Through the years: 10 years ago, undefeated Freeport kept chugging along

By: George Guido
Thursday, September 18, 2025 | 11:01 AM

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.

Freeport scored on its first five possessions and remained undefeated by rolling past Apollo-Ridge, 42-6, on Sept. 18, 2015. Ryan Weigold passed for 195 yards and three touchdowns, and Ian Miller rushed for 141 yards and two TDs.

75 years ago

• Despite 502 polio cases reported around the state, high school football went on. East Deer-Frazer upset defending Allegheny Valley Conference champion Oakmont, 13-6, at Scaife Field. Bill “Pickles” Vrudney threw two touchdown passes to Chuck Trettle.

• Bell Township drubbed Apollo, 43-0, at Owens Field. Future Philadelphia Eagles back Kenny Keller scored three Lions TDs.

60 years ago

• A 40-minute power outage at Davis Field wasn’t enough to stop the rampaging Cavaliers as Kiski Area defeated Perry, 43-6, behind two TDs each from Ron Corcetti and Larry Booker.

• Verona snapped Edgewood’s 10-game winning streak, 19-7, in a rare Saturday morning encounter. Art Hicks ran for two TDs and passed for another.

50 years ago

• Mark Pupilli scored on a pair of 1-yard dives, lifting Plum to a 20-0 victory over East Allegheny.

• Highlands handed Steel Valley its 30th consecutive loss 40-12. Tim Collins, playing despite a slightly separated shoulder, scored on a 27-yard run for the Golden Rams.

40 years ago

• Freeport remained undefeated with a 23-12 victory at Kittanning. Jeff Christy scored all 23 Yellowjackets points with three touchdowns, a 28-yard field goal and two PATs.

• Valley upset North Catholic, 14-6, behind rushing touchdowns from Kevin Callahan and Todd Smith.

25 years ago

• Brian Newton rushed for 205 yards and tallied five touchdowns as undefeated Apollo-Ridge blasted Summit Academy, 43-6.

• Riverview junior Lucas Cunkelman took the opening kickoff 85 yards for a score, and the Raiders were on their way to a 35-0 victory at Wilkinsburg.

10 years ago

• Burrell ended the school’s record 11-game losing streak with a 42-6 victory at Summit Academy. Quarterback Max Garda scored a pair of touchdowns and rewarded coach Dave Bellinotti with his first victory.

Five years ago

• Springdale’s Demitri Fritch, subbing at quarterback for the injured Legend Ausk, passed for 216 yards and two touchdowns as the Dynamos rolled past Leechburg, 45-19.

• Jake Fello passed for 293 yards and five TDs, propelling Apollo-Ridge to a 56-8 victory over Burrell.

Tags: Apollo-Ridge, Burrell, Freeport, Highlands, Kiski Area, Leechburg, Plum, Riverview, Springdale, Valley