WPIAL Playoffs Round 1

[natigers2005]

Lets see how far I can get with a round 1 preview. Game capsule will be followed by my prediction.

First, here is a link to view all the WPIAL brackets: http://www.wpial.org/1314ftbresults.asp

Second, all 32 first round games can be heard at http://www.msasports.net

Matchups listed will be in order of highest seed and not location in the bracket. All higher seeds host a first round game.

Seed Team (Overall Record, Conference Record, Place in Section, Points For, Points Against)

AAAA:

#1 Upper St. Clair (9-0, 8-0, 1st in Southeastern, 37.4, 3.3) vs #16 Kiski Area (5-4, 5-3, 5th in Foothills, 24.8, 24.1). The Panthers defense is the story here, allowing 3.3 PPG. Joe Repischak has thrown for 936 yards and Trevor Morrow has rushed for 852 for USC. Chad Kuhn does it all for the Cavaliers with 1007 yards passing and 453 yards rushing. USC 42-7

#2 Pittsburgh Central Catholic (9-0, 7-0, 1st in Northern Eight, 45.0, 3.0) vs #15 Baldwin (4-5, 3-5, Wild Card 6th in Southeastern, 29.0, 29.3). Defense has also been the story for the Vikings, allowing 3.0 PPG. Central's leading rusher Luigi-Lista Brinza (920 yards) is apparently returning after a week 5 injury. Riley Redman (821 yards) has done well in his absence. Baldwin features the air attack of QB Doug Altavilla (1623 yards) and WR Luke Smorey (1039 yards). Forecast for windy conditons though. PCC 49-14

#3 McKeesport (9-0, 8-0, 1st in Foothills, 34.2, 10.4) vs #14 Peters Township (5-4, 4-4, 5th in Southeastern, 25.2, 25.6). The Flexbone offense is alive and well for the Tigers. RB Mikell Moore has run for 795 yards whild QB David Queen has run for 592, while only throwing the ball 16 times this year. The Indians also feature two main runners, RB Marcuas Ubinger (848 yards) and QB Cory Owen (762 yards). McK 41-7

#4 Woodland Hills (7-2, 7-1, 2nd in Southeastern, 33.9, 13.2) vs #13 Pine-Richland (5-4, 3-4, 5th in Northern Eight, 34.1, 23.0). The Wolverines keep their offensive attack on the ground. RB Miles Sanders has run for 1016 yards on 103 carries (9.9 average). Pine-Richland has a very explosive and balanced offense. The Rams have QB Ben DiNucci (1890 yards passing) and RB Connor Slmoka (1095 yards rushing). Woodland Hills has the better defense though. WH 42-27

#5 Seneca Valley (8-1, 6-1, 2nd in Northern Eight, 31.1, 13.0) vs #12 Hempfield (6-3, 5-3, 4th in Foothills, 27.4, 16.8). The surprising SV Raiders are led by the coach's son, TJ Holl. Holl has thrown for 1552 yards and has rushed for 639 yards on the season. Hempfield has a couple of horses in their backfield as well. RB Joey DeFloria has rushed for 1397 yards, while QB Ty George has run for 492 and thrown for 651. SV 28-14

#6 Penn-Trafford (6-3, 6-2, 2nd in Foothills, 22.7, 18.9) vs #11 Penn Hills (5-4, 4-4, 4th in Southeastern, 23.3, 19.9). The Warriors were a very up-and-down team this season. PT was led by RB Devin Austin (1074 yards rushing) and QB Brett Laffoon (1132 yards passing). The Indians were led by do-it-all QB Billy Kisner this year (1108 rushing yards, 448 passing), but he was injured in the final game last week and his status is up in the air, which is altering my pick. PT 27-20

#7 Gateway (7-2, 6-2, 3rd in Foothills, 27.0, 22.8) vs #10 North Hills (5-4, 4-3, 4th in Northern Eight, 18.4, 15.2). The Gators lost two games in a row to finish the season. They are led by QB Jimmy Moore (1923 yards passing), WR Delvon Randall (668 yards), and WR Montae Nicholson (671 yards). The Indians are the lowest scoring playoff team in AAAA. They rely heavily on their defense to keep them involved. Gateway 13-7

#8 Bethel Park (6-3, 6-2, 3rd in Southeastern, 21.7, 16.4) vs #9 North Allegheny (6-3, 5-2, 3rd in Northern Eight, 34.3, 16.3). Injured quarterbacks are the story for this one and it will probably hurt Bethel Park more. Blackhawks QB Levi Metheny suffered a hand injury but he may play. Tigers QB Jeff Clemens is definitely out for tonight's game, but backup Cage Galupi threw for over 200 yards last week at North Hills. NA 28-21


AAA:

#1 West Allegheny (9-0, 8-0, 1st in Parkway, 41.2, 10.6) vs #16 Hollidaysburg (3-6, 3-5, 5th in Greater Allegheny, 22.0, 32.2). The defending champion Indians boast a powerful offensive attack. QB Andrew Koester has thrown for 1040 yards, while RB Chayse Dillon (795) and RB Tory Delmonico (629) have led the ground attack. The Tigers are led by QB Josh Bickley, who has thrown for 763 yards. West A 56-7

#2 Thomas Jefferson (9-0, 8-0, 1st in Big Nine, 43.1, 6.2) vs #15 Hampton (4-5, 3-5, Wild Card 6th in Greater Allegheny, 23.8, 20.2). The Jaguars are led on the ground by RB Austin Kemp (869 yards) and QB Chase Winovich (580 yards). WR Dalton Dietrich has caught 38 out of the teams' 47 completed passes. The Talbots enter as the wild card after losing 3 of 4. QB Nick Grabowski has thrown for 1232 yards while RB C.J. Arch has run for 579 yards. TJ 49-0

#3 Central Valley (8-1, 7-1, 2nd in Parkway, 36.7, 5.1) vs #14 Belle Vernon (4-5, 4-4, 5th in Big Nine, 21.3, 24.7). The Warriors are led by RBs JaQuan Pennington (738 yards) and Jordan Whitehead (544 yards). Their lone loss was 13-7 to #1 seed West Allegheny. The Leopards' leading scorer, WR Cody Menges (11 TDs) is doubtful to play. CV 42-7

#4 Franklin Regional (8-1, 7-1, 1st in Greater Allegheny, 33.1, 7.7) vs #13 Montour (5-4, 4-4, 5th in Parkway, 23.2, 28.0). The Panthers have three players who lead their ground attack: RB Paul Emanuele (593), QB Charan Singh (505), and RB Brett Zanotto (448). Montour suspended five players for violating team rules. QB Tynen Greer has thrown for 1016 yards and rushed for 671. FR 35-14

#5 West Mifflin (8-1, 7-1, 2nd in Big Nine, 37.4, 15.4) vs #12 Moon (6-3, 5-3, 4th in Parkway, 30.8, 24.2). This figures to be a quick game with a lot of rushing attacks. The Titans are led by 2000-yard rusher Jimmy Wheeler (2022), while the Tigers are led on the ground by Cole Blake (1457 yards). The key to this game will be the defenses. Did Moon watch the tape from West Mifflin's last game against Thomas Jefferson where Wheeler was held to 13 yards. WM 42-34

#6 Mars (8-1, 7-1, 2nd in Greater Allegheny, 42.8, 10.7) vs #11 Elizabeth Forward (6-3, 5-3, 4th in Big Nine, 37.0, 21.8). The Planets are led by RB Josh Schultheis who has rushed for 1459 yards this season. Mars also has a very good QB in Owen Nearhoof, who has thrown for 782 yards. The Warriors are led by potential division I recruit JaQuan Davidson. Davidson rushed for 1003 yards and threw for 870 yards this season. Mars 35-28

#7 Highlands (6-3, 6-2, 3rd in Greater Allegheny, 26.7, 16.9) vs #10 New Castle (7-2, 6-2, 3rd in Parkway, 36.8, 24.6). Highlands has struggled down the stretch but the Golden Rams feature RB Elijah Jackson, who has rushed for 1137 yards. The Red Hurricanes come from the tough Parkway where New Castle's two losses came at Central Valley (29-6) and against West Allegheny (37-31). NC 27-21

#8 Ringgold (7-2, 6-2, 3rd in Big Nine, 42.9, 23.2) vs #9 Indiana (4-5, 4-4, 4th in Greater Allegheny, 24.7, 20.3). The Rams are led by the Law, Nico Law that is. Law has thrown from 1353 yards and run for 1116 yards this season. Their two losses came against Thomas Jefferson (31-10) and at West Mifflin (42-28). The Little Indians have won two in a row coming into the playoffs. Indiana features QB Sean Thompson, who threw for 941 yards this season. Ringgold 28-21

AA:

#1 Aliquippa (9-0, 7-0, 1st in Midwestern, 47.3, 9.2) vs #16 South Park (5-4, 5-3, 4th in Century, 21.2, 25.0). These two teams met in week 2, with the Quips winning 45-14 at South Park. Expect nothing different here. Aliquippa is led by RBs Terry Swanson (1024 yards on 77 carries, 13.3 avg) and Dravon Henry (913 yards on 52 carries, 17.6 avg). The Eagles have lost two games in a row after winning five in a row. Aliquippa 48-6

#2 South Fayette (9-0, 8-0, 1st in Century, 49.9, 5.1) vs #15 Greensburg Central Catholic (5-4, 5-3, 4th in Interstate, 25.1, 19.4). The Lions are an offensive powerhouse led by QB Brett Brumbaugh (1914 yards & 23 TD). RB Grant Fetchet has rushed for 944 yards and WR Justin Watson is average 25.8 yards per catch (826 yards on 32 rec). Tyler Balla has rushed for 1411 yards for the Centurions. SF 49-14

#3 Kittanning (9-0, 8-0, 1st in Allegheny, 39.2, 19.3) vs #14 Yough (5-4, 5-3, 3rd in Interstate, 33.9, 29.8). The Wildcats are led by do-it-all QB Braydon Toy. Toy has thrown for 1515 yards and has rushed for 816 yards. The Cougars are also led by a dual-threat QB in Tyler Donahue. Donahue threw for 1514 yards and has run for 503 yards. Kittanning 35-27

#4 Mount Pleasant (9-0, 8-0, 1st in Interstate, 45.1, 13.7) vs #13 Valley (6-3, 5-3, 4th in Allegheny, 32.8, 14.7). Tyler Mellors has run for 1370 yards and has scored 24 TDs for the Vikings from Mount Pleasant. As for the Vikings from Valley, Demetrius Houser leads the way with 901 yards on the ground. MP 28-14

#5 Shady Side Academy (8-1, 7-1, 2nd in Allegheny, 35.1, 10.3) vs #12 Beaver (6-3, 4-3, 4th in Midwestern, 42.0, 28.9). Probably my favorite matchup in AA. The Indians are led on the ground by RB Jarred Brevard (648 yards). The Bobcats are led through the air by QB Alex Rowse (145-246, 34 TD, 2151 yards). The weather forecast and defensive prowess are in Shady Side's favor though. SSA 31-21

#6 Beaver Falls (7-2, 6-1, 2nd in Midwestern, 40.2, 18.3) vs #11 Summit Academy (5-4, 5-3, 3rd in Allegheny, 23.3, 17.3). Beaver Falls is seeded 6th to keep them away from Aliquippa until the finals. The Tigers are led by RB Damian Rawl, who has run for 1022 yards. QB Danny Stratton has thrown for 1114 yards as well. Summit Academy is in the playoffs for the first time ever. The Knights are led by RB Elijah Hardy (976 yards). BF 35-7

#7 Washington (7-2, 6-2, 2nd in Interstate, 34.2, 14.0) vs #10 Seton-La Salle (7-2, 6-2, 3rd in Century, 31.0, 17.0). Washington is back in the playoffs after the PIAA overturned a WPIAL eligibility issue. The Little Prexies are without star RB Shai McKenzie, who hurt his ACL in week 3. Malik Wells (650) and Jordon West (460) look to pick up the ground game. The Rebels are led by QB Tyler Perone, who threw for 1826 yards and 19 TDs this year. SLS 27-21

#8 Quaker Valley (7-2, 7-1, 2nd in Century, 33.4, 20.9) vs #9 New Brighton (6-3, 5-2, 3rd in Midwestern, 33.8, 30.7). The Quakers are led by a student from Cornell High School (They have a co-op program), Dane Jackson. He has run for 855 yards and thrown for 600 yards. The Golden Lions looked to be in trouble when star QB Gabe Greco was lost due to injury, but Payton Fath has filled in nicely. He has thrown for 878 yards and run for 473 this year. QV 21-14

A:

#1 Sto-Rox (9-0, 8-0, 1st in Big Seven, 47.0, 11.8) vs #16 Avella (6-3, 5-3, 4th in Tri-County South, 34.2, 20.8). The Vikings have the talented Lenny Williams under center. Williams is the WPIAL All-Time leading passer and has thrown for 1856 yards this season with 28 TDs and 0 interceptions. The Eagles are in the playoffs for the first time since 1976. They are led by QB Santino Paris, who threw for 1246 yards. Sto-Rox 56-7

#2 North Catholic (9-0, 8-0, 1st in Eastern, 37.0, 12.9) vs #15 Western Beaver (5-4, 5-3, 4th in Big Seven, 22.8, 25.9). RB P.J. Fulmore will take over at QB for the injured Adam Sharlow. RB Jerome Turner (653 yards) looks to ease the transition as the Trojans will look to use the Wildcat formation. The Golden Beavers will be led by RB Hunter Roknich (1208 yards). NC 42-6

#3 Monessen (8-1, 7-1, 1st in Black Hills, 41.7, 15.2) vs #14 West Shamokin (6-3, 5-3, 4th in Eastern, 26.2, 24.1). The Greyhounds are led by RB Clintell Gllaspie (895 yards rushing) and QB Noah Rullo (1257 yards passing, 18 TD, 0 INT). The Wolves are in the playoffs for the first time ever. RB Andrew Wingard led the team in rushing with 753 yards. Monessen 48-12

#4 Clairton (8-1, 7-1, 2nd in Black Hills, 38.5, 13.8) vs #13 Frazier (7-2, 6-2, 3rd in Tri-County South, 41.2, 14.3). The Bears will look to begin their quest to get to Heinz Field again. They are led by RB Lamont Wade (636 yards). The Commodores are led by QB Charlie Manack, who thew for 1653 yards and 25 TD this season. Frazier also features RB Nicholas Smalich (779 yards). Clairton 38-34

#5 Carmichaels (8-1, 7-1, 2nd in Tri-County South, 39.9, 10.7) vs #12 Fort Cherry (8-1, 7-1, 3rd in Black Hills, 47.6, 23.7). Carmichaels seeded 5th to "flip" the seedings because Fort Cherry finished in a 3-way tie in the Black Hills but had to start on the road. The Mighty Mikes are led by QB Brandon Lawless (1429 yards passing) and RB Brennen McMinn (819 yards rushing). The Rangers are led by RB Koltan Kobrys, who has 1882 yards on 170 carries (11.1 ypc) this season. QB Matt Heslin also threw for 1338 yards and 29 TDs. FC 28-14

#6 Neshannock (7-2, 7-1, 2nd in Big Seven, 41.6, 14.9) vs #11 Brentwood (5-4, 5-3, 4th in Black Hills, 29.9, 22.3). The Lancers are led by QB Ernie Burkes (926 yards passing and 806 yards rushing) and RB Eli Owens (1142 yards rushing). The Spartans have made the playoff despite not having star RB Justin Vickless for most of the season. QB Connor McWilliams has turned them into an air attack with 1590 yards this year. Neshannock 34-15

#7 Avonworth (8-1, 7-1, 2nd in Eastern, 36.8, 7.4) vs #10 Laurel (7-2, 6-2, 3rd in Big Seven, 30.0, 12.7). In my opinion, this is the best game of the first round. The Antelopes are led by QB Matt Donovan (1077 yards and 18 TDs) and RB Moses Giles (733 yards). Hoping to part the Red Sea for the Spartans will be all-purpose QB Josh Dando (617 yards passing, 507 yards rushing). Points will be at a premium tonight. Avonworth 14-6

#8 Beth-Center (9-0, 8-0, 1st in Tri-County South, 44.6, 9.4) vs #9 Apollo-Ridge (7-2, 6-2, 3rd in Eastern, 40.0, 15.9). Beth-Center seeded 8th as the champs from the TCS. The Bulldogs are led by RB Anthony Welsh, who had 1202 yards rushing this year. The Vikings are led by QB Jesse Zelonka (1283 yards passing, 581 yards rushing). I doubt this is the year the TCS breaks through. AR 26-14

[Coach]

I hope others enjoy this as much as I do every week. Great job man!!!

[youngbuck]

Clariton vs Sto Rox in two weeks with a trip to Heinz field on the line could be a great game.

who is the favorite on the other side of the bracket?

[youngbuck]

Any chance that Alliquipa gets caught by anyone in AA?