Michael Bongivengo

New Castle

The past week: Bongivengo completed 14 of 19 passes for 383 yards and five touchdowns in a 48-12 victory against Montour. It was the third week in a row New Castle (3-3) beat a team that was undefeated or ranked in the top five in WPIAL Class AAA.

Check this out: Bongivengo has become quite adept at running New Castle's no-huddle, spread offense. He has completed 72 of 115 passes for 1,087 yards and 10 touchdowns. He also has rushed for 434 yards on 64 attempts. His father, Frank, is New Castle's coach, and his grandfather, Frank Sr., is the Red Hurricanes' quarterbacks coach.

You've won three big games in a row, so how good is this team? As good as we want to be. Whenever we want to strap it up and come to work, we can be just as good as anybody.

What was the hardest part of learning the no-huddle, spread offense? Just everything you have to do at the line of scrimmage. From calling the play, to the pass protection, to seeing a blitz and making sure your running backs are in the right spots.

Your father and grandfather were both quarterbacks at New Castle. Who is the best? I want to put the money on myself, and everybody has been saying I'm catching up to my dad. But I heard my grandfather did a few things of his own, too.

What's the hardest part for a son playing for his father? Just the fact I might have a little extra burden on my shoulders. It's hard, too, to not call him 'Dad' at the field. Plus, probably just the little extra criticism I get.

People might be surprised to know that ... I once ate more chicken wings than four of our lineman. We had an eating contest at Shad Hannas restaurant and I ate 62. They only put down 50.

-- By Mike White

Mara Hricik

Moon

The past week: Heading into a game last night against Blackhawk, Hricik, one of the WPIAL's premier goalies, was working on a streak of 11 consecutive shutouts dating to Sept. 3. The Tigers started the season winning their first 13 games.

Check this out: A 5-foot-8 junior, Hricik is also a thrower on the Moon Area track and field team, but wants to play soccer in college.

Have you ever taken a shot off the face? Yes, and it was hard and it was when I had my braces. It was messy, I was bleeding and everything. It wasn't a good situation.

Some goalies wear outrageous shirts. What color is yours? My coach makes me wear this one that is blue and orange. Really, though, I'd like to wear all black.

On a penalty kick, do you guess or read the shooter? I try not to guess because I think that takes you out of your rhythm. I try to react. I haven't had to face one this year. I thought I was going to get a chance, but they called a free kick instead, not a penalty kick.

Have you ever gone over on your cell phone minutes? Not really, because I usually just text people, I don't talk on the phone too much. My dad sometimes tells me that I used too many texts, but I don't think it is ever a big issue or anything.

Moon football has been a little down. Could you be a kicker or punter on the football team? I think I could. All the time I mess around and try to kick footballs. I can make it from 35 yards or so. It is low, but it goes through.

-- By Colin Dunlap