The stretch run for the WPIAL season has officially arrived, with just three weeks remaining on the schedule before the playoffs commence. As a result, most of the games across the district hold significance in terms of postseason implications. One Westmorland County team has already collected a win this week, as Southmoreland was the beneficiary of a forfeit by Brownsville Area. Aside from the Scotties, all but two Westmoreland teams are competing in conference action this weekend. Here’s a deep dive into the local matchups for Week Seven.

Mount Pleasant (4-2, 2-0) at Elizabeth Forward (5-2, 3-0) – 7 p.m.

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

WSN Broadcasters: TJ DiStefano and Kris Smith

About the Vikings: Mount Pleasant Area’s game against Brownsville Area was cancelled last week and ultimately ruled no contest after the Falcons did not have a sufficient number of players available. Prior to that, Mount Pleasant Area bested Yough 27-12. Running back Aaron Alakson was the catalyst for the Viks in that win, as he rushed eight times for 153 yards and three touchdowns. The other score came on a 22-yard TD pass from Tyler Reese to Brant Garn. For the season, the RB duo of Alakson and Robbie Labuda have combined for just shy of 1,000 yards rushing and 17 total touchdowns.

About the Warriors: Elizabeth Forward notched its fourth-consecutive victory last week, besting South Allegheny 36-7. EF scored the first 36 points to enact the mercy rule. Johnny DiNapoli rushed six times for 82 yards and a score and also returned a fumble for a touchdown, while Kyle Flournoy added 71 yards rushing and a TD on 16 attempts. Charlie Nigut also caught a TD pass from Zion White, while Davontay Brownfield scored on a 5-yard run for the Warriors. For the season, White has passed for 435 yards, while Zach Boyd paces EF with 10 receptions and 7 touchdowns. Flournoy leads the rushing attack, meanwhile, with 51 carries for 351 yards. During its winning streak, EF has permitted just 14 points total. Head coach Mike Collodi guides Elizabeth Forward.

About the Matchup: First place in the Class 3A Interstate Conference is on the line, as the Warriors and Vikings are the only remaining undefeated teams in conference play. Elizabeth Forward narrowly prevailed 16-14 a year ago.

Greensburg Central Catholic (5-2, 3-1) at Clairton (4-2, 4-0) – 7 p.m.

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

WSN Broadcasters: Sean Meyers and Jack Ridenour

About the Centurions: Greensburg Central Catholic smashed Riverview 66-0 last week in a game that was shortened. Over the past two games, GCC has outscored its adversaries 101-0. Against the Raiders, Tyree Turner completed just one pass, but it went for a 63-yard TD to Amari Mack. Turner also compiled 30 yards rushing and two scores on three carries. Danny Dlugos notched four carries for 43 yards and two scores, while Taishaun Jamison rushed twice for 66 yards, both touchdowns. Not including its forfeit win, GCC has permitted just 14 points total in its four victories.

About the Bears: Clairton has won four straight, including last week’s forfeit against Imani Christian. Prior to that, Clairton edged Bishop Canevin 28-18. The Bears recovered two fumbles for scores in that win, QB Capone Jones rushed for 69 yards and a score, and Christian Wade added a rushing score. For the season, Jones has thrown for 333 yards and three touchdowns, and has amassed a team-leading 320 yards rushing. Brooklyn Cannon is the top receiver, with seven grabs for 137 yards. Additionally, Cameron Lewis paces the squad with six touchdowns. Wayne Wade is the head coach for Clairton.

About the Matchup: Clairton is the only unblemished team remaining in Class 1A Eastern Conference play, while GCC is tied for second place with Bishop Canevin. The Bears prevailed 57-18 in 2020.

Mount Lebanon (7-0, 4-0) at Norwin (2-5, 0-4) – 7 p.m.

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

WSN Broadcasters: Brent Whigham and Tim McCabe

About the Blue Devils: Mount Lebanon continued its perfect season with an impressive 35-14 win at home against Pittsburgh Central Catholic last week. The game concluded on Saturday morning after inclement weather prompted a suspension on Friday. Alex Tecza was the star for the Blue Devils, as he rushed 31 times for 259 yards and two touchdowns, while also catching four passes for 25 yards. QB Joey Daniels was 13-of-16 passing for 109 yards and two scores, while Eli Heidenrich caught four passes for 41 yards and a score, and also threw a TD to Daniels. Mount Lebanon leads Class 6A in both scoring offense average (38.0) and scoring defense (9.7). Legendary coach Bob Palko guides the program.

About the Knights: Norwin lost its fourth-straight tilt last week against North Allegheny, 42-24. The Knights were tied in the second quarter, however. Signalcaller Luke Levondosky was 12-of-20 passing for 118 yards, and he also posted a 48-yard rushing TD. Nathaniel Harris compiled 70 yards and a score on the ground, while Jackson Pons paced the Knights’ receivers with five catches for 83 yards. Kicker Joey Castle connected on a 36-yard field goal. Not including its forfeit loss, Norwin has been outscored 176-116 for the season.

About the Matchup: The Knights are one of two teams in Class 6A that have yet to capture a conference win. The Blue Devils, meanwhile, are alone in first place. In 2020, Mount Lebanon prevailed 48-14.

Franklin Regional (2-5, 1-1) at Greater Latrobe (3-4, 1-1) – 7 p.m.

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

WSN Broadcasters: Jonathan Whaley

About the Panthers: Franklin Regional tasted defeat to Woodland Hills 37-21 last week. In the setback, Caden Smith rushed eight times for 92 yards and a touchdown, while also completing a 46-yard pass and throwing an interception. QB Connor Donnelly was just 6-of-12 for 56 yards, while Ayden Hudock rushed eight times for 58 yards and a TD. For the year, Donnelly has passed for 474 yards and five scores, Smith is the top receiver with 25 grabs for 260 yards, Tyler Bewszka leads the rushing attack with 89 carries for 309 yards, and Hudock has a team-high six scores.

About the Wildcats: Greater Latrobe snapped a two-game skid with a 55-13 win against Connellsville Area last week. In the victory, QB Bobby Fetter returned to the lineup and was 6-of-9 passing for 70 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions, while also rushing for 55 yards and a score. Drake Clayton amassed 240 yards and a score on 19 attempts, while Kyle Brewer contributed 101 yards rushing and a score, as well as 55 yards receiving and another TD. Corey Boerio, who filled in at QB in Fetter’s absence, returned to tight end and caught a score. Averaging 31.4 points, the Wildcats lead the conference offensively.

About the Matchup: Each team notched its conference win against Connellsville Area. With four teams qualifying for the playoffs in the Class 5A Big East Conference, the winner will have a significant advantage in claiming a playoff berth. Franklin Regional prevailed 27-14 a year ago.

Derry Area (0-6, 0-2) at East Allegheny (2-5, 1-3) – 7 p.m.

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

WSN Broadcasters: John Flickinger and Bob Lasinski

About the Trojans: Derry Area fell to Valley 32-14 at home last week. Derry Area held its first lead of the season, however, and was up 14-12 at halftime. Damauri Robinson provided a 30-yard TD run to open the scoring, and he compiled 88 yards rushing on eight attempts. Ahmad Ward led the attack with 21 carries for 118 yards, while Eric Catone added 66 yards on the ground. QB Dakota Beeman was just 2-of-4 passing for two yards and an interception, but did provide a TD run. The 32 points allowed to the Vikings established a season-best mark for DA.

About the Wildcats: East Allegheny fell to Freeport Area 17-7 last week. Trey Jeter accounted for the only Wildcats’ score, a 37-yard reception from Michael Smith, who was 14-of-30 passing for 189 yards and three interceptions. EA has scored 70 points combined in its two wins, and just 42 points in five setbacks. Trafford native Dom Pecora acts as the head coach for the Wildcats.

About the Matchup: Derry Area is the only winless team remaining in Class 3A Allegheny Seven play. Last year’s scheduled matchup was cancelled because of COVID issues. Derry Area won the most recent clash, 47-24 in 2014.

Pittsburgh Central Catholic (5-2, 3-1) at Hempfield Area (2-5, 0-4) – 7 p.m.

About the Vikings: Central Catholic’s five-game surge was snapped last week with a 35-14 loss against Mount Lebanon, a game that concluded on Saturday morning. Quarterback Payton Wehner was 12-of-22 passing for 132 yards and a score to Peter Gonzales. Gannon Carothers anchored the rushing attack with 85 yards on 22 attempts, and he added a 95-yard kickoff return TD. Vernon Settles led the Vikings with 43 yards receiving on four grabs. The Vikings have held foes to 12 or fewer points in five games this season. Terry Totten is the accomplished coach for Central Catholic.

About the Spartans: Hempfield Area was whitewashed by Baldwin 28-0 last week, the second time the Spartans have been shut out in 2021. For the season, the Spartans have been outscored 257-114.

About the Matchup: Hempfield Area is one of two remaining teams that has not won in Class 6A action. Last year’s meeting between the teams was cancelled because of COVID issues. Two years ago, the Vikings registered a 31-14 victory.

Penn-Trafford (5-2, 2-0) at Connellsville Area (0-7, 0-2) – 7 p.m.

About the Warriors: Penn-Trafford won its third straight last week, edging Gateway 15-10. Signalcaller Carter Green threw for 55 yards on 7-of-11 passing, and rushed for 75 yards and the only PT touchdown. Cade Yacamelli contributed 122 yards on 20 carries, Jacob Otto caught a team-leading three passes for 35 yards, and Nathan Schlessinger booted a pair of field goals from 42 and 36 yards. For the season, Yacamelli has 830 yards rushing, 122 yards receiving, and 10 TDs. PT has surrendered 14 or fewer points in each of its five wins, and has outscored its opponents 197-113 overall.

About the Falcons: Connellsville Area remained winless after its 55-13 setback to Greater Latrobe last week. QB Anthony Piasecki was 10-of-24 passing for 138 yards and a score, connecting with Jason McBride on five passes for 82 yards, while Jayden McBride caught two passes for 45 yards and a touchdown. The Falcons totaled one rushing yard, however. On average, the Falcons have been outscored 42.3-8.6, and have scored seven or fewer points four times. Bill Maczko is in his first year leading the program.

About the Matchup: Penn-Trafford is the only team undefeated in Class 5A Big East play, while the Falcons are the lone winless squad. Last year, PT rolled 64-28.

Kiski Area (5-2, 0-2) at Shaler Area (2-5, 0-2) – 7 p.m.

About the Cavaliers: After starting 5-0, Kiski Area lost its second straight last week, dropping a 35-21 tilt to Fox Chapel Area. The Foxes scored 21 unanswered points in the fourth quarter. Cavs quarterback Logan Johnson was 7-of-18 for 107 yards, two scores and two picks, and he also rushed 14 times for 107 yards. Johnson’s TD passes went to Lebryn Smith and Calvin Heinle, while Brock Wilkins added a rushing score. The 35 points allowed represented a season-high for KA, but the Cavs still have the best scoring defense in their conference, permitting 14.9 points on average.

About the Titans: Shaler Area lost its fifth in a row with a 35-0 defeat to Pine-Richland last week. Keegan Smetanka completed 20-of-38 passes for 175 yards, but tossed three interceptions. Timi Agbale rushed nine times for 25 yards. For the season, Smetanka has passed for 775 yards and five touchdowns, but has been saddled by 11 interceptions. Josh Miller and Dylan Schlagel are the top rusher and receiver, respectively. Jim Ryan is at the helm of the Titans.

About the Matchup: Kiski Area and Shaler Area are the two winless teams left in Class 5A Northeast Conference play. A year ago, the Cavs reigned supreme 55-22.

Trinity (2-5, 1-2) at Belle Vernon Area (6-0, 4-0) – 7 p.m.

About the Hillers: Trinity was stifled in a 30-0 nonconference loss to Clearfield last week. It marked the second time this season the Hillers failed to get on the scoreboard, and they have been outscored 244-116 for the campaign. Running back Andrew Durig leads the Hillers in touchdowns. Jon Miller serves as the head coach.

About the Leopards: Belle Vernon Area pulled away from Ringgold for a 35-14 win a week ago. Quarterback Devin Whitlock continued his spectacular season, as he completed 4-of-6 passes for 72 yards and rushed 12 times for 182 yards and four scores. Once again filling in for the injured Quinton Martin, Jake Gedekoh totaled 70 yards and a score on the ground. Despite not playing a Week Zero game, Whitlock ranks fifth in the WPIAL in touchdowns with 16, which does not include his three passing scores. BVA has averaged 40.7 points per tilt.

About the Matchup: The Leopards remain in first place in the Class 4A Big Eight Conference, a half game in front of McKeesport Area. Last year, BVA prevailed convincingly, 52-14.

Mars Area (1-6, 1-3) at Greensburg Salem (4-3, 2-2) – 7 p.m.

About the Fightin’ Planets: Mars captured its first win last week, edging Knoch 14-13. Rafael Bartley was 13-of-18 passing for 228 yards, two scores and one interception. Noah Nesselroad caught five passes for 65 yards and a score, Aidan Alessio hauled in three passes for 63 yards and a touchdown, and Hunter Hart had two grabs for 61 yards. Finn Seidenack led the ground game with 46 yards. After scoring seven or fewer points five times, the Fightin’ Planets tied their season high with 14 points in the win. They average 5.9 points per game, by far the lowest mark in the conference. Longtime head coach Scott Heinauer guides the program.

About the Golden Lions: Greensburg Salem dropped its second straight, falling 33-16 to Armstrong last week. Quarterback Hayden Teska once again posted significant yardage, as he passed for 262 yards on 18-of-35, to go along with one score and two picks. Top target Cody Rubrecht contributed eight catches for 174 yards and a score, while Donavin Waller added seven catches for 68 yards. Teska has regained the top spot in the WPIAL for passing yards, with 1,589, while Rubrecht leads receivers in the district with 748 yards.

About the Matchup: GS is currently in a three-way tie for third place in the Class 4A Greater Allegheny Conference. Mars Area won 42-21 a year ago.

Freeport Area (3-3, 2-0) at Burrell (1-6, 1-2) – 7 p.m.

About the Yellowjackets: Freeport Area notched a 17-7 win against East Allegheny a week ago. QB Ben Lane was just 12-of-22 passing for 59 yards and three interceptions, but he rushed for a score. Cole Charlton provided the other TD on an interception return, while Vinnie Clark added a 37-yard field goal. Coach John Gaillot guides the Yellowjackets.

About the Buccaneers: Burrell claimed its first victory last week with a 28-24 upset over Deer Lakes. Running back Caden DiCaprio was the catalyst, as he rushed 41 times for 149 yard and three touchdowns. Devin Beattie accounted for the other score on a 1-yard run. In the process, Burrell established a new season high in points. Overall, the Bucs have been outscored 285-87.

About the Matchup: Freeport Area is one of two teams that is still unblemished in Class 3A Allegheny Seven play, but trails North Catholic by a half game. In 2020, the Yellowjackets recorded a 38-18 win.

Summit Academy (0-7, 0-2) at Ligonier Valley (5-2, 0-2) – 7 p.m.

About the Matchup: Summit Academy remained winless with a 40-6 setback against Steel Valley last Saturday. The Knights’ roster is often in flux. On average, they have been outscored 40.4-9.7. John McCloud serves as the head coach for Summit Academy.

About the Rams: Ligonier Valley elected to forfeit to Serra Catholic last week as a result of injuries and depth concerns. Two weeks ago, the Rams sustained their first setback, a 40-0 loss to Steel Valley. In that tilt, Nick Beitel rushed 23 times for 114 yards. QB Broderick Schreyer was just 4-of-9 passing for 19 yards and two interceptions. For the campaign, Beitel has amassed 85 carries for 599 yards and six scores, all of which are team highs, while also grabbing a team-leading 12 receptions. That loss marked the first time the Rams had permitted more than 14 points in a game.

About the Matchup: The Rams and Knights are the two teams that have not yet found the win column in Class 2A Allegheny Conference play. A year ago, Summit Academy opted not to participate in football.

West Greene (5-2, 4-0) at Monessen (3-4, 2-2) – 7 p.m.

About the Pioneers: West Greene won its fifth straight, prevailing 56-0 against Bentworth a week ago. Colin Brady was nearly unstoppable, as he scored five times. As a rusher, he carried 18 times for 157 yards and four scores, and he added an 85-yard kickoff return. Hayden Hamilton contributed two more TDs, rushing seven times for 87 yards. The Pioneers have scored 38 or more points in every contest during their winning streak. Brian Hanson is the West Greene coach.

About the Greyhounds: Monessen lost its second straight outing, a 40-6 defeat to Carmichaels. The Greyhounds have scored eight points or fewer in each of their setbacks. However, they have still outscored their opponents 129-122 for the campaign.

Yough (0-7) at Valley (1-6) – 7 p.m.

About the Cougars: Yough remained winless with a 35-7 defeat to Southmoreland last week. The only Cougars’ score came courtesy of an 18-yard run by QB Tristan Waldier in the fourth quarter. Waldier rushed for 46 yards, but he was just 3-of-19 passing for 22 yards and two interceptions. Kaden Bizzozero caught two of those passes for 19 yards. Yough has been outpaced 253-33 for the season.

About the Vikings: Valley procured its first win of the campaign with a 32-14 triumph against Derry Area last week. Xavier Wilson compiled 166 yards rushing and a touchdown on 15 attempts. Additionally, Zaire Warren contributed 58 yards rushing, 84 yards receiving, and two total scores. Tristin Goodwin was 5-of-12 passing for 108 yards and a score, and he added a pair of 1-yard rushing scores. Valley has averaged just 7.6 points per game, with last week’s performance easily establishing a season high for points scored.

About the Matchup: The game is a Class 3A nonconference clash, as the Cougars compete in the Interstate Conference, while the Vikings reside in the Allegheny Seven. Last year’s tilt went in favor of Valley 32-14.

Jeannette (1-6, 1-3) at Bishop Canevin (6-1, 3-1) – Saturday 7 p.m.

About the Jayhawks: Jeannette fell at home to Springdale 20-9 last week. Antonio Clark produced the Jayhawks’ TD on a 5-yard run, while Trey Steele booted a field goal. Clark rushed 10 times for 56 yards, while QB Ziere Petty compiled 70 yards rushing and passed for 37 yards. Mike Pitzer and Michael Mason also each eclipsed 50 yards rushing in the setback. Aside from their 28-point performance in a win against Riverview, the Jayhawks have scored just 23 points in the six other tilts. Jeannette ranks last in the conference in both scoring average and points allowed per game.

About the Crusaders: Bishop Canevin bounced back from its only loss of the season with an impressive 33-3 victory against Leechburg. QB Jason Cross was 5-of-13 passing for 73 yards and a touchdown, and he added another score and 40 yards rushing. Marquis Carter paced the rushing attack, as he compiled 122 yards and a touchdown. Lasae Lacks posted a team-best 43 yards receiving and a score, and he also notched a punt return TD. Bishop Canevin has been stifling defensively, permitting a conference-best 9.0 points per game. Richard Johnson serves as the head coach.

About the Matchup: The Crusaders are deadlocked with Greensburg Central Catholic for second in the Class 1A Eastern Conference, while Jeannette is in a four-way tie at the bottom of the conference. In 2020, Jeannette cruised to a 49-0 triumph.