LHAC Week 1 Preview
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LHAC Week 1 Preview
http://www.d6sportsnetwork.com/2013/08/ ... -week-one/
Jim Hammett
D6SN Sports Editor
Twitter – @JimHammett
The LHAC is always one of the most competitive leagues in the area, and is typically the strongest from top to bottom. There is always parity in this league, and a number of teams that can challenge in their respective district and state playoffs. A big difference now, will be the addition of freshmen to varsity sidelines. Depth has been an issue of late, and the roster sizes should appear larger than in the past 2-3 season. Recently, the teams at the top have been different names, but the quality of play has remained the same. This is a league that rarely gives the top teams the luxury of an easy game.
Richland took the crown last season, and it will be expected to do the same this year. Although Johnstown, McCort, and Somerset will have a lot to say about Richland’s record. Forest Hills and Bishop Guilfoyle will look to start a good battle to determine the champion of their section as well. Weeks 1,2,8,9 always see the league’s two section crossing over, and the schedule from this year to last year is identical, only the sites of the games have changed.
Cambria Heights at Richland Friday 7:00 Herlinger Field
Richland’s title defense will begin at home. The Rams have such a powerful offense, and it can beat you in so many ways. Matt Shaffer will enter his third year as the team’s quarterback. He will have a host of receivers to hit in Kyle Flick, Mario Rizzo, Linnie Joy and Nico Pecora. The running tandem of Tanner Solarczyk and Dominic Farina will also be tough to stop, as it is a thunder and lightning approach. Richland’s defense returns their four linebackers, and two defensive ends led by Jake Urban and Jared Hoover. This Richland team has all the making of a championship team, and they know the expectations that are out there.
Cambria Heights ended a streak of futility and found its way into the AA playoffs. The problem is, the core of that team has graduated. Jarrod Lewis has instilled a sense of confidence in the program, so I do not expect the Highlanders to fall back into their ways of being at the bottom of the league. Richard Legros has a big duty of being the quarterback and managing the offense. Josh Fees will be expected to be the lead back this season, and he will need to prove it right away,
Richland’s overall experience and athleticism does not bode well for a team in transition. Richland operates at a fast pace, and they are playing on the fast track of their home field. It is hard to imagine anyone slowing Richland down, other than themselves. if Richland has their heads in it, they should have no problems taking care of business. Like any team going up against the freight train that is Richland, the key is to slow the pace and try to keep the ball out of their hands as best as possible. But with an inexperienced set of skilled players, I just see that being too tall of a task
Rams 42 Highlanders 7
Penn Cambria at Johnstown Friday 7:00 Trojan Stadium
Penn Cambria will be graduating a senior class that had high expectations, but failed to live up to them. The Panthers were picked to win the league, but inconsistency and obviously a problem with coaching appeared to be the issue. Ernie Fetzer has since resigned, and Jason Grazzi has control of the program. The coach’s biggest task will be adding a bigger focus on the offensive side of the ball. The defense was outstanding last year, but the offense certainly struggled at times. Chad Tsikalas played some quarterback last year, and will need to take some steps forward to help the team this year. Also to remember, that great defense lost its heart and soul in Mack Behe and Devin Lawhead, so some big shoes to fill there.
Johnstown struggled through an abysmal 2012, but have some confidence brewing for this season. The Trojans have the speed and playmakers to make a serious run in this league. Kareem Gibson, Jayvon Braxton, Trey Andrews, and Terrell Jones all have tremendous speed and agility to really cause problems for the defense. Obviously the issue is line play. Johnstown may need to use its outside speed play, while they develop an inside running game and a drop back passing game with new quarterback, Jeremy Updyke.
Johnstown playing at home against a lot of inexperience does not look good for Penn Cambria. Johnstown has so many home run threats, that at some point they are going to break some runs, even if Penn Cambria can hold them in check for the most part. That is the frustrating thing about playing speed, all it takes is one play for a score. Johnstown is going to be a better team in 2013, and Penn Cambria is, too. I just think Johnstown will be more equipped and ready to play in week one.
Trojans 28 Panthers 6
Bishop Guilfoyle at Bedford Friday 7:00
Bishop Guilfoyle will look to continue their winning ways. After their first successful season in the LHAC, they have their hopes high again. The offense will start with junior quarterback, Brandon Chadbourn. He is a dual threat guy, and should be ready to be the full time quarterback after an injury plagued 2012. The running back duo of Sam McCloskey and DJ Kitt should provide a good threat on the ground. Damon Rickens will also be one of top recovers in the league. The key for BG is to keep the defense where it was last year, a hard thing to do with their interior linemen graduating.
Bedford has a lot of inexperience, but it does not mean they lack the talent. Give Bedford a chance and they can turn into a pretty competitive team this season. Austin Montgomery looks poised for a breakout year at quarterback. He is just a sophomore, but has the physical tools to be special. The offense’s best weapon could be senior slotback, Kody Blevins. Bedford has some big guys up front, and it should help improve the running game.
Guilfoyle has the looks of an explosive offensive team. Chadbourn, Kitt, and McCloskey are all speedy players that are dangerous in the open field. Bedford may not have the team speed, but their size makes them intriguing. Bedford can be a difficult place to play, and it should help the Bisons in this one. I just like Guilfoyle’s experience and playmakers too much to go for the upset.
Marauders 30 Bisons 8
Forest Hills at Westmont Saturday 1:00 Price Field
The Rangers have very high expectations, but still a lot of turnover for Forest Hills. Only one offensive linemen is back, and plenty of underclassmen line the depth chart. Joe Donoughe is back at quarterback, and is one of the best around. He will be throwing the ball to Tyler Shima and Shareef Blough, two very good athletes. Running the ball will be Jared Krug and Wieczorek, with the latter of the two being bigger than most of the linemen blocking for him. The defense is always tough, and it figures to be led by safety, Tyler Shima, and linebackers, Dustin Ohler and Ian Wieczorek.
Westmont certainly has some size on the offensive line, and a capable back running behind them. Coach Pat Barron should feel pretty good about his backfield tandem of quarterback Liam Moran, and Running Back, Sam Curry. Curry is a guy expected to see the bulk of the carries, and he proved last season, he is up to the task. Moran’s passing should improve, and he showed he can run the ball effectively as well. Westmont should be better in 2013, especially with the strong senior class that they have.
This game could be closer than most would think. The Saturday game typically gives opponents trouble, and Forest Hills has a young and smaller line, going up against an experienced, bigger line from Westmont. I think In the end, Forest Hills has enough weapons to hold off Westmont. Donoughe is a quarterback that plays his best flushed from the pocket, and his receivers are good athletes that will be able to break away from the routes and make the plays.
Rangers 24 Hilltoppers 12
Bishop Carroll at Bishop McCort Friday 7:00 Point Stadium
Bishop Carroll will look to turn the page on a rough 1-9 season. There is certainly reason to believe this season will be better. The Huskies have the vast majority of their team returning, and were able to improve down the stretch, and pulled an upset over Johnstown. The offense will return to their strength of running the ball with seniors Marty Lessard and Dan Lesney. The line has a lot of size returning, while the defense has some experience.
Bishop McCort will look to their experience on defense for success this season. The Crushers have six starters back including all state defensive back, Luke DiFrancesco and three year starting linebacker, Tyler Rugg. McCort will be ushering in a brand new spread offense with senior quarterback, Nemo Trexler leading the attack. DiFrancesco made some key catches last season, while Tyler Rugg should be ready to take on more offensive responsibilities. McCort returns four linemen with starting experience.
The Huskies will have upset on the mind as they go into Point Stadium. Bishop Carroll will certainly be better than last season, and a traditional BC Wing-T offense has the makings of being very successful. The Crushers will look to erase the stinging loss against Bellwood in the district championship, and their experience should carry them early on. Still, McCort may take a while to click on offense. I think Carroll keeps it close, but McCort has a few more athletes that should carry them to an early season victory.
Crimson Crushers 27 Huskies 17
GAME OF THE WEEK
Central Cambria at Somerset Friday 7:00
Central Cambria will look to restore the pride back into their football program. After a few subpar seasons, the Red Devils have a team that may be able to surprise some people. Will Seymour isn’t your typical quarterback, as he is a physical player and looks more like a Fullback. He will help lead an offense that will see Scott Baurer running the ball, and Matthew Leary being one of the main receivers. The Red Devils have an emphasis on being strong in 2013, and should be improved on the defensive side of the ball.
Somerset has many of their main guns coming back for this season. Tanner Stull was of one of our impact players in the offseason. He is a tough quarterback that is elusive and experienced. Matt Boyer and Blake Faulkner should spearhead a solid set of running backs. While Doug Berkebile, Zach Baker, and Bryce Mostellor all return with plenty of experience catching the ball. Also, Raven Beeman is a guy they can line up anywhere. Somerset is just loaded with playmakers on offense.
It may just be a hunch that will go wrong, or it could actually be a good game. Central Cambria does not have the highest expectations out there, but I do see them improving this season. Somerset has a wide open offense, but a defense that could use some work. It will be two contrasting styles going up against each other, and I think Central Cambria can make a game of it. The Red Devils are a big, strong team that will look to have methodical drives on a Somerset defense that has been suspect in the past. I think the key for both teams will be quarterback play. Seymour will have to have a big game, and limit his mistakes. Stull is a tremendous player, and is the catalyst for this team. If Somerset gets out to an early lead, it will be over, but if Central Cambria can control the clock and make it a grind it out type game, look for it to be close.
Golden Eagles 21 Red Devils 14
Jim Hammett
D6SN Sports Editor
Twitter – @JimHammett
The LHAC is always one of the most competitive leagues in the area, and is typically the strongest from top to bottom. There is always parity in this league, and a number of teams that can challenge in their respective district and state playoffs. A big difference now, will be the addition of freshmen to varsity sidelines. Depth has been an issue of late, and the roster sizes should appear larger than in the past 2-3 season. Recently, the teams at the top have been different names, but the quality of play has remained the same. This is a league that rarely gives the top teams the luxury of an easy game.
Richland took the crown last season, and it will be expected to do the same this year. Although Johnstown, McCort, and Somerset will have a lot to say about Richland’s record. Forest Hills and Bishop Guilfoyle will look to start a good battle to determine the champion of their section as well. Weeks 1,2,8,9 always see the league’s two section crossing over, and the schedule from this year to last year is identical, only the sites of the games have changed.
Cambria Heights at Richland Friday 7:00 Herlinger Field
Richland’s title defense will begin at home. The Rams have such a powerful offense, and it can beat you in so many ways. Matt Shaffer will enter his third year as the team’s quarterback. He will have a host of receivers to hit in Kyle Flick, Mario Rizzo, Linnie Joy and Nico Pecora. The running tandem of Tanner Solarczyk and Dominic Farina will also be tough to stop, as it is a thunder and lightning approach. Richland’s defense returns their four linebackers, and two defensive ends led by Jake Urban and Jared Hoover. This Richland team has all the making of a championship team, and they know the expectations that are out there.
Cambria Heights ended a streak of futility and found its way into the AA playoffs. The problem is, the core of that team has graduated. Jarrod Lewis has instilled a sense of confidence in the program, so I do not expect the Highlanders to fall back into their ways of being at the bottom of the league. Richard Legros has a big duty of being the quarterback and managing the offense. Josh Fees will be expected to be the lead back this season, and he will need to prove it right away,
Richland’s overall experience and athleticism does not bode well for a team in transition. Richland operates at a fast pace, and they are playing on the fast track of their home field. It is hard to imagine anyone slowing Richland down, other than themselves. if Richland has their heads in it, they should have no problems taking care of business. Like any team going up against the freight train that is Richland, the key is to slow the pace and try to keep the ball out of their hands as best as possible. But with an inexperienced set of skilled players, I just see that being too tall of a task
Rams 42 Highlanders 7
Penn Cambria at Johnstown Friday 7:00 Trojan Stadium
Penn Cambria will be graduating a senior class that had high expectations, but failed to live up to them. The Panthers were picked to win the league, but inconsistency and obviously a problem with coaching appeared to be the issue. Ernie Fetzer has since resigned, and Jason Grazzi has control of the program. The coach’s biggest task will be adding a bigger focus on the offensive side of the ball. The defense was outstanding last year, but the offense certainly struggled at times. Chad Tsikalas played some quarterback last year, and will need to take some steps forward to help the team this year. Also to remember, that great defense lost its heart and soul in Mack Behe and Devin Lawhead, so some big shoes to fill there.
Johnstown struggled through an abysmal 2012, but have some confidence brewing for this season. The Trojans have the speed and playmakers to make a serious run in this league. Kareem Gibson, Jayvon Braxton, Trey Andrews, and Terrell Jones all have tremendous speed and agility to really cause problems for the defense. Obviously the issue is line play. Johnstown may need to use its outside speed play, while they develop an inside running game and a drop back passing game with new quarterback, Jeremy Updyke.
Johnstown playing at home against a lot of inexperience does not look good for Penn Cambria. Johnstown has so many home run threats, that at some point they are going to break some runs, even if Penn Cambria can hold them in check for the most part. That is the frustrating thing about playing speed, all it takes is one play for a score. Johnstown is going to be a better team in 2013, and Penn Cambria is, too. I just think Johnstown will be more equipped and ready to play in week one.
Trojans 28 Panthers 6
Bishop Guilfoyle at Bedford Friday 7:00
Bishop Guilfoyle will look to continue their winning ways. After their first successful season in the LHAC, they have their hopes high again. The offense will start with junior quarterback, Brandon Chadbourn. He is a dual threat guy, and should be ready to be the full time quarterback after an injury plagued 2012. The running back duo of Sam McCloskey and DJ Kitt should provide a good threat on the ground. Damon Rickens will also be one of top recovers in the league. The key for BG is to keep the defense where it was last year, a hard thing to do with their interior linemen graduating.
Bedford has a lot of inexperience, but it does not mean they lack the talent. Give Bedford a chance and they can turn into a pretty competitive team this season. Austin Montgomery looks poised for a breakout year at quarterback. He is just a sophomore, but has the physical tools to be special. The offense’s best weapon could be senior slotback, Kody Blevins. Bedford has some big guys up front, and it should help improve the running game.
Guilfoyle has the looks of an explosive offensive team. Chadbourn, Kitt, and McCloskey are all speedy players that are dangerous in the open field. Bedford may not have the team speed, but their size makes them intriguing. Bedford can be a difficult place to play, and it should help the Bisons in this one. I just like Guilfoyle’s experience and playmakers too much to go for the upset.
Marauders 30 Bisons 8
Forest Hills at Westmont Saturday 1:00 Price Field
The Rangers have very high expectations, but still a lot of turnover for Forest Hills. Only one offensive linemen is back, and plenty of underclassmen line the depth chart. Joe Donoughe is back at quarterback, and is one of the best around. He will be throwing the ball to Tyler Shima and Shareef Blough, two very good athletes. Running the ball will be Jared Krug and Wieczorek, with the latter of the two being bigger than most of the linemen blocking for him. The defense is always tough, and it figures to be led by safety, Tyler Shima, and linebackers, Dustin Ohler and Ian Wieczorek.
Westmont certainly has some size on the offensive line, and a capable back running behind them. Coach Pat Barron should feel pretty good about his backfield tandem of quarterback Liam Moran, and Running Back, Sam Curry. Curry is a guy expected to see the bulk of the carries, and he proved last season, he is up to the task. Moran’s passing should improve, and he showed he can run the ball effectively as well. Westmont should be better in 2013, especially with the strong senior class that they have.
This game could be closer than most would think. The Saturday game typically gives opponents trouble, and Forest Hills has a young and smaller line, going up against an experienced, bigger line from Westmont. I think In the end, Forest Hills has enough weapons to hold off Westmont. Donoughe is a quarterback that plays his best flushed from the pocket, and his receivers are good athletes that will be able to break away from the routes and make the plays.
Rangers 24 Hilltoppers 12
Bishop Carroll at Bishop McCort Friday 7:00 Point Stadium
Bishop Carroll will look to turn the page on a rough 1-9 season. There is certainly reason to believe this season will be better. The Huskies have the vast majority of their team returning, and were able to improve down the stretch, and pulled an upset over Johnstown. The offense will return to their strength of running the ball with seniors Marty Lessard and Dan Lesney. The line has a lot of size returning, while the defense has some experience.
Bishop McCort will look to their experience on defense for success this season. The Crushers have six starters back including all state defensive back, Luke DiFrancesco and three year starting linebacker, Tyler Rugg. McCort will be ushering in a brand new spread offense with senior quarterback, Nemo Trexler leading the attack. DiFrancesco made some key catches last season, while Tyler Rugg should be ready to take on more offensive responsibilities. McCort returns four linemen with starting experience.
The Huskies will have upset on the mind as they go into Point Stadium. Bishop Carroll will certainly be better than last season, and a traditional BC Wing-T offense has the makings of being very successful. The Crushers will look to erase the stinging loss against Bellwood in the district championship, and their experience should carry them early on. Still, McCort may take a while to click on offense. I think Carroll keeps it close, but McCort has a few more athletes that should carry them to an early season victory.
Crimson Crushers 27 Huskies 17
GAME OF THE WEEK
Central Cambria at Somerset Friday 7:00
Central Cambria will look to restore the pride back into their football program. After a few subpar seasons, the Red Devils have a team that may be able to surprise some people. Will Seymour isn’t your typical quarterback, as he is a physical player and looks more like a Fullback. He will help lead an offense that will see Scott Baurer running the ball, and Matthew Leary being one of the main receivers. The Red Devils have an emphasis on being strong in 2013, and should be improved on the defensive side of the ball.
Somerset has many of their main guns coming back for this season. Tanner Stull was of one of our impact players in the offseason. He is a tough quarterback that is elusive and experienced. Matt Boyer and Blake Faulkner should spearhead a solid set of running backs. While Doug Berkebile, Zach Baker, and Bryce Mostellor all return with plenty of experience catching the ball. Also, Raven Beeman is a guy they can line up anywhere. Somerset is just loaded with playmakers on offense.
It may just be a hunch that will go wrong, or it could actually be a good game. Central Cambria does not have the highest expectations out there, but I do see them improving this season. Somerset has a wide open offense, but a defense that could use some work. It will be two contrasting styles going up against each other, and I think Central Cambria can make a game of it. The Red Devils are a big, strong team that will look to have methodical drives on a Somerset defense that has been suspect in the past. I think the key for both teams will be quarterback play. Seymour will have to have a big game, and limit his mistakes. Stull is a tremendous player, and is the catalyst for this team. If Somerset gets out to an early lead, it will be over, but if Central Cambria can control the clock and make it a grind it out type game, look for it to be close.
Golden Eagles 21 Red Devils 14