, 2 TDs) have also been factors in the Jags passing game.
3A Games of the Week
Highlands (1-1, 2-2) at Deer Lakes (2-0, 5-0)
Highlands lost in a tight battle with Imani Christian last week by a 12-10 margin. The Rams can keep themselves in the conference title conversation with a win over Deer Lakes. If Deer Lakes prevails, that sets the Lancers up for a showdown with Imani for the conference crown in two weeks. The Rams offense runs through dual-threat QB Menage Lucas (543 passing yards, 6 TDs; 630 rushing yards, 11 TDs). Lucas suffered an ankle injury last week against Imani Christian and was replaced by Jamarkus Prager in the second half. The Rams will likely lean more on RB Darius Cherry (343 yards, 5 TDs) this week, along with hoping for big plays out of WRs Montrell Johnson (244 yards, 4 TDs) and Jahmar Wright (150 yards, 1 TD). Deer Lakes lost star QB Derek Burk to graduation but have found a suitable replacement in Jake Fleischer (666 passing yards, 8 TDs; 306 rushing yards, 4 TDs). The Lancers, coming off their first playoff win in school history, have an experienced line up front to block for Fleischer and Zier Williams (669 yards, 11 TDs). In addition to Williams, Deer Lakes will look to get the ball in the hands of Zach Grant (361 receiving yards, 130 rushing yards, 7 total TDs) any way they can.
Central Valley (2-0, 2-3) at Avonworth (1-0, 3-2)
These two have played tight games in non-conference play the last two seasons and with Central Valley moving back to 3A are now conference foes. Despite some losses in non-conference play, this game sets up as a showdown for the conference title. Central Valley’s convincing victory over Beaver last week set the Warriors and Lopes apart in the Western Hills. The Warriors may have a decision to make at quarterback. Steven Rutherford (352 yards, 1 TD) started the season but sophomore Braddock Ambrose stepped in against McGuffey in Week 3 and threw for 229 yards and 5 TDs. Rutherford returned last week in the win over Beaver, giving the Warriors two solid options under center. Central Valley relies heavily on their explosive RB tandem of Jance Henry (514 yards, 7 TDs) and Mason Dixon (372 yards, 7 total TDs). While Central Valley is a run-first team, Avonworth’s offense is built around their passing game and QB Carson Bellinger (569 yards, 3 TDs). He has spread the ball around between leading receiver Luca Neal (256 yards, 1 TD) and the trio of Evan Loutzenhiser, Cooper Scharding, and Noah Goetz. On the ground, the Lopes use both Bryce Metz (172 yards, 8 TDs) and Nico Neal (102 yards, 1 TD) who both average over 6 yards per carry.
2A Game of the Week
Seton LaSalle (2-0, 4-0) at Waynesburg (1-0, 3-2)
Seton is one of two undefeated teams remaining in 2A and has the highest-scoring team in the classification (35.2 points per game). Waynesburg is a resurgent program who made the playoffs last year after a 10-year drought. The Raiders started conference play this season with a win over rival Washington. Seton LaSalle’s passing game has gone to another level this season led by QB Michael Pastirik (644 yards, 14 TDs). The Rebels have a lot of young, explosive talent. Khalil Taylor (335 receiving yards, 7 total TDs) can take it to the house any time he touches the ball. Out of the backfield, Logan King (392 yards, 5 TDs) has been the feature back. The catalyst of Waynesburg’s offense is dual-threat QB Jacob Stevenson who has thrown for 661 yards and 4 TDs and run for 484 yards and 11 scores. Stevenson’s backfield counterpart Teagan Crouse has run for 102 yards and added 143 receiving yards and scored twice. On the outside, Jack Ricciuti (226 yards, 2 TDs) and Zachery Jiblits (165 yards) have been reliable targets for Stevenson.
South Park (2-0, 4-1) at Washington (1-1, 3-2)
South Park has scored victories in the last two weeks to set themselves apart in the Allegheny Conference. Washington was the defending Century Conference champions but lost to Waynesburg to start the season. This is a non-conference measuring stick game for both teams to see how they stack up against fellow playoff competition. South Park won a defensive struggle against Steel Valley two weeks ago then beat South Allegheny in a shootout last week. South Park is a run-heavy outfit. Eric Doerue (571 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 363 yards and 3 TDs and added 443 yards and 6 TDs on the ground. Lenzi was the star last week against South Allegheny as he accounted for 4 total touchdowns. Change-of-pace back Kenyan Brown has run for 177 yards, added 162 receiving yards, and scored 4 times. Washington’s offense runs through their dual-threat QB Tristan Reed (435 passing yards, 4 TDs; 192 rushing yards, 2 TDs). Caleb Patton (232 yards, 2 TDs) has been the top target in the passing game. In addition to Reed, Jahvon Woods (168 yards, 2 TDs) and Trenton Grooms (151 yards, 1 TD) have contributed to the Prexies rushing attack.
1A Games of the Week
Monessen (1-1, 4-1) at South Side (2-0, 4-0)
This non-conference game is a good measuring stick for two playoff-caliber squads. These two met in the opening round of the playoffs last year. South Side Beaver is in a race with Neshannock for the Big Seven conference crown. Meanwhile, Monessen is part of a pack battling for positioning in the Black Hills Conference. The Greyhounds are led by the Kershaw brothers. The electric TyVaughn Kershaw has run for 741 yards, added 171 receiving yards, and scored 19 times in all three phases of the game. Tim Kershaw has run for 101 yards and 2 TDs. When Monesen does take to the air, Dennis Hawkins has thrown for 531 yards and 8 TDs. South Side runs a triple-option attack and will cycle through a number of backs. The Rams leading tandem of backs is AC Corfield (347 yards, 1 TD) and Mateja Pavlovich (304 yards, 5 TDs). However, South Side has talent in spades as Slayton Williams (158 yards, 5 TDs) and Amare Moman (116 yards, 4 TDs) also both average over 6 yards per carry. South Side’s ground game has been so good that they have only thrown about 4 passes per game.
Jeannette (1-1, 4-1) at Clairton (2-0, 5-0)
at Thomas Jefferson
These two have built a strong rivalry over the last decade since Jeannette moved down from AA to Single-A. Other than the 2020 Championship Game, Clairton has largely dominated the rivalry. The Bears defense has been outstanding this season and has not allowed a single point. The only score against Clairton this year has been on a pick-six. Clairton is the highest-scoring team in 1A, averaging 46 points per game. Jeannette is coming off a 35-13 loss to Leechburg where the Jayhawks defense struggled to stop the run. The Jayhawks offense centers around dual-threat QB Kymone Brown who has thrown for 421 yards and 7 TDs and run for 505 yards and 4 TDs. Brown has an absolute star in WR Jayce Powell who has 409 receiving yards and found the end zone 10 times in multiple phases of the game. Noah Sunder (190 yards, 3 TDs) and Xavier Odoriso-Farrow (136 yards, 2 TDs) have also contributed in the passing game. While Clairton’s defense has yet to allow a point, their offense is also the highest-scoring unit in 1A, averaging 46 points per game. Jeffrey Thompson has thrown for 875 yards and 11 TDs, spreading the ball around to 4 different receivers who have racked up over 100 receiving yards. Taris Wooding (252 yards, 2 TDs) and ZaeMear Correll (179 yards, 3 TDs) are Thompson’s top targets on the outside. Drahcir Jones (561 yards, 8 TDs) leads the Bears rushing attack. Clairton’s depth of offensive talent runs deep and they will work both Donte Wright (150 rushing yards, 215 receiving yards, 7 total TDs) and Michael Ruffin (150 rushing yards, 132 receiving yards, 4 total TDs) into their offensive attack.
