Surprise Surprise...WPIAL schools in favor of 6 classes

[WPIAL_Fball]

Article in Pittsburgh Trib tomorrow: http://triblive.com/sports/hssports/football/9680428-74/wpial-piaa-schools#axzz3vCs9HaW1

I know the WPIAL has acted as though they were against this all along but I always thought they had it wrong. They seem to forget that there are 120+ football schools. They were so worried about preserving the Heinz Field tradition but they seem to forget that only 8 teams make it to Heinz Field...over 90% of schools will be done practicing long before Thanksgiving.

Even at the beginning of the season there's probably only 30 or so schools across all classes that were realistically expecting to have a shot at Heinz at the end of the season. Schools like Clairton, South Fayette, Aliquippa, West Allegheny, Central Valley & Central Catholic have dominated the Heinz field berths in recent years. (Look at AA where SF and the Quips have taken 10 out of the 12 Heinz spots in the past 6 years).

Most schools aren't worried about the Heinz Field tradition because most have never been there. Their concern is playing schools that are their size, having a chance to allow their students to compete, maybe improving their playoff chances or win a playoff game. Add to that - the district will now have the opportunity to send 6 schools on to the state playoffs.

Articles were written in the area trashing the "Hershey" experience and how it can't compare to Heinz, how the WPIAL should secede from the PIAA, and other ridiculous claims. As a die-hard South Fayette fan since the 90's I have been on both sides of the coin and I can say:
#1 - until you've won a state championship you don't understand how special Hershey is. Getting to Heinz and winning was nice...winning at Hershey was the ultimate, truthfully Heinz can't compare to being the BEST in the STATE. Hershey stadium isn't Heinz but it doesn't have to be...they could play in a field with no bleachers in the middle of nowhere and I'd be there to cheer on our boys.
#2 - prior to 2009 SF had a decent program that qualified for the WPIAL playoffs many years but never could get over the hump and didn't win a single playoff game for 7 years after moving up to AA. We weren't concerned about Heinz or Hershey, or 4 classes or 6 classes. We just wanted a chance to compete, our memories of that time were tightly contested regular season games against rivals.

Long post I know...but to sum it up: I would guess that over 50% of WPIAL schools were in favor of this move all along. I'm tired of local reporters voicing the concerns of the top 5% of WPIAL schools and acting like this is such a travesty. This is a good thing for the state, this is a good thing for the students, this is a good thing for the WPIAL. I for one am excited about it and secretly hoping for a South Fayette - Imhotep rematch next year in Hershey (although on the South Fayette side I think it's a tough road!).

 

[Stalker]

I'm guessing the Heinz fuss is the last gasp of the Old Guard wanting to keep all things Wpial centric, now pushed by a new generation who has another vision.

 

[pcc64]

I know for a fact that Central Catholic was for the expansion from the very beginning. Because the schools will have the flexibility to schedule one game outside of the WPIAL (wow). I was told by PCC's principal last summer that pending this move the national power DeLasalle was trying to schedule Central Catholic at a neutral site (South Bend) possibly in 2016.

 

[new2pa]

That would be great if there was scheduling flexibility. Unless somehow the WPIAL keeps 9 games and 2 scrimmages (where schools could schedule that second scrimmage - like they do now - as a game), I'm not holding my breath though. Hope so.

 

[WPIAL_Fball]

That would be great if there was scheduling flexibility. Unless somehow the WPIAL keeps 9 games and 2 scrimmages (where schools could schedule that second scrimmage - like they do now - as a game), I'm not holding my breath though. Hope so.

Yes - the WPIAL absolutely needs to do something about the terrible scheduling. They should give teams some flexibility to request or setup their own match-ups, I'm sure some of the better schools would like to have a competitive non-conference game or 2. Especially at the A and AA levels they do a terrible job with the non-conference games where they have historically matched up their best teams with the worst teams. 60+ point blowouts do nothing to prepare your best teams for the playoff run.

 

[Stalker]

I don't like 6 classes that still have a HUGE gap between the largest and smallest; it is just not as large. The concept of East vs West and District boundaries need addressed to fix it rather than more classes awarding watered down trophies. Move over New Jersey, here we come!
All of this avoids the established reality that enrollment historically has little to nothing to do with performance despite larger schools held up as having great advantage.

Small (tiny actually) public school quads like McKeesport, USC (Gateway recently) had-have great success beating much larger schools consistently, not randomly. Powers like Aliquippa, Selinsgrove, Clairton, TJ are small in their respective classifications; Farrell, Berlin, Steelton Highspire, etc, etc. Won't bore you with the list but see PIAA.org enrollment numbers and listing of title teams for more.

 

[BigKev420]

I know for a fact that Central Catholic was for the expansion from the very beginning. Because the schools will have the flexibility to schedule one game outside of the WPIAL (wow). I was told by PCC's principal last summer that pending this move the national power DeLasalle was trying to schedule Central Catholic at a neutral site (South Bend) possibly in 2016.

Central will get destroyed if they played De LaSalle, and Im a Central Alum.

 

[pcc64]

That's not the point . If De LaSalle wants to play Central . Central will oblige. I doubt Central will be destroyed as in obliterated . Besides why would they refuse a game in South Bend, Indiana.

 

[Stalker]

Would they be interested in a game with Bishop McDevitt of Harrisburg? Their game with Harris High lost some significance with the move from downtown 2 block from them to the burbs near Central Dauphin. They play 3 non-conf at the top then another into the season. Probably wouldn't give up Cumberland Valley, CD or State but less ties to Single-A Steelton Highspire and others who they've opened with the last two.

 

[pcc64]

They would if they dropped out of the WPIAL, but I don' see that happening. Now if they went all privates then it would be an annual event, for sure.


Interesting tid bit for you Stalker : Damar Hamlin played the entire year with a sports hernia, hardly practiced at all during the week , all year . He was injured at the Nike camp out in Oregon in the summer. Will undergo surgery soon.

 

[Stalker]

They would if they dropped out of the WPIAL, but I don' see that happening. Now if they went all privates then it would be an annual event, for sure.


Interesting tid bit for you Stalker : Damar Hamlin played the entire year with a sports hernia, hardly practiced at all during the week , all year . He was injured at the Nike camp out in Oregon in the summer. Will undergo surgery soon.

Ouch, that's a painful injury, evidently (hopefully) not of the deeper more severe nature. Quite a player.

 

[BigKev420]

That's not the point . If De LaSalle wants to play Central . Central will oblige. I doubt Central will be destroyed as in obliterated . Besides why would they refuse a game in South Bend, Indiana.

Did I say they should refuse it? I said they would get destroyed, which they will get blown out. Im no WPIAL homer , but I do know thay it is one of the most overrated places in the country where football is played. It isn't what it used to be.

 

[pcc64]

I don't think they will !

 

[lilromeo]

I don't think they will !

Any of the North Jersey Catholic league teams would play PCC in a heartbeat. They are always looking for a good game.

 

[pcc64]

No doubt, but I don't see that happening in the near future , for no particular reason. There was talk a few years ago about a Don Bosco PCC game a few years ago but it didn't happen. I must admit , I wouldn't feel good about that match up unless it happened to be against a Central powerhouse team. next year's team should be pretty strong but we are due for some off years. So if we play one of these national teams it better be next year.

 

[lilromeo]

No doubt, but I don't see that happening in the near future , for no particular reason. There was talk a few years ago about a Don Bosco PCC game a few years ago but it didn't happen. I must admit , I wouldn't feel good about that match up unless it happened to be against a Central powerhouse team. next year's team should be pretty strong but we are due for some off years. So if we play one of these national teams it better be next year.

I really liked this years squad. Very solid running game with quick RBs and big aggressive line. Defensively , no weakness that I could see. PCC64, I think Central Catholic will be as good next year based on their returning athletes. I'm not sure if there is any team here in the east other than maybe St. Joe can challenge them.

 

[lilromeo]

No doubt, but I don't see that happening in the near future , for no particular reason. There was talk a few years ago about a Don Bosco PCC game a few years ago but it didn't happen. I must admit , I wouldn't feel good about that match up unless it happened to be against a Central powerhouse team. next year's team should be pretty strong but we are due for some off years. So if we play one of these national teams it better be next year.

I should add Neshaminy as a real challenge also. This may get some reaction from the board during this down period.

 

[Stalker]

Well that didn't work lil so what else you got up your sleeve?

- Taking a break but Skins really were a "young" team away from bigger and better things last year at 9-4 with some tight ones if.....(BIG IF)....they can get past another good North Penn team who probably won't have the trilogy in the backfield again but being NP, they'll find backs.
- Perk Val too as program evolves but coaching changes means ?
Up north:
- Freedom with a vet QB and spread option plus a great coaching staff and a number of good parts looks good
- Naz too with Coach Falzone, QB-duel threat (Spread team), and great WR skill.
- Wyo Val will be good again; QB. RB, others back
- Hazelton emerging from Dark Ages

That's it. I'm on break!

 

[lilromeo]

Well that didn't work lil so what else you got up your sleeve?

- Taking a break but Skins really were a "young" team away from bigger and better things last year at 9-4 with some tight ones if.....(BIG IF)....they can get past another good North Penn team who probably won't have the trilogy in the backfield again but being NP, they'll find backs.
- Perk Val too as program evolves but coaching changes means ?
Up north:
- Freedom with a vet QB and spread option plus a great coaching staff and a number of good parts looks good
- Naz too with Coach Falzone, QB-duel threat (Spread team), and great WR skill.
- Wyo Val will be good again; QB. RB, others back
- Hazelton emerging from Dark Ages

That's it. I'm on break!

Thanks Stalk, guess most guys are also taking a break. Thanks for your coverage this past year.

 

[Relayer]

Keep in mind that Neshaminy and North Penn will be in different conferences next year when the SOL realigns for the millionth time. The only chance they meet will be in the playoffs. Of course they could always schedule each other as a non-league game.

 

[lilromeo]

Keep in mind that Neshaminy and North Penn will be in different conferences next year when the SOL realigns for the millionth time. The only chance they meet will be in the playoffs. Of course they could always schedule each other as a non-league game.

I'm not as confident about North Penns chances next year as opposed to this past year. I know they have their QB returning ,but they lose most of their other skill players . Relayer , when there is a good game projected at CRN stadium next year ,my treat at the Wendys by the stadium.

 

[PA2CAMoleskinner]

Lil Romeo -

We're looking for a bit more noise next year in Langhorne. One reason would be that it will be Coach Wilmot's sophomore year at the helm so any opening night jitters should be long gone -- not that he had any of note as he brought them in at 9-4 with a nice effort throughout the year.

Then another "positive" will be on the offensive side of the line of scrimmage as that gang should be very solid with Mason Jones at QB, Will Dogba at HB and Hayden Rooney at FB back as seniors in addition to Zach Tredway at wideout (a senior too) also returning so that sees a load of skill back (with that group rushing for over 2,000 yards and/or rushing, throwing or catching 35 TDs).

On the offensive line four of six are back in Chris Wilson, Eddie Parry, Kyle Osterhouldt and AJ Sanko (and all will be seniors). Then with several guys rotating in during the season at the TE and the tackle slot left vacant through the graduation of Billy Ritchey and Hunter Kelly those spots will fill in nicely (so this is going to be a very experienced group when the Wilmotmen have the ball).

Moving over the on the "D" side, and despite losing some muscle, they have a core group back with some two-way guys in Tredway, Parry and Osterhouldt and then Jacob Gordon at DB and LB Oleh Manzyk, who started as a freshmen in some ten games or so over the season. Thus, and although there will be new faces, it won't be a complete makeover (the LB core was pretty solid so it will be interesting to see how that works out as it seems the line and DBs should be in decent shape).

Considering the "toe to leather" aspect, Dylan McDonald will be back as a senior and which aill allow the kicking game to be an important component (he averaged just about 50 yards a kickoff, with 5 touchbacks, while he was 38 of 40 on extra points and then 5 for 6 on FGs with his longest a 40 yarder). And although Daulton Fox will be graduating (who came on strong as a punter) McDonald will handle that chore as well I suspect (he had 21 punts during the 2015 season).

From a global view there will be about 50 guys back overall and who were underclassmen on 2015's team so a lot of people with playing time will be available in 2016 (besides those as mentioned so depth shouldn't be a big concern). And although it's not a 100% predictive, I believe that the JV squad and/or middle school teams have been enjoying strong squads of late so that should provide additional depth too (and some new stud we haven't seen yet).

Should be a good Redskins bunch.

 

[SPEED&JUMP DR.]

PA2-I see your hoops coach in a whole lot of trouble up there. Incident made ESPN.

 

[PA2CAMoleskinner]

Speed -

I saw that on the national news this morning (might have been the CBS morning show as Gayle King mentioned it -- yikes). And they played a bunch of different videos (and angles) so might not have been a head butt (a gut bump); however, that's not a good thing to do (I wrestled when I walked the hallowed halls of dear old Neshaminy high so what goes on with the "Bubble Bouncers" is still a mystery to me -- still, it wouldn't seem like that would be an appropriate reaction to a foul call).