Scholastic Notebook – 10/01/2010

By: HSSN Staff
Friday, October 1, 2010 | 12:00 AM

Even though three former WPIAL players are starting at Pitt and Penn State (Jonathan Baldwin, Mike Shanahan, Derek Moye), the WPIAL hasn’t been known for producing many big-time receivers over the years. Maybe it’s because having a receiver with a lot of catches doesn’t equate to wins in the WPIAL

Never has that notion been more true than this year.

Take a look at the leading receivers in the WPIAL. Hempfield, Avella and Laurel Highlands all have two receivers among the top 10 in catches. They are Hempfield’s Steve Schmitt and Joey Borsuk, Avella’s Koltan Korbys and Damon Cupp and Laurel Highlands’ Matt Shull and Jordan Crews.

Now look at the combined record of Hempfield, Avella and Laurel Highlands. They are 1-11.

On top of that, the leading receiver in the WPIAL is Tommy Berexa. He had 28 catches in the first four games and had 11 Thursday night against Erie McDowell. But Pine-Richland is 1-4.

Of the top 10 receivers in the WPIAL so far, not one is on a team with a record above .500. On the other hand, of the top 10 runners, four are on 4-0 teams and three are 3-1.

Berexa’s Numbers

A little bit of FYI. Pine-Richland’s Berexa was the WPIAL’s second-leading receiver a year ago and he already has 39 catches this year. Although he is averaging seven receptions a game, he is still behind the WPIAL record pace. Carmen Connolly caught 86 passes in 2004. That’s nine catches a game.

Movin’ On Up

North Hills coach Jack McCurry and Hopewell running back Rushel Shell will likely move up two different historical ladders this week.

McCurry, North Hills’ coach since 1978, now has a 265-97-6 record. With a win tonight, McCurry will pass two coaches on the WPIAL all-time wins list

Tags: Avella, Erie McDowell, Hempfield, Hempfield Area, Hopewell, Laurel Highlands, North Hills, Pine-Richland