Sports

Fullback Tyler Jones (front) and running back Shileak Livingston prepare to run a play during a practice at Beaver Falls High School.

Running back tandem of Hough, Livingston to bring thunder for Beaver Falls offense

August 28, 2020

When it comes to describing a running back tandem, most football coaches normally stick with the age-old phrase of “Thunder and Lighting.”

Ellwood City quarterback Ryan Gibbons throws a pass next to head coach Joe Lamenza during practice on Aug. 20, 2020.

Ellwood City embraces obstacles on path to success

Coach Joe Lamenza read a book over the summer that he found useful when preparing for the Ellwood City football season.

Freedom quarterback Cole Beck tries to break a tackle during a playoff game against Charleroi last season.

With playmakers back, Freedom has tools to contend in Class 2A

In the first eight years of this past decade, the Freedom football team struggled mightily, going a combined 18-62.

Laurel’s Mitch Miles works out during practice on Aug. 10, 2020.

Line leads Laurel in quest for elusive playoff berth

It’s not the kind of distinction any football team would want to earn, but Laurel is one of the top candidates all the same.

Mohawk receiver Cory Brown works out during practice on Aug. 10, 2020.

Mohawk looking to take 2 steps forward after 1 step back

The Mohawk football team has made the climb from the bottom of the standings to playoff contender once in the past few seasons.

Neshannock’s Joey Antuono works out during practice on Aug. 10, 2020, in Neshannock.

With line leading way, Neshannock looks solid despite personnel losses

After going 8-2 in the regular season and advancing to the WPIAL Class 2A quarterfinals last season, Neshannock lost some productive skill players to graduation.

New Brighton running back Nyasanu Greene runs the ball during a practice on Wednesday, July 29, 2020 at Oak Hill Football Field in New Brighton.

Led by NyaSanu Greene, New Brighton eyes another deep playoff run

Since making a playoff appearance in 2015, the New Brighton Lions have been building toward a special season.

Riverside junior Josh Rosenberger works on his technique during a practice drill on Thursday, July 30, at Riverside High School.

Led by returning offensive line, Riverside to rely on ground game

The Riverside Panthers shocked the WPIAL last season when they made a surprising run through the Class 2A playoffs.

Shady Side Academy head coach Chuck DiNardo during work outs Monday, July 20, 2020 at Shady Side Academy.

Shady Side Academy delays football season until Week 3

Shady Side Academy won’t start football season until Week 3, a decision meant to limit potential exposure to coronavirus.

Knoch’s Laura Greb plays during practice Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2020 at Knoch High School.

WPIAL girls tennis preview: Knoch’s Laura Greb has shot at making history

Laura Greb wants to make WPIAL tennis history.

Uniontown reinstates football, soccer seasons after initially canceling fall contact sports

Football and soccer seasons were reinstated Friday at Uniontown.

Peters Township’s Donovan McMillon goes through drills during workouts Thursday, Aug.20, 2020 at Peters Township High School.

Peters Township has high-end talent to contend again

August 27, 2020

Peters Township came within one point of winning the WPIAL Class 5A title last season, but that rain-soaked loss didn’t close the team’s championship window.

Bethel Park quarterback Jason Nuttridge goes through drills during workouts Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2020 at Bethel Park High School.

Lack of returning starters doesn’t faze Bethel Park

Bethel Park graduated all 11 starters on offense and 10 on defense, but coach Brian DeLallo won’t call this a “rebuilding” year.

Moon junior Dylan Sleva (left) takes a turn around freshman Joey Hathaway during a practice on Monday, July 27, 2020 at Moon Area High School.

Moon looks to build off trip to WPIAL quarterfinals

Moon produced one of its best football seasons in recent memory last year, when the Tigers posted a record of 9-3, earned a share of the Allegheny Eight championship and made a run to the WPIAL Class 5A quarterfinals.

South Fayette quarterback Naman Alemada throws a pass during practice on Aug. 20, 2020, at South Fayette.

South Fayette brings cutting-edge offense into Class 5A competition

South Fayette quarterback Naman Alemada was running the New England Patriots offense at times last season, with plays designed for small-but-quick receivers.

Upper St. Clair quarterback Ethan Dahlem works out during practice on Thursday, Aug. 27, 2020, in Upper St. Clair.

Dahlem, Pantelis return to bolster Upper St. Clair aerial attack

Ethan Dahlem and David Pantelis have a quarterback-receiver connection that Upper St. Clair coach Mike Junko describes as nearly clairvoyant.

West Allegheny’s Nico Flati works out with teammates during practice on Aug. 17, 2020, in North Fayette.

Online offseason helps West Allegheny, new coach get up to speed

West Allegheny not only has a new head coach but also a new offensive coordinator and an entirely new offense.

High school roundup for Aug. 27: WPIAL sports return with golf openers

For every golfer taking part in a match Thursday, it was a memorable occasion. High school sports took place for the first time since the coronavirus pandemic shut everything down during the swimming and basketball postseasons in March.