After the conference slate commenced for several WPIAL football teams last week, more will begin the conference ledger this week. Unfortunately, COVID concerns have resulted in a pair of conference postponements locally, as Seneca Valley at Norwin and Derry Area at Freeport have both been put on hold. Despite that disappointing news, 16 of the Westmoreland County teams are still scheduled to be in action for Week Four of the campaign. Here’s a comprehensive look at all of those matchups.

Thomas Jefferson (3-0, 1-0) at Belle Vernon Area (3-0, 1-0) – 7 p.m.

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

WSN Broadcasters: Sean Meyers and Mark Katarski

About the Jaguars: Thomas Jefferson, the defending WPIAL and PIAA Class 4A Champions, have been just as impressive thus far in 2021, defeating Class 5A heavyweights Gateway and South Fayette, and winning the conference opener against Trinity 49-7 last week. Conner Murga led the way offensively, as he rushed for 209 yards and scored three times. QB Joe Lekse accounted for three touchdowns, as he connected with Sean Sullivan on a 19-yard pass, scored on a 2-yard run, and intercepted a pass and returned it 30 yards to pay dirt. For the season, Lekse has passed for more than 300 yards, and has rushed for 205 yards, which trails only Murga. Head coach Bill Cherpak has guided the Jags to nine WPIAL titles, the most by any coach in district history.

About the Leopards: Belle Vernon Area’s resume in 2021 is similarly impressive, as the Leopards won easily against another 4A playoff team in Chartiers Valley, followed with a convincing win against 5A contender Penn-Trafford, and then commenced conference action with a 49-3 victory at West Mifflin last week. Quinton Martin excelled against the Titans, as he rushed nine times for 160 yards and three scores. QB Devin Whitlock was efficient through the air, hitting 11-of-14 passes for 177 yards and two scores, while Evan Pohlot contributed seven catches for 92 yards. For the season, Whitlock is 30-of-40 passing for 400 yards, and he also paces the Leopards with 369 yards rushing and seven scores. Martin is not far behind, with nearly 300 yards on the ground and five scores.

About the Matchup: Although there’s more than a month to go in the regular season, this matchup could determine the winner of the Class 4A Big Eight Conference. A year ago, the Jaguars prevailed 42-21. The squads also met in the 2019 WPIAL Class 4A title game, a 41-7 TJ victory.

Southmoreland (3-1, 1-0) at Mount Pleasant Area (2-2, 0-0) – 7 p.m.

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

WSN Broadcasters: TJ DiStefano and Kris Smith

About the Scotties: Southmoreland opened the conference ledger last week with a 33-19 win against South Allegheny. QB Anthony Govern was massive in the victory, as he rushed for three touchdowns and passed for two more. In total, he compiled 107 yards on the ground and threw for 160 yards on 7-of-18 passing. Isaac Trout had a sterling performance, as he caught five passes for 120 yards and a score. For the season, Govern has passed for 575 yards and six scores, and has added 273 yards rushing and nine scores on the ground.

About the Vikings: Mount Pleasant Area suffered a 35-0 loss against 5A school Greater Latrobe last week. One of the factors in the offensive struggle was the absence of QB Tyler Reese. In his place, freshman Cole Chatfield passed for just two yards. The Vikings totaled just 49 yards of offense. On the season, however, three Vikings have surpassed 200 yards rushing, with Robbie Labuda (262 yards) leading the way and Aaron Alakson (243) and Reese (206) not far behind. Labuda also leads the team in receptions and touchdowns. After allowing just 21 points through the first two games, the Viks have permitted 69 in the past two outings.

About the Matchup: Mount Pleasant Area was the only team in the Class 3A Interstate Conference that did not play a conference game last week. The Vikings narrowly prevailed last year, 13-10, while the Scotties notched a 27-14 win in 2019.

Bethel Park (1-3) at Franklin Regional (1-3) - 7 p.m.

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

WSN Broadcaster: Jonathan Whaley

About the Black Hawks: Bethel Park was on the wrong end of a 49-13 outcome last week against Gateway, as the Gators scored the first five touchdowns of the contest. Bethel Park QB Max Blanc was 13-of-22 passing for 139 yards and a score in the defeat, but none of the Black Hawks topped 14 yards rushing. Ryan Petras found the end zone twice, hauling in a 31-yard pass from Blanc and adding an 88-yard kickoff return. For the season, Troy Volpatti leads the team in rushing, with 319 yards, in receiving, with 12 catches for 183 yards, and touchdowns, with seven. Brian DeLallo guides the Black Hawks.

About the Panthers: Franklin Regional dropped a low-scoring affair to Fox Chapel Area 13-9 last week. The Panthers lone TD came on a 12-yard pass from Connor Donnelly to Caden Smith, while Joseph Bayne added a field goal. Donnelly was 4-of-13 passing for 39 yards, while Roman Sarnic was 4-of-8 for 75 yards through the air. Smith was the top receiver, with six grabs for 100 yards, while Tyler Bewszka gained a team-high 52 yards on the ground. Ayden Hudock has scored a team-leading five touchdowns this season.

About the Matchup: It’s a 5A nonconference clash, as the Panthers play in the Big East Conference, while BP is in the Allegheny Six Conference. A year ago, FR claimed a 14-0 win.

Penn-Trafford (2-2) at Shaler Area (2-2) - Saturday 1:30 p.m.

Pregame at 1 p.m. on WSN VIDEO - WATCH LIVE

WSN Broadcasters: Jack Ridenour and Kris Smith

About the Warriors: Penn-Trafford suffered its second straight setback last week, falling to Peters Township 28-14. In the defeat, Cade Yacamelli compiled 135 yards rushing and a score, while QB Carter Green added 117 yards rushing and a score. However, Green was just 5-of-12 passing for 45 yards, with a pair of interceptions and a fumble. Liam Hileman made four grabs for 35 yards. For the season, Yacamelli has registered 508 yards rushing, 99 yards receiving, and a team-best seven scores.

About the Titans: Shaler also lost its second consecutive clash last week, a 24-0 shutout to West Allegheny. Wins against New Castle and Mars Area to open the season were notable, though, as the Titans went winless a year ago. Running back Josh Miller paces the Titans with three touchdowns. Jim Ryan serves as the head coach.

About the Matchup: The non-conference matchup pits 5A teams, as the Warriors are in the Big East, while the Titans reside in the Northeast Conference. In 2020, the Warriors cruised to a 56-0 victory.

Hempfield Area (2-2, 0-1) at Mount Lebanon (4-0, 1-0) – 7 p.m.

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

WSN Broadcasters: Jack Ridenour and Roger Downs

About the Spartans: Hempfield Area was smothered by Seneca Valley 49-0 last week. Gino Caesar rushed 18 times for 59 yards, while Jake Phillips and Kieran Lippmann each took snaps at QB. Lippmann was 5-of-7 passing for 41 yards and an interception, while Phillips connected on just 4-of-13 attempts for 22 yards. Jayden Talbert led the receivers with three grabs for 35 yards. The Spartans have scored 18.3 points per game, the second lowest mark in Class 6A, while permitting 34.0 points per game, the second most in 6A.

About the Blue Devils: The only undefeated 6A team remaining in the WPIAL, Mount Lebanon cruised past Canon-McMillan last week, 37-7. Alex Tecza and Eli Heidenreich each scored a pair of TDs, as Tecza rushed 10 times for 97 yards, while Heidenreich caught three passes for 110 yards. QB Joey Daniels efficiently orchestrated the attack, hitting 7-of-9 passes for 159 yards and two scores. Through four games, the Blue Devils have outscored foes 132-20 and their defense has posted two shutouts. Legendary coach Bob Palko guides the program.

About the Matchup: The game was originally scheduled to be played at Hempfield Area, but ongoing construction on the track necessitated the move. A year ago, the Blue Devils prevailed 52-26.

Indiana Area (3-1, 1-0) at Greensburg Salem (3-1, 1-0) – 7 p.m.

About the Little Indians: Indiana Area has won three straight tilts, and the offense has been prolific during the streak. Last week, Indiana bested Plum 41-37. QB Devin Flint led the way offensively, as he rushed 29 times for 115 yards and five touchdowns, while also passing for 75 yards. Zach Herrington added the other TD, along with 58 yards rushing, while Korbin Wilson produced 64 yards on the ground and 50 yards receiving. Indiana Area’s 42.3 points per game is tied for the highest mark in all of Class 4A. Brandon Overdorff serves as the head coach.

About the Golden Lions: Greensburg Salem likewise won its third straight last week, knocking off Knoch 34-13. Rashad Canady amassed 105 yards rushing and three scores on 21 carries, while QB Hayden Teska added two more TDs and 173 yards through the air. Both of those passing touchdowns went to tight end Jayden Stevens, who caught four passes for 90 yards. Despite having a quiet week, Cody Rubrecht still leads the WPIAL in receiving yards with 421, while Teska has passed for the most yards in the WPIAL with 909. The GS offense has been consistent the past three weeks, scoring 36, 34, and 34 points.

About the Matchup: Last year, Indiana Area stunned Greensburg Salem 56-28.

Yough (0-4, 0-1) at South Allegheny (0-4, 0-1) – 7 p.m.

About the Cougars: For the third time in four games, Yough was held scoreless last week in a 14-0 loss against South Park. QB Gavin Roebuck connected on 12-of-20 passes for 94 yards, as well as one interception that was returned 87 yards for a score. Tristan Waldier led the team in rushing with 60 yards and receiving with 73 yards. Yough’s scoring average of 1.5 points per game ranks second worst in the entire WPIAL, behind only section foe Brownsville Area.

About the Gladiators: South Allegheny fell to Southmoreland 33-19 last week. Eric Wehrer passed for a couple of TDs, a 32-yard connection with Ethan Kirkwood and a 42-yard score to Akell Carrington. Kavan Markwood accounted for the other score for the Gladiators. Last week’s offensive output marked a season high for SA, which is averaging just 9.0 points per contest. Frank Cortazzo serves as the head coach for South Allegheny.

About the Matchup: in 2020, South Allegheny dominated in a 41-9 triumph.

Valley (0-4, 0-1) at Deer Lakes (1-3, 1-0) – 7 p.m.

About the Vikings: Valley was shut out by North Catholic 49-0 last week, the second time this season the Vikings were blanked. Tristin Goodwin was just 3-of-7 passing for 16 yards. For the season, the Vikings have been outscored 167-15.

About the Lancers: Deer Lakes snapped a lengthy losing skid last week with a 49-0 win against Derry Area. Cody Scarantine and Conner Walker each scored twice, with Scarantine notching a couple of 1-yard runs, while Walker hauled in two TD passes from QB Derek Burk. Burk was 11-of-17 passing for 182 yards. The Lancers’ defense also added an interception return score. Tim Burk serves as the head coach for Deer Lakes.

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

About the Jayhawks: Jeannette claimed a 28-6 victory against Riverview last week, snapping its shutout streak that spanned the first three games. Tyler Horn started at QB for the Jayhawks and factored into every touchdown. As a passer, he was 7-of-13 for 81 yards and two touchdowns. As a rusher, he compiled 106 yards and a score on 15 carries. And defensively, he intercepted a pass and returned it 56 yards for a pick-six. Ziere Petty and Andrew Ross caught the TD passes.

About the Saints: After illness struck the team last week, Imani Christian’s already small roster was further diminished, resulting in a forfeit against Greensburg Central Catholic. The last time they took the field, the Saints were outclassed by Serra Catholic 56-8. In the two games actually played, the Saints have produced just 20 points.

About the Matchup: A year ago, Jeannette notched a 45-0 triumph against the Saints.

Greensburg Central Catholic (3-1, 1-0) at Bishop Canevin (4-0, 1-0) – Saturday 7 p.m.

About the Centurions: Greensburg Central Catholic claimed a forfeit win last week, as Imani Christian’s already small roster was hit by illness. In the three games contested on the field, QB Nate Dlugos has connected on 26-of-47 passes for 438 yards, while Tyree Turner is 9-of-15 for 110 yards. Amari Mack is the top receiver, with 10 grabs for 128 yards, while Joe Blahovec has amassed 127 yards receiving on seven catches. Danny Dlugos leads the rushing attack with 110 yards.

About the Crusaders: Bishop Canevin edged Springdale 13-10 last week. Quarterback Jason Cross tossed a pair of scores, totaling 115 yards through the air, and also pacing the Crusaders with 106 yards on the ground. Xavier Nelson caught four passes for 64 yards, including a score, while A’Zjaun Marshall also contributed a receiving touchdown. For the season, Lasae Lacks has been another top receiver, with eight catches for a team-leading 247 yards. BC has allowed just 18 points total through four games.

About the Matchup: The Crusaders are the only undefeated team overall that remains from the Class 1A Eastern Conference. A year ago, Bishop Canevin edged GCC 14-12.

Jefferson-Morgan (1-3, 1-0) at Monessen (2-2, 1-0) – 7 p.m.

About the Rockets: After three lopsided losses, Jefferson-Morgan overwhelmed Avella 32-0 last week. QB Cole Jones was 11-of-20 passing for 224 yards and a pair of scores, while also rushing for 91 yards. Johnny Gilbert led the receiving corps with four catches for 78 yards, while Colt Fowler had three grabs for 63 yards and a score. Brent Baker serves as the head coach of the Rockets.

About the Greyhounds: Monessen smashed Bentworth 50-7 last week. Anthony Crews rushed 14 times for 103 yards and scored thrice, QB Lorenzo Gardner passed for 230 yards and a pair of scores, and Omarion Rainey made three catches for 125 yards.

Greater Latrobe (2-2) at South Fayette (3-1) – 7 p.m.

About the Wildcats: Greater Latrobe bounced back from a pair of losses, scoring a 35-0 win against Mount Pleasant Area last week. Corey Boerio earned the start at QB, and passed for 41 yards and a touchdown, while also rushing for 38 yards and a score. Drake Clayton produced 60 yards rushing and a score on 12 attempts, while he added a 22-yard receiving TD. GL scored a defensive touchdown when Marco Mongelluzzo scooped up a fumble and took it back 33 yards. Although he was held out of the end zone against Mount Pleasant Area, receiver Kyle Brewer has nine TDs on the campaign.

About the Lions: South Fayette bested Chartiers Valley 28-14 last week. Quarterback Landon Lutz was 12-of-21 passing for 123 yards and two scores, and he added a rushing touchdown. The other South Fayette score came courtesy of a 94-yard kickoff return by Christian Brandi. Additionally, Nate Deanes paced the rushing attack, as he posted 24 carries for 140 yards. Connor Harcarick and Logan Yater each recorded receiving touchdowns. Joe Rossi is the veteran coach for South Fayette.

About the Matchup: While both teams play in 5A, Greater Latrobe is in the Big East Conference, while South Fayette resides in the Allegheny Six.

West Allegheny (3-0) at Kiski Area (4-0) – 7 p.m.

About the Indians: West Allegheny stifled Shaler Area 24-0 last week. Nodin Tracy paced the offense with a pair of touchdowns, as he rushed 11 times for 84 yards and caught three passes for 32 yards. QB Gavin Miller was 16 of 26 passing for 144 yards and a score, with Jashon Spencer on the receiving end of that 10-yard TD. In total, Spencer caught six passes for 65 yards. Kicker Brayden Lambert also added a 44-yard field goal. Dave Schoppe serves as the head coach for West A.

About the Cavaliers: Kiski Area remained perfect last week, making quick work of Connellsville Area, 41-7. Running back Chad Hepler had another prolific performance, as he rushed 17 times for 148 yards and two scores. Furthermore, Logan Johnson passed for 103 yards and a score, and added another 49 yards and three scores on the ground. Dylan Hutcherson was the top target, as he caught three passes for 81 yards, including a touchdown. Defensively, the Cavs have permitted just 13.8 points per game.

About the Matchup: It’s another Class 5A nonconference clash, as Kiski Area plays in the Northeast Conference, while West Allegheny is in the Allegheny Six Conference. The teams last met in 2017, as the Indians rolled to a 31-7 victory.

Apollo-Ridge (0-3) at Burrell (0-4) – 7 p.m.

About the Vikings: Apollo-Ridge was slated to face Freeport Area last week, but the game was postponed because of COVID concerns. After a strong 2020 campaign, the Vikings have sputtered thus far in 2021, including a pair of losses to Class 1A opponents. In a 33-7 loss against Greensburg Central Catholic a couple of weeks ago, Brady Schrock accounted for the lone touchdown. John Skiba serves at the helm of the Vikings.

About the Buccaneers: Burrell tasted a 30-21 defeat to East Allegheny a week ago. The Bucs’ offense showed signs of progress, however, as that output matched its total from the first three games. Running back Caden DiCaprio was dynamic, as he rushed 32 times for 214 yards and a pair of scores. Burrell is in the midst of three consecutive home games.

About the Matchup: While Burrell plays in the 3A Allegheny Seven Conference, Apollo-Ridge is a member of the Class 2A Allegheny Conference. A year ago, AR dominated 56-8.

Carrick (0-4) at Ligonier Valley (4-0) – 7 p.m.

About the Raiders: Carrick suffered a 46-0 defeat to South Side Beaver last week. In the defeat, QB Rashod Woods was just 3-of-10 passing, including three interceptions. Tyrone Beasley was the top rusher with 38 yards. Greg Johnston serves as the head coach.

About the Rams: Ligonier Valley handled Frazier with ease last week, prevailing 33-6. With starting QB Haden Sierocky sidelined, Broderick Schreyer stepped in and was 10-of-18 passing for 130 yards and a score, and he added another touchdown on the ground. Nick Beitel paced the rushing attack with 117 yards on 16 carries, including a TD, while Grant Dowden hauled in five passes for 81 yards and a score. Through four weeks, Ligonier Valley has outscored its opponents by 100 points.

About the Matchup: Ligonier Valley plays in the Class 2A Allegheny Conference. Meanwhile, the Raiders are in the Pittsburgh City League but are playing an independent schedule, which has included Uniontown Area and teams in Ohio and West Virginia. However, Carrick forfeited its matchup against Weirton Madonna three weeks ago.