Tigers shined in return to Class 4A football

By JOSE NEGRON
jnegron@yourmvi.com

McKeesport head coach Matt Miller believes his team sent a message in its return to Class 4A last season.
Competing in the ultra-competitive Big 8 Conference with the likes of Belle Vernon Area and Thomas Jefferson, the Tigers posted a 6-2 overall mark, including a 5-1 record in conference action.
McKeesport began its season with a shutout loss to BVA before rattling off six straight wins, one of which came in the regular-season finale against the defending WPIAL and PIAA champion Jaguars.
Despite seeing the season come to an end with a quarterfinal loss to Plum in the WPIAL playoffs, Miller was pleased with what his team accomplished.
“We always feel like we can compete with anybody,” he said. “It’s not even always just about wins, it’s about us feeling confident that we can come in and be a tough opponent for anybody to play.”
Entering the new campaign, the Tigers are optimistic and eager to get things started back in the Big 8.
McKeesport will have to replace some key players, including quarterback-running back Terrance Glenn and offensive linemen Colin Lyons and David Stephenson. On defense, Lyons is among the key departures in addition to linebackers Devontae Hampton and Aundre Robinson and defensive back Asaad Robinson.
All six players were all-conference selections last season. Lyons was picked on both sides of the ball and was voted Defensive Player of the Year.
“It’s going to be hard to replace those guys,” Miller said. “All six made huge contributions for us.”

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