Football season hits midpoint tonight
If Laurel Highlands wants to make a push for the WPIAL football playoffs, tonight would be a good time get the push going, as the season hits its midpoint at halftime of tonight’s games.
The Mustangs (2-2) travel to Greensburg Salem (3-1) in a key Keystone Conference game. Both teams are 1-1 in conference games, the Mustangs coming off a win over Uniontown and the Golden Lions off a loss to Ringgold.
While LH is coming off a key win over its closest rival, Mustangs’ coach Zack Just is just happy to be back doing what he loves to do. Just spent last weekend in the hospital and he heads into this game against his alma mater likely to be coaching from the Offutt Field press box, as he continues to regain strength from his flu-related hospital stay.
Still, Just knows enough about the Golden Lions to know tonight’s game will be a tough one.
“They are awesome on offense,” Just said. “Their quarterback and running back are one of the best combinations around. Their running back can go the distance at any time.”
What that means to his team is simple: possess the ball and avoid mistakes.
“We’re looking to shorten the game and keep their offense off the field as much as we can,” Just said.
Elsewhere in the Keystone, Uniontown (0-4, 0-2) and Hollidaysburg (0-3, 0-2) seek their first win when they meet at Uniontown. Albert Gallatin (0-4, 0-2) also seeks its first win at Ringgold (3-1, 2-0).
Belle Vernon (2-2) gets back to Big 8 Conference play tonight when the Leopards travel to Chartiers Valley (3-1). Both teams are 2-0 in conference games and the winner of this televised game will take a step toward reaching the playoffs.
Connellsville (2-2, 1-1) hopes for its first Foothills Conference winning streak in five years when the Falcons host Penn-Trafford (4-0, 2-0).
The tough Class AA Interstate Conference shows three area teams at the bottom. Southmoreland (1-3, 1-3) travels to Waynesburg Central (0-4, 0-3). The Scotties’ lone win came over Brownsville. The Falcons (0-4, 0-4) host Beaver (4-0, 4-0) in a non-conference game.
In the Class A Tri-County South Conference, California (3-1, 2-1) faces the second half of its conference meat-grinder. The Trojans host Beth-Center (4-0, 4-0) a week after losing to Monessen.
Frazier (2-2, 2-1) looks to stay in playoff contention when it hosts Geibel Catholic (1-3, 1-3).
Mapletown (1-3, 1-3) seeks back-to-back conference wins by hosting Jefferson-Morgan (2-2, 2-1), while Carmichaels (1-3, 0-3) seeks its first conference win when the Mikes travel to West Greene (0-4, 0-4).