News

by: Randy Gore

The WPIAL announced its Hall of Fame Class of 2025 on Wednesday at the Heinz History Center in Pittsburgh. Among the inductees, the 2012 North Allegheny football team will be honored. This marks the 18th induction class for the WPIAL, which includes not only individual honorees but also one or more teams each year. The 2012 North Allegheny Tigers, recognized as one of the most dominant teams in WPIAL football history, will receive this honor. The official induction ceremony for the 2025 WPIAL Hall of Fame Class is scheduled for Friday, June 6.

On the heels of winning a state title in 2010 and back-to-back WPIAL crowns in 2010 and 2011, the North Allegheny football team sought another title-winning campaign in 2012. In record-breaking fashion, the Tigers went 16-0 en route to a third straight WPIAL championship and second PIAA title in three years. The Tigers became just the third team in WPIAL history to win three consecutive district championships in the largest classification and remain the last to do so even 12 years later.

“The 2012 North Allegheny Tigers football team was comprised of a group of players that had talent, character, dedication, team chemistry, and a committed desire to be the best,” said head coach Art Walker.  “They trusted and believed in hard work, the process and their coaching staff.  Being recognized as part of the WPIAL’s vast history and the induction into the Hall of Fame is an honor that we are extremely proud of.”

On opening night, North Allegheny began their road to Hershey, PA, with a visit to Mt. Lebanon and topped the Blue Devils by a 39-14 decision. It was one of the few times the margin of victory was so “close.” Only once all season was a game decided by one possession, and that was in a windy WPIAL championship game at Heinz Field, a 21-14 victory over Woodland Hills. The Tigers outscored their opponents 671-140 on the season, averaging 42 points for and nine against. The Tigers racked up 42 points or more in 11 of 16 games, including all three PIAA playoff games.

In the PIAA championship, North Allegheny ran roughshod over the Coatesville Red Raiders, 63-28. The 63 points were the most scored in a state championship game in any classification, a record that’s since been broken.

Individually, quarterback Mack Leftwich was named the Pennsylvania Sports Writers’ Class 4A Player of the Year and became only the third quarterback in WPIAL history to throw for over 3,000 yards in a season. Leftwich threw for 45 touchdown passes with only four interceptions during his senior campaign. In two years at North Allegheny, Leftwich amassed over 7,000 total yards and 91 total touchdowns. Head coach Art Walker was named the 2012 National Coach of the Year by the National Sports News Service. Along with Leftwich, a number of players were named All-State, including WR Greg Garrity (Penn State), TE Zach Lyon (Case Western), Brendan Coniker (Richmond) and DL Jeremy Gonzales. Garrity was the leading receiver with 67 receptions for 1,240 yards and 18 touchdowns. Running back Alex DiCiantis, who later wrestled at Drexel University, was the leading rusher with 1,291 yards and 16 touchdowns.

Additional Factoids about the 2012 Tigers: In December 2024, Mack Leftwich was appointed as the offensive coordinator and quarterback coach at Texas Tech. He is a two-time nominee for the Broyles Award, which recognizes the best assistant coach in college football. Both nominations were received during his time as the offensive coordinator at Texas State.

Tigers’ right tackle Taylor Nikithser gained recognition at the collegiate level after graduating from North Allegheny. Playing for California University of Pennsylvania (Cal-U) in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC), Nikithser was honored with the Rimington Award in 2017, recognizing him as the best center in all of NCAA Division II football.

North Allegheny defeated two future NFL running backs in the playoffs, defeating Woodland Hills and Miles Sanders (Eagles, Panthers) in the WPIAL title game 21-14. Sanders rushed for 84 yards in the first quarter but was held to 15 yards on 13 carries in the second half.

NA also topped James Conner (Steelers, Cardinals) and the McDowell Trojans in the PIAA quarterfinals by a 56-6 decision. Conner was limited to 36 yards rushing for the entire game.