The Varsity Letters

WPIAL football schedules released

2012-01-30T13:00:00.002-05:00

The WPIAL released its schedule grid for the 2012 football season.

Check out the first four games for Canon-McMillan, which was cross-scheduled with Pittsburgh Central Catholic. Also of note, there will be no Washington-McGuffey non-section game.

And the Tri-County South teams each received an open date, with Avella having an open date in Week 1 and Beth-Center in Week 9. TCS is the lone WPIAL conference with open dates. It begs the question, who are the schools supposed to schedule?

For the schedule grid, click here.

Observer-Reporter WPIAL girls basketball rankings

2012-01-28T21:34:00.002-05:00

Girls
Class AAAA
1. Oakland Catholic    17-0
2. Mt. Lebanon    15-2
3. Pine-Richland    12-4
4. Gateway    14-2
5. Hempfield    14-2

Class AAA
1. South Park    15-1
2. Blackhawk    16-1
3. Hopewell    15-2
4. Chartiers Valley    13-2
5. New Castle    11-5

Class AA
1. Seton-La Salle    15-0
2. Bishop Canevin    14-3
3. Avonworth    13-3
4. Riverside    14-3
5. Greensburg Central Catholic    12-3

Class A
1. Vincentian Academy    16-0
2. North Catholic    14-4
3. Fort Cherry    17-1
4. Monessen    13-3
5. Chartiers-Houston    14-4

Observer-Reporter WPIAL boys basketball rankings

2012-01-28T21:20:00.001-05:00

Boys
Class AAAA
1. Shaler 16-2
2. Chartiers Valley 15-2
3. Woodland Hills 14-3
4. Mt. Lebanon 13-4
5. Hempfield 15-2

Class AAA
1. New Castle 17-0
2. Montour 12-1
3. Hampton 15-3
4. Keystone Oaks 14-2
5. South Fayette 12-4

Class AA
1. Monessen 17-1
2. Sto-Rox 13-1
3. Beaver Falls 14-2
4. Greensburg Central Catholic 12-4
5. Quaker Valley 15-2

Class A
1. Lincoln Park 14-2
2. North Catholic 13-4
3. Vincentian Academy 13-3
4. OLSH 14-2
5. Serra Catholic 12-5

Statement from Piccinini's lawyer

2012-01-27T23:22:00.000-05:00

In case you haven't read the Observer-Reporter, Post-Gazette, watched the local news or CNN Friday afternoon, the Peters Townsip football program is being investigated by police for allegations of knowingly playing injured players against the advice of athletic trainers. Click here.

PT football coach Rich Piccinini released a statement through his lawyer Friday night.

For 22 years, Rich Piccinini has coached football without even a
whisper of impropriety. The excellent reputation that he has earned
over 2 decades should speak volumes as to the absurdity of the
"Mortland report." The investigated and unfounded witch hunt in
August has reared its ugly head in January, this time in a meritless
CYS complaint, presumably made by an anonymous source. Playing time
in high school football in Western Pennsylvania , a currency that has
become more valuable than gold to the obsessed and disgruntled, has
undoubted motivated yet another round of baseless allegations.
Considerable resources have already been dedicated by a "real"
superintendent, athletic director and principal to investigate the
accusations and the result was that there is no truth to Mr Mortland's
conclusion. While no one welcomes a police investigation, hopefully
this second inquiry will yet again expose the allegations as
scurrilous attacks on Mr. Piccinini and, importantly,put them to rest
again and forever.
Robert G. Del Greco, Jr., Esq.
Dickie, McCamey & Chilcote, P.C.

Friday notebook

2012-01-27T18:10:00.000-05:00

Pitt basketball fans can see heralded recruit Steven Adams, a 7-0 center from New Zealand, in person Sunday when Notre Dame Prep (Mass.) plays Massanutten Academy (Va.) at the PBC Legends Classic at Ambridge.The game is at 2 p.m.
Adams is considered one of the top senior prospects and Pitt's biggest recruit since, well, Khem Birch, who has transferred to UNLV.
* Never heard of a police investigation into a high school football program. It's happening at Peters Township.

PT football program raises flag - Washington County PA News - www.observer-reporter.com

This has the potential to be a big story depending on the results of the investigation.

* If the Fort Cherry girls basketball team beats North Catholic Saturday and finishes the regular season with an undefeated record, the Rangers deserve the top seed in the WPIAL Class A playoffs.

* After covering the Montour at South Fayette boys basketball game last week, the guess here is that the Spartans will be very difficult to beat once Ryan Lewis gets into basketball shape.

* Fort Cherry senior Corey Garry will decide between Robert Morris and Clarion over the next few days.

Garry, an all-conference linebacker on three occasions, has offers from both schools. He's also the top-ranked WPIAL Class AA heavyweight wrestler.

Tanner Garry, his cousin, recently accepted an offer to be a preferred walk-on at Bowling Green. He tried to get Falcons coaches to taker a close look at Corey.

"I had as much drive to get Corey to come to school with me as I had to get into school," Tanner Garry said. "I showed the coached Corey's highlight film and pictures of Corey just so they could see how big he was."

* Monessen junior Chavas Rawlins was visited by Penn State Friday and received an offer from Pitt Wednesday. The quarterback figures to be one of the WPIAL's most coveted football prospects.

Just don't expect the 6-3 Rawlins to solely concentrate on football.

Rawlins plays football and is also part of the boys soccer team during the fall. He plays basketball in the winter and has played baseball at Monessen. This spring, Rawlins will play baseball and add track to his of athletic duties.

That makes Rawlins, who sports a 3.3 GPA, a five-sport athlete.

* Chartiers-Houston boys basketball has steadily improved during the two years that Eugene Briggs has been the head coach.

Briggs believe his team took a significant step with Tuesday's home win against Bentworth.

"I think it validates that we're a decent team," Briggs said. "We're three possessions away from being 13-3. There's a big difference between 10-6 and 13-3, especially when people look at your record. To beat a team that had one loss coming in, that was big."

Twitter Thursday

2012-01-26T21:41:00.001-05:00

Twitter Thursday started as a lark. Reading tweets from local athletes was amusing enough that the thought was, "Why not share these with readers of The Varsity Letters?"

At first, the feature met with some criticism, which probably came from people not familiar with Twitter or people who just want to visit this board and attempt to bash athletes, coaches and the writer anonymously.

With time, Twitter Thursday has become a popular feature, at least with many of the local athletes I follow or you follow me on Twitter (@TheMikeKovak). Some specifically ask to make Twitter Thursday. Others pine for Twitter Thursday love. And at least two Canon-Mac student-athletes are competing to see who makes Twitter Thursday the most. (For the sake of competition, both will make it this week to start the tally at 1-1).

Either way, I appreciate the response and enjoy giving student athletes a platform on this blog.

Doug Wilson, C-M basketball
@dougie_fresh055
Jan. 26
"Shows how desperate the NHL is that they have to draft for the all star game"

Joe Graziani, C-M football
@joegrizz52
Jan. 26
"Nothin better than #throwback jams in environmental science on #twitterthursday"

Jordan Drew, Washington basketball
@jayydrew_33
Jan. 25
"Wash High has to be one of the ugliest schools in the area"

Pat Zedreck, reigning O-R Boys Basketball Player of the Year/freshman guard at Clarion U
@pzedreck
Jan. 25
"Damn losing sucks"

Josh Wise, Wash High athletics
@jlwise_whs11
Jan. 25
"The more I watch these D1 games the more I believe I can play in them #ilovetgisgame and I know my #hardwork and #dedication will take me!"

Chavas Rawlins, Monessen athletics
@C3_OVO
Jan. 25
"Got offered from Pitt today baby!!!! If only big Joe was here to spend the happy time right now. #RIP"

Justice Rawlins, Monessen athletics
@ThatKid_JRaww
Jan. 25
"The awkward moment when pitt coaches come to see you and your wearing all penn state gear.. #SorryCoach"

Ty Negley, Waynesburg basketball
@mrautomatic14
Jan. 25
"Observer-Reporter athlete of the week! Could(n't) do it with out my teammates! #lovemyboys"

Zach Challingsworth, South Fayette athletics
@zchally10
Jan. 19
"Can't wait for spring #Adidas #PaSwagg"

Amelia Wolf, Wash High volleyball (and rifle)
@ameliaclaireo8
Jan. 25
"ear hair, why are you so static-y?!"

Michael Yancich, Penn State football and Trinity grad
@Ymike33
Jan. 22
"So proud to say I played for Joe Paterno. Not only a great football coach, but a wonderful person. RIP Coach. #PennStateForever"

Girls basketball, week in review

2012-01-24T00:16:00.003-05:00

Team of the Week
West Greene
If the regular season ended today, West Greene would enter the WPIAL Class A playoffs as the third-place team in Section 3 behind top-ranked Fort Cherry and fifth-ranked Chartiers-Houston.
Last week, the Pioneers picked up a key section win over Avella and followed with another against Jefferson-Morgan Thursday night.
First-year coach Jordan Watson is getting solid play from sophomore Cheyenne Miller, and West Greene (10-6, 5-3) takes a four-game win streak into Thursday's game at Mapletown.
The last time West Greene qualified for the WPIAL playoffs came in the 1999-2000 season, when they were in Class AA.

Runner-up
Fort Cherry
The Rangers are 16-0, and they picked up a pair of wins against quality opponents last week in Chartiers-Houston and Beaver Falls, both on the road.
Rangers senior Carolena Gasbarro has scored in double figures in all 16 games for Fort Cherry. Gasbarro is one of three local players – Bentworth's Jessica Dorazio and Monessen's Mariah Ward are the others – to accomplish that feat for their respective teams this season.

Starting five
Amanda Brown, Carmichaels
Carolena Gasbarro, Fort Cherry
Morgan Kurtz, Trinity
Cheyenne Miller, West Greene
Mariah Ward, Monessen
First sub
Anna Shashura, Beth-Center

Game of the Week
Washington 58, Bentworth 57
At 14-1, Bentworth is off to its best start in team history, but free-throw shooting has been a problem spot for the Bearcats. A 10-for-23 performance at Washington did them no favors in a key Section 4-AA game last Thursday.
The Prexies knocked the Bearcats from unbeaten status with the victory, and they took the lead for good in overtime on an old-fashioned three-point play from Angelica Rivera. Washington had four players score in double figures, led by Shyahian Rutter's 12 points.

Boys basketball, week in review

2012-01-23T18:53:00.002-05:00

Team of the Week
Washington
Three losses in four games, including back-to-back double-digit setbacks against Montour and McGuffey, had some Prexies faithful question what was going on with the boys basketball team. Wash High appeared headed to a second consecutive season with no postseason.
Thanks to the past week, the Prexies are firmly in the playoff hunt.
Washington needed triple overtime, but overcame some horrendous free-throw shooting to beat Trinity, 57-54. It followed with a win over Waynesburg.
Now, Washington is 4-3 in Section 5-AAA, which is good enough for fourth place, and 10-6 overall. Josh Wise ranks second among local players in scoring at 19.4 ppg.

Runner-up
Peters Township
The Indians lost six of eight after beating Class AAA power Hampton, and were fading in Section 4-AAAA. Wins over Canon-McMillan and Baldwin pushed Peters Township into fourth place heading into this week's game.
Both section games are on the road – at Bethel Park Tuesday and at Upper St. Clair Friday.

Starting five
Tony Bristol, Charleroi
Jaisen Irwin, Monessen
Trent McPherson, Peters Township
Ty Negley, Waynesburg
Josh Wise, Washington
First sub
David Williams, Canon-McMillan

Game of the Week
Imani Christian 63, Monessen 62
From Washington's triple-overtime win over Trinity to Burgettstown's last-second victory over Chartiers-Houston, there were several outstanding candidates in this category.
But I'm not even sure if the Montour at South Fayette game fielded the type of talent that was on the floor for Imani Christian's one-point win at Monessen Tuesday night.
Monessen's loss snapped a 28-game regular-season win streak. The Greyhounds last loss during the regular season came Dec. 28, 2010 to North Allegheny.

Monessen led with six seconds left before Niehemiah Fisher grabbed a missed free throw and scored on a putback for Imani Christian, a charter school located in the East Hills of Pittsburgh.

Observer-Reporter WPIAL girls basketball rankings

2012-01-22T23:10:00.000-05:00

Class AAAA
1. Oakland Catholic 15-0
2. Gateway 11-1
3. Mt. Lebanon 13-2
4. Pine-Richland 10-4
5. North Allegheny 12-3

Class AAA
1. South Park 12-1
2. New Castle 10-3
3. Blackhawk 13-1
4. Hopewell 12-2
5. Chartiers Valley 11-2

Class AA
1. Seton-La Salle 13-0
2. Bishop Canevin 12-3
3. Ford City 13-2
4. Avonworth 11-3
5. Riverside 12-3

Class A
1. Fort Cherry 15-0
2. Vincentian Academy 14-0
3. North Catholic 11-4
4. Monessen 12-3
5. Chartiers-Houston 11-4

Observer-Reporter WPIAL boys basketball rankings

2012-01-22T22:55:00.000-05:00

Class AAAA
1. Chartiers Valley 14-1
2. Shaler 14-2
3. Woodland Hills 12-3
4. Hempfield 11-2
5. Mt. Lebanon 11-4

Class AAA
1. New Castle 14-0
2. Montour 9-1
3. Hampton 13-3
4. Keystone Oaks 12-2
5. Beaver 12-3

Class AA
1. Beaver Falls 13-1
2. Monessen 15-1
3. Sto-Rox 12-1
4. Greensburg Central Catholic 10-4
5. Quaker Valley 13-2

Class A
1. Lincoln Park 12-2
2. North Catholic 11-4
3. Vincentian Academy 10-3
4. Bentworth 11-1
5. OLSH 12-2

Recruit could lose scholarship offers because of Twitter posts

2012-01-20T18:10:00.002-05:00

Something to think about ...

From ESPN.com news services

Yuri Wright, the 40th-ranked player on the ESPNU 150 who is being sought by schools in the Big Ten, Pac-12, ACC, SEC and Big East, has put his scholarship hopes in up in the air after being expelled from school for sexually graphic and racial Twitter posts.

Wright was expelled from Don Bosco Prep High School in Ramsey, N.J., on Wednesday, his high school coach, Greg Toal, confirmed to numerous media outlets.

"He was expelled from the school for the things he had written on Twitter," Toal told ESPNNewYork.com. "It was pretty simple really, what he wrote were some graphic sex things. This is a Catholic school, things like that cannot happen. It was totally inappropriate."

The reason, his coach said, was because of a series of tweets that began last July. Among the schools he is considering are Michigan, Rutgers, Notre Dame and Colorado. A number of outlets reported that Michigan has stopped recruiting him.

National signing day is Feb. 1.

Wright, a senior cornerback, was warned about social media consequences, according to Toal. Wright's account, which had more than 1,600 followers, has been deleted.

"We told them about 10 or 15 times to get off (Twitter) and not to be involved in it, but there is always somebody who thinks he knows better." Toal told ESPNNewYork.com. "What he wrote was pretty bad, to be honest with you, I can't even say what he wrote.

"He was told on numerous occasions not to be Twittering and there are consequences for his actions."

Wright played in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl in San Antonio earlier this month. Toal said that he has received calls from a few coaches regarding the situation, and believes Wright ultimately will weather the situation.

"There have been schools that have called asking about it, but he'll be fine as far as colleges go." Toal told ESPNNewYork.com. "Some don't like it, but mostly people are just calling to make sure his head is straight."

Information from ESPNNewYork.com's Robert Abruzzese is included in this report.

Twitter Thursday

2012-01-19T23:21:00.002-05:00

Lot of venow spewed on Twitter the past couple weeks between rival schools (#Youknowyourefrom(insertrivalschoolhere)) which, for some reason, Trinity believes it originated on social media.

Right ...

Anyway, it's made for some entertaining reading if not too much information from too many.

Graham Lescallette
@BigSauce85
Jan. 19
"I can't stand how kids my age talk. #Swag #MostDope #SeriouslyDoe #TheseAreUnacceptable"

Chavas Rawlins
@C3_OVO
Jan. 19
"I always thought of myself as the Kid that took extra steps when those extra steps aren't needed!!"

Graham Cowieson
@gcowieson21
Jan. 18
"It would be nice if the city of Washington would tell you before they block a road not just let you turn down the road then be screwed"

Charles Murphy
@chuckdeez22
Jan. 18
"I hate losing man it makes me sick to my stomach...but atleast I'm not on the pitt womens coaching staff. 76 pts? #really?"

Steven Funaki Adams
@TonganSox13
Jan. 14

Thats awesome that Pitt Played well.. Well done PITT! Keep Hulking! #Hail2Pitt"

Tevan McDowell

@mcdowell55

Jan. 14

"I'm a yellow-jacket #WaynesburgUniversity#college#football"

Alfon Cook

@cooksisland3

Jan. 18

"Long day at track #SoooDamnTired"

Michael Beveridge

@mikebeveridge44

Jan. 14

"Way to much heart to quit. When times get hard just gotta keep grinding."

Tanner Garry

@TannerGarry3

Jan. 15

"Visiting Bowling Green on the 20th. #soexcited"

Jordan Thomas

@imzoom10

Jan. 13

"Jordan "StateChamp" Thomas #team4x4"

Stephen McCaw

@BucktownHero

Jan. 17

"If you say #winning on twitter and facebook more than once a week then burn your computer and any other thing that gets you on the internet."

Doug Wilson

@dougie_fresh055

Jan. 19

"Just watched the game tape of when I dropped 30 against CV #BallSoHard"

and

The Tweek of the Week

"Jursday? No no,it's #twitterthursday"

Thoughts on WPIAL football alignment

2012-01-19T13:43:00.000-05:00

"Man, what we're they thinking."

"I'm surprised, but when it comes to (the WPIAL) you know to expect the unexpected."

"I can't believe what they did to the Tri-County South."

"You just can't keep any rivalries any more."

Those were a small sampling of comments from the eight football coaches I had the chance to speak with since the WPIAL released its football alignment for the 2012 and 2013 seasons. Judging from reaction, it's not well-received.

Let's recap the major changes.

1. Class AAAA and Class AAA went from four conferences to three.
2. The vast majority of conferences have nine teams. There are eight-team and 10-team conferences.
3. The larger conferences means teams will not have to schedule their open date. Ten-team conferences will play nothing but conference games during the regular season. The WPIAL will schedule the open dates for nine-team leagues. Those schedules should be released in two weeks.
4. In Class AAAA and AAA, five teams per conference will qualify for the playoffs. The 16th team will be determined via a wild-card system.

For a look at the alignment, please read the post below.

Now for some thoughts on the alignment, by classification.

Class AAAA

Section 3 looks weaker on paper than the other two conferences with Gateway and McKeesport being the only consistent programs.
Being grouped with Penn Hills and Woodland Hills does not mean the end of football for Canon-McMillan or Peters Township. It's Quad-A. To be good, it means beating Penn Hills and Woodland Hills, whether it's during the regular season or the postseason.
One reason I like the alignment is it eliminates the unbalanced non-conference schedules for Class AAAA schools. Some play mostly Class AAA competition, while others face a steady diet of Quad-A powers from other conferences.
One reason I don't like the alignment is it likely eliminates the chances for schools like Pittsburgh Central Catholic, Gateway and North Allegheny to schedule intriguing out-of-state matchups.

Class AAA

Trinity looks like a big winner. The Hillers return a bulk of talent from 2011, and the mashup of the Big Eight and Keystone Conference looks manageable. FYI, Trinity has defeated West Mifflin six consecutive seasons.
Ringgold might have wanted to stay with more Keystone Conference teams, but adding Belle Vernon and Elizabeth Forward to the schedule should bring more fans out.
Gotta feel bad for Chartiers Valley.
Section 1 and Section 2 look even on paper. Of course, nothing can compare with the powerful Parkway Conferece and it's nice to see that powerhouse league intact.

Class AA

Washington can't seem to stay in a conference for very long. The Century Conference was a nice fit for the Prexies and some in the conference don't like them being shipped off to the Interstate Conference.
Washington and Waynesburg once had an intense rivalry. Can it be recaptured? Ehhhh.
Not sure why McGuffey and Washington are in different conferences. Hopefully the WPIAL recognizes these two should at least be scheduled for non-conference games the next two years. Last time they played, there was an overflow crowd at McGuffey.
If I ruled the WPIAL, Washington would stay in the Century Conference and South Allegheny would be in the Interstate. Makes sense geographically, and Washington could maintain rivalries with South Fayette and McGuffey.

Class A

Wow. Just wow.
Section 4, which I will call the Black Hills Conference until told otherwise, has an unfair glut of high-caliber teams. Clairton won its third straight PIAA title and owns the WPIAL record for consecutive wins. Bishop Canevin reached the semifinals. Brentwood and Fort Cherry won playoff games. All told, seven of the 10 teams reached the postseason.
Given the strength of the new-look Black Hills, California and Monessen won't be annual locks for postseason play like the teams were in the Tri-County South.
Beth-Center has wanted out of the TCS for a couple years. Not only did B-C not get its wish, the Bulldogs are the top dog in the WPIAL's weakest conference. Winning postseason games after playing lesser competition is a difficult task.

WPIAL football alignment for 2012-13

2012-01-17T17:30:00.000-05:00

Class AAAA (26 teams)
Section 1: Butler, Central Catholic, Fox Chapel, North Allegheny, North Hills, Pine-Richland, Seneca Valley, Shaler
Section 2: Baldwin, Bethel Park, Canon-McMillan, Mt. Lebanon, Penn Hills, Peters Township, Plum, Upper St. Clair, Woodland Hills
Section 3: Altoona, Connellsville, Gateway, Greater Latrobe, Hempfield, Kiski Area, McKeesport, Norwin, Penn-Trafford

Class AAA (27 teams)
Section 1: Albert Gallatin, Belle Vernon, Elizabeth Forward, Laurel Highlands, Ringgold, Thomas Jefferson, Trinity, Uniontown, West Mifflin
Section 2: Ambridge, Blackhawk, Central Valley, Chartiers Valley, Hopewell, Montour, Moon, New Castle, West Allegheny
Section 3: Derry, Franklin Regional, Greensburg Salem, Hampton, Highlands, Hollidaysburg, Indiana, Knoch, Mars

Class AA (35 teams)
Section 1: Burgettstown, Keystone Oaks, Quaker Valley, McGuffey, Seton-La Salle, South Allegheny, South Fayette, South Park, Steel Valley
Section 2: Burrell, Deer Lakes, East Allegheny, Ford City, Freeport, Kittanning, Shady Side Academy, Summit Academy, Valley
Section 3: Aliquippa, Beaver, Beaver Falls, Ellwood City, Freedom, Mohawk, New Brighton, Riverside
Section 4: Brownsville, Charleroi, Greensburg Central Catholic, Jeannette, Mt. Pleasant, Southmoreland, Washington, Waynesburg, Yough

Class A (37 teams)
Section 1: Apollo-Ridge, Avonworth, Leechburg, North Catholic, Northgate, Riverview, Springdale, West Shamokin, Wilkinsburg
Section 2: Laurel, Neshannock, Our Lady of the Sacred Heart, Rochester, Shenango, South Side Beaver, Sto-Rox, Union, Western Beaver
Section 3: Avella, Bentworth, Beth-Center, Carmichaels, Frazier, Geibel, Jefferson-Morgan, Mapletown, West Greene
Section 4: Brentwood, Bishop Canevin, California, Carylnton, Chartiers-Houston, Clairton, Fort Cherry, Imani Christian, Monessen, Serra Catholic

One, two, three, four I declare a Twitter war

2012-01-17T13:45:00.001-05:00

Quite an interesting Twitter battle going on today between students at Chartiers-Houston and Fort Cherry high schools, whose rival girls basketball teams play tonight in a key Section 3 contest between a pair of top-five Class A teams.

Some of the tweets are humorous. Some factual. Some mind-blowing incorrect. Some mean-spirited.

Time for TVL to offer some thoughts.

You know you're from Chartiers-Houston when:

1. Your softball team has won seven WPIAL championships, one state title and ranks with any program in terms of sustained success over a 25-year period.
2. You fielded the first 4,000-yard rusher in WPIAL history.
3. Your wrestling team was so good in the early 1980s that it won the PIAA Class AAA team championship against teams up to six times larger.
4. Your athletic facilities are as nice as any school competing primarily at the Class A level.
5. Your baseball team regularly competes for WPIAL championships.

You know you're from Fort Cherry when:

1. Your small community is considered a cradle of NFL coaches, including Marvin Lewis and Marty Schottenheimer.
2. A hard-worker named Perry Kemp took the hard road to the NFL ... from Fort Cherry to Cal U to the USFL to Green Bay, where he became immortalized in Techmo Bowl.
3. That Schottenheimer fella led a group to a PIAA basketball championship.
4. You know where you were when Mike Vernillo broke the WPIAL rushing record in 1999.
5. A school known as a wrestling community has fielded one of the better small public school girls basketball teams in recent memory and two of the most exciting players (Dan Davis, Nate Bellhy) of the last 15 years.

Boys basketball, week in review

2012-01-16T23:27:00.002-05:00

Team of the Week
McGuffey
Since Montour made 16 three-pointers in a rout of McGuffey on Dec. 20, the Highlanders have not lost.
Last week, McGuffey - playing its best basketball in a decade – ran its win streak to five games with wins over Waynesburg and Washington. Suddenly, the Highlanders are a playoff contender in Section 5-AAA.
McGuffey (8-4, 3-2) caught a break at Waynesburg last Tuesday as the Raiders played without leading scorer Ty Negley (flu). The Highlanders escaped with a 49-46 win as Waynesburg attempt to force overtime with a last-second three-pointer rimmed out.
McG followed that emotional win with a 14-point victory over Washington. The Highlanders led early and never trailed after that.

Runner-up
Bentworth
With all five starters averaging double figures in points, Bentworth boasts one of the premier offenses in Class A. That balanced led to wins over Mapletown and, most importantly, Section 2-A rival Carmichaels last week.
Bentworth is 3-0 in section play and 10-1 overall. The Bearcats can solidify themselves as the section favorites with a win Tuesday at Avella.

Starting five
Jaisen Irwin, Monessen
Kyle Rose, McGuffey
Naz Victoria, California
Josh Wise, Washington
Joe Yamber, Avella
First sub
Jalen Madison, Monessen

Game of the Week
Avella 45, Carmichaels 44
Avella raced to a 13-2 lead at Carmichaels, a gym where most visitors leave reflecting on a loss during a long bus ride home.
Things looked good early for the Eagles, but the Mikes went on a second-quarter run and trailed just 19-18 at halftime.
The second half went back-and-forth before Avella scored the winning point on a Ray Bertovich free throw with 12 seconds remaining to stay unbeaten in section play.

Girls basketball, week in review

2012-01-16T20:15:00.002-05:00

Team of the Week
Bentworth
The Bearcats didn't play a winning team last week, but they did roll through the competition by beating Waynesburg, Yough and Brownsville by a combined 84 points.
Bentworth entered Monday night with a 12-0 record and a 5-0 mark in Section 4-AA. It's the best start in program history and Bentworth is in position to win its first section championship since 1991.Senior Jessica Dorazio lead a potent offensive mix with a 22.3 scoring average, and she made four of a school-record 14 three-pointers during a 61-36 win against Yough.
That came one night after Bentworth made 11 three-pointers against Waynesburg.

Runner-up
Beth-Center
The Bulldogs (3-2, 8-4) picked up wins over Jefferson-Morgan and Waynesburg, the latter moving B-C into a third-place tie with Charleroi in Section 4-AA.
Beth-Center opened its section season with a win over the Cougars in mid-December.
Anna Shashura averaged 21.0 ppg last week.

Starting five
Morgan Berardi, Carmichaels
Jessica Dorazio, Bentworth
Anna Shashura, Beth-Center
Chianti Sivek, Ringgold
Mariah Ward, Monessen
First sub
Beka Bellhy, Fort Cherry

Game of the Week
Chartiers-Houston 41, Sewickley Academy 38
Chartiers-Houston slowly worked its way into the Observer-Reporter Class A rankings this week, claiming the No. 5 spot one day before a Section 3 game against undefeated, top-ranked Fort Cherry.
The Bucs needed a last-minute win over Sewickley Academy to earn the ranking.
Tori Foster made a basket for two of her 12 points with 28 seconds remaining to put C-H (10-3) ahead by two points. Foster missed a free throw after being fouled on the basket but Ashley Balzer grabbed the rebound, was fouled and made one free throw for a three-point lead.

Observer-Reporter WPIAL girls basketball rankings

2012-01-16T13:26:00.001-05:00

Class AAAA
1. Oakland Catholic 13-0
2. Gateway 9-1
3. Mt. Lebanon 11-2
4. Pine-Richand 8-4
5. North Allegheny 10-3

Class AAA
1. South Park 10-1
2. New Castle 8-3
3. Blackhawk 10-1
4. Hopewell 10-2
5. Chartiers Valley 9-2

Class AA
1. Seton-La Salle 11-0
2. Bishop Canevin 10-2
3. Riverside 11-1
4. Ford City 11-2
5. Greensburg Central Catholic 9-1

Class A
1. Fort Cherry 13-0
2. Vincentian Academy 12-0
3. North Catholic 9-3
4. Monessen 10-3
5. Chartiers-Houston 10-3

Observer-Reporter WPIAL boys basketball rankings

2012-01-16T10:51:00.000-05:00

Class AAAA
1. Chartiers Valley 12-0
2. Gateway 9-3
3. Shaler 11-2
4. North Allegheny 9-2
5. Hempfield 9-1

Class AAA
1. New Castle 12-0
2. Montour 7-0
3. Uniontown 10-2
4. South Fayette 10-2
5. Hampton 10-3

Class AA
1. Monessen 14-0
2. Beaver Falls 10-1
3. Sto-Rox 9-1
4. Quaker Valley 11-1
5. Greensburg Central Catholic 7-4

Class A
1. Lincoln Park 9-2
2. North Catholic 8-4
3. OLSH 11-1
4. Vincentian Academy 9-2
5. Bentworth 10-1

Twitter Thursday

2012-01-12T22:00:00.001-05:00

Earlier in the week, I asked my Twitters followers (@TheMikeKovak) for some music tips. As a dad and full-time worked, I've totally lost touch with recent music and was looking for some new hip-hop to sample. I got plenty of responses, and checked out Childish Gambino, Kid Cudi and Drake. Much appreciated.

Also had some fun on Twitter with this "Kovak Curse", plus enjoyed some NBA conversation this week.

In compiling this week's Twitter Thursday, I thought it would be different to only take tweets from Thursday as opposed to the entire week.

Troy Elich, @Troy3775
Dec. 12
"Langeloth legend Barry Alvarez at our show tonight in Naples FL."

Ben Maxin, @ActionMaxin
Dec. 12
"Lady Rangers hoops dump Mapletown 81-11. I guess this is what it feels like to be on the other side of a Clairton football game. #ouch"

Luke Brumbaugh, @L_Brums7
Dec. 12
"Robert fosters highlight film is disgusting wish I could throw to that kid he's a freak"

Mark Dugan, @duganonthenews
Dec. 12
"Beka Bellhy 7th girl in the last 25 years making 1000 point club @TheMikeKovak @sportsOR http://pic.twitter.com/Vip2G3o8"

Corey Garry, @coreygarry
Dec. 12
"#BekaBellhy entering a new realm of swag today. Let's go Rangers! #1000Points"

Josh Wise, @jlwise_whs11
Dec. 12
"Big section game tomorrow #McGuffey coming off big section win over trinity gota do my thing and ball hard ain't lettin NO ONE STOP ME"

Michael Beveridge, @MikeBeveridge44
Dec. 12
"Senior year needs to be over #ready4collegeball"

Dakota Norton, @kooooooooaaaaa
Dec. 12
"Kobe is better than lebron #nuffsaid"

The Kovak curse?

2012-01-11T18:10:00.003-05:00

Since joining the Observer-Reporter in 1999, I've been called a lot of things anonymously and via email. Many of those things are unsuitable for print.

Coaches, fortunately, don't hide behind a computer when expressing opinions.

And, lately, coaches have called me one thing – a curse.

Earlier this week, I spoke with a coach for an upcoming story. The coach – a person whose work I greatly respect – asked toward the end of the interview if it would be possible to hold the story for a day or two. Considering it was a feature, didn't seem like a big deal.

When I asked why, I was told, "At Bentworth, we have something we call 'The Mike Kovak Observer-Reporter curse.' All the coaches laugh about it. Anytime you write a story, that teams goes out and loses its next game. Happens every time."

Only a few days earlier, I was interviewing a coach in a hallway following a game. As the coach walked back toward the locker room, he turned back to me and said, "Thanks for coming. We like you and all, but maybe you can start sending other guys to our games." When I asked why, I was told, "We always lose when you show up."

That's a line I've heard from numerous coaches, including Trinity football coach Ed Dalton. I can recall one occasion when I walked on to the football field at Trinity before a game and Dalton spotted me. He asked me to leave, jokingly I think.

It's all good-natured fun, but is there truth to the Kovak Curse?

Consider this evidence:

Peters Township basketball player Gabe Pritz was a recent Athlete of the Week selection. In Pritz's first game after the story ran, he suffered a finger injury and missed the Indians' next game.
Wash High's Josh Wise was also a pick for Athlete of the Week this basketball season. The day that story ran, Wise scored 10 points below his average and the Prexies lost to Cornell.
Chartiers-Houston volleyball was in the midst of a promising season. Shortly after a story ran, the Bucs lost junior Lacey Levers – a Division I – prospect to a knee injury and did not qualify for the postseason.
Ringgold quarterback Quad Law was injured against Derry Area, but doctors cleared him just before the Rams played a big game at Franklin Regional. A pregame feature ran on Law, who lasted one play before aggravating the injury and leaving.
Waynesburg's baseball team had its best season in a decade and took an 18-game win streak into the WPIAL Class AA championship. The Raiders lost by one run to eventual state champ Riverside on a fly ball that got lost in the sun. Covered Waynesburg's PIAA first round game days later, another one-run loss.
Washington's Dustin Fuller put together a memorable performance during the WPIAL Class AA championship meet, winning two golds and qualifying for states in three events. For his accomplishments, Fuller was the Athlete of the Week. A day after the story ran, he tumbled near the end of the 300 hurdle finals. He was in second place at the time.

Week in review, girls basketball

2012-01-09T23:34:00.002-05:00

Team of the Week
Washington
A youthful roster and difficult schedule wasn't a great mix for Wash High early, and started the season with five losses in its first seven games.
With the Section 4-AA schedule underway, the Prexies are moving in the right direction. Last week, a pair of wins over Waynesburg and Brownsville gave them a 3-1 section mark. Washington (6-6, 4-1) isn't scoring a lot of points, but wins are wins.
And the win streak ran to three games with a victory Monday night at Charleroi.

Runner-up
Fort Cherry
Rangers coach Bob Miles isn't thrilled his team holds the top spot in the Observer-Reporter's Class A rankings, but it's difficult to argue that Fort Cherry doesn't deserve the distinction.
Undefeated Fort Cherry (11-0) won three games last week, including a double-digit victory over Class AAAA Canon-McMillan. The Rangers also secured wins over Avella and Jefferson-Morgan.

Starting five
Beka Bellhy, Fort Cherry
Tori Foster, Chartiers-Houston
Caitlin McLuckie South Fayette
Melissa Phillis, Burgettstown
Mya Williams, Washington
First sub
Morgan Berardi, Carmichaels

Game of the Week
Mapletown 44, Geibel Catholic 40
There's a lot to be said for toughing things out, and sticking with a team, no matter the results.
For Mapletown, a positive result was finally posted last Thursday when the Maples beat Geibel, 44-40, in a non-section game.
It snapped a 38-game losing streak, which dated back to Jan. 19, 2010 – a 57-40 win at West Greene.
Kristi Guritza and Sarah Taylor scored 15 points apiece for the Maples, who were without head coach Autumn Willis. The former Carmichaels standout received two technical fouls in the Maples' previous game and was suspended for the Geibel game.

Week in review, boys basketball

2012-01-09T13:00:00.003-05:00

Team of the Week
McGuffey
The Highlanders put together their best week since Ed Goetz coached there in the late 1990s.
McGuffey knocked off Trinity, 47-41, to pick up its biggest section win in years and followed one day later with a one-point win (42-41) over Chartiers-Houston Saturday at the Chuckie Mahoney Classic.
Highlanders coach Greg Papson, who has logged countless hours trying to get McGuffey to respectability, called the win over Trinity, "Our biggest in years. Who knows how long it's been since we had a better one?"
McGuffey is 1-2 in Section 5-AAA with the losses coming to the top two teams - Montour and South Fayette. The Highlanders are 6-4 overall.

Runner-up
Canon-McMillan
The Big Macs started last week with a loss, but there's little shame in a 73-58 setback to top-ranked Chartiers Valley, which may have its most talented team in recent years.
The Big Macs followed with a 60-59 win at Baldwin in a Section 4-AAAA game, and won on Kenyadda Brown's buzzer-beater. On Saturday, Canon-McMillan beat Hopewell by 20 at the Chuckie Mahoney Classic.

Starting five
Zach Challingsworth, South Fayette
Gabe Pritz, Peters Township
Gannon Walls-Mitchell, Bentworth
Doug Wilson, Canon-McMillan
Josh Wise, Washington
First sub
Shayne Murphy, Chartiers-Houston

Game of the Week
Can't remember a week with more one-point games or buzzer beaters, but none of those are the top choice.
Peters Township 55, Upper St. Clair 52
Peters Township looked like it losing streak was nearing five games - with a game at Chartiers Valley looming - when it trailed Upper St. Clair at home by 11 points entering the fourth quarter.
The up-and-down Indians opened the fourth on a 6-0 run. By the end of the fourth quarter, PT outscored USC 25-11 for its first section victory.
Pritz scored 24 points, with 13 coming in the fourth. Dakota Norton finished with 14.

Observer-Reporter WPIAL girls basketball rankings

2012-01-09T10:10:00.000-05:00

Class AAAA
1. Oakland Catholic 11-0
2. Mt. Lebanon 9-1
3. Gateway 6-1
4. North Allegheny 9-2
5. Bethel Park 7-3

Class AAA
1. South Park 8-1
2. New Castle 6-3
3. Hopewell 9-1
4. Blackhawk 8-1
5. Elizabeth Forward 10-1

Class AA
1. Seton-La Salle 9-0
2. Greensburg Central Catholic 7-0
3. Bishop Canevin 7-2
4. Burrell 9-0
5. Riverside 9-1

Class A
1. Fort Cherry 11-0
2. Vincentian Academy 10-0
3. North Catholic 8-3
4. Monessen 8-2
5. Riverview 8-2

Observer-Reporter WPIAL boys basketball rankings

2012-01-09T09:25:00.001-05:00

Class AAAA
1. Chartiers Valley 10-0
2. Gateway 7-3
3. Shaler 8-2
4. North Allegheny 7-2
5. Hempfield 8-1

Class AAA
1. New Castle 10-0
2. Montour 5-0
3. Greensburg-Salem 8-2
4. Uniontown 8-2
5. South Fayette 8-2

Class AA
1. Monessen 11-0
2. Beaver Falls 8-1
3. Sto-Rox 7-1
4. Quaker Valley 9-1
5. Greensburg Centra Catholic 4-4

Class A
1. Lincoln Park 7-2
2. Cornell 9-1
3. OLSH 10-0
4. North Catholic 7-2
5. Bentworth 8-1

Son of Barry Sanders commits to Stanford

2012-01-07T18:05:00.001-05:00

SAN ANTONIO (AP) — Barry J. Sanders’ performance Saturday in the All-American Bowl was a bit like father Barry Sanders’ NFL career. He could have done more before he left.
The younger Sanders will get his chance to show more next season at Stanford. He announced he would sign with the Cardinal — and not his father’s alma mater of Oklahoma State — following the game Saturday.
He had only three carries in the game, including a 10-yard touchdown run late in the first quarter, and his West teammates beat the East 24-12.
His father, the 1988 Heisman Trophy winner at Oklahoma State, stood near his son and other family members when Barry J. announced his decision to go to Stanford on national television in the fourth quarter of the game.
“I think everyone understood my position (about the college choice),” Barry J. Sanders said, wearing a black hat with the block Cardinal “S” on the front. “That program (Oklahoma State) made my family, and I thank them for it. I’ll always have orange in my blood.”
The Cardinal might have won the recruiting, but they lost the game. Oklahoma State beat Stanford this week in the Fiesta Bowl.
Sanders put Stanford on the top of his list weeks back. But he couldn’t commit until he met the school’s eligibility standards. Sanders said he was told Friday that he would be admitted after taking the college entrance exams more than once.
“I believe I’ll be playing with the greatest student athletes in the world,” he said.
Sanders, 5-foot-11 and 190 pounds, rushed for 1,324 yards (9.5 yards per carry) and 27 touchdowns this season at Oklahoma City Heritage Hall. The team won two state championships while he was there.
It wouldn’t bother Sanders if Stanford developed another efficient passer such as Andrew Luck, who finished second in the Heisman voting the past two seasons.
“I have faith in the program, that they’ll find a quality quarterback,” he said. “The bowl game showed that with a Heisman Trophy candidate they still ran the ball 30 times. It’s definitely not going to take away from me, whatever quarterback they have.”
Sanders’ final decision also came down to Florida State and Alabama. All commitments are nonbinding. It won’t become official until Feb. 1 at the earliest, the first day letters of intent can be signed.
The other touchdowns from the West came from quarterback Cyler Miles, who starred this year at Mullen High School in Denver and has committed to Washington. Miles was 7 of 8 (the incompletion was a drop), including a game-record 79-yard TD pass to Dorial Green-Beckham and had the game’s first score with a 4-yard run.
Miles also was sacked three times, including once by Shelby (Crest High School), N.C., lineman Johnathan Bullard, who plans to head to Florida after a strong defensive game that also included another tackle behind the line for 12 yards in losses.

Twitter Thursday

2012-01-05T22:26:00.001-05:00

After several months on Twitter (you can follow me @TheMikeKovak), I'm still amazed at some of the tweets from high school students.

Seriously, anyone (coaches, teaches, etc.) can read these things.

Think before you tweet.

Dan Conley, Burgettstown legend/PIAA wrestling champ/former Observer-Reporter Athlete of the Year
@danimal27
Jan. 5
"Starting to think about the real world a lot lately ... I don't know if I'll ever be ready to grow up..."

Fake Todd Graham
@TugMyRope
Jan. 3
"I am in Pittsburgh today to talk to my boys and set things right. Where is everyone?"

Billy Edwards, Washington football
@WilliamBrandon_
Dec. 30
"My goal is not to make it to the pro's but to be known as the greatest to ever play the game #Period"

Ben DuCarme, Canon-Mac golf
@benducarme
Jan. 1
"The steelers, pens, and panthers have lost it in the last month...looks like im gonna start watching the WNBA"

Nick Riotto, Trinity baseball
@NRiotto
Jan. 4
"Shoutout to the janitors once again for a great job in the parking lot for the second straight day....You guys really do too much."

Michael Yancich, Penn State linebacker/disgruntled airline customer
@Ymike33
Jan. 3
"When you fly US Air, the flight that you originally booked is the flight you will have no chance of actually being on."

Later that day ...

"Broken luggage?? US Air haha you are really a pathetic excuse for an airline.."

Tanner Garry, Fort Cherry wrestling (during the winter sports season)
@TannerGarry3
Jan. 5
"I was talking to a teacher in the hall when a 7th grade girl poked me in the back with a pen, giggled, then ran away. #highschoolromance."

Corey Garry, same as Tanner Garry
@coreygarry
Dec. 29
"Haven't made twitter Thursdays in forever. Gotta step my twitter game up."

Tweet of the Week
Andrew Sweat, Ohio State linebacker
@asweat42
Jan. 1
"What lies behind us and what lies before us means nothing compared to what lies within us"

Observer-Reporter WPIAL girls basketball rankings

2012-01-02T23:19:00.002-05:00

Class AAAA
1. Oakland Catholic 9-0
2. Mt. Lebanon 8-1
3. Gateway 5-1
4. Pine-Richland 6-3
5. North Allegheny 8-2

Class AAA
1. Hopewell 9-0
2. South Park 7-1
3. New Castle 5-3
4. Blackhawk 6-1
5. Elizabeth Forward 9-1

Class AA
1. Seton-La Salle 8-0
2. Greensburg Central Catholic 6-0
3. Bishop Canevin 5-2
4. Burrell 8-0
5. Riverside 7-1

Class A
1. Fort Cherry 9-0
2. Vincentian Academy 9-0
3. North Catholic 6-3
4. Monessen 7-2
5. St. Joseph 5-3

Observer-Reporter WPIAL boys basketball rankings

2012-01-02T21:11:00.002-05:00

Class AAAA
1. Chartiers Valley 8-0
2. North Allegheny 7-1
3. Gateway 6-3
4. Shaler 6-2
5. Woodland Hills 6-1

Class AAA
1. New Castle 8-0
2. Montour 3-0
3. Greensburg-Salem 6-2
4. Uniontown 6-2
5. South Fayette 6-2

Class AA
1. Monessen 8-0
2. Beaver Falls 7-1
3. Sto-Rox 6-1
4. Quaker Valley 7-1
5. Jeannette 7-1

Class A
1. Lincoln Park 6-2
2. Cornell 7-1
3. OLSH 9-0
4. North Catholic 5-1
5. Vincentian Academy 7-1

Top 5 teams of 2011

2012-01-01T12:09:00.000-05:00

1. Peters Township girls soccer
As Indians head coach Pat Vereb said before his team played one game, "We're replacing roughly 80 percent of the roster with girls who have little or no varsity experience."
The previous group won PIAA and WPIAL Class AAA titles in 2010 with a physical yet skilled style of play. Peters Township in 2011 would rely more on speed and other skill sets in defense of the program's first state championship.
After two games, the Indians were 0-1-1.
Peters Township eventually meshed and earned the top seed in the WPIAL playoffs, where the Indians needed a two-goal rally in the quarterfinals to remain in competition. A loss to Upper St. Clair in the WPIAL championship, did little to affect PT's play in the state tournament.
Only an honorable mention team in the state's Class AAA rankings, Peters Township (20-3-1) rolled through the competition and beat Pennridge, 1-0, for its second consecutive state championship.

2. Peters Township girls tennis
For WPIAL girls tennis coaches as the Class AAA level, the key is navigating the district bracket.
Every time Peters Township has won a WPIAL girls team title, it has followed with a state championship. It happened in 2006, 2009 and once again in 2011.
The top seed in the WPIAL playoffs, Peters Township dominated the pairings like never before. The Indians beat Fox Chapel, Upper St. Clair and old nemesis Shady Side Academy in the finals. Along the way, Peters Township lost one match.
Peters Township played Shady Side Academy once again for the PIAA team title, and a 4-1 victory clinched the Indians' third title in six years. The Indians lost just one match in the state playoffs.

3. Chartiers-Houston softball
In 2010, Chartiers-Houston finally broke the curse. Not only did the Bucs score a run in a state championship game after previously being blanked in all previous appearances, C-H won the Class A title.
The Bucs entered the 2011 season as the prohibitive favorite to win a seventh WPIAL championship and they delivered, making things look easier than they were with an undefeated record, and a 9-3 win over section rival Fort Cherry in the final.
C-H (22-1) reached the state semifinals, where a 24-game win streak was snapped with a 3-2 loss to Clairion.

4. Monessen boys basketball
Losses to Norwin and North Allegheny - a pair of Class AAAA programs - were all that kept Monessen completing the regular season with an undefeated record. The Greyhounds were that good, yet not good enough to receive the top seed in the WPIAL Class AA playoffs.
No matter.
A blowout win over Ellwood City - the 500th coaching victory for Joe Salvino - led to close ones against Jeannette and Wilkinsburg. Monessen found itself playing Greensburg Central Catholic for the championship at Duquesne University's A.J. Palumbo Center. For those who don't know the interesting subplots of that contest, well, you must have been far, far away from Western Pennsylvania.
Monessen (26-3) won by 20 points and reached the PIAA semifinals, where GCC ended the Greyhounds' outstanding season.

5. Washington boys 4x400 relay team
The restoration of Wash High athletics was underway during the spring, and the boys track and field team played the key role.
Washington reached the WPIAL Class AA team championship, where it finished second. There were multiple WPIAL and PIAA medalists, but the shining moment came during the final event of the WPIAL championship meet at Baldwin.
That's when the Washington 1,600 relay team of XXXX entered the WPIAL record books.
Mykhael Kelley, Jordan Thomas, Darius Spinks and anchor leg Dustin Fuller ran a scorching 3:26.41, not only good enough for WPIAL gold but the time broke a 10-year meet record, which was held by ... Washington.

Top five moments of 2011

2011-12-31T20:44:00.004-05:00

1. Matt Venanzi's last-second goal
A Neil Harrison throw-in with 10 seconds remaining bounced in front of the Pittsburgh central Catholic goal. Somehow, the ball squirted to All-State midfielder and Pitt recruit Matt Venanzi.
One touch later, upstart Peters Township tied top-seed PCC, 1-1, with 1.1 seconds remaining in regulation.
Following the goal, Venanzi raced toward the corner flag, looked into the sky as he raised his arms to hip level and was mobbed by teammates.
Peters Township went on to win the WPIAL Class AAA semifinals in a shootout. Naturally, Venanzi scored in that as well. Peters Township, which lost its final three games of the regular season, reached the WPIAL championship game once again with the win and qualified for the state tournament.
"We weren't as good as last year, but we still had some good players," Venanzi said. "We had a lot of new players but the team knew we could be good. I think it was people outside the program who didn't expect us to get this far."

2. Veronica Latsko fights off Pennridge
While the moment can't top Venanzi's for sheer drama, Peters Township sophomore Veronica Latsko scored a goal in the 2011 PIAA Class AAA championship match that illustrates why she's considered one of the top players around.
A pair of Pennridge defenders tugged and pulled at Latsko for nearly 25 yards and just as the All-State striker looked ready to hit the turf at Hersheypark Stadium, she managed to put a shot early in the first half on net for the game's lone goal.
Peters Township won its second consecutive PIAA Class AAA championship with a 1-0 victory.
"I don't know how she stayed on her feet for that long," Peters Township coach Pat Vereb said. "It was an amazing effort."

3. Briggs has grand time for C-H softball
Chartiers-Houston took a 20-0 record and a 24-game win streak into the WPIAL Class A championship game against section rival Fort Cherry, the bracket's 15th seed.
An ideas that the Rangers would pull off an upset and beat the 2010 state champs were quickly quelled in the second inning when sophomore rightfielder Kayla Briggs smacked a Nicolette McHugh pitch toward centerfield and over the wall at California University's Lilly Field.
"I didn't really think it was gone. I was just trying to get one run in," Briggs said.
Briggs finished the championship game with five RBI, or just another average day for a two-time All-State selection who batted over .600 during her sophomore season.

4. Monessen extracts revenge
Rarely do teams admit a victory is sweeter because of the opponent. That wasn't the case for the Monessen boys basketball team following the 2011 WPIAL Class AA title game.
The balanced Greyhounds beat top-seed Greensburg Central Catholic with surprising ease, burying three-pointers, playing air-tight defense and even throwing down an alley-oop.
"I would say it is. They get sweeter the older you get," Moneseen coach Joe Salvino said. "But that's a school that's allowed to get anybody. And here we are at Monessen, a small Class A school playing up and winning a championship. I'm proud of these kids."
Beating the Centurions was particularly pleasing that year given the strange circumstances involving the transfers of Terrence and Josh Stepoli. The brothers started at Monessen, went to GCC separately, went back to Monessen and, well, you get the idea.
And during Monessen's postseason run, which ended in the state semifinals with a loss to GCC, the legendary Salvino picked up his 500th career victory.

5. Peters Township's lumber company
On one magical night during the WPIAL Class AAAA baseball playoffs, Peters Township put together what might be the best hitting performance the district postseason has seen.
During a 17-1 win over Latrobe, Peters Township's bash brothers bashed a grand slam, home runs, triples and doubles.
By the time the game ended because of the 15-run mercy rule, Peters Township – led by Justin Bianco, Brady Sheetz, Austin Hancock and Andrew Erenberg – smacked 10 extra base hits. None were cheap.
"We have a lot of guys that can hit the ball. We go up there looking to do our job," said rightfielder Justin Bianco.
The hitting performance continually drew "oohs" and "aahs" from spectators and even prompted a couple college coaches in attendance to say they've never witnessed a better hitting performance.
No doubt the playoff-issued baseballs were glad to see the Indians leave Washington & Jefferson's baseball field that night.

Indoor football game to benefit Dryer family

2011-12-30T11:30:00.001-05:00

The Pittsburgh Sabres, a founding member of the Western Pennsylvania Indoor Football League and a recent addition to the Gridiron Developmental Football League, offers an outlet for those seeking to play competitive football and an opportunity to be noticed by franchises such as the Pittsburgh Power.

One of the Sabres' co-owners and team captain is Adam Henderson, a Trinity High School graduate who played a key role in organizing the Hillers roster for the highly successful Trinity-Washington Alumni Football USA game which took place last July.

Henderson's team recently played a game to benefit Lower Burrell police officer Derek Kotecki, an 18-year veteran of the Lower Burrell police force who was shot and killed Oct. 12 trying to arrest a fugitive.

"We had just got done playing that game when I woke up Monday (Dec. 19) and heard about the gutless tragedy Sunday night," Henderson said.

East Washington police officer John Dryer, also a veterinarian, was fatally shot during a traffic stop along Interstate 70.

Henderson, who shares ownership of the Sabres with Josh Myers, immediately began putting together a second memorial game.

"The idea hit me right away," Henderson said. "We received a lot of positive feedback. We created an invitation on Facebook and invited about 4,100 people."

The Pittsburgh Sabres will play defending WPIFL champion AK Valley Hurricanes tonight at Southpointe Fieldhouse, which is located just off Interstate 79. Kickoff is scheduled for 9 p.m. Admission is $5 and all proceeds benefit Dryer's family. Memorial T-shirts can also be purchased at the game.

At least three members of the Pittsburgh Steelers - Pro Bowl receiver Mike Wallace, cornerback Keenan Lewis and special teams ace Arnez Battle - are scheduled to appear. Henderson is hoping a few more Steelers show up since Dryer's son, Benjamin, is a die-hard Steelers fan.

Benjamin Dryer will join Henderson on the field for the coin toss and serve as an honorary captain. Members of the Sabres will sign a game ball for Dryer, who has autism, and Henderson plans on having the Steelers in attendance sign a game ball for officer's son as well.

"I saw Ben at the funeral and, of course, he's crying. When I talked to him, I let him know some Steelers were coming to the game," Henderson said. "His face lit up and he started talking about the Steelers."

For more information, visit the WPIFL website or the Pittsburgh Sabres page.

Penn State lands first recruit since Sandusky scandal

2011-12-29T23:58:00.002-05:00

From ESPN. com …

Click here.

List of reportable offenses under Act 24

2011-12-29T23:28:00.002-05:00

All current employees of a public or private schools, intermediate unit or area vocation-technical school in Pennsylvania were required to complete an arrest/conviction report and certification form under Act 24 of 2011. The deadline to submit the form was Dec. 27.

The list of reportable offenses
1. An offense under one or more of the following provision of Title 18 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes:

relating to criminal homicide
relating to aggravated assault
relating to stalking
relating to kidnapping
relating to unlawful restraint
relating to luring a child into a motor vehicle or structure
relating to rape
relating to statutory sexual assault
relating to involuntary deviate sexual intercourse
relating to sexual assault
relating to institutional sexual assault
relating to aggravated indecent assault
relating to indecent assault
relating to indecent exposure
relating to sexual intercourse with animal
relating to incest
relating to concealing death of child
relating to endangering welfare of children
relating to dealing in infant children
relating to prostitution and related offenses
relating to obscene and other sexual materials and performances
relating to corruption of minors
relating to sexual abuse of children
relating to unlawful contact with minor
relating to solicitation of minors to traffic drugs
relating to sexual exploitation of children

2. An offense designated as a felony under the act of April 14, 1972 known as "The Controlled Substance, Drug, Device and Cosmetic Act."

3. An offense similar in nature to those crimes listed in clauses (1) and (2) under the laws or former laws of:

the United States; or
one of its territories or possessions; or
another state; or
the District of Columbia; or
the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico; or
a foreign nation; or
under a former law of this Commonwealth.

Twitter Thursday

2011-12-29T20:47:00.001-05:00

Things are taking a one-week deviation from the norm for Twitter Thursday. One tweet was so bad, so off in a misguided attempt to be humorous, it will be crowned "Worst Tweet of the Week", which will replace the "Tweet of the Week" for this week.

You can follow me on Twitter @TheMikeKovak.

On to the tweets …

Joe Hough, Avella boys basketball coach
@avellaeagle
Dec. 24
"Merry Christmas from avella boys basketball team!"

Bill Beckner, Valley New Dispatch sports writer
@jdbbeck
Dec. 25
"Barkley looks great. Like he lost half a Shaq. #celticschat"

Hiller Hooligans, Trinity student section
@HillerHooligans
Dec. 28
"Just a friendly reminder instead of yelling while the other team is shooting free throws tonight we tell them to Eat my boogers"

Gannon Walls-Mitchell, Bentworth basketball
@GWaLLS15
Dec. 29
"Wish I was home to watch @stephenasmith and @RealSkipBayless on first take more often"

Xavier Severns, Trinity football
@Xavier724
Dec. 29
"Just got my mom's name tattooed on my chest, not done with it gonna add on to it :)"

Worst Tweet of the Week
Joe Tuscano, O-R assistant sports editor and wrestling beat writer
@JosephGTuscano (a recommended follow if you enjoy watching Good Morning America, his main subject material on social media)
Dec. 27
"If #dantetaylor and #khembirch are McDonald's All-Americans, I want to see Arby's team."

Spridik no longer Bentworth volleyball coach

2011-12-28T20:56:00.003-05:00

Greg Spridik is the most successful high school girls volleyball coach in Washington County history.

Besides producing a string of victories and All-State players, Spridik is the only coach from the area to take his team to the PIAA playoffs on multiple occasions.

Success wasn't enough for Spridik to return to the Bearcats in 2012.

He was fired last Friday during a meeting with administrations. It was an action that members of the Bentworth School District Board of Education did not know.

The reason? According to Spridik, he was told he was in violation of Act 24 of the Pennsylvania Department of Education. Spridik was arrested in a foreign country 31 years ago. Until Act 24 was established, he previously passed all clearances needed to coach high school athletics and officiate PIAA basketball games.

Spridik believes the real reason behind his removal stems from his public displeasure over a motion at Bentworth to remove middle school athletics.

It's one interesting story, and one that will likely take a few turns before reaching a conclusion.

Read more about it in Thursday's Observer-Reporter.

Observer-Reporter WPIAL girls basketball rankings

2011-12-27T16:51:00.002-05:00

Class AAAA
1. Gateway 4-0
2. Oakland Catholic 6-0
3. Mt. Lebanon 4-1
4. Pine-Richland 4-2
5. North Allegheny 5-2

Class AAA
1. Hopewell 6-0
2. Blackhawk 6-0
3. South Park 4-1
4. Elizabeth Forward 7-0
5. Chartiers Valley 3-1

Class AA
1. Seton-La Salle 5-0
2. Greensburg Central Catholic 5-0
3. Avonworth 5-1
4. Ford City 6-0
5. Bishop Canevin 3-2

Class A
1. North Catholic 4-2
2. Fort Cherry 6-0
3. Vincentian Academy 6-0
4. Riverview 5-1
5. Monessen 5-2

Observer-Reporter WPIAL boys basketball rankings

2011-12-27T13:23:00.001-05:00

Class AAAA
1. Chartiers Valley 8-0
2. North Allegheny 5-1
3. Shaler 5-1
4. Bethel Park 6-0
5. Upper St. Clair 6-1

Class AAA
1. New Castle 6-0
2. Montour 1-0
3. Keystone Oaks 5-0
4. Greensburg-Salem 4-2
5. Hampton 5-2

Class AA
1. Monessen 6-0
2. Sto-Rox 5-0
3. Beaver Falls 5-1
4. Jeannette 5-0
5. Shenango 6-1

Class A
1. Lincoln Park 5-1
2. North Catholic 4-0
3. Clairton 0-0
4. Cornell 5-1
5. OLSH 7-0

Twitter Holiday Weekend

2011-12-23T22:54:00.002-05:00

No worries, tweeps. These tweets aren't from various locals wishing everyone a Happy Holiday or from people trying to put the Paul Chryst (new Pitt football coach) in Christmas.

Follow me on Twitter @TheMikeKovak.

Chad Voytik, highly regarded Pitt quarterback recruit from Tennessee
@Voytik_8
Dec. 22
"So excited about the hire. Should be getting a call from him soon. This process has been such a blessing and lesson for me. #Godisgood"

Josh Koscheck, Waynesburg High grad and UFC fighter
@JoshKoscheck
Dec. 16
"I may never be the best!!! But I will die trying!!!!!! #nevergivingup bc hard work...pays oooooOFF!!!! #posi Enjoy ya weekend!"

Nico Law, Ringgold football
@FrEaKO_4
Dec. 21
"My bro made all state got big shoes to fill but i can do it #4 leggoo!!! #proudofhim !!"

Matt Venanzi, Peters Township soccer
@Matt34Venanzi
Dec. 22
"Congratulations to @andrew_erenberg on being all state! Finally getting the recognition he deserves! @TheMikeKovak #Fordham #bound"

Souf Oaklin fo' Life, comedic look at life in South Oakland
@Souf_Oaklin
Dec. 19
"Report: Sally Wiggin sabotages generator, makes quick break for wine country before kickoff. #Steelers #MNF"

Seth Petras, Canon-McMillan basketball
@SethPetras
Dec. 22
"Socks: Check, Pants: Check, Shoes: Check, Bulletproof Vest: Check"

Tweet of the Week
Fake Todd Graham
@TugMyRope
Dec. 22
"A fortune teller just told Penni that in two years I will be sneaking out of Phoenix to take my dream job at Ringgold High School."

Wisconsin commit Orndoff plays wating game

2011-12-22T22:49:00.005-05:00

Scott Orndoff came away so impressed with the University of Wisconsin after attending a football camp in Madison, Wisc. that when Badgers head coach Bret Bielema offered a scholarship, Orndoff committed almost immediately.

Right now, Orndoff – a Waynesburg resident and a junior at Seton-La Salle High School – is digesting the news that Wisconsin offensive coordinator Paul Chryst is the new football coach at the University of Pittsburgh.

It was a move aided, in part, by Langeloth native and Burgettstown High School graduate Barry Alvarez, a member of the College Football Hall of Fame and Wisconsin's athletic director.

"From what I can tell, no one at Wisconsin has any problems with Pitt," Orndoff said Thursday evening, minutes after finding out he was selected to the Pennsylvania Sports Writers Class AA All-State football team. "It's a big win for Pitt."

Orndoff had minimal contact with Chryst during his recruiting process, but the 6-5 tight end recruit maintains weekly contact with Joe Rudolph, the Badgers' tight end coach/recruiting coordinator.

According to Orndoff, Rudolph planned on calling him Thursday night. Rudolph was born in Charleroi and played high school football at Belle Vernon.

Various reports say Rudolph and Bob Bostad – Wisconsin's run-game coordinator and offensive line coach – could make the move to Pitt with Chryst, who will remain with the Badgers through their Rose Bowl appearance against Oregon. Other reports indicate Rudolph could succeed Chryst as offensive coordinator.

Rudolph's landing spot will play a significant role in whether remains with Wisconsin.

"There will be a lot going into that if Coach Rudolph leaves," Orndoff said. "Even before all this happened, I kept my options open. If he would leave, I'll take another trip up there and take time to think about my decision."

Challingsworth, Ellis make PIAA Class AA All-State team

2011-12-22T16:55:00.001-05:00

Also on this list is Waynesburg resident Scott Orndoff, a Wisconsin recruit who plays at Seton-La Salle.

The 2011 Pennsylvania Sports Writers All-State football team. With players’ school, height, weight and class.
CLASS AA
QUARTERBACK
Steve Franco, Tyrone, 6-3, 190, Sr.
Blake Rankin, Bloomsburg, 6-4, 195, Sr.
RUNNING BACK
Roman Clay, Lancaster Catholic, 5-11, 205, Jr.
DeShawn Coleman, Hickory, 6-1, 175, Jr.
Dylan Evans, Pen Argyl, 6-3, 190, Sr.
David Williams, West Philadelphia Catholic, 6-1, 188, Jr.
WIDE RECEIVER
Zach Challingsworth, South Fayette, 6-2, 170, Jr.
Shakur Nesmith, Imhotep Charter, 6-4, 185, Sr.
Nick Patton, Tyrone, 6-2, 150, Sr.
TIGHT END
Scott Orndorff, Seton-La Salle, 6-5, 240, Sr.
LINEMEN
J.J. Beggan, Seton-La Salle, 6-4, 280, Sr.
Matt Bell, Hickory, 6-3, 280, Sr.
Adam DePietro, Lancaster Catholic, 6-6, 300, Sr.
Jonathan Green, North Schuylkill, 6-3, 295, Sr.
Christian Skrepenak, GAR Memorial, 6-9, 350, Jr.
Michael Mooney, Malvern Prep, 6-5, 260, Sr.
SPECIALIST
Kyle Armagost, Moniteau, 6-1, 195, Sr.
Darrell Crawford, GAR Memorial, 5-9, 165, Sr.
KICKER
No selection.
DEFENSE
LINEMEN
Eric Ellis, Washington, 6-1, 225, Sr.
Eric Joraskie, Mount Carmel, 6-4, 265, Jr.
Shakir Soto, GAR Memorial, 6-3, 230, Jr.
Malcolm White, Wyomissing, 6-0, 265, Sr.
Connor Maloney, Malvern Prep, 6-4, 270, Sr.
LINEBACKER
Alex Anzalone, Wyomissing, 6-3, 205, Jr.
Mack Behe, Penn Cambria, 6-2, 175, Jr.
Tristin Freeman, West Philadelphia Catholic, 6-0, 215, Sr.
Cody Shustack, Mount Carmel, 5-10, 200, Sr.
Brandon Smith, Lewisburg, 6-1, 200, Jr.
DEFENSIVE BACK
Demetrious Cox, Jeannette, 6-1, 190, Sr.
Alex Filarsky, Lakeland, 6-1, 170, Sr.
Reggie Mitchell, Shady Side Academy, 5-9, 155, Sr.
Shailek Powell, GAR Memorial, 6-0, 180, Sr.
SPECIALIST
Zack Ripic, Towanda, 5-11, 185, Sr.
Charles Sweigert, Lancaster Catholic, 6-0, 185, Sr.
PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Steve Franco, Tyrone
COACH OF THE YEAR
John Franco, Tyrone

Peters Township's Erenberg makes Class AAAA All-State team

2011-12-22T16:50:00.000-05:00

The 2011 Pennsylvania Sports Writers All-State football team. With players’ school, height, weight and class.
CLASS AAAA
QUARTERBACK
Daniel Harding, Nazareth, 6-4, 205, Sr.
Mack Leftwich, North Allegheny, 5-11, 190, Jr.
RUNNING BACK
Dan Brown, Central Bucks South, 5-10, 180, Sr.
Jack Haffner, State College, 5-10, 205, Sr.
Luke Hagy, Mount Lebanon, 6-1, 198, Sr.
Damion Jones-Moore, Pittsburgh Central Catholic, 5-7, 180, Sr.
WIDE RECEIVER
Adam Bridgeforth, Nazareth, 6-0, 180, Sr.
Diante Cherry, J.P. McCaskey, 5-9, 175, Jr.
Anthony Nixon, Pittsburgh Central Catholic, 6-2, 205, Sr.
TIGHT END
Adam Breneman, Cedar Cliff, 6-5, 230, Jr.
LINEMEN
Patrick Kugler, North Allegheny, 6-4, 270, Jr.
Chris Muller, Boyertown, 6-6, 300, Sr.
Ian Park, Upper St. Clair, 6-4, 290, Sr.
Zach Wilk, Central Dauphin, 6-5, 275, Sr.
SPECIALIST
Dakota Conwell, Upper St. Clair, 6-1, 210, Sr.
Eugene Lewis, Wyoming Valley West, 6-3, 200, Sr.
KICKER
Matt Loughnane, Penn-Trafford, 5-10, 150, Jr.
DEFENSE
LINEMEN
Cody Conway, Gateway, 6-4, 210, Sr.
Kyle Friend, Cumberland Valley, 6-1, 280, Sr.
Arthur Goldberg, Mount Lebanon, 6-4, 280, Sr.
Evan Schwan, Central Dauphin, 6-6, 225, Sr.
LINEBACKER
Rob Dvoracek, Parkland, 6-2, 220, Sr.
Tyrone “T.J.” Neal, McKeesport, 6-1, 225, Sr.
Hakeem Oliver, Gateway, 5-10, 200, Sr.
Sean Burke, La Salle College HS, 5-10, 185, Jr.
Ralph Reeves, Lansdale North Penn, 6-0, 230, Sr.
DEFENSIVE BACK
Brendan Coniker, North Allegheny, 6-1, 170, Jr.
Andrew Erenberg, Peters Twp., 5-10, 200, Sr.
Anthony Orlando, Liberty, 5-10, 170, Sr.
Will Parks, Germantown, 6-1, 175, Sr.
SPECIALIST
Jaylen Coleman, University Prep, 6-0, 230, Sr.
Greg Garmon, McDowell, 6-2, 200, Sr.
Zayd Issah, Central Dauphin, 6-4, 210, Jr.
CO-PLAYERS OF THE YEAR
Zayd Issah, Central Dauphin
Daniel Harding, Nazareth
COACH OF THE YEAR
Glen McNamee, Central Dauphin

Ringgold's Law among several top college recruits on Class AAA all-state team

2011-12-21T17:16:00.003-05:00

The 2011 Pennsylvania Sports Writers All-State football team, with players’ school, height, weight and class.
CLASS AAA
OFFENSE
QUARTERBACK
Dillon Buechel, Montour, 6-4, 175, Sr.
Brendan Nosovitch, Allentown Central Catholic, 6-3, 205, Sr.
Alec Werner, Harrisburg Bishop McDevitt, 6-0, 195, Jr.
RUNNING BACK
Preston Bare, Palmyra, 6-0, 200, Sr.
Julian Durden, Montour, 5-9, 175, Sr.
Brandon Peoples, Archbishop Wood, 5-10, 180, Sr.
Rushel Shell, Hopewell, 5-11, 215, Sr.
WIDE RECEIVER
Kevin Gulyas, Allentown Central Catholic, 6-1, 185, Sr.
Brian Lemelle, Harrisburg Bishop McDevitt, 5-11, 175, Jr.
Devin Wilson, Montour, 6-4, 175, Jr.
TIGHT END
Colin Thompson, Archbishop Wood, 6-6, 255, Sr.
LINEMEN
Brandon Arcidiacono, Archbishop Wood, 6-6, 255, Sr.
Jason Emerich, Blue Mountain, 6-4, 275, Sr.
Tad McNeely, Allentown Central Catholic, 6-4, 275, Sr.
Madison O’Connor, Pottsgrove, 6-6, 330, Sr.
Frank Taylor, Archbishop Wood, 6-4, 295, Sr.
SPECIALISTS
Robert Foster, Central Valley, 6-2, 185, Jr.
Wesley Phipps, Grove City, 5-9, 180, Sr.
KICKER
Jon Chereson, Cathedral Prep, 5-10, 153, Jr.
DEFENSE
LINEMEN
D.J. Fink, Central Valley, 6-0, 220, Sr.
Mike Galatini, Valley View, 6-3, 255, Sr.
Averee Robinson, Susquehanna Twp., 6-1, 275, Sr.
Noah Spence, Harrisburg Bishop McDevitt, 6-4, 245, Sr.
LINEBACKERS
Bryton Barr, Mechanicsburg, 6-0, 225, Sr.
Brock Dean, Harrisburg Bishop McDevitt, 6-1, 220, Sr.
Jon Hicks, Palmyra, 6-3, 235, Sr.
Nyeem Wartman, Valley View, 6-3, 230, Sr.
Alkwan Williams, Greater Johnstown, 6-1, 218, Sr.
DEFENSIVE BACKS
Levonte Ford, Erie East, 6-1, 245, Sr.
Corey Lauer, Franklin Regional, 5-11, 160, Sr.
Desmon Peoples, Archbishop Wood, 5-8, 170, Sr.
Delton Williams, Cathedral Prep, 6-2, 190, Jr.
SPECIALIST
Percy Law, Ringgold, 5-8, 160, Sr.
Nate Smith, Archbishop Wood, 6-1, 190, Sr.
PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Rushel Shell, Hopewell
COACH OF THE YEAR
Lou Cerro, Montour

PIAA Class A All-State football team

2011-12-21T17:13:00.001-05:00

The 2011 Pennsylvania Sports Writers All-State football team. With players’ school, height, weight and class.

CLASS A
OFFENSE
QUARTERBACK
Matt Bodamer, Port Allegany, 6-1, 175, Jr.
Mike Gaval, Mahanoy Area, 6-0, 165, Sr.
A.J. Long, Pius X, 6-0, 18, Sr.
RUNNING BACK
Tyler Boyd, Clairton, 6-1, 170, Jr.
Colin Bryan, Windber, 6-0, 188, Sr.
Alex Holland, Curwensville, 6-0, 180, Sr.
De’Andre Moon, Rochester, 6-0, 215, Sr.
WIDE RECEIVER
Mike Burke, Columbia, 6-2, 200, Sr.
Tyce Miller, Port Allegany, 5-10, 160, Jr.
Boise Ross, Pius X, 6-0, 175, Jr.
TIGHT END
Ian O’Shea, Bellwood-Antis, 6-0, 180, Jr.
LINEMEN
Alex Karlovich, Line Mountain, 6-1, 300, Sr.
Todd Munchak, Curwensville,, 5-11, 295, Sr.
Zach Rugg, Bishop McCort, 6-5, 269, Sr.
Carvan Thompson, Clairton, 5-10, 215, Sr.
Michael Weber, Mercyhurst Prep, , 6-3, 310, Sr.
SPECIALISTS
Danny Ferens, Penns Manor, 6-0, 190, Jr.
David Argust, Old Forge, 6-0, 178, Sr.
KICKER
Philip Esposito, Brockway, 6-0, 175, Jr.
DEFENSE
LINEMEN
Jacob Craig, Berlin-Brothers Valley, 6-2, 220, Sr.
Eric Hirschfield, , Bishop Canevin, 6-0, 182, Sr.
Quinton Hixson, Northern Bedford, 6-3, 295, Sr.
Tom Schetroma, Southern Columbia, 6-0, 260, Sr.
Eric Walker, Clairton, 6-3, 245, Sr.
LINEBACKER
T.J. Armstrong, Clarion, 6-2, 215, Jr.
Mike Dunn, Bishop Canevin, 6-1, 225, Jr.
Bryan Flory, Columbia, 5-10, 175, Jr.
Luke Patten, West Middlesex, 5-10, 180, Jr.
Deaysean Rippy, Sto-Rox, 6-2, 205, Sr.
DEFENSIVE BACK
Marzett Geter, Sto-Rox, 5-9, 180, Sr.
Brody Pollock, Union (Rimersburg), 5-11, 180, Sr.
Trenton Coles, Clairton, 6-3, 180, Sr.
SPECIALIST
Cole Weachock, Minersville, 5-10, 170, Sr.
Matt Moore, Southern Columbia, 6-2, 200, Sr.
PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Tyler Boyd, Clairton
COACH OF THE YEAR
Bill Packer, Penns Manor

Final state football rankings

2011-12-20T21:55:00.002-05:00

Pennsylvania high school football rankings from The Patriot-News of Harrisburg for the week of Tuesday, Dec. 20, with school’s district in parentheses, followed by the school’s record and last week’s ranking. NR means not ranked. Honorable mention teams listed alphabetically. (P)-2010 PIAA champion.

CLASS AAAA
1. Central Dauphin (3) 15-1 2
2. North Allegheny (P) (7) 14-1 3
3. North Penn (1) 13-3 1
4. LaSalle College HS (12) 12-2 4
5. Upper St. Clair (7) 11-2 5
6. Pittsburgh C.C. (7) 11-1 6
7. Gateway (7) 9-3 7
8. Nazareth (11) 12-2 8
9. Wilson (3) 12-2 9
10. Council Rock South (1) 12-2 10
Honorable mention
Central York (3) 10-3, Cumberland Valley (3) 11-2, Easton (11) 11-2, Garnet Valley (1) 11-2, Penn-Trafford (7) 10-1, State College (6) 8-5.

CLASS AAA
Team Rec Pvs
1. Archbishop Wood (12) 14-1 1
2. Bishop McDevitt (3) 13-3 2
3. Montour (7) 12-3 3
4. Grove City (10) 11-1 4
5. Central Valley (7) 11-1 5
6. Knoch (7) 12-1 6
7. Cathedral Prep (10) 9-3 7
8. Franklin Regional (7) 11-1 8
9. Allentown C.C. (P) (11) 9-6 9
10. Lampeter-Strasburg (3) 12-2 10
Honorable mention
Dallas (2) 10-2, Hopewell (7) 7-4, Pottsgrove (1) 11-3, Valley View (2) 11-2, West Mifflin (7) 9-2, West York (3) 10-3.

CLASS AA
Team Rec Pvs
1. Lancaster Catholic (3) 16-0 1
2. Tyrone (6) 14-2 2
3. Aliquippa (7) 14-1 3
4. West Catholic (P) (12) 10-4 4
5. Jeannette (7) 12-1 5
6. Mount Carmel (4) 12-2 6
7. Pen Argyl (11) 13-1 7
8. Seton-LaSalle (7) 11-1 8
9. Hickory (10) 11-2 9
10. Lewisburg (4) 9-3 10
Honorable mention
Greensburg C.C. (7) 10-2, Moniteau (9) 12-1, Northern Lehigh (11) 10-2, North Schuylkill (11) 10-1, Wilkes-Barre GAR (2) 11-2, Wyomissing (3) 11-1.

CLASS A
Team Rec Pvs
1. Clairton (P) (7) 16-0 1
2. Southern Columbia (4) 14-2 2
3. Sto-Rox (7) 12-1 3
4. Rochester (7) 10-2 4
5. Sharpsville (10) 13-1 5
6. Pius X (11) 12-2 6
7. Penns Manor (6) 12-2 7
8. Bishop Canevin (7) 11-1 8
9. Port Allegany (9) 11-2 9
10. Line Mountain (4) 10-2 10
Honorable mention
Avonworth (7) 9-2, Bellwood-Antis (6) 10-2, Dunmore (2) 10-1, North Star (5) 10-2, Old Forge (2) 10-3, West Middlesex (10) 7-5.

Girls basketball, week in review

2011-12-19T20:35:00.004-05:00

Team of the Week
Bentworth
Undefeated Bentworth asserted itself as the prohibitive favorite in Section 4-AA with a win against Washington last week. The Bearcats went 2-0 and are 5-0 overall, but it was a 60-37 win at Wash High Gym – the WPIAL's most historic gymnasium – which should provide confidence.
It signified Bentworth's first win over Washington in section play ... ever. The Prexies have won 13 of the past 14 section titles. Only Beth-Center (in 2009-2010) kept it from being 14 straight.
Bentworth is receiving contributions from several players, but its a pair of All-State volleyballers – Jessica Dorazio and Darcy Bostich – leading the offense.

Runner-up
Peters Township
First-year head coach Chris Lebakken has the Indians off to a solid start. Peters Township takes a 4-1 record into Thursday's non-conference game against North Allegheny with the lone loss to a good Central Valley team.
The Indians are playing well on the interior with Bri Deer and Sarah Grippi. They helped PT beat Beaver and Baldwin, both on the road, last week.

Starting five
Bri Deer, Peters Township
Jessica Dorazio, Bentworth
Carolena Gasbarro, Fort Cherry
Chelsea Szakal, Monessen
Sammie Weiss, McGuffey
First reserve
Anna Cree, Carmichaels

Game of the Week
Monessen 80, Imani Christian 3
Far from competitive, this opening-round game of Monessen's Tipoff Tournament was interesting for one reason – had Imani Christian not make a half-court buzzer-beater at the end of the first quarter, Monessen's defense would have registered a shutout.
Can only imagine what it's like witnessing a game similar to this.
(Blogger's note: A running joke - and not a really funny one - in the office has me predicting scores of 98-3 in many sports when a blowout is expected. To date, this game has come the closest to 98-3 locally.)

Boys basketball, week in review

2011-12-19T17:21:00.002-05:00

Team of the Week
Monessen
Ranked No. 1 in Class AA by the Observer-Reporter, Monessen went 4-0 last week with wins over two Class AAAA programs and a pair of private schools.
The Greyhounds continue to get balanced scoring from the like of Jaisen Irwin, Jalen Madison, Chavas Rawlins and company while Alonzo Payne and Earl Pinkney do a lot of good work on the glass.
Could be a good one Jan. 3 when Monessen hosts Wilkinsburg.

Runner-up
Bentworth
The Bearcats posted three wins last week and, at 4-0, are one of five Class A teams without a loss. Bentworth has won three games against Class AA competition.

Starting five
Tony Bristol, Charleroi
Christian Koroly, Trinity
Gabe Pritz, Peters Township
Eric Schoedel, Bentworth
Joe Yamber, Avella
First reserve
Jaisen Irwin, Monessen

Game of the week
Trinity 63, Ringgold 62
Chartiers-Houston came close to beating Washington for possibly the first time Saturday evening before the Prexies won in overtime, but the double-overtime Section 5-AAA opener between Trinity and Ringgold trumps that.
Senior Nick Greaves dominated the first half as Ringgold controlled play. The Rams dominance continued into the third quarter as freshman John Maldonado asserted himself.
Things change in the fourth as Trinity, not far removed from an overtime game at Canon-McMillan, went on a 13-2 run to force overtime.
Well-played game from a loaded section.

Bits and pieces
* South Fayette can make a major move in Class AAA this week with a pair of key games. The Lions host Trinity Tuesday and top-ranked New Castle Friday.
* West Greene snapped a 32-game losing streak with a win over Hundred, W.Va. last week. The Pioneers haven't beaten a WPIAL opponent since 2008.
* It hasn't been pretty for Wash High, which needed a jump shot from Deven Sulitz to force overtime at Chartiers-Houston, but the Prexies are 4-2 overall and 1-0 in section play.

WPIAL girls basketball rankings

2011-12-19T12:26:00.001-05:00

Class AAAA
1. Gateway 1-0
2. Oakland Catholic 3-0
3. North Allegheny 4-1
4. Mt. Lebanon 3-1
5. Butler 3-1

Class AAA
1. Hopewell 4-0
2. Blackhawk 4-0
3. Central Valley 3-0
4. South Fayette 4-0
5. New Castle 3-1

Class AA
1. Seton-La Salle 3-0
2. Greensburg C.C. 4-0
3. Avonworth 3-1
4. Ford City 4-0
5. Bishop Canevin 1-2

Class A
1. North Catholic 3-1
2. Fort Cherry 4-0
3. Vincentian Academy 3-0
4. Monessen 4-0
5. Quigley Catholic 2-1

WPIAL boys basketball rankings

2011-12-19T09:49:00.001-05:00

Class AAAA
1. Chartiers Valley 6-0
2. Gateway 2-1
3. Upper St. Clair 5-0
4. North Allegheny 4-1
5. Shaler 3-1

Class AAA
1. New Castle 4-0
2. Montour 0-0
3. Keystone Oaks 4-0
4. Greensburg-Salem 3-2
5. South Fayette 3-1

Class AA
1. Monessen 5-0
2. Sto-Rox 5-0
3. Beaver Falls 4-1
4. Jeannette 4-0
5. Greensburg C.C. 2-2

Class A
1. Lincoln Park 3-1
2. North Catholic 3-0
3. Clairton 0-0
4. Cornell 4-1
5. Serra Catholic 3-1

PIAA to keep 16-week football season

2011-12-16T13:14:00.001-05:00

In a decision that can be described as head-scratching, the PIAA Board of Control did not approve a vote to shorten the football season from 16 weeks to 15 at today's meeting, held before the start of the state football championship game.

There was considerable momentum toward returning to a 15-week season considering Pennsylvania is one of the few state which play high school football this late into the school year. The others are in warmer climates.

The motion needed 21 "yes" votes to pass. It was turned down - 16 yes, 10 no, 1 abstention.

According to Rod Frisco of RodFrisco.com, several districts balked when it learned it would lose PIAA qualifiers.

Ridiculous.

A 16-week season is far too long at the high school level, not to mention that the season ends one weekend before Christmas is also laughable. With increased attention to concussions and other injuries, this vote shows that several members are more concerned with sending a quantity of qualifiers to the state playoffs than the safety of players.

High school students suspended for Tebowing

2011-12-16T11:06:00.001-05:00

Thanks to the won-loss record of Tim Tebow as a starting quarterback with the Denver Broncos, Tebowing - a tribute to the former Heisman Trophy winner - is currently a popular form of expression.

Before Tebow, Tebowing was usually referred to as kneeling and praying.

At a high school in New York, a group of students were recently suspended for Tebowing.

For video and a story, click here.

Not sure what to make of it. A suspension seems harsh, yet the student interviewed by ESPN who claims the students who Tebowed did so because of the quarterback's role-model qualities comes across as a little disingenuous.

Twitter Thursday

2011-12-15T15:35:00.002-05:00

Been so busy reading tweets from Pitt football players like Brandon Lindsey, Devin Street and Cam Saddler plus national journalists like Sports by Brooks and Pat Forde since Todd Graham bolted Pitt for the "greener pastures" of Arizona State, that I nearly forgot it was ...

Twitter Thursday

You can follow me on Twitter @TheMikeKovak. ... Also want to give a quick plug to the twitter feed of the Peters Township student section @PTHS_RowdyRed. Think it's a great idea and if any other schools have similar feeds follow me and I'll follow back.

Troy Elich
Burgettstown personality,Blue Devils scorekeeper extraordinaire, member of The Vogues, shameless self-promoter
@Troy3775
Dec. 10
"I'm on tv again tonight. Pbs at 3 am."

Corey Hunsberger
Trinity basketball
@Coreyhuns
Dec. 11
"@esonger5 thanks for the awesome fan section every game. Pretty sure I heard you especially every time down the court."

Luke Brumbaugh
Seton-La Salle quarterback
@L_Brum7
Dec. 14
"The one day I have to take the bus my whole life and I miss it #great"

Dakota Norton
Peters Township basketball
@kooooooooaaaaa
Dec. 13
"3-0 baby! Big win!"

Josh Wise
Washington basketball
@jlwise_whs11
Dec. 13
"Fell apart today HOPEFULLY we can comeback if not in a hole lot of #trouble smh I don't even know what to say..."

David Kuhn
Peters Township boys golf coach, avid supporter of Pitt athletics
@CoachKuhnGolf
Dec. 14
"Brandon Lindsey said it best, "Coach Graham said he read the Bible everyday, I guess he skipped the page that said Thou shall not lie" #H2P"

Ed Dalton
Trinity football coach
@edalton2
Dec. 14
"Look for Rushel Shell to be a Buckeye"

Joe Graziani
Canon-McMillan football, member of Canon Crazies
@JoeGrizz52
Dec. 12
"@TheMikeKovak you have officially made @DwiLLzZ11 aka David Miller famous. #in5wetrust #millerhighlife"

Tweet of the Week
Jaylin Kelly
Washington basketball
@j_kelly21
Dec. 13
"Done letting my team down starting thursday i'm going too hard"

Graham leaves Pitt for Arizona State

2011-12-14T13:22:00.001-05:00

In case you haven't heard, Todd Graham has left the University of Pittsburgh football team for Arizona State following one season with the Panthers. Graham did not driectly tell players of his resignation, and they've taken to Twitter to voice displeasure.

Pitt is 6-6 and waiting to play SMU in the BBVA Compass Bowl, held in Bimingham, Ala. Jan. 7.

Granted, this subject matter doesn't mesh with the theme of The Varsity Letters but a copy of Graham's resignation text message has been obtained. It was sent to Blair Philbrick, Assistant Athletic Director, Football Operations.

"Please text this to players please:
I have resigned my position at Pitt in the best interest of my family to pursue the head coaching position at Arizona State. Coaching there has always been a dream of ours & we have family there. The timing of the circumstances have prohibited me from telling you this directly. I am now on my way to Tempe to continue those discussions. God Bless Coach Graham"

Girls basketball weekend in review

2011-12-13T10:32:00.002-05:00

Team of the Week
South Fayette
Like the boys basketball team, South Fayette moved up to Class AAA last season after a couple strong seasons in Class AA. The Lions' season ended in the WPIAL playoffs with a loss to West Mifflin.
South Fayette won the Moon Tournament last year, knocking off a strong Bishop Canevin team in the finals. The Lions returned to Moon once again and beat a pair of Class AAAA teams - Moon and Hempfield to repeat.

Runner-up
Trinity
The Hillers struggled through the 2010-11 season and the offseason had some drama when a few parents criticized coach Jackie Kotchman during a school board meeting. Kotchman stayed, and Trinity enjoyed some success in its opening weekend by winning its tipoff tournament.
Balanced scoring led to a win over Wash High, then Morgan Kurtz nearly outscored Latrobe by herself in the championship.

Starting five
Ashley Balzer, Chartiers-Houston
Beka Bellhy, Fort Cherry
Jessica Dorazio, Bentworth
Erika Ford, South Fayette
Morgan Kurtz, Trinity
First reserve
Chianti Sivek, Ringgold

Game of the week
Waynesburg 33, California 31
Waynesburg's program has struggled for years, but a pair of last-second finishes at the Jefferson-Morgan Tournament likely provided some optimism.
A night after losing to J-M on a layup by Ashley Faddis with six seconds remaining, the Raiders scored a last-second win over California. Hannah Gibbons made a three-pointer with two seconds left to give Waynesburg the win.
Gibbons also blocked six shots.

Boys basketball weekend in review

2011-12-12T14:25:00.002-05:00

Team of the Week
Peters Township
Very difficult not taking Monessen here since the Greyhounds routed Class AAA power Blackhawk (more on that in a few), but Peters Township played more than one game and the Indians, who missed the postseason last year, got a pair of wins over quality opponents.
PT opened its season with wins over West Mifflin and Allderdice to win the Peters Township Tipoff Tournament.
Last year, the Indians shot a lot of three-pointers - a whole lot. PT got things done defensively in its first two games, as teams averaged 46 points against them.

Runner-up
Monessen
The Greyhounds opened defense of their WPIAL Class AA championship impressively with a 68-50 win Saturday over Blackhawk.
There's plenty to like about Monessen, which plays up in classification. The Greyhounds are deep. Their eighth man would start for most teams. They also take on, and usually beat, all comers. Said it here before and I'll say it again ... the teams that regularly play difficult non-section schedules are the ones making deep playoff runs. Few face tougher schedules than Monessen.

Starting five
Brett Haney, Canon-McMillan
Corey Hunsberger, Trinity
Jalen Madison, Monessen
Dakota Norton, Peters Township
Kyle Rose, McGuffey
First reserve
Eric Ellis, Washington

Game of the Week
Canon-McMillan 53, Trinity 52 (OT)
Sunday's championship game of the EQT Energy Classic had a playoff feel. Part of it had to do with two rivals playing for a trophy, but a lot of it had to do with the competitive basketball staged.
Canon-McMillan, behind a barrage of three-pointers in the second quarter, cruised to a 13-point lead and put the rowdy Canon Crazies in a tizzy during the process. Trinity, a team that gave indication it will be a factor in the Section 5-AAA postseason picture, battled back and tied the game with 33 seconds left.
The Big Macs defense made two big stands - one at the end of regulation and the second at the end of overtime when David Williams, nicknamed Miller for reasons he does not know, stole the basketball and subsequently made the game-winning free throw.
Those Canon Crazies nearly cost their Big Macs a technical at the end when they stormed the court with 1.7 seconds remaining and came in contact (hugging) players.

Facts and figures
* Fort Cherry boys basketball coach D.J. Gambridge had to achieve some sort of milestone this weekend at the FC Tipoff Tournament. His first game as a head coach came against California's Phil Pergola, who won the 1995 PIAA Class AAAA championship with Ringgold. His second game was against South Fayette's Rich Bonnaure, coach of the 2010 Class AA state champs.
* Washington coach Mark Gaither was so displeased with his team during Sunday's third-place game against Waynesburg at the EQT Classic that he called a timeout to chew out his players. Gaither wasn't done when the timeout expired, so he called another.
* While McGuffey got off to a solid start by winning its tipoff tournament, it's possible no area team garnered more respect this weekend than Waynesburg.
The Raiders opened play in the EQT Classic by beating West Greene (no surprise), then followed with a decent showing against Canon-McMillan and then taking Wash High to the final seconds. Waynesburg had a chance to beat the Prexies in the closing seconds.
The Raiders drew considerable applause from the crowd at Canon-McMillan High School when its all-tournament players Ty Negley and Hogan Barnhart were presented trophies and when head coach Dave Sarra accepted an award for competitive spirit. Following the championship game, CM coach Rick Bell said part of his pregame talk focused on Waynesburg's effort against Washington.

Garry likes Bowling Green, Challingsworth hearing from BCS programs

2011-12-10T18:11:00.001-05:00

Tanner Garry's quest to play Division I college football may become reality.

Garry, who put together a record-setting senior season and a varsity career as a Rangers quarterback, heard from a variety of colleges, from Division I to II, and as recently as a couple weeks ago thought he'd get an invitation to walk on at Pitt.

The Panthers struggles at the quarterback position are well-documented.

"I was hearing from Pitt every week for a while," Garry said, "but they haven't talked to me in a couple weeks so, I guess I'm somewhat on the outs with them."

Garry spoke with Bowling Green offensive coordinator Warren Ruggiero Thursday night via telephone and believes his chances of joining the Falcons for the 2012-13 school year are much improved.

"Right now, I'd say it's about 90 percent. I had my first real conversation with (Ruggiero) and I came away feeling pretty good," Garry said.

Garry will visit Bowling Green Jan. 20 and, if things go well, he plans on walking on the football team.

Originally, Garry hoped to land a late scholarship offer from Bowling Green after one recently opened up, but Ruggiero told Garry the Falcons planned on giving that scholarship to their punter.

"What they're telling me is if I go there next year and prove I'm a capable player that they'll give me a scholarship for my sophomore year," Garry said.

Garry passed for 2,171 yards and 23 touchdowns in 11 games for Fort Cherry. He also rushed for 702 with 12 touchdowns.

* If recent activity is any indication, South Fayette junior Zach Challingsworth will be one of the more sought-after football players in the WPIAL next year.

Challingsworth has no official offers but is hearing from several Division I programs, and Division I-AA Villanova.

Maryland coach Greg Gattuso – a former Pitt assistant – recently visited South Fayette to talk to Lions head coach Joe Rossi about Challingsworth, a talented 6-2 receiver. Toledo and Villanova are close to offering.

Challingsworth has also heard from Pitt and Ohio State recently, and he's intrigued at the possibility of being recruited by new Buckeyes coach Urban Meyer.

"It is exciting to know they're interested, and it would be pretty neat playing for a coach like that and seeing what he did at Florida," Challingsworth said. "There's a lot of schools interested. We'll see what happens. Things won't really pick up until March."

Challingsworth, a starter on the basketball team, had more than 700 yards receiving on 48 catches, 250 yards rushing and scored 10 touchdowns. He also intercepted five passes for South Fayette.

Garry and Challingsworth were both selected to the Observer-Reporter Elite 11.

Twitter Thursday

2011-12-08T18:59:00.003-05:00

We're back at it ... bringing the best Twitter has to offer. We'll skip all the funny Girls Gone Wild tweets from those of us (including myself @TheMikeKovak) that saw the tour bus parked on Main Street in Washington last Saturday night.

Marques Parks, former South Fayette football standout
@marques_j_parks, Nov, 29
"I will never forget the day @TheMikeKovak called me to tell I was the O-R Defensive Player of The Year! 8 years ago...WOW!"

Pat Zedreck, Clarion U point guard/former South Fayette standout
@PZedreck, Dec. 6
"@TheMikeKovak @C_Brums14 is scared of small bugs, has bad ankles and loves LMFAO's 'Party Rock Anthe' #brumbaughfacts"

Veronica Latsko, Peters Township soccer/member of national player pool for her age group
@V_Latsko12, Dec. 6
"Going to russia!! #soexcited"

Jacob Pato, Trinity football
@jayypay21, Dec. 7
"I kinda wanna sing "my band" by d12 for the talent show this year. I need 3 others rappers to be in it"

Casey Guernsey, Chartiers-Houston volleyball
@caseguerns, Dec. 7
"Sorry Anderson cooper, you do not compare to Brian Williams #silverfox #wannabe"

Graham Lescallette, Burgettstown football
@BigSauce_85, Dec. 8
"I just unfollowed 50 Cent, I hope I don't get shot. #Iprobablywill"

Zach Barnhart, Trinity football
@_ZachBarnhart, Dec. 6
"I want that corner from lsu to win the #heisman just because he is defense"

Ben DuCarme, Canon-McMillan golf
@benducarms, Dec. 4
"One of these days the bengals will stop coming to play at Heinz Field"

Mike Beveridge, Ringgold football/basketball
@MikeBeveridge44, Dec. 7
"S/o @TheRealQuad_Law @C3_OVO @That_Dude_68 elite 11"

Josh Wise, Washington football/basketball/track
@jlwise_whs11, Dec. 7
"Tip off tournament Friday got ball hard like I'm #harrisonbarnes #allday23"

Dustin Fuller, Washington soccer/track
@fullerd10, Dec. 7
"Floor seats for the Virginia tech game and Rhode Island #sick"

Tweet of the Week
Nick Riotto, Trinity baseball and a recent recipient of a recruiting letter from Missouri football. Riotto is committed to Penn State for baseball.
"The #JimmyV speech always is great no matter how many times you watch it"

EQT hype machine rolls into Canon-McMillan

2011-12-08T17:52:00.001-05:00

Television commercials. Radio spots. Electronic billboards ... in Allegheny County.

It's all for a tournament starting Friday at Canon-McMillan High School. And get this ... it has nothing to do with wrestling.

Western Pennsylvania's wrestling hotbed is host to this year's EQT Energy Classic, a boys basketball tipoff tournament that pits a handful of area teams against a couple from Eastern Kentucky. The tournament, which runs from Friday through Sunday and features radio coverage of every game, has its own website. http://www.eqtenergyclassic.com/index.htm. You can even like it on facebook.

Billed as the "Backyard Bluegrass Battle", the EQT Classic brings defending champion Pikesville (Ky.) and Allen Central to Western Pennsylvania. Canon-Mac, Trinity, Wash High, Waynesburg, Burgettstown and West Greene will represent the Washington-Greene region.

(For the record, I'll predict a Canon-McMillan vs. Washington final Sunday at 6 p.m.)

That game could be preceded by an Elvis impersonator.

The sponsor has made a major investment in the tournament, which will return to Kentucky next year. It will be interesting to see how this area responds.

Boys basketball enrollment numbers

2011-12-08T17:36:00.003-05:00

The next two-year cycle (2012-13, 2013-14) is approaching and Bob Gregg of WJPA radio had compiled enrollment numbers for boys basketball.

The following is a list of local teams. If you're wondering where your school falls and it's not on the list, just ask. (Bold indicates a move in classification.)

Class AAAA
Canon-McMillan 600
Peters Township 583
Trinity 448

Class AAA
Ringgold 417
South Fayette 294
McGuffey 288
Waynesburg 265

Class AA
Charleroi 216
Washington 212
Burgettstown 194
Bentworth 166
Beth-Center 164
Chartiers-Houston 162
Fort Cherry 155
West Greene 138
California 136
Jefferson-Morgan 134

Class A
Carmichaels 124
Monessen 99 (Monessen plays up in classification)
Avella 89
Mapletown 68

Celebration costs team championship

2011-12-07T16:01:00.001-05:00

Imagine, back in 2001, that Washington High School running back J.R. Ward raised his arm in triumph as he ran behind Dan Mozes to score what proved to be the game-winning touchdown in the PIAA Class AA championship game.

Not that Ward did, celebration displays were never a trademark of Prexies teams of that era.

But say Ward got flagged for the display and Pen Argyl won the state title.

Something like it happened recently in Massachusetts.

It's an interesting story.

http://espn.go.com/boston/story/_/id/7327275/celebration-penalty-td-costs-cathedral-high-school-team-title

Ringgold's Law Player of Year, Elite 11 and All-District Team

2011-12-07T11:47:00.001-05:00

Ringgold senior Quad Law juked defenders on his way to being the Observer-Reporter Player of the Year. For more, click here.

Law is the first player from Ringgold to be POY, and it marks the third consecutive year a quarterback was honored. Former South Fayette quarterback Christian Brumbaugh, now at William & Mary College, was POY in 2009 and 2010.

The Elite 11 was also released. It wasn't easy finalizing the list. For the Elite 11 and the All-District Team, please visit the O-R website: http://observer-reporter.com/

The All-Area starting lineup

2011-12-06T17:32:00.001-05:00

Offense
QB – Tanner Garry, Fort Cherry
RB – Andrew Erenberg, Peters Township
Nick Zupper, Waynesburg
Shai McKenzie, Washington
WR – Zach Challingsworth, South Fayette
DeShan Brown, Beth-Center
Ryan Babirad, Fort Cherry
OL – Clayton Evans, Peters Township
Alex Paulina, Canon-McMillan
Trenton Bosworth, Waynesburg
Greg Kumer, Fort Cherry
Greg Lippert, Peters Township
Sean Lacinski, South Fayette
MP – Percy "Quad" Law, Ringgold

Defense
DL – Eric Ellis, Washington
Joe Phillips, Washington
Xavier Severns, Trinity
Mike Beveridge, Ringgold
LB – Corey Garry, Fort Cherry
Sal Faieta, Beth-Center
Jaylin Kelly, Washington
Garrett Vulcano, Chartiers-Houston

DB – Alfon Cook, Ringgold
Corey Hunsberger, Trinity
Danny Lis, Chartiers-Houston
Chavas Rawlins, Monessen

Special teams
K/P – Skyler Fransko, Ringgold
KR/PR – Demetrius Louis, Ringgold

Player of the Year worthy

2011-12-06T12:50:00.003-05:00

Brief bios on players who were considered for the Observer-Reporter Football Player of the Year, which will be published Wednesday.

Zach Challingsworth, South Fayette
Challingsworth has received interest from West Virginia, Penn State, Toledo, Maryland, Pitt and Villanova. Maryland was the most recent to visit South Fayette and talk with Lions head coach Joe Rossi about the dynamic Challingsworth, a first-team Century Conference receiver and punter. Challingsworth caught 48 passes for 740 yards, rushed for 520, passed for 60 and scored nine touchdowns to go with five interceptions.

Eric Ellis, Washington
Ellis made the Century Conference second team as an offensive lineman, but it's on defense where the senior made his biggest impact. Among Ellis' 55 tackles were a single-season school record 18 sacks and 25 tackles for loss. Ellis forced turnovers - five fumbles, one interception - and recovered six fumbles. He even blocked two punts and two kicks.

Andrew Erenberg, Peters Township
One of the area's better baseball players, Erenberg enjoyed his best football season as a senior. Erenberg turned down a scholarship offer from Kent State (the first local running back since Wash High's Travis Thomas to be recruited by D1 schools at the position) to commit to Fordham. Erenberg, also a starting safety, rushed for 1,343 yards and scored 18 touchdowns and he rushed for 3,500 yards during his three years with the Indians.

Sal Faieta, Beth-Center
A four-year starter at linebacker, Faieta made significant strides as a quarterback during his senior season. Colleges like Youngstown State like Faieta at linebacker, and he finished with 85 tackles. His efficiency as a quarterback was noticeable. Faieta passed for 1,315 yards and averaged 16.6 yards per completion. He passed for 18 touchdowns and rushed for 10.

Tanner Garry, Fort Cherry
The Offensive MVP of the Black Hills Conference, Garry put together a record-setting season at Fort Cherry. He completed 110 passes for 2,171 yards and 23 touchdowns. As the season progressed, Garry became fort Cherry's top option in the run game and he gained 702 yards with 12 rushing touchdowns. Garry also started at linebacker and safety, and had a knack for making a big play in key games.

Percy "Quad" Law, Ringgold
Dynamic, shifty and fast, Law turned negative plays into highlight-reel material. As the quarterback in Ringgold's version of the spread offense, Law rushed for 1,341 yards and 14 touchdowns despite missing parts of two games due to injury. Before his leg injury, Law was averaging nearly 15 yards per carry. He also passed for 637 yards and made key plays with his arm in both of Ringgold's biggest wins – at Greensburg-Salem and versus Highlands in the first round of the WPIAL Class AAA playoffs.

Football player of the year

2011-12-05T19:21:00.002-05:00

What do UFC fighter Josh Koscheck, Chicago White Sox minor league first baseman Jim Gallagher and Penn State linebacker Mike Yancich have in common?

Before the trio went on to bigger and better things, all three were honored as Observer-Reporter Football Player of The Year.

Koscheck was the Offensive Player of the Year in 1996, his senior year at Waynesburg. More than one person I know involved in high school sports now or at some point say that Koscheck was the best hard-nosed running back they've seen from this area.

Gallagher, who fielded several Division I football offers, was the Offensive Player of the Year in 2003 as he guided Peters Township to a playoff win. Gallagher was also the area's top baseball player at the time, and he turned down football offers to play baseball at Duke. Eventually, he was a seventh-round draft choice of the Chicago White Sox and plays for the Class AAA Durham Bulls. I still believe that Gallagher is the best athlete from Washington County that I've covered at the high school level.

Yancich played linebacker at Trinity as a sophomore and junior. He was there as a senior, too, but he finally got a chance to become the Hillers' tailback in 2007 and did not disappoint. That year, Yancich was the Observer-Reporter Player of the Year.

In Wednesday's edition, the Observer-Reporter Player of the Year will be recognized, as will the Elite 11 and All-District Team.

Turns out Merckle's not the first

2011-12-02T14:20:00.005-05:00

With Division I track programs recruiting Fort Cherry senior Jessie Merckle, it led to a natural topic of coversation.

Had a school known for producing NFL coaches, 4,000-yard running backs and the Garry coaching family ever produced a Division I female athlete.

Following inner-office discussion, and a few conversations with people in the Fort Cherry community - the answer seemed to be "no."

So, when Merckle (shown in this photo with FC track coach Ben Maxin during a national competition) made a commitment to throw the javelin for Wake Forest University recently, I felt comfortable reporting that she was the first female from Fort Cherry to receive an athletic scholarship.

Not so fast.

In 1979, Janet Marquis played softball for Fort Cherry, where she pitched nine no-hitters, and accepted an athletic scholarship to pitch at Indiana State University in Terre Haute, Ind. That's the same Indiana State that Larry Bird led to the NCAA men's basketball championship game.

Marquis pitched at Indiana State for four years before becoming a softball coach at Eastern Illinois University.

Indiana State produced a first for another local school and female athlete. Former Canon-McMillan softball standout Tiffany Wasniewski played four years with the Sycamores and was a team captain. She was the first female in Big Macs sports history to accept a Division I athletic scholarship.

State football rankings

2011-12-01T19:22:00.001-05:00

Pennsylvania high school football rankings from The Patriot-News of Harrisburg for the week of Tuesday, Nov. 29, with school’s district in parentheses, followed by the school’s record and last week’s ranking. NR means not ranked. Honorable mention teams listed alphabetically. (P)-2010 PIAA champion.

CLASS AAAA
Team Rec Pvs
1. North Allegheny (P) (7) 13-0 1
2. LaSalle College HS (12) 11-1 3
3. North Penn (1) 11-2 4
4. Upper St. Clair (7) 11-2 2
5. Pittsburgh C.C. (7) 11-1 5
6. Gateway (7) 9-3 6
7. Council Rock South (1) 12-1 7
8. Nazareth (11) 12-1 8
9. Central Dauphin (3) 12-1 9
10. Wilson (3) 12-1 NR
Honorable mention
Central York (3) 10-3, Cumberland Valley (3) 11-2, Easton (11) 11-2, Garnet Valley (1) 11-2, Penn-Trafford (7) 10-1, State College (6) 8-4.

CLASS AAA
Team Rec Pvs
1. Archbishop Wood (12) 11-1 1
2. Grove City (10) 11-0 2
3. Bishop McDevitt (3) 11-2 3
4. Montour (7) 11-2 4
5. Central Valley (7) 11-1 6
6. Knoch (7) 12-1 7
7. Cathedral Prep (10) 9-3 5
8. Franklin Regional (7) 11-1 8
9. Allentown C.C. (P) (11) 8-5 NR
10. Lampeter-Strasburg (3) 12-1 10
Honorable mention
Dallas (2) 10-2, Hopewell (7) 7-4, Pottsgrove (1) 11-2, Valley View (2) 11-2, West Mifflin (7) 9-2, West York (3) 10-3.

CLASS AA
Team Rec Pvs
1. Aliquippa (7) 13-0 1
2. Lancaster Catholic (3) 13-0 2
3. West Catholic (P) (12) 9-3 3
4. Jeannette (7) 12-1 4
5. Mount Carmel (4) 12-1 5
6. Pen Argyl (11) 13-0 7
7. Seton-LaSalle (7) 11-1 6
8. Hickory (10) 11-1 10
9. Tyrone (6) 12-1 NR
10. Lewisburg (4) 9-3 8
Honorable mention: Greensburg C.C. (7) 10-2, Moniteau (9) 12-0, Northern Lehigh (11) 10-2, North Schuylkill (11) 10-1, Wilkes-Barre GAR (2) 11-2, Wyomissing (3) 11-1.

CLASS A
Team Rec Pvs
1. Clairton (P) (7) 13-0 1
2. Southern Columbia (4) 12-1 2
3. Sto-Rox (7) 12-1 3
4. Rochester (7) 10-2 4
5. Pius X (11) 12-1 6
6. Bishop Canevin (7) 11-1 5
7. Sharpsville (10) 12-0 7
8. Penns Manor (6) 11-1 10
9. Line Mountain (4) 10-2 9
10. Port Allegany (9) 11-1 NR
Honorable mention: Avonworth (7) 9-2, Bellwood-Antis (6) 10-2, Dunmore (2) 10-1, North Star (5) 10-1, Old Forge (2) 10-3, West Middlesex (10) 7-5.

A look back at the football season

2011-11-29T10:15:00.005-05:00

Four teams - Ringgold, Washington, South Fayette and Fort Cherry - advanced past the first round of the WPIAL football playoffs.

Considering the relative lack of postseason success - South Fayette's championship run last year withstanding - the past decade, four wins for local teams in the opening round is actually a respectable number.

None advanced past the second round.

All face differing landscapes for 2012.

Washington has the most reason to be excited for next year. If the Prexies remain in the Century Conference, they could be the preseason favorite with the returning talent.

Two of Washington's top players, Eric Ellis and Joe Phillips, will be playing college football next year, but a number of others return.

Shai McKenzie had a breakout sophomore season, and the tailback produced numbers reminiscent of Charleroi's Quentin Briggs second varsity season. If McKenzie remains healthy, he's on his way to an outstanding varsity career.

Expect Jaylin Kelly to put together a big-time senior season. Josh Wise returns at quarterback, and he made significant strides this year on the field and as a leader. Daron Whitaker, a nice change of pace back to offset the punishing styles of Kelly and McKenzie, normally gets a first down every time he carries the football.

The key for Washington will be finding replacements along the defensive line, where Ellis, Phillips were often dominant. Rikwon Moore returns, and his play could hold the key for Wash High's defense. Then again, a defensive backfield prone to allowing the occasional big play could be key.

Washington is young, but so is WPIAL champion Aliquippa. In the WPIAL quarterfinals, the Quips controlled play along the offensive and defensive lines in a dominating performance.

* Reason for optimisism also abounds at South Fayette.

The Lions proved they're more than a one-group program with a first-round win at Beaver Falls - with a freshman starting at quarterback - and a tough quarterfinal game against Seton-La Salle.

Zach Challingsworth is a talented two-way player. Brett Brumbaugh showed he had an accurate arm as the Lions went 2-1 with him as starting quarterback.

At some point, South Fayette will end up in Class AAA. Like Peters Township, it's a popular destination for relocating families.

* Not sure any team endured as many injuries along the offensive line as Ringgold. And considering that group primarily consisted of untested varsity players entering the season, the Rams' 8-3 record indicates strong performances by many.

It should be interesting to see what type of offense the Rams run in 2012.

The past two years, everything was geared toward the dynamic abilities of quarterback Quad Law. Could brother Nico Law take over and run a similar offense? Could talented Demetrius Louis move behind center in the shotgun formation and Ringgold run more of a wildcat-type offense? Could Chris Spahr run the offense and utilize some talented receivers, like Joey Wall?

No matter the offense, if Ringgold remains in the Keystone Conference, it should remain in playoff contention.

* Sticking with Class AAA for one second, it's my belief that Central Valley's Robert Foster is the top WPIAL prospect since Terrelle Pryor. I know, I know ... Rushel Shell is considered one of the top high school running backs to play in the WPIAL since Brian Davis.

But when I see Foster play, I see a player who could assimilate himself into a top-notch SEC program and contribute quickly.

* Of the four teams to win a playoff game, none will have a newer look than Fort Cherry.

Tanner Garry, Corey Garry and Ryan Babirad are seniors and accounted for a bulk of the offense and point production. Tanner Garry played so much quarterback the past few seasons, I'm not even sure who is primary backup was.

The up-and-down Rangers were always tough to predict, but they clearly played better once the run became a more prevalent part of the offense.

With Zak Dysert, Tyreke Brown and Koltan Kobrys, the Rangers still have talented pass catchers.

* If the Observer-Reporter Player of the Year were handled like the Heisman Trophy, the five finalists invited to the award presentation would be Peters Township's Andrew Erenberg, Law, Ellis, Garry and Beth-Center's Sal Faieta.

* Here's guessing that Erenberg and Waynesburg's Nick Zupper enjoyed the first week or two of the offseason.

Those tailbacks carried the offensive workloads for their respective teams unlike any other players in the area. Erenberg and Zupper each started on defense.

* If I had a vote for the Tri-County Athletic Directors' Association Football Coach of the Year, which I do, there are several candidates to consider.

Right now, I'd say my first-place vote goes to Washington's Mike Bosnic.

* Thought a couple of the area's better coaching jobs were done by Trinity's Ed Dalton and Waynesburg's Joe Kuhns.

Trinity suffered injuries to its top two running backs, implemented a new offense, then scraped it and faced the difficult task of coaching a Class AAA roster with barely enough coaches for a roster the size of Avella's. The Hillers didn't make the playoffs, but that shouldn't be the barometer for an outstanding coaching job at the high school level.

Kuhns always seems to get the most of his talent. At Waynesburg, there hasn't been a lot of talent on the football field in recent years, but the Raiders contended for a playoff spot until a Week 8 loss to Mt. Pleasant.

* WPIAL realignment will happen soon, but I expect more changes on the coaching front than in new conferences for local teams.

Picking the winners, WPIAL finals

2011-11-26T09:06:00.002-05:00

Football teaches valuable life lessons.

One, don't take four sacks during the final minutes of a game like Tino Sunseri did during the 104th Backyard Brawl.

Two, stick to your guns.

When the WPIAL playoff pairings were released, this fearless prognosticator picked a WPIAL Class AAAA championship game of Upper St. Clair and North Allegheny. At the time, of course, USC quarterback/linebacker/Pitt recruit Dakota Conwell was healthy.

With Conwell's injury going into the semifinals against Pittsburgh Central Catholic, the pick changed. PCC was the choice. USC won, 28-14.

Not making the same mistake.

Upper St. Clair wins, 27-21.

Last week, I went 5-3 to make my overall mark 47-9.

Class AAA
Montour over Knoch

Class AA
Aliquippa over Jeannette

Class A
Clairton over Sto-Rox

Twitter Thanksgiving break edition

2011-11-25T12:45:00.002-05:00

Topics ranging from the Backyard Brawl to Peters Township girls soccer - the first WPIAL soccer team to win consecutive PIAA girls championships.

Luke Snatchko, DJ extraordinaire/Burgettstown sports guru
@RealLIQUIDLUKE
Nov. 25
"Has the Backyard Brawl ever meant less to you. Used to wait all year to beat those toothless hicks. Now, not so much."

Corey Garry, Fort Cherry wrestling
@coreygarry
Nov. 25
"9 AM wrestling practice. #ThingsIDontLike"

Ralph Cindrich, Avella proud sports agent
@RalphCindrich
Nov. 25
"Someone should tell Suh to retain Sandusky's attorney or...just close it. It's there for all to see. Good morning."

Aaron Thomspon, Waynesburg U student
@BamThompson
Nov. 23
"Some WVU fan just tried trash talking my mom but she turned it back on them. #love #tasteit #backyardbrawl"

Ed Dalton, Trinity football coach
@edalton2
Nov. 19
"Urban Meyer will do serious damage in the Big 10 with Braxton Miller write that down."
Followed one day later by ...
"Write this down Bob Stoops next Ohio State Coach"
Waiting for Dalton to tell followers to write down the return of Walt Harris as Ohio State's next football coach.

Tweets from Peters Township girls soccer
Megan Parker, PT goalie
@meganparker44
Nov. 19
"STATE CHAMPIONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! #twoinarow #hellyeaaahhh"

Taylor Daerr, unable to play senior season because of concussion
@TaylorDaerr
"What up gold medal!"

Peters Township High School Soccer
@PTHSSoccer
Nov. 20
"Let's see, Lady Indians become 1st WPIAL girls team to win states back-2-back, Sid is coming back & it's Thanksgiving week. Life is good!"

Pat Vereb, head coach
@patvofpgh
Nov. 24
"Peters girls soccer kick better than Suh. What a fool."

Jefferson-Morgan opens football coaching position

2011-11-22T18:55:00.003-05:00

There have been a few consistents in WPIAL football the past two decades.

Aliquippa contends for the Class AA championship.

The Class AAAA team believed to have the most talent rarely wins the title.

Teams feel slighted after the playoffs pairings meeting.

Chuck Wagner coached at Springdale.

And, until Monday evening, Jan Haiden coached at Jefferson-Morgan High School.

In news less publicized than Wagner's retiring after 50 years of coaching football at Spirngdale, but a surprising move nonetheless, the Jefferson-Morgan School Board voted to open the varsity football coaching position during Monday's meeting. For the past 20 years, Haiden held that job. Haiden guided J-M to a 4-5 record in 2011, and a 4-4 mark in the Tri-County South Conference.
A Beth-Center graduate, Haiden's career record is 96-99-1.

Well-respected in the local coaching community, Haiden rarely had the most talent to work with in the Tri-County South, but his teams were always tough and competitive. In 2006, Jefferson-Morgan reached the WPIAL Class A semifinals, where it nearly upended Rochester. The Rockets beat Fort Cherry during that postseason run, and raised eyebrows when they defeated Duquesne in the quarterfinals. It was the final football game in Duquesne High School's history.

With the opening, Jefferson-Morgan is the second school in Greene County without a football coach. At Waynesburg, Joe Kuhns resigned last month.

Twitter Thursday on Friday afternoon

2011-11-18T17:30:00.004-05:00

For Tyler Palko aficionados, Twitter provided some great #PalkoFacts the past week. Palko – the former West Allegheny and Pitt quarterback – will start for Kansas City this weekend against New England.

The following were a few of my favorite "Palko facts" on Twitter the past week.

"Kansas City had their hearts set on moving the #Pens there until they found out Tyler Palko was available."

"After Tyler Palko was born, he drove his mother home from the hospital."

"The Pirates announced a Tyler Palko bobblehead day."

"Joe Flacco didn't transfer to Delaware. That's where he landed when Tyler Palko threw him."

"Tyler Palko taught Attorney Edgar Snyder his pointing motion."

"Palko was playing for Long Beach State."

"BREAKING: Matt Cassell announces he intends to transfer."

"John Harbaugh once made Joe Flacco cry by threatening to sign Tyler Palko."

Now, on to some local tweets.

Andrew Erenberg, Peters Township football/Fordham recruit
@andrew_erenberg
Nov. 16
"Can rushel shell play basketball for Pitt too?"

Eric Ellis, Washington football
@That_Dude_68
Nov. 11
"Ready for dem quips #letsbang"

Justice Rawlins, Monessen football
@ThatKid_JRaww
Nov. 17
"Basketball season for most but baseball season for this kid, well I'm gunna try"
Note: Rawlins suffered a season-ending knee injury during football season.

Joe Graziani, Canon-McMillan football
@JoeGrizz52
Nov. 15
"Peyton Hillis and Clay Mathews are the biggest white men I have ever seen."

Tanner Garry, Fort Cherry football
@TannerGarry3
Nov. 13
"Next goal, Observer-Reporter player of the year. #ihope"

Trey Wingo, ESPN
@wingoz
Nov. 13
"Gene Steratore, just another hard working nose bleeding bicep building NFL referee"
Steratore is a Washington County resident

Tweet of the Week
Peters Township Soccer
@PTHSSoccer
Nov. 15
"Lady Indians must have a sweet tooth 'cause they're going back to Hershey! 1-0 PT! Terrific game, great win!"

Picking the winner, WPIAL semifinals

2011-11-17T23:58:00.002-05:00

After a strong first week, kept things rolling in the quarterfinals with a 14-2 record. That improves the overall mark to 42-6.

As Deuce Skurcenski, whom I spoke with on the phone this evening, would say, "Not too shabby."

Class AAAA
North Allegheny over Gateway
Pittsburgh Central Catholic over Upper St. Clair

Class AAA
Central Valley over Montour
Franklin Regional over Knoch

Class AA
Aliquippa over Greensburg Central Catholic
Seton-La Salle over Jeannette

Class A
Clairton over Rochester
Sto-Rox over Bishop Canevin

A few tweets have been compiled for Twitter Thursday, but scanning for a few more. Should be up tomorrow. My apologies.

Trinity tables motions

2011-11-17T19:51:00.002-05:00

The Trinity Area School Board voted 5-4 to table motions to open head coaching positions for varsity football, softball and volleyball.

Ed Dalton is Trinity's football coach. Bill Loar is softball coach. Gretchen Mountain is volleyball coach.

All three coaches were told Tuesday by athletic director Bobby Jones that their positions would be opened during Thursday's school board meeting.

For more information, please read Friday's Observer-Reporter.

Trinity to open Dalton's position; Bentworth hires football coach

2011-11-16T17:18:00.003-05:00

The Trinity Area School Board will open the head varsity football coaching position held by Ed Dalton.

Dalton, who has coached football at Trinity since 1999, was informed Tuesday by athletic director Bobby Jones of the action.

The Hillers went 5-4 this fall, and finished tied with Chartiers Valley and Belle Vernon for third place in the Big Eight Conference but missed the WPIAL Class AAA playoffs via head-to-head tiebreakers with both teams. It snapped a six-year playoff streak for Trinity.

For more information, please read Thursday's Observer-Reporter.

* Bentworth didn't wait long to fill its vacant football position.

Less than three weeks after Lou Rood resigned following three difficult seasons, the school district hired Bob Niziol as its varsity football coach. Niziol served as one of Rood's assistants and works in the school district.

Tuesday notebook

2011-11-15T09:50:00.003-05:00

Blogger's note: Final thoughts on the local 2011 football season are being formulated and will appear soon.

Two of the area's premier high school baseball players - Nick Riotto and Stephen McCaw - recently made commitments to college programs.

Riotto, a junior from Trinity, will play at Penn State. McCaw, a senior from Waynesburg, will play for Mercyhurst.

Riotto burst onto the high school scene as a freshman with a .500-plus batting average and big-time numbers. The lefty landed a spot on the Observer-Reporter All-District team that year. His batting average dipped during his sophomore season as Trinity missed the playoffs, but Riotto continued to play well in fall and summer leagues.

McCaw was the leading hitter for a Waynesburg team that reached the WPIAL Class AA championship last season, and a standout defensive catcher. He earned WPIAL Class AA Player of the Year honors.

* The Peters Township girls soccer team is one win from reaching the PIAA Class AAA championship for the third time in four years.

That's extraordinary.

Peters Township plays Upper St. Clair in tonight's semifinals. The two split a pair of games, with PT winning during the regular season and USC winning in the WPIAL championship match.

There's no doubt that Peters Township is the WPIAL's premier athletic power in what can be labeled as "non-revenue" sports.

What's the Indians' best fall program?

Over time, it's been boys soccer. Lately, girls soccer, girls tennis and boys golf has joined the conversation.

* Avella's difficulties filling a football roster with able bodies is well-documented. That wasn't always the case at the tiny school in the Western foothills of Washington County.

Avella will host Burgettstown Sunday in an Alumni Football USA event. Kickoff is scheduled for 5 p.m. and, with the Steelers on a bye week, a crowd of at least 1,000 is expected.

Players from the 1980s, 90s and 2000s will suit up for the Eagles, who have a roster of 45 players. That's about three times larger than the numbers of players head coach Ryan Cecchini, who will start at linebacker, had for the Eagles' regular season finale at Bentworth.

Observer-Reporter WPIAL football rankings

2011-11-13T12:04:00.002-05:00

Class AAAA
1. Pittsburgh Central Catholic 11-0
2. North Allegheny 11-0
3. Upper St. Clair 10-1
4. Gateway 9-2

Class AAA
1. Central Valley 11-0
2. Franklin Regional 11-0
3. Knoch 11-0
4. Montour 9-2

Class AA
1. Aliquippa 11-0
2. Seton-La Salle 11-0
3. Jeannette 11-0
4. Greensburg Central Catholic 10-1

Class A
1. Clairton 11-0
2. Sto-Rox 11-0
3. Bishop Canevin 11-0
4. Rochester 10-1

Twitter Thursday

2011-11-10T21:31:00.004-05:00

Penn State football has dominated headlines. With all the local connections to the program, Twitter Thursday features tweets concerning the program.

Mike Yancich, Penn State linebacker/Trinity grad
@Ymike33
Nov. 8
"In spite of all the recent events, my heart still swells with #pennstatepride. #WeStillAre Penn State."
Nov. 9
"So proud to say that I played for the best/winningest coach in college football history... #WeAre"
Nov. 9
"Watching Joe announce his retirement was pretty emotional..It's tough to see him go out like this.. #WeWillAlwaysBe Penn State."

Nick Riotto, Trinity baseball who recently committed to Penn State baseball
@NRiotto
"#pennstate will be penn state in the end, one messed up guy cant ruin a place like #happyvalley"

Ryan Dupain, Burgettstown football
@RyanDupain
Nov. 8
"I can't find it in me to support Paterno. #IwishIcouldfindsomegoodinthis but there is none. It's absolutely ludicrous and disgusting."

Josh Wise, Washington football
@jlwise_whs11
Nov. 9
"Damn shame that penn state is losing the best thing to ever happen to the university! smh thank you joe pa for everything you've done!!!!"

Pat Zedreck, Clarion U basketball/South Fayette grad
@PZedreck
Nov. 10
"I dont agree with all the allegations but after 61 years, don't u think the guy has earned at least 1 last home game to say goodbye?"

Doug Wilson, Canon-McMillan basketball
@dougie_fresh055
Nov. 10
"Don't feel bad for Joe paterno he's had his life, feel bad for the victims because they may never have one"

Follow me on Twitter @TheMikeKovak.

Picking the winners, WPIAL football quarterfinals

2011-11-10T17:15:00.003-05:00

Put together a solid 28-4 record in the first round, including an 8-0 mark in Class AAA.

Class AAAA
North Allegheny over Seneca Valley
Gateway over Penn-Trafford
Pittsburgh Central Catholic over Mt. Lebanon
Upper St. Clair over Erie McDowell

Class AAA
Central Valley over Ringgold
Montour over West Mifflin
Franklin Regional over Hopewell
Knoch over Thomas Jefferson

Class AA
Washington over Aliquippa
Greensburg Central Catholic over Ellwood City
Jeannette over Shady Side Academy
Seton-La Salle over South Fayette

Class A
Clairton over Springdale
Rochester over Avonworth
Sto-Rox over Brentwood
Fort Cherry over Bishop Canevin

Follow me on Twitter @TheMikeKovak.

State football rankings

2011-11-09T19:48:00.002-05:00

Pennsylvania high school football rankings from The Patriot-News of Harrisburg for the week of Tuesday, Nov. 8, with school’s district in parentheses, followed by the school’s record and last week’s ranking. NR means not ranked. Honorable mention teams listed alphabetically. (P)-2010 PIAA champion.

CLASS AAAA
Team Rec Pvs
1. Pittsburgh C.C. (7) 10-0 1
2. North Allegheny (P) (7) 10-0 2
3. LaSalle College HS (12) 9-1 3
4. Upper St. Clair (7) 9-1 4
5. North Penn (1) 8-2 5
6. Penn-Trafford (7) 10-0 6
7. Gateway (7) 8-2 7
8. Council Rock South (1) 9-1 9
9. Nazareth (11) 9-1 10
10. Central Dauphin (3) 9-1 NR
Teams to watch
Abington (1) 9-1, Bayard Rustin (1) 9-1, Cumberland Valley (3) 9-1, Downingtown East (1) 8-2, Parkland (11) 8-2, Plymouth-Whitemarsh (1) 8-1, West Chester Henderson (1) 8-2, Wilson (3) 9-1.

CLASS AAA
Team Rec Pvs
1. Archbishop Wood (12) 9-1 1
2. Central Valley (7) 10-0 2
3. Grove City (10) 9-0 3
4. Bishop McDevitt (3) 8-2 4
5. Montour (7) 8-2 5
6. Cathedral Prep (10) 8-2 6
7. Franklin Regional (7) 10-0 7
8. Hopewell (7) 7-3 8
9. Knoch (7) 10-0 9
10. Valley View (2) 9-1 10
Teams to watch
Clearfield (9) 9-1, Dallas (2) 9-1, Greater Johnstown (6) 9-1, Lampeter-Strasburg (3) 9-1, Thomas Jefferson (7) 7-3, West Mifflin (7) 9-1.

CLASS AA
Team Rec Pvs
1. Aliquippa (7) 10-0 1
2. Lancaster Catholic (3) 10-0 2
3. West Catholic (P) (12) 7-3 3
4. North Schuylkill (11) 10-0 4
5. Seton-La Salle (7) 10-0 5
6. Mount Carmel (4) 9-1 6
7. Lewisburg (4) 8-2 7
8. Trinity (3) 8-2 8
9. Jeannette (7) 10-0 9
10. Greensburg C.C. (7) 9-1 10
Teams to watch
Forest Hills (6) 8-2, Hickory (10) 8-1, Northern Lehigh (11) 9-1, Pen Argyl (11) 10-0, Pine Grove (11) 9-1, Wilkes-Barre GAR (2) 9-1, Wilmington (10) 9-1.

CLASS A
Team Rec Pvs
1. Clairton (P) (7) 10-0 1
2. Southern Columbia (4) 9-1 2
3. Sto-Rox (7) 10-0 3
4. Dunmore (2) 10-0 4
5. Rochester (7) 9-1 5
6. Bishop Canevin (7) 10-0 6
7. Pius X (11) 9-1 7
8. Line Mountain (4) 9-1 8
9. Sharpsville (10) 9-0 9
10. Avonworth (7) 9-1 10
Teams to watch
Bellwood-Antis (6) 8-1, Brentwood (7) 9-1, Fort Cherry (7) 7-3, Mercer (10) 7-2, Mercyhurst Prep (10) 9-1, Minersville (4) 9-1, Penns Manor (6) 8-1, Youngsville (10) 10-0.

Sites set for WPIAL quarterfinals

2011-11-07T14:27:00.002-05:00

A pair of teams from Washington County (Ringgold and Washington) face top seeds. Two schools with a McDonald mailing address (Fort Cherry and South Fayette) are No. 11 seeds that scored first-round victories.

All WPIAL quarterfinal games are Friday at 7:30 p.m.

Class AAA
No. 8 Ringgold (8-2) vs. No. 1 Central Valley (10-0) at West Allegheny

Class AA
No. 8 Washington (8-2) vs. No. 1 Aliquippa (10-0) at Chartiers Valley
No. 11 South Fayette (7-3) vs. No. 3 Seton-La Salle (10-0) at Peters Township

Class A
No. 11 Fort Cherry (7-3) vs. No. 3 Bishop Canevin (10-0) at Chartiers-Houston

For complete WPIAL football brackets, please click here.

A few thoughts from the first round

2011-11-06T21:48:00.004-05:00

The cliche has a few variations, but it goes a little something like this, "Big-time players make big plays in big games."

Over the last two weeks, no player from the Observer-Reporter coverage area has made more plays than Fort Cherry senior Tanner Garry.

And there's been plenty of competition.

Garry has been the best football player on the field in Fort Cherry victories at Chartiers-Houston and at Beth-Center. The latter made Fort Cherry the third-place team in the Black Hills Conference, which represented itself well in the first round of the WPIAL Class A playoffs. The latter came in the first round.

Need big-time completions? Garry has thrown for 400 yards the past two games, and three touchdowns (all against Beth-Center).

Looking for a quarterback who can break the big run? Garry has rushed for more than 330 yards and five touchdowns against a pair of defenses that stuffed the run for most of the season.

He's even intercepted a couple passes.

Thanks, in part, to Garry's play, Fort Cherry (7-3) finds itself in the quarterfinals against Bishop Canevin (10-0), which rallied for a 10-point deficit in the second half to beat Chartiers-Houston.

Fort Cherry suddenly looks like a team capable of making a postseason run. Garry is playing the best football of his career, the Rangers run defense is punishing, as is the offensive line. And Garry has catapulted himself into the Player of the Year picture.

* There's little doubt that Aliquippa deserves the No. 1 ranking in WPIAL Class AA and the top seed in the playoffs.

After Beaver and Beaver Falls made an early exit from the playoffs, anyone else wondering if the Quips didn't face much competition during the regular season?

* Zach Challingsworth may be one of the more under-appreciated players in Class AA.

The South Fayette junior caught a pair of touchdowns in the Lions' first-round win at Beaver Falls and helped a defensive effort that forced five turnovers, which helped the 11th seed advance.

He's a consistent presence, and has been since the beginning of his sophomore season.

* If you're South Fayette head coach Joe Rossi, what do you do if senior quarterback John Lerda is healthy enough to play against Seton-La Salle in the quarterfinals?

Lerda was a 1,000-yard passer before missing the last two games. His replacement, freshman Brett Brumbaugh, is 2-0. He's completed 27 of 36 passes in those games, though Beaver Falls did force him into four interceptions.

* Washington senior Eric Ellis is having the type of season that lands a player on the all-state team.

Ellis, a defensive end, has a single-season Prexies record 18 sacks . He had 3 1/2 against Mt. Pleasant. Ellis has also been in on a handful of turnovers, recovering fumbles throughout the season and even an interception against the Vikings.

* Unless you're Clairton or Aliquippa or Pittsburgh Central Catholic, winning in the postseason can be difficult.

It's particularly tough when you're a program without a postseason win since 1999.

But Ringgold broke a seven-game postseason skid with a 14-10 win against Highlands at Joe Montana Stadium. Highlands deserves credit for the defensive job it did against Ringgold's run game, but Quad Law made a couple big plays passing to help the Rams advance.

Learning how to win in the postseason is a big step.

Observer-Reporter WPIAL football rankings

2011-11-06T19:14:00.003-05:00

Class AAAA
1. Pittsburgh C.C. 10-0
2. North Allegheny 10-0
3. Upper St. Clair 9-1
4. Penn-Trafford 10-0
5. Gateway 8-2
6. Erie McDowell 8-2
7. Seneca Valley 8-2
8. Mt. Lebanon 7-3

Class AAA
1. Central Valley 10-0
2. Franklin Regional 10-0
3. Knoch 10-0
4. Montour 8-2
5. West Mifflin 9-1
6. Hopewell 7-3
7. Ringgold 8-2
8. Thomas Jefferson 7-3

Class AA
1. Aliquippa 10-0
2. Seton-La Salle 10-0
3. Jeannette 10-0
4. Greensburg C.C. 9-1
5. Washington 8-2
6. South Fayette 7-3
7. Ellwood City 7-3
8. Shady Side Academy 8-2

Class A
1. Clairton 10-0
2. Sto-Rox 10-0
3. Bishop Canevin 10-0
4. Rochester 9-1
5. Avonworth 9-1
6. Brentwood 9-1
7. Fort Cherry 7-3
8. Springdale 8-2

Conference breakdown

2011-11-06T10:50:00.002-05:00

The first round of the WPIAL playoffs proved the conferences believed to be superior are superior.

The won-loss records for conferences.

Class AAAA
Northern Seven 3-1
Greater Southern 2-2
Foothills 2-2
Big East 1-3

Class AAA
Parkway 3-1
Keystone 2-2
Big Eight 2-2
Greater Allegheny 1-3

Class AA
Century 3-1
Midwestern 2-2
Interstate 2-2
Allegheny 1-3

Class A
Black Hills 3-1
Eastern 3-1
Big Seven 2-2
Tri-County South 0-4

Picking the winners, WPIAL football playoffs

2011-11-04T10:03:00.003-04:00

Class AAAA
North Allegheny over Fox Chapel, Seneca Valley over Penn Hills, Penn-Trafford over Bethel Park, Gateway over Shaler, Pittsburgh Central Catholic over Peters Township, Woodland Hills over Mt. Lebanon, Upper St. Clair over Connellsville, Erie McDowell over McKeesport

Class AAA
Central Valley over Laurel Highlands, Ringgold over Highlands, West Mifflin over Mars, Montour over Chartiers Valley, Franklin Regional over Belle Vernon, Hopewell over Indiana, Knoch over West Allegheny, Thomas Jefferson over Greensburg-Salem

Class AA
Aliquippa over Steel Valley, Washington over Mt. Pleasant, Ellwood City over Freeport, Greensburg Central Catholic over Ford City, Jeannette over Burrell, Beaver over Shady Side Academy, Seton-La Salle over East Allegheny, South Fayette over Beaver Falls

Class A
Clairton over Cornell, Springdale over Monessen, Rochester over Northgate, Avonworth over California, Sto-Rox over Frazier, Brentwood over Western Beaver, Bishop Canevin over Chartiers-Houston, Beth-Center over Fort Cherry

Twitter Thursday

2011-11-03T21:40:00.002-04:00

Thinking about renaming this "High school students say the darndest things."

Mike Beveridge, Ringgold football
@MikeBeveridge44
Oct. 28
"Time flies. My three years of varsity football is about to be over. Time to make the most of what's left.... #seniornight"

Casey Guernsey, Char-Houston volleyball
@caseguerns
Nov. 2
"someone tweet something funny so i can put you in the school newspaper"

Jason Van Kirk, Trinity football
@VanKirk13
Nov. 2
"Bobby Jones sighting before 12? What's going on!"

Andrew Sweat, Ohio State linebacker/Trinity grad
@asweat42
Nov. 2
"Just saw a rat under my car #scared"

Chavas Rawlins, Monessen football
@C_DoesitAll_3
Nov. 3
"Pumped for the game tomorrow, super pumped for my visit on Saturday. #playoffs #hailtopitt"

Quad Law, Ringgold football
@TheRealQuad_Law
Nov. 3
"@C_DoesitAll_3 yes it is!! My ankle feels soo good!!!!"

Tweet of the Week
Matt Venanzi, Peters Township soccer
@Matt34Venanzi
Nov. 1
"Imma hit up this night like its my last"
Venanzi later scored a game-tying goal with 1.1 seconds remaining in the Indians' WPIAL Class AAA semifinal against Pittsburgh Central Catholic. PT went on to win in a shootout, 2-1. Venanzi scored in that too.

Two area football coaches resign

2011-11-02T13:46:00.004-04:00

Waynesburg High School and Bentworth will begin searches for new head football coaches following the resignations of Joe Kuhns and Lou Rood.

Kuhns confirmed Wednesday via email that he resigned as the football coach at Waynesburg following a 3-6 season. The Raiders remaining in WPIAL Class AA playoff contention until a loss at Mt. Pleasant in Week 8 of the regular season.

Rood adopted the task of rebuilding Bentworth football. The Bearcats struggled but broke a 20-game losing streak with a win against Avella Friday night.

Check Thursday's Observer-Reporter for more details.

* In other coaching news, Peters Township athletic director Brian Geyer said the district plans to hire a softball coach at its November meeting.

WPIAL Class A playoffs preview

2011-11-02T10:25:00.004-04:00

Top seeds: 1. Clairton (9-0), 2. Sto-Rox (9-0), 3. Bishop Canevin (9-0), 4. Rochester (8-1)
Defending champion: Clairton
Best first-round game: No. 11 Fort Cherry at No. 6 Beth-Center
Sleeper: Winner of Fort Cherry/Beth-Center game
Players to watch: Sal Faieta (Beth-Center) pictured, Jake Sofran (Beth-Center), Tanner Garry (Fort Cherry), Ryan Babirad (Fort Cherry), Daniel Lis (Chartiers-Houston), Javone Hairston (Chartiers-Houston), Chavas Rawlins (Monessen), Jalen Madison (Monessen), T.D. Conway (California), Skyler Dickinson (California), Jon Girvin (Northgate), Rock Vargo (Frazier), Lenny Williams (Sto-Rox), Deaysean Rippy (Sto-Rox), Mike Giampole (Avonworth), Capri Thompson (Clairton), Tyler Boyd (Clairton), DeAndre Moon (Rochester)
Noteworthy: Strange as it sounds, the Fort Cherry at Beth-Center game would be better served played on turf. Both teams run multiple formations on offense and an artificial surface would suit the skill players. B-C coach Ed Woods said there was no chance of getting a change in venue.
Fort Cherry debuted a single-wing formation against Chartiers-Houston, and it worked to near perfection. The Rangers really found ways to include Koltan Kobrys in the offense.
Beth-Center features an advantageous defense, but the Bulldogs score points in bunches. Their 412 points tops all local teams.
California enters the playoffs with a 7-2 record and four-straight wins. The Trojans have allowed 14 points the past four games and notched back-to-back shutouts of Jefferson-Morgan and Frazier.
Chartiers-Houston and Monessen each enter the playoffs with identical 6-3 records and look to shake off disappointing performances to end the regular season. The Bucs were stymied at home by Fort Cherry, while the Greyhounds lost at Frazier.
Quotable: "There's a lot of similarities with us and Fort Cherry. We know each other pretty well, especially with us being in the Black Hills Conference before," B-C coach Ed Woods said. "Tim (Garry) and I know each other well and this game is great for both schools. We're looking forward to Fort Cherry coming to our place."
Championship: Clairton over Sto-Rox

WPIAL Class AA playoffs preview

2011-10-31T23:06:00.004-04:00

Top seeds: 1. Aliquippa (9-0), 2. Jeannette (9-0), 3. Seton-La Salle (9-0), 4. Freeport (7-2)
Defending champion: South Fayette
Best first-round game: South Fayette at Beaver Falls
Sleeper: Washington
Players to watch: Shai McKenzie (Wash High) pictured, Jaylin Kelly (Wash High), Zach Challingsworth (South Fayette), Kevin Hart (Seton-La Salle), Scott Orndoff (Seton-La Salle), Mikal Hall (Aliquippa), Dontez Williams (Steel Valley), Trey Hall (Aliquippa), Demetrious Cox (Jeannette), Jordan McCrae (Greensburg C.C.)
Noteworthy: South Fayette topped 50 points in the WPIAL semifinals last year against Beaver Falls. The Lions offense isn't as potent this year but the talented Challingsworth is a challenge for any defense.
Washington deserved better than the No. 8 seed. Anyone who feels otherwise, feel free to explain. That said, the road to a WPIAL Class AA championship always runs through Aliquippa. If the Prexies beat Mt. Pleasant in the first round, it sets up a matchup with the Quips.
One thing is certain, Wash High, which should be bolstered by the return of Kelly this week, won't be intimidated.
Two years ago, Aliquippa - as the No. 8 seed - knocked off top-seeded South Fayette in an epic quarterfinal.
Quotable: "It doesn't matter who we play or where we're seeded," Prexies lineman Jalen Morris said. "We just need to worry about ourselves."
Championship: Seton-La Salle over Greensburg Central Catholic

WPIAL Class AAA playoffs preview

2011-10-31T22:21:00.005-04:00

Top seeds: 1. Central Valley (9-0), 2. Franklin Regional (9-0), 3. Knoch (9-0), 4. West Mifflin (8-1)
Defending champion: Central Valley
Best first-round game: No. 10 Hopewell at No. 7 Indiana
Sleeper: Hopewell (or anyone else from the Parkway Conference)
Players to watch: Rushel Shell (Hopewell), Robert Foster (Central Valley), Quad Law (Ringgold) pictured, Mike Beveridge (Ringgold), Jake Witucki (Highlands), Dylan Buechel (Montour), Julian Durden (Montour), Josh Falatovich (Greensburg-Salem), Dane Brown (Franklin Regional)
Noteworthy: Injuries have bugged Ringgold during the latter stages of the regular season. The most notable right leg injury suffered by Law a couple weeks ago. Law aggravated the injury against Franklin Regional but returned for the finale against Uniontown.
Ringgold head coach Matt Humbert declared Law, Dom Affinito and Demetrius Louis "good-to-go" for the Ram's first-round game against Highlands.
The Rams are also healthier along the offensive line, where Jacob Foglia is taking snaps at first-team center.
Quotable: "It's tough when you move a player the caliber of Mike Beveridge and what he does at tackle to center, where he's not familiar," Humbert said. "We want him at tackle because he's that dominant."
Championship: Central Valley over Franklin Regional

WPIAL Class AAAA playoffs preview

2011-10-31T21:49:00.005-04:00

Top seeds: 1. North Allegheny (9-0), 2. Pittsburgh Central Catholic (9-0), 3. Upper St. Clair (8-1), 4. Penn-Trafford (9-0)
Defending champion: North Allegheny
Best first-round game: No. 10 Woodland Hills at No. 7 Mt. Lebanon
Sleeper: Gateway
Players to watch: Luke Hagy (Mt. Lebanon), Arthur Goldberg (Mt. Lebanon), Andrew Erenberg (Peters Township) pictured, Manny Simpson (Penn-Trafford), Damian Jones-Moore (Pittsburgh C.C.), Anthony Nixon (Pittsburgh C.C.), Perry Hills (Pittsburgh C.C.), Greg Garmon (Erie McDowell), Shakim Alonzo (Woodland Hills), Ian Park (Upper St. Clair), Jack Schwaba (Upper St. Clair), Dakota Conwell (Upper St. Clair)
Noteworthy: Erenberg, who has committed to Division I-AA Fordham, is Peters Township's all-time lead in rushing yards, scoring and touchdowns. His 14 touchdowns are a single-season school record, and he needs about 80 yards to set the single-season rushing record. Erenberg spent his freshman season at Pittsburgh Central Catholic – Peters Township's opponent in the first round. The game will be played at Fox Chapel.
Quotable: "If it's a big play call and we have a third-and-two, I'm pretty sure (Erenberg) is getting the football," Peters Township coach Rich Piccinini said. "And I'm pretty sure he'll get the first down."
Championship: Upper St. Clair over North Allegheny

Observer-Reporter WPIAL football rankings

2011-10-31T15:18:00.002-04:00

Class AAAA
1. Pittsburgh C.C. 9-0, def. Fox Chapel 49-7
2. North Allegheny 9-0, def. North Hills 17-0
3. Upper St. Clair 8-1, def. Mt. Lebanon 42-6
4. Penn-Trafford 9-0, def. Norwin 35-0
5. Gateway 7-2, def. McKeesport 38-0

Class AA
1. Central Valley 9-0, def. Ambridge 48-7
2. Franklin Regional 9-0, def. Greensburg-Saiem 53-14
3. Knoch 9-0, def. Mars 28-3
4. Montour 7-2, def. Moon 48-6
5. West Mifflin 8-1, def. Thomas Jefferson 27-14

Class AA
1. Aliquippa 9-0, def. East Allegheny 44-0
2. Seton-La Salle 9-0, def. Keystone Oaks 49-14
3. Jeannette 9-0, def. Greensburg C.C. 13-10
4. Greensburg C.C. 8-1, lost to Jeannette 13-10
5. Washington 7-2, def. Burgettstown 36-0

Class A
1. Clairton 9-0, def. Serra Catholic 48-0
2. Sto-Rox 9-0, def. Cornell 29-0
3. Bishop Canevin 9-0, def. North Catholic 19-0
4. Rochester 8-1, def. S.S. Beaver 35-0
5. Avonworth 8-1, def. Northgate 28-20

Predicting WPIAL playoff seeds

2011-10-30T21:16:00.003-04:00

Is Pittsburgh Central Catholic the top team in Class AAAA? Probably.

Does that mean the WPIAL will seed PCC ahead of defending state champion North Allegheny, which happens to be 9-0? The guess here is no.

What conferences are weak? In Class A, Beth-Center is better than the seventh-best team but winning the Tri-County South means little to the committee, which will look instead at the Bulldogs' one-point overtime home loss to Avonworth. In Class AA, the Allegheny Conference doesn't look strong and the MAC is down outside Aliquippa, but that doesn't guarantee a trending team like Washington gets seeded ahead of Freeport or even Beaver Falls.

Class AAAA
1. North Allegheny, 2. Pittsburgh Central Catholic, 3. Upper St. Clair, 4. Penn-Trafford, 5. Gateway, 6. Erie McDowell, 7. Mt. Lebanon, 8. Penn Hills, 9. Seneca Valley, 10. McKeesport, 11. Woodland Hills, 12. Shaler, 13. Bethel Park, 14. Fox Chapel, 15. Peters Township, 16. Connellsville.

Class AAA
1. Central Valley, 2. Franklin Regional, 3. Knoch, 4. Montour, 5. West Mifflin, 6. Thomas Jefferson, 7. Indiana, 8. Ringgold, 9. Hopewell, 10. Greensburg-Salem, 11. West Allegheny, 12. Highlands, 13. Mars, 14. Chartiers Valley, 15. Belle Vernon, 16. Laurel Highlands.

Class AA
1. Aliquippa, 2. Seton-La Salle, 3. Jeannette, 4. Greensburg C.C., 5. Freeport, 6. Washington, 7. Beaver Falls, 8. Shady Side Academy, 9. Beaver, 10. South Fayette, 11. Mt. Pleasant, 12. Ellwood City, 13. Ford City, 14. Burrell, 15. East Allegheny, 16. Steel Valley.

Class A
1. Clairton, 2. Sto-Rox, 3. Bishop Canevin, 4. Rochester, 5. Avonworth, 6. Brentwood, 7. Beth-Center, 8. Monessen, 9. Springdale, 10. Fort Cherry, 11. Western Beaver, 12. California, 13. Chartiers-Houston, 14. Cornell, 15. Northgate, 16. Frazier.

Week 9 thoughts

2011-10-29T18:43:00.004-04:00

Fort Cherry football coach Tim Garry got the idea from an administrator in the Canon-McMillan School District, where Garry teaches. The administrator coached high school football in Virginia.

While there, the high school ran a version of the single-wing offense. Fort Cherry debuted it with great success Friday night during a 37-13 win at Chartiers-Houston that was more impressive than the final scored indicates.

The Rangers call the package "The Spinner" and it entails quarterback Tanner Garry in his usual shotgun formation with a sidecar. Against the Bucs, the Rangers put a series of possible runners just behind the right side of the offensive line in a wishbone-esque formation.

The possibilities were many. Garry can run, or direct snaps can go to Kolton Kobrys or Corey Garry. End-around to Ryan Babirad are another possibility.

"I watched it on film and thought we could put in some plays," Tim Garry said.

Fort Cherry originally planned to showcase the offense a week earlier.

"We actually threw it together for Clairton but we didn't have a good enough handle on it and we fell behind so we decided not to use it," Tanner Garry said.

The package certainly gives Fort Cherry's upcoming opponent in the first round of the WPIAL Class A playoffs something to think about. So does the play of Tanner Garry.

Garry always turns in strong performances against Chartiers-Houston, but Friday night may have been his finest 48 minutes. In conditions far from ideal, Garry completed 13 of 17 passes for 172 yards and he rushed for 137 yards and three scores. He also topped 4,000 passing yards for his career.

"He's had bigger numbers but, considering the level of competition, I'd say this was his best game," Tim Garry said.

* The record-setting career of Peters Township tailback Andrew Erenberg will end at some point during the Class AAAA playoffs.

Erenberg rushed for 174 yards and four touchdowns as the Indians secured a postseason berth with a win against Canon-McMillan. It gives him 1,301 rushing yards and 18 touchdowns on the season.

Teams know what's coming against PT, yet Erenberg produces.

C-M head coach Tim Sohyda said it well in Saturday's edition of the Observer-Reporter, "What more could you want? You know he's getting it, but you still have to stop it. He always falls forward, he doesn't put it on the ground. He's a great running back. He's a solid, in-your-face player. He's hard to stop."

* Ringgold's defense must be feeling better after it put up a zero against Uniontown. The Rams also must feel good about the return of Quad Law.

* Anyone else expecting a Ringgold-Hopewell game in the first round of the WPIAL Class AAA playoffs?

* If freshman Brett Brumbaugh's 13-for-14 passing performance for 228 yards and two scores against Quaker Valley is any indication, South Fayette is set at quarterback the next three years.

* Trinity had its string of six consecutive playoff appearances snapped.

* Anyone else amazed at the lack of quality kicking this year? It could prove costly in the postseason for some, and it contributed to at least one team missing the postseason.

* Washington has its best team since 2001. Whether it translates to postseason success or not will unfold this week.

I, for one, am not sold on the overall strength of Class AA. Except for Aliquippa, the MAC appears down. So does the Interstate Conference after the top two teams and the Allegheny Conference as a whole.

If the Prexies continue to get play up front like they did today against Burgettstown, they can win a couple games.

* With the regular season complete, here's a short list of players worthy of consideration for O-R Player of the Year: Law (Ringgold), Erenberg (Peters Township), Garry (Fort Cherry), Sal Faieta (Beth-Center), Shai McKenzie and Eric Ellis (Washington).

Twitter Thursday

2011-10-27T17:16:00.004-04:00

New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski got in a little hot water the past week when he was photographed with an adult film "actress", who posted the photo on Twitter. The lady wore Gronkowski's jersey, and the former Woodland Hills product wasn't wearing a shirt.

Didn't seem like a big deal to me, but Gronkowski had to apologize to Patriots owner Robert Kraft.

Wonder what Robert Kraft would think if he read some tweets from local high school students?

You can follow me on Twitter @TheMikeKovak ... now, on to a few notables from the past week.

Chavas Rawlins, Monessen multi-sport athlete
@C_DoesitAll_3
Oct. 27
"#IowaState will be attending Fridays game"

Eric Ellis, Washington football
@That_Dude_68
Oct. 26
"@MikeBeveridge44 according to the observer me n you are the best defensive players around. Keep it up bro."

Tom Nettles, Peters Township golf/PIAA runner-up
@TomNettles
Oct. 25
"well that was a hell of a battle.. finished 2nd by one stroke"

Mike Yancich, Penn State linebacker/Trinity grad
@Ymike33
Oct. 22
"7-1 uh huh... #weare #pennstatefootball"

Tweet of the Week
GreeneSports.net
@GreeneSports
Oct. 21
"Both Jefferson-Morgan & Waynesburg have been eliminated as Greene County has been shutout of the playoffs for the first time since 1995."

Quick hits

2011-10-27T11:21:00.002-04:00

Injuries continue to plague Ringgold football but the Rams did get some good news heading into Friday night's game against Uniontown.

Senior quarterback Quad Law practiced Wednesday and plans to play. Law, who played just one brief series last week at Franklin Regional, hinted to me via Twitter that he might play. When asked, he said, "yes sir! I practiced today an I felt great!"

Offensive lineman/defensive end Mike Beveridge also returned to practice. Beveridge is Ringgold's best defensive player.

How much Ringgold's injured players actually play will be determined but the game does hold some meaning as a loss could drop Ringgold to third place in the Keystone Conference and put them on the road for the first round of the WPIAL Class AAA playoffs.

* Last year, Brett Brumbaugh was a ball boy for South Fayette's football team. Friday night, the freshman will start in place of injured John Lerda according to Mike White of the Post-Gazette.

WPIAL record-holder Christian Brumbaugh is a redshirt freshman at William & Mary. Luke Brumbaugh is a junior and a starting quarterback at undefeated Seton-La Salle.

http://blogs.sites.post-gazette.com/index.php/sports/varsity-blog/30589-yet-another-brumbaugh-to-start-at-qb

* Initially, the change made by the PIAA to two 20-minute overtime periods in soccer seemed like a good idea.

The Peters Township boys team won Monday's first round match during the first overtime. The Peters Township girls overtime needed a shootout to edge Moon in Wednesday's quarterfinals.

PT senior Madison Creehan, who moved from goalie to striker and had a key assist in addition to the game-winning penalty kick in the shootout, said the Indians could play another 40 minutes if needed. To me, they looked absolutely exhausted. So did Moon.

Indians coach Pat Vereb wondered after the match is 40 minutes of overtime is a good idea. After watching it transpire, I say it's not good.

State football rankings

2011-10-26T18:22:00.003-04:00

Pennsylvania high school football rankings from The Patriot-News of Harrisburg for the week of Tuesday, Oct. 25, with school’s district in parentheses, followed by the school’s record and last week’s ranking. NR means not ranked. Honorable mention teams listed alphabetically. (P)-2010 PIAA champion.

CLASS AAAA
Team Rec Pvs
1. Pittsburgh C.C. (7) 8-0 1
2. North Allegheny (P) (7) 8-0 2
3. LaSalle College HS (12) 7-1 3
4. Upper St. Clair (7) 7-1 4
5. North Penn (1) 6-2 5
6. Abington (1) 8-0 8
7. Whitehall (11) 7-1 9
8. Penn-Trafford (7) 8-0 10
9. Gateway (7) 6-2 NR
10. Downingtown East (1) 7-1 NR
Teams to watch
Bayard Rustin (1) 7-1, Central Dauphin (3) 7-1, Council Rock South (1) 7-1, Cumberland Valley (3) 7-1, Mt. Lebanon (7) 6-2, Nazareth (11) 7-1, Plymouth-Whitemarsh (1) 6-1, Wilson (3) 7-1.

CLASS AAA
Team Rec Pvs
1. Archbishop Wood (12) 7-1 1
2. Central Valley (7) 8-0 2
3. Grove City (10) 8-0 3
4. Bishop McDevitt (3) 6-2 4
5. Montour (7) 6-2 5
6. Cathedral Prep (10) 6-2 6
7. Franklin Regional (7) 8-0 9
8. Hopewell (7) 5-3 10
9. Greensburg Salem (7) 7-1 NR
10. West Allegheny (7) 5-3 8
Teams to watch
Dallas (2) 7-1, Greater Johnstown (6) 7-1, Knoch (7) 8-0, Lampeter-Strasburg (3) 7-1, Springfield-Delco (1) 7-1, Thomas Jefferson (7) 6-2, Valley View (2) 7-1.

CLASS AA
Team Rec Pvs
1. Aliquippa (7) 8-0 1
2. Lancaster Catholic (3) 9-0 2
3. West Catholic (P) (12) 5-3 3
4. North Schuylkill (11) 8-0 4
5. Seton-La Salle (7) 8-0 5
6. Mount Carmel (4) 7-1 6
7. Lewisburg (4) 6-2 7
8. Trinity (3) 6-2 9
9. Greensburg C.C. (7) 8-0 8
10. Jeannette (7) 8-0 NR
Teams to watch
Beaver Area (7) 7-1, Forest Hills (6) 7-1, Hickory (10) 7-1, Northern Lehigh (11) 7-1, Pen Argyl (11) 8-0, Pine Grove (11) 8-0, Richland (6) 7-1, Wilmington (10) 7-1.

CLASS A
Team Rec Pvs
1. Clairton (P) (7) 8-0 1
2. Southern Columbia (4) 8-0 2
3. Sto-Rox (7) 8-0 3
4. Dunmore (2) 8-0 4
5. Rochester (7) 7-1 5
6. Bishop Canevin (7) 8-0 6
7. Pius X (11) 7-1 7
8. Line Mountain (4) 7-1 8
9. Sharpsville (10) 7-0 10
10. Avonworth (7) 7-1 NR
Teams to watch
Bethlehem-Center (7) 7-1, Brentwood (7) 7-1, Mercer (10) 6-2, Mercyhurst Prep (10) 7-1, Minersville (4) 7-1, Penns Manor (6) 7-1, Youngsville (10) 8-0.

Nettles second, Damich fourth at PIAA golf championships

2011-10-25T18:28:00.002-04:00

Football dominated the discussion during the fall and beyond but a number of local student-athletes thrive in other sports.

Golf being one of those sports.

The Washington-Greene region crowded the medals stand Tuesday at the PIAA Individual Golf Championships, a two-day event held at Heritage Hills in York.

Tom Nettles, a junior from Peters Township, tied for second with a five-over par, two-round score of 147. That was just one stroke behind West Allegheny's Garrett Browning (146). Browning and Nettles, who won the PIAA West Region title, were first and second following the first day of competition.

Bentworth senior Garrett Damich put together a strong second day and placed fourth, with a seven-over 149. Damich was the WPIAL Division II runner-up.

Canon-McMillan's Ben DuCarme (157) tied for 19th, while Peters Township's Trent McPherson (158) tied for 25th.

On the girls side, Waynesburg senior Emily Rohanna got to the medals stand as she tied for 9th place with a 22-over 166. Erica Herr of Council Rock North distanced the field with a six-over 150.

Week 8 thoughts from a Monday afternoon quarterback

2011-10-24T13:02:00.004-04:00

The eighth week of the high school football season was not a kind one.

Several teams had an opportunity to solidify playoff standing or a conference championship. Ringgold, Waynesburg, South Fayette and Burgettstown struggled with those situations.

The results from Friday indicate that the second round of the WPIAL playoffs won't feature many local teams.

Beth-Center looks like the team most likely to advance. The Bulldogs should be seeded No. 6 in the Class A bracket, barring any last week upsets of teams ranked higher. A winnable home game puts B-C on turf in the quarterfinals, where its talent is better suited to play.

Washington struggled mightily but edged South Allegheny, 14-12. The win clinched a home playoff game for the Prexies, their first since 2001. Washington could be seeded anywhere from 5-7 in the Class AA playoffs and are always a tough team to play at Wash High Stadium. If the Prexies avoid a Beaver County team in the first round, thier chances of advancing are right there with Beth-Center's.

Ringgold hurt its stock with a 38-0 loss at Franklin Regional. The Rams went from a possible top four seed to most likely a No. 8 as long as undefeated FR beats a tough Greensburg-Salem team which is not a given. If Ringgold gets the No. 8 seed, the Rams will likely draw the third-place team from the Parkway Conference. Playing West Allegheny or Blackhawk is one tough draw.

The winner of Friday night's Fort Cherry at Chartiers-Houston game puts itself in a better position to advance than the loser, which finishes fourth and probably plays at a conference champion in the first round.

Given the lack of quality teams in Class AA, South Fayette could advance, but the Lions have struggled offensively against quality teams. Still, a first-round game against a team from the Greater Allegheny Conference is winnable.

Observer-Reporter WPIAL football rankings

2011-10-24T09:22:00.003-04:00

Class AAAA
1. Pittsburgh C.C. 8-0, def. Altoona 62-7
2. North Allegheny 8-0, def. Shaler 34-17
3. Upper St. Clair 7-1, def. Bethel Park 55-0
4. Penn-Trafford 8-0, def. Indiana 38-28
5. Gateway 6-2, def. Connellsville 40-0

Class AAA
1. Central Valley 8-0, def. Blackhawk 35-14
2. Franklin Regional 8-0, def. Ringgold 38-0
3. Knoch 8-0, def. Highlands 24-6
4. Thomas Jefferson 6-2, def. Belle Vernon 40-7
5. Montour 6-2, def. West Allegheny 35-17

Class AA
1. Aliquippa 8-0, def. Mohawk 42-0
2. Seton-La Salle, def. South Fayette 33-10
3. Jeannette 8-0, def. Brownsville 35-13
4. Greensburg C.C. 8-0, def. East Allegheny 21-6
5. Washington 6-2, def. South Allegheny 14-12

Class A
1. Clairton 8-0, def. Fort Cherry 35-6
2. Sto-Rox 8-0, def. Shenango 38-12
3. Bishop Canevin 8-0, def. Riverview 54-8
4. Rochester 7-1, def. Neshannock 38-7
5. Avonworth 7-1, def. OLSH 35-10

Follow me on Twitter @TheMikeKovak ... An analysis of Week 8 coming later today.

Friday notebook

2011-10-21T13:12:00.003-04:00

I'll be at tonight's Ringgold at Franklin Regional game. For updates, follow me on Twitter @TheMikeKovak, and feel free to send updates of your game to me as well.

The WPIAL spotlight will shine - of all places - on the Keystone Conference tonight when one-loss Ringgold plays at unbeaten Franklin Regional.

"This is the first time we've gotten this much publicity going into a game since I've been here fore sure," Ringgold coach Matt Humbert said. "It's a good thing for the conference. Everybody always wants to knock our conference, and sometimes they're justified."

Those knocks are because of the conference's dismal postseason record, but Ringgold and Franklin Regional are both intriguing Class AAA contenders.

Should Ringgold win, the Rams all but lock up the conference title with a win against Greensburg-Salem already in the books. Ringgold won the Keystone last year, part of the team's first undefeated, untied season.

The Rams got good news today when they learned quarterback Quad Law is cleared to play, and not doubt the playmaker will prove vital to their chances.

But Ringgold will be counting on several others players, particularly on defense against a Franklin Regional team that has yet to be tested.

"I kind of disagree with people who say they haven't played anybody," Humbert said. "They beat two Quad-A teams and I don't care who they are, that's not easy to do by the margins Franklin Regional did it."

Key to that defense is senior defensive end Michael Beveridge.

"When we pinpoint people we need to have a big game, he's one of those guys," Humbert said. "He needs to be extremely disciplines to do what we need him to do, and we're confident he'll be exactly that."

Beveridge, a member of the Observer-Reporter Elite 11 as a junior, has a knack of playing his best in big games. Earlier this year at Greensburg-Salem, Beveridge had four tackles behind the line of scrimmage during the fourth quarter. He also forced a fumble and recovered another.

* Fort Cherry quarterback Tanner Garry ranks second in the WPIAL in passing yards and first in touchdown passes.

Waynesburg's Nick Zupper ranks third in the WPIAL in rushing yards.

Ringgold's Quad Law leads the WPIAL in yards per carry.

Fort Cherry's Ryan Babirad and South Fayette's Zach Challingsworth rank high in receiving yards.

Beth-Center has intercepted 19 passes, and quarterback Sal Faieta has accounted for 25 touchdowns.

* Six area golfers - Tom Nettles and Trent McPherson of Peters Township, Canon-McMillan's Ben DuCarme, South Fayette's Evan Lestini, Bentworth's Garrett Damich and Waynesburg's Emily Rohanna - qualified for the PIAA West Region semifinals, which were held Tuesday at Tom's Run Golf Course in Blairsville.

All six golfers advanced to the PIAA Championships, a two-day event which tees off Monday at Heritage Hills in York. That's hardly a surprise, but considering how the top of the leaderboard was crowded with the local competitors, it's safe to say the Washington-Greene region is a high school golfing haven.

Nettles enters the state championship as the PIAA West Region champ after he birdied three of the final four holes to finish with an even-par 72. Nettles, a junior attracting serious Division I interest, became the first golfer from Peters Township to win the West Region.

McPherson, DuCarme and Lestini all tied for fourth, while Damich tied for 11th.

Rohanna finished tied for third on the girls side.

What is about the area that produces so many top-notch individuals and golf teams?

* Washington junior Jaylin Kelly will not play tonight against South Allegheny. Kelly injured an ankle during last Saturday's win over Quaker Valley.

Kelly starts at linebacker and running back for the Prexies.

* Waynesburg hasn't been in many postseason discussions since the playing days of Lee Fritz and Lanfer Simpson, but the Raiders play a key game tonight at Mt. Pleasant.

If the Raiders beat the Vikings, they position themselves for their first postseason berth since 2003.

* I'd imagine Beth-Center senior linebacker Jake Sofran would rather the Bulldogs be undefeated at this point, but he's still notched a a couple impressive milestones the past two weeks.

Sofran, who is receiving interest from a number of Division I-AA and II schools, set B-C's career tackles mark during the Bulldogs' 46-0 win over Monessen two weeks ago. Last week in a one-point overtime loss to Avonworth, Sofran set a single-game record with 20 tackles.

A four-year starter, Sofran has 400-plus tackles in his career.