The WPIAL football season has entered the home stretch. With three weeks remaining, playoff races have begun to take shape. Last week saw North Allegheny, McKeesport, Central Valley, and Avonworth clinch playoff spots. More teams will have the opportunity to clinch this week. This week’s schedule has just one game where the top spot in the conference is on the line. There are many more games on the slate that while not mathematical elimination games, will likely decide which teams will make the playoffs out of their respective conferences. This week’s non-conference slate features a number of games between rivals, including Central Catholic-Penn Hills, Seneca Valley-North Hills, Mt Lebanon-Peters Twp, and North Catholic-Avonworth. The playoff pictures will certainly become clearer after this week’s games as we head into the final two games. We also saw our first cancellation of the 2022 season as Avella forfeit to OLSH due to injuries reducing their roster down to 12 players.

On this week’s edition of the WPIAL Blitz Show, we interviewed Bethel Park Head Coach Brian DeLallo! Bethel Park topped 5A #1 Upper St Clair in a matchup of neighboring rivals. The Black Hawks now have commanding control of the Allegheny Six Conference.

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 Trinity. These two have played a number of tight games over the last few seasons, usually with a playoff spot on the line. This season, with Laurel Highlands’ victory over Thomas Jefferson (for the first time in school history!) the Mustangs are in position to host a playoff game for just the second time ever if they can win out.

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 Playoff Scenarios

There are no 6A conference games this week. With only 5 teams in 6A, the top four will make the playoffs. North Allegheny has clinched a playoff spot. Next week, Seneca Valley faces Central Catholic and the winner will clinch a playoff spot. In Week 9, the winner of the Mt. Lebanon-Canon McMillan game will clinch a playoff spot.

5A Game of the Week

Hempfield (1-1, 5-2) at Franklin Regional (3-0, 4-2)

With only 8 teams making the playoffs in 5A this season, only the top two in each conference are guaranteed a spot. This game has massive playoff implications in the Big East Conference. Franklin Regional’s Week 3 upset over Gateway has put the Panthers in the driver’s seat in the conference. A Panthers win on Friday would clinch playoff spots for both Franklin Regional and Gateway and would clinch Franklin Regional’s first conference title since 2013. Hempfield has dropped two in a row since their historic 5-0 start. The Spartans need a win to keep their hopes of making the playoffs for the first time since 2016 alive. Hempfield’s resurgence has been led by dual-threat QB Jake Phillips who has thrown for 1171 yards and 11 TDs and run for 263 yards and 6 scores. On the ground, Gino Caesar has put up over 500 yards and 12 TDs. The Spartans have a slew of talented receivers in Ian Tuffs (441 yards, 2 TDs), Daniel Katonka (230 yards, 5 TDs), and Anthony Vallano (209 yards, 2 TDs). The X-Factor is jack-of-all-trades Eli Binakonsky who has contributed on the ground, through the air, and on defense and scored 4 TDs. Franklin Regional is also led by a dual-threat QB but has more of a run-heavy attack. Roman Sarnic has thrown for 649 yards and 7 TDs and run for 535 yards and 8 TDs. Zach Bewszka (687 yards, 7 TDs) complements Sarnic in the backfield. On the outside, nearly all of Sarnic’s passes have gone the way of Ayden Hudock (510 yards, 9 TDs).

Pine-Richland (1-1, 4-3) at Shaler (1-1, 4-3)

The 5A Northeast Conference is still wide open. Five of the six teams currently sit with just one loss in conference play. This game is not quite an elimination game, but the winner will set themselves up well in the playoff race down the stretch. Regardless of the result, a 5-way tie is still a possibility. Two weeks ago, Pine-Richland moved Ryan Palmieri from running back to quarterback. Palmieri had played quarterback last season in relief of the injured Cole Boyd, and the Rams offense has flourished with him at the helm. The last two weeks Pine-Richland has knocked off former 6A rivals North Allegheny and Central Catholic. Shaler’s defense, which is allowing 31 points per game, is going to have to step up big time in order to slow down the Rams offensive attack. With Palmieri moving back to quarterback, Andrew Mellis and Niko Andrews have been the primary targets on the outside. Shaler scored a historic win over Woodland Hills two weeks ago. Keegan Smetanka has thrown for 1466 yards and 15 TDs and is one of the top QBs in 5A. He has spread the ball around between Joe DeSabato (550 yards, 8 TDs), Kaden Orga (372 yards, 4 TDs), and Brandon London (321 yards, 3 TDs). On the ground, Luke Cignetti (818 yards, 12 TDs) has been the workhorse and is averaging 7.4 yards per carry.

5A Playoff Scenarios

Franklin Regional clinches the Big East Conference title and playoff spot with a win over Hempfield
Gateway plays a non-conference game but clinches a playoff spot if Franklin Regional beats Hempfield

4A Game of the Week

Mars (2-1, 5-2) at Armstrong (3-0, 6-1)

This game is for the right to challenge Highlands for the top spot in the Greater Allegheny Conference. Armstrong and Highlands are both undefeated in conference play and will face off next week with the conference title on the line. A win by the Riverhawks would put them in position to have next week’s game decide the conference title. Mars needs a win over Armstrong then for the Riverhawks to beat Highlands in order to share the title three ways. Mars also needs a win to solidify their playoff positioning as a loss would put them in danger of having to battle North Catholic and Hampton over the final two weeks in order to secure a playoff berth. The headliner in this game is a battle of two of the top QBs in 4A. Armstrong’s Cadin Olsen has thrown for 1696 yards and 24 TDs, nearly doubling Mars’ Eric Kasperowicz Jr’s numbers of 964 yards and 12 TDs. Kasperowicz has spread the ball around between Gabe Hein (352 yards, 6 TDs), Adam Rohrbaugh (132 yards, 2 TDs), and Aiden Alessio (126 yards). Mars has been able to balance their offensive attack with a ground game led by Evan Wright (907 yards, 12 TDs). For Armstrong, Olsen has proven to be a threat on the ground as well, adding 306 yards and 3 TDs. His favorite target has been his brother, Ian Olsen (566 yards, 4 TDs), while Isaiah Brown (377 yards, 7 TDs) has been a touchdown machine. Kyan Kline (317 yards, 3 TDs) has also been a factor in the receiving game for the Riverhawks. On the ground, Alex Patton (535 yards, 1 TD) leads the way for an Armstrong team looking to challenge for the Conference Title. Both of these teams average about 36 points per game so this will come down to which defense is able to get stops.

Montour (2-2, 3-4) at Chartiers Valley (1-3, 1-6)

Chartiers Valley got their first win of the season last week, defeating New Castle. In doing so, the Colts kept their very dim playoff hopes alive. This game is an elimination game for Char Valley. If Montour loses they would still potentially have a chance to force a three-way tie if they could beat Blackhawk next week, but the Spartans can wrap up a spot with a win this week. Both teams are averaging under 20 points per game and haven’t been incredibly productive offensively. Montour has gotten this far thanks to their defense, which holds opponents under 20 per game. Chartiers Valley has allowed nearly 35 points per game and will need to tighten up down the stretch if they are going to contend for a playoff spot. Montour’s offense is led by QB Jake Wolfe (835 yards, 7 TDs). His leading receiver is Keino Fitzpatrick (336 yards, 3 TDs) but Daniel Batch (317 yards, 5 TDs) has been the big-play maker of the offense. Out of the backfield, Brock Janeda (345 yards, 3 TDs) has shouldered the load. Chartiers Valley has a Penn State-commit in WR/DB Lamont Payne (398 yards, 2 TDs). Payne has been the primary receiver for Gavin Owens (885 yards, 5 TDs). Austin Efthimiades (387 yards, 6 TDs) has balanced the Colts offensive attack on the ground.

4A Playoff Scenarios

McKeesport has clinched a playoff spot
Central Valley has clinched a playoff spot
Highlands clinches a playoff spot with a win over Kiski AND if Indiana beats Hampton
Armstrong clinches a playoff spot with a win over Mars AND if Indiana beats Hampton
Aliquippa clinches a playoff spot with a win over New Castle OR if Chartiers Valley loses to Montour
West Allegheny clinches a playoff spot with a win over Blackhawk AND a Chartiers Valley loss
Montour clinches a playoff spot with a win over Chartiers Valley

3A Game of the Week

East Allegheny (1-1, 5-2) at Deer Lakes (2-0, 4-3)

Deer Lakes has only made the playoffs twice in their school history and have never won a conference title. Two weeks ago they stopped a two-point conversion by Knoch at the end of the game to secure a 1-point win. Last week, the Lancers scored a fourth-quarter touchdown to beat Valley 7-2. Those two wins will likely be enough to get Deer Lakes into the playoffs for the third time ever. But if Deer Lakes could beat East Allegheny this week, they could put themselves in position to potentially challenge Freeport for the conference title. East Allegheny lost to Freeport last week and will be looking for a win to solidify their playoff contention. East Allegheny’s offense runs through QB Michael Cahill (664 yards, 6 TDs). Lorenzo Fletcher and Tre Jeter have both run for over 100 yards and 2 TDs for the Wildcats. The Lancers offense revolves around dual-threat QB Derek Burk who has thrown for 1047 yards and 8 TDs and run for 295 yards and 6 TDs. Zier Williams (376 yards, 2 TDs) has complemented Burk in the backfield. On the outside, Burk has been able to spread the ball around between Wayne Love (358 yards, 3 TDs), Ryan Cochran (256 yards, 2 TDs), and Conner Walker (118 yards, 1 TD).

Greensburg Salem (0-2, 3-4) at Southmoreland (1-1, 3-4)

While there are still three games left, this matchup will likely decide which team gets the fourth and final playoff spot in the Interstate Conference. Greensburg Salem has lost to Mt Pleasant and Belle Vernon, and a loss here would essentially eliminate the Lions. Southmoreland still has a game against their archrivals Mt Pleasant and would not be completely eliminated with a loss, but it would still be an uphill climb to win a 3-way tie. Greensburg Salem’s Cody Rubrecht won the WPIAL receiving title last season and moved to quarterback this year where his play-making ability has flourished. He is a strong contender to join the elite 1000/1000 club with 758 passing yards and 4 TDs and 806 rushing yards and 13 TDs. Rubrecht’s top receivers have been Christian Hostetler (226 yards, 2 TDs), Jerome Wallish (207 yards), and Keegan Young (159 yards, 1 TD). Kai Brunot (432 yards, 3 TDs) has complemented Rubrecht in the backfield. For Southmoreland, this has been an emotional season after Coach Ron Frederick passed away unexpectedly during the offseason and Tim Bukowski stepped in to take the helm. The team has rallied around the passing game and QB Kadin Keefer (1071 yards, 8 TDs). Ty Keefer (49 receptions, 695 yards, 10 TDs) leads the WPIAL in receptions. On the ground, Tray Whetsel (360 yards, 3 TDs) has been the lead back for the Scotties though plenty of others have been factors as well.

3A Playoff Scenarios

Avonworth has clinched a playoff spot.
Freeport clinches a playoff spot with a win over Knoch AND a Valley loss to Shady Side Academy
Deer Lakes clinches a playoff spot with a win over East Allegheny AND losses by BOTH Knoch and Valley
Elizabeth Forward clinches a playoff spot with a win over South Allegheny AND a Greensburg Salem loss to Southmoreland
Belle Vernon clinches a playoff spot with a win over Mt Pleasant AND a Greensburg Salem loss to Southmoreland

2A Game of the Week

Serra Catholic (4-0, 6-1) at Ligonier Valley (3-1, 5-2)

Serra Catholic and Steel Valley once again look like two trains on one track headed for a collision to decide the Allegheny Conference title. Steel Valley already defeated Ligonier Valley. If Serra can get past Ligonier, the Eagles will once again put themselves in position to contend for the conference title. For Ligonier Valley, they have been a playoff contender every year since joining the WPIAL but if they want to take the next step, they need a victory over a marquee opponent. A Ligonier Valley win would give the Rams a chance to share the conference title if Serra were to beat Steel Valley. Serra has deployed a two-quarterback system this year. Quadir Stribling (1092 yards, 11 TDs) is more of a pure passer while Elijah Ward is an all-around star. Ward has thrown for 801 yards and 8 TDs, run for 348 yards, put up 343 receiving yards, and found the end zone 4 times. He is also a stellar safety on the back end of the Eagles defense. Amire Spencer (978 yards, 12 TDs) leads the WPIAL in receiving yards. Mike Schnack, who is a stellar defensive end, also leads Serra’s ground game with 379 yards and 6 TDs. Ligoneir Valley also has an all-around star in Haden Sierocky who leads the team in rushing (722 yards), receiving (247 yards), and scoring (11 total TDs). The Rams have a run-heavy offense has four backs with over 30 carries this season. In addition to Sierocky, John Jablunovsky (461 yards, 6 TDs), Nick Lonas (270 yards, 2 TDs), and Duncan Foust (195 yards, 1 TD) have all been factors in the ground game. Broderick Schreyer (477 yards, 6 TDs) hasn’t thrown much this year, but has found success with throwing to Sierocky and James Pleskovitch (131 yards, 2 TDs).

Freedom (1-3, 2-5) at Mohawk (2-2, 2-3)

This game will likely decide the final playoff qualifier from the Midwestern Conference. While the loser will not be mathematically eliminated, it would take a lot of specific results for them to have a chance, given that both teams have already lost to Riverside (2-2 in conference play). Freedom has been stout on the defensive side of the ball, only allowing 20 points per game. Mohawk got a late start to the season due to a hazing investigation and have struggled defensively, giving up 31 per game. Freedom has a run-heavy offense that has relied almost solely on Damian Grunnagle (790 yards, 5 TDs). The Bulldogs have relied so much on the ground game that QB Ty Schultheis (579 yards, 5 TDs) is averaging just 8 pass attempts per game. When Freedom does throw, Cody Patterson (198 yards, 3 TDs) and Dekota Roberts (182 yards, 2 TDs) have been the top targets. Mohawk has a balanced offensive attack, led by QB Jay Wrona (544 yards, 7 TDs). Wrona has spread the ball around between Bobby Fadden (287 yards, 3 TDs), Dante Retort (135 yards, 1 TD), and Jimmy Guerrieri (115 yards, 3 TDs). Mohawk’s rushing attack has been split between Sam List (200 yards, 2 TDs) and Justin Boston (199 yards, 5 TDs).

2A Playoff Scenarios

Steel Valley clinches a playoff spot with a win over Burrell OR an Imani Christian loss to Derry
Serra Catholic clinches a playoff spot with a win over Ligonier Valley OR an Imani Christian loss to Derry
Ligonier Valley clinches a playoff spot with a win over Serra Catholic AND an Imani Christian loss to Derry
Sto-Rox clinches a playoff spot with a win over Brentwood
McGuffey clinches a playoff spot with a win over Keystone Oaks
Beaver Falls clinches a playoff spot with a win over Ellwood City
Neshannock clinches a playoff spot with a win over Riverside AND a Freedom loss to Mohawk
Western Beaver clinches a playoff spot with a win over New Brighton AND a Freedom loss to Mohawk

1A Game of the Week

South Side Beaver (3-0, 7-0) at Laurel (3-0, 5-1)

The only game on the slate this week where first place in the conference hangs in the balance. South Side Beaver has the best defense in 1A, allowing just 5.6 points per game. On the other side, Laurel is one of the highest-scoring 1A teams, averaging 43.7 points per game. Laurel’s only loss came in overtime against 2A rival Neshannock. Laurel has wins over both Union and Rochester while South Side has to play those two to close out the season. The winner here will clinch a playoff spot and have the inside track for the conference title. South Side Beaver has a dual-threat QB in Brody Almashy who has thrown for 556 yards and 8 TDs and run for 314 yards and 7 TDs. The Rams have a run-heavy attack led by Almashy, Ryan Navarra (408 yards, 7 TDs), Alex Arrigo (308 yards, 4 TDs), and Andrew Corfield (102 yards, 3 TDs). Parker Statler has been an all-around threat with 199 receiving yards, 237 rushing yards, and 8 total TDs. Laurel is also a run-heavy offense, led by the tandem of Landon Smith (855 yards, 13 TDs) and Benjamin Hennon (233 yards, 3 TDs). The Spartans also have a dual-threat QB in Chase Tintsman (637 passing yards, 8 TDs, 191 rushing yards, 6 TDs). Tintsman hasn’t thrown much this year, but when he has, Carter Haney (344 yards, 3 TDs) has been a big play target. Both of these teams moved down from 2A to 1A this season and are now strong contenders for the 1A title.

Fort Cherry (2-2, 4-3) at Cornell (2-2, 3-3)

This game will likely decide which team gets the fourth and final playoff spot in the Black Hills Conference. With Burgettstown’s upset victory over OLSH last week, the Blue Devils are now in solid playoff position, though they do still play Fort Cherry in Week 9. Cornell has to close the season against OLSH and already has a loss to Burgettstown. Fort Cherry has a loss to OLSH, so this head-to-head game essentially has a playoff berth on the line. Fort Cherry freshman QB Matt Sieg is on the verge of joining the elite 1000/1000 club with 833 passing yards, 6 TDs and 904 rushing yards and 15 TDs. The Rangers have a strong receiving corps led by Shane Cornali (363 yards, 3 TDs) and Braydon Cook (299 yards, 4 TDs). On the ground, the tandem of Nate Heirendt (410 yards, 4 TDs) and Ethan Faletto (405 yards, 8 TDs) have complemented Sieg’s running abilities. Cornell’s best play-maker has been Raequan Troutman who has run for 854 yards, tallied 98 receiving yards, and has been a threat in the return game, scoring 12 total TDs. Cornell hasn’t thrown the ball much, but CJ Jackson has thrown for 355 yards and 2 TDs, mostly to Drevon Newton (262 yards, 4 TDs). This game is a matchup of strength-on-strength as Fort Cherry has averaged 37 points per game while Cornell has allowed only 21 per game. On the other side, Fort Cherry’s defense is giving up 28 per game while Cornell’s offense is scoring a middle-of-the-road 25 per game.

1A Playoff Scenarios

The winner of South Side Beaver-Laurel clinches a playoff spot
Bishop Canevin clinches a playoff spot with a win over Chartiers-Houston AND an OLSH win over Avella
GCC clinches a playoff spot with a win over Jeannette AND a Riverview loss to Leechburg
Leechburg clinches a playoff spot with a win over Riverview
Mapletown clinches a playoff spot with a win over Bentworth AND a Jefferson-Morgan loss to Monessen

Inter-Classification Game of the Week

Gateway (6-1) at McKeesport (7-0)

This game matches up one of the top contenders in 5A with one of the top contenders in 4A. To add an extra layer to the game, these teams are former rivals from the Quad-A Foothills Conference. They also met in consecutive years in the 5A semifinals with McKeesport topping Gateway on a miraculous hook-and-lateral Hail Mary in 2016 then Gateway returning the favor in 2017. This game is a dramatic contrast of styles as Gateway is a pass-heavy offense while McKeesport’s triple-option will run the ball all day. Gateway’s offense runs through QB Brad Birch (1187 yards, 11 TDs). Birch’s top receivers have been Dallas Harper (382 yards, 6 TDs) and Anez Jordan (267 yards, 5 TDs). Gateway hasn’t run the ball much but when they have Jaquon Reynolds (440 yards, 5 TDs) has been the feature back. McKeesport’s triple-option offense runs through the dynamic Bobbie Boyd (695 yards, 11 TDs) who has returned to full strength after a mid-season injury. Quarterback Jahmil Perryman has run for 573 yards and 9 TDs and thrown for 300 yards and 3 TDs (averaging just 5 passes per game). When Boyd was out, the offense ran through Perryman. Larry Gibson (343 yards, 3 TDs) and Anthony Boyd (128 yards, 1 TD) have both averaged over 6 yards per carry behind the Tigers dominant offensive line.

WPIAL 2022 Week 7 Games of the Week