North Catholic’s first Greater Allegheny Conference game is next Friday when the Trojans visit Highlands, but their encounter this week simply can’t be considered a mere tune-up.

North will face Aliquippa at 7 p.m. Friday at J.C. Stone Field in North Park.

The Quips are the defending Class 4A WPIAL and state champions. The program has won a total of 18 WPIAL crowns, including eight this centruy.

“They are one of the most historic programs in the country,” said North coach Patrick O’Shea. “We’re excited to play a great team. It’s a litmus test for us to see how far we’ve come.”

The Quips returned eight starters on both offense and defense from last year’s squad. Two of them are quarterback Quentin Goode, who passed for nearly 2,000 yards and 17 touchdowns a year ago; and running back Tiqwai Hayes, who rushed for over 1,700 yards and scored 23 times.

Making the numbers even more impressive is the fact that Goode’s effort came as a sophomore and Hayes was just a freshman.

“That’s the Aliquippa way,” said fifth-year Quips head coach Mike Warfield. “We don’t care what year you are, whether you’re a freshman or senior, we play the best.

“The expectations have always been in place here. As a coach, I’m just looking to maintain that.”

The Quips (1-0) did not play a game until last week’s contest at Armstrong, which they won 28-14.

“Winning is always a good thing, but we need to get better with our decision-making and have to build up our stamina,” said Warfield. “Not having a game in Week 0 hurt us there, but it will come with time.”

North enters the game after defeating Serra Catholic (37-14) and Shady Side Academy (21-10).

“I like the progress we’ve made, especially with running a new offense (wide-zone),” said O’Shea, who added that up to nine offensive lineman have seen significant playing time in two games.

Senior center JJ Iaquinta is the leader of the group, which also includes senior guards Nathin Putz and Justin Smith.

North’s front will have its hands full against the Quips, who feature Naquan Crowder, a 6-foot-4, 340-pound senior who plays on both the offensive and defensive line.

The Trojans’ quarterback is junior Jason Siket, who has completed six of 15 passes for 131 yards, one touchdown and an interception so far in 2022.

The team’s ground attack features Jack Fennell (19 carries, 173 yards and two touchdowns), Samir Ware (18-91-2) and Chase Arrington (16-51-1).

“Our goal in the first two games was to control the clock and limit any kind of risk of turning the ball over,” O’Shea said. “Jason has done a great job of controlling the offense and making sure we’re lined up right.”

Leaders on North’s defense include linebackers Danny Franco and Trey Purnsley, two juniors who moved into starting roles this season.