McDonald’s Beaver County High School Football Preview
Week 7 | Friday, October 9, 2026
The playoff races are beginning to take shape across the Beaver Valley, and this weekend brings several important conference matchups. The biggest is Neshannock at Beaver Falls, our Pond Lehocky Game of the Week.
Neshannock at Beaver Falls — Reeves Stadium, Geneva College
This is the game everybody should have circled.
Neshannock enters at 5-1, Beaver Falls at 4-1, and both teams are unbeaten in Midwestern Conference play.
Beaver Falls has won four straight games. Last Friday, the Tigers defeated Mohawk 30-20 behind quarterback Rodney Slappy, who ran for two touchdowns and connected with Jawan Williams on a 54-yard touchdown pass.
Neshannock has also won four straight, and the Lancers’ offense is clicking. Freshman quarterback Jared Corey threw for approximately 255 yards and five touchdowns in last week’s 52-6 victory over Freedom. Justin Edworthy caught three touchdown passes and finished with 149 receiving yards.
The biggest question is whether Beaver Falls can contain Neshannock’s passing game. The Tigers will need to pressure Corey and prevent Edworthy from turning short completions into long gains.
The Pond Lehocky Game of the Week airs Friday, October 9, on Beaver County Radio, with pregame at 6:30 p.m. and kickoff at 7:00 p.m., live from Reeves Stadium on the campus of Geneva College.Other Key Beaver County Matchups
Blackhawk at Mars
Blackhawk suffered its first loss last week, falling to New Castle 50-34. But the Cougars still produced an impressive rushing performance, with Brayden McCarthy and Ryan Prisuta each gaining more than 100 yards.
The question is how Blackhawk responds to adversity. I’m expecting the Cougars to get back to the physical running game that helped them start 5-0.
Ellwood City at Hopewell
Hopewell is 5-1 and coming off a remarkable 62-14 victory over Beaver.
Quarterback James Armstrong has thrown for more than 1,000 yards and 15 touchdowns this season, with Avery Bokor and Brody Rock providing dangerous receiving options.
Ellwood City is 0-6, but running back Richard Cureton delivered 144 rushing yards against OLSH last week.
Hopewell has too many offensive weapons, particularly with the Vikings playing at Tony Dorsett Stadium.
Freedom at Riverside
This matchup could have major implications for the Midwestern Conference standings.
Freedom started the season 4-0 but has dropped two consecutive games, including last week’s 52-6 loss to Neshannock.
One important storyline is the availability of Freedom running back Kaden Bailey, who reportedly missed last week’s game. Bailey has rushed for more than 1,000 yards this season.
Riverside comes off its bye week at 4-1. The Panthers have allowed just 56 points all season, making their defense a major factor.
Mohawk at Western Beaver
Western Beaver is becoming a team to watch.
Despite a 2-4 overall record, the Golden Beavers have won two straight conference games, including a 35-12 victory over New Brighton last week.
Mohawk remains winless at 0-6.
A third straight conference victory would put Western Beaver in a much more interesting position entering the final stretch.
OLSH at Aliquippa
Aliquippa responded to its loss against New Castle with a convincing 48-7 victory over Ambridge.
OLSH finally earned its first victory last week, defeating Ellwood City 32-15.
But the Quips have the advantage in overall talent and experience.
Beaver at Ambridge
Both teams need a victory.
Beaver is 1-5 after suffering a 62-14 loss to Hopewell. Quarterback Jaivin Peel remains the Bobcats’ biggest offensive threat.
Ambridge is also looking to recover after losing 48-7 to Aliquippa.
I expect this to be competitive, but I think Beaver’s offense produces enough big plays to get the win.
McKeesport at Central Valley
Central Valley has lost three straight games, including last week’s difficult 49-7 loss to Montour.
McKeesport enters after defeating Kiski Area 35-7.
The Warriors must control the football, establish their running game and limit McKeesport’s opportunities.
Rochester at Union
Rochester is 1-5 after losing to Northgate 21-14.
Union comes into this game at 3-3. Running back Gianni Million has rushed for more than 800 yards and scored 11 rushing touchdowns.
The Rams will need to limit Million’s production to stay competitive.
Cornell at Shenango
This is another interesting matchup involving a Beaver Valley-area program.
Cornell is 3-3 after hammering Summit Academy 59-6.
But Shenango is undefeated at 5-0 and coming off a 36-15 victory over South Side.
Shenango’s ground game is particularly dangerous. Jasyn Williams rushed for 154 yards and three touchdowns last week.
Thomas Jefferson at West Allegheny
West Allegheny is 4-2 and coming off an impressive 33-13 victory over Bethel Park.
Thomas Jefferson defeated Trinity 19-14 last week and has been consistently strong on both sides of the football.
I expect a physical contest, with the Indians having an opportunity to make a statement at home.
Moon at Plum
Moon is still searching for its first victory following a 56-7 loss to Pine-Richland.
Plum started 5-0 before losing a close 38-35 game to Armstrong last week.
Moon has faced a particularly difficult schedule, and another tough challenge awaits the Tigers.
Quaker Valley at Bishop Canevin
Quaker Valley is also looking for its first win.
The Quakers suffered a 60-0 loss to Chartiers-Houston last week.
Bishop Canevin enters undefeated and is coming off a 42-6 victory over South Allegheny.
South Side at Summit Academy — Saturday, October 10
South Side is looking for its first victory after losing to Shenango 36-15 last week.
Summit Academy also struggled last Friday, falling to Cornell 59-6.
This represents one of South Side’s better opportunities to break into the win column.
Frank’s Pick: South Side 24, Summit Academy 14.
Teams With a Bye
New Brighton is off this week.
The Lions have an opportunity to regroup before returning to action against Mohawk on October 16.
That’s your McDonald’s Beaver County High School Football Preview for Week 7.
