"Speaking of flags..." Warmer weather means outdoor sports are back. And that means storylines.

Jake is all on board the flag football train. The first PIAA-sanctioned season began in the past week, and Mars, Seneca Valley and North Catholic will be part of the debut season. What can we expect? What's there to be excited about? (Answer: more football!) And is boys flag football next?

Derek and Jake also talked about the NBA's tanking "problem." When presented with some ideas, here is what Derek believes might help.

And is Mars having the best year overall so far in the 2025-26 school year? Or is another school's athletic department winning our entirely made up "Butler Eagle Bowl?"

And you there! Like and subscribe to "Eye on Sports!" Or else! Jake's serious!

For more on Butler Eagle Sports go to:

https://www.butlereagle.com/section/sports/

Follow on social media:

https://www.instagram.com/altereaglepodcast/

https://www.instagram.com/butlereaglenews/

www.alter-eagle.com

#WesternPA #butlercounty #highschoolfootball #predictions #Sports #sportspodcast #eyeonsports #altereaglepodcast #movember #menshealth #mentalhealth #butlereagle #sportswriters #swedishfish #pittsburgh #downtownbutler #butlerdowntown #podcast #butlerpa #butlercounty #collegefootball #steelers #eagles #coach #steelers #WPIALS #piaa #HighSchoolSports #HighSchoolFootball #Fall2025 #EyeOnsportsPodcast #SeasonTwo #2026 #WPIAL#PIAA #flagfootball #SpringSports

This podcast is recorded and produced by Alter Eagle at The Butler Eagle, Eagle Printing, located in Butler, PA.

Cast:

Host: Derek Pyda, Eagle Sports Writer

Co-Host: Brendan Howe, Eagle Sports Writer

Co-Host: Jake Merda Adams, Eagle Sports Editor

Producer, Host & Editor: Laura Crago, Alter Eagle Producer & Host

Butler's Santino Sloboda won his fourth medal, bronze, at the PIAA Individual Wrestling Championships, closing out a historic career. Jake was on site with coverage, highlights and interviews with the man of the weekend.

And with it feeling like a (soggy) spring finally, you better be watching some baseball. Mars Planets fans have reasons to be excited, with David Bednar pitching for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic and facing his younger brother, Will, in a scrimmage against the San Francisco Giants a week ago. But they may not even be the hottest names with local ties. St. Louis Cardinals top prospect JJ Wetherholt looks all but set to win the starting job and contend for National League Rookie of the Year. Derek and Jake react to an exciting spring.

Be sure to smash that like button, ring the bell to get notifications every time we drop an episode and comment and review "Eye on Sports."

For more on Butler Eagle Sports go to:

https://www.butlereagle.com/section/sports/

Follow on social media:

https://www.instagram.com/altereaglepodcast/

https://www.instagram.com/butlereaglenews/

www.alter-eagle.com

#WesternPA #butlercounty #highschoolfootball #predictions #Sports #sportspodcast #eyeonsports #altereaglepodcast #movember #menshealth #mentalhealth #butlereagle #sportswriters #swedishfish #pittsburgh #downtownbutler #butlerdowntown #podcast #butlerpa #butlercounty #collegefootball #steelers #eagles #coach #steelers #WPIALS #piaa #HighSchoolSports #HighSchoolFootball #Fall2025 #EyeOnsportsPodcast #SeasonTwo #2026 #WPIAL#PIAA #GirlsBasketball #Wrestling #nfl

This podcast is recorded and produced by Alter Eagle at The Butler Eagle, Eagle Printing, located in Butler, PA.

Cast:

Host: Derek Pyda, Eagle Sports Writer

Co-Host: Brendan Howe, Eagle Sports Writer

Co-Host: Jake Merda Adams, Eagle Sports Editor

Producer, Host & Editor: Laura Crago, Alter Eagle Producer & Host

"Some of its jokes haven't aged well." Jake gets nostalgic for Scrubs returning after nearly 15 years, which gets Brendan to open up about his love for Peaky Blinders and Derek espousing the virtues of Breaking Bad again.

As for sports, the PIAA basketball playoffs and PIAA wrestling championships are upon us. Do we get a Knoch-North Catholic IV, and who wins? And does the winner of that game or another make the deepest run in states? Plus, Butler's Santino Sloboda is now four wins away from a state title. Jake is set to make the jaunt to Hershey's Giant Center and breaks down the matchups to come.

Plus, we get some NFL insider information from Brendan, who was at the NFL combine last week and came back with some nuggets about who the Steelers might be eyeing with their first-round pick.

Like, subscribe, rate and review!

For more on Butler Eagle Sports go to:

https://www.butlereagle.com/section/sports/

Follow on social media:

https://www.instagram.com/altereaglepodcast/

https://www.instagram.com/butlereaglenews/

www.alter-eagle.com

#WesternPA #butlercounty #highschoolfootball #predictions #Sports #sportspodcast #eyeonsports #altereaglepodcast #movember #menshealth #mentalhealth #butlereagle #sportswriters #swedishfish #pittsburgh #downtownbutler #butlerdowntown #podcast #butlerpa #butlercounty #collegefootball #steelers #eagles #coach #steelers #WPIALS #piaa #HighSchoolSports #HighSchoolFootball #Fall2025 #EyeOnsportsPodcast #SeasonTwo #2026 #WPIAL#PIAA #GirlsBasketball #Wrestling #nfl

This podcast is recorded and produced by Alter Eagle at The Butler Eagle, Eagle Printing, located in Butler, PA.

Cast:

Host: Derek Pyda, Eagle Sports Writer

Co-Host: Brendan Howe, Eagle Sports Writer

Co-Host: Jake Merda Adams, Eagle Sports Editor

Producer, Host & Editor: Laura Crago, Alter Eagle Producer & Host

We find out Jake REALLY likes to talk about the Olympics, and figure skating, and King Klaebo. And we didn't even get to Nazgul the wolfdog!

But first, Derek and Jake break down a big week of WPIAL wrestling championships, where Butler's Santino Sloboda won his third straight gold to join rarified air, the Seneca Valley and Mars boys teams sent several to the PIAA regional tournament and Raiders' girls wrestler Hannah Hornick won her second district silver medal. It's a lot to break down.

But wait! Brendan's got an update from the airwaves on the Knoch-North Catholic district boys basketball playoff game over the weekend, sending the Knights to the WPIAL championship, and some district diving medalists from Seneca Valley and Mars.

Get all the latest from Butler County high school sports this week!

For more on Butler Eagle Sports go to:

https://www.butlereagle.com/section/sports/

Follow on social media:

https://www.instagram.com/altereaglepodcast/

https://www.instagram.com/butlereaglenews/

www.alter-eagle.com

#WesternPA #butlercounty #highschoolfootball #predictions #Sports #sportspodcast #eyeonsports #altereaglepodcast #movember #menshealth #mentalhealth #butlereagle #sportswriters #swedishfish #pittsburgh #downtownbutler #butlerdowntown #podcast #butlerpa #butlercounty #collegefootball #steelers #eagles #coach #steelers #WPIALS #piaa #HighSchoolSports #HighSchoolFootball #Fall2025 #EyeOnsportsPodcast #SeasonTwo #2026 #miketomlin #WPIAL #SantinoSloboda #Wrestling #ButlerWrestling #GirlsDiving #Olympics

This podcast is recorded and produced by Alter Eagle at The Butler Eagle, Eagle Printing, located in Butler, PA.

Cast:

Host: Derek Pyda, Eagle Sports Writer

Co-Host: Brendan Howe, Eagle Sports Writer

Co-Host: Jake Merda Adams, Eagle Sports Editor

Producer, Host & Editor: Laura Crago, Alter Eagle Producer & Host

It's the best time of the wrestling calendar — POSTSEASON! Jake was on site at Butler High School and got some highlights and news from the WPIAL sectional wrestling tournament, where Butler's Santino Sloboda broke a historic record and classmate Sutton Stoner at long last got the win he has been waiting for. What's ahead for the area's best wrestlers? And what did Sloboda have to say about his latest achievement?

Plus, that Karns City girls basketball team can sure play defense. The Gremlins, with KSAC MVP Naomi Venesky leading the way, won the conference and look like the team to beat in District 9. But can the offense hold its own against stiffer competition, especially if KC gets to the PIAA tournament? The guys break down the Gremlins' odds.

And we talk a little Pirates baseball! It's nearly spring, baby! ESPN gives the Buccos nearly at 25% (!!!) chance to make the postseason and projects 79-80 wins. Jake's just glad Nick Castellanos is not taking up real estate in Philadelphia this year.

For more on Butler Eagle Sports go to:

https://www.butlereagle.com/section/sports/

Follow on social media:

https://www.instagram.com/altereaglepodcast/

https://www.instagram.com/butlereaglenews/

www.alter-eagle.com

#WesternPA #butlercounty #highschoolfootball #predictions #Sports #sportspodcast #eyeonsports #altereaglepodcast #movember #menshealth #mentalhealth #butlereagle #sportswriters #swedishfish #pittsburgh #downtownbutler #butlerdowntown #podcast #butlerpa #butlercounty #collegefootball #steelers #eagles #coach #steelers #WPIALS #piaa #HighSchoolSports #HighSchoolFootball #Fall2025 #EyeOnsportsPodcast #SeasonTwo #2026 #miketomlin #WPIAL #SantinoSloboda #Wrestling #ButlerWrestling

This podcast is recorded and produced by Alter Eagle at The Butler Eagle, Eagle Printing, located in Butler, PA.

Cast:

Host: Derek Pyda, Eagle Sports Writer

Co-Host: Brendan Howe, Eagle Sports Writer

Co-Host: Jake Merda Adams, Eagle Sports Editor

Producer, Host & Editor: Laura Crago, Alter Eagle Producer & Host

So, as soon as we started recording this week's episode, the WPIAL basketball tournament brackets were announced. But unlike that bracket show, ours doesn't freeze in the middle of the stream! Derek, Brendan and Jake attempt to break down in real time the seedings and matchups for Knoch boys, Mars boys and girls, Seneca Valley boys and girls, Freeport girls and North Catholic boys and girls. The WPIAL championships begin Thursday, Feb. 11, 2026.

Then, Karns City girls basketball star Naomi Venesky and coach Steve Andreassi return to the pod and are officially "friends of the show" now. Venesky talks about reaching 1,000 points last week, and coach and player talk about the Gremlins' roster, playoff chances and more.

Plus, Super Bowl reactions, fondest coaching memories and more. We're talking 'bout PLAYOFFS!

For more on Butler Eagle Sports go to:

https://www.butlereagle.com/section/sports/

Follow on social media:

https://www.instagram.com/altereaglepodcast/

https://www.instagram.com/butlereaglenews/

www.alter-eagle.com

#WesternPA #butlercounty #highschoolfootball #predictions #Sports #sportspodcast #eyeonsports #altereaglepodcast #movember #menshealth #mentalhealth #butlereagle #sportswriters #swedishfish #pittsburgh #downtownbutler #butlerdowntown #podcast #butlerpa #butlercounty #collegefootball #steelers #eagles #coach #steelers #WPIALS #piaa #HighSchoolSports #HighSchoolFootball #Fall2025 #EyeOnsportsPodcast #SeasonTwo #2026 #miketomlin #WPIAL #KarnsCity #GirlsBasketball #1000Points

This podcast is recorded and produced by Alter Eagle at The Butler Eagle, Eagle Printing, located in Butler, PA.

Cast:

Host: Derek Pyda, Eagle Sports Writer

Co-Host: Brendan Howe, Eagle Sports Writer

Co-Host: Jake Merda Adams, Eagle Sports Editor

Producer, Host & Editor: Laura Crago, Alter Eagle Producer & Host

The WPIAL, District 9 and District 10 playoffs are right around the corner. But many Butler County teams still have to make the dance. Derek, Brendan and Jake discuss this year's surprises and which teams have the best chance to stick around for a while. Can Seneca Valley girls, poised to repeat as WPIAL Section 1-6A champs, make a deep run to the PIAA tournament, or are Karns City, North Catholic (boys and girls) or Slippery Rock girls the area's biggest threat?

Then, Knoch boys basketball coach Joe Lafko joins the pod to talk about his surging Knights, another WPIAL contender, and his more-than-30 years of coaching, family and HUGE Fayette County Family. You can't begin to guess how many cousins this man has!

Finally, it's Super Bowl week! Time to talk the Stanley Cup Final! Just kidding ... the guys make their predictions for Super Bowl LX and who will win MVP, and touch on that whole Bill Belichick snub thing. They're actually more in alignment than you'd expect.

For more on Butler Eagle Sports go to:

https://www.butlereagle.com/section/sports/

Follow on social media:

https://www.instagram.com/altereaglepodcast/

https://www.instagram.com/butlereaglenews/

www.alter-eagle.com

#WesternPA #butlercounty #highschoolfootball #predictions #Sports #sportspodcast #eyeonsports #altereaglepodcast #movember #menshealth #mentalhealth #butlereagle #sportswriters #swedishfish #pittsburgh #downtownbutler #butlerdowntown #podcast #butlerpa #butlercounty #collegefootball #steelers #eagles #coach #steelers #WPIALS #piaa #HighSchoolSports #HighSchoolFootball #Fall2025 #EyeOnsportsPodcast #SeasonTwo #2026 #MoniteauHighSchool #JakeJewart #miketomlin #MoniteauBoysBasketball #slipperyrockpa #MarsPA

This podcast is recorded and produced by Alter Eagle at The Butler Eagle, Eagle Printing, located in Butler, PA.

Cast:

Host: Derek Pyda, Eagle Sports Writer

Co-Host: Brendan Howe, Eagle Sports Writer

Co-Host: Jake Merda Adams, Eagle Sports Editor

Producer, Host & Editor: Laura Crago, Alter Eagle Producer & Host

Student section week is here in Butler County, and Derek, Brendan and Jake talk about how high school crowds do it best. And then Karns City senior Quinn Robinson, the man behind the theme nights and organizing the gang, joins the show to tell us why the Gremlins have the best supports in all the land.

Plus, the Steelers named a head coach. Maybe you know his name. Mike McCarthy. Brendan covered the press conference and shares his inside-baseball thoughts, but is this more of the same for the Steelers or are Lombardis on the horizon again?

And Butler held a big girls wrestling tournament over the weekend, which state power Canon-McMillan dominated. Jake was there to get the lay of the land, and breaks down some of the top performances, how Knoch is doing with its coach reinstated and what might be ahead for some of the area's best wrestlers.

For more on Butler Eagle Sports go to:

https://www.butlereagle.com/section/sports/

Follow on social media:

https://www.instagram.com/altereaglepodcast/

https://www.instagram.com/butlereaglenews/

www.alter-eagle.com

#WesternPA #butlercounty #highschoolfootball #predictions #Sports #sportspodcast #eyeonsports #altereaglepodcast #movember #menshealth #mentalhealth #butlereagle #sportswriters #swedishfish #pittsburgh #downtownbutler #butlerdowntown #podcast #butlerpa #butlercounty #collegefootball #steelers #eagles #coach #steelers #WPIALS #piaa #HighSchoolSports #HighSchoolFootball #Fall2025 #Spring2026 #EyeOnsportsPodcast #SeasonTwo #2026 #BestStudentSection #MikeMcCarthy #Pittsburgh #Steelers #KarnsCity #Mars #Butler #Knoch #SlipperyRock #NorthCatholic #SenecaValley #Freeport #Moniteau

This podcast is recorded and produced by Alter Eagle at The Butler Eagle, Eagle Printing, located in Butler, PA.

Cast:

Host: Derek Pyda, Eagle Sports Writer

Co-Host: Brendan Howe, Eagle Sports Writer

Co-Host: Jake Merda Adams, Eagle Sports Editor

Producer, Host & Editor: Laura Crago, Alter Eagle Producer & Host