For teams that played in Week Zero, the WPIAL football regular season has already reached the halfway point, and this weekend marks the second half of the slate. Additionally, the conference ledger will finally commence for several teams in Class 5A and 2A. Without further ado, here’s a deep dive into all of the Westmoreland County games for Week Five of the regular season.

Greensburg Salem (4-1, 2-0) at Hampton (5-0, 2-0) – 7 p.m.

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

WSN Broadcasters: TJ DiStefano and Kris Smith

About the Golden Lions: Greensburg Salem won its fourth straight game a week ago, defeating Indiana Area 35-14. To do so, the Golden Lions scored 21 unanswered points in the second half. Hayden Teska completed half of his 28 attempts for 277 yards and three touchdowns, as well as one interception. Tight end Jayden Stevens led GS receivers with three catches for 93 yards and a score, while Cody Rubrecht had three grabs for 81 yards and a touchdown. Rashad Canady rushed for 57 yards and a touchdown, and he added another score on a reception. With 1,176 yards passing for the season, Teska paces the entire WPIAL, while Rubrecht is tops in the district in receiving yards, with 503. GS has scored between 34 and 36 points in each of its past four games.

About the Talbots: Hampton remained perfect last week with an impressive 27-7 win at Highlands. Matt DeMatteo was the catalyst, as he was 6-of-10 passing for 62 yards and a touchdown, rushed six times for 52 yards, and kicked two field goals and three extra points. Brock Borgo led the rushing attack with 66 yards, while Christian Liberto amassed 42 yards and a touchdown on the ground. For the season, Liberto leads the Talbots with 561 yards rushing and eight scores, while DeMatteo is the leading receiver, with six catches for 102 yards. Jacque DeMatteo serves as the head coach for Hampton.

About the Matchup: Sole possession of first place is on the line in the Class 4A Greater Allegheny Conference. Last year, Hampton prevailed 42-9, but the game was tightly contested heading into the fourth quarter.

Leechburg (4-1, 1-1) at Jeannette (1-4, 1-1) – 7 p.m.

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

WSN Broadcasters: Brent Whigham and Anthony DeNunzio

About the Blue Devils: Leechburg bounced back with a 41-22 win against Springdale last week. QB Thomas Burke had a monster performance, as he passed for 328 yards and three scores on just 11 completions, and he also rushed for a pair of scores. His top target was Tyler Foley, who hauled in four passes for 144 yards and a touchdown. Logan Kline and Eli Rich also caught TD passes, while Braylan Lovelace provided a rushing score. For the campaign, Lovelace has compiled 522 rushing yards and a team-leading 11 TDs. Randy Walters serves as the head coach for the Blue Devils.

About the Jayhawks: Jeannette came up just short against Imani Christian last week, falling 14-7. QB Tyler Horn accounted for the lone score for the Jayhawks, as he rushed 11 times for 74 yards, but completed just three passes for two yards. Michael Mason contributed 10 carries for 33 yards, and he added a pair of receptions. For the season, Horn has 39 rushes for 224 yards, and leads the team with three TDs. Through five games, Jeannette is averaging just 7.0 points per game, the lowest mark in the conference.

About the Matchup: The teams are currently tied with Greensburg Central Catholic and Imani Christian in the Class 1A Eastern Conference. Last year, Jeannette rolled 60-14.

Derry Area (0-4) at Southmoreland (3-2) – 7 p.m.

Pregame at 6:30 on WSN VIDEO - WATCH LIVE

WSN Broadcasters: John Flickinger and Bob Lasinski

About the Trojans: Derry Area was unable to play last week against Freeport Area, prompting a postponement and a no contest. A couple of weeks ago, the Trojans fell to Deer Lakes 49-0. Ahmad Ward had a 61-yard touchdown run negated by penalty against the Lancers. For the season, DA has averaged 7.3 points, while permitting 60.8 points per contest, the highest mark in the entire WPIAL.

About the Scotties: Southmoreland fell to rival Mount Pleasant Area 34-7 last week. QB Anthony Govern accounted for the only touchdown on an 8-yard run, but he finished just 9-of-23 passing for 106 yards and an interception, while rushing for a team-best 71 yards. JJ Bloom hauled in five passes for 62 yards, while Isaac Trout contributed three receptions. For the season, Govern has passed for 681 yards and six touchdowns, and has added 344 yards on the ground and 10 touchdowns. Josh Bass, who attends Geibel Catholic but plays as part of a co-op, ranks third in rushing and second in receiving yards.

About the Matchup: While the vast majority of the WPIAL features conference games, this is a 3A nonconference clash, as Derry Area resides in the Allegheny Seven Conference, while Southmoreland is in the Interstate. The Scotties claimed a 28-20 win last year.

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

Pregame at 6:30 on WSN AUDIO - LISTEN LIVE

WSN Broadcasters: Dave Franczak and Tim McCabe

About the Knights: Norwin was unable to play last week because of COVID, but because the Knights could’ve fielded 11 healthy players, it was deemed a forfeit loss to Seneca Valley. The week prior, Norwin was smashed 50-0 by Pittsburgh Central Catholic. In that defeat, QB Luke Levendosky was just 5-of-15 passing for 73 yards, with two interceptions. Additionally, Nathaniel Harris led the ground game with 52 yards, while Jackson Pons caught four passes for 46 yards. For the season, Dom Barca leads the Knights with three touchdowns.

About the Highlanders: Baldwin fell at Canon-McMillan 61-7 last week, the second straight week the Highlanders permitted 61 points. Isaiah King accounted for the only touchdown against the Big Macs, as he caught a 63-yard pass from John Kozar. Aside from that play, the offense sputtered, as Kozar threw for just 79 yards, while Andrew Sharp led the rushing attack with only 23 yards. For the season, Sharp has amassed a team-best 166 yards on 26 carries. The Highlanders average 8.4 points and permit 50.6, both of which are the worst marks in Class 6A. Former Derry Area head coach Tim Sweeney is in his second season guiding Baldwin.

About the Matchup: The Knights and Highlanders, along with Hempfield Area, represent the remaining winless teams in Class 6A play. A year ago, the Knights prevailed 28-12.

Penn-Trafford (3-2) at Woodland Hills (1-4) – 7 p.m.

Pregame at 6:30 on WSN AUDIO - LISTEN LIVE

WSN Broadcasters: Sean Meyers and Roger Downs

About the Warriors: In a rare Saturday tilt, Penn-Trafford bested Shaler Area 54-14. Cade Yacamelli accounted for a pair of touchdowns, as he rushed nine times for 93 yards. QB Carter Green was efficient, as he connected on 11-of-16 passing attempts for 141 yards and a touchdown, and he added 33 yards and a score on the ground. Tommy Kalkstein also made a big impact, as he threw a 33-yard touchdown on a trick play, and returned a kickoff 82 yards for another score. For the season, Yacamelli has produced 601 yards rushing, 109 yards receiving, and a team-leading nine touchdowns. Liam Hileman has emerged as the top receiver, with 12 grabs for 175 yards.

About the Wolverines: COVID prompted Woodland Hills for forfeit to North Hills last week, the fourth straight defeat for the Wolverines. However, their previous three losses came by a combined margin of 17 points, including one-point setbacks against McKeesport Area and Penn Hills. QB Deontae Williams has connected on 17-of-40 passes for 172 yards, but he’s also rushed for a team-high 284 yards. Brandon Jones and Eric Seibles have also surpassed 200 yards on the ground for the campaign. Through their four games actually contested on the field, the Wolverines have allowed just 36 points. Tim Bostard is the head coach for Woodland Hills.

About the Matchup: The clash represents the conference opener for both squads in the Class 5A Big East Conference. Last year, PT reigned supreme with a 38-6 victory. The Wolvarena is located in Turtle Creek, four miles from Woodland Hills High School. If Penn-Trafford wins, John Ruane would claim his 100th victory.

Franklin Regional (1-4) at Connellsville Area (0-5) – 7 p.m.

Pregame at 6:30 on WSN AUDIO - LISTEN LIVE

WSN Broadcasters: Jonathan Whaley

About the Panthers: Franklin Regional suffered its fourth straight setback last week, falling to Bethel Park 28-13. Maddox Morrison provided a 12-yard touchdown reception, while Caden Smith found pay dirt on a 1-yard run. QB Connor Donnelly was 16-of-28 passing for 135 yards, with a touchdown and an interception. Ayden Hudock led the FR receivers with 51 yards. Hudock has averaged nearly 52 yards per reception, and leads FR with five touchdowns.

About the Falcons: Connellsville Area sustained another lopsided loss last week, 47-7 against Peters Township. The Falcons have surrendered 36 points or more in every contest, while they have scored seven or fewer in three straight tilts. On average, the Falcons have been outscored 41.0-9.4. Bill Maczko is in his first year as the head coach of the Falcons.

About the Matchup: Both teams commence Class 5A Big East Conference play. A year ago, FR notched a 42-21 victory.

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

About the Spartans: Hempfield Area was overmatched by Mount Lebanon 48-14 last week. Both Spartans’ scores came in the second half, as Jake Phillips connected with Keiran Lippmann and Daniel Katonka on a pair of touchdown passes. In total, Phillips was 5-of-7 passing for 110 yards and two scores. Gino Caesar was limited to just 13 yards rushing on seven attempts. In its three losses, Hempfield Area has permitted 45 or more points each time.

About the Big Macs: Canon-McMillan steamrolled Baldwin 61-7 last week. QB Mike Evans was nearly perfect, as he completed 8-of-9 attempts for 205 yards and four touchdowns. Moreover, reserve QB Ben Urso threw for a pair of TDs. LaMont “Deuce” Lyons caught four passes for 93 yards and a score, while Ryan Angott paced the rushing game with 60 yards and a TD. The Big Macs average 31.4 points per game, which is third best in Class 6A. The elder Mike Evans serves as the head coach for Canon-McMillan.

About the Matchup: The Spartans are one of three teams that remain winless in Class 6A conference play. In 2020, the Big Macs prevailed 45-14.

Greater Latrobe (2-3) at Gateway (3-2) – 7 p.m.

About the Wildcats: Greater Latrobe fell to South Fayette 35-7 last week. Playing without prolific receiver Kyle Brewer, the Wildcats’ only score came courtesy of 20-yard run by Dominick Flenniken in the fourth quarter. Meanwhile, QB Corey Boerio was 9-of-17 passing for 93 yards, and led the squad in rushing with 56 yards. Drake Clayton was held to just 20 yards on 14 attempts. Brewer, who has nine touchdowns, is expected back this week. Despite the loss, GL has still outscored its foes 158-101, and leads the conference in scoring average.

About the Gators: Gateway sustained its second loss last week, falling to Pine-Richland 21-7. Dallas Harper provided the Gators TD, as he caught a 33-yard pass from Brad Birch, who finished 21-of-37 for 244 yards, but tossed two picks. Cincinnati commit Patrick Body and Brett Birch each hauled in five passes in the setback, while Malachi Moore accumulated 60 yards receiving. Brad Birch ranks second in the WPIAL in passing yards, with 1,142, and has thrown for 12 TDs. Jaquon Reynolds, meanwhile, is the top rusher, with 75 carries for 335 yards. Head coach Don Holl guides Gateway.

About the Matchup: After each team began with five nonconference games, this marks the Class 5A Big East opener for the Cats and Gators. Last year’s game was cancelled because of COVID issues with Gateway, but in 2019, the Gators rolled 49-0.

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

About the Cavaliers: Off to their best start in 35 years, Kiski Area suffocated West Allegheny in a 7-0 win last week. The only points came on a 37-yard run by Brock Wilkins in the fourth quarter. Wilkins, who was limited in previous weeks because of injury, registered 106 yards rushing on 17 attempts. Meanwhile, Brayden Dunmire led the defensive charge, as the linebacker recorded 15 tackles and a sack. Allowing just 11 points per game, the Cavs pace the conference.

About the Indians: North Hills earned a forfeit victory against Woodland Hills last week, as the Wolverines had COVID concerns. The previous week, North Hills fell to Moon 38-7. In that loss, Robert Dickerson provided a 59-yard TD reception from John Green. Pat Carey is the head coach for North Hills.

About the Matchup: This serves as the lid lifter for both teams in the Class 5A Northeast Conference. Last year, the Indians secured a 42-20 win.

Laurel Highlands (5-0, 2-0) at Belle Vernon Area (4-0, 2-0) – 7 p.m.

About the Mustangs: Laurel Highlands knocked off West Mifflin 27-7 last week to remain unblemished. Rodney Gallagher threw for a pair of touchdowns and 111 yards, while he added two more scores and 114 yards rushing on 17 carries. Jayden Pratt was the top receiver, with three receptions for 40 yards and a TD. For the season, Gallagher, who has garnered significant DI attention for both football and basketball, has thrown for 570 yards and nine TDs, while rushing for 471 yards and nine more scores. Eric Allen has also been a catalyst, rushing for 326 yards. Richard Kolesar is the head coach for the Mustangs.

About the Leopards: Belle Vernon Area scored a thrilling 28-21 win against Thomas Jefferson last week, courtesy of a 40-yard TD run by Devin Whitlock in the final seconds. In total, Whitlock amassed 163 yards rushing and two scores, and added 44 yards through the air. Quinton Martin provided a 50-yard TD run and an 88-yard kickoff return, but missed the majority of the second half with injury, and his status is uncertain. In four games this season, Whitlock has scored nine TDs on 532 yards rushing, while Martin has produced 350 yards rushing and seven scores. The Leopards have permitted 11.3 points per game.

About the Matchup: Sole possession of first place in the Class 4A Big Eight Conference is at stake. Last year, the Leopards dominated en route to a 49-0 win.

Mount Pleasant Area (3-2, 1-0) at Yough (0-5, 0-2) – 7 p.m.

About the Vikings: Mount Pleasant Area rebounded from a two-game skid with a 34-7 win against Southmoreland last week. Running back Robbie Labuda was instrumental, as he rushed 18 times for 193 yards and two scores, and added a receiving touchdown. Returning from injury, Tyler Reese was 4-of-6 passing for 115 yards and a score, rushed for another TD, and returned an interception 73 yards for a pick six. Aaron Alakson also found the end zone, as he rushed for 79 yards. For the season, Labuda paces the Vikings with 463 yards rushing and 10 touchdowns.

About the Cougars: Yough sputtered last week against South Allegheny, tasting defeat 56-8. Yough’s only score came courtesy of an 86-yard kickoff return by Kaden Bizzozero. QB Gavin Roebuck was 5-of-19 passing for 43 yards and two interceptions, while Tristan Waldier had three receptions for 20 yards. Yough has scored just 2.8 points per game, the third-lowest mark in the WPIAL.

About the Matchup: Yough is one of two teams that remains winless in the Class 3A Interstate Conference. The Vikings notched a 43-32 victory in 2020.

North Catholic (5-0, 2-0) at Burrell (0-5, 0-1) – 7 p.m.

About the Trojans: North Catholic edged East Allegheny 31-14 last week. Joey Prentice and Kyle Tipinski each contributed a pair of rushing touchdowns against the Wildcats, with Prentice also providing a team-leading 70 yards rushing. The North Catholic defense has posted three shutouts, and has allowed just 6.2 points per game, by far the best mark in the conference.

About the Buccaneers: Burrell came up short against Apollo-Ridge 35-17 last week in a nonconference tilt. Running back Caden DiCaprio enjoyed a banner performance, as he rushed 24 times for 183 yards and two touchdowns. Meanwhile, Ethan Croushore booted a field goal and two extra points. In total, the Bucs have been outscored 205-59 through five contests.

About the Matchup: North Catholic overwhelmed Burrell last year, winning 66-8.

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

About the Yellow Jackets: After its conference game against Derry Area was postponed because of COVID, Freeport Area added Serra Catholic to its schedule last week. The Yellow Jackets came up short, 14-3. Garrett King was just 2-of-8 passing for 25 yards, but led the rushing attack with 43 yards. Freeport Area also had an earlier game against Apollo-Ridge postponed because of COVID. John Gaillot serves at the helm of the program.

About the Vikings: Valley lost a low-scoring affair to Deer Lakes, 6-0, last week. In the defeat, QB Tristin Goodwin was 12-of-17 passing for 145 yards. It marked the third time this season that the Vikings have been held scoreless, and they are averaging just 3.0 points per contest.

Ligonier Valley (5-0) at Steel Valley (4-0) – 7 p.m.

About the Rams: Ligonier Valley made quick work of Pittsburgh City League opponent Carrick last week, cruising to a 62-12 win. Running back Nick Beitel led the way, as he rushed nine times for 122 yards and three touchdowns, and also caught a pair of passes. Playing in place of Haden Sierocky, QB Broderick Schreyer was 4-of-6 passing for 46 yards and two touchdowns, both of which went to Matthew Marinchak. Defensive lineman Jacob Hay returned a fumble 25 yards for a scoop and score. For the season, Beitel has amassed 478 yards rushing and a team-leading six scores. LV has held all of its opponents to 14 points or fewer.

About the Ironmen: Steel Valley made quick work of Brentwood last week, 42-6. Prolific running back Nijhay Burt accumulated 197 yards rushing and four scores on just nine carries, and he ranks fourth in the WPIAL in rushing this season and is tied for third in touchdowns, despite playing just four contests. Cruce Brookins has also been dangerous on the ground, as he boasts 348 yards rushing. Steel Valley has allowed 13 points or fewer in each contest. Head coach Ray Braszo guides Steel Valley.

About the Matchup: This marks the opener in Class 2A Allegheny Conference action for both teams. In 2020, Ligonier Valley edged Steel Valley 28-26.

Greensburg Central Catholic (3-2, 1-1) at Springdale (3-2, 0-2) – 7 p.m.

About the Centurions: Playing last Saturday night, Greensburg Central Catholic came up short against Bishop Canevin 20-14. QB Tyree Turner factored into both scores for GCC, as he connected with Taishaun Jamison on a 9-yard pass, and later provided a 4-yard TD run. Turner was 12-of-23 for 114 yards through the air, while Joe Blahovec caught six passes for 74 yards. On the ground, Danny Dlugos led the way with a dozen attempts for 64 yards.

About the Dynamos: Springdale came up short against Leechburg, 41-22, last week, making the second straight setback for the Dynamos. QB Legend Ausk threw for a pair of scores, and rushed for another. On the receiving end of his TD passes were Ricky Martinelli and Chase Weihrauch. Top rusher Logan Dexter has been a dynamic offensive threat, as he leads the team with eight scores. Seth Napierkowski is the head coach for Springdale.

About the Matchup: Springdale is one of two teams still in pursuit of its first win in Class 1A Eastern Conference competition. In 2020, the Dynamos won the head-to-head battle 45-22.

Monessen (3-2, 2-0) at Mapletown (2-3, 0-2) – 7 p.m.

About the Greyhounds: Monessen won its third straight last week, blanking Jefferson-Morgan 26-0. Daevon Burke scored a couple of rushing touchdowns, while Lorenzo Gardner and Dayton Carson also found the end zone. Anthony Crews contributed 10 carries for 62 yards for Monessen.

About the Maples: Mapletown lost its third in a row with a 34-28 setback against California Area last week. Running back Landan Stevenson continued his stellar campaign, as he rushed 30 times for 261 yards and three touchdowns. He ranks third in the entire WPIAL with 818 yards for the season. George Messich is at the helm of Mapletown.