On Saturday night the WPIAL announced the playoff brackets for this year’s postseason. Whereas in previous years, over 60 teams had reached the postseason, the COVID pandemic shrunk this year’s field to just 44 teams. The playoffs in 6A have just 4 teams while the playoffs in the other five classifications have 8 teams. Higher-seeded teams will host the games through the semifinal round with the Championship Games to be played at either North Hills or North Allegheny. Here is a look at the brackets in each of the six classifications along with a primer on each of the 44 playoff qualifiers.
Some notes on historical annotations: classifications after the 2016 realignment to 6 classes are indicated with numerals (such as “4A”). The four classification era from 1980-2015 is noted by letters (such as “AAA”). In 1973 the WPIAL changed the names of classifications. The smallest classification was changed from “B” to “A”, the middle from “A” to “AA” and the largest from “AA” to “AAA.” The fourth classification was added in 1980.
A huge thanks to our friend @END2008 on Twitter who has made the awesome helmet graphics for us all season. 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.
Class 6A
The Bracket
The Teams
North Allegheny Tigers:
Conference Record: 4-0 Overall Record: 5-0
How they got here: North Allegheny beat Central Catholic in Week 3 then topped Mt. Lebanon the following week. After that, the Tigers were able to cruise to an undefeated record and the top spot in the conference thanks to the top defense in 6A that has held opponents to just 10 points per game.
Recent History: North Allegheny is making their 17th consecutive playoff appearance. The Tigers have lost in the semifinals each of the last four seasons, two of those times coming against Seneca Valley.
WPIAL Playoff Appearances: 34
All-Time WPIAL Playoff Record: 48-29
Best Playoff Result: Won WPIAL Championship in 1990, 2010, 2011 and 2012. Won PIAA title in 1990, 2010 and 2012.
Mt. Lebanon Blue Devils
Conference Record: 4-2 Overall Record: 4-2
How they got here: Mt. Lebanon’s playoff hopes looked to be in danger after losing 2 of their first 3 games, including a loss to Canon-McMillan. But Bob Palko’s Blue Devils bounced back to score a come-from-behind victory over Central Catholic then beat Seneca Valley in overtime by blocking an extra point to clinch a playoff spot.
Recent History: Mt Lebanon is making their 19th playoff appearance in the last 22 years. Last year they reached the semifinals for the second time since 2005.
WPIAL Playoff Appearances: 40
All-Time WPIAL Playoff Record: 40-32-0
Best Playoff Result: Won WPIAL Championship in 1966 (AAA), 1970 (AAA), 1980, 1981, 1983, 1984, and 2000. Lost to Erie Prep in the PIAA semifinals in 2000.
Central Catholic Vikings
Conference Record: 4-2 Overall Record: 4-2
How they got here: Central Catholic was the highest-scoring team in 6A, averaging 36 points per game. After losing to North Allegheny, Central bounced back to throttle Seneca Valley. They blew a second half lead to Mt. Lebanon but will get a chance at revenge in the playoffs.
Recent History: Central Catholic is making their 18th consecutive playoff appearance. The Vikings are the defending WPIAL 6A Champions, defeating Pine-Richland 10-7 in last year’s title game. The Vikings have won 4 of the last 7 WPIAL titles.
WPIAL Playoff Appearances: 27
All-Time WPIAL Playoff Record: 47-19
Best Playoff Result: Won WPIAL Championships in 2003, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015, 2016, and 2019. Won PIAA titles in 1988, 2004, 2007, and 2015.
Seneca Valley Raiders
Conference Record: 4-2 Overall Record: 4-2
How they got here: Seneca Valley missed their opening game against North Allegheny. The Raiders have the second-best defense in 6A, allowing just 16 points per game. Their head-to-head losses to Central Catholic and Mt. Lebanon dropped them to fourth place in the conference. They ended the season with two overtime games – a victory over Baldwin then a loss to Mt. Lebanon.
Recent History: Seneca Valley is making their 8th playoff appearance in the last 10 years. They have reached the WPIAL Championship Game in two of the last four seasons, losing to Central Catholic in 2016 and Pine-Richland in 2018.
WPIAL Playoff Appearances: 15
All-Time WPIAL Playoff Record: 13-15
Best Playoff Result: Have reached the WPIAL Championship Game three times. In 1989 they lost to Aliquippa in the AAA Championship Game 17-9 and in 2016 they lost to Central Catholic in the inaugural 6A Championship Game 42-7. The Raiders fell to Pine-Richland in the 2018 WPIAL 6A Championship 34-7.
Players to Watch
- Khalil Dinkins (WR/DB – North Allegheny)
- Eddy Tillman (RB – Central Catholic)
- Gannon Carothers (RB – Central Catholic)
- Brandon Jackson (KR – Central Catholic)
- Joey Daniels (QB – Mt Lebanon)
- Eli Heidenreich (WR/DB – Mt Lebanon)
- Alex Tecza (RB – Mt Lebanon)
- Nolan Dworek (RB – Seneca Valley)
Class 5A
The Bracket
The Teams
Pine-Richland Rams
Conference Record: 5-0 Overall Record: 6-0
How they got here: Pine-Richland moved down from 6A to 5A this season and was utterly dominant. They did not allow more than two scores in any game and scored at least 42 against every team except Upper St Clair (who they beat 34-13). That victory over Upper St Clair was their only game closer than 43 points. The Rams have the best offense (51 points per game) and defense (10.2 points against per game) in 5A.
Recent History: Pine-Richland reached the last three WPIAL Championship Games in 6A. This is their 8th consecutive playoff appearance. The Rams won the WPIAL AAAA title in 2014 and 6A Championships in 2017 and 2018. Pine-Richland has reached at least the semifinals in six straight seasons.
WPIAL Playoff Appearances: 20 (18 as Pine-Richland, 2 as Richland High School)
All-Time WPIAL Playoff Record: 28-14
Best Playoff Result: Won back-to-back WPIAL 6A Championships in 2017 and 2018, claiming both the WPIAL and PIAA Championships in 2017. Also won the WPIAL Championship in 2003 (AAA) and 2014 (AAAA). Richland High School won the WPIAL title in 1969 and 1970.
Gateway Gators
Conference Record: 3-0 Overall Record: 4-0
How they got here: Gateway is the defending 5A Champions and have been impressive in their outings. Gateway missed 3 games due to COVID (2 for a COVID exposure at Gateway and one because Penn-Trafford had an exposure). Gateway did score solid victories over Franklin Regional and Woodland Hills to secure their spot as one of the top two teams in the Big East Conference.
Recent History: Gateway has made the playoffs in 18 of the last 19 years. In 2017 Gateway defeated Penn-Trafford 21-16 in the WPIAL Championship to win their first title since 1986. The Gators made it to the State Championship Game where they lost to Archbishop Wood. Gateway repeated the feat last season, winning the WPIAL title by a 21-20 score over Peters Twp then going on to lose to Archbishop Wood 24-21 in the PIAA semifinals.
WPIAL Playoff Appearances: 34
All-Time WPIAL Playoff Record: 52-27-2
Best Playoff Result: Gateway is the defending WPIAL 5A Champions and also won the WPIAL 5A Championship in 2017. The Gators won the WPIAL AAA Championship in 1969, 1972, and 1986. Gateway tied Upper St Clair 6-6 in the 1974 Championship Game and North Hills 0-0 in the 1985 Championship Game, both before the WPIAL had overtime. Their 2017 run to the State title game was their best result in the PIAA playoffs.
Peters Twp Indians
Conference Record: 5-0 Overall Record: 6-0
How they got here: Peters Twp rode a dominant defense to an undefeated record this season and their third straight conference title. Only two teams managed to score more than once against them – both Penn-Trafford and Upper St Clair putting up 21. The Indians have the second-best defense in 5A, allowing just 1 more point this season than Pine-Richland did (62 to 61).
Recent History: Peters Twp is making their fourth consecutive playoff appearance. In 2018 they got their first playoff victory since 2003 with a run to the semifinals. Last year they reached the WPIAL final for the first time in school history but lost to Gateway by just 1 point 21-20.
WPIAL Playoff Appearances: 15
All-Time WPIAL Playoff Record: 7-15
Best Playoff Result: Peters Township reached the WPIAL final for the first time in school history last season, falling to Gateway 21-20. Prior to that, the Indians had reached the semifinals three times – the 5A semis in 2018 and the AA semifinals in 1972 and 1976.
Penn-Trafford Warriors
Conference Record: 4-0 Overall Record: 5-1
How they got here: The only blemish on Penn-Trafford’s record this season was a 24-21 loss to Peters Twp in a non-conference game where they committed 7 turnovers. Their game against Gateway, which would have determined the Big East Conference Champion, was cancelled due to COVID. The Warriors were the second-highest scoring team in 5A, averaging 47 points per game.
Recent History: This is the 17th playoff appearance in the last 18 years for Penn-Trafford. The Warriors lost at Heinz Field in 2015 (in AAAA) and in 2017 (in 5A). They have been knocked out of the playoffs by Peters Twp each of the last two seasons (in the quarterfinals in 2018 and the semifinals in 2019).
WPIAL Playoff Appearances: 28
All-Time WPIAL Playoff Record: 20-28
Best Playoff Result: Reached the WPIAL Championship game in 1997, 2015, and 2017. Lost to Upper St Clair 28-27 in the 1997 Championship, lost to Central Catholic 24-17 in 2015, and lost to Gateway 21-16 in 2017. Trafford High School lost to Bridgeville in the 1949 Class B (which became single-A) Championship Game and Penn Joint lost to Albert Gallatin in the 1961 Class A (which became AA) Championship Game.
Upper St Clair Panthers
Conference Record: 4-1 Overall Record: 5-2
How they got here: The Panthers have a dynamic offensive attack that has averaged 34 points per game. They have needed every bit of offensive firepower to keep them ahead of a defense that has allowed the most points of any 5A playoff team – nearly 30 per game. Upper St Clair has played a number of close games this season, going 4-1 in games decided by 10 points or fewer. Their only losses came against Pine-Richland and Peters Twp. The Panthers closed out their season with shootout wins over Moon and South Fayette.
Recent History: Upper St Clair is making their 21st consecutive playoff appearance. The Panthers reached the semifinals in 2017 but have fallen to Big East teams the last two years. They lost to McKeesport in the first round in 2018 and Penn-Trafford in the quarterfinals last year.
WPIAL Playoff Appearances: 38
All-Time WPIAL Playoff Record: 46-31-2
Best Playoff Result: Won WPIAL Championship in 1988, 1989, 1992, 1997, and 2006. Tied for the 1974 (AAA) and 1975 (AAA) WPIAL title (no overtime). Won the PIAA Championship in 1989 and 2006.
Woodland Hills Wolverines
Conference Record: 3-2 Overall Record: 5-2
How they got here: Woody High moved from the Allegheny Conference to the Big East Conference and it paid dividends this season. The Wolverines got off to a hot 3-0 start then split their last four games, losing to Penn-Trafford and Gateway but beating Franklin Regional and Latrobe. The Week 5 victory over Franklin Regional proved to be the decisive game in the playoff race, as well as surviving a 34-31 shootout with Latrobe in Week 7.
Recent History: Woodland Hills missed the playoffs last season, breaking a streak of 23 consecutive playoff appearances. They reached the semi-finals in 6 of the last 11 years, making it to Heinz Field 4 times.
WPIAL Playoff Appearances: 30
All-Time WPIAL Playoff Record: 47-24
Best Playoff Result: Won WPIAL Championship in 1996, 1999, 2001, 2002, and 2009. Lost in PIAA Championship Game in 1996, 2001 and 2002.
Penn Hills Indians
Conference Record: 4-1 Overall Record: 4-3
How they got here: Penn Hills opted to start freshman Julian Duggar at quarterback this season and went through some early growing pains with a 1-3 start. However, the Indians bounced back to beat North Hills 14-7 in Week 5, which proved to be the decisive result for their playoff hopes. Penn Hills finished the season on a 3-game winning streak, but they are the lowest-scoring team in the 5A playoffs (18 points per game).
Recent History: Penn Hills is making their 7th playoff appearance in the last 8 years and their 21st in the last 23 years. The Indians won the 2018 5A WPIAL and PIAA Championships, defeating West Allegheny in the WPIAL Championship and Manheim Central in the PIAA Championship. Last year, they suffered their first loss since moving down to 5A when they fell to McKeesport in the quarterfinals.
WPIAL Playoff Appearances: 37
All-Time WPIAL Playoff Record: 39-31-1
Best Playoff Result: Won the WPIAL AAA Championship in 1976 and 1978. Tied Butler for the 1977 WPIAL AAA Championship (no overtime). Defeated Gateway in the 1979 WPIAL Championship Game, which was later vacated by the WPIAL because of an ineligible player. A federal judge overturned the WPIAL’s decision and restored the 1979 title to Penn Hills. Won the 1995 WPIAL AAAA Championship by defeating Upper St Clair 20-13. Defeated Lower Dauphin 35-14 to win the 1995 PIAA AAAA Championship. Defeated West Allegheny 28-18 in the 2018 WPIAL 5A Championship and Manheim Central 36-31 in the PIAA 5A Championship.
South Fayette Lions
Conference Record: 3-2 Overall Record: 4-3
How they got here: South Fayette moved up to 5A this season and started a bit slow with losses to Chartiers Valley and Peters Twp, the later ending a 64-game conference winning streak. But Joe Rossi’s Lions bounced back to win 3 in a row and get back into the playoff race. South Fayette’s passing game brought them back in the second half against Upper St Clair but their defense allowed a late touchdown. That loss dropped South Fayette to 3rd place in the Allegheny Six Conference but the Lions were awarded a Wild Card spot.
Recent History: South Fayette is making their 12th consecutive playoff appearance. In 2018, South Fayette won the WPIAL 4A Championship by defeating Thomas Jefferson on a last-minute goal line interception. The Lions went on to lose to Erie Cathedral Prep in the PIAA quarterfinals. Last season they fell to Belle Vernon in the WPIAL semifinals.
WPIAL Playoff Appearances: 24
All-Time WPIAL Playoff Record: 29-19
Best Playoff Result: Won WPIAL Class A Championship in 1936. Awarded WPIAL Class A Championship based on Gardner Points in 1964 (no Championship Game played). Won WPIAL AA Championship in 2010, 2013 and 2014 and won the PIAA Championship in 2013 and 2014. Won WPIAL 4A Championship in 2018.
Players to Watch
- Cole Spencer (QB – Pine-Richland)
- Eli Jochem (WR – Pine-Richland)
- Miguel Jackson (DE – Pine-Richland)
- Derrick Davis (RB/S – Gateway)
- Donovan McMillan (WR/DB – Peters Twp)
- Corbin Hondru (RB/LB – Peters Twp)
- Logan Pfeuffer (QB – Peters Twp)
- Ethan Dahlem (QB – Upper St Clair)
- David Pantelis (WR – Upper St Clair)
- Deontae Williams (QB – Woodland Hills)
- Naman Alemada (QB – South Fayette)
- Charley Rossi, Joey Audia, and Ryan McGuire (WRs – South Fayette)
- Ethan Carr (QB/DB – Penn-Trafford)
Class 4A
The Bracket
The Teams
Aliquippa Quips
Conference Record: 5-0 Overall Record: 7-0
How they got here: The PIAA “success formula” forced Aliquippa to move up from 3A to 4A this season and the Quips didn’t miss a beat, winning yet another conference title. The Quips finished as the highest-scoring team in 4A (49 points per game). Aliquippa’s only game that was closer than 3 scores was a Week 1 16-point win over New Castle. Aliquippa has a massive line that has paved the way for their ground game and made their defense nearly impossible to run against.
Recent History: Aliquippa is making their 26th consecutive playoff appearance, tied with Thomas Jefferson for the longest active streak. The Quips have reached Heinz Field in each of the last 12 seasons. After being upset by conference rivals two years in a row, they broke through in 2018 and beat Derry to win the WPIAL title. The Quips went on to also win the PIAA title, their third in school history. Last year the Quips fell to Central Valley in overtime of the WPIAL Championship.
WPIAL Playoff Appearances: 43
All-Time WPIAL Playoff Record: 91-26
Best Playoff Result: Won the most WPIAL Championships of any school (17). Won WPIAL AAA Championship in 1952, 1955, 1964, 1984, 1985, 1987, 1988, and 1989. Won WPIAL AA Championship in 1991, 1996, 2000, 2003, 2008, 2011, 2012, and 2015. Won 1991 and 2003 PIAA AA Championships. Won the 3A WPIAL and PIAA Championships in 2018.
Thomas Jefferson Jaguars
Conference Record: 5-1 Overall Record: 5-1
How they got here: The defending 4A State Champions were rolling through the regular season and on a 21-game winning streak before they were upset by McKeesport in the final week of the season 20-14. TJ pitched 3 shutouts and finished with 4A’s best defense (9.2 points against per game). Offensively, McKeesport was the only team to hold them under 40 points.
Recent History: Thomas Jefferson is making their 26th consecutive playoff appearance, tied with Aliquippa for the longest active streak. They have reached the semifinals in 21 of the last 22 years. TJ has reached Heinz Field in five straight years, winning 4 WPIAL titles. Their only blemish in that time was losing to South Fayette on a last-minute interception at the goal line in 2018. Last year the Jaguars won the WPIAL and PIAA titles and enter the playoffs having won 22 straight games.
WPIAL Playoff Appearances: 31
All-Time WPIAL Playoff Record: 63-22
Best Playoff Result: Won WPIAL Championship in 1980, 2004, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2019. Won PIAA Championship in 2004, 2007, 2008, and 2019.
Plum Mustangs
Conference Record: 7-0 Overall Record: 7-0
How they got here: Plum moved down from 5A to 4A this season and rolled through the Greater Allegheny Conference, winning all of their games by at least 13 points. The Mustangs stout defense only allowed one team (Mars) to score more than twice against them.
Recent History: The move down to 4A was certainly beneficial for Plum as they won their first conference title since 1982. This is Plum’s first playoff appearance since 2015.
WPIAL Playoff Appearances: 17
All-Time WPIAL Playoff Record: 8-16
Best Playoff Result: Plum won the 1983 WPIAL AAAA Division II Championship. In 1982 and 83 the WPIAL had so many Quad-A teams there were two divisions and two Quad-A Champions were crowned. Plum defeated New Castle 10-6 to win the Division II title.
Belle Vernon Leopards
Conference Record: 5-1 Overall Record: 5-1
How they got here: 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. The Leopards started the season with an impressive shutout of McKeesport. Dual-threat QB Devin Whitlock is one of the most exciting players in the classification.
Recent History: Belle Vernon is making their 12th consecutive playoff appearance. Belle Vernon has lost to the eventual WPIAL Champion each of the last three seasons. They fell in the semifinals to Thomas Jefferson and South Fayette in 2017 and 2018 before breaking through and reaching the WPIAL final last year where they lost to conference rival Thomas Jefferson.
WPIAL Playoff Appearances: 29
All-Time WPIAL Playoff Record: 18-28
Best Playoff Result: Won WPIAL Championship in 1995, beating Franklin Regional 22-6. That year, they lost to Sharon in overtime in the PIAA semifinals.
Chartiers Valley Colts
Conference Record: 4-1 Overall Record: 6-1
How they got here: Chartiers Valley entered the season carrying a 14-game conference losing streak, which they snapped with a Week 1 pounding of Montour. The Colts ran out to a 4-0 start before falling to Aliquippa. Char Valley has an explosive offense which topped 34 points in 5 of their 6 victories.
Recent History: The Colts benefitted from the move down from 5A to 4A, making the playoffs for the first time since 2015. Chartiers Valley has not won a playoff game since 2007.
WPIAL Playoff Appearances: 12
All-Time WPIAL Playoff Record: 2-12
Best Playoff Result: Chartiers Valley has only won two playoff games in school history. In 2005 the Colts beat Hopewell in the first round before falling to West Allegheny in the quarterfinals. In 2007 they beat Franklin Regional in the first round before losing to Pine-Richland in the quarterfinals.
McKeesport Tigers
Conference Record: 5-1 Overall Record: 6-1
How they got here: The Tigers took some time to adjust to moving down to 4A. After a 20-0 loss to Belle Vernon in Week 1, they narrowly edged Trinity (10-7) and West Mifflin (12-7) to keep their playoff hopes alive. In Week 7, McKeesport jumped out to a 20-0 lead on TJ and got a fourth down stop in the red zone in the final minute to secure the victory and force a 3-way tie for the top spot in the conference.
Recent History: McKeesport is making their 23rd consecutive playoff appearance. They lost the WPIAL Championship Game in overtime to West Allegheny in 2016. McKeesport has lost to the eventual WPIAL Champions each of the last three years, falling to Gateway in the 2017 and 2019 semifinals and Penn Hills in the 2018 quarterfinals.
WPIAL Playoff Appearances: 29
All-Time WPIAL Playoff Record: 32-26
Best Playoff Result: Won WPIAL Championships in 1938 (AAA), 1994 and 2005. In 1932 McKeesport, Jeannette and New Castle finished tied in Gardner Points and were crowned as co-champions with no postseason games played. Won PIAA AAAA titles in 1994 and 2005.
Mars Fighting Planets
Conference Record: 6-1 Overall Record: 6-1
How they got here: For the second straight year, Teddy Ruffner led his classification in rushing. This year Ruffner captured the WPIAL rushing title with 1500 yards in just 7 games. Mars’ only loss came against conference champion Plum. The Planets defense allowed 19 points per game, which is the most of any 4A playoff team.
Recent History: Mars is making their 16th consecutive playoff appearance. After reaching the AAA semifinals in 2015, they have lost in the first round each of the last four seasons.
WPIAL Playoff Appearances: 24
All-Time WPIAL Playoff Record: 18-24
Best Playoff Result: Reached the WPIAL AA Championship Game in 1996 and 2002. Lost 26-16 to Aliquippa in 1996 and 20-6 to Seton-La Salle in 2002.
Hampton Talbots
Conference Record: 5-2 Overall Record: 5-2
How they got here: After losing to Mars in Week 1, Hampton scored wins over Armstrong and Highlands which would prove to be the decisive games that got them into third place and a playoff spot. The Talbots certainly got better as the season went on, topping the 40-point mark in 3 of their last 4 games. Hampton secured their Wild Card spot thanks to Beaver topping Montour (Beaver won 30-28 thanks to a holding penalty in the end zone for a safety).
Recent History: Hampton is making their first playoff appearance since 2015. The Talbots had a successful run from 2000-2015, reaching the postseason 11 times and advancing out of the first round in 9 of those years. However, they only made it past the quarterfinals once, in 2009.
WPIAL Playoff Appearances: 13
All-Time WPIAL Playoff Record: 10-13
Best Playoff Result: Hampton reached the AAA semifinals in 2009.
Players To Watch
- Teddy Ruffner (RB – Mars)
- Devin Whitlock (QB – Belle Vernon)
- Ryan Hubner (QB – Plum)
- Vaughn Morris (QB – Aliquippa)
- Vernon Redd (RB/LB – Aliquippa)
- Anthony Mackey (QB – Chartiers Valley)
- Jake Pugh (QB – Thomas Jefferson)
- Preston Zandier (WR – Thomas Jefferson)
Class 3A
The Bracket
The Teams
Central Valley Warriors
Conference Record: 4-0 Overall Record: 7-0
How they got here: The defending WPIAL 3A Champions came out on a mission this season after a narrow loss in the state final last year. Central Valley has dominated all of their opponents, averaging 51 points per game and only allowing 7, both the top marks in 3A. All of their wins against 3A competition came by at least 35 points (they beat 4A New Castle by 28) and in most games the starters were out by halftime.
Recent History: Since the merger of Center and Monaca School Districts in 2010, Central Valley made at least the semifinals in each of their first 6 seasons. After the change to 6 classifications, Central Valley dropped to 3A and missed the playoffs for the first time then were bounced in the first round two straight years. The Warriors bounced back in a big way last year, winning the WPIAL title with a 13-12 overtime win over Aliquippa then making a run to the State title game where they lost to Wyoming Area 21-14.
WPIAL Playoff Appearances: 9
All-Time WPIAL Playoff Record: 21-6
Best Playoff Result: Won WPIAL AAA Championship in 2010 and 2014 and won the WPIAL 3A Championship in 2019. Monaca won the WPIAL Class A Championship in 1975, 1982, and 1985. Lost 33-14 to Archbishop Wood in the 2014 PIAA Championship Game and to Wyoming Area 21-14 in the 2019 PIAA Championship Game.
North Catholic Trojans
Conference Record: 6-0 Overall Record: 7-0
How they got here: North Catholic stormed out of the gate, topping 50 points in each of their first two games. The Trojans have 3 wins over playoff teams with a 35-14 win over East Allegheny, a 28-2 victory over South Park in a revenge game for their playoff defeat last year, and a 26-14 win over Freeport to end the season. North’s 45.3 points per game and 8.1 points against per game were the second-best marks in each category in 3A.
Recent History: North Catholic is making their 9th consecutive playoff appearance and 14th in the last 15 years. The Trojans have reached the semifinals 6 of the last 8 seasons and won the WPIAL and PIAA Championship in 2013. Last year they were upset in the first round by South Park.
WPIAL Playoff Appearances: 23
All-Time WPIAL Playoff Record: 25-22
Best Playoff Result: Won the WPIAL Class A Championship in 2013, defeating Sto-Rox 14-0. Won the PIAA Class A Championship in 2013, defeating Old Forge 15-14 in overtime.
Elizabeth Forward Warriors
Conference Record: 5-0 Overall Record: 6-0
How they got here: Elizabeth Forward completed the first perfect regular season in school history, their only other unbeaten campaign was an 8-0-1 record in 1966. Their strong defense held opponents under 9 points per game. The Warriors did have two close calls though, a 20-14 overtime win over South Allegheny and a 16-14 victory over Mt. Pleasant in Weeks 5 and 6.
Recent History: Elizabeth Forward reached the playoffs for the fourth straight season, the first time in school history they have accomplished that feat. The Warriors have not won a playoff game since 2000.
WPIAL Playoff Appearances: 15
All-Time WPIAL Playoff Record: 5-15
Best Playoff Result: Elizabeth Forward reached the WPIAL AAA semifinals in 1985, 1990, and 1999 but has never reached a WPIAL Championship game.
Keystone Oaks Golden Eagles
Conference Record: 3-1 Overall Record: 4-2
How they got here: Dual-threat QB Logan Shrubb finished in the Top 5 in 3A in both rushing and passing. Keystone Oaks narrowly edged Avonworth 20-13 in Week 5 in a game that gave them the edge for second place in the conference.
Recent History: This is Keystone Oaks’ first playoff appearance since 2016 when they made a run to the semifinals.
WPIAL Playoff Appearances: 10
All-Time WPIAL Playoff Record: 5-10
Best Playoff Result: Keystone Oaks has reached the semifinals twice in school history, losing to the eventual WPIAL Champions both times. In 2009 they lost to GCC and in 2016 they fell to eventual State champions Beaver Falls. Dormont High School had a very successful run in the 1940s. They reached the Class A (later AA) Championship game 5 times in 8 years. Dormont tied Mt. Pleasant Hurst for the 1942 title and Glassport for the 1943 title (no overtime). Dormont won the 1945 title, defeating Derry 30-19.
South Park Eagles
Conference Record: 4-2 Overall Record: 4-3
How they got here: After reaching the 3A semifinals last year, South Park got off to a 3-0 start. They stumbled as the calendar flipped to October, losing 3 in a row including a 14-7 battle with South Allegheny. But the Eagles bounced back in Week 7, defeating Mt Pleasant 30-19 with a defensive TD to seal the game and give them second place in the Interstate Conference.
Recent History: Since winning the WPIAL title in 2005, South Park went through a bit of a rough patch, missing the playoffs in 7 straight seasons. The Eagles returned to the postseason in 2013 and have made the playoffs in 6 of the last 8 years.
WPIAL Playoff Appearances: 19
All-Time WPIAL Playoff Record: 14-16
Best Playoff Result: South Park won the WPIAL AA Championship in 1997 and 2005, defeating Shady Side Academy in 1997 and Greensburg Central Catholic in 2005. The Eagles went on to win the PIAA title both times, defeating South Williamsport in 1997 and Wilson Area in 2005. South Park was originally founded as Snowden Township. Snowden defeated Neville in the 1955 WPIAL Class B (later Single-A) Championship.
Freeport Yellow Jackets
Conference Record: 3-1 Overall Record: 3-2
How they got here: Freeport missed two games in the middle of the year due to a COVID exposure. The Yellow Jackets came back to beat archrival Burrell for the 11th time in coach John Gaillot’s 13-year career. They played conference champion North Catholic to their closest game of the year in Week 7. Freeport’s game against East Allegheny was cancelled, effectively tying the teams for second place.
Recent History: This is Freeport’s 3rd playoff appearance in the last 4 years. They reached the AA semifinals in 2015.
WPIAL Playoff Appearances: 29
All-Time WPIAL Playoff Record: 15-29
Best Playoff Result: Freeport reached the WPIAL AA Championship game 7 times but has never won. They lost to Montour in 1963, Burrell in 1967 and 1968, Beaver in 1972, Albert Gallatin in 1974, Jeannette in 1981, and Steel Valley in 1989.
Mount Pleasant Vikings
Conference Record: 4-2 Overall Record: 4-3
How they got here: The Vikings have played tight games all season. Five of their seven games were decided by less than 2 scores. They beat South Allegheny by 7, Southmoreland by 3, and Yough by 11. Mt Pleasant ended the season by dropping two in a row – losing to Elizabeth Forward by 2 and South Park by 11.
Recent History: Mt. Pleasant is making their second consecutive playoff appearance. Prior to their 2-year absence in 2017 and 2018, the Vikings had reached the postseason in 13 of 14 years between 2003 and 2016 but only won 4 playoff games in that timespan.
WPIAL Playoff Appearances: 26
All-Time WPIAL Playoff Record: 16-24
Best Playoff Result: Mt. Pleasant won the WPIAL AAA Championship in 1983 and 1986, defeating Aliquippa in 1983 and Kiski in 1986. Mt. Pleasant Hurst was awarded the 1931 Class B (later Single-A) Championship on Gardner Points. Mt. Pleasant Hurst beat Wilmerding in the 1938 Class A Championship and tied Dormont in the 1942 Class A Championship (Note: Class A became AA in 1973). Mt. Pleasant Ramsay reached the WPIAL Championship Game 4 times, beating East Pittsburgh in the 1933 Class B Championship.
East Allegheny Wildcats
Conference Record: 3-1 Overall Record: 5-1
How they got here: East Allegheny’s only loss of the season came in Week 3 against conference champion North Catholic. Their games against Freeport and Derry were cancelled due to COVID situations at both of those schools. Without the game against Freeport, they effectively tied for second place but the WPIAL seeded Freeport higher.
Recent History: East Allegheny is making their 5th straight playoff appearance. In 2017 they defeated Mohawk in the first round, which was their first playoff victory since 2000.
WPIAL Playoff Appearances: 18
All-Time WPIAL Playoff Record: 5-17
Best Playoff Result: Won the 1992 WPIAL AA Championship, defeating Riverside 33-13. Lost in the 1992 PIAA Championship Game to Valley View 21-13.
Players To Watch
- Ameer Dudley (QB – Central Valley)
- Joey Prentice (QB/DB – North Catholic)
- Logan Shrubb (QB – Keystone Oaks)
- Chase Whatton (DE/TE – Elizabeth Forward)
- Harper Conroy (QB – South Park)
- Evan Lewis (QB – Elizabeth Forward)
- Myles Walker (WR/DB – Central Valley)
- Stephon Hall (WR/DB – Central Valley)
- Nick Maher & Isaiah Jackson (WR/DB – North Catholic)
- Kiyon Delts (WR/DB – East Allegheny)
Class 2A
The Bracket
The Teams
Beaver Falls Tigers
Conference Record: 7-0 Overall Record: 7-0
How they got here: Beaver Falls’ move down to 2A made them the dominant team in the Midwestern Conference. The Tigers scored at least 44 points in all but one game (a 29-14 victory over Laurel). The two-headed monster of Josh Hough and Shileak Livingston in the Tigers backfield ran over every team they faced this season.
Recent History: Beaver Falls is making their 13th playoff appearance in the last 14 years. In 2016, Beaver Falls defeated Aliquippa 35-22 in the WPIAL Championship then went on to beat Middletown 30-13 and win the State Championship. The Tigers lost to the Quips in the semifinals in 2018 and Derry in the quarterfinals last year.
WPIAL Playoff Appearances: 19
All-Time WPIAL Playoff Record: 28-17
Best Playoff Result: Awarded the WPIAL AAA Championship in 1928 and 1960 based on Gardner Points (no Championship Game). Won 1984 WPIAL AA Championship over Riverside 14-13. Won the WPIAL and PIAA 3A Championship in 2016.
McGuffey Highlanders
Conference Record: 6-0 Overall Record: 6-1
How they got here: McGuffey got over the hump and beat Washington 7-6 in Week 1, a victory that carried the Highlanders to their first conference title since 1994. McGuffey’s only loss came against a school from West Virginia they scheduled during their open date. After the 7-6 victory over Washington, McGuffey scored 40+ in their other 5 victories over Century Conference teams.
Recent History: McGuffey lost in the quarterfinals to Riverside last year, but their first round victory over South Side Beaver was their first playoff victory since 1994 when they won the WPIAL AAA Championship. This is just their 7th playoff appearance since that title.
WPIAL Playoff Appearances: 10
All-Time WPIAL Playoff Record: 7-9
Best Playoff Result: Defeated Blackhawk 12-6 in the 1994 AAA Championship after losing to Blackhawk in the title game the year prior. Lost to Sharon 14-7 in the 1994 PIAA semifinals.
Sto-Rox Vikings
Conference Record: 4-1 Overall Record: 6-1
How they got here: Academic eligibility issues forced Sto-Rox to forfeit their Week 1 game against Carlynton. Once the Vikings got on the field, it was a different story. They defeated 3A Avonworth and Shady Side Academy with a last-minute game-winning drive then raced past their four conference opponents. Sto-Rox’s offense enters the playoffs on a hot streak, scoring 49+ in each of their last 3 games.
Recent History: This is Sto-Rox’s 4th playoff appearance in the last 5 seasons. They reached the WPIAL Championship Game last year where they fell to Clairton. That was Sto-Rox’s 4th trip to Heinz Field in the last 9 years.
WPIAL Playoff Appearances: 17
All-Time WPIAL Playoff Record: 19-16
Best Playoff Result: Sto-Rox reached the WPIAL Class A Championship 3 straight years from 2011-2013, losing twice to Clairton and once to North Catholic. The Vikings also lost to Clairton in last year’s WPIAL Championship. Sto-Rox won the 1987 WPIAL AA Championship, defeating Ellwood City. Stowe beat Ramsay in the 1937 Class A (which became AA) Championship. McKees Rocks was awarded the 1935 and 1936 Class A Championships on Gardner Points.
Apollo-Ridge Vikings
Conference Record: 3-0 Overall Record: 5-0
How they got here: Apollo-Ridge’s 47 points per game was the second-highest mark in 2A. They only played 5 games because Summit Academy opted out of the season and Serra Catholic had a COVID exposure. Serra also finished the season undefeated but the WPIAL awarded Apollo-Ridge the better seed in the playoffs. The Vikings closest game was their 33-point victory over Steel Valley.
Recent History: Apollo-Ridge reached the playoffs in 5 straight seasons from 2012-2016. Last year was their first trip back to the playoffs since 2016. Two of their three playoff victories came during that timespan.
WPIAL Playoff Appearances: 15
All-Time WPIAL Playoff Record: 3-15
Best Playoff Result: Apollo-Ridge has never made it past the Quarterfinals. They reached the AA Quarterfinals in 2014 and the Single-A Quarterfinals in 2013 and 2007. Apollo High School lost in the WPIAL Class B (which later became Single-A) Final in 1962 and 1965.
Washington Prexies
Conference Record: 5-1 Overall Record: 5-2
How they got here: Wash High stumbled out of the gate with a 7-6 loss to McGuffey but won the rest of their games against Century Conference competition, including a Week 9 Casket Match with Frazier. The Prexies scored at least 39 points in all of their 5 victories. Their other loss came against 4A Trinity, in the “City Rivalry Game” which was played for the first time since 1999.
Recent History: Washington is making their 10th consecutive playoff appearance and 11th in the last 12 years. The Prexies won the WPIAL 2A Championship 37-10 over Steel Valley in 2017 then lost in the PIAA semifinals to Wilmington 49-42. Last year, they reached the WPIAL Championship but lost to Avonworth.
WPIAL Playoff Appearances: 32
All-Time WPIAL Playoff Record: 43-29-1
Best Playoff Result: Tied Johnstown 0-0 for the 1917 WPIAL AAA Championship. Won the 1920 and 1926 WPIAL AAA Championship. Declared the 1923 WPIAL AAA Champion. Won the 1993 and 2001 WPIAL AA Championship. Won the 2017 WPIAL 2A Championship. Won the 2001 PIAA Championship, defeating Pen Argyl 19-12.
Laurel Spartans
Conference Record: 5-2 Overall Record: 5-2
How they got here: Laurel missed the 1A playoffs on tiebreakers each of the last two seasons, but earned a Wild Card spot after moving up to 2A this season. The Spartans played a number of close games with a 14-7 Week 1 win over Neshannock, a 14-7 Week 4 loss to Freedom, and a 27-25 Week 5 win over New Brighton which proved to be the decisive result in their playoff fortunes. Laurel and New Brighton both finished 5-2 but Laurel’s head-to-head victory gave them the edge.
Recent History: Laurel reached the playoffs in 2016 and 2017 playing in 2A then dropped down to 1A for the next cycle and narrowly missed the playoffs both seasons. Their first round victory over Chartiers-Houston in 2016 is their only playoff victory since a run to the Class A semifinals in 2009.
WPIAL Playoff Appearances: 20
All-Time WPIAL Playoff Record: 16-19
Best Playoff Result: Won the 1980 WPIAL Class A Championship, defeating Clairton 14-12. Lost in the AA Championship game in 1977 and the Class A Championship Game in 1989.
Serra Catholic Eagles
Conference Record: 2-0 Overall Record: 4-0
How they got here: Serra Catholic had the highest-scoring offense in 2A, averaging 52 points per game. However, the Eagles have not played since Week 5 when they beat Ligonier Valley. They had to cancel their game against Apollo-Ridge in Week 6 that would have been for the Allegheny Conference title.
Recent History: This is Serra’s 5th straight playoff appearance after a 6-year drought. Their first round victory in 2017 was the Eagles’ first playoff win since they won the 2007 WPIAL title.
WPIAL Playoff Appearances: 12
All-Time WPIAL Playoff Record: 8-10
Best Playoff Result: Won two WPIAL Class A Championships, defeating Clairton 12-0 in 1981 and defeating Springdale 10-6 in 2007. Lost to Steelton-Highspire 34-15 in the 2007 PIAA Class A Championship.
Western Beaver Golden Beavers
Conference Record: 4-1 Overall Record: 6-1
How they got here: Western Beaver benefitted from the move from the Midwestern Conference to the Three Rivers Conference. The Golden Beavers won their first 5 games before falling to Sto-Rox in Week 6. Their offense came on strong at the end of the season, scoring at least 35 points in 3 of their last 4 games. However, their 27 points per game is the lowest of any 2A playoff team.
Recent History: This is Western Beaver’s 3rd playoff appearance in the last 7 years. They have not won a playoff game since 2008.
WPIAL Playoff Appearances: 22
All-Time WPIAL Playoff Record: 18-19
Best Playoff Result: Won the WPIAL Class A Championship in 1976, 1983 and 1994. Lost to Southern Columbia in the 1994 PIAA Class A Championship Game.
Players To Watch
- Josh Jenkins (QB – Sto-Rox)
- Josh Hough & Shileak Livingston (RBs – Beaver Falls)
- Logan Harmon (RB – Apollo-Ridge)
- Luke McCoy (RB – Laurel)
- Machai Brooks-Dutrieuille (RB – Serra Catholic)
- Kyle Brookman, McKinley Whipkey, and Jared Johnson (RBs – McGuffey)
Class 1A
The Bracket
The Teams
Clairton Bears
Conference Record: 6-0 Overall Record: 6-0
How they got here: The defending WPIAL 1A Champions came out of the gate strong with a Week 1 victory over rival Jeannette, their 8th victory over the Jayhawks since 2014. From there, Clairton rolled through the rest of their schedule, putting up at least 45 points in all of their remaining games. Clairton was the highest-scoring team in the entire WPIAL, averaging 54.2 points per game.
Recent History: Clairton is making their 15th consecutive playoff appearance. They have won 10 of the last 14 WPIAL Championships. The Bears won three straight WPIAL titles from 2014-2016 but lost in the semifinals two years in a row before winning the 2019 WPIAL title. Clairton has made at least the semifinals in 13 straight seasons. Clairton lost to Farrell 13-10 in the PIAA semifinals last year.
WPIAL Playoff Appearances: 34
All-Time WPIAL Playoff Record: 67-22
Best Playoff Result: Clairton has won 14 WPIAL titles, the second-most behind Aliquippa’s 16 titles. Awarded the 1929, 1931, and 1954 WPIAL AAA Championship based on Gardner Points (no Championship Game). Won the WPIAL Class A Championship in 1989, 2006, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2014, 2015, and the WPIAL 1A Championship in 2016 and 2019. Won PIAA Class A Championship in 2009, 2010, 2011, and 2012.
Rochester Rams
Conference Record: 6-1 Overall Record: 6-1
How they got here: After missing the playoffs last year, Rochester bounced back in a big way behind a dominant ground game. They were upset in Week 5 by Fort Cherry but rebounded to defeat Shenango in a Week 7 game for the conference title. Their game against Shenango was delayed due to an active shooter situation in the neighborhood near the stadium but once it started Rochester got out to a 13-0 lead. The conclusion was then postponed until Saturday morning as lightning storms rolled through the area and Rochester held on the next morning for the victory and the conference title.
Recent History: Rochester was one of the dominant programs in Class A in the 1990s and 2000s, reaching 11 Championship Games and winning 7 WPIAL titles between 1990 and 2010. Rochester made the playoffs three straight years from 2016-2018, including reaching the WPIAL final in 2018 where they fell to OLSH. Last year was a rebuilding year and the Rams missed the postseason.
WPIAL Playoff Appearances: 26
All-Time WPIAL Playoff Record: 58-19-1
Best Playoff Result: Won the WPIAL Class AA title in 1991, 1992, 1998, 2000, 2001, 2002, and 2004. Tied Westinghouse 0-0 in the 1921 AA Championship Game. Won the PIAA Class A Championship in 1998, 2000, and 2001.
Jeannette Jayhawks
Conference Record: 6-1 Overall Record: 6-1
How they got here: 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 won their last 6 games with only Springdale coming within 45 of them.
Recent History: Jeannette reached the WPIAL Championship in 3 straight seasons before falling to Rochester in the 2018 semifinals then a surprising first round loss to Sto-Rox last year. They defeated Imani Christian by a point in the 2017 WPIAL title game then rolled on to the State Championship where they defeated Homer-Center to win their second PIAA title. The Jayhawks have only missed the playoffs twice since 1994 (most recently in 2013).
WPIAL Playoff Appearances: 41
All-Time WPIAL Playoff Record: 55-32
Best Playoff Result: Tied McKeesport and New Castle for the 1932 AAA title on Gardner Points (no Championship game). Won the 1939 and 1956 WPIAL AAA Championship. Won the WPIAL AA Championship in 1971, 1981, 1983, 2006, and 2007. Won PIAA AA Championship in 2007, defeating Dunmore 49-21. Won the WPIAL and PIAA 1A Championships in 2017.
California Trojans
Conference Record: 6-0 Overall Record: 6-0
How they got here: California had their Week 2 game against West Greene cancelled due to COVID, which caused some concern that what many thought were the top two teams in the conference might not get to play. But as West Greene lost a few games, California continued to succeed. They ran all over Avella in a Week 4 battle of unbeatens. Two weeks later they pounded Carmichaels to secure the Tri-County South conference title. Running back Jaedan Zuzak was leading the WPIAL in rushing after Week 6, but their season finale against Monessen was cancelled because Monessen forfeit.
Recent History: This is California’s fifth straight playoff appearance after a 4-year drought. After reaching the semifinals in 2017 California lost in the first round each of the last two years. Prior to their current streak, the Trojans had made the playoffs in 12 of 13 years but only won two games. Their two wins en route to the WPIAL semifinals in 2017 equaled that total from 1999-2011.
WPIAL Playoff Appearances: 22
All-Time WPIAL Playoff Record: 7-21
Best Playoff Result: Won the 1949 AA Championship, defeating Dormont 38-6. Lost the AA Championship Game in 1965 and the Class A Championship Game in 1986.
Shenango Wildcats
Conference Record: 6-1 Overall Record: 6-1
How they got here: Shenango’s move down from 2A to 1A was highly successful as the Wildcats ran over the competition, winning their first 6 outings. They lost to Rochester in the final week of the season, which cost them the outright conference title. Running back Reis Watkins was one of the top rushers in the WPIAL this season. Shenango allowed just 11.3 points per game on defense, the best mark in 1A.
Recent History: This is Shenango’s first playoff appearance since 2016.
WPIAL Playoff Appearances: 12
All-Time WPIAL Playoff Record: 5-12
Best Playoff Result: Shenango has never reached a WPIAL Championship Game but have made the semifinals three times. The Wildcats reached the Class A (which became AA) semifinals in 1971, losing to Beaver. Shenango also reached the Class A semifinals in 1980 and 1987, losing to Clairton in 1980 and Monaca in 1987.
Avella Eagles
Conference Record: 5-2 Overall Record: 5-2
How they got here: After going winless in conference play last season, Avella won their first three outings, the third coming on a defensive stop of West Greene in the final minute. They would lose to California in Week 4 but bounce back to top rival Mapletown 13-7. After falling to Bentworth’s explosive offense in a shootout, Avella beat Carmichaels in a Week 7 Casket Match 14-7, with their defense once again getting huge 4th quarter stops to preserve their victory.
Recent History: This is Avella’s 4th playoff appearance in the last 8 years. That is an incredible accomplishment for a school that did not make the postseason between 1976 and 2013.
WPIAL Playoff Appearances: 9
All-Time WPIAL Playoff Record: 1-7-2
Best Playoff Result: Avella and Millvale were declared co-champions for the 1941 Class B (later Single-A) title. Avella tied Montour 7-7 for the 1957 Class B Championship (no overtime). Avella beat Washington Twp 13-0 in the 1961 Class B Championship, their only playoff victory in school history. They also lost in the Class B/Class A Championship Games in 1963, 1966, 1975, and 1976.
Springdale Dynamos
Conference Record: 5-2 Overall Record: 5-2
How they got here: Springdale got off to an impressive 4-0 start before a Week 5 showdown with Jeannette. Springdale jumped out to a first half lead but committed a number of second half turnovers as Jeannette came back to deal Springdale their first loss of the season. The Dynamos had a chance to force a 3-way tie for the conference title in Week 7 but fell to Clairton.
Recent History: Springdale missed the playoffs each of the last two years. Prior to that, they had reached the postseason in 15 out of 16 years.
WPIAL Playoff Appearances: 17
All-Time WPIAL Playoff Record: 20-14
Best Playoff Result: Tied Glassport for the 1932 WPIAL Class A title (no Championship game). Won the WPIAL AA Championship in 1946 and 1973. Won the WPIAL Class A Championship in 2003. Lost to Bishop Carroll 28-20 in the PIAA Class A semifinals in 2003.
OLSH Chargers
Conference Record: 5-2 Overall Record: 5-2
How they got here: OLSH won their first three games of the season before losing to Rochester in a Week 4 battle of unbeaten teams. Their Week 5 10-point victory over Union proved to be the decisive result in securing third place in the Big Seven Conference and getting a Wild Card spot. OLSH lost to Shenango in Week 6 but beat Northgate to end their regular season on a high note. OLSH has allowed 24 points per game, the most of any defense in the 1A playoffs.
Recent History: OLSH started playing WPIAL football in 2010 and made the playoffs for the first time in 2016. They got their first playoff victory in 2017. After two straight playoff losses to Imani Christian, OLSH defeated the Saints in the first round in 2018 and went on to beat Clairton and Rochester to win the WPIAL title. OLSH’s season ended with a loss to Farrell in the PIAA semifinals. OLSH lost to Clairton in the first round last year.
WPIAL Playoff Appearances: 4
All-Time WPIAL Playoff Record: 4-3
Best Playoff Result: OLSH won their first WPIAL Championship in 2018, defeating Rochester 28-6. They lost to Farrell in the PIAA semifinals.
Players To Watch
- Dontae Sanders (RB – Clairton)
- Brad Birch (QB – Jeannette)
- Jaedan Zuzak (RB – California)
- Reis Watkins (RB/LB – Shenango)
- Denny Robinson, Rashawn Reid, Sal Laure (RBs – Rochester)
- Logan Dexter (RB – Springdale)
- KJ Rush (QB – Avella)
- Brooklyn Cannon (WR/DB – Clairton)
- Roberto Smith (RB/LB – Jeannette)
- Dametrius Weatherspoon (DL/OL – Clairton)
