Shaler and Bethel Park students sound off on WPIAL Class AAAA playoff game tonight ...

FROM SHALER:

Dan Taylor, senior -- The Shaler Titans hope to build off the momentum gained from their thrilling first-round victory as they travel to Baldwin to play Bethel Park. Senior (running back/wide receiver) Jesse Della Valle, after pouring more than 200 all-purpose yards and three touchdowns on the Mt. Lebanon Blue Devils' defense last week, will look to lead the Shaler offense past a good Black Hawks defense. In order to keep the high-scoring Bethel Park offense from putting points on the board, the Titans' defense will have to stop Bethel Park's excellent rushing attack. Under the tremendous leadership of coach [Neil] Gordon, I look for the Titans to edge Bethel Park on Friday night and advance further into the WPIAL playoffs than any other football team in Shaler history.

FROM BETHEL PARK:

Alex Ott, junior -- The team is really looking strong. Our defense is looking strong, and (junior running back) Bre Ford is running harder than ever. So I feel Bethel Park's chances of going to Heinz Field for the second consecutive year are pretty good.

Danielle McNabb, junior -- The team's chemistry is building game after game. We can tell the players are ready to pounce on their opponents. We can taste the gold medal coming our way. Bring it home again!

Laurel Miller, junior -- I think this Friday night's game against Shaler is going to be very intense, but successful for Bethel Park. I believe our team will win against the Titans. The team looks really good this year. And I think we can repeat last year's success.

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