W.P.I.A.L. High School Football Predictions: Semi-Finals

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

As we gather this evening in a private location just west of State College, Pennsylvania. We are accompanied by the sounds of Barry Manilow and the smell of rich cigars and scotch.

The 2^nd round, the Quarterfinals, for Class 6A, 5A and 2A are upon us tomorrow evening. 

The Semifinals are on slate for Class 4A, 3A and 1A.  All games are slated to kickoff at 7:30.

A reminder that all games are now moved to neutral site.

In the opening round of the 2018 WPIAL Playoffs, PToThePowerOf2 posted a tremendous record of 26 victories and only 4 defeats. 86%! Thus raising our entire season total faster than the police in Ross Township chasing Antonio Brown, to 109 victories and only 24 defeats. 81%. 

You can tell all our critics to politely kiss our ass!

Rain is in the forecast for the start of some games, could this play a factor? Let’s find out! As always, let’s get to work!

AAAAAA:

North Allegheny Tigers (10-0) vs Seneca Valley Raiders (8-3)

These 2 schools will lock it up again in the 2^nd round from North Allegheny High.

Last week, Seneca Valley upended Central Catholic 15-14. North Allegheny had the bye week.

Earlier this year, Seneca Valley only lost to North Allegheny by the score of 10-6.

Confidence is a scary scary thing. Not enough for PToThePowerOf2

North Allegheny over Seneca Valley

Pine Richland over Mt Lebanon

AAAAA:

Gateway over Franklin Regional

West Allegheny over Woodland Hills

Penn Hills over McKeesport

Penn Trafford over Peters Township

AAAA:

Blackhawk Cougars (10-1) vs Thomas Jefferson Jaguars (10-0)

This contest will take place from Peters Township High School. 

Last week, Blackhawk skirted by the upset-minded West Mifflin Titans, 23-21, earning the Cougars their first playoff victory in 10 years. Thomas Jefferson made quick work of New Castle and send the Hurricanes home quickly with a 49-16 victory.

Blackhawk is a run heavy offense and will use a 3 man attack with Josh Butcher, Kenny Gawley and Marques Watson-Trent. However, Trent is listed day-to-day with an illness. 

These 3 gentlemen have rushed for more than 650 yards on the season. QB Chance Liptak could possibly be called upon to open up the offense this week. Last week, Liptak threw for 185 yards and 3 touchdowns.  Head Coach Zach Hayward has done an unbelievable job this season, and has restored the Cougars name in the WPIAL.

Thomas Jefferson continues to destroy their opponents as advertised. The Jaguars will be led by QB Shane Stump who has thrown for over 1,000 yards this season. They’ll also feature WR Dan Deabner and RB Max Shaw. Stump and Deabner have connected for 21 touchdowns this season. 

The Jaguars have won their past 15 WPIAL games. The Jaguars are making their 19^th appearance in the semifinals in the past 21 years. The Jaguars are the 3-time defending WPIAL champs.

Bill Cherpak is 4-1 versus Blackhawk, including defeating the Cougars in the 06 & 08 WPIAL Finals.

PToThePowerOf2 loves both programs but, must select a winner. Closer than the experts think.

Thomas Jefferson over Blackhawk

South Fayette over Belle Vernon

AAA:

Beaver Falls Tigers (9-2) vs Aliquippa Quips (10-1)

From Ambridge High School, 7:30 pm. 

The ol’ rivalry is back, for the 2^nd time this season. Stop into Fred's Divot before the game, and reek of smoke for weeks!

Last week, Aliquippa defeated Freeport, 40-17. Beaver Falls crushed Elizabeth Forward, 33-14.

These two programs do not like each other. In late September, the Quips walked into Beaver Falls and spanked the Tigers 39-0.

What is there to honestly write about this contest? Other than it’s another stop on the champions tour for Aliquippa.

Aliquippa over Beaver Falls

Derry over North Catholic

AA:

Shady Side Academy over South Side Beaver

Mohawk over Charleroi

Freedom over Burgettstown

Steel Valley over Washington

A:

Jeannette over Rochester

OLSH over Clairton

Enjoy the lights……See yous next week!