The early morning sun rises as Kiski Area coach Colyn Haugh works with his varsity squad during the first day of football practice Monday, Aug. 11, 2025. (Louis B. Ruediger | TribLive)
The quest for 2025 WPIAL and PIAA football championships is under way at stadiums across Western Pa.
As teams hold preseason workouts at high schools around the region, TribLive writers and photographers are previewing the upcoming season.
The Trib is compiling preview features for every team in the WPIAL and City League, as well as several independent programs.
We also 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. 22. 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 2025 Trib HSSN Preseason Football All-Star Team.
Check out the 2025 HSSN football position-by-position breakdown.
Posted online Aug. 14, 2025.
The Birdie offers Westmoreland County season predictions that surely won’t crash and burn
Suddenly, Westmoreland County’s gridiron great was ready to soar into the 21st century. “I was out at a few practices and the county 7-on-7s and saw some drones flying around,” Birdie said, tucking at the sleeve on his Hulkamania T-shirt and turning down Ozzy Osbourne on his car radio to tell his story. “Teams were filming plays to watch later. Still doesn’t beat a good set of eyeballs, but whatever, brother.”
The Birdie offers up some preseason pigskin poetry for A-K Valley teams
With that, against his better judgment, the boss relented and without further ado, enjoy a preseason limerick for each of the high school football teams in the A-K Valley. Pulitzer, here we come.
A-K Valley football teams leaning on their lines this season
Nick Anderson helps front a standout crop of linemen in the Alle-Kiski Valley this fall for teams ready to make an impact in and out of conference play. There is a mix of experience and youth, size and strength, quickness and toughness. For the offense, it all starts up front. How an offensive line develops and comes together through continuity, chemistry and communication will go a long way in determining how an offense takes shape and puts points on the board.
Power 4: Westmoreland County standouts, friends, foes eyeing Division I college careers
Samir Crosby and Kymon’e Brown have been exchanging jabs since they began playing Madden against each other in grade school. They are the ultimate friends and foes.
WPIAL Class 6A preview: A decade in, 6-class system produces little big-school drama
Welcome to the 10th season of Class 6A football in the WPIAL and PIAA. The decision for the state to expand from four to six classes in football, boys and girls basketball and baseball and softball prior to the start of the 2016-17 school year was driven by bigger schools out east, especially in District 1 (suburban Philadelphia) and District 3 (Harrisburg and central part of the state).
Coaching inspiration, experience spark Canon-McMillan in 2025
One of the big WPIAL football stories this offseason involved the coaching situation at Canon-McMillan. Ten-year veteran Big Macs coach Mike Evans is battling cancer for a second time.
Central Catholic has experience, firepower to repeat in Class 6A
In only his second season as head coach at Central Catholic, Ryan Lehmeier etched his name in the record books next to John Fischetti, Art Walker and Terry Totten — Vikings football coaches who have won WPIAL or PIAA championships.
Hempfield puts focus on offseason work in effort to climb standings
Hempfield is doing all the right things off the field in the hopes to capture more wins on it. The Spartans have been conditioning since the winter. So has every other team, yes. But Hempfield makes the offseason an event.
Mt. Lebanon looks to improve in 2nd year under Greg Perry
The first year for Greg Perry as head coach at Mt. Lebanon turned into a tale of two seasons. Through the first five weeks, the Blue Devils lost their first five games, including their first two games of Class 6A conference play. They were shutout once and averaged only 10 points per game.
North Allegheny has questions to answer in quest to return to top of Class 6A
North Allegheny was trying to make history last year and become only the second team to win three straight outright WPIAL championship games in the highest classification.
Healthier Norwin boasts size, depth, confidence
To appreciate the level of excitement at Norwin heading into a new season, one must first understand what the team endured last year. Injuries gnawed the Knights to the bone. It was painful and grueling.
Seneca Valley turns to one of its own to take reins of football program
There is a mix of old and new this season at Seneca Valley, where the hope is experienced players and a new coaching staff will put the Raiders in perfect harmony for a return to the WPIAL 6A football playoffs.
WPIAL Class 5A preview: Pine-Richland looks to break back-to-back curse
Can reigning WPIAL champion Pine-Richland break the Class 5A curse? No team has won back-to-back WPIAL titles in 5A since the classification was created nine years ago. Pine-Richland won in 2020, ’22 and ’24. Gateway was the champion in 2017 and ’19. Peters Township won in 2023, but its hopes to repeat were dashed in the finals last year. So, the curse lives on.
Fox Chapel ready to move into next tier in Class 5A
Dave Leasure knows starting sophomores typically means grim things for a football program. But the Fox Chapel coach didn’t have many options when it came to playing young players last season.
With interim coach leading the way, North Hills looks for next step
North Hills’ promising 2024 football season came to a screeching and tumultuous finish last fall. Following an 8-2 record in the regular season, the Indians secured a home playoff game at Martorelli Stadium.
Depth on offensive line puts Penn Hills in position to contend in Northeast Conference
Tristan Davis took in plenty of information about how to lead and pass information to the next generation of the Penn Hills football program. The Indians’ 6-foot-2, 230-pound senior center has eagerly taken on the challenge to pass the baton.
Plethora of skill could help Pine-Richland defend WPIAL Class 5A title
Pine-Richland will embrace the old football adage that the best defense is a good offense as an early season strategy. Especially since the Rams have a talented offense that should be better than most others. The defending WPIAL Class 5A champions return their leading passer, rusher and receiver from a unit that averaged 35 points per game.
Feeling ‘light years ahead from last season,’ Plum seeks playoff return
For Plum coach Matt Morgan, the 2024 season didn’t end the way he or the team wanted. The Mustangs finished with a 2-8 record and missed the playoffs for the second consecutive year.
Shaler looking to improve on offense, contend for playoff spot
The Shaler football program desires a steadier level of production from its offense. The Titans scored 10 or fewer points in all seven of their losses last season. Shaler coach Jim Ryan believes the work put in over the past few seasons should benefit the program.
Armstrong football looking to establish footing in 2nd season in Class 5A
The Armstrong football team has put its focus on turning around a disappointing season behind a more experienced roster. It something different than what coach Frank Fabian has become accustomed to with his program.
Franklin Regional rebuilds after heavy graduation losses
As Lance Getsy begins his fifth season at Franklin Regional, he is faced with a retooling job. The Panthers graduated 16 seniors from last year’s team that finished 8-4 overall and 4-2 in Class 5A Big East Conference. There are a lot of starting positions available on the Franklin Regional football team this season.
Gateway looking ahead to playoff return after rare postseason miss a year ago
Gateway coach Don Holl doesn’t like his players to dwell on the past, telling them there’s a reason why the windshield is big and the review mirror is small.
Under new coach, Kiski Area determined to ‘get ready, be ready, stay ready’
When new Kiski Area coach Colyn Haugh sat down and looked at the team’s film from last year, he saw a team with lot of talent but lacking on details. To correct this, Haugh had his players start very simply on something as innocuous as putting the weights back correctly in the weight room.
Despite personnel changes, Latrobe holds bar high
Latrobe football fans know the narrative by now. Three consecutive WPIAL playoff appearances have turned around a once downtrodden program and created a fresh wave of interest. The Wildcats are no longer at the back of the line.
Penn-Trafford out to challenge for Big East Conference title
During his 15 seasons as Penn-Trafford’s football coach, John Ruane has been known to run plays to make his opponents prepare for anything, whether it be trick plays, fake punts or onside kicks. This year is no different. Ruane has numerous tricks up his sleeves.
After capturing conference title, it’s win or bust for Woodland Hills
Woodland Hills football coach Brian Tarrant would have been happy to hear how senior wide receiver Scoop Smith answered the question about the Wolverines’ expectations for 2025.
After winless season, Baldwin going back to basics
It has been a return to fundamentals for Baldwin, the only team in Class 5A to go winless last season. “We’re back to the basics,” coach Dana Brown said, “getting the kids to truly understand football and wanting to be a football player and not just play football.
Bethel Park sets goal to remain among Class 5A elite year in, year out
Only the strongest football programs can graduate a big, talented senior class one year and keep winning the next — a short list that Bethel Park wants to join.
With experience at skill positions, Moon ready for another run in rugged Allegheny Six
In eight previous seasons as coach at Moon, Ryan Linn has seen his teams make a habit of flirting with greatness in the highly respected Class 5A Allegheny Six Conference. So, too, have others.
Peters Township revamps offense in search of another trip to WPIAL finals
There’s a football team in Western Pennsylvania with a revamped passing attack that’ll feature multiple tight ends — and, no, it’s not the Steelers. It’s Peters Township.
With big-time QB returning, South Fayette ready to tackle Class 5A challenges
Watch out for the little guy. Aside from a handful of schools being required to compete in a higher classification under the PIAA’s competitive-balance rule, South Fayette represents the smallest Class 5A program by male enrollment in the state.
Despite graduation losses, count out Upper St. Clair at your own risk
Yes, Upper St. Clair graduated some all-conference athletes who were stalwarts for the Panthers, multi-year starters now playing college football. But, no, the roster isn’t empty.
WPIAL Class 4A preview: Star-studded McKeesport among contenders to Thomas Jefferson’s throne
Thomas Jefferson found itself in familiar territory last year. The Jaguars finished the regular season undefeated and went into the WPIAL Class 4A playoffs as the No. 1 seed. They then topped West Allegheny and Aliquippa in the quarterfinals and semifinals before upending McKeesport, 28-7, in the title game at Norwin.
Aliquippa in unfamiliar position of flying under the radar
Aliquippa lost some talented football players to graduation or transfer since last season, so it’s understandable if there were some cracks in the Quips’ confidence. But, no, they’re doing just fine.
Ambridge focusing on finishing after more competitive season
Through the first month of the 2024 football season, Ambridge looked like it could be in for a special, breakthrough year. And while the Bridgers constructed a far more competitive season with a 4-5 overall record, coach Sherm McBride is focused on one thing as the team enters 2025.
Blackhawk seeking improvement entering coach’s 2nd season
Jake Wickline is relieved that all of the newness has finally worn off. A year ago, Wickline was tasked with taking over a Blackhawk football program that had gone through some turmoil over the previous season with the sudden departure of the program’s head coach, Zack Hayward, just two weeks before the 2023 season began.
Experienced Montour aims to contend for Parkway Conference crown
The 2024 football season at Montour was a tale of two seasons. A thrilling Week 8 victory over Aliquippa put the Spartans alone in first place in the Class 4A Parkway Conference with one week left in the regular season.
New Castle determined to keep resurgence going strong
Last season, coach Fred Mozzocio came into New Castle, where he played in the 1980s, and wanted to deliver awesome football to the community. The Red Hurricanes were 1-9 two seasons ago, but “Coach Mo” got New Castle sailing in the right direction with a 5-4 season last year. The Red Hurricanes won their first four games but came up just short of the playoffs.
Armed with lessons learned last season, West Allegheny ready for Parkway Conference grind
The way the 2024 season played out for West Allegheny’s football team was a bit strange, but also a bit encouraging. The Indians had their first two last year games suspended due to dangerous weather conditions that hit while West Allegheny led on the scoreboard. Both games were given no-contest results, including a Week 2 game against McGuffey in which the Indians were up 30-0 at the time of the storm.
Hampton seeking ‘little bit of toughness’ after down season
Hampton coach Steve Sciullo had no problem putting his finger on what went wrong during last year’s 3-7 season. “We didn’t tackle well, and we didn’t block well,” Sciullo said. “Those two things take courage. We’re hoping that we have a little bit more courage this year to go and tackle some of these guys.”
Indiana banking on familiar coach to get program turned around
Hey, Indiana, an old acquaintance is back in town. Four years after setting out for Arizona, where he spent time as an adjunct professor at Grand Canyon University, former longtime coach Mark Zilinskas will be back on the Indians’ sideline.
1st-year coach building depth at Knoch
Knoch limped to the finish line of the 2024 season. Quite literally. Injuries ravaged the team, leaving fewer than 30 healthy players for the stretch run. That contributed to the Knights (3-6, 2-3 Greater Allegheny) losing three of their final four games, each of the losses in blowout fashion.
Mars looking to take next step behind experienced offensive line
After back-to-back trips to the semifinals, the Mars Fightin’ Planets are looking to take the next step – playing for a WPIAL 4A championship.
With dynamic backfield, McKeesport in position to take championship step forward
Despite enjoying plenty of success over the past few seasons — enough to satisfy the majority of WPIAL football programs — McKeesport has felt bittersweet about its recent results. The Tigers have played well enough to win their conference and advance to the WPIAL championship the last two years, but suffering losses to Aliquippa (35-21) and Thomas Jefferson (28-7) in those title games has left a stain on two highly successful seasons.
New West Mifflin coach to focus on physicality, rely on star running back
B.J. Pugh considers being the football coach at West Mifflin his dream job. “I’ve envisioned being a head (football) coach for a long time, particularly at West Mifflin. It’s my alma mater,” said Pugh, who was hired in February to succeed Rod Steele.
New coach, same goals for Belle Vernon
There may be a new football coach at Belle Vernon, but the goals remain the same — win and play for titles. Scott Bryer has taken over for Matt Humbert, who resigned in February after 11 seasons where he led the Leopards to WPIAL and PIAA Class 3A titles in 2022 and 2023.
New coach from college ranks looking to inject new life at Chartiers Valley
After spending nearly 20 years on college sidelines, new Chartiers Valley coach Steve Spence was searching for a change, something new.
Coming soon.
Behind standout running back, sturdy offensive line, Thomas Jefferson out to defend title
Thomas Jefferson has racked up 10 WPIAL championships during the Bill Cherpak era as coach. All of the titles have been won since 2004, including last year’s 28-7 victory over McKeesport in the championship game at Norwin.
After ending long losing streak, Ringgold ready to take next step forward
Last fall, Ringgold broke a 27-game losing streak and earned its first conference win since 2021. While those victories in 2024 were only baby steps, second-year coach Robert “Bean” Heller believes they marked the beginning of a much larger turnaround.
With 4-year starter under center, Trinity primed for another playoff season
Trinity has been making a lot of racket lately. Maybe it’s time for the Hillers to rumble. Armed with a four-year starting quarterback and a coaching staff oozing with confidence, the Washington-based school is marching into another season with a purpose.
WPIAL Class 3A preview: Defending champ Avonworth again looks like team to beat
Avonworth coach Duke Johncour may not want to hear this, or maybe he does, but opposing coaches say his Antelopes are the team to beat in WPIAL Class 3A.
Defending WPIAL champ Avonworth hungry to take care of unfinished business
There’s been a bit of a sour mood lurking in the Avonworth camp, where the Antelopes play. They almost won it all in 2024, but close doesn’t count. Now, they’re ready to try again.
Beaver reloads in pursuit of another winning chapter in program’s storied history
Beaver is the ninth on the WPIAL all-time wins list and is the fourth-oldest football program in the district, starting in 1899. Beaver has a winning culture.
Central Valley keeps high standards despite young roster
A year ago, Central Valley coach Mark Lyons felt that his team had what it would take to return to Acrisure Stadium, a place the Warriors have become all-too-familiar with over the last 15 years.
With tons of talent returning, Hopewell hungry to end playoff drought
The Hopewell Vikings are hungry to bring winning football back to the community. Hopewell has had eight consecutive seasons under .500 and hasn’t made the playoffs since 2012. Last season, first-year coach Matt Mottes and the Vikings took a step in the right direction.
McGuffey looks to bounce back with young, talented team
After being a perennial Class 2A playoff contender, McGuffey received a rude welcome in its move to 3A football last season. The Highlanders went winless, including an 0-6 mark in a strong Western Hills Conference featuring eventual WPIAL champion and state runner-up Avonworth.
Prolific passing attack fuels ‘hungry’ North Catholic
Something is in the air at North Catholic. Returning the WPIAL’s leading passer and receiver from a late-surging playoff team, the Trojans are poised to take another step forward. “We kind of expect to pick up where we left off,” coach Chris Rizzo said, “just with probably a little bit more cohesiveness.”
Coach Tom Eshenbaugh looking to change culture in Quaker Valley football program
First-year coach Tom Eshenbaugh is looking to restore the Quaker Valley football program to the land of respectability. And the mending process begins now.
1st-year coach looks to get Burrell back to WPIAL playoffs
Winds of change swept through the Burrell football program in the offseason. Shawn Liotta, the Bucs coach for seven seasons who led the program to three WPIAL playoff appearances during his tenure, stepped down in December to enter the Arena Football coaching ranks.
Veteran players committed to keeping winning culture growing at Deer Lakes
The Deer Lakes football program has forged a culture of winning the past couple of years, which has resulted in trips to the WPIAL playoffs and a great deal of excitement among many in the Lancers athletic community.
East Allegheny focused on erasing 1-9 memoryEast Allegheny wishes it could forget that awful record, but the returning players and coaches won’t. Besides, they really can’t. One win and nine losses.
Coming off playoff berth, strong offseason, Freeport building momentum
The Freeport football team returned to form in 2024. After a 2023 season that saw the Yellowjackets win just three games and suffer a rare playoff miss, last year’s team grew and learned from its tough fortunes, finished third in a strong Allegheny 7 Conference and returned to the WPIAL postseason.
Highlands working to adapt offense, keep playoff streak goingHighlands was one quarter away from a trip to last year’s WPIAL Class 3A semifinals. The Golden Rams led No. 1 Imani Christian by nine at the end of the third quarter, but the Saints erupted in the fourth and raced past Highlands for a 31-17 win.
Imani Christian vows to again contend for championships
When asked about his team’s goals for the season, Imani Christian coach LaRoi Johnson said the team wants to win a state championship. It is a short response, yet it sufficiently describes what the Saints have been working toward since their 14-6 defeat against Avonworth in the WPIAL Class 3A semifinals, which ended their chance at a title last year.
Valley confident in ability to improve this season, build program
Valley coach Mark Adams would be the first to agree that the Vikings had a disappointing 2024 season. Valley was winless, with its closest loss being a crushing 38-35 defeat to Riverview in its second game.
Strong junior class driving Derry’s hopes for a successful season
Despite that five-game skid, Mike Arone is not deterred. Forget the season-ending implosion, Derry’s fourth-year coach insists. And while thoughts of another season-turned-bad linger, Arone is hopeful the Trojans will rally.
With star quarterback returning, Elizabeth Forward sets goals high
Coming off another conference championship and a semifinal loss to Central Valley in the Class 3A playoffs, the Elizabeth Forward Warriors enter the 2025 season with a little bit of a chip on their shoulders. Let’s call it the “overlooked chip.”
Greensburg Salem seeking another run to playoffs
For one of the WPIAL’s all-time winningest programs, Greensburg Salem has seen more than enough losing in recent years. Following a head-turning 7-4 record in 2024, perhaps the culture is changing again.
Expanded roster bolsters Mt. Pleasant’s chances in Interstate Conference
Things are looking up for Mt. Pleasant football coach Jason Fazekas and his program. The Vikings roster expanded to nearly 60 players this summer, which is encouraging for a Class 3A program.
Coaching change, player movement do not deter Southmoreland from playoff goal
There is a new car smell to the Southmoreland football program. New coach. New staff. New quarterback. What is not new, though, is the team’s drive to achieve a long-elusive goal. Despite improvements and big numbers in recent years, the Scotties have not sniffed a playoff win in six decades of football.
Despite young roster, Yough aims to continue progressing
Ben Hoffer feels his team is set to take a step forward as he begins his fourth season as Yough’s football coach. The most wins Yough has had since 2013 — when the team went 6-5 and won the school’s only playoff game — was four in 2016.
WPIAL Class 2A preview: Seton LaSalle roster changes leave title race wide open
As of the middle of July, there was a clear favorite in WPIAL Class 2A football this season. With 2,000-yard passer Anthony Smith throwing to game-breaking receiver Khalil Taylor, Seton LaSalle was looking like the team to beat. But sometimes life gets in the way, even at private schools.
Apollo-Ridge aims to bounce back after 1-win season
Apollo-Ridge took its lumps in and out of Allegheny Conference play last year. The Vikings won just one game out of nine, with the lone triumph a conference victory by three points over Ligonier Valley in the season finale.
Ligonier Valley looks to move on from consecutive losing seasons
Ligonier Valley football coach Roger Beitel had not endured consecutive losing campaigns before last season. Westmoreland County’s longest-tenured coach does not want a third. The Rams were 3-7 overall and 1-5 in the tough WPIAL Class 2A Allegheny Conference in 2024.
With interest in program up, OLSH ‘would like to surprise people’
The fruits of bringing together three programs in a co-op have brought Our Lady of the Sacred Heart football coach Donnie Militzer what he was looking for. The Chargers now have 54 players on the roster, allowing for competitive practices. Militzer is encouraged by the arrangement between Eden Christian, Propel Montour and OLSH.
New Shady Side Academy coach favors grit over glamour
Spending time on campus during the first few weeks of football camp has given Shady Side Academy football coach Andrew Geisler the feeling he is where he needs to be. The former Bulldogs captain was hired in January to take over the program after a tumultuous season last year.
South Allegheny driven to reach new heights as turnaround continues
South Allegheny reached the playoffs for the first time since 2021 last season, finishing 9-3 for its first winning season since 2020. After back-to-back 1-9 seasons, the Gladiators were fed up. With a motivated and energized cast of players, South Allegheny found its mojo.
After dream season, South Park ready to see next generation take over
South Park is coming off a dream season. Led by a dominant offensive line and superstar running back in Erie Doerue, the Eagles defeated Seton LaSalle, 21-14, in the Class 2A finals at Acrisure Stadium to win their third WPIAL championship.
Steel Valley gears up for championship run to close out Barksdale era
Since 2021, when Donald was a freshman, there’s always been a Barksdale in the backfield for the Steel Valley football team. It’s been a run to remember. Over the past four seasons, the Ironmen have gone 42-8 with a WPIAL championship in 2022, a runner-up finish the following year and two other trips to the district semifinals.
After challenging season, tradition-rich Beaver Falls eyes success in MAC
When your football program boasts 122 years of tradition, not to mention six WPIAL football titles, you can consider yourself among the elite programs in Western Pennsylvania’s storied history.
Little bit of rebuilding won’t faze resurgent Ellwood City
There are two aspects to the turnaround of the Ellwood City program that help make it one of the best stories going in WPIAL football.
Freedom football looking to follow baseball team’s example
For visitors meeting with Freedom football coach Ron Balog before the start of preseason camp, the most striking sight on campus was probably the baseball turf being torn up awaiting a new surface.
Program in a good place as Mohawk keeps stacking playoff seasons
The long summer days that lead to the start of a football season are where many coaches feel wins and losses will be determined, based on the effort put in.
After big step forward last season, New Brighton seniors still want more
After two consecutive seasons without a single win, New Brighton coach John Macuga set a goal in 2024 to change the mentality of his players and help them establish a winning persona. “It’s been a point of emphasis for the players,” Macuga said before camp in 2024. “We must learn to overcome adversity and emerge victorious in games.”
With 11 starters back from playoff team, Riverside expects even more in 2025
Rob Magnifico returns for a second season as head coach at Riverside in 2025 after leading the Panthers to the WPIAL playoffs last season. The story of how Magnifico came to be coach of Riverside, given the fact that he’s an Ellwood City native who played and then coached the Wolverines for 17 seasons, is an interesting one.
Union to lean on young players in 2nd season in Class 2A
There is an old saying that the apple doesn’t fall too far from the tree. And in the case of Kim Niedbala, his coaching legacy starts with his father Rich, who spent 31 years in charge at Western Beaver.
Western Beaver ready to shine under Friday night lights
The book (and movie and TV show) wasn’t called “Saturday Afternoon Sunshine.” It was “Friday Night Lights,” and that’s a concept Western Beaver will become much more familiar with this season.
Expectations elevated for Carlynton after snapping playoff drought
Carlynton senior linebacker Grant Freidhoff has an idea of what things should look like when everything is going well. The Cougars closed out last season with three consecutive wins to end a 23-year playoff drought and earn a WPIAL Class 2A playoff spot out of the Century Conference.
With new coach at helm, Charleroi driven to earn respect
Charleroi’s Scooter DeUnger has a daunting task ahead of him as he takes over as football coach at his alma mater. The Cougars have fallen on hard times, with last year’s 1-9 campaign marking their third straight season around the bottom of the conference. They have an overall record of 3-25 in that span.
Keystone Oaks players adjusting to new roles after playoff season
Keystone Oaks coach Steve McCormick identified Owen Gearhart as a strong option at quarterback. The benefit of rotating players into different roles is that when a new year comes around, they are capable of handling a variety of tasks.
Seton LaSalle to lean on defensive dominance
Seton LaSalle coach Tim Storino is anticipating that the team’s recent growth pattern continues in 2025. The Rebels were 0-10 and 5-5 in Storino’s first two years as field boss then made the leap to 11-1 and WPIAL finalists last fall.
Productive offseason provides optimism as Sto-Rox rebuild continues
Brendan Blair knows the grind of football in Western Pennsylvania. Having grown up in Stowe Township, Blair played for Sto-Rox, graduating in 2014. After attending Cal (Pa.), where he earned a business degree, he returned to the area and got involved in coaching. Before long, Blair was announced as the new head coach at his high school alma matter in 2024.
With bevy of returning starters, Washington looks poised for bounce-back year
Mike Bosnic has been at this a while, entering his 17th season as Washington’s football coach, but he still gets excited at the start of a new year. His level of excitement isn’t determined by the number of starters he has returning or how many rushing yards or tackles those players had the season before.
Change sweeps through Waynesburg after back-to-back playoff seasons
The winds of change swept into Green County this past offseason, and Waynesburg was in the path of much of it. The Raiders graduated four all-conference starters, including starting quarterback Jake Stephenson, who led the team to back-to-back playoff appearances. Waynesburg also welcomed a new coach.
WPIAL Class A preview: 3-peat within reach for Fort Cherry, but contenders are lurking
Fort Cherry defeated Clairton by the slimmest margin in the WPIAL football final at Acrisure Stadium last season. That 21-20 victory showed just how evenly matched the Class A powerhouses were. Expect much of the same this fall.
Large crew of returning starters offer optimism at Brentwood
Brentwood returned to the WPIAL Class A playoffs last season via a fifth-place Eastern Conference finish. With nine starters back in 2025, coach Nick Caponi is looking for more.
Clairton ready to hit new gear, return to top of WPIAL mountain
Clairton senior quarterback Jeffrey Thompson wants to carve out his own space in the football program’s long record book. He thought last season was going to be the moment when the Bears climbed back on top of the WPIAL mountain.
Former Frazier quarterback working to restore program’s lusterSettling in as Frazier’s new coach, Tony Battaglini begins to think more and more that the team has underachieved the past few seasons. Now it’s time to turn the Commodores’ program around.
Greensburg Central Catholic offense shows big-play potential
With Samir Crosby eyeing a possible move to receiver and Jerry Davis lined up wide opposite him, Greensburg Central Catholic could have big-play ability downfield.
Jeannette seeks return to ‘favorite’ role
Players in this year’s senior class have been with Tommy Paulone from the start, and the fourth-year Jeannette coach has watched them bring the program back to propriety. The proof came in a somewhat unexpected run last year.
Experienced line leads way as Leechburg aims for 5th straight playoff season
For Leechburg and coach Randy Walters, everything starts in the trenches, and the Blue Devils return a veteran group up front. Four of the five starters from a season ago are back for 2025. “Our offensive line is going to need to have a big-time year,” Walters said. “It’s going to be a strong point of our team with four starters from last season returning.”
Riverview confident focus on process, not results, will pay off
Trevor George saw the potential of last year’s Riverview football team and what the Raiders wanted to do: Stack victories in and out of Eastern Conference play, finish with a winning record and make the WPIAL playoffs.
After winless campaign, Springdale hoping to get stronger, more physical
As Springdale wrapped up a recent football practice, each player shook hands with the entire coaching staff, a sign of respect encouraged throughout the program. The Dynamos hope to see respect returned during the 2025 season, but they know they will have to earn it after enduring a winless campaign a year ago.
Avella embraces underdog identity, hunts for playoff spot
With 73 boys in grades 10-12 per the latest PIAA numbers and graduation classes hovering around 40 students, it’s often hard to field a football team. Nevertheless, Avella makes it work.
Coming soon.
Despite young team, Beth-Center hungry to add to winning culture
Beth-Center reached the playoffs 16 consecutive years from 2003-2018. With an all-time winning percentage of .580 in 657 games and a WPIAL title in 1975, winning has been a standard for the Bulldogs since 1958. Nevertheless, 2018 was their most recent playoff appearance.
California enters season with focus on a single goal: a Tri-County South title
Since veteran coach Ed Woods took over the head coaching duties at California years ago, he always tells his teams in training camp that they have one primary goal — win the conference crown.
Carmichaels counting on stacked reps leading to stacked wins
Carmichaels coach Ryan Krull has long since thrown his crystal ball to the ground, shattering it into pieces. “I thought I had a good feel for our team a couple years ago and where we would be once the season started and I couldn’t be more wrong,” Krull said.
Jefferson-Morgan putting pieces together for more Tri-County South success
Jefferson-Morgan skyrocketed into the playoffs in 2023, ending an 11-year playoff drought. The Rockets built on that in 2024, completing a 10-0 season and the Tri-County South Conference before a first-round loss to South Side.
Mapletown working to eliminate errors, improve record
Mapletown coach George Messich has a straightforward solution for bouncing back from last season’s 1-9 record. “The big thing for us will be eliminating the mistakes,” said Messich, who’s been leading the Mapletown program for more than four decades. “We can’t give up a long TD pass because we missed a coverage and a guy is wide open. We can’t miss tackles. We have to play a good fundamental game.”
Expect a whole new look on offense for West Greene this season
From Ben Jackson to Colin Brady, West Greene has relied on a workhorse runner to power its offense in recent seasons. But the emphasis on a featured back is set to change in 2025, according to third-year coach Beau Jackson.
WPIAL champion coach, retired no more, takes over strong Bishop Canevin team
Rod Steele gave up coaching last winter, but a job opening at Bishop Canevin made him reconsider his plans for Friday nights in the fall. His life as an ex-coach lasted about three months.
Burgettstown looking to get back to winning ways
Hard times can shape a team, and the Burgettstown Blue Devils hope last season’s struggles will make them better. They are coming back bigger, faster and stronger. Coach Mark Druga went 43-26 with six playoff berths in seven seasons at the helm of the Blue Devils before going 1-8 last season.
Chartiers-Houston working to keep moving in right direction
When coach Dan Lis took over at Chartiers-Houston last year, the Buccaneers were coming off an 0-10 season, two years after making the WPIAL playoffs with seven wins. It was all about gaining support in the community and raising expectations in his first year.
Cornell looks to exceed expectations after playoff win
Cornell was so close to reaching the WPIAL Class A semifinals last year. Following a first-round win over Leechburg, the Raiders looked to knock off top-seeded Fort Cherry. Cornell led Fort Cherry late in the first half, but after the Raiders gave up two touchdowns, they could not rally late to upset the eventual WPIAL champion.
Fort Cherry ready to contend for 3rd straight WPIAL crown
It is hard to complain about the last two seasons if you are involved with Fort Cherry football. After all, in those two years, Fort Cherry won two WPIAL Class A championships. However, it was far from easy, especially in 2024 when the Rangers needed multiple fourth-down conversions on the game-winning drive to win the WPIAL championship game 21-20 over Clairton.
Monessen seeks will to match skill
We have the skill, but do we have the will? That is the question fifth-year Monessen coach Wade Brown is asking his players heading into the 2025 season.
Architect of dominant Serra Catholic defenses returns to give Eagles a boost as head coach
From 2017-2022, the Serra Catholic defense was coached by defensive coordinator Akeeme Robinson, known by most as “Coach Keem.” His passion and devotion to player development shined as the Eagles broke a WPIAL record by forcing nine turnovers in the 2021 WPIAL Class 2A championship game, resulting in a lopsided victory.
Laurel in position for big bounce-back after injury-riddled season
Often, injuries are setbacks for teams with high expectations. For Laurel football, though, the 2024 season became a year of growth that could pay dividends in 2025.
Neshannock sets lofty goal for season: Rings rather than T-shirts
Coach Michael Bongivengo may only be in his second year at the helm at Neshannock, but he is well aware of the championship standard that is yet to be met. In his past two seasons with the team, the Lancers, despite an 18-4 overall record and a 13-0 conference record, failed to advance past their first playoff opponent.
New coach hopes to help Northgate end playoff drought
When Mark Fratangelo first joined the Northgate football staff in 2022, the school struggled to field a team with enough players. Now, with two consecutive seasons of having 30-plus players, Fratangelo, entering his first year as head coach, and his staff have their eyes set on the WPIAL postseason.
Veteran coach Don Phillips ready to lead Rochester’s resurgence
It had been over 40 years since Don Phillips was calling plays from the sidelines for the Rochester Rams. But after championship head coach Gene Matsook retired in December, Phillips was chosen to lead the Rams once again, and hopefully back to their championship ways.
Shenango looks to build in positive direction after challenging season
Aug. 27 will mark one year since the tragic passing of DJ Graham, son of Shenango football coach Jimmy Graham. Understandably, the 2024 season brought emotional challenges that impacted the team’s on-field performance.
South Side focused on process over results with experienced group
From 2021-23, it seemed like South Side football was on track to capture its first WPIAL title in 25 years. During that span, the Rams went from the WPIAL quarterfinals to the championship in three consecutive seasons. However, with no WPIAL title to show for it, the team was eager to reach the mountaintop in 2024. But progress isn’t always linear, and after advancing to the Class A quarterfinals for the fourth straight season, the Rams were defeated by No. 3 Bishop Canevin, ending their championship quest early.
Summit Academy building team chemistry amid annual roster turnover
Anthony Becoate is no stranger to roster turnover entering his fourth season at Summit Academy. This constant reshuffling has become routine for the private, residential school for at-risk young men in Butler that must reconstruct its roster before every season.
Allderdice ready to flush 2024, contend for City League title
Allderdice’s players and coaches were left with a bad taste in their mouths after the 2024 season. The Dragons started 4-1, earning wins over Fox Chapel, Perry Traditional Academy, Uniontown and Brashear by a combined score of 115-24 while pitching two shutouts. Their only loss in that stretch came against Hollidaysburg, 42-0.
Brashear looks to build behind young roster
Last season didn’t go as planned for the Brashear football team, but there’s excitement surrounding the program heading into the 2025 season.
Carrick looks to carry on momentum despite revamped roster
The Carrick football team is looking to build off its best season in quite some time, but the Raiders will have to address some holes left by a large and talented senior class.
Perry carries over late-season momentum into 2025
Perry Traditional Academy didn’t have the success it would’ve liked last season, but the Commodores are ready to build on what they did accomplish.
Westinghouse reloads to defend City League title
The Westinghouse Bulldogs may have lost starting quarterback Khalil Green and a talented senior class that helped them capture their 40th City League title and fifth in the past six seasons, but don’t expect them to take a step backward. The Bulldogs have reloaded and are preparing to put together another successful season.
Albert Gallatin looks to carry momentum from 6-win seasonIt’s been seven years since Albert Gallatin played a WPIAL schedule in the Class 5A Big East conference. Since moving out of the WPIAL and into an independent schedule in 2019, consistency has been the goal of coach Drew Dindl.
Creating competition a top priority for Brownsville’s 1st-year coach
Cody Castor wants competition. Whether it’s in the weight room, battling for a starting position during practice or smacking pads with an opponent under the Friday night lights, Brownsville’s first-year coach is seeking competitive fire from the Falcons.
Butler ‘tired of losing,’ returns 16 starters with hopes to end winning season drought
Butler is ineligible for the playoffs again this season, but the Golden Tornado still have a lot at stake. Returning eight starters on each side of the ball, Butler is hoping to build on an encouraging 2024 season and aims to post the program’s first winning season since 1997.
Looking back at last year’s champs
While we continue to prepare for the new high school football season, Countdown to Kickoff 2025 looks back at the 2024 WPIAL football season.
Innovative playoff format enters 2nd season
This will be the second season of the innovative WPIAL football playoff format. The trusty old abacus was retired last fall when it came to figuring out wild card playoff teams. The WPIAL football steering committee decided which schools qualified for the district playoffs as wild cards instead of using tiebreaker formulas as was done in the past.
26 WPIAL teams have new coaches this fall
The WPIAL football coaching pendulum continues to swing between a lot of offseason changes and not as many new sideline generals. Prior to the 2023 season, there were 26 head coaching changes. Last year was a lot less with only 17.
Saturday games not extinct just yet in WPIAL football
There was a time when Saturday afternoon marked a busy end to a high school football weekend around the WPIAL.
1. Brendan Alexander, OL/DL, Central Valley
2. Da’Ron Barksdale, WR/DB, Steel Valley (Pitt)
3. Ashton Blatt, DE, Central Catholic (North Carolina)
4. Carter Bonner, WR/DB, Penn Hills
5. Samir Crosby, QB/DB, Greensburg C.C.
6. John Curran, OL, Pine-Richland (Pitt)
7. David Davis, RB/DB, Imani Christian (Penn State)
8. Nolan DiLucia, QB/DB, Peters Township (Villanova)
9. Tyler Eber, RB, Thomas Jefferson
10. Colsen Gatten, LB, Central Catholic (Duke)
11. Armand Hill, RB/DB, West Mifflin (WVU)
12. Lincoln Hoke, OL/DL, North Allegheny (Pitt)
13. Gabe Jenkins, RB/DB, Imani Christian
14. Jimmy Kalis, OL, Central Catholic
15. Reston Lehman, TE/LB, Peters Township (Pitt)
16. Zykir “Ziggy” Moore, RB/LB, Woodland Hills (N.C. State)
17. Javien Robinson, WR, McKeesport
18. Lucas Shanafelt, WR/DE, Peters Township (Stanford)
19. Matt Sieg, QB/DB, Fort Cherry (Penn State)
20. Patrick Smith, QB/OLB, Mt. Lebanon (Penn)
21. Scoop Smith, WR/DB, Woodland Hills
22. Kemon Spell, RB/DB, McKeesport (Penn State)
23. Brock Heisler, OT/DT, Hempfield (Harvard)
24. Khalil Taylor, WR/DB, Seton LaSalle (Penn State)
25. Jay Timmons, WR/DB, Pine-Richland (Florida State)