Derry football fans' spirits rise as Trojans head to first WPIAL championship game

The Derry Area Trojans are revved up for their
unprecedented trip to the WPIAL championship game Saturday afternoon at Heinz Field. So are the fans — some of them, literally.

Close to a dozen local bikers brought their motorcycles to the gates of the high school stadium Wednesday evening. Forming a row on either side, they gunned their engines as the players walked from the locker room to greet eager fans gathered for a pep rally.

That scenario repeated for several weeks, before each playoff game, as the Trojans extended their season to an 11-1 record.

“They do their rev up in the locker room, so that’s what we do out here for them,” group member Heather Adams said of the players.

One of them is her son, Gavin, a junior offensive tackle.

Eric Barnhart, a 1994 Derry Area graduate, also brought his bike to take part in the pre-event ritual.

“It’s the best reason to ride ever,” he said. “It’s the camaraderie and the community. We’ve all come together to support the kids.”

Anticipation among the fans has been building since the Trojans staged a come-from-behind, 36-29 win against North Catholic on Nov. 9 at Hempfield Area High School, earning the trip to face traditional power Aliquippa at 2 p.m. for the WPIAL AAA championship.

After the North Catholic game, Derry area firefighters escorted the team “from Latrobe the whole way back to the high school,” said Lt. Watson Smith Jr. of the New Alexandria Volunteer Fire Department. Three local fire departments, including those in Derry and Bradenville, stepped up to sponsor the programs and sell booster fundraising tickets at Trojan home games.

“We love it,” Watson said. “Every time they score, we light it up with lights and sirens.

“This is a very special group of boys. They have the heart to go the whole way.”

The Trojans’ growth from a winless 2013 season to capturing conference titles three years in a row has lifted the spirits of longtime fans.

Dan Burkholder, who played on special teams for the Trojans in 1995, now sits in the grandstands, as close as possible to the team’s sideline, so he can cheer them on.

His voice remained hoarse for several days after he offered support at the North Catholic game.

“The sense of pride that I had for Derry has just rekindled since the 2016 season,” Burkholder said, praising head coach Tim Sweeney for guiding the Trojans to new heights. “You’ve got to cheer for somebody like that. You’ve got to cheer for the whole team.”

Businesses throughout the community have joined in the team spirit, displaying signs declaring their allegiance to “Trojan Country.”

Human resources director Erica Legge created handmade signs that have been posted outside Advanced Carbide Grinding along Route 982 during Derry Area’s three most recent seasons, each extended with playoff appearances.

The team’s success “definitely creates a lot of excitement in the community,” Legge said. “We’re proud to support them.”

Palombo’s Bar and Restaurant in Bradenville has developed a close association with the Trojans, attracting players and coaches for meals, as well as the team’s fans.

On game days, “The place is packed,” owner Fred Palombo said. “It’s really been a great thing.”

Streaming video from the Trojan game in the bar, the restaurant will serve a buffet tied to Saturday’s game.

The Trojans’ landmark season has inspired many young fans who take part in local youth football programs.

The varsity players scored big points off the field when they attended the recent Derry Area Midget Football organization’s banquet. Kenzie Gundaker, 5, a cheerleader, was among the younger athletes who ended that evening with autographs from their idols.

“We’ve always been football fans,” said her mother, Heather. “Derry has one of the most amazing fan groups. Whether it’s the midget football team or the high school team, the fans are behind them 100 percent.”

Jeff Himler is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Jeff at 724-836-6622, jhimler@tribweb.com or via Twitter @jhimler_news.