Westmoreland high school football notebook: Wolfe’s QB play a big hit for Southmoreland

By: Bill Beckner Jr.
Saturday, September 20, 2025 | 7:39 PM

When he bowled over a Ringgold defender on the way to a first down Friday night, Southmoreland’s Dawson Wolfe looked more like a fullback than a quarterback.

“That’s how I play. I’m a linebacker,” Wolfe said after a hard-hitting 28-7 win, his chiseled arms showing as he leaned on a wall outside of the locker room at Russ Grimm Field. “I got stronger in the offseason.”

He sure did. Wolfe went from 170 pounds to a solid 210, adding 40 pounds of weight after he wrestled at 189 pounds last winter.

He came into camp as the favorite to replace transfer Anthony Smith as the Scotties’ signal caller. He won the job and now continues to evolve in it.

Wolfe has helped Southmoreland to a 5-0 mark, learning more about the position with each snap, each series, each victory.

“I am getting better and learning the system more,” he said. “I am getting more comfortable with each game.

“I didn’t think about (replacing Smith). I just wanted to come in and play my game. I knew what I was capable of.”

Wolfe wants to become more of a dual threat. His ability to power ahead for yards is an advantage, but he has an abundance of talent at receiver and out of the backfield with Jackson Mickens, Ty Whoric, Stanley Betters, Makel Darnell and Averyon Darnell among his targets.

“(Wolfe) brings that physical play to our defense,” said Mickens, a running back and defensive end. “After Anthony transferred, Dawson took over, and he’s become a great leader.”

Wolfe ran for a touchdown and recovered a fumble Friday, tallying 108 yards of offense.

“I am proud of how he is adjusting each game,” Southmoreland first-year coach Dustin Shoaf said. “He is an all-around athlete. But he goes as his teammates go.”

Max effort

Derry couldn’t rally to get past 4A Indiana, but Max Doherty continued to rack up yardage.

The first-year running back ran for a career-high 220 yards and four touchdowns in a wild 41-34 loss.

Panthers, Rams winless

Franklin Regional was on the way to its first win of the season against neighboring Gateway on Friday, building a 21-13 lead after three quarters.

But the Gators rallied for 20 points in the fourth quarter to win 33-28 and keep the Panthers winless.

This is unfamiliar territory for the Panthers. They have not been 0-5 since 2000, when they finished 0-10.

They also started 0-5 in 1993. That was the season before longtime coach Greg Botta took over the program.

The Panthers are on a six-game skid counting last year’s playoff loss.

Another Westmoreland programs also is winless.

Ligonier Valley coach Roger Beitel has accomplished a lot in his 22 years as coach, including two District 6 titles and six Heritage Conference titles. But this is the first time he has been 0-5.

The Rams have dropped eight in a row overall.

Valley also is 0-5. The Vikings have lost 20 straight.

Guest speaker

Norwin was looking for added inspiration for Friday’s much-anticipated matchup against North Allegheny, so the Knights brought in a former Pitt great to talk to the team.

Sam Clancy spoke to the Knights on Thursday in the team locker room, discussing how to overcome adversity and failure in football.

Clancy, a Brashear alum, played defensive end in the NFL for the Seattle Seahawks, Cleveland Browns and Indianapolis Colts.

Offense only

Several local teams are allowing specialization by playing their quarterbacks on offense only, giving them breaks and time to review previous series.

Add Greensburg Salem to the list.

Despite his athleticism and quickness, junior Brody Chismar also is playing one way only.

“It helps him tremendously getting extra time to work offensively,” Greensburg Salem coach Ty George said. “He gets a lot more throws and mechanics in throughout the week as well as seeing the different looks for the team we’re playing that week.”

Chismar completed 17 of 27 passes for 259 yards and three touchdowns Friday in a 42-32 loss to Ambridge.

Lighting it up

Ligonier Valley was awarded $5,000 for having school spirit.

The district was a first-round winner of the T-Mobile Friday Night 5G Lights contest, where schools showcase excitement for their sports teams via social media.

The Rams, one of 450 initial winners, now are in the running to become one of 25 semifinalists to receive $25,000.

A million-dollar grand prize will go to one winner nationwide for upgrades to athletic facilities.

What’s ahead?

Next week will include a couple of local-on-local matchups, an always hotly contested rivalry game and a Class A showdown.

In 3A Interstate openers, Southmoreland will travel to Derry, and Yough will visit Mt. Pleasant.

Rivals Thomas Jefferson and Belle Vernon will continue their annual showdown, at “The Beach,” as 4A Big Six action begins, while Jeannette hosts Clairton in a matchup of Eastern Conference heavyweights.

Kiski Area first-year coach Colyn Haugh is a Franklin Regional alum and will go against his former team.

Greensburg Central Catholic will play a noon game Saturday at Riverview.

He said it

“Mickens, he’s a stud. We knew that going into it.” — Ringgold coach Rob Heller on Southmoreland defensive end Jackson Mickens, who had three sacks, a forced fumble and had a 32-yard interception return for a touchdown in Friday’s 28-7 win over the Rams.

Extra points

Jamison Yurt returned to the field Friday for Penn-Trafford in a 42-0 win over Kiski Area. It was the first action of the season for the senior linebacker. … Nick Ponko had five receptions for 135 yards for Penn-Trafford and also threw a 75-yard touchdown to Tyler Boss. … Our Lady of the Sacred Heart defeated Ligonier Valley, 40-6, in a game that didn’t lack big scoring plays. It featured touchdowns of 65, 46, 50, 76, 73 and 54 yards. … Chace Petrosky ran for a career-high 108 yards for Belle Vernon against South Fayette. … Giovanni Rothrauff of Norwin has rushed for over 100 yards in all five games. … Samir Crosby had three touchdowns and an interception for Greensburg Central Catholic in a 34-6 win over Brentwood.

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

Tags: Derry Area, Franklin Regional, Greensburg Salem, Ligonier Valley, Norwin, Penn-Trafford, Southmoreland