Class AA --
Steel Valley vs. Aliquippa at Ambridge
**Aliquippa is always one of the strongest programs in the state, regardless
of size. The Quips feature talented sophomore running back Dravon Henry and the
quarterback play of senior Mikal Hall and a cast of other solid football
players. Steel Valley relies heavily on the running of Dontez Williams, who has
taken the WPIAL by storm this season. Sophomore Brenon Thrift is a D-I prospect
for Steel Valley.**
PREDICTION: Aliquippa 20, Steel Valley 13
Mount Pleasant at Washington
**Washington lost two games this season and those defeats were at the hands
of two very solid teams Clairton and Seton La-Salle. The Prexies may be turning
the corner for a return to glory in Class AA. Mount Pleasant has been solid this
year, suffering losses to two favorites in the classification Jeannette and
Greensburg Central Catholic, along with Ellwood City.**
PREDICTION: Washington 18, Mount Pleasant 14
Ellwood City at Freeport
** Ellwood City lost games to playoff bound Aliquippa and Beaver, along with
a regular season finale loss to a streaking Riverside squad. Freeport has lost
two games by a total of 10 points to Highlands and Burrell. Highlands is a Class
AAA playoff qualifier.**
PREDICTION: Freeport 14, Ellwood City 13
Ford City at Greensburg Central Catholic
**Ford City always seems to have a tough team, but they have the unenviable
task of trying to stop the Centurions who have been a power in Class AA. Central
Catholic has a stable full of solid performers in senior quarterback Bobby Noble, wide receiver Justin Kempka and lineman Tyler Ault, along with talented
juniors Zach Guiser and Jordan McRae.**
PREDICTION: Greensburg Central Catholic 35, Ford City 13
Burrell at Jeannette
**If this was wrestling I'd like Burrell's chances, but Jeannette is a
powerhouse led by four-star safety/quarterback Demetrious Cox and junior
Shavonta Craft.**
PREDICTION: Jeannette 34, Burrell 6
Beaver at Shady Side Academy
**This should be a good game, Beaver has an attacking defense that has posted
five shutouts this season. Shady Side Academy plays what may be perceived as a
lesser schedule, but they have Wisconsin commit Reggie Mitchell at the
controls.**
PREDICTION: Beaver 18, Shadyside Academy 14
East Allegheny vs. Seton-LaSalle at Chartiers Valley
**East Allegheny has won some nail biters this season. Seton-LaSalle has been
dominant. Defensively, the Rebels have posted four shutouts and their closest
margin of victory was a 34-14 win over Washington. Seton is led by junior
quarterback Luke Brumbaugh and senior running back Kevin Hart. The Rebels
feature a pair of D-I commits in senior lineman J.J. Beggan (Bowling Green) and
junior tight end Scott Orndoff (Wisconsin).**
PREDICTION: Seton LaSalle 42, East Allegheny 13
South Fayette at Beaver Falls
**South Fayette has lost three games, one of which was to Class AAA title
contender West Mifflin in the opener by eight and blowout losses to Washington
and Seton LaSalle. Freshman quarterback Brett Brumbaugh has played well when
given the chance and the key to this team is junior wide receiver Zach
Challingsworth. Beaver Falls is always tough come playoff time from playing in
the Midwestern Conference. The Tigers suffered a shutout loss to rival Aliquippa
and lost a 31-28 heart breaker to Ellwood City. Beaver Falls will grind it out
with running back Trey Hall and wide receiver/tight end Royce Watson.**
PREDICTION: Beaver Falls 27, South Fayette 14