Football

Undefeated Washington blanks Freedom to reach Class 2A semifinals

November 8, 2019

Heading into Friday night, Washington was one of only three undefeated teams left in the WPIAL.

Thomas Jefferson’s Shane Stump celebrates with teammates after scoring against Blackhawk in a WPIAL Class 4A semifinal Friday, Nov. 8, 2019.

No. 1 Thomas Jefferson blanks Blackhawk, advances to 5th straight WPIAL title game

The ketchup tastes just as delicious each time around.

Aliquippa and South Park prepare for their WPIAL Class 3A semifinal game on Friday, Nov. 8, 2019.

Aliquippa tops South Park to reach 12th WPIAL title game in row

There are a few certainties in life: death, taxes and Aliquippa appearances in the WPIAL championship game.

Jax Miller scores twice, Avonworth pulls away from New Brighton late

Avonworth turned to its workhorse running back, Jax Miller, to try to advance in the WPIAL Class AA playoffs. Miller delivered, rushing for 216 yards and two touchdowns on 27 carries as the Antelopes defeated New Brighton, 38-13, on Friday night.

Thomas Jefferson’s Daniel Deabner makes a touchdown catch against Blackhawk in a WPIAL Class 4A semifinal Friday, Nov. 8, 2019.

Trib HSSN’s top performers for passing, rushing, receiving in Week 11

Top performers for Week 11 high school football in Western Pennsylvania.

Gateway’s Jordan Stancovich carries the ball during a preseason practice.

Jordan Stancovich relies on football instincts to set Gateway tackles record

Football highlights often feature pinpoint passes, dazzling runs and spectacular catches, but not when senior Jordan Stancovich is on the field.

Baldwin quarterback Mason Stahl (6) cracked the 1,000-yard mark this season.

A by-the-numbers look at Baldwin’s football season

Several players on the Baldwin football team enjoyed outstanding statistical seasons.

Quaker Valley’s Michael Aspiotes stiff-arms Hopewell’s Jay’Von Jeter on Oct. 18.

Quaker Valley keeps the faith during trying football season

The record doesn’t tell the whole story. It rarely does.

Norwin’s Jack Salopek is the leading passer in Westmoreland County football history.

Norwin closes book on record-breaking career of QB Jack Salopek

Norwin’s highly touted senior quarterback Jack Salopek ended his high school career as the all-time leading passer in Westmoreland County history.

Peters Twp.’s Josh Casilli returns a kickoff for a touchdown during the second quarter against Bethel Park Friday, Oct. 18, 2019, at Bethel Park High School.

Allegheny 8 co-champions Moon, Peters Township rematch in WPIAL quarterfinals

The WPIAL football playoffs often bring together unfamiliar teams, so their coaches spend hours studying one another on film.

Belle Vernon’s Dane Anden (7) runs the ball past New Castle’s defense on Nov. 1, 2019, at Belle Vernon.

Belle Vernon preps for South Fayette with ‘laser focus’

November 7, 2019

Belle Vernon coach Matt Humbert had a message for his football team after last week’s quarterfinal win over New Castle.

Late-season success boosts confidence for Shaler football

Once the Class 5A football playoffs started, things got ugly for the WPIAL’s Northern Conference.

Senior Dustin Payne scored an 11-yard touchdown to end Hampton’s season in a 27-7 loss to Mars on Oct. 25, 2019.

Hampton senior scores inspirational touchdown

On the last game of its season against its most bitter rival, Dustin Payne proved to Hampton — and everyone at Fridley Field that night — there is no such thing as a losing season.

West Greene’s Ben Jackson blocks during a game against Clairton on Oct. 11.

WPIAL playoff breakdown: Class A

Class A Semifinals

Avonworth players celebrates with Jax Miller atfter scoring against Apollo-Ridge on Sept. 20.

WPIAL playoff breakdown: Class 2A

Class 2A Quarterfinals

Freeport receiver Terry Tomporoski hauls in a pass from Keith Conti on Nov. 10, 1979. Knoch prevailed, 10-0, in the Class AA opening round playoff game at Highlands High School.

George Guido’s Through the Years: Big crowd watched Knoch beat Freeport

Each Friday throughout the high school football season, the Valley News Dispatch will take a look back at the games, players and events that are part of local scholastic history.