2014 WPIAL AAA Team Previews
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natigers2005
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2014 WPIAL AAA Team Previews
Teams (2013: Overall Record, Conference Record, Result) are listed in my projected order of finish.
WPIAL CLASS AAA BIG NINE CONFERENCE:
Thomas Jefferson Jaguars (11-1, 8-0, Lost in Semifinals) – Graduation has hit the Jaguars fairly hard. Inexperience at the quarterback position has them looking to senior RB Austin Kemp (138 for 1101 yards, 17 TD) to carry the load. Also returning to the backfield is Ricky Daley (69 for 368 yards) and Braden Pahanish (35 for 311 yards).
Ringgold Rams (7-3, 6-2, Lost in First Round) – Nick Milchovich takes over for Matt Humbert. The conference title will possibly be won in week one when Ringgold visits Thomas Jefferson. Nico Law is a legitimate Division I prospect. He threw for 1494 yards and 14 TD on 93 completions on 180 attempts. Law also ran for 1110 yards and 15 TD on 116 carries. RB Chacar Berry also ran for 563 yards on 87 attempts last season. Overall, 15 starters return (eight on offense and seven on defense).
Belle Vernon Leopards (4-6, 4-4, Lost in First Round) – Matt Humbert takes over as head coach after going 28-13 in four seasons with Ringgold. QB Travis Snyder (29 for 60, 489 yards) returns for his fourth year after sustaining a knee injury last season. RB Anthony Levis rushed for 1136 yards in 2012, but missed all of last season with a broken leg. Junior RBs Luke Durigon (97 for 557 yards) and Derek Verkleeren (31 for 193 yards) also return.
West Mifflin Titans (9-2, 7-1, Lost in Quarterfinals) – Gone is Jimmy Wheeler and his 4000 rushing yards in two seasons. QB Karlyn Garner (47 for 74, 864 yards, 8 TD) returns under center. His top two receivers (Kevin Garbark 16 for 479 yards, 7 TD & Javon Gibson) are also back.
Elizabeth Forward Warriors (6-4, 5-3, Lost in First Round) – The Warriors lost its leading passer, rusher, and receiver from last season. RB Ryan Wardropper (58 for 446 yards) returns, but finding a quarterback will be key for Elizabeth Forward. Only 15 seniors and juniors are on the team this season.
Laurel Highlands Mustangs (1-9, 1-7, Missed Playoffs) – Fourteen starters return, including most of the offense that was shut out three times last year and held to one touchdown in three other games. Duel-threat QB Jimmy Pierce (44 for 115, 525 yards, 4 TD passing & 146 for 502 yards, 4 TD rushing) returns for his junior season. RB Jason Leone (83 for 380 yards) is also back.
Trinity Hillers (1-8, 1-7, Missed Playoffs) – Seven starters return to the Hillers this season, including senior QB Forrest Cullings (80 for 128, 1194 yards, 7 TD). Cullings is getting some interest from Division I-AA schools. The defense must improve as it allowed 33 points per game last season.
Albert Gallatin Colonials (2-7, 1-7, Missed Playoffs) – Hunter Moody (27 for 87, 593 yards, 4 TD) returns at quarterback. More than 75 percent of the yards gained last year were on the ground, however, the top three running backs have graduated. The lines should be a strength for the Colonials and they also have upwards of 60 players on this year’s roster.
Uniontown Red Raiders (3-6, 3-5, Missed Playoffs) – The Raiders gave up 41 points per game last year, worst in the conference. WR/DB Lyric Ellis returns after catching 13 passes for 302 yards and 8 touchdowns last season. However, he will move to quarterback this year.
WPIAL CLASS AAA PARKWAY CONFERENCE:
West Allegheny Indians (13-1, 8-0, Lost in PIAA Quarterfinals) – The past two “AAA” WPIAL titles have gone to the team from Imperial and this season appears to be no different. The Indians have won 21 straight games against WPIAL opponents. QB Andrew Koester (104 for 163, 1611 yards, 19 TD) has already committed to St. Francis of PA. RB Chayse Dillon (139 for 1201 yards, 12 TD) also returns to the backfield. The defense was also key last year as it only allowed 11 points per game.
Central Valley Warriors (11-2, 7-1, Lost in WPIAL Final) – Both losses last year were to West Allegheny. Division I prospect Jordan Whitehead returns after averaging 8.2 yards per rush and 14.4 yards per reception last year. QB John George (40 for 69, 612 yards, 7 TD) also returns to an offense that will feature more hurry-up this season. The defense only allowed 7.9 points per game last year and have five shutouts.
Montour Spartans (5-5, 4-4, Lost in First Round) – All of the Spartans 2013 statistical leaders have graduated. The offensive and defensive lines will be the strength of this year’s team. A lot of question marks surround the skill positions.
Moon Tigers (6-4, 5-3, Lost in First Round) – The Tigers were led by Cole Blake’s 1766 yards and 21 TD last season. Blake has since graduated which leaves question marks for this year’s team. QB Alexei Yaramus (65 for 105, 824 yards, 6 TD passing & 270 yards, 3 TD rushing) returns for his senior season.
New Castle Red Hurricane (7-3, 6-2, Lost in First Round) – New Castle loses 27 key players to graduation, including five Division I recruits. QB Pat Minenok started the season opener last year and he will get the full time job for this season. The offensive line appears to be the strength this year.
Ambridge Bridgers (2-7, 2-6, Missed Playoffs) – Dan Bradley takes over after going 23-3 and a pair of WPIAL title games in two seasons at Sto-Rox. Ambridge last made the playoffs in 2005. The defense allowed 36 points per game last season. Senior Stephon McGinnis led the team in passing (25 for 63, 449 yards, 3 TD) and rushing (100 for 650 yards, 8 TD) last season, but will line up as a receiver this season.
Blackhawk Cougars (3-6, 3-5, Missed Playoffs) – Last year's leading rusher and scorer, Tim Mancini (81 for 486, 6 TD), returns. Mancini will become the quarterback this year. The defense gave up 40 or more points in four of their six losses last season. Only 22 seniors and juniors are on the roster. The defense, once again, will be young and undersized.
Hopewell Vikings (1-8, 0-8, Missed Playoffs) – Tyler Ishman returns to the team in which he led with 10 touchdowns on 634 yards rushing. The Vikings allowed 34 points per game last season. The leading rusher from 2013, DiMontae Bronaugh, as transferred out of the district.
Chartiers Valley Colts (1-8, 1-7, Missed Playoffs) – The Colts begin the season with a seven game losing streak. They gave up 35 or more points in seven of eight losses. Inexperience and youth will show throughout the lineup.
WPIAL CLASS AAA GREATER ALLEGHENY CONFERENCE:
Mars Fighting Planets (9-2, 7-1, Lost in Quarterfinals) – The Planets led Class “AAA” in offense last year, scoring 40.4 points per game. RB Josh Schultheis (214 for 1645 yards, 24 TD) is back and has more than 3600 career yards. Both the offensive and defensive lines look strong with Division I prospect Marshall Robinson (6’3”, 350 lb.).
Gateway Gators (8-3, 6-2, Lost in “AAAA” Quarterfinals) – Tom Nola takes over the Gators after leading the Clairton Bears to six WPIAL titles and four PIAA titles in 12 seasons. He will inherit an inexperienced Gators team, however they drop down to “AAA” this year. RB Adam White returns after rushing for 295 yards on 54 carries last season. Both offensive and defensive lines should still be good for Gateway. Senior WR John Holder is a Division I prospect.
Franklin Regional Panthers (10-2, 7-1, Lost in Quarterfinals) – With the graduation of over 20 players from last season, the Panthers are young and inexperienced. Maryland recruit Brett Zanotto (96 for 649 yards) returns to the backfield, but is known for his skills at linebacker.
Indiana Little Indians (5-6, 4-4, Lost in Quarterfinals) – QB Jake Zilinskas (24 for 51, 448 yards, 4 TD) saw playing time in relief last season. Leading WR Riley Stapleton (55 for 702 yards, 5 TD) also returns for the Indians. He is committed to play basketball at IUP. A running game and offensive line play are big question marks entering the season.
Knoch Knights (4-5, 3-5, Missed Playoffs) – The Knights return 19 of 22 starters from last year’s team. QB Dan Farinelli (82 for 175, 1174 yards, 7 TD) and RB Cody Milsom (188 for 819 yards, 8 TD) are among those returning starters.
Hollidaysburg Golden Tigers (3-7, 3-5, Lost in First Round) – 17 starters return (eight on offense and nine on defense) from last year’s playoff team. QB Josh Bickley (48 of 88, 774 yards, 7 TD) returns under center. WR Ryan Waltz (20 for 420 yards, 6 TD) was last year’s leading receiver. The defense allowed 32 points per game last season. The offensive line should also be a strength led by Zach Simpson (6’3”, 280 lb.), who is getting interest from Division I-AA schools.
Yough Cougars (6-4, 5-3, Lost in “AA” Quarterfinals) – Fifteen starters return for Yough (six on offense and nine on defense). The Cougars lost their successful quarterback, Tyler Donahue, to graduation. Returning is leading receiver and rusher, Clay Waldron. He had 162 carries for 898 yards and 10 TD running the ball, while catching 55 passes for 624 yards and 9 TD.
Hampton Talbots (4-6, 3-5, Lost in First Round) – Senior QB Nick Grabowski (89 for 197, 1368, 16 TD) returns as the only skill player from last season. The offensive line is athletic and should be a strength for the Talbots. The defense must improve against the better teams.
Greensburg-Salem Golden Lions (3-7, 3-5, Missed Playoffs) – Improving the defense will be the main goal as the Golden Lions gave up 33.6 points per game last year. QB Brady Mason (19 of 32, 276 yards, 2 TD) has a little experience under center. The team’s biggest strength will be a deep and balanced offensive line.
WPIAL CLASS AAA BIG NINE CONFERENCE:
Thomas Jefferson Jaguars (11-1, 8-0, Lost in Semifinals) – Graduation has hit the Jaguars fairly hard. Inexperience at the quarterback position has them looking to senior RB Austin Kemp (138 for 1101 yards, 17 TD) to carry the load. Also returning to the backfield is Ricky Daley (69 for 368 yards) and Braden Pahanish (35 for 311 yards).
Ringgold Rams (7-3, 6-2, Lost in First Round) – Nick Milchovich takes over for Matt Humbert. The conference title will possibly be won in week one when Ringgold visits Thomas Jefferson. Nico Law is a legitimate Division I prospect. He threw for 1494 yards and 14 TD on 93 completions on 180 attempts. Law also ran for 1110 yards and 15 TD on 116 carries. RB Chacar Berry also ran for 563 yards on 87 attempts last season. Overall, 15 starters return (eight on offense and seven on defense).
Belle Vernon Leopards (4-6, 4-4, Lost in First Round) – Matt Humbert takes over as head coach after going 28-13 in four seasons with Ringgold. QB Travis Snyder (29 for 60, 489 yards) returns for his fourth year after sustaining a knee injury last season. RB Anthony Levis rushed for 1136 yards in 2012, but missed all of last season with a broken leg. Junior RBs Luke Durigon (97 for 557 yards) and Derek Verkleeren (31 for 193 yards) also return.
West Mifflin Titans (9-2, 7-1, Lost in Quarterfinals) – Gone is Jimmy Wheeler and his 4000 rushing yards in two seasons. QB Karlyn Garner (47 for 74, 864 yards, 8 TD) returns under center. His top two receivers (Kevin Garbark 16 for 479 yards, 7 TD & Javon Gibson) are also back.
Elizabeth Forward Warriors (6-4, 5-3, Lost in First Round) – The Warriors lost its leading passer, rusher, and receiver from last season. RB Ryan Wardropper (58 for 446 yards) returns, but finding a quarterback will be key for Elizabeth Forward. Only 15 seniors and juniors are on the team this season.
Laurel Highlands Mustangs (1-9, 1-7, Missed Playoffs) – Fourteen starters return, including most of the offense that was shut out three times last year and held to one touchdown in three other games. Duel-threat QB Jimmy Pierce (44 for 115, 525 yards, 4 TD passing & 146 for 502 yards, 4 TD rushing) returns for his junior season. RB Jason Leone (83 for 380 yards) is also back.
Trinity Hillers (1-8, 1-7, Missed Playoffs) – Seven starters return to the Hillers this season, including senior QB Forrest Cullings (80 for 128, 1194 yards, 7 TD). Cullings is getting some interest from Division I-AA schools. The defense must improve as it allowed 33 points per game last season.
Albert Gallatin Colonials (2-7, 1-7, Missed Playoffs) – Hunter Moody (27 for 87, 593 yards, 4 TD) returns at quarterback. More than 75 percent of the yards gained last year were on the ground, however, the top three running backs have graduated. The lines should be a strength for the Colonials and they also have upwards of 60 players on this year’s roster.
Uniontown Red Raiders (3-6, 3-5, Missed Playoffs) – The Raiders gave up 41 points per game last year, worst in the conference. WR/DB Lyric Ellis returns after catching 13 passes for 302 yards and 8 touchdowns last season. However, he will move to quarterback this year.
WPIAL CLASS AAA PARKWAY CONFERENCE:
West Allegheny Indians (13-1, 8-0, Lost in PIAA Quarterfinals) – The past two “AAA” WPIAL titles have gone to the team from Imperial and this season appears to be no different. The Indians have won 21 straight games against WPIAL opponents. QB Andrew Koester (104 for 163, 1611 yards, 19 TD) has already committed to St. Francis of PA. RB Chayse Dillon (139 for 1201 yards, 12 TD) also returns to the backfield. The defense was also key last year as it only allowed 11 points per game.
Central Valley Warriors (11-2, 7-1, Lost in WPIAL Final) – Both losses last year were to West Allegheny. Division I prospect Jordan Whitehead returns after averaging 8.2 yards per rush and 14.4 yards per reception last year. QB John George (40 for 69, 612 yards, 7 TD) also returns to an offense that will feature more hurry-up this season. The defense only allowed 7.9 points per game last year and have five shutouts.
Montour Spartans (5-5, 4-4, Lost in First Round) – All of the Spartans 2013 statistical leaders have graduated. The offensive and defensive lines will be the strength of this year’s team. A lot of question marks surround the skill positions.
Moon Tigers (6-4, 5-3, Lost in First Round) – The Tigers were led by Cole Blake’s 1766 yards and 21 TD last season. Blake has since graduated which leaves question marks for this year’s team. QB Alexei Yaramus (65 for 105, 824 yards, 6 TD passing & 270 yards, 3 TD rushing) returns for his senior season.
New Castle Red Hurricane (7-3, 6-2, Lost in First Round) – New Castle loses 27 key players to graduation, including five Division I recruits. QB Pat Minenok started the season opener last year and he will get the full time job for this season. The offensive line appears to be the strength this year.
Ambridge Bridgers (2-7, 2-6, Missed Playoffs) – Dan Bradley takes over after going 23-3 and a pair of WPIAL title games in two seasons at Sto-Rox. Ambridge last made the playoffs in 2005. The defense allowed 36 points per game last season. Senior Stephon McGinnis led the team in passing (25 for 63, 449 yards, 3 TD) and rushing (100 for 650 yards, 8 TD) last season, but will line up as a receiver this season.
Blackhawk Cougars (3-6, 3-5, Missed Playoffs) – Last year's leading rusher and scorer, Tim Mancini (81 for 486, 6 TD), returns. Mancini will become the quarterback this year. The defense gave up 40 or more points in four of their six losses last season. Only 22 seniors and juniors are on the roster. The defense, once again, will be young and undersized.
Hopewell Vikings (1-8, 0-8, Missed Playoffs) – Tyler Ishman returns to the team in which he led with 10 touchdowns on 634 yards rushing. The Vikings allowed 34 points per game last season. The leading rusher from 2013, DiMontae Bronaugh, as transferred out of the district.
Chartiers Valley Colts (1-8, 1-7, Missed Playoffs) – The Colts begin the season with a seven game losing streak. They gave up 35 or more points in seven of eight losses. Inexperience and youth will show throughout the lineup.
WPIAL CLASS AAA GREATER ALLEGHENY CONFERENCE:
Mars Fighting Planets (9-2, 7-1, Lost in Quarterfinals) – The Planets led Class “AAA” in offense last year, scoring 40.4 points per game. RB Josh Schultheis (214 for 1645 yards, 24 TD) is back and has more than 3600 career yards. Both the offensive and defensive lines look strong with Division I prospect Marshall Robinson (6’3”, 350 lb.).
Gateway Gators (8-3, 6-2, Lost in “AAAA” Quarterfinals) – Tom Nola takes over the Gators after leading the Clairton Bears to six WPIAL titles and four PIAA titles in 12 seasons. He will inherit an inexperienced Gators team, however they drop down to “AAA” this year. RB Adam White returns after rushing for 295 yards on 54 carries last season. Both offensive and defensive lines should still be good for Gateway. Senior WR John Holder is a Division I prospect.
Franklin Regional Panthers (10-2, 7-1, Lost in Quarterfinals) – With the graduation of over 20 players from last season, the Panthers are young and inexperienced. Maryland recruit Brett Zanotto (96 for 649 yards) returns to the backfield, but is known for his skills at linebacker.
Indiana Little Indians (5-6, 4-4, Lost in Quarterfinals) – QB Jake Zilinskas (24 for 51, 448 yards, 4 TD) saw playing time in relief last season. Leading WR Riley Stapleton (55 for 702 yards, 5 TD) also returns for the Indians. He is committed to play basketball at IUP. A running game and offensive line play are big question marks entering the season.
Knoch Knights (4-5, 3-5, Missed Playoffs) – The Knights return 19 of 22 starters from last year’s team. QB Dan Farinelli (82 for 175, 1174 yards, 7 TD) and RB Cody Milsom (188 for 819 yards, 8 TD) are among those returning starters.
Hollidaysburg Golden Tigers (3-7, 3-5, Lost in First Round) – 17 starters return (eight on offense and nine on defense) from last year’s playoff team. QB Josh Bickley (48 of 88, 774 yards, 7 TD) returns under center. WR Ryan Waltz (20 for 420 yards, 6 TD) was last year’s leading receiver. The defense allowed 32 points per game last season. The offensive line should also be a strength led by Zach Simpson (6’3”, 280 lb.), who is getting interest from Division I-AA schools.
Yough Cougars (6-4, 5-3, Lost in “AA” Quarterfinals) – Fifteen starters return for Yough (six on offense and nine on defense). The Cougars lost their successful quarterback, Tyler Donahue, to graduation. Returning is leading receiver and rusher, Clay Waldron. He had 162 carries for 898 yards and 10 TD running the ball, while catching 55 passes for 624 yards and 9 TD.
Hampton Talbots (4-6, 3-5, Lost in First Round) – Senior QB Nick Grabowski (89 for 197, 1368, 16 TD) returns as the only skill player from last season. The offensive line is athletic and should be a strength for the Talbots. The defense must improve against the better teams.
Greensburg-Salem Golden Lions (3-7, 3-5, Missed Playoffs) – Improving the defense will be the main goal as the Golden Lions gave up 33.6 points per game last year. QB Brady Mason (19 of 32, 276 yards, 2 TD) has a little experience under center. The team’s biggest strength will be a deep and balanced offensive line.