KDKA Radio Super 7 Watch List: Week 0

The opening week of the 2024 high school football season got off to a smashing start, with loads of high scoring, tight games throughout the region — and beyond.

This season, KDKA Radio will again nominate players each week to join the KDKA Radio Super 7 Awards watch list. Every Monday, a new crop of players will be unveiled based on their efforts that previous Friday night. At the end of the year, KDKA Radio will announce the winners of the award for each WPIAL classification, as well as the Pittsburgh City League.

Here are the top performances from Week 0:

Gabe Hein, Mars

Mars had to wait a day, but it was well worth it for the Fightin’ Planets and especially Hein.

Playing in Florida, Mars had its game Friday against Boone (Fla.) delayed due to weather until Saturday.

Hein answered the call, setting what is believed to be a WPIAL record with 330 receiving yards on nine catches — three for touchdowns — in a 47-35 win.

He caught scoring passes of 80, 84 and 30 yards, helping him account for what is also believed to be the third-most receiving yards in PIAA history.

Lee Qualk, California

The top rushing performance from Week 0 came from Qualk, who led the way in a dominating win.

Qualk, a senior, ran for 363 yards and six touchdowns in the 62-26 victory over Serra Catholic Friday night, making an early season statement against a playoff team from a year ago.

Also a strong track athlete, Qualk and the Trojans are looking to carry over a successful 2023 season in which they won ten games.

Drew Welhorsky, South Fayette

For years, South Fayette had one tremendous quarterback after another under former head coach Joe Rossi.

With a new head coach — Marty Spieler — at the helm, it seems the Lions have kept the tradition alive and found another signal caller.

Welhorsky passed for 248 yards and a touchdown and ran for 174 yards and three more scores in 26-0 win over rival Chartiers Valley Friday.

As a sophomore last year, Welhorsky was an All-WPIAL selection in lacrosse while serving as South Fayette’s JV quarterback.

Trey Hopper, Montour

In one of the biggest games of Week 0, Montour flexed its early-season muscles with an impressive victory over a strong Central Valley program.

Hopper led the charge, accounting for 231 passing yards and two touchdowns in the 24-14 win over Central Valley.

A senior, Hopper sat behind current Robert Morris freshman Jake Wolfe the last three years. He made his first career start Friday night.

The 2024 high school football season continues Friday, as KDKA Radio will bring you broadcast coverage of Belle Vernon vs Aliquippa.