The final week of the WPIAL football regular season has finally arrived, and a bevy of games will directly determine which teams are postseason bound. Thus far, just three Westmoreland County squads have punched their tickets to the playoffs, but that group could grow to nearly a dozen based on outcomes this weekend. Here’s a closer look at all of the Westmoreland games in Week Nine.

Penn-Trafford (7-2, 4-1) at Greater Latrobe (5-4, 2-3) – 7 p.m.

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

WSN Broadcasters: Sean Meyers and John Bainbridge

About the Warriors: Dom Smith produced three receptions for 172 yards and a touchdown in guiding Penn-Trafford to a 35-14 win at Armstrong in the Class 5A Big East Conference last Friday. Tasso Whipple added 9 carries for 76 yards and two rushing scores for PT, while Jonny Lovre went 6-of-11 for 159 yards and a score and Derek Carr was 4-of-4 for 96 yards and a TD. For the year, Whipple has amassed 153 carries for 1,327 yards, 14 grabs spanning 236 yards, and a dozen scores. Lovre has hit on 84-of-146 throws for 1,120 yards, with nine TDs and eight interceptions. PT has permitted an average of 14.3 points per game, by far the best mark in the conference.

About the Wildcats: John Wetzel tossed four touchdowns in leading Greater Latrobe to a massive 28-27 win at Gateway in the Class 5A Big East Conference one week ago. Wetzel finished 8-of-11 through the air for 165 yards, and he rushed 27 times for 151 yards for Greater Latrobe, which overcame a 14-0 deficit after the opening quarter. The Wildcats also received four catches for 90 yards and a pair of scores from Andy Tatsch. On the season, Wetzel has amassed 841 yards passing and six touchdowns, while he’s rushed 155 times for 945 yards and six scores. Andy Tatsch paces GL with 24 grabs for 429 yards, while Brady Prohovic has compiled 81 carries for 319 yards. Greater Latrobe holds a scoring margin of 190-184 on the year.

About the Matchup: Penn-Trafford has qualified for the playoffs already, and is locked into second place in the Class 5A Big East Conference. Greater Latrobe, meanwhile, remains alive for a wild card berth, and is currently tied with Kiski Area for fourth. GL head coach Ron Prady was an assistant with the Warriors before taking over the Wildcats in 2022. The teams last met in 2021, as PT claimed a 42-0 win.

Armstrong (2-7, 0-5) at Franklin Regional (6-3, 3-2) – 7 p.m.

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

WSN Broadcaster: Jonathan Whaley

About the River Hawks: Homestanding Armstrong suffered a 35-14 loss to Penn-Trafford in Class 5A Big East Conference play last week. In the seventh loss in a row for the River Hawks, QB Jaydon Oliver and receiver Kyan Kline connected on both TDs. On the campaign, Oliver has completed 120-of-227 throws for 1,485 yards, with 14 touchdowns and a dozen interceptions, and he’s rushed 89 times for 446 yards and four scores. Kline has registered 39 catches for 670 yards and a team-best nine TDs. Costa Couknas has added 76 carries for 443 yards. For the year, the River Hawks have been outpaced 312-176. Frank Fabian is the veteran head coach of Armstrong.

About the Panthers: Despite 208 yards rushing from Kyle Dupill, Franklin Regional could not slow down Woodland Hills in the second half, as the Wolverines prevailed 27-17 one week ago. In the defeat for FR, Chase Lemke went 6-of-20 passing for 44 yards and a pick, while Jude Gentile posted eight carries for 50 yards and a score. On the year, Dupill has notched 232 carries for 1,586 yards, ranking second in the WPIAL in both categories, while he’s produced 14 touchdowns. Mac Bresnahan leads the Panthers with 17 receptions for 371 yards, scoring four times. Despite a two-game skid, FR boasts a scoring differential of +41.

About the Matchup: Franklin Regional has secured a playoff spot and is assured third place from the Class 5A Big East Conference, while Armstrong is the lone team still in pursuit of a conference win in the Big East. The most recent clash in 2017 went in favor of the Panthers 26-23.

Southmoreland (7-2, 3-1) at Greensburg Salem (6-3, 2-2) – 7 p.m.

Pregame at 6:30 on WSN VIDEO - WATCH LIVE

WSN Broadcasters: Dave Franczak and Roger Downs

About the Scotties: Elizabeth Forward pulled away from Southmoreland in the second half, claiming a 31-3 win against the Scotties in a first-place showdown in the Class 3A Interstate Conference last week. Southmoreland QB Anthony Smith hit on 7-of-18 throws for 68 yards with an interception, while Cam Phillips rushed for 80 yards. For the year, Smith has connected on 106-of-196 throws for 1,843 yards, with 21 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. His top target has been Elliott Premus, who has hauled in 45 passes for 860 yards, and has scored a total of 11 touchdowns. Phillips has contributed 89 carries for 686 yards and seven scores, while Jake Kaylor has converted four field goals and 33 PATs. Southmoreland has outscored its adversaries 310-193 on the campaign.

About the Golden Lions: Greensburg Salem forced four turnovers, including a defensive touchdown, and claimed a 37-8 road victory at Yough in a Class 3A Interstate Conference matchup last Friday. Brody Chismar rushed for 97 yards and threw for 88 yards and a touchdown for GS. For the year, Dom Rosensteel has caught 22 passes for 361 yards, scoring seven TDs, which matches Kai Brunot for the team lead. Brunot has registered 54 carries for 351 yards, while Brady Smith has notched 74 carries for 284 yards, scoring five times. Allowing 16.2 points per game, the Golden Lions feature the best scoring defense in the conference.

About the Matchup: Southmoreland clinches a playoff berth with a win, while a Golden Lions’ victory moves Greensburg Salem into a tie with Southmoreland in the Class 3A Interstate Conference. Regardless of the outcome, GS will be in the thick of the wild card discussion. A year ago, the Scotties cruised to a 46-12 victory.

Derry Area (3-6, 0-4) at Yough (2-7, 0-4) – 7 p.m.

Pregame at 6:30 on WSN VIDEO - WATCH LIVE

WSN Broadcasters: John Flickinger and Bob Lasinski

About the Trojans: Derry Area permitted 24 points in the opening quarter to Mount Pleasant Area, which notched a 31-14 home win in the Class 3A Interstate Conference last week. In the defeat, Anthony Sacco went 10-of-27 for 130 yards, with two TDs and two picks. Max Doherty rushed 18 times for 175 yards for the Trojans. Losers of fourth straight, the Trojans have been outpaced 220-135 on the year.

About the Cougars: Plagued by four turnovers, Yough dropped a 37-8 outcome at home against Greensburg Salem in a Class 3A Interstate Conference matchup one week ago. In the setback, Raidon Kuroda threw for 100 yards and a TD and rushed 18 times for 68 yards for the Cougars, while Aidan Shaffer caught four passes for 92 yards. On the campaign, Kuroda has completed 92-of-199 throws for 1,210 yards, with a dozen scores and 12 interceptions, and he’s rushed 153 times for 872 yards, scoring nine times. Shaffer has accumulated 25 receptions for 468 yards, while Ryan Sarver has 29 grabs for 332 yards. Yough, which has lost seven in a row, has been outscored by a margin of 271-161 this year.

About the Matchup: Derry Area and Yough have both been eliminated from postseason contention, as they remain winless in the Class 3A Interstate Conference. A year ago, the Trojans edged the Cougars 22-21.

Norwin (2-7, 0-5) at Mount Lebanon (2-7, 2-3) – 7 p.m.

About the Knights: Tristyn Tavares returned to action and threw for 259 yards and two scores for Norwin, but the Knights came up just short in a 27-26 loss at Canon-McMillan in a Class 6A clash. In the setback, Jake Sincak scored twice and Gio Rothrauff compiled 162 yards on the ground. Battling through injuries this season, Tavares has hit on 88-of-170 attempts for 1,052 yards, six touchdowns, and two picks, and he has rushed for 302 yards and a team-high seven touchdowns. Rothrauff leads Norwin with 128 carries for 501 yards, while Jake Knight has caught 30 passes for 422 yards. Norwin, which is on a seven-game skid, has been outscored 283-181 this season.

About the Blue Devils: Mount Lebanon scored 35 unanswered points in a crucial 42-20 win at Hempfield Area in Class 6A play one week ago. Patrick Smith rushed for 121 yards and two scores for the Blue Devils, and he added a pair of passing touchdowns. On the campaign, Smith has thrown for 1,289 yards and posted 138 carries for 787 yards, scoring a dozen TDs on the ground. Noah Schaerli has registered 52 catches for 698 yards, scoring four times. Greg Perry is in his first season guiding Mount Lebanon.

About the Matchup: Norwin has been eliminated from postseason contention in Class 6A, while Mount Lebanon can secure a playoff spot with a victory coupled with a loss by either Seneca Valley or Canon-McMillan. In the most recent showdown in 2021, the Blue Devils reigned supreme, 35-7.

Kiski Area (4-5, 2-3) at Woodland Hills (7-2, 5-0) – 7 p.m.

About the Cavaliers: A 31-yard field goal by Austin Beck with 18 seconds left springboarded host Kiski Area to a 15-14 win against Plum in a Class 5A nonconference tilt last Friday. Landon Kucic added a pair of TDs for the Cavaliers, while Aven Shirley caught six passes for 65 yards. The Cavs scored their third win in a row. For the year, QB Carson Heinle has completed 98-of-155 throws for 1,259 yards, with a dozen touchdowns and four interceptions, and he’s added 421 yards on the ground. Kucic has produced 895 yards rushing and Shirley has registered 737 receiving yards, as they’ve posted 14 and 10 total touchdowns, respectively. Through nine games, KA has an even scoring margin of 208-208.

About the Wolverines: Woodland Hills put together a big second half at Franklin Regional last week, as the Wolverines prevailed 27-17. As a result, Woodland Hills claimed the Class 5A Big East Conference championship. Scoop Smith notched three touchdowns for the Wolverines, including a pair of rushing scores. Cam Walter, who was injured in the victory, has thrown for 1,133 yards and 12 touchdowns this year, while Smith has accumulated 36 catches for 609 yards, scoring 13 times. Malik McCloud has added 14 receptions for 268 yards, while Elijah Nesby has produced 353 yards rushing. Winners of six in a row, the Wolverines boast the top scoring offense in the conference at 30.3 points per contest.

About the Matchup: While the Wolverines are the Class 5A Big East Conference champions, Kiski Area can bolster its wild card resume with a win, as the Cavs are currently tied with Greater Latrobe in fourth place. The most recent clash in 2019 was won by Woodland Hills 28-2.

Belle Vernon Area (4-3, 3-1) at Trinity (4-5, 3-1) – 7 p.m.

About the Leopards: Keyed by a perfect passing effort by Curty Wade, Belle Vernon Area rolled to a 49-7 win at Ringgold in Class 4A Big Six Conference action last week. Wade went 10-of-10 passing for 233 yards and three touchdowns, while Anthony Crews hauled in four passes for 118 yards and a pair of TDs. Kole Doppelheuer anchored the rushing attack with a dozen carries for 146 yards and a TD, and Zo Wade added two rushing scores. For the season, Curty Wade has completed 49-of-79 throws for 841 yards, with 11 TDs and four interceptions, and he’s rushed for 241 yards. Doppelheuer has posted 553 yards rushing, 318 yards receiving, and 11 total touchdowns. BVA is averaging 31.7 points per contest.

About the Hillers: Trinity smashed Laurel Highlands 38-3 last week in the Class 4A Big Six Conference. Hillers standout QB Jonah Williamson went 11-of-15 passing for 162 yards and a score, and he added three rushing touchdowns. For the campaign, Williamson has hit on 71-of-145 throws for 808 yards, while he’s rushed 107 times for 597 yards and 10 touchdowns. Nico Mauro paces the rushing attack with 712 yards on 100 carries, while Chase Kostelnik has snagged 15 receptions for 274 yards. In their five losses, the Hillers have totaled just 27 points. Coach Dan Knause is at the helm of Trinity.

About the Matchup: The winner will finish second in the Class 4A Big Six Conference, clinching a playoff berth, while the loser will place third and hold out hope for a wild card selection. In the most recent clash in 2021, BVA rolled to a 49-0 victory.

Elizabeth Forward (6-3, 4-0) at Mount Pleasant (5-4, 3-1) – 7 p.m.

About the Warriors: Homestanding Elizabeth Forward pulled away in the second half, claiming a 31-3 win against Southmoreland in a first-place showdown in the Class 3A Interstate Conference last week. Charlie Nigut rushed for 131 yards and three scores for the Warriors, while Ryan Messina passed for 186 yards. On the season, Nigut has rushed 143 times for 978 yards, caught 26 passes for 441 yards, and compiled 22 total TDs, which is tied for fifth-most in the WPIAL. Messina, meanwhile, has registered 1,698 yards and 20 touchdowns, and he’s added 397 yards on the ground and nine scores. EF has outscored its adversaries 349-163 on the year. Coach John DeMarco patrols the sidelines for Elizabeth Forward.

About the Vikings: Mount Pleasant Area scored 24 points in the opening quarter, notching a 31-14 home win against Derry Area in the Class 3A Interstate Conference last Friday. In the first quarter alone, Jarett Garn produced a 56-yard TD reception, a 4-yard touchdown run, and a 45-yard field goal. Cole Chatfield went 6-of-9 passing for 172 yards and a touchdown for the Vikes, while Garrett Eicher added 55 yards rushing and a score. Chatfield, who left with injury, has thrown for 748 yards and rushed for another 214 yards this season. Brody Hutter has rushed 80 times for 438 yards, scoring a team-high eight touchdowns. The Vikings have narrowly been outscored, 206-204, on the campaign.

About the Matchup: While Elizabeth Forward has already clinched a playoff spot, the Warriors win the Class 3A Interstate Conference with a victory. Mount Pleasant, meanwhile, would claim the conference crown with a win and a Southmoreland loss, and will qualify for the playoffs either with a victory or a loss by Greensburg Salem. Last year, EF notched a 39-25 win.

Burrell (2-7, 2-3) at Deer Lakes (7-2, 4-1) – 7 p.m.

About the Buccaneers: Burrell could not contain the prolific Imani Christian Academy offense, as the Saints cruised to a 60-6 win in Class 3A Allegheny Seven Conference play one week ago. Trey Coury accounted for the lone score for the host Bucs. On the year, Coury has compiled a WPIAL-leading 234 carries for 1,051 yards, caught 13 passes, and has scored seven total TDs. The Buccaneers are averaging 9.2 points per contest, by far the lowest mark in the conference.

About the Lancers: Deer Lakes rolled to a 44-13 win at the expense of Valley last week in Class 3A Allegheny Seven action. Zier Williams rushed 10 times for 85 yards and two scores in the triumph. For the year, Williams has posted 1,010 yards rushing and 14 TDs, while QB Jake Fleischer has compiled 1,071 yards passing and 10 scores. DL has scored 27 or more points in each win, but the Lancers were blanked in both of their losses. Tim Burk is the head coach for Deer Lakes.

About the Matchup: Deer Lakes has clinched a postseason berth and would claim second place in the Class 3A Allegheny Seven Conference either with a win or courtesy of a Freeport Area loss. The Buccaneers would need a win to remain in contention for a wild card berth. Last year, the Lancers blanked Burrell 33-0 in a nonconference matchup.

Highlands (4-4, 2-3) at Valley (0-9, 0-5) – 7 p.m.

Apollo-Ridge (0-8, 0-5) at Ligonier Valley (3-6, 1-4) – 7 p.m.

About the Vikings: Apollo-Ridge suffered a 34-10 defeat at the hands of South Park last week in Class 2A Allegheny Conference play last week. Corey Mackintosh rushed for 44 yards and the only TD for the Vikings, while signalcaller Alexander Clawson went 13-for-28 for 120 yards and an interception. For the year, Clawson has amassed 1,535 yards passing, with a dozen TDs and eight interceptions. Logen Schrock has caught 26 passes for 327 yards, and Gage Wingard has registered 22 catches for 304 yards. The Vikings have permitted 37.3 points per game. John Skiba is the veteran coach guiding AR.

About the Rams: Ligonier Valley had no answer for Donald Barksdale, who rushed for 314 yards in leading Steel Valley to a dominant 53-7 win in the Class 2A Allegheny Conference last week. Mark Jablunovsky caught a 32-yard TD pass for the Rams, while John Jablunovsky contributed 11 carries for 33 yards. On the year, John Jablunovsky has rushed 152 times for 1,058 yards, scoring a dozen total TDs, while Mark Jablunovsky has secured 16 grabs for 387 yards. LV has been outpaced on the year by the margin of 289-163.

About the Matchup: While Apollo-Ridge resides in last place in the Class 2A Allegheny Conference, the Rams sit in a tie for fifth and would need a win to maintain any hope for wild card consideration. Last year, Ligonier Valley reigned supreme, 34-14.

Greensburg Central Catholic (6-2, 5-1) at Leechburg (8-1, 5-1) – 7 p.m.

About the Centurions: Greensburg Central Catholic won via forfeit last week against Frazier, as the Commodores did not have a sufficient number of healthy players. As a result, the Centurions clinched a playoff spot. On the campaign, Samir Crosby has completed 52-of-93 passing attempts for 1,004 yards, with 14 touchdowns and two interceptions, and he’s produced 106 carries for 782 yards, scoring 16 total TDs. His favorite target is Landon Honick, who has amassed 24 receptions for 511 yards and eight scores. The Centurions are averaging 36.2 points per contest.

About the Blue Devils: Leechburg prevailed in a high-scoring affair last week, besting Brentwood 57-34 in the Class 1A Eastern Conference. Jayden Floyd hit on 17-of-20 throws for 212 yards and three TDs, and he added a rushing touchdown. Tim Andrasy rushed 17 times for 191 yards and two TDs, while Jake Cummings registered 13 receptions for 138 yards and added six carries for 61 yards. On the year, Floyd has thrown for 1,230 yards and 10 TDs, and he’s accumulated 86 carries for 1,053 yards, scoring 24 times. Andrasy has added 805 yards rushing and 13 total scores. The Blue Devils boast a scoring average of 40.7 points. Randy Walters is the head coach for Leechburg.

About the Matchup: While both squads have already secured playoff bids, the winner finishes in second place in the Class 1A Eastern Conference, while the loser drops to third. Last year, GCC rolled to a 42-7 win.

Jeannette (6-3, 3-3) at Riverview (3-5, 2-4) – SATURDAY 12 p.m.

About the Jayhawks: Jeannette notched a dominant 42-0 win at home against Springdale in the Class 1A Eastern Conference. Kymon’e Brown went 3-for-5 passing for 88 yards and three scores through the air, and he added a punt return score, while Jayce Powell caught two passes for 66 yards and a pair of scores. Nick Mendoza paced the rushing attack for the Jayhawks, as he registered five carries for 115 yards and a TD. Hunter Shaeffer and Eli Jones also found paydirt for Jeannette. On the year, Brown has connected on 68-of-119 throws for 1,171 yards, with 17 touchdowns and eight picks, while he’s rushed 90 times for 794 yards, scoring nine times. Mendoza has contributed 39 carries for 258 yards, while Jones has added 28 rushes for 240 yards. Jeannette has slightly outscored its adversaries in 2024, holding a margin of 271-269.

About the Raiders: Riverview was steamrolled 84-0 by Clairton last Saturday at Thomas Jefferson High School in a Class 1A Eastern Conference tilt. On the season, QB Connor Kmetz has completed 45-of-82 throws for 745 yards, with eight TDs, while Rio Stotts has connected on 30-of-48 attempts for 388 yards. Alex Schultheis has 29 grabs covering 496 yards, while Max Kratt has scored a team-leading seven touchdowns. In their three victories, the Raiders have scored a combined 134 points. Coach Trevor George is the head man for Riverview.

About the Matchup: Jeannette is currently tied for fourth place in the Class 1A Eastern Conference, and a win would likely put the Jayhawks in the playoffs as a wild card. Riverview would match Jeannette with a victory, though, possibly keeping the Raiders alive for the wild card. A year ago, Jeannette prevailed 42-22.

Monessen (7-2, 3-2) at Cornell (7-2, 3-2) – 7 p.m.

Hempfield Area (3-6, 2-4) at Gateway (3-6, 2-4) – 7 p.m.

About the Spartans: Hempfield Area allowed 35 unanswered points to Mount Lebanon, as the Spartans suffered a crushing 42-20 home loss to the Blue Devils in Class 6A play last week. Thus, the Spartans were eliminated from postseason contention. Dom Detruf went 14-of-26 for 186 yards and a touchdown for the Spartans, but he also threw two interceptions. Jack Kopas added five receptions for 76 yards and a score for Hempfield, while Owen Buchholz had a TD reception. For the campaign, Detruf has thrown for 1,438 yards and 12 TDs, but he’s also tossed 14 interceptions. Kopas has compiled 34 catches for 482 yards, while Aidan Stinebiser has registered 145 carries for 576 yards. The Spartans have been outpaced 308-173 on the year.

About the Gators: Gateway squandered an early lead as Greater Latrobe claimed a massive 28-27 win in the Class 5A Big East Conference last week. In that loss, quarterback Elvis Koutsakis hit on 27-of-39 attempts for 314 yards and a pair of TDs, while Amari Gans caught 10 passes for 107 yards and rushed 26 times for 87 yards and two touchdowns. Dyson Harper added four catches for 72 yards and a pair of scores. On the season, Gans has compiled 138 carries for 618 yards, caught 33 passes for 407 yards, and scored 14 touchdowns. Shawn Moorefield is the top receiver for Gateway, producing 52 receptions for 701 yards. The Gators have permitted an average of 28.5 points per game. Don Holl is the decorated head coach of Gateway.

About the Matchup: This is a nonconference clash, as Hempfield Area plays in Class 6A, while Gateway resides in the Class 5A Big East Conference. The Gators remain alive for a wild card berth. As conference foes last year, Gateway rolled in a 63-21 victory.