After more than eight months, high school football returns to Western Pennsylvania on Friday night. All but one of the 18 Westmoreland County teams have elected to play a game in Week Zero, while Belle Vernon Area is the outlier, opting for a second scrimmage. The opening week’s slate features four all-Westmoreland clashes. Here’s a detailed look at all of the county games in Week Zero.

Jeannette at Mount Pleasant Area – 7 p.m.

Pregame at 6:30 p.m. on WSN VIDEO - WATCH LIVE

WSN Crew: Brent Whigham and Anthony DeNunzio; Hannah Noel; Matt Palombo

About the Jayhawks: A year ago, Jeannette went 9-4, finishing fourth in the Class 1A Eastern Conference but winning a pair of playoff games. The Jayhawks graduated just two players, so the vast majority of the key contributors are back. Quarterback Kymon’e Brown threw for 1,844 yards and 22 touchdowns, while rushing for 1,257 yards and 15 scores on the ground in 2024. Also back is Jayce Powell, who caught 57 passes for 1,031 yards, scoring a team-best 16 TDs. Running back Nick Mendoza, who rushed for nearly 400 yards, and receiver Noah Sunder, who had almost 500 yards receiving and scored 11 times, will also be valuable components. Jeannette alum Thomas Paulone remains at the helm of the program.

About the Vikings: Last year, Mount Pleasant Area finished 5-6, reaching the Class 3A playoffs but falling to Freeport Area in the first round. From that team, the Vikings graduated their top passer and receiver, and their leading rusher transferred. QB Cole Chatfield leaves a big void after throwing for more than 1,000 yards last year, while Jarett Garn paced the team with 19 catches for 489 yards, ranking second with 443 yards rushing, and he also converted five field goals. Brody Hutter, who compiled 471 yards on the ground, is now playing at River Valley. Stephen Predajna could pace the ground game this year after he rushed for 383 yards as a sophomore. Jonah Townsend, who had 14 receptions last year, is the top returner at receiver, while Dane Firmstone takes the reins at quarterback. However, the Vikings return all five starting offensive linemen. Jason Fazekas patrols the sidelines for Mount Pleasant.

About the Matchup: While the Jayhawks reside in the Class 1A Eastern Conference, the Vikings play in the Class 3A Interstate Conference. Last year, Jeannette prevailed in a thriller, 28-27.

Ligonier Valley at Derry Area – 7 p.m.

Pregame at 6 p.m. on WSN VIDEO - WATCH LIVE

WSN Crew: John Flickinger and Bob Lasinski; Steve Janik

About the Rams: Ligonier Valley went 3-7 a year ago, dropping the final three games of the season and missing the postseason. Despite the rough season, John Jablunovsky rushed for more than 1,200 yards and scored 16 touchdowns, while brother Mark caught 16 passes for 387 yards, but both have since graduated. Among the returners, Bowie Schreyer is back at QB after throwing for 747 yards and seven touchdowns, but with 14 interceptions. Levi Foust, a freshman, is also vying for time behind center. Cameron Kunkle, a tight end, and receiver Greyson Daugherty are among the options in the passing game. The Rams are under the guidance of Roger Beitel, the longest-tenured football head coach in Westmoreland County.

About the Trojans: Derry Area went 3-7 a year ago, but lost its final five tilts, all in the Class 3A Interstate Conference. The Trojans scored 14 or fewer points in all of their setbacks in 2024. Damauri Robinson was the most dangerous player on offense, as he led DA with 525 yards rushing and eight scores. Quarterback Anthony Sacco, a junior, returns, as does classmate Max Doherty, who is likely to see more snaps at running back while continuing to thrive at linebacker. Dylan Pitzer and Aiden Piper will be top linemen for the Trojans. Mike Arone continues at the helm of Derry Area.

About the Matchup: While the Rams play in the Class 2A Allegheny Conference, the Trojans are members of the Class 3A Interstate Conference. A year ago, LV claimed a 20-7 victory at Weller Field.

Plum at Franklin Regional – 7 p.m.

Pregame at 6:30 p.m. on WSN VIDEO - WATCH LIVE

WSN Crew: Jonathan Whaley; Jack Ridenour; Nick D’Onofrio

About the Mustangs: Plum went just 2-8 last season, with both wins coming in Class 5A Northeast Conference play. Three players saw significant snaps at QB for the Mustangs – John Nonnenberg, TJ Futules, and Antonio Hanzlik. Nonnenberg appears to be in the driver’s seat for the starting nod this season, while Sloan Humphries returns after leading Plum with 38 receptions for 536 yards. CJ Hart will earn more snaps at running back, and he’ll remain a mainstay on the defensive line, where he’s garnered Division I attention. Veteran head coach and Plum alumnus Matt Morgan continues to guide the program.

About the Panthers: A year ago, Franklin Regional amassed a mark of 8-4, which included a victory at North Hills in the first round of the WPIAL Class 5A postseason. The vast majority of the offensive production graduated from that squad, though, including prolific running back Kyle Dupill, who racked up nearly 1,800 yards on the ground and notched 15 touchdowns. QB Chase Lemke and pass catchers Mac Bresnahan and Elijah Bennett have also moved on, as did standout lineman Drew Devola and linebacker Austin Kerns. The most explosive returner is Jaymier Austin, who will be counted upon at receiver and will remain a key component in the secondary. Dominick Devola is likely to take over at QB, while Jet Taylor and Lochlan Bresnahan should be factors at running back and tight end, respectively. Coach Lance Getsy patrols the sidelines for FR.

About the Matchup: While both teams play in Class 5A, the bordering districts are in different conferences, with the Mustangs in the Northeast and the Panthers in the Big East. Franklin Regional dominated the clash last year, prevailing 42-7.

Norwin at Penn-Trafford – 7:30 p.m.

Pregame at 7 p.m. on WSN VIDEO - WATCH LIVE

WSN Crew: Sean Meyers and Dave Franczak; Dan Flickinger; Kris Smith

About the Knights: Norwin won its first two contests of 2024, but dropped eight straight from that point on. Plagued by injuries, quarterback Tristyn Tavares hit on 101-of-199 throws for 1,210 yards, with eight scores, and he rushed for 293 yards and a team-best eight touchdowns on the ground. His top target, Jake Knight, also returns after he compiled 434 yards receiving, while Giovanni Rothrauff also returns after pacing Norwin with 544 yards rushing. Zack Pawling and Potter Brozeski are other players expected to contribute at the skill positions. Mike Brown is the head coach for Norwin.

About the Warriors: Penn-Trafford went 9-3 a year ago, scoring a postseason win against South Fayette before bowing out against Peters Township in the WPIAL Class 5A quarterfinals. The Warriors have significant voids to replace, highlighted by the graduation of running back Tasso Whipple, who surpassed 1,700 yards on the ground, scoring a team-leading 15 touchdowns. Also gone from a year ago are QBs Jonny Lovre and Derek Carr, and receiver Jack Weishaar. The Warriors will be boosted by the return to health of running back Ben Grabowski, who missed most of last season after a stellar freshman season. Nick Ponko and Tyler Boss project as the top receiving threats, while Nate Desmond and Cody Yacamelli are vying at QB. Lucah Butler is among the top returning lineman for PT, while Jamison Yurt will anchor the linebacking corps. Championship-winning coach John Ruane continues to oversee the Warriors.

About the Matchup: Norwin plays in Class 6A, while PT resides in the Class 5A Big East Conference. Brown was a player for the Warriors. Last season, the Knights prevailed 26-14.

North Hills at Hempfield Area – 7 p.m.

About the Indians: Last year, the Indians went 8-3, which included a 17-16 playoff loss at home against Franklin Regional in the WPIAL Class 5A opening round. Back is QB Kelly McCarthy, who was 95-of-186 passing for 1,074 yards and a dozen scores in 2024. Johnell Edison and Josiah Mathis also return for the Indians. With longtime head coach Pat Carey away from the team this season due to medical reasons, Brody Zangaro is serving as the interim coach.

About the Spartans: Hempfield Area compiled a record of 4-6 overall, including a pair of wins in Class 6A, in 2024. The Spartans missed the playoffs, but they return the vast majority of their contributors. Leading the way is Brock Heisler, a Harvard commit who plays along both lines. Also back is signalcaller Dom Detruf, who threw for more than 1,700 yards and 14 scores last year, but also tossed 14 interceptions. Jack Kopas, who caught a team-best 40 passes for 558 yards, and Aidan Stinebiser, who paced the Spartans with 576 yards on the ground, are also back in the mix. A year ago, the Spartans averaged 21.4 points per game, the third-best mark in the classification. Coach Nick Keefer is at the helm of Hempfield Area.

About the Matchup: While North Hills plays in the Class 5A Northeast Conference, the Spartans reside in Class 6A. Last year, the Indians triumphed 22-0 at Martorelli Stadium.

Connellsville Area at Greater Latrobe – 7 p.m.

About the Falcons: Connellsville Area, which plays an independent schedule, went 3-6 a year ago. The Falcons’ victories came against Berlin-Brothersvalley, North Star, and Uniontown Area.

About the Wildcats: Greater Latrobe lost five of its final six games in 2024, including a lopsided playoff setback against Bethel Park to finish with a mark of 5-6. QB and safety John Wetzel and running back and linebacker Alex Tatsch are now playing at the University of Pittsburgh and Penn State University, respectively. Wetzel threw for 914 yards and six scores, while rushing 178 times for 1,076 yards and eight touchdowns. Tatsch, meanwhile, posted 56 carries for 716 yards, notching a team-best 10 touchdowns, but missed the second half of the campaign. The top returner in 2025 is Andy Tatsch, a Lehigh pledge who posted 25 receptions for 435 yards last season. Chris Cochran and Cash Achhammer are likely to see expanded snaps at running back, while Dom Scarton looks to have the inside track at quarterback. After three successful seasons at the helm, Ron Prady stepped down as head coach in the offseason, creating the opportunity for his assistant, Tom McIntyre, to take the reins.

About the Matchup: A year ago, Greater Latrobe rolled to a 41-0 whitewash victory.

Knoch at Kiski Area – 7 p.m.

About the Knights: Knoch went 3-6 a year ago, failing to qualify for the playoffs in Class 4A. Codi Mullen and Colt Sprankle split time at QB, with Mullen throwing for nearly 800 yards and pacing the Knights with more than 900 yards on the ground, scoring 15 TDs. Mullen, along with leading receiver Kaden Spencer, graduated, potentially opening the door for Shaler transfer Max Wiley to play behind center. Ethan Rouleau is the top returner at receiver. The Knights are under the guidance of a new coach, as TJ Wiley took over after previously guiding Northgate and Penn-Trafford, among other teams.

About the Cavaliers: After enduring a five-game skid, Kiski Area made a late postseason push last year, finishing 4-6. However, the Cavs failed to earn a wild card bid. Gone are prolific QB Carson Heinle and workhorse running back Landon Kucic. Heinle threw for more than 1,400 yards and 13 scores, while Kucic rushed for more than 900 yards and posted a team-best 14 TDs. Carter Brown is likely to get the lion’s share of reps at running back, while three players are all vying for snaps at QB. The Cavs are loaded at receiver, though, with Aven Shirley leading the way after hauling in 48 passes for 764 yards last year. Andrew Finney and Teegan Shirley are other pass-catching options. After the retirement of Sam Albert, former Franklin Regional player and Edinboro University assistant Colyn Haugh is now leading Kiski Area.

About the Matchup: While the Knights play in the Class 4A Greater Allegheny Conference, the Cavaliers compete in the Class 5A Big East Conference. Last year, KA cruised to a 42-7 win.

Southmoreland at Valley – 7 p.m.

About the Scotties: Southmoreland went 7-4 overall last year, but three of those losses came in the final three games, including a playoff defeat at home against Highlands. The Scotties will look drastically different than a year ago, including on the sidelines, as former Yough star Dustin Shoaf replaced Tim Bukowski as the head coach. Moreover, top receiver Elliott Premus and top rusher Cameron Phillips both graduated, while QB Anthony Smith transferred out of the district after a record-setting freshman campaign. Dawson Wolfe takes over as signalcaller, while top returning receiver Jackson Mickens will see time in the backfield. Makel Darnell could emerge at receiver, while Gabe Kubasky returns after missing last year due to injury.

About the Vikings: Valley endured a winless campaign last year, going 0-10. The Vikings defense struggled, in particular, permitting 40.6 points per game. Gone is quarterback Mason Simmons, as Brendon Knuckles will assume the starting role at QB. Mark Adams is in his third year guiding the program.

About the Matchup: Both teams play in Class 3A, as the Scotties call the Interstate Conference home, while the Vikings compete in the Allegheny Seven. Last year, the Scotties notched a 45-20 victory.

Greensburg Salem at Albert Gallatin – 7 p.m.

About the Golden Lions: Greensburg Salem had a resurgent 2024, winning seven games and qualifying for the WPIAL Class 3A postseason. Gone are top receivers Dom Rosensteel and Keegan Young and running backs Kai Brunot and Brady Smith, but dual-threat QB Brody Chismar returns. Last season, Chismar threw for 1,000 yards and 15 scores, while also leading GS with 124 carries for 621 yards. Tight end Max Topper and running back Akheim McCreary are ticketed for increased roles in the offense this season. Isaiah Stillwagon is a key two-way lineman, and Anthony Matthews is a stalwart at linebacker. Ty George continues his tenure as the head coach for Greensburg Salem.

About the Colonials: Albert Gallatin enjoyed a winning season last year, going 6-3 while playing an independent schedule. The Colonials played three other independent teams in Fayette County, as well as three teams from Maryland, one from West Virginia, and another from the Pittsburgh City League. Caleb DeHaven, who rushed for more than 1,000 yards, graduated, but Adam Pegg, who compiled 645 yards rushing and a team-best 11 scores, is back in the mix.

About the Matchup: Greensburg Salem won 28-6 last year at Offutt Field.

Yough at Brentwood – 7 p.m.

About the Cougars: After winning its first two games of 2024, Yough sputtered to seven losses in a row, but won the season finale. The team lost prolific quarterback Raidon Kuroda, who joined elite company by both passing and rushing for 1,000 yards a year ago. Kuroda also accounted for 27 touchdowns combined through the air and on the ground. Aidan Shaffer, who led the Cougars in receiving yards last year, will shift to QB to fill that massive void, while another top receiver, Ryan Sarver, remains a dangerous weapon in the passing attack. Braiden Snyder, a transfer into the program, could emerge as a top running back. Coach Benny Hoffer maintains his spot on the sidelines for Yough.

About the Spartans: Brentwood went 4-7 overall a year ago, including a lopsided playoff loss against Fort Cherry in the first round of the Class 1A bracket, as the Spartans ended with four losses in a row. Back is experienced quarterback Cedric Davis, who threw for more than 1,200 yards and 18 TDs last year, while also ranking among the top rushing options. Daysaun Spencer also returns after catching 20 passes for 555 yards and scoring 10 times a year ago. Coach Nick Caponi is at the helm of Brentwood.

About the Matchup: While Yough is in the Class 3A Interstate Conference, Brentwood is a member of the Class 1A Eastern Conference. In 2024, Yough rolled to a 40-0 triumph at Cougar Mountain.

Burrell at Avonworth – 7 p.m.

About the Buccaneers: Burrell went 2-8 a year ago, failing to qualify for postseason play. In the process, the Bucs lost their first five games of the year, and ended with a three-game skid. While quarterback Stevie Hasson has graduated, running back Trey Coury returns after he compiled 269 carries for 1,143 yards and seven scores in his sophomore season. A trio of players, including Valley transfer Antonio Perkins, are in the mix to see snaps at quarterback. There’s a change at the top of the program, too, as Shawn Liotta stepped down after last season, and former Highlands coach Dom Girardi has taken over as head coach.

About the Antelopes: Avonworth had a historic season in 2024, as the Antelopes went 12-4, winning the WPIAL Class 3A Championship and reaching the state title game, an overtime loss against Northwestern Lehigh. Many of the key pieces are back for the Lopes, including QB Carson Bellinger, who threw for more than 1,000 yards a year ago, and Luca Neal, who amassed more than 1,000 yards on the ground and nearly 500 yards receiving, notching 13 total touchdowns. Decorated head coach Duke Johncour remains on the sidelines for Avonworth.

About the Matchup: Both teams are in Class 3A, with the Bucs in the Allegheny Seven Conference and the Antelopes in the Western Hills Conference. Last year, the Lopes prevailed 24-7.

Shady Side Academy at Greensburg Central Catholic – 7 p.m.

About the Bulldogs: Shady Side Academy compiled a record of 2-8 last season, losing the final five games of the campaign. Darrin Haynes, who led the team in rushing last year, has graduated, while former head coach Chuck DiNardo stepped down midseason in 2024. Andrew Geisler, a SSA grad, takes the reins of the program. Cam Mallory, who played QB last year, shifts to tight end, while former receiver Javon Johnston takes over at QB.

About the Centurions: Greensburg Central Catholic went 8-3 last year, winning a postseason game against Monessen before falling to Jeannette in the Class 1A quarterfinals. GCC enjoyed a seven-game winning streak prior to the playoff loss. The Centurions graduated just three players, but top receiver Landon Honick is now suiting up at Elizabeth Forward. Electric athlete Samir Crosby returns, though, and he’ll shift back to receiver after playing QB last year. As the signalcaller, Crosby threw for 1,483 yards and 20 touchdowns, and rushed for 1,060 yards and 18 scores on the ground. Bobby Smithnosky takes over behind center, while Jackson Lowden and Jerry Davis will be other threats at receiver. John Thompson remains as the head man for GCC.

About the Matchup: While the Bulldogs play in the Class 2A Allegheny Conference, the Centurions call the Class 1A Eastern Conference home. Last year, Greensburg Central Catholic prevailed in a shootout, 46-40.

Monessen at Charleroi – 7 p.m.

About the Greyhounds: Monessen went 7-4 a year ago, falling to Greensburg Central Catholic in the opening round of the WPIAL Class 1A playoffs.

About the Cougars: Charleroi sputtered to a 1-9 finish last year, missing the postseason in Class 2A.