The 2022 WPIAL playoffs are in full swing. The playoffs kicked off last week with first round action, but this week the teams with byes will all take the field and the brackets winnow down towards championship games. In the two largest classifications, the WPIAL Champions will enter the statewide bracket at the quarterfinals. In the other classes, the WPIAL Champions enter at the PIAA semifinals, which means the title games will be split across two weekends. The Championship Games in 4A, 3A, 2A, and 1A will take place on Championship Saturday at Heinz Field Acrisure Stadium on November 26.
These four classifications all started with first round games last week and will be playing quarterfinal games this weekend. In 4A, 3A, and 2A the top seeds in the tournament received first round byes and will be playing their first playoff games of the season this week. In 1A, 16 teams made the playoffs so there were no first round byes. Notably, teams from the two “Big Seven Conferences” went a combined 7-0 in the first round. The 4A Big Seven saw McKeesport, Laurel Highlands, and Latrobe all win while Thomas Jefferson had a first round bye. The 1A Big Seven produced four quarterfinalists in Laurel, South Side Beaver, Union, and Rochester – the later pulling off the biggest upset of the playoffs by topping #3 seed Greensburg Central Catholic. Also, a special shout-out to Mapletown who won their first playoff game in school history, beating Leechburg in the first round.
Check out this week’s edition of the WPIAL Blitz Show for a breakdown of all the results from last week as well as a preview of this week’s games. Also, be sure to follow our WPIAL Twitter account @WPIAL_Blitz and check out our WPIAL Blitz Facebook Page.
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4A Quarterfinals
8. Montour vs 1. Aliquippa
at Freedom High School
Montour scored the most thrilling victory of the opening round as the Spartans drove 99 yards and threw a game-winning 23-yard touchdown pass as time expired. They now draw a rematch with conference foe Aliquippa who downed them 33-0 earlier this season. The Quips defense dominated that game, holding Montour to negative yardage on the game. Aliquippa is the defending 4A WPIAL and PIAA Champions and is the top seed in the bracket after beating rival Central Valley in the season finale. In Montour’s comeback win over Hampton the Spartans used three quarterbacks because of in-game injuries. Starting QB Jake Wolfe presents a dual-threat option with 1473 passing yards and 17 TDs and 350 rushing yards and 4 scores. His favorite targets on the outside are Daniel Batch (653 yards, 11 TDs) and Keino Fitzpatrick (358 yards, 3 TDs). Wolfe has been complemented in the backfield by Brock Janeda (508 yards, 5 TDs). Aliquippa’s success starts with the “Trench Dawgs” on the offensive and defensive line that have absolutely dominated the line of scrimmage all season. Offensively they have paved the way for sophomore RB Tiqwai Hayes (1382 yards, 24 TDs). Complementing the Quips ground game is the Air Warfield offense led by QB Quentin Goode (1493 yards, 15 TDs). Aliquippa has a pair of outstanding WR/DBs who are big-playmakers on offense and ballhawks on defense in Donovan Walker (493 yards, 3 total TDs) and Brandon Banks (370 yards, 6 total TDs).
5. McKeesport at 4. Armstrong
For the second straight season McKeesport and Armstrong will meet in the quarterfinals for the right to face Aliquippa in the semis. Last season McKeesport won a hard-fought 35-21 victory. These two teams present a dramatic contrast of styles as McKeesport’s triple-option running game faces off against the WPIAL’s leading passer – Armstrong’s Cadin Olsen (2998 yards, 40 TDs). The weather may play a factor in this game as the remnants of Hurricane Nicole roll through the region on Friday night. McKeesport’s ground game where the top four rushers all average over 7 yards per carry is suited to a sloppy game. Quarterback Jahmil Perryman has more than twice as many rushing yards (1165 yards, 18 TDs) as passing yards (419 yards, 5 TDs) in the Tigers triple-option attack. Bobbie Boyd (1041 yards, 13 TDs) has battled through injuries all season which has also given some time to Larry Gibson (499 yards, 7 TDs) and Bobbie’s younger brother Anthony Boyd (249 yards, 2 TDs). McKeesport’s stout defense will be tested against Armstrong’s passing attack where 8 different players have at least 10 catches and 7 of them have over 100 yards. Cadin Olsen’s brother Ian Olsen leads the way (1061 yards, 10 TDs) while Isaiah Brown (776 yards, 15 TDs) has been a scoring machine. Kyan Kline (529 yards, 4 TDs) has also been a reliable target. On the ground, Alex Patton (940 yards, 5 TDs) has been the primary back with Cadin Olsen (424 yards, 7 TDs) also sprinkling in some carries to give opponents just one more facet to defend against.
7. Laurel Highlands at 2. Central Valley
Laurel Highlands is in the midst of a historic run that has put the Mustangs on the map. Last season they won a playoff game for the first time in school history. This season, the Mustangs finished in a 3-way tie with McKeesport and Thomas Jefferson to claim the first conference title in school history, enabling them to host a playoff game for just the second time ever. They won their opening round game with West Allegheny in convincing fashion, capping it off with two fourth quarter pick-sixes. On the other side, Central Valley has topped Laurel Highlands three times in the postseason since 2011. The Warriors are the two-time defending 3A State Champs and had to move up to 4A this season. Since the merger of Center and Monaca in 2010, Central Valley has won 5 WPIAL titles and reached the semifinals 9 times. Laurel Highlands is led by West Virginia-commit Rodney Gallagher who started the year at receiver but moved back to quarterback where he also played last year. On the season, Gallagher led the Mustangs with 1241 passing yards and 13 TDs and ran for 558 yards and 10 TDs. He also added 5 more touchdowns via defense and special teams. Gallagher and leading receiver Keondre DeShields (657 yards, 8 TDs) have been a big-play connection while Antwan Black has done damage as both a runner (170 yards) and receiver (364 yards), scoring 6 times. Laurel Highlands kicker Harry Radcliffe has booted 9 field goals and is one of the best kickers in the WPIAL. Central Valley saw a lot of turnover at key starting positions from their state title-winning teams but is once again loaded with talent. The Warriors have won in the trenches, which has paved the way for their top three rushers to average over 10 yards per carry. Bret FitzSimmons (1438 yards, 27 TDs) leads the way, complemented by Brandon Singleton (371 yards, 4 TDs). Central Valley hasn’t had to throw much this season, but when they do Antwon Johnson has been outstanding, putting up 1146 yards and 13 TDs. Leading receiver Jayvin Thompson (560 yards, 10 total TDs) is also a standout defensive back who has made noise in all three phases of the game. Deniro Simpson has been an all-around playmaker with 218 rushing yards, 169 receiving yards, and 2 total TDs.
11. Latrobe at 3. Thomas Jefferson
Latrobe defeated Highlands in overtime in the opening round, marking the first playoff victory for the Wildcats since 1968. Latrobe has been the beneficiary of realignment, moving down from 5A to 4A this season. They played a relatively close 31-21 game against Thomas Jefferson earlier this season. The Jaguars, on the other side, started the year a bit slow but came on strong after losing to Laurel Highlands. TJ ended the season on a high note with a win over McKeesport to force a 3-way tie for the conference title and earn a first round bye. While Latrobe just won their first playoff game in 53 years, Thomas Jefferson has been to the semifinals every season in the last decade and in 23 of the last 24 years. Latrobe is a run-heavy offense, led by Robert Fulton (1550 yards, 20 TDs) who scored the game-tying and game-winning touchdowns last week. Dual-threat QB John Wetzel has put up 871 passing yards and 10 TDs and run for 463 yards and 7 TDs. Wetzel’s favorite targets have been Kollin Stevens (223 yards, 5 TDs) and Corey Boerio (188 yards, 5 TDs). As the season went on, Thomas Jefferson’s offense evolved to rely on their passing game and QB Brody Evans (1857 yards, 19 TDs). Evans was able to spread the ball around between Sean Sullivan (827 yards, 11 TDs), Ryan Lawry (371 yards, 3 TDs), Jordan Mayer (252 yards, 4 TDs), and Jason Salman (225 yards, 1 TD). Mayer is a Wisconsin-commit as a defensive end who dominated the Jaguars game against McKeesport, scoring on a fumble recovery in the second half. On the ground, Elias Lippincott (721 yards, 9 TDs) and Aidan Whalen (450 yards, 7 TDs) have shared the workload.
3A Quarterfinals
9. East Allegheny at 1. Belle Vernon
Belle Vernon moved down from 4A to 3A this season after reaching two of the last three WPIAL finals. The Leopards are in search of their first WPIAL title since 1995 and were dominant against 3A competition this season. East Allegheny topped Mt Pleasant in a thrilling 42-39 first round game which featured 6 total TDs from QB Michael Cahill (5 rushing, 1 passing). On the season, Cahill has thrown for 1073 yards and 11 TDs and run for 258 yards and 8 TDs. Amir Rollins, Lorenzo Fancher, and Trey Jeter have all scored twice on the ground for the Wildcats. Belle Vernon’s offense runs through RB Quinton Martin who is one of the top juniors in the state. Martin leads the Leopards in rushing (786 yards), receptions (18 for 273 yards), and scoring (21 total TDs). He has been complemented in the ground game by fellow junior Jake Gedekoh (425 yards, 12 TDs). Belle Vernon’s line has been so good at opening holes this year that Martin, Gedekoh, and Anthony Crews (179 yards, 2 TDs) are all averaging over 8 yards per carry. When they do take to the air, Braden Laux (764 yards, 8 TDs) generally targets either Martin or Chase Ruokonen (297 yards, 3 TDs).
5. West Mifflin at 4. Freeport
Both of these teams were the benficiaries of conference realignment. West Mifflin moved down from 4A to 3A after a few years of struggles and finished solidly in the playoff field, topping Southmoreland in the opening round. Freeport won the Allegheny Six Conference title after North Catholic, who had dominated the conference the last few years, moved up to 4A. Freeport is a tough, hard-nosed defensive football team. West Mifflin has talented and explosive playmakers on the offensive side of the ball, so this one should be a good showdown. It has been more than 5 years since either team made a semifinal appearance, so one of them will break through this season. West Mifflin’s offensive attack runs through QB Shai Newby (1360 passing yards, 15 TDs, 317 rushing yards, 6 TDs). His top receiver is the explosive Ty’Jeir Williams (727 yards, 9 TDs). DelRon White (400 yards, 10 TDs) leads the Titans backfield. Rich Fix is an all-around talent who has scored 10 TDs, including 3 in the first round that came rushing, receiving, and on a kickoff return. Freeport’s team uses a ton of different players all over the field. Ben Lane is the straw that stirs the drink, leading the team in rushing (906 yards), is a factor in the receiving game (153 yards), and leads the Jackets in scoring (19 total TDs). Complementing Lane in the backfield are Zach Clark (418 yards, 7 TDs) and dual-threat QB Gavin Croney (906 passing yards, 11 TDs, 335 rushing yards, 7 TDs). Other than Lane, the Yellow Jackets receiving crew is made up of a pair of Brady’s – Brady Stivenson (386 yards, 3 TDs) and Brady Sullivan (200 yards, 3 TDs).
7. Beaver at 2. Avonworth
These two teams met earlier this season in conference play, with Avonworth’s defense dominating en route to a 29-3 victory. Beaver clawed their way back into playoff contention, winning a Week 9 Casket Match with Hopewell to earn a spot. Avonworth cruised to the conference title behind one of the best defenses in 3A, their only setback was an early non-conference loss to Central Valley. Beaver’s balanced offensive attack starts with RBs Liam Gibson (847 yards, 14 total TDs) and Quay Cain (322 yards, 4 TDs). Through the air, the favorite receivers for QB Isaac Pupi (875 yards, 16 TDs) have been Gerrell Leeper (293 yards, 6 TDs) and Josiah Santiago (248 yards, 4 TDs). Avonworth has been a dominant defensive team all season but also have some outstanding playmakers on offense. Quarterback Nate Harper (1333 yards, 18 TDs) leads the way for a Lopes passing attack that has five players with at least 10 catches and 100 yards. Peyton Faulkner (386 yards, 6 TDs), Andrew Kuban (301 yards, 5 TDs), and Austin Johncour (249 yards, 3 TDs) lead the receiving corps. On the ground, Luke Hilyard (1020 yards, 14 TDs) has been the go-to back with Brandon Biagiarelli (315 rushing yards, 153 receiving yards, 7 total TDs) playing a complementary role.
6. Shady Side Academy at 3. Elizabeth Forward
Another rematch in the 3A bracket, this one of a non-conference game that Elizabeth Forward won 42-21. Shady Side had a brutal non-conference schedule this year, which prepared the Bulldogs to navigate conference play. In the opening round they topped South Park 35-14 in a showdown of rushing attacks. Elizabeth Forward is a completely different monster with a high-powered passing game that led 3A in scoring at 42 points per game. Shady Side’s offense is built around their ground game. Joey Bellinotti (647 yards, 12 TDs) and Darrin Haynes (515 yards, 5 TDs) lead the way. Bellinotti scored four times in the opening round victory over South Park. When the Bulldogs do take to the air, Max Wickland (868 yards, 6 TDs) has been a solid passer. On the other side, Elizabeth Forward’s offense is nearly a polar opposite, relying heavily on their passing attack and the combination of QB Zion White (1681 yards, 26 TDs) to WR Zach Boyd (1041 yards, 19 total TDs). The Warriors will mix in five different ball-carriers in the run game, the top four averaging over 6 yards per carry. Jordan Wilmore (401 yards, 8 TDs), Johnny DiNapoli (382 yards, 9 TDs), and Diego Magwood (373 yards, 4 TDs) have led the way with swiss army knife Charlie Nigut (248 rushing yards, 336 receiving yards, 4 total TDs) also playing an important role.
2A Quarterfinals
8. McGuffey at 1. Steel Valley
Steel Valley is the top seed in the 2A bracket for the second straight year. The Ironmen led the classification in both offense (46 points per game) and defense (6 points against per game) thanks to a strong offensive line and running game. McGuffey also has a strong ground game with a triple-option attack that beat Mohawk in an opening-round shootout. The Highlanders won 34-29 in a game that pitted the McGuffey ground game against Mohawk’s passing attack. Dual-threat QB Philip McCuen (797 passing yards, 10 TDs, 719 rushing yards, 11 TDs) leads the McGuffey offense. In addition to McCuen, three other players have racked up over 50 attempts and 350 rushing yards – Kyle Brookman (608 yards, 13 TDs), Ethan Dietrich (492 yards, 10 TDs), and Dylan Droboj (362 yards, 6 TDs). Steel Valley is also led by a dual-threat QB in Miami (Ohio)-commit Cruce Brookins (604 passing yards, 6 TDs, 1048 rushing yards, 23 TDs). The Ironmen line, led by Greg Smith, has been so dominant that the top 5 rushers all average over 10 yards per carry. In addition to Brookins, Quaron Pierce (614 yards, 3 TDs), Donald Barksdale (565 yards, 11 TDs), Jesean Wright (353 rushing yards, 172 receiving yards, 6 total TDs), and Da’ron Barksdale (293 yards, 5 TDs) are all capable backs. This game will be a good old fashioned slugfest in the trenches between two powerful rushing attacks.
12. Washington at 4. Neshannock
Two of the highest-scoring teams in 2A meet with a semifinal appearance on the line. Washington stumbled to the end of the season with losses against Keystone Oaks and McGuffey to drop them to fourth in the Century Conference. But in the opening round, the Prexies avenged an early-season loss to Serra Catholic with a 49-21 upset. Neshannock ran all over Burrell to the tune of a 48-6 victory. Washington uses a plethora of players on offense, including multiple quarterbacks. Logan Carlisle has thrown for 688 yards and 9 TDs and run for 265 yards and 7 TDs while the multi-talented Davoun Fuse has thrown for 596 yards and 12 TDs, run for 439 yards, added 207 receiving yards, and found the end zone four times. At running back, Eddie Lewis (803 yards, 12 TDs) and Zach Welsh (586 yards, 7 TDs) have both averaged over 7.5 yards per carry. Leading receiver Ruben Gordon (505 yards, 14 total TDs) has also been a threat in the return game any time he gets his hands on the ball. While Washington’s offense uses a variety of playmakers, Neshannock’s offense revolves around dual-threat QB Jonny Huff who has thrown for 1067 yards and 10 TDs and run for 1700 yards and 22 TDs. Complementing Huff in the backfield is Matt Ionilli (557 yards, 14 TDs) who is coming off a 2 TD performance in the opening round win over Burrell. When the Lancers do take to the air, Luciano DeLillo (519 yards, 5 TDs) has been Huff’s top target.
7. Ligonier Valley at 2. Beaver Falls
at Geneva College
Since moving down to 2A in 2020, Beaver Falls has made the WPIAL finals every season. This year they are the #2 seed and had a first round bye. The Tigers will face Ligonier Valley who defeated Western Beaver 27-20 in the opening round. That was the first WPIAL playoff victory for Ligonier Valley, who recently returned to the WPIAL after a successful run in District 6. Ligonier Valley’s offense runs through dynamic plamaker Haden Sierocky who leads the Rams in rushing (1231 yards), receiving (383 yards), and scoring (20 total TDs). John Jablunovsky (746 yards, 8 TDs), Nick Lonas (380 yards, 3 TDs), and Duncan Foust (285 yards, 1 TD) have all complemented Sierocky in the Rams run-heavy offense. Ligonier Valley has been so good on the ground that Broderick Schreyer (765 yards, 12 TDs) has only averaged about 9 pass attempts per game. On the other side, Beaver Falls has one of the top quarterbacks in 2A in Jaren Brickner (1493 passing yards, 11 TDs, 634 rushing yards, 14 TDs). Brickner’s favorite target is 2A’s leading receiver Trey Singleton (917 receiving yards, 276 rushing yards, 13 total TDs). On the ground, the Tigers have 5 players with at least 200 rushing yards, led by Brickner. Brixx Rawl (448 yards, 5 TDs), Singleton, and Michael Blackshear (222 yards, 2 TDs) have been the big-play hitters in the Tigers rushing game while Drey Hall (348 yards, 5 TDs) has also gotten his share of work.
6. Keystone Oaks at 3. Sto-Rox
Last year, the Century Conference got swept out of the first round of the playoffs. This year, thanks in part to the additions of Sto-Rox and Keystone Oaks, the conference was a perfect 4-0 in the opening round. This quarterfinal is a rematch of the game Sto-Rox won 52-0 earlier this year, thanks in part to returning four fumbles for touchdowns. Other than the shutout loss to Sto-Rox, Keystone Oaks has been solid offensively with a balanced attack. Nick Buckley has thrown for 1436 yards and 12 TDs, primarily targeting Clinton Robinson (511 yards, 11 TDs) who scored the game-winner last week against Apollo-Ridge. Shawn Reick leads the Eagles in rushing (1150 yards) and is second in receiving (295 yards) and is their leading scorer (14 total TDs). Sto-Rox boasts 2A’s leading passer in senior QB Josh Jenkins (2128 yards, 28 TDs) along with a dynamic receiving corps with players who are all capable of scoring any time they touch the ball. Three Vikings receivers have over 500 yards – Jaymont Green-Miller (582 yards, 11 TDs), Drevon Miller-Ross (528 yards, 10 TDs), and slot back Zay Davis (548 receiving yards, 211 rushing yards, 8 total TDs). While the Vikings are a pass-first ofense, when they do run the ball Amere Hibbler has been effective (578 rushing yards, 163 receiving yards, 10 total TDs).
1A Quarterfinals
9. Clairton at 1. Bishop Canevin
at Dormont Stadium
Bishop Canevin is the defending WPIAL 1A Champions and flexed their muscles in the first round of the playoffs. After a 14-14 first quarter against Jeannette, the Crusaders poured it on en route to a 63-14 victory. For the fifth straight season, Clairton and OLSH met in the playoffs. Even though OLSH had beaten the Bears in the quarterfinals last year and earlier this season, Clairton got their revenge thanks to four rushing touchdowns from QB Capone Jones. On the season Jones has thrown for 990 yards and 10 TDs and run for 741 yards and 13 TDs. He has been joined in the Bears rushing attack by Drahcir Jones (531 yards, 6 TDs), and Donte Wright (434 yards, 8 TDs). Leading receiver Michael Ruffing (264 yards) has also been a factor on the ground (227 yards) and scored 4 times. Clairton has a lot of young players this season and has grown stronger as the year has progressed and they gained experience. On the other side, Bishop Canevin is the defending 1A Champs and brought back nearly their entire team. The Crusaders have used both Kole Olszewski (1314 yards, 16 TDs) and Jason Cross at quarterback. Cross, who has D1 offers as a safety, has been impactful all over the field with 959 passing yards (and 13 TDs), 174 rushing yards, 174 receiving yards, and 10 total TDs. Last year’s 1A Player of the Year Xavier Nelson (1060 yards, 17 total TDs) leads the receiving corps and is a threat to score any time he touches the ball on offense, defense, or special teams. Jayden Lindsey (339 yards, 4 TDs) and Lasae Lacks (254 yards, 2 TDs) have also contributed to the receiving corps. Leading rusher Marquis Carter (1207 yards, 9 TDs) is an explosive back, capable of taking it to the house any time he finds a gap.
5. South Side Beaver at 4. Mapletown
Mapletown is having a historic season. The Maples won the Tri-County South Conference title for the first time since 2005 and followed it up by winning their first playoff game in school history. South Side Beaver moved down from 2A to 1A this season and have run through their schedule with the only setback coming against conference champions Laurel. South Side’s run-heavy offense revolves around dual-threat QB Brody Almashy (917 passing yards, 10 TDs, 547 rushing yards, 13 TDs). Complementing Almashy in the backfield are Ryan Navarra (607 yards, 10 TDs) and Alex Arrigo (420 yards, 6 TDs). Leading receiver Parker Statler (420 receiving yards) has also been a factor in the ground game (436 rushing yards) and scored 10 times. Mapletown has also reached this point with a run-heavy offensive attack led by the WPIAL’s leading rusher Landan Stevenson (2321 yards, 45 TDs). Stevenson is a hard runner who never stops grinding for extra yards and put up 5 TDs in the Maples win over Leechburg. Complementing Stevenson in the run game is fullback AJ Vanata (706 yards, 9 TDs). Mapletown has been so good in the running game that QB Brody Evans has as many rushing attempts (223 yards, 10 TDs) as passing attempts (559 yards, 6 TDs). Evans is averaging just 5 attempts per game but when he does throw, Brock Evans (224 yards, 3 TDs) has been the Maples top receiver.
10. Union at 2. Laurel
A Big Seven Conference rematch between Lawrence County rivals that went to overtime earlier this season. Laurel won that game 28-22 and this one has all the makings of an epic showdown between county rivals. Union has relied heavily on dual-threat QB Braylon Thomas who has thrown for 3 TDs and run for 6. Mike Gunn has also scored 6 times for the Scotties. Union’s defense has been sound all season. The only game they were blown out in was against South Side Beaver. For Laurel, RB Landon Smith has been the star of the show, running for 1479 yards and 30 TDs. The Spartans have a quality quarterback in Chase Tintsman (1060 passing yards, 12 TDs, 253 rushing yards, 7 TDs) who hasn’t had to throw much because Laurel has been so strong on the ground. Benjamin Hennon (284 yards, 5 TDs) has been a chance-of-pace back for the Spartans, averaging nearly 13 yards per carry. When they do throw, Carter Haney (416 yards, 4 TDs), Colin Bartley (309 yards, 6 TDs), and Lucas Davis (282 yards, 5 TDs) have been Laurel’s top receivers.
14. Rochester vs 6. Fort Cherry
The biggest upset of the first round of the WPIAL playoffs was 14th-seeded Rochester topping Eastern Conference Champions Greensburg Central Catholic. The Rams used a strong rushing attack to control the clock and dominate GCC. Fort Cherry won a thrilling shootout with Monessen 56-42 in a game that featured nearly 1000 yards of total offense. Rochester’s run-heavy offense has centered on the tandem of Antonio Laure (1047 rushing yards, 203 receiving yards, 20 total TDs) and Jerome Mullins (396 rushing yards, 452 receiving yards, 13 total TDs). Jayden Norman (343 yards, 2 TDs) stepped in at quarterback after a mid-season injury to starter Parker Lyons. Fort Cherry boasts freshman QB Matt Sieg who was the first freshman to join the elite 1000/1000 club. Sieg has thrown for 1179 yards and 10 TDs and run for 1751 yards and 32 TDs. He accounted for 6 total TDs in the opening round victory over Monessen. Ethan Faletto (733 yards, 11 TDs) and Nate Heirendt (586 yards, 5 TDs) have complemented Sieg in the Rangers rushing attack. On the outside, Shane Cornali (508 yards, 6 TDs) and Braydon Cook (427 yards, 5 TDs) are Sieg’s top receivers. There is some personal history to this game as Fort Cherry coach Tanner Gary played in the 2001 WPIAL Championship Game where the Rangers lost to Rochester.
