COACH OF THE WEEK WINNERS
Each week during the high school football season, the Steelers will name a Coach of the Week winner. Each winner will be honored on the video board at a Steelers home game at the two-minute warning of the first half. In addition, each coach will be featured on the Mike Tomlin Show and presented with a $1,000 check for the school's football program and a framed certificate from NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin.
Week 1: Frank Sacco, Plum Mustangs
Coach Frank Sacco took his Mustangs on the road and defeated Franklin Regional 27-21. The game was close throughout, and the winning score was a 10-yard touchdown pass with only 24 seconds remaining. The Mustangs outgained the Panthers on offense and forced three turnovers on defense in the victory.
Week 2: Scott Heinauer, Mars Planets
In a battle of neighboring schools, the Class AAA Mars Planets pulls an upset of Class AAAA Pine-Richland with a score of 29-24. In a close fought game, big plays seemed to be the difference with touchdowns scored by the Planets of 32 and 72 yards, and 85-yards for Pine-Richland. Mars evens up their record at 1-1 and begin Greater Allegheny Conference play in week 3.
Week 3: Don Phillips, Ellwood City Wolverines
In what could be a surprise start for Ellwood City, the Wolverines hold defending conference champion Mt. Pleasant to a shutout victory of 35-0. The Wolverines had only one victory in the past three seasons, and Coach Phillips has the team at 3-0 to start the 2010 season. The defense forced four turnovers, including one on the goal line with six-seconds remaining in the first half to prevent the score.
Week 4: Bob Jacoby, Bishop Canevin Crusaders
A coaching legend in Western Pennsylvania with 38 years as a head coach under his belt, Coach Jacoby led his Crusaders to their third consecutive shutout victory over Frazier, 41-0. Through four games, the Crusaders defense only allowed 14 points in the first game, and outgained Frazier 404-126 in yardage in week 4. Coach Jacoby boasts a truly impressive record of 216-163-7going into week 5."
Week 5 – Nick Milchovich, Peters Township Indians
In what Coach Milchovich said might be the biggest win in the history of the program, Peters Township defeated Bethel Park 21-14. This was the Indian's first conference win after losing the past eight, and it was also the first conference loss for Bethel Park since October 2007. The Indians scored the go-ahead score and two-point conversion with only 5 minutes remaining, and were able to hold off the Black Hawks for the win.
Week 6 – Joe Rossi, South Fayette Lions
In a meeting to determine first place in the Century Conference, the Lions hand Keystone Oaks their first loss of the season, 28-19. Fueled by a total team effort, the Lions were able to hold the Eagles offense, which was averaging 48 points per game, to only 19 points. The Lions scored on the first play of the game and never gave up the lead. The Lions finished the season undefeated, and play in the second round of the WPIAL Playoffs on FRIDAY, NOV 12.
Week 7 – John Menhart, Carmichaels Mighty Mikes
Coach Menhart and his team recorded an upset win in overtime at Frazier in a Tri-County South conference contest. With the game tied at 7-7 to start overtime, Frazier scores and kicks the extra point with their possession. It took the Mighty Mikes just two plays to score their touchdown, and Coach Menhart opted for the two-point conversion. The gamble paid off, and they secured the upset win 15-14.
Week 8 – Matt Humbert, Ringgold Rams
Behind a stingy defense, Ringgold beat Franklin Regional, 24-13, to pave their way to an undefeated regular season and best start in school history. The victory helped secure at least a share of its first conference title since 2000. The Rams' defense forced three turnovers, stifled one the WPIAL top rushing attacks, and also had a kickoff return for a touchdown.
Week 9 – Jack McCurry, North Hills Indians
The North Hills Indians upset previously unbeaten North Allegheny 21-16 in the regular season finale to secure a share of the Class AAAA Quad North title. To beat their biggest rival, Coach McCurry used two quarterbacks; the wildcat offense; and even switched to a new 5-2 defense to limit the NA rushing attack. The Indians finished the season at 10-2 and advanced to the WPIAL Semifinals.
Week 10 – Dave Vestal, Hopewell Vikings
Midway through the season, the Vikings had a four-game losing streak that threatened their playoff chances. Coach Vestal was able to finish the regular season with a four-game winning streak and an upset of Franklin Regional in the opening round of the WPIAL Class AAA playoffs, 24-14. The Vikings converted two fourth down situations that led to touchdowns to help propel them to the victory.
Coach of the Year – Art Walker, North Allegheny Tigers
During the 2010 season, the North Allegheny Tigers had a dominating defense and outstanding rushing attack. Those two strengths propelled them to their shutout victory in the PIAA State Championship - 21-0 over La Salle College, the defending Class AAAA state champions. The Tigers finished the 2010 season with a record of 15-1, and defeated Woodland Hills to capture the WPIAL Championship at Heinz Field in November. Their offense averaged 32 points per game while only giving up 8 each game, and they also recorded 4 shutouts.
This is the third WPIAL Class AAAA Championship and second State Championship for Coach Walker.
