WPIAL Teammates Earn Preseason All-American Honors

One of the most storied programs not only in Western, Pa., but the entire country continues to produce elite football prospects and two of its athletes have received national recognition prior to the 2024 high school season.

Aliquippa senior running back Tiqwai Hayes and sophomore defensive back Larry Moon III have earned preseason All-American honors from MaxPreps.

The 2024 Preseason MaxPreps All-America Team. 🔥🏈

Full squad ⬇️https://t.co/tcGe74lZnm pic.twitter.com/OUVOaTPmK1

— MaxPreps (@MaxPreps) August 12, 2024

Hayes — a 6-foot, 185-pound Penn State commit — was named a Preseason MaxPreps first-team All-American. Hayes dominated during his junior season, rushing for 2,130 yards and 23 touchdowns on his way to being named the MaxPreps Pennsylvania Player of the Year.

The Quips standout holds a four-star rating from Rivals and is the eighth-ranked player in the state. He committed to James Franklin and the Nittany Lions last September.

Moon — a 5-foot-11, 180-pound prospect — was selected as a MaxPreps First-Team Sophomore All-American.

The elite defensive back is making the transition from one powerhouse in Central Catholic to another in Aliquippa for his sophomore year. He holds a lengthy list of Power Four offers from programs such as Pitt, Penn State, LSU, USC, Alabama, Michigan, Ohio State, Tennessee, Auburn, Ole Miss, West Virginia and more.

Larry Moon III will make the transition from Central Catholic to Aliquippa this season. PSN.

Both Hayes and Moon will suit up for a loaded Aliquippa that will be looking to defend its Class 4A PIAA title after taking down Dallas, 60-14, last fall. The Quips are also aiming for their fourth-straight WPIAL championship after defeating McKeesport, 35-21, at Acrisure Stadium

The Quips will be under the direction of new head coach Vashawn Patrick, who is taking over for highly successful Mike Warfield after it was reported that he was taking a leave of absence from the program.