It didn’t take long for word to spread that Northgate was looking for a new head football coach, and within weeks of head coach Mike Pipak submitting his letter of resignation, the school board was ready to name his replacement.

T.J. Wiley was hired Monday by the board, just minutes after members voted to accept the resignation of Pipak, who has led a troubled Northgate program for the last few years.

Wiley does not have much experience as a head coach, but there is no denying that football -- and coaching -- is in his blood.

By JIM RUMBLE

The Avonworth Antelopes football team renewed their rivalry with the Northgate Flames Friday night, and boy have things changed. The 'Lopes were defeated 32-7 in 2002 and 27-6 the last time the two teams got together in 2003. Last Friday, the Antelopes were in total command as they disposed of the Flames 35-0.

"We knew we would take care of them," said coach Jason Kekseo after the game. "You have a rivalry game like this -- it's usually the tougher team that wins. Tonight I think you see how far Avonworth's program has come."

By MEL PERKINS

Last Friday night, the Northgate Flames traveled to Leechburg, and found themselves deeply embroiled in an epic defensive struggle with the Leechburg Blue Devils. This game took on the feel of one of those old black and white football films. The only things missing were the old throwback jerseys and the leather helmets. When the dust had settled, Northgate would be the on the losing side of a 2 - 0 football game.

By MEL PERKINS

The Northgate Flames appear to be primed to make some noise in the 2010 football season.

The Northgate football team has moved from the Class AA Century Conference to the Class A Eastern Conference. This move should prove beneficial for the Flames, when you consider that they were one of the smallest schools competing in the WPIAL's Class AA.

Coach Mike Pipak, in his fourth year, will be leading an experienced Flames team, with a core group of seven returning seniors.

By JIM RUMBLE

Another dismal season came to a close for the Northgate football team as they were overpowered at Sto Rox last Friday, 51-12.

The Flames, who finished the season 1-8, had some chances early on, but couldn't take advantage as the Vikings pretty much decided the outcome by moving to a 24-0 halftime lead.

"We moved the ball real well all night, we just couldn't finish down at the end, especially early in the game," coach Mike Pipak said afterwards.

By JIM RUMBLE

Terrible would be the word to describe the cold, damp and rainy conditions that prevailed when the Northgate Flames played Bishop Canevin at Dormont Stadium last Friday.

It also would be used to describe Northgate’s field position on almost all of their offensive possessions, a situation that helped the Crusaders easily whip the Flames 31-0.

While registering two field goals, Canevin kicker Drake Greer boomed almost all of his kick-offs into the end zone or at the goal line to force the Flames’ offense to play on a much longer field.

By JIM RUMBLE

Having to face the #4-ranked AA team proved to be too much to handle for the Northgate Flames when they traveled to South Fayette last Friday.

In a game that was decided before the first half ended, Lions quarterback Christian Brumbaugh threw for 209 yards, including five touchdowns, while leading his team in a rout over the Flames, 40-7.

"That's the best team we've played,” said head coach Mike Pipak. “That quarterback was unbelievable - he put the ball on the money. We had coverage at times and he stuck it in where we couldn't get to it."

Last Friday’s game featured two Century Conference teams in search of their first win of the season when the Northgate Flames played host to the South Park Eagles. Although the Flames turned in their best effort of the season, they were on the losing end of the 13-7 final score.