NOVEMBER 10: The Brookline Knights travelled to Mount Oliver on Saturday afternoon and came back wearing the championship crowns of the Western Pennsylvania Midget Football League. The Mitey-Mites earned their rite of succession with a 20-8 win, and the Midgets held on to their deed of ownership with a 12-6 victory for their third consecutive league title.

Scheduling difficulties forced the games from their original venue at Swissvale to the playing field in Mount Oliver, but the snafu did nothing to halt the Knights march to glory. Coaches Ventrone and Nicholas had their boys primed and ready for action, and they took no prisoners.

The opening game saw the Brookline Mitey-Mites (9-3) fight off a late game challenge by Mount Oliver (8-3-1). The Knights defense strangled the opposition while the offense built up a 12-0 lead. Mount Oliver came back late in the game with a touchdown and successful two-point conversion to close the gap to 12-8. The ensuing on-side kick was recovered by Brookline. Moments later, Ross Ventrone broke loose and raced down the sidelines for a touchdown, making it 18-8. Matt Berberich put the icing on the cake with an endzone grab for the conversion. Final score: Brookline 20, Mount Oliver 8.

The second game on the billing featured the undefeated Brookline Midgets in their quest for three in a row. The third time really was a charm for Coach Nicholas and the Knights as they pounded their way past a stubborn Mount Oliver squad for a 12-6 win. The scoring opened in the second quarter with a touchdown pass from Anthony Doria to Chad Flora. The conversion failed and the score was 6-0. The second score came late in the third quarter on a 20 yard burst by Tyler Makstutis. Again, the conversion failed and the Knights were on top 12-0.

Brookline's stifling defense swarmed all over Mount Oliver the entire game, while the offense rode the legs of fullback Joe-Joe Lamonde. The low-scoring effort seemed a change for the free-wheeling Knights, but a tenacious Mount Oliver defense was equal to the challenge and refused to break under the relentless Brookline attack.

Late in the fourth quarter, Mount Oliver finally got one in the endzone but failed on the conversion. The score stood at 12-6 and there was still time for a miracle. An on-side kick was attempted, but the ball failed to travel the required 10 yards. The Knights took possession and ran out the clock.

For Coach Joe Nicholas and his Midgets it was the third consecutive year that they've walked away with the title firmly in their grasp, a tremendous achievement. For Coach Ray Ventrone and his warriors it was the first Mitey-Mite championship in over 20 years for the Brookline program, and a testament to their fine coaching abilities. For Vincent's Pizza in Greentree it was a really busy night, and for the Knight's football program it was another excellent season and further proof that Brookline football is the dominant force in Western Pennsylvania.