New coaches add spark to Hempfield-Greensburg Salem rivalry

By: Paul Schofield
Wednesday, August 23, 2023 | 6:44 PM

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Ty George was a sophomore at Hempfield the last time Greensburg Salem was victorious in this historic series.

Now the 2014 Hempfield graduate, the new Greensburg Salem coach, is trying to devise a plan to end the Spartans’ current six-game winning streak in the series between the neighboring school districts in central Westmoreland County.

The 58th meeting between Class 3A Greensburg Salem and Class 5A Hempfield takes place at 7 p.m. Friday at Spartan Stadium at Bill Abraham Field. The Spartans lead the series 41-15-1, including last year’s 49-3 drubbing shortened at halftime by lightning.

George, who was an assistant at Hempfield under Rick Bowen, won’t be the only new coach roaming the sidelines.

Nick Keefer is in his first year at Hempfield. He replaces Mike Brown, who took the Norwin job. George replaces Dave Keefer, who is an assistant coach at Seton Hill.

George spent the past two seasons as an assistant at Greensburg Salem. He surrounded himself with some familiar faces. Bowen is his line coach, former Hempfield and Greensburg Salem coach Casey Cavanaugh is coaching the quarterbacks and Matt Boe stayed on staff as defensive coordinator.

Nick Keefer’s staff includes his brother Zach and his dad, Tim, former Spartan Steve Santia, track coach Dave Murray and former Greensburg Central Catholic coach Bret Colbert.

And while it’s only one game on the schedule, it’s the first game of the season and one players on both teams have had circled on their calendar.

The game won’t affect the conference standings at the end of the season, but bragging rights between the players, students and communities from Hempfield and Greensburg Salem are on the line.

“It’s a pretty big rivalry, especially being the first game of the season,” Keefer said. “It usually brings a good crowd, and they bring a good crowd.

“It means a lot to the kids. It’s going to be fun, and the kids are excited to play in front of their home fans. It’s big for everybody.”

While the game might not feature any relatives going against each other, the players on both squads know each other well. They may be friends off the field, but they are rivals on.

“It’s more than a rivalry. There is a lot more to the game,” Hempfield senior linebacker Brennan Knight said. “That’s a game we have circled on our schedule every four years. It’s the game we’re always looking forward to play.

“I grew up with a lot of their people. Some are my neighbors, and I go to events with some of them and do stuff with them. I’m friends with tackle Ayden Thompson and others.”

Greensburg Salem senior quarterback Adam Dipasquale said he’s looking forward to the game and going against friend Anthony Puskar, Hempfield’s starting safety.

“It’s a rivalry that’s been going on forever,” Dipasquale said. “We play them every year. We’ve worked hard and prepared all summer for it. It’s probably not the biggest game on our schedule, but one you get excited for.”

Hempfield graduated a big senior class from a team that finished 6-4 and has a lot of spots to fill in the starting lineup.

Senior Keiran Lippman started the final four games at quarterback after Jake Phillips went down with an injury. He assumes a larger role. Joe Dolinski returns on the offensive line and Knight at linebacker.

“With so many new starters, I want us to go out and play good, sound football,” said Keefer, who has coached at Hempfield for 12 years. “I want us to prepare and understand what our game plan is and how to execute the game plan.

“This is a big week for us to get into a good routine and solid routine on what it takes to go to school, hydrate your body and be ready to play a game on Friday.”

Keefer is impressed with Greensburg Salem’s size and knows tight end/defensive end Julian Stevens is a threat.

Greensburg Salem won’t be missing any players because of injuries, but starting quarterback Peyton Chismar will miss the first two games after being ejected in the 2022 season finale.

“We’ll treat his absence like an injury,” George said. “Adam will get the call, and freshman Brody Chismar has taken a lot of reps leading up to the game.”

George was pleased with a scrimmage against Ringgold.

“Everyone came out of the scrimmage healthy, which is good,” he said. “It gives us a chance. Obviously there are things to correct schematically. We need to make adjustments and change some personnel things.

“Overall, we were pleased. There were a lot of positives, and we saw a lot of growth from a lot of young guys. It was a good experience for us.”

Along with Stevens, the Golden Lions return running back Kai Brunot, who rushed for 534 yards and scored four touchdowns.

“It’s such a big game for both communities,” George said. “The communities get involved, the players get involved and so do the parents and families. It’s fun and exciting. It’s what makes high school football so great.

“I’m looking forward to coaching in it. It begins a new chapter in Greensburg Salem football. It’s going to be a great experience. I’m excited.”

George said trying to limit Lippman is the key for his team.

“Keiran is a talented player,” George said. “He can throw the ball and run. Even though they didn’t score in their scrimmage, I know they have the capability to do so. We’re preparing for that to stop both aspects of the game.”

Keefer said he has a lot of players who will be playing in their first varsity game. He said they got a taste in a scrimmage against Fox Chapel.

“We have a lot of new kids playing new positions,” Keefer said. “The scrimmage gave them an opportunity to see what a varsity game is like.

“They are sound on offense and defense. Ty is a good offensive mind. We’ll have our hands full, and we’re excited about the challenge.”

The series

Hempfield leads 41-15-1

Last year: Hempfield, 49-3

First game: 1956, Greensburg won, 49-0 (Greensburg Salem formed in 1959)

First Hempfield win: 1958, 13-7

Last 10 meetings:

2022: Hempfield, 49-3

2021: Hempfield, 29-14

2020: Canceled because of pandemic

2019: Hempfield, 40-3

2018: Hempfield, 27-24

2017: Hempfield, 49-21

2016: Hempfield, 28-21

2011: Greensburg Salem, 34-14

2010: Greensburg Salem, 38-35

2009: Hempfield, 40-7

2008: Hempfield, 27-20

Paul Schofield is a TribLive reporter covering high school and college sports and local golf. He joined the Trib in 1995 after spending 15 years at the Daily Courier in Connellsville, where he served as sports editor for 14 years. He can be reached at pschofield@triblive.com.

Tags: Greensburg Salem, Hempfield