6. LaSalle 8-3
Well this should be an interesting year for the Explorers, taking the field without Drew Gordon at the helm or Kyle Shurmur under center. Coach Gordon led the team and PCL to their first state title in 2009 beating State College 24-7. The following year saw them win a silver medal losing to North Allegheny in the final 21-0. The 2011 and 2012 teams advanced to the state semifinals before losing to North Penn in ’11 and Coatesville in ’12. So it has been quite a run for Coach and company recording a 91-26 won-loss his nine years at LaSalle. Another blow is the graduation of record setting quarterback Kyle Shurmur who went 16-6 in his two years. He completed 64% of his passes for 2472 yards last year with career stats showing 4996 passing yards and 53 touchdowns. Talk about a brand new day! Then again, maybe it’s an extension of previous days with Defensive Coordinator John Steinmetz taking over after serving as an assistant at the school for 35 years, the last 14 as DC. Parlay that with their usual outstanding offensive line (young last year) to surmise they’ll likely be a factor in the PCL and districts knowing St, Joseph’s is also replacing big numbers. The lines will be legitimate featuring the likes of seniors Conor McCracken (6-3, 275), Matt McDermott (6-2, 280), Ryan Schutta (6-2, 255) and Jimmy Morrissey (6-3, 290). Forgetting the usual tonnage of transfer rumors this time of year, Chris Ferguson (6-4, 220) should be the starting quarterbacks. The team took a real hits at running back and wide receiver with the graduation of running back Jordan Meechum and receivers Jimmy Herron and Charlie Hemcher. They also took a hit at linebacker with Aidan Kerrigan, Ryan Brady, Brian Buckley and Meechum graduating. The schedule is brutal, opening for the sixth straight year with North Penn then Pennsbury before taking on the Lacrosse schools DeMatha and McDonogh with Malvern Prep sandwiched in between. Then how about Wood and St. Joe’s back to back like last year before finishing with Roman and Judge. They’ll have to grow up fast at a few positions with that schedule.

7. Upper Dublin 11-2
The Cards had a nice hand last year, playing it all the way out to the district semifinal where they lost to Pennsbury 25-14. It was a historic year for Upper Dublin, setting a school record with 11 wins. They could break that record this year with nearly the entire team returning. Senior quarterback Ryan Stover (6-4, 200) returns after completing 161 of 244 passes for 2187 yards; 66% with a Td/Pick ratio of 21/9. Four of his five leading receivers are back plus RB Kaleif Lee (5-10, 190, sr) who gained 1057 yards and caught 12 passes for 138 yards. Most of the D returns led by their top three tacklers, LBs Henry Winebrake (6-0, 220, sr, 105 tackles), Stacey Gardner (5-10, 205, sr, 91 tackles) and SS Evan Scott (6-0, 170, sr, 63 tackles). DEs Will Derr (6-4, 220, sr) and Kane O’Connor (6-3, 220, sr) return with most of the secondary. The team doesn’t have a lot of size-bulk and will miss NG Tamir Bailey (5-10, 225, 25 stops). The schedule looks manageable with three straight homers; Delaware Valley (10-2), Truman (7-5) and Abington (6-5). The Warriors are rebuilding but Truman and Abington come in veteran, with senior quarterbacks in Mark Lopez for Truman and David Kretschman for the Ghosts. If they can get past those three unscathed, they’ll go undefeated.

8. Pennsbury 13-2
The Falcons fielded one of their best teams in years, winning districts and advancing to the state semifinal against St. Joseph’s Prep (11-3), losing 37-7. It was still a heck of a year fielding one of their deepest teams in years and most prolific offense at 38ppg. Running back Charles Snorweah (Rutgers) set multiple school records including single season rushing, 2805, career rushing, 4997, single season Tds, 39 and Career Tds at 72. Raheem Thompson and Victor Delgado with over 1500 rush yards between them graduated, wiping out the backfield except for quarterback Mike Alley. Along with Alley (6-4, 215, sr), RB/LBs Daulton Hose (6-0, 180, sr), Chris Rupprecht (6-0, 215, se) plus TE Vinnie Ratamess (6-3, 210, sr) and OT Maurice Stukes (6-7, 340, jr, got time as a soph) return. But the line is essentially gone, tackle to tackle including RT Sam Raywood (6-3, 360), LG Austin O’Neill (6-2, 265), C Mason Hourier (6-0, 260), LT Brandon Pabon (6-1, 330) and RG Brendon Hogin (6-0, 235). They have some big losses but the cupboard isn’t bare, returning seven players who started as juniors on defense including the entire quick D-Line; DTs Jeremiah Wells (5-9, 200, sr), Nick Paragano (6-1, 275, sr) and Joe Mauer (5-10, 195, sr) with DEs Jack Kenney (6-0, 220, sr) and junior Makhi Butler (6-2, 215) also returning. LBs Luke Snyder (6-0, 195, sr, 102 tackles) and Daulton Hose return plus LB/S Greg Lichtenstein (6-0, 175, sr) with Robert Daly (5-11, 175, sr) the sole returnee to the secondary. The schedule is tough but it’s tough for everyone with all SOLN members returning a starter at quarterback except Central Bucks South. The conference schedule is favorable with Souderton, Abington, North Penn and Neshaminy all coming to them suggesting they’ll be in it again this year.

9. Downingtown East 9-4
Coming into this season, the greatest loss for the Cougars looks to be at quarterback where Andrew Hudson graduated along with wide-out Dan Chisena (PSU, walk on). Hudson threw for 1403 yards, completing 55% while Dan Chisena caught 25 passes for 434 yards. His extraordinary speed will be missed. Tight End Cary Angeline (6-7, 235, sr, So Cal) returns after catching 37 passes for 539 yards to lead the Cougars in receptions. Jack Kincade (5-8, 175, sr) and Nick Alvado (5-9, 155, sr) return to the backfield. Whoever gets the nod under center, Saunders Healy (6-4, 180, sr), Tom Walsh (5-10, 150, jr) or Bryce Lauletta (6-0, 175, so), will operate behind four veteran senior lineman; Michael Clark (6-7, 280, MD commit), Mike Rachlin (6-3, 260), Jay Ingram (6-2, 235) and tight end Cary Angeline (6-7, 235).
Defensively, they lost a few linebackers, Tyler Buban and Adam Stata but return Brody Wilson (6-2, 230, sr). Also gone are two good linemen in Thad Stevenson (6-2, 240) and Caleb Fell (6-3, 240) who will play at Colgate. Senior DLs Pat Matte (5-10, 180) and Chris Hartoonian (6-5, 260) are back with CB Justin Cohen. They don’t look as solid as last year (returned 6 of 7 to D-front) but a good nucleus is there plus a powerful O-Line to control things until the new quarterback settles in. If Downingtown finds a quarterback and they always do, they’ll be a force.

10. Quakertown 11-2
Things should stay exciting again this year in Quakertown with last year’s Archbishop Wood transfer quarterback Tom Garlick (6-4, 185, sr) getting the nod after helping lead the Vikings to a AAA title in 2013 (13-2), defeating Harrisburg’s Bishop McDevitt (14-2) 22-10. He took over as the starting quarterback the year before as a frosh in the third week stepping in for Chris Rahill. That group went to the final as well, losing to Cathedral Prep (15-0) team 24-14. Looking at the coming season with Garlick under center, running back Rob Burns (5-10, 175, sr) returning after rushing for 1352 yards plus their two leading receivers and a lot of the defense has things looking good but they’ll miss their headhunting linebacker Hunter Nice’s 286 career tackles, 113 last year. Glancing at the schedule says they’ll likely get another high seed (4th last year) opening at Upper Perkiomen Valley followed by Hatboro, Cheltenham, Tennent and Norristown. Thereon it’s Truman, CB West, CR South and North, closing with CB East. But high seeds come at a cost for some teams since a second round game is more often a reality check facing tougher competition, competition in some cases far more difficult than that faced in the regular season.

11. Downingtown West 6-5, Lost in 1st round to Pennsbury 63-55
12. North Penn 7-4, Lost in 1st round to Henderson 40-13
13. Pennridge 7-5.Lost in 1st round to Quakertown 14-10
14. Perkiomen Valley 9-3, Lost in 1st round to Downingtown East 27-24
15. Freedom. 9-3, Lost in D-2/4/11 sub-regional semifinal to Easton 28-0
16. Council Rock North 6-5, Lost in 1st round to Upper Dublin 48-14
17. Liberty 7-5, Did not make PIAA playoffs
18. Unionville 6-5, Did not make PIAA playoffs
19. Ridley 8-3, Did not make PIAA playoffs
20. Roman Catholic 5-6, Lost in PCL 1st round to LaSalle 49-0

Others:
Father Judge 5-7
Benjamin Franklin 11-1
Souderton 4-6
Abington 6-5
Truman 7-5
Council Rock South 6-4
Garnet Valley 9-3
Haverford 8-4
Rustin 10-2
Spring Ford 7-3
Emmaus 6-6
East Stroudsburg South 4-7
Wyoming Valley West 8-3
Scranton 7-4

ive heard quite a few rumors over the past few days concerning Ridley football. I'm hoping there's no truth to these rumors. Maybe somebody on here has some insight but apparently there were some off the field issues concerning some players from the team and those issues have resulted in suspension of football activities, including possible games. This would be awful for the central league and Delaware county football.

Sorry I had to divide these teams up like I did. The board has format-limiting features.

Downingtown West 6-5; Would you believe the defending Ches-Mont National champs fielded their best offense at 38ppg since 2007’s 10-2 team that also averaged 38ppg? You would if you knew they won the title starting seven sophomores and returned 16, repeat, 16 starters from that group entering the 2014 season. Right, they were replacing league MVP Nick Pagel who threw for 1217 yards (63%, 8/3 Td-Pick) and rushed for another 528 yards. But that void was more than adequately filled by Tyler McNulty (6-2, 195, sr), who made them forget concerns there, completing 62% of his passes for 2398 yards while rushing for 400 yards. So, how did the team that came into the season loaded with returning starters and a quarterback that ultimately assuaged worries at the position manage to win only six games, dropping to third at 3-3 in the National? Although they had an offense that could outscore most teams, they could not outscore them all and therein lies the problem. The defense allowed on average 25ppg, making it their worse defense since 2004’s 4-7 team that allowed 26ppg. Defense has been their Achilles Heel four of the last five years scanning year end averages since from 2010 to the present that show yields of 24ppg back-to-back, 16 in 2012, 20 in ‘13 and 25 in 2014. They could score points all night but couldn’t stop the quality teams with losses coming to Henderson 28-20, Great Valley 41-35 in ot, D-town East 34-14, Coatesville 47-33 and in the first round of Districts where a basketball game broke out, losing to Pennsbury 63-55. Their average points scored in these five losses was 31.4. The prolific offense got them off to a good start, winning their first three games then three of the next four to stand at 6-2 before the bottom fell out in a 0-3 finish.
Something else the Whippets haven’t had the last five years is a featured, breakaway back. And it showed up on their won-loss going 4-6, 7-3, 7-4, 8-3 and 6-5 since 2010; 32-21 total W/L. Only one back, Zach Barr gained over 1000 yards (1450 in 2011) in a season since 2010. From 2006 through 2009 when they had a running-back gain over 1000 yards in each season, excepting 2007, the won-loss was 10-2, 10-2, 11-2 and 10-2 or 41-8 totaled. In 2007, Jared Heller rushed 167 times for 928 yards, fighting for carries with dual threat Nolan Kearney under center. Kearney (Tight-end, Wm-Mary) rushed 75 times for 558 yards while passing for 2240 yards. In 2006 they had Roshaan McCain (Ship) who rushed for 1842 yards; in 2008 Jared Heller got 1282 and in 2009 Kessan Christopher (GW transfer) rushed for 1353 yards. McNulty masked a lot of concerns but he couldn’t cover the gaping issues of a porous defense or a backfield lacking a Kessan Chrostopher or Roshaan McCain. Speaking of backs, that’s the one area where they are loaded with the return of quality backs in Michael Riddick (5-9, 185, jr) their leading rusher with 685 yards, Jake Barr (5-9, 170, sr) with 446 yards and Braden Harper (5-11, 185, sr) with 134. Barr was their second leading receiver with 31 catches for 482 yards. He and Riddick with 18 catches for 198 yards will give QB Thomas Mattioni (6-1, 175, sr)….or whoever, every chance of success. Most of their linebacker and secondary return with DT Billy Hammond (5-11, 280, sr) who they’ll build the D-Line around.

Great Valley 12-2; Last year’s 12-2 team was only the third occasion in school history where they hit the double digit win mark, having done so in 1989 at 10-2 and 2004 with an 11-1 record. In 2004, Great Valley (11-0) got past Bok Tech (7-3) in the first round 35-0 then lost to Upper Merion on missed extra points 20-19. UM (10-3) went on to lose to Berwick (12-2) the following week 47-16. The Dawgs then lost to Manheim Central (13-2) 16-13 who lost in the final to Thomas Jefferson (14-2) 56-20.
Last year’s group got off to a strong start, beating Phoenixville (1-9) 54-0, Avon Grove (0-10) 42-13, Penn Wood (0-11) 61-12 and Octorara (5-6) 33-7. The trouble there was that beating teams by an average score of 48-8 (combined won-loss 6-36) probably got Rustin’s attention in a big way. That’s the last thing the upstart Patriots needed with Rustin then 3-1, coming off a 28-12 home loss to Downingtown East (9-4). Being the first quality opponent the Patriots encountered, it wasn’t pretty, with the Golden Knights rolling 54-13 in Malvern. But the Pats proved resilient, coming back strong the following week at home against Downingtown West (6-5), winning in overtime 41-35. Nice rebound! They rolled thereon, blowing out the next seven teams including Octorara, Bishop Shanahan and Springfield in the playoffs by an average score of 39-12 before getting crushed by Archbishop Wood (14-1), 44-7 who went on to win 3A. So it was a good season, winning Districts and setting a record in the win column. And now, most of that team graduated, including all their primary runners, receivers and quarterback Zach Ludwig (5-10, 185). Zach was a fine high school quarterback, completing 64% of his passes for 2050 yards and rushing for 639 yards. He was integral to the offense. Another was River Johnson with 860 yards rushing and 19 receptions for 132 yards. Top receiver Nasir Adderley caught 68 passes for 1019 yards while rushing for 302 yards. And with most of the defense gone and a total of 27 seniors graduating, it’s a full rebuild for the Patriots.

All State WR from Scranton originally committed to Maine but instead went to Fork Union and eventually committed to Bloomsburg. (http://buhuskies.com/news/2014/2/18/FB_0218140358.aspx) I assume he redshirted last year (he wasn't on the roster), Is he still at Bloom?

Does anyone have any previews/predictions for the Central League this year?

It's the smell of pigskin in the air. No season quite like the start of football season. I'm hoping the Whippets can produce some exciting games and counting on the Skins to bounce back to their winning ways.

A lot of people have been asking and news broke this morning that Brendan Nosovitch will transfer to Boston College, where he will have two years of eligibility remaining. He graduated from South Carolina in May, so he is eligible to play this fall as a graduate transfer.

I think this is a great fit for Nosovitch. Steve Addazio's spread system very much plays to his talents and BC has had tons of success with Lehigh Valley kids through the year (Andre Williams and Dan Koppen both ending up in the NFL). There is no incumbent at QB, and I think he would be strongly favored to play right away.

Pottsgrove 8-4: 8-4 doesn’t look like it but for the Falcons, last year was their worst season in nine years in terms of wins and losses. Before that they were on an incredible run. In 2005, they went 7-4, losing to Boyertown (5-6), Owen J. Roberts (5-6) Hatboro Horsham (6-6) and Phoenixville (10-2). Thereon, from 2006 through 2013, they went 87-17, 84%..!..with double digit winning seasons in all but one season, 2006’s 8-3 outing. Their conference won-loss was 64-8, 89%..!.. with conference crowns in 2008 (9-0), 2009 (9-0), 2012 (9-0) and 2013 (9-0). Their record in the postseason for the same period is 13-7 with district final appearances in 2007, 2009, 2010 and 2011, winning Districts in 2009 and 2011.
Although last year may have been an anomaly, they were not bereft of talent. Quarterback Torin Verdone completed 61% of his passes (80 of 129) for 1403 yards and rushed for 431 yards, second on the team in rushing. Running back Devon Fink (1st Team PAC) rushed for 1182 yards as their top runner while Mike Fowler caught 44 passes for 945 yards to lead in that department. All three graduated but almost everyone else returns. The same on defense where almost everyone returns. But they did lose two of their top players, OL/DT Patrick Finn (6-4, 265, 1st Team PAC, Bucknell) and CB Mike Fowler (6-0, 185, 1st Team PAC).
Part of the reason they had a less than stellar season was their youth. They played very few seniors and because they only lost eleven to graduation, they should show marked improvement if Deyon Doctor (6-3, 170, sr) can fill in for Verdone under center. The schedule opens in the city against Benjamin Franklin High (11-1), the Public League Champ who went undefeated until losing to St. Joseph’s Prep (11-3) in the District-12 final, 47-22. The Electrons were the real deal last year, returning 19 of 22 starters from a 9-3 team. When they walloped Pottsgrove in the opener last year at Pottsgrove 41-7 you knew something was up in both camps. What fueled them in large part was quarterback Kevin Caldwell (5-9, 185) having a tremendous season, throwing for 3155 yards and 41 touchdowns. His career totals show him over 4400 yards (counts defunct Communications Tech) with 65 touchdowns. What a year and career! He graduated along with many others giving the Falcons every chance of success in that one. Then it’s Pope John Paul II again on the road before the home opener against Perkiomen Valley which should be a war. Phoenixville and Upper Perkiomen follow so a good start is possible before the road game at Spring Ford in week # 6.

Boyertown 5-5: All in all you have to say last year was a success for first year coach George Parkinson, integrating new systems while keeping their heads above water at 5-5 in a competitive conference. Coach has a solid bio, coaching at St. Pius X as an assistant from 2004 to 2005 before seizing the reins in 2006 until the school closed in 2009. That was the year Pius (8-6) rolled over Calvary Christian Academy (9-2, Philadelphia) in the PIAA District 1/12 sub-regional championship 34-0. Running back Mike Matthews had 254 yards rushing in that one. They lost the following week to Tri Valley (10-5) 27-24 but what a year. From 2010 through 2013, he coached the freshman at Boyertown East, before moving to the varsity last year. Prior to his arrival the program was headed by Mark Scisly from 2008 to 2013 where he fashioned a 37-32 record. So it looks like the program is in good hands knowing Coach Parkinson’s connections to both Boyertown East (8-0-1 his last year) and West. Incidentally, Coach Scisly took over the slumping Northampton program in the EPC-South that went 14 and 43 five years preceding his arrival. It’s still hard times for the Konkrete Kids who struggled last year at 3-9 losing to the principal players of the area, Parkland, Easton, Freedom, Stroudsburg, Whitehall and Liberty (combined won-loss 57-17) by an average score of 39-7.
Back to Boyertown; Coach stepped into the debris of a decent 7-4 team, tasked with rebuilding their lines while graduating quarterback Griffin Pasik and All-League running back Cody Richmond (5-11, 190, 1612ry-Ursinus). 5 and 5 is 5 and 5 but they showed character, winning a few tight ones that changed the course of the season beating Owen J. Roberts 15-14 and Phoenixville 13-7 in overtime. After the season opening shutout in Reading losing to Exeter 28-0, they bounced back on the road against arch rival Upper Perkiomen, winning 29-15.
For the coming season, senior quarterback Lawrence Garnett (6-1, 190) returns for his second year as a starter after throwing for 554 yards (44%) and rushing for 665 yards. He and Evan Gianetti (6-1, 165, jr) battled through game one last year before Garnett got the nod. Hunter Vogels is back at running back that was essentially a committee of four last year. The receiver corps is gone but the D returns starters up front in Mike Banks (6-2, 310, sr, 28 tackles), Colin Shane (6-3, 240. Jr, 13 tackles), David Terry (6-2, 245, sr, 19 tackles), Zach Davis (6-1, 215, sr, 13 tackles) and DE Greg Harvey (6-0, 210, sr, 42 tackles). Pat Ricci (6-0, 185, jr, 15 tackles) is back at MLB with a few experienced backers and Chris Berry (5-9, 155, jr, 25 tackles) at corner where they look strong with a lot of experience returning. Of note, the Bear’s D improved last year from 32ppg yield to 24. But the O plummeted from 34ppg to 18, yet they still won five games. Things should get interesting in Coach Parkinson’s second year.

I just saw easternpa's 100 player in 100days. The lineman from West Chester Rustin Ray Bordley I can't beleive he only has 2 offers from Umass and Buffalo!! I seen this kid play a few time and he is very good and has good feet.He is 6-6 6-7 310 lbs. Just shocked..

State College 6-7; The Lions had an interesting year under first year coach Matt Lintal who replaced Al Wolski (87-42) following his 10 year stint as the head coach. Lintal’s Lions went 6-7 but made it to the Quad-A quarterfinals before bowing to silver medalist Pine Richland 49-29. Prior to that, they had narrow losses to Martinsburg-WV (11-2) 27-21, Central Dauphin (11-3) 10-7 and Central Dauphin East (10-3) 14-12, facing a difficult schedule where 10 of their 13 opponents had winning records and a combined won-loss of 100-29. Apart from those mentioned, this included Spring Ford (7-3), Harrisburg-Bishop McDevitt (14-1), Harrisburg High (6-5), Cumberland Valley (9-3), Dubois (9-3) and McDowell (8-5). The losing effort against Martinsburg was particularly impressive knowing the Bulldogs won an unprecedented four straight AAA titles until turned away by Capital (13-0) last year in the final 35-7. This snapped a 43 game win streak against Mountain State teams and the 18 game playoff winning streak.
Things are looking good this year with State College returning most of last year’s team that is clearly battle and playoff tested. The task is to find a quarterback to replace John Weakland (6-4, 195, 1744py, 56%). Do that and they’re a force. At SC, they almost always go big at that position. 2012 (9-4) and 2013 (5-6) had Pat Irwin (6-3, 190) under center. John’s brother Josh Weakland (6-3, 190) was the signal caller in 2010 (7-7) and 2011 (8-5). The 2008 team went 12-1 with James Avedesian (6-1, 195). Dom Mills (6-3, 230) and Matt Mazzara (6-0, 190) were co-starters on 2009’s 12-3 team. That group got to the state final after handling Woodland Hills (12-2) 14-3 and Cumberland Valley (12-3) 35-13 before playing LaSalle (14-1). No small feat beating Woodland Hills who the week before beat one of Gateways best ever teams (12-1, average points for-points against 42-8) 10-0 and Central Catholic twice. Cumberland Valley fielded one of their stronger editions that came into the game off wins against Wilson (11-2) 28-21 and McDevitt (12-1) who was still playing at the Quad-A level ‘tho a AA, winning 34-27 in double overtime. But LaSalle came in like the thunder snow that accompanied them, dumping a world of pain along with the eight inches of snow that showed up in an easy 24-7 win. Sam Feleccia was unstoppable, rushing for 156 yards, in all that snow.

Back to State College’s history of sizeable quarterbacks; when they combine size with a 55% or higher completion rate, they are almost always successful. In 2007 the tandem QBs were 5-10, 165 and 5-9, 165, with completion rates of 45 and 48%, finishing 6-5. The year before in 2006, Brook Hart (6-5, 185) threw for 2284 yards at a 55% clip, leading them to a 12-3 record. There’s more to it than that but the Lions while perceived as a smash mouth power football team also rely on the pass, as many in that part of the state and conference do. State will be a load with any kind of quarterbacking. Anyone thinking it’s all about the WPIAL verses whatever comes out of 3, Wilson or Central Dauphin and others, might want to keep State High in mind. The Mid Penn Commonwealth wars will tell us. Included in the returns are most of the D and a solid running back in Jordan Mischer (5-10, 175, sr, 1788ry, 265py). With the group they have, a Mid Penn Commonwealth title is within reach if they can get past CD, East High, CV and Harrisburg in conference action, getting all but Harrisburg at home. The conference is like the SOL-National or SEC-West where the likelihood of beating each other up, in some cases knocking teams down a peg or two in seeding and bowls is real. They open at Spring Ford (see PAC write up) then travel to McDevitt before Upper Darby at home, Carlisle on the road then back home for Chambersburg, meaning they could get off to a good start.

Central Mountain 1-9; Way up there at 568 feet altitude north of Penn State off I-80 in Clinton County is the home of the Wildcats in Mill Hall, PA. Here they’ve hibernated as Mildcats through five long and losing seasons, played for the most part in the Mountain League’s Allegheny or Seven Mountains Division. They made a big mistake last year going independent, playing Double-A powers Mount Carmel 7-4, Tyrone 12-2 and Southern Columbia 11-1, plus AAA Jersey City 11-1, losing by a combined score of 226 to 54! Their last winning season was in 2009 (6-5) played in the Seven Mountains, that tangled mess of steep ridges and craggy canyons between Potter Mills and Milroy where Lord help you if you take a wrong turn. They return a pile of starters from last year’s sophomore-junior team that must negotiate a virtual carbon copy of last year’s schedule. This means they’ll play a loaded, probably healthy Southern Columbia team that barring last year’s uncanny injuries seemed destined for another finals appearance. They lost to a Montoursville (9-5) group 26-14 that is absolutely stacked again giving District 4 another typical fearsome appearance for a run at States in Double-A ball. Mount Carmel is also looking to rebound from a 7-4 outing with Jersey Shore, Shikellamy (6-5), Lewisburg (7-4) and Southern are all in the mix. Throw in veteran AAA Shamokin (5-6, everyone back), AAAA Williamsport (2-8, all skill return) and always tough District-6 historic power Tyrone (12-3) to see it looks like another challenging year for the Wildcats.

Altoona 8-3; Like the yards at Altoona, the football program had a recent upgrade when native John Franco returned in 2012 for his second stint as the head coach. He previously led the Mountain Lions from 1986 through 1993, compiling a 40-45-2 won-loss before being let go. Thereon he headed the storied District 6 powerhouse Tyrone from 1993 through 2011, continuing the tradition of excellence with a 190-37 overall combined with a 43-16 playoff record. They took the AA silver in 1996, losing to Mount Carmel 25-6 before winning gold in 1999 (15-0), beating MCA (11-4) 13-6. In 2011 (14-2) they lost to Lancaster Catholic (16-0) in the AA final 17-7.

Oops!….back to Altoona. They had their first winning season last year since 2007 (also 8-3), fielding abysmal teams in between then and now that went 14-43. Looking at the coming campaign, they have big holes to fill beginning with PSU signee DE/OLB Kevin Givens (6-2, 245) and running back Eli Mencer (6-2, 205, 211-1625 yds). They also graduate top receiver Sean Steave (5-9, 170, 29-306) and quarterback Devin Miller (6-2, 175, 833py, 50%) along with 31 other seniors.

Cautionary note; their wins came against opponents with a combined won-loss of 27-50. Their losses were against McKeesport (10-2) 33-17, Penn Trafford (10-2) 42-21 and Pine Richland (15-1), 49-7. The wins against teams finishing above .500 were Plum (6-5) 14-11 and Bethel Park (6-4) 27-17. The momentum has certainly shifted towards the positive but look for the Lions to come back to the pack this year. The schedule is hard enough beginning at Butler who pretty much just lines up and tees off on you. Then it gets difficult at McKeesport who does the same in their Flex Bone but with a pile of experienced backs. Then comes the home opener against Plum who is no longer a cake walk followed by Penn Trafford who dominated them last year. Up next is a 5-5 Norwin teams who has their quarterback and running backs returning. Hempfield (3-6) has a lot of body parts returning too so it could be a tough row to hoe this season for the rebuilding Mountain Lions.


Mifflin County 1-9; T The Huskies are a result of the merger of AA Lewistown Panthers and AAA Indian Valley Warriors high schools in 2011. Neither made much noise except Indian Valley (11-3) in 2007 going to the AAA quarterfinals and losing to Strong Vincent (11-3) 54-20. Vincent then lost to Thomas Jefferson (16-0) in the semifinal 35-6 with TJ beating Garnet Valley (13-2) in the final 28-3. IV went 30-27 the preceding 5 years before the merger while Lewistown was 5-45.

Last year saw the Huskies go a problematic 1-9 with a team full of seniors that simply put could not compete in the Mid Penn Commonwealth, losing by an average score of 41-8 in seven division games against teams like Central Dauphin East (10-3) 33-12, Cumberland Valley (9-3) 35-13, Central Dauphin (11-3) 47-0, Harrisburg (6-5) 42-9 and State College (6-7) 47-12. They also lost non-conference games to Downingtown West (6-5) 42-7 and Dubois (8-3) 61-38, making for one tough schedule. It’s a brutal conference like the 2014 SOL-National but this was a team loaded with 18 seniors, nine on both sides. Part of the problem was inability at quarterback where three seniors got time. All three graduated; Brice Christian (15/58/270/26%), Hunter Walker (23/59/311/39%) and Colin Spencer (9/22/116/41%). It’s a wipe-out at running back too with three of the four leading backs graduating 1002 yards of rushing on 91 carries. The receiver corps lost their top target Jared Michaels’ 19 receptions for 359 yards. With an offense scoring an anemic 11ppg, the defense never stood a chance, collapsing even against mid rung Carlisle (5-6) 61-7….61-7!....and Chambersburg 20-0, where the 1-9 Trojans were suffered one of their worst seasons ever. The Herd was another story with their big gun Billy Burger (6-3, 180) wreaking havoc in the conference last year, throwing for 2404 yards (202 of 320, 63%, Dickinson), losing to Central Dauphin East (10-3) 25-24 in ot then taking Lancaster-Lebanon bad ass Wilson to the edge in the first round before losing 21-7 as the 16th seed. Man, don’t the Mid Penn and LL love to bang heads! Coach Dahms had a good game plan in that one playing “keep-away” with super back Shane Dantzler eating clock with 39 carries netting 232 yards.

Defensively, allowing 40ppg is a school record. Interesting knowing they had a run stuffer in 6-3, 285 pound DT Jesse Rodgers leading the team in tackles with 54 and Matt Wagoner, the same at 6-3, 285 with 22 stops and DE Christian Hagans out there on the edge, at 6-1, 210 with 28 tackles. Rodgers was All-Conference and All State and will play at St. Francis University, Loretto. Most of their linebackers graduated with a big chunk of the secondary making it look like a rebuild on both sides of the line.

They’ll begin the season with a new head coach after George Miskinis’s recent resignation. Miskinis took over mid-way through the 2011 season when coach Steve Hayes retired in October. It appears that Brent Hartman, former assistant at Lewistown and Indian Valley will head the Huskies this season after leading East Juniata to a 2-8 record last year.

ineligible to play football. I assume this decision will be overturned at The PIAA level.

For the past few months I've been working on a PA PREPS online magazine to compliment what I do on the website. With the blessings of Rivals, I was allowed to create it and now it's live. A subscription is required, but anybody that has a paid subscription to this site can email me at rivalspa@icloud.com and I'll make sure you're subscribed for free.
Click HERE TO VIEW the Magazine.

You can email me at rivalspa@icloud.com if you want to tell me how much I don't know after reading it. LOL! Thanks!

The season is over. Now the real work begins. Make the most of this summer and get a jump on next season. Take an extra 20% off your entire order with discount code: E7AF9C8837853BC. Discount valid until 8/01 only.

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A great tool for high school, middle school and college football coaches
Runs off 120 Volt power or a 1500 Watt generator
1/3 HP motor - 2 of them! (Jugs can't say that.)
2 different slides - one for spirals and one for kickoffs.
Throws spirals up to a distance of 80 yards!


Manufactured and built in the USA. High quality all metal construction with powder coated finish. Infinitely variable distance adjustments. Just set the dial for anywhere up to 80 yards. A great tool for high school, middle school and college football coaches. Allows you to put players through many repetitions which can help improve their performance. Kicks footballs up to a distance of 80 yards! Throws spirals up to a distance of 80 yards! Set low to the ground and practice punt snaps! Fits both "Official" and "Youth" size footballs. First Pitch Quarterback is durable - able to take the game of football. There are 2 motors in the Quarterback (and no flexible shaft to break and potentially not covered by warranty. Easy to set up, easy to take down. Runs off 120 Volt power or a 1500 Watt generator. Swivels back and forth for a wide range of kicks and spirals. Height can also be adjusted. 1/3 HP motor - 2 of them! (Jugs can't say that.) 2 different slides - one for spirals and one for kickoffs. Just a quick change of the slide and you're ready to go.

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10 weight vest (40 pounds, weights included)

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40 Pound Weight Vest

M 48" Speed Chute

L 56" Speed Chute

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Portable Power Jumper

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Bonus Advanced Ladder DVD included

9 Mini Hurdles

Evasion Belts

40 Dome Markers

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The season is over. Now the real work begins. Make the most of this summer and get a jump on next season. Take an extra 20% off your entire order with discount code: E7AF9C8837853BC. Discount valid until 8/01 only.

Firstpitch Two Wheel Football Passing & Kicking Machine

A great tool for high school, middle school and college football coaches
Runs off 120 Volt power or a 1500 Watt generator
1/3 HP motor - 2 of them! (Jugs can't say that.)
2 different slides - one for spirals and one for kickoffs.
Throws spirals up to a distance of 80 yards!


Manufactured and built in the USA. High quality all metal construction with powder coated finish. Infinitely variable distance adjustments. Just set the dial for anywhere up to 80 yards. A great tool for high school, middle school and college football coaches. Allows you to put players through many repetitions which can help improve their performance. Kicks footballs up to a distance of 80 yards! Throws spirals up to a distance of 80 yards! Set low to the ground and practice punt snaps! Fits both "Official" and "Youth" size footballs. First Pitch Quarterback is durable - able to take the game of football. There are 2 motors in the Quarterback (and no flexible shaft to break and potentially not covered by warranty. Easy to set up, easy to take down. Runs off 120 Volt power or a 1500 Watt generator. Swivels back and forth for a wide range of kicks and spirals. Height can also be adjusted. 1/3 HP motor - 2 of them! (Jugs can't say that.) 2 different slides - one for spirals and one for kickoffs. Just a quick change of the slide and you're ready to go.

$499
http://www.theathletesedge.co/?product=firstpitch-quarterback-football-throwing-kicking-machine


Train Insane Package

(4) 40 Pound Weight Vest

(2) Power Bands Sets

(6) Speed Chutes (2 L, 2 XL, 2 Speed 6)

(3) 16’ Agility Ladders

(12) Adjustable Mini Hurdles

(1) War Sled Heavy sled Includes 1200D shoulder harness

(1) Advanced Harness Unit

(4) Step Over Bag Dummies

(2) Portable Power Jump

(2) Farmers Walk Bars

$199.99

http://www.theathletesedge.co/?product=train-insane-package

Chutes and Ladders

10 weight vest (40 pounds, weights included)

10 XL 72x72 Speed Chutes

10 Deluxe 16' Agility Ladders

10 Resistance Band

$179.99

http://www.theathletesedge.co/?product=chutes-and-ladders

Pro Team Package

10 weight vest (40 pounds, weights included)

10 XL 72x72 Speed Chutes

10 Deluxe 16' Agility Ladders

6 Adjustable Plyo Boxes (2 of each size we carry: 32, 36, 48)

20 Resistance Bands

$249.99

http://www.theathletesedge.co/?product=pro-training-package


Train Hard Package

40 Pound Weight Vest

M 48" Speed Chute

L 56" Speed Chute

XL 72" Speed Chute

Power Sled + Harness

Portable Power Jumper

16' Agility Ladder

Bonus Advanced Ladder DVD included

9 Mini Hurdles

Evasion Belts

40 Dome Markers

$119.99
http://www.theathletesedge.co/?product=train-hard-package

Perkiomen Valley 9-2: The Vikings really turned things around the last three years rolling out 8-3, 10-3 and 9-2 records (27-8 cum, 17-16 previous three) while becoming relevant not only in the PAC but also in the postseason. Here they advanced to the district semifinals against North Penn in 2013, losing 40-19. Then last season saw them lose a heartbreaker at Downingtown East in the first round, 27-24 on a 25-yd Cougar field goal as time expired. The turnaround expressed itself on both sides of the ball with the offense scoring 36, 36 and 39ppg from 2012 through 2014. It’s the PAC and all, where offenses never saw a defense they didn’t like but that’s still big stuff. Defensively they allowed a year ending 21, 10 and 13ppg average. Clearly, this is not your mother’s Perkiomen Valley with a smattering of D1 players evident in Collegeville and throughout the league. Rasaan Stewart, now at Villanova, graduated with the 10-3 team after throwing for 2078 yards (26 Tds) while rushing for 1204 yards (17 Tds). He finished his career with 4448 passing yards and 2954 rush yards. Last year’s defensive end/running back Taiyir Wilson (6-3, 230) will play at Temple. The best of coaches will tell you you need to have the players and the Vikings evidently do.
Last season saw a proliferation of young talent, mostly sophomores as quarterback Stephen Sturm (6-2, 185, jr) got his first varsity start in the opener against Council Rock North. Falling behind 22-0, the Vikings came storming back in a losing 29-27 effort. Despite the loss, the sophomores really shined, with Sturm completing 15 of 27 passes for 193 yards and throwing 3 touchdowns. His favorite target, another sophomore, Justin Jaworski (6-0, 170, jr), caught six passes for 62 yards while sophomore running back David Williams (5-9, 160, jr) rushed for 114. Although an opener, it had momentous consequences since it prevented CR North from going 5-6 and missing the district playoffs and the Vikings from having an undefeated regular season. Who said “hey, it’s just one game?” Other sophomores making major contributions were linebacker Nick Marren (6-0, 185, jr) and placekicker Garrett Patla. Sophomores Jaworski and Williams also started in the secondary.
Offensively, the line loses five who started (both ways), Darrell Philpot (6-3, 245), Andrew Narducci (5-10, 200), Seth Jonassen (6-3, 285), Dan Roh (6-2, 265) and TE Bobby Pagel (6-4, 195). John Tittle (6-0, 255, sr) and Anthony Rohrnach (6-4, 260, sr) are returning starters. As mentioned, Quarterback Stephen Sturm, a leftie, is back after completing 104 of 190 passes (55%) for 1661 yards. His Td-Pik ratio was 17 to 5. Nice stats for a first year starting sophomore. David Williams is back after rushing for 435 yards with Ronnie Arch (5-8, 170, sr) who had 352 yards on 49 carries. Top receiver wide out Justin Jaworski is back with 39 catches for 586 yards.

Defensively, the line needs replaced (Jonassen, Wilson, Philpot, Roh) along with linebackers Brett Capobianco (6-2, 185), and Ryan O’Donnell (5-10, 175). The secondary loses Liam Grande (6-1, 185) and Mike Holland (6-2, 175). Tim Mallon (6-0, 160) and Sean Sedgwick (5-8, 160) also graduated. Linebackers Ryan Light (6-0, 175, sr) and Nick Marren return with DL T.J. Foley (5-10, 200, jr) and corners Williams and Jaworski mentioned above in the secondary.
They lost under rated offensive and defensive lines that could go with most teams in the area making that the priority concern entering the 2015 season. The schedule is a little front loaded with the road opener at Council Rock North followed by the home opener against Methacton, then the road game at Pottsgrove. In the end, the schedule makers got it right, literally, with a season ending game at Spring Ford. But, how about that opener with one of the top quarterbacks in the state in Brandon McIlwain facing off against what could be the new kid on the block. Should be a good one.

Spring Ford 7-3: Spring Ford had a record setting offense last year scoring 41ppg while having another successful season with a 7-3 record, Coach Chad Brubaker’s fifth straight winning season since taking over in 2010. This comes as no surprise knowing his pedigree is Wilson High in West Lawn where he was Wide Receivers/Special Teams coach from 1998 to 2005 before becoming the O/C and Wide Receivers coach from 2006 to 2009. He coached with one of the winningest coaches in the state in Jim Cantafio (Conestoga Valley, Wyoming Valley West, Cedar Cliff) and present coach Doug Dahms. His won-loss through five seasons with the Rams is 41-11 (78%), not quite as good as the 85% winning percentage while OC at Wilson but not bad. Although last year brought them considerable success, finishing second in the PAC at 7-2 with Methacton and Pottsgrove (two behind Perk Val), they failed to make Districts after a four year run in the postseason where they impressed. In Coach’s second year in 2011, they got to the first round where they were handled, by Coatesville’s Matt Ortega also from District-3, 60-28. The Rams were wildly improved but got a good lesson about speed. Subsequent seasons and results show this was addressed in many areas. The following season suggested real progress with a 31-20 win against Whitehall (8-3, 8-1) who went on to share the LVC (now EPC-South) with Parkland and Easton. In 2012, a PAC team beating an LVC team was heady stuff! For those paying attention, the game against Whitehall hinted at a new day in southeastern PA, borne out in the playoffs that year when they beat Ridley 28-26, and Pennridge 35-24 before losing again to Coatesville in the district final 59-28. The following year saw them beat Downingtown West 43-21 in the first round before losing to Neshaminy 56-27. So, in the span of Coach’s first four years, they were playing with and beating Whitehall, Ridley, Pennridge and Downingtown West. Woe to anyone taking the PAC lightly with coaches like Chad Brubaker, Scott Reed at Perkiomen Valley and Rick Pennypacker at Pottsgrove who few have taken lightly over the years..
Having said all that, last year’s team was not prime time stuff, losing to all the quality teams played except Methacton (8-3) who they crushed 49-20. The losses came to Perkiomen Valley (9-2) 20-7, Pottsgrove (8-4….not really their best stuff) 35-29 and State College (6-7) 34-20 in the season opener. State’s 6-7 record can mislead knowing ten of their opponents ended the year above .500 and that three of the losses came to Central Dauphin (11-3) 10-7, Central Dauphin East (10-3) 14-12 and Cumberland Valley (9-3) 13-0 before losing in the PIAA quarterfinals to Pine Richland 49-29.
Like Perk Val, Spring Ford is overhauling their lines with the loss of Zach Dorsey (6-2, 285, Ship), Scott Smiley (5-10, 215), Joe Goul (6-0, 225), Nate Schoeck (6-3, 265) and TE Bryce Rhodenbaugh (6-2, 195). Lost a good one under center in Brandon Leacraft (6-0, 180) who completed 126 of 219 for 1893 yards. His completion percentage was 58% with a stellar Td-Pik ratio of 24 to 3. He signed on with Univ of Iowa Track and Field (Div-1, Outdoor, currently ranked 50th, FL # 1, Penn State 15th..State!). That’s a loss but with Brubaker’s Wilson roots (Kerry Collins, Chad Henne) you know they’ll always be a quarterback in the wings waiting his turn so look for Stone Scarcelle (6-2, 180, jr, good pt last year) to fill in well for Leacraft. Their lead receivers also graduated in Branden Barone and Danny Matthews who combined for 53 receptions for 1250 yards. But they’re fine there coming in as they did last year with an abundance of receivers. And all their running backs return, all sophomores last year; Matt Gibson (5-8, 155, jr) who got 744 yards on 108 attempts, Selwyn Simpson (6-2, 195, jr) who rushed for 582 yards on 65 carries and Matt Booth (5-7, 150) who rushed for 86 yards on 16 carries. With a good sized sophomore class moving up, they should be able to manage the O-line losses.
Last year’s team came in looking to replace all eleven defensive starters but that’s not the case this year with at least 8 back. The schedule is amenable beginning with a great home opener against State College who like Spring Ford will be breaking in a new quarterback on a team otherwise well stocked for a successful season. Then comes Phoenixville, Upper Perkiomen, Boyertown and Methacton. All the major teams in the conference and out must come to Royersford including State High, Pottsgrove, and Perkiomen Valley. State will be a tough one (but winnable) with running back Jordan Misher back after scorching them for 228 yards last year. The Lions pounded out 456 total yards of “O” in that one and return eight to the “D”. Very cool seeing Coach schedule a Mid Penn Conference team, their old nemesis conference from the Wilson days who will again battle the Lancaster-Lebanon League (Wilson, Manheim Twp, Hempfield, called the LL) for District-3 honors this year. And it’s a great opportunity to view Mid Penn-Commonwealth Conference football. I can tell you its big boy football with mega bodies everywhere who will compete for the MP-Commonwealth along with Central Dauphin, CD East, Cumberland Valley and Harrisburg High. Misher will run behind Wade Bonsell 6-1, 275, Doug Swoboda 6-3, 300, Mark Weakland 6-3, 275 and Will Swope 6-6, 270. Pottsgrove graduated their principle skill people at QB, RB and WR but when have graduations slowed this program who haven’t had a losing season since 2002. Then comes Perkiomen Valley who should again field a powerful offense, powerful enough to trade points “early” until the defense develops. This one could be for all the PAC marbles.

Here's mine:

1. Banko Field, Bethlehem Liberty High School

This place is easily the #1 venue. Seats 14,000, lots of off-street parking, Roosevelt's around the corner is a good place for a pre-game gathering. The best atmosphere I witnessed here was the 2002 D11 championship between Parkland and Bethlehem Catholic in front of a full house. That was the year when these were arguably the two best teams in the state.

2. Kottmeyer Stadium, Downingtown West High School

Big stadium and the stands are right on the field, no track to look over, terrific vantage points. Parking can be an issue. Always nice to have an excuse to visit the Victory Brewing Company before a game. Great atmosphere for both the D1 championship (Coatesville, Spring-Ford) and 4A east final (Coatesville-LaSalle) 3 years ago.

3. War Memorial Field, Central Bucks West High School

Didn't think I would have War Memorial ranked so high. What's not to like? Only downside is the visitor's bleachers are a little small. The upside: one of the most historic programs in the state played on this field the past 40 years. Nice setting in Doylestown Borough. It's walkable from everywhere in town and like Banko, plenty off street parking. This site hosted one of the great PIAA state playoff games in 2006 between Pennsbury and Liberty, plus numerous CB-West D1 playoff games.

4. Harry E. Franks Stadium, Neshaminy High School

Like War Memorial, lots of history here. Big stadium, although the concrete never gets high marks. One of the best grass fields around, always is good condition. Great tailgating underneath the water tower. The kettle corn stand is always a favorite. Exiting the property can be an issue with a big crowd. This stadium has hosted two D1 finals ('01, '04) and three 4A east finals ('98, '00, and '02). Who can forget the famous 1971 Pennsbury-Neshaminy game? I can't because I was there.

5. Coatesville Memorial Stadium, Coatesville High School

I really wanted to rank this facility higher. It's an awesome venue in terms of huge steel stands, field, parking, multiple entrances, etc. The one big drawback is the stadium was built too far from the field. Other wise it would be up the list for sure. Coatesville has hosted multiple huge games over the years that I recall. The Manheim Central-Strath Haven 3A east final in '03, Neshaminy's big second half comeback against Coatesville in the '04 D1 semis, Liberty-North Penn in the '08 east final, and the D1 championship in '09 when Ridley defeated North Penn.

Honorable Mention:

Cottingham Stadium, Easton High School. Obviously lots of tradition, very cool setting in town. I've only been here once for the Parkland-Easton D11 championship in '03.

Phil Marion Field, Ridley High School. Again, tradition is another big component. Have seen multiple playoff games here. Always cherish the times hanging out on "the hill" with the boys having a beverage.

Falcon Field, Pennsbury High School. Stadium wise this venue is right up there. For some reason I always feel the grass field should be in better shape.

Walt Snyder Stadium, Council Rock North High School. For sentimental reasons, they have done a nice job renovating the stadium. Did host a state semi-final in '98 (CBW-Abington Heights) and the D1 championship in 2010 (NP-Neshaminy).

Crawford Stadium, North Penn High School. For a 10 year period this was the toughest place to play in District 1. The Knights hosted countless playoff games in that period.

Charles Martin Stadium, Northeast High School. This site has hosted more playoff games in the last 10 years than anyone, and it's not even close. There's a certain charm to this place. Plenty of off street parking and where else can you watch a high school game on the concourse with the patrons brown bagging it.

Stadiums that no longer exist:

The old J Birney Crum in Allentown. I'm talking about when they had bleachers on both sides of the field. Saw the first state playoff game here in 1988 between Neshaminy and Cedar Cliff.

Poppy Yoder Field, Pennridge High School.....just because. Those visitor bleachers could not get any closer to the field.

This is about a week old, but doesn't look like it has been posted yet.

http://articles.philly.com/2015-07-23/sports/64730524_1_elite-top-quarterbacks-competition

Since its coming up in discussion, and there seems to be consensus that people want to go to six classes, what would it actually look like? This is the breakdown of what the twelve districts would look like under the Super 700 proposal, where all schools with more than 700 boys would be in the 6A classification, then the remaining five classes would be evenly split (102 or 103 schools). This is what the breakdown would look like based, on straight enrollment. That means I’m not assuming anybody is playing up, like Bethlehem Catholic, Imhotep Charter, Aliquippa, Jeannette, and a host of District 12 schools do currently as compared to their enrollment. I’d imagine schools still would have the option to go up.

District 1: Super 700
6A: North Penn, Pennsbury, Upper Darby, Neshaminy, CB South, Coatesville, Spring-Ford, Abington, Bensalem, Boyertown, Pennridge, Souderton, Harry S. Truman, CB East, Downingtown East, Norristown, William Tennet, Council Rock South, Avon Grove, Conestoga, Ridley, Downingtown West, Perkiomen Valley, CB West, Haverford, Quakertown

5A: Council Rock North, Owen J. Roberts, Methacton, Cheltenham, Penn Wood, Hatboro Horsham, Plymouth Whitemarsh, Chester, Upper Dublin, West Chester East, Garnet Valley, West Chester Rustin, Wissahickon, Kennett, Lower Merion, West Chester Henderson, Unionville, Oxford, Penncrest, Upper Merion, Academy Park, Interboro, Great Valley, Marple Newtown, Springfield (Delco), Strath Haven, Harriton, Phoenixville

4A: Radnor, Chichester, Upper Moreland, Sun Valley, Pottsgrove, Glen Mills, Bishop Shanahan, Upper Perkiomen, Pottstown, Octorara, Pope John Paul II

3A: Lower Moreland, Springfield Township

2A: New Hope-Solebury, Valley Forge Military Academy, Bristol

A: Morrisville, Calvary Christian, Delaware County Christian School, Jenkintown

District 2: Super 700
6A: Hazleton

5A: Scranton, Delaware Valley, Wyoming Valley West, Wallenpaupack

4A: Abington Heights, Pittston, West Scranton, North Pocono, Coughlin, Crestwood, Dallas, Honesdale, Tunkhannock, Berwick, Wyoming Area

3A: Valley View, Scranton Prep, Western Wayne, Lake Lehman, GAR, Greater Nanticoke, Hanover, Strawberry Mansion

2A: Lakeland, Montrose, Holy Redeemer, Mid Valley, Wilkes Barre Meyers, Riverside, Carbondale, Dunmore, Holy Cross, Northwest

A: Lackawanna Trail, Old Forge, Susquehanna Community

District 3: Super 700
6A: Reading, JP McCaskey, Chambersburg, Cumberland Valley, Hempfield, Harrisburg, Central Dauphin, Red Lion, Wilson West Lawn, William Penn, Manheim township, Penn Manor

5A: Dallastown Area, Central York, CD East, Cedar Crest, Warwick, Carlisle, Conestoga Valley, York County School of Technology, Exeter, Cedar Cliff, Governor Mifflin, Lebanon, Ephrata, Waynesboro, Lower Dauphin, South Western, New Oxford, Elizabethtown, Mechanicsburg, Muhlenburg, Hershey, Solanco, Garden Spot, Red Land, Daniel Boone

4A: Northern York, Spring Grove, Northeastern, Shippensburg, Greencastle Antrim, Twin Valley, Dover, Cocalico, Manheim Central, Lampeter Strasburg, Palmyra, West York, James Buchanan, Big Spring, Gettysburg, Conrad Weiser, West Perry, Fleetwood, York Suburban, Donegal, East Pennsboro, Susquehannock, Suquehanna Township, Eastern Lebanon, Milton Hershey, Kennard Dale, Northern Lebanon

3A: Eastern York, Bishop McDevitt, Middletown, Hamburg, Bermudian Springs, Littelstown, Wyomissing, Boiling Springs, Berks Catholic, Pequea Valley, Schuylkill Valley, Lancaster Catholic, Susquenita, Annville Cleona, Biglersville

2A: Trinity, Hanover, Kutztown, Upper dauphin, Delone Catholic, Colubmia, Fairfield, Camp Hill, York Catholic

A: Steelton-Highspire, Newport, Halifax, Millersburg, Carson Long Military Academy

District 4: Super 700
6A: None

5A: Williamsport

4A: Shikellamy, Jersey Shore, Selinsgrove, Shamokin

3A: Athens, Mifflinburg, Colubmia Montour Vo Tech, Milton, Lewisburg, Montoursville

2A: Danville, Central Colubmia, Mount Carmel, warrior Run, Troy, Towanda, Loyalsock, Hughesville, Southern Columbia, Wellsboro, Bloomsburg, Wyalusing, South Williamsport, East Juniata, Line Mountain

A: Muncy, Sayre, North Penn-Mansfield, Conwanesque Valley, Canton, Montgomery, Bucktail

District 5: Super 700
6A: None

5A: None

4A: Somerset

3A: Bedford, Chestnut Ridge

2A: Everett

A: Northern Bedford, Tussey Mountain, North Star, Berlin Brothersvalley, Meyersdale, Conemaugh Township, Windber, Rockwood, Shade

District 6: Super 700
6A: Altoona, State College

5A: Mifflin County, Central Mountain

4A: Holidaysburg, Bellefonte, Greater Johnstown

3A: Huntingdon, Forest Hills, Central, Juniata, Phillipsburg-Osceola, Tyrone, Central Cambria, Ligonier Valley
2A: Penns Valley, Bald Eagle Area, Penn Cambria, Richland, Mount Union, Westmont Hilltop, Marion Center, Cambria Heights, Southern Huntingdon, West Branch, Bellwood Antis, Bishop McCort

A: Northern Cambria, United, Blairsville, Purchase Line, Bishop Guilfoyle, Penns Manor, Homer Center, Claysburg Kimmel, Moshannon Valley, Conemaugh Valley, Glendale, Saltsburg, Juniata Valley, Portage, Bishop Carroll, Blacklick Valey, Ferndale, Williamsburg, St. Joseph Academy

District 7: Super 700
6A: Seneca Valley, North Allegheny, Butler

5A: Hempfield, Norwin, Pittsburgh Central Catholic, Penn Hills, Connellsville, Mount Lebanon, Canon McMillan, Shaler, Bethel Park, Pine Richland, Woodland Hills, Peters Township, Upper St. Clair, Fox Chapel, Penn-Trafford, Baldwin, Greater Latrobe, Kiski, Plum, McKeesport, Moon, Albert Gallatin, Gateway, Franklin Regional

4A: Chartiers Valley, Hampton, Knoch, Mars, Trinity, West Allegheny, Laurel Highlands, Montour, New Castle, Ringgold, Belle Vernon, Thomas Jefferson, West Mifflin, Uniontown, Ambridge, Greensburg Salem, Indiana, Hopwell, Central Valley, Elizabeth Forward

3A: Blackhawk, Yough, Deerk Lakes, South Fayette, Highlands, Derry Area, Mount Pleasant, Freeport, McGuffey, Ellwood City, Kittanning, Valley, South Park, Beaver Area, Southmoreland, Keystone Oaks, West Shamokin, Burrell, Steel Valley, Brownsville, Waynesburg Central, Mohawk, Ford City, Quaker valley, East Allegheny

2A: Shady Side Academy, Charleroi, South Allegheny, Summit Academy, Washington, Apollo Ridge, New Brighton, Beaver Falls, Laurel, Burgettstown, Sto-Rox, Freedom Area, Seton-LaSalle, Carlynton, Avonworth, Riverside, Northgate, Bethlehem Center, South Side, Neshannock, Fort Cherry, Wilkinsburg, Frazier, Shenango, Chartiers-Houston

A: Bentworth, Our Lady of the Sacred Heart, Aliquippa, Brentwood, Bishop Canevin, Carmichaels, Jeannette, Riverview, Serra Catholic, California, leechburg, Springdale, Jefferson Morgan, West Greene, Greensburg Central Catholic, Rochester, Clairton, Western Beaver, Vincentian, Monessan, Union Area, North Catholic, Mapletown, Avella

District 8: Super 700
6A: Brashear

5A: Taylor Allderdice, Perry Traditional Academy, Carrick

4A: None

3A: University Prep

2A: Westinghouse

A: None

District 9: Super 700
6A: None

5A: DuBois

4A: Punxsutawney, Clearfield

3A: Bradford, Saint Mary’s

2A: Brookville, Karns City, Moniteau, Kane Area

A: Curwensville, Brockway, Port Alleghany, Keystone, Clarion Limestone, Redbank Valley, Ridgway, Smethport, Coudersport, Clarion, Ott-Eldred, Allegheny Clarion Valley, Elks County Catholic, Union, Cameron County, Sheffield

District 10: Super 700
6A: Erie McDowell

5A: none

4A: Central Tech, Erie Cathedral Prep, General McLane, East, Meadville, Strong Vincent
3A: Oil City, Conneaut, Grove City, Warren, Slippery Rock, Corry, Harbor Creek, Fort LeBoeuf, Hickory, Girard, Sharon, Franklin, Titusville

2A: Seneca, Northwestern, North East, Fairview, Mercyhurst Prep, Saegertown, Shaprsville, Wilmington, Greenville, Lakeview, Reynolds, Maplewood, Cambridge Springs

A: Iroquois, West Middlesex, Mercer Area, Eisenhower, Union City, Youngsville, Chchranton, Farrell

District 11: Super 700
6A: Parkland, Liberty, William Allen, Easton, Emmaus, Dieruff, Pocono Mountain West, Freedom, Stroudsburg, Pleasant Valley, Pocono Mountain East, Northampton

5A: Nazareth, East Stroudsburg South, Whitehall, East Stroudsburg North

4A: Bangor, Southern Lehigh, Pottsville, Blue Mountain, Jim thorpe, Saucon Valley, Lehighton, Allentown Central Catholic

3A: Northwestern Lehigh, Wilson, Bethlehem Catholic, Tamaqua, Palisades, Palmerton, North Schuylkill, Salisburg, Notre Dame, Pen Argyl, Northern Lehigh
2A: Pine Grove, Catasaqua, Panther Valley, Minersville, Schuylkill Haven, Mahanoy Area

A: Marian Catholic, Williams Valley, Shenandoah Valley, Tri-Valley, Nativity BVM

District 12: Super 700
6A: Northeast, Central, LaSalle, Olney Charter, Abraham Lincoln, Roman Catholic, George Washington, St. Joseph’s Prep, Father Judge

5A: Kensington Multiplex, Thomas A. Edison, Fels, Martin Luther King, Frankford, Bartram, Archbishop Ryan, Overbrook, Archbishop Wood

4A: Simon Gratz, Boy’s Latin, Cardinal O’Hara, Benjamin Franklin, Monsignor Bonner, Furness, Archbishop Carroll, Mastbaum Vo Tech
3A: West Philadelphia, Delaware Valley Charter, Imhotep Charter, Lansdale Catholic, School of the Future, Prep Charter, Dobbins Tech, Conwell-Egan, Roxborough
2A: Neumann-Goretti, Shoemaker Charter, Bishop McDevitt

A: West Catholic, KIPP DuBois, First Philadelphia Prep Charter

Dont know too much about him but welcome to the Owl family , what can you tell me about him river?

Parkland wide receiver Kenny Yeboah tweeted his commitment to Temple. Yeboah caught 43 passes for 773 yards and 13 touchdowns last fall, including a 7 catch, 90 yard performance against SJP in state Quarterfinals. Temple is getting a good one. He's a big, physical receiver with great body control. He's also a very good basketball player, which very much translates to his ball skills on the football field.

Yeboah joins former Parkland standout Rob Dvorcek at Temple.

At least in the near future. However, the idea is still very much on the table.

http://highschoolsports.pennlive.co...sifications-but-it-also-could-stay-with-four/

Listening to KYW this morning, they gave a report on the "Black Catholics" being upset that they don't feel included in the Pope's visit to Philadelphia. Come on, really??!! Black Catholics!! Whether it is the media pushing this agenda or what ever, I am getting tired, really tired, of hearing how "Blacks" don't feel included. "Black Entertainment Television", Miss Black USA, Black Colleges, and now Black Catholics!! The Blacks need to stop their segregation. I feel sorry for the children of this world because they're the ones who will have to figure it out. We'll be long gone!! And here's the kicker...........I'm not a racist, just someone who has had enough!!

Henderson 8-4; Henderson had a solid team last year that except for the 28-27ot loss to Rustin the second week of the season, were looking at a 7-0 start! Still, 6-1 is good stuff and so is a 8-4 record given the slate of teams played where nine of twelve ended the year as winners. Eight made the playoffs. Following Rustin, they put a 35-0 hurtin on Solanco (South Lancaster County), a AAA in Quarryville, PA, equidistant (10 miles) between Lancaster and the Maryland line. Known as the Golden Mules, they were an ornery bunch, having their first winning season in eight years with close call losses to Triple-A’s Lampeter Strasburg (8-3) and Lancaster Catholic (4-6) before upsetting Cocalico (10-4), 14-7. Next for Henderson came two impressive road wins, beating Downingtown West 28-20 at Kottmeyer and Unionville 30-12 before returning home for wins against Bishop Shanahan 21-7 and West Chester East, 35-14. They were 7-1 heading to Coatesville with their option offense (Mid Line and Veer) where they were defeated 21-3. They had no answer for Coatesville’s speed (shut down the veer) or their 4-4 D (looks 6-2 with OLBs down) being held to a season low 144 yards rushing. Had some success with the Mid Line going up the middle (QB, FB) but little outside (QB, FB, Wingback) on the pitch. They ended the regular season beating Avon Grove 41-14 then getting handled by Downingtown East 28-7. The postseason saw them shock Suburban One power North Penn 40-13. The SOL doesn’t see much option but 40-13!? Second round action dealt them a bad hand, getting Coatesville for the second time in four weeks with results that were almost predictable as the Red Raiders prevailed 56-28. All in all the Warriors were a scrappy bunch, scoring 28ppg, a three year high and allowing 19 in the high octane Ches Mont. They accomplished that with some nice parts, beginning with then senior Fullback Tre Green (5-11, 185) who rushed for 1619 yards on 227 carries. Noah Richards (6-2, 195) who rushed for 537 yards on 76 attempts also graduated. Quarterback Matt DiNacci (6-1, 200, sr) whose leadership will be needed this year returns for his third year as a starter. He passed sparingly in the option, completing 26 of 58 for 341 yards (45%), with an eye popping 1 to 9 Td to Pick ratio. Everyone who caught a pass graduated, except one, Tight-end Jason DePhillips (6-2, 220, sr). He and Sam Vogel (6-2, 235, sr) are the return lineman for the coming season with the other starters graduated; Bryan White (6-2, 280), James McDonald (6-4, 280), Connor Logan (6-3, 220) and Jeff Hudson (6-4, 295). Definitely gonna miss those hogs who paved the way for 3362 total rushing yards at 6.5 yards per carry. They also took some big hits to the D losing DLs Bryan White (6-2, 280, 100 tackles), Jack Dingfelder (6-2, 200, 77 tackles) and Bryem Wesley-Norman (5-10, 210, 34 tackles). Linebackers Cole Bement (6-0, 190) with 124 stops and Kyle Klause (6-0, 190) with 88 stops were their #1 and #3 tackles. Both graduated. The secondary was wiped out, losing Nick Rizzo, Tre Green and Brian Armstrong who combined had 145 tackles. Bottom line, Henderson graduated a pretty good team. But knowing they’ve had one losing season in the last fourteen years (2006, 5-6), suggests they’ll find a way.

West Chester East 5-6; Like a number of teams, East had a few games if won, could have really turned things around. They were neck and neck with Bishop Shanahan the fourth week of the season, down 24-21 when Shanahan scored in the final quarter to ice it 31-21. The following week saw them almost pull a major upset against Downingtown East. Leading 31-27 with six minutes left in the game, quarterback Jon Jon Roberts threw an interception returned 47 yards for the winning score, allowing the Cougars to escape with the win at home 34-31. Realistically they just didn’t have it against the better teams losing to Rustin 34-13, Shanahan 31-21, DT East 34-31, then Henderson 35-14, DT West 62-7 and Coatesville 34-14. But at least they’re now treading water, going 5-6 last year and 6-5 the year before following a six year run where they won as many games, 11, out of 65 played! Last year was head coach Dave Gueriera’s first season so we’ll see how things go. It helped having a quarterback like Jon Jon Roberts (5-9, 160, 1397py, 61%, 13/9) keeping defenses off balance with his ability to flat out fly, motoring for 554 yards on 74 carries. That’s 7.5ypc and that ain’t bad! And, he’s the second all-time leader in passing yards in the Ches Mont at 5391 yards behind Pat Devlin (2002-2005) with 8162 yards. Now, if they can just put a little more around him particularly on the defensive side (allowed 26ppg), you’ll see something. Last year’s offense purred along at 27ppg, behind a big O-Line featuring people like Tavis Peterson (6-0, 260, sr), Kevin Murphy (6-3, 275, graduated, UConn), Nate Yarnall (6-0, 255, sr), Tom Gormley (6-0, 270, sr) et al. As things stand now, they’re a scaled down version of Council Rock North with the ability to get after you offensively while getting clobbered defensively. This makes for one exciting football game that often leaves both on the short end of the stick against “quality”. Entering this season they lost their leading rusher and receivers but return a pile of running backs, plus the linemen mentioned and their quarterback. Losing a tackle like Kevin Murphy is a loss to any team. The schedule is challenging, swapping Penn Wood for Academy Park (also of the Del-Val) in the opener at home followed by a copy of last year’s schedule for the first four games; (H) Kennett in game #2 with roadies at Rustin (10-2) and Shanahan (8-4). Rustin and Shanahan look diminished but still tough, tough road games. Same with Academy Park (8-3), a little dip in the charts early looking for a quarterback but returning a loaded backfield. Kennett (1-9) has a three year starting senior quarterback in Nick Dunlevy who passes well enough and runs like a deer to lead a wildly young team from last year to better things this year. The schedule is back loaded, catching Coatesville, Downing West/East and Henderson in games 6, 7, 9 and 10 respectively.

Bishop Shanahan 8-4; Good things happened at Bishop Shanahan last year as they recorded their third winning season ever, getting to the postseason for only the second time in school history, advancing to the second round where they lost to Great Valley (12-2) 20-0 after thumping Upper Moreland (8-4) in the first, 37-7. The other playoff visit was during quarterback Ryan Egolf’s years (2008-2011, Towson, Dequesne) in 2010 with a 7-4 campaign that ended against Springfield (8-4), 56-49. Egolf passed for over 2100 yards that year, ending his career as the 4th ranked passer in the Ches Mont with 5022 yards. That was a nice team that actually upset Rustin (11-2) 40-37 in the second week but it wasn’t as balanced and had nowhere near the defensive prowess this group had. In fact, in terms of points allowed, this is the best defense they’ve ever had, allowing 15ppg or, 175 total points. Their average ppg was the best in the Ches Mont, the entire Ches Mont, National or American, ahead of Rustin and Coatesville who allowed 17ppg, Great Valley at 18 and Henderson who allowed 19. Last year also marked the fourteenth year the school has been playing football, having restarted the program in 2001 following a 34 year hiatus when football was dropped in 1967. The school opened in West Chester in 1956 and started playing football in 1961. In 1998 the school was moved to Downingtown. The coming year sees them replacing most of their starters particularly at running back where their principal backs have graduated including Kevin Stine, Cody Smith, Nick Pascanis, Ryan Johns and Jerry Ricardo. Key receivers in Jeff Zebroski and Pat Corcoran also graduated. Versatile quarterback Danny Murphy is gone after completing 78 of 130 passes (60%) for 1014 yards and rushing for 324 yards on 80 carries. Those stats are incomplete after reviewed games to find all except those for Penn Wood and Octorara. The schedule is favorable with their first three games at home verses Germantown Academy, Olney and West Chester East. But GA gave them fits last year with a young team and with East having savvy, senior quarterback Jon Jon Roberts looking to reverse last year’s bitter 31-21 loss, the Eagles have their work cut out for them.