Sports

A view of the field at Penn-Trafford High School prior to the start of a high school football game between Norwin and Penn-Trafford on Friday, Sept. 30, 2022, in Harrison City.

Penn-Trafford bounces back for shutout of Norwin

September 30, 2022

Penn-Trafford shrugged off last week’s disappointing loss to one of its arch-rivals and took out its frustrations this week on another.

Plum quarterback Sean Franzi is sacked by Franklin Regional’s Andrew DeVola on Friday.

Franklin Regional rides big 2nd half past Plum

Franklin Regional suffered a disappointing loss last Saturday in double overtime to Shaler. After the first half Friday in Murrysville, it looked like the Panthers may have been on their way to another disappointment.

Mt. Pleasant’s Robbie Labuda and Greensburg Salem’s Cody Rubrecht play Sept. 20, 2022, at Mt. Pleasant.

4th-quarter scoring spurt propels Mt. Pleasant past Greensburg Salem

Mt. Pleasant and Greensburg Salem were locked in a close battle early in the fourth quarter when Vikings junior linebacker Camden Moore came up with a clutch interception at his team’s 29-yard-line.

Gateway quarterback Brad Birch throws a touchdown pass during the first quarter against Hempfield on Friday, Sept. 30, 2022, at Spartan Stadium.

Brad Birch leads Gateway to rout of previously unbeaten Hempfield

Would anyone have been surprised if Gateway quarterback Brad Birch crashed the halftime homecoming ceremony, took the blue-and-white balloons and named himself Hempfield’s king?

Burrell ran past Amani Christian on Friday for a 41-30 win.

Devin Beattie’s 6-TD game leads Burrell past Imani Christian

Burrell improved to 5-1 Friday by defeating Imani Christian, 41-30, at UPMC Graham Field.

Knoch and Deer Lakes players meet for the coin toss before their game Sept. 30, 2022, at Deer Lakes.

Deer Lakes holds off Knoch’s furious rally

The Deer Lakes and Knoch football teams put the pedal to the metal in the fourth quarter of their Allegheny 6 Conference opener Friday at Deer Lakes’ Lancers Stadium.

Greensburg Central Catholic’s Jaydin Canady celebrates a touchdown against Clairton with teammate Samir Crosby (12) on Friday, Sept. 30, 2022, at Greensburg Central Catholic.

GCC uses big plays to upset Clairton, get 1st win over Bears since 2001

No Greensburg Central Catholic team had beaten Clairton since 2001.

Highlands’ Landan Signorella and Aiden Burford celebrate with Chandler Thimons after Thimons’ touchdown against Mars in the second quarter Friday, Sept. 30, 2022, at Highlands Golden Rams Stadium.

Randolph scores 5 TDs to lead win over Mars, keep Highlands undefeated

Highlands junior Aaran Randolph had a night to remember.

Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa is examined during the first half Thursday, Sept. 29, 2022, in Cincinnati.

NFL’s handling of concussions questioned after Tua’s injury

The NFL’s handling of concussions has evolved dramatically from the days when players were handed smelling salts on the bench and sent back into the game.

Penn State running back Kaytron Allen (13) breaks away from Central Michigan linebacker Dakota Cochran (52) during the second half Sept. 24, 2022.

No. 11 Penn State hosts Northwestern trying to stay perfect

STATE COLLEGE — Penn State coach James Franklin realizes it’s a luxury to have so many serviceable players at his disposal this early in the season. Northwestern’s Pat Fitzgerald is impressed by the numbers.

Franklin Regional head coach Lance Getsy talks with his team during a preseason practice.

5 things to watch in Week 5 of high school football

In an ultra-competitive Class 5A, Bethel Park, Hempfield and Upper St. Clair are the only WPIAL teams that haven’t lost to a 5A opponent yet this season — a list that keeps getting shorter.

High school scores, summaries and schedules for Sept. 29, 2022

September 29, 2022

High schools

Shady Side Academy’s Amir Awais celebrates his go-ahead goal with Paul Benec (16) and Jackson Suski (7) during their game against Deer Lakes on Thursday, Sept. 29, 2022, in West Deer.

High school roundup for Sept. 29, 2022: Shady Side Academy beats Deer Lakes in 1st-place showdown

Drew McKim and Amir Awais scored to lead Shady Side Academy to a 2-1 victory over Deer Lakes in Section 2-2A boys soccer Thursday night.

Coaches and captains get together before Franklin Regional took on Penn-Trafford in boys soccer Thursday, Sept. 29, 2022.

Franklin Regional boys soccer earns tough victory over Penn-Trafford

Coming off such a thrilling — and emotionally draining — upset victory against No. 1 Plum, Franklin Regional was hoping Penn-Trafford would not be a “trap game” Thursday night.

Burrell’s Miley Kariotis celebrates next to goalkeeper Ali Hughes after defeating Deer Lakes, 1-0, on Sept. 12, 2022, at Burrell High School.

Burrell girls soccer in top form heading into tough stretch of games

The Burrell girls soccer team suffered a 2-0 setback at Section 2-2A rival Knoch on Sept. 9.

Woodland Hills receiver DeVaughn ‘Sonny” McClinton works out during a preseason practice.

Trib HSSN don’t-miss high school football matchups for 2022 Week 5

The second half of the 2022 regular season begins on the final day of September. While there is still a lot of football left, five of the six games below are for at least a share of first place in their respective conferences.

Avonworth’s Luke Hilyard works out during a preseason practice.

Flying solo, Chick’s Picks makes Week 5 WPIAL football predictions

Chick’s Picks relies on her crystal ball to assist in the large majority of her predictions. Though its accuracy has been proven year after year in Chick’s Picks’ exceptional prognosticating record, there are certain times throughout the year when the crystal ball needs a little extra help. This week, with Hurricane Ian looming, happens to be one of those times.

Freeport quarterback Kent Crytzer listens intently to coach Don Earley’s instructions on Sept. 29, 1972. The strategy worked as Crytzer ran for three touchdowns and threw for two others as the Yellowjackets won, 38-0.

Through the Years: Big burst helps Freeport trounce Richland

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.