Westmoreland County Friday Night Lights - Week 0

Warriors edge Knights in controversial finish; Vikings rally to stun Jayhawks; Kiski Area, Southmoreland notch shutouts

Sat Aug 23, 2025 - 1:25AM

Sean Meyers Sean Meyers
Penn-Trafford's Ben Grabowski ran for 188 yards and three touchdowns in the Warriors win over Norwin. (Photo by Sean Delaney)Penn-Trafford's Ben Grabowski ran for 188 yards and three touchdowns in the Warriors win over Norwin. (Photo by Sean Delaney)

Last Updated: Sat Aug 23, 2025 - 3:52AM

Penn-Trafford 34 Norwin 31 - WATCH BROADCAST

Penn-Trafford’s defense created five takeaways, including a controversial fumble recovery in the end zone in the final minutes, to seal a 34-31 win against Norwin. The host Warriors (1-0) registered two interceptions and three fumble recoveries, the last of which came when Norwin’s Tristyn Tavares extended for the end zone, attempting to give the Knights (0-1) their first lead. Ben Grabowski compiled 188 rushing yards and three scores for PT. Tavares rushed for 203 yards and three TDs, and he threw for 133 yards and another score in the setback. Giovanni Rothrauff added 116 yards on the ground for the Knights.

Plum 42 Franklin Regional 13 - WATCH BROADCAST

Franklin Regional could not slow down a prolific passing attack for Plum, as the Panthers fell 42-13 at home in the opener. Quarterback John Nonnenberg threw for 228 yards and four scores for the Mustangs (1-0), while Sloan Humphries compiled 96 yards receiving and a score, and Brendan Marsten had a pair of receiving TDs. In the setback for the Panthers (0-1), Jet Taylor and Dominick Devola each posted rushing scores.

Mount Pleasant Area 29 Jeannette 23 - WATCH BROADCAST

Jeannette scored the first 23 points of the contest, but homestanding Mount Pleasant Area scored the final 28 points, claiming a 28-23 victory. Stephen Predajna scored a pair of rushing touchdowns during that surge for the Vikings (1-0), while Mason Eicher and Dane Firmstone also notched scores on the ground. After taking the lead late in the fourth quarter, the Vikings sealed the victory with an interception by Anthony Pologruto. The Jayhawks (0-1) were clicking offensively in the first half, scoring on their first four drives. Kymon’e Brown registered a pair of rushing scores and a 74-yard TD pass in the setback.

Derry Area 33 Ligonier Valley 14 - WATCH BROADCAST

Keyed by 148 yards rushing by Max Doherty, Derry Area scored the first 33 points in a decisive 33-14 triumph at home against Ligonier Valley. Doherty produced a 42-yard TD run on the opening drive, helping the Trojans (1-0) jump out to a 20-0 edge at the half. Anthony Sacco also tossed a pair of scores for DA, and Justin Papuga added a rushing TD. Anthony Petalino and Levi Foust notched fourth-quarter touchdowns for the Rams (0-1).

Hempfield Area 28 North Hills 23

A pair of fourth-quarter touchdown passes proved the difference, as Hempfield Area edged North Hills 28-23. The host Spartans (1-0) were led by QB Dom Detruf, who went 14-of-17 passing for 190 yards and three scores, while Aidan Stinebiser rushed 23 times for 118 yards and a TD, adding two receptions for 83 yards and another score. Jack Kopas and Nicholas Marquis also hauled in TD receptions. Johnell Edison had a couple of touchdowns in the defeat for the Indians (0-1).

Kiski Area 21 Knoch 0

The Kiski Area defense was suffocating, while Aven Shirley was efficient at quarterback, leading the Cavaliers to a 21-0 home victory against Knoch. Shirley, who was the top receiver for the Cavs (1-0) last year, went 5-of-10 for 79 yards and a touchdown. Meanwhile, Ashton Taylor rushed 23 times for 121 yards and a score on the ground for KA. Colin Haugh earned his first coaching victory.

Connellsville Area 28 Greater Latrobe 13

Greater Latrobe dropped a 28-13 decision at home against Connellsville Area. AJ Yeboah and Cash Achhammer compiling rushing scores for the Wildcats (0-1). Meanwhile, Linkon Keller produced three touchdowns three different ways – on an interception return, punt return, and run - for the Falcons (1-0).

Southmoreland 40 Valley 0

Southmoreland used a dominant defensive effort in blanking Valley 40-0 in a Westmoreland County matchup. The Scotties (1-0) notched two safeties and held the Vikings (0-1) to negative yardage for the contest, while Southmoreland QB Dawson Wolfe hit 8-of-11 passes for 111 yards and two scores through the air, adding another touchdown on the ground. Gabe Kubasky hauled in four passes for 43 yards and a pair of TDs. In the process, Dustin Shoaf secured his first win on the sidelines for the Scotties.

Yough 21 Brentwood 13

Led by a strong rushing attack from QB Aidan Shaffer, Yough edged Brentwood 21-13. Shaffer accounted for all three scores on the ground for the Cougars (1-0). In the loss for the Spartans, QB Cedric Davis rushed for 180 yards and a score, and added 129 yards and another TD through the air.

Albert Gallatin 48 Greensburg Salem 33

The Golden Lions could not slow down the rushing attack of Albert Gallatin, as the host Colonials prevailed 48-33. Tee Guesman notched 131 yards rushing and three scores for AG (1-0), while Adam Pegg added 123 yards and three TDs on the ground. In the defeat, Brody Chismar threw for a touchdown and rushed for another for the Golden Lions (0-1), compiling 114 yards on 24 carries. Meanwhile, Max Topper posted a 79-yard kickoff return score, while Akheim McCreary rushed for 88 yards and a touchdown.

Avonworth 35 Burrell 6

Burrell was overmatched by defending WPIAL champion Avonworth, as the Antelopes prevailed 35-6. Carson Bellinger passed for 179 yards and a trio of scores for Avonworth (1-0), while Luca Neal was on the receiving end of all of those touchdowns. Zack Coudriet had the lone TD for the Bucs (0-1), as he caught a 10-yard toss from Hobbes Omecinski.

Shady Side Academy 28 Greensburg Central Catholic 26

Shady Side Academy scored the winning touchdown in the final seconds, as the Bulldogs edged homestanding Greensburg Central Catholic 28-26.

Monessen 44 Charleroi 0

Led by Tavian Taylor, who rushed for 111 yards and three touchdowns, Monessen whitewashed Charleroi 44-0.