LHAC Playoffs....continued.
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Crimson09Crazy
LHAC Playoffs....continued.
Last week i went 4-0 in LHAC teams in the playoffs. Johnstown Bedford McCort and Forest Hills are still going along all have big time games this week...
Karns City (10-2) vs. Bedford (6-6) at Northern Bedford High School
Well who would have thought Bedford of all teams would be playing in the inter districts at this point? I know I didn't, but this team has really been on fire of late 5 of their 6 wins have come in the past 6 games. These wins include two over archrival Chestnut Ridge. Bedford's resurgence can be attributed to their two offensive stars, Detweiller and Shippey. Both have taken on greater responsibilities and Bedford is benefiting greatly. As for their opponent, Karns City comes in at 10-2 and champions of District 9. They played a tough non conference game a few weeks back against perennial power Wilmington and lost 55-9. But with the exception to the loss, this team can score points. Their QB, Dylan Hipple, a junior has thrown for over 1000 yards and rushed for 300 some more(sorry maxpreps stats arent updated). Also they have at least 5 players with over 300 yards and one of them, Aaron Markle has rushed for over 1000 and had 16 TD's going into last week's game. This team has an explosive offense, but their defense is not stellar, giving up 40 in their District championship game. I think Bedford can play with this team. Karns City usually has a tough team, but bedford has a pretty good run going right now. Bedford can play with this team, but I dont think they are going to beat this team.
Gremlins 35 Bisons 20
Selinsgrove (12-0) vs. Johnstown (8-3) At Herlinger Field Richland
Johnstown took a big step as a program by winning a district championship, despite it only being a one game playoff against Hollidaysburg. Regardless, that was a big time win for the Trojans and they reallly really lucked out they get to play in town for their inter district game. Selisgrove has a long trip ahead of them, and they'll bring on this trip a powerful and dominating football team. Look at this team's point output through 12 games. They scored in the 30's only twice, scored 40 or more 4 times. They had 5 games in which they scored 50 and once they eclipsed 60 points. This team is led by senior QB Cory Briggs, who has thrown 24 TD passes. His favorite target is another senior Ryan Keiser who has half of those TD's. And for good measure they have a 900 yard back to compliment it all. More bad news for Johnstown, they've given up 14 points in their past 5 games. It looks like Johnstown is running into a buzz saw, but don't count out the Trojans. Senior QB John Sicliano has been fantastic this season and came up huge last week. He has been the top rusher and passer for this team all season long. He has plenty of people to get the ball too and spread out this good defense. Also Johnstown does have that very nice luxury of playing 2 minutes away. I think Johnstown can play with this team for a while, but they are ranked #2 in the state for a reason. Selinsgrove has been unstoppable this year, and Johnstown is not going to be that team that stops them. Good year for the Trojans.
Seals 42 Trojans 27
CO-GAMES OF THE WEEK
2. Bellwood-Antis (11-0) vs. 1 Bishop McCort (11-0) Mansion Park Stadium, Altoona
Quite possibly the game of the century in District 6 class A #5 in the state vs. #3. Both teams have been the class of A all year long. Let's start with the challenger, Bellwood-Antis. This team has to have revenge on their mind losing by only 4 last year at Point Stadium. There will be a lot of familiar faces on the field for both teams. Bellwood has a much more balanced attack then McCort in terms of running/passing. But both teams will heavily rely on their Senior Tailbacks. McCaulley for Bellwood has put up 8 100+ yard games this season, also amassing 21 rushing TD's. He is the catalyst and top playmaker for this team. But they also have a good QB, in Nate Plummer who has thrown for over 1000 yards and 16 TD's. This team is also big and pretty stout defensively, and Bellwood holds the best win between these two teams, as they beat Tyrone earlier in the year. There seems to be a misconception that McCort is expecting to blow Bellwood out of the water, that is certainly not the case. Bellwood was the best team McCort played last year outside of Steel High. This team can really play. Now for McCort, This is now the 6th straight trip for the Crushers to Mansion Park for Title weekend, and 8th and out the past 9 times. McCort has really not had to rely on any sort of passing attack this year, but may now start considering that more of an option with John Pinkerton's return. He seems to be healthy and ready to go, and that allows the ultra versatile Dane Domonkos to play WR again. He has really been co MVP for this team. He has played QB, WR, carried the ball, does Field goals and extra points and returns punts and kickoffs. He will certainly be the busiest player at Mansion Park Saturday Night. But the bread and butter of this offense is running the ball. And they have a special runner in senior Josh Seidel. He has been breaking records all year long, and the only teams that can hold him to under 100, are the teams he doesn't play against. Chaz Merriman has also had a great season with over 600 yards out of the fullback position. So can you really pick which offense is better? Thats a push in my mind. But that makes this game a defensive battle. Neither team's first team gives up much defensively. This also seems to be somewhat of a push, but I'm calling my wild card player to step up and make some plays defensively and that is Senior DE Anthony Pioli to put pressure on Plummer. He has 10.5 sacks and forced a few fumbles and one Defensive touchdown. I think Bellwood will have trouble keeping him off of Plummer and he makes this difference in a really tight game. McCort get the one for the thumb.
Crimson Crushers 34 Blue Devils 30
3. Tyrone (10-2) vs. 1. Forest Hills (12-0) Mansion Park Stadium Altoona.
Well for the first time since 2003, Its Forest Hills and Tyrone for the D6 Championship at Mansion Park. It features the 9th ranked Golden Eagles against 8th ranked Forest Hills. Forest Hills has yet to be really challenged, while Tyrone had to earn their birth with a tight game over Central. This also marks the first game Forest Hills will play a game outside the LHAC all year long. The name of the game for the Rangers is Defense. 12 games played, and 12 games holding opponents to under 10 points. This team just plays good team defense. And their offense is pretty dang good too. Senior QB Glessner finally gets his shot at a District Title, He has had a very efficient season. Hes thrown for over 1000 yards and 11 Touchdowns. But he hasn't had to do that much thanks to Junior RB Nick Dudukovich, who is just shy of 1500 yards with 22 rushing TD's. He has been nearly unstoppable all year long.Sophomore Anthony Unger has chipped in with over 600 yards and 10 TD's himself. This is a very very good football team, and Tyrone has their work cut out for themselves. But there is no need for this team to be scared. They only lost to Bellwood who happens to be in the top 5 of A, and they avenged their other loss by beating a very good Central football team. This team is led by two Franco's, yes coach John Franco is no stranger to big games, and now Sophomore QB, Steve Franco, is being introduced to a few. He has had a very good season with 1430 yards and 15 Td's.This team,like Forest Hills, is very balanced. Levi Reihart has put together a solid senior season with 1147 rushing yards and 14 Td's. Since they gave up 31 points to Bellwood on opening night, they have yet to give up more than 14 a game. This game pits two of the best programs in the district and two teams that are very similar in a lot of ways. I'm taking Forest Hills because they have a Senior QB, and I believe that is a true advantage in this game. There can not be a game in the entire state that has two that are more even teams then this. Should be a great game and a huge crowd on hand.
Rangers 17 Golden Eagles 9
Karns City (10-2) vs. Bedford (6-6) at Northern Bedford High School
Well who would have thought Bedford of all teams would be playing in the inter districts at this point? I know I didn't, but this team has really been on fire of late 5 of their 6 wins have come in the past 6 games. These wins include two over archrival Chestnut Ridge. Bedford's resurgence can be attributed to their two offensive stars, Detweiller and Shippey. Both have taken on greater responsibilities and Bedford is benefiting greatly. As for their opponent, Karns City comes in at 10-2 and champions of District 9. They played a tough non conference game a few weeks back against perennial power Wilmington and lost 55-9. But with the exception to the loss, this team can score points. Their QB, Dylan Hipple, a junior has thrown for over 1000 yards and rushed for 300 some more(sorry maxpreps stats arent updated). Also they have at least 5 players with over 300 yards and one of them, Aaron Markle has rushed for over 1000 and had 16 TD's going into last week's game. This team has an explosive offense, but their defense is not stellar, giving up 40 in their District championship game. I think Bedford can play with this team. Karns City usually has a tough team, but bedford has a pretty good run going right now. Bedford can play with this team, but I dont think they are going to beat this team.
Gremlins 35 Bisons 20
Selinsgrove (12-0) vs. Johnstown (8-3) At Herlinger Field Richland
Johnstown took a big step as a program by winning a district championship, despite it only being a one game playoff against Hollidaysburg. Regardless, that was a big time win for the Trojans and they reallly really lucked out they get to play in town for their inter district game. Selisgrove has a long trip ahead of them, and they'll bring on this trip a powerful and dominating football team. Look at this team's point output through 12 games. They scored in the 30's only twice, scored 40 or more 4 times. They had 5 games in which they scored 50 and once they eclipsed 60 points. This team is led by senior QB Cory Briggs, who has thrown 24 TD passes. His favorite target is another senior Ryan Keiser who has half of those TD's. And for good measure they have a 900 yard back to compliment it all. More bad news for Johnstown, they've given up 14 points in their past 5 games. It looks like Johnstown is running into a buzz saw, but don't count out the Trojans. Senior QB John Sicliano has been fantastic this season and came up huge last week. He has been the top rusher and passer for this team all season long. He has plenty of people to get the ball too and spread out this good defense. Also Johnstown does have that very nice luxury of playing 2 minutes away. I think Johnstown can play with this team for a while, but they are ranked #2 in the state for a reason. Selinsgrove has been unstoppable this year, and Johnstown is not going to be that team that stops them. Good year for the Trojans.
Seals 42 Trojans 27
CO-GAMES OF THE WEEK
2. Bellwood-Antis (11-0) vs. 1 Bishop McCort (11-0) Mansion Park Stadium, Altoona
Quite possibly the game of the century in District 6 class A #5 in the state vs. #3. Both teams have been the class of A all year long. Let's start with the challenger, Bellwood-Antis. This team has to have revenge on their mind losing by only 4 last year at Point Stadium. There will be a lot of familiar faces on the field for both teams. Bellwood has a much more balanced attack then McCort in terms of running/passing. But both teams will heavily rely on their Senior Tailbacks. McCaulley for Bellwood has put up 8 100+ yard games this season, also amassing 21 rushing TD's. He is the catalyst and top playmaker for this team. But they also have a good QB, in Nate Plummer who has thrown for over 1000 yards and 16 TD's. This team is also big and pretty stout defensively, and Bellwood holds the best win between these two teams, as they beat Tyrone earlier in the year. There seems to be a misconception that McCort is expecting to blow Bellwood out of the water, that is certainly not the case. Bellwood was the best team McCort played last year outside of Steel High. This team can really play. Now for McCort, This is now the 6th straight trip for the Crushers to Mansion Park for Title weekend, and 8th and out the past 9 times. McCort has really not had to rely on any sort of passing attack this year, but may now start considering that more of an option with John Pinkerton's return. He seems to be healthy and ready to go, and that allows the ultra versatile Dane Domonkos to play WR again. He has really been co MVP for this team. He has played QB, WR, carried the ball, does Field goals and extra points and returns punts and kickoffs. He will certainly be the busiest player at Mansion Park Saturday Night. But the bread and butter of this offense is running the ball. And they have a special runner in senior Josh Seidel. He has been breaking records all year long, and the only teams that can hold him to under 100, are the teams he doesn't play against. Chaz Merriman has also had a great season with over 600 yards out of the fullback position. So can you really pick which offense is better? Thats a push in my mind. But that makes this game a defensive battle. Neither team's first team gives up much defensively. This also seems to be somewhat of a push, but I'm calling my wild card player to step up and make some plays defensively and that is Senior DE Anthony Pioli to put pressure on Plummer. He has 10.5 sacks and forced a few fumbles and one Defensive touchdown. I think Bellwood will have trouble keeping him off of Plummer and he makes this difference in a really tight game. McCort get the one for the thumb.
Crimson Crushers 34 Blue Devils 30
3. Tyrone (10-2) vs. 1. Forest Hills (12-0) Mansion Park Stadium Altoona.
Well for the first time since 2003, Its Forest Hills and Tyrone for the D6 Championship at Mansion Park. It features the 9th ranked Golden Eagles against 8th ranked Forest Hills. Forest Hills has yet to be really challenged, while Tyrone had to earn their birth with a tight game over Central. This also marks the first game Forest Hills will play a game outside the LHAC all year long. The name of the game for the Rangers is Defense. 12 games played, and 12 games holding opponents to under 10 points. This team just plays good team defense. And their offense is pretty dang good too. Senior QB Glessner finally gets his shot at a District Title, He has had a very efficient season. Hes thrown for over 1000 yards and 11 Touchdowns. But he hasn't had to do that much thanks to Junior RB Nick Dudukovich, who is just shy of 1500 yards with 22 rushing TD's. He has been nearly unstoppable all year long.Sophomore Anthony Unger has chipped in with over 600 yards and 10 TD's himself. This is a very very good football team, and Tyrone has their work cut out for themselves. But there is no need for this team to be scared. They only lost to Bellwood who happens to be in the top 5 of A, and they avenged their other loss by beating a very good Central football team. This team is led by two Franco's, yes coach John Franco is no stranger to big games, and now Sophomore QB, Steve Franco, is being introduced to a few. He has had a very good season with 1430 yards and 15 Td's.This team,like Forest Hills, is very balanced. Levi Reihart has put together a solid senior season with 1147 rushing yards and 14 Td's. Since they gave up 31 points to Bellwood on opening night, they have yet to give up more than 14 a game. This game pits two of the best programs in the district and two teams that are very similar in a lot of ways. I'm taking Forest Hills because they have a Senior QB, and I believe that is a true advantage in this game. There can not be a game in the entire state that has two that are more even teams then this. Should be a great game and a huge crowd on hand.
Rangers 17 Golden Eagles 9
Re: LHAC Playoffs....continued.
Great post Crimson. I figured I wouldn't do a preview for the A final because people already know a lot about Bellwood and McCort, but you definitely did a bang up job. Better than I was intending to do.
Karns City is vulnerable to the pass. Brockway's record setting QB Buganza dropped 389 yards on them last week. The Gremlins lost 23 seniors and only had one starter coming back this year. Pretty good for an inexperienced team. Bedford will have their work cut out for them though, and I think the Gremlins will be moving on in the end.
Karns City
I'll be pulling for the upset with Johnstown, but I just don't see it happening. The Seals just have too many weapons. I think they'll be playing in Hershey in a few weeks.
Selinsgrove
You hit the nail on the head; McCort will be tested, despite what some people may think. These teams are mirror images of each other. It seems like McCaulley doesn't get talked about as much as Sediel on here, and that's a shame because he's a pretty darn good player as well. Bellwood's ability to pass concerns me a little, but I think penetration by the McCort D will take some of that away.
McCort
How awesome is this Forest Hills/Tyrone game going to be? The best two AA programs in the area in my opinion going at it yet again. Moving Reihart to RB was a great decision by Coach Franco and he hasn't disappointed. If Tyrone doesn't win it this year, look of for them next year, I think they are going to be the favorites.
Forest Hills
Karns City is vulnerable to the pass. Brockway's record setting QB Buganza dropped 389 yards on them last week. The Gremlins lost 23 seniors and only had one starter coming back this year. Pretty good for an inexperienced team. Bedford will have their work cut out for them though, and I think the Gremlins will be moving on in the end.
Karns City
I'll be pulling for the upset with Johnstown, but I just don't see it happening. The Seals just have too many weapons. I think they'll be playing in Hershey in a few weeks.
Selinsgrove
You hit the nail on the head; McCort will be tested, despite what some people may think. These teams are mirror images of each other. It seems like McCaulley doesn't get talked about as much as Sediel on here, and that's a shame because he's a pretty darn good player as well. Bellwood's ability to pass concerns me a little, but I think penetration by the McCort D will take some of that away.
McCort
How awesome is this Forest Hills/Tyrone game going to be? The best two AA programs in the area in my opinion going at it yet again. Moving Reihart to RB was a great decision by Coach Franco and he hasn't disappointed. If Tyrone doesn't win it this year, look of for them next year, I think they are going to be the favorites.
Forest Hills
Re: LHAC Playoffs....continued.
Great write up by crimson09crazy as always and excellent forecasting all year.
District 6 Finals
Class A
Bishop McCort 31
Bellwood 21
Class AA
Forest Hills 21
Tyrone 14
District 6 Finals
Class A
Bishop McCort 31
Bellwood 21
Class AA
Forest Hills 21
Tyrone 14
Re: LHAC Playoffs....continued.
Fantastic write up.
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The Ancient Enemy
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- Joined: October 30th, 2004, 2:47 pm
Re: LHAC Playoffs....continued.
I appreciate the write-ups as well, especially since it is playoff time and I cannot watch the games live.
Because I hate McCort, give me Bellwood. As for FH and Tyrone, give me Forest Hills.
Who did Tyrone lose to, and how did those teams end up faring?
Because I hate McCort, give me Bellwood. As for FH and Tyrone, give me Forest Hills.
Who did Tyrone lose to, and how did those teams end up faring?
"I can and will be hard anytime with or without my boyz!!!" - Hollywood
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"Their jerseys make me want to run through the desert and tackle a terrorist." - nLions1
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Crimson09Crazy
Re: LHAC Playoffs....continued.
Tyrone lost to Bellwood opening night then Central a few weeks back.
Bellwood as you can see has het to lose
and Central was knocked out by Tyrone on Saturday
Bellwood as you can see has het to lose
and Central was knocked out by Tyrone on Saturday
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lakersfan24
- Official BleacherCoach
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Re: LHAC Playoffs....continued.
A lot of people are writing Tyrone off before ever watching them play.. I'm here to tell you they are the real deal and will give the Rangers all they want. This is the FIRST team FH plays that can run AND pass.. we all know about Franco and Reihart, but senior WR and DB Desch is also a dang good football player. Tyrone is always big upfront, and their schemes defensively and offensively by Franco have always been tremendous. I agree Crimson it doesn't get much more even than this... I'm really hoping to see Glessner finally get one after the heartbreaker last year..
Re: LHAC Playoffs....continued.
crimson, that was a great great write up...Go trojans!
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Opinionguy
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Re: LHAC Playoffs....continued.
Great Points. This team just knocked off the defending D6 Champs, at CENTRAL. The same Central team who gave the STATE CHAMPS all they could handle last year without Runk! This is a very good Tyrone team. But, we also have a 'dang good' team in Sidman.lakersfan24 wrote:A lot of people are writing Tyrone off before ever watching them play.. I'm here to tell you they are the real deal and will give the Rangers all they want. This is the FIRST team FH plays that can run AND pass.. we all know about Franco and Reihart, but senior WR and DB Desch is also a dang good football player. Tyrone is always big upfront, and their schemes defensively and offensively by Franco have always been tremendous.
The OG agrees too!lakersfan24 wrote:A I agree Crimson it doesn't get much more even than this
The G&G are going to need a big game, with some big throws out of him if they are going to capture the crown. Be a leader, play with confidence, keep your composure, and bring it home!lakersfan24 wrote:I'm really hoping to see Glessner finally get one after the heartbreaker last year..
And the last thing I must tell you...NEVER QUIT!
Re: LHAC Playoffs....continued.
Crimsom, future sports writer someday perhaps 8)