Aug 30, 2014 By Eleanor Bailey 3 min read

After pummeling Canon-McMillan, 40-0, in the Southeastern Conference opener, Mt. Lebanon prepares to host Moon on Military Night at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 5 in a non-conference clash.

“No matter who the opponent is, we need to play at the same high level,” said Lebo skipper Mike Melnyk. “Each week, we have to perform to the top of our ability.”

Against the Big Macs, the Blue Devils appeared to be at the top of their game, particularly on defense and special teams. Several kick-off and punt returns by Shane Lefever and Nick Tommasi set up touchdowns. Sacks by Ben Bruni, Cam Haley, David Harvey and Matt Papich gave Lebo great field position to score more and turnovers, including fumble recoveries by Paul Gratton and Lefever contributed to more touchdowns. Joe Postufka added an interception to preserve the shutout.

“Defensively, we did a good job. I was proud of the effort,” Melnyk said. “Our tackling is much improved and we did some nice things on special teams.”

Eddie Jenkins did the things on offense to engineer the victory. The junior signal caller tossed three TD strikes of 9, 18 and 38 yards to Tommasi, Lefever and Alex Englert as Lebo mounted a 33-0 lead with 10:27 still remaining to play in the first half. Jenkins also rushed for a 19-yard score. For the game, he completed 7 of 10 aerials for 89 yards.

“For Eddie, this was a continuation of his last few games from last year,” said Lebo head coach Mike Melnyk. “Eddie is making good decisions. We are just scratching the surface with him.”

As a team, the Blue Devils are doing likewise. The dominated the Big Macs in every facet of the game and appear to be developing into a playoff contender after last year’s disappointing 3-7 season.

“We are not a great team yet,” Melnyk cautioned, “but if we continue to work hard and keep doing what we are supposed to be doing, we are going to be really good.”

Joe Stabile looked really good on the run when he broke free and galloped 95 yards down the sideline for Lebo’s last score, coming with 23 seconds remaining in the first half.

Meanwhile, for Canon-McMillan, conference action doesn’t get any easier as the Big Macs host Penn Hills Sept. 5 in Canonsburg. The Indians are coming off a 31-13 win against Upper St. Clair. Despite their debacle against Mt. Lebanon, 40-0, there was a bright spot for the Big Macs. Alonzo Lemus intercepted a pass on defense.

Woodland Hills at Bethel Park

After opening the season with a 41-0 loss to Central Catholic, the schedule does not get any easier for the Black Hawks. After the defeat to the defending WPIAL Quad-A champion, Bethel Park hosts last year’s district runner-up. Plus, Woodland Hills is expected to challenge for its sixth WPIAL title as well as the PIAA crown.

While the Hawks were only mustering 79 yards of offense against the Vikings, the Wolverines shredded Peters Township in their 27-0 victory. Penn State recruit Miles Sanders rushed for 30- and 20-yard touchdowns in the win. Art Thompkins did double duty, scoring on a 47-yard run and on an 85-yard interception return.