One win...that's what separates these 16 schools from a Black Friday date with destiny at Heinz Field.  It's the 2009 WPIAL Football Semifinals, and as Mr. High School Sports looks around, he sees plenty of familiar faces remaining, along with a few he wasn't counting at all on seeing this late in the year.  A couple teams have a chance to continue their legacies, a couple more have a chance for revenge, and a couple more have a chance to walk in (more) uncharted territory.  Here is a preview of all eight Semifinal games, along with keys to victory for each team...

CLASS AAAA:

• Gateway (11-0, #1 seed) vs. North Hills (6-5, #12 seed) @ Fox Chapel - Once upon a time these two schools staged memorable postseason meetings, but Gateway could make this one rather forgettable if the Indians' defense can't clamp down on the Gators' running game led by Brandon Felder or the lethal arm of Rob Kalkstein.  Still, Taylor Schmidt has managed the North Hills offense wisely, getting key contributions from his own tailbacks, and North Hills is proving right now that if you peak at the right time, anything is possible.
• HOW GATEWAY CAN WIN:
• Protect the football.  This came back to bite NA last week.
• Early aerial assault.  When you have a hot QB like Kalkstein, stick with him.
• Stick with the run.  North Hills' defense is tough, but Gateway is capable of overpowering it.
• HOW NORTH HILLS CAN WIN:
• Don't stop believing.  The Indians are a super-confident bunch right now.
• Efficiency from Schmidt.  He needs to keep things simple and not turn the ball over.
• Unrelenting defense.  No matter what Kalkstein does, knock him around.
• Woodland Hills (10-1, #2 seed) vs. Bethel Park (10-1, #3 seed) @ West Mifflin - The defending WPIAL champions have overcome tough graduation losses and a difficult conference to give themselves at least a puncher's chance at back-to-back titles, but once again standing in the Black Hawks' path is one of the top teams in the state.  Woodland Hills' defense has perhaps flown a bit under the radar, but they've been getting the job done, so Bethel's Bre Ford needs to ramp it up, while the Wolverines will bank on the running of Dom Timbers to survive.
• HOW WOODLAND HILLS CAN WIN:
• Open things up.  Bethel will key on Timbers, so John Yezovich needs a big night.
• More stifling defense.  Woody High has already shut down some great tailbacks.
• Secondary scoring.  Players like Lafayette Pitts and Cameron Tompkins can be difference-makers.
• HOW BETHEL PARK CAN WIN:
• Offensive balance.  Matt Bliss needs to continue his efficient playoff run.
• The big play.  They couldn't get this the last time these two teams met.
• Prevent the big play.  Stack the line, make Timbers fight for every yard.

CLASS AAA:

• Thomas Jefferson (11-0, #1 seed) vs. West Allegheny (9-2, #4 seed) @ Chartiers Valley - The Jaguars' defense, in the midst of a 48-game winning streak against WPIAL opponents, has shown during that incredible run that it can handle anything thrown in its path, but it's been a while since TJ has seen anything like the wildcat.  West A has kept teams guessing by putting the ball in Mike Caputo's hands, but if it's a shootout you want with TJ, it's a shootout you'll get; TJ will try to burn the Indians with the 1-2 passing punch of Sam Johnston to Jim Giansante.
• HOW THOMAS JEFFERSON CAN WIN:
• Keep Caputo inside.  If he makes a few plays, so be it, but don't give him the sidelines.
• Find Giansante quickly.  TJ can pass to set up its committee of runners.
• Keep protecting Johnston.  He will remain the focal point of the offense until somebody stops him.
• HOW WEST ALLEGHENY CAN WIN:
• Block for Caputo.  Running the wildcat won't be easy against these linebackers.
• Mix it up.  Jared Buck needs at least an above-average game for West A to have a prayer.
• Big plays on defense.  Once the Jags' offense gets rolling, it's impossible to stop it.
• Hopewell (11-0, #2 seed) vs. Hampton (7-4, #14 seed) @ Montour - As long as Rushel Shell can stay out of trouble another week, one would think the Vikings, on the strength of their second-year phenom, have a clear path to the championship game and a huge day on the ground.  But don't count out the Talbots, because their defense hits hard and has learned a lot under Jacques DeMatteo, while Andrew Bly continues to work some magic with his own legs, thus making Hampton a very fearsome underdog.
• HOW HOPEWELL CAN WIN:
• Rushel Shell.  Enough said.
• Keep secondary off-balance.  If Matt Hundenski can throw the ball well, it gives the running game more room.
• Make them throw.  The Talbots can't beat them without big numbers from Bly.
• HOW HAMPTON CAN WIN:
• Make room for Bly.  The Talbots need to do their darndest to match Shell as best they can.
• Sustained run blitz.  Sometimes the only way to get a great player off his game is to wear him down.
• Special teams.  It made a difference in both playoff wins.

CLASS AA:

• Beaver Falls (10-1, #4 seed) vs. Aliquippa (10-1, #9 seed) @ Ambridge - Last year BF made a statement in Aliquippa, only to fall victim to the underdog Quips in the WPIAL Championship; this year Beaver Falls got a measure of revenge in the regular campaign, and once again, they face an underdog Aliquippa team in the playoffs.  The Tigers have a ton of offensive balance between Cody Cook and Tony Omogrosso, and the Quips have shown the same with Troy Jeter and their two-headed quarterback monster, Rasheem Jones and Mikal Hall.
• HOW BEAVER FALLS CAN WIN:
• Run, run, run.  Until somebody stops him, let Cody Cook take control on offense.
• Keep Omogrosso involved.  Aliquippa can fly to the ball, so a steady diet of short (screen) passes may be needed.
• Play your positions.  The Quips have a ton of athletes, so the Tigers' D must keep its poise.
• HOW ALIQUIPPA CAN WIN:
• Fight fire with fire.  They have great team speed, and they'll need it to catch Cook.
• Stability at QB.  Having no definitive No. 1 QB will not be a blessing in disguise if BF can force turnovers.
• Start better.  The Quips are a resilient bunch, but they may not be so lucky if they fall way behind this week.
• Keystone Oaks (10-1, #7 seed) vs. Greensburg C.C. (9-2, #11 seed) @ Elizabeth Forward - With an outstanding tailback like David Miller the Centurions might be the most dangerous of the remaining double-digit seeds, and playing in the Semifinals is nothing new to this well-coached group under Muzzy Colosimo.  But Jordan Maddox and Matt McCann have produced more than their fair share of big plays on the ground too, so unless GCC's defense shows up with work boots on, the Golden Eagles could make this a track meet as they try to make program history.
• HOW KEYSTONE OAKS CAN WIN:
• Establish the run.  Maddox and McCann terrify opposing defenses.
• Protect the run.  KO must win the individual battles on the line of scrimmage.
• Get physical.  This defense has passed a lot of tests, but David Miller might be the biggest one yet.
• HOW GREENSBURG C.C. CAN WIN:
• The Hurley factor.  If GCC's quarterback puts up big numbers, it could be the difference in the game.
• Win in the trenches.  KO has a tough line, so the pressure is on the O-line to make space for Miller.
• Take away one.  They don't have to stop both tailbacks, but stopping one may be enough.

CLASS A:

• Rochester (11-0, #1 seed) vs. North Catholic (9-2, #4 seed) @ Mars - Perhaps execution, not talent, has been the chief reason Rochester hasn't won a WPIAL championship since 2004 yet remains in the conversation year after year, and even though the Rams face another tough test here in the later rounds, the Trojans defense would be hard-pressed to contain Trey Johnson, and the Rams' own defense gives any team fits.  But North Catholic has its own stud passer in Martin Long, and its own offensive chameleon in Julian Durden, so Rochester better be ready.
• HOW ROCHESTER CAN WIN:
• The big play.  Lots of their kids have been stepping up and making it.
• Versatility on offense.  Johnson can run, but throwing to him could really keep the Trojans on their heels.
• Make short work of Long.  Containing him would deflate their entire offense.
• HOW NORTH CATHOLIC CAN WIN:
• Take what you can get.  They need to hope the Rams beat themselves with poor turnovers.
• Score first.  Get in their head and bring back some of those bad playoff memories.
• Sack Jason Adamson.  This puts more pressure on Rochester to be a one-man team.
• Laurel (10-1, #2 seed) vs. Clairton (10-1, #3 seed) @ Center - The Spartans handed the WPIAL champion Bears their only defeat in the regular season lid-lifter up in Lawrence County, but lessons have been learned and Clairton looks like its old dominant self with a suffocating defense and a tailback in Deontae Howard who can do just about anything he wants.  Laurel has also gotten here with outstanding defensive play and will count on the poise of Tyler Forbes and breakout star Dylan Jones to dethrone the Class A champs.
• HOW LAUREL CAN WIN:
• Give Forbes some time.  The offensive line will be, in many ways, the key to this game for Laurel.
• Holes for Jones.  Once again, the men in the trenches need to put hats on hats to get the run game going.
• Keep their cool.  It's easy to frustrate your way into dumb mistakes against this team.
• HOW CLAIRTON CAN WIN:
• Play their game.  Slam the door on their offense and let Howard run like crazy.
• Maintain discipline.  It's what they didn't have during their Week One setback.
• Take Jones out.  Clairton usually owns the run, and the Laurel tailback may be the Spartans' best bet.

The stage has been set for the WPIAL Football Semifinals, and 16 schools will prepare to take the penultimate step toward Championship Friday and memories that will last a lifetime.  There were plenty of memories in the Quarterfinals as well, and Mr. High School Sports is proud to bring you a number of those second-round highlights...

CLASS A:

• Rochester 38, Brentwood 12 - It only took a couple plays here and there for Rochester running back Trey Johnson to break this game open and clear a path for the Rams' ninth Semifinal appearance in ten years.  Johnson racked up 185 yards on 19 carries and three touchdowns, including a 72-yarder, and the Rochester defense dismantled the Spartans by picking off Cory Bauer four times.
• North Catholic 24, Springdale 13 - With the pressure falling on their quarterback the Trojans decided to open things up to get past their conference rival and punch their ticket to the next round.  Wide receiver Matt Fedzen threw TD passes on option plays of 69 yards to Jesse Long for the game-winning score, and a 28-yard insurance marker to Julian Durden, who finished with 124 offensive yards.
• Laurel 55, Beth-Center 7 - It was all Tyler Forbes all the time as the Spartans breezed past a very capable Bulldogs squad to set up a rematch of their season opener in the Semifinals, where they will be for the first time since '96.  The Laurel QB scrambled for 125 yards on the ground and three TD's on just eight attempts, including runs of 12 and 48 yards, and tosses a pair of touchdowns to Jake Dando.
• Clairton 24, Avonworth 0 - Tailback Deontae Howard took control of this game early and often as defending champ Clairton returned to the Semifinals.  Howard shredded the Antelopes' defense to the tune of 203 yards on 16 carries and two scores, punctuated by an 87-yard TD, and also threw a40-yard touchdown, while the Clairton defense intercepted Avonworth's Tom Turnbull four times.

CLASS AA:

• Aliquippa 47, South Fayette 34 - The first of two upsets in Class AA took place at the top of the bracket thanks to the Quips' backup quarterback, Rasheem Jones, who dove for a game-winning one-yard TD in the final seconds of what ended up being a 32-point 4th quarter rally by the underdog.  Jones amassed 133 offensive yards and threw for a score, and starter Mikal Hall contributed 145 pass yards and two TD's.
• Beaver Falls 35, Sto-Rox 22 - Tigers tailback Cody Cook really outdid himself this week...and he outdid just about anybody wearing green as well.  With his team trailing 8-0 Cook scored the first of four touchdowns on a 22-yard scamper, not to mention the first of two two-point runs, and totaled a whopping 303 yards on 38 totes, as the Beaver Falls defense held the Vikings to eight first downs.
• Keystone Oaks 36, Mount Pleasant 7 - In what appeared to be one of the more compelling matchups of the weekend, the Golden Eagles instead whipped the Vikings to advance to their first-ever Semifinals behind the running of Jordan Maddox and Matt McCann.  Maddox ended with 209 yards and three TD's on 24 carries, while fellow tailback McCann added 101 yards on 13, with one score.
• Greensburg C.C. 30, Center 3 - An 81-yard TD run fittingly capped off running back David Miller's night, as GCC reached the Semifinals for the fourth time in six years and Miller finished with 207 yards on 30 rushes, including two other short touchdown runs.  The final game in program history for Center ended with the Centurions' defense stealing their thunder by forcing five interceptions.

CLASS AAA:

• Thomas Jefferson 27, Franklin Regional 14 - Quarterback Sam Johnston was a pedestrian 6-of-14, but he made one big play after another for 130 pass yards and a touchdown for the first points of the game en route to a victory and an amazing 12th straight Semifinal berth for the Jaguars.  Tailback Dylan Breisinger, who ended with 89 yards, put the Panthers out of reach with touchdown runs of 21 and 61 yards.
• West Allegheny 31, New Castle 7 - The Indians racked up over 400 offensive yards and pulled away from the Red Hurricane with relative quickness in the second half to get back to the Semifinals for the first time since '05.  As usual, Mike Caputo ran his heart out, scoring three times on 30 carries in a 174-yard outing, and quarterback Jared Buck went 10-of-17 for 202 yards and one TD.
• Hopewell 33, Mars 0 - Fresh off his suspension, Rushel Shell built upon his own legend as the tailback surpassed the 3,800 career yards in only his sophomore year with 265 on 29 carries and three touchdowns, including mesmerizing runs of 28 and 91 yards.  Meanwhile, quarterback Matt Hundenski also burned the Planets for a pair of rushing TD's and scrambled for 73 yards on eight attempts.
• Hampton 35, Uniontown 14 - Surprise, surprise, the Talbots are the lowest remaining seed in the entire playoffs at No. 14, and they've reached the Semifinals for the first time in history, now that tailback Andrew Bly has had his way against the Red Raiders' defense.  Bly carried the ball 23 times for 186 yards, finding the end zone twice, and Bill Young returned a punt 85 yards for a touchdown and a commanding lead.

CLASS AAAA:

• Gateway 35, Penn Hills 3 - The top-seeded Gators still seem to have the Indians' number, as evidenced by their blowout victory, which gives Gateway a third consecutive trip to the Semifinals.  Rob Kalkstein punished Penn Hills wih his arm, throwing for a staggering 235 yards and three TD's on 8-of-16 passing, including strikes of 82 and 38 yards to Brandon Felder, who also ran for a score.
• North Hills 14, North Allegheny 10 - For the second week in a row the Indians shut down a vastly talented offense to prolong their season, and behind the running of Mike Sivak, North Hills stunned its arch-rival.  Sivak totaled 86 yards on 15 carries and provided the game-winning four-yard touchdown in the 4th quarter, while the North Hills defense forced two well-timed turnovers in the second half to stay alive.
• Woodland Hills 36, Pgh. Central Catholic 3 - Running back Dom Timbers and the Wolverines dictated the tempo of this Big East Conference rematch on the ground all night, as Woody High set up a Semifinal meeting with the defending Quad-A champs.  Timbers ended up with 129 yards on 27 carries and scored on three short runs, while the Woodland Hills defense held Damion Jones-Moore to 28 yards.
• Bethel Park 32, Shaler 14 - The Black Hawks found an answer for Jesse DellaValle, but the Titans could not find an answer for Bethel QB Matt Bliss, who put his team within one win of a return trip to Heinz Field.  Bliss was nearly unstoppable, completing 13 of 16 passes for 177 yards and a pair of touchdowns, including a 60-yarder, whilerunning back Jared Pratt contributed touchdowns of 32 and 17 yards.

Before moving forward with KDKA's high school football playoff coverage Mr. High School Sports would like to recognize several teams and individuals who performed well at the PIAA Boys' and Girls' Cross-Country Championships at the Parkview Course in Hershey Nov. 7.

In the Boys' Class AAA race West Chester Henderson (119 pts.) edged North Allegheny for the team title, but the NA boys still took home silver medals with a team score of 128.  Two other WPIAL schools finished in the top ten:  Baldwin (fifth) and North Hills (eighth).  Rad Gunzenhauser of Mount Lebanon won an individual silver with his time of 15:49, and WPIAL individual champion Ryan Gil of the North Allegheny took the bronze with a time of 16:03, while Joe Kush of North Hills rounded out the top five with his time of 16:10.

The Quaker Valley boys began the 2009 season as the top-ranked Double-A team in the state according to PennTrackXC.com, but the Quakers, with their team score of 99 points, settled for silver as York Suburban took the crown in the Boys' Class AA race.  The only District 7 runner to finish in the top ten was WPIAL individual champion Evan Miller of Laurel, whose time of 16:57 was good enough for seventh place.

Three WPIAL teams finished in the top ten in the Girls' Class AAA race.  North Allegheny (fourth), Norwin (sixth), and North Hills (eighth) all enjoyed respectable finishes, and a number of individuals looked good as well.  Margo Malone of North Hills rounded out the top five with her time of 19:01 (younger sister Shannon finished 11th), Elaina Balouris of Hampton finished right behind her at 19:04, and Amber Valimont of Hempfield finished seventh with a time of 19:07.

In the Girls' Class AA race the only WPIAL runner to finish in the top ten was former WPIAL individual champion Katrina Jueng of Shady Side Academy, who came in eighth with a time of 19:41.  Kudos to all the aforementioned District 7 teams and runners on a fine season!