After just a couple weeks of the high school football season, some teams are aiming to maintain their high level of play, while others are hoping to round into form after a slow start. This week once again brings all nonconference matchups around Westmoreland County, including four all-county battles. Here’s a deep dive into every Westmoreland game in Week Two.

Greater Latrobe (1-1, 0-0) at Hempfield Area (1-1, 0-0) – 7 p.m.

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

WSN Broadcasters: Sean Meyers and Mark Katarski

About the Wildcats: Greater Latrobe suffered a heartbreaking 28-21 home loss against Franklin Regional last week, as the Wildcats were denied just shy of the goal line in the closing moments. Greater Latrobe QB John Wetzel hit on 8-of-19 passes for 184 yards, while JaTawn Williams caught four passes for 124 yards and added a 99-yard kickoff return score. For the season, Wetzel is 14-of-24 passing for 308 yards, with five touchdowns and no interception, while also leading the team with 17 carries for 84 yards. Williams, meanwhile, has amassed 197 yards receiving and four total touchdowns, while Alex Tatsch and Jack Drnjevich have each found paydirt twice.

About the Spartans: A week ago, Hempfield Area had no solution for Bruce Giles, who rushed 26 times for 221 yards and two touchdowns to lead Connellsville to a 28-7 triumph. Mitchell Bitar scored the only TD for Hempfield Area, as he recovered a fumble by Ron Katchur in the end zone. In the defeat, Keiran Lippmann was 10-of-14 passing for 177 yards, while Lucas Moore hauled in four receptions for 70 yards and rushed three times for 20 yards. On the campaign, Moore paces the Spartans in both rushing and receiving yards, while Rogan Katchur has a team-high three scores. Anthony Puskar leads the defense with 15 tackles and an interception.

About the Matchup: While the Wildcats play in the Class 4A Big Seven Conference, the Spartans reside in the Class 5A Big East Conference. A year ago, Hempfield Area cruised to a 49-14 triumph at Memorial Stadium.

McKeesport Area (2-0, 0-0) at Belle Vernon Area (1-0, 0-0) - 7 p.m.

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

WSN Broadcasters: Dave Franczak and John Bainbridge

About the Tigers: McKeesport Area’s defense collected three interceptions, while a 48-yard pass from Valdez Stuvaints to Dominique Cochran gave the Tigers a lead they didn’t relinquish in a 17-7 home win against Penn-Trafford. Cochran later hauled in a 35-yard TD from Garret Tarker, who was 2-of-6 for 48 yards. Anthony Boyd led the rushing attack with 15 carries for 69 yards, while Tarker contributed 55 yards on the ground. Through two games, Boyd, Tarker, and Kemon Spell have each surpassed 100 yards rushing. Matt Miller continues to patrol the sidelines for the Tigers.

About the Leopards: Playing for the first time since capturing the PIAA title last December, Belle Vernon Area cruised to a 40-0 win at Laurel Highlands last week. Senior superstar Quinton Martin scored four total touchdowns, notching 103 yards rushing and two scores on six carries, while snagging six receptions for 49 yards, including two TDs. Anthony Crews and Jake Gedekoh also added touchdown runs for BVA, while Braden Laux went 10-of-12 passing for 98 yards. After recording three shutouts last year, the Leopards posted their initial shutout of 2023.

About the Matchup: The former conference foes will clash in a nonconference affair, as McKeesport Area plays in the 4A Big Seven, while Belle Vernon resides in the 3A Interstate. A year ago, the Tigers edged the Leopards 14-6.

Connellsville Area (2-0, 0-0) at Franklin Regional (1-1, 0-0) - 7 p.m.

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

WSN Announcer: Jonathan Whaley

About the Falcons: Bruce Giles rushed 26 times for 221 yards and two touchdowns to lead host Connellsville Area to a 28-7 triumph against Hempfield Area. Additionally, Anthony Piasecki threw for two scores for the Falcons, connecting with Capone Mickens and Jayden McBride. The Falcons, who are 2-0 for the first time since 1997, have outscored their foes by an average of 28.0-7.0 through the first two weeks. Connellsville is led by a trio of head coaches - Chad Lembo, Jace McClean, and Mick Lilley.

About the Panthers: A pair of touchdowns by Kyle Dupill and a goal line stand in the waning moments give Franklin Regional a 28-21 victory on the road against Greater Latrobe at Memorial Stadium last week. Dupill’s second TD run put FR in the lead in the final quarter, as he amassed 115 yards rushing. Chase Lemke added a pair of touchdown passes in a 10-for-14 performance for FR. On the season, Lemke has thrown for 208 yards, although he’s tossed four interceptions to three touchdowns. Ayden Hudock leads FR in receiving, and he matches Dupill for the team lead with a pair of touchdowns.

About the Matchup: The nonconference clash includes Connellsville from the Class 4A Big Seven Conference and Franklin Regional, which competes in the 5A Big East Conference. The Panthers rolled to a 40-0 whitewash of the Falcons in 2022.

Derry Area (1-1, 0-0) at Southmoreland (2-0, 0-0) - 7 p.m.

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

WSN Broadcasters: John Flickinger and Bob Lasinski

About the Trojans: Derry Area snapped the longest losing streak in the WPIAL, courtesy of a 26-21 home victory against Greensburg Salem last week. The Trojans, who had a 20-game skid entering play, captured a win for the first time since the 2020 season. Ahmad Ward had a breakout game, as he rushed 28 times for 191 yards and three touchdowns, and he snagged a 100-yard interception return touchdown in the second quarter. Derry Area held a 27-0 lead at the half, but had to fend off a late rally by the Golden Lions. Demauri Robinson had two grabs for 49 yards for DA, and he has 149 yards receiving through two games. Ward, meanwhile, has amassed 230 yards on the ground on 42 attempts.

About the Scotties: Da’sjon Craggette was dominant in leading Southmoreland to a lopsided 48-7 victory against Ligonier Valley at Weller Field a week ago. Craggette, who surpassed 200 yards rushing in his Scotties debut, amassed 193 yards and three scores on just a dozen carries. Additionally, Southmoreland QB Kadin Keefer hooked up with Ty Keffer on a pair of TD passes. Keefer finished the contest 6-of-8 for 138 yards, while Keffer snagged five catches for 73 yards. Craggette leads the WPIAL in rushing yards through two weeks, as he’s compiled 26 carries for 411 yards, scoring five times. The Scotties have outscored their foes 82-14.

About the Matchup: The nonconference battle pits the Trojans in the Class 2A Allegheny Conference and the Scotties, who play in the Class 3A Interstate Conference. In 2022, the Scotties edged the Trojans 28-14.

Jefferson-Morgan (1-1, 0-0) at Jeannette (1-1, 0-0) – 7 p.m.

Pregame at 6:30 on WSN AUDIO - LISTEN LIVE

WSN Broadcasters: Brent Whigham and Anthony DeNunzio

About the Rockets: Jefferson-Morgan fell at home 19-7 against Waynesburg Central a week ago. Through two weeks, the Rockets have scored 49 points and allowed 49 points. Running back Colin Bisceglia is among the key returners from last year’s squad. Jefferson-Morgan is under the guidance of second-year head coach Shane Ziats.

About the Jayhawks: Jeannette endured a crushing 33-30 overtime setback at East Allegheny last week. The Jayhawks faced a 27-14 deficit in the third quarter, but pulled even on rushing touchdowns from Payton Molter and Noah Sanders. In the extra frame, Austin Emery's 27-yard field goal put the Jayhawks ahead, but the Wildcats answered with the game-winning touchdown run. Sanders finished with 215 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 29 carries for Jeannette, and he also caught a touchdown pass. Molter went 16-of-23 for 136 yards and a touchdown. For the season, Molter has thrown for 196 yards and a score, and he’s rushed 30 times for 141 yards and three touchdowns.

About the Matchup: While both teams play in Class 1A, it’s a nonconference battle, as Jefferson-Morgan is in the Tri-County South Conference, while Jeannette plays in the Eastern Conference. In 2022, the Rockets narrowly prevailed, 27-26.

Norwin (0-2, 0-0) at Fox Chapel Area (0-2, 0-0) – 7 p.m.

About the Knights: Homestanding Norwin was stifled by the Penn Hills’ defense, as the Indians claimed a 27-0 win last week. Tristyn Tavares was 14-of-28 and threw for 110 yards in the setback for the Knights. Jake Knight caught a team-high six passes for 37 yards. For Penn Hills, Pitt commit Julian Dugger amassed 125 yards through the air, while adding 88 yards on the ground, notching two total touchdowns. Through two weeks, Tavares is 26-of-54 for 348 yards and three scores, while Knight has nine grabs for 100 yards.

About the Foxes: Fox Chapel Area was bested by host Plum 34-10 a week ago. The lone Foxes TD came on a 90-yard kickoff return by Tyrese Samuels, while Kellan Bleier added a 30-yard field goal. Three different players attempted passes for FC, but Max Melocchi was the most successful, hitting 4-of-6 attempts for 110 yards. The Foxes have scored just 10 points on the campaign. Dave Leasure, who previously served at the helm of Springdale, is in his first season leading Fox Chapel.

About the Matchup: Both teams play in 5A, but Norwin is in the Big East Conference, while Fox Chapel resides in the Northeast Conference. Last year, the Knights claimed their lone win of the season, besting the Foxes 27-13.

Penn-Trafford (0-2, 0-0) at Woodland Hills (1-1, 0-0) – 7 p.m.

About the Warriors: Penn-Trafford was mistake-prone on offense, falling on the road to McKeesport Area 17-7 last week. Carmen Metcalfe paced the PT offense with eight catches for 77 yards, including a 6-yard touchdown in the third quarter to account for the first points of the season for the Warriors. Quarterback Jonny Lovre was 11-of-20 for 98 yards, with a touchdown and three interceptions. Ben Grabowski led the team with 43 yards on the ground. For the campaign, Metcalfe has 15 receptions for 170 yards. Paul Darragh and Tasso Whipple pace the PT defense with 13 tackles apiece.

About the Wolverines: Woodland Hills blasted Gateway 27-0 a week ago. Scoop Smith was paramount, as he caught four passes for 120 yards, including three touchdowns. QB Cam Walter was 10-of-17 passing for 111 yard and two scores, while Elijah Newby rushed five times for 96 yards and a score. For the season, Smith, who has garnered Division I interest for both football and basketball, has nine catches for 184 yards and four touchdowns. Brandon Smith paces the running game with 29 carries for 121 yards. Brian Tarrant is in his first season on the sidelines for Woodland Hills.

About the Matchup: It’s a Class 5A nonconference contest, as the Warriors are in the Big East Conference, while the Wolverines call the Northeast Conference home. Last year, PT dominated 48-14.

Laurel Highlands (1-1, 0-0) at Kiski Area (0-2, 0-0) – 7 p.m.

About the Mustangs: Last week, Laurel Highlands was on the wrong side of a 40-0 outcome at home against Belle Vernon Area. In the defeat, Antwan Black Jr, a DI prospect, had two catches for 36 yards. Parker Hoff led the ground game with 11 carries for 42 yards. Black accounted for three scores in the season-opening win against Uniontown Area. The Mustangs are under the guidance of Rich Kolesar.

About the Cavaliers: Kiski Area had no answers for the Pine-Richland rushing attack last week, as the homestanding Rams cruised to a 48-0 whitewashing of the Cavaliers. In the defeat, the Cavs were paced by Landon Kucic, who rushed for 88 yards. Quarterback Carson Heinle struggled mightily, as he hit just 3-of-12 passes for nine yards, while he rushed 11 times for 30 yards.

About the Matchup: Both teams play in Class 4A, with the Mustangs residing in the Big Seven Conference, while the Cavaliers compete in the Greater Allegheny Conference. In 2022, Laurel Highlands claimed a 37-7 victory.

Ligonier Valley (1-1, 0-0) at Greensburg Salem (0-2, 0-0) – 7 p.m.

About the Rams: Ligonier Valley was overmatched at home in a 48-7 loss to Southmoreland last week. After rushing for more than 200 yards in the season lid-lifter, John Jablunovsky had just seven carries for 21 yards. Aaron Dennison accounted for the lone score for the Rams on a 17-yard run in the fourth quarter, as he rushed six times for 46 yards. For the season, QB Bowie Schreyer is 2-of-5 passing for nine yards.

About the Golden Lions: Greensburg Salem suffered a 26-21 road loss at Derry Area last week. Derry Area, which had a 20-game skid entering play, captured a win for the first time since the 2020 season. The Golden Lions, who scored the final 21 points of the contest, were led by Julian Stevens, who registered four receptions for 62 yards, including a 19-yard touchdown. QB Adam DiPasquale, who was filling in for the suspended Peyton Chismar, went 21-of-39 for 238 yards, with two TDs and two picks. Kai Brunot boasted 17 carries for 75 yards and a touchdown. First-year head coach Ty George is in pursuit of his first win.

About the Matchup: While Ligonier Valley plays in the Class 2A Allegheny Conference, Greensburg Salem is in the 3A Interstate Conference. Last year, the Golden Lions prevailed 35-22.

Mount Pleasant Area (1-1, 0-0) at McGuffey (1-1, 0-0) – 7 p.m.

About the Vikings: Quarterback Cole Chatfield enjoyed a strong performance in guiding Mount Pleasant Area to a 27-13 victory on the road against Yough a week ago. Chatfield hit on 8-of-13 attempts for 163 yards and three scores, including a pair of TDs to Lucas Nicotera, who had six catches for 109 yards. Garrett Eicher rushed 11 times for 98 yards and a score for Mount Pleasant, while Jackson Hutter amassed seven carries for 72 yards, and Chatfield added 58 yards rushing. On the season, Chatfield has thrown for 335 yards, with four touchdowns and two interceptions, while Nicotera has eight catches for 140 yards. Garrett Eicher leads the squad with three touchdowns.

About the Highlanders: McGuffey secured a 48-22 win at Ringgold last week. The Highlanders jumped out to a 28-0 lead in the second quarter, boosted by a pair of short touchdown runs by Charles Wagers. Malachi Ealy led McGuffey with six carries for 83 yards, including a score, while Wagers also posted two receptions for 51 yards. Through two contests, quarterback Connor Crowe is 10-of-20 for 135 yards and a touchdown. Veteran head coach Ed Dalton leads McGuffey.

About the Matchup: The nonconference clash pits the Vikings, who play in the Class 3A Interstate, against the Highlanders, who reside in the 2A Century Conference. Dalton used to serve as the helm of the Vikings. Last year, Mount Pleasant claimed a 50-28 win.

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

About the Vikings: A pair of touchdown passes from Mason Simmons to Dorian Briggs provided all of the offense Valley needed last week, as it ousted Apollo-Ridge 18-7 in the battle of the Vikings. Tristin Goodwin added 14 carries for 70 yards and a score on the ground for the Vikings, while first-year head coach Mark Adams earned his first victory at the helm of Valley.

About the Buccaneers: Burrell’s offense was silenced, as the Buccaneers barely eclipsed 100 total yards in a 33-0 shutout defeat at Deer Lakes a week ago. Devin Beattie paced the Bucs with 67 yards rushing on 22 attempts. Tyler Maglisco added 25 yards on the ground. The Bucs failed to complete a pass in six attempts. Beattie has accounted for both TDs this season.

About the Matchup: The “Battle of the Bypass” pits the Vikings from the Class 3A Allegheny Six Conference against the Buccaneers, who play in the 2A Allegheny Conference. Last year, Burrell edged Valley 30-27 in the rivalry matchup.

Yough (0-2, 0-0) at Charleroi (0-1, 0-0) – 7 p.m.

About the Yough Cougars: Yough dropped a 27-13 home contest against Mount Pleasant Area a week ago. The Cougars, who scored twice in the fourth quarter, were led by QB Raidon Kuroda, who passed for 170 yards and rushed for 80 yards and a touchdown. Ryan Sarver enjoyed a breakthrough performance, as he caught 11 passes for 113 yards, while Antonio Marra added two grabs for 64 yards and notched a rushing score. Shane Swope paced the rushing attack with 64 yards. Yough has lost its first two contests by 14 points apiece.

About the Charleroi Cougars: Charleroi opened its season with a 47-0 lopsided loss on the road at California last week. The Cougars were unable to slow Cal’s Spencer Petrucci, who had 287 yards rushing and three scores. Sophomore QB Jackson Keranko and senior running back Gianni Pellegrini are among the top returners from last year. Tyler Aeschbacher is the first-year head coach of Charleroi, which has had three head coaches in the past three seasons.

About the Matchup: While both teams play in Class 2A, this game in a nonconference affair, as Yough is in the Allegheny Conference, while Charleroi plays in the Century Conference. In 2022, Yough blanked Charleroi 14-0 in the battle of the Cougars.

Greensburg Central Catholic (1-1, 0-0) at West Greene (2-0, 0-0) – 7 p.m.

About the Centurions: Homestanding Greensburg Central Catholic struggled to slow down Bishop Canevin, as the Crusaders prevailed 26-6 last week. Samir Crosby rushed for the only touchdown for GCC, and he added 105 yards through the air while spelling Tyree Turner. Turner was just 3-of-12 passing for 30 yards, but he led the Centurions with nine carries for 57 yards and also had a 32-yard reception. Landon Honick accumulated four catches for 85 yards.

About the Pioneers: West Greene steamrolled past Chartiers-Houston 56-13 last week. Colin Brady posted a prolific performance, as he rushed 14 times for 254 yards and four touchdowns. Billy Whitlach, meanwhile, rushed six times for 116 yards and two scores. Beau Jackson is in his first season leading the Pioneers.

About the Matchup: This is a nonconference matchup of Class 1A teams, as the Centurions play in the Eastern Conference, and the Pioneers reside in the Tri-County South. Last season, GCC controlled the play en route to a 57-21 victory.

Frazier (0-2, 0-0) at Monessen (0-2, 0-0) – 7 p.m.

About the Commodores: Frazier was shut out for the second week in a row, falling to Mapletown 28-0 last week. Brennan Stewart hit on 7-of-13 passes for 59 yards, while Derek Diamond led the rushing attack with 49 yards. Mike Shannon oversees the Frazier program.

About the Greyhounds: Monessen dropped a 20-6 outcome to host Cornell last week. Tyvaughn Kershaw accounted for the lone score for the Greyhounds, a 3-yard touchdown run.