While the majority of WPIAL teams commenced conference play either two weeks ago or last weekend, the remaining squads will begin the conference ledger this week. That includes a handful of Westmoreland County teams in Class 4A and 3A. Moreover, this week’s slate features three all-Westmoreland clashes. Here’s a closer look at all of the games across the county in Week Five.

Kiski Area (1-4, 0-2) at Franklin Regional (4-1, 2-0) – 7 p.m.

Pregame at 7 p.m. on WSN VIDEO - WATCH LIVE

WSN Broadcaster: Jonathan Whaley

About the Cavaliers: Despite being tied in the third quarter, Kiski Area suffered a 33-7 home loss to Penn-Trafford last week in Big East Conference play. Kiski Area’s lone score came on a TD pass from Carson Heinle to Aven Shirley to deadlock the game at 7-7 shortly after halftime. Landon Kucic rushed 19 times for 73 yards for the Cavaliers, while Heinle went just 5-of-12 for 33 yards. On the year, Kucic has amassed 79 carries for 452 yards, scoring a team-best seven touchdowns. Heinle has completed 53-of-86 passes for 713 yards, with six TDs and four picks, and he’s added 132 yards on the ground. His favorite targets are Aven Shirley and Andrew Finney, who have collected 23 and 14 receptions, respectively. The Cavs have lost four straight, scoring just 14 combined points in their two conference setbacks.

About the Panthers: A monster performance by Kyle Dupill propelled Franklin Regional to a 36-34 victory at Gateway in the Class 5A Big East Conference last Friday. Dupill rushed 36 times for 226 yards, scoring a pair of touchdowns for the Panthers. Quarterback Chase Lemke added 158 yards passing and a pair of scores for FR, while Joey Bayne produced two field goals. On the campaign, Dupill has registered 129 carries for 783 yards, which ranks fourth in the WPIAL, and he’s scored seven times. Lemke, meanwhile, has posted 564 yards and seven scores through the air. The Panthers have averaged 27.4 points per game this season, which ranks second in the conference.

About the Matchup: While the Panthers are the only team at 2-0 in the Class 5A Big East Conference, the Cavaliers are the lone team sitting at 0-2. The previous meeting took place in a nonconference clash in 2021, as Kiski Area prevailed 24-14.

Derry Area (3-2, 0-0) at Southmoreland (4-1, 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: Led by Damauri Robinson and a stifling defense, Derry Area blanked Indiana Area 21-0 in a nonconference affair last Friday. The host Trojans received a pair of TD runs from Robinson, as he compiled 13 carries for 113 yards and also caught a 31-yard pass, while Justin Papuga added 81 yards rushing and another score on the ground for Derry Area. QB Anthony Sacco went 6-for-11 for 81 yards and an interception. On the campaign, Robinson has amassed 73 carries for 525 yards, caught five passes for 72 yards, and scored eight TDs, all team highs. Derry Area has permitted an average of 14.8 points per contest.

About the Scotties: Anthony Smith continued his impressive freshman campaign last week, as he propelled Southmoreland to a 32-15 win on the road against Ringgold. Smith produced 172 yards and two touchdowns through the air for the Scotties. Jackson Mickens was his top target in the victory, as he caught five passes for 92 yards and a score, while Elliot Premus added three grabs for 79 yards and a TD. Makel Darnell added a 52-yard punt return touchdown. For the year, Smith has hit on 51-of-98 passes for 980 yards, with 11 TDs and seven interceptions. Premus has contributed 23 receptions for 504 yards, tying for the team lead with six touchdowns. Cam Phillips anchors the rushing attack with 48 carries for 351 yards. Southmoreland has scored 195 points, the second most in all of Class 3A.

About the Matchup: This serves as the Class 3A Interstate Conference opener for both teams. Last year, the Scotties edged the Trojans 24-21 in a nonconference tilt.

Mount Pleasant Area (2-3, 0-0) at Yough (2-3, 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 Vikings: Playing in a one-point game for the third time already this season, Mount Pleasant Area suffered a heartbreaking 21-20 loss in overtime against Laurel Highlands last week in a nonconference tilt. The host Vikings failed on their two-point conversion, a run by Stephen Predajna, in the extra period. Prior to that, Predajna scored a pair of touchdowns – a fumble recovery on a botched snap, and a 2-yard run in overtime. The other Vikings’ score came on a 27-yard connection from Cole Chatfield to Jonah Townsend. Brody Hutter paced the Mount Pleasant rushing game with 11 carries for 64 yards. For the season, Jarrett Garn has rushed 40 times for 327 yards, scoring three times and adding four field goals. Hutter is narrowly behind in the rushing attack, as he has notched 48 carries for 312 yards and four total touchdowns.

About the Cougars: Yough was overmatched in a 57-6 loss at Blackhawk in the nonconference showdown one week ago. Yough was limited to 180 yards of offense, as QB Raidon Kuroda amassed 139 yards through the air, including a touchdown pass, but was intercepted three times. Ryan Sarver caught four passes for 60 yards and a score for the Cougars. On the campaign, Kuroda has contributed 581 yards passing and 566 yards rushing. Aidan Thornton has also been an asset in the run game, as he has compiled 56 carries for 314 yards.

About the Matchup: This contest serves as the lid-lifter in the Class 3A Interstate Conference. As nonconference foes in 2023, the Vikings prevailed 27-13.

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

Pregame at 7 p.m. on WSN VIDEO - WATCH LIVE

WSN Broadcasters: Sean Meyers and Mark Katarski

About the Mustangs: Plum was overmatched in a 43-7 loss at home against Pine-Richland last week in Class 5A Northeastern Conference play. The Mustangs trailed 43-0 before a fourth-quarter score on a pass from Antonio Hanzlik to Cameron Wilson. John Nonnenberg struggled at QB, going 6-of-17 for 18 yards and an interception. For the year, Nicky Odom has paced the rushing attack for Plum, amassing 80 carries for 302 yards, while Darian Nelson is the top receiver with 19 catches for 290 yards and a team-high three TDs. The Mustangs have been outscored 146-71 on the season. Matt Morgan is the veteran head coach for Plum.

About the Warriors: Led by Tasso Whipple’s big performance on the ground and a key special teams play, Penn-Trafford claimed a 33-7 win at Kiski Area last week in Big East Conference action. Whipple rushed 14 times for 185 yards and a touchdown, and Michael Cheplick added a 98-yard kickoff return score for the Warriors. Derek Carr added 101 yards on the ground. Through five contests, Whipple has totaled 86 carries for 749 yards, nine receptions for 137 yards, and five scores. Jack Weishaar paces the PT receivers with 20 grabs for 229 yards, while signalcaller Jonny Lovre has connected on 59-of-104 throws for 719 yards, with five TDs and four picks. The Warriors have permitted 16.4 points per game, which is second best in the conference.

About the Matchup: This is a Class 5A nonconference clash, as Plum plays in the Northeast Conference, while PT resides in the Big East Conference. As conference opponents last year, the Warriors claimed a 21-6 victory.

Hempfield Area (1-4, 0-2) at Canon-McMillan (2-3, 1-0) – 7 p.m.

About the Spartans: Hempfield Area was stifled offensively, and the Spartans had no answer for Xxavier Thomas, who helped Pittsburgh Central Catholic cruise to a 42-0 win last week in Class 6A play. Aidan Stinebiser rushed for 54 yards for the Spartans, while Jack Kopas caught six passes for 68 yards. Hempfield QB Dom Detruf passed for 127 yards but threw three interceptions. On the year, Detruf has completed 55-of-106 throws for 771 yards, with seven touchdowns and eight picks. Kopas has been his top receiving threat, snagging 17 receptions for 218 yards, while Stinebiser has rushed 75 times for 306 yards. Aidan Allison paces HA with three touchdowns. After allowing 42 points in consecutive weeks, the Spartans have the worst scoring defense in Class 6A, giving up an average of 36.8 points.

About the Big Macs: Canon-McMillan edged Mount Lebanon 17-14 in overtime last week to open the conference ledger with a victory. Zach Barzd’s 32-yard field goal, his third of the game, proved the difference in the extra period. Quarterback Ty Jansma went 17-of-33 passing for 208 yards, but with three interceptions. Evan Morris scored the lone TD for the Big Macs, while Ethan Campoli caught five passes for 56 yards. On the season, Jansma has hit on 93-of-156 throws for 906 yards and three scores, but with eight interceptions. Morris paces the ground game with 305 yards rushing and a team-best five touchdowns. Roman Cimarolli and Campoli have each topped 200 yards receiving. The Big Macs have been limited to 17 or fewer points in four of their five contests. Mike Evans is the longtime head coach for Canon-Mac.

About the Matchup: The Spartans are one of three teams in Class 6A action that sits at 0-2. The most recent meeting in 2021 went in favor of the Big Macs 45-27.

Woodland Hills (3-2, 1-0) at Greater Latrobe (4-1, 1-1) – 7 p.m.

About the Wolverines: Woodland Hills smacked host Shaler Area 49-7 in a nonconference tilt last Saturday. In the win, QB Cam Walter threw for 146 yards and two touchdowns through the air, and he added another on the ground. Moreover, Taylor Reid notched two rushing scores, as the Wolverines limited the Titans to just 66 yards. On the year, Walter has completed 43-of-78 throws for 721 yards, with eight touchdowns and two interceptions. The top receiver is Scoop Smith, who has 18 receptions for 345 yards and a team-best five touchdowns. Meanwhile, Malik McCloud has registered 11 catches for 222 yards and four scores. Elijah Nesby leads the rushing attack with 44 carries for 236 yards. Averaging 30.4 points per game, the Wolverines have the top scoring offense in the Class 5A Big East Conference. Brian Tarrant is the head coach for Woodland Hills.

About the Wildcats: A pair of fourth-quarter touchdowns proved the difference in Greater Latrobe’s 14-0 home victory against Armstrong last week. John Wetzel and Brady Prohovic each scored rushing touchdowns in the final stanza for the Wildcats, covering 33 and 34 yards, respectively. Despite missing the second half with injury, Alex Tatsch rushed for 109 yards for GL, while Prohovic notched 55 yards on the ground and Wetzel added 51 rushing yards. For the season, Tatsch has rushed for 716 yards on 56 carries, scoring nine times, while Wetzel has passed for 283 yards and rushed 63 times for 403 yards. Andy Tatsch is the top receiver for the Wildcats with eight grabs for 143 yards. Allowing just 9.8 points per game, the Wildcats boast the best scoring defense by a wide margin in the Class 5A Big East Conference.

About the Matchup: The teams last met in 2021, as the Wolverines scored a 26-17 victory at the Wolvarena.

Belle Vernon Area (1-2, 0-0) at Thomas Jefferson (5-0, 0-0) – 7 p.m.

About the Leopards: Held without any points offensively until the final minute of the game, Belle Vernon Area suffered a 27-14 loss at home to South Fayette in a nonconference clash last week. Kole Doppelheuer produced an 89-yard interception return score for BVA, while he also caught a 20-yard pass from Curty Wade late in the fourth. Wade went 7-of-14 passing for 112 yards, with one score and one interception, while Doppelheuer caught six passes for 111 yards. On the year, Wade has completed 21-of-38 throws for 200 yards, while Doppelheuer has compiled 143 yards rushing and 133 yards receiving, scoring a team-best four TDs. Through three games, BVA is averaging just 14.6 points per game.

About the Jaguars: Thomas Jefferson outclassed West Mifflin Area 35-7 last week to remain unblemished. The Jaguars received a big game from quarterback Luke Kosko, who completed 11-of-14 throws for 170 yards and three touchdowns. Brayden White was on the receiving end of two of those scores, as he totaled six receptions for 110 yards. Tyler Eber was just as impressive pacing the ground attack, as he rushed 34 times for 209 yards and two TDs. On the campaign, Kosko has hit on 50-of-78 throws for 829 yards, with 10 touchdowns and three interceptions. Eber has compiled 123 carries for 714 yards and nine scores, while White has 23 receptions for 409 yards. The Jaguars have outpaced their opponents by a margin of 40.6-14.0. Bill Cherpak is the decorated coach for TJ.

About the Matchup: This matchup serves as the opener in the Class 4A Big Six Conference. Last year, the teams met in a nonconference tilt, as Thomas Jefferson narrowly prevailed 24-19, the lone loss for the Leopards in 2023.

Greensburg Salem (4-1, 0-0) at Elizabeth Forward (2-3, 0-0) – 7 p.m.

About the Golden Lions: Ambridge Area scored 20 points in the fourth quarter to hand host Greensburg Salem its first loss, 27-8, in a nonconference matchup last week. In the setback, Peyton Chismar went 7-of-14 passing for 58 yards and a TD, a 23-yard connection with Cooper Dann in the first quarter. On the season, Kai Brunot paces the team with four TDs, while Brady Smith, Dom Rosensteel, and Max Topper have each scored three times. The Golden Lions have permitted just 12.2 points per contest in 2024.

About the Warriors: Elizabeth Forward rolled to a 40-0 win at Baldwin last week in nonconference play. EF quarterback Ryan Messina had a banner performance, as he hit on 6-of-13 throws for 212 yards and five touchdowns, and he rushed for a 65-yard score. A pair of those passing TDs each went to Charlie Nigut and Brendan Stroschein. This season, Nigut has rushed 90 times for 580 yards, caught a dozen passes for 261 yards, and scored 11 total touchdowns. Messina, meanwhile, has completed 52-of-82 throws for 810 yards, with 11 TDs, and he’s added 271 yards and seven scores on the ground. Despite a losing record, Elizabeth Forward has outscored its adversaries by a margin of 168-122. John DeMarco is the second-year head man for EF.

About the Matchup: This is the lid-lifter for the teams in the Class 3A Interstate Conference. Last year, the Warriors rolled to a 48-13 win.

East Allegheny (0-5, 0-2) at Burrell (0-5, 0-1) – 7 p.m.

About the Wildcats: East Allegheny lost a high-scoring affair last week at home, a 47-35 defeat to Deer Lakes. Wildcats signalcaller Cedric Mack was prolific in the setback, as he completed 28-of-46 throws for 363 yards, with five touchdowns and one interception. Chris Portis snagged 10 receptions for 143 yards and three scores, while Damarjae Warren posted eight catches for 102 yards and a pair of touchdowns. For the year, Mack has completed 93-of-165 throws for 1,254 yards, which is second most in the WPIAL, along with a dozen touchdowns, and nine interceptions. Warren paces EA with seven scores. The Wildcats have allowed an average of 46.2 points per game, including 30 or more in every tilt. Frank Cortazzo is the first-year head coach for East Allegheny.

About the Buccaneers: Burrell had no answer for Freeport Area’s Drew Ross, as the Buccaneers fell 42-0 on the road to the Yellowjackets last week in the Allegheny Seven Conference. Trey Coury was a bright spot for Burrell, as he compiled 21 carries for 60 yards. For the season, Coury has produced 113 carries for 529 yards, as well as 10 catches for 107 yards. QB Stephen Hasson has connected on 24-of-55 attempts for 272 yards, with a pair of TDs and two interceptions. Through five contests, Burrell has scored just 40 points.

About the Matchup: The Wildcats and Buccaneers, along with the Valley Vikings, are the remaining winless teams in the Allegheny Seven Conference. In the most recent meeting in 2021, East Allegheny notched a 30-21 win.

South Allegheny (4-1, 1-1) at Ligonier Valley (2-3, 1-1) – 7 p.m.

About the Gladiators: South Allegheny tasted defeat for the first time last Friday, falling at home to South Park 48-38. In the loss, Drew Cook had a monster performance, as he caught six passes for 156 yards and a touchdown. Quarterback Ryan Cortes was 12-of-28 for 221 yards, with a pair of touchdowns and two interceptions, while Joe Gamret rushed twice for 68 yards and two scores. On the campaign, Cortes has thrown for 1,040 yards and 11 touchdowns. Cook has 34 receptions for 652 yards and a team-leading seven touchdowns, while Cameron Epps has accumulated 50 carries for 428 yards. Camden Lewis ranks second in rushing yards, receiving yards, and total touchdowns. South Allegheny has outpaced its opponents 176-89 on the season. Coach Brian Hanson is in his second year at the helm of SA.

About the Rams: Ligonier Valley failed to slow down Vann Kavals, who topped 100 yards each on the ground and through the air in leading Our Lady of the Sacred Heart to a 28-7 victory at Moon Area High School last week. Ligonier Valley’s score came on a 65-yard punt return TD by John Jablunovsky in the opening quarter, and he added 64 yards rushing. For the year, Jablunovsky has registered 93 carries for 712 yards, scoring eight total touchdowns, while Duncan Foust has produced 40 carries for 242 yards. Bowie Schreyer has thrown for 514 yards and six scores, but he’s been plagued by nine interceptions.

About the Matchup: The Gladiators and Rams are among the four teams in the Class 2A Allegheny Conference at 1-1. The teams have not met since LV’s return to the WPIAL in 2020.

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

About the Raiders: Riverview blasted Springdale 41-0 in Class 1A Eastern Conference play last Saturday in Oakmont. Raiders quarterback Rio Stotts went 7-of-9 passing for 103 yards and two touchdowns, and he added a rushing score. Through four contests, Max Kratt paces Riverview with four touchdowns, while Stotts and Alex Schultheis have each notched three TDs. Prior to last week’s shutout, the Raiders had allowed 36 or more points in each of their first three tilts. Coach Trevor George patrols the sidelines for Riverview.

About the Centurions: Samir Crosby produced three total touchdowns in leading Greensburg Central Catholic to a 34-12 victory at home against Brentwood in Class 1A Eastern Conference play. Crosby completed 9-of-14 throws for 192 yards and two touchdowns, while rushing 17 times for 117 yards and another score. Landon Honick was his favorite target, as he caught four passes for 104 yards and a score. Including stats from the first half against Apollo-Ridge before the game was cancelled, Crosby has thrown for 720 yards and nine touchdowns, while rushing 77 times for 545 yards and nine scores. Honick has amassed 18 catches for 384 yards and five touchdowns. GCC has allowed an average of 33.7 points per game this season.

About the Matchup: Last year, Greensburg Central Catholic claimed a narrow 21-14 win.

Jeannette (4-1, 1-1) at Clairton (5-0, 2-0) – SATURDAY Noon

About the Jayhawks: Leechburg’s Jayden Floyd proved unstoppable, rushing for 209 yards and scoring five times, as Jeannette fell at home to the Blue Devils 35-13 last week in the Class 1A Eastern Conference. Kymon’e Brown amassed 109 yards rushing and a score for Jeannette, while passing for 72 yards. Xavier Odoriso-Farrow added a touchdown reception for the Jayhawks. This season, Brown has completed 20-of-40 throws for 421 yards, with seven touchdowns and five interceptions, while he’s produced 505 yards rushing and four TDs. Jayce Powell paces the Jayhawks with 11 receptions for 251 yards and a team-best 11 touchdowns. On the season, Jeannette holds a 160-141 scoring margin.

About the Bears: Clairton stayed perfect last week with a 60-0 blowout at Frazier in conference play. In the whitewash, Jeff Thompson was nearly perfect at QB, as he completed 8-of-9 throws for 196 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Michael Ruffin had two carries for 103 yards and a pair of TDs, while Drahcir Jones also scored twice. On the campaign, Thompson has gone 51-of-81 passing for 875 yards, with 11 touchdowns and two picks. Jones has amassed 59 carries for 561 yards and eight scores, while Donte Wright has notched seven touchdowns. The Bears have posted four consecutive shutouts, and have allowed just seven points total in five games. Wayne Wade is the heralded head coach for Clairton.

About the Matchup: Because of renovations at Clairton’s stadium, the game will take place at Thomas Jefferson High School. A year ago, the Bears dominated the Jayhawks 60-14.

North Hills (4-1, 1-1) at Norwin (2-3, 0-2) – 7 p.m.

About the Indians: North Hills rolled to a 48-7 win at home against Fox Chapel Area last week in Class 5A Northeast Conference play. Kelly McCarthy was efficient for the Indians, as he hit on 9-of-12 throws for 97 yards and three touchdowns. Jack Martin led the rushing game with 15 carries for 89 yards and a score, while nine different players caught a pass. For the year, McCarthy has connected on 41-of-77 throws for 512 yards, with eight touchdowns and two interceptions, and he’s rushed 56 times for 163 yards. Martin, meanwhile, has contributed 340 yards rushing and four TDs. The Indians have allowed an average of just 11.8 points per game, the best mark in their conference. Coach Pat Carey remains at the helm of North Hills

About the Knights: Despite a strong effort in the first half for Norwin and Tristyn Tavares, the Knights fell 36-14 at North Allegheny in a Class 6A matchup one week ago. Tavares rushed for 126 yards and a pair of scores, but left with injury before halftime. In his place, QB Xavier Holtzman went 6-of-10 passing for just 11 yards. On the season, Tavares has hit on 54-of-107 attempts for 699 yards, while he paces the ground game with 37 carries for 311 yards and six scores. Jake Knight is the top receiver with 11 catches spanning 228 yards. The Knights, who have lost three straight, have been outscored 139-107 on the year.

About the Matchup: This is a nonconference clash, as North Hills plays in the Class 5A Northeast Conference, while Norwin is in Class 6A. The teams have not played since prior to 2003.

Monessen (4-1, 1-1) at South Side Beaver (4-0, 2-0) – 7 p.m.

Valley (0-5, 0-1) at Freeport Area (3-2, 1-1) – 7 p.m.