Sports

Strong season gives jolt of energy to Carlynton soccer program

October 31, 2019

When Nick Showman took over the Carlynton boys soccer team three years ago, something was missing.

Penn Hills runners gain experience at WPIAL meet

With a young, inexperienced and shorthanded lineup, the Penn Hills boys cross country team wrapped up its season at the WPIAL Class AAA championships Oct. 24 at Cal (Pa.).

Penn Hills’ Iain Krieger prepares for the 2019-2020 season.

Penn Hills fall sports athletes earn all-section honors

All-section honors were awarded to Penn Hills fall sports athletes in soccer and girls volleyball recently.

Hampton sophomore Kai Herchenroether (18) competes against Franklin Regional earlier this season.

Hampton volleyball program headed in right direction

The Hampton girls volleyball team may have not made it as far in the playoffs as it did last year, but it has to feel like it took a step forward.

Derry’s Justin Huss eludes Mount Pleasant defenders during the second quarter on Sept.13, 2019, at Derry Area High School.

Westmoreland County running backs in a rush this season

Nathan Roby ran for 189 yards in a game against North Allegheny on Oct. 11. It was an impressive performance against a WPIAL heavyweight — a career night, even.

North Hills’ Dylan Pawling dives for extra yardage against Mars on Oct. 4, 2019 at Martorelli Stadium.

Home-field advantage weighs heavy in WPIAL playoffs

North Hills’ Rowdie Rooters, the team’s famed hilltop cheering section, hasn’t celebrated a home playoff game at Martorelli Stadium in almost a decade.

North Allegheny’s Hannah Kirkpatrick celebrates her goal with Sarah Sarah Schupansky next to Norwin’s Emma Rigone and Kylie Arnold during the girls WPIAL Class 4A championship game Thursday, Oct. 31, 2019, at Highmark Stadium.

North Allegheny stops Norwin, wins first WPIAL girls soccer title

With a stiff wind whipping at their backs — the same wind Norwin had in the first half but could not take advantage of — North Allegheny made the conditions work in its favor to win the school’s first WPIAL girls soccer championship.

Clairton’s Brendan Parsons (5) tries to break away from Jeannette’s on Friday, Oct. 25, 2019.

2nd WPIAL football playoff game moved to artificial turf

Friday’s forecast predicts drier weather, but Thursday’s rain was enough to force two WPIAL football playoff games to be moved off grass.

Clairton’s Wayne Wade III (right) and Dontae Sanders (left) pursue Aliquippa’s Chinua Solomon on Saturday, Aug. 24, 2019.

PIAA overturns WPIAL, makes Clairton’s Wayne Wade III eligible for football playoffs

Clairton senior Wayne Wade III can participate in the football playoffs, the PIAA decided Thursday, overturning a WPIAL decision on the eve of the postseason.

Seneca Valley’s Matt Stanger reacts after a first down during a game against Mt. Lebanon last season.

Trib HSSN high school football don’t-miss matchups for Week 10

Class 6A Quarterfinals

Norwin runner Jubert looking to make up for injury-plagued season at states

Norwin junior Alex Jubert missed much of the 2019 cross country season recovering from injuries.

Chick’s Picks plays a trick before making WPIAL playoff predictions

Halloween is one of Chick’s Picks’ favorite holidays — mostly for the candy, but also for the costumes. As always, Chick’s Picks puts plenty of effort into her disguise each year.

Fox Chapel’s Charlotte James will vie for her first PIAA singles title this weekend.

Fox Chapel and Knoch tennis players set their sights on PIAA titles

After helping Fox Chapel win its first PIAA Class AAA team tennis title since 2004, No. 1 singles player Charlotte James will turn her attention to the state singles tournament in Hershey this weekend. After winning doubles titles as a freshman and a sophomore with teammate Amanda Nord, the 2019 WPIAL singles champion has experience as well.

West Greene’s Ben Jackson (34) stiff arms California’s Colton Lusk (20) on Oct. 4, 2019, at West Greene.

Westmoreland County football notes: GCC coach ready for close-up look at record-breaking back Ben Jackson

Greensburg Central Catholic first-year football coach Bret Colbert mentioned recently he was eager to see West Greene senior running back Ben Jackson play, even as a casual observer, to see what all the hype is about.

Kittanning quarterback Braydon Toy (3) leads the Wildcats onto the field before their WPIAL Class AA playoff Friday, Oct. 31, 2014, at Aliquippa.

George Guido: Kittanning played final football game 5 years ago

Each Friday throughout the high school football season, the Valley News Dispatch will take a look back at the games, players and events that are part of local scholastic history.

Fox Chapel’s Grace Sisson heads to states after finishing fifth at WPIALs.

A-K Valley runners on quest for medals at PIAA cross country meet

A contingent of Alle-Kiski Valley cross country teams and individuals hope to build on performances from WPIALs as they run against the state’s best Saturday at the PIAA championships in Hershey.