How did the football season go for your team?
“I’m not going to sugarcoat it; this football season was very rough for Souderton. The coaches and we all knew it was going to be hard from the start; our senior class last year pretty much all started on both sides of the ball, so we had very little people with any playtime on both sides. Right before our first game, our athletic director and principal told us they considered cancelling our season due to an incident on social media, and that really impacted us all. We were still hopeful though because our preseason camp practices all went very well, and we were able to ride the preseason momentum to a win against a playoff team our first game. After that, we started losing starters due to a new academic eligibility rule and injuries, and this sent us into a downward spiral we knew would be very hard to get out of. We had a lot of our sophomore class and some freshman step up and start on both sides and on specials, and since most of us were new to the varsity scene, it took a while to get used to. Once we all figured it out, we started to pick it back up again and we learned to play as a team all for one common goal. The last game at CB West was one of the best experiences of my life. We lost our starting quarterback a couple games before, so we had Andrew Vince playing both sides the entire game. I would say a good 5 or 6 out of the people on both sides were underclassmen during that game against a very strong playoff team. We found that underdog mentality that last game and we used that to win. That’s why it is so memorable. The season started strong and ended strong, but there were way too many hardships that we brought upon ourselves in the middle that need to be addressed.”

What are your workout plans now going forward?
“Moving forward, we have a lot to work on. I think as a team, we need to get bigger and stronger first and foremost, because we are playing teams who have guys who I bet could all squat twice as much as most of our sophomore and freshman Class. Personally though, I know I need to work on my kickoffs. Next year, I know that I need to be able to hit a touchback whenever coach needs it without a doubt. It is inexcusable for me to not be able to at this point in time, and that is one of my biggest weaknesses. My punting also needs to become much more consistent, because I think I’m pretty much the only one who knows the mechanics well and can hit spirals. As for field goals, I am at a strong position now, but that doesn’t give me any excuse to back off training for that. Overall, I need to be pushing myself harder than I ever have to be able to be the best person I can be for my team.”

What are you trying to improve on the most this off-season?
Like I said, I just need to work on all aspects of my kicking/punting with kickoffs at the top of the list. I can guarantee you no other kicker in the league has the drive that I have been given, and that is what will set me apart from them. At the beginning of this season, there was another person who kicked for the team last year that played soccer that was going into his senior year, and he never came out to our preseason camp to practice football. Never showed up, and because of that he didn’t get the spot. There are too many people who are at a level that they believe is good enough, and in most cases, is good enough to take a starting spot; but they use that as an excuse to slack off, to take a break here and there, and that is where you rise above them. If someone is at the top, there will be a time they take a break, and you need to be there to work harder than them in that moment of time. That is part of the underdog mentality, and that is what drives me forward. No matter how good I become, I know I need to be working harder than the professionals do if I am to beat them out eventually. That is what I, and I hope every person on the team learns to carry around in the back of our head everywhere we go and in everything we do this off-season.”

How do you believe your team will be next season?
“The only way to tell for next season is to see how we do then. Is the potential there for us, for any team in the league? Yes. If we all learn to work together as a team, to push harder than the other teams when they are lifting, we will be successful and make it to the playoffs, I can guarantee that. It is going to take a hell of a lot of work, but it is possible. The same goes for our polo team. We have a young football team, and we are getting older, but we still need to instill that mindset deep within ourselves if we plan on going anywhere.”

What is the toughest game on your schedule for 2018?
“I believe the toughest game will be North Penn. It always has been. I think the percentage of them winning to us is something like 96% in their favor. They have the bigger sample size for kids, and competition breeds excellence. That’s why they are so good. But like I said, a strong team of dedicated and motivated people can beat any other team out there. It takes mental toughness and we need to get there if we plan on winning next year. Yes, the odds are stacked against us, but they’re just numbers on a piece of paper.”


Do you want to play sports in college? If so, which one?
“I need to play sports in college. Currently, I am on the polo team, swim team and football team in high school. I would love to go to college for either polo or football. I am only swimming to stay in shape for polo as there are no polo or football leagues in the winter. I truly feel that this off-season will define the rest of my life, because I’m planning to play for four different water polo teams with a potential to go to the 16U Junior Olympics in two of them. I’m still lifting with my football team, swimming with the swim team, lifeguarding, more than likely coaching swim, going to Jersey on Sundays to kick with my coach, and I am currently working to finish my Eagle Scout in Boy Scouts. If polo goes exceptionally well and I get some offers or trips for college next year, I could very well go there. At the same time, if that happens for kicking, I could go there too. It all depends on the offers that arise and how well I perform in each. I’m doing the very best that I can to work harder than everyone in both sports, but it is hard at the same time to balance everything. Some days I will have a terrible kicking practice but have a great feel in the pool. It just depends. I’m just hoping to point a light at God in everything that I do, and that is how I stay focused whenever I sway away from my goal. As for the colleges I would like to go to, I really have no clue. I have looked into a couple, but I think really right now I have my eyes set on any of the good DI schools like Penn State, Temple, and most of the state schools. Florida State actually is very interesting. I follow their kicker on instagram, Eddie Piñero, and he has done exceptionally well and is leaving early to play in the NFL, so it would be amazing to have that influence in my life. The one thing that I can promise is that wherever I go, once I get set into one path, you can bet I’m going to give it everything I’ve got and never back down.

What colleges have been recruiting you?
“With me currently being a sophomore, I’ve heard that colleges cannot really touch you until your junior year. I haven’t gotten any direct offers from any colleges for academics or sports yet. The only things I have gotten are PSAT reply mail, which I’m assuming the colleges send if you hit a certain threshold of score. Nevertheless, I am looking into all of the mail that I have gotten and their football teams just to see what the colleges have to offer. I actually found someone on the Allegheny football roster, who is a kicker, and who swam in high school. I followed him on Instagram and had a short conversation about his times and what he swam. It was very intriguing to be able to do that all within an hour over the internet.”

Have you made any college trips yet?
“I have not made any college trips yet, but I have heard lots of stories and am looking forward to what could come in the future.”

What camps are you going to this summer?
“I actually am looking at a lot of camps this summer. The first one I went to was Kicking World in Pennsylvania back in eighth grade. I learned the basics there, but my dad and I quickly realized that it wasn’t very individualized and was more self-taught and run as a company. After this, we found someone named Jim Cooper with the 5 Star Kicking out in Jersey. My Dad, being a turf expert as Coach Cooper calls him, has been taking care of his field ever since, and Coach Cooper has been training me for free. He has a couple small camps that I enjoy going to, but what is so special about him is that he works mostly 1 on 1 with kids and this is what helps people the most. Most of the kicking camps out there are all for promotion and rankings, and not individualized training as they are marketed towards, which is a shame. I still would very much like to go to at least two or three major ranking camps over the summer to get my name out there. I’ve heard of a couple at Princeton and some other ones locally that would be nice. Our graduating quarterback’s father also recommended some that might be helpful. If I only make it out to a couple, I would still be fine as long as I am improving with my Coach and individually.”

Did you have a favorite college growing up?
“Growing up, I never really was that into the hype behind colleges. I played soccer and swam, and the idea of following someone other than your own team and yourself seemed confusing to me. Later on, when I started really getting into football and other sports, I began to learn more about some of the colleges. Temple and Penn State have always been pretty well known in my mind. I used to stay at a hotel across from a satellite Penn State campus in Hazelton when my family would go skiing, so I knew they were a thing. My coach kicked for Temple, and I’ve always lived around Philadelphia, so I love hearing about both of them. Up until the past year and a half though, I never really thought about college much. Princeton has a very nice campus too; I’ve played water polo there a couple times. Overall though, my family has never been die-hard for any colleges.

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Find out what colleges are recruiting Isaac Rumery, Teagan Wilk, Matt Norris, Fintan Brose, and William Leyland now!

......................................................................................................

Clearfield quarterback Isaac Rumery
Do you want to play sports in college? If so, which one?
“Yes, my lifelong dream has been to play D1 college football.”

What colleges have been recruiting you?
“A handful of schools have been recruiting me. Just some are Toledo, Akron, Bucknell, Bowling Green, Michigan, Penn State, Temple, Eastern Michigan, Robert Morris, Miami of Ohio, and Columbia.”

What school is recruiting you the hardest?
“All of the schools right now are looking to offer me, but the one who is coming at me the hardest is probably Columbia.”

Have you made any college trips yet?
“Yes, I have visited Rutgers and Michigan. I plan to go to other schools very soon.”

What camps are you going to this summer?
“Other than a select amount of junior day camps, I am going to attend the Elite 1camp and an Under Armour camp.”

Did you have a favorite college growing up?
“My favorite college growing up was Ohio State. I loved to watch Terrell Pryor.”

......................................................................................................

Berwick safety Teagan Wilk
Do you want to play sports in college? If so, which one?
“Yes, I for sure want to play football in college. It has been a dream of mine since I could walk.”

What colleges have been recruiting you?
“Rutgers actually came in to talk to Coach Sheptock on Thursday, so that was huge for me. We think now that a lot more schools will start to come in.”

What school is recruiting you the hardest?
“I would definitely say Rutgers is a big one because of the conversation Coach Sheptock and their interest in me.”

Have you made any college trips yet?
“I haven’t actually gone on a college trip yet, but we have many colleges that I’m going to take trips and see. Definitely Rutgers because of the talk with Coach Sheptock.”

What camps are you going to this summer?
“The Under Armour all American camp, the Nike opening, Rivals camp, and I am going to go to some college camps.”

Did you have a favorite college growing up?
“I didn’t really have a favorite college growing up, but since I’m from Pennsylvania, I like Penn State. I have family in North Carolina, so I like North Carolina state and Wake Forest.”

......................................................................................................

Central Bucks South linebacker Matt Norris
Do you want to play sports in college? If so, which one?
“Yes, football.”

What colleges have been recruiting you?
“There have been many colleges coming in to my school to visit me like Penn State, Boston College, Maryland, Temple, UPenn, Bucknell, and Lehigh.”

What school is recruiting you the hardest?
“Lehigh and Bucknell are the two colleges recruiting me more heavily than the others.”

Have you made any college trips yet?
“I’ve visited UPenn, Bucknell, and Lehigh.”

What camps are you going to this summer?
“I'm not too sure which camps yet, but I'm planning on going to a bigger camp that has a decent amount of colleges at it.”

Did you have a favorite college growing up?
“Growing up, I always loved and still cheer for the Georgia Bulldogs.”

......................................................................................................

Hempfield Area defensive end Fintan Brose
Do you want to play sports in college? If so, which one?
“I want to play football in college.”

Have you made any college trips yet?
“I have made a lot of college trips from here down to Florida.”

What camps are you going to this summer?
“I am planning on going to a lot of camps, but I haven’t decided which ones to go to yet.”

Did you have a favorite college growing up?
“Growing up, my favorite college was Miami.”

......................................................................................................

Souderton kicker William Leyland
Do you want to play sports in college? If so, which one?
“I need to play sports in college. Currently, I am on the polo team, swim team and football team in high school. I would love to go to college for either polo or football. I am only swimming to stay in shape for polo as there are no polo or football leagues in the winter. I truly feel that this off-season will define the rest of my life, because I’m planning to play for four different water polo teams with a potential to go to the 16U Junior Olympics in two of them. I’m still lifting with my football team, swimming with the swim team, lifeguarding, more than likely coaching swim, going to Jersey on Sundays to kick with my coach, and I am currently working to finish my Eagle Scout in Boy Scouts. If polo goes exceptionally well and I get some offers or trips for college next year, I could very well go there. At the same time, if that happens for kicking, I could go there too. It all depends on the offers that arise and how well I perform in each. I’m doing the very best that I can to work harder than everyone in both sports, but it is hard at the same time to balance everything. Some days I will have a terrible kicking practice but have a great feel in the pool. It just depends. I’m just hoping to point a light at God in everything that I do, and that is how I stay focused whenever I sway away from my goal. As for the colleges I would like to go to, I really have no clue. I have looked into a couple, but I think really right now I have my eyes set on any of the good DI schools like Penn State, Temple, and most of the state schools. Florida State actually is very interesting. I follow their kicker on instagram, Eddie Piñero, and he has done exceptionally well and is leaving early to play in the NFL, so it would be amazing to have that influence in my life. The one thing that I can promise is that wherever I go, once I get set into one path, you can bet I’m going to give it everything I’ve got and never back down.

What colleges have been recruiting you?
“With me currently being a sophomore, I’ve heard that colleges cannot really touch you until your junior year. I haven’t gotten any direct offers from any colleges for academics or sports yet. The only things I have gotten are PSAT reply mail, which I’m assuming the colleges send if you hit a certain threshold of score. Nevertheless, I am looking into all of the mail that I have gotten and their football teams just to see what the colleges have to offer. I actually found someone on the Allegheny football roster, who is a kicker, and who swam in high school. I followed him on Instagram and had a short conversation about his times and what he swam. It was very intriguing to be able to do that all within an hour over the internet.”

Have you made any college trips yet?
“I have not made any college trips yet, but I have heard lots of stories and am looking forward to what could come in the future.”

What camps are you going to this summer?
“I actually am looking at a lot of camps this summer. The first one I went to was Kicking World in Pennsylvania back in eighth grade. I learned the basics there, but my dad and I quickly realized that it wasn’t very individualized and was more self-taught and run as a company. After this, we found someone named Jim Cooper with the 5 Star Kicking out in Jersey. My Dad, being a turf expert as Coach Cooper calls him, has been taking care of his field ever since, and Coach Cooper has been training me for free. He has a couple small camps that I enjoy going to, but what is so special about him is that he works mostly 1 on 1 with kids and this is what helps people the most. Most of the kicking camps out there are all for promotion and rankings, and not individualized training as they are marketed towards, which is a shame. I still would very much like to go to at least two or three major ranking camps over the summer to get my name out there. I’ve heard of a couple at Princeton and some other ones locally that would be nice. Our graduating quarterback’s father also recommended some that might be helpful. If I only make it out to a couple, I would still be fine as long as I am improving with my Coach and individually.”

Did you have a favorite college growing up?
“Growing up, I never really was that into the hype behind colleges. I played soccer and swam, and the idea of following someone other than your own team and yourself seemed confusing to me. Later on, when I started really getting into football and other sports, I began to learn more about some of the colleges. Temple and Penn State have always been pretty well known in my mind. I used to stay at a hotel across from a satellite Penn State campus in Hazelton when my family would go skiing, so I knew they were a thing. My coach kicked for Temple, and I’ve always lived around Philadelphia, so I love hearing about both of them. Up until the past year and a half though, I never really thought about college much. Princeton has a very nice campus too; I’ve played water polo there a couple times. Overall though, my family has never been die-hard for any colleges.

......................................................................................................

how is the list compiled of 2019 punters and kickers? Is it based on stats, film, nominations etc...?

We are excited to announce the lineup, topics and information for the upcoming Clinic in Dublin, Ga on March 9-10. We believe our Clinic is for Coaches of all age levels. We encourage Coaches form youth league age to come and learn the game from our tremendous speakers. While we have Speakers from Georgia Southern and Mercer University we have over 25 State Championship games from our High School Speakers. I encourage you go to our website (www.southeastwingtclinic.com) and see the speakers along with their topics and bios.

Our Clinic will begin Friday at Noon on the 9th and end at 3:30 on Saturday the 10th. You will only need a hotel room for one night and we will have the "Friday Night Social" sponsored by "GameDay Marketing" with a BBQ lunch provided on Saturday. Hobbs Sporting Goods will again have their raved about Clearance Sale at our Clinic again in 18.

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Is so innocent why is his campaign under investigation and why does it have 4 people who have been collected already with 2 being found guilty. The most corrupt President ever. And we have the arrested to prove it.

Anybody have any insight on why Kaufman is not the coach at Kennett anymore? 1 year?

Chris Harlan out here reporting that on twitter. Good thing PR/SJP happened this year - won't happen in finals for at least two more years.

when Donny goes down Login to view embedded media

1. Obama wire tapped Trump Tower
2. Hillary Clinton gave Uranium to the Russians
3. Had the biggest crown for a presidential inauguration
4. Said he fired Comey over how he handled the Clinton emails
5. Said that Mexico would pay for the wall
6. Paid a Porn star to have an affair with him
7. Said that he never wanted to fore Mueller


Man you guys can pick em

saying he will sue if the book fire and fury in released. Come on Trumptards where are you at??? Where is the master of 3-D chess on this. I am sure there is a spin somewhere. Trump for Jail 2018

the evangelicals??? Trump has had multiple affairs payed off porn stars, lied so many times, ripped people off. Where is the God squad now???

NJ
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Fake news or a real thing?

You bought this story from the get-go. Now give us the facts. No links, just your articulation of what laws were broken. Can't wait!

looks like Donny is in trouble. Looks like you guys voted for a crook

hey Trumptards looks like we have some cannibals in the Trump Campaign. HAHAHAHAHA. Got to love this, Trump is toast once Mueller gets a hold of Bannon.

are using the word Coup. Really? A coup. How irresponsible and I can't wait for 2018 to get these jags out of there. So the Republican scare force is at it again because Meuller is on to Dirty Donny and his swamp of turds. Come on 2018

yep we are Germany 1933

Alabama goes for the Dem over the Bannon Trump candidate. So where is our favorite day trader and master of 3-D chess at this AM

Here’s a picture what the 6A playoffs could look like doing state wide seeding with 4 groupings of 16 teams each. Fantasy Football! I seeded 64 teams which is the equivalent of picking a fight with the entire state….but hopefully they are at least reasonable with the object being to give a visual of potential matchups. I added write-ups (reviews-previews, some stats) how each of the match ups might play out to give it a real feel, using year ending stats, records, etc. Of course it could never happen but still interesting to consider.


Home team is higher seed.


Group 4

1 St. Joseph’s Prep 13-1

2 State College 10-3

3 Garnet Valley 12-2

4 Pitt Central Catholic 10-3

5 Wilson 8-4

6 Hempfield (D-3) 8-3

7 Emmaus 6-5

8 Easton 8-5

9 Truman 7-4

10 Central Dauphin East 6-5

11 Dallastown 8-3

12 Ridley 7-4

13 Father Judge 4-8

14 Norwin 5-6

15 Pocono Mt. West 7-5

16 Hempfield (D-7) 1-9

Pairings and projections

1 St. Joseph’s Prep 13-1 vs 16 Hempfield (D7) 1-9

Hempfield has a gun slinger at Qb in senior Justin Sliwoski but that’s all and that’s not enough as scores against quality show losing to Mt. Lebanon 31-0, Central Catholic 42-14, Bethel 55-21 and North Allegheny 63-28. Without a running game the Hawk’s will pin their ears and raise havoc in the Spartan backfield, maybe scoring once or twice themselves with a shaken Sliwoski slinging it all over the field. They faced a tough slate of cross-over games playing in the WPIAL-Southeastern drawing Central Catholic, Penn Hills and North Allegheny from the Northern 7. But without the personnel to compete, all a rugged schedule did was add to the loss column and beat them up. At 38ppg, St. Joe’s will score at will with Hempfield having no answer for dual threat Qb Marquez McCray (1532p, 543r) and his abundant skill in the backfield in Marques Mason (748r) and Kolbe Burrell (789r)) and on the flanks with Brandon Sanders (514p), James Cherry (332p) and Johnny Freeman (309p). Their ppg allowed defensively is 13 which is special knowing they played high quality opponents in Jesuit-FL, Wood, LaSalle, St. Peters, Parkland and Pine Richland. Despite losing to Pine Richland in the state final, the occasion marked their 4th trip to Hershey in the last 5 years where they won 3 state titles in 13, 14 and 16, with a runner up medal last year. Few programs can say that.

8 Easton 8-5 vs 9 Truman 7-4

Easton got off to a good start going 3-0 then put consecutive wins together just once thereon (ESN-Northampton), going 5-5 the rest of the way in another so-so season for the Rovers. They lost to Parkland in the playoffs 52-10 after being embarrassed in the regular season 42-7 with a highly veteran team that returned almost every starter on both sides of the ball including Qb Scott Poulson who had a strong year throwing for 1972 yards, many to WR Jakob Herres with 1238 yards. Truman went the other way with their option attack under first year coach Mike LaPalombara (formerly at Pennsbury with Coach Galen Snyder) rolling out 7 wins to earn their first playoff game ever. Heck of a first year! They had great speed in the backfield with FB David Akinwande and Halfbacks Habeeb Bab and Enzo Pouloson. So, this could be another great 8-9 game where we’d see if Easton could corral Truman’s option that sputtered mightily against Neshaminy, Pennsbury and Abington, losing by an average score of 39-13, while defeating all other comp by a 49-10 average score. Easton falls somewhere in between those extremes so it could be a good one. Bottom line, this was a breakthrough season for the Trojans (3-7 last year) while Easton disappointed with a highly veteran team.

4 Pittsburgh Central Catholic 10-3 vs 13 Father Judge 4-8

Philly verses the Steel City unfortunately looks like, well, a 4 verses a 13! And that’s a long way to go to have it handed to you by a team with superior talent. But, there is no give up with Father Judge as demonstrated in an overtime loss to Germantown Academy and 7-point losses to Ryan and Roman. Against a wicked schedule in the PCL-Red with a tough non-conference slate against Ridley, Springside-CHA, GA and Salesianum, it’s surprising they didn’t collapse. They do have a pair of talented receivers in Katob Joseph and Steve Arrington who could make an impression if Qb Shane Dooley gets time. While this is not one of Central Catholic’s stronger editions, they are still a legitimate team at 10-3 with their only losses coming to reigning State Champions, losing to Cathedral Prep the 4A champ 40-7 and the 6A champ Pine Richland twice, 47-17 and 42-7. They had issues at quarterback graduating a stellar O-Line, resulting in part with Troy Fisher’s numbers dropping from 1815 yards with a 58% completion percentage to 1127 yards at 53%. About that O-Line, his ratio of Tds to Picks plummeted from 22/5 to 9/5. As the great Keith Jackson always said, ‘how about those Big Uglies.’ 5 Wilson 8-4 vs 12 Ridley 7-4

8-4 is a pretty decent season depending on where you’re from, but in the case of Wilson it is a very bad season, especially with the Lancaster-Lebanon down. Things are off kilter anytime you see Wilson and Central Dauphin (Mid Penn) with 9 losses between them. Others like Cumberland Valley, Harrisburg, Manheim Central, Governor Mifflin, Berks Catholic and Manheim Township had their typical strong years, atypically strong in the case of Manheim Township so it wasn’t a district power outage. Wilson had some impressive skill people in Qb Connor Uhrig throwing for 1678 yards and Ignacion Reynoso rushing for 1559 yards. And they had a pile of good receivers but none that stood out. At 31pp offensively they were typical Wilson but the D at 19ppg was their worst since 2005’s 7-5 team. About Ridley, if the team that finished the season shows up they’ll be a handful. There is considerable talent at running back in Ociele Miller and particularly Kamal Richardson (+1000) plus a large offensive line and senior Nick Layden under center. In terms of production, the Raiders feel back to 2015’s level with 7 wins and an offense scoring 27ppg. The defense was solid at16ppg yield except for the Springfield game losing 42-7. They got off to a bad start but they’ll be there as demonstrated in tough, consecutive home losses to Haverford 17-13, Garnet Valley 24-14 and Marple Newtown 14-12 on the way to a 2-4 start. Ridley, 2-4!? But thereon (after Springfield) they went 5-0 outscoring opponents 35-12, finishing the regular season with a strong win against arch rival Interboro 38-20 where Richardson and Miller were exceptional.

2 State College 10-3 vs 15 Pocono Mountain West 7-5

It was another strong year for the Lions cranking out 10 wins with a sizeable offense averaging 43ppg. While exciting, they were vulnerable with a defense allowing 22ppg that caught up with them in the losses to Cumberland Valley 36-21, Harrisburg 51-28 and Pine Richland 49-21. With a good portion of their skill people back next year, they’ll again be exciting, perhaps more if they can tighten up the D. Their opponent had an interesting season converting an 0-4 start to a 7-1 finish that got them to the playoffs and first playoff win in school history beating Stroudsburg 34-20. This was also their first winning season since 2008 that was almost predictable despite the 0-4 start returning a pile of starters against the soft EPC-North schedule. But with losses to Bethlehem Catholic 58-14, Allentown Central Catholic 34-12, Emmaus 63-13 and Freedom 33-21, you can see this would be too big a stage tackling the Lions on the road especially with defense allowing 31ppg against this offense.

7 Emmaus 6-5 vs 10 Central Dauphin East 6-5

The light and quick East High guys lit things up early racing out to a 5-1 record before collapsing against Mid Penn muscle losing to Harrisburg, State College, Bishop McDevitt and Cumberland Valley (twice) down the stretch. With a 6-5 record and a defense allowing 34ppg, you know they had some fluff in the schedule defeating 0-10 Chambersburg, 4-6 Susquehanna Twp and three other 5-5 teams. Their Qb Kane Everson somehow held up at 5-11, 160, rushing and passing for just over 750 yards. But the defense was too young for the Mid Penn Commonwealth with 2 sophomores and 9 juniors starting or getting significant time. Maybe next year. Also at 6-5, Emmaus, was a great disappointment with a wholly veteran team returning with high expectations. But it didn’t work out that way with their inability to win the close ones, losing to Whitehall 42-35, Bethlehem Catholic 28-21 and Freedom 24-17. East High would have their moments in this match up with a shifty quarterback but the Hornets are more, much more especially at home where they were 4-1 in the regular season losing only to Bethlehem Catholic (12-3) 28-21 (losing a 14-0 lead) before the 1st round loss to Freedom (7-6) 26-15.

3 Garnet Valley 12-2 vs 14 Norwin 5-6

Norwin got out the gate at 3-3 with notably losses to Penn Trafford (11-2), 3-0 (bitter, bitter rival) and Peters Township (7-4) 13-7. But close doesn’t count and they plain and simple just couldn’t finish in those games, dropping them from a possible 7-4 finish to 5-6. They broke in a sophomore quarterback of some promise in Jack Salopek (6-3, 180, 1834, 54%, 8/10), but with no running game to speak of and 7 receivers (4 juniors) with double digit receptions (next year!) it was an uphill battle. The offense averaged 16ppg was of little support to a senior-junior defense that hung tough allowing 18ppg! That’s good stuff….notable stuff against Penn Trafford, Bethel Park, Mt. Lebanon, Peters Township, Central Catholic and Pine Richland. Nice! Meanwhile the Garnet Valley Jaguars were surprising everyone except us locals with another fine run through the season and playoffs, despite injuries at quarterback (Ryan Hamby and Cole Palis) that saw 3rd string soph Qb Ryan Gallagher get the job done from at least Conestoga (game 10) through the playoffs. I believe Palis had another appearance before being dinged again. The only regular season loss was to 5A district runner-up Springfield (13-1) 14-7, before defeating Central Bucks West, Pennridge and North Penn in the playoffs. A pick-6 brought the season to a close in a hard fought 35-28 loss to Coatesville in the district final. But here against Norwin from the Wpial Southeastern where option offenses are a thing of the past, their offense will roll it up big time. The defense that showed the Suburban One the Central League can match up, beating Central Bucks West, North Penn and Pennridge in the postseason should stuff Norwin’s young group.

6 Hempfield (D3) 8-3 vs 11 Dallastown 8-3

What are the odds of this pairing with two old foes meeting again after already playing each other twice? But that’s the way the seeds fell. Weird. Hempfield, from the Lancaster Lebanon-Section One won the regular season encounter 38-14. They met again (postseason) where Dallastown from the York Adam League again lost but in a tight one 31-28 game. Hempfield’s other losses were to Exeter, Manheim Township and Wilson before losing to Cumberland Valley in the postseason. They have a pile of talent (29ppg) in dual threat Qb Mark Himmelsbach who passed for 1464 yards (61%) and rushed for 1298 with David Martin-Robinson (Temple) in support with 522 rushing and 585 in receptions. Tack on Steve Wentzel’s 944 yards to wonder why these guys didn’t fare better. Look no farther than a defense that allowed 28ppg! Too bad with the talent on offense they had a JV D. The Wildcats also have some talent, notable Nyzair Smith who hurt the Black Knights earlier ending the season with 2092 yards as the #1 rusher in York County. As a general rule of thumb, top team in the York-Adams are often on a par with mid-range LL-1 teams. Given the LL-1 was down this year, Hempfield and Dtown are a little closer in talent making this a game that would likely mimic their recent 31-28 affair.

2nd Round projections

St. Joseph’s Prep vs Easton

Central Catholic vs Wilson

State College vs Emmaus

Garnet Valley vs Hempfield (D3)

Here’s a picture what the 6A playoffs could look like doing state wide seeding with 4 groupings of 16 teams each. Fantasy Football! I seeded 64 teams which is the equivalent of picking a fight with the entire state….but hopefully they are at least reasonable with the object being to give a visual of potential matchups. I added write-ups (reviews-previews, some stats) how each of the match ups might play out to give it a real feel, using year ending stats, records, etc. Of course it could never happen but still interesting to consider.

Home team is higher seed.


Group 1

1 Pine Richland 16-0

2 North Penn 9-3

3 Manheim Township 12-2

4 Bethel Park 8-2

5 Delaware Valley 12-1

6 Haverford Township 9-3

7 Freedom 7-6

8 Perkiomen Valley 10-2

9 Central Bucks West 6-5

10 Owen J. Roberts 9-3

11 Liberty 4-7

12 Carlisle 5-5

13 Hazelton 7-5

14 Central Bucks East 4-6

15 Taylor Allderdice 7-4

16 M.L. King 6-4

Pairings and projections

1 Pine Richland 16-0 vs 16 Martin Luther King 6-4

Long day for MLK with losses to Northeast 47-20 and Bartram 56-18 who lost to Imhotep 33-0 linking you to how they’d do against this behemoth (no secret), knowing what the Rams did to St. Joseph’s Prep in the real world. You can take the linkage farther with St. Joe’s win against St. Peters Prep who beat Don Bosco, Paramus Catholic and SJR, and their win against Archbishop Wood who beat Bergen Catholic to see superiority over the North Jersey Super Conference which is quite a statement. About MLK, with little running game (fatal against this team) MLK would rely on their Dixon to Dixon connection where Qb Salim Dixon and Qaadir worked well in the Public League. But not here, running head on into one of the best defenses and top secondary in the state. Pine Richland returned starters at every skill position making for a lights-out season. Qb Phil Jurkovec (Notre Dame) set record upon record completing 73% of passes (39/6 ratio) for 3979 yards while rushing for 1212 yards. Jordan Crawford rushed for 1295 yards and caught 32 passes for 341 yards. 5 receivers had over 30 receptions led by Jason DeFrancisis with 1144 yard and Ray Falcone with 1042. The O-line featuring Andrew Kristofic 6-6 265, Michael Katic 6-3 280, Parker Boyd 6-2 260, Michael Dorundo 6-1, 260 and the sole senior, Grant Lemirande 6-0 250, was outstanding. Back to the D that was overshadowed by Jurkovec’s exploits. They allowed 13ppg against a rugged schedule especially when considering the linkage thoughts above. The following numbers reflect how well they held teams below their season average; Pitt CC 10 and 20 (played twice), North Allegheny 7 and 10, St. Joe’s 14, State College and Penn Hills 22. Manheim Township 29. The best part of this matchup would be the bus ride to Gibsonia, getting out of the city to see some great beautiful country side especially on the other side of Harrisburg.

8 Perkiomen Valley 10-2 vs 9 Central Bucks West 6-5

Based on PV’s scores against Pennridge and West’s against the same and North Penn says this is a great game. Dual threat Qb Cole Peterlin could be the difference for Rams at home in a super tight one knowing the only team to beat them was Pennridge, twice, 29-0 then 25-0 in the playoffs. But the Bucks have decent young talent on defense from a team that started the season 5-1 with a 28-14 loss to rival North Penn. Pennridge beat them 26-6 then the heartbreaking losses to Central Bucks South 21-20 (missed extra pt) and the upset to quirky Souderton 21-14 before losing to Garnet Valley 32-13 in the playoffs. This was the Bucks first winning season since 2013 (9-3) and the first time the defense allowed less than 20ppg average since 2004’s 9-2 team that allowed 12ppg. This year’s allowed 18 a game. They are 4-2 on the road and Peterlin is a sophomore so if they can get some pressure!

4 Bethel Park 8-2 vs 13 Hazelton 7-5

Bethel Park is much more with their veteran OL/DL headed by OT-NG James Gmitter (6-4, 305, WV) that returned all starters, and tandem running backs Jon Delano and Tanner Volpatti than youthful Hazelton who got their swag back this year with their first winning season in 7 years. Bethel had their best season since the 2009 team that went 10-2, losing to Woodland Hills (12-2) in the Wpial final 38-35. But it was the ’08 team that was memorable, beating Wilson (14-1) in the semifinal 38-35 in 3 overtime periods before losing to Liberty (15-1) in the final 28-21. About Hazelton; they were young in a lot of positions resulting in consistent inconsistency, losing to a decent Berwick (10-3) team, followed by a win against equally fluky Wyoming Valley West (7-7) and Williamsport (7-4), then the shocker, losing to a weak 4A Donegal (5-5, D3, LL-3) 20-14 at home. They struggled but got to 7-5 with a young group and a Qb in Ryan Wolk completing 57% for 2234 yards with a 38/7 Td-Pick ratio against a representative slate. Wolk returns next year along with their 3 leading receivers (110/1694yds) and the leading rusher. The youth would be an issue here traveling to the South Hills but they’re tough, tough hombres up there who will battle hard until the reality of Bethel’s big senior line wears them down.

5 Delaware Valley 12-1 vs 12 Carlisle 5-5

Few believed the Lackawanna-1 champ Warriors were the real deal until losing narrowly to State College in the postseason 21-14. Whereas The Thundering Herd showed they clearly could not hang with the big boys, losing to Central Dauphin 65-24 and State High 70-14 while transitioning (year-2) from an over the top passing team to a more balanced attack. It was bombs away with Billy Burger under center in 2014 throwing for 2410 yards then the lights out air attack of Eric Harris throwing for 3648 yards (68%!) the following year. Talk about going against the grain in the run centric Mid Penn Commonwealth. Little thunder from the Herd but a lot of lightening with those guys! Meanwhile Delaware Valley was beating up on people scoring 37ppg with a legit D (held SC to 21) allowing 13ppg. Ryan Obiso set the tone with 1818 yards rushing along with Qb Ryan Reilly who threw for 1652 yards. This was their best teams ever with a strong nucleus and 32 seniors. Head Coach Keith Olsommer graduated from North Pocono, started at PSU in 95 and 96 (Big-10 honors 96, tight end), before becoming HC in 99, turning down a career with the Ravens at TE. Big win here as DV likely smokes the Herd.

2 North Penn 9-3 vs 15 Taylor Allderdice 7-4

North Penn’s pedigree and schedule difficulty would put them in the driver’s seat here against Allderdice from the Pittsburgh City League (District 8) whose games outside the city resulted in losses to Altoona 35-34, Hollidaysburg 42-6, Wheeling Park 35-19 and the ot Homecoming win against Dubois 28-27. The Dragons play in beautiful Cupples Stadium (South Side) right on the Mon across from The Point. Nice! Too bad they can’t switch venues with the season the Knights had, giving them a bowl game of sorts after surpassing last year’s record setting offense that scored 40ppg by averaging 41. Once again the Knights seem to rebuild better than most teams and especially along the O-Line. It’s a big enough school (1564 males) where they actually can reload many positions rather than rebuild. Still heady stuff knowing what they lost last year measured against their performance this year. Their won/loss over the last 6 years was 57-19, then 72-13 the preceding 6 years and 63-15 from 2000 to 2005, winning gold in 2003, defeating Pitt CC 37-10 (Kevin Akins 210 ry, 2063 season) with a USA Today 12th ranked team at 15-0, and losing to Central Dauphin (15-1) 14-7 in 2011 with a 13-3 team, CD holding them to 192 total yards in a grinder. For this year, you can’t help noticing when they lost they allowed an inordinate amount of points, losing to LaSalle 41-28, Down East 61-44 and Garnet Valley 36-35. That averages out to 59-36 and that’s where they fell short this year, allowing a year-end average of 27ppg, their highest in 20 years of records I’ve kept.

7 Freedom 7-6 vs 10 Owen J. Roberts 9-3

Like the Perk Val-CB West game above, this would probably be an exciting match with the erratic Patriots consistent at home, beating Emmaus and Bethlehem Catholic, pitted against road tested OJR who had games against Spring-Ford and Downingtown East and a defense that on occasions (12ppg) asserts itself. Coach Rich Kolka brought the program back in his 3 years there, going 6-6, 7-5 and now 9-3 following a 10-39 run from 2001-2014. But like last year, they were again hammered by PAC powers Spring Ford and Perkiomen Valley. Freedom was young last year but still managed to get to the District-11 Final for the 2nd consecutive year, losing to Parkland. How about Freedom! All that youth with a soph quarterback equaled inconsistency and potential, potential that may be realized next year with a 3rd consecutive challenge for the EPC-South crown with a legit, more mature group.

3 Manheim Township 12-2 vs 14 Central Bucks East 4-6

This would be an interesting matchup pitting the Lancaster Lebanon against the Suburban One with the Streaks having a great year with one of the more underrated Qbs in the state. Luke Emge (Harvard) completed 62% of his passes for 1894 yards with a Td/Pick ratio of 24/7. 5 receivers snagged over 20 receptions each for 1662 yards with Grayson Sallade getting 1412 rushing. When that faltered, the D was usually there holding opponents to 15ppg with OLB linebacker Drake Puffenbarger cleaning things up at 6-4, 245 pounds. In support were DEs James Starer 6-4 245, Chuck Mikulka and Ethan Hurst, both 6-4 240. In handling Central Dauphin, Wilson and Cumberland Valley, Manheim showed they could play before the 28-7 loss to Pine Richland. Their other loss was to Governor Mifflin (11-2, 5A) 49-14. The same Governor Mifflin that handled Harrisburg 26-14. Township’s O-Line would likely dominate CB East the same way Mifflin owned Harrisburg’s D-Line (especially Micah Parsons!) so it could get rough. For the Patriots, following a 0-2 start they got it together and were always competitive with 4 of their losses by 1, 3, 4 and 9 points. Junior quarterback Evan O’Donnell was a threat completing 69% of passes for 1724 yards. When he got dinged late, freshman Anthony Giordano stepped in against Pennridge to complete 22 of 37 passes for 268 yards. Some kind of freshman! All those competitive losses in the tough SOL-Continental says Manheim wouldn’t want to look past these guys. But watch the Patriots next year where they return a lot of bodies and most of their skill people.

6 Haverford 9-3 vs 11 Liberty 4-7

One of the best 3 loss teams in the East went under the radar for much of the year battling hard before bowing to Garnet Valley, Springfield and North Penn while defeating Ridley and Marple Newtown. Disappointing for sure but no embarrassment losing to those three. The Fords have some nice parts in junior quarterback Jake Ruane who tore up North Penn rushing for 148 yards and passing for another 232! Wide out Jordan Mosley (MD) caught 8 for 126 yards. The talent level is definitely on the upswing at the school so look out next year when they get Marple Newtown, Ridley and Garnet Valley at home. Liberty’s losses to Easton, Parkland (twice), Whitehall, Beca and Emmaus suggest they’d have difficulty here although Qb Todd Erney will make it interesting if he duplicates the effort shown against Parkland (15/22/192/3 Tds) a few weeks ago where the Canes shook them up, forcing them to respond to a 23-14 4th quarter deficit before pulling it out 36-23. They returned a lot of bodies last year but in fairness were still very young. So, keep your eyes on them for 2018 as they should be a factor.

2nd Round projections:
Pine Richland vs Perkiomen Valley
Bethel Park vs Delaware Valley
North Penn vs Freedom
Manheim Twp vs Haverford

Here’s a picture what the 6A playoffs could look like doing state wide seeding with 4 groupings of 16 teams each. Fantasy Football! I seeded 64 teams which is the equivalent of picking a fight with the entire state….but hopefully they are at least reasonable with the object being to give a visual of potential matchups. I added write-ups (reviews-previews, some stats) how each of the match ups might play out to give it a real feel, using year ending stats, records, etc. Of course it could never happen but still interesting to consider.


Home team is higher seed.


Group 2

1 Coatesville 13-2

2 Downingtown East 10-2

3 North Allegheny 8-4

4 LaSalle College 7-4

5 Pennsbury 10-3

6 Mount Lebanon 6-5

7 Erie High 9-3

8 Williamsport 7-4

9 Northeast 8-3

10 Nazareth 6-5

11 Central York 6-4

12 Red Lion 8-3

13 Seneca Valley 5-6

14 Quakertown 7-4

15 Scranton 6-5

16 South Philadelphia 7-4

Pairings and projections

1 Coatesville 13-2 vs 16 South Philadelphia High 7-4.

Nice season for Southern who was edged by Central in the Pub semifinal 20-12. Knowing grad losses were evidently well managed (DT Casey Williams Temple), the Rams had a good year. Two 1000 yard rushers in Zaki Samuels and Dwayne Parks with dual threat Qb Sheriff Jones had them competitive in most games except Bartram (11-1) and Penn Charter (9-1), losing to Bartram 28-0 and PC 35-6. As a city team taking on the burbs, they’ll come out with a lot of pride that won’t be enough against the juggernaut that is Coatesville. The Raiders offense is beyond anything the Rams have seen at 44ppg with an explosiveness that maxed out against St. Joseph’s Prep where they rolled up 562 yards of offense in a losing 53-49 effort. Otherwise they defeated Downingtown East 38-27 and 61-42, then Pennsbury 42-2 and Garnet Valley in the district final 35-28 before going toe-to-toe with the Hawks in the state semifinal. Heck of a year and a heck of a team with a pile of starters returning for next year. Here are season ending totals for some of the starters. Qb Ricky Ortega (3298, 192/304-63%, 42/4), running back Aaron Young (1699) and receiver Dapree Bryant (1344). It goes without saying Coatesville names it here verses South Philly sitting starters by the 2nd quarter.

8 Williamsport 7-4 vs 9 Northeast 6-5

Now this looks interesting with two productive offenses and both tested, especially D-12’s Public champ Northeast with games against Imhotep, St. Joseph’s Prep, Neumann Goretti, et al. Williamsport played a less competitive schedule that included Berwick, Wyoming Valley West, Hazelton and Delaware Valley. Right, not exactly ICS, SJP, Neumann, Gratz and Springside-CHA. And they play D at Northeast, good D that is their strong suit at 15ppg. The front of DeShawn McCarthy 6-4 215, Osmond Isom 6-3 240, Aziz Kaba 6-2 235 with LBs Carlos Davila 6-2 200, Kyle Morasch 5-9 210 and Marlon White 5-9 185 are versatile to play a few positions and tough enough to get after the Millionaires best, TE Ethen Stryker 6-5, 230, 52/546 and Marcus Simmons 5-9, 150, 72/960. The offense is at 28ppg keyed around Daniel Scott, Sameen Thompson and FB Ivan Green in their single wing. But the Millionaires Qb Joe Fagano at 56% for 2466 yards and their overall team speed will test Northeast. Their diminutive receivers Marcus Simmons (5-9, 150, 944) and Colin Esposito (5-5, 140, 368) can FLY! And at 6-3, 200 pounds, Qb Fagano sees the field well and is hard to bring down. The offense at 36ppg is nothing like last year’s 12-2 team that scored 47ppg but the weapons are there. It won’t be easy for Northeast hoofing it to Williamsport but this looks like it would be a high scoring exciting game.

4 LaSalle College 7-4 vs 13 Seneca Valley 5-6

Seneca Valley’s young group won their last two games of the season on the road by a cumulative score of 94 to 20. But that won’t save them here against a LaSalle group seasoned by the wars with North Penn, McDonogh, Archbishop Wood and St. Joe’s. SV is well tested too with games against Pine Richland, Pittsburgh Central Catholic, North Allegheny, Bethel Park and Peters Township. And look out North Allegheny and Pine Richland with the growth in Harmony-Cranberry Township saying Seneca is a sleeping giant. But as Robert DiNero said in The Deer Hunter….”this is this”….and despite the injury to quarterback Isiah Jones against McDonogh that dramatically changed LaSalle’s fortunes, Danny Solecki (1485, 63%) and the entire team stepped up to finish 6-3 and field their most productive offense in terms of points scored averaging 34ppg, in 19 years. They also had tremendous defensive improvement this year going from 25ppg allowed to 15 thanks in part to special talent like DL Garrett Zobel and linebackers Liam Trainer and Austin Lemke. All in all, a successful 4th year for Coach Steinmetz. Hard seeing the Raiders getting past LaSalle’s defensive front in this one. Explorer’s BIG.

5 Pennsbury 10-3 vs 12 Red Lion 8-3

A 29-20 loss to North Penn and a 21-20 loss to Neshaminy shows how close Pennsbury was to a perfect regular season before the Coatesville debacle. This was especially impressive knowing they went 5-5 last year with an anemic offense scoring 12ppg that improved to 28ppg in the rugged SOL-National. But then, they are changing gears going from their historic Ground & Pound to the Spread If they ever get that together, look out as Pennsbury is a sleeping giant just waiting for their wake-up call. The heart and soul of the Falcon attack is Qb Zach DeMarchis who passed for 1172 yards while rushing for another 1444! Meanwhile Red Lion was losing 3 of their last 4 to Central York, Dallastown and Wilson, allowing just over 35ppg in the process. The highlight of the year was defeating York-Adams Conference co-winner York High (9-2) 31-14, Coach Ortega’s old team before Coatesville (04-08 going 37-18). Look out next year as the Bearcat are loaded with underclassmen. Subsequent losses to Central and Dtown dropped them to 2nd in the YA. They had an exciting quarterback in Zach Throne who passed for 1358 yards while rushing for 1523. They’ve seen some diverse attacks but not the quality level needed here as evidenced by their 42-7 loss to Wilson. Last year was their chance with 10 Y-A All Stars and a 10-1 record. And they haven’t faced a dominant O-Line like Pennsbury’s that features Matt Russo (Rutgers) and averages 285 pounds. As their 2nd year Coach Dan McShane has demonstrated, he is far from predictable, reverting to Ground & Pound against Neshaminy after installing the Spread this year. Talent and pedigree makes the difference here with the SOL trumping the York- Adams big time.

2 Downingtown East 10-2 vs 15 Scranton 6-5

Scranton’s 5-0 start fizzled out to a 1-5 finish while Downingtown blew past 10 opponents with their only losses coming against Coatesville in an otherwise outstanding 10-2 campaign. Their opponent Scranton was a veteran group that just didn’t get there despite 8 returning to the offense and 9 to the D. The offense was fine at 29ppg but the D collapsed, allowing 32ppg. For the Cougars, this was their best offense since the split in 2003 scoring 41ppg. Unlike fellow Ches Mont-National member Coatesville, East manhandles teams with a trio of backs throwing fresh legs at you in Bassir Stocker, Garvey Jonassaint and Tim Aivado (all +700 yards). Then they punch you with fullback Spencer Umberger and catch you with play action from Qb Bryce Lauletta. Nice line featuring Carter Regitz (6-2, 260) and Connor Noble at TE. At 23ppg allowed, the defense was statistically their worst since 2006’s 7-4 team. Still a nice D-front with Nica Hesel, Connor Munnelly, Joe Janick, Trent McNally, Jack Hayward and others that were stiff against the run excepting games against Coatesville. Like Red Lion above against Pennsbury, Scranton hasn’t seen anything like Downingtown East. The closest was Delaware Valley who handled twice, 40-7 and 49-28.

7 Erie High 9-3 vs 10 Nazareth 6-5

Erie High is the result of a merger this year of Strong Vincent and East High at the building that was formerly called Central Tech. Too bad they are losing the name Strong Vincent. He was a highly regarded young Colonel in the Civil War who commanded a brigade at the Battle of Gettysburg where he was mortally wounded. He is given credit for the defense of Little Round Top, the high ground that was key to the Federal position on the field. It was at LRT where his brigade threw back Longstreet’s attack on July 2nd, 1863, thwarting Lee’s initiatives to turn the left flank. Colonel Strong Vincent was mortally wounded at the head of his men defending the hill and is buried in Erie. Sorry, I digress talking about events in my hometown, but interesting.

Back to the game; Erie was an interesting bunch with a high-flying offense averaging 39ppg. Not bad on a merger hitting that level getting 9 wins. Losses to Cathedral Prep 38-0 and State College 48-12 were sobering but they were exciting and young. With 3 running backs returning next year, at 1145 yards in Tony Foster, Jgannon Williams at 1110 and super exciting soph Danny Blue with 844 yards, they’ll again challenge. Meanwhile Naz was scaring hell out of people after a 1-3 start (2nd year in row) and a 5-2 finish that included wins against Freedom, Liberty and Easton. Heck of a season losing a quality Qb in Travis Stefanik (Offensive-POY) and replacing both lines. With an offense scoring 32 and a D allowing 30 they were a visual treat that should give Erie fits despite a sophomore at Qb in Anthony Harris. And good luck covering WR Jahan Dotson (68/892 yards) with his 4.4-40 speed. But if they can win at Liberty and Easton, they could win in Erie. Upset Special?

3 North Allegheny 8-4 vs 14 Quakertown 7-4

Mixed bag here with NA stumbling out the gate at 1-2 with the 35-15 disaster at Bethel Park followed by a 14-7 home loss to Central Catholic. Thereon they went 7-2 with a win against Penn Hills and two against Mt. Lebanon. The only losses came against Pine Richland. The O-Line clearly developed as the season progressed with only 2 returning starters, Virginia commit Derek Devine 6-6, 280, sr, and Dylan Wall 6-1, 240, sr. As always, the Tigers were one of the best teams in the West and a Top 10 team in most corners. For the third straight year they averaged over 34ppg. Defensively, having Pine Richland on anyone’s schedule skews stats but there was the 35-15 road loss at Bethel and wins against Hempfield 63-28 and Lebo 44-27 where the D was un-Art Walker like. The impact of spread offenses is also affecting historic norms. NA’s yield of 22ppg may soon be the new norm!

Q-town’s schedule didn’t have a Luke Truman duel threat at Qb (+1428 passing +1021 rushing) with running back Turner White kicking in another 1000 yards or anything close save Central Bucks West (6-5) and Pennridge (11-3) twice where they lost by a combined score of 78-6! Throw in Upper Moreland (10-2) for a 113-20 combined score for all losses. But they were young and will return their Qb, two leading rushers (Christian Patrick 1025) plus most of the defense that allowed 21ppg. Junior linebacker Nick Levinski (6-1, 225) was a bright spot with 116 stops (21 in Pennridge games). So look for improvement next year especially with Upper Moreland, Upper Dublin and improving Hatboro coming to them.

6 Mount Lebanon 6-5 vs 11 Central York 6-4

Mt. Lebanon is coming in ice cold with a so-so running game and a banged up but decent Qb in James Stocker (57%, 1954 yards), losing 3 straight where they allowed 115 points. But Aiden Cain gets your attention setting WPIAL records for receptions and yards catching 101 for 1749 yards. Wow! Unfortunately, the defense is woeful, allowing 28ppg, their worst year ending yield in over 20 years. This, with a decent returning front of Coleman Coco (6-4, 250) and Ryan Grughan (6-2, 260) who had 57 and 38 tackles respectively? For the Central High Panthers at 31ppg, that’s their opening, especially with a dual threat junior Qb in Cade Pribula (6-1, 190, 1754 passing, 510 rushing), knowing Lebo didn’t fare well against NA’s dual threat losing 44-27 and 38-14. Unlike James Stocker for Lebo who has a 12 to 10 Td to Pick ratio, Pribula is at 17 to 5. Central York lost their last two games against quality conference rivals Dallastown (8-3) and York (9-2, 5A). York-Adams competition is not the same as a proven WPIAL-Northern team who would likely win this one in a high scoring, exciting game.

2nd Round projections
Coatesville vs Williamsport
LaSalle vs Pennsbury
Dtown East vs Erie High
North Allegheny vs Mount Lebanon

On their team

"I believe my team this upcoming season will be bigger, faster and stronger."
Coatesville quarterback Ricky Ortega

"Next year, I highly expect that Aliquippa High School will win the PIAA state championship game. We must play every game and not overlook any of our opponents."
Aliquippa offensive guard Solvauhn Moreland

“I believe we have the ability to be decent. I think with the younger guys getting a year under their belts, they will understand what Friday nights are about now.”
Franklin quarterback Ian Haynes

"The teams goal is to win the section and go to the sweetest place on earth, Hershey. With a lot of guys returning the plan is to make it (to) Hershey for the second time in a season for the state championship."
Manheim Central quarterback Evan Simon

“I think next year we will be fine. It’s crucial that we all have a great off-season and that we have great chemistry coming into the season. We also have to take care of the ball. We control our own destiny.”
Armstrong defensive back Isaiah Price

“I believe our team next year will pick up where we left off this year. We all have that goal to finish the year with a win in week 15. I know we will all work hard to achieve that goal.”
Berks Catholic linebacker Brandon George

“I believe our team will accomplish more than we did last year.”
Hazleton wide receiver David Smith

“I think my team will be greater than last year’s team.”
Bethlehem Catholic offensive tackle Elias Marte

“Our team should do very well because we moved down a division. We have lots of experience this year.”
Derry linebacker Dominic DeLuca

“We are losing some great seniors, but that just means guys need to step up. I think they will. We have a tough schedule next season.”
Brookville wide receiver Bryan Dworek

“We have the talent to go back to the state championship and I feel we can win this year.”
Gateway safety Jeremiah Josephs

“I believe we will be good next season. We have a strong core of returning juniors and seniors that got some great varsity experience last year at all different positions. Our offense looks promising in its entirety and our defense is always solid. Also, the team seems to be really dedicated and focused on being the best we can next year.”
Dieruff defensive end Ja-lon Perkins

“I believe my team will be very good next season and that we can contend for another district championship.”
Schuylkill Haven running back/linebacker Steven Balulis

“I think our team can be very competitive this upcoming season. We return key starters at running back, wide receiver, and have some upcoming guys at offensive line and tight end.”
Norwin quarterback Jack Salopek

“I am very excited for this upcoming season because we have moved up a class into 5A. Mars has yet to see the teams in 5A, and with talking to my teammates, I know how much it motivates me and them to get the job done.”
Mars wide receiver Thomas Sheehy

“I believe this next season will be by far the best season I have had. We are mostly seniors, and eight of our 11 starters have three years of experience. I believe we are going to make a nice playoff run, but we have to take it one game at a time. You can’t underestimate anyone now.”
Clearfield quarterback Isaac Rumery

“The only way to tell for next season is to see how we do then. Is the potential there for us, for any team in the league? Yes. If we all learn to work together as a team, to push harder than the other teams when they are lifting, we will be successful and make it to the playoffs, I can guarantee that. It is going to take a hell of a lot of work, but it is possible. The same goes for our polo team. We have a young football team, and we are getting older, but we still need to instill that mindset deep within ourselves if we plan on going anywhere.”
Souderton kicker William Leyland

“You can’t really tell what the season will be like, but right now, we are doing what we can control and that is working hard in the weight room. We are staying after lifting sessions to sprint and do speed work.”
Berwick safety Teagan Wilk

“I’m liking the potential our team has this season. We're going to need some guys to step up, and I know they will. I think we definitely have a good chance making it to playoffs.”
Central Bucks South linebacker Matt Norris

“I believe we’re going to be successful because we have a great group of guys coming up that are more than willing to work.”
Hempfield Area defensive end Fintan Brose

“We have a big reputation and know that teams will be out to beat us. I think we will be stronger than ever and we will be the top dogs.”
Jeannette wide receiver Marcus Barnes

“We should have a lot more experience and hope to build off of the off-season. We have now and this summer with workouts and hope that translates in August. Myself and the other players are hoping to continue the tradition of Meyersdale football.”
Meyersdale lineman Riley Whitfield

“We are a young team, but I do think we have a great shot at making a run in the playoffs. We play in a very competitive conference that includes Quaker Valley and Aliquippa.”
Central Valley linebacker Reed FitzSimmons

“I believe the team can do some damage next season. We return a lot of starters, including a good group of underclassmen. Look for Colton Nemcheck, Justin Flack, and Max Malis to have strong seasons.”
Derry Area linebacker Dominic Deluca

“I believe our team will have a great season next year. We did lose some key seniors, but we have experience and were a very tough team that has great chemistry. We’re also very well coached, which can go a long way. I believe we can make a deep run where we can win districts and move onto state. If we do that, we can have all the momentum in the world.”
Spring-Ford wide receiver Dante Bonanni

“I believe if we stay healthy, we can be a top team in the area.”
Honesdale offensive guard Alex Atcavage

“Expectations are high for next season, just as they were for this past season. They will stay that way if we continue to work hard and grow as a team.”
Mercyhurst Prep offensive tackle Dylan Schley

“We’re losing a lot of great seniors, but I still feel we can get back to winning a state championship.”
Southern Columbia linebacker Max Tillett

“I feel if we work as a team, execute our plays, and keep working hard, we will be successful as a team this season.”
Yough running back Reno Ustazewski

“I see our season going as good, if not better, than last year’s season. With a year under my belt at quarterback, I understand what it takes to be elite in our league and I hope I can bring this to my other teammates who might not be as experienced. We do have a lot of returning starters with great talent that will impact our team in big ways.”
Neshaminy quarterback Brody McAndrew

“I believe my team will perform very well this upcoming season. We all have the mentality of not knowing how to lose and being the toughest guys in our conference.”
Northwest Area kicker Jack Wessler

“I think we will do just as good as we did this past season and possibly a bit better.”
Claysburg-Kimmel safety Kobe Harr

“I believe my team will have an undefeated season. We have some starters coming back like Anthony Bullock at running back, Jayden Lucas at strong safety, Kris Jones fullback, and a couple more.”
Woodland Hills defensive back Mike Coleman

“I think my team will be great next season now that we have officially had the time to get our chemistry right for being a first-year team.”
Erie running back Danny Blue

“We are excited about the upcoming season. We have a lot of returning players, and we have the potential to do something special.”
North Allegheny offensive guard Jacob Lugg

“We have a lot of returning starters next year, so the expectations are high.”
Palmerton running back Andrew Sabo

“I think that our season will be successful. I think we can easily be in the top three of the Heritage Conference and earn a first-round bye in the district playoffs with the talent that United football has for this upcoming season.”
United quarterback Kyle Silk

“I believe we can compete with anyone. Our young guys need to commit to improving themselves all spring and summer. Then our returning players need to lead the young guys and put them in positions to succeed.”
Mt. Lebanon safety Michael Palmer

“We had a young team last year and a lot of the players had experience in the big games. It will be a fun senior year.”
Grove City wide receiver Logan Lutz

“I believe my team will be very good next season. We have a bunch of young kids, but they are tough as nails and won't back down from a fight. Our line is getting new additions and these guys are hungry.”
Selinsgrove Area running back Joe Kahn

“With the move to the EPC South, we are facing harder competition each week. We lost a lot of starters, especially on defense, but we will have kids step up to the challenge.”
Allentown Central Catholic kicker Rustin Seyle

“I believe we’re going to be serious contenders for the WPIAL and State titles next year. We’re returning all four of our receivers and our number one back will be back next year as he got injured in our first scrimmage. We have some big young guys that we can fill the holes in the O-Line because we lost four of our five starters from last year. I have total confidence in our coaches that they will get the best version of us that they can get. With that being said, we’re going to have to put in the work to get there. We’re not settling for a section title this year. We want more than that.”
Our Lady of Sacred Heart quarterback Tyler Bradley

“Our team is going to be a lot more experienced this year. We lost some key players, but we also have a lot of key players returning. Our experienced line, quarterback, and receivers will really make us a run and pass threat. On defense, we have some spots to fill and kids that are ready to step up. We should have a very good season this year.”
Bishop McDevitt fullback Dray Donley

“I think this team can be just as good as last year, but we just have to work for it because nothing is given.”
Springfield quarterback Jack Psenicska

“As I said earlier, I think with the skill set we have coming back, it can be a special season. We got a group of us that have been starters since our sophomore years, and a few others that started last year as sophomores. The talent level is there, but we need to replace a couple linemen. We have guys that have been putting in the work to take over because the younger guys are starting to step up. Defensively, we are adding some things, so I’m hoping we can live up to the goals we have set as a team. The coaching staff is great. Coach Barley kept a few coaches from last year but added some new great coaches with a lot of experience. It’s all there for us. We as players just have to do our jobs.”
Freedom linebacker Cody Ross

“I think we have a special group of guys. We have a very strong senior class and young guys that will step up. This year should be great.”
Malvern Prep offensive tackle Jake Hornibrook

“I don’t want to jinx anything, but we’re getting pretty much all of our skill players back and two great linemen. Anything less than a state championship is a failed season, but I think we will make it there and win it.”
Aliquippa athlete Will Gipson

“It’s too early to tell how we will be next year right now. We’re just focusing on improving ourselves and developing our younger players to be able to fill in the gaps on the roster. We still have a ton of returning starters, so I have confidence that next year will be a good year for us. We’re hungry for a three-peat.”
Schuylkill Haven defensive end Nathan Reedy

“I think my team is going to shock the city. I think we have a lot of talent returning and we got some new talent coming in that’s really going to help us. I think we are going to be the team to beat this season.”
Malvern Prep linebacker Keith Maguire

“Everyone has been working hard in the workouts so far. We are just focused on getting prepared for our first game of the season.”
Bishop McDevitt linebacker Devyn Clair

“I think if some younger players step up, we will be able to put together a pretty strong season. I am looking to get back to playoffs and make a run.”
Warwick tight end Hayden Rucci

“I think we could go back to states.”
Steel Valley linebacker Todd Hill

“I think we can be good, but we’re young. We lost our starting running back, our whole o-line except for me, our best wide receiver, and also many good seniors on defense. We still can be good this year, but a lot of young guys will need to step up.”
Whitehall defensive tackle Ian Kulp

“We just have to work harder at practice and go into the game with a winning mindset.”
Conestoga Valley offensive guard Yodhe Desta

“I think we will have a good season. A lot of playmakers are back as well along with a strong defense, so I think we’ll do well.”
Warwick defensive tackle Nick Coomer

“We will have a great team again next year. I have a lot of confidence in our team and we will have the same goals as last season.”
Ligonier Valley wide receiver Aaron Tutino

“I moved to Avon Grove High School, but I believe that we will have a good season. We play good teams like Coatesville, Malvern Prep, and the Downingtowns. If you like football like I do, then you would love challenges.”
Conestoga Valley wide receiver Tyre Stead

“I believe we should have a very good team next year and probably win our district championship.”
Shade athlete Dawson Snyder

“The whole team is putting in work. I feel my senior class and lower grades coming up know what we have to do to make the team better. We are going to grind every day and see where the season takes us. I believe we will be a hard team to beat.”
Tyrone linebacker Denver Light

“Honestly considering what we lost and what we kept, I’m expecting a much better season then last years. Returning eight defensive starters and countless skill players is always something to be excited about. All I’m going to say is this coming year’s team will bring a new mindset to prove others wrong and will undoubtedly play to win every game. Last year’s team doesn’t reflect this coming team.”
Kiski Area wide receiver Jack Colecchi

“We have a very strong rising senior class and key underclassmen returning. We will definitely miss Coach Devlin, but we will be ready to compete for a Red Division Catholic League Title and a third straight State Championship. We have many players that have waited for their turn, and this will be their year. We also return many key starters.”
Archbishop Wood quarterback Jack Colyar

“I believe we will hold up a gold trophy in December.”
Aliquippa defensive back MJ Devonshire Jr.

“Hopefully, we do well and go far. We still have a lot of work that we need to get done, but we definitely have high expectations.”
North Catholic linebacker Nikhai Hill-Green

“Our team has a lot of talent and experience going into the season. If we play to our potential, I truly believe we can have a championship team this year.”
Avonworth wide receiver Turner Grau

“Next year will be tough, but I believe that we have a chance of doing really well. We have the ability to get it done, but we just need kids to step up.”
Hempfield Area linebacker Dillon Ferretti

“We are going to win it all.”
Imhotep Charter wide receiver Anthony Gordon

“Our goal every year is to win state. We have a lot of returning starters, especially on the offensive side of the ball, which is always good for a quarterback.”
Southern Columbia quarterback Stone Hollenbach

“I believe my team will be very successful again this year as we having many players returning.”
Perkiomen Valley linebacker Malik Smith II

“Even with the loss of eleven phenomenal senior football players, we’ve still got some guys here who love the game of football and can’t wait to get back on the field. I strongly believe that we could have the same success as last season, if not more.”
California running back Jelani Stafford

“TEP will be state champs.”
Imhotep Charter defensive tackle Zymir Cobbs

“We will be a great team. Everyone will work.”
Aliquippa wide receiver Deoveon Crute

“Next season, I believe we’ll be good.”
Farrell running back Christian Lewis

“We have tough kids. We’ll be fine next year.”
Loyalsock Township defensive end Bam Bam Brima

“I think we can get back to the WPIAL playoffs in 2018. We have some talented freshmen that can hopefully step right in the lineup. Also, Amen Cottrill is back this season after transferring. I'm healthy and excited to finish strong.”
Beaver Falls athlete Dayln Brickner

“Next season with it being my senior year, I believe that we can be one of the top 6A teams in the state and be district 4 champs. We will have all the tools. We just have to build a lot of chemistry this off-season and put in work.”
Williamsport safety Marcus Simmons

“I believe my team can be as good as we want it to be if we keep improving every day and putting in the time.”
Neshaminy linebacker Oleh Manzyk

“I believe our team is going to be a team that's overlooked on schedules, but we definitely should not be. We have around eight starters returning on defense and our offense should be something to look out for too.”
Council Rock South linebacker Sammy Vaniver

“I believe my team will be in the race for the state championship and we’re going to dominate Suburban One.”
Pennridge offensive tackle Zack Tarburton

“My team will be very competitive next season. We are an underdog team.”
Serra Catholic running back Khalil Smith

“I believe that as long as we work as a team and believe in our teammates, we will be the best team in the LHAC.”
Richland offensive tackle Dylan Dininny

“Our team is always shooting for playoffs every year. Next year, especially, our coach wants a state champion. I've seen what has been going on in the weight room and what coach has us doing. I got some high hopes of going far this year.”
Central Bucks East running back Jake Ventresca

“I believe our team should be pretty good. We have a lot of new starters coming in that saw some action last year that are more than ready to compete.”
Pennsbury offensive tackle Brian Malinowski

“I think our team will be great this year. We have ten returning starters and a lot of younger guys willing to step up and do big things this season. One thing I think that sets us apart from other teams is the brotherhood on our team. This winter, we’ve all come together and created a family of players and coaches. I think that will give us a huge advantage this fall.”
Pennridge offensive tackle Joel Hartzell

“It could end up being a tough season. We’re looking optimistic, but we are in a good district and every game is going to be a tough one.”
Carlisle kicker Caleb Richwine

“Next season, we will be a really special team and we envision ourselves winning our league title for the third year straight.”
Malvern Prep athlete Quincy Watson

“I feel like we will be about .500.”
Greater Latrobe offensive lineman Trent Holler

“I think we will be very good and tough to beat.”
Burrell linebacker Alex Bellinotti

“I think we will do great. We have to have that mindset coming into a new year. I like our team and our new coach has another year with us. Last year, we were behind because our coach didn’t come until like June, so we didn’t have real official workouts under the program. Also, we have a lot of young, talented players that can do damage.”
Cheltenham defensive end Marcus Winfield

“Our team is very young, but I believe that we have an opportunity to do something great this season because of our work ethic and toughness.”
Montour offensive tackle George Padezanin

“I believe we have the potential to make the playoffs. We just have to all have that mindset.”
Butler offensive tackle Sam Enslen

“I believe my team will be a very strong contender this year if we stay healthy. We have special athletes, but more importantly, we have strong players with strong character.”
North Catholic quarterback Zack Rocco

“Better than last year.”
Keystone Oaks running back Ezekiel M. Daure

“I believe that my team will return to our traditional success. We are expecting nothing less this year. We finished 10-3 last season, and that is unacceptable by our program’s standards. We are looking to be the powerhouse that everyone knows us as.”
Central Catholic defensive back Dominic Dodson

“Although we had fantastic playmakers in our 2018 graduating class like Jurkovec, Falcone, Crawford, Camino, DeFrancisis, White, Burns, Boyd and Lemirade on the o-line and Byrd and Marfisi on defense, we still have 6 three-year starters returning on both sides of the ball. Kristofic, Katic, Meckler, King, Cerminara and me. We also have guys with a good depth of varsity play experience like Cafardi, Eckenrode, Miller, Hetzel and Stenson. We’ve also got some younger guys stepping up to fill big shoes, but they are hyped about the opportunity to step up. Our coaches will ask more of us, but we are prepared to go hard again this coming season.”
Pine-Richland offensive center Michael Dorundo II

“I want to be as humble as possible when I say this, but I believe that our team will be in the WPIAL championship and have the capability of competing for the PIAA state championship in 2018.”
North Allegheny defensive tackle Parker Titsworth

“I believe we will do well. We have a lot to prove and are young with a lot of talent.”
Central Catholic wide receiver Gavin Thomson

“This season my team should be pretty decent. At the beginning of the off-season, there was some speculation as to who was going to try out for the starting quarterback position. Fortunately, a 2020 QB from Penn Hills recently transferred to Woody High and it looks as though that he will fill that position. However, we have a lot of inexperienced 2020 players that are going to be depended on this year, especially lineman.”
Woodland Hills tight end Joshua Rawlings

“I believe we have a very bright future ahead of us with the team we have. We have our whole line returning, other than our center on offense. We are returning seven starters both ways and are going to be insane. We also have a great coaching staff.”
Wilmington Area offensive guard Colton Richards

“I believe our team will have a much better season this year than last year. Although we lost a good amount of seniors, I feel as if everyone will step up and we’re all excited for the season.”
Crestwood quarterback Garrett Swank

“We will so much better than last year, but we will still be young with only three seniors that play.”
Hempfield defensive tackle Fintan Brose

“I believe we will shock a lot of people around the WPIAL. We have a lot of good young players, along with many leaders who have led the team in off-season workouts. Good off-season and preparation usually leads to a good season.”
Armstrong defensive back Isaiah Price

“I think we got a shot at winning districts and going to states this year. We got a lot of talent on the team.”
Loyalsock Township offensive lineman Matthew Hill

“I think we have a real shot of the WPIAL title. We have been young for about two years, but now everyone is experienced and ready to win.”
Peters Township defensive end Logan Clark

“We lost a lot of starting seniors this year and all of them were crucial to our game, but there’s not a doubt in my mind that these young guys can’t step up and be big parts of making things happen on the field this season.”
Berks Catholic defensive tackle Nico Myers

“I believe our team will be a sufficiently good team. Everything is coming together.”
Hazleton wide receiver David Smith

“We should be good next year.”
Valley running back Deonte Ross

“I think we have a good shot at a district title. We have a good team again this year and a tougher schedule, which I think will help in the postseason.”
Brookville wide receiver Bryan Dworek

“I believe our team next year has the chance to be a state contender. We have a young core of men on the offensive line that are getting better each and every day. In addition, I have no doubt that our team will be one of the fastest in the WPIAL on both sides of the ball. If everyone is working together as one collective unit, I don’t see anyone stopping us from reaching or goal.”
Central Catholic defensive back Luke Robson

“I believe my team will be amazing this year.”
Gateway quarterback Bryson Venanzio

"I have very high expectations for us. As a senior this year, I feel it’s my job and the other senior's job to make sure we meet our goals."
North Allegheny lineman Elijah Boyd

“I am very excited for the upcoming season for multiple reasons. We have a solid core of returning starters as well as young guys that really get after it. So as a team, we have set high expectations for ourselves.”
Pennridge quarterback Zak Kantor

“We were very young last year, and we have a lot of great guys returning. I believe we have the potential to be a great team next year. We have a ton of talent and our work ethic this off-season has been amazing.”
Downingtown West quarterback Will Howard

“We believe we can win the district championship.”
Hazleton running back Damon Horton

“I believe our team is going to do really well this year and we will be a top competitor in the South Eastern Region of Pennsylvania. We have a lot of skilled athletes that can do some damage when the ball is in their hands. Our offensive line has come together very well as a group allowing our talented quarterback, Will Howard, to sling the ball down field.”
Downingtown West wide receiver Dan Byrnes

“I think my team will do pretty well next season. It all depends on how hard everyone wants to work and how much effort they want to put in to our practices. We have to practice every day with 110%.”
Mifflin County linebacker Brock Capouillez

“I’m confident in all the guys in our program. We have lots of guys with great work ethic.”
Central Bucks South linebacker Matt Tobey

“I believe our team will do very well this season.”
Downingtown West linebacker Evan Richard *

“We will be state champs this upcoming season. We have the guys to do it, too.”
State College athlete Cohen Russell

“I believe we will be pretty good. We have a ton of returning starters and have moved down from 6A to the 5A division.”
Peters Township defensive tackle Shane O'Connell

“6A is wide open, so it’s anyone’s time to shine.”
Norwin linebacker Gianni Rizzo

“We are moving from Berks 2 to Berks 1, and we graduated 18 seniors. That’s a mountain we will have to climb. It will be tough, but I’m looking forward to hard fought wins and some success.”
Twin Valley linebacker Owen Mable

“I believe my team has the talent and ability to go all the way this year. My class has a lot of guys who have been playing together at the varsity level for three years now and we’ve only gotten stronger, faster, and closer together.”
Bishop McDevitt defensive tackle Bryce Barnes

“I believe we will be better than last year.”
Warren wide receiver Ryan Arnold

“I think we are going to put on a show for you guys. We have a lot of young guys stepping up with Johnny Hoffman being a big help at the wide receiver position. Also, our offensive line guys are putting in work with Gunner Lesher learning the ropes fairly quickly for a young one. The real key is going to be our defense. Quentin Gaskill, Adam Wertz, and other players are showing why we aren't a team to be messed with. Also, our d-line is only getting better and better.”
Waynesboro defensive tackle Daniel Worthy

“We were really young last year as a team, but we’ve got a lot of guys coming back and it should be a good year as we are a more experienced team.”
Clearfield wide receiver Jake Lezzer

“I believe we will go .500.”
Boyertown athlete Jamison Moccia

“I believe our team has a lot of potential. We have talent and leadership returning and many new additions eager to learn and grow.”
Canon-McMillan quarterback Jon Quinque

“I believe this team has as great a chance to go to the State championship as we ever had at Clearfield.”
Clearfield quarterback Isaac Rumery

“I’m super excited for this season because nobody really expects us to do too well this season since we got moved up a classification. But after our recent Pitt Passing League win, we really put our minds to it and with our talent I believe we can do really well if we put it all together and come from under the radar.”
Mars wide receiver Thomas Sheehy

“We have a really young team, but we have great leadership with the older kids and excellent coaches. I know the younger guys will fill in and get the job done so I believe we’re going to be a very good team. I can see us at Heinz Field again this year.”
Montour linebacker Dante Presutti

“If we stay healthy, we should be a top team.”
Honesdale offensive tackle Alex Atcavage

“Next season, the team could be something special. Even though we’ve lost some great players, we still have seven players returning on both sides of the ball.”
Danville defensive back Austin Millar

“Our team looks very good. A lot of people talk about chemistry and our team definitely has it. We started together as freshmen playing JV at McDevitt, and we have worked hard together. For a lot of us, this will be our third year on varsity. We really are a family on and off the field.”
Bishop McDevitt quarterback Chase Diehl

“I think our team will be very good this year. We have a lot of athletes on the field this year, so we can spread the ball around. It will be hard to key on one player with so many threats on the outside.”
Danville safety Shane Kozick

“Expect our team to compete for a playoff spot and try to win the conference championship.”
Freeport safety Isiah Bauman

“My expectations are extremely high for this team. Coming off of last year’s fluke in the district playoffs, everyone sees what could have been and now everyone wants to make that feeling happen. We’ve been working extremely hard in hitting the weights and getting faster. We are learning the offense and defense better than ever. Personally, it’s district title or we didn’t live up to our potential. I know a lot of other guys on the team feel the same way.”
Lewisburg safety Dylan Farronato







Toughest Game

"I’m not sure who will be our toughest opponent next year because you never know how players will develop."
Aliquippa offensive guard Solvauhn Moreland

“I’m honestly not sure who we play yet. I don’t think the schedules has come out yet, but I’d have to believe that tough game will be in the region. It seems like every year our region has two or three very good football teams.”
Franklin quarterback Ian Haynes

"(Our) toughest game of the year is against our rival Cocalico. We beat them in the regular season and playoffs. Both games were nail biters."
Manheim Central quarterback Evan Simon

“With all of the new teams coming from 6A, we will have a lot of tough games. Every game will be a war, whether it’s Penn Hills, Penn Trafford, Gateway, Franklin Regional, or McKeesport. Our schedule is loaded.”
Armstrong defensive back Isaiah Price

“We added some new teams to our schedule since last year, many of which I don’t know much about yet. Every team has our respect and we go week by week. The toughest opponent we’ll face is whoever we play that coming Friday night. Central Dauphin, Boyertown, and Malvern Prep are some of those teams, for example.”
Berks Catholic linebacker Brandon George

“Williamsport is probably our toughest opponent.”
Hazleton wide receiver David Smith

“There are no tough games. I am confident that we would roll over all teams.”
Bethlehem Catholic offensive tackle Elias Marte

“The toughest game will definitely be Pittston. They are our biggest rival and they beat us this year in the last five-seconds of the game with a field goal.”
Derry linebacker Dominic DeLuca

“Like I said, a lot of the teams we play next season are going to be tough. That means we have to work and train harder than everyone in the off-season.”
Brookville wide receiver Bryan Dworek

“If Penn Hills is scheduled, that’ll be the toughest game by far. They have so much talent.”
Gateway safety Jeremiah Josephs

“Bethlehem Catholic week one should be our biggest test. They’re a great team with great individuals and a strong core as a team. They’ve been a top tier team in our area for years. It should be tough, but depending on how we do on that game will really dictate the direction our season goes. We understand they were a very good team with great coaching, but we’re always up for a challenge.”
Dieruff defensive end Ja-lon Perkins

“North Schuylkill will be our toughest opponent next season. A lot of their star players are back and they are another smash mouth team in our area.”
Schuylkill Haven running back/linebacker Steven Balulis

“I am excited to play some teams that we don’t usually have on our schedule such as North Allegheny and Pine Richland. I believe that our team can compete with anyone and I am looking forward to these opportunities.”
Norwin quarterback Jack Salopek

“I have yet to see the schedule, but I do know there will be some tough games. I am thrilled to see who we will end up playing.”
Mars wide receiver Thomas Sheehy

“This is a tough question to answer, but personally, I believe our biggest challenge next season will be the Huntington Bearcats. They are a great team who is very adequately coached, and I look forward to the challenge.”
Clearfield quarterback Isaac Rumery

“I believe the toughest game will be North Penn. It always has been. I think the percentage of them winning to us is something like 96% in their favor. They have the bigger sample size for kids, and competition breeds excellence. That’s why they are so good. But like I said, a strong team of dedicated and motivated people can beat any other team out there. It takes mental toughness and we need to get there if we plan on winning next year. Yes, the odds are stacked against us, but they’re just numbers on a piece of paper.”
Souderton kicker William Leyland

“Honestly, with the new schedule now, we are playing a super tough schedule with a lot of 6A teams, but the goal is still the same. We want a state title.”
Berwick safety Teagan Wilk

“Our conference is a great conference and each opponent can't be overlooked. #1 is probably North Penn. Each year, they have great talent.”
Central Bucks South linebacker Matt Norris

“Pine Richland.”
Hempfield Area defensive end Fintan Brose

“Respect to all teams in A, but our toughest game will be Imani and Clairton.”
Jeannette wide receiver Marcus Barnes

“At this point, we are not looking ahead to anyone other than week one on August 24.”
Meyersdale lineman Riley Whitfield

“We’ve got a tough schedule next season. Our toughest game is probably Thomas Jefferson, but we play a lot of competitive teams. Thomas Jefferson won the 4A WPIAL championship last season, so I think that will be a very competitive game for us. We also play Quaker Valley again and they also won the 3A WPIAL and state championship last season. Aliquippa is always a tough game for us, too. They always have success year in and out and we look forward at playing them again this year. We play some tough teams this year, but I think Thomas Jefferson is our toughest game this upcoming season.”
Central Valley linebacker Reed FitzSimmons

“The WPIAL has done some realigning, so there are some new faces in on our schedule this year. We don’t look too far ahead we take it one week at a time. The main focus is on ourselves and the preparation that needs to be done to possibly contend for a conference title.
Derry Area linebacker Dominic Deluca

“The toughest game on our schedule I would say is Perk Valley. They are our rivals and both of our teams always would give anything to beat the other. They have a very good team, and they did have beat us two-years in a row. This game also means a lot to not only our players but students as well. Both student sections show out this game every year. It should be fun to play them this year.”
Spring-Ford wide receiver Dante Bonanni

“Delaware Valley or Scranton Prep.”
Honesdale offensive guard Alex Atcavage

“Every game is a tough game. It really just comes down to how we execute our game plan, but I’d have to say the game I’m looking forward to has to be the Hickory game because of the competition factor. They’ve been such a dominant force in District 10 for so many years now.”
Mercyhurst Prep offensive tackle Dylan Schley

“Mt Carmel. We had some pretty good games last year with them and they return a lot.”
Southern Columbia linebacker Max Tillett

“Aliquippa because throughout the years, they have had much success and have been a hard team to beat.”
Yough running back Reno Ustazewski

“The toughest game on our schedule so far to me will be North Penn. They’re our first game this upcoming season and I would hope to set the tone for our season by winning that game by a large margin.”
Neshaminy quarterback Brody McAndrew

“North Schuylkill, Lehighton or Jim Thorpe.”
Schuylkill Haven running back Kobe Brish

“I believe the toughest team on this year’s schedule is Old Forge.”
Northwest Area kicker Jack Wessler

“Definitely Juniata Valley with their quarterback and running back. It should be a great game like it was this past season. A real thriller If you ask me.”
Claysburg-Kimmel safety Kobe Harr

“Our toughest game is going to be against Bethel Park since they run the ball a lot. It’s going to be a defensive game, but we’ll be ready this year.”
Woodland Hills defensive back Mike Coleman

“The hardest team on our schedule we have to play are the Cathedral Prep Ramblers because they are back to back champs.”
Erie running back Danny Blue

“The WPIAL 6A is a competitive conference, so it is too early to tell who’s going to be the toughest team.”
North Allegheny offensive guard Jacob Lugg

“The toughest game on our schedule next year is week one against the Colonial League champs, Palisades.”
Palmerton running back Andrew Sabo

“Our toughest game this year is every game. There isn’t an easy game in the Heritage. If I had to choose though, it’s Ligonier. They’re back to back district 6 champions, and everyone knows them for their football.”
United quarterback Kyle Silk

“That’s hard to say right now because we have an entire spring and summer until the season starts. But we have a state finalist and state championship from last year on our schedule in Gateway and Pine Richland. Playing these teams will allow us to see where we stand because if we can compete with the best, then we have a shot at making a run this year.”
Mt. Lebanon safety Michael Palmer

“I haven’t really looked at the schedule yet, but we’re going to come out every game and play Farrell football.”
Farrell linebacker Tymir Green

“Hickory or Sharon.”
Grove City wide receiver Logan Lutz

“I believe Parkland and Emmaus will be our two hardest teams to beat this season.”
Allentown Central Catholic kicker Rustin Seyle

“I prepare for every game like it’s the biggest game of the year, but everyone has their eyes on multiple games. We start the year week one with our rival, Sto-Rox. They are always a tough team. Then in week two, we host Northgate. They are a team we haven’t beat in my two years at OLSH, so it is another big game. The Rochester game will prove to be another big game as it decided the section title last year. We also drew the defending state champions, Jeanette, as an out of conference game. That should be a fun one. We also added two more teams to the schedule this year in Bishop Canevin and Laurel. To answer your question, we have a lot of tough teams on the schedule this upcoming year.”
Our Lady of Sacred Heart quarterback Tyler Bradley

“The toughest game on our schedule this year will probably be Cumberland Valley. They beat us the last two times we met and they’re always good. They are our first game this year and we plan on starting 1-0.”
Bishop McDevitt fullback Dray Donley

“The toughest game right now has to be the first game with Glen Mills. We just have to worry about them.”
Springfield quarterback Jack Psenicska

“All the games are tough. No disrespect to any other 2A conference, but top to bottom, I feel we got the toughest conference. The MAC has that history that every week is a street fight. There were a few teams added this past year, plus we play a 3A team to start the season. To be the best, you got to beat the best. We got to take it one game at a time and the key part is to stay healthy. If we can stay healthy, I think it will be an exciting year for Freedom Football.”
Freedom linebacker Cody Ross

“They're all going to be tough games. We can't take any team lightly. We're just going to take it week by week.”
Malvern Prep offensive tackle Jake Hornibrook

“Our toughest game next year is most likely going to be North Schuylkill. They have a ton of tough kids returning. It’s going to be a good game.”
Schuylkill Haven defensive end Nathan Reedy

“The toughest game on our schedule this year is probably DePaul Catholic in New Jersey. They are a very good football team with a lot of DI talent. I also think The Peddie school will be a very hard game. They always have a new wave of DI athletes coming in, so those two will be tough games.”
Malvern Prep linebacker Keith Maguire

“I haven’t gotten to play in the Mid-Penn yet, but I plan on taking this season one week at a time and I look forward to the competition.”
Bishop McDevitt linebacker Devyn Clair

“I think two pretty good games this season will be against Manheim Central and Manheim Township as we have some good competition in our backyard. We are fortunate to have a lot of skilled teams in our league.”
Warwick tight end Hayden Rucci

“EA or Shady Side Academy.”
Steel Valley linebacker Todd Hill

“Probably Parkland because that’s our rival and is always a tough game against them. We both always play good. It’s a dog fight every time and we lost last year, so I want to beat them our senior year.”
Whitehall defensive tackle Ian Kulp

“Our toughest opponent next year will probably be Portage.”
Shade athlete Dawson Snyder

“The hardest game on our schedule would either be Malvern Prep or Coatesville.”
Conestoga Valley wide receiver Tyre Stead

“Our toughest game will be when we play Southern Columbia in the state playoffs.”
Ligonier Valley wide receiver Aaron Tutino

“Manheim Central.”
Conestoga Valley offensive guard Yodhe Desta

“Our toughest game will be hands down Manheim central. They have a great program that has been successful for a long time so it will be a battle.”
Warwick defensive tackle Nick Coomer

“Our toughest game this season on our schedule is Central. Every year it’s always a tough game.”
Tyrone linebacker Denver Light

“Penn Hills. It’s going to be a good game.”
Kiski Area wide receiver Jack Colecchi

“St. Joe’s Prep is always tough or Bergen Catholic, who we play at Rutgers University.”
Archbishop Wood quarterback Jack Colyar

“I don’t really know yet. I have to see some rosters and some film of last year.”
Aliquippa defensive back MJ Devonshire Jr.

“We are moving up classifications this up and coming season, and we have never played most of the teams on our schedule. However, there should be a bunch of great competition in our new classification.”
North Catholic linebacker Nikhai Hill-Green

“Every game we play this year is a winnable game. Our toughest game will probably be Steel Valley. They made it to the WPIAl championship game the past two years and have a lot of good players we need to contain.”
Avonworth wide receiver Turner Grau

“Our toughest game next year will probably be either Pine Richland or North Allegany.”
Hempfield Area linebacker Dillon Ferretti

“DeMatha.”
Imhotep Charter wide receiver Anthony Gordon

“Central Columbia has a lot of returning starters.”
Southern Columbia quarterback Stone Hollenbach

“The toughest game on our schedule for this upcoming season would probably be Pennridge or Downingtown East.”
Perkiomen Valley linebacker Malik Smith II

“Washington High School has been a perennial powerhouse for years, so I could see them as a potentially tough opponent for the upcoming season. Especially because they are led by such a great coach in Coach Bosnic.”
California running back Jelani Stafford

“DeMatha is going to be a huge test for us, but we’re ready.”
Imhotep Charter defensive tackle Zymir Cobbs

“Our toughest game probably will be McKinley Prep.”
Aliquippa wide receiver Deoveon Crute

“Our toughest opponent next year might be New Wilmington. They have a nice program.”
Farrell running back Christian Lewis

“I wouldn’t call it a tough game, but I’m planning something special for Danville.”
Loyalsock Township defensive end Bam Bam Brima

“As always, our toughest opponent will be Aliquippa, but I expect our conference as a whole to be tough.”
Beaver Falls athlete Dayln Brickner

“The toughest team this year on the schedule will have to be between Del Val and Hazelton.”
Williamsport safety Marcus Simmons

“All of our games are tough next year because we don’t down size any team. We take it one game at a time knowing if you don’t put everything you have in practice that week then we will lose.”
Neshaminy linebacker Oleh Manzyk

“I believe the toughest game on our schedule this year will most likely be North Penn. We haven't played them in a while, but I’m very excited for that game.”
Council Rock South linebacker Sammy Vaniver

“Our toughest game will be North Penn. It always is and is our most competitive game. We’re big, fast, athletic, and strong and they’re also big, fast, athletic, and strong. It’s going to be a dog fight this year.”
Pennridge offensive tackle Zack Tarburton

“The toughest game next season will be against Seton La Salle.”
Serra Catholic running back Khalil Smith

“Bishop Guilfoyle.”
Richland offensive tackle Dylan Dininny

“North Penn is usually the toughest team we play, but the games against our rivals, CB West and CB South, are always the toughest. The rivalry brings out the best in both teams.”
Central Bucks East running back Jake Ventresca

“I believe the toughest game on our schedule will be North Penn. They are the only team on our schedule last year that we did not beat. We lost to Neshaminy in the last game of the year, but beat them where it meant most.”
Pennsbury offensive tackle Brian Malinowski

“I think our toughest game this year will be week four against North Penn. They always have a really good team, but we are all willing to put in the work to come out on top.”
Pennridge offensive tackle Joel Hartzell

“Cumberland Valley has been our rival for a long time and it’s always the game that we’re looking forward to and get amped up to play at.”
Carlisle kicker Caleb Richwine

“Next year, our toughest opponent will probably be Bishop McDonough. We took a tough loss to them last year and are looking forward to that game next year.”
Malvern Prep athlete Quincy Watson

“I feel like our toughest game this season will be Penn Hills. They’re a powerhouse.”
Greater Latrobe offensive lineman Trent Holler

“That is a tough one. I believe every game we play will be tough.”
Burrell linebacker Alex Bellinotti

“I’m not worried about any other team, I’m worried about my team and myself. My mindset is the same every game.”
Cheltenham defensive end Marcus Winfield

“The toughest game on our schedule is probably Aliquippa because of their speed and grittiness. I feel that if everyone works hard and does their job, we can beat anyone on our schedule.”
Montour offensive tackle George Padezanin

“In 6A WPIAL football, every game is going to be tough, but especially the reigning state champs, Pine Richland.”
Butler offensive tackle Sam Enslen

“In my opinion, I think Freeport will be a tough team in our section in 2018. It’s a little too early to tell, but from seeing the athletes they have, I think it will be a pretty good matchup
North Catholic quarterback Zack Rocco

“Aliquippa.”
Keystone Oaks running back Ezekiel M. Daure

“Our toughest games are going to be Pine Richland and North Allegheny. Both teams are returning very talented players, and we have to play both of them on the road. These games will be crucial in WPIAL 6A playoff seeding as well as future WPIAL/State championship implications.”
Central Catholic defensive back Dominic Dodson

“Every week will be a real challenge in the highest classification in the state. We have several teams new to us with the change from Northern 7. We always respect every team and we will get a great test to kick off the season with the week zero opponent planned to be IMG from Florida. But clearly, North Allegheny and PGH Central Catholic are our key rivalry games.”
Pine-Richland offensive center Michael Dorundo II

“Pine-Richland will be the toughest game of the 2018 season.”
North Allegheny defensive tackle Parker Titsworth

“Our toughest game will be against defending state champs, Pine Richland.”
Central Catholic wide receiver Gavin Thomson

“Respectfully all of our opponents are going to be tough, but the toughest for us is probably Seneca Valley. They are a very good 6A team that is going to challenge us in week seven.”
Woodland Hills tight end Joshua Rawlings

“I think that our toughest game will be against Farrell week two. It’ll be fun to see how they match up against us.”
Wilmington Area offensive guard Colton Richards

“Selinsgrove. They’re a great team.”
Loyalsock Township offensive lineman Matthew Hill

“Penn Hills. They’re loaded, enough said. They have great players in every skilled position along with a good coaching staff.”
Armstrong defensive back Isaiah Price

“Pine-Richland.”
Hempfield defensive tackle Fintan Brose

“Our toughest game this year would have to either be Berwick or Williamsport. They’re both very good programs and have a winning tradition.”
Crestwood quarterback Garrett Swank

“I think at USC, which is the first game of the season, because of it being the first game and how big of a rivalry that has been for us since pewee.”
Peters Township defensive end Logan Clark

“I feel that our week three game against McDonough is going to be a tough game and that it is going to be a big test to see where we stand as a unit early on in the season.”
Berks Catholic defensive tackle Nico Myers

“Williamsport.”
Hazleton wide receiver David Smith

“Steel Valley.”
Valley running back Deonte Ross

“We have a lot better competition this year, but every year Clarion has a good team. I think Clarion will be the team to beat for us this year.”
Brookville wide receiver Bryan Dworek

“After the whole 6-A conference change up, we still have a lot of tough teams in our section this year. I think our toughest game will be the rematch against Pine-Richland, but I have no worries that we can’t be them. We have a young team that continues to grow as one each day.”
Central Catholic defensive back Luke Robson

"We play a lot of tough schools this year. I couldn’t tell you the toughest, but I look forward to playing Pine-Richland. It should be a good one."
North Allegheny lineman Elijah Boyd

“The toughest game on the schedule will be McKeesport because of the tough rivalry we have between our teams.”
Gateway quarterback Bryson Venanzio

“Looking at it now, the toughest game could be either Neshaminy or North Penn. They are two very good teams with some athletes, but we’re just going to take it one week at a time and try win each and every day. However, from what I learned from last year, there is no week that is an easy game because in our league anything can happen.”
Pennridge quarterback Zak Kantor

“I would have to say Coatesville is probably our biggest game this upcoming season. They have a lot of returning talent and are coming off of a great season, so it’ll be a good challenge for us.”
Downingtown West quarterback Will Howard

“Williamsport.”
Hazleton running back Damon Horton

“We have a lot of talented teams that we will be playing in the first three weeks of the season. Every year, Perk Valley, Central Bucks South and Neshaminy do really well in the postseason. Although these teams have tremendous talent, I think the most difficult team we will be playing this year is Coatesville. Granted these teams may have some talent, I give us the upper hand and think we can beat them.”
Downingtown West wide receiver Dan Byrnes

“I’d definitely say our first game this year will be the toughest one, State College.”
Mifflin County linebacker Brock Capouillez

“North Penn always has guys that can play.”
Central Bucks South linebacker Matt Tobey

“Coatesville.”
Downingtown West linebacker Evan Richard

“Harrisburg is going to be the toughest team we play this because every year they have athlete guys to fill for the ones that left.”
State College athlete Cohen Russell

“Our toughest game is probably Bethel Park.”
Peters Township defensive tackle Shane O'Connell

“NA is definitely our hardest game on the schedule.”
Norwin linebacker Gianni Rizzo

“The toughest game will definitely be Governor Mifflin. They went deep in playoffs last season and always have a strong program, but I’m looking forward to the competition.”
Twin Valley linebacker Owen Mable

“Cumberland Valley or Middletown.”
Bishop McDevitt defensive tackle Bryce Barnes

“Meadville.”
Warren wide receiver Ryan Arnold

“I believe Bishop McDevitt is going to be our biggest challenge. First, they are unknown to us and also, they are known to be a great team. I personally can't wait to face them myself.”
Waynesboro defensive tackle Daniel Worthy

“I’d probably say Bald Eagle because we lost to them last year and they have most of their guys coming back.”
Clearfield wide receiver Jake Lezzer

“Berks Catholic.”
Boyertown athlete Jamison Moccia

“We're in the toughest conference in the state, so no games will be easy. We'll have to go out and play our best football every Friday night to compete in our conference.”
Canon-McMillan quarterback Jon Quinque

“The toughest game will be against Bellfonte.”
Clearfield quarterback Isaac Rumery

“Definitely Penn Hills. They have tons of good skill players that can play at a really high level.”
Mars wide receiver Thomas Sheehy

“We play a handful of great teams this year, but the toughest game on our schedule is Aliquippa. They have a lot of talent.”
Montour linebacker Dante Presutti

“Delaware Valley.”
Honesdale offensive tackle Alex Atcavage

“The toughest game this year is obviously going to be Southern. They have a great group of players and most are getting recruited. We need to prepare ourselves for the most against them.”
Danville defensive back Austin Millar

“Hopefully Berks Catholic in the district championship."
Bishop McDevitt quarterback Chase Diehl

“Our toughest game on the schedule is Southern Columbia this year.”
Danville safety Shane Kozick

“We feel we are in a tough conference and will treat every week like a challenge.”
Freeport safety Isiah Bauman

“Week nine at Central Columbia. They are a great team with a lot of returning starters.”
Lewisburg safety Dylan Farronato