For my wrestling folks here, Tom Housnick confirmed tonight that Stroudsburg’s Lenny Pinto is out for the season and will not defend his state title. Pinto is the #1 wrestler in the country at 182 which was cemented when he beat Blair Academy’s Rylan Rogers at FloWrestling’s “Who’s Number One” in October. Pinto suffered a pretty major knee injury during the match, which cost him his season. Pinto won one of the best brackets in state tournament history last year at 170 as a junior, which included nine division I commits, and six kids in the national top 20. He also shut out the field at Fargo in 2019.

This is a big loss in PA. Pinto is one of the most fun wrestlers I can remember - he’s a great athlete, with a super high risk, go for broke style, and can score from anywhere. If I had to pick a current Pennsylvania kid to win an NCAA title, it’d be Pinto, assuming his knee recovers. He’s headed to Nebraska, where former Easton great Bryan Snyder is the associate head coach and has cleaned up recruiting the D11 recently (Northampton’s Jagger Condomitti, #2 nationally at 160, is also in the class). Pinto is probably a college 174.

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How did the high school football season go overall?
“We had a great season with all things considered. Even though Covid impacted our schedule and limited us to 4 games, our Shanahan squad performed well. 4-0 undefeated allowing only 14 points all season. We are well positioned for next season.”

What are your plans now with sports and workouts?
“While I focus on my football conditioning year-round which includes agility drills and lifting, I typically play rec basketball and other sports to utilize and challenge different skills. I also play varsity lacrosse for Shananhan, and that season is coming quick, so I am looking forward to it. Additionally, I am scheduled for some of the in-person combines and showcases that are starting as Covid allows.”

How do you feel your team will do next football season?
“We have a very mature and experienced squad with close to 30 seniors returning next season. Many of us have significant varsity experience and have great chemistry on and off the field. I am confident that we will be able to showcase that next season and compete well in the Chesmont Nationals and 4A state competition.”

What team do you feel will be the toughest competition on your schedule? Great question.
“The Chesmont National league always fields great teams and Shanahan loves to compete against 6A teams as we are up for the competition. I believe the competition makes us better. Next year I think the team to beat is Coatesville. They are consistently solid and had a good season in 2020.”

Who is the toughest individual player your team will face off against?
“Drew Shelton will for sure be a tough player to face off against next year in our game verse Downingtown West. He is big, agile and a Penn State commit. Not sure if I will get my chance as I heard he may be heading to IMG. “

Do you want to play sports in college? If so, which one?
“Yes, definitely. I am eager to play football at the collegiate level and continue to evolve as a player and man. I enjoy the competition and look forward to identifying the best program with mutual fit between my play and my educational aspirations.”

What colleges have been recruiting you?
“Recruiting has been slow so far for me. I started my recruiting efforts in the fall as we started our season and was able to compile more recent film. I think Covid has impacted the recruiting cycle and we are far from a traditional cycle. Hoping some of the in-person events will allow me to further showcase my abilities and start more dialogue with interested programs.”

Do you have plans for any trips soon?
“Not until Covid restrictions are lifted. I am eager to get more exposure to inform my decision on where I can attend and what school makes the most sense to meet my educational goals.”

Did you have a favorite college growing up?
“We Are Penn State is my favorite collegiate football program. I grew up in PA and have been surrounded by the team since I was a child. My family and friends for that matter are huge fans.”

How did the high school football season go overall?
“Overall the football season went pretty solid even with all of the Covid-19 complications. I definitely progressed as an individual this season, along with my team progressing as well. Even though we did not accomplish all of our goals this season, this season really showed us what we were made of.”

What are your plans now with sports and workouts?
“At the moment, I am playing basketball and still lifting and working out for football with my teammates. After basketball ends, I go right into baseball as well as continuing the work and preparation for next football season.”

How do you feel your team will do next football season?
“My team and I will be a top contender for a ring next season because I know the talent and grit, we are bringing to the table coming into next season.”

What team do you feel will be the toughest competition on your schedule?
“I would say Peters Township is the hardest competition because they have a solid team.”

Who is the toughest individual player your team will face off against?
“The toughest individual we will play is ourselves because everyone on our team has to stay disciplined and do their job.”

Do you want to play sports in college? If so, which one?
“I want to play football at the collegiate level. It has been a dream of mine since I was a little kid.”

What colleges have been recruiting you?
“I have talked to some schools, but mainly my recruitment is open.”

Have you made any college trips yet?
“No, not yet.”

Do you have plans for any trips soon?
“I have plans for trips over the summer.”

Did you have a favorite college growing up?
“Notre Dame has been my favorite college since I was little.”

How did the high school football season go overall?
“It was a lot of ups and downs for the team and I feel like I did not get to show what I had in me due to a short schedule and injury.”

What are your plans now with sports and workouts?
“I have been working out with the Barlee Bros organization to get my footwork and coverage better. I’m also running track and maybe playing basketball for the school's JV team. I've also been lifting pretty consistently.”

How do you feel your team will do next football season?
“We have a lot of returning starters and with more time to prepare we will be better than ever.”

What team do you feel will be the toughest competition on your schedule?
“Definitely Garnet Valley. They know what they are doing, have insane depth at all positions, and they have tough physical players.”

Who is the toughest individual player your team will face off against?
“This year probably was probably Dixon from Radnor. He is explosive.”

Do you want to play sports in college? If so, which one?
“Yes, I would love to play football and be a track and field thrower at the next level.”

What colleges have been recruiting you?
“Some Ivy League coaches have followed me and have talked to me a little bit.”

Have you made any college trips yet?
“No.”

Do you have plans for any trips soon?
“Yes, some coaches have talked to me about visiting soon.”

Did you have a favorite college growing up?
“No, because I did not move to the United States until I was 13.”

How did the high school football season go overall?
“My team finished the season at 3-3 and missed the playoffs by one game. I feel my team and I are not satisfied.”

What are your plans now with sports and workouts?
“I am currently playing basketball for my high school and I lift or throw after every practice. I also look forward to speed training and working on my QB technique in the spring.”

How do you feel your team will do next football season?
“Overall, we have 15-starters returning plus the punter and our place kicker. I am expecting that we have one of the better seasons in school history, but everyone has to work hard in the offseason to achieve that goal.”

What team do you feel will be the toughest competition on your schedule?
“I feel that Conrad Weiser is going to be the toughest team on our schedule because they return a very good pass/catch combination. Wyomissing also has a solid program and is always a tough out.”

Who is the toughest individual player your team will face off against?
“The toughest player we will play against this year is a tossup between Aiden Mack and Logan Klitsch. They both are outstanding football players.”

Do you want to play sports in college? If so, which one?
“I want to be a college quarterback.”

What colleges have been recruiting you?
“This was my first full season as a quarterback and we only played six games. I am hopeful with a successful junior season I will generate more looks.”

Have you made any college trips yet?
“I have not made any recruiting visits yet.”

Do you have plans for any trips soon?
“Over the next nine months, I am planning on visiting colleges.”

Did you have a favorite college growing up?
“Hands down Penn State.”

How did the high school football season go overall?
“It was a good season. It didn’t end how we wanted it to, but overall, it was really fun and made our team a lot closer.”

What are your plans now with sports and workouts?
“Now that the season is over, I’m planning on lifting and doing some agility training with a trainer.”

How do you feel your team will do next football season?
“I definitely think our team will be good next year.”

What team do you feel will be the toughest competition on your schedule?
“Pine Richland is a very good team, but there are a lot of good teams so we will see.”

Who is the toughest individual player your team will face off against?
“Right now, I don’t know who the toughest player to play will be. There will be a lot of good ones on the teams we face.”

What colleges have been recruiting you?
“I received an offer from Miami of Ohio, and I’ve been talking to schools like Marshall, UPenn, Akron, and Eastern Michigan.”

What school is recruiting you the hardest?
“Probably Miami of Ohio. They were the first to offer and we have been building a really good relationship.”

Have you made any college trips yet?
“No, I have not.”

Do you have plans for any trips soon?
“I’m definitely hoping I’ll be allowed to go see some schools pretty soon.”

Did you have a favorite college growing up?
“I’ve always been a Pitt fan ever since I was a little kid.”

Find out what colleges are recruiting Nico Pate, Xander Menapace, Paul Liang, Dante Docchio, and Dylan Jones now!


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Peters Township linebacker Nico Pate

What colleges have been recruiting you?
“I received an offer from Miami of Ohio, and I’ve been talking to schools like Marshall, UPenn, Akron, and Eastern Michigan.”

What school is recruiting you the hardest?
“Probably Miami of Ohio. They were the first to offer and we have been building a really good relationship.”

Have you made any college trips yet?
“No, I have not.”

Do you have plans for any trips soon?
“I’m definitely hoping I’ll be allowed to go see some schools pretty soon.”

Did you have a favorite college growing up?
“I’ve always been a Pitt fan ever since I was a little kid.”


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Hamburg Area quarterback Xander Menapace

Do you want to play sports in college? If so, which one?
“I want to be a college quarterback.”

What colleges have been recruiting you?
“This was my first full season as a quarterback and we only played six games. I am hopeful with a successful junior season I will generate more looks.”

Have you made any college trips yet?
“I have not made any recruiting visits yet.”

Do you have plans for any trips soon?
“Over the next nine months, I am planning on visiting colleges.”

Did you have a favorite college growing up?
“Hands down Penn State.”


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Lower Merion linebacker Paul Liang

Do you want to play sports in college? If so, which one?
“Yes, I would love to play football and be a track and field thrower at the next level.”

What colleges have been recruiting you?
“Some Ivy League coaches have followed me and have talked to me a little bit.”

Have you made any college trips yet?
“No.”

Do you have plans for any trips soon?
“Yes, some coaches have talked to me about visiting soon.”

Did you have a favorite college growing up?
“No, because I did not move to the United States until I was 13.”


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Moon Area tight end Dante Docchio

Do you want to play sports in college? If so, which one?
“I want to play football at the collegiate level. It has been a dream of mine since I was a little kid.”

What colleges have been recruiting you?
“I have talked to some schools, but mainly my recruitment is open.”

Have you made any college trips yet?
“No, not yet.”

Do you have plans for any trips soon?
“I have plans for trips over the summer.”

Did you have a favorite college growing up?
“Notre Dame has been my favorite college since I was little.”


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Bishop Shanahan defensive tackle Dylan Jones

Do you want to play sports in college? If so, which one?
“Yes, definitely. I am eager to play football at the collegiate level and continue to evolve as a player and man. I enjoy the competition and look forward to identifying the best program with mutual fit between my play and my educational aspirations.”

What colleges have been recruiting you?
“Recruiting has been slow so far for me. I started my recruiting efforts in the fall as we started our season and was able to compile more recent film. I think Covid has impacted the recruiting cycle and we are far from a traditional cycle. Hoping some of the in-person events will allow me to further showcase my abilities and start more dialogue with interested programs.”

Do you have plans for any trips soon?
“Not until Covid restrictions are lifted. I am eager to get more exposure to inform my decision on where I can attend and what school makes the most sense to meet my educational goals.”

Did you have a favorite college growing up?
“We Are Penn State is my favorite collegiate football program. I grew up in PA and have been surrounded by the team since I was a child. My family and friends for that matter are huge fans.”


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

This morning, Joe Henrich resigned as the head coach at Bethlehem Catholic, effective immediately. From the release he put out on his Twitter account, it does not sound like it was his decision. "After a series of meetings with administration it became clear that I no longer had their full support. We just could not agree on how we got to where we currently are and how we were going to move forward. Sometimes in life you must make a decision you really don't want to make, but as you put everythign into perspective you realize, that decision, is what is best for everyone."

Henrich finished 67-41 at Becahi. Hired in 2011, Henrich went 3-7 and 1-9 in his first two years, then won District 11 3A titles in 2013, 2014 and 4A titles after the class split in 2017 and 2018. His 2017 and 2018 squads advanced to the Eastern Finals, losing to Imhotep Charter. In 2015, the Hawks went 9-2 and won the EPC North, but were upset in the D11 3A finals by Saucon Valley. His teams won 10+ games in 2014, 2017, and 2018, though fell to 7-5 in 2019 and 4-4 this season. Henrich took a leave of absence for health reasons in 2016 and interim coach Kyle Haas (now at Northampton) led them to a D11 title and the Eastern Final for the first time since 2000.

I had heard rumors last offseason that Henrich was nearly fired. This wasn't a marriage that was going to last. Becahi hired a new athletic director last January to replace longtime AD Mike Grasso. New AD Chris Domyan was a defensive lineman on the 1990 Becahi state championship team and I think has very clear expectations for what Becahi football should be (Grasso is about the nicest guy in the world, but a total pushover). For all of Henrich's success, his teams struggled playing against similar talent, had discipline problems, and have started to struggle acquiring talent now that Notre Dame is rolling in 3A. I also think there were a lot of lingering feelings around the Valley that Kyle Haas did a much better job with the 2016 team and Becahi's administration saw what the possibilities could be with a better head coach in place.

Frankly, the best move they made with Henrich was making him the Admissions Director for the school when he was hired as the football coach. You can see a really clear line of delination in 2011 at Becahi athletics in general when he was running the department. But his biggest strenth by far was talent acquisition, but you always felt his teams didn't quite get where they could.

This opening could be a seismic shift in the power structure in the Lehigh Valley. The biggest name to watch is Jason Roeder at Freedom. He is a Bethlehem Catholic alum and was the defensive coordinator on those great late 1990s, early 2000s teams. He's taken Freedom to four D11 title games in five years, which is about as good as you can make Freedom. He's super locked in to Bethlehem football - he's really locked in to the youth programs and has helped coaching development at lower levels that has paid dividends for his school. Would he jump to his alma mater, where the ceiling is much higher? He can get all of those Bethlehem Bulldog kids to Becahi plus anybody else who would want to play for him (which I'd imagine is a long list). Something to watch.

The other big name that could be in the mix is Phil Stambaugh, the head coach at Notre Dame, who has said he wants to always coach at a Catholic school. ND has made a huge athletic commitment, starting with hiring Stambaugh when Pius X closed (ND was an afterthought for its entire history until he got there). He's a Lehigh grad and Becahi is a bigger schoool and bigger job with more tradition than ND. Would he make the jump?

Other names that may be considered off the top of my head are Bret Comp (former state championship winning coach at Wilson, offensive coordinator at Parkland, now back at Wilson helping his former player Chris Labatch as his QB coach), Matt Evancho (former Saucon Valley coach and Comp's DC at Wilson, currently not coaching), Matt Cohen (position coach at ACC, was on Becahi's staff from 2010-2016 and was an All American at Lehigh). I'm sure there are other possibilities that I can't think of right now, but that's what my initial gut tells me.

How did the high school football season go overall?
“The season this year went decent. We would have liked to win a couple of games we thought we could have won.”

What are your plans now with sports and workouts?
“My workouts right now consist of running and throwing a couple days during the week and lifting weights every day. I am using this time to try and get bigger and faster for the upcoming lacrosse and football season.”

How do you feel your team will do next football season?
“I think our team has potential to do very well next year. We are returning a lot of starters from last season. I feel if we all put in the work, we can be very successful.”

What team do you feel will be the toughest competition on your schedule?
“The toughest team I think we will face is WC Rustin. We know pretty much every year that we will play them, and they are always the team to beat. Every year they have a solid team that is tough to beat.”

Who is the toughest individual player your team will face off against?
“Based off of the teams I think we will play, in my opinion the toughest individual we will face is Dayshawn Jacobs on WC Rustin. He had an amazing year last year and played very well against us.”

Do you want to play sports in college? If so, which one?
“My goal is to play football in college.”

What colleges have been recruiting you?
“A couple of schools have reached out, but I am hoping to get more in the near future.”

Have you made any college trips yet?
“I have not made any college trips as of right now.”

Do you have plans for any trips soon?
“Once I get a good idea of the schools that I would like to try to get into, I will do some trips.”

Did you have a favorite college growing up?
“I never really had a favorite team growing up. I just kind of watched all college sports and rooted for who I liked that year.”

How did the high school football season go overall?
“Overall I think my season was good. It was really like my first time playing since freshman year due to my back-injury sophomore year following stress fractures in my L4 and L5. I only got to play two games last year, but I had to play through a lot of pain during the games. It was also my first year being a featured player and being centered around the offense. So, I felt that I got a chance to learn and understand the game more.”

What are your plans now with sports and workouts?
“My plans as of now is to get ready for the baseball season and 7 on 7 with Evolve 210ths and I’ll focus on my graphic arts. I recently did a graphic for Pittsburgh Designer John Geiger. As far as my workouts go, I’ll work out before school, train with my trainer Thomas Ricketts at his new gym “The Lab” two times a week, work with my wide out coach Craig Thompson of “3A Sports System “, and speed coach D Brown of 210ths.”

How do you feel your team will do next football season?
“I have high expectations for my team next year. My class and I have been playing together for a long time now and most of us played as sophomores. I believe our experience and bond will take us far.”

What team do you feel will be the toughest competition on your schedule?
“Our toughest competition next year will probably be Pine Richland. They have a great program over there. but we feel confident that we can compete with them this upcoming year.”

Who is the toughest individual player your team will face off against?
“The toughest player by team that we will probably face is Jeremiah Hasley from Pine Richland. He gave us problems this year, but he’s just a heck of a player on the defensive side of the ball.”

Do you want to play sports in college? If so, which one?
“I plan to continue to play baseball and football at the next level. I’ve been playing organized baseball since I was 4 and that was my first love. I started playing football in 6th grade and until 8th grade didn’t really think too much of it, even though I was always intrigued in the sport. I love both and don’t plan on making a decision between the two any time soon.”

What colleges have been recruiting you?
“Penn State, West Virginia, Rutgers, Wisconsin, Nebraska, Pitt, Cornell, Akron, and Youngstown State have all reached out to me.”

What school is recruiting you the hardest?
“Penn State, West Virginia, Rutgers, and Youngstown State have seemed most interested in me.”

Have you made any college trips yet
“I’ve been up to Michigan, Ohio State, West Virginia, and Mercyhurst for baseball tournaments, but no visuals yet due to Covid.”

Did you have a favorite college growing up?
“I wasn’t really into colleges growing up until I met a family friend, Trent Vietmeier, who plays at LSU for baseball. My dad would DJ his family’s parties when I was little and ever since then I’ve always been a fan of their program.”

How did the high school football season go overall?
“Our team did not succeed like I would’ve wanted it to, but I know we will be back better next year.”

What are your plans now with sports and workouts?
“I just recently got cleared from an injury I got in our 6th game, so I’m finally able to get moving around and work out like I’ve wanted. I picked up wrestling this year to help with tackling and bringing down ball carriers for playing linebacker along with hand fighting for the d-line.”

How do you feel your team will do next football season?
“I’m fully expecting us to win WPIALS, and I’m ready to put in the work necessary to do that.”

What team do you feel will be the toughest competition on your schedule?
“Jeanette will probably be the toughest game just because we have a lot of history playing each other.”

Who is the toughest individual player your team will face off against?
“There’s a lot of good players on Clairton and Jeanette.”

Do you want to play sports in college? If so, which one?
“I’d love to play football in college and get a free education.”

What colleges have been recruiting you?
“Kent State, Drake, Cornell, Columbia, Harvard, Dartmouth, and Ohio.”

Have you made any college trips yet?
“I haven’t made any college trips yet.”

Do you have plans for any trips soon?
“No plans as of right now for visits.”

Did you have a favorite college growing up?
“Pitt was probably my favorite as a kid.”

How did the high school football season go overall?
“Overall, the season went well. We achieved our goal of winning the district championship despite all the COVID protocols making that seem highly unlikely at some points.”

What are your plans now with sports and workouts?
“I plan to wrestle this winter.”

How do you feel your team will do next football season?
“I feel that we have a good team next year as we will have a good mix of young players and guys that have been around for a few years.”

What team do you feel will be the toughest competition on your schedule?
“Steel High will likely be the toughest team on our schedule. They are a very special group that knows what they’re capable of achieving.”

Who is the toughest individual player your team will face off against?
“Mehki Flowers. He’s easily one of the best players in all of PA.”

Do you want to play sports in college? If so, which one?
“I do not intend on playing sports in college.”

What colleges have been recruiting you?
N/A

Have you made any college trips yet?
“Not yet.”

Do you have plans for any trips soon?
“I plan on touring a few in-state schools once I figure out what I want to do for a career.”

Did you have a favorite college growing up?
“I always had a soft spot for Penn State because my mom went there, and my sister currently goes there.”

How did the high school football season go overall?
“I believe our season went very well with all things considered. We won the WPIAL championship and then worked our way on to the states and finished the game as back-to-back state champs.”

What are your plans now with sports and workouts?
“I do strength training four days of the week in the morning and speed and agility once a week. So, 5 days a week are training and the other 2 are rest and recovery.”

How do you feel your team will do next football season?
“I'm confident in our abilities as a team. We have starters returning from this season and as you know we were a very new and fresh team. I have faith that the younger kids will step up because tradition never graduates.”

What team do you feel will be the toughest competition on your schedule?
“This year, we faced a lot of good teams that are great programs. Like every year, Belle Vernon and this year and the next McKeesport and Aliquippa will be a challenge.”

Who is the toughest individual player your team will face off against?
“I believe we don't face the toughest player but the toughest team and that's Aliquippa.”

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

What colleges have been recruiting you?
“A lot of colleges have been looking at me and I have had conversations with a lot of coaches. I have already received one official offer from West Liberty University.”

What school is recruiting you the hardest?
“I'm fortunate to have received a D2 offer from WLU.”

Have you made any college trips yet?
“Not yet, but I am eager to when the time is right, and travel is safe.”

Do you have plans for any trips soon?
“Yes, to see West Liberty University.”

Did you have a favorite college growing up?
“Arkansas and Florida.”

Find out what colleges are recruiting Nick Bryan, Eric Dick, Alexander Colcombe, Robert Dickerson, and Andy Talone now!


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Thomas Jefferson offensive tackle Nick Bryan

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

What colleges have been recruiting you?
“A lot of colleges have been looking at me and I have had conversations with a lot of coaches. I have already received one official offer from West Liberty University.”

What school is recruiting you the hardest?
“I'm fortunate to have received a D2 offer from WLU.”

Have you made any college trips yet?
“Not yet, but I am eager to when the time is right, and travel is safe.”

Do you have plans for any trips soon?
“Yes, to see West Liberty University.”

Did you have a favorite college growing up?
“Arkansas and Florida.”


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Camp Hill offensive center Eric Dick

Do you want to play sports in college? If so, which one?
“I do not intend on playing sports in college.”

What colleges have been recruiting you?
N/A

Have you made any college trips yet?
“Not yet.”

Do you have plans for any trips soon?
“I plan on touring a few in-state schools once I figure out what I want to do for a career.”

Did you have a favorite college growing up?
“I always had a soft spot for Penn State because my mom went there, and my sister currently goes there.”


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Greensburg Central Catholic linebacker Alexander Colcombe

Do you want to play sports in college? If so, which one?
“I’d love to play football in college and get a free education.”

What colleges have been recruiting you?
“Kent State, Drake, Cornell, Columbia, Harvard, Dartmouth, and Ohio.”

Have you made any college trips yet?
“I haven’t made any college trips yet.”

Do you have plans for any trips soon?
“No plans as of right now for visits.”

Did you have a favorite college growing up?
“Pitt was probably my favorite as a kid.”


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North Hills wide receiver Robert Dickerson

Do you want to play sports in college? If so, which one?
“I plan to continue to play baseball and football at the next level. I’ve been playing organized baseball since I was 4 and that was my first love. I started playing football in 6th grade and until 8th grade didn’t really think too much of it, even though I was always intrigued in the sport. I love both and don’t plan on making a decision between the two any time soon.”

What colleges have been recruiting you?
“Penn State, West Virginia, Rutgers, Wisconsin, Nebraska, Pitt, Cornell, Akron, and Youngstown State have all reached out to me.”

What school is recruiting you the hardest?
“Penn State, West Virginia, Rutgers, and Youngstown State have seemed most interested in me.”

Have you made any college trips yet
“I’ve been up to Michigan, Ohio State, West Virginia, and Mercyhurst for baseball tournaments, but no visuals yet due to Covid.”

Did you have a favorite college growing up?
“I wasn’t really into colleges growing up until I met a family friend, Trent Vietmeier, who plays at LSU for baseball. My dad would DJ his family’s parties when I was little and ever since then I’ve always been a fan of their program.”


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

Great Valley quarterback Andy Talone

Do you want to play sports in college? If so, which one?
“My goal is to play football in college.”

What colleges have been recruiting you?
“A couple of schools have reached out, but I am hoping to get more in the near future.”

Have you made any college trips yet?
“I have not made any college trips as of right now.”

Do you have plans for any trips soon?
“Once I get a good idea of the schools that I would like to try to get into, I will do some trips.”

Did you have a favorite college growing up?
“I never really had a favorite team growing up. I just kind of watched all college sports and rooted for who I liked that year.”


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Right in the shadows of PW Stadium. I'm sure a bunch of you have stopped in for a pint!!

Copied from Pennlive………..

Big 33 Football Classic director says ‘we’re going to have a game this year’
Updated 9:20 AM; Today 9:20 AM
Hall of Fame quarterback Jim Kelly flips the coin prior to the 60th annual Big 33 Classic at Landis Field. Sean Simmers | ssimmers@pennlive.com June 15, 2017HAR
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By Eric F. Epler | eepler@pennlive.com
Big 33 Classic officials waited as long as they could.
Last April, a mere six weeks before the prestigious all-star event was scheduled for Memorial Day at Central Dauphin’s Landis Field, the Big 33 was cancelled due to the rising threat of COVID-19.
The difficult but forced decision stopped the annual all-star game for the first time since its inaugural event in 1958. All surrounding events -- the Pa. Football Coaches combine, USA Football’s 1st-Down clinic, Military ‘Murph’ competition, fan experience, buddy program and East-West All-Star game -- were lost too.

Big 33 Executive Director Garry Cathell said Wednesday that officials are planning a much different outcome this year.

“Yeah, we’re going to have a game this year. We’ve been meeting since we cancelled last year,” said Cathell. “Because they were able to play football this fall, we don’t exactly know what it’s going to look like, but there will be a game.”

While state high schools and athletes are still dealing with COVID-19 protocols, the start of the PIAA winter sports season, although staggered and with multiple safety measures in place, is a positive sign for the Big 33′s return in late-May.

In a typical year, members of the PSFCA would begin the Big 33 selection process during a coaching clinic at Penn State this week. That process has begun, according to Cathell, although initial nominations by coaches are being evaluated virtually before position rankings are constructed and voted on.

Cathell said board members will meet “face-to-face” on Jan. 29 at Penn State to construct the final Pa. team.

“We had around 360, 370 kids to evaluate, so about 60 kids per group,” Cathell said. “We’d like to have all of their evaluations done by next Friday (Jan. 22), which gives us another week for everything to be put together.”

Cathell said the Pa. team will likely be released in early February, either virtually or via press conference if conditions permit. And, if the timetable holds, two East-West all-star games will be held at Landis Field on May 30, with the 63rd Big 33 Classic scheduled for an afternoon kickoff on May 31.

The 2020 Big 33 coaching staff, including Pa. head coach Jack Young of Athens and assistant Calvin Everett of Harrisburg, will remain, Cathell said.

The Big 33 will again be televised, according to Cathell, although the work with longtime sponsors, some that will not return in 2021, continues.

“We have some sponsors that are not going to be able to help us out this year, which is understandable,” Cathell said.

“It just means me and my group have to work harder to have the means to put on the kind of games we want to. We’re going to be out there knocking on doors.”

Coach Neubeiser has won state championships as a coordinator in ‘07 (QO) and as a HC in ‘13 & ‘14(Northwest). He PLAYED in the Big 33 game in ‘90 and was DC for the ‘15 squad. pic.twitter.com/epHq9hXcs3
— Team MD Big 33 (@Big33MD) January 12, 2021

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As for Pa.’s opponent, Maryland is facing a unique situation.

After officials of the Maryland Public Secondary Schools Athletic Association opted to move its fall sports season to the spring, schools competing in the state’s two largest private high school organizations were handed the option of playing an open football schedule in the fall.

Therefore, a majority of football teams, prompted by the Maryland State Board of Education, will participate in a brief season from Feb. 13-April 17.

“That could definitely help them with being football ready,” Cathell said.

Should COVID-19 safety protocols remain in place heading into Memorial Day weekend, Cathell said officials will consider playing both East-West games and the Big 33 Classic without fans.

“Yes, sure, but that would obviously be a worse-case scenario for us,” he said.

“Because of how things were in the fall, with just a limited number of games being lost, we feel confident that we can get back. We’re excited to have the game back.”

Looks like a couple local guys will go very high in the draft this year. Seems like Parsons is a lock for the top 10 while Kyle Pitts could be a top 15 guy. Both guys are in the mold of the "new" NFL player. Big. Fast. Super athletic. Both project to be major impact players at the next level

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How did the high school football season go overall?
“The season of 2020 was a roller coaster for sure as it was different. Every practice we had our temp checked, we had to wear masks anywhere that wasn’t the field like buses and pregame and the locker room. But those extra little things didn’t stop us. We had a good record of 6-2 and our tenacity throughout the season was scary. Overall, throughout all the tough times we had to face this year with the virus we made the best of it and I believe we had a great football season this year with a team weapon of strength, endurance, and speed especially with 90% of starters being juniors. Next year is going to be a very big year for Williamsport Football.”

How do you feel your team will do next football season?
“I feel our team is going to be very strong next year. Our defensive line had over 18 sacks in the course of 8 games, our secondary and third level backs have a very high incomplete rate, our linebackers fill the gaps and stop the run. Offensively, we have so many weapons with our skills and speed. Our receivers are quick and agile and fight for the ball, our running backs aren’t afraid to it the gap and stride for 20 yards, our quarterback is scary with his arm and legs, and our offensive line carries so much strength and power within their entire bodies and mindsets to make the plays happen up front, and the best part about it is that we were all mainly juniors and sophomores for all starting positions for the 2020 season.”

What team do you feel will be the toughest competition on your schedule?
“I feel our toughest competition next year is going to be Hazleton Area. They have grown a lot this year and they are in the same youth as us. They will have a lot of returning seniors next year with a lot of skill coming back as well, and to top it off that we haven’t played them in over a year, and Hazleton is often a huge game for both sides of the matchup, I believe we will have to be very crisp and hungry when we face them this year.”

Who is the toughest individual player your team will face off against?
“One of the only players that have caught my eye as a must watch this past year who I am excited to play against next year is Donte Rhodes from Wyoming Valley West. Donte is a very mobile and strong-armed quarterback who can make plays alive in an instant. His visions down the field and around his blind spots are keen and his ability to escape the pocket is impressive. When we get to go against him next year, I already know that there is going to be a separate film folder just for his name.”

Do you want to play sports in college? If so, which one?
“It is my dream to play football in college. I’ve wanted that ever since I played pee-wee.”

What colleges have been recruiting you?
“I’ve currently only been talking to Carnegie Mellon University when it comes to recruiting and playing football there. Wingate University, Saint Vincent college, Lincoln U, Keystone College and Allegheny College have all sent me recruiting questionnaires as well. I’m hoping to get more looks as the new year comes, and colleges start to look at 2022 prospects.”

What school is recruiting you the hardest?
“Since the only school that has contacted me personally was Carnegie Mellon University, I’d say that they have been recruiting me the hardest.”

Have you made any college trips yet?
“I visited Carnegie Mellon back in November as well as the University of Pitt. I couldn’t talk to any of the coaches due to Covid restrictions, but I wanted to visit their campus and get a feel for their campus life and the city life.”

Do you have plans for any trips soon?
“I plan to visit Wingate University in the future. I have no set dates yet on when I would, but they are definitely on my list to visit and check out their program and campus life.”

Did you have a favorite college growing up?
“My favorite colleges growing up were definitely Oregon University and Clemson University. I really loved their colors and their mascots when I was first exposed to them. Ever since I learned more about colleges, I noticed that their programs and locations are very unique and successful as well.”

How did the high school football season go overall?
“I would say it was a roller coaster. We had some tough losses but had a huge come from behind win against Pen Argyl when we were down 26-0. We played an outside conference game against Bishop Shanahan and we got our first playoff win since 2009, which was huge. Everyone outside of our locker room thought it was an upset, but we knew we could go into Pottsville and win. Then after all the great work the coaches and administrators did to avoid any Covid setbacks, we had our next playoff game canceled because we were exposed in the previous game. So, it was definitely up and down in every aspect of the season.”

How do you feel your team will do next football season?
“I feel our team will produce on the field. We have a lot of returning starters at the skill position, but we are losing a lot of our linemen. We will overcome that and just come out and compete every week.”

What team do you feel will be the toughest competition on your schedule?
“Northwestern Lehigh. They always have tough, big kids and always come ready to play.”

Who is the toughest individual player your team will face off against?
“Probably Justin Holmes at Northwestern. He is a great overall athlete. He is a big fast who can run and throw the ball.”

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

What colleges have been recruiting you?
“I’ve had three Ivy League school’s contact me which I’m excited about. It shows that my hard work on the field and in the classroom is paying off. I’ve also had a few out of state D1 schools and some D2 schools reach out.”

What school is recruiting you the hardest?
“So far, the most interest is coming from the three Ivy League schools that have been contacting me.”

Have you made any college trips yet?
“No. In the past, I’ve gone to camps at Penn State and Syracuse Haswell as Lauren’s first and goal at Lafayette. I was planning on attending a camp or two in the south, one in the Midwest and one out west this past off-season, but obviously Covid took those opportunities away.”

Do you have plans for any trips soon?
“I’m just waiting to see what happens with the Covid situation. Once that’s a little clearer, it’s going to be getting to as many camps as possible to make up for lost time.”

Did you have a favorite college growing up?
“Growing up, I was a Texas Longhorns fan. I got that because my mom and dad are both Texas fans.”

What are your plans now with sports and workouts?
“I work out with my team along with the workout routines that are put in my team group chat. I also have a workout routine that I follow at home. Along with this, I have a mental workout that my running back coach, Coach Reece, has me doing film study that involves formations, assignments, and responsibilities so when the season gets here, I’m ready for anything. He leaves no stone unturned.”

How do you feel your team will do next football season?
“I feel that we will do great. Our eye is on another state championship. We’re working hard and I think It’s going to pay off.”

What team do you feel will be the toughest competition on your schedule?
“To be honest, I don’t know we respect everyone that we face the same. We are just trying to perfect our craft as a team.”

Who is the toughest individual player your team will face off against?
“I am not sure. That’s a tough question because we play the best of the best.”

Do you want to play sports in college? If so, which one?
“Yes, I want to continue to play football at the next level. It’s a dream that I always wanted to fulfill.”

What colleges have been recruiting you?
“Colleges that are interested in me are Bowling Green, Columbia, Army, Miami Ohio and Morgan State. And after the season that I plan on having, I’m quite sure my college interest will go up.”

Do you have plans for any trips soon?
“Not at this time.”

Did you have a favorite college growing up?
“Yes, when I was younger my favorite college was Alabama.”

How did the high school football season go overall?
“The season went great. Sadly, we couldn’t quite reach our goal of making state finals as we fell short 39-35 to Jersey Shore, but we still had a great season. Overall, I’m just super happy we got to play in the first place. We had an amazing team this year and I think we definitely made the most out of a year where we weren’t sure if we were going to play at all. We were the District 3 4A champions and also were LL League section 3 champs, so there’s nothing to be ashamed about.”

What are your plans now with sports and workouts?
“I am now playing varsity basketball for our school team in the winter while lifting for an hour to an hour and a half four to five days a week. Basketball is fun and all, but it’s certainly no football. I’m already looking forward to next season.

How do you feel your team will do next football season?
“I am very confident our team could make a similar run we made this year, and maybe even win a third district title in a row. We have some big shoes to fill, as 18/22 of our starters were seniors. but that doesn’t worry me. I think we have guys all around from not just my class but also the two classes below us who can come in and do a great job filling those spots and be key players for us.”

What team do you feel will be the toughest competition on your schedule?
“I would have to say either Warwick or Solanco as both teams are tough every single year. We don’t usually play Warwick, but they definitely have some playmakers and solid football players that should make it a great game. Solanco is a tough game for us every single year as they are always huge up front and have solid guys at just about every spot on the field.”

Who is the toughest individual player your team will face off against?
“I’d probably have to go with Jack Reed, quarterback from Warwick. He started a couple games for them this year and did a nice job. He’s definitely a guy we’re going to have to key up on to stop their offensive attack.”

Do you want to play college football?
“Yes, football has always been my favorite sport by far and I am definitely looking to pursue that at the college level.”

What colleges have been recruiting you?
“I am just starting to talk to some college coaches and have received some messages and exchanged texts with schools such as Penn, Kutztown, and West Chester. I am just starting the recruiting process and IIII am hoping IIII can get in contact with more schools in the future.”

What school is recruiting you the hardest?
“Penn University.”

Have you made any college trips yet?
“I have not.”

Do you have plans for any trips soon?
“Yes. I am definitely looking at taking some visits once the dead period for visits end and am looking forward to seeing some great colleges and campuses.”

Did you have a favorite college growing up?
“Always was Penn State.”

How did the high school football season go overall?
“I think the season went well overall given the circumstances we had to play under. It wasn’t the ideal season that we had in mind, but we got the opportunity to play and did very well for a young team.”

What are your plans now with sports and workouts?
“With the new restrictions, I’m lifting and running at home until the weight room opens up again and track season starts.”

How do you feel your team will do next football season?
“I think we’ll do well. Like I said before, our team was young last year and getting those game reps in really helped all of us develop into starters. Along with many young players, we have experienced players who have been starters for two plus years and can fill leadership roles.”

What team do you feel will be the toughest competition on your schedule?
“Southern Columbia. Every year they have elite athletes and they’re led by one of the best coaches in the state.”

Who is the toughest individual player your team will face off against?
“Gavin Garcia.”

Do you want to play sports in college? If so, which one?
“Yes, I would like to play sports in college, and preferably it would be football.”

What colleges have been recruiting you?
“I have some interest, but I’d like to keep it private for now.”

Have you made any college trips yet?
“No. When Covid shut everything down, I couldn’t go to the trips I had planned.”

Do you have plans for any trips soon?
“Yes, this spring and summer I plan on visiting my top schools.”

Did you have a favorite college growing up?
“Stanford was always my favorite college team growing up.”