Aug 17, 2025 By Jerin Steele 4 min read

McDONALD – Matt Sieg has felt like his high school football career has gone by quickly.

Fort Cherry fans probably feel the same way, but there’s been plenty of moments to savor along the way.

The Rangers have won the last two WPIAL Class A titles and Sieg, a Penn State recruit, has been at the forefront of the success as the team’s do-it-all quarterback.

Now he’s aiming to make it three titles in a row in his final season.

“It’s flown by,” Sieg said. “It’s kind of sad that it’s almost over, but I have to make what I have left count.”

Sieg has certainly made the last couple years count in both individual statistics and overall team success.

He followed an outstanding sophomore year by accounting for over 3,100 yards of offense and 52 touchdowns. He had 20 passing touchdowns and 32 rushing.

Sieg also plays in the secondary on defense, which is what he was recruited for by Penn State.

Fort Cherry running back Eli Salvini has shared a backfield with Sieg for a long time and he knows as long as they have their quarterback, they have a chance to do damage.

“It’s amazing seeing how much he’s done,” Salvini said. “I’ve never known an athlete that’s been able to do that. He’s very skillful and humble. I’m really happy to be his friend and teammate.”

There haven’t been many that have done what Sieg has in the WPIAL.

In fact, there’s only one.

Last season, Sieg became only the second player in WPIAL history to pass and rush for 4,000 yards in a career, joining former Jeannette star Terrelle Pryor. He’s a two-time Observer-Reporter Player of the Year and has made the all-state team the last two seasons.

Fort Cherry coach Tanner Garry said it’s hard to find the words to describe what Sieg has done for the Rangers in his career.

“Fort Cherry has had some fantastic football teams and some really special players that have come through here and Matt throws himself right into that category,” Garry said. “He’s been able to do something that no one else has done at Fort Cherry, which is not only win a WPIAL championship, but two of them. It’s uncharted territory for Fort Cherry. I’m definitely excited to see what his senior year brings.”

Fort Cherry’s top two receivers, Shane Cornali and Braydon Cook graduated, but Garry said they have four returning players who saw a lot of time at wideout last year, so Sieg will have some experienced options.

Evan Rogers had 15 receptions and three touchdowns last season to lead the returning players. Nick Massey, Nate Wolfe and Gavin Grace are other returners with experience.

The Rangers return all three of their running backs in Ryan Huey, Salvini and Christian Yanosko.

Huey (749), Salvini (506) and Yanosko (358) combined to rush for 1,613 yards and 15 touchdowns a season ago.

It gives Sieg plenty of weapons to choose from.

“Skill-wise we look really good,” Sieg said. “It’s probably the fastest team we have. As far our line goes, we have some younger guys, but they’re working hard and they look good right now. We’re confident.”

In his final season, Sieg will have a new surface to play on at Jim Garry Stadium.

There’s new turf being installed on the field, replacing the old grass field. In the summer, Fort Cherry has had workouts on the baseball field, but the new turf should be ready for the start of the season.

“That’ll be awesome,” Sieg said. “It’s going to be really nice. Fort Cherry having nice facilities is a big step up. It’s a huge upgrade.”

The Rangers are in the Class A Black Hills Conference with Bishop Canevin, Burgettstown, Chartiers-Houston, Cornell, Monessen and Serra Catholic.