Westmoreland County high school football matchups for 2024 Week Zero

By: Bill Beckner Jr.
Wednesday, August 21, 2024 | 6:39 PM

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Here’s a look at the don’t-miss matchups for Westmoreland County in Week Zero of the 2024 season:

Nonconference

Albert Gallatin at Greensburg Salem

7 p.m. Friday, Offutt Field, Greensburg

Last year’s result: Did not play

Greensburg Salem will kick off its new season in Class 3A with a matchup against the Colonials, an independent and former WPIAL member school. … The Golden Lions may use two quarterbacks in the Chismar brothers, Peyton and Brody. Running back Kai Brunot is dangerous on the perimeter. The team opens with three straight home games. … Albert Gallatin went 4-5 last season, winning three of its last four games, including a 19-17 victory over Laurel Highlands. Second-leading rusher Caleb Dehaven returns in the backfield. The Colonials run the Wing-T offense.

Brentwood at Yough

7 p.m. Friday, Cougar Mountain Stadium

Last year’s result: Did not play

Brentwood brings nine returning starters on offense and eight on defense to Cougar Mountain, including quarterback Cedric Davis. Daymire Spencer was an all-conference defensive lineman. Nick Caponi is in his second season as coach. … Yough brings back an experienced offensive line as it moves up to Class 3A. Third-year quarterback Raidon Kuroda accounted for 1,377 yards of offense last season.

Charleroi at Monessen

7 p.m. Friday, Memorial Stadium, Monessen

Last year’s result: Did not play

The “Battle of the Bridge” rivalry returns after taking a break for a few seasons. … Charleroi tries to rebound from a winless 2023 season. The Cougars have a small, young squad. Second-year coach Ty Aeschbacher will rely on quarterback Jackson Keranko to direct the offense behind a veteran line. … Monessen coach Wade Brown, beginning his fourth season, hopes to revamp the rich tradition in the Mon Valley. Sophomore quarterback Dennis Hawkins tossed six touchdowns, five in one game against Mapletown. Ty Kershaw will continue to be an offensive threat at running back where he rushed for 741 yards and scored 10 touchdowns.

Derry at Ligonier Valley

7 p.m. Friday, Weller Field, Ligonier

Last year’s result: Derry 35, Ligonier Valley 15

The “Riot on the Ridge” ended the 2023 season and begins the 2024 season. … Derry continues its upward trend under third-year coach Mike Arone. The Trojans return 10 starters on defense led by sophomore linebacker Brady Brown and tackle Collin Barkley. A new quarterback will direct the offense. … Ligonier Valley only graduated one senior from last year’s squad. The Rams have a lot of experience, but veteran coach Roger Beitel still has a young squad. Senior John Jablunovsky returns after rushing for 892 yards and eight touchdowns. Senior defensive back Maxx Oberley had 86 tackles for the Rams, who will try to end a six-game losing streak.

Franklin Regional at Plum

7 p.m. Friday, Plum Stadium, Plum

Last year’s result: Franklin Regional 45, Plum 26

This is a longtime rivalry between neighboring schools. It dates to the 1970s when they were part of the original Keystone Conference. … Franklin Regional returns an experienced offense led by senior quarterback Chase Lemke and senior running back Kyle Dupill. Tackle Andrew Devola is a menace on the Panthers’ defense. … The Mustangs hope to get playmakers Darian Nelson and Nick Odom in open space. Odom rushed for 1,043 yards and seven touchdowns and Nelson caught 42 passes for 619 yards and nine scores.

Greensburg Central Catholic at Shady Side Academy

7 p.m. Friday, Robert J. Grandizio Athletic Complex, Fox Chapel

Last year’s result: Did not play.

Greensburg Central Catholic will rely on quarterback Samir Crosby, a dual-threat playmaker who also stands out at defensive back. Also watch Jerry Davis, Landon Honick and Tucker Lloyd as two-way contributors. … Shady Side Academy had three key players transfer out in quarterback Devin Harris (Penn Hills), receiver Carter Bonner (Penn Hills) and highly regarded kicker Harran Zureikat (Fox Chapel). Cam Mallory and Eric Swan were competing for the starting nod at quarterback.

Hempfield at North Hills

7 p.m. Friday, Martorelli Stadium, Ross Township

Last year’s result: Did not play

Hempfield and Greensburg Salem opted to not play each other this season, so the Spartans will get a new opponent in North Hills. Hempfield is up from 5A, where it went 7-13 the last two seasons. Brayden Gerst and Rogan Katchur will look to boost the running game. Would-be starting quarterback Dom Detruf will not play as he awaits medical clearance due to a heart issue. … With a wealth of experience and a large group of seniors, North Hills will look to compete for the 5A Northeast Conference title. Leading rusher Jack Martin returns.

Latrobe at Connellsville

7 p.m. Friday, Falcons Stadium

Last year’s result: Latrobe 50, Connellsville 28

Improved Latrobe hopes to use nonconference games to prepare for a move up to Class 5A. The Wildcats should have a potent running game that will not lack depth, with running backs Alex Tatsch, Brady Prohovic and quarterback John Wetzel paving the way. Tatsch, a Penn State commit, spearheads the defense. The play of the offensive line will be crucial to continued succes for the Wildcats. … Connellsville plays an independent schedule outside of the WPIAL. The Falcons joined Latrobe in the Big Seven Conference last year and finished 5-5 overall and 2-4 in conference. Late-summer transfer Caden Matthews, who came from Southmoreland, is looking to play quarterback.

Mt. Pleasant at Jeannette

7 p.m., Friday, McKee Stadium, Jeannette

Last year’s result: Did not play

Two 2023 WPIAL playoff teams collide in a season opener. Both teams have high expectations for 2024. … Mt. Pleasant will lean on QB Cole Chatfield and its misdirection running game. WR Jarret Garn hopes to show off his speed. … Jeannette returns a veteran team but will turn to freshman Markus McGowan at QB. Kymon’e Brown and Jayce Powell will be his top targets. Nick Stuchell will anchor the defensive line.

Valley at Southmoreland

7 p.m. Friday, Russ Grimm Stadium, Alverton

Last year’s result: Did not play

Former Southmoreland coach Mark Adams brings his Vikings to Alverton to kick off the season. … The Vikings are dressing more than 50 players and are led by QB Mason Simmons. He’ll be throwing to Coury Pitts, Zayaan Ferron and Derek Hassim. … Southmoreland has holes to fill on offense, but all eyes will be on talented freshman QB Anthony Smith and freshman running back Jackson Mickens. WR/DE Elliot Premus looks to have another big season. LB Ethan Shawley is back after making 13 tackles.

Bill Beckner Jr. is a TribLive reporter covering local sports in Westmoreland County. He can be reached at bbeckner@triblive.com.

Tags: Albert Gallatin, Brentwood, Charleroi, Connellsville, Derry Area, Franklin Regional, Greensburg C.C., Greensburg Salem, Hempfield, Jeannette, Latrobe, Ligonier Valley, Monessen, Mt. Pleasant, North Hills, Plum, Shady Side Academy, Southmoreland, Valley, Yough