Big week in the WPIAL with PR-PCC and Woody-Lebo for conference championships and potential top seeds in the playoffs.
1. Woody: Great win vs. very good West A team. Need to follow it up with strong performance vs. Lebo. It seems that there defense is improving, but need to find a way to generate consistent offense - not just on huge plays. That works now, but against tougher teams, I'm not sure you can count on that.
2. Penn Trafford: Possibly have a little bit of a test tonight vs. Plum, but Plum has faded a little, getting smoked last week by McKeesport. Look for PT to handle Plum with the same goal - no injuries and a W.
3. Pine-Richland: Tonight will tell alot about this club. Last year, this was the game where the defense stepped up to match the offense's productivity.They need it to happen tonight to contain Ronnie Jones and PCC's rushing attack. Offensively, Jurkovec needs to be best player on field (a tall order) and avoid turnovers, particularly early in halves, when PCC's defense will be rested and firing out off the ball.
4. North Allegheny: Another winless team for them - Latrobe. Mercy rule at the half.
5. Lebo: Have not been able to see much Lebo, but tonight's game vs. Woodland Hills is the biggest game they have had in probably 5 years. I think it is a little like PR game last year vs. PCC, where they were undefeated, but no one really knew how good they were. If they can go into the Wolverina and stop the big plays, and spread the ball around, they have a decent chance of winning. Must be great on special teams too. Key on offense is will they be able to pass the ball effectively vs. Woodland Hills pressure by DL - who are big and fast.
6. Central Catholic: Get a win tonight and they jump back into probably top 3 teams in WPIAL. Everyone will forget about the loss to NA. I'm sure PR will be prepared for the running game - can PCC's QB make enough plays in a big-time atmosphere to get the win? Defensively, they must have consistent rush from their front 4, and their secondary must tackle. If they do those things, their athleticism should prevail.
7. McKeesport: Handled Plum with ease, and now have an up and down Norwin team. I think it will be the same result as last week - a mercy rule victory. McKeesport should use these games to work on their passing game.
Next 3
Bethel Park
USC
Winner of Seneca Valley vs. Penn Hills
1. Woody: Great win vs. very good West A team. Need to follow it up with strong performance vs. Lebo. It seems that there defense is improving, but need to find a way to generate consistent offense - not just on huge plays. That works now, but against tougher teams, I'm not sure you can count on that.
2. Penn Trafford: Possibly have a little bit of a test tonight vs. Plum, but Plum has faded a little, getting smoked last week by McKeesport. Look for PT to handle Plum with the same goal - no injuries and a W.
3. Pine-Richland: Tonight will tell alot about this club. Last year, this was the game where the defense stepped up to match the offense's productivity.They need it to happen tonight to contain Ronnie Jones and PCC's rushing attack. Offensively, Jurkovec needs to be best player on field (a tall order) and avoid turnovers, particularly early in halves, when PCC's defense will be rested and firing out off the ball.
4. North Allegheny: Another winless team for them - Latrobe. Mercy rule at the half.
5. Lebo: Have not been able to see much Lebo, but tonight's game vs. Woodland Hills is the biggest game they have had in probably 5 years. I think it is a little like PR game last year vs. PCC, where they were undefeated, but no one really knew how good they were. If they can go into the Wolverina and stop the big plays, and spread the ball around, they have a decent chance of winning. Must be great on special teams too. Key on offense is will they be able to pass the ball effectively vs. Woodland Hills pressure by DL - who are big and fast.
6. Central Catholic: Get a win tonight and they jump back into probably top 3 teams in WPIAL. Everyone will forget about the loss to NA. I'm sure PR will be prepared for the running game - can PCC's QB make enough plays in a big-time atmosphere to get the win? Defensively, they must have consistent rush from their front 4, and their secondary must tackle. If they do those things, their athleticism should prevail.
7. McKeesport: Handled Plum with ease, and now have an up and down Norwin team. I think it will be the same result as last week - a mercy rule victory. McKeesport should use these games to work on their passing game.
Next 3
Bethel Park
USC
Winner of Seneca Valley vs. Penn Hills