District 7: WPIAL Playoff Preview
Tagged under: District 7, Gameday Hub, News, Playoffs
Ethan Spozarski | November 3, 2023
The regular season has ended, however the postseason is just getting started. For most this is another week, but for others this is a turnaround year from the past and look to keep playing another week. Here is your 2023 District 7 Playoff Preview.
Class 1A:
South Side (1) – The Rams were one of two teams to not only go undefeated in conference play, but overall on the season as well. The Rams averaged the third highest points per game in the season (44.6), while only allowing 81 total points over 10 games. QB Brody Almashy had 696 passing yards on the year, with 11 passing TD’s and only two interceptions. The Rams were able to pound it on the ground as RB Ryan Navarra finished the season with exactly 1000 rushing yards and 20 TD’s.
Monessen (16) – The Greyhounds finished the regular season in the same spot this season as they did last, however having a worse conference record. The Greyhounds were able to win the last two games of the season to get the last 1A playoff spot. Monessen was outscored this season by 79 points, but offense did average the fourth most in the Tri County South.
Greensburg Central Catholic (8) – Greensburg while at the eight seed finished their regular season with a 7-3 overall record and 5-1 in conference. This is the third straight year where GCC has had a winning record and made the playoffs. The Centurions were able to finish their regular season with a four game winning streak and in that span they had 3 games of 30+ points. QB Tyree Turner leads the way for the team with 1,249 yards, but more importantly has thrown 14 TD’s and only 1 interception.
West Greene (9) – The Pioneers finished this season 8-2 when just last season only having two wins. A lot of that has to do with the head coaching change to West Greene alum Beau Jackson. West Green had 3 different winning streaks this year, and in seven of their eight wins they scored 30+ points. On the year the Pioneers scored 366 total points, which is fifth in 1A, however did allow just under 23 points per game.
Clairton (4) – Clairton has made the playoffs for the last 5+ years and are continuing to be a dominant football team. The Bears average the fourth most points per game in 1A, and that is after losing their first two games and being shutout in both of them. QB Mike Wright completed 67% of his passes and had 1,300+ yards. And from week three to week nine they won every game they played in and three of them allowed single digit points.
Laurel (13) – Last season the Spartans finished with a 9-1 overall record and a first round playoff exit. This year Laurel sits at 4-6 overall and a tough challenge in their first round game this year. 65% of the Spartans total points scored were when playing conference opponents. In all of the Spartans wins this year the team scored 30+ points, but in five of their six losses they were held to 14 points or fewer.
Union (5) – The defending 1A champs while at the number five seed should not be doubted or overlooked. The Scotties finished 8-2 overall and 5-1 in conference play. The interesting note about this team is they are undefeated when on the road but 3-2 when playing at home which is where they will be for this game. In six of their eight wins they have scored 40+ points and in their losses have allowed a total of 79 points.
Burgettstown (12) – The Blue Devils enter this year’s postseason with a winning overall record and conference record. Burgettstown is undefeated when playing at home (4-0), but only 1-4 on the road. In those four losses the Bluedevils gave up 145 points and only one game where the difference was one possession. A huge factor of this Burgettstown offense: RB Brodie Kuzior. He had 700+ rushing yards, averaged 5.23 yards per carry and 7 TDs.
Fort Cherry (2) – The Rangers strike hard this season going undefeated. Last season, the Rangers were 7-3 and the 2021 season, 5-5. Under Head Coach Tanner Garry, this team has been able to bounce back after some difficult seasons, going all the way to the semi-final round last year. Fort Cherry hopes to win it all with this stellar season so far. Looking to the sophomore quarterback Matt Sieg, throwing for 1,011 yards, 15 TDs and 2 INTs this season while also having the lead in rushing for the team with 104 attempts for 1,335 yards and 12 TDs, he is going to be the main focus for Fort Cherry.
Jefferson-Morgan (15) – For the first time in 17 years, the Rockets are in the postseason! After some disappointing seasons in 2021 going 1-8 and in 2022 going 4-6, Jefferson-Morgan turned it around to 6-4 with a 5-2 conference record in 2023. Led by their running back room totaling for 2,181 yards between 4 RBs: Colin Bisceglia, Houston Guseman, John Woodward, and Jaymison Robinson. The Rockets started the season 1-3. Since then, every victory has been won by 20+ points, making them a competitive team heading into 1A Postseason.
Cornell (7) – After losing a State playoff game to Bishop Canevin in 2021, expectations were high for the 2022 season, as the Raiders fell off going 4-5. Now in the 2023 season, turning it around going 8-2 and 5-2 amongst the conference, expectations were finally met. With a well rounded offense totaling for 3,180+ yards and 41 TOTs, this offense is scary heading into this postseason.
Rochester (10) – After a rocky season for the Rochester Rams, they look to head back to a state playoff game for the third straight year, but this time with a victory in hand. With a 5-4 record, 3-3 conference and going 4-1 at home, this season has been anything but pretty for this team. Having struggled in the air but striving on the ground, they need to find a way to match up against these explosive offenses in this postseason.
Bishop Canevin (3) – Heading into this season after losing the 1A championship to Union, Bishop Canevin hopes to claim the throne this time around. Outscoring opponents 295-81, with 48 of those points coming from their one loss against Fort Cherry, this team has explosive offense and stifling defense, which is what opponents need to figure out if they want to advance over Bishop Canevin.
Leechburg (14) – Leechburg took a break from playoffs for one year, the Blue Devils are hoping to make a dent in their postseason journey like last time. Although 4 out of their 6 wins this season have been by one possession, this team could still pull out the wins they need the way they have been playing as of late.
California (6) – California has had one of the best scoring offenses in 1A this year, having a point differential of 473-99. In all of their wins, they have won by 27 points or more, with the largest deficit being 61 points. If this team can continue the domination offense they have had, this team will go deep into the postseason.
Jeannette (11) – In their first playoff appearance since 2020, Jeannette is back in it! Jeanette had a stellar start to the season, but fell off slightly in the latter half of the season. Defense has been electric throughout the season, with hopes that will continue for them going into the postseason.
Class 2A:
Steel Valley (1) – The Ironmen are only one of two teams to have an undefeated conference record in all of 2A with a 7-0 conference record. After an early 23-20 double overtime loss to Seton LaSalle in week one, the Ironmen have dominated their opponents, outscoring them 277-65. The Ironmen have been led by junior running back Donald Barksdale all season who leads the team with 1,458 rushing yards and 27 touchdowns. The Ironmen are looking to claim back to back 2A champions and their fourth championship in the last eight years.
Serra Catholic (8) – Serra Catholic finished this season with a 4-2 conference record, but finished with a 4-5 overall record while sitting in the eighth seed of the 2A bracket. The Eagles had a disappointing start to the season losing their first four games of the season, but finished strong winning five of there last six games. Serra Catholic is led by junior quarterback Quadir Stribling, who has a total of 2,076 passing yards and has thrown 24 touchdowns this season. The Serra Catholic Eagles look to win their second 2A championship in three years.
Western Beaver (9) – Western Beaver finished this season with a 5-2 conference record and finished with a 6-4 overall record. The Golden Beavers have had one of the best points scored average in all of 2A with an average of 34.8 points a game. Western Beaver has also scored 40+ points in five games this year. The Golden Beavers are led by freshman quarterback Jaivin Peel, who has a total of 2,434 passing yards and 27 passing touchdowns this season.
Imani Christian Academy (4) – After failing to make the playoffs in 2022, the Imani Christian Academy finished this season with a 5-1 conference record and an overall record of 7-2. The Saints have the best points per game average in all of 2A with 38.0 points scored per game. The Saints are led by junior quarterback Steve Vandiver who has a total of 14 passing touchdowns and 1,229 total passing yards. Imani Christian Academy are hungry and are looking to win their first 2A championship in academy history.
Waynesburg Central (13) – The Waynesburg Central Raiders finished this season with a 3-3 conference record, but had an improved 6-3 overall record compared to their winless 0-10 season last year. This is the first playoff appearance for the Raiders since 2014, and clinched the playoffs with a 45-27 win over Charleroi in week 10. The Raiders have a very strong backfield accumulating 2,062 total yards from three of their running backs. Those players are Breydon Woods, Jacob Stephenson, and Ross Tennant.
Mohawk (5) – The Mohawk Warriors finished their season with a 6-1 conference record and an 8-2 overall record. After a week one loss to the Union Scotties, the Warriors went on to win their next eight games, averaging 40.25 points a game before losing week 10 to the Neshannock Lancers 13-7. The Warriors X-Factor has been their receiving core as their six receivers have totaled over 1,800 passing yards this season. Those players being Bobby Fadden, Daunte Retort, Blake Logan, Justin Boston, Joe Nail, and A.J. Verdi. The Warriors fell last year in round one of the WPIAL playoffs against McGuffey, and look to bounce back this year with a round one matchup against Burell.
Burrell (12) – The Burrell Bucs finished this season with a 3-4 conference record and an overall record of 4-6. The Bucs season has been full of ups and downs this year including heading into the playoffs on a three game losing streak. The key to Burrell’s offense has been their running backs as they have four different running backs with over 200 rushing yards this season. Those players are Devin Beattie, Tyler Maglisco, Cooper Hornack, and Stephen Hasson. The Bucs fell in the first round of the playoffs last year to the Neshannock Lancers and look to bounce back with their round one matchup against the Mohawk Warriors.
#2 Neshannock- The Lacers nearly had a flawless season, boasting a 9-1 overall record, including a perfect 7-0 record in conference play, which secured them the second seed in this year’s playoffs. They were led by the talented Sophomore Quarterback, Jino Mozzoccio, who completed 65 out of 108 passes for 906 yards and nine touchdowns. What makes this achievement even more remarkable is that Neshannock’s offense primarily relies on a ground-and-pound approach, with three tailbacks who have each rushed for over three hundred yards. Lancer’s defense had only allowed 16 points per game which kept in some close games.
#3 Washington- The Prexies took a significant step forward compared to last year, finishing the season with a strong 9-1 overall record and a 5-1 conference record. This performance earned them the 3rd seed in this year’s playoffs. The Prexies have a rising star in their quarterback, Tristen Reed, who has garnered the attention of Power 5 programs thanks to his remarkable statistics. Reed completed 66 out of 122 passes for 1,203 yards and 13 touchdowns. What greatly benefits him is the presence of two receivers who each accumulated over 400 yards in receptions this season. Additionally, their defense has been impressive, allowing an average of only 9 points per game to be scored against them. They hope to stay strong as they take on 14-seed Ellwood City in the first round.
#6 McGuffey – The Highlanders find themselves in a situation quite similar to last year. They concluded the regular season with a 7-3 overall record and a 5-1 record in conference play. Their offensive strategy has heavily leaned on their running game, boasting two tailbacks who each surpassed the 500-yard mark in rushing. To succeed in the upcoming games, the Highlanders will need to rely on their defense, which has consistently performed well all season, allowing an average of just 15 points per game. They are determined to rebound from their recent loss to Washington and are now gearing up to face Derry, the 11th seed, in the first round of the playoffs.
#7 Keystone Oaks- The Eagles experienced a slight dip in performance compared to the previous year, finishing the season with a 6-4 overall record and a 4-2 conference record, which secured them the seventh seed. The heart of the Eagle’s offense lies in their strong running game, with senior Dimajio Locante amassing over 1,200 yards and averaging an impressive 6.6 yards per carry this season. On the defensive front, the Eagles have been exceptional, allowing an average of just 10 points per game. They hope to continue their season as they will take on 10-seed Bever Falls this Friday night.
#10 Bever Falls- The Tigers experienced a regression compared to their championship-winning performance last year, concluding the season with a 5-5 overall record and a 4-3 conference record. Despite this, the Tigers possess a formidable running game led by Da’Talian Beauford, who has accumulated an impressive 978 rushing yards on 114 attempts, with an average of 6.8 yards per carry this season. When the need arises, the Tigers’ defense has strived to keep them competitive, allowing an average of 19 points per game. They face an early test in the first round against the 7th seed, Keystone Oaks, as they aim to advance in the playoffs.
#11 Derry- The Trojans have undergone a remarkable transformation compared to the previous year, during which they ended with a winless 0-9 record. They’ve turned things around to finish this season at 5-5 overall, with a solid 4-3 conference record. The Trojans’ resurgence can largely be attributed to senior running back Ahmad Ward, who, with 195 carries, has accumulated an impressive total of 1,030 yards, averaging 5.3 yards per carry. However, the key to this team must be their defense, which has displayed some inconsistency this year, allowing an average of 29 points per game. As they face a formidable Washington team in the first round, the Trojans will need to find a way to contain their opponents and maintain their momentum.
#14 Ellwood City- After a lackluster performance last year, where they finished with a 2-8 record, the Wolverines staged an impressive comeback this season, concluding with a 5-5 overall record and a 3-4 conference record. Their success can be attributed to a balanced offense that excels both in the passing and rushing game. Quarterback Chris Smiley has been a key contributor, completing 107 out of 208 passes for a total of 1,643 yards. Additionally, they have a standout running back in Elijah Palmer-McCane, who has amassed over a thousand yards, specifically 1,393 yards on 223 attempts. However, a significant challenge for the Wolverines this year has been their defense, which allowed an average of 29 points per game. As they face the second-seeded Neshannock in the upcoming match, they will need to address their defensive vulnerabilities and work on preventing their opponents from scoring.
Class 3A:
Belle Vernon (1) – Belle Vernon finished the season near perfect going 8-1 with their lone loss coming at the hands of Thomas Jefferson in week 4. The Leopards demolished every in conference team to go on to win the 3A Interstate Conference once again. Belle Vernon has a first round bye and will face the winner of Southmoreland vs Deer Lakes. Led by 5 star recruit and Penn State commit, Quinton Martin, Belle Vernon looks to repeat as not only WPIAL 3A champions but as PIAA 3A champions as well. The Leopards have a deep backfield of Martin and Jake Gedekoh who together have 30 plus rushing touchdowns on the season.
Deer Lakes (8) – Deer Lakes finished the season 7-3 with a 3-2 conference record and finished 3rd in the WPIAL 3A Allegheny 6 conference. The Lancers are a very strong team with their 3 losses coming from Keystone Oaks, Knoch, and East Allegheny. The Lancers face the Southmoreland Scotties this friday (11/3), the Lancers and Scotties faced off earlier in the season, where the Lancers prevailed 24-7. The Lancers are led by Quarterback Derek Burk who threw for 1700 plus yards with 23 touchdowns and 7 interceptions. Derek Burk shares the ball to all 3 of his receivers who all have over 300 plus yards. The Lancers also have a strong running game led by junior Zier Williams who had 1000 plus rushing yards with 11 touchdowns.
Southmoreland (9) – The Southmoreland Scotties finished the season 6-4 with a 3-2 conference record. Like Deer Lakes the Scotties finished 3rd in the WPIAL 3A Interstate conference. Led by running back Dasjon Craggette who finished the season on a very strong note when he ran for 300 plus yards against Mount Pleasant, The Scotties look to avenge the loss to Deer Lakes earlier in the season this Friday at Deer Lakes. Craggette, who is a transfer from Greensburg Central Catholic, looks to lead the Scotties deep into the playoffs and with 1000 plus rushing yards and 17 touchdowns, the Scotties look towards a deep playoff run.
East Allegheny (4) – The East Allegheny Wildcats earned 1 of the 4 byes in the WPIAL 3A playoffs after finishing the season 8-2 with an undefeated conference record. The Wildcats will face the winner of South Park vs Knoch. The Wildcats share a dynamic duo of quarterback Michael Cahill and wide receiver Brennan Rutledge who have been on a roll recently. The Wildcats are conference champions for the first time since 2000 and look to go on further into the playoffs and make some noise.
Knoch (5) – The Knoch Knights had a huge turnaround season compared to last year where they finished just 1-9, but this year the Knights led by Junior Codi Mullen finished 8-2 with a 4-1 conference record. The Knights two losses were at the hands of Elizabeth Forward and a very close game between East Allegheny which was a very tough loss for the Knights. The Knights finished 2nd in the WPIAL 3A Allegheny 6 Conference and will face South Park this Friday (11/3) to potentially advance and avenge their loss to East Allegheny. Junior Codi Mullen has been very good this season with 1000 plus passing yards with 9 touchdowns and 1 interception while also rushing for 300 plus yards for 3 touchdowns.
South Park (12) – The South Park Eagles finished 4th in the WPIAL 3A Western Hills conference after a 6-4 record on the season and a 2-3 conference record. The Eagles face off against Knoch this Friday (11/3) at Knoch High School. The Eagles regular season didn’t end the way they wanted it to after a shutout loss to West Mifflin, the Eagles are looking to bounce back and defeat Knoch to face East Allegheny who they beat in Week 0 this season 22-16. The Eagles are led by Senior linebacker and quarterback and Michigan commit Zach Ludwig and Junior Eric Doerue who has 1000 plus rushing yards on the season with 11 touchdowns.
Avonworth (2) – The Antelopes finished their season a perfect 10-0, with six of those wins being in conference. Their narrowest margin of victory was by five points in week six over Beaver, who they could potentially see in round two. Avonworth is led by sophomore quarterback Carson Bellinger, who has thrown for 20 touchdowns this season. Senior wide receiver Andrew Kuban leads the team in receiving yards with 753, and also has a team leading 14 touchdowns.
Beaver (7) – The Bobcats finished with an overall record of 8-2, however both losses were in conference as they were defeated by Avonworth and West Mifflin. Beaver is quarterbacked by sophomore Travis Clear and has a strong rush game from two junior running backs, Drey Hall and Qualan Cain. Juniors Brady Mayo and Amari Jackson have a combined 20 touchdowns in the receiving game.
Shady Side Academy (10) – Shady Side finished the regular season with a 2-3 record in conference play, but a 5-5 record overall. They ended the season with consecutive losses by only one score, with Deer Lakes and East Allegheny defeating them. The Bulldogs are led by sophomore quarterback Devin Harris. Finishing 4th in the Allegheny 6 Conference, Shady Side will look to pull off the first round upset against the 7 seeded Beaver Bobcats.
Elizabeth Forward (3) – With a 4-1 conference record and a 9-1 overall record, the Elizabeth Forward still finished behind Belle Vernon in the Interstate Conference. Sophomore quarterback Ryan Messina has yet to throw an interception this season, and junior running back Charles Nigut has 1,000 all purpose yards. The Warriors have a first round bye, and will play the winner of Mt. Pleasant vs West Mifflin.
West Mifflin (6) – Despite the 6-4 overall record from West Mifflin, they managed to finish second in the Western Hills conference, as they went 5-1 in conference play. The Titans went undefeated in the month of October, with their last loss coming against Avonworth on 9/29. Armond Hill’s 1,110 rushing yards and 14 total touchdowns lead the team. With a win, West Mifflin would earn a rematch against Elizabeth Forward, who they lost to 24-7 in week one.
Mt. Pleasant (11) – Mount Pleasant finished fourth in the Interstate Conference, but was still able to clinch a playoff berth. The Vikings have lost three out of their last four games, so they will look to get back on the right track against West Mifflin. Junior quarterback Cole Chatfield has thrown 12 touchdowns this season, and has also ran for nearly 200 yards.
Class 4A:
Aliquippa (1) – The Quips did what the Quips are known to do, and that is dominate. They finish this season undefeated and are looking to make another trip to Acrisure. Aliquippa beat Central Valley in the WPIAL Championship game last year before losing to Bishop McDevitt in the state playoffs. The offense is led by junior running back Tikey Hayes, a Penn State commit, who ran for 1189 yards and 17 touchdowns. The Quips look to win their third straight 4A championship which would give them twenty overall district championships.
West Allegheny (8) – West Allegheny had a record of 4-3 in conference play and 6-4 record overall, earning them the eighth seed. The Indians are a run heavy team with junior quarterback Brock Cornell only throwing 46 total passes all season while rushing for 831 yards and 15 touchdowns. West Allegheny will take on Greater Latrobe in their first round matchup but with a win would look to take on the number one seeded Aliquippa Quips. The Indians put up a fight against Aliquippa in Week 5 losing the game 29 – 22. Look for the Indians to make a surprise run this postseason.
Greater Latrobe (9) – The Wildcats, although the lower seed in their matchup against the eighth seeded West Allegheny Indians, had a better record than West A finishing 4-2 in conference play and a 7-3 overall record. Greater Latrobe lost to Thomas Jefferson in the quarterfinals last season and seem to have another tough road to gold with Aliquippa eyeing up the winner between the Indians and Wildcats. John Wetzel, junior quarterback of the Wildcats, threw for 14 touchdowns while only throwing 2 interceptions while also adding 11 touchdowns on the ground. Wetzel will be instrumental if the Wildcats wish to beat West Allegheny.
Mars (4) – Led by head coach Eric Kasperowicz finished conference play undefeated with a record of 6-0. Senior running back Evan Wright sure helped the Fightin’ Planets in their success this season. Wright led all of WPIAL in total touchdowns by crossing the goal line 29 times this season totaling up for 174 points. The Planets only two losses this season came from third seeded Montour, who they would not have to play until the championship game, and the 5A Moon Tigers. Mars looks to win their first WPIAL football championship in their history.
Chartiers Valley (13) – Chartiers Valley slipped into the playoffs with a win over Ambridge last week making it their third win of the season. The Colts finished the season 3-7 with all three wins coming against conference opponents. Senior quarterback Gavin Owens will lead the Colts into Planet territory trying to pull off the upset.
Central Valley (5) – The Warriors of Central Valley finished their season with a 5-2 conference record and a 7-3 overall record, the non-conference loss coming against 3A Avonworth. Freshman running back Jance Henry ran for 970 yards and 13 touchdowns while helping lead the Warriors to the fifth seed. In 2021, the Warriors won their third straight WPIAL championship in the 3A classification but look to win their first ever 4A championship.
Highlands (12) – The Highlands Golden Rams finished .500 in conference play and 6-4 overall this season. Luke Bombalski of the Rams ran for 943 yards and 13 touchdowns this season to help Highlands make the playoffs. The Golden Rams finished last season in disappointment by losing to Greater Latrobe in the first round last season after finishing the regular season 9-1. Highlands seek to make up for last season’s upset loss by trying to pull off an upset of their own against Central Valley.
Class 5A
Peters Township (1) – Peters Township enters the playoffs as the only undefeated team in 5A football. The Indians have only allowed 65 points on defense this year and have scored an astonishing 405, in only 10 games. They are the fourth best team in Pennsylvania according to MaxPreps. Peters is set to take on Franklin Regional in round 1 at home.
Franklin Regional (8) – Franklin Regional finished the season 6-4 after starting 6-2. They lost their last two games, both at home, to North Hills and Penn Trafford, the 2021 WPIAL champions. The Panthers hope to rebound against an undefeated Peters Township team for, what would be, the upset of the year.
Moon (5) – After an 0-3 start to the season the Moon Tigers hit a complete 180 and finished the year 5-5 with a 3-2 conference record putting them in second place behind Peters Township. The Tigers beat the Baldwin Fighting Highlanders in Moon last week 42-16. Moon finished 1-9 last year after going to the WPIAL championship the year prior. Moon hopes to find their first playoff victory since 2021 as they face Gateway on the road this Friday.
Gateway (4) – Gateway finished the season without an out of conference victory, but went 5-0 in conference play. Gateway was defeated last week in a blowout loss where Central Catholic won 51-7, however the time is now. It is win or go home season for the Gators and with being undefeated in the conference, they will seek to continue conference play domination against Moon on Friday in a (5-5) vs (5-5) matchup. Gateway will host the game of the week and will have KDKA coverage for the game.
Penn Hills (2) – Penn Hills finished the season with a 3-2 record outside of the conference but went 5-0 in conference play. Penn Hills defeated Woodland Hills last week in a nailbiter 26-21. Penn Hills has put up an outstanding 274 points on the season only allowing. Penn Hills looks to continue their undefeated conference play vs Penn Trafford on Friday.
Penn Trafford (7) – Penn Trafford finished with a 5-5 overall record however they went 4-1 in the conference. Penn Trafford defeated Franklin Regional 27-14 last friday in a close one. They put up a respectable 221 points but allowed 223 points. They look to continue their nearly perfect conference record but it’s going to be very difficult vs Penn Hills.
Pine-Richland (3) – Pine-Richland went an impressive 7-3 overall and 4-1 in the conference. Pine-Richland blew out North Hills 35-0 last week. Pine-Richland put up the second most points in 5A putting up an outstanding 304 points. They look to keep their almost perfect conference record vs Bethel Park on Friday.
Bethel Park (6) – Bethel park put up 4-6 record overall and a 3-2 record in the conference. Bethel Park has allowed a disappointing 301 points on the season Bethel Park got destroyed last time out to Peters Township 68-28. Bethel Park looks to bounce back this week but it’s going to be difficult vs Pine-Richland.
Class 6A
Central Catholic (1) – Coming off an electric regular season, eyes are set on winning the championship. Being led by QB Payton Wehner throwing for 2,456 yards, 32 TDs and 4 INTs, he has kept the offense winning and scoring all season. Besides their one loss to Pine-Richland, scoring only 19 points, Central Catholic has managed to score 42 or more points in each game and holding the majority of their opponents to 26 points or fewer.
Mount Lebanon (4) – Starting the season 4-1, many did not think they would end up at 5-5 at the end of regular season. The fall of this team in the second half of the season came from their conference play happening in this second half. Mount Lebo had a difficult time keeping up with its other 6A competitors, but was very strong against other opponents. Was this just a hiccup in their season or will the competition of the 6A division get to the Blue Devils too soon?
North Allegheny (2) – Outsourcing opponents 461-170 this season, North Allegheny has been strong and silencing for the majority of the season, having their only loss to Central Catholic. Winning all games by 5 or more possessions this season, once they get ahead, they are hard to beat.
Canon McMillan (3) – Going 2-2 in the conference, the Big Macs are right in the middle of this 6A play. Finishing 6-4 on the season, going back and forth on wins and losses, never really having streaks to keep momentum going, this Canon McMillan team is strong but inconsistent. If they want to advance to the throne, they need to find their rhythm now, not later.
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