2023 Preseason 6A STATE Top 10
Here’s the final installment of the six-part study for each classification showing a Top 10 to cap off the effort. I did a larger write up on St. Joseph’s Prep since they’re the defending 6A champion and strongly favored to repeat. Two other reviews were done throughout the year with this serving as a snapshot of those with schedule information. As always, feel free to jump in or on! And feel free to mention any correction. Thanks.
1 St. Joseph’s Prep D12 12-1 (State Champ)
The Hawks are coming off a championship season after advancing to their 7th straight State Finals appearance in the last ten years. That’s almost enough said right there! To clarify last year’s domination, they breezed through the playoffs with a 49-6, thumping of Northeast Philly (9-3) to win the city and district title before pummeling Parkland (9-5), Garnet Valley (13-1) and Harrisburg (11-3) by an average score of 48-12. The reason that’s scary is they return most of that team, a team that was only challenged by PCL-Red rival LaSalle 21-14 in the rematch, Erasmus Hall (10-2, {92-16 last 10}), Brooklyn’s PSAL-A city champ (4th straight) and St. Thomas Aquinas-FL (14-0) who beat them 48-37 in a game SJP led 31-28 late in the 3rd at STA’s home field. The Raiders went on to win the 3M Florida State Title, formerly the 7A title. See Note-2 below.
For the coming season they look to have one of their strongest teams, with substantial numbers returning on offense in quarterback Samaj Jones (62%-2263py, 95-641ry, #2 rusher), receivers David Washington (42-576), Brandon Rehmann (43-466) and Elijah Jones (12-422), plus all their running backs; Khaseen Phillips (757), Taj Dyches (404) and Erik Sanchez (279). The defense looks set on the line with Chase Witmayer, Ivan Bailey-Green, Maxwell Roy and Sean McNulty back. Last year’s super soph Anthony Sacca (6-4, 215) is back with Nick McGlynn and Toni Cerruti at linebacker and five starters or experienced players in the secondary. They’ll miss Cole Niles, Josiah Trotter and Matt DuMond. As always, the schedule is national in scope, opening at Ocean City High against IMG (8-1). IMG’s only loss last year was to Central High of Miami who went 14-0 winning the FHSAA-4S (suburban) title. Then comes St. Peters-NJ (7-4) in the MFC Classic at Salesianum in Wilmington, followed by more road games at Lakeland-FL (14-0, 4S champ) and Don Bosco Prep (9-3). Lakeland’s great coach Bill Castle retired following the 2022 season after 47 seasons and winning the Dreadnaughts 8th state title, more than any other school. He retires with a 473-98 record. Much of the family is in Lakeland-Winter Haven and Lake Wales, enough to know Coach Castle is Lakeland football. Many transferred in over the years so we’ll see how it goes without him as a magnet.
Note 1: Samaj Jones won the MVP of the Qb group at the Under Armour Camp in Baltimore recently, doing serious work looking like a body builder with great accuracy and a cannon!
Note 2: For the 2022 and 2023 seasons, Florida teams were reclassified as Metro (8 most populated counties) and Suburban (the rest), moving away from the 8A-1A format. Teams were further divided 4 through 1, with the larger enrollments at 4, trickling down to 1 in M and S designates.
2 Harrisburg D3 11-3 (State Final runner up)
The Cougars had some key grad losses for sure but also have key returners, namely and perhaps the most underrated quarterback in the state in junior Shawn Lee. Just a junior he is a high IQ player with solid stats, completing 68% of his throws for 1744 yards with a 17/8 ratio, rushing for 584 yards. One of the top receivers in the area returns in junior Elias Coke (25/442, FSU, PSU, etc). Another promising sophomore from last year, Kymir Williams (5-11, 190) will be the primary ball carrier. Harrisburg always has backs but few like graduated FB/MLB Mahkai Hopkins (6-1, 240) and his 1302 rush yards. He’s gone plus Kyle Williams (168/1118ry-17Tds, 55/668py-8Tds, Temple) and #2 quarterback Zakii Curry-Lewis (6-1, 190) who was underrated at linebacker with 82 stops. Another loss on defense is record holding DE/DL Terrell Reynolds (6-2, 230) with 116 tackles and 35 TFL. Ameer Grandberry (5-11, 185) at LB/S is another who will be missed on both sides with 64 stops and 34 receptions for 411 yards. The lines return OT/DT Trentin Moffitt (5-11, 245), Sirkayne Veneable (6-4, 290), Kevin Brown (6-5, 245. Soph, BC, PSU, Pitt), Ryan Epps (6-1, 245) and at least 5 other starters on defense. They had another nice run last year, getting to the 6A final for the second time in five years, losing to St, Joseph’s Prep 42-7. And at 71-16, they clearly have great personnel coming through right now despite low numbers. The schedule opens with road games at Delaware Valley (7-6) and Manheim Township (9-4) before the home opener against Carlisle (6-5). Del Val is no slouch and Township will put a lot of points on the scoreboard when two of the very best teams in District-3 lock horns.
3 State College D6 13-1 (Semifinalist loser)
Like Harrisburg, State had some key grads but not enough (per history) to keep them from being one of the top teams in the state again. The big loss is quarterback Finn Furmanek (6-4 195, 60%-1593, 15/6, 96-592ry). But they return co-starter Owen Yerka (51%-479, 4/2, 50-348ry) and standout running back D’Antae Sheffey with 1728 yards rushing as a freshman! He can fly and is shifty. Remember, this is a team that went 7-0 in the Mid Penn-Commonwealth and beat Downingtown East (9-4) 32-31 in Downingtown and Harrisburg (11-3) 20-6 at Harrisburg, plus McDowell (10-3) 57-50, 3ot and North Allegheny (11-2) 28-7 before losing to Harrisburg in the revenge, rematch game 27-7. They return a great core led by LB Michael Gaul (6-1, 200) who led the team in tackles as a sophomore with 110. Eli Espinoza (6-0, 200) joins him at MLB with 67 tackles with NG Justin Castro-Dixon plugging the middle at 6-0, 330 with 56 stops. Three starters return to the secondary with 167 tackles. DE Stephen Scourtis (6-4, 240, 104 tackles, Harvard) will be missed. The schedule is almost tailor made for a good start opening at Williamsport, home against Downingtown East, away at Hollidaysburg then home again in the MP-Commonwealth opener against Altoona.
4 North Allegheny D7 11-2 (Quarterfinal loser)
I thought North Allegheny should be slotted here with Harrisburg having just enough back (arguably), the Tigers beating Central Catholic twice last year and both bringing back the same team. They had a good run with last year’s team beating McDowell, Penn Trafford, Seneca Valley, Pitt CC x 2 as mentioned while losing to the top teams on the schedule, State College (13-1) 28-7 and Pine Richland (13-3) 28-17. The heart of the team is back, returning quarterback Logan Kushner (55%-1589, 15/9) and lead receiver Khiryn Boyd (42-76py). Tyree Alualu (6-0, 205, 264ry) will contribute in a number of positions and is a force at linebacker with 62 tackles last year as a junior. Most of the defense returns. The schedule shows two home games beginning with Allerdice (4-7), a dangerous Canon McMillan group (5-6) then the first road game of the year at McDowell. Despite a lot of youth and a rebuilt defense, McDowell could surprise with last year’s sophomore quarterback Blayze Myers (6-3, 195) and running back-receiver Bobby Blue. NA had their best year last season since the title team of 2012. That’s where the comparison ends, but it was a notable upgrade over the previous year on defense allowing 13ppg vs 2021’s 23ppg, paving the way to a 11-win season. They also made real progress in the passing game.
5 Pittsburgh Central Catholic D7 7-5 (WPIAL runner up)
The big question entering this season is at the top where coach Ryan Lehmeier takes over for the retired Terry Totten. Coach Totten (’76 Central grad) was one of the state’s great coaches, retiring after 19 seasons with a 188-40 record and two state titles! Coach Lehmeier is well regarded, spending the last two seasons as OC at Seneca Valley and the previous six at Pine Richland where he was OC the final four years. With Sen Val recording a 13-8 record while there and Pine a 48-5 mark, the man brings a winning tradition with him despite not previously head a program. Back to Central: They were close last year with a one-point loss to Mt. Lebanon and a four-pointer to North Allegheny, both at home! Those losses may reverse with so many returning for this season including senior Qb Payton Wehner (62%-2505, 17/5; 61%-1460 as soph), his leading three receivers with 104 receptions for 1631 years, running backs Elijah Faulkner with 529 yards on 139 carries and Amari Shields with 512 yards on 124 attempts. LB/TE Cole Sullivan (6-4, 195) is back with 118 tackles with senior linebacker Anthony Speca (6-3, 225, PSU commit). The schedule will reveal them opening at dangerous Woodland Hills (6-6), then St. Ignatius-OH (8-4) before the home opener against Bethel Park (10-2).
6 Downingtown West D1 9-2 (Quarterfinal loser)
The Whippets return most of the pack from last year where it was mystifying they didn’t do more. Too young? So here they are with Coatesville doing a major rebuild and D-town East looking to replace record setting running back Bo Horvath’s 2315 rush yards. Add Garnet Valley who’s replacing just about everyone to realize they look well positioned to be ‘the’ team in the western burbs this year. Hard figuring how this group didn’t go farther last year with one of their best defenses in over ten years at 17ppg yield and an offense cranking out 38ppg. They lost to Perkiomen Valley 30-29, giving up a 26-10 half time lead and in a rematch-revenge-rivalry game to Downingtown West 34-9. But they’re looking good for this season with big numbers returning on offense with almost all their skill back led by quarterback Quinn Henicle (6-2, 190, jr, 59%-1506, 16/5) and a defense that returns at least 8 starters. They open at Lincoln in Philly then home against another District-1 power in Perkiomen Valley.
7 Manheim Township D3 9-4 (District runner up)
Like Downingtown above, the Streaks were a year too young, loaded as they were with talent. They could impress winning at Harrisburg (game 3) 24-20, then disappoint with conference home losses against Hempfield (9-3) 17-14 and Wilson (8-3) 27-21. As the season progressed and the team matured, they reversed earlier losses to Cumberland Valley (27-31, then 37-31) and routed Hempfield 42-6. Harrisburg ended their year with their own revenge-rematch-reversal, 44-6. Township may finally be ready for a legit run at Section-1 and beyond with a seasoned team returning almost everyone including quarterback Hayden Johnson (6-1, 185, jr, 73%, 2621, 26/8), four of his top five receivers and their lead back in Declan Clancy. Eight starters return to the defense that allowed 18ppg. The schedule is challenging opening at home to Cumberland Valley (7-4), then at Dallastown (4-6) before returning home for consecutive games against two of the best in Harrisburg and Spring Ford.
8 Perkiomen Valley D1 11-2 (District Semifinal loser)
Like Spring Ford, the Vikings are also from the PAC-Liberty where they’ve strung together 11 straight winning seasons totaling out to 100-27 (78.7%). Last year was one of their best seasons with a lot of young parts getting wins against Downingtown West (9-2) 30-29, Spring Ford (8-4) 7-6, Pope John Paul II (10-2) and Souderton (9-3). The losses were to Roman (9-2) 26-10 and CB West (9-5)14-13. For 2023, they return sophomore quarterback in Patrick MacDonald (5-11, 165), throwing at 64% for 1208 yards, their leading rusher in Jake Stewart (143/790) plus good numbers on the D, making them a favorite along with Spring Ford to win the PAC. Perk Val has won the last two against Spring Ford by narrow margins; 7-6 last year and 28-22 the year before. And they’ve won two of the last three at SF. The schedule will test them early opening on the road against two veteran, well quarterbacked teams at Chester (10-2) and Downingtown West (9-2), before the home opener against Delaware’s 3A champ Smyrna (12-1).
9 Spring Ford D1 8-4 (Quarterfinal loser)
The Rams had their 13th consecutive winning season last year, giving them a won-loss to 139-39 (78.0%)! Last year’s team had narrow losses to quality teams losing to Perkiomen Valley (11-2) 7-6, Manheim Township (9-4) 17-14 and Garnet Valley (13-1) 30-27 in overtime. And that was with a sophomore quarterback in Matt Zoellers (6-4, 200) throwing for 2055 yards with an outstanding 23/3 ratio and completion percent of 62. Three of his top five receivers return. The defense was largely senior but a core returns. And they showed development in their last two games defeating Ridley 42-28 in the playoffs before the ot loss at Garnet Valley making them appear as a serious contender in the PAC and beyond. Coach Chad Brubaker, the former OC at Wilson is stepping up big time this season opening at home against Governor Mifflin then three straight road games at Father Judge, Cumberland Valley and Manheim Township. They get Perk Val home Oct 6th.
TIE
Central Bucks West D1 9-5 (District runner up)
With most of the SOL 6As struggling, good things are happening at CB West putting them here with their second straight nine-win season, giving them a four-year record of 30-14. This is a notable improvement over the previous five seasons at 19-32 with one winning season. For 2023, they look to be senior laden with a rebuilding project on the line and finding backs to replace Eli Boehm’s 1655 yards and somewhat under rated Vince Cherubini (698ry). The OL will rebuild around LT Hayden Mulligan (6-4, 285) with (I believe) Danny Gannon (6-0, 230) and Carter Charron (6-1, 225) factoring in. A.J. Gerace was there on defense and could slide in. Not sure if Jeffrey Cappa is in at TE or Jack Williams. A huge factor in the Bucks favor is the return of a four-year starting quarterback in Ganz Cooper (6-1, 195). Conor McFadden (6-1, 175, sr) is a valued dual threat at corner and wide out. Really gets up to speed quick!
The defense that returns most of last year’s team should sustain the offense that will not be as lumbering as some predict with talent moving up, experienced linemen and a savvy veteran quarterback. Remember, these same guys showed great resiliency recovering from a 1-3 start. Not sure if safety Jack Fleisher (ACL vs Q-town or Pennbsbury) is back. Last year’s schedule saw them on the road for most of their difficult or rivalry games including Garnet Valley x 2, Upper Dublin, North Penn, CB South, CB East x 2 and Perkiomen Valley. This year’s schedule is more favorable opening at home against Garnet Valley and Upper Dublin before a road trip to Quakertown.
10 Nazareth D11 9-2 (District Quarterfinal loser)
While this is the only Top 10 team without a return starter at quarterback, you’ve got to like the program’s trajectory and on-field performance under veteran coach Tom Falzone. He had an outstanding career at Catasauqua going 47-18 before coming to Nazareth in 2014. But it hasn’t come easy, struggling through losing seasons in four of his first five years (23-31) before 2019’s breakout season going 12-2. The past four years have them at a lofty 36-8 overall record, holding their own against EPC bluebloods going 2-2 vs Emmaus, 3-2 vs Freedom and 2-3 vs Parkland. They are 28-0….!....against all other EPC teams (Easton, Beca, ACC, etc) in that four-year window. Nazareth’s season came to an end last year losing to Parkland 42-14 with star quarterback/safety Sonny Sassy sidelined with a hand injury. He is one of the key grads for this season, throwing for 1975 yards at 66% with a 21/2 ratio. Also a pretty good safety. Lead running back Colin Wells (97/619) and Jed Bonsignore (50/296) their #2 runner graduated along with one of their top receivers in Nathan Lobb (48/847). But they return one of the top players in the district in receiver Mason Kuehner (61/962!). They’re set there with Logan Hilarczyk (25/260py) and Frankie Mroz (12/112py) also back. That will ease the burden on the new starter Peyton Falzone (6-4, 195, soph) who will operate behind last year’s youthful line anchored by Sean Kinney (6-3, 295) and well regarded Parkland transfer Marquez Wimberly (5-9, 185, so) who rushed for 383 yards on 83 carries last year. He also had 60 tackles. This year’s schedule will test them with three of the first four on the road starting at always competitive East Stroudsburg South (4-6). Then they get right into the toughest part of the schedule at Emmaus (10-2) before a home game against Freedom (10-3) then back on the road at Parkland.
TIE
Parkland D11 9-5 (Quarterfinal loser)
Parkland recovered from a 2-3 start to go 7-2 down the stretch, winning the district by defeating Freedom 35-10 before losing to St. Joseph’s Prep in the quarterfinals 52-21. They played nine teams that finished above .500, going 4-5. Importantly for the coming season, they finished strong, beating Nazareth 42-14, Northampton (12-1) 31-13 and Freedom (10-3) 35-10 in the postseason before losing to St. Joe’s. The win against Nazareth came with Blue Bombers’ quarterback Sonny Sasso on the sidelines with an injured hand. Naz beat them in the regular season 28-10 with Sasso in the lineup. It appears they’ll field a strong team this year with the return of quarterback Luke Sprang (63%-2088, 18/8, 295ry-5Tds), the multi-talented Trey Trimba (1238ry-21Tds, 28/428py-5Tds), many experienced receivers and at least seven starters and co-starters from the defense. Tykear Davis (14 tackles) got a lot of time last year as did sophomore Leo Dauberman (17 stops). It’s important to note in a league that isn’t afraid to throw the ball the number of grads in the secondary; FS Nate Urso (31 tackles), S Chase Kusko (45 stops), CB Mason Hollis (60), S Jack Harrison (51 tackles) and CB Nakhi Bullock (29 stops). Other significant losses are at DT Nate Kemmerer (63 tackles) and their top tackler LB Victor Pagan with 87. For 2023, they open at home to Pocono Mountain West (5-6, EPC-N) then road games at Freedpm (10-3) and Liberty (2-8) before the big one at home against Nazareth Sept 15th.
Others:
**** Historic powers/programs that are always a factor
D1 - Ridley, Garnet Valley, Coatesville, North Penn, Dtown East
D3 - Wilson, Cumberland Valley, Central York
D10 - McDowell
D11- Freedom, Emmaus
D12 – LaSalle, Northeast
**** Historic powers going through a rare down cycle but viable
D1- Neshaminy, Pennsbury, Pennridge
D3 - Central Dauphin
D11- Easton
**** Surprises
D1- Souderton, Central Bucks East
D3 - Hempfield, Central Dauphin East, Red Lion, Cedar Crest
D7- Canon McMillan
Here’s the final installment of the six-part study for each classification showing a Top 10 to cap off the effort. I did a larger write up on St. Joseph’s Prep since they’re the defending 6A champion and strongly favored to repeat. Two other reviews were done throughout the year with this serving as a snapshot of those with schedule information. As always, feel free to jump in or on! And feel free to mention any correction. Thanks.
1 St. Joseph’s Prep D12 12-1 (State Champ)
The Hawks are coming off a championship season after advancing to their 7th straight State Finals appearance in the last ten years. That’s almost enough said right there! To clarify last year’s domination, they breezed through the playoffs with a 49-6, thumping of Northeast Philly (9-3) to win the city and district title before pummeling Parkland (9-5), Garnet Valley (13-1) and Harrisburg (11-3) by an average score of 48-12. The reason that’s scary is they return most of that team, a team that was only challenged by PCL-Red rival LaSalle 21-14 in the rematch, Erasmus Hall (10-2, {92-16 last 10}), Brooklyn’s PSAL-A city champ (4th straight) and St. Thomas Aquinas-FL (14-0) who beat them 48-37 in a game SJP led 31-28 late in the 3rd at STA’s home field. The Raiders went on to win the 3M Florida State Title, formerly the 7A title. See Note-2 below.
For the coming season they look to have one of their strongest teams, with substantial numbers returning on offense in quarterback Samaj Jones (62%-2263py, 95-641ry, #2 rusher), receivers David Washington (42-576), Brandon Rehmann (43-466) and Elijah Jones (12-422), plus all their running backs; Khaseen Phillips (757), Taj Dyches (404) and Erik Sanchez (279). The defense looks set on the line with Chase Witmayer, Ivan Bailey-Green, Maxwell Roy and Sean McNulty back. Last year’s super soph Anthony Sacca (6-4, 215) is back with Nick McGlynn and Toni Cerruti at linebacker and five starters or experienced players in the secondary. They’ll miss Cole Niles, Josiah Trotter and Matt DuMond. As always, the schedule is national in scope, opening at Ocean City High against IMG (8-1). IMG’s only loss last year was to Central High of Miami who went 14-0 winning the FHSAA-4S (suburban) title. Then comes St. Peters-NJ (7-4) in the MFC Classic at Salesianum in Wilmington, followed by more road games at Lakeland-FL (14-0, 4S champ) and Don Bosco Prep (9-3). Lakeland’s great coach Bill Castle retired following the 2022 season after 47 seasons and winning the Dreadnaughts 8th state title, more than any other school. He retires with a 473-98 record. Much of the family is in Lakeland-Winter Haven and Lake Wales, enough to know Coach Castle is Lakeland football. Many transferred in over the years so we’ll see how it goes without him as a magnet.
Note 1: Samaj Jones won the MVP of the Qb group at the Under Armour Camp in Baltimore recently, doing serious work looking like a body builder with great accuracy and a cannon!
Note 2: For the 2022 and 2023 seasons, Florida teams were reclassified as Metro (8 most populated counties) and Suburban (the rest), moving away from the 8A-1A format. Teams were further divided 4 through 1, with the larger enrollments at 4, trickling down to 1 in M and S designates.
2 Harrisburg D3 11-3 (State Final runner up)
The Cougars had some key grad losses for sure but also have key returners, namely and perhaps the most underrated quarterback in the state in junior Shawn Lee. Just a junior he is a high IQ player with solid stats, completing 68% of his throws for 1744 yards with a 17/8 ratio, rushing for 584 yards. One of the top receivers in the area returns in junior Elias Coke (25/442, FSU, PSU, etc). Another promising sophomore from last year, Kymir Williams (5-11, 190) will be the primary ball carrier. Harrisburg always has backs but few like graduated FB/MLB Mahkai Hopkins (6-1, 240) and his 1302 rush yards. He’s gone plus Kyle Williams (168/1118ry-17Tds, 55/668py-8Tds, Temple) and #2 quarterback Zakii Curry-Lewis (6-1, 190) who was underrated at linebacker with 82 stops. Another loss on defense is record holding DE/DL Terrell Reynolds (6-2, 230) with 116 tackles and 35 TFL. Ameer Grandberry (5-11, 185) at LB/S is another who will be missed on both sides with 64 stops and 34 receptions for 411 yards. The lines return OT/DT Trentin Moffitt (5-11, 245), Sirkayne Veneable (6-4, 290), Kevin Brown (6-5, 245. Soph, BC, PSU, Pitt), Ryan Epps (6-1, 245) and at least 5 other starters on defense. They had another nice run last year, getting to the 6A final for the second time in five years, losing to St, Joseph’s Prep 42-7. And at 71-16, they clearly have great personnel coming through right now despite low numbers. The schedule opens with road games at Delaware Valley (7-6) and Manheim Township (9-4) before the home opener against Carlisle (6-5). Del Val is no slouch and Township will put a lot of points on the scoreboard when two of the very best teams in District-3 lock horns.
3 State College D6 13-1 (Semifinalist loser)
Like Harrisburg, State had some key grads but not enough (per history) to keep them from being one of the top teams in the state again. The big loss is quarterback Finn Furmanek (6-4 195, 60%-1593, 15/6, 96-592ry). But they return co-starter Owen Yerka (51%-479, 4/2, 50-348ry) and standout running back D’Antae Sheffey with 1728 yards rushing as a freshman! He can fly and is shifty. Remember, this is a team that went 7-0 in the Mid Penn-Commonwealth and beat Downingtown East (9-4) 32-31 in Downingtown and Harrisburg (11-3) 20-6 at Harrisburg, plus McDowell (10-3) 57-50, 3ot and North Allegheny (11-2) 28-7 before losing to Harrisburg in the revenge, rematch game 27-7. They return a great core led by LB Michael Gaul (6-1, 200) who led the team in tackles as a sophomore with 110. Eli Espinoza (6-0, 200) joins him at MLB with 67 tackles with NG Justin Castro-Dixon plugging the middle at 6-0, 330 with 56 stops. Three starters return to the secondary with 167 tackles. DE Stephen Scourtis (6-4, 240, 104 tackles, Harvard) will be missed. The schedule is almost tailor made for a good start opening at Williamsport, home against Downingtown East, away at Hollidaysburg then home again in the MP-Commonwealth opener against Altoona.
4 North Allegheny D7 11-2 (Quarterfinal loser)
I thought North Allegheny should be slotted here with Harrisburg having just enough back (arguably), the Tigers beating Central Catholic twice last year and both bringing back the same team. They had a good run with last year’s team beating McDowell, Penn Trafford, Seneca Valley, Pitt CC x 2 as mentioned while losing to the top teams on the schedule, State College (13-1) 28-7 and Pine Richland (13-3) 28-17. The heart of the team is back, returning quarterback Logan Kushner (55%-1589, 15/9) and lead receiver Khiryn Boyd (42-76py). Tyree Alualu (6-0, 205, 264ry) will contribute in a number of positions and is a force at linebacker with 62 tackles last year as a junior. Most of the defense returns. The schedule shows two home games beginning with Allerdice (4-7), a dangerous Canon McMillan group (5-6) then the first road game of the year at McDowell. Despite a lot of youth and a rebuilt defense, McDowell could surprise with last year’s sophomore quarterback Blayze Myers (6-3, 195) and running back-receiver Bobby Blue. NA had their best year last season since the title team of 2012. That’s where the comparison ends, but it was a notable upgrade over the previous year on defense allowing 13ppg vs 2021’s 23ppg, paving the way to a 11-win season. They also made real progress in the passing game.
5 Pittsburgh Central Catholic D7 7-5 (WPIAL runner up)
The big question entering this season is at the top where coach Ryan Lehmeier takes over for the retired Terry Totten. Coach Totten (’76 Central grad) was one of the state’s great coaches, retiring after 19 seasons with a 188-40 record and two state titles! Coach Lehmeier is well regarded, spending the last two seasons as OC at Seneca Valley and the previous six at Pine Richland where he was OC the final four years. With Sen Val recording a 13-8 record while there and Pine a 48-5 mark, the man brings a winning tradition with him despite not previously head a program. Back to Central: They were close last year with a one-point loss to Mt. Lebanon and a four-pointer to North Allegheny, both at home! Those losses may reverse with so many returning for this season including senior Qb Payton Wehner (62%-2505, 17/5; 61%-1460 as soph), his leading three receivers with 104 receptions for 1631 years, running backs Elijah Faulkner with 529 yards on 139 carries and Amari Shields with 512 yards on 124 attempts. LB/TE Cole Sullivan (6-4, 195) is back with 118 tackles with senior linebacker Anthony Speca (6-3, 225, PSU commit). The schedule will reveal them opening at dangerous Woodland Hills (6-6), then St. Ignatius-OH (8-4) before the home opener against Bethel Park (10-2).
6 Downingtown West D1 9-2 (Quarterfinal loser)
The Whippets return most of the pack from last year where it was mystifying they didn’t do more. Too young? So here they are with Coatesville doing a major rebuild and D-town East looking to replace record setting running back Bo Horvath’s 2315 rush yards. Add Garnet Valley who’s replacing just about everyone to realize they look well positioned to be ‘the’ team in the western burbs this year. Hard figuring how this group didn’t go farther last year with one of their best defenses in over ten years at 17ppg yield and an offense cranking out 38ppg. They lost to Perkiomen Valley 30-29, giving up a 26-10 half time lead and in a rematch-revenge-rivalry game to Downingtown West 34-9. But they’re looking good for this season with big numbers returning on offense with almost all their skill back led by quarterback Quinn Henicle (6-2, 190, jr, 59%-1506, 16/5) and a defense that returns at least 8 starters. They open at Lincoln in Philly then home against another District-1 power in Perkiomen Valley.
7 Manheim Township D3 9-4 (District runner up)
Like Downingtown above, the Streaks were a year too young, loaded as they were with talent. They could impress winning at Harrisburg (game 3) 24-20, then disappoint with conference home losses against Hempfield (9-3) 17-14 and Wilson (8-3) 27-21. As the season progressed and the team matured, they reversed earlier losses to Cumberland Valley (27-31, then 37-31) and routed Hempfield 42-6. Harrisburg ended their year with their own revenge-rematch-reversal, 44-6. Township may finally be ready for a legit run at Section-1 and beyond with a seasoned team returning almost everyone including quarterback Hayden Johnson (6-1, 185, jr, 73%, 2621, 26/8), four of his top five receivers and their lead back in Declan Clancy. Eight starters return to the defense that allowed 18ppg. The schedule is challenging opening at home to Cumberland Valley (7-4), then at Dallastown (4-6) before returning home for consecutive games against two of the best in Harrisburg and Spring Ford.
8 Perkiomen Valley D1 11-2 (District Semifinal loser)
Like Spring Ford, the Vikings are also from the PAC-Liberty where they’ve strung together 11 straight winning seasons totaling out to 100-27 (78.7%). Last year was one of their best seasons with a lot of young parts getting wins against Downingtown West (9-2) 30-29, Spring Ford (8-4) 7-6, Pope John Paul II (10-2) and Souderton (9-3). The losses were to Roman (9-2) 26-10 and CB West (9-5)14-13. For 2023, they return sophomore quarterback in Patrick MacDonald (5-11, 165), throwing at 64% for 1208 yards, their leading rusher in Jake Stewart (143/790) plus good numbers on the D, making them a favorite along with Spring Ford to win the PAC. Perk Val has won the last two against Spring Ford by narrow margins; 7-6 last year and 28-22 the year before. And they’ve won two of the last three at SF. The schedule will test them early opening on the road against two veteran, well quarterbacked teams at Chester (10-2) and Downingtown West (9-2), before the home opener against Delaware’s 3A champ Smyrna (12-1).
9 Spring Ford D1 8-4 (Quarterfinal loser)
The Rams had their 13th consecutive winning season last year, giving them a won-loss to 139-39 (78.0%)! Last year’s team had narrow losses to quality teams losing to Perkiomen Valley (11-2) 7-6, Manheim Township (9-4) 17-14 and Garnet Valley (13-1) 30-27 in overtime. And that was with a sophomore quarterback in Matt Zoellers (6-4, 200) throwing for 2055 yards with an outstanding 23/3 ratio and completion percent of 62. Three of his top five receivers return. The defense was largely senior but a core returns. And they showed development in their last two games defeating Ridley 42-28 in the playoffs before the ot loss at Garnet Valley making them appear as a serious contender in the PAC and beyond. Coach Chad Brubaker, the former OC at Wilson is stepping up big time this season opening at home against Governor Mifflin then three straight road games at Father Judge, Cumberland Valley and Manheim Township. They get Perk Val home Oct 6th.
TIE
Central Bucks West D1 9-5 (District runner up)
With most of the SOL 6As struggling, good things are happening at CB West putting them here with their second straight nine-win season, giving them a four-year record of 30-14. This is a notable improvement over the previous five seasons at 19-32 with one winning season. For 2023, they look to be senior laden with a rebuilding project on the line and finding backs to replace Eli Boehm’s 1655 yards and somewhat under rated Vince Cherubini (698ry). The OL will rebuild around LT Hayden Mulligan (6-4, 285) with (I believe) Danny Gannon (6-0, 230) and Carter Charron (6-1, 225) factoring in. A.J. Gerace was there on defense and could slide in. Not sure if Jeffrey Cappa is in at TE or Jack Williams. A huge factor in the Bucks favor is the return of a four-year starting quarterback in Ganz Cooper (6-1, 195). Conor McFadden (6-1, 175, sr) is a valued dual threat at corner and wide out. Really gets up to speed quick!
The defense that returns most of last year’s team should sustain the offense that will not be as lumbering as some predict with talent moving up, experienced linemen and a savvy veteran quarterback. Remember, these same guys showed great resiliency recovering from a 1-3 start. Not sure if safety Jack Fleisher (ACL vs Q-town or Pennbsbury) is back. Last year’s schedule saw them on the road for most of their difficult or rivalry games including Garnet Valley x 2, Upper Dublin, North Penn, CB South, CB East x 2 and Perkiomen Valley. This year’s schedule is more favorable opening at home against Garnet Valley and Upper Dublin before a road trip to Quakertown.
10 Nazareth D11 9-2 (District Quarterfinal loser)
While this is the only Top 10 team without a return starter at quarterback, you’ve got to like the program’s trajectory and on-field performance under veteran coach Tom Falzone. He had an outstanding career at Catasauqua going 47-18 before coming to Nazareth in 2014. But it hasn’t come easy, struggling through losing seasons in four of his first five years (23-31) before 2019’s breakout season going 12-2. The past four years have them at a lofty 36-8 overall record, holding their own against EPC bluebloods going 2-2 vs Emmaus, 3-2 vs Freedom and 2-3 vs Parkland. They are 28-0….!....against all other EPC teams (Easton, Beca, ACC, etc) in that four-year window. Nazareth’s season came to an end last year losing to Parkland 42-14 with star quarterback/safety Sonny Sassy sidelined with a hand injury. He is one of the key grads for this season, throwing for 1975 yards at 66% with a 21/2 ratio. Also a pretty good safety. Lead running back Colin Wells (97/619) and Jed Bonsignore (50/296) their #2 runner graduated along with one of their top receivers in Nathan Lobb (48/847). But they return one of the top players in the district in receiver Mason Kuehner (61/962!). They’re set there with Logan Hilarczyk (25/260py) and Frankie Mroz (12/112py) also back. That will ease the burden on the new starter Peyton Falzone (6-4, 195, soph) who will operate behind last year’s youthful line anchored by Sean Kinney (6-3, 295) and well regarded Parkland transfer Marquez Wimberly (5-9, 185, so) who rushed for 383 yards on 83 carries last year. He also had 60 tackles. This year’s schedule will test them with three of the first four on the road starting at always competitive East Stroudsburg South (4-6). Then they get right into the toughest part of the schedule at Emmaus (10-2) before a home game against Freedom (10-3) then back on the road at Parkland.
TIE
Parkland D11 9-5 (Quarterfinal loser)
Parkland recovered from a 2-3 start to go 7-2 down the stretch, winning the district by defeating Freedom 35-10 before losing to St. Joseph’s Prep in the quarterfinals 52-21. They played nine teams that finished above .500, going 4-5. Importantly for the coming season, they finished strong, beating Nazareth 42-14, Northampton (12-1) 31-13 and Freedom (10-3) 35-10 in the postseason before losing to St. Joe’s. The win against Nazareth came with Blue Bombers’ quarterback Sonny Sasso on the sidelines with an injured hand. Naz beat them in the regular season 28-10 with Sasso in the lineup. It appears they’ll field a strong team this year with the return of quarterback Luke Sprang (63%-2088, 18/8, 295ry-5Tds), the multi-talented Trey Trimba (1238ry-21Tds, 28/428py-5Tds), many experienced receivers and at least seven starters and co-starters from the defense. Tykear Davis (14 tackles) got a lot of time last year as did sophomore Leo Dauberman (17 stops). It’s important to note in a league that isn’t afraid to throw the ball the number of grads in the secondary; FS Nate Urso (31 tackles), S Chase Kusko (45 stops), CB Mason Hollis (60), S Jack Harrison (51 tackles) and CB Nakhi Bullock (29 stops). Other significant losses are at DT Nate Kemmerer (63 tackles) and their top tackler LB Victor Pagan with 87. For 2023, they open at home to Pocono Mountain West (5-6, EPC-N) then road games at Freedpm (10-3) and Liberty (2-8) before the big one at home against Nazareth Sept 15th.
Others:
**** Historic powers/programs that are always a factor
D1 - Ridley, Garnet Valley, Coatesville, North Penn, Dtown East
D3 - Wilson, Cumberland Valley, Central York
D10 - McDowell
D11- Freedom, Emmaus
D12 – LaSalle, Northeast
**** Historic powers going through a rare down cycle but viable
D1- Neshaminy, Pennsbury, Pennridge
D3 - Central Dauphin
D11- Easton
**** Surprises
D1- Souderton, Central Bucks East
D3 - Hempfield, Central Dauphin East, Red Lion, Cedar Crest
D7- Canon McMillan
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