Big East 9 (5A)
Franklin Regional (4-2, 4-2) at Latrobe (0-7, 0-5)
7 p.m. Friday
The buzz: The Panthers hope to continue their march to the WPIAL playoffs, while the Wildcats hope to play spoiler in the Big East 9 Conference standings.
Key players: Nate Leopold, also a key receiver for Franklin Regional, rushed for 118 yards and two touchdowns in the rain as the Panthers topped Penn-Trafford, 21-16, last week. Latrobe quarterback Austin Butler, a Division I basketball commit, has thrown for 1,394 yards and 11 touchdowns in seven games.
About the Panthers: Franklin Regional controls its own destiny to the playoffs. A win this week and a win over Gateway in two weeks and the Panthers lock up a trip to the postseason
About the Wildcats: Latrobe is hoping to put an end to its frustrating 23-game losing streak that dates back to 2014. The Wildcats have been outscored 284-88 in five conference games. They lost a nonconference game to Baldwin, 28-21, in Week 6.
Prediction: Franklin Regioanl, 42-14
Big East 9 (5A)
Gateway (5-2, 4-1) at Kiski Area (4-3, 4-1)
7 p.m. Friday
The buzz: The winner will move into a first-place tie with McKeesport in the conference standings and increase its chances of making the WPIAL playoffs.
Key players: Gators quarterback Brady Walker has thrown 16 touchdown passes against only three interceptions. Kiski Area's Ross Greece had 74 yards on 29 carries against a stingy McKeesport defense last week. He also completed 4 of 6 passes for 69 yards.
About the Gators: Gateway won the last meeting between the teams 43-25, in 2013. The defense limited Plum to 30 yards of offense last week.
About the Cavaliers: Kiski Area has been outscored 89-7 the past two weeks in losses to McKeesport (5A No. 5) and West Allegheny (5A No. 1). In their four wins, the Cavaliers are averaging 34.25 points per game.
Prediction: Gateway, 26-20
Big EAst 9 (5A)
Penn-Trafford (5-2, 3-2) at 3-5A Armstrong (6-1, 4-1)
7 p.m. Friday
The buzz: Penn-Trafford is riding a rare two-game losing streak and is now preparing to face the top running back in the WPIAL in Zane Dudek. Penn-Trafford needs to stop the slide if it hopes to make WPIAL Class 5A playoffs, which get underway Nov. 5.
Key players: Penn-Trafford quarterback Cam Laffoon is following in his brother's (Brett) footsteps, completing 70 of 128 passes for 1,124 yards. Dudek has rushed for 2,202 yards and 28 touchdowns this season for Armstrong, setting a WPIAL regular-season rushing record last week in a win over Latrobe.
About the Warriors: The P-T defense has been the strength of the team, allowing 13.7 points per game.
About the River Hawks: Dudek has rushed for 838 yards and 12 touchdowns the past two weeks. Sophomore twin tackles Jacob and Zack Aretz have anchored the defensive line.
Prediction: Armstrong, 35-28
Big 9 (4A)
Ringgold (4-2, 4-2) at 4-4A West Mifflin (7-0, 5-0
7:30 p.m. Friday
The buzz: West Mifflin looks to stay unbeaten against a Ringgold team that has gone 2-2 in its last four Class 4A Big 9 Conference games, losing matchups to Belle Vernon and top-ranked Thomas Jefferson.
Key players: Ringgold quarterback George Martin was 12-of-15 passing for 194 yards and two touchdowns in a Week 6 win over Uniontown. West Mifflin running back Howie Reed has rushed for 846 yards and 16 touchdowns through seven games, averaging more than 12 yards per carry.
About the Rams: A win over West Mifflin would give Ringgold five wins for the fourth straight season. Ringgold has won two of its last three matchups with West Mifflin.
About the Titans: West Mifflin has scored 28 or more points in all seven games this season. Its lowest victory margin is 26 points.
Prediction: West Mifflin, 35-24
Northwest nine (4a)
Blackhawk (4-2, 3-2) at Highlands (3-3, 2-3)
7 p.m. Friday
The buzz: Battling for playoff position, the Cougars and Golden Rams look for an important conference victory.
Key players: Blackhawk's Michael Savlisky threw for a pair of touchdowns in last week's 56-7 win over Ambridge, both to Tyler Hill. Noah Gillette returned a fumble for the winning touchdown in Highlands' 12-10 victory over Montour.
About the Cougars: Noah Haney returned two fumbles for touchdowns last week, covering 19 and 23 yards. Blackhawk has scored either 21 or 28 points in five of its six games this season.
About the Golden Rams: Highlands has won two straight games since a three-game losing streak. The Golden Rams boast the second-best scoring defense in the Northwest Nine, allowing just 13.3 points per game. Jermaine Jett rushed for 74 yards and a TD last week.
Prediction: Highlands, 20-17
Allegheny (3A)
3-3A Keystone Oaks (5-1, 4-0) at Apollo-Ridge (5-2, 4-1)
7 p.m. Friday
The buzz: The Golden Eagles look to remain undefeated in conference play. The Vikings topped Keystone Oaks the last two seasons in nonconference action.
Key players: Keystone Oaks quarterback Alex Smith is a dual-threat, throwing for 1,651 yards, running for 674 and recording 24 touchdowns. Apollo-Ridge's Duane Brown, who has returned from a knee injury, ran for 126 yards on 12 carries in last week's win over Freeport.
About the Golden Eagles: Wide receiver Quran Powe had five catches for 100 yards in his first game after being declared eligible by the PIAA. The offense is averaging 44.5 points, the second highest average in Class 3A.
About the Vikings: Kyle Fitzroy has thrown for 1,169 yards and 13 touchdowns. Brown also leads the team in receiving yards with 16 catches for 318 yards and seven touchdowns and, at times, lines up at quarterback.
Prediction: Keystone Oaks, 35-28
Allegheny (3A)
Seton-La Salle (4-2, 3-2) at Freeport (4-2, 3-1)
7 p.m. Friday
The buzz: Freeport, Valley and Seton-La Salle all have three conference victories to trail Keystone Oaks and Apollo-Ridge.
Key players: Seton-La Salle's Lionel Deanes is one of the leading rushers in the WPIAL. Deanes, a junior, ran for 221 yards and two scores on 31 carries last week, boosting his season rushing totals to 1,301 yards and 12 touchdowns. Freeport sophomore Austin Romanchak is a dual-threat quarterback.
About the Rebels: Seton-La Salle has lost to Valley (19-14) and Deer Lakes (35-28). The Rebels are averaging 28.2 points while allowing 22.2, and haven't scored less than 14 points in any game.
About the Yellow Jackets: Freeport's schedule in October consists of four of the top teams in the conference — Apollo-Ridge, Seton-La Salle, Keystone Oaks and Valley.
Prediction: Seton-La Salle, 21-14
Beaver Valley (3A)
5-3A Beaver Falls (5-1, 2-1) at 1-3A Central Valley (6-1, 4-0)
7 p.m. Friday
The buzz: The Beaver Valley has four teams with one or fewer losses: Central Valley (4-0), Beaver (3-1), Beaver Falls (2-1) and Aliquippa (2-1). Only two conference teams (and maybe a wildcard third) will qualify for the WPIAL 3A playoffs, so a loss could spell trouble.
Key players: Beaver Falls WR Malik Shepherd, who missed the first two games with a foot injury, pushed his touchdown total to four with runs of 12 and 76 yards last week. Central Valley QB Nico Battisti rushed for two touchdowns in last week's 35-0 victory over Hopewell.
About the Tigers: The BF defense scored twice in a 34-0 victory over Quaker Valley. Dayln Brickner returned an interception 27 yards for a touchdown, and Jacarri Cleckley carried a fumble 60.
About the Warriors: Battisti and Danny Santia combined have 13 rushing TDs, and both ran for more than 100 yards in a 42-35 key win over Beaver two weeks ago.
Prediction: Central Valley, 35-27
Interstate (3A)
Mt. Pleasant (5-2, 3-2) at Yough (3-3, 2-2)
7 p.m. Friday
The buzz: This is basically a playoff game for these teams as they try to remain alive for one of the two automatic berths in the Interstate Conference or one of two wildcard sports in Class 3A. A third conference loss could end their playoff dreams.
Key players: Mt. Pleasant wide receiver Keith Kalp has 23 catches for 559 yards and six touchdowns. Yough sophomore running back Dustin Shoaf has rushed for 840 yards and 10 touchdowns.
About the Vikings: Mt. Pleasant will try to rebound after being dominated by first-place Derry last week. Quarterback Johnny Yester has completed 51 of 69 passes for 1,158 yards and 12 touchdowns.
About the Cougars: Quarterback Ryan Everly is a dual-threat for Yough. He has completed 43 of 99 passes for 712 yards and six touchdowns and has rushed for 241 yards and four touchdowns. He also has intercepted three passes.
Prediction: Mt. Pleasant, 28-14
Eastern (A)
Bishop Canevin (4-2, 3-2) at Springdale (4-3, 2-2)
7 p.m. Friday
The buzz: Bishop Canevin and Springdale will meet for the first time since 2011, when the Crusaders topped the Dynamos, 26-20.
Key players: Canevin running back Maleik Hemingway has run for 451 yards and nine touchdowns. Springdale running back Ben Sowinski has 743 yards and five touchdowns.
About the Crusaders: Zack Trusky is a powerful runner and averages 5.8 yards per carry. Austin Scott has moved back to quarterback and threw for 161 yards and two touchdowns last week. The offense is scoring 23.7 points per game.
About the Dynamos: Quarterback Sam Carey has thrown for 578 yards and five touchdowns along with 172 rushing yards. Springdale is in the hunt for its third straight trip to the WPIAL playoffs. The offense averages 23.7 points.
Prediction: Springdale, 16-15
Eastern (A)
2-A Jeannette (7-0, 5-0) at Greensburg C.C. (2-5, 2-2)
7 p.m. Friday
The buzz: These rivals have a history of competitive games, but this season they appear to be headed in opposite directions. Jeannette continues to soar toward its Week 9 game against Clairton. Greensburg Central Catholic is having one of its worst seasons.
Key players: Jeannette wideout Ryan Swinton has 12 catches for 304 yards and six touchdowns. GCC linebacker Jassan Eubanks has 17 tackles for loss, which are only two less than the 19 he had last season. He also has forced four fumbles and has six sacks.
About the Jayhawks: Jeannette is averaging 47.3 points offensively while allowing a WPIAL best 3.4.
About the Centurions: Running back Alvin Ross has 19 receptions for 303 yards and has rushed for 375 yards. He'll need three big games if he hopes to rush for more than 1,000 yards for his third consecutive season (1,028 at Frazier and 1,346 at GCC).
Prediction: Jeannette, 49-14
Eastern (A)
Leechburg (0-7, 0-5) at 1-A Clairton (6-0, 4-0)
7 p.m. Friday
The buzz: Winless Leechburg travels to Clairton to face a Bears team coming off a statement win over Aliquippa.
Key players: Cory Nulph scored Leechburg's opening touchdown in a 26-14 loss to West Greene. Clairton's Lamont Wade rushed for 247 yards and four TDs — including a highlight-reel 73-yarder that made SportsCenter — in the 52-16 win over Aliquippa.
About the Blue Devils: Leechburg led West Greene early, but four first-half turnovers proved costly. The Blue Devils scored 63 points in their last three games after putting up 27 in their first four.
About the Bears: Wade surpassed the 5,000-yard career mark earlier this season and is one of the country's highest-recruited defensive back prospects. Noah Hamlin scored TDs on a reception, run and interception return last week.
Prediction: Clairton, 63-6
NONCONFERENCE (6A)
Butler (2-4, 1-4) at Norwin (4-3, 3-2)
7 p.m. Friday
The buzz: Butler and Norwin will meet for the first time since 2009, when the Knights won 24-21. The Golden Tornado lost to Central Catholic, 49-7, last week, while Norwin fell to Mt. Lebanon, 34-13.
Key players: Anthony DeVaughn leads the Butler in rushing with 240 yards and two touchdowns. Norwin receiver Anthony DelleFemine is a big-play target who has 30 catches for 634 yards and eight touchdowns.
About the Golden Tornado: Defensive end Dallas Hays leads the team in tackles with 33. The offense is scoring 13.5 points per game. Butler has used three players at quarterback after starter Brandon Fleeger suffered an injury in Week 2.
About the Knights: Aaron Carr leads the Knights in rushing with 332 yards and six touchdowns. The defense is allowing 16.1 points per game, the lowest average in Class 6A. Quarterback Brock Dieter has thrown for 990 yards and 13 touchdowns.
Prediction: Norwin, 21-14
Nonconference (6a)
Hempfield (4-3, 3-2) at Penn Hills (3-4, 2-3)
7 p.m. Friday
The buzz: This nonconference battle pits two of the top quarterbacks in Class 6A — Penn Hills' Cam Tarrant and Hempfield's Justin Sliwoski. Both teams are hoping for dry weather so their passing attacks can shine.
Key players: Hempfield running back Jordan Kempka has rushed for 880 yards and three touchdowns. Penn Hills wide receiver Julian Major is the leading pass catcher for the Indians with 27 receptions for 396 yards.
About the Spartans: Hempfield snapped its three-game losing streak by blanking Altoona, 28-0, last week. The Spartans hope to build on that win with the WPIAL playoffs looming.
About the Indians: Tarrant leads the WPIAL in passing with 1,790 yards and 23 touchdowns. He also has rushed for a team-high 492 yards. The Indians are coming off back-to-back losses to Seneca Valley (32-7) and North Allegheny (28-21).
Prediction: Penn Hills, 28-21
NONCONFERENCE (5A)
5-5A McKeesport (5-1) at 2-5A Upper St. Clair (5-1)
7:30 p.m. Friday
The buzz: This game matches Class 5A's second-highest scoring team, McKeesport (40.8 ppg) against the second stingiest defense, Upper St. Clair (9.3 ppg).
Key players: Jayvaun Shears has excelled in running McKeesport's flexbone option offense, rushing for 612 yards and 15 scores and throwing for 229 yards and three touchdowns. With starting tailback Thomas Vissman limited by injury, Blake Kadar has gained 499 yards on 95 carries for the Panthers.
About the Tigers: A 43-42 loss to Armstrong is all that's keeping McKeesport from an unbeaten season. In addition to Shears, Layton Jordan (546 yards) and Breon Green (330 yards) have handled the bulk of the running duties.
About the Panthers: Last week's 33-7 loss to West Allegheny ended Upper St. Clair's unbeaten run and dropped the Panthers to No. 2 in Class 5A. Jack Hansberry has thrown for 477 yards.
Prediction: Upper St. Clair, 28-21
Nonconference (3A)
Derry (7-0) at Ellwood City (0-6)
7 p.m. Friday
The buzz: Fresh of a 34-14 victory over Mt. Pleasant, Derry looks to keep its momentum heading into the final two conference games of the season against Waynesburg and at McGuffey.
Key players: Derry is led by running back Tyler Balega, who has rushed for 892 yards and 14 touchdowns, including three scores in Week 6. Toby Kelly has rushed for 273 yards and three scores on 54 carries for Ellwood City.
About the Trojans: Derry averages 31.6 points and is 5-0 in the Interstate Conference. Ryan Polinsky has been a reliable passer, completing 37 of 82 throws for 597 yards and four scores.
About the Wolverines: Ellwood City has spread the ball around on offense. Four players have 20 or more carries. Jordan Reece has thrown for 290 yards and four scores. The Wolverines have been outscored 193-38. They play at Riverside in a nonconference game next week before wrapping up Beaver Valley Conference play against Quaker Valley.
Prediction: Derry, 21-7
NonConference
Laurel (4-3) at Deer Lakes (1-5)
7 p.m. Friday
The buzz: Mired in a five-game losing streak, Deer Lakes looks for a better result in a nonconference matchup.
Key players: William Shaffer passed for a TD but threw four interceptions in Laurel's 54-14 loss to Cardinal Wuerl North Catholic. Mark Febinger scored Deer Lakes' only TD and had a 64-yard punt in the Lancers' 21-7 loss to Seton-La Salle.
About the Spartans: Laurel is on a two-game losing streak, falling to Neshannock and North Catholic. Jordan Dantico leads the Spartans with 24 catches, including five TDs, while Spencer Jones has 416 rushing yards and five TDs.
About the Lancers: Heavy rain limited Deer Lakes' passing attack against Seton-La Salle, but QB David Fleming ran for 72 yards. The Lancers have 21 points in their past two games. A fumble and turnover on downs cost them chances to score early against Seton-La Salle.
Prediction: Deer Lakes, 26-17
City League
Westinghouse (3-3, 2-1) at Allderdice (2-5, 2-1)
3:30 p.m. Friday, Cupples Stadium
The buzz: First place in the City League is on the line Friday afternoon with just two weeks remaining in the regular season.
Key players: Tay'von Lee-Mattox threw a 6-yard touchdown pass to Wade Yurko, as Westinghouse held a 7-0 halftime lead last week. William Ford added a 92-yard kickoff return. Jeremiah Hardrick leads Allderdice with five touchdowns.
About the Bulldogs: Westinghouse opened the season 3-0, including wins over Perry and Brashear, but has dropped three straight games, including last week's 14-13 loss to USO. The Bulldogs take on Carrick next week.
About the Dragons: After starting the season 0-3, Allderdice defeated USO and Carrick and is in position to compete for the City title. The Dragons were outscored 62-19 the past two weeks against DuBois and Hollidaysburg. Allderdice will wrap up the regular season against Perry.
Prediction: Westinghouse, 21-14
