While the past three weeks have provided numerous marquee matchups and statement wins, this week is significant for the majority of the WPIAL, as it signals the start of conference play. To that point, 11 of the teams in Westmoreland County will compete in conference play, highlighted by an all-Westmoreland battle in Class 5A. Here’s a primer on all of the county teams in action in Week Three.

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

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

WSN Broadcasters: Dave Franczak and Brian Brozeski

About the Raiders: Seneca Valley’s game against Pine-Richland was postponed last week. In the previous week, the Raiders lost a low-scoring affair at North Hills, 13-6. Through a pair of contests, QB Andrew Loebig has hit on 15-of-25 passes for 115 yards, with one TD and three interceptions, and he’s led the ground game with 36 carries for 140 yards and two scores. Brayden Wise has posted five receptions for 46 yards, while Cayden Parker has added 97 yards on the ground. Seneca Valley has scored just 20 total points in two games. Ron Butschle is the head coach of the Raiders.

About the Knights: Norwin dropped a 42-28 outcome at home against Greater Latrobe last Friday. In the defeat, Knights QB Tristyn Tavares hit on 16-of-32 attempts for 270 yards and two scores, while he rushed for 53 yards and a pair of TDs. Furthermore, Jake Knight registered five receptions for 106 yards and a TD, while Cooper Wilson had three grabs for 74 yards. On the year, the Norwin signalcaller has passed for 541 yards and three TDs, while he’s rushed for 122 yards and four scores. Knight leads receivers with nine receptions for 216 yards, while Jake Sincak paces the rushing attack with 176 yards on the ground. At 29.0 points per game, Norwin is tied for the top offense among Class 6A teams.

About the Matchup: This serves as the Class 6A conference lid-lifter for both teams. Seneca Valley won via forfeit in 2021, and the Raiders claimed a 35-3 victory when the game was decided on the field in 2020.

Greater Latrobe (3-0, 0-0) at Franklin Regional (2-1, 0-0) – 7 p.m.

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

WSN Broadcaster: Jonathan Whaley

About the Wildcats: Keyed by a monster rushing performance by the duo of Alex Tatsch and John Wetzel, Greater Latrobe claimed an impressive 42-28 win at Norwin last week. Tatsch rushed 19 times for 251 yards and four scores, while Wetzel compiled 156 yards and a TD on the ground on 21 attempts. Brady Prohovic added 44 yards rushing and a score, while Andy Tatsch had a 34-yard reception. On the campaign, Alex Tatsch has amassed 35 carries for 495 yards, scoring nine total TDs, while Wetzel has completed 11-of-22 passes for 172 yards, with one score and three interceptions, but he’s rushed 24 times for 169 yards and has found paydirt three times. Averaging 38.3 points per contest, the Wildcats lead their conference in scoring.

About the Panthers: Franklin Regional was overwhelmed from the start at Upper St. Clair last Friday, as USC cruised to a 45-7 victory. Upper St. Clair led 38-0 at the half, enacting the mercy rule. FR’s lone score came in the third quarter on a 1-yard run from QB Chase Lemke. Kyle Dupill added 15 carries for 104 yards for Franklin Regional. In 2024, Dupill has registered 61 carries for 403 yards and five TDs, while Lemke has hit on 23-of-51 passes for 369 yards, with five touchdowns and five picks. Tight end Macalister Bresnahan is the top target in the passing game, as he’s notched seven grabs for 125 yards. Despite the lopsided loss last week, FR has still outpaced its foes by a margin of 98-78.

About the Matchup: This marks the opener for both teams in the Class 5A Big East Conference. The last three clashes between the teams have been epic battles, with FR claiming a 28-21 victory last year, and the Wildcats winning in double overtime in 2022.

Woodland Hills (1-2, 0-0) at Penn-Trafford (2-1, 0-0) – 7:30 p.m.

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

WSN Broadcasters: Sean Meyers and Jack Ridenour

About the Wolverines: Woodland Hills was surprisingly overmatched at home against Pittsburgh Central Catholic last week, falling 54-14. Quarterback Cam Walter was limited to just 3-of-10 passing for five yards, while Scoop Smith caught one pass for -3 yards. Woodland Hills scores came courtesy of a 98-yard interception return by Malik McCloud, and a 99-yard fumble recovery return by D.J. Dutrieuille. For the year, Walter has completed 25-of-45 passes for 439 yards, with three TDs and one interception. Smith, who has DI interest in both football and basketball, has notched a dozen catches for 221 yards and three TDs, while Elijah Nesby leads the rushing attack with 159 yards. The Wolverines have been outscored 94-68 this season. Brian Tarrant is at the helm of Woodland Hills.

About the Warriors: Tasso Whipple continued his success on the ground for Penn-Trafford, as he rushed for 161 yards in aiding the Warriors in their 14-7 win at home against Moon Area one week ago. Whipple added a 73-yard TD run, while Jesse Lisbon hauled in a 40-yard touchdown pass from Jonny Lovre. The Warriors QB finished with 114 yards through the air. With three games in the books, Whipple has produced 57 carries for 471 yards, four catches for 71 yards, and four TDs. Lovre has completed 36-of-62 passes for 448 yards, with a pair of touchdowns and one interception. Jack Weishaar is the top target in the passing game, as he’s notched 13 catches for 161 yards. PT has permitted just 13.3 points per game, the best mark in the conference.

About the Matchup: This clash serves as the Class 5A Big East Conference opener for both squads. Last year in a nonconference matchup, the Warriors prevailed 28-26.

Frazier (1-2, 0-0) at Jeannette (2-1, 0-0) – 7 p.m.

Pregame at 6:30 p.m. on WSN Audio - LISTEN LIVE

WSN Broadcasters: Brent Whigham and Anthony DeNunzio

About the Commodores: Frazier fell 50-20 at Carmichaels last week. The Commodores had no answer for Mighty Mikes’ quarterback Cannon Bupka, who threw for 140 yards and four TDs and also rushed for another score. On the year, Derek Diamond has been the offensive catalyst for the Commodores, as he’s rushed 51 times for 289 yards and three scores, all team highs. QB Brady Secrest has completed 26-of-47 passes for 416 yards, with six TDs and two interceptions, while Christopher Petruska and Dailan McManus have 133 and 130 yards receiving, respectively. The Commodores have narrowly outscored their foes, 72-70. Mike Shannon is the head coach for Frazier.

About the Jayhawks: Kymon’e Brown had another stellar effort in leading Jeannette to a 34-27 road victory at Ligonier Valley last week. Brown rushed 14 times for 237 yards and a pair of scores, while he also completed five passes for 47 yards and another TD for the Jayhawks. Moreover, Jayce Powell caught six passes for 66 yards and added a rushing score for Jeannette. On the year, Powell leads Jeannette with eight TDs, while Brown has thrown for four scores and added three more on the ground. In their three contests, the Jayhawks have allowed 27, 28, and 27 points.

About the Matchup: This represents the opener in the Class 1A Eastern Conference for both squads. Last year, Jeannette rolled to a 54-0 triumph.

Derry Area (1-2) at Burrell (0-3) – 7 p.m.

Pregame at 6:30 p.m. on WSN Audio - LISTEN LIVE

WSN Broadcasters: John Flickinger and Bob Lasinski

About the Trojans: Derry Area struggled to contain Zier Williams, who propelled Deer Lakes to a 34-12 win last Friday. Williams notched three rushing TDs for the Lancers. In the defeat, the host Trojans were paced by Damauri Robinson and Brady Brown, each of whom found paydirt. On the season, Robinson has produced three TDs, while nobody else on the Trojans has more than one. Derry Area is averaging just 13.3 points per game, while permitting an average of 20.3

About the Buccaneers: Burrell sustained a 23-13 road loss against Mount Pleasant Area last week. The Buccaneers led briefly in the first half, but the Vikings scored just before half to restore the advantage. In the setback, Stevie Hasson was 8-of-17 passing for 106 yards with a TD and two picks, and he also rushed for a score for the Bucs. Talan Newcomer hauled in a touchdown pass for the Buccaneers. Trey Coury paces the Bucs on the ground with 46 carries for 209 yards, and he is one of four Burrell players who have scored this season. The Bucs are averaging just 9.0 points per game while allowing 29.6 points.

About the Matchup: Although both teams play in Class 3A, it’s a nonconference clash, as Derry Area is in the Interstate Conference, while Burrell resides in the Allegheny Seven. When they were conference foes in Class 2A last year, the Trojans notched a 29-22 win.

North Allegheny (3-0, 0-0) at Hempfield Area (1-2, 0-0) – 7 p.m.

About the Tigers: North Allegheny edged homestanding Penn Hills 18-14 last week. Tigers kicker Peter Notaro, an Alabama commit, was the difference, as he hit three field goals spanning 53, 52, and 30 yards. Brady Brinkley scored the lone TD for North Allegheny, as he rushed 10 times for 60 yards, while passing for 34 yards on 4-of-6 attempts. Luke Rohan and Liam Flaherty added 78 and 65 yards rushing, respectively. On the season, Brinkley leads the rushing attack with 186 yards, but three others have surpassed 100 yards on the ground. Jackson Failla has hit on 10-of-25 passes for 161 yards and a pair of scores, while James Donaldson is the top receiver with four grabs for 94 yards. Notaro has already booted six field goals, along with six extra points. NA has limited its opponents to 13.6 points per contest, by far the best mark among Class 6A teams. Art Walker Jr. is the accomplished head coach for North Allegheny.

About the Spartans: Sawyer Leuthold’s field goal in the final minute gave Hempfield Area a dramatic 31-29 victory at Kiski Area last week. His kick from 26 yards came with just 32 seconds remaining. The Spartans controlled the opening half, propelled by quarterback Dom Detruf, who finished 13-of-21 for 254 yards and three TDs. Mitch Bitar paced Hempfield with three receptions for 82 yards and a score, while Aidan Stinebiser rushed 20 times for 117 yards. Despite missing the first game, Detruf has completed 32-of-59 passes for 568 yards, with six TDs and three picks this season. Additionally, 11 different Spartans have multiple receptions this year, led by Jack Kopas, who has seven grabs for 101 yards. Hempfield Area has allowed 100 points this campaign, the most in Class 6A.

About the Matchup: This contest marks Hempfield Area’s return to Class 6A play. When they last met in 2021, the Tigers roared to a 65-13 win.

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

About the Gators: Gateway narrowly edged host Plum 22-15 last week. Gators receiver Shawn Moorefield Jr. had a monster effort, as he caught seven passes for 179 yards and a TD. Elsidro Bryant connected on 15-of-21 attempts for 256 yards and a pair of scores, while Amani Gans notched 14 carries for 67 yards and a TD on the ground, and he added four receptions for 47 yards and another touchdown. For the season, Bryant has thrown for 290 yards and four TDs, while Elvis Koutsakis has amassed 339 yards passing and four touchdowns. Despite the win, Gateway has been outpaced by a margin of 112-43 this season. Coach Don Holl patrols the sidelines for Gateway.

About the Cavaliers: A field goal in the final minute proved the difference as host Kiski Area suffered a heartbreaking 31-29 to Hempfield Area one week ago. Prior to the decisive kick, the Cavaliers produced a second-half rally, scoring 19 unanswered points. KA took its first lead in the fourth quarter on a 6-yard TD run by Landon Kucic. Moreover, Cavs QB Carson Heinle threw for 195 yards and three scores. On the season, Heinle has completed 34-of-53 attempts for 529 yards, with five scores and one pick. Kucic anchors the ground game with 270 yards rushing and a team-best six scores, while Aven Shirley is the top receiver with 18 receptions for 285 yards and four TDs. The Cavs have outscored their adversaries 92-71 on the year.

About the Matchup: This game serves as the commencement of Class 5A Big East Conference play for the squads. The last meeting took place in 2018 in the first round of the WPIAL Class 5A playoffs, as the Gators dominated 63-7.

Shady Side Academy (1-2, 0-0) at Ligonier Valley (1-2, 0-0) – 7 p.m.

About the Bulldogs: Shady Side Academy was overwhelmed in a 50-0 loss at home against Clairton last week. QB Cam Mallory completed just 4-of-14 attempts for 25 yards and one interception, while running back Darrin Haynes rushed seven times for 14 yards and caught three passes for 13 yards. On the year, Haynes has rushed 46 times for 400 yards, caught nine passes for 163 yards, and scored four total TDs, while Mallory has thrown for 197 yards and three touchdowns, while adding 183 yards and five scores on the ground. Coach Chuck DiNardo oversees Shady Side Academy.

About the Rams: Ligonier Valley dropped a 34-27 outcome against Jeannette last week. The host Rams were bolstered by John Jablunovsky, who ran 20 times for 210 yards and three TDs. Additionally, Duncan Foust compiled 96 yards on the ground and a score for the Rams. For the year, John Jablunovsky has rushed 54 times for 458 yards, scoring five times, while Mark Jablunovsky leads the squad with 109 yards receiving. Bowie Schreyer has hit on 13-of-37 passes for 230 yards, with two TDs but six interceptions.

About the Matchup: This matchup serves as the opener for the teams in the Class 2A Allegheny Conference. In the most recent meeting in 2021, the Rams narrowly prevailed, 26-25.

Greensburg Central Catholic (1-1, 0-0) at Clairton (3-0, 0-0) – 7 p.m.

About the Centurions: Greensburg Central Catholic led Apollo-Ridge 28-21 at the half last week, but the game was ultimately cancelled as a result of inclement weather. Two weeks ago, the Centurions suffered a double-overtime loss to Mount Pleasant Area 36-35. On the year, quarterback Samir Crosby has rushed 44 times for 412 yards, scoring seven times, and he’s completed 20-of-40 passes for 367 yards, with four TDs and one pick. Landon Honick has a dozen receptions for 270 yards and has scored four times. GCC’s average scoring margin is 40-38.

About the Bears: Clairton scored a dominant 50-0 road win against Shady Side Academy last week. Jeff Thompson was efficient in the win, completing 8-of-12 passes for 173 yards and three scores, while Drahcir Jones rushed three times for 108 yards and a TD. Taris Wooding, Donte Wright, and Zaemear Correll each surpassed 50 yards receiving and scored a touchdown in the victory. For the year, Thompson has hit on 31-of-49 passes for 562 yards and seven touchdowns, along with two picks. Jones leads the rushing attack with 297 yards, while Donte Wright, who ranks second in rushing yards and leads the team in receiving yards, paces the Bears with five scores. Wayne Wade is the veteran head coach of Clairton.

About the Matchup: It’s the first game in Class 1A Eastern Conference play for these squads. Last year, the Bears won 40-28. The game was previously scheduled to be played on Saturday at Thomas Jefferson High School, but Neil C. Brown Stadium is available for use prior to the start of renovations.

Belle Vernon Area (1-0) at McKeesport Area (0-3) – 7 p.m.

About the Leopards: Kole Doppelheuer provided a spark on special teams, and the Belle Vernon Area defense produced a late-game stop to preserve a 23-17 home victory against Central Valley last week. Doppelheuer, who paced the Leopards with 11 rushes for 66 yards, scored on a 96-yard kickoff return. Curty Wade and Anthony Crews also found the end zone for BVA, while the Leps forced a turnover on downs in the final minute. Wade finished 7-of-12 through the air for 63 yards, while he added 20 carries for 66 yards. Last week marked the first official game of the year for the Leopards, as they opted for a second scrimmage instead of a game in Week Zero, and their matchup against Aliquippa was postponed due to inclement weather the following week.

About the Tigers: McKeesport Area remained winless after a crushing overtime loss 34-31 at Thomas Jefferson a week ago. After trailing 7-0, the Tigers scored four consecutive TDs, including a couple of TD runs by Kemen Spell, a Penn State commit. Anthony Cromerdie also snagged a 37-yard interception return score for McKeesport in the setback. For the year, Spell leads the way with five TDs, while Cromerdie has a pair of scores. The Tigers have surrendered 34 or more points in each of their three tilts thus far. Coach Matt Miller is at the helm of McKeesport Area.

About the Matchup: The Class 4A nonconference clash pits the Leopards from the Big Six Conference against the Tigers, who reside in the Greater Allegheny Conference. Last year, BVA notched a 21-14 win in overtime.

Blackhawk (1-2) at Southmoreland (3-0) – 7 p.m.

About the Cougars: Blackhawk suffered a 33-32 loss at home to North Catholic last week. In the defeat, Brayden McCarthy had a monster performance, as he rushed 18 times for 143 yards and two touchdowns, while he also caught two passes for 75 yards and another TD. Quarterback Stephen Knallay connected on 10-of-23 throws for 215 yards and a couple of scores. For the year, McCarthy has rushed for 327 yards and six total touchdowns, and Knallay has amassed 492 yards and six touchdowns through the air. Tyler Heckathorn has registered 14 catches for 142 yards. The Cougars have averaged 38.6 points per game, and have allowed 29.6 points per game. Jake Wickline is the first-year head man for Blackhawk.

About the Scotties: Southmoreland continued to produce offensively, as the Scotties rolled to a 49-13 win at Laurel Highlands last Friday. Southmoreland QB Anthony Smith amassed 281 yards and three TDs, while Elliot Premus posted four receptions for 138 yards and added a rushing score. Makell Darnell added two touchdowns for the Scotties, including a 56-yard punt return. For 2024, Smith has hit on 30-of-52 attempts for 612 yards, with eight touchdowns and two interceptions. Premus has been his favorite target, hauling in 13 catches spanning 316 yards. Cameron Phillips has amassed a team-best 170 rushing yards, while Ethan Shawley has run for 167 yards. Southmoreland has outpaced its foes by an average margin of 47.6-15.6.

About the Matchup: Blackhawk competes in the Class 4A Parkway Conference, while Southmoreland plays in the Class 3A Interstate Conference. The teams have not met since prior to 2003.

Greensburg Salem (3-0) at Ringgold (1-2) – 7 p.m.

About the Golden Lions: Greensburg Salem used a dynamic ground attack to bludgeon Valley 50-14 one week ago. Four different players surpassed 50 yards rushing for the Golden Lions, led by Kai Brunot, who notched 72 yards and two touchdowns. Peyton Chismar completed 5-of-7 passes for 114 yards and two scores, and he also rushed for 59 yards. Additionally, Dom Rosensteel hauled in a pair of TD passes for Greensburg Salem. For the season, Brunot has produced 38 carries for 285 yards and a team-best four touchdowns, while Rosensteel, Brady Smith, and Max Topper have each added three scores. GS has outpaced its opponents by an average of 40.3-11.3.

About the Rams: Last week, Ringgold won for the first time since September 2021, snapping a 27-game skid, courtesy of a 21-19 win against Yough. The Rams have played competitively in both losses, too, including a 14-13 overtime defeat against Indiana Area in the prior week. Robert Heller is in his first year leading Ringgold.

**About the Matchup: **The nonconference showdown pits Greensburg Salem from the Class 3A Interstate against Ringgold, which is in the Class 4A Big Six Conference. In the most recent meeting in 2019, the Golden Lions cruised to a 37-0 whitewash.

Mount Pleasant Area (2-1) at Ambridge Area (1-1) – 7 p.m.

About the Vikings: Jarrett Garn rushed for 135 yards and two scores, including a 41-yarder on the first play from scrimmage, to lead Mount Pleasant Area to a 23-13 home win against Burrell last week. Garn also booted a 39-yard field goal for the Vikings, while quarterback Cole Chatfield compiled 129 yards through the air on 5-of-10 passing, including an interception, and he rushed for 70 yards and a TD. For the year, Garn has registered 22 carries for a team-best 250 yards, while Brody Hutter, Steven Predejna, and Chatfield have all surpassed 100 yards on the ground.

About the Bridgers: Ambridge Area sustained a tough 35-34 overtime loss at Hopewell last week. Zavion Lewis had a stellar effort in the loss, as he rushed 13 times for 164 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Martese Priest added 60 yards on the ground, while Jayce McCracken notched two catches for 53 yards and a score. The prior week, the Bridgers had their game against Laurel Highlands postponed. Sherm McBride is at the helm of Ambridge Area.

About the Matchup: The Bridgers compete in the Class 4A Parkway Conference, while the Vikings play in the Class 3A Interstate Conference. The squads have not battled since prior to 2003.

New Castle (2-0) at Yough (2-1) – 7 p.m.

About the Red Hurricanes: New Castle’s home game against Highlands last week was postponed due to inclement weather. Two weeks ago, the Red Hurricanes bested Hopewell 42-19. Through the two contests that were completed, signalcaller Kyrell Harris has connected on 27-of-35 passes for 417 yards, with five touchdowns. Nate McKnight paces NeCa with 10 receptions for 271 yards, while Chase Lemmon has 11 grabs for 146 yards. Kaevon Garnder leads the team with 230 yards rushing and five touchdowns. Coach Fred Mozzocio, who previously guided Neshannock, is in his first season leading New Castle.

About the Cougars: Despite another big game from Raidon Kuroda, Yough suffered a 21-19 loss at home to Ringgold last week. In defeat, Kuroda rushed 22 times for 172 yards and a score. On the year, Kuroda has hit on 15-of-27 throws for 264 yards, with three TDs and an interception, and he’s rushed 64 times for 453 yards and added four touchdowns. Aidan Schaffer has caught seven passes for 187 yards, scoring twice. Through three contests, Yough has allowed just 30 total points.

About the Matchup: While New Castle plays in the Class 4A Parkway Conference, Yough resides in the Class 3A Interstate Conference. The squads last met in 2005, with the Red Hurricanes securing a 13-6 triumph.