One week of high school football is in the books following an exciting slate of games this weekend.
Across Western PA, there were some massive individual performances that set the table for the 2023 season.
Throughout the season, KDKA Radio will put together a watch list of some of the best players in the region. At the end of the year, the top performer from each WPIAL classification, and one member of the Pittsburgh City League, will receive the prestigious KDKA Super 7 Award.
Here are the top showings from Week 0:
Payton Wehner, Central Catholic
In his first game under new Vikings head coach Ryan Lehmeier, Wehner showed what the new-look Central Catholic offense can do. The quarterback passed for 304 yards, completing 17 of 19 throws – including five touchdowns – in a 43-7 season opening win over Woodland Hills.
Three of Wehner's scoring passes were over 45 yards.
A finalist for last year's KDKA Radio Class 6A Player of the Year, Wehner has an offer from Saint Francis.
Keegan Smetanka, Shaler
Expectations are high for Shaler following the program's solid step forward in 2022, and Smetanka got the Titans off to a solid start this season Friday.
The senior quarterback passed for 181 yards on 20 of 23 attempts, connecting on two touchdowns in a 38-7 win over Butler.
Last season, Smetanka threw for 2,151 yards and 21 touchdowns.
Cam Epps, South Allegheny
Hit hard by graduation, South Allegheny struggled to find its footing last season, finishing 1-9.
But the Gladiators matched last season's win total Friday night, topping Yough 28-14 behind Epps.
The junior rushed for 226 yards and scored three touchdowns in the win. Last year, he posted nearly 900 all-purpose yards. His brothers, Bryce and Antonio, were standout athletes at South Allegheny, as well.
Jack Fennell, North Catholic
In a nice matchup of two successful programs, North Catholic won a shootout over Serra Catholic Friday, 49-42.
Fennell carried the load on offense, rushing for 171 yards and three touchdowns. He also returned an interception for a 39-yard score on defense.
The senior racked up nearly 1,500 all-purpose yards last season for the Trojans. He is committed to play football at Davidson next year.
The high school football season continues Friday, as KDKA Radio will once again provide award-winning broadcast coverage of the region's biggest game of the week. This week, you can hear Armstrong at Aliquippa on 100.1 FM and 1020 AM KDKA Radio. Follow @KDKARadio on X and Instagram for updates throughout the night.
