This year’s New Castle-Hopewell game could have a huge impact on the Parkway Conference championship race. And it should remain a hot ticket for at least the next two years. The Vikings feature running back Rushel Shell, one of the top sophomores in the country. Last year, he was named the freshman of the year by Maxpreps.com. He did some damage in a 35-27 win over the Red Hurricane, as he tallied 144 yards on 20 carries and scored three touchdowns. Sophomore quarterback Nolan Harmotto also took some snaps for Hopewell on Friday when senior Matt Hundenski battled leg cramps. New Castle has its share of young firepower as well. The ’Canes boast some of the WPIAL’s best sophomores in quarterback Johnny Matarazzo, running back Justin Fleo, and receivers Darrian Rice and Marcus Carter. However, New Castle coach Frank Bongivengo Jr. is not focused on the future. “I hope this is a big game for the next few years. But, we’re not looking that far ahead,” he said. “We’re looking to [this] week. West Allegheny is a quality team and we’re looking to rebound and get a big win.”

If you think Wilmington is homesick, think again. The Greyounds, who played three of their first four games on the road this season, are enjoying their time away from home — as evidenced by a perfect 4-0 start. The defending Class AA state champions will play just their second home game Friday against Hickory. Last season, the ’Hounds hosted six games compared to four this year. “This is our year to do our traveling,” head coach Terry Verrelli said. “Last year we had it nice as far as playing at home. It’s part of the game. You have to learn to play everywhere. We’ve been in the playoffs so many years that you can’t play on your own field.” Including the playoffs, the ’Hounds have have competed in 23 road games to 12 home games over the last three years.

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

LAST WEEK: South Side Beaver (0-1, 2-1) lost to Laurel 31-7; Union (0-1, 1-2) lost to Rochester 37-0.

WHAT TO WATCH: Union committed five turnovers and managed just six first downs last week in a loss to Rochester. Matt Moore leads the Scotties in rushing with 166 yards. Union hasn’t beaten South Side Beaver since a 26-13 decision in 2001.

*****

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

LAST WEEK: Neshannock (0-1, 1-2) lost to Shenango 36-14; Laurel (1-0, 3-0) beat South Side Beaver 31-7.

WHAT TO WATCH: Laurel is looking to start 4-0 for the first time in more than a decade. Neshannock won last year’s matchup, 17-14. The Lancers’ Chris Kirkwood ranks third in the county in rushing with 382 yards on 67 carries. The Spartans are ranked No. 3 in Class A by the Post-Gazette.

*****

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

LAST WEEK: New Castle (1-0, 3-0) beat Blackhawk 33-7; Hopewell (1-0, 3-0) beat Ambridge 48-6.

WHAT TO WATCH: Hopewell running back Rushel Shell has 591 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns. He amassed 163 yards and two scores last week in a win over Ambridge. New Castle is ranked No. 4 in the WPIAL in Class AAA by the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette and the Vikings are No. 2.

*****

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

LAST WEEK: Wilmington (1-0, 3-0) beat Grove City 34-14; Oil City (1-1, 2-1) lost to Sharon 34-21.

WHAT TO WATCH: Wilmington is ranked No. 1 in Class AA in the PIAA. The Greyhounds won the only other previous matchup, 21-0 last season. Oil City quarterback Mark Kulinski is 41 of 58 for 677 yards with five touchdowns and three interceptions.

*****

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

LAST WEEK: Mohawk (1-2, 1-2) lost to Riverside 32-28; Freedom (1-2, 1-2) lost to Beaver 31-13.

WHAT TO WATCH: Mohawk rallied from a 19-0 deficit against Riverside last week to lead 20-19 and 28-25. However, the Panthers scored late to claim the win. The Warriors have won the last four meetings against Freedom. Both teams need a victory to remain in playoff contention in the Midwestern Athletic Conference.

*****

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

LAST WEEK: Ellwood City (0-2, 0-3) lost to Montour 45-10; Beaver Falls (3-0, 3-0) beat Aliquippa 21-14.

WHAT TO WATCH: Ellwood City has lost 27 straight games. The losing streak is the longest in Lawrence County since Neshannock’s 27-game streak spanning 2000-2002. Beaver Falls is ranked No. 1 in the WPIAL in Class AA by the Post-Gazette.

*****

THE MATCHUP: Monaca at Shenango, 7 p.m. Saturday

LAST WEEK: Monaca (0-1, 1-2) lost to Western Beaver 21-13; Shenango (1-0, 3-0) beat Neshannock 36-14.

WHAT TO WATCH: Shenango is bidding for its first 4-0 start since 2003. This is the last season for Monaca football. The school will combine with Center to form Central Valley for next season. Monaca lost in the WPIAL Class A championship last year to Clairton.

KAYLEEN CUBBAL (Season record, 14-1) — Hot Ticket Matchup: Laurel over Neshannock. Although the Lancers are better than they showed last week against Shenango, the Spartans are on a roll behind the multi-talented Tyler Forbes and Jake Dando. The only problem could be if they make the mistake of looking ahead to next week’s showdown at Rochester.

South Side Beaver over Union

Hopewell over New Castle

Wilmington over Oil City

Mohawk over Freedom

Beaver Falls over Ellwood City

Shenango over Monaca

*****

“THE DOCTOR OF STYLE,” RON PONIEWASZ JR. (Season record, 12-3) — Hot Ticket Matchup: Laurel over Neshannock. The Spartans are rolling and they will keep it going with a Big Seven victory over Neshannock. Laurel’s defense could pitch a shutout in this matchup.

South Side Beaver over Union

New Castle over Hopewell

Wilmington over Oil City

Mohawk over Freedom

Beaver Falls over Ellwood City

Shenango over Monaca

*****

“SWEET T,” TODD KRISE (Season record, 11-4) — Hot Ticket Matchup: Laurel over Neshannock. The Spartans are hotter than Megan Fox. Laurel will pound Neshannock with the run just like Shenango was able to successfully do last week.

South Side Beaver over Union

Hopewell over New Castle

Wilmington over Oil City

Mohawk over Freedom

Beaver Falls over Ellwood City

Shenango over Monaca

New Castle is 3-0 for the second time in three years. The Red Hurricane, ranked No. 4 in the WPIAL in Class AAA by the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, ended a 22-year losing streak to Blackhawk in the process, 33-7. Getting to 4-0 won’t be easy. It would mark the first time New Castle has done so since 2002. But the ’Canes must go through Hopewell at 7 p.m. Friday on the road in a Parkway Conference matchup. The Vikings are ranked No. 2 in Class AAA and boast the leading rusher in the WPIAL in sophomore Rushel Shell. Shell has rolled up 591 yards and 10 touchdowns. “We hit the gauntlet right off the bat,” New Castle coach Frank Bongivengo Jr. said of his team’s schedule. “Blackhawk, Hopewell, West A. and then Montour. “I don’t expect a letdown. Going up against Shell alone will get the kids ready to play. This is the Parkway Conference, not any other conference. If you don’t come ready to play every week, you’ll go from 3-0 to 3-3 before you can blink.”

Union captains Anthony Forletta and Matt Moore did what they were supposed to following their 37-0 loss to Rochester: they took responsbility. Moore’s attitude was similar to Florida quarterback Tim Tebow, who promised the Gators would work harder after a loss to Mississippi last season. Moore said the Scotties have to take their games and practices seriously. “First, we got to go hard,” Moore said. “We can’t mess around like we always do. We got to get our second team to get us some work. They always mess around too. We loaf sometimes. We need to step everything up.” Forletta said, “We always started a good drive but we couldn’t execute on third or fourth downs. We’ll definitely be more prepared for South Side (Beaver) than we were for Rochester.”

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

LAST WEEK: Union (0-0, 1-1) beat Wilkinsburg 26-0; Rochester (0-0, 2-0) beat Riverview 54-14.

WHAT TO WATCH: Union is still seeking its first Big Seven Conference victory since last year’s realignment. Rochester head coach Gene Matsook is a 1981 Shenango High graduate. The Rams are ranked No. 1 in the WPIAL in Class A by the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette and No. 2 in the state.

*****

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

LAST WEEK: Riverside (0-2, 0-2) lost to Beaver 20-13; Mohawk (1-1, 1-1) beat New Brighton 21-15 (OT).

WHAT TO WATCH: Johnny Beatty’s 2-yard touchdown run in overtime lifted Mohawk past New Brighton last week. Riverside trailed Beaver 20-0 after three quarters before rallying to make it close. Panthers quarterback Tom Mansfield was 6 of 17 for 134 yards in the loss.

*****

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

LAST WEEK: Blackhawk (0-0, 1-1) beat Knoch 35-7; New Castle (0-0, 2-0) beat Indiana 35-16.

WHAT TO WATCH: New Castle has not beaten Blackhawk since a 25-0 win in 1987 at Taggart Stadium. Johnny Matarazzo threw for 368 yards and four TDs last week against Indiana. Cougars quarterback Matt Emge made his first varsity start against Knoch and he didn’t disappoint. Emge threw for 172 yards and a pair of scores.

*****

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

LAST WEEK: Ellwood City (0-2) lost to Aliquippa 27-7; Montour (1-1) beat Highlands 27-0.

WHAT TO WATCH: Ellwood City has lost 26 straight games. The Wolverines are seeking their first victory over Montour since 2001, when the teams were Parkway Conference opponents. The Spartans’ Phil Peckich rushed for 229 yards and three touchdowns last week against Highlands.

*****

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

LAST WEEK: Laurel (0-0, 2-0) beat North Catholic 28-7; South Side Beaver (0-0, 2-0) beat Brentwood 21-0.

WHAT TO WATCH: Laurel is ranked No. 4 in the WPIAL in Class A by the Post-Gazette and South Side Beaver is No. 5. The Rams’ Luke Shaffer scored two TDs last week in a win over Brentwood. Laurel won last year’s battle 27-21 in double-overtime. In fact, the last three matchups have been decided by a combined 16 points.

*****

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

LAST WEEK: Shenango (0-0, 2-0) beat Leechburg 41-6; Neshannock (0-0, 1-1) lost to Avonworth 34-19.

WHAT TO WATCH: Neshannock is dedicating its field in honor of former athletic director Bob Bleggi. Bleggi will be recognized in a pregame ceremony. Neshannock won last year’s matchup, 32-13. Shenango’s Anthony Kosciuszko leads the county in scoring with 32 points.

*****

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

LAST WEEK: Grove City (2-0) beat Erie East 22-19; Wilmington (2-0) beat Greenville 36-15.

WHAT TO WATCH: Wilmington has won the last four encounters between the schools. The Greyhounds’ Derrick Burns rushed for 245 yards on 10 carries with four touchdowns and a two-point conversion last week against Greenville. Grove City is a District 10, Class AAA school.

KAYLEEN CUBBAL — Hot Ticket Matchup: New Castle over Blackhawk. OK, I’m going to go out on a limb here and pick this young, exciting Red Hurricane team — knowing full well that veteran Cougars coach Joe Hamilton clearly has New Castle’s number. The ’Canes haven’t beaten Blackhawk since “Bedtime for Bonzo” was playing nightly in the White House theater (kids, ask your parents what this means). In fact, none of the current New Castle players had been born when coach Lindy Lauro’s 1987 ’Canes beat the Cougars 25-0 (kids, ask your parents who Lindy Lauro is).

Riverside over Mohawk

Rochester over Union

Montour over Ellwood City

Laurel over South Side Beaver

Shenango over Neshannock

Wilmington over Grove City

*****

“THE DOCTOR OF STYLE,” RON PONIEWASZ JR. — Hot Ticket Matchup: New Castle over Blackhawk. The streak will end this year. It's New Castle's year to knock off Blackhawk. The 'Canes have too much speed and too many weapons.

Mohawk over Riverside

Rochester over Union

Montour over Ellwood City

Laurel over South Side Beaver

Neshannock over Shenango

Wilmington over Grove City

*****

“SWEET T,” TODD KRISE — Hot Ticket Matchup: Blackhawk over New Castle. I would love to pick the Red Hurricane, but I think this game will serve as a major learning experience for New Castle. It will end up paying big dividends at the end of the season.

Riverside over Mohawk

Rochester over Union

Montour over Ellwood City

Laurel over South Side Beaver

Neshannock over Shenango

Wilmington over Grove City

Memories and tears were flowing from every person who spoke at Laurel High’s 50th anniversary celebration on Friday. George Miles, the Spartans’ coaching legend, told the packed house at Spartans Stadium that the real rewards of coaching are watching his former players grow into successful husbands and fathers, not wins and losses. The late Leonard Rich, a former coach at Laurel, was represented by his son, Leonard Jr., who said the stadium’s turf is “holy ground” because of the dedicated individuals who play on it. More than 100 former players and coaches, representing all five decades of Laurel football, were on hand for the special occasion. They formed a tunnel for the 2009 Spartans team to run through. Laurel would go on to defeat North Catholic, 28-7, on the legs of an impressive running game. “We did it for them,” running back Caleb Weisenstein said.

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

LAST WEEK: Wilkinsburg (0-1) lost to Albert Gallatin 41-2; Union (0-1) lost to West Middlesex 15-7.

WHAT TO WATCH: Union won last year’s battle, 21-0. The game was stopped with 4:12 remaining in the game because of on-field altercations. This is a nonconference game. Wilkinsburg needs just one victory to reach 500 for the program. The Tigers have lost 19 of their last 20 games.

*****

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

LAST WEEK: Avonworth (1-0) beat Western Beaver 19-0; Neshannock (1-0) beat Kennedy Catholic 35-0.

WHAT TO WATCH: Neshannock was impressive in the season opener, rolling past Kennedy Catholic in nonsection action. Lancers running back Chris Kirkwood amassed a county-best 222 yards on 35 carries. Avonworth reached the WPIAL semifinals last year. Six first-team All-Eastern Conference players are gone from that team.

*****

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

LAST WEEK: Ellwood City (0-1, 0-1) lost to Freedom 20-7; Aliquippa (1-0) beat Ambridge 31-20.

WHAT TO WATCH: Ellwood City’s losing streak reached 25 straight last week in a 20-7 loss to Freedom in a Midwestern Athletic Conference matchup. Aliquippa is ranked No. 3 in the WPIAL in Class AA by the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

*****

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

LAST WEEK: North Catholic (0-1) lost to Serra Catholic 27-20; Laurel (1-0) beat Clairton 15-8.

WHAT TO WATCH: Laurel avenged last year’s 41-0 season-opening loss to Clairton last week by beating the top-ranked Bears. The Spartans are ranked No. 4 in Class A and are seeking revenge on North Catholic for last year’s 26-21 setback. Trojans quarterback Martin Long threw for 1,397 yards and 13 touchdowns last year.

*****

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

LAST WEEK: Mohawk (0-1, 0-1) lost to Center 35-7; New Brighton (0-1, 0-1) lost to Beaver 13-0.

WHAT TO WATCH: Mohawk struggled last week in its opener against Center. The Warriors crossed into Trojans territory just twice, and their deepest penetration was Center’s 31, that coming on the final play of the game. New Brighton running back Trey Hall rushed for 1,085 yards and 15 touchdowns last year.

*****

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

LAST WEEK: Wilmington (1-0) beat Brentwood 43-0; Greenville (1-0) beat North East 14-7.

WHAT TO WATCH: Wilmington opened defense of its PIAA Class AA championship in impressive fashion last week. The Greyhounds outgained Brentwood, 430-108 in a shutout victory. Wilmington has won four straight matchups with Greenville dating back to a 20-10 loss in 2004.

*****

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

LAST WEEK: Indiana (0-1) lost to Plum 26-6; New Castle (1-0) beat Butler 20-14.

WHAT TO WATCH: These teams split their matchups last year, with New Castle claiming a thrilling 55-49 win in the WPIAL quarterfinals. The ’Canes’ Keith Keene ranks third in the county in rushing with 127 yards on 23 carries. The ’Canes are ranked No. 4 in the WPIAL in Class AAA by the Post-Gazette. Indiana fumbled four times, threw an interception and had a punt blocked last week against Plum.

*****

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

LAST WEEK: Shenango (1-0) beat Riverview 27-6; Leechburg (0-1) lost to Jefferson-Morgan 34-14.

WHAT TO WATCH: Shenango is bidding for a second straight 2-0 start. The Wildcats amassed 379 yards of total offense last week against Riverview, 291 of it coming on the ground. Leechburg was winless last season, getting outscored 428-59. The Blue Devils haven’t qualified for the playoffs since 1988.

KAYLEEN CUBBAL — Hot Ticket matchup: New Castle over Indiana. It looks as if the ’Canes are going to have another good season coming off last year’s WPIAL semifinal playoff appearance. This could be a good test, though, for sophomore quarterback Johnny Matarazzo. But all you need to know about New Castle football is that you don’t pick against the ’Canes at home in any potentially close game — especially a home opener.

Union over Wilkinsburg

Avonworth over Neshannock

Aliquippa over Ellwood City

Laurel over North Catholic

New Brighton over Mohawk

Shenango over Leechburg

Wilmington over Greenville

*****

RON “THE DOC” PONIEWASZ JR. — Hot Ticket matchup: New Castle over Indiana. The teams split their matchups last year, with New Castle winning the playoff battle, 55-49. I don’t know if this one will rival last year’s quarterfinals classic, but I expect the ’Canes to be 2-0 following their home opener.

Union over Wilkinsburg

Avonworth over Neshannock

Aliquippa over Ellwood City

Laurel over North Catholic

New Brighton over Mohawk

Shenango over Leechburg

Wilmington over Greenville

*****

“SWEET T,” TODD KRISE — Hot Ticket Matchup: New Castle over Indiana. Indiana will focus all of its attention on New Castle running back Keith Keene, allowing sophomore quarterback Johnny Matarazzo to have his first big game of his young career. The ’Canes will start 2-0.

Union over Wilkinsburg

Neshannock over Avonworth

Aliquippa over Ellwood City

Laurel over North Catholic

New Brighton over Mohawk

Shenango over Leechburg

Wilmington over Greenville

In Union’s 15-7 loss to West Middlesex on Friday, the Scotties had the misfortune of kicking off to start both halves. Union coach Stacy Robinson said he usually tells his captains to defer if they win the coin toss. But on Friday, the Scotties’ captains chose to kick. Union’s decision allowed West Middlesex the opportunity to choose between kicking or receiving in the second half, explained John Yerage, the rules interpreter for Lawrence County’s chapter for PIAA officials. West Middlesex then chose to receive in the second half. If the Scotties had chosen to defer the opening coin toss, they would have received the second-half kickoff. The Scotties’ mistake almost proved costly, as their opponent returned the second-half kickoff to the Scotties’ 35-yard line. However, the Big Reds turned the ball over to Union on a fumble. “I didn’t give them clear instructions,” Robinson said. “It’s my fault sending those young guys out there and not properly explaining what’s going on. I’m not going to blame the officials. It was my decision.”

For most of Shenango High’s football team, Saturday night’s season-opening 27-6 win over Riverview must have seemed like a road game. But for T.J. Klinesmith, it probably felt like home. The senior tight end transferred to Shenango from Wilmington High this year. Although both schools are in Lawrence County, the Wildcats are members of the WPIAL, and the Greyhounds compete in PIAA District 10, so Klinesmith must have thought he’d never play another game on Wilmington’s turf. Wrong. Shenango resodded Frank Bongivengo Field at Glenn “Pop” Johnston Stadium over the summer, and wanted to give the new grass extra time to settle in before playing on it. Thus, Saturday’s game was moved to Wilmington, and Klinesmith got one last chance to roam his old stomping grounds.

THE MATCHUP: Kennedy Catholic at Neshannock, 7 p.m. Friday

LAST YEAR: Kennedy Catholic (1-8); Neshannock (4-5).

WHAT TO WATCH: Neshannock is looking to win its season opener for a third straight year. The Lancers rolled past Kennedy Catholic in last year’s opener, 34-0. John Sansone will get the start under center after taking over for Josh Brown, who graduated. Kennedy Catholic has just 23 players on its roster.

*****

THE MATCHUP: Clairton at Laurel, 7 p.m. Friday

LAST YEAR: Clairton (15-1); Laurel (3-6).

WHAT TO WATCH: Laurel’s Jake Dando earned second-team Associated Press Class A All-State honors last year. He led the county in receptions (42) and yardage (629), while adding five touchdowns. Clairton lost in the PIAA Class A championship game last season to Steelton-Highspire, 35-16. The Bears’ Kevin Weatherspoon is a Pitt recruit.

*****

THE MATCHUP: Center at Mohawk, 7 p.m. Friday

LAST YEAR: Center (8-3); Mohawk (4-5).

WHAT TO WATCH: Mohawk missed the WPIAL Class AA playoffs last year by one game. This is the last season for Center football. The school will combine with Monaca to form Central Valley for next season. Preston Dawson threw for 1,668 yards and 17 touchdowns last year for the Trojans. This is a Midwestern Athletic Conference matchup.

*****

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

LAST YEAR: New Castle (8-4); Butler (3-6).

WHAT TO WATCH: New Castle reached the WPIAL Class AAA semifinals last year for the first time since 1998. Johnny Matarazzo will direct the Red Hurricane attack. New Castle’s Keith Keene paced the county in rushing last year with 1,502 yards. Butler won last year’s matchup at Taggart Stadium, 28-21. Nine starters return for the Golden Tornado, six of whom are on offense.

*****

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

LAST YEAR: Union (1-8); West Middlesex (6-4).

WHAT TO WATCH: Union has not made the playoffs since 2003. The Scotties have won just 10 games since then. Anthony Forletta threw for just 78 yards last year while serving as Mike Pelto’s backup. West Middlesex operates offensively out of the wing-T. Big Reds fullback Nate Ash is the team’s leading returning rusher, accumulating 631 yards and five scores last year.

*****

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

LAST YEAR: Freedom (1-8); Ellwood City (0-9).

WHAT TO WATCH: Ellwood City has lost 24 straight games dating back to 2006. The Wolverines’ last conference victory came against Freedom in 2005. The Wolverines have 14 starters back from last year’s team. Freedom coach Mark Lyons is in his first season at the helm. The Bulldogs are 9-30 since last making the playoffs in 2004.

*****

THE MATCHUP: Wilmington at Brentwood, 7:30 p.m. Friday

LAST YEAR: Wilmington (15-1); Brentwood (4-6).

WHAT TO WATCH: Wilmington claimed the county’s first state championship last year. The Greyhounds have appeared in four straight District 10 championship games, winning the last three. Derrick Burns finished second in the county in rushing last year with 1,458 yards, while pacing the county in touchdowns with 24. Brentwood is a WPIAL Class A team.

*****

THE MATCHUP: Riverview at Shenango, 7:30 p.m. Saturday (at Wilmington High School)

LAST YEAR: Riverview (3-7); Shenango (3-7).

WHAT TO WATCH: Shenango quarterback Joe Colavecchia is looking to bounce back this season. Last year, Colavecchia threw for 458 yards and just two touchdowns with eight interceptions. The Wildcats won last year’s battle, 14-7, in the opener. Riverview failed to make the playoffs last year by one game.