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Blairsville will have a nice team this season, offensively they can give anyone problems as they are always capable of throwing. Pl could have a nice team as well, they are physical and run well. Pm and lv will also be somewhere in the mix, pm will be young this season but you can never underestimate either team. I agree that Bg have a good team this season. They may not loose a game in d6 but I think the west wins it all again this year.

prime time player....are you staunch?

1. Blairsville - With the way that Robinson dominated most teams running the ball last year, and a lot of big boys from the better Heritage lines last year graduating (PM, HC, NC) I can't see Robinson not having a fantastic year, especially with a lot of teams focusing on Thompson. If Blairsville can get their defense right they could make a hell of a run.

2. Homer Center - Lost a couple of great lineman and a team leader in FB/RB Mike Newhouse, but they have a lot of experience returning in their skill department and should do for a solid #2 spot. Berzansky was a very good QB for the team last year, and I'd like to see him take more of the load this year with Newhouse and other important backs out of the picture.

3. Ligonier Valley - Didn't really impress me last year, undersized and inexperienced lineman seemed to be the crutch against the more physical teams. They should have a better year this year.

4. Northern Cambria - The big question for NC this year is the line. They have minimal experience, but average size along the trenches. Teams will most likely key in on Olish and Pershing, but I have a feeling that NC's running game is very underrated going in to this season. Lots of Juniors on this roster that are going to make an impact and if NC can get its line right they have a good chance at making playoffs.

5. Purchase Line - As other people have said before, too much going on around the football team. Could be a stunner (to me, at least) and actually win the conference but I don't see that happening unless more football is focused on and less politics or whatever. Great talent here and I'd hate to see a HS team ruined by bickering adults.

6. Penns Manor - Have a good bit of talent, I just think they lost a lot in the leadership department with players like Steve Dumm. You can't coach heart and Dumm was the heart of that team last year. Losing Stupic and Ruddock will also hurt along the frontlines, that's 3 3-year letter winners (I believe, at least) gone from the trenches. Lineman chemistry is very underrated in HS football and when you lose a core group like that it's sometimes hard to bounce back.

7. United - I think United is the most physical team in the Heritage. Watching them play last year whether it be on film or on the field was impressive. The kids play tough no matter what the score, and I actually think if they don't start off losing their games they could go on a hot streak and make playoffs. Lots of heart, grit, and actual talent on this team. Just need to start winning games again.

8. Saltsburg - Lost Richards and Frassenei and I honestly didn't know a single player other than those two. This opinion at #8 is kind of a shot in the dark because I don't follow Saltsburg too much, feel free to make your own opinion on if #8 is the right spot or not.

9. Marion Center - Lost what they had (which honestly wasn't much) and looks to be another rebuilding year for the Stingers.

OVERALL - I think Blairsville wins the conference and could make a feisty opponent for BG, I think United and NC are underrated coming in to this season and I also believe PL is overrated. The Heritage is looking to be a bit more about finesse this year, which also leans towards Blairsville, as a lot of the powerhouse-lineman teams graduated their big boys. It's going to be a fun year of football and remember, these are just my opinions. Feel free to disagree!

The Heritage conference coaches poll results came out yesterday with them selecting 1. Blairsville, 2. Purchase Line, 3. Homer, 4. Ligonier, 5. Penns Manor, 6. Northern Cambria, 7. Saltsburg, 8. United, 9. Marion Center. Blairsville recieved 7 first place votes, PL and Homer both got one. The coaches poll seems to be pretty consistent with what everyone is saying on here.