Meaningful matchups highlight of Week 6

High school football’s Week 6 matched expectations.
The week had multiple games between teams vying for conference titles.
While some conference races cleared, others continue to be up for grabs.
Here is what we learned during this week.
1. They both passed the test – There had to be a winner and loser Friday night in a battle of previously undefeated Beth-Center and Burgettstown.
Both teams showcased talent that showed why they were undefeated heading into this Century Conference matchup.
Burgettstown was hoping to extend a streak of not allowing a touchdown since the first week of the season. That was snapped right before halftime in its 34-22 win over Beth-Center.
How Burgettstown (5-0, 6-0) responded to being scored upon determined the game. The Blue Devils not only scored a defensive touchdown on a 54-yard interception return by senior linebacker Austin Safreed but forced Beth-Center into many negative plays to put them in unfavorable downs and distances.
Beth-Center (3-1, 6-1) proved to be a tough out behind a good offensive game plan by head coach Joe Kuhns.
These teams showed they are for real.
2. The Big Nine has a logjam – It’s Belle Vernon and Thomas Jefferson then all the others in the Big Nine Conference.
West Mifflin (3-2, 4-2) was upset by Laurel Highlands.
Ringgold (3-3, 3-3) got a much-needed win over Uniontown.
Trinity (2-3, 3-3) lost a heartbreaker to Belle Vernon.
Throw in Greensburg Salem (3-3, 3-4), which defeated Albert Gallatin, and there is a four-way race for the final two playoff spots.
The final three weeks of the season will make for exciting times as these teams play against each other.
3. Trojans in a class of their own – No team in any classification has looked more impressive than California looks in the Tri-County South.
The Trojans beat their next two closest competitors – Carmichaels and Fort Cherry – by a combined score of 91-7.
Nobody has a solution for stopping running back Jelani Stafford or the rest of the California backfield. Stafford already has 1,055 yards and 18 touchdowns this season, averaging 11.5 yards per carry.
4. Humbert couldn’t be happier – Belle Vernon head coach Matt Humbert had to be pleased with Friday night’s win over Trinity.
Belle Vernon (6-0, 6-0) pounded Trinity on the ground for 343 yards on 53 carries. Junior running back Mason Pascoe ran for 207 yards.
The Leopards will have their biggest challenge Friday against Thomas Jefferson (5-0, 6-0). Keeping the ball out of the hands of the Jaguars offense will be vital for Belle Vernon, which has proven to be very good at doing just that.
5. Comfort zone – Washington sophomore Zack Swartz stepped into the quarterback position with little varsity experience. You wouldn’t know he’s only a few starts into his high school career by the last two games.
Swartz has thrown for 464 yards and six touchdowns in Washington’s wins over Sto-Rox and Bentworth.
If Swartz can continue to be consistent, and the Prexies are able to run the ball behind their big offensive line, they will be even harder to beat.
Luke Campbell can be reached at lcampbell@observer-reporter.com