One of the most successful WPIAL high school football coaches has retired. According to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Ambridge High’s Don Yannessa coached his final game Wednesday night. Yannessa went out with a victory as his Bridgers defeated South Park, 42-20. On Oct. 18, New Castle beat Ambridge in the Parkway Conference finale for the ’Canes, 47-28. “It was time,” the 68-year-old Yannessa told the Post-Gazette. “Everybody has to make this decision for themselves at some point. “I know I’m going to miss it, especially the relationship with the kids, the guys I coach with and just the challenge. But in the other sense, there are things I’m not going to miss.” Ambridge finished 1-5 in the conference and 2-8 overall this season. Yannessa began his legendary career at Aliquippa and coached the Quips from 1972 to 1988. He won four WPIAL titles with Aliquippa before coaching Baldwin from 1989 to 2002. He moved on to Ambridge and coached the Bridgers for six seasons. During his 37-year coaching span, Yannessa won 249 games. Who was the best player Yannessa ever coached against? "[Defensive lineman] Bruce Clark of New Castle in the 1970s," Yannessa told the P-G. "That was like going against Godzilla. We tried to run right at him when we played them. The offensive guard I had trying to block him? He still doesn't talk to me to this day."

While some WPIAL teams are preparing for the playoffs this week, Shenango also will be playing a 10th game. The Wildcats are the only team from Lawrence County to add a “crossover” game to their schedule and will travel to Cornell. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. Thursday. “We’re a young football team, so the more practices and more games we can get, the better off we’ll be next year,” Shenango coach Ryan Mayo said. “Now after our last game (a 35-6 loss to Laurel), it’s kind of like who’s going to show up, who’s got the heart and who’s going to show up for Cornell. It’s going to be hard for some guys to find that motivation, but the real players will find it.” The Raiders went 1-8 in the WPIAL Class AA Century Conference and are 1-8 overall, while Shenango went 1-6 in the Class A Big Seven Conference and is 3-6 overall.

Tickets for New Castle High’s first-round WPIAL Class AAA football playoff game will go on sale from 10 a.m. to noon Wednesday, Thursday and Friday and again from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Thursday. They will be sold in the ticket office.

There will be no student tickets sold at the gate.

The Red Hurricane will host the first-round game Friday at Taggart Stadium against Franklin Regional. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m.

THE MATCHUP: Shenango at Laurel, 7:30 p.m. Friday

LAST WEEK: Shenango (1-5, 3-5) beat Union 12-6; Laurel 2-4, 2-6) lost to Western Beaver 35-13.

WHAT TO WATCH: Laurel is still entertaining playoff hopes. The Spartans must top Shenango and get help to force a tie with South Side Beaver. The Spartans own the tiebreaker with the Rams. Laurel has won four straight meetings against Shenango, two of which have been shutouts.

*****

WHEN: Mohawk at New Castle, 7:30 p.m. Friday

LAST WEEK: Mohawk (4-4) lost to Beaver 41-28; New Castle (5-3) beat Ambridge 47-28.

WHAT TO WATCH: New Castle is ranked No. 4 in the WPIAL in Class AAA by the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. The Red Hurricane secured a home playoff game in the first round of the WPIAL playoffs with last week’s Parkway Conference win over Ambridge. This is the first meeting between the schools.

*****

THE MATCHUP: Neshannock at Union, 7:30 p.m. Friday

LAST WEEK: Neshannock (2-4, 3-5) lost to Monaca 38-10; Union (0-6, 1-7) lost to Shenango 12-6.

WHAT TO WATCH: This game is for pride between the county rivals. Union has beaten Neshannock the last two years. The Scotties have lost six straight games, while Neshannock has dropped four consecutive contests.

*****

THE MATCHUP: Riverside at Ellwood City, 7:30 p.m. Friday

LAST WEEK: Riverside (2-5, 2-6) lost to Aliquippa 36-7; Ellwood City (0-7, 0-8) lost to New Brighton 41-40.

WHAT TO WATCH: Ellwood City is still winless on the year but has shown the ability to score. The Wolverines have lost 23 straight games dating back to 2006. Riverside has won four straight games against Ellwood City. Riverside’s wins have come against New Brighton and Freedom, which have a combined three victories.

*****

THE MATCHUP: Wilmington at Slippery Rock, 7 p.m. Friday

LAST WEEK: Wilmington (6-0, 8-0) beat Titusville 54-7; Slippery Rock (4-1, 7-1) beat Canandaigua Academy, N.Y. 31-21.

WHAT TO WATCH: There is a lot at stake for Wilmington. A win for Slippery Rock would tie the teams atop the District 10, Region 3-AA standings. The Greyhounds can secure the crown outright with a victory. Jono Powell has passed for 725 yards and rushed for 886 and 16 TDs.

KAYLEEN CUBBAL — Hot Ticket Matchup: Laurel over Shenango. The Spartans are still alive for a playoff berth and that will provide plenty of motivation. The Wildcats, though, also have something to play for since they are attempting to finish .500 with wins against Laurel and in their season-ending crossover game at Cornell next week. Look for Laurel to continue its recent domination in this one, however.

New Castle over Mohawk

Neshannock over Union

Riverside over Ellwood City

Wilmington over Slippery Rock

*****

RON “THE DOCTOR OF STYLE” PONIEWASZ — Hot Ticket Matchup: Laurel over Shenango. Laurel has a lot to play for and should come out fired up. The Spartans have dominated Shenango in recent years and this game should be no different.

New Castle over Mohawk

Neshannock over Union

Riverside over Ellwood City

Wilmington over Slippery Rock

*****

JOHBN “BRUISER” D’ABRUZZO — Hot Ticket Matchup: Laurel over Shenango. The Spartans have been inconsistent since posting that huge win against South Side Beaver earlier in the year. A lot is on the line, though, and I believe competing for a playoff berth will be enough to get Laurel in gear.

New Castle over Mohawk

Neshannock over Union

Ellwood City over Riverside

Wilmington over Slippery Rock

The WPIAL football steering committee will announce playoff pairings Monday, and Comcast cable television will broadcast live from the pairings meeting, beginning at 7 p.m. According to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, the meeting will be on CN8, which is either channel 188 or 210 for Comcast subscribers.

The WPIAL’s realignment for football hasn’t favored any Lawrence County teams this season. Entering the final week of the regular season, four teams from the former Tri-County North Conference — Neshannock (2-4, 3-5), Laurel (2-4, 2-6), Shenango (1-5, 3-5) and Union (0-6, 1-7) — rest at the bottom of the Big Seven Conference standings. Still, Monaca coach Sam Cercone and Western Beaver coach Matt Gray have enjoyed the level of competition in the conference this season. “I absolutely love it,” Cercone said. “I coached as an assistant years ago when (the conference) was together before, and it was very competitive then. It’s competitive now and I love it.” “This is like the old Big Seven Conference from way back in the day,” Gray said. “I started coaching as an assistant back in the eary 1990s and some of these teams left and now they’re back. “It’s changed a little bit, but the travel is easy so that’s nice.”

Chances are, you don’t have Codey Hunter on your fantasy football team roster. If you did, though, he might have been able to beat your opponent singlehandedly last week. All kidding aside, the Ellwood City Lincoln High junior came through with a career game against New Brighton. He reached the end zone six times and could not be stopped by air or ground. He rushed for 208 yards on 21 carries and hauled in three passes for 134 yards. To top it off, he even added a crucial interception on defense in the Wolverines’ wild 41-40 setback.

THE MATCHUP: Titusville at Wilmington, 7 p.m. Friday

LAST WEEK: Titusville (2-4, 2-5) lost to Sharon 41-28; Wilmington (5-0, 7-0) beat Reynolds 50-0.

WHAT TO WATCH: Wilmington recorded its second shutout of the season last week against Reynolds. The Greyhounds are ranked No. 5 in Class AA in the state poll. John Proano paces Titusville in rushing with 869 yards on 122 carries with and 10 touchdowns. Cameron Atha has 15 receptions for 264 yards and two touchdowns.

*****

THE MATCHUP: Ambridge at New Castle, 7:30 p.m. Friday

LAST WEEK: Ambridge (1-3, 1-6) lost to Beaver 20-7; New Castle (4-1, 4-3) beat Moon 40-6.

WHAT TO WATCH: New Castle is on a four-game winning streak. The ’Canes are ranked No. 4 in Class AAA by the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. The ’Canes clinched their second consecutive WPIAL Class AAA playoff berth last week. It will be alumni cheer night at Taggart Stadium with the Pop Warner cheerleaders performing. The event will benefit Harry’s Army Foundation.

*****

THE MATCHUP: Beaver at Mohawk, 7:30 p.m. Friday

LAST WEEK: Beaver (5-1, 6-1) beat Ambridge 20-7; Mohawk (4-3, 4-3) lost to Beaver Falls 45-24.

WHAT TO WATCH: Mohawk still has playoff aspirations, but it must beat Beaver and get some help. The Warriors’ Travis Schubert ranks fourth in the county in rushing with 599 yards. The Bobcats’ Jake Nardone is the WPIAL’s leading rusher with 1,021 yards on 111 attempts with 13 touchdowns.

*****

THE MATCHUP: Monaca at Neshannock, 7:30 p.m. Friday

LAST WEEK: Monaca (4-1, 6-1) beat Laurel 29-10; Neshannock (2-3, 3-4) lost to Rochester 35-0.

WHAT TO WATCH: Neshannock has lost three straight games by a 76-10 count. The Lancers still have playoff hopes but need to win and get help. Monaca’s Tony Reda scored three touchdowns last week in a win over Laurel. The Indians are ranked No. 4 in Class A by the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

*****

THE MATCHUP: Ellwood City at New Brighton, 7:30 p.m. Friday

LAST WEEK: Ellwood City (0-6, 0-7) lost to Center 48-0; New Brighton (1-5, 1-6) lost to Aliquippa 35-14.

WHAT TO WATCH: Ellwood City has lost 22 straight games dating back to 2006. New Brighton has won two consecutive meetings against Ellwood City.

*****

THE MATCHUP: Laurel at Western Beaver, 12:30 p.m. Saturday

LAST WEEK: Laurel (2-3, 2-5) lost to Monaca 29-10; Western Beaver 4-1, 5-2) beat Union 47-14.

WHAT TO WATCH: Laurel still has playoff hopes but needs to win out and get help as well. Robert Jones leads the Spartans in rushing with 347 yards. Zach Cavalier led Western Beaver last week with 164 yards rushing and three touchdowns in a win over Union.

*****

THE MATCHUP: Union at Shenango, 7:30 p.m. Saturday

LAST WEEK: Union (0-5, 1-6) lost to Western Beaver 47-14; Shenango (0-5, 2-5) lost to South Side Beaver 41-0.

WHAT TO WATCH: This Big Seven Conference matchup is for pride. Both teams are on a five-game losing streak and out of playoff contention. Union has been shut out three times during the streak. Ricky Mathews paces Shenango in rushing with 345 yards on the season.

KAYLEEN CUBBAL — Hot Ticket Matchup: New Castle over Ambridge. The ’Canes are red-hot. Who knows what happened those first three games, but it seems not to matter now. New Castle fans have a reason to rock Taggart Stadium for the first time in quite awhile.

Beaver over Mohawk

Monaca over Neshannock

New Brighton over Ellwood City

Wilmington over Titusville

Western Beaver over Laurel

Union over Shenango

*****

RON “THE DOCTOR OF STYLE” PONIEWASZ — Hot Ticket Matchup: New Castle over Ambridge. New Castle is on a roll and Ambridge is going to be another victim. The ’Canes’ offense is in high gear and nobody seems to have an answer. Look for the mercy rule in this Parkway Conference fray.

Beaver over Mohawk

Monaca over Neshannock

New Brighton over Ellwood City

Wilmington over Titusville

Western Beaver over Laurel

Union over Shenango

*****

JOHN “BRUISER” D’ABRUZZO — Hot Ticket Matchup: New Castle over Ambridge. I can’t see New Castle allowing the Bridgers to even make this a game. The ’Canes are out to clinch at least a share of the Parkway crown this week and it’s not an accomplishment they’re going to let slip away.

Beaver over Mohawk

Monaca over Neshannock

New Brighton over Ellwood City

Wilmington over Titusville

Western Beaver over Laurel

Shenango over Union

Union is in the midst of another tough season. The Scotties (0-5 Big Seven, 1-6 overall) have lost five games in a row and are playing for pride. “I don’t know what the mentality of our players is at this point,” head coach Stacy Robinson said. “Whether these kids want to quit or not, I don’t know. I’m going to be here every day working hard and trying to win a football game. “We will lose a lot to graduation; it’s a numbers crunch. I invite anyone to spend a day at Union and see what I’ve been fighting for 12 years here. It’s not easy. It’s my school and I’m going to do what I can to keep it going.” Union last made the WPIAL playoffs in 2003.

KAYLEEN CUBBAL — Hot Ticket Matchup: Rochester over Neshannock. The worst news for former Tri-County teams was that Gene Matsook’s WPIAL powerhouse Rochester squad was coming into a reconfigured Big Seven Conference. It still is.

New Castle over Moon

Beaver Falls over Mohawk

Center over Ellwood City

Western Beaver over Union

Monaca over Laurel

South Side Beaver over Shenango

Wilmington over Reynolds

*****

RON “THE DOCTOR OF STYLE” PONIEWASZ — Hot Ticket Matchup: Rochester over Neshannock. Rochester has too much firepower for Neshannock. The Rams will build an early lead and Neshannock will have to abandon its running game and that will spell doom.

New Castle over Moon

Beaver Falls over Mohawk

Center over Ellwood City

Western Beaver over Union

Monaca over Laurel

South Side Beaver over Shenango

Wilmington over Reynolds

*****

JOHN “BRUISER” D’ABRUZZO — Hot Ticket Matchup: Rochester over Neshannock. The Rams continue to dominate the Class A field this season. The Lancers are certainly holding their own in the Big Seven, but I don't expect a major upset this week. Rochester has a vast amount of talent, especially in its backfield. Chad Pennington is one of many Rams having a monster season. I do expect him to find the end zone more than once Friday night.

New Castle over Moon

Beaver Falls over Mohawk

Center over Ellwood City

Western Beaver over Union

Monaca over Laurel

South Side Beaver over Shenango

Wilmington over Reynolds

Three weeks ago, New Castle didn’t know where it stood. The Red Hurricane began the season with a three-game losing streak before knocking off a trio (Hopewell, West Allegheny and Montour) of ranked Parkway Conference opponents. Now, New Castle is eyeing a playoff berth and could clinch a spot with a win over Moon on Friday. “Over the past few years, we have been up and down,” ’Canes coach Frank Bongivengo Jr. said. “We started the season with high expectations and started off 0-3. It would have been very easy for this team to say, ‘Here we go again. I’m going to call it quits.’ We came back with three big wins against three ranked teams. And that’s a testament to the fortitude that these kids have. They weren’t ready to give up. They went harder and harder. That’s why I’m so proud of them.” West Allegheny and New Castle stand atop the conference standings at 3-1, followed by Blackhawk (2-1), Montour (2-1), Ambridge (1-3) and Moon (0-3).

Not everyone made it back to Laurel for Homecoming. The most conspicuous absence, though, may have been that of Lindsey Sauers. As the 2007 Homecoming queen, tradition has it that Sauers would be the one to crown her successor. However, the 2008 grad is a member of the LaRoche college women’s volleyball team, and the Redhawks had a game Friday night at Wheeling Jesuit. Thus, when Kasie Brown was announced as Laurel’s queen, she received her tiara from pinch-hitter Natalie Orelli, student council president. Not to worry, though. Kasie came to the ceremony packing her own tradition. Laurel’s 52nd Homecoming queen is the granddaughter of its first, Carol Harlan Brown.

THE MATCHUP: Sharon at Wilmington, 7 p.m. Friday

LAST WEEK: Sharon (3-0, 5-0) beat Carrick 37-26; Wilmington (3-0, 5-0) beat Hickory 53-7.

WHAT TO WATCH: Wilmington is ranked No. 5 in the state. The Greyhounds have won the last five meetings against Sharon, including the playoffs, dating back to a 13-12 setback on the road in 2003. Sharon’s Todd Rearick is 35 of 72 through the air for 561 yards with eight TDs and an interception. Rearick also leads the team in rushing with 265 yards and three scores.

*****

THE MATCHUP: Montour at New Castle, 7:30 p.m. Friday

LAST WEEK: Montour (2-0, 4-1) beat Ambridge 40-7; New Castle (2-1, 2-3) beat West Allegheny 35-17.

WHAT TO WATCH: New Castle is on a roll, picking up two straight Parkway Conference wins over ranked opponents in Hopewell and West Allegheny. New Castle is encouraging fans to wear black to the game for “Blackout Night.”

*****

THE MATCHUP: Ellwood City at Mohawk, 7:30 p.m. Friday

KEY PLAYERS: Ellwood City: Joe Galmarini, Sr., QB/DB, 5-10, 150; Jared Feit, Jr., RB/DB, 5-8, 155; Kyle Hutchison, Sr., OL/LB, 6-0, 220.

Mohawk: Seth Powell, Jr., QB/DB, 6-0, 175; Travis Schubert, Sr., RB/LB, 5-11, 215; Tyler French, Sr., G/DE, 6-1, 235.

WHAT TO WATCH: Ellwood City won the last matchup between the teams in 1997, 27-0. The Wolverines have lost 20 straight games dating back to 2006. Mohawk’s Travis Schubert is second in the county in rushing with 521 yards. He leads the county in scoring with 49 points.

*****

THE MATCHUP: Union at Laurel, 7:30 p.m. Friday

LAST WEEK: Union (0-3, 1-4) lost to Monaca 29-0; Laurel (1-2,1-4) lost to Rochester 34-0.

WHAT TO WATCH: Union has been shut out for the last 13 quarters. Laurel has won the last four meetings, two of which were shutouts. Scotties quarterback Mike Pelto is struggling, tossing just one touchdown with eight interceptions. Spartans signal-caller Tyler Forbes ranks third in the county with 524 yards on 40-of-100 passing.

*****

THE MATCHUP: Shenango at Rochester, 7:30 p.m. Friday

LAST WEEK: Shenango (0-3, 2-3) lost to Western Beaver 33-6; Rochester (3-0, 5-0) beat Laurel 34-0.

WHAT TO WATCH: Shenango has dropped three straight contests by a 108-19 margin. Ricky Mathews paces the Wildcats in rushing with 321 yards on 54 attempts. Rochester head coach Gene Matsook is a 1981 Shenango High graduate. Rochester is ranked No. 1 in Class A in the WPIAL and No. 3 in the state.

*****

THE MATCHUP: Neshannock at Western Beaver, 12:30 p.m. Saturday

LAST WEEK: Neshannock (2-1, 3-2) lost to South Side Beaver 21-0; Western Beaver (2-1, 3-2) beat Shenango 43-0.

WHAT TO WATCH: Neshannock’s strong rushing attack was shut down last week against South Side Beaver. The Lancers managed just 121 yards on the ground and 138 overall. This is the first meeting between the schools since 2003.

KAYLEEN CUBBAL — Hot Ticket Matchup: Wilmington over Sharon. There is a scientific rule of thumb when it comes to deciding upon a winner in any game involving Wilmington football: don’t pick against the ’Hounds until they lose. This could be the toughest test of the season for Wilmington, but some seem to think this could be Terry Verrelli’s best team in years. And that’s saying something.

New Castle over Montour

Mohawk over Ellwood City

Laurel over Union

Rochester over Shenango

Western Beaver over Neshannock

*****

RON “THE DOCTOR OF STYLE” PONIEWASZ — Hot Ticket Matchup: Wilmington over Sharon. Wilmington continues to dominate the opposition but this will be the team’s toughest test to this point. Sharon is undefeated as well but the ’Hounds Hammer defense will stifle Sharon’s stellar attack.

New Castle over Montour

Mohawk over Ellwood City

Laurel over Union

Rochester over Shenango

Western Beaver over Neshannock

*****

JOHN “BRUISER” D’ABRUZZO — Hot Ticket Matchup: Wilmington over Sharon. The ’Hounds are only getting better each week. It’s obvious Wilmington is using the regular season as a mere tune-up for some late Novemeber action. You gotta love the offensive package Terry Verrelli has going this year. The ’Hounds defense is as strong as ever, too. Look for the Hammer to fall hard on the Tigers.

Montour over New Castle

Mohawk over Ellwood City

Laurel over Union

Rochester over Shenango

Western Beaver over Neshannock

It’s time to get your black on. That’s the message from New Castle High as Friday has been deemed “Blackout Night” at Taggart Stadium. The resurgent Red Hurricane — winners of two straight over unbeaten Parkway Conference opponents — will take on Montour in a homecoming matchup. The school’s athletic department is asking all fans to wear black to create a sea of darkness when the Spartans come to town. Montour is 2-0 in conference play while the ’Canes are 2-1. The Spartans feature quarterback E.J. Banks, a Notre Dame recruit.