one word sums up this scrimmage -UGLY. It what may be a first in my life, I actually left just before halftime as I could not take watching it anymore.

At point I left , Ridley had completed 0 passes (in about 15 attempts ) and had 0 first downs. And most of the passes were not within 5 yards of the intended receiver, Not to be outdone , I think WC completed 2 passes but seemed to fumble every other center/QB exchange . WC had maybe 2 first downs but were unable to sustain anything due to the aforementioned fumbles I am sure Huck will have exact stats.

On a positive note, both D's looked solid , but it was really hard to tell considering the sorry state of both offenses. I think both teams might have been able to move the ball a little bit on the ground of they weren't so pass happy, but who knows. WC might be able to do more things against fellow AA teams , but I'm not sure about Ridley. They open up,with GMills, Springfield and GValley so they need to be ready early or else. They have to see that neither QB is capable now of engineering any kind of passing offense and maybe just ride the running game and D in the early part of the season.

11. Upper St. Clair 4-6
The Panther’s played a lot of youth last year (1 Jr, 3 Sophs, 1 Frosh on D), suffering a rare losing season in Coach Jim Render’s 36th year at the school. It was a trying season with line issues leading to the obvious rushing issues that put a brake on everything despite a decent season from graduated quarterback Dan Trocano (59/93/944, 63%, 8/4). Sophomore Thomas Vissman (6-1, 195, jr) was the lead rusher at 855ry. Quarterback Jackson Geisler (6-1, 180, jr) started against North Allegheny in the playoff’s 1st round last year (can’t find where starter Trocano was inj’d) despite Gunnar Lund (6-3, 200, sr) getting all the pt as backup last year? At any rate, Geisler is said to be the starter this year with Lund moving to MLB and TE. The line should be a strength this year with Jay Miller back from injury (6-0, 220, sr), joined by Brandon Ford (6-7, 300, sr, Pitt), Matt Fennell (6-7, 290, sr), Gabe Houy (6-7. 265, jr) and TEs Ryan Harkleroad (6-4, 240, sr) and Lund. After the 11-1 2013 season, they graduated 21 starters putting them in extreme rebuild mode last year meaning most of the team returns. Count on any team coached by Jim Render to bounce back BIG following a rare losing season.

12. Cedar Cliff 8-3
Quarterback Grant Breneman (6-0, 185, jr) threw for 2396 yards last year, completing 62% of passes with a tidy 24/8 Td to Pick ratio. Jayden Demmy (5-9, 200, sr) ran for 1789 yards, snagging 12 passes for 148 yards. A bunch of receivers return including Mike Viti (6-0, 175, sr, 41/438), Cole Whalen (5-11, 195, sr, 8/83) and TE Charles Chiazza (6-2, 230, sr) return to a team that was explosive last year averaging 37ppg. The problem, they allowed 25ppg, losing to conference member McDevitt 49-33 while edging Susquehanna Township 38-35. If they can rebuild the lines and upgrade the D, look out! Their schedule is a challenge, opening with four consecutive road games beginning at Penn Manor under first year coach John Brubaker from Manheim Central. Look for the Comets to become a defensive juggernaut under his guidance, challenging Wilson in the LL. Then the showdown in Hanover with the Colts taking on the Mustangs at, whjere else, The Corral. Triple-A power Cocalico, last year’s district finalist is next then Waynesboro before the home opener against Lower Dauphin. Wouldn’t want to be LD!

13. Lower Dauphin 8-3
A lot of bodies are back here including QB Tommy Klock (6-2, 210, sr, 1298, 49%, 13/8) and lead back George Hatalowich (5-11, 195, sr) who rushed for 1382 yards. Many other backs and receivers return with the defense returning a great core. The program is recently resurrected going 30-8 the last three years including an appearance in the Western final in 2013, losing to Pittsburgh Central Catholic 45-0. The resurrection followed a dismal 10-30 slate the previous four years. As a small quad, they are constantly bouncing between 4A and 3A, with their last deep run made in 1995, losing to Penn Hills in the final, 35-14. Last year’s team didn’t overwhelm with any style points like McDevitt or Central Dauphin but did play solid, fundamental football. After losing to conference rival Cedar Cliff 27-7, in the fifth game of the year, they seemed like a flash in the pan, compounded by the 35-14 loss to McDevitt in the regular season final. But they turned it around in the postseason beating Cedar Cliff in the rematch 21-18, before almost defeating Central Dauphin in the second round 14-7. If the team that finished the season against Cedar Cliff and CD holds to that level of play, it will be a wide open race for the district crown.

14. Manheim Township 8-3
Manheim returns one of the better quarterback in the district in Eric Benjamin (6-1, 215, sr) who completed 64% of his passes for 2108 yards. His Td-Pik ratio was 23 to 8. Their second leading receiver also returns in John Stutz (6-0, 175, sr, 29/534) to get things going. Some big stuff returns up front in seniors Allen McCloud (6-3, 250, 63 tackles), Tanner Evan (6-4, 245, 44 tackles) and Paul Groff (6-0, 265, 14 tackles). OLB Riley MacDonald (6-0, 190, sr, 64 tackles) and SS John Stutz (6-0, 175, sr, 40 tackles) are a good foundation to rebuild those areas. It seems the West is loaded with a number of teams that were close last year including the Blue Streaks who lost at home in overtime to Central Dauphin last year, 34-27 and to powerful Governor Mifflin (11-2) 22-13. Road trips to Central Dauphin to open the season and Red Lion the following week before the home opener against Governor Mifflin will test the Streaks, helping define the district power structure by bringing together representatives of four conferences (Mid Penn, York-Adams, Berks, LL) in the first three weeks of the season! Nice.

15. Penn Hills 7-3
Penn Hills has some interesting parts despite graduating over 30 seniors with quarterback Billy Kisner returning after completing 26 of 62 passes for 448 yards and rushing for an impressive 1019 yards, a 7.78ypc average. Experience also returns at running back with Henton Mathis (5-11, 175, 43/580) and at receiver in Rick Squires (6-1, 210, jr, 9/98). It was a hefty offense last year averaging 36ppg. The defense was another issue, allowing 22ppg. But the Indians had their moments, beating Upper St Clair 31-13, Mount Lebanon 41-21 and Woodland Hills 22-15 at the Wolvarena. Their home loss was damaging, losing to Bethel Park 31-28, with a road loss coming at last year’s AAA silver medal winner Central Valley (15-1), 35-14. Then is all came to an end against Plum in the first round losing 17-6. Excepting those losses, they were blowing people away, defeating Canon Mac 42-7, Baldwin 63-35, Peters Twp 56-21, and Seneca Valley 55-28. Penn Hills has always been about speed and athleticism and will be again this year. They’ll need it with the defense graduating 435 tackles. But that’s ok in the wide open Southeastern Conference where the race-for-second-place looks special, with Penn Hills, Bethel, Lebo and USC all vying to unseat favored Woody.

Sorry...posted in error.

16. Central Dauphin East 10-3
CD East fielded another good edition like their sister school Central Dauphin that could not escape the long shadow of Wilson High the last 2 years, losing 31-14 in the regular and 9-6 in districts. They were 9 points away from beating both Central Dauphin and Wilson, so this is good stuff. Senior QB Jahad Neibauer (5-1,180, 52%, 1067, 426ry) is back but they’ll miss RB Joe Lemelle (806ry, 414py) along with their 3 leading receivers who had 97 receptions for 1333 yards. Last year’s super soph DE Brandon Hickerson-Rooks (6-1, 220) will key another quick front after collecting 98 tackles and 15-TFL last year. He’s joined by five other starters spread across the field at OLB, ILB, DE, FS and CB. They’ll have another big front but will definitely miss DTs Alonzo Holmes (6-4, 255, 90 tackles) and AJ Perez (6-2, 265, 66 tackles). Perez transferred back to CD. Matching last year’s ten win level will be a challenge with some key personnel losses knowing that group won three games by one point and one by two.

17. Bethel Park 6-4
Bethel Park gets a nod here with big numbers returning highlighted by senior quarterback Levi Methany (6-1, 195, 1156, 57%). They broke in a quick sophomore last year at running back in Terron Murphy (5-10, 140. Jr, 23/275) giving them a lot of zip there if he holds up. But they’ll miss Alex Minton’s 1257 rush yards who was also their #2 receiver with 18 receptions for 234 yards. They’re well stocked at receiver with TE Jacob Dixon (6-5, 205, sr, 10/133) and Charles Davis (5-10, 150, sr, 8/120) back. With only 13 seniors graduating, the outlook is for something more than a 6-4 outing with most of last year’s team returning. Despite losing in the first round last year to Altoona 27-17, they were close, losing to Woodland Hills 33-31 and Mount Lebanon 30-22 so who knows! They evidently have some quality players and coaches, not folding after a 0-2 start that included a pounding by Cental Catholic 41-0 and heartbreaking loss to Woodland Hills.

18. South Western 5-5
This is unusual, having a York-Adams Interscholastic Athletic Association team here in the rankings. Back there they distill that down to the York-Adams as in York and Adams County. This group from Hanover’s horse country in southern York County return big numbers after closing out last year with enough pizzaz to impress for this season. Almost all the offense including the entire backfield return plus most of the defense led by last year’s sophomore standout DT Seth Janney (6-3, 225, jr, 51 tackles) and Josh Zeroth (6-2, 255, sr, 32 tackles). They opened the season 1-4 but closed with a rush going 4-1, coming into this season on a three game winning streak. Most of the losses were tight ones by 1, 3 and 7 points to just miss an 8-3 mark. Being a young team the losses were predictably on the road, with four of the five losses coming to teams that made the playoffs; Gettysburg 44-41, Cedar Cliff 55-33, Carlisle 34-23, Central York 20-13ot and Dallastown 28-27. Flip that this year to see four of the five losses (except neighboring Gettysburg) visit them including the big non-conference game against Cedar Cliff, then the York-Adams favorites, Dallastown and Central York. Red Lion will be a hard one coming as they do between Central and D-town. And the game against Cedar Cliff should be memorable following last year’s 55-33 game.

19. Plum 6-5
Plum had their first winning season since 2010 (second in 14 years) but got your attention with competitive losses to North Hills 17-14, Altoona 14-11 and Penn Trafford 17-10! Evidently this did not get the attention of Penn Hills (7-3) who fell in the first round, 17-6. They were out of gas the following week against McKeesport but battled hard, losing 20-5. Except for quarterback Will Fuhrer (1188, 45%), who looks replaceable, most of the team returns; their primary running backs, all the receivers and many lineman including Mike Simboli (6-0, 230, sr) Chris Erfort (6-1, 280, sr) Evan Rings (6-4, 295. jr), Jake Tecak (6-6, 335, sr) and Keyshawn Smith (5-10, 235, jr). With Altoona and North Hills diminished, they may be able to pick up a few more wins this year but they’ll have to do it on the road.

20. Hempfield-Landisville 7-5
The Black Knights return a dangerous trigger man in Sam Kramer (6-3, 210, sr) who completed 53% of passes for 1212 yards. This one is a dual threat, rushing for 1005 yards. Almost all the receivers return led by Will Blair (6-0, 185, sr) with 33 catches for 524 yards. He also ran for 543 yards on 83 carries and could really emerge this year. The top two LBs return and a bunch of experience in the secondary that is always key in a district that is not afraid to throw the football. It’s smash mouth in the LL, Berks, Mid Penn, et al….but they will fling it. Last year’s team had trouble finding consistency, opening the season with impressive wins against AAA powers Manheim Central and Lampeter Strasburg, getting routed by JP McCaskey (4-6) 27-7 then crushing Dallastown (9-2) in the first round 36-21 before losing by one to Central Dauphin East 41-40. So depending which team takes the field this year, we could have another Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde or a team to take more seriously.


Others:
McDowell 8-5
Norwin 5-5
Mount Lebanon 5-5
North Hills 6-4
Harrisburg 6-5
Dallastown 9-2
Central York 5-5
Red Lion 6-5
Governor Mifflin 11-2

As always, this is for the fun of it and to get some info out so feel free to swing away. Some of this is abbreviated-copied from recent team write-ups done over the last few weeks with some new stuff. See those write ups for more detail. Anyway, enjoy and won’t it be great when we’re not just talking about it!

1. Parkland 11-3
The boys from Troy are coming off a state quarterfinal game against St. Joseph’s Prep where they could not hold a 30-27 lead with eight minutes and change left in the 4th quarter, falling to the Hawks 34-30. Key parts of that team return including quarterback Devante Cross with wide out Kenny Yeboah, giving them a tandem that is next to impossible to contain given Cross’s escapability and rushing talents drawing defenses in along with Yeboah’s length and receiving skills. You’ve got to think with their returns measured against St. Joseph’s losses that given health, this is the year they remove the albatross ending their three year losing streak to the PCL (6 straight, 11 vs 12) and move on to the semifinals. They’ll do this behind a powerful line with the skill mentioned and a typical quick Parkland defense. Probably see more of a running game this year behind this group. The staff is veteran, led by one of the more successful coaches in the state in Jim Morgans, entering his 11th season at Parkland with a 97-30 record. And the schedule is favorable opening with Dieruff, Northampton, Allentown CC and Pocono Mt. West before getting to the fun stuff where it’s largely back-loaded with Whitehall who often gives them a game, then crunch time verses Liberty, Easton and Freedom consecutively before closing with Nazareth and Emmaus. Look for Parkland to ease past the PCL this season then see what happens against a number of fine teams in District-One headed no doubt by Coatesville, the Downingtown schools and the SOL teams. See Rover Nation05 write-up for more.

2. St. Joseph’s Prep 11-3
Three-peat? Well, we did have a Triple Crown winner this year so why not? On paper it’s hard seeing anyone out of the East challenging unless it’s from the top teams shown here. Who knows? And unlike last year where the Hawk’s (and Wood’s) coronation seemed a forgone conclusion, there isn’t an overwhelming front runner this year. Strong candidates for sure but no “locks”. Bear in mind St. Joe’s needs to replace all but four starters on the offense, with running back D’Andre Swift, wide out Daryl Simmons, center Ed Mooney and tackle Charlie Holsopple back. Five return to the defense including end Joe Demond, inside linebacker Nick Vandevere, outside backer Shaun Harris, free safety Benny Walls and D’Andre Swift again at corner. Punter Robert Caprice also returns.
They open at Evangel Christian Academy (8-4) who last year moved to Div I to playoff with national power John Curtis et al in state. Div I teams are the largest private schools through Div II, III and IV, the smallest. 5A through 1A are the largest through smallest public schools. Evangel had a young team last year that lost to Curtis (12-2) 13-7, who lost to Jesuit (14-2) in the final 17-14 showing they can play with the big schools. Quarterback Connor Curry (6-2, 180, jr) has offers from Southern Miss and Clemson, starting since his freshman year. After ECA, they travel to Don Bosco Prep (7-5), then home against St. Ignatius (7-5), Malvern Prep (7-4) and St. Joseph’s Regional (8-3), before the easy part of the schedule (tongue in cheek) verses LaSalle (8-3), Father Judge (5-6) and Roman (5-6). Looking at a few of those opponents, the scary part is knowing DBP and St. Ignatius did not field their best teams last year yet won 35-7 and 42-34 respectively. And as luck would have it, they catch SJR coming off a bye week. And Evangel is, well, Evangel, with a 111-28 won-loss the last ten years playing national powers like Shiloh Christian, AR, Union, OK and others. They’re doing a lot of rebuilding (OL gone + 7 on D) return the quarterback, tailback Jamarqueza Mims and running back Corey Henderson. Defensive tackle Jerry Tillery (6-7, 310) has graduated and will play for Notre Dame. Let’s see how they do against D’Andre Swift.

3. Coatesville 13-1
The Red Raiders are still going to be a handful but the losses while significant do not appear fatal. The receiver corps is a wipe out along with their best back in Jadan Hudson (5-11, 175, 1120ry, 266py). The big news is the return of one of the most exciting players in this part of the state in quarterback Jordan Young (Temple). At 6-3, 215 pounds he’s a brute, rushing for 669 yards. Compounding things for defensive coordinators is his completion percentage of 64% (208/324) for 2720 yards. How’d you like to game plan that?
Defensively, they took some hits losing DEs Amir Ealey (6-4, 230, 46 stops, Syracuse) and Steve Lentz (6-3, 200, 44 tackles), plus MLB Stephen Pawling (6-2-210, #1 at 94 tackles, Ship) and hard hitting safeties Jay Stocker (6-2, 195, 46 tackles, Pitt) and Ricky Southcott (6-0, 185, 61 tackles). Had some nice corners too in Steve Pugh (5-10, 160, 27 tackles) and Ahkema Evans (5-10, 170, 31 stops, RI). With an offense that gave it very little rest, a 17ppg averaging defense was pretty good stuff and it should be good stuff again with the return of senior DLs Javon Sampson (6-0, 255, 18 tackles), Nate Luvice (5-11, 285, 10 tackles), and tough NG Isaiah Hall (5-8, 200. jr, 16 stops). Linebacker Chris Jordan (6-0, 210, sr, 40 tackles) and DE Jelil Norman (6-2, 235, sr, 16 stops) return along with DB Kevin Kirk (5-11, 170, sr, 15 tackles). And with the continued maturity of Jordan Young, opposing defenses better keep it honest. They’ll be favored to win the conference along with the Downingtown schools and be a force in the postseason.

4. Neshaminy 4-6
Neshaminy should rebound from their first losing season since 2003 (3-7) after struggling last year replacing bodies while breaking in a new coach in Mike Frederick with the retirement of Coach Mark Schmidt. Coach Schmidt had a 20 year career at Heartbreak Ridge, finishing with a 161-66 record. Frederick’s subsequent resignation after a year at the helm allowed longtime assistant Steve Wilmot to step in. Although it was a rough year for the defending District-1 AAAA champs, they had their moments with a talented young team and senior running D’Andre Pollard (5-8, 180, 169/1292ry, Villanova). Pollard set the school all time record the year before gaining 2929 yards on 328 carries to break Jamar Brittingham’s mark of 2585 set in 2000. Bottom line for the Skins, they fielded their worst offense in 11 years, averaging 21ppg. At 22ppg average yield, they also fielded their worst defense in over 20 years. But a pile of returning bodies, almost the entire offense along with Coach Wilmot and an experienced quarterback should help improve numbers on both sides of the line, getting the Tribe right back in the thick of things. With most of last year’s team returning, contrasted with the situation of many SOL-National teams, look for a big turn-around this season and challenge for conference and district honors.

5. Easton 12-2
See Rover Nation05 write-up

Malvern Prep vs St Rita's (Chicago) streamed on 1st link below tonight and write up on Saturday's Dematha Catholic vs Miami Central on ESPNU....Here we go!!!

http://thecube.com/event/malvern-pr...&utm_campaign=notify_follower_event_broadcast


http://usatodayhss.com/2015/no-2-miami-central-and-no-5-dematha-found-common-ground-for-matchup

Syaire madden from chestnut hill transfers to lasalle.big loss for chestnut hill very fast

Speed, for the most part, good post as usual.

But, its easy to say that coaches are solely responsible for building and molding men and that wins come second. The head guy down your neck of the woods wins 7 to 8 games a year (good by any other schools standards) yet at the end of every year has to question whether he will be returning or not. Why? Because 7 to 8 wins a year at that school isn't good enough.

You are correct, part of the role of a coach is to build and mold young men. but you can't discount that winning games is as important, especially down there. If coach won 5-6 games down there every year and graduated a team full of character kids, he'd be fired. A winning program keeps coaches employed, bottom line.

I did enjoy your post.

Was there any fallout from the beer Olympics? That topic kind of died, so I figured nothing came of it.

I see they are heading to Florida to take on what some have listed as a top 10 team in the Sunshine State.

I've seen CP sent 3 seniors to D-1 programs (Northwestern, Virginia, Air Force), plus Youngstown State, Clarion, etc. Lot of losses, though they did have a 9th grade playing LB get offered by Virginia last fall. Always a contender, but wonder if they'll be a championship contender in AAA. Anyone on here from Erie that might know?

Walnut Heights

Anyone go to the scrimmage and actually see how the teams did?

Who do you like to win this conference? From what I'm reading appears the league is going to be pretty competitive. Side note - Some of these schools are some of the best places to attend games... OJ, SF, Phxville, PV all provide terrific football atmosphere.

I would be interested in peoples perceptions of scrimmages from Saturday. I realize they don't matter much ,but its at least a start for the season. Anyone see the prep/Imhotep ,Wood/ Judge other good ones ?

Can anyone confirm? Sigel from Dtown just took over job within the last year or two so surprising to hear?

I am the Regional Director of Gatorade and have been given three dozen pairs of tickets to Eagles' games this years, to be distributed to Pennsylvania high school players. Tickets are mailed on a first-come, first serve basis and you must state the name of your high school team, your name and address. Please call me only between 5-9pm at 862-812-3111. Parking is not included. Enjoy the game.
Steve D.

how great are these guys, I mean you can't ask for better comedy

Who is the team to beat?

The PA PREPS Mobile App is now available on Itunes. It's not free, but it's worth $1.99!

PA PREPS now has it's own phone app, covering high school football across the state of Pennsylvania. PA PREPS has eyes and ears across the state and will bring you the latest news, scores, game reports, recruiting news, and more on a daily basis! Right now the app is only available in the Google Play Store (CLICK HERE) , but it will be available in the Apple Store for Iphones within the next week or so. Articles , videos, etc. will be exclusively on the website or on the phone app.

PA PREPS is expanding it's coverage. We'll have eyes and ears in different parts of the state this year.
I've added a few screen shots as well. I'll let you know when it's available for the Iphone/Ipad.

PA PREPS now has it's own phone app, covering high school football across the state of Pennsylvania. PA PREPS has eyes and ears across the state and will bring you the latest news, scores, game reports, recruiting news, and more on a daily basis! Right now the app is only available in the Google Play Store (CLICK HERE) , but it will be available in the Apple Store for Iphones within the next week or so. Articles , videos, etc. will be exclusively on the website or on the phone app.

PA PREPS is expanding it's coverage. We'll have eyes and ears in different parts of the state this year.
I've added a few screen shots as well. I'll let you know when it's available for the Iphone/Ipad.

Can anyone provide an analysis of what to expect of the Vikings this year other than the Russo to Webb combination on offense. Thanks