The Belle Vernon football team takes the field before the PIAA Class 3A state championship game on Saturday, Dec. 10, 2022, at Cumberland Valley High School. (Christoper Horner | Tribune-Review)
Stars are set to shine under the Friday night lights.
High school football season is fast approaching in Western Pa., and Tribune-Review writers and photographers are busy previewing the 2023 campaign.
Check out the Trib’s preview features for every team in the WPIAL and City League, as well as several independent programs.
We also will have classification breakdowns with rankings, players to watch and don’t miss matchups.
Visit TribHSSN.triblive.com throughout the season for game coverage, recaps, previews, features, statistics, schedules, broadcasts, podcasts and more.
Trib HSSN will preview one WPIAL conference per day until the start of high school football season Aug. 25. Scroll through the page to find your team or click a classification to jump there.
CLASS 6A | CLASS 5A | CLASS 4A | CLASS 3A | CLASS 2A | CLASS A | Independents | City League
Check out the 2023 Trib HSSN Preseason Football All-Star Team.
Check out the 2023 HSSN football position-by-position breakdown.
Posted online Aug. 16, 2023.
Central Catholic head coach Ryan Lehmeier works with his team during practice. (Christopher Horner | Tribune-Review)
• 2023 WPIAL Class 6A football breakdown: New coaches add intrigue to competitive field
Nearly half of the teams in the WPIAL’s largest classification have new football coaches in 2023. Now before launching an investigation into the coaching landscape in the district, keep in mind, there are only five teams in Class 6A. The two coaches who stepped away are quite significant.
• Canon-McMillan leaning on seniors for breakout season in Class 6A
Canon-McMillan is nearing the end of the Evans era. Not the head coach, the quarterback. In the two years since taking over as Big Macs quarterback, Michael Evans has passed for more than 3,000 yards and has thrown 31 touchdown passes. More importantly, he has led Canon-McMillan to back-to-back playoff appearances.
• New coach Ryan Lehmeier hopes to make Central Catholic champions again
Do you remember the old children’s story about Old Mother Hubbard? When she went to give her old dog a bone, the cupboard was sadly bare. Ryan Lehmeier is no Mother Hubbard.
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• As football season begins with heat week, Central Catholic starts to lay foundation
Central Catholic’s new football coach, Ryan Lehmeier, and his predecessor, Terry Totten, were both on the practice field Monday when the Vikings started heat acclimation. But there was no coaching controversy brewing. –>
• New coach, players looking to keep winning tradition going at Mt. Lebanon
Two years ago, the Mt. Lebanon football team was on top of the golden mountain. The Blue Devils had just completed a perfect 15-0 season with the program’s eighth WPIAL championship and first PIAA title. Now they are starting new.
• Defending champion North Allegheny has experience to repeat in Class 6AIt had been a decade of close calls for the North Allegheny football program since the Tigers hoisted WPIAL gold. That 10-year drought ended last fall when the Tigers beat Central Catholic, 35-21, to win that elusive fifth district championship.
• After being left out last season, Seneca Valley aims to return to Class 6A playoffs
Last fall, Seneca Valley was sitting at 1-1 in Class 6A and 6-2 overall heading into Week 8. Two wins and the Raiders would earn at least a share of the 6A crown and secure the No. 1 seed heading into the postseason. Those victories never came.
Baldwin head coach Dana Brown, Jr. watches practice. (Christopher Horner | Tribune-Review)
• 2023 WPIAL Class 5A football breakdown: Reaching postseason no easy task
In WPIAL Class 5A, there’s no room for error. Penn Hills knows that as well as anyone after ending last season disappointed. The Indians tied for second in the Northeast Conference, yet missed the playoffs on tiebreakers.
• Baldwin’s new coach Dana Brown seeks out multi-sport athletes
Dana Brown knows the task he and his staff face. Baldwin’s first-year head coach takes over a program that’s coming off a 1-9 season and was 0-5 in the Allegheny Six Conference.
• New head coach vows to maintain standard at Bethel Park
Continuity. That’s what former Bethel Park coach Brian DeLallo wanted to see in the Black Hawks’ football program. DeLallo resigned in November after four seasons.
• After rebuilding year, Moon ready to take step forward
Heading into last season, the Moon football program was looking to replace a majority of starters who reached the 2021 WPIAL Class 5A championship game.
• Experienced Peters Township ready to challenge for Allegheny Six title
There’s one giant benefit when a high school football team has a small senior class — experience for the underclassmen. Peters Township’s youngsters got plenty of it last season, and the Indians’ coaching staff is hoping those reps pay dividends this season.
• With key players back, South Fayette poised for big year
Over the last two seasons, the South Fayette football program has dealt with a lot of roster turnover. This fall, coming off a .500 season, the Lions bring back a majority of starters who have played valuable varsity snaps.
• Upper St. Clair has a new cast but same expectations
The Upper St. Clair football program is no stranger to the WPIAL playoffs, holding a 23-year streak of qualifying for the postseason. Last year’s appearance was a special one. The Panthers came into the playoffs as a No. 5 seed and ended up with their first appearance in the WPIAL championship game in 11 years.
Penn Trafford quarterback Jonny Lovre throws during WCCA 7-on-7 competition. (Chaz Palla | Tribune-Review)
• Franklin Regional out to defend Big East Conference title
Franklin Regional surprised many by winning the WPIAL Class 5A Big East Conference title in 2022. The biggest stunner came in the third game when the Panthers upset Gateway, 16-7. But the season didn’t end on a good note.
• With new big-play offense, Gateway looks to return to playoff win column
Most visitors return from Florida with theme park souvenirs, a suntan and maybe some oranges, but Gateway coach Don Holl brought home a new offense.
• Hempfield hopes to regain buzz under 1st-year head coach
Hempfield first-year coach Nick Keefer said losing quarterback Jake Phillips in the first series against Gateway had a definite impact on the team, which lost its swagger and lacked confidence in those big games in the second half of the season.
• With new coach at helm, Norwin hungry to return to playoffs
If there is a difference between a Norwin kid and a Hempfield kid, Mike Brown is out to find it. After two years at Hempfield, Brown left to become the coach at Norwin. Some saw it as a lateral move — one 5A school to another, one toiling program for the one next door — but he saw it as another challenge.
• Penn-Trafford to rely on returning linemen in search for consistent play
Things didn’t go as planned for the Penn-Trafford football team in 2022. Expectations were high coming off the school’s first PIAA and WPIAL titles. The Warriors returned numerous key starters from the championship team and were hoping for a repeat.
• Plum carries experienced roster into 2nd season in Class 5A Big East ConferencePlum had one of the youngest teams in Class 5A last season with only a handful of seniors, but showed plenty of promise.
Fox Chapel coach Dave Leasure addresses his offense during a 7-on-7 competition. (Andrew Palla | For the Tribune-Review)
• Fox Chapel gets fresh start with new coach
There’s no reason for the Fox Chapel football program to carry forward last season’s frustrations. Following an 0-10 season, there was significant turnover in the program.
• Young but experienced North Hills embracing new offense
Facing one of the more daunting schedules in the WPIAL, North Hills heads into the 2023 season with some significant changes both on the field and on the sideline.
• Penn Hills driven to return to playoffs after near miss last season
Penn Hills wide receiver/defensive back Cam Thomas doesn’t want to miss any opportunities. For the Indians’ football program to get back on track — and back in the WPIAL Class 5A playoffs — Thomas believes wins will need to come through better execution.
• Armed with championship lessons, Pine-Richland ready for another run
It was a storybook ending for Pine-Richland football in Jon LeDonne’s first year at the helm. The Rams rebounded from a 1-3 start to rattle off a dozen wins in a row en route to the Class 5A state championship.
• With big-play weapons back, Shaler enters season with confidence
Keegan Smetanka feels comfortable that he can make the right read when he scans defenses. The senior quarterback demonstrated the Shaler offense is capable of producing plenty of big plays last year.
• New Woodland Hills coach expects big, athletic line to pave way to success
Woodland Hills football is well known for the wide receivers, running backs and defense backs who migrated from Friday nights to Saturdays and eventually Sunday afternoons.
Ambridge’s Adam Fernandez catches a pass during practice. (Christopher Horner | Tribune-Review)
• 2023 WPIAL Class 4A football breakdown: Aliquippa begins quest for 3-peat
No team has three-peated as WPIAL champion in Class 4A since the WPIAL went to six classifications in 2016.
• Skill returns, but Aliquippa has holes to fill in quest for WPIAL 3-peat
Aliquippa has a beautiful new stadium, modern lights and top-notch artificial turf. But to build it, the school first had to tear down its crumbling stadium that had stood for almost a century. If the Quips were to struggle this fall, Aliquippa coach Mike Warfield jokingly says he knows exactly what fans will blame.
• With interest growing, Ambridge hopes to make noise in Parkway ConferenceSherm McBride can see signs of progress with the Ambridge football program, but he’s far from content. The Bridgers finished the 2022 season 2-8, winning one game in Class 4A’s uber-competitive Parkway Conference.
• Following coach’s surprising resignation, Blackhawk hopes to keep building
Pat Feeley was thrown into an uncomfortable position just days before training camps opened throughout the WPIAL. But he’s used something comfortable in order to cope: history.
• Following title game loss, Central Valley motivated to finish
By almost all standards, Central Valley had a very successful 2022 season. But the standards in Monaca are a bit different.
• Chartiers Valley looking to improve, compete in tough Parkway Conference
Led by Penn State recruit Lamont Payne Jr. and several other returning seniors, there was hope for Chartiers Valley in the first year of the Aaron Fitzpatrick era.
• Montour expects to drive far in Class 4A Parkway ConferenceIn high school football, having a three-year starter at quarterback usually gives a team the upper hand. In 2023, it will be advantage Montour. Jake Wolfe returns for his third year as starting QB for the Spartans.
• New-look New Castle strives for a much-improved season
New Castle is coming off a down year, as the Red Hurricanes went just 1-9, but second-year coach Stacy Robinson is determined to turn the ship around.
• West Allegheny hopes to write better ending to 2023 story
For a program that has historically finished as well as any, West Allegheny’s end to the 2022 season is something it hopes to rectify. And fast.
Highlands’ Aaran Randolph throws a pass during a 7-on-7 competition. (Andrew Palla | For the Tribune-Review)
• Cadin Olsen era over, but Armstrong’s next chapter looks promising
Armstrong has had some standout athletes come through the program since its inception in 2015, including Zane Dudek and Dawson Porter, and the graduation of Cadin Olsen leaves another huge void to fill.
• Hampton determined to extend playoff streak
Something is catching on with Hampton football. The Talbots return a handful of starters on both sides of the ball, led by back-to-back 1,000-yard rusher Brock Borgo, in their bid to reach the WPIAL playoffs for the fourth consecutive season and further distance themselves from the disheartening days of 2016-19, when they went a combined 6-34.
• Highlands hunting playoff success
Luke Bombalski had a simple response when asked about goals for the Highlands football team this season. “Win that first playoff game,” he said
• Indiana looks to carry momentum from positive offseason
If a winning football team is built in the offseason, Indiana coach Brad Wright saw evidence of his squad’s progress during a recent linemen challenge at Burrell High School.
• Young Kiski Area roster looks for bounce-back season
Kiski Area hoped to fare better last season in its Greater Allegheny Conference debut. The Cavaliers broke into the win column just once — a 50-13 nonconference rout of Fox Chapel — in Week 8 and went winless (0-6) in conference play.
• With experienced roster returning, Mars’ jump is ‘mind blowing’
Mars coach Eric Kasperowicz doesn’t go out of his way to compare his current team with his previous one, but he does see some promising similarities.
• North Catholic ready to rebound under new coach
North Catholic first-year football coach Chris Rizzo traveled about 2,000 miles to take over a program that’s not too far from where it wants to be.
Latrobe coach Ron Prady looks on during WCCA 7-on-7 competition. (Chaz Palla | Tribune-Review)
• Connellsville’s 1st season with 3 coaches lays foundation for future success
If last season was the foundation for Connellsville, the obvious goal this season is to build on that. If the offseason is any indication, then construction of an improved program is well underway.
• Latrobe sees uptick in wins, numbers, expectations
Growth in roster numbers is a good gauge of a football program’s stability. Latrobe looks like it’s on firm ground.
• Laurel Highlands begins post-Rodney Gallagher era with confidence
There’s no denying that Rodney Gallagher will be missed, both on and off the field. But coach Rich Kolesar advises those who think that his departure means there will be a drop in the Mustangs’ fortunes could be in for quite a big surprise from this year’s group.
• Next generation of playmakers ready to take over at McKeesport
McKeesport’s goal is as always: winning a conference title and having success in the WPIAL playoffs. The Tigers have to replace key contributors on both sides of the ball, but that doesn’t lessen the expectations surrounding the group of players returning for the upcoming campaign.
• Ringgold hoping to kick-start rebuilding process
Sometimes when a team falls on hard times and is at the bottom of the standings, the only way to look is up. Second-year Ringgold coach Marcus McCullough is hoping to rebound from a winless campaign in 2022 and start an upward climb in Class 4A.
• Star receiver back to provide spark to Thomas Jefferson offenseVeteran coach Bill Cherpak has seen his share of talented wide receivers at Thomas Jefferson. He’s expecting a banner season from senior wideout Sean Sullivan.
• Trinity hoping to take a step forward with experienced roster
The positivity resonates throughout Dan Knause’s lingo. It’s been Knause’s calling card wherever he’s been, and it’s no different at Trinity, where he serves as assistant high school principal and is entering his second season as the Hillers’ football coach.
Hopewell’s Naz Jeter practices in the rain. (Christopher Horner | Tribune-Review)
• 2023 WPIAL Class 3A football breakdown: Belle Vernon heavily favored to repeat
If you ask any coach which team is considered the best in WPIAL Class 3A, the unanimous choice is returning WPIAL and PIAA champion Belle Vernon.
• A WPIAL finalist last season, Avonworth again has high expectations
The way Avonworth’s season concluded last year left a sour taste in the Antelopes’ mouths. No. 2 Avonworth’s season came to a close at Acrisure Stadium after a 24-7 loss to No. 1 Belle Vernon in the WPIAL Class 3A championship.
• Beaver looks to carry over momentum despite major graduation losses
Beaver is coming off a strong season, an eight-win campaign that included a playoff victory over Deer Lakes. Junior linebacker Gabe Lutton liked the taste of playoff football he got as an underclassman.
• Young Hopewell team looks to keep rebuilding process going
Hopewell sports made strides in 2023 when the Vikings won a WPIAL title in baseball as an underdog 14th seed and the track and field team also had an impressive season.
• Quaker Valley determined to develop a winning mentality
The 2022 season appeared promising in the early going for the Quaker Valley football team. QV won its Class 3A Western Conference opener under first-year coach Jason Cappa, defeating Seton LaSalle, 40-22. It was all downhill after that.
• Seton LaSalle rebuilds roster after winless campaign
Tim Storino is hoping the 2022 season was a valuable learning experience for the Seton LaSalle football team. The Rebels did not win a game in 10 tries and were outscored 470-114. Flipping the calendar to 2023 offers glimmers of hope and enthusiasm for Seton LaSalle.
• A new beginning for South Park football under 1st-year head coach
A new regime is underway for South Park football this season, but with a similar look.
• With plenty of starters returning, West Mifflin seeking breakout season
He won a state championship years ago at Steel Valley, and he’s been tasked to return West Mifflin’s status to a legitimate playoff contender. Rod Steele knows all too well the process, sometimes, is slowed.
Deer Lakes quarterback Derek Burk throws at practice. (Chaz Palla | Tribune-Review)
• Deer Lakes aims to build off playoff berth in Allegheny 6
Deer Lakes finished fourth in the Allegheny 6 Conference last year and earned a berth to the WPIAL playoffs for the first time since 2015.
• Playoff mainstay East Allegheny looking to take another step
Excuse Dom Pecora if he tends to fret at this time of year. Ultra competitive in nature, the East Allegheny football coach sizes up the demands of young players, many craving some proper direction.
• Young Freeport looks to outslug opponents in defense of conference title
Freeport doesn’t have the largest linemen in Class 3A. The Yellowjackets don’t have a bevy of skill players committed to Power 5 programs. With 39 players, they also don’t have the biggest roster in the Allegheny 6 Conference.
• Near-misses have Knoch optimistic for 2nd year in Allegheny 6
Last year, Knoch football had one win, but essentially was one point away from qualifying for the playoffs.
• Shady Side Academy hopes to ride attacking defense to quick start
Shady Side Academy senior linebacker Grant Dickey knows what it takes for the Bulldogs to get on track. When the defense attacks opponents, they want a relentless flow to the ball that creates chaos.
• Valley puts focus on a ‘winning mentality’At the first meeting new Valley football coach Mark Adams had with his team, the theme of his message was change. That goes beyond changing the win/loss column for the Vikings after a one-win season in 2022.
Greensburg Salem’s Julian Stevens deliver a stiff-arm during practice. (Chaz Palla | Tribune-Review)
• Belle Vernon well-stocked to defend WPIAL, PIAA Class 3A titles
After capturing long-awaited WPIAL and PIAA championships last season, Belle Vernon gets to test the old adage that defending a title is more difficult than winning one in the first place.
• Elizabeth Forward out to maintain high standards after coaching change
While there’s a new leader at the helm of the Elizabeth Forward football program, expectations aren’t going to change for the Warriors. “They’ve been on a roll … so I don’t see that stopping now,” said new coach John DeMarco.
• With new coach in charge, top playmaker graduated, change comes to Greensburg Salem
Change is a good thing. So believes Ty George, the rookie head football coach at Greensburg Salem. “It’s good in all forms of life,” he said.
• Optimistic Mt. Pleasant eyes 5th consecutive playoff appearance
A total of 16 returning lettermen, including 13 starters on offense and defense combined, have the Mt. Pleasant community buzzing. With all that experience coming back, there’s hope among the faithful that this could be a special year.
• New coach Brian Hanson wants a new identity for South Allegheny
Growing up in Lancaster County, Brian Hanson saw Western Pennsylvania high school football from afar. A former walk-on linebacker at Pitt, Hanson finds himself now coaching the sport in the WPIAL.
• Explosive offense has Southmoreland in position for big year
The Scotties have developed into one of the top passing teams in the WPIAL, slinging the ball around the field with purpose and fearlessness.
Burrell’s Devin Beattie snags a catch. (Chaz Palla | Tribune-Review)
• 2023 WPIAL Class 2A football breakdown: Graduation leaves road to Acrisure wide open
Last season, the WPIAL Class 2A playoffs were a star-studded affair. Take a quick look at the four teams that reached the semifinals and the resumes of their quarterbacks.
• Apollo-Ridge aims to gain experience in a hurry
Despite being “young and inexperienced,” as Apollo-Ridge coach John Skiba acknowledges his team is, he’s quick to add that the future is bright as the group is hungry to improve and remain in contention for a playoff spot.
• Burrell ready to run back into WPIAL playoffs
Burrell coach Shawn Liotta says his team’s offensive philosophy shouldn’t change much heading into the 2023 season, and he is excited for the weapons on the team to execute the game plan.
• Derry out to break streak, reestablish winning identity
Derry has been living in the shadow of a losing streak that dates to the disruptive covid season of 2020. But second-year coach Mike Arone and the Trojans are committed to stopping it.
• Enthusiasm grows at Imani Christian with numbers up, talent abundant
Imani Christian’s practices look different this summer than last, largely because there are twice as many players. The Saints have around 30 on the roster nowadays, which gives coach LaRoi Johnson confidence the program can make a big jump in his second year there.
• With young roster, Ligonier Valley works to come together quickly
Ligonier Valley’s third season back in the WPIAL produced the school’s first playoff victory in its new district. While every year is a challenge for coaches, coach Roger Beitel finds himself with a young squad looking to etch its mark.
• With less star power, more balance, Serra Catholic in position to contend again
Two seasons removed from winning a WPIAL championship, Serra Catholic will be leaning on its returning experience and strong line play to once again soar to those heights.
• Steel Valley gets back to work in defense of WPIAL title
“We look positive on the season coming up,” says Steel Valley head coach, Ray Braszo. “You’re never going to be as good as you were when you won a championship last year, but we can replace a lot of people and be very competitive.”
• Yough aims to build on positives from last season
As Ben Hoffer begins his second season at his alma mater, he wants to build on the successes the team had in 2022 when they finished 3-7 and defeated Imani Christian, 15-12, in the season finale.
Freedom running back Tyler Welsh takes a hand-off. (Christopher Horner | Tribune-Review)
• Roster full of offensive weapons helps Beaver Falls reload
Beaver Falls coach Nick Nardone has no idea who is going to end up as the top rusher and receiver for his team this fall. He’s kind of psyched about that.
• Ellwood City ready to take next step in program turnaround
Ellwood City got rid of a losing stigma last season, and now the Wolverines are aiming to take the next step in the program’s turnaround.
• New coach hopes to guide Freedom to success
It was mid-March when Ron Balog took the reins of the Freedom football team. It’s been full-speed ahead since.
• Mohawk in good position after ups and downs of 2022 season
At this time a year ago, the Mohawk football team was grappling with the effects of a hazing incident that resulted in disciplinary action for multiple students and forced the forfeiture of the Warriors’ first two regular-season games. Fast-forward to the present.
• Neshannock continues quest for elusive WPIAL championship
If traffic is light, a trip from Neshannock to Cleveland takes less than 90 minutes, so maybe it makes sense for the Lancers to take on a motto catcher Jake Taylor made famous in the movie “Major League.” (Albeit with one word left out in polite company.)
• New Brighton ready to move forward after challenging season
When a team goes winless like New Brighton did last season, it has two options.
• Bill Hand returns to Riverside sidelines as Panthers aim to contend in MAC
More than two decades since the last time they had a chance to welcome their new head coach with the phrase, the Riverside football team is ready to again say, “Aloha, Mr. Hand.”
• Western Beaver driven to erase memory of disappointing finish to 2022
Forgive the Western Beaver football team if it comes into the 2023 season with a chip on its shoulder.
Keystone Oaks quarterback Clinton Robinson. (Chaz Palla | Tribune-Review)
• New coaching regime looks to get Brentwood back to playoffs
Brentwood’s football team finished 2-4 in the Class 2A Century Conference last season and 3-7 overall. Longtime coach Kevin Kissel resigned. Nick Caponi, who served as an assistant under Kissel for 18 years, fulfilled a lifelong dream by taking over.
• With young roster, Charleroi sets goal to be competitive in every game
Playing under its third coach in as many years, Charleroi is hoping to move in a more positive direction after collecting just two wins in each of the last two seasons.
• Keystone Oaks eyes deep playoff run with veteran roster
Keystone Oaks will look for another deep playoff run as most of its starters return from a team that advanced to the WPIAL Class 2A quarterfinals last season.
• McGuffey counting on experience, depth to advance to next level
Coach Ed Dalton was pleased with McGuffey’s 2022 season. His Highlanders went 8-4 and finished third in the Century Conference, but he felt his team could have accomplished more.
• After losing playmakers to graduation, expectations remain high at Sto-Rox
Sto-Rox coach Marvin Mills is a former Aliquippa assistant, which explains how he’s approaching this season, his second with the Vikings. “I still have high expectations for the team,” Mills said. “My background, coming from Aliquippa, it’s a ‘it’s not a rebuild, it’s a reload’ mindset.”
• Washington looks to play disciplined football, return to top of WPIAL heap
From the outside, it was hard to explain the ups and downs Washington experienced last season. How did a team that finished the regular season with consecutive losses to Keystone Oaks and rival McGuffey suddenly knock off defending WPIAL champ Serra Catholic in the first round of the playoffs?
• Waynesburg hoping to stay healthy, hungry for wins in 2023
The 2022 season was one coach Aaron Giorgi would like to put far into the rearview mirror. Waynesburg went into the season with high expectations but came away without a win and finished last in the Century Conference.
Jeannette coach Tom Paulone looks on as quarterback Payton Molter throws during practice. (Chaz Palla | Tribune-Review)
• 2023 WPIAL Class A football breakdown: Strength of Big 7 Conference on display
It’s popular coachspeak to say that a meat-grinder conference schedule prepares teams for the postseason. Last season, that appeared to be absolutely accurate in the WPIAL Class A Big 7 Conference.
• With roster loaded with skill, Clairton planning to return to WPIAL championship picture
Call it what you want, football in shorts or touch football, but Clairton coach Wayne Wade sees some value in 7-on-7 tournaments, so his Bears spend the summer competing in them.
• Frazier hoping to take next step in rebuilding process
For the Frazier football team, a few years of struggles have certainly taken their toll on a proud program. However, coach Mike Shannon doesn’t believe the Commodores have to stay down for long.
• New coach to rely on playmakers at Greensburg Central Catholic
As a former defensive coordinator at Sacred Heart, Mercyhurst and Gannon, and a defensive backs and linebackers coach at St. Francis (Pa.) and Marist, it is clear where JT Thompson’s passion lies in football.
• Jeannette program beginning to regain footing
Asked if he was satisfied after a three-win season that saw Jeannette finish fourth in the Eastern Conference and make the WPIAL Class A football playoffs, second-year coach Tommy Paulone paused.
• Leechburg aims to maintain new standard of success
The last two years of Leechburg football have been the program’s best in four decades. There were back-to-back postseason appearances after a 32-year absence and a playoff win at their home venue, Veterans Memorial Field, for the first time ever in 2021.
• Energy, enthusiasm, winning help Riverview grow roster
Riverview won four games in 2022, the most victories for the program since 2015 when it also won four times.
• Springdale ready to show improvement after winless campaign
The graduation of 16 seniors from Springdale’s 2021 Class A quarterfinal-qualifying team left a void from which it was tough to recover.
Jefferson-Morgan’s Deakyn Dehoet. (Christopher Horner | Tribune-Review)
• With full complement of starters back, new Bentworth coach looks to build brand
First-year coach David Pordash knows the rebuild at Bentworth is going to be a long process, but the former Bearcat is excited for the task at hand this fall.
• Numbers up, optimism growing for seasoned Beth-Center team
Coach Anthony Ruscitto has been doing this a long time. At 82, he never misses a detail. During drills on Wednesday of the first week of camp, Ruscitto was explaining to his receivers what running with a crouch does to protect them in the open field.
• After solid season, California working to reach next level
Veteran coach Ed Woods knows the makeup of a successful team and what a winner looks like at the high school level. He believes California’s 2023 football squad has all the makings for a special season.
• Returning coach brings dose of intensity to Carmichaels program
Rain forced Carmichaels to move its first on-field camp practice indoors to EQT Rec Center in Washington, and the echoing nature of the complex amplified the voice of Ryan Krull, who brought the intensity from the first whistle.
• Jefferson-Morgan hoping to build on last year’s successes, take a big step in 2023
“Playoff season, baby!” That was the exclamation from the Jefferson-Morgan receiver group on the first day of camp practice.
• Mapletown preparing to defend conference crown
The Mapletown Maples are looking to feed off the mojo from a memorable 2022 season. And who could blame them? Last year, the Maples posted their first undefeated regular season (10-0) since 1968.
• Monessen searches for defense to complement prolific offense
Last season, Monessen boasted one of the most prolific offenses in Class A, putting up 37.4 points per game. In their first-round playoff game, the Greyhounds hung 42 on higher-seeded Fort Cherry.
• New West Greene coach Beau Jackson spreading youthful enthusiasm
Beau Jackson is taking a rather philosophical approach to being the new West Greene football coach at the tender age of 26. “I think I’d be a little nervous, regardless of the age,” said Jackson, with a chuckle.
Avella’s Cole Jaworowski works out with teammates. (Christopher Horner | Tribune-Review)
• Strong offseason breeds optimism at Avella despite small roster
Avella carries one of the smallest rosters in WPIAL football. The Eagles’ personnel can change greatly year by year due to the small numbers, but the Eagles always come motivated despite those challenges.
• Bishop Canevin gets back to basics in quest to return to top of WPIAL Class A heap
Bishop Canevin coach Rich Johnson believes his team will be boring at times this season, and he’s excited to see it. The duller the better.
• It’s back to the future for Burgettstown, coach Mark Druga
Burgettstown has a new head coach, but he’s no stranger to the Blue Devils sideline. Mark Druga is back after a two-year absence. He led Burgettstown to a 38-21 record from 2015-20.
• Carlynton hoping for turnaround season under new coach
New John Tortorea says his early expectations for this year’s edition of Carlynton football is to “learn what it takes to be a successful football program and compete for a playoff spot.
• Chartiers-Houston hopes to turn hours in weight room into wins on field
Chartiers-Houston lineman Jack Heiser knows the Buccaneers are equipped to keep moving forward this season. Up and down the roster, Chartiers-Houston has been building strength to push forward.
• Cornell turns the page after last season’s close call
Injuries hampered the Cornell Raiders in 2022, but it allowed the underclassmen to get valuable playing time. Even though they might have been unprepared for the bright lights last year, there is hope the Raiders will settle into their new roles quicker this year.
• With star QB returning for sophomore season, Fort Cherry looks to keep climbing
In terms of getting back to the playoffs, Fort Cherry plans on using its experience and physicality to its advantage. The Rangers have a lot to look forward to with 13 seniors on the roster.
• Deep senior class ready to lead the charge for OLSH
Second-year coach Donnie Militzer said that his Our Lady of the Sacred Heart team put together a great summer. He is excited to see how they do with new personnel groups.
Shenango quarterback Sam Patton throws a pass. (Christopher Horner | Tribune-Review)
• With nearly entire roster turned over, Laurel still expects to compete
When a Class A program loses just about its entire group of starters from a previous season, there could be legitimate reason for worry. But 10th-year coach Brian Cooper is far from hitting the panic button.
• Northgate finds strength in numbers
Every time Northgate players walked into the weight room this offseason, they were confronted with the same reminders. Whether it was “75-19” or “69-20” or maybe “49-0” or “51-6,” there it was, day after day.
• Rochester looks to avoid injury woes, go on another playoff run
There are plenty of things that Gene Matsook wants his Rochester football team to achieve this year. Staying healthy is at the top of the list.
• Shenango looks to amp up offense to return to top of loaded Big 7 Conference
After back-to-back trips to the WPIAL Class A quarterfinals, Shenango missed the postseason in 2022. Coach Jimmy Graham attributed the 2-8 overall record, including a 2-4 mark in the Big Seven Conference, to a “perfect storm” of factors.
• South Side ready to take next step toward championship berth
One win separated South Side from the chance to play at Acrisure Stadium for a WPIAL championship. A 49-21 loss to Bishop Canevin in the Class A semifinals ended an impressive 2022 season, and with many key returners, the Rams are primed and ready to make a championship run.
• Summit Academy eyes improvement in Big 7 Conference
Summit Academy’s football team took its share of lumps last season, but there were plenty of learning moments for the players and coaches.
• Union looks to ride wave of championship momentum to another strong season
Union senior quarterback Braylon Thomas doesn’t want to see the party end after the seismic wave of momentum that overtook the football team last season.
Butler head coach Eric Christy with quarterback Matt Rarrigh. (Christopher Horner | Tribune-Review)
• Albert Gallatin looking to find success as an independent
Last year’s on-field miscues should be eased a bit this season, as the Colonials return six starting players on both offense and defense.
• Brownsville seeks end to long losing streak
For Brownsville, taking a patient approach appears likely to be the best method for attempting to halt a long losing streak and reverse the negative trend plaguing the school’s once-proud football program.
• Butler looking for District 10 gold this fall before returning to WPIAL in ’24
Butler enjoyed the taste of winning football in 2021 and now wants to return that sense this fall. “This group of players is very eager to learn and listen and adjust when the Butler staff instructs them,” coach Eric Christy said.
• Move to independent schedule paying off for Uniontown
In 2021, the Uniontown football team swapped WPIAL competition for an independent schedule that school administrators hoped would spark the struggling Red Raiders to success. So far, it seems to be working.
Allderdice quarterback Azerick Jetter throws a pass last season. (Christopher Horner | Tribune-Review)
• Allderdice eyes return to top of City League
In the last decade, the Allderdice football program has made eight appearances in the City League championship game. The Dragons hope to return again to avenge their loss to the state runner-up Westinghouse.
• New mentality taking root for Brashear after winless campaign
Even with a young group this year, Bulls’ coach Andrew Moore knows his squad will not be in the same position it was in last season, in large part due to a shifted mentality the coaching staff has noticed throughout the offseason.
• New coach hopes to bring about change at Carrick
There’s a theme of change surrounding the Carrick football program. Dennis “Shor D” Wolford, who was the Raiders’ offensive coordinator last season, has moved into the head coach position. He wants to see that change carry over to the win-loss record.
• Perry looks for Julian Walker to lead young team back to postseason
For the Commodores looking to take the next step throughout this year’s campaign, they will face some growing pains after losing 15 seniors and ushering in a young wave of players.
• University Prep working to rejoin top tier of City League contenders
After winning three City League championships in the first 10 years of program history, University Prep has its sights set on taking its first title since 2016.
• After breakout season, Westinghouse embraces heightened expectations
Last season, Westinghouse had a fairy tale season that ended at the doorstep of a state championship. However, the Bulldogs have turned the page as they head into a new season with a new cast.
• Laurel Highlands’ Antwan Black Jr.
• North Allegheny’s Tyree Alualu
• Penn-Trafford’s Zach Tomosovich
• Bishop Canevin’s Jason Cross
• Belle Vernon’s Quinton Martin
• Imani Christian’s Dayshaun Burnett
* Central Catholic’s Payton Wehner
• North Allegheny’s Khiryn Boyd
• Central Catholic’s Peter Gonzalez
• North Catholic’s Brady O’Hara
• Central Catholic’s Cole Sullivan
• Central Catholic’s Anthony Speca
• Westinghouse’s Kyshawn Robinson