Sports

Mars’ Gabe Hein celebrates a tackle during practice on Thursday, Aug. 8, 2024, in Adams.

Tough nonconference schedule to sharpen Mars for playoff push

August 11, 2024

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 Aug. 23. Due to production scheduling conflicts, the McKeesport preview will appear later this month.

Position switch has Apollo-Ridge’s Mackintosh eager for new season

August 10, 2024

Corey Mackintosh was a stalwart at inside linebacker last year for Apollo-Ridge. The 5-foot-11, 210-pounder also worked in at defensive end.

Greensburg Salem boys basketball coach Cam Auld talks to his squad during a game last season at Southmoreland.

Norwin grad Cam Auld set to be named boys basketball coach at alma mater

It looks like Cam Auld is coming home.

Franklin Regional quarterback Chase Lemke throws during the WCCA 7-on-7 competition at Latrobe in July.

7-on-7 competition goes well for Franklin Regional

Franklin Regional coach Lance Getsy isn’t making any preseason predictions based on his team’s performance in 7-on-7 passing competitions, but he sees progress in the repetitions and value in the effort.

Hampton boys golf team welcomes new look

Hampton first-year golf coach Terry Hales has much in common with his golfers this season.

Greensburg Salem coach Ty George talks with the offense during the WCCA 7-on-7 competition last summer at Latrobe.

Westmoreland County high school notebook: With pads on, ‘it’s the start of a new year’

After a week of “heat” practices and noncontact drills, WPIAL football teams can begin hitting in full pads Monday with the official start of practice.

TE Mac Bresnahan wants to be top target in Franklin Regional passing game

When Franklin Regional needed to make a big play in the passing game the past two seasons, Ayden Hudock delivered.

Hempfield quarterback Dom Detruf can only watch right now during the WCC 7on7 July 18, 2024 at Greater Labrobe High School.

Hempfield QB Dom Detruf hoping to be cleared after checkup by cardiologist

Hempfield senior quarterback Dom Detruf will see a cardiologist Tuesday for further evaluation of his acute myocarditis, an inflamed heart condition that could limit his participation in training camp and beyond.

Pine-Richland grad Jamel (Nicholas) Debri competed in college at Notre Dame. She will be inducted into the Pine-Richland Athletic Hall of Fame in 2024.

Volleyball star, WPIAL championship team headline Pine-Richland hall of fame class

Jamel (Nicholas) Debri hasn’t been back to Pine-Richland since she graduated nearly two decades ago, but before going to Notre Dame, she left her imprint on the Rams’ volleyball program.

Coach Kyle Martin (left) and his PA U16 team won a sixth straight championship at the USA Wrestling National Championships in Fargo, N.D.

Norwin coach leads title-winning U.S. effort at Fargo nationals

Kyle Martin doesn’t make the annual trek to Fargo, N.D. for the scenery, the Badlands or props from a movie with the town’s namesake.

Aliquippa head coach Vashawn Patrick talks with his team after practice on Friday, Aug. 9, 2024, in Aliquippa.

After eventful offseason, new coach out to continue Aliquippa’s tradition of excellence

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 Aug. 23.

West Allegheny’s Brock Cornell works out during practice on Wednesday, Aug. 7, 2024, in North Fayette.

Led by versatile Brock Cornell, West Allegheny determined to finish stronger

Over the last couple of years, West Allegheny has shown signs of a potential return to the program’s championship ways. Unfortunately, those signs have been fleeting.

New Castle quarterback Kyrell Harris throws a pass next to head coach Fred Mozzocio during practice on Friday, Aug. 9, 2024, in New Castle.

New Castle wants to turn the tide under new coach

Fred Mozzocio played for New Castle in the 1980s, so the team’s new head coach understands the tradition of Red Hurricanes football.

Montour’s Caden Halajcio smiles during practice on Wednesday, Aug. 7, 2024, in Robinson.

Montour has experience to contend in Class 4A Parkway Conference

With many players back in the black and gold last fall, there were expectations for success for Montour. While the Spartans came up short of their ultimate championship goal, finishing 10-2 with a trip to the WPIAL semifinals is not too shabby.

Blackhawk head coach Jake Wickline works with his team during practice on Friday, Aug. 9, 2024, in Chippewa.

New Blackhawk coach focusing on staying in the moment

Jake Wickline isn’t worried about Blackhawk’s struggles of the past or its challenges of the future. He’s all about the here and now.

Ambridge’s Stacey Jones works out during practice on Friday, Aug. 9, 2024, in Ambridge.

Ambridge hopes patience pays off for experienced senior class

Sherm McBride admits that he has discovered the meaning of one, very important word over the last three years as the head football coach at Ambridge.

Belle Vernon coach Matt Humbert prowls the sidelines during a WPIAL Class 3A quarterfinal against Deer Lakes last season.

Belle Vernon coach confident former players set proper example for current group

Over the past two seasons, Belle Vernon accomplished what few football programs have. Heck, the Leopards accomplished something rare in any high school sport: back-to-back WPIAL and PIAA championships.