Schoool: McKeesport

Last week: Byrd rushed for 153 yards on 12 carries and scored three touchdowns in a 36-14 victory against North Hills.

Check this out: Byrd (5 feet 9, 178 pounds) rushed for 1,022 yards on 100 attempts (10.2 average) last season. He already has made a verbal commitment to the University of Akron.

You averaged only 10 carries a game last year. Will you run more often this season? It depends on how the game goes.

You guys run the flexbone offense. Is it hard to learn? It's hard, but it's a process that starts when you're in seventh grade here. You start learning it and then it just comes naturally as you get older. You learn more every year.

Steelers' record this year? 11-5, but they're not my favorite team. I have to like them because they're from Pittsburgh. The Jacksonville Jaguars are my favorite team.

If you could change something about high school, what would it be? I would allow us to have cell phones. I think we're old enough to be able to have them in school.

People might be surprised to know that you ... Played tight end in midget ball.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years? In the NFL.

-- By Mike White

School: Thomas Jefferson

Last week: A sophomore soccer player, Fabian scored seven goals Saturday as the Jaguars opened the season by winning their own tournament. She had four in a 6-0 victory against Brentwood, then three in the 7-0 title game against Steel Valley.

Check this out: Fabian, a striker, scored about a dozen goals as a freshman. She said speed is her forte, and it serves her well in her other sport -- track. In the spring, Fabian competed in the 100-meter dash and was a member of the 400 relay team, which qualified for the PIAA championships.

Do you mind being in a section (5-AAA) with powerhouses Peters Township and Upper St. Clair? No, because it's good competition. It makes us a better team.

What sport would you pursue if it weren't soccer or track? I used to play softball, but soccer takes up so much time.

Is driving Route 51 the nightmare it is reputed to be? I just turned 16 and haven't gotten my permit yet. But I'm kind of scared to drive it.

What was the most recent movie you've seen? "Superbad." It was really funny. The whole team went out.

What is your favorite dessert? Chocolate cake with chocolate icing.

People would be surprised to know that ... I fish and do a lot of outdoor stuff with my mom. She likes hunting, but I don't. Going out in the cold isn't the best thing. And I used to be a cheerleader.

-- By Rick Shrum