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Mike White's high school sports chat: 09.14.21
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Mike White
10:59
Another sunny day, and all three Friday nights have been excellent so far, haven't they? Except the first one was hot. Well, it's about to get hot in this chat room, I'm sure. So let's get started. Fire away with any questions.
Coach O
10:59
Haven’t had a chance yet to catch your podcast from yesterday and I see you covered Leechburg so sorry to make you repeat yourself but do you think Leechburg, and Springdale for that matter, are legit threats to beat Clairton this year? Though Bears are down this year, their speed is almost always the separator against other 1A teams.
Mike White
11:01
What? You haven't listened to the podcast yet? What's wrong with you, Coach O? You're missing a wildly popular show. The singing on the show is terrific. But seriously, check out this week's. The interview with Bob Palko is, I believe, really good. Talks about some personal stuff, etc. As for Leechburg and Springdale? This isn't a copout, but I don't know yet. I think Leechburg is for real. WPIAL championship material? I'm not saying that, but it looks like they're pretty good. Don't count out Clairton. They started 0-2 in 2019 and won WPIAL. Will know a lot more about both after Friday's game.
Guest
11:01
best Team in 5a?
Mike White
11:04
I've said before. No way 5A is as good as it was last year. The teams aren't as strong. Pine-Richland not as strong. Neither is Peters. But it's all relative. You might not notice teams aren't as good if they are all around the same. Not saying 5A teams are bad, but the depth of strong teams just isn't there. I honestly don't know who is the best team. Moon won't wow you offensively, but geez are their lines good. Gateway still good. Don't forget about Penn-Trafford, either. P-T plays PT (Peters Township) this week. I heard a PT boat will bring both teams to the game.
el fuego
11:04
Mt. Lebanon is legit right? defense is great. Especially the D line
Mike White
11:05
Mt. Lebanon is good. Very good, from what I hear. They have a legit chance to win it this year. But they still have to prove it. Have to beat Central and NA when it counts - in playoffs. But right now, they're as good as anybody.
Tw
11:05
LEBO is for real!
Mike White
11:06
Are you pretty sure?
wpial
11:08
Who do you think is the most surprising player in the Wpial this year?
Mike White
11:10
Good lord, that's tough to say. What about this Breydon Woods from Waynesburg? Leading the WPIAL in rushing. Who would've predicted that. I don't think Waynesburg is tremendous, but Woods came out of the woodwork, didn't he?
Girty's Ron
11:10
Jurkovec broke his hand.  Can he redshirt?  Does he have NFL interest even with the few games on his college resume?
Mike White
11:12
What a tough break, no pun intended. Surgery yesterday. He seemed like he was primed for a great year. I think he needs to go back for another year. Before the season, I read reports that NFL teams differed greatly on him. Some didn't think much of him as a prospect. Some had him as a possible first-rounder. At least that was according to a few stories. Great kid with a lot going for him. I'm sure he will bounce back, but he'll probably have to come back, unless he comes back late in year and shows things. But that won't be easy after missing so much time.
Guest
11:12
Good morning Mike. Friday’s have been a lot of fun thus far for sure. Pine Richland is 0-3. I watched the game against Central Catholic and they looked pretty tough. What do you think they will do this week vs USC ? Thanks.
Mike White
11:14
I say a close game. As Mike Tomlin and many other coaches say, there can be a fine line between winning and losing. Pine-Richland knows better than anyone. They could be very easily 3-0. But can't close out games. I think USC game might be a tossup but I might give Pine the edge. But think of this, Pine could be 0-5. Even if they are, I think they still might win that conference.
Guest
11:14
Lebo is really good. Both sides of the ball. Special teams needs some work. I think they can beat anyone.
Mike White
11:14
Yes, they can.
SF Fan
11:15
Got a chance to see the Jags at TJ go against South Fayette last week.  That D Line was unreal.  Very impressive.  I can't wait to see how they fare against the playmakers that BV has.
Mike White
11:16
Should be one of the best games of the year. TJ's DLine is really good, but so are Belle Vernon playmakers. I haven't decided yet who to pick.
el fuego
11:16
how good is Lebo's line. They have been impressive to me
Mike White
11:16
Haven't seen them in person. So I have no line on the line.
Girty's Ron
11:16
Would the PIAA have an opinion either way if high school athletes in Pa start to collect off of NIL.  Is there any PIAA rule on the books?
Mike White
11:19
Stop it. High school kids can't make money from an NIL. And please don't compare it to colleges. High schools - at least in Pennsylvania - aren't making tons of money from their football teams and I don't see anyone using names or likenesses of high school players. To answer your question, there is no NIL rule on the PIAA by-laws. Except you can't make money for your talents. I'm sure people will ask about this more in the future, but I don't see any rule coming about.
Guest
11:19
Eli Heidenriech is really impressive.
Mike White
11:20
Eli's coming, hide your heart, defenders.!!!! ..... Oh sorry, my inner Three Dog Night just came out.
Mike seretti
11:20
Thoughts on moon as the new number 1 in 5a. Lastly is this team a legit contender.
Mike White
11:22
No, they are not a contender. They have no shot to win it. C'mon. Why do you think we have them No. 1? Just to be nice to Ryan Winn? Yes, they're good. Lines are really good. Four returning starters on OLines. One is a four-year starter. TE Ben Bladel is four-year starter. Interesting game this week against a pretty good North Hills team. Can North Hills withstand the lines?
Guest
11:22
has anyone watched any Moon or South Fayette games? How do they look?
Mike White
11:24
I saw Moon first game of the year against Seneca Valley. Talked about them above. Their offense won't wow you, but so what. They play an old style, with power running - and throw in passes when needed. Hey, it works. Not everyone needs to run the spread. Defense is good, too.
Jimmy
11:24
Battle of the bridge this Friday. Ambridge and quip. No matter what the records are, this is still something fun for both sides. I smell an Ambridge upset brewing
Mike White
11:26
You smell an upset brewing? I smell something in the air that is affecting your mind and forcing you to make ridiculous predictions in live chats.
Billy
11:32
Is there any way Belle Vernon and TJ don’t get the 1-2 seeds in 4A
Mike White
11:34
I don't see it, unless one of them loses a game, other than to each other. But need I remind you that who would've thought Thomas Jefferson would lose to McKeesport in the last regular season game last year? So, never be so sure about something.
Jenny Tayla
11:34
Do college coaches ever call you from outside of western pa and ask you about potential talent in the wpial they should be aware of?
Mike White
11:34
On occasion. More in basketball than football.
Jimmy
11:34
Oh I’m just having fun haha maybe it happens maybe it doesn’t but its all in good fun
Mike White
11:34
You're a fun forcer, Jimmy.
wpasportsfan
11:35
Mike-if you had to choose one county out of the WPIAL as the BEST football county in southwestern PA, what would it be and why?
Mike White
11:37
That's easy. That would be Allegheny County. That has the most schools - so obviously the most players, and the most college potential players. It's just a numbers things. Second would probably be Beaver County. But that's mainly because of Aliquippa.
Billy
11:37
How much do you see non-section games affecting playoff seeding?
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