Home WPIAL WPIAL 2019 Week 6 Games of the Week and Playoff Scenarios

WPIAL 2019 Week 6 Games of the Week and Playoff Scenarios

by Ian

Last week, four teams clinched their spots in the WPIAL playoffs. North Allegheny clinched a spot in 6A with a revenge victory over Seneca Valley who knocked them out of the playoffs last year. In the 5A Big East Conference, Penn-Trafford and McKeesport both clinched playoff spots. In 2A, Avonworth clinched a playoff spot with a win over Summit Academy, but got bad news this week that leading receiver Kyros Thorpe may not be eligible to play in the postseason because of the ridiculous PIAA transfer rule. This week, 14 more teams have the opportunity to clinch playoff spots, including Southmoreland who has not reached the postseason since 1979.

The best story of last weekend was Ringgold ending their 18-game losing streak with a win over Beaver thanks to a last second field goal. The Rams face winless Laurel Highlands this week on the WMBS Bonus Game which will be covered alongside the California-West Greene game.

Speaking of WMBS, I’m happy to once again be doing a guest spot on the WMBS pregame show. They’ll be broadcasting the California-West Greene game tonight which I will be attending this week.  We previewed that game (more on it below as well) and other big matchups this week during my guest appearance on the WMBS Pregame Show, you can listen to the show, starting at 6pm on Friday night.

As a reminder, if you’re going to be following along with the WPIAL action tonight, keep an eye on the  #WPIAL hashtag on Twitter where people post score updates from games. I’ll also be posting score updates and commentary from my Twitter account @thesteelersnat. At the end of the night, I’ll be updating my WPIAL Standings Page with all of the results of tonight’s games.

6A Game of the Week

Hempfield Area

Seneca Valley (2-3, 2-4) at Hempfield (1-4, 2-4)

Seneca Valley put together an impressive run to reach Heinz Field last season, but is off to just a 2-4 start this year. On the other side, Hempfield is trying to reach the playoffs for the first time since 2016 but is just 1-4 in conference play and needs to stack wins quickly. Both teams are in the middle of the 6A pack offensively, averaging 22 points per game. Seneca Valley has been better on the defensive side of the ball, holding opponents under 20 points per game while Hempfield has allowed over 24 per game.

Seneca Valley is strong in the trenches, led by Purdue-commit Josh Kaltenberger and Kevin Meeder who has a number of D1 offers. Most of the Raiders offense comes out of their backfield. Senior QB Gabe Lawson has thrown for 711 yards and 5 TDs and run for 132 yards and 3 scores. Ethan West leads the team in rushing (354 yards) and receiving (136 yards) and scored 2 TDs. Matt Stanger has added 153 rushing yards, 64 receiving yards and has scored a team-high 4 times. Hempfield has a balanced offensive attack. The star of the offense has been RB Nathan Roby who leads the team in rushing (520 yards), receiving (373 yards), and scoring (8 total TDs). Quarterback Blake Remaley has thrown for 993 yards and 9 TDs, primarily to Roby and Roman Pellis (248 yards, 4 TDs). Junior RB Mario Perkins has provided a solid complement to Roby in the backfield, rushing for 248 yards and 2 TDs while averaging 6 yards per carry. Delaware-commit Finton Brose anchors the line for Hempfield.

Playoff Scenarios
  • North Allegheny has clinched a playoff spot
  • Mt. Lebanon plays a non-conference game but can clinch a playoff spot if Canon-McMillan

South Hills Showdown

Mount LebanonUpper Saint Clair

Mt. Lebanon (4-1, 4-2) at Upper St Clair (3-1, 5-1)

This is an inter-classification game between historic rivals in the South Hills. Both teams also have new men at the helm this season. Mt. Lebanon, led by former West Allegheny coach Bob Palko, is off to a 4-2 start and in the thick of the playoff race in 6A. Upper St. Clair, who saw Mike Junko take over for the legendary Jim Render, has been one of the most exciting teams this season and is 5-1 in the 5A Allegheny Eight Conference. Aside from last week’s blowout win over Fox Chapel, Upper St. Clair’s other five outings have all been close games in the fourth quarter, including comeback victories over Woodland Hills and West Allegheny. Mt. Lebanon also has a comeback win over Seneca Valley.

The matchup to watch in the same will be on the outside – Mt. Lebanon’s Mason Ventrone against Upper St. Clair’s David Pantelis. Ventrone leads the Blue Devils in total offense with 282 rushing yards, 255 receiving yards and 7 total TDs and is their top defensive back. Pantelis leads the WPIAL in receiving with 928 yards and 8 TDs and also plays defense. These two will likely be matched up all night on both sides of the ball. Mt. Lebanon has a balanced offensive attack that features multiple playmakers. Joey Daniels has thrown for 942 yards and 12 TDs this season. Leading receiver Evan Jones (339 yards) also has run for 196 yards and scored 7 times. Sam Lasota (279 yards, 3 TDs) has been a big play machine in the passing game. Out of the backfield, Visawn Pennix (293 yards,  2 TDs) and Drew Vaughn (249 yards, 4 TDs) have both been factors in the running game. Upper St. Clair’s offense is led by junior QB Ethan Dahlem who is second in the WPIAL in passing with 1662 yards and 15 TDs and leads the team in rushing with 396 yards and 8 TDs. In addition to Pantelis, Mateo Cepullio (251 yards, 5 TDs) has been a consistent factor in the passing game. Joe Lackner (157 yards, 1 TD) and Brandon Shearer (140 yards, 2 TDs) are both averaging 17 yards per catch. While Dahlem is the leading rusher, he has been complemented out of the backfield by Ethan Hiester (196 yards).

5A Game of the Week

Peters TownshipMoon Area

Peters Twp (3-0, 6-0) at Moon (2-1, 4-2)

Peters Twp is the only remaining undefeated team in 5A. The Indians have the top defense in 5A, allowing just 7.5 points per game. Moon has not made the playoffs since 2014 but has impressive wins over Baldwin and Chartiers Valley along with a non-conference win over Mars on their resume. The Tigers are coming off an overtime loss to Bethel Park last week. Bethel Park is one of the top contenders with Peters Twp for the Allegheny Eight Conference crown.

Junior QB Logan Pfeuffer has thrown for 1164 yards and 16 TDs, including 277 yards and 3 TDs last week against Canon-McMillan. Leading receiver Josh Casilli (442 yards, 10 TDs) is a Penn commit. Out of the backfield, Ryan Magiske (670 yards, 7 TDs) gets most of the work with Vincent Sirianni (111 yards, 2 TDs) seeing spot duty. Moon’s offensive attack revolves around dual-threat QB Dante Clay who has thrown for 595 yards and 5 TDs and run for 438 yards and 6 TDs. Clay was injured last week against Bethel Park and was replaced by sophomore Tyler McGowan. Senior RB Jamal Littlejohn (294 yards, 6 TDs) scored twice for the Tigers last week. On the outside, leading receiver Dawson Snyder (516 yards, 5 TDs) has been a big play threat, averaging 23 yards per catch.

Honorable Mentions: Franklin Regional at Gateway, Mars at North Hills

Both of these games feature teams towards the top of their respective conferences that are angling for home playoff games. Penn-Trafford (4-0) is leading the Big East Conference and already has wins over McKeesport (3-1) and Gateway (2-1). Franklin Regional (2-0) is the only other unbeaten team and needs a win to establish themselves as the primary contenders for the title. Gateway rightfully has designs on a deep playoff run and needs a win to stay in position for a home playoff game. In the Northern Conference, Penn Hills (4-0) has a win over Mars (2-1) and will face North Hills (3-0) in Week 9. A North Hills victory would set up a Week 9 showdown for the conference title while a Mars win would keep the Planets in the hunt for a home playoff game. Both of these teams have run-heavy offenses.

Playoff Scenarios:
  • Peters Twp clinches a playoff spot with a win over Moon AND losses by West Allegheny and Chartiers Valley
  • Bethel Park clinches a playoff spot with a win over Chartiers Valley AND a West Allegheny loss
  • Penn-Trafford and McKeesport have clinched playoff spots
  • The winner of Franklin Regional-Gateway clinches a playoff spot
  • Penn Hills clinches a playoff spot with a win over Hampton

4A Game of the Week

KnochSouth Fayette

Knoch (4-1, 5-1) at South Fayette (3-0, 5-1)

Knoch is off to one of their best starts in years with their triple-option attack leading to a 5-1 record. South Fayette is also 5-1 with their lone loss coming in Week 0 to Upper St. Clair. Last week, the Lions extended their WPIAL-leading conference winning streak to 60 games with a victory over Blackhawk. Knoch, who is looking for their first playoff berth since 2014, lost to Montour 14-7 last week to muddy the waters of the Northwest Eight playoff race. Knoch has the second-best statistical defense in 4A, allowing just 8 points per game. On the other side, South Fayette has the third-highest scoring offense in 4A at 40 points per game.

This game feature’s 4A’s leading passer, South Fayette’s Naman Alemada (1527 yards, 18 TD), against 4A’s leading rusher, Knoch’s Matt Goodlin (921 yards, 10 TDs). The contrast of styles between the teams is apparent. Knoch’s triple-option offense is led by Goodlin. QB Kam Grassi is the second-leading rusher with 239 yards and 3 TDs. Grassi has more yardage on the ground than through the air, where he has attempted just 16 passes and thrown 2 TDs this season. On the other side, Alemada has spread the ball around between three receivers – Joey Audia (389 yards, 5 TDs), Charley Rossi (362 yards, 2 TDs), and Ryan McGuire (308 yards, 3 TDs). The workload out of the backfield has been shared by Andrew Franklin (380 yards, 8 TDs) and Shay Aitken (255 yards, 3 TDs).

Honorable Mentions: Blackhawk at New Castle, Highlands at Montour, West Mifflin at Greensburg Salem

All three games between Northwest Eight Conference teams are important in the playoff race. Knoch has wins over Blackhawk and Highlands but a loss to Montour. The Highlands-Montour game is essentially an elimination game at this point in the season. New Castle still has to play Knoch and could be in the running for a home playoff game with a win over Blackhawk, whose wins over Highlands and Montour keep them on the right side of the playoff bubble. West Mifflin and Greensburg Salem both figure to be playoff teams but this game is important for seeding position within the conference.

Playoff Scenarios
  • Knoch clinches a playoff spot with a win over South Fayette AND a Blackhawk loss

Requiem for AAA

Thomas JeffersonCentral Valley

Thomas Jefferson (4-0, 6-0) at Central Valley (4-0, 6-0)

This is an inter-classification matchup between 4A Thomas Jefferson and 3A Central Valley. Before the move to six classifications, these two teams met in the final AAA Championship Game with Thomas Jefferson winning 20-7. Prior to that, Thomas Jefferson and Central Valley had met in the AAA semifinals in 2010 and 2013 with Central Valley winning both. Thomas Jefferson is off to an undefeated start this season in 4A, averaging nearly 50 points per game and holding opponents to just 5 per contest. Central Valley is one of the top teams in 3A, averaging 40 points per game and holding their opponents under 8 per game.

Thomas Jefferson’s offensive attack starts with dual-threat QB Shane Stump who has thrown for 970 yards and 12 TDs and run for 267 yards and 4 scores. On the outside, he has spread the ball around to Dan Deabner (494 yards, 8 TDs), Ian Hansen (230 yards, 3 TDs), and Preston Zandier (212 yards, 3 TDs). The Jaguars still have a dominant ground attack with their top four rushers (including Stump) averaging over 7.5 yards per carry. Their backfield is led by the tandem of Dylan Mallozzi (493 yards, 8 TDs) and DeRon VanBibber (290 yards, 8 TDs). On the other side, Central Valley has also been led by a dual-threat quarterback in Ameer Dudley who has 609 passing yards and 9 TDs and run for 180 yards and 4 scores. While Thomas Jefferson has a balanced offensive attack, Central Valley has leaned on their running game, specifically Jaylen Guy (605 yards, 7 TDs) and Landon Alexander (170 yards, 1 TD) who both average over 8 yards per carry. Myles Walker has been an all-around threat with 120 receiving yards, 111 rushing yards and scoring 7 total TDs. Leading receivers Jawon Hall (204 yards, 5 TDs) and Maichael Barbuto (129 yards, 2 TDs) average over 21 yards per catch.

3A Game of the Week

Elizabeth ForwardNorth Catholic

Elizabeth Forward (3-1, 4-1) at North Catholic (4-0, 4-1)

This game will essentially decide the Big East Conference Title. Two weeks ago, North Catholic picked up a win over Derry. Elizabeth Forward lost to Derry last week so the Warriors need a victory here to force a 3-way tie atop the conference for a second straight season. A North Catholic victory would put the Trojans in the driver’s seat for the conference title.

The Warriors rely on the tandem of Evan Lewis and Nick Hunnell who have both scored 4 times. QB Nico Mrvos has thrown for 7 TDs and run for another, including a 4 touchdown performance against Burrell earlier this season. He also returned an interception 57 yards for a score last week against Derry. In fact, both of Elizabeth Forward’s touchdowns against Derry came on pick-sixes. North Catholic is led by one of the top quarterbacks in 3A Zach Rocco. On the season Rocco has thrown for 1061 yards and 10 TDs and run for 3 more. Leading rusher Eamon Straub (303 yards, 2 TDs) has also added 102 yards through the air. Rocco’s top targets in the passing game have been Nick Maher (448 yards, 4 TDs) and Anthony Serventi (186 receiving yards, 114 rushing yards, 6 total TDs).

Honorable Mentions: Deer Lakes at Freeport, Beaver Falls at Keystone Oaks

Both of these games are important in the playoff races in their respective conferences. Just like last year, Freeport started 0-3 but is trying to repeat the feat of running off 5 straight wins to make the playoffs. Deer Lakes is 3-2 and coming off a loss to Burrell but the Lancers can keep themselves in the hunt with a win over Freeport. Beaver Falls and Keystone Oaks are currently tied at 2-2 for the 4th spot in the Tri-County West conference. However, Beaver Falls has a win over South Park and Keystone Oaks lost to South Park, so KO needs a win over Beaver Falls to force a 3-way tie. Otherwise, Beaver Falls and South Park will have the inside track to the last two playoff spots.

2A Game of the Week

Freedom Area

New Brighton (3-0, 5-1) at Freedom (4-0, 6-0)

The Midwestern Conference Title is on the line in the Beaver Valley. New Brighton made the playoffs last year and has been one of the surprising stories of this season. The Lions are off to an unbeaten start in conference play with their only loss coming against Avonworth. New Brighton picked up a big win over a good Neshannock team last week. Freedom reached the semifinals last season and has restocked their roster and ridden a stifling defense (9.3 points against per game) to an undefeated start.

This game features a dramatic contrast of styles between New Brighton’s passing game and Freedom’s rushing attack. New Brighton has been led by the tandem of QB Jackson Hall (1001 yards, 10 TDs) and WR Jacob Francona (567 yards, 9 TDs). In addition to Francona, Hall has gotten the ball to Mandel Irving (154 yards, 1 TD) and Xavier Reynolds (121 yards, 1 TD). The Lions are a pass-heavy team but do have a decent rushing attack led by Nyasanu Greene (295 yards,  TDs). Freedom uses a variety of running backs in their attack and the top three all average over 5 yards per carry. Brett Boyd (435 yards, 6 TDs) leads the way followed by Max Ujhazy (287 yards, 3 TDs) and Josh Pail (255 yards, 3 TDs). Cole Beck has averaged fewer than 10 pass attempts per game but has thrown for 654 yards and 9 TDs, primarily to Reiker Welling (292 yards, 5 TDs) and Brandon Pratte (149 yards, 3 TDs).

Honorable Mentions: Charleroi at Southmoreland

Southmoreland is coming off their first loss of the season to McGuffey. The Scotties are looking for their first playoff berth in 40 years and can clinch a spot with a win over Charleroi, who is also right in the thick of the Interstate Conference playoff race.

Playoff Scenarios
  • Avonworth has clinched a playoff spot
  • Apollo-Ridge clinches a playoff spot with a win over Valley
  • Shady Side Academy clinches a playoff spot with a win over Summit Academy AND an Apollo-Ridge victory
  • McGuffey clniches a playoff spot with a win over Brownsville
  • Southmoreland clinches their first playoff berth since 1979 with a win over Charleroi AND a Brownsville loss
  • Washington clinches a playoff spot with a win over Carmichaels AND a Brownsville loss
  • Freedom clinches a playoff spot with a win over New Brighton AND losses by both Riverside and Shenango
  • Burgettstown clinches a playoff spot with a win over Carlynton AND a Serra Catholic loss
  • Brentwood clinches a playoff spot with a win over Serra Catholic AND a Carlynton loss

1A Game of the Week

West Greene

California (3-0, 4-2) at West Greene (5-0, 6-0)

Last year, the Tri-County South finished in a 3-way tie. That seems highly unlikely this season, which means the showdown between the Trojans and the Pioneers will decide the conference crown. West Greene earned the home playoff game last season by winning the coin flip between California and Monessen. This year, West Greene has the highest-scoring offense in the WPIAL, averaging 56.5 points per game. The Pioneers also feature the WPIAL’s leading rusher in Ben Jackson (1575 yards, 29 TDs). West Greene has been able to manage Jackson’s workload and he has just 73 attempts this season, averaging an insane 21.6 yards per carry. Jackson has been complemented by Kolin Walker (534 yards, 6 TDs). West Greene’s rushing attack has been so good that QB Gavin Scott has more rushing yards (137 yards, 1 TD) than passing yard (129 yards, 2 TDs). On the other side, California is led by do-it-all QB Cochise Ryan. Through the air, Ryan has thrown for 472 yards and 6 TDs and leads the team with 533 yards on the ground. He has scored 12 total TDs between rushing and defensive returns. Lucas Qualk has been the primary complement to Ryan and has accounted for 327 rushing yards, 131 receiving yards and 6 total TDs. Leading receiver Malik Ramsey has 220 yards and 4 TDs. Last week against Jefferson-Morgan, sophomore Damoni Stafford had a breakout game with 102 yards and 2 TDs, bringing his season total to 329 yards and 3 scores. California has averaged 47.5 points per game in their 4 wins but were shut out in a weather-shortened game by Laurel and scored 20 against 2A favorites Washington.

Honorable Mention: Jeannette at OLSH

This is a non-conference game between the last two WPIAL 1A Champions. Jeannette is undefeated and atop the Eastern Conference. OLSH scored a surprising win over Laurel in a penalty-plagued game last week to keep the Chargers in the Big Seven Conference playoff hunt.

Playoff Scenarios
  • West Greene clinches a playoff spot with a win over California

You may also like

Leave a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.