PIAA Class AAAAA Final, Dec 9th Friday 7 PM
Archbishop Wood 10-2, Philadelphia Catholic-League Red Division
vs
Harrisburg 11-3, Mid Penn Conference-Commonwealth Division
Harrisburg may be a load but playoff experience is playoff experience and they have none of it at this level. They’re used to big game pressure coming from the conference they play in but this is new territory, territory Archbishop Wood is familiar with, evidenced by their state titles at the AAA Classification in 2011, 2013 and 2014, along with runner up trophies in 2008 and 2012. They’re a juggernaut again averaging 37ppg and allowing 13 against a rugged schedule. And they didn’t dodge anyone in non-conference games playing Wayne-OH and Bergen Catholic before the PCL wars. Haven’t shown Wood’s stats before so here goes with a few egs; Quarterback Jack Colyar is having a solid sophomore season completing 109 of 204 for 1874 yards and 20 touchdown tosses. Running back Raheem Blackshear (Temple) rushed for 1013 yards on 115 carries for 14 touchdowns, with a strong presence at receiver with 29 catches for 438 yards and 5 Tds. Shawn Thompson is another threat out of the backfield with 121 carries for 1185 yards and 13 touchdowns. WO Mark Webb (GA) is special and the leading receiver with 33 catches for 710 yards. TE Kyle Pitts plays a vital role blocking and receiving with 28 receptions for 388 yards. The line is veteran featuring junior Tom Walsh 6-2 240 at center, senior Matt Arcidiacono 6-2 240 at guard, Anthony Diodato 6-4 275, a senior at guard, sophomore Connor Bishop 6-2 240 at guard, Anthony Glasgow, a 6-2 255 junior at tackle (I thing?)….and TE Kyle Pitts 6-4 235. Since the 0-2 start (Wayne, called at 21 all), they’ve ripped off 10 straight allowing only 101 points while scoring 401. This is their 6th appearance in the state final in the last 9 years.
Their opponent, Harrisburg, is Coatesville on steroids with the aforementioned question above, can they handle it. There is no question they have talent, underrated talent at quarterback in Yahmir Wilkerson (leftie, strong arm, 60%,, 2020, 24 Tds) and a flock of wide outs including Joel Davis, Donnell Henriquez, Ronal Kent and Shaquon Anderson-Butts (Pitt, PSU) to stretch any defense. The O-Line is massive and surprisingly mobile including Raymond Allen 6-1 315, Javon Mansfield 5-11 270, Jeffrey Chisolm 5-11 260, Trevon Baltimore 6-3 280, Chris Rojas 5-10 215 and Fernando Genao, 6-2 240. Central Dauphin transfer Micah Parsons has become a force out of the backfield (begun at CD) getting 10 carries for 142 yards last week in their 42-10 rout of West Allegheny. That just doesn’t happen to a team like West A! The DL and Front-7 are a team strength with Allen, Mansfield and Baltimore plus PSU commits Damion Barber 6-4, 255 and Micah Parsons 6-3 235 sealing things at DE. The LBs are quick and decent in coverage particularly Isaiah Hall 6-2 215 and Dionte Payne 6-1 215. Everybody is fast with a yield of 13ppg and an offense at 37. They are one of the better stories in the state bouncing back from a 5-6 season last year and a 11-11 slate the previous 2.
They’re a scary bunch but will have their hands full defending all the people Wood throws at you so long as Colyar is protected with time to find his receivers. The Cougars can come on like gang busters, so that will be interesting with two of the best DEs in the country. On the flip side, the Vikings can’t really practice against speed (whoever said that?) but have seen it countless times in practice with what has to be one of their fastest teams….and on their schedule. Harrisburg is Harrisburg so it’s going to be a brutal battle in the trenches but they are mortal with their 3 losses and have not seen a team this poised with this many weapons.
PIAA Class A Final, Dec 9th Friday 1 PM
Bishop Guilfoyle 14-0, Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference
vs
Clairton 14-0, WPIAL Class 1A-Eastern Division
Bishop Guilfoyle has one of the biggest and most experienced OLs in the state; (C-#76) Daniel Ramsey, Jr, 6-4, 320; (LG-#71) Logan McGeary, Sr, 6-2, 290; (RG-#64) Kyle Green, Sr, 6-0, 210; (RT-#70) Nick Leamer, Jr, 6-2, 300; (L-RT-#62) Matt Yahner, Sr, 6-2, 275; (TE) Luke Fredericks, Sr, 6-5, 225 and #66 Kenny Brumbaugh, Sr, 6-2, 250….per vids vs Bedford, Westmont Hilltop. It’s a balanced offense at 65% rush (3664) and 35% passing (1968). Quarterback Josh Trybus (5-11, 180, sr) is a two year starter with a 64% completion rate throwing for 1448 yards and rushing for another 420. The lead rushed is a bruiser, Andrew Irvin (Harvard) at 6-1, 220 pounds with 1585 yard rushing. Most of the backs are big with Josh Yasulitis (5-11, 205), Nathan Callahan (5-10, 200) and John Fannelli (6-1, 195) accounting for 94 carries for 878 yards and 213 tackles from their line-backing positions. They have 4 receivers with over 20 receptions including TE Luke Frederick (above) with 30 receptions for 392 yards. The defense is keyed by an outstanding DL with Leamer, McGeary, Brumbaugh, Green and Frederick (see above) alone getting 242 tackles and those line-backers mentioned above. One of their deadliest weapons is P/K Kelton McGhee (6-0, 170, Soph), rated as one of the top kickers in the country. He was All State last year with a 44-yd average as a freshman!....and is averaging 43 this year. Over 71 of his kickoffs have been touchbacks. It’s a big, physical, veteran team that just got a little better with the return of running back Evan Chadbourn who went down with an ACL in the offseason after rushing for 2298 yards last year. Pretty inspiring seeing him on the sideline as the Marauders pursue their 46th straight win against Clairton after defeating Steelton Highspire last week 48-6. You’ve got to hand it to Guilfoyle surviving the last two years with a bulls-eye on their back following their initial undefeated season.
Clairton: Noah Hamlin is back under center for Clairton in a big way rushing for a score and throwing a 73-yard strike for 6 to Lamont Wade who was freed up to do his thing at tailback. Good move. He rushed for 248 yards on 24 carries as the Bears beat Farrell 24-6. Wade’s stats for the day took him above the 7,000 yard career rushing mark! As with most of their wins this season, big plays were the cornerstone of the attack with the 73-yard Td toss plus Tre Howard breaking loss for a 95-yard score late in the 4th quarter. A fast review of Clairton’s history show their winning gold in 09, 10, 11 and 12!....with runner up medal in 08 and 14 where they lost to Bishop Guilfoyle 19-18. That totals out to 7 Finals appearances in 9 years. Their offenses are always huge with this edition being no different averaging 47ppg with an unheralded defense allowing 7.
A schedule read suggest Clairton played a far tougher schedule, especially through the playoffs getting to this point with wins against Jeannette (again) 26-6, Farrell last week 24-6 and Aliquippa in the regular season 52-16. They also beat Jeannette in the regular season 32-13. Conversely, Bishop Guilfoyle played Juniata Valley 59-0, Northern Cambria 55-6, Homer Center 52-6 and a way undermanned, weak Steelton Highspire team 48-6. This was not a vintage Roller team. Whoever comes out on top, it sure looks like a nail biter….with no surprises if it mimics the 2014 game won by the Bishop Guilfoyle 19-18.
Archbishop Wood 10-2, Philadelphia Catholic-League Red Division
vs
Harrisburg 11-3, Mid Penn Conference-Commonwealth Division
Harrisburg may be a load but playoff experience is playoff experience and they have none of it at this level. They’re used to big game pressure coming from the conference they play in but this is new territory, territory Archbishop Wood is familiar with, evidenced by their state titles at the AAA Classification in 2011, 2013 and 2014, along with runner up trophies in 2008 and 2012. They’re a juggernaut again averaging 37ppg and allowing 13 against a rugged schedule. And they didn’t dodge anyone in non-conference games playing Wayne-OH and Bergen Catholic before the PCL wars. Haven’t shown Wood’s stats before so here goes with a few egs; Quarterback Jack Colyar is having a solid sophomore season completing 109 of 204 for 1874 yards and 20 touchdown tosses. Running back Raheem Blackshear (Temple) rushed for 1013 yards on 115 carries for 14 touchdowns, with a strong presence at receiver with 29 catches for 438 yards and 5 Tds. Shawn Thompson is another threat out of the backfield with 121 carries for 1185 yards and 13 touchdowns. WO Mark Webb (GA) is special and the leading receiver with 33 catches for 710 yards. TE Kyle Pitts plays a vital role blocking and receiving with 28 receptions for 388 yards. The line is veteran featuring junior Tom Walsh 6-2 240 at center, senior Matt Arcidiacono 6-2 240 at guard, Anthony Diodato 6-4 275, a senior at guard, sophomore Connor Bishop 6-2 240 at guard, Anthony Glasgow, a 6-2 255 junior at tackle (I thing?)….and TE Kyle Pitts 6-4 235. Since the 0-2 start (Wayne, called at 21 all), they’ve ripped off 10 straight allowing only 101 points while scoring 401. This is their 6th appearance in the state final in the last 9 years.
Their opponent, Harrisburg, is Coatesville on steroids with the aforementioned question above, can they handle it. There is no question they have talent, underrated talent at quarterback in Yahmir Wilkerson (leftie, strong arm, 60%,, 2020, 24 Tds) and a flock of wide outs including Joel Davis, Donnell Henriquez, Ronal Kent and Shaquon Anderson-Butts (Pitt, PSU) to stretch any defense. The O-Line is massive and surprisingly mobile including Raymond Allen 6-1 315, Javon Mansfield 5-11 270, Jeffrey Chisolm 5-11 260, Trevon Baltimore 6-3 280, Chris Rojas 5-10 215 and Fernando Genao, 6-2 240. Central Dauphin transfer Micah Parsons has become a force out of the backfield (begun at CD) getting 10 carries for 142 yards last week in their 42-10 rout of West Allegheny. That just doesn’t happen to a team like West A! The DL and Front-7 are a team strength with Allen, Mansfield and Baltimore plus PSU commits Damion Barber 6-4, 255 and Micah Parsons 6-3 235 sealing things at DE. The LBs are quick and decent in coverage particularly Isaiah Hall 6-2 215 and Dionte Payne 6-1 215. Everybody is fast with a yield of 13ppg and an offense at 37. They are one of the better stories in the state bouncing back from a 5-6 season last year and a 11-11 slate the previous 2.
They’re a scary bunch but will have their hands full defending all the people Wood throws at you so long as Colyar is protected with time to find his receivers. The Cougars can come on like gang busters, so that will be interesting with two of the best DEs in the country. On the flip side, the Vikings can’t really practice against speed (whoever said that?) but have seen it countless times in practice with what has to be one of their fastest teams….and on their schedule. Harrisburg is Harrisburg so it’s going to be a brutal battle in the trenches but they are mortal with their 3 losses and have not seen a team this poised with this many weapons.
PIAA Class A Final, Dec 9th Friday 1 PM
Bishop Guilfoyle 14-0, Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference
vs
Clairton 14-0, WPIAL Class 1A-Eastern Division
Bishop Guilfoyle has one of the biggest and most experienced OLs in the state; (C-#76) Daniel Ramsey, Jr, 6-4, 320; (LG-#71) Logan McGeary, Sr, 6-2, 290; (RG-#64) Kyle Green, Sr, 6-0, 210; (RT-#70) Nick Leamer, Jr, 6-2, 300; (L-RT-#62) Matt Yahner, Sr, 6-2, 275; (TE) Luke Fredericks, Sr, 6-5, 225 and #66 Kenny Brumbaugh, Sr, 6-2, 250….per vids vs Bedford, Westmont Hilltop. It’s a balanced offense at 65% rush (3664) and 35% passing (1968). Quarterback Josh Trybus (5-11, 180, sr) is a two year starter with a 64% completion rate throwing for 1448 yards and rushing for another 420. The lead rushed is a bruiser, Andrew Irvin (Harvard) at 6-1, 220 pounds with 1585 yard rushing. Most of the backs are big with Josh Yasulitis (5-11, 205), Nathan Callahan (5-10, 200) and John Fannelli (6-1, 195) accounting for 94 carries for 878 yards and 213 tackles from their line-backing positions. They have 4 receivers with over 20 receptions including TE Luke Frederick (above) with 30 receptions for 392 yards. The defense is keyed by an outstanding DL with Leamer, McGeary, Brumbaugh, Green and Frederick (see above) alone getting 242 tackles and those line-backers mentioned above. One of their deadliest weapons is P/K Kelton McGhee (6-0, 170, Soph), rated as one of the top kickers in the country. He was All State last year with a 44-yd average as a freshman!....and is averaging 43 this year. Over 71 of his kickoffs have been touchbacks. It’s a big, physical, veteran team that just got a little better with the return of running back Evan Chadbourn who went down with an ACL in the offseason after rushing for 2298 yards last year. Pretty inspiring seeing him on the sideline as the Marauders pursue their 46th straight win against Clairton after defeating Steelton Highspire last week 48-6. You’ve got to hand it to Guilfoyle surviving the last two years with a bulls-eye on their back following their initial undefeated season.
Clairton: Noah Hamlin is back under center for Clairton in a big way rushing for a score and throwing a 73-yard strike for 6 to Lamont Wade who was freed up to do his thing at tailback. Good move. He rushed for 248 yards on 24 carries as the Bears beat Farrell 24-6. Wade’s stats for the day took him above the 7,000 yard career rushing mark! As with most of their wins this season, big plays were the cornerstone of the attack with the 73-yard Td toss plus Tre Howard breaking loss for a 95-yard score late in the 4th quarter. A fast review of Clairton’s history show their winning gold in 09, 10, 11 and 12!....with runner up medal in 08 and 14 where they lost to Bishop Guilfoyle 19-18. That totals out to 7 Finals appearances in 9 years. Their offenses are always huge with this edition being no different averaging 47ppg with an unheralded defense allowing 7.
A schedule read suggest Clairton played a far tougher schedule, especially through the playoffs getting to this point with wins against Jeannette (again) 26-6, Farrell last week 24-6 and Aliquippa in the regular season 52-16. They also beat Jeannette in the regular season 32-13. Conversely, Bishop Guilfoyle played Juniata Valley 59-0, Northern Cambria 55-6, Homer Center 52-6 and a way undermanned, weak Steelton Highspire team 48-6. This was not a vintage Roller team. Whoever comes out on top, it sure looks like a nail biter….with no surprises if it mimics the 2014 game won by the Bishop Guilfoyle 19-18.
