Football
Carlynton looks to end playoff drought behind experienced line
September 1, 2020
The Carlynton football team won its season opener for a second straight year in 2019 and was actually sitting in first place at 2-0 after outscoring Bishop Canevin and Fort Cherry by a combined score of 77-20. Then a seven-game losing streak derailed its playoff hopes … again.
Putting pressure on defenses, South Side in position for another playoff season
At this time of year, most high school football coaches will profess a desire to get the ball into the hands of a variety of players.
Western Beaver boasts experienced roster, championship coach
The last time Western Beaver athletic director and assistant principal Ryan Matsook found himself on the sidelines as a high school football coach was in 2016.
PIAA rejects Thursday kickoff request for WPIAL football season
High school football season won’t start on a Thursday night.
Despite young roster, bump up in class, Aliquippa still thinking WPIAL title
August 31, 2020
It took a pandemic to end one of the most impressive streaks in WPIAL football history.
Drop to Class 4A has enthusiasm on the rise at Chartiers Valley
In 2009, Chartiers Valley closed out the first decade of the century with one of its most successful football seasons. The Colts lost only once in the regular season and finished with an 8-2 record.
With disruptive defense, New Castle looks to extend playoff streak
Edge rushers Jaylan Cox and Allen Bradley make coach Joe Cowart optimistic about how disruptive New Castle’s defense could be this season.
Westmoreland County high school notebook: Ligonier Valley adds 2 new opponents to football schedule
When Ligonier Valley joined the WPIAL, it was eager to play new opponents.
Central Catholic returns 2,000-yard rusher but QB job remains 5-way battle
Central Catholic has five guys competing to play quarterback, and whoever wins the job will practice handing the football to Eddy Tillman.
Strong junior class has Mt. Lebanon coach Bob Palko optimistic in Year 2
Mt. Lebanon coach Bob Palko had 14 sophomores earn a varsity letter in his first season with the Blue Devils.
Veteran Seneca Valley team out to even the score
Since the expansion to six classifications throughout the state four years ago, even years have been very good for the Seneca Valley football program.
Hempfield looks to stay healthy in 2020
Ninth-year coach Rich Bowen wonders what might have been last year had his Hempfield Spartans not been ravaged by injuries early in the season.
Carmichaels returns to Class A with new coach, momentum
August 29, 2020
When Ron Gallagher was promoted to the head coach position at Carmichaels in January, he took over a program with momentum.
Jefferson-Morgan looking to find swagger, end playoff drought
The Jefferson-Morgan football team has some players who might turn some heads as they step off the bus this season.
Young Mapletown roster making push to improve
As Mapletown coach George Messich and his staff gathered at his home on Friday nights last season, watching video of the game their team just played, a thought often occurred to them.
Numbers up at Monessen, but Greyhounds are young
Rumblings about Monessen possibly folding its proud football program because of low roster numbers were quickly stamped out when Shane Swope was hired during the winter to lead the Greyhounds.
Running back tandem of Hough, Livingston to bring thunder for Beaver Falls offense
August 28, 2020
When it comes to describing a running back tandem, most football coaches normally stick with the age-old phrase of “Thunder and Lighting.”
Line leads Laurel in quest for elusive playoff berth
It’s not the kind of distinction any football team would want to earn, but Laurel is one of the top candidates all the same.
Led by returning offensive line, Riverside to rely on ground game
The Riverside Panthers shocked the WPIAL last season when they made a surprising run through the Class 2A playoffs.
