So, here's my quick preseason look at the WPIAL 5A teams.
1. Penn-Trafford: A few reason I've moved them to #1. First is they have program stability and an excellent coaching staff. Second, the have a star RB with Yacamelli (Wisconsin) and a big and talented returning OL. I believe 3 or 4 return from last year. They also return a couple solid LB/TE bodies. Need to reload in the secondary with the departure of the ? twins, but they always have tons of 5'10 tough kids to play those positions. Their biggest question mark will be at QB. They can run over most everyone, but to beat good teams you need solid QB play and some form of passing game.
2. Pine-Richland: State championship level talent and youth football level coaching. I know people have posted about stopping bashing the staff, but their credentials speak for themselves. They don't have much. Hasley at MLB and WR will be best player on the field most games and their OL should be large and talented, but lacking experience after losing 4 starters. P-R must also replace a ton of skill. Cole Boyd should be very good ata QB if he can avoid mistakes and Alex Gochis needs to takeover Jochem's role as a playmaker. On defense, front 4 should be a strength with Domer returning and Klemm and Kerns stepping up as 2 way players. Secondary will be a rebuild but Palmieri is a very solid player at safety.
[Small Gap]
3. Gateway: With the transfer of the Birch brothers and D1 DB/WR Patrick Body returning, Gateway should have a great offense. Lose 3 of 5 starters on the OL I believe and a similar number on the front 7 of the defense. A solid coaching staff as well. Need to develop a strong OL and gap-sound defense, and this group needs to find a way to compete when times get tough. Losing to Peters Twp after being up 19-0 at the half should sting for this group.
[Gap]
4. Woodland Hills: Everything revolves around their dual threat QB (Williams?) and if their OL can give him time to throw. Last year he made a bunch of plays running around after pressure, but that needs to improve. Defense is basic but will run to the ball. If they can get going early, watch out. Need some big early wins over Moon and Penn Hills to build confidence.
[Gap]
Next Group:
Upper St. Clair: Lost their best senior group in years so have a lot to replace. Solid LB core will lead defense, but need to find playmakers on offense. Also, IMO they need to be tougher.
Penn Hills: QB must be healthy or they are dead in the water. Struggled to score with him last year as a freshman. Without him it will be tough. Always solid defense with Coach LeDonne though.
Moon: An up and coming "program" Not sure they have much at the skill position, but the traditionally compete hard and play physical. Their conference (South) is down so they have a shot at a nice playoff spot.
WestA: QB is top 5 in WPIAL (D1 baseball player). If he can have a big year, then WestA could be a contender again.
Peters: Similar to USC, lost a great group of seniors and need to reload. Return to standout OLB/TE's, but need to rebuild OL and DL.
1. Penn-Trafford: A few reason I've moved them to #1. First is they have program stability and an excellent coaching staff. Second, the have a star RB with Yacamelli (Wisconsin) and a big and talented returning OL. I believe 3 or 4 return from last year. They also return a couple solid LB/TE bodies. Need to reload in the secondary with the departure of the ? twins, but they always have tons of 5'10 tough kids to play those positions. Their biggest question mark will be at QB. They can run over most everyone, but to beat good teams you need solid QB play and some form of passing game.
2. Pine-Richland: State championship level talent and youth football level coaching. I know people have posted about stopping bashing the staff, but their credentials speak for themselves. They don't have much. Hasley at MLB and WR will be best player on the field most games and their OL should be large and talented, but lacking experience after losing 4 starters. P-R must also replace a ton of skill. Cole Boyd should be very good ata QB if he can avoid mistakes and Alex Gochis needs to takeover Jochem's role as a playmaker. On defense, front 4 should be a strength with Domer returning and Klemm and Kerns stepping up as 2 way players. Secondary will be a rebuild but Palmieri is a very solid player at safety.
[Small Gap]
3. Gateway: With the transfer of the Birch brothers and D1 DB/WR Patrick Body returning, Gateway should have a great offense. Lose 3 of 5 starters on the OL I believe and a similar number on the front 7 of the defense. A solid coaching staff as well. Need to develop a strong OL and gap-sound defense, and this group needs to find a way to compete when times get tough. Losing to Peters Twp after being up 19-0 at the half should sting for this group.
[Gap]
4. Woodland Hills: Everything revolves around their dual threat QB (Williams?) and if their OL can give him time to throw. Last year he made a bunch of plays running around after pressure, but that needs to improve. Defense is basic but will run to the ball. If they can get going early, watch out. Need some big early wins over Moon and Penn Hills to build confidence.
[Gap]
Next Group:
Upper St. Clair: Lost their best senior group in years so have a lot to replace. Solid LB core will lead defense, but need to find playmakers on offense. Also, IMO they need to be tougher.
Penn Hills: QB must be healthy or they are dead in the water. Struggled to score with him last year as a freshman. Without him it will be tough. Always solid defense with Coach LeDonne though.
Moon: An up and coming "program" Not sure they have much at the skill position, but the traditionally compete hard and play physical. Their conference (South) is down so they have a shot at a nice playoff spot.
WestA: QB is top 5 in WPIAL (D1 baseball player). If he can have a big year, then WestA could be a contender again.
Peters: Similar to USC, lost a great group of seniors and need to reload. Return to standout OLB/TE's, but need to rebuild OL and DL.
