Through the Years: Chuck Sypula sparked Highlands to win 50 years ago

By: George Guido
Thursday, October 16, 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.

In a game delayed a day by rain, Chuck Sypula scored two touchdowns for Highlands, and a 2-point conversion pass attempt by Churchill misfired, giving the Golden Rams a 14-13 victory on Oct. 18, 1975.

75 years ago

• Bell Township won its 19th consecutive game by drubbing East Deer, 58-12. Kenny Keller and L.D. Booker scored three touchdowns each for the Lions.

• Leechburg recorded its 17th straight victory with a 27-7 decision over Kittanning to clinch the mythical Armstrong County football title. A Ralph Cortileso fumble recovery led to Vic Kolenik’s 11-yard TD run.

60 years ago

• A standing-room-only crowd at Owens Field saw Apollo hang on for a 19-18 victory over Washington Township in the final game between the two rivals. A Ted Faber pass interception on the Apollo 5 with a minute left preserved the victory.

• Oakmont remained undefeated with a 26-6 victory at Verona behind two Rick Springer TDs and two PATs.

50 years ago

• Plum knocked off perennial contender Jeannette, 23-8, at Mustangs Stadium. A Tim Holt pass to Terry Holt gave Plum the lead for good.

40 years ago

• Touchdown runs of 37 and 59 yards by John Hockenberry propelled Apollo-Ridge to a 30-10 victory at Burrell.

• Leechburg’s Doug Oberdorf tallied on a 2-yard run, and Eli Bonello’s 2-point conversion pass was tipped by Tim Hohos into Fred Hanlin’s hands for a 22-21 Blue Devils victory over Deer Lakes.

25 years ago

• Burrell’s Kevin McArdle has a busy night at Ford City, catching five passes for 95 yards and a score, throwing a 17-yard touchdown pass and kicking six extra points as the Bucs earned a 42-28 decision over the Sabers.

• Springdale quarterback Billy Wenzel threw scoring passes of 12 and 33 yards to Scott Huss in a 21-7 Dynamos victory at Leechburg.

10 years ago

• Kiski Area quarterback Chad Kuhn fired scoring passes of 71 yards to Cameron Turner and 8 yards to Deshawon Bracy in a 13-2 Cavaliers victory at Altoona’s Mansion Park.

• Freeport played its last regular season home game at James Swartz Memorial Stadium by downing Deer Lakes, 32-25. Dylan Hochbein had three receptions for 76 yards and two touchdowns to pace the Yellowjackets.

Five years ago

• Leechburg won the 400th game in school history by clobbering Riverview, 76-25. Braylan Lovelace had 392 rushing yards on just 17 carries and scored four touchdowns.

• Plum locked up its first conference title in 44 seasons with a 35-7 win over Knoch. Ryan Hubner threw for two TDs and ran for another score.

Tags: Apollo-Ridge, Armstrong, Burrell, Deer Lakes, Freeport, Kiski Area, Knoch, Leechburg, Plum, Riverview, Springdale