CoGo's Feature Matchup: Bethel Park at Baldwin

The Highlanders are coming off a 28-21 victory over Canon-McMillan last Friday where the Baldwin brothers stole the show. Nick Altavilla caught a 37-yard pass from quarterback Doug Altavilla with 12 seconds remaining in the third quarter.

Doug Altavilla completed 18 of 23 passes for 287 yards and three touchdowns to lead the Highlanders to their second straight win. He is a four-year starter who ranked among the WPIAL's top passers as an all-conference player in 2013.

Friday’s game is a must win for Baldwin, who hopes to get back to the WPIAL playoffs.

“Our players understand what lies in front of them,” said Baldwin head coach Peter Wagner. “We need to continue the week with a few more days of great preparation.”

The Highlanders defense will need to neutralize Bethel Park’s run game in order to win. Alexander Minton is a major threat on the ground. He rushed for 203 yards and scored four touchdowns on 14 carries last Friday. Minton also intercepted a pass and returned it for a score as Bethel Park defeated Peters Township, 41-14.

“Minton does a great job of getting downhill, and finishing every run,” said Wagner. “It will be important that we play physical and stop the run on early downs.”

Baldwin will also need a big game from Doug Altavilla in what could be the veteran quarterback’s final high school game. He is the leader of the Highlanders and the centerpiece of their offense.

“Doug is a great student-athlete to coach,” said Wagner. “He is mature beyond his years and we are looking for him to play his game this Friday, and allow other to rally around him offensively. Doug brings a blue-collar mentality to the team daily and always leads by example.”

Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 pm on Friday at Baldwin Stadium.