Mike Vukovcan When it comes to knowledge of high school football in Western Pennsylvania, it doesn’t get any better than the media/twitter account ‘WPIAL Insider’.
For years, Karlo Zovko worked in the Pitt Panther football scouting department before entering leaving a couple of years ago. Zovko was an important talent evaluator/recruiter for Pat Narduzzi and Pitt.
So, it goes without saying that ‘WPIAL Insider’ knows a thing or two about skilled football players.
Last week, Hopewell sophomore quarterback James Armstrong was ranked by WPIAL Insider as one of the top best quarterbacks in the entire WPIAL.
The WPIAL Insider Preseason Top-20 QBs for this WPIAL High School Football Season. 🏈🎯
These field generals are deadly and give defensive coordinators nightmares ☠️👹 pic.twitter.com/WDyS0fWwHZ
— WPIAL Insider (@WPIAL_Insider) August 11, 2025
Today, WPIAL Insider released another preseason list and once again it included a Hopewell Viking.
Sophomore running back Nasir Wade was listed as one of the WPIAL’s Breakout Performer Candidates for 2025.
The WPIAL Insider Preseason Breakout Player Candidates‼️📈
These players were on the map last year, but a poised to be PRIME-TIME players this year 💯 pic.twitter.com/sFtABSSpDA
— WPIAL Insider (@WPIAL_Insider) August 18, 2025
Wade will start the season as Hopewell’s starting running back and a starter in the secondary.
I saw Wade for the first time on Saturday in the Vikings scrimmage against Ellwood City and the best way to describe him is electric. If he’s able to get into open space or can hit a hole, he’s gone.
Hopewell’s Nasir Wade
On defense, he’s going to be a ballhawk at safety and a player that isn’t afraid to lay the wood on the opposing player.
Following his freshman season at Aliquippa, Wade received two D-1 offers- Akron and Buffalo. It would be surprising if more teams aren’t added to that list by the end of the season.
Wade and his teammates will open up the season this Friday night when they travel to take on the Riverside Panthers. Kickoff is set for 7 PM.
