We have three games in the books in this young WPIAL season, and for most teams that means the start of conference play. Conference standings are determined solely by performance in conference games and playoff qualification is based entirely on the conference standings. These games the rest of the way will matter more as teams see their playoff hopes rise and fall. Only two conferences – the 3A Allegheny Six and the 3A Interstate – will not begin conference play until Week 5. The other 15 conferences will all have at least one conference game on the weekly slate for the remainder of the season.
Last week was a historic week in the WPIAL as three of the five longest losing streaks came to an end. Ellwood City’s 27-game streak (the longest in the WPIAL) ended with a 46-6 mercy rule over Carlynton. Summit Academy, the school with complete roster turnover every year that did not score a point through two games, beat Springdale 18-14 and ended their 14-game losing streak. Finally, Canon-McMillan topped Seneca Valley to end a 7-game losing streak, the fifth-longest in the WPIAL. The longest droughts now belong to Frazier and Derry at 12 games. On this week’s episode of the WPIAL Blitz Show, we interviewed Hempfield Head Coach Mike Brown who is off to a 3-0 start this season. This is Hempfield’s first 3-0 start since 2016 and if they can top Shaler this week would make for their first 4-0 start since 1971.
This year, our WPIAL coverage is proudly presented by Sports Solutions Marketing. The Sports Solutions network provides pay per view hosting and broadcasting for high school sporting events. More information is available via EasternPAFootball.com.
I will once again be doing a pregame spot on WMBS Radio. You can listen to the show here, starting at 6pm on Friday. This weekend, WMBS will be broadcasting Laurel Highlands taking on McKeesport in the Big Seven Conference opener. McKeesport is rolling after beating powerhouses Penn-Trafford and Belle Vernon the last two weeks. Laurel Highlands bounced back from a loss to Belle Vernon by thumping Kiski last week. Check out the full game preview below.
Be sure to keep tabs on our WPIAL Standings Page for updated standings and playoff clinchings and follow our WPIAL Twitter account @WPIAL_Blitz and check out our WPIAL Blitz Facebook Page.
6A Game of the Week
Mt. Lebanon (1-2) at Central Catholic (2-1)
Both teams will start their conference schedules with a rematch of the WPIAL 6A Championship Game from last season. Mt. Lebanon got off to a bit of a rocky start in their title defense, losing to 5A favorites Gateway then falling to neighbors Bethel Park in overtime. Last week, Bethel Park gave Central Catholic all they could handle, battling the Vikings until a late pick-six turned the tide. Mt. Lebanon got back on the right track with a thrashing of Moon last week. The Blue Devils have turned to sophomore David Shields at quarterback (331 yards, 4 TDs). His primary target has been Garrett Pavlick (205 yards, 1 TD) while Mike Beiersdorf has found the end zone 3 times. The workload on the ground has been shared between Nathan Sala (139 yards, 1 TD) and Beckham Dee (128 yards, 1 TD). Central Catholic was traditionally a run-heavy team, but have taken a balanced approach to their offensive attack this year with the talented Payton Wehner (522 yards, 3 TDs) at quarterback. Amari Shields (297 yards, 1 TD) has been the primary workhorse out of the backfield for the Vikings. On the outside, Vernon Settles (145 yards,) is the top receiver in a group that has seen 11 different players catch passes this season. Central is also stacked with talent on defense, led by junior LB Anthony Speca who is one of the top linebackers in the WPIAL. Also keep an eye out for sophomore CB Xxavier Thomas who turned heads last year with an outstanding freshman season.
5A Game of the Week
South Fayette (2-1) at Peters Twp (3-0)
The Allegheny Six Conference is off to one of the hottest starts in the WPIAL this season. Upper St Clair and Peters Twp are 3-0 with Bethel Park and South Fayette close behind at 2-1. With only two teams per conference guaranteed a playoff spot in 5A, this should make for a great race over the rest of the season. South Fayette had been a dominant program in AA prior to six classes then in 4A at the beginning of the six class era. The Lions have fallen back to the middle of the pack since moving up to 5A but are still a dangerous team. Meanwhile, Peters Twp is amidst their best run in program history. The Indians reached back-to-back WPIAL title games in 2019 and 2020. Both teams like to throw the ball. Peters Twp’s Chris Cibrone (884 yards, 10 TDs) is the second-leading passer in the WPIAL. Cibrone’s primary target has been Brendan McCullough who is third in the WPIAL with 395 yards and 4 TDs. Carter Shanafelt (144 yards, 4 TDs) has been a touchdown machine for the Indians. In addition to the explosive arm of Chris Cibrone, Peters also has a quality runner in Rich Woods (341 yards, 6 TDs) who is averaging over 7 yards per carry. South Fayette has used both Drew Welhorsky (210 yards, 3 TDs) and Nico Lamonde (135 yards, 1 TD) at quarterback this season. On the ground, the Lions have also split the workload between Christian Brandi (109 yards) and Nate Deanees (105 yards, 2 TDs). In the passing game, Dom Monz (152 yards, 1 TD) has been the top receiver.
4A Games of the Week
McKeesport (3-0) at Laurel Highlands (2-1)
The Big Seven Conference schedule starts with a bang. McKeesport is off to a stellar start to the season with wins over Penn-Trafford and Belle Vernon. Laurel Highlands is coming off a season where they won their first playoff game in school history. Bobbie Boyd has been an all-around star for the Tigers. He has 439 yards and 6 TDs on offense along with 4 interceptions (including a pick-six) on defense. Quarterback Jahmil Perryman has twice as many rushing attempts as passing, and has run for 220 yards and 1 TD and thrown for 180 yards and 1 TD. McKeesport’s triple-option wishbone attack is difficult to defend and will test the Mustangs defense. Laurel Highlands also has a bona fide star in West Virginia-commit Rodney Gallagher. He started the season at receiver, which will likely be his college position, but moved back to quarterback against Belle Vernon and has stayed there. Gallagher played quarterback last year and joined the elite 1000/1000 club and already has thrown for 394 yards and 5 TDs and run for 106 yards. He has found the end zone 7 times overall between rushing, receiving, and defense. Gallagher’s favorite target is his basketball teammate Keondre DeShields (308 yards, 3 TDs) who has the size to out-leap anyone down the field. Antwan Black (132 yards, 3 TDs) has averaged over 8 yards per carry beside Gallagher in the backfield.
North Catholic (2-1) at Highlands (3-0)
North Catholic has the longest conference winning streak in the WPIAL and has not lost to a conference opponent since 2018. The Trojans have won 25 straight conference games, but moved up to 4A this season and have a new challenge ahead of them in the Greater Allegheny Conference. Highlands is off to a 3-0 start with four-year starter Chandler Thimons at quarterback. Thimons has thrown for 207 yards and 4 TDs and run for 170 yards and a score. He has a solid backfield counterpart in Luke Bombalski (313 yards, 6 TDs). North Catholic has leaned on their ground game this season. Junior Jack Fennell has been lightning in a bottle, running for 171 yards, leading the team with 58 receiving yards, and scoring twice. Samir Ware (100 yards, 2 TDs) and Chase Arrington (86 yards, 1 TD) have also been factors in the Trojans rushing attack. Quarterback Jason Siket has averaged just 11 attempts per game and thrown for 141 yards and 1 TD. An interesting sub-plot to this game revolves around talented TE/DE Daniel Long who played at North Catholic last year and transferred to Highlands this season. Long has 4 sacks and a pick-six already this season.
3A Game of the Week
Beaver (2-1) at South Park (1-2)
Conference play in the Western Hills kicks off with a big matchup that could be a determining factor in the playoff race. Beaver has played in tight games all year against County rivals with a loss to Western Beaver and wins over Beaver Falls and Freedom. South Park rebounded from losses to East Allegheny and Keystone Oaks to beat Brentwood last week. Beaver’s offensive attack was run-heavy last year but now leans on their passing game. Isaac Pupi has thrown for 349 yards and 5 TD, primarily targeting Gerrell Leeper (151 yards, 2 TDs). Liam Gibson leads the ground game with 187 yards and 1 TD. South Park is more of a run-heavy attack, led by Eric Doerue’s 439 yards and 3 TDs, which ranks in the top 15 in the WPIAL. In the passing game, Harper Conroy has thrown for 276 yards and 2 TDs.
2A Game of the Week
Burrell (3-0) at Serra Catholic (2-1)
Serra Catholic is the defending WPIAL Champions and are coming off a victory over Washington (who some outlets had ranked as the top team in 2A). Serra is absolutely a contender to defend their title this season with their only loss coming against 4A North Catholic. Serra’s defense, which came up huge in the playoffs last year, once again came up with timely turnovers and stops in their win over Washington last week. Burrell is off to a 3-0 start and has already matched their win total from last season as they open conference play against Serra. The Eagles offense has flown on the wings of their passing attack. Both Quadir Stribling and Elijah Ward have spent time at quarterback this year. Stribling has thrown for 440 yards and 2 TDs. Ward has been an all-around star for Serra on both offense and defense at safety. Offensively, Elijah Ward has thrown for 338 yards and 3 TDs, run for 118 yards and 2 TDs, and added 220 yards and 1 TD as a receiver. Amire Spencer (357 yards, 2 TDs) is the top receiver while Mike Schanck (171 yards, 4 TDs) is the Eagles leading rusher and a stellar defensive end. Burrell’s 3-0 start has come against Jeannette, Deer Lakes, and neighboring rival Valley. The Bucs have leaned heavily on their ground game. Devin Beattie has led the way with 357 yards and 5 TDs. Mason Jones (206 yards, 1 TD) and Antonio Cook (137 yards) have also been factors in the ground game for Burrell.
Neshannock (3-0) at Western Beaver (3-0)
Two undefeated teams kick off conference play on Saturday afternoon. Both teams have been impressive this season with Neshannock breaking the 40-point mark in all three outings. Western Beaver has topped Beaver and Hopewell, two teams from higher classifications. Neshannock unfortunately lost RB Peyton Weaver to injury in Week 1, which has put the onus of the offense on dual-threat QB Jonny Huff. So far Huff has thrown for 205 yards and run for 616 yards and 6 TDs. Matt Ionilli (115 rushing yards, 83 receiving yards, 4 total TDs) has taken on a bigger role in the offense since Weaver’s injury. Western Beaver also boasts a dual-threat QB in Xander LeFebvre who has thrown for 429 yards and 6 TDs and run for 120 yards and 3 scores. His favorite target is Dorian McGhee (316 yards, 5 TDs). In the backfield, Tyson Florence (285 yards, 3 TDs) makes for a formidable tandem with LeFebvre. Both of these teams have been strong offensively this season but this game may come down to which defense is able to get a stop in a key moment.
1A Game of the Week
Chartiers-Houston (3-0) at Fort Cherry (2-1)
Conference play in 1A kicks off this week. Long-term, the most important matchup may be this one in the Black Hills Conference. With Bishop Canevin and OLSH among the favorites to contend for the WPIAL title, this game between Chartiers-Houston and Fort Cherry will have significant playoff implications down the road. Chartiers-Houston has started the season with three wins over Tri-County South opponents. The Bucs have a trio of backs that have led the ground game. Zeke Watkins (321 yards, 4 TDs), Nathan Cavallo (219 yards, 3 TDs), and Jessie Orbin (130 yards, 1 TD) have all been factors. The combination of QB Terry Fetsko (330 yards, 6 TDs) throwing to WR Jake Mele (212 yards, 8 total TDs) has been the key to the Bucs passing attack. Fort Cherry’s offense runs through dual-threat QB Matt Sieg who has thrown for 481 yards and 5 TDs and run for 309 yards and 7 TDs. Fort Cherry’s line has paved the way for Sieg, Nate Heirendt (260 yards, 3 TDs) and Ethan Faletto (163 yards, 4 TDs) who are all averaging over 6 yards per carry. On the outside, Sieg has spread the ball around between a talented tandem of receivers in Shane Cornali (207 yards, 1 TD) and Braydon Cook (176 yards, 3 TDs).
Inter-Classification Games of the Week
Penn-Trafford (2-1) at Belle Vernon (1-1)
This is the marquee matchup in the WPIAL this week. Two teams that played at Heinz Field last fall – Penn-Trafford winning the 5A Championship and Belle Vernon coming up short in the 4A title game. This year, Belle Vernon has moved down to 3A and is one of the top-ranked teams in the state. Both teams lost games to McKeesport but have been convincing in their wins. Penn-Trafford has opened up their passing game this season with Temple D-line commit Conlan Greene playing quarterback. Greene has thrown for 569 passing yards and 4 TDs and run for 140 yards and 3 scores. His favorite target has been Daniel Tarabella (302 yards, 2 TDs). On the ground, Tasso Whipple (146 yards, 2 TDs) has provided a change of pace, averaging nearly 10 yards per carry. Belle Vernon has a bona fide star in junior RB Quinton Martin. Martin has 3 TDs through two games so far and already has offers from nearly every major college. Braden Laux has been installed at quarterback and thrown for 212 yards and run for 66 yards and 2 TDs. Chase Ruokonen (175 yards, 1 TD) has been a big threat on the outside.
GCC (2-1) at Washington (2-1)
This game features a matchup of a top five team in 2A (Washington) taking on a top five team in 1A (GCC). Washington is coming off a 1-point loss to defending 2A Champions Serra Catholic but has convincing wins over Monessen and Clairton. GCC scored in the 50s in victories over Mt Pleasant and West Greene but lost to defending 1A Champions Bishop Canevin. This game has all the makings of a shootout between two explosive offenses. GCC has a balanced offensive attack led by QB Tyree Turner (450 yards, 6 TDs). Samir Crosby has been an all-around threat with 175 receiving yards, 157 rushing yards, and 3 total TDs. Da’sjon Craggette (271 yards, 4 TDs) leads the ground game while Nate Dlugos (131 yards, 2 TDs) and Amari Mack (112 yards, 3 TDs) have been explosive receivers for the Centurions. Washington also has a strong ground game with the tandem of Eddie Lewis (270 yards, 6 TDs) and Zach Welsh (162 yards, 1 TD). Through the air, Logan Carlisle (332 yards, 5 TDs) has exceptional targets in Davoun Fuse (138 yards, 1 TD) and Ruben Gordon (125 yards, 6 total TDs – including returns).
