4A STATE Preseason Top 10
Here’s a preseason look at the 4As. Some of the information is from the ‘post season quick hits’ write ups, and some new information on the teams that look promising. The top two return largely veteran units that could meet again for the third consecutive year in the final. Others were very young last year with big numbers returning. Another group is the well-established powers like McKeesport, Central Valley and Thomas Jefferson who are always there despite grad losses. Plus there are new teams to watch like Pope John Paul II who were exciting last year with everyone back and Mars who is a veteran team now coached by Pine Richland’s former head coach Eric Kasperowicz. Up next, how the 3As are looking.
1 Bishop McDevitt D-3 13-1
Like the 5A listing, you could flip #1 and #2 with McDevitt replacing so many linemen and losing special talent along the DL in Riley Robell (6-5, 295, James Madison) and others. Those seeing the state final witnessed his personal joy in destroying Aliquippa’s O-line in full revenge mode from the previous year’s 34-27 defeat. The OL graduates Gabriel Arena (6-5, 285, Va Tech). But they return record setting quarterback Stone Saunders (69%-3583, 54/5, Mich, Pitt, TexAM. etc) entering his junior year, two standout freshman from last year in running backs Maurice Barnes and JC Crummel, receivers Rico Scott, Nevin Hopkins, Samuel Smalls and TE/DE Nick Slogik 6-5, 240, sr). Although the line took hits, they return juniors Tay’Qujuan Hughes (6-2, 295) and Thomas Godhart (6-5, 275), both well regarded with others. With at least eight starters/co-starters back on D, they may approach last year’s record 9ppg yield. They open with Mount St. Joseph (7-4, MIAA-A, Md) who play good stuff like Archbishop Spalding and Calvert Hall. Then it’s powerful DePaul Catholic (7-5, Super White-NJ) who play some of the best teams (North Jersey) in the East including Don Bosco, Paramus and Bergen Catholic before a home game with LaSalle (5-6). If McDevitt gets past DePaul, they’ll be unstoppable in the regular season. DePaul returns soph Qb Derek Zammit (6-1, 185) who went 6-1 after the starter went down, completing 65% for 1329 yards with a 12/4 ratio. They’ve won six state championships the last ten years and will be formidable at home.
2 Aliquippa D-7 13-1
Most of last year’s runner-up to Bishop McDevitt return, including senior quarterback Quentin Goode (52%-1929, 23/6), wide out Brandon Bancs (24-398, sr), running back Tiqwai Hayes (249-1954ry, 32Tds, jr) and the unheralded John Tracy (818ry, sr). Quite a backfield! Center Braylon Wilcox (5-11, 248, sr) and Tackle Kamari Matthews (6-4, 330, sr) return to the lines. Hayes already has 3732 rush yards through his sophomore season. At 5-11, 205, he is a load to tackle and will only get stronger. Last year’s junior linebacker Cameron Lindsey (6-2, 210) stood out with 105 tackles. The Quips jump right into it opening at home to Armstrong who is loaded if they find a quarterback, then at North Catholic who has everyone back. The NC game is something different being at JC Stone Field (North Park) rather than Mars where games were played from 2019-2022. Like McDevitt, if they get past the better and more seasoned teams at the top of their schedule they should roll.
3 Manheim Central D-3 11-2
This was a young team last year except at defense where a large part of that veteran group graduated. But the offense that averaged a record high 48ppg returns nearly intact. Qb Zac Hahn had a decent junior year completing 60% for 2210 with 29/15 ratio. His top receivers return in Aaron Enterline (42/994) and Bode Sipel (42/630). Lead back Brycen Arnold led all rushers with 265 carries for 2242 yards and 34 touchdowns making them loaded on offense. The D returns a core of 4-5 starters and many co-starters to build on. They’ll start out at home vs West Chester East then to Salesianum School (Wilmington-DE) for the MFC Classic. Salesianum is hosting the first annual Mid-Atlantic Pigskin Classic at Abessianio. Here they’ll play last year’s 3A champ Smyrna (12-1) who rocked Middletown in the final 48-0. Then comes a huge Lancaster-Lebanon crossover game with LL-4 power Cocalico (MC is LL-2), last year’s 5A semifinal loser to Pine Richland 34-12.
4 Bonner Prendergast D-12 11-2
Bonner won the Philadelphia Catholic League Blue Division last year then the 4A district crown defeating Interboro (10-4) 33-21 before losing to Crestwood (13-2) 21-14. They graduate quarterback Justin Shepherd (54%-1214) but return a lot of firepower in running backs Avery Hankey (1176) and Jaylen Johnson (393ry, 230py). Their leading receivers are back in Jalil Hall (33-602) and Austin Cannon (13-184). The D looks sound with seven starters back and three of their leading tacklers; Isaiah Session (MLB, #1-90), 6-5, 210 Mylacchi Williams (DE, #3-50) and Mick Johnson (S, # 5-37). Williams can be a force and terror along with Session on a unit that allowed on average 12ppg. They look particularly strong in the secondary. Bonner established itself as a power in the classification over the last four years with a 33-7 record. This includes wins against Roman Catholic, Archbishop Wood and last year topping Neumann Gorretti (11-4), one of the 3A powers from the PCL-Blue. This year, Neumann is taking on Cincinnati’s Elder!! Bonner opens with Salesianum School of Wilmington.
5 Central Valley D-7 11-2
Any team that has gone 136-31-0 since their school opened in 2010 (Monaca-Center merger) has to be well ranked despite another year of severe graduations. The Warriors have had one losing season in their history, with consecutive State Finals appearances in 2019, 2020 and 2021, winning Gold in ‘20 and ‘21. They also won Silver in 2014. All of this occurred under the guidance of their only coach, Mark Lyons. And at a school where they expect to win the state title every year, it will be interesting seeing how they follow up on last season where their only losses were to Aliquippa in the regular season 35-24 and again in the Wpial final 34-7. They enter this season minus the services of Qb Antwon Johnson (59%-1442, 12/8), running back Bret Fitzsimons (1731, 30Tds, 70 tackles) and the receiving corps of Jayvin Thompson (26-386) and Diniro Simpson (16-256), plus many from defense. But, Coach played a lot of people there and return at least ten with substantial playing time totaling 403 tackles. This includes six sophomores and two freshmen who got serious time with for example, 23 tackles, 71, 34, 47, 63, 60 etc. The schedule is typical, opening at Trinity and Avonworth before coming home to Hampton.
6 McKeesport D-7 11-2
The Tigers had another strong season only to have it short circuited by Aliquippa as it was the year before. Strong as the program is, that will remain an issue as long as the Quips are forced to play ‘up’ and the Tigers stay one-dimensional. For the coming season, they need to replace 1365 rush yards by Quarterback Jahmil Perryman and 553 pass yards. Bobby Boyd and Larry Gibson also graduate after rushing for 1117 and 520 respectively. But with a young line and the bottomless pit at running back, they’ll challenge again. Some of the linemen are TE/DE/OL Michael Sapos (6-4, 210, jr), C Brady Boyle (6-1, 245, sr), Jaydan Daniels (6-1, 265, sr), Courtney Dunn (6-2, 246, sr), Ryan Burtner (6-1, 275, sr) and Nicholas Winowitch (6-3, 235, sr). At running back, Anthony Boyd (5-8, 180, jr) will have a larger role after rushing for 230 yards on 24 carries as a sophomore. Look for the Tigers to get their 26th consecutive playoff appearance with Matt Miller in his 8th season with a 61-20 record since replacing the legendary George Smith in 2016. This season opens at home against West Mifflin then Penn Trafford before a road trip to Belle Vernon (12-2), last year’s 3A champ. BV beat Neumann Goretti (11-4) 9-8 in the final but lost to McKeesport in the regular season 14-6. With BV loaded again, the game will be a good barometer of 3A and 4A strength in the Wpial.
7 Pope John Paul II D-3 10-2
PJP-II was formed in 2010 as a result of a merger of Kennedy Kenrick and St. Pius X. They’ve been a steady winner and post season constant the last six years generating a 45-15 record. Last year’s team started off 9-0 before losing a close one to the Liberty Division champ Perkiomen Valley 21-14 in a PAC crossover game The other loss was in the district final at Interboro 38-14. But they should be a handful this season with nearly the entire team back on both sides of the ball; Seniors Qb Luke Terlesky (69%, 1896, 17/7), RB Boyd Skarbek (182/1193) and their top three receivers that averaged 34ppg are back with almost all the defense that allowed 15ppg. Six of their top seven tacklers return. Its surprising how well they performed last year with five sophomores and a freshman starting or co-starting. The opening slate sees them on the road their first three games at Chambersburg, Archbishop Ryan and Berks Catholic before coming home to Father Judge.
TIE
Lampeter Strasburg D-3 9-3
The Pioneers are a highly successful Lancaster area team with one losing season the past 24 years and an 82-38 mark the last ten. Last year’s team was a mild surprise, winning nine games in a major youth movement. Bottom line, most starters are back including quarterback Trent Wagner (60%, 1668, 21/5, 67-268ry) their leading rusher Carson Coleman (1110) and two of their top three receivers from a group that scored 35ppg! The D returns seven starters that allowed 14ppg. Last year’s team lost to Solanco (5A, 11-1) 40-35, Wyomissing (3A, 13-1) 21-0 and Manheim Central (4A, 11-2) 42-7! They look to be formidable. But will start the season on the road at Solanco then Penn Manor before the home opener against Kennard Dale.
8 Thomas Jefferson D-7 8-4
Thomas Jefferson fielded another strong team last year that put coach Bill Cherpak in the 300-win club with a record of 300-54, nine Wpial titles, and State Titles in 2004, 2007, 2008, 2019 and 2020. Last year’s team had another in a long list of strong O-Lines with Peyton Krueger (6-3, 275), Nick Florian (6-1, 270), Nathan Everley (6-6, 255), TE/DE Jordan Meyer (6-5, 230, 21-268py, 48 tackles, Wis), Brenden Fulmer (6-1, 270), etc, etc. They graduated. But they return a lot of skill in Qb Brody Evans (6-3, 195, sr, 58%-1986, 19/9) Rbs Elias Lippincott (6-2, 220, 909ry) and Aidan Whalen (542), and receiver Sean Sullivan (880py). And with their history of cranking out linemen, you’d think they’ll find a way. They open with home games against Baldwin and West Mifflin before a road trips to Latrobe and the real test at Belle Vernon.
9 Mars D-7 6-5
Mars looks like a team to keep an eye on after showing good potential last year with a young group that managed to score 32ppg. The problem was youth and a correspondingly bad defense allowing 27ppg. Even in defeat, they scored points, losing to good stuff verses Highlands (9-2) 54-22 and Armstrong (11-2) 58-31. Then there are the ones that got away, losing to Hampton (5-6) 49-42 and Blackhawk (4-7) 15-14. Games they will not likely lose this year. And finally, they were no match for McKeesport’s outstanding defense losing 43-0 to the 11-2 Tigers. The defense that played three sophomores and two freshman return seven starters plus their top three tacklers; LB Jacob Maple (6-2, 220, 106 stops), SS Mason Childress (5-11, 190, 92 stops) and DE Connor Hartle (5-11, 190, 73 tackles). They must be high on last year’s freshman who got time in Zach Dentel (6-0, 190, 8gs, 30 stops) and Ethan Kresinski (5-11, 175, 6gs, 16 tackles). And at the top is the former Pine Richland Coach Eric Kasperowicz. Knowing what he did at Pine Richland from 2013 through 2020 (85-18) where they won State Titles in 2017, 2020, 2022, and two runner-up Silver Medals in 2003 and 2014, look for ‘Coach K’ to alter the power structure in 4A and make Mars a legitimate threat in the classification. They open at home to Montour, then away at New Castle then home to Blackhawk.
10 Armstrong D-7 11-2
Armstrong’s season is all about how and if they replace quarterback Cadin Olsen who exceeded the 2000-yard mark in passing for three straight years, topped by last year’s 3210 yards at 64% while throwing 42-Tds against 13 picks. With six returning to the D that was scary young last year starting two sophs and a frosh, they should be ok. Especially as most of the O-skill return including running back Alex Patton (5-8, 210, 966ry), and receivers Ian Olsen (44/1074), Isaiah Brown (50/890) and Kyan Kline (57/558). Kline is quite an athlete, serving as back up Qb in 2021. Armstrong High has only been around for seven years reflecting the merger in 2016 of Ford City and Kittanning. Apart from the disastrous 1-8 season in 2019, they’ve gone 42-22. Last year’s team was their best to date with a prolific offense at 39ppg that hid a young and vulnerable defense allowing 19ppg. They had a strong game against Aliquippa the second game of the year losing 28-14, then crushed the next nine opponents before McKeesport who defeated them in the district quarterfinals 41-21. They open with Valley at home this year then get Aliquippa again after giving them a good game last year.
TIE
North Catholic D-7 4-6
North Catholic has had a super strong run from 2008 through 2021, going 133-41! Current coach Patrick O’Shea has a 55-16 mark since his hire in 2017 making them one of the most successful teams in the WPIAL. Last year’s team suffered growing pains of moving up in class to 4A with a young team. This year should show real improvement with almost the entire team returning including quarterback Jay Siket (46%-793, 7/9), running back Jack Fennell (106/595), all of the receiver corps and 7 starters on defense. The schedule is no joke opening with Serra Catholic (7-4) then Shady Side Academy (7-5) followed by home games against Aliquippa (13-1) and Highlands (9-2). There are no easy wins in the Greater Allegheny with Armstrong, an improved Highlands program and Mars now led by Coach K.
OTHERS:
Selinsgrove D-4 9-3
Jersey Shore D-4 12-1
Twin Valley D-3 7-5
Milton Hershey D-3 5-5
Bishop Shanahan D-1 4-6
Highlands D-7 9-2
Here’s a preseason look at the 4As. Some of the information is from the ‘post season quick hits’ write ups, and some new information on the teams that look promising. The top two return largely veteran units that could meet again for the third consecutive year in the final. Others were very young last year with big numbers returning. Another group is the well-established powers like McKeesport, Central Valley and Thomas Jefferson who are always there despite grad losses. Plus there are new teams to watch like Pope John Paul II who were exciting last year with everyone back and Mars who is a veteran team now coached by Pine Richland’s former head coach Eric Kasperowicz. Up next, how the 3As are looking.
1 Bishop McDevitt D-3 13-1
Like the 5A listing, you could flip #1 and #2 with McDevitt replacing so many linemen and losing special talent along the DL in Riley Robell (6-5, 295, James Madison) and others. Those seeing the state final witnessed his personal joy in destroying Aliquippa’s O-line in full revenge mode from the previous year’s 34-27 defeat. The OL graduates Gabriel Arena (6-5, 285, Va Tech). But they return record setting quarterback Stone Saunders (69%-3583, 54/5, Mich, Pitt, TexAM. etc) entering his junior year, two standout freshman from last year in running backs Maurice Barnes and JC Crummel, receivers Rico Scott, Nevin Hopkins, Samuel Smalls and TE/DE Nick Slogik 6-5, 240, sr). Although the line took hits, they return juniors Tay’Qujuan Hughes (6-2, 295) and Thomas Godhart (6-5, 275), both well regarded with others. With at least eight starters/co-starters back on D, they may approach last year’s record 9ppg yield. They open with Mount St. Joseph (7-4, MIAA-A, Md) who play good stuff like Archbishop Spalding and Calvert Hall. Then it’s powerful DePaul Catholic (7-5, Super White-NJ) who play some of the best teams (North Jersey) in the East including Don Bosco, Paramus and Bergen Catholic before a home game with LaSalle (5-6). If McDevitt gets past DePaul, they’ll be unstoppable in the regular season. DePaul returns soph Qb Derek Zammit (6-1, 185) who went 6-1 after the starter went down, completing 65% for 1329 yards with a 12/4 ratio. They’ve won six state championships the last ten years and will be formidable at home.
2 Aliquippa D-7 13-1
Most of last year’s runner-up to Bishop McDevitt return, including senior quarterback Quentin Goode (52%-1929, 23/6), wide out Brandon Bancs (24-398, sr), running back Tiqwai Hayes (249-1954ry, 32Tds, jr) and the unheralded John Tracy (818ry, sr). Quite a backfield! Center Braylon Wilcox (5-11, 248, sr) and Tackle Kamari Matthews (6-4, 330, sr) return to the lines. Hayes already has 3732 rush yards through his sophomore season. At 5-11, 205, he is a load to tackle and will only get stronger. Last year’s junior linebacker Cameron Lindsey (6-2, 210) stood out with 105 tackles. The Quips jump right into it opening at home to Armstrong who is loaded if they find a quarterback, then at North Catholic who has everyone back. The NC game is something different being at JC Stone Field (North Park) rather than Mars where games were played from 2019-2022. Like McDevitt, if they get past the better and more seasoned teams at the top of their schedule they should roll.
3 Manheim Central D-3 11-2
This was a young team last year except at defense where a large part of that veteran group graduated. But the offense that averaged a record high 48ppg returns nearly intact. Qb Zac Hahn had a decent junior year completing 60% for 2210 with 29/15 ratio. His top receivers return in Aaron Enterline (42/994) and Bode Sipel (42/630). Lead back Brycen Arnold led all rushers with 265 carries for 2242 yards and 34 touchdowns making them loaded on offense. The D returns a core of 4-5 starters and many co-starters to build on. They’ll start out at home vs West Chester East then to Salesianum School (Wilmington-DE) for the MFC Classic. Salesianum is hosting the first annual Mid-Atlantic Pigskin Classic at Abessianio. Here they’ll play last year’s 3A champ Smyrna (12-1) who rocked Middletown in the final 48-0. Then comes a huge Lancaster-Lebanon crossover game with LL-4 power Cocalico (MC is LL-2), last year’s 5A semifinal loser to Pine Richland 34-12.
4 Bonner Prendergast D-12 11-2
Bonner won the Philadelphia Catholic League Blue Division last year then the 4A district crown defeating Interboro (10-4) 33-21 before losing to Crestwood (13-2) 21-14. They graduate quarterback Justin Shepherd (54%-1214) but return a lot of firepower in running backs Avery Hankey (1176) and Jaylen Johnson (393ry, 230py). Their leading receivers are back in Jalil Hall (33-602) and Austin Cannon (13-184). The D looks sound with seven starters back and three of their leading tacklers; Isaiah Session (MLB, #1-90), 6-5, 210 Mylacchi Williams (DE, #3-50) and Mick Johnson (S, # 5-37). Williams can be a force and terror along with Session on a unit that allowed on average 12ppg. They look particularly strong in the secondary. Bonner established itself as a power in the classification over the last four years with a 33-7 record. This includes wins against Roman Catholic, Archbishop Wood and last year topping Neumann Gorretti (11-4), one of the 3A powers from the PCL-Blue. This year, Neumann is taking on Cincinnati’s Elder!! Bonner opens with Salesianum School of Wilmington.
5 Central Valley D-7 11-2
Any team that has gone 136-31-0 since their school opened in 2010 (Monaca-Center merger) has to be well ranked despite another year of severe graduations. The Warriors have had one losing season in their history, with consecutive State Finals appearances in 2019, 2020 and 2021, winning Gold in ‘20 and ‘21. They also won Silver in 2014. All of this occurred under the guidance of their only coach, Mark Lyons. And at a school where they expect to win the state title every year, it will be interesting seeing how they follow up on last season where their only losses were to Aliquippa in the regular season 35-24 and again in the Wpial final 34-7. They enter this season minus the services of Qb Antwon Johnson (59%-1442, 12/8), running back Bret Fitzsimons (1731, 30Tds, 70 tackles) and the receiving corps of Jayvin Thompson (26-386) and Diniro Simpson (16-256), plus many from defense. But, Coach played a lot of people there and return at least ten with substantial playing time totaling 403 tackles. This includes six sophomores and two freshmen who got serious time with for example, 23 tackles, 71, 34, 47, 63, 60 etc. The schedule is typical, opening at Trinity and Avonworth before coming home to Hampton.
6 McKeesport D-7 11-2
The Tigers had another strong season only to have it short circuited by Aliquippa as it was the year before. Strong as the program is, that will remain an issue as long as the Quips are forced to play ‘up’ and the Tigers stay one-dimensional. For the coming season, they need to replace 1365 rush yards by Quarterback Jahmil Perryman and 553 pass yards. Bobby Boyd and Larry Gibson also graduate after rushing for 1117 and 520 respectively. But with a young line and the bottomless pit at running back, they’ll challenge again. Some of the linemen are TE/DE/OL Michael Sapos (6-4, 210, jr), C Brady Boyle (6-1, 245, sr), Jaydan Daniels (6-1, 265, sr), Courtney Dunn (6-2, 246, sr), Ryan Burtner (6-1, 275, sr) and Nicholas Winowitch (6-3, 235, sr). At running back, Anthony Boyd (5-8, 180, jr) will have a larger role after rushing for 230 yards on 24 carries as a sophomore. Look for the Tigers to get their 26th consecutive playoff appearance with Matt Miller in his 8th season with a 61-20 record since replacing the legendary George Smith in 2016. This season opens at home against West Mifflin then Penn Trafford before a road trip to Belle Vernon (12-2), last year’s 3A champ. BV beat Neumann Goretti (11-4) 9-8 in the final but lost to McKeesport in the regular season 14-6. With BV loaded again, the game will be a good barometer of 3A and 4A strength in the Wpial.
7 Pope John Paul II D-3 10-2
PJP-II was formed in 2010 as a result of a merger of Kennedy Kenrick and St. Pius X. They’ve been a steady winner and post season constant the last six years generating a 45-15 record. Last year’s team started off 9-0 before losing a close one to the Liberty Division champ Perkiomen Valley 21-14 in a PAC crossover game The other loss was in the district final at Interboro 38-14. But they should be a handful this season with nearly the entire team back on both sides of the ball; Seniors Qb Luke Terlesky (69%, 1896, 17/7), RB Boyd Skarbek (182/1193) and their top three receivers that averaged 34ppg are back with almost all the defense that allowed 15ppg. Six of their top seven tacklers return. Its surprising how well they performed last year with five sophomores and a freshman starting or co-starting. The opening slate sees them on the road their first three games at Chambersburg, Archbishop Ryan and Berks Catholic before coming home to Father Judge.
TIE
Lampeter Strasburg D-3 9-3
The Pioneers are a highly successful Lancaster area team with one losing season the past 24 years and an 82-38 mark the last ten. Last year’s team was a mild surprise, winning nine games in a major youth movement. Bottom line, most starters are back including quarterback Trent Wagner (60%, 1668, 21/5, 67-268ry) their leading rusher Carson Coleman (1110) and two of their top three receivers from a group that scored 35ppg! The D returns seven starters that allowed 14ppg. Last year’s team lost to Solanco (5A, 11-1) 40-35, Wyomissing (3A, 13-1) 21-0 and Manheim Central (4A, 11-2) 42-7! They look to be formidable. But will start the season on the road at Solanco then Penn Manor before the home opener against Kennard Dale.
8 Thomas Jefferson D-7 8-4
Thomas Jefferson fielded another strong team last year that put coach Bill Cherpak in the 300-win club with a record of 300-54, nine Wpial titles, and State Titles in 2004, 2007, 2008, 2019 and 2020. Last year’s team had another in a long list of strong O-Lines with Peyton Krueger (6-3, 275), Nick Florian (6-1, 270), Nathan Everley (6-6, 255), TE/DE Jordan Meyer (6-5, 230, 21-268py, 48 tackles, Wis), Brenden Fulmer (6-1, 270), etc, etc. They graduated. But they return a lot of skill in Qb Brody Evans (6-3, 195, sr, 58%-1986, 19/9) Rbs Elias Lippincott (6-2, 220, 909ry) and Aidan Whalen (542), and receiver Sean Sullivan (880py). And with their history of cranking out linemen, you’d think they’ll find a way. They open with home games against Baldwin and West Mifflin before a road trips to Latrobe and the real test at Belle Vernon.
9 Mars D-7 6-5
Mars looks like a team to keep an eye on after showing good potential last year with a young group that managed to score 32ppg. The problem was youth and a correspondingly bad defense allowing 27ppg. Even in defeat, they scored points, losing to good stuff verses Highlands (9-2) 54-22 and Armstrong (11-2) 58-31. Then there are the ones that got away, losing to Hampton (5-6) 49-42 and Blackhawk (4-7) 15-14. Games they will not likely lose this year. And finally, they were no match for McKeesport’s outstanding defense losing 43-0 to the 11-2 Tigers. The defense that played three sophomores and two freshman return seven starters plus their top three tacklers; LB Jacob Maple (6-2, 220, 106 stops), SS Mason Childress (5-11, 190, 92 stops) and DE Connor Hartle (5-11, 190, 73 tackles). They must be high on last year’s freshman who got time in Zach Dentel (6-0, 190, 8gs, 30 stops) and Ethan Kresinski (5-11, 175, 6gs, 16 tackles). And at the top is the former Pine Richland Coach Eric Kasperowicz. Knowing what he did at Pine Richland from 2013 through 2020 (85-18) where they won State Titles in 2017, 2020, 2022, and two runner-up Silver Medals in 2003 and 2014, look for ‘Coach K’ to alter the power structure in 4A and make Mars a legitimate threat in the classification. They open at home to Montour, then away at New Castle then home to Blackhawk.
10 Armstrong D-7 11-2
Armstrong’s season is all about how and if they replace quarterback Cadin Olsen who exceeded the 2000-yard mark in passing for three straight years, topped by last year’s 3210 yards at 64% while throwing 42-Tds against 13 picks. With six returning to the D that was scary young last year starting two sophs and a frosh, they should be ok. Especially as most of the O-skill return including running back Alex Patton (5-8, 210, 966ry), and receivers Ian Olsen (44/1074), Isaiah Brown (50/890) and Kyan Kline (57/558). Kline is quite an athlete, serving as back up Qb in 2021. Armstrong High has only been around for seven years reflecting the merger in 2016 of Ford City and Kittanning. Apart from the disastrous 1-8 season in 2019, they’ve gone 42-22. Last year’s team was their best to date with a prolific offense at 39ppg that hid a young and vulnerable defense allowing 19ppg. They had a strong game against Aliquippa the second game of the year losing 28-14, then crushed the next nine opponents before McKeesport who defeated them in the district quarterfinals 41-21. They open with Valley at home this year then get Aliquippa again after giving them a good game last year.
TIE
North Catholic D-7 4-6
North Catholic has had a super strong run from 2008 through 2021, going 133-41! Current coach Patrick O’Shea has a 55-16 mark since his hire in 2017 making them one of the most successful teams in the WPIAL. Last year’s team suffered growing pains of moving up in class to 4A with a young team. This year should show real improvement with almost the entire team returning including quarterback Jay Siket (46%-793, 7/9), running back Jack Fennell (106/595), all of the receiver corps and 7 starters on defense. The schedule is no joke opening with Serra Catholic (7-4) then Shady Side Academy (7-5) followed by home games against Aliquippa (13-1) and Highlands (9-2). There are no easy wins in the Greater Allegheny with Armstrong, an improved Highlands program and Mars now led by Coach K.
OTHERS:
Selinsgrove D-4 9-3
Jersey Shore D-4 12-1
Twin Valley D-3 7-5
Milton Hershey D-3 5-5
Bishop Shanahan D-1 4-6
Highlands D-7 9-2
