The final week of the 2019 WPIAL regular season is here. This season has featured some great storylines like Southmoreland qualifying for the playoffs for the first time since 1979 and West Greene’s Ben Jackson rushing for over 2000 yards and needing just 4 TDs to break the WPIAL single-season touchdown record. Heading into the last week of the season, 56 of the 62 playoff spots across the 6 classifications were secured. However, nearly half of the conference titles (7 of 15) were yet to be decided. Earlier this week I covered all of the Week 9 playoff scenarios for the last playoff spots, conference titles and home games. This week’s Games of the Week takes a heavy focus on the battles for conference titles and the final playoff spots.
I’m happy to once again be doing a guest spot on the WMBS pregame show. They’ll be broadcasting the Connellsville-Albert Gallatin rivalry game tonight. Since leaving the WPIAL to play an independent schedule, Albert Gallatin has won 5 games this season which is as many as the Colonials won in the last 8 seasons combined. This is Albert Gallatin’s only game this season against a WPIAL opponent. We previewed that game and also discussed playoff scenarios and potential realignment options on the Sprowls Insurance Group Pregame Show, which you can listen to, 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 and final playoff clinchings. Also keep an eye on the 5A and 1A Wild Card Standings Page, where I am tracking the additional games that matter in those classifications.
6A Game of the Week
North Allegheny (7-0, 9-0) at Pine-Richland (6-1, 8-1)
Once again, the battle for the Conference Title will be settled between northern Allegheny County rivals. North Allegheny has won 15 straight regular season conference games with their last loss coming in Week 9 of 2017 against Pine-Richland. Central Catholic is also in the mix for the Conference Title. North Allegheny topped Central in a defensive struggle that the Tigers won with a last-minute punt return touchdown. Central dealt Pine-Richland their only loss of the season. North Allegheny wins the conference title with a victory while Pine-Richland needs either a Central Catholic loss to Mt. Lebanon or to beat the Vikings on Tiebreaker Points to claim the title. These are the top two offenses in 6A with Pine-Richland averaging nearly 40 points per game and North Allegheny close behind at 38 per game. Defensively, both teams have been stout with Pine-Richland holding opponents a shade under 10 points per game and North Allegheny allowing just 11 per game.
Pine-Richland’s dynamic offense is led by 6A’s leading passer Cole Spencer who has thrown for 2090 yards and 24 TDs and added 264 yards and 6 TDs on the ground as the leader of the Rams RPO offense. Spencer has spread the ball around on the outside to Eli Jochem (745 yards, 10 TDs), D’avay Johnson (356 yards, 5 TDs), and Luke Miller (301 yards, 5 TDs). Running back Luke Miller has been a threat both on the ground (324 yards) and through the air (297 yards) and scored 12 times. North Allegheny has a balanced offensive attack led by Ben Petschke who has thrown for 875 yards and 9 TDs and run for 207 yards and 3 TDs. Most of the Tigers offense comes out of the backfield thanks to a dominant offensive line anchored by Harvard-commit Jake Lugg that has enabled their top 7 rushers to run for over 8 yards per carry. Percise Colon (834 yards, 11 TDs) leads the way. Princeton-commit Luke Colella is the second-leading rusher (248 yards) and leading receiver (392 yards) and has scored 11 TDs.
Honorable Mention: Central Catholic (6-1, 8-1) at Mt. Lebanon (5-2, 6-3)
Central Catholic and Mt. Lebanon have both clinched home playoff games. Central Catholic has a chance to win the conference title with a win and if Pine-Richland beats North Allegheny. Central Catholic is also still in the mix for a first round bye. Mt. Lebanon can not earn a bye week but could get the #3 seed if they repeat their feat from last season and top Central Catholic.
5A Games of the Week
North Hills (5-1, 6-3) at Penn Hills (6-0, 8-1)
The Northern Conference title is on the line between North Hills and Penn Hills. Penn Hills has not lost to a 5A team since moving down from 6A last season, including 13 consecutive conference wins. Both teams have clinched home playoff games and the winner will take the Conference Title. Both teams are averaging 27 points per game this season, though Penn Hills has the slightly better defense, allowing about a touchdown less per game. This will be one of the TribLive HSSN’s Games of the Week that will have a live online video stream.
Can’t make it Friday? You can WATCH our 5A Northern Conference Championship game with @NHIndiansFB LIVE Friday on the @TribLiveHSSN! Game time is 7pm! https://t.co/arZm28k5Ks
— PENN HILLS FOOTBALL (@phqbclub) October 23, 2019
Penn Hills has replaced nearly their entire starting lineup from the team that won the PIAA title last season. This year’s started have proven themselves capable and the Indians once again have a balanced offensive attack led by QB Eddie McKissick (1008 yards, 12 TDs). Leading rusher Germar Howard (943 yards, 9 TDs) is closing in on the 1000-yard mark and averaging over 9 yards per carry. On the outside, McKissick has spread the ball around between Anthony Grimes (416 yards, 6 TDs), Dontae Pollard (284 yards, 4 TDs), and Noel Roach (274 yards, 2 TDs). On the other side, North Hills has a run-heavy attack that is built around their top two backs who average over 7 yards per carry. Curtis Foskey leads the way with 600 yards and 8 TDs. Tom McDonough has run for 526 yards and also leads the team in receiving with 169 yards and has scored 9 times. The Indians don’t have much of a passing game as QB Dylan Pawling averages just 6 passes per game. Pawling has done more damage on the ground (512 yards, 11 TDs) than through the air (425 yards, 3 TDs) this season.
Gateway (4-1, 7-2) at McKeesport (4-1, 7-2)
Both of these teams have cliched home playoff games. Penn-Trafford scored early-season victories over both squads who also have losses to opponents outside the WPIAL that they used to fill scheduling holes left by Albert Gallatin’s departure. Even though there is not much at stake here other than seeding order, this is still a matchup of two of the top teams in 5A that will be contenders in the playoff chase starting next week. Statistically these are very similar squads that average around 36 points per game. Gateway has the slightly better defense (12 points against per game vs McKeesport allowing 16 points per game).
Gateway is led by the top junior in the state of Pennsylvania Derrick Davis. Davis has been a dominant offensive player this season, leading the Gators in rushing (1153 yards), receiving (438 yards) and scoring (22 TDs). He has offers from nearly every major college program east of the Mississippi River, including Clemson, Alabama, Notre Dame, LSU, Ohio State and Penn State. The Gators have a balanced offensive attack and QB Bryson Venanzio has thrown for 1656 yards and 20 TDs. On the outside, Tui Faumuina-Brown (369 yards, 5 TDs) and Jayden Hurt (191 yards, 3 TDs) have been his top targets. McKeesport’s triple-option offense has once again been dominant with the top 4 rushers averaging over 7 yards per carry. QB Devari Robinson has led the way with 1014 rushing yards and 25 TDs while attempting just 5 passes per game. The Tigers have a D1 talent on the outside in Deamontae Diggs (202 yards, 5 TDs). Tyron Adams-Wagner (727 yards, 3 TDs) and Vernon Andrews (420 yards, 4 TDs) have also been factors in the wishbone rushing attack.
Northern Conference Playoff Race
Mars (3-3, 5-4) at Hampton (2-4, 2-7)
Shaler (2-4, 3-6) at Fox Chapel (3-3, 4-5)
After the top two teams, Kiski and Mars have also clinched playoff spots. At least two of the remaining three playoff spots in 5A will go to Northern Conference teams. Fox Chapel is in with a win over Shaler or a loss by either Mars or West Allegheny. Hampton is also in a win-and-get-in situation in their game against Mars. Given Hampton’s head-to-head victory over Shaler, a Hampton win would eliminate Shaler. In order for Shaler to get back to the playoffs for a second straight season, the Titans need a win and a Hampton loss to Mars. If Hampton loses and finishes 6th, they would lose the Wild Card to West Allegheny.
Allegheny Eight Conference Playoff Race
Bethel Park (4-2, 5-3) at Upper St Clair (4-2, 6-3)
Peters Twp (5-1, 8-1) at Baldwin (4-2, 5-4)
Moon (5-1, 7-2) at West Allegheny (2-4, 3-5)
The five playoff teams from the Allegheny Eight Conference have been decided but their ordering is still up in the air. Moon and Peters Twp have clinched home playoff games and are the only two teams that can win the Conference Title. Moon has the inside track and just needs a win over West Allegheny or a Peters Twp loss to Baldwin. On the other hand, Peters Twp needs a victory over Baldwin and a Moon loss in order to claim the title. One of the other three teams will also earn a home playoff game, though they can not win the conference crown. Upper St. Clair has the easiest path, needing just a win over neighboring Bethel Park to get a home game. If Bethel Park beats Upper St Clair, the Blackhawks will get a home game if Baldwin loses but Baldwin will get a home game if the Highlanders beat Peters Twp. West Allegheny still has a chance at the Wild Card with either a win over rival Moon or if Hampton loses and finishes 6th in the Northern Conference.
4A Games of the Week
Montour (4-2, 5-4) at South Fayette (6-0, 8-1)
South Fayette has clinched their eight straight conference title and comes in with a WPIAL-leading 63-game conference winning streak. South Fayette is the defending WPIAL 4A Champions and is looking to keep their hot streak rolling into the postseason. On the other side, Montour has already clinched a playoff spot, returning to the postseason for the 12th time in the last 13 seasons. South Fayette has the top offense and defense in the Northwest Eight Conference, ranking 3rd in 4A in both categories. The Lions average 40 points per game and allow just 13 per game. Montour has the second-best defense in the conference (and fourth best in 4A), allowing just 14 points per game. The Spartans got off to a slow start offensively but have averaged 33 points per game over their 4-game winning streak.
South Fayette boasts 4A’s leading passer in Naman Alemada (2303 yards, 25 TDs). He has spread the ball around between Joey Audia (605 yards, 7 TDs), Ryan McGuire (547 yards, 6 TDs), and Charley Rossi (520 yards, 5 TDs). On the ground, the Lions have split the workload between Andrew Franklin (481 yards, 11 TDs) and Shay Aitken (376 yards, 4 TDs). Montour has had to battle their way through injuries this season and has come to rely on their rushing attack. Gannon Kadlecik (618 yards, 11 TDs) leads the Spartans ground game and has also filled in at QB. William White (387 yards, 4 TDs) has served in a complementary role. Leading receiver Dominic Magliocco has 494 yards through the air and 274 yards on the ground and scored 7 times.
West Mifflin (4-2, 5-4) at Thomas Jefferson (6-0, 9-0)
As in the Northwest Eight Conference, the Big Eight Conference title is already decided, with Thomas Jefferson winning their 20th Conference Title in the last 25 seasons. After South Fayette’s streak of 63 straight conference wins, Thomas Jefferson is next with 16 consecutive victories. The Jaguars have the best offense (48 points per game) and defense (4 points against per game, 4 shutouts) in 4A. Rivals West Mifflin have clinched a playoff spot but have lost 2 of their last 3 games with both losses coming against the other Big Eight playoff teams Greensburg Salem and Belle Vernon. West Mifflin has been a hot and cold team this season. In their 5 victories, the Titans have averaged 47 points per game while managing just 8 points per game in their 4 losses.
Thomas Jefferson’s elite offense is led by dual-threat QB Shane Stump who has thrown for 1577 yards and 21 TDs and run for 310 yards and 4 TDs. The Jaguars some of the top skill players in 4A in WR Dan Deabner (603 yards, 12 TDs) and RB Dylan Mallozzi (840 yards, 14 TDs). On the outside, Ian Hansen (408 yards, 6 TDs) and Preston Zandier (262 yards, 3 TDs) have also been factors in the passing game. On the ground, DeRon VanBibber has complemented the rushing attack with 290 yards and 8 TDs. West Mifflin’s offense is built around their rushing attack, specifically dual-threat QB Jacob Davis who has run for 880 yards and 8 TDs and thrown for 495 yards and 7 TDs. Davis has been complemented in the backfield by Laronday WIlder who has run for 507 yards and a team-high 10 scores. On the outside, the Titans top receiver is Keith Demery (482 yards, 3 TDs).
3A Game of the Week
Central Valley (6-0, 8-1) at Aliquippa (6-0, 9-0)
The Tri-County West Conference Title and the top seed in the 3A playoffs is on the line. Additionally, this is a revenge game for the Quips as Central Valley handed last year’s team their only defeat en route to winning the WPIAL and PIAA championship. There is also the personal connection for Aliquippa coach Mike Warfield who formerly was the quarterbacks coach at Central Valley. These have been the top two teams in 3A all season and this very well could be a preview of the WPIAL final. Aliquippa is averaging a 3A-best 46 points per game while allowing just 6 points per game. Central Valley is about a touchdown behind in both categories, scoring 39 points per game and allowing 13 per game.
Aliquippa is loaded with dynamic playmakers all over the field. Their top two running backs both average over 10 yards per carry. Antonio Quinn (1010 yards, 12 TDs) leads the way with Vernon Redd (492 yards, 12 TDs) playing a complementary role. Vaughn Morris has taken the helm of the “Air Warfield” offense and thrown for 913 yards and 15 TDs. The Quips have a D1-caliber receiver in Chinua Soloman (432 yards, 9 TDs). Defensively, Penn State-commit Zuriah Fisher has scored 5 TDs this season on fumble and interception returns, including one last week against Keystone Oaks. Central Valley also has a balanced offensive attack. Quarterback Ameer Dudley has thrown for 1125 yards and 15 TDs and is the team’s second-leading rusher with 269 yards and 5 scores. The Warriors ground game has been led by Jaylen Guy (752 yards, 9 TDs). On the outside, Dudley has two quality targets in Jawon Hall (482 yards, 8 TDs) and Myles Walker (219 yards, 9 TDs).
Honorable Mentions: Deer Lakes (3-4, 3-6) at North Catholic (7-0, 7-1), Derry (6-1, 7-2) at Burrell (4-3, 6-3), Mt Pleasant (3-4, 4-5) at Uniontown (0-7, 0-9)
There is one playoff spot remaining in 3A. Burrell is 4-3 and needs a win over Derry to qualify for the playoffs for the first time since 2012. If Burrell loses, the door is open for Mt. Pleasant and Deer Lakes. Mt. Pleasant needs a win over Uniontown and losses by Burrell and Deer Lakes in order to make the playoffs. In a 3-way tie scenario where Mt. Pleasant and Deer Lakes both win and Burrell loses, Deer Lakes would make the playoffs on Gardner Points. If Uniontown breaks their 31-game losing streak and upsets Mt. Pleasant, Burrell would clinch a playoff spot regardless of what happens in the Deer Lakes-North Catholic game.
2A Games of the Week
Washington (6-0, 9-0) at McGuffey (6-0, 8-1)
The two highest scoring teams in 2A square off with the Conference Title on the line. Washington is averaging nearly 50 points per game while McGuffey is not far behind at 43 per game. Both teams have clinched home playoff games and have designs on contending for the WPIAL title. Defensively, Washington ranks in the Top 5 in 2A, allowing just 13 points per game. McGuffey’s only loss this season came last week in a non-conference game against Avonworth while Washington has run the table so far.
Washington has been able to overcome an injury to star RB Dylan Asbury by leaning on dual-threat QB Zack Swartz and WR Zahmere Robinson. Swartz has thrown for 1334 yards and 20 TDs and run for another 760 yards and 19 scores as the primary playmaker for the Prexies. Robinson has been about an equal threat rushing and receiving with 515 yards through the air and 512 yards on the ground, scoring 17 times. Incredibly, Robinson is averaging over 17 yards per touch this season. Tayshawn Levy (337 yards, 3 TDs) has also played a complementary role in the running game. McGuffey’s triple-option offensive attack has been all about the Whipkey brothers. Marshall Whipkey has thrown for 975 yards and 17 TDs and added 474 yards and 10 scores on the ground. Leading rusher McKinley Whipkey has run for 630 yards and 8 TDs. On the outside, nearly half of CJ Cole’s receptions have gone for touchdowns (461 yards, 8 TDs). Nate Yagle has been an all-around threat with 412 yards on the ground, 286 through the air and a team-high 10 TDs. Jared Johnson has also emerged as an all-around threat with 328 rushing yards, 154 receiving yards and 10 TDs.
Riverside (4-2, 6-2) at New Brighton (4-2, 6-3)
This is not quite a Casket Match as Riverside has clinched a playoff spot and New Brighton can still make the playoffs with a loss. New Brighton has the widest variability of any team entering Friday night. The Lions could win the conference title with a victory and losses by Neshannock and Freedom. On the other hand, they could miss the playoffs entirely with a loss and wins by Western Beaver (over Freedom) and Neshannock (over Shenango).
Riverside has a four-year starter at quarterback in Ben Hughes (1461 yards, 23 TDs) who has taken the Panthers to the playoffs all four seasons. They have a quality receiving tandem in Nate Sciarro (915 yards, 14 TDs) and Josh Bishop (473 yards, 6 TDs). On the ground, Hunter Nulph (891 yards, 10 TDs) has led the way, averaging nearly 9 yards per carry. New Brighton also has a 1400-yard passer in Jackson Hall (1486 yards, 16 TDs). The Lions have been bouyed by the connection of Hall to Jacob Francona (805 yards, 11 TDs). No other player has more than 8 catches this season, but Mandel Irving (160 yards, 1 TD) and Xavier Reynolds (121 yards, 1 TD) are both averaging over 17 yards per catch. On the ground, Nyasanu Greene (446 rushing yards, 123 receiving yards, 11 total TDs) leads the way for New Brighton with Kei’Ondre Abercrombie (232 yards, 2 TDs) playing a supporting role.
Honorable Mentions: Neshannock (5-1, 7-2) at Shenango (3-3, 6-3), Freedom (5-1, 7-2) at Western Beaver (3-3, 6-3), Burgettstown (6-0, 8-0) at South Allegheny (3-3, 4-5), Serra Catholic (3-3, 5-4) at Fort Cherry (0-6, 0-9)
1A Games of the Week
Jeannette (5-0, 9-0) at Clairton (5-0, 7-2)
JEANNETTE-CLAIRTON IX. These have been the preeminent teams in Single-A for the last six years. Since Jeannette moved down to Class A in 2014, the Jayhawks are an incredible 65-2 against all teams other than Clairton. However, during that span Clairton is 6-2 against Jeannette. This season, Jeannette has run the table once again with the second-highest scoring offense in 1A (46 points per game) and the top defense (6 points against per game). Both of Clairton’s losses came against higher-classification opponents, losing to Aliquippa and McGuffey to start the season. The Bears have dominated against 1A opponents, including breaking Laurel’s shutout streak in a 33-7 victory and holding 1A’s highest scoring team West Greene to just 7 points in a 49-7 win. Against 1A opponents Clairton is averaging 42 points per game and has allowed just 7 points per game. The winner of this game will claim the Eastern Conference Title and likely the top seed in the 1A playoffs. Clairton is guaranteed a home playoff game while Jeannette likely needs a win to get a home game.
Both teams come in with quarterbacks in the Top 5 in 1A in passing. Jeannette’s passing attack has been led by James Sanders (1229 yards, 16 TDs). He has spread the ball around to multiple receivers including Jackson Pruitt (319 yards, 6 TDs), Bayley Molter (275 yards, 5 TDs), Toby Cline (270 yards, 5 TDs), and Brett Birch (239 yards, 3 TDs). On the ground, Imani Sanders has been the featured back for the Jayhawks with 939 yards and a team-leading 20 TDs. Clairton’s offense runs through dual-threat QB Brendan Parsons. He has thrown for 1246 yards and 13 TDs and run for 628 yards and 9 scores. Kenlein Ogletree has been an all-around star for the Bears, leading the way as a receiver with 502 yards and finding the end zone 10 times on offense, defense, and special teams. RB Isaiah Berry was the star of last week’s win over Springdale where he ran for 167 yards and 4 TDs, bringing his season totals to 730 yards and 11 TDs. Dontae Sanders (312 yards, 9 TDs) has also been a factor in the rushing game while Jonte Sanders is the Bears second-leading receiver (293 yards) and has run for 197 yards and scored 5 times.
Cornell (5-1, 7-1) at OLSH (5-2, 7-2)
OLSH is the defending WPIAL Champions and qualified for the playoffs after graduating nearly their entire starting lineup from last year’s team. Cornell also clinched a playoff spot, their first since 2011. From 2012-2015, Cornell did not have a football team and operated under a cooperative agreement with Quaker Valley. When the PIAA went to six classifications, that agreement ended and Cornell’s program restarted, losing their first 19 games before winning the final game of the 2017 season. The winner of this game will finish second in the Big Seven Conference and have a chance to get a home playoff game if Clairton tops Jeannette. Cornell has been about a touchdown better on both sides of the ball, averaging 38 points per game (to 30 per game for OLSH) and allowing just 11 points per game (to 18 per game for OLSH).
Cornell’s rise to prominence has been thanks to 1A’s second-leading passer Zaier Harrison (1749 yards, 21 TDs). Harrison also leads the Raiders ground game (521 yards, 12 TDs). Cornell has a plethora of targets on the outside, including Isaiah Langston (448 yards, 6 TDs), Kaden DiVito (415 yards, 4 TDs), Blaine Sams (291 yards, 6 TDs), and Raequan Troutman (206 yards, 2 TDs). Running Back Savon Wilson has actually done more damage in the passing game (279 yards) than on the ground (255 yards) and scored 8 times. OLSH’s offensive attack has also been led by a dual-threat QB in Jaymar Pearson who has thrown for 1001 yards and 13 TDs and run for 656 yards and 12 TDs. The Chargers have taken more of a run-heavy approach this season with Pearson and Steve Greer (618 yards, 9 TDs) shouldering most of the workload. Pearson’s favorite targets have been Eric Olexa (481 yards, 7 TDs) and Bobby Brazell (342 yards, 6 TDs).
