1. Parkland* 11-3; (6-2), District 11 Champion
Last Season: Entered the D11/2/4 subregional playoffs as the 7 seed after regular season losses to Easton and Whitehall. Rolled over Stroudsburg and Delaware Valley in the first two rounds to set up a rematch at Easton, where they knocked off the Rovers 13-10 in overtime thanks to special teams and defensive heroics. Receivers Jarey Elder and Kenny Yeboah combined for 103 catches, 1,495 yards, and 21 touchdowns to make for one of the best duos in the state.
State Playoffs: Dropped a 34-30 heartbreaker to eventual state champion St. Joseph’s Prep in state quarterfinals, despite a 283 yard, 4 touchdown performance from Devante Cross (who also ran for 96 yards). Ultimately could not slow down explosive plays from Olamadie Zaccheus and D’Andre Swift.
Standouts: Senior quarterback Devante Cross (6’2 185) enters his third year under center as Parkland’s all time leader in passing yards and touchdowns. He is a legitimate All State and 2,000/1,000 threat after throwing for 2,300 yards and 27 touchdowns and running for another 750 and 10 as a junior. He currently holds offers from Syracuse and Boston College. Senior wide receiver Kenny Yeboah tied a Parkland record with 13 touchdown catches last year. The 6’5 220 pound FCS recruit is a match up nightmare and joins Cross as the most potent pitch and catch combination in eastern Pennsylvania. Offensive/defensive tackle Noel Brouse has an ideal frame (6’6 270) and recently committed to Syracuse to play on the offensive line. He was an All EPC selection on defense in 2014 and is the D11’s premier two-way lineman.
Breakout Candidates: Junior tackle Patrick Ferry made 14 starts as a sophomore on the offensive line. The 6’3 315 pounder, who won a state title in powerlifting last spring, is textbook size and strength for a lineman. He needs to become a more consistent run blocker and improve his athleticism, but has the tools in his kit to be a Division I lineman. Jahan Worth, (5’11 215) a sophomore linebacker, is one of the premier underclassmen athletes in D11. Worth went 21-12 wrestling heavyweight as a 9th grader despite frequently weighing in at 195 pounds. Last spring, he won a state powerlifting title at 220 and was named the most outstanding underclassman of the meet. The physical tools are definitely there, and don’t be surprised if Worth is next in a long line of great Parkland linebacker. He also could challenge incumbent Nolan Ridgway for carries at running back.
Question Marks: Replacing kicker/punter Jake Bissell (Lafayette) will be huge for the Trojans. Bissell was one of the best kicking specialists in the state and gave Parkland a huge especial teams advantage.
Best Unit: Parkland’s offensive line should be the best in D11. Brouse and Ferry give them huge bookends, and they also return senior guard Billy Danko, (6’2 240). Sophomore Brody Boyer (6’2 250) finished second to Ferry at the state powerlifting meet and is the early favorite to take over as the other guard. Steve Feher (6’3 245) and Mitchell Powell (6’2 215) will battle out for the final spot. It’s not an overly big line by PCL or WPIAL standards, but it’s certainly elite size for D11. If they can get an infusion of nasty, particularly in the run game, they should dominate.
Coaching: Head Coach Jim Morgans, defensive coordinator Tim Moncman, and wide receivers coach Bret Comp have combined to win four state titles as head coaches and have been the head coach in eight PIAA Championship Games. Offensive coordinator Chris Kinnade won a state title as the OC at Allentown Central Catholic in 2010. And quarterbacks coach Jim Terwilliger, the presumed head coach in waiting, was a 4x Division II All American, the 2005 National Player of the Year, and holds 17 different NCAA passing records. Best staff in D11.
Expectations: Parkland is going for an unprecedented fourth straight District 11 4A title and are a heavy favorite to do so. They should be a top 5 team in Pennsylvania when preseason polls come out and are a threat to end District 11’s six year losing streak to the PCL in state playoffs.
2. Easton*: 12-2, (10-0) EPC South Champion
Last Season: Put together a dominant first 12 games, going undefeated and averaging 42.3 points and 322 yards rushing yards per game. Lost a heartbreaker in the D11 final to Parkland, 13-10 in OT. Held the Trojans to 95 yards of total offense and three first downs in a losing effort. Followed that with a loss to Phillipsburg (NJ), 19-15.
Standouts: Defensive end David Simmons recorded seven and a half sacks despite missing five games with an ankle injury. The 6’3 senior has bulked up to 225 pounds in the offseason and if he retains his explosive first step, should be the best defensive player in D11. Quarterback Trey Durrah (5’10 170) had an up and down junior year, but returns with the most passing, rushing, and receiving yards (1,303, 337, 1) in the program. As the only returning skill player, the offense will lean heavily on his talents. Guard Ryan Greene was first team all EPC last fall. At 5’9 205 pounds, he’s built more like a fullback, but Easton loves to pull him on traps and sweeps. He’s also fast enough that he covers kicks on special teams.
Breakout Candidate: Junior cornerback Katrell Thompson (5’10 165) was a revelation after earning his way into the varsity lineup following the JV season. He made seven tackles and had a sack against Freedom in semis, then blanketed Kenny Yeboah, holding the Trojan star to one catch for four yards when the two were matched up, in the D11 title game. This year, Thompson enters not only as the #1 corner, but as the expected replacement for Shane Simpson (Towson) at running back.
Question Mark: Easton was ravaged by graduation at the skill positions, where as a team they return just 343 total yards (all rushing). It will be an open competition at receiver and tight end in camp. Look for a combination of experienced defensive players and a big and talented collection of sophomores to fill the roles. Trevor Storm, (6’6 185) is one to watch, as he has the height and athleticism (he’s a basketball standout) to make an impact in the passing game.
Best Unit: Easton’s defensive line will have pass rushers galore. Simmons is the best in the area, and Daloni Caldwell (6’3 200) showed real promise last year, making 37 tackles and forcing 3 fumbles after earning a spot in the lineup while Simmons was injured last season. Greene, Storm, and Isaiah Walker (6’3 190) also should be threats to quarterbacks coming off of the edge.
Coaching: Easton has more continuity on their staff than any program in D11. Steve Shiffert is back for his 23rd year on the sideline, and he won his 200th career game in their semifinal game against Freedom last season. Defensive coordinator Doug Powell and offensive/defensive line coach Scott Byrd have been with him every season and are two of the most highly respected assistants in D11.
Expectations: Expectations are always high at Easton, but there is definitely the feeling that 2014 was the program’s best shot in a while and they missed the brass ring. Finding a dependable pair of running backs and weapons at receiver are imperative. The defense is perpetually good, but will need to find quality replacements at defensive tackle, linebacker, and safety in order to get a fourth crack at knocking off Parkland.
Last Season: Entered the D11/2/4 subregional playoffs as the 7 seed after regular season losses to Easton and Whitehall. Rolled over Stroudsburg and Delaware Valley in the first two rounds to set up a rematch at Easton, where they knocked off the Rovers 13-10 in overtime thanks to special teams and defensive heroics. Receivers Jarey Elder and Kenny Yeboah combined for 103 catches, 1,495 yards, and 21 touchdowns to make for one of the best duos in the state.
State Playoffs: Dropped a 34-30 heartbreaker to eventual state champion St. Joseph’s Prep in state quarterfinals, despite a 283 yard, 4 touchdown performance from Devante Cross (who also ran for 96 yards). Ultimately could not slow down explosive plays from Olamadie Zaccheus and D’Andre Swift.
Standouts: Senior quarterback Devante Cross (6’2 185) enters his third year under center as Parkland’s all time leader in passing yards and touchdowns. He is a legitimate All State and 2,000/1,000 threat after throwing for 2,300 yards and 27 touchdowns and running for another 750 and 10 as a junior. He currently holds offers from Syracuse and Boston College. Senior wide receiver Kenny Yeboah tied a Parkland record with 13 touchdown catches last year. The 6’5 220 pound FCS recruit is a match up nightmare and joins Cross as the most potent pitch and catch combination in eastern Pennsylvania. Offensive/defensive tackle Noel Brouse has an ideal frame (6’6 270) and recently committed to Syracuse to play on the offensive line. He was an All EPC selection on defense in 2014 and is the D11’s premier two-way lineman.
Breakout Candidates: Junior tackle Patrick Ferry made 14 starts as a sophomore on the offensive line. The 6’3 315 pounder, who won a state title in powerlifting last spring, is textbook size and strength for a lineman. He needs to become a more consistent run blocker and improve his athleticism, but has the tools in his kit to be a Division I lineman. Jahan Worth, (5’11 215) a sophomore linebacker, is one of the premier underclassmen athletes in D11. Worth went 21-12 wrestling heavyweight as a 9th grader despite frequently weighing in at 195 pounds. Last spring, he won a state powerlifting title at 220 and was named the most outstanding underclassman of the meet. The physical tools are definitely there, and don’t be surprised if Worth is next in a long line of great Parkland linebacker. He also could challenge incumbent Nolan Ridgway for carries at running back.
Question Marks: Replacing kicker/punter Jake Bissell (Lafayette) will be huge for the Trojans. Bissell was one of the best kicking specialists in the state and gave Parkland a huge especial teams advantage.
Best Unit: Parkland’s offensive line should be the best in D11. Brouse and Ferry give them huge bookends, and they also return senior guard Billy Danko, (6’2 240). Sophomore Brody Boyer (6’2 250) finished second to Ferry at the state powerlifting meet and is the early favorite to take over as the other guard. Steve Feher (6’3 245) and Mitchell Powell (6’2 215) will battle out for the final spot. It’s not an overly big line by PCL or WPIAL standards, but it’s certainly elite size for D11. If they can get an infusion of nasty, particularly in the run game, they should dominate.
Coaching: Head Coach Jim Morgans, defensive coordinator Tim Moncman, and wide receivers coach Bret Comp have combined to win four state titles as head coaches and have been the head coach in eight PIAA Championship Games. Offensive coordinator Chris Kinnade won a state title as the OC at Allentown Central Catholic in 2010. And quarterbacks coach Jim Terwilliger, the presumed head coach in waiting, was a 4x Division II All American, the 2005 National Player of the Year, and holds 17 different NCAA passing records. Best staff in D11.
Expectations: Parkland is going for an unprecedented fourth straight District 11 4A title and are a heavy favorite to do so. They should be a top 5 team in Pennsylvania when preseason polls come out and are a threat to end District 11’s six year losing streak to the PCL in state playoffs.
2. Easton*: 12-2, (10-0) EPC South Champion
Last Season: Put together a dominant first 12 games, going undefeated and averaging 42.3 points and 322 yards rushing yards per game. Lost a heartbreaker in the D11 final to Parkland, 13-10 in OT. Held the Trojans to 95 yards of total offense and three first downs in a losing effort. Followed that with a loss to Phillipsburg (NJ), 19-15.
Standouts: Defensive end David Simmons recorded seven and a half sacks despite missing five games with an ankle injury. The 6’3 senior has bulked up to 225 pounds in the offseason and if he retains his explosive first step, should be the best defensive player in D11. Quarterback Trey Durrah (5’10 170) had an up and down junior year, but returns with the most passing, rushing, and receiving yards (1,303, 337, 1) in the program. As the only returning skill player, the offense will lean heavily on his talents. Guard Ryan Greene was first team all EPC last fall. At 5’9 205 pounds, he’s built more like a fullback, but Easton loves to pull him on traps and sweeps. He’s also fast enough that he covers kicks on special teams.
Breakout Candidate: Junior cornerback Katrell Thompson (5’10 165) was a revelation after earning his way into the varsity lineup following the JV season. He made seven tackles and had a sack against Freedom in semis, then blanketed Kenny Yeboah, holding the Trojan star to one catch for four yards when the two were matched up, in the D11 title game. This year, Thompson enters not only as the #1 corner, but as the expected replacement for Shane Simpson (Towson) at running back.
Question Mark: Easton was ravaged by graduation at the skill positions, where as a team they return just 343 total yards (all rushing). It will be an open competition at receiver and tight end in camp. Look for a combination of experienced defensive players and a big and talented collection of sophomores to fill the roles. Trevor Storm, (6’6 185) is one to watch, as he has the height and athleticism (he’s a basketball standout) to make an impact in the passing game.
Best Unit: Easton’s defensive line will have pass rushers galore. Simmons is the best in the area, and Daloni Caldwell (6’3 200) showed real promise last year, making 37 tackles and forcing 3 fumbles after earning a spot in the lineup while Simmons was injured last season. Greene, Storm, and Isaiah Walker (6’3 190) also should be threats to quarterbacks coming off of the edge.
Coaching: Easton has more continuity on their staff than any program in D11. Steve Shiffert is back for his 23rd year on the sideline, and he won his 200th career game in their semifinal game against Freedom last season. Defensive coordinator Doug Powell and offensive/defensive line coach Scott Byrd have been with him every season and are two of the most highly respected assistants in D11.
Expectations: Expectations are always high at Easton, but there is definitely the feeling that 2014 was the program’s best shot in a while and they missed the brass ring. Finding a dependable pair of running backs and weapons at receiver are imperative. The defense is perpetually good, but will need to find quality replacements at defensive tackle, linebacker, and safety in order to get a fourth crack at knocking off Parkland.
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