WPIAL Class A:
Cornell at Clairton
**Cornell has lost two games by a total of three points. Their other two
losses were to playoff favorites Rochester and Sto-Rox. Athlete B.J. Lipke has
had a solid senior season and will have to have a big day to stop Clairton. The
Bears look to be the favorite in the top half of the bracket and maybe the top
team in the state in Class A. On paper, Clairton should have no issues, but that
is why they play the games. Junior Tyler Boyd is the key to the machine and as
he goes so does Clairton. Boyd has been one of the best players in the state
regardless of class. Pitt commit Trenton Coles has been coming up big for the
Bears since his spectacular catch at Heinz Field as a freshman. Clairton has on
allowed 18 points all season and posted seven shutouts in nine games.**
PREDICTION: Clairton 35, Cornell 0
Springdale at Monessen
**Springdale is always tough and this year is no different with two losses to
two playoff teams Avonworth and Bishop Canevin. When Monessen is on they are
tough to beat, led by junior quarterback Chavas Rawlins who has turned himself
into a solid D-I prospect. The Greyhounds defense has posted five shutouts. This
could be the toughest first round match-up in Class A.
PREDICTION: Monessen 14, Springdale 13
Northgate at Rochester
**Northgate has five wins, but none against a playoff team, they have the
task of trying to defeat a Rochester team that not only contends for the
championship, but usually plays in the final. Rochester has only one loss at the
hands of Sto-Rox who most are expecting to end up in the finals. The Rams will
rely heavily on bruising tailback De'Andre Moon.
PREDICTION: Rochester 28, Northgate 6
California at Avonworth
**This should be another very good first round game. Avonworth has one loss
at the hands of playoff bound Bishop Canevin and scored a big win over
Beth-Center. California was dominated by Beth-Center and lost by seven to
Monessen.**
PREDICTION: Avonworth 20, California 13
Frazier at Sto-Rox
**Frazier has suffered three loses to playoff bound Beth-Center, Bishop
Canevin, and California. Sto-Rox has been the most dominant Class A team around
besides Clairton. Led by D-I prospects three-star Pittsburgh commit wide
receiver Marzett Geter, safety Dontez Ford who is headed to Syracuse and
four-star outside linebacker Deaysean Rippy. Senior running back Josh Beverly is
the straw that stirs the drink.
PREDICTION: Sto-Rox 38, Frazier 12
Western Beaver at Brentwood
Brentwood has been solid all season losing once to Clairton and winning a
close one-point decision over Fort Cherry. Western Beaver has lost four games to
four very good teams Rochester, Sto-Rox, Clairton and a shootout loss to Fort
Cherry. Athlete Dustin Creel will need to shoulder the load if Western Beaver
hopes to pull off the upset.
PREDICTION: Western Beaver 22, Brentwood 18
Chartiers-Houston vs. Bishop Canevin at Dormont Stadium
**Chartiers-Houston has lost three games to Clairton, Brentwood and Fort
Cherry. The brentwood game was decided by three points. Bishop Canevin has run
through the Eastern Conference, which most feel is having a down year.**
PREDICTION: Bishop Canevin 34, Chartiers-Houston 20
Fort Cherry at Beth-Center
**On paper Fort Cherry should not have a chance to win this game, but I just
have a sneaky suspicion that senior quarterback Tanner Garry leads his team to
an upset. Beth-Center is having an outstanding season suffering one loss by one
point to Avonworth. Fort Cherry hasn't lost an away game this season, all three
losses were at home.**
PREDICTION: Fort Cherry 21, Beth-Center 20