Sports

Defense, passing game to lead Brentwood

August 21, 2021

There’s a significant number of new faces in the Brentwood lineup this season.

Riverside receiver Brady Newman catches a pass during practice on Aug. 2, 2021, in North Sewickley.

New coach expects excellence at Riverside

Fran Ramsden hadn’t really thought about being a head football coach.

New Brighton’s Keandre Williams catches a pass during practice on Aug. 5, 2021, in New Brighton.

New Brighton driven by playoff near miss

Few teams in the history of WPIAL football, if any, have come as close to making the playoffs without getting in as New Brighton did last year.

Neshannock quarterback Kurt Sommerfeld works out with Cam’Ron Owens during practice on Aug. 18, 2021, in Neshannock.

Explosive running game sets tone for Neshannock

Neshannock senior Cam’Ron Owens has become one of the most dangerous running backs in the WPIAL.

Mohawk’s Marc Conti carries during practice on Aug. 16, 2021, in North Beaver.

Mohawk aims to pass less, win more

There was hope going into the 2020 season that Mohawk would be able to capitalize on the modest, two-game winning streak that ended the 2019 campaign.

Laurel running back Luke McCoy works out during practice on Aug. 4, 2021.

Hard-hitting linebacker leads Laurel

With coach Brian Cooper planning to add heavy doses of spread offense to his usual Wing-T attack, opposing defenses won’t know exactly what they’ll be getting from Laurel this season.

Freedom’s Damian Grunnagle works out during practice on Aug. 10, 2021, in Freedom.

Freedom ready to move forward, focus on fun

There’s one particular stat coach John Rosa would like to see Freedom lead the WPIAL in this season.

Ellwood City receiver Zach Gatto catches a pass during practice on Aug. 3, 2021, in Ellwood City.

Ellwood City building program, looking to get into win column

Ellwood City is getting tired of the goose eggs.

Beaver Falls receiver Mekhi Clark catches a pass during practice on Aug. 5, 2021, in Beaver Falls.

Offense gets facelift for defending WPIAL champion Beaver Falls

If he wanted to, Beaver Falls coach Nick Nardone could have written his offensive game plan on a matchbook cover last season.

Plum Mustangs take the field to take on McKeesport Friday. Oct 30, 2020.

High school football’s about to start in the A-K Valley? Sounds good to The Birdie

The Birdie

Kiski Area lineman Brandon Lawhorn Moore, also known as “Beef,” poses for a photo Aug. 10, 2021, at Kiski Area.

New generation of versatile, athletic linemen paves way for A-K Valley offenses

Brandon Lawhorn Moore doesn’t mind that his Kiski Area teammates and coaches call him “Beef.”

Jeannette senior lineman Justin Shank is the lone returning starter on the Jayhawks team.

Once-proud programs in Jeannette, Monessen fall on hard times

Jeannette and Monessen have a lot in common.

Norwin receiver Jackson Pons (left) celebrates his touchdown catch during the WCCA 7-on-7 championship game against Franklin Regional on Thursday, July 15, 2021, at Greater Latrobe High School.

The Birdie takes his shot at predicting records for Westmoreland County teams

The Birdie

Western Beaver running back Thad Gray works out during practice on Aug. 13, 2021, in Hookstown.

Just making playoffs ‘not going to be good enough’ for Western Beaver

When a new player steps into the Western Beaver huddle for the first time, there’s a good chance coach Ron Busby has met him before.

Sto-Rox head coach LaRoi Johnson (middle) reacts during a team skills challenge during a 7 on 7 high school football tournament on Wednesday, July 28, 2021 at Bethel Park.

Loaded Sto-Rox chasing elusive title

There were a lot of new faces for Sto-Rox in 2020 as the team that lost to Clairton in the 2019 Class A title game braced for what might be a bumpy ride moving up to Class 2A in 2020.

South Side’s Parker Statler carries past Cameron Knox during practice on Aug. 13, 2021, in Hookstown.

South Side’s first priority for 2021: Stay healthy

South Side coach Luke Travelpiece has turned into a big believer in the law of averages.

Seton LaSalle head coach Chris Siegle reacts during a 7 on 7 high school football tournament Wednesday, July 28, 2021, at Bethel Park.

Seton LaSalle looking for stability, improvement after coaching shuffle

Interim coach Chris Siegle is hoping to restore stability to the Seton LaSalle football program.

Carlynton running back Shawn Curry carries the ball on Aug. 17, 2021, in Rosslyn Farms.

Carlynton looks to turn corner in more normal season

The Carlynton football team won its season opener for a third straight year in 2020, albeit via forfeit when Sto-Rox could not field a team for its Class 2A Three Rivers Conference opener.