2022 Football: post season quick hits by district.
Here’s a snapshot of many of the teams across the state with no particular format, pulling what seemed interesting, district by district. Things like streaks, special players, upsets, new coaches, outstanding/disappointing seasons etc. I’ll post the other districts as I complete them. Enjoy and jump in with corrections and additions.
Districts 5, 6, 9, 10: selected teams.
District-5
Berlin Brothersvalley 2A 11-1
Berlin has one of the top programs in the state led by Coach Doug Paul since 2002. Last year’s team was a young group that went undefeated in the regular season with eight shutouts before getting crushed by Westinghouse 59-7, the 2A runner-up. They’ve been especially successful the last 13 years with a 122-30 record, beating teams like Clairton in 2015, 35-22 before falling to Farrell 26-21 in the semifinal. With most of last year’s team returning including dual threat quarterback Pace Prosser (59%-1789, 24/5, 81-532ry), four running backs and half the defense, look for an even more productive offense after averaging 40ppg last year. Some egs of their linemen are 6-0 240, 5-11 280, 6-2 330, 6-0 250, 6-0, 275 and 6-3 290. Must be something in the well water up in those mountains!
Bedford 2A 7-4
Bedford is another team that rears its head from time to time with good stuff. Especially 2020’s 10-1 team that lost to Central Valley 49-20 in States and the 2021 edition even more that went 10-2, losing to Martinsburg Central twice, 41-27 and 20-14. Central went on to give Central Valley a run for the money before dropping a hard fought 35-21 game. CV won State Titles both years. The 2021 team had Mercury Swaim (6-0, 195) who threw for 1232 yards and rushed for 1048. In 2020, he passed for 1587 yards and rushed for 1141. By the time he was a senior he also accumulated 287 tackles as an outstanding linebacker. He’s now playing linebacker at St. Francis and a good eg of the talent that comes out of the area. The Bison’s ten year won-loss is 80-36.
Chestnut Ridge 2A 6-5
The Lions have been successful for a long time, in large part because of their coach Max Shoemaker whose been around a long time, compiling a record of 210-109-1 overall and 114-66 at Chestnut Ridge. They’ve had some strong teams, going 83-37 the last ten years. The problem is getting eliminated by ‘name’ teams with a tight 42-28 loss to Westinghouse in 2017, and back-to-back losses to ever present Wilmington (D-10) in 2018 and 2019 (40-33, 35-20), denying them greater recognition. But, those are the teams you have to beat! The talent was down last season, losing to Martinsburg Central (12-3) 39-14, Bishop Guilfoyle (10-4) 45-28, Penn Cambria (9-2) 42-17 and Richland (11-1) 40-14, power teams from neighboring D-6, and Westinghouse (14-1) 48-15 in the playoffs. Look for improvement this year with Qb Nate Whysong (6-3, 190, sr, 54%-1458, 8/7, 127-812ry) back with seven players representing 69 receptions for 1072 years. They’ll miss big Nick Presnell (5-10, 210), a force rushing for 1156 yards with 56 tackles at MLB. The D started or saw significant playing time for three sophomores and a freshman and return seven starters. That’s good news both ways with the offense already at 31ppg and the D at 28ppg needing all the returning players they can get.
Northern Bedford County 2A 11-1
Northern Bedford has been fielding quality teams for a number of years, with only three losing season dating back to 2004 for a 146-67 record. Last year’s team mimicked Chestnut Ridge’s going with a youth movement that was highly successful, averaging 36ppg with a D allowing 12. All the offense returns for 2023 led by quarterback Eion Snider (59%-1834, 18/7, 252ry), a real tough out at running back in Adam Johnson (5-10, 195, 1563ry, 28Tds) and all their receivers. And with only two starters graduating from the defense, look for NBC to be vastly improved, a force in the district and perhaps beyond.
Windber 1A 11-2
Take away four ‘off’ years at Windber in 2014, 15, 16 and 2018 where they went 18-25 and the Rambler’s record is 120-50 back to 2004. The last two years have seen a return to normalcy going 11-1 in 2021 and 11-2 last year. They had a great offense last year averaging 47ppg and an even better defense allowing 7ppg with six shutouts. Record setting John Schuster (5-11, 190) turned everyone’s head rushing for 2669 yards with 38 touchdowns. The graduated quarterback threw 51 passes and wasn’t a running threat making the priority replacement the running back. Their only losses were to their ancient rival Berlin Brothersvalley 14-0 then Steelton Highspire in the playoffs 37-7.
District-6
Hollidaysburg 5A 2-8
Hollidaysburg has been a traveler with stops in the Mid Penn and WPIAL, remaining there through 2015 before going independent. At 54-52 the last ten years, they’ve been inconsistent. But they get out and play people, including State College, Cathedral Prep, CD East, McDowell, Cedar Cliff, Oil City, Central-D6, Brashear, etc, etc….and Maryland’s power just across the line in Cumberland, Md, Ft. Hill at 119-6 the last ten. So you can do some good linkage through them. Last year was a building year excepting the senior quarterback who threw for 1633 yards at 47% with a 18/13 ratio. That can likely be replaced with two sophomores getting time. With all their skill returning and most of the defense, next year should see big improvement over last year’s group that averaged 21ppg and allowed 33.
Martinsburg Central 3A 12-3
Like most small schools from District 5 and District 6, Central has been an unknown to the rest of the state. But not to south central enthusiasts who recognize the Scarlet Dragons as a machine with a 90-34 record the last ten years. They’ve been especially strong the last two years with teams as good as in in the classification losing narrowly in 2021 to Central Valley 35-21 and to Belle Vernon Area 21-17 last year. Both CV and BVA won State Titles those years. That was a great two year run that now faces a rebuild. Record setting Qb Jeff Hoenstine (70%-3996!!, 51/6, 138-763ry, St. Francis) graduates along with #1 receiver Eli Lingenfelter (99-1675), running back Kade Rhule (88-542) and seven from the defense. Coach Dave Baker (107-41, 13th season) has coached for 43 years, making him the Dean of Coaching in Blair County.
Tyrone 3A 7-3
Tyrone has slipped some the last ten years, going 62-47 after a nine year run of 98-17! They’ve always been a power in the district with a Silver runner-up trophy in 1996 losing to Mount Carmel 25-6 and again in 2011 losing to Lancaster Catholic 17-7. It all came together for a State Title in 1999 at 15-0, beating Mount Carmel 13-6. Last year’s team was young in some critical spots especially quarterback breaking in a sophomore; Ashton Walk (53%-1651, 22/6, 92-203ry). Three of four leading rushers return while four of their leading six receivers graduate. It looks like four graduate from a defense that wasn’t bad yielding 16ppg.
Bishop Guilfoyle 2A 10-4
Bishop Guilfoyle has been on a run with 11 straight winning seasons that includes three consecutive 1A state titles (2014-15-16) and two runner-up trophies (2019-21) totaling 126 wins against 21 losses! The run started in 2012 when Bishop McCort’s Crimson Crushers got out of the way after their hot run from 2004 through 2012 going 91-31 with a Silver Medal in 2009. For 2023, they have to replace one of their ‘best ever’ at quarterback in Karson Kiesewetter who passed for 2018 yards at 66% with a 18/7 ratio while rushing for 1560-yards on 224 carries for another 31 touchdowns. That’s 3678 yards and 39 Tds that need replaced. Add to that running back Cooper Rother’s 903ry and 48 receptions for 670 yards for another 1570 yards lost to graduation. They broke in some young ones but that’s a big hole along with three other receivers with 67 receptions for 998 yards and some major players from the D.
Richland 2A 11-1
This is a program of hot and cold streaks. From 2007-2013 they went 63-22. From 2014 through 2017, 14-26. And from 2018 through last season they’re hot again, winning 56 games against a mere seven losses. Last year’s team reeled off their first 11 games, getting through a number of close calls to the quality on their schedule including Martinsburg Central (12-3) 35-28, Bedford (7-4), 25-23, Penn Cambria (9-2) 49-42 before running into Bishop Guilfoyle in the playoffs, losing 32-22. For 2023, they have to replace their talented quarterback Sam Penns (68%-2113, 24/4, 97-506ry), a HUGE hole. But they return Rb Evan McCracken (1422ry, 28-438py), wide out Austin Yarnick (42-879) and seven to the defense.
District-9
Clearfield 3A 8-4
Clearfield has made a few playoffs runs over the years and they’ve gone without a losing season for the 24 years I have records. They had a run from 2010 through 2013, advancing as deep as the quarterfinals in 2010 and 2013. The 2018 team looked like it was going somewhere at 12-1 before losing to Cathedral Prep in the 1st round of States 55-21. Losing Qb Isaac Rumery (69%-2526, 26/5, 554ry) early in the game doomed them. The last ten years have seen them go 91-24 to continue their long run of success. They went with extreme youth last year playing a pile of freshmen and sophomores, discovering sophomore Brady Collins (5-9, 160) who rushed for 1498 yards. With almost everyone returning following an 8-4 season, they’ll make some noise in 2023 and maybe more in ‘24.
Karns City 2A 6-5
The Gremlins are another winning tradition with a 165-64 record the last 19 years; 87-37 the last ten. Last year’s team was not their best. They were replacing the entire offensive line and two-1000 yard rushers from a 11-2 team that just won their second straight district title. But they did muster up a ‘near-miss’ overtime loss to the district champion Central Clarion Wildcats 26-20. They’ll need a new quarterback in a run heavy offense but return six starters and many that got time to the defense that started two freshmen and two sophomores. KC knows how to win.
Kane 3A 3-7
The big story in 2021 was the return of the highly successful Todd Silfies to the sidelines where he guided to Wolves to unprecedented success. From 2013 to 2017, it was hard finding a better program in the district with Kane going 64-13 and making the district finals every year. Since his departure, it’s been mostly downhill, going 2-8, 6-5 and 2-4 before his return. 2021 was a injury filled season logging a 3-7 record. Last year saw 29 come out so numbers are still an issue. For 2023, at least three linemen graduate, three of the top rushers and the top two receivers. Six starters graduate from the defense. The quarterback returns where they’d like to see more than a 48% completion rate for 1027 yards with a 7/15 Td to Pick ratio.
Central Clarion 2A 10-2
Central Clarion is the result of a football co-op/merger of Clarion, Clarion-Limestone and North Clarion in 2020. They call themselves the Wildcats in honor of a company of infantry so named and formed during the Civil War. They fought in many of the major Eastern Theater battles in the Army of the Potomac including Gettysburg in the 105th PA Regt of the 3rd Corps. Back to the team; they played like Wildcats last year, winning their first nine games before losing to Redbank Valley (1A, 9-2) 47-38. But they won the district title the following week before getting crushed by Westinghouse 44-8 in the playoffs. Sophomore Jase Ferguson emerged as a talent at quarterback (56%-2727, 33/15, 122-521ry). He loses his top receiver Ashton Rex (63-1556) but return two of their top three rushers and most of the defense that started eight sophomore starters/co-starters and two freshmen.
Redbank Valley 1A 9-2
Redbank Valley has been a successful program for many years with an 86-32 record the last ten. The development of the program was reflected in last year’s 9-2 campaign following the graduation of their ‘best ever team’ that went 13-2, losing in the State Final to Bishop Guilfoyle 21-14. They were good enough to beat Bishop Canevin, of the WPIAL 23-14. It’s a rare occasion where District-9 beats a WPIAL team in the postseason! But they had an outstanding quarterback in Bryson Bain (6-4, 205, 58%-2254), Rb Ray Shreckengost (6-0220, 878ry) and a defense allowing just 10ppg. They found more solid quarterbacking last year in senior Cam Wagner (71%-1724, 28/5) and freshman Braylon Wagner (59%-804, 8/5), with Braylon taking over late in the season. He’s back for 2023 with three of his leading receivers, running back Drew Byers (163-754, jr) and half the defense.
District 10
McDowell 6A 10-3
McDowell had a successful season beating competitive out of state teams like Walsh Jesuit-OH (9-3) 56-37, Bennett-NY (7-6) 34-28ot and St. Francis-NY (6-4-Hamburg) 42-28, plus a few average teams from Canada. But they couldn’t beat in-state powers losing to North Allegheny 29-18 (11-2), State College (13-1) 57-50 3ot and Cathedral Prep (8-3) 41-0. That was with a largely senior oriented team at Qb, Rb, the receiver corps and defense making 2023 a rebuilding year. But it’s McDowell and they always have talent per their five-year record of 42-14 and ten-year mark of 78-39. Last year’s sophomore quarterback Blayze Myers ‘looks’ special if they don’t make a linebacker out of him at 6-3, 195 and running back-receiver Bobby Blue.
Cathedral Prep 5A 8-3
Cathedral Prep alum and former D-cord Mike Krahe completed his first year as head coach. Despite the opening 47-14 disaster in Akron against Archbishop Hoban-OH (14-2), the Div-II runner up to Toledo Central Catholic (16-1), they went on to have a successful season, thumping McDowell 41-0 and routing everyone on the regular season schedule except St. Francis-NY, 28-26, one of the best 6-4 teams in the state. Also, sophomore quarterback Luke Costello took over at game #4 (Solon) replacing the veteran Carter Barnes and had a decent season. He completed 51% for 1262 with a 13/4 ratio. They closed the season with a 21-14 quarterfinals loss to Pine Richland (13-2, 5A champ) when the Rams overcame a 14-0 deficit to score in the last 2:01 for the win. Things look good for 2023 with Costello back although his top three receivers graduated including the talented Wakeem Page. Both backs return in Suhtaun Lewis who had 718 yards before injury saw him replaced by Dajoure Hollinsworth who rushed for 856 yards on 87 carries. The D lost some good people but return at least five starters and multiple co-starters. With a five-year record of 50-14 and a ten-year slate of 102-18, Cathedral knows how to replace graduated talent.
Grove City 3A 9-4
Talk about flying high. The Eagles have one of the best records in the state the last seven years going 64-18. In 2016 at 10-2 they lost in the district final. In 2017 at 11-1 they won the title then lost to Hollidaysburg in a wild one 30-27. 2018’s team at 11-1 also lost in the district final as did the 2019 team that finished 9-3. Back in 2004, they got to the 2A State Final where they lost to Lansdale Catholic 40-17. The 2021 team looked real good winning districts before running into a buzz saw from Martinsburg where Central High blitzed them 35-6. And finally, last year’s 9-4 edition beat Slippery Rock x 2 the second straight year for the district title and were again eliminated by the Scarlet Dragons of Martinsburg Central 35-6. The good news for 2023 is almost everyone returns including the Qb Hunter Hollman (61%-2086, 18/14, 177-578ry!), their three leading receivers with 123 receptions for 1849 yards and seven from the defense that needs to improve from 23ppg yield. So does the QB throwing 14 picks. Straighten those issues out and who knows how good they can be in 2023.
General McLane 3A 9-2
General McLain’s fortunes have slipped from their glittering past to a nine-year record of 50-39 with four non-winning season as compared to 117-30 from 2002 through 2013. Coach Jim Wells led the Lancers to a 194-81 record in his 25 years including a 3A State Title in 2006 beating Pottsville 28-23. Evidently that wasn’t enough as the school district announced last February he was out. Marshall McCormack took over for 2022. Senior quarterback Dylan Sheeder was the team last year, throwing for 68% and 1109 yards with a 15/0 Td/Pick ratio while rushing for 950 yards for nine more touchdowns! Along with his departure are their three top receivers who snagged 102 balls for 1121 yards, the top three running backs who had 258 carries for 1599 yards and all but three starters on defense.
Sharon 3A 6-5
Sharon dropped off the last five years at 33-22 but are 73-42 the last ten. That includes a great run from 2015 through 2019, going 47-18. There’s history here with 3A Silver runner up trophies in 1994 and 1995, losing to those Berwick teams that were on a run themselves winning consecutive titles from 1994 through 1997. Last year’s team was no doubt a disappointment with seven returning to the offense and five to the defense. The offense was there at 28ppg but the D was a concern at 24ppg, collapsing in losses to Neshannock (11-2) 45-28, Grove City (9-4) 41-25, Sharpsville (9-3) 49-27 and rival Farrell (10-2) 42-14. The big task for Jason McElhaney entering his fifth season (23-18) is replacing two-year starter Mikey Rodriques (52%-916, 8/7, 737ry) and running back Jayveerh White’s 1357 rush yards. That’s over 3000-yards of production needing replaced. Having a defense returning eight starters should help hold the line until the offense comes around.
Wilmington 2A 3-7
The football world shuddered then did a double take last year when perennial winner and state power Wilmington had their first losing season since 2002. We’re talking about a program with a state title in 2008, runner-up trophies in 2017, 2018 and 2020, and a pile of close calls. They have a 45-14 record the last five years and 88-31 the last five. But the bottom fell out last year with an anemic offense at record lows, averaging 15ppg, a defense allowing 24 a game and a 0-6 finish. For 2023, they return senior quarterback Tuff McConahy and most of their skill players. Scanty info on the team but you’d think a program with Wilmington tradition will rebound in a big way.
Farrell 2A 10-2
Here’s another state power that is always in the hunt with a sparkling 55-8 won-loss the last five years and a 102-26 mark the last ten! They have quite a stash of medals, winning silver in 1990 and 2015 and back-to-back state titles in 1995 and 1996 and again in 2018 and 2019. One of the ones that got away was as recent as 2021’s team that gifted Serra Catholic six turnovers and 14 penalties….?....in a 27-18 loss. This was one of Farrell’s ‘best ever’ teams, scoring 49ppg and allowing 8. Last year’s wasn’t bad either. You knew that right up front when they lost narrowly to Ohio power Ursuline (10-3) 40-38, then beat everyone else by 30 plus points before getting outgunned/manned by Westinghouse’s juggernaut 34-6. For 2023 they return a good one under center in Kabron Smith (66%-1919, 22/6) and their backs, Brandon Chambers (156-1026, sr) and Juelz Johnson (23-210, so). Three experienced receivers return although they graduated their leading receivers who accounted for 75 receptions for 1432 yards. And the defense that is always a team strength (13ppg last year) needs rebuilt.
Sharpsville 2A 9-3
Sharpsville got off to a 6-0 start before losing to Farrell twice and Grove City. They beat good comp along the way in Sharon, Slippery Rock and Hickory. But just weren’t at the level to manage the Farrell types, losing 48-7 and 26-0 in the postseason. Still, it’s a solid program at 75-40 the last ten years and a State Title in 1997 beating Riverside 10-7. Last year’s team appears to return just enough to be a threat with quarterback Caullin Summers (56%-2172, 21/8, 346ry) back and experience at wide out and running back. No doubt they’ll miss running back Garen Levis’s 1080 yards and a defense that loses at least eight starters.
Hickory 1A 5-6
The Hornets had an off year with a one-point loss to Wilmington and a three pointer to Slippery Rock separating them from a 7-4 season. They’ve also had a so-so five year run at 29-22 but a better one at 74-30 the last ten years. Don’t forget the 2A State Title in 1989 beating Montoursville 30-22. And they were particularly hot from 2010 through 2016 with seven straight seasons of ten wins or more for a 77-15 record. 2023 looks like a return to their winning ways with the return of an experienced quarterback in Zander Telesz (6-1, 170, jr , 27/50, 54%-392, 4.2, 36-144ry) their leading running backs Sean Kennedy (76-315) and Daymar Trawick (56-238), and their leading three receivers with 71 receptions for 1525 yards. Six coming back to the defense should make for a nice core entering 2023.
Here’s a snapshot of many of the teams across the state with no particular format, pulling what seemed interesting, district by district. Things like streaks, special players, upsets, new coaches, outstanding/disappointing seasons etc. I’ll post the other districts as I complete them. Enjoy and jump in with corrections and additions.
Districts 5, 6, 9, 10: selected teams.
District-5
Berlin Brothersvalley 2A 11-1
Berlin has one of the top programs in the state led by Coach Doug Paul since 2002. Last year’s team was a young group that went undefeated in the regular season with eight shutouts before getting crushed by Westinghouse 59-7, the 2A runner-up. They’ve been especially successful the last 13 years with a 122-30 record, beating teams like Clairton in 2015, 35-22 before falling to Farrell 26-21 in the semifinal. With most of last year’s team returning including dual threat quarterback Pace Prosser (59%-1789, 24/5, 81-532ry), four running backs and half the defense, look for an even more productive offense after averaging 40ppg last year. Some egs of their linemen are 6-0 240, 5-11 280, 6-2 330, 6-0 250, 6-0, 275 and 6-3 290. Must be something in the well water up in those mountains!
Bedford 2A 7-4
Bedford is another team that rears its head from time to time with good stuff. Especially 2020’s 10-1 team that lost to Central Valley 49-20 in States and the 2021 edition even more that went 10-2, losing to Martinsburg Central twice, 41-27 and 20-14. Central went on to give Central Valley a run for the money before dropping a hard fought 35-21 game. CV won State Titles both years. The 2021 team had Mercury Swaim (6-0, 195) who threw for 1232 yards and rushed for 1048. In 2020, he passed for 1587 yards and rushed for 1141. By the time he was a senior he also accumulated 287 tackles as an outstanding linebacker. He’s now playing linebacker at St. Francis and a good eg of the talent that comes out of the area. The Bison’s ten year won-loss is 80-36.
Chestnut Ridge 2A 6-5
The Lions have been successful for a long time, in large part because of their coach Max Shoemaker whose been around a long time, compiling a record of 210-109-1 overall and 114-66 at Chestnut Ridge. They’ve had some strong teams, going 83-37 the last ten years. The problem is getting eliminated by ‘name’ teams with a tight 42-28 loss to Westinghouse in 2017, and back-to-back losses to ever present Wilmington (D-10) in 2018 and 2019 (40-33, 35-20), denying them greater recognition. But, those are the teams you have to beat! The talent was down last season, losing to Martinsburg Central (12-3) 39-14, Bishop Guilfoyle (10-4) 45-28, Penn Cambria (9-2) 42-17 and Richland (11-1) 40-14, power teams from neighboring D-6, and Westinghouse (14-1) 48-15 in the playoffs. Look for improvement this year with Qb Nate Whysong (6-3, 190, sr, 54%-1458, 8/7, 127-812ry) back with seven players representing 69 receptions for 1072 years. They’ll miss big Nick Presnell (5-10, 210), a force rushing for 1156 yards with 56 tackles at MLB. The D started or saw significant playing time for three sophomores and a freshman and return seven starters. That’s good news both ways with the offense already at 31ppg and the D at 28ppg needing all the returning players they can get.
Northern Bedford County 2A 11-1
Northern Bedford has been fielding quality teams for a number of years, with only three losing season dating back to 2004 for a 146-67 record. Last year’s team mimicked Chestnut Ridge’s going with a youth movement that was highly successful, averaging 36ppg with a D allowing 12. All the offense returns for 2023 led by quarterback Eion Snider (59%-1834, 18/7, 252ry), a real tough out at running back in Adam Johnson (5-10, 195, 1563ry, 28Tds) and all their receivers. And with only two starters graduating from the defense, look for NBC to be vastly improved, a force in the district and perhaps beyond.
Windber 1A 11-2
Take away four ‘off’ years at Windber in 2014, 15, 16 and 2018 where they went 18-25 and the Rambler’s record is 120-50 back to 2004. The last two years have seen a return to normalcy going 11-1 in 2021 and 11-2 last year. They had a great offense last year averaging 47ppg and an even better defense allowing 7ppg with six shutouts. Record setting John Schuster (5-11, 190) turned everyone’s head rushing for 2669 yards with 38 touchdowns. The graduated quarterback threw 51 passes and wasn’t a running threat making the priority replacement the running back. Their only losses were to their ancient rival Berlin Brothersvalley 14-0 then Steelton Highspire in the playoffs 37-7.
District-6
Hollidaysburg 5A 2-8
Hollidaysburg has been a traveler with stops in the Mid Penn and WPIAL, remaining there through 2015 before going independent. At 54-52 the last ten years, they’ve been inconsistent. But they get out and play people, including State College, Cathedral Prep, CD East, McDowell, Cedar Cliff, Oil City, Central-D6, Brashear, etc, etc….and Maryland’s power just across the line in Cumberland, Md, Ft. Hill at 119-6 the last ten. So you can do some good linkage through them. Last year was a building year excepting the senior quarterback who threw for 1633 yards at 47% with a 18/13 ratio. That can likely be replaced with two sophomores getting time. With all their skill returning and most of the defense, next year should see big improvement over last year’s group that averaged 21ppg and allowed 33.
Martinsburg Central 3A 12-3
Like most small schools from District 5 and District 6, Central has been an unknown to the rest of the state. But not to south central enthusiasts who recognize the Scarlet Dragons as a machine with a 90-34 record the last ten years. They’ve been especially strong the last two years with teams as good as in in the classification losing narrowly in 2021 to Central Valley 35-21 and to Belle Vernon Area 21-17 last year. Both CV and BVA won State Titles those years. That was a great two year run that now faces a rebuild. Record setting Qb Jeff Hoenstine (70%-3996!!, 51/6, 138-763ry, St. Francis) graduates along with #1 receiver Eli Lingenfelter (99-1675), running back Kade Rhule (88-542) and seven from the defense. Coach Dave Baker (107-41, 13th season) has coached for 43 years, making him the Dean of Coaching in Blair County.
Tyrone 3A 7-3
Tyrone has slipped some the last ten years, going 62-47 after a nine year run of 98-17! They’ve always been a power in the district with a Silver runner-up trophy in 1996 losing to Mount Carmel 25-6 and again in 2011 losing to Lancaster Catholic 17-7. It all came together for a State Title in 1999 at 15-0, beating Mount Carmel 13-6. Last year’s team was young in some critical spots especially quarterback breaking in a sophomore; Ashton Walk (53%-1651, 22/6, 92-203ry). Three of four leading rushers return while four of their leading six receivers graduate. It looks like four graduate from a defense that wasn’t bad yielding 16ppg.
Bishop Guilfoyle 2A 10-4
Bishop Guilfoyle has been on a run with 11 straight winning seasons that includes three consecutive 1A state titles (2014-15-16) and two runner-up trophies (2019-21) totaling 126 wins against 21 losses! The run started in 2012 when Bishop McCort’s Crimson Crushers got out of the way after their hot run from 2004 through 2012 going 91-31 with a Silver Medal in 2009. For 2023, they have to replace one of their ‘best ever’ at quarterback in Karson Kiesewetter who passed for 2018 yards at 66% with a 18/7 ratio while rushing for 1560-yards on 224 carries for another 31 touchdowns. That’s 3678 yards and 39 Tds that need replaced. Add to that running back Cooper Rother’s 903ry and 48 receptions for 670 yards for another 1570 yards lost to graduation. They broke in some young ones but that’s a big hole along with three other receivers with 67 receptions for 998 yards and some major players from the D.
Richland 2A 11-1
This is a program of hot and cold streaks. From 2007-2013 they went 63-22. From 2014 through 2017, 14-26. And from 2018 through last season they’re hot again, winning 56 games against a mere seven losses. Last year’s team reeled off their first 11 games, getting through a number of close calls to the quality on their schedule including Martinsburg Central (12-3) 35-28, Bedford (7-4), 25-23, Penn Cambria (9-2) 49-42 before running into Bishop Guilfoyle in the playoffs, losing 32-22. For 2023, they have to replace their talented quarterback Sam Penns (68%-2113, 24/4, 97-506ry), a HUGE hole. But they return Rb Evan McCracken (1422ry, 28-438py), wide out Austin Yarnick (42-879) and seven to the defense.
District-9
Clearfield 3A 8-4
Clearfield has made a few playoffs runs over the years and they’ve gone without a losing season for the 24 years I have records. They had a run from 2010 through 2013, advancing as deep as the quarterfinals in 2010 and 2013. The 2018 team looked like it was going somewhere at 12-1 before losing to Cathedral Prep in the 1st round of States 55-21. Losing Qb Isaac Rumery (69%-2526, 26/5, 554ry) early in the game doomed them. The last ten years have seen them go 91-24 to continue their long run of success. They went with extreme youth last year playing a pile of freshmen and sophomores, discovering sophomore Brady Collins (5-9, 160) who rushed for 1498 yards. With almost everyone returning following an 8-4 season, they’ll make some noise in 2023 and maybe more in ‘24.
Karns City 2A 6-5
The Gremlins are another winning tradition with a 165-64 record the last 19 years; 87-37 the last ten. Last year’s team was not their best. They were replacing the entire offensive line and two-1000 yard rushers from a 11-2 team that just won their second straight district title. But they did muster up a ‘near-miss’ overtime loss to the district champion Central Clarion Wildcats 26-20. They’ll need a new quarterback in a run heavy offense but return six starters and many that got time to the defense that started two freshmen and two sophomores. KC knows how to win.
Kane 3A 3-7
The big story in 2021 was the return of the highly successful Todd Silfies to the sidelines where he guided to Wolves to unprecedented success. From 2013 to 2017, it was hard finding a better program in the district with Kane going 64-13 and making the district finals every year. Since his departure, it’s been mostly downhill, going 2-8, 6-5 and 2-4 before his return. 2021 was a injury filled season logging a 3-7 record. Last year saw 29 come out so numbers are still an issue. For 2023, at least three linemen graduate, three of the top rushers and the top two receivers. Six starters graduate from the defense. The quarterback returns where they’d like to see more than a 48% completion rate for 1027 yards with a 7/15 Td to Pick ratio.
Central Clarion 2A 10-2
Central Clarion is the result of a football co-op/merger of Clarion, Clarion-Limestone and North Clarion in 2020. They call themselves the Wildcats in honor of a company of infantry so named and formed during the Civil War. They fought in many of the major Eastern Theater battles in the Army of the Potomac including Gettysburg in the 105th PA Regt of the 3rd Corps. Back to the team; they played like Wildcats last year, winning their first nine games before losing to Redbank Valley (1A, 9-2) 47-38. But they won the district title the following week before getting crushed by Westinghouse 44-8 in the playoffs. Sophomore Jase Ferguson emerged as a talent at quarterback (56%-2727, 33/15, 122-521ry). He loses his top receiver Ashton Rex (63-1556) but return two of their top three rushers and most of the defense that started eight sophomore starters/co-starters and two freshmen.
Redbank Valley 1A 9-2
Redbank Valley has been a successful program for many years with an 86-32 record the last ten. The development of the program was reflected in last year’s 9-2 campaign following the graduation of their ‘best ever team’ that went 13-2, losing in the State Final to Bishop Guilfoyle 21-14. They were good enough to beat Bishop Canevin, of the WPIAL 23-14. It’s a rare occasion where District-9 beats a WPIAL team in the postseason! But they had an outstanding quarterback in Bryson Bain (6-4, 205, 58%-2254), Rb Ray Shreckengost (6-0220, 878ry) and a defense allowing just 10ppg. They found more solid quarterbacking last year in senior Cam Wagner (71%-1724, 28/5) and freshman Braylon Wagner (59%-804, 8/5), with Braylon taking over late in the season. He’s back for 2023 with three of his leading receivers, running back Drew Byers (163-754, jr) and half the defense.
District 10
McDowell 6A 10-3
McDowell had a successful season beating competitive out of state teams like Walsh Jesuit-OH (9-3) 56-37, Bennett-NY (7-6) 34-28ot and St. Francis-NY (6-4-Hamburg) 42-28, plus a few average teams from Canada. But they couldn’t beat in-state powers losing to North Allegheny 29-18 (11-2), State College (13-1) 57-50 3ot and Cathedral Prep (8-3) 41-0. That was with a largely senior oriented team at Qb, Rb, the receiver corps and defense making 2023 a rebuilding year. But it’s McDowell and they always have talent per their five-year record of 42-14 and ten-year mark of 78-39. Last year’s sophomore quarterback Blayze Myers ‘looks’ special if they don’t make a linebacker out of him at 6-3, 195 and running back-receiver Bobby Blue.
Cathedral Prep 5A 8-3
Cathedral Prep alum and former D-cord Mike Krahe completed his first year as head coach. Despite the opening 47-14 disaster in Akron against Archbishop Hoban-OH (14-2), the Div-II runner up to Toledo Central Catholic (16-1), they went on to have a successful season, thumping McDowell 41-0 and routing everyone on the regular season schedule except St. Francis-NY, 28-26, one of the best 6-4 teams in the state. Also, sophomore quarterback Luke Costello took over at game #4 (Solon) replacing the veteran Carter Barnes and had a decent season. He completed 51% for 1262 with a 13/4 ratio. They closed the season with a 21-14 quarterfinals loss to Pine Richland (13-2, 5A champ) when the Rams overcame a 14-0 deficit to score in the last 2:01 for the win. Things look good for 2023 with Costello back although his top three receivers graduated including the talented Wakeem Page. Both backs return in Suhtaun Lewis who had 718 yards before injury saw him replaced by Dajoure Hollinsworth who rushed for 856 yards on 87 carries. The D lost some good people but return at least five starters and multiple co-starters. With a five-year record of 50-14 and a ten-year slate of 102-18, Cathedral knows how to replace graduated talent.
Grove City 3A 9-4
Talk about flying high. The Eagles have one of the best records in the state the last seven years going 64-18. In 2016 at 10-2 they lost in the district final. In 2017 at 11-1 they won the title then lost to Hollidaysburg in a wild one 30-27. 2018’s team at 11-1 also lost in the district final as did the 2019 team that finished 9-3. Back in 2004, they got to the 2A State Final where they lost to Lansdale Catholic 40-17. The 2021 team looked real good winning districts before running into a buzz saw from Martinsburg where Central High blitzed them 35-6. And finally, last year’s 9-4 edition beat Slippery Rock x 2 the second straight year for the district title and were again eliminated by the Scarlet Dragons of Martinsburg Central 35-6. The good news for 2023 is almost everyone returns including the Qb Hunter Hollman (61%-2086, 18/14, 177-578ry!), their three leading receivers with 123 receptions for 1849 yards and seven from the defense that needs to improve from 23ppg yield. So does the QB throwing 14 picks. Straighten those issues out and who knows how good they can be in 2023.
General McLane 3A 9-2
General McLain’s fortunes have slipped from their glittering past to a nine-year record of 50-39 with four non-winning season as compared to 117-30 from 2002 through 2013. Coach Jim Wells led the Lancers to a 194-81 record in his 25 years including a 3A State Title in 2006 beating Pottsville 28-23. Evidently that wasn’t enough as the school district announced last February he was out. Marshall McCormack took over for 2022. Senior quarterback Dylan Sheeder was the team last year, throwing for 68% and 1109 yards with a 15/0 Td/Pick ratio while rushing for 950 yards for nine more touchdowns! Along with his departure are their three top receivers who snagged 102 balls for 1121 yards, the top three running backs who had 258 carries for 1599 yards and all but three starters on defense.
Sharon 3A 6-5
Sharon dropped off the last five years at 33-22 but are 73-42 the last ten. That includes a great run from 2015 through 2019, going 47-18. There’s history here with 3A Silver runner up trophies in 1994 and 1995, losing to those Berwick teams that were on a run themselves winning consecutive titles from 1994 through 1997. Last year’s team was no doubt a disappointment with seven returning to the offense and five to the defense. The offense was there at 28ppg but the D was a concern at 24ppg, collapsing in losses to Neshannock (11-2) 45-28, Grove City (9-4) 41-25, Sharpsville (9-3) 49-27 and rival Farrell (10-2) 42-14. The big task for Jason McElhaney entering his fifth season (23-18) is replacing two-year starter Mikey Rodriques (52%-916, 8/7, 737ry) and running back Jayveerh White’s 1357 rush yards. That’s over 3000-yards of production needing replaced. Having a defense returning eight starters should help hold the line until the offense comes around.
Wilmington 2A 3-7
The football world shuddered then did a double take last year when perennial winner and state power Wilmington had their first losing season since 2002. We’re talking about a program with a state title in 2008, runner-up trophies in 2017, 2018 and 2020, and a pile of close calls. They have a 45-14 record the last five years and 88-31 the last five. But the bottom fell out last year with an anemic offense at record lows, averaging 15ppg, a defense allowing 24 a game and a 0-6 finish. For 2023, they return senior quarterback Tuff McConahy and most of their skill players. Scanty info on the team but you’d think a program with Wilmington tradition will rebound in a big way.
Farrell 2A 10-2
Here’s another state power that is always in the hunt with a sparkling 55-8 won-loss the last five years and a 102-26 mark the last ten! They have quite a stash of medals, winning silver in 1990 and 2015 and back-to-back state titles in 1995 and 1996 and again in 2018 and 2019. One of the ones that got away was as recent as 2021’s team that gifted Serra Catholic six turnovers and 14 penalties….?....in a 27-18 loss. This was one of Farrell’s ‘best ever’ teams, scoring 49ppg and allowing 8. Last year’s wasn’t bad either. You knew that right up front when they lost narrowly to Ohio power Ursuline (10-3) 40-38, then beat everyone else by 30 plus points before getting outgunned/manned by Westinghouse’s juggernaut 34-6. For 2023 they return a good one under center in Kabron Smith (66%-1919, 22/6) and their backs, Brandon Chambers (156-1026, sr) and Juelz Johnson (23-210, so). Three experienced receivers return although they graduated their leading receivers who accounted for 75 receptions for 1432 yards. And the defense that is always a team strength (13ppg last year) needs rebuilt.
Sharpsville 2A 9-3
Sharpsville got off to a 6-0 start before losing to Farrell twice and Grove City. They beat good comp along the way in Sharon, Slippery Rock and Hickory. But just weren’t at the level to manage the Farrell types, losing 48-7 and 26-0 in the postseason. Still, it’s a solid program at 75-40 the last ten years and a State Title in 1997 beating Riverside 10-7. Last year’s team appears to return just enough to be a threat with quarterback Caullin Summers (56%-2172, 21/8, 346ry) back and experience at wide out and running back. No doubt they’ll miss running back Garen Levis’s 1080 yards and a defense that loses at least eight starters.
Hickory 1A 5-6
The Hornets had an off year with a one-point loss to Wilmington and a three pointer to Slippery Rock separating them from a 7-4 season. They’ve also had a so-so five year run at 29-22 but a better one at 74-30 the last ten years. Don’t forget the 2A State Title in 1989 beating Montoursville 30-22. And they were particularly hot from 2010 through 2016 with seven straight seasons of ten wins or more for a 77-15 record. 2023 looks like a return to their winning ways with the return of an experienced quarterback in Zander Telesz (6-1, 170, jr , 27/50, 54%-392, 4.2, 36-144ry) their leading running backs Sean Kennedy (76-315) and Daymar Trawick (56-238), and their leading three receivers with 71 receptions for 1525 yards. Six coming back to the defense should make for a nice core entering 2023.
