The WPIAL football season has entered the second half and all of the conferences are now in conference play. Last week saw two massive upsets with Shaler beating Woodland Hills and Laurel Highlands beating Thomas Jefferson. Both results were the first victories in school history over those respective opponents. No teams have clinched playoff spots yet. Last week Canon McMillan and North Allegheny could have clinched but the Big Macs fell to Central Catholic. There are 10 remaining undefeated teams and 13 winless teams as we enter the final third of the WPIAL season.
On this week’s edition of the WPIAL Blitz Show, we interviewed Laurel Highlands Head Coach Rich Kolesar after the Mustangs scored their first victory in school history over Thomas Jefferson!
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 two games. On Thursday night they have Frazier taking on Greensburg Central Catholic (who is coming off a victory over Clairton that makes the Centurions the presumptive favorites in the Eastern Conference). On Friday WMBS has a Fayette County showdown between Uniontown and Brownsville, two teams who have gone the independent route to rebuild their programs.
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 (1-1, 2-4) at North Allegheny (2-0, 5-1)
With just 5 teams in 6A this year, and the top four qualifying for the playoffs, every game matters between 6A teams. With Central Catholic’s win over Canon-McMillan last week, a five-way tie scenario is still in play (so if you like to root for chaos then Mt. Lebanon is your team this week). North Allegheny can clinch a playoff spot and prevent the five-way-tie from happening with a win. Both teams are coming off losses in rivalry games against 5A opponents as North Allegheny fell to Pine-Richland and Mt. Lebanon lost to Upper St. Clair. Mt. Lebanon has had to overcome some injuries this season but has battled in every game thanks to a tough defense. Offensively the Blue Devils are the lowest-scoring team in 6A at 17 points per game. Sophomore David Shields (560 yards, 5 TDs) took over the starting role after an injury. He has spread the ball around between Garrett Pavlick (302 yards, 1 TD), Michael Beiersdorf (107 yards, 4 TDs), and JP Walters (109 yards, 2 TDs). On the ground, Nathan Sala (208 yards, 1 TD) and Beckham Dee (202 yards, 3 TDs) have shared the workload. On the other hand, North Allegheny is 6A’s highest-scoring team at 30 points per game. The Tigers explosive offense starts with their passing game. Junior QB Logan Kushner (894 yards, 11 TDs) has found a groove with WR Khiryn Boyd (457 receiving yards, 104 rushing yards, 4 total TDs) for a dangerous combination. Andrew Gavlik (535 yards, 3 TDs) and Tyree Alualu (150 yards, 3 TDs) are both averaging about 6 yards per carry behind North Allegheny’s powerful line.
5A Games of the Week
Bethel Park (1-0, 5-1) at Upper St Clair (2-0, 6-0)
The winner of this game will have the inside track on the Allegheny Six Conference title and possibly one of the top seeds in 5A. Upper St Clair already has a win over Peters Twp while Bethel and Peters will play in Week 9. Bethel Park’s only setback this season was a hard-fought loss to Central Catholic and their resume has wins over Mt. Lebanon and Canon-McMillan. With Upper St Clair’s wins over Mt. Lebanon and Peters Twp, this game is not only for the top spot in the conference but also for the right to claim supremacy as the best team in the South Hills. The Black Hawks have a loaded group of playmakers all over the field, led by QB Tanner Pfeuffer (791 yards, 5 TDs, 6 rushing TDs). Ryan Petras has been the top offensive playmaker with 310 receiving yards, 254 rushing yards, and 8 total TDs. Leading rusher Austin Caye (463 rushing yards, 126 receiving yards, 5 total TDs) and change-of-pace back Gavin Moul (269 yards, 3 TDs) have both been significant factors in the offense. In addition to Petras and Caye, Dinari Clacks (225 yards, 2 TDs) and Aidan Currie (107 yards) have also contributed in the receiving game. Upper St Clair also has a balanced offensive attack that starts with dual-threat QB Julian Dahlem (674 passing yards, 12 TDs, 208 rushing yards, 3 TDs). Dahlem has an explosive group of playmakers around him, starting with Jamaal Brown (655 yards, 6 TDs) who averages over 8 yards per carry and has a unique combination of speed and power. On the outside, Dahlem’s favorite target has been Aidan Besselman (436 yards, 7 TDs). Jacob Hufnagel (129 yards, 2 TDs) and Cody Marn (127 yards, 3 TDs) have also been factors in the Panthers passing attack. The X-factor in this game might be USC kicker Bennett Henderson who is one of the best in the WPIAL.
Penn-Trafford (1-1, 4-2) at Gateway (2-1, 5-1)
This game has decided the conference title the last few seasons, but with both teams suffering setbacks early in conference play, now they are fighting for their playoff lives. Penn-Trafford fell to Hempfield who subsequently turned around and got thumped by Gateway 60-7 last week. Gateway lost their conference opener to Franklin Regional and narrowly eked by Plum before they beat Hempfield. Penn-Trafford has handed the keys of their offense to Temple-commit Conlan Greene. Greene will be a defensive end at the next level but has proven to be an dual-threat offensively, throwing for 846 yards and 7 TDs and running for 475 yards and 5 scores. His favorite targets on the outside have been Daniel Tarabrella (400 yards, 4 TDs) and Jacob Otto (155 yards, 2 TDs). Complementing Greene in the ground game is Tasso Whipple (325 yards, 4 TDs). Tommy Kalkstein has emerged as an all-around threat with 261 rushing yards, 144 receiving yards, and 2 total TDs). Gateway’s offense is built around their passing game and the arm of Brad Birch (1107 yards, 10 TDs). He has spread the ball around between Dallas Harper (354 yards, 6 TDs), Anez Jordan (246 yards, 4 TDs), and Leonard Sherrod (121 yards, 2 TDs). Leading rusher Jaquon Reynolds (354 yards, 4 TDs) has also been a factor in the receiving game with 129 yards. These teams have won three of the six WPIAL titles in the six-classification era, though interestingly Gateway has not defeated Penn-Trafford since 2018.
4A Game of the Week
Hampton (1-1, 3-3) at North Catholic (1-2, 3-3)
This game has heavy playoff implications. With four teams qualifying for the playoffs out of the Greater Allegheny Conference, the loser here will find themselves behind the eight ball with just three weeks left. The winner will have a chance to battle with Mars down the stretch for the third place spot in the conference. Hampton has a strong running game to rely on as five Talbots have run for over 100 yards this season. Brock Borgo (473 yards, 2 TDs) leads the way. Michael Morgano (152 yards, 6 TDs) has been the touchdown machine for Hampton. Adrian Midgley stepped in two weeks ago at quarterback and has thrown for 249 yards and 2 TDs. Benny Haselrig (271 yards, 6 TDs) leads the receiving corps. Eric Weeks is second on the team in rushing (281 yards) and receiving (189 yards), and tied for the team lead with 6 TDs. For North Catholic, most of their offense comes out of their backfield. Dual-threat QB Jason Siket has thrown for 506 yards and 4 TDs and run for 104 yards and 3 scores. Jack Fennell leads the team in rushing (369 yards), receiving (145 yards), and scoring (6 total TDs). Samir Ware (100 yards, 2 TDs) has also contributed on the ground for the Trojans behind their strong offensive line. Both teams come in looking to run the ball so this one will be a battle in the trenches all night.
3A Game of the Week
East Allegheny (1-0, 5-1) at Freeport (1-0, 5-1)
Conference play in the Allegheny Six just started last week and now we get a matchup between the top two teams in the conference. This game is oozing with conference title implications. The winner will have a clear path forward to claiming the crown as these are the only two Allegheny Six teams with winning records overall. The teams have been statistically similar this season, both averaging about 28 points per game and holding opponents to less than 20. East Allegheny’s loss came against Elizabeth Forward while Freeport fell to Armstrong. The Wildcats offense is led by QB Michael Cahill (560 yards, 6 TDs) who has also ran for 100 yards. East Allegheny’s ground game has been a combination of Lorenzo Fancher (119 yards) and Trey Jeter (118 yards) who have both scored twice. Freeport has a dual-threat quarterback at the helm in Gavin Croney (504 passing yards, 7 TDs, 210 rushing yards, 4 TDs). Ben Lane has been the Jackets primary playmaker, leading the team in rushing (383 yards), receptions (14 catches for 101 yards) and scoring (8 total TDs). In addition to Croney and Lane, Zach Clark (201 yards, 3 TDs) has flashed big play ability out of the backfield. On the outside, a pair of Bradys, Brady Sullivan (180 yards, 2 TDs) and Brady Stivenson (149 yards, 2 TDs) lead the receiving corps. Freeport is a hard-nosed defensive team so this game should be an absolute battle with the top spot in the Allegheny Six on the line.
2A Game of the Week
Washington (2-0, 5-1) at Sto-Rox (3-0, 3-2)
The winner will claim the top spot in the Century Conference. With Sto-Rox beating McGuffey last week, the Vikings would be all but ensured of a conference title with the victory. A Washington win would leave the door open for a three-way tie as they still have to play McGuffey. Washington is the highest-scoring team in 2A, averaging 52 points per game. Meanwhile, Sto-Rox has the best defense in the conference, holding opponents to 11 points per game. Sto-Rox’s offense has sputtered at times this season but is loaded with play-makers and is capable of scoring at any time. Washington has used Davoun Fuse all over the field this season, giving him increased time at quarterback the last few weeks where he has thrown for 377 yards and 8 TDs. Fuse also has racked up 303 rushing yards, 138 receiving yards, and scored 3 times. When Fuse isn’t at quarterback the job falls to Logan Carlisle (347 passing yards, 6 TDs, 168 rushing yards, 3 TDs). The Prexies have been excellent on the ground with a slew of rushers averaging over 8 yards per carry. In addition to Fuse and Carlisle, Zach Welsh (454 yards, 3 TDs) and Eddie Lewis (433 yards, 11 TDs) lead the way. Leading receiver Ruben Gordon (305 yards) has found the end zone 11 times in all phases of the game. Sto-Rox will be looking for splash plays through the air with the arm of Josh Jenkins (1067 yards, 10 TDs). The Vikings have a plethora of talent on the outside, led by the trio of Drevon Miller-Ross (345 receiving yards, 116 rushing yards, 5 total TDs), Zay Davis (340 yards, 3 TDs), and Jaymont Green-Miller (213 yards, 5 TDs). The Vikings offense is a pass-heavy attack but when they do run, Amere Hibbler (337 yards, 4 TDs) has been effective. The Vikings secret weapon this season has been the lightning-quick Diego Ellis who has over 130 yards of total offense and scored 6 times in multiple phases.
1A Game of the Week
Union (1-1, 4-2) at Rochester (2-1, 3-2)
Both of these teams have fallen to Laurel in the last two weeks and are battling in the middle of the Big Seven Conference to stay alive in the playoff race. Union has flown a bit under the radar this year, but does have a convincing victory over Cornell and took Laurel to overtime. Both teams lost non-conference games to two of the top 1A teams in the state with Union falling to Canton and Rochester losing to OLSH. Both teams are run-heavy outfits so this game will be won in the trenches. Union’s offense is led by dual-threat QB Braylon Thomas who has done most of his damage on the ground (637 yards, 5 TDs) but also been an efficient passer (281 yards, 3 TDs). Thomas has twice as many rushing attempts as passing attempts. Joining him in the backfield are Mike Gunn (256 yards, 5 TDs) and Mark Stanley (145 yards) who is averaging over 12 yards per carry. Rochester also uses a stable of backs who all average over 6 yards per carry. The Rams backs are also their leading receivers as nearly all of their offense comes from the backfield. Antonio Laure (402 rushing yards, 169 receiving yards, 12 total TDs) and Jerome Mullins (186 rushing yards, 365 receiving yards, 8 total TDs) lead the way for the Rams. Dual-threat QB Parker Lyons (432 passing yards, 4 TDs, 185 rushing yards, 2 TDs) missed last week’s game and Jayden Norman threw for 121 yards in relief.
California (1-2, 4-2) at West Greene (1-2, 1-5)
This is a massive game in the Tri-County South playoff race. With the top four teams qualifying, both California and West Greene have their playoff lives on the line. California has dropped two in a row, falling to Monessen and Mapletown, who are now the top two teams in the TCS. West Greene has lost to Monessen and Carmichaels (who is also in the playoff mix). California will face Carmichaels next week and West Greene will end their season with Mapletown, making this game a must-win for both teams to keep their playoff hopes alive. These are two high-scoring offenses with California averaging 43 points per game and West Greene putting up 29 per game. California has relied on dual-threat QB Jake Layhue (622 passing yards, 8 TDs, 528 rushing yards, 7 TDs) to lead their offense. The Trojans strong offensive line has cleared the way for Layhue, Spencer Petrucci (368 yards, 10 TDs), and Zach Geleti (344 yards, 3 TDs) who all average over 7 yards per carry. When the Trojans take to the air, Layhue’s favorite target is Caden Powell (324 yards, 5 TDs). West Greene boasts the WPIAL’s leading rusher Colin Brady who has run for 1315 yards and 17 TDs so far, averaging over 13 yards per carry. Brady has accounted for nearly all of the Pioneers offense. Cooper Chambers (141 yards, 1 TD) averages less than 3 pass attempts per game, but has primarily thrown to Seth Burns (119 yards, 2 TDs). When Brady needs a spell, it has been John Lampe (179 yards, 1 TD) that has stepped in. The problem for West Greene this year has been on defense where they allow 45 points per game. The Pioneers still have the offense to be competitive but need to find ways to get stops in order to keep their playoff hopes alive.
Inter-Classification Game of the Week
Pine-Richland (3-3) at Central Catholic (3-3)
These two teams had some epic battles over the years in 6A and met multiple times in WPIAL Championship games. Now with Pine-Richland in 5A they can no longer face off in the playoffs and have to settle for a non-conference regular season game to keep the rivalry alive. Both teams have had some ups and downs this season but seemingly turned things around last week. Central Catholic staved off a devastating loss to Canon-McMillan which would have put their playoff hopes on life support while Pine-Richland topped North Allegheny, who was unbeaten and atop the 6A standings. Pine-Richland had used both Kanan Huffman and Vaughn Spencer had played quarterback this season, but last week the Rams went back to Ryan Palmieri who started the later half of last season. Palmieri threw for 75 yards and 2 TDs and ran for 202 yards and 2 TDs. On the season, Palmieri has run for 454 yards and 5 TDs. Ethan Pillar (195 yards, 4 TDs) has also contributed in the ground game for the Rams. While Pine-Richland has taken a run-heavy approach this year, Central Catholic has relied on their passing game. Payton Wehner (1010 yards, 7 TDs) has spread the ball around between Vernon Settles (396 yards), Peter Gonzalez (146 yards, 2 TDs), and Bradley Gompers (120 yards, 1 TD). Central has traditionally had a strong rushing attack. This season Amari Shields (338 yards, 1 TD) and Elijah Faulkner (211 yards) have shared the workload for the Vikings.
