Trib HSSN game-by-game high school football playoff previews for 2024 Week 11

By: Don Rebel
Thursday, November 7, 2024 | 6:28 PM

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As always in November football, there is great anticipation for all the contests slated for the second week of WPIAL playoff action.

Whether they are rematches from games earlier this season or first-time matchups, there is a special story to tell in all 24 postseason contests Friday.

Four games — the semifinals in Class 6A and 4A — will set the stage for district finals next Saturday at Norwin.

The other 20 games are quarterfinal showdowns with spots in the final four for the Class 5A, 3A, 2A and A victors.

Here is a look at all of the quarterfinal and semifinal district postseason games. You can check out previews for the games without a breakdown here by clicking on the hyperlink.

WPIAL 6A semifinals

No. 4 Seneca Valley (3-6) at No. 1 Central Catholic (8-2)

7 p.m. Friday, Titans Stadium at West Mifflin

Coaches: Ron Butschle, Seneca Valley; Ryan Lehmeier, Central Catholic

How they got here: Seneca Valley finished in a tie for third place in Class 6A with Mt. Lebanon but lost the head-to-head tiebreaker and earned a playoff berth with a fourth place finish. Central Catholic was a perfect 6-0 in Class 6A and won the regular season championship.

Last week: Both teams were off. In Week 9, North Allegheny 38, Seneca Valley 0; Central Catholic 38, Canon-McMillan 13

Players to watch: Chase Mazanek, Seneca Valley (Jr., 6-0, 205, RB/LB); Jy’Aire Walls, Central Catholic (Sr., 6-2, 195, QB)

Team notes

Seneca Valley: Following a 1-2 start to the season, the Raiders lost two straight, then won two in a row before ending the season with a thud. Heading into Week 8, Seneca Valley had a chance to finish in first place in 6A with two wins, but they were outscored in back-to-back losses to Central Catholic and North Allegheny by a combined 98-7. The Raiders offense struggled to move the ball against the Vikings in their last game two weeks ago, with junior running back Chase Mazanek leading the way with 53 yards.

Central Catholic: The Vikings’ 0-2 start with losses to St. Frances Academy of Maryland and Pine-Richland seems like ages ago as Central Catholic rode an eight-game win streak into the postseason. The Vikings capped off a perfect 6-0 record in 6A and a second straight regular season title with a win two weeks ago against Canon-McMillan. Senior quarterback Jy’Aire Walls was 11 of 16 passing for 216 yards and two touchdowns in the win. Walls is now 72 yards shy of 2,000 passing yards for the season.

Historic factoids

• Central Catholic has a big edge in the all-time series, 17-4, including wins in the last 12 meetings. Seneca Valley has only won three times in 17 regular season meetings, picking up victories in 1998, 1999 and 2012.

• Three weeks ago in Week 8, Central Catholic clinched the Class 6A regular season title with a win over Seneca Valley, 61-7. The Vikings’ Jy’Aire Walls was 9 of 15 passing for 228 yards and three touchdown passes as Central Catholic scored 40 points in the second quarter. The Raiders actually scored first in the game on a 73-yard pass from junior quarterback Andrew Loebig to junior wide receiver Danny Drennan.

• This is the fifth time the Vikings and Raiders have met in the WPIAL postseason with Central Catholic winning three of the previous four. The Vikings won in the 2009 first round, the 2021 semifinals and in the 2016 WPIAL 6A championship game, 42-7. The Raiders’ lone playoff victory was in the 2018 quarterfinals, 15-14.

No. 3 Mt. Lebanon (3-7) at No. 2 North Allegheny (9-1)

7 p.m. Friday, Newman Stadium at North Allegheny

Coaches: Greg Perry, Mt. Lebanon; Art Walker, North Allegheny

How they got here: Mt. Lebanon finished in a tie for third place in Class 6A with Seneca Valley but won the head-to-head tiebreaker and earned a playoff berth with a third-place finish. North Allegheny was 5-1 and finished in second place to clinch.

Last week: Both teams were off. In Week 9, Mt. Lebanon 42, Norwin 20; North Allegheny 38, Seneca Valley 0

Players to watch: Patrick Smith, Mt. Lebanon (Jr., 6-3, 220, QB/LB); Brady Brinkley, North Allegheny (Soph., 6-3, 175, QB/DB)

Team notes

Mt. Lebanon: The Blue Devils have rallied twice, first from a 0-5 start to the season and then a 1-3 start to their Class 6A schedule, to somehow make the playoffs. Mt. Lebanon had strong showings in the final two weeks, beating Hempfield and Norwin by identical scores of 42-20 to earn a playoff berth. Junior quarterback Patrick Smith has hurt teams with his arms and his legs all season. Against Norwin, he was 7 of 11 passing for 183 yards and two TDs, plus he rushed for 183 yards and two scores.

North Allegheny: The Tigers won their final four games after suffering their only loss of the season in Week 5 to Central Catholic, 27-14. North Allegheny picked up its first shutout of the season in its regular season finale, blanking playoff-bound Seneca Valley, 38-0. In that game, sophomore quarterback Brady Brinkley threw a pair of touchdowns for NA. For the season, he has thrown for 1,053 yards and nine touchdowns and has rushed for 505 yards and seven scores.

Historic factoids

• After winning in Week 6 this season, North Allegheny leads the all-time series against Mt. Lebanon, 20-17. The Tigers had won 11 straight from 2006-2020; however, the Blue Devils won twice in 2021. NA has now won the last three meetings. Mt. Lebanon blanked North Allegheny in the first meeting 45 years ago during the 1979 season, 20-0.

• Five weeks ago, North Allegheny won a tight one at Mt. Lebanon, 28-21. Junior running back Luke Rohan rushed for 148 yards and two touchdowns for the Tigers. Quarterback Patrick Smith threw for 141 yards and two touchdowns for the Blue Devils.

• This is the sixth meeting between Mt. Lebanon and North Allegheny in the district postseason with the Blue Devils holding a 3-2 edge. Lebo won playoff games over the black and gold in 1983, 1991 and 2021 while NA earned postseason victories over the blue and gold in 2006 and 2017.

WPIAL 5A quarterfinals

No. 5 Bethel Park (9-2) at No. 4 Woodland Hills (8-2)

7 p.m. Friday, The Wolvarena in Turtle Creek

Coaches: Phil Peckich, Bethel Park; Brian Tarrant, Woodland Hills

On the air: Video streamed on NFHS and audio streamed on Trib HSSN

How they got here: Bethel Park finished in third place in the Allegheny Six Conference and advanced with a first-round win over Latrobe. Woodland Hills earned a playoff berth and a first-round bye by winning the Big East Conference.

Last week: Bethel Park 42, Latrobe 7; Woodland Hills had a bye

Players to watch: Tanner Pfeuffer, Bethel Park (Sr., 6-6, 195, QB); Elijah Nesby, Woodland Hills (Sr., 5-9, 175, RB/S)

Team notes

Bethel Park: Following seven straight wins to start the season, the Black Hawks dropped two of their final three games in the regular season, but that was washed away quickly with another explosive victory in the opening round. The dynamic duo of the Bethel Park offense was back at it again with senior quarterback Tanner Pfeuffer hitting on 13 of 15 passes for 178 yards while senior running back Javaughn Moore rushed for 142 yards and four touchdowns.

Woodland Hills: In their regular season finale two weeks ago, the Wolverines claimed the Class 5A Big East Conference title with their seventh consecutive victory. Woodland Hills finished 6-0 in conference and earned a first-round bye with a home victory over a desperate Kiski Area team. Senior running back Elijah Nesby rushed for 119 yards on 17 carries and scored on a 10-yard run, plus the defense shut down the Cavaliers as sophomore Jayden Jones returned an interception for a touchdown.

Historic factoids

• This is the 14th meeting between Bethel Park and Woodland Hills. The Wolverines have 10 victories while the Black Hawks have won only three times.

• Bethel Park has won two of the last three matchups against Woody High. The Black Hawks won regular season clashes in 2018 and 2019 while the Wolverines won in their last matchup, a 2021 Class 5A first-round playoff game, 27-23.

• This is the sixth time the two have played in the WPIAL playoffs with the Wolverines winning all five previous meetings. Woodland Hills eliminated Bethel Park in the 1999, 2002, 2009, 2015 and 2021 postseasons.

• The winner advances to the 5A semifinals to play the winner of Franklin Regional at Pine-Richland,

No. 7 Penn Hills (7-4) at No. 2 Upper St. Clair (10-0)

7 p.m. Friday, Panther Stadium at Upper St. Clair

Coaches: Charles Morris, Penn Hills; Mike Junko, Upper St. Clair

On the air: Video streamed on NFHS and audio streamed on Trib HSSN

How they got here: Penn Hills earned a playoff berth by finishing in second place in the Northeast Conference and then edged Moon in a first-round game last week. Upper St. Clair clinched a postseason berth and the Allegheny Six Conference championship to earn a first-round bye.

Last week: Penn Hills 30, Moon 27; Upper St. Clair had a bye

Players to watch: Naytel Mitchell, Penn Hills (Sr., 5-10, 190, RB/LB); Ethan Hellman, Upper St. Clair (Jr., 5-11, 160, QB/DB)

Team notes

Penn Hills: It wasn’t easy, but the Indians picked up their fourth consecutive victory and seventh win in their last eight games with a three-point triumph at home over Moon. Penn Hills trailed 20-7 after one quarter but thanks to the efforts of senior running back Naytel Mitchell, they outscored the Tigers 23-7 in the final three quarters. Mitchell carried the ball 27 times and rushed for 254 yards and three touchdowns while senior quarterback Jay’mere Ellis threw for 94 yards and a score.

Upper St. Clair: The Panthers got a chance to sit back and enjoy the fruits of their undefeated labor after earning the No. 2 seed and a first-round bye in the Class 5A postseason. When they last hit the field two weeks ago, they crushed Baldwin for win No. 10. Run-happy Upper St. Clair got a big game from junior quarterback Ethan Hellman, who was 13 of 19 passing for 242 yards and five touchdowns. Senior running back Julian Dahlem has rushed for 1,017 yards this season and 13 touchdowns.

Historic factoids

• This is the 11th meeting between Penn Hills and Upper St. Clair with the Panthers holding the slim edge over the Indians in the series, 6-4.

• The most recent matchup between the two was three years ago when Penn Hills edged Upper St. Clair, 21-14, in the fall of 2021. The last three times the Panthers defeated the Indians going back to 2012 were all shutout wins by a combined score of 79-0.

• The first five meetings between the two were all WPIAL playoff games while the last five have been regular season tilts. In the postseason, USC has three wins in 2003, 2006 and 2010 while Penn Hills won in 1995 and 2009.

• The schools have met twice in the WPIAL Class 4A championship game. Penn Hills edged Upper St. Clair in the 1995 finals, 20-13, and the Panthers edged the Indians in the 2006 title game, 18-12.

• The winner advances to the 5A semifinals to play the winner of Penn-Trafford at Peters Township.

No. 9 Franklin Regional (8-3) at No. 1 Pine-Richland (8-1) at 7 p.m.

No. 6 Penn-Trafford (9-2) at No. 3 Peters Township (9-1) at 7 p.m.

WPIAL 4A semifinals

No. 7 Mars (6-5) vs. No. 3 McKeesport (7-4)

7 p.m. Friday, Pete Antimarino Stadium at Gateway

Coaches: Eric Kasperowicz, Mars; Matt Miller, McKeesport

How they got here: Mars finished in second place in the Greater Allegheny Conference to clinch a playoff berth and then upset No. 2 Montour in the quarterfinals. McKeesport won the Greater Allegheny Conference championship to earn a playoff berth. The Tigers rolled past Belle Vernon in the Class 4A quarters last week by 23 points at home.

Last week: Mars 48, Montour 42; McKeesport 34, Belle Vernon 11

Players to watch: Eric Kasperowicz, Mars (Jr., 5-10, 180, RB/DB); Kemon Spell, McKeesport (Soph., 5-9, 185, RB/DB)

Team notes

Mars: All the questions and head scratching about the Class 4A brackets were quieted a bit after the Fightin’ Planets stunned the masses with an upset victory at No. 2 Montour. Eric Kasperowicz, the son of the head coach and a talented senior running back, had a monster night against the Spartans, rushing for 213 yards on 27 carries and scoring six touchdowns. Junior linebacker Zach Dentel got the scoring started for Mars with a 30-yard pick-six.

McKeesport: The two-year run of district and state championships came to an end for Belle Vernon as the Tigers cast a Spell on them. Sophomore running back Kemon Spell continues to shine with a big night in the playoff opener for McKeesport. He carried the ball 26 times for 274 yards and scored two touchdowns. He is averaging over 10 yards a carry on the season and has rushed for 1,336 yards and scored 21 touchdowns for the blue and red.

Historic factoids

• This is only the third matchup between McKeesport and Mars with the Tigers having won both previous meetings.

• McKeesport defeated Mars four weeks ago, 28-7. Kemon Spell rushed for 201 yards and two touchdowns and senior Anthony Cromerdie ran for 124 yards and two scores to lead the Tigers. Junior Gabe Hein had 102 yards rushing and a touchdown for the Fightin’ Planets.

• The only other meeting between the teams took place in the 2022 WPIAL Class 4A first-round playoffs. Tigers quarterback Jahmil Perryman rushed for 200 yards on 14 carries and three touchdowns, plus he threw a 65-yard scoring pass to Caiden Holtzman in a 43-0 rout of the Fightin’ Planets.

• The winner advances to the Class 4A championship game to play the winner of the No. 4 Aliquippa at No. 1 Thomas Jefferson game.

No. 4 Aliquippa (7-2) vs. No. 1 Thomas Jefferson (11-0) at Chartiers Valley at 7 p.m.

WPIAL 3A quarterfinals

No. 5 Avonworth (8-3) at No. 4 Beaver (8-2)

7 p.m. Friday, Pat Tarquinio Field at Gypsy Glen Stadium at Beaver

Coaches: Duke Johncour, Avonworth; Cort Rowse, Beaver

On the air: Video streamed on NFHS and audio streamed on Trib HSSN

How they got here: Avonworth finished in a three-way tie for the Western Hills Conference championship and earned a playoff berth, then defeated Greensburg Salem in the first round. Beaver also ended up tied for the Western Hills Conference crown, earning the No. 4 seed and a first-round bye.

Last week: Avonworth 43, Greensburg Salem 27; Beaver had a bye

Players to watch: Dmitri Valisaris, Avonworth (Soph., 5-7, 160, RB/DB); Qualan Cain, Beaver (Sr., 6-1, 190, RB/DL/DB)

Team notes

Avonworth: The Antelopes had a nice bounce-back win last week in the opening round after losing a chance to win the Western Hills Conference title outright with a loss in Week 9. Sophomore running back Dmitri Valisaris carried the ball 23 times for 207 yards and scored three touchdowns for Avonworth. Junior quarterback Carson Bellinger threw a scoring pass and senior running back Nico Neal had two touchdowns for the winning ‘Lopes.

Beaver: The Bobcats earned a bye in the first round following their fifth straight victory to close out the regular season. The home win over Avonworth moved Beaver into a three-way tie for the conference championship with Avonworth and Central Valley. In that matchup, senior running back Quay Cain rushed for 177 yards and one touchdown on 22 touches and junior quarterback Travis Clear threw for 116 yards and a score in the 20-point home win for the Bobcats.

Historic factoids

• This is the 13th meeting between Avonworth and Beaver and the second this season. In fact, these teams have met in the regular season and in the Class 3A quarterfinals in each of the last three seasons. The Antelopes hold the all-time lead in the series, 8-4.

• The Bobcats defeated the visiting Antelopes three weeks ago, 34-14. The Bobcats dominated the first half, leading 20-0 at the break. The win for Beaver ended a six-game winning streak in the series for Avonworth.

• The first meeting between the schools was in 1915 with the Antelopes winning, 14-13. This is the third time the two have squared off in the District 7 playoffs. The Antelopes have eliminated the Bobcats in each of the last two seasons in the quarterfinals, 41-21 last fall and 28-7 in 2022.

• The winner advances to the 3A semifinals to play the winner of Highlands at Imani Christian.

No. 11 North Catholic (5-6) at No. 3 Elizabeth Forward (7-3)

7 p.m. Friday, Warrior Stadium at Elizabeth Forward

Coaches: Chris Rizzo, North Catholic; John DeMarco, Elizabeth Forward

On the air: Video streamed on NFHS and audio streamed on Trib HSSN

How they got here: North Catholic finished in fourth place in the Class 3A Western Hills Conference and was one of the 3A wild card teams. The Trojans knocked off host Deer Lakes in the opening round of the playoffs. Elizabeth Forward was the Interstate Conference champion and was given the No. 3 seed and a first-round bye.

Last week: North Catholic 21, Deer Lakes 14; Elizabeth Forward had a bye

Players to watch: Joey Felitsky, North Catholic (Jr., 6-0, 175, QB); Ryan Messina, Elizabeth Forward (Jr., 6-4, 195, QB)

Team notes

North Catholic: The Trojans snapped a four-game losing streak with a win over Hopewell in the regular season finale that helped them earn a wild card berth. Now it’s two straight wins for North Catholic after edging host Deer Lakes in the first round. The WPIAL’s leading passer, junior Joey Felitsky, connected on 25 of 38 passes for 261 yards and a touchdown in Round 1. For the season, he has thrown for 2,679 yards and 21 touchdowns.

Elizabeth Forward: When last they player two weeks ago, the Warriors crushed host Mt. Pleasant, 56-26. The win secured an outright conference title for EF, which won the Interstate by two games. In that game, junior quarterback Ryan Messina connected on 13 of 21 passes for 240 yards and two touchdowns and senior running back Charlie Nigut rushed for 167 yards and four scores. For the season, Messina is 10th in the WPIAL in passing with 1,948 yards.

Historic factoids

• This is only the fifth meeting between North Catholic and Elizabeth Forward. The Trojans lead the series, 3-1.

• The two were conference foes for two years in 2018 and 2019 in the Big East Conference in Class 3A. North Catholic won both meetings over Elizabeth Forward, 27-0 in ’18 and 12-7 in ’19.

• This will be the third time North Catholic and Elizabeth Forward have battled in the WPIAL postseason. The Warriors blanked the Trojans in the 2020 3A semifinals, 17-0, and NC defeated EF in a 1987 playoff contest, 14-6.

• The winner advances to the 3A semifinals to play the winner of Freeport at Central Valley.

No. 7 Freeport (8-3) at No. 2 Central Valley (5-5) at 7 p.m.

No. 9 Highlands (6-4) at No. 1 Imani Christian (10-0) at 7 p.m.

WPIAL 2A quarterfinals

No. 9 Riverside (6-5) at No. 1 Seton LaSalle (9-0)

7 p.m. Friday, Dormont Stadium

Coaches: Rob Magnifico, Riverside; Tim Storino, Seton LaSalle

On the air: Video streamed on NFHS and audio streamed on Trib HSSN

How they got here: Riverside finished in fourth place in the Midwestern Athletic Conference and got a wild card berth then eliminated OLSH in the first round last week. Seton LaSalle clinched a playoff berth and was given the No. 1 seed and a first-round bye after winning the Century Conference championship.

Last week: Riverside 29, Our Lady of the Sacred Heart 8; Seton LaSalle had a bye

Players to watch: Robbie Janis, Riverside (Sr., 6-0, 195, RB/FS); Michael Pastirik, Seton LaSalle (Sr., 5-9, 161, QB/LB)

Team notes

Riverside: The Panthers lost three of their last five games, including a Week 9 battle for third place in the MAC against Mohawk. However, none of that mattered following a strong performance in the postseason opener last week. Senior running back Robbie Janis led the way with 164 yards rushing and two touchdowns and freshman quarterback Aidan Gaydosz threw for 108 yards and connected with senior wide receiver Zack Hare on a 29-yard touchdown.

Seton LaSalle: The Rebels hope their great turnaround season continues into the postseason. Seton LaSalle finished 0-10 two years ago then reached .500 a year ago and just missed the playoffs at 5-5. Now they are undefeated and the top seed in the Class 2A playoffs. Senior quarterback Michael Pastirik has played a big role, throwing for 1,664 yards and 29 touchdowns this season. Sophomore wide receiver Khalil Taylor leads the team in receiving with 802 yards on 37 receptions and has scored 18 TDs.

Historic factoids

• This is the first meeting between Riverside and Seton LaSalle.

• The Panthers have won one WPIAL football title in program history and next season will be the 40th anniversary. Riverside defeated Swissvale to win the 1985 Class 2A district crown, 21-15.

• The Rebels have captured district football gold five times with the most recent title coming 20 years ago when Seton LaSalle blanked Aliquippa to win the 2004 Class 2A championship, 13-0. The program’s first title was 45 years ago when Seton LaSalle shut out Knoch in the 1979 Class 2A finals, 12-0.

• The winner advances to the 2A semifinals to play the winner of Western Beaver against Steel Valley.

No. 5 Western Beaver (8-2) vs. No. 4 Steel Valley (8-3)

7 p.m. Friday, Tigers Stadium at Moon

Coaches: Ron Busby, Western Beaver; Ray Braszo, Steel Valley

On the air: Video streamed on NFHS and audio streamed on Trib HSSN

How they got here: Western Beaver was the runner-up in the Midwestern Athletic Conference to clinch a playoff spot and then rolled past Carlynton in the first round. Steel Valley clinched second place in the Allegheny Conference to secure a playoff spot and defeated Washington in the opening round of the playoffs.

Last week: Western Beaver 41, Carlynton 6; Steel Valley 49, Washington 28

Players to watch: Jaivin Peel, Western Beaver (Soph., 6-1, 185, QB); Donald Barksdale, Steel Valley (Sr., 5-10, 185, RB/LB/S)

Team notes

Western Beaver: Since losing what was basically the Midwestern Athletic Conference championship game to Ellwood City, the Golden Beavers have put together their second four-game winning streak this season. Sophomore quarterback Jaivin Peel came up large for Western Beaver in the first round against Carlynton, hitting on 11 of 20 passes for 271 yards and five touchdowns, plus he ran for a score. Chris Kirkland was his top target with four catches for 173 yards and three touchdowns.

Steel Valley: The Ironmen have become the dangerous team many thought they would be before the season began. Steel Valley has won seven straight games after dumping Washington for a second time this season in the opening round. Senior running back Donald Barksdale rushed for 210 yards on 15 carries and scored three touchdowns and junior quarterback Da’Ron Barksdale rushed for 75 yards and three scores.

Historic factoids

• This is only the fourth meeting between Western Beaver and Steel Valley. The Ironmen have defeated the Golden Beavers in two of the three previous meetings.

• The teams split nonconference games five and six years ago. The Ironmen were winners in 2018, 49-14, while the Golden Beavers were victorious in 2019, 7-6.

• This is a rematch from a WPIAL Class 2A quarterfinal last season. Host Steel Valley edged Western Beaver, 21-18. Donald Barksdale had two touchdown runs for the Ironmen while Jaivin Peel threw three touchdown passes for the Golden Beavers.

• Steel Valley has won six WPIAL football championships in 1982, 1988, 1989, 2016, 2018 and 2022. Western Beaver has won two district football crowns in 1976 and 30 years ago in 1994.

• The winner advances to the 2A semifinals to play the winner of Riverside at Seton LaSalle.

No. 7 Mohawk (7-3) at No. 2 South Park (9-1)

7 p.m. Friday, Eagle Stadium at South Park

Coaches: Tim McCutcheon, Mohawk; Brian Abbey, South Park

On the air: Video streamed on NFHS and audio streamed on Trib HSSN

How they got here: Mohawk finished in third place in the Midwestern Athletic Conference and clinched a playoff spot before holding off Keystone Oaks in the opening round last week. South Park captured the Allegheny Conference championship, earning a No. 2 seed and a first-round bye.

Last week: Mohawk 35, Keystone Oaks 28; South Park had a bye

Players to watch: Bobby Fadden, Mohawk (Jr., 6-1, 165, QB/DB); Eric Doerue, South Park (Sr., 6-0, 210, RB/LB);

Team notes

Mohawk: The Warriors brought momentum into the postseason by winning five of their last six games. Mohawk continued that success in the first round with a victory over Keystone Oaks. Junior quarterback Bobby Fadden was 8 of 13 passing for 107 yards and one touchdown toss each to senior wide receiver Blake Logan and junior running back Joey Nail. Sophomore Cash Stratton was money for the Warriors with 163 yards rushing and three TDs, including a blocked field goal return for a score.

South Park: The Eagles finished in fourth place in the Western Hills Conference a year ago but did reach the Class 3A quarterfinals after beating Knoch before losing to East Allegheny. This fall, South Park finished 9-1 and has won eight straight games on its way to a conference crown, In the regular season finale win over Shady Side Academy, senior running back Erie Doerue rushed for 142 yards on only eight carries and scored three touchdowns. He has rushed for 1,265 yards and scored 19 touchdowns this season.

Historic factoids

• This is the third meeting between Mohawk and South Park. The Eagles won the previous two contests.

• All three clashes between the Warriors and Eagles will have been in the WPIAL playoffs. Twenty years ago, South Park blanked Mohawk in the 2004 Class 2A first round, 14-0. The two met again the following November with the Eagles crushing the Warriors in a Class 2A quarterfinal, 41-7. South Park finished 16-0 that year with both a WPIAL and PIAA championship.

• South Park has won two WPIAL football crowns, in 2004 and in 1997. Mohawk has never won a District 7 football title.

• The winner advances to the 2A semifinals to play the winner of South Allegheny at Ellwood City.

No. 6 South Allegheny (9-2) at Ellwood City (9-0)

7 p.m. Friday, Helling Stadium at Lincoln HS in Ellwood City

Coaches: Brian Hanson, South Allegheny; Dan Bradley, Ellwood City

On the air: Video streamed on NFHS and audio streamed on Trib HSSN

How they got here: South Allegheny finished in third place in the Allegheny Conference and clinched a playoff spot, then ousted Waynesburg in the first round. Ellwood City won the Midwestern Athletic Conference outright, earning a No. 3 seed and a first-round bye.

Last week: South Allegheny 53, Waynesburg 14; Ellwood City had a bye

Players to watch: Ryan Cortes, South Allegheny (Sr., 6-0, 180, QB/SS); Elijah Palmer-McCane, Ellwood City (Sr., 6-0, 200, RB)

Team notes

South Allegheny: The Gladiators have gone from one win last fall to nine wins this season and a postseason victory. Last week in the first postseason game at its relatively new stadium, South Allegheny feated on Waynesburg with senior quarterback Ryan Cortes completing 13 of 22 passes for 226 yards and three touchdowns while senior running back Cam Epps rushed for 185 yards and two scores. It was the first playoff win for the Gladiators since 1986.

Ellwood City: It hasn’t been as big a turnaround as South Allegheny, but the Wolverines are enjoying their own renaissance this fall, going from five wins and fourth place to nine victories and first place. The Midwestern Athletic Conference title is only the third conference crown in school history and the first since 1997. Senior running back Elijah Palmer-McCane has led the ground attack this season with 1,328 yards and 17 touchdowns and senior quarterback Chris Smiley has thrown for 1,194 yards and 14 scores.

Historic factoids

• This is the first meeting in football between South Allegheny and Ellwood City. The schools did meet in the 2021 WPIAL Class 3A boys basketball championship game when the Wolverines defeated the Gladiators, 53-50.

• South Allegheny ended a 38-year playoff victory drought with the win last week over Waynesburg. Jerry Cavanaugh and Dave Roberts scored touchdowns as the Gladiators upset Burgettstown in the 1986 Class 2A playoffs, 14-0. The previous playoff triumph for South Allegheny came nine years earlier in the 1977 Class 2A title game over Laurel, 12-6.

• Ellwood City is also trying to end a postseason victory drought, but the last time the Wolverines tasted a playoff victory was only 13 years ago. The Wolverines defeated Freeport in a Class 2A first-round game, 33-26, and then lost a week later in their last quarterfinals appearance to Greensburg Central Catholic, 18-15.

• The winner advances to the 2A semifinals to play the winner of Mohawk at South Park.

WPIAL Class A quarterfinals

No. 9 Cornell (9-2) vs. No. 1 Fort Cherry (11-0)

7 p.m. Friday, Joe P. DeMichela Stadium at West Allegheny

Coaches: Ed Dawson, Cornell; Tanner Garry, Fort Cherry

On the air: Video streamed on NFHS and audio streamed on Trib HSSN

How they got here: Cornell clinched a playoff berth when it defeated Monessen in Week 9 to finish in third place in the Black Hills Conference. The Raiders then won in the first round at Leechburg. Fort Cherry was the champion of the Black Hills Conference and clinched a playoff berth. The Rangers rolled past Brentwood in the opening round.

Last week: Cornell 34, Leechburg 20; Fort Cherry 56, Brentwood 14

Players to watch: M.J. Stuckey, Cornell (Jr., 5-11, 165, QB/DB); Matt Sieg, Fort Cherry (Jr., 6-0, 175, QB/DB)

Team notes

Cornell: The Raiders have their second four-game winning streak of the season following a road playoff win in the opening round. Junior quarterback M.J. Stuckey connected on 12 of 16 pass attempts for 141 yards and two touchdowns, one to junior wide receiver Isaiah Dawson of 24 yards, one to senior wide out Mikey Keyes of 26 yards and the final one to junior running back Khylil Johnson of 24 yards. Johnson led Cornell on the ground with 110 yards rushing and another score.

Fort Cherry: The Rangers won their 25th consecutive game against WPIAL opponents with a convincing Round 1 victory at home over Brentwood. The day before he committed to play his college ball at Penn State, Fort Cherry junior quarterback Matt Sieg did Matt Sieg things against the Spartans, rushing for 166 yards and a touchdown and connecting on 7 of 11 passes for 87 yards and two more scores on TD passes to senior wideout Shane Cornali and sophomore wide receiver Nate Wolfe.

Historic factoids

• This will be the 26th all-time meeting between Fort Cherry and Cornell. The Rangers lead the series, 17-7-1.

• The Rangers have won the last three meetings and 14 of the last 15 matchups against the Raiders, including a conference win this year in Week 6. In that game, Fort Cherry led after one quarter, 14-6, before scoring the game’s final 21 points. Matt Sieg threw for 134 yards and three touchdowns and ran for 153 yards and a score.

• The only win in the series for Cornell in the last 35 years came in 2021 when Fort Cherry had to forfeit its conference game due to the team being exposed to covid-19.

• This is the first playoff meeting between the Raiders and Rangers.

• The winner advances to the Class A semifinals to play the winner of Greensburg Central Catholic vs. Jeannette.

No. 10 California (8-3) at No. 2 Clairton (11-0)

7 p.m. Friday, Myron Pottios Stadium at Charleroi

Coaches: Ed Woods, California; Wayne Wade, Clairton

On the air: Video streamed on NFHS and audio streamed on Trib HSSN

How they got here: California finished in second place in the Tri-County South Conference to clinch a playoff spot and won at Laurel in the first round. Clairton was the champion of the Eastern Conference and clinched a playoff berth before crushing Rochester in the opening round of the playoffs.

Last week: California 22, Laurel 6; Clairton 56, Rochester 0

Players to watch: Lee Qualk, California (Sr., 5-9, 175, RB/LB); Drahcir Jones, Clairton (Sr., 5-11, 186, RB/S)

Team notes

California: After fumbling away a chance to beat Jefferson-Morgan in Week 9 and win the Tri-County South Conference championship, the Trojans hit the road for a long trip north and bounced back quite nicely in last week’s playoff opener. Senior running back Lee Qualk led California with 145 yards rushing and scored three times, on runs of 2 and 30 yards and on a 11-yard pass from junior Adin Keyes. Qualk leads the WPIAL in rushing with 2,130 yards and is tops in scoring with 36 touchdowns.

Clairton: Defense was the calling card of the 1984 Super Bowl champions from Chicago. A mighty D has also driven these black-and-orange Bears this season as well. They have allowed 21 points all year and last week in the first round of the district playoffs, registered their eighth shutout of the season. On offense last week, senior running back Drahcir Jones rushed for 132 yards on only five carries and scored two touchdowns. Jones also returned an interception 35 yards for a score.

Historic factoids

• This is the 15th meeting between California and Clairton and the first matchup in six years. The Bears lead the series, 12-2.

• California actually won the first two meetings against Clairton in the mid-70s, winning in the 1974 season, 21-20, and in 1975, 25-6. Since then, Clairton has won 12 in a row, including four regular season wins between 2012-2015 by a combined score of 228-13.

• This is the fourth time the Trojans and Bears have met in the WPIAL playoffs. Clairton eliminated California in the 2004 first round, 50-7, in the 2006 quarterfinals, 20-12, and in the 2018 quarterfinals, 27-17.

• The winner advances to the Class A semifinals to play the winner of South Side vs. Bishop Canevin.

No. 11 South Side (7-3) vs. No. 3 Bishop Canevin (8-2)

7 p.m. Friday, South Fayette Stadium

Coaches: Luke Travelpiece, South Side; Richard Johnson, Bishop Canevin

On the air: Video streamed on NFHS and audio streamed on Trib HSSN

How they got here: South Side finished in third place in the Big 7 Conference to clinch a playoff spot and then made the journey to Jefferson-Morgan to upset the Rockets. Bishop Canevin finished in second place in the Black Hills Conference to earn a postseason berth and then won big at home in the opening round over Bentworth.

Last week: South Side 39, Jefferson-Morgan 30; Bishop Canevin 56, Bentworth 3

Players to watch: A.C. Corfield, South Side (Jr., 6-1, 170, RB/DB); Kole Olszewski, Bishop Canevin (Sr., 5-11, 190, QB)

Team notes

South Side: The Rams struggled in the second half of the regular season, losing three of four, but have now won back-to-back big games, including a first-round win last week. Junior running back A.C. Corfield carried the ball 19 times for 139 yards and scored twice on runs of 10 and 1 yards. He needs 47 yards Friday to hit the 1,000-yard mark for the season. South Side senior running back Mateja Pavlovich scored a touchdown and booted three extra points.

Bishop Canevin: The Crusaders offense continues to fly high, averaging over 43 points per game. Last week in the first round, Bishop Canevin scored 56 points for the second time in three weeks. Senior quarterback Kole Olszewski wasn’t asked to do much, but he did hit on 8 of 15 passes for 111 yards, putting him over 2,000 yards passing for the season. Sophomore running back Myontae Mott led the BC ground attack with 88 yards rushing and three touchdowns.

Historic factoids

• This is the eighth meeting between South Side and Bishop Canevin with the Crusaders holding the edge in the series, 5-2.

• The Rams and Crusaders have locked horns five times in the regular season with Bishop Canevin winning in 1990, 1994 and 1995 and South Side taking home wins in 2006 and 2007.

• This is the third postseason clash between South Side and Bishop Canevin. The Crusaders blanked the Rams in the 2005 Class A quarterfinals, 14-0. The two met again in the postseason two years ago, with Bishop Canevin defeating South Side in a semifinal matchup, 49-21. Jason Cross threw for 258 yards and four touchdowns for the Crusaders while Brody Almashy scored twice the Rams.

• The winner advances to the Class A semifinals to play the winner of California vs. Clairton.

No. 13 Jeannette (8-3) vs. at No. 5 Greensburg Central Catholic (8-2) at Norwin at 7 p.m.

Tags: Avonworth, Beaver, Bethel Park, Bishop Canevin, California, Central Catholic, Clairton, Cornell, Elizabeth Forward, Ellwood City, Fort Cherry, Mars, McKeesport, Mohawk, Mt. lebanon, North Allegheny, North Catholic, Penn Hills, Riverside, Seneca Valley, Seton La Salle, South Allegheny, South Park, South Side, Steel Valley, Upper St. Clair, Western Beaver, Woodland Hills