Westmoreland County high school sports notebook: College offers adding up for Southmoreland sophomore

Bill Beckner TribLive Sat, Feb 21, 2026 • 10:42 PM

Southmoreland’s Jackson Mickens (11) tries to fend off a tackle by Hopewell’s Nick Thomas during a WPIAL Class 3A first-round game Oct. 31, 2025, at Southmoreland’s Russ Grimm Field. (Jason Black | Daily Courier)

Southmoreland sophomore Jackson Mickens grabbed his fourth NCAA Division I scholarship offer.

The big-play running back and defensive end added Middle Tennessee State to his list, which also includes offers from Akron, Sacramento State and Miami (Ohio).

This season, the 6-foot, 215-pounder was an all-Class 3A Interstate Conference first teamer at defensive end. He had 47 tackles — 17.5 for loss — and nine sacks.

The bruising rusher also gained 459 yards and 11 touchdowns on the ground.

Spring ahead

The WPIAL spring sports season is fast approaching and will bump elbows with the winter postseasons.

The first practice date for baseball, softball, track and field, lacrosse, boys volleyball and boys tennis is March 2.

Boys tennis matches begin March 9.

The other sports can play games and matches starting March 13.

Recruiting

• Norwin baseball player Derek Berger announced his commitment to Division II West Liberty. Berger is a middle infielder for the Knights.

• Franklin Regional basketball player Rachel Marcej will play at Westmoreland County Community College.