1. Pittsburgh Central Catholic 11-2
Although they have good numbers returning especially on defense, the offense still has concerns. Not at QB with Michael Navarro returning (45/67, 581py, 67%, 11/0 Td-Pik), but because an integral piece of the offense is gone, S/WR John Petrischen. Apart from being Navarro’s favorite target (18/354), his returns often gave them great field position with four returned for touchdowns. Most teams learned to kick away from him. He is largely the reason they beat Penn Trafford, running for 212 yards out of the Wildcat on 17 carries. Incidentally, the Viking defense allowed over 300 yards passing in that one. The week before against Woodland Hills, the offense was essentially non-existent, scoring one touchdown and seven first downs while gaining 126 yards of total offense, none through the air. The rest of the scoring came by way of the defense scoring two on a fumble (Rashad Wheeler 25-yds) and a pick (Kurt Hinish 32-yds) and a 55-yd punt return by Petrischen in a 28-0 win. The Wildcat opens things up (last two games) but they need to find another Petrischen to be less one-dimensional, especially with their stiffest competition played on the road; Bethel Park, North Allegheny, North Hills and Pine Richland. About that defense, eight are FBS recruits (Div-1 scholarship offers), two are FCS recruits. Those garnering the most attention are DLs CJ Thorpe (6-4, 305, jr), and Rashad Wheeler (6-1, 285, sr), cornerback Damar Hamlin (6-2, 190, sr), junior linebacker David Adams (6-2, 220), senior backer Ron George (6-2, 215) and DB Bricen Garner (6-2, 185, sr). Pick a “name” university and that’s who’s recruiting these players! DL Kurt Hinish (6-3, 280, jr) and DB Ron Jones (6-1, 190, sr, committed to Toledo) are being recruited by Toledo and other Mid-American level teams. Linebacker Chase Hawthorne (6-0, 215, sr) and DB Braxton Swann (6-1, 180, sr) got the attention of Patriot and Ivy League schools so the table is set for an extraordinary year by the defense who should set up the offense in good field position, scoring a few Tds along the way.
2. Penn Trafford 11-1
Given the concerns above there may not be that much difference between these two top teams, regardless how much Central Catholic’s D1 players have been lauded and promoted. They were on the field last year against this team (except Ron George) in a game whose score belies the competitive nature of that contest. Performance still trumps potential so we’ll see how it unfold if there is a rematch. Making a long story short, the Warriors resemble last year’s Pine Richland group, loaded on both sides of the line with a veteran quarterback in Brett Laffoon (6-2, 200, sr, 2005py, 409ry, 66%, 28/2), a pile of running backs and a veteran receiver corps led by the diminutive Tim Vecchio (5-10, 170, sr) with 1022 yards on 43 receptions. If they can replace some holes in the lines they are set. They had some big wins last year, putting a physical crush job on McKeesport, holding the vaunted Tiger attack to 121 total yards and Khaleke Hudson to 53 yards at McKeesport. Hudson finished the year with 1773 yards. Also beat North Allegheny in the Wpial quarterfinal 35-31 before losing in the semifinal to Central Catholic 52-34. This was a very back and forth game, sealed with a fourth quarter touchdown. Quarterback Laffoon was 15 of 25 for 218 yards in that one with one Td in a crazy game of on-side kicks, 2 recovered by PT, Flea Flickers and the Wildcat. The coming season sees them opening with Kiski, then Connellsville before playing McKeesport at home. With health, they stand a good chance of running the table again, securing another high seed. They are battle tested and veteran, having played in two straight semifinals.
3. Central Dauphin 11-3
A lot of bodies return from last year’s district runner-up including QBs David Payton (5-9, 180, sr, 48/91/517py/53%, 0/1, 670ry) and AJ Millar (6-2, 175, jr, 36/82/421/44%, 6/5, 133ry) and their outstanding running back Raleigh Sirb (5-9, 190, sr, 1352ry). Additionally, Mike Burgwin (5-9, 185, sr) transferred in from Central Dauphin East bringing his rushing abilities to add to an already talented backfield. The missing piece might be Terrell Gabriel (5-9, 205, jr) who has grown into the fullback position, a key position in the Ram attack. Another transfer, Chad Cortez (6-3, 195) from McDevitt had 12 receptions for 318 yards last year. The line returns four of six including Paul Wakefield (6-1, 295, sr), Steven Veronikis (6-5, 225, sr), Evan Childs (6-3, 275, jr), (C) Ethan Morrow (5-10, 270, sr) and Thomas Whitcomb (6-4, 290, sr). And the anomaly that was last year’s platoon system at quarterback will likely end with Coach McNamee going with one quarterback. Millar is the thrower and younger of the two but with great experience while Payton has diverse skills that were almost lost at quarterback. On the other side they return one of the top D-Fronts in the state; DEs Reid Albright (5-10, 210, sr, 101 tackles), last year’s spectacular freshman Micah Parsons (6-3, 225, so, 14saks, 27TFL), Rashaun Gabriel (6-1, 210, sr, 67 tackles), DLs Evan Childs (6-3, 270, jr, 10 tackles), AJ Perez (6-3, 275, sr, transferred back from East) Leonard Guzman (5-11, 215, sr, 12 tackles) and Joe Williams (6-5, 290, sr). Also back at LB is Mike Betz (5-11, 210, sr, 87 tackles, 10saks) and Adam Thornton (5-10, 205, sr, 106 tackles). The secondary returns two plus Burgwin. Last year’s team lost twice to Wilson, 14-12 and 21-10 in the playoffs. The other loss was in-conference to Cumberland Valley (9-3) 7-0. If the passing game develops as expected, and it’s been a Ram strength over the years, the sky is the limit. This, combined with recent, quality transfers, a defense that could be one of their very finest and the usual Ram excellence on special teams has them poised for very big things.
4. Woodland Hills 8-3
Another loaded addition here that returns QB Jeremiah Jones (6-1, 205, sr, 843py, 48%), running back Miles Sanders (6-0., 195, sr, 1132, 11.67ypc, 18 Tds, PSU) Joe-El Shaw (6-1, 230, sr, 696, 10 Tds), WR Jaymond Dunn et al….and a behemoth line featuring Wilford Clark (6-0, 300, sr), Tearl Grey (6-2, 260, jr), Amon Youngblood (6-4, 325, jr), Eric Mitchell (6-2, 290, sr), and Miguel Cobbs (6-1, 260, sr). Went two deep last year although Clark and Cobbs played both ways. Also played a lot of sophs in the secondary to ramp up the speed with good experience-depth everywhere. They sailed through last year’s schedule going 6-0 scoring 344 points before losing to West Allegheny 42-41ot, then shut out Mount Lebanon the following week 47-0 before losing to arch rival Penn Hills 22-15. For a team priding itself on defense, allowing (yr end avg) 15ppg, 9, 12, 14, 14, 15 and 13ppg from 2008 through 2014, last year’s 28-0 loss to Central Catholic had to be an tough pill to swallow. The schedule is amenable with two home games to kick it off, Peters Township and Bethel Park, followed by road games at Shaler and Baldwin. Then its home to Upper St Clair. It doesn’t get much better with four of their toughest five games played at home; Bethel Park, Upper St Clair, West Allegheny (11-2, AAA-Wpial finalist) and Mount Lebanon. Tho its at Penn Hills, it’s often a coin toss when these two tangle. Excepting West Allegheny, all the comp should be improved over last year so the homers won’t be givens with Bethel, USC and Lebo returning good numbers. West A isn’t depleted but are looking to replace quarterback Andrew Koester. Like Central Dauphin, the Wolverines will probably have to find a passing attack to get through Districts and beyond.
5. Wilson 14-1
They’ve won seven straight LL-Section-1 titles, fifty consecutive LL games and two straight district titles. Their won-loss since Coach Doug Dahms came aboard in 2006 is 107-16. All that’s missing is the illusive state title. While they’ve had some great teams and close calls, they haven’t been to the final since 1989 where they lost to Upper St Clair 12-7. Maybe this year, where they return a healthy number of starters and a lot of experience to boot. Quarterback Jake Klein (6-1, 200, sr) is experienced and will get the nod replacing graduated Jake Templin who had a solid season (126/249/1768/51%, 30/12 Td-Pick). For the Bulldogs, almost all the running backs return, including standout senior Shane Dantzler (5-9, 175, 1659ry) and five of the top six receivers. The line will feature senior Nick Kline (6-2, 265) who missed all of last year with an injury. Prior to last year he was considered their best lineman. He’ll be supported by MLB/OT Ike Schannauer (6-1, 245, sr), DL/OG Ben Harris (6-0, 210, sr), Jake Morris (5-11, 245, jr), Pete Weidner (5-10, 230, sr) and TE Alex Twiford (6-3, 225, sr). These returns should give the new quarterback every chance of success. Given Wilson’s tradition at that position, they will be fine. Defensively, a strong nucleus of starters and co-starters returns led by linebackers Ike Schannauer (105 tackles) and Foday Jalloh (6-1, 190, sr, 56 tackles). Jon Fox (6-0, 195, sr, 52 tackles) returns at SS with Ben Harris also playing DL. Jake Gehman (6-1, 190, sr, 39 tackles) and Tom O’Brien (5-11, 175, jr, 25) return to the secondary at CB and FS. They open with arch rival Governor Mifflin (complete rebuild) and Central Dauphin East, both on the road before the home opener in what is possibly a preview of the district final against Central Dauphin. It’s a bad spot for CD playing Bulldogs in their home opener but what a game that should be. SRO at 6,000 to 7,000 so get there early! Others will emerge in the super competitive District-3 but look for Wilson and CD to lead the pack.
Although they have good numbers returning especially on defense, the offense still has concerns. Not at QB with Michael Navarro returning (45/67, 581py, 67%, 11/0 Td-Pik), but because an integral piece of the offense is gone, S/WR John Petrischen. Apart from being Navarro’s favorite target (18/354), his returns often gave them great field position with four returned for touchdowns. Most teams learned to kick away from him. He is largely the reason they beat Penn Trafford, running for 212 yards out of the Wildcat on 17 carries. Incidentally, the Viking defense allowed over 300 yards passing in that one. The week before against Woodland Hills, the offense was essentially non-existent, scoring one touchdown and seven first downs while gaining 126 yards of total offense, none through the air. The rest of the scoring came by way of the defense scoring two on a fumble (Rashad Wheeler 25-yds) and a pick (Kurt Hinish 32-yds) and a 55-yd punt return by Petrischen in a 28-0 win. The Wildcat opens things up (last two games) but they need to find another Petrischen to be less one-dimensional, especially with their stiffest competition played on the road; Bethel Park, North Allegheny, North Hills and Pine Richland. About that defense, eight are FBS recruits (Div-1 scholarship offers), two are FCS recruits. Those garnering the most attention are DLs CJ Thorpe (6-4, 305, jr), and Rashad Wheeler (6-1, 285, sr), cornerback Damar Hamlin (6-2, 190, sr), junior linebacker David Adams (6-2, 220), senior backer Ron George (6-2, 215) and DB Bricen Garner (6-2, 185, sr). Pick a “name” university and that’s who’s recruiting these players! DL Kurt Hinish (6-3, 280, jr) and DB Ron Jones (6-1, 190, sr, committed to Toledo) are being recruited by Toledo and other Mid-American level teams. Linebacker Chase Hawthorne (6-0, 215, sr) and DB Braxton Swann (6-1, 180, sr) got the attention of Patriot and Ivy League schools so the table is set for an extraordinary year by the defense who should set up the offense in good field position, scoring a few Tds along the way.
2. Penn Trafford 11-1
Given the concerns above there may not be that much difference between these two top teams, regardless how much Central Catholic’s D1 players have been lauded and promoted. They were on the field last year against this team (except Ron George) in a game whose score belies the competitive nature of that contest. Performance still trumps potential so we’ll see how it unfold if there is a rematch. Making a long story short, the Warriors resemble last year’s Pine Richland group, loaded on both sides of the line with a veteran quarterback in Brett Laffoon (6-2, 200, sr, 2005py, 409ry, 66%, 28/2), a pile of running backs and a veteran receiver corps led by the diminutive Tim Vecchio (5-10, 170, sr) with 1022 yards on 43 receptions. If they can replace some holes in the lines they are set. They had some big wins last year, putting a physical crush job on McKeesport, holding the vaunted Tiger attack to 121 total yards and Khaleke Hudson to 53 yards at McKeesport. Hudson finished the year with 1773 yards. Also beat North Allegheny in the Wpial quarterfinal 35-31 before losing in the semifinal to Central Catholic 52-34. This was a very back and forth game, sealed with a fourth quarter touchdown. Quarterback Laffoon was 15 of 25 for 218 yards in that one with one Td in a crazy game of on-side kicks, 2 recovered by PT, Flea Flickers and the Wildcat. The coming season sees them opening with Kiski, then Connellsville before playing McKeesport at home. With health, they stand a good chance of running the table again, securing another high seed. They are battle tested and veteran, having played in two straight semifinals.
3. Central Dauphin 11-3
A lot of bodies return from last year’s district runner-up including QBs David Payton (5-9, 180, sr, 48/91/517py/53%, 0/1, 670ry) and AJ Millar (6-2, 175, jr, 36/82/421/44%, 6/5, 133ry) and their outstanding running back Raleigh Sirb (5-9, 190, sr, 1352ry). Additionally, Mike Burgwin (5-9, 185, sr) transferred in from Central Dauphin East bringing his rushing abilities to add to an already talented backfield. The missing piece might be Terrell Gabriel (5-9, 205, jr) who has grown into the fullback position, a key position in the Ram attack. Another transfer, Chad Cortez (6-3, 195) from McDevitt had 12 receptions for 318 yards last year. The line returns four of six including Paul Wakefield (6-1, 295, sr), Steven Veronikis (6-5, 225, sr), Evan Childs (6-3, 275, jr), (C) Ethan Morrow (5-10, 270, sr) and Thomas Whitcomb (6-4, 290, sr). And the anomaly that was last year’s platoon system at quarterback will likely end with Coach McNamee going with one quarterback. Millar is the thrower and younger of the two but with great experience while Payton has diverse skills that were almost lost at quarterback. On the other side they return one of the top D-Fronts in the state; DEs Reid Albright (5-10, 210, sr, 101 tackles), last year’s spectacular freshman Micah Parsons (6-3, 225, so, 14saks, 27TFL), Rashaun Gabriel (6-1, 210, sr, 67 tackles), DLs Evan Childs (6-3, 270, jr, 10 tackles), AJ Perez (6-3, 275, sr, transferred back from East) Leonard Guzman (5-11, 215, sr, 12 tackles) and Joe Williams (6-5, 290, sr). Also back at LB is Mike Betz (5-11, 210, sr, 87 tackles, 10saks) and Adam Thornton (5-10, 205, sr, 106 tackles). The secondary returns two plus Burgwin. Last year’s team lost twice to Wilson, 14-12 and 21-10 in the playoffs. The other loss was in-conference to Cumberland Valley (9-3) 7-0. If the passing game develops as expected, and it’s been a Ram strength over the years, the sky is the limit. This, combined with recent, quality transfers, a defense that could be one of their very finest and the usual Ram excellence on special teams has them poised for very big things.
4. Woodland Hills 8-3
Another loaded addition here that returns QB Jeremiah Jones (6-1, 205, sr, 843py, 48%), running back Miles Sanders (6-0., 195, sr, 1132, 11.67ypc, 18 Tds, PSU) Joe-El Shaw (6-1, 230, sr, 696, 10 Tds), WR Jaymond Dunn et al….and a behemoth line featuring Wilford Clark (6-0, 300, sr), Tearl Grey (6-2, 260, jr), Amon Youngblood (6-4, 325, jr), Eric Mitchell (6-2, 290, sr), and Miguel Cobbs (6-1, 260, sr). Went two deep last year although Clark and Cobbs played both ways. Also played a lot of sophs in the secondary to ramp up the speed with good experience-depth everywhere. They sailed through last year’s schedule going 6-0 scoring 344 points before losing to West Allegheny 42-41ot, then shut out Mount Lebanon the following week 47-0 before losing to arch rival Penn Hills 22-15. For a team priding itself on defense, allowing (yr end avg) 15ppg, 9, 12, 14, 14, 15 and 13ppg from 2008 through 2014, last year’s 28-0 loss to Central Catholic had to be an tough pill to swallow. The schedule is amenable with two home games to kick it off, Peters Township and Bethel Park, followed by road games at Shaler and Baldwin. Then its home to Upper St Clair. It doesn’t get much better with four of their toughest five games played at home; Bethel Park, Upper St Clair, West Allegheny (11-2, AAA-Wpial finalist) and Mount Lebanon. Tho its at Penn Hills, it’s often a coin toss when these two tangle. Excepting West Allegheny, all the comp should be improved over last year so the homers won’t be givens with Bethel, USC and Lebo returning good numbers. West A isn’t depleted but are looking to replace quarterback Andrew Koester. Like Central Dauphin, the Wolverines will probably have to find a passing attack to get through Districts and beyond.
5. Wilson 14-1
They’ve won seven straight LL-Section-1 titles, fifty consecutive LL games and two straight district titles. Their won-loss since Coach Doug Dahms came aboard in 2006 is 107-16. All that’s missing is the illusive state title. While they’ve had some great teams and close calls, they haven’t been to the final since 1989 where they lost to Upper St Clair 12-7. Maybe this year, where they return a healthy number of starters and a lot of experience to boot. Quarterback Jake Klein (6-1, 200, sr) is experienced and will get the nod replacing graduated Jake Templin who had a solid season (126/249/1768/51%, 30/12 Td-Pick). For the Bulldogs, almost all the running backs return, including standout senior Shane Dantzler (5-9, 175, 1659ry) and five of the top six receivers. The line will feature senior Nick Kline (6-2, 265) who missed all of last year with an injury. Prior to last year he was considered their best lineman. He’ll be supported by MLB/OT Ike Schannauer (6-1, 245, sr), DL/OG Ben Harris (6-0, 210, sr), Jake Morris (5-11, 245, jr), Pete Weidner (5-10, 230, sr) and TE Alex Twiford (6-3, 225, sr). These returns should give the new quarterback every chance of success. Given Wilson’s tradition at that position, they will be fine. Defensively, a strong nucleus of starters and co-starters returns led by linebackers Ike Schannauer (105 tackles) and Foday Jalloh (6-1, 190, sr, 56 tackles). Jon Fox (6-0, 195, sr, 52 tackles) returns at SS with Ben Harris also playing DL. Jake Gehman (6-1, 190, sr, 39 tackles) and Tom O’Brien (5-11, 175, jr, 25) return to the secondary at CB and FS. They open with arch rival Governor Mifflin (complete rebuild) and Central Dauphin East, both on the road before the home opener in what is possibly a preview of the district final against Central Dauphin. It’s a bad spot for CD playing Bulldogs in their home opener but what a game that should be. SRO at 6,000 to 7,000 so get there early! Others will emerge in the super competitive District-3 but look for Wilson and CD to lead the pack.
