5 things to watch: Showdown in Tri-County South Conference
The push towards the playoffs or an earlier start to the winter sports season will be evident during tonight’s action in the high school football season.
Two teams will battle it out in what could be a de facto championship game in the Class A Tri-County South Conference, while another local team will see if can continue to shut down its opponent on defense. Three teams try to remain undefeated while three others are searching for their first win. Here are five things to watch for in Week 6:
1. Tri-County South Conference showdown: It’s not the shootout at the O.K. Corral, but maybe at Coal Center, as California hosts West Greene in a matchup of undefeated teams in the Tri-County South.
Both are undefeated in conference play at 3-0 and are 5-1 overall. They run the ball, and with efficiency, as California’s Spencer Petrucci and West Greene’s Colin Brady are two of the top tailbacks in the WPIAL.
Brady, a senior who had to sit out one game because of a high-ankle sprain, surpassed 5,000 career yards rushing last week against Monessen.
Billy Whitlatch filled in admirably for Brady when he sat out against Bentworth and rushed for 242 yards in the Pioneers’ 39-6 victory.
Jake Layhue and Lee Qualk have been viable options for the Trojans when Petrucci is not carrying the load as California coach Ed Woods likes to spread around the carries.
The points-per-game average for both teams is nearly identical, as California has put up 40.66 ppg and West Greene is at 40.16 ppg, but the Trojans’ defense has allowed 11.3 ppg and the Pioneers sit at 22.83 ppg.
2. Dominating defense: Peters Township is off to an undefeated start with shutouts in half their six games. The Indians blanked Fox Chapel (35-0), South Fayette (35-0) and Upper St. Clair (31-0) and allowed 20 points total in wins over Seneca Valley (48-7), Trinity (34-7) and Baldwin (49-6).
Peters Township hosts Moon (1-1, 3-3) tonight in Class 5A Allegheny Six Conference play. Moon defeated South Fayette, 24-3, last week. Peters Township has allowed 3.3 points per game and keep an eye out to see if that trend continues tonight. A win should put the Indians in a good spot to clinch a playoff spot depending on the results of other conference games.
3. Back on track: Waynesburg won its first four games, including the Century Conference opener over Keystone Oaks (12-0), but the Raiders have dropped their last two games, albeit to solid teams in Wash High and McGuffey.
Waynesburg is on the road tonight at Brentwood but are in a good position to get a victory against a winless team that is allowing 43.83 points per game. A victory for the Raiders would move the Raiders one step closer to a playoff berth.
4. Searching for a perfect season: Fort Cherry and Washington join Peters Township as the three undefeated local teams.
With a 48-41 triumph over Bishop Canevin in Class A Black Hills Conference action Saturday in Dormont, the Rangers increased their regular-season winning streak to 10 games. Fort Cherry is at Avella this evening.
The Prexies, who host Sto-Rox tonight, have the opportunity to roll into the regular-season finale at McGuffey undefeated. The chances are good that game will decided the Class 2A Century Conference championship.
5. Looking for a win: Charleroi, Chartiers-Houston and Ringgold each are searching for their first win, and the C-H has the best opportunity, at least on paper, to get off the schneid.
The Bucs face Carlynton, who defeated an independent team in Carrick, for its one win. Both teams are looking for their first victory in the Black Hills Conference.
Charleroi has a tougher task, as it travels to McGuffey (3-0, 4-2). Ringgold’s schedule doesn’t do the Rams any favors, as they host Latrobe (2-1, 4-2). Ringgold also has to play Thomas Jefferson, but a Week 8 home matchup with Laurel Highlands could provide the Rams with a win.
Losing streaks are never fun for anyone involved, but let’s not forget that Chartiers-Houston is normally one of the better teams in the area, and Charleroi and Ringgold have rich traditions. Hopefully, better times are ahead for these programs.