Sports
Valley’s secret weapon is freshman with ‘golden leg’
August 21, 2025
Before entering seventh grade, Jude Hicinbothem saw his older brother Trent kicking for the Valley varsity football team and wanted to try it. Hicinbothem liked it and thought he was good enough to kick for the middle school team.
Through the Years: 40 years ago, Plum rewarded new coach with season-opening win
Each week throughout the high school football season, the Valley News Dispatch will take a look at the players, coaches and events that shaped our scholastic legacy.
New duo gives Yough 1-2 punch on both sides of the ball
There will be a new look in the backfield at Yough this season.
Westmoreland County boys high school soccer preview: Mt. Pleasant has savvy to make noise in Class 2A
With nine returning starters, Mt. Pleasant boys soccer has its sights on a sixth straight WPIAL playoff berth.
Westmoreland County boys soccer notebook: Key players out of Norwin’s lineup
Four players who likely would have had an impact for Norwin are nonfactors — at least for this season.
With dynamic backfield, McKeesport in position to take championship step forward
Despite enjoying plenty of success over the past few seasons — enough to satisfy the majority of WPIAL football programs — McKeesport has felt bittersweet about its recent results.
Former Frazier quarterback working to restore program’s luster
Settling in as Frazier’s new coach, Tony Battaglini begins to think more and more that the team has underachieved the past few seasons.
With star quarterback returning, Elizabeth Forward sets goals high
Coming off another conference championship and a semifinal loss to Central Valley in the Class 3A playoffs, the Elizabeth Forward Warriors enter the 2025 season with a little bit of a chip on their shoulders.
With new coach at helm, Charleroi driven to earn respect
Charleroi’s Scooter DeUnger has a daunting task ahead of him as he takes over as football coach at his alma mater.
California enters season with focus on a single goal: a Tri-County South title
Since veteran coach Ed Woods took over the head coaching duties at California years ago, he always tells his teams in training camp that they have one primary goal — win the conference crown.
Westmoreland County football notebook: Ligonier Valley hopes to shine in ‘Friday Night Lights’ contest
Ligonier Valley is the latest Westmoreland County school to enter the school spirit-driven T-Mobile 5G Friday Night Lights competition.
Summit Academy building team chemistry amid annual roster turnover
Anthony Becoate is no stranger to roster turnover entering his fourth season at Summit Academy.
South Side focused on process over results with experienced group
From 2021-23, it seemed like South Side football was on track to capture its first WPIAL title in 25 years.
Shenango looks to build in positive direction after challenging season
Aug. 27 will mark one year since the tragic passing of DJ Graham, son of Shenango football coach Jimmy Graham. Understandably, the 2024 season brought emotional challenges that impacted the team’s on-field performance.
Veteran coach Don Phillips ready to lead Rochester’s resurgence
It had been over 40 years since Don Phillips was calling plays from the sidelines for the Rochester Rams.
New coach hopes to help Northgate end playoff drought
When Mark Fratangelo first joined the Northgate football staff in 2022, the school struggled to field a team with enough players. Now, with two consecutive seasons of having 30-plus players, Fratangelo, entering his first year as head coach, and his staff have their eyes set on the WPIAL postseason.
Neshannock sets lofty goal for season: Rings rather than T-shirts
Editor’s note: Trib HSSN will publish team-by-team previews for one conference per day until the start of the high school football season Friday.
Laurel in position for big bounce-back after injury-riddled season
Often, injuries are setbacks for teams with high expectations. For Laurel football, though, the 2024 season became a year of growth that could pay dividends in 2025.
Architect of dominant Serra Catholic defenses returns to give Eagles a boost as head coach
From 2017-2022, the Serra Catholic defense was coached by defensive coordinator Akeeme Robinson, known by most as “Coach Keem.” His passion and devotion to player development shined as the Eagles broke a WPIAL record by forcing nine turnovers in the 2021 WPIAL Class 2A championship game, resulting in a lopsided victory.
After ending long losing streak, Ringgold ready to take next step forward
Last fall, Ringgold broke a 27-game losing streak and earned its first conference win since 2021.
