Friday and Saturday's games were somewhat identical: two tight games through the first half but no victor for me to possibly shoot in the championships.
Since I cover sports mostly in Westmoreland County, I was secretly rooting for Penn-Trafford Friday to defeat favored Pittsburgh Central Catholic whose roster boasts NFL blood including the sons of Hall-of-Famer Lynn Swann and former Pro Bowl quarterback Gus Frerotte.
I also was inwardly cheering for Blairsville to make it to the District 6 Championships on Saturday, but the outcome differed.
With that said, I completed my first season of football coverage for Trib Total Media since my hiring last year which brought me right into basketball season.
There were so many tips and tactics I learned, tried, failed and succeeded while shooting this poorly-lit, rush heavy and sometimes frustrating sport. I think I've made some progress this season, but I am always excited for fall Friday night lights to return again in 2015!
From left to right, officials Larry Hoover, Gary Heinrich, Tim Layton and James Matthews prepare their notes inside a school bus as they stay warm before the Blairsville and Portage District 6 semifinal game on Saturday, Nov. 15, 2014 in Blairsville. Portage won 28-24.
Blairsville prepares to take the field against Portage during a District 6 semifinal game on Saturday, Nov. 15, 2014 in Blairsville. Portage won 28-24.
Blairsville's Drew Rowland prepares himself before playing against Portage during a District 6 semifinal game on Saturday, Nov. 15, 2014 in Blairsville. Portage won 28-24.
Blairsville head coach Rick Artley brings his team together in the locker room before playing against Portage during a District 6 semifinal game on Saturday, Nov. 15, 2014 in Blairsville. Portage won 28-24.
A Blairsville player hits a motivational sign as the team exits the locker room before playing against Portage during District 6 semifinal game on Saturday, Nov. 15, 2014 in Blairsville. Portage won 28-24.
Penn-Trafford's Sam Guzik amps up his team before playing Central Catholic on Friday, Nov. 14, 2014 at Norwin High School. Central Catholic won 52-34.
Central Catholic's Damar Hamlin catches a touchdown pass against Penn-Trafford's Timmy Vecchio on Friday, Nov. 14, 2014 at Norwin High School. Central Catholic won 52-34.
Blairsville's Deion Robinson loses the ball while hit by Portage's Michael Bryja during a District 6 semifinal game on Saturday, Nov. 15, 2014 in Blairsville. Portage won 28-24.
Central Catholic's John Petrishen knocks down Penn-Trafford's Zach Queen on Friday, Nov. 14, 2014 at Norwin High School. Central Catholic won 52-34.
Portage's Nick Lutz (44) reacts with Michael Bryja (3) and Caleb Kephart (23)after he scored an extra point after the game-winning touchdown during a District 6 semifinal game on Saturday, Nov. 15, 2014 in Blairsville. Portage won 28-24.
Penn-Trafford'sTimmy Vecchio dives for a ball, but misses, against Central Catholic's Damar Hamlin on Friday, Nov. 14, 2014 at Norwin High School. Central Catholic won 52-34.
Penn-Trafford's Austin Zegarelli can't pull in a touchdown pass against Central Catholic's Mitchell MacZura on Friday, Nov. 14, 2014 at Norwin High School. Central Catholic won 52-34.
Central Catholic's Eric McAllister celebrates after a touchdown against Penn-Trafford on Friday, Nov. 14, 2014 at Norwin High School. Central Catholic won 52-34.
Penn-Trafford's Joe Peduzzi celebrates his touchdown against Central Catholic on Friday, Nov. 14, 2014 at Norwin High School. Central Catholic won 52-34.
Blairsville's Scott Thompson reacts after an incomplete pass against Portage during a District 6 semifinal game on Saturday, Nov. 15, 2014 in Blairsville. Portage won 28-24.
Central Catholic's C.J. Thorpe (73) and Patrick Phibbs (61) celebrate their win as time expires against Penn-Trafford on Friday, Nov. 14, 2014 at Norwin High School. Central Catholic won 52-34.
Portage's David Noble (60) reacts after his team's win against Blairsville during a District 6 semifinal game on Saturday, Nov. 15, 2014 in Blairsville. Portage won 28-24.
Blairsville's Tom Tripodis reacts to his teams loss against Portage during a District 6 semifinal game on Saturday, Nov. 15, 2014 in Blairsville. Portage won 28-24.