Football
Aliquippa keeps punching above its weight … and winning
August 23, 2021
Because Aliquippa reached the WPIAL Class 4A finals last fall, coach Mike Warfield worries that achievement will overshadow one harsh reality.
New Castle ready for playoff return after year to forget
After a rare down year in which New Castle saw its seven-year playoff streak snapped, Red Hurricanes coach Joe Cowart said his players better have a chip on their shoulder and a desire to get back on the right track.
Mt. Pleasant’s Aaron Alakson hopes special bond with teammates translates to wins
August 22, 2021
It was an easy choice when Mt. Pleasant football coach Jason Fazekas was asked to name a player who was having a good camp.
Leechburg football to lean on talented tandem of Eli Rich, Braylan Lovelace
Every program looking toward advancing into WPIAL playoff contention needs star power.
South Hills notes: Thomas Jefferson grads team up at Duquesne
Notebook items from around the South Hills:
Bethel Park football to feature deep group of receivers, linemen
A quick dose of Bethel Park football, by the numbers:
Led by defense, McGuffey feels ‘championship-level good’
On Oct. 23 last season, McGuffey beat Beth-Center to clinch an undefeated Class 2A Century Conference title.
George Guido: Football’s back, but will the fans be?
August 21, 2021
The stage is set for the start of the Alle-Kiski Valley’s 123rd football season Friday as all 13 local schools will see Week Zero action.
Defense, passing game to lead Brentwood
There’s a significant number of new faces in the Brentwood lineup this season.
New Brighton driven by playoff near miss
Few teams in the history of WPIAL football, if any, have come as close to making the playoffs without getting in as New Brighton did last year.
Explosive running game sets tone for Neshannock
Neshannock senior Cam’Ron Owens has become one of the most dangerous running backs in the WPIAL.
Mohawk aims to pass less, win more
There was hope going into the 2020 season that Mohawk would be able to capitalize on the modest, two-game winning streak that ended the 2019 campaign.
Hard-hitting linebacker leads Laurel
With coach Brian Cooper planning to add heavy doses of spread offense to his usual Wing-T attack, opposing defenses won’t know exactly what they’ll be getting from Laurel this season.
Freedom ready to move forward, focus on fun
There’s one particular stat coach John Rosa would like to see Freedom lead the WPIAL in this season.
Ellwood City building program, looking to get into win column
Ellwood City is getting tired of the goose eggs.
Offense gets facelift for defending WPIAL champion Beaver Falls
If he wanted to, Beaver Falls coach Nick Nardone could have written his offensive game plan on a matchbook cover last season.
‘The Dude’ abides on Ligonier Valley offensive line
August 20, 2021
Before the 2020 season, Ligonier Valley football coach Roger Beitel talked to a few college coaches about their opinions about offensive linemen.
Senior linebacker making name for himself at Kiski Area
Anyone who plays football at Kiski Area is bound to receive a nickname from head coach Sam Albert and his coaching staff.
Plum plans encore after historic season
Plum football enters this fall in a position it hasn’t been in since 1983: defending conference champion.
Big, experienced line leads charge for Mars
Mars senior left tackle Matt Detisch spent this offseason doing bear crawls on a big hill at his home.
