Vinny Nittoli is the perfect quarterback for Pine-Richland -- literally.

Nittoli, a junior, won his first varsity start last night against West Allegheny, 41-7. He has a perfect record at Pine-Richland.

Nittoli was undefeated as the starting ninth-grade quarterback two years ago. He also was undefeated last season as the junior varsity quarterback.

While that's impressive, you should hear what Pine-Richland coach Clair Altemus said about Nittoli, who was 14 of 18 for 128 yards in his varsity debut against West Allegheny.

"He's probably the best pure thrower I've had," Altemus said. "I'm talking about Kevin McCabe and all those other guys. That's saying a lot."

McCabe went on to play QB at the University of Virginia.

More P-R notes

Pine-Richland's Zach Richert, son of KDKA radio and television personality Larry Richert, is making a name for himself. He's a starting linebacker for the Rams and plays some on offense.

"He was our back-up quarterback, but he got into the weight room and pumped himself into a back-linebacker type," Altemus said.

Pine-Richland's Brett Matson is one of the best basketball players in WPIAL Class AAAA, but is playing football this season. Matson is a receiver who had a few catches against West Allegheny, and a long punt return. He did not play football last season.

Vick is back

Judging from the first game, Kiski Area's Josh Vick apparently has recovered a knee injury last year.

Vick was the WPIAL's leading passer after the first four weeks of 2006, but suffered a season-ending knee injury in the fifth game. He got his senior year off to an impressive start, going 12 of 21 for 267 yards.

Some Division I colleges want to see how Vick plays in the first few games before they decide whether to offer a scholarship. Look for Vick to possibly get some more offers in coming weeks.

Palko with the Steelers

While former West Allegheny and Pitt quarterback tries to make the New Orleans Saints in the NFL, his brother Luke has hooked on with the Steelers -- in the player personnel department.

Luke Palko, a former receiver at West Allegheny and St. Francis, Pa. is an intern with Doug Whaley and the Steelers' personnel office.

First-night thoughts

Biggest eye opener? How about Neshannock defeating West Middlesex, 34-6. Neshannock won one game last year and West Middlesex made it to the PIAA Class A title game.

Trinity was ranked highly in many preseason polls. But you had to wonder about the Hillers because they have never really done anything noteworthy in the postseason. Now you really have to wonder after Trinity was thumped by Canon-McMillan, 34-13.

Put down Mike Hull as one to watch. Only a sophomore, he rushed for 177 yards on 17 carries against Trinity. A year ago, Hull made all-conference as a freshman. His father is a former Penn State player.

Gateway has a tough opener this afternoon against Youngstown Cardinal Mooney and things don???t get easier for the Gators because they play McKeesport Thursday night. McKeesport looks like it could make some noise, blowing by North Hills, 36-14.

Something you should like about Friday nights: Listening to a game on the radio with John Lee of MSA Sports doing color commentary. He???s a former WPIAL championship basketball coach whose Pittsburgh accent adds something just a little extra to a Western Pennsylvania game on the airwaves.