Football

Laurel Highlands’ Rodney Gallagher carries against Belle Vernon on Friday, Sept. 2, 2022.

WPIAL Class 4A football roundup: Laurel Highlands upsets No. 4 Thomas Jefferson

October 1, 2022

Rodney Gallagher threw two touchdown passes for Laurel Highlands as the Mustangs upset No. 4 Thomas Jefferson, 31-24, in a Class 4A Big Seven Conference football game Friday night.

Central Catholic quarterback Payton Wehner works out on Monday, August 1, 2022, in Oakland.

WPIAL Class 6A/5A football roundup: Central Catholic rallies to beat No. 2 Canon-McMillan

Xavier Thomas scored on a 45-yard interception return and a 75-yard punt return as No. 5 Central Catholic rallied for a 31-20 victory over No. 2 Canon-McMillan (2-4, 1-2) in a Class 6A football game Friday night.

Belle Vernon’s Quinton Martin runs for a 79-yard touchdown against South Allegheny on Friday, Sept. 30, 2022.

Belle Vernon opens conference play with dominant win over South Allegheny

September 30, 2022

Belle Vernon football coach Matt Humbert wanted his team to be battled tested when Class 3A Interstate Conference play began Friday night.

Elizabeth Forward’s Keilly Rush scores against Southmoreland on Sept. 30, 2022, at Southmoreland.

Elizabeth Forward dominates Southmoreland for conference win

Southmoreland scored on its opening possession, but Elizabeth Forward responded in a big way to defeat the homestanding Scotties, 42-6, in Interstate Conference play Friday night at Russ Grimm Field in Alverton.

A view of the field at Penn-Trafford High School prior to the start of a high school football game between Norwin and Penn-Trafford on Friday, Sept. 30, 2022, in Harrison City.

Penn-Trafford bounces back for shutout of Norwin

Penn-Trafford shrugged off last week’s disappointing loss to one of its arch-rivals and took out its frustrations this week on another.

Plum quarterback Sean Franzi is sacked by Franklin Regional’s Andrew DeVola on Friday.

Franklin Regional rides big 2nd half past Plum

Franklin Regional suffered a disappointing loss last Saturday in double overtime to Shaler. After the first half Friday in Murrysville, it looked like the Panthers may have been on their way to another disappointment.

Mt. Pleasant’s Robbie Labuda and Greensburg Salem’s Cody Rubrecht play Sept. 20, 2022, at Mt. Pleasant.

4th-quarter scoring spurt propels Mt. Pleasant past Greensburg Salem

Mt. Pleasant and Greensburg Salem were locked in a close battle early in the fourth quarter when Vikings junior linebacker Camden Moore came up with a clutch interception at his team’s 29-yard-line.

Highlands’ Landan Signorella and Aiden Burford celebrate with Chandler Thimons after Thimons’ touchdown against Mars in the second quarter Friday, Sept. 30, 2022, at Highlands Golden Rams Stadium.

Randolph scores 5 TDs to lead win over Mars, keep Highlands undefeated

Highlands junior Aaran Randolph had a night to remember.

Woodland Hills receiver DeVaughn ‘Sonny” McClinton works out during a preseason practice.

Trib HSSN don’t-miss high school football matchups for 2022 Week 5

September 29, 2022

The second half of the 2022 regular season begins on the final day of September. While there is still a lot of football left, five of the six games below are for at least a share of first place in their respective conferences.

Avonworth’s Luke Hilyard works out during a preseason practice.

Flying solo, Chick’s Picks makes Week 5 WPIAL football predictions

Chick’s Picks relies on her crystal ball to assist in the large majority of her predictions. Though its accuracy has been proven year after year in Chick’s Picks’ exceptional prognosticating record, there are certain times throughout the year when the crystal ball needs a little extra help. This week, with Hurricane Ian looming, happens to be one of those times.

Freeport quarterback Kent Crytzer listens intently to coach Don Earley’s instructions on Sept. 29, 1972. The strategy worked as Crytzer ran for three touchdowns and threw for two others as the Yellowjackets won, 38-0.

Through the Years: Big burst helps Freeport trounce Richland

Each week throughout the high school football season, the Valley News Dispatch will take a look at the players, coaches and events that shaped our scholastic legacy.

Aliquippa quarterback Quentin Goode throws during the Willie Thrower quarterbacks camp Saturday, July 16, 2022 at Valley High School.

Trib HSSN football players to watch for 2022 Week 5

Here are four WPIAL high school football players to watch in Week 5:

Greensburg Central Catholic head coach Marko Thomas instructs his team during the Larry Sellitto Memorial 7-on-7 passing tournament in July.

Westmoreland County high school football notebook: GCC looks to knock off king Clairton

Pieces of paper with “1998” written on them were plastered all over the Greensburg Central Catholic locker room this week.

Allderdice’s Cornell Weems battles Westinghouse’s Keyshaun Robinson for a pass last Thursday at Cupples Stadium on the South Side.

What to watch for in WPIAL sports on Sept. 29, 2022: Allderdice looks to clinch playoff spot

Midway through the high school football season, Week 5 kicks off Thursday with City League action from Cupples Stadium.

North Allegheny’s Tyree Alualu leads the Tigers onto the field before the start of their game against Central Catholic last Friday at West Mifflin.

Trib 10: Big midseason shake-up in power rankings

September 28, 2022

Several head-to-head matchups between Trib 10 teams in Week 4 has led to sweeping changes as we hit the midway point of the WPIAL football regular season.