The stretch run of the WPIAL football regular season has arrived, as the next three weeks will separate the championship contenders and playoff participants from the teams that will see their season end in October. One Westmoreland County team has already suited up this week, as Jeannette suffered a 42-3 loss at home to Fort Cherry in a nonconference game on Thursday. With that contest in the rear view, here’s a glance at the other games across the county in Week Eight.

Mt Lebanon (1-5, 1-2) at Hempfield Area (4-3, 3-1) – 7 p.m.

Pregame at 6:30 p.m. on WSN VIDEO

WSN Crew: Gino Antimarino and John Bainbridge; Matt Palombo; Allie Hathaway

About the Blue Devils: Mount Lebanon got its first win of the season last week, a 21-14 triumph at Seneca Valley in Class 6A action. The Blue Devils were led by Jacob Zaber, who rushed 13 times for 62 yards and two scores, while Jackson Marcheck also passed for 71 yards and scored a rushing touchdown. For the season, Zaber has 55 carries for 154 yards. Prior to last week, the Blue Devils had not scored a touchdown through their first five contests. They have been outscored by a margin of 190-30. Bruce Fronk is the first-year head coach of Mount Lebanon.

About the Spartans: With Anthony Carello and Carden Lippmann providing the offense, Hempfield Area knocked off host Norwin 29-6 in a Class 6A contest at Penn-Trafford High School last week. Carello mustered 15 carries for 124 yards and two scores on the ground, while Lippmann also posted two rushing TDs, additionally passing for 164 yards on 4-of-14 passing for the Spartans. Troy Sebring caught a 60-yard pass, while DeRon Hunter added a 57-yard reception. On the year, Lippmann has hit on 89-of-162 throws for 1,481 yards, with nine TDs and six interceptions, and he leads the Spartans with 324 yards rushing, scoring six times on the ground. Hunter has compiled 22 receptions for 435 yards and four touchdowns, while Lucas Simmons has 26 grabs covering 371 yards. Hempfield Area boasts a scoring advantage of 201-153.

About the Matchup: While the Blue Devils are in a three-way tie for fourth place in Class 6A, the Spartans sit alone in second. Last year, Mount Lebanon prevailed 28-6.

Gateway (4-3, 2-1) at Penn-Trafford (7-0, 3-0) – 7:30 p.m.

Pregame at 7 p.m. on WSN VIDEO

WSN Crew: Sean Meyers and Joe Klipa; Kris Smith

About the Gators: Gateway blasted Connellsville Area 49-10 last week in a Class 5A Big East Conference battle. The host Gators received a massive effort from signal caller Mayson Mitchell, who went 15-of-22 for 263 yards and four TDs. Ned Reid IV rushed 12 times for 118 yards for the Gators, while Kacey Carter caught two touchdowns. On the campaign, Mitchell has hit on 121-of-197 throws for 1,405 yards, with 15 touchdowns and eight picks, and he’s also rushed for 218 yards. Reid has compiled 265 yards on 25 carries, caught 29 passes for 292 yards, and scored eight total touchdowns. Jayden Stammer leads Gateway with 33 catches for 429 yards. During their three-game losing streak, the Gators scored a combined 29 points, but they’ve tallied 96 points over the past two games. Don Holl is the decorated head coach of Gateway.

About the Warriors: Penn-Trafford left no doubt in staying unblemished, rolling past homestanding Fox Chapel Area 42-7 in a Class 5A Big East Conference tilt. Ben Grabowski passed for 234 yards and a pair of scores on 13-of-18 attempts, and he also rushed for another TD for the Warriors. Nick Ponko posted five catches for 90 yards, Kason Offield added a pair of touchdowns, while Cody Yacamelli, Daniel Lisbon, and Trent Brown also found the end zone. To this point of the season, Grabowski has connected on 55-of-83 throws for 1,030 yards, with 14 touchdowns and just two interceptions, and he also leads PT with 63 carries for 457 yards, scoring five times. Ponko has accumulated 27 receptions for 474 yards, scoring a dozen total touchdowns. Kicker Jack Miller has booted six field goals. PT has a scoring margin of 320-70.

About the Matchup: While the Gators are in fourth place in the Class 5A Big East Conference, the Warriors are tied atop the standings. In 2025, Penn-Trafford rallied for a 33-23 win.

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

Pregame at 6:30 p.m. VIDEO

WSN Crew: Dan Flickinger and Tom Wilkins; Ricky Pitzer

About the Golden Lions: Greensburg Salem’s defense provided little resistance in a 42-7 loss against Waynesburg Central in a Class 3A Interstate Conference battle. In the defeat for the Golden Lions, Brody Chismar compiled 217 yards passing and a score on 19-of-31 passing, as he connected with Brandt Sandstrom for the lone TD. Furthermore, Braydon Miller caught 11 passes for 133 yards for GS. For the season, Chismar has connected on 115-of-199 throws for 1,639 yards, with 13 touchdowns and five interceptions, and he’s added 79 carries for 337 yards, notching four TDs on the ground. Miller has been prolific, catching 51 passes for 684 yards and five touchdowns, while Sandstrom has 24 catches for 467 yards. The Golden Lions are allowing 46.3 points per game.

About the Vikings: Missing multiple key contributors, Mount Pleasant Area was stifled in a 49-0 road loss against Belle Vernon Area in the Class 3A Interstate Conference last Friday. The Vikings played without QB Bobby Smithnosky, while Tristan Wtorkiewicz also left due to injury. For the year, Wtorkiewicz leads Mount Pleasant by a wide margin with nine TDs, while Kaden Hudec ranks second with three scores. Smithnosky has completed 27-of-40 throws for 395 yards, with four scores. The Vikings have been outpaced by a total of 202-133.

About the Matchup: While the Golden Lions are at the bottom of the standings in the Class 3A Interstate Conference, the Vikings are tied for fourth. A year ago, Mount Pleasant Area claimed a 42-29 triumph.

Norwin (4-3, 1-2) at Canon-McMillan (3-4, 2-1) – 7 p.m.

About the Knights: Host Norwin fell 29-6 to rival Hempfield Area in a Class 6A contest at Penn-Trafford High School one week ago. In the setback, the Knights received their lone score on a run from QB Max Ritz, who went just 9-of-22 passing for 74 yards. Parker Rigo posted 24 carries for 82 yards for Norwin in place of Giovanni Rothrauff, who left in the first half with a leg injury. For the season, Rothrauff has amassed 197 carries, the most in the WPIAL, for 1,022 yards, finding the end zone eight times. Potter Brozeski, who is also out with injury, has contributed 34 receptions for 565 yards and seven scores. Ritz has hit on 73-of-147 throws for 876 yards, with eight TDs and three interceptions, and he’s registered 58 carries for 265 yards. For the season, the Knights have been outscored by the narrowest of margins, 169-168.

About the Big Macs: Canon-McMillan sustained a 35-17 home loss to Woodland Hills in a nonconference affair last week. In the contest, QB Ty Jansma went 13-of-22 passing for 136 yards, with one TD and one interception, and he also rushed for a score. Bryce Collins posted 16 carries for 109 yards. For the year, Jansma has thrown for 1,398 yards, with 10 touchdowns and five picks. Roman Cimarolli leads the Big Macs with 25 receptions spanning 554 yards and seven TDs. On the season, the Big Macs have outscored their foes by a margin of 165-147. Coach Mike Evans is back on the sidelines for Canon-McMillan.

About the Matchup: While Norwin is in a three-way tie for fourth place in Class 6A, Canon-McMillan is alone in third. Last year, the Knights prevailed by a slim margin, 24-21.

Woodland Hills (4-3, 3-0) at Franklin Regional (1-6, 1-3) – 7 p.m.

About the Wolverines: Woodland Hills bested homestanding Canon-McMillan 35-17 in a nonconference game one week ago. Wolverines signal caller Jaron McKinney Jr. hit on 10-of-21 throws for 121 yards and a pair of touchdowns, and he also rushed for 60 yards and a score. Additionally, Nico Mager caught six passes for 85 yards and two TDs, while Jaydan Jones had an interception return score. On the campaign, McKinney has gone 77-of-141 passing for 1,353 yards, with 17 scores and three picks, and he’s rushed 66 times for 191 yards, scoring four times on the ground. Elijah McGuire leads the rushing attack, posting 75 carries for 410 yards, and he’s found paydirt seven times. The Wolverines are permitting just 13.1 points per game. With head coach Brian Tarrant suspended, the duo of coordinators, Maurice Walker and Steve Meyer, have guided Woodland Hills.

About the Panthers: Franklin Regional was unable to convert on a two-point conversion late in the fourth quarter, as host Greater Latrobe outlasted the Panthers 29-27 in a Class 5A Big East Conference clash last week. Playing in place of Brock Bowser, Dominick Devola connected on 11-of-23 throws for 164 yards and two TDs, and he rushed 19 times for 132 yards and two touchdowns on the ground for the Panthers. On the year, Jet Taylor leads FR with 85 carries for 527 yards, while Oliver Leven has produced nine receptions for 162 yards. Gage Williams paces the Panthers with five touchdowns. Franklin Regional allows an average of 39.1 points per game.

About the Matchup: Woodland Hills is tied atop the standings in the Class 5A Big East Conference, while Franklin Regional resides in fifth place. A year ago, the Wolverines steamrolled the Panthers, 55-7.

Shaler Area (2-5, 1-0) at Kiski Area (2-5, 1-1) – 7 p.m.

About the Titans: Shaler Area secured a convincing 35-6 win against Indiana Area one week ago in the Class 4A Greater Allegheny Conference, snapping a four-game skid. Titans quarterback Jayden Conrad hit on 14-of-21 throws for 170 yards, with four touchdowns, and he also rushed for 44 yards. Avery Kinter posted 17 carries for 167 yards and a TD, while Braedyn Witkowski caught seven passes for 87 yards and a trio of scores. On the year, Conrad has thrown for 965 yards and nine touchdowns, while Kitner has 91 carries for 493 yards. Witkowski paces the Titans with six TDs. Shaler has been outscored 166-141 on the year. Jim Ryan reprises his role as the head coach of Shaler Area.

About the Cavaliers: Kiski Area jumped out to a big halftime lead, and did not relinquish it in a 45-10 triumph at Hampton in a Class 4A Greater Allegheny Conference battle last week. Landyn Artman went 18-of-25 passing for 221 yards and rushed for 64 yards and a pair of scores on the ground for the Cavaliers, who led 28-0 at the half. Daevion McNeil was on the receiving end of a pair of TD passes, as he caught five balls spanning 89 yards. On the year, Artman has connected on 101-of-165 throws for 1,399 yards, with a dozen touchdowns and eight interceptions, and he’s added 74 carries for 353 yards. McNeil has caught 28 passes for 579 yards, scoring 10 total TDs, while Bryce Bowman has registered 28 receptions for 363 yards. Ashton Taylor leads the rushing attack with 125 carries for 491 yards, scoring four times.

About the Matchup: Playing just one game in the Class 4A Greater Allegheny Conference, the Titans are tied atop the standings. Meanwhile, the Cavaliers are tied for third. The teams clashed in the first round of the WPIAL Class 5A playoffs last year, a 28-8 win for Shaler Area.

Southmoreland (2-5, 1-2) at Belle Vernon Area (6-1, 3-0) – 7 p.m.

About the Scotties: Southmoreland was unable to contain Tevin Owen-Cratsenberg, who propelled Highlands to a 42-20 nonconference triumph last Friday. In the defeat, Dylan Brown scored twice, while Justin Hribal posted an 80-yard scoop and score for the Scotties. Despite missing the past two weeks, Dawson Wolfe leads the Scotties with 84 carries for 443 yards and nine touchdowns. Brown has amassed 75 carries for 421 yards, scoring four times, but he’s hit on just 10-of-25 passes for 52 yards and three interceptions. For the year, the Scotties have been outscored by 100 points, 233-133.

About the Leopards: A dominant rushing effort and a suffocating defense led Belle Vernon Area to a 49-0 triumph at home against Mount Pleasant Area in the Class 3A Interstate Conference. Jace Gedekoh rushed for 98 yards and three scores, and he also threw for a score for the Leopards. Moreover, Chase Petrosky posted 18 carries for 127 yards. Through seven games, Gedekoh has completed 65-of-93 passes for 812 yards, with eight TDs and two interceptions, and he’s compiled 69 rushing attempts for 395 yards, scoring eight times. Petrosky has accumulated 89 carries for 526 yards, also scoring eight TDs. Cam Black leads BVA with 23 receptions, while Luca Ghilani has a team-best 268 receiving yards. The Leopards are permitting just 9.6 points per game.

About the Matchup: While Southmoreland is tied for fourth in the Class 3A Interstate Conference, the Leopards reside in second place. In the most recent clash in 2023, BVA cruised to a 49-7 win.

Derry Area (2-5, 0-3) at Waynesburg Central (6-1, 3-1) – 7 p.m.

About the Trojans: Although Derry Area played competitively into the third quarter, Elizabeth Forward scored 28 unanswered points to pull away in a 49-13 win in the Class 3A Interstate Conference. Max Doherty was the catalyst for the Trojans, as he rushed for 139 yards and a score. Anthony Sacco added a rushing score for DA. For the year, Doherty has amassed 124 carries for 905 yards, caught a dozen passes for 126 yards, and compiled 12 total touchdowns. Noah Stough also has a dozen receptions for 204 yards, while Sacco has passed for 596 and three scores, but with six interceptions, and he’s also registered 73 carries for 366 yards.

About the Raiders: Waynesburg Central cruised to a 42-7 win against Greensburg Salem in a Class 3A Interstate Conference battle one week ago. Raiders quarterback Teagan Crouse rushed for 129 yards and three touchdowns, and he also completed 8-of-14 throws for 98 yards and two scores. Ky-mani Sumpter caught three passes for 63 yards and added a rushing TD. For the season, Crouse has hit on 64-of-97 throws for 1,119 yards, with 13 touchdowns and four picks, and he’s compiled 46 carries for 668 yards, scoring 11 TDs on the ground. Furthermore, Sumpter has 90 carries for 793 yards and 12 total scores, while Jack Rucciuti has 24 catches for 459 yards. The Raiders have outpaced their foes 265-87. Joe Kuhns is at the helm of Waynesburg Central.

About the Matchup: While the Trojans are one of two winless teams in the Class 3A Interstate Conference, sitting in sixth place, the Raiders are in third place. The most recent meeting took place in 2017, as Derry Area dominated, 47-0.

Highlands (6-1, 3-0) at Burrell (5-2, 2-1) – 7 p.m.

About the Golden Rams: Tevin Owen-Cratsenberg propelled Highlands to a 42-20 nonconference triumph against Southmoreland last week. Owen-Cratsenberg compiled 167 yards rushing and three scores for the Golden Rams. On the season, Owen-Cratsenberg has notched 183 carries for 1,712 yards, scoring 24 total touchdowns. The Golden Rams are averaging 39.6 points per game. Matt Bonislawski is at the helm of Highlands, which is his alma mater.

About the Buccaneers: With Antonio Perkins turning in another epic performance, Burrell edged Knoch 14-7 in a Class 3A Allegheny Seven contest last week. Perkins compiled 231 yards rushing and both touchdowns for the Buccaneers, while Trey Coury added 11 carries for 42 yards. For the year, Perkins has posted 130 carries for 1,068 yards, scoring 15 times, and he’s also hit on 43-of-93 passing attempts spanning 559 yards and three touchdowns. Coury has registered 95 carries for 481 yards and four TDs. Despite its record, Burrell has been outscored 160-157.

About the Matchup: Highlands sits in second place in the Class 3A Allegheny Seven Conference, while Burrell is tied for third. In 2025, the Golden Rams doubled up the Bucs, 42-21.

Valley (2-5, 0-4) at Knoch (3-4, 0-4) – 7 p.m.

About the Vikings: Playing without starting QB Skyler Lincoln, Valley was plagued by turnovers in a 44-8 loss to Freeport Area in the Class 3A Allegheny Seven Conference last week. Sean Wilkerson filled in at QB, throwing for 129 yards but with two interceptions for the Vikings. Davell McWright caught four passes for 79 yards and also returned a kickoff 77 yards for a TD. On the year, Valley has been outpaced 229-103.

About the Knights: Burrell edged Knoch 14-7 in a Class 3A Allegheny Seven contest last week. Ethan Rouleau accounted for the only TD for the host Knights. For the year, Rouleau has posted 108 carries for 655 yards, scoring six times. QB Max Wiley, meanwhile, has hit on 45-of-74 completions for 600 yards, with seven touchdowns and one pick. Coach T.J. Wiley is in his second season leading Knoch.

South Allegheny (4-3, 3-0) at Ligonier Valley (7-0, 3-0) – 7 p.m.

About the Gladiators: South Allegheny outlasted Charleroi 46-41 last week in a Class 2A Allegheny Conference matchup. Gladiators signal caller Malakai Myers hit on 9-of-17 throws for 165 yards and a touchdown, and he rushed 15 times for 106 yards and two scores. Nasir Roccman, meanwhile, registered nine carries for 105 yards and three TDs. For the season, Myers has connected on 26-of-54 throws for 453 yards and six TDs, while he’s also rushed for 236 yards and eight touchdowns. Roccman leads SA with nine scores, while Chance Cole has compiled 19 receptions for 318 yards. In each of their four wins, the Gladiators have scored 41 or more points. Brian Hanson is the head coach of South Allegheny.

About the Rams: With Levi Foust and Blake Hitt leading the way, Ligonier Valley stayed perfect with a 42-21 home win against East Allegheny in the Class 2A Allegheny Conference one week ago. Foust compiled 173 yards on the ground, scoring twice, while Hitt registered 134 yards and a TD. Gregory Sleasman also scored twice and Anthony Petalino also found paydirt for the Rams. On the campaign, Foust has rushed 99 times for 915 yards, scoring 11 times, and he’s also completed 32-of-61 throws for 684 yards, with 11 touchdowns compared to four interceptions. Hitt has added 71 rushes for 673 yards and seven TDs. The Rams boast a scoring advantage of 323-78.

About the Matchup: The Gladiators and Rams are two of the four teams that are a perfect 3-0 atop the Class 2A Allegheny Conference. Last season, South Allegheny smashed Ligonier Valley 62-14.

Greensburg Central Catholic (5-2, 2-1) at Riverview (1-6, 1-3) – 7 p.m.

About the Centurions: Homestanding Greensburg Central Catholic suffered a 24-7 defeat against rival Jeannette in a Class 1A Eastern Conference clash one week ago. Luke Semelka had an 80-yard interception return for the Centurions. For the 2026 season, Blase Bugosh leads GCC with 84 carries for 763 yards, scoring 19 touchdowns. Carson Kramer has connected on 30-of-59 throws for 496 yards, with six touchdowns and four interceptions, while Lucca Denis has a dozen receptions for 242 yards. Greensburg Central Catholic has outscored its foes 228-102.

About the Raiders: Riverview came up short in a 28-19 loss at Serra Catholic in the Class 1A Eastern Conference last Friday. In the defeat, Miles Duncan rushed nine times for 106 yards and two scores, while Lukas Duncan added 16 carries for 100 yards and a TD. The Raiders have been outscored 224-127 on the year. Coach Mark Jones is in his first season leading Riverview.

About the Matchup: Greensburg Central Catholic is in third place in the Class 1A Eastern Conference, while Riverview resides in fifth. In 2025, the Raiders bested the Centurions 26-7.

Washington (6-1, 3-0) at Monessen (5-2, 1-2) – 7 p.m.

About the Little Prexies: Washington rolled past Burgettstown 48-14 one week ago. Jamarie Walker amassed six carries for 107 yards and three scores, and he also caught a 56-yard TD pass. On the season, Walker has 75 carries for 676 yards and 13 total touchdowns. QB Travon Moye has thrown for 849 yards and eight touchdowns. Washington holds a scoring edge of 278-71 on the year. Veteran coach Mike Bosnic leads the Little Prexies.

About the Greyhounds: Monessen bounced back from two narrow losses in a row, besting Leechburg Area 32-21 in a Class 1A nonconference game last week. Kaier Payne threw for two TDs, while Lamont Cullen scored on a touchdown reception and an interception return for the Greyhounds. For the year, Kaier Payne has hit on 76-of-102 throws for 1,168 yards. The Greyhounds have limited their adversaries to 11.1 points per game.

Greater Latrobe (5-2, 3-1) at Connellsville Area (3-4, 0-3) – SATURDAY 12 p.m.

About the Wildcats: Keyed by a defensive stop on a two-point conversion late in the fourth, host Greater Latrobe outlasted Franklin Regional 29-27 in a Class 5A Big East Conference clash. AJ Yeboah produced 13 carries for 165 yards and a score for the Wildcats, while QB Dom Scarton completed 9-of-14 throws for 100 yards and a touchdown. In seven games, Yeboah has 82 carries for 695 yards, scoring six total touchdowns. Scarton has converted 65-of-102 passes for 966 yards, with 13 touchdowns and two picks. Ty Wisniewski is the top receiver, hauling in 33 catches for 475 yards. Dante Durigon leads GL with seven touchdowns.

About the Falcons: Connellsville Area fell at Gateway 49-10 last week in the Class 5A Big East Conference. The Falcons led the Gators 10-7 at the half, however. Linkon Keller rushed 36 times for 164 yards, caught two passes for 27 yards and a touchdown, and also kicked a field goal. On the season, Keller has contributed 110 carries for 566 yards, caught 18 passes for 229 yards, and totaled nine touchdowns. Rocco Farrell also has 18 catches for 229 yards, while Jeremy Jenkins has notched 15 grabs for 229 yards. The Falcons have permitted 41 or more points in three straight games, all losses. Jace McClean is the head coach of Connellsville Area.

About the Matchup: While the Wildcats are in third place in the Class 5A Big East Conference, the Falcons are one of two winless teams in the conference. Last season, Connellsville prevailed 28-13.

Yough (0-7, 0-2) at Shady Side Academy (3-4, 0-2) – SATURDAY 2 p.m.

About the Cougars: Despite its best offensive showing of the season, Yough suffered a 46-21 setback against South Park in the Class 3A Three Rivers Conference last Friday. Parker Granny, Waylon Govi, and Atticus Kimmell scored for the Cougars. Kimmell leads the Cougars with three touchdowns this year. Yough has been outpaced by its foes by a margin of 332-49.

About the Bulldogs: Shady Side Academy was on the wrong end of a 42-6 outcome at home against Avonworth last week in the Class 3A Three Rivers Conference clash. In their four losses this season, the Bulldogs have scored a combined 23 points and allowed a total of 193. Andrew Geisler is at the helm of his alma mater.

About the Matchup: the Cougars and Bulldogs are tied at the bottom of the Class 3A Three Rivers Conference. The teams have not met since at least prior to 2003.