2014 WPIAL AA Team Previews
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2014 WPIAL AA Team Previews
Teams (2013: Overall Record, Conference Record, Result) are listed in my projected order of finish.
WPIAL CLASS AA CENTURY CONFERERNCE:
South Fayette Lions (16-0, 8-0, Won PIAA Championship) – The defending PIAA “AA” Champions will be at it again this year. QB Brett Brumbaugh has a very good chance at becoming the leading passer in WPIAL history (Lenny Williams). Last season, Brumbaugh threw for 3917 yards on 260 of 379 passing and threw for 41 (!) touchdowns. The Lions did graduate four of the top five receivers from last year. The leading rusher from last season has graduated, but RB/LB Jared Walker scored 20 touchdowns last year. The Lions were hit hard on the defensive side after posting six shutouts last season.
Seton-LaSalle Rebels (8-3, 6-2, Lost in Quarterfinals) – Damon Rosol takes over a Rebels team with a lot of talent returning this season. QB Tyler Perone (169 for 284, 2322 yards, 24 TD) was fifth in the WPIAL for passing yards last season. Toledo recruit WR Danzel McKinley-Lewis (40 for 791 yards, 8 TD) was Perone’s main target last year. 2013 leading rusher, Ricky Mellick (81 for 397 yards, 4 TD) is also back this year. Overall, 13 starters return from the team that made the “AA” quarterfinals last year.
Quaker Valley Quakers (8-3, 7-1, Lost in Quarterfinals) – Pitt recruit and Cornell HS senior Dane Jackson returns this year to play for Quaker Valley (They have a cooperative agreement with Cornell.). Jackson threw for 975 yards and 13 touchdowns on 66 completions out of 113 attempts. He was also the teams’ leading rusher with 1111 yards on 118 carries and 10 touchdowns. Top WR Chris Conlan (29 for 426 yards, 5 TD) also returns. Also returning are RB Tre-won Marshall (544 yards & 14 TD) and RB Aaron Cunningham (447 yards rushing).
Steel Valley Ironmen (4-5, 4-4, Missed Playoffs) – 14 total starters return for the Ironmen (seven on offense & seven on defense). Sophomore RB DeWayne Murray is already getting Division I looks. Last season, he gained 1488 yards on 139 carries and scored 5 touchdowns. Steel Valley must develop an offensive line if they want to get Murray free.
South Park Eagles (5-5, 5-3, Lost in First Round) – The Eagles made the playoffs last year for the first time since winning the “AA” title in 2005. QB Nick Scholle (20 for 42, 269 yards, 5 TD) returns after missing the early part of last year with an injury. Last year’s leading rusher is gone and it appears a trio of running backs will take over (Josh Coursey, Adam Staudt, and Ty Washington.). Ryan Mino (13 for 259, 6 TD) is back at wide receiver. A veteran offensive line led by D-I prospect Ryan Podgorski (6’5”, 265 lb.) will be key. The first three weeks are: at SLS, at QV, vs SF.
Keystone Oaks Golden Eagles (2-7, 2-6, Missed Playoffs) – Greg Perry takes over at the school across the street from his old place of employment (Seton-LaSalle). He led the Rebels to eight playoff appearances in nine seasons (73-24 record). QB Kobe Phillippi (92 for 160, 1028 yards, 14 TD) returns for his senior season. RB Jimmy Canello (79 for 422, 5 TD) also returns for his senior season. The Golden Eagles are inexperienced on the offensive line.
South Allegheny Gladiators (1-9, 1-7, Missed Playoffs) – After making the playoffs in 2012 for the first time in 26 years, the Gladiators followed it up with an injury plagued six game record swing. Four-year starter, RB DaVonte Johnson (58 for 403 yards, 2 TD), returns for his senior season. South Allegheny has plenty of size and experience on both the offensive and defensive lines. RB Curtis Moore is also back after missing last season with an ankle injury. Developing an inexperienced quarterback will be key.
East Allegheny Wildcats (5-5, 4-4, Missed Playoffs) – The Wildcats return their leading rusher from last season in Taizjon Brown (170 for 992 yards, 9 TD). East Allegheny must shore up their defense as they allowed the tenth most points in “AA” last season. The move from the “AA Allegheny Conference” will pose the most challenges to East Allegheny.
Sto-Rox Vikings (12-1, 8-0, Lost in WPIAL “A” Final) – Jason Ruscitto takes over for the Vikings as they move up to Class “AA”. Sto-Rox returns only five starters from last year’s “A” runner up performance. Replacing the offensive numbers of Lenny Williams will be a very difficult task.
Carlynton Cougars (3-6, 2-6, Missed “A” Playoffs) – The Cougars return to “AA” for the first time since 2007 when they were 0-9. Mauro Monz takes over for a team that hasn’t made the playoffs since 2001. Junior RB Isiah Canton (159 for 1068 yards, 12 TD) returns off his sophomore campaign. Carlynton will look to a strong sophomore class once again as they only have four seniors. QB Courtney Mickens will be one of those sophomores to watch.
WPIAL CLASS AA ALLEGHENY CONFERENCE:
Kittanning Wildcats (9-1, 8-0, Lost in First Round) – The Wildcats won their first conference title in 37 years and is expected to go back-to-back this year. This will be the final season here, as Kittanning will merge with Ford City to make Armstrong High School. The Wildcats are led by dual-threat QB Braydon Toy (98 of 142, 1639 yards, 20 TD passing & 122 for 859 yards, 9 TD rushing). Pitt recruit Nick Bowers returns after leading Kittanning in receiving last year with 856 yards and 8 touchdowns on 54 catches. Sophomore RB Zane Dudek ran for 820 yards on 72 attempts (11.4 YPC) in his freshman season. The defense did allow 23.1 points per game last season.
Highlands Golden Rams (7-4, 6-2, Lost in “AAA” Quarterfinals) – Even though the Golden Rams lost 21 seniors from last year’s squad, they return five starters on offense and six on defense. The team returns most of its skill-position players. QB Blake Leri (38 of 114, 601 yards, 9 TD passing and 316 yards on 106 rushing attempts) will be in his third year as the starter. Senior RB Elijah Jackson had 1287 yards and 11 touchdowns on 183 carries last season and will be the key to the offense. His brother, Jeremy, had 10 catches for 195 yards and 4 touchdowns last season.
Shady Side Academy Indians (8-2, 7-1, Lost in First Round) – The Indians graduated their top two running backs who ran for more than 1000 yards combined in each of the last three seasons. Junior RB Eric Harris (32 for 223, 3 TD) will look to replace them. The Indians do return all starters on both the offensive and defensive line and that will be their strength this year. Shady Side had the 3rd best defense (13.5 points per game) last season in “AA”.
Valley Vikings (6-4, 5-3, Lost in First Round) – Muzzy Colosimo takes over at Valley after winning 143 games at Greensburg Central Catholic in 17 years. Phil Petit will take over the quarterback job after transferring from Greensburg Central Catholic. He will have a good group of wide receivers to throw to (D’Aundre Johnson, Tyson Hill, Eugene Bailey, and Nick Marzullo). The Vikings must replace 1000 yard rusher Demetrius Houser.
West Shamokin Wolves (6-4, 5-3, Lost in “A” First Round) – The Wolves made the playoffs and had a winning record for the first time in school history last season. Now they must jump up into class “AA”. 17 starters return from last year’s team (eight on offense & nine on defense). RB Andrew Wingard led the team in rushing (116 for 830 yards, 8 TD) and receiving (12 for 276, 4 TD) last season. QB Alex Lasslo is back under center after throwing for 791 yards and 10 TD on 43 of 75 passing. RB Zack Horner also rushed for 624 yards last year.
Apollo-Ridge Vikings (8-2, 6-2, Lost in “A” Quarterfinals) – 17 starters graduate as the Vikings make the jump to “AA”. Pitt recruit, Tre Tipton caught 44 passes for 697 yards and 14 touchdowns last season. Apollo-Ridge will need to find a new QB this season as the leading passer and rusher (Jesse Zelonka) from last year has graduated. Sophomore Duane Brown may get the biggest look and is also a large threat on defense as he made first-team all-conference last season.
Freeport Yellowjackets (2-7, 2-6, Missed Playoffs) – Freeport had its first losing season since 2005 last year. QB Andrew Romanchak was the leader on offense, completing 60 of 138 passes for 586 yards while rushing for 388 yards and 5 touchdowns on 87 carries. The offensive and defensive lines have experience and will play a key role. Junior LB Logan Thimons accepted a scholarship to West Virginia University in the summer after leading the Yellowjackets last season (97).
Ford City Sabers (3-6, 2-6, Missed Playoffs) – This will be the final season of football at Ford City as they will merge with Kittanning next year to form Armstrong High School. The main key to improve on is the defense as the Sabres allowed 200 points in the final five games last season. QB Mike Bartosiewicz (28 of 73, 379 yards, 3 TD) returns under center and RB Hermie Rush returns with 291 yards rushing.
Burrell Buccaneers (4-5, 3-5, Missed Playoffs) – RB Ryan Sowol (213 for 1150 yards, 12 TD) will be counted on the most to keep the Bucs in contention this season. Only four seniors are on the 2014 roster.
Deer Lakes Lancers (0-9, 0-8, Missed Playoffs) – The Lancers are 5-23 since making the playoffs for the first time in 2010. Former NFL player Steve Sciullo will try to turn that around with a few experienced players returning. A number of them are on the offensive and defensive lines. Junior RB/S Hunter Burns is back after gaining 408 yards on 81 carries last season. He also led the team with 15 reception and 149 yards.
WPIAL CLASS AA MIDWESTERN CONFERENCE:
Aliquippa Quips (12-1, 7-0, Lost in WPIAL Final) – The Quips will look for their 7th straight trip to the WPIAL Championship game. They also carry a 41 game regular season winning streak (9/19/2009 at Beaver Falls). QB Darrien Fields returns after throwing 1233 yards and 17 touchdowns on 73 of 110 passing. Division I recruit Patrick Anderson had 20 catches for 361 yards and 10 touchdowns last year. Junior RB Kaezon Pugh is also getting many Division I looks as he had 62 carries for 463 yards and nine touchdowns last season. Transferring last winter to Aliquippa, DiMontae Bronaugh was Hopewell’s top rusher last season (148 for 881 yards). The defense only allowed 12 points per game last year.
New Brighton Lions (6-4, 5-2, Lost in First Round) – The Lions were in the playoffs last season for the first time since 2003 and they appear to be ready to make another run in 2014. QB Payton Fath returns after throwing for 873 yards and 11 touchdowns and was the Lions’ second-leading rusher (538 yards & 9 TD). RB Scott Florence also returns after rushing 84 times for 544 yards and 5 touchdowns last season. The Lions averaged 31 points per game last year, however they allowed 30 points per game.
Beaver Bobcats (8-4, 4-3, Lost in Semifinals) – The Bobcats averaged 37 points per game last season, but gave up an average of 28 on defense. Darius Wise returns for his sophomore season after catching 48 passes for 779 yards and ten touchdowns last season. Wise also rushed 77 times for 415 yards and four touchdowns. Beaver will have to find a new quarterback as Alex Rowse (2752 yards & 41 TD) graduated.
Beaver Falls Tigers (9-3, 6-1, Lost in Semifinals) – The Tigers are expected to start eight or nine sophomores this season. Senior WR Javon Turner returns after catching 23 passes for 438 yards and four touchdowns last season. The quarterback position is a concern going into the season as Turner might take some snaps under center as well.
Laurel Spartans (7-3, 6-2, Lost in “A” First Round) – Brian Cooper takes over for a team who steps up to Class “AA”. He coached for eight seasons at Shenango HS. Three senior running backs (Clayton Sharek, Matty Conway, and Chris Peluso) will be featured in Cooper’s Wing-T offense. The Spartans do have a lot of size on both the offensive and defensive lines.
Ellwood City Wolverines (4-5, 2-5, Missed Playoffs) – The Wolverines will be a speedy team this season. RBs Paul Lutz (52 for 430 yards, 5 TD) and Nick Ioanilli (55 for 381 yards, 6 TD) were among leading rushers last year. Junior RB River Kelly figures to see some carries as well. Junior D.J. Barrett takes over the quarterback spot. The offensive line is inexperienced and the defense only returned two starters from last season.
Summit Academy Knights (5-5, 5-3, Lost in First Round) – The Knights made the playoffs for the first time ever in 2013. Not much is known about the Summit Academy roster because it is a court adjudicated school for youth and the players change every year and sometimes game-to-game. The Knight were 3-1 at home last season and return to playing Saturday afternoon home games.
Mohawk Warriors (3-6, 3-4, Missed Playoffs) – Mohawk has not made the playoffs since 2005 and have had seven straight losing season. Senior Ricky Malutic will take over at quarterback after playing wide receiver last season. Senior Spencer McConahy figures to be his favorite target as he had 29 catches last year along with 3 touchdowns.
Freedom Bulldogs (0-9, 0-7, Missed Playoffs) – The Bulldogs featured the second-worst offense in Class “AA” last season (8.9 points per game). Include that with that fact they allowed 41 points per game and you see why they were winless last season. The team will once again be young this season as two sophomores are vying for the quarterback position.
WPIAL CLASS AA INTERSTATE CONFERENCE:
Washington Little Prexies (7-3, 6-2, Lost in First Round) – Washington must find a way to replace Virginia Tech RB Shai McKenzie. Malik Wells (605 yards & 9 TD) and Jordon West (480 yards & 9 TD) combined to rush for over a 1000 yards last season after McKenzie’s leg injury. Kurt Adkins will also join Wells & West in the backfield. QB Jonathan Spina (39 of 91, 740 yards, 5 TD) also returns for the Little Prexies.
McGuffey Highlanders (5-5, 3-5, Missed Playoffs) – An injury to starting QB Nate Whipkey last year derailed the Highlanders hopes. Whipkey is back this season as McGuffey looks to make the playoffs. Also returning is RB James Duchi, who has rushed for over a 1000 yards in each of the past two seasons. Duchi needs 1700 yards to go over 5000 for his career. The offensive line also returns size and experience. The Highlanders averaged over 30 points per game last year (including four 40+ point performances with Whipkey in). The team also returns eight starters on defense.
Waynesburg Raiders (4-5, 3-5, Missed Playoffs) – The Raiders haven’t made the playoffs since 2003, however 16 starters return for the Raiders (eight on offense & eight on defense). Included in that group is RB John-Glen Davis, who was the leading rusher (139 for 976 yards) and receiver (10 catches for 115 yards) last season. RB Hunter Cenname also returns after rushing for 683 yards on 113 carries.
Mount Pleasant Vikings (10-1, 9-0, Lost in Quarterfinals) – After winning the conference title last year, the Vikings return only three starters on each side of the ball. WR Trevor Salopek is one of those returning players. He caught 9 passes for 284 yards and 5 touchdowns last season. The conference is weaker than in years past and that should help the Vikings.
Southmoreland Scotties (4-6, 3-5, Missed Playoffs) – The Scotties won three of their final four game last season and look to pick up where it left off. They were forced to play all their games on the road last season after water damaged their turf. The second-leading rusher, Jake Pisula, is back this season. Pisula rushed for 1609 yards and 11 touchdowns on 280 carries last year. The offensive line is also experienced for Southmoreland.
Charleroi Cougars (2-7, 1-7, Missed Playoffs) – Donnie Militzer takes over at Charleroi after one season at Gateway. 13 starters return (seven on offense & six on defense) from last year. QB Matt Carr is back after throwing for 547 yards and 6 TD on 36 of 59 passing last season. Carr did that in only two games because of injury. The offensive and defensive lines are experienced and big.
Brownsville Falcons (1-8, 1-7, Missed Playoffs) – The Falcons averaged 9.6 points per game last season. The teams’ top two scorers are back this year in QB Marcellous Grooms and RB Byron Mayers (144 for 997 yards, 12 TD). WR Devin Braddock also returns after catching 25 passes for 390 yards and one touchdown last season.
Derry Trojans (0-10, 0-8, Missed “AAA” Playoffs) – Tim Sweeney takes over for a Derry team that hasn’t had a winning season since 2000. The Trojans drop down from Class “AAA”. The Trojans gave up 56.3 points per game last year, the worst in the WPIAL. RB T.J. Balega returns after rushing for 257 yards and one touchdown on 86 carries last year.
Burgettstown Blue Devils (0-9, 0-8, Missed Playoffs) – Burgettstown has not won since 2011 and enter the 2014 season with a 21 game losing streak. Last year, the offense averaged 7.9 points per game and the defense allowed 47.6 points per game. RB Jake McKee is the leading returning rusher for the Blue Devils as he had close to 400 yards last season. QB Robert Dupain also returns but was fighting for the position.
WPIAL CLASS AA CENTURY CONFERERNCE:
South Fayette Lions (16-0, 8-0, Won PIAA Championship) – The defending PIAA “AA” Champions will be at it again this year. QB Brett Brumbaugh has a very good chance at becoming the leading passer in WPIAL history (Lenny Williams). Last season, Brumbaugh threw for 3917 yards on 260 of 379 passing and threw for 41 (!) touchdowns. The Lions did graduate four of the top five receivers from last year. The leading rusher from last season has graduated, but RB/LB Jared Walker scored 20 touchdowns last year. The Lions were hit hard on the defensive side after posting six shutouts last season.
Seton-LaSalle Rebels (8-3, 6-2, Lost in Quarterfinals) – Damon Rosol takes over a Rebels team with a lot of talent returning this season. QB Tyler Perone (169 for 284, 2322 yards, 24 TD) was fifth in the WPIAL for passing yards last season. Toledo recruit WR Danzel McKinley-Lewis (40 for 791 yards, 8 TD) was Perone’s main target last year. 2013 leading rusher, Ricky Mellick (81 for 397 yards, 4 TD) is also back this year. Overall, 13 starters return from the team that made the “AA” quarterfinals last year.
Quaker Valley Quakers (8-3, 7-1, Lost in Quarterfinals) – Pitt recruit and Cornell HS senior Dane Jackson returns this year to play for Quaker Valley (They have a cooperative agreement with Cornell.). Jackson threw for 975 yards and 13 touchdowns on 66 completions out of 113 attempts. He was also the teams’ leading rusher with 1111 yards on 118 carries and 10 touchdowns. Top WR Chris Conlan (29 for 426 yards, 5 TD) also returns. Also returning are RB Tre-won Marshall (544 yards & 14 TD) and RB Aaron Cunningham (447 yards rushing).
Steel Valley Ironmen (4-5, 4-4, Missed Playoffs) – 14 total starters return for the Ironmen (seven on offense & seven on defense). Sophomore RB DeWayne Murray is already getting Division I looks. Last season, he gained 1488 yards on 139 carries and scored 5 touchdowns. Steel Valley must develop an offensive line if they want to get Murray free.
South Park Eagles (5-5, 5-3, Lost in First Round) – The Eagles made the playoffs last year for the first time since winning the “AA” title in 2005. QB Nick Scholle (20 for 42, 269 yards, 5 TD) returns after missing the early part of last year with an injury. Last year’s leading rusher is gone and it appears a trio of running backs will take over (Josh Coursey, Adam Staudt, and Ty Washington.). Ryan Mino (13 for 259, 6 TD) is back at wide receiver. A veteran offensive line led by D-I prospect Ryan Podgorski (6’5”, 265 lb.) will be key. The first three weeks are: at SLS, at QV, vs SF.
Keystone Oaks Golden Eagles (2-7, 2-6, Missed Playoffs) – Greg Perry takes over at the school across the street from his old place of employment (Seton-LaSalle). He led the Rebels to eight playoff appearances in nine seasons (73-24 record). QB Kobe Phillippi (92 for 160, 1028 yards, 14 TD) returns for his senior season. RB Jimmy Canello (79 for 422, 5 TD) also returns for his senior season. The Golden Eagles are inexperienced on the offensive line.
South Allegheny Gladiators (1-9, 1-7, Missed Playoffs) – After making the playoffs in 2012 for the first time in 26 years, the Gladiators followed it up with an injury plagued six game record swing. Four-year starter, RB DaVonte Johnson (58 for 403 yards, 2 TD), returns for his senior season. South Allegheny has plenty of size and experience on both the offensive and defensive lines. RB Curtis Moore is also back after missing last season with an ankle injury. Developing an inexperienced quarterback will be key.
East Allegheny Wildcats (5-5, 4-4, Missed Playoffs) – The Wildcats return their leading rusher from last season in Taizjon Brown (170 for 992 yards, 9 TD). East Allegheny must shore up their defense as they allowed the tenth most points in “AA” last season. The move from the “AA Allegheny Conference” will pose the most challenges to East Allegheny.
Sto-Rox Vikings (12-1, 8-0, Lost in WPIAL “A” Final) – Jason Ruscitto takes over for the Vikings as they move up to Class “AA”. Sto-Rox returns only five starters from last year’s “A” runner up performance. Replacing the offensive numbers of Lenny Williams will be a very difficult task.
Carlynton Cougars (3-6, 2-6, Missed “A” Playoffs) – The Cougars return to “AA” for the first time since 2007 when they were 0-9. Mauro Monz takes over for a team that hasn’t made the playoffs since 2001. Junior RB Isiah Canton (159 for 1068 yards, 12 TD) returns off his sophomore campaign. Carlynton will look to a strong sophomore class once again as they only have four seniors. QB Courtney Mickens will be one of those sophomores to watch.
WPIAL CLASS AA ALLEGHENY CONFERENCE:
Kittanning Wildcats (9-1, 8-0, Lost in First Round) – The Wildcats won their first conference title in 37 years and is expected to go back-to-back this year. This will be the final season here, as Kittanning will merge with Ford City to make Armstrong High School. The Wildcats are led by dual-threat QB Braydon Toy (98 of 142, 1639 yards, 20 TD passing & 122 for 859 yards, 9 TD rushing). Pitt recruit Nick Bowers returns after leading Kittanning in receiving last year with 856 yards and 8 touchdowns on 54 catches. Sophomore RB Zane Dudek ran for 820 yards on 72 attempts (11.4 YPC) in his freshman season. The defense did allow 23.1 points per game last season.
Highlands Golden Rams (7-4, 6-2, Lost in “AAA” Quarterfinals) – Even though the Golden Rams lost 21 seniors from last year’s squad, they return five starters on offense and six on defense. The team returns most of its skill-position players. QB Blake Leri (38 of 114, 601 yards, 9 TD passing and 316 yards on 106 rushing attempts) will be in his third year as the starter. Senior RB Elijah Jackson had 1287 yards and 11 touchdowns on 183 carries last season and will be the key to the offense. His brother, Jeremy, had 10 catches for 195 yards and 4 touchdowns last season.
Shady Side Academy Indians (8-2, 7-1, Lost in First Round) – The Indians graduated their top two running backs who ran for more than 1000 yards combined in each of the last three seasons. Junior RB Eric Harris (32 for 223, 3 TD) will look to replace them. The Indians do return all starters on both the offensive and defensive line and that will be their strength this year. Shady Side had the 3rd best defense (13.5 points per game) last season in “AA”.
Valley Vikings (6-4, 5-3, Lost in First Round) – Muzzy Colosimo takes over at Valley after winning 143 games at Greensburg Central Catholic in 17 years. Phil Petit will take over the quarterback job after transferring from Greensburg Central Catholic. He will have a good group of wide receivers to throw to (D’Aundre Johnson, Tyson Hill, Eugene Bailey, and Nick Marzullo). The Vikings must replace 1000 yard rusher Demetrius Houser.
West Shamokin Wolves (6-4, 5-3, Lost in “A” First Round) – The Wolves made the playoffs and had a winning record for the first time in school history last season. Now they must jump up into class “AA”. 17 starters return from last year’s team (eight on offense & nine on defense). RB Andrew Wingard led the team in rushing (116 for 830 yards, 8 TD) and receiving (12 for 276, 4 TD) last season. QB Alex Lasslo is back under center after throwing for 791 yards and 10 TD on 43 of 75 passing. RB Zack Horner also rushed for 624 yards last year.
Apollo-Ridge Vikings (8-2, 6-2, Lost in “A” Quarterfinals) – 17 starters graduate as the Vikings make the jump to “AA”. Pitt recruit, Tre Tipton caught 44 passes for 697 yards and 14 touchdowns last season. Apollo-Ridge will need to find a new QB this season as the leading passer and rusher (Jesse Zelonka) from last year has graduated. Sophomore Duane Brown may get the biggest look and is also a large threat on defense as he made first-team all-conference last season.
Freeport Yellowjackets (2-7, 2-6, Missed Playoffs) – Freeport had its first losing season since 2005 last year. QB Andrew Romanchak was the leader on offense, completing 60 of 138 passes for 586 yards while rushing for 388 yards and 5 touchdowns on 87 carries. The offensive and defensive lines have experience and will play a key role. Junior LB Logan Thimons accepted a scholarship to West Virginia University in the summer after leading the Yellowjackets last season (97).
Ford City Sabers (3-6, 2-6, Missed Playoffs) – This will be the final season of football at Ford City as they will merge with Kittanning next year to form Armstrong High School. The main key to improve on is the defense as the Sabres allowed 200 points in the final five games last season. QB Mike Bartosiewicz (28 of 73, 379 yards, 3 TD) returns under center and RB Hermie Rush returns with 291 yards rushing.
Burrell Buccaneers (4-5, 3-5, Missed Playoffs) – RB Ryan Sowol (213 for 1150 yards, 12 TD) will be counted on the most to keep the Bucs in contention this season. Only four seniors are on the 2014 roster.
Deer Lakes Lancers (0-9, 0-8, Missed Playoffs) – The Lancers are 5-23 since making the playoffs for the first time in 2010. Former NFL player Steve Sciullo will try to turn that around with a few experienced players returning. A number of them are on the offensive and defensive lines. Junior RB/S Hunter Burns is back after gaining 408 yards on 81 carries last season. He also led the team with 15 reception and 149 yards.
WPIAL CLASS AA MIDWESTERN CONFERENCE:
Aliquippa Quips (12-1, 7-0, Lost in WPIAL Final) – The Quips will look for their 7th straight trip to the WPIAL Championship game. They also carry a 41 game regular season winning streak (9/19/2009 at Beaver Falls). QB Darrien Fields returns after throwing 1233 yards and 17 touchdowns on 73 of 110 passing. Division I recruit Patrick Anderson had 20 catches for 361 yards and 10 touchdowns last year. Junior RB Kaezon Pugh is also getting many Division I looks as he had 62 carries for 463 yards and nine touchdowns last season. Transferring last winter to Aliquippa, DiMontae Bronaugh was Hopewell’s top rusher last season (148 for 881 yards). The defense only allowed 12 points per game last year.
New Brighton Lions (6-4, 5-2, Lost in First Round) – The Lions were in the playoffs last season for the first time since 2003 and they appear to be ready to make another run in 2014. QB Payton Fath returns after throwing for 873 yards and 11 touchdowns and was the Lions’ second-leading rusher (538 yards & 9 TD). RB Scott Florence also returns after rushing 84 times for 544 yards and 5 touchdowns last season. The Lions averaged 31 points per game last year, however they allowed 30 points per game.
Beaver Bobcats (8-4, 4-3, Lost in Semifinals) – The Bobcats averaged 37 points per game last season, but gave up an average of 28 on defense. Darius Wise returns for his sophomore season after catching 48 passes for 779 yards and ten touchdowns last season. Wise also rushed 77 times for 415 yards and four touchdowns. Beaver will have to find a new quarterback as Alex Rowse (2752 yards & 41 TD) graduated.
Beaver Falls Tigers (9-3, 6-1, Lost in Semifinals) – The Tigers are expected to start eight or nine sophomores this season. Senior WR Javon Turner returns after catching 23 passes for 438 yards and four touchdowns last season. The quarterback position is a concern going into the season as Turner might take some snaps under center as well.
Laurel Spartans (7-3, 6-2, Lost in “A” First Round) – Brian Cooper takes over for a team who steps up to Class “AA”. He coached for eight seasons at Shenango HS. Three senior running backs (Clayton Sharek, Matty Conway, and Chris Peluso) will be featured in Cooper’s Wing-T offense. The Spartans do have a lot of size on both the offensive and defensive lines.
Ellwood City Wolverines (4-5, 2-5, Missed Playoffs) – The Wolverines will be a speedy team this season. RBs Paul Lutz (52 for 430 yards, 5 TD) and Nick Ioanilli (55 for 381 yards, 6 TD) were among leading rushers last year. Junior RB River Kelly figures to see some carries as well. Junior D.J. Barrett takes over the quarterback spot. The offensive line is inexperienced and the defense only returned two starters from last season.
Summit Academy Knights (5-5, 5-3, Lost in First Round) – The Knights made the playoffs for the first time ever in 2013. Not much is known about the Summit Academy roster because it is a court adjudicated school for youth and the players change every year and sometimes game-to-game. The Knight were 3-1 at home last season and return to playing Saturday afternoon home games.
Mohawk Warriors (3-6, 3-4, Missed Playoffs) – Mohawk has not made the playoffs since 2005 and have had seven straight losing season. Senior Ricky Malutic will take over at quarterback after playing wide receiver last season. Senior Spencer McConahy figures to be his favorite target as he had 29 catches last year along with 3 touchdowns.
Freedom Bulldogs (0-9, 0-7, Missed Playoffs) – The Bulldogs featured the second-worst offense in Class “AA” last season (8.9 points per game). Include that with that fact they allowed 41 points per game and you see why they were winless last season. The team will once again be young this season as two sophomores are vying for the quarterback position.
WPIAL CLASS AA INTERSTATE CONFERENCE:
Washington Little Prexies (7-3, 6-2, Lost in First Round) – Washington must find a way to replace Virginia Tech RB Shai McKenzie. Malik Wells (605 yards & 9 TD) and Jordon West (480 yards & 9 TD) combined to rush for over a 1000 yards last season after McKenzie’s leg injury. Kurt Adkins will also join Wells & West in the backfield. QB Jonathan Spina (39 of 91, 740 yards, 5 TD) also returns for the Little Prexies.
McGuffey Highlanders (5-5, 3-5, Missed Playoffs) – An injury to starting QB Nate Whipkey last year derailed the Highlanders hopes. Whipkey is back this season as McGuffey looks to make the playoffs. Also returning is RB James Duchi, who has rushed for over a 1000 yards in each of the past two seasons. Duchi needs 1700 yards to go over 5000 for his career. The offensive line also returns size and experience. The Highlanders averaged over 30 points per game last year (including four 40+ point performances with Whipkey in). The team also returns eight starters on defense.
Waynesburg Raiders (4-5, 3-5, Missed Playoffs) – The Raiders haven’t made the playoffs since 2003, however 16 starters return for the Raiders (eight on offense & eight on defense). Included in that group is RB John-Glen Davis, who was the leading rusher (139 for 976 yards) and receiver (10 catches for 115 yards) last season. RB Hunter Cenname also returns after rushing for 683 yards on 113 carries.
Mount Pleasant Vikings (10-1, 9-0, Lost in Quarterfinals) – After winning the conference title last year, the Vikings return only three starters on each side of the ball. WR Trevor Salopek is one of those returning players. He caught 9 passes for 284 yards and 5 touchdowns last season. The conference is weaker than in years past and that should help the Vikings.
Southmoreland Scotties (4-6, 3-5, Missed Playoffs) – The Scotties won three of their final four game last season and look to pick up where it left off. They were forced to play all their games on the road last season after water damaged their turf. The second-leading rusher, Jake Pisula, is back this season. Pisula rushed for 1609 yards and 11 touchdowns on 280 carries last year. The offensive line is also experienced for Southmoreland.
Charleroi Cougars (2-7, 1-7, Missed Playoffs) – Donnie Militzer takes over at Charleroi after one season at Gateway. 13 starters return (seven on offense & six on defense) from last year. QB Matt Carr is back after throwing for 547 yards and 6 TD on 36 of 59 passing last season. Carr did that in only two games because of injury. The offensive and defensive lines are experienced and big.
Brownsville Falcons (1-8, 1-7, Missed Playoffs) – The Falcons averaged 9.6 points per game last season. The teams’ top two scorers are back this year in QB Marcellous Grooms and RB Byron Mayers (144 for 997 yards, 12 TD). WR Devin Braddock also returns after catching 25 passes for 390 yards and one touchdown last season.
Derry Trojans (0-10, 0-8, Missed “AAA” Playoffs) – Tim Sweeney takes over for a Derry team that hasn’t had a winning season since 2000. The Trojans drop down from Class “AAA”. The Trojans gave up 56.3 points per game last year, the worst in the WPIAL. RB T.J. Balega returns after rushing for 257 yards and one touchdown on 86 carries last year.
Burgettstown Blue Devils (0-9, 0-8, Missed Playoffs) – Burgettstown has not won since 2011 and enter the 2014 season with a 21 game losing streak. Last year, the offense averaged 7.9 points per game and the defense allowed 47.6 points per game. RB Jake McKee is the leading returning rusher for the Blue Devils as he had close to 400 yards last season. QB Robert Dupain also returns but was fighting for the position.