You are viewing the chat in desktop mode. Click here to switch to mobile view.
X
Mike White's high school sports chat: 09.29.20
powered byJotCast
Mike White
11:02
It's debate day. No, not THAT debate. Let's maybe debate some high school sports - or at least discuss them. Let's get to it.
11:04
First off, some news on the WPIAL coaching front. Jeff Beltz will step down as Beaver coach at end of season. Before you jump to conclusions, there are no parental or school board problems. Beltz was named last week as assistant superintendent of Moon schools. So he can't coach in the future. He'll finish the season out. Jeff has done a really good job at Beaver, winning 133 games in 21 seasons. Made 14 playoff appearances. Four times in semifinals.
Give me McIntyre Shelter
11:04
Mike....used to be proud to wear the Red and White letterman jacket around. As a fellow alum....what is going on off 19 there?
Mike White
11:06
Obviously, you are talking about North Hills. Contrary to what you think, I don't see North Hills games. I think I've been to one in the past five years. They are 1-2. Looking at stats and scores, they have problems offensively. They haven't been able to run the ball successfully and they haven't had a passing game, either. But they're still 1-0 in conference.
Quad North Fan
11:06
What's your best guess as to how the WPIAL will handle missed conference games in deciding who makes playoffs?
Mike White
11:07
WPIAL football committee meets next week and will make a determination. I don't know what they will decide. But it's a mess in 6A with missed conference games. Honestly, I don't see WPIAL making teams forfeit games they didn't play because of COVID. It might only affect 6A the most.
Quad North Fan
11:07
Central vs. Seneca Valley this week. Who you like? I'm taking SV in not-an-upset.
Mike White
11:10
I agree with you that Seneca winning would not be an upset. Seneca has a lot of players back from last year and they expect to have a good year. Central beat Norwin by only 38-28, and Seneca beat Norwin, 35-3, last week. I've been surprised by how many points Central has allowed. But they have a number of new starters also. I think it's a tossup game. I'd probably go with Seneca.
Randy Kilowatt
11:10
Are the Springdale Dynamos for real?
Mike White
11:14
Is Kilowatt for real? I would guess there's electricity in Springdale with this 3-0 start. Nice for Springdale. I think they are probably pretty good, although they haven't played the stiffest of competition so far, although Bishop Canevin is 2-1. We'll see about Springdale in the next few weeks. Certainly no tomato cans in facing Clairton and Jeannette in two of the next four weeks.
Joe
11:14
Mike, What's the best trick or gadget play you have seen in a high school game?
Mike White
11:15
Considering the play, and the situation, when Gateway ran what they called the "Our Father" play in WPIAL championship against Gateway in 2007. Only a few seconds left, Gateway ran "hook and ladder" play for a TD. Cam Sadler involved. Tied game, but they lost in OT.
11:17
Other greatest gadget play. 1978 -- Central Catholic had Dan Marino and his great, great, great receiver Joe Carcia. Ran "sleeper" play. And to perfection.
Give me McIntyre Shelter
11:17
They beat Shaler which you and I take cheap shots at all the time. The only missing piece here is you....I gather. Ha!
Mike White
11:17
Hold on. Speak for yourself about shots at Shaler.
D9 Dave
11:18
With what you have seen so far, what are most of the schools doing with respect to fans watching games?
Mike White
11:21
It's changing week by week. So many were not allowing many fans, if any, at start of season. But more and more schools are allowing more and more fans. Heck, Ellwood City had homecoming last week and they were going to take 1,000 fans. Judge declaring Gov. Wolf gathering limits "unconstitutional" opened the gates for some schools. Some schools consider 250 on one side of stadium and 250 on the other side. But more schools are allowing more fans. But a number are still allowing only a limited number. I was at North Catholic at East Allegheny last week and at the most, there were 85 people there.
11:22
A pretty good game on Thursday of this week. Upper St. Clair at Peters Township. And also on Thursday, the top two City teams play - Westinghouse vs. Allderdice. I'm coming to the 'Cup' Thursday.
11:25
Friday's best games are Woodland Hills at Penn-Trafford, EF at South Park, New Brighton at Beaver Falls and Central at Seneca.
D9 Dave
11:26
What is the status of the Philly schools with respect to the PIAA playoffs?  Didn't the Philly public and Catholic leagues vote to not play in the fall?
Mike White
11:27
Archdiocese of Philly decided Friday to permit all fall sports again. So Philly Catholic League is on again. No word from Public League. Philly Catholic League will start football games either Oct. 16 or 23. That doesn't leave time for many games before state playoffs. But they will come up with some sort of playoff system. So St. Joe's Prep still can be in PIAA playoffs.
11:29
Also, about the Philly Catholic schools, the PIAA last week approved a motion where each of the 12 districts around the state can decide on playoff teams, no matter how many games teams play. So even if St. Joe's Prep plays two or three games, they can participate in postseason - and then have chance to make PIAA playoffs. Up to the 12 districts (including WPIAL) to decide on playoff teams.
11:31
Also, any teams that aren't in postseason can continue to play games through the end of PIAA playoffs (Thanksgiving Day). Some if teams can find opponents, they can continue to play after regular season ends.
D9 Dave
11:31
Give me your WPIAL championship game predictions for each of the 6 classes.
Mike White
11:33
Yes sir, Dave. Any other demands? I'm not ready to say who opponents are but I will give you champion picks in five of the classes: Pine-Richland, Thomas Jefferson, Central Valley, Beaver Falls and Clairton. That's not really going out on a limb, but I truly think they are the best teams. I'm not sure about 6A yet. I don't think there is a real favorite. This Seneca vs. Central game should be interesting. I think Seneca might be as good as Central or NA.
BUZZY
11:36
Where are all my Keystone Oaks fanboys at?  I miss the questions about the KO'ers...
Mike White
11:36
They're taking the loss to Montour hard.
'lil prexie
11:36
Mike, what are your thoughts about spectators at WPIAL playoffs? Some schools aren't letting in spectators, how can they open up gyms or stadiums to 2 or 4 outside schools to host a game?
Mike White
11:40
Well, this could all change, as you know, if there is a spike in cases. But the way it is right now, I think parents of players should be allowed into playoff games -- inside or outside. That wouldn't be all that many. And if a school doesn't want to allow that, then they won't host games. Honestly, I don't think I'd be ready to make a decision yet on whether to allow any other fans except parents of players. That's about five weeks away, so let's see how things are then and maybe make a decision, although I'd be leaning to just parents.
Beaver County is For Lovers
11:51
CJ2K playoffs start this weekend at Brady's Run. It's been a WELL RUN league with a lot of tremendous talent.

Who do you like as Champions in the Boys and Girls divisions?
Mike White
11:52
You're talking about that basketball league. Sorry, but I really don't know standings or teams in outdoor fall leagues.
11:55
OK, that's about all, folks. Let's chat again next Tuesday at 11. Everyone, be good.
Connecting…