Western Pennsylvania is home to a deeply rooted football tradition, and few competitions embody that passion like the WPIAL (Western Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic League). The 2025 football season continued to uphold the region’s legacy with thrilling finishes, breakout performances, and fierce rivalries. Every week brought new surprises and shifting playoff pictures, keeping fans glued to the standings and scores. Here’s a comprehensive, week-by-week breakdown of the WPIAL football season, highlighting key matchups, dramatic upsets, and top performances.
Preseason Expectations
Coming into the 2025 season, anticipation was high across all classifications. Class 6A was expected to be dominated by Central Catholic and North Allegheny, two juggernauts with returning veteran quarterbacks. Meanwhile, Class 4A and 3A featured wide-open races with several teams eyeing the top spot.
- Central Valley in 4A was predicted to bounce back following a controversial playoff exit in 2024.
- Belle Vernon in 3A was eager to repeat after a dominant championship run the year before.
- Aliquippa in Class 4A had a loaded roster, including multiple Division I recruits.
Week 1: Lightning Starts and Shutouts
The season kicked off with a flurry of activity as teams tested new formations, rising players, and game-day strategies. Defenses shined early in Week 1, with shutouts across several key matchups.
- Aliquippa 28, Ambridge 0: The Quips opened strong with a dominating defensive effort.
- North Hills 21, Pine-Richland 17: A go-ahead touchdown in the final minute sparked an early upset.
- Belle Vernon 35, Elizabeth Forward 10: Belle Vernon wasted no time proving their championship credentials.
This week also featured the debut of several top underclassmen across the league, some of whom would become season-defining players.
Week 2: Rivalries and Redemption
Week 2 kicked off some of the WPIAL’s most heated rivalries. Fans packed stadiums to watch long-standing regional feuds come alive.
- Gateway vs. Penn-Trafford: The annual battle came down to a missed field goal in the fourth quarter. Gateway held on, 24-23.
- Aliquippa vs. Central Valley: A clash of titans, with Aliquippa emerging victorious 31-28 thanks to a last-minute interception in the red zone.
Fans were reminded early that in WPIAL football, nothing comes easy—especially not a divisional win.
Week 3: Statement Games
Teams began separating themselves as contenders and pretenders. Offensive fireworks lit up the scoreboard in Week 3.
- Central Catholic 42, Norwin 7: Central Catholic’s offense looked nearly unstoppable, with 350 yards on the ground.
- Pine-Richland 34, Seneca Valley 31: A wild fourth-quarter comeback capped by a 40-yard field goal at the buzzer.
This was also the week when playoff buzz began circulating, especially as teams in competitive sections saw early indicators of future standings.
Week 4: Defense Defines the Games
While offenses had soared in earlier weeks, Week 4 brought defensive grit back into the spotlight. Teams held strong at the line of scrimmage and forced multiple turnovers to secure wins.
- Baldwin 14, Upper St. Clair 13: A blocked extra point proved to be the difference in a game defined by defense.
- McKeesport 10, Belle Vernon 7: In a powerful defensive showcase, McKeesport handed Belle Vernon their first loss.
Week 5: Midseason Turnaround
Teams sitting at 1–3 or 2–2 faced must-win situations. The pressure brought out remarkable resilience in several squads.
- Moon 27, West Allegheny 20 (OT): A walk-off touchdown in overtime kept Moon’s slim playoff hopes alive.
- Blackhawk 23, Beaver Falls 16: After dropping their first three games, Blackhawk stormed through with a second straight win.
Week 5 served as a reality check for many programs: adapt or be left behind.
Week 6: Signature Moments
Arguably the most exciting week of the season, Week 6 delivered several ‘Game of the Year’ candidates and dramatic signature plays.
- Aliquippa 49, Montour 45: Five lead changes, nearly 1,000 combined yards, and a touchdown with :02 left encapsulated prime-time football.
- Central Valley 28, Hampton 26: A blocked PAT return for 2 points swung the game late.
Week 7: Race for the Playoffs
As the regular season neared its conclusion, standings tightened and every game carried added significance for seeding.
- Canon-McMillan 21, Mt. Lebanon 14: With playoff placement on the line, Canon-Mac secured a key win.
- Thomas Jefferson 31, Ringgold 7: TJ’s relentless defense earned them a playoff berth.
By this point, the top teams had begun to emerge on clearer footing, but fierce battles remained in several classifications.
Week 8: Senior Night Showstoppers
Week 8 saw emotional wins and spectacular performances, many in front of home crowds during Senior Night celebrations. For many athletes, it was the last time playing under the Friday night lights of their high school field.
- South Fayette 45, Moon 21: The Lions ran away with this one, giving their seniors a memorable send-off.
- North Allegheny 30, Central Catholic 29: A two-point conversion late in the fourth quarter helped NA claim the upset of the week.
Week 9: Final Push
The regular season concluded with breathtaking excitement, a few tie-breakers, and heartbreakers among bubble teams.
- Bethel Park 17, Upper St. Clair 14: A last-minute interception sealed BP’s ticket to the playoffs.
- Elizabeth Forward 38, West Mifflin 35: A wild fourth quarter saw four touchdowns and an onside kick recovery to complete the comeback.
With the regular season finished, the playoff brackets for all classes were set, each filled with heavyweight clashes and potential Cinderella stories.
Playoff Summary and Championship Outlook
Heading into the playoffs, a few teams stood out as favorites:
- Class 6A: Central Catholic and North Allegheny looked primed for a finals showdown.
- Class 4A: Aliquippa, with its perfect record, had the momentum and pedigree to go all the way.
- Class 3A: Belle Vernon returned to peak form late, making them a strong repeat candidate.
Yet, if the season had taught fans anything, it was to expect the unexpected. The 2025 WPIAL football playoffs promise to be every bit as exciting as the weekly script that led us here.
Conclusion: A Season to Remember
The 2025 WPIAL football season delivered everything fans hoped for and more—unpredictable upsets, unforgettable performances, and unforgettable Friday nights. As the lights go out on the regular season, the stories written will live on in highlight reels, trophy cases, and most importantly, the memories of those who played and watched with passion.
One thing is certain: Western PA football remains one of the most compelling high school dramatics you’d find anywhere in the country. With so many talented underclassmen emerging, 2026 might be an even bigger show.