The final four weekend is upon us for all six classifications in the PIAA football playoffs, marking the climax of the March to Mechanicsburg. Here’s a preview of the six semifinals in the “western” side of the brackets happening on Friday and Saturday:
PIAA 6A Semifinals
North Allegheny (12-1) vs. Harrisburg (12-1)
1 p.m. Saturday, Mansion Park in Altoona
Players to watch: Logan Kushner, North Allegheny (Sr., QB); Nehemiah Ewell, Harrisburg (Jr., RB/DE)
North Allegheny: WPIAL champions seeking redemption after last year’s state quarterfinal loss. Senior QB Logan Kushner had a stellar performance in the last game.
Harrisburg: Sixth District 3 championship secured in a thrilling comeback. Junior RB Nehemiah Ewell, with over 1,000 rushing yards this season, is a key player.
PIAA 5A Semifinals
Peters Township (14-0) vs. Cocalico (12-1)
7 p.m. Friday, Mansion Park in Altoona
Players to watch: Nolan DiLucia, Peters Township (Soph., QB/SS); Aaryn Longenecker, Cocalico (Sr., RB/CB)
Peters Township: Undefeated and first-time District 7 champions. Sophomore QB Nolan DiLucia’s brilliant season continues.
Cocalico: Senior RB Aaryn Longenecker played a crucial role in their District 3 victory, showcasing versatility on offense and defense.
PIAA 4A Semifinals
Aliquippa (12-0) vs. Selinsgrove (13-0-1)
7 p.m. Friday, Central Cambria HS Stadium
Players to watch: Quentin Goode, Aliquippa (Sr., QB); Tucker Teats, Selinsgrove (Sr., RB/OLB)
Aliquippa: Seeking a third straight Class 4A district championship. Senior QB Quentin Goode and junior RB Tikey Hayes leading the charge.
Selinsgrove: Impressive defensive performance and senior RB Tucker Teats’ multi-faceted contributions make them a formidable opponent.
PIAA 3A Semifinals
Belle Vernon (11-1) vs. Hickory (12-2)
7 p.m. Friday, Newman Stadium at North Allegheny
Players to watch: Braden Laux, Belle Vernon (Sr., QB/DE); Zander Telesz, Hickory (Jr., QB/SS)
Belle Vernon: Back-to-back WPIAL 3A champions with senior QB Braden Laux leading the way.
Hickory: Strong defensive performance, particularly from freshman Jadon Philipps, and junior QB Zander Telesz’s contributions make them a force.
PIAA 2A Semifinals
Beaver Falls (9-5) vs. Westinghouse (12-0)
7 p.m. Friday, Joe P. DeMichela Stadium at West Allegheny
Players to watch: Da’talian Beauford, Beaver Falls (Sr., RB/MLB); Khalil Green, Westinghouse (Jr., QB)
Beaver Falls: Against the odds, secured their third WPIAL football championship. Senior RB Da’talian Beauford’s stellar performance was crucial.
Westinghouse: Undefeated this season, with junior QB Khalil Green shining in their recent victory against Farrell.
PIAA A Semifinals
Fort Cherry (14-0) vs. Redbank Valley (12-1)
7 p.m. Friday, Paulekas Stadium at Farrell
Players to watch: Matt Sieg, Fort Cherry (Soph., QB); Braylon Wagner, Redbank Valley (Soph., QB/FS)
Fort Cherry: Celebrating their first WPIAL football championship, led by sophomore QB Matt Sieg’s impressive performance.
Redbank Valley: Dominant defensive display, allowing only 20 points in three postseason wins. Sophomore QB Braylon Wagner made a strong comeback last week.
Historic Factoids and Upcoming Matches:
Several teams face each other for the first time, adding an extra layer of anticipation.
Teams with impressive playoff records, seeking to secure or add to their historic achievements.
Winners advance to the PIAA championship games, aiming to cap off their remarkable seasons with a state title.
As these football powerhouses clash in the semifinals, fans can expect thrilling matchups and outstanding performances from the standout players. The journey to Mechanicsburg is reaching its pinnacle, with each team vying for the chance to etch their names in PIAA football history.
