The WPIAL football season has passed the halfway point. Last week’s games saw some big results, including in 6A where Central Catholic won the rematch of last year’s title game with North Allegheny. In 5A, Upper St Clair knocked off defending champions Peters Twp in a South Hills rivalry game. Avonworth topped Central Valley for the second straight season, this time in conference play. One of the wildest results of the weekend was where Hempfield threw an interception in the end zone on the game’s final play, but the Canon-Mac defender did not go down and a Hempfield player stripped the ball and recovered it for a game-tying touchdown. In Overtime, Hempfield pulled out the victory. Bethel Park and Moon played the game of the week in an absolute back-and-forth classic. This week’s slate does not have as many “massive” matchups, but mostly sets the stage for the stretch run into the postseason.
On this week’s edition of the WPIAL Blitz Show, we interviewed Ellwood City head coach Dan Bradley to talk about the Wolverines first 5-0 start since 1986 and the turnaround he has brought to the program. Our Week 5 Player of the Week award went to Upper St Clair RB/DB Ethan Dahlem who scored all 3 of the Panthers touchdowns in their victory over Peters Twp. True to our promise that “If you score 6 touchdowns, we’ll show your highlights,” we also recognized Freeport RB Amos Glenn who put up 6 TDs in a victory over Valley.
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
Canon-McMillan (1-1, 2-4) at Seneca Valley (1-1, 1-4)
Last week, Central Catholic beat North Allegheny in what most assume will be a prelude of the 6A Championship Game. The remaining two playoff spots in the 6A field are still wide open. Canon-Mac and Seneca Valley got early victories over Mt. Lebanon and Norwin. But last week, a wrench was thrown in the playoff race as Canon-Mac fell to Hempfield in overtime and Seneca Valley lost big to Mt. Lebanon. Every game between the other 5 teams in 6A will be important for the playoff race from here on out. Canon-McMillian is a pass-first team whose offense runs through QB Ty Jansma (1065 yards, 4 TDs). His top targets are Ethan Compoli (344 yards, 1 TD) and Roman Cimarolli (235 yards, 1 TD). On the ground, Evan Morris (305 yards, 5 TDs) averages a solid 6.5 yards per carry for the Big Macs. On the other side, Seneca Valley’s offense is built around their ground game. The Raiders will use Cayden Parker (321 yards, 2 TDs) and Chase Mazanek (204 yards, 1 TD) to supplement dual-threat QB Andrew Loebig (259 passing yards, 2 TDs; 176 rushing yards, 2 TDs). Brayden Wise (108 yards) has been Loebig’s favorite target but Jayden Price (128 yards, 2 TDs) has been the big play threat on the outside.
5A Games of the Week
Upper St Clair (1-0, 6-0) at South Fayette (1-0, 6-0)
The Allegheny Six Conference still boasts three undefeated teams. Upper St Clair got a huge victory last week over defending WPIAL Champions Peters Twp. South Fayette throttled Baldwin and is now entering the gauntlet of their conference slate. WPIAL Blitz Player of the Week Julian Dahlem was the key to USC’s victory over Peters, scoring all 3 of the Panthers touchdowns. On the season, Dahlem has run for 692 yards and 8 TDs, plus a passing touchdown and pick-six. The Panthers have leaned on their ground game this season. In addition to Dahlem, Dante Coury (554 yards, 8 TDs), Josh Snyder (253 yards, 3 TDs), and John Banbury (203 yards, 3 TDs) have all been significant contributors. When USC does take to the air, Ethan Hellmann (433 yards, 7 TDs) has a big arm and can make plays down the field. South Fayette’s offense has run through their dual-threat QB Drew Welhorsky. He has done a little of everything this year, throwing for 1203 yards and 11 TDs, running for 632 yards and 9 scores, and catching a TD pass last week. While Upper St Clair’s strength is in their ground game, South Fayette has a trio of dangerous receivers in Ben Cavenaugh (332 yards, 4 TDs), Alex Deanes (291 yards, 1 TD), and Aiden Martincic (224 yards, 2 TDs).
Penn Hills (2-0, 3-3) at Pine-Richland (3-0, 5-0)
The Jon LeDonne Bowl carries extra weight this year after Pine-Richland topped Penn Hills in the semifinals last season. The Indians have fared very well against the Rams during the regular season in recent years. However, that success has not carried over to the playoffs. This game is for the top spot in the conference. North Hills, who played a tight game with Pine-Richland, could still be a factor in the conference title race, but the winner here will have the inside track to the Northeast crown. Penn Hills has found their rhythm and groove offensively and have the skill players to go toe-to-toe with Pine-Richland. Leading rusher Naytel Mitchell (632 yards, 7 TDs) averages nearly 7 yards per carry. Quarterback Devin Harris (736 yards, 3 TDs) returned last week after missing two games where Jay’mere Ellis (279 yards, 4 TDs) played well. Regardless of who plays quarterback for the Indians, their explosive WRs Martel Palmer (434 yards, 4 TDs) and Carter Bonner (230 yards, 3 TDs) are threats to score any time they touch the ball. In last year’s semifinal, QB Aaron Strader led a game-winning drive. Now a sophomore, Strader has taken the reins of the offense, throwing for 782 yards and 8 TDs and running for 176 yards and 2 scores. Strader has spread the ball around between Lawrence “Jay” Timmons (255 yards, 2 TDs), Tanner Cunningham (156 yards, 5 TDs), Elijah Wentz (153 yards, 1 TD), and Jalen Neals (116 yards, 2 TDs). In addition to Strader, Maclane Miller (434 yards, 5 TDs) has been the workhorse back in the ground game. The two-way matchup on the outside between D1 recruits Martel Palmer and Lawrence Timmons is going to be one of the best individual showdowns in the WPIAL this week.
4A Game of the Week
New Castle (0-1, 4-1) at Montour (1-0, 5-0)
New Castle has been one of the great turnaround stories in the WPIAL this season. After winning just two games last cycle, the Red Hurricanes rattled off 4 straight wins to start the season. New Castle came back down to earth a bit last week with a loss to Aliquippa. Now, they get an undefeated Montour team that was a semifinalist last year. With only two teams from each 4A conference guaranteed a playoff spot, every game is incredibly meaningful in the playoff race. New Castle’s balanced offensive attack is led by dual-threat QB Kyrell Harris who has thrown for 803 yards and 13 TDs and run for 291 yards and 3 scores. The Red Hurricanes have talented playmakers around Harris, including leading rusher Kaevon Gardner (440 yards, 9 TDs) and WR Nate McKnight (486 yards, 8 TDs). Montour has one of the top QBs in the WPIAL in Trey Hopper (1362 yards, 12 TDs). The Spartans also have one of the deepest receiving corps that features AJ Alston (501 yards, 5 TDs), Daniel Batch (403 yards, 7 TDs), James Bundridge (215 yards, 2 TDs), and Marcus Battles (206 yards, 3 TDs). When they do take to the ground, Caden Halajcio (547 yards, 2 TDs) has seen the lion’s share of work. Both of these teams average over 32 points per game, so this one may come down to getting defensive stops, where Montour has the best unit in 4A, allowing just 11 points per game.
3A Games of the Week
Beaver (2-1, 4-2) at Deer Lakes (3-0, 6-0)
This non-conference game is an interesting matchup for playoff seeding purposes. Deer Lakes and Beaver are both in the thick of conference title races. This also serves as a point of comparison between the Allegheny Seven and Western Hills conferences. Beaver is the highest-scoring team in 3A at 41 points per game while Deer Lakes ranks 7th at 33 per game. These are two very similar teams that can beat you in multiple ways and are strong in the trenches. Beaver has a balanced offensive attack behind a stout offensive line. The Bobcats top rushers both average over 11 yards per carry. Quanlan Cain (801 yards, 9 TDs) leads the way while Swiss Army Knife Amari Jackson (285 rushing yards, 367 receiving yards, 10 total TDs) is used all over the field. Quarterback Travis Clear (848 yards, 9 TDs) will work the ball to both Jackson and Brady Mayo (148 yards, 4 TDs). Deer Lakes also has a balanced offensive attack with dual-threat QB Jake Fleischer (782 passing yards, 9 TDs; 353 rushing yards, 4 TDs) as the catalyst. Fleischer’s backfield counterpart Zier Williams (817 yards, 14 TDs) scored the game-winner last week against Highlands. Leading receiver Zach Grant (417 yards, 8 TDs) should be a good matchup against Beaver’s defensive backs.
2A Game of the Week
Ellwood City (3-0, 5-0) at Western Beaver (3-0, 4-1)
Saturday
Ellwood City is off to their first 5-0 start since 1986 and have a chance to capture their first conference title since 1997. The winner of this game would not clinch the conference title, but will be the only remaining team unbeaten in conference play. Ellwood City has a balanced offensive attack led by two outstanding playmakers. Running back Elijah Palmer-McCane (742 yards, 11 TDs) is one of the top rushers in 2A. Quarterback Chris Smiley has thrown for 700 yards and 7 TDs, primarily to Dom Hogue (248 yards, 1 TD) and Dailonn Currie (149 yards, 2 TDs). While Ellwood City has a balanced offensive attack, Western Beaver relies almost entirely on their passing game. Sophomore QB Jaivin Peel (1156 yards, 12 TDs) set a WPIAL freshman passing record last season. The Golden Beavers will use 4- and 5-receiver sets and spread the ball around the field, making them a unique team to defend. Their receiving corps is made up of Chris Kirkland (254 yards, 4 TDs), Jaden Bishop (211 yards, 4 TDs), Curtjuan Moore (211 yards, 2 TDs), and Aidan Vula (174 yards, 3 TDs).
1A Games of the Week
Cornell (2-1, 5-1) at Fort Cherry (3-0, 6-0)
The Black Hills Conference is loaded with talented teams. Cornell played a tight game against Bishop Canevin two weeks ago. Fort Cherry has blown out every team they have faced, but this will be their stiffest challenge of the season. The Rangers are the only remaining WPIAL champion from last year who has yet to lose this season. They enter Week 6 on a 20-game winning streak against WPIAL opponents. A Fort Cherry win would clear the path for a Fort Cherry-Bishop Canevin showdown for the conference title next week. Cornell has a dynamic two-headed monster in the backfield in Walter Clarit (627 yards, 1 TDs) and Khylil Johnson (336 rushing yards, 219 receiving yards, 12 total TDs). Since the Raiders ground game has been so strong, QB Mark Stuckey has only averaged 11 pass attempts per game, but has thrown for 546 yards and 9 TDs. In addition to Johnson, Mikey Keyes (248 yards, 4 TDs) has been a dynamic target on the outside. Fort Cherry has had to shuffle their offense a bit as star Matt Sieg had a broken thumb earlier this season. Sieg played running back while he recovered but has now returned to the quarterback position. On the year, Sieg has thrown for 301 yards and 6 TDs and run for 747 yards and 14 TDs. In addition to Sieg, Ryan Huey (464 yards, 7 TDs) and Eli Salvini (238 yards, 2 TDs) have also been factors in the Rangers rushing attack. On the outside, the trio of Shane Cornali (246 yards, 3 TDs), Braydon Cook (173 yards, 3 TDs), and Evan Rogers (166 yards, 2 TDs) have been successful regardless of who played quarterback.
Bentworth (2-1, 4-2) at West Greene (2-1, 2-4)
In 1A, the top three teams in each conference are guaranteed playoff spots. California and Jefferson-Morgan have run out to the top of the Tri-County South. The remaining question is which team will assert themselves and capture that third playoff spot? Bentworth and West Greene are currently tied for third place, and the winner here will have the inside track to a playoff spot. Bentworth is seeking their first postseason appearance since 2014. Bentworth’s offense averages over 30 points per game and mostly runs through Benjamin Hays who is the Bearcats leading rusher (667 yards), leading receiver (14 receptions for 192 yards), and leading scorer (13 total TDs). Hays is the favorite target of QB Ty Watson (523 yards, 6 TDs) while WR Lucas Burt (255 yards, 5 TDs) is the big play-maker of the group. West Greene, a traditionally run-heavy team, has a capable QB in Lane Allison (726 yards, 6 TDs). The Pioneers ground game relies on the tandem of Hayden Hamilton (255 yards, 1 TD) and Jacob Orndoff (191 yards). Parker Burns (312 yards, 5 TDs) leads West Greene’s receivers. West Greene has won both games where they scored over 20 points this season, but unfortunately the other four were blowout losses where they did not score more than once.
