Football

Keyshawn Harris participates in a drill during Bishop Canevin footbal practice Tuesday, Aug. 6, 2019.

Bishop Canevin aims to resume winning tradition

August 20, 2019

Outside of the locker room at Bishop Canevin, there is a plaque that honors legendary coach Bob Jacoby. The quote on it features six words that showcase what he demanded from his teams: “48 minutes of tough Canevin football.”

Penn-Trafford quarterback Gabe Dunlap passes against Norwin in the championship game of the Westmoreland County Coaches Association 7-on-7 tournament on Thursday, July 18, 2019, at Latrobe High School. Norwin defeated Penn-Trafford 24-13.

With options under center, Penn-Trafford could go off script offensively

Senior Gabe Dunlap and junior Ethan Carr once competed for the starting quarterback spot at Penn-Trafford. The friendly competition brought out the best in each athlete as they pushed each other to improve.

West Greene running back Ben Jackson has been one of the WPIAL’s top rushers during the 2018 season.

West Greene ready to build off successful 2018 season

If West Greene’s 2018 season was turned into a movie script, producers might shy away from it because it wouldn’t seem realistic.

Monessen’s Isaiah Beltran catches a pass during practice on Tuesday, Aug. 6, 2019.

Monessen looks to build on WPIAL playoff appearance

When Mike Blainfield took the Monessen coaching job in 2017, his goal was to restore pride in a program that had slipped from its accustomed lofty heights.

Mapletown senior athlete Alex Lipscomb during a preseason practice Aug. 8, 2019, at Mapletown High School.

Coach: ‘This is not the same Mapletown football team’

In his 39 years as a high school football coach — most of them spent as the head man at Mapletown — George Messich has seen plenty of the good, the bad and the ugly. Last season was too much of the latter.

Jefferson-Morgan sophomore Colt Fowler during a July 25, 2019 preseason practice at Jefferson-Morgan High School.

Jefferson-Morgan football team relies on competition to improve

Competition for playing time tends to bring out the best in everyone. Young or less-experienced players give their all to make coaches take notice, and established players, in turn, step up their game to avoid losing playing time.

Chartiers-Houston hopes to end 2-year playoff absence

Chartiers-Houston stopped short of the WPIAL football playoffs two seasons in a row. The Bucs hope to avoid a three-peat.

Avella Eagles’ Brian Humensky runs a drill during a July 15, 2019 preseason workout at Avella High School.

Short-handed Avella football team returns experienced skill group

The conversation has taken place many times over the past decade. Avella football coach Ryan Cecchini, in his ninth season, and longtime Mapletown coach George Messich often talk numbers — or lack thereof.

Riverview’s Zach Hanlon works on defense during a 7-on-7 game Wednesday, July 24, 2019, at Freeport High School.

Riverview will rely on versatility in hopes of successful season

As his team went through summer workouts, Riverview coach Todd Massack said he made sure to remind his players they need to learn and be comfortable at multiple positions.

Leechburg’s Chace Wadsworth plays in a 7-on-7 game Wednesday, July 24, 2019, at Freeport High School.

Senior-heavy Leechburg expects to take next step after .500 campaign

There was a ton of positive energy and momentum surrounding the Leechburg when last season wrapped up.

Imani Christian Academy’s Sean McCaskill catches the ball when Jeannette hosted Imani, Friday, Sept. 7, 2018.

Small roster Imani Christian hopes for happier ending

Imani Christian is faced with a steep task to begin 2019, but it is not necessarily something new.

Clairton’s Dontae Sanders takes part in practice Aug. 6, 2019, at Clairton.

Typical high expectations fuel healthier Clairton

Clairton’s football players, to a man, know the anticipation of the fanbase.

Springdale’s Demitri Fritch catches a pass between 7-on-7 games Wednesday, July 24, 2019, at Freeport High School.

Positive end to ’18 season serves as catalyst for Springdale

It might not seem like much on the surface, but Springdale’s Week 10 nonconference victory over Vincentian Academy has proven to be an offseason springboard.

Jeannette’s James Sanders participates in the Westmoreland County Coaches Association 7-on-7 tournament on Thursday, July 18, 2019, at Latrobe High School.

Jeannette hopes to utilize speed on new turf at McKee Stadium

To the surprise of some, the landmark decision to replace the grass at Jeannette’s McKee Stadium with artificial turf was met with little resistance.

Greensburg Central Catholic head coach Bret Colbert participates in the Westmoreland County Coaches Association 7-on-7 tournament on Thursday, July 18, 2019, at Latrobe High School.

New coach Bret Colbert to rely on talented returning roster at Greensburg C.C.

New Greensburg Central Catholic coach Bret Colbert comes from rich football pedigree. His father, Bob, has 44 years of coaching experience at various levels — high school to the pros — while his uncle, Kevin, is the general manager of the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Carmichaels head coach Ryan Krull instructs senior quarterback Kevin Kelly during a July 14, 2019 preseason practice at Carmichaels High School.

Carmichaels hopes to rebound with experienced roster

Members of the Carmichaels football team took their lumps last season.

Southmoreland’s Colt Harper participates in the Westmoreland County Coaches Association 7-on-7 tournament on Thursday, July 18, 2019, at Latrobe High School.

Southmoreland believes it is closing in on end of playoff drought

August 19, 2019

As an alum and second-year coach, Dave Keefer is all for recognizing high points in the history of Southmoreland football — even if one such commemoration captures a frustrating and cumbersome streak in full perspective.