USC Meets Central Catholic for Trip to Heinz Field

's availability remains a dark cloud over what should amount to a spectacularly competitive football game Friday night at .

The winner between and Central Catholic will meet the winner of the North Allegheny and Gateway game next Saturday night on Heinz Field.

"It will take a lot to keep me out," Conwell told the Pittsburgh Tribune Review.

Conwell spained his ankle on a tackle late in their 21-14 .

Conwell finished that game at quarterback before gingerly walking to the locker room in less of a celebratory mood than the other players. Visibly in discomfort, he was helped up the steps after their quarterfinal win.

Conwell did practice some this week and has been icing and rehabbing the injured ankle. Given that he has been able to take snaps in practice and the enormity of this contest, it would be surprising if he did not take the field. If he'll be able to contribute his normal "superman-like" contribution is what remains to be seen.

If he is less than 100 percent, USC will rely on their strong running game and defensive unit that has shut out six teams this year and gives up an average of just over eight points per game. Remember, Conwell plays linebacker as well so the defense will also take a hit if he is unable to perform at his normal ability.

Central Catholic quarterback Perry Hills has passed for more than 1,500 yards this season. The teams that have given USC trouble have been the ones that have been able to use a short-controlled passing game. North Allegheny's Mack Leftwich was able to move the ball through the air and West Allegheny's Dylan Bongiorni was successfull was the Indians raced out to an .

Hills ability to pass the ball will be aided by the importance of stopping their fantastic running back Damian Jones-Moore. He rushed for 488 yards and six touchdowns in two playoff games thus far. The USC defense will need to be mindful of his running ability which will open up more passing lanes for Hills.

Central Catholic has not lost since the semifinals last year against North Hills.  That is the same squad that beat USC last season in the quarterfinals at the same field they will be playing on Friday night.

This is also the match-up many predicted would take place at Heinz Field for the championship, however North Allegheny garnered the number one seed with their victory over USC earlier this season and that resulted in their being the number one seed and this matchup taking place one game earlier.

The contest starts at 7:30 p.m. Both teams have worked hard all year to get to this point, whoever is on the field will be giving the effort that makes football games of this magnitude worth watching.