The WPIAL football season kicked off for most teams last week, as Week Zero delivered plenty of thrillers and surprises. Belle Vernon Area is the lone Westmoreland County team that commences play this week, while the rest of the local squads will suit up for the second time. Highlighted by four more all-Westmoreland clashes, here’s a detailed look at the entire slate across the county in Week One.

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

Pregame at 6:30 on WSN VIDEO

WSN Crew: Jonathan Whaley; Dan Flickinger; Nick D’Onofrio - WATCH LIVE

About the Spartans: A pair of fourth-quarter touchdown passes proved the difference last week, as Hempfield Area edged North Hills 28-23. The host Spartans were led by QB Dom Detruf, who went 14-of-17 passing for 206 yards and three scores, while Aidan Stinebiser rushed 25 times for 130 yards and a TD, adding two receptions for 83 yards and another score. Jack Kopas and Nicholas Marquis also hauled in TD receptions.

About the Panthers: Franklin Regional could not slow down a prolific passing attack for Plum, as the Panthers fell 42-13 at home in the opener one week ago. In the setback for the Panthers, Jet Taylor and Dominick Devola each posted rushing scores, as Taylor registered 23 carries for 91 yards and added a pair of receptions for 26 yards, while Devola completed just 7-of-20 attempts for 63 yards and an interception.

About the Matchup: The Westmoreland County clash pits the Spartans, who play in Class 6A, against the Panthers, who reside in the Class 5A Big East Conference. Last year, Franklin Regional rolled to a 49-26 victory.

Kiski Area (1-0) at Norwin (0-1) - 7 p.m.

Pregame at 6:30 on WSN VIDEO - WATCH LIVE

WSN Crew: Sean Meyers and Brian Brozeski; Hannah Noel; Ricky Pitzer

About the Cavaliers: The Kiski Area defense was suffocating, while Aven Shirley was efficient at quarterback, leading the Cavaliers to a 21-0 home victory against Knoch one week ago. Shirley, who was the top receiver for the Cavs last year, went 5-of-10 for 79 yards and a touchdown. Meanwhile, freshman Ashton Taylor rushed 23 times for 121 yards and a score on the ground for KA.

About the Knights: Norwin committed five turnovers, including a controversial fumble recovery in the end zone in the final minutes, in a 34-31 setback at Penn-Trafford. Knights QB Tristyn Tavares rushed for 201 yards and three TDs, and he threw for 134 yards and another score in the setback. Giovanni Rothrauff added 122 yards on the ground for the Knights, while Michael DeFazio hauled in a TD grab.

About the Matchup: In the all-Westmoreland matchup, the Cavaliers play in the Class 5A Big East Conference, while the Knights are in Class 6A. In 2024, Norwin claimed a 33-21 victory.

Derry Area (1-0) at Freeport Area (1-0) - 7 p.m.

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

WSN Crew: John Flickinger and Bob Lasinski; Matt Palombo; Tom Esposito

About the Trojans: Keyed by 156 yards rushing by Max Doherty, Derry Area scored the first 33 points in a decisive 33-14 triumph at home against Ligonier Valley last Friday. Doherty produced a 42-yard TD run on the opening drive, helping the Trojans jump out to a 20-0 edge at the half. Anthony Sacco also tossed a pair of scores for DA, and Justin Papuga added a rushing TD.

About the Yellowjackets: Freeport Area blanked Indiana Area 28-0 last week. Amos Glenn led the way for the Yellowjackets, scoring twice, including an 87-yard kickoff return. Freeport also scored on defense, courtesy of a 25-yard interception return by Dawson Gaillot, while Drew Ross added a short TD run. Veteran coach John Gaillot remains at the helm of Freeport Area.

About the Matchup: While both teams compete in Class 3A, the Trojans are in the Interstate Conference, while the Yellowjackets call the Allegheny Seven Conference home. A year ago, Derry Area prevailed 21-7.

Jeannette (0-1) at Apollo-Ridge (1-0) - 7 p.m.

Pregame at 6:30 on WSN AUDIO - LISTEN LIVE

WSN Crew: Brent Whigham and Anthony DeNunzio

About the Jayhawks: Jeannette scored the first 23 points of the contest, but homestanding Mount Pleasant Area rallied for a 28-23 victory last week. The Jayhawks were clicking offensively in the first half, scoring on their first four drives. Kymon’e Brown completed 10-of-25 throws for 214 yards, registering a pair of rushing scores and a 74-yard TD pass in the setback. Jayce Powell snagged four receptions spanning 131 yards and a touchdown.

About the Vikings: Apollo-Ridge edged Leechburg 20-16 last week. In the home victory, Jaden McCray caught seven passes for 122 yards and a score. QB Alexander Clawson went 9-of-18 passing for 148 yards and a touchdown, and he added 78 yards and another score on the ground. John Skiba patrols the sidelines for Apollo-Ridge.

About the Matchup: Jeannette is in the Class 1A Eastern Conference, while Apollo-Ridge competes in the Class 2A Allegheny Conference. Last year, Jeannette notched a 42-28 win. The Vikings play their home contests at historic Owens Field.

Penn-Trafford (1-0) at Mount Lebanon (0-1) – 7 p.m.

About the Warriors: Penn-Trafford’s defense created five takeaways, including a controversial fumble recovery in the end zone in the final minutes, to seal a 34-31 win against Norwin last week. The host Warriors registered two interceptions and three fumble recoveries. Ben Grabowski compiled 188 rushing yards and three scores on 26 carries for PT. Signalcaller Nate Desmond was 5-of-8 passing for 97 yards and a TD, while Lucah Butler posted a team-leading eight tackles.

About the Blue Devils: Mount Lebanon suffered a 35-14 defeat at home against Upper St. Clair in Week Zero. Quarterback Pat Smith was just 4-of-16 through the air for 110 yards, with one score and one interception, while he rushed 18 times for 101 yards. Maxton Siegel caught two passes for 100 yards and a score. Veteran coach Greg Perry is in his second year leading the Blue Devils.

About the Matchup: The nonconference showdown pits the Blue Devils, who play in Class 6A, against the Warriors, who reside in the Class 5A Big East Conference. Last year, PT claimed a 28-7 triumph.

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

About the Wildcats: Greater Latrobe dropped a 28-13 decision at home against Connellsville Area last Friday. AJ Yeboah and Cash Achhammer compiled rushing scores for the Wildcats. Yeboah rushed 13 times for 81 yards, while QB Dom Scarton went 7-of-22 passing for 78 yards and one interception. Sawyer Butina caught two passes for 38 years in the loss.

About the Mustangs: Keyed by a strong passing game, Plum secured a 42-13 road victory against Franklin Regional last week. Quarterback John Nonnenberg threw for 228 yards and four scores for the Mustangs, while Sloan Humphries compiled 96 yards receiving and a score, and Brendan Marsten had a pair of receiving TDs.

About the Matchup: In this Class 5A tussle, the Wildcats reside in the Big East Conference, while the Mustangs play in the Northeast Conference. A year ago, Greater Latrobe reigned supreme, 32-18.

Aliquippa (0-0) at Belle Vernon Area (0-0) – 7 p.m.

About the Quips: Aliquippa opted for a scrimmage last week. A year ago, the Quips went 7-3 overall, falling to Thomas Jefferson in the WPIAL Class 4A semifinals, snapping their nearly two-decade streak of title game appearances. From that squad, Tikey Hayes, who rushed for 979 yards and scored 16 total TDs, is now playing at Penn State University. Meanwhile, Daiveon Taylor transferred to Moon Area, and Sa’Nir Brooks and Larry Moon transferred out of state. Thus, the Quips will rely heavily upon QB Marques Council, a Yale pledge who threw for 1,477 yards and 16 TDs a year ago. Mike Warfield returns to the sidelines for the Quips after a year sabbatical.

About the Leopards: Belle Vernon Area scrimmaged West Allegheny last week. Last season, the Leopards compiled a mark of 4-5, which included a postseason defeat against McKeesport Area in the WPIAL Class 4A quarterfinals. The Leps graduated Kole Doppelheuer, who paced the squad in both rushing yards (699 yards) and receiving yards (361 yards), leading BVA with 14 scores. Also gone is Anthony Crews, who had the most receptions on the team. Back in the fold, however, is signalcaller Curty Wade, who threw for 1,039 yards and a dozen scores, while also rushing for more than 350 yards in 2024. Deaubre Lightfoot will be one of the top playmakers, and could see time at both receiver and running back. Scott Bryer is at the helm of Belle Vernon Area, replacing championship-winning coach Matt Humbert.

About the Matchup: Both teams play in Class 4A, with the Quips in the Parkway Conference, and the Leopards residing in the Big Six Conference. Last year’s contest was postponed due to inclement weather after Aliquippa took an early lead.

Greensburg Central Catholic (0-1) at Mount Pleasant Area (1-0) – 7 p.m.

About the Centurions: Greensburg Central Catholic allowed the decisive touchdown in the final seconds, falling at home to Shady Side Academy 28-26 last week. In the defeat, Samir Crosby rushed nine times for 75 yards and a TD, caught one pass for 30 yards, and completed his only passing attempts for 36 yards.

About the Vikings: Mount Pleasant Area fell into an early deficit but scored the final 28 points against Jeannette, claiming a 28-23 victory. Stephen Predajna rushed 19 times for 80 yards and scored a pair of rushing touchdowns during that surge for the host Vikings, while Mason Eicher and Dane Firmstone also notched scores on the ground. Firmstone also completed 5-of-11 passes for 112 yards. After taking the lead late in the fourth quarter, the Vikings sealed the victory with an interception by Anthony Pologruto.

About the Matchup: While the Centurions are in the Class 1A Eastern Conference, the Vikings play in the Class 3A Interstate Conference. Last year, Mount Pleasant notched an overtime victory.

Greensburg Salem (0-1) at Ligonier Valley (0-1) – 7 p.m.

About the Golden Lions: Greensburg Salem could not slow down the rushing attack of Albert Gallatin last Friday, as the host Colonials prevailed 48-33. In the defeat, Brody Chismar threw for a touchdown and rushed for another for the Golden Lions, compiling 114 yards on 24 carries. Meanwhile, Max Topper posted a 79-yard kickoff return score, and Akheim McCreary rushed for 88 yards and a touchdown.

About the Rams: Ligonier Valley fell into a big hole in the first half, as the Rams dropped a 33-14 outcome at Derry Area one week ago. Anthony Petalino and Levi Foust notched fourth-quarter touchdowns for the Rams, as Foust rushed seven times for 78 yards.

About the Matchup: In this Westmoreland County matchup, the Golden Lions play in the Class 3A Interstate Conference, while the Rams are in the 2A Allegheny Conference. One year ago, Greensburg Salem rolled to a 43-14 victory.

Southmoreland (1-0) at East Allegheny (0-1) – 7 p.m.

About the Scotties: Southmoreland used a dominant defensive effort in blanking Valley 40-0 last week. The Scotties recorded two safeties and held the Vikings to negative yardage for the contest, while Southmoreland QB Dawson Wolfe hit 8-of-11 passes for 111 yards and two scores through the air, adding another touchdown on the ground. Gabe Kubasky hauled in four passes for 43 yards and a pair of TDs.

About the Wildcats: East Allegheny came up just short against South Park 33-26 last week. Wildcats quarterback Cedric Mack went 16-of-29 passing for 198 yards and three scores through the air, while he rushed for a TD, too. Ronte Lawrence was on the receiving end of two of those scores, while Tanner Loya had four grabs for 50 yards and a TD. Coach Frank Cortazzo patrols the sidelines for EA.

About the Matchup: Both teams play in Class 3A, with Southmoreland in the Interstate Conference, and East Allegheny in the Allegheny Seven. In 2024, the Scotties dominated, 49-14.

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

About the Charleroi Cougars: Charleroi was blanked in a 44-0 home loss against Monessen last week. QB Jaxson Klinger was 5-of-12 passing for 66 yards and an interception, while Braeden Todaro hauled in a 44-yard pass. Scooter DeUnger, a Charleroi grad, is in his first season guiding the Cougars.

About the Yough Cougars: Led by a strong rushing attack from QB Aidan Shaffer, Yough edged Brentwood 21-13 last week. Shaffer rushed 13 times for 132 yards and accounted for all three scores on the ground for the Cougars, while John Gergely added 118 yards rushing.

About the Matchup: While Charleroi competes in the Class 2A Century Conference, Yough is in the Class 3A Interstate Conference. Last year, Yough came out on top, 21-9.

Burrell (0-1) at Shady Side Academy (1-0) – 7 p.m.

About the Buccaneers: Burrell was overmatched by defending WPIAL champion Avonworth, as the Antelopes prevailed 35-6 last Friday. Zack Coudriet had the lone TD for the Bucs, as he caught a 10-yard toss from Hobbes Omecinski. Coudriet totaled seven catches for 87 yards, while Trey Coury was limited to 33 yards rushing on 16 carries.

About the Bulldogs: Shady Side Academy scored the winning touchdown in the final seconds, as the Bulldogs edged homestanding Greensburg Central Catholic 28-26. Andrew Geisler, a SSA grad, is in his first year at the reins of the program.

About the Matchup: Burrell is in the Class 3A Allegheny Seven Conference, while Shady Side Academy plays in the Class 2A Allegheny Conference. Last year, the Bulldogs dominated, 42-7.

Monessen (1-0) at West Greene (0-1) – 7 p.m.

About the Greyhounds: Led by Tavian Taylor, who rushed for 111 yards and three touchdowns, Monessen whitewashed Charleroi 44-0 last week.

About the Pioneers: West Greene was smashed 50-6 at Waynesburg Central last week. Jacob Orndorff had the lone score for the Pioneers, who are under the tutelage of coach Beau Jackson.

Valley (0-1) at Riverview (1-0) – 12 p.m. Saturday

About the Vikings: Valley was stifled by homestanding Southmoreland 40-0 in a Westmoreland County matchup last week. The Scotties notched two safeties and held the Vikings to negative yardage for the contest.

About the Raiders: Riverview bested Beth-Center 34-19 last Saturday. Connor Kmetz went 11-of-18 with 155 yards, with three TDs and four interceptions for the Raiders, while Max Kratt, Rio Stotts, and Dom Williams all notched receiving scores. Trevor George is the head coach of Riverview.