Kirk Cousins Chooses Atlanta, Saquon Barkley To Philly

March 12, 2024 4:33 am

Kirk Cousins is heading to the Falcons. Saquon Barkley is joining the Eagles. Brian Burns is going to the Giants. The first day of the NFL’s legal tampering period was a free-for-all frenzy with teams making one big move after another highlighted by Cousins’ decision to leave Minnesota for Atlanta. The four-time Pro Bowl quarterback and the Falcons agreed on a $180 million deal, four-year deal with $100 million guaranteed and a $50 million signing bonus. That’s according to a person with knowledge of the terms who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the deal can’t be signed until the new league year begins on Wednesday.

NAACP Urges Athletes Reconsider Florida Colleges

March 12, 2024 4:35 am

GAINESVILLE, Fla. (AP) — The NAACP says Black student-athletes should reconsider attending public colleges and universities in Florida. The NAACP sent a letter to NCAA President Charlie Baker as well as current and prospective student-athletes. It was in response to the University of Florida and other state schools that have eliminated their diversity, equity and inclusion programs. The letter read: “This is not about politics. It’s about the protection of our community, the progression of our culture, and most of all, it’s about your education and your future.” Last year, Republican Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a bill prohibiting the use of state funds for any DEI programs.

Report; Russell Wilson To Sign 1-Year Deal With Steelers

March 11, 2024 4:42 am

A person familiar with the details told The Associated Press that quarterback Russell Wilson has agreed to sign a one-year deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers. The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity Sunday night because the contract hasn’t been finalized and added Wilson will receive the veteran’s minimum of $1.21 million while the Denver Broncos pay the remainder of his $39 million salary. Wilson posted his intentions on X, formerly known as Twitter. He was 11-19 in two seasons with the Broncos.

Penguins Get Shutout Again

March 11, 2024 4:46 am

PITTSBURGH (AP) — Connor McDavid had a goal and two assists and Darnell Nurse scored twice in the third period and the Edmonton Oilers eased past the Pittsburgh Penguins 4-0. Mattias Ekholm also scored for the Oilers, who snapped a two-game losing streak by shutting down the struggling Penguins. A day after having his 13-game point streak ended in a loss to Buffalo, McDavid had his 118th game with three or more points. Calvin Pickard made 41 saves for the Oilers. Tristan Jarry stopped 38 shots for Pittsburgh. The Penguins have dropped six of seven.

Baker Mayfield Staying With Bucs, AP Source Says

March 11, 2024 4:43 am

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — A person familiar with the deal tells The Associated Press that quarterback Baker Mayfield is staying with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after agreeing to a three-year contract worth up to $115 million. The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the agreement, which includes $50 million guaranteed, has not been finalized. Mayfield has played with four different teams over the past three seasons. He resurrected his career in 2023, joining the Bucs on a one-year contract after Tom Brady retired and leading the team to a third consecutive NFC South title. The agreement comes two days after Tampa Bay finalized a two-year, $52 million deal with receiver Mike Evans.

Scottie Scheffler Demolishes The Field To Win At Bay Hill

March 11, 2024 4:44 am

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — Scottie Scheffler is the best in golf from tee to green. He was hot with the putter at Bay Hill and the result was predictable. Scheffler demolished a strong field to win by five shots. It’s the largest margin at the Arnold Palmer Invitational since Tiger Woods in 2012. Scheffler shot a 66 in the final round while playing in the last group. That was the best score by two shots on Sunday. U.S. Open champion Wyndham Clark had a 70 and was runner-up. Shane Lowry shot 72 and finished third. Lowry started the final round tied for the lead with Scheffler.

PIAA Wrestling Championships–Girls

March 9, 2024 11:02 pm

The 2024 PIAA Girls Wrestling Championships had a distinctive Washington County feel, including the first-ever individual girls state champion, Valarie Solorio of Canon-McMillan. The Big Macs’ 100 pounder scored a second-period pin in the championship final. Four C-M eammates also medaled, pushing Canon-McMillan to the team points championship. Natalie Rush finished second, Audrey Calgaro third, Yunuen Ayala and Dynisty Williams fifth. Fort Cherry/Avella’s Abigail Dolanch and Peters Township’s Grace O’Korn also finished fifth.

GIRLS CHAMPIONSHIP FINALS
100 Valarie Solorio (Canon-McMillan-G) F Grace Nesbitt (Neshaminy-G), 3:14
106 Julia Horger (Conwell-Egan-G) DEC Madilyn Enterline (Greenville-G), 9-3
112 Journie Rodriguez (JP McCaskey-G) DEC Lane Fordyce (Bishop McCort-G), 7-3
118 Savannah Witt (Palisades-G) DEC Ana Malovich (Butler-G), 13-7
124 Eliana White-Vega (Cumberland Valley-G) DEC Julissa Ortiz (Mariana Bracetti-G), 10-8
130 Aubre Krazer (Easton-G) F Haley Smarsh (Moon-G), 2:26
136 Jordyn Fouse (Bishop McCort-G) F Haylie Jaffe (Kennett-G), 5:27
142 Violette Lasure (Chestnut Ridge-G) F Sienna Landrum (Downingtown West-G), 3:37
148 Zoey Haines (Gettysburg-G) DEC Charlotte Gilfoil (Central Dauphin-G), 7-2
155 Avry Ryhal (Hickory-G) DEC Leyna Rumpler (North Allegheny-G), 1-0
170 Jael Miller (Punxsutawney-G) F Maya Krieger (Bensalem-G), 3:02
190 Alyssa Favara (Bishop McCort-G) F Natalie Rush (Canon-McMillan-G), 1:40
235 Brenda Banks (Panther Valley-G) DEC MacKenna Atkinson (Souderton-G), 3-0

3RD PLACE
100 Miranda Lajevic (Knoch-G) F Ella Hesener (Parkland-G), 3:53
106 Isabelle Wilkes (Hamburg-G) F Alyisana Ierley (York Suburban-G), 1:34
112 Lillian Rumsey (Williamsport-G) DEC Daylee Watson (Conneaut-G), 8-4 SV
118 Saige Olver (Honesdale-G) F Anaiah Kolesar (Northeast Bradford-G), 1:38
124 Isabella Duvall (Phillipsburg-Osceola-G) DEC Saphia Davis (Plum-G), 4-1
130 Emily Murphy (Montgomery-G) F Kacie Mook (Saegertown-G), 4:33
136 Ava Golding (Kiski Area-G) TF Sara Shook (Western Wayne-G), 19-2 4:31
142 Jessica Ayala (Garnet Valley-G) DEC Sayona Harris-Haye (Greater Johnstown-G), 6-1
148 Marissa Rumsey (Williamsport-G) MD Jameson Strickland (Sun Valley-G), 9-1
155 Raegan Snider (Northern Bedford-G) DEC Mylea Lambert (Northampton-G), 3-2
170 Audrey Calgaro (Canon-McMillan-G) F Sierra Ripka (Greater Nanticoke Area-G), 1:46
190 Esmeralda Tellez (Reading-G) F Bryce Snyder (Palisades-G), 4:38
235 Kayla Henderson (South Western-G) DEC Aja’nai Jumper (Cumberland Valley-G), 1-0

5TH PLACE
100 Payton Hinkle (Bensalem-G) DEF Kristen Walzer (Montour-G), 10-5 3:00
106 Reese Dewar (Garnet Valley-G) F Kaylee Ebersole (Northern Bedford-G), 4:22
112 Andi Bibeau (ES North-G) DEC Kylee Trostle (Eastern Lebanon County-G), 6-4
118 Trinity Moore (Connellsville-G) F Yunuen Ayala (Canon-McMillan-G), 2:52
124 Kelly Enterline (Greenville-G) DEC Abigail Taylor (Parkland-G), 4-2
130 Shannon Govern (Hamburg-G) MD Asia Fowler (Woodland Hills-G), 11-1
136 Kayley Weidner (Schuylkill Valley-G) MD Abigail Dolanch (Fort Cherry-G), 11-1
142 Josephine Dollman (Norwin-G) F Grace O’Korn (Peters Township-G), 1:52
148 Katie Brensinger (Northwestern Lehigh-G) F Alahna Morris (Lake Lehman-G), 1:44
155 Kylie Monroe (Gettysburg-G) DEC Dynisty Williams (Canon-McMillan-G), 5-0
170 Aambur Brletich (Northern York-G) DEC Angela Imorhoa (York Suburban-G), 7-1
190 Jurelys Peguero (JP McCaskey-G) F Caroline Hattala (Quakertown-G), 1:22
235 Mylah Steinbuch (Bedford-G) DEC Alaina Claassen (Plum-G), 2-0

7TH PLACE
100 Juliette Cuevas (Bellwood-Antis-G) DEC Hattie Mack (Hempfield-G), 6-1
106 Natalie Handy (South Western-G) F Emily Sarr (Souderton-G), 2:54
112 Isabella Baccio (Manheim Township-G) F Sylvyn Parham (Parkland-G), 4:31
118 Savannah Richards (Pottstown-G) DEC Leah Sample (Saegertown-G), 2-1 UTB
124 Alexis Brua (Laurel-G) F Tatum Duckworth (South Western-G), 2:37
130 Patron Plummer (Chestnut Ridge-G) F Kayla Husti-Luca (Souderton-G), 4:34
136 Janayah Nobles (Connellsville-G) F Alexis Kurzawa (Hughesville-G), 2:42
142 Rylee Netter (Upper Dublin-G) MD Veronica White (East Pennsboro-G), 12-0
148 Symarah Drey (Liberty-G) F Eve Kurtz (Pine Grove-G), 3:48
155 Kaitlynn Arnold (Avon Grove-G) F Marty Morrison (West Perry-G), 2:49
170 Gracie Haflich (Liberty-G) F Kendall Wagner (Central Mountain-G), 4:36
190 Aaliyah Armstrong (Central Dauphin-G) F Grace Crestani (Bald Eagle Area-G), 1:59
235 Peyton Fries (Quakertown-G) DEC Brooklynn Ayala (Penn Manor-G), 6-1

PIAA Wrestling Championships–3A Boys

March 9, 2024 11:01 pm

History was made Saturday evening at the PIAA Wrestling Championships as Rune Lawrence of Frazier won the 215-pound championship, becoming just the 14th wrestlers in the history of the PIAA tournament to win four individual titles. WPIAL/PIAA 4-Time Champions Trinity’s Bode Morgan had to settle for a silver medal, falling to Vaughn Spencer in the 172-pound final. Andrew Binni (Canon-McMillan) and Jake Conroy (Ringgold) finished fourth while Peters Township freshman Nicholas McGarrity finished sixth.

3A BOYS CHAMPIONSHIP FINALS
107 Dominick Morrison (Hatboro-Horsham) DEC Aiden Herndon (Cedar Cliff), 2-1
114 Landon Sidun (Norwin) DEC Curtis Nelson (Ridley), 6-3
121 Keanu Dillard (Bethlehem Catholic) DEC Tyler Kapusta (Franklin Regional), 3-1 SV
127 Trey Wagner (Northampton) DEC Dean Houser (Daniel Boone), 5-1
133 Tahir Parkins (Nazareth) DEC Tyler Adams (York Suburban), 9-2
139 Maddox Shaw (Thomas Jefferson) DEC Dalton Perry (Central Mountain), 3-1 SV
145 Luke Simcox (Central Mountain) DEC Pierson Manville (State College), 4-1 TB2
152 Kollin Rath (Bethlehem Catholic) DEC Collin Gaj (Quakertown), 3-2
160 Asher Cunningham (State College) DEC Ryan Garvick (Central Dauphin), 2-0
172 Vaughn Spencer (Pine Richland) DEC Bode Morgan (Trinity), 8-4
189 Tucker Hogan (Daniel Boone) DEC Cole Bartram (Northern York), 5-2
215 Dillon Bechtold (Owen J. Roberts) F Caleb Marzolino (Abington Heights), 3:57
285 Sean Kinney (Nazareth) TF Dean Bechtold (Owen J. Roberts), 15-0 4:08

3RD PLACE
107 Alexander Diaz (Council Rock No) DEC Emilio Albanese (Emmaus), 8-1
114 Kaedyn Williams (Manheim Township) DEC Gabriel Ballard (Northampton), 8-3
121 Mason Ziegler (Quakertown) DEC Tyson Cook (West Scranton), 3-1
127 Eren Sement (Council Rock No) DEF Andrew Binni (Canon-McMillan), 9-1 4:49
133 Mason Kernan (Bethel Park) DEC Ramil Islamov (Baldwin), 4-0
139 Seamus Mack (Hempfield) DEC Patrick Kelly (CB West), 6-1
145 Evan Petrovich (Connellsville) DEC Shane Mcfillin (Bethlehem Catholic), 2-1
152 Eli Carr (Hempfield Area) DEC Luke Sipes (Altoona), 3-2
160 Bode Marlow (Thomas Jefferson) DEC Nick Kunstek (Pottsville), 3-1 SV
172 Sam Gautreau (Owen J. Roberts) DEC Connor Wetzel (Shikellamy), 5-4
189 Tucker Teats (Selinsgrove) F Jared Karabinus (Freedom), 1:37
215 Aiden Hight (Chambersburg) F Jake Conroy (Ringgold), 1:27
285 Nicholas Pavlechko (State College) DEC Michael Hershey (Spring Grove), 3-1

5TH PLACE
107 Max Tancini (Perkiomen Valley) DEC Nicholas McGarrity (Peters Township), 4-1
114 Connor Lenahan (Council Rock So) DEC Santino Sloboda (Butler), 2-0 SV
121 Luke Willochell (Greater Latrobe) DEC Cole Coffin (Pennridge), 8-1
127 Mckaden Speece (Wilson) MD Quinn McBride (Pennridge), 10-1
133 Gavin Sheridan (Boyertown) DEC Chris Dennis (CB West), 5-4
139 Jack Campbell (Nazareth) DEC Marco Frinzi (Bethlehem Catholic), 6-4
145 Gavin Carroll (Quakertown) FOR Elias Long (Central York), 0-0
152 Sam Kuhns (Pennridge) DEC Griffin Walizer (Central Mountain), 4-2 SV
160 Lonzy Vielma (Connellsville) DEC Gunnar Myers (Wallenpaupack), 8-2
172 Brian Heard (Abington Heights) MD Hunter Snyder (Greater Latrobe), 9-0
189 Nathan Campbell (Norwin) DEC Cooper Roscosky (Kiski Area), 3-1
215 Juliano Marion (Franklin Regional) DEC Aidan Buggey (North Allegheny), 3-1
285 John Pardo (Kennett) DEC Maxwell Roy (St. Joseph’s Prep), 6-2

7TH PLACE
107 Willmont Kai (Whitehall) MD Nicholas Salamone (Easton), 14-4
114 Travis Clawson (Penn Manor) DEC Leo Joseph (Greater Latrobe), 6-2
121 Mason Whitney (Abington Heights) DEC Connor Smith (Seneca Valley), 7-1
127 Cael Rossi (Lower Dauphin) DEC Brady Slicker (Hickory), 6-2
133 James Garcia (Wilson) DEC CJ Ferree (Central Dauphin), 4-2
139 Michael Turi (West Scranton) DEC Kamal Abboud (Liberty), 4-2 SV
145 Gavin Reynolds (Central Dauphin) DEC Hayden Coy (Penn Trafford), 4-0
152 Keegan Demarest (PM East) F Nadav Nafshi (Harriton), 0:47
160 Carter Davis (Central York) DEC Gavin Cole (Council Rock So), 4-3
172 Talan Hogan (Pennridge) FOR Bekhruz Sadriddinov (Council Rock So), 0-0
189 James DeLuise (Bethlehem Catholic) FOR Michael Spielman (Strath Haven), 0-0
215 Brandon Stiehler (PM West) F Ryan McMillan (Wilson), 2:48
285 Andrew Brennan (LaSalle) DEC Calvin Lachman (Quakertown), 5-0

PIAA Wrestling Championships–2A Boys

March 9, 2024 11:00 pm

History was made Saturday evening at the PIAA Wrestling Championships as Rune Lawrence of Frazier won the 215-pound championship, becoming just the 14th wrestlers in the history of the PIAA tournament to win four individual titles. WPIAL/PIAA 4-Time Champions Bentworth teammate Chris Vargo (2nd) and Vitali Daniels (7th) both brought home PIAA medals along with Jorden Williams (Chartiers-Houston), Gaven Suica (Burgettstown) and Braedon Williams (Fort Cherry), all third-place finishers. Joey Baronick (Burgettstown) finished fourth.

2A BOYS CHAMPIONSHIP FINALS
107 Joey Bachmann (Faith Christian Academy) DEC Dominic Deputy (Chestnut Ridge), 6-1
114 Ayden Smith (Notre Dame Green Pond) DEC Will Detar (Trinity (D3)), 7-4
121 Aaron Seidel (Northern Lebanon) MD Greyson Music (Bishop McDevitt), 8-0
127 Jax Forrest (Bishop McCort) TF Chris Vargo (Bentworth), 15-0 4:32
133 Brandt Harer (Montgomery) DEC Camden Baum (Bishop McDevitt), 2-1 TB2
139 Bo Bassett (Bishop McCort) TF Cameron Mingee (Littlestown), 21-6 2:55
145 Reagan Milheim (Warrior Run) DEC Mason Barvitskie (Southern Columbia), 3-1
152 Melvin Miller (Bishop McCort) DEC Max Stein (Faith Christian Academy), 2-1
160 Conner Harer (Montgomery) DEC Cael Weidemoyer (Faith Christian Academy), 4-3
172 Adam Waters (Faith Christian Academy) F Luke Fugazzotto (Northwestern Lehigh), 1:41
189 Andrew McMonagle (Huntingdon) DEC Garrett Garcia (Southern Columbia), 8-7
215 Rune Lawrence (Frazier) DEC Austin Johnson (Muncy), 6-3
285 Brenan Morgan (Central Valley) DEC Brody Kline (Berks Catholic), 6-4

3RD PLACE
107 Thomas Boyce (Conwell Egan) DEC Sam Wolford (Northern Lebanon), 1-0
114 Brock Rothermel (Line Mountain) DEC Easton Mull (Chestnut Ridge), 6-2
121 Lincoln Sledzianowski (Bishop McCort) DEC Louie Gill (Reynolds), 7-5
127 Nico Fanella (Indiana) DEC Logan Stewart (Reynolds), 3-2
133 Charlie Robson (Conwell Egan) DEC Mason Gibson (Bishop McCort), 4-2
139 Chase Bell (Reynolds) F Matthew Smith (Midd-West), 2:30
145 Ryan Lawler (Bishop McDevitt) DEC Chase Hontz (Faith Christian Academy), 2-1 TB2
152 Brady Collins (Clearfield) DEC Gage Wentzel (Montoursville), 3-2
160 Devon Magro (Bishop McCort) MD Tyler Morrison (West Perry), 9-1
172 Keegan Ramsay (Notre Dame Green Pond) DEC Hunter Hohman (Grove City), 15-14
189 Caleb Close (Bald Eagle Area) DEC Lucas Lawler (Bishop McDevitt), 6-0
215 Rowan Holmes (Somerset) DEC Jason Singer (Faith Christian Academy), 4-2
285 Mark Effendian (Faith Christian Academy) DEC Dylan Pitzer (Mt. Pleasant), 4-0

5TH PLACE
107 Tanner Guenot (Bald Eagle Area) F Cam Baker (Burrell), 2:47
114 Jorden Williams (Chartiers-Houston) DEC Dalton Wenner (Cranberry), 1-0
121 Josef Garshnick (United) FOR Gauge Botero (Faith Christian Academy), 0-0
127 Gideon Bracken (United) DEC Weston Pisarchick (Brockway), 5-0 SV
133 Cyrus Hurd (North East) MD Jack Kazalas (Quaker Valley), 10-1
139 Gaven Suica (Burgettstown) DEC Cooper Hornack (Burrell), 3-1 UTB
145 Cole Householder (Brookville) DEC Mason Horwat (Derry Area), 9-3
152 Cody Hamilton (Grove City) DEC Cameron Milheim (Warrior Run), 5-3 UTB
160 Story Buchanan (Girard) DEC Isaiah Pisano (Hopewell), 6-4
172 Braedon Welsh (Fort Cherry) FOR Carmine Lenzi (Berks Catholic), 0-0
189 Jackson Angelo (Frazier) DEC Carter Chamberlain (Clearfield), 5-2
215 Dante Burns (Conwell Egan) FOR Gavin Hannah (Brookville), 0-0
285 Carson Neely (Port Allegany) MD Joseph Baronick (Burgettstown), 10-1

7TH PLACE
107 Jordan Manyette (Trinity (D3)) DEC Dakota Santamaria (Tussey Mt.), 4-3
114 Caden Judice (Bald Eagle Area) DEC Carter Beck (Saegertown), 5-4
121 Bradley Wagner (Mifflinburg) DEC Colton Wade (Sullivan County), 6-2
127 Jackson Rush (West Perry) MD Jonah Peterson (Upper Dauphin), 13-2
133 Hunter Gould (Conneaut Area) DEC Hudson Hohman (Grove City), 3-2
139 Marcus Gable (Philipsburg-Osceola) DEC Noah Doi (Camp Hill), 7-0
145 Jackson Albert (Saucon Valley) DEC Jackson Butler (Bishop McCort), 1-0
152 Trent Hoover (Penn Cambria) DEC Ty Watson (Penns Valley), 3-2
160 Dominic Sumpolec (Notre Dame Green Pond) DEC Hudson Ward (Canton), 9-2
172 Caden Finck (Montgomery) DEC Kyle Scott (Tyrone), 3-1 SV
189 Vitali Daniels (Bentworth) MD Cody Wagner (Faith Christian Academy), 12-1
215 Chad Beller (Catasauqua) DEC Teague Calvin (Greenville), 5-2
285 Sawyer Robinson (Towanda) DEC Braden Ewing (Tyrone), 5-1

Rangers Boys Win, Trinity Girls Eliminated

March 10, 2024 12:01 am

Derek Errett scored 26 points helping Fort Cherry rally past Karns City in the PIAA 2A boys first round Saturday afternoon. Blake Sweder added 14 as the Rangers fought back from an 8-point deficit early in the third quarter.  Fort Cherry outscored the Gremlins 37-20 from that point on. The Trinity girls season ended Saturday night at Cathedral Prep. Trinity tied the game early in the third before the Ramblers scored 14 of the next 16 points and were never threatened again. Action moves to the second round including a trio of games on the WJPA Sports Network. We’ll have the Peters Township girls on Tuesday, plus South Fayette girls and Fort Cherry boys on Wednesday, all on WJPA-FM (95.3), online at wjpa.com and video available on subscription on the NFHS Network.  Click PIAA Brackets

PIAA First Round
Saturday, March 9
5A Girls Cathedral Prep 53, Trinity 29   Listen/Watch Here
5A Girls South Fayette 48, Red Land 20
4A Girls Warren 71, Elizabeth-Forward 64
2A Boys Fort Cherry 61, Karns City 52    Listen/Watch Here
2A Boys Conemaugh Township 55, Bishop Canevin 47
6A Boys McDowell 61, Baldwin 45
6A Boys Upper St. Clair 57, Central Dauphin 53
6A Boys State College 65, Mt. Lebanon 58 OT

PIAA Second Round
Tuesday, March 12
6A Girls Peters Township vs. Spring-Ford, 5:15 pm at Bald Eagle Area, WJPA-FM (95.3)   Listen/Watch Here
6A Girls Chartiers Valley vs. Norwin, 6 pm at Peters Township
3A Girls Seton-La Salle vs. Westmont-Hilltop, 6 pm at Hempfield
5A Boys Moon Area vs. York Suburban, 6 pm at Hollidaysburg
5A Boys Bethel Park vs. Fox Chapel, 7:30 pm at Peters Township

Wednesday, March 13
5A Girls South Fayette vs. Oakland Catholic, 5:45 pm at Peters Township, WJPA-FM (95.3)   Listen/Watch Here
2A Boys Fort Cherry vs. Serra Catholic, 7:15 pm at Peters Township, WJPA-FM (95.3)   Listen/Watch Here
6A Boys Upper St. Clair vs. State College, 5:30 pm at Pitt-Johnstown