We have reached the penultimate week of the 2025 WPIAL season. Last week Fort Cherry became the first team to clinch a playoff spot. I continued my Tour of the WPIAL with a trip to see the Rangers beat Bishop Canevin. Only 6 teams remain undefeated heading into Week 8 after Western Beaver and Jefferson-Morgan both lost. On the flip side, Sto-Rox ended a 17-game losing streak with a win over Carlynton and Northgate got their first win of the year. Only 14 teams have clinched playoff spots so far, but several more will get locked up this week, including Trinity who can clinch their firsts conference title since 1986. Check out my WPIAL Playoff Scenarios breakdown for all the details.
On this week’s edition of the WPIAL Blitz Show, we interviewed Southmoreland head coach Dustin Shoaf, a former WPIAL leading rusher and the youngest head coach in the WPIAL. He has the Scotties off to an 8-0 start with a big showdown coming against Elizabeth Forward this week (more on that below). We also recapped all of the Week 7 action, ran through all of the conference standings and discussed this week’s WPIAL Blitz Statewide Rankings. Our WPIAL Blitz Show Player of the Week from Week 7 was Fort Cherry QB Matt Sieg. In the Rangers conference-clinchign victory over Bishop Canevin, Sieg ran for 285 yards and scored 5 times (3 rushing, a punt return, and a pick-six). On the first play from scrimmage (a 70-yard touchdown run) he surpassed Sto-Rox’s Lenny Williams for the most total yards in a career. We’ll be back on Monday night at 9:30 this week for another great show! Tune in on the SSP Network on YouTube.
As playoff races wind down, keep an eye on my WPIAL Standings Page. Without further ado, here are the Week 8 Games of the Week!
Game of the Week
North Allegheny (7-1) vs Pine-Richland (7-1)
This non-conference showdown between northern rivals pits two of the top teams in the WPIAL against each other. Both teams have been to their respective championship games for three straight seasons. Their only losses this year both came to 6A frontrunner Central Catholic. North Allegheny is battle-tested with several close games over the last month. The Tigers had a 3-point win over Norwin, a 9-point win over Mt. Lebanon, and an 8-point win over Canon-Mac. Meanwhile Pine-Richland has been blowing the doors off of everyone, scoring at least 42 points in 6 straight games since losing to Central Catholic. North Allegheny’s offense runs through junior QB Brady Brinkley (1226 passing yards, 12 TDs) who has spread the ball around to 4 receivers with over 200 yards. Luke Rohan (720 yards, 12 TDs) leads the Tigers rushing attack and is capable of single-handedly taking over games. On the outside, Brinkley’s top target is Monmouth-commit Korry Pitts (270 yards, 5 TDs) who is one of the top Cornerbacks in the WPIAL. Mason Brown (254 yards, 1 TD), Ben Kern (244 yards, 2 TDs), and Cameron Kushner (224 yards, 3 TDs) have also contributed in the passing game. In the trenches, lineman Lincoln Hoke is the son of former Steeler Chris Hoke and has committed to Pitt. Pine-Richland’s offensive attack is led by dual-threat QB Aaron “Oobi” Strader (1577 passing yards, 21 TDs; 467 rushing yards, 8 TDs). Strader is joined in the backfield by powerhouse back Maclane Miller (778 yards, 10 TDs). The Rams have 5 receivers with over 150 yards, including two D1-recruits. Slot receiver Jalen Neals (411 yards, 4 TDs) actually leads the team in receiving. On the outside, Florida State-commit Jay Timmons (317 yards, 6 TDs) is the son of former Steeler Lawrence Timmons. The dynamic Khalil Taylor is one of the top juniors in the state and has put up 317 receiving yards, and scored 10 receiving touchdowns as well as returned 4 kicks (2 punts and 2 kickoffs) for scores. The Rams are also strong in the trenches with D1 recruits John Curran and Braylen Price anchoring the lines.
6A Game of the Week
Canon-McMillan (2-2, 4-4) at Norwin (2-2, 5-3)
This game is essentially for the #3 seed in the 6A playoffs. Norwin has not been to the postseason since 2017 and can lock up a playoff berth with a win and a loss by Mt. Lebanon. Canon-Mac just needs a win to secure their 4th playoff appearance in 5 years. Getting the #3 seed is tremendously important as it avoids a matchup against Central Catholic in the semifinals. Canon-McMillan has a pass-heavy attack with 6A’s second-leading passer Ty Jansma (1468 yards, 12 TDs). He has spread the ball around to a trio of receivers. Ethan Campoli (500 yards, 7 TDs) is second in 6A in receiving while tight end TJ Sabatucci (476 yards, 7 TDs) is a Buffalo-commit and a beast at defensive end. Roman Cimarolli (323 yards, 1 TD) will also get some looks in the passing game. When the Big Macs run the ball, Mason Calgaro (284 yards, 3 TDs) has been the lead back. Norwin’s offense is led by dual-threat QB Trystan Tavares who has thrown for 782 yards and 11 TDs and run for 579 yards and 9 scores. Tavares has just three receivers with over 100 yards, led by Potter Brozeski (313 yards, 3 TDs) and Jake Knight (159 yards, 3 TDs). Giovanni Rothrauff (1051 yards, 8 TDs) has been the workhorse for the Knights offense.
5A Game of the Week
Upper St Clair (2-1, 7-1) at Moon (2-1, 5-3)
The winner of this game has an opportunity to clinch a playoff spot this week and could set themselves up as contenders for a first round bye. Both teams have losses to Peters Twp and wins over Bethel Park so this game will determine 2nd place in the Allegheny Six Conference. Both teams played Peters Twp close and have defenses holding opponents under 17 points per game. On the offensive side, Upper St Clair is the second-highest scoring team in 5A, averaging 42 points per game. The Panthers explosive attack is led by strong-armed QB Ethan Hellmann (1943 yards, 25 TDs). He has 6 receivers with over 100 yards, primarily targeting Nico D’Orazio (550 yards, 9 TDs) and Bryce Jones (495 yards, 4 TDs). The Panthers also have five players with over 100 rushing yards, led by Dante Coury (535 yards, 10 TDs). Moon’s offense runs through their dual-threat quarterback Andrew Cross (620 passing yards, 9 TDs; 299 rushing yards, 2 TDs). Cross’ backfield counterpart Antoine Arnett has run for 460 yards and 3 TDs. When the Tigers take to the air, Savario Vandetti (248 yards, 4 TDs) and Jayden Revis (215 yards, 3 TDs) have been Cross’ top targets. Revis, son of Hall of Famer Darrelle Revis, has some D1 offers as a defensive back. Defensive end Daiveon Taylor, a Kent State-commit, has a chance to break the PIAA career sack record this season.
4A Games of the Week
Montour (2-1, 5-3) at Aliquippa (2-1, 5-2)
In a limited 4A playoff field where only the top two teams are guaranteed playoff spots, the Parkway Conference was turned upside down when West Allegheny beat New Castle last week. With just two games left, there are four teams sitting at 2-1 in conference play. Montour and Aliquippa have both lost to New Castle so the winner here will have the inside track on the 2nd guaranteed playoff spot in the conference (though Montour still has to play West Allegheny next week). Montour has a balanced offensive attack. Brandon Bennett has thrown for 1199 yards and 11 TDs while RB Caden Halajcio has run for 892 yards and 12 TDs. Bennett’s favorite target has been Zander Stern (582 yards, 8 TDs). Montour also has an offensive Swiss Army Knife in Archie Collins who they will use in a variety of roles. Collins has 238 receiving yards, 227 rushing yards and scored 6 times. Aliquippa had to make an adjustment over the last few weeks with star QB Marques Council out for season due to an injury. Wide receiver Qa’lil Goode (who has found the end zone 7 times this year) has stepped in at quarterback. The Quips have leaned more on their run game with JJ Work (494 yards, 7 TDs) leading the way. Last week, Work ran for 140 yards & 3 TDs in the Quips win over Blackhawk. Aliquippa hasn’t thrown much since Council’s injury, but they do have a talented receiver on the outside in Josh Lay (420 yards, 1 TD). Aliquippa has one of the top defenses in 4A, holding opponents to just 13 points per game, and will need to stifle Montour’s offense to have a chance in this one.
Thomas Jefferson (2-1, 6-2) at Chartiers Valley (2-1, 6-2)
Both of these teams have lost to Trinity over the last two weeks which sets up this game for the second place spot in the Big Six Conference. With only two guaranteed playoff spots per conference in 4A, this is a huge matchup as the loser will have to pin their playoff hopes on the Wild Card. Thomas Jefferson’s offense runs almost entirely through junior RB Tyler Eber (1146 rushing yards, 107 receiving yds, 23 total TDs). When Eber isn’t running the ball, Harrison Kolling has thrown for 591 yards and 5 TDs. Kolling’s top targets are Jaxon Kolling (160 yards) and Dom Volomino (140 yards, 2 TDs). Chartiers Valley is more of a pass-oriented team with Luke Miranda has throwing for 848 yards and 10 TDs. He has established a strong connection with leading receivers Julius Best (279 yards, 6 total TDs) and Damien Holloway (173 yards, 3 TDs). When Char Valley keeps it on the ground, Tayshaun Lewis (258 yards, 3 TDs) has been the featured back.
3A Game of the Week
Elizabeth Forward (3-0, 7-1) at Southmoreland (3-0, 8-0)
The showdown for the Interstate Conference title between Elizabeth Forward and unbeaten Southmoreland should be a good one. The Scotties under first year head coach Dustin Shoaf are off to a roaring start and will look to dethrone Elizabeth Forward from the top of the standings. Both teams have dual-threat quarterbacks leading their offenses. For Elizabeth Foward, Ryan Messina is a multi-year starter and has thrown for 1551 yards and 19 TDs and run for 493 yards and 7 TDs. Southmoreland junior Dawson Wolfe (902 passing yards, 11 TDs; 280 rushing yards, 7 TDs) is in his first year at quarterback. Elizabeth Forward has 5 players with over 100 rushing yards and their top four rushers all average over 6 yards per carry. In addition to Messina, Rocco Thompson has run for 335 yards and 8 TDs, averaging 8.2 yards per carry. On the outside, Messina has spread the ball around and has 5 different receivers with over 100 yards. Landon Honick (508 yards, 8 TDs) and Aaron Ulmer (272 yards, 3 TDs) are the Warriors top receivers. For Southmoreland, the work in the running game has been split between Averyon Darnell (463 yards, 5 TDs) and Jackson Mickens (410 yards, 10 TDs). The Scotties have a trio of receivers with over 200 yards in Makel Darnell (270 yards, 3 TDs), Ty Whoric (208 yards, 3 TDs), and Stanley Betters (218 yards, 1 TD).
2A Game of the Week
Seton LaSalle (4-0, 7-1) at Keystone Oaks (4-1, 4-4)
The Century Conference playoff race is locked up with Washington, Seton LaSalle, and Keystone Oaks all clinching playoff spots. Now the conference title will be decided over the last two weeks. Seton faces Wash High next week but has to get through McNeilly Road rival Keystone Oaks first. KO has won 4 of their last 5 games on the back of dual-threat quarterback Owen Gerhart (690 passing yards, 7 TDs; 696 rushing yards, 10 TDs). Gerhart has a trio of receivers in Sean O’Brien (334 yards, 5 TDs), Carmen Pellarin (177 yards), and Joe Colton (111 yards, 2 TDs) who he has spread the ball between. Gerhart is joined in the backfield by Brady McDine (394 rushing yards, 3 TDs). Seton started the year with Jack Meade (307 yards, 5 TDs) playing quarterback but have slowly transitioned to Kia Jones Jr (501 passing yards, 3 TDs; 422 rushing yards, 4 TDs). Both will likely see time at quarterback this week. Jones and leading rusher Kymarr Freeman (959 rushing yards, 131 receiving yards, 16 total TDs) average over 10 yards per carry behind Seton’s stout offensive line. Deondre Hill (381 yards, 5 TDs) will also see some work in the backfield. The Rebels ground game has been so good this year they are only averaging about 12 pass attempts per game. When they do take to the air, Matthew Brodzinski (239 yards, 2 TDs) has been the top target. Seton’s stout defense is led by a pair of FCS-commits at linebacker – Will Martin (Duquesne) and Aaron Loritts (Monmouth).
1A Game of the Week
South Side (4-0, 7-1) at Laurel (4-0, 7-1)
The battle atop the Big Seven Conference features two teams with identical records. South Side is coming off a 35-7 victory over Neshannock, ending the Lancers 20-game conference unbeaten streak. The Rams offense is built around their triple option rushing attack. South Side has six players with over 100 rushing yards. They will mix a number of different players into the attack. Andrew Corfield (768 yards, 13 TDs), Amare Moman (662 yards, 7 TDs), and Will Morgan (344 yards, 4 TDs) are South Side’s leading rushers this season. Their ground game has been so good that quarterback Todd Matjevich (201 yards, 1 TD) has only averaged about five pass attempts per game. Laurel is averaging over 43 points per game and is one of just two 1A squads (Clairton is the other) holding opponents under 10 points per game. The Spartans offense is led by Luca Santini (885 yards, 15 TDs) who broke the school’s career passing record this season. Laurel will do everything they can to get the ball in the hands of dynamic playmaker Kolton Carlson (414 receiving yds, 341 rushing yds, 12 total TDs). Laurel does have a strong running game in addition to Carlson with Nathan Hill (421 yards, 13 TDs) and Jack Jones (219 yards, 2 TDs) seeing their share of carries. Santini’s favorite target has been Jack Miles (156 yards, 6 TDs). A win for South Side will wrap up the conference title while a Laurel victory would set up a showdown with Lawrence County rivals Neshannock for the title next week.
