5A STATE Preseason Top 15
Here’s a best guesstimate of this year’s top 5A teams. What stood out was the number of teams doing big rebuilds or with a new staff. High end teams like Strath Haven, Upper Dublin, Plymouth Whitemarsh, Shippensburg, Exeter, Solance, Warwick and more. Penn Trafford and Franklin Regional return some good parts but both lose good dual threat quarterbacks. Whitehall (7-6) returns a quarterback but doesn’t like to play defense any more than North Penn does. And they have a new staff. Etcetera, etcetera! Lots of change out there and who knows how it all shakes out. Scroll well down to see the post season reviews for more detail done for each area a few weeks/months ago.
**** the schedules are as of this posting.
1 Imhotep Charter School D-12 10-3
The Panthers return a pile of bodies that in a ‘combined’ State Top-10 would likely have them in the 2 slot behind St. Joseph’s Prep, with a few of the following 5As not far behind. Here are a few of their returning starters; QB Mikal Davis (6-0, 200, 1787py, sr), RB Jabree Coleman (6-1, 185, 1040ry, jr ), TE Johann Hennigan (6-1, 225, 22-372, sr), OT Zafir Stewart (6-5, 330, sr), DTs Jahsear Whittingham (6-2, 280, sr) and David Johnson (6-1, 270, sr), DE Zahir Mathis (6-6, 230, jr), CBs Naim Dantzler-jr, Kenny Woseley-sr and more. About the schedule, unless they schedule a game for August, they begin as they did last year (minus McDevitt of Harrisburg) with a tough opening slate at the Haverford School (10-0) followed by Archbishop Spalding (11-1) and Malvern Prep (8-2). Both Spalding and Malvern are revenge games at the super site. Those three will tell all with Haverford School returning one of the best O-Lines in the area, Spalding with one of the top QBs in Malik Washington (6-5, 200, +3000, 60%, 30/8) and Malvern Prep being Malvern Prep.
******** Edited to include classes and starting DLs Andre Cooper (5-11, 255, sr) and Raheem Reid (6-2, 220, sr).
2 Pine Richland D-7 13-3
Pine Richland faces the coming season without Ryan Palmieri who gave them one of the greatest single season performances in the area’s history, rushing for 1929 rush yards (24-Tds), completing 69% of his passes for 1104 yards (10-Tds) and catching eight passes for 92 yards. He had 92 tackles on defense. For the coming season, they’re thin in returning starters with five by my count but played a number of people last year winning games by an average score of 30-15. That was invaluable experience playing extra games by advancing to and winning the 5A title against a schedule with only one losing team. Another plus, this is year-2 of Coach Jon LeDonne’s system to see things are not so dismal as many suppose. And hey, it’s Pine Richland who has won three state titles the last six years and two runner-up trophies despite turmoil in the coaching staff. With a record of 100-21 the last nine years, they’ve established themselves as one of the premier programs in the state. They open at Pickerington North who has most of their skill back. Then Kiski and Penn Hills at home in a key 5A-North East Conference game.
3 Cathedral Prep D-10 8-3
Put the Ramblers a slot below Pine Richland per their close loss to them last year in the quarterfinals, 21-14 and decent returns. Prep had a 14-0 lead in that one but Pine had quarterback Palmieri….!....and a score in the last 2:01 to get the win. For the coming season, junior quarterback Luke Costello (51%, 1262, 13/4) who started from the Solon game on (replaced veteran Carter Barnes) is back with running back Dajoure Hollinsworth who rushed for 856 yards on 87 carries after replacing the injured Suhtaun Lewis. Their schedule largely mimics last years playing the usual Canadian and New York teams, Erie’s 6As McDowell and Erie High, with a few Ohio teams sprinkled in. Archbishop Hoban (Akron, 14-2) is again on the schedule, losing in the Div-II final last year to Central Catholic of Toledo 28-21 after routing Prep 47-14 in Akron. Following the Hoban opener at Cathedral, they play Canisius-Buffalo then always tough St. Francis-Hamburg who beat them last year 28-26.
4 Gateway D-7 7-4
Gateway edged Penn Hills vs ‘same opponents’ (Woody, NHills, PCC, Nor) going 3-1 to 1-3 and with a better average score of 24-14 vs 21-19. For 2023, the return of quarterback Brad Birch (61%-2024, 20/13) and Jaquon Reynolds (159-654ry, 32-324py) along with TE Remy Bose (6-1, 220), guards Chase Gabriel (6-1, 275) and Jake Santo (6-3, 260), and a well-regarded junior class now in their senior year says the Gators will be a major player in the ‘Wpial’ and perhaps beyond. The defense was ok at 17ppg knowing they had the 41-17 blowout to McKeesport, allowing 14ppg in all other games. The opening schedule is difficult at Mt. Lebanon who will be gunning for them losing last year (opener) in Monroeville 21-6. Then comes another big game at Woodland Hills. The home opener is against North Hills who they edged 20-17 last year.
5 Bethel Park D-7 10-2
The Blackhawks just completed their best season since the 2009 edition that also went 10-2 on the heels of the title run the year before where they finished 15-1 with a 28-21 ot loss to Liberty in the State Final. To some degree, the success of 2022 was expected with a pile of starters back except at quarterback (Max Blanc-Youngstown). Unfortunately, the season ended with a revenge/rematch loss to Upper St. Clair, 17-7. 2023 will hinge in part on how last year’s sophomore quarterback Tanner Pfeiffer (64%-1498, 14/8) matures. Also returning is well-regarded junior Ryan Petras with 44 receptions for 578 yards and 89 rushing attempts for 578 yards. But they have key people to replace beginning with OL Braeden Del Duca (6-2, 260), and two-way talents in FB/LB Gavin Moul (113-619ry, Delaware, 6-1 225), RB/S Austin Caye (175/787, Qb’d the D, Dayton?), TE/OLB Aiden Currie (17-210) and WR/DB Dinari Clacks (18-289). The cupboard is not bare, with the return of senior lineman Jake Brown (6-0, 285), Dylan Prindle (6-4, 245) and TE Clancy Orie (6-3, 220, jr), the impressive sophomore from last year. NG Brady Remington (5-1, 195, sr, OL?) is also back with MLB Rob Lakandula (6-1, 235, FB?). The schedule is challenging but manageable opening at North Hills, home to Mt. Lebanon then a major test at Central Catholic.
6 Penn Hills D-7 5-5
Looking back over last year’s results combined with this year’s returns says the 6-spot may too low for this group. Coach Charles Morris kept them competitive despite a number of tight losses that could have seen them throw in the towel. They didn’t, losing to Pittsburgh Central Catholic 33-28 in game #8 and closing at Woodland Hills in a 7-3 loss. Nail biting losses to Seneca Valley 17-15 and North Hills 27-26 prevented a 9-1 season. With quarterback Julian Dugger (55%-1342, 537ry) and running back Amir Key with 1249 yards returning and the other side well stocked, the game with Pine Richland takes on even more significance as it may preview the Wpial final. They open at home vs Seneca Valley then on the road to Norwin then the key early season game at Pine Richland Sept 8th.
7 Roman Catholic D-12 9-3
Here’s a team that ‘could have been’ had they eked past Imhotep instead of losing 14-6 in the district final. How exciting would a game with Pine Richland have been if Roman had gone on to defeat Whitehall and Upper Dublin? Maybe this year. They fielded one of their best defenses in many years, allowing 12ppg with seven opponents held to ten points or less. Although they lose some key pieces of that defense (top 4 tackles) they return two DLs and a veteran secondary. Offensively, they look good with the return of quarterback Semaj Beals (58%-1774) and outstanding receivers Tyseer Denmark (53/892, Oregon commit) and Trey Woodley (15/235). They open at home to Wilson (8-3, D3), then Lincoln (8-5, Philly Public), then a war with Episcopal Academy (9-1) of the Inter-Academic League who is loaded!
8 Woodland Hills D-7 6-6
Woodland Hills is a true 3A playing up. That was revealed last year with numbers issues and a youthful team that was blown out 48-14 by Penn Trafford, 38-23 to Highlands, 35-21 to Pine Richland and shutout by Gateway 21-0. But they ended strong beating good Penn Hills and Franklin Regional teams before losing competitively to Pine in a playoff rematch 23-12. They played a number of sophomores and a few freshmen last year. Those playing prominent roles were quarterback Cam Walter (48%-853, 7/10), running back Frankie Keyes (99-515) and wide out Will Smith (36-325). Brandon Jones (102-527) also returns with Andre Smith. Despite numbers, they seem to always have a massive line. Last year’s came in at 279 and return Majuan Rose (6-3, 285) and Pierce Cannon (6-5, 300). Last year’s finish was something to build on with all the youth returning, youth that will be tested right up front in games against Central Catholic, Gateway and Penn Trafford. All are home games.
9 Upper St. Clair D7 10-3
Like Bethel Park above, USC also had their best season in years, going back to 2013’s 11-1 season. Still, they lost home games to Bethel Park 27-14 and Canon McMillan 28-24. They avenged the Bethel loss in the playoffs 17-7 then lost to Pine Richland 34-3 to end the season. With big holes to fill on the line (Ehase, Kirk, Banbury, Lapinski, Howe) and big numbers from the defense, the rebuild looks good knowing it will be in the hands of two outstanding quarterbacks in junior Julian Dahlem (63%-980, 16/4) and sophomore Ethan Hellmann (65%-907, 9/3). Otherwise it’s new skill at receiver where the top three graduate taking 72 receptions for 1371yds including Aidan Besselman (6-3 190, 41-818, 41 tackles) plus running back Jamaal Brown (200-1484). The defense will rebuild around standout sophs from last year in LB Vince Hellmann (6-1, 190, 65 tackles) and DE Nate Stohl (6-3, 240, 50 tackles) and two-way senior lineman Mark Carone (6-4, 250, 21 tackles). The talent shown at quarterback last year should set the Panthers up for the coming season and the next few years.
10 Peters Township D-7 6-4
Peters Township is a program that might sneak by you if you didn’t notice they’re 56-21 since TJ Plack took over in 2016. His best was 2019’s 12-2 team that lost in the WPIAL final to Gateway 20-19. Coach has turned the program around after a five-year stint at South Fayette going 30-18. Last year’s team was young with only five seniors and should be a major player this year with quarterback Chris Cibrone (58%-1974py, 19/7) back plus four of their top five receivers, along with all of last year’s sophomores and juniors now a year older. This is the group that averaged 31ppg! Last year was a strange year with tight losses to USC 17-10, Lebo 6-3 and Bethel 27-21, as well as the shocker to C-Mac 26-7? They should get off to another strong start (6-1 last year) opening at home to Fox Chapel, Seneca Valley then away at Trinity. PT could be a real surprise this year.
11 Delaware Valley D-2 7-6
Delaware Valley’s young team played a typical Warrior slate scheduling Mosley of Florida (5-5, Panhandle area), Harrisburg (11-3) and Downingtown East (9-4) last year, losing all three. But they hung tough with Mosley losing 24-23 and Downingtown losing 28-20 while getting clobbered by the Cougars 32-3. The other high quality opponents were LFC-Division 1 champ Valley View (10-3), one of the top 4As in the state who they beat 41-27, and Scranton Prep (9-4), one of the top 3As who edged them 20-13. Not bad for a young group. This year’s team graduated but 11 seniors and return almost everyone. This includes senior quarterback Tyler Bird (80/166-49%, 1136 7/11), the coach’s son junior quarterback Logan Olsommer (43/80-54%, 459, 3/2), the #2 back Ryder Machado (719) and two leading receivers from a unit that averaged 24ppg. Looks like there could be a quarterback battle! The D that allowed 20ppg graduated four starters but returns their top three tackles (96, 102, 143!), seven starters and at least five co-starters. This year’s schedule will again reveal them early, opening at Selinsgrove before the home opener against Harrisburg and a road trip to Downingtown East, all of which are expected to field powerful teams.
12 Rustin D1 11-2
For a ‘new’ program opening in 2006, few teams had the success Rustin has generating one of the best records in the state at 146-52 while finishing second in the district playoffs three consecutive years. Mike St. Clair has been their only coach. Last year’s team went to overtime to beat Strath Haven in the postseason 28-27 after losing to them the preceding year 34-33, also in overtime. A 21-7 loss to Upper Dublin in the district final brought the season to a close. And that was with a young team. Two sophomores stood out in quarterback David McLain and running back Chase Hutton (5-9, 190, 1222ry). With Strath Haven, Upper Dublin and other power teams in major rebuilds, look for the Golden Knights to get over the hump and finally win districts. The schedule mimics last year’s opening at Henderson and West Chester East, then home against Kennett.
13 Cocalico D-3 10-5
The Eagles somehow conjured up a 10-win season with a relatively young group of juniors, with a few seniors, sophomores and a freshman mixed in. And they won the district title! That youth showed up in losses to the top teams on the schedule against Solanco (11-1), Manheim Central (11-2), Lampeter Strasburg (9-3) and Wyomissing (13-1), before rallying for a 7-1 finish and date in the semifinal where they lost to Pine Richland (13-3) 34-12. Those teams had a combined record of 57-9, making the youthful Eagles one battle tested bunch! With most of last year’s team returning including the entire backfield with senior running back Sam Steffey (309-1829ry) headlining, look for another serious run. One thing is certain, the pecking order in the district will be sorted out early opening with a road game at Warwick followed by homers against Solanco and Manheim Central.
TIE
Whitehall 5A D11 7-6
Whitehall won their 4th district title in the last seven years by routing Southern Lehigh (9-3) in the district final at Catasauqua 43-17! Then came a somewhat misleading score verses Delaware Valley, scoring 17 4th quarter points for the 34-13 win in States. This was followed by a 55-7 drubbing at the hands of Imhotep (10-3) where they looked out of position on some series and a step slow.
The big news for the coming season is the retirement of four-year coach Matt Senneca (17-26, two district titles), with Andy Marino stepping in. Marino was the Line Coach at Elon College and is a Neshaminy grad. This year’s team will then be something of a mystery with the new staff and a rebuild. But they return quarterback Trey Dogmanits (167/291-57%, 1997py, 22/14 ratio) who can be a load when on. Two of their leading receivers are also back making the priority issues appear to be the defense that was senior oriented. This year’s opening slate resembles last year with the homer to Pocono Mountain East followed by Bethlehem Catholic then Easton. Actually the entire schedule is a workout with no breathers in the EPC-South.
14 Southern Lehigh D-11 9-3
Southern Lehigh opened with a disappointing 42-28 loss at Quakertown last year before reeling off eight straight including a 29-28 win at Notre Dame (9-3). It was a young group that were overmatched against Northwestern Lehigh, losing 45-7 then to Whitehall 43-17 in the 5A district final. For 2023, a pile of bodies returns including running back Cade Sawyer (1346), quarterback Christopher Fritts (39/67-513), three of their top four receivers and half the defense. The 9-3 campaign was a nice response to 2022’s 4-7 season, their first losing season since 2007. They open again this year against Quakertown then Notre Dame before the home opener against Bangor. They’re a steady winner in the district that with any kind of development will be far more competitive this season.
15 Marple Newtown D1 6-6
Here’s a group that was super young last year and still managed a 6-6 record, a 26-19 PF-PA average with 1, 1, 3 and 3 point losses! That close to a 10-2 record! But you have to start winning some of those games, or forever stay in the shadow of Strath Haven where they’ve gone 1-4 the last five years, 0-2 vs Ridley and 0-3 vs G-Val over the same period. Quarterback Dave Bertoline returns with his big tackle Andrew Kirlin (6-6, 305, PSU, OU, etc) and most of last year’s starters. They open with road games at Boys Latin then Radnor before coming home to play Upper Darby. Their 61-31 won/loss the last eight years says they’re knocking on the door.
OTHERS:
South Fayette D7 5-5
Cedar Cliff D3 7-4
Chester D1 10-2
Dover D3 9-3
Great Valley D1 8-4
Here’s a best guesstimate of this year’s top 5A teams. What stood out was the number of teams doing big rebuilds or with a new staff. High end teams like Strath Haven, Upper Dublin, Plymouth Whitemarsh, Shippensburg, Exeter, Solance, Warwick and more. Penn Trafford and Franklin Regional return some good parts but both lose good dual threat quarterbacks. Whitehall (7-6) returns a quarterback but doesn’t like to play defense any more than North Penn does. And they have a new staff. Etcetera, etcetera! Lots of change out there and who knows how it all shakes out. Scroll well down to see the post season reviews for more detail done for each area a few weeks/months ago.
**** the schedules are as of this posting.
1 Imhotep Charter School D-12 10-3
The Panthers return a pile of bodies that in a ‘combined’ State Top-10 would likely have them in the 2 slot behind St. Joseph’s Prep, with a few of the following 5As not far behind. Here are a few of their returning starters; QB Mikal Davis (6-0, 200, 1787py, sr), RB Jabree Coleman (6-1, 185, 1040ry, jr ), TE Johann Hennigan (6-1, 225, 22-372, sr), OT Zafir Stewart (6-5, 330, sr), DTs Jahsear Whittingham (6-2, 280, sr) and David Johnson (6-1, 270, sr), DE Zahir Mathis (6-6, 230, jr), CBs Naim Dantzler-jr, Kenny Woseley-sr and more. About the schedule, unless they schedule a game for August, they begin as they did last year (minus McDevitt of Harrisburg) with a tough opening slate at the Haverford School (10-0) followed by Archbishop Spalding (11-1) and Malvern Prep (8-2). Both Spalding and Malvern are revenge games at the super site. Those three will tell all with Haverford School returning one of the best O-Lines in the area, Spalding with one of the top QBs in Malik Washington (6-5, 200, +3000, 60%, 30/8) and Malvern Prep being Malvern Prep.
******** Edited to include classes and starting DLs Andre Cooper (5-11, 255, sr) and Raheem Reid (6-2, 220, sr).
2 Pine Richland D-7 13-3
Pine Richland faces the coming season without Ryan Palmieri who gave them one of the greatest single season performances in the area’s history, rushing for 1929 rush yards (24-Tds), completing 69% of his passes for 1104 yards (10-Tds) and catching eight passes for 92 yards. He had 92 tackles on defense. For the coming season, they’re thin in returning starters with five by my count but played a number of people last year winning games by an average score of 30-15. That was invaluable experience playing extra games by advancing to and winning the 5A title against a schedule with only one losing team. Another plus, this is year-2 of Coach Jon LeDonne’s system to see things are not so dismal as many suppose. And hey, it’s Pine Richland who has won three state titles the last six years and two runner-up trophies despite turmoil in the coaching staff. With a record of 100-21 the last nine years, they’ve established themselves as one of the premier programs in the state. They open at Pickerington North who has most of their skill back. Then Kiski and Penn Hills at home in a key 5A-North East Conference game.
3 Cathedral Prep D-10 8-3
Put the Ramblers a slot below Pine Richland per their close loss to them last year in the quarterfinals, 21-14 and decent returns. Prep had a 14-0 lead in that one but Pine had quarterback Palmieri….!....and a score in the last 2:01 to get the win. For the coming season, junior quarterback Luke Costello (51%, 1262, 13/4) who started from the Solon game on (replaced veteran Carter Barnes) is back with running back Dajoure Hollinsworth who rushed for 856 yards on 87 carries after replacing the injured Suhtaun Lewis. Their schedule largely mimics last years playing the usual Canadian and New York teams, Erie’s 6As McDowell and Erie High, with a few Ohio teams sprinkled in. Archbishop Hoban (Akron, 14-2) is again on the schedule, losing in the Div-II final last year to Central Catholic of Toledo 28-21 after routing Prep 47-14 in Akron. Following the Hoban opener at Cathedral, they play Canisius-Buffalo then always tough St. Francis-Hamburg who beat them last year 28-26.
4 Gateway D-7 7-4
Gateway edged Penn Hills vs ‘same opponents’ (Woody, NHills, PCC, Nor) going 3-1 to 1-3 and with a better average score of 24-14 vs 21-19. For 2023, the return of quarterback Brad Birch (61%-2024, 20/13) and Jaquon Reynolds (159-654ry, 32-324py) along with TE Remy Bose (6-1, 220), guards Chase Gabriel (6-1, 275) and Jake Santo (6-3, 260), and a well-regarded junior class now in their senior year says the Gators will be a major player in the ‘Wpial’ and perhaps beyond. The defense was ok at 17ppg knowing they had the 41-17 blowout to McKeesport, allowing 14ppg in all other games. The opening schedule is difficult at Mt. Lebanon who will be gunning for them losing last year (opener) in Monroeville 21-6. Then comes another big game at Woodland Hills. The home opener is against North Hills who they edged 20-17 last year.
5 Bethel Park D-7 10-2
The Blackhawks just completed their best season since the 2009 edition that also went 10-2 on the heels of the title run the year before where they finished 15-1 with a 28-21 ot loss to Liberty in the State Final. To some degree, the success of 2022 was expected with a pile of starters back except at quarterback (Max Blanc-Youngstown). Unfortunately, the season ended with a revenge/rematch loss to Upper St. Clair, 17-7. 2023 will hinge in part on how last year’s sophomore quarterback Tanner Pfeiffer (64%-1498, 14/8) matures. Also returning is well-regarded junior Ryan Petras with 44 receptions for 578 yards and 89 rushing attempts for 578 yards. But they have key people to replace beginning with OL Braeden Del Duca (6-2, 260), and two-way talents in FB/LB Gavin Moul (113-619ry, Delaware, 6-1 225), RB/S Austin Caye (175/787, Qb’d the D, Dayton?), TE/OLB Aiden Currie (17-210) and WR/DB Dinari Clacks (18-289). The cupboard is not bare, with the return of senior lineman Jake Brown (6-0, 285), Dylan Prindle (6-4, 245) and TE Clancy Orie (6-3, 220, jr), the impressive sophomore from last year. NG Brady Remington (5-1, 195, sr, OL?) is also back with MLB Rob Lakandula (6-1, 235, FB?). The schedule is challenging but manageable opening at North Hills, home to Mt. Lebanon then a major test at Central Catholic.
6 Penn Hills D-7 5-5
Looking back over last year’s results combined with this year’s returns says the 6-spot may too low for this group. Coach Charles Morris kept them competitive despite a number of tight losses that could have seen them throw in the towel. They didn’t, losing to Pittsburgh Central Catholic 33-28 in game #8 and closing at Woodland Hills in a 7-3 loss. Nail biting losses to Seneca Valley 17-15 and North Hills 27-26 prevented a 9-1 season. With quarterback Julian Dugger (55%-1342, 537ry) and running back Amir Key with 1249 yards returning and the other side well stocked, the game with Pine Richland takes on even more significance as it may preview the Wpial final. They open at home vs Seneca Valley then on the road to Norwin then the key early season game at Pine Richland Sept 8th.
7 Roman Catholic D-12 9-3
Here’s a team that ‘could have been’ had they eked past Imhotep instead of losing 14-6 in the district final. How exciting would a game with Pine Richland have been if Roman had gone on to defeat Whitehall and Upper Dublin? Maybe this year. They fielded one of their best defenses in many years, allowing 12ppg with seven opponents held to ten points or less. Although they lose some key pieces of that defense (top 4 tackles) they return two DLs and a veteran secondary. Offensively, they look good with the return of quarterback Semaj Beals (58%-1774) and outstanding receivers Tyseer Denmark (53/892, Oregon commit) and Trey Woodley (15/235). They open at home to Wilson (8-3, D3), then Lincoln (8-5, Philly Public), then a war with Episcopal Academy (9-1) of the Inter-Academic League who is loaded!
8 Woodland Hills D-7 6-6
Woodland Hills is a true 3A playing up. That was revealed last year with numbers issues and a youthful team that was blown out 48-14 by Penn Trafford, 38-23 to Highlands, 35-21 to Pine Richland and shutout by Gateway 21-0. But they ended strong beating good Penn Hills and Franklin Regional teams before losing competitively to Pine in a playoff rematch 23-12. They played a number of sophomores and a few freshmen last year. Those playing prominent roles were quarterback Cam Walter (48%-853, 7/10), running back Frankie Keyes (99-515) and wide out Will Smith (36-325). Brandon Jones (102-527) also returns with Andre Smith. Despite numbers, they seem to always have a massive line. Last year’s came in at 279 and return Majuan Rose (6-3, 285) and Pierce Cannon (6-5, 300). Last year’s finish was something to build on with all the youth returning, youth that will be tested right up front in games against Central Catholic, Gateway and Penn Trafford. All are home games.
9 Upper St. Clair D7 10-3
Like Bethel Park above, USC also had their best season in years, going back to 2013’s 11-1 season. Still, they lost home games to Bethel Park 27-14 and Canon McMillan 28-24. They avenged the Bethel loss in the playoffs 17-7 then lost to Pine Richland 34-3 to end the season. With big holes to fill on the line (Ehase, Kirk, Banbury, Lapinski, Howe) and big numbers from the defense, the rebuild looks good knowing it will be in the hands of two outstanding quarterbacks in junior Julian Dahlem (63%-980, 16/4) and sophomore Ethan Hellmann (65%-907, 9/3). Otherwise it’s new skill at receiver where the top three graduate taking 72 receptions for 1371yds including Aidan Besselman (6-3 190, 41-818, 41 tackles) plus running back Jamaal Brown (200-1484). The defense will rebuild around standout sophs from last year in LB Vince Hellmann (6-1, 190, 65 tackles) and DE Nate Stohl (6-3, 240, 50 tackles) and two-way senior lineman Mark Carone (6-4, 250, 21 tackles). The talent shown at quarterback last year should set the Panthers up for the coming season and the next few years.
10 Peters Township D-7 6-4
Peters Township is a program that might sneak by you if you didn’t notice they’re 56-21 since TJ Plack took over in 2016. His best was 2019’s 12-2 team that lost in the WPIAL final to Gateway 20-19. Coach has turned the program around after a five-year stint at South Fayette going 30-18. Last year’s team was young with only five seniors and should be a major player this year with quarterback Chris Cibrone (58%-1974py, 19/7) back plus four of their top five receivers, along with all of last year’s sophomores and juniors now a year older. This is the group that averaged 31ppg! Last year was a strange year with tight losses to USC 17-10, Lebo 6-3 and Bethel 27-21, as well as the shocker to C-Mac 26-7? They should get off to another strong start (6-1 last year) opening at home to Fox Chapel, Seneca Valley then away at Trinity. PT could be a real surprise this year.
11 Delaware Valley D-2 7-6
Delaware Valley’s young team played a typical Warrior slate scheduling Mosley of Florida (5-5, Panhandle area), Harrisburg (11-3) and Downingtown East (9-4) last year, losing all three. But they hung tough with Mosley losing 24-23 and Downingtown losing 28-20 while getting clobbered by the Cougars 32-3. The other high quality opponents were LFC-Division 1 champ Valley View (10-3), one of the top 4As in the state who they beat 41-27, and Scranton Prep (9-4), one of the top 3As who edged them 20-13. Not bad for a young group. This year’s team graduated but 11 seniors and return almost everyone. This includes senior quarterback Tyler Bird (80/166-49%, 1136 7/11), the coach’s son junior quarterback Logan Olsommer (43/80-54%, 459, 3/2), the #2 back Ryder Machado (719) and two leading receivers from a unit that averaged 24ppg. Looks like there could be a quarterback battle! The D that allowed 20ppg graduated four starters but returns their top three tackles (96, 102, 143!), seven starters and at least five co-starters. This year’s schedule will again reveal them early, opening at Selinsgrove before the home opener against Harrisburg and a road trip to Downingtown East, all of which are expected to field powerful teams.
12 Rustin D1 11-2
For a ‘new’ program opening in 2006, few teams had the success Rustin has generating one of the best records in the state at 146-52 while finishing second in the district playoffs three consecutive years. Mike St. Clair has been their only coach. Last year’s team went to overtime to beat Strath Haven in the postseason 28-27 after losing to them the preceding year 34-33, also in overtime. A 21-7 loss to Upper Dublin in the district final brought the season to a close. And that was with a young team. Two sophomores stood out in quarterback David McLain and running back Chase Hutton (5-9, 190, 1222ry). With Strath Haven, Upper Dublin and other power teams in major rebuilds, look for the Golden Knights to get over the hump and finally win districts. The schedule mimics last year’s opening at Henderson and West Chester East, then home against Kennett.
13 Cocalico D-3 10-5
The Eagles somehow conjured up a 10-win season with a relatively young group of juniors, with a few seniors, sophomores and a freshman mixed in. And they won the district title! That youth showed up in losses to the top teams on the schedule against Solanco (11-1), Manheim Central (11-2), Lampeter Strasburg (9-3) and Wyomissing (13-1), before rallying for a 7-1 finish and date in the semifinal where they lost to Pine Richland (13-3) 34-12. Those teams had a combined record of 57-9, making the youthful Eagles one battle tested bunch! With most of last year’s team returning including the entire backfield with senior running back Sam Steffey (309-1829ry) headlining, look for another serious run. One thing is certain, the pecking order in the district will be sorted out early opening with a road game at Warwick followed by homers against Solanco and Manheim Central.
TIE
Whitehall 5A D11 7-6
Whitehall won their 4th district title in the last seven years by routing Southern Lehigh (9-3) in the district final at Catasauqua 43-17! Then came a somewhat misleading score verses Delaware Valley, scoring 17 4th quarter points for the 34-13 win in States. This was followed by a 55-7 drubbing at the hands of Imhotep (10-3) where they looked out of position on some series and a step slow.
The big news for the coming season is the retirement of four-year coach Matt Senneca (17-26, two district titles), with Andy Marino stepping in. Marino was the Line Coach at Elon College and is a Neshaminy grad. This year’s team will then be something of a mystery with the new staff and a rebuild. But they return quarterback Trey Dogmanits (167/291-57%, 1997py, 22/14 ratio) who can be a load when on. Two of their leading receivers are also back making the priority issues appear to be the defense that was senior oriented. This year’s opening slate resembles last year with the homer to Pocono Mountain East followed by Bethlehem Catholic then Easton. Actually the entire schedule is a workout with no breathers in the EPC-South.
14 Southern Lehigh D-11 9-3
Southern Lehigh opened with a disappointing 42-28 loss at Quakertown last year before reeling off eight straight including a 29-28 win at Notre Dame (9-3). It was a young group that were overmatched against Northwestern Lehigh, losing 45-7 then to Whitehall 43-17 in the 5A district final. For 2023, a pile of bodies returns including running back Cade Sawyer (1346), quarterback Christopher Fritts (39/67-513), three of their top four receivers and half the defense. The 9-3 campaign was a nice response to 2022’s 4-7 season, their first losing season since 2007. They open again this year against Quakertown then Notre Dame before the home opener against Bangor. They’re a steady winner in the district that with any kind of development will be far more competitive this season.
15 Marple Newtown D1 6-6
Here’s a group that was super young last year and still managed a 6-6 record, a 26-19 PF-PA average with 1, 1, 3 and 3 point losses! That close to a 10-2 record! But you have to start winning some of those games, or forever stay in the shadow of Strath Haven where they’ve gone 1-4 the last five years, 0-2 vs Ridley and 0-3 vs G-Val over the same period. Quarterback Dave Bertoline returns with his big tackle Andrew Kirlin (6-6, 305, PSU, OU, etc) and most of last year’s starters. They open with road games at Boys Latin then Radnor before coming home to play Upper Darby. Their 61-31 won/loss the last eight years says they’re knocking on the door.
OTHERS:
South Fayette D7 5-5
Cedar Cliff D3 7-4
Chester D1 10-2
Dover D3 9-3
Great Valley D1 8-4
Last edited:
