The Connellsville Falcons are back in the Western Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic League (WPIAL) for the 2026 season, ending a two‑year stint as an independent program. The move restores the team to the highly competitive Class 5A Big East Conference alongside Fox Chapel, Franklin Regional, Gateway, Latrobe, Penn‑Trafford and Woodland Hills.
Coaching changes
Long‑time head coach Jace McClean enters his fifth season, but this year he will be the sole head coach. Previously he shared top duties with Chad Lembo, who handled public relations and booster relations, and Mick Lilley, who oversaw the offense while McClean ran the defense. “It’s a lot of work, I’m not going to lie,” McClean said of the new responsibility.
To bolster the staff, Connellsville hired two new coordinators. Howie Metzger, a former Waynesburg University receiver, steps in as offensive coordinator for his first season. “We’re looking to open it up a little more this year than we did last year,” McClean explained. Defensive duties will be shared with Mike Kuhns, a former Duquesne lineman, who will serve as defensive coordinator. “Mike and I will work hand in hand a lot,” McClean added.
Schedule and local rivalries
The Falcons open the season on Aug. 28 at Falcon Stadium against Southmoreland in a game dubbed the “Battle of 119.” The trophy‑bearing matchup, named by Southmoreland head coach Dustin Shoaf, will be contested by the two schools located just 15 miles apart. McClean hopes the contest becomes an annual tradition.
Following the opener, Connellsville will host non‑conference games against Albert Gallatin, Laurel Highlands and Uniontown, all within a short drive of the city. The local games were a key factor in the WPIAL’s decision to readmit the Falcons, according to McClean. “The WPIAL helped us out there. We open up with four local games the kids are really excited for,” he said.
After the non‑conference slate, the Falcons face a road stretch against the Colonials and Mustangs before returning home for a showdown with the Red Raiders. The schedule then pits Connellsville against the toughest opponents in the conference—Penn‑Trafford, Woodland Hills and Gateway—followed by crucial games against Latrobe, Franklin Regional and Fox Chapel, where a playoff berth will be decided.
Playoff aspirations
Connellsville has not reached the playoffs in 14 years, a goal that looms large for the coaching staff and players. “The heart of our schedule is the toughest with Penn‑Trafford, Woodland Hills, Gateway. That part we’ll be trying to get through without injuries,” McClean said. “Then the last three—Latrobe, Franklin Regional, Fox Chapel—those will be the ones we’ll be battling for a playoff spot with.”
McClean believes the team’s offseason preparation, which included four or five 7‑on‑7 tournaments (winning one), has positioned the Falcons for success. “We’ve had a pretty good offseason,” he noted. “The kids have been battling all summer long.”
Community response
Fans and parents expressed enthusiasm about returning to league play. A poll taken at the end of last year showed a split opinion—some preferred remaining independent, while others wanted the structure and competition of the WPIAL. The coaching staff ultimately decided the league affiliation was the best move for the program.
As the Falcons prepare for their first home game in the WPIAL era, the community looks forward to a season that could finally break a 14‑year playoff drought and re‑establish Connellsville as a force in western Pennsylvania high‑school football.
Original reporting: Herald-Standard – latest news for Uniontown, Pennsylvania — read the source article.
