While a myriad of teams opened conference play last week, others begin the ledger this week. Furthermore, for teams that played games in Week Zero, this weekend’s slate will mark the halfway point of the regular season. Here’s a detailed examination of all of the games across Westmoreland County, as three area teams look to remain perfect.

Leechburg (4-0, 1-0) at Jeannette (4-0, 1-0) – 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 stayed perfect courtesy of its 43-14 home win against Riverview in the Class 1A Eastern Conference opener last week. Quarterback Jayden Floyd had a game for the ages, as he rushed 13 times for 151 yards and five touchdowns, and he added 42 yards through the air. Jake Cummings added 55 yards and a score on the ground, and he caught two passes for 31 yards. For the year, Floyd has thrown for 401 yards and five TDs, while he’s paced the rushing attack with 49 carries for 628 yards and 13 touchdowns. Cummings is the top receiver with 17 grabs for 180 yards, and he’s scored four times. The Blue Devils have scored 42 or more points in three straight contests. Coach Randy Walters is at the helm of the program.

About the Jayhawks: Kymon’e Brown threw for three touchdowns in leading Jeannette to a 43-24 home victory against Frazier in Class 1A Eastern Conference action last Friday. Brown hooked up with Noah Sunder on a 70-yard score, hit Jayce Powell on a 32-yard connection, and added a 19-yard TD to Xavier Odorisio-Farrow. Powell added another TD catch spanning 60 yards from Markus McGowan, as well as a 64-yard punt return score for the Jayhawks. Brown went 6-of-9 for 184 yards through the air, while Sunder caught four passes for 96 yards and Powell amassed two grabs for 92 yards. Nick Mendoza was the top rusher for Jeannette, registering six carries for 72 yards and a TD. For the year, Brown has hit on 15-of-26 passes for 331 yards, with seven touchdowns and three picks, while he’s added 399 yards on the ground. Powell, meanwhile, paces the Jayhawks with 11 total touchdowns. Jeannette is averaging 36.7 points per game, but has allowed 24 or more points in each contest, as well.

About the Matchup: While both teams are 1-0 in the Class 1A Eastern Conference, they are each 4-0 overall. Last year, Jeannette claimed a 37-31 win at Leechburg.

Ambridge Area (2-1) at Greensburg Salem (4-0) – 7 p.m.

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

WSN Broadcasters: Sean Meyers and John Bainbridge

About the Bridgers: Ambridge Area bested Mount Pleasant Area 28-10 last week in a nonconference clash. The host Bridgers received a pair of touchdowns from Adam Fernandez, who had an 8-yard TD reception and a 12-yard touchdown run, compiling 88 yards on the ground, along with a pair of fumble recoveries. Quarterback AJ Gerace hit on 6-of-12 passes for 42 yards and two scores. DJ Cain added 49 yards rushing and a touchdown. Ambridge, which had a game against Laurel Highlands postponed, has outscored its foes 92-59. Coach Sherm McBride patrols the sidelines for the Bridgers.

About the Golden Lions: Brody Chismar connected with Max Topper for a touchdown pass, and the Greensburg Salem defense did the rest, guiding the Golden Lions to a 7-0 win at Ringgold one week ago. The 18-yard passing score came in the third quarter, as Brody Chismar went 6-of-7 passing for 62 yards and the TD, and he added 57 yards rushing. Brady Smith paced the GS ground game, rushing for 67 yards on 17 attempts, while Topper had three grabs for 39 yards. In 2024, Peyton Chismar has hit on 13-of-31 passes for 261 yards, with three touchdowns and one interception, adding 80 yards on the ground and two scores, while Brody Chismar has completed 14-of-21 attempts for 167 yards, with three TDs and a pick, 179 yards rushing and two scores. Kai Brunot has compiled 292 yards on the ground and a team-best four TDs, while Dom Rosensteel has nine catches for 183 yards and three touchdowns. GS has permitted just 8.5 points per game.

About the Matchup: While Ambridge Area plays in the Class 4A Parkway Conference, Greensburg Salem resides in the Class 3A Interstate Conference. The teams last met in 2003, as the Bridgers claimed a 24-17 win in the WPIAL Class AAA first round playoffs.

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

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

WSN Broadcasters: John Flickinger and Bob Lasinski

About the Little Indians: Indiana Area suffered a narrow 10-7 loss at Laurel Highlands one week ago. Elijah Thomas, who rushed 11 times for 35 yards and caught two passes for 21 yards, scored the lone TD for the Little Indians. Danny Trevorrow went 7-of-12 for 53 yards and an interception. For the year, Quinn Lipniskis has scored twice, while Thomas and Rocco Cosentino have the other touchdowns. Indiana is averaging just 7.0 points per contest. Brad Wright is the head man for Indiana Area.

About the Trojans: Justin Papuga and Demauri Robinson each notched a pair of scores in leading Derry Area to a 32-13 victory at Burrell last week in a nonconference battle. Papuga totaled 97 yards rushing for the Trojans, while Robinson compiled 95 yards on the ground and caught two passes for 36 yards. QB Anthony Sacco went 4-of-7 passing for 52 yards through the air, and he added a rushing score. For the year, Robinson paces DA with five touchdowns. The Trojans have been narrowly outscored on the year, 74-72.

About the Matchup: While Indiana Area plays in the Class 4A Greater Allegheny Conference, Derry Area calls the Class 3A Interstate Conference its home. The most recent meeting between the teams came as conference foes in 2013, as the Little Indians rolled to a 56-6 win.

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

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

WSN Broadcasters: Dave Franczak and Brian Brozeski

About the Knights: Norwin struggled to contain the Seneca Valley rushing attack last week in a 26-6 loss at home in the Class 6A Conference opener. Norwin’s lone score came on a 38-yard pass from Tavares to Cooper Wilson in the third quarter. Tavares finished 10-of-22 passing for 130 yards, and he added 60 yards on the ground. On the campaign, Tavares has hit on 52-of-103 passes for 667 yards and three touchdowns, while he’s rushed 34 times for 200 yards and four TDs. Jake Knight is his top target, with nine receptions for 216 yards.

About the Tigers: North Allegheny scored 28 unanswered points in the second half to claim a 42-14 victory at Hempfield Area last week in the Class 6A lid-lifter. Luke Rohan scored three TDs after halftime for NA, rushing for 94 yards on 14 carries. Dylan Brokos added six attempts for 82 yards and a score. For the year, Rohan has compiled 47 carries for 265 yards, while Brokos has 198 yards rushing and Brady Brinkley has 197 yards on the ground. Brinkley has also split time at QB, as he’s thrown for 196 yards, while Jackson Failla has amassed 202 yards through the air. Art Walker Jr is the heralded head coach for NA.

About the Matchup: Last year, the teams met in a nonconference showdown, as the Tigers prevailed 53-25.

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

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

WSN Broadcaster: Jonathan Whaley

About the Panthers: Joey Bayne’s field goal in the fourth quarter provided the only points, as Franklin Regional edged Greater Latrobe 3-0 in the Class 5A Big East opener one week ago. Bayne’s kick spanned 22 yards with 4:59 left in the contest, and the Panthers’ defense made it stand, posting the shutout. Kyle Dupill enjoyed a strong outing for the homestanding Panthers, as he amassed 161 yards on the ground. On the campaign, Dupill has posted 93 carries for 572 yards, totaling five scores. Quarterback Chase Lemke has hit on 26-of-61 throws for 403 yards, with five TDs and five picks. FR has scored just 10 points the last two weeks combined after totaling 91 points in the first two weeks.

About the Gators: Gateway forced five turnovers in a 28-7 win against Kiski Area in the Class 5A Big East Conference last week. The Gators, who led 28-0 at the half, received three TDs from Amari Gans – two rushing and one receiving. Elvis Koutsakis went 4-of-5 passing for 44 yards but left with injury, and Elsidro Bryant went 4-of -11 for 87 yards and a pair of scores in relief. For the year, Koutsakis is 33-of-53 passing for 383 yards, with four TDs and two interceptions, while Bryant has connected on 25-of-42 attempts for 377 yards, with six touchdowns and no picks. Gans leads the Gators in carries (55), rushing yards (269) and total touchdowns (five). After permitting 91 points in their first two tilts, the Gators have allowed 22 points total in the past two contests. Coach Don Holl patrols the sidelines for Gateway.

About the Matchup: Franklin Regional and Gateway are two of the three teams that opened Big East Conference play with a win last week. The Gators prevailed 44-24 last year.

Pittsburgh Central Catholic (2-2, 1-0) at Hempfield Area (1-3, 0-1) – 7 p.m.

About the Vikings: Pittsburgh Central Catholic rolled past Mount Lebanon 59-7 in a Class 6A tilt last week at West Mifflin Area High School. Signalcaller Jy’Aire Walls went 10-of-11 for 221 yards and a touchdown, and he added two rushing scores, while Xxavier Thomas, a Penn State commit, caught six passes for 157 yards and a TD. Elijah Faulkner also posted a pair of rushing touchdowns, running 10 times for 60 yards. In 2024, Walls has completed 44-of-78 throws for 824 yards, with six touchdowns and two interceptions, and he’s posted four scores on the ground. Thomas boasts 11 receptions for 266 yards, while Bradley Gompers, a Duke pledge, has eight catches for 283 yards. Over the past two weeks, the Vikings have scored 113 points. Coach Ryan Lehmeier is at the helm of Central Catholic.

About Hempfield Area: Although Hempfield Area played on even terms with North Allegheny in the first half, the visiting Tigers scored 28 unanswered points in the second half to claim a 42-14 victory. Rogan Katchur notched a 4-yard touchdown run, while Aidan Allison hauled in a 6-yard TD pass from Dom Detruf in the first half for Hempfield. To this point of the season, Detruf has compiled 635 yards passing and seven touchdowns, along with five interceptions. Aidan Stinebiser has posted 57 carries for 253 yards, while Jack Kopas paces Spartans receivers with 11 grabs for 145 yards. The Spartans have been outpaced by a margin of 142-71 on the campaign.

About the Matchup: In the previous meeting in 2021, the Vikings rolled to a 35-0 triumph.

Penn-Trafford (2-2, 0-1) at Kiski Area (1-3, 0-1) – 7 p.m.

About the Warriors: Penn-Trafford was doomed by four interceptions and three turnovers on downs in a 35-21 loss at home to Woodland Hills last week in Class 5A Big East Conference action. Warriors QB Jonny Lovre completed 20-of-34 passes for 243 yards and two scores, along with three interceptions. Tasso Whipple added 93 yards rushing and 66 yards receiving for PT, while Jack Weishaar registered a pair of touchdown receptions, notching five grabs for 56 yards. For the season, Whipple has amassed 72 carries for 564 yards, with nine receptions for 137 yards and four total touchdowns. Weishaar has posted 18 receptions for 217 yards. The Warriors have narrowly outscored their adversaries 77-75 in 2024.

About the Cavaliers: Plagued by five turnovers, Kiski Area fell at home to Gateway 28-7 last week in the Big East Conference lid-lifter. The Cavaliers trailed 28-0 at the half to the Gators. Kiski Area’s only score came on a 9-yard run by Landon Kucic in the fourth quarter. Kucic compiled 91 yards rushing in the setback, while Cavaliers QB Carson Heinle connected on 12-of-21 throws for 151 yards and three picks. On the season, Heinle has completed 48-of-74 attempts for 681 yards, with five touchdowns and four interceptions. Kucic paces the rushing game, as he’s carried 59 times for 365 yards, scoring seven times. Aven Shirley has 20 receptions for 350 yards for the Cavs, who have scored 99 points and permitted 99 points this season.

About the Matchup: Both squads are aiming to bounce back after losing their Class 5A Big East Conference opener a week ago. The most recent meeting took place in 2017, as the Warriors rolled to a 54-19 win.

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

About the River Hawks: Armstrong dropped a 45-35 nonconference clash at home against Canon-McMillan last week. In the setback, River Hawks quarterback Jaydon Oliver accounted for five touchdowns, as he went 17-of-29 passing for 296 yards, with four touchdowns and two picks, while he added 47 yards and a TD on the ground. Kyan Kline had a massive effort, as well, as he caught eight passes for 212 yards and a pair of scores. On the season, Oliver has amassed 838 yards passing and eight TDs, while compiling 222 yards rushing and three scores. Kline has registered 20 receptions for 450 yards and a team-best four TDs, while Costa Couknas leads the team with 247 yards rushing. Frank Fabian is the longtime coach of Armstrong.

About the Wildcats: Greater Latrobe was blanked last Friday in a 3-0 defeat at Franklin Regional to commence Class 5A Big East Conference play. Alex Tatsch had 10 carries for 112 yards for the Wildcats, but lost two fumbles. QB John Wetzel was limited to 3-of-13 passing for 24 yards and an interception, while he rushed 11 times for 25 yards. With nine touchdowns on the year, Tatsch leads the Wildcats by a wide margin, while Wetzel and Brady Prohovic have each found paydirt three times. The Wildcats had scored 32 or more points in each of the first three contests prior to last week’s shutout loss. Greater Latrobe boasts a scoring margin of 115-49.

About the Matchup: While Greater Latrobe has already started conference play, this will serve as the Class 5A Big East opener for Armstrong. In the most recent meeting in 2017, the River Hawks edged the Wildcats 38-37.

Burrell (0-4, 0-0) at Freeport Area (2-2, 0-1) – 7 p.m.

About the Buccaneers: Despite a strong effort by Trey Coury, Burrell suffered a 32-13 loss at home to Derry Area in a nonconference clash one week ago. Coury registered 25 carries for 173 yards rushing and a TD for the Buccaneers, adding two grabs for 25 yards. Stephen Hasson, who threw for just 27 yards on three completions, added the other Burrell score on a 1-yard run. On the campaign, Coury has produced 71 carries for 382 yards, while Hasson has hit on 17-of-38 passes for 207 yards, with two scores and a pair of interceptions. In four games, the Bucs have scored just 40 total points.

About the Yellowjackets: Freeport Area opened up Class 3A Allegheny Seven Conference play with a 28-21 loss at Deer Lakes last Friday. In the setback, QB Drew Ross went 8-of-14 passing for 143 yards, with a pair of touchdowns and an interception. Amos Glenn anchored the rushing attack with a dozen carries for 66 yards and a touchdown. On the season, Glenn has compiled 75 carries for 441 yards and four scores, while Ross is 21-of-49 passing for 381 yards, with three TDs and one interception. The Yellowjackets have outscored their opposition by an average margin of 25.5-17.0. John Gaillot is the longtime head coach for Freeport Area.

About the Matchup: While Freeport began conference play one week ago, Burrell opens the Class 3A Allegheny Seven slate this week. The last meeting between the AK-Valley foes occurred in 2021, when Freeport dominated, 42-9.

Ligonier Valley (2-2, 1-0) at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart (1-2, 0-1) – 7 p.m.

About the Rams: John Jablunovsky rushed for 190 yards, while Mark Jablunovsky caught eight passes for 202 yards in leading Ligonier Valley to a 40-28 home win against Shady Side Academy last week in the Class 2A Allegheny Conference. Rams QB Bowie Schreyer enjoyed a breakthrough effort, as he hit on 9-of-11 throws for 220 yards and four scores. On the season, John Jablunovsky has registered 79 carries for 648 yards and seven touchdowns. Mark Jablunovsky, meanwhile, has notched a dozen catches for 311 yards.

About the Chargers: Our Lady of the Sacred Heart fell to South Allegheny 23-7 last week in conference play. In that contest, OLSH quarterback Vann Kavals completed 12-of-27 throws for 168 yards, and he rushed six times for 47 yards. Ethan Davis was the top receiver with four catches for 86 yards, while Iseia Fields-Schulz had four grabs spanning 51 yards. To this point of the campaign, Kavals has connected on 39-of-103 passes for 581 yards, with four TDs but eight interceptions. Through three games, the Chargers are averaging just 11.0 points offensively. Donnie Militzer is the head coach of OLSH.

About the Matchup: The teams have not met since Ligonier Valley returned to the WPIAL in 2020.

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

About the Spartans: Brentwood smashed Springdale 48-6 last week in Class 1A Eastern Conference action. Colton Rosing was efficient yet explosive at QB for the Spartans, as he completed 4-of-5 passes for 222 yards and three TDs. Forrest Betz caught two of those passes for 129 yards and a pair of scores, while Daysaun Spencer had the other two grabs for 93 yards and a touchdown. Zachary Vickless rushed five times for 76 yards and two TDs. On the year, three different players have attempted at least a dozen passes for Brentwood, while Betz has been a reliable target for all of them, as he’s compiled 14 catches for 298 yards and four scores. Brentwood was outscored 90-7 in the first two games, but has bested its foes by a combined margin of 69-20 in the past two tilts. Nick Caponi is in his second season as the head coach of Brentwood.

About the Centurions: Greensburg Central Catholic was overwhelmed by homestanding Clairton in a 47-0 outcome last Friday in the Class 1A Eastern Conference. Although GCC only trailed 14-0 at the half, Clairton added five rushing scores in the second half. Offensively, the Centurions notched just three first downs in the shutout. Samir Crosby was limited to 3-of-6 passing for 20 yards. On the season, Crosby has hit on 28-of-52 passes for 528 yards, with seven TDs and an interception, while he’s amassed 60 carries for 428 yards and eight scores on the ground. Landon Honick is his top target, as he’s caught 14 passes for 280 yards, scoring four times. In three tilts, GCC has permitted an average of 41.0 points per contest.

About the Matchup: The teams have not met since prior to 2003.

South Fayette (4-0) at Belle Vernon Area (1-1) – 7 p.m.

About the Lions: South Fayette doubled up host Elizabeth Forward 38-19 one week ago in a nonconference game. Lions QB Drew Welhorsky was electric in the win, as he completed 12-of-19 throws for 279 yards and five touchdowns, while adding 14 carries for 67 yards. His top target was Ben Cavenaugh, who hauled in three passes for 84 yards and a pair of scores. Alex Deanes, Tyson Wright, and Ray Schuler all notched receiving touchdowns, too. On the season, Welhorsky has completed 54-of-77 attempts for 855 yards and eight touchdowns, while also pacing the Lions with 75 carries for 390 yards and six scores on the ground. Deanes leads SF with 20 receptions for 273 yards, while Cavenaugh has posted a dozen catches for 247 yards. The Lions have outpaced their adversaries 105-35 this year. Marty Spieler is the first-year head coach of South Fayette, as he replaced longtime coach Joe Rossi.

About the Leopards: Belle Vernon Area failed to slow down McKeesport Area’s rushing attack, while the Leopards did not eclipse 100 yards of offense in a 28-7 loss to the Tigers in a nonconference tilt last Friday. The Leopards were held to just 98 yards, including a 7-yard run by Kole Doppelheuer that accounted for the lone touchdown. He amassed the majority of the yardage for BVA, as he rushed 13 times for 53 yards, while snagging four passes for 30 yards. Through two contests, QB Curty Wade has gone 14-of-24 for 88 yards, with no touchdowns and one interception, but he leads BVA with 92 yards rushing. Anthony Crews is the top receiver with seven receptions for 52 yards. BVA has been outpaced 45-30 on the year.

About the Matchup: South Fayette plays in the Class 5A Allegheny Six Conference, while Belle Vernon Area is in the Class 4A Big Six Conference. The previous meeting took place in the WPIAL Class 4A semifinals, as the Leps notched a 41-30 win in 2019.

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

About the Mustangs: Laurel Highlands edged Indiana 10-7 for a home win last week. In the victory, QB Noah Lion went 8-of-14 passing for 53 yards and two interceptions, but he rushed 11 times for 65 yards. Parker Hoff added 51 yards on the ground and a score, while Gio Guerriere added 49 yards rushing. Through three games, Lion has thrown for 237 yards and rushed for another 153, while Scotty McClay is the top receiver with 10 receptions for 113 yards. Coach Rich Kolesar is at the helm of Laurel Highlands.

About the Vikings: Mount Pleasant Area fell 28-10 at Ambridge Area last week in a nonconference tussle. The Vikings only touchdown came on an 85-yard kickoff return by Garrett Eicher. Cole Chatfield struggled, going 4-of-8 for 25 yards and one interception, while Brody Hutter registered seven carries for 62 yards. On the season, Jarrett Garn leads Mount Pleasant in both rushing yards (279) and receiving yards (109), while he’s scored three touchdowns and made four field goals.

About the Matchup: While the Mustangs play in the Class 4A Big Six Conference, the Vikes reside in the Class 3A Interstate Conference. The most recent showdown between the teams occurred in 2017, as Laurel Highlands triumphed 21-14.

Southmoreland (3-1) at Ringgold (1-3) – 7 p.m.

About the Scotties: Southmoreland dropped a 45-20 outcome at home against Blackhawk in a nonconference battle last Friday. In the defeat, Ethan Shawley scored a pair of rushing TDs, including a 46-yard scamper, and Cam Phillips added an 18-yard touchdown run. Anthony Smith went 12-of-28 for 196 yards and a score, but he also threw three interceptions. Elliot Premus caught seven passes for 109 yards for the Scotties. On the year, Smith has completed 42-of-80 throws for 808 yards, with nine TDs and five picks. Premus has caught 20 passes for 425 yards, which is the third most yardage in the entire WPIAL. Southmoreland is scoring 40.7 points per game through four contests.

About the Rams: Ringgold was stifled in a 7-0 loss at home against Greensburg Salem one week ago. Each of the Rams’ games have been decided by two scores or less, including a one-point loss in overtime, and a two-point victory against Yough two weeks ago, the first win for the team since 2021. The Rams have averaged just 12.0 points per game, but have permitted only 17.0 points per contest. First-year coach Robert Heller guides the Rams.

About the Matchup: While Southmoreland plays in the Class 3A Interstate Conference, Ringgold resides in the Class 4A Big Six Conference. The previous matchup in 2009 went in favor of the Rams 59-14.

Yough (2-2) at Blackhawk (2-2) – 7 p.m.

About the Yough Cougars: Yough fell to New Castle 27-7 in a nonconference affair last week. Cougars QB Raidon Kuroda accounted for their lone score, a 3-yard run. Kuroda went 12-of-20 passing for 78 yards and a pair of interceptions, while he added 16 carries for 80 yards and the TD on the ground. Joey Weinhofer paced Yough with five receptions for 34 yards. On the year, Kuroda has hit on 34-of-64 passing attempts for 427 yards, with five TDs and four interceptions, while he’s recorded 80 carries for 553 yards and five touchdowns on the ground. Yough has been strong defensively, as the Cougars have permitted an average of 14.2 points per game.

About the Blackhawk Cougars: A trio of long touchdowns by Blackhawk’s Brayden McCarthy carried the Cougars to a 45-20 win at Southmoreland last week. McCarthy notched a 96-yard kickoff return score, and touchdown receptions spanning 80 and 53 yards for the Cougars. For the campaign, McCarthy has registered 39 carries for 368 yards, and scored a team-best nine TDs. Quarterback Stephen Knallay has connected on 41-of-80 throws for 832 yards with nine touchdowns and four interceptions. Blackhawk is averaging 40.2 points per outing. Jake Wickline is the first-year coach for Blackhawk.

About the Matchup: Blackhawk competes in the Class 4A Parkway Conference, while Yough plays in the Class 3A Interstate Conference. The most recent meeting was in 2005, as Blackhawk claimed a 42-20 win in the WPIAL Class AAA first round.

Valley (0-4) at Quaker Valley (0-3) – 7 p.m.

Fort Cherry (4-0, 1-0) at Monessen (4-0, 1-0) – 7 p.m.