tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8441295825713070782.post8873511495598042888..comments2023-05-02T05:34:32.964-04:00Comments on The Varsity Letters: Friday night thoughts, opening round editionMoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13612323587459830074noreply@blogger.comBlogger11125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8441295825713070782.post-88362450535283614572010-11-10T08:08:46.502-05:002010-11-10T08:08:46.502-05:00I dont know one way or another but regardless I th...I dont know one way or another but regardless I think he has a point.Clairton Alumnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8441295825713070782.post-39502960615759157762010-11-10T00:34:26.037-05:002010-11-10T00:34:26.037-05:00Anon 10:41
Its impossible to know for sure. In a ...Anon 10:41<br /><br />Its impossible to know for sure. In a way he does have a point that teams haven't had much success against the Bears running the ball but has had minimal success passing the ball. Avella came out passing the ball and had some minor success and finished with 5 or 6 first downs and 4 or 5 interceptions. But whether or not he's a closest Clairton fan remains to be seen esp in a forum such as this one where people can post anonymously. People can claim a school, such as FC for example, but really be from Avella, for example. I'm not calling anyone out. Just examples when people can post anonymously.Joey Niklashttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12736900502605081239noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8441295825713070782.post-22252872211125081272010-11-09T22:41:18.259-05:002010-11-09T22:41:18.259-05:00Anyone else think that the "PA Scout" co...Anyone else think that the "PA Scout" comment was actually written by someone from Clairton trying to persuade potential playoff competitors to rethink how they will approach that game.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8441295825713070782.post-317885161785176352010-11-08T17:22:17.927-05:002010-11-08T17:22:17.927-05:00In a completely unrelated but speaking of the MVMF...In a completely unrelated but speaking of the MVMFL note: Who coaches the Rostraver tiny-mite team? To compete in a championship game 10 years in a row and win 8 of them is bewildering.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8441295825713070782.post-31553662749258133622010-11-07T15:39:28.213-05:002010-11-07T15:39:28.213-05:00As a scout and as someone who has watched hours up...As a scout and as someone who has watched hours upon countless hours of tape I would like to comment on something.<br /><br />Since 2006 I have had the opportunity to watch and scout Clairton on numerous occasions. This team that they have right now is the fastest, biggest, MOST DISCIPLINED team that Clairton has ever had. You watch these guys on tape and you know they are big and you know they are fast...but then you see them in person on the field and it just blows you away how good this team is. In my opinion, this team, starter for starter, could compete with most any AAA team and roughly half of all AAAA teams...thats how good they are.<br /><br />There is a major difference in this Clairton team as opposed to the Clairton Bears of 2006 and 2007. This Clairton team is just so disciplined...and I dont just mean penalty wise (because they are WAY down on personal fouls and unsportsmanlike calls). In 06 and 07 you could beat Clairton with screens and misdirections because they always over-pursued to the ball...its one of the main reasons Springdale beat them in 2007. You cant beat Clairton like that anymore. They stay in their lanes, they dont over-pursue, you cant beat them with screens...they are a complete football team right now. In my opinion, I dont see anyone beating the Clairton Bears this year.<br /><br />If I did have to game plan against this Bears team though, I would probably throw the ball about 45-55 times because getting it done on the ground just isnt going to happen. It always cracks me up when these coaches watch tape of Clairton and then come out and say "we are going to run the ball because thats what we always do." My response to that is always the same. If you are going to run because thats what you always do then Clairton is going to do what they always do and thats win.<br /><br />Good luck to the Bears the rest of the way.PA Scoutnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8441295825713070782.post-12498688851772132062010-11-07T01:55:02.040-04:002010-11-07T01:55:02.040-04:00Ringgold Realist: You we're right in some thi...Ringgold Realist: You we're right in some things, but I think Ringgold battled to keep the game as close as they did. <br /><br />I must commend how proud I am of the Rams. I coached a lot of these boys in basketball when they were in middle school, and I knew they would make their mark somewhere. Ringgold still has a lot of talent retuning next season, so I dont think they were a one hit wonder. The defense will not be as tough, however. You simply can't replace a Neil Rands. He is built like a brick (expletive) house and was the strongest player on the field at all times. While the offense has the likes of Meech Louis, Alfon Cook, and Quad Law returning, it will be hard to replace a back like Fiore. He wasnt a skat back. He would run around, past, or over a defender. Another player who will be missed is lineman Nick DePalma. He was just an outstanding player. <br /><br />I am very proud of the success of the Rams this season and am not the slightest disappointed they lost to Central Valley. If you were to ask me the day before Ringgold played EF if Ringgold was going to be 9-0, I would have said "probable, but unlikely. These boys proved one of their biggest supporters wrong. <br /><br />Lastly, Congrats to the Donora Dragons. (One of Ringgold's three youth teams) The past season was the last for them before they merge to make a Ringgold youth team. They won the Mon Valley Midget Football Association Midget Champioship last night over Beth Center. Quad Law's brother, Nico, contributed to all 5 touchdowns at QB and picked off the final pass to win the game. I am not going to say he is going to be the next Bryan Thomas, but his name will certainly be one to be circulated in the near future.R. Keith Taylornoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8441295825713070782.post-37416020259263929462010-11-06T21:14:51.663-04:002010-11-06T21:14:51.663-04:00For fans of the Blackhills Conference that want to...For fans of the Blackhills Conference that want to either cheer on or root against Clairton. The Clairton-Bishop Canevin Game will be held at Elizabeth Forward HS.Joey Niklashttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12736900502605081239noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8441295825713070782.post-82594742253464594112010-11-06T15:36:36.926-04:002010-11-06T15:36:36.926-04:00I agree Central Valley was the better team. Ringg...I agree Central Valley was the better team. Ringgold got screwed in the seedings. There is now way Central Valley was a 14th seed. The comittie wanted to make sure Ringgold got someone from the Parkway and thats what they did.<br /><br />Either way it was a good run and Ringgold is still a top 5 team in AAA.<br /><br />It would have been nice to see the Rams give the ball to Fiore 20 plus times and even Neil Rands. Central Valley gave the ball to their big kid 17 times in the 2nd half. Ringgold never made the adjustments to win. <br /><br />Hats off to Rands and Fiore. It would be hard to find two kids who worked harder in the off season. I think they were the two most under rated players in the WPIAL this year by far. They got no respect all year.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8441295825713070782.post-49788593118111291392010-11-06T13:06:10.429-04:002010-11-06T13:06:10.429-04:00Clairton called off the dogs at halftime. The scor...Clairton called off the dogs at halftime. The score was 36-0 going into the break. <br /><br />I'll say this Avonworth needed a 97 yard, with around a minute left, to win the game. Fort Cherry held their own against Canevin and could've won the game. They had a TD called back due to holding right before halftime which could've made the score 15 or 16-9 in FC's favor. It didn't happen and I'm not making any excuses.<br /><br />I wouldn't be surprised if BC beats Rochy this week. If there is a conference to be disappointed in it's the Big 7. Sto Rox loses to N. Cathoiic and NC's QB didn't play for whatever reason. My Semi's picks<br /><br />Clairton vs Monessen<br />Beth Center vs AvonworthJoey Niklashttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12736900502605081239noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8441295825713070782.post-86485218463630200082010-11-06T12:22:00.600-04:002010-11-06T12:22:00.600-04:00Look, it comes down to this. Ringgold is a great t...Look, it comes down to this. Ringgold is a great team in a weak conference. They have a tremendous amount of talent but that can only take you so far. Inexperience of both players and coach proved to be the downfall of their history book season. This year they far exceeded everyone's expectations, so fans should be happy. Honestly though, did you really think they could do what they have done all season in the playoffs? Against "Real" teams? Street talent works... on the street. Not on the meaningful, playoff gridiron can you depend on big, broken plays. You have to be discipline, you have to play smart and that is something the Rams lacked this year and it is essential for success. We shall see what happens in the next few years with the Blue and Gold but fans should be happy about this year. You all know, in your heart, the better team prevailed last night. Rightfully so..Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8441295825713070782.post-65542651637897481472010-11-06T11:52:34.819-04:002010-11-06T11:52:34.819-04:00i think these playoff games showed how strong the ...i think these playoff games showed how strong the century conference was in AA. even steele valley, who lost, outgained beaver falls and should have won with a little better luck.i think wash high could have played better against these teams this year with better schemes on offense. next year look for wash high to do well. and dont count out seton lasalle they are the best coached team besides aliquippa.prexienoreply@blogger.com