Football: WPIAL Class AAA Semifinal Thumbnail Preview

#1 Thomas Jefferson (11-0) vs. #4 West Allegheny (10-1), Friday at Bethel Park, 7:30 p.m.

Thomas Jefferson is in the WPIAL Class AAA semifinals for the 14th time in 15 years. The Jaguars, the only remaining unbeaten team in Class AAA, won the Big Nine Conference and advanced to the semifinals with wins against Hollidaysburg (63-19) and Franklin Regional (24-21). Thomas Jefferson ranks first among Class AAA teams with a 43.0 points per game average, while allowing only 11.6 per game. Joe Carroll has thrown for 2,246 yards and 37 touchdowns.

West Allegheny is making its eighth semifinal appearance in 16 years. The Indians tied for the Parkway Conference title, along with Montour and Central Valley. The Indians advanced to the semifinals with wins against Ringgold (48-7) and Montour (14-2). West Allegheny is averaging 25.8 points per game and allowing only 9.8 per game. The Indians have four running backs who have rushed for 450 or more yards.

#7 West Mifflin (10-1) vs. #3 Central Valley (9-2), Friday at North Allegheny, 7:30 p.m.

West Mifflin is in the semifinals for the first time since back-to-back appearances in 2004 and 2005. The Titans placed second in the Big Ten Conference and posted playoff wins against Knoch (28-14) and Mars (28-13). West Mifflin is averaging 36.0 points per game and allowing 12.5. Jimmy Wheeler has rushed for 2,000 yards and 27 touchdowns, while Derrick Fulmore has thrown for 726 yards and 7 touchdowns.

Central Valley is making its third consecutive semifinal appearance. The Warriors tied with Montour and West Allegheny for the Parkway Conference title and advanced to the semifinals with wins against Belle Vernon (17-16) and Hopewell (49-21). The Warriors lost twice by one point in the regular season to Montour and Beaver Falls. Central Valley is averaging 35.5 points per game and allowing 16.6 per game. Robert Foster has 43 receptions for 736 yards and 8 touchdowns. Nathan Climo has thrown for 1,080 yards and 10 touchdowns.