Pine-Richland vs. St. Eds on ESPN

[new2pa]

http://www.post-gazette.com/sports/...rd-High-in-Lakewood-Ohio/stories/201605180197

As Coach Kasperowicz says, the new scheduling format allowed this game to take place. Previously WPIAL teams would not have been able to do this.

 

[lilromeo]

http://www.post-gazette.com/sports/...rd-High-in-Lakewood-Ohio/stories/201605180197

As Coach Kasperowicz says, the new scheduling format allowed this game to take place. Previously WPIAL teams would not have been able to do this.

Really look forward to this matchup. Pine-Richland will make this a very competitive game IMO due to their quality coach and all everything QB.

 

[RoverNation05]

That'll be a great showcase for Jurkovec. St.Ed's used to take a backseat to St. Ignatius in Cleveland, but had made a concerted effort to ramp up the program. It's worked. Great athletic program as a whole.

How will PR be around Jurkovec? Obviously having that kind of talent under center means they'll be tough, but as I recall they graduate a lot. Western guys want to chime in?

 

[new2pa]

The PR class of 2018 (Jurkovec's year) is loaded with very good football players at the skill positions - deeper than they were on the class that went to the state finals. At most, 1 senior skill position player will start. All the rest will be juniors and one sophomore (who played a little as a freshman). Right now, it looks like they will start 2 seniors on the OL and probably 2 sophomore and a junior. Defensively, most of the same skill players will play DB/LB positions, and the DL will probably rotate quite a bit (if they do what they typically have done). They could probably go two platoon with this group, particularly if the sophomore lineman can play, but I doubt that is a realistic possibility initially.

IMO, the future is very bright - however - this will be game 1 for all but about 3 guys on offense, and a similar number on defense. And I know that at least a couple of the kids that are seeing alot of first team reps were hurt last year and didn't get to play much ball at all. So we will see. The good news that I'm hearing is that St. Ed's is in a similar spot regarding returning starters, but they are definitely a reload program. I'm hoping PR is also close to that level.

PR will need to score that's for sure. But if there is anything that I have learned from watching the past couple years, PR's coaches will have a scheme ready that will allow them to compete and put their play makers in a position to make plays. And they will run alot of plays if they have their way - 80+ for sure.

 

[lilromeo]

The PR class of 2018 (Jurkovec's year) is loaded with very good football players at the skill positions - deeper than they were on the class that went to the state finals. At most, 1 senior skill position player will start. All the rest will be juniors and one sophomore (who played a little as a freshman). Right now, it looks like they will start 2 seniors on the OL and probably 2 sophomore and a junior. Defensively, most of the same skill players will play DB/LB positions, and the DL will probably rotate quite a bit (if they do what they typically have done). They could probably go two platoon with this group, particularly if the sophomore lineman can play, but I doubt that is a realistic possibility initially.

IMO, the future is very bright - however - this will be game 1 for all but about 3 guys on offense, and a similar number on defense. And I know that at least a couple of the kids that are seeing alot of first team reps were hurt last year and didn't get to play much ball at all. So we will see. The good news that I'm hearing is that St. Ed's is in a similar spot regarding returning starters, but they are definitely a reload program. I'm hoping PR is also close to that level.

PR will need to score that's for sure. But if there is anything that I have learned from watching the past couple years, PR's coaches will have a scheme ready that will allow them to compete and put their play makers in a position to make plays. And they will run alot of plays if they have their way - 80+ for sure.

Nice summary new2pa, it appears that PR will be loaded next year for the rematch at home. Its too bad this game couldn't have been part of a double header with Archbishop Wood playing Wayne ,Ohio.

 

[new2pa]

I also think next year is PR's year to make a big run. The class of 2018 and 2019 match up nicely in terms of talent. The younger kids just need a little longer in the oven!

Yes, that double header would have been great!

 

[kitwor]

I also think next year is PR's year to make a big run. The class of 2018 and 2019 match up nicely in terms of talent. The younger kids just need a little longer in the oven!

Yes, that double header would have been great!

New2 pa,

Great post. Do you see PR having a shot at winning the WPIAL 6A title this year?

 

[new2pa]

Yes, I think they do. Obviously PCC returns a ton of talented front-7 players and will reload in the secondary. And both NA and SV have outstanding senior classes. I think PR will be able to score on about anyone - the question will be, can they allow 1 less TD a game. (If they could have done that the past 2 years, they would have been undefeated.) I've got to believe that Coach Kasper is looking to improve the defense alot. PR doesn't play PCC until the middle of the year, and NA the last game of the year. Should know by then if they will be contenders.

7 on 7 season is coming up. Will get to see some of them and keep everyone posted.

 

[16th&Georgetown]

I guess I'm wrong but I thought Pine Richland was Class 5A this season???

 

[new2pa]

I guess I'm wrong but I thought Pine Richland was Class 5A this season???

Nope, they are in the lower half (but near the middle) of 6A in the WPIAL. North Hills dropped to 5A. Maybe that is what you heard.

 

[16th&Georgetown]

Darn, I was looking forward to a Wood P-R final. I'll settle for a Wood vs. Woody one instead, lol

 

[RoverNation05]

District 7 in 5A should be deep with traditionally strong programs Upper St. Clair, Woodland Hills, McKeesport, Penn-Trafford, Gateway, North Hills, and West Allegheny. I think that will annually be one of the the most interesting class/district in the state.

Getting rivals a Woodland Hills and West Allegheny in the same class will be a fun new wrinkle.

 

[pcc64]

The games between NA, Pine Richland and PCC certainly will be exciting and competitive. I expect that Central will be strong in the trenches on both sides of the ball . Just about everybody is back. Their biggest problem will be that they have too many kids with college offers. 16 of them already have offers to play at the next level. Their starting offensive line are all D1's and honor roll kids . I've never seen anything like it. It will be interesting to see if these 16 and 17 year kids can stay motivated. I suspect that they will. But you never know, Their QB Troy Fisher who will be a Jr has been offered by Temple and is being recruited by Virgina and Duke. JJ Younger returns at RB and look for Justice Evans to have a big year as a multi purpose RB and WR. But, NA and Pine Richland will be very strong in my opinion so anything can happen when this teams meet on the field.

 

[Coach555010]

Newpa2. Do you know the names of any of their 2018 athletes other than jurkovic. I know crawford and king played alot last year crawford a so an king a fr. Do you know any names of the young linemen coming up

 

[new2pa]

Talked to a buddy who was at their last 7v7. He said they are starting 3 2018 kids in the secondary and all but one LB is a 2018 to. He sent me the following about kids that played (excuse spelling...)

2017 *Douglass: 5'10 160 CB - son of ex-Pitt DB coach Troy Douglass
2018 *Crawford: 5'9 160 CB
2018 *Falcon: 6'2 180 S
2018 *Yokum: 5'11 170 S - one of hte coaches kids
2017 *Meckler: 5'11 220 LB - returning starter
2019 *King: 6'1' 225 LB - said he was AWESOME
2018 *Camean: 6'2" 200 LB
2018 Bally: 6'1" 190 LB
2018 Marfeesy: 5'10' 180 LB
2017 Lamendola: 6'1 165 (New kid - maybe transfer from Lebo?)
2017 Depasskel: 5'8 175 (new kid)
2017 Hall ??

* starters

He said that Falcon, Yokum, Bally all hurt last year.

Offensively he said it was mostly the same group of kids.

On the line, they return 2017 Weedyman and 2017 Trant. Likely other to compete to start are:

2019 Dorundo 6' 240
2019 Kristofic 6'5" 230
2018 Lemirande: 6' 230
2017 Scheller: 6'1 220

Dorundo and Kristofic are sons of former Pitt lineman. Lemirande is younger brother of last years starting middle linebacker.

I don't know if I believe this, but my buddy said they looked really good on offense - doesn't recall more than a few incompletions and a ton of long TDs.

 

[Coach555010]

Who thanks for the info I know they had a pretty good wr last year defrancisis who is in the class of 2018 and I know crawford will probably start at tailback

 

[Coach555010]

I heard dordundo is a stud and might start at center

 

[new2pa]

I am going to try to get to one of their 7in7s to see these kids in person. Will try and report back.

 

[Coach555010]

Thank you!

 

[lilromeo]

Talked to a buddy who was at their last 7v7. He said they are starting 3 2018 kids in the secondary and all but one LB is a 2018 to. He sent me the following about kids that played (excuse spelling...)

2017 *Douglass: 5'10 160 CB - son of ex-Pitt DB coach Troy Douglass
2018 *Crawford: 5'9 160 CB
2018 *Falcon: 6'2 180 S
2018 *Yokum: 5'11 170 S - one of hte coaches kids
2017 *Meckler: 5'11 220 LB - returning starter
2019 *King: 6'1' 225 LB - said he was AWESOME
2018 *Camean: 6'2" 200 LB
2018 Bally: 6'1" 190 LB
2018 Marfeesy: 5'10' 180 LB
2017 Lamendola: 6'1 165 (New kid - maybe transfer from Lebo?)
2017 Depasskel: 5'8 175 (new kid)
2017 Hall ??

* starters

He said that Falcon, Yokum, Bally all hurt last year.

Offensively he said it was mostly the same group of kids.

On the line, they return 2017 Weedyman and 2017 Trant. Likely other to compete to start are:

2019 Dorundo 6' 240
2019 Kristofic 6'5" 230
2018 Lemirande: 6' 230
2017 Scheller: 6'1 220

Dorundo and Kristofic are sons of former Pitt lineman. Lemirande is younger brother of last years starting middle linebacker.

I don't know if I believe this, but my buddy said they looked really good on offense - doesn't recall more than a few incompletions and a ton of long TDs.

Pine -Richland seems to have a fairly young team and may be a year away from a title particularly with what PCC will throw at them this year. Other than State College ,are there other serious contenders for the West title this year ?

 

[Coach555010]

North A should be able to compete for a wpial title.

T josh lugg 6'7 285 ND recruit
TE/lb griffin sefflin sp? 6'3 240 multiple offers
Ethan maenza qb/dB 6'0 190 just picked up a few offers he can fly 4.4 40. Plus a good db.
G/DE Matt binz 6'1 245 good player two way starter
Rb mike pope 5'7 165 4.5 40. Good speed an cutting ability starter at Rb last year
Fb/lb Francis Duggan 6'3 230. Kid is a stud transferred in very good lb only junior.

NA also has about 3 or 4 other returning starters that are very good players

 

[new2pa]

Pine -Richland seems to have a fairly young team and may be a year away from a title particularly with what PCC will throw at them this year. Other than State College ,are there other serious contenders for the West title this year ?

Yes, P-R will be very young. For them to have a chance against teams like PCC and NA, the guys up front will have to at least hold their own for a little bit. The skill guys should be a much better matchup from last year, when PCC basically had a D1 secondary. They were very talented. I'm sure the guy they will have will also be very good, but I can't imagine to the level of Hamlin, Garner, Jones, George, Swann, etc.

 

[new2pa]

North A should be able to compete for a wpial title.

T josh lugg 6'7 285 ND recruit
TE/lb griffin sefflin sp? 6'3 240 multiple offers
Ethan maenza qb/dB 6'0 190 just picked up a few offers he can fly 4.4 40. Plus a good db.
G/DE Matt binz 6'1 245 good player two way starter
Rb mike pope 5'7 165 4.5 40. Good speed an cutting ability starter at Rb last year
Fb/lb Francis Duggan 6'3 230. Kid is a stud transferred in very good lb only junior.

NA also has about 3 or 4 other returning starters that are very good players

NA's senior class if very good. Don't be surprised if they keep Maenza at a multi-back sort of position and start a Junior at QB. (Don't have his name.) Up front they will be big as usual, and the Tuman boy should be improved to help out at DE and TE. Add to that the usual array of surburban skill players and good coaching and they will be solid again.

 

[pcc64]

Since PCC won't throw the ball unless they absolutely have to expect the games against NA and PR to be tight. Having said that it cannot be overstated that Central is expected to be absolutely loaded. That is the word. It should be a fun team to watch. I just hope that Totten will open up the offense just a little bit. He makes it harder than it should be for his team.

 

[new2pa]

Time and station confirmed last week. Noon on ESPN on 8/27. Complete schedule below.

http://espnmediazone.com/us/press-r...ool-football-kickoff-begins-friday-august-26/

 

[pcc64]

17 returning PCC players including the one incoming transfer have college offers at this present time. Four have already committed, one to Penn St, 2 to Notre Dame and one to Fordham. The entire offensive line has offers and all are honor roll kids with a lot of Ivy League and Military Academy offers. Their secondary will be inexperienced but fast. This group will be coached up as Central 's secondary coach is fantastic. Look for the running game to be dynamic with Justice Evans and JJ Younger providing big play capability behind a big veteran offensive line. Troy Fisher the 6-5 QB should only be better. He has offers from Temple and Boston College and is being recruited by Stanford. He has a good arm but look for him to run a lot. BTW, Justice Evans is being compared to Eugene Jarvice for those of you who remember him scoring 5 TD's in the 04 state championship game.

 

[new2pa]

Who is the transfer. Seen lots of stuff on twitter, but none confirmed?

 

[pcc64]

Since the WPIAL always attempts to block all transfers to Central and I mean all transfers. I don't want to jinx the kid. I've read what you have read and I have nosed around and have heard more and that it's fact. He hasn't been there for the summer work outs but supposedly he's coming. Maybe it's just a figment of my imagination but I fon't think so. I think the big boy is coming to Central . We shall see. He would look good chasing down your QB.

 

[new2pa]

If you are talking about the Carrigan kid, everything being said out here is that they have bought a house, enrolled, and he is already at practice. Seems like that was a done deal weeks ago. Maybe there are others tho.

 

[sammyk]

Would love to see either one of these teams play Mallard Creek or Dudley NC. Would be a great game

 

[Stalker]

If you are talking about the Carrigan kid, everything being said out here is that they have bought a house, enrolled, and he is already at practice. Seems like that was a done deal weeks ago. Maybe there are others tho.

Someone was asking earlier if there are other contenders for honors in the West this year. I can tell you D3 is in about as full a reload as I've seen in years. Talking Wilson, Hempfield, Manheim in the LL....and Central Dauphin, Cumberland Valley and CD East in the Mid Penn Commonwealth. All have tremendous losses including QBs (except one) meaning State might take the MPC this year.
Central Dauphin has a QB and a core on D in DE Micah Parsons, LB Veliky but the DL/OL and skill are mostly gone. Watch soph LB Adam Burkhart who they're hot on. CV is similarly wiped out with a decent throwing QB a real loss but good LBs returning. To bad with a game vs Coatesville this year....same for East High except great core on D returns.
Mid Penn Keystone has Cedar Cliff and Lower Dauphin with LD wipe out city and CC Colts looking at life without running back Demmy +1800ry and Wide out Viti but return QB Grant Breneman (+2500py, 502ry) to keep Colts kicking.
Wilson lost their QB and RB Dantzler and a load of D talent, ditto for Hempfield and Manheim with Hempfield graduating a good double threat at QB +1000 R and P. Streaks lost Erik Benjamin, 2476py, +500ry. All lost good QB's except CD. Governor Mifflin Dropped to 5A.

Having said that, these are the historic power teams in 3 with great tradition and coaching. No one develops QBs like Coach Dahms at Wilson. Pulled senior Collin Powers 6-2, 185 out of his hat last year; +1888, 18/2, 62% Td-Pick so they'll be there as always. Strong coaching across the board.
State High looks good with a big number returning but has work to do losing to McDevitt 41-23, CD 35-17, Spg Ford 28-25 and PCC 19-3. Beat Cumberland Valley 21-7 and the favorite in my view heading into season for the MPC title. Will miss Misher with 1455ry who missed a few games. Developed two QBs last year. Still hard seeing them beating PCC, NA or PR 'tho first two a remote possibility with similarities to Cumberland Valley and disdain of the forward pass. State will throw it. Home games against CV, Central Dauphin and CD East will give handicappers a clue, maybe the road game at Harrisburg.

 

[pcc64]

New2pa there were others, some DB's in particular but they didn't have the grades to get into Central. One very good DB and of course the Burns kid who decided to stay down in Florida. You have more specifics info on Carrigan than I do but that's who I was referencing as the 17th player with a college offer. I had heard he was "there" but he was excused from drills to help with his family. Terry Totten has not had much to say on the subject. The kid just shows up one day. I heard about him from the Alumi Director who told me there was a family petitioning Central to allow their son to enroll as a senior due to a family circumstance. He is a 6-7 235 -270 tight end /defensive end. The WPIAL still has to approve his transfer but due to his personal situation, I believe they will approve him to play.

 

[new2pa]

Besides Burns, hadn't heard of the other DBs.

Regarding Carrigan - I guess he'll just show up on someone's roster one of these days!

I will ask around out here and see if anyone has actually saw him. I know PR has a 7 on 7 coming up next week and next weekend. I will try and go.

 

[pcc64]

new2pa, did the kid's family buy a house in Pine Richland ? That would explain why he wasn't around and the mixed 2nd hand signals I was getting. I saw his name on a best player list as being a Central player so I took that as being confirmation of his being just that.

 

[new2pa]

Yes, I heard from several folks that his family bought a house in P-R.

 

[pcc64]

Yep, just saw confirmation he looked good at practice with Pine Richland, today.

 

[new2pa]

Yep. I saw that too. Now that he is there, I wonder how they will use him offensively. No TE at PR.

 

[sammyk]

Put him in the slot position match up nightmare

 

[pcc64]

One of the PCC coaches is quoted as saying where would you go if you were a 6-7 TE and you had a choice ? to a team that has a head coach who refuses to throw the ball or to a team with the best HS QB in the country ?

 

[new2pa]

With what PCC has coming back up front and solid at RB position, I wouldn't be surprised of they went back to the offensive style they used when Cosentino was the QB a few years ago. power, counter, trap, bootleg. Rinse, repeat.