Greensburg Salem, Trinity in hunt for Big 9 playoff berths

By: HSSN Staff
Wednesday, October 18, 2017 | 4:39 PM

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The WPIAL playoffs officially start Nov. 3.

But Trinity (4-3, 3-3) and Greensburg Salem (3-5, 3-3) are getting an early start Friday.

Both teams, along with West Mifflin (5-2, 4-2), Ringgold (3-4, 3-4) and Laurel Highlands (4-4, 2-4), are fighting for the final two playoffs berths from the WPIAL Class 4A Big 9 Conference. But a win by either puts them in the driver's seat.

Belle Vernon (7-0, 7-0) and Thomas Jefferson (6-1, 5-1) already have clinched berths.

“It's nice to be playing for something at this time of the season,” Trinity coach Jon Miller said. “We're treating every game on out as a playoff game. If we win out, we're in.

“I'm sure Greensburg Salem is treating it the same way.”

In two of Trinity's three conference losses — at West Mifflin and at Belle Vernon — turnovers doomed the Hillers. Trinity is 1-3 on the road.

Greensburg Salem coach Dave Keefer said his team is happy to be home this week. The Golden Lions have played six of eight games away from friendly Offutt Field.

“It's been a tough year,” Keefer said. “We've had our ups and downs. We've blown some games we had opportunities to win. In the end, we still have an opportunity to be able get to the point where we wanted to get to.

“I know Trinity is looking at it the same way, and I know they are looking at it from the perspective that they were in the same situation last year and didn't capitalize on the opportunity.”

When Greensburg Salem knocked off Trinity, 27-0, last season, the Golden Lions returned two interceptions for scores. Trinity had a couple of players banged up, and running back Joey Koroly saw limited action.

This year, Greensburg Salem is battling injuries. Quarterback Jake Hoyle, who missed last week's game, is questionable for Friday's contest. He has thrown and passed for more than 500 yards.

With or without his starting signal-caller, Keefer is looking for a better effort from his squad than he got last week at Montour, a 38-0 loss.

“For us, it's about us showing up. We didn't show up and play football like we know how,” Keefer said. “We need to rectify that situation. We need to get ourselves into a competitive playoff game situation, and that's what this game has got to be looked at by our players.”

Koroly has racked up big numbers for Trinity this season, rushing for 1,358 yards and 17 touchdowns. But Miller said his team is more than just Koroly.

Quarterback Dylan Kern has thrown for 577 yards and 10 scores, and wide receiver Cole Bair has 14 catches for 241 yards and six touchdowns.

“Sure we go as Joey goes,” Miller said. “But we're fortunate to have other guys who take pressure off him. Our line has done a fantastic job opening up holes.

“But we have to take care of the ball. Greensburg Salem did a good job turning us over last year, and Hoyle is an outstanding quarterback. I like our chances if we take care of the ball.”

Keefer added: “Joey makes them go; he's a fantastic football player, no question. They do a really good job. They're physical up front. They have a couple really good linemen who get off the ball well. It doesn't matter how good he is, he has to have guys up front to make it go. You have to stop Joey.”

Greensburg Salem lineman Will Gongaware said the team is excited about the opportunity, with a playoff berth within reach.

“We have been involved in big games like this in the past,” Gongaware said. “We're just trying to make it to the playoffs and try really hard. We have to play good defense.”

Paul Schofield is a Tribune-Review staff writer. Reach him at pschofield@tribweb.com or via Twitter @Schofield_Trib.

Tags: Greensburg Salem, Trinity