Although the vast majority of teams kicked off their campaign last week, the WPIAL football season officially begins this week. Four all-Westmoreland matchups highlight the slate for Week One. Here’s a glimpse at the county action, including several games that will be live on WSN.

Hempfield Area (1-0) at Penn-Trafford (1-0) - 7:30 p.m.

Pregame at 7 on WSN Video - WATCH LIVE

WSN Broadcasters: Sean Meyers and Jack Ridenour

About the Spartans: Hempfield Area scored 22 points in the fourth quarter to outlast Greensburg Salem 29-14 last week. The winning score came on a 25-yard pass from Jake Phillips to Ian Tuffs with three minutes left. Phillips was 14-of-24 passing for 191 yards and a pair of scores, including a 67-yard touchdown to Dan Katonka. Including his winning grab, Tuffs hauled in a total of six passes for 78 yards. Gino Caesar led the ground game, with 110 yards on 29 attempts and a score. Jeannette transfer Eli Binakonsky led the team with five tackles, and he also returned an interception for a touchdown to seal the outcome, one of six turnovers the Spartans forced. Mike Brown notched his first victory as a head coach.

About the Warriors: Penn-Trafford knocked off Norwin 35-14 last week, in large part due to a dominant rushing attack. On the Warriors’ first offensive play of the season, QB Carter Green scored on a 99-yard touchdown run. In total, Green compiled 194 yards rushing and three scores, to go with 40 yards passing on just 3-of-5 attempts. Wisconsin commit Cade Yacamelli registered 162 yards and a touchdown on his 18 rushing attempts, and also had two of the three receptions, while Ian Demeri added 49 yards rushing on just six carries.

About the Matchup: The nonconference matchup pits the Spartans, from Class 6A, against the 5A Warriors. The teams last squared off in 2015, when they played in the Foothills Conference prior to the expansion to six classifications. In that tilt, Penn-Trafford cruised 42-7.

Greater Latrobe (1-0) at Norwin (0-1) – 7 p.m.

Pregame at 6:30 on WSN Video - WATCH LIVE

WSN Broadcasters: Dave Franczak and Tim McCabe

About the Wildcats: Greater Latrobe overwhelmed Derry Area last week, winning 61-0, the most lopsided margin of victory during the tenure of Wildcats’ head coach Jason Marucco. In the triumph, GL scored 49 points in the first half, and seven of its nine touchdowns spanned more than 40 yards. Senior signalcaller Bobby Fetter was 4-of-4 passing for 153 yards and two touchdowns, and he added 71 yards rushing and a score. Drake Clayton rushed for 122 yards on just three carries, while Kyle Brewer found the end zone three different ways – on a run, reception, and punt return. Defensively, GL held the Trojans to just 141 total yards, and GL also produced an interception return touchdown as time expired in the contest.

About the Knights: Norwin fell into an early deficit to Penn-Trafford en route to a 35-14 setback in Week Zero. Knights’ QB Luke Levendosky had an impressive showing, however, as he was 10-of-18 passing for 125 yards and two scores, and also led the team in rushing, with 69 yards. Running back Dom Barca made a mark, as he rushed for 55 yards on just seven carries, and caught a 65-yard touchdown. In addition to Barca, Jackson Pons, Anthony Pirillo, and Noah Vogel each contributed two catches. Defensively, the Knights struggled to defend the run, but did intercept a pass and held the Warriors to just 40 yards passing.

About the Matchup: The most recent outing between the teams took place in 2015, when Norwin claimed a 31-0 victory in the season opener. That contest was a conference matchup, whereas this meeting is nonconference.

Mount Pleasant Area (1-0) at Derry Area (0-1) – 7 p.m.

Pregame at 6:30 on WSN Video - WATCH LIVE

WSN Broadcasters: Kris Smith and Bob Lasinski

About the Vikings: Mount Pleasant Area made quick work of Burrell last week, steamrolling the Buccaneers 40-7. The Vikings did most of their damage in the second quarter, with four touchdowns. Junior running back Robbie Labuda paced the offense, as he scored three times and compiled 110 yards rushing on just 10 attempts, while also booting four extra points. Quarterback Tyler Reese found the end zone twice on the ground, including a 25-yard run to open the scoring, while Aaron Alakson also scored.

About the Trojans: Derry Area suffered a 61-0 defeat against rival Greater Latrobe last week, the worst loss since a 62-0 setback against Franklin Regional in 2012. Freshman Blake Revoir started at QB, and went just 3-of-15 for 7 yards. His other brother, Zach, is out for the season with injury. Sophomore running back Ahmad Ward was a bright spot offensively, as he notched 80 yards rushing on 16 attempts, while Eric Catone added 25 yards. Strong-legged kicker Chance White had a field goal attempt blocked by the Wildcats.

About the Matchup: Although both teams play in Class 3A, it is a nonconference tilt, as the Vikings are in the Interstate, while the Trojans reside in the Allegheny Seven. The teams last met in 2019 as members of the Big East Conference, and the Trojans scored a 7-0 victory.

Franklin Regional (1-0) at Kiski Area (1-0) – 7 p.m.

Pregame at 6:30 on WSN Audio - LISTEN LIVE

WSN Broadcaster: Jonathan Whaley

About the Panthers: Franklin Regional scored an eye-opening win against Plum, prevailing 41-12 against a team that reached the semifinals in Class 4A in 2020. Caden Smith was the catalyst for FR, as he intercepted three passes, returning one of those picks 98 yards for a score. He also threw for a 64-yard touchdown to Ayden Hudock on a trick play. Hudock added another touchdown on an 82-yard kickoff return, while Zach Bewszka produced a 79-yard kick return score, too. Roman Sarnic and Connor Donnelly split time at QB, with each completing three passes. Tyler Bewszka led the ground game with 15 carries for 59 yards. New head coach Lance Getsy earned his first W at the helm of FR.

About the Cavaliers: Kiski Area claimed a 21-7 win against Butler Area last week to commence the season. The Cavs had a pair of short touchdown runs – by Logan Johnson and Brock Wilkins – while Johnson connected with Matt Hilty on a 49-yard touchdown. Hilty paced the team in receiving, with four grabs for 71 yards. Johnson split time at QB with Lebryn Smith, who was 2-of-3 passing but compiled just three yards through the air. Wilkins led the ground attack with 46 yards for Sam Albert’s squad.

About the Matchup: A Class 5A battle, the Panthers play in the Big East Conference, while the Cavs are in the Northeast Conference. Both teams resided in the Big East when they last battled in 2017, a 19-14 Panthers’ triumph.

Sto-Rox (1-0) at Jeannette (0-1) – 7 p.m.

Pregame at 6:30 on WSN Audio - WATCH LIVE

WSN Broadcasters: Brent Whigham and Anthony DeNunzio

About the Vikings: Sto-Rox was involved in a bizarre situation that came to light a few days after a 19-7 victory against Bishop Sycamore, played at the Wolvarena in Turtle Creek. The same Bishop Sycamore team played against IMG Academy two days later, and has since been exposed for using ineligible players and seemingly having no attachment to an actual school. QB Austin Jones led the Vikings in the dubious win, throwing for 121 yards and two scores. His favorite target was Jamont Green-Miller, who had five grabs for 77 yards. Laroi Johnson guides the program.

About the Jayhawks: Jeannette was blasted 40-0 by East Allegheny last week, the first shutout for Jeannette since the 2018 WPIAL semifinals defeat against Rochester. With a mass exodus of players in the offseason, Jeannette had just one returning starter from last year’s WPIAL championship squad. Against EA, Payton Molter and Tyler Horn both saw time at QB, but combined for just one completion and two interceptions. Horn was the top rusher, with 27 yards, while Antonio Clark had 26 yards on the ground.

About the Matchup: The teams met in the Class 1A quarterfinals in 2019, with Sto-Rox claiming a 15-6 victory. Sto-Rox plays in the 2A Three Rivers Conference, while the Jayhawks are in the 1A Eastern Conference.

Connellsville Area (0-1) at Greensburg Salem (0-1) – 7 p.m.

About the Falcons: Connellsville Area lost to Fayette County foe Laurel Highlands 44-14 last week. The Falcons scored their points in the fourth quarter, when the mercy rule was in effect. Zak David found the end zone on a 3-yard run, while Grayden Gillot connected with Austin Elstner on a 47-yard touchdown pass. QB Anthony Piasecki completed 10-of-16 passes for 110 yards, but threw two interceptions. Bill Maczko is the first-year head coach for Connellsville.

About the Golden Lions: Greensburg Salem could not make its fourth-quarter lead stand at Hempfield Area, falling 29-14 to the Spartans last week. QB Hayden Teska was prolific – throwing for 319 yards and two scores – but completed just 14-of-40 attempts and tossed three interceptions. Cody Rubrecht had a monster performance, hauling in seven passes for 197 yards and a pair of scores. Rashad Canady paced the ground game, rushing for 41 yards on 16 attempts.

About the Matchup: Greensburg Salem resides in the 4A Greater Allegheny Conference, while Connellsville Area is in the 5A Big East. The prior meeting took place in 2011, a 41-19 Connellsville victory.

Belle Vernon Area (0-0) at Chartiers Valley (1-0) – 7 p.m.

About the Leopards: Belle Vernon Area was the only team in Westmoreland County that did not play a game in Week Zero, instead opting to utilize a second scrimmage. The Leopards should be a legitimate contender in 4A, as they return several key components from a team that went 6-2 and reached the WPIAL semifinals last year. The most notable returners are QB Devin Whitlock and running back Quinton Martin, a sophomore who already has a bevy of Division I offers. Cole Weightman will be an anchor defensively, as he’ll play both linebacker and defensive end for Matt Humbert’s squad.

About the Colts: Chartiers Valley edged West Mifflin 21-14 last week, with Anthony Mackey providing the winning 10-yard touchdown run. Mackey scored earlier in the contest, too, as he rushed for 117 yards, and also completed 8-of-15 attempts, although for just 17 yards. The Colts boast one of the best college prospects in the Class of 2023 in Lamont Payne, who is being recruited as a defensive back. Dan Knause serves as the head coach.

About the Matchup: Both teams play in Class 4A, with the Leopards in the Big Eight Conference, and the Colts residing in the Parkway Conference. The teams met in the playoffs last year, with the Leopards scoring a 49-21 win in the quarterfinals.

Laurel Highlands (1-0) at Southmoreland (1-0) – 7 p.m.

About the Mustangs: Laurel Highlands notched a convincing win against Connellsville Area 44-14 last week. Junior Rodney Gallagher, a two-sport superstar who is being recruited to play both football and basketball by top Division I programs, threw for a pair of touchdowns, and rushed for two more. As a passer, he was 9-of-13 for 131 yards, while he compiled 111 yards rushing on just six carries. He also intercepted a pair of passes. Keondre DeShields was the top receiver, and he found the end zone twice. Richard Kolesar guides the Mustangs.

About the Scotties: Southmoreland claimed an impressive 47-22 win against Class 2A powerhouse McGuffey last week. Making his first start at QB, Anthony Govern excelled, rushing for three touchdowns and throwing a pair more. Govern registered 99 yards passing and 54 yards rushing. Isaac Trout also had a big performance, as he led the team with 74 yards rushing and 49 yards receiving, scoring three times for Dave Keefer’s crew.

About the Matchup: The last meeting between schools dates back to 2009, a 47-7 Mustangs’ win.

Yough (0-1) at Ringgold (0-1) – 7 p.m.

About the Cougars: Yough was blasted by Albert Gallatin 40-0 last week. QB Gavin Roebuck completed 9-of-17 attempts for 63 yards, but also had a pair of interceptions. Tristian Waldier paced the Cougars with five receptions for 30 yards, while Kaden Bizzozero had three grabs for 28 yards. Yough allowed a TD in each quarter against the Colonials.

About the Rams: Ringgold fell to Elizabeth Forward 12-0 last week. Deondre Dotson completed 4-of-5 passes for 58 yards, while Austin Pehowic caught two passes for 45 yards. Darwin Manges serves as the head coach for Ringgold.

About the Matchup: The most recent clash took place in 2015, as Ringgold dominated 63-12 in a conference game.

Indiana Area (0-1) at Burrell (0-1) – 7 p.m.

About the Little Indians: Indiana Area came up short against Ligonier Valley 20-14 last week. The Little Indians received touchdowns from QB Devin Flint on a 4-yard run and Zach Herrington on a 15-yard surge. Flint compiled 111 yards on the ground, and completed all three of his passes. Brandon Overdorff guides the program.

About the Buccaneers: Burrell’s season began with a deflating 40-7 loss at Mount Pleasant Area in Week Zero. Caden DiCaprio notched the only touchdown for the Bucs, a 1-yard run in the fourth quarter. Burrell mustered just 127 yards of offense, but running back Devin Beattie was a bright spot for Shawn Liotta’s team.

About the Matchup: The teams have not met in the past 18 years.

Highlands (1-0) at Valley (0-1) – 7 p.m.

About the Golden Rams: Highlands knocked off Pittsburgh City League school University Prep 27-0 last week. Luke Bombalski was the star, as he scored all four touchdowns, and converted three extra points to account for all of the scoring in the contest. In the process, he rushed for 133 yards, while QB Chandler Thimons recorded 98 yards on the ground.

About the Vikings: Valley was outclassed 41-0 by Hampton last week. The Vikings allowed at least one touchdown in each quarter to the Talbots.

Ligonier Valley (1-0) at Elizabeth Forward (1-0) – 7 p.m.

About the Rams: Ligonier Valley edged Indiana Area 20-14 last week. QB Haden Sierocky threw a 19-yard touchdown to Matthew Marinchak, and he also returned a fumble 27 yards for a score. Nick Beitel provided the other TD for the Rams, as he led the rushing game with 62 yards. Newcomer Ryan Harbert made an impact defensively, as he recorded 16 tackles from his safety position for Roger Beitel’s team.

About the Warriors: EF outlasted Ringgold 12-0 in an offensive struggle. DaVontay Brownfield accounted for both touchdowns, the second coming on a 49-yard run. Kyle Flourney led the Warriors in rushing, with 86 yards on 10 attempts. Mike Collodi is the head coach for EF.

About the Matchup: Ligonier Valley plays in the Class 2A Allegheny Conference, while the Warriors are members of the 3A Interstate Conference.

Seton-LaSalle (0-1) at Greensburg Central Catholic (0-1) – 7 p.m.

About the Rebels: Seton-LaSalle tasted defeat 38-0 against Westinghouse of the Pittsburgh City League on Saturday night. The QB duo of Luke Kosko and Emmett Harris struggled to throw with success, while Tyler Buzzalka was the rushing leader, with just 26 yards. Chris Siegle is the interim head coach for Seton-LaSalle.

About the Centurions: Going against a much larger school, Greensburg Central Catholic fell to Upper Saint Clair 38-0 last week. Nate Dlugos and Tyree Turner split time at QB, with Dlugos going 5-of-9 for 48 yards and two interceptions, while Turner was 3-of-5 for 31 yards. Amari Mack was the top target for the quarterbacks, as he caught four passes for 40 yards. First-year head coach Marko Thomas is in search of his first win with GCC.

About the Matchup: The most recent encounter between the squads took place in 2012, when they met in the first round of the Class AA playoffs. In that battle, the Rebels claimed a 28-10 win.

Imani Christian Academy (0-0) at Monessen (0-1) – 7 p.m.

About the Saints: Imani, which scrimmaged last week, is under the guidance of head coach Cliff Simon. In 2020, the Saints went 2-5.

About the Greyhounds: Monessen fell to Washington 42-7 last week in a game played at Canon-McMillan. Freshman running back Anthony Crews accounted for the only touchdown for Monessen on a 26-yard run.