Gridiron Showdown: WPIAL Football Week 4 Highlights

As the 2024 WPIAL football regular season enters its fourth week, the action on the gridiron is heating up. With conference play in full swing for many teams, the race for playoff spots is intensifying. This comprehensive report delves into the key matchups, standout performances, and historic factoids that have defined the latest chapter of WPIAL football.

Elevating the Game: WPIAL Football's Week 4 Showcase

Undefeated Titans and Winless Woes

The WPIAL football landscape is a tapestry of contrasts, with 25 teams still undefeated and 18 squads searching for their first victory of the season. The list of unblemished teams includes perennial powerhouses like North Allegheny, Bethel Park, and South Fayette, as well as rising stars such as Deer Lakes, Imani Christian, and Greensburg Salem. However, the winless woes have also plagued several notable programs, including Mt. Lebanon, Baldwin, and Beaver Falls, who are all hoping to break through this weekend.

Clash of the Titans: Canon-McMillan vs. Mt. Lebanon

One of the marquee matchups in Class 6A features the Canon-McMillan Big Macs taking on the Mt. Lebanon Blue Devils. After suffering three straight losses against undefeated 5A opponents, Canon-McMillan finally found its footing with a road victory over Armstrong last week. Senior running back Evan Morris and sophomore quarterback Ty Jansma led the charge, combining for over 450 yards of offense and five touchdowns. Meanwhile, Mt. Lebanon has struggled mightily, losing its first four games and being outscored 157-36. Junior quarterback Patrick Smith has shown promise, but the Blue Devils will need to find a way to slow down the Big Macs' offensive onslaught.

Heavyweight Showdown: Upper St. Clair vs. McKeesport

In a highly anticipated Class 5A vs. Class 4A nonconference clash, the Upper St. Clair Panthers travel to take on the McKeesport Tigers. Upper St. Clair has been dominant, winning its first four games by an average margin of 37 points. The trio of junior Dante Coury, sophomore John Banbury, and freshman Josh Snyder have spearheaded the Panthers' potent rushing attack, combining for over 370 yards and six touchdowns last week. McKeesport, on the other hand, finally found its footing with an impressive victory over defending WPIAL and PIAA 3A champion Belle Vernon. Sophomore running back Kemon Spell led the way with 151 yards and three touchdowns, showcasing the Tigers' offensive firepower.

Neighborhood Rivalry: Thomas Jefferson vs. West Mifflin

In a Class 4A nonconference clash, the Thomas Jefferson Jaguars visit the West Mifflin Titans. Thomas Jefferson has cruised through its first four games, with senior quarterback Luke Kosko leading the way with over 300 yards passing and three touchdowns in their latest win over Avonworth. The Jaguars' defense has also been stifling, allowing just 14 points in their last two outings. West Mifflin, on the other hand, struggled against a tough Bethel Park squad last week, but sophomore running back Armand Hill has been a bright spot, rushing for 382 yards and nine touchdowns through the first four games.

Battle for the Western Hills: Beaver vs. Central Valley

In a Class 3A Western Hills Conference showdown, the Beaver Bobcats travel to take on the Central Valley Warriors. Beaver bounced back from its first loss of the season with a dominant 49-17 victory over Hopewell, led by junior quarterback Travis Clear and senior wide receiver Amari Jackson. Central Valley, the preseason No. 1 team in Class 3A, has faced a challenging schedule but finally found its footing with a 49-0 blowout win over McGuffey. Sophomore quarterback Braddock Ambrose and senior running back Mason Dixon spearheaded the Warriors' offensive onslaught.

Allegheny Conference Clash: South Park vs. South Allegheny

In a battle of top-ranked Class 2A teams, the South Park Eagles visit the South Allegheny Gladiators. South Park's defense has been stifling, allowing just six points in its last three games, with senior running back Eric Doerue leading the way. South Allegheny, on the other hand, is off to a perfect 4-0 start, its best since 1977 when the school won its only WPIAL football championship. Senior quarterback Ryan Cortes has been the catalyst for the Gladiators' success, throwing for 134 yards and two touchdowns in their conference-opening victory.

Black Hills Conference Clash: Bishop Canevin vs. Cornell

In a Class A Black Hills Conference showdown, the Bishop Canevin Crusaders travel to take on the Cornell Raiders. Bishop Canevin has bounced back from a season-opening loss to Seton LaSalle, winning its last two games. Senior quarterback Kole Olszewski and sophomore running back Myontae Mott have been the driving forces for the Crusaders' offense. Cornell, on the other hand, has been dominant, outscoring its opponents 165-12 through the first four games. Senior running back Walter Clarit and junior quarterback M.J. Stuckey have led the Raiders' high-powered attack.