WPIAL AAA Preview
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natigers2005
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WPIAL AAA Preview
Teams (Overall Record, Conference Record, 2014 Result) are listed in my projected order of finish.
WPIAL CLASS AAA BIG TEN CONFERENCE:
Thomas Jefferson Jaguars (11-1, 8-0, Lost in Semifinals) – The Jaguars were well balanced last season as they had the best defense in Triple-A (12.0 points allowed) and the second-best offense (42.1 points scored). They averaged two pass attempts per game last year and this season will be more of the same. The stable is full again for Thomas Jefferson: Quinton Hill returns after 711 yards on 92 carries, Ryan Scanlon ran 65 times last year for 488 yards, and Braden Pahanish had 415 yards on 56 attempts. They have reached the WPIAL Semifinals in 16 of 17 years and have gone undefeated in section play in eight of the past nine season (2011).
Ringgold Rams (10-2, 7-1, Lost in Semifinals) – Ringgold lost the opener to Thomas Jefferson (49-6) then rattled off 10 straight wins before losing to Central Valley (41-13) in the semifinals. The Rams averaged 34.5 points per game. Chacar Berry returns after rushing for 1392 yards on 168 carries in his junior season. Joining him in the backfield will be Brendan Small, who ran from 722 yards on 89 attempts last year. George Martin will take over the quarterback position for the graduated dual-threat Nico Law.
West Mifflin Titans (6-4, 5-3, Lost in First Round) – After winning their first three games, the Titans went 3-4 in their final seven which included a first round loss to Indiana (42-12). West Mifflin has been home of the WPIAL leading rusher in the past two seasons. It’s unlikely that occurs this year, but dual-threat quarterback Karlyn Garner is back. Garner completed 41 of 92 passes for 624 yards and ran for 474 yards on 93 carries last year.
Belle Vernon Leopards (5-5, 5-3, Lost in First Round) – The Leopards had the second best defense in the conference, allowing 17.5 points per game. Second leading rusher, Luke Durigon, is back after rushing for 700 yards last year. Phil Taylor should also see time in the backfield after running for 277 yards on 22 carries last year.
Laurel Highlands Mustangs (4-6, 4-4, Lost in First Round) – The Mustangs qualified for the playoffs last season despite allowing 40.0 points per game. They did score 26 points in the first round off of eventual WPIAL champions, Central Valley. Dual-threat quarterback Jimmy Pierce returns after throwing for 1221 yards and rushing for 621 yards last season. Chad Livingston returns as the top receiver after catching 27 passes for 432 yards last year.
Elizabeth Forward Warriors (3-6, 3-5, Missed Playoffs) – Mike Collodi takes over a team that lost their last four games to narrowly miss the playoffs. The offense was a big problem in those games as they only scored 23 points (6, 6, 0, and 11). Dual-threat quarterback Steve Mayernik is back after his sophomore season saw him throw for 335 yards (37 of 61) and rush for 403 yards on 78 attempts.
Uniontown Red Raiders (1-8, 1-7, Missed Playoffs) – Uniontown lost it’s first seven games in route to their lowest win total since 2006. It was a nightmarish defense that derailed the season by allowing 38.9 points per game. The Red Raiders are optimistic they will have a better season with five starters returning on offense and seven on defense. Ariene Washington returns after rushing for 975 yards last season. They will be young and inexperienced on the lines.
Trinity Hillers (4-5, 3-5, Missed Playoffs) – Jon Miller takes over a Trinity team that played a number of young players last season and are still on the young side after graduating 18 seniors. Sophomore Joe Koroly returns to the running back position. The Hillers averaged 30.3 points per game on offense but allowed 32.6 points per game on defense.
Albert Gallatin Colonials (0-9, 0-8, Missed Playoffs) – The Colonials enter 2015 on a 15-game losing streak. They have also finished winless in three of the past four seasons. The struggles last year were on both sides of the ball as they scored the second fewest points (9.2) and allowed the third most (44.1). There is optimism, however, as many starters return from last season including three year starting quarterback, Hunter Moody.
Yough Cougars (0-9, 0-8, Missed Playoffs) – Yough slides over to a new conference after spending last season traveling around in the Greater Allegheny conference and being moved up to Triple-A. The Cougars had the worst offense in the entire WPIAL at 6.4 points scored per game and the worst defense in Triple-A at 46.1 points allowed per game. It looks to be another long season as they graduated 14 players from last year’s team.
WPIAL CLASS AAA PARKWAY CONFERENCE:
West Allegheny Indians (11-2, 7-1, Lost in WPIAL Final) – The Indians return after losing their only two games last season to Central Valley (28-17 in week nine and 35-28 in the WPIAL championship game). They were strong on both side of the ball last year having the third-best offense (42.0 points per game) and fourth-best defense (13.9 points per game). However, several key skill position players have graduated since last year, but there is some experience in spots. Division-I recruit, Terence Stephens returns after running for 912 yards on 131 carries last season. Stephens also added 18 touchdowns. Whitney White also returns at running back after rushing for 655 yards on 61 carries (10.7 yards per carry).
Montour Spartans (7-3, 6-2, Lost in First Round) – Senior quarterback Randall Labrie was expected to return after throwing for 1161 yards on 94 of 155 passing, but he tore his ACL in June. Another senior, Dave Haseleu, is also back after running for 1070 yards on 164 attempts last season. Zach Herskovitz also returns at wide receiver after catching 18 passes for 315 yards.
Central Valley Warriors (15-1, 8-0, Lost in PIAA Final) – The Warriors led Triple-A with 42.9 points per game on offense and made it all the way to the state final before losing to Archbishop Wood, 33-14. Chris Callaghan returns for his senior season after throwing 76 of 120 passing for 1314 yards and 13 touchdowns. Kurt Reinstadler is also back after catching 29 passes for 618 yards (21.3 YPC). The top five running backs from last season have graduated.
New Castle Red Hurricane (4-6, 4-4, Lost in First Round) – After losing their first four games last season, New Castle went 4-1 in the final five to qualify for the playoffs. Except for one comfortable win over Hopewell, their victories were by: 6, 5, and 1 point(s). Plenty of skill players return in: dual-threat quarterback Pat Minenok, second-team all-conference running back Daylyn Glenel, and wide receivers Marcus Hooker, Geno Stone, and Cameron Stone. New Castle will have to refine it’s defense as it gave up 32.4 points per game last year.
Ambridge Bridgers (3-6, 3-5, Missed Playoffs) – The Bridgers suffered through a five game losing streak that deterred their chances at their first postseason since 2005. Junior quarterback Austin French returns after throwing 102 of 188 for 1397 yards on and 19 touchdowns last year. Diaquan Alston (73 rushes for 409 yards) and Romnn Shell (80 attempts for 378 yards) also return to the backfield after being the team’s two leading rushers.
Chartiers Valley Colts (2-7, 2-6, Missed Playoffs) – The Colts will enter the season on a five-game losing streak. Defense was a major issue as they allowed 39.9 points per game (fifth-worst in Triple-A). Jake Collins, a dual-threat quarterback, is back for his senior season after completing 51 of 108 passes for 741 yards and running for 567 yards on 119 carries. Dom Pocci also returns after rushing for 235 yards on 31 carries. Last years’ second leading receiver, Jared Nelson, also returns.
Moon Tigers (4-6, 4-4, Lost in First Round) – Brendan Hathaway is the new man in charge at Moon after leading Slippery Rock HS to a 21-2 record in the past two seasons. The Tigers made the playoffs last season despite being outscored by a 18.5-31.4 average. The second-leading rusher, Matt Dunning, returns after rushing for 343 yards on 50 carries.
Hopewell Vikings (0-9, 0-8, Missed Playoffs) – Mark Washington takes over a Hopewell team that struggled on both sides of the ball last season. The defense allowed 45.3 points per game (second-worst in Triple-A) while the offense only mustered up 12.3 points per game (third-worst in Triple-A). The Vikings second-leading and third-leading rushers return in Marko Loncar (92 carries for 372 yards) and Chuck Metz (221 yards on 42 attempts).
Blackhawk Cougars (3-6, 2-6, Missed Playoffs) – The Cougars were the 4th-worst offense in Triple-A at 12.8 points per game last season. Joe Hamilton retired after coaching at Blackhawk for 39 years. Hamilton has the second most wins in WPIAL history. Joe Lamenza takes over for a team with three consecutive three-win seasons. Austin Javens returns after being the second-leading rusher last season.
WPIAL CLASS AAA GREATER ALLEGHENY CONFERENCE:
Franklin Regional Panthers (7-4, 6-2, Lost in Quarterfinals) – Santino Birty returns after throwing for over a thousand yards and running for 400 yards last season. Jacob Ross also returns after being the second-leading rusher last season with over 500 yards. The Panthers’ offensive line expects to return all five starters from last season.
Indiana Little Indians (7-4, 5-3, Lost in Quarterfinals) – Indiana has reach the quarterfinals in the past two years and both times they lost to the eventual WPIAL champion. The Little Indians will be near the top of the conference this year as they return quarterback Jacob Zilinskas. Zilkinskas threw for 1617 yards and 21 touchdowns last season. Dylan Stapleton, last year’s leading receiver, also returns for his senior season.
Hampton Talbots (9-2, 7-1, Lost in Quarterfinals) – Hampton won the conference title last year with the best offense (30.9 points per game) and defense (12.1 points allowed per game, third-best in Triple-A). Their two losses were: week 9 vs Mars (20-14) and the WPIAL quarterfinals against Ringgold in overtime (21-20). The Talbots return six starters to each side of the ball, including running back Matt Rech. Rech ran for 914 yards on the ground last year.
Mars Fighting Planets (7-4, 5-3, Lost in Quarterfinals) – The Planets defense was out of this world last year only allowing 13.8 points per game. Isaiah Johnson returns after being the second-leading rusher last year with 506 yards and eight touchdowns. John Castello, a 6’5” 225 pound tight end, returns after leading the team in receiving yards last season. The offensive and defensive lines are young.
Knoch Knights (4-6, 4-4, Lost in First Round) – If you like low scoring games, Knoch is the place to go. The Knights averaged 15.6 points per game on offense while holding opponents to 16.2 points per game (which includes a 38-0 loss to West Allegheny in the playoffs). Second-leading rusher, Ben Lowery, and second-leading receiver, Mac Cristy are two of 11 returning starters for Knoch.
Gateway Gators (4-6, 4-4, Lost in First Round) – The Gators’ first season in Triple-A started poorly and ended poorly. They lost their first three games and went on to lose their first round playoff game at Ringgold (24-14). Last season’s leading rusher, Adam White, returns after running for 899 yards and eight touchdowns. Aidan Howard, a wide receiver, has committed to play at the University of Virginia.
Hollidaysburg Golden Tigers (4-5, 3-5, Missed Playoffs) – Hollidaysburg enters their final season in the WPIAL on a three-game dlosing streak. The defense only allowed 17.2 points per game last year, but the offense was fifth-worst in Triple-A at 14.0 points per game. A number of skill players return including the top five receivers from last season. Zach Kovach also returns after leading the team with 427 rushing yards last year.
Armstrong River Hawks (First Season) – Armstrong is a merger of Kittanning (6-4, 6-3 last year in AA Allegheny, Lost in First Round) and Ford City (3-6, 3-6 last year in AA Allegheny, Missed Playoffs). Frank Fabian will coach the River Hawks after leading Kittanning in previous seasons. The first season could be a struggle at Armstrong after both schools lost a lot of experienced skill players to graduation. Running back Zane Dudek does return after rushing for 1143 yards and 21 touchdowns as a sophomore at Kittanning. Herman Rush returns as Ford City’s second-leading rusher at 416 yards last season.
Greensburg-Salem Golden Lions (3-6, 2-6, Missed Playoffs) – A week one win at Gateway got last season started off on the right foot, however, a four-game losing streak directly after it derailed the Golden Lions’ 2014 season. Last year’s top running-back, Connor Forkley, returns after rushing for 575 yards.
WPIAL CLASS AAA BIG TEN CONFERENCE:
Thomas Jefferson Jaguars (11-1, 8-0, Lost in Semifinals) – The Jaguars were well balanced last season as they had the best defense in Triple-A (12.0 points allowed) and the second-best offense (42.1 points scored). They averaged two pass attempts per game last year and this season will be more of the same. The stable is full again for Thomas Jefferson: Quinton Hill returns after 711 yards on 92 carries, Ryan Scanlon ran 65 times last year for 488 yards, and Braden Pahanish had 415 yards on 56 attempts. They have reached the WPIAL Semifinals in 16 of 17 years and have gone undefeated in section play in eight of the past nine season (2011).
Ringgold Rams (10-2, 7-1, Lost in Semifinals) – Ringgold lost the opener to Thomas Jefferson (49-6) then rattled off 10 straight wins before losing to Central Valley (41-13) in the semifinals. The Rams averaged 34.5 points per game. Chacar Berry returns after rushing for 1392 yards on 168 carries in his junior season. Joining him in the backfield will be Brendan Small, who ran from 722 yards on 89 attempts last year. George Martin will take over the quarterback position for the graduated dual-threat Nico Law.
West Mifflin Titans (6-4, 5-3, Lost in First Round) – After winning their first three games, the Titans went 3-4 in their final seven which included a first round loss to Indiana (42-12). West Mifflin has been home of the WPIAL leading rusher in the past two seasons. It’s unlikely that occurs this year, but dual-threat quarterback Karlyn Garner is back. Garner completed 41 of 92 passes for 624 yards and ran for 474 yards on 93 carries last year.
Belle Vernon Leopards (5-5, 5-3, Lost in First Round) – The Leopards had the second best defense in the conference, allowing 17.5 points per game. Second leading rusher, Luke Durigon, is back after rushing for 700 yards last year. Phil Taylor should also see time in the backfield after running for 277 yards on 22 carries last year.
Laurel Highlands Mustangs (4-6, 4-4, Lost in First Round) – The Mustangs qualified for the playoffs last season despite allowing 40.0 points per game. They did score 26 points in the first round off of eventual WPIAL champions, Central Valley. Dual-threat quarterback Jimmy Pierce returns after throwing for 1221 yards and rushing for 621 yards last season. Chad Livingston returns as the top receiver after catching 27 passes for 432 yards last year.
Elizabeth Forward Warriors (3-6, 3-5, Missed Playoffs) – Mike Collodi takes over a team that lost their last four games to narrowly miss the playoffs. The offense was a big problem in those games as they only scored 23 points (6, 6, 0, and 11). Dual-threat quarterback Steve Mayernik is back after his sophomore season saw him throw for 335 yards (37 of 61) and rush for 403 yards on 78 attempts.
Uniontown Red Raiders (1-8, 1-7, Missed Playoffs) – Uniontown lost it’s first seven games in route to their lowest win total since 2006. It was a nightmarish defense that derailed the season by allowing 38.9 points per game. The Red Raiders are optimistic they will have a better season with five starters returning on offense and seven on defense. Ariene Washington returns after rushing for 975 yards last season. They will be young and inexperienced on the lines.
Trinity Hillers (4-5, 3-5, Missed Playoffs) – Jon Miller takes over a Trinity team that played a number of young players last season and are still on the young side after graduating 18 seniors. Sophomore Joe Koroly returns to the running back position. The Hillers averaged 30.3 points per game on offense but allowed 32.6 points per game on defense.
Albert Gallatin Colonials (0-9, 0-8, Missed Playoffs) – The Colonials enter 2015 on a 15-game losing streak. They have also finished winless in three of the past four seasons. The struggles last year were on both sides of the ball as they scored the second fewest points (9.2) and allowed the third most (44.1). There is optimism, however, as many starters return from last season including three year starting quarterback, Hunter Moody.
Yough Cougars (0-9, 0-8, Missed Playoffs) – Yough slides over to a new conference after spending last season traveling around in the Greater Allegheny conference and being moved up to Triple-A. The Cougars had the worst offense in the entire WPIAL at 6.4 points scored per game and the worst defense in Triple-A at 46.1 points allowed per game. It looks to be another long season as they graduated 14 players from last year’s team.
WPIAL CLASS AAA PARKWAY CONFERENCE:
West Allegheny Indians (11-2, 7-1, Lost in WPIAL Final) – The Indians return after losing their only two games last season to Central Valley (28-17 in week nine and 35-28 in the WPIAL championship game). They were strong on both side of the ball last year having the third-best offense (42.0 points per game) and fourth-best defense (13.9 points per game). However, several key skill position players have graduated since last year, but there is some experience in spots. Division-I recruit, Terence Stephens returns after running for 912 yards on 131 carries last season. Stephens also added 18 touchdowns. Whitney White also returns at running back after rushing for 655 yards on 61 carries (10.7 yards per carry).
Montour Spartans (7-3, 6-2, Lost in First Round) – Senior quarterback Randall Labrie was expected to return after throwing for 1161 yards on 94 of 155 passing, but he tore his ACL in June. Another senior, Dave Haseleu, is also back after running for 1070 yards on 164 attempts last season. Zach Herskovitz also returns at wide receiver after catching 18 passes for 315 yards.
Central Valley Warriors (15-1, 8-0, Lost in PIAA Final) – The Warriors led Triple-A with 42.9 points per game on offense and made it all the way to the state final before losing to Archbishop Wood, 33-14. Chris Callaghan returns for his senior season after throwing 76 of 120 passing for 1314 yards and 13 touchdowns. Kurt Reinstadler is also back after catching 29 passes for 618 yards (21.3 YPC). The top five running backs from last season have graduated.
New Castle Red Hurricane (4-6, 4-4, Lost in First Round) – After losing their first four games last season, New Castle went 4-1 in the final five to qualify for the playoffs. Except for one comfortable win over Hopewell, their victories were by: 6, 5, and 1 point(s). Plenty of skill players return in: dual-threat quarterback Pat Minenok, second-team all-conference running back Daylyn Glenel, and wide receivers Marcus Hooker, Geno Stone, and Cameron Stone. New Castle will have to refine it’s defense as it gave up 32.4 points per game last year.
Ambridge Bridgers (3-6, 3-5, Missed Playoffs) – The Bridgers suffered through a five game losing streak that deterred their chances at their first postseason since 2005. Junior quarterback Austin French returns after throwing 102 of 188 for 1397 yards on and 19 touchdowns last year. Diaquan Alston (73 rushes for 409 yards) and Romnn Shell (80 attempts for 378 yards) also return to the backfield after being the team’s two leading rushers.
Chartiers Valley Colts (2-7, 2-6, Missed Playoffs) – The Colts will enter the season on a five-game losing streak. Defense was a major issue as they allowed 39.9 points per game (fifth-worst in Triple-A). Jake Collins, a dual-threat quarterback, is back for his senior season after completing 51 of 108 passes for 741 yards and running for 567 yards on 119 carries. Dom Pocci also returns after rushing for 235 yards on 31 carries. Last years’ second leading receiver, Jared Nelson, also returns.
Moon Tigers (4-6, 4-4, Lost in First Round) – Brendan Hathaway is the new man in charge at Moon after leading Slippery Rock HS to a 21-2 record in the past two seasons. The Tigers made the playoffs last season despite being outscored by a 18.5-31.4 average. The second-leading rusher, Matt Dunning, returns after rushing for 343 yards on 50 carries.
Hopewell Vikings (0-9, 0-8, Missed Playoffs) – Mark Washington takes over a Hopewell team that struggled on both sides of the ball last season. The defense allowed 45.3 points per game (second-worst in Triple-A) while the offense only mustered up 12.3 points per game (third-worst in Triple-A). The Vikings second-leading and third-leading rushers return in Marko Loncar (92 carries for 372 yards) and Chuck Metz (221 yards on 42 attempts).
Blackhawk Cougars (3-6, 2-6, Missed Playoffs) – The Cougars were the 4th-worst offense in Triple-A at 12.8 points per game last season. Joe Hamilton retired after coaching at Blackhawk for 39 years. Hamilton has the second most wins in WPIAL history. Joe Lamenza takes over for a team with three consecutive three-win seasons. Austin Javens returns after being the second-leading rusher last season.
WPIAL CLASS AAA GREATER ALLEGHENY CONFERENCE:
Franklin Regional Panthers (7-4, 6-2, Lost in Quarterfinals) – Santino Birty returns after throwing for over a thousand yards and running for 400 yards last season. Jacob Ross also returns after being the second-leading rusher last season with over 500 yards. The Panthers’ offensive line expects to return all five starters from last season.
Indiana Little Indians (7-4, 5-3, Lost in Quarterfinals) – Indiana has reach the quarterfinals in the past two years and both times they lost to the eventual WPIAL champion. The Little Indians will be near the top of the conference this year as they return quarterback Jacob Zilinskas. Zilkinskas threw for 1617 yards and 21 touchdowns last season. Dylan Stapleton, last year’s leading receiver, also returns for his senior season.
Hampton Talbots (9-2, 7-1, Lost in Quarterfinals) – Hampton won the conference title last year with the best offense (30.9 points per game) and defense (12.1 points allowed per game, third-best in Triple-A). Their two losses were: week 9 vs Mars (20-14) and the WPIAL quarterfinals against Ringgold in overtime (21-20). The Talbots return six starters to each side of the ball, including running back Matt Rech. Rech ran for 914 yards on the ground last year.
Mars Fighting Planets (7-4, 5-3, Lost in Quarterfinals) – The Planets defense was out of this world last year only allowing 13.8 points per game. Isaiah Johnson returns after being the second-leading rusher last year with 506 yards and eight touchdowns. John Castello, a 6’5” 225 pound tight end, returns after leading the team in receiving yards last season. The offensive and defensive lines are young.
Knoch Knights (4-6, 4-4, Lost in First Round) – If you like low scoring games, Knoch is the place to go. The Knights averaged 15.6 points per game on offense while holding opponents to 16.2 points per game (which includes a 38-0 loss to West Allegheny in the playoffs). Second-leading rusher, Ben Lowery, and second-leading receiver, Mac Cristy are two of 11 returning starters for Knoch.
Gateway Gators (4-6, 4-4, Lost in First Round) – The Gators’ first season in Triple-A started poorly and ended poorly. They lost their first three games and went on to lose their first round playoff game at Ringgold (24-14). Last season’s leading rusher, Adam White, returns after running for 899 yards and eight touchdowns. Aidan Howard, a wide receiver, has committed to play at the University of Virginia.
Hollidaysburg Golden Tigers (4-5, 3-5, Missed Playoffs) – Hollidaysburg enters their final season in the WPIAL on a three-game dlosing streak. The defense only allowed 17.2 points per game last year, but the offense was fifth-worst in Triple-A at 14.0 points per game. A number of skill players return including the top five receivers from last season. Zach Kovach also returns after leading the team with 427 rushing yards last year.
Armstrong River Hawks (First Season) – Armstrong is a merger of Kittanning (6-4, 6-3 last year in AA Allegheny, Lost in First Round) and Ford City (3-6, 3-6 last year in AA Allegheny, Missed Playoffs). Frank Fabian will coach the River Hawks after leading Kittanning in previous seasons. The first season could be a struggle at Armstrong after both schools lost a lot of experienced skill players to graduation. Running back Zane Dudek does return after rushing for 1143 yards and 21 touchdowns as a sophomore at Kittanning. Herman Rush returns as Ford City’s second-leading rusher at 416 yards last season.
Greensburg-Salem Golden Lions (3-6, 2-6, Missed Playoffs) – A week one win at Gateway got last season started off on the right foot, however, a four-game losing streak directly after it derailed the Golden Lions’ 2014 season. Last year’s top running-back, Connor Forkley, returns after rushing for 575 yards.