Football

Blackhawk receiver Connor Joy catches a pass during practice on Aug. 16, 2021, in Chippewa.
Experience, new addition to bolster Blackhawk
August 23, 2021
The 2020 season was a humbling reminder of how important health and preparation are for high school football teams.

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Beaver head coach Cort Rowse talks with his team during practice on Aug. 19, 2021, in Beaver.
New coach wants to change direction at Beaver
Cort Rowse is certainly no stranger to the tradition of the Beaver football program.

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Aliquippa receiver Darion Dixon celebrates with head coach Mike Warfield after catching a touchdown pass during practice on Aug. 17, 2021, in Aliquippa.
Aliquippa keeps punching above its weight … and winning
Because Aliquippa reached the WPIAL Class 4A finals last fall, coach Mike Warfield worries that achievement will overshadow one harsh reality.

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New Castle’s Chris Hood works with head coach Joe Cowart during practice on Aug. 4, 2021, in New Castle.
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.

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Aaron Alakson led Mt. Pleasant in rushing with 630 yards and five touchdowns last season.
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.

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Eli Rich (left) and Braylan Lovelace walk back to the huddle after a play during a practice session Aug. 16, 2021, at West Leechburg Field.
Leechburg football to lean on talented tandem of Eli Rich, Braylan Lovelace
Every program looking toward advancing into WPIAL playoff contention needs star power.

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Thomas Jefferson quarterback Shane Stump (4) celebrates with Jake Pugh after defeating Dallas, 46-7, in the PIAA Class 4A state championship game Thursday, Dec. 5, 2019, at Hersheypark Stadium.
South Hills notes: Thomas Jefferson grads team up at Duquesne
Notebook items from around the South Hills:

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Bethel Park head coach Brian Delallo looks on during a 7 on 7 high school football tournament Wednesday, July 28, 2021, at Bethel Park.
Bethel Park football to feature deep group of receivers, linemen
A quick dose of Bethel Park football, by the numbers:

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McGuffey’s Philip McCuen throws during practice Tuesday, Aug. 17, 2021 at McGuffey High School.
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.

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Derry student fans dressed in Halloween costumes celebrate against Beaver Falls on Friday, Nov. 1, 2019.
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.

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Brentwood senior quarterback Jase Keib.
Defense, passing game to lead Brentwood
There’s a significant number of new faces in the Brentwood lineup this season.

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New Brighton’s Keandre Williams catches a pass during practice on Aug. 5, 2021, in New Brighton.
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.

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Neshannock quarterback Kurt Sommerfeld works out with Cam’Ron Owens during practice on Aug. 18, 2021, in Neshannock.
Explosive running game sets tone for Neshannock
Neshannock senior Cam’Ron Owens has become one of the most dangerous running backs in the WPIAL.

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Mohawk’s Marc Conti carries during practice on Aug. 16, 2021, in North Beaver.
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.

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Laurel running back Luke McCoy works out during practice on Aug. 4, 2021.
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.

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Freedom’s Damian Grunnagle works out during practice on Aug. 10, 2021, in Freedom.
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.

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Ellwood City receiver Zach Gatto catches a pass during practice on Aug. 3, 2021, in Ellwood City.
Ellwood City building program, looking to get into win column
Ellwood City is getting tired of the goose eggs.

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Beaver Falls receiver Mekhi Clark catches a pass during practice on Aug. 5, 2021, in Beaver Falls.
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.

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Ligonier Valley center Jude Grzywinski works out during practice on Aug. 11, 2021, in Ligonier.
‘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.

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Senior Brayden Dunmire enters his fourth year as a varsity starter for the Kiski Area football team.
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.

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