Penn-Trafford notebook: Warriors gearing up for playoffs

By: Paul Schofield
Sunday, October 27, 2024 | 11:01 AM

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Penn-Trafford football team is getting healthy for the upcoming WPIAL Class 5A playoffs, according to coach John Ruane.

The Warriors (7-2) finished the regular season with a game against former assistant Ron Prady at Latrobe on Oct. 25.

Penn-Trafford was on a four-game winning streak, which included a 35-14 victory at Armstrong on Oct. 18.

Ruane used a lot of players during the game, both to keep players healthy and to get backups playing time on Friday night.

“It will help our depth, something we’ll need down the stretch,” Ruane said. “I pleased how well a lot of them performed.”

Senior quarterback Derek Carr was among those who got significant playing time and played well. He ran 9 yards for a score and connected on a 77-yard pass to Dom Smith. Jonny Lovre completed 6 of 11 passes for 159 yards and a 22-yard score to Nick Ponko.

Three linemen who have really come on for the Warriors are senior Kellan Taylor, senior Brandon Long and junior Lucah Butler. The trio also contribute on defense: Taylor at tackle, Long at end and Butler at middle linebacker. Senior all-conference lineman Ethan Septak has switched from center to guard and has performed well.

“We gave them an opportunity and they have exceeded our expectations,” Ruane said.

Senior running back Tasso Whipple, who rushed for 76 yards and two scores against Armstrong, has benefitted from the excellent line play. He has rushed for 1,327 yards and 12 touchdowns.

“We’re starting to get guys healthy,” Ruane said. “We’re continuing to improve.”

The WPIAL playoffs are scheduled to begin Nov. 1.

P-T soccer team falls

The Penn-Trafford boys soccer team saw its season come to an end during the opening round of the WPIAL Class 3A playoffs. The Warriors, seeded 11th, were beaten by No. 6 Mars, 4-1.

P-T girls bow out

The Penn-Trafford girls soccer team, seeded No. 3 in the WPIAL Class 4A playoffs, drew a first-round bye.

In the quarterfinals Oct. 24, they lost 3-1 to No. 6 Canon-McMillan, which clocked No. 11 Hempfield, 11-0, in the opening round.

Volleyball team upset

The Penn-Trafford girls volleyball team had its season end during the first round of the WPIAL Class 4A playoffs.

The Warriors dropped a 3-1 decision to Armstrong and finished 10-7.

Armstrong advanced to face No. 1 North Allegheny.

Paul Schofield is a TribLive reporter covering high school and college sports and local golf. He joined the Trib in 1995 after spending 15 years at the Daily Courier in Connellsville, where he served as sports editor for 14 years. He can be reached at pschofield@triblive.com.

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