Mike White's high school sports chat transcript: 10.22.24

Mike White / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Mike White: Another great fall day in Western Pa. - so let's have another great chat.
Mike White: This is final weekend of regular season for WPIAL football. Interesting this year in that WPIAL will decide wild card teams. In other words, opinions will matter. Some other interesting questions: Who should be No. 1 in 4A if Montour wins this week - Montour or Thomas Jefferson? Pine-Richland lost to 6A NA last week. Does USC or Pine get No. 1 in 5A? Should Clairton or Fort Cherry get No. 1 in 1A? If Avonworth would beat Beaver, would they have a claim to No. 1 in 3A? Let's start chatting.

The Bumbler: Any chance Central Valley, Beaver, and Avonworth all get byes in 3A Football bracket? Seems like all 3 of them are in the top 4.
Mike White: Good question. I think it all depends on what happens with Beaver and Avonworth, and Elizabeth Forward and Mount Pleasant. If Avonworth wins, I think WPIAL might put Beaver at No. 5, provided EF beats Mount Pleasant. Then EF gets No. 4. But if Beaver would win, I think you could definitely make a point for all three getting top four seeds.

The Bumbler: Where is the love from Aliquippa for your Mike? I read your chat last week and saw you apparently aren't allowed to talk to any Aliquippa coach or player? What's up with that? Are other PG reporters allowed to talk to them or have they completely blackballed the PG? I can't remember a single "unfair" story you ever wrote about the school. Seems really strange when they let all those independent "media" companies on the field that make videos of the kids and show the vulgar language in the locker room. Will they talk to you in the playoffs?
Mike White: No, it's just they won't talk to me. It's the superintendent, Phillip Woods, who won't let coaches or players talk to me. He didn't like me writing about their transfers and some things I wrote during their court case. He even barred me from covering one of their home games. Wouldn't give me a press credential. Oh well. And yes, I've probably written a couple hundred stories on Aliquippa over the years. He can do whatever he wants, rightly or wrongly. Ask me if I've lost any sleep over Aliquippa not talking to me?

John Cougar Mellencamp: Glad to see Carlynton John Tortorea coach have some success there and get them in the playoffs. He was run out of Quaker Valley a few years ago after building the progrm up only to see his team win the state championship a couple months later. QV hasn't done anything since that.
Mike White: Yes, it is nice to see what John is doing. Not good what happened to him at Quaker Valley. Carlynton seemingly has a decent chance at a wild card. Great for them. Last time in playoffs was 2021. Wow!!!!!!

4A FBall Fan: What a wild one on Friday! 4A seeding hanging in the balance on West A vs. Montour this week. Question about Quippa eligibles though, according to WPIAL Meeting minutes over the past 4 or 5 months - Work (#6), Taylor (#25), Boykin (#29), Bailey (#34) and Miller (#22) are ineligible for playoffs. Is that still the case? Are you aware of any postseason waivers handed down by the WPIAL/PIAA?
Mike White: I don't know about all of those guys you mentioned. I do know Work and Taylor are not eligible for playoffs and neither is Miller. Not sure about other two. Work is a good player for them. Moon and Brooks are eligible, though, because they transferred after freshman seasons. Others are ineligible becuase they transferred after sophomore seasons.

Basketball: With the playoffs for football right around the corner, gets me thinking about basketball playoffs, Who would be your favorite, in 6A, 5A and 4A.
Mike White: 6A is easy. Upper St. Clair, Upper St. Clair, Upper St. Clair. 5A and 4A I don't know if you can pinpoint anyone as a definite favorite.

Football Dude: Mike, ever any contact from the WPIAL about having you on the football committee? Nobody sees more games than you. Thinking you and Don Rebel could add alot to the discussion.
Mike White: Oh, c'mon. Someone from the stinkin' media on the selection committee. Well I never. No way the WPIAL would ever go for that. Besides, with games on TV every Friday and with Hudl, games are much more accessible to the members of that WPIAL football committee.

40stripes-retired: Mike, you tried to warn me. I was all hyped in the early season about the NC Red Hurricanes. You kept telling me "the jury is still out". I should have listened. After losing to the Quips, Montour, West A and Ambridge, the Canes can only hope to go out on a high note by beating Blackhawk on Friday and finish 5-4 with a no contest against Highlands. Still, much improvement for the Canes. 1-9, 1-9 to 5-4 (or even 4-5) is a good step forward.
Mike White: Oh, 40stripes-retired, I hate to say I told you so, but I told you so. But hey, New Castle is much improved. Just not to a playoff team.

Pittsburgh Dad: Mike I noticed all of the publicity that Westinghouse is getting for playing a game with 11 players. The thirty or so kids that were suspended for fighting were being shouted out as good teammates. Why are we condoning their behavior? Shouldn’t we be highlighting the fact that the 11 only weren’t suspended because they were in on offense at the time and couldn’t be in trouble for leaving the bench? This isn’t Avella playing with a small roster. This is a brawl that ended a football game. Just have a hard time finding any positives in the situation.
Mike White: First off, who is condoning their behavior? Secondly, did you see video or know what happened? I saw a little video. Many of Westinghouse kids did leave sideline. That's a no-no. But it's not like there was this 50-player brawl. They all left the sideline because their teammates were in an altercation on other sideline. They should not have left the sideline. Westinghouse coach Donta Green admitted that. He was quoted in a story I did that he takes responsibility and they accepted whatever action came their way. He said his kids were wrong for leaving the sideline, but he said he was wrong for never explaining the rule to them. But let's not act like they were in some riot. They left the sideline and received a one-game suspension. End of story. The reason Westinghouse got publicity was because it is a little unusual for a team to play with 11 players.

Arthur V.: How do you think the selection committee takes in to consideration teams that had multiple postponements due to weather? Looking at West Allegheny, playing for a section title vs Montour, but not solidly in due to 2 postponements of games both in which they were winning handedly.
Mike White: I'm sure that will be considered. I think even if West Allegheny loses to Montour, they get a wild card spot.

TM: Do all transfers, who are athletes, have to have hearing with WPIAL? Seems like I know of several who have transferred, but I do not remember anything about a hearing for them.
Mike White: No, not all transfers have hearings. In fact, most of the public is misinformed. Only a few transfers have hearings. Hearings come about usually when a school challenges the transfer. Schools must file transfer paperwork on athletes who transfer. Most athletes are made eligible based on paperwork. It's not uncommon for the WPIAL to have 50 athlete transfers to rule on at their monthly meeting. And maybe one or two are brought in for a hearing.

Tw: beating a ream 84-0, or 75-0, what does it prove? Momma always taught, “Whar goes around, comes around.” I realize some teams are terrible but rubbing their nose in it is not necessary.
Mike White: Agree.

Chief Powhatan: How's strong is Sharon's 8-1 record and will it have any problem with Brooke WV, Friday?
Mike White: I have heard Sharon is pretty good. Worthy of top 10 ranking in state. I have no idea how they will do against Brooke, WV. Have no idea about Brooke. I'm hearing Garth Brooks might be on the sideline for this one.

Wpial: Mr. White, is this USC team the best wpial team since 2021 Mt. Lebanon? They are crazy good
Mike White: No. That's crazy bad to even suggest that at this point. Why don't we wait until we see what happens in the playoffs before anointing them the best. USC is very good, but it's not like they have crushed everyone.

Chief Powhatan: Albert Gallatin is 5-3 and travels to Weir (1-6) WV, Friday. Is A-G's weak schedule enough to get the Colonials a road win?
Mike White: "Weir High."

FootballO: Mike, I noticed that CV plays North Hills this week. 1. It's a really good non league game, but I do not like non conf games in last week of season. 2. Will CV or NH play anyone considering they are both in playoffs?
Mike White: I don't like non-conference games to end season, either. But it happens. I have no idea if both teams will play regulars entire game.

Slappy: Who is ineligible for the quips in the playoffs
Mike White: See above.

Chief Powhatan: Why doesn't West Greene keep Cameron WV as its season opener? The schools are only 30 minutes apart.
Mike White: Because Cameron Diaz nixed the idea.

Pippa: How could Upper St Clair possibly get the #1 seed over PR? PR played #1 and #2 team in 6A. Beating the #1 team. Upper St Clair played weak Mt Lebanon. Not to mention the team PR played in Ohio on Week 0.
Mike White: We shall see. You can make a point for Pine getting No. 1 seed. You could also make a point for USC. USC would definitely play with Central, I think, and also NA.

The Montreal Screw Job: Any idea on how the WPIAL is gonna screw over USC this year ?
Mike White: Yes, they're making USC alum Sean Casey take over for Mike Junko.

WPIAL: WIll Clairton or Fort Cherry get the one seed? Interesting case for both
Mike White: That is such a tough call. Honestly, I don't know what I think. I'm not a big fan of giving a team a higher seed over another just because they're the defending champ. On the other hand, Fort Cherry is really good. Matt Sieg is an X factor. But Clairton is really good. If you made me choose, I'd probably put Clairton at No. 1 seed. However, here is something to think about. I think Bishop Canevin probably deserves No. 3 seed. So maybe you put Bishop Canevin on opposite side of bracket since they already played Fort Cherry. So maybe you then put Clairton No. 2 and Bishop Canevin No. 3.

Leapin Lanny Poffo: Don’t look now but Mt. Lebo is about to crash the playoff party.
Mike White: It's not exactly hard to crash the playoff party in 6A.

Steve: Mike, Thanks for doing this! I see 5 teams in the wild card race in 5A. Moon, South Fayette, Kiski Area, Latrobe, Gateway. Which 3 make the cut?
Mike White: Well first off, if Latrobe and Kiski Area lose this week and Gateway wins, Gateway gets No. 4 spot in conference because of tiebreaker points. I don't see any way a wild card team comes from Northeast unless Plum beats Penn Hills. So I would probably go Moon, South Fayette and fourth place team in Big East.

New Coach: Think Chartiers Valley could convince Palko to coach or beg Render to come out of retirement ? This losing is getting tiring
Mike White: You're delirious.

Shut it down: If Chartiers Valley loses to Ringgold they should just shut the whole program down. Agreed ?
Mike White: No, shut down all sports. Shut down the school. Shut down Upper St. Clair. Shut down Mt. Lebanon. Shut down the entire WPIAL!!!!!!!

Capt. Lou Albano: When are the playoffs brackets announced?
Mike White: Saturday afternoon on KDKA radio starting at 1. It will also be live streamed.

Ryan: What do you think about Kiski do the cavaliers have a shot at the wild card for playoffs Go Kiski
Mike White: Very little shot. They likely would have to beat Woodland Hills. But Woody High's QB is hurt, so maybe that will help Kiski's chances.

Kevin: You think Pittsburgh Dad is fun at parties?
Mike White: About as funny as a root canal.

USC Hoops: Do you really think USC could be nationally ranked ? Can they win a State title ? Barring injury of course
Mike White: Oh, USC might represent the U.S. at the World Championships this summer. That's how good they are.

Coco B. Ware: Can’t remember a time when the WPIAL championships were this up for grabs. Central Catholic is really the only odds on favorite to win it. 1A through 5A are all wide open. I think it’s a good thing.
Mike White: Yes, I would agree. Playoffs should be interesting.

Football Dude: Mike, D10 has two media members (Bob Greenburg and the guy from the ETN) on their committees to determine brackets. That is why I asked about you and Don
Mike White: Wow. Didn't know that. Some other areas have different views of the stinkin' media obviously.

4A Football: Mike, got to see West Mifflin on Friday against Knoch, do you think they have any chance of being a Wild Card team, played a brutal non conference schedule
Mike White: Yes, West Mifflin has a chance. Pretty decent chance.
Mike White: But getting back to USC basketball. There was some thought of the Panthers representing the US in the Olympics this summer. But USA Basketball decided to go with the NBA guys instead.

Coach: How far do you think South Allegheny football team can go in the playoffs?
Mike White: Well, I think 2A is not real strong, as far as depth of quality teams. So they might be able to win a game or two. Interesting game against Steel Valley this Friday.

X: Who do you think the best team is in 5A?
Mike White: Either USC or Pine.

March Madness: How would Imani not be #1 seed in 3A if they win this week?
Mike White: They probably will. But what if Avonworth beats Beaver by a good margin. Imani also beat Beaver. Avonworth played tough schedule. Only losses to TJ and Aliquippa. Avonworth is pretty darn good, too.

JP: Will the championship games be on tv or streaming?
Mike White: I think KDKA Plus TV

billscott22: Who is the best QB in the WPIAL this year? And where is he going to college next year?
Mike White: I don't think you can point to one as the best. Some good ones, but there is not one QB who has committed to FBS school. That says enough.

J D: Mike, Montour won a great game but the Quips offensive play calling in the 4th was horrible. They should have run the ball more to take time off the clock. My alma mater prevailed with class! Your comments.
Mike White: Honestly I didn't see the game.

Pippa: North Allegheny will out-coach Central in playoffs. A prediction if you will
Mike White: NA will play Central in the finals.

X: Do you know if Liam Flaherty will return this season for North Allegheny? NA got it done when they had to against Pine. Brinkley showed the ability to take it to the house with an 80 yard td in the 4th quarter. I think the game with Central Catholic is a toss up should they meet again. What do you think?
Mike White: I have been told he is done for the season.

Coaches: The HC's for Ellwood City and Seton LaSalle are getting a lot of attention, but Brian Abbey in his 2nd year at South Park is not getting mentioned about what he has done so far. Any thoughts?
Mike White: Dear Abbey, you've done a wonderful job. Be proud.

X: I watched some of Bradley Gompers Hudl video. I say some because it is already over 11 minutes long and the season isn't over. I've been watching hs football for nearly 50 years...every Friday I wasn't playing. I'll say this - Gompers passes the eye test. He doesn't just make tackles, he wipes people out. On the offensive side of the ball, he's big, fast, and strong. He's a total mismatch for a hs db. Any chance he reopens his recruiting? I hope not...because Duke is a great school and in the ACC, if he performs, he will get to the next level.
Mike White: I think Bradley Gompers might be Player of the Year. Really, really good. Right now, he's my Player of the Year. Seems like a great kid, too. He is still committed to Duke, but talking to him a little, he doesn't know what he is going to do. He might stick with Duke. Then again, he might look around a little. Hard to turn down some of the schools now who have offered. He's a little confused. Just let it play out. He should concentrate on Central's season first.

Chief Powhatan: They WPIAL finals aren't @ Acrisure are they? Hate to see that turf torn up for the Stillers' playoff push.
Mike White: Yes, four at Acrisure and two at Norwin. What cave have you lived in?

Willis: Who are the top 4 seeds in AA?
Mike White: Right now I'd say Seton, South Park, Ellwood City and winner of Friday's South Allegheny-Steel Valley game.

Chief Powhatan: Why won't more of the bigger WPIAL teams schedule a game with Steubenville OH? Last one I remember doing it was Penn Hills in 2018 and that was a great game.
Mike White: Route 22-30 has too many potholes on way to Steubenville. I heard that's the reason.

6a Laughingstock: The fact a terrible Mt Lebanon team can qualify for the playoffs show how bad 6a is. Just like their season in 2021 which was filled with cupcakes and teams affected by a global pandemic.
Mike White: Sure, the 2021 Mt. Lebanon team beat Central in the WPIAL final by 40, won the state semis by 21, and beat St. Joseph's Prep in the state title game, 35-17. Good Lord, you're right. That Mt. Lebanon team was overrated and won only because of the pandemic. Great insight, by you. You should have your own chat.

WPIAL observation: The league did a good job with helping those schools with poor football programs with a more competitive non conference schedule. However if you watch scores single a through 6A WPIAL has become a league of non competitive game more often than competitive. . Weekly you see only 4-5 games where it is not a blow out. I think the league can still do better. Any thoughts? Teams keep going independent to get a more favorable schedule to help their programs can’t the WPIAL do that for them? If football is going to remain relevant then thinking needs to change, agree or disagree?
Mike White: The gap between the haves and have-nots has been widening for the past decade or two. This isn't a new thing.
Mike White: OK, that's about it for today. I'm going down to the Rivers Casino and ask if I can put some bets on WPIAL wild cards. Do they have a WPIAL wild card game at the casino? See ya. Everyone, be good.