Football

Ellwood City’s Ricky Cureton takes a handoff from quarterback Tyler Smiley during practice on Wednesday, Aug. 13, 2025, in Ellwood City.

Little bit of rebuilding won’t faze resurgent Ellwood City

August 16, 2025

Editor’s note: Trib HSSN will publish team-by-team previews for one conference per day until the start of the high school football season Aug. 22.

Beaver Falls quarterback Xavier Clark throws a pass during practice on Wednesday, Aug. 13, 2025, in Beaver Falls.

After challenging season, tradition-rich Beaver Falls eyes success in MAC

When your football program boasts 122 years of tradition, not to mention six WPIAL football titles, you can consider yourself among the elite programs in Western Pennsylvania’s storied history.

Western Beaver quarterback Amari Marshall throws a pass during practice on Monday, Aug. 11, 2025, at Wright Field in Chippewa.

Western Beaver ready to shine under Friday night lights

The book (and movie and TV show) wasn’t called “Saturday Afternoon Sunshine.”

Union coach Kim Niedbala works with his team during practice on Wednesday, Aug. 13, 2025, at Union.

Union to lean on young players in 2nd season in Class 2A

There is an old saying that the apple doesn’t fall too far from the tree. And in the case of Kim Niedbala, his coaching legacy starts with his father Rich, who spent 31 years in charge at Western Beaver.

Riverside’s Tanner Richards works out during practice on Wednesday, Aug. 13, 2025, in North Sewickley.

With 11 starters back from playoff team, Riverside expects even more in 2025

Rob Magnifico returns for a second season as head coach at Riverside in 2025 after leading the Panthers to the WPIAL playoffs last season.

New Brighton coach John Macuga watches practice on Wednesday, Aug. 13, 2025, in New Brighton.

After big step forward last season, New Brighton seniors still want more

After two consecutive seasons without a single win, New Brighton coach John Macuga set a goal in 2024 to change the mentality of his players and help them establish a winning persona.

Freedom’s Eli Cottrill works out with his linemates at practice on Wednesday, Aug. 13, 2025, in Freedom.

Freedom football looking to follow baseball team’s example

For visitors meeting with Freedom football coach Ron Balog before the start of preseason camp, the most striking sight on campus was probably the baseball turf being torn up awaiting a new surface.

Riverview linebacker Lukas Duncan follows through with a hit on Frazier running back Derek Diamond after forcing an incomplete pass Saturday, Oct. 12, 2024, at Riverside Park.

Countdown to Kickoff ’25: Saturday games not extinct just yet in WPIAL football

August 15, 2025

There was a time when Saturday afternoon marked a busy end to a high school football weekend around the WPIAL.

Shady Side Academy head coach Andrew Geisler works out with his team during practice on Tuesday, Aug. 12, 2025, in Fox Chapel.

New Shady Side Academy coach favors grit over glamour

Spending time on campus during the first few weeks of football camp has given Shady Side Academy football coach Andrew Geisler the feeling he is where he needs to be. The former Bulldogs captain was hired in January to take over the program after a tumultuous season last year.

OLSH’s Chris Harris works out during practice on Monday, Aug. 11, 2025, at Youthtowne.

With interest in program up, OLSH ‘would like to surprise people’

The fruits of bringing together three programs in a co-op have brought Our Lady of the Sacred Heart football coach Donnie Militzer what he was looking for.

Ligonier Valley linemen hit the sled during practice Aug. 7, 2025 at Weller Athletic Field.

Ligonier Valley looks to move on from consecutive losing seasons

Ligonier Valley football coach Roger Beitel had not endured consecutive losing campaigns before last season.

Apollo-Ridge’s Chris Dailey runs reps Wednesday, Aug. 6, 2025 during practice at Apollo-Ridge School District.

Apollo-Ridge aims to bounce back after 1-win season

Apollo-Ridge took its lumps in and out of Allegheny Conference play last year.

Steel Valley’s Da’Ron Barksdale works out during practice on Tuesday, Aug. 12, 2025, in Munhall.

Steel Valley gears up for championship run to close out Barksdale era

Since 2021, when Donald was a freshman, there’s always been a Barksdale in the backfield for the Steel Valley football team.

South Park quarterback Robert Lenzi hands off to Quintin Napper during practice on Tuesday, Aug. 12, 2025, at Eagle Stadium.

After dream season, South Park ready to see next generation take over

Editor’s note: Trib HSSN will publish team-by-team previews for one conference per day until the start of the high school football season Aug. 22.

South Allegheny’s Drew Cook takes a hit from Kymair Brown during tackling drills at practice on Tuesday, Aug. 12, 2025, at Gladiators Stadium.

South Allegheny driven to reach new heights as turnaround continues

South Allegheny reached the playoffs for the first time since 2021 last season, finishing 9-3 for its first winning season since 2020.

Longtime WPIAL head coach Sam Albert happy to help as assistant at Pine-Richland

August 14, 2025

When Sam Albert stepped down at Kiski Area shortly after the 2024 season and ended a three-decade run as a head coach at stops that included Valley, Butler, Freeport and Highlands, he said he had plans to serve as an assistant somewhere.