W.P.I.A.L. High School Football Predictions: Week 5

Each week from the start of the WPIAL season through the PIAA State Finals, Pittsburgh SportsNation brings you the best, uncensored, no holds barred predictions by our local high school football guru who goes by the moniker “P To The Power of 2”.

He is one of our underground writers who covers the hard hitting action of WPIAL High School Football in Western Pennsylvania. Or is it she...? Either way, we'll never tell! (Unless you have a crisp $100 bill in hand)

By P To The Power of 2

Thursday Night Football and a glass of scotch accompany PToThePowerOf2 to the war-room this evening to an ever beautiful 9-1 record on the markerboard from last week. 

No folks, a step was not lost, just a slight hesitation. With that 9-1 posting, we move our season total to 40 victories and 10 defeats. 80%. 

Three match-ups catch the attention of PToThePowerOf2 for tomorrow. Let's Get To Work!

Class 'AAAAAA'

Central Catholic Vikings (4-1) visit Pine Richland Rams (4-1)

This game is always highlighted for these 2 programs. Last week, Pine Richland defeated Norwin to the tune of 44-7. Rams QB Cole Spencer has 12 touchdowns this season. 7 via pass and 5 on the ground. Spencer has thrown for close to 600 yards and has rushed for 203. The Rams only blemish is from the defeat from national powerhouse IMG Academy back in week 0, 42-0. 

Central Catholic somehow defeated Bethel Park, 7-6. The Vikings only defeat came from the North Allegheny Tigers, 27-3. 

This game will solidify playoff positioning, but will only be for 2nd place in the division behind NA. 

Pine Richland over Central Catholic

Class 'AAAA'

Blackhawk Cougars (5-0) visit South Fayette Lions (4-1)

The Zach Hayward era at Blackhawk couldn't have started any better, as Hayward and his staff have the Cougars out to their best start in nine seasons. Blackhawk last week blanked Montour, 28-0. South Fayette easily rolled over Hopewell 48-0.

Blackhawk is led by the trio of backs who have amassed 1,105 yards with 16 touchdowns. Ken Gawley, Josh Butcher & Marques Trent. 

South Fayette keeps reloading instead of rebuilding at the QB postion. The Lions will let Jamie Diven sling the pigskin across the yard. This season, he has thrown for 17 touchdowns. He has a total of 1,204 yards passing. The Lions only defeat came from the hands of Upper St Clair back in week zero, 34-33. 

This game is an enormous measuring stick for both teams. Key to this game is whether Blackhawk can keep the South Fayette offense off the field. 

Toss up from McDonald, PA

Blackhawk over South Fayette

Class 'AAAAA'

North Hills Indians (4-1) visit Gateway Gators (5-0)

The Indians make a trip south to Monroeville to visit the Gators. Last week, North Hills was crushed by Peters Township, 35-7. Tyler Brennan has rushed for 500 yards and has 13 touchdowns. 

Gateway destroyed Ringgold, 62-0 last week. Gators QB Brendan Majocha has close to 1,200 total offense (867 passing, 290 rushing)

This one will get away from North Hills again, unless they can find a way to pass the ball. 

Gateway over North Hills

As for the others......

West Allegheny over Woodland Hills

Thomas Jefferson over Connellsville

Charleroi over Beth-Center

Rochester over Cornell

Derry over Elizabeth Forward

Western Beaver over New Brighton

Riverside over Carlynton

Enjoy the lights......see yous next week!