District 9, WPIAL football playoff predictions: See our staff picks for Friday’s games
Well, so much for seeding.
Two Butler County teams pulled off upsets last week in the WPIAL football playoffs, leaving five still standing heading into the postseason’s second week. And Seneca Valley makes its 2024 playoff debut in the Class 6A semifinals after having last week off (only four teams make the 6A tournament).
Are more upsets in store? They just might be.
Here is how the Butler Eagle sports staff and Scoop see this week’s playoff games unfolding, breaking down all five contests and predicting a final score.
Derek Pyda — 81-26 (4-1 last week)
Scoop — 78-29 (4-1)
Brendan Howe — 77-30 (4-1)
Jake Adams — 74-33 (3-2)
WPIAL Class 6A semifinals
No. 4 Seneca Valley vs. No. 1 Central Catholic, at West Mifflin HS
Adams — This could get ugly fast. The Raiders grinded through this season to get to this point, but fighting through that adversity isn’t enough to prepare for the Vikings. Central Catholic 54-10
Pyda — A 60-7 loss to the Vikings three weeks ago has to be hard for the Raiders to shake mentally. The rematch will be closer, but the result remains the same. Central Catholic 41-15
Howe — Central Catholic is Central Catholic. They run deep into the postseason each year. That won’t change this time around. Central Catholic 56-20
Scoop — The Vikings are averaging five offensive touchdowns per game. That onslaught is very difficult to stop and equally tough to match. Central Catholic 38-17
WPIAL Class 4A semifinals
No. 7 Mars vs. No. 3 McKeesport, at Gateway HS
Adams — Are the Planets making a run? I think we believe the Planets are making a run. Good thing this ground game is firing on all cylinders. Mars 30-28
Pyda — The Tigers have a powerful ground attack, but the passing game is paltry. The Planets avenge a 28-7 loss suffered last month. Mars 27-20
Howe — The size of Mars’ offensive line impressed me Monday night. They can eat a lot, too, it turns out. They’re the difference here. Mars 28-20
Scoop — If the Planets go down, I’m going with them. Mars 31-23
WPIAL Class 3A quarterfinals
No. 7 Freeport at No. 2 Central Valley
Adams — T. Mason Dixon is averaging nearly a first down per carry for the Warriors. And he has 16 touchdowns rushing and receiving, per MaxPreps. He’s a handful. Central Valley 28-21
Pyda — The Warriors scored at least 44 points in five of their six conference games. Freeport’s defense will hold them well below that, but not enough to win. Central Valley 31-16
Howe — I saw Central Valley in a playoff game last year. Mars measured up physically. I think Freeport will, too. Freeport 31-28
Scoop — Class 3A is very strong in the WPIAL. Both of these teams are good examples, but it will be the Warriors moving on. Central Valley 30-14
No. 11 North Catholic at No. 3 Elizabeth Forward
Adams — Charlie Nigut has run for 1,174 yards, recorded 507 receiving and has 26 combined TDs. He’ll be a handful for a Trojans defense that has struggled this season. Elizabeth Forward 42-27
Pyda — The Trojans barely made it into the playoffs and are now playing with house money. North Catholic 30-22
Howe — I’ve covered a WPIAL playoff game at Elizabeth Forward’s place. The energy in that stadium will carry the hosts to a victory. Elizabeth Forward 35-24
Scoop — The Trojans’ roller-coaster season comes to an end. Elizabeth Forward 42-35
District 9 Class 1A semifinals
No. 3 Union/A-C Valley vs. No. 2 Redbank Valley, at Brookville HS
Adams — It’s always hard to take much from a Week 1 game, but Bulldogs QB Braylon Wagner has cooked teams all season to the tune of 2,545 yards and 32 TDs. This offense spreads teams out. Redbank Valley 38-30
Pyda — The Bulldogs defeated the Falcon Knights 49-13 way back in Week 1. Union/A-C Valley is a much better team now, but will it be enough? Redbank Valley 33-31
Howe — Union/A-C Valley seems to have found a groove on offense. I’m going to stay with the hot hand. Union/A-C Valley 35-34
Scoop — I am anticipating a shootout for the ages in this one. Redbank Valley 47-43
