Five things I learned this weekend:Shell rushes into record book
Statistically, Aliquippa (Pa.) Hopewell running back Rushel Shell is now statistically the greatest back Western Pennsylvania has ever had. Shell is quick to point out numbers aren't the whole story and he hasn't done anything to compare himself to other Western Pennsylvania greats yet, but Shell can now say nobody ran for as many yards as he did in WPIAL history.On Friday, Shell rushed for 205 yards to bring his career mark to 7,718. The previous mark was held by Fort Cherry's Mike Vernillo, who rushed for 7,646 yards and was on the sideline to see his record go down. Also in the stands was former Pitt great Tony Dorsett, whose name and picture is on the front entrance of the stadium.On the first Hopewell offensive play of the second half, Shell took a handoff 52 yards to the 4-yard line to break the record. He also scored the game-winning touchdown with three minutes left to lead Hopewell to a win over Mt. Lebanon, which plays in a higher classification than Hopewell.Temple has a sleeper with Robinson
Five-star Harrisburg (Pa.) Bishop McDevitt defensive end Noah Spence might have been the most talented player on the field Saturday night, but Harrisburg (Pa.) Susquehanna Township defensive tackle Averee Robinson made the biggest impression.On McDevitt's first drive, Robinson made a statement early by planting quarterback Alec Werner twice after Werner delivered the ball. He made a living in McDevitt's backfield all night and was dominant from the opening snap until the end of the game.A two-star recruit, Robinson's only offer is from Temple, and it seems like the Owls may have gotten a steal with Robinson.Gateway is loaded for future runs at state championships
Located just southeast of Pittsburgh, Gateway High School in Monroeville is 3-1 and has a chance to make a run at a WPIAL title this season. However, Gateway will be one of the favorites to win it all next year with its talent-filled junior and sophomore classes.The junior class has five players who could go on to play at FBS schools, highlighted by quarterback Thomas Woodson. He's joined by linemen Brandon Madjerch and R.J. Hughes, tight end Jaymar Parrish and running back Darin Franklin.The sophomore class -- specifically its defensive backfield -- might be even better. Corners Anthony Davis and Delvon Randall have great size, each standing about 6-foot-1, and safety Monta Nicholson is the total package physically. Gateway coach Terry Smith and his assistants couldn't stop raving about their DBs.Watch List linebacker putting fear in opponents ... at running back