Sports

Laurel lineman Casey Wilson works out during practice on Friday, Aug. 16, 2024, at Laurel.

Offseason growth boosts expectations for Laurel

August 22, 2024

Brian Cooper cited growth as the biggest area of improvement for his 2024 Laurel football team.

Neshannock head coach Michael Bongivengo talks with quarterback Jino Mozzocio during practice on Tuesday, Aug. 20, 2024, in Neshannock.

Despite changes, goals remain the same for Neshannock

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.

North Allegheny senior kicker Peter Notaro works out during practice on Monday, Aug. 5, 2024, in McCandless.

2024 HSSN football position-by-position breakdown: Scouting the specialists

TribLive HSSN will break down the top players at one position per day until Week Zero. Here is a look at the top kickers and punters for the 2024 season.

Summit Academy’s Stephen J. Sherer Field.

Summit Academy looks to benefit from more experienced roster

Anthony Becoate has done lots of teaching and coaching during training camp workouts the past two weeks, trying to get his Summit Academy players up to speed in time for their Week Zero matchup with Frazier.

South Side’s Mateja Pavlovich works out in the rain during practice on Friday, Aug. 16, 2024, at South Side.

South Side football ‘hungry’ after reaching WPIAL finals

South Side football players keep wanting to take the next step. Over the past three years, they’ve accomplished that goal.

Shenango quarterback Sam Patton works out in the rain during practice on Friday, Aug. 16, 2024, in Shenango.

Shenango hopes to overcome injuries to contend in Big Seven Conference

Shenango football coach Jimmy Graham cited staying healthy as a key component to competing in the rugged Class A Big Seven Conference.

The Rochester football team practices on Tuesday, Aug. 20, 2024, in Rochester.

With RB Antonio Laure back in fold, Rochester eyes success in Big 7 Conference

Antonio Laure is looking forward to stepping back on a football field, breaking through a wall of defenders and scampering into the end zone.

Northgate quarterback Sonteon Layne throws during the Willie Thrower quarterbacks camp in June at Valley High School.

Northgate hopes bigger roster translates to more wins, elusive playoff berth

Northgate’s football roster was hovering in the mid-teens five seasons ago. The limited numbers made it a challenge to compete.

High school scores, summaries and schedules for Aug. 21, 2024

High schools

Springdale’s Noah Abaray (left) and Noah Robbins pose for a photo at practice Aug. 21, 2024, at Springdale.

Robbins, Abaray set tone for young Springdale football team

August 21, 2024

As a freshman, Noah Robbins didn’t see the field that much in varsity games.

Belle Vernon’s Trevor Kovatch controls the ball against Mt. Pleasant on Tuesday, Oct. 10, 2023, at Mt. Pleasant.

Westmoreland boys soccer preview: Belle Vernon ready for challenge of jump to 3A

A jump in classification can be less daunting if a team has a lot coming back.

Aliquippa’s Tikey Hayes cuts back across the field on a touchdown run against Dallas during the 2023 PIAA Class 4A championship game at Cumberland Valley.

Trib HSSN Pennsylvania high school football rankings for Aug. 21, 2024

Welcome to the 2024 high school football season, which kicks off for most schools across the state with Week Zero games this weekend.

Deer Lakes’ Zach Grant is a member of the 2024 football team.

A-K Valley high school football players to watch for 2024 Week Zero

Jayden Floyd

Freeport’s Owen Neistein pulls in a catch during a 7-on-7 tournament in July at Freeport Area High School.

A-K Valley high school football matchups for 2024 Week Zero

Nonconference

Deer Lakes’ Zach Grant celebrates after a kickoff return for a touchdown last season.

The Birdie tells A-K Valley seniors to take a bow, or hit a Griddy, in Week Zero

At this time of year, high school football players, especially seniors, often are admonished by old folks to appreciate what they have before it’s gone.