WPIAL High School Football Predictions: Championship Saturday

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

A cold evening in the commonwealth accompanied by Avery keeps us from enjoying our normal Thursday night cocktails & Cigar. So, this evening, it's coffee & a pastry.

Last week, PToThePowerOf2 posted another excellent week, racking up 11 victories and only suffering 5 defeats. Thus moving the 2018 postseason total to 36 victories and 9 defeats, 80%.

Our 2018 entire season moves now to 119 victories and only 29 defeats, 80%.

Seems as if our number this week is 80……We’d like to tell you all about our 80’s, but, we have a weekend of SemiFinals and WPIAL Finals at stake! And another light up night in the city to assist with the already terrible traffic & parking. 

When we see Bill Peduto, we'll ask him, "Did you get our list of toys?"

WPIAL Class ‘AAAAAA’: Pine Richland Rams (9-2) vs Seneca Valley Raiders (9-3)

Saturday, 8 p.m. from Heinz Field.

Last week: Pine Richland defeated Mt Lebanon, 46-16. Seneca Valley defeated North Allegheny 34-14.

Pine Richland will make another trip to the north shore to defend their WPIAL crown. They’ll look to QB Cole Spencer who has 1,200 yards passing on the season. Rams RB Luke Meckler has 18 touchdowns and over 1,100 yards rushing.

Seneca Valley will use their stout defense that is only giving up an average of 10 points per game. Raiders QB Gabe Lawson has thrown for 11 touchdowns and has 1,170 yards passing.

In week eight, Pine Richland defeated Seneca Valley, 21-7. Last week, Seneca caught North Allegheny looking ahead and thumped ‘em good. Coach Kasper will not allow that to happen to his Rams.

Pine Richland over Seneca Valley

WPIAL Class ‘AAAA’: Thomas Jefferson Jaguars (11-0) vs South Fayette Lions (11-1)

Saturday, 5pm from Heinz Field

Last week: Thomas Jefferson defeated Blackhawk 47-7. South Fayette defeated Belle Vernon 28-10.

South Fayette finally gets over the semifinal curse they’ve struggled to get beyond and return to Heinz. The Lions will be led by QB Jamie Diven who has a staggering 2.,767 yards passing with 41 touchdowns. WR Mike Timbur will be the target of choice as he has over 1,000 yards receiving.

Thomas Jefferson visits their 2^nd home this Saturday. Bill Cherpak and his Jaguars are ranked  #1 in the PIAA latest standings in class ‘AAAA’. The Jaguars are led by QB Shane Stump who has thrown for 1,665 yard and has 24 touchdowns to his credit. His favorite target is Dan Deabner who has 21 touchdowns with 1,219 yards receiving. Jaguars balanced attack will also feature RB Max Shaw who has 1,760 yards rushing with 32 touchdowns.

For the past 3 seasons, all PToThePowerOf2 has heard from folks in McDonald are “We want TJ! We want TJ!”. Well, you wanted ‘em, you got ‘em.! These folks are about find out what TJ is all about.

Thomas Jefferson over South Fayette

WPIAL Class ‘AAA’: Aliquippa Quips (11-1) vs Derry Trojans (11-1)

Saturday, 2pm from Heinz Field

Last week: Aliquippa defeated Beaver Falls 42-14. Derry defeated North Catholic 36-29.

Derry Trojans make a trip to the north shore. They’ll be led by Justin Flack has rushed for 1,240 yards and has scored 35 touchdowns. Derry is attempting to win their first WPIAL title.

Aliquippa, well, has a locker room of their own next door to Thomas Jefferson. 

The Quips make their 11^th straight appearance at Heinz. The Quips have won 16 WPIAL Championships. The Quips are led by Serbian Sensation Eli Kosanovich who has thrown for 2,471 yards and has 31 touchdowns to his credit. RB Avante ‘Chief’ McKenzie will pound the rock for the Quips as he has 1,395 rushing yards with 30 touchdowns. WR/QB William Gipson has 15 touchdowns with 1,330 yards receiving.

Que up number 17 as the Quips Revenge tour, 2018 continues.

Aliquippa over Derry

WPIAL Class ‘A’: Rochester Rams (11-1) vs OLSH Chargers (11-1)

Saturday, 11am from Heinz Field

Last week: Rochester shutout Jeannette, 27-0. OLSH sent Clairton home, 27-7.

Rochester returns for the first time, in a LONG time. They’ll look to raise their 9^th WPIAL title. They’ll be led by RB Noah Whiteleather who has 1,915 rushing yards with 26 touchdowns.

OLSH has do-it-all QB Tyler Bradley. Tyler has thrown for 3,060 yards and has 42 touchdowns.

Passing game vs Running game……PToThePowerOf2 has picked against the Rochester Rams a few times this season and has been ridiculed for doing so. 

PToThePowerOf2 won’t be fooled this time.

OLSH over Rochester

As for the others…..

Class 5A Semifinals:

Gateway over West Allegheny

Penn Hills over Peters Township

Class 2A Semifinals:

Charleroi over South Side Beaver

Steel Valley over Freedom

Enjoy 2 nights of back-to-back lights…..We’ll watch with you on the “CW19”…..See yous next week! 

Photo by Kristina Serafini