What to watch for in WPIAL sports for Sept. 19, 2023: Battle of unbeatens set between North Allegheny, Seneca Valley

By: Don Rebel
Monday, September 18, 2023 | 4:34 PM

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The last two boys soccer teams to win back-to-back WPIAL championships in the highest classification are Seneca Valley and North Allegheny.

The only undefeated teams left in WPIAL Class 4A boys soccer this season are the Raiders and the Tigers.

The two district juggernauts prepare to battle for the first time this fall Tuesday at NA.

North Allegheny won back-to-back district Class 4A crowns in 2016 and 2017 while the Raiders were repeat gold winners in 2020 and 2021.

Both teams are 6-0 in Section 1-4A this year and are perfect overall.

North Allegheny is 9-0 and has outscored opponents 32-7 with three shutouts. Seneca Valley is 8-0 this season, has a 37-6 combined scoring edge on its foes and has registered four shutouts.

The match is at 7:30 p.m. and can be heard on Trib HSSN.

Two for one on the pitch

While a lot of attention will be centered on the Section 1-4A battle of the unbeatens, first place in Section 2-4A is also up for grabs Tuesday.

Norwin and Upper St. Clair are both 7-1 overall, but the Knights hold a one-game lead for the top spot with a 6-0 section record while the Panthers are 5-1.

The first meeting between these two section foes is at USC.

Norwin has won six straight since losing to Seneca Valley. That winning run includes a victory over Peters Township, 3-1 on Sept. 7.

Upper St. Clair won its first seven games before falling to Peters Township last week, 2-1.

Another showdown for first place in boys soccer takes place in Section 3-3A.

Three teams — Bethel Park, Ringgold and Thomas Jefferson — are all 7-1 overall this year, however the Black Hawks are 6-0 in the section, while both the Rams and Jaguars are 5-1.

Ringgold hosts Bethel Park on Tuesday.

The Rams won their first seven games of the season before falling to Thomas Jefferson last week.

Since losing their opener, the Black Hawks have won seven matches in a row.

Three for one on the court

Tuesday will be another busy day of section action in WPIAL girls volleyball, with three contests matching section undefeated teams clashing for first place.

In Section 3-3A, Laurel Highlands visits Thomas Jefferson. Both the Mustangs and Jaguars are 4-0 with a two-game lead over their next three closest section foes.

In Section 5-3A, Armstrong travels to Latrobe. The River Hawks are 4-0, a half-game in front of the 3-0 Wildcats. The only other team with less than two section losses is Indiana (3-1).

In Section 1-2A, Beaver hosts Neshannock. The Bobcats and Lancers are both 4-0 in the section, one game in front of Ellwood City.

Tags: Armstrong, Beaver, Bethel Park, Latrobe, Laurel Highlands, Neshannock, North Allegheny, Norwin, Ringgold, Seneca Valley, Thomas Jefferson, Upper St. Clair