Jayhawks football wins No. 800

Jeannette reached a milestone win in a 24-7 triumph at Greensburg Central Catholic on Friday in a Class 1A Eastern Conference clash. The visiting Jayhawks (6-1, 4-0) notched the 800th win in program history, becoming the second team in WPIAL history to hit the mark. Hunter Schaeffer replaced injured QB Anthony Stuchell and rushed 17 times for 143 yards and two scores, while also hitting 3-of-8 throws for 63 yards and another TD to Jayce Powell. On the other side of the ball, McAllister Steele registered a team-leading nine tackles, two sacks, and a forced fumble. Luke Semelka had an 80-yard interception return for the Centurions. As a result, the Jayhawks moved to 6-1 overall, and they remain atop the conference standings at 4-0. Jeannette hosts Fort Cherry in a nonconference clash on Thursday night on the Westmoreland Sports Network. With the setback, GCC dropped to 5-2 overall, and 2-1 in the Eastern Conference. The Centurions play at Riverview on Friday.

Nine Westmoreland boys soccer teams clinch

With just more than a week left in the WPIAL boys soccer section ledger, the playoff picture is becoming clearer. Nine teams from Westmoreland County have already secured their spots in the postseason. In Class 4A, Norwin has guaranteed its spot. The Knights are leading Section 1 with a mark of 8-0-0. In Class 3A, Franklin Regional, Penn-Trafford, and Greater Latrobe have punched their tickets. The Panthers lead Section 1 at 9-0-1, while the Warriors are just behind at 8-0-1, and the Wildcats sit in third with a mark of 5-3-1. In 2A, Burrell, Mount Pleasant Area, Belle Vernon Area, Yough, and Southmoreland have all clinched. The Buccaneers are in third place in Section 1, with a record of 7-2-1. Meanwhile in Section 1, the Vikings lead the way at 9-1-0, followed by the Leopards (8-1-1), Cougars (5-2-2), and Scotties (5-3-1). Other Westmoreland teams that remain in postseason contention include Hempfield Area in Class 4A, as well as Kiski Area in 3A and Jeannette in 1A.

Warriors, Golden Lions headline volleyball qualifiers

As the WPIAL girls volleyball regular season winds down, several Westmoreland County teams have already secured playoff berths, highlighted by a pair of teams that are unbeaten in their sections – Penn-Trafford and Greensburg Salem. In Class 5A, PT, Greater Latrobe, and Kiski Area have clinched. The Warriors pace Section 2 at 10-0, while the Wildcats are 8-2, and the Cavaliers are 7-3. In 4A, both GS and Valley are in. The Golden Lions lead Section 2 at 11-0, while the Vikings sit in second at 9-1. Lastly, both Burrell and Derry Area have qualified in Class 3A. Burrell is in second from Section 1 at 7-1, while Derry Area is one spot behind with a mark of 6-3. Other Westmoreland County teams still in contention for the postseason include Hempfield Area (6A), Franklin Regional (5A), Belle Vernon Area (4A), and Ligonier Valley and Southmoreland in 3A.

DA’s DePalma steps down

Derry Area’s veteran softball coach, John DePalma, has stepped away from his position. DePalma guided the Trojans for six seasons, compiling a mark of 38-56 during his tenure. Last season, DePalma helped DA achieve a record of 11-5 overall, including 9-3 in Class 4A Section 1. In the WPIAL playoffs, the Trojans bested Beaver Area 8-4 in the first round, but lost to Elizabeth Forward by the same score in the quarterfinals. He also helped orchestrate the program’s first postseason victory in 2021. Prior to leading the softball team, DePalma served as a baseball assistant at Derry Area, as well as at the University of Pitt-Greensburg.

Bearcats football proves explosive in win

For the second time this year, Saint Vincent College football reached 60 points in a win. The Bearcats smashed Thiel College 62-20 on Saturday in a Presidents’ Athletic Conference clash. Celebrating homecoming, the Bearcats took a 41-0 lead at the half. Matthew Davis rushed 21 times for 167 yards and three scores for SVC, while Jake Phillips hit 7-of-16 throws for 128 yards and three TDs and Chris Downs caught six passes for 122 yards and a trio of touchdowns. As a result, Saint Vincent moved to 2-2 overall, and 1-2 in the PAC. SVC plays at Saint Francis University this Saturday at 1 p.m.