The WPIAL playoffs have arrived! We have successfully navigated a 7-game regular season with 386 out of 406 games (95%) being played, which is a very impressive number all things considered. The playoff field this season is smaller than in years past with just 44 teams qualifying for the postseason. In 6A just the top 4 teams qualified while there are 8 playoff teams in the other 5 classifications. Quarterfinal and semifinal games will be played at the home stadium of the higher seed and the Championship Games will be hosted at North Allegheny and North Hills.
Even with the smaller playoff fields, Aliquippa and Thomas Jefferson were able to extend their record playoff streaks to 26 years. McKeesport pulled an upset on Thomas Jefferson last week, ending the Jaguars 21-game winning streak, to secure their 23rd consecutive playoff appearance. Upper St Clair won a wild game with South Fayette, blowing a big lead then scoring a late touchdown, to clinch their 21st straight postseason berth. Last year Woodland Hills saw their 23-year playoff streak end but the Wolverines were awarded a Wild Card and returned to the playoffs this season. The longest playoff streaks to end this year were Bethel Park’s at 19 years and Franklin Regional’s at 16 years. The longest playoff droughts to end were all in 4A with Plum, Chartiers Valley, and Hampton making the postseason for the first time since 2015.
“Small Player Big Play”
This year, our WPIAL coverage is sponsored by the Small Player Big Play App, which provides schools the opportunity to fundraise by live-streaming their games and events. Check out their Twitter page and get the app for free on Apple or Android devices.
I’m happy to once again be doing a guest spot on the WMBS pregame show. This week they will be broadcasting the playoff game between California and Shenago. Check out the preview below. All WMBS games are broadcast over the air and as a video stream on their Facebook Page. Check out my spot on the Sprowls Insurance Group Pregame Show, which you can listen to, starting at 6pm on Friday night.
For historical information and a rundown of the 2020 season for all 44 WPIAL playoff teams, check out our Playoff Primer. Additionally, check out our YouTube WPIAL Blitz Show with a breakdown of the playoff field and matchups. Follow our WPIAL Twitter account @WPIAL_Blitz where we will be tweeting score updates and other information throughout the night.
Class 6A Semifinals
1. North Allegheny (5-0) vs 4. Seneca Valley (4-2)
This is the third playoff meeting in five years between the neighboring school districts to the north of Pittsburgh. While North Allegheny has dominated the regular season series, Seneca Valley has pulled the upset in both of their last two playoff showdowns (both of them coming in the semifinals). This is the 5th all-time playoff meeting with North Allegheny knocking Seneca Valley out in 2011 and 2012 en route to their WPIAL titles. These two teams have yet to meet this season due to their Week 1 game being cancelled by COVID. North Allegheny utilizes the dynamic Khalil Dinkins all over the field. Dinkins, a Penn State-commit, has 130 rushing yards, 234 receiving yards, and has scored 7 total TDs between rushing, receiving, defense, and kick returns. North Allegheny is a run-heavy team led by Dinkins an JR Burton (215 yards, 5 TDs). The Tigers also rely heavily on the best defense in 6A which has held opponents to just 10 points per game. Seneca Valley also boasts a stout defense, the second-best in 6A, that has held opponents to 16 points per game. The Raiders have overcome an injuries to star RB Ethan West and QB Dustin Horn. Seneca Valley has seen the emergence of RB Nolan Dworek (446 yards, 5 TDs) and WR Connor Lyczek (249 yards, 4 TDs) while Brian Olan has taken over at quarterback and thrown for 454 yards and 4 TDs in the last three games.
2. Mt. Lebanon (4-2) vs 3. Central Catholic (4-2)
In a rematch of the 6A Game of the Year, Mt. Lebanon and Central Catholic face off in the semifinals for the second straight year. This is the fourth meeting all-time between these schools in the playoffs with Central Catholic holding a 2-1 edge. In their Week 5 meeting, Central Catholic held a 17-point first half lead and a 30-17 lead in the third quarter. But Mt. Lebanon stormed back, mostly thanks to RB Alex Tecza who scored 3 TDs including the game-winner with 3 minutes left and came up with a clutch 4th down stuff of Central Catholic RB Eddy Tillman. The Blue Devils have the best passing game in 6A, led by Joey Daniels (913 yards, 14 TDs) who threw for over 300 yards and 4 TDs in the first meeting between these teams. Eli Heidenreich (303 yards, 7 TDs) has been the top playmaker on the outside. The aforementioned Alex Tecza has emerged as an all-around playmaker for Bob Palko’s team with 465 rushing yards, 165 receiving yards, and 10 total TDs. Central Catholic is a run-heavy team led by Eddy Tillman (656 yards, 6 TDs) and Gannon Carothers (205 yards, 2 TDs). The Vikings do not throw much but their passing game has been better since inserting Adam Obrin (590 yards, 2 TDs) at quarterback mid-season. Don’t forget about dynamic speedster Brandon Jackson who has 4 TDs this season, all of them coming on kick returns.
Class 5A Quarterfinals
1. Pine-Richland (6-0) vs 8. South Fayette (4-3)
Pine-Richland moved down to 5A this year and absolutely dominated, averaging 51 points per game and holding opponents to just 10 per game. This game is the first playoff meeting between these two schools and is the convergence of storylines as South Fayette joined the 5A ranks this year by moving up from 4A. Both teams have outstanding passing attacks led by Pine-Richland’s Cole Spencer (1586 yards, 15 TDs) and South Fayette’s Naman Alemada (1288 yards, 12 TDs). Spencer and Alemada both finished in the Top 8 in the WPIAL in passing this season. Both teams have a trio of receivers that should make for intriguing matchups all over the field. Pine-Richland’s trio is Eli Jochem (637 yards, 9 TDs), Alex Gochis (283 yards, 3 TDs), and Jeremiah Hasley (236 yards, 2 TDs). On the other side it is Charley Rossi (535 yards, 5 TDs), Joey Audia (346 yards, 3 TDs), and Ryan McGuire (280 yards, 6 TDs). Pine-Richland runs the ball more than South Fayette and has deployed Tristen Taylor (284 yards, 3 TDs), Jordan Burns (239 yards, 2 TDs) and Caden Schweiger (212 yards, 2 TDs). While the Rams have three backs, the Lions almost solely rely on Shay Aitken (461 yards, 5 TDs) on the ground. Also keep an eye out for Pine-Richland’s defensive line led by Liberty-commit Miguel Jackson. Alemada was sacked 10 times last week against Upper St Clair, which could mean a big day is brewing for Jackson.
4. Penn-Trafford (5-1) vs Upper St Clair (5-2)
Penn-Trafford topped Upper St Clair 31-7 in the quarterfinals last year. This will be the 4th playoff meeting between the schools with Penn-Trafford holding a 2-1 edge. Both teams have dual-threat quarterbacks and strong ground games, but Penn-Trafford’s defense has been statistically better as Upper St Clair has allowed the most points of any 5A playoff team. For Penn Trafford, their offense starts with QB Ethan Carr who has thrown for 829 yards and 14 TDs and run for 422 yards and 6 TDs. His backfield counterpart is Cade Yacamelli (536 yards 8 TDs) while the top targets on the outside are Mason Frye (180 yards, 2 TDs) and Chase Vecchio (171 yards, 4 TDs). Brad Ford is a massive difference-maker for the Warriors and good things happen when he gets the ball. Ford has over 300 yards of total offense between rushing and receiving and has scored 6 times. On the other side, Upper St Clair’s offensive attack is led by Ethan Dahlem who has thrown for 1472 yards and 14 TDs and run for 371 yards and 4 scores. David Pantelis (448 yards, 7 TDs) led the WPIAL in receiving last year but has shared the targets this season with Mateo Cepulio (397 yards, 1 TD) and Aidan Besselman (270 yards, 2 TDs). On the ground, Dahlem has been joined in the backfield by a trio of players who all average over 7 yards per carry – Jaden Keating (312 yards, 3 TDs), Ethan Hiester (304 yards, 5 TDs), and Jamaal Brown (283 yards, 4 TDs).
2. Gateway (4-0) vs 7. Penn Hills (4-3)
Old Quad-A rivals meet in the playoffs for the 9th time with Gateway holding a 5-3 advantage. This game features the last three 5A Champions as Gateway won the 2017 and 2019 titles and Penn Hills won the 2018 crown. Despite missing some games due to COVID, Gateway was still rewarded with the #2 seed in the 5A bracket as the defending champions. This year’s Gators team, in just 4 games, has put up some astounding offensive numbers. QB Carsen Engleka has thrown for 780 yards and 10 TDs, primarily to Chamor Price (246 yards, 5 TDs) and Patrick Body (215 yards, 4 TDs). Gateway boasts the top player in the entire state in Derrick Davis who is being recruited as a safety but is also an excellent running back, compiling 522 rushing yards, 135 receiving yards and scoring 10 times. Davis has two 4 TD games this season and is a threat to score any time he touches the ball. Penn Hills has the lowest-scoring offense (18 points per game) in the 5A playoff field, but some of that was due to the learning curve with freshman QB Julian Dugger (895 yards, 5 TDs). Akron-commit Noel Roach has led the receiving corps with 222 yards and 4 TDs). In the backfield, the Indians have used the trio of Derrick Topeck (246 yards, 4 TDs), Dontae Pollard (220 yards, 2 TDs), and Amir Key (196 yards, 2 TDs).
3. Peters Twp (6-0) vs 6. Woodland Hills (5-2)
This is the first ever playoff meeting between Peters Twp and Woody High. Peters Twp lost by just 1 point in the WPIAL final last year and enters the playoffs with the second-best defense in 5A, allowing just 10 points per game. Florida-commit Donovan McMillan anchors the defense on the back end along with fellow safety Breylen Carrington who had 4 interceptions in a game against Penn-Trafford earlier this season. The middle of the Indians defense features Miami (Ohio)-commit Corban Hondru. Offensively, QB Logan Pfeuffer (794 yards, 6 TDs) leads the way with Carrington (303 yards, 1 TD), McMillon (167 yards, 2 TDs) and Hondru (138 yards, 1 TD) as his top receivers. Carrington also has two pick-sixes this year and McMillion has scored on special teams. Out of the backfield, Nico Pate (268 yards, 1 TD) and Vinny Sirianni (243 yards, 4 TDs) have shouldered the load. Woodland Hills also has a talented safety in Deontae Williams who is also a dual-threat quarterback. Williams has thrown for 934 yards and 14 TDs and leads the Wolverines in rushing with 411 yards and 4 TDs. His primary targets on the outside have been T’Rek Scipio (352 yards, 6 TDs) and Armani Bailey (258 yards, 2 TDs) who both average 18 yards per catch. Out of the backfield, Williams has been complemented by Eris Seibles (388 yards, 3 TDs).
Class 4A Quarterfinals
1. Aliquippa (7-0) vs 8. Hampton (5-2)
Aliquippa was forced up into 4A this season by the PIAA’s success formula and the Quips rose to the challenge, dominating the Parkway Conference. Hampton moved down from 5A to 4A this season and made the playoffs for the first time since 2015, thanks in part to winless Beaver defeating Montour on a safety from a holding penalty in the end zone. Aliquippa is the highest-scoring team in 4A, averaging nearly 49 points per game while Hampton is 7th among playoff teams averaging 28 per game. The Quips have a balanced offensive attack led by 1000-yard rusher Vernon Redd (1061 yards, 12 TDs) and Karl McBride (222 yards, 7 TDs). Quarterback Vaughn Morris (831 yards, 14 TDs) leads the “Air Warfield” offense with explosive receivers Cyair Clark (298 yards, 4 TDs), Antonyo Anderson (231 yards, 5 TDs) and Tajier THorton (212 yards, 3 TDs). The Quips have a massive line that has paved the way on offense and stifled opposing teams rushing attacks. Hampton uses 3 backs in their offensive attack – Jacob Premick (447 yards, 5 TDs), Joe Liberto (265 yards, 3 TDs), and Christian Liberto (217 yards, 3 TDs). Matt DeMatteo has thrown for 571 yards and 4 TDs, primarily to Benny Haselrig (334 yards, 2 TDs). Gage Galuska has accumulated over 300 yards of total offense between rushing and receiving and scored a team-high 6 times.
4. Belle Vernon (5-1) vs 5. Chartiers Valley (6-1)
This is Chartiers Valley’s first playoff appearance since 2015 when they also faced Belle Vernon in the first round. Belle Vernon reached the WPIAL final last year, losing to Thomas Jefferson. Belle Vernon rode a stellar defense that pitched 4 shutouts in 6 games to the playoffs. Only Thomas Jefferson (who scored 42 points) and Trinity (who scored 14) found the scoreboard. Belle Vernon is led by dynamic dual-threat QB Devin Whitlock who has thrown for 478 yards and 6 TDs and leads the Leopards with 757 rushing yards and 15 TDs. Dave Anden (418 yards, 7 TDs) has been an effective backfield complement to Whitlock. On the outside, Quinton Martin (119 yards, 4 TDs) and Tanner Steeber (105 yards, 2 TDs) have been Whitlock’s top receivers when he does take to the air, which is fewer than 10 times per game given how good Belle Vernon’s ground game has been. On the other side, Chartiers Valley is also led by a dual-threat quarterback in Anthony Mackey who has thrown for 941 yards and 10 TDs and added 516 yards and 7 TDs on the ground. Mackey and Jordan Demus (535 yards, 7 TDs) have both averaged 6 yards per carry this season. Mackey does throw more than Whitlock, and when he does he generally targets Anthony Collura (400 yards, 3 TDs).
2. Thomas Jefferson (5-1) vs 7. Mars (6-1)
Thomas Jefferson is the defending 4A WPIAL and PIAA Champions. The Jaguars have reached at least the semifinals in 21 of the last 22 years and made the WPIAL final in 5 straight seasons. This will be the second playoff meeting between the schools with Thomas Jefferson winning the prior meeting in 2014. Thomas Jefferson was rolling through the 2020 season before running into a tough McKeesport defense in Week 7. The Jaguars have a balanced offensive attack between QB Jake Pugh (999 yards, 14 TDs) and their ground game of DeRon VanBibber (404 yards, 4 TDs) and Conner Murga (316 yards, 9 TDs). On the outside, TJ has two talented receivers in Ian Hansen (390 yards, 5 TDs) and Preston Zandier (336 yards, 6 TDs). Thomas Jefferson has the top defense in 4A, holding teams to just 9.2 points per game, but will have to face the WPIAL’s leading rusher in Teddy Ruffner (1560 yards, 24 TDs). Ruffner has accounted for nearly all of Mars’ offense this season with QB Quinn Fuller (353 yards, 1 TD) averaging just 7 pass attempts per game. Anthony Vargo has nearly 300 yards of total offense between rushing and receiving and scored once. Mars allowed 19 points per game this season, the most among 4A playoff teams, which will make for a tough task against a TJ team averaging 43 points per game (the second-most in 4A).
3. Plum (7-0) vs 6. McKeesport (6-1)
Plum won their first conference title since 1982 and is making their first playoff appearance since 2015. The last year they earned a playoff victory was in 2014, a run which ended at the hands of McKeesport in the quarterfinals. McKeesport secured their playoff spot with an upset victory over Thomas Jefferson in Week 7. This game is a matchup features one of the top defenses in 4A in Plum (11.1 points against per game) against the lowest-scoring team in the 4A playoffs in McKeesport (25.7 points per game). However, McKeesport’s recent 20-14 victory over Thomas Jefferson should speak to the quality of the Tigers defense. Offensively, Plum has relied on dual-threat QB Ryan Hubner who has thrown for 1113 yards and 14 TDs and run for 368 yards and 6 scores. Hubner and Eryck Moore (682 yards, 11 TDs) have grown into a formidable backfield tandem for the Mustangs. On the outside, Reed Martin (411 yards, 7 TDs) and Logan Brooks (335 yards, 7 TDs) have been Plum’s top receivers. McKeesport’s triple-option offense came on stronger as the year went on. The Tigers had 8 players finish the season with more than 100 rushing yards. Caleb Reist took over the quarterback role mid-season and Terrance Glenn (684 yards, 8 TDs) shuffled back to the lead back spot and the offense clicked. Reist has more than twice as many rushing attempts (55 carries, 332 yards, 4 TDs) as he does passing attempts (27 attempts, 101 yards, 2 TDs). Kenneth Thompson (196 yards, 5 TDs) has been an effective change-of-pace back averaging 9 yards per carry.
Class 3A Quarterfinals
1. Central Valley (7-0) vs 8. East Allegheny (5-1)
Central Valley is the defending WPIAL Champions and ran through this season with the best offense (51 points per game) and defense (7 points against per game) in 3A. East Allegheny’s game against Freeport was cancelled due to COVID so the schools tied for second in the Allegheny Seven Conference, but the WPIAL stuck East A with the 8th seed. The Wildcats do not have the profile of a typical 8-seed with the 4th best offense (32 points per game) and defense (11 points against per game) in the classification. Central Valley is absolutely loaded with playmakers all over the field. Their ground game has been the main point of attack led by Landon Alexander (816 yards, 8 TDs) and Bret FitzSimmons (343 yards, 2 TDs). Myles Walker, who was in the conversation for the fastest player in Pennsylvania, leads the team in receiving (270 yards), has been a factor on the ground (253 yards), and has found the end zone 13 times between all three phases of the game. Similarly, Pitt-commit Stephon Hall has scored 13 times between offense, defense, and special teams. Talented quarterback Ameer Dudley (623 yards, 8 TDs) has averaged less than 10 pass attempts per game because the Warriors have put points on the board in all three phases. East Allegheny has used both Johnny DiNapoli (353 yards, 4 TDs) and Michael Smith (317 yards, 3 TDs) at quarterback this season, but has been more effective when Smith has played receiver where he has piled up 245 yards and 3 TDs. Keep an eye out for Kiyon Delts who has been electric in the running game, receiving game and as a defensive back for the Wildcats.
4. Keystone Oaks (4-2) vs 5. South Park (4-3)
Keystone Oaks is making their first playoff appearance since 2016 when they reached the semifinals. South Park made it to the semis last year and made the playoffs after winning a Week 7 showdown with Mt Pleasant. South Park is the lowest-scoring team in the 3A playoffs (20 points per game) while Keystone Oaks has allowed the most points of any 3A playoff team (29 points against per game). The big question entering this game is the health of Keystone Oaks QB Logan Shrubb, who left last week’s game against Hopewell early with an ankle injury. Last year Shrubb became the 11th player in WPIAL history to join the 1000/1000 club. This year he was on a pace that would have matched that mark again with 835 passing yards and 3 TDs and 835 rushing yards and 12 TDs. If Shrubb can’t go, the weight of the offense will likely fall to running back Kevin Drew (169 yards, 2 TDs) and Tyler Perry who has over 270 yards of total offense and 6 total TDs. Leading receiver Mark Hutchin (381 yards, 4 TDs) may be forced into the QB role if Shrubb is sidelined. For South Park, Harper Conroy has taken the helm at quarterback and thrown for 799 yards and 7 TDs and added 213 yards and 2 TDs on the ground. The Eagles have been able to overcome an injury to star RB Nathan May thanks to contributions from Adam Johnson who has run for 442 yards, added 132 receiving yards, and scored 5 times. Brendan Wood (181 yards, 4 TDs) is the Eagles top receiver.
2. North Catholic (7-0) vs 7. Mt Pleasant (4-3)
North Catholic is making their 14th playoff appearance in the last 15 years and have reached the semifinals in 5 of the last 8 years while Mt Pleasant has not won a playoff game since 2014. The Trojans offense has been led by dual-threat QB Joey Prentice who has thrown for 1006 yards and 14 TDs and run for 481 yards and 12 TDs. Unfortunately, Prentice suffered a hand injury last week and is questionable for this game. If he is unable to play, Jason Siket will likely step in to lead the offense. North Catholic has talented playmakers on the outside in Nick Maher (439 yards, 7 TDs) and Tyler Maziarz (158 yards, 3 TDs). In the backfield, Kyle Tipinski (472 yards, 9 TDs) has been an excellent complement to Prentice. North has the second best offense (45 points per game) and defense (8 points against per game) in the classification. The Trojans secondary has some absolute ballers with Maher and Isaiah Jackson roaming the defensive backfield. Mt. Pleasant’s offense is built around their ground game and the tandem of Aaron Alakson (549 yards, 5TDs) and Pete Billey (370 yards, 5 TDs). The Vikings have been so good on the ground this year that QB Asher O’Connor (539 yards, 5 TDs) has averaged less than 9 attempts per game. When O’Connor does take to the air, Donavin Bair (214 yards, 4 TDs) has been the primary target. If Mt. Pleasant is going to pull the upset on North Catholic, they are going to need to control the ball with their ground game.
3. Elizabeth Forward (6-0) vs 6. Freeport (3-2)
Elizabeth Forward completed their first perfect regular season in school history while Freeport made the playoffs despite missing two games to COVID. Elizabeth Forward is looking for their first playoff victory since 2000. The Warriors are led by dual-threat QB Evan Lewis who has thrown for 412 yards and 8 TDs and run for 298 yards and 4 TDs. Last week, Zion White took the helm at quarterback and thew for 237 yards and 2 TDs to lead the Warriors past Southmoreland. Nico Mrvos has been an all-around star with 391 rushing yards, 233 receiving yards and 3 TDs. DaVontay Brownfield (518 yards, 8 TDs) has led the rushing attack. This figures to be a physical game with two gritty defenses, so keep an eye out for DE/TE Chase Whatton who recently committed to Bowling Green and has contributed 147 yards and 4 TDs in the receiving game. Freeport is on their third quarterback this season due to injuries but seem to have found something with Ben Lane who has thrown for 580 yards and 4 TDs and run for 325 yards and 5 scores. Vinnie Clark (371 yards, 4 TDs) has been the top receiver for the Yellow Jackets. Freeport is coming off a tight loss to conference champion North Catholic, which should give the young Jackets team confidence heading into the postseason.
Class 2A Quarterfinals
1. Beaver Falls (7-0) vs 8. Western Beaver (6-1)
Beaver Falls moved down from 3A this season and rolled through the Midwestern Conference with one of the best rushing attacks in the WPIAL. This game is not only a matchup of Beaver County teams but has the added layer of Ryan Matsook, who coached Beaver Falls to the WPIAL and PIAA title in 2016, coaching Western Beaver. Beaver Falls ground game has been nearly unstoppable with Syracuse-commit Josh Hough (1238 yards, 18 TDs) and Shileak Livingston (773 yards, 15 TDs). Hough averages an astounding 18.5 yards per carry while Livingston and Tyler Jones (252 yards, 6 TDs) both average over 10 yards per tote. With a ground game as good as Beaver Falls has, the Tigers don’t need to take to the air often, but Jaren Brickner (702 yards, 3 TDs) has been effective when asked to throw. Trey Singleton (292 yards, 2 TDs) and Quadir Thomas (196 yards, 1 TD) have been the top receivers. For Ryan Matsook’s Western Beaver squad, the tandem of Cameron Irvine (380 yards, 1 TD) and Thad Gray (312 yards, 6 TDs) have paced the ground game. Quarterback Xander Lefebvre (715 yards, 10 TDs) has an outstanding pair of receivers in Dakari Bradford (362 yards, 8 TDs) and Elias Bishop (269 yards, 4 TDs). Western Beaver’s 27 points per game is the lowest of any 2A playoff team, but Beaver Falls has also allowed the second-most points of any team in the 2A playoffs, which could make for a competitive game.
4. Apollo-Ridge (5-0) vs 5. Washington (5-2)
Apollo-Ridge completed their first undefeated regular season since 2000, though their game against Serra Catholic was cancelled due to COVID. The Vikings are looking for their first playoff victory since 2014 when they were knocked out by Washington in the quarterfinals. Washington has reached the WPIAL final in 2 of the last 3 years. The Prexies lost a sloppy season-opener to McGuffey 7-6 but won a Week 7 Casket Match against Frazier to secure their playoff spot. Apollo-Ridge has a balanced offensive attack led by QB Jake Fello (867 yards, 12 TDs). Fello’s top targets have been Klay Fitzroy (515 yards, 6 TDs) and Keighton Reese (205 yards, 7 TDs). On the ground, Logan Harmon has led the way with 635 yards and 11 TDs, averaging 8 yards per carry. Washington’s offense is nearly entirely built on their ground game. The Prexies have six players with over 100 yards on the season led by Mike Allen (606 yards, 9 TDs) and Tayshawn Levy (291 yards, 4 TDs) making a formidable tandem that averages over 8 yards per carry. Quarterback Davoun Fuse has averaged just 7 pass attempts per game and thrown for 386 yards and 3 TDs while adding 229 yards and 4 TDs on the ground. This game features two of the top three defenses in 2A with Apollo-Ridge allowing just 10 points per game and Washington allowing 11 per game.
2. McGuffey (6-1) vs 7. Serra Catholic (4-0)
This game features two teams two teams that have not lost to a team from Pennsylvania all season. Serra is unbeaten but missed some games due to COVID while McGuffey’s only loss came to a team from West Virginia they scheduled to fill an open date. Serra has the highest-scoring team in 2A (52 points per game) while McGuffey has the top-ranked defense (9.6 points against per game). Both teams have very good ground games. McGuffey’s triple-option attack features Kyle Brookman (291 yards, 10 TDs), McKinley Whipkey (356 yards, 7 TDs), and Jared Johnson (205 yards, 7 TDs) who all average over 7 yards per carry. Quarterback Rocco Falosk has more rushing TDs (3) than passing TDs (2) and is also a factor in the Highlanders’ ground game. Serra Catholic hasn’t played in nearly a month, and will likely also lean on their ground game of Machai Brooks-Dutrieuille (452 yards, 8 TDs) and Paul Pearson (238 yads, 4 TDs). The Eagles have also been efficient through the air with QB Max Rocco (599 yards, 8 TDs) throwing to Terrell Booth (237 yards, 6 TDs) and Jayvon Campbell-Holt (220 yards, 5 TDs).
3. Sto-Rox (6-1) vs 6. Laurel (5-2)
While most 2A teams rely heavily on their ground games, Sto-Rox has the best passing game in the classification. The Vikings reached the WPIAL final in 1A last season and have not lost a game they have taken the field for this year (their loss was by forfeit). Laurel also moved up from 1A where they narrowly missed the playoffs the last two seasons. These two teams played in the Big Seven Conference the last two seasons with Laurel winning both games, controlling the game with their rushing attack and slowing down Sto-Rox’s dynamic passing game. Sto-Rox is led by one of the top passers in the WPIAL in Josh Jenkins (1245 yards 14 TDs). The Vikings have an electrifying group of receivers who are all capable of taking it to the house any time they touch the ball. Jaymont Green-Miller (576 yards, 9 TDs), Diego Ellis (191 yards, 2 TDs), and Diontae Givens (166 yards, 4 TDs) have been the top receivers for Sto-Rox. The Vikings don’t run as much as they throw, but Zay Davis has been a quality lead back with 455 rushing yards, 190 receiving yards, and 6 total TDs. On the other side, Laurel has the size in the trenches and the strong ground game that is capable of controlling the clock and keeping Sto-Rox’s offense off the field. The Spartans backfield is led by Luke McCoy (929 yards, 12 TDs). Michael Pasquarello leads Laurel in receiving (161 yards), has contributed in the ground game (204 yards), and has scored 7 times. QB Kobe DeRosa has contributed more on the ground (423 yards, 4 TDs) than through the air (385 yards, 5 TDs).
Class 1A Quarterfinals
1. Clairton (6-0) vs 8. OLSH (5-2)
Clairton is the defending WPIAL Champions and have their eyes set on a run towards the State title. Interestingly, this is the third straight year that these two teams have met in the playoffs. In 2018, OLSH beat Clairton in the semifinals en route to winning the WPIAL Championship. Last year, the Bears got revenge on the Chargers with a 41-0 quarterfinal victory. This year’s Clairton team is led by a pair of running backs averaging nearly 15 yards per carry in Dontae Sanders (1196 yards, 20 TDs) and Isaiah Berry (385 yards, 8 TDs). The Bears primarily run the ball but when they do take to the air, the connection of Jonte Sanders (896 yards, 15 TDs) throwing to Brooklyn Cannon (483 yards, 10 TDs) has been nearly unstoppable. Clairton is the highest-scoring team in the entire WPIAL (54.2 points per game) while OLSH has allowed the most points of any 1A playoff team (24 points allowed per game). If OLSH is going to repeat the feat of toppling the Bears from two years ago, they are going to need a big performance from their passing game led by QB Nehemiah Azeem (1112 yards, 6 TDs). Jaymar Pearson leads the Chargers in rushing (605 yards), is second in receiving (242 yards) and scoring (18 total TDs). Bobby Brazell (398 yards, 3 TDs) has been OLSH’s top receiver.
4. California (6-0) vs Shenango (6-1)
This game was slated to feature two of the top rushers in the entire WPIAL. California’s Jaedan Zuzak was the WPIAL’s leading rusher through 6 weeks, but California’s final game was cancelled because Monessen forfeit. Therefore, Zuzak finished the season with 1366 yards and 25 TDs but missed out on the rushing title when Mars’ Teddy Ruffner passed him in Week 7. The Trojans have the second-highest scoring offense in 1A (49 points per game) and are healthy heading into the playoffs after having last week off. In addition to Zuzak, QB Damani Stafford has three times as many carries (59 rushes for 435 yards and 5 TDs) than he does passing attempts (19 attempts for 182 yards and 2 TDs). While Zuzak finished second in the WPIAL in rushing, Shenango’s Reis Watkins finished 4th with 1226 yards and 21 TDs. However, Watkins suffered an injury in Week 6 against OLSH and missed last week’s game against Rochester which determined the Big Seven Conference title. In his absence, CJ Miller (209 yards, 3 TDs), Hunter Lively (130 yards, 2 TDs), and Aaron Martin (127 yards, 4 TDs) shared the load in the running game. Tino Campoli (476 yards, 5 TDs), who had attempted 35 passes through the first 6 games, threw the ball 22 times last week against Rochester. Watkins was also the anchor of Shenango’s top-ranked defense which held teams to just 11 points per game.
2. Rochester (6-1) vs 7. Springdale (5-2)
After an upset loss to Fort Cherry, Rochester bounced back to top Shenango and claim the Big Seven Conference title. There is some history between these teams as this is their 4th playoff meeting after they played 3 times in 4 years in the early 2000s. In 2003 Springdale beat Rochester en route to winning the WPIAL title then the Rams knocked out the Dynamos in the 2005 semis and 2006 quarters. Rochester relies almost exclusively on a trio of running backs and their ground game. Denny Robinson (804 yards, 11 TDs), Rashawn Reid (673 yards, 12 TDs), and Sal Laure (447 yards, 8 TDs) all average over 6 yards per carry. Springdale got off to a 4-0 start but lost a hard-fought game against Jeannette then fell to Clairton in the season finale. The Dynamos have an offense with play-makers all over the field that is capable of hanging with Rochester. Logan Dexter leads the team in rushing (477 yards), receiving (403 yards), and scoring (13 total TDs). In the backfield, Dexter has been joined by Calvin Kindler (419 yards, 6 TDs) and both average over 8 yards per carry. QB Legend Ausk has lived up to his name, throwing for 800 yards and 11 TDs, primarily to Dexter and Demitri Fritch (328 yards, 9 TDs). The X-factor in this game may be Springdale kicker Matt Haus who has made 7 field goals this season, the most in the WPIAL.
3. Jeannette (6-1) vs Avella (5-2)
Since moving down from AA to Class A in 2014, Jeannette is 71-3 against all WPIAL opponents not named “Clairton.” However, the Jayhawks are just 2-8 against Clairton in that time. After losing to the Bears in a hard-fought 34-28 Week 1 game, Jeannette and freshman QB Brad Birch (1369 yards, 20 TDs) won their last 6 games with only Springdale coming within 45 points of the Jeannette. After going winless in conference play last season, Avella won their first three outings, then after suffering two losses beat Carmichaels in a Week 7 Casket Match. Jeannette is the third-highest scoring team in 1A (47 points per game) while Avella’s 20 points per game is the lowest of any team in 1A. Avella’s defense will be stressed defending Jeannette’s passing attack with Brad Birch throwing to the trio of Toby Cline (460 yards, 9 TDs), James Sanders (374 yards, 7 TDs), and Brett Birch (329 yards, 5 TDs). Jeannette’s ground game led by the talented Roberto Smith (481 yards, 14 TDs) has also taken some of the stress off of the freshman quarterback. Avella’s offense has relied on dual-threat QB KJ Rush who has thrown for 919 yards and 7 TDs and run for 291 yards and 3 TDs. Noah Markle (294 yards, 7 TDs) has been an effective complement to Rush in the backfield. On the outside, Tanner Terensky (402 yards, 5 TDs) has made huge plays in the passing game all season, including a TD catch last week against Carmichaels. Brandon Samol (237 yards) and Gabe Lis (163 yards, 2 TDs) have also been reliable targets for the Eagles passing attack.
