Football
Move to independent schedule paying off for Uniontown
August 24, 2023
In 2021, the Uniontown football team swapped WPIAL competition for an independent schedule that school administrators hoped would spark the struggling Red Raiders to success. So far, it seems to be working.
Westmoreland high school football notebook: Craggette gets comfortable at Southmoreland
Da’sjon Craggette looked comfortable during a few training camp drills, making plays and laughing with his new teammates at Southmoreland.
With less star power, more balance, Serra Catholic in position to contend again
Two seasons removed from winning a WPIAL championship, Serra Catholic will be leaning on its returning experience and strong line play to once again soar to those heights.
Ringgold hoping to kick-start rebuilding process
Sometimes when a team falls on hard times and is at the bottom of the standings, the only way to look is up.
Next generation of playmakers ready to take over at McKeesport
Every year, McKeesport heads into a new campaign with the goal of winning a conference title and having success in the WPIAL playoffs.
Elizabeth Forward out to maintain high standards after coaching change
While there’s a new leader at the helm of the Elizabeth Forward football program, expectations aren’t going to change for the Warriors.
With young roster, Charleroi sets goal to be competitive in every game
Playing under its third coach in as many years, Charleroi is hoping to move in a more positive direction after collecting just two wins in each of the last two seasons.
With full complement of starters back, new Bentworth coach looks to build brand
First-year coach David Pordash knows the rebuild at Bentworth is going to be a long process, but the former Bearcat is excited for the task at hand this fall.
After solid season, California working to reach next level
Veteran coach Ed Woods knows the makeup of a successful team and what a winner looks like at the high school level.
Deep senior class ready to lead the charge for OLSH
August 23, 2023
Our Lady of the Sacred Heart’s Brazell twins have been collecting motivation over the past couple of seasons.
With star QB returning for sophomore season, Fort Cherry looks to keep climbing
Ever since suffering through a winless season four years ago, Fort Cherry has been on an upward trajectory.
Chartiers-Houston hopes to turn hours in weight room into wins on field
Chartiers-Houston lineman Jack Heiser knows the Buccaneers are equipped to keep moving forward this season. Up and down the roster, Chartiers-Houston has been building strength to push forward.
It’s back to the future for Burgettstown, coach Mark Druga
Burgettstown has a new head coach, but he’s no stranger to the Blue Devils sideline.
Strong offseason breeds optimism at Avella despite small roster
Avella carries one of the smallest rosters in WPIAL football. The Eagles’ personnel can change greatly year by year due to the small numbers, but the Eagles always come motivated despite those challenges.
QB Chase Weihrauch aims to lead Springdale football team to bounce-back season
Chase Weihrauch made his starting quarterback debut in last year’s Week Zero game against Ligonier Valley.
Westmoreland County football players to watch in 2023 Week Zero
Here’s a look at four Westmoreland County football players to watch in Week Zero:
Stop bugging The Birdie as he makes his Week Zero picks in A-K Valley football
The Birdie
A-K Valley football players to watch in 2023 Week Zero
Derek Burk
Senior Kadin Keefer flourishes in Southmoreland’s QB-friendly offense
When Tim Bukowski joined the staff as the offensive coordinator at Southmoreland in 2018, he didn’t just put in a new offense. He made it a priority to develop quarterbacks who could run it.
QB Cecere has Riverview football team ready for breakthrough
August 22, 2023
Rocco Cecere spent his freshman and sophomore seasons as a backup quarterback in the Riverview offense.
