You can tell I had time off around the holidays...
Here are my All State picks for 4A. Like I said on the thread about the AP team, I think they did a good job, and while there are some differences in my picks, I don't have any major disagreements. Enjoy.
Quarterbacks (4)
Ryan Stover, Upper Dublin (Sr. 6’4 205): 157-247, 2,507 yards, 27-7 TD/INT; 87 carries, 1,002 yards, 13 TDs
Four year starter for the District 1 Champs, who set a school record with 14 wins and advanced to the Eastern Final. One of four quarterbacks in 4A to throw for 2,000 yards and rush for 1,000. Averaged over ten yards an attempt passing and over eleven yards per carry rushing. Torched North Penn for 246 yards in program’s first D1 championship game win and threw for 211 yards and ran for a 43 yard TD in a losing effort in the Eastern Final. Being recruited by Towson, Richmond, William & Mary, Holy Cross, and Delaware.
Phil Jurkovec, Pine-Richland (So. 6’5 205): 177-265, 2,575 yards, 20-4 INT/TD; 135 carries, 1,281 yards, 11 TDs
Electric sophomore more than adequately replaced record setting quarterback Ben DiNucci. Second in the state in total offense, and became the first sophomore in state history to record a 2,000/1,000 season. Averaged 215 yards per game through the air, good for fifth in the state. Also averaged 106 yards rushing per game and an eye popping 9.5 yards per carry, fourth in the state among players with at least 100 carries. Led Pine-Richland to a 10-2 record and a trip to WPIAL semifinals. Already has been offered by a handful of Power 5 programs, including Penn State, Michigan State, Notre Dame, and UCLA.
Brett Laffoon, Penn-Trafford: 137-209, 2,452 yards, 32-4 TD/INT
Quarterbacked Penn-Trafford to an undefeated regular season and their first berth in the WPIAL finals since 1997. Eight to one TD to INT ratio was third in the state, as was his touchdown pass total, and he was fifth in completion percentage. Threw for 292 yards and three TDs, and engineered the game winning drive in the final 52 seconds in a WPIAL semifinal win over defending champion Pine-Richland. Being recruited by Youngstown State.
Devante Cross, Parkland (Sr. 6’2 185): 184-297, 2,671 yards, 24-10 TD/INT; 226 carries, 1,350 yards, 19 TDs
Leads the state in total offense and is second in TDs responsible for. Fourth in passing yards. Also ranks in the top fifteen in passing yards per game, completion percentage, completions, passing touchdowns, carries, and rushing touchdowns. Finished third in the state among quarterbacks in rushing yards and tied for second in touchdowns. Threw for 241 yards and a TD in the eastern final. Carried 28 times for 118 yards, threw for 142 yards, had an interception, and scored the game winning TD in overtime against LaSalle in D11’s first PIAA Quarterfinal win since 2008. Has eight 100 yard rushing games and seven 200 yard passing games. Recently decomitted from Boston College, where he was scheduled to play defense, and has been offered by the new Virginia staff as a quarterback. Also holds offers from Syracuse and Virginia Tech.
Running Backs (6)
Kyle Boney, Emmaus (Sr. 6’0 225): 314 carries, 2,518 yards, 40 TDs
Massive, rugged tailback for the Emmaus in their "Neanderthal" offense. EPC South Offensive MVP over the likes of Devante Cross, Kenny Yeboah, and Jahan Dotson. Led the state in rushing yards, yards per game, and touchdowns and finished second in carries. Averaged 8.0 yards per carry, despite the entire stadium knowing he was getting the ball on most every play. Ran for 377 yards and four TDs against Whitehall and 311 yards and 7 touchdowns against Williamsport. Only held under 150 yards once, by Parkland. Scored at least three touchdowns nine times. Being recruited by Boston College, Northwestern, Maryland, Purdue, and Virginia.
Miles Sanders, Woodland Hills (Sr. 6’0 205): 135 carries, 1,521 yards, 16 TDs
Despite missing two games and being limited in others with a foot injury, finished twelfth in the state in total rushing yards and fifth in yards per game. Led the state in yards per carry at 11.3. Did this all while splitting carries with fellow all state pick Jo-El Shaw, with whom he teamed to form the best backfield in Pennsylvania. Rushed for over 100 yards in every game where he received at least six carries. Ran for 246 yards and two touchdowns in a win over rival West Allegheny. Ran for 222 yards in Quad North division clinching win over Mount Lebanon. One of two running backs to break 100 yards against Pittsburgh Central Catholic, and tallied a season high 111 yards against the Vikings in their playoff loss. Committed to Penn State.
Isaiah Bruce, Upper Darby (Sr. 5’9 185): 320 carries, 2,450 yards, 37 TDs
Led the state in carries and averaged 27 totes per game. Finished second to Boney in yards and touchdowns. One of two backs in 4A to average over 200 yards per game. Rushed for a staggering 337 yards and seven touchdowns in the first playoff win in Upper Darby history, a 59-35 win over Council Rock North. That broke his previous career high of 322 yards in a week five win over Lower Merion. Finished his career with 203 yards on Thanksgiving against Haveford. Ran for over 100 yards in twelve games, over 200 in seven, and over 300 in two. Graduated with every single season and career rushing record in school history. Led Upper Darby to a 10-3 record and a quarterfinal run in the D1 tournament.
Nysir Minney-Gratz, Easton (Sr. 5’7 155): 256 carries, 1,949 yards, 26 TDs
Diminutive speedster finished fourth in the state in rushing yards running behind an offensive line that averaged 211 pounds. Had the highest single game total in 4A with 469 yards, setting both a school and D11 record, in the regular season finale against Nazareth to clinch a subregional playoff berth. Also broke the 300 yard barrier with a 307 yard day against Liberty. Offensive MVP of Easton-P’Burg on Thanksgiving with 133 yards on 19 carries. Had nine touchdowns of 45 yards or longer, including three from beyond 80 yards and a 92 yard kick return. Second highest single season rushing total in 121 years of Easton football.
Jayden Demmy, Cedar Cliff (Sr. 5’9 190): 249 carries, 1,876 yards, 27 TDs
Fourth in the state in yards per game with 170 and fifth in the state in rushing touchdowns for the explosive Cedar Cliff offense. Scored 33 total touchdowns. Broke Cedar Cliff’s career rushing record with his second straight season of over 1,700 yards. Nine 100 yard games, including a season high 334 and four touchdowns in a playoff win over Red Land. Opened the season with 199 yards and 6 total TDs in a win over Penn Manor. Scored a touchdown in every game., scoring multiple touchdowns eight times.
Ronnie Jones, Pittsburgh Central Catholic (Sr. 6’1 195): 229 carries, 1,757 yards, 20 TDs
Finished eight in the state in rushing yards, and in the top fifteen in yards per carry, carries, and rushing touchdowns. Main offensive weapon for the state champions. Ran for 119 yards and two touchdowns in the State Finals. Rushed for 760 yards in WPIAL/State playoff games, including 144 in a revenge win over North Allegheny. Key interception return for a touchdown in a win over Woodland Hills. Committed to Toledo, but has recently received a Power 5 offer from Iowa State.
Wide Receivers (4)
Tim Vecchio, Penn-Trafford: 51 catches, 1,115 yards, 18 TDs
Led the state in touchdown catches and was fifth in receiving yards. Averaged almost 22 yards per reception and was the favorite target of all state quarterback Brett Laffoon. Only receiver in 4A with back-to-back 1,000 yards seasons. Main offensive weapon for the Penn-Trafford unit that scored 44 points per game on their way to the WPAIL final. Also returned four interceptions for touchdowns. Committed to Robert Morris.
Deonte Dawson, DuBois (Sr. 6’1 205): 80 catches, 1,325 yards, 9 TDs
Led the state in receiving yards and finished second in catches. Averaged over 120 yards per game. Finished his career with 157 catches, 29 TDs, and over 2,500 receiving yards. Had at least 100 yards receiving in seven games, including a 10 catch 198 yards effort against Franklin. Oddly, only had six catches for 90 yards in their 107-90 shootout with Meadville.
Kenny Yeboah, Parkland (Sr. 6’6 220): 71 catches, 1,155 yards, 14 TDs
The best red zone threat in Pennsylvania was fourth in the state in catches and yards, despite receiving few targets in early season blowouts. Third in Pennsylvania with 14 TD catches, breaking the Parkland school record he previously shared with Tim Massaquoi. Has 25 catches, 508 yards, and 6 TDs in playoff games, including 7 catches for 102 yards and a 48 yard TD in the Eastern Final. Also lead Parkland in interceptions with 5, including a key pick against Upper Dublin to set up the tying score in the second half. Committed to Temple, where he will play tight end.
Jahan Dotson, Nazareth (So. 6’0 170): 66 catches, 1,179 yards, 16 TDs
Sophomore sensation is one of two players in 4A to average over 100 receiving yards per game. Second in the state in TDs, third in yards, and fifth in catches. Returned two interceptions for touchdown and scored two kick return TDs. Caught a touchdown in ten of eleven games. Saved his best for the playoffs, where he caught six passes for 172 yards and 4 TDs, had over 150 yards in punt returns, and snagged an interception in a losing effort against Wyoming Valley West. Already Nazareth’s all time leader in catches, yards, and touchdowns after his 10th grade season. Recently received his first FBS scholarship offer from the new staff at Rutgers, and many more are expected, particularly as he physically matures.
Here are my All State picks for 4A. Like I said on the thread about the AP team, I think they did a good job, and while there are some differences in my picks, I don't have any major disagreements. Enjoy.
Quarterbacks (4)
Ryan Stover, Upper Dublin (Sr. 6’4 205): 157-247, 2,507 yards, 27-7 TD/INT; 87 carries, 1,002 yards, 13 TDs
Four year starter for the District 1 Champs, who set a school record with 14 wins and advanced to the Eastern Final. One of four quarterbacks in 4A to throw for 2,000 yards and rush for 1,000. Averaged over ten yards an attempt passing and over eleven yards per carry rushing. Torched North Penn for 246 yards in program’s first D1 championship game win and threw for 211 yards and ran for a 43 yard TD in a losing effort in the Eastern Final. Being recruited by Towson, Richmond, William & Mary, Holy Cross, and Delaware.
Phil Jurkovec, Pine-Richland (So. 6’5 205): 177-265, 2,575 yards, 20-4 INT/TD; 135 carries, 1,281 yards, 11 TDs
Electric sophomore more than adequately replaced record setting quarterback Ben DiNucci. Second in the state in total offense, and became the first sophomore in state history to record a 2,000/1,000 season. Averaged 215 yards per game through the air, good for fifth in the state. Also averaged 106 yards rushing per game and an eye popping 9.5 yards per carry, fourth in the state among players with at least 100 carries. Led Pine-Richland to a 10-2 record and a trip to WPIAL semifinals. Already has been offered by a handful of Power 5 programs, including Penn State, Michigan State, Notre Dame, and UCLA.
Brett Laffoon, Penn-Trafford: 137-209, 2,452 yards, 32-4 TD/INT
Quarterbacked Penn-Trafford to an undefeated regular season and their first berth in the WPIAL finals since 1997. Eight to one TD to INT ratio was third in the state, as was his touchdown pass total, and he was fifth in completion percentage. Threw for 292 yards and three TDs, and engineered the game winning drive in the final 52 seconds in a WPIAL semifinal win over defending champion Pine-Richland. Being recruited by Youngstown State.
Devante Cross, Parkland (Sr. 6’2 185): 184-297, 2,671 yards, 24-10 TD/INT; 226 carries, 1,350 yards, 19 TDs
Leads the state in total offense and is second in TDs responsible for. Fourth in passing yards. Also ranks in the top fifteen in passing yards per game, completion percentage, completions, passing touchdowns, carries, and rushing touchdowns. Finished third in the state among quarterbacks in rushing yards and tied for second in touchdowns. Threw for 241 yards and a TD in the eastern final. Carried 28 times for 118 yards, threw for 142 yards, had an interception, and scored the game winning TD in overtime against LaSalle in D11’s first PIAA Quarterfinal win since 2008. Has eight 100 yard rushing games and seven 200 yard passing games. Recently decomitted from Boston College, where he was scheduled to play defense, and has been offered by the new Virginia staff as a quarterback. Also holds offers from Syracuse and Virginia Tech.
Running Backs (6)
Kyle Boney, Emmaus (Sr. 6’0 225): 314 carries, 2,518 yards, 40 TDs
Massive, rugged tailback for the Emmaus in their "Neanderthal" offense. EPC South Offensive MVP over the likes of Devante Cross, Kenny Yeboah, and Jahan Dotson. Led the state in rushing yards, yards per game, and touchdowns and finished second in carries. Averaged 8.0 yards per carry, despite the entire stadium knowing he was getting the ball on most every play. Ran for 377 yards and four TDs against Whitehall and 311 yards and 7 touchdowns against Williamsport. Only held under 150 yards once, by Parkland. Scored at least three touchdowns nine times. Being recruited by Boston College, Northwestern, Maryland, Purdue, and Virginia.
Miles Sanders, Woodland Hills (Sr. 6’0 205): 135 carries, 1,521 yards, 16 TDs
Despite missing two games and being limited in others with a foot injury, finished twelfth in the state in total rushing yards and fifth in yards per game. Led the state in yards per carry at 11.3. Did this all while splitting carries with fellow all state pick Jo-El Shaw, with whom he teamed to form the best backfield in Pennsylvania. Rushed for over 100 yards in every game where he received at least six carries. Ran for 246 yards and two touchdowns in a win over rival West Allegheny. Ran for 222 yards in Quad North division clinching win over Mount Lebanon. One of two running backs to break 100 yards against Pittsburgh Central Catholic, and tallied a season high 111 yards against the Vikings in their playoff loss. Committed to Penn State.
Isaiah Bruce, Upper Darby (Sr. 5’9 185): 320 carries, 2,450 yards, 37 TDs
Led the state in carries and averaged 27 totes per game. Finished second to Boney in yards and touchdowns. One of two backs in 4A to average over 200 yards per game. Rushed for a staggering 337 yards and seven touchdowns in the first playoff win in Upper Darby history, a 59-35 win over Council Rock North. That broke his previous career high of 322 yards in a week five win over Lower Merion. Finished his career with 203 yards on Thanksgiving against Haveford. Ran for over 100 yards in twelve games, over 200 in seven, and over 300 in two. Graduated with every single season and career rushing record in school history. Led Upper Darby to a 10-3 record and a quarterfinal run in the D1 tournament.
Nysir Minney-Gratz, Easton (Sr. 5’7 155): 256 carries, 1,949 yards, 26 TDs
Diminutive speedster finished fourth in the state in rushing yards running behind an offensive line that averaged 211 pounds. Had the highest single game total in 4A with 469 yards, setting both a school and D11 record, in the regular season finale against Nazareth to clinch a subregional playoff berth. Also broke the 300 yard barrier with a 307 yard day against Liberty. Offensive MVP of Easton-P’Burg on Thanksgiving with 133 yards on 19 carries. Had nine touchdowns of 45 yards or longer, including three from beyond 80 yards and a 92 yard kick return. Second highest single season rushing total in 121 years of Easton football.
Jayden Demmy, Cedar Cliff (Sr. 5’9 190): 249 carries, 1,876 yards, 27 TDs
Fourth in the state in yards per game with 170 and fifth in the state in rushing touchdowns for the explosive Cedar Cliff offense. Scored 33 total touchdowns. Broke Cedar Cliff’s career rushing record with his second straight season of over 1,700 yards. Nine 100 yard games, including a season high 334 and four touchdowns in a playoff win over Red Land. Opened the season with 199 yards and 6 total TDs in a win over Penn Manor. Scored a touchdown in every game., scoring multiple touchdowns eight times.
Ronnie Jones, Pittsburgh Central Catholic (Sr. 6’1 195): 229 carries, 1,757 yards, 20 TDs
Finished eight in the state in rushing yards, and in the top fifteen in yards per carry, carries, and rushing touchdowns. Main offensive weapon for the state champions. Ran for 119 yards and two touchdowns in the State Finals. Rushed for 760 yards in WPIAL/State playoff games, including 144 in a revenge win over North Allegheny. Key interception return for a touchdown in a win over Woodland Hills. Committed to Toledo, but has recently received a Power 5 offer from Iowa State.
Wide Receivers (4)
Tim Vecchio, Penn-Trafford: 51 catches, 1,115 yards, 18 TDs
Led the state in touchdown catches and was fifth in receiving yards. Averaged almost 22 yards per reception and was the favorite target of all state quarterback Brett Laffoon. Only receiver in 4A with back-to-back 1,000 yards seasons. Main offensive weapon for the Penn-Trafford unit that scored 44 points per game on their way to the WPAIL final. Also returned four interceptions for touchdowns. Committed to Robert Morris.
Deonte Dawson, DuBois (Sr. 6’1 205): 80 catches, 1,325 yards, 9 TDs
Led the state in receiving yards and finished second in catches. Averaged over 120 yards per game. Finished his career with 157 catches, 29 TDs, and over 2,500 receiving yards. Had at least 100 yards receiving in seven games, including a 10 catch 198 yards effort against Franklin. Oddly, only had six catches for 90 yards in their 107-90 shootout with Meadville.
Kenny Yeboah, Parkland (Sr. 6’6 220): 71 catches, 1,155 yards, 14 TDs
The best red zone threat in Pennsylvania was fourth in the state in catches and yards, despite receiving few targets in early season blowouts. Third in Pennsylvania with 14 TD catches, breaking the Parkland school record he previously shared with Tim Massaquoi. Has 25 catches, 508 yards, and 6 TDs in playoff games, including 7 catches for 102 yards and a 48 yard TD in the Eastern Final. Also lead Parkland in interceptions with 5, including a key pick against Upper Dublin to set up the tying score in the second half. Committed to Temple, where he will play tight end.
Jahan Dotson, Nazareth (So. 6’0 170): 66 catches, 1,179 yards, 16 TDs
Sophomore sensation is one of two players in 4A to average over 100 receiving yards per game. Second in the state in TDs, third in yards, and fifth in catches. Returned two interceptions for touchdown and scored two kick return TDs. Caught a touchdown in ten of eleven games. Saved his best for the playoffs, where he caught six passes for 172 yards and 4 TDs, had over 150 yards in punt returns, and snagged an interception in a losing effort against Wyoming Valley West. Already Nazareth’s all time leader in catches, yards, and touchdowns after his 10th grade season. Recently received his first FBS scholarship offer from the new staff at Rutgers, and many more are expected, particularly as he physically matures.
