Craig Meyer's High School Football Notebook (South, Nov. 8)

"Belle Vernon takes heart in prospects" - by Craig Meyer.

"The Belle Vernon football team is no stranger to first-round Class AAA playoff games, but winning them has been a different matter. Entering the 2012 season, seven years removed from a winless 2005 season, the Leopards had qualified for the playoffs five of the past six seasons, but had yet to win a game, a run that has included some close calls.

Last Friday, the program's recent playoff shortcomings looked like they would be coming to an end -- in spectacular fashion no less.

Playing the WPIAL's No. 3 seed, Central Valley, the No. 14 seeded Leopards were on the verge of a stunning upset, clinging to a 16-14 lead in the final minute. But Central Valley's Elliot Taylor kicked a 22-yard field goal with seven seconds remaining to allow the Warriors (8-2) to escape with a 17-16 victory."