With just four weeks remaining in the WPIAL football regular season, the matchups in Week Six already loom large in the playoff picture. Not every Westmoreland County team will be in action, however, as Ligonier Valley forfeited to Serra Catholic as a result of injuries and depth concerns for the Rams. However, the other 17 area teams will be playing on Friday, and here’s a closer examination of all of those matchups.

Baldwin (1-5, 1-2) at Hempfield Area (2-4, 0-3) – 7 p.m.

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

WSN Broadcasters: Jack Ridenour and Kris Smith

About the Highlanders: Baldwin captured its first win of the season last week, downing Norwin 21-10. The Highlanders scored in all three phases, with a blocked punt for touchdown on special teams, a fumble return defensively, and on an 8-yard run by Kam Allen. Andrew Sharp paced the rushing attack, with 13 attempts for 74 yards. QB John Kozar passed for just 47 yards in the triumph. Prior to last week, the Highlanders had permitted at least 35 points in every game. Coach Tim Sweeney guides Baldwin.

About the Spartans: Hempfield Area came up short against Canon-McMillan 45-27 last week, the third consecutive setback for the Spartans. Getting his first extended action at running back, Jeannette transfer Eli Binakowsky compiled 123 yards and a touchdown on the ground. QB Jake Phillips was 15-of-28 passing for 176 yards and two scores, and he added another TD on the ground. Ian Tuffs, meanwhile, was the top receiver, grabbing eight receptions for 99 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Hempfield Area has allowed 45 or more points in every setback.

About the Matchup: The Spartans are one of two teams in Class 6A that are still in search of their first conference victory. Last year, Baldwin edged Hempfield Area 37-34.

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

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

WSN Broadcasters: Sean Meyers and Mark Katarski

About the Gators: Gateway cruised to a 53-7 win at home against Greater Latrobe last Friday. QB Brad Birch passed for three scores, and added another on the ground. He connected on 15-of-27 passes for 298 yards, while Cincinnati commit Patrick Body caught four passes for 156 yards and two touchdowns. Additionally, Brett Birch caught five passes for 46 yards and a score, while Jaquon Reynolds hauled in three passes for 55 yards. Don Holl guides the Gators.

About the Warriors: Penn-Trafford used a dominant rushing attack to down Woodland Hills 27-6 last week. Carter Green threw for just 10 yards, but he amassed 205 yards and two scores on 18 carries. Cade Yacamelli added 107 yards on the ground and a score, while Nate Schlessinger registered a pair of long field goals, from 39 and 37 yards. For the season, Yacamelli and Green have combined for more than 1,300 yards rushing and 18 touchdowns, while nobody else on the squad has scored more than one touchdown.

About the Matchup: The matchup between the schools in 2020 was cancelled because of COVID issues. In 2019, Penn-Trafford notched a 28-7 victory. The teams met in the 2017 WPIAL Class 5A Championship, a 21-16 Gators’ triumph.

Woodland Hills (1-5, 0-1) at Franklin Regional (2-4, 1-0) – 7 p.m.

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

WSN Broadcasters: Jonathan Whaley

About the Wolverines: Woodland Hills suffered its fifth loss in a row last week, falling at home against Penn-Trafford 27-6. The Wolverines shifted to Jahshawn Pringle at QB, and he was just 6-of-14 passing for 64 yards. Previous starting QB Deontae Williams moved primarily to receiver, but he also rushed for the only score of the night for Woodland Hills. Brandon Jones paced the Wolverines on the ground with 19 carries for 65 yards. Jeannette transfer Louis Callaway suffered an injury in the setback last week. Not including its forfeit loss, the Wolverines have averaged just 9.0 points per game, but have permitted only 12.6 points per contest. Tim Bostard is the head coach for Woodland Hills.

About the Panthers: Franklin Regional snapped a four-game skid with a 36-0 win against Connellsville Area last week. QB Connor Donnelly rushed for a pair of touchdowns, and added another through the air, as he compiled 37 yards rushing on 12 attempts, while passing for 58 yards. Tyler Bewszka produced 93 yards rushing and a score on 15 attempts, and he leads the team with 79 carries for 276 yards on the season. Roman Sarnic, who had been in a QB competition with Donnelly for the early portion of the season, caught a 1-yard touchdown pass to cap the scoring against the Falcons.

About the Matchup: With a victory, the Panthers would be tied for first place with the winner of Gateway and Penn-Trafford. A Wolverines’ win, meanwhile, would put four of the six teams in the Class 5A Big East Conference at 1-1. A year ago, the Wolverines claimed a 32-13 victory.

Norwin (2-4, 0-3) at North Allegheny (3-3, 1-2) – 7:30 p.m.

Pregame at 7 p.m. on WSN AUDIO - LISTEN LIVE

WSN Broadcasters: Dave Franczak and Tim McCabe

About the Knights: Norwin fell to Baldwin last week, 21-10, for the Knights’ third-consecutive loss, including a forfeit. The Knights held a 10-0 halftime lead, courtesy of a 3-yard pass from Luke Levendosky to Xander Smith and a 26-yard Joey Castle field goal. Levendosky was 15-of-24 passing for 170 yards, with one TD and one interception. Dom Barca was the top receiver, as he caught seven passes for 87 yards, while Jackson Pons added five grabs for 57 yards.

About the Tigers: North Allegheny suffered its second straight loss last week, falling to Mount Lebanon 51-20. JR Burton led the Tigers’ offense, as he compiled 138 yards and a touchdown on 12 rushes. QB Logan Kushner was 6-of-12 passing for 89 yards, with one score and one interception, while Dwayne Taylor registered four catches for 37 yards and a touchdown. The Tigers average 25.8 points per game, but have also permitted 25.7 points. Art Walker serves at the helm of North Allegheny.

About the Matchup: Norwin is one of two teams in 6A still in pursuit of its initial conference win. Last year, the Tigers rolled 49-13.

Valley (0-6, 0-3) at Derry Area (0-5, 0-1) - 7 p.m.

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

WSN Broadcasters: John Flickinger and Bob Lasinski

About the Vikings: Valley fell 33-6 against Freeport Area last week. Jayden Richter accounted for the lone score for the Vikings, as he notched a 17-yard fumble recovery touchdown. For the season, Valley has scored just 3.5 points per game, while permitting 34.3 points per contest.

About the Trojans: Derry Area fell 41-0 against Southmoreland last week in a 3A nonconference tilt. The prior week, the Trojans’ game against Freeport Area was ruled a no contest because of COVID. Eric Catone led the rushing attack, as he amassed 81 yards on 18 attempts, while also completing a 26-yard pass. QB Mason Beeman threw for just nine yards, however. Running back Ahmad Ward missed the game with injury. On average, Derry Area has been outscored 56.8-5.8

About the Matchup: The Trojans and Vikings are two of three teams still in search for their first win in the Class 3A Allegheny Conference. A year ago, the Trojans won 19-6.

Springdale (3-3, 0-3) at Jeannette (1-5, 1-2) – 7 p.m.

Pregame at 6:30 on WSN AUDIO - LISTEN LIVE

WSN Broadcasters: Brent Whigham and Anthony DeNunzio

About the Dynamos: Springdale sustained a 35-0 home loss to Greensburg Central Catholic last week, the third-consecutive defeat for the Dynamos. Springdale was playing shorthanded, however, with QB Legend Ausk and top playmaker Logan Dexter both sidelined. For the season, Ausk has thrown for 423 yards and seven scores, as well as five interceptions, and has rushed for three scores. Dexter, meanwhile, leads the team in both rushing (381 yards) and receiving yards (146), and has a team-best eight touchdowns. Seth Napierkowski is the head coach for Springdale.

About the Jayhawks: Jeannette fell to Leechburg 53-7 last week. Although the Jayhawks played even with the Blue Devils into the second quarter, Leechburg scored 46 unanswered points to finish the game. Tyler Horn connected with Payton Molter on a 5-yard pass for the only touchdown. Horn was 6-of-8 passing for 75 yards, while Antonio Clark made four catches for 22 yards. Michael Mason led the ground game, as he rushed 13 times for 61 yards. Jeannette has been outscored 250-42 this season.

About the Matchup: Springdale is the lone team without a win in Class 1A Eastern Conference play. Last year, Jeannette edged the Dynamos 36-28.

Connellsville Area (0-6, 0-1) at Greater Latrobe (2-4, 0-1) – 7 p.m.

About the Falcons: Connellsville Area was blanked by Franklin Regional 36-0 last week. The loss marked the second time the Falcons have been shut out this season, and they’ve scored just 14 points combined over the past four weeks. Zak David, with two touchdowns, is the only player on the team with multiple scores. Bill Maczko is the first-year head coach for Connellsville Area.

About the Wildcats: Greater Latrobe was overmatched against Gateway last week, falling to the Gators 53-7. The only touchdown came courtesy of a 92-yard kickoff return by Kyle Brewer, who returned after missing the previous game and scored his team-leading 10th TD. Running back Drake Clayton was sidelined against Gateway. For the season, Clayton has compiled 481 yards on 57 carries. Replacing starter Bobby Fetter, QB Corey Boerio is 18-of-37 for 201 yards and two touchdowns. GL has posted shutouts in both of its wins, but has allowed 31 or more points in each loss.

About the Matchup: Last year, Greater Latrobe narrowly prevailed against Connellsville Area, 29-26.

Fox Chapel Area (3-3, 1-0) at Kiski Area (5-1, 0-1) – 7 p.m.

About the Foxes: Fox Chapel Area doubled up Shaler Area 28-14 last week in the Class 5A Northeast Conference opener. Zidane Thomas had a big performance, as he rushed 13 times for 186 yards and three scores. QB Collin Dietz connected on 14-of-24 passes for 137 yards and a score, while Colin Kwiatkowski caught three passes for a team-high 58 yards and a touchdown. On the season, Thomas has produced 683 yards and eight scores to pace the offense. Tom Loughran is the head coach for the Foxes.

About the Cavaliers: Kiski Area suffered its first defeat last week in heartbreaking fashion, falling to North Hills 14-10 on a score by the Indians in the final minute. CJ Hepler accounted for the Cavs touchdown on a 4-yard run, while Cody Dykes booted a field goal. Quarterback Logan Johnson was 11-of-20 passing for 156 yards, and he also rushed for a team-best 67 yards. Johnson’s favorite target was Matt Hilty, who nabbed five catches for 102 yards. Allowing 11.5 points per game, the Cavs boast the best scoring defense in all of 5A if forfeits are not included.

About the Matchup: In 2020, the Foxes edged the Cavs 28-24.

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

About the Leopards: Belle Vernon Area rolled to a 56-14 win against previously-unbeaten Laurel Highlands last week. With running back Quinton Martin sidelined with injury, Jake Gedekoh stepped in and rushed 23 times for 247 yards and five touchdowns. QB Devin Whitlock added 147 yards rushing and two scores, and he also completed 6-of-9 passes for 89 yards. Tight end Cole Weightman was on the receiving end of two passes that spanned 53 yards. BVA has outscored its foes 209-59 through five tilts.

About the Rams: Ringgold was smashed 41-0 by McKeesport Area last week. Landon Oslowski was a bright spot offensively in the loss, as he netted 63 yards rushing. For the season, his eight scores pace the Rams. Three different players attempted a pass against the Tigers, with Deondre Dotson completing 3-of-10 attempts. The Rams have won via shutout twice, but have also suffered a pair of shutout losses. Darwin Manges is the Ringgold head coach.

About the Matchup: Belle Vernon Area is one of two undefeated teams remaining in the Class 4A Big Eight Conference, and the Leopards hold a half-game lead in the standings. Ringgold, meanwhile, is one of two teams in the Big Eight in search of its first conference W. Last year, the Leopards steamrolled the Rams 56-0.

Greensburg Salem (4-2, 2-1) at Armstrong (4-2, 2-1) – 7 p.m.

About the Golden Lions: Greensburg Salem lost to Hampton 45-6 in a first-place battle last week, snapping the Golden Lions’ four-game winning streak. Hayden Teska connected with Cody Rubrecht on a 23-yard pass for the only GS score. Teska, who led the WPIAL in passing yards entering the game, finished with 162 yards on 15-of-32 passing, while Rubrecht, who paced the district in receiving yards, had four catches for 67 yards. Tight end Jayden Stevens added four catches for 49 yards, while Rashad Canady had 34 yards on the ground.

About the River Hawks: Armstrong whitewashed Mars Area 37-0 last week. Quarterback Cadin Olsen had a monster performance, as he rushed for four scores and added another through the air. Olsen was 12-of-25 passing for 144 yards, while he accumulated 142 yards on the ground. His total narrowly edged teammate Alex Patton for the team high, as Patton registered 15 carries for 139 yards. Dozick Zablocki hauled in a touchdown pass. For the season, Olsen has passed for 1,180 yards, which ranks fourth best in the WPIAL, one spot behind Teska. Head coach Frank Fabian guides the program.

About the Matchup: The Golden Lions and River Hawks are in a three-way tie for second place in the 4A Greater Allegheny Conference. A year ago, Armstrong cruised to a 40-0 victory.

Burrell (0-6, 0-2) at Deer Lakes (3-3, 3-0) – 7 p.m.

About the Buccaneers: Burrell was smashed 56-0 by North Catholic last week. It marked the fourth time this season that the Bucs were held to seven or fewer points, as the team is averaging just 9.8 points per tilt. Running back Caden DiCaprio has accounted for the majority of the points, as he paces the team with four touchdowns.

About the Lancers: Deer Lakes won its second-straight low-scoring affair last week, edging East Allegheny 9-7. Cody Scarantine propelled the offense with 25 carries for 101 yards. In the passing game, Derek Burk was 4-of-6 for 108 yards and a touchdown, which came on a connection with Wayne Love, who had a team-best 71 yards receiving. The Lancers have permitted just seven total points during their three-game winning streak. Tim Burk serves as the head coach for Deer Lakes.

About the Matchup: Deer Lakes is one of two unblemished teams in Class 3A Allegheny Seven Conference action, while Burrell is among the three teams that have yet to collect a conference win. Last year, the Bucs won convincingly, 44-6.

Brownsville Area (0-5, 0-3) at Mount Pleasant Area (4-2, 2-0) – 7 p.m.

About the Falcons: Brownsville Area sustained its fifth lopsided loss in a row, but the Falcons did score their first points of the season in a 63-6 defeat to South Allegheny. Brownsville has averaged just 1.2 points per game, the lowest mark in the WPIAL. Defensively, the Falcons have allowed an average of 54.0 points, the second worst mark in the district. Brian Gates serves as the head coach for Brownsville Area.

About the Vikings: Mount Pleasant Area bested Yough 27-12 last week. The Vikings held just a one-point lead at the half, however. Running back Aaron Alakson was the catalyst for the Viks, as he rushed eight times for 153 yards and three touchdowns. The other score came on a 22-yard TD pass from Tyler Reese to Brant Garn. For the season, the RB duo of Alakson and Robbie Labuda have combined for just shy of 1,000 yards rushing and 17 total touchdowns.

About the Matchup: The Vikings are tied for the top spot in the 3A Interstate Conference, while the Falcons are one of two winless teams. In 2021, Mount Pleasant Area cruised to a 42-0 victory.

Yough (0-6, 0-3) at Southmoreland (4-2, 1-1) – 7 p.m.

About the Cougars: Yough fell to Mount Pleasant Area 27-12 last week. Despite the setback, the Cougars established a season-high in points, keyed by Tristan Waldier, who shifted back to quarterback. He was 14-of-30 passing for 139 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions, while also rushing for 69 yards. Kaden Bizzozero and Levi GeBaldo recorded the receiving scores, while Shane Swope paced the rushing game with 72 yards. The Cougars have averaged just 4.3 points per game.

About the Scotties: Southmoreland rolled past Derry Area 41-0 last week. Six different players scored a touchdown, highlighted by Lilly Wasmund, who had a 1-yard score to become the first girl in WPIAL history to reach the end zone. QB Anthony Govern passed for 138 yards and a score, while adding 42 yards and a touchdown on the ground. For the campaign, Govern has amassed 819 yards passing and seven scores, and has added 386 yards rushing and a team-best 11 touchdowns.

About the Matchup: Yough is in pursuit of its first win in Class 3A Interstate Conference play. Last year, the Scotties won 24-0.

Riverview (1-4, 1-2) at Greensburg Central Catholic (4-2, 2-1) – 7 p.m.

About the Raiders: Riverview notched its first win of the campaign last week, smacking Imani Christian Academy 42-12. Dean Cecere had a stellar showing on the ground, as he compiled 221 yards rushing and two scores. QB Ben Hower was 5-of-8 passing for 64 yards and two scores, as he connected on scores to Toby Green and Jack Loughren. The scoring output of the game surpassed the combined points for the Raiders through the first four contests. Coach Trevor George oversees the program.

About the Centurions: Greensburg Central Catholic took advantage of a shorthanded Springdale team, prevailing 35-0 a week ago. Amari Mack found paydirt twice – on a 9-yard reception, and via a 5-yard run. QB Tyree Turner threw for 97 yards and two touchdowns, while Danny Dlugos rushed eight times for 110 yards and a touchdown. Not including their forfeit win, the Centurions have permitted seven or fewer points in three of five games.

About the Matchup: GCC is currently in a three-way tie for second place in the Class 1A Eastern Conference. The Centurions triumphed 41-20 in 2020.

Monessen (3-3, 2-1) at Carmichaels (4-2, 2-1) – 7 p.m.

About the Greyhounds: Monessen was edged by Mapletown 15-8 last week, snapping a three-game surge. Daevon Burke accounted for the Monessen TD, courtesy of an 80-yard run. Burke finished with 116 yards on the ground. After allowing 42 points in the season opener, the Greyhounds have yielded just 40 points over the past five games.

About the Mighty Mikes: Carmichaels fell 41-20 to West Greene last week. QB Trenton Carter passed for 136 yards and a touchdown, and he added 88 yards and a score as a runner. Michael Stewart contributed 49 yards rushing and a touchdown, as well. Carmichaels is under the guidance of head coach Ron Gallagher.