M:7 Sports Scouting Report
Week 9 — Bethel Park Black Hawks vs. Peters Township Indians
Friday 10/25/24, 7:00 p.m. Kickoff — Confluence Financial Partners Stadium — McMurray, PA
What to Watch For:
It might be hard to believe, but the final week of the WPIAL high school football regular season is upon us. Before the calendar flips to November, teams all across Southwestern PA will be putting it all on the line to jockey for playoff position and get one final W on their record before gearing up for the postseason push and hopefully a chance at a WPIAL title.
Our final KDKA Radio High School Football Game of the Week matchup comes to you courtesy of last week’s fan vote, and we’re not kidding when we say this: We might have saved the best for last. Once again, we’re heading into the WPIAL’s 5A classification for a can’t-miss Allegheny Six Conference showdown between two of the area’s most-talented rosters, which might be a playoff or even championship game preview. But before they think about heading to Acrisure, both Bethel Park and Peters Township enter tonight’s game with 8-1 records, and we’re looking forward to seeing both starting QBs — PT’s Nolan DiLucia and BP’s Tanner Pfeuffer — show what they can do through the air. Thanks in large part to strong play under center, both teams have been lighting up scoreboards all season long. Look for this game to come down to whether the Indians’ D1 talent on defense can slow down the Black Hawks’ passing game and force turnovers. If not, we could be in for a real track meet.
Peters Township Indians (Record 8-1; Head Coach TJ Plack):
Our second repeat GOTW participant this season, Peters Township has rattled off back-to-back statement victories at home — holding South Fayette and Baldwin to just 11 combined points — after beating the Moon Tigers 23-14 in our Week 6 matchup. While we lauded the Indians defense in the build up to that game, and deservedly so, PT’s offense has definitely returned to form over the last two weeks, scoring 42 points in the first quarter alone last week. Now having scored 35 points or more in 6 of 9 games, Coach Plack is no doubt excited to have his offensive unit firing on all cylinders as this week’s matchup with Bethel Park and the possibility of facing Pine-Richland in the playoffs loom large. Tonight, we’re excited to see JR Nolan DiLucia (QB/S) lead them onto the field and get the ball into the hands of playmakers like SR Nick Courie (RB/LB) and JR Lucas Shanafelt (WR/Edge). Defensively, look for the Indians to continue to play stout upfront, thanks to the efforts of SR Mickey Vaccarrello (OLB/TE) and JR Reston Lehman (OLB/Edge/TE).
Who to Watch For:
- Nolan DiLucia #17 (℅ 2026; QB/S; 6’2” 195 lb.): The point guard of the Indians’ offensive attack, Nolan’s a pure gamer at the QB position and, even only midway through his JR year, his resume already shows it. An Allegheny Six All-Conference and PIAA 5A All-State honoree last season, he racked up 3,000+ yards and 30 TDs on the road to the state title game. How he does it is what sets him apart — a quick decision maker after the snap who sees the field well and is adept at avoiding the rush and slipping oncoming tacklers to hang in the pocket and let the play develop. You don’t put numbers like he does without arm talent, and he has that without question. He anticipates and leads his receivers very well, dropping it in the bucket with consistency and delivering a highly catchable ball that’s right where it needs to be. When called upon, he’s more than effective at keeping it himself, as a mobile, gutsy runner with sneaky quickness who isn’t afraid of running to or through contact. He’s the kind of QB that any coach or teammate would want in their huddle. We expect more hype in the recruitment game for Nolan, who’s already sporting an offer from Coach Chuck Martin and the Miami (OH) Redhawks.
- Lucas Shanafelt #0 (℅ 2026; WR/Edge; 6’4” 220 lb.): In his first season with the Buffaloes, Colorado Head Coach Deion Sanders instructed his players not to wear #0, insisting that other numbers are more positive indicators of a player’s worth and value. Well, Coach Prime might reconsider when he meets Lucas, because his highlights are something worth watching. He’s the definition of an athlete with a unique combo of height, weight, and speed that makes him stand out. It’s not often that you see a two-way player at WR and DE and that’s a credit to Lucas’s natural talent and ability. On defense, he’s an explosive edge rusher who puts his hand in the dirt and blows by OLs like they’re standing still. Once Lucas makes it to the backfield, he’s a problem-causer, whether he’s piling up sacks, TFLs, or getting his hands up for deflections and PBUs. At WR, he’s a weapon on the perimeter, not only winning the matchup on paper but possessing the speed to create quick separation from the DB and the vertical to go up and snag receptions if the ball’s anywhere in his vicinity. Once he has possession, the defense should have all hands on deck to bring him down as he can overpower pretty much anyone in his path. He just picked up an offer from Eastern Michigan this month with what should be more on the horizon. He ain’t hard to find.
Bethel Park Black Hawks (Record 8-1; Head Coach Phil Peckich):
In just his second season since being elevated from the Offensive Coordinator position, former Pitt Panther and RMU Colonial Phil Peckich has a talented and experienced group that’s considered maybe the top pound-for-pound team in the WPIAL across all classifications. True to his offensive background, the Black Hawks might be one of the most dangerous groups in the state on that side of the football — scoring 45+ points in 7 straight games to start the season. In fact, their 14-10 loss to undefeated conference rival Upper St. Clair is the only game in which they’ve been held to less than five scores. Whether on the ground or through the air, BP can get in the endzone a multitude of ways, which is what makes them so difficult to stop. Their talent at the skill positions coincides with much of the team’s senior leadership, which has them poised to make a significant leap towards postseason success this year and potentially its first WPIAL crown since 2008. Offensively, the team works through SR Tanner Pfeuffer (QB), the WPIAL’s passing leader, who’s racked up more than 5,000 yards in his storied BP career. Look for key contributions from SRs JaVaughn Moore (RB/DB), who’s third in WPIAL rushing yards this season and tied for fifth in rushing TDs, and Mitch Paschl (WR/DB) who’s tied for second in the league in TD receptions
Who to Watch For:
- Tanner Pfeuffer #4 (℅ 2025; QB; 6’5” 195 lb.): They say numbers never lie, and with Tanner, the stats back up what you see on the field 100%. Currently leading the WPIAL in passing yards (2,058) and TDs (27), he’s a throwback at the position as a gunslinging, pro-style QB with prototypical size and strength. Tanner has all of the tools you’d look for in a leader under center, with a rocket arm that launches the ball effortlessly, thanks to a smooth delivery and solid footwork. On film, Tanner demonstrates a consistent ability to use his size to his advantage, showing strong command of the pocket and good athleticism rolling out and in play action. If you’re partial to a west coast or run-first offense, you might want to look away as there’s very little dink and dunk in his toolbox. Averaging 17.7 yards per completion this season, Tanner lets it rip on every attempt, efficiently moves the ball up the field in chunks, and leaves opposing secondaries with tired legs by the end of the night. We don’t hate it one bit. He’s a surefire difference maker at any college program he joins, and we’re excited to see how far he can take this team in the postseason before he transitions to the next level.
- Clancy Orie #43 (℅ 2025; DE/TE; 6’3 255 lb.): While suiting up for the Midshipmen is still a ways off for this Naval Academy commit, Clancy has already cemented his legacy as an every-down warrior in Western PA’s high school ranks. A building block for Bethel Park’s squad on both sides of the ball, he gets after it on every snap, bringing grit, physicality, and decisiveness that makes him tough for opponents to stop or even contain. At the DE position, he seems to overwhelm and outmatch his opposite numbers on the offensive line before the ball’s even snapped. Once that happens, he gets into high-gear immediately, using his physical tools and technique to push past whoever’s in his way and disrupt the play before it has a chance to develop. Punishing at the point of contact, Clancy regularly meets opposing QBs and RBs behind the line of scrimmage and has a resume of TFLs, QB hurries, and sacks to prove it. On offense, the roles are reversed as he’s a people mover who keeps opposing rushers spinning their wheels while clearing holes for his RBs or helping out in pass protection. As a receiver, he’s Mr. Reliable — getting open to provide his QBs with a checkdown option underneath, then putting the pedal down to take the ball upfield and break through contact. Clancy chose Navy over almost two dozen other offers, including Air Force, Toledo, and seven of eight Ivy League schools, showing his prowess extends beyond the field and into the classroom.