Watching West Allegheny's Mike Caputo rumble through defenses this season to the tune of 2,210 yards and 27 touchdowns, it's no surprise that the junior has garnered a wealth of attention. And rightly so.

After transferring this summer from Blackhawk High School, the shifty 6-foot-1, 190-pound running back is a great story, thriving in coach Bob Palko's wildcat formation to rush for six 200-yard games during the season.

Most recently, he led the No. 4-seeded Indians (10-2) to a 28-21 victory against Class AAA juggernaut Thomas Jefferson, racking up 259 yards and three scores to help snap the top-seeded Jaguars' 48-game WPIAL winning streak and 28-game winning streak overall.

It was a monumental effort and fueled West Allegheny's drive to Heinz Field, where they'll face off in a rematch against No. 2 seed Hopewell (12-0) on Friday in search of their first WPIAL crown since 2001.

No doubt, Caputo's arrival has been impressive. But there's another story being written on the Indians' squad this season, one by the return of a familiar face, that is no less inspiring.

For senior quarterback Jared Buck, just making it back on the football field after missing most of his junior season is a victory in itself.

As the team's starting signal-caller on Oct. 3, 2008, Buck scored the decisive touchdown against Blackhawk, scampering in on a rollout for an eventual 21-13 win. During the play, however, his left knee was caved in by a defender during the tackle, resulting in the tear of his anterior cruciate and medial collateral ligaments of his left knee and subsequent surgery.

For months, Buck spent three hours a day, four days a week, building up his injured leg, anxiously making up for lost time.

For a young man who admits to living, eating and sleeping football since he was 6 years old, it was a long wait to suit up again.

Making matters more challenging: quickly realizing Caputo's influence on the offense. For many seniors in their final go-round at quarterback, sharing top billing might be tough to deal with. But Buck isn't your typical senior.

"Having [Caputo] on your team is something you definitely want, because he's a good guy and we got to know him well," he said. "Coming into the season, I knew we were going to run a spread offense, but I don't mind because we're winning.

"The main thing is, I knew that every time I had a chance to get something done, I had to do it."

"I think we're fortunate to have unselfish kids," said Palko. "It's about the team. There's a time when that wildcat package gives us the best chance to win and winning is what these kids are all about. In this day and age, it's refreshing."

That's not to say Buck hasn't enjoyed his seminal moments during the season. In the WPIAL quarterfinals, this 6-foot-3, 185-pound right-hander passed for 202 yards and a touchdown as West Allegheny defeated New Castle, 31-7.

During the Indians' victory against Thomas Jefferson, Buck also led the team on a key second-quarter drive, resulting in a 12-yard touchdown pass to Mitch Posel with 25 seconds left to give West Allegheny a 21-14 halftime edge, setting the stage for the upset.

Overall, Buck has thrown for 1,176 yards and 14 touchdowns with just two interceptions, and has rushed for another 339 yards. Given the fact that West Allegheny averages 382 yards in total offense heading into the title game (fourth-best in the WPIAL this season), there's been plenty of individual production to go around.

"When Caputo is in, defenses bunch up in the box because they know we're going to run the ball," said Buck. "But when they see me come in, they're like, 'Hey, they're probably gonna pass.' It's funny to see their reactions on their faces."

For Palko, now in his 15th season as West Allegheny's head coach, reaching the WPIAL title game brings back memories of the Indians' three-consecutive championships from 1999 to 2001. It also brings a different perspective.

"As you get a little older and wiser, you appreciate it more. Not that I took anything for granted, but last time things went by so fast, it felt like a blur," he said. "This time, I'm taking it all in as much as I can. And doing it with great kids like Jared makes it that much more special."

As for Buck's future college plans, he said no decision has been made.

"I'm going to sit down after the season and talk to coach Palko about it," he said. "I trust his advice."

Palko, who's had his share of Saturday players, is bullish on his quarterback, whom he compares in athletic ability to a young Tom Brady.

"I'm trying to tell people Jared has a lot of upside and has his best years ahead of him as a player," said Palko, noting Buck's versatility as a defensive back. "I think he's going to make somebody really happy. He'll definitely play college football."

• WPIAL Class AAA championship: West Allegheny (10-2) vs. Hopewell (12-0), 5 p.m.

• Where: Heinz Field.

• TV: FSN Pittsburgh.

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