Which team went undefeated in the Class 4A Big Nine Conference two of the past three years?

Most would think it was Thomas Jefferson, as the Jaguars have won three consecutive WPIAL titles.

But the correct answer to that trivia question is ... Belle Vernon. The Leopards posted an 8-0 record and claimed the conference title in 2016, then went unbeaten in conference play again last year. And the Leopards beat the Jaguars both times.

“Going unbeaten in this conference is tough enough,” Belle Vernon coach Matt Humbert said. “Two times in three years is something to be proud of.”

Unfortunately, Belle Vernon hasn’t been as successful in the playoffs. After winning both conference titles, the Leopards lost in the WPIAL quarterfinals and watched Thomas Jefferson claim the championship trophy.

Coach: Matt Humbert

Years at school: 5

2017 record: 10-1

WPIAL playoff appearances: 27

Returning starters: Offense 8, Defense 6

Key returners: Jared Hartman (6-2, 210, Jr., QB), Mason Pascoe (5-7, 170, Sr., RB), Kirk Popelas (6-2, 260, Sr., G-DL)

Keys to success: A balanced attack on offense and solid defensive play was the key to success with last year’s conference champions. The same is true for this season.

With 14 starters returning, some believe Belle Vernon is the team to beat in the Big Eight Conference.

“I don’t know if we are the favorite,” said Humbert, now in his fifth year. “Let the experts pick that. We have an experienced group of kids coming back that should make us a contender for the conference title.”

Humbert has eight starters returning on offense, including quarterback Jared Hartman and running backs Mason Pascoe and Larry Callaway.

Hartman became the Leopards quarterback last season as a sophomore and completed 61 of 123 passes for 928 yards and 15 touchdowns.

“Jared had a good grasp of the offense last year as a sophomore,” Humbert said. “He’s a smart player who really understands the offense. He’s becoming a good leader.”

Pascoe led the Leopards with 788 yards on 115 rushing attempts last year. Callaway added 433 yards on 57 carries in a backup role.

“Mason is our biggest home run threat,” Humbert said. “Larry is freaky athletic and has great breakaway speed. It’s a nice one-two punch having them.”

Nino Kuntz and Hunter Ruokonen also return on offense. Anthony Bertram and Nolan Labuda were part-time starters.

Four of five starters are back on the offensive line: Seniors Eric Oblak, Kirk Popelas, Anthony Rebar and Collin Pallotta.

“This is the most cohesive unit we’ve ever had,” Humbert said. “Rebar, Popelas and Pallotta are three-year starters. Popelas has offers from Youngstown State and Saint Francis. We’ve got good beef up front.”

Humbert has six starters back on defense. Popelas and Hayden Baron return on the line. Bertram and Kuntz are back at linebacker. Labuda and Jake Fine return in the defensive backfield.

“We are experienced on both sides of the ball,” Humbert said. “We can run the ball well, pass well and block well. We can also play strong defense.”

Belle Vernon has made nine consecutive WPIAL playoff appearances and qualified 11 times in 12 years.

Humbert will not have to wait long to find out if his squad can beat Thomas Jefferson again. The Leopards and Jaguars face off in week two.

“I’m indifferent to how early we play them,” Humbert said. “We just love the challenge of playing the defending WPIAL champions.”

First Published: August 14, 2018, 12:00 p.m.