Author: James Dotson


Neshannock pitcher Addy Frye delivers against Bentworth during the WPIAL Class 2A championship game May 30.
Neshannock has Laurel’s number again in latest chapter of storied softball rivalry
June 10, 2024
Even though Neshannock had won the previous nine matchups in the last three years against county rival Laurel, both teams knew the result of Monday’s PIAA Class 2A softball semifinal would be a coin flip.

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Members of the Hempfield spirit squad celebrate at the WPIAL Class 3A competitive spirit championships.
Hempfield, Neshannock claim their 4th WPIAL competitive spirit championships
January 6, 2024
Neshannock’s competitive spirit cheer squad has won the past two state championships. However, it did not have a WPIAL title in that time.

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Mohawk takes the field before its game against Imani Christian in the WPIAL Class 2A quarterfinals Nov. 10, 2023, at Moon.
Mohawk defeats Imani Christian to reach WPIAL semis for 1st time
November 10, 2023
Forty-eight minutes of play came down to the final 12 seconds. But in reality, it came down to the previous 11 games of the season.

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Neshannock’s Jino Mozzocio runs against Mohawk during their game Oct. 27, 2023, at Neshannock.
Neshannock controls clock, stops Mohawk to win MAC championship
October 28, 2023
The best way to stop a high-powered offense is to keep it off the field.

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The South Side Rams pose for a team picture after their 49-15 victory over Union at Socs Roussos Stadium clinched the Big 7 Conference Championship on Friday.
South Side wins 1st Big 7 Conference title since 1999
October 20, 2023
South Side coach Luke Travelpiece was unsure what the correct strategy would be against Union to start the game. Do the Rams kickoff and put their stellar defense up against the high-powered offense of the defending WPIAL champions? Or do they put their offense on the field and set the tone trying to score first?

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New Castle coach Ralph Blundo gives instructions during a game against Aliquippa on Jan. 25.
Norwin keeps New Castle close, but Red Hurricanes pull away for victory
February 24, 2023
The last time the New Castle boys basketball team played in the largest classification, the Red Hurricanes won WPIAL and PIAA championships.

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Senior members of the Hempfield spirit squad pose with their WPIAL championship trophies and medals Saturday.
Central Valley wins 1st WPIAL spirit title; Hempfield 3-peats
January 7, 2023
With 17 seniors on the Hempfield competitive spirit squad, expectations were high for the Spartans to secure another district championship on their home court.

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Union’s Braylon Thomas celebrates as time expires in the WPIAL Class A championship game against Bishop Canevin on Friday, Nov. 25, 2022, at Acrisure Stadium.
Union vies for 1st PIAA championship against veteran Steelton-Highspire
December 7, 2022
The list of firsts for the Union Area football program continues to grow.

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Union’s Maddox Thompson recovers a fumble against Port Allegany in the PIAA Class A semifinals Dec. 2, 2022, at Clarion University.
Big-play Union tops Port Allegany, advances to PIAA Class A football final
December 3, 2022
CLARION — For the second consecutive week, the Union Scotties defense came up with big plays when needed.

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Neshannock’s Jonny Huff runs for a touchdown against Burrell during their playoff game Nov. 4, 2022, at Neshannock.
Neshannock uses ground game to run past short-handed Burrell
November 4, 2022
Neshannock’s rushing attack was on full display at Bob Bleggi Stadium on Friday night.

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Neshannock’s Neleh Nogay (left) and Aaralyn Nogay celebrate with their father, assistant coach Don Nogay, after defeating Conwell-Egan, 4-1, in the PIAA Class 2A state championship game Friday at Penn State.
Neshannock softball caps undefeated season with state championship
June 17, 2022
UNIVERSITY PARK — At the beginning of the spring season, Neshannock softball was barely on anybody’s radar in the state. The Lancers were not in any state or district rankings and had not even made the state tournament in eight years.

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Everett’s Jacob Price scores the winning run past Neshannock catcher Nathan Ryand during the bottom of the ninth inning of the PIAA Class 2A state championship game on Thursday, June 16, 2022, at Penn State.
Walk-off single in 9th dashes Neshannock’s state baseball title hopes
June 16, 2022
UNIVERSITY PARK — The grind of three-straight extra-innings games finally got to the Neshannock baseball team.

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Union’s Mia Pruehs and Ella Casalandra (23) celebrate after beating Greensburg Central Catholic in the WPIAL Class A softball semifinals Tuesday at Mars.
Led by freshman, Union softball drops Greensburg CC to return to WPIAL finals
May 24, 2022
For the third consecutive season, the Union softball team will be making a trip south for the WPIAL championship game.

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Hempfield celebrates at the WPIAL spirit championships Jan. 8, 2022, at Hempfield.
Hempfield, Laurel win 2022 WPIAL spirit championships
January 8, 2022
Clean and crisp.

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Hempfield’s spirit teams poses with the WPIAL Class AAA championship trophy after winning the competition Saturday, March 13, 2021, at Hempfield.
Hempfield, Neshannock big winners at WPIAL competitive spirit championships
March 13, 2021
In a year when covid-19 has restrictions have made it difficult for high school athletics to occur, 21 teams at the 9th WPIAL competitive spirit championships were excited Saturday just to get on a mat.

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Neshannock’s Neleh Nogay scored 18 points against Sewickley Academy on Tuesday.
Neshannock turns up intensity, beats Sewickley Academy in Class 2A semifinals
March 9, 2021
For the second time in three years, Neshannock is headed to the WPIAL championship game.

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Seneca Valley’s Beaux Lizewski celebrates his game-winning goal in double overtime with Zack LaValle during the WPIAL Class 4A championship game against Peters Twp. on Saturday, Nov. 7, 2020, at North Allegheny.
Let’s geaux Beaux: Sophomore powers Seneca Valley past Peters Township in Class 4A finals
November 7, 2020
With just under five minutes to go in the second overtime of the Class 4A WPIAL championship match Saturday, Beaux Lizewski found the ball bouncing in the box in traffic.

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Firing on all cylinders, Seneca Valley drills Norwin to reach Class 4A title game
November 4, 2020
It is always a coach’s dream to see his team playing its best heading into the biggest game of the year.

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Kiski’s bench celebrates after scoring against Indiana during a PIHL Class A quarterfinal March, 10, 2020 at RMU Island Sports Center.
Kiski Area hockey writes remarkable turnaround tale
March 11, 2020
The Kiski Area hockey team wrote one of the bigger turnaround stories in high school sports in quite some time.

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Indiana’s Ben Nettleton (20) celebrates after scoring against Kiski during a PIHL Class A quarterfinal March, 10, 2020 at RMU Island Sports Center.
Indiana rallies in third period to end Kiski Area’s dream season in PIHL semifinals
March 10, 2020
It’s difficult to beat a team three times in a season, as Indiana’s hockey team proved in the PIHL Penguins Cup semifinals Tuesday night.

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Sharon and Aliquippa boys basketball teams tip off in the PIAA playoffs March 7, 2020, at Farrell.
Aliquippa rallies past Sharon in PIAA 1st round
March 7, 2020
Basketball is a game of adjustments. Usually, the team that makes the right in-game adjustments will be the team that ends the game victorious.

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New Castle defenders compete against Hickory on March 6, 2020, at Slippery Rock.
Hickory ousts New Castle from PIAA playoffs
March 6, 2020
One word kept sounding over a standing room only crowd at Slippery Rock University’s Morrow Field House on Friday night.

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Hempfield takes down Plum in overtime in PIHL Penguins Cup opening round
March 3, 2020
Hempfield kept firing shots at the net at Pittsburgh Ice Arena, but the Spartans could not get the rebounds and put back attempts in front of the net.

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Neshannock coach Mike Kirkwood celebrates his team’s win against Quaker Valley during the WPIAL Class AA Championship on Tuesday, May 26, 2015 at Consol Energy Park in Washington. Neshannock won 4-0.
Longtime Neshannock baseball coach Mike Kirkwood resigns
January 18, 2020
After 32 years, baseball is about to look very different in Lawrence County.

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North Allegheny High School cheerleaders compete in the WPIAL Spirit Championships at Hempfield High School on Saturday, Jan. 4, 2020.
Baldwin, South Park, Laurel win WPIAL spirit championships
January 4, 2020
The new year also marked the potential beginning of a new era for competitive cheer in Western Pennsylvania.

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Quaker Valley and New Castle boys basketball teams tip off in a section contest Jan. 3, 2020, at Quaker Valley.
Thiero’s 30 points guides No. 2 Quaker Valley past No. 5 New Castle
It did not take Quaker Valley long to say adieu to New Castle on Friday night.

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Brentwood’s Aiden Wardzinski runs against Neshannock during their WPIAL playoff game Nov. 8, 2019, at Freedom.
Brentwood defense denies Neshannock in Class 2A quarterfinal
November 9, 2019
Bend but don’t break.

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Springdale’s Christian Vokes attempts to cover Jeannette’s Stephan Twichell as he pulls in a touchdown pass in the second half at Springdale’s Veteran Memorial Stadium Friday, Sept 20, 2019.
Jeannette blanks Springdale in battle of unbeatens
September 20, 2019
Offense wins games, but defense wins championships.

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Shenango huddles against Western Beaver on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2019.
Turnovers fuel Shenango in victory over Western Beaver
September 8, 2019
Points off turnovers proved to be the difference in Shenango’s home opener Saturday at Glenn “Pop” John Stadium.

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Members of the Laurel football team prepare to play Rochester on Aug. 30, 2019.
Laurel’s defense, running game overwhelm Rochester
August 31, 2019
Championship football teams are often built around a solid running game or a stout defensive unit.

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Central Catholic defense strong in rout of York William Penn
August 24, 2019
After losing the final two games of the 2018 season, Central Catholic saw its 2019 season start off a little rocky. After a three-and-out to start the game Friday night, the Vikings gave up a long scoring drive to fall behind early.

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Union players practice Aug. 13, 2019.
Union small in numbers but big on talent
August 20, 2019
Another year, another common scenario for coach Stacy Robinson and the Union Scotties. One of the smallest schools in the WPIAL, Union had just 20 kids arrive for the first day of camp.

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Laurel football players huddle during practice Aug. 13, 2019.
Experienced Laurel motivated for big season
Ten starters back on offense. Nine starters back on defense. And a team that feels like it should have been in the postseason last year.

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Mohawk football players gather during practice Aug. 13, 2019.
New Mohawk starters carry torch into new season
August 19, 2019
Mohawk’s 2018 season was one of the best in program history.

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Riverside quarterback Ben Hughes throws a pass during practice on Thursday, Aug. 15, 2019.
Riverside to rely on veteran QB Ben Hughes
For most teams, a winning record and a trip to the playoffs would be seen as a successful season.

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Shenango players huddle during practice Aug. 13, 2019.
Shenango roster young but experienced
A quality football team usually has a good combination of youth and experience on its roster. For Shenango, after a season where at times seven or more freshmen were starting, youth and experience come as a package deal.

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Ellwood City football players warm up during practice Aug. 13, 2019.
Daily improvement, consistency are keys to success for Ellwood City
Four head coaches in four seasons can certainly lead to a lot of inconsistencies in a program.

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New Castle players practice Aug. 13, 2019.
McKnight moves to tailback to bolster New Castle running game
August 17, 2019
Most high school coaches would be excited to have a first-team all-conference quarterback returning behind center.

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Blackhawk’s Kristiana Bufalini pitches against Quaker Valley on April 17, 2019, at Blackhawk.
Quaker Valley takes down Blackhawk in Section 3-4A
April 18, 2019
Growing pains.

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Neshannock pitcher Addy Frye delivers against Bentworth during the WPIAL Class 2A championship game May 30.
Neshannock has Laurel’s number again in latest chapter of storied softball rivalry
June 10, 2024
Even though Neshannock had won the previous nine matchups in the last three years against county rival Laurel, both teams knew the result of Monday’s PIAA Class 2A softball semifinal would be a coin flip.

Read More...

Members of the Hempfield spirit squad celebrate at the WPIAL Class 3A competitive spirit championships.
Hempfield, Neshannock claim their 4th WPIAL competitive spirit championships
January 6, 2024
Neshannock’s competitive spirit cheer squad has won the past two state championships. However, it did not have a WPIAL title in that time.

Read More...

Mohawk takes the field before its game against Imani Christian in the WPIAL Class 2A quarterfinals Nov. 10, 2023, at Moon.
Mohawk defeats Imani Christian to reach WPIAL semis for 1st time
November 10, 2023
Forty-eight minutes of play came down to the final 12 seconds. But in reality, it came down to the previous 11 games of the season.

Read More...

Neshannock’s Jino Mozzocio runs against Mohawk during their game Oct. 27, 2023, at Neshannock.
Neshannock controls clock, stops Mohawk to win MAC championship
October 28, 2023
The best way to stop a high-powered offense is to keep it off the field.

Read More...

The South Side Rams pose for a team picture after their 49-15 victory over Union at Socs Roussos Stadium clinched the Big 7 Conference Championship on Friday.
South Side wins 1st Big 7 Conference title since 1999
October 20, 2023
South Side coach Luke Travelpiece was unsure what the correct strategy would be against Union to start the game. Do the Rams kickoff and put their stellar defense up against the high-powered offense of the defending WPIAL champions? Or do they put their offense on the field and set the tone trying to score first?

Read More...

New Castle coach Ralph Blundo gives instructions during a game against Aliquippa on Jan. 25.
Norwin keeps New Castle close, but Red Hurricanes pull away for victory
February 24, 2023
The last time the New Castle boys basketball team played in the largest classification, the Red Hurricanes won WPIAL and PIAA championships.

Read More...

Senior members of the Hempfield spirit squad pose with their WPIAL championship trophies and medals Saturday.
Central Valley wins 1st WPIAL spirit title; Hempfield 3-peats
January 7, 2023
With 17 seniors on the Hempfield competitive spirit squad, expectations were high for the Spartans to secure another district championship on their home court.

Read More...

Union’s Braylon Thomas celebrates as time expires in the WPIAL Class A championship game against Bishop Canevin on Friday, Nov. 25, 2022, at Acrisure Stadium.
Union vies for 1st PIAA championship against veteran Steelton-Highspire
December 7, 2022
The list of firsts for the Union Area football program continues to grow.

Read More...

Union’s Maddox Thompson recovers a fumble against Port Allegany in the PIAA Class A semifinals Dec. 2, 2022, at Clarion University.
Big-play Union tops Port Allegany, advances to PIAA Class A football final
December 3, 2022
CLARION — For the second consecutive week, the Union Scotties defense came up with big plays when needed.

Read More...

Neshannock’s Jonny Huff runs for a touchdown against Burrell during their playoff game Nov. 4, 2022, at Neshannock.
Neshannock uses ground game to run past short-handed Burrell
November 4, 2022
Neshannock’s rushing attack was on full display at Bob Bleggi Stadium on Friday night.

Read More...

Neshannock’s Neleh Nogay (left) and Aaralyn Nogay celebrate with their father, assistant coach Don Nogay, after defeating Conwell-Egan, 4-1, in the PIAA Class 2A state championship game Friday at Penn State.
Neshannock softball caps undefeated season with state championship
June 17, 2022
UNIVERSITY PARK — At the beginning of the spring season, Neshannock softball was barely on anybody’s radar in the state. The Lancers were not in any state or district rankings and had not even made the state tournament in eight years.

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Everett’s Jacob Price scores the winning run past Neshannock catcher Nathan Ryand during the bottom of the ninth inning of the PIAA Class 2A state championship game on Thursday, June 16, 2022, at Penn State.
Walk-off single in 9th dashes Neshannock’s state baseball title hopes
June 16, 2022
UNIVERSITY PARK — The grind of three-straight extra-innings games finally got to the Neshannock baseball team.

Read More...

Union’s Mia Pruehs and Ella Casalandra (23) celebrate after beating Greensburg Central Catholic in the WPIAL Class A softball semifinals Tuesday at Mars.
Led by freshman, Union softball drops Greensburg CC to return to WPIAL finals
May 24, 2022
For the third consecutive season, the Union softball team will be making a trip south for the WPIAL championship game.

Read More...

Hempfield celebrates at the WPIAL spirit championships Jan. 8, 2022, at Hempfield.
Hempfield, Laurel win 2022 WPIAL spirit championships
January 8, 2022
Clean and crisp.

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Hempfield’s spirit teams poses with the WPIAL Class AAA championship trophy after winning the competition Saturday, March 13, 2021, at Hempfield.
Hempfield, Neshannock big winners at WPIAL competitive spirit championships
March 13, 2021
In a year when covid-19 has restrictions have made it difficult for high school athletics to occur, 21 teams at the 9th WPIAL competitive spirit championships were excited Saturday just to get on a mat.

Read More...

Neshannock’s Neleh Nogay scored 18 points against Sewickley Academy on Tuesday.
Neshannock turns up intensity, beats Sewickley Academy in Class 2A semifinals
March 9, 2021
For the second time in three years, Neshannock is headed to the WPIAL championship game.

Read More...

Seneca Valley’s Beaux Lizewski celebrates his game-winning goal in double overtime with Zack LaValle during the WPIAL Class 4A championship game against Peters Twp. on Saturday, Nov. 7, 2020, at North Allegheny.
Let’s geaux Beaux: Sophomore powers Seneca Valley past Peters Township in Class 4A finals
November 7, 2020
With just under five minutes to go in the second overtime of the Class 4A WPIAL championship match Saturday, Beaux Lizewski found the ball bouncing in the box in traffic.

Read More...

Firing on all cylinders, Seneca Valley drills Norwin to reach Class 4A title game
November 4, 2020
It is always a coach’s dream to see his team playing its best heading into the biggest game of the year.

Read More...

Kiski’s bench celebrates after scoring against Indiana during a PIHL Class A quarterfinal March, 10, 2020 at RMU Island Sports Center.
Kiski Area hockey writes remarkable turnaround tale
March 11, 2020
The Kiski Area hockey team wrote one of the bigger turnaround stories in high school sports in quite some time.

Read More...

Indiana’s Ben Nettleton (20) celebrates after scoring against Kiski during a PIHL Class A quarterfinal March, 10, 2020 at RMU Island Sports Center.
Indiana rallies in third period to end Kiski Area’s dream season in PIHL semifinals
March 10, 2020
It’s difficult to beat a team three times in a season, as Indiana’s hockey team proved in the PIHL Penguins Cup semifinals Tuesday night.

Read More...

Sharon and Aliquippa boys basketball teams tip off in the PIAA playoffs March 7, 2020, at Farrell.
Aliquippa rallies past Sharon in PIAA 1st round
March 7, 2020
Basketball is a game of adjustments. Usually, the team that makes the right in-game adjustments will be the team that ends the game victorious.

Read More...

New Castle defenders compete against Hickory on March 6, 2020, at Slippery Rock.
Hickory ousts New Castle from PIAA playoffs
March 6, 2020
One word kept sounding over a standing room only crowd at Slippery Rock University’s Morrow Field House on Friday night.

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Hempfield takes down Plum in overtime in PIHL Penguins Cup opening round
March 3, 2020
Hempfield kept firing shots at the net at Pittsburgh Ice Arena, but the Spartans could not get the rebounds and put back attempts in front of the net.

Read More...

Neshannock coach Mike Kirkwood celebrates his team’s win against Quaker Valley during the WPIAL Class AA Championship on Tuesday, May 26, 2015 at Consol Energy Park in Washington. Neshannock won 4-0.
Longtime Neshannock baseball coach Mike Kirkwood resigns
January 18, 2020
After 32 years, baseball is about to look very different in Lawrence County.

Read More...

North Allegheny High School cheerleaders compete in the WPIAL Spirit Championships at Hempfield High School on Saturday, Jan. 4, 2020.
Baldwin, South Park, Laurel win WPIAL spirit championships
January 4, 2020
The new year also marked the potential beginning of a new era for competitive cheer in Western Pennsylvania.

Read More...

Quaker Valley and New Castle boys basketball teams tip off in a section contest Jan. 3, 2020, at Quaker Valley.
Thiero’s 30 points guides No. 2 Quaker Valley past No. 5 New Castle
It did not take Quaker Valley long to say adieu to New Castle on Friday night.

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Brentwood’s Aiden Wardzinski runs against Neshannock during their WPIAL playoff game Nov. 8, 2019, at Freedom.
Brentwood defense denies Neshannock in Class 2A quarterfinal
November 9, 2019
Bend but don’t break.

Read More...

Springdale’s Christian Vokes attempts to cover Jeannette’s Stephan Twichell as he pulls in a touchdown pass in the second half at Springdale’s Veteran Memorial Stadium Friday, Sept 20, 2019.
Jeannette blanks Springdale in battle of unbeatens
September 20, 2019
Offense wins games, but defense wins championships.

Read More...

Shenango huddles against Western Beaver on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2019.
Turnovers fuel Shenango in victory over Western Beaver
September 8, 2019
Points off turnovers proved to be the difference in Shenango’s home opener Saturday at Glenn “Pop” John Stadium.

Read More...

Members of the Laurel football team prepare to play Rochester on Aug. 30, 2019.
Laurel’s defense, running game overwhelm Rochester
August 31, 2019
Championship football teams are often built around a solid running game or a stout defensive unit.

Read More...

Central Catholic defense strong in rout of York William Penn
August 24, 2019
After losing the final two games of the 2018 season, Central Catholic saw its 2019 season start off a little rocky. After a three-and-out to start the game Friday night, the Vikings gave up a long scoring drive to fall behind early.

Read More...

Union players practice Aug. 13, 2019.
Union small in numbers but big on talent
August 20, 2019
Another year, another common scenario for coach Stacy Robinson and the Union Scotties. One of the smallest schools in the WPIAL, Union had just 20 kids arrive for the first day of camp.

Read More...

Laurel football players huddle during practice Aug. 13, 2019.
Experienced Laurel motivated for big season
Ten starters back on offense. Nine starters back on defense. And a team that feels like it should have been in the postseason last year.

Read More...

Mohawk football players gather during practice Aug. 13, 2019.
New Mohawk starters carry torch into new season
August 19, 2019
Mohawk’s 2018 season was one of the best in program history.

Read More...

Riverside quarterback Ben Hughes throws a pass during practice on Thursday, Aug. 15, 2019.
Riverside to rely on veteran QB Ben Hughes
For most teams, a winning record and a trip to the playoffs would be seen as a successful season.

Read More...

Shenango players huddle during practice Aug. 13, 2019.
Shenango roster young but experienced
A quality football team usually has a good combination of youth and experience on its roster. For Shenango, after a season where at times seven or more freshmen were starting, youth and experience come as a package deal.

Read More...

Ellwood City football players warm up during practice Aug. 13, 2019.
Daily improvement, consistency are keys to success for Ellwood City
Four head coaches in four seasons can certainly lead to a lot of inconsistencies in a program.

Read More...

New Castle players practice Aug. 13, 2019.
McKnight moves to tailback to bolster New Castle running game
August 17, 2019
Most high school coaches would be excited to have a first-team all-conference quarterback returning behind center.

Read More...

Blackhawk’s Kristiana Bufalini pitches against Quaker Valley on April 17, 2019, at Blackhawk.
Quaker Valley takes down Blackhawk in Section 3-4A
April 18, 2019
Growing pains.

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