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Mike White's high school sports chat: 10.14.25
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Mike White
10:55
Well, James Franklin is gone at Penn State, every WPIAL player who was committed to Penn State has opened his recruitment. So what now for those players? Does Pitt try to swoop in? And only two weeks left in WPIAL regular season. City League playoffs start this week. So let's start talking. Chat now open.
Rules Matter
10:55
When will the WPIAL start becoming consistent with eligibility rulings?  Don't you think regardless of the transfer postseason eligibility should be denied.  It does not hurt the player for recruiting.  Most transfers are in some respect for athletic intent, they are not transferring for the academics only.  People are transferring to good programs like PCC, Aliquippa and Pine Richland not Baldwin, Fox Chapel or Laurel Highlands.
Mike White
10:58
There has been inconistency in WPIAL eligibility rulings for ages. But I back them up in some cases because they are just going by the rules set up by the PIAA. For example, you believe all transfers should be ineligible for the playoffs. Many of them are. But the PIAA has exceptions built into the postseason rule and transfers use those exceptions to become eligible. One is the threat of violence. I know of a few who have used that exception to be eligible for playoffs. And like I have said, you don't know what evidence is presented to WPIAL. Without knowing, it's hard to crticize some of their rulings.
WPIAL Seedings
10:59
What are your predictions on seedings in 4A?  Which I think is wide open.
Mike White
11:00
4A has changed so often this year and it could change again. I predict McKeesport will get number 1 seed. I think New Castle gets No. 2, provided they beat Ambridge and Blackhawk, which they should. From there, it's hard to say and depends on what happens the final two weeks.
WPIAL Seedings
11:01
How about 5A?  Is it Pine Richland #1 because they have not lost to a 5A team in WPIAL since 2023 or Peters since they are in the toughest conference?
Mike White
11:01
I definitely think Pine gets No. 1 and Peters definitely No. 2. If Woody High wins its final two, it gets No. 3 and right now USC No. 4.
Beaver County Fan
11:03
There was a time when Beaver County dominated WPIAL HS football. I can recall a few times back in the days when there were only four classifications that Beaver County would have five or even six of the eight teams at Three Rivers/Heinz Field on WPIAL championship day. It doesn’t seem to be that way anymore. Outside of Aliquippa and Central Valley, and maybe Beaver, the county isn’t as dominant as it once was in football. Teams like Rochester and Blackhawk are shadows of their former selves. Any thoughts on why this has happening?
Mike White
11:05
Yes, I would agree that Beaver County isn't what it used to be. Just look at the fall of Blackhawk and Rochester. Ambridge isn't anything what it used to be. Remember the days when they were all good, and you had  Monaca and Center, too. I don't know the answer. I know drop in population is biggest factor.
Piaa
11:05
No dominant SJP team this year. Central Catholic your time is now
Mike White
11:05
Agree.
SportsFan
11:05
mike have you heard any insight if matt sieg will be healthy enough to throw in the playoffs?  Their offense is dynamic but they will definitely need to be able to pass the football in the playoffs.
Mike White
11:06
I have no idea about Matt Sieg's arm/shoulder. They're not saying. But honestly, they don't need him to throw yet to win. Might be saving that arm for playoffs.
Mr Ed
11:06
I watched Matt Sieg last Friday and also in couple of the championship games and the kid is tremendous. I can definitely see him be very successful as a D1 defensive back with his athleticism and smarts. So what follows is not about him personally. But sorry,  in general it does bug me a little with the “all time leader” stuff when attached to 1A kids. I mean, can you picture  Phil Jurkovec, Arrington, or Rushel Shell  in 1A? I just think more emphasis should be attached to all time leaders by classification rather than in general.
Mike White
11:11
It's all in one. What's wrong with that. You'd have to be an idiot to not realize that some guys in smallest classification would not have as big of stats in higher class. But so what. Why not just give the kid his due for doing some great things.
Rutherford B Hayes
11:11
Have you heard anything in the realm of the school mergers rumor mill? I have heard a few tidbits relayed by messenger pigeon.
Mike White
11:12
I have not. It takes two schools to tango. Sometimes people bring up these mergers. Well, one school might not want the other. But I agree. Too many schools in Pennsylvania. Too many little schools. Merging would benefit many.
Popular Sovereignty
11:12
Seems like Baldwin could make a relatively good schedule as an independent with the 5 city league schools (Brashear, Perry, Allderdice, USO, and Westinghouse--they seem to look for games often), as well as Uniontown, Connellsville (if they remain, and Butler (If they remain). If Albert Gallatin and Brownsville want to play.. that is a full schedule. If not, Only leaves 2 games for them to fill in with other districts or states.
Mike White
11:13
Yep, if Baldwin doesn't like things, they should go independent. Nothing wrong with saying, "we just can't do this."
Ranking
11:13
Mike, really enjoyed your top 10 dominant teams from the wpial. It was a blast from the past reading some of those teams. You should make a list on the top 10 wpial teams, regardless of classification. Like if earth was on the line, which teams would you have the most faith in to protect us. Maybe a bit dramatic…
Mike White
11:14
That list of top 10 teams was indeed done regardless of classification.
Ryan
11:14
What do you think about Kiski do the cavaliers get the non section win on Friday GO KISKI
Mike White
11:16
Ahhhh, Ryan's weekly Kiski question. Well let me say this: This week (coming up on Saturday), Kiski's band will be competing in the PIMBA (Pa. Interscholastic Marching Band)  Championships at Deer Lakes.
In the largest class in the past 24 years, Kiski has won the championship 13 times and Norwin has won 9 times. There was no champion in 2020 (covid) or 2019 (rained out).
This year is too close to call. So how 'bout that, Kiski fan? It's about time you start asking about that band, don't ya think?
pops
11:16
Will North Hills every be a contender again with the rise of PR and other surrounding districts?  It seems like all of the talent in the district goes elsewhere.  They lost to Shaler and I don't ever think they will be a legit contender ever again for the same reason.
Mike White
11:17
Depends what contender is. Yes, they are nowhere near a contender for WPIAL crown. But they did finish regular season 8-2 last year and gave Pine a good game. But yes, things haven't looked good at North Hills this year. Shaler loss was bad.
guest
11:18
Any way Bethel gets in if they lose to SF?
Mike White
11:19
Yes, but depends how bad they lose. Look, WPIAL football committee will pick the three wild card teams. No way the Northeast gets a wild card. I think two wild cards come from the Allegheny Six and one from the Big East.
CouncilMember
11:19
Did Quippa QB Council play last week? Did you hear anything their situation up there? I heard he is not playing the rest of the year because of a leg injury and he already has scholarship offers so need to rush back.
Mike White
11:20
He is already committed to Yale. And he is done for the season because of a knee injury suffered earlier this season. Big loss for the Quips. I think they still make the playoffs but they are not guaranteed yet. Last time they missed was 1994.
Dave G
11:22
As someone who enjoys going to random high school football games, I was really impressed by the Diamond kid at Frazier on Friday.  He had to have had 300 yards and 5 touchdowns against Riverview.  Small school football is what it is, but kudos to that staff down there turning things around.
Mike White
11:23
Dave G, you're talking about Derek Diamond. He had 268 yards on 37 carries in that game and five TDs. He now has over 1,000 yards for the year. He's a real "Diamond" in the rough. ..... Woooo hooooo. I'll be here all week. .... And Diamond is Frazier's best friend.
Mr Ed
11:24
Aside from McKeesport, I would still put my money on Quips being in 4A championship game. One, respect I have for Mike Warfield, and secondly, yes they lost at NC, but only by six without their starting QB Council, who’s a good one. Thoughts?
Mike White
11:25
No I wouldn't count out Quips making championship. But this is not the Aliquippa teams of past years. Losing Council definitely hurts. They had Goode playing QB last week and he's their best receiver. Plus, I've said all year they lack the explosive, top running back they've had for so many years. 4A is pretty open, but when that Ke MAN Spell plays, I'd go with McKeesport.
Rules Matter
11:25
The PIAA should change the rule for post season to no exceptions--you transfer you are ineligible for the playoff- NO exceptions - Do you think it would somewhat change people wanting to leave and teams wanting to accept or encourage transfer - otherwise just make it open enrollment
Mike White
11:27
It already has deterred some transfers. I know that for a fact. But sometimes a transfer is legit. Like what if you legitimately move. So I think having some exceptions is OK, but people are starting to know how to "play" those exceptions.
Pgh hoops
11:27
The pepperdine basketball "offers" last year at this time didn't age well.  I don't think any of those players received any other subsequent offers.  Do you think that hurts the kids recruiting or does it help?
Mike White
11:27
No comment on the Pepperdine offers. Does that say enough?
Zorro
11:27
I read an article talking about the NCAA offering flag football and potentially basketball 3v3 as a sport.  Will high schools start to have these sports on a varsity level?
Mike White
11:31
Well there is already a girls flag football league in WPIAL area, sponsored by Steelers. The PIAA has voted to sanction girls flag football, starting this spring. But there will be no WPIAL or PIAA championships until 2027. Yes, colleges will probably offer flag team scholarships. Girls flag football participation grew by leaps and bounds the last two years in the country. I have not heard about any potential 3 on 3 basketball. I doubt we will see that sanctioned on high school level. But what do I know. You never know 10 years from now.
Allegheny Six Fan
11:31
Who do you like in USC vs Moon - both are good teams and both are talented and physical?
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