8 WPIAL Players Who Need Big Playoff Performances

<!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["913488"],"_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-691539e7e2291"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Northern Allegheny has had an up-and-down season for a program as talented as they are. They lost 3 games including 67-0 to Pine-Richland. They lost to Pittsburgh Central Catholic 21-6. Now, after beating Norwin, they get a chance at revenge when they face PCC again. If they are going to chance to win this game, they will need [player_tooltip player_id='913488' first='Brady' last='Brinkley'] to play his best game of the season. He has the skills as a passer and runner to pull it off. His ability to pick a team apart in the pocket and run the ball makes him a dual-threat player who is hard to stop. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Great couple wins through the middle of the season. Big game tonight vs pine! We're excited are excited to get to work!<a href="https://t.co/N1rIOgLrTX">https://t.co/N1rIOgLrTX</a><a href="https://twitter.com/wpialsportsnews?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@wpialsportsnews</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/WPIAL_Insider?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@WPIAL_Insider</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/PA_TodaySports?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PA_TodaySports</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/ACruse15?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ACruse15</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/nafootball_tfl?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@nafootball_tfl</a> <a href="https://t.co/JHAeWj98Rp">pic.twitter.com/JHAeWj98Rp</a></p>&mdash; [player_tooltip player_id='913488' first='Brady' last='Brinkley'] (@BradyBrink1) <a href="https://twitter.com/BradyBrink1/status/1979246702411300954?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 17, 2025</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1610127"],"_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-691539e7e231d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1610127' first='Max' last='Cortes'] is an impressive offensive lineman in the 2026 class. His ability to fire off the ball and run block is excellent. He is good at combo blocks and dominating defensive linemen. He also moves his feet well to stay in front of defensive players. Peters Township faces a pesky Upper St. Clair team this week, and they need Cortes to be a dominant player. I expect a big performance from him. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">🚨Senior Reg. Season Highlights <br>10-0 Conference Champs <br><br>🎥: <a href="https://t.co/FGgYCZmro4">https://t.co/FGgYCZmro4</a><a href="https://twitter.com/PetersTwpFB?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PetersTwpFB</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Coach_Plack?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Coach_Plack</a><br>@D_JacksonOL @CoachBDugan <a href="https://t.co/xBLzndkwqP">pic.twitter.com/xBLzndkwqP</a></p>&mdash; [player_tooltip player_id='1610127' first='Max' last='Cortes'] (@Max72Cortes) <a href="https://twitter.com/Max72Cortes/status/1985366983672840322?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 3, 2025</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["913611"],"_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-691539e7e2376"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='913611' first='John' last='Banbury'] is a talented running back and linebacker for Upper St. Clair. His ability to run for tough yards in between the tackles is impressive. As a linebacker, he is also a playmaker by chasing plays down all over the field. To beat a good Peters Township team, Banbury will need to make plays on both sides of the ball. He is more than capable of being the difference maker, especially at linebacker, where he is a tackling machine. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Huge team win against Woodland Hills‼️<br>Here are my highlights and stats from round 2 of the playoffs ‼️<br><br>Stats:<br>6 tackles <br>18 carries<br>145yds<br>8.05 ypc <br>1 catch<br>25 yards<br>3tds <a href="https://t.co/zxnSH9j8Id">pic.twitter.com/zxnSH9j8Id</a></p>&mdash; [player_tooltip player_id='913611' first='John' last='Banbury'] (@johnbanbury_) <a href="https://twitter.com/johnbanbury_/status/1987587819653480615?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 9, 2025</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1580211"],"_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-691539e7e23ca"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1580211' first='Zane' last='Sable'] is a talented offensive lineman for Thomas Jefferson. He is one of the better centers I have seen play offensive line this season. His ability to block defensive tackles and then get to the next level to block linebackers is impressive. Sable will have his work cut out this week when Thomas Jefferson plays a talented McKeesport. McKeesport is the top seed in the WPIAL 4A playoffs. Sable will need to be at his best to pull off the victory. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Senior season highlights‼️<br>6'1 270 <br>IOL<br>2x 1st team all conference center <br>3 year starter <br>Captain <a href="https://twitter.com/wpialsportsnews?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@wpialsportsnews</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/WPIAL_Insider?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@WPIAL_Insider</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/PA_TodaySports?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PA_TodaySports</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/DArealCoachBill?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DArealCoachBill</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/7Twice?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@7Twice</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/PaFootballNews?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PaFootballNews</a> <a href="https://t.co/yEWv3Ns1XD">https://t.co/yEWv3Ns1XD</a> <a href="https://t.co/DrJjkoT36M">pic.twitter.com/DrJjkoT36M</a></p>&mdash; [player_tooltip player_id='1580211' first='Zane' last='Sable'] (@57ZaneSable) <a href="https://twitter.com/57ZaneSable/status/1988617826613989715?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 12, 2025</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1592030"],"_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-691539e7e244b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1592030' first='Chase' last='Lemmon'] is a special athlete who excels at making plays in space. Lemmon is awesome as a slot receiver. His ability to make defenders miss in space is impressive. He is excellent at bubble screens and making defenders miss in space. Lemmon will need to be at the top of his game when New Castle faces Aliquippa this week. Lemmon has a chance to be one of the best players in the game, and I expect a big performance from him. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Last film<br>46 rec<br>777 yards<br>13 tds<a href="https://t.co/jsdLwLvsg7">https://t.co/jsdLwLvsg7</a><a href="https://twitter.com/WPIAL_Insider?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@WPIAL_Insider</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/TheWPIALEdition?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TheWPIALEdition</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/coachmo76?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@coachmo76</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/CoachDePo_2?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CoachDePo_2</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/LCSportsNet?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@LCSportsNet</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Cover3_ATH?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Cover3_ATH</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/PA_TodaySports?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PA_TodaySports</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/wpialsportsnews?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@wpialsportsnews</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/prospectmedia_?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@prospectmedia_</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/210ths?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@210ths</a> <a href="https://t.co/2oM717i6c6">pic.twitter.com/2oM717i6c6</a></p>&mdash; [player_tooltip player_id='1592030' first='Chase' last='Lemmon'] (@chase_lemmon) <a href="https://twitter.com/chase_lemmon/status/1987910448860086757?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 10, 2025</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1282039"],"_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-691539e7e24a0"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1282039' first='Ryker' last='Kennedy'] is a good slot receiver for North Catholic. He is excellent after the catch by making defenders miss in space. He is good at racking up yards after the catch. He can also run by defenders trying to guard him one-on-one. Last week was a prime example of his ability as he had 3 touchdowns for 101 yards. This week, North Catholic faces Avonworth, the top seed in the WPIAL 3A bracket. Kennedy will need to play as best as he can to have a chance to be Avonworth. I would not count him out. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Quarterfinals vs Elizabeth Forward<br><br>•3 Catches<br>•3 Touchdowns <br>•101 yards<a href="https://twitter.com/NCtrojansFB?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NCtrojansFB</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/michaelemcmahon?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@michaelemcmahon</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/kouniverse_?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@kouniverse_</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Tipton_05?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@tipton_05</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/MarcusAdemilola?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@marcusademilola</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/MooreIsland4?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@mooreisland4</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/theking?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@theking</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/LIGSportsGroup?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@LIGsportsgroup</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/PA_TodaySports?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@pa_todaysports</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/TheWPIALEdition?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@theWPIALedition</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/WPIAL_Insider?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@WPIAL_Insider</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/wpialsportsnews?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@wpialsportsnews</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/PaFootballNews?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@pafootballnews</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/210ths?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@210ths</a> <a href="https://t.co/yKGWSmmuSn">pic.twitter.com/yKGWSmmuSn</a></p>&mdash; rykerkennedy (@rykerkennedy) <a href="https://twitter.com/rykerkennedy/status/1987330075633619351?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 9, 2025</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["913233"],"_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-691539e7e2515"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='913233' first='Braddock' last='Ambrose'] is a talented quarterback who is having a strong junior season. He is a classic pocket quarterback. He is excellent at sitting in the pocket and throwing the ball all over the field. His ability to read the defense and throw the ball is top-notch. Ambrose will need to play at a high level this week when Central Valley faces a talented Imani Christian team. Ambrose has all the skills to continue his strong season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Film vs North Hills<br>14/26 157yds 4tds<a href="https://t.co/RqU32mcAQN">https://t.co/RqU32mcAQN</a></p>&mdash; [player_tooltip player_id='913233' first='Braddock' last='Ambrose'] (@BraddockAmbrose) <a href="https://twitter.com/BraddockAmbrose/status/1982496819654619521?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 26, 2025</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1048129"],"_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-691539e7e2592"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1048129' first='Cayden' last='Cook'] is an outstanding athlete who plays as a running back, wide receiver, and outside linebacker. On offense, he is a playmaker with the ball in his hands. His ability to make plays with the ball in his hands is excellent. He is good at handoffs and passes, and at making defenders miss in space. Then, on defense, he does a nice job as outside linebacker, making plays all over the field. Cook will need a big game against Seton-LaSalle as they are the top seed in the 2A WPIAL bracket. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Mid-Season Highlights<br><br>Y'all gotta stop sleeping on me‼️<a href="https://t.co/xRnfBiTKEA">https://t.co/xRnfBiTKEA</a><br>Hudl link^^^^<a href="https://twitter.com/LVallee3?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@LVallee3</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/javandspeed?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@javandspeed</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/wpialsportsnews?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@wpialsportsnews</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/CoachJohnstonOL?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CoachJohnstonOL</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/CoachTucker_VSU?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CoachTucker_VSU</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Coach_EA25?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Coach_EA25</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/CoachRyanFreed?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CoachRyanFreed</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/TerrenceIsaac1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TerrenceIsaac1</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/WPIAL_Insider?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@WPIAL_Insider</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/HEARTLANDFAN15?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@HEARTLANDFAN15</a> <a href="https://t.co/hiNdCEnY1i">pic.twitter.com/hiNdCEnY1i</a></p>&mdash; [player_tooltip player_id='1048129' first='Cayden' last='Cook'] (@_cayden3) <a href="https://twitter.com/_cayden3/status/1971022244064395542?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 25, 2025</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->