W.P.I.A.L. High School Football Predictions: Week 8

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

The Sports Equinox this Thursday evening as the NFL, NHL, MLB & NBA are all in action. A busy evening, but as the rest of the commonwealth turns their attention to those contests, PToThePowerOf2 is lining up previews and selections for the ever-important week 8 of the WPIAL season.

Sources inform us that South Fayette is the new lead recruiting district. Players transferring from Moon and West Allegheny? Hmmmm, is the Rossi regime as tarnished as the Lyons rubbish in Central Valley? Investigation anyone?

Last week, PToThePowerOf2 posted an outstanding 12-3 record, thus raising the season total higher than the settlement issued to Stormy Daniels to 66 victories and only 18 defeats! 78%!

We welcome you to Week 8 – Playoffs are on the horizon, rivalry games and first ever meetings are on the slate…..As always let’s get to work!

Class ‘AAAAA’

Franklin Regional Panthers (6-1) vs McKeesport Tigers (7-1)

A “Big East Conference” game in class 5A takes place Friday from McKeesport. Don’t forget your glock!

McKeesport last week destroyed Kiski 66-6. Franklin Regional defeated Connellsville, 42-9.

Panthers QB Adam Rudzinski has 14 touchdowns this season and 1,067 passing.

McKeesport will use dual threat QB Konta Gaskins. This season, he has 18 total touchdowns, has rushed for 477 yards and has thrown for 560 yards.

This one will be close…….

McKeesport over Franklin Regional

Class ‘AAAAAA’

Seneca Valley Raiders (6-2) vs Pine Richland Rams (7-1)

The battle between the upper wealthy takes place tomorrow in Gibsonia.

Seneca Valley enters with a victory over the ever awful Woodland Hills Wolverines, 24-7. Raiders QB has thrown for 905 yards this season and has 14 touchdowns to his credit.

Pine Richland last week defeated Mt Lebanon, 42-24. Rams QB Cole Spencer this season has thrown the ball for 1,045 yards and has 8 touchdowns. The Rams have not had much trouble running over their opposition since being dismantled in week zero by perennial powerhouse IMG Academy. The Rams have outscored their opponents 320 to 115. 

Nothing changes in this one, so you could make it to the winery early in Gibsonia.

Pine Richland over Seneca Valley

Non-Conference

Blackhawk Cougars (7-1) vs Beaver Falls Tigers (7-1)

The best game in Beaver County will be hosted by Geneva College on Friday.

A rivalry that has reappeared from the early 2000’s. These two neighboring schools have not locked it up on the gridiron since 2005... that’s 14 years folks. Since then, Beaver Falls has captured a PIAA State Championship. A Championship that still eludes their friends “on the hill” in Blackhawk as they lost all three of their appearances (91, 92, & 96).

The all-time record in this rivalry is lopsided to say the least, as the Cougars hold the edge 17-5-1. The only tie coming in 1981, when floor model zeniths were still in style.

Beaver Falls last week torched Waynesburg Central, 49-10. QB Dayln Brickner is the do-it-all QB for the Tigers offense this season, who have outscored their opponents 314-128. 

The Tigers only loss this season came the hands of Aliquippa a few weeks ago, 39-0.

Blackhawk enters after destroying Indiana, 50-7. The Cougars 3-man rushing attack this week will be down to two as Watson-Trent is sidelined with illness. Gawley and Butcher will be looked upon to carry the work load. Between those two this season, they have a combined 985 yards and 11 touchdowns. The Cougars only loss this season was to South Fayette in week 5, 21-0.

Both teams displaying offenses that can score on splash plays and broken plays. Late turnover or a bad penalty late could decide this one. A large 50/50 should be available!

Beaver Falls has not defeated Blackhawk in 35 years, way back in 1983 when the Tigers were victorious 7-0. 

History has a tendency of repeating itself they say, or is it streaks are meant to be broken?

Blackhawk over Beaver Falls

As for the others……

North Allegheny over West Allegheny

Beaver over Montour

Burgettstown over Brentwood

StoRox over Laurel

North Hills over Shaler

Thomas Jefferson over Greensburg Salem

Mohawk over Ellwood City

Enjoy the lights……See yous next week for the regular season finale!