Week Six of the WPIAL football season is loaded with local clashes, as a half-dozen matchups feature Westmoreland County showdowns. The implications of those tilts become significant as the conference season intensifies. Here’s a primer for all of the contests featuring county teams this weekend.

Norwin (2-4, 0-2) at Hempfield Area (2-4, 1-2) – 7 p.m.

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

WSN Broadcasters: Sean Meyers and Mark Katarski

About the Knights: Norwin dropped its fourth game in a row, as the Knights fell to North Hills 24-7 in a nonconference contest last week. The Knights played without QB Tristyn Tavares. On the year, Tavares has hit on 54-of-107 throws for 699 yards, with three touchdowns, and he’s rushed 37 times for 281 yards and six scores. Jake Knight is the top receiver, snagging 17 receptions for 281 yards. Gio Rothrauff and Jake Sincak have produced 252 and 241 yards rushing, respectively. Norwin ranks fourth in Class 6A in points per game scored, and third in points permitted per contest.

About the Spartans: A touchdown connection from Dom Detruf to Aidan Stinebiser in overtime gave Hempfield Area a 33-27 win on the road against Canon-McMillan in Class 6A action last week. Stinebiser also added a rushing score and 126 yards on the ground, and the Spartans’ defense totaled two touchdowns – a fumble recovery score by Andrew Jones, and an interception return TD by Reddik Katchur. Detruf compiled 185 yards through the air, while Jack Kopas recovered a fumble in the end zone for a score in the closing moments of regulation that pulled Hempfield Area even. On the year, Detruf has completed 74-of-140 throws for 938 yards and eight touchdowns, but with 11 interceptions. Kopas paces the Spartans with 21 receptions for 222 yards, while Stinebiser has compiled 100 carries for 425 yards and a team-best four total touchdowns. Allowing 35.1 points per contest, the Spartans have the worst scoring defense in Class 6A.

About the Matchup: Norwin is the lone team in Class 6A that has yet to capture a conference win, while the Spartans are tied for fifth place at 1-2. In the regular season finale in 2023, the Knights prevailed 41-27.

Mount Pleasant (3-3, 1-0) at Greensburg Salem (4-2, 0-1) – 7 p.m.

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

WSN Broadcasters: Dave Franczak and John Bainbridge

About the Vikings: A touchdown run by Stephen Predejna with 14 seconds left gave Mount Pleasant Area a 22-19 win at Yough to commence Class 3A Interstate Conference play last week. Vikings quarterback Cole Chatfield went 8-of-14 for 165 yards and a touchdown, while Brody Hutter posted 66 yards rushing and a TD, and Garrett Eicher had four grabs for 71 yards. On the campaign, Chatfield has completed 32-of-60 throws for 528 yards, with three scores and four picks. Hutter has 57 carries for 378 yards and five touchdowns, while Predejna has totaled 61 carries for 268 yards and five scores. Meanwhile Jarrett Garn has amassed 367 yards rushing, 175 yards receiving, four total touchdowns, and four field goals. The Vikings have competed in four games decided by three points or fewer.

About the Golden Lions: Greensburg Salem fell into a 30-3 deficit at the half, and couldn’t recover as the Golden Lions fell 49-17 at Elizabeth Forward in the Class 3A Interstate Conference opener. Charlie Nigut registered three touchdowns for EF. In the setback for GS, Brody Chismar went 7-of-19 for 136 yards and a score, along with an interception, while he added a rushing TD. On the season, Kai Brunot has contributed 49 carries for 324 yards and a team-best four touchdowns, while Brady Smith has added 67 rushes for 262 yards and three scores. Dom Rosensteel paces GS with 15 grabs for 258 yards, while Keegan Young has registered 13 catches for 146 yards. Greensburg Salem has outpaced its foes by a margin of 153-110 on the year.

About the Matchup: A year ago, the Vikings secured a 38-7 victory.

Jeannette (4-2, 1-2) at Greensburg Central Catholic (3-2, 2-1) – 7 p.m.

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

WSN Broadcasters: Brent Whigham and Anthony DeNunzio

About the Jayhawks: Jeannette was steamrolled 43-0 on the road against Clairton last Saturday in Class 1A Eastern Conference play. In the loss, the Jayhawks were limited to just one first down. Kymon’e Brown went 4-of-11 passing for 15 yards, while he rushed 10 times for 13 yards. For the year, Brown has completed 24-of-51 throws for 436 yards, with seven touchdowns and six picks, and he’s rushed 44 times for 518 yards and four scores. Jayce Powell has amassed 266 yards receiving on 14 catches, and has posted a team-best 11 touchdowns. Jeannette has permitted 24 or more points in every contest.

About the Centurions: Samir Crosby accounted for three touchdowns as Greensburg Central Catholic cruised to a 45-14 win at home against Riverview in Class 1A Eastern Conference play one week ago. Jerry Davis and Landon Honick each added a pair of scores for the Centurions, with Davis snagging a 23-yard TD pass and adding a 50-yard touchdown run, while Honick hauled in scoring receptions of 30 and 35 yards. On the campaign, Crosby has converted 41-of-74 throws for 806 yards with 11 touchdowns and two interceptions, and he’s contributed 581 yards rushing and 10 touchdowns on the ground. Honick paces GCC receivers with 20 catches for 449 yards. GCC has narrowly outscored its adversaries on the year, 159-149.

About the Matchup: Greensburg Central Catholic currently sits in a tie for third in the Class 1A Eastern Conference, while Jeannette is in sixth. Last year, the Centurions prevailed 42-24.

Elizabeth Forward (3-3, 1-0) at Derry Area (3-3, 0-1) – 7 p.m.

Pregame at 6:30 p.m. on WSN AUDIO - LISTEN LIVE

WSN Broadcasters: John Flickinger and Bob Lasinski

About the Warriors: Elizabeth Forward jumped out to a 30-3 advantage at the half, and cruised to a 49-17 win at home against Greensburg Salem in the Class 3A Interstate Conference opener last Friday. Charlie Nigut registered three touchdowns for EF, while QB Ryan Messina threw for 245 yards and another score. Through six contests, Nigut has 102 carries for 616 yards, 16 receptions for 281 yards, and 14 total touchdowns – all team-highs. Messina, meanwhile, has hit on 70-of-108 throws for 1,043 yards, with 13 touchdowns, and he’s compiled 297 yards and eight scores on the ground. A.J. Grese, Connor Stokes, and Anthony St. Angelo have all posted a dozen or more receptions. Despite their even record, the Warriors have outpaced their foes 217-139 on the year. Coach John DeMarco is at the helm of Elizabeth Forward.

About the Trojans: Derry Area fell 31-14 at Southmoreland in the Class 3A Interstate Conference opener one week ago. The Trojans, who were without Damauri Robinson, received touchdown runs from Justin Papuga and Max Doherty. Despite his absence a week ago, Robinson still paces DA with 73 carries for 525 yards and five receptions for 72 yards, amassing eight total scores. QB Anthony Sacco has completed 24-of-55 attempts for 282 yards, while Justin Papuga has mustered 268 yards on the ground. Allowing just 17.5 points per game, the Trojans have the best scoring defense in the conference.

About the Matchup: The teams last met in 2019, as Derry Area notched a 26-17 triumph.

Franklin Regional (5-1, 3-0) at Fox Chapel Area (1-4, 0-3) – 7 p.m.

Pregame at 6:30 on WSN AUDIO - LISTEN LIVE

WSN Broadcaster: Jonathan Whaley

About the Panthers: Franklin Regional overcame a 17-0 deficit, rallying to claim a 35-30 win at home against Kiski Area in the Class 5A Big East Conference last week. The combination of Kyle Dupill and Chase Lemke led the comeback charge for FR, as Dupill rushed 25 times for 217 yards and two scores, while Lemke amassed 167 yards and three TDs through the air. With another strong effort last week, Dupill has reached the 1,000-yard rushing milestone on 154 carries, and he’s scored eight touchdowns. Lemke has gone 41-of-87 passing for 731 yards, with 10 touchdowns and six interceptions. Joey Bayne has converted three field goals and 23 PATs.

About the Foxes: Fox Chapel Area was dominated by Pine-Richland 71-0 last week. The Foxes failed to complete a pass on seven attempts against the Rams. For the season, Victor Nernberg has 35 carries for 192 yards and leads FC with two touchdowns, while Cooper Hendren has caught six passes for 131 yards. In their four losses, the Foxes have scored just 16 combined points. FC has been outpaced overall by a margin of 200-54. Dave Leasure is the head coach for Fox Chapel Area.

About the Matchup: It’s a Class 5A nonconference clash, as the Panthers are in the Big East Conference, while the Foxes reside in the Northeast Conference. In the previous meeting in 2021, the Foxes narrowly prevailed, 13-9.

Penn-Trafford (4-2, 1-1) at Gateway (3-3, 2-1) – 7 p.m.

About the Warriors: Tasso Whipple delivered another prolific performance in guiding Penn-Trafford to a 34-10 win at home against Plum in a nonconference affair last Friday. Whipple totaled 163 yards on the ground, scoring three times, and added three receptions for 72 yards. Meanwhile, PT quarterback Jonny Lovre passed for 140 yards and a score for the Warriors. On the year, Whipple has rushed 100 times for 912 yards, caught a dozen passes for 209 yards, and scored eight times. Lovre has connected on 69-of-115 throws for 859 yards, with six touchdowns and five picks. Jack Weishaar paces PT with 22 receptions for 277 yards. The Warriors boast a scoring margin of 144-92 on the year.

About the Gators: Gateway bested Armstrong 48-20 last week in Class 5A Big East Conference play. Gators quarterback Elvis Koutsakis was prolific in the win, as he completed 24-of-41 attempts for 377 yards, with five touchdowns and two picks. Shawn Moorefield Jr. was also stellar, as he caught a dozen passes for 181 yards and a touchdown, while Dyson Harper had five catches for 64 yards and added a 70-yard touchdown run. On the year, Koutsakis has split time with Elsidro Bryant at QB, as Koutsakis has thrown for 760 yards and eight scores, while Bryant has amassed 652 yards and nine TDs. Moorefield has been the top target regardless of the signalcaller, as he’s registered 33 catches for 541 yards, while Amari Gans has notched 85 carries for 403 yards and a team-high 10 touchdowns. Don Holl is the veteran head coach for Gateway.

About the Matchup: The Gators reside in third place in the Class 5A Big East Conference, while the Warriors are in fourth. Last year, Gateway prevailed 31-27.

Kiski Area (1-5, 0-3) at Greater Latrobe (4-2, 1-2) – 7 p.m.

About the Cavaliers: Kiski Area held a 17-0 lead in the first half, but ultimately fell 35-30 at Franklin Regional in the Class 5A Big East Conference last week, the fifth loss in a row for the Cavaliers. Carson Heinle had a stellar performance in the loss for the Cavs, as he completed 16-of-27 throws for 209 yards and a pair of scores, and he added 91 yards rushing. Aven Shirley caught seven passes for 137 yards and a TD. Heinle, who set the KA career passing mark against FR, has connected on 69-of-113 attempts for 933 yards, with eight TDs and four interceptions, and he’s added 221 yards on the ground. Landon Kucic paces the ground game with 100 carries for 524 yards and a team-high eight touchdowns, while Aven Shirley has 30 receptions for 522 yards and six scores.

About the Wildcats: Despite a monster performance from John Wetzel, Greater Latrobe could not hold a second-half lead in a 30-20 home loss to Woodland Hills in Class 5A Big East Conference action one week ago. Playing without Alex Tatsch, the Wildcats were paced by Wetzel, who rushed for 227 yards and two scores. Brady Prohovic added 81 yards on the ground for GL, which trailed 17-3 in the second half but rallied with 17 unanswered points. On the season, Tatsch leads the Cats with 716 yards rushing and nine touchdowns, while Wetzel has rushed 70 times for 630 yards and has scored five total touchdowns. Allowing just 13.1 points per contest, the Wildcats boast the best scoring defense in the conference.

About the Matchup: The Cavaliers reside in last place and are one of just two squads still winless in Class 5A Big East Conference play, while the Wildcats are in fifth place. In the most recent meeting in 2021, Kiski Area notched a 35-27 victory.

Chartiers Valley (3-2, 1-0) at Belle Vernon Area (1-3, 0-1) – 7 p.m.

About the Colts: Chartiers Valley beat up on Laurel Highlands 42-14 in the Class 4A Big Six Conference opener last week. Tayshaun Lewis rushed 20 times for 188 yards and a score, while Luke Miranda passed for a touchdown and added another on the ground. For the year, Lewis paces Char Valley with 500 yards rushing and eight scores. The Colts have outscored their foes 152-87 on the campaign. Aaron Fitzpatrick is the third-year head coach for Chartiers Valley.

About the Leopards: Belle Vernon Area could not slow down host Thomas Jefferson last week, as the Jaguars claimed a 42-14 win in the lid-lifter in the Class 4A Big Six Conference. Kole Doppelheuer was the bright spot in the setback for the Leopards, as he caught a pair of passes spanning 137 yards, scoring twice. BVA quarterback Curty Wade threw for 188 yards and two TDs. Through four contests, Doppelheuer has contributed 151 yards rushing and 290 yards receiving, scoring a team-best six touchdowns. Wade, meanwhile, has connected on 27-of-54 throws for 399 yards, with three scores and four interceptions. BVA is averaging just 14.5 points per game.

About the Matchup: The previous meeting took place in 2021, as BVA rolled to a 49-14 win.

Yough (2-4, 0-1) at Southmoreland (5-1, 1-0) – 7 p.m.

About the Cougars: Yough held a lead into the final minute, but a score in the closing seconds gave Mount Pleasant Area a 22-19 win to commence Class 3A Interstate Conference play last week. The Cougars, who lost their fourth game in a row, were led by QB Raidon Kuroda, who hit 16-of-32 passes for 214 yards and two scores, while amassing 25 carries for 90 yards and a score on the ground. Ryan Sarver caught eight passes for 95 yards for Yough. On the year, Kuroda has completed 61-of-122 attempts for 801 yards, with eight touchdowns and eight picks, while he’s rushed 89 times for 535 yards, scoring six times.

About the Scotties: Anthony Smith threw for 296 yards and four touchdowns to lead homestanding Southmoreland to a 31-14 win against Derry Area in the Class 3A Interstate Conference opener last Friday. Smith hit on 16-of-25 throws, Elliot Premus registered seven receptions for 155 yards and a pair of scores, and Jackson Mickens contributed three catches for 100 yards. The Scotties scored three touchdowns in a span of less than three minutes in the second quarter. On the campaign, Smith has connected on 67-of-124 throws for 1,276 yards, with 15 touchdowns and eight interceptions. Premus has compiled 30 receptions for 659 yards and eight touchdowns, while Mickens has hauled in 17 catches for 256 yards. Cameron Phillips paces the ground game with 405 yards rushing. Averaging 37.6 points per game, Southmoreland leads the conference in scoring.

About the Matchup: In the most recent clash in 2021, the Scotties registered a 35-7 victory.

Burrell (1-5, 1-1) at Valley (0-6, 0-2) – 7 p.m.

About the Buccaneers: A workhorse effort by Trey Coury propelled Burrell to its first win of the season, as the Buccaneers edged East Allegheny 22-14 in a Class 3A Allegheny Seven Conference clash. Coury compiled 51 carries for 239 yards, scoring twice. Stevie Hasson added a touchdown run for the Bucs. For the season, Coury has 167 attempts for 781 yards, as well as 10 receptions for 107 yards, scoring four total touchdowns. Hasson, meanwhile, has thrown for 272 yards and rushed for 148 yards. On the year, Burrell is averaging 10.3 points per game, the lowest in the Class 3A Allegheny Seven Conference.

About the Vikings: Valley fell at Freeport Area 48-20 one week ago, as the Vikings remained winless. Valley had no answer for Amos Glenn, who rushed for six touchdowns for the Yellowjackets. In the setback, Nicholas Heakins notched a pair of TDs, including a 75-yard kickoff return score, while Mason Simmons hooked up with Patton Eason on a 62-yard touchdown pass. Heakins and Zayaan Farron have each produced three touchdowns on the year. The Vikings have permitted an average of 43.5 points per contest.

About the Matchup: A year ago, the “Battle of the Bypass” went in favor of the Buccaneers 30-8.

Monessen (5-1, 1-1) at Chartiers-Houston (3-3, 1-2) – 7 p.m.

Ligonier Valley (2-4, 1-2) at Charleroi (1-5, 1-2) – 7 p.m.

About the Rams: Ligonier Valley could not contain South Allegheny’s explosive attack, as the Gladiators claimed a 49-28 win against the Rams in the Class 2A Allegheny Conference last week. In the defeat, John Jablunovsky compiled 93 yards rushing and three scores for the Rams, while Boden Schreyer hit on 8-of-18 throws for 92 yards, including a TD pass to Mark Jablunovsky. On the season, John Jablunovsky has compiled 104 carries for 805 yards and nine scores, while Mark Jablunovsky has contributed 14 catches for 342 yards.

About the Cougars: Charleroi edged Sto-Rox 17-6 last week in Class 2A Century Conference play. In 2024, QB Jackson Keranko has completed 73-of-129 throws for 842 yards, with 10 touchdowns and six interceptions. His top target is Noah Pletcher, who has 22 receptions for 218 yards, with a team-best five touchdowns. Nate Rock paces the Cougars’ rushing attack, as he’s compiled 164 yards on the ground. Charleroi has been outpaced 183-81 on the year. Ty Aeschbacher is in his second season at the helm of Charleroi.

About the Matchup: This tilt is a nonconference clash in Class 2A, as the Rams play in the Allegheny Conference, while the Cougars call the Century Conference home. This is the first meeting between the schools since LV’s return to the WPIAL in 2020.