We have reached the halfway point in the WPIAL football season. With 5 weeks in the books and 5 games remaining, conference play is heating up and the playoff races are beginning to coalesce. Last week there were a number of close games and a few surprising results. Hempfield continued their hot start to the season and knocked off defending 5A State Champs Penn-Trafford. North Allegheny staked their claim as the top team in 6A with a win over Central Catholic and Upper St Clair won a physical defensive game over Peters Twp. In 4A, defending State Champs Aliquippa got all they could handle from West Allegheny. Clairton started the season 0-3 but has bounced back now that conference play has started and got a 20-13 win over a very good Leechburg team that was one of their top threats in the 1A Eastern Conference.

On this week’s edition of the WPIAL Blitz Show, we interviewed Upper St. Clair Head Coach Mike Junko to talk about the Panthers 5-0 start and the upcoming South Hills Showdown against Mt. Lebanon.

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 Thomas Jefferson. Both teams have conference wins over Latrobe. Laurel Highlands can put themselves in the mix for a home playoff game with a victory while Thomas Jefferson can set themselves up as the top challenger to McKeesport with a win.

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

Central Catholic (0-2, 2-3) at Canon-McMillan (1-1, 2-3)

One of the biggest surprises in the first half of 2022 is Central Catholic’s 0-2 start to conference play. With just two conference games remaining, the Vikings now find themselves in need of victories just to stay in the playoff hunt. Canon-McMillan is looking for their first win over Central Catholic since 1953. The Big Macs have a win over Seneca Valley already and another victory would clinch a playoff spot. A Canon-Mac win would also clinch a playoff spot for North Allegheny, who plays a non-conference game. Both teams have leaned on their passing games this season. Central Catholic’s offensive attack is led by Payton Wehner (822 yards, 5 TDs) who has spread the ball around between Vernon Settles (265 yards), Peter Gonzalez (143 yards, 2 TDs), and Gavin Stanek (105 yards, 1 TD). On the ground, Amari Shields (336 yards, 1 TD) and Elijah Faulkner (145 yards) have split the workload for the Vikings. Defensively, Anthony Speca is one of the top linebackers in the WPIAL. The Big Macs also have a dangerous passing attack with Mike Evans (886 yards, 10 TDs) throwing to big-play maker Austyn Minkleblech (463 yards, 8 TDs). On the ground, Jake Kasper (729 yards, 8 TDs) has been the workhorse back. With the opportunity to clinch a playoff spot and get their first win over Central Catholic in 69 years, this might be the biggest regular season game in Canonsburg in a long time.

5A Games of the Week

Gateway (1-1, 4-1) at Hempfield (1-0, 5-0)

Hempfield is one of the biggest stories in the WPIAL this season, moving down from 6A to 5A and running out to a 5-0 start. Last week the Spartans knocked off defending 5A State Champs Penn-Trafford as they started conference play. Gateway lost their conference opener to Franklin Regional, which would give Hempfield the inside track to the conference title if they are able to top the Gators. Gateway was considered one of the top contenders for the WPIAL title this season but have struggled to find consistency offensively, averaging under 20 points per game while Hempfield has lit up the scoreboard to the tune of 45 points per game. Gateway has a dangerous passing game with the talented Brad Birch (771 yards, 7 TDs) throwing to explosive receivers Dallas Harper (292 yards, 2 TDs) and Anez Jordan (115 yards, 1 TD). Gateway has leaned on their passing game, so Jaquon Reynolds (219 yards, 1 TD) hasn’t gotten a ton of work on the ground. Hempfield, on the other hand, has a balanced offensive attack, led by dual-threat QB Jake Phillips (1153 passing yards, 11 TDs, 248 rushing yard, 6 TDs). The Spartans have a plethora of talented receivers and Phillips has spread the ball around to 5 different players who all have over 100 receiving yards. Ian Tuffs (433 yards, 2 TDs) leads the way with Keiran Lippman (181 yards, 2 TDs), Daniel Katonka (172 yards, 4 TDs), and Anthony Vallano (159 yards, 2 TDs) all contributing. Gino Caesar has been the workhorse on the ground, running for 484 yards, adding 168 receiving yards, and scoring 11 times. Keep an eye out for two-way talent Eli Binakonsky who has contributed over 150 yards of total offense, has scored 4 times, and also is a force on defense and special teams.

Penn Hills (3-2) at Bethel Park (4-1)

This is a non-conference game that could be important for playoff seeding or even for one of the 5A Wild Card spots depending on how the final standings shake out. Penn Hills is 1-1 in the Northeast Conference while Bethel Park is 1-0 in the Allegheny Six. Both teams are contenders for their respective conference titles but still have hard games ahead. Penn Hills’ offense has been centered around Amir Key who has run for 692 yards, leads the team with 127 yards and scored 10 times. Dual-threat QB Julian Dugger has thrown for 606 yards and 6 TDs and run for 311 yards and 1 TD. The Indians also have an excellent secondary with D1 recruits in Raion Strader and Cameron Thomas. Bethel Park has leaned on their ground game and the trio of Austin Caye (463 yards, 5 TDs), Gavin Moul (164 yards, 2 TDs) and Ryan Petras who leads the team in receiving (270 yards), is second in rushing (171 yards) and has scored 6 times. Quarterback Tanner Pfeuffer has had a solid season, throwing for 706 yards and 5 TDs, primarily to Petras and Dinari Clacks (225 yards, 2 TDs). This is a good non-conference matchup between playoff-caliber teams as they prepare for the stretch run in conference play.

4A Games of the Week

Mars (1-0, 4-1) at Highlands (2-0, 5-0)

A collision of storylines as Mars and Highlands battle for the top spot in the Greater Allegheny Conference. Both teams have new head coaches this season that have led them to excellent starts. Mars hired Eric Kasperowicz this offseason while Highlands brought in Matt Bonislawski. We were fortunate enough to interview both of them on episodes of the WPIAL Blitz Show this season. Mars has gone a complete offensive reinvention this year, moving from their traditional run-heavy approach to the Kasperowicz pass-oriented offense. Eric Kasperowicz Jr has taken the helm at quarterback, throwing for 581 yards and 6 TDs and added 185 yards and 5 TDs on the ground. The Planets have still been strong on the ground with Evan Wright running for 628 yards and 10 TDs. Highlands has a four-year starter at quarterback in Chandler Thimons (401 passing yards, 5 TDs, 271 rushing yards, 1 TD). The Rams have balanced their offense with their ground game. Luke Bombalski (624 yards, 9 TDs) and Julius Saunders (140 yards) have both averaged over 6 yards per carry. On the outside, Landan Signorella (148 yards, 2 TDs) has been the top receiver. The X-factor in this game might be Highlands DE/TE Daniel Long, who has D1 offers and can absolutely wreck an offense with his pass-rushing ability.

Latrobe (0-2, 2-3) at Trinity (1-1, 2-3)

This is an important game in the Big Seven Conference playoff race. In fact, this game may decide which team earns the fourth and final playoff spot. With McKeesport and Thomas Jefferson looking like the clear favorites, Laurel Highlands topped Latrobe last week to put themselves firmly in the conversation. Trinity has had a strong start to the year and would all but eliminate Latrobe with a win. For the Wildcats, their 0-2 start makes this a must-win game for their playoff chances. Latrobe’s offense revolves almost entirely on their rushing attack. Robert Fulton had a hot start to the season and has put up 870 yards and 12 TDs as the centerpoint of the Wildcats offense. Fulton has been so good that QB John Wetzel has more rushing attempts (166 yards, 1 TD) than passing attempts (190 yards, 1 TD). Trinity’s offense also centers on their rushing attack and the tandem of Andrew Durig (287 yards, 4 TDs) and Joey Hello (199 yards, 1 TD). Like Latrobe, Trinity hasn’t thrown much this year, but when they do Jonah Williamson (304 yards, 2 TDs) has been efficient with the ball.

3A Game of the Week

Avonworth (2-0, 4-1) at West Mifflin (1-0, 2-3)

This is a game for the top spot in the Western Hills Conference. With West Mifflin’s overtime win over Beaver last week, the Titans set themselves up as the top challengers to Avonworth. The Lopes have a balanced offensive attack and a stingy defense that has held opponents under 14 points per game. Nate Harper (682 yards, 7 TDs) has been effective through the air, throwing to the trio of Andrew Kuban (207 yards, 2 TDs), Peyton Faulkner (171 yards, 3 TDs), and Austin Johncour (144 yards, 1 TD). On the ground, Luke Hilyard (516 yards, 10 TDs) has been the workhorse back, averaging over 7 yards per carry. West Mifflin’s offense is built around their ground game. Last week, DelRon White was our WPIAL Blitz Player of the Week for his 200-yard 4 TD performance against Beaver. In addition to White, Shai Newby has found the end zone twice on the ground to go with two passing touchdowns.

2A Games of the Week

Sto-Rox (2-0, 2-2) at McGuffey (2-0, 4-1)

The top spot in the Century Conference is on the line between Sto-Rox and McGuffey, two teams with very different offensive styles. Sto-Rox likes to throw the ball all over the yard while McGuffey runs a triple-option run-heavy offense. Sto-Rox’s explosive offense is led by QB Josh Jenkins (819 yards, 9 TDs) who recently surpassed 4,000 career yards. The Vikings have one of the most explosive groups of receivers in the entire WPIAL with Drevon Miller-Ross (295 yards, 5 TDs), Zay Davis (268 yards, 3 TDs), and Jaymont Green-Miller (213 yards, 5 TDs) all averaging over 21 yards per catch. Amere Hibbler (224 yards, 4 TDs) has led the way on the ground while lightning-quick Diego Ellis has found the end zone 5 times between offense, defense, and special teams. McGuffey, on the other hand, wants to run the ball and has 5 players with over 100 yards on the season. Kyle Brookman leads the way with 399 rushing yards, 131 receiving yards, and 10 total TDs. Dual-threat QB Philip McCuen has more rushing attempts (236 yards, 5 TDs) than passing attempts (412 yards, 6 TDs) but has been effective through the air, throwing to Brrokman and Tristan McAdoo (212 yards, 3 TDs). Ethan Dietrich (187 yards, 4 TDs), Dylan Droboj (107 yards, 3 TDs), and Connor Crowe (100 yards, 1 TD) have also been factors in the Highlanders rushing attack.

Riverside (2-0, 3-1) at Beaver Falls (2-0, 4-1)

One of the pleasant surprises of this season is Riverside’s 2-0 start to conference play. The Panthers 3 wins this year has equaled their total from the last two seasons combined. The winner here will take command atop the Midwestern Conference and have the clear inside track to the conference title. Riverside’s resurgence has come through their ground game thanks to Robert Janis (596 yards, 8 TDs). Dual-threat QB Sam Hughes has contributed through the air (369 yards, 3 TDs) and on the ground (165 yards, 2 TDs). Beaver Falls also has a dual-threat QB and a run-heavy offense, but the Tigers have been able to spread the ball around. Dual-threat QB Jaren Brickner leads the way with 545 passing yards and 3 TDs and 373 rushing yards and 6 TDs. His primary targets on the outside have been Trey Singleton (192 receiving yards, 118 rushing yards, 2 total TDs) and Da’Sean Anderson (173 yards, 2 TDs). On nthe ground, in addition to Brickner and Singleton, Brixx Rawl (218 yards, 2 TDs), Drey Hall (213 yards, 3 TDs), and Michael Blackshear (134 yards, 1 TD) have all been factors in the run game.

1A Game of the Week

Rochester (2-0, 3-1) at Laurel (1-0, 3-1)

An early-season battle at the top of the Big Seven Conference. These two teams, along with South Side Beaver, are the only unbeatens in conference play through just a few games. Rochester and Laurel have a long history and both teams are run-heavy squads which should make for a hard-nosed battle. Nearly all of Rochester’s offense comes from their backfield and the Rams have four players with over 100 rushing yards and averaging at least 7 yards per carry. Antonio Laure leads the team in rushing (354 yards), is second in receiving (146 yards) and leads the team in scoring (11 total TDs). Quarterback Parker Lyons has thrown for 432 yards and 4 TDs and run for 185 yards and 2 scores. Jerome Mullins has run for 128 yards and leads the team in receiving with 267 yards and has scored 6 times. Laurel is also a run-heavy offense led by Landon Smith’s 574 yards and 10 TDs. Quarterback Chase Tintsman has thrown for 434 yards and 3 TDs and run for 149 yards and 6 scores. The Spartans leading receiver is Carter Haney (312 yards, 3 TDs).

Clairton (2-0, 2-3) at GCC (1-0, 3-2)

This game will determine the outright lead in the Eastern Conference. These teams have taken very different trajectories to reach this showdown. Clairton got off to a bumpy 0-3 start but rebounded to thump Riverview and edge Leechburg last week. Dual-threat QB Capone Jones has thrown for 394 yards and 2 TDs and run for 186 yards and 2 more scores. The Bears have found success on the ground this year with the trip of Donte Wright (260 yards, 4 TDs), Drahcir Jones (224 yards, 1 TD), and Michael Ruffing (179 yards, 2 TDs). On the outside, Martin Lawrence (130 yards, 2 TDs) has been explosive with the ball in his hands when the Bears have taken to the air. GCC has not played a close game all season. In their three victories, the Centurions have put up at least 56 points and won by at least 19 points in every game. In their two losses they have fallen by 16 and 28, giving up 30+ both times. GCC has a balanced offensive attack with Tyree Turner’s arm (766 yards, 11 TDs) and Da’sjon Craggette’s legs (498 yards, 6 TDs). GCC has a talented receiving corps led by Nate Dlugos (223 yards, 5 TDs) and Amari Mack (215 yards, 7 TDs). Samir Crosby has done a little bit of everything for the Centurions with 200 rushing yards, 222 receiving yards, 7 total TDs and has even thrown 2 TD passes in a handful of attempts. Jaydin Canady is also a multi-talented player to watch with 162 rushing yards, 161 receiving yards and 5 total TDs.

Inter-Classification Games of the Week

North Allegheny (5-0) at Pine-Richland (2-3)

These bitter rivals are no longer in a conference together since Pine-Richland moved down to 5A in 2020. That hasn’t caused the hate to subside and this should be another epic matchup between the Tigers and Rams. North Allegheny has been stout defensively, holding teams under 10 points per game. Offensively, Logan Kushner (815 yards, 9 TDs) has keyed the Tigers passing attack, primarily throwing to the talented Khiryn Boyd (447 yards, 4 TDs). On the ground, Andrew Gavlik (457 yards, 3 TDs) and Tyree Alualu (154 yards, 3 TDs) have shared the workload. Pine-Richland has convincing wins over Kiski and Fox Chapel but has fallen to Penn Hills and Seneca Valley, along with an out-of-state opponent from Ohio. The Rams have deployed both Kanan Huffman (209 yards, 1 TD) and Vaughn Spencer (167 yards, 1 TD) at quarterback this season. Ryan Palmieri (259 yards, 5 TDs) has led the rushing attack with the tandem of Andrew Mellis (114 yards) and Niko Andrews (109 yards) leading the way on the outside.

Upper St Clair (5-0) at Mt. Lebanon (2-3)

The South Hills Showdown between Mt. Lebanon and Upper St Clair has been preserved as a non-conference game during the six-classification era since these teams are no longer conference foes. Mt. Lebanon took it to their rivals to the south last year en route to a perfect season and a 6A State Championship. This year, the Blue Devils have had to replace nearly all of their starters and battled through injuries while Upper St Clair is the top-ranked teams in 5A and is out for revenge. The Panthers have installed sophomore Julian Dahlem (460 passing yards, 10 TDs, 167 rushing yards, 3 TDs) at quarterback and have an experienced offense around him. Senior Jamaal Brown (583 yards, 5 TDs) is the leading rusher, averaging over 9 yards per carry while fellow senior Aidan Besselman (342 yards, 6 TDs) leads the receiving corps. The Panthers also have one of the best kickers in the WPIAL in Bennett Henderson. Mt. Lebanon also has a sophomore at quarterback in David Shields (513 yards, 5 TDs). Nathan Sala (178 yards, 1 TD) and Beckham Dee (164 tards, 2 TDs) have shared the workload in the backfield. On the outside, Garrett Pavlick (302 yards, 1 TD) and JP Walters (100 yards, 2 TDs) are the top receivers. Michael Beiersdorf has found the end zone four times, including on a pick-six against Central Catholic that put Mt. Lebanon within striking distance in the fourth quarter.