Football
Having stabilized program, next step for Freedom is playoff berth
August 20, 2022
After three coaching changes in the previous four years, the Freedom football team was looking to establish some stability last season.
Former OLSH coach brings positivity, focus on fundamentals to Ellwood City
Looking to turn its program around after three consecutive winless seasons, it’s hard to imagine Ellwood City could have found a coach more suited for the job than Dan Bradley.
Whether by land or air, Beaver Falls always makes its way into WPIAL title conversation
The immense challenge WPIAL defensive coordinators have faced when taking on Beaver Falls over the last couple of seasons can be summed up in two tidy stats.
Knoch senior football player Jake Murphy put into new role
August 19, 2022
As Tim Burchett and the new coaching staff at Knoch install a new offense, plans are to build around Jake Murphy.
Behind alum Ben Hoffer, Yough aims to turn program around
Watching the Yough football program fall into disrepair was a cringe-worthy endeavor for proud alum Ben Hoffer, who used to shed tacklers and score touchdowns with ease when he played on Cougar Mountain.
Division I talent could help Steel Valley write happier ending to 2022 season
It’s hard to imagine a more satisfying regular season than the one Steel Valley had last year.
Ligonier Valley aims to stay healthy, put offensive weapons to good use
Roger Beitel begins his 19th year as head football coach at Ligonier Valley, and he hopes the 2022 season isn’t as bizarre as 2021.
Imani Christian to pick up pace with coach LaRoi Johnson back
Producing a winning football program at Imani Christian isn’t an impossible dream. Coach LaRoi Johnson knows it because he was there in 2017.
Interest level high at Derry following 2 subpar seasons
With a new coach on board, Derry has been repositioned in Class 2A, drastically altering recent schedules. No disrespect to the current opponents, but dropping down just might suit the Trojans better after several fruitless seasons in Class 3A.
Burrell ready to take on new challenges in Class 2A
After several years in Class 3A, Burrell made the move down a classification in the new two-year cycle.
Highlands quarterback goes from freaked-out freshman to record-breaking senior
August 18, 2022
A career that literally began by accident will end up rewriting the record book at Highlands.
New coach likes South Allegheny’s chances: ‘The talent level is outstanding’
He earned his chops in “The First State,” but Darwin Manges says he’s back where he belongs.
Mt. Pleasant aims to build on WPIAL playoff experience
Mt. Pleasant’s starting quarterback from 2021 won’t be lining up behind center this season.
Greensburg Salem puts offense in hands of skilled standout Cody Rubrecht
What do you do with the best athlete on your football team?
Belle Vernon roars into Class 3A with Quinton Martin, strong supporting cast
Belle Vernon coach Matt Humbert doesn’t make too much of his team’s drop to Class 3A, though it would be hard to blame him for being excited.
From soccer goalkeeper to 2-way football player, Jeannette senior does it all in the fall
August 17, 2022
Making up for lost time he can’t get back, Mitchell Steele III plans to give everything he has to his senior football season at Jeannette.
Valley alum Dave Heavner wants to bring pride back to Vikings program
When Dave Heavner was a student-athlete at Valley High School, the “Back to the Future” movies were popular.
With co-op in 2nd year, Shady Side Academy ready for bump up to Class 3A
After a one-year hiatus from postseason play, Shady Side Academy qualified for the WPIAL playoffs with the help of some reinforcements.
Knoch prepares to tackle all-road schedule
At times, the term “road warriors” is overused in sports.
Freeport could have plenty to celebrate in program’s 100th season
The Freeport football program celebrates its 100th anniversary in 2022, and this year’s coaches and players hope to make it one for the record books.
