Mike White: Happy rain-free Tuesday. Well, it has kind of stopped raining. The open sign is on. Store is open. Let loose with any questions.

2AFootballFan: The Steel Valley - Avonworth game last weekend was incredible. Two very good teams fighting it out until then end. Do you see this as a preview to a possible 2A Championship game?
Mike White: Well Steel Valley is our No. 1 ranked 2A team. Avonworth almost won. That says something for Avonworth. Washington lost to Charleroi. Steel Valley squeaked by Avonworth. Maybe 2A is more than just one or two teams that will contend for title. Big game this week is Shady Side at Steel Valley. We'll know more about Shady Side after this week. I think many people at start of season, including myself, thought there was Steel Valley and Washington, and then everyone else. Wrong!!!!!
Mike White: News on the recruiting front this morning. North Allegheny's Joey Porter Jr. commits to Penn State. Can't say I'm surprised. He had Miami, LSU and Nebraska on final list. I always thought no way he goes there. Had to be Pitt or Penn State and I got the indication earlier this summer that Penn State might be leader. Will Ju-Ju go to Penn State games like he does NA games now.????

john from BV: Big upset this week CV over NC
Mike White: If you say so. Central Valley has given no indication so far in three weeks that would make me think they will win this game. Obviously not one of Mark Lyons' best teams. But I bet they get better as season goes. I can't see a win this week. They'll be going crazy on Mastrangelo Hill if that happens.

Quad North Fan: Went to Wexford for the NA-PCC game. Got a little rowdy at the end on the field, but it seemed like NA handled them. I know this is a dead horse, but PCC's offense isn't very creative to put it mildly. Also, is this the best bunch of skill players NA has had since their State Championship teams? Those kids can all run.
Mike White: Easy now. NA has had some pretty good QBs the past two years. Not a great running back. And NA did go to the WPIAL semifinals last year and gave a really good Pine-Richland team a decent game. RIght now 6A is a two-horse race. NA and Pine.

Mike White

Joey Porter Jr. always favored Penn State, but an SEC school was second on his list

X: I watched the NA/CC game Friday and i've seen the big 3 (PR) in 6A now a few times. I think NA is clearly better than CC. Shut down the run (easier said than done) and CC seems to struggle for a Plan B. They don't seem to have the home run hitting rb these days and having their young back hurt didn't help. CC passing game was anemic at best...door may be opening for the sophomore. I was really impressed by NA's toughness and team defense.
Mike White: Not a great Central offensive team. That happens. NA winning was not a shock. Best part of NA's team is still defense.

FanStan: OLSH vs Rochester who do you got and why?
Mike White: I'll take OLSH - just because. No, they seem like they might be better all-around team. But if that Rochester gets into Leather again - Noah Whiteleather - then Rochester will win. He ran for more than 300 yards last week. OLSH offense is impressive but key to game is OLSH defense.

AA Arnie: Are the Freedom Bulldogs for real?
Mike White: Nice to see what Freedom is doing. Good for a team that hasn't won much over the years. I'll say this: It's very possible that Freedom goes undefeated in regular season - in fact I'll say likely - and we still may not know if they are "really" good. Why? I gotta be honest. Conference is weak. Riverside isn't as good as they were last year. Neshannock isn't as good as they were few years ago. Then there's Ellwood City, Mohawk, Shenango, Western Beaver. See what I'm saying? I think Freedom is probably better than they've been in a while. Just don't know how good.

X: How do you think the NA/PR game will play out?
Mike White: The quarterback for one of the teams will run to the center of the field and plant a flag into the turf and he will be barred from a field hockey championship. That's how I think it will play out. Oh I'm sorry. Did that already happen????

Mike: Clear favorite in Class 2A Three Rivers conference? Seems like it could be a coin toss, that comes down to the last week
Mike White: Who knows? Another conference filled with teams that haven't had a lot of success lately. We will see some new faces probably winning conferences in Class 2A this year. The six class thing has helped some of the teams in 2A immensely.

OBSERVER: Don’t sleep on Beth-Center or Charleroi in AA. Those two can light up scoreboard.
Mike White: What Charleroi did to Washington was shocking. As for Beth-Center, they are always pretty good Playoff success is another matter.

X: I know it's early, but which WPIAL teams have the best chance to bring back a state title?
Mike White: Aliquippa.

Mike White

Joey Porter Jr., North Allegheny defensive back, commits to Penn State

Wike Mhite: 4A seems to lack competitive games between top teams. Looks like it’s basically TJ and SF and then everybody else. SF’s only challenge on paper the rest of the year seems to be Blackhawk. Maybe West Mifflin challenges TJ... Any other thoughts on 4A Mike?
Mike White: Agree. 4A is not good, but what do you expect with only 16 teams in the class. That's what happens with six classes. Can you say watered down? I think TJ is on a different level right now. Yes, South Fayette is good again. But don't give up on Belle Vernon. They had some injuries/illness to key players. I'm not saying they will beat TJ if they played again, but I think they are better than they showed Friday.

WPIAL Fan: Given how competitive 5A is and how bad 6A seems to be (other than NA and PR), are you surprised in hindsight that no 5A teams elected to play up to 6A this cycle?
Mike White: Not at all. Why play up and knock your heads against the wall against NA and Pine and the likes. Do you know that a few of those 6A teams would still be about twice the size of 5A teams. You think Penn Hills or Peters regrets having dropped to 5A?

Dfresh: Seneca Lebo seems to be the best matchup this week. Seth Morgan Lebo QB is leading 6A in Passing with over 700 and has rushed for over 200. Who you picking?
Mike White: This game likely will determine fourth place in 6A. That might not sound like all that much because only nine teams and six go to playoffs. But finishing fourth gets you a home game in the first round. Finishing fifth or sixth puts you on the road. Top two get byes to semis. I'll take Seneca.

Wike Mhite: I know it’s early but the 5A playoffs seem like they could be a real treat! In my opinion, 5A is the deepest class we have by far! Seems like that enrollment level is very common with WPIAL schools. Might be a class that continues to grow in size (# of teams) in future years.
Mike White: 5A is definitely the best class in WPIAL, as far as depth of quality teams. Most people thought that before the season started. Team that intrigues me the most is McKeesport. Gateway and Penn Hills deserve to be 1 and 2. But McKeesport might be right with them in a game. Remember, as coach Matt Miller once said, McKeesport has guys again who can take it to the barn at any time.

Jim Rivers: Went to the TJ vs BV games this week. Wow TJs O line was monster. Their Center set the tone for that game. He was a beast on D too.
Mike White: You're talking about Dom Serapiglia. He's the "Dominator." One of best linemen in that class. Mac Duda is a junior who Bill Cherpak said could be their next D-1 lineman. The rest of 4A should've taken notice at that Belle Vernon game and also when Cherpak admitted that if his team keeps improving, it could be one of his better teams. That's saying a lot. Good enough to beat Erie Prep?

WashCoFan: Interstate Conf 2A looks for grabs this year with Wash High looking down and Charleroi, Beth Center and McGuffey all looking strong. How do you think they finish?
Mike White: Tough call. I haven't seen any of them. But right now, I think Charleroi has to be the team to beat. Easy Ed Dalton might have the sleeper in McGuffey.

X: I've looked for the show that used to run on Saturday mornings that you did with Missi Matthews and couldn't find it. Is it going to air this year?
Mike White: You're talking about the Steelers Show. They used to air it Saturdays when it was more Youth show. But the last two years, it had become more of a high school show and aired Thursday nights, sponsored by the Post-Gazette. Well it's not on TV this year but still a weekly segment on Steelers web site previewing top high school games. Steelers also post highlights of game of the week on their web site Saturdays.

Guest: What do you think of what happened yesterday with Sewickley Academy and Lincoln Park on both exchanging blows on Recruiting players
Mike White: Lot of he said, she said stuff. Nothing will happen. Just gives more fuel to the fire of private/Catholic/charter school thing. Now you have a private and charter accusing each other of recruiting.

Wike Mhite: I was pretty upset when Aliquippa ran off coach Z. While I still think the way they did it wasn’t ideal...I must insert my foot in my mouth on thinking that it was a mistake. It seems they have a balanced attack, can kick extra points... perhaps coach Z’s old school mentality was actually holding them back. Aliquippa is scary good this year!
Mike White: Aliquippa was scary good last year - and many other years. Remember, got to the finals 10 consecutive years. Yes, Aliquippa throws the ball more this year. Just proves more than one way to skin a cat. Mike Warfield has done a very good job there. He stands for a lot of good things. He's trying to do things right way. But so did Mike Zmijanac. Why would Z throw the ball a lot when he had people like Terry Swanson and Dravon Henry in the backfield with a big line? Mike Warfield is excellent. But the Quips would be good this season if Big Sean was coaching them.

WPIAL Football Fan: We hear the debate all the time on the eastern side of the state but how much longer do you think before a charter school in western PA launches football? Who do you think might be the 1st charter school to do so in the region? Thanks!
Mike White: Have no idea. Lincoln Park probably has largest enrollment of WPIAL charter school, but they are now in cooperative sponsorship agreement where their kids play for Western Beaver. It's not easy to start a football program at a little school and sustain it. Numbers just aren't there.

WPIAL Fan: You probably watch more HS Football than any of us. Any trends that you seen through a couple weeks this year? Increase in penalties called? Offenses more wide open? Defenses playing more sub packages? Overall quality up or down?
Mike White: Scoring is way up and yes, obviously, offenses and passing are way up. That has been documented, even by myself. I think talent is down - and facts back that up. I mean, recruitable talent for Power 5 conferences. Not as many in past 5-6-7 years. Heck, a few years ago we had 18 sign Division I-A on signing day. That's alarmingly low. This is not a great year for big time talent and I don't see a lot of it next year, either. Doesn't mean we don't have good players. Western Pa. certainly has good players. Just not as many big-time players. People don't like to hear that and will debate it, but simple numbers back it up. But still, a lot of colleges recruit this area.

WashCoFan: Who are the highest paid football coaches in the WPIAL? Any chance PG can do an article on that?
Mike White: We don't have that info.

Jinx: Do you think the Charleroi Cougars can make a run at the 2-A title?
Mike White: We talked about 2A earlier in chat. Doesn't seem to be overwhelming team. Wash High got crushed by Charleroi. I think Steel Valley is still the No. 1 team, but they squeaked by Avonworth. Maybe there is 4-5 teams who have a chance this year but I still think Steel Valley is still the No. 1 team. We'll know more about Shady Side Friday when they play at Steel Valley, A Shady Side win wouldn't shock me.

Pcc fan: My observation of pcc and n/a props to coach walker and I am fan of NA number 20 and 21 best players on that team. ECP was much better and Seneca can beat NA. 6 turnovers pcc would t beat a 1a team. NA offense is bad. Can’t throw at all. 11 best by far qb. But heard from coach he was knocked out cold and twitching on fumble in 4th? How is he if you know? Game was 14-3 3 min left in 3 rd. With 5 turnovers.. not impressive score. Pcc d line shit
Mike White: No idea how QB is. I think NA is good, but not great. Same with Pine. Central appears to be a notch below, but that could change come playoff time.

Wike Mhite: Can Woodland Hills turn around their season? Tough schedule to start the year and now they have USC, Baldwin and West A the next 3 weeks. They could easily end up 1-5 after 6 weeks. Sad to see a historic program struggling there...
Mike White: Yes, Woodland Hills is 0-3. I'll have to check to see last time that happened. This will not be a good year for Wolverines. They seem to be lacking in some areas. Like a lot of teams, their numbers are down. They had fewer than a dozen ninth graders at start of season, although they were hoping to get more. The days of Woodland Hills dominating every year might be over.

WashCoFan: With a bunch of small school powerhouses enrollment dwindling, what future mergers would you most wana see from a sports perspective?
Mike White: Well heck, I'd love to see Aliquippa merge with North Allegheny. Ha ha. You do know mergers have to be of neighboring districts. Thing is, there is usually one district that doesn't want the merger. I mean, Sto-Rox should probably merge with Montour at some point, but will that ever happen? Always heard about Clairton and Thomas Jefferson. Could you imagine that football team? I know you really have to wonder how long some of these small schools can survive, especially ones that are financially troubled.

Pcc fan: Was not impressed with Porter this n NA 20 and 21 better. Not sure how he is one of top players in State. Not even top on his team. Good on covering long passes, but shows lack of interest in hitting or taking on a block!
Mike White: He's big and can move and has a lot of physical traits. That's what gets players recruited. I agree that he doesn't wow you sometimes, but it's not easy sometimes as a high school defensive back to have the wow factor. I know he did have a good amount of interceptions last year. Must be doing something right. He's not recruited as a receiver.

WPIAL Fan: Tim O'Malley has served WPIAL well, but has to be getting near the end of his career. Any ADs or Superintendents that you see as potential successors? Will likely be key as the public/private debate goes on.
Mike White: Don't put Tim in the rockin' chair just yet. Has few more years left. When Larry Hanley was there, we knew Tim was natural successor. Same thing when Ace Heberling was there. Knew Larry Hanley likely successor. I don't see one at this time. I'll throw one out. Pat Mannarino of North Hills?

WPIAL Fan: Does KO have a shot at beating the Quips
Mike White: No absolutely not. They should just forfeit now. C'mon. Of course they have a shot. Not likely to win, but can I just say this score: 2-0 Quaker Valley. Who would've thought that?

JD: How many teams from Class 5 conferences make the playoffs. Do you think Franklin Regional will be in the running.
Mike White: Three conferences. Top five teams from each conference qualify and one wild card team. So yes, Franklin Regional will most certainly be in the running.

BigChief: What is your take on Jeannette win this past Friday? Do you see any WPIAL 1A team dethroning them? Is Farrell their toughest challenge in Western PA?
Mike White: They still have Clairton to play. And it's not like they crushed Imani. I could see Jeannette being challenged.

da snake: I live in Moon and am hearing good things about Baldwin this season. I'm interested in your take and how you see that one going this week.. . .thanks!
Mike White: Baldwin proved something in giving Upper St. Clair fits. They are obviously much better. 1-9 a year ago. Moon will have hands full.
Mike White: That's it for now. Everyone stay dry. Be good. We'll meet again next Tuesday at 11 a.m.

First Published: September 11, 2018, 2:05 p.m.
Updated: September 11, 2018, 4:04 p.m.