KAYLEEN CUBBAL (5-3 last week; 23-9 overall) — Hot Ticket Matchup: Western Beaver over Neshannock. I was all set to pick the Lancers in this game, but a bevy of injuries to key players for Neshannock will make the home team’s task a tough one.

Montour over New Castle

Sto-Rox over Union

Ellwood City over Mohawk

Laurel over Freedom

Wilmington over Hickory

Rochester over Shenango

*****

“THE DOCTOR OF STYLE,” RON PONIEWASZ JR. (6-2 last week; 25-7 overall) — Hot Ticket Matchup: Neshannock over Western Beaver. The Lancers’ defense has been impressive in the early stages of the season. Expect that trend to continue on their home field.

Montour over New Castle

Sto-Rox over Union

Ellwood City over Mohawk

Laurel over Freedom

Wilmington over Hickory

Rochester over Shenango

*****

“BAZOOKA” JOE SIMON ( 5-3 last week; 25-7 overall) — Hot Ticket Matchup: Western Beaver over Neshannock. Neshannock has been playing as tough as anyone on defense, and its offense is more potent than people thought. But there are just too many injuries to overcome.

Montour over New Castle

Sto-Rox over Union

Ellwood City over Mohawk

Laurel over Freedom

Wilmington over Hickory

Rochester over Shenango

Jason Long had a diplomatic answer when asked whether he preferred the performance of his team's offense or defense on Friday.

“It's fun to score points,” the Mohawk coach said, “and it's fun to play good defense.”

The Warriors did both in a 49-6 flogging of visiting New Brighton, nearly tripling the Lions in total yards (408-151) and holding a 43-0 lead midway through the fourth quarter.

“I prefer zero, but we'll take six,” Long said of his team's near shutout.

Mohawk evened its record at 2-2 and looks to keep riding its hot streak against much improved Ellwood City this week.

“We felt like we let one get away in week two so these last two games were definitely must wins,” Long said. “And (this) week is a must win also. Ellwood City is a very good football team. They are tough and we're going to have our work cut out for us.”

KAYLEEN CUBBAL (6-2 last week; 17-7 overall) — Hot Ticket Matchup: Beaver over Ellwood City. The Wolverines’ fairytale season is dealt a bit of a setback, but they already deserve kudos for the incredible turnaround.

Cornell over Neshannock

Laurel over Riverside

Wilmington over Reynolds

Mohawk over New Brighton

New Castle over Belle Vernon

South Side Beaver over Union

Shenango over Western Beaver

*****

“THE DOCTOR OF STYLE,” RON PONIEWASZ JR. (6-2 last week; 18-6 overall) — Hot Ticket Matchup: Beaver over Ellwood City. The opposing teams’ records for Beaver and Ellwood City are a combined 5-13. Beaver will bring Ellwood City back to earth a little bit.

Cornell over Neshannock

Laurel over Riverside

Wilmington over Reynolds

Mohawk over New Brighton

New Castle over Belle Vernon

Union over South Side Beaver

Shenango over Western Beaver

*****

“BAZOOKA” JOE SIMON (5-3 last week; 19-5 overall) — Hot Ticket Matchup: Ellwood City over Beaver. People around the area want to know if Ellwood City is legit. They’ll find out against Beaver. The Wolverines are, and they’ll prove it with a huge victory.

Cornell over Neshannock

Laurel over Riverside

Wilmington over Reynolds

Mohawk over New Brighton

New Castle over Belle Vernon

Union over South Side Beaver

Shenango over Western Beaver

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

LAST WEEK: Cornell (1-0, 3-0) beat Western Beaver 28-22; Neshannock (0-1, 2-1) lost to Sto-Rox 14-0.

KEY PLAYERS: Cornell: Shawn Owens, Jr., QB/DB, 5-10, 177; Malik King, Sr., WR/DB, 5-10, 160; B.J. Lipke, Jr., WR/DE, 6-1, 185.

Neshannock: Michael Sanfilippo, So., QB/DB, 5-10, 175; Erik Welker, Sr., RB/LB, 5-9, 205; Nick Graziani, Sr., WR/DB, 6-4, 180.

WHAT TO WATCH: This is Cornell’s first season in the Big Seven Conference after competing the past two seasons in the Century Conference. The teams were rivals in the Tri-County North Conference before it was broken up after the 2007 season. Neshannock won the last meeting, 28-21.

*****

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

LAST WEEK: Riverside (1-2, 1-2) lost to Aliquippa 34-6; Laurel (0-2, 1-2) lost to Beaver Falls 34-7.

KEY PLAYERS: Riverside: Devin Kelosky, So., QB/FS, 5-10, 155; Jared Desensi, Sr., RB/DB, 5-9, 198; Sam Mansfield, Sr., OL/DL, 6-2,225.

Laurel: Dylan Jones, Jr., RB/DB, 6-0, 185; Brandon Ritchie, So., QB/LB, 6-1, 200; Kaleb Kingston, Jr., OL/DL, 6-6, 320.

WHAT TO WATCH: This is the first meeting since 2007 when Riverside posted a 35-6 victory. Jared Desensi recorded 82 of his 107 rushing yards in the second half last week for the Panthers against Aliquippa. An 0-3 start in Midwestern Athletic Conference play would be damaging for Laurel’s playoff hopes.

*****

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

LAST WEEK: Reynolds (0-1, 0-3) lost to West Middlesex 27-21; Wilmington (1-0, 3-0) beat Karns City 50-7.

KEY PLAYERS: Reynolds: Justin Wolfe, Sr., QB/LB, 6-0, 205; Tony Patterson, Sr., RB/DB, 5-11, 170; Brandon Weaver, Sr., TE/DE, 6-4, 240.

Wilmington: Josh Tekac, Jr., QB/OLB, 6-4, 195; Zack Llewellyn, Jr., FB/ILB, 6-1, 198; Bryn Kaufman, Jr., OT/DT, 6-5, 273.

WHAT TO WATCH: Wilmington’s Terry Verrelli is 249-103-3 in 32 years as coach. The Greyhounds have won a county-best eight games in a row dating back to last season. Reynolds quarterback Justin Wolfe was 13 of 22 for 240 yards and three touchdowns last week.

*****

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

LAST WEEK: New Brighton (0-2, 1-2) lost to Beaver 35-3; Mohawk (1-2, 1-2) beat Freedom 41-6.

KEY PLAYERS: New Brighton: Michael Nevill, Jr., QB/DB, 6-0, 180; Drew Devinney, Jr., WR/DB, 5-9, 160; Kellen Mackey, So., RB/DB, 5-6, 145.

Mohawk: Johnny Beatty, Sr., QB/DB, 5-10, 155; Colin Bredl, Sr., RB/WR/S, 6-2, 205; Cody Dean, Sr., K, 5-9, 160.

WHAT TO WATCH: Michael Nevill paces New Brighton in rushing with 162 yards on 47 attempts and two touchdowns. Mohawk must continue to win to keep its WPIAL Class AA playoff hopes alive. Johnny Beatty leads the Warriors’ ground game with 185 yards.

*****

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

LAST WEEK: Belle Vernon (2-1) beat Trinity 28-7; New Castle (2-1) lost to Central Valley 23-6.

KEY PLAYERS: Belle Vernon: Matt Naylor, Sr., QB, 6-5, 230; Ian Dobbins, Jr., WR, 5-10, 175; Nick Gruber, Sr., RB, 6-0, 170.

New Castle: Johnny Matarazzo, Jr., QB, 6-4, 215; Jesse Ambuster, Sr., TE/LB, 5-11, 206; Vinny DeJohn, Sr., OL/DL, 5-10, 273.

WHAT TO WATCH: This is a nonconference game. Belle Vernon’s Matt Naylor threw for 120 yards last week and Nick Gruber rushed for 101 against Trinity. New Castle won the last meeting in 2007, 27-6. Red Hurricane quarterback Johnny Matarazzo expects to start after suffering a neck strain last week against Central Valley.

*****

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

LAST WEEK: Beaver (3-0, 3-0) beat New Brighton 35-3; Ellwood City (2-0, 3-0) beat Mount Pleasant 35-0.

KEY PLAYERS: Beaver: P.J. Kohlman, Sr., QB/DB, 5-11, 180; Sam O’Neill, Sr., RB/DB, 5-10, 170; Paul Pavlinich, Sr., OL/ILB, 6-1, 230.

Ellwood City: Gino Ceriani, Sr., QB/DB, 6-0, 170; Kyle Crawford, Jr., RB/DB, 6-1, 175; Josh Guisler, Sr., OL/DL, 6-1, 260.

WHAT TO WATCH: Sam O’Neill paces Beaver in rushing with 395 yards on 36 attempts with six touchdowns. P.J. Kohlman is 11 for 24 through the air for the Bobcats for 207 yards with three touchdowns and two interceptions. Ellwood City recorded its first shutout last week since a 26-0 verdict over Beaver in 2004.

*****

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

LAST WEEK: Union (0-1, 1-2) lost to Rochester 42-0; South Side Beaver (0-1, 0-3) lost to Shenango 30-12.

KEY PLAYERS: Union: Andre Jones, Sr., QB/DB, 6-1, 167; Drew Robinson, So., RB/DB, 5-7, 154; Jamie Hooks, Fr., OL/LB, 6-2, 195.

South Side Beaver: Josh Martz, Sr., QB, 6-6, 185; Luke Shaffer, Sr., RB/SS, 6-1, 205; Justin Martz, Sr., OL/DL, 6-2, 180.

WHAT TO WATCH: Luke Shaffer leads South Side Beaver in rushing with 191 yards on 26 attempts and a touchdown. Union has lost the last three games to South Side Beaver by a combined count of 68-2. The Scotties managed just 36 yards of total offense last week against Rochester.

*****

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

LAST WEEK: Shenango (1-0, 2-1) beat South Side Beaver 30-12; Western Beaver (0-1, 1-2) lost to Cornell 28-22.

KEY PLAYERS: Shenango: Scott McBride, Sr., WR/LB, 5-7, 165; Joe Seaburn, Jr., WR/LB, 6-1, 180; Ryan Lacey, Sr., TE/DL, 6-1, 200.

Western Beaver: Joe Dawida, Sr., QB, 6-3, 200; Dustin Creel, Jr., WR/DB, 6-2, 190; Brandon Barnes, Sr., OL/DL, 6-0, 240.

WHAT TO WATCH: Joe Dawida is 11 for 41 through the air for Western Beaver for 79 yards with no touchdowns and four interceptions. Shenango is bidding for its second straight 3-1 start. Wildcats coach Ryan Mayo is a Western Beaver graduate.

New Castle fans can breathe a sigh of relief.

Johnny Matarazzo was back at practice Monday after suffering a scary-looking injury against Central Valley that caused him to be carted off the field on a stretcher.

“He’s fine,” New Castle coach Frank Bongivengo Jr. said. “He just had a little strain in his neck and he actually practiced (Monday). They said all of that (the stretcher and ambulance) was more for precautionary reasons because he was complaining about some pain in the neck.”

Matarazzo leads the county in passing yards (540), completions (32) and is tied for the lead with three touchdowns through three games. The 6-foot-4, 215-pound junior is expected to play Friday against Belle Vernon.

That’s especially important because the status of junior running back Justin Fleo is still unknown. Fleo re-injured his ankle in a Sept. 10 game against Ambridge. He initially injured the ankle in a preseason scrimmage.

“He’s coming along,” Bongivengo said. “We’re not still not sure about his availability for this week. We’ll see how it plays out and hopefully he’ll be ready to go.”

The 6-0, 190-pound Fleo has run for 266 yards and four touchdowns on 35 carries.

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

LAST WEEK: New Castle (1-0, 2-0) beat Ambridge 45-7; Central Valley (0-1, 1-1) lost to West Allegheny 30-27.

KEY PLAYERS: New Castle: Johnny Matarazzo, Jr., QB, 6-4, 215; Jesse Ambuster, Sr., TE/LB, 5-11, 206; Randy Gillette, Sr., TE/DE, 6-3, 200.

Central Valley: Curtis Lewis, Jr., QB/DB, 5-10, 190; Lukas Turley, Sr., TE/LB, 6-2, 200; Tom Phillips, Sr., OT/DT, 6-1, 280.

WHAT TO WATCH: Monaca and Center consolidated after the 2009-2010 academic year to form Central Valley. Mark Lyons is the Warriors’ coach and the team plays at Center’s stadium. New Castle is ranked No. 4 in the WPIAL in Class AAA by the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

*****

THE MATCHUP: Neshannock at Sto-Rox, 7 p.m. Friday

LAST WEEK: Neshannock (0-0, 2-0) beat Serra Catholic 34-14; Sto-Rox (0-0, 2-0) beat Carlynton 22-0.

KEY PLAYERS: Neshannock: Michael Sanfilippo, So., QB/DB, 5-10, 175; Erik Welker, Sr., RB/LB, 5-9, 205; Leo Pasquarello, Sr., RB/DB, 5-9, 175.

Sto-Rox: Lenny Williams, Fr., QB/DB, 5-9, 155; D.J. Abbey, OL/DL, 6-2, 245; Josh Beverly, Jr., RB/LB, 5-9, 220.

WHAT TO WATCH: Neshannock is 2-0 for the first time since 1986, and trying for a 3-0 mark for the first time since that season. Ron Butschle is in the first year of his second stint as coach of Sto-Rox. Butschle coached the Vikings from 2000-2004 with a 26-17 mark. Sto-Rox is ranked No. 3 in Class A in the WPIAL by the Post-Gazette.

*****

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

LAST WEEK: Rochester (0-0, 2-0) beat Fort Cherry 46-0; Union (0-0, 1-1) beat Avella 46-13.

KEY PLAYERS: Rochester: Jasson Adamson, Sr., QB/DB, 6-0, 170; Jesse Battaglia, Sr., OL/DL, 6-4, 275; DeAndre Moon, Jr., RB/LB, 5-9, 205.

Union: Andre Jones, Sr., QB/DB, 6-1, 167; Drew Robinson, So., RB/DB, 5-7, 154; Ronnell Hunt, Sr., TE/LB, 6-1, 205.

WHAT TO WATCH: Rochester is coached by Gene Matsook, a 1981 Shenango High graduate. The Rams have outscored the opposition 81-0 this year. Rochester has blanked Union 76-0 in two meetings since the Scotties joined the Big Seven Conference in 2008. The Rams are ranked No. 2 in the WPIAL in Class A by the Post-Gazette and No. 3 in the state.

*****

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

LAST WEEK: Karns City (1-1) lost to Redbank Valley 14-8; Wilmington (2-0) beat Greenville 40-0.

KEY PLAYERS: Karns City: Dylan Hipple, Sr., QB/DB, 5-11, 160; Glenn Toy, So., RB/DB, 5-7, 160; Zach Barney, Sr., FB/LB, 5-10, 180.

Wilmington: Josh Tekac, Jr., QB/OLB, 6-4, 195; Zack Llewellyn, Jr., FB/ILB, 6-1, 198; Jason McFarland, Sr., OL/DL, 5-10, 234.

WHAT TO WATCH: This is a nonregion matchup. Wilmington rolled to an easy 55-9 victory over Karns City last year. The Greyhounds’ Sutton Whiting has 320 yards rushing this year on 24 attempts, to go along with five touchdowns.

*****

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

LAST WEEK: Mohawk (0-2, 0-2) lost to Riverside 28-26; Freedom (0-2, 0-2) lost to Beaver 48-12.

KEY PLAYERS: Mohawk: Johnny Beatty, Sr., QB/DB, 5-10, 155; Colin Bredl, Sr., RB/WR/S, 6-2, 205; Matt Vogel, Sr., TE/DE, 6-4, 245.

Freedom: Darek Lehocky, Sr., QB, 5-10; Zane Zeigler, Sr., WR/DB, 6-3, 180; Kydem Moon, Jr., OL/.LB, 5-11, 250.

WHAT TO WATCH: Both teams are in need of a victory to stay within striking distance of the WPIAL playoffs. Mohawk has won five games in a row against Freedom. Last year, the Warriors held on for a 13-12 verdict. Mohawk’s Johnny Beatty ranks second in the county in passing with 171 yards.

*****

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

LAST WEEK: Ellwood City (2-0) beat New Brighton 44-14; Mount Pleasant (2-0) beat Yough 20-3.

KEY PLAYERS: Ellwood City: Gino Ceriani, Sr., QB/DB, 6-0, 170; Garrett Thomas, Sr., RB/LB, 5-9, 165; Kyle Crawford, Jr., RB/DB, 6-1, 175.

Mount Pleasant: Kevin Yanok, Jr., RB/CB, 5-11, 160; Bryce Ansell, Sr., RB/DB, 5-9, 185; Jonathan Antonishen, Sr., OL/DL, 5-11, 235.

WHAT TO WATCH: Ellwood City is bidding for its first 3-0 start since 1999. Mount Pleasant finished 10-1 last year. Kyle Crawford paces the Wolverines’ rushing attack with 191 yards. Ellwood City has outscored the opposition 85-34. Last year, the Wolverines scored just 91 points.

*****

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

LAST WEEK: Laurel (0-1, 1-1) beat Jeannette 38-26; Beaver Falls (1-1, 1-1) lost to Aliquippa 27-14.

KEY PLAYERS: Laurel: Dylan Jones, Jr., RB/DB, 6-0, 185; Jason DeRosa, Sr., WR/DB, 5-10, 175; Kaleb Kingston, Jr., OL/DL, 6-6, 320.

Beaver Falls: Carlin Henderson, Sr., QB, 6-0, 175; Trey Hall, Jr., RB/DB, 5-10, 195; Durrell Cook, Sr., TE/LB, 6-4, 240.

WHAT TO WATCH: Beaver Falls won the last meeting in 2007, 43-0. The Spartans are trying to avoid digging an 0-2 hole in the tough Midwestern Athletic Conference. Dylan Jones rolled up 227 yards rushing and three touchdowns last week against Jeannette.

*****

THE MATCHUP: South Side Beaver at Shenango, 7 p.m. Saturday

LAST WEEK: South Side Beaver (0-0, 0-2) lost to Brentwood 13-0; Shenango (0-0, 1-1) lost to Chartiers-Houston 21-20.

KEY PLAYERS: South Side Beaver: Josh Martz, Sr., QB, 6-6, 185; Luke Shaffer, Sr., RB/SS, 6-1, 205; Justin Martz, Sr., OL/DL, 6-2, 180.

Shenango: Scott McBride, Sr., WR/LB, 5-7, 165; Eric Moscipan, Sr., TE/LB, 6-3, 210; Avery Pears, Jr., OL/DL, 6-0, 190.

WHAT TO WATCH: South Side Beaver’s Luke Shaffer is getting Division I interest, according to coach James Winner. Shaffer rushed for 148 yards in the opener, but was held to just 43 last week against Brentwood. Shenango lost last week on a last-second field goal.

KAYLEEN CUBBAL (5-3 last week; 11-5 overall) — Hot Ticket Matchup: Shenango over South Side Beaver. Shenango shoulda coulda won last week’s game against a decent Chartiers-Houston team — and has some revenge to exact after a costly 14-12 loss to South Side last year — so I’ll go with the Wildcats in this Big Seven Conference opener.

New Castle over Central Valley

Sto-Rox over Neshannock

Rochester over Union

Wilmington over Karns City

Mohawk over Freedom

Ellwood City over Mount Pleasant

Beaver Falls over Laurel

*****

“THE DOCTOR OF STYLE,” RON PONIEWASZ JR.: (6-2 last week, 12-4 overall) — Hot Ticket Matchup: Shenango over South Side Beaver. South Side Beaver’s Luke Shaffer is a tough running back to contain. But Brentwood did it last week and Shenango will do it this week.

New Castle over Central Valley

Sto-Rox over Neshannock

Rochester over Union

Wilmington over Karns City

Mohawk over Freedom

Ellwood City over Mount Pleasant

Beaver Falls over Laurel

*****

“BAZOOKA” JOE SIMON (6-2 last week; 14-2 overall) — Hot Ticket Matchup: Shenango over South Side Beaver. It’s unlikely standout running back Anthony Kosciuszko will be back for the Wildcats, but you never know. Regardless, Shenango is in dire need of a victory after a last-second loss last week, so I’m going with the Wildcats.

New Castle over Central Valley

Sto-Rox over Neshannock

Rochester over Union

Wilmington over Karns City

Mohawk over Freedom

Ellwood City over Mount Pleasant

Laurel over Beaver Falls

It’s been awhile since the Neshannock High football team started 2-0.

Quite awhile, in fact.

The year was 1986 when the Lancers last won their first two football games, the legendary Bob Bleggi’s last year as head coach. That streak of one-and-done ended Friday when Neshannock rolled past Serra Catholic, 34-14.

When is the last time Neshannock started 3-0, you ask? That, too, was 1986. It’s another streak the Lancers are looking to end when they open Big Seven Conference play Friday at Sto-Rox.

Ellwood City Lincoln is experiencing similar success. The Wolverines are 2-0 for the first time since 2000 and they are bidding for their first 3-0 start since 1999.

KAYLEEN CUBBAL — Hot Ticket Matchup: Wilmington over Greenville. Easy rule of thumb that goes back quite a few years now — don’t pick against the Greyhounds until they lose.

Union over Avella

Jeannette over Laurel

Mohawk over Riverside

New Castle over Ambridge

Ellwood City over New Brighton

Neshannock over Serra Catholic

Shenango over Chartiers-Houston

*****

“THE DOCTOR OF STYLE,” RON PONIEWASZ JR. — Hot Ticket Matchup: Wilmington over Greenville. Wilmington has dominated the series in recent years. There’s no reason to believe that will change this year.

Union over Avella

Jeannette over Laurel

Riverside over Mohawk

New Castle over Ambridge

Ellwood City over New Brighton

Neshannock over Serra Catholic

Shenango over Chartiers-Houston

*****

“BAZOOKA” JOE SIMON — Hot Ticket Matchup: Wilmington over Greenville. Wilmington showed it’s still one of the better teams in the area, and the Greyhounds will keep that billing this week with another win.

Union over Avella

Laurel over Jeannette

Mohawk over Riverside

New Castle over Ambridge

Ellwood City over New Brighton

Neshannock over Serra Catholic

Shenango over Chartiers-Houston

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

LAST WEEK: Avella (0-1) lost to Shenango 37-21; Union (0-1) lost to Chartiers-Houston 20-14.

KEY PLAYERS: Avella: Cameron Geresti, Sr., QB/DB, 5-11, 160; Jarod Magon, Sr., RB/DB, 6-0, 185; Damon Cupp, Sr., WR, 6-5, 200.

Union: Andre Jones, Sr., QB/DB, 6-1, 167; Mike Annarella, Sr., OT/DT, 6-1, 245; Jordan Callahan, Sr., TE/LB, 6-2, 170.

WHAT TO WATCH: The Eagles have had the worst WPIAL record the past 10 seasons. Union’s Andre Jones made a smooth transition from wide receiver to quarterback. Jones rushed for 129 yards and threw for another 40 last week against Chartiers-Houston. He also accounted for both of the Scotties’ scores.

*****

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

LAST WEEK: Jeannette (1-0) beat East Allegheny 44-12; Laurel (0-1) lost to Aliquippa 31-6.

KEY PLAYERS: Jeannette: Demetrius Cox, Jr., QB/S, 6-1, 185; Anthony Deni, OL/DL, 5-9, 230; Darius Brown, Sr., RB/DB, 5-8, 160.

Laurel: Dylan Jones, Jr., RB/DB, 6-0, 185; Jason DeRosa, Sr., WR/DB, 5-10, 175; Tyler Kirkwood, Sr., OL/DL, 5-8, 225.

WHAT TO WATCH: This is the first matchup between the teams since 2006. Terrelle Pryor led the Jayhawks to a 22-14 victory in the first round of the WPIAL Class AA playoffs that year on the Spartans’ home field. Laurel is looking to build momentum before going back into Midwestern Athletic Conference play next week.

*****

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

LAST WEEK: Greenville (0-0, 0-1) lost to North East 17-7; Wilmington (0-0, 1-0) beat Slippery Rock 40-12.

KEY PLAYERS: Greenville: Tyler Gentile, Jr., QB/DB, 5-11, 205; Mike Black, Sr., RB/LB, 6-0, 180; Nico Zahniser, Jr., WR/DB, 6-2, 190.

Wilmington: Josh Tekac, Jr., QB/OLB, 6-4, 195; Sutton Whiting, Sr., RB/S, 5-9, 160; Jake Devido, Sr., RB/CB, 5-7, 155.

WHAT TO WATCH: Wilmington has won five meetings in a row dating back to a 20-10 loss in 2004. Tyler Gentile rushed for 107 yards and threw for 118 for Greenville last week against North East. Sutton Whiting rolled up 150 yards rushing for the Greyhounds in the opener against Slippery Rock on just 12 attempts.

*****

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

LAST WEEK: Riverside (0-1, 0-1) lost to Beaver 35-0; Mohawk (0-1, 0-1) lost to Beaver Falls 41-6.

KEY PLAYERS: Riverside: Devin Kelosky, So., QB/FS, 5-10, 155; Jared Desensi, Sr., RB/DB, 5-9, 198; Sam Mansfield, Sr., OL/DL, 6-2,225.

Mohawk: Johnny Beatty, Sr., QB/DB, 5-10, 155; Colin Bredl, Sr., RB/WR/S, 6-2, 205; Andrew Stambul, Sr., OL/DL, 6-0, 235.

WHAT TO WATCH: Mohawk and Riverside both struggled offensively last week. The Warriors amassed just 119 yards of total offense last week against Beaver Falls. The Panthers notched just 153 against Beaver. The last two meetings in the series have been decided by a total of five points.

*****

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

LAST WEEK: Ambridge (0-0, 0-1) lost to Keystone Oaks 34-7; New Castle (0-0, 1-0) beat Butler 25-0.

KEY PLAYERS: Ambridge: Joe Savage, Sr., QB/DB, 5-9, 145; Tim Reynolds, Sr., RB/DB, 5-10, 182; Brent Sutton, Sr., TE/DE, 6-1, 192.

New Castle: Johnny Matarazzo, Jr., QB, 6-4, 215; Marcus Carter, Sr., WR/DB, 6-1, 170; Mike Motto, Sr., C/LB, 5-10, 200.

WHAT TO WATCH: New Castle has won the last three meetings with Ambridge. Joe Savage led the Bridgers with 60 yards rushing, while completing 6 passes in 14 attempts for 28 yards and two interceptions against Keystone Oaks. This is the Parkway Conference opener for both schools. Justin Fleo recorded 133 yards rushing for New Castle last week.

*****

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

LAST WEEK: New Brighton (0-0, 1-0) beat Yough 37-28; Ellwood City (1-0, 1-0) beat Freedom 41-20.

KEY PLAYERS: New Brighton: Michael Nevill, Jr., QB/DB, 6-0, 180; Drew Devinney, Jr., WR/DB, 5-9, 160; Kellen Mackey, So., RB/DB, 5-6, 145.

Ellwood City: Gino Ceriani, Sr., QB/DB, 6-0, 170; Garrett Thomas, Sr., RB/LB, 5-9, 165; Kyle Crawford, Jr., RB/DB, 6-1,1 75.

WHAT TO WATCH: New Brighton ended a 10-game losing streak last week with a win over Yough. Joe Greco is in his second stint as the Lions’ coach. He was the New Brighton coach from 1995 to 2006. The Wolverines haven’t started 2-0 since 2000, the last time they reached the WPIAL playoffs.

*****

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

LAST WEEK: Neshannock (1-0) beat West Shamokin 42-14; Serra Catholic (0-1) lost to Rochester 35-0.

KEY PLAYERS: Neshannock: Michael Sanfilippo, So., QB/DB, 5-10, 175; Erik Welker, Sr., RB/LB, 5-9, 205; Asa Davies, Sr., RB/LB, 5-7, 165.

Serra Catholic: Joe Jurofcik, Sr., QB, 6-2, 182; Evan Bauder, Jr., WR, 6-2, 183; Kyle Taylor, Sr., RB, 5-11, 183.

WHAT TO WATCH: Neshannock is bidding for its first 2-0 start in more than 15 years. Asa Davies scored four touchdowns last week for the Lancers to lead the county. Serra Catholic recorded just 45 yards of total offense last week against Rochester.

*****

THE MATCHUP: Shenango at Chartiers-Houston, 7:30 p.m. Friday

LAST WEEK: Shenango (1-0) beat Avella 37-21; Chartiers-Houston (1-0) beat Union 20-14.

KEY PLAYERS: Shenango: Scott McBride, Sr., WR/LB, 5-7, 165; Eric Moscipan, Sr., TE/LB, 6-3, 210; Sam Herb, Sr., OL/DL, 6-3, 235.

Chartiers-Houston: Danny Lis, Jr., QB/DB, 5-10, 180; Joey Joscsak, Sr., 5-10, 185; Nate Grandelis, Jr., OL/DL, 6-2, 260.

WHAT TO WATCH: Scott McBride ranks second in the county in rushing with 166 yards on seven attempts. The Wildcats rolled up 363 rushing yards against Avella last week. Joey Joscsak scored the game-winning touchdown for Chartiers-Houston against Union with 6:35 remaining.

Neshannock’s linebacker brother act figured in two of the Lancers’ touchdowns during a 42-14 win over West Shamokin.

Late in the fourth quarter, sophomore Alex Welker latched onto the ball in a scrum at the 15-yard line and returned it 11 yards to the 4. Backup QB David Burkes then ran it into the end zone one play later.

Earlier in the same period, Neshannock brought the heat on Wolves quarterback Tony DeVivo, and DeVivo lobbed a desperation pass to his left.

Senior Erik Welker, with his throttle set on full speed ahead, grabbed the wounded duck in stride and stormed 35 yards unmolested to paydirt.

“He wasn’t going to stop,” Lancers head coach Pat Cuba said. “If anyone got in his way, he was going to stomp on them on the way. He’s doing a great job for us this year.”

And for Welker, it apparently was a dream play in more ways than one.

“He told me he had a dream that he had a pick-six,” running back Asa Davies said, “and then he got it today.”

After less than a quarter of play, Mike Caputo’s season may be over.

The senior star running back for West Allegheny sustained what has been called a “serious ankle injury” Friday night during the Indians’ 41-0 romp over South Park.

According to various published reports, the injury is believed to be a dislocated ankle.

Caputo was carted off the field on a stretcher late in the first quarter after landing awkwardly while playing safety.

Caputo led West Allegheny to a WPIAL title last season and is widely considered to be one of the top players in the district. He has already accepted a scholarship to Wisconsin.

Last year, Caputo rushed for 294 yards and two touchdowns in leading West Allegheny to a 28-21 Parkway Conference win over New Castle. The ’Canes are scheduled to take on the Indians Oct. 15 at Taggart Stadium.

KAYLEEN CUBBAL — Hot Ticket Matchup: Butler over New Castle . Butler stunk last year, but this year they have the Jim Rankin factor. If he doesn’t make the Quad-A Golden Tornado a winner right away, he will eventually. If New Castle is looking for some blackboard material, here it is.

Neshannock over West Shamokin

Chartiers-Houston over Union

Ellwood City over Freedom

Aliquippa over Laurel

Wilmington over Slippery Rock

Avella over Shenango

Beaver Falls over Mohawk

*****

“THE DOCTOR OF STYLE,” RON PONIEWASZ JR. — Hot Ticket Matchup: New Castle over Butler. Butler’s wing-T offense will be no match for New Castle’s firepower. The Red Hurricane will get up by a couple of scores and just make passing a bit too tough for the visitors.

Neshannock over West Shamokin

Chartiers-Houston over Union

Freedom over Ellwood City

Aliquippa over Laurel

Wilmington over Slippery Rock

Avella over Shenango

Beaver Falls over Mohawk

*****

“BAZOOKA” JOE SIMON — New Castle over Butler. New Castle has plenty of weapons and experience, and while Butler won’t be as bad as years past, the Red Hurricane has too much offense for the Golden Tornado.

Neshannock over West Shamokin

Chartiers-Houston over Union

Ellwood City over Freedom

Aliquippa over Laurel

Wilmington over Slippery Rock

Shenango over Avella

Beaver Falls over Mohawk

THE MATCHUP: West Shamokin at Neshannock, 7 p.m. Friday

LAST YEAR: West Shamokin (0-9); Neshannock (2-7).

WHAT TO WATCH: West Shamokin competes in the WPIAL Class AA Allegheny Conference. The Wolves were outscored 422-17 last year. West Shamokin has lost 24 straight games dating back to a 20-8 verdict over Allegheny-Clarion Valley in 2007. Neshannock will open with Michael Sanfilippo at quarterback.

*****

THE MATCHUP: Chartiers-Houston at Union, 7 p.m. Friday

LAST YEAR: Chartiers-Houston (6-4); Union (2-7)

WHAT TO WATCH: Union is looking to open the season with a victory for the first time since 2003. That’s also the last year the Scotties advanced to the WPIAL playoffs. Union’s Andre Jones moved from wide receiver to quarterback. Danny Lis threw for 901 yards and eight touchdowns last year for Chartiers-Houston.

*****

THE MATCHUP: Chartiers-Houston at Union, 7 p.m. Friday

LAST YEAR: Chartiers-Houston (6-4); Union (2-7)

WHAT TO WATCH: Union is looking to open the season with a victory for the first time since 2003. That’s also the last year the Scotties advanced to the WPIAL playoffs. Union’s Andre Jones moved from wide receiver to quarterback. Danny Lis threw for 901 yards and eight touchdowns last year for Chartiers-Houston.

*****

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

LAST YEAR: Ellwood City Lincoln (1-8); Freedom (2-7)

WHAT TO WATCH: This is a Midwestern Athletic Conference matchup. Freedom hasn’t made the WPIAL playoffs since 2004. Ellwood City has dropped the last four matchups against the Bulldogs dating back to a 14-6 win in 2005. The Wolverines are just 15-69 since notching a 7-3 mark in 2000.

*****

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

LAST YEAR: Aliquippa (11-2); Laurel (10-2)

WHAT TO WATCH: Aliquippa lost in the WPIAL Class AA championship last year to Greensburg Central Catholic. The Quips are ranked No. 1 in the WPIAL in Class AA by the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. This is a MAC matchup. The teams last met in 2002 at Aliquippa in the first round of the WPIAL Class AA playoffs. The Quips won, 36-23.

*****

THE MATCHUP: Wilmington at Slippery Rock, 7 p.m. Friday

LAST YEAR: Wilmington (13-2); Slippery Rock (2-8)

WHAT TO WATCH: Slippery Rock moved up to Class AAA in District 10. The teams competed in Region 3-AA last year. Wilmington is attempting to reach the District 10 championship game for a sixth straight season. The Greyhounds have won four straight district crowns. Wilmington’s Sutton Whiting led the county in rushing last year with 1,273 yards.

*****

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

LAST YEAR: Butler (0-9); New Castle (8-3

WHAT TO WATCH: Butler competes in the WPIAL Class AAAA Northern Seven Conference. Former North Allegheny coach Jim Rankin, who won 144 games in 18 seasons, takes over at the helm for the Golden Tornado. Butler hasn’t made the playoffs since 1998. New Castle quarterback Johnny Matarazzo passed for a program-best 2,128 yards last year.

*****

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

LAST YEAR: Shenango (5-4); Avella (2-7)

WHAT TO WATCH: The Eagles have had the worst WPIAL record the past 10 seasons. Avella was down to just 10 players two years ago when the female cheerleading captain suited up to keep the program going. Shenango is bidding for its first WPIAL playoff berth since 2006. The last time the Wildcats posted back-to-back winning seasons was 2002-2003.

*****

WHEN: Mohawk at Beaver Falls, 7:30 p.m. Friday

LAST YEAR: Mohawk (3-6); Beaver Falls (10-2).

WHAT TO WATCH: Beaver Falls is ranked No. 5 in the WPIAL in Class AA by the Post-Gazette. Trey Hall led New Brighton last year in rushing with more than 1,000 yards and transferred this year to Beaver Falls. Mohawk quarterback Johnny Beatty led the team last year in rushing with 360 yards, while throwing for 1,170 with nine touchdowns and 14 interceptions.

It's Crunch time again!

And we're about to bring you the hits in a bigger and better way than we've ever done before.

The multimedia staff at the New Castle News will be in the pressbox, on the sideline and inside the huddle to deliver the most compelling photos, video, audio and stories from high school football action in Lawrence County. Look for us at your favorite team's game from tonight's first kickoff through the PIAA championship in December.

In addition to game coverage, look for these other exciting elements on our Crunch Web site:

• Mondays — FanCam returns with fun and unique images taken in the stands by you.

• Tuesdays — Our popular Band of the Week feature will air, with photo galleries and audio clips from each high school band.

• Wednesdays — Meet the Player of the Week through stories, photos and video highlights.

• Thursdays — What would football season be without Bazooka Joe and The Doc making predictions, questioning coaches and traveling to different stadiums around the county like rock stars?

• Fridays — During the day, check out our weekly football feature stories, which will focus on issues outside the lines. At night, we'll provide real-time scores and details for those who can't make it to the games. As Friday night dissolves into Saturday morning, you'll see complete game stories and box scores, photo galleries and video highlights.

• And on a daily basis we'll have a couple of added bonuses for you — team pages, player cybercards and, as you might have presumed, this blog you are currently reading. It will be updated daily with breaking news items, videos, photos and links to other sites.

So, if you're looking for the best in Lawrence County football action presented in a very cool and exciting format, we invite you to come back daily for your fix of hard-hitting visuals and commentary.

Crunch. We deliver the hits.