Jones set on Penn State, will enroll early

By Mike White | Tuesday, Nov. 24, 8 a.m.

Sto-Rox quarterback Paul Jones says he is definitely attending Penn State and plans to enroll at the school for the spring semester.

A few times in the past 10 months, Jones (No. 13 above) has had second thoughts on his commitment to Penn State, and said he would listen to other schools. But he said a few days ago that his commitment is firm and he will graduate early from Sto-Rox. That will enable him to enroll at Penn State for the spring and compete in spring football practices.

Jones had played basketball in the past for Sto-Rox, but will not play this year due to his enrollment at Penn State.

Fabulous 22 Thursday

The annual Post-Gazette Fabulous 22 will be in Thursday's paper. This is the 29th year of the all-star team, which is made up of the top players in the WPIAL and City League.

Shell is fine

Hopewell star sophomore running back Rushel Shell had tonsillitis last week and practiced only one day before the team's WPIAL semifinal game. Shell said he lost 15 pounds because he couldn't eat, and there was a chance he might not play. But he did.

Shell said he is now fine and 100 percent for Friday's WPIAL Class AAA championship game against West Allegheny. He said he has added some weight and is about 200 pounds now.

Championship coaches

Look at the four WPIAL championships Friday and you'll see every game has a coach with at least three WPIAL titles. That's pretty unusual.

In Class AAAA, Woodland Hills coach George Novak has five championships (four at Woodland Hills and one at Steel Valley). In Class AAA, West Allegheny's Bob Palko has four titles. In Class AA, Aliquippa's Mike Zmijanac has won four championships. In Class A, Rochester's Gene Matsook has four titles.