More than eight months since last season concluded with the state championships at Cumberland Valley, high school football action finally returns this Friday, as Week Zero commences. While a few teams opted for a second scrimmage instead, including reigning WPIAL and PIAA Class 3A champion Belle Vernon Area, the rest of the Westmoreland County squads are taking advantage of the opportunity to play a real game. While the outcomes don’t count towards playoff positioning, many schools utilize the opportunity to renew rivalries. To that point, there are four all-Westmoreland clashes to kick off the 2023 ledger. Here’s a closer examination of the opening slate.

Greensburg Salem at Hempfield Area – 7 p.m.

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

WSN Broadcasters: Jack Ridenour and Brent Whigham

About the Golden Lions: A year ago, Greensburg Salem went 4-6 overall, including 1-4 in the Class 3A Interstate Conference, missing the playoffs. The Golden Lions must fill the massive void left by Cody Rubrecht, the dual-threat QB who surpassed 1,000 yards each passing and rushing and accounted for 22 touchdowns in 2022. GS also graduated its top two receivers, Christian Hostetler and Jerome Wallish. Junior running back Kai Brunot is the most accomplished returner among the skill positions, as he compiled 115 carries for 534 yards and scored eight times last season. Receivers Keegan Young and Markeece Walker and tight end Julian Stevens will be among the top targets for junior quarterback Peyton Chismar, who saw limited action last campaign. Adam DiPasquale could also see snaps behind center for new head coach Ty George, who replaced Dave Keefer in the offseason.

About the Spartans: Hempfield Area started 5-0 last year, but went 1-4 in the second half, missing the playoffs in the Class 5A Big East Conference. All but three starters from that squad graduated, including nine players who have continued their careers collegiately. Chief among those players were running back Gino Caesar, who rushed for more than 1,100 yards and scored 16 touchdowns, quarterback Jake Phillips, who compiled more than 1,100 yards passing and threw 11 touchdowns, and Ian Tuffs, who led the team in receiving. Keiran Lippmann, who played receiver last year before shifting to quarterback to replace the injured Phillips, will start behind center, while sophomore Dom Detruf could also be in the mix at QB. Offensive lineman Joe Dolinsky and linebacker Brennan Knight are the other returning starters, while running backs Rogan Katchur and Lucas Moore are vying for time in the backfield, and Ron Katchur, Reddix Katchur, Dom LoPinto, Owen Buchholz, and Mitch Bitar are all in the mix at receiver. Nick Keefer, a longtime assistant, replaces Mike Brown at the helm of the program.

About the Matchup: Hempfield Area competes in Class 5A, while Greensburg Salem plays in 3A. A year ago, Hempfield Area dominated 49-3 in a game shortened by inclement weather. George, who played for Hempfield Area a decade ago, added former Spartans head coach Rich Bowen to his staff this offseason.

Derry Area at Greater Latrobe – 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 sputtered to a winless campaign in 2022 for the second year in a row, finishing 0-10. Quarterback Blake Revoir, who paced the Trojans in passing and rushing yards, transferred, thrusting Mason Beeman into the starting QB role. Beeman, who also saw time at tight end last year, threw for 119 yards in limited action. Leading receiver Demauri Robinson returns after compiling 14 receptions for 174 yards and a team-best four touchdowns, while running back Ahmad Ward is also back after rushing for 220 yards in an injury-shortened campaign. Mike Arone begins his second full season as the head coach for Derry Area.

About the Wildcats: Greater Latrobe enjoyed a breakthrough campaign, compiling a record of 7-5, including the first playoff win since 1968. After an overtime upset of Highlands in the Class 4A postseason, the Wildcats fell to Thomas Jefferson in the quarterfinals. One of the biggest catalysts to that success was running back Robby Fulton, who notched 1,567 yards and 20 touchdowns in his lone season with the Wildcats. Several other key components return, though, including junior QB John Wetzel, who threw for nearly 900 yards and 10 touchdowns, while also rushing for nearly 500 yards and scoring eight times. JaTawn Williams is expected to ascend to a top receiver spot, while Brady Prohovic and Chris Cochran are candidates to see a significant uptick in carries. Alex Tatsch, a junior linebacker who ranks among the best in the WPIAL at his position, will also be an option at tight end. Ron Prady enters his second season at the helm of the Wildcats.

About the Matchup: Greater Latrobe plays in Class 4A, while Derry Area resides in Class 2A. A year ago, the Wildcats left no doubt in the matchup, smashing the Trojans 55-0.

Thomas Jefferson at Franklin Regional – 7 p.m.

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

WSN Broadcaster: Jonathan Whaley

About the Jaguars: Thomas Jefferson went 8-4 a year ago, including a postseason triumph against Greater Latrobe. The Jaguars saw their season end with a 19-0 semifinals loss against Central Valley. Quarterback Brody Evans returns after he threw for nearly 2,000 yards and 19 touchdowns last season, while Luke Kosko is also in the mix after previously transferring from Seton-LaSalle. The top two rushers return, as Elias Lippencott registered more than 900 yards on the ground and scored 10 touchdowns, while Aidan Whalen posted nearly 600 yards rushing and notched nine TDs. Also back is senior Sean Sullivan, who paced TJ with 48 receptions for 922 yards and 11 scores last campaign. Legendary coach Bill Cherpak remains on the sidelines for Thomas Jefferson.

About the Panthers: Franklin Regional exceeded expectations a year ago, winning the Class 5A Big East Conference. FR went 6-4 overall, including a 21-0 loss to Woodland Hills in the quarterfinals. All three losses in the regular season came in overtime. The Panthers took a big hit in the rushing attack, as they graduated QB Roman Sarnic, who surpassed 1,000 yards on the ground and scored 14 touchdowns, as well as Zach Bewszka, who rushed for 800 yards and eight scores. Prolific receiver Ayden Hudock returns for his senior season after he notched 42 receptions for 957 yards and scored a team-leading 15 touchdowns in 2022. Without Sarnic, who also threw for nearly 1,200 yards, the Panthers will call upon Chase Lemke at QB. Linebacker Owen Sinclair and two-way lineman Andrew Devola will also be anchors for FR, which is under the guidance of head coach Lance Getsy.

About the Matchup: A year ago, Franklin Regional opted for a second scrimmage instead of a Week Zero contest, while Thomas Jefferson played a Sunday morning contest against New Jersey’s Millvale. While the Panthers reside in Class 5A, the Jaguars call Class 4A home.

Canon-McMillan at Penn-Trafford – 7:30 p.m.

Pregame at 7:00 p.m. on WSN VIDEO - WATCH LIVE

WSN Broadcasters: Sean Meyers and John Bainbridge

About the Big Macs: Canon-McMillan went 5-6 a year ago, but five of those losses were by 14 points or fewer, including a 7-0 playoff defeat against eventual champion North Allegheny in the Class 6A semifinals. Mike Evans returns at QB after hitting on 102-of-206 passes for 1,448 yards and 18 touchdowns last season. The rest of the offense has some holes to fill, however, including uber-productive receiver Austyn Winkleblech, who hauled in 46 passes for 811 yards and scored a team-best 14 touchdowns. The Big Macs also graduated Jake Kasper, who rushed for more than 1,400 yards and scored 10 times. Tight end Kaedon Singleton, a Delaware commit, is among the top weapons for Evans, while Geno Calgaro is a force at linebacker. Mike Evans, the father of the QB, is the head coach for Canon-McMillan.

About the Warriors: Penn-Trafford qualified for the WPIAL Class 5A playoffs courtesy of an overtime victory against Franklin Regional to conclude the regular season, but the Warriors fell to eventual champion Pine-Richland 31-17 in the postseason. As a result, PT concluded with a mark of 6-5. The Warriors will look to restock after the graduation of QB Conlan Greene, who threw for nearly 1,500 yards, but had more interceptions than touchdowns through the air. Greene, an edge rusher at Temple, also paced PT with 750 yards on the ground and 10 scores. Junior Jonny Lovre takes the reins at QB after seeing limited action a year ago. The top two receivers, Daniel Tarabrella and Tommy Kalkstein, also moved on due to graduation. In their absence, Carmen Metcalfe is expected to become the top target after he caught 17 passes for 248 yards last season. Tasso Whipple, who registered nearly 400 yards on the ground, will take on a larger role at running back. Zach Tomosovich, an Army commit, is an anchor on the offensive line. Championship-winning head coach John Ruane continues to patrol the sidelines for PT.

About the Matchup: Canon-McMillon is in Class 6A, while Penn-Trafford plays in Class 5A. A year ago, the Warriors fended off a late rally to prevail 35-28.

Norwin at Upper St. Clair – 7 p.m.

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

WSN Broadcasters: Dave Franczak and Brian Brozeski

About the Knights: Norwin struggled to a mark of 1-9 a year ago, including 0-5 in conference play. The lone victory came against Fox Chapel Area 27-13. Senior Jackson Pons, a Miami of Ohio commit, paced the Knights with 19 receptions for 324 yards last year. Leading rusher Luke Denny also returns to the mix at receiver for Norwin. Sophomore Tristyn Tavares split time at QB last year and passed for 463 yards and four scores, but he’ll likely get the lion’s share of snaps in 2023. One of the biggest voids to fill is at kicker and punter, as the graduated Joey Castle is now playing at Akron. Dave Brozeski stepped down as head coach after nine seasons, opening the door for former Hempfield Area coach Mike Brown to take over.

About the Panthers: Upper St. Clair went 10-3 a year ago, including a surprising run to the WPIAL Class 5A Championship game, a 34-3 loss to Pine-Richland. The Panthers return both starting QBs from a year ago, as Ethan Hellman, who was under center during the postseason run, threw for more than 900 yards and nine TDs, while Julian Dahlem, whom he replaced, compiled nearly 1,000 yards passing and 16 scores. Dahlem, however, will play a variety of roles on offense this year. The Panthers graduated 25 players from a year ago, including Jamaal Brown, who rushed for nearly 1,500 yards and scored 14 TDs, and Aidan Besselman, who led USC with 817 yards receiving. Mike Junko is at the helm of the Panthers.

About the Matchup: While both teams compete in Class 5A, Norwin is in the Big East Conference, while Upper St. Clair plays in the Allegheny Six. Last year, USC cruised to a 42-6 triumph.

Mount Pleasant Area at Greensburg Central Catholic – 7 p.m.

About the Vikings: Mount Pleasant Area went 6-5 last year, making the playoffs in Class 3A. However, the Vikings fell at home to East Allegheny 42-39. Gone from that team is Robbie Labuda, who rushed for nearly 1,500 yards and scored 21 touchdowns. Additionally, the Vikes graduated Lane Golkosky, who ranked second in rushing with approximately 650 yards, led the team in receptions, and scored a dozen times, as well as Tyler Reese, who compiled a team-best 374 yards receiving. The Vikings return junior quarterback Cole Chatfield, who threw for 1,212 yards and 11 touchdowns last season. Jackson Hutter, who rushed for nearly 500 yards last year, is likely to shoulder the offensive burden, while receiver Lucas Nicotera will also take on a larger role. Jason Fazekas is back on the sidelines for Mount Pleasant.

About the Centurions: Greensburg Central Catholic enjoyed a breakthrough season, winning eight games and going undefeated in the Class 1A Eastern Conference. The Centurions were upset in the first round of the WPIAL Class 1A playoffs, however, falling to Rochester 36-15. Back in the mix is senior QB Tyree Turner, who went 85-for-135 for 1,601 yards and 21 touchdowns last campaign. Samir Crosby is also back after an explosive freshman season in which he led the team with 30 receptions for 473 yards, rushed for 351 yards, and scored 15 touchdowns. GCC lost plenty at the skill positions, though, as receivers Amari Mack and Nate Dlugos and running back Jaydin Canady graduated, while 1,000-yard rusher Da’sjon Craggette transferred out of the district. Nick Dlugos, an H-back, will hold a more prominent role for GCC, which is under the guidance of new coach John Thompson, who replaced Marko Thomas.

About the Matchup: Mount Pleasant Area competes in Class 3A, while GCC is in Class 1A. A year ago, the Centurions secured a 56-35 triumph.

Jeannette at Burrell – 7 p.m.

**About the Jayhawks: **Although Jeannette went just 3-8 last year, that was a big step forward from 2021, and the Jayhawks qualified for the WPIAL Class 1A postseason. Noah Sanders was the top offensive weapon for Jeannette in 2022, as he caught 51 passes for 715 yards, rushed 104 times for 595 yards, and paced the team with 13 scores. Payton Molter returns at quarterback after he threw for 1,048 yards and a dozen touchdowns, while adding 409 yards on the ground and 10 TDs. Michael Mason, who ranked second in receiving and third in rushing, also returns to the mix. Tom Paulone is in his second season on the sidelines for Jeannette.

About the Buccaneers: Using a unique style of offense, Burrell compiled a mark of 6-5 overall a year ago, which included a trip to the WPIAL Class 2A playoffs. However, the Bucs were overmatched in a 48-6 loss to Neshannock in the postseason. The workhorse from 2022 returns, as Devin Beattie rushed 222 times for 1,441 yards and scored 16 touchdowns. Additionally, junior Mason Jones, who registered 560 yards on the ground, also returns, as does Tristian Brothers, who will anchor the defense at linebacker. With QB Chase Fenner graduated, Stephen Hasson is expected to take the reins. Shawn Liotta remains as the head coach for Burrell.

About the Matchup: While Jeannette plays in Class 1A, Burrell resides in 2A. A year ago, the Buccaneers claimed a 31-10 win. Burrell is seeking the 300th win in program history.

Plum at Kiski Area – 7 p.m.

About the Mustangs: Plum finished 5-5 a year ago, but missed the playoffs in Class 5A. The Mustangs must replace the production of graduated running back Eryck Moore, a multi-year starter who rushed for nearly 1,500 yards and scored 21 touchdowns last year. Junior Nick Odom could be next in line at RB, as he amassed more than 300 yards on the ground and scored 7 TDs. Quarterback Sean Franzi returns after he passed for nearly 700 yards and six touchdowns, while top receiver Darian Nelson, a junior, is also back in the fold. Matt Morgan is the longtime head coach for Plum.

About the Cavaliers: Kiski Area struggled mightily in 2022, posting a mark of just 1-9. The lone victory came in a nonconference clash against Fox Chapel Area in the penultimate game of the season. While the Cavs graduated leading rusher Connor Flemm and top receiver Dom DiNinno, who scored a team-leading 11 touchdowns, a pair of talented playmakers are back on offense. Junior QB Carson Heinle, who took over for LeBryn Smith midway through the season, threw for more than 1,000 yards, while Isaiah Gonzalez hauled in 32 receptions for 393 yards in 2022. Gonzalez is also an All-Conference performer at defensive back. Sam Albert is the veteran coach of Kiski Area.

About the Matchup: The teams swapped classifications in 2022, as Plum moved up to 5A, while Kiski Area dropped to 4A. Last year, Plum claimed a 35-14 victory.

Southmoreland at McGuffey – 7 p.m.

About the Scotties: One of the most prolific passing combinations in the WPIAL a year ago didn’t translate into a winning record, as Southmoreland went 4-7 overall, but did return to the WPIAL postseason, sustaining a 54-28 loss against West Mifflin Area. Ty Keffer, a first-year player, was among the best receivers in the district, as he caught 73 passes for 1,009 yards, scoring 18 touchdowns. Quarterback Kadin Keefer hit on 132-of-237 passes for 1,586 yards, with 18 TDs and 11 interceptions. That duo is back, and is joined by running back Da’sjon Craggette, who transferred in after rushing for more than 1,000 yards with Greensburg Central Catholic a year ago. Two-way lineman Aidan Corvin is a top player in the trenches. Tim Bukowski enters his second campaign guiding Southmoreland.

About the Highlanders: McGuffey posted a mark of 8-4 last year, including a playoff win against Mohawk Area. The Highlanders saw their season end with a loss to Steel Valley. McGuffey is tasked with replacing quarterback Philip McCuen, who passed for more than 900 yards and paced the team in rushing, eclipsing 700 yards. Connor Crowe will get the nod under center. McGuffey must also fill the void left by running back Kyle Bookman, who notched a team-leading 14 touchdowns last year and ranked second in receptions, as well. Logan Carlisle, a receiver who transferred in from Washington, will be a top option when he returns from injury. Ed Dalton begins his 12th season at the helm of McGuffey, and 35th overall as a head coach.

About the Matchup: While the Scotties play in Class 3A, McGuffey calls Class 2A home. A year ago, the Highlanders claimed a 44-28 victory.

Yough at South Allegheny - 7 p.m.

About the Cougars: Yough took some steps forward last year, compiling a mark of 3-7, including a pair of conference wins. While the Cougars graduated versatile offensive players Gavin Roebuck and JJ Waller, the latter of whom led the team in both rushing and receiving, Yough returns QB Raidon Kuroda. Kuroda, who split time with Roebuck at QB, threw for just shy of 300 yards and three touchdowns. Receiver Antonio Marra, who missed time due to injury in 2022, will be a focal point this year. Ben Hoffer is in his second season guiding his alma mater.

About the Gladiators: South Allegheny suffered through a 1-9 campaign a year ago, dropping its final nine contests. Moreover, the Gladiators must replace a Division I player in Dashawn Carter, who led the team with 124 carries for 744 yards and six touchdowns. Carter is now a defensive end at Youngstown State. Ryan Cortes, who took over as starting quarterback midway through last season, returns under center, while junior Cameron Epps is back after contributing in the rushing attack and as a receiver. Brian Hanson, who previously served at West Greene, is in his first year guiding South Allegheny.

About the Matchup: The Cougars play in Class 2A, while South Allegheny is in the 3A classification. Last season, South Allegheny prevailed 25-7.

Ligonier Valley at Springdale – 7 p.m.

About the Rams: Ligonier Valley achieved history in 2022, winning a WPIAL playoff game for the first time ever. Including that 27-20 victory against Western Beaver, the Rams amassed a record of 8-4, falling to Beaver Falls in the postseason. Dynamic playmaker Haden Sierocky has moved on, however, after he rushed 155 times for 1,246 yards, caught 29 passes for 383 yards, and scored 20 touchdowns. Gone, too, is QB Broderick Schreyer, who passed for nearly 800 yards and threw a dozen touchdowns. As a result, running back John Jablunovsky is expected to take on a larger role after rushing for nearly 750 yards and producing eight touchdowns last season. Boden Schreyer will fill the void left by his older brother at QB, while experienced center Sam Caldwell is the anchor of the offensive line. Roger Beitel, the longest-tenured football coach in Westmoreland County, remains on the sidelines for LV.

About the Dynamos: Springdale endured a winless season in 2022, going 0-10, including 0-6 in conference action. The Dynamos also permitted 67 or more points three times. Chase Weihrauch returns at QB for Springdale, while Colton Gent is among the notable running backs in the fold. Linebacker Noah Bradley is the catalyst on the defensive side. Ryan Tempalski is in his second season leading Springdale.

About the Matchup: While Ligonier Valley plays in Class 2A, Springdale resides in Class 1A. In 2022, the Rams cruised to a 48-0 victory.

Valley at Armstrong – 7 p.m.

About the Vikings: Valley went just 1-9 last year, the lone triumph coming against Uniontown Area. Tristin Goodwin, who played quarterback last year, will shift to running back, while junior Mason Simmons assumes the role of QB. Darnell Coaston is a critical component of the receiving corps. Mark Adams, who previously guided Southmoreland and Leechburg, takes the reins, replacing Dave Heavner.

About the River Hawks: Armstrong enjoyed a stellar campaign in 2022, posting a mark of 10-2 and notching a playoff win against Blackhawk. The River Hawks graduated one of the top QBs in recent memory in Cadin Olsen, who went 203-of-319 for 3,210 yards and 43 touchdowns last year, while also rushing for more than 450 yards and scoring seven times on the ground. However, Alex Patton returns at running back after rushing for nearly 1,000 yards, while top receivers Ian Olsen and Isaiah Brown are back in the fold after combining for nearly 2,000 yards receiving and 28 touchdowns. Head coach Frank Fabian continues to lead Armstrong.

Washington at Monessen – 7 p.m.

About the Little Prexies: Washington went 7-5 last year, defeating Serra Catholic in the playoffs before succumbing to Neshannock. A year ago, Davoun Fuse, now playing at Rutgers, split snaps at QB along with Logan Carlisle, who has since transferred. However, Eddie Lewis returns at running back after compiling more than 800 yards rushing and scoring 13 touchdowns last season, while top receiver Ruben Gordon, who paced Washington with 15 scores, also is back. Mike Bosnic remains at the helm of Washington.

About the Greyhounds: Monessen made significant strides last year, posting a record of 6-5, including a playoff appearance in Class 1A. TyVaughn Kershaw returns after he posted nearly 1,400 yards rushing and 20 touchdowns as a freshman. Furthermore, Daevon Burke is back after rushing for just shy of 800 yards and scoring 19 times. Head coach Wade Brown is in his third year at the helm.