Football

North Allegheny’s Jeremy Gonzales (right) gives the “three-peat” sign as the Tigers celebrate with the championship trophy after defeating Woodland Hills in the WPIAL Class AAAA final Nov. 23, 2012, at Heinz Field.

North Allegheny’s dominant 2012 championship team goes down in WPIAL history

January 25, 2025

During North Allegheny’s undefeated run to the 2012 PIAA Class 4A football championship, the players often visited a local pizzeria the day after games.

New Burrell coach Dom Girardi coaches five seasons at Highlands.

Burrell hires former Highlands coach to lead football program

January 23, 2025

Burrell’s new football playbook might borrow some ideas from the Kansas City Chiefs.

Kiski Area hires Franklin Regional grad Haugh as football coach

January 22, 2025

Colyn Haugh remembers the tough, challenging games against Kiski Area during his days as a high school football player at Franklin Regional.

Yough graduate Dustin Shoaf runs for Mercyhurst in 2022.

Southmoreland turns to former Yough star Dustin Shoaf, 23, to lead football program

January 21, 2025

Dustin Shoaf hasn’t taken a handoff like this since college.

Central Catholic quarterback Jy’Aire Walls celebrates after defeating Harrisburg in their PIAA Class 6A semifinal on Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024, at Mansion Park in Altoona.

5 WPIAL quarterbacks named as finalists for Willie Thrower Award

The WPIAL’s leading passer, two district champions and a quarterback with more than 6,000 career yards were among the finalists revealed Tuesday for the Willie Thrower Award.

While with Western Michigan, quarterback Jack Salopek looks to pass against Michigan State in 2022.

Norwin notebook: Former Knights QB Jack Salopek calls it a career

January 4, 2025

After 14 years of football — youth, high school and college — Jack Salopek is hanging up his cleats.

Central Catholic’s Xxavier Thomas (right) celebrates with Bradly Gompers after Gompers’ touchdown catch against North Allegheny on the first play of the game during the WPIAL Class 6A championship Nov. 16, 2024 at Norwin High School.

Central Catholic, North Allegheny players earn spots on 2024 Class 6A all-state football team

December 28, 2024

For the past three seasons, Central Catholic and North Allegheny have been the class of the WPIAL’s highest football classification. The Vikings ended North Allegheny’s two-year reign as WPIAL champions with a 45-14 victory in the Class 6A district title game in November.

Thomas Jefferson’s Shep Turk sacks Lampeter-Strasburg quarterback Caileb Howse during their PIAA Class 4A state semifinal on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024, at Mansion Park in Altoona.

4 WPIAL players voted to 2024 Class 4A all-state football team

A pair of star running backs, a Division I-bound offensive lineman and a two-way standout represented WPIAL schools on the 2024 Pa. Football Writers’ Class 4A all-state team released Saturday.

Peters Township quarterback Nolan DiLucia carries past Pine-Richland’s Sam Heckert during the WPIAL Class 5A championship game on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, at Acrisure Stadium.

WPIAL teams well represented with 11 players on 2024 Class 5A all-state football team

December 27, 2024

Four area players found a familiar place on the 2024 Pa. Football Writers’ Class 5A all-state team Friday.

Avonworth’s Luca Neal eludes Northwestern Lehigh’s Michael Lagowy during the PIAA Class 3A championship game on Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024, at Cumberland Valley.

Avonworth pair among 6 WPIAL players named to 2024 Class 3A all-state football team

Avonworth’s run to its third WPIAL Class 3A title and a trip to the PIAA championship game was fueled by team that relied on depth and versatility throughout the season.

Clairton’s Drahcir Jones with a touchdown run against Fort Cherry during the WPIAL Class A championship on Nov. 23, 2024 at Acrisure Stadium.

8 WPIAL, City League players picked to 2024 Class A all-state football team

Fort Cherry and Clairton proved to be two of the top teams in the state when they met for the WPIAL Class A championship in late November at Acrisure Stadium, with the Rangers outlasting the Bears for a 21-20 victory.

Franklin Regional’s Macallister Bresnahan breaks away from the Plum defense to score a touchdown in August.

Franklin Regional’s Bresnahan gets offer from Robert Morris

December 23, 2024

Franklin Regional football player Macallister Bresnahan is officially a Division I college football prospect.

Avonworth’s Mason Metz sacks Central Valley quarterback Steven Rutherford during the WPIAL Class 3A championship game on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, at Acrisure Stadium.

2024 TribLive HSSN Terrific 25 Football All-Stars

December 20, 2024

Here’s a look at the TribLive High School Sports Network’s Terrific 25 football all-stars for the 2024 season.

Fort Cherry’s Matt Sieg avoids the tackle attempt by Clairton’s Drahcir Jones during the WPIAL Class A championship game Nov. 23 at Acrisure Stadium.

Trib HSSN 2024 WPIAL Football Player of the Year: Fort Cherry’s Matt Sieg

December 18, 2024

2024 Trib HSSN Football Player of the Year

Thomas Jefferson head coach Bill Cherpak reacts on the sideline during the third quarter of the Jaguars’ PIAA Class 4A state semifinal against Lampeter-Strasburg on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024, at Mansion Park in Altoona.
Thomas Jefferson coach Bill Cherpak reacts on the sideline during the third quarter of the Jaguars’ PIAA Class 4A state semifinal against Lampeter-Strasburg on Nov. 29 at Mansion Park in Altoona.

Trib HSSN Head of the Class 2024: Football coaches of the year in each classification

December 17, 2024

The 2024 WPIAL football season stood out for many reasons, including plenty of turnaround seasons and dominant performances by the coaches of these district programs.