As the high school football season continues to roll on, more than half of the Westmoreland County teams will commence their conference ledger this weekend. Additionally, there are several noteworthy nonconference clashes this week, including a matchup of unbeaten teams, and a battle between programs that have each captured WPIAL and state titles in the past couple of years. Without further ado, here’s the rundown of every Westmoreland game in Week Three.

Plum (2-1, 0-0) at Norwin (1-2, 0-0) – 7 p.m.

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

WSN Broadcasters: Dave Franczak and Brian Brozeski

About the Mustangs: Plum suffered its first defeat last week, falling to host Shaler Area 28-14. Nick Odom accounted for both of the touchdowns on the ground for the Mustangs, as he rushed 25 times for 110 yards. Odom has compiled six touchdowns on the campaign, while Darian Nelson has found the end zone four times. The Mustangs have outscored their foes 76-56 through three contests. Matt Morgan is at the helm of the program.

About the Knights: A pair of touchdowns by Jake Knight helped Norwin triumph against homestanding Fox Chapel Area 33-18 last week in a matchup of 5A teams in nonconference play. Knight caught four passes for 165 yards, while QB Tristyn Tavares hit on 11-of-20 attempts for 265 yards and four scores, while also rushing for a team-high 34 yards. The Knights also received TDs from Jackson Pons, who had three receptions for 62 yards, and Luke Denny. Norwin, which was shut out in its second game, has been outscored 69-54 on the season.

About the Matchup: The contest represents the opener in the Class 5A Big East Conference. A year ago, the Mustangs won comfortably, 42-13.

Yough (1-2, 0-0) at Derry Area (1-2, 0-0) – 7 p.m.

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

WSN Broadcasters: John Flickinger and Bob Lasinski

About the Cougars: A touchdown run by Yough QB Raidon Kuroda in the fourth quarter proved the difference last week, as Yough notched a 20-14 road victory at Charleroi in the battle of the Cougars. Kuroda compiled 15 carries for 98 yards and two touchdowns, and he also threw for a score on a 22-yard connection with Ryan Sarver. For the season, Kuroda is 29-of-59 passing for 343 yards, while he also paces the Cougars with 45 carries for 219 yards and four TDs. Julian Varrenti, Shane Swope, and Antonio Marra have all eclipsed 100 yards rushing on the campaign. Yough has been outscored 69-47 on the season.

About the Trojans: Derry Area nearly pulled off a road upset, but a field goal by Southmoreland’s Jake Kaylor helped propel the Scotties to a narrow 24-21 in a county battle last week. The Trojans, who led 21-18, received a 34-carry, 146-yard performance by Ahmad Ward, who scored twice. Demauri Robinson added a 17-yard TD run for DA. Through three games, Ward has amassed 76 carries for 376 yards and six scores. Robinson has snagged five receptions for 163 yards and has found pay dirt twice, while QB Mason Beeman is 16-of-35 passing for 295 yards, but with just one touchdown compared to six interceptions. The Trojans have permitted nearly 34 points per contest, the second-worst mark in the conference.

About the Matchup: This showdown represents the Class 2A Allegheny Conference opener. In 2022, the Cougars narrowly prevailed 13-10. Both head coaches – Benny Hoffer and Mike Arone – are in their second year guiding their teams.

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

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

WSN Broadcasters: Sean Meyers and John Bainbridge

About the Leopards: Braden Laux scored the go-ahead touchdown in overtime for host Belle Vernon Area, and the Leopards’ defense forced an incompletion on fourth down to edge McKeesport Area 21-14 in a nonconference thriller last week. Laux, who threw for 102 yards, notched a 3-yard TD run in the extra frame. Anthony Crews accounted for both touchdowns in regulation for the Leopards, scoring on a 31-yard pass in the first quarter and a 65-yard run in the third. He paced BVA with 81 yards rushing. The Leopards denied McKeesport with a goal-line stand in the fourth quarter to keep the game tied. Through two contests, Quinton Martin has 11 carries for 115 yards and nine receptions for 61 yards, notching four total touchdowns. Crews, meanwhile, ranks second in both rushing and receiving yards, scoring three times. Laux has hit on 22-of-33 passes for 200 yards, with three touchdowns and three picks. The Leopards are riding a 13-game winning streak.

About the Warriors: Boosted by a monster performance from Tasso Whipple, Penn-Trafford edged homestanding Woodland Hills 28-26 in a 5A nonconference matchup a week ago. Whipple posted 27 carries for 220 yards, caught four passes for 36 yards, and registered three total touchdowns. PT quarterback Jonny Lovre connected with Whipple on a 21-yard TD pass, and Whipple added touchdown runs spanning 9 and 41 yards. Ben Grabowski also rushed for 83 yards and found paydirt for the Warriors, who were staked to a 21-0 lead. Carmen Metcalfe paced PT receivers with three grabs for 64 yards. For the season, he’s amassed 18 receptions for 234 yards, while Lovre has hit 37-of-66 passes for 429 yards, but just two touchdowns compared to five interceptions. The Warriors have permitted 19.0 points per game, just behind Plum for the top mark in the Class 5A Big East Conference.

About the Matchup: The marque Westmoreland County clash is a nonconference affair, as the Leopards play in the Class 3A Interstate, while the Warriors reside in the Class 5A Big East. The teams split the two meetings over the past couple of years, both at BVA, with the Warriors claiming a 14-13 win in 2022. Each time, the losing team in the matchup went on to win the WPIAL and PIAA crowns.

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

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

WSN Broadcasters: Jonathan Whaley

About the Panthers: A dominant performance on defense and special teams allowed Franklin Regional to blank Connellsville Area 38-0 a week ago in nonconference action. Host Franklin Regional blocked a pair of Falcons’ punts, while Kyle Dupill and Jude Gentile each scored twice in the win. Dupill accumulated 131 yards on 14 carries, while quarterback Chase Lemke contributed 71 yards on the ground and 60 through the air. For the season, Dupill has 38 carries for 268 yards and a team-best four scores. Ayden Hudock leads FR with nine receptions for 125 yards. Franklin Regional has outscored its foes 73-63 through three tilts.

About the Gators: Gateway surprisingly remained winless as a result of a 26-8 loss at home against North Hills last week. In the absence of starting QB Brad Birch, Elsidro Bryant went 16-of-37 for 113 yards, while rushing 10 times for 90 yards. Jaquon Reynolds had 22 carries for just 49 yards. Kenny Lewis led the Gators with four catches for 63 yards. In addition to Birch, who missed the past two games, Gateway has been without Division I prospect Remy Bose. For the season, Reynolds paces the Gators with 44 carries for 115 yards, and he also leads the team with 14 receptions. Lewis, meanwhile, has contributed a team-best 153 yards receiving. Gateway has scored just 15 points through three games. Don Holl is the championship-winning coach of the Gators.

About the Matchup: The showdown marks the beginning of the Class 5A Big East Conference ledger. Last year, Franklin Regional upset Gateway 16-7. Both teams finished atop the conference at 4-1 a year ago.

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

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

WSN Broadcasters: Jack Ridenour and Mark Katarski

About the Titans: Shaler Area stayed perfect last week courtesy of a 28-14 win on its home field against Plum. Titans signalcaller Keegan Smetanka was dynamic, as he hit on 17-of-24 passes for 265 yards and a touchdown, and he added a pair of rushing scores. Kaden Orga was his top target, as he caught six passes for 138 yards and a score. Nathan Rozzo led the way on the ground with 25 carries for 117 yards. Smetanka has been prolific on the year, hitting on 51-of-67 passes for 722 yards and five touchdowns. Joe DeSaboto leads the team with 21 catches for 246 yards, while Orga is just behind with 15 grabs for 243 yards. Defensively, Shaler has allowed just 29 points, the second fewest in all of Class 5A. Jim Ryan is at the helm of the Titans.

About the Spartans: Hempfield Area fell at home to Greater Latrobe 27-7 in a Westmoreland County clash last week. Spartans QB Kieran Lippmann, who was intercepted three times, went 16-of-30 for 87 yards, while Dom Detruf connected with Jayson Watkins for a 22-yard TD pass in the final moments. On the campaign, Lippmann has hit on 34-of-58 attempts for 359 yards. Lucas Moore has compiled 22 carries for 121 yards, while Rogan Katchur has posted 24 attempts for 101 yards and a team-leading three touchdowns. Scoring just seven points in each of the past two weeks, the Spartans have been outpaced 61-59 on the season.

About the Matchup: While both teams play in 5A, it’s a nonconference showdown, as the Titans reside in the Northeast Conference, while the Spartans are in the Big East Conference. Last year, Hempfield Area steamrolled Shaler 48-7.

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

About the Jaguars: Thomas Jefferson remains unblemished with a 28-14 win at home against West Mifflin Area last week. Receiver Sean Sullivan had another massive performance, as he hauled in six passes for 139 yards and a touchdown. The Jaguars split time at QB, with Brody Evans going 6-of-19 for 141 yards and a score, while Luke Kosko was 3-of-6 for 23 yards and an interception. Michael Banda rushed for 101 yards, and Aidan Whalen added 95 yards and a score on the ground. Elias Lippencott produced two scores – one rushing, and the other via an interception return. Three games into the season, Sullivan has 20 receptions for 448 yards. Evans has thrown for 355 yards and a score, while Kosko has amassed 289 yards and three TDs. Lippencott’s seven touchdowns leads the Jags. TJ has outscored its opponents by an average of 39.7-8.0. Legendary coach Bill Cherpak oversees the Jaguars.

About the Wildcats: Alex Tatsch was a catalyst on both sides of the football for Greater Latrobe, as he posted two touchdowns, two interceptions, and three sacks in a 27-7 win at Hempfield Area last week. Tatsch opened the scoring with an 11-yard run in the first quarter, and he scored on a 4-yard run after his interception in the second quarter. John Wetzel accounted for a pair of TD runs in the second half for GL, as the quarterback had 14 carries for 103 yards. On the season, Wetzel has passed for 340 yards and five touchdowns and rushed for 181 yards and a pair of TDs. Brady Prohovic has contributed 26 carries for 141 yards, while JaTawn Williams has notched six receptions for 197 yards. To this point, the Wildcats have outscored their opposition 104-49.

About the Matchup: The clash serves as the lid-lifter for the Class 4A Big Seven Conference. A year ago, TJ bested Greater Latrobe twice, both at home. In the regular season, the Jaguars prevailed 31-21, while they bounced the Wildcats 21-6 in the Class 4A quarterfinals.

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

About the Cavaliers: Kiski Area notched its first win of the season in a thriller last week, as a 30-yard touchdown pass from Carson Heinle to Braden Anderson in the final minute gave the host Cavaliers a 28-24 victory against Laurel Highlands. Heinle tossed three touchdowns, compiling 187 yards through the air on 12-of-21 passing. Heinle also connected on touchdown passes with Isaiah Gonzalez and Bart Martin in the first half, and Brennan Moore notched a 69-yard rushing score. On the season, Landon Kucic has anchored the rushing attack, as he’s compiled 51 carries for 209 yards. The Cavs have been outscored 100-46 through three contests.

About the Talbots: Hampton was overwhelmed last week in a 55-0 road loss at Central Valley. Two different QBs saw extensive action for the Talbots, as Jack Shaunessey went 1-of-7 for 43 yards, while Porter Kelly was 2-of-10 for 20 yards. Heath Borgo and Evan McAnemy mustered 33 and 32 rushing yards, respectively. After scoring 38 points in a season-opening loss, Hampton has scored just eight points total in the past two weeks. Conversely, the Talbots have permitted 43 or more points in each contest this season. Head coach Steve Sciullo patrols the sidelines for Hampton.

About the Matchup: The game marks the opener in the Class 4A Greater Allegheny Conference. In 2022, the Talbots reigned supreme 38-0.

Apollo-Ridge (1-2, 0-0) at Ligonier Valley (1-2, 0-0) – 7 p.m.

About the Vikings: Apollo-Ridge sustained a 49-21 loss at home against Deer Lakes one week ago. QB Karter Schrock was 8-of-21 passing for 60 yards, with one score and two interceptions, while he also registered a rushing touchdown. On the season, Schrock has thrown for 102 yards and rushed for 289 yards. The Vikings have been outpaced 46-83 this season. John Skiba is the veteran coach of Apollo-Ridge.

About the Rams: Ligonier Valley suffered a lopsided loss to homestanding Greensburg Salem, 34-7, last week. Mark Jablunovsky provided the only TD for the Rams, as he intercepted a pass for a score. In a run-heavy attack, Rams QB Boden Schreyer has completed just 3-of-7 passes for 15 yards this season. Meanwhile, John Jablunovsky has 37 carries for 279 yards and three scores. The Rams have scored seven points in each of their past two tilts.

About the Matchup: The matchup commences Class 2A Allegheny Conference play. Last year, LV claimed a 28-14 win at Owens Field.

Serra Catholic (0-3, 0-0) at Burrell (1-2, 0-0) – 7 p.m.

About the Eagles: Serra Catholic surprisingly dropped to 0-3 on the season with a 40-15 loss at Washington last week. De’reon Washington accounted for both touchdowns, as he hauled in a 41-yard pass and produced a 50-yard run, while he also completed a pair of passes for 14 yards. Quadir Stribling was 15-of-28 passing for 158 yards and a score. On the season, Stribling has completed 64-of-108 attempts for 770 yards and nine scores. Washington, meanwhile, leads the team with 243 yards receiving and five total TDs. The Eagles have allowed 130 points, by far the most in the conference. Jose Regus continues to lead Serra.

About the Buccaneers: Burrell used a strong rushing performance, besting rival Valley 30-8 in the Battle of the Bypass. Devin Beattie paced the run game for the homestanding Buccaneers, as he registered 135 yards, including a touchdown, and also scored a pair of two-point conversions. Steve Hasson provided 71 yards rushing and a pair of scores for Burrell, an 18-yard interception return TD in the first quarter, and a 2-yard QB run in the second frame. The Bucs have yet to complete a pass this season, but Beattie has 78 carries for 328 yards and three TDs. Although Burrell has averaged just 14.3 points offensively, the Bucs have limited opponents to 19.0 points per contest.

About the Matchup: The game marks the opener for both teams in Class 2A Allegheny Conference play. In 2022, Serra Catholic prevailed 38-20.

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

About the Jayhawks: Noah Sanders scored three times to lead Jeannette to a 31-20 victory against Jefferson-Morgan one week ago. Sanders rushed a dozen times for 111 yards, while adding three receptions for 51 yards. Michael Mason also notched a rushing score for Jeannette, while Austin Emery booted a 35-yard field goal. Payton Molter was 4-of-15 passing for 63 yards in the triumph. For the season, Sanders has amassed 44 carries for 329 yards, nine receptions for 88 yards, and six total touchdowns. Additionally, Molter is 26-of-50 through the air for 259 yards. The Jayhawks have outscored their adversaries 77-66.

About the Commodores: Frazier fell at Monessen last week, but scored for the first time this season in a 48-19 loss. Chase Fulmer accounted for all three scores, as he caught six passes for 82 yards and two touchdowns, while rushing five times for 32 yards and another TD. Dailan McManus completed 14-of-25 passes for 182 yards and two touchdowns, and Andrew Brandish caught four passes for 73 yards. The Commodores have permitted 113 points, by far the most among teams in the conference. Mike Shannon is at the helm of Frazier.

About the Matchup: The game serves as the opener in the Class 1A Eastern Conference. In 2022, the Jayhawks routed the Commodores 60-14.

Bentworth (1-2, 0-0) at Monessen (1-2, 0-0) – 7 p.m.

About the Bearcats: Bentworth suffered a narrow 28-21 defeat at home against Leechburg last week. The Vitali Daniels to Lucas Burt connection impressed, though, as they hooked up for three passing scores. Daniels went 15-of-26 for 163 yards and he rushed for another 64 yards, while Burt caught six passes for 76 yards. Daniels has been strong this season, compiling 621 yards passing and seven touchdowns, while also pacing Bentworth with 152 yards on the ground. David Pordash is in his first season as the Bearcats head coach.

About the Greyhounds: Daevon Burke rushed eight times for 119 yards and three scores, while TyVaughn Kershaw compiled 77 yards and a touchdown on just four carries to lead Monessen to a 48-19 win against Frazier last week. On the campaign, Kershaw has found paydirt a team-best four times. The Greyhounds have been outscored by a margin of 88-74 through three weeks.

Greensburg Salem (1-2, 0-0) at Deer Lakes (2-1, 0-0) – 7 p.m.

About the Golden Lions: Quarterback Peyton Chismar posted a pair of touchdowns in his season debut, leading Greensburg Salem to a 34-7 home win against Ligonier Valley in a Westmoreland County battle last week. Chismar, who was suspended for the first two games, threw for 114 yards and notched two rushing scores. Greensburg Salem’s Brady Smith also scored twice on the ground, including a 40-yard scamper, and rushed for 179 yards. Kai Brunot added 115 yards rushing and a score for GS. Through three games, Smith has compiled 242 yards rushing, while Brunot has 139 yards on the ground. Julian Stevens paces the GS receivers with seven grabs for 128 yards. GS has been outscored 78-61 this season.

About the Lancers: Deer Lakes rolled past Apollo-Ridge 49-21 a week ago. Lancers QB Derek Burk passed for two scores, and rushed for two more. Burk went 6-of-12 as a passer for 71 yards, while he rushed six times for 38 yards. Zier Williams had a prolific performance on the ground, rushing 17 times for 193 yards and two TDs. For the season, Burk has passed for 303 yards and six scores, while Williams has 34 carries for 327 yards and three TDs. Wayne Love is the favorite target of Burk, as he’s posted seven catches for 133 yards. The Lancers have permitted just 28 total points through three games, including a shutout. Tim Burk, the father of the QB, is at the helm of the Lancers.

About the Matchup: The battle is a 3A nonconference game, as GS plays in the Interstate, while Deer Lakes competes in the Allegheny Six. In 2022, the Golden Lions secured a 28-14 win.

Southmoreland (3-0, 0-0) at Knoch (3-0, 0-0) – 7 p.m.

About the Scotties: A pair of field goals by Jake Kaylor and two interceptions by Wyatt Richter helped propel Southmoreland to a narrow 24-21 home win against Derry Area in a county clash one week ago. Kaylor accounted for the deciding points with a 32-yard field goal in the fourth quarter, while Richter sealed the win with an interception in the final minute. Da’Sjon Craggette rushed 18 times for 133 yards and two scores, while Kadin Keefer hooked up with Ty Keffer on a 24-yard touchdown pass. To this point of the season, Craggette has amassed 44 carries for 544 yards, scoring seven touchdowns. Keffer, meanwhile, has 13 receptions for 182 yards and three scores. Averaging 35.3 points per game, the Scotties are tied for the best offensive output in the Class 3A Interstate Conference.

About the Knights: Knoch surprisingly stayed perfect with a 27-24 win at Beaver Falls last week. Cody Mullen and Kaden Spencer connected for a hat trick of touchdowns. Mullen, the Knights QB, went 12-of-24 for 239 yards and also led the team with 49 yards rushing, while Spencer caught nine passes for 140 yards. Tony Nicolazzo added an interception return score. On the campaign, Mullen is 42-of-66 for 759 yards and seven TDs, while Spencer has 19 grabs for 418 yards and five scores. Nicolazzo also has found the end zone five times. Tim Burchett is in his second campaign leading Knoch.

About the Matchup: This is the lone matchup of unbeatens involving a Westmoreland County team this week, but it’ll be a Class 3A nonconference affair, as the Scotties play in the Interstate Conference, while Knoch is in the Allegheny Six. Last year, Southmoreland notched a 33-24 victory.

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

About the Valley Vikings: Last week, Valley fell on the road to rival Burrell 30-8 in the Battle of the Bypass. Charles Perkins accounted for the Vikings touchdown, while Mason Simmons amassed 180 yards passing on 10-of-30 attempts. His top target was Derek Hassim, who caught two balls for 120 yards. Darnell Coaston added four receptions for 41 yards. For the season, Dorian Briggs paces the team with two touchdowns. Valley has been outscored by an average of 28.7-14.0.

About the Mount Pleasant Vikings: Garrett Eicher’s 5-yard touchdown run late in the third quarter accounted for the winning score for Mount Pleasant Area, which outlasted host McGuffey 26-21 last Friday. Eicher, who rushed for 68 yards, bookended the scoring in the contest, as he put Mount Pleasant in the lead with a 3-yard run in the first quarter. Cole Chatfield went 5-of-8 passing for 92 yards and a score, while he snagged a 78-yard interception return defensively. Lucas Nicotera paced the Vikes with four catches for 77 yards, including a touchdown. Through three tilts, Chatfield has thrown for 427 yards and five scores, while Nicotera has a dozen receptions for 217 yards. Eicher has anchored the rushing attack, compiling 37 carries for 249 yards and a team-best five touchdowns. The Vikings have narrowly outpaced their foes, 77-71.

About the Matchup: While both teams play in Class 3A, Valley is in the Allegheny Six Conference, while Mount Pleasant Area calls the Interstate Conference home. Last year, the battle of the Vikings went in favor of Mount Pleasant Area 40-13.

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

About the Little Prexies: Washington cruised to a 40-15 win at home against Serra Catholic last week. Eddie Lewis and Percy Dudley both surpassed 100 yards rushing in the win, as Lewis had 26 carries for 153 yards and two scores, while Dudley had 101 yards and two touchdowns on just eight attempts. Quarterback Tristan Reed was 4-of-11 passing for 96 yards, with one touchdown and an interception. For the campaign, Lewis is just one yard shy of 300 on the ground, and his four scores pace Washington. Ruben Gordon and Zxavian Willis are the top receivers for the Prexies. Mike Bosnic is the accomplished head coach for Wash High.

About the Centurions: Tyree Turner factored into five touchdowns for Greensburg Central Catholic, which outscored host West Greene 48-30 last week. Turner registered 186 yards passing and three touchdowns, and he added 57 yards on the ground and two rushing scores. Samir Crosby also scored twice for GCC, as he ripped off a 70-yard kickoff return and a 43-yard reception. Evan Stasko and Peter Mazowiecki each notched receiving touchdowns for the Centurions. On the season, Turner has produced 459 yards passing and five scores, and rushed 26 times for 153 yards and four total TDs. GCC has outpaced its foes 91-80.

About the Matchup: The nonconference tussle pits Washington from the Class 2A Century Conference against Greensburg Central Catholic, which resides in the 1A Eastern Conference. Last season, Washington prevailed 55-27.