Leopards edge Trojans in football showdown

A key Westmoreland County football matchup came down to the final play on Friday, as Belle Vernon Area edged Derry Area 14-7 in a Class 3A Interstate Conference showdown. A Jace Gedekoh touchdown run in the fourth quarter proved the difference for the Leopards, who moved to 5-1 overall, and 2-0 in the conference. Conversely, the Trojans dipped to 2-4 on the year, and 0-2 in the Interstate. Gedekoh also connected on 12-of-19 throws for 140 yards for the Leopards, while Cameron Black caught seven passes for 93 yards for BVA. In the defeat for the Trojans, Max Doherty rushed 17 times for 67 yards, while Anthony Sacco passed for 98 yards on 11-of-22 throws, including a TD to Noah Stough late in the first half. This week, the Leopards host Mount Pleasant Area, while the Trojans play at Elizabeth Forward.

PT girls soccer stays atop standings

Keyed by a win last Monday against Franklin Regional, Penn-Trafford girls soccer maintained its hold on first place in Class 3A Section 4. In that home clash against the Panthers, the Warriors fell behind 1-0 when Reese Regelski scored in the 24th minute. Approximately 20 minutes later, PT pulled even on a marker by Kylee McClintock, as she scored on a rebound following a shot by Lauryn Francis. Less than four minutes into the second half, PT’s Zoe Bell netted the winning tally. Two days later, Penn-Trafford produced a dominant 6-0 win at Indiana Area. As a result, the Warriors moved to 7-1-3 overall, and 6-0-2 in the section.

Spartans tab Peterson for girls basketball

Hempfield Area has a new girls basketball coach, as Jessica Peterson was unanimously approved last Monday. Peterson replaces Bob Madison, who stepped down as head coach after three seasons at the helm. Peterson previously served as an assistant coach for Indiana Area, and also led the junior high programs at Marion Center and Homer-Center, and she boasts experience at the AAU level. Peterson played collegiately at Indiana University of Pennsylvania and West Virginia Wesleyan College. Her daughter, Jayla, played at Greensburg Central Catholic, graduating earlier this year. Last season, the Spartans went 13-10 overall, including 3-7 in Class 6A Section 2. Hempfield Area qualified for the WPIAL Class 6A playoffs, but came up short against Norwin in the quarterfinals.

Norwin announces latest Athletics HOF

The Norwin Athletics Hall of Fame Class of 2026 has plenty of baseball representation, as the group features two former star players and a longtime coach on the diamond, as well as a pair of accomplished baseball teams. The class consists of athletes John Rasp (Class of 1987 – football, basketball); Noelle Lyons (06 – soccer, track and field); Max McDowell (2012 – baseball); and JJ Matijevic (2014 – baseball); coaches Mike Liebdzinski (baseball); Trinity Morgan (track and field); and Allen Warden (boys and girls volleyball); contributors Rege Schuchert and Jay Zahorchak; and the 1977 and 1978 baseball teams. The Class will be enshrined on Oct. 8 at Stratigos Banquet Centre in North Huntingdon.

Burrell hockey wins opener

The PIHL regular season commenced last week, and Burrell was the lone Westmoreland County team to capture a win. Last Monday, the Buccaneers scored a narrow 4-3 win on the road against Sewickley Academy at the RMU Island Sports Center on Neville Island. Jared Wall scored a pair of goals and an assist for the Buccaneers, while Colton Boda and Cooper Suman also found the back of the net. Jonah Endlich made 22 saves in net for Burrell. The Buccaneers outshot the Panthers 57-25.

Griffins football stifles Cal U

Seton Hill University football scored one of the most impressive wins in program history on Saturday, as the Griffins blanked California University of Pennsylvania 29-0 at Offutt Field in Greensburg. The Griffins outgained the Vulcans 491-22. SHU quarterback Boden St. Marie went 20-of-32 passing for 337 yards, with one TD and two picks, Jayden Llanos caught seven passes for 119 yards, and Tim Gaynor rushed 26 times for 105 yards and two scores. Defensively, Brayden Darrell registered seven tackles and 1.5 sacks, while Etienne Somuah and Demetri Whitehead recorded interceptions. With the triumph, the Griffins moved to 2-3 overall, and 1-1 in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) West, while the Vulcans dipped to 2-3 and 1-1.