Westmoreland County boys soccer notebook: Belle Vernon to host annual kickoff classic

By: Bill Beckner Jr.
Wednesday, August 30, 2023 | 11:01 AM

It would not be the start of boys soccer season in the Mon Valley without the Paul Sasko Kickoff Classic at Belle Vernon.

The annual Labor Day weekend event, which began under a different name in 2005, is named after Sasko, the former Leopards coach who died in 2016.

This year’s event is Saturday and Sunday at James Weir Stadium.

“I have a poster in my office created by (former Belle Vernon) coach (Rob) Miele with a photo and quote from coach Sasko,” Belle Vernon coach Al Yeschenko said. “Even though I did not know coach Sasko, I leave it there as a reminder that he had a huge impact on soccer in BVA, and I hope to continue that. I can tell he meant a lot to everyone.”

Proceeds from the event will go toward a Sasko scholarship. One male and female player will receive $2,500.

Girls games Saturday are Kiski Area vs. Connellsville at 11:30 a.m. and Charleroi vs. Belle Vernon at 5 p.m.

The boys schedule has California vs. Connellsville at 1:30 p.m., with Charleroi taking on Belle Vernon at 7.

On Sunday, the Kiski Area and Belle Vernon girls play at 12:30 p.m., followed by the Charleroi and Connellsville girls at 2:30, Charleroi and Connellsville boys at 4:30 and California and Belle Vernon at 6:30.

Stairway to seven

Belle Vernon standout Trevor Kovatch is expected to be one of the top goal-scoring forwards in the WPIAL this season. His first game was a good way to launch that reputation into existence.

The speedy junior fired in seven goals to set a Belle Vernon single-game record as the Leopards opened with a 7-0 win over Southmoreland.

The previous mark was held by Daniel Sassak, who had six goals in a game in 2020.

Five of his teammates had assists: Tyler Bell, Jackson Coneybeer, Brandon Yeschenko, Bryce Burkhart and Riley Nemoseck.

Last year’s Section 3-2A player of the year, Kovatch has 44 goals in his career.

Cougars win tourney

After a 6-1 win over Derry, Yough edged South Allegheny in penalty kicks (2-1), after the teams tied 2-2 in regulation, to win the South Allegheny Tournament.

In the championship, Collin Barner and Isaac Pacacha had a goal and an assist each.

Knight time

Class 4A No. 5 Norwin opened with an impressive win at the Intersection Kickoff Tournament at Seneca Valley, racing past Chartiers Valley, 5-1.

Daniel Maddock had a four-goal season debut, and Owen Christopher also fired in a goal. Assists went to Rick Zappone, Alex Rigone and Alex Brown.

The Knights, however, fell to No. 4 Seneca Valley in the second game of the tournament 5-1.

Section time

Franklin Regional will visit Plum on Thursday in Section 4-3A. It will be the second section game for the neighboring rivals.

Deer Lakes at Jeannette (Section 2-2A), Hempfield at Norwin (2-4A) and Bentworth at Greensburg Central Catholic (2-A) are other section games to watch the same night.

Bill Beckner Jr. is a TribLive reporter covering local sports in Westmoreland County. He can be reached at bbeckner@triblive.com.

Tags: Belle Vernon, Franklin Regional, Jeannette, Norwin