In terms of tradition and championship hardware, the boys soccer teams from Peters Township and Canon-McMillan couldn't be farther apart despite sharing a border.
In terms of on-field results, competition between the two has improved significantly as Canon-McMillan makes progress under the direction of fourth-year head coach Michael Garet.
Both Peters Township and Canon-McMillan will represent Section 5-AAA in the WPIAL playoffs. For Peters Township, it's an opportunity to reach the PIAA title game a third straight year and defend its WPIAL championship. For Canon-McMillan, it's an opportunity to establish itself. The Big Macs are making just their second postseason appearance.
"They're a very good team," Peters Township coach Bob Dyer said following last week's 2-0 victory at Canon-McMillan. "Mike's done a good job weeding out the undisciplined play."
Another area where this rivalry took a turn for the better, at least during last Thursday's match, is sportsmanship.
In recent matches, things have been a little heated between the Big Macs and Indians.
Last year, there were several player ejections in one late-season match. This year at Peters Township, a Canon-McMillan fan accosted the Peters Township coaches.
There was little of that nonsense last Thursday and none between the players.
"This is probably the first match in a while where there was no caution or sending off," Garet said. "It's good to see with a rivalry. I think it can be as intense and the emotion can be as powerful if players keep it in check."
Blogger's note: Photo from Peters Township at Canon-McMillan match provided by Fred Perino, father of Big Macs goalie Doug Perino.
3 comments:
As one who witnessed the event during the first match, I beg to differ with the claim of a fan "accosting the Peters Township coaches." After an unfortunate verbal exchange between the two, a coach actually shouted to call the fan down to the field to settle the matter in whatever way he was intending.
The story should not be slanted in favor of either side; it should just be portrayed accurately.
i guess i missed the part about the clairton football team showing up and starting this altercation...because i have no idea how something like this could happen in two affluent districts such as these without clairton being the one that started the problem...
im sure someone on this blog will figure out a way to tie it to clairton somehow.
Many parents, as well as students, are noted in PT for displaying poor sportsmanship. Take a look at the sideline tantrum most recently displayed by a PT football player. Sure, frustration is expected, but screaming profanity temper tantrums is not.
At one away football game, one of the PT coaches were screaming at the crowd and cheerleaders to 'shut up'; quit cheering for the team. I assume he meant it was distracting but the screaming hissy fits are hilarious.
I have always cheered for the students at various PT sporting events. However, in recent years I have quit going because the behaviors of the people in PT are sincerely an embarrassment. I do not want to be associated with the people in the stands or on the field.
It is great to hear that soccer has taken a civil turn!
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