Football
Chartiers-Houston hopes to end 2-year playoff absence
August 20, 2019
Chartiers-Houston stopped short of the WPIAL football playoffs two seasons in a row. The Bucs hope to avoid a three-peat.
Short-handed Avella football team returns experienced skill group
The conversation has taken place many times over the past decade. Avella football coach Ryan Cecchini, in his ninth season, and longtime Mapletown coach George Messich often talk numbers — or lack thereof.
Riverview will rely on versatility in hopes of successful season
As his team went through summer workouts, Riverview coach Todd Massack said he made sure to remind his players they need to learn and be comfortable at multiple positions.
Senior-heavy Leechburg expects to take next step after .500 campaign
There was a ton of positive energy and momentum surrounding the Leechburg when last season wrapped up.
Small roster Imani Christian hopes for happier ending
Imani Christian is faced with a steep task to begin 2019, but it is not necessarily something new.
Typical high expectations fuel healthier Clairton
Clairton’s football players, to a man, know the anticipation of the fanbase.
Positive end to ’18 season serves as catalyst for Springdale
It might not seem like much on the surface, but Springdale’s Week 10 nonconference victory over Vincentian Academy has proven to be an offseason springboard.
Jeannette hopes to utilize speed on new turf at McKee Stadium
To the surprise of some, the landmark decision to replace the grass at Jeannette’s McKee Stadium with artificial turf was met with little resistance.
New coach Bret Colbert to rely on talented returning roster at Greensburg C.C.
New Greensburg Central Catholic coach Bret Colbert comes from rich football pedigree. His father, Bob, has 44 years of coaching experience at various levels — high school to the pros — while his uncle, Kevin, is the general manager of the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Carmichaels hopes to rebound with experienced roster
Members of the Carmichaels football team took their lumps last season.
Southmoreland believes it is closing in on end of playoff drought
August 19, 2019
As an alum and second-year coach, Dave Keefer is all for recognizing high points in the history of Southmoreland football — even if one such commemoration captures a frustrating and cumbersome streak in full perspective.
High-powered Washington sets sights on another WPIAL championship
Washington’s quest for an eighth WPIAL football championship figures to get off to a better start than the defense of its seventh title.
Pieces in place for McGuffey to take next step
For McGuffey, last season might have been bittersweet.
Fichter more optimistic for 2nd season at Brownsville
Even before the 2018 season started, the Brownsville football team was facing an uphill battle.
Beth-Center football team will lean on young core
When it comes to the WPIAL playoffs, Beth-Center football is a familiar face.
Freedom must replace large senior class to reach playoffs for 4th straight season
After Freedom made the WPIAL playoffs for a school-record third consecutive season, sustaining the streak will be in the hands of new coach Greg Toney.
Daily improvement, consistency are keys to success for Ellwood City
Four head coaches in four seasons can certainly lead to a lot of inconsistencies in a program.
Derek Moye eager to guide Western Beaver football team
Derek Moye is short on football coaching experience. His only job as a coach, in fact, was last season when he oversaw the receivers at PIAA Class 3A champion Aliquippa.
Shenango roster young but experienced
A quality football team usually has a good combination of youth and experience on its roster. For Shenango, after a season where at times seven or more freshmen were starting, youth and experience come as a package deal.
Riverside to rely on veteran QB Ben Hughes
For most teams, a winning record and a trip to the playoffs would be seen as a successful season.
