Through the Years: 75 years ago, Joe Giordano scored Ken High’s only points in win

By: George Guido
Thursday, October 17, 2024 | 6:46 PM

Each week throughout the high school football season, the Valley News Dispatch will take a look at the players, coaches and events that shaped our scholastic legacy.

Joe Giordano’s 21-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter was all Ken High needed in a 6-0 victory over Central Catholic on Oct. 21, 1949. Giordano collected 118 rushing yards and 99 yards in punt returns.

75 years ago

• Tarentum remained undefeated in Class A play with a 33-13 victory over Shaler Township. Bob Glod connected with Tony Kuniak on scoring passes of 14 and 44 yards to pace the Redcats.

60 years ago

• East Deer sophomore Larry Kushner’s 87-yard kickoff return in the fourth quarter included eluding a swarm of Verona tacklers and a leap over a final Panthers defender and led the Bucks to a 14-6 victory. Rick Tatrn picked off a pair of Verona passes a made a crucial fumble recovery to preserve the victory.

• Plum’s Denny Stonis ran for four TDs, and the Mustangs defense held West Deer to two first downs in a 54-0 rout.

50 years ago

• Knoch defeated Deer Lakes, 16-6, in an AIC South Conference game. Cy Janoski caught a 30-yard TD pass from Jim Tackett and a later 2-point conversion pass to pace the Knights.

• Leechburg quarterback Gary Shavensky ran for four TDs and threw for two more as the Blue Devils blasted Apollo-Ridge, 48-6.

25 years ago

• Mike Zollinger carried 35 times for 141 yards and a touchdown as Burrell defeated Highlands, 16-8.

• A 90-yard kickoff return by Valley’s Devon Moore lifted the Vikings to a 35-28 victory at Thomas Jefferson. Dom Girardi passed for 200 yards and a pair of TDs for Valley.

10 years ago

• Springdale secured its 12th Class A playoff berth in 13 seasons with a 14-12 victory over Greensburg Central Catholic. Austin Kline ran for two Dynamos touchdowns.

• Highlands clinched at least a tie for the Allegheny Conference title with a 42-21 win over Valley. Brayden Thimons ran for three TDs and threw a scoring pass to Elijah Jackson.

Five years ago

• Kiski Area nabbed a Class 5A playoff berth with a 10-7 victory over Mars. Kenny Blake ran for 196 yards for the Cavaliers.

• Apollo-Ridge won a nonconference game against Freedom, 27-19, behind 139 rushing yards and two touchdowns from Logan Harmon. The Vikings secured home field to open the playoffs with Shady Side Academy losing to East Allegheny.