Clairton 84, Avella 0.
Only to be outdone by Gateway 85, Norwin 0.
According to reports, Avella head coach Ryan Cecchini placed no blame on Clairton for the final score. Instead, Cecchini said a series of Avella mistakes, particularly on botched punts, continually gave the Bears prime field position.
The final score makes me think several things.
1. It's time for Clairton to move up to Class AA. Aliquippa does it. Jeannette does it. Monessen does it in basketball; and all are very successful. How much fun can it be knowing you will not face competition until the WPIAL championship game at the earliest?
2. Even before Cecchini disclosed some details of the game, I found it hard to place blame on Clairton. Seriously.
It's not Clairton's fault it is that much better.
Also, the Bears have been criticized for many things. They've taken knees after halftime (a move that still baffles me). They've acted unsportsmanlike after games, but if the starters were pulled and they weren't throwing the football, you can't put blame on them for the final score against Avella.
3. There needs to be mergers.
* Weather can be a great equalizer, and it certainly helped Brentwood during the Spartans' 20-19 overtime win at Fort Cherry. For the Rangers, it's a crippling loss with Clairton and Chartiers-Houston remaining on the schedule.
Brentwood did a better job at the line of scrimmage than Fort Cherry, and the Rangers hurt themselves with a myriad of mistakes - fumbled snaps, poor punts, missed extra points and missed assignments.
I covered the last two Fort Cherry-Brentwood games and thought both times the Rangers were the more talented team. Yet, the Spartans won both games. As stated many times on this blog, it takes a lot more than talent to win at the varsity level.
* Speaking of talent, Washington sure looks like its coming into its own.
The Prexies notched a second consecutive impressive victory, the latest a 41-16 romp at Keystone Oaks.
Shai McKenzie, a sophomore, is emerging as Washington's top runner and, with Jaylin Kelly, that's a dynamic one-two punch. Quarterback Josh Wise and receiver Ethan Gordon are bringing balance to an offense that is emerging as a big-play bunch.
A win against Steel Valley should lock up second place in the Century Conference for Washington. Considering the reaction following losses to Clairton and Seton-La Salle, not sure the Prexies faithful saw this coming.
* Beth-Center continues to get things done, and senior Sal Faieta is in the midst of his best season.
Faieta is a workout warrior, intelligent football player with a high motor, and he's a proven winner. Now, Faieta and Beth-Center face a difficult test in Monessen.
The Greyhounds aren't happy after being shutout at North Catholic, a game where quarterback Chavas Rawlins suffered a broken hand but continued to play. Monessen has also beat Beth-Center the past two seasons.
There isn't a bigger game in the area this Friday than Monessen at Beth-Center. The winner will win the Tri-County South Conference and should earn a top five seed in the WPIAL Class A playoffs.
* Waynesburg's Nick Zupper is in the midst of a monster season. He's already pushing 1,000 yards rushing.
* If the season ended today, Ringgold's Quad Law would be the Observer-Reporter Player of the Year.
Follow me on Twitter @TheMikeKovak
Showing posts with label Clairton. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Clairton. Show all posts
Sunday, October 2, 2011
Saturday, September 3, 2011
Tempers flare at Neil C. Brown Stadium
Washington competed better against Clairton this year but still lost, 42-12, as the Bears upped their win streak to an impressive 32 games.
Things got a little testy between the teams, and even some fans. Here's an excerpt from a story sent to the Observer-Reporter from our good friends at the Daily News in McKeesport.
"Most of the evening’s drama occurred before and after the contest. (Washington head coach Mike) Bosnic had words with Clairton fans about an hour before kickoff, and some bad blood spilled over following the game. Clairton and Washington players had to be separated after shaking hands.
Also, a group of Clairton fans was waiting for Bosnic by the Washington locker room.
“It’s not bad blood,” Bosnic said. “It’s just football.”
The Clairton coaching staff was upset that Washington left its varsity team in the game against the Bears JV unit in the fourth quarter.
“I’m just trying to make my team better,” Bosnic said. “I don’t really see what’s so bad about that. To do what they did after the game is unbelievable.”
Nola didn’t exactly see things that way.
“Their coach said that he wanted to keep his team from getting demoralized because of the score and that’s why he left his starters in,” (Clairton coach Tom) Nola said. “You shouldn’t have a first team in against a JV team.”"
Things got a little testy between the teams, and even some fans. Here's an excerpt from a story sent to the Observer-Reporter from our good friends at the Daily News in McKeesport.
"Most of the evening’s drama occurred before and after the contest. (Washington head coach Mike) Bosnic had words with Clairton fans about an hour before kickoff, and some bad blood spilled over following the game. Clairton and Washington players had to be separated after shaking hands.
Also, a group of Clairton fans was waiting for Bosnic by the Washington locker room.
“It’s not bad blood,” Bosnic said. “It’s just football.”
The Clairton coaching staff was upset that Washington left its varsity team in the game against the Bears JV unit in the fourth quarter.
“I’m just trying to make my team better,” Bosnic said. “I don’t really see what’s so bad about that. To do what they did after the game is unbelievable.”
Nola didn’t exactly see things that way.
“Their coach said that he wanted to keep his team from getting demoralized because of the score and that’s why he left his starters in,” (Clairton coach Tom) Nola said. “You shouldn’t have a first team in against a JV team.”"
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Top games in Week 1
Canon-McMillan at Trinity
A passionate rivalry turned more heated following last year's win for Trinity when members of the Hillers team rang the bell at Canon-McMillan. That's considered one big 'no-no' to Big Macs fans.
The action has served as a motivating factor for Canon-McMillan, which is looking to improve from last year's disappointing 1-8 season. The Big Macs should be better, and Trinity is adjusting to the triple-option offense.
Since there's no bell at Hiller Field, what can Canon-McMillan do if it wins?
Charleroi at Mt. Pleasant
Injuries to key players early derailed what appeared to be a promising season for Charleroi in 2010. Senior Quentin Briggs, one of those injured players last year, is healthy and could become a 4,000-yard career rusher if his production returns to the level he experience as a freshman and sophomore. He rushed for more than 2,000 yards and 24 touchdowns those two years.
Mt. Pleasant won at Charleroi, 20-13, in last year's opener and once again qualified for the playoffs out of the Interstate Conference. The Vikings return a majority of players from last year's team.
Next week, Charleroi plays its first home game at its new stadium.
Washington at Clairton
Clairton took any suspense out of this attractive matchup last year with one of the more dominating defensive performances against the Pexies seen at Wash High Stadium. Washington did not gain a first down in a 41-0 loss.
So what makes this game attractive this year? Well, the Bears did lose a few top players last year though they remain the favorite to win a fourth consecutive WPIAL Class A championship.
Washington boasts its share of athletes. All four members of a 1,600 relay team that established a WPIAL championship meet record during the spring are on the football team, but the Prexies will be without starting quarterback Josh Wise (mono).
Sophomore Chase Caldwell will start at quarterback.
A passionate rivalry turned more heated following last year's win for Trinity when members of the Hillers team rang the bell at Canon-McMillan. That's considered one big 'no-no' to Big Macs fans.
The action has served as a motivating factor for Canon-McMillan, which is looking to improve from last year's disappointing 1-8 season. The Big Macs should be better, and Trinity is adjusting to the triple-option offense.
Since there's no bell at Hiller Field, what can Canon-McMillan do if it wins?
Charleroi at Mt. Pleasant
Injuries to key players early derailed what appeared to be a promising season for Charleroi in 2010. Senior Quentin Briggs, one of those injured players last year, is healthy and could become a 4,000-yard career rusher if his production returns to the level he experience as a freshman and sophomore. He rushed for more than 2,000 yards and 24 touchdowns those two years.
Mt. Pleasant won at Charleroi, 20-13, in last year's opener and once again qualified for the playoffs out of the Interstate Conference. The Vikings return a majority of players from last year's team.
Next week, Charleroi plays its first home game at its new stadium.
Washington at Clairton
Clairton took any suspense out of this attractive matchup last year with one of the more dominating defensive performances against the Pexies seen at Wash High Stadium. Washington did not gain a first down in a 41-0 loss.
So what makes this game attractive this year? Well, the Bears did lose a few top players last year though they remain the favorite to win a fourth consecutive WPIAL Class A championship.
Washington boasts its share of athletes. All four members of a 1,600 relay team that established a WPIAL championship meet record during the spring are on the football team, but the Prexies will be without starting quarterback Josh Wise (mono).
Sophomore Chase Caldwell will start at quarterback.
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Friday, June 10, 2011
Trinity, South Fayette to participate in Gateway Gators 7-on-7
Trinity and South Fayette are once again among the 21 teams invited to participate in Saturday's Gateway Gators 7-on-7 at Gateway High School. Admission is free for those wishing to attend, and the event kicks off with pool play at 8:15 a.m.
The championship game is scheduled for 3:15 p.m. Last year, Gateway beat Clairton, 12-7, in the final.
Apollo-Ridge, Baldwin, Clairton, Gateway, Greensburg Central Catholic, Elizabeth Forward, Friendly Academy (Md.), Hampton, Hempfield, Imani Christian Academy, Kiski Area, Montour, Mt. Hebron (Md.), Oliver, Pine-Richland, South Fayette, South Allegheny, Summit Academy, Trinity, Westinghouse and Wilkinsburg committed to play.
The championship game is scheduled for 3:15 p.m. Last year, Gateway beat Clairton, 12-7, in the final.
Apollo-Ridge, Baldwin, Clairton, Gateway, Greensburg Central Catholic, Elizabeth Forward, Friendly Academy (Md.), Hampton, Hempfield, Imani Christian Academy, Kiski Area, Montour, Mt. Hebron (Md.), Oliver, Pine-Richland, South Fayette, South Allegheny, Summit Academy, Trinity, Westinghouse and Wilkinsburg committed to play.
Monday, April 11, 2011
Green is Mr. PA Football
Clairton's Deismon Green won the first Mr. PA Football small school award as selected by fans, and apparently some media and coaches. Hopewell's Rushel Shell, recently named the country's No. 11 recruit for 2012 by MaxPreps/CBS Sports, won the big school award.
Washington's Julien Anderson and South Fayette's Christian Brumbaugh were two of five finalists for the small school award.
Green, a Texas Tech recruit, led Clairton to a wild comeback in the PIAA Class A championship game - the second consecutive state title for the Bears. As a quarterback, Green accounted for 43 touchdowns and was equally effective at defensive end, where he had 14 sacks. (The guess here is he had to have more than 14 sacks.)
Shell, who has offers from most major colleges, has rushed for 6,766 yards and should break the WPIAL all-time rushing mark established by Fort Cherry's Mike Vernillo in 1999. Follow me on Twitter. http://twitter.com/#
Washington's Julien Anderson and South Fayette's Christian Brumbaugh were two of five finalists for the small school award.
Green, a Texas Tech recruit, led Clairton to a wild comeback in the PIAA Class A championship game - the second consecutive state title for the Bears. As a quarterback, Green accounted for 43 touchdowns and was equally effective at defensive end, where he had 14 sacks. (The guess here is he had to have more than 14 sacks.)
Shell, who has offers from most major colleges, has rushed for 6,766 yards and should break the WPIAL all-time rushing mark established by Fort Cherry's Mike Vernillo in 1999. Follow me on Twitter. http://twitter.com/#
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
A pretty pic and a few other notes
According to at least one area softball coach, Geibel has dropped its team, which, if true, creates a couple openings in schedules for other members of Section 2-A.
A Section 2 preview in the Herald-Standard of Uniontown, which ran March 27, included Geibel. http://www.heraldstandard.com/sports/local/section-a-softball-preview/article_97e83307-589f-518a-8860-f1624d66886f.html
Beth-Center, Carmichaels, Jefferson-Morgan, West Greene, California and Mapletown also compete in Section 2.
*Morgan Meadows, one of the top pitchers in the area last year, moved from Peters Township to Tennessee.
* Former O-R staff writer Mark Lazerus, who moved to the scenic world of Gary, Ind. and the Post-Tribune, informed us that former Canon-McMillan standout Jeravin Matthews has earned a starting spot at cornerback for Northwestern.
Matthews, one of the fastest football players to hail from Washington County, has played running back and receiver in his first two years with the Wildcats.
* Thanks to Mike White of the Post-Gazette. He informed me that the last time a player from Washington or Greene counties led the WPIAL in scoring came in 1998 when Bentworth's Bryant Thomas averaged 32.5. Thomas went to Cal U, where he got into some trouble and his collegiate basketball career never materialized.
In 1996, Carmichaels' Justin Voithofer paced the WPIAL at 29.0.
This year, Avella's Amanda Temple led all WPIAL girls players with a 22.0 scoring average.
The last time a girl from a school other than Monessen led the WPIAL in scoring came in 1988 when Burgettstown's Jamie O'Donnell averaged 27.0
* A few months ago, The Varsity Letters ran a picture of South Fayette's 2010 PIAA Class AA championship ring. Some of this blog's faithful readers from the Clairton area asked if I would post a picture of the Bears' title rings from football.
As promised.
A Section 2 preview in the Herald-Standard of Uniontown, which ran March 27, included Geibel. http://www.heraldstandard.com/sports/local/section-a-softball-preview/article_97e83307-589f-518a-8860-f1624d66886f.html
Beth-Center, Carmichaels, Jefferson-Morgan, West Greene, California and Mapletown also compete in Section 2.
*Morgan Meadows, one of the top pitchers in the area last year, moved from Peters Township to Tennessee.
* Former O-R staff writer Mark Lazerus, who moved to the scenic world of Gary, Ind. and the Post-Tribune, informed us that former Canon-McMillan standout Jeravin Matthews has earned a starting spot at cornerback for Northwestern.
Matthews, one of the fastest football players to hail from Washington County, has played running back and receiver in his first two years with the Wildcats.
* Thanks to Mike White of the Post-Gazette. He informed me that the last time a player from Washington or Greene counties led the WPIAL in scoring came in 1998 when Bentworth's Bryant Thomas averaged 32.5. Thomas went to Cal U, where he got into some trouble and his collegiate basketball career never materialized.
In 1996, Carmichaels' Justin Voithofer paced the WPIAL at 29.0.
This year, Avella's Amanda Temple led all WPIAL girls players with a 22.0 scoring average.
The last time a girl from a school other than Monessen led the WPIAL in scoring came in 1988 when Burgettstown's Jamie O'Donnell averaged 27.0
* A few months ago, The Varsity Letters ran a picture of South Fayette's 2010 PIAA Class AA championship ring. Some of this blog's faithful readers from the Clairton area asked if I would post a picture of the Bears' title rings from football.
As promised.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Pitt-Cuse game filled with potential recruits
The stars shined bright during Monday night's Big East Conference basketball game between Pitt and Syracuse, a game won by the Panthers after they squandered a 19-0 lead to the Orange.
Steelers like Ben Roethlisberger (who received a raucous round of applause from the record crowd of 12,925 when shown on the big screen above the court), James Farrior, LaMarr Woodley and Max Starks were on hand. So were former Pitt football players Larry Fitzgerald - who heard repeated 'Larry! Larry!' chants every time he stood up, Tyler Palko, Dorin Dickerson and even former Pitt basketball players Mark McCarroll and Sam Clancy, who is a fixture at the University.
The most important guests were probably seated about 20 feet to my left, where a believed 40 potential football recruits had spots next to press row. While I didn't recognize every recruit, I was able to spot a few targets for new head coach Todd Graham.
Greensburg Central Catholic junior Josh Stepoli, a Monessen resident, was there. So were Clairton standouts Desimon Green and Trenton Coles. (One student in the Oakland Zoo held up a sign that read, "Our favorite color is Green.") Hopewell running back Rushel Shell, possibly the WPIAL's most coveted recruit since Terrelle Pryor, was on hand. Penn-Trafford's Manny Simpson was two seats from me and McKeesport's Delvon Simmons received plenty of attention from Graham and his assistants.
Getting all those recruits to that game was a smart move on Pitt's part. I'm not sure I ever heard Petersen Events Center as loud before and senior forward Gilbert Brown said the same thing in a much more humorous manner after the game.
And, in an unusual change of pace, Graham and his coaches wore Oakland Zoo t-shirts and encouraged the recruits to stand up and cheer on occasion. As someone who has covered Pitt basketball games dating back to Walt Harris, I can't recall that happening before.
Steelers like Ben Roethlisberger (who received a raucous round of applause from the record crowd of 12,925 when shown on the big screen above the court), James Farrior, LaMarr Woodley and Max Starks were on hand. So were former Pitt football players Larry Fitzgerald - who heard repeated 'Larry! Larry!' chants every time he stood up, Tyler Palko, Dorin Dickerson and even former Pitt basketball players Mark McCarroll and Sam Clancy, who is a fixture at the University.
The most important guests were probably seated about 20 feet to my left, where a believed 40 potential football recruits had spots next to press row. While I didn't recognize every recruit, I was able to spot a few targets for new head coach Todd Graham.
Greensburg Central Catholic junior Josh Stepoli, a Monessen resident, was there. So were Clairton standouts Desimon Green and Trenton Coles. (One student in the Oakland Zoo held up a sign that read, "Our favorite color is Green.") Hopewell running back Rushel Shell, possibly the WPIAL's most coveted recruit since Terrelle Pryor, was on hand. Penn-Trafford's Manny Simpson was two seats from me and McKeesport's Delvon Simmons received plenty of attention from Graham and his assistants.
Getting all those recruits to that game was a smart move on Pitt's part. I'm not sure I ever heard Petersen Events Center as loud before and senior forward Gilbert Brown said the same thing in a much more humorous manner after the game.
And, in an unusual change of pace, Graham and his coaches wore Oakland Zoo t-shirts and encouraged the recruits to stand up and cheer on occasion. As someone who has covered Pitt basketball games dating back to Walt Harris, I can't recall that happening before.
Sunday, December 12, 2010
A few notes and thoughts
There's only one way to say this, so let's get it out there.
South Fayette has the most precise offense I've ever seen at the high school level.
What will that mean when the 15-0 Lions play West Philadelphia Catholic in Saturday's PIAA Class AA championship? Not sure, but the District 12 champs would be wise not to take South Fayette lightly.
From what I'm hearing, that may not be the case. WC didn't send anyone to scout the South Fayette-Forest Hills semifinal game and had asked Lions head coach Joe Rossi to send tapes with his scout to exchange.
Anyone remember what happened when South Fayette played a District 12 team in the PIAA Class AA basketball championship?
Right now, it sure is difficult to imagine any team capable of slowing South Fayette's offense. Prolific quarterback Christian Brumbaugh sets a new record every week. In fact, he's setting so many it's getting tough to keep track. About two hours after the Lions dispatched Forest Hills 49-12 in another amazing offensive display, I got a call from Mike White of the Post-Gazette. Each paper had Brumbaugh passing for 44 touchdowns entering the semifinal. With six against Forest Hills, that gives him 50 on the season and that tied a PIAA record.
Brumbaugh's numbers are difficult to fathom but it sure is fun to watch. He's accurate. His receivers run great routes. Someone at Saturday's semifinal likened South Fayette to Boise State.
* Brumbaugh recently accepted an offer from Division I-AA William & Mary, which has been his top choice for months, even before W&M offered. If I'm a college coach within 5-7 hours from here and have a scholarship to fill, I'm jumping on the Brumbaugh bandwagon.
His 40-yard dash time may not be the best, but why big schools shied away from Brumbaugh remains a mystery to me. He's the best passer at this level I've seen. Period.
* Speaking of underrated, if there is a more underrated running back than Jeff Davis, I want to see the guy. Davis is a vital link to an offense that is climbing the all-time ranks in terms of points scored.
His running in the first quarter softened the Forest Hills defense and set up the passing game.
Davis spent part of the fourth quarter on the training table and had his right knee wrapped after the game. He said it was just a bruise and that he'll be fine for the state championship. No doubt the Lions chances of winning are much better with Davis.
* Another aspect that makes this offense so potent is the speed of South Fayette's receivers. Tyler Challingsworth is always one of the fastest players on the field.
* With the recent happenings at Peters Township, it's nice to see a school board get something right.
That's exactly what Ringgold's school board did a couple months ago when it approved a four-year contract for football coach Matt Humbert.
Ringgold rolled through the regular season with a 9-0 record, but were eliminated in the first round of the WPIAL Class AAA playoffs by eventual WPIAL champion Central Valley. Ringgold arguably gave Central Valley its most competitive game of the postseason before CV was eliminated in the PIAA playoffs by Erie Cathedral Prep.
Ringgold's 9-1 record was one of the best in school history and Humbert, counting two wins he picked up as interim head coach in 2009, has an 11-1 career record.
Success isn't the only reason this move was the right one. It put an hopeful end the the carousel that's been Ringgold's head football position. Stability at the top could prove vital to the Rams' continued success.
When the Tri-County Athletic Directors Association holds its annual banquet, you can book Humbert (as well as South Fayette's Joe Rossi) as one of three finalists for Football Coach of the Year.
* Clairton takes some heat on this blog, much of it inflicted by occasionally ridiculous claims made by its fans, but the Bears are one win from one of the great runs in PIAA history.
With Friday night's 48-8 smashing of Farrell, Clairton's third straight semifinals victory over the Steelers in the state semifinals, the Bears are in the state finals, again.
Sure, it's the same old story, but looking back at some numbers. It's quite impressive.
Clairton has won three straight WPIAL Class A titles. The Bears are in the state championship a third consecutive year. Here's the one I find most impressive, Clairton hasn't lost since the opening game of the 2009 season. That's 30 consecutive victories.
* The Observer-Reporter's All-District football team, complete with the Elite 11 and Player of the Year will be out probably one week after the conclusion of the season.
If you haven't figured out who the POY is, you must not be paying attention. I'd like to hear some solicitations for the Elite 11.
South Fayette has the most precise offense I've ever seen at the high school level.
What will that mean when the 15-0 Lions play West Philadelphia Catholic in Saturday's PIAA Class AA championship? Not sure, but the District 12 champs would be wise not to take South Fayette lightly.
From what I'm hearing, that may not be the case. WC didn't send anyone to scout the South Fayette-Forest Hills semifinal game and had asked Lions head coach Joe Rossi to send tapes with his scout to exchange.
Anyone remember what happened when South Fayette played a District 12 team in the PIAA Class AA basketball championship?
Right now, it sure is difficult to imagine any team capable of slowing South Fayette's offense. Prolific quarterback Christian Brumbaugh sets a new record every week. In fact, he's setting so many it's getting tough to keep track. About two hours after the Lions dispatched Forest Hills 49-12 in another amazing offensive display, I got a call from Mike White of the Post-Gazette. Each paper had Brumbaugh passing for 44 touchdowns entering the semifinal. With six against Forest Hills, that gives him 50 on the season and that tied a PIAA record.
Brumbaugh's numbers are difficult to fathom but it sure is fun to watch. He's accurate. His receivers run great routes. Someone at Saturday's semifinal likened South Fayette to Boise State.
* Brumbaugh recently accepted an offer from Division I-AA William & Mary, which has been his top choice for months, even before W&M offered. If I'm a college coach within 5-7 hours from here and have a scholarship to fill, I'm jumping on the Brumbaugh bandwagon.
His 40-yard dash time may not be the best, but why big schools shied away from Brumbaugh remains a mystery to me. He's the best passer at this level I've seen. Period.
* Speaking of underrated, if there is a more underrated running back than Jeff Davis, I want to see the guy. Davis is a vital link to an offense that is climbing the all-time ranks in terms of points scored.
His running in the first quarter softened the Forest Hills defense and set up the passing game.
Davis spent part of the fourth quarter on the training table and had his right knee wrapped after the game. He said it was just a bruise and that he'll be fine for the state championship. No doubt the Lions chances of winning are much better with Davis.
* Another aspect that makes this offense so potent is the speed of South Fayette's receivers. Tyler Challingsworth is always one of the fastest players on the field.
* With the recent happenings at Peters Township, it's nice to see a school board get something right.
That's exactly what Ringgold's school board did a couple months ago when it approved a four-year contract for football coach Matt Humbert.
Ringgold rolled through the regular season with a 9-0 record, but were eliminated in the first round of the WPIAL Class AAA playoffs by eventual WPIAL champion Central Valley. Ringgold arguably gave Central Valley its most competitive game of the postseason before CV was eliminated in the PIAA playoffs by Erie Cathedral Prep.
Ringgold's 9-1 record was one of the best in school history and Humbert, counting two wins he picked up as interim head coach in 2009, has an 11-1 career record.
Success isn't the only reason this move was the right one. It put an hopeful end the the carousel that's been Ringgold's head football position. Stability at the top could prove vital to the Rams' continued success.
When the Tri-County Athletic Directors Association holds its annual banquet, you can book Humbert (as well as South Fayette's Joe Rossi) as one of three finalists for Football Coach of the Year.
* Clairton takes some heat on this blog, much of it inflicted by occasionally ridiculous claims made by its fans, but the Bears are one win from one of the great runs in PIAA history.
With Friday night's 48-8 smashing of Farrell, Clairton's third straight semifinals victory over the Steelers in the state semifinals, the Bears are in the state finals, again.
Sure, it's the same old story, but looking back at some numbers. It's quite impressive.
Clairton has won three straight WPIAL Class A titles. The Bears are in the state championship a third consecutive year. Here's the one I find most impressive, Clairton hasn't lost since the opening game of the 2009 season. That's 30 consecutive victories.
* The Observer-Reporter's All-District football team, complete with the Elite 11 and Player of the Year will be out probably one week after the conclusion of the season.
If you haven't figured out who the POY is, you must not be paying attention. I'd like to hear some solicitations for the Elite 11.
Saturday, June 5, 2010
Trinity, South Fayette to participate in Gateway Gators 7-on-7
Trinity and South Fayette are two of 16 schools to participate in the Gateway Gators 7-on-7, a tournament that begins Sunday morning at Gateway High School.
Each team gets three pool play games before being slotted into a tournament. The championship game will be played at 3:10 p.m.
Trinity competes in Pool B with Pittsburgh Central Catholic, Clairton and Richland (District 6). The Hillers play Richland at 9:10 a.m., Clairton at 10:30 and Pittsburgh Central Catholic at 11:50 in pool play.
South Fayette, led by quarterback Christian Brumbaugh (pictured), competes in Pool A with Gateway, Friendly (Md.) and Pine-Richland. The Lions play Pine-Richland at 9:10 a.m., Gateway at 10:30 and Friendly at 11:50.
The winner of the Pennsylvania Passing League-West Tournament will play the winner of the PPL-East Tournament in an exhibition at Heinz Field during halftime of the Steelers preseason opener against Detroit on Aug. 14. In addition, the winner of the PPL-West event will advance to the 7-on-7 National Championships.
Saturday, May 29, 2010
PIAA Track and Field, live blog
2:03 p.m. – McGuffey senior J.T. Deschamps wins Class AA 300 intermediate hurdles in a blistering time of 39.01 on a humid, muggy afternoon. Deschamps becomes McGuffey's first PIAA track champion since distance runner Jeff Weiss and the first from Washington-Greene counties since Char-Houston's Brianna Liebold.
9:14 a.m. – One race complete, one medal for a local athlete as South Fayette's Nicole Hilton wins silver in the Class AA 3,200.
Hilton, a junior, never did much running before the summer, when she began going for jogs with her father. She played soccer, basketball and softball at South Fayette as a freshman and sophomore.
She decided to give indoor track a try this winter, excelled and no she's a silver medalist in the 3,200. Hilton ran a personal best of 10:48.4.
"I didn't think I'd make it this far when I started," Hilton said. "I started to run this summer and I found out that I like to run."
10:41 a.m. – Trinity's Mike McClelland cruised past the first two heights in the Class AAA high jump. The boys are at 6-4.
Haven't seen official results yet but there's a chance that Fort Cherry's Brian Lauff and McGuffey's J.T. Deschamps qualified for the finals in the Class AA 110 high hurdles. There's also a chance neither qualified as both were close to fourth place in their respective heats.
Clairton's Trenton Coles just competed in the 100 dash.
10:52 a.m. – Lauff qualified for the finals in the 110 hurdles by placing fourth in his heat. Deschamps just missed with a fifth place finish in his heat but he qualified for the finals in trhe 300 hurdles yesterday.
Peters Township senior Phil Venanzi did not medal in the Class AAA shot put. Venanzi was seeded eighth.
McClelland just cleared 6-4. He's closing in on his first PIAA outdoor medal.
11:06 a.m. – In what qualifies as a surprise, Fort Cherry sophomore Jessie Merckle did not medal in the Class AA javelin. Merckle, the WPIAL champion, hadn't thrown her best at the end of the year but, at one point this spring, she was ranked among the top five throwers in the country in the event.
And for our Clairton people, Coles advanced to the finals in the 100 dash.
12:27 p.m. – McClelland places 7th in high jump at 6-6. Only two jumpers topped that height but McClelland placed behind four others on scratches.
Fort Cherry senior Brian Lauff placed sixth in the 110 hurdles at 15.04. That equals his placement from last year's meet.
"I'm happy to place but I felt I could have run better and placed higher up," Lauff said. "I wanted to be in the top 3 but sixth isn't too bad."
12:32 p.m. – Hilton places seventh in the 1,600 run for a two-medal day. Canon-McMillan's Nick Gibson, who pulled out of the 800 run and the relays, will be running in the Class AAA 1,600 shortly.
1:14 p.m. – Gibson clutches left leg on third lap of 1,600. He finished hard but he did not medal. … Trenton Coles of Clairton placed seventh in the 100 and third in the 400. The 400 champion was a young man named Kyle Younkin of Somerset, which was discovered by the Germans in 1904. Translated it means, "Land of 400 champions." Some blog followers may remember that's my hometown. Congrats to Younkin, the first PIAA track champion in Somerset history.
Speaking of Somerset, my lunch today was an Italian hoagie from Frank's Pizzeria. If you're ever in Somerset, head uptown to Frank's.
3:30 p.m. – Meet has concluded and the area snagged three additional medals.
Canon-McMillan senior Chelsea Zahn placed third in the Class AAA discus (134-01). She placed fifth last year.
Jefferson-Morgan's Hans Lubich took fourth in the Class AA high jump at 6-4 and Fort Cherry's Nate Bellhy was sixth in the high jump, also at 6-4.
9:14 a.m. – One race complete, one medal for a local athlete as South Fayette's Nicole Hilton wins silver in the Class AA 3,200.
Hilton, a junior, never did much running before the summer, when she began going for jogs with her father. She played soccer, basketball and softball at South Fayette as a freshman and sophomore.
She decided to give indoor track a try this winter, excelled and no she's a silver medalist in the 3,200. Hilton ran a personal best of 10:48.4.
"I didn't think I'd make it this far when I started," Hilton said. "I started to run this summer and I found out that I like to run."
10:41 a.m. – Trinity's Mike McClelland cruised past the first two heights in the Class AAA high jump. The boys are at 6-4.
Haven't seen official results yet but there's a chance that Fort Cherry's Brian Lauff and McGuffey's J.T. Deschamps qualified for the finals in the Class AA 110 high hurdles. There's also a chance neither qualified as both were close to fourth place in their respective heats.
Clairton's Trenton Coles just competed in the 100 dash.
10:52 a.m. – Lauff qualified for the finals in the 110 hurdles by placing fourth in his heat. Deschamps just missed with a fifth place finish in his heat but he qualified for the finals in trhe 300 hurdles yesterday.
Peters Township senior Phil Venanzi did not medal in the Class AAA shot put. Venanzi was seeded eighth.
McClelland just cleared 6-4. He's closing in on his first PIAA outdoor medal.
11:06 a.m. – In what qualifies as a surprise, Fort Cherry sophomore Jessie Merckle did not medal in the Class AA javelin. Merckle, the WPIAL champion, hadn't thrown her best at the end of the year but, at one point this spring, she was ranked among the top five throwers in the country in the event.
And for our Clairton people, Coles advanced to the finals in the 100 dash.
12:27 p.m. – McClelland places 7th in high jump at 6-6. Only two jumpers topped that height but McClelland placed behind four others on scratches.
Fort Cherry senior Brian Lauff placed sixth in the 110 hurdles at 15.04. That equals his placement from last year's meet.
"I'm happy to place but I felt I could have run better and placed higher up," Lauff said. "I wanted to be in the top 3 but sixth isn't too bad."
12:32 p.m. – Hilton places seventh in the 1,600 run for a two-medal day. Canon-McMillan's Nick Gibson, who pulled out of the 800 run and the relays, will be running in the Class AAA 1,600 shortly.
1:14 p.m. – Gibson clutches left leg on third lap of 1,600. He finished hard but he did not medal. … Trenton Coles of Clairton placed seventh in the 100 and third in the 400. The 400 champion was a young man named Kyle Younkin of Somerset, which was discovered by the Germans in 1904. Translated it means, "Land of 400 champions." Some blog followers may remember that's my hometown. Congrats to Younkin, the first PIAA track champion in Somerset history.
Speaking of Somerset, my lunch today was an Italian hoagie from Frank's Pizzeria. If you're ever in Somerset, head uptown to Frank's.
3:30 p.m. – Meet has concluded and the area snagged three additional medals.
Canon-McMillan senior Chelsea Zahn placed third in the Class AAA discus (134-01). She placed fifth last year.
Jefferson-Morgan's Hans Lubich took fourth in the Class AA high jump at 6-4 and Fort Cherry's Nate Bellhy was sixth in the high jump, also at 6-4.
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