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BIG RED'S FINISH 15-1
The Big Reds Finish the Season with a (8-0,15-1) record and have outscored their opponents by a wopping 530-190 point differential. The Big Reds offense averaged 33 pts. per game and there defense gave up a mere 12 pts per game. WOW!!!
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5 BIG REDS GET HONORS!
We would like to congratulate Head Coach Brian Hoffman on receiving the Associated Press Class A "COACH OF THE YEAR" Award. Also Kolten Hoffman and Steve Andrusky were awarded first-team honors. Hoffman was named First Team All-State Quarterback and Andrusky was named First Team All-State at the Linbacker position. Lucas Allen collected 3rd team All-State honors for offense while Tyler Gilmore received 3rd Team All-State Honors for Defense. Way to guys! We are so proud of you!!!!
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A FAN'S LAST POEM
The 12th man dismounts for the campaign was won. He looks at his sons and with pride says,"Well Done!!" For we were born out of ashes back in April or May, and God gave us the strength to excel every day. You have captured the hearts of a small town so obscure,and have taken them to new heights and places for sure. For history will write of your Guts and your Glory, for 2006 and a wondrous story. Some warriors ride off to lifes future campaigns,with our Love we do send them, while the younger remains. For in 2007 in April or May and born out of ashes new warriors will say,"Mount your steed mighty 12th man for we must ride today; the campaign has started,and we must be on our way.
" God Bless you boys wherever life takes you....oh yes,.....and also THE 12TH MAN!!!!
BY: TM
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BIG REDS ARE CLASS A STATE RUNNERS UP!
THE WEST MIDDLESEX BIG REDS FOOTBALL TEAM IS SHOWN HOLDING UP THE CLASS A RUNNERS UP TROPHY IN HERSHEY PA. THE BIG REDS LOST 56-14.
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BIG REDS BOW TO KING PIN SOUTHERN COLUMBIA IN THE STATE CHAMPIONSHIP!
HERSHEY PA, Before the game, Big Reds fans made their presence known in chocalate town in a big way. Two hotels were completely filled to the max with people wearing red and white thursday evening. School was cancelled on friday and nothing else was going on in the little borough of West Middlesex since more than 2,000 West Middlesex faithful made their way across the state for the big game. The (15-0) Big Reds were facing the biggest challenge all year when they faced 4th consecutive state kingpin Southern Columbia (15-0) for what would be the Big Reds first appearance in a State Championship game. Southern was coming of a 25 game winning streak and had mercy ruled 14 of it's last 15 opponents. Southern started early and often on the ground that would highlight a Henrey Hynoski 11 carry, 126 yard, 3 TD performance that allowed SC to bash the Big Reds 56-14 before 5,006 spectators. The Tigers built a 35-0 lead midway through the second quarter when Southern's QB Ted Heitzman threw a screen pass to Hynoski for a 70 yard score. The Big Reds finally got on the board when Kolten Hoffman hooked up with Lucas Allen for a 9 yard TD pass that capped off a 12-play 50 yard drive that consumed 4:18. Josh Brown's PAT was wide left. The Big Reds were in Tigers redzone twice before with drives stalling at the SC's 6 and 10 yard line. Southern would answer the Big Reds score right back when Nick Gallinot scored on a 57 yard TD scamper that gave the Tigers a 42-6 half time lead. In the Second Half Southern would score on an Austin Carpenter's 47 yard scoring sprint and a Hynoski 8-yarder, while West Middlesex countered with a Hoffman to Barris 17 yard TD toss and Brown's Two point Conversion run that would end the scoring at 56-14. "A big part of this game was physical conditioning and they were just bigger and stronger and that's what happened today". West MIddlesex mentor Brian Hoffman said regarding the Tiger's offensive/defensive line that averaged 269 pounds in paving paths for 240 pound Hynoski. Kolten Hoffman, Mercer County's single season (2,401) and career (5,054) yards passing leader, concluded his scholastic career with a 22-for-46 210 yard, 2 TD performance. West Middlesex Seniors include Lucas Allen, Steve Andrusky, Josh Brown, Tyler Gilmore, Kolten Hoffman, Todd Minner, Chachi Ruffo, and Marco Skarica.( The above article was from the Sharon Herald). We would like to thank all of the senior's for a tremendous season filled with Heart, Pride, and Passion. Thanks also to the Coaching staff, the Gridiron Club, the Administration, Athletic Director, and last but certaintly not least the "TWELFTH MAN" (THE FANS) thank you so much for your unending support. WE LOVE YOU AND WE WILL SEE YA NEXT YEAR!!!!!!!!!!!! BUILDING BIG REDS FOR THE FUTURE...........
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THESE BIG REDS FAN'S SHOW THEIR SUPPORT BY PUTTING SIGNS AND BANNERS ON THEIR CAMPERS. HUNDRED'S OF BIG RED'S FAN'S TAIL-GATED LIKE THESE TWO BEFORE THE CHAMPIONSHIP GAME IN HERSHEY.
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OVER MORE THAN 2,000 BIG RED FAITHFUL PACKED THE STADIUM OF HERSHEY PARK DURING THE PIAA CLASS A CHAMPIONSHIP GAME THIS PAST FRIDAY.
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THE BIG REDS TEAM CAPTAINS STEVE ANDRUSKY #11, KOLTEN HOFFMAN #12, TYLER GILMORE #62, and JOSH BROWN #24 MEET SOUTHERN COLUMBIA'S TEAM CAPTAINS AT MIDFIELD FOR THE OPENING COIN TOSS OF THE 2006 CLASS A STATE FINALS GAME.
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LUCAS ALLEN HAULS IN A 9 YARD TD PASS FROM HOFFMAN.
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JOSH BROWN CROSSES THE GOAL-LINE FOR A TWO-POINT CONVERSION SCORE.
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STEVE ANDRUSKY RETURNS A KICKOFF FOR SOME GOOD YARDAGE AGAINST SOUTHERN COLUMBIA.
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BIG REDS RECEIVER TYLER BARRIS TRIES TO MAKE A SPECTACULAR CATCH BUT CANNOT HANG ON.... BARRIS AT 6'4 WAS ONE OF HOFFMAN'S MAIN TARGETS ALL YEAR LONG.
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HERE IS A PICTURE OF SOUTHERN COLUMBIA'S 6'5 330lb DEFENSIVE TACKLE JOSH MARKS WHO SEEMED LIKE A MAN AMONGST BOYS. MARKS IS A DIVISION-1 RECRUIT AND IS HEADED TO PENN STATE NEXT YEAR TO PLAY FOR JOE PATERNO'S NITTANY LIONS. LIKE MARKS, SC'S STAR RB HENRY HYNOSKI IS ALSO A DIVISION-1 RECRUIT. THE 6'2 240lb HYNOSKI IS HEADED TO PITT UNIVERSITY.
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BIG REDS SIGNAL CALLER KOLTEN HOFFMAN #12 DROPS BACK TO PASS AS TEAMMATE LUCAS ALLEN #13 LOOKS TO BLOCK.
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LUCAS ALLEN PREPARES TO LAY A HIT ON SC'S STAR RUNNING BACK HENRY HYNOSKI AS STEVE ANDRUSKY TRIES TO RAP HIM UP.
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BIG REDS TYLER GILMORE #62 TRIES TO SLOW DOWN THE PASS RUSH BY SOUTHERN COULUMBIA'S HENRY HYNOSKI #27.
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A WEST MIDDLESEX FAN HOLDS UP A SIGN DURING THE PIAA CLASS A CHAMPIONSHIP THAT SAY'S "WE BELIEVE", IN SUPPORT OF THE BIG REDS DREAM TEAM.
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LUCAS ALLEN #13 BREAKS DOWN TO MAKE A TACKLE ON SOUTHERN COLUMBIA'S RB STEVE ROTH #5.
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COACH FOX AND COACH MEANS TAKE A MOMENT TO HOLD THE PIAA CLASS A STATE RUNNERS UP TROPHY. FOR NOW THE MAGICAL SEASON HAS COME TO AN END BUT THEY ARE BOTH LOOKING FORWARD TO NEXT YEAR.
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BIG REDS SENIOR RUNNING BACK JOSH BROWN SHEDS A FEW TOUGH TEARS AS HE FINISHED HIS LAST GAME AS A BIG RED IN THE STATE CHAMPIONSHIP GAME. OTHER SENIORS ARE KOLTEN HOFFMAN, STEVE ANDRUSKY, TODD MINNER, TYLER GILMORE, LUCAS ALLEN, CHACHI RUFFO, AND MARCO SKARICA. THANKS FOR A GREAT SEASON, WE LOVE YOU!
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ON WARD TO HERSHEY!!!!!!
Last week in the Western Region Championship the twelfth man was in full effect. This week the West Middlesex Big Reds Football Team and it's faithful have earned themselves a first class ticket to Hershey to play for the school's first State Championship. The Big Reds (15-0) will take on Power-House Southern Columbia (15-0) this Friday @ 1pm at Hershey Park Stadium. We encourage everyone in the valley to go and support your local team in their quest to bring home the gold.
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BIG REDS ARE WESTERN REGION CHAMPIONS!
At Ambridge, the West Middlesex Big Reds (15-0) bopped the Clairton Bears (15-1) by a score of 37-30 to be crowned the Western Region Champions. Clairton jumped out to an 8-0 lead on their first possession on a 43 yard run by Zaire Washington with 1:49 into the contest. The Big Reds bounced right back when Josh Brown picked off Leroy George's 3rd-and-7 pass and returned it 39-yards to the Clairton's 27 yard line. Four plays later Hoffman hooked up with Allen for an 8-yard TD toss. Josh Browns 2-pt conversion run tied it at 8 apiece. After some stellar "D" the Big Reds would cultivate an 11-play, 79 yard, 4 minute, 43 second drive that ended with a Hoffman to Andrusky 5-yard TD toss. Hoffman's 2-pt conversion pass to Andrusky made it 16-8 with 7:05 remaining in the second quarter. Clairton however, embarked on a 15-play, 77-yard, 6-minute, 59 second drive that ended with a dramatic 8-yard TD pass to Davenport with 2 seconds remaining in the half. George's 2-pt conversion run tied it at intermission at 16 all. In the second half the Big Reds would get a go-ahead score when ruffo picked off a Georg's pass and returned it to Clairton's 46 that set up the second of Hoffman's TDs. Hoffman hurled a 16 yard pass to Andrusky for the go-ahead score. Hoffman and Ruffo's 2-point conversion gave the Big Reds a 24-16 edge with 1:10 remaining in the third quarter. The Bears roared right back on Howards 31-yard kickoff return that would later set up a George 15-yard option keeper to the right. George's 2-pt conversion pass fell incomplete and gave the Big Reds a 24-22 lead with 35 ticks in the third. In the fourth the Bears would get the go-ahead score after the Big Reds were forced to punt from their own endzone. Ruffo who ealier blasted a 65 and 46 yard punt floated a 28 yarder that was downed at the WM 34. Pompey hammered forward for a 22yard gain and then george took it in the rest of the way on a 12 yard run. George's 2-point conversion toss to Williams gave the Bears a 30-24 lead. The Big Reds came right back on an 11 play, 72 yard march that ended with a Hoffman to Andrusky 6 yard TD toss to tie it at 30-30, then Brown booted the PAT for a 31-30 WM lead. However Hoffman's highlight was a 4th-and10 pass to Barris from the Bears 21-yard line with 3:57 remaining to keep the drive alive. On Clairton's next possession Lucas Allen would pilfer a George's 3rd-and-6 pass from their own 44 yard line. Hoffman on a 2nd-and-9 play from his own 47 yard line faked the ball to Andrusky to the right and kept the ball on a keeper left and broke several tackles on an amazing 53-yard sprint. Josh Brown's PAT was wide left but the Big Reds had a 37-30 lead. On the Bear's last possession they marched to the Big Reds 21 yard line with 27 ticks left. A pair of George's passes fell incomplete and left the bears with a 4th-and-13 with 8 ticks left. George scrambled out of the pocket to his right and fired to 6'6 Brittan Davenport but the 4th down pass fell short. Kolten Hoffman and the Big Reds took one snap and nelt down as time expired and the Big Reds became Western Region Champions for the first time in history.
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BIG REDS LINE UP AGAINST CLAIRTON IN THE WESTERN FINALS.
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Steve Andrusky carries the rock against the Bears.
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Band Director Donald White and his Big Red Marching Band show their team spirit as they play and cheer the Big Reds on to victory!
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Clairton's running back Zaire Washington looks for an opening in the Big Reds defense.
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Josh Brown and Marco Skarica upend a Clairton runner.
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West Middlesex's Head Coach Brian Hoffman gets swarmed by the media after his team became the Western Regional Champs by knocking off the Clairton Bears 37-30.
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BIG REDS reach PIAA WESTERN FINALS against CLAIRTON
The West Middlesex Big Reds (14-0) will take on the Clairton Bears (14-0)in the Western Finals at 1pm this Saturday @ Ambridge High School! We encourage all fans to come support your local team in their quest for gold!
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"HAILMARY"
At Clarion's Memorial Stadium the West Middlesex Big Reds (14-0) showed alot of heart,will, and pure determination. When on Friday night they found themselves down 8-6 with 34 ticks left in the PIAA Class A Quarterfinals. This years Big Reds edition has been through it all by enduring injuries, sickness, and now unbelievable odds. After a whole half of tough defense the score was all notched at zero. The Big Reds defense contained Coudersport (13-1) in it's own end for the contest's first 33 minutes before the Falcons finally crossed midfield on a pair of Cavallari runs with approximately 2 1/2 minutes remaining in the third period. After a Coudy punt late in the third frame the Big Reds finally got on the board, when Hoffman rolled to his left and escaped at least four tackles that had him pinned up against the sideline and then hit Steve Andrusky in the corner of the endzone with 2:51 remaining. Josh Brown's PAT was wide left. The Big Reds were down inside Coudersport's 25 yardline twice more but had two turnovers. One of them coming on a fumble and the other on a half back pass that was intercepted in the endzone. After the INT in the endzone Coudersport started it's drive on the 20 yard line. On the second play of Coudy's drive Big Reds Signal Caller and Safety injured his ankle on a tackle by the sidelines.The Falcons despite a sack and a delay-of-game penalty they would sustain a 9-play 80-yard drive ending on a Wetzel to Whitman 8 yard TD toss in the right corner of the endzone with 34 ticks left in the game. Wetzel and Hau hooked up for the go-ahead 2pt. conversion pass and a short lived 8-6 edge. However Hoffman's Heart would not be denied. On one leg Hoffman orchestrated an offensive advancement of 68 yards in 28 seconds. Hoffman hit Josh Brown on a 13 yard pass play before Hoffman spiked the ball with 4 ticks left from the Falcon's 34 yard line. With four receivers to Hoffman's right. The ball was snapped and Hoffman dropped back to pass. The right outside linebacker blitz with a clear shot at Hoffman's back but Travis Wojtalik got just enough of him to allow Hoffman to step up in the pocket and deliver a 34 yard rocket that would find Tyler Barris in the back of the endzone for the game winner with no time on the clock.............
The Big Reds have done it. They have reached the Final Four in the state. Way to go BIG REDS we are so proud of you!
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A FAN'S POEM!
The time is at hand and the Warriors are ready,
The 12th man mounts up on his steed and is steady.
He follows the Warriors into battle this night,
in hopes that his presence encourages them to fight.
Whether we win or whether we lose,
by our sons side is the place that we choose.
They are MIGHTY WARRIORS in this there is no doubt,
the 12TH MAN rides with them to support and to shout.
When the battle has ended and the campaign is done
THE 12TH MAN will say my "Warriors WELL Done"
By: TM
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BIG REDS LICENSE PLATES FOR SALE. $10.00 EACH YOU CAN E-MAIL US AT bigredsfootball@yahoo.com or contact Coach Means @ (724)734-6949 TO ORDER.
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BIG REDS DOWN DEVILS 35-13 FOR THE D-10 TITLE!
At Slippery Rock's N. Kerr Thompson Stadium, the West Middlesex Big Reds (13-0) found themselves down 13-0 to the Sharpsville Blue Devils (9-4) half way through the second quarter in the D-10 Championship Game. West Middlesex finally struck back when Hoffman hit Andrusky on a screen pass and he rumbled 59 yards to the Blue Devils 9 yard line. On the very next play Hoffman would find the endzone on a 9 yard option keeper to the right. Josh Brown's PAT pulled the Big Reds within 6 at the half. In the second half after a Sharpsville 3-n-out Jarryd Summers was forced to punt. WM's Senior Josh Brown sparked the Big Reds rally when he returned Summers punt 61 yards that set up shop for Kolten Hoffman's second of three TD runs with a 31 yard scoring scamper. Brown's Pat put the Big Reds up 14-13 and they never looked back. In the fourth quarter the Big Reds defense was stellar by only allowing Aaron Reddix 17 yards on 8 carries and forcing Summers to throw 2 interceptions. Hoffman would find the enzone again on a one yard plunge that built a 21-13 lead. Shortly after a Big Red interception, Lucas Allen found the endzone on a 51-yard scoring sprint on a jet sweep and Hoffman took a 71 yard Interception to the house with 6:02 remaining that shocked Sharpsville and put the Big Reds up 35-13. The Big Reds would get the ball back one last time and drive down into Sharpsville territory. When the drive stalled WM was forced to punt. Ruffo's punt was downed by Kyle Allen at the Blue Devils 1 yard line. After two Sharpsville runs the clock ticked to 00:00 and the West Middlesex fans and cheerleaders came rushing onto the field as the Big Reds were crowned D-10 Champions by knocking of the Sharpsville Blue Devils by a final of 35-13.
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The Big Reds do some victory jacks as Steve Andrusky #11 holds the District 10 Championship Trophy.
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TIME TO CELEBRATE!
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The Big Reds celebrate in the locker room after winning the District 10 Title.
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Coach Hoffman explains to the kids it takes alot of heart to come from behind and win especially on one of the biggest stages in high school football(The District 10 Championship).
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DISTRICT X STANDINGS REGION 1-A
West Middlesex (8-0,15-1) 1-A,D-10,West Reg, and State Runners up!
Sharpsville (6-2,9-4)
Kennedy (6-2, 7-5)
Lakeview (5-3,7-4)
Mercer (4-4,5-5)
Linesville (2-6,4-6)
Conneaut Lake (3-5,4-6)
Farrell (1-7,1-9)
Cochranton (1-7,2-7)
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REDS and DEVILS REMATCH FOR D-10 TITLE!
West Middlesex will take on Sharpsville for the second time this season but this time it will be for the District 10 Title. The Big Reds have a 1-0 lead over the Blue Devils this year when they travelled to MCcraken Stadium and upset the former state ranked Devils 27-20 in front of a packed house. West Middlesex will collide with Sharpsville friday night at Slippery Rock University's N.Kerr Thompson Stadium in the District 10 Title Game with kickoff at 7pm. Only one team can move on to a PIAA playoff berth. Who will bring the heat??? The BIG REDS or The Devils. LETS GET IT ON!!!!!
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"TWELFTH MAN"
THIS IS IT FOLKS CHAMPIONSHIP FRIDAY HAS FINALLY ARRIVED. YOUR UNDEFEATED (12-0) BIG REDS WILL TAKE ON THE (9-3) BLUE DEVILS THIS FRIDAY NIGHT FOR THE DISTRICT 10 CLASS-A CROWN. IN WEEK THREE THE SHARPSVILLE BLUE DEVILS FANS WERE SHOCKED BY THE (TWELFTH MAN)BIG REDS CROWD. THE BIG REDS 27-20 WIN OVER SHARPSVILLE WAS PARTLY DUE TO THE ENORMOUS CROWD AND ATMOSPHERE THAT WAS DISPLAYED BY THE BIG RED FAITHFUL. THIS FRIDAY NIGHT WE NEED EVERYONE TO COME OUT, GET CRAZY, AND SUPPORT THE BIG REDS AS THEY GO FOR THEIR 13TH WIN AND THEIR 3RD DISTRICT 10 TITLE IN FIVE YEARS. THIS GAME IS FOR ALL THE MARBLES AND ALL THE RESPECT. WE NEED YOU (THE FAN)TO SET THE ATMOSPHERE AND KEEP US JACKED UP ALL GAME LONG. LETS INTRODUCE THE BLUE DEVILS ONCE AGAIN TO THE TWELFTH MAN!
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SHARPSVILLE ONE MORE TIME!
The West Middlesex Big Reds need to beat Sharpsville one more time to win the District 10 Championship for the third time in six years.
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WEST MIDDLESEX DEVOURS THE GOLDEN EAGLES 38-19
At Slippery Rock's N.Kerr Thompson Stadium when entering you may have mistaken it for Big Reds Stadium. The stands were packed and you could see literally a "SEA OF RED". With that said in this D-10 Semifinal playoff game it was all BIG REDS. On Kennedy Catholic's first possession, Kolten Hoffman picked off a Ross Gargano pass and rumbled 28 yards for the opening score. A short time later after a couple of drives stalled out the Big Reds were back in buisness when Hoffman plunged into the endzone from 1-yard out. Both of Josh Borwns PAT were good to give the Reds a 14-0 first quarter lead. In the second quarter Kennedy Catholic answered back when Gargano scampered 49 yards down the sidelines for a score, D'Onofrio's kick was good. WM's Steve Andrusky would find Paydirt on a 34 yard bulldozing run to extend the Big Reds lead to 20-7 with Brown PAT gone awre. Kennedy responded again with a long drive that had Lee Plotts finding the endzone from 4 yards out but D'Onofrio's kick was blocked by Josh Brown. The Big Reds bounced right back by driving down the field with under 1:30 left and with 00:10 ticks left in the 2nd half Josh Brown booted a 21 yard field goal to give WM a 23-13 lead at intermission. In the third period Kennedy got the ball and went 3-n-out. WM moved the ball but it's drive stalled out when Kolten Hoffman fumbled and Jason Wolinsky recovered it at the KC's 45 yard line. Four plays later, Highlighted by Gargano's 52 yard 1st-down run, Plotts produced his second score with 6:10 remaining in the third period. Although Hoffman blocked Danny D'Onofrio's attempted PAT, the Golden Eagles eased within 23-19. That score would hold through 3 quarters but on the 4th frames first play Gargano fumbled when hit while returning Chachi Ruffo's punt, and Kyle Wimer recovered it at the Big Reds 48 Yard line. Andrusky's 26 yard 1-down run coupled with Josh Brown's back-to-back 5 and 12 yard runs set up the Big Reds 1st and goal at the 9 yardline, and Hoffman hammered in on second down. Brown's two-point conversion run extended the Middlesex margin to 31-19 with 9:52 remaining. Kennedy never recovered as there last two drives ended respectively, when Gargano was stuffed by Brandon Benson on 4th and 5 from Kc's 47 yard line with 8:10 left. Then as Allen intercepted Gargano's 4th-and-13 pass from the Golden Eagles 33 with 2:59 remaining. Allen added a 1-yard plunge with 10.6 ticks to play giving the Big Reds a 38-19 victory.
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Lucas Allen takes the handoff from Quarterback Kolten Hoffman in week 8 against Kennedy Catholic.
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Ross Gargano has nowhere to go as he is swarmed down by the Big Reds Defense!
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BIG REDS BLAST BRAVES 42-5 IN PLAYOFFS!
At Slippery Rock the (11-0) Big Reds abused the Braves of Iroquois early and often by Amassing 506 total yards and 22 first downs. West Middlesex blasted the Braves 42-5 in the District 10 Class A quarterfinals. Quarterback Kolten Hoffman was 11-of-16 for 202 yards passing with 1 TD strike of 58 yards to Lucas Allen and rushed 8 times for 44 yards and 2 TDs. Hoffman threw a 69 yard TD pass to Tyler Barris in the Third Quarter that was negated by a penalty. The Big Reds ground attack was led by Lucas Allen (84 Yards), Steve Andrusky (80 yards), and Josh Brown (75 yards)respectively. West Middlesex led 21-3 at the half and extended it's lead to 35-5 by the end of three quarters. Iroquois (5-6) was limited to 140 Total yards, which 39 came on the ground. Steve Andrusky finished the Big Reds scoring in the fourth quarter with a 12 yard TD run to bring the score to 41-5. The Big Reds will take on Kennedy Catholic this friday with a site and time to be announced.
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West Middlesex Varsity cheerleaders show their school spirit in last weeks District 10 playoff game against Iroquois.
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The 2006 Big Reds Football team made history this past friday when they beat Lakeview 42-0 and claimed the first ever 10-0 season in West Middlesex gridiron history. Way to go Big Reds on a " PERFECT" season.
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BIG REDS RAVAGE SAILOR'S 42-0!
At West Middlesex, the Big Reds under the direction of Head Coach Brian Hoffman accomplished alittle more then their 7th region 1-A victory. The 2006 Big Reds Edition claimed their first undefeated season in school history by downing Lakeview 42-0 on what could very well be the last game to every be played on the old stadium. The unbeaten Reds wrapped up a perfect 8-0 Region 1-A slate and a 10-0 season. Coach Hoffman told the Herald, " It's never been done"! " It's a great experience for the kids and the school. It shows that football is moving in the right direction at West Middlesex. We want to continue that in the future, but the playoffs start for us tomorrow. West Middlesex got on the board early and often with the first TD coming off a Hoffman to Allen 41 yard scoring strike, Browns PAT was good. Shortly after the first TD pass, Hoffman would hook up with Tyler Barris for a 13 yard TD Toss with browns pat good it gave West Middlesex a 14-0 lead at the end of the first quarter. In the Second quarter Cody Kilar got a hand on a Lakeview punt and Kyle Wimer scooped and scored from 23 yards out to give the Big Reds a 21-0 lead. Hoffman found Steve Andrusky in the corner of the endzone with under a minute left in the half for another score. Kyle Wimer hooked up with Barris for the two point conversion which gave the Big Reds a 29-0 bulge at the half. In the third frame Hoffman and the Big Reds continued there Offensive campaign with a 16 and 35 yard scoring tosses to Josh Brown and Lucas Allen. The two point conversion on Browns TD reception was no good but the PAT on Allens score was good giving the Big Reds a 42 point lead going into the fourth frame. The final frame was scoreless and the Big Reds downed Lakeview 42-0. Lucas Allen led the Big Reds offense with 3 catches for 96 yards, while Andrusky had 5 catches for 55 yards. Brown grabbed 3 catches for 56 yards. Barris 2 for 19 yards. Chachi Ruffo 1 for14 yards and Marcko Skarica 1 for 7 yards. Senior quarterback Kolten Hoffman also set a personal as well as a team record by going over the 4,000 yard passing mark for his carrer with his 243 yards on 15-of-19 passing performance. Congratulations Big Reds on making history and on a perfect 10-0 regular season. Good Luck in the Playoffs!!!
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BIG REDS TAME THE LIONS 20-0!
At West Middlesex, the Big Reds under the direction of Head Coach Brian Hoffman clinched their 4th Regional Crown and their 3rd in five years as West Middlesex tamed the Lions 20-0. The Big Reds got off to a slow start in what we would call a cold and steady down-pour. After a wet and scoreless first quarter, the Big Reds finally got on the board in the second quarter with a Josh Brown 8-yard run. On the extra-point, the snap was muffed and picked up by Brown, who then threw a 2pt scoring strike to Tyler Barris. As the rain continued to come down, Big Reds Stadium started to come up. The Big Reds were able to get in the endzone once more before the half on a 10 yard pitch and catch from Hoffman to Ruffo. Josh Brown's PAT was wide right and the Big Reds led 14-0 at the Half. The second half was much like the first. The rain continually came down and the sod on the field came up. There were huge ruts and divots all over the field which made a very hard playing surface for both teams in the second half. After a scoreless third quarter the Big Reds added its final score of the game in the fourth frame on a 10-yard Hoffman run. The 2-point pass failed. West Middlesex's ground attack was led by Hoffman who carried the ball 13 times for 65 yards accompanied by Browns 10 carry 63 yard performance. Hoffman was 6-of-12 for 137 yards and 1 TD. Barris hauled in 3 of Hoffmans passes for 59 yards. Hoffman now has 1,260 yards passing on the season. The West Middlesex defense limited the Lions 1,040 yard rusher Doug Williams to 67-yards on 18 carries. The Big Red's Defensive Machine limited Linesville to just 4 first downs and 83 total yards. Congratulations to all the senior's on senior night, this game forever will be a memorable one. BIG REDS ARE 9-0!
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BIG REDS PLUCK THE EAGLES 28-21!
At Butala Stadium in Hermitage, the West Middlesex Big Reds soared to another key Region 1-A victory over arch-rival Kennedy Catholic by a score of 28-21. This win wasn't just any win, this win was a historical win not only for this years Big Reds but for the entire community and school. No West Middlesex Grid team has ever been 8-0 in the schools history. The Big Reds flew to a 14-0 first quarter lead. Starting with the opening drive the Big Reds culminated a 12-play, 74 yard 6-minute, 7 second drive that ended with a Hoffman to Brown 6-yard TD toss. After a D'Onofrio punt, the Big Reds went on a 4-play, 63 yard 1 minute 38 second drive ending with a 35 yard Hoffman TD run, with Both of Browns PAT's being succesful. Kennedy would finally get a huge break when Senior quarterback Ross Gargano optioned right and tip toed down the sidelines (stepping out of bounds)for a 49 yard TD run. The TD run stood but the PAT was no good. On 4th and 7 from his own 39 yard line, backup punter Chachi Ruffo blasted a 56 yard punt that rolled out of bounds at Kennedy's 5 yard line. Six plays later after browns huge sack of Gargano on 3rd-5 at Kc's 17. D'onofrio was forced to punt out of his own endzone. D'Onofrio's kick went 26 yards. After a couple of Big Reds penalties and four plays later from the Golden Eagles 43 yard line Hoffman scored on a 27-yard option keeper and Browns PAT gave West Middlesex a 21-6 lead. Kennedy marched on the ensuing kickoff 79 yards on 15 plays to the WM 1 yard line. With 17 seconds on the clock and no time outs, KC's Ross Gargano tried twice to punch it in from the 1 yard line. The Big Reds defense stepped up huge and stuffed Gargano at the inch line as time expired and the Big Reds kept a 21-6 halftime lead. Kennedy's Ross Gargano received the second half kickoff and raced 87-yard for a score. Gargano would then add the two point conversion on a 1-yard plunge cutting the Big Red lead to 21-14. After receiving the kickoff the Big Reds drive stalled and was forced to punt. After Kennedy Catholic went 3'n-out D'Onofrio's punt to (WM) Josh Brown was returned 37 yards for a score with 1:07 remaining in the third quarter. Thus giving the Big Reds a 28-14 lead. Kennedy came back midway through the fourth quarter with a Lee Plotts 7-yard scoring sprint topping of a 6-play 40 yard drive. Danny D'Onorfio's subsequent PAT brought the Golden Eagles within 28-21. On the ensuing kickoff Josh Brown returned the kick down inside the KC's 40 yard line.5-plays later Brown tried a 27-yard field goal with 2:04 left went wide right, on the ensuing series Ross Gargano's 4th and 13 pass was picked off by Kolten Hoffman to seal the victory! Kolten Hoffman rushed 18 times for 109 yards and went 4-8 passing for 61 yards. Josh Brown rushed 11 times for 55 yards, tallied a sack on defense, returned a punt 37 yards for a score and recoved a fumble. Travis Wojtalik blocked a Third Quarter punt.
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West Middlesex's signal caller Kolten Hoffman expresses his excitement after beating Kennedy.
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Kolten Hoffman runs for a nice gain against Kennedy Catholic.
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Steve Andrusky and Kolten Hoffman share a special moment after the Big Reds downed Kennedy 28-21 with a victory hug.
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WM STADIUM SEE'S FIRST WIN!
Big Reds Stadium was officially opened on friday the 13th and there was nothing scary about that. Well except for the fact that the BIG RED MACHINE was in town! In front of a packed house the WM Big Reds rolled over the Farrell Steelers 28-0. In this picture the kids are symbolizing the number five, for 5 league game wins and being ranked 5th in the state. We would like to thank all who attended the Homecoming Events!
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BIG REDS STOMP THE STEELERS 28-0!
At West Middlesex, the opening debut of Big Reds Stadium was a sight to see. The host Big Reds (5-0, 7-0)on Homecoming blanked the Farrell Steelers (1-4,1-6) by a score of 28-0. The Twelth Man was in full effect with little standing room to be found. The Big Reds Stadium was packed! West Middlesex started when Lucas Allen took the opening kickoff and ran it back to the Steelers 30 yard line. Everything was going as planned, but with a few good plays by the Farrell defense WM didn't get into the endzone and had to turn the ball over on downs. The Big Reds "D" stepped it up and shut down Farrell's Offense.It wasn't long before Kolten Hoffman hit paydirt on a 5 yard scamper into the endzone that would cap off a 7-play, 48 yard first quarter scoring drive. That touchdown would go down in the record books as the first touchdown in the New Big Reds Stadium. Josh Browns PAT was good. Just three plays in the second quarter Steve Andrusky would add his own score on a 5 yard TD run that culminated a 4-play 40 yard drive ,highlighted by a 24-yard Hoffman to Allen pitch and catch. Following a controversial Josh DeCarmen's 42-yard punt, that was downed at the Reds 1-yard line (and after WM was whistled for 2 false starts)a 99 and 3/4 drive ensued in just four plays. Hoffman's 2nd and 6 middle screen to Andrusky from the 16 yard line was turned into an 84 yard touchdown run and browns third PAT was good to extend the lead to 21-0 at intermission. The Big Reds final score came in the third quarter after Farrell went 3 and out and was forced to punt. Hoffmans 6yard TD scamper capped a 6-play, 37 yard drive with Browns 4th PAT of the night being good. Defensively, Cody Kilar picked off a pass, while Andrusky added a sack. Offensively Chachi Ruffo and Marco Skarica did an outstanding job blocking on the perimeters.
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WELCOMING HOME THE TWELFTH MAN!
This Homecoming we are welcoming home the twelfth
man into Big Reds Stadium. For those of you who don't know what I'am talking about, ITS YOU!!! (The fans). From this year on in, we are starting a new and improved trend that will go along with a brand new stadium. We are encouraging crazed and high spirited Big Reds Fans to come out and get involved in the game to show your support for the football team. We need our fans to be excited about every game starting with this Friday at Homecoming and the opening of Big Reds Stadium. I want to see literally, a sea of Red!! You can only put eleven guys on the football field, thats why we need you, (the fan) to be the twelfth man!! We want Big Reds Stadium to be known for the loudest and craziest fans in the valley. By producing such an electric atmosphere for the kids it will help pump them up and make them play even harder! Its always good to know that the town is behind them and that they have your total support. So be apart of history this friday. When Farrell for the first time, gets introduced to the TWELFTH MAN! GO BIG REDS!!!!!!!!
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Lucas Allen follows the blocking of Tyler Gilmore and Tyler Barris for a nice gain against Farrell.
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BIG REDS SCALP THE INDIANS 40-6
At Conneaut Lake, the Big Reds (4-0-6-0) creamed the Indians(1-3-1-4) 40-6. The Big Reds struck first on a Steve Andrusky 15 yard scamper but the PAT was no good. The Indians wasted no time striking back with a 9 play 62 yard drive that ended with a Morian 1 yard Td run, PAT was no good. Steve Andrusky would find the endzone one more time with a 5 yard TD run to commence the first quarter scoring (2Pt Conv. Failed). The Big Reds would find the endzone two more times in the second quarter, first on a Kolten Hoffman 10 yard run and then on a Josh Brown 1 yard plunge. Hoffman ran in the 2 pt conversion on Brown's TD. WM led 26-6 at Halftime and then sailed to there 4th straight MCAC Region 1-A Victory. Lucas Allen led the Big Reds ground game with 110 yards on only 6 carries. Senior quarterback Kolten Hoffman finished the day 9-of-15 for 137 yards passing and rushed for 53 yards on 5 carries.
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BIG REDS MAUL Mercer 42-0!
At Mercer entering Friday night's game West Middlesex was getting " No Respect". But the respect should be flowing in after a 42-0 mauling of the Mustangs. Last week on WPIC the sports broadcaster's were giving the Big Reds "NO" respect. They stated that Mercer was ranked #2 or #3 behind Sharpsville and Kennedy Catholic but Boy where they dead wrong. WM made a "huge" Statement friday night at Mercer. After a 42-0 District 10 Region 1-A victory over up and coming Mercer (2-1,3-2) West Middlesex (3-0, 5-0) pulled into a first place tie with Kennedy Catholic. Signal-caller Kolten Hoffman surpassed the 3,000 yard career mark with a 238 yard, 3 Touchdown effort on 13-19 passing. Also Hoffman tacked on TD runs of 25 and 5 yards. Hoffman threw a scoring strike to Tyler Barris that capped an 8 play 55 yard drive that consumed 4:53 seconds. Browns kick was no good. Mercer fumbled on the ensuing kickoff and Cody Kilar recovered the loose ball at the mustangs 4 yard line. Lucas Allen took the pitch off left side and plunged into the endzone from 2 yards out. Barris hauled in the two point conversion from Hoffman for a 14-0 advantage with 1:17 seconds left in the first quarter. Two plays later, Mercer fumbled on a Big Reds crushing blow to the Mustangs running back and he coughed up the football at Mercer's 30 yard line with the Big Reds recovering it. Hoffman then hooked up with Allen for a 30 yard scoring strike and a 21-0 edge at halftime. West Middlesex continued to move the football and didn't give Mercer much breathing room offensively. The Mustangs had just 5 first quarter offensive plays for 14 yards. Meanwhile the Big Reds posted 112 yards on 19 plays. For the game WM posted 352 yards and 12 first downs. Allen and Barris each pulled in 5 passes for 105 and 88 yards, respectively. Wm final three scores came off Brown's 20-yard reception and 25 and 5 yard scampers from kolten Hoffman. As WM has shown and their scores have shown, they give teams problems, and tonight they gave us problems", McClearn said. West Middlesex was able to limit Mercer's stand out receiver Karl Swanson to just 1 catch fot 13 yards. We asked alot of Lucas Allen, especially on defense'" coach Hoffman said. " We had him covering one of the best receivers in the district and he did a great job on him,". West Middlesex has surely shut up all the critics after this huge blow out of Mercer and has risen to the Top of Class A Football in District 10. The Big Reds of West Middlesex have moved to first place with an unbeaten and undefeated mark of (3-0,5-0). GREAT JOB BIG REDS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Steve Andrusky carries the ball against Mercer for some hard-earned yardage.
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BIG REDS SPANK THE SPA 42-6!!
At West Middlesex, the Big Reds got off to a slow start with a first quarter drive stalling out on a fourth and one play at Cambridge’s 18-yard line. After a scoreless first quarter the Big Reds were back on track with a second quarter 28-point offensive display. Steve Andrusky rushed for 148 yards on 12 carries and 3 TD. Kolten Hoffman was 12/18 for 127 yards and three Touchdowns as the undefeated Big Reds (4-0) steamrolled the Blue Devils (1-3) in a non-region encounter. Andrusky scored on a 34 yard run. Hoffman scored from 3 yards out and then Hoffman threw a 7-yard TD pass to Andrusky and a 12- yarder to Tyler Barris. WM notched one score in the third quarter on a 3-yard run by Andrusky. In the fourth, Lucas Allen hauled in a 3-yard scoring strike from Hoffman. Josh Brown was a perfect 6-of-6 in extra- point kicks for the Big Reds. Hoffman is set to surpass the 3,000- yard career passing mark which could come next week against Mercer, all’s Hoffman needs is 16 yards passing. WM rumbled for 409 total yards in offense, while holding the Blue Devils to 139. West Middlesex will travel to Mercer to take on the undefeated Mustangs (2-0) in region play on friday with kickoff at 7pm.
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WM knocks off State Ranked Blue Devils 27-20!!
West Middlesex football team let it be known that they are a team to be reckoned with in the hotly contested District 10 Region 1-A. A league expected to be one of the toughest in western Pennsylvania. The Big Reds of coach Brian Hoffman made a statement when they upset favored Sharpsville 27-20, Saturday night on the road at McCracken Field.
Coming into the contest the Blue Devils (1-1 Region, 2-1) were ranked 8th in the State, while the Big Reds (2-0 Region, 3-0) were an honorable-mention selection. However, the victory could vault the Big Reds up into the Top 10 where another league foe, Kennedy Catholic sits at No. 9 coming into the weekend.
The game was somewhat surprising. The Big Reds usually ride the passing arm of Kolten Hoffman, but this time his legs carried the ball into the end zone for three touchdowns and West Middlesex displayed a powerful ground attack.
Fired–up West Middlesex set the offensive tone early by taking the opening kickoff then driving 80 yards for a score. Surprisingly keeping the ball on the ground behind strong blocking from the offensive line. The Big Reds mounted a time consuming drive that resulted in a 4-yard TD run by Hoffman. Josh Brown added the extra point.
After both Teams exchanged turnovers, the Big Reds were back in business and pushed home another score. Big Steve Andrusky powered into the end zone from 3 yards out on the first play of the second period and brown’s pat made it 14-7.
Sharpsville’s QB, Jared Summers added another long TD run bursting 38 yards to pay-dirt, but his extra point was blocked and the Big Reds hung onto a 14-13 lead going into the half.
In the third frame both offenses came out a little sluggish, however West Middlesex threatened to break the game wide open when Hoffman went 8 yards for another score late in the frame, but the PAT failed.
Sharpsville finally scored on an Aaron Reddix 4-yard run with 9:28 seconds left in regulation. Summers kicked the point after and the exciting contest was locked up at 20-20.
Late in the fourth frame Big Reds punter Jon Metzger boomed a high spiraling punt that was to much for Sharpsville’s Aaron Reddix. Reddix muffed the punt at the Devils 35 yard line and the ball was recoverd by the Big Reds Kyle Allen. WM then pounded there way for another score when Hoffman dove in from 6 yards out. Brown’s kick made the lead 27-20 with 1:32 remaining.
WM defense stopped a last second desperation pass from Summers in the end zone to preserve the victory that brought the Big Reds entire team rushing onto the field to celebrate.
Big Reds 27 Sharpsville 20
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BIG REDS CRUSH CARDINALS 49-6
At Cochranton, It became the Josh Brown show with the senior running back scoring 4 touchdowns as the Big Reds (2-0) notched a Region 1-A victory over the Cardinals (1-1). Brown recovered a Steve Andrusky fumble at the Cardinal's 15 yard line and rumbled into the endzone for a score. Brown caught a 47 yard TD pass from Hoffman and then posted a pair of rushing touchdowns, from 30 and 20 yards out. Also scoring for the Big Reds were Hoffman and Steve Andrusky, who each posted 1-yard TD runs. Lucas Allen returned a kickoff 68 yards for a score. John Metzger had two punts for 45 and 42 yards with no returns. Metzger is averaging 38 yards a punt. Big Reds 49 Cardinals 6.
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Big Reds win season opener 34-0!!!!
At Neshannock Twp., Senior quarterback Kolten Hoffman was 14-19 for 215 yards and threw a pair of touchdown passes as the visiting Big Reds earned a win over the WPIAL's Neshannock Lancers. WM went up 13-0 in the first quarter on a 9 yard run by Steve Andrusky and a 16-yard TD pass from Hoffman to Chachi Ruffo. Josh Brown converted the PAT on Andrusky's score. In the second quarter, Andrusky scored on a 1-yard run and Hoffman threw a pass to Lucas Allen for the 2point conversion. WM held a 21-0 lead until the fourth quarter when they tallied a pair of scores. Brown caught a 25 yard scoring strike from Hoffman and Brown added the PAT. Moments later, Hoffman scored on a three yard run. Hoffman led WM in rushing with 52 yards on 11 carries. Allen pulled in 5 passes for 89 yards while Tyler Barris snagged three passes for 72 yards. Big Reds 34 Lancers 0..
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Means on a Dream
Dreams. We all have them. Many of us are driven by them. Parent's dream of a better life for their children. The children dream of making their parents proud, their efforts "successful" Many people dream their lives will count for something more than punching a time clock and bringing home a paycheck. Our dreams help define us and our futures. A wise king once said, " As a man thinks within himself, so is he." If we see our dreams as attainable, we push forward and become the very embodiment of the dream itself. In by doing so we inspire others to dream aswell. When I was a kid a dream was planted within me; one that seemed a long way off ( Being a pro football player). Yet I believed that by the Grace of God I could get there. I've encountered all kinds of tests and measures along the way, but I found out that it isn't the dream that brings fulfillment but rather the relationships i've developed along the way that give meaning to life. While chasing your dream you will have to accept the fact that not everyone is going to approve of the choices you make, but I tell you " have faith in your judgement and take pride in your accomplishments for they are steppingstones to your dreams. You will make mistakes but don't let them discourage you. Value your talents for they are what makes you unique. I have learned that the greatest gifts in life are not purchased but acquired through hardwork and an unending determination. "DREAM!"
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"BUILDING BIG REDS FOR TOMORROW"
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