Sports

Freeport’s Brodey Woods eludes a tackle during a 7-on-7 game Wednesday, July 24, 2019, at Freeport High School.

Freeport hopes to reload for another playoff run

August 18, 2019

Last year, the Freeport football team came close to putting its stamp on a Class 3A Big East Conference championship.

Yough’s C.J. Waldier (right) makes a play for the ball against Latrobe during the Westmoreland County Coaches Association 7-on-7 tournament on Thursday, July 18, 2019, at Greater Latrobe High School.

With Shoaf gone, Yough looks to spread the wealth on offense

Much to the chagrin of the Yough football program, the Dustin Shoaf era is over, and it’s time for new players to take the football and carry it into the future.

Uniontown football team on quest to rebound from winless season

After a nightmarish winless season, Uniontown’s Cedric Lloyd is determined to get the Red Raiders program back on track.

Mt. Pleasant’s Jonas King makes a reception during the Westmoreland County Coaches Association 7-on-7 tournament on Thursday, July 18, 2019, at Greater Latrobe High School.

Mt. Pleasant eyes return to winning ways

A stretch of productive seasons that began shortly after the turn of the century earned Mt. Pleasant repeated postseason trips before the Vikings’ fortunes went south the past two years.

Deer Lakes’ Aris Hasley works out on Monday, Aug. 5, 2019, at the high school.

Deer Lakes adopts ‘why not us?’ mantra in quest for playoff berth

Tim Burk is a Deer Lakes guy through and through, so he took great pride in watching the Lancers’ boys soccer team make a run to the state championship game and the boys basketball team win the first PIAA playoff game in school history and advance to the quarterfinals.

Burrell’s Seth Fishbaugh goes up for a pass during a 7-on-7 game Wednesday, July 24, 2019, at Freeport High School.

Burrell vows to ‘play fast,’ push the tempo

When the Burrell offense takes the field this season, don’t blink, because you might just miss the entire offensive series.

Derry’s Matt McDowell participates in the Westmoreland County Coaches Association 7-on-7 tournament on Thursday, July 18, 2019, at Greater Latrobe High School.

WPIAL runner-up Derry turns focus to future after special season

Derry coach Tim Sweeney doesn’t like to look back. He’s all about the present.

North Catholic quarterback Zack Rocco reacts after a touchdown pass during a game against Freeport on Friday, Sept. 7, 2018 at Mars High School stadium.

After near misses, North Catholic focused reaching championship game

When you come as close to playing for a championship as North Catholic football has only to see it slip away, it’s hard not to look back at the small moments that swayed the game.

From left are A-K Valley quarterbacks Alex Arledge (Burrell), Cayden Quinn (Valley), Garrett Schaffhauser (Freeport), Legend Ausk (Springdale) and Ryan Aber (Riverview).

New A-K Valley quarterbacks face challenge of leading their offenses

August 17, 2019

Quarterback is one of the most complicated positions in football, and it takes a special type of player to bear all of the responsibilities that make an offense successful.

Ligonier Valley’s Michael Petrof (left) and Hempfield’s Fintan Brose, both linemen, pose for a portrait at Hempfield Area High School in Hempfield Township, on Monday, Aug. 5, 2019.

Westmoreland County linemen pass ‘the eye test’ in recruiting process

Ligonier Valley senior Michael Petrof has a photo of himself standing next to Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald.

Penn-Trafford wide receiver Noah Allen catches a pass against Mt. Pleasant in the the Westmoreland County Coaches Association 7on7 tournament on Thursday July 18, 2019 at Latrobe High School. Norwin defeated Penn Trafford 24-13.

The Birdie predicts records for Westmoreland County football teams

Westmoreland County’s high school football expert spent a sizzling summer day at Kennywood Park when the TribLive High School Sports Network recognized its Top 25 preseason team.

Kiski Areaՠhead coach Sam Albert participates in the Westmoreland County Coaches Association 7on7 tournament on Thursday July 18, 2019 at Latrobe High School.

The Birdie predicts Alle-Kiski Valley football records

The opening week of high school football is right around the corner, and The Birdie is fired up after his return trip to Pittsburgh following a long vacation.

Fort Cherry pushes on after season-ending knee injury to starting QB

A lot of different factors influence where athletes line up for the Fort Cherry football team.

Apollo-Ridge forward Mayce Anthony (right) prepares for the 2019 season August 14, 2019.

Apollo-Ridge girls soccer aims for postseason victory

In just five years, the Apollo-Ridge girls soccer team has made major strides, including three straight trips to the WPIAL playoffs.

Record-setting running back Goodlin returns to lead Knoch

At the end of last season, Knoch’s Matt Goodlin was alone at the top of the school’s single-season rushing leaderboard.

Apollo-Ridge’s Nico Spagnola prepares for the 2019 season August 14, 2019.

Leechburg/Apollo-Ridge boys soccer co-op readies for debut

History will be made Aug. 31.

Franklin Regional’s Natalie Ribar, right, and Ryleigh Jack, left, compete with one another during a team scrimmage on Wednesday, Aug. 14, 2019, at Franklin Regional High School for girls’ soccer practice.

Franklin Regional girls soccer opens season with hat trick

Franklin Regional opened preseason camp with a hat trick: three practices a day for the first three days.

Monessen’s Mark Mizerak works out during practice on Tuesday, Aug. 6, 2019.

Monessen’s Mizerak ‘consummate student-athlete,’ earns college attention

Though his junior season doesn’t start until Friday, Monessen left tackle Mark Mizerak Jr. has been getting plenty of attention from college recruiters.

Franklin Regional boys soccer wants to pick up where it left off

Before the start of a recent practice, Franklin Regional boys soccer coach Rand Hudson left his car running as it sat parked just outside of Panther Stadium.