WPIAL Playoff Preview: 5A Top Playmakers

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>1st Seed Pine-Richland Gets a Bye</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>8th Seed Northern Hills vs. 9th Seed Franklin Regional</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>4th Seed Woodland Hills Gets a Bye</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>5th Seed Bethel Park vs. 12th Seed Latrobe</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2nd Seed Upper St. Clair Gets a Bye</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>7th Seed Penn Hills vs. 10th Seed Moon</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>3rd Seed Peters Township Gets a Bye</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>6th Seed Penn Trafford vs. 11th Seed South Fayette </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["388165"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67166c33b0a31"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Wow, [player_tooltip player_id='388165' first='Scoop' last='Smith']'s film is unbelievable. Anytime he touches the ball he can score. He is an explosive athlete who has elite skills. He does a nice job catching the ball in traffic. In one play he caught the ball short between two defenders. Broke two tackles and raced for a long touchdown. He is also dynamic on punt returns with his elite speed to turn it into a big play. Smith is a talented player, and if Woodland Hils is going to make a run for a WPIAL Title, he will need him to step up and make plays.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://twitter.com/SmithScoop/status/1843098795523137642">https://twitter.com/SmithScoop/status/1843098795523137642</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1433103"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67166c33b0b0f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1433103' first='Tasso' last='Whipple'] is one of the most underrated players in the 2025 class. He is a legit running back who does a nice job hitting the hole and breaking tackles. He does an excellent job of putting his foot in the ground and finding a hole. Then, when he gets into the open field, he has good speed to make defenders miss. Whipple will need to help carry Penn-Trafford if they are going to make a run for a district title. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["647247"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67166c33b0b4c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='647247' first='Jamison' last='Yurt'] is one of the best linebackers in the 2026 class. He does an excellent job of triggering downhill and making plays from his linebacker position. He is good at making plays in the run game. Yurt is also a good tackler, especially in the run game. He makes a ton of tackles in or near the line of scrimmage. Yurt will need to help Penn-Trafford by playing at a high level to have a chance at being successful in the playoffs. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://twitter.com/Jamison_Yurt/status/1839498732326310178">https://twitter.com/Jamison_Yurt/status/1839498732326310178</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["706163"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67166c33b0c32"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Aaron Strader has had a great season for Pine-Richland. The quarterback is a dynamic runner. Either in designed run game or when the play breaks down. Either Strader is special running with the ball. Then, as a thrower of the football, he does an excellent job. He sets his feet well and throws an excellent ball. Since Pine-Richland is the top seed they have played at a high level. I expect Strader will continue to lead this team.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://twitter.com/KingOobi/status/1841631022577856544">https://twitter.com/KingOobi/status/1841631022577856544</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1338079"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67166c33b0c99"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1338079' first='Lawrence' last='Timmons'] is a good two-way player for Pine-Richland. As a defensive back, he has excellent ball skills. Anything thrown in his direction he breaks on the ball well and usually gets his hands on the ball. He is an excellent open-field tackler who excels at coming upfield to make plays. Then as a receiver, he does a good job of catching the ball and running routes. He has legit speed and can beat cornerbacks off the line to make plays as well. Timmons is a good player for Pine-Richland who should continue to make plays on both sides of the ball.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://twitter.com/jay__timmons/status/1847811587337298233">https://twitter.com/jay__timmons/status/1847811587337298233</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["263047"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67166c33b0cd8"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='263047' first='Julian' last='Dahlem'] is a solid two-way player for Upper St. Clair. He plays as both a safety and a slot wide receiver. At safety, he does a good job in coverage and breaking on the ball. He is also good at run support by coming upfield and making tackles. On offense, he is a playmaker. He is used as both a slot receiver and occasionally as a wildcat quarterback. At either position he shows big play ability. He has legit speed and can score anytime he touches the ball. Dahlem is a good player on both sides of the ball for Upper St. Clair.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://twitter.com/JulianDahlem2/status/1720488497704747325">https://twitter.com/JulianDahlem2/status/1720488497704747325</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["427345"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67166c33b0d19"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='427345' first='Nolan' last='DiLucia'] is a quarterback I saw live in the State Championship game last year. Even though Peters Township struggled I came away impressed with him. He is a classic pocket quarterback who constantly delivers a good football. He has a strong arm but also knows how to put good touch on the ball as well. Then, when the play breaks down, Dilucia knows how to make plays in and around the pocket. Dilucia will be a handful for whoever plays them in the playoffs. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://twitter.com/DiluciaNolan/status/1838009557777297723">https://twitter.com/DiluciaNolan/status/1838009557777297723</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["598802"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67166c33b0d59"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='598802' first='Mickey' last='Vaccarello'] is a good athlete at linebacker for Peters Township. The Stanford commit has excellent athletic skills and he is a game-wrecker against opposing offenses. He does a great job of exploding off the edge and making plays against offensive players in the backfield. He is a sack and tackles-for-loss machine. He is constantly putting pressure on the offense by making tackles in the backfield. Vaccarello is an excellent prospect and a difference-maker. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://twitter.com/MickeyVac/status/1780730311619588550">https://twitter.com/MickeyVac/status/1780730311619588550</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["264249"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67166c33b0d95"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">This kid is a straight baller at quarterback for Bethel Park. He can make all the throws from inside and outside the pocket. He has excellent mechanics and footwork in the pocket. Then, when the play breaks down, he is able to use his athleticism to make plays outside the pocket. He has a strong arm and shows it off on deep routes like fade routes and posts. Pfeuffer is an excellent quarterback who will give Bethel Park a chance at making a playoff run. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://twitter.com/pfeufer06/status/1840502069863604634">https://twitter.com/pfeufer06/status/1840502069863604634</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["598912"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67166c33b0dd0"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='598912' first='Clancy' last='Orie'] is a difference-maker at the defensive end for Bethel Park. He has a great 1st step and explodes off the ball. Then, when he engages with offensive linemen, he is able to use his hands to rip through their blocks. When he gets into the backfield, he is a good athlete, and he is constantly chasing down plays all over the field. Orie is one talented player who is a game-wrecking at the defensive end. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://twitter.com/ClancyOrie/status/1838564643607884142">https://twitter.com/ClancyOrie/status/1838564643607884142</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->