Join Liam Halferty and Jordan Greer as they take you north into District 10 with a weekly look at the Wilmington Greyhounds.

This week, the 'Hounds battled Greenville in conference action!

By Ron Poniewasz Jr.

New Castle News

GREEN TREE — The Neshannock and Union high football teams both got a victory last night at the WPIAL playoff pairings meeting.

The Scotties were awarded the No. 10 seed in the Class A playoffs, while the Lancers captured the No. 13 seed in single-A.

Neshannock (8-1) shared the Big Seven Conference championship with Sto-Rox (8-1) and Rochester (8-1). But the Lancers were the third-seeded team because of tiebreaker points and the Rams were the second seed out of the conference by virtue of a head-to-win over Neshannock.

The Lancers also defeated the Scotties in the season finale. But Union (6-3), which finished fourth in the league, still got a better seed. In the end, both teams benefited.

“I think if you look at the big picture, you can sort of figure out what they’re trying to do,” first-year Neshannock coach Fred Mozzocio said. “We’re pleased with that seed.

“We’re looking forward to the playoffs and we’re ready to go. The kids are excited, too. You get a piece of that Big Seven championship and that means the world to us. Now we get a shot to compete in the playoffs and we have a chance to win gold; we’re very excited.”

Neshannock visits fourth-seeded Jefferson-Morgan (7-2) at 7:30 p.m. Friday. Union travels to seventh-seeded Beth-Center (8-1) at 7:30 p.m. Friday. Both matchups pit the Big Seven Conference against the Tri-County South.

The seeds caught Scotties coach Stacy Robinson off guard.

“It was a bit of a shock,” said Robinson, who is in his 16th season at the helm. “I don’t know how that goes into play. But it’s kind of hard to gauge how I feel about it.”

Both teams were looking to avoid Clairton (9-0), which is ranked No. 1 in the WPIAL in Class A by the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. The Bears have won 56 straight games, four consecutive WPIAL championships and three straight PIAA titles.

“We’re happy to be in the tournament,” Robinson said. “Hopefully we’ll have a chance to win a game. Seeds are important. But they are just numbers.

“We all know the big pink elephant in the room is Clairton.”

Sto-Rox beat Rochester in the season finale, giving Neshannock a share of the conference title. But it effectively forced the Lancers to the road and what appeared late Friday as a No. 9 seed and a potential second-round meeting with Clairton.

“If you look at the situation and look at what the pairings committee tried to do, if you read between the lines there, you’ll get a picture of what is going on there,” Mozzocio said. “They showed us a lot of respect. It’s up to us now to go out and win some football games.”

Neshannock is making its first trip to the WPIAL playoffs since 2004. The Lancers, competing in Class AA that season, lost in the first round to Seton-La Salle, 41-3. Mozzocio coached the offensive and defensive line, along with working with the running game, that year for the Lancers under coach Rob Nogay. Mozzocio was an assistant at Neshannock for four years.

“I remember that year and this year feeling pretty similar,” Mozzocio said. “I remember that work ethic those kids had then and the guys we have this year have that same work ethic.

“Fortunately we’ve been able to bring that excitement back. The kids are obviously ecstatic about it. I told the kids, ‘you’re here. Create your own legacy. Don’t worry about the past. Be that guy 15 or 20 years from now that people are still talking about.’ so far, they’ve done just that.”

The Rockets, who will attempt to figure out Neshannock’s spread offense, finished in a three-way tie for second place in the Tri-County South Conference. Jefferson-Morgan was 6-2 in the league.

“I don’t know much about them at the moment. But by the end of the night, we’ll know quite a bit about them,” Mozzocio said.

The drought was slightly longer for the Scotties. Union last appeared in the WPIAL playoffs in 2003, losing to Aliquippa in Class AA action, 54-0. It’s just Union’s third trip to the playoffs during Robinson’s tenure.

“It’s been a bit of a struggle,” Robinson said. “We don’t complain about the struggle, though. We enjoy the moment.

“It’s a testament of the resiliency of the kids. They suffered through some of those tough losses and they kept their heads high. This is something they’ll remember the rest of their lives.”

The Bulldogs won the Tri-County South title with a 7-1 mark.

“We don’t know a whole lot about Beth-Center,” Robinson said. “We’ll find out a lot about them when we watch the film and we’ll be prepared.”

Like most schools across the district, regardless of classification, reaching the postseason is a goal set early in the preseason by coaches.

“That’s a goal we have each year,” Robinson said. “Especially with my fourth-year seniors, it’s a goal we have each year. It’s a joy to finally attain that goal, especially in their senior year.”

Said Mozzocio, “We wanted to be a playoff team. It’s something we talked about. We talk about it every day. It’s one of those things we strive to do every day. We were fortunate enough to get a quick start and get some momentum to get to this point.”

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

LAST WEEK: New Castle (3-4, 4-4) beat Moon, 48-21; Hopewell (3-4, 3-5) lost to Freedom, 35-0.

KEY PLAYERS: New Castle: Julian Cox, Jr., QB/DB, 6-2, 180; Jalen Holmes, Sr., RB/LB, 5-9, 185; Jamal Moody, Sr., WR/DB, 6-0, 175.

Hopewell: Stefan Mrkonja Sr., QB/DB, 5-8 175; Adam Murray, Sr., RB/OLB, 6-0, 205; Nicholas McCracken, Sr., OL/DE, 6-2, 220.

WHAT TO WATCH: The winner clinches a WPIAL Class AAA playoff spot. The loser could still be alive for fifth place and a playoff berth if Blackhawk knocks off Ambridge. The ’Canes could finish as high as fourth with a win coupled with a Blackhawk victory.

*****

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

LAST WEEK: Union (5-2, 6-2) beat South Side Beaver, 36-19; Neshannock (6-1, 7-1); beat North Catholic, 42-7.

KEY PLAYERS: Union: Joe Salmen, Sr., QB/DB, 6-0, 170; Drew Robinson, Sr., RB/DB, 5-10, 175; Dakota Cameron, Jr., OL/DL, 5-11, 190.

Neshannock: Ernie Burkes, Jr., QB/DB, 5-10, 160; Eli Owens, So., RB/DB, 5-10, 160; Adam Wawrzynski, So., OL/DL, 6-0, 190.

WHAT TO WATCH: Neshannock is ranked No. 4 in the WPIAL in Class A by the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. The Lancers can clinch a home playoff game with a win and a Rochester win over Sto-Rox. Both teams have secured WPIAL playoff berths.

*****

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

LAST WEEK: Shenango (2-5, 3-5) lost to Western Beaver, 34-28 (OT); Laurel (3-4, 4-4) lost to Sto-Rox, 43-0.

KEY PLAYERS: Shenango: Brian Tanner, Jr., QB/DB, 6-2, 180; Tyler Welsh, Jr., RB/DB, 5-7, 150; Dillon Kineston, Sr., OL/DL, 6-0, 205.

Laurel: Josh Dando, Jr., QB/DB, 6-3, 180; Ryan Arblaster, Sr., RB/LB, 5-11, 170; Aaron Vanasco, Jr., OL/DL, 6-2, 225.

WHAT TO WATCH: This game is for pride. It’s the first meeting between the teams since 2009. Shenango’s last win over Laurel came in 2003. Dalton Rosta leads the Spartans in rushing with 530 yards on 104 carries. Rosta has 274 yards rushing in the last three games.

*****

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

LAST WEEK: Mohawk (2-4, 2-6) lost to Seton-La Salle, 35-0; New Brighton (2-4, 2-6) beat Riverside, 35-28.

KEY PLAYERS: Mohawk: Gio Menichino, Jr., QB/DB, 5-9, 149; Shane McFarland, Jr., RB/DB, 5-9, 165; Phillip Fry, Sr., OL/DL, 6-3, 216.

New Brighton: Gabe Greco, Jr., QB/DB, 5-10, 165; Kellen Mackey, Sr., RB/DB, 5-8, 180; Craig Thompson, Jr., WR/DB, 5-10, 155.

WHAT TO WATCH: Mohawk clinches fourth place in the Midwestern Athletic Conference and the conference’s fourth and final WPIAL Class AA playoff bid with a win. The Warriors’ last trip to the WPIAL playoffs was in 2005. New Brighton won last year’s matchup, 46-7.

*****

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

LAST WEEK: Greenville (4-2, 4-4) beat Reynolds, 27-26; Wilmington (5-1, 6-2) beat Sharon, 48-21.

KEY PLAYERS: Greenville: Jacob Riffe, Sr., QB/DB, 5-10, 155; Tyler Fattman, Jr., RB/DB, 5-9, 165; Luke Houpt, Jr., WR/DB, 6-1, 175.

Wilmington: Cody Llewellyn, So., QB/OLB, 6-1, 160; Tyler Donati, Sr., FB/ILB, 5-10, 201; Xavier Coulter, Sr., G/DE, 6-1, 178.

WHAT TO WATCH: Wilmington shares first place in the District 10, Region 3-AA standings with Grove City and Hickory. The Greyhounds topped the Hornets, but lost to the Eagles. Wilmington has won seven straight matchups against the Trojans since a 20-10 Greenville win in 2004.

*****

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

LAST WEEK: Ellwood City (1-7) lost to Beaver, 35-13; Quaker Valley (3-5) beat Burgettstown, 42-8.

KEY PLAYERS: Ellwood City: Justin Vetica, Jr., QB/LB, 5-8, 210; Jared Meyers, Jr., RB/DB, 6-1, 204; Jeffrey Fallabel, Jr., TE/LB, 6-3, 210.

Quaker Valley: Burke Moser, Sr., QB, 6-3, 205; Aaron Cunningham, So., FB, 5-9, 170; Dane Jackson, So., WR, 6-2, 165.

WHAT TO WATCH: This is a nonconference game. The teams haven’t met since a 21-0 Quaker Valley win in 2007. The Wolverines missed the WPIAL playoffs this year for the first time since 2009. The Wolverines won just one game that season.

Join Liam Halferty and Jordan Greer as they take you north into District 10 with a weekly look at the Wilmington Greyhounds.

This week, the 'Hounds battled rival Sharon in District 10, Region 3 action!

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

LAST WEEK: South Side Beaver (1-5, 2-5) beat West Shamokin, 40-18; Union (4-2, 5-2) beat Shenango, 33-7.

KEY PLAYERS: South Side Beaver: Jon Magusiak, Sr., QB/DB, 6-2, 185; Cam McCoy, Sr., RB/LB, 5-11, 180; Jordan Herder, Sr., OL/DL, 5-9, 195. Union: Joe Salmen, Sr., QB/DB, 6-0, 170; Drew Robinson, Sr., RB/DB, 5-10, 175; Kody Smith, Jr., OL/LB, 5-9, 180.

WHAT TO WATCH: Union needs either a win or a Laurel loss to secure its first WPIAL playoff berth since 2003. The Scotties also are one win from their first six-win season since 2003. Union has won the last two meetings against South Side Beaver.

*****

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

LAST WEEK: North Catholic (6-1) beat Wilkinsburg, 20-0; Neshannock (6-1) beat Our Lady of the Sacred Heart, 47-14.

KEY PLAYERS: North Catholic: Adam Sharlow, So., QB, 5-9, 175; P.J. Fulmore, So., RB, 5-6, 170; Jarred Fragapane, Jr., FB, 6-3, 215. Neshannock: Ernie Burkes, Jr., QB/DB, 5-10, 160; Eli Owens, So., RB/DB, 5-10, 160; Adam Wawrzynski, So., OL/DL, 6-0, 190.

WHAT TO WATCH: Both teams have clinched WPIAL Class A playoff spots. This is a nonconference contest and possible playoff preview. Neshannock is ranked No. 4 in the WPIAL in Class A by the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette and North Catholic is No. 5.

*****

THE MATCHUP: Seton-La Salle at Mohawk, 7 p.m. Friday

LAST WEEK: Seton-La Salle (6-1) beat Quaker Valley, 35-6; Mohawk (2-5) lost to Beaver, 35-14.

KEY PLAYERS: Seton-La Salle: Luke Brumbaugh, Sr., QB, 6-2, 190; Lou Rotunda, Sr., WR, 5-11, 200; Scott Orndoff, Sr., TE, 6-5, 250. Mohawk: Gio Menichino, Jr., QB/DB, 5-9, 149; Shane McFarland, Jr., RB/DB, 5-9, 165; Bob Robb, Sr., OL/DL, 5-8, 186.

WHAT TO WATCH: This is a nonconference matchup. Seton-La Salle’s Scott Orndoff is a Pitt recruit. Rebels quarterback Luke Brumbaugh has thrown for 1,248 yards with 14 touchdowns. Mohawk can clinch a WPIAL Class AA playoff berth with a win next week at New Brighton.

*****

THE MATCHUP: Laurel at Sto-Rox, 7:30 p.m. Friday

LAST WEEK: Laurel (3-3, 4-3) lost to Rochester, 35-13; Sto-Rox (5-1, 6-1) beat Western Beaver, 53-0.

KEY PLAYERS: Laurel: Josh Dando, Jr., QB/DB, 6-3, 180; Dalton Rosta, Jr., RB/LB, 5-10, 180; James Steele, Sr., RB/LB, 6-1, 175. Sto-Rox: Lenny Williams, Jr., QB/DB, 6-0, 190; Brendan Blair, Jr., RB/LB, 6-0, 185; Javelle Kirkland, So., WR/DB, 5-6, 140.

WHAT TO WATCH: Laurel’s playoff hopes are slim. The Spartans must win out and get help from Union’s opponents. This is the first meeting between the teams in at least 12 years. Laurel’s Dalton Rosta has rushed for exactly 100 yards each of the last two weeks.

*****

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

LAST WEEK: Sharon (1-4, 1-6) lost to West Middlesex, 41-21; Wilmington (4-1, 5-2) lost to Sharpsville, 20-14.

KEY PLAYERS: Sharon: Jesse Rodgers, Sr., QB/DB, 6-0, 180; Jarrell Lampkins, Sr., RB/LB, 5-10, 205; Carnell Hawkins, Jr., WR/DB, 5-10, 165. Wilmington: Tyler Donati, Sr., FB/ILB, 5-10, 201; Jacob Sotter, So., RB/ILB, 5-11, 165; Chris Welch, Sr., OL/DL, 6-3, 330.

WHAT TO WATCH: Wilmington needs a win to remain in the running for the District 10, Region 3-AA championship. The Greyhounds are 4-1 in region play, along with Hickory and Grove City. Wilmington running back Tyler Donati leads the county in rushing with 1,012 yards on 116 attempts.

*****

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

LAST WEEK: Moon (1-5, 2-5) beat New Brighton, 48-13; New Castle (2-4, 3-4) lost to West Allegheny, 14-0.

KEY PLAYERS: Moon: Caleb Jakiel, Sr., QB/FS, 6-1, 200; V.J. Dean, Jr., WR/CB, 5-11, 200; Ian Kelly, Jr., FB/, 6-1, 198. New Castle: Julian Cox, Jr., QB/DB, 6-2, 180; Jalen Holmes, Sr., RB/LB, 5-9, 185; Tevin McCaster, Jr., RB/LB, 5-9, 165.

WHAT TO WATCH: New Castle needs to win out to clinch the fifth and final playoff spot out of the Parkway Conference. The ’Canes close the regular season next week at conference rival Hopewell. Five teams reach the WPIAL playoffs in Class AAA.

*****

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

LAST WEEK: Ellwood City (1-5, 1-6) lost to Aliquippa, 54-12; Beaver (5-0, 7-0) beat Mohawk, 35-14.

KEY PLAYERS: Ellwood City: Justin Vetica, Jr., QB/LB, 5-8, 210; Jared Meyers, Jr., RB/DB, 6-1, 204; Trent Viccari, Sr., OL/LB, 5-6, 170. Beaver: Austin Ross, Sr., QB/DB, 6-1, 185; Darian Bradley, Sr., RB/DB, 5-10, 205; Dylan Goff, Jr., WR/OLB, 6-0, 170.

WHAT TO WATCH: Ellwood City is bidding for its first win over Beaver since 2004, a 26-0 decision. The Bobcats are ranked No. 4 in the WPIAL in Class AA by the Post-Gazette. Ellwood last won just one game back in 2009, Don Phillips’ second season at the helm.

*****

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

LAST WEEK: Western Beaver (0-6, 1-6) lost to Sto-Rox, 53-0; Shenango (2-4, 3-4) lost to Union, 33-7.

KEY PLAYERS: Western Beaver: Hunter Roknich, So., QB/DB, 5-9, 143; Zach Perry, Sr., RB/LB, 6-1, 195; Matt Girting, Jr., OL/DL, 5-10, 200. Shenango: Brian Tanner, Jr., QB/DB, 6-2, 180; Tyler Welsh, Jr., RB/DB, 5-7, 150; Dillon Kineston, Sr., OL/DL, 6-0, 205.

WHAT TO WATCH: Western Beaver has won five of the last six meetings against Shenango dating back to 2004. The Wildcats are winless at home this year in three matchups. In fact, Shenango has dropped its last seven home games dating back to last year.

By Dan Irwin

New Castle News

Like Moses once did, Union High cleared the first hurdle toward reaching the Promised Land.

The Scotties all but wrapped up a WPIAL Class A playoff spot Saturday night with their 33-7 Big Seven Conference win at Shenango. Unofficially, there’s just one scenario that could see head coach Stacy Robinson sharing Moses’ fate and not being allowed to enter, but it’s an unlikely one.

“I told the kids this was their Red Sea moment,” said Robinson, whose team was coming off a disappointing blowout loss last week to Sto-Rox and needed a victory over the Wildcats to secure the inside track to post-season play. “There’s a time in life when you have to ask yourself, ‘Are you going to go through and have faith you can get it done, or are you going to stand on the shore?’

“They went through. They had faith.”

To be clear, Union has not qualified for the WPIAL Class A playoffs yet. But the Scotties (4-2 in conference play, 5-2 overall) need only a win Friday over South Side Beaver (1-5, 2-5) or a loss by Laurel (3-3, 4-3) to Sto-Rox (5-1, 6-1) that same night to wrap up their first post-season bid since 2003.

There are scenarios where Union could end up tied with either Laurel or Shenango — or even with both teams — for the section’s fourth and final playoff spot. However, the Scotties have beaten both the Spartans and Wildcats and would receive the berth either way.

The only apparent scenario by which Union could be locked out of the playoffs would be if Laurel were to win its final two games (against Sto-Rox and Shenango), and the Scotties were to lose both of theirs. In that case, Laurel would be the section’s fourth-place team.

Of course, no one says that the No. 4 spot is Union’s only option. With wins in its final two games — including the season finale at Neshannock (6-1, 6-1) — the Scotties could end up tied for third with the Lancers and get the higher playoff spot. Union even could finish in a three-way tie for second place if it wins out and if Rochester (6-0, 7-0) also wins its final two contests against South Side and Sto-Rox. Since the teams all would be 1-1 against each other, the WPIAL’s Modified Gardner Points System would be used to determine the order of playoff entry.

Robinson, though, knows a much easier formula.

“I don’t even try to stick my nose in that and figure it all out,” he said. “From what I know, we still gotta win our last two games. We’ll go with that.”

Join Liam Halferty and Jordan Greer as they take you north into District 10 with a weekly look at the Wilmington Greyhounds.

This week, the 'Hounds battled Sharpsville in non-conference action!

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

LAST WEEK: New Castle (2-3, 3-3) beat Blackhawk, 51-25; West Allegheny (4-1, 5-1) beat Steel Valley, 35-7.

KEY PLAYERS: New Castle: Julian Cox, Jr., QB/DB, 6-2, 180; Jalen Holmes, Sr., RB/LB, 5-9, 185; Paul Jones, Sr., WR/LB, 5-9, 185.

West Allegheny: Andrew Koester, So., QB/DB, 6-4, 180; Nick Halbedl, Sr., RB/LB, 5-9, 195; Armonde Dellovande, So., RB/LB, 5-11, 195.

WHAT TO WATCH: New Castle has scored at least 50 points in consecutive games for the first time since the 2008 WPIAL playoffs. West Allegheny quarterback Andrew Koester threw for 310 yards last week against Steel Valley.

*****

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

LAST WEEK: Rochester (5-0, 6-0) beat Neshannock, 28-21; Laurel (3-2, 4-2) beat Western Beaver, 38-19.

KEY PLAYERS: Rochester: Ben Richko, Sr., QB/LB, 6-0, 175; Dante Marsick, Sr., RB, 6-1, 175; Alyjah Elmore, Sr., WR/SS, 6-3, 170.

Laurel: Josh Dando, Jr., QB/DB, 6-3, 180; Dalton Rosta, Jr., RB/LB, 5-10, 180; Aaron Vanasco, Jr., OL/DL, 6-2, 250.

WHAT TO WATCH: Rochester coach Gene Matsook is a 1981 Shenango High graduate. The Rams are ranked No. 2 in the WPIAL in Class A by the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. A win would bolster Laurel’s WPIAL Class A playoff hopes.

*****

THE MATCHUP: Neshannock at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart (at Robert Morris University), 7 p.m. Friday

LAST WEEK: Neshannock (5-1, 5-1) lost to Rochester, 28-21; Our Lady of the Sacred Heart (1-5, 1-5) lost to South Side Beaver, 28-7.

KEY PLAYERS: Neshannock: Ernie Burkes, Jr., QB/DB, 5-10, 160; Eli Owens, So., RB/DB, 5-10, 160; Steve Senko, Jr., OL/LB, 6-2, 220.

Our Lady of the Sacred Heart: Bill Mulcahey, Jr., QB/WR/DB, 5-8, 160; Joey Sebes, So., QB/RB/DB, 5-9, 160; Max Muzik, Sr., OL/DL, 6-0, 195.

WHAT TO WATCH: Our Lady of the Sacred Heart competed in the WPIAL Class A Eastern Conference last season before moving to the Big 7. This is the first meeting between the teams. Neshannock is ranked No. 5 in the WPIAL in Class A by the Post-Gazette.

*****

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

LAST WEEK: Beaver (4-0, 6-0) beat Riverside, 63-28; Mohawk (2-3, 2-4) beat Ellwood City, 28-21.

KEY PLAYERS: Beaver: Austin Ross, Sr., QB/DB, 6-1, 185; Darian Bradley, Sr., RB/DB, 5-10, 205; Dylan Goff, Jr., WR/OLB, 6-0, 170.

Mohawk: Gio Menichino, Jr., QB/DB, 5-9, 149; Shane McFarland, Jr., RB/DB, 5-9, 165; Phillip Fry, Sr., OL/DL, 6-3, 216.

WHAT TO WATCH: Mohawk is tied for the fourth and final playoff berth in the WPIAL Class AA Midwestern Athletic Conference with Freedom. But the Warriors would be in by virtue of a 21-20 win over the Bulldogs. Beaver is ranked No. 4 in the WPIAL in Class AA by the Post-Gazette.

*****

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

LAST WEEK: Wilmington (5-1) beat Reynolds, 35-0; Sharpsville (5-1) lost to West Middlesex, 21-14.

KEY PLAYERS: Wilmington: Cody Llewellyn, So., QB/OLB, 6-1,1 60; Tyler Donati, Sr., FB/ILB, 5-10, 201; Jeremy Miller, Sr., OL/DL, 6-1, 295.

Sharpsville: Bryan Stafford, Sr., QB/DB, 5-9, 180; Joey Pagliaroli, Sr., RB/DB, 5-6, 155; Tyler Luchey, Sr., WR/DB, 6-1, 185.

WHAT TO WATCH: This is a nonregion game. Sharpsville competes in District 10, Class A. The Blue Devils won the D-10, Class A crown last year and advanced to the PIAA semifinals. This is the first meeting since 1997, a 13-7 Wilmington win.

*****

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

LAST WEEK: Aliquippa (4-0, 6-0) beat Freedom, 49-3; Ellwood City (1-4, 1-5) lost to Mohawk, 28-21.

KEY PLAYERS: Aliquippa: Malik Shegog, Sr., QB/DB, 5-9, 160; Dravon Henry, Jr., RB/DB, 5-11, 185; Terry Swanson, Jr., RB/DB, 5-9, 182.

Ellwood City: Justin Vetica, Jr., QB/LB, 5-8, 210; Jared Meyers, Jr., RB/DB, 6-1, 204; Hayden Maine, Sr., OL/DL, 5-10, 246.

WHAT TO WATCH: Al-iquippa has outscored the opposition, 311-10. The Quips are ranked No. 1 in the WPIAL in Class AA by the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Jared Meyers ranks second in the county in rushing with 684 yards on 73 carries. He has nine touchdowns as well.

*****

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

LAST WEEK: Union (3-2, 4-2) lost to Sto-Rox, 48-21; Shenango (2-3, 3-3) beat Riverview, 22-15.

KEY PLAYERS: Union: Joe Salmen, Sr., QB/DB, 6-0, 170; Drew Robinson, Sr., RB/DB, 5-10, 175; Elijah Williams, Sr., WR/CB, 6-0, 190

Shenango: Brian Tanner, Jr., QB/DB, 6-2, 180; Tyler Welsh, Jr., RB/DB, 5-7, 150; Vince Albertini, Jr., OL/DL, 6-0, 205.

WHAT TO WATCH: This is an important game in the Big Seven Conference standings. Union is tied with Laurel for the fourth and final playoff spot out of the conference and the Scotties hold the tiebreaker with a head-to-win. The Wildcats are just a game back.

Join Liam Halferty and Jordan Greer as they take you north into District 10 with a weekly look at the Wilmington Greyhounds.

This week, the 'Hounds battled Reynolds in Region 3 matchup for first place!

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

LAST WEEK: Sto-Rox (3-1, 4-1) beat Northgate, 35-31; Union (3-1, 4-1) beat Laurel, 38-19.

KEY PLAYERS: Sto-Rox: Lenny Williams, Jr., QB/DB, 6-0, 190; Brendan Blair, Jr., RB/LB, 6-0, 185; Javelle Kirkland, So., WR/DB, 5-6, 140.

Union: Joe Salmen, Sr., QB/DB, 6-0, 170; Drew Robinson, Sr., RB/DB, 5-10, 175; John Hilke, Sr., C/LB, 6-0, 170.

WHAT TO WATCH: Union is bidding to win its fifth game for the first time since 2003. The Scotties went 6-4 that year and reached the WPIAL playoffs. That’s the last time Union advanced to the postseason. Sto-Rox quarterback Lenny Williams is averaging almost 300 yards of offense per game. He has 1,014 yards passing.

*****

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

LAST WEEK: Shenango (2-3) beat Our Lady of the Sacred Heart, 29-0; Riverview (1-4) beat Wilkinsburg, 15-12.

KEY PLAYERS: Shenango: Brian Tanner, Jr., QB/DB, 6-2, 180; Tyler Welsh, Jr., RB/DB, 5-7, 150; Vince Albertini, Jr., OL/DL, 6-0, 205.

Riverview: Tyler Nigro, So., QB, 6-1, 175; Tim Wagner, Sr., WR, 6-2, 175; Jason Anthony, Jr., FB, 5-11, 180.

WHAT TO WATCH: This is a nonconference matchup. Riverview snapped an 11-game losing streak last week. Shenango won the last meeting, 27-6, in the 2009 season opener. The Wildcats are gunning for their first two-game winning streak since the 2009 campaign.

*****

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

LAST WEEK: Wilmington (3-1, 4-1) beat Saegertown, 49-6; Reynolds (3-1, 4-1) beat Sharon, 21-14.

KEY PLAYERS: Wilmington: Cody Llewellyn, So., QB/OLB, 6-1,1 60; Tyler Donati, Sr., FB/ILB, 5-10, 201; Sr., OL/DL, 6-1, 255.

Reynolds: Kegan Miller, Jr., QB/DB, 6-3, 160; Mike Millero, So, RB/LB, 5-10, 180; Kellen Gursky, Sr., RB/LB, 5-8, 180.

WHAT TO WATCH: The teams are locked in a four-way tie for first place in the District 10, Region 3-AA standings. All four teams are 4-1 overall as well. Wilmington has won the last six meetings by a combined count of 289-7. Reynolds has thrown just 14 passes as a team all year.

*****

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

LAST WEEK: Blackhawk (1-3, 1-4) lost to Beaver, 41-40; New Castle (1-3, 2-3) beat Chartiers Valley, 50-22.

KEY PLAYERS: Blackhawk: Chandler Kincade, Jr., QB/FS, 6-5, 222; Alex Caratelli, Sr., WR/DB, 6-2, 215; Cole Chiappialle, Sr., RB/SS, 5-11, 200.

New Castle: Julian Cox, Jr., QB/DB, 6-2, 180; Jalen Holmes, Sr., RB/LB, 5-9, 185; Malik Hooker, Jr., WR/DB, 6-2, 175.

WHAT TO WATCH: This is a game of survival for both teams in the race to make the WPIAL playoffs. New Castle has won the last three meetings against Blackhawk. The last two matchups have been decided by a field goal.

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

LAST WEEK: Mohawk (1-3, 1-4) lost to Aliquippa, 48-0; Ellwood City (1-3, 1-4) beat Riverside, 42-28.

KEY PLAYERS: Mohawk: Spencer McConahy, So., QB/DB, 5-10, 168; Shane McFarland, Jr., RB/DB, 5-9, 165; Phillip Fry, Sr., OL/DL, 6-3, 216.

Ellwood City: Brandon Magnifico, Jr., QB/DB, 5-10, 155; Jared Meyers, Jr., RB/DB, 6-1, 204; Gage Schilling, Sr., WR/DE, 5-10, 170.

WHAT TO WATCH: Mohawk hasn’t scored since the opener, a 21-20 verdict over Freedom. The Warriors are looking for their first win over Ellwood City since 2009, a 26-14 decision.

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

LAST WEEK: Neshannock (5-0, 5-0) beat South Side Beaver, 41-6; Rochester (4-0, 5-0) beat Western Beaver, 41-6.

KEY PLAYERS: Neshannock: Ernie Burkes, Jr., QB/DB, 5-10, 160; Connor Richards, Sr., PK, 5-10, 150; Steven Jeffries, Jr., TE/DL, 6-5, 270.

Rochester: Ben Richko, Sr., QB/LB, 6-0, 175; Dante Marsick, Sr., RB, 6-1, 175; Alyjah Elmore, Sr., WR/SS, 6-3, 170.

WHAT TO WATCH: Neshannock is looking to go 6-0 for the first time since 1962. Rochester is coached by 1981 Shenango High graduate Gene Matsook.

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

LAST WEEK: Laurel (2-2, 3-2) lost to Union, 38-19; Western Beaver (0-4, 1-4) lost to Rochester, 41-6.

KEY PLAYERS: Laurel: Laurel: Josh Dando, Jr., QB/DB, 6-3, 180; Matty Conway, So., RB/DB, 5-8, 160; William Hughes, Sr., RB/DB, 5-8, 150.

Western Beaver: Hunter Roknich, So., QB/DB, 5-9, 143; Zach Perry, Sr., RB/LB, 6-1, 195; Matt Girting, Jr., OL/DL, 5-10, 200.

WHAT TO WATCH: Laurel needs a win to remain in contention for a playoff berth in the Big Seven Conference. This is the first meeting between the schools since 2009. The Golden Beavers made the playoffs last year.

Join Liam Halferty and Jordan Greer as they take you north into District 10 with a weekly look at the Wilmington Greyhounds.

This week, the 'Hounds battled Saegertown in Region 3 action and we've got the highlights!