5A WPIAL QUARTERFINALS PREVIEW
Tagged under: pfn
Zachary Black | November 10, 2026
WPIAL 5A playoffs continue this week as the teams that had a bye the first week will play first their playoff games of the year. The top 4 teams in Pine-Richland, North Hills, Penn-Trafford, and Upper St. Clair all had a bye first round and are well rested. The number one team in Pine-Richland is taking on Trinity who defeated Greater Latrobe 21-0 last Friday. Pine Richland is led by Aaron Strader and his number one target in Khalil Taylor. Their opponent this week in Trinity have the dynamic duo of quarterback Owen Samogala and wide receiver Chase Kostelnik.
On the same side of WPIAL playoff bracket for 5A is North Hills taking on West Allegheny. North Hills having the first-round bye will be well rested as the junior In Nicco Thomas looks to lead this team with his legs as they will be going up against a very well-rounded team in West Allegheny. As West A defeated Gateway 28-21 lead by senior Mason Bryan and Brodie Cornell.
On the other side of the WPIAL 5A bracket is the number 2 team in Penn-Trafford. With having an undefeated record and being led by Ben Grabowski who can get it done with his legs and his arm. They are facing a very tough opponent in Thomas Jefferson lead by Tyler Eber who recently reached the 6,000 rushing yards mark and quarterback Harrison Kolling. They defeated Moon Area 42-0 to advance.
Lastly on the right side is quarterback Josh Snyder looks to lead his Upper St. Clair Panthers to take on the number 11 seed in WPIAL 5A Armstrong as they pulled off the upset against Woodland Hills 42-28. Armstrong is led by senior quarterback in Jaydon Oliver and his top receiver Quinton Olsen.
All games will be taking place on Friday November 13th at 7:00 PM. We will see who advances to the semifinals and who will get a trip to Acrisure Stadium on November 28th, 2026, to compete for the 5A WPIAL Championship.
Schedules
