Football

Springdale sophomore Garrett Myers sets up to run a pass route during pracrtice Aug. 24, 2022, at Springdale High School.

Springdale sophomore tight end poised for breakout season

August 24, 2022

Garrett Myers attended Redeemer Lutheran school in Penn Hills through eighth grade.

Southmoreland junior wide receiver/safety Ty Keffer

Junior receiver could be Southmoreland’s secret weapon this season

The “X” receiver could be Southmoreland’s X-factor this football season.

OLSH quarterback Nehemiah Azeem works out on Tuesday, Aug. 23, 2022, at Youthtowne.

OLSH driven to return to WPIAL championship game with new coach

Our Lady of the Sacred Heart needed one more stop to make the WPIAL championship game. After losing to Rochester earlier in the season, the Chargers wanted vengeance on their conference foes.

Fort Cherry’s Louis Ryan works out on Tuesday, Aug. 23, 2022, at the high school.

Fort Cherry making strides in upholding program’s tradition

Three years removed from a winless season, coach Tanner Garry and the Fort Cherry Rangers are turning the ship around. Last season, the Rangers fell short of the playoffs but went 5-5 with a 3-4 conference record.

Cornell’s E.J. Dawson goes through drills during practice Tuesday, Aug. 23, 2022 at Frank Letteri Stadium.

Cornell continues to earn place among WPIAL Class A elite

Cornell’s 50th anniversary season last year was a successful one. The Raiders finished 9-3 with a 6-1 conference record in the Class A Big Seven.

Chartiers-Houston quarterback Terry Fetsko works out on Thursday, Aug. 18, 2022, in Chartiers Twp.

Father-son coach-quarterback duo out to earn elusive playoff win for Chartiers-Houston

Terry Fetsko Jr. started in Chartiers-Houston’s program as a ballboy. Often Fetsko would travel with the team coached by his dad, who is in his 18th year as coach, to see away games.

Carlynton quarterback Devonte Dean throws during practice Tuesday, Aug. 23, 2022 at Carlynton High School.

Carlynton working to end playoff drought

Twenty-one years.

Burgettstown’s Corbin Harrison works out on Tuesday, Aug. 23, 2022, in Burgettstown.

Burgettstown brings momentum into new Black Hills Conference

Burgettstown returned to the playoffs in 2021 for the sixth time in seven years thanks to a strong finish with three straight regular season must-wins.

Canevin quarterback Kole Olszewski throws during the Willie Thrower quarterback camp in July at Valley High School.

Championship roster almost entirely intact as Bishop Canevin aims to defend WPIAL title

Two years removed from a one-win season, Bishop Canevin quickly built a solid foundation for the football program that led to the school’s first WPIAL championship since 1990 last fall.

Avella’s Cole Jaworowski (right), Chasten McConn and Isaiah Bradick work out on Tuesday, Aug. 23, 2022, in Avella.

After competitive offseason, Avella aims to return to playoff contention

Avella owns one of the smallest rosters in WPIAL football. Nonetheless, the Eagles are ready to face the challenges that are coming their way with a never-quit mentality.

Riverview senior Kevin Tomlinston warms up before practice Tuesday at Riverside Park in Oakmont.

Senior Kevin Tomlinson driven to restore Riverview pride

August 23, 2022

Riverview senior Kevin Tomlinson has grown 5 inches in height since his freshman football season.

Penn-Trafford senior linebacker Daniel Tarabrella lifts weights before practice Monday.

Senior Daniel Tarabrella pushes Penn-Trafford to ‘keep climbing the ladder’

It was not a surprise to Penn-Trafford football coach John Ruane that Daniel Tarabrella had a fantastic junior season, helping the Warriors win their first WPIAL and PIAA Class 5A titles.

Mohawk football season on hold amidst hazing allegation

As 117 WPIAL football teams prepare to begin their new season this weekend with a Week Zero game or a second scrimmage, one district team’s season is on hold after allegations surfaced of a possible hazing incident within the team.

West Greene quarterback Colin Brady works out on Monday, Aug. 22, 2022, at the high school.

Fresh faces ready to make impact as West Greene looks to defend Tri-County South title

For the first time under coach Brian Hanson, the West Greene football team will go into the season with a new look.

Monessen quarterback Lorenzo Gardner throws during the Willie Thrower quarterback camp in July at Valley High School.

Monessen looks to build on ‘promising finish’ to 2021 season

Football camp 2021 was full of uncertainty for Monessen. The Greyhounds were coming off a winless season during which they had to forfeit their final three games because of a personnel shortage. They also were under a new coach: Wade Brown.

Jefferson Morgan head coach Shane Ziants works with his team during practice on Monday, Aug. 22, 2022, in Jefferson.

New Jefferson-Morgan coach focused on creating competitive culture

Shane Ziats will be tasked with trying to turn around a Jefferson-Morgan football program that has won three or fewer games the last six seasons and hasn’t qualified for the playoffs in a decade.

Carmichaels’ Alec Anderson works out on Thursday, Aug. 18, 2022, in Carmichaels.

Despite graduation losses, Carmichaels expects to be right in thick of Tri-County South race

Losing a quarterback who passed and rushed for more than 1,000 yards and a player who set the program’s all-time scoring record to graduation would be a lot for any high school team, let alone one in Class A.