STATE COLLEGE — Get blog updates, sponsored by Humes of Waterford, all day before today’s PIAA Class AAA softball final between the Fort LeBoeuf Bison (20-4) and the Valley View Cougars (19-0). Their game is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. at Penn State University’s Nittany Lion Softball Park.

This updates blog will run until about 4:45 p.m., before a live blog, also sponsored by Humes of Waterford, is scheduled to start at 5. Those interested in posting comments or asking questions can do so in the comments section for potential response in the main section.

Earlier posts will appear in the previous entry section.

– Mike Copper

4:52: We’re going to shut down this portion of the blog. Please check in with our live blog above at 5 p.m. Thanks.

4:41: Neshannock and Williams Valley are scoreless after two innings of the Class A final.

4:38: The skies over Nittany Lion Softball Park appear threatening at times, but the delay in the start of Fort LeBoeuf and Valley View will have more to do with the 12-inning Class AAAA final and the Class A final starting at 4:20.

4:36: Neshannock and Williams Valley are scoreless after 1 1/2 innings of the Class A final.

3:52: The weather is strange at the moment. Although sunny, the clouds surrounding the stadium threaten to rain. It appears the heavy stuff at the moment is passing to the north.

3:51: The A final between Neshannock and Williams Valley is expected to start shortly after 4 p.m. It’s extremely doubtful that Fort LeBoeuf and Valley View will start their AAA final at 5:30 p.m., as scheduled.

3:30: Will be temporarily shutting down until an auxiliary media seat can be found.

3:25: Final score from the AAAA final. Canon-McMillan beats Neshminy 4-3 in 12 innings, which ties for the longest softball final in PIAA history.

3:19: Neshaminy just missed tying it with a two-run homer. The RBI double pulls the Redskins within 4-3 with one out.

3:13: Canon-McMillan 4, Neshaminy 2 going to the bottom of the 12th.

3:09: By the way, LeBoeuf just left to go warm up beyond the park’s center-field fence.

3:08: Linda Rush just hit a two-run home run for the Big Macs, who lead 4-2.

3:06: Canon-McMillan 2, Neshaminy 2 going to the 12th. The AAAA final is now tied for the longest final, by innings, in PIAA softball  history.

3:02: Neshaminy ties it at 2-2 and now has the winning run on second base with one out.

2:59: Canon-McMillan scores on a sacrifice fly. Big Macs 2, Neshaminy 1 going to the bottom of the 11th.

2:53: It’s looking doubtful that the LeBoeuf-Valley View game will start at its scheduled 5:30 p.m. first pitch. Neshaminy broke up Astuto’s no-hitter to tie Canon-McMillan at 1-1 going to the 11th inning of the AAAA final. The Neshannock-Williams Valley AAA final is still to be played before the Bison and the Cougars.

2:48: Neshaminy ties the score at 1-1. Runners at second and third with one out.

2:46: Neshaminy breaks up Astuto’s no-hit bid after 9 1/3 innings. Redskins have first and third with one out.

2:42: Canon-McMillan scores via the international tiebreaker rule in the top of the 10th.

2:40: Cloud cover is temporarily breaking up again.

2:39: Canon-McMillan 0, Neshaminy 0 after nine innings, with the Big Macs’ Alayna Astuto pitching a n0-hitter. The international tiebreaker rule is now in effect.

2:30: Canon-Mac and Neshaminy still scoreless after 8 1/2 innings. If Neshminy doesn’t score in the bottom of the ninth, the international tiebreaker rule will be implemented for the 10th inning and beyond.

2:21: Canon-McMillan pitcher Alayna Astuto has no-hit Neshaminy for eight innings — but the game is still scoreless. (Anyone remember Harvey Haddix?)

2:19: Just learned that Fort LeBoeuf will be the home team for the AAA final against Valley View.

2:17: We’re getting stray drops of rain here at Nittany Lion Softball Park.

2:13: Canon-Mac retired 1-2-3 in the top of the eighth inning.

2:07: The LeBoeuf-Valley View game could get a late start. Not because of the weather, but because of Canon-McMillan and Neshaminy. The AAAA finalists are scoreless going to extra innings, with Canon-Mac starter Alayna Astuto pitching a n0-hitter.

1:52: Just spoke with Fort LeBoeuf coach Brian Krisch, whose Bison are starting to set up camp behind center field for warmups whenever the AAAA final ends.

1:51: Canon-McMillan and Neshaminy scoreless going to the seventh inning.

1:43: Canon-McMillan strands a runner at third. Still scoreless against the Redskins going to the bottom of the sixth inning. The Big Macs’ Alayna Astuto has no-hit Neshaminy through five innings.

1:37: First significant news for Fort LeBoeuf fans. The Bison bus has arrived, with players and personnel starting to check in with officials.

1:36: Canon-McMillan and Neshaminy are scoreless after five innings. Neshaminy has not recorded a hit, while Canon-Mac has two.

1:27: Canon-Mac has the only two hits of the AAAA final, but it remains scoreless after 4 1/2 innings.

1:20: Still no score after four innings of the Class AAAA final between Canon-McMillan and Neshminy.

Sun is peaking in and out of the clouds. Still not of the rain variety.

1:16: Valley View has arrived and is setting up camp behind the left field bullpen. Still no sign of Fort LeBoeuf’s bus or players.

1:15: No score between Canon-McMillan and Neshminy going to the bottom of the fourth.

1:06: No score between Canon-Mac and Neshaminy after 2 1/2 innings. Getting cloudier here at Penn State, but still not of the rain variety.

1:04: A good sign for Fort LeBoeuf? Former Iroquois coach Bernie Fitch is in the stands. Fitch led the Braves to their three PIAA softball championships (1982, 1983, 1991).

1:02: Canon-Mac and Neshaminy scoreless after two innings.

12:52: Canon-Mac and Neshaminy scoreless after 1 1/2 innings.

12:46: Canon-Mac and Neshaminy scoreless after one inning.

12:41: Still no sign of rain, although the cloud cover is starting to thicken.

12:40: Canon-Mac fails to score after its first at-bats.

12:34: Some Fort LeBoeuf fans have started to filter into the stands. Still no sign of the Bison, though.

12:33: Canon-McMillan and Neshaminy now under way.

12:12 p.m: The weather remains fine for the second game. Canon McMillan seeks its first PIAA softball title, while Neshaminy goes for its first since 2003.

11:55: Another sign of the times. Neshaminy is line dancing to Lady Gaga’s “Born This Way” as part of their pregame warmups.

11:44: Next up at 12:30 p.m. is the Class AAAA final, Canon-McMillan vs. Neshaminy.

11:28: Final score in the AA final: Brandywine Heights 1, Riverside 0.

11:24: A reminder that Fort LeBoeuf did not hold a morning practice, as originally scheduled at State College High School. The Bison are expected to arrive here around 2 p.m.

11:22: Brandywine Heights 1, Riverside 0. Riverside must score at least once in the top of the seventh.

11:17: Brandywine Heights 1, Riverside 0 going to the bottom of the sixth inning. A Brandywine infielder just caught a dropped pop up to the Bullets’ pitcher. The play was along the lines of Pete Rose’s catch of Bob Boone’s dropped pop up in the 1980 World Series.

11:13: Brandywine Heights 1, Riverside 0 going to the sixth inning. The District 3 Bullets are two innings away from their first state softball title.

11:07: Brandywine Heights 1, Riverside 0 going to the bottom of the fifth of the AA final.

This is the third straight year that the PIAA finals have taken place at Penn State’s facility, which opened in 2011. Judging by amenities and layout, don’t look for these state championship games to be moved elsewhere anytime soon.

11:02: The forecast for State College still calls for the possibility of afternoon thunderstorms. However, Riverside and Brandywine Heights are currently playing under sunny skies with partial clouds. Temperatures are in the low 60s, but it feels like it’s in the 70s with the humidity.

11:00: Sorry to take to long to post again. The press box at Nittany Lion Softball Park is currently standing-room only, with plugs and seats at a premium.

Brandywine Heights just took a 1-0 lead over Riverside in the fourth inning of the AA final.

9:23: Will be headed to the park around 9:30 a.m. Hope to resume posting here sometime after 10 a.m.

9:18: Today’s other PIAA softball finals are Class AA Riverside and Brandywine Heights at 10 a.m.; Class AAAA Canon-McMillan and Neshaminy at 12:30 p.m.; and Class A Neshannock and Williams Valley at 3 p.m.

9:12: Marty Myers has covered Valley View softball for the Scranton Times-Tribune. Here’s one of his preview stories from the Cougars’ perspective for today’s game.

9:04 a.m: The weather forecast calls for the possibility of afternoon thunderstorms throughout Happy Valley. However, the sun is currently peaking around partly cloudy skies at the moment.

Weather delays would leave the LeBoeuf-Valley View game in jeopardy of being postponed until Saturday because it’s the last of the PIAA’s four finals scheduled.

LeBoeuf (20-4) practiced at State College High School shortly after the team arrived in Happy Valley. The District 10 champions are there to take on District 2 Valley View (19-0) in Friday’s 5:30 p.m. final at Penn State University’s Nittany Lions Softball Park.

The Bison also were scheduled to work out at State College High School on Friday at 10 a.m. However, LeBoeuf athletic director Steve Pizzo reported Thursday’s practice went so well that Kirsch decided to scrap Friday’s session.

Pizzo said LeBoeuf now plans to arrive at Penn State’s diamond around 2 p.m. and catch some of the action from earlier PIAA action. LeBoeuf is currently scheduled to take batting practice for its game at 4:45.

Here’s where the Bison will try to become the third school from District 10 to call itself a state softball champion:

The Erie Times-News will provide blog updates throughout late Friday morning and early afternoon, as well a live blog, sponsored by Humes of Waterford, of the PIAA Class AAA final starting at 5 p.m.

– Mike Copper

Also, here’s a video from the celebration:

Charlie Fessler

Billy Fessler

A pair of brothers who attend Cathedral Prep, Billy and Charlie Fessler, have been selected to compete in the Big 26 Baseball Classic in July.

Players who recently completed their sophomore and junior seasons from throughout the state were invited to try out for the Big 26, which is baseball’s equivalent to the Big 33 Football Classic. College coaches and Major League Baseball scouts were invited to attend the tryouts.

The Pennsylvania players selected will face a team of Maryland all-stars in a three-game series July 26-28 at Metro Bank Park in Harrisburg.

Billy Fessler, a 6-foot first baseman, will be a senior in the fall. Charlie Fessler, a 6-foot 4-inch outfielder, will be a junior. Also selected were Franklin junior-to-be pitcher Zach Guth and Meadville senior-to-be middle infielder Ted Williams.

Pottsgrove’s Mike Welch will serve as the Pennsylvania team’s head coach.

Check out the complete Pennsylvania roster.

Earlier updates will appear in the previous entry section.

– Mike Copper

* The West Middlesex boys, with Clay Allen’s four event victories Saturday, clinched the AA team title for Saturday’s PIAA track and field meet. This is our final post for this site. Please check back Monday, when he provide updates from the District 10 softball finals at Penn State Behrend.

* Caleb Sanford’s elimination in the AAA boys pole vault means that District 10 will have won 12 different events for the 2013 PIAA track and field meet. They include Erie County champions in North East’s Ryan Smathers (AA boys 1,600), Northwestern’s Kyle McKeen (AA boys triple jump), Seneca’s Samantha Black (AA girls discus) and Villa Maria in the AA girls 3,200 relay.

* Rachel DeMaria of West Middlesex was the silver medalist in the AA girls shot put. Samantha Black of Seneca, who won the AA girls discus on Friday, placed 14th.

The first game of the day features Iroquois vs. Sharpsville in a Class A softball semifinal. Cathedral Prep plays Warren at 2 p.m. in a Class AAA baseball game at Ainsworth.

It has rained in the Erie area, but we have not received word of any postponements. Updates to follow soon.

End of 1 inning: Sharpsville 2, Iroquois 0. Sharpsville is the home team. The Blue Devils score on an RBI single by McKenzie Popatak and a sacrifice fly from Megan Whalen. They leave the bases loaded.

Bottom of 2nd inning: Iroquois 3, Sharpsville 2: Iroquois scores three runs in the top of the second inning to pull ahead.  Jordan Finotti hits an RBI double, and Brianna Ashley and Hannah Tombaugh add RBI singles. Sharpsville now batting in the 2nd.

Top of 3rd inning: Iroquois 3, Sharpsville 2: Blue Devils did not score in the bottom of the second.

End 3 innings: Iroquois 3, Sharpsville 2: Neither team scores in the third as the pitchers settle in. Joanna Ragen is pitching for Iroquois, and Madelyn Shuttleworth is pitching for Sharpsville.

End of 4 innings: Sharpsville 4, Iroquois 3: Sharpsville scored on a sac fly by Eugena Davies and went ahead on a wild pitch.

End of 1 inning: Cathedral Prep 0, Warren 0. Cathedral Prep is home. Prep starter Eli Flynn worked out of a jam in the first after Collin Fantaskey’s leadoff triple. Prep’s Carter Cross was hit by a pitch with one out in the first, but was called out on appeal for leaving second base early on Ted DeSanti’s  flyout to center.

Top of 2nd inning: Cathedral Prep 0, Warren 0. Easy inning for Flynn, who gets a comebacker and two strikeouts.

End of 5: Iroquois 7, Sharpsville 4. Iroquois took the lead with four runs. RBI doubles by Joanna Ragen and Ali Kaliszewski and a two-run single by Emily Martin.

Bottom of 2nd inning: Cathedral Prep 0, Warren 0. Prep gets back-to-back two-out walks but Matt Flanigan looks at strike three to end the threat.

Top of 3rd: Cathedral Prep 0, Warren 0. Flynn loads the bases with two out on a walk, an infield single and a hit batsmen but gets a ground ball to end the inning.

Top of 7th: Iroquois 7, Sharpsville 4. Braves three outs away from moving on.

After 3: Cathedral Prep 0, Warren 0. Fantaskey gets a popup to end the inning after allowing a two-out single and a walk.

Final: Iroquois 7, Shaprsville 5. Braves moves on to face the winner of Reynolds-Saegertown on Monday at noon at Penn State Behrend. Joanna Ragen gets the win for Iroquois (16-5), striking out four. Sharpsville drops to 13-6.

M iddle 4: Cathedral Prep 0, Warren 0. Flynn works out of trouble again after a two-out, two-on single to center, taking the relay and gunning down Ed Ord, who had rounded second.

After 4: Cathedral Prep 0, Warren 0. Fantaskey strikes out the side around a two-out walk to Chris Francis.

Middle 5: Cathedral Prep 0, Warren 0. Flynn pitches around a two-out error, striking out cleanup hitter Matt Holtquist with a runner at second to end the inning.

End 5: Cathedral Prep 1, Warren 0. Prep breaks the seal on a two-out RBI single by Ted DeSanti scoring Carter Cross, who doubled.

Middle 6: Cathedral Prep 1, Warren 0. Flynn works a 1-2-3 inning and Prep is three outs away from ending a lot of frustration against Warren.

Class AA softball semifinals end 1: Titusville 0, Fairview 0. Fairview is the home team.

End 6: Cathedral Prep 1, Warren 0. Prep catches a tough break when Billy Fessler is called out for running into Warren catcher Todd Fasenmyer for the third out. Fessler was caught in a rundown after pinch runner Vinny Schohn stole second.

Middle 7: Warren 3, Cathedral Prep 1. Flynn was one pitch away from the win, but a two-out error started a three-run rally. Warren scored on a passed ball and a two-run Holtquist single to take the lead.

Final AAA baseball semifinal: Warren 3, Cathedral Prep 1. Prep gets the tying run at first with one out, but Warren gets a pickoff and a fly ball to hold on to beat the Ramblers for the third straight season and advance to the AAA title game.

Final AA softball semifinal: Fairview 6, Titusville 0. Tigers advance to the title game Monday at 4 p.m. at Penn State Behrend. They will meet the winner of Northwestern-Harbor Creek.

Up next, the AA softball semifinal between Harbor Creek and Northwestern at Penn State Behrend.

AA baseball update: Sharpsville 3, Mercyhurst Prep 2, 6th inning.

AA softball after 1: Harbor Creek 1, Northwestern 0. Holly Miller with a two-out, RBI single for the Huskies.

AA softball after 2: Harbor Creek 1, Northwestern 0.

AA softball after 3: Harbor Creek 2, Northwestern 0. Miller with another RBI single.

AA softball after 4: Harbor Creek 2, Northwestern 0.

AA softball after 5: Harbor Creek 2, Northwestern 0.

AA baseball update: Mercyhurst Prep 4, Sharpsville 4, 8th inning.

AA softball middle 6th: Harbor Creek 4, Northwestern 0: Olivia Purpura scored on a wild pitch. Kirsten Reilly then drove in a run with a sac fly.

AA softball after 6: Harbor Creek 4, Northwestern 1: Brittany Miniaci hits a two-out RBI single for Northwestern.

Final score, Class AA softball semifinal:  Harbor Creek 4, Northwestern 1. HC will face Fairview in the championship game Monday.

Final score, AA baseball semifinal: Sharpsville 5, Mercyhurst Prep 4, 9 innings.

Earlier updates will appear in the previous entry section.

– Mike Copper

* We’re closing the blog for Friday’s competition, which included six PIAA champions from District 10. We’ll have similar coverage here all day Saturday.

* North East star runner Ryan Smathers, already the favorite to win Saturday’s AA boys 1,600, won his heat in the 800. His estimated time of 1:57.60 should be good enough to get him on the starting line for that final Saturday.

* Central Tech’s Greg Miaczynski (38.82) will be the favorite going into Saturday’s final of the AAA boys 300 hurdles. His heat time was .07 faster than that of Chambersburg’s Kellen Williams.

* West Middlesex pole vaulter Luke Patten became District 10′s sixth gold medalist today when he overcame the AA boys field, plus some of the worst wind he’s ever encountered, to record a personal-best height of 14-6.

* Black’s gold medal is the first of any kind for a Bobcat at the state track and field meet, according to athletic director Kris Hudnall.

* General McLane freshman Bethany Evankovich (58.95) will start third in Saturday’s AA girls 400 final.

* North East’s Ryan Smathers, the returning champ in the AA boys 1,600, will have the low time of 4:29.72 for Saturday’s final. Mercyhurst Prep’s Sebastian Curtin will be second at 4:30.30.

* Seneca’s Samantha Black (AA girls discus, 133-9) and Lakeview’s Courtney King (AA girls high jump 5-6) become the fourth and fifth PIAA champions from District 10 on Friday.

* Jon Yohman becomes District 10′s third gold medalist. The Wilmington senior lived up to his top seeding in the shot put with a winning throw of 61-8 1/2.

* Greenville’s Rebekah Petty joined McKeen atop the meet’s podium by winning the AA girls pole vault with a height of 11-9.

* Northwestern senior Kyle McKeen has won the PIAA Class AA gold medal in the boys triple jump. McKeen landed 46-9 1/4 on his second attempt in the finals. He was seeded third at 45-6 1/4.

* Wilmington’s Tyler Donati took the bronze in the AA boys javelin at 176-5.

* The Lakeview boys will start fourth (8:09.40) in Saturday’s AA boys 3,200 relay final.

* Corry senior Jaynee Corbett placed fourth in the AAA girls’ shot put with her last toss of 42-8 in the final. Hickory’s Sophia Fustos was fifth at 41-5 1/2.

* Villa Maria’s 3,200 relay, which was seeded second, will go into Saturday’s championship race as the favorite thanks to its heat time of 9:48.90. Raven Clark, Grace Trucilla, Alison Carson and Claire Brown comprised the Victors’ quartet Friday morning.

* The best bet for high medals among Erie County entrants is Seneca’s Samantha Black, who’s seeded third in the AA girls discus. Corry’s Jaynee Corbett, bound for Youngstown State’s track team, is seeded fourth in the Class AAA girls shot put. Also look for Northwestern’s Kyle McKeen, who’s seeded third in the AA boys triple jump.

* There are three D-10 entrants who are seeded first in their respective events today. They are Greenville’s Rebekah Petty in Class AA girls pole vault, Wilmington’s Jon Yohman in Class AA boys shot put and West Middlesex’s Luke Patten in AA boys pole vault.

* Today’s track events will only consist of preliminary races. No medals will be awarded in any of those events until Saturday. There will be medalists in field events.

* As of 8 a.m., the weather here at Shipp does not scream Memorial Day weekend. Very overcast with a light to heavy drizzle. Temperatures are in the low 60s — when the wind isn’t blowing. Not conducive weather for participants to set meet records.

The Fairview and State Colege girls will play at 3 p.m., with the game between the McDowell and State College boys scheduled for 5. The winners advance to the main portion of the PIAA tournament, with first-round matches scheduled for May 29.

The latest updates will be provided below, with others in the previous entry section.

– Mike Copper

* Final score in the PIAA subregion final: State College 19, McDowell 4.

* State College 18-4 with a running clock in the fourth quarter.

* Kyle Reib scores McDowell’s first goal since the 7:19 mark of the second period. Still 14-4 State College.

* Brady Franks has scored State College’s last three goals for a 14-3 lead.

* State College 12-3.

* Sam Schwab scores his third goal for the Little Lions, who now lead 11-3.

* We’re four minutes into the second half. Still 10-3 State College over McDowell.

* Haltime of the PIAA subregion final at Mansion Park: State College 10, McDowell 3.

* Timeout with 1:38 left in the first half. State College leads McDowell 9-3, with another shower front passing over Mansion Park.

* State College scores its fifth straight goal for a 9-3 lead with less than 3 minutes left in the first half.

* It’s starting to rain again here at Mansion Park.

* McDowell calls timeout after Sam Schwab scores for State College. Little Lions lead 8-3.

* Injury timeout with 5:09 left in the first half. State College leads McDowell 7-3.

* State College’s Luke Michael scores his third and fourth goals in a 12-second span. Little Lions lead McDowell 6-3.

* Luke Michael scores his second goal for the Little Lions. State College leads McDowell 4-2.

* End of the first quarter: State College 3, McDowell 2.

* McDowell calls timeout with 1:44 left in the first period. Trojans lead 2-1.

* 2-1 McDowell on an Andrew Spicher goal.

* 1-1 on a Nick Chambers goal for State College.

* Play resumes after a 36-minute lighting delay.

* This is the second consecutive game the Trojans have experienced a lightning delay. They’re hoping its a good omen, as they overcame a similar stoppage in Tuesday’s District 10 final to beat Cathedral Prep.

* As Carl Spackler of Caddyshack fame said, “I think the hard stuff has passed over us.” The rain clouds are starting to break up, and the players have been allowed to return to the field to warm up again. We’re looking to resume the McDowell-State College boys lacrosse match around 5:45-5:50 p.m. Trojans lead 1-0 with 4:54 left in the first quarter.

* Lightning delay with 4:54 left in the first quarter. McDowell leads State College 1-0. The game won’t resume until around 5:40 p.m.

* 1-0 McDowell on a Derek Thomas goal.

* Unlike the girls match, this one is broken down by quarters and will be timed on Mansion Park’s scoreboard.

* A serious downpour here at Mansion Park, as the McDowell (10-7) and State College (12-5) boys are about to start.

* Final score from Thursday’s PIAA girls subregion final: State College 22, Fairview 3.

* Still 21-2 with under four minutes left.

* 21-2 State College.

* 20-2 State College.

* 18-2 State College.

* 17-2 State College. Sarah McClay scores the Tigers’ second goal.

* 17-1 State College.

* 15-1 State College.

* 14-1 State College, early second half.

* Halftime at Mansion Park: State College 12, Fairview 1.

* Consecutive goals by Samantha Washell makes it 11-1 State College.

* 10-1 State College.

* Fairview finally scores on Gabriella Humphrey’s goal. The sophomore has each shot on net for the Tigers, who trail State College 8-1.

*8-0 State College on McLaughlin’s second goal.

* 7-0 State College on Caitlin McLauglin’s first goal.

* 6-0 State College on an Annie Hughes goal. Fairview still with only one shot on Lady Lions’ goalie Kristin Sonsteby.

* Fairview calls timeout after State College makes it 5-0.

* 4-0 State College. The Lady Lions score just seconds after Gabriella Humphrey recorded the Tigers’ first shot on goal.

* 3-0 State College. All three goals by Carrie Mahon.

* 2-0 State College. Each goal by the Lady Lions’ Carrie Mahon.

* 1-0 State College. Time is being kept on the field, so we’ll have problems figuring out the times of scores.

* State College misses on the game’s first shot.

* It’s sounding like we’ll start roughly 10 minutes early here at Mansion Park.

* The Tigers enter play with an overall record of 9-5, while State College is 16-1.

*Fairview, the District 10 champion, is currently stretching on the field. The Tigers’ bus arrived at Mansion Park around 1:30 p.m.

*A reminder to fans that Thursday’s District 10 softball tripleheader at Penn State Behrend was postponed because of rain. Those games were rescheduled for Friday at the same times they were scheduled to start today.

Today, we’ll take a look at all of D-10′s qualifiers and where they’re seeded for the state meet, which opens Friday and concludes Saturday.

District 10 has top seeds in seven events: North East’s Ryan Smathers, Class AA 1,600 meters; Hickory’s boys 400 relay, Class AA; West Middlesex’s Luke Patten, Class AA pole vault; Wilmington’s Jon Yohman, Class AA shot put; Cathedral Prep’s Malik Moffett, Class AAA high jump; Greenville’s Rebekah Petty, Class AA pole vault; Franklin’s Abby Jones, Class AAA high jump.

Check out the complete list of District 10 qualifiers and all performers with top seeds in each event:

Top of the 7th: McDowell is done hitting and Central will get one last chance to win the D-10 championship in the bottom of the seventh.

Bottom of 6th: McDowell makes quick work of Central. 6-0 Trojans going to the final inning.

Top of 6th: McDowell 6, Central Tech 0: Zack Borsa has struck out five batters in two innings of relief for the Trojans. Matt Hansen with a solo home run for McDowell as the Trojans take a 6-0 lead to the bottom of the sixth.

Bottom of 5th: McDowell 5, Central Tech 0: In the top of the fifth inning, McDowell’s Brian Bohman triples home Nick Christensen and then scores on an error on the relay throw. Jake Wolf then doubled and scored on Zack Borsa’s single.

Top of 5th: McDowell 2, Central Tech 0: Zack Borsa pitched the fourth inning for McDowell. Breyton Graves has been pitching for Central. He has limited McDowell to two unearned runs on five hits. He has two strikeouts.

Top of 4th: McDowell 2, Central Tech 0: Cody Ballay picked off one Central Tech runner in the third. McDowell catcher Brian Bohman picked off another runner in the same half-inning.

Top of 3rd: McDowell 2, Central Tech 0: Cody Ballay has pitched two scoreless/hitless innings, striking out three.

Through one inning: McDowell 2, Central Tech 0: The Trojans scored two unearned runs in the first inning. Nick Christensen had an RBI on a grounder to third that was booted for an error. Zack Borsa added an RBI single.

Here is the new schedule:
District 10 Class AAAA championship
McDowell vs. Central Tech, 2 p.m.
District 10 Class A semifinals
Rocky Grove vs. Eisenhower, 4:30 p.m.
Kennedy Catholic vs. Cochranton, 7 p.m.

–Tom Reisenweber

Marc Blucas

Movie and television star Marc Blucas will be the keynote speaker at the third annual Erie Times-News Varsity Cup awards banquet June 4 at the Ambassador Center.

Blucas was a standout player on the Girard basketball teams that won the 1988 and 1990 PIAA Class AA titles. He later played with Wake Forest University, where he was a teammate of Tim Duncan.

Blucas, 41, began acting in 1995 and has appeared in numerous television series and movies during the past 18 years. He starred in the “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” TV series and had prominent roles in the movies “We Were Soldiers,” “First Daughter” and alongside Cameron Diaz and Tom Cruise in “Knight and Day.” He is currently starring in the TV series “Necessary Roughness.”

The Varsity Cup awards banquet honors the top high school athletes, coaches and teams in northwestern Pennsylvania at the end of each school year. Tickets are $20. For more ticket information, visit the Varsity Cup web page.

Readers also can vote for the Fan Favorite award of the Varsity Cup. Other awards finalists will be announced within the next two weeks.