The elite "11" in the W.p.i.A.l.
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THE CHOPS
- Official BleacherCoach
- Posts: 1900
- Joined: October 24th, 2003, 10:42 am
- Location: SCOTTDALE, PA.
The elite "11" in the W.p.i.A.l.
It’s time to unveil the "11" high school football players in the W.P.I.A.L. who were a cut above the rest. It’s the 5th Annual M.S.A. Sports Elite 11!
Picking the '11" best high school football players in Western Pennsylvania is a tough task every year. But life is about tough decisions. So with apologies to those who just missed the list, and congratulations to those who did, here is the 2004 MSA Sports Elite 11!
ELITE "11":
Eugene Jarvis - Pittsburgh Central Catholic
RB - 5-7, 165 - Senior
The pint-sized running back has been absolutely gigantic for Central Catholic the past two seasons, leading the Vikings to two consecutive WPIAL Class (AAAA) titles and a spot in the PIAA title game for the second year in a row.
Heading into the PIAA championship, he has rushed for 2,004 yards and scored 33 touchdowns. He is the fifth running back in WPIAL Class (AAAA) history to rush for 4,000 career yards – and his total now stands at 4,138 yards. The impressive thing is Jarvis amassed his total in only three season.
In one postseason stretch this year , Jarvis had three consecutive 200-yard rushing games.
A few Mid-American Conference schools have offered Jarvis a scholarship. West Virginia offered him last summer, but it’s questionable how hard the Mountaineers are now recruiting him.
“There are always doubters with him because of his size, but I don’t know what else he has to do to prove himself,” said Central Catholic coach Art Walker.
Carmen Connolly - Seton-LaSalle
WR-DB - 6-1, 183 - Senior
Connolly might not be the fastest or biggest receiver ever in the WPIAL. But no WPIAL receiver caught passes like Connolly. After setting a WPIAL single-season record for receptions as a junior, he came back as a senior and smashed the state record with 116 catches for 1,589 yards.
His 115 receptions ties him for eighth place all-time nationally. The record is 132. For his career, Connolly caught a WPIAL record 221 passes.
Connolly also was a standout defensive back for the WPIAL Class AA champion Rebels.
He played running back as a sophomore and rushed for more than 800 yards.
Toledo, Bowling Green and Kent State have offered scholarships. He visited Kent State last weekend.
Justin King - Gateway
RB-DB - 6-0, 180 - Senior
King was probably the most publicized player in the WPIAL this season, and he lived up to all the pub.
“I think it was impressive that he was still able to concentrate on football and do the job on Friday nights, despite everything that was going on around him,” said Gateway coach Terry Smith.
King was rated by some scouting services as one of the top 10 players in the country. He was Mr. Big Play for Gateway this season, scoring 33 touchdowns that averaged 32.9 yards. He rushed for 1,900 yards on 208 carries.
For his career, he had 544 attempts for 4,519 yards. King, Central Catholic’s Jarvis, Penn-Trafford’s Matt Gavrish, North Hills’ LaVar Arrington and Connellsville’s Marcus Furman are the only WPIAL Class AAAA running backs to rush for 4,000 career yards.
King was recruited by colleges across the country. His final four choices were Penn State, Michigan, Ohio State and Florida, but he committed to Penn State in mid-November.
Bill Stull - Seton-LaSalle
QB - 6-3, 190 - Senior
Stull and receiver Carmen Connolly made for the most prolific pass-catch combination in WPIAL history. Stull became the first quarterback in WPIAL history to pass for 3,000 yards in a season.
He finished 239 of 387 for 3,310 yards and 40 touchdowns for the WPIAL Class AA champion Rebels. His yardage total is the second-best in state history.
For his career, Stull was 393 of 643 for 5,563 yards, which puts him among the top four all time in the WPIAL.
Stull has Division I scholarship offers and his top two choices right now appear to be Kentucky and Maryland.
Sean Lee - Upper St. Clair
RB-DB - 6-3, 215 - Senior
Lee is the most heavily recruited player in Jim Render’s 26 seasons as Upper St. Clair’s coach. Lee has offers from Penn State, Iowa, West Virginia, Pitt and Georgia Tech, among others. He has visited Penn State and was at West Virginia last weekend. He also has a trip planned to Iowa.
Lee did a little of everything for Upper St. Clair this season. He rushed for 1,240 yards on 187 carries and scored 21 touchdowns. He also was a standout safety and returned kicks. He is being recruited by colleges to possibly play linebacker.
“College coaches look at all these kids who run fast in camps and in shorts,” Render said. “But this kid is just a player.”
Steve Paskorz - Hampton
RB-LB - 6-2, 200 - Sophomore
Talk about a sophomore sensation. Paskorz lost a preseason battle for Hampton’s quarterback job. He was moved to running back – and set the WPIAL on its ears.
He led the WPIAL in regular-season rushing with 2,187 yards on 190 attempts and scored 27 touchdowns. He rushed for 200 yards or more in five games and also was a standout on defense.
Paskorz is an excellent athlete, also playing basketball and baseball. He once was a national finalist in the NFL Punt, Pass and Kick competition.
He is the only underclassman to be named to the 2004 MSA Sports Elite Eleven.
Dana Brown - Clairton
RB-DB - 5-11, 190 - Senior
Brown transferred from South Allegheny after his freshman year. What was South Allegheny’s loss was a huge gain for Clairton.
The Bear’s offense had a Brownish tint to it this season, as Brown helped Clairton to the WPIAL Class A championship game. He rushed for 2,137 yards on 225 carries and also scored 36 touchdowns.
Brown has scholarship offers from Mid-American Conference schools Ohio and Kent State.
Ed Collington - Penn Hills
RB - 5-11, 210 - Senior
At Penn Hills, they call him “Horse.” And this season, Collington galloped to glory.
He became Penn Hills’ feature back this year and responded with 1,700 yards rushing 183 attempts and 22 touchdowns. His totals would have been higher, but he missed most of Penn Hills’ three WPIAL playoff games with an injured ankle.
For his career, Collington had 2,975 yards on 354 attempts.
Collington has a scholarship offer from Akron. West Virginia and a few other Division I schools are interested, but low grades might hurt Collington in recruiting.
Brad Dawson - Thomas Jefferson
QB-DB - 6-1, 180 - Senior
Dawson switched from receiver to quarterback this season and became Mr. Do-It-All, leading Thomas Jefferson to its first WPIAL championship since 1980.
Heading into the PIAA Class AAA championship game, Dawson has completed 122 of 239 for 2,175 yards and 20 touchdowns.
He also is an excellent runner. On top of that, he has excelled as a defensive back. He has returned four interceptions for touchdowns this year. Overall, he has scored 14 touchdowns himself.
Dawson’s college future is undecided, but some Mid-American Conference schools are showing interest.
Mike Barlak - Gateway
LB-RB - 6-2, 215 - Senior
While Justin King got most of the glory for Gateway this year, Barlak was a big key in helping the Gators make it to the WPIAL Class AAAA championship game for the first time since 1986.
“I think he’s the complete package when it comes to linebackers,” said Gateway coach Terry Smith.
Barlak was Gateway’s leading tackler as a junior. This season, he was second on the team with 69 assists and 49 solos. He had six sacks, two fumble recoverties, two interceptions and two forced fumbles.
Although he was known as a linebacker, he also saw some spot duty at running back.
Cincinnati and a few other Division I colleges are interested in him.
John Pelusi - Pittsburgh Central Catholic
TE-DE - 6-3, 235 - Senior
Some scouting services rank him among the best tight ends in the eastern part of the country. He has good speed for a tight end and has caught 15 passes for 254 yards heading into the PIAA Class AAAA championship game.
But Pelusi also is a standout defensive end. He and Graham Rhine make for possibly the best defensive end combination in the state. Pelusi is one of the reasons Central Catholic is allowing only 114 yards rushing a game in the postseason.
Pelusi has Division I scholarship offers. He plans to visit Stanford, Pitt and possibly Northwestern. Boston College and West Virginia are among the other schools that have offered.
OTHERS RECEIVING VOTES:
Brent Whiteleather, Rochester (5-10, 180, RB-LB, Sr.) – A major force in Rochester’s drive to the PIAA Class A title game. He has close to 2,000 yards rushing heading into the PIAA final.
Dorin Dickerson, West Allegheny (RB-LB, 6-2, 200, Jr.) – One of the top juniors in the WPIAL. Might get Division I college offers next year. Rushed for 1,036 yards, caught 25 passes and was excellent on defense.
Shane Brooks, Duquesne (RB-LB, 5-11, 220, Sr.) – Has more than a dozen Division I college scholarship offers. Rushed for 1,545 yards this season and 3,958 for his career.
Jeremy Bruce, Blackhawk (RB-DB, 5-9, 185, Sr.) – A two-way standout for the Cougars. Rushed for 1,280 yards. Also a talented defensive back. Has committed to West Virginia.
Shane Murray, Pittsburgh Central Catholic (RB-DB, 6-2, 193, Sr.) – A force on both sides of the ball for Central Catholic. Has completed 82 of 168 for 1,386 yards and 18 TDs. College future might be on defense. Has offer from Pitt.
Tommie Campbell, Aliquippa (WR-DB, 6-4, 190, Sr.) – Recently made verbal commitment to Pitt. Caught 26 passes for 252 yards, had close to 100 tackles and intercepted four passes.
David Harvey, Penn Hills (WR-DB, 6-1, 180, Sr.) – Ranked among the top receivers in the state. A three-year starter who caught 35 passes this season for 577 yards. West Virginia and Penn State have offered.
Desmond Brentley, Perry (QB, 6-2, 220, Jr.) – Helped Perry win City League championship for fifth year in a row. Completed close to 60 percent of his passes and threw for more than 2,000 yards.
"THE CHOPS".
Picking the '11" best high school football players in Western Pennsylvania is a tough task every year. But life is about tough decisions. So with apologies to those who just missed the list, and congratulations to those who did, here is the 2004 MSA Sports Elite 11!
ELITE "11":
Eugene Jarvis - Pittsburgh Central Catholic
RB - 5-7, 165 - Senior
The pint-sized running back has been absolutely gigantic for Central Catholic the past two seasons, leading the Vikings to two consecutive WPIAL Class (AAAA) titles and a spot in the PIAA title game for the second year in a row.
Heading into the PIAA championship, he has rushed for 2,004 yards and scored 33 touchdowns. He is the fifth running back in WPIAL Class (AAAA) history to rush for 4,000 career yards – and his total now stands at 4,138 yards. The impressive thing is Jarvis amassed his total in only three season.
In one postseason stretch this year , Jarvis had three consecutive 200-yard rushing games.
A few Mid-American Conference schools have offered Jarvis a scholarship. West Virginia offered him last summer, but it’s questionable how hard the Mountaineers are now recruiting him.
“There are always doubters with him because of his size, but I don’t know what else he has to do to prove himself,” said Central Catholic coach Art Walker.
Carmen Connolly - Seton-LaSalle
WR-DB - 6-1, 183 - Senior
Connolly might not be the fastest or biggest receiver ever in the WPIAL. But no WPIAL receiver caught passes like Connolly. After setting a WPIAL single-season record for receptions as a junior, he came back as a senior and smashed the state record with 116 catches for 1,589 yards.
His 115 receptions ties him for eighth place all-time nationally. The record is 132. For his career, Connolly caught a WPIAL record 221 passes.
Connolly also was a standout defensive back for the WPIAL Class AA champion Rebels.
He played running back as a sophomore and rushed for more than 800 yards.
Toledo, Bowling Green and Kent State have offered scholarships. He visited Kent State last weekend.
Justin King - Gateway
RB-DB - 6-0, 180 - Senior
King was probably the most publicized player in the WPIAL this season, and he lived up to all the pub.
“I think it was impressive that he was still able to concentrate on football and do the job on Friday nights, despite everything that was going on around him,” said Gateway coach Terry Smith.
King was rated by some scouting services as one of the top 10 players in the country. He was Mr. Big Play for Gateway this season, scoring 33 touchdowns that averaged 32.9 yards. He rushed for 1,900 yards on 208 carries.
For his career, he had 544 attempts for 4,519 yards. King, Central Catholic’s Jarvis, Penn-Trafford’s Matt Gavrish, North Hills’ LaVar Arrington and Connellsville’s Marcus Furman are the only WPIAL Class AAAA running backs to rush for 4,000 career yards.
King was recruited by colleges across the country. His final four choices were Penn State, Michigan, Ohio State and Florida, but he committed to Penn State in mid-November.
Bill Stull - Seton-LaSalle
QB - 6-3, 190 - Senior
Stull and receiver Carmen Connolly made for the most prolific pass-catch combination in WPIAL history. Stull became the first quarterback in WPIAL history to pass for 3,000 yards in a season.
He finished 239 of 387 for 3,310 yards and 40 touchdowns for the WPIAL Class AA champion Rebels. His yardage total is the second-best in state history.
For his career, Stull was 393 of 643 for 5,563 yards, which puts him among the top four all time in the WPIAL.
Stull has Division I scholarship offers and his top two choices right now appear to be Kentucky and Maryland.
Sean Lee - Upper St. Clair
RB-DB - 6-3, 215 - Senior
Lee is the most heavily recruited player in Jim Render’s 26 seasons as Upper St. Clair’s coach. Lee has offers from Penn State, Iowa, West Virginia, Pitt and Georgia Tech, among others. He has visited Penn State and was at West Virginia last weekend. He also has a trip planned to Iowa.
Lee did a little of everything for Upper St. Clair this season. He rushed for 1,240 yards on 187 carries and scored 21 touchdowns. He also was a standout safety and returned kicks. He is being recruited by colleges to possibly play linebacker.
“College coaches look at all these kids who run fast in camps and in shorts,” Render said. “But this kid is just a player.”
Steve Paskorz - Hampton
RB-LB - 6-2, 200 - Sophomore
Talk about a sophomore sensation. Paskorz lost a preseason battle for Hampton’s quarterback job. He was moved to running back – and set the WPIAL on its ears.
He led the WPIAL in regular-season rushing with 2,187 yards on 190 attempts and scored 27 touchdowns. He rushed for 200 yards or more in five games and also was a standout on defense.
Paskorz is an excellent athlete, also playing basketball and baseball. He once was a national finalist in the NFL Punt, Pass and Kick competition.
He is the only underclassman to be named to the 2004 MSA Sports Elite Eleven.
Dana Brown - Clairton
RB-DB - 5-11, 190 - Senior
Brown transferred from South Allegheny after his freshman year. What was South Allegheny’s loss was a huge gain for Clairton.
The Bear’s offense had a Brownish tint to it this season, as Brown helped Clairton to the WPIAL Class A championship game. He rushed for 2,137 yards on 225 carries and also scored 36 touchdowns.
Brown has scholarship offers from Mid-American Conference schools Ohio and Kent State.
Ed Collington - Penn Hills
RB - 5-11, 210 - Senior
At Penn Hills, they call him “Horse.” And this season, Collington galloped to glory.
He became Penn Hills’ feature back this year and responded with 1,700 yards rushing 183 attempts and 22 touchdowns. His totals would have been higher, but he missed most of Penn Hills’ three WPIAL playoff games with an injured ankle.
For his career, Collington had 2,975 yards on 354 attempts.
Collington has a scholarship offer from Akron. West Virginia and a few other Division I schools are interested, but low grades might hurt Collington in recruiting.
Brad Dawson - Thomas Jefferson
QB-DB - 6-1, 180 - Senior
Dawson switched from receiver to quarterback this season and became Mr. Do-It-All, leading Thomas Jefferson to its first WPIAL championship since 1980.
Heading into the PIAA Class AAA championship game, Dawson has completed 122 of 239 for 2,175 yards and 20 touchdowns.
He also is an excellent runner. On top of that, he has excelled as a defensive back. He has returned four interceptions for touchdowns this year. Overall, he has scored 14 touchdowns himself.
Dawson’s college future is undecided, but some Mid-American Conference schools are showing interest.
Mike Barlak - Gateway
LB-RB - 6-2, 215 - Senior
While Justin King got most of the glory for Gateway this year, Barlak was a big key in helping the Gators make it to the WPIAL Class AAAA championship game for the first time since 1986.
“I think he’s the complete package when it comes to linebackers,” said Gateway coach Terry Smith.
Barlak was Gateway’s leading tackler as a junior. This season, he was second on the team with 69 assists and 49 solos. He had six sacks, two fumble recoverties, two interceptions and two forced fumbles.
Although he was known as a linebacker, he also saw some spot duty at running back.
Cincinnati and a few other Division I colleges are interested in him.
John Pelusi - Pittsburgh Central Catholic
TE-DE - 6-3, 235 - Senior
Some scouting services rank him among the best tight ends in the eastern part of the country. He has good speed for a tight end and has caught 15 passes for 254 yards heading into the PIAA Class AAAA championship game.
But Pelusi also is a standout defensive end. He and Graham Rhine make for possibly the best defensive end combination in the state. Pelusi is one of the reasons Central Catholic is allowing only 114 yards rushing a game in the postseason.
Pelusi has Division I scholarship offers. He plans to visit Stanford, Pitt and possibly Northwestern. Boston College and West Virginia are among the other schools that have offered.
OTHERS RECEIVING VOTES:
Brent Whiteleather, Rochester (5-10, 180, RB-LB, Sr.) – A major force in Rochester’s drive to the PIAA Class A title game. He has close to 2,000 yards rushing heading into the PIAA final.
Dorin Dickerson, West Allegheny (RB-LB, 6-2, 200, Jr.) – One of the top juniors in the WPIAL. Might get Division I college offers next year. Rushed for 1,036 yards, caught 25 passes and was excellent on defense.
Shane Brooks, Duquesne (RB-LB, 5-11, 220, Sr.) – Has more than a dozen Division I college scholarship offers. Rushed for 1,545 yards this season and 3,958 for his career.
Jeremy Bruce, Blackhawk (RB-DB, 5-9, 185, Sr.) – A two-way standout for the Cougars. Rushed for 1,280 yards. Also a talented defensive back. Has committed to West Virginia.
Shane Murray, Pittsburgh Central Catholic (RB-DB, 6-2, 193, Sr.) – A force on both sides of the ball for Central Catholic. Has completed 82 of 168 for 1,386 yards and 18 TDs. College future might be on defense. Has offer from Pitt.
Tommie Campbell, Aliquippa (WR-DB, 6-4, 190, Sr.) – Recently made verbal commitment to Pitt. Caught 26 passes for 252 yards, had close to 100 tackles and intercepted four passes.
David Harvey, Penn Hills (WR-DB, 6-1, 180, Sr.) – Ranked among the top receivers in the state. A three-year starter who caught 35 passes this season for 577 yards. West Virginia and Penn State have offered.
Desmond Brentley, Perry (QB, 6-2, 220, Jr.) – Helped Perry win City League championship for fifth year in a row. Completed close to 60 percent of his passes and threw for more than 2,000 yards.
"THE CHOPS".
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old school
- Official BleacherCoach
- Posts: 1236
- Joined: September 4th, 2003, 8:03 am
Re: The elite "11" in the W.p.i.A.l.
Chops why no linemen mentioned in the elite 11. Someone has to block for all of these backs.
"The old lessons (work, self-discipline, sacrifice, teamwork, fighting to achieve) aren't being taught by many people other than football coaches these days....." Paul "Bear" Bryant
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THE CHOPS
- Official BleacherCoach
- Posts: 1900
- Joined: October 24th, 2003, 10:42 am
- Location: SCOTTDALE, PA.
Re: The elite "11" in the W.p.i.A.l.
Oldschool,
You know the Ole saying. The Backs get all the credit. I too was a lineman in school & I too never got didly~squat in praise.
I'm going to have to draw up a "Just For Line-mans" Elite "11."
Maybe you could give me a hand at this ???
"THE CHOPS".
You know the Ole saying. The Backs get all the credit. I too was a lineman in school & I too never got didly~squat in praise.
I'm going to have to draw up a "Just For Line-mans" Elite "11."
Maybe you could give me a hand at this ???
"THE CHOPS".
-
ujustbeenserved
- Sophomore
- Posts: 54
- Joined: November 5th, 2004, 10:03 pm
Re: The elite "11" in the W.p.i.A.l.
man that is a realy nice list... some great talent there