Sports

Jeannette coach Roy Hall is drenched in water after the Jayhawks’ 45-14 win over Clairton.

Jeannette adds 10th WPIAL title to trophy case

November 14, 2020

The winningest football program in the WPIAL added another prize to its trophy case.

Thomas Jefferson quarterback Jake Pugh celebrates with the WPIAL championship trophy after defeating Aliquippa, 35-28 in oveertime, in the Class 4A final on Saturday, Nov. 14, 2020, at North Allegheny.

Thomas Jefferson stops Aliquippa in OT in WPIAL finals dream matchup

If there was any uncertainty on Thomas Jefferson’s sideline, it was about the high school rules for overtime.

Penn-Trafford falls to Selinsgrove in state field hockey playoffs

One of the most successful seasons in the history of the Penn-Trafford field hockey program ended with a 3-1 loss to District 4 champion Selinsgrove in the PIAA Class AA quarterfinals Saturday afternoon.

Deer Lakes players huddle together at the start of the PIAA Class 2A quarterfinal boys soccer game against Karns City on Saturday, Nov. 14, 2020, at Deer Lakes.

Deer Lakes shuts out Karns City to reach state semifinals for 2nd time in 3 years

From the first whistle of its PIAA Class 2A boys soccer quarterfinal against District 9 champion Karns City on Saturday, Deer Lakes’ confidence never wavered.

Jeannette celebrates after beating Clairton 45-14 following their game on Nov. 14, 2020.

Jeannette punishes Clairton in shocking WPIAL championship blowout

Jeannette captured the 10th WPIAL title in school history by shocking No. 1 Clairton, 45-14, in the Class A championship game Saturday at North Hills’ Martorelli Stadium.

Central Catholic quarterback Payton Wehner leaves the field during the WPIAL Class 6A championship game against North Allegheny on Nov. 6.

Norwin Star notebook: Payton Wehner on mend from broken leg

Central Catholic freshman quarterback Payton Wehner was wheeled off the field on a stretcher in the first quarter of the Vikings’ 38-24 victory over North Allegheny in the WPIAL Class 6A football championship.

Norwin goalie Sam Coll (30) makes a save against Kiski during a PIHL class A first-round playoff game last season.

New coach has Norwin hockey team focusing on defense

Vinnie Scalamogna has been coaching hockey at various levels in Western Pennsylvania since 1980, most recently serving as the head coach at Greensburg Central Catholic.

North Allegheny’s Keeley Misutka leads a pack of runners competing at the Tri-State Coaches Association Cross Country Championships on Oct. 22.

North Allegheny runners elevate their game, sweep PIAA cross country titles

There’s an old theory that Western Pennsylvania cross country runners are better on hilly courses while their counterparts from the east thrive on fast, flat stretches.

Hampton’s Holden Pritts (right) celebrates his goal with Gabe Viszlay during their WPIAL Class 3A first-round playoff game against Kiski Area on Oct. 24.

Hampton teams walk through covid minefield to complete successful fall season

Bill Cardone was sitting in the parking lot at Pittsburgh International Airport on Aug. 21, waiting to pick up his wife, when he got the news.

JV success points to bright future for Hampton football

Hampton reached the WPIAL football playoffs for the first time in five years this season, and a lot more help is on the way.

Shady Side Academy celebrates after a 2-1 victory over Ellis School in the WPIAL Class A field hockey championship game Nov. 2.

From near and far, longtime coach shepherds Shady Side Academy field hockey program

Since the Shady Side Academy field hockey team first began WPIAL competition in 1993, it has been one of the most successful programs around.

Fox Chapel’s Andrew Rich (59) looks to get by two North Hills players last season.

Combination of experienced leaders, young roster works for Fox Chapel hockey

The Fox Chapel hockey team may have lost five solid seniors, but with a young team that plays together, third-year coach Cam Raidna is confident in what his team can do.

Redeemer Lutheran runners finish cross country season strong

Redeemer Lutheran’s cross country team was hoping to finish strong with the runners who qualified for the WPIAL meet in late October. That’s exactly what happened as three competitors placed in the top 100 of the girls and boys races.

Pine-Richland’s Victor Williams finished 11th at the WPIAL cross country meet.

Pine-Richland cross country teams have season to remember

Pine-Richland’s cross-country program had its best season since joining Class 3A in 1998 with the boys team finishing fifth at WPIALs and the girls being runners-up to North Allegheny.

Led by Liberty recruits Harrison Hayes (left) and Miguel Jackson (right), Pine-Richland has been dominant in the trenches this season.

Dominant linemen pave way for Pine-Richland

Jared Miller and Coleman Mazur paused a drill during a Pine-Richland practice before the Class 5A WPIAL championship game to explain gap responsibilities against a specific Peters Township offensive set.

Plum seniors gather to celebrate their college decisions on the first day of the NCAA National Letter of Intent early-signing period Nov. 11, 2020, at Plum High School. In front, from left, are Emily Kirkpatrick (women’s soccer, Towson) and Jamie Seneca (women’s soccer, Gannon). In back are Makayla Jackson (women’s volleyball, Pitt) Matt Frazetta (baseball, Seton Hill) and AJ Koma (men’s soccer, Seton Hill).

Plum athletes ready to take next step in athletic careers

Each year, when the NCAA’s National Letter of Intent early-signing period for Division I and II athletes begins, Plum finds itself at the forefront with several signees.

Plum’s Dannika Susko blocks a shot during a match on Oct. 20, 2020 at Kiski Area.

Plum celebrates successful fall sports season with 4 section, conference titles

Only two WPIAL schools had their football, girls volleyball, boys soccer and girls soccer teams capture section or conference titles during the fall 2020 season.