Westmoreland County boys soccer notebook: Franklin Regional shows efficiency on offense, defense

By: Bill Beckner Jr.
Wednesday, September 10, 2025 | 4:01 PM

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For as good as Franklin Regional boys soccer has been offensively at times — 14 goals in six games, a barrage of shots — the Panthers have been equally as efficient on defense. Maybe better.

The Panthers posted four straight shutouts, against Latrobe (3-0), Kiski Area (2-0) and Blackhawk (4-0) before Tuesday’s stunning 1-0 loss to Belle Vernon in double overtime.

Seniors Dom Mascara and Joey Benson have teamed well with junior Thomas Bridges to create a strong back line in front of senior goalkeeper Emerson Bush.

The experienced group has the team in the thick of another playoff chase. Experienced was a word that was hiding in the heavy grass at the start of the season because the Panthers lost eight seniors to graduation.

But key offensive leaders came back in seniors Cruise Lamanna and Fabrizzio Costa.

Coach Nick White doesn’t favor the offense or defense over the other.

The Panthers have managed a fast start despite several injuries. That is what impresses White most.

Keaton Sheetz injured his knee against Penn-Trafford and has not returned. Ian Johns has been dealing with a concussion and back issues, and three other key players — Aiden Schlagel (leg), Ashton Demor (leg) and Kai Sheetz (foot) — also have missed time.

When the Panthers played Blackhawk, White said eight starters were missing.

“It’s been the ability of the team to overcome injuries and still find success; the ‘next-man-up’ mentality has been tangible and evident. Reserves stepping into starting roles, younger players getting opportunities ahead of schedule. It seems like every game, a different player steps up into a new role and helps us find success. Our leadership has been also a driving force in our start to the season.

“We have a long way to go (on the schedule). There will be plenty of ups and downs. We are just striving to find consistency and trying to continue to improve and get better.”

Franklin Regional is No. 5 in the TribLive Class 3A rankings and No. 5 in the Pennsylvania Soccer Coaches Association 3A coaches’ rankings.

Belle Vernon in 1st place

Belle Vernon’s 1-0 upset of Franklin Regional moved the Leopards into sole possession of first place in Section 3-3A.

The Leopards went chest-to-chest with the Panthers for 96 minutes, finally going ahead on Landon Bell’s golden goal with 2 minutes, 57 seconds left in double overtime.

The Leopards (4-4-1), despite losing a number of key players to graduation, including 100-goal scorer Trevor Kovatch, and bringing in a new coach in Tyler Caterino, could be better than people think.

They moved to 3-1 in Section 3-3A, a half-game ahead of Franklin Regional for first place.

“This shows we can compete with anyone, and we can be one of the best teams in 3A,” Caterino said.

Belle Vernon had minimal possessions and was outshot 16-4 before the flash, bang winner by Bell.

Hat tricks

Ligonier Valley has been shut out three times this season, but the Rams erupted for five goals in a 5-2 win over South Allegheny.

Three of them went to Michael Vargulish-Graver, who notched his first career hat trick in the victory.

Noah Haslam also scored a “hatty” for Penn-Trafford in a 6-0 win over West Mifflin.

How good is Yough?

Yough has thrust itself into the playoff chase in Section 4-2A.

The Cougars took Mt. Pleasant to overtime before falling 3-2, then edged past Belle Vernon, 2-1.

Isaac Pacacha scored twice for the Cougars against Mt. Pleasant.

So, how good are the Cougars (4-2, 3-1), who were 5-12-1 last season?

“They’re the best Yough side I have seen since I started coaching at Mt. Pleasant,” Mt. Pleasant coach Floyd Snyder said. “Ron (Dushack) and his staff have done a great job preparing their team, and they maximize their players’ strengths.”

Turf wars

Southmoreland took a liking to the fresh turf at Russ Grimm Field, winning its first game on the new surface.

The Scotties blanked Derry, 5-0, in the first varsity event on the turf, which was replaced over the last few weeks.

The football team won the next night, and the girls soccer team picked up a victory in its second try on the carpet.

Free kicks

Section 1-4A has six teams, but only two have winning overall records. The teams were a combined 12-16-4 through Monday’s games. … Hampton was TribLive’s No. 1-ranked team in 3A despite scoring only three goals in four games. … Mitch Horner of Latrobe and Austin Beck of Kiski Area also are working double time this fall. Both play soccer and kick for their school’s football team. Horner made six extra points in a triple-overtime win over Plum in Week 1. He just missed a 47-yard field goal.

Bill Beckner Jr. is a TribLive reporter covering local sports in Westmoreland County. He can be reached at bbeckner@triblive.com.

Tags: Franklin Regional, Ligonier Valley, Southmoreland, Yough