Alle-Kiski Valley week ahead: Oct. 16-22

By: Doug Gulasy
Sunday, October 15, 2017 | 9:06 PM

MONDAY

Freeport and Deer Lakes played an entertaining game in their first meeting, with Deer Lakes rallying from a three-goal deficit before Freeport scored late to win 4-3.

Now the teams meet again at Deer Lakes to close out the Section 2-AA girls soccer schedule. The host Lancers (10-5-1, 6-4-1) and section champ Yellowjackets (13-2-1, 10-0-1) clinched playoff berths.

• St. Joseph senior Derek Petrishen will compete at the PIAA Western Regional at Tom's Run Golf Course in Blairsville, looking to advance to the PIAA individual championships later this month in York. The top 22 golfers will advance to the state finals.

• An intriguing nonsection girls soccer game takes place as Section 3-AAAA champion Fox Chapel (11-4-1) visits Penn-Trafford (13-2-1).

TUESDAY

Coming off an eight-day break, Kiski Area will host Wheeling Park in a Class A hockey game. The Cavaliers beat Blackhawk, 9-1, in their season opener.

• Deer Lakes girls volleyball, in the playoffs for the third consecutive season, visits postseason-bound Derry in the penultimate Section 5-AA match of the year.

WEDNESDAY

It's the moment of truth for playoff-qualifying soccer teams as the WPIAL committee meets to release the matchups for the upcoming playoffs.

• It might come too late to impress the playoff committee, but the Plum boys soccer team has a big nonsection game at Norwin. The Mustangs (11-5) and Knights (11-3-3) finished in second in their respective sections.

THURSDAY

Freeport and Deer Lakes close the Section 5-AA girls volleyball schedule, with the host Lancers trying to put an end to Freeport's unbeaten section record.

The Yellowjackets won the first meeting 3-0.

• Deer Lakes' return to PIHL varsity hockey is going smoothly thus far, as the Lancers scored 15 goals and won their first two games. They'll try to keep their success going with a game at Beaver.

FRIDAY

After suffering its first Allegheny Conference loss of the season, Freeport (5-2, 4-1) hosts Keystone Oaks (5-2, 4-1) in a crucial game for postseason qualifying. Only two teams from each conference are guaranteed a playoff spot, and these teams enter Friday tied for second place behind Seton LaSalle.

• Expect some high-flying passing action as Highlands (4-3, 3-3) visits No. 1 South Fayette (8-0, 6-0) in a Northwest Nine game. The host Lions lean on QB Drew Saxton, who ranks in the top 10 in passing yards in WPIAL history. Highlands QB Seth Cohen threw for more than 300 yards in the Golden Rams' Week 7 rout of Blackhawk, with WR Romello Freeman the main beneficiary. Highlands needs a win to stay in playoff contention.

• After beating Bishop Canevin to get a leg up in the Eastern Conference playoff race, Springdale (4-4, 3-2) hosts No. 3 Imani Christian (6-2, 4-1) with a chance to clinch a postseason spot. The Dynamos played well in losses to Jeannette and Clairton, but Imani will provide another stern test.

SATURDAY

The postseason begins in WPIAL boys and girls soccer.

WEEK IN REVIEW

Hello, ‘Mello: Highlands WR Romello Freeman had a big night in the Golden Rams' 56-12 win over Blackhawk on Saturday, catching four passes for 266 yards and four touchdowns and adding another score via interception return.

• Rolling Binz: Riverview running back Devon Binz had a career day in the Raiders' 43-0 victory over Avella, rushing for 106 yards and four touchdowns.

Doug Gulasy is a Tribune-Review Staff Writer. You can contact Doug at 412-388-5830, dgulasy@tribweb.com or via Twitter .