Avella at Mapletown

Avella (3-1), (3-1):

The Eagles impressive and unexpected 3-0 start got a harsh dose of reality last week losing 55-16 to California. 

Avella still has a chance at a playoff spot thanks to their wins over West Greene and Jefferson Morgan, but can’t afford to overlook a Mapletown team that may have just found its offensive stride.  

Mapletown (1-3), (1-3): 

Mapletown took three weeks worth of frustration out on Monessen with a dominating 30-6 win. It may have only been for 7th in the Tri-County South Conference, but the Maples played their most complete game yet. 

Junior quarterback Max Vanata threw for 2 touchdowns, including an 88-yard connection with senior receiver Lance Stevenson. Lance’s younger brother, sophomore running back Landan opened the scoring with an 80 yard touchdown run. 

Keys to the game:

• Can the Eagles pick themselves up after last week’s blowout by California?
• How successful will the Stevenson brothers be this week? 

 

West Greene at Bentworth:

West Greene (1-2), (1-2):

A second straight loss is not something the Pioneers are used to in recent memory. Despite being down just one score after the first quarter, West Greene never added to their total the rest of the night last week losing 26-7 to Carmichaels

With back to back losses the Tri County South title looks like it will go to someone else in 2020. Now all the Pioneers can do is look to finish the season strong with 3 winnable games to end the year. 

Even though they have played one less game than Bentworth, this matchup is effectively for 5th in the conference after week 5. 

Bentworth (1-3), (1-3): 

Bentworth played in a mostly back and forth battle at Jefferson Morgan last week, but fell 40-34. The Bearcats posted their most offensive points all season, but gave up 40+ for the 2nd straight week. 

If they can put up another strong scoring effort, Bentworth may just beat the Pioneers in their penultimate home game of the 2020 season. West Greene’s only scored 20 points once in the last two weeks, but giving up 40 again surely equals a loss. 

Keys to the game:

• West Greene trying to avoid a 3rd straight loss.
• Will Bentworth’s defense make some stops this time?

 

Jefferson Morgan at California:

Jefferson Morgan (2-2), (2-2):

The Rockets were a perfect 2 for 2 in their home away from home at John F. Wiley Stadium. Now they go on the road to one of the top teams in the Conference at California. 

Scoring wasn’t a problem while renting the Waynesburg Yellow Jackets field, but their point differential on the road is -53. Taking on a Trojans team winning by 20 points in each game, A lot has to go right for Jefferson Morgan to pull off the upset. 

California (3-0), (3-0):

California will play Carmichaels in a Saturday night showdown next week that may decide the Tri County South, but the Trojans shouldn’t overlook Jefferson Morgan. The Rockets scored 40 last week, and the most California has given up all season is 18. 

Last year California won this matchup by scoring a whopping 69 points and giving up just 21. Their eyes are on the prize that is next week, but the Trojans have to get through this game healthy and with a win before anything else.  

Keys to the game:

• Can Jefferson Morgan bring their offense on the road?
• Will California focus on the game at hand, or overlook the Rockets, thinking of next week?

 

Yellow Jacket Newspaper Game of The Week: McGuffey at Waynesburg Central

McGuffey (3-0), (3-1):

McGuffey lost last week in a non-conference contest with Linsly school W. Va. 27-20. After a close loss the Highlanders hope to increase their lead in the Century Conference against the bottom squad this week. 

Mcguffey has only given up 12 points in conference play, and after gutting out a week 1 win 7-6 over Washington, there’s no reason to believe they’ll slow down on their way to the top spot. The Highlanders put up 40 points in their other 2 conference games before last week’s loss.   

Waynesburg (0-4), (0-4):

Waynesburg Central is looking to make small improvements with what’s left of this season. They scored a season high 14 last week against Frazier. However, the Raiders also allowed 40 points, 2nd most on the season behind their 55-0 loss to Washington. 

It’s the last home game of the year for Waynesburg Central, perhaps they can steal an unlikely win on their own field against the top team in the conference. Stranger things have happened. 

 

Keys to the game:

• Will McGuffey march right through the Raiders?
• Can Waynesburg shock the world in their home finale for 2020?