More than eight months since the state championships concluded, high school football finally returns tonight across the WPIAL. Unlike in previous years, every Westmoreland County team opted to play a game instead of a second scrimmage. With the “Week Zero” confusion a thing of the past, Week One features three all-Westmoreland clashes to kick off the 2026 campaign. Here’s a closer examination of every game across the county.

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; Kris Smith; Dan Flickinger; Sean Delaney

About the Knights: Norwin went 7-4 a year ago, including 4-2 in Class 6A. The Knights could’ve compiled an even better record if not for a pair of losses by three points. After qualifying for the Class 6A playoffs, Norwin fell to North Allegheny 35-17 in the semifinals. The Knights graduated Tristyn Tavares, who threw for more than 1,200 yards and 13 touchdowns, while also rushing for better than 700 yards and a team-high 13 scores on the ground. Zach Pawling, Jake Knight, and Josh Lenart, who ranked second, third, and fourth in receptions, also moved on. However, Norwin returns Giovanni Rothrauff, who rushed for 1,577 yards and compiled nine TDs, while top receiver Potter Brozeski is also back after notching 18 receptions for 415 yards a year ago. Max Ritz takes over at QB for Norwin, while the offensive and defensive lines figure to be areas of strength. Mike Brown remains at the helm of Norwin.

About the Warriors: In 2025, Penn-Trafford achieved a mark of 9-2, including 5-1 in the Class 5A Big East Conference. However, PT dropped its playoff opener at home against Moon Area, 20-13, in the quarterfinals. Nate Desmond, who has graduated, threw for nearly 1,500 yards and 10 scores through the air, along with seven interceptions. Cody Yacamelli is likely to take over at QB, as he saw plenty of time in the backfield a year ago, rushing 104 times for 821 yards and scoring a team-best 12 touchdowns. He’ll be joined by Ben Grabowski, who paced the Warriors with 116 carries for 875 yards, while also scoring nine times in 2025. Also back is top receiver Nick Ponko, who amassed 42 grabs for 714 yards and found paydirt six times. John Ruane is the veteran head coach of Penn-Trafford.

About the Matchup: Norwin competes in Class 6A, while Penn-Trafford plays in Class 5A. Norwin will play its home games at Penn-Trafford this year, as the Knights stadium is under construction. Mike Brown is a Penn-Trafford grad. A year ago, the host Warriors prevailed 34-31 in controversial fashion.

Derry Area at Greater Latrobe – 7 p.m.

Pregame at 6:20 p.m. on WSN Video - WATCH LIVE

WSN Crew: John Flickinger and Tom Esposito; Dante Parsons; Hayden Flickinger

About the Trojans: Derry Area went 6-5 last season, including a 3-2 mark in the Class 3A Interstate Conference. The Trojans’ season came to an end with a 14-0 loss at Highlands in the first round. Derry Area returns running back Max Doherty, who registered 189 carries for 1,218 yards on the ground, compiling 17 total touchdowns. Also back is quarterback Anthony Sacco, who threw for 944 yards and 11 TDs, but also tossed eight interceptions on 58-of-125 attempts. Leading receiver Karsen Weiers is also back, as he posted 18 catches spanning 331 yards last campaign. The offensive line appears stout, but the group must replace Dylan Pitzer. Mike Arone reprises his role on the sidelines for the Trojans.

About the Wildcats: Greater Latrobe sputtered to a record of 2-8 overall, going 1-5 in the Class 5A Big East Conference a year ago. A pair of those conference setbacks each occurred by three points, however. The Wildcats return signal caller Dom Scarton, who connected on 74-of-177 throws for 842 yards, but with just three TDs and six interceptions. Also back is leading rusher AJ Yeboah, who netted a team-best 344 yards on the ground. Sawyer Butina graduated and Aaron Gaskey opted not to play, so the Wildcats will turn to Eli Meeder to fill the void of their two leaders in receptions. Andy Tatsch, who is now playing at Lehigh University, was limited to just one contest last season. Coach Tom McIntyre is in his second season guiding Greater Latrobe.

About the Matchup: While the Trojans compete in Class 3A, the Wildcats reside in Class 5A. The most recent meeting between the schools was a blowout, as Greater Latrobe dominated 56-14 in 2023.

Thomas Jefferson at Belle Vernon Area – 7 p.m.

Pregame at 6:30 on WSN Video - WATCH LIVE

WSN Crew: Gino Antimarino and John Bainbridge; Ricky Pitzer; Matt Palombo

About the Jaguars: Thomas Jefferson produced an overall mark of 9-3 last year, including 4-1 in the Class 4A Big Six Conference. The Jaguars won a postseason game against Mars Area, but came up short against McKeesport Area 28-3 in the semifinals. The Jags return offensive catalyst Tyler Eber, who rushed 318 times for 1,849 yards, scoring 31 times, which ranked third in the entire WPIAL. Also back are QB Harrison Kolling, who threw for 837 yards and nine TDs, and receiver Kane Eggerton, who paced TJ with 23 grabs for 322 yards, reaching the end zone on seven occasions. Bill Cherpak, the most decorated coach in terms of WPIAL titles, remains as the head coach of Thomas Jefferson.

About the Leopards: Belle Vernon Area went just 3-6 a year ago, including 2-3 in the Class 4A Big Six Conference ledger, as the Leopards failed to qualify for the playoffs. However, the nonconference schedule pitted BVA against four formidable foes. Gone via transfer from that squad is QB Curty Wade, who went 77-of-127 passing for 1,010 yards, with four scores and nine interceptions, and also rushed for nearly 500 yards. Top receiver Anthony DiCenzo also moved on due to graduation. However, BVA returns Chace Petrosky, who led the team with 112 carries covering 806 yards and 11 total touchdowns. Jace Gedekoh appears to be the leading candidate to take over at QB, while Cam Jenko will continue to be a disruptive force on defense. Scott Bryer is in his second season patrolling the sidelines for Belle Vernon Area.

About the Matchup: Although the teams competed in the same conference last year, Thomas Jefferson has moved up to Class 5A, while Belle Vernon Area has dropped to 3A. The Jaguars claimed a narrow 14-10 triumph at Weir Stadium in 2025.

Hempfield Area at Bethel Park – 7 p.m.

About the Spartans: Hempfield Area went 5-5 overall a year ago, but a three-game skid down the stretch in Class 6A kept the Spartans out of the playoffs, as they went just 1-5 in conference action. Hempfield Area graduated record-setting QB Dom Detruf, who threw for 2,266 yards and 21 touchdowns last year, while receiver Jack Kopas also wrote his name in the record books with 61 receptions for 810 yards, scoring a dozen times. Aidan Stinebiser, who rushed for more than 700 yards and accumulated nine TDs, also moved on. Carden Lippmann takes the reins at QB, while Lucas Simmons and Troy Sebring are the most accomplished returners at receiver, combining for 35 catches and more than 500 yards last campaign. Xavier Smith projects as a top defensive player at linebacker. Nick Keefer continues as the head coach of Hempfield Area.

About the Black Hawks: Bethel Park achieved a record of 7-5 overall, including 2-3 in the Class 5A Allegheny Six Conference in 2025. The Black Hawks smashed North Hills in the first round of the WPIAL playoffs, but were overmatched by Peters Township in the quarterfinals. Bethel Park must replace a prolific duo in the backfield, as quarterback Evan Devine threw for more than 2,200 yards and 23 scores, while running back David Dennison racked up 1,540 yards on the ground and reached the end zone 25 total times. Top receiver Sam Nowozeniuk returns, while Max Novak gets the keys to the offense as the new QB. Coach Phil Peckich is at the helm of Bethel Park.

About the Matchup: While Hempfield Area plays in Class 6A, Bethel Park is a 5A team. The Black Hawks defeated 6A foe Seneca Valley last year. The teams last squared off in 2017, a 55-21 triumph for Bethel Park.

Penn Hills at Franklin Regional – 7 p.m.

About the Indians: Penn Hills struggled a year ago, going just 3-7 overall and 2-3 in the Class 5A Northeast Conference, failing to qualify for the WPIAL playoffs. Doryan Peay, who rushed for more than 800 yards a year ago, returns to the mix. The Indians have a change at the top, as previous head coach Charles Morris stepped away, and former Penn Hills star player Dan Mason took over at the helm.

About the Panthers: Franklin Regional suffered through its worst season in recent memory in 2025, as the Panthers went 1-9 overall, losing all six of their games in the Class 5A Big East Conference. The Panthers were held to 14 or fewer points in eight of those contests. Jet Taylor was among the bright spots offensively, as the running back accumulated 692 yards on the ground and led the team with five scores. Dominick Devola saw the most time at QB, hitting on 55-of-123 throws for 588 yards, with four touchdowns and six interceptions, but Brock Bowser is also vying for snaps behind center. Kaydon Ferrell is a talented player at tight end. Lance Getsy resigned as head coach, opening the opportunity for Brian Johnson, who had served as an assistant and the strength and conditioning coach at FR.

About the Matchup: This is a Class 5A nonconference clash, as the Indians are in the Northeast Conference and the Panthers play in the Big East Conference. They last played in 2021, as Penn Hills notched a 38-6 victory in the first round of the WPIAL Class 5A postseason.

Kiski Area at Gateway – 7 p.m.

About the Cavaliers: Kiski Area went just 4-7 overall last season, but the Cavaliers qualified for the WPIAL Class 5A playoffs with a mark of 3-3 in the Big East Conference. However, the Cavs were ousted by Shaler Area 28-8 in the first round. Landyn Artman returns as QB, as he hit on 115-of-205 throws for 1,548 yards, with 15 TDs and six interceptions last campaign. Also back is Teegan Shirley, who led KA with 33 receptions for 532 yards, although older brother Avon has graduated after pacing the Cavaliers with seven total scores in 2025. Junior Nick Anderson is one of the best two-way linemen in the WPIAL. Colyn Haugh stepped away from the program after just one season, which allowed Brayden Thimons to assume the role as head coach.

About the Gators: Gateway stumbled to a 3-7 overall mark, including 3-3 in the Class 5A Big East Conference, failing to qualify for postseason play last campaign. The Gators had a pair of three-game skids. Unexpectedly pressed into duty at QB, Mayson Mitchell threw for more than 2,000 yards and 19 touchdowns as a freshman. However, Mitchell lost his top target, SJ Moorefield, who had 64 grabs for 992 yards and scored 11 times. Julian Dancear, who bolstered the Gators’ rushing game with 103 carries for 631 yards, returns to the fold. Gateway is under the guidance of veteran head coach Don Holl.

About the Matchup: These teams competed in the same conference last year, with the Gators prevailing 34-31. While Gateway remains in the Class 5A Big East Conference, though, Kiski Area has dropped to the 4A Greater Allegheny Conference.

Highlands at Greensburg Salem – 7 p.m.

About the Golden Rams: Highlands went 8-4 in 2025, which included a record of 5-1 in the Class 3A Allegheny Seven Conference. The Golden Rams edged Derry Area in the first round of the playoffs, but bowed out at the hands of Central Valley in the quarterfinals. The offense was steered by running back Tevin Owen-Cratsenberg, who amassed more than 1,600 yards and scored 26 times. The Golden Rams must replace QB Jamarkus Prager, who threw for 1,154 yards last season, and the receiving corps was also hit hard by graduation. Coach Matt Bonislawski remains at the helm of Highlands.

About the Golden Lions: Doomed by a five-game losing streak, Greensburg Salem went 3-7 overall, and 1-4 in the Class 3A Interstate Conference in 2025, missing the playoffs. However, the Golden Lions return a talented and experienced player at the most important position, as Brody Chismar is back at QB after completing 101-of-203 throws for 1,371 yards, with 15 TDs and four interceptions, and he also led the team with 128 carries for 477 yards on the ground. His top receiver, Max Topper, has graduated, but Jackson Stevey is back after snagging 24 passes for 234 yards. Braydon Miller is expected to also be a key target in the passing game. Defensively, the Golden Lions permitted 33 or more points in every loss. Ty George continues to patrol the sidelines for GS.

About the Matchup: This golden matchup is a Class 3A nonconference affair, as Highlands plays in the Allegheny Seven, while Greensburg Salem calls the Interstate home. The most recent meeting took place in 2021, as the Golden Rams doubled up the Golden Lions, 40-20, in a conference matchup.

Southmoreland at Connellsville Area – 7 p.m.

About the Scotties: Southmoreland enjoyed a stellar campaign in 2025, going 9-2 overall, including 4-1 in the Class 3A Interstate Conference. However, the Scotties were overmatched in a 42-6 home playoff loss against Hopewell in the WPIAL Class 3A first round, denying them their first postseason win. The top three receivers – Makell Darnell, Ty Whoric, and Stanley Betters – all graduated, while the top two rushers – Averyon Darnell and Jackson Mickens – both transferred. Thus, QB Dawson Wolfe will be more paramount after completing 84-of-163 passes for 1,142 yards, with a dozen touchdowns and five interceptions. He also rushed for more than 300 yards and scored eight times. Jake Hull and Brock Geho are among the players who are poised for bigger roles. Southmoreland’s defense was stout a year ago, holding seven opponents to a touchdown or less. Dustin Shoaf is in his second season leading the Scotties.

About the Falcons: Connellsville Area played an independent schedule last season, going just 2-8 overall. The Falcons played four teams from West Virginia, as well as three other former WPIAL squads that were playing an independent schedule. Running back Linkon Keller is a top returner. Jace McClean continues to patrol the sidelines for Connellsville Area.

About the Matchup: While Southmoreland plays in Class 3A, Connellsville Area competes in 5A. One of the Falcons’ wins last year came against a Westmoreland County opponent, Greater Latrobe. The matchup has been deemed the “Battle of 119”.

Mount Pleasant Area at Laurel Highlands – 7 p.m.

About the Vikings: Mount Pleasant Area went 5-5 a year ago, but the Vikings had a rare season without a playoff appearance after going 2-3 in the Class 3A Interstate Conference, including a three-game skid to end the season. Back in the mix is running back Stephen Predajna, who led the squad with 123 carries for 592 yards and nine touchdowns a year ago. Cole Hart and Bobby Smithnosky are vying for the starting QB role after the graduation of Dane Firmstone. Longtime head coach Jason Fazekas continues to lead Mount Pleasant Area.

About the Mustangs: Laurel Highlands won its first two games in 2025, but dropped eight straight from that point, including all five in the Class 4A Big Six Conference. The Mustangs scored seven or fewer points in each of those setbacks. Ian Edenfield, a former LH player, is in his first season as the Mustangs head coach.

About the Matchup: While Mount Pleasant Area is in Class 3A, Laurel Highlands resides in 4A. Last year, the Vikings cruised to a 49-0 road triumph.

Yough at Greensburg Central Catholic – 7 p.m.

About the Cougars: Yough opened the season with consecutive wins, but then struggled through eight losses in a row to finish the campaign in 2025, including an 0-5 mark in the Class 3A Interstate Conference. In seven of those losses, the Cougars scored seven or fewer points. To compound matters, the Cougars graduated top receiver Ryan Sarver, while leading rusher John Gergely transferred and QB Aiden Shaffer opted not to play. Thus, receiver Joey Bibby is among the most experienced returners at the skill positions. Yough standout Scott Houseman is now at the helm of his alma mater, replacing Benny Hoffer, who stepped away from the program in the offseason.

About the Centurions: Greensburg Central Catholic went 5-6 overall a year ago, but a win in the final week of the regular season allowed the Centurions to make the WPIAL Class 1A playoffs. GCC went 3-4 in the Eastern Conference, and fell to Bishop Canevin 50-35 in the first round of the postseason. The Centurions have a massive void to fill, as Samir Crosby moved on after rushing 109 times for 1,016 yards, catching 19 passes covering 267 yards, and scoring 23 total TDs. He also saw time at QB, passing for 555 yards and six touchdowns. The player he split time with at QB, Bobby Smithnosky, transferred, so the Centurions are starting from scratch at QB, with Colin Snively appearing to have the inside track. Aiden Lent is an anchor along the lines. GCC remains under the guidance of head coach John Thompson.

About the Matchup: The Cougars are a Class 3A team, and the Centurions play in Class 1A. The teams have not met since 2013, when the Cougars claimed a 38-31 win in a conference tilt.

Burrell at Albert Gallatin – 7 p.m.

About the Buccaneers: A victory in the final game of the regular season allowed Burrell to qualify for the WPIAL Class 3A playoffs, but the Buccaneers fell 56-21 to North Catholic to finish the year at 4-7 overall. Burrell went 3-3 in the Allegheny Seven Conference. Quarterback Antonio Perkins, in his first year with Burrell, had one of the best statistical seasons for any QB in the WPIAL in 2025, as he threw for nearly 750 yards, and rushed 225 times for 1,872 yards, producing 27 TDs on the ground. Trey Coury also contributed 173 carries for 761 yards and five scores from the backfield. Coach Dom Girardi is in his second season guiding Burrell.

About the Colonials: Albert Gallatin saw a big upswing in its record after leaving the WPIAL, as the Colonials went 10-0 while playing an independent slate in 2025. Those triumphs included wins against three teams from Maryland and two more from West Virginia. However, AG must replace a pair of 1,000-yard rushers in Talysian Guesman and Adam Pegg. Averyon Darnell, who led Southmoreland in rushing last year, has transferred into the district. Drew Dindl serves as the head coach for Albert Gallatin.

About the Matchup: While Burrell plays in Class 3A, Albert Gallatin competes in 4A. AG defeated Westmoreland County foe Greensburg Salem last season.

Valley at Serra Catholic – 7 p.m.

About the Vikings: Valley went winless in 2025, going 0-10 overall, including dropping all six games in the Class 3A Allegheny Seven Conference. The last win for the Vikings came on Sept. 22, 2023. Skyler Lincoln is likely to get the nod at quarterback. Coach Mark Adams remains in charge of Valley.

About the Eagles: A year ago, Serra Catholic went 2-8 overall, including 1-5 in the Class 1A Black Hills Conference. Akeeme Robinson is the second-year head coach for the Eagles.

Ligonier Valley at Frazier – 7 p.m.

About the Rams: Ligonier Valley stumbled to a record of 1-9 in 2025, including 0-6 in the Class 2A Allegheny Conference. The Rams return QB Levi Foust, who hit on 41-of-100 throws for 524 yards, with four touchdowns and nine interceptions, while he also led the team with 122 carries for 737 yards and seven scores. However, his top target, Greyson Daugherty, transferred after compiling 34 receptions for 427 yards. Gregory Sleasman, who had a dozen grabs in 2025, will likely take on an expanded role in the passing attack. LV is expected to lean heavily on its sizable offensive line. Longtime coach Roger Beitel remains at the helm of Ligonier Valley.

About the Commodores: Frazier achieved a mark of 7-5 overall, including 4-3 in the Class 1A Eastern Conference in 2025. The Commodores bested California Area in the WPIAL Class 1A playoffs, but came up short against Bishop Canevin in the quarterfinals. Back is signal caller Brady Secrest, who threw for 1,265 yards and 16 TDs, while adding seven scores on the ground. However, prolific running back Derek Diamond graduated after rushing more than 300 times for nearly 1,900 yards, scoring 18 TDs. Tony Battaglini is in his second campaign at the helm of Frazier.

About the Matchup: Ligonier Valley plays in Class 2A, while Frazier resides in 1A. In the most recent clash in 2021, the Rams cruised to a 33-6 victory at Weller Field.

South Range, Ohio (1-0) at Jeannette – 7 p.m.

About the Raiders: South Range cruised to a 46-7 win at Padua Franciscan last Friday. A year ago, the Raiders went 7-5 overall, including 4-2 in conference play.

About the Jayhawks: Jeannette compiled a record of 8-4 a year ago, including 5-2 in the Class 1A Eastern Conference. In the WPIAL postseason, the Jayhawks bested Bentworth, but came up just short in an upset bid against Clairton, 38-33, in the quarterfinals. Gone from that team is QB Kymon’e Brown, who threw for more than 1,800 yards and 22 scores, while rushing for another 1,100 yards and 17 scores on the ground. However, receiver Jayce Powell returns after amassing 45 catches for 950 yards and scoring 15 times in 2025. Jeannette must also replace Noah Sunder, who ranked second in receiving yards, and Nick Mendoza, who ranked second in rushing yards. McAllister Steele will fill a variety of roles for Jeannette, while Anthony Stuchell looks to have the inside track at QB. Tommy Paulone reprises his role as the head coach for Jeannette.

About the Matchup: Jeannette has not played a team from out of the state since prior to 2003. While the Jayhawks are in Class 1A, the Raiders are in the Ohio equivalent of Class 3A.

Charleroi at Monessen – 7 p.m.

About the Cougars: Charleroi went 2-8 a year ago, including 2-4 from the Class 2A Century Conference, failing to qualify for the playoffs. Head coach Scott DeUnger is in his second campaign leading the Cougars.

About the Greyhounds: Monessen achieved a mark of 6-5 overall, including 3-3 in the Class 1A Black Hills Conference. Thus, the Greyhounds reached the WPIAL Class 1A playoffs, but were whitewashed by Clairton 50-0. Coach Wade Brown remains at the helm of Monessen.