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

LAST WEEK: New Castle (3-4, 3-5) beat Chartiers Valley, 29-28; Hopewell (0-7. 0-8) lost to Central Valley, 57-7.

KEY PLAYERS: New Castle: Pat Minenok, Jr., QB/LB, 6-0, 205; Daylyn Glenel, Jr., RB/DB, 5-9, 160; Joe Gunn, Jr., RB/LB, 5-11, 195.

Hopewell: Tyler Ishman, Sr., QB/RB/OLB, 5-11, 185; Chuck Metz, So., RB/ILB, 5-9, 195; Jim McCracken, Sr., OL/DL, 6-3, 250.

WHAT TO WATCH: New Castle clinched a WPIAL Class AAA playoff berth last week with a win over Chartiers Valley. The Red Hurricane can tie Moon for fourth place in the league with a win over Hopewell and a Montour win over Moon.

*****

THE MATCHUP: Summit Academy at Laurel, 7 p.m. today

LAST WEEK: Summit Academy (0-7, 0-8) lost to Mohawk, 42-14; Laurel (3-4, 3-5) beat Ellwood City, 27-14.

KEY PLAYERS: Summit Academy: Javon Thomas, Jr., QB/CB; Robert Gaines, Jr., FB/OLB; Sharief Clayton.

Laurel: Jake McDougal, Jr., QB/DB, 5-10, 172; Matty Conway, Sr., RB/DB, 5-8, 170; Clayton Sharke, Sr., RB/DB, 5-9, 160.

WHAT TO WATCH: This is the first meeting between the schools since a 31-28 Laurel victory in 2007. The Spartans’ Clayton Sharek is sixth in the county in rushing with 522 yards on 85 carries. He’s tied for second in the area in scoring with 60 points.

*****

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

LAST WEEK: Beaver (5-2, 6-2) beat Freedom, 51-19; Ellwood City (3-4, 4-4) lost to Laurel, 27-14.

KEY PLAYERS: Beaver: Zach Royba, Sr., QB/DB, 6-0, 180; Julian VanDusen, Sr., RB/DB, 5-9, 155; Luke Scheidemantel, Sr., FB/LB, 5-10, 185.

Ellwood City: D.J. Barrett, Jr., QB/DB, 5-8, 175; Paul Lutz, Sr., RB/OLB, 5-10, 190; Adam Foreman, Jr., OL/DE, 6-3, 254.

WHAT TO WATCH: Ellwood City is bidding for its first victory over Beaver since a 26-0 verdict in 2004. The Bobcats won last year’s matchup in a shootout, 41-40. The Wolverines are on a three-game losing streak, falling by an average of 11.6 points each game.

*****

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

LAST WEEK: Union (1-5, 1-7) lost to Western Beaver, 27-20; Neshannock (6-0, 8-0) beat Chartiers-Houston, 49-14.

KEY PLAYERS: Union: Anthony Rush, Sr., QB/DB, 5-10, 170; Garrison Bell, Jr., WR/DL, 6-1, 182; Brandon Warren, Sr., OL/DL, 6-0, 173.

Neshannock: Frank Antuono, So., QB/LB, 6-2, 220; Eli Owens, Sr., RB/DB, 6-0, 180; Jonah Vitale, Jr., RB/LB, 5-10, 180.

WHAT TO WATCH: Union’s last two-win season was in 2011 and its last one-win campaign came in 2008. Neshannock can win the Big Seven Conference outright with a victory as well as finishing unbeaten. Both feats would be a first for the program.

*****

THE MATCHUP: Shenango at North Catholic, 7 p.m. today

LAST WEEK: Shenango (6-2) beat Riverside, 45-21; Cardinal Wuerl North Catholic (8-0) beat Bishop Canevin, 48-7.

KEY PLAYERS: Shenango: Evan Kendall, Jr., QB/DB, 6-2, 185; Tyler Root, Jr. RB/DB, 5-8, 150; Mark Fobes, Jr., OL/DL, 6-0, 215.

Cardinal Wuerl North Catholic: Adam Sharlow, Sr., QB, 6-0, 195; P.J. Fulmore, Sr., RB, 5-8, 190; Jerome Turner, Sr., RB., 5-9, 190.

WHAT TO WATCH: Shenango clinched second place outright in the Big Seven Conference last week. The Wildcats can claim a share of the league title with a Union win over Neshannock. The Wildcats will host a WPIAL Class A playoff game next week.

*****

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

LAST WEEK: Mohawk (2-5, 2-6) beat Summit Academy, 42-14; New Brighton (5-2, 5-3) lost to Beaver Falls, 36-22.

KEY PLAYERS: Mohawk: Ricky Malutic, Sr., QB/DB, 6-0, 165; Cayne Yakubik, So., RB/DB, 5-7, 140; Spencer McConahy, Sr., WR/DB, 5-10, 176.

New Brighton: Payton Fath, Sr., QB/DB, 5-11, 185; Scott Florence, Sr., RB/DB, 5-8, 165; Micah Marshall, Jr., OL/DL, 6-0, 260.

WHAT TO WATCH: Mohawk is looking for its first win over New Brighton since a 49-6 decision in 2010. It also marked the second win in a row for the Warriors that season, also the last time they achieved the feat.

*****

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

LAST WEEK: Sharpsville (3-2, 6-2) lost to Farrell, 20-13; Wilmington (4-1, 5-2) beat Lakeview, 19-0.

KEY PLAYERS: Sharpsville: Luke Henwood, So., QB/FS, 6-0, 165; George Keck, Sr., RB/FS, 5-9, 160; Brady Hogue, Jr., C/DT, 6-2, 226.

Wilmington: Reese Bender, So., QB/OLB, 5-10, 180; Kyle Slicker, So., FB/ILB, 5-10, 180; Marc Peoples, Sr., WR/S, 6-5, 180.

WHAT TO WATCH: Wilmington can wrap up the District 10, Region 1-A championship outright with a victory over Sharpsville. This is the third-straight meeting between the schools. Prior to that, the last meeting was in 1997.

Neshannock’s recipe for success this season has been a simple one: Quality AND quantity.

With their top two running backs — Eli Owens and Robert Lindsay — on the bench in street clothes, the Lancers didn’t miss a beat Friday against Chartiers-Houston.

Juniors Jonah Vitale and Steven Phillips picked up the slack for the missing starters, combining for 160 yards and four touchdowns in the victory over the Buccaneers.

“Hey, our motto is ‘Next man up when it comes time’,” Neshannock coach Fred Mozzocio said. “I have all the confidence in the world in those two kids. They showed (Friday) they can play with anybody. They’re good football players themselves, and they got the opportunity to show it, and they did. I’m proud of both of them.”

Neshannock has plenty of weapons on offense, and has used them all in 2014. Case in point: Quarterback Frank Antuono connected with five different receivers in his 12-of-15, 349-yard performance against the Bucs. Rocco Fazio was his top target, with four catches for 117 yards and two scores. Jeff Sanfilippo (2 catches, 94 yards), Tyler Perry (2-55) Jimmy Medure (2-42) and Seth Dueitt (2-41) also were on the receiving end of Antuono passes.

“That’s what we do,” Mozzocio said. “The only stars around here are the ones that come out at night. Everybody gets their touches. It’s a team effort. I mean that wholeheartedly, there are no stars. We do it as one unit.”

It’s that formula that has the Lancers chasing their first undefeated regular season in school history, which can be achieved Friday with a victory over backyard rival Union.

“It would be unbelievable,” Mozzocio said. “It’s something everybody talks about before the season. You want to run the table. We have an opportunity to do something here that’s never been done here before. It’s a testament to these kids and the work they’ve put in.

“You can throw the records out. Union’s going to come in here loaded for bear. Coach (Stacy) Robinson will have some tricks up his sleeve as always. It’s going to be a fun game and a fun environment. It doesn’t matter what the records are, it’s Neshannock and Union. The kids are going to go after each other.”

— Shawn Fox

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

LAST WEEK: Ellwood City (3-3, 4-3) beat Mohawk, 46-36; Laurel (2-4, 2-5) lost to Beaver, 40-7.

KEY PLAYERS: Ellwood City: D.J. Barrett, Jr., QB/DB, 5-8, 175; Paul Lutz, Sr., RB/OLB, 5-10, 190; Tyler Neyman, Sr., OL/DL, 6-0, 320.

Laurel: Jake McDougal, Jr., QB/DB, 5-10, 172; Matty Conway, Sr., RB/DB, 5-8, 170; Joe Sager, Sr., OL/DL, 5-11, 215.

WHAT TO WATCH: Laurel is still alive for a playoff spot in the Midwestern Athletic Conference but needs help from Ellwood City next week against Beaver. Ellwood can secure a postseason bid if it wins out and Beaver Falls does no better than a split the next two weeks.

*****

THE MATCHUP: Western Beaver at Union, 7 p.m. today

LAST WEEK: Western Beaver (1-4, 1-6) lost to Northgate, 27-16; Union (1-4, 1-6) lost to Fort Cherry, 42-18.

KEY PLAYERS: Western Beaver: Hunter Roknich, Sr., QB/DB, 5-7, 155; John Sosack, Sr., RB/DB, 5-7, 155; Brandon Davis, Sr., WR/DB, 6-2, 180.

Union: Anthony Rush, Sr., QB/DB, 5-10, 170; Garrison Bell, Jr., WR/DL, 6-1, 182; Brandon Warren, Sr., OL/DL, 6-0, 173.

WHAT TO WATCH: Both teams are playing for pride. Union is looking to end a six-game losing streak. Western Beaver is 5-1 against Union since the rivalry renewed in 2008. The Scotties’ Anthony Rush paces the Scotties in passing with 1,150 yards.

*****

THE MATCHUP: Shenango at Riverside, 7 p.m. today

LAST WEEK: Shenango (5-1, 5-2) beat Vincentian Academy, 36-6; Riverside (3-2, 4-3) lost to South Side Beaver, 24-14.

KEY PLAYERS: Shenango: Evan Kendall, Jr., QB/DB, 6-2, 185; Tyler Root, Jr. RB/DB, 5-8, 150; Nate Gonsar, Jr., OL/DL, 6-3, 260.

Riverside: Jason Dambach, Jr., QB/S, 6-3, 180; Dalton Hewitt, Sr., RB/OLB, 5-9, 200; Marcel Cleckley, Sr., RB/FS, 5-7, 150.

WHAT TO WATCH: Shenango is in the WPIAL playoffs for the first time since the 2006 season. The Wildcats can clinch second place outright in the Big Seven Conference with a victory over Riverside. Shenango has won three straight games.

*****

THE MATCHUP: Wilmington at Lakeview, 7 p.m. today

LAST WEEK: Wilmington (3-1, 4-2) lost to Hickory, 41-0; Lakeview (4-1, 6-1) beat Saegertown, 55-6.

KEY PLAYERS: Wilmington: Reese Bender, So., QB/OLB, 5-10, 180; Jacob Sotter, Sr., RB/ILB, 6-1, 180; Tyler George, Jr., OG/DE, 6-2, 215.

Lakeview: Tanner Reddick, So., RB/LB, 6-1, 172; Austin Rice,. Jr., RB/LB, 5-11, 167; Marquis Spence, Sr., RB/LB, 6-1, 208.

WHAT TO WATCH: This is a battle for supremacy in District 10, Region 1-A. Wilmington was shut out last week for the first time since a 17-0 home loss to Grove City in 2011. Reese Bender will start at quarterback for the Greyhounds in place of Cody Llewellyn who is injured and out the rest of the regular season.

*****

THE MATCHUP: Chartiers-Houston at Neshannock, 7 p.m. today

LAST WEEK: Chartiers-Houston (4-3) beat Brentwood, 28-9; Neshannock (7-0) beat Rochester, 49-14.

KEY PLAYERS: Chartiers-Houston: Alec Ferrari, Sr., WR, 6-0, 180; Spencer Terling, So., RB, 5-10, 180; Tyler Stegenga, Sr., OL/DL, 6-0, 265

Neshannock: Frank Antuono, So., QB/LB, 6-2, 220; Eli Owens, Sr., RB/DB, 6-0, 180; Seth Dueitt, Sr., WR/DB, 6-1, 185.

WHAT TO WATCH: This is a nonconference game. Neshannock has scored at least 33 points in each of its seven games this season. The Lancers have won eight-straight regular season games dating back to last season.

*****

THE MATCHUP: Chartiers Valley at New Castle, 7:30 p.m. today

LAST WEEK: Chartiers Valley (2-4, 2-5) lost to Central Valley, 56-20; New Castle (2-4, 2-5) beat Ambridge, 45-40.

KEY PLAYERS: Chartiers Valley: Jake Collins, Jr., QB, 6-1, 172; Shane Waldern, Jr., WR, 5-11, 152; Austin Fisher, Sr., K, 5-10, 185.

New Castle: Pat Minenok, Jr., QB/LB, 6-0, 205; Daylyn Glenel, Jr., RB/DB, 5-9, 160; Donavan Rice, Sr., OL/DL, 5-11, 225.

WHAT TO WATCH: New Castle can sew up a playoff berth out of the Parkway Conference by winning each of its final two games. The Red Hurricane also will clinch a playoff spot with a victory over Chartiers Valley coupled with a Blackhawk loss to Ambridge.

*****

THE MATCHUP: Mohawk at Summit Academy, 12:30 p.m. Saturday

LAST WEEK: Mohawk (1-5, 1-6) lost to Ellwood City, 46-36; Summit Academy (0-6, 0-7) lost to Beaver Falls, 49-8.

KEY PLAYERS: Mohawk: Ricky Malutic, Sr., QB/DB, 6-0, 165; Cayne Yakubik, So., RB/DB, 5-7, 140; Tom Romano, Jr., OL/DL, 6-1, 250.

Summit Academy: Javon Thomas., Jr., QB/DB; Terrell Turner, Sr., RB/DB.

WHAT TO WATCH: Both teams are playing for pride. Mohawk is on a five-game losing streak. The Warriors have been outscored 254-90 during that stretch. This is the first meeting between the schools since a 26-22 Summit Academy victory at Mohawk in 2007.

From 0-4 to the playoffs? It’s certainly possible for New Castle.

The Red Hurricane continued its march toward the postseason with a 45-40 win at Ambridge on Saturday. The team nearly blew a 32-6 halftime lead and did just enough to stave off a furious Bridgers’ comeback bid.

“We had to hold it together and just play with our hearts,” New Castle’s Daylyn Glenel said. “We got it.”

Glenel sparked the ’Canes with his 90-yard kickoff return in the third quarter. He added three more touchdowns and carried the ball 34 times for 126 yards. New Castle and Glenel were able to run out the clock late in the fourth to secure the victory.

That victory sets up the team for a chance to earn the Parkway Conference’s fifth WPIAL Class AAA playoff spot. The ’Canes (2-4, 2-5) must defeat Chartiers Valley (2-4, 2-5) at home and win at Hopewell (0-6, 0-7) and they’re in the playoffs for a second-straight season.

— Joe Sager

The Wilmington High football team was dealt a setback yesterday.

The Greyhounds learned they will be without starting quarterback Cody Llewellyn for the rest of the season and possibly the playoffs. Wilmington coach Terry Verrelli said Llewellyn has a cracked bone in either the knee or the leg and will be out at least three or four weeks.

Llewellyn, a 6-foot-3 190-pound senior quarterback/safefy was injured in Friday’s 41-0 District 10, nonregion road loss to Hickory. The Hornets’ Jordan Wombacker booted a 38-yard field goal on the first drive of the second half and Llewellyn was injured on the play. He was on the ground for a few minutes before walking slowly to the sideline favoring his right knee.

“That hurts us. Cody has really turned into a great leader for us,” Verrelli said. “It’s hard to replace a guy like that, but you have to move on.

“I feel bad for him. He was looking forward so much to playing his senior year.”

Llewellyn ranks fourth in the county in passing with 604 yards. He’s 39 of 72 with five touchdowns and three interceptions.

“We’ll have to work hard to get it done without him,” Verrelli said.

Reese Bender, a 5-10, 180-pound sophomore quarterback/outside linebacker will take over for Llewellyn under center. Bender is 5-of-6 passing this year for 58 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions.

“Reese does a good job,” Verrelli said. “I think a week’s worth of work will get him ready to go.”

Despite being the backup quarterback, Bender still got on the field while Llewellyn was the starter. Bender got in as a running back, carrying the ball 41 times for 149 yards and caught four passes for 45 yards.

Bender has four total touchdowns as well.

“It really doesn’t change anything,” Verrelli said of the possible change in style of play with Bender at quarterback. “Reese is quicker than Cody was. He has a little bit more experience at running the football and he can throw the ball, too.”

Wilmington (3-1 region, 4-2 overall) will travel to District 10, Region 1-A-leading Lakeview (4-1, 6-1) at 7 p.m. Friday.

“Lakeview is a good football team,” Verrelli said. “They have a good quarterback, they run the option; they have a great fullback and a great tailback.

“Their line is huge. We’ll have to play our best to beat them.”

— Ron Poniewasz Jr.

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

LAST WEEK: Ellwood City (2-3, 3-3) lost to Beaver Falls, 33-21; Mohawk (1-4, 1-5) lost to Laurel, 53-13.

KEY PLAYERS: Ellwood City: D.J. Barrett, Jr., QB/DB, 5-8, 175; Paul Lutz, Sr., RB/OLB, 5-10, 190; Tyler Neyman, Sr., OL/DL, 6-0, 320.

Mohawk: Ricky Malutic, Sr., QB/DB, 6-0, 165; Cayne Yakubik, So., RB/DB, 5-7, 140; Matt Gwin, So., OL/DL, 5-10, 237.

WHAT TO WATCH: Ellwood City is clinging to playoff life in the Midwestern Athletic Conference. The Wolverines are just a game out of the fourth and final playoff spot. Mohawk has won the last two meetings by a combined 10 points, including 24-21 in overtime last season.

*****

THE MATCHUP: Vincentian Academy at Shenango, 7 p.m. today

WHEN: Today, 7 p.m.

LAST WEEK: Vincentian Academy (1-3, 1-5) lost to Neshannock, 46-6); Shenango (4-1, 4-2) beat South Side Beaver, 23-8.

KEY PLAYERS: Vincentian Academy: Mike Tappe, Sr., QB, 5-9, 157; Paul Adams, Jr., TE/LB, 6-1, 215; Anthony Tomarello, Sr., OL/MLB, 5-11, 211.

Shenango: Evan Kendall, Jr., QB/DB, 6-2, 185; Tyler Root, Jr. RB/DB, 5-8, 150; Brandon Ryder, Jr., TE/LB, 6-2, 195.

WHAT TO WATCH: This is the first meeting between the schools. Shenango clinched its first playoff berth since 2006 last week. The Wildcats are gunning for their first three-game winning streak since starting the 2009 season 3-0.

*****

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

LAST WEEK: Wilmington (4-1) beat Reynolds, 28-7; Hickory (4-2) lost to Greenville, 13-10.

KEY PLAYERS: Wilmington: Cody Llewellyn, Sr., QB/S, 6-3, 190; Jacob Sotter, Sr., RB/ILB, 6-1, 180; Tyler George, Jr., OG/DE, 6-2, 215.

Hickory: Nick Cannone, Jr., QB/DB, 6-0, 150; Andrew Pryts, Jr., WR/DB, 6-2, 195; Joey DeJulia, Jr., WR/DB, 5-10, 150.

WHAT TO WATCH: This is a District 10, nonregion matchup. Hickory has allowed just 34 points this year and pitched three shutouts. The Hornets won last year’s matchup, 42-6. Jacob Sotter leads Wilmington’s rushing attack with 387 yards on 55 carries with seven touchdowns.

*****

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

LAST WEEK: Neshannock (5-0, 6-0) beat Vincentian Academy, 46-6; Rochester (1-4, 2-4) beat Western Beaver, 33-0.

KEY PLAYERS: Neshannock: Frank Antuono, So., QB/LB, 6-2, 220; Eli Owens, Sr., RB/DB, 6-0, 180; Jimmy Medure, Sr., WR/LB, 6-3, 215.

Rochester: Chase Long, Sr., QB, 5-8, 160; Ishmal Tucker, Sr., RB; Brandon Hopkins, Sr., OL/DL, 5-9, 190.

WHAT TO WATCH: Rochester coach Gene Matsook is a Shenango High graduate. Neshannock is ranked No. 3 in the WPIAL in Class A by the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. The Lancers are averaging 47 points per game.

*****

THE MATCHUP: Union at Fort Cherry, 7:30 p.m. today

LAST WEEK: Union (1-5) lost to Shenango, 45-13; Fort Cherry (2-4) lost to Cardinal Wuerl North Catholic, 42-6.

KEY PLAYERS: Union: Anthony Rush, Sr., QB/DB, 5-10, 170; Garrison Bell, Jr., WR/DL, 6-1, 182; Preston Sacco, Sr., OL/LB, 5-10, 171.

Fort Cherry: Devon Brown, So., QB, 6-4, 211; Nick Cook, So., RB, 5-9, 155; Alex Babirad, Sr., WR, 6-5, 190.

WHAT TO WATCH: This is a nonconference matchup. Fort Cherry was a WPIAL Class A power last year, going 10-2 and averaging almost 40 points a game. The Rangers scored 86 points in a game last year, but graduation hit them hard.

*****

THE MATCHUP: New Castle at Ambridge, 1:30 p.m. Saturday

LAST WEEK: New Castle (1-4, 1-5) lost to Central Valley, 35-12; Ambridge (1-4, 1-5) lost to Montour, 30-6.

KEY PLAYERS: New Castle: Pat Minenok, Jr., QB/LB, 6-0, 205; Nick Treloar, Jr., RB/LB, 5-10, 195; Braden Mancini, Sr., OL/DL, 6-0, 210.

Ambridge: Austin French, So., QB, 6-2, 190; Daiquon Alston, So, RB, 5-8, 172; Keenan Baker, Sr., 6-5, 208.

WHAT TO WATCH: This is the end of the line for the loser in the Parkway Conference. Both teams are just a game behind Chartiers Valley for the fifth and final playoff berth in the conference. New Castle won last year’s matchup, 37-13.

*****

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

LAST WEEK: Laurel (2-3, 2-4) beat Mohawk, 53-13; Beaver (3-2, 4-2) lost to Aliquippa, 55-0.

KEY PLAYERS: Laurel: Jake McDougal, Jr., QB/DB, 5-10, 172; Matty Conway, Sr., RB/DB, 5-8, 170; Josh Altman, Jr., OL/DL, 6-2, 245.

Beaver: Zach Royba, Sr., QB/DB, 6-0, 180; Julian VanDusen, Sr., RB/DB, 5-9, 155; Luke Scheidemantel, Sr., FB/LB, 5-10, 185.

WHAT TO WATCH: Laurel can’t afford another loss in the Midwestern Athletic Conference. The Spartans are just a game back of Beaver for the fourth and final playoff spot in the MAC. Laurel is bidding for its first win over Beaver since a 15-13 verdict in 2005.

It is now a three-game season for the New Castle High football team.

Despite a 1-4 mark in the Parkway Conference and 1-5 overall record, the Red Hurricane still controls its own playoff destiny.

If New Castle wins out, it will earn the Parkway’s final berth in the WPIAL Class AAA playoffs.

The ‘Canes’ postseason quest begins at 1:30 pm Saturday with a game at Ambridge. They’ll follow that up with a home game against Chartiers Valley on Oct. 17 before closing the season Oct. 24 at Hopewell.

Even sitting with just one victory on the season, New Castle coach Joe Cowart is encouraged about his team’s chances.

“It all starts Saturday afternoon at Ambridge,” he said. “We’ve talked to our guys, and told them it’s a three-game season. If we take care of things, we can do some good things. We’ve got to be 3-0, and it starts with Ambridge. They are a really good football team. We have to go into their house and play an afternoon game. We have to be road warriors.”

— Shawn Fox

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

LAST WEEK: New Castle (1-3, 1-4) beat Moon, 43-37; Central Valley (4-0, 5-0) beat Ambridge, 56-20.

KEY PLAYERS: New Castle: Pat Minenok, Jr., QB/LB, 6-0, 205; Nick Treloar, Jr., RB/LB, 5-10, 195; Dustin Cuscino, Sr., OL/DL, 6-2, 260.

Central Valley: Chris Callaghan, Jr., QB/DB, 6-2, 178; Jordan Whitehead, Sr., RB/DB, 6-0, 185; Luke Kusler, Sr., OL/DL, 6-2, 230.

WHAT TO WATCH: Pitt, Ohio State, West Virginia and Penn State are in the running to land Central Valley standout Jordan Whitehead. Central Valley is ranked No. 3 in the WPIAL in Class AAA by the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

*****

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

LAST WEEK: Mohawk (1-3, 1-4) lost to Beaver, 46-7; Laurel (1-3, 1-4) lost to Beaver Falls, 39-27.

KEY PLAYERS: Mohawk: Ricky Malutic, Sr., QB/DB, 6-0, 165; Cayne Yakubik, So., RB/DB, 5-7, 140; Mehmet Iclek, Jr., OL/DL, 5-9, 286.

Laurel: Jake McDougal, Jr., QB/DB, 5-10, 172; Matty Conway, Sr., RB/DB, 5-8, 170; Noah Wertz, Sr., P/K/WR/DB, 5-11, 160.

WHAT TO WATCH: The winner breathes life into its playoff hopes. A loss will all but spell the end of the line for any postseason possibility. Each team claimed a home victory over Midwestern Athletic Conference foe Freedom. Laurel trailed Beaver Falls 39-6 last week in the fourth quarter before rallying.

*****

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

LAST WEEK: Beaver Falls (3-1, 4-1) beat Laurel, 39-27; Ellwood City (2-2, 3-2) beat Burgettstown, 40-13.

KEY PLAYERS: Beaver Falls: Dalton Cleckley, So., QB, 5-11, 170; Dwayne Burrell, So., WR, 6-0, 150; Derrell Carter, So., RB/LB, 5-1, 150.

Ellwood City: D.J. Barrett, Jr., QB/DB, 5-8, 175; Paul Lutz, Sr., RB/OLB, 5-10, 190; Mario Street, Sr., RB/OLB, 5-9, 175.

WHAT TO WATCH: Ellwood City enters with good momentum, riding a two-game winning streak. The Wolverines have outscored the opposition, 91-27 during that span. Beaver Falls is a game up on Ellwood City in the Midwestern Athletic Conference standings.

*****

THE MATCHUP: Riverside at Union, 7 p.m. today

LAST WEEK: Riverside (2-1, 3-2) lost to Cardinal Wuerl North Catholic, 50-16; Union (1-3, 1-4) lost to Shenango, 35-7.

KEY PLAYERS: Riverside: Jason Dambach, Jr., QB/S, 6-3, 180; Dalton Hewitt, Sr., RB/OLB, 5-9, 200; Marcel Cleckley, Sr., RB/FS, 5-7, 150.

Union: Anthony Rush, Sr., QB/DB, 5-10, 170; Cornell Charles, Sr., WR/DB, 5-11, 152; Chris Hill, Jr., OL/DB, 5-9, 158.

WHAT TO WATCH: Union is looking to snap a four-game losing streak. This is the first meeting between the schools since a 40-0 Riverside road win in 2007. The Scotties were held to just nine first downs and 161 yards of total offense last week against Shenango.

*****

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

LAST WEEK: Reynolds (0-3, 2-3) lost to Lakeview, 33-26; Wilmington (2-1, 3-1) beat Farrell, 28-12.

KEY PLAYERS: Reynolds: Jake Leipheimer, Sr., QB/OLB, 5-10, 175; Damion Gearhart, So., RB/OLB, 5-7, 155; Mike Millero, Sr., RB/OLB, 5-10, 185.

Wilmington: Cody Llewellyn, Sr., QB/S, 6-3, 190; Jacob Sotter, Sr., RB/ILB, 6-1, 180; Josh Wrightson, Sr., OT/DT, 6-0, 280.

WHAT TO WATCH: Reynolds trailed 33-9 last week to Lakeview before staging a late rally to make it interesting. Wilmington claimed a 28-12 win over Farrell last week to remain in contention for the District 10, Region 1-A championship.

*****

THE MATCHUP: Vincentian Academy, 7 p.m. today

LAST WEEK: Vincentian Academy (1-2, 1-4) lost to South Side Beaver, 30-21; Neshannock (4-0, 5-0) beat Western Beaver, 62-6.

KEY PLAYERS: Vincentian Academy: Mike Tappe, Sr., QB, 5-9, 157; Paul Adams, Jr., TE/LB, 6-1, 215; Anthony Tomarello, Sr., OL/MLB, 5-11, 211.

Neshannock: Frank Antuono, So., QB/LB, 6-2, 220; Eli Owens, Sr., RB/DB, 6-0, 180; Rocco Fazio, Sr., WR/DB, 5-7, 165.

WHAT TO WATCH: This is the first meeting between the schools. Vincentian’s program was born in 2012 and it played two years of exhibition games before moving into the Big Seven this year. Neshannock is ranked No. 4 in the WPIAL in Class A by the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

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

LAST WEEK: South Side Beaver (3-1, 4-1) beat Vincentian Academy, 30-21; Shenango (3-1, 3-2) beat Union, 35-7.

KEY PLAYERS: South Side Beaver: Jake Berger, Sr., QB/DB, 6-1, 191; Nathan Block, Sr., RB/LB, 6-1, 165; Austin Boone, Sr., OL/DL, 5-11, 195.

Shenango: Evan Kendall, Jr., QB/DB, 6-2, 185; Tyler Root, Jr. RB/DB, 5-8, 150; Steve Murcko, Sr., OL/DL, 5-10, 255.

WHAT TO WATCH: This game could prove pivotal for who nails down a home playoff game and potential No. 2 seed out of the Big Seven Conference. Both teams move the ball exclusively on the ground.