Derry Area football edges Yough in conference opener

Derry Area football opened its section schedule with a thrilling win on Friday, as the Trojans used a two-point conversion to edge Yough 22-21 at home in the Class 2A Allegheny Conference opener. Derry Area QB Mason Beeman had a touchdown run in the fourth quarter, and his subsequent two-point conversion pass to Demauri Robinson accounted for the difference in the Westmoreland County showdown. Additionally, Ahmad Ward had a 78-yard kickoff return TD to open the game for Derry Area (2-2, 1-0), and he later added a touchdown run. On the Yough (1-3, 0-1) side, quarterback Raidon Kuroda posted a pair of touchdown runs and a TD pass to Mikey Nogy for the Cougars.

Leopards edge Vikings in first-place soccer showdown

The Belle Vernon Area boys soccer team sits in first place in its section, courtesy of a crucial 1-0 home win against Mount Pleasant Area last Thursday. Trevor Kovatch netted the lone goal in the 17th minute for the Leopards, while Bryce Burkhart earned the clean sheet in net for BVA. Belle Vernon Area also prevailed in a section contest at Washington 5-1 last week, while Mount Pleasant Area edged host McGuffey 1-0 last Tuesday. As a result, the Leopards pace Class 2A Section 3 at 6-0-0, while the Vikings are just behind at 5-1-0. Norwin (6-0-0 in Class 4A Section 2) and Burrell (4-1-0 in 1A Section 3) are the other Westmoreland teams that hold the top spot in their respective sections.

Yough tabs Znavor for girls hoops

Brian Znavor already has experience coaching Yough boys basketball, and he’ll now have the opportunity to guide the Cougars girls program. His previous coaching experience includes leading the Yough boys approximately two decades ago, as well as stints as the head coach of Elizabeth Forward boys basketball and assistant roles with the Norwin boys program. Znavor, a graduate of Norwin, played both basketball and football for the Knights. He was hired to fill the vacant position after Mike Gerdich stepped down in the offseason. Gerdich guided the program for six seasons, culminating with a WPIAL Class 3A playoff appearance last season. He compiled a record of 23-94 during his tenure, including an overall mark of 10-12 this past campaign.

Spartans named Santia wrestling coach

Following the departure of wrestling coach Vince DeAugustine, the Hempfield Area School Board didn’t have to look far for his replacement. Last week, the district approved Hempfield alum Steve Santia to guide the Spartans. Santia has been at the helm of the Hempfield Area junior high program, and he also serves as an assistant coach for the Spartans football team. During his career on the mat at Hempfield Area, Santia captured a PIAA gold medal. As a coach, he served at the helm of Southmoreland. He replaces DeAugustine, who was hired as the coach at Seton Hill University this summer after leading the Spartans for 16 years total over two stints.

Williams, Hoffman, Dusi win tennis sectionals

Three Westmoreland County girls tennis players captured section titles last week, as Penn-Trafford’s Mia Wiliams, Sasha Hoffman of Greensburg Central Catholic, and Belle Vernon Area’s Gabriella Dusi claimed gold. Williams, a sophomore, cruised to the title in Class 3A Section 1. The top seed in the bracket, she claimed 10-0 wins against Norwin’s Jenna Walko and Madelyn Twichell of Hempfield Area. In the semis, Williams prevailed 6-0, 6-0 against Franklin Regional’s Michelle Yan, and she capped her run with a 6-1, 6-0 championship victory against Ellen Liu, also of FR. Hoffman reigned atop Class 2A Section 1. Her path included 10-0 whitewash victories against Jeannette’s Bailey Richardson and Jade Mazzoni of Greensburg Salem. She also ousted Indiana Area’s Tess Kuzneski 6-1, 6-0 in the semifinals and captured the crown with a 6-0, 6-1 win against Derry Area’s Danielle Dominick. Dusi, meanwhile, received a bye to the quarterfinals as the top seed in Class 2A Section 2. From there, she won 10-0 against Nicole Camargo of South Park, 6-1, 6-1 against Chartiers Valley’s Raelle Wilshire, and 6-0, 6-2 against Grace Kempton of South Park in the title bout. All three advance to the WPIAL Girls Tennis Singles Championship tournament, which will be held on Wednesday and Thursday at Bethel Park and North Allegheny high schools.

SVC football captures first W

An airtight defensive effort and a strong running game allowed Saint Vincent College football to capture its first win of the season, as the host Bearcats edged Allegheny College 23-19 on Saturday. SVC allowed just 194 yards of total offense to the Gators, while the Bearcats amassed 160 yards on the ground. Max Pisula registered a pair of rushing touchdowns, while Ty Martin had 15 carries for a game-high 96 yards. Quarterback Austin Slye hit 16-of-26 passes for 164 yards, including a 44-yard touchdown connection with Kaelib McElroy to extend to a 10-point lead in the third quarter. Additionally, Dwight Collins led the defensive effort for the Bearcats, as he notched 10 tackles. In their next contest, the Bearcats will travel to play Geneva College on Saturday at 7 p.m.