Items that fell off my laptop
Clairton's scoring has grabbed the attention of many in the WPIAL this year as the Bears have won their first three games by scores of 70-0, 86-0 and 74-0.
Never mind whether you believe the Bears are "running up" the score. We're not here to debate that. But if you think their scores are hard to believe, wait until you see some of Clairton's yardage statistics.
First off, get this: Clairton has gained 1,536 yards in three games. Its three opponents have gained 79. That's an average of 512-26.
Now for some of the individual statistics. Suffice it to say, Clairton is pretty good at big plays:
** Ramone Clifford has carried the ball five times and is averaging 28 yards a carry (140 yards).
** Harrison Dreher is averaging 32 yards on three receptions, and 16 yards on 23 rushing attempts.
** Aaron Mathews (pictured) has carried the ball four times and is averaging 19.5 yards a carry (he also has 10 catches for 166 yards).
** Jamie Hines has seven catches and is averaging 22 yards per reception.
** Lamont Wade has carried the ball 13 times and is averaging 15.5 yards per attempt.
** Quarterback Ryan Williams has completed 29 of 44 passes for 615 yards, an average of 21.2 yards per completion.
Montour's Vietmeier rated among best
Montour's Trent Vietmeier is one of the top sophomore baseball players in the country. Says who? Perfect Game scouting organization.
Perfect Game recently released its national rankings for the class of 2017 and Vietmeier is ranked No. 27. Perfect Game, located in Georgia, puts on tournaments and showcases across the country.
Vietmeier participated in four Perfect Game events this year, including the WWBA 15-and-under national championship, where Vietmeier's fastball was clocked at 91 m.p.h.
Vietmeier plays three sports at Montour. He is a 6-foot-3, 200-pound tight end on the football team and was a freshman on the Montour varsity last season. That's good size for a baseball player. He is certainly a player to watch for in the future.
Kiski Area gets grant for field from Steelers, NFL
Kiski Area has received a $200,000 grant for a synthetic field at the high school. The grant is from the Steelers through the NFL Foundation Grassroots Program and Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC). It is part of $2.5 million in refurbishment awards allocated this year. The new surface at Kiski Area will replace a worn natural turf field.
Kiski Area's football team, though, will continue to play at Davis Field away from the school campus. Davis Field has natural grass.