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Mike White's high school sports chat: 9.12.17
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Mike White
10:59
Hey everyone, what's up??? Time to get started. Through three weeks of season, I can't help but notice some of the scores again. No lack of scoring. But I'm not that impressed by some of these teams that, quite obviously, are running up scores. It's ridiculous with some of them. Won't mention any names -- just yet.
WPIAL lifer
11:00
Mike, first...thanks for your dedication to western PA HS sports. Question: have you heard how MSA fund raising efforts have gone? Fingers crossed that they stay around for the long haul.
Mike White
11:01
MSA will be OK, I think. Been told there could, emphasis on could, be some kind of new deal or partnership that could be announced any day. We'll see.
WPIAL lifer
11:01
Another question: what's your prediction for title game format next season? I think its only fair that 2A has a 16-team field. Maybe 3 games at Heinz and 3 at RMU or Highmark?
Mike White
11:03
No way WPIAL wants only three at Heinz. They want their four game format. Helps to have another game to pay the bills. It's not cheap to go into Heinz. 2A already has 16 team format. You're probably talking 3A. It's a shame they don't have 16 team format in 3A now. But that's the four games at Heinz thing. Some of this will depend on how many schools will be in each class. New numbers should come out in December or January.
James Royce
11:03
I'm curious to see how this Montour team will do against Mars, I think there overrated they will get out coach by Mars once again
Mike White
11:07
Well Montour is 2-0- after going 4-6 last year. Montour has won two games by 42-21 and 51-14. One of the wins was over New Castle. If that's being overrated, then every team would love to be "overrated." Yes, Scott Heinauer has done a terrific job at Mars. But Lou Cerro isn't exactly shabby at Montour. Has WPIAL titles to his credit. And he is the only coach that gives Johnny Cash look on sidelines. Black shirt, black pants, black tie. And it's always been rumored that Lou Cerro gets a lot of coaching strategy from his buddy Tim McConnell. Don't know if that's true.
Jim Stetson
11:07
Will we see Kenny White this season?
Mike White
11:07
Hurt his knee in first game for Pine. Coach Eric Kasperowicz said it was only a sprain. I don't know. But he hasn't played last two games.
T Dubb
11:07
I think there a few underrated players in the WPIAL that know one talks about specially in the city league
Mike White
11:09
Well I'm specially interested to see who they might be. Do you have a few that know one knows.
Wike Mhite
11:09
5A seems wild this year.  I'm sure some of this will shake out in the coming weeks but it Seems to me there are 7 or 8 teams that still have legitimate Heinz field hopes, would you agree?
Mike White
11:10
I don't know if I'd go as far as seven or eight. 5A is probably the most balanced of all the classes. But as far as quality of teams, I don't think it's as good as last year.
Jack
11:10
In 3-A, what schools look to have a chance to challenge the Beaver Valley powers?
Mike White
11:12
Beaver Valley on a different level. Seton and KO look like best teams otherwise. Doesn't appear to be a "Derry" this year that will surprise people. Although intrigued with this Quaker Valley team. They are 3-0 but haven't played anyone yet. A couple tomato cans. They play Beaver this week. One of most interesting games.
Jack
11:12
Would a dominant year by Imani attract some transfer scrutiny? They've make some interesting additions over the past two years.
Mike White
11:15
Imani is Transfer High. WPIAL did its best. Made two players ineligible last year but PIAA overturned decision. Then QB Wesley comes from University Prep this year. Imani has killed UPrep. Top RB Asante Watkins and WR-DB Sam Fairley came from UPrep last year. Kenny Robinson (Graduated) came from UPrep last year. Wesley comes this year along with Rahmon Hart from Plum. Go figure. And they don't let up scoring points on anyone this year.
Jack
11:16
Any chance that a TJ or Steel Valley choose to play up next year for realignment?
Mike White
11:16
Very doubtful. Why should they??
Bobcat4Lyfe
11:16
What's your thoughts on the the Beaver vs Quaker Valley game. Both teams put up big numbers vs lackluster opponents. Big impact of the Beaver Valley Conference, especially fighting for a wild card spot.
Mike White
11:18
As I said, one of most intriguing games this week. Beaver isn't great, but I think still pretty good. This Ricky Guss (Quaker Valley QB) really has opened eyes. See what he does this week. Beaver defense is pretty good. Offense nothing spectacular. If QV wins, I'm ready to "hop on the Guss Bus because don't need to discuss much. Might make a new plan with Stan."
Jack
11:18
City League isn't the WPIAL.
Mike White
11:19
Thanks for that clarification.
11:20
Haven't seen Imani but I've talked to coaches and people. They are good. I think they will challenge Jeannette and Clairton. Clairton is destroying opponents like they did in past years.
Ex Player
11:20
Lou Cerro is a great coach had a chance to play for him years ago and he now has some big time play makers from what I've heard
Mike White
11:21
Well one Division I kid in WR Ronnie Stevenson. Ronnie is good but no way he jumps as well as his father -- Ron Sr. -- who used to take dimes off backboards during his Fab 5 days at Langley.  Coach Lou has a few other good playmakers, too. That will be the difference against Mars.
Tom
11:22
Do I think New Castle deserved that win last week?
Mike White
11:23
Deserved it??? Why??? Did they do something wrong??? They won 48-47 in double OT. Why wouldn't they deserve it???
Jack
11:23
Speaking of Imani, who do you like in the Eastern? Clairton, Jeannette, Imani?
Mike White
11:24
Tough to say yet. But I think you have to go with Clairton until they lose. How do you not go with Clairton, even though they don't appear to be as strong as before. Coach has two more games left on four game suspension. He'll be back for Imani and then Aliquippa.
RamsFoLife
11:25
What do you think of the start that Kiski is off to? Do they have a chance to turn it around? O Line is looking pretty small
Mike White
11:26
Have no idea about Kiski OLine. They're 0-3 but lost three close games. And Sam "I am" Albert has given good fortune to other programs. At least it looks like they're competitive, although they haven't played best teams yet.
Josh
11:26
Mike, you were right with the West Mifflin pick to my chagrin... All in good fun. But has Knoch earned any respect for its performance. They were in the fight to the very end only down 6 with like 4 minutes to go.. #7 for west Mifflin good fast runner.. Yards after contact
Mike White
11:27
I don't know. I don't have a respect meter any longer at my mansion. I think Knoch was respected many years when Mike King was coach. You want respect? Win games.
GD
11:28
USC seems to be back on track after Steubenville loss. Looks like they're throwing the ball much more than Render has in the past...
Mike White
11:30
They're 2-1. Got a nice win at North Hills. As far as throwing, I don't know that they're throwing it more. Ol' Jim has always put the ball up some. Jack Hansberry has thrown 41 times in three games. That's about 13 times a game. Hardly an aerial circus. If they win, it will be because of defense and if their lines come through. I understand their skill players are very solid.
Wike Mhite
11:30
Is coach wade with Claritin suspended just for games?  Is he still there for practices all week?
Mike White
11:32
Yes, suspended four games. He's allowed to practice, do everything. Just can't go to games.  They'be beaten Springdale and Canevin. Next is GCC and Monessen. My wife could coach them and they'd win these four games.
Wike Mhite
11:33
4A Northwest 9 seems deep this year.  Despite that, do you see anybody challenging South Fayette and Montour before their week 9 showdown?
Mike White
11:35
It's three weeks in and I think it's pretty apparent that South Fayette and Montour are on a different level than the rest of the conference. Then again, who would've expected New Castle to go to the WPIAL final last year from that conference?
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