CHARLOTTE, N.C. Carolina Panthers linebacker Jon Beason on Thursday called his $10,000 fine for a hit to the head of New Orleans receiver Marques Colston unwarranted and vowed to appeal.

Beason acknowledged he was fined for the hit that drew a 15-yard penalty in the third quarter of Sunday's 34-3 loss to the Saints. Beason said he was covering another player when Colston caught a 7-yard pass near him and he lowered his head to brace for impact.

PITTSBURGH In their second year of existence, the North Pittsburgh Catholic Ironmen have reached the Pittsburgh Catholic Football League junior varsity championship game.The Ironmen are 7-1 overall and face St. Bartholomew (7-1) at 5 p.m. Sunday at Duquesne University.The Ironmen are comprised of players from St. Alphonsus in Wexford, St. Kilian in Cranberry Township, St. Alexis and Holy Sepulcher in Butler.Tickets, which are available at the gate, are $5 for a family, $2 for adults, $1 for students.