HERSHEY, Pa. As the Aliquippa football team slid into position around the PIAA Class-4A championship trophy on the field at Hersheypark Stadium Thursday night, head coach Mike Warfield stood back. Following his time at Aliquippa, which included two straight WPIAL Class 2A basketball championships and a WPIAL Class 2A championship in track and field in the 4x100 relay, Revis went on to star at the University of Pittsburgh, earning first-team freshman All-American honors in 2004, before then becoming first-team All-Big East in 2005 and 2005, as well as a third-team All-American in 2006 and a semifinalist for the Jim Thorpe Award, given to college football's best defensive back. But, this article is about players who are from Aliquippa PA. As us locals know Hopewell has an Aliquippa mailing address which does in fact mean that the players from Hopewell are players who came from Aliquippa PA. 25 Pitt Comes up Short in Battle for First Place in ACC, Falls to No. Refusing to let the Bulldogs gain any momentum on offense, Quipsdefensive lineman Naquan Crowder battled through a double team to fight his way into the Bulldogs' backfield. 3 overall in 2008, Ryan was named Offensive Rookie of the Year in his debut season. The Quips have won three PIAA titles, 18 WPIAL championships, and have appeared in the District 7 final in each of the past 14 seasons. This means that the town is safer than only 40% of other U.S. cities. "This rule was put in place prematurely. Teams: Philadelphia Eagles (2009-14), Buffalo Bills (2015-present). We let the chips fall where they may and walk up outta there knowing that we did the best we could. A Pro Bowler in 1988 and a two-time second-team All-Pro (1984-85), Millen recorded 11 sacks and nine interceptions during his 12-year NFL run. Revis becomes the third player in Aliquippa history and 10th player in Pitt Panthers history to be elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame, tying Pitt with Ohio State for fourth-most in history. Contact Noah Hiles at nhiles@gannett.com. He would be fired from the role after three underwhelming seasons. Each season, teams are measured by "success points" that are divvied out by how far a program goes in the postseason. The team is going into the championship game undefeated at 13-0."They work hard. Went to high school with Mike Ditka and my stepbrother B. Ross was the coach for Tony Dorset. I Travel a lot and I meet a lot of people they ask me where is Aliquippa I always say about 30 miles outside Pittsburgh I call Aliquippa The NFL Capitol Of The World lol Abd start naming. John Tazel- San Diego Chargers ?. Feels like the defense might be getting worn down a little. The Quips defeated Northgate 52-40 in the WPIAL 2A championship game PITTSBURGH, Pennsylvania - Entering today, in more than 100 years of WPIAL sports, only 18 schools had won football and basketball championships in the same school year. "However, we feel strongly that Southern Columbia should be in a higher classification.". AFP PHOTO/John G. MABANGLO. Head coach Nick Lackovich along with juniors Cam Lindsey and Quentin Goode talk after the title win @PghSportsNow . He returned as the head coach for the New Orleans Saints in 1997. While a member of the Aliquippa football team, Revis was . Why he's here: This former Nittany Lion was one of the most versatile offensive players of his era. You forgot Bill Koman from Hopewell who played guard for the St. Louis cardinals for 11 seasons. While the running game serves its purpose, Aliquippa are a changed team under Warfield, who allows them to throw the ball. Law may get the call to Canton one day. Aside from freshmen, who are obviously first-year players, Mertz says a list ofthe new playersidentified is sent to the schoolbeing examined. Revis then returned to the Jets for two seasons in 2015 and 2016, making one trip to the Pro Bowl before wrapping up his career with a five-game stint in Kansas City. Martinez, who is listed at 5-foot-6, 205 pounds, does not. The Arena Media Brands, LLC and respective content providers to this website may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Warfield feels the same way, saying his team isn't necessarily being targeted by the PIAA but believes rules that were originally created with positive intent are hurting his group. His coach showed up at his mothers house, pleading with her to talk her son into coming back. The other piece to this is (Aliquippa) is still competitive. 2022-23 . If you cant catch, but you can run fast as hell, then youre getting on the team. pretty well known dud. He was an assistant coach for Dallas from 1973 to 1981. 6 Northgate, 52-40, in the WPIAL Class 2A championship game Saturday. Warfield and his team are preparing for Friday night as they travel to take on Armstrong High School in their season opening game. The Times asked Mertz on Friday if she believed that the PIAA's rules on Athletic Transfers put schools in low-income areas in this case Aliquippa at a disadvantage. That's no issue. The Bears' Willie Gault (83) and Maury Buford (8) join in celebrating their 46-10 victory over the New England Patriots. He credits that much to his understanding of running the ball early on. An All-American linebacker at Penn State, Ham won four Super Bowls with the Steelers. On 12/2, the Aliquippa varsity football team won their neutral playoff game against Allentown Central Catholic (Allentown, PA) by a score of 31-10. The Dolphins defeated the Bills 24-17. One play late in the fourth quarter in Friday's victory over Jersey Shore summarized everything Warfield is fighting for his team to avoid going through next year in Class 5A. Marvin Harrison #88 of the Indianapolis Colts runs for yards after the catch on a 67-yard reception in the third quarter against Chris Crocker #42 and Brandon Johnson #59 of the Cincinnati Bengals at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 7, 2008 in Indianapolis, Indiana. All Players. Yaros experienced precisely that. Mike Ditka is arguably the biggest name in football to come out of Aliquippa. Warfield served as quarterbacks coach for nearby Central Valley High School for three seasons before joining Aliquippa. Starting at running back, sophomore Tiqwai Hayes broke out for an incredible 2021 season in his first year. Baltimore Colts quarterback John Unitas loosens his throwing arm before the start Super Bowl game with the Dallas Cowboys in Miami on Jan. 17, 1971. No small feats here. The PIAA has even acknowledged that. isn't he from Aliquippa? After a dominant 2006 season with the Panthers, Revis entered the 2007 NFL Draft and was selected 14th overall in the first round. Why he's here: Taylor enjoyed four All-Pro seasons and earned six invitations to the Pro Bowl during his Hall of Fame career. Why he's here: One of the greatest outside linebackers in history, Ham was a key member of Pittsburg's vaunted "Steel Curtain" defense. The PIAA announced that Aliquippa would move up to 5A, despite having a 1A enrollment. "The phrase that we use is, 'A transfer, is a transfer, is a transfer,'" Mertz told the Times. And they do have a reason to speak of their home with pride. But the district refuses to put its athletes in a situation that could cause more problems than a loss on Friday night. The school leadership's biggest concern about the transfer to another class is the safety of the players. He would win another Super Bowl during this period as the Cowboys made the playoffs eight times. This worked well in the regular season, but later on in the WPIAL and in the PIAA playoffs, teams were able to stifle the Quips by putting more defenders in the box and stopping the run. He would make one more touchdown in the 2012 season. All Players Table; Player Pos Teams From To; Paul Posluszny: LB: BUF,JAX: 2007: 2017: Curt Singer: T: SEA,DET,NYJ: 1986: 1991: Tony Dorsett: RB: DAL,DEN: 1977: 1988: . Everything is closed downtown, and the buildings are falling apart. About: Kicking off our final list of the countdown is the leader of Aliquippa's "Trench Dawgs . How and about Henry Mancini. Our kids are getting worn down, and I'm afraid for their safety.". A 10-time Pro Bowler, Unitas was the first player to win three Associated Press NFL MVP awards. Thats no excuse. Baltimore Colts Halfback Lenny Moore (24) carries around left end for a one yard gain. Class A teams are usually lucky to have 30 players on the roster. Quip doesnt play to win; they play to demolish your entire team. Why he's here: "The Manster" enjoyed a brilliant run with the Cowboys, missing just one game in 14 years. I should've played football. An eight-time Pro Bowler, "The Comeback Kid" won a pair of NFL MVP awards, threw for over 40,500 yards and 273 touchdowns and entered the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2000. After all, they're his boys too. If we're not recruiting, how can we control kids going in and out of our district?". The Quips' 41-16 victory over Jersey Shore in the semifinals ensured two things: 1. According to Yaros: "Thats just the way it is here; the coaches become like family. Running back Tony Dorsett #33 of the Dallas Cowboys runs the ball during a game against the San Diego Chargers at Jack Murphy Stadium during the 1986 NFL season in San Diego, California. Last year, Aliquippa High School graduated just 39 students. Or, they do have the ability to go down (a classification)if they're not successful. "If you just look at a piece of paper, its just words. Miami Dolphin quarterback Dan Marino (R) passes to a receiver against the Oakland Raiders 06 December in Oakland, California. Why he's here: Steady, dependable, durable three words to describe this Pro Football Hall of Famer. back also from quiptown!!! For them to exclude a verbal, live testimony is a cowardly way to try and remove emotion from a situation," Woods said. He would also win All-American honors at the University of Pittsburgh. They really want you to succeed and will go out of their way to help you. They're worn down mentally and physically. If either of those are successful, Aliquippa will remain in Class 4A and that will be the end of it. The 1985 season saw the Bears capture a third Super Bowl ring for Iron Mike. In 1982, Ditka became the head coach for the Chicago Bears. Curtis Martin #28, Running Back for the New York Jets tries to run the ball as Defensive Back Calvin Jackson #38 of the Miami Dolphins makes a block during the American Football Conference East game on 4 October 1998 at the Giants Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey, United States. He would finish his college career in 1976 by winning the Heisman Trophy. Linebacker Jason Taylor #99 of the Miami Dolphins looks in as quarterback Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers calls out a play at the line of scrimmage at Land Shark Stadium on January 3, 2010 in Miami, Florida. Hall of Fame Football Player and Coach. Warfield said that there are a few first-year and new players that are going to be important for the Quips going forward. It's a fairly small city with a population that is a little over 9,000, according to the 2020 census. The Competition Formula is comprised of three variables that, together, help determine a program's classification for a two-year window. Winning championships has become a commonality amongst this group of Aliquippa players after securing two football [] My grandfather, Dr John L Miller, was the team doctor for the Aliquippa football team for many years. This caused the citys population to drop drastically. Law, a member of the Class of 2014 in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, announced Revis as a fellow Hall of Famer Thursday night. Dorsett was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1994. They don't have to move in with Grandma unless it's over something like a divorce. 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They also hold a three-game winning streak over the Quips, which is all the games Warfield has faced them. I think out of anyone, he deserves a lot more praise than what hes gotten, but hes not that type of kid thats out looking or seeking it and he just continues to work every day.. Lets not forget Doc Medich And Pecky Suder both fair baseball players in their day. The Quips' 41-16 victory over Jersey Shore in the semifinals ensured two things: 1. See 4 floorplans, review amenities, and request a tour of the building today. 1038 YDS. How does everyone forget Mike Dikta? For this reason, the young aspire to become drug dealers or pro athletes. (AP Photo/Ray Stubblebine). By his own admission, he was immature and didn't like school. Photographer Tim Kreider has posted a new gallery Aliquippa vs. Bishop McDevitt (PIAA 4A Final) containing 60 photos. School related documents (certificates of eligibility, transcripts, attendance records, CIPPE forms, etc.) The Kutztown University alum made seven straight Pro Bowls from 1988-94. Its a situation where we have to handle our business before that day comes, Warfield said. Some of them have even made the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Playing Through the Whistle: Steel, Football, and an American Town by S.L. Before a decision is made, the PIAA looks at how many sports specific or "Athletic Transfers" the program under examination had during its two-year cycle. (AP Photo/Joe Howell), Teams: Denver Broncos (2006-09), Miami Dolphins (2010-11), Chicago Bears (2012-14), New York Jets (2015-16), New York Giants (2017). If the executive staff rejects the appeal, the decision then can be appealed to the PIAABoard of Directors. Isaiah Martinez is a very important piece of our puzzle, Warfield said. "Obviously, I wasn't providing a lot of points for my team in the first half," Fiso said. The upcoming schedule for Aliquippa pits them against some two close teams in the area in the Parkway Conference. So, I think, what Ive seen so far is our seniors coming into camp, really focusing and not being overly confident, but confident enough to continue to want to be better.. They're in the semifinals. Think of how small Aliquippa is, and then realize that this city is up there in terms of violent crimes with some of the biggest cities in the nation. Weight: 290 pounds. Why he's here: "Johnny U" ranks among the league's premier passers after throwing for 40,239 yards and 290 touchdowns. 3 FUM. Woods, on the other hand, believes that instead of collecting data, common sense should provide the correct answer. A Pro Football Hall of Famer and eight-time Pro Bowler, Ham was named the NFL's Defensive Player of the Year in 1975. Sports Agent Leigh Steinberg on How He Explains NFL Risk to Clients, Just Buckets with Jamarius Burton Ep. We could do another book on how, why, who, what, when, yada, yada, yadathe fact is and has always been, that Aliquippa is a football factor, but with it comes . In the first three games of the 1942 season, Aliquippa High out-scored their opponents by a total of 93-6. Win or lose, it could also be Aliquippa's final game in PIAA competition for quite some time. If there was a player who simply didn't go out for the team the year before, that is the district's chance to explain. The school then has a chance to explain the case for each player. McCoy, 29, has rushed for 10,092 yards and 66 scores in his NFL career while also catching 441 passes for 3,378 yards and 15 TDs. Since those players also perform effectively on the defensive line, they earned the nickname, Trench Dawgs, last year. He ran for over 1,700 yards and 23 touchdowns, earning Freshman All-American honors from Max Prepsand 2022 Preseason Max Preps Sophomore All-American Football Team. Unfortunately, he did not play himself to earn his third ring since he suffered a foot injury that made him miss his last nine games and the playoffs. Aliquippa's storied program has produced 11 NFL players, including Hall-of-Fame tight end and Super Bowl-winning coach Mike Ditka, Darrelle Revis, Ty Law, and Sean Gilbert. Needless to say, despite a clash for a state title just days away, Aliquippa is already beginning to prepare for a larger battle against the league it plays in at least for now. how about Paul Posluszny LB from the Jags? In total, Revis was a four time First-Team All-Pro (2009-11, 2014), earned seven trips to the Pro Bowl (2008-11, 2013-15), was named to the NFL's 2010s All-Decade Team and is a member of the Jets' Ring of Honor with Beaver Falls native Joe Namath. Collectively as a school board, we will make the decision on what is best moving forward. Scout.com ranked him as one of the top 40 prospects. Add in 27,663 passing yards and 173 TD passes and you get a Pro Football Hall of Famer. He was there for a while. Numerous schools have stated that the PIAA's transfer rules fail to take into account circumstances that are common in low income school districts. Following the 2012 season after suffering a torn ACL, Revis was traded to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, where he spent just one season. "I'm not in support of putting our kids in a test tube, shaking them up and seeing what happens," Woods said. "I don't make the final decision," Woods said. Feb. 14Author S.L. (AP Photo), Teams: New York Jets (1965-76), Los Angeles Rams (1977). BEAVER COUNTY, Pa. As the Aliquippa High School football team gets ready for Friday night's big game, one of their players is in jail after police say he brought a loaded . While Martinez has been a serviceable player this year for the Quips, there was one notable difference between him and the player he replaced. are sent from the school to the PIAA's executive staff for a ruling. All rights reserved. Herb Adderley, cornerback for the Dallas Cowboys, is shown in Sept. 1972. Jon Baldwin won many accolades as a receiver at Aliquippa High School. In six seasons with the Jets, Revis earned three First-Team All-Pro accolades and four Pro Bowl honors, and finished as the runner-up in the Defensive Player of the Year voting in 2009 finishing behind Green Bay's Charles Woodson. After consecutive football titles, the Quips add its first boys basketball title since 2016. $27; ebk. Aliquippa's aging football stadium will be torn down and rebuilt this year with a little help from the NFL.. Both of them truly loved Aliquippa. According to documentation provided byWoods, the PIAA viewsAliquippa as a Class 1A school in size for football. Regardless of their role on the team, the three will be viewed as Athletic Transfers, having only standard school paperwork to prove their intent to attend Aliquippa came from a motive other than hoping to be a part of a better football program. Why he's here: One of the NFL's all-time great gunslingers, Marino spent his entire 17-year career with the Dolphins. Superintendent Dr Phillip Woods spoke to KDKA while considering boarding. 2022 Trib HSSN Preseason Football All-Star Team: Aliquippa's Cameron Lindsey. It's only a matter of time before we see another NFL star come from Aliquippa. and three transfers, a school is reclassified up a division. The Quips are known for winning and hope to continue to do so. which former Aliquippa football player and assistant coach, Sherman McBride serves as head coach and Zmijanac serves as a volunteer assistant. Graduation year: 2023 Height: 6-foot-3. In this Oct. 26, 1992, file photo, Buffalo Bills quarterback Jim Kelly (12) throws a pass during an NFL football game against the New York Jets in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Mark Lennihan, File). ", When I asked Yaros to explain a typical football practice to me, he simply said one word, Running., "The coaches told us if we can outrun our opponent, then we got it; were good. We're talking about somethingfinancial where a kid might have to move to a different place to survive. Comprehensive look at high school football champions from across the country. The Pro Football Hall of Famer also won Super Bowl VI with Dallas. Bob Liggett-Kansas City Chiefs. The team fields about 35 to 40 players and that number can drop as the season goes on due to injuries . I can see it on their faces.". (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images), Teams: New York Jets (2007-12, 2015-16), Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2013), New England Patriots (2014), Kansas City Chiefs (2017). Without the roster depth and healthcare resources that Class 5A programs have, Aliquippa feels that it would be irresponsible to ask its student athletes to competein a schedule filled with so many disadvantages. index. Carthage wins Texas state championship, finishes as nation's top small town team. He would make his first Pro Bowl selection in 2008, and in 2009, he led the league with 31 defended passes. Marshall, 34, was released by the Giants in April after playing in just five games for Big Blue in 2017. While a member of the Aliquippa football team, Revis was named the 2003 Player of the Year by the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, the 2003 WPIAL Class 2A Player of the Year by the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, and a member of the Post-Gazette's Fabulous 22 for 2003. Pennsylvania high school football state final schedule, brackets, computer rankings, statewide stat leaders, schedules and scores - live and final. Why he's here: An All-American at Michigan, Law twice led the NFL interceptions (1998, 2005) and picked off 53 passes as a pro. That ended, however, in the early 1980s when the steel mills started moving away. Teams receive 1 point for reaching their district championship, 2 points for playing in a state quarterfinal, 3 points for playing in a state semifinal and 4 points for reaching the state championship. Jody Creese and Elizabeth McCurdy on June 06, 2020: Dont forget Bill Koman of Hopewell High School, class of 1952 who went on to play for Saint Louis Cardinals. Warfield said that hes making sure his players stay composed and ready to take it one game at a time and not get too far ahead of themselves in 2022. When that time comes, then well focus on that.. It was impressive to see him get more reps, get more experience and become more mature about how to run the ball, and how we expect him to run the ball.. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images). The Pro Football Hall of Famer and Super Bowl XLI champion set a single-season NFL record with 143 catches during the 2002 campaign. He eventually decided to play for the University of Pittsburgh. dan short played for ny giants as a def . Warfield agrees. Mike Ditka is arguably the biggest name in football to come out of Aliquippa. According to our partners at . During his tenure in New England, he would win three Super Bowl championships.