As we enter the penultimate week of the WPIAL season, playoff races are in full swing. Last week’s games featured a number of headline matchups atop their respective conferences. In 5A, Upper St Clair scored a last minute touchdown to beat fellow unbeaten Bethel Park. McKeesport beat Mars in the 4A Greater Allegheny Conference. Imani Christian pounded Deer Lakes in the 3A Allegheny Seven conference. Ellwood City continued their historic start with a fourth quarter comeback to beat rivals Riverside in the 2A Midwestern Conference. In 1A, Fort Cherry, Clairton, and Neshannock all got wins to put themselves in position to win their respective conference titles.
On this week’s edition of the WPIAL Blitz Show, we interviewed Woodland Hills Head Coach Brian Tarrant whose team got a big win over rival Gateway and has a chance to clinch the conference title this week. We also ran through all the conference standings and discussed the outlook for the playoffs in each classification. Earlier this week, I broke down the playoff clinching scenarios across the WPIAL. Fort Cherry became the first team in the WPIAL to clinch a conference title with their victory over Bishop Canevin last week. The Rangers have won 22 straight games against WPIAL opponents after winning their first title in school history last season. In 6A, with the top four teams making the playoffs, the race is between five teams for the final two spots. In 4A, only the top two teams in each conference automatically qualify, making the races even tighter and the margin for error razor thin. The other four classifications will see the top three teams in each conference qualify, and the WPIAL will select Wild Card teams in every classification except 6A.
With playoff races heating up, our 2024 WPIAL Standings Page has been fully updated with all the relevant tiebreakers. Be sure to bookmark the page and check back during the season!
6A Game of the Week
Mt. Lebanon (1-3, 1-7) at Hempfield (2-3, 3-5)
While Central Catholic and North Allegheny have clinched playoff spots in 6A, the battle for the other two playoff spots is wide open. Seneca Valley topped Hempfield last week and has the opportunity to clinch a spot this week. Hempfield can clinch their first playoff spot since 2016 with a win over Mt. Lebanon. Despite a 1-7 overall record, Mt. Lebanon has been playing better football over the last few weeks and is still very much in the running for the playoffs. The Blue Devils last four outings were a dominant win over Seneca Valley and one-score losses to Canon Mac, North Allegheny, and Penn Hills. If Lebo can beat Hempfield and Norwin in their final two games they would finish at 3-3 in conference play and make the playoffs unless Canon Mac was able to upset Central Catholic. Both defenses are allowing over 30 points per game, so this matchup has all the makings of a shootout. Mt. Lebanon has found something offensively with dual-threat QB Patrick Smith who has thrown for 1178 yards and 6 TDs and run for 677 yards and 10 scores. Noah Schaerli (634 yards, 3 TDs) leads the receiving corps and Kris Kambitsis (191 rushing yards, 141 receiving yards, 2 total TDs) has also been a contributor to the offense. Hempfield’s offense has relied on their passing game and the talents of QB Dominic Detruf (1253 yards, 11 TDs). He has spread the ball around between Jack Kopas (407 yards, 3 TDs) and Mitchell Bitar (199 yards, 1 TD). Leading rusher Aidan Stinebiser has run for 548 yards and 2 TDs and added 161 yards and 3 TDs as a receiver. Ultimately, this game will rest on the two quarterbacks and how they are able to march their teams down the field and avoid turnovers.
5A Games of the Week
Woodland Hills (4-0, 6-2) at Franklin Regional (3-1, 6-2)
The top spot in the Big East conference is on the line. Woodland Hills has clinched a playoff spot and can lock up the conference title with a victory over Franklin Regional. After losing to Penn-Trafford last week, Franklin Regional needs a win and a Penn-Trafford loss in order to claim the conference title. The Panthers do have wins over Gateway and Kiski on their resume, making their playoff status relatively secure. Woodland Hills is the highest-scoring team in the conference and has one of the most dynamic passing attacks in the WPIAL. Earlier this season, Cam Walter broke the Woodland Hills career passing record. Walter has thrown for 1142 yards and 12 TDs this season, primarily targeting the electric Scoop Smith (590 yards, 10 total TDs) and Malik McCloud (268 yards, 4 TDs). On the ground, the Wolverines have found success with a trio of backs who have split time. Elijah Nesby (294 yards, 3 TDs) returned last week to complement Mikail Connor (286 yards, 3 TDs) and Nico Mager (188 yards, 3 TDs). Franklin Regional has reached this point by eking out a number of close victories. In conference play, the Panthers topped Latrobe 3-0 on a 4th quarter field goal, Gateway 36-34 holding off a torrid comeback, and Kiski 35-30. The Panthers rely heavily on RB Kyle Dupill (1378 yards, 13 TDs), the WPIAL’s second-leading rusher. Chase Lemke (1106 yards, 13 TDs) is a capable quarterback with a plethora of weapons. Franklin Regional has four receivers with over 100 yards this season, led by MacAllister Bresnahan (371 yards, 4 TDs) and Elijah Bennett (336 yards, 4 TDs).
Penn Hills (2-1, 4-4) at North Hills (3-1, 7-1)
Both of these teams lost to Pine-Richland earlier this season, making this a game for second place in the Northeast Conference. Even with a win, Penn Hills would not clinch a guaranteed playoff spot because of their game against Plum next week. North Hills can secure their spot in the postseason with a victory. North Hills has the best defense in the conference and the 3rd best in 5A, holding opponents to just 11 points per game. Scoring will be at a premium in this game. Penn Hills has used both Devin Harris (868 yards, 3 TDs) and Jay’mere Ellis (476 yards, 5 TDs) at quarterback this season. Their strong receiving corps have enabled both quarterbacks to find success. Martel Palmer (537 yards, 6 TDs), Derek Selby (299 yards, 1 TD), and Carter Bonner (291 yards, 3 TDs) will stress the North Hills secondary. On the ground, Naytel Mitchell (867 yards, 11 TDs) has led the way for Penn Hills, averaging over 6 yards per carry. North Hills has a balanced offensive attack that will feature a number of rotating players. Dual-threat QB Kelly McCarthy (732 passing yards, 10 TDs; 251 rushing yards, 4 TDs) is the catalyst of the offense. North Hills will work to get the ball into the hands of Jack Martin (375 rushing yards, 148 receiving yards, 4 total TDs) any way they can. Julius Green (320 yards, 7 TDs) is an explosive change-of-pace back averaging nearly 10 yards per carry. On the outside, Josiah Mathis (225 yards, 3 TDs) is McCarthy’s leading receiver.
Plum (2-2, 3-5) at Kiski (2-3, 3-5)
Plum will have an opportunity next week against Penn Hills to earn a guaranteed playoff spot in the Northeast Conference. Both of these teams are in the running for the Wild Card and this non-conference game could very well decide the final team in the 5A playoffs. The star of Plum’s offense is Darian Nelson who leads the team with 356 receiving yards, has added 238 rushing yards, and found the end zone 6 times. Plum has gone through multiple quarterbacks this season and seems to have settled on John Nonnenberg (402 yards, 4 TDs). TJ Futules started the year at QB but moved to RB where he complements Nicky Odom (583 yards, 4 TDs). Sloan Humphries (353 yards, 3 TDs) has bookended Nelson at receiver. Kiski’s offense runs through dual-threat QB Carson Heinle (1187 passing yards, 12 TDs; 390 rushing yards, 1 TD). Heinle is the Cavaliers all-time leading passer and is complemented in the backfield by Landon Kucic (785 yards, 12 TDs). Both Heinle and Kucic average a hair under 5 yards per carry. When Heinle does take to the air, Aven Shirley (672 yards, 10 TDs) has been his top target. Shirley enters the game in the Top 10 in the WPIAL in receiving yards.
Other Meaningful Games
In the Allegheny Six Conference, Upper St Clair can clinch the conference title with a win over Moon. Bethel Park needs to get past South Fayette this week to set up a showdown with Peters Twp next week in a game that could decide the 4th and final bye in the 5A playoffs. Moon and South Fayette are both in the running for Wild Card consideration and need strong performances against the top teams in the conference. Gateway has come on strong in the later half of the season and can solidify themselves as a wild card contender with a win over Latrobe.
4A Game of the Week
Aliquippa (3-0, 5-1) at Montour (3-0, 7-0)
This is the Game of the Week not only in the WPIAL but in the state. The winner of this game will have the inside track on the #1 overall seed in 4A. These are the two highest-scoring teams in 4A with Aliquippa averaging 38 per game and Montour close behind at 37 per game. Defensively, Montour holds a slight edge, holding opponents to just 11 per game while the Quips have allowed 16.5 per game. Both teams are coming off relatively easy victories where they were able to rest their starters for the second half, meaning they are primed and ready for this Parkway showdown. Aliquippa has been able to lean on their ground game this season, led by Penn State-commit Tikey Hayes (529 yards, 10 TDs) and electric sophomore Sa’Nir Brooks (464 yards, 8 TDs). Hayes missed a few games due to injury but has come back with a vengeance the last few weeks. He is averaging nearly 9 yards per carry this season and is an absolute wrecking ball on opposing defenses. The Quips have been so good on the ground they haven’t needed to throw the ball much, but Marques Council has been efficient when called upon, throwing for 721 yards and 8 TDs. Council has a dynamic tandem of receivers in Arison Walker (193 yards, 3 TDs) and Qa’Lil Goode (103 yards, 3 TDs). Defensively, watch out for WVU-commit Daiveon Taylor at edge rusher and sophomore defensive back Larry Moon III who has numerous D1 offers. The Quips defense will face their biggest test yet as Montour boasts the WPIAL’s leading passer Trey Hopper. On the season, Hopper has thrown for 1844 yards and 20 TDs. He has four receivers with over 200 yards, led by AJ Alston (583 yards, 6 TDs) and Daniel Batch (504 yards, 9 TDs). James Bundridge (395 yards, 6 TDs) and Marcus Battles (235 yards, 4 TDs) have also been factors in the Spartans passing attack. On the ground, Caden Halajcio (670 yards, 3 TDs) has been the workhorse back while short-yardage pounder Kaleb Platz has scored 6 times.
Other Meaningful Games
Trinity and Belle Vernon play next week in a game that will decide the second place team in the Big Six Conference. Both teams need to make quick work of Ringgold and Laurel Highlands this week to set up next week’s showdown and keep hope alive for a Wild Card if they lose next week. Mars and McKeesport are clearly the top two in the Greater Allegheny Conference, but tonight’s game between Knoch and West Mifflin will decide third place. McKeesport is the only GAC team that does not have a losing record overall, which will make it difficult for the conference to earn a Wild Card, but the Knoch-West Mifflin winner will at least keep some slim hope alive. In the Parkway Conference, New Castle had a great run in non-conference play but stumbled against the top teams in conference. The Red Hurricanes need a win over Ambridge to get back on track. The winner of West Allegheny-Blackhawk will keep their hopes for a Wild Card alive.
3A Games of the Week
Southmoreland (3-0, 7-1) at Elizabeth Forward (3-0, 5-3)
The top spot in the Interstate Conference is on the line in this game. Southmoreland could clinch their first conference title since 1979 with a victory. On the other side, Elizabeth Forward still has to play Mt. Pleasant next week. The only way for them to clinch the title this week would be with a win AND a Mt. Pleasant loss to Derry. Southmoreland has been building towards this moment for the last five years since snapping their 40-year playoff drought. The Scotties next step is claiming the elusive conference title and winning their first playoff game in school history. Southmoreland’s offense is built around their passing game and strong-armed QB Anthony Smith (1775 yards, 21 TDs). Leading receiver Elliott Premus (801 yards, 11 TDs) is third in the WPIAL in receiving yards. In addition to Premus, Smith has spread the ball between Jackson Mickens (349 yards, 6 TDs) and Makel Darnell (303 yards, 7 TDs). The Scotties also have a strong rushing attack with the tandem of Cameron Phillips (602 yards, 7 TDs) and Ethan Shawley (364 yards, 7 TDs) who both average over 7 yards per carry. Elizabeth Forward was the preseason favorites in the Interstate, and after an up-and-down non-conference slate, appear to be back in form as title contenders. The Warriors offensive attack is built around the talent in their backfield. Dual-threat QB Ryan Messina has thrown for 1513 yards and 20 TDs and run for 359 yards and 9 scores. The multi-talented Charlie Nigut leads the Warriors in rushing (838 yards), receptions (22 for 388 yards), and scoring (19 total TDs). On the outside, Connor Stokes (396 yards, 6 TDs) and AJ Grese (302 yards, 4 TDs) have done the most damage in EF’s passing attack.
Other Meaningful Games
Avonworth and North Catholic have been rivals for over a decade since their time in single-A when they competed in the same conference. Now they are conference foes in 3A again. Avonworth will face Beaver next week with the conference title on the line. North Catholic has a game next week against a resurgent Hopewell team that will likely be for a Wild Card spot. In addition to the showdown atop the Interstate Conference, other games also have postseason implications. Mt. Pleasant can clinch a playoff spot with a win over Derry, but Derry could put themselves in Wild Card consideration with an upset. Greensburg Salem is also in the running for a Wild Card and needs a win over Yough to keep pace.
2A Game of the Week
Seton LaSalle (4-0, 7-0) at Keystone Oaks (4-1, 4-3)
McNeilly Road Rivals square off in Dormont Stadium for the top spot in the Century Conference. Seton LaSalle moved down from 3A to 2A this season and has run roughshod over the competition. The Rebels are averaging 44 points per game, the best mark in 2A. Additionally, the Rebels defense has held teams to just 8.5 points per game, making them the stingiest unit in the classification. Keystone Oaks has won a number of tight, low-scoring games to get in position to challenge for the conference crown. The Golden Eagles only loss in conference play was by 1 point to Washington. Seton’s dynamic offensive attack has been spurred by the lightning-quick speed of WR/DB/KR Khalil Taylor who has 590 receiving yards and scored 16 times across multiple phases of the game. Quarterback Michael Pastirik (1240 yards, 24 TDs) has the most passing touchdowns of any player in the WPIAL. In addition to Taylor, Richard Littlejohn (319 yards, 5 TDs) has been a weapon in the Rebels passing attack. Out of the backfield, Logan King (694 yards, 10 TDs) has been a force in the ground game. Keystone Oaks relies heavily on their rushing attack to get the offense moving. Dual-threat QB Brenden Quarles (410 passing yards, 3 TDs; 266 rushing yards, 4 TDs) has as many rushing attempts as passing attempts this season. The star on the ground is Billy Bricker (690 yards, 8 TDs) who averages nearly 8 yards per carry. When Quarles does take to the air, Jack Hrivnak (185 yards, 1 TD) has been his favorite target.
Other Meaningful Games
South Park can clinch the Allegheny Conference title by beating Apollo-Ridge. Steel Valley has found their groove over the last few weeks and can set up a showdown with South Allegheny for second place in the Allegheny Conference with a victory over Ligonier Valley. Carlynton can open the eyes of the Committee and possibly earn their first playoff spot in two decades if they are able to hang tight with Washington this week. Ellwood City can clinch their first conference title since 1997 with a win over Union. Meanwhile, New Brighton is still in the mix for a wild card and needs a good showing against a strong Western Beaver squad.
1A Games of the Week
Laurel (4-0, 4-4) at South Side (3-1, 5-2)
This game is the prelude to the Laurel-Neshannock showdown for the conference title next week. South Side narrowly lost to Neshannock last week. Meanwhile, Laurel has been one of the best bounce-back stories in the WPIAL this year. After an 0-4 start to the season, the Spartans turned it on in conference play and have rattled off four straight victories. With games against the top two teams remaining, Laurel is in prime position to not only make the playoffs but also to contend for the conference crown. South Side, the runners-up last year, is not out of the running for the Big Seven title but would need a win this week and a Laurel win next week to create a three-way tie at the top. Laurel has reinvented themselves from a traditionally run-heavy team to rely more on their passing attack. Luca Santini has spurred this transition with 1356 yards and 11 TDs. The Spartans have five receivers with over 100 yards, led by Kolton Carlson (480 yards, 6 TDs) and Jack Miles (402 yards, 3 TDs). Leading rusher Jackson Sauders (353 yards) has also contributed to the passing game (115 yards) and found the end zone 5 times. South Side runs a triple-option attack heavily focused on the run. In fact, the Rams have only averaged about 6 pass attempts per game. AC Corfield is South Side’s leading rusher (693 yards), receiver (146 yards), and has scored 6 times. Mateja Pavlovich (498 yards, 7 TDs) is the Rams leading scorer. Complementary backs Amare Moman (227 yards, 6 TDs) and Slayton Williams (158 yards, 5 TDs) both average over 7 yards per carry. This speaks to not only the strength of the offensive line, but also the explosiveness of South Side’s rushing attack, regardless of who is getting the ball on a given play. In last week’s battle with Neshannock, 3 different Rams found the end zone.
Other Meaningful Games
Rochester and Northgate are in the mix for the 4th place spot in the Big Seven Conference. Given Rochester’s struggles with a tough non-conference schedule, the Rams need to take care of business in conference play. Northgate beat two 2A opponents in non-conference play and had tight games against Laurel and South Side but needs to win out in order to be considered for a Wild Card. Brentwood lost on a last-second touchdown to Jeannette last week and now faces a Leechburg team coming off their first loss of the season. Brentwood should be in the mix for a Wild Card while Leechburg is looking to secure a playoff spot. In the Tri-County South, West Greene can clinch the third and final guaranteed playoff spot with a win over Carmichaels.
Inter-Classification Games of the Week
Pine-Richland (4-0, 7-0) at North Allegheny (4-1, 7-1)
A non-conference showdown between North Hills rivals is always a noteworthy game. Pine-Richland and North Allegheny have had epic battles over the years. The Rams topped Central Catholic earlier this season and a win over North Allegheny would give them a strong claim to being the best overall team in the WPIAL, regardless of classification. North Allegheny is looking to continue their momentum towards the playoffs and a likely rematch with Central Catholic in the WPIAL title game. After their run to the WPIAL finals last year, Pine-Richland handed the keys of the offense over to sophomore QB Aaron Strader who has thrown for 1213 yards and 14 TDs and run for 212 yards and 3 scores. Joining Strader in the backfield is Maclane Miller (598 yards, 5 TDs) who averages over 5 yards per carry. As Strader has taken on more of the offense during the season, the tandem of Jay Timmons (430 yards, 5 TDs) and Tanner Cunningham (278 yards, 6 TDs) have emerged as his top receiving targets. Timmons, the son of former Steeler Lawrence Timmons, is one of the top defensive backs in the WPIAL. North Allegheny’s offense is still built around their rushing attack and the Tigers have 4 players with over 200 yards on the ground. Dual-threat QB Brady Brinkley (769 passing yards, 4 TDs; 321 rushing yards, 6 TDs) is the catalyst of the offense. North Allegheny will rotate Luke Rohan (522 yards, 6 TDs) , Dylan Brokos (289 yards, 4 TDs), and Liam Flaherty (224 yards, 4 TDs) through the backfield. When Brinkley does take to the air, James Donaldson (330 yards, 3 TDs) and Colman Craft (259 yards, 3 TDs) are the top targets. In addition to all the other talent in this game, the matchup to watch might be the kickers. North Allegheny’s Peter Notaro is an Alabama-commit who has booted 7 field goals, including multiple 50+ yarders. Pine-Richland’s Grant Argiro has topped that number with 8 field goals on the season.