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

LAST WEEK: Laurel (2-5, 3-5) lost to Beaver 41-7; Mohawk (2-5, 2-6) lost to Aliquippa 35-14.

KEY PLAYERS: Laurel: Brandon Ritchie, So., QB/LB, 6-1, 200; Dylan Jones, Jr., RB/DB, 6-0, 185; Ryan Hites, Jr., OL/LB, 5-10, 200. Mohawk: Johnny Beatty, Sr., QB/DB, 5-10, 155; John Fleck, Jr., RB/LB, 6-1, 175; Colin Bredl, Sr., RB/WR/S, 6-2, 205.

WHAT TO WATCH: Laurel has claimed six consecutive regular-season finales. The Spartans won the last meeting in 2007, 48-8. Mohawk finished 3-6 last year. The last time the Warriors failed to post at least three wins was 1998 when they finished 1-9. Laurel’s Dylan Jones ranks second in the county in rushing with 1,009 yards.

*****

THE MATCHUP: Warren (Ohio) John F. Kennedy at Wilmington, 7 p.m. Friday

LAST WEEK: Warren JFK (3-6) beat Western Reserve Academy 19-13; Wilmington (5-3) lost to Sharon 20-14.

KEY PLAYERS: Warren JFK: Bryce Baker, Sr., QB/DB, 6-2, 165; Mark Fordeley, So., RB/DB, 5-7, 160; Evan McBride, Sr., TE/DL, 5-10, 180. Wilmington: Josh Tekac, Jr., QB/OLB, 6-4, 195; Sutton Whiting, Sr., RB/S, 5-9, 160; Anthony Derrick, Jr., RB/CB, 5-9, 150.

WHAT TO WATCH: John F. Kennedy has lost four games by eight points or less. Included in those four defeats is a 27-21 overtime loss at Sharon. Wilmington last lost four regular season games in 2003, when it finished 5-4 and failed to make the playoffs.

*****

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

LAST WEEK: New Castle (2-4, 4-4) beat Moon 46-6; Blackhawk (3-3, 5-3) lost to Central Valley 28-6.

KEY PLAYERS: New Castle: Johnny Matarazzo, Jr., QB, 6-4, 215; Darrian Rice, So., WR/DB, 6-1, 170; Corey Eggleston, Jr., WR/DB, 5-10, 165. Blackhawk: Chandler Kincade, Fr, QB/DB, 6-4, 205; Mike Shansky, Jr., RB/LB, 6-2, 215; Brenden Kearney, Jr., WR/DB, 5-8, 150.

WHAT TO WATCH: New Castle hasn’t won at Blackhawk since an 18-7 verdict in 1986. Last year, the Red Hurricane snapped a 15-game losing streak to the Cougars, 33-7, which dated back to 1987. Chandler Kincade is 52 of 104 through the air for 588 yards with six touchdowns and six interceptions for Blackhawk.

*****

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

LAST WEEK: Riverside (4-3, 5-3) beat New Brighton 49-7; Ellwood City (4-3, 5-3) lost to Beaver Falls 10-3.

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. Ellwood City: Gino Ceriani, Sr., QB/DB, 6-0, 170; Garrett Thomas, Sr., RB/LB, 5-9, 165; Greg Williams, Jr., OL/DL, 6-2, 237.

WHAT TO WATCH: The victor secures the final WPIAL Class AA playoff spot out of the Midwestern Athletic Conference. Ellwood City hasn’t advanced to the playoffs since 2000. The Wolverines’ last victory over Riverside came in 2003.

*****

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

LAST WEEK: Union (1-5, 2-6) lost to Cornell 42-19; Western Beaver (4-2, 5-3) beat South Side Beaver 46-23.

KEY PLAYERS: 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. Western Beaver: Joe Dawida, Sr., QB, 6-3, 200; Dustin Creel, Jr., WR/DB, 6-2, 190; Eric Blinn, Jr., RB/DB, 6-1, 170.

WHAT TO WATCH: Western Beaver has clinched a playoff spot and can secure second place in the Big Seven with a victory and a Sto-Rox decision over Cornell. A win would give Union its most wins since a 3-6 finish in 2007. Drew Robinson leads the Scotties’ ground game with 549 yards on 89 attempts.

*****

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

LAST WEEK: Neshannock (2-4, 4-4) lost to Rochester 27-0; Shenango (2-4, 3-5) lost to Sto-Rox 38-31.

KEY PLAYERS: Neshannock: Michael Sanfilippo, So., QB/DB, 5-10, 175; Leo Pasquarello, Sr., RB/DB, 5-9, 175; Bryan Scheidemantle, Jr., TE/LB, 6-0, 210. Shenango: Tynen Greer, Fr., QB/DB, 5-11, 135; Scott McBride, Sr., WR/LB, 5-7, 165; Anthony Kosciuszko, Sr., RB/DB, 5-9, 180.

WHAT TO WATCH: Neshannock is bidding for its first five-win season since 2004 when it went 6-4 and reached the WPIAL Class AA playoffs. Three of Shenango’s losses are by a combined 13 points. Wildcats quarterback Tynen Greer threw for 265 yards and two TDs last week.

KAYLEEN CUBBAL (7-1 last week; 48-12 overall) — Hot Ticket Matchup: Ellwood City over Riverside. I can’t imagine a team that wants this more than Ellwood City. Don Phillips has proved that a coach, indeed, can make a difference.

Laurel over Mohawk

Wilmington over Warren (Ohio) John F. Kennedy

Blackhawk over New Castle

Western Beaver over Union

Shenango over Neshannock

*****

“THE DOCTOR OF STYLE,” RON PONIEWASZ JR.: (6-2 last week 47-13 overall) — Hot Ticket Matchup: Riverside over Ellwood City. Ellwood City has put together quite a magical ride to this point. But Riverside is poised to put a sudden end to the Wolverines’ postseason plans.

Laurel over Mohawk

Wilmington over Warren (Ohio) John F. Kennedy

Blackhawk over New Castle

Western Beaver over Union

Shenango over Neshannock

*****

“BAZOOKA” JOE SIMON (6-2 last week; 48-12 overall) — Hot Ticket Matchup: Ellwood City over Riverside. The Wolverines have come too far this year to let it slip away in the final week. Their balance on offense coupled with an underrated rush defense will prove to be the difference.

Mohawk over Laurel

Wilmington over Warren (Ohio) John F. Kennedy

Blackhawk over New Castle

Union over Western Beaver

Shenango over Neshannock

Shenango may have seen its playoff hopes dashed at Sto-Rox, but it’s clear the Wildcats have something to look forward to — especially at quarterback.

Freshman Tynen Greer enjoyed a breakout game under center. He completed 12 of 22 passes for 265 yards, two touchdowns and an interception. Not a bad night of work, but even more significant considering he entered the game with eight completions in 28 attempts for 88 yards, three interceptions and no touchdowns — on the entire season.

So, while the campaign may be coming to an end, Greer is continuing his progression.

“Very rarely does he look like a 14-year-old,” Shenango coach Ryan Mayo said. “He is just calm out there and knows what needs to be done. Does he make mistakes? Yes, but so does everybody else. He has a lot of poise for a freshman.”

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

LAST WEEK: Rochester (5-0, 7-0) beat Cornell 41-0; Neshannock (2-3, 4-3) beat South Side Beaver 36-6.

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.

Neshannock: Michael Sanfilippo, So., QB/DB, 5-10, 175; Erik Welker, Sr., RB/LB, 5-9, 205; Nicholas Wolford, Jr., OL/DL, 6-0, 235.

WHAT TO WATCH: Rochester coach Gene Matsook is a 1981 Shenango graduate. The Rams are ranked No. 2 in the WPIAL and state in Class A by the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Neshannock must win each of its last two regular-season games to clinch a playoff berth.

*****

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

LAST WEEK: Cornell (4-1, 6-1) lost to Rochester 41-0; Union (1-4, 2-5) lost to Shenango 53-12.

KEY PLAYERS: Cornell: Shawn Owens, Jr., QB/DB, 5-10, 177; Malik King, Sr., WR/DB, 5-10, 160; Ronny Borne, Sr., RB/DB, 5-10, 158.

Union: Andre Jones, Sr., QB/DB, 6-1, 167; Drew Robinson, So., RB/DB, 5-7, 154; Ross Liskooka, Sr., OL/LB, 6-0, 171.

WHAT TO WATCH: Cornell struggled in the previous four seasons in Class AA, winning just seven games. The Raiders are attempting to reach seven wins for the first time since 1990, when they finished 8-3. Union has won the last four meetings.

*****

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

LAST WEEK: Beaver (5-1, 6-1) lost to Aliquippa 20-14; Laurel (2-4, 3-4) lost to Ellwood City 14-13.

KEY PLAYERS: Beaver: Christian, Jr., QB/DB, 6-2, 170; Sam O’Neill, Sr., RB/DB, 5-10, 170; Paul Pavlinich, Sr., OL/ILB, 6-1, 230.

Laurel: Brandon Ritchie, So., QB/LB, 6-1, 200; Dylan Jones, Jr., RB/DB, 6-0, 185; Joseph Johnson, So., K/DB, 6-0, 135.

WHAT TO WATCH: This is the first meeting between the teams since 2005, a 15-13 Spartans victory. Sam O’Neill leads Beaver’s ground game with 520 yards on 71 attempts with seven touchdowns. The Bobcats’ lone loss is to Aliquippa.

*****

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

LAST WEEK: Wilmington (3-1, 5-2) beat Titusville 54-6; Sharon (3-0, 6-1) beat Fort LeBoeuf 47-8.

KEY PLAYERS: Wilmington: Josh Tekac, Jr., QB/OLB, 6-4, 195; Sutton Whiting, Sr., RB/S, 5-9, 160; Cameron Rossi, Jr., WR/ILB, 6-2, 178.

Sharon: Jason Ondic, Jr., QB/DB, 5-9, 180; Marc Martell Sr., RB/DE, 5-9, 185; Justin Yuran, Sr., OL/LB, 6-1, 225.

WHAT TO WATCH: Wilmington seeks a win for a possible share of the District 10, Region 3-AA championship. Hickory is in the mix as well at 2-1, 5-2. The Greyhounds have won the last eight meetings, which includes the playoffs. Wilmington’s Sutton Whiting leads the county in rushing with 990 yards.

*****

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

LAST WEEK: Shenango (2-3, 3-4) beat Union 53-12; Sto-Rox (3-2, 5-2) lost to Western Beaver 22-6.

KEY PLAYERS: Shenango: Scott McBride, Sr., WR/LB, 5-7, 165; Joe Seaburn, Jr., WR/LB, 6-1, 180; Aaron Grymes, Sr., RB/DB, 5-11, 185.

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: Lenny Williams threw for 173 yards last week for Sto-Rox against Western Beaver, but he fired three interceptions as well. Sto-Rox has 17 players suspended for academics. Shenango can make the WPIAL Class A playoffs with a win over Sto-Rox and a decision next week over Neshannock.

*****

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

LAST WEEK: Mohawk (2-4, 2-5) lost to Greensburg Central Catholic 21-14; Aliquippa (7-0, 7-0) beat Beaver 20-14.

KEY PLAYERS: Mohawk: Johnny Beatty, Sr., QB/DB, 5-10, 155; John Fleck, Jr., RB/LB, 6-1, 175; Jeremy Halden, Jr., OL/DL, 5-9, 205.

Aliquippa: Mikal Hall, Jr., QB, 5-11, 156; Darius Walker, Sr., RB, 5-9, 177; Ben Cobb, Sr., RB, 5-8, 178.

WHAT TO WATCH: Aliquippa is attempting to finish the regular season unbeaten for the 11th time in program history. The Quips are ranked No. 1 in the WPIAL in Class AA by the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Mohawk has lost the last two meetings with Aliquippa by a combined score of 94-36.

*****

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

LAST WEEK: Moon (1-4, 3-4) lost to Ambridge 27-14; New Castle (1-4, 3-4) lost to West Allegheny 35-7.

KEY PLAYERS: Moon: Caleb Jakiel, So., QB/FS, 6-2, 182; Mark Piccolo, Sr., RB/CB, 5-7, 170; Chad Bertrand, Sr., WR, 5-7, 160.

New Castle: Johnny Matarazzo, Jr., QB, 6-4, 215; Darrian Rice, So., WR/DB, 6-1, 170; Joey Oliva, Sr., OL/DL, 5-11, 253.

WHAT TO WATCH: Both teams are still alive in the chase for the playoffs. However, each team needs to win out and get help. New Castle has been hampered in recent weeks by dropped passes at critical stages of a game. Mark Piccolo paces the Tigers’ rushing attack with 701 yards on 104 attempts.

*****

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

LAST WEEK: Ellwood City (4-2, 5-2) beat Laurel 14-13; Beaver Falls (5-1, 6-1) beat New Brighton 44-20.

KEY PLAYERS: Ellwood City: Gino Ceriani, Sr., QB/DB, 6-0, 170; Garrett Thomas, Sr., RB/LB, 5-9, 165; Bobby Hozick, Sr., OL/LB, 6-0, 210.

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 can sew up a Class AA playoff berth with a win. Ellwood City will clinch a postseason bid with a victory in one of its final two games. The Wolverines haven’t been to the playoffs since 2000.

Shenango’s chances for a postseason berth from the Big Seven Conference look a little brighter today.

That’s because the Wildcats’ opponent for Friday night, Sto-Rox, must compete without 17 players who are academically ineligible.

According to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, the players are ineligible under a controversial new Sto-Rox policy where students must have at least a C grade in all core courses to participate in extracurricular activities. Grades in elective courses do not count toward eligibility.

Those who are ineligible could rejoin the team for the game next Friday if they raise their grades to a C, the Post-Gazette is reporting. Sto-Rox's policy is much tougher than the academic policy that the WPIAL and PIAA uses for eligibility.

Sto-Rox has a 3-2 conference record after losing to Western Beaver, 22-6, on Saturday with its team intact.

Shenango (2-3 conference, 3-4 overall) controls its own WPIAL playoff destiny. If the ’Cats win their final two games, beginning Friday at Sto-Rox, they would finish no worse than tied for fourth with the Vikings and would receive the conference’s final playoff berth based on head-to-head competition.

KAYLEEN CUBBAL (6-0 last week; 41-11 overall) — Hot Ticket Matchup: Sharon over Wilmington. The youthful Greyhounds have not played well in the big games so far this season. If Wilmington is to win, its young players will have to come of age in a hurry against a veteran Sharon team.

Rochester over Neshannock

Cornell over Union

Beaver over Laurel

Shenango over Sto-Rox

Aliquippa over Mohawk

New Castle over Moon

Beaver Falls over Ellwood City

*****

“THE DOCTOR OF STYLE,” RON PONIEWASZ JR. (6-0 last week; 41-11 overall) — Hot Ticket Matchup: Wilmington over Sharon. Wilmington regrouped in a big way last week against Titusville. That victory gave the Greyhounds the momentum they will need to tie Sharon atop the District 10, Region 3-AA standings with another win this week.

Rochester over Neshannock

Cornell over Union

Beaver over Laurel

Shenango over Sto-Rox

Aliquippa over Mohawk

New Castle over Moon

Beaver Falls over Ellwood City

*****

“BAZOOKA” JOE SIMON (6-0 last week; 42-10 overall) — Hot Ticket Matchup: Wilmington over Sharon. The Greyhounds haven’t performed well in two of their biggest games this year, versus Hickory and Grove City. I see that changing against their archrival. Look for the defense to come up with a big score at some point.

Rochester over Neshannock

Cornell over Union

Beaver over Laurel

Shenango over Sto-Rox

Aliquippa over Mohawk

New Castle over Moon

Beaver Falls over Ellwood City

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

LAST WEEK: New Castle (1-3, 3-3) lost to Hopewell 28-26; West Allegheny (4-0, 5-1) beat Moon 48-7.

KEY PLAYERS: New Castle: Johnny Matarazzo, Jr., QB, 6-4, 215; Darrian Rice, So., WR/DB, 6-1, 170; Nigel Whren, TE/DE, 6-0, 165.

West Allegheny: Dylan Bongiorni, Sr., QB, 6-2, 180; Aaron McKinney, Sr., RB, 5-10, 190; Zach Medved, So., TE, 6-0, 180.

WHAT TO WATCH: New Castle allowed 502 rushing yards last week against Hopewell. The ’Canes must win to keep their fading playoff hopes alive. New Castle once again faces a strong rushing attack. Aaron McKinney leads the Indians’ ground game with 492 yards on 80 carries and 11 scores.

*****

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

LAST WEEK: South Side Beaver (0-4, 0-6) lost to Sto-Rox 36-0; Neshannock (1-3, 3-3) beat Union 20-14.

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.

Neshannock: Michael Sanfilippo, So., QB/DB, 5-10, 175; Erik Welker, Sr., RB/LB, 5-9, 205; Bryan Scheidemantle, Jr., TE/LB, 6-0, 210.

WHAT TO WATCH: Luke Shaffer paces South Side Beaver in rushing with 400 yards on 64 attempts. Neshannock’s defense has allowed exactly 14 points to five of its six opponents. Leo Pasquarello leads the Lancers’ rushing game with 272 yards on 43 attempts.

*****

THE MATCHUP: Mohawk at Greensburg Central Catholic, 7 p.m. Friday

LAST WEEK: Mohawk (2-4) lost to Beaver 37-7; Greensburg Central Catholic (6-0) beat Brownsville 35-13.

KEY PLAYERS: Mohawk: Johnny Beatty, Sr., QB/DB, 5-10, 155; John Fleck, Jr., RB/LB, 6-1, 175; Ed Heasley, Sr., OL/LB, 5-11, 195.

Greensburg Central Catholic: Bobbie Noble, Jr., QB, 6-2, 190; Andy Biros Sr., RB/DB, 5-8, 165; Pat Mahoney, Sr., OL/DL, 6-0, 270.

WHAT TO WATCH: Greensburg Central Catholic is outscoring the opposition, 229-23. The Centurions have posted four shutouts as well. A loss would be the third straight for Mohawk. It would also make four consecutive seasons the Warriors have endured at least a three-game losing streak.

*****

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

LAST WEEK: Titusville (0-4, 0-6) lost to Harbor Creek 27-0; Wilmington (2-1, 4-2) lost to Grove City 7-3.

KEY PLAYERS: Titusville: Drew Sneeringer, Jr., QB/DB, 5-11, 180; Brian Hart, Sr., RB/DB, 5-11, 145; Cody Rodgers, Sr., G/LB, 5-11, 200.

Wilmington: Josh Tekac, Jr., QB/OLB, 6-4, 195; Sutton Whiting, Sr., RB/S, 5-9, 160; Tom Bober, Sr., OL/DL, 6-2, 232.

WHAT TO WATCH: Wilmington has consecutive defeats for the first time since 2003 when it lost three in a row. The Greyhounds are tied with Hickory for second place in District 10, Region 3-AA action, one game behind first-place Sharon (3-0, 5-1).

*****

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

LAST WEEK: Laurel (2-3, 3-3) beat New Brighton 19-7; Ellwood City (3-2, 4-2) lost to Aliquippa 29-7.

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

Ellwood City: Gino Ceriani, Sr., QB/DB, 6-0, 170; Garrett Thomas, Sr., RB/LB, 5-9, 165; Travis Karenbauer, Sr., OL/DL, 6-4, 320.

WHAT TO WATCH: The winner will bolster its WPIAL Class AA playoff hopes. Ellwood City currently sits comfortably in the conference’s fourth and final playoff position. Laurel won the last meeting in 1990, 13-12. Dylan Jones rushed for 289 yards last week for the Spartans.

*****

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

LAST WEEK: Union (1-3, 2-4) lost to Neshannock 20-14; Shenango (1-3, 2-4) lost to Cornell 48-14.

KEY PLAYERS: Union: Andre Jones, Sr., QB/DB, 6-1, 167; Drew Robinson, So., RB/DB, 5-7, 154; Wayne Seamans, So., WR/DB, 5-6, 145.

Shenango: Scott McBride, Sr., WR/LB, 5-7, 165; Joe Seaburn, Jr., WR/LB, 6-1, 180; Justin Reash, Sr., OL/DL, 6-3, 250.

WHAT TO WATCH: Shenango won last year’s matchup, 35-0. The Wildcats have lost three straight and Union has a two-game losing streak. Shenango’s Scott McBride ranks third in the county in rushing with 601 yards on 76 carries.

WHEN: Today, 7 p.m.

LAST WEEK: New Castle (1-3, 3-3) lost to Hopewell 28-26; West Allegheny (4-0, 5-1) beat Moon 48-7.

KEY PLAYERS: New Castle: Johnny Matarazzo, Jr., QB, 6-4, 215; Darrian Rice, So., WR/DB, 6-1, 170; Nigel Whren, TE/DE, 6-0, 165.

West Allegheny: Dylan Bongiorni, Sr., QB, 6-2, 180; Aaron McKinney, Sr., RB, 5-10, 190; Zach Medved, So., TE, 6-0, 180.

WHAT TO WATCH: New Castle allowed 502 rushing yards last week against Hopewell. The ’Canes must win to keep their fading playoff hopes alive. New Castle once again faces a strong rushing attack. Aaron McKinney leads the Indians’ ground game with 492 yards on 80 carries and 11 scores.

WHEN: Today, 7 p.m.

LAST WEEK: South Side Beaver (0-4, 0-6) lost to Sto-Rox 36-0; Neshannock (1-3, 3-3) beat Union 20-14.

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.

Neshannock: Michael Sanfilippo, So., QB/DB, 5-10, 175; Erik Welker, Sr., RB/LB, 5-9, 205; Bryan Scheidemantle, Jr., TE/LB, 6-0, 210.

WHAT TO WATCH: Luke Shaffer paces South Side Beaver in rushing with 400 yards on 64 attempts. Neshannock’s defense has allowed exactly 14 points to five of its six opponents. Leo Pasquarello leads the Lancers’ rushing game with 272 yards on 43 attempts.

WHEN: Today, 7 p.m.

LAST WEEK: Mohawk (2-4) lost to Beaver 37-7; Greensburg Central Catholic (6-0) beat Brownsville 35-13.

KEY PLAYERS: Mohawk: Johnny Beatty, Sr., QB/DB, 5-10, 155; John Fleck, Jr., RB/LB, 6-1, 175; Ed Heasley, Sr., OL/LB, 5-11, 195.

Greensburg Central Catholic: Bobbie Noble, Jr., QB, 6-2, 190; Andy Biros Sr., RB/DB, 5-8, 165; Pat Mahoney, Sr., OL/DL, 6-0, 270.

WHAT TO WATCH: Greensburg Central Catholic is outscoring the opposition, 229-23. The Centurions have posted four shutouts as well. A loss would be the third straight for Mohawk. It would also make four consecutive seasons the Warriors have endured at least a three-game losing streak.

WHEN: Today, 7 p.m.

LAST WEEK: Titusville (0-4, 0-6) lost to Harbor Creek 27-0; Wilmington (2-1, 4-2) lost to Grove City 7-3.

KEY PLAYERS: Titusville: Drew Sneeringer, Jr., QB/DB, 5-11, 180; Brian Hart, Sr., RB/DB, 5-11, 145; Cody Rodgers, Sr., G/LB, 5-11, 200.

Wilmington: Josh Tekac, Jr., QB/OLB, 6-4, 195; Sutton Whiting, Sr., RB/S, 5-9, 160; Tom Bober, Sr., OL/DL, 6-2, 232.

WHAT TO WATCH: Wilmington has consecutive defeats for the first time since 2003 when it lost three in a row. The Greyhounds are tied with Hickory for second place in District 10, Region 3-AA action, one game behind first-place Sharon (3-0, 5-1).

WHEN: Today, 7:30 p.m.

LAST WEEK: Laurel (2-3, 3-3) beat New Brighton 19-7; Ellwood City (3-2, 4-2) lost to Aliquippa 29-7.

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

Ellwood City: Gino Ceriani, Sr., QB/DB, 6-0, 170; Garrett Thomas, Sr., RB/LB, 5-9, 165; Travis Karenbauer, Sr., OL/DL, 6-4, 320.

WHAT TO WATCH: The winner will bolster its WPIAL Class AA playoff hopes. Ellwood City currently sits comfortably in the conference’s fourth and final playoff position. Laurel won the last meeting in 1990, 13-12. Dylan Jones rushed for 289 yards last week for the Spartans.

WHEN: Tomorrow, 7 p.m.

LAST WEEK: Union (1-3, 2-4) lost to Neshannock 20-14; Shenango (1-3, 2-4) lost to Cornell 48-14.

KEY PLAYERS: Union: Andre Jones, Sr., QB/DB, 6-1, 167; Drew Robinson, So., RB/DB, 5-7, 154; Wayne Seamans, So., WR/DB, 5-6, 145.

Shenango: Scott McBride, Sr., WR/LB, 5-7, 165; Joe Seaburn, Jr., WR/LB, 6-1, 180; Justin Reash, Sr., OL/DL, 6-3, 250.

WHAT TO WATCH: Shenango won last year’s matchup, 35-0. The Wildcats have lost three straight and Union has a two-game losing streak. Shenango’s Scott McBride ranks third in the county in rushing with 601 yards on 76 carries.

KAYLEEN CUBBAL (6-1 last week; 35-11 overall) — Hot Ticket Matchup: Ellwood City over Laurel. This could be the toughest pick of the year. Both teams are capable. Pinch me, I’m picking the Wolverines.

West Allegheny over New Castle

Neshannock over South Side Beaver

Greensburg Central Catholic over Mohawk

Wilmington over Titusville

Shenango over Union

*****

“THE DOCTOR OF STYLE,” RON PONIEWASZ JR. (5-2 last week; 35-11 overall) — Hot Ticket Matchup: Ellwood City over Laurel. The Wolverines have proved all year they are for real and a win here will back that up. Stopping Laurel’s Dylan Jones won’t be easy, but Ellwood City’s defense is playing well.

West Allegheny over New Castle

Neshannock over South Side Beaver

Greensburg Central Catholic over Mohawk

Wilmington over Titusville

Shenango over Union

*****

“BAZOOKA” JOE SIMON (5-2 last week; 36-10 overall) — Hot Ticket Matchup: Ellwood City over Laurel. Laurel is playing better than it has all year, and Dylan Jones has single-handedly brought them from the dead. Yet, this is Ellwood City’s year. They’re just too talented offensively to lose this one.

West Allegheny over New Castle

Neshannock over South Side Beaver

Greensburg Central Catholic over Mohawk

Wilmington over Titusville

Shenango over Union

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

LAST WEEK: Neshannock (0-3, 2-3) lost to Western Beaver 28-6; Union (1-2, 2-3) lost to Sto-Rox 46-0.

KEY PLAYERS: Neshannock: Michael Sanfilippo, So., QB/DB, 5-10, 175; Kienan Owens, So., RB/DL, 5-9, 220; Erik Welker, Sr, RB/LB, 5-9, 205.

Union: Andre Jones, Sr., QB/DB, 6-1, 167; Drew Robinson, So., RB/DB, 5-7, 154; Chris Cooper, Sr., TE/LB, 5-10, 170.

WHAT TO WATCH: Union has won three of the last four meetings, including a 33-14 decision last year. Western Beaver ended the Lancers’ success on defense last week by posting 28 points. Neshannock gave up 14 points in each of its first four games before last week.

*****

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

LAST WEEK: Ellwood City (3-1, 4-1) beat Mohawk 35-7; Aliquippa (5-0, 5-0) beat New Brighton 48-6.

KEY PLAYERS: Ellwood City: Gino Ceriani, Sr., QB/DB, 6-0, 170; Scott Lewis, Jr., K, 5-9, 145; Scott Higby, Sr., OL/DL, 6-1, 215.

Aliquippa: Mikal Hall, Jr., QB, 5-11, 156; Darius Walker, Sr., RB, 5-9, 177; Ben Cobb, Sr., RB, 5-8, 178.

WHAT TO WATCH: Ellwood City has its most wins since 2005. The Wolverines were 5-5 that season. Darius Walker leads Aliquippa in rushing with 325 yards on 47 attempts and a team-best seven touchdowns. The Wolverines’ Kyle Crawford is fourth in the county in rushing with 430 yards on 43 carries.

*****

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

LAST WEEK: Laurel (1-3, 2-3) beat Freedom 22-19; New Brighton (0-4, 1-4) lost to Aliquippa 48-6.

KEY PLAYERS: Laurel: Dylan Jones, Jr., RB/DB, 6-0, 185; Kyle Richeal, Sr., WR/DB, 6-3, 200; Patrick Young, Sr., OL/DL, 6-1, 250.

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.

WHAT TO WATCH: Laurel must continue to win to keep its dim Midwestern Athletic Conference playoff hopes alive. Michael Nevill is 28 of 74 through the air for New Brighton with 437 yards passing. He has three touchdowns and five interceptions.

*****

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

LAST WEEK: Wilmington (4-1) lost to Hickory 35-19; Grove City (5-0) beat Meadville 40-13.

KEY PLAYERS: Wilmington: Josh Tekac, Jr., QB/OLB, 6-4, 195; Zack Llewellyn, Jr., FB/ILB, 6-1, 198; Jon Yohman, So., G/DE, 6-1, 233.

Grove City: Tyler Dagres, Jr., QB/DB, 6-2, 185; Wesley Phipps, Jr., RB/LB, 5-9, 180; Dustin Hockenberry, Sr., RB/LB, 6-0, 170.

WHAT TO WATCH: Wilmington’s nine-game regular season winning streak ended last week in a 35-19 loss to Hickory. Grove City is outscoring its opponents, 227-40, including a 91-12 verdict over Franklin. Sharon paces the Region 3-AA standings at 3-0 with Hickory and Wilmington tied at 2-1.

*****

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

LAST WEEK: Shenango (1-2, 2-3) lost to Rochester 42-7; Cornell (3-0, 5-0) beat South Side Beaver 56-0.

KEY PLAYERS: Shenango: Scott McBride, Sr., WR/LB, 5-7, 165; Joe Seaburn, Jr., WR/LB, 6-1, 180; Dillon Kineston, So., OL/DL, 5-11, 185.

Cornell: Shawn Owens, Jr., QB/DB, 5-10, 177; Malik King, Sr., WR/DB, 5-10, 160; Ronny Borne, Sr., RB/DB, 5-10, 158.

WHAT TO WATCH: Cornell is 5-0 for the first time since 1998. Ronny Borne has been all over the field in the first five games for the Raiders. He leads the team in rushing (269 yards) and interceptions (4). Shenango’s Scott McBride is second in the county in rushing with 604 yards.

*****

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

LAST WEEK: Mohawk (2-3, 2-3) lost to Ellwood City 35-7; Beaver (4-0, 5-0) beat Brownsville 42-0.

KEY PLAYERS: Mohawk: Johnny Beatty, Sr., QB/DB, 5-10, 155; John Fleck, Jr., RB/LB, 6-1, 175; Dustin Alfano, Sr., OL/LB, 5-11, 205.

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.

WHAT TO WATCH: Beaver is outscoring the opposition, 181-18. Mohawk’s last victory over the Bobcats came in 2000, 27-0. Sam O’Neill leads the Beaver rushing attack with 417 yards on 46 carries and six touchdowns.

*****

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

LAST WEEK: Hopewell (0-3, 1-4) lost to Blackhawk 31-14; New Castle (1-2, 3-2) lost to Montour 24-6.

KEY PLAYERS: Hopewell: Rushel Shell, Jr., RB/OLB, 5-11, 215; Nolan Harmotto, Jr., QB/DB, 6-3, 180; Christian Farris, Sr., WR/DB, 6-4, 180.

New Castle: Johnny Matarazzo, Jr., QB, 6-4, 215; Darrian Rice, So., WR/DB, 6-1, 170; Nick Padula, Sr., OL/DL, 5-10, 240.

WHAT TO WATCH: Rushel Shell is the only returning starter on offense and defense for Hopewell. Shell ranks seventh all-time in the WPIAL in rushing with 5,269 yards. New Castle needs a victory to bolster its Parkway Conference playoff hopes.

KAYLEEN CUBBAL (6-1 last week; 29-10 overall) — Hot Ticket Matchup: Hopewell over New Castle. The Vikings are young, and it shows in their record to date. The ’Canes certainly are capable of winning, but their defense will have to find a way to stop Rushel Shell.

Union over Neshannock

Aliquippa over Ellwood City

Laurel over New Brighton

Grove City over Wilmington

Cornell over Shenango

Beaver over Mohawk

*****

“THE DOCTOR OF STYLE,” RON PONIEWASZ JR. (5-2 last week; 30-9 overall) — Hot Ticket Matchup: Hopewell over New Castle. It’s a must for New Castle to stop the run against a back like Rushel Shell. The WPIAL’s seventh-ranked all-time rusher rolled up 144 yards on the ’Canes last year and he might get loose again to lead the Vikings to their first Parkway win.

Union over Neshannock

Aliquippa over Ellwood City

Laurel over New Brighton

Wilmington over Grove City

Cornell over Shenango

Beaver over Mohawk

*****

“BAZOOKA” JOE SIMON (6-1 last week; 31-8 overall) — Hot Ticket Matchup: New Castle over Hopewell. The ’Canes have their backs against the wall after a loss to Montour, and I think they’re going to come out with a sense of urgency they haven’t shown yet this year. A healthy Justin Fleo would help, too.

Union over Neshannock

Aliquippa over Ellwood City

Laurel over New Brighton

Grove City over Wilmington

Cornell over Shenango

Beaver over Mohawk

Shenango senior Anthony Kosciuszko made his first appearance of the year on Saturday night against Rochester.

Kosciuszko was expected to be the Wildcats’ feature running back this year, but injured his hand in the preseason and didn’t dress until Saturday.

Even then, though, he saw action only in the defensive backfield.

“I don’t think there’s any chance he’s going to carry the ball at all this season,” Shenango head coach Ryan Mayo said. “It will be only defensively. He’s still just kind of working his way back in and seeing what he can do.”

In Kosciuszko’s absence, Scott McBride, Joe Seaburn and James Jacobs have been doing the bulk of the ball carrying. Offensive lineman Avery Pears frequently has joined them as a fullback, still wearing his No. 61 jersey.

That is, until Saturday, when he popped up as No. 36.

“We switched his jersey number officially,” Mayo said. “He’s still an offensive lineman. Depth-wise, we can’t afford to take people away from that, but we’ve officially given him a fullback number so he can catch passes.

“But you could very easily see him switch jerseys and be back at guard. That’s single-A football for you.”

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

LAST WEEK: New Castle (1-1, 3-1) beat Belle Vernon 32-20; Montour (2-0, 4-0) beat Canon-McMillan 42-14.

KEY PLAYERS: New Castle: Johnny Matarazzo, Jr., QB, 6-4, 215; Jalen Holmes, So., RB/LB, 5-6, 183; Tony Arvello, Sr., OL/DL, 6-0, 260.

Montour: Dillon Buechel Jr., QB, 6-4, 175; Julian Durden, Jr., RB, 5-9, 170; Devin Wilson, So, WR, 6-3, 175.

WHAT TO WATCH: Montour is ranked No. 1 in the WPIAL in Class AAA by the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette and No. 5 in the state. New Castle is 9-1 against Montour dating back to 2000 when the Red Hurricane joined the Parkway Conference.

*****

THE MATCHUP: Western Beaver at Neshannock, 7 p.m. Friday

LAST WEEK: Western Beaver (1-1, 2-2) beat Shenango 26-21; Neshannock (0-2, 2-2) lost to Cornell 14-9.

KEY PLAYERS: Western Beaver: Joe Dawida, Sr., QB, 6-3, 200; Dustin Creel, Jr., WR/DB, 6-2, 190; Eric Blinn, Jr., RB/DB, 6-1, 170.

Neshannock: Michael Sanfilippo, So., QB/DB, 5-10, 175; Kienan Owens, So., RB/DL, 5-9, 220; A.J. Lastoria, Sr., OL/DL, 6-0, 250.

WHAT TO WATCH: Neshannock’s defense has allowed 14 points in all four of its games this season. Eric Blinn leads Western Beaver in rushing with 193 yards on 36 carries and three touchdowns. Leo Pasquarello leads Neshannock in rushing with 239 yards on 36 attempts.

*****

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

LAST WEEK: Union (1-1, 2-2) beat South Side Beaver 26-3; Sto-Rox (1-1, 3-1) lost to Rochester 35-32.

KEY PLAYERS: Union: Joe Salmen, So, QB/DB, 5-5, 137; Drew Robinson, So., RB/DB, 5-7, 154; John Hilke, So., C/LB, 6-0, 167.

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: Union’s Andre Jones, Tre Major and Chris Cooper will serve a one-game suspension because of their part in a brawl last week against South Side Beaver. Sto-Rox is ranked No. 3 in the WPIAL in Class A by the Post-Gazette.

*****

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

LAST WEEK: Ellwood City (2-1, 3-1) lost to Beaver 21-3; Mohawk (2-2, 2-2) beat New Brighton 49-6.

KEY PLAYERS: Ellwood City: Gino Ceriani, Sr., QB/DB, 6-0, 170; Scott Lewis, Jr., K, 5-9, 145; Scott Higby, Sr., OL/DL, 6-1, 215.

Mohawk: Johnny Beatty, Sr., QB/DB, 5-10, 155; John Fleck, Jr., RB/LB, 6-1, 175; Nathan Murphy, Sr., OL/DL, 6-0, 270.

WHAT TO WATCH: Mohawk has won both matchups since moving to the Class AA Midwestern Athletic Conference in 2008. Ellwood City is looking to solidify its position as a contender in the MAC. The Wolverines outgained Beaver last week, 196-172. However, they committed five turnovers in the setback.

*****

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

LAST WEEK: Freedom (0-4, 0-4) lost to Aliquippa 53-6; Laurel (0-3, 1-3) lost to Riverside 21-0.

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

Laurel: Dylan Jones, Jr., RB/DB, 6-0, 185; Kyle Richeal, Sr., WR/DB, 6-3, 200; Ryan Hites, Jr., OL/LB, 5-10, 200.

WHAT TO WATCH: Laurel quarterback Brandon Ritchie suffered a bruised leg against Riverside last week according to coach Jerry Holzhauser. Ritchie is expected to play this week. This is the first meeting between the teams since 2001 when Freedom claimed a 26-14 victory.

*****

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

LAST WEEK: Wilmington (2-0, 4-0) beat Reynolds 60-7; Hickory (1-1, 2-2) lost to Farrell 39-12.

KEY PLAYERS: Wilmington: Josh Tekac, Jr., QB/OLB, 6-4, 195; Zack Llewellyn, Jr., FB/ILB, 6-1, 198; Kyle Jones, Jr., C/DE, 5-9, 198.

Hickory: Michael Grata, Sr., QB/LB, 5-11, 185; Marlon Pegues, Sr., RB/DB, 5-8, 170; Matt Bell, Jr., OL/DL, 6-3, 270.

WHAT TO WATCH: Marlon Pegues leads Hickory’s rushing attack with 550 yards on 70 carries with six touchdowns. The Hornets upset Wilmington last year, 21-14. That’s the last regular season loss for the Greyhounds. Wilmington boasts a county-best nine-game regular-season winning streak.

*****

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

LAST WEEK: Rochester (2-0, 4-0) beat Sto-Rox 35-32; Shenango (1-1, 2-2) lost to Western Beaver 26-21.

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.

Shenango: Scott McBride, Sr., WR/LB, 5-7, 165; Joe Seaburn, Jr., WR/LB, 6-1, 180; Chris Argiro, Jr., OL/DL, 6-0, 315.

WHAT TO WATCH: Rochester coach Gene Matsook is a 1981 Shenango graduate. The Rams are ranked No. 2 in the WPIAL in Class A by the Post-Gazette and in the state as well. Shenango is looking to rebound after a heartbreaking loss to Western Beaver last week.