Derry Area football snaps long skid

For the first time since 2020, Derry Area football tasted victory on Friday. The Trojans claimed a 26-21 home win against Greensburg Salem, snapping a 20-game losing streak that was the longest active mark in the WPIAL. Derry Area’s Ahmad Ward had a breakout game, as he rushed 28 times for 191 yards and three touchdowns, and he contributed a 100-yard interception return score in the second quarter, staking DA to a 26-0 advantage. As a result, Derry Area second-year head coach Mike Arone earned his first victory guiding the Trojans. The previous win came 19-6 against Valley on Oct. 9, 2020. Derry Area, which improved to 1-1, will play at Southmoreland this week, while Greensburg Salem will look to rebound from its 0-2 start when the Golden Lions host Ligonier Valley.

Panthers edge Wildcats in thriller

For the third consecutive year, the football battle between Franklin Regional and Greater Latrobe provided plenty of drama. After the Panthers engineered an epic comeback to prevail in 2021, the Wildcats survived a double-overtime thriller last season. This year, a goal line stand in the waning moments gave the Panthers a 28-21 victory on the road at Memorial Stadium. Franklin Regional twice denied Greater Latrobe QB John Wetzel at the 1-yard line in the final minute of regulation. Earlier in the quarter, Kyle Dupill’s second TD run of the contest put the Panthers in the lead, as he amassed 115 yards rushing. Chase Lemke added a pair of touchdown passes in a 10-for-14 performance for FR. For Greater Latrobe, Wetzel hit on 8-of-19 passes for 184 yards, while JaTawn Williams caught four passes for 124 yards and added a 99-yard kickoff return score.

PT’s Turowski claims WCCA golf title

For the second time in three years, Penn-Trafford’s Nick Turowski has staked his claim as the best boys golfer in Westmoreland County. Last Thursday, Turowski won the Westmoreland County Coaches Association (WCCA) golf crown at the Latrobe Elks Golf Course. Turowski, who also won the event in 2021, prevailed by a comfortable margin, as he fired a 4-under 68, including five birdies. Second-place finisher Braden Riley of Greensburg Central Catholic carded a 74. Turowski also helped propel the Warriors to the WCCA Class 3A team title, as PT compiled a score of 380, 18 strokes better than Greater Latrobe. The Centurions took first in Class 2A, registering a team score of 398, while Belle Vernon Area placed second at 407. The WCCA girls event will be held this Thursday at Champion Lakes Golf Course & Resort in Bolivar.

Several county boys soccer teams start strong

While the WPIAL soccer season is just two weeks old, a quartet of Westmoreland County boys teams have already produced two wins in section play. Norwin, Greater Latrobe, Belle Vernon Area, and Mount Pleasant Area are each 2-0-0 early in the ledger. In Class 4A Section 2, the Knights have scored lopsided wins against Allderdice and Hempfield Area, 6-0 and 14-0, respectively. In Class 3A Section 4, the Wildcats bested Penn-Trafford 2-1, and followed with a 3-1 win at Obama Academy. In Class 2A Section 3, the Leopards cruised to a 7-0 home win against Southmoreland, and followed with a 2-1 victory against Yough. In the same section, the Vikings also notched a victory at home against Yough 2-0, and triumphed 5-1 at Washington.

KA girls volleyball wins outdoor match

Host Kiski Area prevailed in its annual “Pack the Park” outdoor volleyball match against Norwin last Tuesday. The Cavaliers ousted the Knights 3-1 in the contest held at Kennedy Park in Vandergrift. The inaugural event took place in 2021, while last year’s match was moved indoors to Kiski Area High School because of inclement weather. The event raises funds for the We Serve First Foundation, which was formed in memory of Ellen Toy, a former head coach for Kiski Area.

Griffins football drops opener

For the second time in as many years, Seton Hill football opened its season with a Thursday night road game at Wheeling University. Unfortunately for the Griffins, the result was the same as 2022, as the Griffins suffered a 35-24 setback against the Cardinals. Seton Hill held a 10-7 halftime lead, but Wheeling outscored the visitors 14-0 in the third quarter to take command. Ky’Ron Craggette led the Griffins with 14 carries for 87 yards and a touchdown, while QB Jake Cruz threw for 134 yards and a score, while also contributing 66 yards rushing and a TD. Cody Rubrecht paced SHU receivers with two grabs for 47 yards, including a 45-yard touchdown. Seton Hill will open the home portion of its schedule on Saturday at noon against Shippensburg University in a nonconference matchup.