SETON LASALLE at NEW CASTLE: The defending Quad-A champions open up at home against one of the better Double-A programs. "We know they are well coached and fundamentally sound," said New Castle coach Gary Schooley. "We will approach this game like all of our opponents. We know their coaches work hard, as do their kids, so we have to be ready." The Rebels will have their hands full at New Castle, one of the tougher places to play in the WPIAL. The Red Hurricanes, ranked number one in the NSN Top Ten, are out to prove they deserve to be considered one of the tops teams in Quad-A. "We do have a lot of kids we're moving around and playing at different positions," Schooley said. "We're anxious to see how they do in live competition."

PENN HILLS at BUTLER: Two Quad-A playoff teams from a year ago square off in their annual opener. The Indians have only one returning starter on offense, talented quarterback Glenn Hood. "He's a very talented kid", said Penn Hills coach Neil Gordon. "He throws the ball very well, and is comfortable in knowing when to audible." The Golden Tornadoes were also hit hard by graduation. Gordon knows this won't be the same Butler team he's used to facing. "Usually when we go up there, we see big, strong 275 pound linemen. But this Butler team doesn't have that. They are not big, but they aris hardly bare for new Rams coach Gene Deal, who expects his team to contend for a playoff spot in the Allegheny Conference. The Quakers may be a teathe Three Riveonference. They were 5-5 and finished in fourth place a year ago.

SHADY SIDE ACADEMY at QUAKER VALLEY: A rematch of a first round playoff game last year won in convincing fashion by Shady Side Academy 40-0. The Rams are the defending WPIAL champions in Class 'AA', but they will have a new look this season. Not only did Shady Side Academy lose many of its top players to graduation, they also lost their coach, the legendary Art Walker, who retired after the 1998 season. But the cupboard is hardly bare for new Rams coach Gene Deal, who expects his team to contend for a playoff spot in the Allegheny Conference. The Quakers may be a team to watch in the Three Rivers Conference. They were 5-5 and finished in fourth place a year ago.

FREEPORT at FORT CHERRY: Despite finishing at 5-5 for the season, the Yellowjackets were tied for second place in the Allegheny Conference. Their stay in the playoffs was a short one though, as they lost in round one to Brownsville 34-0. Fort Cherry dominated the regular season, winning all nine games and taking the Ohio Valley Conference title. The Rangers had high expectations going into the Class 'A' playoffs. But their stay was also a short one, as they were shocked by Clairton in the first round 33-19. However this season, dream left unfulfilled may come true thanks to the return of stud running back Mike Vernillo, who enters the season with the all time WPIAL rushing record in sight.

GREENSBURG SALEM at INDIANA: Friday could be a historic one for Greensburg-Salem as they shoot for their 600th career victory. Golden Lions quarterback Adam Bostick is one of the WPIAL's best, and hopes to lead Greensburg Salem back into the playoffs, where last year they upset #1 Franklin Regional. The Little Indians finished 3-7 last year, and are now guided by former Freeport coach Mark Kaczanowicz.

SOUTH PARK at ALBERT GALLATIN: South Park has high hopes if they can find a way to stay healthy. Injuries ravaged the Eagles last season, but they were still able to qualify for the WPIAL playoffs. The Colonials, trying to improve on a 2-8 season last year return seven starters on offense and six on defense.

CONNELLSVILLE at SENECA VALLEY: The Falcons were Quad South co-champs with Penn-Trafford, but ended with an overall record of 6-4 after getting crushed in the first round of the playoffs by Penn Hills 53-14. The Raiders were also 6-4 last year, but missed the playoffs in the very tough Quad North. However eleven starters are back including quarterback Justin Ziegler.

HEMPFIELD at FRANKLIN REGIONAL: The Spartans have nearly their entire offensive backfield back with quarterback Brad Dvorsky and running back Pat Trimbach. While Hempfield hopes to contend in the Quad South, the Panthers will find in tough to repeat as champions in the Quad East after the graduation of the WPIAL's leading rusher in 1998, Dave Campbell.

ERIE CATHEDRAL PREP at LATROBE: The Wildcats face a stiff challenge early with a visit from one of the top teams in the state. Erie Prep made it to the state semi's last season, before losing to New Castle 27-25. But they return nearly everybody from that squad. Latrobe will be trying to improve on a 3-7 campaign.

LAUREL HIGHLANDS at UNIONTOWN: The Mustangs believe they can contend for a playoff spot after only winning two of their ten games last year. But those wins were two more than Uniontown picked up in '98. The Raiders are now guided by coach Bob Keys.

NORTH ALLEGHENY at NORWIN: Once again, Jim Rankin's Tigers are not only expected to vie for the Quad North title, but they are considered strong contenders to win it all after losing to New Castle in the WPIAL finals last year 14-7. Nine starters return for the Knights, including junior quarterback Jim Cooper.

GATEWAY at PENN-TRAFFORD: Tom Organ begins his third year at the helm of the Gators. Gateway finished in the basement of the Quad East last season at 2-8. Meanwhile, the Warriors were once again atop the Quad South. They reached the finals in 1997, but bowed out in the quarterfinals last year, losing to Woodland Hills 24-18 in overtime.

NORTH CATHOLIC at CENTRAL CATHOLIC: The rivalry lives on. The Trojans have playoff aspirations once again this season. Last year, they finished tied for second in the Allegheny Conference, beat Jeannette 3-0 in round one, then lost to eventual WPIAL champion Shady Side Academy. It's year two of the Art Walker Jr. regime at Central, as the Vikings field a young team after their 4-6 season in '98.

FOX CHAPEL at BETHEL PARK: A battle between two former champions. Fox Chapel won the Quad East two years ago, while Bethel Park won the Quad West last season. The Foxes fell on hard times last year, going 1-9, but return 13 starters, making them a possible contender in the tough Quad North.

CANON McMILLAN at NORTH HILLS: Canon McMillan has a new leader, as Dan Pallante takes over the Big Mac attack. No such changes at North Hills, as Jack McCurry is back to lead the Indians. North Hills just missed the playoffs last season thanks in part to the now defunct gardner point system.

KISKI AREA at SHALER: The Cavaliers were once a power in the Quad East in the early 90's, but haven't won more than three games in four years. The Titans are out to defend their Quad North title, but were hit hard by graduation, including star quarterback Chris Siegle.

RINGGOLD at McKEESPORT: The Rams returned to the playoffs last year for the first time in three years, but we're promptly booted out in the first round by Shaler 31-6. The Tigers also returned to the playoffs last season, losing to Penn-Trafford in round one 26-14. Both are expected to challenge of the postseason again this season.

BALDWIN at PLUM: The Fighting Highlanders are searching for their fourth straight playoff season, with the hopes of winning their first Quad West title. Meanwhile, Plum had a four year streak snapped last year by missing the postseason for the first time since 1994.

SHARON at WOODLAND HILLS: The Wolverines are loaded again. They have the talent to not only win the competitive Quad East, but they too are capable of winning it all. Last season, George Novak's squad made it to the semifinals before losing to eventual champion New Castle 17-12.

MT.LEBANON at BROOKE (WVa): Traditional opening for these two "rivals". Mt.Lebanon just missed the playoffs last season, finishing 6-4 and tied for fourth, but losing out in Gardner Points to Ringgold.

WASHINGTON at TRINITY: Another traditional opening between two Washington County neighbors. High expectations for Guy Montecalvo's Little Prexies as they enter the season the NSN number one ranked team in Class Double 'A'. This will be the debut for the Hillers new coach. Ed Dalton takes over a team that finished 1-9 last year.

UPPER ST.CLAIR at ERIC McDOWELL: Even though they made the playoffs again last year, it was not a season to remember for the Panthers. Their 69 games section winning streak was snapped, and for the first time since Quad 'A' switched to four sections from two, U.S.C. did not win the Quad West. However eight starters returning could boost the Panthers back to their normal elite status.

BELLE VERNON at McGUFFEY: (Keystone Conf. game) The Leopards are locked in on their sixth straight Keystone Conference title. Size and experience have made Gary Dongilli's team an early favorite to reach that goal. But their first test won't be easy. The Highlanders return several key players, including running back Heath Shriver. Plus Frank Sworden's teams are always tough on their home turf.

WEST MIFFLIN at ELIZABETH FORWARD: (Keystone Conf. game) Eleven starters are back for Ray Braszo's Titans, but of those eleven, eight are still underclassmen. The Warriors reached the playoffs last year, finishing fourth in the section, however coach Rich Bowen expects more this season, thanks to junior running back Pat Risha.

PETERS TOWNSHIP at MT.PLEASANT: (Keystone Conf. game) A playoff birth is the goal of the Indians, who last year finished one game out of the postseason with a 4-5 record. The Vikings finished tied for third, but lost to Burrell in the first round 10-0. They also lost a lot of players to graduation.

SOUTHMORELAND at THOMAS JEFFERSON: (Keystone Conf. game) The Scotties, winless in '98, will be trying to snap an eleven game losing streak. If there is a team that can snap Belle Vernon's streak of section titles, it could be the Jaguars. Coach Bill Cherpak has molded T.J. into a perennial contender. The Jaguars tied for the section title last year with B.V., and reached the semifinals before losing to Blackhawk 28-7.

YOUGH at HAMPTON: The Cougars, under new coach Keith Reidmiller, will be returning nine starters from a team that went 4-6 a year ago. The Talbots also struggled last year, finishing in eighth place with a 1-9 record.

DERRY AREA at HIGHLANDS: (Greater Allegheny Conf. Game) Derry was able to sneak into the playoffs with a .500 record. They were crushed by eventual champion Moon in round one, 35-0. The Rams are the defending section champions, and were a perfect 8-0 in the conference in '98. Their season also ended at the hands of Moon, in the semifinals 10-0.

BURRELL at JOHNSTOWN: (Greater Allegheny Conf. Game) The Buccaneers are coming off a strong season with high expectations for another one. Burrell also gained a playoff birth, only to lose in the second round to Blackhawk 29-0. It's been seven years since the Trojans finished in the top half of their section. They were 2-7 last year.

KITTANNING at PINE-RICHLAND: (Greater Allegheny Conf. Game) The Wildcats missed the playoffs by two games last year, posting a 4-5 record. While Kittanning only has four returning starters, the Rams return eleven from a team that just missed the postseason, going 5-5. The Rams must find someone to follow in the footsteps of quarterback Casey White, who led the WPIAL in passing yards in '98.

KNOCH at VALLEY: (Greater Allegheny Conf. Game) The Knights feel they will be much better than last years squad that was winless in the section, and 1-9 overall. But right off the bat, they get the Vikings in Death Valley. Valley is the NSN's number one 'AAA' team, which has five players back who made the all-conference team as juniors last year.

AMBRIDGE at MOON: (Parkway Conf. Game) The Bridgers won only two of ten games last season, but return nine starters on offense, and eight on defense. Ambridge is opponent number one for the defending 'AA' WPIAL champs. Moon was a darkhorse when the playoffs began last year, but were considered a powerhouse by the time the 'AAA' state championship rolled around. The Tigers lost in the finals to Allentown Central Catholic 10-0, but it hardly dampened Mark Capuano's team's accomplishments, including a defense that allowed only 58 points in 15c games.

HOPEWELL at CHARTIERS VALLEY: (Parkway Conf. Game) The Vikings just missed the playoffs last year in what turned out to be the most competitive conference in 'AAA'. A trip to the postseason would be Hopewell's first in eight years. The Colts were nowhere near the playoffs last year, going 0-9 on the campaign. But new coach Todd Fuller provides's a fresh start at Char-Valley.

KEYSTONE OAKS at ELLWOOD CITY: (Parkway Conf. Game) It has been fifteen years since the Golden Eagles last made the WPIAL playoffs. Last year, they just missed the .500 mark with a 4-6 record. The Wolverines were co-champs with Blackhawk two years ago. Different story in '98 however, as Ellwood City finished eighth with a 2-8 record.

MONTOUR at WEST ALLEGHENY: (Parkway Conf. Game) Only four starters are back from last years Spartans squad that went 6-4, and qualified for the playoffs. While Montour has aspirations of reaching the postseason again, a little more is expected from West Allegheny. The Indians finished second last season, and many feel coach Bob Palko's squad is good enough to win it all this season.

CENTER at BLACKHAWK: The defending 'AA' Midwestern Conference champs were hit hard by graduation, but Don Phillips' team is still expected to vie for the MAC title. When you mention title, the name Blackhawk is usually included in the conversation. They have won or tied for the Parkway Conference championship six of the past eight years. They were undefeated in their section last season, and again made it to the finals, but lost to rival Moon 34-7. But the Cougars have their work cut out for them, with only one true starter returning from last year's 11-1 team.

BETH-CENTER at JEFFERSON-MORGAN: The Bulldogs were once the team to beat in the Century Conference, but they have struggled in recent years, finishing 2-7 last year. Meanwhile, the Rockets are enjoying an upswing in their program. They finished second in the Tri-County South last season, before losing to Wilkinsburg in the playoffs 47-14.

MONESSEN at CHARLEROI: Showdown in the Mon Valley. The Greyhounds made the playoffs again last season, but were crushed by Greensburg Central Catholic in the first round. The 'hounds have nine starters back on offense, and all eleven on defense. The Cougars were co-champs in the 'AA' Midwestern Conference a year ago, but were hit hard by graduation. Coach Jim Dumm and staff are still optimistic, thanks in part to the coaches son, quarterback Jeff Dumm.

FORD CITY at EAST ALLEGHENY: The Sabres finished 1998 at 5-5, good enough for fifth place in the Allegheny Conference. Their first week opponent, the Wildcats of E.A. also finished with an overall record of 5-5, but were a disappointing 2-5 in the Century Conference.

DEER LAKES at JEANNETTE: The Lancers won only once last season, and have garnered only four victories in two seasons. While they hope to climb the ladder of the Allegheny Conference, the Jayhawks feel they can reach the top of the Century Conference. Jeannette was 7-3 last year, finishing in third place. They lost a first round heartbreaker to North Catholic 3-0.

CLAIRTON at SOUTH ALLEGHENY: This game was switched from Friday night to Saturday afternoon because of problems with the lights at Glassport Stadium. The Bears barely made the playoffs last season, but made a lasting impression when they upset previously undefeated Fort Cherry in the first round of the playoffs 33-19. While Clairton will contend again in the 'A' Eastern Conference, the Gladiators will be hard pressed to reach the postseason in the Century Conference. The Gladiators will be led by a new coach, Frank Cortazzo.

CARLYNTON at STEEL VALLEY: Mike Crown is the new king, err coach at Carlynton. The Cougars struggled last year, going 2-8, but they only missed the playoffs by two games. The Ironmen also missed the playoffs last season, but finished the year at 6-4. Some feel Steel Valley is the team to beat in the Century Conference thanks in part to sophomore quarterback Luke Getsy, who passed for nearly 15-hundred yards last year as a freshman.

APOLLO-RIDGE at LEECHBURG: Two teams that want to forget 1998. The Vikings finished 2-8, and in seventh place in the Allegheny Conference, while the Blue Devils were only 1-9, and in last place in the Eastern Conference.

CANEVIN at MARS: The Crusaders have had great success through the 90's. But 1998 was not one of their better one's. They were only 4-6, and settled for fifth place in the Three Rivers Conference. The Planets were able to finish tied for second in the Allegheny Conference, putting them into the playoffs where their stay was a short one. They lost to Center in round one, 37-0.

AVONWORTH at NORTHGATE: The Antelopes were winless in the Ohio Valley Conference last year, and finished 1-9 overall. The 'lopes do however return eight starters on offense, and seven on defense. Despite a 3-7 record last year, the Flames are expected to be a contender for an Allegheny Conference playoff spot.

ALIQUIPPA at NEW BRIGHTON: (Midwestern Conf. Game) No surprise, the Quips are one of the favorites to win the Midwestern Conference. Last year, Aliquippa finished tied for second, but ripped off overtime playoff wins over Seton LaSalle and Center before losing 30-8 to Washington. The Lions just missed a playoff spot when they finished 5-5. Coach Joe Greco believes his Lions have what it takes to contend for a playoff spot this season.

BEAVER at RIVERSIDE: (Midwestern Conf. Game) The Bobcats made the playoffs last year, and expect to contend again this season. They were 6-4 in '98, before losing to Charleroi in the postseason. The Panthers were once the pride of the MAC, but they have fallen on hard times lately, losing nine of their ten games.

SHENANGO at BEAVER FALLS: (Midwestern Conf. Game) Both the Wildcats and Tigers are expected to challenge for a playoff spot in the highly contested Midwestern Conference. Shenango made the postseason last year with a record of 6-4, while Beaver Falls missed out on the November fun, finishing with a record of 6-4, but only 4-4 in the MAC.

FREEDOM at MOHAWK: (Midwestern Conference Game) the Bulldogs and the Warriors finished seventh and ninth respectively last year. Freedom overall was 3-7, while Mohawk finished 1-9.

BURGETTSTOWN at CHARTIERS-HOUSTON: It was the bottom of the barrel in the Three Rivers Conference for the Bulldogs last year, who were winless in nine tries. But they hold out hope of a big turnaround with 16 returning starters. It wasn't as bad for the Colts, but they still finished in seventh place in the Ohio Valley Conference. Char-Houston ended up 1-6 in the OVC, but they were 4-6 overall.

WILKINSBURG at STO-ROX: The Tigers finished in third place in the Eastern Conference last year, they beat Jefferson-Morgan in round one, but then lost to eventual champion Rochester in the quarterfinals 33-12. Wilkinsburg has been hit hard by graduation. In contrast, the Vikings have many of their players back from last year. However they only won one of their ten games.

LINSLY(Wva) at WAYNESBURG: 1998 was a memorable season for the Raiders. They won the Three Rivers Conference title, entered the playoffs undefeated, then crushed the defending state champion South Park Eagles in round one 38-0. But then Waynesburg suffered their only loss of the year, a 26-0 loss to Brownsville. The Raiders are optimistic another strong season awaits them this year.

BENTWORTH at DUQUESNE: The Bearcats were once an easy pushover. But last year was a breakout season. Bentworth finished at 6-4, but in second place in the Ohio Valley Conference. While last year was a memorable one for the cats, it was a forgetful one for the Dukes. Duquesne, a program used to titles and playoff births, finished in fifth place with a 4-5 record.

GEIBEL at GREENSBURG CENTRAL CATHOLIC: The Gators are looking for a win, any win. They suffered another winless season last year, and bring a 24 game losing streak into this game. Odds of it ending are slim against the highly touted Centurians. Injuries kept G.C.C. from reaching their championship goal last year. The Centurians finished 9-2 overall last year, and are optimistic for another solid season and a run at the Eastern Conference championship this year.

SPRINGDALE at CALIFORNIA: The Dynamos finished in seventh place in the Eastern Conference with a 2-8 record. The Trojans ended up finishing in sixth place in the Tri-County South, but also ended up with a 2-8 record.

CARMICHAELS at AVELLA: The Mighty Mikes won the Tri-County South title last year going 7-0 in the conference. But their title dreams were short lived, as they lost to Farrell in the first round 13-7 in overtime. Carmichaels is the early favorite to win the Tri-South again this season. The expectations are not as high for the Eagles, although Avella is expected to challenge for a playoff spot in the Ohio Valley Conference. Last year, the Eagles finished 4-6.

FRAZIER at BRENTWOOD: The Commodores finished below .500, but they managed to make it into the playoffs by finishing at 4-3 in the Tri-County South. They were then routed in the opening round by Riverview 48-0. It was a rare Class 'A' playoff scene without Brentwood. The Spartans were 6-4 overall, but only 3-4 in the Ohio Valley Conference.

MAPLETOWN at CORNELL: The Maples were a disappointing 1-9 last year, but with 12 starters returning, there is a strong feeling they can contend for a Tri-County South playoff spot. Cornell managed to make the playoffs despite a 3-4 record in the Ohio Valley Conference. They then were embarrassed by Rochester 60-6 in the opening round. The Raiders were hit hard by graduation, and may be hard pressed to repeat their playoff run.

FARRELL at LAUREL: (Big Nine Conf. Game) The Steelers are always a force in Class 'A'. They finished tied for third last year in the Big Nine, but picked it up in the playoffs, before they lost in the semifinals to rival Rochester 41-22. The Steelers are once again expected to be a force. The Spartans are trying to improve on a 3-7 season.

MONACA at SOUTH SIDE BEAVER: (Big Nine Conf. Game) The Indians are stacked, with their entire offensive backfield back from a team that lost in the Class 'A' finals last year in overtime to Rochester 24-18. Monaca is the NSN number one ranked Single 'A' team. The Rams will have their hands full with the Indians, but they are expected to be in the playoff chase. South Side Beaver made the postseason last year, but lost to Riverview 28-13 in the quarterfinals.

SUMMIT ACADEMY at ROCHESTER: (Big Nine Conf. Game) The worst and the best in the Big Nine last year square off. Summit Academy played their first season in the WPIAL last year, but they enter year two still looking for their first win. Rochester won it all last year, the Big Nine, the WPIAL and the PIAA state crown. But even a playoff spot will be tough for Dan Matsook's squad after losing many key players from last year.

UNION at WESTERN BEAVER: (Big Nine Conf. Game) The Scotties were only 2-6 in the section, but 4-6 overall and high hopes of contending for a playoff spot. The Golden Beavers just missed the postseason last year, finishing 5-4 overall. Coach Rich Niedbala realizes his team will be good, but hopes it's good enough for a playoff spot.

WEST MIDDLESEX at NESHANNOCK: The Lancers have a ways to go before they contend for a playoff spot in the tough Big Nine. Neshannock was only able to win one of their ten games last season.

WEST GREENE at CAMERON (WVa): The Pioneers finished tied for fourth in the Tri-County South last year with a 4-3 conference record, but lost out to Frazier thanks to the dreaded gardner point system. West Greene overall last year finished 4-6.

CITY LEAGUE:

LANGLEY vs PEABODY: The Mustangs won only one game in nine tries last year. The Highlanders also finished under .500 in '98. Peabody ended up in sixth place with a 4-5 record.

WESTINGHOUSE vs SOUTH: Last year, the Bulldogs just missed the playoffs, ending up in fifth place with a record of 5-4. But Coach George Webb has only four returning starters. Even though they have been the City League doormat for the past decade, things are looking up for the Orioles, who figure to be one of the biggest teams in the league this year.

CARRICK vs PERRY: The Raiders were winless last year, thus finishing in the basement in the City League. But Carrick returns five starters, with expected improvement for this season. The Commodores are always near the defending City League Champs after beating Schenley in the finals 26-6. They finished second last year with a 9-2 record, and are expected to make a push for the playoffs again this season.

ALLDERDICE vs OLIVER: The Dragons were 3-6 last year, but hope to contend for a playoff team with one of the fastest teams in the WPIAL. The early odds on favorite to win this season is Oliver. The Bears finished tied for second last year, and have seven starters returning on offense, and eight on defense.

BRASHEAR vs SCHENLEY: A rematch of a first round playoff game last year won by Schenley 34-14. The Bulls return seven starters are expect to be there in the playoff hunt again. The Spartans are the defending regular season City League Champs, and are ready to successfully defend their crown.

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