Sports

McGuffey’s Rocco Falosk caries the ball against Charleroi on Friday, Sept. 18, 2020.

No letdown for McGuffey after big win; Highlanders rout Charleroi

September 18, 2020

McGuffey coach Ed Dalton had to wonder how his team would respond after defeating Washington — one of their biggest wins in recent history — 7-6 last week. Early in a Century Conference game against Charleroi, Dalton probably was worried.

Belle Vernon’s Devin Whitlock (1) runs past West Mifflin’s Diondre Jefferson (5) on Sept. 18, 2020, at Belle Vernon.

Belle Vernon shuts out West Mifflin for Big 8 victory

After a big win, Belle Vernon coach Matt Humbert usually tells his team to enjoy it for a day or two before returning to practice the following week.

The Seneca Valley football team breaks the pre-game huddle before playing Hempfield on Sept. 18, 2020, at Spartans Stadium.

Seneca Valley makes waves in debut, routs Hempfield

The wait was a bit longer than expected, but when Seneca Valley finally was able to take the field for its football opener Friday night, the Raiders did not disappoint.

Chartiers Valley players celebrate after defeating South Fayette on Sept. 18, 2020, at Chartiers Valley.

Knause’s faith in players helps Chartiers Valley knock off South Fayette

Even if things hadn’t always gone to plan Friday, Chartiers Valley coach Dan Knause had faith in his players.

Woodland Hills’ Deontae Williams (6) looks to pass during their game against Penn Hills at the Wolvarena in Turtle Creek on Sept. 18, 2020.

Woodland Hills rolls over Penn Hills in renewal of rivalry

Rivals who took a five-year hiatus, Penn Hills and Woodland Hills met once again at the Wolverena on Friday night. After giving up the opening score, the Wolverines scored 26 unanswered points to defeat the Indians, 26-7, in WPIAL Class 5A nonconference play.

Latrobe players break the huddle before playing Mt. Pleasant on Sept. 18, 2020, at Mt. Pleasant.

Latrobe defeats Mt. Pleasant in teams’ 1st meeting since 1995

Most coaches believe the most improvement a team makes during a season is between the first and second games.

Apollo-Ridge quarterback Jake Fello warms up before playing Freeport on Sept. 18, 2020, at Freeport.

Apollo-Ridge stifles Freeport in nonconference victory

On its first play from scrimmage in Friday’s nonconference matchup with Apollo-Ridge, the Freeport offense went to the air.

Peters Township players warm up before playing Penn-Trafford on Sept. 18, 2020, at Peters Township.

Peters Township forces 7 turnovers, takes down Penn-Trafford

Peters Township had no preseason scrimmage or Week 1 game, but an early defensive score set the tone as the Indians forced seven turnovers and overcame a late Penn-Trafford (1-1, 1-0 Big East) rally to defeat the Warriors, 24-21, in a Class 5A nonconference game.

Highlands quarterback Chandler Thimons is caught in the backfield by the Mars defense Friday, Sept 18, 2020.

No. 2 Mars converts late fourth down, stuns Highlands

The Highlands Golden Rams were one play from turning in one of the best defensive performances that coach Dom Girardi has ever seen.

Greensburg Salem takes the field against Knoch on Friday, Sept. 18, 2020 at Offutt Field in Greensburg.

Greensburg Salem records win No. 700 by edging Knoch

At last, 700.

Clairton’s Tyrese Washington-Law (51) and Dontae Sanders warm up before playing Leechburg at Veterans Stadium in Leechburg.

Top-ranked Clairton delivers early knockout at Leechburg

After scoring 55 points in the season opener last week, Leechburg was hoping to win five straight games for the first time since 1988 as the Blue Devils won their final three games of 2019.

Members of the Fox Chapel boys and girls cross country teams break out from the start of their time trial at the Gingerbread Man Kiski Cavalier Invitational on Sept. 18, 2020, at Northmoreland Park in Allegheny Township.

Indiana’s Beckwith, Kiski Area’s Miller claim titles at unique Kiski Cavalier Invitational

Cool and breezy morning weather gave way to comfortable afternoon temperatures as some of the WPIAL’s top runners kicked off their fall seasons Friday at the Gingerbread Man Kiski Cavalier Invitational at Northmoreland Park in Allegheny Township.

Parents and family are the only fans seen in the Norwin Knights’ stadium before kickoff against Hempfield on Friday, Sept. 11, 2020 at Norwin Senior High School.

Wolf administration asks schools to voluntarily enforce gathering limits

The updated guidance for high school sports and spectators promised by Gov. Tom Wolf was a no-show Friday.

Seneca Valley’s Jim Royal goes through drills during work outs Wednesday, July 29, 2020 at Seneca Valley High School.

5 things to watch in Week 2: Seneca Valley among 7 teams ready for delayed openers

Tired of making each other black and blue, Seneca Valley’s football players want to hit somebody not wearing blue and black.

Franklin Regional’s Caroline Tragesser plays against Penn-Trafford on Thursday, Sept. 17, 2020 at Murrysville Golf Club.

High school roundup for Sept. 17, 2020: Bethel Park’s Mia Gorman wins elusive section tennis title

September 17, 2020

After falling in the final each of the past two seasons, Bethel Park’s Mia Gorman claimed her first section championship with a 6-1, 6-1 win over Mt. Lebanon’s Lauren Mastellar in the Section 4-AAA championship match at Bethel Park.

High school scores, summaries and schedules for Sept. 17, 2020

Field hockey

Neshannock head coach Fred Mozzocio talks with his team during a preseason practice.

Neshannock bounces back, tops Mohawk

Neshannock, a team that was won four conference titles in the last eight years, isn’t used to starting the season 0-1.

Jeannette’s James Sanders celebrates as he scores a first-quarter touchdown against Clariton Friday, Sept. 11, 2020 at McKee Stadium in Jeannette.

Jeannette’s James Sanders gets D1 offer after stellar opener

As James Sanders caught passes and padded his yards-after-catch numbers last Friday night against visiting Clairton, he knew in the back of his mind he was creating footage for his highlight video.