In the past two weeks, New Castle has knocked two teams from the unbeaten ranks — Hopewell and West Allegheny. Add in a loss to Blackhawk and that makes three-straight weeks the Red Hurricane has gone up against an unbeaten and top-five ranked foe in WPIAL Class AAA. New Castle faces another tough test Friday night when it welcomes Montour in another brutal Parkway Conference clash. However, Ne-Ca-Hi does have one thing going for it — the Spartans (2-0 conference, 4-1 overall) already have a loss, a 20-12 setback to Highlands in Week 2. “It never gets any easier in the Parkway,” New Castle coach Frank Bongivengo Jr. said. “ We started off with Blackhawk and they were undefeated. Hopewell was undefeated when we played them. West Allegheny was and Montour has only one loss. This Parkway Conference is a grinder. As far as I am concerned, this is the best triple-A conference in the state year in and year out.”

Though it was Shenango’s homecoming on Saturday, there were a couple of familiar faces on hand for both the Wildcats and the Golden Beavers. Legendary former head coaches Frank Bongivengo Sr. of Shenango and Rich Niedbala of Western Beaver — for whom current ’Cats head coach Ryan Mayo played — served as honorary captains for the opening coin toss. “I almost turned around when I got here,” Niedbala cracked during a visit to the press box, “because I didn’t want to lose another one to Frank.” As far as his first coaching effort against his alma mater went, “It was a little surreal,” Mayo noted. “I’m used to going to battle with those guys, and those kids. I coached those kids for four or five years.” Western Beaver won the matchup 33-6. “I wish the result was a little different, but it is what it is,” Mayo said.

THE MATCHUP: New Castle at West Allegheny, 7:30 p.m. Friday

LAST WEEK: New Castle (1-1, 1-3) beat Hopewell 25-7; West Allegheny (2-0, 4-0) beat Ambridge 17-7.

WHAT TO WATCH: New Castle earned its first win last week with a 25-7 win over Hopewell. Red Hurricane quarterback Michael Bongivengo is 18 for 25 for 272 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions in the last two games. West Allegheny’s Aaron Fleck kicked a 50-yard field goal this year and has a field goal in all four games.

*****

THE MATCHUP: Rochester at Laurel, 7:30 p.m. Friday

LAST WEEK: Rochester (2-0, 4-0) beat Western Beaver 41-7; Laurel (1-1, 1-3) lost to Neshannock 17-14.

WHAT TO WATCH: Laurel quarterback Tyler Forbes connected with Jake Dando on a 97-yard scoring pass last week against Neshannock. The touchdown is a school record, breaking the old mark of 85 yards set in 1972. Rochester has allowed just one touchdown this year.

*****

THE MATCHUP: Monaca at Union, 7:30 p.m. Friday

LAST WEEK: Monaca (1-1, 3-1) beat Shenango 43-0; Union (0-2, 1-3) lost to South Side Beaver 21-0.

WHAT TO WATCH: Union has been shut out for the last nine quarters. This is the first meeting between the teams since 2001. Monaca quarterback Matt Bradford took over last week for Brandon Gaydosh, who suffered a season-ending leg injury the week before.

*****

WHEN: South Side Beaver at Neshannock, 7:30 p.m. Friday

LAST WEEK: South Side Beaver (1-1, 3-1) beat Union 21-0; Neshannock (2-0, 3-1) beat Laurel 17-14.

WHAT TO WATCH: Neshannock is tied with Rochester for the Big Seven Conference lead. The Lancers topped Laurel last week for the first time since 2003. South Side Beaver has allowed 65 yards rushing or fewer in three of its four contests.

*****

THE MATCHUP: Mohawk at Aliquippa, 7:30 p.m. Friday

LAST WEEK: Mohawk (3-1, 3-1) beat Freedom 36-21; Aliquippa (1-2, 2-2) lost to Beaver 21-14.

WHAT TO WATCH: Mohawk’s Travis Schubert ranks second in the county in rushing with 528 yards. This is the first meeting between the teams since 2001. Terry Patrick rushed for 138 yards and two touchdowns last week in a loss to Beaver.

*****

THE MATCHUP: Wilmington at Hickory, 7 p.m. Saturday

LAST WEEK: Wilmington (2-0, 4-0) beat Oil City 21-0; Hickory (0-2, 1-2) was idle.

WHAT TO WATCH: Wilmington has won the last five meetings dating back 2004, including the playoffs. The Greyhounds’ Derrick Burns ranks third in the county in rushing with 376 yards. Ryan Voisey leads Hickory in passing with 331 yards and a touchdown. Andrew Walker has 122 yards rushing on 18 carries for the Hornets.

*****

THE MATCHUP: Ellwood City at Beaver, 7:30 p.m. Saturday

LAST WEEK: Ellwood City (0-3, 0-4) lost to Beaver Falls 45-14; Beaver (4-0, 4-0) beat Aliquippa 21-14.

WHAT TO WATCH: Ellwood City’s last win over Beaver came in 2004, 26-0. The Wolverines have lost 19 straight games dating back to 2006. Beaver’s Jake Nardone has 689 rushing yards on 68 carries with eight touchdowns.

*****

THE MATCHUP: Western Beaver at Shenango, 7:30 p.m. Saturday

LAST WEEK: Western Beaver (1-1, 2-2) lost to Rochester 41-7; Shenango (0-2, 2-2) lost to Monaca 43-0.

WHAT TO WATCH: Shenango has been outscored 75-13 in a pair of losses after opening the season 2-0. Ricky Mathews paces the Wildcats’ attack with 321 rushing yards. Rochester snapped Western Beaver’s eight-game Big Seven Conference winning streak last week.

KAYLEEN CUBBAL — Hot Ticket Matchup: South Side over Neshannock — Kudos to the Lancers for being much improved and the job that Pat Cuba and his staff are doing. That said, Neshannock has come to live and die on the running ability of quarterback Josh Brown. Can’t be long before someone figures out that if you stop Brown, you stop the Lancers.

West Allegheny over New Castle

Aliquippa over Mohawk

Monaca over Union

Rochester over Laurel

Wilmington over Hickory

Beaver over Ellwood City

Western Beaver over Shenango

****************

RON ‘THE DOCTOR OF STYLE’ PONIEWASZ — Hot Ticket Matchup: Neshannock over South Side Beaver — South Side Beaver has allowed 65 yards or fewer in three of its four games this year. Neshannock has a dominant ground attack led by quarterback Josh Brown. The Lancers will get an early lead and grind out a crucial Big Seven Conference victory.

West Allegheny over New Castle

Aliquippa over Mohawk

Monaca over Union

Rochester over Laurel

Wilmington over Hickory

Beaver over Ellwood City

Western Beaver over Shenango

****************

JOHN ‘THE BRUISER’ D’ABRUZZO — Hot Ticket Matchup: South Side Beaver over Neshannock — The Rams have been all about stopping the run this season. The Lancers, on the other hand, have thrived on the running ability of quarterback Josh Brown. Neshannock’s going to need a lot more than one man to knock down South Side.

West Allegheny over New Castle

Aliquippa over Mohawk

Monaca over Union

Rochester over Laurel

Wilmington over Hickory

Beaver over Ellwood City

Western Beaver over Shenango

Don't look now, but we're halfway through the conference season and Mohawk is a game up on Aliquippa in the Class AA Midwestern Conference standings. The Warriors are 3-1 in league play and the Quips are 1-2 after Beaver handed Aliquippa its second consecutive loss, 21-14, on Friday. It's the first time the Quips have lost two in a row since 2001 when they were defeated by Beaver Falls and New Brighton.

THE MATCHUP: Oil City at Wilmington, 7 p.m. Friday

LAST WEEK: Oil City (0-2, 0-3) lost to Sharon 28-6; Wilmington (1-0, 3-0) beat Grove City 42-7.

WHAT TO WATCH: The Greyhounds have won 12 straight regular season contests dating back to last year. Stephen May is 39 for 75 for 509 yards with one touchdown and one interception. His 509 passing yards are the most in District 10 of any classification. This is the first meeting between the schools.

*****

THE MATCHUP: Beaver Falls at Ellwood City, 7:30 p.m. Friday

LAST WEEK: Beaver Falls (3-0, 3-0) beat Aliquippa 27-12; Ellwood City (0-2, 0-3) lost to Montour 35-13.

WHAT TO WATCH: The Wolverines have lost 18 straight games dating back to 2006. Beaver Falls is ranked No. 1 in the WPIAL in Class AA by the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

*****

THE MATCHUP: Laurel at Neshannock, 7:30 p.m. Friday

LAST WEEK: Laurel (1-0, 1-2) beat South Side Beaver in double-overtime 27-21; Neshannock (1-0, 2-1) beat Shenango 32-13.

WHAT TO WATCH: Laurel got its first win of the season last week against South Side Beaver in a Big Seven Conference matchup. Tyler Forbes scored the game-winner on a 10-yard run in the second overtime. Neshannock’s Josh Brown leads the county in rushing with 415 yards on 55 attempts.

*****

THE MATCHUP: Hopewell at New Castle, 7:30 p.m. Friday

LAST WEEK: Hopewell (1-0, 3-0) beat Ambridge 41-12; New Castle (0-1, 0-3) lost to Blackhawk 38-14.

WHAT TO WATCH: Michael Bongivengo tossed two touchdown passes last week for the ’Canes in a loss to Blackhawk. He leads the county in passing yardage with 504. Drew Howard rushed for 113 yards last week for Hopewell in a win over Ambridge.

*****

THE MATCHUP: Freedom at Mohawk, 7:30 p.m. Friday

LAST WEEK: Freedom (1-2, 1-2) lost to Beaver 34-0; Mohawk (2-1, 2-1) beat Riverside 22-21.

WHAT TO WATCH: Mohawk’s Travis Schubert leads the county in scoring with 41 points. Freedom’s only victory came against Ellwood City in the season opener.

*****

THE MATCHUP: Shenango at Monaca, 7:30 p.m. Friday

LAST WEEK: Shenango (0-1, 2-1) lost to Neshannock 32-13; Monaca (0-1, 2-1) lost to Western Beaver 18-0.

WHAT TO WATCH: Shenango’s Ricky Mathews ranks fifth in the county in rushing with 243 rushing yards. This is the first meeting between the teams since 1997, which was won by Monaca, 34-14.

*****

THE MATCHUP: Union at South Side Beaver, 12:30 p.m. Saturday

LAST WEEK: Union (0-1, 1-2) lost to Rochester 39-0; South Side Beaver (0-1, 2-1) lost to Laurel in double-overtime 27-21.

WHAT TO WATCH: Union managed just 114 yards of total offense last week in a loss to top-ranked Rochester. South Side Beaver’s Ryan Scialabba accounted for two of his team’s three touchdowns last week.

KAYLEEN CUBBAL — Hot Ticket Matchup: Laurel over Neshannock. This one could definitely go either way, especially with the Lancers celebrating the opening of a refurbished stadium. Neshannock proved its capabilities last week with an impressive win over Shenango, but the Spartans did as well with a gutsy double-overtime victory over South Side Beaver.

Hopewell over New Castle

Mohawk over Freedom

Beaver Falls over Ellwood City

Wilmington over Oil City

Monaca over Shenango

South Side Beaver over Union

**************

RON “THE DOCTOR OF STYLE” PONIEWASZ — Hot Ticket Matchup: Laurel over Neshannock. Neshannock has a strong ground game but if Laurel’s Tyler Forbes is connecting with his passes it could be a long night for the Lancers. The Spartans should be able to move the ball and playing from behind will be tough for Neshannock’s ground-oriented attack.

Hopewell over New Castle

Mohawk over Freedom

Beaver Falls over Ellwood City

Wilmington over Oil City

Monaca over Shenango

South Side Beaver over Union

**************

JOHN “BRUISER” D’ABRUZZO — Hot Ticket Matchup: Neshannock over Laurel. Quarterback Josh Brown and fullback Chris Kirkwood have provided a nice one-two punch as Neshannock’s running game remains its strength. The Spartans will certainly put up a good fight, but I’m curious to see how they’ll handle trying to contain the Lancers.

Hopewell over New Castle

Mohawk over Freedom

Beaver Falls over Ellwood City

Wilmington over Oil City

Monaca over Shenango

South Side Beaver over Union

Ten members of Neshannock High School’s first varsity football squad will be special guests at Friday’s home opener. They will be honored during a special ceremony at 7 p.m., 30 minutes prior to the kickoff of the Laurel-Neshannock game — the first to be played on the school’s new field turf. Bob Leonard, Dick Davis, Jay Sherman, Roger McClay, Frank McClay, Jack Patterson, John Turco, Bernie Hanlon, John Loney and Bill Mack will serve as honorary captains for the game and participate in the coin toss. The former players and their families will attend a pre-game reception at 5:45 p.m. in the school cafeteria. The reception is sponsored by the Neshannock Touchdown Club and will be hosted by superintendent Mary Todora. Neshannock played its first varsity game Sept. 13, 1958, against Mohawk, which was in its first season after consolidation of several schools.

New Castle High will honor its last championship football team Friday night. Prior to the kickoff between the Red Hurricane and Hopewell, members of the 1998 WPIAL championship team will be honored with a brief ceremony before the playing of the national anthem. According to New Castle athletic director Sam Flora, 21 members of the team had confirmed they will attend as of Tuesday night. Kickoff for the Parkway Conference matchup between the ’Canes (0-1 conference, 0-3 overall) and Vikings (1-0, 3-0) is set for 7:30 p.m.

As might be expected of backyard rivals, Neshannock and Shenango played a physical came en route to the Lancers’ 32-13 WPIAL Class A Big Seven Conference win Saturday. Several times, though, the rough stuff exceeded the limits of the agreed-upon rules. Shenango was flagged twice for personal fouls and once for unsportsmanlike conduct, all during the stretch of a few minutes in the second quarter. Neshannock, meanwhile, was hit with three personal foul calls. “It was crazy,” Neshannock head coach Pat Cuba said, “but I really don’t want to say anything about it.” Shenango head coach Ryan Mayo was somewhat more verbose. “That stuff is totally unacceptable,” he said. “I know this is a big rivalry for both teams, and the kids really get into it, but they let their emotions get the best of them.”

The WPIAL has decided not to discipline either Union High or Wilkinsburg players for their roles in a fight during last Friday night’s game. On Wednesday, Union athletic director Bob Natale Sr. delivered a videotape of the game to the WPIAL offices in Green Tree. Upon reviewing the tape, the WPIAL decided neither team nor any players would be penalized for involvement in the incident. The contest between the two Class A football teams ended a 21-0 Union win with 4:12 remaining in the fourth quarter. Wilkinsburg fans and students jumped the fence surrounding Graham Field and ran onto the playing surface after a scuffle between Union and Wilkinsburg players escalated as the Tigers’ entire bench cleared. Players on Union’s bench did not leave the sideline.

THE MATCHUP: Montour at Ellwood City, 7:30 p.m. Friday

LAST WEEK: Montour (1-1) lost to Highlands 20-12; Ellwood City (0-2) lost to Aliquippa 47-0.

WHAT TO WATCH: The Wolverines have lost 17 straight games. Montour quarterback E.J. Banks is a Notre Dame recruit. The Spartans are ranked No. 4 in the WPIAL in Class AAA by the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

*****

THE MATCHUP: Wilmington at Grove City, 7 p.m. Friday

LAST WEEK: Wilmington (2-0) beat Greenville 49-13; Grove City (2-0) beat Erie East 35-20.

WHAT TO WATCH: Wilmington’s Shane Wagner threw for 210 yards with three touchdowns last week in a win over Greenville. The Greyhounds are looking to go 3-0 for the fourth time in the last five years.

*****

THE MATCHUP: Mohawk at Riverside, 7:30 p.m. Friday

LAST WEEK: Mohawk (1-1, 1-1) beat New Brighton 51-14; Riverside (0-2, 0-2) lost to Beaver 41-0.

WHAT TO WATCH: Mohawk boasted two 100-yard rushers last week in a win over New Brighton. The Warriors are looking to correct their special teams errors after allowing 199 return yards to the Lions. Mohawk’s Travis Schubert leads the county in scoring with 25 points.

*****

THE MATCHUP: Rochester at Union, 7:30 p.m. Friday

LAST WEEK: Rochester (0-0, 2-0) beat Riverview 41-3; Union (0-0, 1-1) beat Wilkinsburg 21-0.

WHAT TO WATCH: Rochester head coach Gene Matsook is making his return to Lawrence County. Matsook is a 1981 Shenango High graduate. The Rams are ranked No. 1 in the WPIAL in Class A by the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

*****

THE MATCHUP: South Side Beaver at Laurel, 7:30 p.m. Friday

LAST WEEK: South Side Beaver (0-0, 2-0) beat Brentwood 35-7; Laurel (0-0, 0-2) lost to North Catholic 26-21.

WHAT TO WATCH: The Spartans are looking to avoid starting 0-3 for the first time since 2001. Luke Shaffer rolled up 108 yards rushing and two touchdowns for South Side Beaver last week.

*****

THE MATCHUP: New Castle at Blackhawk, 7:30 p.m. Friday

LAST WEEK: New Castle (0-0, 0-2) lost to Indiana 27-18; Blackhawk (0-0, 2-0) beat Knoch 37-13.

WHAT TO WATCH: Last week, New Castle quarterback Michael Bongivengo went 20 of 25 for 217 yards and a touchdown. The ’Canes have not started 0-3 since 2004. Blackhawk is ranked No. 2 in the WPIAL in Class AAA by the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

*****

THE MATCHUP: Neshannock at Shenango, 7:30 p.m. Saturday

LAST WEEK: Neshannock (0-0, 1-1) lost to Avonworth 35-6; Shenango (0-0, 2-0) beat Leechburg 38-0.

WHAT TO WATCH: Shenango has outscored the opposition 52-7. The Wildcats are looking to start 3-0 for the first time since 2003. Neshannock quarterback Josh Brown leads the county in rushing with 261 yards on 36 carries.

KAYLEEN CUBBAL — Hot Ticket Matchup: Rochester over Union. Shenango graduate Gene Matsook has built himself a dynasty at Rochester and that won’t change with the Rams’ entry into the Big Seven Conference. The Scotties have decent talent, but they continue to shoot themselves in the foot with untimely mistakes and way too many penalties.

Blackhawk over New Castle

Mohawk over Riverside

Montour over Ellwood City

South Side Beaver over Laurel

Wilmington over Grove City

Shenango over Neshannock

********

JOHN ‘THE BRUISER’ D’ABRUZZO — Hot Ticket Matchup: Rochester over Union. There’s a good reason why the P-G has the Rams ranked as its top Class A team in the WPIAL. Rochester is very balanced on offense with a variety of talented players. The Scotties are coming off their first victory of the season, but they continue to struggle with penalties.

Blackhawk over New Castle

Mohawk over Riverside

Montour over Ellwood City

South Side Beaver over Laurel

Wilmington over Grove City

Shenango over Neshannock

********

RON ‘THE DOCTOR OF STYLE’ PONIEWASZ — Hot Ticket Matchup: Rochester over Union. Rochester enters the game ranked No. 1 in the WPIAL in Class A. However, Union won’t back down from the Rams just because of a lofty ranking. Rochester has too much firepower, though, for the Scotties to pull the upset.

Blackhawk over New Castle

Mohawk over Riverside

Montour over Ellwood City

South Side Beaver over Laurel

Wilmington over Grove City

Shenango over Neshannock

The WPIAL has yet to make a decision concerning any possible suspensions or punishments against either Union or Wilkinsburg. The two Class A football teams were involved in an on-field altercation that ended a 21-0 Union win with 4:12 remaining in the fourth quarter Friday night. Wilkinsburg fans and students jumped the fence surrounding Graham Field and ran onto the playing surface after a scuffle between Union and Wilkinsburg players escalated to where the Tigers’ entire bench cleared. The Scotties’ bench did not leave the sideline. Wilkinsburg police were on duty and backup was requested to help disperse the crowd and escort Union out of the area. According to Union athletic director Bob Natale Sr., he as well as Wilkinsburg athletic director Cliff Simon and the officials from the game have sent the WPIAL evaluations on what transpired. Natale also will deliver a videotape of the game to the WPIAL offices in Green Tree today. According to WPIAL executive director Tim O’Malley, the WPIAL “will wait until we see a copy of the tape to assess the situation.” Attempts to reach Simon, who also is Wilkinsburg’s coach, were unsuccessful.

Jason Burkes expects to be healthy and ready for the Scotties’ Friday night affair with Big Seven Conference foe Rochester. Burkes, Union’s star running back, rolled his ankle during the Scotties’ 21-0 nonconference win at Wilkinsburg. Burkes ran for 38 yards and one touchdown on 10 carries against the Tigers, and the majority of his totes came in the first half. “I did it toward the end of the first half,” Burkes said. “It’s nothing of any concern.”

Former New Castle High football star and longtime coach Chuck Abramski was on hand to watch his grandson, Indiana quarterback Ben Fiscus, play against the Red Hurricane on Friday night. Abramski, who is suffering from Alzheimer’s disease, was able to see and talk with longtime friend Frank Bongivengo Sr. He was surrounded by his family during the game. Abramski’s daughters, Marian and Pat as well as his son Chuck, were in attendance with their spouses and children. His other daughter, Carolyn Abramski Vondrick, lives in Daytona Beach, Fla., and followed the game on the Internet. “As far as my sister (Pat Abramski Rumbaugh) and brother (Chuck Abramski) and other relatives could tell, my dad really enjoyed being at the game,” Marian Abramski Fiscus wrote in an e-mail. “He knew he was watching his grandson play New Castle, and the fact that he most likely doesn’t remember that he was at the game doesn’t really matter. He got to enjoy the moment.”

THE MATCHUP: Greenville at Wilmington, 7 p.m. Friday

LAST WEEK: Greenville (1-0) beat North East 12-10; Wilmington (1-0) beat Brentwood 42-7.

WHAT TO WATCH: Wilmington has won the last three meetings between the schools. Shane Wagner threw for 131 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions in the opener for the Greyhounds. The Trojans topped North East in the opener when Nate Houpt hauled in a 4-yard scoring pass from David Holiga with 32 seconds left.

*****

THE MATCHUP: New Castle at Indiana, 7:30 p.m. Friday

LAST WEEK: New Castle (0-1) lost to Butler 28-21; Indiana (1-0) beat Plum 28-7.

WHAT TO WATCH: New Castle’s Keith Keene recorded 115 rushing yards on 13 carries against Butler. Indiana’s Ben Fiscus threw for 80 yards and two touchdowns last week against Plum.

*****

THE MATCHUP: Aliquippa at Ellwood City, 7:30 p.m. Friday

LAST WEEK: Aliquippa (1-0) beat Ambridge 21-0; Ellwood City (0-1, 0-1) lost to Freedom 24-14.

WHAT TO WATCH: Ellwood City has lost 16 straight games. The Wolverines’ 10-point loss last week was the closest differential since a 21-14 loss to Beaver Falls in 2006 during the streak. Terry Patrick recorded 127 yards rushing last week for the Quips against Ambridge.

*****

THE MATCHUP: Neshannock at Avonworth, 7:30 p.m. Friday

LAST WEEK: Neshannock (1-0) beat Kennedy Catholic 34-0; Avonworth (1-0) beat Western Beaver 27-12.

WHAT TO WATCH: Neshannock looked sharp last week in a 34-0 rout of Kennedy Catholic. The Lancers rolled up 318 total yards, including 150 rushing yards by quarterback Josh Brown. Avonworth’s Khiry Watts rushed for 73 yards last week against Western Beaver.

*****

THE MATCHUP: New Brighton at Mohawk, 7:30 p.m. Friday

LAST WEEK: New Brighton (0-1, 0-1) lost to Beaver 43-14; Mohawk (0-1, 0-1) lost to Center 36-8.

WHAT TO WATCH: Mohawk last met New Brighton in 2001 and dropped a 34-21 verdict. Travis Schubert ran for 125 yards last week against Center. New Brighton allowed 501 rushing yards last week to Beaver.

*****

THE MATCHUP: Laurel at North Catholic, 7:30 p.m. Friday

LAST WEEK: Laurel (0-1) lost to Clairton (41-0); North Catholic (1-0) beat Serra Catholic 21-20.

WHAT TO WATCH: Laurel was limited to just 82 total yards last week against Clairton. The Spartans have not started 0-2 since 2002 but they did make the Class AA playoffs that year. North Catholic’s Matt Long had two touchdowns against Serra Catholic and Martin Long threw for 163 yards and a score last week.

*****

THE MATCHUP: Union at Wilkinsburg, 7:30 p.m. Friday

LAST WEEK: Union (0-1) lost to West Middlesex 27-20; Wilkinsburg (0-1) lost to Albert Gallatin 34-6.

WHAT TO WATCH: Union’s Jason Burkes rolled up 109 rushing yards and a pair of touchdowns last week against West Middlesex. The Scotties have opened 0-2 each of the last three seasons. Wilkinsburg has lost 13 straight games. The Tigers are two wins away from 500 in program history.

*****

THE MATCHUP: Leechburg at Shenango, 7:30 p.m. Saturday

LAST WEEK: Leechburg (0-1) lost to Jefferson-Morgan 33-6; Shenango (1-0) beat Riverview 14-7.

WHAT TO WATCH: Shenango’s defense came through late in the game against Riverview to preserve the win. The Wildcats are bidding for a 2-0 start for the first time since 2003. Leechburg hasn’t made the WPIAL playoffs since 1988, which is the longest streak in the Eastern Conference. The Blue Devils run a spread offense.

KAYLEEN CUBBAL — Mohawk over New Brighton: I’ll give Mohawk the benefit of the doubt in its home opener, even though this may be a bit of a rare down year for head coach Jason Long’s Warriors.

•Indiana over New Castle

•Avonworth over Neshannock

•Aliquippa over Ellwood City

•North Catholic over Laurel

•Union over Wilkinsburg

•Wilmington over Greenville

•Shenango over Leechburg

RON ‘DOCTOR OF STYLE’ PONIEWASZ —New Brighton over Mohawk: Mohawk will display its field renovations in a Midwestern Athletic Conference clash. Both teams need a win to avoid going 0-2 in the conference. Mohawk’s Travis Schubert ran hard in the opener. but the running room may not be as big against the Lions in this affair.

•New Castle over Indiana

•Neshannock over Avonworth

•Aliquippa over Ellwood City

•Laurel over North Catholic

•Wilkinsburg over Union

•Wilmington over Greenville

•Shenango over Leechburg

JOHN ‘BRUISER’ D’ABRUZZO — New Brighton over Mohawk. The Lions have a tough running back in Brandon Mosely, and the Warriors should be able to counter with Travis Schubert, who ran for 125 yards against Center in Week One. This should be a close affair, but New Brighton should thrive on its Midwestern Athletic Conference experience.

•New Castle over Indiana

•Avonworth over Neshannock

•Aliquippa over Ellwood City

•North Catholic over Laurel

•Wilkinsburg over Union

•Wilmington over Greenville

•Shenango over Leechburg

New Castle coach Frank Bongivengo Jr. expects to have senior Michael Razzano back on the field against Indiana on Friday night. The ’Canes’ starting tight end/linebacker was held out of New Castle’s 28-21 loss to Butler with a sore knee. Razzano, who did not dress but was on the sideline during Friday’s game, was a noticeable loss to the ’Canes’ defensive unit. “He’s a good ballplayer on both sides of the ball,” Bongivengo said. “Not having a kid like that always hurts.”

Union High, which started preseason training camp with just 22 players, is now up to 25. One of the late-comers is Andre Jones, who was a bit busy through early- and mid-August, starring for the Youngtown Babe Ruth 14-and-under all-star baseball team as it finished third in the Babe Ruth national tournament. Jones is a promising sophomore back who is seeing action already for Union.