Pittsburgh Post-Gazette from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania • Page 20

I 20 POST-GAZETTE: Aug. 1 6, 1982 1 Western Pa. is loaded with football talent Leonard puts KC in first A 3 Jt i it -x Mm V4 Post-Gazette photos Chuck Williams of Freedom High, top, is rated among the top five linemen in the country while Joe Felitsky of Central Catholic is ranked as one of the best three quarterbacks in the nation. v. '-flflrtmifctoii Associated Press Rich Dauer of the Orioles throws to first for a double play after forcing Boston's Dwight Evans at second.

By The Associated Press DETROIT Kansas City righthander Dennis Leonard proved beyond a doubt yesterday that he has made a complete recovery from the hand injury that kept him out of the Royals' lineup for nearly three months. Leonard allowed four hits in eight innings for his first victory since he suffered two broken fingers on his pitching hand May 21, and Willie Wilson's two-run double keyed a four-run third inning as the Royals defeated the Detroit Tigers 6-1. American League The victory put Kansas City in first place in the American League West by a half game over California. "The slider broke better today than it has since I got hurt," Leonard said. "Then, the curve started coming around, too.

It's a good feeling. I feel I have to help if we're going to win the championship." Leonard had been struck by a line drive off the bat of Teias' Buddy Bell, and the impact fractured the index and middle fingers of his right hand. But yesterday, Leonard (6-3) pitched no-hit ball for 5M innings before Lou Whitaker rapped a sharp single to center. The right-hander struck out four and issued just one walk. Jerry Martin started the Royals' decisive third inning with a leadoff double, went to third on John Wathan's single and scored on a double by Greg Pryor.

Wilson doubled both runners home, went to third on U.L. Washington's grounder and beat Whitaker's throw home on Hal McRae's grounder to second. A's 3, Angels 2 OAKLAND Mitchell Page led off the bottom of the ninth inning with his second home run of the season and second in two days to give Oakland a 3-2 victory over California. Page hit an 0-1 pitch from Dave Goltz (6-4) over the right field fence. Goltz relieved starter Ken Forsch in the eighth and put down an Oakland threat.

The homer made a winner of Tom Underwood (9-4), the third Oakland pitcher. California tied the game 2-2 in the top of the ninth when Reggie Jackson doubled, moved to third on a fly ball and scored on Fred Lynn's sacrifice fly. Jackson's double was only California's third hit and chased starter Brian Kingman. Rickey Henderson's 109th stolen base keyed a two-run third inning that gave the A's a 2-1 lead. Red Sox 8, Orioles BOSTON The Red Sox, held to an 1' three and retired 11 batters in a row over one stretch.

Dale Murray relieved to start the ninth and picked up his! eighth save. White Sox 6, Yankees 4 CHICAGO Steve Kemp doubled in i (High school football practice in Pennsylvania officially begins today. This article is the first in a series on the top players from the WPIAL and City League). By Steve Hecht Post-Gazette Sports Writer Dick Lascola says when he thinks of Western Pennsylvania high school football, he immediately pictures big linemen. Hard-nosed kids.

Kids coming straight out of the coal mines. Lascola, who hails from Long Beach, runs one of the largest national football recruiting services Scouting Evaluation Association in the country. This year his organization plans on sending out quite a few reports on those hard-nosed coal miners' sons from Western Pennsylvania. That's because early word has it that the Pittsburgh area is loaded with big-time major college football talent. In Athlon's Eastern Football Magazine, six of the top 11 recruits in the east are from the Pittsburgh area.

Street Smith College Football Yearbook lists four Pittsburgh-area products on its list of the Top 50 High School Seniors in America. Lascola's Scouting Evaluation Association currently has Central Catholic's Joe Felitsky ranked among the top three high school quarterbacks in the country, Freedom's 6-5Vi, 235-pound Chuck Williams as one of the top five linemen in the country, Connellsville's West Turner as one of the top 10 linebackers and Gateway's Joel Williams as one of the top 10 tight ends. Last year, the Pittsburgh area produced four Parade Magazine High School Football All-Americas Matt Stennett, Rich Bowen, Bob White and Bob Schilken. Lascola's scouting service, however, had none of the four ranked among the top 10 at their position nationally. "The Western Pennsylvania area is always going to have its share of good football players," says Lascola.

"But this year, there just happens to be a number of national class players." According to Pitt recruiting coordinator Joe Duff and West Virginia University assistant coach Bill McConnell, players like Felitsky, Turner, Joel Williams and Chuck Williams could be just the tip of the iceberg. our early evaluation, it looks like it's going to be a real banner year in Western Pennsylvania," says McConnell, who's in charge of WVU's recruiting in the Pittsburgh area. "Right now, our list of blue-chip products is longer than last year. year, Western Pennsylvania was strong at running back and linebacker. But, this year, it appears to be strong at just about every position." 'McConnell adds, "Western Pennsylvania is very important to us as far as recruiting.

It has advantages. First, it's not that far away from us. Secondly, the high school programs there are good. The competition is outstanding. Western Pennsylvania kids are more mature.

When they come to college, they're always ready to play. "In those little towns like Monaca, the kids grow up playing football. It's important to them. They play their games like it's the Super Bowl." With Pitt slated to lose quite a few senior starters after this season, recruiting coordinator Duff says 1982-1983 is a key year for the Panthers. During the past decade, Pitt has been able to latch on to a good share of the homegrown talent.

This year, more than ever, landing local talent will be of prime importance. Pitt would especially like to grab the "big fdtir" Felitsky, Turner, Chuck Williams and Joel Williams. I'Most scouting services and recruiters feel those four could provide a college team with immediate help. Here's how the Pittsburgh-based Metro Index College Scouting Service describes them. iloe Felitsky, Central Catholic, QB, 6-4, 215 -i's infield hit for six innings by Baltimore's Scott McGregor, paraded 14 batters to the plate in an eight-run seventh and breezed to victory.

Boston starter Mike Torrez, who was hit in the head by a line drive in the fourth inning, and Bob Stanley combined on a six-hitter. Torrez was not seriously hurt. Stanley (8-5) took over at the start of the fifth. Mariners 10, Twins 2 MINNEAPOLIS Todd Cruz hit a grand slam home run to highlight a seven-run sixth inning and Seattle defeated Minnesota to hand winless Terry Felton the 15th loss of his major league career. Winning pitcher Jim Beattie (8-9) hurled a five-hitter for his sixth complete game of the season.

He walked one and struck out seven. Blue Jays 3, Brewers 2 MILWAUKEE Ernie Whitt singled home the winning run with two out in the ninth inning and Jim Clancy scattered six hits over eight innings as Toronto defeated Milwaukee. Alfredo Griffin led off the Toronto ninth with a walk off loser Jim Slaton (9-4), the eighth base on balls issued by Milwaukee pitchers. Griffin was sacrificed to second by Damaso Garcia and, after Ranee Mulliniks flied out, Whitt lined his game-winning single between short and third. Clancy, 10-10, walked none, struck out the tying and lead runs off Goose Gos-sage (4-5) in a four-run eighth inning as Chicago handed New York its fifth loss in six games.

Gossage, in a rare fit of wildness, walked pinch hitter Jerry Hairston and Tony Bernazard to open the eighth and the runners advanced on a passed ball by Rick Cerone. Gossage struck out Tom Paciorek, but Greg Luzinski topped a pitch down the third base line and beat it out as Hairston scored and Bernazard went to third. Kemp then hit a shot off the left-center field wall, scoring Bernazard and pinch runner Rudy Law. Kemp scored on a single by Carlton Fisk. Indians 6, Rangers 4 ARLINGTON, Texas Rick Manning's two-run single started a five-run outburst in the sixth inning last night as Cleveland snapped a six-game losing streak.

Winner Lary Sorensen, 10-8, scattered seven hits before giving way to Dan Spillner with two runners on base and none out in the eighth inning. Charlie Hough (11-10), the first of four Texas pitchers, was the loser. Joel Williams, Gateway, TE, 6-4, 208 "An NFL prototype tight end playing high school. Barring injuries, by the time his senior year is up in college he should be a high NFL draft pick. He can play." After the "big four," names being mentioned frequently are Hempfield quarterback Matt Knizner, Burrell running back Tom Brown (younger brother of Pitt tight end John Brown), Brashear's 6-5, 280-pound offensive lineman Milton Redwine, North Allegheny fullback-linebacker Tim Manoa, Sharon defensive back Teryl Austin and Baldwin quarterback-defensive back Dave Demore.

"Really, after the four or five big names, there are still 20 really good high school football players in Western Pennsylvania," says Pitt's Duff. "Those 20 are not really that far behind the top four or five. They may need just another year to mature." When they do, it's a good bet that Pitt, Penn State and West Virginia along with a host of other schools will be there to offer scholarships. The Pittsburgh area has a track record for producing big-time football players. Past Western Pennsylvania high school stars, like Beaver Falls' Joe Namath, Hopewell's Tony Dorsett, Ambridge's Mike Ditka and Ringgold's Joe Montana, are known today to even the casual fan.

If recruiters and scouts are right, more household names may be on their way from Western Pennsylvania, courtesy of the Class of '82. Has a rifle arm. Good speed. He's very smart. Has all the tools.

Just has it all. Handles the ball very well. He and (Dan) Marino are similar." Turner, Connellsville, LB, 6-4, 230 "A duplicate of Southern California linebacker Chip Banks (Cleveland Browns 1982 first round draft pick). He's athletic. Jumps well.

Has good hands. Has all the skills. Needs to play a little bit harder." Chuck Williams, Freedom, 6-5 Mi, 235 "Yery athletic. Runs very well. Quick.

Has quick feet. He can develop body. Weighs 235 now. Can shoot up to 260 or 270 in college without any problem. Fairly tough kid.

Aggressive. Plays hard." vs NORTH CAROLINA Sept. 9 at 9 P.M. atlH Rivers Stadium WPIAL and City Blue Chippers Teams battling for National Honors! Wgl 215 185 185 195 185 200 Hgl 6-4 6-3 6-0 6-3 6-2V4 6-4 School Central Catholic Hemptield McKeesport Apollo-Ridge Fox Chapel Riverside Jt Heisman Trophy Hopefuls! Quarterback Main Joe Felitsky Milt Knizner Tion Phillips Mike Kolessar Rich Strom John Ungham Running backa Natn Tom Brown Oan Swingle Crtuck Scales Larry Brewton SKiloh Icenhour Alan Pavia Wgt 215 .175 185 175 165 185 Hgl 6-1 6-1 6-1 5-11 5-9 5-10 School Burrell Seneca Valley Shady Side Academy New Castle Beaver Shenango Tight enda-Wide receivara Hgl 6-4 6-5 5- 11 6- 3 6-4 6-2 Wgl 208 215 175 195 255 210 School Gateway Baldwin Steel Valley Peters Township Latrobe Ailderdice Nam Joel Williams Mike Fetzko Metvin Anderson D. J.

Antone Mick Veto Trby Jackson Lineman Save on K-cars, Horizons, and TC3's! H7 Get areat deals on New Yorkers, Halfback Kelvin Bryant N. Carolina Quarterback Dan Marino Pitt Hgl 6-5V4 6-5 6-5 6-2V4 6-4 6-5 6-5 6-3 6-4 Wgt 235 230 250 230 225 260 270 250 245 School Freedom South Side Beaver North Hills Mt. Lebanon Baldwin Brashear Elizabeth-Forward Seton-LaSalle West Allegheny Chuck Williams 'Doug Wassel Steve Saebacher 'Steve Kline John Fetzko Milton Redwine John Soma Mike Joseph Raleigh Cain Linebacker Cordobas, and LeBarons, too! They're in stock Your Pitt Crew dealers has them Ready to roll at year-end clearance prices! And priced to go fast! Your Participating Greater Pittsburgh Chrysler-Plymouth Dealers: Wgl 230 215 190 215 192 190 215 200 200 222 Hgl 6-3 6-2 6-2 6-0 6-2 6-2V4 6-1 6-4 5- 11 6- 3 School Connellsville North Allegheny Chartiers Valley Hemplield Schenley Central Catholic Penn Hills Ouquesne Mt. Lebanon Kittanning West Turner Tim Manoa Scott Snyder Mike Kirkling Eric Keeton Bob McLean Carl Smith Dale Hawkins Al Agostinelli Mitch Frerotte Delenaive backa McKeesport McKeesport Chrysler-Plymouth, Inc. 1234 Long Run Road McMurray South Hills Chrysler-Plymouth 745 North Washington Road Great a game to Miss IN Order tickets at any GZZquIbank, Gate 1 of Pitt Stadium, or call 624-4601 to order tickets by phone with Master Charge or Visa.

Pittsburgh North Hills Chrysler-Plymouth, Inc. 7670 McKnight Road Beckman Motor Company, Inc. Penn Avenue School Way Pleasant Hills Chrysler-Plymouth, Inc. 600 Clairton Boulevard Coraopolis Motors, Inc. 1331 Fifth Avenue Sewickley Connelly Motor Company 616 Beaver Street Clairton Gregg Motor Company Fifth Street and Park Avenue Tarentum Tarentum Motor Sales, Inc.

417 West Seventh Avenue Glenshaw Krebs King Chrysler-Plymouth, Inc. Route 8 Monroeville Monroevillo Chrysler-Plymouth, Inc. 3721 William Penn Highway Hgl 6-2 6-2 6-1 6-1 5-10 5-10 Wgl 190 180 180 175 185 170 School Baldwin Sharon Canon-McMillan Knoch Aliquippa Quaker Valley Dave Oemore Teryl Austin Bryan Miller Todd Durand Rick Shaw eft Besong considered "can't miss" major college prospect. 4..