WPIAL PLAYOFFS — ROUND TWO
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2026
It’s time for our McDonald’s Beaver County High School Football Preview, brought to you by Tri-County McDonald’s!
We’re down to the final eight teams in each classification of the WPIAL playoffs, and four Beaver County teams are still chasing a championship!
Western Beaver, Beaver Falls, Aliquippa and Hopewell are all in action Friday night.
It’s win or go home, and we’ve got some outstanding matchups!
Let’s start with our Pond Lehocky Game of the Week!
POND LEHOCKY GAME OF THE WEEK
WESTERN BEAVER VS. STEEL VALLEY
FOX CHAPEL HIGH SCHOOL — CLASS 2A QUARTERFINALS
What a story the Western Beaver Golden Beavers have become!
After starting the season 1-and-4, Western Beaver has now won six consecutive games, including last week’s impressive 44-22 victory over Chartiers-Houston.
The Golden Beavers enter at 7-and-4, and they’ve been one of the hottest teams in Class 2A.
The biggest reason has been Jeremiah Pratt.
Since moving to quarterback, Pratt has completely transformed Western Beaver’s offense.
Last week, Pratt rushed for 197 yards and two touchdowns on just 11 carries!
And he wasn’t alone.
Braeden Mayo added 127 rushing yards and two touchdowns, giving Western Beaver an outstanding one-two punch.
But Friday night brings a familiar opponent.
Steel Valley defeated Western Beaver 14-6 back on September 11.
The Ironmen enter at 7-and-4 and are coming off a dominating 47-8 victory over Freedom in the opening round.
That sets up a fascinating rematch.
Western Beaver is a much different team than the one Steel Valley faced in September.
The keys will be controlling the line of scrimmage, establishing the running game and avoiding costly turnovers.
I think Western Beaver’s momentum and improved offense will make the difference.
FRANK’S PICK: WESTERN BEAVER 28, STEEL VALLEY 21!
And remember, our Pond Lehocky Game of the Week is now AUDIO ONLY!
Join us Friday night, live from Fox Chapel High School, with pregame coverage beginning at 6:30 and kickoff at 7:00.
You can hear all the action on 99.3 FM, 95.7 FM, 1230 WBVP and 1460 WMBA!
You can also listen live at beavercountyradio.com, or by downloading the St. Barnabas Broadcasting App, available in the Google Play Store or Apple’s App Store!
BEAVER FALLS VS. BISHOP CANEVIN
DORMONT STADIUM — CLASS 2A QUARTERFINALS
Here’s another tremendous playoff matchup!
The Beaver Falls Tigers enter at 7-and-3 after defeating McGuffey 28-7 in the opening round.
Running back Xavier Clark rushed for 96 yards and a touchdown in that victory.
Quarterback Rodney Slappy continues to be a key part of the Tigers’ offense.
But Beaver Falls faces its biggest challenge of the season.
Bishop Canevin is undefeated at 10-and-0 and is the number one seed in Class 2A.
The Crusaders had a first-round bye, so they’ll be rested and ready.
For Beaver Falls to pull off the upset, the Tigers must establish their running game, control the clock and play outstanding defense.
I’m expecting a physical game, but Bishop Canevin is a very difficult opponent.
FRANK’S PICK: BISHOP CANEVIN 28, BEAVER FALLS 20.
ALIQUIPPA VS. PROPEL BRADDOCK HILLS
DEER LAKES HIGH SCHOOL — CLASS 3A QUARTERFINALS
Don’t look now, but the Aliquippa Quips are making another November playoff run!
Aliquippa enters at 7-and-3 after crushing Waynesburg Central 52-14 in the opening round.
The Quips will need another big performance from running back Akiva Woods and their offensive line.
But this week’s opponent presents a major challenge.
Propel Braddock Hills is the number two seed, entering at 8-and-3.
Propel Braddock Hills opened the playoffs with a dominating 66-19 victory over Burrell.
That means Aliquippa’s defense must be ready for an explosive offense.
The Quips have a history of playing their best football in November, and I think that playoff experience matters.
I’m calling for a close one!
FRANK’S PICK: ALIQUIPPA 28, PROPEL BRADDOCK HILLS 24.
HOPEWELL VS. NORTH CATHOLIC
CHARTIERS VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL — CLASS 3A QUARTERFINALS
How about those Hopewell Vikings?
Hopewell enters at 10-and-1 after absolutely dominating Mount Pleasant 62-7 in the opening round!
The Vikings have one of the most explosive offenses in the WPIAL.
Quarterback James Armstrong continues to lead the way, with Nasir Wade, Brody Rock and Avery Bokor providing plenty of offensive firepower.
But North Catholic won’t be an easy opponent.
The Trojans enter at 8-and-3 after shutting out Beaver 21-0 last week.
North Catholic has shown it can play outstanding defense.
The big question is whether the Trojans can slow down Hopewell’s high-powered offense.
I don’t think they can.
FRANK’S PICK: HOPEWELL 35, NORTH CATHOLIC 21.
FINAL THOUGHTS
So there are my picks for the second round of the WPIAL playoffs!
My team to watch is Western Beaver! Six straight victories, and Jeremiah Pratt has transformed the Golden Beavers into a serious playoff contender.
My potential upset is Aliquippa over Propel Braddock Hills! Never underestimate the Quips in November.
And my biggest challenge of the week belongs to Beaver Falls, taking on undefeated Bishop Canevin.
But our spotlight Friday night is on Fox Chapel High School!
Western Beaver and Steel Valley meet again, this time with a trip to the Class 2A semifinals on the line!
MY FINAL POND LEHOCKY GAME OF THE WEEK PICK: WESTERN BEAVER 28, STEEL VALLEY 21!
Remember, the game is AUDIO ONLY!
Listen on 99.3 and 95.7 FM, 1230 WBVP, 1460 WMBA, beavercountyradio.com, or the St. Barnabas Broadcasting App!
Pregame at 6:30, kickoff at 7:00!
That’s your McDonald’s Beaver County High School Football Preview!
Good luck to all four of our remaining Beaver County teams!