Author: Matt Grubba


Bishop Canevin’s Xavier Nelson hoists the WPIAL championship trophy after defeating OLSH, 42-7, in the Class A final on Friday, Nov. 26, 2021, at Heinz Field.
Xavier Nelson sparks Bishop Canevin to 1st WPIAL title in 31 years
November 26, 2021
With a chance to play at Heinz Field, Xavier Nelson took the opportunity to look like the All-Pros and Heisman candidates who usually call the stadium home.

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Central Catholic quarterback Payton Wehner and JD Younger
Familiar feeling to Central Catholic’s semifinal win against Seneca Valley
November 12, 2021
Central Catholic’s playoff rematch with Seneca Valley left both teams with a feeling of deja vu.

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The Avonworth girls soccer team celebrates after Fiona Mahan scored in double overtime to defeat North Catholic, 2-1, in the Class 2A girls championship game on Saturday, Nov. 6, 2021, at Highmark Stadium.
Freshman’s OT goal lifts Avonworth past North Catholic in classic WPIAL girls soccer final
November 6, 2021
After splitting two regular season meetings and playing evenly through 80 minutes of regulation, it was going to take something special to separate Avonworth and North Catholic.

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Winchester Thurston’s Jordan Poller-Prince (second from right) celebrates his winning goal with teammates during the WPIAL Class A boys championship game against Greensburg Central Catholic on Friday, Nov. 5, 2021, at Highmark Stadium.
Winchester Thurston uses big 2nd half to deny Greensburg C.C. its 3rd straight boys soccer title
November 5, 2021
At halftime, the WPIAL Class A boys soccer final looked to be on the same script as the past two seasons.

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Steel Valley’s Therese Doering (center) is mobbed by teammates after scoring the winning goal in overtime of the WPIAL Class A girls championship game against Greensburg Central Catholic on Friday, Nov. 5, 2021, at Highmark Stadium.
Freshman Doering scores OT winner as Steel Valley beats GCC for 1st WPIAL soccer title
Therese Doering was in the right place to win it for Steel Valley, but earlier this season, it seemed like she might not be on the field at all.

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Pine-Richland coach Steve Campos talks to the Rams after they beat Fox Chapel on Oct. 29, 2021, at Fox Chapel.
Pine-Richland football clinches share of conference title
October 29, 2021
Pine-Richland’s football program has been no stranger to headlines of all sorts this year, but Friday night, it earned one it would be happy to read.

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North Catholic players go through senior night festivities before their game against Deer Lakes on Oct. 15, 2021, at Mars.
No. 2 North Catholic too much for Deer Lakes
October 15, 2021
Deer Lakes showed no signs of backing down from North Catholic, but the Class 3A No. 2 Trojans’ quality eventually shone through.

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Freeport gets set to face East Allegheny on Oct. 8, 2021, at Freeport.
Freeport picks apart East Allegheny, earns conference victory
October 8, 2021
At halftime, the Freeport band played the Dolly Parton classic “Jolene” in their set.

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Baldwin players get set to play Norwin on Oct. 1, 2021, at Baldwin.
Baldwin football team ignites in 2nd half, defeats Norwin
October 1, 2021
After being shut out in the first half, it seemed Baldwin’s winless start to the season might continue.

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Fox Chapel’s Colin Kwiatkowski beats Franklin Regional’s Caden Smith for a fourth-quarter touchdown that put Fox Chapel up for good Friday, Sept. 17, 2021, at Franklin Regional High School.
Fox Chapel scores on 4th down in final minutes to beat Franklin Regional
September 17, 2021
On a night when defenses ruled, Fox Chapel got just enough big plays from its offense.

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Brentwood’s Daniel Cochran (left) deflects a pass intended for Leechburg’s Logan Kline in the first half Friday, Sept 9, 2021, at Leechburg’s Veterans Memorial Stadium.
Long interception returns for TDs highlight Leechburg’s 3rd straight win
September 10, 2021
Leechburg picked the right way to break in the new artificial turf at Veterans Memorial Stadium — with an emphasis on “pick.”

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The Westinghouse football team celebrates after winning the 2020 City League football championship Nov. 14, 2020, at Cupples Stadium.
Top-seeded Westinghouse beats Allderdice to defend City League football championship
November 14, 2020
Westinghouse is once again the City League football champion, but not without being put to a test unlike any other this season.

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Peters Township players warm up before playing Woodland Hills in a WPIAL playoff game Oct. 30, 2020, at Peters Township.
Petrarca, Peters Township defense blitz Woodland Hills
October 30, 2020
Peters Township’s offense put enough points on the board to top Woodland Hills. As a matter of fact, so did the Indians’ defense.

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Mt. Pleasant and South Park warm up before their game Oct. 23, 2020, at South Park.
South Park overcomes early Mt. Pleasant lead for victory
October 23, 2020
Recovering from a nightmarish first quarter, South Park ended with a dream finish.

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Fans distance in the bleachers before South Fayette hosts West Allegheny in a Class 5A football game Oct. 16, 2020, at South Fayette.
South Fayette seniors come up big in win over West Allegheny
October 16, 2020
South Fayette’s senior stars were turned loose — and not just in their no-huddle offense.

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Fox Chapel hosts Kiski Area ion Oct. 9, 2020, at Fox Chapel
Jenkins leads Fox Chapel past Kiski Area
October 9, 2020
Contrasting styles clashed between Fox Chapel and Kiski Area, and the result was each team’s standout turn in a huge performance.

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South Fayette’s Naman Alemada warms up before taking on Moon on Oct. 2, 2020, at South Fayette.
South Fayette stops rare losing streak with win over Moon
October 2, 2020
As one of the powerhouse programs of the WPIAL over the past decade, South Fayette found itself in a rare position — on a losing streak.

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Chartiers Valley players celebrate after defeating South Fayette on Sept. 18, 2020, at Chartiers Valley.
Knause’s faith in players helps Chartiers Valley knock off South Fayette
September 18, 2020
Even if things hadn’t always gone to plan Friday, Chartiers Valley coach Dan Knause had faith in his players.

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Gateway players take the field before a game against Franklin Regional on Sept. 11, 2020, at Gateway.
Gateway looks sharp in opener, rolls past Franklin Regional
September 11, 2020
The start of Gateway’s WPIAL title defense was a dominant display of offense.

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North Catholic’s Jake Tomer celebrates with Jackson Paschall during their game against Seton LaSalle Friday, Jan. 24, 2020, at Seton LaSalle High School.
North Catholic boys running full speed ahead into playoffs
February 7, 2020
North Catholic is coming into the playoffs running, that much is for sure.

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Mt. Lebanon’s Ashleigh Connor scores past Bethel Park’s Juliana Carbone on Dec. 19, 2019, at Bethel Park High School.
Young Mt. Lebanon girls team continues to progress, develop
January 29, 2020
Most coaches will tell you experience and depth are two key elements that most successful teams possess.

Read More...

Woodland Hills’ Peyton Pinkney (4), Kayla Walter (15), Tatiana Vasquez (24) and Nya Morris (1) celebrate after beating Penn Hills Jan. 14, 2020 at Woodland Hills.
Woodland Hills girls turn program around, emerge as WPIAL title contenders
January 20, 2020
Woodland Hills has been a team on the rise the last two seasons, but after their past seven days, the Wolverines look like contenders to reach a WPIAL final.

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Qitarah Hardison averages a double-double for the Monessen girls basketball team.
Monessen girls bringing storied program back to prominence
January 15, 2020
Monessen has a long, proud girls basketball history filled with WPIAL and state titles, but the past decade was a lean one for the Greyhounds.

Read More...

Greensburg Salem’s Abigail Mankins scores past Freeport’s Grace Soilis during their game Thursday, Dec. 12, 2019, at Freeport Area High School.
Sophomore guard Mankins soaring for Greensburg Salem girls basketball
December 25, 2019
Greensburg Salem’s Abby Mankins has developed into a star for the Golden Lions.

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Valley’s Elijah Murray pulls down a rebound in the final seconds against Shady Side Academy last season.
Valley boys confident revamped roster can extend playoff streak
December 2, 2019
With playoff trips in each of the past three seasons, Valley boys basketball has built some consistency. Enough, the Vikings think, that a fourth trip can happen even with some roster turnover.

Read More...

Valley’s DeAisha James works out during practice Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2019, at Valley High School.
Valley girls expect to build foundation for return to winning ways
It’s been a long, dark period for Valley girls basketball, but coach Ernie Sipolino believes there might be light at the end of the tunnel.

Read More...

Hempfield’s Sarah Liberatore, who will be a four-year starter, averaged 17.3 points last season.
Libertore leads a more balanced Hempfield girls basketball team
November 23, 2019
Hempfield has a player it can lean on in senior Sarah Liberatore.

Read More...

Hempfield’s Christian Zilli shoots the ball during a practice game against teammates on Thursday, Nov. 21, 2019 during boys’ basketball practice at Hempfield Area High School.
Hempfield hopes pushing pace results in postseason push
Higher expectations? Yes.

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Greensburg Central Catholic head coach Tyler Solis presents his team with the WPIAL championship trophy after the Centurions defeated Winchester Thurston in the Class A final Friday, Nov. 1, 2019, at Highmark Stadium.
Ward lifts Greensburg Central Catholic to WPIAL Class A boys soccer title
November 1, 2019
Greensburg Central Catholic’s boys soccer team has a WPIAL title, and it has a moment of individual excellence to thank for it.

Read More...

Central Valley’s Stephon Hall (25) celebrates his mercy rule-inducing touchdown with quarterback Ameer Dudley during the second quarter against Aliquippa Friday, Oct. 25, 2019, at The Pit in Aliquippa.
Central Valley hands shocking blowout loss to Aliquippa
October 25, 2019
Aliquippa’s sterling record at home is a thing of legend, but Friday night, The Pit was overtaken by a Valley.

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Mt. Lebanon routs Norwin, looks forward to season finale
October 18, 2019
Mt. Lebanon will finish among the top four in WPIAL Class 6A, but Blue Devils coach Bob Palko thinks his team can produce more.

Read More...

South Park boys soccer savors return to section supremacy
October 15, 2019
Like other playoff-bound squads, South Park’s boys soccer team is eagerly awaiting the release of the WPIAL playoff brackets later this week.

Read More...

Clairton’s Brendan Parsons looks to make a pass during a game against West Greene on Friday, Oct. 11, 2019 at Clairton.
Clairton contains Ben Jackson, rolls past West Greene
October 11, 2019
West Greene brought the WPIAL’s leading rusher to Clairton, but the Bears ended up being the ones running wild.

Read More...

Franklin Regional’s Zach Lorenz battles South Fayette’s Brent Goldstrohm for a header during their game Tuesday, Sept. 24, 2019, in Murrysville.
After claiming another section title, Franklin Reigonal sets sights on defending WPIAL crown
Losing 10 players off a WPIAL championship team a year ago, it made sense at the start of the season to think there might be a slight step back by the Franklin Regional boys soccer team.

Read More...

Woodland Hills goalkeeper A.J. Hill lines up to prevent a shot on net by Hempfield’s Jale Ballantyne (6) on Sept. 5, 2019 at Hempfield Area High School.
In midst of special season, Woodland Hills boys soccer no longer an easy out
September 30, 2019
They aren’t a ranked team, and they aren’t going to win their section, but something special is happening this year with Woodland Hills boys soccer.

Read More...

Bishop Canevin’s Xavier Nelson hoists the WPIAL championship trophy after defeating OLSH, 42-7, in the Class A final on Friday, Nov. 26, 2021, at Heinz Field.
Xavier Nelson sparks Bishop Canevin to 1st WPIAL title in 31 years
November 26, 2021
With a chance to play at Heinz Field, Xavier Nelson took the opportunity to look like the All-Pros and Heisman candidates who usually call the stadium home.

Read More...

Central Catholic quarterback Payton Wehner and JD Younger
Familiar feeling to Central Catholic’s semifinal win against Seneca Valley
November 12, 2021
Central Catholic’s playoff rematch with Seneca Valley left both teams with a feeling of deja vu.

Read More...

The Avonworth girls soccer team celebrates after Fiona Mahan scored in double overtime to defeat North Catholic, 2-1, in the Class 2A girls championship game on Saturday, Nov. 6, 2021, at Highmark Stadium.
Freshman’s OT goal lifts Avonworth past North Catholic in classic WPIAL girls soccer final
November 6, 2021
After splitting two regular season meetings and playing evenly through 80 minutes of regulation, it was going to take something special to separate Avonworth and North Catholic.

Read More...

Winchester Thurston’s Jordan Poller-Prince (second from right) celebrates his winning goal with teammates during the WPIAL Class A boys championship game against Greensburg Central Catholic on Friday, Nov. 5, 2021, at Highmark Stadium.
Winchester Thurston uses big 2nd half to deny Greensburg C.C. its 3rd straight boys soccer title
November 5, 2021
At halftime, the WPIAL Class A boys soccer final looked to be on the same script as the past two seasons.

Read More...

Steel Valley’s Therese Doering (center) is mobbed by teammates after scoring the winning goal in overtime of the WPIAL Class A girls championship game against Greensburg Central Catholic on Friday, Nov. 5, 2021, at Highmark Stadium.
Freshman Doering scores OT winner as Steel Valley beats GCC for 1st WPIAL soccer title
Therese Doering was in the right place to win it for Steel Valley, but earlier this season, it seemed like she might not be on the field at all.

Read More...

Pine-Richland coach Steve Campos talks to the Rams after they beat Fox Chapel on Oct. 29, 2021, at Fox Chapel.
Pine-Richland football clinches share of conference title
October 29, 2021
Pine-Richland’s football program has been no stranger to headlines of all sorts this year, but Friday night, it earned one it would be happy to read.

Read More...

North Catholic players go through senior night festivities before their game against Deer Lakes on Oct. 15, 2021, at Mars.
No. 2 North Catholic too much for Deer Lakes
October 15, 2021
Deer Lakes showed no signs of backing down from North Catholic, but the Class 3A No. 2 Trojans’ quality eventually shone through.

Read More...

Freeport gets set to face East Allegheny on Oct. 8, 2021, at Freeport.
Freeport picks apart East Allegheny, earns conference victory
October 8, 2021
At halftime, the Freeport band played the Dolly Parton classic “Jolene” in their set.

Read More...

Baldwin players get set to play Norwin on Oct. 1, 2021, at Baldwin.
Baldwin football team ignites in 2nd half, defeats Norwin
October 1, 2021
After being shut out in the first half, it seemed Baldwin’s winless start to the season might continue.

Read More...

Fox Chapel’s Colin Kwiatkowski beats Franklin Regional’s Caden Smith for a fourth-quarter touchdown that put Fox Chapel up for good Friday, Sept. 17, 2021, at Franklin Regional High School.
Fox Chapel scores on 4th down in final minutes to beat Franklin Regional
September 17, 2021
On a night when defenses ruled, Fox Chapel got just enough big plays from its offense.

Read More...

Brentwood’s Daniel Cochran (left) deflects a pass intended for Leechburg’s Logan Kline in the first half Friday, Sept 9, 2021, at Leechburg’s Veterans Memorial Stadium.
Long interception returns for TDs highlight Leechburg’s 3rd straight win
September 10, 2021
Leechburg picked the right way to break in the new artificial turf at Veterans Memorial Stadium — with an emphasis on “pick.”

Read More...

The Westinghouse football team celebrates after winning the 2020 City League football championship Nov. 14, 2020, at Cupples Stadium.
Top-seeded Westinghouse beats Allderdice to defend City League football championship
November 14, 2020
Westinghouse is once again the City League football champion, but not without being put to a test unlike any other this season.

Read More...

Peters Township players warm up before playing Woodland Hills in a WPIAL playoff game Oct. 30, 2020, at Peters Township.
Petrarca, Peters Township defense blitz Woodland Hills
October 30, 2020
Peters Township’s offense put enough points on the board to top Woodland Hills. As a matter of fact, so did the Indians’ defense.

Read More...

Mt. Pleasant and South Park warm up before their game Oct. 23, 2020, at South Park.
South Park overcomes early Mt. Pleasant lead for victory
October 23, 2020
Recovering from a nightmarish first quarter, South Park ended with a dream finish.

Read More...

Fans distance in the bleachers before South Fayette hosts West Allegheny in a Class 5A football game Oct. 16, 2020, at South Fayette.
South Fayette seniors come up big in win over West Allegheny
October 16, 2020
South Fayette’s senior stars were turned loose — and not just in their no-huddle offense.

Read More...

Fox Chapel hosts Kiski Area ion Oct. 9, 2020, at Fox Chapel
Jenkins leads Fox Chapel past Kiski Area
October 9, 2020
Contrasting styles clashed between Fox Chapel and Kiski Area, and the result was each team’s standout turn in a huge performance.

Read More...

South Fayette’s Naman Alemada warms up before taking on Moon on Oct. 2, 2020, at South Fayette.
South Fayette stops rare losing streak with win over Moon
October 2, 2020
As one of the powerhouse programs of the WPIAL over the past decade, South Fayette found itself in a rare position — on a losing streak.

Read More...

Chartiers Valley players celebrate after defeating South Fayette on Sept. 18, 2020, at Chartiers Valley.
Knause’s faith in players helps Chartiers Valley knock off South Fayette
September 18, 2020
Even if things hadn’t always gone to plan Friday, Chartiers Valley coach Dan Knause had faith in his players.

Read More...

Gateway players take the field before a game against Franklin Regional on Sept. 11, 2020, at Gateway.
Gateway looks sharp in opener, rolls past Franklin Regional
September 11, 2020
The start of Gateway’s WPIAL title defense was a dominant display of offense.

Read More...

North Catholic’s Jake Tomer celebrates with Jackson Paschall during their game against Seton LaSalle Friday, Jan. 24, 2020, at Seton LaSalle High School.
North Catholic boys running full speed ahead into playoffs
February 7, 2020
North Catholic is coming into the playoffs running, that much is for sure.

Read More...

Mt. Lebanon’s Ashleigh Connor scores past Bethel Park’s Juliana Carbone on Dec. 19, 2019, at Bethel Park High School.
Young Mt. Lebanon girls team continues to progress, develop
January 29, 2020
Most coaches will tell you experience and depth are two key elements that most successful teams possess.

Read More...

Woodland Hills’ Peyton Pinkney (4), Kayla Walter (15), Tatiana Vasquez (24) and Nya Morris (1) celebrate after beating Penn Hills Jan. 14, 2020 at Woodland Hills.
Woodland Hills girls turn program around, emerge as WPIAL title contenders
January 20, 2020
Woodland Hills has been a team on the rise the last two seasons, but after their past seven days, the Wolverines look like contenders to reach a WPIAL final.

Read More...

Qitarah Hardison averages a double-double for the Monessen girls basketball team.
Monessen girls bringing storied program back to prominence
January 15, 2020
Monessen has a long, proud girls basketball history filled with WPIAL and state titles, but the past decade was a lean one for the Greyhounds.

Read More...

Greensburg Salem’s Abigail Mankins scores past Freeport’s Grace Soilis during their game Thursday, Dec. 12, 2019, at Freeport Area High School.
Sophomore guard Mankins soaring for Greensburg Salem girls basketball
December 25, 2019
Greensburg Salem’s Abby Mankins has developed into a star for the Golden Lions.

Read More...

Valley’s Elijah Murray pulls down a rebound in the final seconds against Shady Side Academy last season.
Valley boys confident revamped roster can extend playoff streak
December 2, 2019
With playoff trips in each of the past three seasons, Valley boys basketball has built some consistency. Enough, the Vikings think, that a fourth trip can happen even with some roster turnover.

Read More...

Valley’s DeAisha James works out during practice Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2019, at Valley High School.
Valley girls expect to build foundation for return to winning ways
It’s been a long, dark period for Valley girls basketball, but coach Ernie Sipolino believes there might be light at the end of the tunnel.

Read More...

Hempfield’s Sarah Liberatore, who will be a four-year starter, averaged 17.3 points last season.
Libertore leads a more balanced Hempfield girls basketball team
November 23, 2019
Hempfield has a player it can lean on in senior Sarah Liberatore.

Read More...

Hempfield’s Christian Zilli shoots the ball during a practice game against teammates on Thursday, Nov. 21, 2019 during boys’ basketball practice at Hempfield Area High School.
Hempfield hopes pushing pace results in postseason push
Higher expectations? Yes.

Read More...

Greensburg Central Catholic head coach Tyler Solis presents his team with the WPIAL championship trophy after the Centurions defeated Winchester Thurston in the Class A final Friday, Nov. 1, 2019, at Highmark Stadium.
Ward lifts Greensburg Central Catholic to WPIAL Class A boys soccer title
November 1, 2019
Greensburg Central Catholic’s boys soccer team has a WPIAL title, and it has a moment of individual excellence to thank for it.

Read More...

Central Valley’s Stephon Hall (25) celebrates his mercy rule-inducing touchdown with quarterback Ameer Dudley during the second quarter against Aliquippa Friday, Oct. 25, 2019, at The Pit in Aliquippa.
Central Valley hands shocking blowout loss to Aliquippa
October 25, 2019
Aliquippa’s sterling record at home is a thing of legend, but Friday night, The Pit was overtaken by a Valley.

Read More...

Mt. Lebanon routs Norwin, looks forward to season finale
October 18, 2019
Mt. Lebanon will finish among the top four in WPIAL Class 6A, but Blue Devils coach Bob Palko thinks his team can produce more.

Read More...

South Park boys soccer savors return to section supremacy
October 15, 2019
Like other playoff-bound squads, South Park’s boys soccer team is eagerly awaiting the release of the WPIAL playoff brackets later this week.

Read More...

Clairton’s Brendan Parsons looks to make a pass during a game against West Greene on Friday, Oct. 11, 2019 at Clairton.
Clairton contains Ben Jackson, rolls past West Greene
October 11, 2019
West Greene brought the WPIAL’s leading rusher to Clairton, but the Bears ended up being the ones running wild.

Read More...

Franklin Regional’s Zach Lorenz battles South Fayette’s Brent Goldstrohm for a header during their game Tuesday, Sept. 24, 2019, in Murrysville.
After claiming another section title, Franklin Reigonal sets sights on defending WPIAL crown
Losing 10 players off a WPIAL championship team a year ago, it made sense at the start of the season to think there might be a slight step back by the Franklin Regional boys soccer team.

Read More...

Woodland Hills goalkeeper A.J. Hill lines up to prevent a shot on net by Hempfield’s Jale Ballantyne (6) on Sept. 5, 2019 at Hempfield Area High School.
In midst of special season, Woodland Hills boys soccer no longer an easy out
September 30, 2019
They aren’t a ranked team, and they aren’t going to win their section, but something special is happening this year with Woodland Hills boys soccer.

Read More...