Author: Beaver County Radio

Mc DONALD’S BEAVER COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW

 

WPIAL PLAYOFFS — ROUND TWO
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2026

It’s time for our McDonald’s Beaver County High School Football Preview, brought to you by Tri-County McDonald’s!

We’re down to the final eight teams in each classification of the WPIAL playoffs, and four Beaver County teams are still chasing a championship!

Western Beaver, Beaver Falls, Aliquippa and Hopewell are all in action Friday night.

It’s win or go home, and we’ve got some outstanding matchups!

Let’s start with our Pond Lehocky Game of the Week!

POND LEHOCKY GAME OF THE WEEK

WESTERN BEAVER VS. STEEL VALLEY

FOX CHAPEL HIGH SCHOOL — CLASS 2A QUARTERFINALS

What a story the Western Beaver Golden Beavers have become!

After starting the season 1-and-4, Western Beaver has now won six consecutive games, including last week’s impressive 44-22 victory over Chartiers-Houston.

The Golden Beavers enter at 7-and-4, and they’ve been one of the hottest teams in Class 2A.

The biggest reason has been Jeremiah Pratt.

Since moving to quarterback, Pratt has completely transformed Western Beaver’s offense.

Last week, Pratt rushed for 197 yards and two touchdowns on just 11 carries!

And he wasn’t alone.

Braeden Mayo added 127 rushing yards and two touchdowns, giving Western Beaver an outstanding one-two punch.

But Friday night brings a familiar opponent.

Steel Valley defeated Western Beaver 14-6 back on September 11.

The Ironmen enter at 7-and-4 and are coming off a dominating 47-8 victory over Freedom in the opening round.

That sets up a fascinating rematch.

Western Beaver is a much different team than the one Steel Valley faced in September.

The keys will be controlling the line of scrimmage, establishing the running game and avoiding costly turnovers.

I think Western Beaver’s momentum and improved offense will make the difference.

FRANK’S PICK: WESTERN BEAVER 28, STEEL VALLEY 21!

And remember, our Pond Lehocky Game of the Week is now AUDIO ONLY!

Join us Friday night, live from Fox Chapel High School, with pregame coverage beginning at 6:30 and kickoff at 7:00.

You can hear all the action on 99.3 FM, 95.7 FM, 1230 WBVP and 1460 WMBA!

You can also listen live at beavercountyradio.com, or by downloading the St. Barnabas Broadcasting App, available in the Google Play Store or Apple’s App Store!

BEAVER FALLS VS. BISHOP CANEVIN

DORMONT STADIUM — CLASS 2A QUARTERFINALS

Here’s another tremendous playoff matchup!

The Beaver Falls Tigers enter at 7-and-3 after defeating McGuffey 28-7 in the opening round.

Running back Xavier Clark rushed for 96 yards and a touchdown in that victory.

Quarterback Rodney Slappy continues to be a key part of the Tigers’ offense.

But Beaver Falls faces its biggest challenge of the season.

Bishop Canevin is undefeated at 10-and-0 and is the number one seed in Class 2A.

The Crusaders had a first-round bye, so they’ll be rested and ready.

For Beaver Falls to pull off the upset, the Tigers must establish their running game, control the clock and play outstanding defense.

I’m expecting a physical game, but Bishop Canevin is a very difficult opponent.

FRANK’S PICK: BISHOP CANEVIN 28, BEAVER FALLS 20.

ALIQUIPPA VS. PROPEL BRADDOCK HILLS

DEER LAKES HIGH SCHOOL — CLASS 3A QUARTERFINALS

Don’t look now, but the Aliquippa Quips are making another November playoff run!

Aliquippa enters at 7-and-3 after crushing Waynesburg Central 52-14 in the opening round.

The Quips will need another big performance from running back Akiva Woods and their offensive line.

But this week’s opponent presents a major challenge.

Propel Braddock Hills is the number two seed, entering at 8-and-3.

Propel Braddock Hills opened the playoffs with a dominating 66-19 victory over Burrell.

That means Aliquippa’s defense must be ready for an explosive offense.

The Quips have a history of playing their best football in November, and I think that playoff experience matters.

I’m calling for a close one!

FRANK’S PICK: ALIQUIPPA 28, PROPEL BRADDOCK HILLS 24.

HOPEWELL VS. NORTH CATHOLIC

CHARTIERS VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL — CLASS 3A QUARTERFINALS

How about those Hopewell Vikings?

Hopewell enters at 10-and-1 after absolutely dominating Mount Pleasant 62-7 in the opening round!

The Vikings have one of the most explosive offenses in the WPIAL.

Quarterback James Armstrong continues to lead the way, with Nasir Wade, Brody Rock and Avery Bokor providing plenty of offensive firepower.

But North Catholic won’t be an easy opponent.

The Trojans enter at 8-and-3 after shutting out Beaver 21-0 last week.

North Catholic has shown it can play outstanding defense.

The big question is whether the Trojans can slow down Hopewell’s high-powered offense.

I don’t think they can.

FRANK’S PICK: HOPEWELL 35, NORTH CATHOLIC 21.

FINAL THOUGHTS

So there are my picks for the second round of the WPIAL playoffs!

My team to watch is Western Beaver! Six straight victories, and Jeremiah Pratt has transformed the Golden Beavers into a serious playoff contender.

My potential upset is Aliquippa over Propel Braddock Hills! Never underestimate the Quips in November.

And my biggest challenge of the week belongs to Beaver Falls, taking on undefeated Bishop Canevin.

But our spotlight Friday night is on Fox Chapel High School!

Western Beaver and Steel Valley meet again, this time with a trip to the Class 2A semifinals on the line!

MY FINAL POND LEHOCKY GAME OF THE WEEK PICK: WESTERN BEAVER 28, STEEL VALLEY 21!

Remember, the game is AUDIO ONLY!

Listen on 99.3 and 95.7 FM, 1230 WBVP, 1460 WMBA, beavercountyradio.com, or the St. Barnabas Broadcasting App!

Pregame at 6:30, kickoff at 7:00!

That’s your McDonald’s Beaver County High School Football Preview!

Good luck to all four of our remaining Beaver County teams!

Matthew J. McCauley (1950-2026)

Matthew J. McCauley, 76, of Chippewa Township, passed away peacefully on November 9th, 2026, at Celebration Villa of Chippewa.

He was born in New Brighton on June 6th, 1950, a son of the late Wilbert and Blanche (Brendel) McCauley.

Matthew was a proud veteran of the United States Army, having served during the Vietnam War. He was a part of the Charlie Co. and the 1/52nd 198th L.I.B American Division during the war. He was a member of the former Highland VFW, where he served as Commander and was a member of the Beaver-Lawrence County Honor Guard. Matthew proudly assisted several local veterans’ organizations in honoring fellow veterans who had passed away, helping to ensure their service and sacrifice were remembered with dignity and respect.

He is survived by his loving wife of nearly 25 years, Debra (Smiley) McCauley, his children, Matthew McCauley Jr., Michelle (Clayton) Hamilton, and Kelly (Cory) Schmidt, Debra’s children, Megan (Mark) Helsel and Lauren (Harry) Hall, his grandchildren: Cade Hamilton, Elle Hamilton, Mila Hamilton, Luca Schmidt, Gabriel Why, Landon Hall, and Hailey Hall; as well as his siblings, Chuck (Pat) McCauley, Debbie (Eugene) McMillen, and Margaret McCauley and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his sister, Penney (John) Cockerham.

Friends and family will be received on Friday November 13th from 4 P.M. to 7 P.M. at Gabauer-Lutton Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc., 117 Blackhawk Road, Beaver Falls, who was in charge of his arrangements.

Military Honors will be rendered at the funeral home by the Beaver County Honor Guard on Saturday, November 14th at 9:45 A.M. A funeral service will follow at 10 A.M. in the funeral home chapel.

A private interment will take place at Grandview Cemetery, 139 Norwood Drive, Beaver Falls.

The family of Matthew wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate staff at Celebration Villa in Chippewa Township for the wonderful care given to Matt over the last year and a half. A thank you goes out to Gateway Hospice for their dedication and support during Matthew’s final months.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to his church, Mt. Olive Lutheran Church, 1154 Shenango Road, Beaver Falls, PA 15010.

To send flowers with our preferred florist or plant a memorial tree, please visit the flower store of the Gabauer Family Funeral Homes & Cremation Services by clicking here.

Anna Marie Angotti DeDominicis (Passed on November 10th, 2026)

Anna Marie Angotti DeDominicis, 82, of Freedom, passed away on November 10th, 2026.

She was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and lived a life marked by devotion, grace, education, and deep love for her family and community.

Anna Marie was the daughter of the late Frank and Elizabeth Agotti. She was raised in Freedom, Pennsylvania. She graduated from Freedom Area High School in 1962 and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree from Carlow University in 1966, majoring in Spanish. Her education reflected both her love of learning and her gift for language, two qualities that would become central to her life’s work.

She was united in marriage to the late Dr. Albert A. DeDominicis, Jr., and together they shared 55 years of marriage. Their life together was a testament to mutual respect and steadfast commitment.

She is survived by her son, Dr. Albert A. DeDominicis III, and his wife, Michelle Terreri, and her daughter, Gia Cristina, and her husband, Charles Steven Hrelec III. She was a proud and loving grandmother to Charles Steven Hrelec IV and Carina Cecile Hrelec. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Debra DeDominicis. Her family was the center of her life, and she found great joy in their accomplishments, celebrations, and everyday moments.

Anna Marie devoted much of her life to teaching, and her career was a reflection of her patience, intelligence, and kindness. She taught Spanish at Pennfield High School in Battle Creek, Michigan for a short time before returning to Freedom, where she taught at Liberty School as a Sixth-Grade Home Room teacher. She later served as a substitute teacher in Freedom. From 1996 to 2008, she taught Spanish to preschool children ages 3 to 4 years old at Edgeworth Elementary School, where she touched countless young lives with her enthusiasm, compassion, and dedication.

Her love of language extended beyond the classroom. She spoke fluent Italian and Spanish, gifts that connected her to her heritage and enriched the many lives she touched.

She was also active in the life of her community and church. Anna Marie was a member of Christian Mothers and the former Freedom Junior Women’s Club. She was deeply involved in the PTA during the years her children were school age, always ready to lend her support and time for the benefit of others.

She will be remembered as a woman of intelligence, gentleness, and strength.

Friends will be received on Friday, November 13th from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. at Simpson Funeral & Cremation Services, 1119 Washington Avenue, Monaca, who was in charge of her arrangements, where parting prayers will be offered on Saturday, November 14th at 9:15 a.m. followed by a mass of Christian burial at 10 a.m. at St Felix Catholic Church, 450 13th Street, Freedom. Interment will follow in Calvary Cemetery, 1019 Lovi Road, Freedom.

The family of Anna Marie would like to extend a special thank you to the administration and staff at Concordia Franklin Park for their endless compassion and empathetic approach as healthcare providers. Those wishing to make a memorial contribution in Anna Marie’s memory are asked to please consider the Autism Society.

To leave an online condolence, or get directions, please visit www.simpsonfuneralhome.com.

Charles “Buzz” Kulbacki, Sr. (1949-2026)

Charles “Buzz” Kulbacki, Sr., 77, of Sewickley, passed away on November 9th, 2026, at Allegheny Health Network – Wexford.

He was born in Sewickley on October 21st, 1949, the son of the late Richard and Thelma (Blough) Kulbacki.

He is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Janine (McCarthy) Kulbacki, a daughter, Maureen (Jon) Georgiadis and a son, Charles, Jr. (Kristin Hauman) Kulbacki, 3 grandsons, Maximus and Alexander Georgiadis and Robin Hauman Kulbacki, a niece and 3 nephews: Joyce, Richard, David K. and David G.; as well as a sister-in-law, Lois Kulbacki and many additional loving family members.

Charles was a very proud member of the Sons of the American Revolution. He was also very dedicated to his community where he was a borough manager for 27 years, and a member of the Bell Acres Council for 21 years. Additionally, he served 40 faithful years as an Elder at the Fairmount ARP Church in Sewickley. He was such a witty and loving man, and his family (especially his grandchildren) were so important to him.

Family and friends are welcome to gather for a visitation on Thursday, November 12th, from 2-4 P.M. and 6-8 P.M., in the John Syka Funeral Home, Inc., 833 Kennedy Drive, Ambridge, who was in charge of his arrangements. A funeral service will also be held on Friday, November 13th, at 10:30 A.M., in Fairmount ARP Church, 2535 Fairmount Church Road, Sewickley. Everyone is asked to meet at the church. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. If you are unable to attend the funeral service, it will be live streamed via the Fairmount Presbyterian Church Facebook page.

Celebrate 2026 Thanksgiving at these local community dinners

(File Photo of a Thanksgiving Dinner)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Beaver County, PA) Thanksgiving is approaching in 2026, and some locals are celebrating by sharing meals in their community.

According to a report from the Beaver County Times, here is a list of local Thanksgiving meal celebrations across the area:

A note to those in the Coraopolis area: the Coraopolis United Methodist Church has ended its annual community Thanksgiving dinner, according to an announcement on the church’s website. However, the church will host its November community dinner from 4:30 p.m.-6 p.m. November 18th, serving turkey pot pie, cranberry sauce, salad, rolls and butter and dessert. For more information, contact the church office at 412-264-3727.

The Salvation Army Beaver Falls, 414 16th Street, is hosting a community Thanksgiving dinner at 2 p.m. November 22nd at its Service Center.

Twelve Loaves Soup Kitchen, 1031 Second Avenue in New Brighton, is hosting a Thanksgiving dinner on November 24th between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Donations of turkeys (bone-in), fresh sweet potatoes or canned yams, stuffing mix, gravy (can or jar), canned whipped topping, stick butter, dinner rolls and pumpkin or pecan pies are needed, according to their Facebook page. (Please donate rolls and pies closer to November 23rd.) Donations of soup bases, broth, powdered bouillon and crackers are also appreciated for winter meals. For more information or to volunteer, call 724-678-1287.

Central Global Methodist Church, 1227 Sixth Avenue in Beaver Falls is serving a community Thanksgiving dinner from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on November 26th at the church. Dinner is available to eat in or take out, no reservations needed. Volunteers are also needed to help, call 724-417-1208.

Second Baptist Church and Our Lady of the Valley parish are hosting a community Thanksgiving dinner from noon to 3 p.m. November 26th at St. Cecilia Church social hall, 643 California Street in Rochester. Free and open to all, eat-in or takeout and walk-ins are welcome. To pre-order, call 724-775-4111. For Thanksgiving day orders, call 724-775-3775 or 724-709-7426.

Clinton United Methodist Church, 1147 Old Route 18 in Wampum is serving a community Thanksgiving dinner from 1 p.m.-3 p.m. November 26th at the church. Dine in, curbside pickup or local delivery is available; orders are due by November 24th to Laurie at 724-657-4328.

Uncommon Grounds Cafe, 380 Franklin Avenue, Aliquippa. 724-375-6141. A community Thanksgiving dinner will be served from 1 p.m.-5 p.m. on November 25th. All are welcome, dine-in or takeouts available.

AAA: Intersection AEB May Help Prevent Some Crashes, but Limitations Remain

(Credit for Photo: Photo Provided with Release Courtesy of AAA East Central)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) Automatic emergency braking (AEB) technology has advanced to address crash situations that are more complex, including those that occur at intersections.

AAA tested four 2026 model-year vehicles across different intersection crash scenarios to better understand how the latest intersection AEB systems perform.

The results showed good performance in standardized tests.

However, limitations when new scenarios were presented.

All four of the vehicles avoided a collision in the standardized left turn across oncoming traffic scenario.

Furthermore, three of the four systems did not prevent a collision when a vehicle entered their path from a side road.

U.S. Steel’s proposed hot strip mill faces criticism and support at permit public hearing

(File Photo: Source for Photo: FILE – United States Steel’s Edgar Thomson Plant in Braddock, Pa. is shown on Feb. 26, 2019. U.S. Steel, the Pittsburgh steel producer that played a key role in the nation’s industrialization, is being acquired by Nippon Steel in an all-cash deal valued at approximately $14.1 billion. The transaction is worth about $14.9 billion when including the assumption of debt. Nippon, which will pay $55 per share for U.S. Steel, said Monday, Dec. 18, 2023 that the deal will bolster its manufacturing and technology capabilities. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar, File)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Allegheny County, PA) The Allegheny County Health Department held a public hearing yesterday to get feedback on U.S. Steel’s proposed hot strip mill.

U.S. Steel applied for a permit to install this new hot strip mill at its Edgar Thomson Plant in Braddock.

According to the company, the hot strip mill, which is capable of producing up to 3,500,000 tons of hot rolled steel annually, will replace the existing hot strip mill at U.S. Steel’s Irvin Plant in West Mifflin.

The feedback for that hot strip mill had mixed reactions, with some agreeing with it and others disagreeing with it.

Several speakers spoke in support of it, saying that it will create job opportunities and modernize operations.

However, some residents said that they fear that the emissions will add to generations of health issues.

Allegheny County will accept written comments about the hot strip mill by the public through Tuesday, November 17th.

A decision date on the permit for this hot strip mill has not been set at this time.

Former Steelers running back and running backs coach Dick Hoak dies at 86

(Caption for Photo: Steelers running backs coach Dick Hoak announces his retirement at team headquarters on the South Side on Jan. 2, 2007. (Credit for Photo: Photo Courtesy of Chaz Palla/Trib Live))

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) The Pittsburgh Steelers announced this morning that former Steelers player and coach Dick Hoak has died.

Hoak passed away today at the age of 86.

He was a native of Jeannette who spent 10 seasons as a running back playing for the Steelers between 1961 and 1970.

Hoak was named to the NFL Pro Bowl in 1968.

He retired after the 1970 season and at the time, he was the number two all-time rusher in Steelers history.

Hoak is still sitting at eighth all-time in rushing yards for the Steelers as of the 2025 NFL season.

After his career as a player, he joined the Steelers’ front office.

He joined the team’s coaching staff as the running backs coach in 1972, which was a position that he held until 2007.

Hoak was also the only coach to work under both Bill Cowher and Chuck Noll.

Cain “Hop” M. Hopkins (1998-2026)

Cain “Hop” “Hoppy” M. Hopkins, 28, of Ambridge, passed away on November 7th, 2026.

He was born on August 6th, 1998, and was preceded in death by his uncle, Ryan Baker.

He is survived by his loving family, including his mother, Michelle (Cade Kessler) Baker, his father, Dennis (Tricia) Hopkins Jr., his siblings: Hunter M. Hopkins, Brooke (Steve) Almendarez, Sydney Trimbath, and Tyler Trimbath; as well as his fraternal grandparents, Nancy and Dennis Hopkins Sr., his maternal grandparents, Terry (Terri) Baker and Mary (Mike) Mitro, his uncles: Jeffrey Baker, Kyle Baker, Duke (Tabitha) Hopkins, and Tim Hopkins; his aunt, Bailey Baker; along with his nephews, Mason Trimbath, Ben, Brad, and Sam Almendarez, his cousins: Amanda, Sara, Cole, and Sydney; as well as many great aunts and uncles and extended family, his beloved dog, Vino and many dear friends, including Katelinn Bowser.

Cain was a graduate of Ambridge High School with its Class of 2016, where he proudly participated in both the soccer and wrestling programs. Following graduation, he pursued a career as a union carpenter with Local Union 432. He loved carpentry and was an incredibly hard worker. He often helped friends and family members with various projects. He was also a wonderful uncle.  His nephews adored him.  Wherever Cain was, they wanted to be.

He was an avid Pittsburgh Steelers fan who loved nothing more than going to the games, home or away. He enjoyed the outdoors, but his passion was golf. He loved spending time golfing, especially alongside his brother, Hunter, his father, pap and friends or anyone else who wanted to join him, even someone he just met on the course.

If you met him, you remembered him. He had a way a lighting up every room he walked into. He was the life of the party, even when there wasn’t party, always making sure everyone around him was having a good time too.  He had an endless supply of jokes, whether they were corny or dad jokes that made everyone laugh and groan at the same time.

He cherished the time spent with family and friends and will be remembered by those who knew and loved him. He was a true and loyal friend, a loving son and brother.

He will be deeply missed, and those who knew him will keep his jokes, his laugh and his love of a good time with them always.

In accordance with Cain’s wishes, all services will be private.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Alvarez-Hahn Funeral Services and Cremation, LLC, 547 8th Sreet, Ambridge.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made in Cain’s memory to Movember by typing in the following website.

https://us.movember.com/donate/details?memberId=97#amount

Route 422 Improvement Work Begins Monday in Lawrence County

(File Photo of Road Work Ahead Sign)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Lawrence County, PA) PennDOT District 11 announced that roadway improvement work on Route 422 in Shenango and Slippery Rock townships in Lawrence County will begin on Monday, November 16th, weather permitting. 

There will be single-lane restrictions along Route 422 between Business 422 in Shenango Township and just east of the McConnell Mill Road intersection in Slippery Rock Township from 8 A.M. to 4 P.M. weekdays, as needed, through mid-December to accommodate preliminary drainage work and line painting operations.