WPIAL AA Preview
Posted: September 4th, 2015, 3:52 pm
Teams (Overall Record, Conference Record, 2014 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 Lions will enter 2015 with a 32-game winning streak and are the two-time defending PIAA champions. Brett Brumbaugh is gone but there is plenty left in the cupboard in South Fayette. Hunter Hayes rushed for 2103 yards and 33 touchdowns last season and Nick Ponikvar is back after receiving 1055 yards and 11 touchdowns. Sophomore Drew Sexton will take over under center after seeing mop-up duty last year. The offensive line should also be in great shape as they return five key players. The Lions had the second-best defense in Double-A at 13.6 points allowed per game.
Steel Valley Ironmen (6-4, 6-3, Lost in First Round) – The Ironmen started last season with three consecutive wins. That winning streak was followed with alternating wins and losses over the final seven games, which ended with a 34-7 loss at Washington in the first round of the playoffs. DeWayne Murray is back after rushing for 1255 yards as a sophomore. Murray accounted for 25 total touchdowns last season. Trey Earl Edwards is also back after being the second-leading receiver last year.
Seton-LaSalle Rebels (10-2, 8-1, Lost in Semifinals) – The Rebels return after losing their only two games last season to South Fayette (41-14 in week eight and 35-21 in the WPIAL semifinals). Seton-LaSalle will need to find replacements for their leading passer, rusher, and receiver from 2014. Paris Ford returns after 34 catches and over 500 yards as a sophomore. He is ranked as one of the best juniors in the secondary in the nation.
East Allegheny Wildcats (4-6, 4-5, Missed Playoffs) – East Allegheny’s five losses came to the five teams that finished ahead of them in the standings, including Quaker Valley who now move to the Midwestern conference. The Wildcats are hoping to sneak into a playoff spot this year. Deon Smith, a dual-threat quarterback, returns for his senior season. Last year, Smith threw for 901 yards and 12 touchdowns while running for 607 yards and seven touchdowns. Leading wide receiver, Rocco Dunn, also returns after gaining 349 yards and five touchdowns.
South Park Eagles (8-3, 7-2, Lost in Quarterfinals) – The Eagles started off 1-2 (at Seton-LaSalle 19-8, vs South Fayette 59-20) last season before rattling off seven wins in a row. South Fayette then defeated them 39-21 in the Quarterfinals. South Park will have to replace dual-threat QB Nick Scholle, who lead the team in rushing as well. The second, third, and fourth-leading rushers are back in: Adam Staudt (595 yards), Ty Washington (407 yards), and Damon Smith. South Fayette was the only team to score over 23 points off of the Eagles defense.
Keystone Oaks Golden Eagles (3-6, 3-6, Missed Playoffs) – Keystone Oaks started their 2014 season with four straight losses. The Golden Eagles have lost all of their leaders at the offensive skill positions. They will rely on strong offensive line play as Alex Smith takes over at quarterback. Nick Hrivnak is back after 428 receiving yards last year. Keystone Oaks returns almost all of their defensive starters that allowed 28.6 points per game last season.
Carlynton Cougars (0-9, 0-9, Missed Playoffs) – Carlynton enters 2015 with a 13-game losing streak. The Cougars had a season to forget last year as they had the second-worst offense in Double-A at 10.6 points per game and the fifth-worst defense in Double-A at 39.4 points per game. Carlynton will return some skill from last year as running back Isiah Canton and receiver Shafique Patterson return after injuries. Junior Courtney Mickens showed signs of being a playmaker at the quarterback position. DeAndre Williams also returns after being the leading receiver last year.
Sto-Rox Vikings (1-8, 1-8, Missed Playoffs) – The Vikings had the second-worst defense (42.3 points allowed per game) in Double-A last year, their first season up in class. They allowed at least 40 points in each of their eight losses. Deion Liddell threw for 952 yards last season, which included 11 interceptions. Billy Frauens could take over at quarterback this year after playing all over the field last season. Sto-Rox will also be young and inexperienced on the offensive line, as well as on the defensive side of the ball.
South Allegheny Gladiators (2-7, 2-7, Missed Playoffs) – The Gladiators’ two victories came against the two teams that were below them in the standings. It won’t get any easier for South Allegheny as they graduated their starting quarterback, running back, and leading receiver. Running backs Joe Tokar and Brendan Forrester will try to replace them along with quarterback Tyler Hinnerman.
WPIAL CLASS AA ALLEGHENY CONFERENCE:
Apollo-Ridge Vikings (9-2, 8-1, Lost in Quarterfinals) – Apollo-Ridge moved up from Single-A last year and scored the second-most points in Double-A at 45.4 points per game. Duane Brown is back for the Vikings after completing 48 of 88 passes for 929 yards and rushing 1219 yards on 135 carries. The defense was shaky at times as they allowed 25.8 points per game.
Highlands Golden Rams (10-1, 9-0, Lost in Quarterfinals) – Highlands started last season with ten straight victories before losing 28-21 to Seton-La Salle in the Quarterfinals. Brayden Thimons took over at quarterback last season and threw for 663 yards and 10 touchdowns. He was also the second-leading rusher with 491 yards and 10 touchdowns. The Golden Rams will have three basketball players: Mitch Dezort, Jamison Nee, and Tyler Alworth, at their receiving positions
Shady Side Academy Indians (6-4, 6-3, Lost in First Round) – The Indians had two separate three-game winning streaks last season before losing 38-0 in the first round to Mount Pleasant. Eight starters return on offense while seven return on defense as they look to make the playoffs again. Third-leading rusher Eric Harris is back along with quarterback Doc Szlachetka. The offensive and defensive lines should be strong.
Freeport Yellowjackets (5-4, 5-4, Missed Playoffs) – A three-game losing streak in weeks 5 through 7 cost the Yellow Jackets a playoff spot. Ryan Weigold will take over the quarterback position and has plenty of skill returning at the wide receiver position. Dylan Hochbein was the second-leading pass catcher in the WPIAL with 54 catches. Dylan’s brother, Brandon had 29 catches last year while Justin Brestensky had 24 receptions. Logan Thimons, a West Virginia University recruit, is one of the top defensive players in Double-A
Valley Vikings (3-6, 3-6, Missed Playoffs) – After starting off 3-2, the Vikings lost their final four games in route to missing the playoffs. Seven starters return on offense while six return on defense. Phil Petit is back after being the starting quarterback last year. Tyson Hill returns at wide receiver after leading the team with eight touchdowns. The defense must improve after giving up 35, 34, 42, and 39 points in their final four games.
West Shamokin Wolves (5-5, 4-5, Missed Playoffs) – West Shamokin lost their first four games to cause them to miss the playoffs in their first year back in Double-A. It may be another long season for them as all of the leading skill players graduated. Brandon Stover will take over at quarterback after being the third-leading rusher last season. The line play for the Wolves looks to be their strength.
Deer Lakes Lancers (1-8, 1-8, Missed Playoffs) – The Lancers had the sixth-worst offense at 15.2 points per game. The defense allowed 35.7 points per game. The line play for Deer Lakes will be their strength this year as all five offensive linemen weight at least 245 pounds. Scott Kelly and Hunter Burns are two returning skill players on offense.
Burrell Buccaneers (0-9, 0-9, Missed Playoffs) – The Bucs had the third-worst offense in Double-A last year at 10.8 points per game. The defense equaled them as the third-worst at 42.0 points allowed per game. Dave Bellinotti will take over his alma mater. He was on the 1986 WPIAL championship team. Jason David led the team with 23 catches and Noah Hanna led the team with 257 yards rushing.
Summit Academy Knights (0-9, 0-8, Missed Playoffs) – The Knights return to the Allegheny Conference after a year in the Midwestern that saw them with the fourth-worst offense at 12.7 points per game. The main problem was the defense that allowed a Double-A worst 46.9 points per game. 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.
WPIAL CLASS AA MIDWESTERN CONFERENCE:
Aliquippa Quips (12-1, 8-0, Lost in WPIAL Final) – Aliquippa made it’s seventh straight trip to the WPIAL championship game by leading the Double-A in both offense (48.2 points per game) and defense (13.0 points allowed per game). Kazeon Pugh returns after rushing for 1621 yards and 25 touchdowns on 156 carries. DiMontae Bronaugh also returns after gaining 1262 yards and 24 touchdowns on 136 carries. The Quips will have to build their offensive and defensive lines back up but should be in contention for another trip to Heinz Field.
Beaver Falls Tigers (7-3, 6-2, Lost in First Round) – Beaver Falls returns after graduating only 11 seniors from last years team that lost 58-40 to Apollo-Ridge in round one. The offense averaged 33.6 points per game but the defense allowed 29.0 points per game. Derrell Carter ran for 750 yards and 10 touchdowns last year. Junior Neshaud Akins and sophomore Torian Leak return to the backfield after running for over 200 yards each last year. The lines are big and have a lot of experience.
Beaver Bobcats (7-3, 6-2, Lost in First Round) – The Bobcats look to make their ninth consecutive playoff appearance but will have to do it with only seven seniors on the roster. Darius Wise will take over the quarterback position this year after rushing for 818 yards, gaining 272 yards in catches, and 22 touchdowns. Te’Vierre Williams returns after averaging 6.8 yards per carry. The defensive line should provide early stability.
Ellwood City Wolverines (4-5, 3-5, Missed Playoffs) – Ellwood City averaged 26.6 points per game last year and most of their top offensive players return. Running back Nick Ioanilli returns after running for 1141 yards last season. Quarterback D.J. Barrett ran for 300 yards and five touchdowns, while fullback River Kelly ran 49 times for 255 yards. The Wolverines will have to shore up a defense that allowed 28.2 points per game last year.
Freedom Bulldogs (2-8, 1-7, Missed Playoffs) – Freedom returns eight starters on offense and nine on defense after having their second best seeason in this decade. Noah Wolfe returns under center after throwing for 820 yards and five touchdowns last year. Top receiver Nick Henderson also returns after catching 24 passes for 299 yards. The Bulldogs top rushers are also back in junior Dean Ward and senior Jake Pinkerton. Freedom should also be very good on the offensive and defensive lines.
Quaker Valley Quakers (5-4, 5-4, Missed Playoffs) – The Quakers will move to a new conference after being in the Century Conference the past two seasons. Junior quarterback Amos Luptak returns after throwing for 43 of 79 passes for 867 yards and 10 touchdowns. He also ran for nearly 150 yards. The Quakers have a lot of question marks going into the season.
New Brighton Lions (6-4, 6-2, Lost in First Round) – New Brighton also featured a high scoring offense at 34.0 points per game. Much like the other teams in the Midwestern, their defense allowed 28.7 points per game. The Lions had 14 seniors graduate. Darrion Gilmore returns after being the third-leading rusher averaging 8.6 yards per carry. Andrew Mittner also returns after averaging 9.7 yards per carry.
Laurel Spartans (4-5, 4-4, Missed Playoffs) – Laurel averaged 29.4 points per game but they allowed 24.6 on defense. Jake McDougal returns under center after throwing for over 600 yards and rushing for a little under 500 yards. 15 seniors graduated from last year’s team, which leaves a lot of question marks.
Mohawk Warriors (2-7, 2-6, Missed Playoffs) – Mohawk had the fifth-worst defense in Double-A last season, allowing 41.1 points per game. Tim McCutcheon takes over the head coaching duties. Cayne Yakubic returns after rushing for 712 yards and 10 touchdowns.
WPIAL CLASS AA INTERSTATE CONFERENCE:
Washington Little Prexies (11-1, 8-0, Lost in Semifinals) – The Little Prexies won their first 11 games last season before losing 44-26 to Aliquippa in the WPIAL Semifinals. The offense averaged 41.8 points per game last season, but has some holes to fill this year. Tight end Nate Swart is considered one of the best tight ends in the WPIAL and has already made a commitment to the University of Toledo. Second-leading rusher, Kurt Adkins, is back after rushing for 639 yards (8.8 per carry). Third-leading rusher, Jordan West, also returns after running for 499 yards (9.4 per carry). The offensive and defensive lines are experienced and talented.
Mount Pleasant Vikings (8-3, 7-1, Lost in Quarterfinals) – Two of Mount Pleasant’s three losses came to Aliquippa (week 8 and WPIAL Quarterfinals). Jake Adamrovich returns after being the second-leading rusher with 549 yards. Chris Wagner is also back after running for almost 400 yards. Johnny Yester took over at quarterback at the halfway point last year and threw for 401 yards and eight touchdowns. Three starters also return on the offensive line.
McGuffey Highlanders (7-3, 6-2, Lost in First Round) – McGuffey won seven games in a row at one points last year, while losing their first game to Mount Pleasant and their last two to Washington and Seton-La Salle. It was their first playoff appearance since 2009. The Highlanders have a lot of skill positions to replace as quarterback Nate Whipkey and running back James Duchi have graduated. Marcus Czulewicz saw time in mop-up duty and threw for 110 yards and ran for 106. McGuffey had the fifth-best offense in Double-A at 35.0 points per game.
Charleroi Cougars (2-8, 1-7, Missed Playoffs) – Charleroi has not made the playoffs since 2004. This could be the year they make it back with seven starters returning on offense. Brock Shannon returns after rushing for 701 yards last year. Wide receiver Trey Douyon caught 26 passes last season. The Cougars must figure out their defense as they gave up an Interstate-worst 38.2 points per game last year.
Burgettstown Blue Devils (3-6, 3-5, Missed Playoffs) – Mark Druga takes over a team that was 3-24 the past three seasons. The Blue Devils did win their final two games last season, which has Burgettstown buzzing with optimism. Second-leading rusher Cole LaRocka is back along with starting quarterback Brad McLaughlin and top receiver Jacob Shipley. Their first three games are against playoff teams from last year (Washington, Mount Pleasant, and Waynesburg).
Derry Trojans (4-6, 2-6, Missed Playoffs) – The Trojans won four games in their first season in Double-A after winning one game in the previous two seasons in Triple-A. They should be in the mix for the fourth and final playoff spot. Quarterback Trey Friedline returns for Derry. Second-leading rusher Tyler Balega will lead a running back stable that will also include Nick Chincock and Sonny Stevens.
Southmoreland Scotties (4-5, 4-4, Missed Playoffs) – The Scotties have not made the playoffs since 1979. They only finished one game behind Waynesburg last season and only lost that game by a score of 26-21. It will be difficult for Southmoreland to make up those five points as they graduated a lot of players from last year. Tommy Pisula does return after being the leading receiver and second-leading rusher with 322 yards on 58 carries.
Waynesburg Raiders (6-4, 5-3, Lost in First Round) – Waynesburg made the playoffs for the first time since 2003. The Raiders lost a lot of key players to graduation, but they will look to contend for the final playoff spot in a weak Interstate. The top three rushers have graduated. Tight end Colin McCracken should be the focal point of the offense.
Brownsville Falcons (1-9, 0-8, Missed Playoffs) – Jason House takes over a team that finished last in scoring in Double-A at 9.7 points per game. They did win a “week 10” game against Freedom, 31-12. The Falcons will have five returners back on each side of the ball. Leading scorer, Tyler Herman, returns after scoring six touchdowns. Marcellous Grooms also returns to the quarterback position.
WPIAL CLASS AA CENTURY CONFERERNCE:
South Fayette Lions (16-0, 8-0, Won PIAA Championship) – The Lions will enter 2015 with a 32-game winning streak and are the two-time defending PIAA champions. Brett Brumbaugh is gone but there is plenty left in the cupboard in South Fayette. Hunter Hayes rushed for 2103 yards and 33 touchdowns last season and Nick Ponikvar is back after receiving 1055 yards and 11 touchdowns. Sophomore Drew Sexton will take over under center after seeing mop-up duty last year. The offensive line should also be in great shape as they return five key players. The Lions had the second-best defense in Double-A at 13.6 points allowed per game.
Steel Valley Ironmen (6-4, 6-3, Lost in First Round) – The Ironmen started last season with three consecutive wins. That winning streak was followed with alternating wins and losses over the final seven games, which ended with a 34-7 loss at Washington in the first round of the playoffs. DeWayne Murray is back after rushing for 1255 yards as a sophomore. Murray accounted for 25 total touchdowns last season. Trey Earl Edwards is also back after being the second-leading receiver last year.
Seton-LaSalle Rebels (10-2, 8-1, Lost in Semifinals) – The Rebels return after losing their only two games last season to South Fayette (41-14 in week eight and 35-21 in the WPIAL semifinals). Seton-LaSalle will need to find replacements for their leading passer, rusher, and receiver from 2014. Paris Ford returns after 34 catches and over 500 yards as a sophomore. He is ranked as one of the best juniors in the secondary in the nation.
East Allegheny Wildcats (4-6, 4-5, Missed Playoffs) – East Allegheny’s five losses came to the five teams that finished ahead of them in the standings, including Quaker Valley who now move to the Midwestern conference. The Wildcats are hoping to sneak into a playoff spot this year. Deon Smith, a dual-threat quarterback, returns for his senior season. Last year, Smith threw for 901 yards and 12 touchdowns while running for 607 yards and seven touchdowns. Leading wide receiver, Rocco Dunn, also returns after gaining 349 yards and five touchdowns.
South Park Eagles (8-3, 7-2, Lost in Quarterfinals) – The Eagles started off 1-2 (at Seton-LaSalle 19-8, vs South Fayette 59-20) last season before rattling off seven wins in a row. South Fayette then defeated them 39-21 in the Quarterfinals. South Park will have to replace dual-threat QB Nick Scholle, who lead the team in rushing as well. The second, third, and fourth-leading rushers are back in: Adam Staudt (595 yards), Ty Washington (407 yards), and Damon Smith. South Fayette was the only team to score over 23 points off of the Eagles defense.
Keystone Oaks Golden Eagles (3-6, 3-6, Missed Playoffs) – Keystone Oaks started their 2014 season with four straight losses. The Golden Eagles have lost all of their leaders at the offensive skill positions. They will rely on strong offensive line play as Alex Smith takes over at quarterback. Nick Hrivnak is back after 428 receiving yards last year. Keystone Oaks returns almost all of their defensive starters that allowed 28.6 points per game last season.
Carlynton Cougars (0-9, 0-9, Missed Playoffs) – Carlynton enters 2015 with a 13-game losing streak. The Cougars had a season to forget last year as they had the second-worst offense in Double-A at 10.6 points per game and the fifth-worst defense in Double-A at 39.4 points per game. Carlynton will return some skill from last year as running back Isiah Canton and receiver Shafique Patterson return after injuries. Junior Courtney Mickens showed signs of being a playmaker at the quarterback position. DeAndre Williams also returns after being the leading receiver last year.
Sto-Rox Vikings (1-8, 1-8, Missed Playoffs) – The Vikings had the second-worst defense (42.3 points allowed per game) in Double-A last year, their first season up in class. They allowed at least 40 points in each of their eight losses. Deion Liddell threw for 952 yards last season, which included 11 interceptions. Billy Frauens could take over at quarterback this year after playing all over the field last season. Sto-Rox will also be young and inexperienced on the offensive line, as well as on the defensive side of the ball.
South Allegheny Gladiators (2-7, 2-7, Missed Playoffs) – The Gladiators’ two victories came against the two teams that were below them in the standings. It won’t get any easier for South Allegheny as they graduated their starting quarterback, running back, and leading receiver. Running backs Joe Tokar and Brendan Forrester will try to replace them along with quarterback Tyler Hinnerman.
WPIAL CLASS AA ALLEGHENY CONFERENCE:
Apollo-Ridge Vikings (9-2, 8-1, Lost in Quarterfinals) – Apollo-Ridge moved up from Single-A last year and scored the second-most points in Double-A at 45.4 points per game. Duane Brown is back for the Vikings after completing 48 of 88 passes for 929 yards and rushing 1219 yards on 135 carries. The defense was shaky at times as they allowed 25.8 points per game.
Highlands Golden Rams (10-1, 9-0, Lost in Quarterfinals) – Highlands started last season with ten straight victories before losing 28-21 to Seton-La Salle in the Quarterfinals. Brayden Thimons took over at quarterback last season and threw for 663 yards and 10 touchdowns. He was also the second-leading rusher with 491 yards and 10 touchdowns. The Golden Rams will have three basketball players: Mitch Dezort, Jamison Nee, and Tyler Alworth, at their receiving positions
Shady Side Academy Indians (6-4, 6-3, Lost in First Round) – The Indians had two separate three-game winning streaks last season before losing 38-0 in the first round to Mount Pleasant. Eight starters return on offense while seven return on defense as they look to make the playoffs again. Third-leading rusher Eric Harris is back along with quarterback Doc Szlachetka. The offensive and defensive lines should be strong.
Freeport Yellowjackets (5-4, 5-4, Missed Playoffs) – A three-game losing streak in weeks 5 through 7 cost the Yellow Jackets a playoff spot. Ryan Weigold will take over the quarterback position and has plenty of skill returning at the wide receiver position. Dylan Hochbein was the second-leading pass catcher in the WPIAL with 54 catches. Dylan’s brother, Brandon had 29 catches last year while Justin Brestensky had 24 receptions. Logan Thimons, a West Virginia University recruit, is one of the top defensive players in Double-A
Valley Vikings (3-6, 3-6, Missed Playoffs) – After starting off 3-2, the Vikings lost their final four games in route to missing the playoffs. Seven starters return on offense while six return on defense. Phil Petit is back after being the starting quarterback last year. Tyson Hill returns at wide receiver after leading the team with eight touchdowns. The defense must improve after giving up 35, 34, 42, and 39 points in their final four games.
West Shamokin Wolves (5-5, 4-5, Missed Playoffs) – West Shamokin lost their first four games to cause them to miss the playoffs in their first year back in Double-A. It may be another long season for them as all of the leading skill players graduated. Brandon Stover will take over at quarterback after being the third-leading rusher last season. The line play for the Wolves looks to be their strength.
Deer Lakes Lancers (1-8, 1-8, Missed Playoffs) – The Lancers had the sixth-worst offense at 15.2 points per game. The defense allowed 35.7 points per game. The line play for Deer Lakes will be their strength this year as all five offensive linemen weight at least 245 pounds. Scott Kelly and Hunter Burns are two returning skill players on offense.
Burrell Buccaneers (0-9, 0-9, Missed Playoffs) – The Bucs had the third-worst offense in Double-A last year at 10.8 points per game. The defense equaled them as the third-worst at 42.0 points allowed per game. Dave Bellinotti will take over his alma mater. He was on the 1986 WPIAL championship team. Jason David led the team with 23 catches and Noah Hanna led the team with 257 yards rushing.
Summit Academy Knights (0-9, 0-8, Missed Playoffs) – The Knights return to the Allegheny Conference after a year in the Midwestern that saw them with the fourth-worst offense at 12.7 points per game. The main problem was the defense that allowed a Double-A worst 46.9 points per game. 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.
WPIAL CLASS AA MIDWESTERN CONFERENCE:
Aliquippa Quips (12-1, 8-0, Lost in WPIAL Final) – Aliquippa made it’s seventh straight trip to the WPIAL championship game by leading the Double-A in both offense (48.2 points per game) and defense (13.0 points allowed per game). Kazeon Pugh returns after rushing for 1621 yards and 25 touchdowns on 156 carries. DiMontae Bronaugh also returns after gaining 1262 yards and 24 touchdowns on 136 carries. The Quips will have to build their offensive and defensive lines back up but should be in contention for another trip to Heinz Field.
Beaver Falls Tigers (7-3, 6-2, Lost in First Round) – Beaver Falls returns after graduating only 11 seniors from last years team that lost 58-40 to Apollo-Ridge in round one. The offense averaged 33.6 points per game but the defense allowed 29.0 points per game. Derrell Carter ran for 750 yards and 10 touchdowns last year. Junior Neshaud Akins and sophomore Torian Leak return to the backfield after running for over 200 yards each last year. The lines are big and have a lot of experience.
Beaver Bobcats (7-3, 6-2, Lost in First Round) – The Bobcats look to make their ninth consecutive playoff appearance but will have to do it with only seven seniors on the roster. Darius Wise will take over the quarterback position this year after rushing for 818 yards, gaining 272 yards in catches, and 22 touchdowns. Te’Vierre Williams returns after averaging 6.8 yards per carry. The defensive line should provide early stability.
Ellwood City Wolverines (4-5, 3-5, Missed Playoffs) – Ellwood City averaged 26.6 points per game last year and most of their top offensive players return. Running back Nick Ioanilli returns after running for 1141 yards last season. Quarterback D.J. Barrett ran for 300 yards and five touchdowns, while fullback River Kelly ran 49 times for 255 yards. The Wolverines will have to shore up a defense that allowed 28.2 points per game last year.
Freedom Bulldogs (2-8, 1-7, Missed Playoffs) – Freedom returns eight starters on offense and nine on defense after having their second best seeason in this decade. Noah Wolfe returns under center after throwing for 820 yards and five touchdowns last year. Top receiver Nick Henderson also returns after catching 24 passes for 299 yards. The Bulldogs top rushers are also back in junior Dean Ward and senior Jake Pinkerton. Freedom should also be very good on the offensive and defensive lines.
Quaker Valley Quakers (5-4, 5-4, Missed Playoffs) – The Quakers will move to a new conference after being in the Century Conference the past two seasons. Junior quarterback Amos Luptak returns after throwing for 43 of 79 passes for 867 yards and 10 touchdowns. He also ran for nearly 150 yards. The Quakers have a lot of question marks going into the season.
New Brighton Lions (6-4, 6-2, Lost in First Round) – New Brighton also featured a high scoring offense at 34.0 points per game. Much like the other teams in the Midwestern, their defense allowed 28.7 points per game. The Lions had 14 seniors graduate. Darrion Gilmore returns after being the third-leading rusher averaging 8.6 yards per carry. Andrew Mittner also returns after averaging 9.7 yards per carry.
Laurel Spartans (4-5, 4-4, Missed Playoffs) – Laurel averaged 29.4 points per game but they allowed 24.6 on defense. Jake McDougal returns under center after throwing for over 600 yards and rushing for a little under 500 yards. 15 seniors graduated from last year’s team, which leaves a lot of question marks.
Mohawk Warriors (2-7, 2-6, Missed Playoffs) – Mohawk had the fifth-worst defense in Double-A last season, allowing 41.1 points per game. Tim McCutcheon takes over the head coaching duties. Cayne Yakubic returns after rushing for 712 yards and 10 touchdowns.
WPIAL CLASS AA INTERSTATE CONFERENCE:
Washington Little Prexies (11-1, 8-0, Lost in Semifinals) – The Little Prexies won their first 11 games last season before losing 44-26 to Aliquippa in the WPIAL Semifinals. The offense averaged 41.8 points per game last season, but has some holes to fill this year. Tight end Nate Swart is considered one of the best tight ends in the WPIAL and has already made a commitment to the University of Toledo. Second-leading rusher, Kurt Adkins, is back after rushing for 639 yards (8.8 per carry). Third-leading rusher, Jordan West, also returns after running for 499 yards (9.4 per carry). The offensive and defensive lines are experienced and talented.
Mount Pleasant Vikings (8-3, 7-1, Lost in Quarterfinals) – Two of Mount Pleasant’s three losses came to Aliquippa (week 8 and WPIAL Quarterfinals). Jake Adamrovich returns after being the second-leading rusher with 549 yards. Chris Wagner is also back after running for almost 400 yards. Johnny Yester took over at quarterback at the halfway point last year and threw for 401 yards and eight touchdowns. Three starters also return on the offensive line.
McGuffey Highlanders (7-3, 6-2, Lost in First Round) – McGuffey won seven games in a row at one points last year, while losing their first game to Mount Pleasant and their last two to Washington and Seton-La Salle. It was their first playoff appearance since 2009. The Highlanders have a lot of skill positions to replace as quarterback Nate Whipkey and running back James Duchi have graduated. Marcus Czulewicz saw time in mop-up duty and threw for 110 yards and ran for 106. McGuffey had the fifth-best offense in Double-A at 35.0 points per game.
Charleroi Cougars (2-8, 1-7, Missed Playoffs) – Charleroi has not made the playoffs since 2004. This could be the year they make it back with seven starters returning on offense. Brock Shannon returns after rushing for 701 yards last year. Wide receiver Trey Douyon caught 26 passes last season. The Cougars must figure out their defense as they gave up an Interstate-worst 38.2 points per game last year.
Burgettstown Blue Devils (3-6, 3-5, Missed Playoffs) – Mark Druga takes over a team that was 3-24 the past three seasons. The Blue Devils did win their final two games last season, which has Burgettstown buzzing with optimism. Second-leading rusher Cole LaRocka is back along with starting quarterback Brad McLaughlin and top receiver Jacob Shipley. Their first three games are against playoff teams from last year (Washington, Mount Pleasant, and Waynesburg).
Derry Trojans (4-6, 2-6, Missed Playoffs) – The Trojans won four games in their first season in Double-A after winning one game in the previous two seasons in Triple-A. They should be in the mix for the fourth and final playoff spot. Quarterback Trey Friedline returns for Derry. Second-leading rusher Tyler Balega will lead a running back stable that will also include Nick Chincock and Sonny Stevens.
Southmoreland Scotties (4-5, 4-4, Missed Playoffs) – The Scotties have not made the playoffs since 1979. They only finished one game behind Waynesburg last season and only lost that game by a score of 26-21. It will be difficult for Southmoreland to make up those five points as they graduated a lot of players from last year. Tommy Pisula does return after being the leading receiver and second-leading rusher with 322 yards on 58 carries.
Waynesburg Raiders (6-4, 5-3, Lost in First Round) – Waynesburg made the playoffs for the first time since 2003. The Raiders lost a lot of key players to graduation, but they will look to contend for the final playoff spot in a weak Interstate. The top three rushers have graduated. Tight end Colin McCracken should be the focal point of the offense.
Brownsville Falcons (1-9, 0-8, Missed Playoffs) – Jason House takes over a team that finished last in scoring in Double-A at 9.7 points per game. They did win a “week 10” game against Freedom, 31-12. The Falcons will have five returners back on each side of the ball. Leading scorer, Tyler Herman, returns after scoring six touchdowns. Marcellous Grooms also returns to the quarterback position.