The Ed Thomas 2009 SEPA

Preseason Top 10

August 28, 2009

1. Neshaminy (12-2) 9/4 Souderton

2. LaSalle (9-3) 9/4 @ PlymouthWhitemarsh

3. Pennsbury (9-3) 9/4 Conwell Egan

4. Downingtown West (11-2) 9/4 @ Penncrest

5. Abington (10-3) 9/4 @ Central Bucks East

6. North Penn (14-1) 9/4 Liberty

7. St. Joseph’s Prep (8-4) 9/5 McKeesport; Friends of Coal Classic, Wheeling, WV

8. Ridley (10-3) 9/4 @ Coatesville

9. Downingtown East (6-5) 9/4 Lansdale Catholic

10. Quakertown (9-3) 9/4 Methacton

Note: Teams are home unless otherwise indicated.

Honorable Mention

George Washington (10-2) 9/4 Parkland

West Catholic (14-2, AA) 9/5 Roman Catholic, Wildwood

Coatesville (7-4) 9/4 Ridley

Penncrest (8-3) 9/4 Downingtown West

Garnet Valley (12-1) 9/4 @ Unionville

Council Rock North (3-7) 9/4 @ Father Judge

Council Rock South (6-4) 9/4 Central Bucks South

Upper Moreland (11-2, AAA) 9/4 @ Strath Haven

Rustin (12-2, AAA) 9/4 @ Spring-Ford

Pottsgrove (11-2, AAA) 9/4 @ Pennridge

Father Judge (9-4) 9/4 Council Rock North

 

The Ed Thomas 2009 PA State

Preseason Top 10

August 28, 2009

1. Liberty (15-1) 9/4 @ North Penn

2. Bishop McDevitt (10-3) 9/5 @ Harrisburg

3. Gateway (12-1) 9/4 @ Penn Hills

4. Neshaminy (12-2) 9/4 Souderton

5. Woodland Hills (4-6) 9/4 Steubenville, OH, Friends Coal Classic, Wheeling, WV

6. Pittsburgh Central Catholic (8-3) 9/4 Ursuline, Youngstown, OH, Friends of Coal Classic

7. Penn Hills (8-4) 9/4 Gateway

8. Upper Saint Clair (6-4) 9/4 Penn Trafford

9. State College (12-1) 9/4 Hollidaysburg

10. LaSalle (9-3) 9/4 @ Plymouth Whitemarsh

Note: Teams are home unless otherwise indicated.

Honorable Mention

McKeesport (9-3) 9/5 St. Joseph’s Prep, Friends of Coal Classic, Wheeling, WV

Wilson (14-1) 9/4 @ Governor Mifflin

Pine Richland (4-6) 9/4 Montour

Pennsbury (9-3) 9/4 Conwell Egan

Downingtown West (11-2) 9/4 @ Penncrest

Abington (10-3) 9/4 @ Central Bucks East

North Penn (14-1) 9/4 Liberty

St. Joseph’s Prep (8-4)  9/5 McKeesport; Friends of Coal Classic, Wheeling, WV

Freedom (10-3) 9/4 Central Bucks West

Harrisburg (6-5) 9/5 Bishop McDevitt

 

Hello everyone!  Here we are again, looking forward to another fine season of Pennsylvania High School football.  Did that go fast or did that go fast!  Right up front I want to thank and of this website for having me back for a second year.  They are great guys who put a lot of hard work into the creation and maintenance of the website.  Be sure to explore other areas of the site to see why it is one of the best high school web sites anywhere. 

Last year was a lot of fun and we know this one will be too.  We plan to follow the same format we did last season by presenting a weekly Southeastern Pennsylvania Football Top 10 plus a State Top 10.  We’ll also include an Honorable Mention section since there are so many teams worth listing.  It’s a lot of work but it gives us a glimpse of what is going on around the state.  After all, our district winners will be playing some of them in the playoffs so why not get a better understanding of what they will encounter.  So here we go with a brief review of last year and an overview of the coming season.

CLASS AAAA

After four years of getting handled by the West, and outscored 166-37 in the championship game, an eastern team finally won the state title.  Liberty (15-1) was making their third appearance in four years (a feat in itself) after getting mauled in 2005 by the Tigers of  McKeesport,  49-10, then Upper St. Clair the following year 47-13.  In 2007, Pittsburgh Central Catholic beat another Lehigh Valley team when they shutout Parkland 21-0.  The win was Central Catholic’s second state title in four years after beating Neshaminy 49-14 in 2004.  So the drought is finally over, but it wasn’t easy.  Winning state titles never is if you look at all the close calls so many great teams have had over the years that denied them advancement in the playoffs and a trip to Hershey.  Last season sums that up as well as any with a glance at a few scores.  Western rep Bethel Park (15-1) beat the monster team Gateway (12-1), 10-6, the team everyone pegged as the state champ.  That got your attention!  Then they followed up with a 17-14 win against powerful State College (12-1).  In the West final, it took three overtime periods to put away a special team from Wilson (14-1), 38-35.

Meanwhile, similar circumstance prevailed in the East with Liberty edging North Penn (14-1), 21-14.  So I think it’s safe to say the stars must truly align to win a title in this state, especially at the Quad-A level. Imagine having weapons like quarterback Anthony Gonzalez, who rushed for 1,492 yards and passed for another 1,483 yards, coming into the final.  Then throw in running back Brandon Brader with 1,378 yards rushing and a wide out in Devon Streeter who entered the game with 778 yards receiving and still have to go overtime to beat your opponent!  Like almost every team last season, Bethel Park had no answer for Gonzalez, who rushed for 205 yards, passed for another 97, and then scored the winning TD to help win it in overtime (and don’t forget that as a defensive back, he then intercepted an Erik Olson pass in the end zone to seal it, 28-21).

Now that’s Pennsylvania scholastic football at its finest!

CLASS AAAA, THE WEST

(Districts 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10; Districts 5 has no AAAA teams)

District 6

There are only three quads in the district, Altoona, State College and Central Mountain and all of them could field interesting squads for different reasons.

Altoona (3-7)  It was a difficult year for Altoona (Mid Penn-Commonwealth Division) with sophomore quarterback Trevor Bush (6-1 170) taking over for senior Corey Becker the sixth game of the season against Central Dauphin.  He finished the season as the starter and completed 37 of 98 for 545 yards.  Once again they are rebuilding but will at least have an experienced QB and senior running back Jordan Novosel (47/144ry, 15/268py).  The lines look thin after graduating 15 seniors, but they return TE Julian Howsare (6-3, 210) and lineman John Mosher-Johnson (6-0, 285) and Donald Brandt (5-7 225).  The big news is the hiring Tom Palfey as head coach.  He replaces Phil Riccio who moves into the vacant A/D spot.  Coach Riccio headed the Mountain Lions the last ten years, going 71-45 where he had two strong years in 2001 and 2002 (23-5) with teams that lost in the Western Final on both occasions.  The transition should be a smooth one since Coach Palfey was a 14 year assistant at Altoona from 92 to 05 before moving on to Tyrone as a assistant the last three years.

Central Mountain (6-5)  The numbers are up with Central Mountain back at AAAA (last year) after a stint at AAA.  More good news shows 2008 as their third consecutive non-losing season (17-34, 2001 to 2005) to reduce the derisive Mildcat chants.  If they can replace their lines, they may yet become true Wildcats.  Gone are 6-2, 260 Wyatt Hall; 6-2, 260 Dylan Webb; 6-3, 255 Jacob Shade; 6-1, 240 Matt Bower and 6-0, 295 Cody McKinney.  But they grow them big in the Seven Mountains Division of the Mountain Athletic Conference and return Mike Vonada at 6-0, 245 who started as a sophomore last year.  Other sophomores moving into their junior year are 6-0, 290 George McKinney and Sam Green, 6-2, 280.  Seniors Maury Brantley, 6-3, 270; Tommy Allen, 6-2, 225 and Aaron Collier at 5-10, 280 should fill in well.  Almost all their linebackers and DBs return including their top five tacklers led by senior Logan Houtz, 6-0, 185.  Logan scored 141 hits last year.  Yes!   Most of the key elements of last year’s offense return, particularly the big guy under center, quarterback Cody Dolan.  Cody sees the field at 6-3 and at 195 pounds is as likely to bull over you as he is to zip a dart down field.   He completed 95 of 172 passes (55%) for 1326 yards.  His Td-Int ratio was 13/9.  Lead back Matt Overdorf (165/1086ry) graduated but Scott Zuback (54/459ry, 28/500py) is back with FB/LB Zach Corl (6-1, 225) plus two experienced receivers.  Things are looking good up in Mill Hall.

State College (12-1)  SC had a great team last year that came within a few points of advancing to the Western Final.  It was likely their strongest team in ten years, scoring 31 points a game and allowing 9, their lowest ppg yield in ten years.  The team that comes closest to last year’s edition was the 2006 team that lost to the ultimate state champ Upper Saint Clair (16-0) in the semifinal, 28-20.  Last year’s team came into the quarterfinal undefeated and on a roll, with impressive wins against Cumberland Valley, Central Dauphin, Harrisburg, McDevitt (Hbg) and McDowell.  It was a title team, but they came up a few points short, losing to Bethel Park’s exciting bunch, 17-14.  Gone from that team are some special players; OT/ DT Emmitt Terrell (6-2, 236, 33tackles, 9tfl, 2sacks), TE/DE Jake Reeder (6-5, 250, 28/354py), FB/LB Robbie Stupar (6-0, 235, 57/377ry), LB Chance Gaines (5-10, 210), most of the secondary and an under rated quarterback in James Avedesian. James completed 89 of 142 passes (63%) for1077 yards.  His Td to Int ratio was an outstanding 24/3.  Other losses are at running back where Logan Belinda (74/525ry, 6/110py) and super quick Bernard Smack (96/615ry, 21/188py) will be sorely missed.  They’ll be diminished this year but could jell into another powerful entity with the return of WR/SB Alex Kenney (6-0, 190).  Alex is lightening quick (track) and can beat you up top or on the ground as evidenced by his 671 yards rushing on 52 carries for 7 touchdowns, and 240 yards receiving for 4 more scores.  Kicker Kevin DiSanto returns.  The line features D1 talent in OG/DT Vinh Vuong (6-2, 280), OT/DT Jack DeBoef (6-0, 265) and OG/DT Mike Laskowski (6-3, 260).  Reeder is a loss at TE/DE but Colby Way at 6-3, 225 is ready to step in.  Safety Dom Mills is a head hunter out there at 6-2, 230.  With their monster roster and Coach Al Wolski at the helm, you know they’ll put a representative team on the field.  

Districts 8

Ten years ago the Pittsburgh Public League or district 8, had a population-enrollment base to support five AAAA schools, Allderdice, Brashear, Carrick, Schenley and Oliver.  Two years ago they had four.  Now they are down to one, Allderdice, who is struggling.  The Dragons had two winning teams the last 10 years and a won-loss of 41-59.  Last year they were winless.

District 9

The same is true here with the district having but one AAAA team, the Dubois Beavers who have had consecutive losing seasons the last three years.  A longer view shows seven losing season out of the last nine years.

District 10

McDowell (8-4)  This had to be the best four loss team in the state last year, with a good argument coming from Penn Hills, Upper St. Clair and St. Joseph’s Prep.  They faced a difficult schedule of eight road games, losing tough battles to McKeesport 19-13 and State College 22-10.  They beat Bishop McDevitt 42-28 on McDevitt’s field so they had their moments.  They were upset in the second week of the season by Seneca Valley who caught them flat as a pancake after their win against Erie city rival Cathedral Prep.  Averaging 38 points per game, they were explosive.  Quarterback A.J. Fenton (6-2, 210) was the center piece of the attack with his running ability. He threw for 764 yards and had a 10-4 Td to Int ratio.  But it was his running that kept opposing defenses off balance.  He ran for 1933 yards on 213 carries.  That’s 9.1 yards per carry and that’s scary.  Add to that running back Alex Schmude banging out 1434 yards on 144 carries to see it was a powerful attack.  Both graduated along with 3 linemen; Brad Gore (6-2, 260), Joe Heidelberg (6-2, 305) and Jordan Koper (5-8, 225).  Dusty Galich (6-2, 250) returns.  The secondary was also hit hard but they played a lot of people and return seven starters or experienced personnel to the defense.  Zach Greenawalt (6-2, 200, sr) will probably be the QB.  And there are experienced backs like Dejon Young (6-1, 210, sr, 41/407ry, 6/102py) and Scott Harris (6-0, 200, sr. 24/117ry). Receiver Mike Bizzarro (6-2, 160) is a D1 recruit. 6-0, 215 senior Kasey Gallagher returns at MLB.  The linemen are Jacob Breakstone (6-3, 260, jr), Anthony Weary (6-0, 270, sr), Anthony Lkie (6-0, 300, jr), Joey Brandt (6-1, 250, sr) and more.  The line won’t be a problem.  Finding someone to remotely replace the lost production of A.J. Fenton will.  They’ll be tough but diminished.

District  7

The district looks to be strong again (what’s new!) with as many as six teams vying for district honors to making a run on States.  It’s going to be fun!  For the others, maybe Baldwin will make their move to respectability with new Head Coach Jim Wehner.  He was at Yough the last four years and Avonsworth the preceding four years.  And it wasn’t all that long ago when Canon McMillan, Penn-Traford and Mount Lebanon put good teams out there.  Lebo used to field powerful teams.  Same with Penn Trafford.  On the north side, how will North Allegheny and North Hills hold up with big graduation losses?  Can Penn Hills’ deposed Coach Neil Gordon keep things going at Shaler in his second year?  They had their best season in over 10 years at 8-3.  Guess he can still coach. Penn Hills failed to renew his contract after 21 years and a 156-72-2 won-loss.

Bethel Park (15-1)  What a team this was last year.  The Blackhawks weren’t the biggest or the fastest but they were one of the best of teams when they won their first WPIAL title in school history after taking down mighty Gateway 10-6.  The Gators came in ranked 3^rd nationally by USA Today and in the top seven in three other national polls.  They were averaging 256 yards rushing a game and scoring 42 points a game.  But they hadn’t seen a defense like Bethel Park’s who flat out got after you.  They held the Gators to 55 yards on the ground and 52 passing.  They were expert in winning the close ones, beating McKeesport 20-13, Gateway, State College the following week, 17-14 and the big bad Bulldogs of Wilson, 38-35 in three overtime periods.  They seemed to be a team of destiny but fell in the final to Liberty, 28-21, fittingly, in overtime. Most of that fine team has graduated including quarterback Erik Olson (+1500py), their bruising back Lyle Marsh (6-1, 210, +1200ry) and gifted wide out Jon Schademan (+1000py). The D-Line was special with NG Adam Hokaj (6-0, 286) forcing everything wide and into the grips of super quick TE/DT Brian Vukela (6-0, 200) or C/DT Adam Hakeem (6-0, 230).  Anything beyond that was rundown by returning senior C/LB Adam Lazenga (6-0, 230) or last year’s impressive sophomore, RB/S Bre’ Ford (5-10, 180).  It looks like Coach Methany’s group will take a step back this year.  Coach has gone 100-63 in 15 years and will probably reap serious dividends after last years run.

Gateway (12-1)  For the second straight year, Gateway suffered a gut wrenching defeat in the WPIAL final, losing to Bethel Park 10-6.  You may recall in 2007 they lost to state champion Pittsburgh Central Catholic, 35-34, in the WPIAL final.  See last year’s Preseason Report for detail of that incredible game.  Last year was one of their best teams ever, scoring 39 ppg and allowing 9, their lowest total in over ten years.  12-1 was their best team and won-loss since 1986's great 13-0 team that averaged 26 points a game while allowing 5.  They played North Hills that year in the WPIAL final at Three Rivers before a crowd numbered at 26,000 and defeated the nationally ranked Indians, 7-6.  Coming into this season, the big losses are at running back, where they lose RB/DB Brian Williams (213/1626ry) and RB/LB Dorian Bell (83/840, # 1 tackler, 116).  The receiver corps returns Shawn Brisker and Steve Veranka.  The lines were also hard hit. Eight starters graduate from the offense and defense.  With all of their games being blow outs except McKeesport and the Bethel Park loss, they played a lot of people and return considerable experience at most positions.  TE/DE Sascha Craig (6-1, 210, jr, 48 tackles as a soph) will probably take over at TE. RB/DB Dayonne Nunley (5-7, 155, sr, 61 tackles) will attempt to fill in for Brian Williams.  OT/DT Mitchell Devall (6-2, 290, sr, 28 tackles), Tyler Coles (5-9, 285, sr), Jamair Henderson (5-9, 320, sr) and LB Delbert Tyler (5-11, 195, sr, # 2 tackles, 110) will stabilize the D that returns experience at all positions.  The offense will be in the hands of four-year starter Robby Kalkstein at quarterback.  Look for running back Orne Bey (5-9, 165, sr, 26/203ry) to have a more significant role in the offense and senior Markie’D Jones (5-9, 185).  They also get highly regarded all-purpose back Brendon Felder (5-10, 165, sr) who transferred in from St. John’s Prep in Danvers, MA.  The opening season game will tell us a lot and be one of the best openers anywhere when they travel to Penn Hills.

Woodland Hills (4-6)  One of the real movers and shakers of the West has fallen on hard times.  After going 52-4 (92%) from 1999 to 2002 (won four WPIAL titles 96-02), they tailed off to 30-16 (65%) from 2003 to 2006.  Then the bottom fell out with consecutive losing seasons, 3-7 in 2007 and last year’s disappointing 4-6 campaign.  That could all turn around this year with many returning from a team that wasn’t that far gone last year where they averaged 26 points a game and allowed 15.  The competition at quarterback this year will be fierce but should be the big senior, John Yezovich (6-0, 210).  Whoever it is will be handing the ball off a lot to one of the more gifted tailbacks in the West in Dom Timbers (5-9, 188).  Dom transferred from Pittsburgh Central Catholic but was injured much of last year.  He started the last five games for the Wolverines and lit things up, rushing for 500 yards and 11 touchdowns and gaining over 500 yards in special team’s action.  Lafayette Pitts, Davon Dixon and Quinton Pitts will get some carries too.  All will run behind a strong line featuring D1 talent in Rich Gray (6-2, 250, sr) and Kaynin Mosley-Smith (6-1, 270, sr). 6-4, 270 Bruce Atkins also returns to the lines.  Defensive tackle K. K. Smith (6-1, 295) and TE/LB Mike Lee (6-3, 218, sr) are all D1 players.  Quinton Pitts (6-0, 180) and Davon Dixon (5-7, 175) will give them a strong secondary.  It looks like a real battle is shaping up in the Big East where Woody will duke it out with Penn Hills and Pittsburgh Central Catholic for league honors.  Because they play in the Friends of Coal Classic in Wheeling, WV, September 5^th against Ohio power Steubenville, we’ll know about them early.  Steubenville (14-1) lost in the Division IV title game to Archbishop Alter, 21-6 but have a sixty game regular season winning streak to defend.

McKeesport (9-3)  The Tigers graduated a ton of talent and 26 seniors from a state title level team.  Many fit that bill last year including our own North Penn.  George Smith always comes up with a team despite graduation numbers, but this group looks thin, especially along the lines.  Still, how can you argue with a ten year won-loss of 85-33 playing quality teams year after year.  Some of the biggest losses are along the lines are OL/DL’ers Dana Brown (6-1, 265, AP-AAAA-2nd team), Eddie Gooden (5-9, 235) and Mike Tutko (6-2, 245).  AP-AAAA-2nd team FB/LB Nico Price (6-0, 235) is another significant loss.  But they return enough key pieces to stitch together another capable team.  Heading the list is last year’s starting quarterback Ty Meer Brown (6-1, 175 sr).  Running back Darian Robinson (6-0, 200) returns and a flock of super quick backs including Julian Brown (5-7, 170).   Their 6-3, 235 pound run stuffing linebacker Carlows Brown will be the main cog in a rebuilt defense.  Like Woodland Hills above, they are in the Friends of Coal Classic in Wheeling where they will face St. Joseph’s Prep.  This one will give us a peek into the power structure of both district 7 and district 12. 

Upper Saint Clair (6-4)  Like Woodland Hills, these guys were close last year with losses coming at Pittsburgh Central Catholic 10-9, at Canon McMillan 28-27, home to Bethel Park 10-6 and at McKeesport 31-28.  And with a good core returning, they should take the next step and grab the Greater Southern Conference, especially with Bethel Park doing a major rebuild.  They have some holes to fill on the lines where three graduated, in the receiver corps that was wiped out and at linebacker where three of their top four tacklers, all linebackers, graduated.  Two from the lines return, Joe Laukaitis (6-3, 280) and Gordon Matthews (5-11, 225), both seniors.  Mike Radziukinas (5-11, 225, sr) is experienced and you may hear from his younger brother Jake Radziukinas, a 6-0, 235 pound sophomore.  Mike Dietrick (6-4, 230, sr) and Garrett Del Re (6-5, 225, jr) look to fill empty positions, so the lines look good.  The loss of RB/LB Reed Apfelbaum (6-3, 205) is a big one.  He had 38 tackles, 405 yard rushing on 91 attempts and 332 yards on 28 receptions.  6-4, 190 pound WR/SS Austin Everett’s 616 yards in receptions and 31 tackles will be missed as well.  The good news is the return of last year’s sophomore running back Jacob Siwicki.  He rushed for 667 yards on 157 carries and snagged three passes for 21 yards.   That’s a nice sophomore season.   He’s 6-0, 170.  The catalyst to this year’s offense is the return of quarterback Alex Park (6-1, 180).  Alex quietly had an outstanding junior season, completing 104 of 167 passes for 1589 yards.  That a 62 % completion rate with a 13/5 Td to Int ratio and that’s good stuff.  This is year three since they took home gold with their 16-0 team in 2006.  With an 88-25 won-loss from 1999 through last year, the sky’s the limit for a Jim Render coached team with a returning quarterback.

Pittsburgh Central Catholic (8-3)  The major rebuild of last year with only three returning starters means almost everyone returns.  It also says they sustained the transfer of their two premier sophomore running backs, Dom Timbers and Jeff Knox. Dom went to Woodland Hills, Jeff went to DeMatha.  So how did they pull off an 8-3 season?  Like they’ve been doing for years by reached down a little deeper in the depth charts to pull out another blue chipper or two.  This is a special program that has gone 98-17 since 2000 and won state titles in 2004 and 2007.  With the loss of Timbers and Knox, they used two freshmen, speedster Damian Jones-Moore (5-5, 155) and Andrew Erenberg (5-10, 180).  Andrew won’t be attending Central this year, after enrolling at Peters Township.  Playing freshman (freshman!) in the Big East against the likes of Penn Hills and Woodland Hills is a statement.  They also found a quarterback, junior David Smyers (6-3, 185), so the table is set for the Vikings to make a run at it.  Senior Evan Fuentes (6-0, 215) is a force at OLB as is D.J. Myers at CB and tailback.  It all begins at the Friends of Coal Classic September 5^th in Wheeling where they’ll join fellow WPIAL schools McKeesport and Woodland Hills to tangle with another Ohio power, Ursuline (15-0, Youngstown) who won the Division V final against Liberty-Benton (16-1) 21-0.

Pine Richland (4-6)  The Rams didn’t do too bad their first year at AAAA playing in the Northern Six Conference.  They finished 3-2, upset North Allegheny and ended in a three way tie with North Allegheny and Shaler for second place.  Heartbreaking losses to Montour 35-27, North Hills 22-21 and Shaler 14-7 made all the difference in their having a winning season.  The real blow came with the loss senior quarterback Vinny Nittoli (1574py, 20 TDs in 2007) who went down early with a season ending injury.  Eric Kordenbrock (6-4, 210, sr) stepped in to complete 63 or 158 for 955 yards.  He and his top receiver Steve Valenza (6-0, 165, sr) return after catching 24 passes for 363 yards but both running backs graduated.  John Bute (5-10, 230, 36 tackles) returns to the line with OL/DL Brad Lalli (6-4, 250, 19 tackles).  Both are seniors.  Eight starters or players with significant playing time return to a defense that allowed 193 points last year.

Penn Hills (8-4)  Penn Hills got off to a shaky 1-3 start under first year coach Ron Graham but recovered to win seven straight games and advance to the WPIAL semi-final for a rematch with Gateway.  Poetic justice would have seen them avenge the thumping Gateway gave them in the opener, 45-17, but it wasn’t meant to be, as the Gators prevailed 38-23.  Penn Hills’ other losses were to Bethel Park, 20-13, and North Allegheny, 25-22.  This was a veteran team that was supposed to go places but fell short.  To improve on last year’s results, they need to rebuild in some key areas.  Gone are four year starting quarterback Tom Fulton (6-0, 190) who passed for over 4000 yards, all three backs including RB/LB Ted Blackman (6-0, 200), FB/LB Dan Mason (6-2, 225, heart and soul of the LB corps), Terrell Washington (6-2, 185) the tight end, a wide receiver and two lineman.  Talented Brandon Ifill returns at WR/CB.  The defense was just as hard hit, losing three backers, two DEs and one from the secondary.  Division 1 recruit DT Aaron Donald (6-2, 260, 64 tackles!) returns with three other starting senior lineman, Taylor Adams (6-1, 240), Nick Bernhardy (6-2, 276) and Bret Allen (6-1, 260).  They have a stopper at LB in Myles Davis (6-2, 218) and hard hitting Cullen Christian (6-0, 180) from the secondary.  Add in Ray Harris (5-11, 150, sr) at cornerback, Brandon Ifill and safety Chris Washington (5-9, 170) to see they are loaded there.  That should provide for good things up front.  Many schools couldn’t sustain these kinds of losses.  But this is Penn Hills where tradition runs deep and expectations high so you can’t write them off.  Just the opposite.  Let’s see what Coach Graham does in his second year.  

Fox Chapel (4-6)  Check out these Foxes!  The won-loss/points for-points against since Coach Bryan Deal took over in 2005 shows the following; 2-8, 71-275;  2-8, 169-285; 3-6, 161-271; 4-6. 194-250.  Looks like Coach puts his best players on offense.  A closer look at 2007's results compared to last year’s, against strong teams, shows more.  In 2007 they were flattened by Upper St. Clair 48-14, Penn Hills 48-26 and Gateway, 57-7.  In 2008 they were far more competitive, losing to a good AAA Highlands team (11-1) 24-16, Woodland Hills 41-36 on the last play of the game for the second straight year, Penn Hills 35-21 and Pittsburgh Central Catholic, 14-6.  Pretty good stuff for an upscale area like Fox Chapel which is not known for its football prowess.  Seems there is a mild resurgence in that area with AA Shady Side Academy getting better as well.  For the coming season, they return at least two lineman, Matt Sasson (6-3, 260, jr) and highly rated Miles Dieffenbach (6-5, 285, sr).  Senior QB Julian Salerno (5-11, 185) was banged up at the end of last year but seems good to go this year.  He’s got an arm and some talent around him.  They have a really nice junior back in Montay Green (6-2, 220) who could emerge this season after starting as a freshman.  Also, Noel Wilson (5-8, 160, soph) can do some damage.  They aren’t getting much press but bear watching.  This should be a fun team to watch just to see who they sneak up on this year because they have some players.  

Shaler (8-3)  First year coach Neil Gordon put a pretty good team out there last year that produced their best season in over 10 years.  They also got their first playoff win since beating Gateway (5-4-1) in 2000, 28-14. In fact, they’ve quietly put together three straight winning seasons which is a big deal at Shaler.  Last year’s team returned seven to the D and only four to the offense but they still generated more points, 233, than any of the preceding two winning teams.  They broke in a junior QB last year in Tyler Bills (6-0, 190) who beat out serious competition from the freshman, J.P. Holtz (6-3, 200).  The backfield returned nice backs in Jesse Della Valle (6-0, 170) and Johnny Orr (5-11, 180) who are now seniors.  OL/DLs Nick Kurpakus (6-3, 220, sr) and Jamal Conroy (5-10, 265) return.  Orr is back at LB with Della Valle at S.  The new linemen look good on paper.  One thing Shaler learned to do the last three years is winning on the road.  They are 11-5 since 2006 when away from home.  They have not yet learned to beat the better teams (over.500) where they stand 2-9, but they are tightening the margins so don’t be surprised if the Titans keep it going again this year.

Others to watch in District 7

North Hills (9-2)  Last year was their best season since 1999's 9-1 team.  Being North Hills, you knew they’d bounce back after having their first losing season since 1997.  The 9-2 mark elevated Coach Jack McCurry’s record at 255-92 so you can never discount them.  They came close with a “last play of the game” loss to Bethel Park, sending them home with a bitter 27-26 loss.  They go into this season with considerable losses, namely, quarterback Justin Heinauer (69/113/1067py, 10-4 Td-Int ratio), D1 recruit FB/LB Michael Hirt, TE/DE R.J.  Miller, RB/S Cody Patton and OL Mike Mastellino, all lost to graduation.  Elijah David and Michael Sivak are two outstanding running backs you’ll be hearing about this year.  They also return their leading receiver Max Creighan so they could surprise.

North Allegheny (6-5)  They only had two back on defense in 2008 so they should be strong there after rebuilding from 07's 11-1 team.  Need a QB with Mike Locke graduating, lead receiver Brian Austin and a standout in the secondary Jackson Boyd.  They also lost two stand outs on the line, Ryan Shleiper (6-5, 280) and Mike Vuono (6-3, 275). 6-3, 240 Josh Patten will be missed too.  But they return two seniors there in 6-6 260 Thomas Ricketts and 6-3, 280 Ben Balzer. Gary Allen (5-10, 215) is a good one at MLB.  They found an exciting sophomore running back last year, Alex Papson (5-9, 170) who rushed for 1088 yards so there are some pieces there that could provide for an exciting season.

Butler (3-6)  Just a feeling but you have to like it when a Coach comes in and almost quickly shows gains. Coach Jeff McAnallen came aboard in 2007 to head a program that went 25-53 since 1999.  He went 0-9 his first year, scoring 78 points and allowing 291.  Last year’s team showed significant improvement, scoring 151 points while allowing 204.  In 2007 they lost to teams like Norwin (7-4), Bethel Park (7-4), McDowell (6-5) and North Allegheny (11-1) by an average score of 40-10.  Last’s average margin of loss against New Castle (8-4), Penn Hills (8-4), Canon McMillan (6-4), Shaler (8-3), North Hills (9-2) and North Allegheny (6-5) was 24-16.  Look for more improvement this year with the return of senior quarterback Cole Harvey (6-0, 180, 711py, 265ry), running back Elijah Cristy (6-1, 170, sr, 7/17/81yds passing, 58/274ry, 18/249py, 60 tackles), Anthony Fudoli (5-11, 180, jr, 76/339ry, 7/36py), Jacob Thompson (6-0, 175, sr, 20/82py), TE Brian Jendesky (6-2, 210, sr, 15/189) and WR Jarrod Osterling (6-2, 180, sr, 10/148).

Latrobe (3-7)  Let’s hear it for Ray Reitz who loves a challenge so much that he left Jeannette after winning two WPIAL titles, two trips to Hershey and one state title.  His record at Jeannette in four years as head coach was 48-6.  Showing you something about the man, he traded all that for the challenge of rebuilding a truly “down” program that hasn’t had a winning season since 2001.

Penn Trafford (4-6)  Matt Hyland (6-4, 210) was the part time quarterback in 2007 and expected starter in 2008 until Coach Art Tragesser decided he was more valuable at wide-out.  Senior Mike Burns was given the nod at QB.  Although they had a team loaded with skill and speed, the bottom line was a fourth consecutive non winning season.  With Burns graduating, it will be interesting to see if Coach moves Matt back under center.  Others can stretch the field, like returning slot back Tyler Zimmer (6-1, 210) and they have a good looking line with Luke Graham (6-6, 270), Sean Kelly (6-1, 235) and Zach Baker (6-0, 230) supported by Tyler Presuitti (5-11, 265) and Matt Grupp (6-4, 230) to make it happen.  They return a talented corner in Ryan Austin (5-11, 170) and RB/MLB John Stefanik (5-10, 215).

Kiski (1-9)  Hard times in the Big East especially for a program like Kiski but you have to like their numbers with only 14 seniors graduating. Senior quarterback Matt Johnson (6-2, 190), wide out Josh Taylor (5-9, 180), RB/S Tariqueu Godson (5-10, 160) and a bunch more return.  Right, they return to a team that went 1-9 and hasn’t had a winning season since 2003.  Playing in the East against Pitt CC, Penn Hills and Woodland Hills is no cake walk but they put up good numbers at 21ppg.  The D was porous and their average score 21-35.  But if they can tighten up just a little and the offense matures behind some big guys up front, Chris Bryan (6-1, 300), Anthony Marchitelli (6-3, 280) and Jordan Jones (6-0, 270), they could be an interesting “spoiler” like Butler and Fox Chapel may be.  Sometimes it’s as much fun watching these guys as it is the heavy favorites who typically perform the way you expect them to.

Seneca Valley (4-5)  It’s not a good sign with a double- threat quarterback like C.J. Brown who passed for 2154 yards and rushed for 640 more and you only get four wins.  Wide out Matt Plautz (6-4, 220) was also lost to graduation.  Despite losing only 15 to graduation, it looks like the Raiders will slip down another notch in the competitive Northern 6.

Norwin (3-7), Mount Lebanon (2-8) and Canon McMillan (4-6) graduate 20, 25 and 26 seniors respectively.  That’s a lot of leadership.  C-Mac returns a heck of a hitter in Mike Hull (6-1, 220, sr) at OLB and Chad Hagan (6-2, 210) at safety to help build a D and give the offense a chance.  

District 3

There were a number of strong teams last year in 3 but none as powerful as Wilson High from West Lawn, Pennsylvania.  They were a 14-1 juggernaut out of the Lancaster-Lebanon League, Section One, that Bethel Park somehow beat in three overtime periods.  Along the way, they made good football teams look bad in the playoffs; teams like Cumberland Valley (12-2) and Bishop McDevitt (10-3) were routed.  The Eagles went down hard, 35-7, with McDevitt going down even harder, 48-6.  Before that, they tore up Elizabethtown (6-5) and Muhlenberg (8-4), 46-0.  Etown could drop some bombs on you with their attack and the Muhlies are a much improved program.  Central Dauphin (7-4, Harrisburg) failed to live up to expectations while Manheim Township (5-5) staggered through a rebuilding season after graduation swept away most of 2007's 11-2 team.  Two other Lancaster-Lebanon members fielded decent teams, Hempfield (8-3) and Penn Manor (9-3), who ended in a two way tie for second behind Wilson in Section One.  York stepped up last year with two exciting teams, York High and Central York. Both finished 10-2.  AAA West York got in on the fun too, popping Central York in the opener 28-3 then falling to Thomas Jefferson in the West final 49-21.  All four of the major population centers fielded representative teams; Reading (area) with Wilson and Muhlenberg, Lancaster with Penn Manor and Hempfield, York with the teams mentioned above and Harrisburg also with those mentioned above including West Shore power Cumberland Valley.  At this stage of the season, it doesn’t appear the district has as many powerful teams as last year.  Can Wilson sustain the level of success they’ve had over the years with the loss of 25 seniors and all that skill?  Can Harrisburg, after losing 24 to graduation?  Others like York High, Central York, Governor Mifflin and Cumberland Valley graduate big numbers or key players.  One thing the district does have is a loaded McDevitt team that will begin the season highly ranked with great expectations.

Wilson (14-1)  Defending District Champ and Western runner-up Wilson came into the semi-final game against Bethel Park off of four straight mercy ruled playoff wins.  Talk about being on a roll, they allowed just one touchdown in those four games.  But it all came crashing down on them against Bethel Park where they lost in three overtime periods.  Here’s the write up from last year’s report.  The overtime period started with the two deadlocked at 21 all.  Both scored touchdowns on their first two possessions with Olson hitting Brian Vukela and Wilson countering with running back Dylan Stopper getting the 1-yard plunge.  The second overtime saw Olson connect for another touchdown pass, this time to John Schademan.  Wilson followed with a one-yard run by quarterback Steve Huber, tying it at 35-35.  In the third OT period, Wilson went with some trickery and got burnt, throwing an interception on a fake field goal.  Bethel Park took over, was held on third down and attempted a field goal that was missed by Patrick Lydon.  A roughing the kicker flag was thrown, giving him a second chance that he drilled from 25-yards.  Players, coaches and students swarmed the field in unbridled enthusiasm as the Black Hawks came away with the most electrifying win in their football history.  Back in West Lawn, Wilson has become quite a story. Their history is one of good football going back many years.  They got their first of four district titles in 1989, going on to beat Coatesville before losing to Upper St. Clair in the final, 12-7.  They won districts the following year then lost in the playoffs to Ridley.  Previous to last year, their most recent district crown was 1999 where they lost to Bethlehem Catholic who in turn lost to the great Central Bucks West team.  Back to the present; Wilson Coach Doug Dahms is off to a terrific start in his first three years, going 11-2, 9-4 and 14-1.  He’ll need a big rebuild to keep things going for 2009.  Gone from last year’s team is QB Steve Huber (106/186/1584/57%/14-3 Td-Int ratio), lead back Zach Groff (203/1692), number two back Dylan Stopper (98/573), plus two of their top three receivers including Alex Fegley (44/828).  Most of the line graduates, but they return a good one in TE/DE Tyler Beck (6-3, 220) who was the number five tackler at 45 and the second leading receiver catching 20 passes for 320 yards.  Offensively they return another good one under center in Zach Zweizig (6-3, 183), who filled in well last year completing 34 of 56 passes for 498 yards and a 61% completion rate.  His Td-Int ratio was 6/1.  They return four running backs that got a lot of time. Seniors Nick Greth (5-10, 180) got 409 yards on 67 carries while Kriss Brown (5-9, 180) got 284 on 54 attempts.  Speed backs Calvin Panghulan (5-10, 150, sr, 16/120ry) and Sheldon Hannibal-Nixon (5-8, 150, 14/116) will add to the attack.  The defense that returned eight last year returns two.  Gone are the superb linebacking duo of Colton Weaver (6-0, 215, #1 tackler 92) and Pat Zerbe (6-2, 246, #2 tackler 90).  They also lose Jon Wagner (6-2, 235, # 4 tackles 48) and Jordan Holbert (5-7, 175, #3 tackler 72).  LB Ryan Case (5-9, 185, 38 tackles) and Andy Capozello (6-1, 185, 24 tackles) are also gone leaving the linebacking corps on the thin side.  But they have three experienced backers and two Dbacks to help reduce the loss of three of four from the secondary.  They cannot duplicate last year’s monster team but they can put a good team out there and if Coach Dahms’ first three years are any indication, they will.

Bishop McDevitt (10-3)  McDevitt started off on fire last year, rushing out to an 8-0 won-loss, winning by an average score of 46-12.  Realistically, none of those eight teams tested them and when a real test came, October 26^th at home against State College who was also 8-0, they failed by a point, losing 20-19.  The game seemed to devastate the young Crusaders who lost their quarterback Matt Johnson in the first quarter for the game.  With nothing left in their tanks, they lost the following week to McDowell 42-28.  Got it back in the playoffs where they crushed Red Lion, 28-6, and York High, 39-7, before getting handled by Wilson in the district semi-final, 48-6.  Essentially all of last year’s team returns and it is a talented group.  Depending on who you believe, they have anywhere from ten to eleven division one players on the team.  On offense, they graduated three linemen, Vince Sullivan (6-1, 265), Mark Sallinger (6-0, 250) and tight end Terahje Gratowski (6-5, 260, 12/175).  Seniors Victor Shaffer (6-2, 274), Andrew Miscannon (6-2, 265) and Justen Garlic (6-6. 285) return.  Running back Aaron Marks’ (6-0, 190) 851 yards rushing and speed will be missed.  They’ll also miss back up quarterback Kyle Koncar (5-11, 195) who started for two year before they went with sophomore Matt Johnson last year.  Kyle was a leader.  They are loaded at the skill positions beginning with junior Matt Johnson (6-2, 185).  He had a great sophomore season, connecting on 121 of 186 passes (65%) for 2010 yards and a Touchdown to Interception ratio of 22-9.  He’ll be throwing to three, rangy senior receivers in Aaron Sye (6-1,180) who caught 30 passes for 469 yards; Jeremy Cornelius (6-3, 180) who snagged 30 passes for 333 yards and the irrepressible Salath Williams (6-4, 185), who was the leading receiver with 49 catches for 899 yards.  Out of the backfield are last year’s starters, fullback Sean Barowski (6-2, 230) who got 30 carries for 99 years, (shared time with Aaron Marks) and one of the best backs in the state at tailback in Jameel Poteat (6-0, 195).  He rushed for 1308 yards on 197 attempts last year as a sophomore.  He also caught 25 passes for 373 yards.  After scoring 490 total points last year, they will again be explosive, and a year more mature.  Defensively, they return nine of eleven starters.  The entire front four returns.  The tackles are seniors Stephan Belle (6-1, 255, 34 tackles) and Steve Mosey (6-0, 256, 17 tackles).  The ends are Ryan Kunz (6-4, 235, 35 tackles) and last year’s freshman find Noah Spence (6-2, 220, 40 tackles).  The linebacking corps will be fine despite losing Dante Usery (6-1, 225, 54 tackles).  The fullback Sean Barowski is back with Fred Dietz (6-0, 195, 59 tackles).  Four return to the secondary that started or shared the starting role. Jonathan Duckett (6-1, 205) is like Dom Mills for State College, a real headhunter.  Jeremy Cornelius (6-3, 180) is the other safety. Seniors Corey Ford (5-10, 175, 36 tackles) and Brandon True (5-9, 175, 28 tackles) are the corners.  Two freshmen, linebacker Brock Dean (6-1, 185) and Deandre Lawson, a 6-0, 235 defensive tackle got playing time.  Three other sophomores from last year made a name for themselves in DT Darrell Fry (6-0, 275), and linebackers Stephan Range (6-2, 210) and Ted Deily (6-0, 200).  Some are already calling this the state champ in much the same way they did with Gateway last year.  Undoubtedly they are a talented team, offensively.  It’s on the defensive side where they need to improve their 17 points per game yield to make a run.  They open at home against bitter rival Harrisburg High. Let’s see if the stars align.

Harrisburg (6-5)  The Cougars were close last year with a balanced and big offense that averaged 31 points a game.  A strong core returns.  The defense was good but not good enough, losing too many tight games that prevented a 10-1 record and advancing in the playoffs. Harrisburg often starts slow and last year was no different, stumbling out the gate at 0-2 before leveling Chambersburg and Carlisle by a combined score of 79-14.  The following game let you know they had arrived, when they lost a bitter and physical encounter with State College (12-1), 21-13. They followed that with two more blowouts, beating Central Dauphin East and Lower Dauphin by a combined score of 74-14.  Then came another nail biter, losing on the road to Cumberland Valley (12-2), 27-25.  Once again they went on a two game rampage, beating Central Mountain and Altoona by a combined score of 108-21.  The following week they lost on the road in the first round of playoffs to Central York (10-2) 24-21.  This year sees the return of a strong running back in Jawon Chisholm (6-0, 195, sr) who rushed for 1,061 yards last year on 113 attempts.  QB Anthony Holmes has moved on but Jalen Fitzpartrick (5-10, 160) got plenty of time last year.  Three other experienced backs return along with Charlie Arp (6-2, 180, sr) who caught 15 tosses for 250 yards.  The lines return seniors Thorin Burgess (6-2, 275), Dillon Payne (6-3, 245) and junior DeWayne Anderson (6-1, 245).  Xaxier Gates (6-2, 285, jr), Brandon Wainwright (6-2, 265,sr) and others will fill the voids.  Harrisburg rarely has trouble finding linemen.  The defense returns DTs DeWayne Anderson, Thorin Burgess and Dillon Payne mentioned above. Other returning starters or co-starters include three linebackers.  The secondary was wiped out but they should get a good push with their defensive front.  It also helps that the three major challengers for the Mid Penn Commonwealth, Central Dauphin, State College and Cumberland Valley, graduated veteran quarterbacks. 

Cumberland Valley (12-2)  The Eagles had an unexpectedly fine year, coming in second to State College in the Mid Penn Commonwealth, then running off eleven straight before losing to Wilson in the district final, 35-7.  Prior to that, their only loss was to SC at home, 17-14.  They had a nice blend of speed and size.  This year looks like a rebuilding season although they return many experienced players and a sprinkling of starters.  Gone are starting quarterback Nate Rhodes (77/143/1503/54%), tailback Mike Frenette (219/1701ry, 21/377py), the big TE/DE Matt Lengel (6-7, 225, 22/417), their top three receivers and four linemen.  But it’s a big school at 1024 males (grades10-12) that rarely comes up short. They’ve gone 315-73 since 1976 with only two losing seasons making them one of central Pennsylvania’s powerhouse teams.  The expectations are high every year and they rarely disappoint.  The center of the attack and defense will likely fall on the broad shoulders of senior fullback Travis Friend (6-2, 240).  Travis rushed for 713 yards on 151 carries last year and caught 21 passes for 377 yards.  He’s a brute on defense at linebacker where he was the team’s number two tackler with 130 stops.  Three other running backs return with experience.  Senior Josh Kilmer (6-1, 190) will likely be the starting quarterback.  The lines will develop around OL/DL Corey Salmon (6-0, 230, sr) and TE/DE Barry Lyons (6-4, 220, jr).  The defense will rebuild around Travis Friend, Salmon and Lyons.  Eight starters graduate but Coach Tim Rimpfel plays a lot of people.  They return great experience at linebacker where four have at least 20 tackles.  The secondary was hit hard losing three starters.  Trevor Harmon returns at one corner where they could be vulnerable.

Governor Mifflin (10-3)  The Mustangs have become a solid threat in district-3, fielding teams that got to states quarter-finals two of the last three years while compiling a 34-7 won-loss. 08's team (10-3) was led by sophomore quarterback Vincent Garpoli (6-2 180).  He completed 30 of 61 passes for 634 yds (4-3 TD-Int) while rushing for 648 yds and 18 Tds.  All his receivers (top 5, only 39 receptions), the top 2 backs and most of the defense (8 of 11) graduated.  But the program has evolved to the level of reloading quickly.  They play in the Berks Inter County League-Section 1 and are from suburban Reading in Shillington.  Lead back Pat Haggerty (6-2, 210, 150/828, 148 tackles) will be missed.  The number two rusher is the quarterback but they also return Zach Schmidt (5-10, 180) and Eric Werzt (6-0, 170) who ran for 414 and 346 yards respectively. So if they can patch some holes on the lines and replace three of four linebackers (5 return to the D) they should be ok.

York (10-2)  The Bearcats have a lot of holes to fill this year but none greater than the gapping one left by the departure of head coach Matt Ortega to Coatesville.  Coach went 37-18 his five years there, guiding the Cats to their first district playoff win in school history.  They are coming off back to back 10-2 seasons. York’s pain is Coatesville’s gain as district 1 will soon see.  Other losses are quarterback Jordan Davis who had an outstanding year throwing for 2,234 yards and 27 touchdowns.  Another loss is wide out Malik Generett (6-4, 220, 45/933) who got a full ride to Connecticut.  FB/LB Brandon Walker is a loss after gaining 558 yards rushing and getting 66 tackles.  They found a sophomore running back last year in Stephonte Doby, who turned some heads getting 876 yards on 90 carries.  He’s a big one at 5-11, 195 pounds as a sophomore.  On defense, five of the front seven return but they graduated everyone form the secondary. So it’s a mixed bag of positives and negatives for new coach Tim Hibbs who was 24-27 in five years at AA Biglerville.  Right, where’s that?  Biglerville is a small town one mile south of Floradale and two miles north of Goldenville.  Ok, it’s actually six miles north of Gettysburg in very southern Pennsylvania (16 miles above the Maryland line).  One thing about Coach Hibbs, he isn’t afraid to play anyone.  He introduced the Canners (apple country) to big time football his first year there by scheduling district 7 AA power South Park.  They played them the following year when South Park went 16-0 to win their second state title in 2005.  The following two years he scheduled Mount Carmel and Governor Mifflin, so they got themselves a coach who wants to show what it takes to be a winner and move a program forward. Biglerville won a total of 29 games the entire span of the 1990's.  Under Coach Hibbs, they advanced to the post season for the first time in school history.  His portfolio is an interesting one, with stints at Fort Scott Junior College in Kansas (Greyhounds ranked 6^th preseason NJJAA), Southern Illinois (opens with Marshall!), Gettysburg College (still running the option) and Ohio Northern University (Polar Bears).  Looks like York got themselves a good one.     

Others to watch in District 3

Red Lion (6-5)  Red Lion is in the York-Adams, Division 1 (big school) with York, Central York, Dallastown and others.  It’s an exciting conference that seems to emphasize offense over defense.  Although Red Lion is largely an unknown, they’ve poked their head above water the last two years by making the post season.  Many of last year’s key parts graduated including their three leading backs and top two receivers. The lines were almost wiped out.  Defensively, the front seven are gone plus two from the secondary.  There are plenty of experienced bodies waiting their turn but it’s a major rebuild with 25 seniors graduated.  So why are we even talking about these guys?  Because there could be a quarterback battle between two very talented young men.  One has the name and connections, Chad Kelly (6-2, 175), nephew to former NFL quarterback Jim Kelly.  Chad has been something of a phenom after winning three NFL-Pepsi Punt-Pass-Kick contests.  He started last year as a freshman and completed 14 of 29 passes for 342 yards (48%) with a 1-1 Td-Int Ratio.  At the conclusion of his third start, he was removed from the team?  Coach Conrad then turned to Miller Dalton (5-11 165), a sophomore who performed well, with a Td-Int of 8-2 while completing 31 of 65 for 464 yards.  Rumor is that Chad will be back on the team dueling Miller Dalton in a battle royale for the number one spot.

Central Dauphin (7-4)  If they can survive the loss of all everything quarterback Justin Shirk (6-1, 225), they have a shot at being a dark horse.  Justin did it all, by completing 57% of his passes for 834 yards then rushing for another 1,258 yards on 153 carries.  That’s 8.2 yards per carry for a 225 pound quarterback.  As a linebacker, he was the leading tackler at 85.  It looks like seniors Lewis Correale (5-11, 185) and Ryan Neilson (6-3, 180) are in a dog fight for the QB spot.  The backfield shows power and speed with the return of running backs Kyle Wolfe (6-0, 210, 43/401) and Colton Charles (5-11, 185, 20/178).  Another quick one, Marcus Simpson (5-11, 160, 16/222) returns at wide out.  Three of four linemen return led by division one recruit Artie Rowell (6-3, 270, 43 tackles at DT, jr). TE/DE Jack Lippert (6-4, 255, 34 tackles) graduated and will be replaced by Matt Heilig (6-4, 215, # 3 tackler 59 at DE).  The D-Line returns three of four with the same number returning at linebacker.  The secondary loses two.  Overall, the defense appears solid and the offense capable.   

Central York (10-2)  This was one exciting football team last year.  They stumbled out the gate in the opener, losing to city rival West York (13-2), 28-3.  No shame there in losing to one of the best AAA teams in the state. West York evidently partied hard as they were upset the following week by Dallastown (7-4), 48-47.  But they recovered, advancing to the West final where they lost to Thomas Jefferson.  The city of York had quite a year.  Back to Central who got down to business after the “upset” to win ten straight, including impressive wins against York High and Harrisburg before losing to Governor Mifflin.  Some critical parts of last year’s team have graduated.  Quarterback Brandon Workinger had a good year, completing 93 of 174 passes for 1,330 yards.  Another loss is running back D.J. Harrison, who scampered for 1,607 yards.  Zach Sprenkle, a 5-10, 165 pound senior is battling it out with a sophomore, Brandon Baker, 6-1, 180.  Central often has smaller, quicker players like West York.  That’s good until you run into a T.J. or Wilson where you need some muscle.  In the York-Adams, you can get away with that so they’ll likely have little difficulty replacing 190 pound offensive linemen or their two defensive tackles, Kodi Ross (5-10, 180, 92 tackles) or Mike Anderson (5-10, 170, 92 tackles).  Three backs with experience and two receivers return.  On the other side, there were serious losses including the entire DL. Karl Rice (6-3, 185, sr) with 36 tackles returns at DE with OLD Tyler Benton (6-1, 180, 25) with 77 tackles.  The cornerstone of the defense is their exciting division one recruit at middle linebacker (also starting TE), Kyle Baublitz (6-5, 250, sr) who tore up opposing offenses with 166 tackles.

Muhlenberg (8-4)  It’s going to be difficult replacing quarterback Nate Daniels (6-2, 190) who passed for 2236 yards (190/238/59%) and ran for another 518 to end the year as the teams leading rusher.  Their top receiver Brett Fox (61/963) graduates along with Trell Ellison (44/895).  The secondary graduated but they are solid at linebacker where three returning along with a defensive lineman and a DE.  Linebackers Chad Wisniewski (5-11, 185, sr) with 90 tackles and a fine sophomore from last year, Dimitri Ovid (5-10, 195, jr), with 81 tackles will help solidify the front.  The biggest loss is replacing 20 year veteran head coach John Yocum who strung together 20 consecutive winning seasons.  Long time assistant and O/C Rich Kolka should make the transition a smooth one. 

Hempfield (8-3)  Hempfield ended a two year slide (3-7, 4-6) with a team that showed marked improvement over 2007's edition.  They upped their offensive production from 15 points per game to 29.  Nice!  Less impressive, they lowered their yield for 205 points to 204.  So it was offense that got them there.  That should continue with the return of quarterback Jarvis Cummings (6-0, 185, sr) who completed 47 of 113 passes for 799 yards.  Nothing special there but his running ability does keep defenses honest as he rushed for 1021 yards on 157 carries.  The number two back graduated (617ry) although they return Spencer Lehr (6-0, 180) and Manny Mendez (6-2, 175) who were productive.  Spencer ran for 258 yards on 39 carries while Manny toted it 9 times for 129 yards, ending the season as Cummings number one target, snagging 24 passes for 383 yards.  They only lost a few linemen and have a strong sophomore and junior class coming up.  The sophomores now juniors are Evan Geesey (6-5, 285) and Brian Harnley (5-10, 250).  The juniors who are now seniors are Eric Solomon (6-2, 260), Austin Olena (6-4, 295) and return starter Aidan Cadzow (6-3, 295).  They lose five from the defense, two DTs, two LBs and a DB.  Linebacker Jim Forgrave (6-0, 220, 88 tackles) returns with RB/LB Spencer Lehr (6-0, 180), their third leading tackler.  DT Aiden Cadzow and DE JR Sirotto (6-2, 215) are back for their senior year.  The Black Knights will again have a competitive team in the Lancaster-Lebanon League.

Penn Manor (9-3)  Penn Manor football has been languishing in a depressed state for years.  Since 1999 their won-loss is 22-69.  They are from Millersville and play in the Lancaster-Lebanon League with Wilson, Hempfield, Manheim Township and others.  They reversed their fortunes last year by coming out of nowhere to win nine games.  That’s nearly half the number of games they won the previous nine years. Losses to Wilson, 42-0, and Cumberland Valley, 42-10, says they have a long way to go; but 9-3 is a nice beginning.  For 2009 they return their quarterback P.J. Rehm (6-0, 160, sr) who completed 63 of 135 passes for 856 yards and ran for 460 yards on 109 carries.  Their lead back graduates but others return along with last year’s top receiver Aaron Frederick (6-0, 170, sr), who caught 17 passes for 305 years.  The big loss is TE/DE Cody Booth (6-5, 205, 20/241) who will be missed especially at defensive end.  With only twelve seniors graduating, almost everyone else is back.

Manheim Township (5-5)  After winning 40 of 55 games the last five years, the Blue Streaks fell on hard times with a pretty good team.  Four of their five losses came by 1, 1, 3, and 13 points, a tough 13-0 loss at Hempfield. Dan Wertz (16/32/437) and Jon Yuko (12/22/84) split time at quarterback.  Dan, who was their leading rusher, moves on taking 1,129 rushing yards with him.  Jon is back (5-11, 180, sr). FB/LB Nick Sizemore (6-2, 225, 38/177) also graduated.  He will be sorely missed from the defense that graduated five of their top six tacklers.  Nick led the way with 110. It looks like a rebuilding year for the Blue Streaks.    

Cedar Cliff (5-5)  Cedar Cliff’s once strong program made headway under first year coach Jim Cantafio who got them to 5-5 after six straight losing seasons.  They’ve had only 12 losing seasons since inception of the school in 1959 so the decline is recent.  The last time they had a finals appearance was 1988 when they lost to Pittsburgh Central Catholic, 14-7.  The Colts are in the Mid Penn Keystone with McDevitt where they came in second at 3-1.  Cantafio started a number of sophomores last year including QB Tim Kelly (5-11 170) who completed 71 of 139 passes for 688 yards.  His 4 to 8 Td-Int ratio should improve in his second year.  The two lead running backs, A.D. Huff and Tate Moore-Jacobs return along with the Bower twins, Quinn and Blaine, both sophomore wide receivers. Knowing what Coach Cantafio did at Conestoga Valley, Wyoming Valley West and Wilson, suggests he’ll do a quick turnaround at Cedar Cliff.

CLASS AAAA, THE EAST

(Districts 1, 2, 4, 11, 12)

District  2

Hazelton (10-2)  Hazelton is on a nice run, going 70-22 since 2001 and poised to take the next step, beat the bullies from district 11.  Liberty crushed them in 2005, 42-7, then Parkland edged them, 16-14, in 2007.  Last year saw Freedom take them, 42-25.  The 07 team was one of their best with QB Joe Kost and especially Nate Eachus who was a bruising ball carrier and linebacker, rushing for 2,196 yards. Last year’s wasn’t bad either although they graduated QB Matt Drumheller (65/129/1007/50%), which seems replaceable, and running back Jon Nahay who rushed for 1211 yards.  With the lines Hazelton puts out, it seems many backs can reach that mark.  Their second, third and fourth leading running backs return, led by fullback A.J. Petrone (5-10, 185, sr) who rushed for 443 yards.  Matt Manfredi and Charlie Craig also return as does receiver Chad Nichols (6-3, 185, sr), who caught 15 passes for 350 yards. Defensively, they look real strong with their top six tacklers returning. 6-0, 255 senior defensive tackle Matt Starrick (# 1, 91 tackles) anchors the line with Joe Semanchik (6-2, 210, # 8, 57 tacklers, sr,) holding down one of the flanks.  Linebacker Charlie Craig (6-1, 195, sr, # 2, 87) joins last year’s impressive sophomore Desmond Johnson (5-11, 175, jr, # 3, 72).  Linebackers Matt Manfredi (5-10, 195, # 6, 67, sr) and A.J. Petrone (5-11, 185, sr, 30) are also back.  The # 4 tackler is safety Jon Koslop (5-10, 170, jr) with 69 tackles.  This is probably the wrong year to call for a Cougar win against district 11's likely representative, Liberty, but they seem good enough to at least get to the game.

Wallenpaupack (7-4)  The Buckhorns had their first winning season since 2000 playing out of the Lackawanna League, Division 1.  Some of the other members include AAA Abington Heights, Delaware Valley and Scranton who are both AAAA teams.  The Buckhorns are not going to set the world on fire but they do have a few players that deserve mentioning.  Running back Joe Defebo, is a short but powerful 5-8, 180 pound senior who rushed for 2321 yards last year on 329 carries.  He’s accompanied in the backfield by a strong fullback, senior Taylor Newcommer, 6-1, 190. Taylor had 40 carries for 180 yards and 5 receptions for 132 yards last year.  He was used part time on defense where he had 22 tackles as a defensive end.  They also have a standout senior OT/DT in Karsten Goodwin who had 22 tackles.  Defebo is getting some D1 looks while Newcomer is well regarded.  They are looking for a quarterback but should have no trouble replacing last year’s duo that completed 43% and 39% of their passes.  On defense they return six, two defensive tackles an end and linebacker and two DBs.  

Others to watch in District  2

Delaware Valley (7-4)  The Warriors were close last year with narrow losses to Hazelton and Abington Heights preventing more.  Then Emmaus made short work of them with a 28-0 win in the first round of the playoffs.  Most of that team graduated, including 26 seniors, suggesting a major rebuild.  Ex Penn State star tight end Keith Olsommer has them playing improved football but that’s a lot to overcome.  A second place (5-1 behind 6-0 Abington Heights) may be difficult to achieve this season.

Wyoming Valley West (7-4)  Berwick (AAA), Hazelton and Wyoming Valley West beat up on each other last year in the Wyoming Valley, Division One Conference to finish in a convoluted tie of sorts going 5-1, 4-1 and 3-1 respectively.  Abington Heights lost at Hazelton in the opener 18-17 then beat Wyoming Valley West the following week 21-7. Wyoming Valley West then beat Hazelton 24-14.  The final game at Valley West last season brought the curtain down on the career of the winningest coach in Pennsylvania high school history.  Coach George Curry concludes his career with a 413-91-5 record.  While at Berwick, he won six Class AAA titles and three mythical national titles to end his days as a Bulldog at 387-83- 5.  His three years at Valley West produced a 26-8 record. So it’s a new era in the Wyoming Valley where Coach Curry will be sorely missed.  The new coach is Pat Keating. Coach Keating was the Tight End Coach at Cedar Cliff under Head Coach Jim Cantafio who used to be the head coach at Wyoming Valley West.  Small world.

District 4

Williamsport (2-8)  The only AAAA in the district has fallen on hard time.  Not too many years ago they were making the playoffs and giving Downingtown fits. Now they are in the midst of a downward spiral where they have not had a winning season in six years.  Their won-loss over that period is 13-47.  But wait, it gets worse.  They have not defeated a team that ended the season above .500 since 2002.  That includes a few Double-A teams.  There road won-loss is as you’d imagine, maybe worse at 4-26.  It would be nice to see a rebirth of what once was a proud and successful football program.

District 11

Liberty (15-1)  As much as the WPIAL makes the headlines, being rightfully proud of their storied history and many titles, you might think a school like Gateway would have the most wins in Class AAAA the last five years.   If not the Gators, certainly McKeesport or Penn Hills; maybe Upper St. Clair.   Don’t forget the North side, North Hills and North Allegheny?  Good stuff; some great teams but still no dice.  Ahh, we forgot to mention the super team that won two Class AAAA state championships the last five years, Pittsburgh Central Catholic.  Good choice, the Vikings have been a load, going 60-7 from 2004 through last year with some calling for their making a run this year!   If they get to the final, they’ll quite possibly play the team (at the moment) with the highest win total of any AAAA in the state, Liberty.  That’s right; the Hurricanes have been living up to their name the last five years, winning 62 of 71 games.  They got rocked in two of the finals but how many teams get to a state final, let alone, three times in four years.  And last year they finally shook that finals demon off their shoulder with a cool 28-21 overtime win against Bethel Park. Hold on because they look like they’re ready for another run at the title.  They have some losses for sure but when is it ever easy getting out of the East for a trip to Hershey or Altoona?  They graduated a pile of lineman and a fine tailback in Brandon Brader who rushed for over 1,300 yards.  Underrated FB Daryl Klotz’s strong blocking will be missed along with the receiving skills of Devin Streeter (+800py) and TE/LB Horvin Latimer.  They lost some big boys up front in the form of Levi Brown (6-3, 320), Al Puhols (6-1, 240) and Horvin Latimer.  The year before last they graduated at least three linemen, running back Ahkeem Smith and receiver Joey Orlando and the beat should go on again this year with a great nucleus returning. Leading the pack is their outstanding quarterback Anthony Gonzalez.  He is such a multi-talent that even a team like Bethel Park who slammed the door on Gateway, could not contain him.  In fact, he rushed for 205 yards on 33 carries, completed 9 of 20 passes for 97 yards  and a touchdown, then ran for three more scores and a two-point conversion.  He topped things off by intercepting an Erik Olson pass to end the game.  At year’s end, he had 1,697 yards rushing (6.2ypc) and 24 touchdowns.  That’s almost impossible to defend knowing his passing stats show a 55% completion rate and 12 TDs for 1580 yards.  With their steady flow of skill and linemen, how do you stop that?  Joining Anthony is wide receiver Jarrod West and Josh Claudio. Those three suggest they will be strong in the secondary.  The running back could be Malik Smith, Ahkeem’s younger brother.   Rashod Knight (6-2, 220) returns at TE with Giles Campbell (6-2, 270) back on the line.  There are holes up front, holes that will be offset by the quarterback’s running ability and a 62-9 won-loss since 2004 that says they fill those holes.  Defensively, they return both ends, Nick Pastor and Dan Martisofky.  Some sophomores impressed last year, starter Drew Persa at linebacker, DE Dontae Holmes and DL Josh Erdman. Rashod Knight teams up with Drew and with both ends back and a good looking secondary they are looking like a team that can repeat.  They scored points in bunches last year, 504.  With the continued maturity of their quarterback, they might break the school record of 618 set in 2006.  

Parkland (7-4)  After going 11-1 in 2006 then 15-1 in 07, a year that featured a state finals appearance, the Trojans returned to the ranks of the mere mortal with a 7-4 season last year.  The thing of it is, they were still a good football team, losing to St. Joseph’s in the opener, 20-13, and Liberty the following week, 26-23. Nothing like easy openers!  They won their next two against Easton and Nazareth by a cumulative score of 71-0 before getting handled at home by a 10-2 Freedom team, 26-7.  That woke them up and they went on a five game streak, winning by a combined score of 203-34 that included a 14-10 win against Emmaus (10-2). They lost the following week in the first round of the playoffs to Liberty 19-0, marking the second consecutive year they ended the season getting shutout.  Pittsburgh Central Catholic shut them out in the 2007 final 21-0.  They come into this year with substantial losses, QB/DB Sam Keiper, WR/DB Jaleel Clark (6-4, 205), FB/LB Pete Bross (6-1, 220), RB/LB Daryl Herold (5-11, 215), TE/DE Clint Miller (6-3, 245), OG, DE Ian Tomcho (6-2, 250), OG/DT Matt Frederick (6-1, 255) and TE /DE Sam Zaccaro (6-5, 245) and more.  The good news finds senior fullback Andre Williams (6-2, 205) returning.  Thirty seniors graduated and that’s a lot even for a program of Parkland’s stature.  With Freedom, Emmaus and Easton graduating big numbers, the Lehigh Valley looks like a wild race for second place behind Liberty. 

Freedom (10-3)  With so many starters returning last year all they needed was a quarterback and they found one in Ryan Tress.  This year they are again looking for a quarterback (TJ Luddy?) and to fill most of last year’s positions with the graduation of 26 seniors.   Not only has the quarterback graduated, so has their top running back Eddie Mateo.  The receiver corps was tagged with the loss of Yusef Reddick, Collin Freitas, Joshua Fortin-Smith, William Velekei and tight end Michael Mazyka along with over 12 linemen.  So it’s a rebuild following 9-3 and 10-3 campaigns.  But it was a historic season where they got their first PIAA playoff win beating Wyoming Valley West in the first round, 48-14, then Hazelton 42-25 before losing to Liberty 28-14.   The good news is they have another transfer from Bethlehem Catholic to replace last year’s transfer Eddie Mateo in running back Darius Webb (5-9, 175).  Darius rushed for 1420 yards last year so they got a good one.  And with what appears to be a good new line, they could surprise.

Emmaus (10-2)  Like Freedom above, Emmaus enjoyed their second consecutive winning season with losses coming to Parkland, 14-10, at home and in the playoffs to Liberty, 26-20.  On any other year, without Liberty in the picture you’re probably looking at the D-2/11 champ.  For the second straight year, they played outstanding defense, allowing a total of 85 points or 7 ppg while scoring 29 a game.  They had five shutouts. In eight of twelve games, they held their opponent to seven points or less, making them one of the top stop units in the East.  A lot of their firepower came from quarterback Matt Johnson, who quietly had a fine season completing 64% of his passes for 1288 yards.  Another graduate, running back C.J. Billera, had 1,128 yards rushing.  Add in the loss of their top four receivers to see they are in a rebuilding year.  Seven starters are gone from their swarming defense that will rebuild behind their number two tackles Ty Souders (6-0, 190, #96), safety Tate Klidonas (5-10, 180, #66), ILB Trevor Davidson (6-0, 180, #34) and DE Joey Myers (6-1, 190, #48).

East Stroudsburg South (8-4)  The Cavaliers play in the Mountain Valley Conference where they feel conference crowns are their birthright.  They won three consecutive crowns from 2002 through 2004, then again in 2006 and 2008.  The years they didn’t win it, 2005 and 2007, they came in second. Mimicking the Hazelton’s and Wyoming Valley West’s of that part of the state, they have not found success in the post season getting past Lehigh Valley Conference teams.  But with so much rebuilding occurring there, this looks like the year the Cavs could do some damage rather than getting eliminated in the first round.  They appear absolutely loaded, with almost every starter back and only twelve seniors gone from the roster. Optimism is running high too because of the return of a key division one player who missed ten games last year with a torn ACL, Sam Bergen.  Sam is their division one recruit at linebacker as well as their starting fullback.  He had 89 tackles and 11 thrown for losses as a sophomore two years ago.  But in the second game of last year, when carrying the ball, he got twisted up on the sidelines, tearing his ACL against Delaware Valley.  The rehab went well (NY Giants doctor performed surgery) and he is back probably better than ever at 6-1, 230 pounds. Last year’s offense was their most productive since 2003 so watch out for South. 

Others to watch in District 11

Northampton (10-3) Head Coach Bob Stickle got off to a difficult beginning his first year at Northampton in 2007, going 4-7.  That had to be hard to stomach following four consecutive winning seasons.  But he silenced the critics last year with a 10-3 outing and close call losses to Emmaus and Liberty.  They lost a disappointing game at home to Emmaus, 17-12 and a hard fought battle in Bethlehem, losing to Liberty, 15-3.  So we’re talking about a team that was close, quietly close with almost no one noticing them.  They understandably took a back seat to Liberty and benefited from Ermmaus’ and Freedom’s success grabbing all the headlines.  Parkland is always in the conversation in the Lehigh Valley and whatever happened to Easton?  Point being, with only 17 seniors graduating, the Konkrete Kids look like a sleeper this year especially with quarterback Zachary Szoke returning.  They need to ramp up the offense that scored a lowly 20ppg but all’s well with the D that allowed a stingy 10ppg.

Easton (7-6)  Easton has fallen to depths unseen since 2002 with last year’s team barely treading water at 7-6.  The 5-6 log of 2002 was their last losing season.  You’d have to go back many years to find the last time the Rovers were shutout five times in a season but that’s what happened versus Parkland, Emmaus, Northampton, Liberty and Norhampton again in the playoffs.  The strange thing about last year’s edition is they came in with what looked to be a capable team, certainly one better than 7-6.  And they got out the gate in a way that made you think they were that team, beating East Stroudsburg South, 34-7, and Dieruff, 49-14. The 83 points scored in those two games represents 28% of all the points they’d score last year, as an indicator how quickly things went downhill.  Part of the reason for optimism was the return of a team top heavy in seniors, 32 to be exact.  So there’s the problem heading into 2009, senior leadership and rediscovering an offense that has disappeared the last two years, generating a miserly 22 and 23 ppg averages.

District 12

George Washington (10-2)  Coach Ron Cohen is not an unknown by any standards, but he’s not exactly a household name and he probably should be.  He’s been coaching at GW since 1985, 24 years, and never had a losing season.  His Philly Public League record is a knockout 103-19-1, 84%.  His non-league is 114-40-1, 74%, making his overall 217-59-2, 78%.  This season he’s looking for a district-12 three-peat after beating LaSalle in the district final last year.  He returns a good core of players to pull it off.  Quarterback Aaron Wilmer (1150py, 17Tds) is back with TE James Fowler (6-1, 210, 25/325) and Joseph Clayborne (6-4, 185, 12/301).  OL/DL Hafriz Tahireg (6-1, 240), C/DL Abdek Kaman (6-1, 240) and OT/DT Sharrif Floyd (6-4, 300) return.  Most of the running backs graduated with Kessan Christopher transferring to Downingtown West. GW doesn’t often have issues at running back.  The big returns are on defense where Abdel Kaman and one of the top players in the country, defensive tackle Sharrif Floyd return.  Linebacking looks like the strength of the team with MLB Vernon Dupree (6-2, 230), Martin Haynes (6-2, 210), Nate Smith (6-0, 180) and defensive end Brandon Chudnoff (6-2, 210) returning.  They open at home against Parkland, a team that beat them in 2007's playoffs 44-12.  A win against a team like Parkland could jump start GW’s season into a hyper-drive of momentum.

St. Joseph’s Prep (8-4)  In many ways, last year was St. Joseph’s worst year since 1999.  First and foremost, “The Streak” came to an end in the PCL opener against LaSalle, ending their run of 55 regular season Red Division wins.  Also, the eight wins were their lowest total since 1999's 7-5 campaign.  The points allowed, 15, were their highest since 16 allowed in 99.  The bright promise of an opening season win at Parkland followed by a win against St. Anthony’s (Melville, Long Island, Catholic High School Football League AAA runner up, lost to Iona Prep,  48-35) was shattered with consecutive losses to North Penn and LaSalle.  Still, they were in the thick of it, reeling off six wins before losing in the PCL Red final to LaSalle, 31-28.  A hard fought loss to powerful Malvern Prep (10-0), 34-27, put an exclamation mark on a frustrating season.  They enter this season minus eight of eleven starters on offense.  Two of the starters are gems and the other is key with Seth Betancourt (6-6, 290) and running back Garrett Compton (5-9, 190, 137/830) returning.  Center Ryan Donova (5-11, 215) is the other starter.  Compton co-started with Mike Yeager.  The lines look to be the concern but at least they’ll have the timing down between QB/C who have worked together.  The defense was battered by graduations but returns a powerful core of DEs Sean McGinn (6-4, 240) and Bill Mancini (6-0, 240) supported by linebackers Mike Labor (6-3, 225) and Stephen O’Hara (6-2, 200).  Behind them are experienced players in the secondary, Skyler Mornhinweg, Pete Hurley and Garrett Compton.  They get a test to start the season opening in Wheeling, WV against McKeesport in the Friends of Coal Classic.

LaSalle (9-3)  The Explorers explored new territory last year, advancing to the PIAA district-12 title game against George Washington where they lost, 23-14.  Still, by winning their second PCL title game in three years, it was a good year.  Beating the Hawks twice felt good too.  This year promises to be as good, perhaps better year than last year with the return of real firepower from last year’s team.  At center stage is quarterback Drew Loughery (6-1, 195, sr) who completed 165 of 289 passes (57%) for 2628 yards and 25 touchdowns.  Joining him in the backfield is Jamal Abdur Rahman (5-9, 165), who rushed for 1,009 yards and caught 25 passes for 449 yards.  All their receivers are back led by Sam Feleccia (6-3, 215, sr). Sam helped spearhead the air assault by catching 51 tosses for 971 yards.  That’s deep stuff at 19 yards per reception.  Wide out Connor Hoffman (6-1, 190) is back after catching 37 passes for 515 yards.  LaSalle’s air corps is completed by the return of tight end Steve Jones (6-4, 210).  Steve caught 11 passes for 212 yards. At 6-1, 6-3 and 6-4, Drew will have no trouble fining his receivers.  And with double threat Jamal zipping out of the backfield many defenses will be back on their heels defending this group.  If they can replace some lineman, and the roster suggests they can, they’ll be in the hunt for the district title and more.

Father Judge (9-4)  For the second straight year Father Judge put a strong team on the field and won nine games.  But it was the first occasion in years where they finished the regular season tied for first place at 5-1 with LaSalle and St. Joe’s.  After beating O’Hara 30-14 in the PCL’s first round, they fell to LaSalle in the Red final 26-20.  That was quite a team, and most of it was lost to graduation.  Gone are linemen John Lavelle (6-1, 255), Matt Schule (6-2, 235, Center), Joe Gallelli (6-4, 240), Tom Keenan (6-4, 245) and Ryan Langdon (6-5, 225, TE/DE). WR/DB Tom Ryan (6-3, 190, 44/681) and WR/OLB Adam Nowak (6-3, 225, 32/541) also graduated with LB/DEs Jeff Brewer (6-4 220), Joe Swallow (5-9, 225) and Tim McCaffrey (5-10, 205).  While their losses are severe, perhaps fatal, the few who return are special; quarterback Tony Smith and running back Curt Wortham. Tony (6-3, 185) is coming off a good sophomore year, completing 105 of 205 passes for 1583 yards.  The diminutive Curt Wortham, all 5-5, 155 pounds of him, rushed for 1562 yards.  As impressive is how he held up to the challenge, carrying the ball 254 times!  They open at home (Lincoln) against Council Rock North who will be more than last year’s team.  Northeast is next and they owe them one from last year’s 17-14 loss.  Wiliamstown (9-1, beat Friars 26-15) is replaced this year with Pocono Mountain West (7-4).  It’s a hike up to I-80 outside Stroudsburg and that’s a new experience for the Friars.  But at least they won’t have to face graduated Franklyn Quiteh who rushed for 2290 yards.   

Cardinal O’Hara (7-4)  After spoiling us with some fine football teams, O’Hara finds itself in a three year slump, going 3-8, 6-6 and 7-4 last year.  Their offense has disappeared, scoring an average of 14, 19 and 22 points (06-08) while the defensive yields over the same period have climbed to 20, 21 and 16 points a game. Last year’s 7-0 start against a non-challenging schedule was shattered by quality teams played at the end of the season; St. Joe’s, Judge, LaSalle and Judge again in the playoffs where they went winless and were outscored 125 to 35.  Much of last year’s team graduated, including quarterback Tom Savage, running backs Billy Morgan, Evan Higgins and Anthony McCloskey.  Morgan and McCloskey also take 43 receptions for 625 yards with them. Andrew Glace, Dennis Mushrush and Chris Nolan are gone from the lines.  6-4, 260 Matt Williams returns to the line with Brendan O’Callaghan at DE supported by Mike Huf and Dan O’Hara at linebacker.  Ryan McLaughlin will probably be the quarterback this year but the big news is the return of running back Corey Brown. Corey went down against Woodson last year.  His totals were 662 yards rushing on 68 carries and 13 receptions for 154 yards. He’s joined by fullbacks Major Everett and Dan O’Hara.   Adam Dempsey also returns.  It should be a challenging season with a lot of new faces.

Others to watch in District 12

Roman Catholic (5-5)  Three games made all the difference in Roman having a good year and making the playoffs, or having their worst season since 2001's 4-7 outing; the opener versus West Catholic which they lost in overtime, 34-28, the 21-14 loss to O’Hara and the one-point loss to Father Judge, 14-13.  Reverse those and it’s another in a long line of winning seasons and an 8-2 won-loss.  They have big holes to fill this year but it’s Roman so you have to mention them.  Gone is running back Kasseim Everett, who had a great year rushing for 1,689 yards, and most of the line that made those openings.  Only 13 seniors graduated so they’ll be a foundation of senior leadership and quarterback Kevin Regan (6-4, 185,54/148/865yds) to build on.

District 1

Ridley (10-3)  It’s a whole new era at Ridley with head coach John Waller stepping down after eight successful years that saw the Green Raiders compile a 79-21 record, capture two Central League titles and one district title.  Replacing Coach Waller is Dennis Decker, one of the greatest quarterbacks to ever put on the green.  In fact, he holds the county’s single season passing record of 2,737 yards.  He also has the distinction of quarterbacking Ridley (12-1) to their only PIAA title game in 1990 when they lost to North Allegheny, 21-14.  Coach Decker has been an assistant at Glen Mills from 2003 to 2008, serving as the O/C the last three years.  The Bulls offense flourished under Decker, averaging 28, 26 and 32 points per game to help lift them out of a six-year slump of mediocrity.  Coming into this year, the Raiders have a number of holes to fill.  Graduation swept away quarterback Andrew Pidgeon, running back John Harshaw, receivers Pat Mills, Jack Cahill, Troy Foster and a few linemen.  They’ll miss Jim Kelly (6-2, 245) and others but welcome back OL/DL Nick Huber (5-11, 245) and Casey DePrinzio (5-10, 225) Dillon Hayner (6-3, 210) and Vince Jennings (6-0, 195) at linebacker.  The secondary will be a team strength.  Because they have two outstanding, quick running backs that made an impression as sophomores last year, Sam Dixon-Dougan and Shahaid Smith, it will be interesting to see how they are incorporated into the attack.  It looks as if Ridley has the potential to be balanced and explosive.  

Penncrest (8-3)  Despite collapsing at the end of last year and losing bad to Conestoga, 56-40, and Pennsbury, 45-14, the Lions snapped a four year losing streak, beat Strath Haven and Ridley and learned what it takes to win.  They have great numbers returning for this year especially on the line.  Seniors John Young (6-2, 230) and Sean Larkin (6-2, 250) will join with juniors Nick Quintas (6-1, 255), Page Moat (6-1, 220) and Robbie Marsden (5-10, 230) to give Penncrest a good looking line.  Almost all their skill is back starting with quarterback Matt Atkinson (6-0, 165, sr) who completed 77 of 170 passes for 1387 yards (45%).  His touchdown to interception ratio was a solid 17/4. Tight end Phil Barbieri (5-10, 185) caught 25 passes for 408 yards while Matt Brundy caught 20 for 302 yards.  Running back Jerry Boyer (5-10, 200, sr) returns after rushing for 1140 yards, 8.7ypc.  Last year’s sophomore Juhwan Young (5-10, 185) got you attention rushing for 107 yards on 13 carries.  Branden Batipps and Adam Yee also return.  It appears all the parts are there for another winning season.  We’ll see how they recovered from last year’s collapse in the opener against Downingtown West.

Garnet Valley (12-1)  Four years ago the Jaguars were losing to Academy Park and Avon Grove before morphing into the monster program they’ve become the last three years.  In 2006 they lost to Pottsville in the AAA quarter finals, winning eleven of thirteen games.  In 2007, they lost to Thomas Jefferson in the AAA final on a 13-2 campaign.  In their first year playing at the AAAA classification, they breezed through the Central League largely unchallenged at 10-0 then beat Suburban One members Pennridge and Pennsbury before losing to Neshaminy in the district semi-final.  That totals out to a three year won loss of 36-5.  Not bad!  What is bad is the departure of 32 seniors, four of five starting linemen and at least four co-starters in their platoon system.  All that returns is right guard Julian DiGiacomc (6-2, 225, sr).  Skill wise they lose two 1,000 yard rushers, Tim Keyser and Jared Bonacquisti, and their number one receiver Paul Dunn (24, 364). The good news is the return of quarterback Mark McHuge (5-11, 185) who completed 74 of 130 throws for 1,039 yards.  He rushed for another 437 yards. Marcellas Irving (5-10, 190, sr) will be one of the featured backs this year.  It was hard breaking into last year’s backfield with Keyser, Bonacquisti and Palalio ahead of him but he had good stuff when called on by rushing for 180 yards on 26 attempts and catching 7 passes for 122 yards.  They have plenty of speed too in Alex Warden (5-10, 150, jr), Kyle Moore (5-8, 135, sr) and Xaxier Gobson (5-11, 140, sr).  Alex had 25 carries for 107 yards, Kyle 21 for 58 yards and Xavier 3 for 14 yards.  G-Val will come down a peg or two this year but don’t’ feel too sorry for a wounded Jaguar.

Downingtown West (11-2)   It took West a few years to adjust to the split but they’ve had it together the last three years where they’ve gone 10-2, 10-2 and 11-2 last year.  The offenses have been productive at 31, 38 and 32 point averages.  Except for 06's group that allowed 11, all that’s been missing is dominant defense. Last year’s improved from 19 average yield to 16.  But that’s not good enough taking on teams like North Penn last year who have as much offense as you do, more actually at 35ppg, and play better defense allowing an average of 12 points a game.  After getting past Coatesville and Conestoga, the Whippets were routed by North Penn, 51-21.  That’s where D-town needs to improve to get back to their glory days and be competitive with the Ridley’s, North Penn’s and St. Joe’s who more consistently play superior defense. Quarterback Bret Gillespie (6-2, 200, sr) is back for his second season having completed 121 of 233 passes (52%) for 2,041 yards last year.  Two weapons have graduated, RB Jared Heller (5-8, 190,1282ry, 454py) and TE/OLB Ryan Kendra (6-4, 225, 28/499, 37 tackles).  Starting DE Josh Coulter may help out there.  WR Mike Goodrich (5-9, 155) is back after snagging 26 receptions for 535 yards.   HB Evan Trexler (5-10, 170) who rushed for 361 yards on 53 carries and caught 16 passes for 212 yards will be sorely missed after going down for the year with a off season injury.   Zac Scott (6-4, 210) returns. Zac caught 20 passes for 130 yards last year.  Losing an impact player like Jared Heller is a severe loss that was lessened by the transfer of running back Kessan Christopher (5-8, 185, sr) from George Washington to West.  He rushed for 453 yards last year on 89 carries and caught 12 passes for 56 yards. Jared light?  Although only thirteen graduated from the team, they were key players.  Many were linemen.  They are well stocked at linebacker and in the secondary.  There are some “ifs” with this team, mainly the quarterback’s improvement in year two (20 to 14 Td-Int ratio), replacing Jared Heller’s production and the lines.  One thing is certain with their offensive weapons, they’ll score points. 

Downingtown East (6-5)  Downingtown East showed development and class last year when they failed to cave following a 0-3 start.  The Lansdale Catholic loss was a surprise followed by the 46-14 loss to Souderton.  Then Wilson (D3) crushed them, 34-0.  But they finished strong, winning six of their remaining eight games including road wins at Glen Mills and Coatesville before a narrow loss to Downingtown West, 21-14.  That late spurt got them to the playoffs where they lost in the first round to Neshaminy, 24-6.  The played a lot of youth so despite 21 graduating they have good numbers returning.  Among the sophomores returning starter are quarterback Trey Laulette (6-0, 180), FB/LB Dan Giaforte (6-1, 195) and TE/DE Tyler Kroft (6-4, 190).  Senior RB/DB Zach Kirby (5-7, 160) returns with senior wide outs Larry Baretta (6-0, 170) and Nick Damato (6-0, 170). Center Lucas Hiller (6-1, 230, sr) and Matt Nice (6-0, 265, sr) return.  But the real force on the OL/DL is Taj Alexander (6-5, 270).  Other starters are LB Anthony Petrucci (6-0, 220, # 1 tackler), OLB/DE Mike Tusker (6-2, 244, # 1 Sacks) and safety Dylan Ditmer (6-0, 195, # 1 interceptions). They look good along the lines and at the skill spots.  Now, they just need to get better and improve their worst ever offensive performance of 16 average points per game.  Somehow and with no support from the offense, the D managed to hold opponent to 19 ppg.  Any upgrade by the offense with the expected maturity of the defense could turn that into their strong suit. 

Coatesville (7-4)  It’s a brand new day in Coatesville with the departure of one coach and the arrival of another.  Gone is head coach Tom Nichols who headed the program the last six years.  His record was 41-23.  He will return to his alma mater to become the new Conestoga Valley head coach.  Coach has 19 years experience as a high school football coach and previously coached at Conestoga Valley from 1991-1996 as an assistant.  He was also an assistant football coach at Penncrest, Reading High, Downingtown and at West Chester University.  The new coach is Matt Ortega who headed the York High (William Penn) program the last five years.  What he did there was to turn a hoops power into a football program.  York hasn’t been known for anything but basketball for years and has always struggled with football.  They fielded their first team in 1896, but have claimed just eight league titles (1953, 1976, 1981, 1987, 1988, 1992, 1996 and 2007). And since the arrival of the District 3 tournament in 1982, no Bearcat team has advanced to a district final. Coach Ortega turned some of that around but it wasn’t easy, going 7-3 his first year, then 5-5 and 5-6 seasons.  It all came together the last two years with York fielding consecutive 10-2 teams and making the playoffs!  They got past district- 3's first round each year, falling to Wilson in 07 and McDevitt last year.  He was making huge progress at York and now Coatesville has him.  The Raiders were one of those teams last year that could beat a decent North Catholic 16-6 before NC’s collapse at the end of the season, lose to Downingtown East, 19-14, and Downingtown West, 28-24,  then get blown out by Unionville, 27-0.  They advanced to the playoffs where Downingtown West eliminated them, 31-9.  For this year, they return three year starting quarterback Charles Green (6-0, 185, sr).  Charles completed 52 of 127 passes for 781 yards and rushed for another 629 yards on 148 carries.  His top receiver Pat Brewer (5-11, 170, 21/289py) is back but they lost Kenny Wylie’s 1,448 rushing yards to graduation.  Hard getting exact numbers on Coatesville but it appears 6 return to both sides of the ball.  To give you better insight into the new coach; he had a 100% player graduation rate at York.       

Neshaminy (12-2)  At this time last year, the ‘Skins were facing a major rebuild, looking to replace quarterback Justin Kinney, running backs Jason Ulmer and Joe Stemme, their receivers, most of the linebackers and a few linemen.  This year they are again looking to rebuild the defense and find a few linemen once again.  For the most part, though, they have their skill people returning.  Quarterback Brian Titus (6-2, 188, sr) now has a year under his belt plus a talented cast of running backs and an underrated receiver in Rick Brebner (6-2, 175, sr) back for the ride.  Bryan Dean (5-7, 170, sr), their 1,000 yard-plus rusher, should get more carries this year with the graduation of Quilan Arnold while Ricky Willams (5-10, 175, sr, 17/220) is sure to provide support along with Corey Majors (6-2, 225, jr) who will be the fullback.  Titus had a decent first year, completing 45 of 87 passes (52%) for 600 yards, and now that they’ve spent a year on the same page, he and Brebner could be a force, especially since the ground game looks more than capable.  Finding a tight end with hands would be icing on that cake.  And even though Dan Shirey, Dan Wenclewicz, John Zavorski and tight end Paul Carrezola will be missed along the front, two OL starters, John Rizzo (6-0, 280, sr) and Nick DiDonato (5-11, 260, jr), are back. Other experience will also be found in Isaac Bailey (6-3, 245, sr), Eugene LaBorde (5-11, 265, sr) and Kevin Magee (6-2, 204, jr) who saw plenty of action last season.  All they need is a center.  Graduation took ten of eleven starters from the defense, but they return linebacker Corey Majors along with Stephen Stemme (5-11, 190, sr) and Dwight Williams (6-2, 185, jr) who both logged significant time at their linebacker and defensive back positions last season. And remember that the Tribe graduated ten of eleven D starters coming into 2008 as well.  Knowing that they went 12-2, and played in the district final last year, suggests they’ll rebuild again this year, especially with a more veteran skill group that Coach Schmidt can do more with. 

Pennsbury (9-3)  Before talking about this year, we ought to smell the roses just a little to appreciate last year’s turn around team that was coming off a un-Pennsbury like 4-6 season.  They started off slow as they often do, barely beating Archbishop Ryan, 21-20, before getting past Frankford and then losing at Glen Mills, 20-6.  The following week they beat a dangerous Council Rock South team, 27-20.  From thereon out they were close to unbeatable with a wicked defense and their typical “just enough” ground and pound offense.  Last year’s offense stayed at the previous year’s level of 26 ppg.  It was the defense that made the difference, improving from a 24 ppg average yield to 14.   Following the Glen Mills loss, they ripped off six straight to set up a showdown in Langhorne against Neshaminy.  Both were undefeated in the SOL-National at 6-0 making it a playoff game for the conference crown.  Neshaminy was coming off a big win at Bensalem, 35-20, while the Falcons were coming off a huge win against Abington, 24-14, that knocked the Ghosts into 3^rd place.  Knowing only that Pennsbury held Neshaminy to one touchdown, might lead you to believe they won the game.  If it wasn’t for the leg of Redskins’ kicker Seth Jeffries, they would have as he booted field goals of 21, 22 and 32-yards to nail down the win.  Neshaminy packaged all their points in the second quarter on Jeffries’ field goals and Bryan Dean’s 7-yard score to lead at the half, 16-6.  As much as special teams won it for them in the first half, it failed them in the second half when Pennsbury’s Scott Woodward returned a punt 47-yards to set up quarterback Brandon Pepper’s 4-yard keeper.  But the Tribe was clearly more in this one as they controlled the line of scrimmage and ate up the clock with three strong backs sharing the load to pull out a 16-13 win.  What a disappointing loss.  But they rallied the following week against Penncrest in the playoffs, crushing the Lions 45-14.  A 14-12 loss to Garnet Valley in the second round brought the season to a close.  The issue this season is rebuilding the lines and defense where they lost a lot of talent.  Have to say the loss of Rich Applegate is a big loss on both sides of the ball.  The lines were thinned by the graduation of Dan Hoffmeister (6-2, 251), Pat Contrell (6-1, 240), Steve Marck (6-4, 240) and Chris Hoffman (5-11, 215, DE).  They will rebuild around their division one prospect Josh Mitchell (6-1, 285), with sophomore JJ Denman (6-5, 290) helping out.  The offense returns quarterback Brandon Pepper (6-1, 180, jr), who rushed for 856 yards and passed for 562 yards.  What a double threat he is.  Running back Dante Devine (6-0, 180, sr) rushed for 743 yards.   Add Eric Williams (6-3, 210) out wide and you’ve got a complete attack.

Abington (10-3)  For the second straight year, Abington put an explosive offense on the field.  The scary thing is they were a young team.  Despite their youth (only 12 graduated from the team) they played competitive games while losing on the road to Neshaminy and Pennsbury.  Last year’s team scored 411 points, an average of 32 points per game.  Importantly, they showed real improvement on the other side, allowing 218 points for a 17 ppg average.   Statistically, that was their best defense in over ten years.  There is no reason to not expect more improvement this year, especially with an experienced offense that should also show growth.  All the key pieces of the team return.  One of them is quarterback Sam Kind (6-0, 180), who is helping turn Abington into Downingtown North, the way they are cranking out quality quarterbacks. The thinking last year was what impact the graduation of quarterback Kevin Morton and running back Khahlil Pittman would have.  Who would ever have thought to say none?  As a junior, Sam threw for over 1900 yards and 25 touchdowns.  The other weapon to keep opposing defenses off balance is junior running back Julien Ireland (5-10, 180) who rushed for over 1300 yards.  The top receiver is back in Anthony Hensley (6-0, 155, jr) with tight end Gialiano Presta (6-3, 250, sr) who is also a force at defensive end. Schedule wise, it could not be better with Pennsbury, Neshaminy and both Council Rock teams coming to Abington.  With so many other major players rebuilding, this looks like the team to make a run and do some damage.  The only thing lacking is a tradition of winning that the Neshaminy’s, Ridley’s and North Penn’s have in spades.  When those teams take the field they expect to win.  Before Abington’s break through 7-5 outing in 2005, they had not had a winning season since 1989.  But they’ve put four straight winning seasons together and who knows, maybe one day we look back to these years and say, this is where it all began.

North Penn (14-1)  After fielding what might be called a “title type team,” meaning a team good enough to win the PIAA state title, they must now face a major rebuild.  It’s North Penn and they are going to be a winner but it is doubtful they can be at last year’s level.  Best out of three with Liberty, who do you take? Maybe a lean to Liberty but you get the point that were a wildly talented team last year.  At 35 ppg average, it was their most productive offense since 2003's PIAA title team.  The defense at 12 ppg was their best in over ten years.  They return most of their line and that’s a great help but other losses were severe.  Justin Davey was an outstanding quarterback, completing 92 of 129 passes for 1,396 yards.  His completion rate was an eye popping 71%!   His Td to Int ratio was 17/5.  He also rushed for 318 yards.  Senior Todd Smolinsky will probably take over there.  The entire backfield was wiped out with Tyler Smith (156/1546, 19 TDs), Ronnie Akins (103/996, 20 TDs) graduated. Smith and Akins were also the leading receivers.  Akins had 47 receptions for 852 yards while Smith had 25 for 307 yards.  Many backups graduated as well.  All totaled, 6,209 yards of offense was lost to graduation.  Their record of 70-12 the last six years says they will put a good team out there but that’s a lot of talent to replace.  They open at home against the team they opened and closed with last year, Liberty.  That will give us our best out of three. 

Quakertown (9-3)  Quakertown showed the greatest improvement of any team in the area in terms of wins over the previous year when they improved from 1-11 to 9-3.  That also stopped a three year losing trend that saw them win only nine of thirty six games.  In some ways, they resemble Neshaminy, with most of their skill players returning and a line and defense to rebuild.  Two key returning players are quarterback Ryan Tincknell (6-0, 190, sr) and running back Tony Latronica (6-0, 185, sr).  Ryan completed 97 of 192 passes for 1,550 yards while Tony rushed for 1353 yards on 200 carries for a 6.8 ypc average.  Another strong back returns, Tyler Burke (6-2, 190, sr) who on 62 attempts got 362 yards.  They lost tight end Eric Fath (29/633) to graduation but return Kurtis Roberts (5-8, 155, sr) who caught 18 passes for 324 yards.  The defense returns the top two tacklers, linebackers Rob Basile (6-0, 190, sr, #99) and Edwin Gonzalez (5-9, 180, sr, #78).  Two return to the secondary.  On the line, John Reimer (6-4, 265) and Josh Brandt (6-0, 265) graduated but they have experience returning in Andrew Crossin (6-0, 220, jr), Steve Rhyner (6-4, 220, sr) and Randy Jorgenson (6-1, 220, sr, NG).   Although the Panthers didn’t have it against teams like North Penn and Ridley, losing 49-13 and 21-0 respectively, they showed progress over the course of the season, won three road games and all the tight games except at Hatboro Horsham where they lost, 23-22.    

Others to watch in District 1

Conestoga (9-4)  When it was all said and done, the Pioneers developed into a good football team last year.  They didn’t start out that way, getting rocked by Strath Haven, Ridley and Garnet Valley by a combined score of 86-10.  By the 10^th game of the year, they beat Penncrest 56-40, then surprised Upper Dublin in the playoffs 26-15.  The following week they lost a tough one to Downingtown West, 28-21, but came back to win the Turkey Day game against Great Valley, 11-8.  This year looks like a rebuild with the graduation of their quarterback and lead rusher Leighton Dennis.  Once Mike Bronzino replaced Julian Anapolsky, he quickly became a solid quarterback, completing 55 of 98 passes for 787 yards and running for 429 yards. His Td-Int ratio was 8/3 and completion percentage 56.  Leighton gained 782 yards on 146 carries.  Their three leading receivers also graduated.  Historically Conestoga fields a big roster and has no difficulty coming up with linemen.   If they can avoid the unsettling effects of last year’s quarterback situation, they should again have a winning season.

Council Rock North (3-7)  They were a young team last year that returns decent numbers, especially at the skill positions.  Quarterback Tyler Hamilton (6-0, 175,sr) has impressive stats, completing 121 of 212 passes for 1680 yards.  You’ve got to like a 60 % completion rate.  He ran for another 391 yards on113 carries. Running back-linebacker Lee Marvel returns (5-11, 195) after rushing for 446 yards on 78 carries and catching 39 passed for 363 yards.  TE Ty Bostain (6-5, 220) is back after catching 40 passes for 649 yards so they are not without weapons.  Lee Marvel is also their # 1 tackler with 101.  The weakness could be the lines where they graduated four.  Anthony Verrichia (6-2, 230, sr) returns.  Defensively they return nine very experienced players or co-starters/starters and will likely improve on last year’s 29 ppg yield.   

Council Rock South (4-6)  Like North, they could have issues along the lines but also return enough skill to but points on the board and be interesting.  They averaged 27 and 26 points a game the last two years. Quarterback Terrence McGovern (6-3, 180, sr) returns with running backs Greg Walsh (6-0, 200, sr) and FB Braxton Ambrose (6-1, 230, sr).  Andrew Haviland (6-1, 190, sr) is back at wide out.  Their roster from last year shows good size coming up from the junior class, 6-1, 240; 6-1, 210; 6-0, 220 and 6-4, 235.

Glen Mills (8-3)  The Bulls seem to have ended their seven year slump (29-32) with the last two editions going 9-3 and 8-3.  But they haven’t changed their absolute unpredictability in performance despite the winning seasons.  2007's team nearly beat a fine Parkland (15-1) team that got to the PIAA final.  The Trojans beat them, 20-14, but it was a war.  Later that year the Bulls struggled with Chester and Dunbar.  Last year’s team beat Pennsbury, 20-6, then lost at home to an Interboro team, 27-14, that couldn’t beat Bonner.  If nothing else they are exciting and bear watching even after graduation of a back like Bernard Pierce.

Inter Academic League

Malvern Prep (10-0)  Malvern will have to rebuild having graduated all their skill from one of their best teams ever. How often do you see a quarterback with a 73% completion rate?  That’s what Billy Connors did by completing 70 of 96 passes for 1509 yards.  Think about that for awhile,  21.55 yards per completion.  The new quarterback will be either Chase Gunther (6-1, 185, sr) or Michael Dougherty (6-4, 165, jr).  Running backs James Connelly and Neil Willis combined for 1561 yards with wide out Joe Price nabbing 36 passes for 939 yards.  TE/DE J.C. Mooney (6-4, 235) was a force blocking and holding his end of the D-line. His brother, Sean Mooney a junior at 6-6, 230 pounds will likely replace him.  With 4501 yards of total offense graduated, it’s a full rebuild from top to bottom with the retirement of coach Gaspara “Gamp” Pellegrini, who headed the program for 31 years, posted a 219-86-8 record and won twenty Inter-Ac championships.  Keeping it in the family, his son, Kevin, who has served as an assistant at the school, takes over.     

Haverford School (7-3)  The Fords graduated their quarterback and top two running backs but return considerable experience at all the skill positions.  Quarterback Matt Lengel, a 6-4, 220 pound senior, should take over for Dan Judge (63/133/835py, 92/140ry).  Three of their top four receivers return.  Tailback Carl Walrath (6-0, 185, jr, 20/122) and fullback Wyatt Benson (6-1, 225, sr) will likely replace Terance FitzSimmons (119/859) and Kevin Eberly (58/284).  Like Chestnut Hill, they lost few to graduation, eight, and have good size along the lines including Stephen Aitken (6-3, 225, sr), Robert Boyle (6-4, 240, sr), Nick Lombardo (6-1, 235, jr), Nick Pension (5-10, 240, sr) and Max Silver (6-4, 280, sr).  Last year was quite a year for the Fords as they had their first winning season since 2000's 6-4 team.  They should get another one this year.

Episcopal Academy (7-3)  Episcopal had a nice run last year, jumping out to a 7-1 start before losing their last two games to Chestnut Hill Academy, 14-6 and Haverford School, 6-0.  Although Episcopal graduated just eleven players, they were key.  Quarterback Ryan Klein, their three leading running backs and leading receiver and perhaps their best lineman, Bobby Reinhard (6-4, 287) were lost to graduation.  It looks like a rebuilding year for EA who has not had a losing season since 2002.

Germantown Academy (2-8)  Like the rest of the league, Germantown lost few to graduation, seven. Among the seven were quarterback Pete Haines (62/156/654py, 120/325ry), their lead receiver TE/DE Tim Vernon (6-3, 217, 20/237) and three linemen. Otherwise, all their skill returns.  What you had to like about this team is they never gave up.  After eight games they stood at 2-6, with Haverford School and Penn Charter up next.  They lost those games, but did so competitively, losing to Haverford 12-0 and Penn 6-0. GA’s going through hard times recently, having one winning season the last five years.

Penn Charter (4-6)  Before last year, Penn had six consecutive  winning seasons and should return to their winning ways this year with quarterback John Loughery, three of their four of leading receivers and all their running backs returning.   John survived his sophomore season to complete 88 of 189 passes for 999 yards.  He’s a big one at 6-4, 185 pounds and will probably show improvement this year.  They lost two linemen but his center returns.

Chestnut Hill Academy (7-4)  The Blue Devils quietly developed into a pretty good football team as the season unfolded.  They started off with a bang, trouncing Cardinal Dougherty 45-0 then faltered against Archbishop Wood’s great team, losing 31-7.   Thereon they went 6-3.  The pedestrian offense scored 233 points but should improve with the return of so many starters and running back in Ibraheim Campbell (5-11, 190, sr), who rushed for 1772 yards.   His running mate Tom Devlin (6-0, 225, sr, 30/99) returns at fullback and linebacker.  They allowed but 107 points on defense with little help from the offense.  And it wasn’t all against weak sisters.  It was defense that kept them in games against Roman and Malvern Prep where they lost to Roman, 17-7, and Malvern, 18-0.  The lines look good with seniors William Emory (6-1, 265), Matt Levin (5-11, 215) and Brendan Spearing (6-2, 210) back. Junior linemen include Colin Kelly (6-0, 250) and Tygaish Keys (5-9, 235).  Add in two sophomore lineman in Chris Howard (6-1, 235) and Tyler Hightower (6-1, 270) to see they’ll be fine there.  With only nine players lost to graduation they should challenge.

AAA

Talk about stars aligning.  The juggernaut that has become Thomas Jefferson High School won their second consecutive AAA title and third in the last five years!  Last year saw them beat a good Archbishop Wood team, 34-7.  The preceding year they beat Garnet Valley 28-3. Back in 2004, they crushed Manheim Central 56-20. 2002's 11-1 team lost to eventual champ Hopewell, 21-7, who beat Strath Haven, 21-10, in the final. 2003's team lost to Pine Richland, 21-7, who lost to Manheim Central in the epic 39-38 double overtime tumult in a blizzard where Manheim blocked an extra point to pull it out.   2005's team lost to ultimate champ Franklin Regional, 31-14.  Even in their off years, they are in the thick of it.  Since 1999, they’ve won 119 of 137 games, a winning mark of 87%.  They are 92-8 the last seven years.  Liberty reversed things for the East at the AAAA level but TJ kept the gold medal in the West where it has resided for the last five years.  The West’s dominance at this classification is nearly total, with their winning six of the last eight titles.

CLASS AAA, THE EAST

(Districts 1, 2, 4, 6, 11, 12)

District 1

The district has two clear favorites in Rustin (12-2) and Pottsgrove (10-2) who could very well wind up playing each other in the district final.  Rustin is looking for a quarterback but their feature back Rondell White returns.  He rushed for 2113 yards on 294 attempts.  Rahmier White (5-11, 180) and Frankie O’Donnell (6-0, 185) also return to the backfield.  They lose a good tight end in Anthony Verderam (6-3, 215) and a few linemen but essentially return intact from last year.  Pottsgrove counters with QB Terrell Chestnut and RB Maika Polamalu who combining for over 4,000 yards of offense.  Polamalu (6-0, 180) rushed for 1,322 yards on 252 carries and scored 18 touchdowns.  Terrell was an AP 1^st Team All American as a freshman rushing for 1,226 yards and 21 scores then passing for another 935 yards and 8 more touchdowns.  Pottsgrove owes them one after losing in the second round last year 21-13.  But there are other teams who will challenge, including Strath Haven (7-4) and Upper Moreland (10-2) who meet in the season opener.  Strath Haven returns senior Lonnie Richardson (6-0, 190) who rushed for 1,384 yards last year.  Upper Moreland has Chris Smallwood (5-10, 195) who rushed for 1,897 yards.  Both graduated their quarterback so it promises to be a conservative ground pounding game that could set the tone for AAA in the district.  Phoenixville (7-4, young team last year) and Owen J. Roberts (9-3) will influence the Pioneer Athletic Conference and give Pottsgrove a run for the money.  Roberts has All State 1^st Teamer Ryan Bromfield back after rushing for 2,262 yards.  And you can never forget Interboro (7-5) who is at the AAA classification for the second season.  They had their lowest win total and highest loss level in over 10 years and should come out focused.

District 2

The district looks like a lock for Abington Heights (10-2, formerly AAAA) with Berwick (11-3) chasing them for district honors.  Others have had their moments like West Scranton and Wyoming but it’s almost always about Berwick with the Comets right there.  They are again “right there” despite graduating their quarterback (44%, 837py) and lead back (1,387).  Mike Beamish (5-9, 175) got time under center and a bunch of carries and the other backs are experienced.  They’ll run behind a great line that averages 255 pounds.  At least one is a D1 recruit, TE/DE Sal Conoboy (6-5, 260).  They only lost twice last year, to Hazleton in the opener, 18-17, and Berwick in the D2 final 3-0.  Berwick looks questionable in Coach Gary Campbell’s fourth season.  For the second straight year, his starting quarterback was lost in the preseason. A.J. Mohaly went down for the year with an injury suffered this summer playing baseball.

It is the third time in the four years Coach has been at Berwick that he lost a starting quarterback before the season began.  In year one (2006), Gordon Law suffered a broken collarbone in a scrimmage at Harrisburg. Last year’s starter Nick Troxell was lost for the year in a scrimmage against Bethlehem’s Liberty High. Troxell's injury gave A.J. his shot and all he did was lead the Bulldogs to the playoff’s second round.  That was also their first district title since 2004.  The new quarterback is expected to be sophomore Jared Pierce, but it could be Kyle Smith, the first freshman Coach Campbell ever brought to the varsity level in his 14 years of coaching.  They run a 4-3 scheme and graduated all their linebackers; two were All-State, Ed Hoffman (6-2, 215) and Ryan Sitler (6-2, 220).  The Secondary was wiped out as well. The strength of the team will be the lines.  And with the quarterback situation, senior running back Louis Hampton (6-1, 195) will carry much of the load.

District 4

Based on last year’s performance and this year’s returns, Selinsgrove looks like the best Triple-A in the East, perhaps the state depending what happens out west.  Of course, once they take the field anything can happen.  Their bracket will start off light against D4 and 6 competition then stiffen against D2 and D11 comp including Berwick and Abington Heights from D2 and strong teams from D11 at Wilson and Bangor. First comes the regular season!  The Seals return almost everyone, having graduated just twelve seniors.  All their skill is back, QB Cory Briggs (6-3, 200, 171/297/2,248, 30 Tds), last year’s sophomore fullback Seth Lauver (6-2, 230), all eight of their leading running back and the top three receivers.  They have some lineman to replace but this is Selinsgrove where that is almost a given.  Last year’s team scored 447 points and allowed 105 and got to East final where they lost to Archbishop Wood, 13-7.  This one should be much better.

District 6

The power structure in this district starts with Hollidaysburg (10-2) and Johnstown (8-4) with Indian Valley (4-7) occasionally getting in the mix.  Hollidaysburg appears wiped out after last year’s run.  QB Brandyn Ott was a keeper, throwing for 1.181 yards with a completion rate of 71%, while running for another 739 yards.  He’ll be missed.  Most of the defense graduated with three of their top four running backs.  Looks like a rebuild from here. Indian Valley needs to replace their lines and running backs but both quarterbacks return.  Senior William Long (6-1, 185) completed 83% of his passes, 25 of 30 for 309 yards.  He was their leading rusher with 53 carries for 245 yards.  Jacob Stroehecker shared time, completing 33 of 68 for 464 yards.  Johnstown looks to be in the best shape of all five AAA teams in the district with double threat quarterback Joe Siciliano back.  He completed 71 of 151 passes for 1,040 yards then ran for 866 yards on 143 carries.  Nice!  Lead back Quadir Christian is gone (1,190ry) but the other two backs return.  Both are seniors and both are quick.  Jordan Jeffries (5-9, 160) had 32 carries for 203 yards while Laquinn Stephens-Howling (5-8, 155) had 133 yards on 21 attempts.  The defense returns seven making the Trojans the favorite to do big things.

District 11

District 11 returns powerful teams at Wilson (12-1) in Easton and Bangor (9-3).  Allentown Central Catholic and Pottsville should be improved as well.  As an example how even teams are in district 2, 4 and 11, lets take a look at a few comparative scores from last year’s playoffs.  Up in district 2, Berwick won the district crown by beating Abington Heights, 3-0.  The following week they beat Wilson, 13-6.  The week after that, it was Berwick that got nipped by Selinsgrove, 14-6.  In the Eastern final, Selinsgrove was edged by Archbishop Wood, 13-7.  It can’t get much closer than that.  Wilson looks as well situated as the Seals in district 4 with so many key players back from last year.  The most exciting is their Quarterback Tyler Smith (6-5, 205).  Two years ago Tyler threw for 1,925 yards and 21 scores.  Last year he threw for 2,952 yards and 35 touchdowns while running for 479 yards on 111 carries.  He is their leading rusher.  This was a young team last year.  Alex Parker (5-8, 145, jr) was the number two rusher with 508 yards.  Ditalian Scarbrough (there’s a name, 5-8, 155 frosh last year) had 99 yards on 27 carries.  At wide out, it was Justin Serbo (6-1, 175, jr) leading the receiving corps with 45 receptions for 875 yards.  Another sophomore from last year, Kowan Scott (6-4, 170) caught 27 balls for 672 yards.  Another team to watch is Bangor who finished second to Wilson last year in the Colonial League-Eastern Division.  This was a super young team last year that went 9-3 so they bear watching.  Five sophomores started on defense and four juniors that should help them improve their 21 ppg yield.  Their two leading tacklers were sophomores, linebackers Ryan Fraunfelter (6-1, 200) with 113 tackles and QB/LB Scott Lavalva (5-10, 195) with 98.  On the other side of the ball, all their receivers graduated.  But the big part of the offense returns in quarterback Scott Lavalva who threw for 1,137 yards and was their leading rusher with 1,662 yards!  Although they lost to Wilson in the regular season competitively, 50-40, they got hammered by them in the playoffs, 34-0, to add real intensity for this year’s game.  Two other teams look interesting, Allentown Central Catholic (4-6) and Pottsville (6-6). Central Catholic returns almost everyone from a team that had their moments beating Whitehall and losing tough ones against Northampton, 14-2, and Emmaus, 17-14.  They graduated twelve, mostly non starters and should enter the season pumped with so many starters back.  Same with Pottsville who return most of last year’s team, a strong back in Jeremy Hoke and good momentum winning their last three games last year that included Bethlehem Catholic and Scranton Prep to secure the Eastern Conference AAA championship.

District 12

The district looks wide open with the major players all suffering substantial graduation losses.  District and Eastern champ Archbishop Wood (11-3) lost all their skill position players.  Gone is quarterback Sean McCartney who completed 87 of 154 passes for 1,382 yards.  He was also their second leading rusher with 683 yards.  Running back Sean Cunningham graduated after a fine season that saw him rush for 1,783 yards. Nick Devine is gone after rushing for 479 yards along with their top three receivers.  The line was devastated with the loss of Adam Citko (6-5, 320, Scott Kajmo (6-4, 280) and others.  Not having had a losing season since 2002 while building a 58-15 won loss since then makes you think they’ll simply rebuild.  But this was an exceptionally talented team, making it difficult to think their replacements are just waiting on the sidelines.  North Catholic (6-5) suffered big losses as well with quarterback Dennis Logue and record setting receiver Mike Scott graduating.  Linemen Pete Puchalski (6-3, 345), Steve Sipos (6-1, 263) and NG Blake Graham (6-5, 275) are gone with linebacker Joe Mascino (5-9, 195).   The good news is the return of Eugene Byrd (5-6, 160) who rushed for 1,095 yards.  Conwell Egan (8-4) had their first winning season in three years then lost most of the team to graduation including their quarterback who was also their leading rusher.  Other graduates include their leading receiver and at least three linemen; Ben Allen (6-2, 260) Robert Trasatti (5-10, 277) and a huge loss in Keith Socoloski (6-2, 300).  Dobbins (9-4) got tagged with key losses along their line (Darryl and Tyrig Clark), Derek Clark at linebacker and Terrell Barringer from the secondary.  They also lost a good kicker in Anthony Walker.  Maybe Lansdale Catholic (4-6) turns it around this year with so many returning.  Their quarterback graduated but they return two with experience, Dan Plummer (6-5, 180, sr) and junior Alex Hetzel (6-0, 180).

CLASS AAA, THE WEST

(Districts 3, 7, 8, 9, 10)

District 3

It looks like it’s business almost as usual with Manheim Central (11-3) nearly reclaiming the district title last year following a two year absence.  It all started in 1989 when they got their first AAA district title.  You could say it started the year before when they lost in the final to Middletown, 33-7.  They won it again in 1990 then Conestoga Valley beat Middletown the following year.  In 1992, Central went on their epic run, winning ten straight district titles from 1992 to 2001.  They missed it in ‘02 then won three more from 2003 to 2005.  They just missed it in 2006, going 11-2, before slumping to 6-5 the following year.  Last year’s team slipped past a previously perfect team from Mechanicsburg (12-1), 26-21, then lost in the West semi final to West York (13-2), 15-7.  West York went on to lose to Thomas Jefferson 49-21.  Last year’s team returns most of its starters and is again favored to win the district championship.  If TJ stumbles this year, the Barons could be there to take their place and who knows, maybe end up playing Selinsgrove in the final. Coming into this season they look absolutely loaded despite graduating their quarterback Jeremy Knosp.  He was the real deal, completing 102 of 185 for 1,802 yards then running for another 414 yards.  Senior Justin Gorman (6-0, 180) will take his place after completing 60 of 109 passes for 929 yards.  Lead back Joe Gruber is back as a 6-1, 205 pound senior.  He rushed for 814 yards last year on 149 carries.  Although he excels on the defensive linemen, Dakota Royer (6-3, 230) is an excellent ball carrier and receiver.  He ran 50 times for 271 yards last year and was their leading receiver in an underrated passing attack, catching 52 passes for 1,065 yards.  All four leading receivers return.  Most of the line is back.  The D returns nearly intact with defensive linemen Riley Clugston (6-1, 245) and linebacker Travis Ebersole (6-2, 185) graduating.  Travis was tied with returning backer Lowen Johnson (5-10, 180, sr) with 117 tackles.  Central prides itself on toughness and speed, but they can bang with the big boys when they have to, pulling muscle off the bench as needed.  The first unit goes both ways but they use a lot of players.  Robert LaPorte is a load at 6-3, 290 as is big Joe Weaver at 6-2, 300.  They had no trouble lining up with one of the best team in the state, Wilson, where they lost, 20-15 but hung tough.  Another loss came to Lancaster Catholic, 21-18.  Here are a few more to keep your eye on: defending champ West York (13-2) will try to move on without record setting running back Brandon Real (5-8. 173) who rushed for 2,601 yards before getting injured in the playoffs.  Quarterback Alex George is back with a good looking line in front of him.  Coach says the D has more speed than last year’s which means they’ll be in the hunt after winning their first district title since 1991's AA team.  Northern (7-4) had a decent year considering it was a rebuilding year following a four year mark of 41-7.   They scored 306 and allowed 178 breaking in sophomore quarterback Joe Tuschak (6-0, 180).  And they made it to the playoffs where they lost in the first round to Daniel Boone, 42-24.  That’s not a good year by Northern’s standards so look for the proud Polar Bears to come out with some attitude this year.  Keep your eye on Cocalico (10-2, pronounced co-cal-la-co) from the Lancaster-Lebanon League-Section 2 where they unveiled a 5-11, 190 pound sophomore, Austin Hartman, who exploded for 1,587 yards. Last year’s group was dismantled by Manheim Central, 26-7.  Palmyra (5-5) didn’t have it last year versus the better teams losing to Steelton Highspire, 46-0, Trinity, 48-12 and Middletown, 36-12.   But they return a good senior back in Zack Stewart (6-0, 215) who got 1,049 yards rushing.  He’ll run behind one of the largest lines in the district that averages 291 pounds.  Mechanicsburg (12-1) had a fine team last year that barreled through the regular season unscathed until running into Manheim Central who nipped them, 26-21. Most of that team graduated including quarterback Jake Zeigler and twenty other seniors.  But they return a good little back in Tarik Leftenant (5-8, 180, sr) who scooted for 817 yards on 138 carries.  Lost some jumbos up front but return enough to spring Tarik loose.  Boone (8-4) graduated their 1^st Team All State wide out, Zach Kelley who caught 87 passes for 1249 yards and 17 scores, leading rusher Nate Green (968 yards) but return quarterback Jon Monteiro who was 2^nd Team All State after throwing for 2,999 yards and 34 touchdowns.  Conrad Weiser (9-3) surprised everyone with a super young but scrappy team last year. When they beat Governor Mifflin 24-23, lost a tough one to Boone 31-28 then came back to beat Muhlenberg, you knew they had something.  With almost the entire team returning, they bear watching. Lebanon (7-4) is starting to turn out quality players with some consistency the last few years. When you think of defensive tackles like Jared Odrick, starting for Penn State, you probably don’t think of Lebanon, but that’s where he played high school ball.  It’s also where quarterback James Capello (231/330/2966, 70%, 2009 grad) played before getting a full ride to Iowa State.  And, it’s where division one recruit Arthur Doakes (6-6, 350) checks in at one of the Cedars tackle positions.  Eastern Lebanon County (6-5) or ELCO as they are referred to back there was manhandled by Lancaster Catholic, 42-7, Lebanon,45-10, and Manheim Central, 45-14, with a young team.  They upset a 5-5 Lampeter Strasburg team, made the playoffs their first year as an AAA and that’s a good place to start.  Seven return to the defense and offense.  The D needs tightened up, allowing 30 ppg but the offense is in good shape with quarterback Arron Achey at the controls.  They averaged 29 ppg with Arron passing for 941 yards and running for 1,183.  The Raiders are not likely to beat the Manheim’s and West York’s of the area but they’re going to put a lot of points on the board and probably pull an upset or two.  They will be exciting.  Keeping it in Lebanon County, Northern Lebanon (7-4) made their second straight post season appearance since jumping from AA to AAA in 2004. Like ELCO, they did it was a duel-threat quarterback, Matt Nolan, who passed for 660 yards and rushed for 1105.  He graduated along with 18 seniors and both lines so it’s back to the drawing boards.   It is interesting checking in on these less known teams, to get a broader sense of things.   In this case, the lesson with ELCO and Northern Lebanon is that the area is growing and more likely to produce real surprises, like the talent coming out of Lebanon High the last few years.  Lampeter Strasburg (5-5) The Pioneers have always been one of those teams, sneaky good sometimes but never quite getting there.  They’ve gone 73-33 since 1999 and almost “got there” two years ago with a powerful 12-3 team that lost to Garnet Valley in the PIAA semi final 27-20.  They slumped to 5-5 last year breaking in freshman and sophomore quarterbacks.  There are some holes to fill but they return a huge line, three experienced backs and the quarterbacks.  Last year’s early schedule of five playoff teams in their first six games was brutal.  It resulted in a 1-5 start.  But a 5-0 finish could serve to jumpstart this year. Greencastle Antrim (10-2) The near moribund program that was Greencastle Antrim has come about the last few years to put competitive teams on the field.  Last year’s was more than just competitive; it had a lot of firsts, the kind that can lift a program to new levels.  They won their first division championship in over a decade.  That’s quite an accomplishment when the team you have to wrest it from is Northern of the Mid Penn-Capital Division.  They set a record for number of wins at 10 and got their first post season win in school history.  That’s big stuff!  Coach Chuck Tinninis got his 100^th career win so it was quite a year.  A lot of that team graduated, both lines, the quarterback and secondary. But they broke in some sophomores at running back where Devin Schaeffer (5-8, 165) ran for 458 yards on 81 carries and at tight end where Denton Ensminger (6-2, 215) got time.  The real “find” was in the backfield where freshman fullback Tyler Szaflarski (6-1, 210) bulled ahead for 556 yards on 118 carries.  Another sophomore, Gerardo Juarez (5-10, 250) started on the offensive line.  The sophomore-junior class of last year has some real wide bodies.  Seniors Joshua Short (5-10, 190) and Brandon Trefelner (5-8, 160) return at linebacker.  Brandon also rushed for 406 yards on 62 carries.  Looks like the Blue Devils are on the map. Susquehanna Township (5-6) spent themselves in game one against the best Single-A team in the state, neighboring Steelton Highspire, and one of the best Triple-A’s in the district in Mechanicsburg.  They gave the Rollers a better game than any team in the state, losing 16-14, then did the same to Mechanicsburg (12-1), giving them one of their most competitive game before losing, 14-13.  What’s interesting about Township this year is they return all their skill except one.  Three of their four leading backs return with all four of their leading receivers.  Topping that off is the return of senior quarterback Ben Dupree (5-11, 180), who passed for 1,267 yards then rushed for 777 more to be their leading rusher.  If the line comes together, this could be a real surprise to minimally challenge for the Mid Penn-Colonial (Mechanicsburg, Red Land, Hershey, Gettysburg) and more.  

District 7

The historically strong district has a few teams that should compete for the WPIAL title but none stronger (yet) than Thomas Jefferson (15-1), the defending Class AAA champion, two years running.   Last year’s team was probably their most diverse-versatile team because of the number of weapons they had including quarterback Tyler Wehner, running back Brian Baldrige, wide receiver Dan Virgil and TE/DE Brock DeCicco.  Tyler Wehner was a gifted quarterback who threw for 2,588 yards and rushed for another 707 yards.  He was their second leading rusher behind Brian Baldrige, who was a work horse with 291 carries netting 2,312 yards.  With all the stars, it was easy to overlook wide out Dan Virgin who caught 51 passes for 1,080 yards.  No one overlooked Brock DeCicco (6-5, 230), who caught 24 passes for 537 yards. Wehner, Baldridge, Virgil and Decicco were the heart soul of the offense and they graduated.  The lines were nearly wiped out by graduations, losing two way linemen Pat Eger (6-6, 270), Rob McCall (6-1, 270) and tight end Brock DeCicco.  Starting offensive lineman Sean Kundrat (6-2, 260) also graduated.  The good news shows junior Dustin Vissari (5-11, 268) and senior Shane McNally (6-2, 245) returning.  The other positions will likely be filled by Sean Walters (6-1, 285, jr), Chris Heim (6-1, 235, sr), Chad Mason (5-10 240, sr) Jon LaFrankie ( 6-0, 225, sr) and Dan Biddle (6-3, 230, sr) at end.  One of the fastest players on the team returns in WR/LB Jim Giansante (6-2, 190, sr).  Jim was force at linebacker with 61 tackles and wide out where he snagged 28 passes for 723 yards.  He’ll anchor a good receiver corps with a lot of talent coming up and help solidify what looks to be a strong defense with so many experienced players returning.  Giansante is joined by hard hitting Ed Hassis at safety who had 73 tackles last year and corner back Steve Licht (6-1, 175, sr) who had 55 tackles.  TJ will plug in another good line as they do every year and probably find another quarterback and running back.  With a won-loss of 93-8 since 2002, that is almost a given.  Their average “points scored” from 2002 through last year is as follows, 41, 33, 31, 35, 34, 37, and 39 last year.  They are going to score points.  They’ve won two straight state titles and three of the last five and depending how the cards fall, they may not have to be as good as last year’s team for a 3-peat.  One thing for sure, they will field one of the strongest Triple-A’s in the state.  Hopewell (8-3) looks like they could have a special team this year with the return of enough talent if they can find a replacement for quarterback Tyler George.  All he’ll have to do is hand the ball off to one of the best running backs to come out of the WPIAL in years.  Rushel Shell (6-0, 220), rushed for 1,576 yards on 181 carries last year as a freshman!   The team has a way to go, losing to Blackhawk, 28-10, New Castle, 25-7 and TJ in the playoffs, 35-16.  But a back like this one can take you all the way if they can just put more talent around him.  Pitt has already offered him a scholarship as a freshman so keep your eye on Hopewell.  He reminds you of another running back that came out of Hopewell.  New Castle (8-4) stumbled coming out the gate, losing their first three games, meaning they had a heck of a finish.  If not for Thomas Jefferson ending their eight game winning streak with a 47-20 shellacking, who knows how far they could have gone because they were on a roll.  They were blowing everyone away, including Hopewell, 25-7.  During the eight game streak, they averaged 45 points a game!  A big part of that explosiveness was graduated quarterback Mike Bongvengo, who completed 61% of his 217 passes for 2,011 yards.  He also ran for 923 yards.  His back up, John Matarazzo (6-3, 190, soph), got playing time in most of the blow outs but that’s still a big hole to fill.  Running back Keith Keene returns after getting 1,484 yards on 155 carries with their leading receiver Jaquan Jay (6-1, 180, sr) who caught 33 passes for 569 yards.  The defense loses five starters but returns eleven experienced players.  If they can get half as much production from the new quarterback as they got from Bongvengo, they’ll be a force.  Chartiers Valley (7-3) made the playoffs for the sixth straight season despite going to a new scheme (spread) and breaking in a freshman quarterback.  Wayne Capers (6-1, 185, soph), the son of former Pittsburgh Steeler wide receiver of the same name, split time with Santino Coury who had a leg injury.  They graduated a number of starters, including Santino, eighteen other seniors of which three were linebackers. That could be an issue as the Colts’ defense features three down linemen and five linebackers.  It was a stingy group that allowing 12 points per game.  Mars (7-4) Mar’s Fighting Planets opened the season appropriately at Moon, where they crushed the Tigers, 35-0 (Tigers?).   More than a few people thought the Planets might struggle, having lost Billy Bair’s 2,428 rush yards and 34 touchdowns to graduation, but they didn’t.  Instead, they went out and found another good back, fullback Austin Miele (6-1, 180, jr) who rushed for 1,080 yards.  If they can replace a quarterback who completed 33 % of his passes, they should be fine. The secondary graduated, but four starters or co-starters return at linebacker.  Blackhawk (11-2) will have to rebuild after fielding one of their best teams in years.  Thomas Jefferson has become such a juggernaut they are making traditionally strong programs fielding some of their best teams look weak.  Blackhawk had their best offense in over ten years at 34ppg and their best defense at 13 ppg since the 2002 team that allowed 10. That didn’t prevent their being routed by Jefferson in the WPIAL final.  The Cougars had a quarterback too, Zach Hayward, who threw for 1,895 yards, completed 63 % of his passes and threw 25 touchdown to a lowly 5 interceptions.  Running back Bryan Stefanik rushed for 1,240 yards while Jake Delmonico caught 51 passes for 603 yards.  But they didn’t have the muscle up front to tangle with TJ, and lost, 34-14.  Highlands (11-1) looked like they were super special, going 11-0 then getting crushed by Blackhawk in the WPIAL semifinal, 36-7.  Heading into this season finds their play making quarterback, Jeff Sinclair (6-3, 190), at Robert Morris. They also lost their best lineman, Nate Hargreaves (6-4, 270) and running backs Brandon Lucchino (6-1, 215) and Bill Devlin (5-10, 200) to graduation.  Elizabeth Forward (5-4) rebounded well from a 0-10 season in 2007 following a 1-8 outing in 2006 to get their first winning campaign since 2000. What’s exciting about this year is that almost all the backfield returns.  Quarterback Corey Sevcik (5-10, 160, sr) completed 50 of 90 passes for 564 yards.  His big fullback returns, Greg Sotereanos (6-4, 240, sr), after rushing for 586 yards on 96 attempts.  Two other senior backs return, Gerald Johnson (5-10, 190) who got 459 yards on 74 carries and Joe Pomilio (5-11, 180), who carried 30 times for 232 yards.  The D returns two senior tackles, Tyler Herchelroath (5-10, 255, 23 tackles) and Ben Hoover (5-10, 260, 49 tackles).  Sotereanos plugs things at his middle linebacker spot (77 tackles) alongside pt-starter Cody Scagline (5-11, 200, 10 tackles).  Two return to the secondary led by safety Joe Pomilio.  They won’t challenge Thomas Jefferson, but they have enough to shake thinks up in the Big Seven Conference, maybe sneak up on a few teams with their 24-52 won-loss the last eight years and pull a surprise.

District 8

Last year’s champion from the Pittsburgh Public League,  Brashear (10-2) is again loaded with all their talented skill position players returning.  Quarterback Henri Chatman (6-1, 170, sr) had an outstanding year completing 108 of 184 passed (59%) for 1,624 yards. With a touchdown to interception statistic of 18 to 5, you know he’s making good decisions back there.  His top running back returns in Bruce Patterson (5-9, 195, sr), who rushed for 1,130 yards, a 6.9 ypc clip.  One of their most talented returns is division one prospect Manasseh Garner (6-1, 215, sr), who rushed for 126 yards on 26 carries, completed 6 of 12 passes for two scores and caught 50 passes for 702 yards.  This group reminds you of some of the great teams from Perry not too many years ago.  They got a taste of it last year by playing one of West Virginia’s great programs, Wheeling Central Catholic (10-3), who lost in the Class A quarter finals after going undefeated the previous year, 14-0, and winning the state title.  They beat Brashear, 29-14.  Their other loss was to one of Clearfield best teams in the playoffs, 24-21.  So they have big game experience under their belt and appear ready for another great season and go at their third straight city title.

District 9

There are only four AAA teams in the district, Bradford, Clearfield, St Marys and Punxsutawney.  The Chucks from Punxsutawney (4-6) have had one winning season the last ten years and are 25-73 since 1999. St Marys (6-5) is at least showing a pulse, putting together two straight winning seasons after going 21-58 the preceding eight years.  That leaves Clearfield and Bradford as the real movers and shakers of the district. St Marys (6-5) made it to the playoffs two consecutive years and that’s a first!  They had a tough group that came within a point of upsetting AA power Martinsburg Central.  This year looks like a partial rebuild with the loss of twelve seniors, some of which were key.  Most of the skill players graduated except for two, quarterback Greg Simchick (6-0, 160, sr, 683py) and tailback Kevin Hoy (6-0, 200, jr) who rushed for 744 yards.  Two backers, a DB and nose guard Bob Kopp (5-9, 240, sr) will help patch up the other side.  Bradford (5-5, 74-39 last 10 years) was rebuilding last year with a young team that simply lacked any kind of fire power.  They return seven on both sides but need more from the quarterback position than a 35% completion rate.  All three of their leading running backs return.  It appears they slumped off at the end of last year but actually just ran into the meat of the schedule.  They were no match for Strong Vincent who consumed them, 62-0.  Nor were they a match even for AA North East (9-2) who shut them out, 14-0.  Then along comes a 4-4 Cathedral Prep team looking for someone to jump on.  They ruffled a few feathers in this one, clipping the Owls, 42-14.  And finally, for their third road trip in four games against this group, they visit upstart Corry, an AAA looking to be somebody and sure enough, they beat the Owls, 28-27.  There was no give up in them, just a nasty bit of scheduling at the end of the season with a green team so keep your eyes on them.  Clearfield (10-3, 80-31, last 10 years) had one of their better teams last year that came close to the powerhouse team of 2004 that was as good as any AAA in the state.  Coming into the Perry game that year, they were mangling people, winning by an average score of 39-10.  Some called it an upset but Perry had great teams back then and won, 12-9.  The following week, Perry lost to Strong Vincent, 7-0.  Vincent then lost in the semifinal to Thomas Jefferson, 21-20, who then routed Manheim Central in the final, 56-20. Last year’s team wasn’t of that caliber but they could hang with most Triple-A’s in the state.  In the playoff, they beat St. Marys and Brashear before bowing out to Strong Vincent in the West semifinal, 34-14.  They had a special talent at quarterback, Jarrin Campman, the D9 “Player of the Year” who completed 62% of his passes for 1,377 yards and rushed for another 1,321 yards on 244 carries.  The other weapon was running back Isiah Morgan, who rushed for 1,596 yards so they were loaded.  The rebuild will revolve around OL/DL Andre Buck (6-1, 230, sr, 53 tackles), WR/LB Derek Danver (5-9, 170, jr, 31 tackles. 15/219py), WR/DB Trey Campman (6-2, 180, 25, 39 tackles, # 1 receiver-49/661py) and DB/WR Derek Morgan (5-10, 180, jr, 23 tackles).

District 10

The powers in this district over the years have been two Erie teams, Strong Vincent and Cathedral Prep.  Prep dropped to AAA last year to toughen that classification, leaving another Erie school, McDowell, as the only AAAA in the district.  Grove City has also been a consistent winner the last seven year, moving up from AA last year.  Corry has had only two winning seasons the last ten years but has an exciting quarterback who can change a game.  In the end, it will likely be an Erie team that makes the most noise. Last year’s pecking order had Vincent on top after beating Cathedral, 28-0, followed by Cathedral who beat Grove City, 45-21.  Grove City beat both Meadville and Corry and Meadville beat Corry 49-42.  Corry (6-4) should be a fun team to watch with quarterback Scottie Frisina at the controls.  They run a spread-no huddle offense (4-5 receivers) that generated a lot of yardage and points last year for such a young team, averaging 27 ppg.   Frisina had a super year, completing 126 of 223 passes for 2,007 yards and 25 touchdowns while rushing for 608 yards.  If they can keep him healthy, they will improve on last year’s record and advance to the post season.  Grove City (8-3) looks like wipe out city with the loss of powerful Dwayne Martin (104/571ry, 11/196/py), Casey Shay (114/599ry), most of the line and eight from the defense.  They broke in a freshman quarterback last year, Tyler Dagres (6-1, 185) and return running back Marty Phipps (5-11, 165, sr, 33/573) who, with the young quarterback will have to carry the team.  They haven’t had a losing season since 2001 but are certainly thinned out.  Meadville (6-5) only lost thirteen seniors to graduation.  The problem is that eight were starters.  Like Grove City, this year’s fortunes will rest in the hands of the quarterback and two running backs with the graduation of nine from the defense.  The running backs are Tyler Banks (6-1, 210, sr, 106/552ry, 6/49/py) and Mike Adams (5-10, 190, sr, 34/124ry).  They’ve got some losses to replace but the transition to this season should go much smoother with the return of third year starting senior quarterback Jarod Kilburn (6-0, 200, 42/91/547py).  Cathedral Prep (7-5) should be put back on your “teams to watch” list with the return of former coach Mike Mischer.  That is probably a familiar name to the Central Bucks West crowd after epic PIAA finals games between the two schools in 1999 and 2000.  CB West won the first encounter late in the fourth quarter on a blocked punt recovered in the end zone to pull out a 14-13 win in Coach Mike Pettine’s last game at West.  The two met again the following year in the title game where Cathedral evened the score in a thrilling 41-35 overtime game, a game that ended the Bucks record 59-game winning streak.  Back to the present; the return of Coach Mischer will likely infuse the Ramblers with a new attitude.  They have a long and proud tradition of football excellence this coach is a significant part of.  He is second on the win list at 61-25.   Imagine the stories he can tell in the locker room and on the field.  The first order of business this year is replacing four starters on the line. John Gianoni (6-2, 220, sr, 41 tackles) is a good place to start along with a sophomore who got time last year, Anthony Szymczak (6-2, 260).  Another key is the return of one of their best D players, linebacker V.J. Viglione (6-0, 220, sr, 45 tackles), who led the team with seven sacks.  On offense, Rasean Thrower (6-1, 180, sr) is back after rushing for 125 yards on 28 carries and catching 16 passes for 164 yards.  Cathedral almost always has the players, but the main event this year is a special talent in senior Shyquawn Pullium (6-1, 170).  He did it all from about every position then was switched to quarterback at the mid point of the year where he performed admirably.  He is deadly running the option and makes great decisions.  His stats are impressive enough, completing 45 of 76 passes for 665 yards.  He completed 59% of his passes, threw eight touchdowns and only four interceptions.  On keepers, he ran for 909 yards on 148 attempts, getting nine more touchdowns so he’s a weapon that should soften the loss of so many up front.  Strong Vincent (13-1) showed us another monster team last year that couldn’t take the next step and get past Thomas Jefferson, to whom they lost, 35-21.  No embarrassment there, being in the company of so many good teams that couldn’t take down the Jags.  The Colonels came storming into the semi final, averaging 43 points a game and allowing 7 but it wasn’t enough.  Much of that team was lost to graduation, including both quarterbacks, D.J. Barney (31/62/576py,) and Deonte Flemings (10/21/219py, 90/789ry), who was a special teams phenom.  Running back Darrell Brooks is gone after rushing for 1,651 yards along with Jordan Ferraro who contributed with 748 yards.  TE/DE Brandon Marlow (6-3, 240) caught 8 passes for 225 yards, made 90 tackles and had 6 sacks.  They return five starters to the defense (2 DL’s, 1 LB 2 DB’s) and two co-starters (DL, LB).  The numbers are deceiving with their playing so many.  Starters lost include 2 DL’s, 2 LB’s and 2 DB’s. Co-starters include 1 DL, 2 LBs and 2 DB’s.  They lose a lot and return nearly as many.  The two tackles are back Emmanuel Wells (6-1, 300, 103 tackles, #1 sacks-9) and Sean Herron (6-3, 330, 69 tackles). Co-starter Jordan Pointer (6-1, 270) had 18 tackles.  Add in the returning starters and co-starters in the linebacking corps with two DB’s to see they should be fine on that side.  Alex Davis (6-3, 285) is back at center. The new quarterback will be Markese Pullium or Steve Uplinger.  Emari Tangle (5-11, 185) will be the tailback after getting 698 yards last year.  He will be joined by Derrick Hemphill (6-0, 180) and Brandon Akins (5-9, 185).  The program is at such a level that they reload every year.  There is no other way to explain their 62-14 won-loss since 2003, their winning two straight district titles and four of the last six.  They’ve appeared in the D10 final seven straight years.  Coach Tom Cacchione has himself a machine.  And with Cathedral Prep back on the map, it should provide for a highly competitive district race and legitimate contender for the post season.  

Class AA, TOP 10

The highest scoring team in the state of Pennsylvania at any classification had their hearts broken when they came up a few inches and two points shy of winning the AA state title game.  In the end, it came down to the opposing quarterbacks.  Faced with a fourth and goal from just outside the goal line, West Catholic’s quarterback Curtis Drake took the snap, sprinted to the left pylon where he was met head on by Wilmington’s QB/S Shane Wagner who nailed him a few inches shy of the goal line.  It took two overtime periods but Wilmington (15-1, district-10) prevailed, beating West Catholic (14-2), 35-34.  West Catholic shouldn’t hang their heads too low as the Greyhounds are one of the premier Double-A’s in the state.  Their 10 year won-loss is 98-24.  Over the last three years they’ve gone 42-4.  Talk about stability, Head Coach Terry Verrelli has been there for 30 years.  Apart from having their own history and winning tradition, they came in pumped after beating Aliquippa.  The Quips have gone 108-18 since 1999.  In the western part of the state, beating them is the equivalent of beating a North Penn, Neshaminy or St. Joe’s in our area, meaning none of the pre-game hype about the Burrs mercy ruling them meant a thing to the Wilmington players.  If anything, it motivated them with their tradition.  Plus, they were already battle tested with wins against District-6's Martinsburg Central (11-3) and the Quips.  The West is on a small run winning three of the last four title games, with Wilson preventing a four year sweep beating Jeannette in 2006.

1. Beaver Falls (12-1)  Returns a veteran team led by quarterback Tony Omogrosso (53/90/1120) and one of the best backs in the state, Cody Cook (5-10, 185, sr), who rushed for 1,780 yards and caught 55 passes for 564 yards.  They also have Admire Carter (5-9, 170, sr) who got 386 yards rushing on 38 attempts. They have athletes everywhere and look like the best of a very good group of contenders.  Knowing they averaged 38 points a game last year suggests they’ll be nearly unstoppable this year with so many key returning starters.  No one challenged them until the WPIAL semi final when Jeannette battled hard before going down, 35-28.  Nice try Jays.   The following week, fellow Midwestern Conference member Aliquippa eliminated them in the WPIAL final, 8-6, setting up what should be a heated encounter September 18^th at Beaver Falls underneath the Friday night lights.

2. Greensburg Central Catholic (10-1)  Quarterback Trent Hurley (6-5, 225) is back after completing 50 of 72 passes (69%) for 959 yards his first year as a starter.  His performance was so impressive in camps that he displaced two year starting quarterback Adam Palcic who was moved to wide out where he caught 21 passes for 404 yards.  Running back David Miller (5-10, 200, sr) is also back after 96 carries netting 731 yards so they have more than enough weapons.  Although Aliquippa beat them convincingly in the playoffs, 32-14, the Centurians were largely a young team.  They platooned at many positions and return a lot of bodies.  Four of last year’s O-line were first year starters; center Joe Sullivan (6-2, 265, sr), right guard Bernie Sarra (6-0, 280, sr), left tackle Matt Kline (6-2, 260, sr) and left guard John Turik (6-0, 230).  Joe Mahoney (6-3, 280) is the sole loss on the line.  They look ready to take the next step and are certainly capable enough knowing they dismantled Jeannette in the regular season final 28-14 so keep an eye on them.

3. Wilmington (14-2)  The defending state champion graduated ALL-Everything quarterback Shane Wagner who passed for1,514 yards, 20Tds and rushed for 239. TE/DE Dallas Hartman and C/T Clint DeRosa are also big losses.  Shane was a weapon that will be difficult to replace knowing they also had running backs Derrick Burns scooting for 1487 yards, Sutton Whiting getting 933 yards and Jake Demedal gaining another 548 yards.  All three return but the Grayhounds will miss their quarterback. The big news is Jake Demedal sliding over to fill in.  If they can get just the threat of a passing attack with Jake’s illusiveness, complimented by those great backs behind him, they will again be explosive.

4. Lancaster Catholic (13-2)  A lot of last year’s team returns for another run at districts and the AA championship.  D1 prospect quarterback Kyle Smith (6-3, 210, sr) is a threat to score every time he touches the ball after completing 65% of his passes for 3,192 yards. His touchdown to interception ratio was a formidable 43 to 5.  WR Tyler Purvis (54/1158) is back along with tailback Jordan Stewart (6-1, 205) who gained 1,040 rushing yards in their pass oriented offense.  After losing the opener to rival Trinity last year, they went on a 13 game tear, winning by an average score of 43-11 until West Catholic stopped them, 37-14. If projected form holds, the Purple Gang and West Catholic could meet again.

5. Aliquippa (12-3)  The Quips are a quick and veteran team like Beaver Falls who will be a factor in the West and perhaps beyond.  Last year’s group was nearly as explosive as the Tigers, scoring 30 points a game and allowing 13.  Whatever they do this year will be done without quarterback Rasheem Jones who will miss the beginning of the season for reasons undisclosed at the time of this posting.  Wide out Rashad Kenney returns and the defense is led by 5-10, 250 pound linebacker Stanley Pugh.  Last season ended with a bitter overtime loss to Wilmington in the state semifinal, 29-28.  Whatever happens to the quarterback, remember, this is a program that churned out a 108-18 won loss since 1999 meaning they will be in the hunt. 

6. West Catholic (14-2)  A lot of speed, a strong line backing corps and the potential for another great line(s) will get the Burrs deep into the playoffs.  The East doesn’t have an array of teams this year like Beaver Falls, Aliquippa, Wilmington, even Martinsburg Central and Greensburg Central Catholic to slug their way through as yet.  It’s high school football so who knows what emerges downline.  One thing is certain, the Burrs are riding the crest of a great wave of talent that has come through the school on a consistent basis for the last six years that should position them for another strong year.   

7. Martinsburg Central Catholic (11-3)  Lost to Wilmington in the quarter finals, 21-19, and graduate quarterback Derek Forshey (101/205/1490).  But all is not lost with running back Lucas Runk (5-10, 180, jr) returning after rushing for 1,580 yards on 230 carries and catching 22 passes for 456 yards … as a sophomore!  Lead receiver Jordan Saylor also returns. They have a few outstanding linemen but one is getting a lot of attention, senior tackle Ty Strayer, 6-4, 285.  Last season saw the Dragons snap a 10 year run of consecutive losing seasons where they won 21 of 88 games and transform into a team that hung with Wilmington.  No fear in these guys!  If they can replace their quarterback, look out.  

8. Tyrone (10-2)  Quarterback Levi Reinhert is back for his senior year after completing 84 of 132 passes for a 64% completion rate.  It’s been a while since the Golden Eagles (D6) won their last state title in 1999 (15-0, beating Mount Carmel 13-6), but they have won in double digit figures eight of the last ten years and are always in contention.  Their ten year won-loss is 103-20.  They lose both running backs but will be fine with the lines intact and a veteran senior quarterback to keep things cool in the huddle.  After beating Martinsburg Central in the season final, 38-14, last year, their season came to an end in the 2^nd round; losing to Central Cambria (9-4) is a mild upset, 27-20.  Martinsburg Central then restored order in the district by thrashing Central Cambria, 41-6.

9. Montoursville (10-3)  Much of Montourville’s young team is back, including junior quarterback, Travis Singer (6-0, 175).  He had a decent season last year completing 34 of 55 passes for 548 yards in their run oriented offense.   Running back Josh Cillo’s 1187 rushing yards will be missed but senior Cody Haupt (6-1, 195) returns after gaining an impressive 1570 yards on 176 attempts.   Last year came to an abrupt end losing to Mount Carmel in the 1^st round of States (3^rd round) 35-21.  The Warriors might get the last laugh this year with the Tornadoes graduating quarterback Marcus Wasilewski (148/243/2,192 yards) and running back Julius Denetrius, who rushed for 975 yards.

10. Forest Hills 10-2  The Rangers are a tough little deuce out of district 6 that has so many strong small schools.  Forest Hills is one of them with a ten year record of 87-29.  Things are looking good this year with a bundle of starters back led by quarterback Zack Glessner.  Zack completed 84 of 139 passes (60%) last year for 1577 yards.  And with 15 fellow starting Forest Rangers back, they will be a threat to the status quo.  A look back at last year shows them losing to Central Cambris (9-4) in the regular season, 27-0, and Martinsburg Central edged them in the playoffs, 29-26.  The loss to MCC says they are close so let’s see what comes out of the forest this year.

Honorable Mention

Mount Carmel (13-1)

Middletown (10-3)

Lake-Lehman (9-2)

Lakeland (8-4)

GAR (10-2)

North Schuylkill (7-4)

Brockway (5-5)

Jeannette (10-2)

Sto-Rox (8-2)

Center (8-3)

Sharon (10-2)

Class A, TOP 10

In the Single-A championship game that featured a battle between two of the old steel mill towns in Pennsylvania, Steelton Highspire and Clairton fought to a bruising first half 8-8 tie.  What a slugfest with both moving the ball well and really popping each other.  The Bears looked like they might win it but it was Steel High that made the adjustments allowing them to come out and dominate the third quarter when they exploded for four third quarter touchdowns to put the game out of reach and roll to a 35-16 win.  Their great running back Jeremiah Young was hobbled by an ankle injury but rushed for 81 yards on 20 carries.  He ended his career as the state’s leading rusher of all time with 9,027 yards.  Despite the score, that was a good Clairton team that should again compete for a state title.  While the Rollers suffer tremendous graduation losses, they are always dangerous and are peaking again with incredible talent coming through the school. Their won-loss the last six years is 68-16, with two state titles.  Like AAA Thomas Jefferson, they too won their second straight state title after beating McKeesport’s second best team, Serra Catholic, 34-15 in 2007.

1. Clairton (15-1)  The Bears look good enough to start the year as # 1 despite graduating quarterback Andrew Currigton.  Andrew completed just over 1700 yards passing for 22 scores and rushed for 796 and 14 more scores.  The other two huge pieces of the offense return, running back Dontae Howard (5-9, 180, sr) who rushed for 1,674 yards on 179 carries and Pitt recruit Kevin Weatherspoon (6-0, 190), their wide out who caught 58 passes for 1468 yards.  They are very high on last year’s standout sophomore defensive end Desimon Green (6-5, 215), who will also line up under center this year.

2. Rochester (10-2)  Quarterback Brandon Gray graduated but many others return, particularly in the back field and on the line.  Running back Trey Johnson (5-9, 170, sr) is back with Devon Glass (5-9, 195, jr), Derek Gallagher (5-8, 180, sr) and TE/DE Terry Gettings (6-2, 205, sr) to a program that has won 108 of 132 games since 1999.  They must be getting restless after not winning a title since 2000 and 2001.

3. Schuylkill Haven (14-1)  Lost their running back Zack Barket who rushed for a single season record of 4, 187 yards and their great lineman Tyler Swoyer.  But major parts of last year’s team return including junior quarterback Brian Murphy (6-0, 185).  Brian passed for 737 yards last year.  WR/DB DJ Fairrell is back along with OL/DL Zach Faust and OL/DL Derek Reber.  TE/DE Evan Marceau (6-4, 190, 60 stops), RB/LB Tyler Naus (6-0, 190, jr,113 stops) and RB/LB Evan Fink were contributors last year who will help keep the beat going this year.

4. Bishop McCort (12-1)  The Crimson Crushers are there every year (94-27 since 1999), knocking on the door only to have the likes of Steelton Highspire answer last year and Wilmington the preceding two years when they were AA.   They do this almost every year despite graduating all their skill like they did this year.  Gone are quarterback Jack Schrey (70/122/1082, 57%), running back Eric Lowery who rushed for 1,119 yards and caught 29 balls for 498 yards and Isa Wadley who rushing for 837 yards.  Lead receiver Dane Domokos also graduated.   Don’t feel too bad for Johnstown’s pride and joy who return 22 juniors from last year and nearly their entire lines plus eight on D.

5. Portage (12-1)  The Mustangs could be a nice surprise with all their skill back from a young team that averaged 41 ppg last year.  Quarterback Taylor Swires (5-11, 165, sr) completed 32 of 69 for 633 yards. FB/MLB Mike Sinosky (5-10, 190, sr) rushed for 1649 yards and was second on the team in tackles with 77. Tommy Burgan (5-10, 200, sr) also returns giving them two backs who rushed for over 1000 yards Tommy got 1,582 yards.  Most of the offense and defense returns including last year’s sophomore leading tackler, defensive end David Kephart (5-11, 190), who had 118 tackles.  They beat some good teams last year, teams like Windber, North Star and Purchase Line to come into the State 1^st round (D6 final) undefeated.  The next encounter was against another D6 bully, Bishop McCort, who crushed them, 42-7.  That should add extra incentive to this year’s campaign.

6. Farrell (12-3)  Two wins over Linesville and a playoff loss to Clairton, 24-21, shows how close the Steelers were last year.  Quarterback Daniel Odem is back to help rebuild the backfield.  They should come back to the pack this year but still be a force in D-10.  Be sure to check the score between them and bitter rival AA Sharon (10-2) who face each other in the opener September 4^th.

7. Bloomsburg (8-3)  Return last year’s freshman quarterback Blake Rankin (6-3, 170) who completed 74 of 150 passes for 1,521 yards.  Favored receiver Devin McLaughlin graduated taking 1,093 yards and 57 receptions with him.   But they return their bruising fullback/linebacker Jack Breisch (6-0, 255, 38/191) to run behind a mammoth line.

8. Southern Columbia (10-3)  Southern graduated almost everyone from both sides of the line but will reload as they’ve done since 1982, the year following their last losing season.  Since then, they’ve won a state record 16 consecutive district championships, 12 eastern championships and 6 state titles.  They got their first in1994, then reeled off five straight from 2002 through 2006.  Realistically, they are a default Top 10 team yearly so don’t let graduation numbers fool you.

9. Bellwood Antis (10-2)  Here’s another monster program from D6 that is in the mix annually with a ten year won-loss of 102-26.  They lose their quarterback but return their leading rusher Zack McCaulley (5-11, 180, sr) who rushed for 1,204 yards.  Other returning players are their two leading tacklers, defensive tackle Grant Martin (6-2, 205, sr) with 61and Bobby Dearmitt (6-1, 210, sr) with 66.  This team came on as the season developed last year after getting whacked by Tyrone in the opener 27-6, to being eliminated in a tight one by Bishop McCort, 24-20.