Football

Burgettstown’s Teddy Gray (right) and Sam Elich work out during practice on Tuesday, Aug. 20, 2024, at Burgettstown.

Burgettstown looks to use toughness to make another trip to playoffs

August 21, 2024

When Burgettstown seemed to be down and out last season, the Blue Devils made a push and made the playoffs, using their physicality and aggression.

Bishop Canevin’s Damar Olds pulls in a catch during the Willie Thrower quarterbacks camp June 2024 at Valley High School.

Bishop Canevin’s goal: Keep playing ’til it’s cold outside

Bishop Canevin’s football program continues to achieve success, going 40-9 under coach Rich Johnson.

Fort Cherry quarterback Matt Sieg throws a pass during practice on Thursday, Aug. 15, 2024, at Fort Cherry.

Matt Sieg leads championship-caliber team at Fort Cherry

Editor’s note: Trib HSSN will publish team-by-team previews for one conference per day until the start of the high school football season Friday. Due to production schedule conflicts, the Serra Catholic preview will be published later in the week.

West Greene quarterback Lane Allison works out with Patrick Durbin during practice on Monday, Aug. 19, 2024, at West Greene.

After turnaround season, West Greene looks to leaders to keep team on track

August 20, 2024

West Greene experienced quite a turnaround in 2023. Six more wins, 20 fewer points per game allowed on average and a trip to the WPIAL postseason — all in their young head coach’s first season at the helm.

Mapletown’s Carson Vanata works out during practice on Monday, Aug. 19, 2024, in Mapletown.

With good health, Mapletown could climb back into contention in Tri-County South

George Messich has made a lifetime of good memories in his 41 years on the sidelines at Mapletown, but 2023 ended up being a season he’d rather forget.

Jefferson-Morgan head coach Shane Ziats talks with quarterback Houston Guesman during practice on Monday, Aug. 19, 2024, in Jefferson.

Jefferson-Morgan hopes to build on momentum of breakthrough season

Jefferson-Morgan skyrocketed to success last season. The Rockets started out 1-3 but won four straight games and made the WPIAL Class A playoffs.

Beth-Center working to get young players up to varsity speed

Tony Ruscitto knew that Jonah Sussan only became a quarterback due to default. When Beth-Center needed the now-senior and three-year returning starter to play under center, Sussan was happy to oblige his 84-year-old veteran coach.

Avella’s Sawyer Kramer works out during practice on Thursday, Aug. 15, 2024, at Avella.

Larger roster, new conference have Avella excited for season

Editor’s note: Trib HSSN will publish team-by-team previews for one conference per day until the start of the high school football season Friday. Due to production schedule conflicts, the Bentworth and California previews will be published later in the week.

Peters Township’s Reston Lehman works out during practice on Aug. 8.

This week on Trib HSSN for the week of Aug. 19, 2024

August 19, 2024

Let the games begin! We kick off another scholastic sports season with the start of high school football this week on the TribLive High School Sports Network.

Springdale head coach Chad Walsh during practice Aug. 7, 2024 at Springdale High School.

Shorthanded Springdale, Perry forced to cancel Week Zero games; Burrell, Avonworth to play

With the high school football season set to commence Friday night, there’s been a couple changes to the schedule in Western Pennsylvania after two teams were left too shorthanded to play.

Springdale’s Noah Abaray goes through drills during practice Aug. 7, 2024 at Springdale High School.

Springdale faces major challenges in rebuilding efforts

A change at the top could be a piece of the puzzle for a Springdale football program working to get back on track after a pair of tough seasons in and out of conference play.

Riverview’s Max Kratt pulls in a catch during a 7-on-7 tournament in July at Burrell High School.

Excitement builds as Riverview continues quest to return to playoffs

In Class A football, large rosters are mostly uncommon.

Leechburg quarterback Jaden Floyd throws during a 7-on-7 tournament in July at Burrell High School.

Leechburg continues to build on trips to WPIAL playoffs

Leechburg football made history last year becoming the first Blue Devils team to qualify for the WPIAL playoffs three years in a row.

Jeannette’s Jayce Powell makes a touchdown catch during the WCCA 7-on-7 tournament in July at Greater Labrobe High School.

Jeannette a program on the rise, but ‘work is far from done’

There is an old saying that suggests “it’s tough to keep a good man down.”

Clairton quarterback Jeffrey Thompson throws during the Willie Thrower quarterback camp in June.

With roster loaded with experience, Clairton eyes return to WPIAL dominance

Editor’s note: Trib HSSN will publish team-by-team previews for one conference per day until the start of the high school football season Friday. Due to production schedule conflicts, the Frazier preview will be published later in the week.

Brentwood quarterback Cedric Davis throws a pass during practice on Wednesday, Aug. 14, 2024, in Brentwood.

Brentwood hopes to compete for playoff spot in coach’s 2nd season

It was a somewhat inauspicious debut for Brentwood coach Nick Caponi.

Senior Lucas Gamble practices at a light workout Aug. 16, 2024, at Leechburg’s Veterans Memorial Field.

Undersized defensive end Gamble ready to push Leechburg back into WPIAL playoffs

August 18, 2024

Lucas Gamble isn’t the biggest defensive end in the WPIAL, but Leechburg coach Randy Walters said the Blue Devils senior makes up for it with dogged determination to get the quarterback and cause havoc in the backfield for opposing offenses.