Greenville vs. Clairton Semifinal Preview

Tagged under: District 10, District 7, Game Photos-Videos, Gameday Hub, News, pfn, Playoffs

Shane Lux | November 27, 2025

Where: Helling Stadium (Ellwood City)

When: November 28th, 7:00 pm

About the Clairton Bears

Head Coach: Wayne Wade

Record: 13-1

2025 Clairton Schedule

PIAA Record: 18-7

Summary

Clairton won its 15th WPIAL title last Saturday with a hard-fought 8-6 victory over Laurel. A dominating defense leads the Bears. After dropping their opening contest of the season against Imani Christian, they rattled off nine consecutive shutouts, not including a forfeit win over Shady Side Academy on September 5. Brandon Murphy and Darren Pinson have each recorded over 100 tackles, while Tahvaz Armstrong leads the team with seven sacks. Clairton is equally strong on offense, as they average over 47 points per game. Quarterback Jeff Thompson has passed for 2,243 yards and 34 touchdowns, while Murphy, Taris Wooding, Donte Wright, and Michael Ruffin each have at least 448 receiving yards. Brandon Murphy leads the team with 33 receptions for 635 yards, while Wright has a team-high ten touchdown grabs. Deon Lovelace-Pompey will look to go over 1,000 yards rushing, as he enters the game with 922 yards and 15 scores. Wright and Ruffin have added 391 and 261 yards, respectively. The Bears are aiming for their first trip to the state final since 2016 and are seeking their first title since 2012.

About the Greenville Trojans

Head Coach: Mike Menold

Record: 12-1

2025 Greenville Schedule

PIAA Record: 4-4

Summary

After winning their first PIAA playoff game since 1996, with a thrilling 36-28 victory over District 9 champion Port Allegany a week ago. What will the semifinals bring for Greenville? The Trojans’ prior two semifinal visits came in 1996 and 1993, when they dropped a pair of contests to WPIAL champion Blackhawk by scores of 9-6 and 14-7. Like the previous two, the Trijans will be playing the role of the underdog. And why not? They were underdogs against Wilmington and Port Allegany. Can they do it a third time? If so, it will mark their first appearance in the state championship game. The Trojans will again rely on the trio of Cael Thurber, Rudy Gentile, and Justin Schell. Gentile ran for 197 yards and two touchdowns during last week’s victory over Port Allegany, and ran for nearly 1,500 yards on the season with 24 touchdowns. Justin Schell will look to go over 1,000 yards receiving as he’s caught 47 balls for 991 yards and 15 scores. Cael Thurber has passed for 1,733 yards and 22 touchdowns, while adding 315 rushing yards and nine scores. Kaysom Mataria has chipped in with 823 yards and ten rushing touchdowns.

Notes

Per Ryan Briggs

Greenville has not faced a District 7 opponent since a 12-0 win on August 29, 2003, at New Castle. Greenville is 1-5-1 all-time at Ellwood City. This will be the Trojans’ first trip to Ellwood City in 80 years. Ellwood City Lincoln defeated Greenville (Penn High) 24-0 on October 26, 1945. Greenville first played at Ellwood City 109 years ago, dropping a 15-0 decision on November 11, 1916.

Clairton owns a 7-3 record in the state semifinals, including a 6-2 mark against Mercer County in that round. Clairton is 0-6 against Mercer County teams in the regular season and other postseason rounds, however.

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