In a thrilling WPIAL opener, Montour defeated Central Valley 27-20, with Caden Halajcio scoring the winning touchdown. Zander Stern shone with a touchdown catch and a pick-six. Other notable season openers included Moon's narrow 14-13 win, Carlynton's 20-12 victory over Carrick and OLSH's dominant 27-0 victory over Rochester.
The Montour Spartans experienced a rough end to the 2024 season, marked by an overtime loss in the final regular season game and a playoff upset. Although several key players graduated, coach Lou Cerro is optimistic about returning talent and newcomers contributing to the team's success this fall.
High school volleyball kicks off this week in the West Hills area. Three teams -- Bishop Canevin, Montour and Our Lady of the Sacred Heart -- all reached last season's WPIAL Tournament. Each team faces challenges including player losses, but coaches express optimism for the new season with returning and incoming talent.
The Moon Area girls golf team secured a victory against defending state champion Peters Township by a score of 159-169, improving to 3-0. Senior Angelina Schild led with a 1-under-par 35, while junior Liv DeGori and senior Aubrey Marasco both shot 40. Moon's boys team opened its season with a win over Montour.
Thomas J. Birko Memorial Stadium at Montour High School honors Thomas Birko, a beloved educator and coach who served from 1951 to 1982. A World War II veteran, Birko coached baseball, served as athletic director and impacted many students before his death in 1984.
Dylan Mathiesen, a 2022 Montour High School graduate, was drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 13th round of the MLB draft, overcoming size challenges and a recent elbow surgery.
Four players from three West Hills high schools have made the All-State baseball team. Jackson Maddix (Bishop Canevin) and Thomas Medwig (Our Lady of the Sacred Heart) earned first-team honors, while teammate Iseia Fields-Schulz and Matteo Weber Montour received second-team recognition. Each player showcased impressive statistics and strong defensive skills.