Must-see games

There are several quality football games being played Friday, no doubt a few I'd like to see. Here's a quick look at the top games throughout the WPIAL:

1. Trinity at Canon-McMillan - Sports editor Chris Dugan is covering this one and it features a rising Class AAA power in Trinity and a potential Class AAAA playoff team in Canon-McMillan. The field will be loaded with future college players, the stands will be packed and it may be the best game in District 7.

2. Monessen at Charleroi - This marks the 99th meeting between the two, who are separated by the Monongahela River. Anytime the game is played at Charerloi, Monessen fans place a large "M" on the opposite side of the river facing the stadium. Tremendous. By the way, no one is really talking about the Greyhounds. They are my pick to win the Tri-County South and I picked them to win this game.

3. Carmichaels at Beth-Center - The Bulldogs are to the point where they demand preseason respect no matter how many starters have been replaced. 17-1 over the last two regular seasons ... that's very impressive. Carmichaels will be much improved this year.

Other games:
Greensburg Central Catholic at East Allegheny - Remember East A has 19 new players from Duquesne High School.
Ambridge at Aliquippa - It's Beaver County's version of Charerloi-Monessen.
Mt. Lebanon at Woodland Hills - I don't expect either team to be a contender this year in Quad-A, but Lebo pulled a shocker last year.

There's a huge game Saturday as nationally ranked Gateway plays Cardinal Mooney (Ohio) in the Ohio vs. USA Challenge at Canton, Ohio. Gateway is loaded - Shayne Hale looks ready for the NFL right now - but they were just 6-5 a year ago. Most "experts", including myself, believe the Gators will win the WPIAL and PIAA this year.