Get Ready for WPIAL Sports: Key Matchups and Challenges for Road Teams in Wrestling Playoffs on January 29, 2025! | Trib HSSN

By: Don Rebel
Wednesday, January 29, 2025 | 12:03 AM

Wednesday marks a thrilling night for high school wrestling in the WPIAL as teams compete in first-round and quarterfinal matches across various classifications.

Home-mat advantage is crucial during these early rounds. This decade, it has nearly guaranteed a spot in the final four. The top four seeded teams get to host matches, and they have performed impressively. Excluding the unique situation of the shortened 2021 playoffs, home teams in Class 3A have posted a remarkable 15-1 record in advancing to semifinals.

Only Butler, which faced Hempfield in a close match in 2023, was unable to progress after hosting. On this Wednesday, the teams with home advantage in Class 3A are Connellsville, Bethel Park, Thomas Jefferson, and Franklin Regional.

Here’s how the Class 3A matches break down for 6 p.m. and the potential quarterfinals at 7:15 p.m.:

• At Connellsville: Shaler vs. Connellsville, Latrobe vs. Kiski Area
• At Bethel Park: Canon-McMillan vs. Norwin, Butler vs. Bethel Park
• At Thomas Jefferson: North Hills vs. Thomas Jefferson, West Allegheny vs. Trinity
• At Franklin Regional: Fox Chapel vs. North Allegheny, Moon vs. Franklin Regional

The semifinals and finals will occur on Saturday at Peters Township.

In Class 2A, hosting teams have been less dominant, with a 13-3 record in advancing to the semifinals. Some notable visiting teams that have excelled include Mt. Pleasant and Frazier, who pulled off impressive wins in past years.

The home teams in Class 2A this Wednesday are Burrell, Quaker Valley, McGuffey, and Derry. Here’s their matchup lineup:

• At Burrell: Greensburg Salem vs. Burrell, Jefferson-Morgan vs. Southmoreland
• At Quaker Valley: South Park vs. Freedom, Elizabeth Forward vs. Quaker Valley
• At McGuffey: Avonworth vs. McGuffey, Beth-Center vs. Laurel
• At Derry: Highlands vs. Burgettstown, Avella vs. Derry

A highly anticipated showdown will take place when North Catholic (15-2) visits Oakland Catholic (13-3) in a battle for the section title. North Catholic currently leads and is aiming for its 16th consecutive win. Meanwhile, Oakland Catholic seeks to tie the standings with its own strong performance, having lost only once in recent games.

The last meeting between these two was a close game, with North Catholic winning 42-34 back in December. Freshman Sam Weir was a standout in that match, leading with 19 points.

This Wednesday promises to be electric, showcasing the best of local high school wrestling.