Taking a ride up 309 to go to the North Penn-La Salle game. Always a good game and good crowd!!

Any word on how they looked against in the scrimmage against St John's?

Do they have a realistic shot at beating IMG? IMG is obviously loaded with talent and already have a game under their belt this year

2022 Football: post season quick hits by district.

Here’s a snapshot of many of the teams across the state with no particular format, pulling what seemed interesting, district by district. Things like streaks, special players, upsets, new coaches, outstanding/disappointing seasons etc. I’ll post the other districts as I complete them. Enjoy and jump in with corrections and additions.

Suburban One League
National Conference
Pennsbury 6A 9-2
Pennsbury went from the very bottom fielding consecutive winless seasons in 2020 and 2021 to a 9-2 campaign where they won the National Conference title without a loss. They did it in Coach Galen Snyder’s second tenure after leading the Falcons from 2002-2015 with a 116-48 record. He won district titles in 2006 and 2014 along with National Conference titles in 09, 12, 13, 14. This year’s team won the way Pennsbury has always won, with a power running game (Ground and Pound) and stubborn defense. Their season ended in the first round, losing to old rival North Penn in a rematch 21-20 when the Knights went for it and made a two-point conversion for the win. Lead back Galamama Mulbah (6-1, 210) was special, rushing for 2035 yards and 24 Tds. Big loss there along with OL’ers Donovan Frascella (5-11, 230), Bailey McDonnell (5-11, 220) and Fabian Francois (5-10, 225). The LB corps (Mullery, Gabatt, Wade, Beighley O’Neal) all graduate.
Central Bucks East 6A 8-3
CB East put together one of their most productive offenses in years, scoring 28ppg. They’ve only done that (year-end high 28ppg avg) three times in the last 24 years. It got them second place in the National and a rare win against North Penn, with notable wins against Souderton (9-3) 30-13 and CB South (7-4) 21-7. The D was right there too, holding seven teams to 14 points or less. But their 8-1 start took a hit losing back-to-back to rival CB West in the regular season final 21-14 and the postseason a week later 42-26. They’ll enter 2023 graduating Qb Pat Keller (6-4, 190, 61%-1484), star RB/MLB Ethan Shine (5-11, 215) and his 1922 rush yards plus 82 tackles and three of the top four receivers. Other big losses to the D are DL Joe Collins (6-3, 290), DE Sean Connor (6-4, 210) and DB Matt LaBouliere.
Central Bucks West 6A 9-5
It’s tough opening the season with road trips to the eventual 6A and 5A district champions, losing to Garnet Valley 14-7 and Upper Dublin 35-7. Thereon, they went 9-3, ending the season with a rematch loss to Garnet Valley 35-7 in the district final. They got there by way of playoff wins against CB East and North Penn, both rematches, and a mild upset on the road against Perkiomen Valley (11-2) 14-13. The finals appearance was the Bucks first in 22 years. So it was quite a year, with an undersized and under rated defense keeping them in many games, holding eight opponents to 14 or less points. They return a great core for 2023 of at least 14 starters but must replace standout Eli Boehm (1655ry..?).
Central Bucks South 6A 7-4
Despite beating CB West 27-14, the Titans had little luck against the better teams, going 2-4 against those finishing above .500. The D was there, finishing at 16ppg. But it was unsupported by consistent offense (rushing) averaging 24ppg, losing to CB East 21-7, Pennsbury 28-6 and shutout by Souderton 10-0 in the playoff’s first round. Bret Szarko (66%!-1694, 14/7) was solid under center but they lacked a go to running back. He graduates along with their top receiver Tim Donnelly (799yds), with the defense rebuilding around 1st teamer LB Sean Moskowitz (6-2, 220) and LB Colin Kelly (6-0, 190).
North Penn 6A 6-6
The Knights had a number of close calls where it could have gone way south that they pulled out, beating Neshaminy in overtime 35-28 and Pennsbury in the playoffs (rematch), also in overtime 22-21. Other games did not go their way, like Upper Dublin, losing 32-28, and LaSalle, giving up 13 fourth quarter points to lose 37-28, out gained on the ground 249-74. Defense and the lack of a ground game (when needed) sums up the game and season, while allowing the ‘big play’ with LaSalle scoring on a 65 and 25-yard pass play and a 37 yard run. The defense was their worst EVER, meaning back through 1999 (my records) allowing 28ppg. For 2023, some losses include quarterback Ryan Zeltt, Yazeed Haynes (inelig for playoff per transfer from Neumann, Decom PSU-to GA.) and at least two lineman of note, Mikai Green (6-2, 300) and Kevin Pownall (6-0, 230).
Neshaminy 6A 4-6
It’s hard times at Neshaminy, experiencing an unheard of two consecutive losing seasons going 2-8 in 2021 and 4-6 last year. Interestingly, they were cranking out a decent season through the first six games going 4-2 with a road loss at Downingtown West and an overtime loss at North Penn. An offense that was already misfiring shot blanks the rest of the season scoring 12 total points the final four games while allowing 100. The offense that ended with a 12ppg average (12?) was their worst of record. The year before it was 14ppg so we’re talked a full on power outage with the Skins offense. With good numbers and experience returning to the defense, the offense should improve in Colin Baker’s second year under center after completing 50% for 1128 yards. The problem was interceptions with a 4/8 Td-Pick ratio. OL Charlie Sorka (6-4, 280) will stabilize the line with linebackers Joel Bonner and Colton Clee doing the same on defense. Still, DE’s Joey Zack (6-4, 220, 45 stops) and Nick Buchy (6-3, 245, 62 stops) with Jack Dunkley (6-4, 275) will be missed.
Pennridge 6A 2-9
2022 was the Rams lowest win total in over 25 years. Much of this was on the offense, fielding their second worst offense ever (2019-12ppg) at 17ppg. They suffered an uncanny number of close losses, losing road games to Souderton 24-21, CB East 16-13 in ot, Pennsbury 27-24 and at home to Neshaminy 7-6. They lost the last seven games of the season. I have no record (thru 1999) of the Rams ever losing their last seven games. This resulted in the administration deciding to move on from Coach Chuck Burgy after only one season at the helm. Probably didn’t help losing two straight to rival Quakertown in a game that does matter!
Abington 6A 2-8
84 wins and 38 losses. That’s the won/loss of the program from 2005 through 2014. Since then, they’ve gone 32-47 with only three winning season. Last year’s team allowed 28ppg on defense, the highest since 2002’s 2-8 team that allowed 31. The offense scored on average 15ppg, after scoring 14ppg the year before. These are their lowest averages since 2000’s 2-10 team that averaged ten points per game. Following a 2-1 start, the team collapsed, getting shutout four times and being outscored 225-46 the last seven games.

SOL-Continental Conference
Upper Dublin 5A 14-1
The Cardinals fielded one of their best teams, matching 2015’s mark with a 14-1 campaign and a record setting defense allowing 8ppg! They were undefeated through the regular season and four games into the postseason after beating all the quality teams (six) on the schedule (eg, Souderton, Rustin, Ply White) by an average score of 31-6 before losing to Imhotep in the semifinal 21-14. Senior quarterback Colin O’Sullivan completed 64% for 2839 yards with a 35/5 ratio. Running back Nyfise McIntyre also graduates taking 1365 yards with him along with the receiving corps taking 157 receptions and 2335 yards. The D graduates seven starters with the offense also losing four 1st team All-Continental Conference players and four from the 2nd Team. With all respect to Imhotep, it would have been nice to see how this group stacked up against Pine Richland.
Souderton 6A 9-3
Make that four straight winning seasons (30-12) since getting through a rough patch from 2013 to 2018 where they went 23-38. Their nine wins are the most they’ve had since 2007’s edition went 9-2. For 2023, they graduate Qb Jared Zimmerman (59%-1396, 10/5) and part of the group at running back with the top two rushers graduating. But the D that was both stubborn at 15ppg and young return a ton of bodies, at least eight starters/co-starters allowing them to hold on while the offense rebuilds.
Quakertown 6A 6-6
It’s been a decade since the Panthers had a defense this bad, allowing 30ppg that left them uncompetitive against the quality teams/programs on their schedule, losing to North Penn (6-6) 49-7, CB West (9-5) 56-14, Plymouth Whitemarsh (10-3) 49-9, Souderton (9-3) 34-20, Upper Dublin (14-1) 38-8 and Garnet Valley (13-1) 63-14 by a combined score of 289-63. That’s a significant drop for a program that won 70 games the previous nine years. But it was made better in the end by their second straight win over Pennridge 22-6, after beating them 21-0 in 2021.
Council Rock North 6A 4-6
Council Rock North had their seventh consecutive non-winning season (2-2 in 2020) but did improve in the win column by one with an offense that was capable at 19ppg over 2021’s historic low of 8ppg. The problem was a sieve like defense and some questions at the quarterback position (Will Scibona, Jackson Farley, Jules Matera) until settling in on Matera who finished at 53%, 1099 yards and a 11/0 Td-Pick ratio. At 6-2, 175, that’s pretty good stuff for a sophomore. They may have found something in Matera. Lineman Gavin Swope (6-3, 285) and LBs Avi Patel and Dylan Siveter are a loss, but they return good numbers. Beating CR South 21-20 helped ease the pain of a four-win season.
Council Rock South 6A 4-6
The Golden Hawks offense has been non-existent the last 4 years, closing with year ending averages of 9, 11, 14 and 15ppg from 2019 through 2022. This year’s was shutout three times and held to seven or less points twice. But, the defense proved resilient, allowing a respectable 16ppg by year’s end, keeping them somewhat competitive against Upper Dublin losing 16-0 and Souderton 23-0; unsupported by any help from the offense. They look good again for 2023 on defense with at least six back on the D-Front and the offense returning quarterback Chase Ennis (6-4, 210) who was their offense much of the year, scoring three rushing touchdowns in the year ending 21-20 loss to rival CR North.
Bensalem 6A 2-8
Hard as it is to believe, the Owls have not had a winning season since 2004 when they went 6-5. Since then, they’ve gone 49-132 with 5-5 outings in 2016, 2017 and 2021.
Truman 6A 2-8
Like Bensalem except for a few more bright spots in 2014 going 7-5, 2017 going 7-4 and 2018 at 10-2, the Tigers have struggled, registering a 55-158 record from 1999 through 2022.
Hatboro Horsham 5A (Independent) 1-7
As bad as things are at Bensalem and Truman, they’re worse at Hatboro-Horsham where the Hatters haven’t played a full schedule the last three years going 0-5, 0-8 and 1-7. Numbers are a problem and youth with last year’s team showing 42 on the roster of which 20 were sophomores. So they have experience returning for 2023 and hopefully the participation numbers come up.

SOL-American
Plymouth Whitemarsh 5A 10-3
Evidently the Colonials are still baffling people with that option, getting their second straight 10-win season and American championship. But not against CB South in the season opener, fumbling four times with countless special teams errors in a 21-6 loss at home. You know you’re in trouble rushing for 154 yards with an option offense. Ridley beat them 35-13 getting them off to a 1-2 start. Thereon they pounded out nine straight wins until losing to Upper Dublin 30-0 in the district semifinal. Entering 2023, they have big holes to fill on the D-Front (four also OL) and with quarterback Aiden O’Brien graduating.
Upper Moreland 4A 8-3
Thought the Golden Bears would be more with a great nucleus returning of seven on each side and a veteran line. But they lost to all the winning teams they played except 2A Executive Education Academy, going down against Interboro 37-7, Plymouth Whitemarsh 56-20 and Great Valley 24-21 in the first round. For 2023, they look wiped out, losing five OL’ers, a running back and wideout plus three DLs, two LBs and at least one from the secondary. That was a veteran line of Tyler Darrow 6-6 290, John Hardee 5-11 265, Chase Ragan 6-1 270, John Baker 6-1 250 and TE Tahir Harris. Quarterback Shawn Herbert also grads
Cheltenham 5A 6-4
The Panthers were a competitive bunch with narrow losses at Northeast 24-20 and Upper Moreland 14-10 preventing more. The 35-25 loss to Perk Val saw them outgain the Vikings 452 to 400 yards. They’ll sneak up on you with three winning seasons the last four years, fielding an 8-4 team in 2018, 14-2 after the 5A final in 2019 where they were edged by Wood 19-15 (DNP 2020) and 6-4 last year. They went 5-6 in 2021. Their principle skill returns for 2023 with Qb Jon Ingram (6 starts, 50%, 366py), RB Tre McLeod (1006ry), wide out Julian Author (11/288). It looks like most of the line returns including well regarded Anthony Govens (6-1, 285, sr), Forey Cherry (6-0, 295, sr) and Kurt Scheuerman (6-3, 290, sr) with good numbers returning to the defense and quality numbers on defense that was outstanding at 14ppg. They look like the favorite in the SOLA entering 2023. But there’s a new coach in Troy Gore with Ryan Nase out and taking over at Northeast.
Springfield Township 4A 5-5
They may look average in the won/loss column (29-17 last 5), but there’s nothing average about Dylan McKenzie (6-3, 190, jr) who will line up at quarterback, running back, wide out, safety and assume kicking duties as needed to be one of most complete players (throw back) in the state. Best I can figure he had 1928 total yards with 19 Tds, 32 tackles and four picks. PA Football News made him their 1st Team All-State Athlete and he’s back for the 2023 season. Against Tennent, he had 354 yards on 33 carries and six Tds; a school record. They were eliminated by Pope John Paul II (10-2) in the playoffs 49-14.
Wissahickon 5A 1-9
Hard times continue at Wissahickon with nine straight non-losing seasons, going 3-3 in 2020 for a won/loss of 17-69.
New Hope Solebury 3A 2-9
The Lions played in the Bicentennial Athletic League until 2019 when they came to the Suburban One. It was easy pickins in the BAL going 51-22 from 2013-2018 before the wakeup call of the SOLA where they have yet to have a winning season, going 5-5, 3-5, 1-7 and 2-9 last year.
Tennent 6A 1-8
Tennent hasn’t had a winning season since 2006’s 6-4 team. Since then they’ve won 34 games against 124 losses.

Central League
Garnet Valley 6A 13-1
The Jaguars keep cranking out winning teams like few others in the state with a 5-year won-loss of 56-5 and 10-year record of 106-18. Nothing seems to slow them including the retirement in 2021 of Coach Mike Ricci (35 years, 260-125-1). The new head coach is Eric VanWyk, a 2008 grad with ten years on the staff working with the quarterbacks and coaching freshman football. Last year’s group defeated good stuff at Ridley, Spring Ford, Downingtown East and CB West before losing to St. Joseph’s Prep 48-7 in States. They have another rebuild for ’23 graduating underrated Qb Matt Mesaros (61%-1289-19/0 ratio) plus 759 rush yards, lead rusher Jason Bernard’s 1023 yards, top receiver Drew Van Horn’s 22 receptions for 556 yards and four of the top five tacklers gone.
Strath Haven 5A 12-1
Nice seeing the Panthers back on the prowl again with outstanding back-to-back seasons going 13-2 in 2021 and 12-1 last year. This ups the 4-year mark to 39-7 following an uncharacteristic 31-46 run from 2012 through 2018. This is the same program that went 136-29 the preceding 13 years, going 15-0 in 1999 and 2000 winning 3A state titles, followed by runner-up Silver Medal trophies in 2001 and 2002. Last year’s team fielded their best statistical defense since 2006, beating Interboro (10-4) 27-13 and Ridley (8-4) 41-14, both on the road before losing to Rustin (11-2) in the district semifinal 28-27 on a failed two-point conversion in ot.
Like the 2021 Ridley team, this looked like ‘THE’ team that could make a deep run in States. Now they face a major rebuild, graduating their top four backs who rushed for 4381 yards on 514 attempts for 62 touchdowns, led by Anthony Crawford’s 2097 yards and Bob Fooskas’s 1098. The D loses their top three tacklers, all linebackers, and DT Jason Williams (6-3, 300), returning 6 starters/co-starters.
Ridley 6A 8-4
Here’s one of most successful programs in the state, not having a losing season since 1955. While the offense has typically been high octane, the defense has taken a step back recently (2018-2022) with season ending yields of 28, 27, 17, 24 and 21ppg. They averaged 12.5ppg yield the previous ten years. Regular season losses came against Garnet Valley 35-7, Strath Haven 41-14 and Spring Ford (8-4) in the playoffs 42-28. But anyone that knows anything about Ridley football knows the 47-7 season ending pounding of bitter rival and neighbor (a few blocks down MacDade) healed some of those wounds. Looking back, 2021 (12-2) was ‘THE’ team, with Tahir Mills setting a Delco record of 2521 yards rushing, named Delco Player of the Year, and quarterback John Heller, also All Delco, throwing for 2197 yards and 26 Tds. 19 starters returned. That was a great team that left it all on the field in Lansdale beating North Penn in overtime 56-55, then coming up short the following week against Coatesville in the district semifinal 50-14.
Springfield 5A 8-4
Springfield has quietly had 11 winning seasons the last 13-years, going 99-51 with defense often their strong suit. They would be less of a ‘quiet’ success if they would beat the historic powers of the league meaning Garnet Valley, Ridley and Strath Haven more than just occasionally. They haven’t over the last 5 years, going 0-4 vs Garnet Valley, 0-5 vs Haven and 1-2 vs Ridley, with the Ridley win coming in 2018 in triple overtime. A 1-11 record against the ‘name’ teams is not going to get you any attention beyond Delco County if it even gets that. Regardless, it was a solid team last year that had their highest win total in five years.
Haverford 6A 6-5
Like Springfield, Haverford has experienced success quietly with 11 winning seasons (94-45) the last 12 years. Unlike Springfield, the Fords have managed a few wins against Central League powers the last five years, going 2-2 vs Strath Haven, 2-3 against Ridley and 0-5 vs G-Val. And against Springfield, they’ve gone 4-0, outscoring them 123 to 35 to establish themselves as the next in line (Marple 1-9 vs same) behind the Power-3 that is Ridley, Garnet Valley and Strath Haven. They also took on a decent team from Mass last year losing to Mansfield (9-2) 24-14.
Conestoga 6A 6-5
Coach Matt Diamond, a 1998 Stoga grad, enters his fifth year at the helm coming off 7-4 and 6-5 seasons to reverse his first three years where the Pioneers won six games. Last year’s team struggled offensively, scoring 15 or less points in seven games. This put it all on the defense that wore down, but was still ‘game’ at a 23ppg season ending average. Two back-to-back appearances in the district playoffs says the programs is going in the right direction.
Marple-Newtown 5A 6-6
Look out Central League for this group that was super young last year and still managed a 6-6 record, a 26-19 PF-PA average with 1, 1, 3 and 3 point losses! That close to a 10-2 record. But you have to start winning some of those games, or forever stay in the shadow of Strath Haven where they’ve gone 1-4 the last five years, 0-2 vs Ridley and 0-3 vs G-Val over the same period. Quarterback Dave Bertoline returns with his big tackle Andrew Kirlin (6-6, 305, PSU, OU, etc) and most of last year’s starters. Their 61-31 won/loss the last eight years says they’re knocking on the door.
Upper Darby 6A 4-7
Upper Darby continues in a seven-year funk at 35-41 since the 10-3 breakout season in 2015. Since parting ways with Coach Rich Gentile who went 170-125-1 from 1994 through 2019, the program has declined, going 2-6, 6-5 and 4-7 last year with near to anemic offenses averaging 10, 19 and 14ppg from 2020 through last season.
Radnor 5A 4-7
Radnor is another struggling program with four winning seasons since 1999! Last year’s team had severe difficulty with top tier and mid-level league teams going 0-6 against Springfield losing 36-0, Haverford 35-14, Conestoga 40-27, Marple 32-6, Garnet Valley 49-0 and Strath Haven 42-0. Outscored 124-47.
Harriton 5A 4-6
Harriton had one winning season of record (1999), going 6-5 in 2006, and 29-134 since then. Their ten-year record is 12-87.
Lower Merion 6A 2-9
With records going back to 1999, Lower Merion has not had a .500 or winning season since then, winning 34 games and losing 220.
Penncrest 5A 1-10
Like the four teams above, Penncrest is mired in an ongoing slump with one winning season the last ten years and only three in the last 19!

Delaware Valley League
Interboro 5A 10-4
The Bucs broke out of a four-year slump of losing seasons (DNP-2020) with a 10-4 outing powered by the running of senior Abu Kamara rushing for a single season Delco record of 2833 yards. Interestingly, they had difficulty against the local powers losing to Strath Haven (12-1) 27-13, Chester (10-2) 33-0, and Ridley (8-4) 47-7, with a playoff win against Pope John Paul II (10-2) 38-14 to win the district crown. The following week saw their season come to an end losing to Bonner (11-2) 33-21 at States in the first round.
Chester 5A 10-2
Good things are happening in Chester who registered their third straight winning seasons at 7-3 in 2019 (Del Val cancelled 2020 season), 7-4 in 2021 and 10-2 last year. Especially when knowing this was only their fifth winning season in the last 24 years. The 2021 season showed real progress losing competitively to Coatesville (12-2) 34-28, Academy Park (9-3) 14-8 and Kennett (8-4) 31-28. 2022 showed HUGE statistical improvement across the board with wins against Interboro 33-0 and Marple-Newtown (6-6) 18-15, despite losses to Downingtown West (9-2) 34-19 and Plymouth Whitemarsh (10-3) 30-12. Lots of bodies return for ’23 with freshman QB Jalen Harris coming off a 62% season throwing for 2261 yards with a 35/6 ratio with good numbers defensively.
Academy Park 5A 3-8
Academy Park took a rare step backward after not playing in 2020 and with on-campus issues last season. This followed a revival of the program over the years stringing together 13 consecutive winning seasons and multiple playoff appearances. Last year’s team was a feisty bunch losing in overtime to Great Valley 38-25 and Interboro 21-20. That was a vet team so there’s lots of work to do for the coming season.
Penn Wood 6A 1-9
Penn Wood struggled through a tough season where they were again uncompetitive at 1-9, following the 0-9 season the year before. 2021’s team averaged seven points a game offensively and allowed 40, while last year’s team scored on average 13ppg and allowed 39. Seniors started at most of the skill positions and on defense. So it looks like a full rebuild for 2023.
Chichester 4A 1-5
Chi also struggled with their 15th losing season in the last 16 years. The offense scored an unbelievably historic school low of 68 total points.

Pioneer Athletic League (The PAC)
Liberty Division
Perkiomen Valley 6A 11-2
Perkiomen Valley won their second straight Liberty title with their first double digit winning season since putting three in a row back in 2015 at 10-2, 2016 at 12-1 and 2017 going 10-2. This year’s had tight wins against Downingtown West 30-29, Spring Ford 7-6 and PJP-II 21-14 and Souderton in the postseason 27-14. They had losses to Roman Catholic 26-10 and CB West 14-13. With sophomore quarterback Patrick MacDonald (5-11, 165) throwing at 64% for 1208 yards, their leading rusher back plus good numbers on the D, they’re one of the early favorite in the PAC. Hopefully they continue scheduling games with upper tire Ches-Mont teams and get another shot at Roman or their equivalent.
Spring Ford 6A 8-4
Like Perkiomen Valley, Spring Ford broke in a sophomore quarterback in Matt Zoellers (6-4, 200) with good numbers at 62%, 2055yds and a 23/3 ratio. Three of their top five receivers are back. The defense was largely senior but a good core returns with a pile of sizeable lineman. Last year’s team had some ‘close call losses’ to quality teams losing to Perk Val 7-6, Manheim Township 17-14 and Garnet Valley 30-27 in overtime and Cumberland Valley 28-16. But they showed development in their last two games defeating Ridley 42-28 in the playoffs before the ot loss at Garnet Valley. They appear as a serious contender in the PAC and get Perk Val home.
Owen J. Roberts 6A 6-5
OJR has had some competitive teams (50-35 last eight) and great players but it’s hard getting out from under the shadow of Spring Ford and Perkiomen Valley who own the PAC. This year’s team graduated good stuff along the lines in OL/DT Christian Gregory (6-2, 265), OL/DE Brandon Kelley (6-5, 240) and Alec Karnbach (6-2, 260). And with quarterback Michael Reed (Derek Hinrichs, jr, got time), WR Danny Cashman and lead rusher Hunter Rhoades also graduating, it looks shaky for 2023.
Boyertown 6A 5-6
The Bears registered their seventh straight losing season that still came close to getting it right with their most prolific offense (27ppg average) since 2013’s 7-4 team scored 34ppg. Although they managed minor upsets against Pottsgrove 33-0 and OJR 34-21, they lost bad to Exeter (12-1) 37-21, Spring Ford 42-0, Perkiomen Valley 47-7 and Williamsport 57-21. The Bears hibernation resembles Hempfield’s in the Lancaster-Lebanon League where some wonder when the sleeping giant (?) will awake.
Methacton 5A 5-6
Coach Brian Kennedy may have the Warriors on the move in his second year going 5-5 in 2021 and 5-6 last season. This follows a run of six losing seasons out of the last seven. They showed improvement last year with competitive losses to Pottsgrove (5-5) 12-7 and Kennett (8-4), losing 8-3 as the 11th seed. It was a highly significant season with the Warriors making the playoffs for the first time since 1994.
Norristown 6A 3-7
Norristown has had ten consecutive losing season with a won-loss of 25-84!

Frontier Division
Pope John Paul II 4A 10-2
It took a while following the merger of Kennedy-Kenrick and St. Pius X in 2010 creating Pope John Paul II. But once the Golden Panthers settled in after seven losing seasons, they’ve been a postseason constant, running off six straight winning seasons for a 45-15 record. Last year’s team ran up a 9-0 slate before losing a close one to Liberty champ Perkiomen Valley 21-14 in the PAC crossover game and in the district final getting thumped at Interboro 38-14. They’ll be a handful in 2023 with nearly the entire team back on both sides of the ball.
Phoenixville 5A 6-5
The young Phantoms were outgunned last year going down hard against the better teams in losses to Chester 47-10, PJP-II 42-0, Spring-Ford 56-0 and Springfield-Delco 42-7. But they could make some noise in ‘23 after mimicking PJP-II with a youth movement that sees almost everyone back for the coming season. Although 2022 saw modest improvement to 6-5 from 5-5, this was their first winning season since 2012 and that’s big stuff at any school. Look for the purple gang to make some noise this year.
Pottsgrove 4A 5-5
Guess you have to call 2022 a disappointment for Coach Billy Hawthorne entering his sixth season in 2023 off a .500 season when 16 starters returned including four OL’ers and a TE. They can probably look at the 20-13 Norristown loss where the Eagles made a goal line stand and a few kneel-downs to pull off the upset as a turning point, going 3-4 thereon. The Falcons have gone 32-18 since legendary Rick Pennypacker retired following the 2017 season.
Upper Merion 5A 4-7
Thought the Vikings might make a turnaround last year with a decent core returning eight to the offense. But it didn’t happen, going 2-4 in their home games with narrow losses to Phoenixville (6-5) by 7, Pottsgrove (5-5) by 6 and Methacton (5-6) by 7. You’re supposed to win the close ones at home against similar level comp. Didn’t happen. Instead, they’re looking for their second winning season in the last 15 years, replacing TE/DE Nolan Clayton (6-5, 235, Nova) and two PAC-1st teamers in WR Marcus Crittendon and C/DT Dom Cacciacillani (6-2, 250) and Qb Zayd Etheridge.
Upper Perkiomen 4A 2-8
Last year’s young and inexperienced group, one of their youngest groups in years struggled most of the season losing by an average score of 45-11 (358-91) in their eight losses. In defense, they’re a 4A battling uphill most of the year against larger schools.
Pottstown 4A 1-9
Here’s another struggling program that have only one winning season the last 20 years, going 7-5 in 2015. The last time before that occurred in 2002 at 10-1, losing at Strath Haven in the postseason 35-7. The film below is that game (my first time seeing Haven or the field) behind Haven’s middle school. Pottstown had Brandon Nixon, a 6-7, 325-pound lineman who looked gassed into the third quarter. Check out the Panther’s stable of running backs including Dan Connors who went on to PSU to set the tackling record.
Login to view embedded media

Ches-Mont League
National Division
Coatesville 6A 8-3
You can probably say your program has arrived if an 8-2 record is your worst in eight years and only the second time you’ve been below double digits in the win column the last ten years. Coatesville may be one of the dominant teams in the district. but it’s still a challenge coming off a 12-2 season having won their sixth Ches Mont National title in a row. Last season ended in a tie (3-0) with Downingtown West who they did not play. Since Matt Ortega took over in 2009, the Red Raiders have established all kinds of records while pounding out a 136-33 record.
Downingtown East 6A 9-4
The Cougars fought through a tough schedule with a 32-31 loss to State College (two-point conversion last 18 seconds), a 14-10 loss to Coatesville and a 31-28 loss to Downingtown West before reversing those losses in the postseason, beating Coatesville and D-West 31-15 and 34-9 respectively before losing to Garnet Valley 28-17. Since East is always about running the football, they have a monster hole to fill at running back with Bo Horvath (5-11, 185) graduating after rushing for 2315 yards on 364 carries (!), scoring 32 touchdowns. He is also one of the top midfielders (lacrosse) in the country and will play at Lehigh. But they return four of five lineman including C Ryan Konchek, OTs Adham Abouraya and Aidan Flaherty and Ryan Moses, a guard. Luke Flowers is the only loss.
Downingtown West 6A 9-2
Hard figuring how this group didn’t go farther with one of their best defenses in over ten years at 17ppg yield and an offense cranking out 38ppg. They lost to Perkiomen Valley 30-29, giving up a 26-10 half time lead (where did that defense go?), and in a rematch-revenge-rivalry game to Downingtown West 34-9. Big numbers return on offense with almost all their skill people back led by quarterback Quinn Henicle (6-2, 190, jr, 59%-1506, 16/5) and defense that returns at least 8 starters.
Bishop Shanahan 4A 4-6
Bishop Shanahan graduated their best team ever following the 2021 season going 11-4 (most wins ever) and winning their second district title in the last three years. It was also a senior laden team losing 33 seniors. The cost was a rebuilding season with a youthful group filling 19 open spots with only 3 returning starters. And it showed on the field with an opening loss to Phoenixville (6-5) 35-7 and a 14-0 loss to Avon Grove (4-6). The highlight of the season was a 6-3 road win at Great Valley (8-4) who was 5-0 at the time. They’ll build on that and the 1-3 finish that masked an offense coalescing over their last four games averaging 26ppg.
Avon Grove 6A 4-6
Since exploding onto the scene in 2009 with a 11-2 campaign, the Red Devils have imploded, running up 13 non-winning seasons (5-5 in 2017, 2018). But they recovered from a 1-3 start last year, winning three straight before losing out against a difficult slate of Downingtown East, Interboro and Coatesville. A defense that allowed on average 30ppg since the 11-2 season returns big numbers that should reverse that trend in head coach Joe Coffey’s fourth season

American Division
Rustin 5A 11-2
Few ‘new’ programs like Rustin have had almost instant success as they have since opening in 2006. Despite going 5-6, they’ve had only one other losing season (5-6, 2016) since then while generating one of the better records in the state at 143-44 from 2007 through last season. Mike St. Clair has been their only coach. Rustin is known for consistently putting strong defenses on the field and pounding ground games. Last year’s team went to overtime to beat Strath Haven in the postseason 28-27 after losing to them the preceding year 34-33, also in overtime. A 21-7 loss to Upper Dublin in the district final brought the season to a close.
Kennett 5A 8-4
The Blue Demons fielded another solid team last year going 8-4 with a good senior core returning. Wins against Rustin 24-14 and Great Valley 30-7 highlighted the year. 2023 sees them looking to replace RB/LB Julian Sparacino’s 1578 rush yards, Kicker Ryan Barker (PSU), Conner Tuk (6-5, 290….Army) and LBs Ryan King and Colin Jung. Good things are happening at Kennett Square with the Demons going 28-12 following six straight losing seasons at 16-45.
Great Valley 5A 8-4
The Patriots snapped a 4-year drought of losing seasons like gang busters with a 5-0 run before Bishop Shanahan beat them 6-3 in Malvern! Two more wins got them to 7-1 before the 1-3 finish against tougher comp including Kennett 30-7, Rustin 32-0 and Upper Dublin (14-1) in the playoffs, losing 35-0. Much of their offense returns for 2023 with big chunks of the defense graduating. Scores in their last three games shown above suggests those losses are largely replaceable.
Sun Valley/Northley 5A 6-6
Sun almost got to their first winning season since 2012 except for a 35-29 overtime loss at Avon Grove. But they made the 5A playoffs where they lost to Plymouth Whitemarsh (10-3) 41-0. It all ended on a positive not only making the playoffs for the first time in six years but in defeating arch rival Chichester 26-7 in the 54th annual Thanksgiving Day game; the only game that counts if you’re from the Aston-Brookhaven area.
Unionville 5A 3-7
Guess you’d have to call 2022 a disappointment going 3-7 with a veteran OL and good skill returning. But they were coming off one of their most successful seasons ever at 10-2, with some key grad losses. Losing winnable games in the home opener to Academy Park (3-8) 13-7 then later at Henderson (2-7) 14-7 prevented a 5-5 season. Bottom line, this was only the second losing season in the last 20 years. So look for the Longhorns (Longhorns!?) to bounce back in 2023.
Oxford 5A 3-7
The slump in Oxford continues with their fifth consecutive losing season in the last six years and twenty-second of record going back to 1999.
Henderson 5A 2-7
Henderson is also in a prolonged slump like Oxford the last six years (12-54!) with the difference being they have a recent history of success going back to 2001 with 15 winning seasons through 2016.

College Football 2023: Week 0 Predictions 🏈​

It's here!

And one of the matchups we'll all be watching closely tonight (here in LA) is pre-season national number one Mater Dei on the road against local public school juggernaut, Corona Centennial. Causing a lot of excitement in this game (besides the obvious) is that it's the first season for the Monarchs without Head Coach Bruce Rollinson since the early '90s (long time assistant Frank McManus has taken over the reigns).

Anyway, putting this tussle in context is the fact that Mater Dei is ranked number one both nationally and locally with Centennial number three in SoCal (St. John Bosco is number two) and then around 15 to 20 or so nationally (depending on the poll).

Just a couple of local schools meeting on the gridiron.

Here we go!!

What scrimmage(s) will you be attending this week?

Here's Mr. Epler's list.


Updated: Aug. 07, 2023, 6:17 a.m.|

Published: Aug. 07, 2023, 6:00 a.m.

By Eric F. Epler.

Teams below are listed with district, final 2022 record and ranking. HM-honorable mention; NR-not ranked. Teams to watch will be posted once the season begins.



CLASS 6A
Rank – Team – District – ‘22 record – Previous rank

1. St. Joseph’s Prep (12) -- 12-1 -- 1

2. Pittsburgh C.C. (7) -- 7-5 -- NR

3. Garnet Valley (1) -- 13-1 -- 4

4. North Allegheny (7) -- 11-2 -- 5

5. Parkland (11) -- 9-5 -- 6

6. Harrisburg (3) -- 11-3 -- 2

7. State College (6) -- 13-1 -- 3

8. Central Bucks West (1) -- 9-5 -- 9

9. Nazareth (11) -- 9-2 -- NR

10. Coatesville (1) -- 8-2 -- HM

CLASS 5A
Rank – Team – District – ‘22 record – Previous rank

1. Imhotep Charter (12) -- 10-3 -- 2

2. Pine-Richland (7) -- 13-3 -- 1

3. Gateway (7) -- 7-4 -- NR

4. Cathedral Prep (10) -- 8-3 -- 6

5. West Chester Rustin (1) -- 11-2 -- 7

6. Cocalico (3) -- 10-5 -- 4

7. Delaware Valley (2) -- 7-6 -- NR

8. Penn Hills (7) -- 5-5 -- NR

9. Strath Haven (1) -- 12-1 -- 8

10. Roman Catholic (12) -- 8-3 -- 9

CLASS 4A
Rank – Team – District – ‘22 record – Previous rank

1. Bishop McDevitt (3) -- 13-1 -- 1

2. Aliquippa (7) -- 13-1 -- 2

3. Thomas Jefferson (7) -- 8-4 -- HM

4. Manheim Central (3) -- 11-2 -- 9

5. Pope John Paul II (1) -- 10-2 -- NR

6. Allentown C.C. (11) -- 9-5 -- 5

7. McKeesport (7) -- 11-2 -- 8

8. Bonner-Prendergast (12) -- 11-2 -- 10

9. Jersey Shore (4) -- 12-1 -- 3

10. Selinsgrove (4) -- 9-3 -- NR

CLASS 3A
Rank – Team – District – ‘22 record – Previous rank

1. Belle Vernon (7) -- 12-2 -- 1

2. Wyomissing (3) -- 13-1 -- 3

3. Neumann-Goretti (12) -- 10-4 -- 2

4. Loyalsock (4) -- 11-2 -- 8

5. North Schuylkill (11) -- 10-3 -- 9

6. Grove City (10) -- 9-4 -- HM

7. Notre Dame-Green Pond (11) -- 9-3 -- 10

8. Scranton Prep (2) -- 9-4 -- NR

9. West Perry (3) -- 11-2 -- HM

10. Avonworth (7) -- 11-2 -- 6

CLASS 2A
Rank – Team – District – ‘22 record – Previous rank

1. Southern Columbia (4) -- 13-3 -- 1

2. Farrell (10) -- 10-2 -- 7

3. Dunmore (2) -- 8-4 -- NR

4. Beaver Falls (7) -- 11-2 -- 5

5. Trinity (3) -- 10-5 -- 6

6. Westinghouse (8) -- 14-1 -- 2

7. Steel Valley (7) -- 12-1 -- 3

8. Richland (6) -- 11-1 -- HM

9. Central Clarion (9) -- 10-2 -- HM

10. Executive Education (11) -- 8-4 -- 10

CLASS 1A
Rank – Team – District – ‘22 record – Previous rank

1. Steelton-Highspire (3) -- 14-1 -- 1

2. Bishop Canevin (7) -- 12-2 -- 7

3. Canton (4) -- 12-2 -- 2

4. Northern Bedford (5) -- 11-1 -- NR

5. Union Area (7) -- 12-4 -- 3

6. Lackawanna Trail (2) -- 8-5 -- NR

7. Northern Lehigh (11) -- 12-1 -- 5

8. Muncy (4) -- 10-1 -- 9

9. Brockway (9) -- 8-5 -- HM

10. Clairton (7) -- 6-6 -- NR

Why Gamers are Going Crazy Over This $18,460 Chair!

The Most Unbelievable Moments in College Football History​

Why an OCD Clean Freak Might Just Fumble at American Football​

A unique way to showcase your college football team pride​

What have you and your team been doing as of late to get ready for the fall?
“We have been putting in a lot of work every week. We compete in 7v7s and 11v11s to see where we are at and what we want to work on.”

What do you feel you have improved on the most since football ended?
“I think my speed has improved the most. I feel a lot faster and stronger when I’m playing. My 40 time has also become a lot faster (4.72).”

How do you feel your team will do this football season?
“I think we will do really well this year. With a new head coach and coming off of last season we are going to be the underdogs, but that’s what we want. Our mentality is strong and we’re going to be nasty out on the field this year.”

What team do you feel will be the toughest competition on your schedule?
“I think Exeter will be the toughest. It is our rivalry game, so the intensity is going to be there from both sides.”

Who is the toughest individual player your team will face off against?
“I don’t think there is one individual player that will be a problem. Football is a team sport, so without a strong team overall one player isn’t going to cause a problem.”

Do you want to play sports in college? If so, which one?
“I want to play football in college for sure. I’m super motivated to earn a scholarship one day. School debt is something I don’t want to have to deal with in the future. I love the game of football and want to play it for as long as I possibly can.”

What colleges have been recruiting you?
“I haven’t been recruited much. I’m only coming off of my sophomore season. Coaches haven’t seen the best version of me yet. This year is going to be something special and I will earn the right to be recruited.”

What school is recruiting you the hardest?
“See above.”

Have you made any college trips yet?
“I have only been to some camps this summer.”

What camps did you attend this summer? How did the camps go overall?
“So far I went to Kutztown and Villanova for camps. Overall they went really well. I feel I competed well and showed out for the coaches. I learned a lot from both camps as well, not only about football, but the whole recruiting process and college football in general. I am also attending a Penn State camp this Friday.”

Did you have a favorite college growing up?
“Growing up my family watched Penn State games, so that is definitely my favorite school. It would be my dream to play football there.”

What have you and your team been doing as of late to get ready for the fall?
“We’ve had lifts and conditioning.”

What do you feel you have improved on the most since football ended?
“My confidence definitely got a lot better and I feel like that’s a big part of the game.”

How do you feel your team will do this football season?
“My team has been preparing well and hopefully it translates to the season.”

What team do you feel will be the toughest competition on your schedule?
“I believe every team on our schedule is good and will definitely be a challenge.”

Who is the toughest individual player your team will face off against?
“There’s too many great players we play to name one.”

Do you want to play sports in college? If so, which one?
“Of course I want to play college football.”

What colleges have been recruiting you?
“I’ve been in contact with a lot of coaches and visited and worked out at all the colleges that I went to for camp.”

What school is recruiting you the hardest?
“N/A.”

Have you made any college trips yet?
“I visited Maryland at the beginning of summer.”

What camps did you attend this summer? How did the camps go overall?
“I went to many camps like Penn State, Virginia Tech, Uconn, and Rutgers. They all went well.”

Did you have a favorite college growing up?
“My favorite team was always Michigan because of Charles Woodson.”

What have you and your team been doing as of late to get ready for the fall?
“We are at Monmouth right now working really hard. We are getting better every day and getting ready for a good schedule this fall.”

What do you feel you have improved on the most since football ended?
“I’ve improved on my speed as well as change of direction and fine tuning all the little things as well.”

How do you feel your team will do this football season?
“I feel my team will do really well this season, we have a lot to prove.”

What team do you feel will be the toughest competition on your schedule?
“I feel like every week, the team we play is our toughest competition. We don’t take any team lightly.”

Who is the toughest individual player your team will face off against?
“We definitely will face some good players like Kenny W, Cb from Tep, Jah Witt from Tep, Gavin Sidwar from Lasalle, Kamar A from The Hun School, and many other players.”

Do you want to play sports in college? If so, which one?
“Yes, I want to play college football.”

What colleges have been recruiting you?
“I’ve spoken with many coaches, I’ve talked to Power 5’s, MAC, and more.”

What school is recruiting you the hardest?
“Kent State has been recruiting me the hardest, or West Virginia. Kent State offered me earlier in the summer, so that was an amazing experience.”

Have you made any college trips yet?
“Yea I’ve made some college trips.”

What camps did you attend this summer? How did the camps go overall?
“I attended Rutgers, WVU, PITT, Temple, Stony Brook, and PSU.”

Did you have a favorite college growing up?
“My favorite growing up was Oregon.”

What have you and your team been doing as of late to get ready for the fall?
“Lots of conditioning. We have a new strength coach who has been getting us into good shape inside the weight room as well as with our agility.”

What do you feel you have improved on the most since football ended?
“I’ve gotten a lot stronger in the off-season, as well as putting on weight and working on balance.”

How do you feel your team will do this football season?
“I feel like our team will surprise a lot of people. We have a lot of good athletes and good depth at skill positions.”

What team do you feel will be the toughest competition on your schedule?
“Jersey Shore is always a really physical team so definitely them.”

Who is the toughest individual player your team will face off against?
“Garrett Garcia from Southern Columbia. We’re both coming back off of injuries, and he is a hard hitter.”

Do you want to play sports in college? If so, which one?
“Yes, football has always been my goal for college.”

What colleges have been recruiting you?
“I’ve been speaking to a lot of colleges and try to go to as many invites and camps as possible.”

What school is recruiting you the hardest?
“Maryland is a school I’ve always wanted to go to and have been in contact a lot with recently.”

Have you made any college trips yet?
“I’ve been to Penn State, Maryland, and Temple.”

What camps did you attend this summer? How did the camps go overall?
“I went to a few camps this summer, Penn State, Under the Radar, Elite 7’s, and a multi-college camp at Kutztown, but the main focus this off-season has been making sure my body is 110 percent healthy.”

Did you have a favorite college growing up?
“My favorite college has always been Florida State because of my family.”

What have you and your team been doing as of late to get ready for the fall?
“My Team and I have been working out the day after our season ended last year. Getting Routes on the field or in the gym. Going to our speed trainer once or twice a week. Lifting close to everyday during the week. Doing anything that can take us to where we want to be.”

What do you feel you have improved on the most since football ended?
“I feel like I improved the most on being a leader. Not only through actions but also in my words. In the weight room or on the field, I like to take control and guide my teammates in a direction where everyone gets better.”

How do you feel your team will do this football season?
“My team and I have all the weapons we need. We return a decent amount of starters and guys who got a good number of reps last year. So this football season should be quite exciting.”

What team do you feel will be the toughest competition on your schedule?
“N/A.”

Who is the toughest individual player your team will face off against?
“N/A.”

Do you want to play sports in college? If so, which one?
“I am aiming to play football in college. Just in the first two years of my high school career I have been on a few visits and love what each team and college has to offer.”

What colleges have been recruiting you?
“N/A.”

What school is recruiting you the hardest?
“N/A.”

Have you made any college trips yet?
“In the off season this year I have been on visits to Robert Morris, UConn, William & Mary, UPenn, Towson, Duquesne, and Temple.”

What camps did you attend this summer? How did the camps go overall?
“My summer camps I went to were UConn, Syracuse, Rutgers, and Yale. I was invited to many summer camps but with my practice schedule I could only get to a few. Each camp went great. Talked to numerous coaches and gained contacts from each camp.”

Did you have a favorite college growing up?
“N/A.”

Find out what some of the top players in the state are saying about football now!


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


Q&A with Danville quarterback Madden Patrick
What have you and your team been doing as of late to get ready for the fall?
“My Team and I have been working out the day after our season ended last year. Getting Routes on the field or in the gym. Going to our speed trainer once or twice a week. Lifting close to everyday during the week. Doing anything that can take us to where we want to be.”

What do you feel you have improved on the most since football ended?
“I feel like I improved the most on being a leader. Not only through actions but also in my words. In the weight room or on the field, I like to take control and guide my teammates in a direction where everyone gets better.”

How do you feel your team will do this football season?
“My team and I have all the weapons we need. We return a decent amount of starters and guys who got a good number of reps last year. So this football season should be quite exciting.”

What team do you feel will be the toughest competition on your schedule?
“N/A.”

Who is the toughest individual player your team will face off against?
“N/A.”

......................................................................................................
Q&A with Lewisburg Area running back Jeremiah Davis
What have you and your team been doing as of late to get ready for the fall?
“Lots of conditioning. We have a new strength coach who has been getting us into good shape inside the weight room as well as with our agility.”

What do you feel you have improved on the most since football ended?
“I’ve gotten a lot stronger in the off-season, as well as putting on weight and working on balance.”

How do you feel your team will do this football season?
“I feel like our team will surprise a lot of people. We have a lot of good athletes and good depth at skill positions.”

What team do you feel will be the toughest competition on your schedule?
“Jersey Shore is always a really physical team so definitely them.”

Who is the toughest individual player your team will face off against?
“Garrett Garcia from Southern Columbia. We’re both coming back off of injuries, and he is a hard hitter.”

......................................................................................................
Q&A with Malvern Prep wide receiver PJ Holmes
What have you and your team been doing as of late to get ready for the fall?
“We are at Monmouth right now working really hard. We are getting better every day and getting ready for a good schedule this fall.”

What do you feel you have improved on the most since football ended?
“I’ve improved on my speed as well as change of direction and fine tuning all the little things as well.”

How do you feel your team will do this football season?
“I feel my team will do really well this season, we have a lot to prove.”

What team do you feel will be the toughest competition on your schedule?
“I feel like every week, the team we play is our toughest competition. We don’t take any team lightly.”

Who is the toughest individual player your team will face off against?
“We definitely will face some good players like Kenny W, Cb from Tep, Jah Witt from Tep, Gavin Sidwar from Lasalle, Kamar A from The Hun School, and many other players.”

......................................................................................................
Q&A with Lancaster Catholic defensive back Brandon Way
What have you and your team been doing as of late to get ready for the fall?
“We’ve had lifts and conditioning.”

What do you feel you have improved on the most since football ended?
“My confidence definitely got a lot better and I feel like that’s a big part of the game.”

How do you feel your team will do this football season?
“My team has been preparing well and hopefully it translates to the season.”

What team do you feel will be the toughest competition on your schedule?
“I believe every team on our schedule is good and will definitely be a challenge.”

Who is the toughest individual player your team will face off against?
“There’s too many great players we play to name one.”

......................................................................................................
Q&A with Boone wide receiver Max Heffner
What have you and your team been doing as of late to get ready for the fall?
“We have been putting in a lot of work every week. We compete in 7v7s and 11v11s to see where we are at and what we want to work on.”

What do you feel you have improved on the most since football ended?
“I think my speed has improved the most. I feel a lot faster and stronger when I’m playing. My 40 time has also become a lot faster (4.72).”

How do you feel your team will do this football season?
“I think we will do really well this year. With a new head coach and coming off of last season we are going to be the underdogs, but that’s what we want. Our mentality is strong and we’re going to be nasty out on the field this year.”

What team do you feel will be the toughest competition on your schedule?
“I think Exeter will be the toughest. It is our rivalry game, so the intensity is going to be there from both sides.”

Who is the toughest individual player your team will face off against?
“I don’t think there is one individual player that will be a problem. Football is a team sport, so without a strong team overall one player isn’t going to cause a problem.”

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

Find out what colleges are recruiting Madden Patrick, Jeremiah Davis, PJ Holmes, Brandon Way, and Max Heffner now!


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

Q&A with Danville quarterback Madden Patrick​

Do you want to play sports in college? If so, which one?
“I am aiming to play football in college. Just in the first two years of my high school career I have been on a few visits and love what each team and college has to offer.”

What colleges have been recruiting you?
“N/A.”

What school is recruiting you the hardest?
“N/A.”

Have you made any college trips yet?
“In the off season this year I have been on visits to Robert Morris, UConn, William & Mary, UPenn, Towson, Duquesne, and Temple.”

What camps did you attend this summer? How did the camps go overall?
“My summer camps I went to were UConn, Syracuse, Rutgers, and Yale. I was invited to many summer camps but with my practice schedule I could only get to a few. Each camp went great. Talked to numerous coaches and gained contacts from each camp.”

Did you have a favorite college growing up?
“N/A.”


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

Q&A with Lewisburg Area running back Jeremiah Davis​

Do you want to play sports in college? If so, which one?
“Yes, football has always been my goal for college.”

What colleges have been recruiting you?
“I’ve been speaking to a lot of colleges and try to go to as many invites and camps as possible.”

What school is recruiting you the hardest?
“Maryland is a school I’ve always wanted to go to and have been in contact a lot with recently.”

Have you made any college trips yet?
“I’ve been to Penn State, Maryland, and Temple.”

What camps did you attend this summer? How did the camps go overall?
“I went to a few camps this summer, Penn State, Under the Radar, Elite 7’s, and a multi-college camp at Kutztown, but the main focus this off-season has been making sure my body is 110 percent healthy.”

Did you have a favorite college growing up?
“My favorite college has always been Florida State because of my family.”


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

Q&A with Malvern Prep wide receiver PJ Holmes​

Do you want to play sports in college? If so, which one?
“Yes, I want to play college football.”

What colleges have been recruiting you?
“I’ve spoken with many coaches, I’ve talked to Power 5’s, MAC, and more.”

What school is recruiting you the hardest?
“Kent State has been recruiting me the hardest, or West Virginia. Kent State offered me earlier in the summer, so that was an amazing experience.”

Have you made any college trips yet?
“Yea I’ve made some college trips.”

What camps did you attend this summer? How did the camps go overall?
“I attended Rutgers, WVU, PITT, Temple, Stony Brook, and PSU.”

Did you have a favorite college growing up?
“My favorite growing up was Oregon.”


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

Q&A with Lancaster Catholic defensive back Brandon Way​

Do you want to play sports in college? If so, which one?
“Of course I want to play college football.”

What colleges have been recruiting you?
“I’ve been in contact with a lot of coaches and visited and worked out at all the colleges that I went to for camp.”

What school is recruiting you the hardest?
“N/A.”

Have you made any college trips yet?
“I visited Maryland at the beginning of summer.”

What camps did you attend this summer? How did the camps go overall?
“I went to many camps like Penn State, Virginia Tech, Uconn, and Rutgers. They all went well.”

Did you have a favorite college growing up?
“My favorite team was always Michigan because of Charles Woodson.”


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

Q&A with Boone wide receiver Max Heffner​

Do you want to play sports in college? If so, which one?
“I want to play football in college for sure. I’m super motivated to earn a scholarship one day. School debt is something I don’t want to have to deal with in the future. I love the game of football and want to play it for as long as I possibly can.”

What colleges have been recruiting you?
“I haven’t been recruited much. I’m only coming off of my sophomore season. Coaches haven’t seen the best version of me yet. This year is going to be something special and I will earn the right to be recruited.”

What school is recruiting you the hardest?
“See above.”

Have you made any college trips yet?
“I have only been to some camps this summer.”

What camps did you attend this summer? How did the camps go overall?
“So far I went to Kutztown and Villanova for camps. Overall they went really well. I feel I competed well and showed out for the coaches. I learned a lot from both camps as well, not only about football, but the whole recruiting process and college football in general. I am also attending a Penn State camp this Friday.”

Did you have a favorite college growing up?
“Growing up my family watched Penn State games, so that is definitely my favorite school. It would be my dream to play football there.”


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

Pa. advances to Little League World Series, wins Mid-Atlantic in instant classic on walkoff home run​

• Published: Aug. 11, 2023, 5:26 p.m.

By

• Chris Hopkins | chopkins@pennlive.com

Media, Pa. didn’t have a hit through the full six innings of the Mid-Atlantic championship against Washington, D.C.

But when that first hit came in the seventh, it couldn’t have been any bigger.

Trevor Skowronek belted a two-run home run to center field, breaking a scoreless tie and sending Pennsylvania to a 2-0 win over D.C. and clinching a place in Williamsport next week for the Little League World Series.


Austin Crowley was masterful on the mound for Pa., keeping his team in the game while the offense struggled. He allowed just one hit over five innings, striking out 13.


In fact, neither team had a hit through the first four innings, as D.C.’s Garyson Liddle was just as strong. Liddle struck out 13 as well, lasting into the sixth inning without allowing a hit.


In the seventh, Crowley worked a one-out walk to get the winning run on base. Then, with two outs and an 0-2 count, Skowronek delivered the big blow, plating the first runs for either team and earning Pa.’s second-straight Mid-Atlantic title.

2023 Preseason 6A STATE Top 10
Here’s the final installment of the six-part study for each classification showing a Top 10 to cap off the effort. I did a larger write up on St. Joseph’s Prep since they’re the defending 6A champion and strongly favored to repeat. Two other reviews were done throughout the year with this serving as a snapshot of those with schedule information. As always, feel free to jump in or on! And feel free to mention any correction. Thanks.

1 St. Joseph’s Prep D12 12-1 (State Champ)
The Hawks are coming off a championship season after advancing to their 7th straight State Finals appearance in the last ten years. That’s almost enough said right there! To clarify last year’s domination, they breezed through the playoffs with a 49-6, thumping of Northeast Philly (9-3) to win the city and district title before pummeling Parkland (9-5), Garnet Valley (13-1) and Harrisburg (11-3) by an average score of 48-12. The reason that’s scary is they return most of that team, a team that was only challenged by PCL-Red rival LaSalle 21-14 in the rematch, Erasmus Hall (10-2, {92-16 last 10}), Brooklyn’s PSAL-A city champ (4th straight) and St. Thomas Aquinas-FL (14-0) who beat them 48-37 in a game SJP led 31-28 late in the 3rd at STA’s home field. The Raiders went on to win the 3M Florida State Title, formerly the 7A title. See Note-2 below.
For the coming season they look to have one of their strongest teams, with substantial numbers returning on offense in quarterback Samaj Jones (62%-2263py, 95-641ry, #2 rusher), receivers David Washington (42-576), Brandon Rehmann (43-466) and Elijah Jones (12-422), plus all their running backs; Khaseen Phillips (757), Taj Dyches (404) and Erik Sanchez (279). The defense looks set on the line with Chase Witmayer, Ivan Bailey-Green, Maxwell Roy and Sean McNulty back. Last year’s super soph Anthony Sacca (6-4, 215) is back with Nick McGlynn and Toni Cerruti at linebacker and five starters or experienced players in the secondary. They’ll miss Cole Niles, Josiah Trotter and Matt DuMond. As always, the schedule is national in scope, opening at Ocean City High against IMG (8-1). IMG’s only loss last year was to Central High of Miami who went 14-0 winning the FHSAA-4S (suburban) title. Then comes St. Peters-NJ (7-4) in the MFC Classic at Salesianum in Wilmington, followed by more road games at Lakeland-FL (14-0, 4S champ) and Don Bosco Prep (9-3). Lakeland’s great coach Bill Castle retired following the 2022 season after 47 seasons and winning the Dreadnaughts 8th state title, more than any other school. He retires with a 473-98 record. Much of the family is in Lakeland-Winter Haven and Lake Wales, enough to know Coach Castle is Lakeland football. Many transferred in over the years so we’ll see how it goes without him as a magnet.
Note 1: Samaj Jones won the MVP of the Qb group at the Under Armour Camp in Baltimore recently, doing serious work looking like a body builder with great accuracy and a cannon!
Note 2: For the 2022 and 2023 seasons, Florida teams were reclassified as Metro (8 most populated counties) and Suburban (the rest), moving away from the 8A-1A format. Teams were further divided 4 through 1, with the larger enrollments at 4, trickling down to 1 in M and S designates.
2 Harrisburg D3 11-3 (State Final runner up)
The Cougars had some key grad losses for sure but also have key returners, namely and perhaps the most underrated quarterback in the state in junior Shawn Lee. Just a junior he is a high IQ player with solid stats, completing 68% of his throws for 1744 yards with a 17/8 ratio, rushing for 584 yards. One of the top receivers in the area returns in junior Elias Coke (25/442, FSU, PSU, etc). Another promising sophomore from last year, Kymir Williams (5-11, 190) will be the primary ball carrier. Harrisburg always has backs but few like graduated FB/MLB Mahkai Hopkins (6-1, 240) and his 1302 rush yards. He’s gone plus Kyle Williams (168/1118ry-17Tds, 55/668py-8Tds, Temple) and #2 quarterback Zakii Curry-Lewis (6-1, 190) who was underrated at linebacker with 82 stops. Another loss on defense is record holding DE/DL Terrell Reynolds (6-2, 230) with 116 tackles and 35 TFL. Ameer Grandberry (5-11, 185) at LB/S is another who will be missed on both sides with 64 stops and 34 receptions for 411 yards. The lines return OT/DT Trentin Moffitt (5-11, 245), Sirkayne Veneable (6-4, 290), Kevin Brown (6-5, 245. Soph, BC, PSU, Pitt), Ryan Epps (6-1, 245) and at least 5 other starters on defense. They had another nice run last year, getting to the 6A final for the second time in five years, losing to St, Joseph’s Prep 42-7. And at 71-16, they clearly have great personnel coming through right now despite low numbers. The schedule opens with road games at Delaware Valley (7-6) and Manheim Township (9-4) before the home opener against Carlisle (6-5). Del Val is no slouch and Township will put a lot of points on the scoreboard when two of the very best teams in District-3 lock horns.
3 State College D6 13-1 (Semifinalist loser)
Like Harrisburg, State had some key grads but not enough (per history) to keep them from being one of the top teams in the state again. The big loss is quarterback Finn Furmanek (6-4 195, 60%-1593, 15/6, 96-592ry). But they return co-starter Owen Yerka (51%-479, 4/2, 50-348ry) and standout running back D’Antae Sheffey with 1728 yards rushing as a freshman! He can fly and is shifty. Remember, this is a team that went 7-0 in the Mid Penn-Commonwealth and beat Downingtown East (9-4) 32-31 in Downingtown and Harrisburg (11-3) 20-6 at Harrisburg, plus McDowell (10-3) 57-50, 3ot and North Allegheny (11-2) 28-7 before losing to Harrisburg in the revenge, rematch game 27-7. They return a great core led by LB Michael Gaul (6-1, 200) who led the team in tackles as a sophomore with 110. Eli Espinoza (6-0, 200) joins him at MLB with 67 tackles with NG Justin Castro-Dixon plugging the middle at 6-0, 330 with 56 stops. Three starters return to the secondary with 167 tackles. DE Stephen Scourtis (6-4, 240, 104 tackles, Harvard) will be missed. The schedule is almost tailor made for a good start opening at Williamsport, home against Downingtown East, away at Hollidaysburg then home again in the MP-Commonwealth opener against Altoona.
4 North Allegheny D7 11-2 (Quarterfinal loser)
I thought North Allegheny should be slotted here with Harrisburg having just enough back (arguably), the Tigers beating Central Catholic twice last year and both bringing back the same team. They had a good run with last year’s team beating McDowell, Penn Trafford, Seneca Valley, Pitt CC x 2 as mentioned while losing to the top teams on the schedule, State College (13-1) 28-7 and Pine Richland (13-3) 28-17. The heart of the team is back, returning quarterback Logan Kushner (55%-1589, 15/9) and lead receiver Khiryn Boyd (42-76py). Tyree Alualu (6-0, 205, 264ry) will contribute in a number of positions and is a force at linebacker with 62 tackles last year as a junior. Most of the defense returns. The schedule shows two home games beginning with Allerdice (4-7), a dangerous Canon McMillan group (5-6) then the first road game of the year at McDowell. Despite a lot of youth and a rebuilt defense, McDowell could surprise with last year’s sophomore quarterback Blayze Myers (6-3, 195) and running back-receiver Bobby Blue. NA had their best year last season since the title team of 2012. That’s where the comparison ends, but it was a notable upgrade over the previous year on defense allowing 13ppg vs 2021’s 23ppg, paving the way to a 11-win season. They also made real progress in the passing game.
5 Pittsburgh Central Catholic D7 7-5 (WPIAL runner up)
The big question entering this season is at the top where coach Ryan Lehmeier takes over for the retired Terry Totten. Coach Totten (’76 Central grad) was one of the state’s great coaches, retiring after 19 seasons with a 188-40 record and two state titles! Coach Lehmeier is well regarded, spending the last two seasons as OC at Seneca Valley and the previous six at Pine Richland where he was OC the final four years. With Sen Val recording a 13-8 record while there and Pine a 48-5 mark, the man brings a winning tradition with him despite not previously head a program. Back to Central: They were close last year with a one-point loss to Mt. Lebanon and a four-pointer to North Allegheny, both at home! Those losses may reverse with so many returning for this season including senior Qb Payton Wehner (62%-2505, 17/5; 61%-1460 as soph), his leading three receivers with 104 receptions for 1631 years, running backs Elijah Faulkner with 529 yards on 139 carries and Amari Shields with 512 yards on 124 attempts. LB/TE Cole Sullivan (6-4, 195) is back with 118 tackles with senior linebacker Anthony Speca (6-3, 225, PSU commit). The schedule will reveal them opening at dangerous Woodland Hills (6-6), then St. Ignatius-OH (8-4) before the home opener against Bethel Park (10-2).
6 Downingtown West D1 9-2 (Quarterfinal loser)
The Whippets return most of the pack from last year where it was mystifying they didn’t do more. Too young? So here they are with Coatesville doing a major rebuild and D-town East looking to replace record setting running back Bo Horvath’s 2315 rush yards. Add Garnet Valley who’s replacing just about everyone to realize they look well positioned to be ‘the’ team in the western burbs this year. Hard figuring how this group didn’t go farther last year with one of their best defenses in over ten years at 17ppg yield and an offense cranking out 38ppg. They lost to Perkiomen Valley 30-29, giving up a 26-10 half time lead and in a rematch-revenge-rivalry game to Downingtown West 34-9. But they’re looking good for this season with big numbers returning on offense with almost all their skill back led by quarterback Quinn Henicle (6-2, 190, jr, 59%-1506, 16/5) and a defense that returns at least 8 starters. They open at Lincoln in Philly then home against another District-1 power in Perkiomen Valley.
7 Manheim Township D3 9-4 (District runner up)
Like Downingtown above, the Streaks were a year too young, loaded as they were with talent. They could impress winning at Harrisburg (game 3) 24-20, then disappoint with conference home losses against Hempfield (9-3) 17-14 and Wilson (8-3) 27-21. As the season progressed and the team matured, they reversed earlier losses to Cumberland Valley (27-31, then 37-31) and routed Hempfield 42-6. Harrisburg ended their year with their own revenge-rematch-reversal, 44-6. Township may finally be ready for a legit run at Section-1 and beyond with a seasoned team returning almost everyone including quarterback Hayden Johnson (6-1, 185, jr, 73%, 2621, 26/8), four of his top five receivers and their lead back in Declan Clancy. Eight starters return to the defense that allowed 18ppg. The schedule is challenging opening at home to Cumberland Valley (7-4), then at Dallastown (4-6) before returning home for consecutive games against two of the best in Harrisburg and Spring Ford.
8 Perkiomen Valley D1 11-2 (District Semifinal loser)
Like Spring Ford, the Vikings are also from the PAC-Liberty where they’ve strung together 11 straight winning seasons totaling out to 100-27 (78.7%). Last year was one of their best seasons with a lot of young parts getting wins against Downingtown West (9-2) 30-29, Spring Ford (8-4) 7-6, Pope John Paul II (10-2) and Souderton (9-3). The losses were to Roman (9-2) 26-10 and CB West (9-5)14-13. For 2023, they return sophomore quarterback in Patrick MacDonald (5-11, 165), throwing at 64% for 1208 yards, their leading rusher in Jake Stewart (143/790) plus good numbers on the D, making them a favorite along with Spring Ford to win the PAC. Perk Val has won the last two against Spring Ford by narrow margins; 7-6 last year and 28-22 the year before. And they’ve won two of the last three at SF. The schedule will test them early opening on the road against two veteran, well quarterbacked teams at Chester (10-2) and Downingtown West (9-2), before the home opener against Delaware’s 3A champ Smyrna (12-1).
9 Spring Ford D1 8-4 (Quarterfinal loser)
The Rams had their 13th consecutive winning season last year, giving them a won-loss to 139-39 (78.0%)! Last year’s team had narrow losses to quality teams losing to Perkiomen Valley (11-2) 7-6, Manheim Township (9-4) 17-14 and Garnet Valley (13-1) 30-27 in overtime. And that was with a sophomore quarterback in Matt Zoellers (6-4, 200) throwing for 2055 yards with an outstanding 23/3 ratio and completion percent of 62. Three of his top five receivers return. The defense was largely senior but a core returns. And they showed development in their last two games defeating Ridley 42-28 in the playoffs before the ot loss at Garnet Valley making them appear as a serious contender in the PAC and beyond. Coach Chad Brubaker, the former OC at Wilson is stepping up big time this season opening at home against Governor Mifflin then three straight road games at Father Judge, Cumberland Valley and Manheim Township. They get Perk Val home Oct 6th.
TIE
Central Bucks West D1 9-5 (District runner up)
With most of the SOL 6As struggling, good things are happening at CB West putting them here with their second straight nine-win season, giving them a four-year record of 30-14. This is a notable improvement over the previous five seasons at 19-32 with one winning season. For 2023, they look to be senior laden with a rebuilding project on the line and finding backs to replace Eli Boehm’s 1655 yards and somewhat under rated Vince Cherubini (698ry). The OL will rebuild around LT Hayden Mulligan (6-4, 285) with (I believe) Danny Gannon (6-0, 230) and Carter Charron (6-1, 225) factoring in. A.J. Gerace was there on defense and could slide in. Not sure if Jeffrey Cappa is in at TE or Jack Williams. A huge factor in the Bucks favor is the return of a four-year starting quarterback in Ganz Cooper (6-1, 195). Conor McFadden (6-1, 175, sr) is a valued dual threat at corner and wide out. Really gets up to speed quick!
The defense that returns most of last year’s team should sustain the offense that will not be as lumbering as some predict with talent moving up, experienced linemen and a savvy veteran quarterback. Remember, these same guys showed great resiliency recovering from a 1-3 start. Not sure if safety Jack Fleisher (ACL vs Q-town or Pennbsbury) is back. Last year’s schedule saw them on the road for most of their difficult or rivalry games including Garnet Valley x 2, Upper Dublin, North Penn, CB South, CB East x 2 and Perkiomen Valley. This year’s schedule is more favorable opening at home against Garnet Valley and Upper Dublin before a road trip to Quakertown.
10 Nazareth D11 9-2 (District Quarterfinal loser)
While this is the only Top 10 team without a return starter at quarterback, you’ve got to like the program’s trajectory and on-field performance under veteran coach Tom Falzone. He had an outstanding career at Catasauqua going 47-18 before coming to Nazareth in 2014. But it hasn’t come easy, struggling through losing seasons in four of his first five years (23-31) before 2019’s breakout season going 12-2. The past four years have them at a lofty 36-8 overall record, holding their own against EPC bluebloods going 2-2 vs Emmaus, 3-2 vs Freedom and 2-3 vs Parkland. They are 28-0….!....against all other EPC teams (Easton, Beca, ACC, etc) in that four-year window. Nazareth’s season came to an end last year losing to Parkland 42-14 with star quarterback/safety Sonny Sassy sidelined with a hand injury. He is one of the key grads for this season, throwing for 1975 yards at 66% with a 21/2 ratio. Also a pretty good safety. Lead running back Colin Wells (97/619) and Jed Bonsignore (50/296) their #2 runner graduated along with one of their top receivers in Nathan Lobb (48/847). But they return one of the top players in the district in receiver Mason Kuehner (61/962!). They’re set there with Logan Hilarczyk (25/260py) and Frankie Mroz (12/112py) also back. That will ease the burden on the new starter Peyton Falzone (6-4, 195, soph) who will operate behind last year’s youthful line anchored by Sean Kinney (6-3, 295) and well regarded Parkland transfer Marquez Wimberly (5-9, 185, so) who rushed for 383 yards on 83 carries last year. He also had 60 tackles. This year’s schedule will test them with three of the first four on the road starting at always competitive East Stroudsburg South (4-6). Then they get right into the toughest part of the schedule at Emmaus (10-2) before a home game against Freedom (10-3) then back on the road at Parkland.
TIE
Parkland D11 9-5 (Quarterfinal loser)
Parkland recovered from a 2-3 start to go 7-2 down the stretch, winning the district by defeating Freedom 35-10 before losing to St. Joseph’s Prep in the quarterfinals 52-21. They played nine teams that finished above .500, going 4-5. Importantly for the coming season, they finished strong, beating Nazareth 42-14, Northampton (12-1) 31-13 and Freedom (10-3) 35-10 in the postseason before losing to St. Joe’s. The win against Nazareth came with Blue Bombers’ quarterback Sonny Sasso on the sidelines with an injured hand. Naz beat them in the regular season 28-10 with Sasso in the lineup. It appears they’ll field a strong team this year with the return of quarterback Luke Sprang (63%-2088, 18/8, 295ry-5Tds), the multi-talented Trey Trimba (1238ry-21Tds, 28/428py-5Tds), many experienced receivers and at least seven starters and co-starters from the defense. Tykear Davis (14 tackles) got a lot of time last year as did sophomore Leo Dauberman (17 stops). It’s important to note in a league that isn’t afraid to throw the ball the number of grads in the secondary; FS Nate Urso (31 tackles), S Chase Kusko (45 stops), CB Mason Hollis (60), S Jack Harrison (51 tackles) and CB Nakhi Bullock (29 stops). Other significant losses are at DT Nate Kemmerer (63 tackles) and their top tackler LB Victor Pagan with 87. For 2023, they open at home to Pocono Mountain West (5-6, EPC-N) then road games at Freedpm (10-3) and Liberty (2-8) before the big one at home against Nazareth Sept 15th.

Others:
**** Historic powers/programs that are always a factor
D1 - Ridley, Garnet Valley, Coatesville, North Penn, Dtown East
D3 - Wilson, Cumberland Valley, Central York
D10 - McDowell
D11- Freedom, Emmaus
D12 – LaSalle, Northeast
**** Historic powers going through a rare down cycle but viable
D1- Neshaminy, Pennsbury, Pennridge
D3 - Central Dauphin
D11- Easton
**** Surprises
D1- Souderton, Central Bucks East
D3 - Hempfield, Central Dauphin East, Red Lion, Cedar Crest
D7- Canon McMillan

Check out St. Ed's O-Line! It's interesting as always. Lakeland made it per a few transfers I'm sure.

The Preseason MaxPreps Top 25 high school football rankings were released Monday and we now expand our look at the next 75 best teams heading into the 2023 season.

No. 1 Mater Dei (Santa Ana), No. 3 St. John Bosco (Bellflower) and No. 15 Centennial (Corona) lead the list of 14 California teams in the expanded top 100. Texas, which also has 14 teams in the top 100, features No. 8 Duncanville, No. 13 North Shore (Houston) and No. 17 DeSoto from the preseason MaxPreps Top 25.

Five of the six Trinity League teams, including the top-ranked Monarchs and No. 3, are inside the top 100. Southern California's Trinity League has been among the toughest in the nation for the past decade.

Florida (13) and Georgia (12) were the only other states to hit double-digits. In total, 28 states along with the District of Columbia had at least one team represented.

No. 4 IMG Academy (Bradenton), No. 5 Miami Central (Miami), No. 7 Chaminade-Madonna (Hollywood), No. 9 St. Thomas Aquinas (Fort Lauderdale), No. 21 American Heritage (Plantation) and No. 23 Columbus (Miami) headline the six teams from the Sunshine State that were ranked in the Preseason MaxPreps Top 25.

The Peach State has the second-most teams in the MaxPreps Top 25 with four as No. 10 Buford, No. 12 Carrollton, No. 14 Langston Hughes (Fairburn) and No. 20 Colquitt County (Moultrie) all begin the season ranked.


1. Mater Dei (Santa Ana, Calif.)
The Monarchs begin the season ranked No. 1 for the fourth time since 2017.

2. Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas)
Last year's MaxPreps National Junior of the Year Micah Alejado is back at quarterback for a very talented Gaels squad.

3. St. John Bosco (Bellflower, Calif.)
The defending MaxPreps National Champions have to replace some key players on offense but will again have one of the best defenses in high school football.

4. IMG Academy (Bradenton, Fla.)
Ascenders enter 2023 season with 20 players rated as a four-star recruit or higher on 247Sports composite rankings.

5. Miami Central (Miami)
The four-time defending state champs will be loaded again this season led by Armondo Blount, LaWayne McCoy, Jamari Howard, T.A. Cunningham, Ezekiel Marcelin and Amari Wallace.

6. St. Frances Academy (Baltimore)
Baltimore power will have one of the toughest schedules of all-time with matchups against No. 1 Mater Dei (Santa Ana, Calif.), No. 3 St. John Bosco (Bellflower, Calif.), No. 4 IMG Academy (Brandeton, Fla.), No. 7 Chaminade-Madonna (Hollywood, Fla.) and No. 10 Buford (Ga.).

7. Chaminade-Madonna (Hollywood, Fla.)
Jeremiah Smith, Joshisa Trader, Davion Gause, Zaquan Patterson and Cedrick Bailey headline the list of talent for Dameon Jones.

8. Duncanville (Texas)
The Panthers won their first state title since 1998 last season and bring back a lot of key players led by Colin Simmons, Caden Durham, Dakorien Moore, Alex January, Ka'Davion Dotson and Keelon Russell.

9. St. Thomas Aquinas (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.)
Roger Harriott looks to lead the Raiders to a fifth consecutive state championship in 2023.

10. Buford (Ga.)
K.J. Bolden, Dylan Raiola, Eddrick Houston, Jadon Perlotte, Tyshun White and Devin Williams headline a stacked Wolves' roster.

11. St. Joseph's Prep (Philadelphia)
Philadelphia power goes for its eighth state title since 2013.

12. Carrollton (Ga.)
Class of 2026 quarterback Julian Lewis looks to lead the Trojans back to the AAAAAAA state championship game for second consecutive year.

13. North Shore (Houston)
Kaleb Bailey is back at quarterback after missing the final 11 games of 2022 with a knee injury and will have the Mustangs heavily in the mix to win their fourth state title since 2018.

14. Langston Hughes (Fairburn, Ga.)
Defending AAAAAA state champs broke the record for most points scored in a season with 792 and bring back 2022 MaxPreps Junior All-American quarterback Air Noland.

15. Centennial (Corona, Calif.)
Matt Logan enters 27th season as head coach and will have plenty of star power led by Husan Longstreet, Cornell Hatcher II, Cory Butler Jr., LaRue Zamorano, Wade Helton and Brent Helton.

16. St. Edward (Lakewood, Ohio)
Back-to-back Division 1 state champs will have one of the best offensive lines in the country with Ben Roebuck, Devontae Armstrong and Deontae Armstrong returning.

17. DeSoto (Texas)
Defending 6A Division 2 state champs bring back some key pieces led by Deondrae Riden Jr., Keylan Abrams, Darius Bailey, Brandon Booker, Jaden Trawick and Mario Buford.

18. Basha (Chandler, Ariz.)
Demond Williams, Miles Lockhart, Bryson Dedmon, Thomas Prassas and Jack Bleier are all back from last year's Open Division state championship squad.

19. Lipscomb Academy (Nashville, Tenn.)
Kevin Mawae takes over for Trent Dilfer as the new head coach and the Mustangs begin the season riding a 21-game winning streak.

20. Colquitt County (Moultrie, Ga.)
After making it to the AAAAAAA semifinals last season, expect another long playoff run for the Packers.

21. American Heritage (Plantation, Fla.)
The Patriots graduated a lot of talent but will be loaded again in 2023 led by Malachi Toney, Byron Louis, Jimmy Williams III, Dia Bell and Deandre Desinor.

22. Good Counsel (Olney, Md.)
The Falcons return three 2022 MaxPreps Junior All-Americans in Kyle Altuner, Aaron Chiles and Dilin Jones.

23. Columbus (Miami)
T.J. Capers, Dylan Stephenson, Willis McGahee IV, Alberto Mendoza, Jose Leon and Daylen Russell are all back for the defending 4M state champs.

24. Bergen Catholic (Oradell, N.J.)
The Crusaders won their 19th state title in school history last season and will be the favorites to win their third straight in 2023.

25. Belleville (Mich.)
Class of 2025 quarterback Bryce Underwood led the Tigers to their only two state titles in program history and has been named the MaxPreps Freshman and Sophomore Player of the Year in back-to-back years.

26. St. John's (Washington, D.C.)
The back-to-back WCAC champs have to replace some key players but return Tariq Hayer, Montay Weedon, Da'Juan Riggs, Isaiah French and Jordan Harrison.

27. Gainesville (Ga.)
Josh Niblett led Alabama power Hoover to six state titles and in his first season at Gainesville they went 14-1 and finished as the AAAAAA state runner-up.

28. Westlake (Austin, Texas)
Texas power has gone 72-4 over the last five years with three state titles during that span.

29. Serra (San Mateo, Calif.)
Padres have represented Northern California in the CIF Open Division state championship the last two years and have gone 44-5 since 2019.

30. Thompson (Alabaster, Ala.)
The four-time defending 7A state champs have been the best team in Alabama since 2019.

31. Mission Viejo (Calif.)
Will have one of the best offensive lines in California to go with a very talented defense.

32. Corner Canyon (Draper, Utah)
Chargers bring back a lot of talent led by recent Utah commit Isaac Wilson.

33. Southlake Carroll (Southlake, Texas)
Riley Dodge enters his sixth season as head coach and has gone 65-6 over his first five years.

34. Sierra Canyon (Chatsworth, Calif.)
The defending CIF Southern Section Division 2 champs bring back a lot of talent and added some key transfers, led by 2024 USC commit Xavier Jordan.

35. Archbishop Moeller (Cincinnati)
Bert Bathiany takes over as head coach and with 2022 MaxPreps Junior All-American running back Jordan Marshall returning, expect the Fighting Crusaders to be one of the best teams in the state.

36. South Oak Cliff (Dallas)
The back-to-back 5A Division 2 state champs enter the 2023 season riding a 13-game winning streak.

37. Walton (Marietta, Ga.)
Jeremy Hecklinski, Daniel Calhoun, Wendell Gregory, Makari Bodiford and Ashton Woods give the Raiders one of the most talented teams in the Peach State.

38. Katy (Texas)
Gary Joseph has gone 255-24 as the head coach at Katy and has won at least 10 games in all 19 seasons.

39. Los Alamitos (Calif.)
After making it to the CIF Southern Section Division 1 semifinals last season, they added some big-time transfers in Davon Mitchell, Jett White and Kobe Boykin to go with some key returners.

40. Saguaro (Scottsdale, Ariz.)
Lat year's Open Division runner-up will have plenty of talent led by Jaedon Matthews, Dajon Hinton, Trey Morrison, Jakobi Spence, Joseph Clark IV and Mason Bray.

41. East St. Louis (Ill.)
The defending Class 6A state champs have to replace some key pieces on the offensive line but bring back plenty of talent led by Pops Battle, Leontre Bradford, TaRyan Martin, Jesse Watson and Dominique Dixon.

42. Homestead (Fla.)
Ronnie Thornton Jr. takes over at head coach and the Broncos return a lot of talent after playing in the school's first state championship game in 2022.

43. Liberty (Peoria, Ariz.)
After a MaxPreps Top 25 finish last season, the Lions bring back all-state quarterback Navi Bruzon.

44. Milton (Ga.)
The Eagles made the AAAAAAA semifinals last year and return a lot of key players led by Debron Gatling, Luke Nickel, Ryan Ghea, Jack Lawson and Jacorey Stewart.

45. Dutch Fork (Irmo, S.C.)
Tom Knotts has led the Silver Foxes to seven state titles since becoming head coach in 2011.

46. Parkview (Lilburn, Ga.)
Former standout safety Joey Sturdivant takes over as head coach and inherits a loaded roster headlined by five-star wide receiver Mike Matthews.

47. Orange Lutheran (Orange, Calif.)
The Trinity League is as good as any league in the country and the Lancers should be the third-best team behind Mater Dei and St. John Bosco.

48. Center Grove (Greenwood, Ind.)
The three-time defending Class 6A state champs have gone 40-2 since 2020.

49. Chandler (Ariz.)
Last year was the first time since 2015 the Wolves did not make it to the state championship game but expect the six-time state champs to be heavily in the mix this fall.

50. Long Beach Poly (Long Beach, Calif.)
The Jackrabbits bring back a lot of key players after a 10-1 season and making it to the CIF Southern Section Division 1 quarterfinals.

51. Atascocita (Humble, Texas)
The only three losses for the Eagles last season came against Katy and North Shore. Tory Blaylock, Braylon Conley, Zion Brown and Nate Kibble are all back after the 11-3 season.

52. Grayson (Loganville, Ga.)
Tyler Atkinson, Waltclaire Flynn Jr., Kylan Fox, Jaylen Bell and John Cineas are just a handful of the key players returning for the Rams.

53. Aledo (Texas)
The Bearcats added a state-best 11th state championship in 2022 and will be in the mix for No. 12 with Hauss Hejny, Chris Johnson Jr., Davhon Keys and Jaden Allen all back.

54. Carlsbad (Calif.)
Elite 11 MVP Julian Sayin is one of the best players in the country and the 2024 Alabama commit has led the Lancers to a 21-3 record throwing for nearly 5,500 yards and 61 touchdowns over the last two years.

55. Hamilton (Chandler, Ariz.)
Toby Mealer, Layton Firestone and Carson Keim lead the way for one of the best offensive lines on the West Coast.

56. Lakeland (Fla.)
Marvin Frazier takes over as head coach after the legendary Bill Castle retired after 47 years and will have one of the most loaded teams in the Sunshine State.

57. Mill Creek (Hoschton, Ga.)
Last year's AAAAAAA state champs have to replace a lot of key players led by the 2022 MaxPreps National Player of the Year in Caleb Downs but expect the Hawks to still be in contention in Georgia's largest classification.

58. Guyer (Denton, Texas)
Losing Jackson Arnold to graduation will be impossible to replace but Reid Heim will have plenty of talent led by Eli Bowen, Josiah Martin, Willie Goodacre, Pelumi Olanipekun, Trey Joyner III and Xavier Ukponu.

59. Central (Phenix City, Ala.)
Cam Coleman, Jayden Coleman, Rydarrius Morgan, Isaia Faga, Zackariah Simmons-Brown and Jiquan Sanks will have the Red Devils in contention to win their first state title since 2018.

60. Cherry Creek (Greenwood Village, Colo.)
The four-time defending Class 5A state champs have gone 47-4 since 2019.

61. Kahuku (Hawaii)
The back-to-back Open Division state champs have gone 22-2 over the last two years with the only losses coming against St. Frances Academy (Baltimore, Md.) and St. John Bosco (Bellflower, Calif.).

62. Parish Episcopal (Dallas)
The four-time defending TAPPS Division 1 state champs are loaded with talent, headlined by Sawyer Anderson, Parker Meese, Caleb Mitchell Irving, Maddux Reid and Bryson Fields.

63. Hoover (Ala.)
Wade Waldrop led the Buccaneers to an 11-2 record in his first season as head coach and will have his team in contention to win its first state title since 2017.

64. De La Salle (Concord, Calif.)
Justin Alumbaugh has led the Spartans to a 113-16 record through his first 10 years as head coach.

65. Vandegrift (Austin, Texas)
Last year's 6A Division 2 state runner-up is coming off a 14-2 season and has plenty of talent led by Blake Frazier, Deuce Adams, Miles Coleman, Jase Skoglund and Alex Foster.

66. Ware County (Waycross, Ga.)
The defending AAAAA state champs won the school's first state title and bring back some key pieces.

67. Folsom (Calif.)
The Ryder Lyons era gets underway as the Class of 2026 quarterback has already reached double-digit offers that include Oregon and Washington.

68. Cardinal Gibbons (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.)
Matt Dubuc always has the Chiefs in contention and has gone 73-14 over his first seven years winning three state titles.

69. DeMatha (Hyattsville, Md.)
Bill McGregor has won over 300 games and 17 WCAC championships in two stints as the Stags head coach.
70. Highland Springs (Va.)
The defending Class 5 state champs are coming off a 15-0 season and have won five state titles under head coach Loren Johnson, who enters his 10th season.

71. Providence Day (Charlotte, N.C.)
Jadyn Davis, David Sanders Jr., Channing Goodwin, Jordan Shipp and Brody Barnhardt are all returning after leading the Chargers to their second consecutive NCISAA Division 1 state title.

72. Christian Brothers (St. Louis)
Scott Pingel prepares for his 16th season as head coach and led the Cadets to their second straight state title last season and fifth since 2014.

73. Yelm (Wash.)
Fresh off winning the school's first-ever state title they bring back plenty of talent led by Brayden Platt, the 2022 MaxPreps Washington Player of the Year.

74. Freedom (Woodbridge, Va.)
The defending Class 6 state champs are coming off a 15-0 season and bring back Tristan Evans, the 2022 MaxPreps Virginia Player of the Year.

75. Saraland (Ala.)
K.J. Lacey and Ryan Williams are one of the best quarterback/wide receiver duos in the country and led the Spartans to their first state title in 2022.

76. Edgewater (Orlando, Fla.)
Despite losing Cedric Baxter Jr. to graduation, the Eagles will still have plenty of talent led by Cai Bates, Damon Troutman, Kaden Shields-Dutton, Josh Alexander-Felton and Semaj Fleming.

77. Longview (Texas)
The Lobos are coming off a 14-1 season and return 2022 MaxPreps Junior All-American running back Taylor Tatum.

78. Grimsley (Greensboro, N.C.)
Last year's 4A state runner-up returns a lot of key pieces headlined by Alex Taylor, Terrell Anderson, Mitchell Summers, Bryce Davis and Faizon Brandon.

79. Norland (Miami)
The Vikings will be one of the most talented teams in the Sunshine State with Ennio Yapoor, Dimitry Nicolas, Tomauri Johnson, Jeremiah Marcelin and Tycoolhill Luman leading the way.

80. John Curtis Christian (River Ridge, La.)
J.T. Curtis has won 615 games and is six away from breaking the late John McKissick's record of 620 wins.

81. Frederick Douglass (Lexington, Ky.)
The defending Class 5A state champs are coming off a 15-0 season and bring back a lot of key players.

82. Springfield (Ohio)
Finished as the Division 1 state runner-up for the second consecutive year and have to replace some key players but four-star cornerback Aaron Scott headlines the talent returning.

83. Booker T. Washington (Miami)
Tim 'Ice' Harris returned to the Tornadoes last season going 9-3 and expect another successful year in 2023.

84. Catholic-B.R. (Baton Rouge, La.)
Hudson Fuller takes over as head coach and don't expect any drop off for one of the premier programs in Louisiana.

85. Westlake (Atlanta)
Rico Zackery will have a loaded roster as he gets ready for his second season as head coach.

86. Western (Davie, Fla.)
The Wildcats have plenty of talent this season after adding some marquee transfers in Davi Belfort, Tovani Mizell, Daijon Calimon and Keyveon Johnson.

87. Edna Karr (New Orleans)
Brice Brown has to replace a lot of key players but will still be in the mix to win their fifth state title since 2016 with John Johnson taking over at quarterback with a bevy of talented wide receivers in TaRon Francis, Rahji Dennis and Tyrone Wilson.

88. Central Catholic (Toledo, Ohio)
The defending Division II state champs are coming off their first state title since 2014 with the only loss came against the Division 1 champs, St. Edward (Lakewood).

89. Baylor (Chattanooga, Tenn.)
Erik Kimrey led the Red Raiders to their first state championship since 1973 in his first year as head coach and has a lot of key players returning led by Whit Muschamp, Cameron Sparks, Max Leblanc and Amari Jefferson.

90. Bixby (Okla.)
The five-time defending state champs have gone 61-2 over the last five years.

91. JSerra Catholic (San Juan Capistrano, Calif.)
Victor Santa Cruz takes over as head coach after 25 years of coaching at the college level and will have plenty of talent headlined by Madden Faraimo, Butter Tollefson and Jake Flores.

92. Cathedral (Indianapolis)
Danny O'Neil headlines the key returners for Bill Peebles as they go for their third state title in four years.

93. Starkville (Miss.)
The defending 6A state champs return one of the best quarterback/wide receiver tandems in the country in Trey Petty and Braylon Burnside.

94. Don Bosco Prep (Ramsey, N.J.)
Last year's Non-Public Group A runner-up will be in contention to win their first state title since 2015.

95. Santa Margarita (Rancho Santa Margarita, Calif.)
Eagles are fifth team from Southern California's Trinity League featured in top 100.

96. Eastside Catholic (Sammamish, Wash.)
The Crusaders only loss in 2022 was a heart-breaking 20-13 loss against Yelm in the 3A state championship.

97. Skyridge (Lehi, Utah)
The defending 6A state champs have to replace a lot of talent but will be in the mix to win their second straight state title with Jackson Stevens, La’akea Kalama, Darius Afalava and Trent Call on the roster.

98. Westfield (Houston)
The Mustangs are coming off a 12-2 season with the only two losses coming against Duncanville and North Shore (Houston).

99. Bishop McDevitt (Harrisburg, Pa.)
Last year's MaxPreps Pennsylvania Player of the Year Stone Saunders is back under center for the defending 4A state champs and has thrown for 6,620 yards and 100 touchdowns through his first two years.

100. Lee's Summit North (Lee's Summit, Mo.)
Williams Nwaneri, Isaiah Mozee, Chase Pearsall and Elijah Leonard headline the talent returning after playing in the school's first state championship game last season.

​

Plays OL. Pretty good player. Thanks Philly appreciate it