After nearly nine months of anticipation, the 2024 WPIAL football season officially kicks off on Friday with Week Zero. Every Westmoreland County team except for defending PIAA champion Belle Vernon Area will play a game, while the Leopards opt for a second scrimmage. Although these matchups will not have any implications for the playoff picture, bragging rights will be at stake, including four all-Westmoreland clashes. Here’s a detailed examination of all of the county games to commence the high school football season.

Penn-Trafford at Norwin – 7 p.m.

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

WSN Broadcasters: Sean Meyers and Dave Franczak

About the Warriors: Penn-Trafford made the playoffs a year ago, but fell to Penn Hills 63-28 in the Class 5A opening round, finishing with a losing record. Among the notable graduations for PT was top receiver Carmen Metcalfe, as well as four starting offensive linemen, highlighted by Army signee Zach Tomosovich. The Warriors return their most productive offensive player, though, as running back Tasso Whipple compiled 1,388 yards rushing and 17 total touchdowns a year ago, while also ranking second behind Metcalfe with 19 receptions for 313 yards. Also back is quarterback Jonny Lovre, who passed for 1,314 yards and eight TDs, but tossed 13 interceptions. Lovre and Derek Carr, who was injured in the opener in 2023, will both likely see extensive snaps, while both QB/RB Ben Grabowski and WR Nick Ponko could see expanded offensive roles after impressing as freshman. Veteran coach John Ruane oversees the Warriors.

About the Knights: A year ago, Norwin went 3-7 overall and missed the Class 5A playoffs. With the realignment, the Knights are back in Class 6A. The team was hit hard by graduation at receiver, as Luke Denny, who snagged 44 receptions for 1046 yards and 11 touchdowns, and Jackson Pons, who hauled in 34 catches for 588 yards and eight scores, have moved on to the college ranks. But QB Tristyn Tavares, who orchestrated the prolific passing attack, is back for his junior year. In 2023, he hit on 145-of-244 passes for 2,459 yards, with 25 touchdowns and seven picks. He also is the top returner in rushing yards for the Knights. His top target is Jake Knight, who compiled 421 yards receiving last season. Mike Brown enters his second season leading Norwin.

About the Matchup: Both teams resided in the Class 5A Big East Conference the past two years, but with Norwin moving up, this year’s matchup won’t have playoff implications. The Warriors won a high-scoring affair, 56-28, last year. Norwin head coach Mike Brown is a Penn-Trafford grad.

Mount Pleasant Area at Jeannette – 7 p.m.

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

WSN Broadcasters: Brent Whigham and Anthony DeNunzio

About the Vikings: A year ago, Mount Pleasant Area went 2-3 in the Class 3A Interstate Conference, but still qualified for the WPIAL playoffs. In the postseason, though, the Vikings were outclassed by West Mifflin Area 40-14, finishing with an overall mark of 6-5. Mount Pleasant graduated Dante Giallonardo, who led the team in both rushing and receiving yards, as well as total touchdowns. Also gone are receiver Luke Nicotera and running back Jackson Hutter. However, the Vikes return quarterback Cole Chatfield, who enters his fourth season behind center. In 2023, Chatfield threw for 1,280 yards and 14 touchdowns, with eight interceptions. Additionally, Brody Hutter and Garrett Eicher, who combined for more than 900 yards on the ground, are back. Meanwhile, Jarrett Garn, the top returning receiver, will also shift to the backfield. Coach Jason Fazekas remains at the helm of Mount Pleasant Area.

About the Jayhawks: Jeannette took a big step forward in 2023, winning seven games, including a 4-2 mark in the Class 1A Eastern Conference. However, the Jayhawks suffered a lopsided loss in the playoffs, a 44-6 defeat against California Area. The graduations of QB Payton Molter and running back Noah Sanders create a massive void. Molter threw for 1,573 yards and 20 touchdowns, and he added another eight scores on the ground. Sanders, meanwhile, rushed for 1,047 yards, added 421 yards receiving, and scored a team-best 14 total touchdowns. In their absence, Kymon’e Brown becomes the focal point offensively. Primarily playing receiver in 2023, Brown snagged 29 catches for 477 yards, but he could also see significant time at QB this year, as he and Markus McGowan have split reps. Jayce Powell, who had 15 receptions last year, will also see an expanded role for a squad that includes just two seniors. Coach Tom Paulone patrols the sidelines for Jeannette.

About the Matchup: While Mount Pleasant Area resides in Class 3A, Jeannette plays in 1A. The teams last met in 2013, when the Vikings notched a 35-21 victory.

Derry Area at Ligonier Valley – 7 p.m.

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

WSN Broadcasters: John Flickinger and Bob Lasinski

About the Trojans: Derry Area engineered an incredible turnaround in 2023, going from a winless season to the playoffs in one year. Despite a 25-13 loss to McGuffey in the Class 2A playoffs, the Trojans finished at 5-6. Their workhorse offensively graduated, though, as Ahmad Ward racked up 1,279 yards rushing and 15 total scores. Also gone is QB Mason Beeman, who threw for just shy of 600 yards through the air but was plagued by 14 interceptions. Demauri Robinson, the top receiver a year ago, returns to the mix after registering 273 receiving yards, 236 rushing yards, and four total touchdowns. Anthony Sacco takes the reins at QB, while Brady Brown will be vying for snaps at RB while also anchoring the defense at linebacker. Mike Arone remains as head coach for the Trojans, who bump up to Class 3A in this cycle.

About the Rams: Ligonier Valley sputtered to a mark of 2-8 a year ago, including six straight losses to conclude the season. However, the Rams graduated just one player from that team. Back is John Jablunovsky, who paced LV with 135 carries for 892 yards, eight receptions for 98 yards, and 10 total touchdowns. Nobody else on the Rams scored more than twice, however. Bowie Schreyer returns at QB, but he struggled a year ago, throwing for just 207 yards on 21-for-43 attempts, with one TD and three interceptions. Jacob Petalino is also competing for time at QB. Longtime head coach Roger Beitel remains at the helm of Ligonier Valley.

About the Matchup: Last year, the teams shared the Class 2A Allegheny Conference, but the Trojans have since bumped up to the 3A Interstate Conference. Derry Area claimed victory in the 2023 regular-season finale, 35-15.

Franklin Regional at Plum – 7 p.m.

About the Panthers: Franklin Regional compiled a 3-2 mark in the Class 5A Big East Conference, qualifying for the WPIAL postseason. The Panthers were bounced 35-0 by Peters Township in the opening round, however, finishing with an overall record of 6-5. FR graduated electric receiver Ayden Hudock, who racked up 48 catches for 803 yards and 11 touchdowns. The Panthers return a dynamic duo at QB and RB, however. Last year, signalcaller Chase Lemke threw for 1,296 yards and 13 touchdowns, along with 10 picks, while Kyle Dupill amassed 179 carries for 1,175 yards and 15 TDs. Receiver Austin Kerns, who caught a dozen passes in 2023, and tight end Macallister Bresnahan project to have larger workloads this season. Lance Getsy serves as the head coach for Franklin Regional.

About the Mustangs: Plum went 4-6 last season, missing the playoffs in Class 5A. Although the Mustangs graduated quarterback Sean Franzi, the top rusher and receiver are back in the fold. Nick Odom surpassed 1,000 yards on the ground in 2023, while WR Darian Nelson paced the Mustangs with a dozen touchdowns. Plum boasts a heralded lineman in Darian Slaughter, who has garnered Division I offers. Veteran coach Matt Morgan, a Plum graduate, remains at the helm for the Mustangs.

About the Matchup: The teams shared the Class 5A Big East Conference a year ago, but the Mustangs have since shifted to the 5A Northeast Conference. In 2023, the Panthers notched a 45-26 victory.

Hempfield Area at North Hills – 7 p.m.

About the Spartans: Hempfield Area won in Week Zero a year ago, but lost its final nine games of the season. Keiran Lippmann started the year at quarterback, but he wrapped up his senior season at receiver. His transition opened the door for QB Dom Detruf, who completed 74-of-145 passes for 1,016 yards, nine TDs and five interceptions. Detruf is currently sidelined with a heart issue, however. Thus, Andrew Jones or Greensburg Central Catholic transfer Aidan Allison could see snaps behind center until he returns. Both of those players also project as receiving options, along with Reddick Katcher and Jack Kopas, while Rogan Katchur and Brayden Gerst are jockeying for carries in the backfield. Brock Heisler, a two-way lineman, is garnering DI interest. Hempfield Area bumps up from Class 5A to 6A this cycle. Nick Keefer is in his second season guiding the Spartans.

About the Indians: North Hills finished 4-6 overall last season, failing to qualify for the postseason. The Indians also graduated their quarterback, Connor Davis, who threw for more than 1,300 yards and 15 touchdowns last season, along with four starting linemen. However, North Hills returns its top two rushers – Jack Martin and Julius Green – as well as leading receiver Josiah Mathis, who contributed 37 receptions for 478 yards and four scores. Coach Pat Carey has guided the program for a dozen years.

About the Matchup: The Spartans are now playing in Class 6A, while North Hills remains in Class 5A in the Northeast Conference. The teams have not met since 2011, when the Indians cruised to a 42-0 victory. North Hills plays its home games at Martorelli Stadium in West View.

Greater Latrobe at Connellsville Area – 7 p.m.

About the Wildcats: Greater Latrobe produced an 8-4 campaign in 2023, including a statement victory in the playoffs at West Allegheny, 39-7. The Wildcats fell in heartbreaking fashion in the Class 4A quarterfinals to Aliquippa. GL graduated explosive receiver Ja’Tawn Williams, who paced the squad with 33 catches for 756 yards, scoring 14 times. However, a pair of DI commits return with quarterback/safety John Wetzel and running back/linebacker Alex Tatsch. Wetzel, a Marshall commit, hit on 76-of-117 passes for 1,235 yards, with 14 touchdowns and just three interceptions a year ago, while he added 136 carries for 1,040 yards and a team-best 19 scores on the ground. Tatsch, who has pledged to Penn State, rushed for nearly 400 yards and scored nine TDs, and he’s a force on the defensive side. His younger brother, Andy, has also garnered Division I interest, and he projects as a top receiver this campaign. Running back Brady Prohovic and H-back Jack Drnjevich should also be key components for Greater Latrobe, which moves back up to Class 5A. Coach Ron Prady patrols the sidelines for GL.

About the Falcons: Connellsville Area went 5-5 overall last year, but just 2-4 in the conference, thus missing the playoffs. During the offseason, the Falcons opted to leave the WPIAL for football, instead playing an independent schedule. The team was hit hard by graduation, as QB Anthony Piasecki, 1,000-yard rusher Bruce Giles, and top receivers Jayden McBride and Capone Mickens have all moved on. Caden Matthews transferred into the district earlier this month after initially competing for the QB job at Southmoreland, and his status for the game is unclear. Connellsville Area features the head coaching trio of Chad Lambo, Jace McClean, and Mick Lilley.

About the Matchup: Greater Latrobe ascends to the Class 5A Big East Conference, while the Falcons will play an array of opponents, including two other independent teams in Fayette County. As conference foes a year ago, the Wildcats prevailed 50-28.

Kiski Area at Knoch – 7 p.m.

About the Cavaliers: By winning its final three games of the regular season in 2023, Kiski Area qualified for the WPIAL 4A postseason. However, the Cavs were blasted by Thomas Jefferson, finishing the campaign at 5-6. Gone from that team are the top two receivers – Isaiah Gonzales and Terry “Bart” Martin. The Cavaliers still return plenty at the skill positions, though, headlined by signalcaller Carson Heinle, who eclipsed 1,800 yards and 19 TDs through the air and rushed for nearly 500 yards in 2023. Also back is Landon Kucic, who accumulated 867 yards on the ground and 11 total touchdowns. Moreover, Andrew Finney returns to the mix after registering 28 catches for 371 yards last season. Kiski Area elevates to Class 5A for the cycle. Veteran coach Sam Albert remains at the helm of Kiski Area.

About the Knights: Knoch enjoyed a breakthrough season in 2023, going 4-1 in the conference and reaching the WPIAL Class 3A playoffs. However, the Knights bowed out to South Park in the first round, wrapping up the season with a mark of 8-3 overall. QB Codi Mullen was a catalyst for that success, and he returns after throwing for 1,791 yards and 18 touchdowns, while also leading the team with 103 carries for 526 yards. He has competition at quarterback, though, as Colt Sprankle transferred in from Armstrong after going 40-for-70 for 761 yards, with 11 touchdowns and one interception before suffering an injury last year with the Riverhawks. Defensively, the Knights recorded three shutouts last season. Coach Tim Burchett is at the helm of Knoch.

About the Matchup: The Cavaliers move up to the Class 5A Big East Conference, while the Knights bump up to the 4A Greater Allegheny Conference. The teams have not met since 1989.

Valley at Southmoreland – 7 p.m.

About the Vikings: Valley went 2-8 a year ago, including going winless in the conference ledger. The Vikings graduated talented defensive lineman Demetrius Ballard, who continued his career at the University of Buffalo. However, Valley returns QB Mason Simmons, who threw for more than 400 yards last year before suffering an injury. Anjay Chambers projects as a top option at running back. Mark Adams enters his second season guiding the Vikings.

About the Scotties: Southmoreland once again qualified for the WPIAL playoffs last year, but the Scotties were denied their first postseason win in program history in a 48-18 loss to Deer Lakes, finishing the campaign at 6-5 overall. From that team, Southmoreland graduated leading rusher Da’sjon Craggette (1,462 yards and 19 total TDS), top receiver Ty Keffer (50 catches for 820 yards and 10 total scores) and primary passer Kadin Keefer (1,360 yards passing and 14 touchdowns). However, Southmoreland turns over the reins to touted freshman QB Anthony Smith, while receiver Elliot Premus and running back Ethan Shawley appear poised for big seasons. With six field goals a year ago, kicker Jake Kaylor is a weapon. Tim Bukowski guides the Southmoreland program.

About the Matchup: Both teams compete in Class 3A, as Valley plays in the Allegheny Seven Conference, while Southmoreland resides in the Interstate. Vikings coach Mark Adams formerly led the Scotties.

Albert Gallatin at Greensburg Salem – 7 p.m.

About the Colonials: Playing an independent schedule in 2023, Albert Gallatin went 4-5, which included a forfeit win. Four of those contests were against fellow Fayette County schools, while the Colonials also played teams from Maryland and West Virginia. From last year, the run-heavy Colonials graduated top rusher Cyrus Potkul, who racked up nearly 700 yards and six TDs on the ground. Caleb Dehaven is the top returner, having gained just shy of 300 yards rushing in 2023. Coach Drew Dindl oversees the AG program.

About the Golden Lions: Greensburg Salem finished last campaign with a record of 2-8, including a six-game skid. Although the Golden Lions graduated Adam Dipasquale and Julian Stevens, the majority of the squad is back, led by receiver Dom Rosensteel. A year ago, Rosensteel paced GS with 39 catches for 551 yards. Who will be throwing to him is still undecided, as brothers Peyton and Brody Chismar are battling at QB after both saw considerable action a year ago. Also back are the top two rushers, Brady Smith and Kai Brunot. Smith led the Golden Lions with more than 500 yards on the ground and six touchdowns. Coach Ty George begins his second season leading Greensburg Salem.

About the Matchup: The Golden Lions and Colonials last battled in 2017, when GS prevailed 31-12. Greensburg Salem is the only WPIAL foe that Albert Gallatin is scheduled to play this year.

Avonworth at Burrell – 7 p.m.

About the Antelopes: Avonworth enjoyed a banner year in 2023, going 12-1 overall and reaching the WPIAL Class 3A Championship game. However, the Antelopes fell to Belle Vernon Area 26-0 at Acrisure Stadium. They have a big void to fill at receiver, where graduate Andrew Kuban caught 58 passes for 895 yards and a team-best 18 touchdowns. The Lopes return prolific signalcaller Carson Bellinger, who threw for 1,556 yards and 21 scores last season. Also back is top rusher Dimitri Valisaris, who racked up just shy of 900 yards on the ground and compiled 13 total TDs. Duke Johncour is the accomplished head coach for Avonworth.

About the Buccaneers: Burrell went 4-7 overall last year, but with three conference wins, the Bucs made the WPIAL Class 2A playoffs, resulting in a loss to Mohawk. Burrell graduated a significant portion of last year’s team, including stalwart running back Devin Beattie, who amassed 1,140 yards rushing, 186 yards receiving, and nine total TDs. Also gone are Tyler Maglisco and Cooper Hornack, who ranked second and third in rushing yards, respectively. Experienced quarterback Stephen Hasson returns after throwing for nearly 350 yards and three scores in 2023. The Bucs will lean upon an offensive line that has three starters back. Burrell ascends from Class 2A to 3A. Shawn Liotta is the coach for Burrell, although he will serve a two-game suspension to begin the season, with his brother, Jeremy, handling the head coach duties.

About the Matchup: Both teams reside in Class 3A, with Avonworth playing in the Western Hills Conference, while Burrell resides in the Allegheny Seven. They originally had different opponents scheduled, as Avonworth was going to play Perry Traditional Academy, while Burrell was slated to face Springdale. Those teams both cancelled due to injuries, though, prompting the Antelopes and Buccaneers to match up.

Brentwood at Yough – 7 p.m.

About the Spartans: Brentwood encountered a challenging 2023 season, going 2-8 overall. The Spartans did snap a seven-game skid with two consecutive wins, however. Despite the growing pains, Brentwood displayed a solid passing attack, and that should continue this year with the return of QB Cedric Davis and receiver Forrest Betz. Davis threw for 1,444 yards and 13 touchdowns, but did hurl 11 picks. He also rushed 102 times and led Brentwood with eight scores on the ground. Betz, meanwhile, posted 35 receptions for 634 yards and seven scores. The Spartans drop from Class 2A to 1A. Coach Nick Caponi is in his second season patrolling the sidelines.

About the Cougars: Yough went 2-8 a year ago, although the Cougars were competitive in each of their first six games before tumbling down the stretch. Yough graduated a few notable players from last year, including top receiver Antonio Marra and running back Shane Swope. However, quarterback Raidon Kuroda returns for the Cougars after passing for 688 yards and rushing for 689 yards, scoring seven times. Kuroda was plagued by turnovers a year ago, throwing eight interceptions to just one TD. Ryan Sarver also returns after he snagged 18 catches for 201 yards last campaign. Jordan Mandich is likely to emerge as an option at running back. The Cougars move up from Class 2A to 3A. Cougars alum Benny Hoffer oversees Yough.

About the Matchup: These teams both played in Class 2A last cycle, but the Cougars now reside in the Class 3A Interstate Conference, while the Spartans dropped to the Class 1A Eastern Conference. The teams have not met since 2003.

Greensburg Central Catholic at Shady Side Academy – 7 p.m.

About the Centurions: Greensburg Central Catholic enjoyed a breakthrough season in 2023, going 8-4 overall, including a 41-22 playoff victory against West Greene. The Centurions ultimately fell in the Class 1A quarterfinals against South Side Beaver. The Centurions have a big void to fill in replacing prolific quarterback Tyree Turner. In 2023, Turner threw for nearly 1,600 yards and 18 touchdowns, with just three interceptions, and he also rushed 112 times for 684 yards and 14 TDs. Thus, top receiver Samir Crosby shifts to QB, where he saw limited time the past two campaigns. Crosby, who has garnered DI interest, caught 31 passes for 623 yards, rushed 69 times for 634 yards, and led GCC with 20 touchdowns last season. Serra Catholic transfer Jerry Davis appears poised to be a top target for Crosby, while Kiski Prep transfer Tucker Lloyd could be a force at running back. John Thompson is in his second season leading Greensburg Central Catholic.

About the Bulldogs: Shady Side Academy went 2-3 in conference play but qualified for the Class 3A playoffs last season, falling to Beaver Area in lopsided fashion to finish 5-6 overall. The team was hit hard by graduation, and more specifically, transfers, including starting QB Devin Harris, who matriculated to Penn Hills. Cam Mallory is a top option to earn snaps at quarterback this year, while Darrin Haynes projects as a key running back after missing most of 2023 with injury. The Bulldogs have dropped down to Class 2A. Chuck DiNardo serves as the helm of Shady Side Academy.

About the Matchup: GCC plays in the Class 1A Eastern Conference, while SSA now resides in the Class 2A Allegheny Conference. The squads last squared off in 2005, a 41-0 blowout in favor of the Centurions.