The WPIAL has produced numerous players selected in the NFL Draft, and this year there is a chance a former WPIAL player could have their name called during the 2026 NFL Draft, which will be held in Pittsburgh, April 23-25.
"We're talking over 20 Hall of Famers from this area," said Rooney. "It's well documented the football legacy of Western Pennsylvania. That is the reason the NFL is bringing the Draft to Pittsburgh. They see how much this area loves football. All the great players, coaches, scouts that come from this area.
"We're pumped up for the North Shore and the entire City of Pittsburgh to celebrate football come April.
"You're going to see football fans from everywhere. We're talking over 500,000 people coming to Pittsburgh for three days of what is a love affair with the sport of football."
The day kicked off with Clairton defeating Laurel in a low scoring game, 8-6, in the WPIAL Class 1A championship game. It's the 15th time Clairton won the WPIAL Championship.
"It started back in February for us," said Clairton Coach Wayne Wade. "We lost down here last year, we took two months off, and we came back and really grinded. The kids have done such an excellent job this year. This may be one of the hardest working teams I've ever coached."
Next up was Steon LaSalle defeating Steel Valley, 21-14, in the WPIAL Class 2A championship game.
"This team was different than last year," said Seton LaSalle Coach Tim Storino, who saw his team lose in the same game in 2024. "This week, down 14-0, and it didn't look good. But our kids fight, believe and love each other and it's a beautiful thing."