Westmoreland football notebook: Ligonier Valley rolling through Heritage Conference

By: HSSN Staff
Thursday, September 21, 2017 | 6:03 PM

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Ligonier Valley doesn't get as much attention as other teams because it plays outside the WPIAL, in the distant Heritage Conference. But whether people are watching or not, this “Band of Brothers” has been a dominating force.

The returning PIAA Class 2A semifinalists and Appalachian Bowl champions are putting on a weekly variety show of big-play offense and throwdown defense.

The school district offices are nestled inside an old train station, but the football team has been a nonstop steam locomotive.

Consider:

• The Rams (4-0) have “mercy-ruled” 13 consecutive opponents in conference.

• They have outscored their opponents 204-6, averaging 51 points and 381.5 yards.

All this after the graduation of all-everything quarterback and safety Collin Smith, now at West Virginia.

Northern Cambria came in averaging 34 points, but Ligonier Valley, ranked No. 6 in the state, flattened it 44-0, giving up just 34 total yards. With Pirates great Dick Groat looking on after serving as honorary captain for the coin toss, the Rams continued to swing for the fences.

Northern Cambria did not complete a pass for the second straight year against the Rams and was held to four first downs.

Last year's magical run produced a surge of moxie in the southeast corner of the county, the likes of which the program had not seen. It carried over to this season.

“With the players, I wouldn't call it momentum as much as experience,” Rams coach Roger Beitel said.

“The experiences have carried over well and (it) is evident in the way that our players play. They stay focused and prepare with a very business-like mentality.”

While big-play touchdowns have been as commonplace as pep rallies, a mean defense has been more than complementary.

“This team takes tremendous pride in playing defense,” Beitel said. “Their mentality is that they don't want the opponent to even gain a yard let alone give up a score. It is a very close ‘Band of Brothers,' and we have a very large group of best friends that are committed to each other, this team and playing great football.”

Beitel also said energetic crowds have become a staple at home games.

“The momentum and excitement for the team has carried over well with community support,” he said.

Franklin Regional banged up

Plum's 33-7 upset of Franklin Regional last week caught a lot of people off-guard, but there was more to the story. Although the result was surprising considering Plum lost playmaker Corey Thomas the previous week to a leg injury, the game also featured a depleted Franklin Regional lineup.

The Panthers (2-1, 2-1), who were fresh off an upset of No. 1 McKeesport, had five starters missing from each side of the ball, all out with injuries. Three more players got hurt during the game and did not play the fourth quarter.

“So we were down seven or eight (players),” Panthers coach Greg Botta said. “That's the game. … Plum played well and deserved that win. Football is a game where we all know there will be injuries. I am not taking anything away from Plum; they have a good team and never quit. Many people underestimated them. But our kids fought hard, and I am proud of them.”

Botta said he could have four sophomores starting on the offensive line this week against Armstrong.

“We are just trying to piece this together,” he said. “I've never faced anything like this. We will be ready.”

Penn-Trafford Football Hall of Fame

Penn-Trafford announced its second football hall of fame class. It includes players Mike Bird (Class of 1993), Tony Casino (1974), Bill McHugh (1961), Bill Sullivan (1962) and Marko Thomas (1999); coaches Art Tragesser (1996-08) and Pat Kelly (1969-78); and the 1981 team.

The class will be inducted Oct. 14 during a banquet at Giannilli's II in Greensburg. Tickets are $35 each; $20 for members of the ‘81 team. For ticket information, email warriorfootballhof@gmail.com.

The inductees also will be recognized during a ceremony prior to the Warriors' game against Armstrong on Oct. 13.

Just for kicks

Kickers have played important roles for area teams this season. Eight Westmoreland teams have made field goals, led by Latrobe's Nate Clair, who is tied for the WPIAL lead with five, including a 40-yarder. He made three field goals last week at Kiski Area.

Other kickers to connect include Penn-Trafford's Nick Tarabrella and Keaton Hier, Norwin's Carter Breen, Jeannette's Tre Cunningham, Derry's Will Huss, Belle Vernon's Cameron Guess, Mt. Pleasant's Bradley Tait and Greensburg Central Catholic's Ethan Slike.

Matchup to watch

No. 2 Penn-Trafford plays at Latrobe on Friday night in a Class 5A Big East Conference game, and a matchup to watch will occur on the front lines.

Penn-Trafford's Logan Hawkins (6-foot-2, 270 pounds), a senior center and nose guard, will go against Latrobe's Trent Holler (6-3, 280), a junior center and defensive end.

The pair battled last season throughout the Warriors' 48-17 win. Latrobe trailed 27-17 in the second half.

Hawkins is an Akron recruit. Holler is expected to garner Division I attention.

Bowl sponsorship

The resurrected Appalachian Bowl, which pits the WestPAC Conference winner against the Heritage Conference (District 6) winner in Week 10, will be sponsored by First Commonwealth Bank.

The bowl began in the 1970s and was discontinued in the late 1990s when the Appalachian Conference disbanded. But the game was reinstated last season with Ligonier Valley handling Conemaugh Township, 56-0.

The WestPAC-Heritage Challenge also was formed, cross-scheduling other teams for Week 10 games.

Extra points

Latrobe played game No. 1,001 in program history last week. … Greensburg Salem's Adam Cuccia and Latrobe's Peyton Feathers each had two interceptions last week, and Jeannette's Justin Cramer recovered two fumbles. … Yough had 21 pancake blocks last week, 10 by Scott Houseman. … PCN will broadcast Trinity at Belle Vernon on Oct. 6 and Penn-Trafford at McKeesport on Oct. 27. Both start at 7 p.m. … Ligonier Valley all-state receiver Aaron Tutino recently took an unofficial visit to Boston College.

Bill Beckner Jr. is a Tribune-Review staff writer. Reach him at bbeckner@tribweb.com or via Twitter @BillBeckner.

Tags: Greensburg C.C., Greensburg Salem, Hempfield Area, Jeannette, Ligonier Valley, Norwin, Penn-Trafford