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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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10 weight vest (40 pounds, weights included)

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40 Pound Weight Vest

M 48" Speed Chute

L 56" Speed Chute

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Portable Power Jumper

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Bonus Advanced Ladder DVD included

9 Mini Hurdles

Evasion Belts

40 Dome Markers

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

Firstpitch Two Wheel Football Passing & Kicking Machine

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


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

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


Train Insane Package

(4) 40 Pound Weight Vest

(2) Power Bands Sets

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

(3) 16’ Agility Ladders

(12) Adjustable Mini Hurdles

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

(1) Advanced Harness Unit

(4) Step Over Bag Dummies

(2) Portable Power Jump

(2) Farmers Walk Bars

$199.99

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

Chutes and Ladders

10 weight vest (40 pounds, weights included)

10 XL 72x72 Speed Chutes

10 Deluxe 16' Agility Ladders

10 Resistance Band

$179.99

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

Pro Team Package

10 weight vest (40 pounds, weights included)

10 XL 72x72 Speed Chutes

10 Deluxe 16' Agility Ladders

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

20 Resistance Bands

$249.99

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


Train Hard Package

40 Pound Weight Vest

M 48" Speed Chute

L 56" Speed Chute

XL 72" Speed Chute

Power Sled + Harness

Portable Power Jumper

16' Agility Ladder

Bonus Advanced Ladder DVD included

9 Mini Hurdles

Evasion Belts

40 Dome Markers

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

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

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

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

Here's mine:

1. Banko Field, Bethlehem Liberty High School

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

2. Kottmeyer Stadium, Downingtown West High School

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

3. War Memorial Field, Central Bucks West High School

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

4. Harry E. Franks Stadium, Neshaminy High School

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

5. Coatesville Memorial Stadium, Coatesville High School

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

Honorable Mention:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Stadiums that no longer exist:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

3A: Lower Moreland, Springfield Township

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

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

District 2: Super 700
6A: Hazleton

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

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

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

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

A: Lackawanna Trail, Old Forge, Susquehanna Community

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

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

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

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

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

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

District 4: Super 700
6A: None

5A: Williamsport

4A: Shikellamy, Jersey Shore, Selinsgrove, Shamokin

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

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

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

District 5: Super 700
6A: None

5A: None

4A: Somerset

3A: Bedford, Chestnut Ridge

2A: Everett

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

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

5A: Mifflin County, Central Mountain

4A: Holidaysburg, Bellefonte, Greater Johnstown

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

District 8: Super 700
6A: Brashear

5A: Taylor Allderdice, Perry Traditional Academy, Carrick

4A: None

3A: University Prep

2A: Westinghouse

A: None

District 9: Super 700
6A: None

5A: DuBois

4A: Punxsutawney, Clearfield

3A: Bradford, Saint Mary’s

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

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

District 10: Super 700
6A: Erie McDowell

5A: none

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Yeboah joins former Parkland standout Rob Dvorcek at Temple.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Rustin 10-2; The Golden Knights registered their sixth title in the last seven years, grinding out a 71-13 won-loss in their Wing-T with nine playoff appearances since the school was formed in 2006. They began life as a AAA their first four years with a 4-3 postseason record before becoming a AAAA in 2010, where their playoff won-loss dipped to 3-5. In fact, last year ended a three year cycle of “one-and-done” in Districts when they pounded Conestoga (7-4) 47-13 before Upper Dublin (11-2) handled them 41-23….at Rustin! Their all-time leading rusher Terry Loper with 4758 career rush yards had his usual outing getting 182 yards on 23 carries for a 7.9 yards per carry average. But Cardinal back John Lee showed his stuff as well, running for 99 yards on only nine carries for an 11.0 ypc average. Quarterback Ryan Stover exposed them too, completing 22 of 31 passes for 293 yards, having one of his best performances of the year at a 71 % completion clip.Since becoming a AAAA, they are 0-4 against the SOL in the postseason, losing to Neshaminy, North Penn, Pennsbury and Upper Dublin by an average score of 36-16.. Curious why they play in the American Conference when everyone knows the power teams in the Ches Mont are in the National Conference; Coatesville, Downingtown East and Downingtown West and Henderson. The only team from the American Conference close to them is Unionville, sometimes. But they haven’t been any more competitive outside the conference than Rustin, missing the playoffs entirely in 2014, 2010 and 2008 and going 2-4 when they did get there, losing to Neshaminy in 2013, 41-7, Coatesville 38-21 the year before and Neshaminy again in 2011, 28-0. In 2009 they pulled the major upset beating Pennsbury 12-7 and in 2007, they beat Phoenixville 27-7 before getting blanked by Garnet Valley 13-0. An American Conference schedule showing Octorara, Sun Valley, Oxford and Kennett who have four winning seasons between them over the last six years doesn’t prepare you for Neshaminy, North Penn and others any more than Great Valley does with four winning seasons in the last nine years. Perhaps they’ll “move up”, transferring to the National Conference with AAA Bishop Shanahan supplanting them. They’ve shown they can play at that level with a 15-9 record since 2006 against Henderson 6-3, big rival West Chester East 7-1, Downingtown East 1-2, Bishop Shanahan 1-2, and Avon Grove 0-1. They have never played Coatesville or Downingtown West. Since the inception of Rustin, those are two of the winningest teams in the National in conference action; Coatesville is first at 29-7, Downingtown West third at 24-12. Downingtown East is second in National Conference wins at 26-10. Excepting the limitations of the grounded Wing-T, there’s no evident reason why they can’t consistently compete in the National given the talent that comes through the school. In 2008 with Rondell White rushing for 2113 yards behind a substantial line, they went 12-2 and were eliminated by Archbishop Wood (11-3) 37-7. In 2009 (11-1), White was again tearing things up with 1935 yards rushing behind a line most teams would die for; Enrique Josephs 6-4, 275, Chase Hoyt 6-4, 260, Will Ridgeway 6-1, 235, Sean O’Hara 6-4, 245, Derrick Miles 5-10, 235 and TE Nick Simmler 6-0, 215. They lost to Pottsgrove (14-1) 21-14 in the district final. White went on to become the all-time leading rusher at West Chester University.
This year’s team returns three seniors to the OL, Ray Bordley (6-7, 315), Sean Weaver (6-1, 235) and Pat Durant (6-2, 236). Quarterback Evan Wlock (27/56/533/48%, sr), is back with running back Mike McKnight (6-0, 180, sr) who is one of the best athletes on the team according to Coach Mike St. Clair. Great Valley lost a ton of players and Unionville’s talented young group from last year are a year older, primed for improvement on last year’s 6-4 mark. But Rustin will likely be favored for another title.

Unionville 6-4; What a great start for Unionville in their opener last season beating bitter rival and Central League kingpin Garnet Valley (9-3) 8-6. It didn’t get any easier the following week venturing to Reading to play a decent 8-3 Exeter Township team. The Eagles play in District 3’s Berks County-Division 1 with power house Governor Mifflin (11-2) and others including Reading (6-5) and Triple-A’s Boone (8-5), Conrad Weiser (7-5), Muhlenberg (2-8) and Pottsville (0-10). Pottsville’s Crimson Tide will move to the Anthracite FB League for the 2016 season. Except for a 22-pt second quarter explosion at Exeter, Unionville was right in that one but fell 38-35. Weird game with Exeter’s quarterback Chase Yocum getting thrown out at the very end of the half when a small one-on-one fight broke out. Come on, boys will be boys, let em play. So they threw a few? Valuable kid holding many of Exeter’s passing records (1272py, 1196ry, 33 Tds last year) who will play at Shippensburg. Where was I? The year played out with Unionville winning five of their final eight but missing the playoffs. So it was a so-so year but their tenth consecutive winning season. And it was a young team with only eleven seniors returning, meaning they have huge numbers with lots of experience for this season. Coach said they developed great depth last year. All of this was accomplished without Defensive Coordinator Harry O’Neill who moved over to the top spot at Avon Grove for the 2014 campaign.
The biggest task this year will be replacing quarterback/punter/place kicker Alex Pechin (6-1, 185), who starred not only in football but also baseball and basketball. He threw a 5 hitter (7 k’s) in 1st round knocking out PIAA defending state champ North Penn 8-1. In 2013 (8-3) he threw and ran for just over 2000 yards. Last year’s stats showed a 51% completion rate (69 of 135) for 1206 yards. He also rushed for 392 yards on 72 carries. But he’ll likely be most remembered for his booming +40 yard punts and kick-offs to the end zone as well as the ability to make long field goals under pressure. In the opener against Garnet Valley, he kicked two field goals, one of them a 50-yarder that helped win the 8-6 slugfest. He’ll be kicking for Bucknell this season. Last year’s junior back up Jason Hagan (6-0, 175, sr) got some time and will probably get the nod this year. The team has some players with real talent and speed in running back Brandon Boon (5-9, 155, sr) and wide out Elan Nash (5-11, 185, sr) who has explosive speed. They are high on Mark Knightly (5-10, 160, sr) who will join Boon in the backfield along with Bryce McManue (6-0, 210, jr) as it looks now. The O-line returns Sean Green (6-6, 240, sr), Mike Cresta (6-0, 235, jr), TE Pat Clark (6-3, 220, sr, coach’s son) juniors Matt Dauphin and Asger Hansen and Sam Gangel, a senior. Jack Bacciellieri is also in the mix. But they’ll miss four year starting center Andrew Jones, 6-0, 280 and OG Paul Steffy (Dickinson), a three year starter at 6-1, 250. Jones will play at Bryant College (8-3) whose 14-7 loss to Sacred Heart denied them the auto berth in the FCS.
The D lost Jones and Seffi on the line plus two good linebackers in Michael Weber (6-1, 210) and Quinn Cheyney (6-1, 225). Experienced LBs return in Dylan Rappucci (6-0, 210, sr), Trevor Gardinier (6-0, 190, jr), Shane Jones (5-11, 210, jr) and Laz Kirfidies (5-9, 165, sr). The secondary is loaded with a possible D1 prospect in Elan Nash (5-11, 185, sr), Tyler Marmo (5-10, 165, sr), Drew Stradling (5-10, 160, sr) and Max Camateros-Man (5-11, 165, sr). Juniors Matt Dauphin and Mike Cresta will fill in the DL positions along with seniors Sam Gangel and Thomas Mallon.
The schedule this year reads nearly the same as last year’s showing Garnet Valley as the opener followed by Exeter Twp and Avon Grove, all at home. Last year’s game with G-Val was at home (Kennett Sq) so that could be a misprint. The Jags and Indians are often a well contested game and should be again this year. Exeter lost QB Chase Yocum but return the big freshman who spelled him in last year’s game, Brandon Unterkoefler (6-1, 195, so), plus most of their receivers, backs and at least three lineman including Penn State recruit Micah Menet (6-5, 280, sr), the #6 OT in the country and top player in the state. Other return starters include Nathaniel Weber (6-3, 250, sr), Brett Moyer (6-2, 230, sr) and likely Tyler Holley (6-3, 275, jr). With anything reasonable under center Exeter will field another dangerous team. Also, Downingtown East replaces Henderson in Downingtown. That will be a difficult one with U-ville coming in off a road game at Rustin. Garnet Valley and Exeter will give us a clue about Unionville while Rustin and Downingtown will likely confirm.

They would be great to refer back to come playoff time.

Also, wonder if profiles will be done for other D1/D12 conferences (PCL, PAC, Central) etc.

now comes word that the Dept. of Defense, no doubt under obama's orders, has been asked to not wear their uniforms at recruiting centers, to avoid being targets. As if this would help. The problem, as everyone knows, is that they are not allowed to carry weapons at a time when Islamic state has vowed to attack military recruiting centers.

Another great liberal idea put forth today was that they close the blinds. Trump is helping to keep obama and his ridiculous record out of the news.

And what about obama planning to release all of those drug dealers? I'll bet most liberals either don't know about these events or, if they do, would never admit that any of it is wrong. The key to a guy like obama getting elected is a dumbed down public.

Hard work beats talent,
when talent doesn't work hard.....just a little foreshadowing!

Coatesville 13-1; Coach Matt Ortega has established himself as one of our state’s top coaches while lifting Coatesville in status as one of the best programs in the district and state. Being from his home area I’ll admit to a bias for Coach Ortega who was born in Steelton and graduated from Central Dauphin. To say that area is crazy about football, particularly those two schools is probably an understatement. Us natives are proud seeing one of our own doing well. Enough! Since his inaugural season in 2009, the program has rocketed in the district to become relevant in the state. People ask “how’s Coatesville lookin this year”….at least in the Harrisburg area they do and I suspect in other football savvy districts as well. Following an inaugural 5-5 season, the Red Raiders went 8-3, 9-3, 13-3, 9-2 and 13-1 last year, making the playoffs in Coach’s second year and going 9-5 in post season play since his arrival. Getting to the PIAA AAAA final in your fourth year is no small feat either, despite getting throttled by North Allegheny (16-0) 63-28. One thing you can bank on with a Coach Ortega team is a high octane offense that incorporates the passing game into a strong running attack. But, rest assured that defense will always be the first priority as it is with Coach McNamee at Central Dauphin (Ortega’s alma mater) where playing your best athletes on D is a forgone conclusion. Any points scored by the offense are bonus points. Defense and special teams, an old formul. With no fear throwing the forward pass it’s very exciting football as this area has come to see. Gotta throw some! From 2009 to the present, the Raiders averaged 21, 27, 34, 39, 30 and 35ppg last year. And anytime you get a point differential of 18, you’re going to see a team with a lot of wins. In Coatesville’s best years, 2012, going to the state final and last year going to the district final, their “margin” was 19 in 2012 and 18 last year. With few exceptions, that applies to any team. His last two years at York High (2007-2008, formally called William Penn), before coming to Coatesville saw the Bearcats go 10-2 consecutively, with an offense averaging 29 and 44 points per game. Here they played in the York Adams Interscholastic Athletic Association (YAIAA), mercifully called the York Adams with teams like Dallastown, Red Lion, Central York and South Western. Keep your eye on South Western’s Mustangs who will be lighting things up this year at “The Corral”.
Coming into this season, Coatesville’s losses while significant don’t appear fatal. The receiver corps is a wipe out with the graduation of five players who caught 197 total passes for 2587 yards, along with their best back in Jadan Hudson (5-11, 175), who had 208 carries for 1120 yards and 266 yards in receptions on 26 catches. The big news is the return of one of the most exciting players in this part of the state in quarterback Jordan Young (Temple). He and Council Rock North’s Brandon McIlwain (South Carolina) will give us some great highlights to watch this year! At 6-3, 215 pounds he is essentially a fullback with stats in support rushing for 669 yards on 147 attempts. Compounding things for defensive coordinators is his completion percentage of 64% (208/324) for 2720 yards. As a senior, his 20 to 8 Td to Pick ration should improve. Defensively, they lost a few losing DE Amir Ealey (6-4, 230, 46 stops, Syracuse), MLB Stephen Pawling (62-210, #1 at 94 tackles, Ship) and hard hitting safeties Jay Stocker (6-2, 195, 46 tops, Pitt) and Ricky Southcott (6-0, 185, 61 tackles). Had some nice corners too; Steve Pugh (5-10, 160, 27 tackles) and Ahkema Evans (5-10, 170, 31 stops, RI). DE Steve Lentz (6-3, 200, 44 tackles) is also gone. With an offense that gave it very little rest, a 17ppg averaging defense was pretty good stuff, especially in their conference. It should be pretty 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 Kevin Kirk (5-11, 170, sr, 15 tackles). So, there is something to build on! And with the continued maturity of Jordan Young, opposing defenses better keep it honest. They’ll be favored to win the conference along with Downingtown East and be a force in the postseason.

Downingtown East 9-4; The Cougars bounced back in a big way last year, falling a game short of a double digit win season after finishing 4-6 the year before. Not bad against a schedule full of winners, nine to be exact out of thirteen teams played. West Chester East went 6-6. One of those losing teams was Roman Catholic (5-7) who lost to Downingtown 40-38 in ot and Coatesville by three, 24-21. Downingtown East’s losses came to Bishop Shanahan (8-4), 17-10, Coatesville (13-1), 15-9 then aagain 31-12 in the postseason and Haverford School (9-1) 54-26. You can make a strong case that those three losses came to teams enjoying their finest seasons, particularly Bishop Shanahan (8-4) with their most wins, best team (3rd winning season since the 2001 restart, 6-5, 7-4) and defense ever at 15ppg. Haverford School at 9-1 had their most wins, best offense and defense at 38ppg and 13ppg in over 25 years and they bring back a lot for 2015. Coatesville’s 2012 team which advanced to the state final edges last year’s district runner-up.
Coming into this season, the greatest loss for the Cougars is at quarterback where Andrew Hudson graduated along with their excellent wide-out Dan Chisena. Hudson threw for 1403 yards, completing 55% of his passes as Dan Chisena caught 25 passes for 434 yards. His extraordinary speed will be missed. Two months ago in Shippensburg (5/24/15) at the PIAA-AAA Track and Field Championship he won gold medals in the 100 meters, the 200 and also the 4 x 100 relay. But TE Cary Angeline (6-7, 235, sr, So Cal) returns after snagging 37 passes for 539 yards to lead the Cougars in receptions. As one of the top tight ends in the country, everyone was recruiting him. Jack Kincade (5-8, 175, sr) and Nick Alvado (5-9, 155, sr) return to the backfield. Whoever gets the nod under center, probably Saunders Healy (6-4, 180, sr) or Tom Walsh (5-10, 150, jr) and Bryce Lauletta (6-0, 175, so), will operate behind four veteran senior lineman; Michael Clark (6-7, 280, MD commit), Mike Rachlin (6-3, 260), Jay Ingram (6-2, 235) and tight end Cary Angeline (6-7, 235). Incidentally, Bryce Lauletta is the youngest brother of Trey (6-1, 200, three time All Conf) who played at Bucknell and Kyle (6-3, 210), a R/S Soph at Richmond, both at QB. Kyle threw for 5243 yards and 64 Td in two years. Bryce led the Marsh Creek Eagles (14-2) all the way to Disney in 2011 where they lost in the Junior Pee Wee Division II National Championship, The Pop Warner Super Bowl, to Port St. Lucie, FL (17-0), 12-8. Good seeing another Lauletta coming up through the ranks.
Defensively, they lost a few linebackers (Tyler Buban and Adam Stata) but return Brody Wilson (6-2, 230, sr). The D lost two good linemen in Thad Stevenson (6-2, 240) and Caleb Fell (6-3, 240) who will play at Colgate. DLs Pat Matte (5-10, 180, sr) and Chris Hartoonian (6-5, 260, sr) are back with CB Justin Cohen but Kevin DiStefano is gone from the Secondary. They don’t look as solid as last year when they returned six of their starting front seven but a good nucleus returns plus a powerful O-Line to control things on that side until the new quarterback settles in. If Downingtown finds a quarterback and they always do, they’ll be a force.

Mr O'Brien, I wouldn't be surprised of Penn State lands up to 75% of these kids.

Wood QB Anthony Russo has committed to Rutgers. Congratulations to a hard working player.

2014: District 1, Suburban One-Continental
League-Conference mini review-preview:

Quakertown 11-2; Nothing special about Quakertown’s offense that walked along at 24ppg but the D was special, allowing a twelve year low of 14ppg. The last time they reached that low also witnessed their last double digit win season, going 10-3 in 2002 while allowing 13ppg. So it was quite a year, running off nine straight wins until faltering at Central Bucks East (5-5), losing 35-21. Then they edged Pennridge 14-10 in districts before losing as the 4th seed to Downingtown East (9-4, 5th seed) in the second round. The Panthers ran into a defensive buzz saw in that one, losing 21-0 against a Cougar defense that could play some serious D when inspired, holding major local players like Rustin to 12, Coatesville to 15, Downingtown West to 14 and Henderson to 7. Should be an interesting look this year with last year’s Archbishop Wood transfer quarterback Tom Garlick (6-4, 185, sr) getting the nod after helping lead the Vikings to a AAA title in 2013 (13-2), defeating Harrisburg’s Bishop McDevitt (14-2) 22-10. He took over as the starting quarterback the year before as a frosh in the third week stepping in for Chris Rahill. That group went to the final as well, losing to a super Cathedral Prep (15-0) team 24-14. Prep had Damion Terry at QB who lettered as a R/S Frosh at Michigan State last year. Looking at the coming season with Garlick under center, running back Rob Burns (5-10, 175, sr) returning after rushing for 1352 yards plus their two leading receivers and a lot of the defense has things looking good but they’ll sorely miss their headhunting linebacker Hunter Nice.

Council Rock North 6-5; Like Pennridge, Council Rock North had two distinct seasons. The first saw them get off to a 6-2 start. The second witnessed a 1-3 finish, losing their last three games to Quakertown, Council Rock South and Upper Dublin. In some ways the 42-40 loss to Truman (7-5) dropping them to 6-2, mimicked the season with North jumping out to a 20-7 lead, then allowing a 35 point comeback (28 over the middle quarters) by the suddenly potent Tiger attack. Special team’s failures converting a 2-pt conversion and a field goal iced it. Surprise, surprise, another team losing a game because of special teams! Two weeks later the D again disappeared against Quakertown, failing to hold on to a 26-7 lead in a losing 48-32 effort. 26-7 lead….at home! Had they held on, they would have improved to 7-2 with real momentum going into the game with the Hawks.
While they had little trouble scoring points at 32ppg, their highest year end average since the split, the defense was abysmal, allowing a walloping 30ppg! This was another record since the split. That really expressed itself against “quality” where they went 2-5 vs winning teams, beating Gratz (11-2) 40-25 and Perkiomen Valley (9-3) 29-27 while losing to Pennsbury (13-2), Truman (7-5), Quakertown (11-2), CR South (6-4) and Upper Dublin (11-2) by an average score of 47-27; teams with a 48-13 record. Coming into the season, North really didn’t have anyone to replace stellar lineman Sam Horbal (6-2, 230) and particularly Seamus Bishof (6-3, 280, IUP). This year sees them replacing 3 linemen from both the O-Line and D-Line. It’s not as bad as the 2013 season where they essentially replaced the entire defensive front since they return all their linebackers, but most of the secondary graduated. Offensively, they return South Carolina commit Brandon McIlwain under center. Most of the Big 10 recruited him including Wisconsin, Penn State, Ohio State, Maryland and Rutgers as well as a number of SEC schools like UT, Florida and Auburn. Also in the running were teams from the PAC-10 including UCLA, Cal and Arizona and Clemson and Miami from the ACC, etc, etc. At 6-1, 215 pounds, he was able to bull his way to 1027 yards rushing while completing 52% of his passes for 2018 yards. His Td/Pick ratio was 17/9. Speed back Chris Welde graduated (748ry) but not their leading receivers with Devon Bibbens and Tyler Nowmos back after catching 34 and 25 passes for 556 and 394 yards respectively. North should hit the ground running again with this offense and they’ll need to with an experienced and talented Perkiomen Valley team coming in for the opener looking for some payback from last year’s 29-27 loss in Collegeville.

Council Rock South 6-4; CR South had their first winning season in three years following the great run from 2010 through 2011 where they went 11-2 and 12-2 respectively. Last year’s 6-4 campaign came none to soon as it followed two dismal 2-8 seasons. They showed great gains in both offense and defense, improving their year-end average points scored from 18 to 26. Nice! And while the D was improved, it didn’t improve enough to get them in the playoffs, allowing 27ppg compared to 34ppg the year before. In defense of the Hawks, they were a young bunch (10 seniors on roster) pretty much laying everything on the shoulders of running back Vince Alimenti (+1000 yards) who has graduated. Not a bad place to lay it in their option offense where it’s all about the fullback, halfback and quarterback. Two thirds of that group return with quarterback Sean Stackhouse back for his senior season supported by a talented halfback in Brendan Patterson, also a senior. Most of the line returns (Joe Anderson, Joe Carter, Keith Reiser, Brenden Bell, Zach Blickley, TE Todd Murray). Solid two way lineman Connor Brunetti graduates. Alimenti is a big, big loss but with so many returning they should get past the six win level, making a run at Districts.

Truman 7-5; Here’s another great turnaround or a strong continuation of the preceding season going from a 5-6 mark, scoring and allowing 22ppg to a 7-5 record scoring 29ppg while allowing 21. Would you believe this team was 14 points removed from an undefeated regular season, 14 points, with losses coming to Upper Dublin 28-21, Council Rock South 16-14, Quakertown 24-21, Norristown 18-17 and Cheltenham 28-27. They did it with their best offense in over 18 years and an improved defense that was also their best since 2001’s 6-6 team that allowed 19ppg. 2001 was also the last time the Tigers came close to a winning season. The success should continue this year with a lot of last year’s team back, notably dual threat quarterback Mark Lopez, a 6-1, 190 pound senior who rushed for 1025 yards and passed for another 1080. Most of the running backs return who were also primary receivers so the offense is set. The D returns most of their linebackers and secondary including the number two and three tacklers, Tim Kenny-Schwartz (6-0, 230, sr, MLB) and Maurice Jackson (6-2, 210, sr, 77 tackles). Trysten Hunt (5-9, 215, 117 tackles, 752ry) who graduated was key to both sides of the ball as their leading tackler and running back. If they can reverse just two of last year’s narrow losses by playoff time (11/7/ last year) they’ll be 8-2 with a great seed!

I believe there is a 7 on 7 Thursday evening at Neshaminy with SJP, Imhotep and Wood taking part in it. Can anyone confirm this?

1. Parkland* 11-3; (6-2), District 11 Champion

Last Season: Entered the D11/2/4 subregional playoffs as the 7 seed after regular season losses to Easton and Whitehall. Rolled over Stroudsburg and Delaware Valley in the first two rounds to set up a rematch at Easton, where they knocked off the Rovers 13-10 in overtime thanks to special teams and defensive heroics. Receivers Jarey Elder and Kenny Yeboah combined for 103 catches, 1,495 yards, and 21 touchdowns to make for one of the best duos in the state.

State Playoffs: Dropped a 34-30 heartbreaker to eventual state champion St. Joseph’s Prep in state quarterfinals, despite a 283 yard, 4 touchdown performance from Devante Cross (who also ran for 96 yards). Ultimately could not slow down explosive plays from Olamadie Zaccheus and D’Andre Swift.

Standouts: Senior quarterback Devante Cross (6’2 185) enters his third year under center as Parkland’s all time leader in passing yards and touchdowns. He is a legitimate All State and 2,000/1,000 threat after throwing for 2,300 yards and 27 touchdowns and running for another 750 and 10 as a junior. He currently holds offers from Syracuse and Boston College. Senior wide receiver Kenny Yeboah tied a Parkland record with 13 touchdown catches last year. The 6’5 220 pound FCS recruit is a match up nightmare and joins Cross as the most potent pitch and catch combination in eastern Pennsylvania. Offensive/defensive tackle Noel Brouse has an ideal frame (6’6 270) and recently committed to Syracuse to play on the offensive line. He was an All EPC selection on defense in 2014 and is the D11’s premier two-way lineman.

Breakout Candidates: Junior tackle Patrick Ferry made 14 starts as a sophomore on the offensive line. The 6’3 315 pounder, who won a state title in powerlifting last spring, is textbook size and strength for a lineman. He needs to become a more consistent run blocker and improve his athleticism, but has the tools in his kit to be a Division I lineman. Jahan Worth, (5’11 215) a sophomore linebacker, is one of the premier underclassmen athletes in D11. Worth went 21-12 wrestling heavyweight as a 9th grader despite frequently weighing in at 195 pounds. Last spring, he won a state powerlifting title at 220 and was named the most outstanding underclassman of the meet. The physical tools are definitely there, and don’t be surprised if Worth is next in a long line of great Parkland linebacker. He also could challenge incumbent Nolan Ridgway for carries at running back.

Question Marks: Replacing kicker/punter Jake Bissell (Lafayette) will be huge for the Trojans. Bissell was one of the best kicking specialists in the state and gave Parkland a huge especial teams advantage.

Best Unit: Parkland’s offensive line should be the best in D11. Brouse and Ferry give them huge bookends, and they also return senior guard Billy Danko, (6’2 240). Sophomore Brody Boyer (6’2 250) finished second to Ferry at the state powerlifting meet and is the early favorite to take over as the other guard. Steve Feher (6’3 245) and Mitchell Powell (6’2 215) will battle out for the final spot. It’s not an overly big line by PCL or WPIAL standards, but it’s certainly elite size for D11. If they can get an infusion of nasty, particularly in the run game, they should dominate.

Coaching: Head Coach Jim Morgans, defensive coordinator Tim Moncman, and wide receivers coach Bret Comp have combined to win four state titles as head coaches and have been the head coach in eight PIAA Championship Games. Offensive coordinator Chris Kinnade won a state title as the OC at Allentown Central Catholic in 2010. And quarterbacks coach Jim Terwilliger, the presumed head coach in waiting, was a 4x Division II All American, the 2005 National Player of the Year, and holds 17 different NCAA passing records. Best staff in D11.

Expectations: Parkland is going for an unprecedented fourth straight District 11 4A title and are a heavy favorite to do so. They should be a top 5 team in Pennsylvania when preseason polls come out and are a threat to end District 11’s six year losing streak to the PCL in state playoffs.



2. Easton*: 12-2, (10-0) EPC South Champion

Last Season: Put together a dominant first 12 games, going undefeated and averaging 42.3 points and 322 yards rushing yards per game. Lost a heartbreaker in the D11 final to Parkland, 13-10 in OT. Held the Trojans to 95 yards of total offense and three first downs in a losing effort. Followed that with a loss to Phillipsburg (NJ), 19-15.

Standouts: Defensive end David Simmons recorded seven and a half sacks despite missing five games with an ankle injury. The 6’3 senior has bulked up to 225 pounds in the offseason and if he retains his explosive first step, should be the best defensive player in D11. Quarterback Trey Durrah (5’10 170) had an up and down junior year, but returns with the most passing, rushing, and receiving yards (1,303, 337, 1) in the program. As the only returning skill player, the offense will lean heavily on his talents. Guard Ryan Greene was first team all EPC last fall. At 5’9 205 pounds, he’s built more like a fullback, but Easton loves to pull him on traps and sweeps. He’s also fast enough that he covers kicks on special teams.

Breakout Candidate: Junior cornerback Katrell Thompson (5’10 165) was a revelation after earning his way into the varsity lineup following the JV season. He made seven tackles and had a sack against Freedom in semis, then blanketed Kenny Yeboah, holding the Trojan star to one catch for four yards when the two were matched up, in the D11 title game. This year, Thompson enters not only as the #1 corner, but as the expected replacement for Shane Simpson (Towson) at running back.

Question Mark: Easton was ravaged by graduation at the skill positions, where as a team they return just 343 total yards (all rushing). It will be an open competition at receiver and tight end in camp. Look for a combination of experienced defensive players and a big and talented collection of sophomores to fill the roles. Trevor Storm, (6’6 185) is one to watch, as he has the height and athleticism (he’s a basketball standout) to make an impact in the passing game.

Best Unit: Easton’s defensive line will have pass rushers galore. Simmons is the best in the area, and Daloni Caldwell (6’3 200) showed real promise last year, making 37 tackles and forcing 3 fumbles after earning a spot in the lineup while Simmons was injured last season. Greene, Storm, and Isaiah Walker (6’3 190) also should be threats to quarterbacks coming off of the edge.

Coaching: Easton has more continuity on their staff than any program in D11. Steve Shiffert is back for his 23rd year on the sideline, and he won his 200th career game in their semifinal game against Freedom last season. Defensive coordinator Doug Powell and offensive/defensive line coach Scott Byrd have been with him every season and are two of the most highly respected assistants in D11.

Expectations: Expectations are always high at Easton, but there is definitely the feeling that 2014 was the program’s best shot in a while and they missed the brass ring. Finding a dependable pair of running backs and weapons at receiver are imperative. The defense is perpetually good, but will need to find quality replacements at defensive tackle, linebacker, and safety in order to get a fourth crack at knocking off Parkland.

EPC North

1. Pleasant Valley*: 6-5 (6-2)

Last Season: Started the season off by getting blown out by Easton, Bethlehem Catholic, and Whitehall, then put up a six game winning streak to qualify for subregional playoffs as the 8 seed. Came within seconds of shocking undefeated Stroudsburg in the regular season finale, which would have forced a 3 way tie for first in the EPC North. Dropped a 46-0 rematch with Easton in the first round of playoffs.

Standouts: Running back Austyn Borre (5’10 195) enters his senior year Pleasant Valley’s all time leader in every rushing category. He burst onto the scene as a freshman, rushing for 1,233 yards and followed that up with 1,146 yards as a sophomore. Injuries limited him to just seven games last season, but when healthy he is the guy at PV. He’s being recruited by Syracuse, Akron, Villanova, Bucknell, and Penn. Senior tight end/linebacker Brendan Kearns (6’2 225) was an All EPC North selection on defense last season and will be the main pass catching threat in Broadheadsville. Senior offensive/defensive lineman Matt Burke (6’2 195) was an All EPC North offensive tackle.

Question Marks: Pleasant Valley has been one of the better teams in the Pocono region of D11, but that has not translated into playoff success. There’s talent on this squad, but can they get over the hump and start beating teams from the Lehigh Valley?

Coaching: Pleasant Valley took a huge hit when Jim Terwilliger’s teaching position was furloughed, forcing him to resign as the football coach. In his short time at PV, he went 34-21 and made District playoffs three times in his four years. Terwilliger was replaced by Dave Pacchioni last season, who was promoted from defensive coordinator. Pacchioni did a good job rallying the troops after the 0-3 start and was certainly a successful assistant before taking over the program.

Expectations: Pleasant Valley and Stroudsburg will battle for the #2 spot in the EPC North behind Bethlehem Catholic. A full healthy season out of Borre will go a long way to PV reaching their goals.



2. Stroudsburg*: 10-1 (8-0)

Last Season: Stroudsburg pulled one of the bigger upsets in D11 when they knocked off Bethlehem Catholic in week 9 to win the inaugural EPC North crown. A 10-0 regular season earned them the #2 seed in the District 11/2/4 tournament, which came with a brutal darw of 7th seeded Parkland, who rather easily handled the Mounties. Running back Gerald Douglas led Pennsylvania’s 4A classification in rushing during the regular season with 1,856 yards and tallied 25 touchdowns on his way to being named EPC North Player of the Year.

Standouts: Quarterback Jake Jakobson (6’3 185) became the unexpected starter when Mike Nikorak chose to not play football his senior year and concentrate on his baseball career (Nikorak was drafted 27th overall by the Colorado Rockies, so good call). Jakobson threw for 1,173 yards and 17 touchdowns last season, in an offense that relied heavily on play action off of Douglas’s running ability. Jakobson will be asked to do more as a senior, but should be up to the challenge. Jakobson is also nationally ranked as a 182 pound wrestler and has committed to Lehigh. Wide receiver/safety Marcello Riccardi (6’0 180) was an all EPC North selection on defense last year. His touchdown catch between two defenders clinched their division title last season over Becahi. He will be Jakobson’s primary target this season. Junior offensive tackle Jack Williamson (6’4 255) was the primary road grader for Douglas last season. Stroudsburg likes to run right behind him out of their one back sets.

Question Marks: How well can they transition to life after Gerald Douglas? Douglas put up over 4,000 yards and scored 54 touchdowns in his career. That leaves a hole in any program. Stroudsburg wants to be run heavy, but may have to lean on their experience under center and at wide receiver until the picture becomes clearer in the backfield.

Coaching: Jim Miller is 19-4 in his first two seasons as the head coach at Stroudsburg.

Expectations: Stroudsburg expects nothing less than a repeat division title and another shot at the teams from the Lehigh Valley come playoff time. Of course, they’d love to avoid a first round match up with Parkland for the third straight year.



3. East Stroudsburg South: 4-7 (4-4)

Last Season: An uncharacteristically bad season for the Cavaliers. Suffered heavy graduation losses from the 2013 squad that went 10-0 in the regular season. Started 1-5, with a win over Pocono Mountain East being their only win around losses to Freedom, Easton, Stroudsburg, Bethlehem Catholic, and Pleasant Valley. Season ended on a sour note as well with a rivalry loss to East Stroudsburg North and a first round exit form the Eastern Conference playoffs.

Standouts: Junior quarterback Jeff Cirillo showed promise as a freshman in 2013, and was going to be the focal point of the offense last season. However, he battled injuries all season long, which submarined the Cavaliers season. Still, he managed to throw for 1,220 yards and 14 touchdowns, which he can build on with a healthy year. His major target will be senior wide receiver Gage Scott (5’11 175). Scott caught 23 balls for 276 yards and 3 touchdowns as ESS’s third receiver. On defense, senior linebacker Nick Delcorso (6’2 185) is their leading returning tackler after averaging 5.5 stops per game in 2014.

Question Marks: ESS has some huge bodies slated to see time up front, particularly junior Zach Timko (6’4 275) and freshman Josh Pustay (6’2 305). If there is some athleticism to go with that size up front, ESS may rebound quicker than anticipated.

Coaching: The dean of District 11 football coaches, Ed Christian has been the head coach at East Stroudsburg South (formerly just East Stroudsburg) for the past 34 seasons and he has been at the school for the past 47 seasons. Christian earned his 250th win last season and is one of only three active coaches with a District 11 4A title.

Expectations: ESS was 35-10 in MVC play from 2008 to 2013. They one of the two non EPC South school to win a D11 title in the 27 years of the tournament. 4-4 division records are not what they are used to up there. The goal is to knock of Stroudsburg and Pleasant Valley and challenge Bethlehem Catholic for the EPC North crown.