Mount Pleasant edges GCC in double OT thriller

For the second time in as many weeks, Mount Pleasant Area football played in a contest decided by a single point. After falling to Jeannette in Week Zero, the Vikings were on the other end of the spectrum last Friday. A two-point conversion in double overtime gave Mount Pleasant a thrilling 36-35 victory at Greensburg Central Catholic. On the decisive play, Stephen Predajna found the end zone on the conversion run, shortly after he hauled in a TD pass from Cole Chatfield. Predajna also rushed 15 times for 87 yards and a score in the win, while Brody Hutter registered 14 carries for 93 yards and a pair of scores. Samir Crosby enjoyed another prolific game for GCC, as he hit on 13-of-30 passes for 219 yards, with two TDs and an interception, and he rushed 19 times for 131 yards and three TDs. While the Vikings improved to 1-1, the Centurions dropped to 1-1 after they prevailed in a high-scoring affair at Shady Side Academy to open the campaign.

Leps Quips showdown cancelled by lightning

Several lightning delays prompted the cancellation of the highly-anticipated matchup of defending state champions Belle Vernon Area and Aliquippa on Friday. The host Quips held a 12-0 edge against the Leopards with 1:49 left in the opening quarter when action was halted for good. Aliquippa’s Tikey Hayes and Sanir Brooks each scored rushing touchdowns, although the stats do not count. Belle Vernon Area has yet to play an official game, as it opted for a second scrimmage instead of a Week Zero game.

Wildcats, Vikings, Bucs boys soccer dominate in section

An array of boys soccer teams opened section play last week, and a trio of Westmoreland County teams asserted their dominance. Greater Latrobe, Mount Pleasant Area, and Burrell each captured a pair of lopsided section wins. After dropping a nonsection contest to open their season, the Wildcats responded with a 3-1 win at home against West Mifflin Area last Tuesday, followed by a 9-3 victory at Uniontown Area on Thursday. In the win against the Titans, Roman Agostoni tallied twice, and Warren Agostoni contributed a pair of assists. A couple of days later, Roman Agostoni compiled three goals and two helpers, Warren Agostoni notched two goals and two assists, and Jacob Stephenson also posted a pair of goals. At 2-0-0, Greater Latrobe currently resides atop the Class 3A Section 3 standings. The Vikings blasted Brownsville Area 10-0 last Tuesday, and followed up with a 5-0 triumph against Derry Area two days later. In the home blowout against the Falcons, Aiden Johnson recorded a hat trick and two assists, and Tyler Kurtz notched two goals and a pair of helpers. In the homestanding victory against the Trojans, Johnson scored four goals, while Ayden Gross produced a goal and an assist. Mount Pleasant tops the standings in Class 2A Section 4 at 2-0-0. The Buccaneers cruised to a 7-0 home win against Leechburg on Tuesday, and then rolled at Valley 9-3 on Thursday. Against the Blue Devils, Billy Kowalkowski had a goal and three assists. In the rivalry win against the Vikings, Brady Vickers scored twice, and Kowalkowski netted a goal and three helpers. Burrell resides in first place in Class 2A Section 1 with a mark of 2-0-0.

SHU football falls in season opener

Seton Hill University football opened its 2024 season on the road last Thursday, as the Griffins suffered a 56-24 defeat at Fairmont State. Although the Griffins held a 10-7 lead in the second quarter, the Fighting Falcons scored 35 unanswered points to earn the win. Seton Hill quarterback Jacob Cruz went 16-of-28 passing for 238 yards, with one TD and one interception. Ethan Fame registered four catches for 91 yards and a touchdown, while Todd Phillips posted three receptions for 94 yards. Additionally, Griffins running back Ky’Ron Craggette produced 95 yards and a score on 24 carries. The Griffins play again on Thursday this week, as they host Ohio Dominican at Offutt Field at 7 p.m.

Bearcats WSOC opens with consecutive shutouts

The Saint Vincent College women’s soccer team opened its season in impressive fashion last week, as the Bearcats notched a pair of shutout wins. Last Friday, SVC scored a 1-0 win at home against Marietta College. Tanisha Grewal scored the lone goal in the waning moments, as she found the net in the 89th minute. Meanwhile, Rilyn Warner earned the clean sheet in goal, making eight saves. On Sunday, Saint Vincent scored a 3-0 win at Hiram. The Bearcats tallied all of their goals in the second half, courtesy of Madisen Geesaman, Emma Koller, and Bella Meder. Werner earned another shutout, making three saves. Next up for SVC is a Westmoreland County clash at the University of Pitt-Greensburg on Wednesday at 4 p.m.