WPIAL A Preview
Posted: September 4th, 2015, 3:53 pm
Teams (Overall Record, Conference Record, 2014 Result) are listed in my projected order of finish.
WPIAL CLASS A EASTERN CONFERENCE:
Clairton Bears (15-1, 8-0, Lost in PIAA Final) – The Bears had a great season last year in scoring a PIAA record 958 points. They scored at least 46 points in all games except the final one, where they lost to Bishop Guilfoyle 19-18. The defense was also quite good, allowing only 10.0 points per game. Lamont Wade returns for his junior season after rushing for 2765 yards, which is the all-time WPIAL rushing record. Wade also ran for 47 touchdowns and is rated as one of the best defensive backs in the nation. Aaron Matthews also returns after catching 44 passes for 773 yards and 18 touchdowns. Running back Harrison Dreher returns after being injured for five games, but still rushing for 837 yards and 18 touchdowns. Noah Hamlin also returns at wide receiver after averaging over 23 yards per catch.
Greensburg Central Catholic Centurions (5-5, 5-3, Lost in First Round) – The Centurions won four in a row after a 74-0 loss at home to Clartion, however they lost their last three games including a 48-3 loss to Neshannock in the first round. The team will shift to a spread offense as many players return from last season. Quarterback Tommy Pellis is in his third year as a starter after throwing for 725 yards last year. Running back Brian Pevarnik also returns after battling through injuires last year but still running for 616 yards and ten touchdowns. Alvin Ross transferred from Frazier after leading them with 1028 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns. The offensive and defensive lines return nearly all starters from last season.
Jeannette Jayhawks (9-2, 7-1, Lost in Quarterfinals) – The Jayhawks had the third-best offense in Single-A at 44.9 points per game. Second-leading rusher Kareem Hall returns after running for 594 yards and 13 touchdowns. Giovonne Sanders is likely to take over as a dual-threat quarterback after averaging 9.7 yards on 30 carries last season. Second-leading receiver, Swade Redman, also returns. Jeannette also returns eight letter winners on the offensive line.
Springdale Dynamos (6-4, 5-3, Lost in First Round) – The Dynamos won their last four regular season games to qualify for the playoffs, in which they lost to Shenango 35-7 in the first round. Seven starters return to the offense, including all five on the offensive line. Sammy Carey will take over at quarterback and will have the leading receiver back from last year in tight end Eric Lovic. Second-leading rusher, Joel Wunnenberg, also returns to the backfield. The Dynamos had the third-best defense in the conference at 21.6 points allowed per game.
Monessen Greyhounds (4-5, 4-4, Missed Playoffs) – Monessen missed the playoffs by one game after a week one 15-12 loss to Greensburg Central Catholic. After that, the Greyhounds won four in a row, only to lose the final four to miss out. They were forced to vacate those wins after using two players who were ineligible. Long-time basketball coach, Joe Salvino, now takes over the football program. Lavalle Rush will move to quarterback after catching 15 passes for over 300 yards last year. Leading-rusher, Demond Jordan, also returns.
Riverview Raiders (4-5, 3-5, Missed Playoffs) – The Raiders finished October with a 3-1 record in the month after a late-September 72-0 loss to Clairton. Jake Hanus will take over at quarterback after seeing some backup duty last year. Nasan Tibbens also returns as the third-leading rusher from last year at 10.1 yards per carry. The offensive line returns three starters from last season. The defense will need to be better after allowing 24.8 points per game.
Serra Catholic Eagles (1-8, 1-7, Missed Playoffs) – Serra Catholic began last season on an eight-game losing streak before beating Wilkinsburg 38-36. The defense was a big part of that as the unit allowed a conference-worst 48.9 points per game (an improvement over 54.2 in 2013). The Eagles return their dual-threat quarterback, Jason Cerniglia, after he threw for 1127 and ten touchdowns. Cerniglia also ran for 412 yards and four touchdowns. Leading-rusher, Jordan Pulkownik, had over 600 yards of total offense. They need to figure out how to play defense though.
Wilkinsburg Tigers (1-8, 1-7, Missed Playoffs) – After defeating Leechburg 24-14 in the opening game of the 2014 season, the Tigers went on to lose the final eight games. They had the worst offense in the conference at 13.3 points per game, as well as the second-worst defense at 43.3 points allowed per game. Wilkinsburg has not made the playoffs since 2001. The Tigers had only 15 players after several quit during an 86-0 loss to Clairton in week two. Xavier Reed led the team in receptions and receiving yards last year. Leading-rusher, Nigel Noel, also returns.
Leechburg Blue Devils (2-7, 2-6, Missed Playoffs) – The Blue Devils have not been to the playoffs since 1988 and graduated 13 seniors from last years team that had just 28 players. Leechburg had trouble on both side as the offense only averaged 15.4 points per game and the defense allowed 32.4. Quarterback J.B. Burtick returns after throwing for more than 550 yards last year.
WPIAL CLASS A BIG SEVEN CONFERENCE:
Neshannock Lancers (11-1, 7-0, Lost in Semifinals) – Neshannock had the second-highest scoring offense in Single-A at 47.0 points per game. Their only loss was a 48-42 wild shootout in the semifinals against Clairton. Duel-threat quarterback, Frank Antuono, returns after throwing for 1750 yards and 20 touchdowns while running for 483 yards and 12 touchdowns. Fourth-leading rusher, Robert Lindsey, is also back after 356 rushing yards, 243 receiving yards, and 12 touchdowns.
Riverside Panthers (6-5, 4-3, Lost in Quarterfinals) – The Panthers reached the playoffs for the first time since 2007. A move down in classification certainly helped them. Also helping was quarterback, Jason Dambach, who threw for 2058 yards and 16 touchdowns as a sophomore. Dambach’s top target, Ricky Wass, also returns after having 636 yards in receiving.
Shenango Wildcats (7-4, 6-1, Lost in Quarterfinals) – Shenango made the playoffs for the first time since 2006 and won a playoff game for the first time since 2002. The Wildcats return their top two scorers from last year in Tyler Root and Hunter Waskin. Root was the team’s leading rusher. Jason Wallace is also back after running for close to 600 yards last year. Evan Kendall also returns to the quarterback position. Shenango also returns seven defensive starters to a team that allowed: 33, 42, 49, and 68 points in losses.
South Side Beaver Rams (7-4, 5-2, Lost in Quarterfinals) – South Side Beaver made the playoffs for the first time 2009. Three of their four losses last season came against teams that made the semifinals. Big playmaker wide receiver, Cameron Smith, is back after 25 catches for 452 yards and 477 yards rushing (18 yards per carry). Robbie Heberle returns under center after throwing six touchdowns last year. Third-leading rusher, Quae Thompson, will take over at running back after 390 yards rushing last season. The Rams had the second-best defense in the conference at 20.2 points allowed per game.
Rochester Rams (3-6, 1-6, Missed Playoffs) – Rochester missed the playoffs for the second straight year after losing their first four games. Senior running back, Montrail Stroizer, returns after rushing for 1042 yards and 11 touchdowns. Christian Vreen also returns as quarterback. The two leading receivers are also back in DeSean Sherod and Brenden Johnson.
Vincentian Academy Royals (2-7, 2-5, Missed Playoffs) – A four game losing streak derailed the Royals’ playoff hopes in their first official season as a WPIAL member. Todd Hazlett will take over as head coach. Nick Barto returns after leading the Royals in rushing and added ten catches. David Fleming led the team in receiving last year and is listed as a WR and a QB this year. The defense must improve over last year as the Royals gave up an average of 32.4 points per game (second-worst in conference).
Union Scotties (1-8, 1-6, Missed Playoffs) – Union started off last season with a 26-22 win against Rochester. It was all downhill after that as they lost eight straight games to end the season. Jordan Best returns after leading the Scotties in rushing last season. He will be relied on to do a lot on the offensive side. Garrison Bell also returns after leading in receiving last year. Joe Gunn, a two-way starter for New Castle, transferred into Union and will play a major role. Union allowed a conference-worst 35.8 points per game.
Western Beaver Golden Beavers (2-7, 2-5, Missed Playoffs) – The Golden Beavers endured two separate three-game losing streaks and missed the playoffs after hopes were high going into last season. It won’t get any easier this season as they graduated most of their offensive contributors. Western Beaver had the fifth-worst offense in Single-A last year at 14.3 points per game. They do, however, return four starters to the offensive line. The defense allowed 30.3 points per game.
WPIAL CLASS A TRI-COUNTY SOUTH CONFERENCE:
Beth-Center Bulldogs (9-1, 8-0, Lost in First Round) – The Bulldogs had success on both sides of the ball last year as they had the best defense in Single-A at 8.8 points allowed per game and the fourth-best offense at 44.6 points per game. Their lost conference loss came in 2012 to Frazier. Anthony Welsh returns as one of the top running backs in Single-A, after rushing for over 2900 yards in the last two seasons. Trent Cunko also returns at quarterback after only attempting 34 passes last season.
Frazier Commodores (8-2, 7-1, Lost in First Round) – Frazier had success on both sides of the ball with an offense that averaged 33.4 points per game and a defense that allowed only 10.8 points per game. Their two losses came to Beth-Center (29-20) and South Side Beaver (26-12). Alvin Ross ran for over 1000 yards last season but has transferred to Greensburg Central Catholic. The offense will have to go through quarterback Hunter Patterson. He completed 52 of 95 passes for 983 yards and ran for 201 yards. Patterson accounted for 26 touchdowns. Lucas Klorczyk will take over for Ross after rushing 33 times for 190 yards.
Mapletown Maples (7-3, 6-2, Lost in First Round) – The Maples won their final five regular season games last season only to lose 34-0 to Avonworth in the opening round of playoffs. The defense was solid last year, allowing 15.9 points per game. Dylan Rush is back after rushing for 1016 yards last year as a freshman. His older brother, Matt, will move from tight end to fullback. Matt Hein also returns after gaining a good chunk of Mapletown’s yardage last year. The offensive line returns four starters from last years team.
Jefferson-Morgan Rockets (4-5, 4-4, Missed Playoffs) – The Rockets lost the tiebreaker for the final spot as they lost 26-7 to Avella. Their offense was a big problem at 14.6 points scored per game. There is optimism they will return to the playoffs as a number of skill players return. The top two leading rushers return in Trevor Kniha and Joe Headlee. Kniha had 412 yards rushing last year. Dennis Garrett will take over at quarterback. The top two leading receivers are also back in tight end, Jake Bissett, and Headlee.
Bentworth Bearcats (3-6, 3-5, Missed Playoffs) – The Bearcats finished one game out of a playoff despite having the second-worst defense in the conference at 34.3 points allowed per game. Josh Hughes is back at quarterback after completing 72 of 143 for 937 yards and eight touchdowns. Ethan Tush led the team last year with 280 yards rushing, while Felix Hernandez ran for 218 yards and also caught 15 passes. The second and third-leading receivers, Noah Peternel and Ty Mitchell, also return for their senior seasons.
Carmichaels Mighty Mikes (3-6, 3-5, Missed Playoffs) – Carmichaels also struggled on offense last year to the tune of scoring 12.0 points per game. The defense wasn’t great either, allowing 30.0 points per game. They also endured two separate three-game losing streaks. A few players are back on offense including: running back Shawn Dulaney, wide receiver Coty Allen, wide receiver Jake Barnish, and tight end Brody Blaker.
Avella Eagles (5-5, 4-4, Lost in First Round) – Avella has made the playoffs two years in a row after not making them in 37 years. The Eagles lost a lot of talent after 10 players graduated from a roster of 26. The leading receiver from last year, Luke Lloyd, will take over at quarterback after 25 receptions last season. Tyler Fraysier also returns after having 22 receptions and accounting for nearly 800 yards of offense.
California Trojans (1-9, 1-7, Missed Playoffs) – The Trojans struggled in their return to the Tri-County South with an offense that only scored 11.4 points per game. Darrin Dillow takes over as head coach. K.C. Zajicek returns after leading the team with nine touchdowns and playing multiple positions last year. Second-leading scorer, Tyler Rothfuss, returns at wide receiver. California gets to start the season with a non-conference matchup against Clairton.
West Greene Pioneers (1-8, 0-8, Missed Playoffs) – Rodney Huffman takes over as head coach at his alma mater. West Greene has won one or zero games in five of the past seven years. They had the worst offense and defense in the conference at 10.2 points scored and 34.8 points allowed. The Pioneers graduated eight seniors from a 23-man roster. Owen Main and Cole Hamilton both return after splitting time at quarterback last year. Tyler Baker caught 15 passes for 305 yards and two touchdowns last year.
WPIAL CLASS A BLACK HILLS CONFERENCE:
Avonworth Antelopes (11-2, 6-1, Lost in WPIAL Final) – The Antelopes made the WPIAL finals for the second time in school history (1959). Zach Chandler returns under center after breaking his leg in week three. Chandler had thrown for 742 yards before he was injured. Jamal Hughley also returns after rushing for 818 yards and catching 23 passes for 449 yards and 17 total touchdowns. Kevin Simpson also returns to the backfield after rushing for 463 yards on 95 carries. Senior wide receivers Cole Jenkins and Garrett Day also return to an offense that has the potential to be very potent. Avonworth also returns multiple starters to the offensive line.
Cardinal Wuerl North Catholic Trojans (11-1, 7-0, Lost in Semifinals) – Jason Gildon, former Pittsburgh Steeler, takes over coaching duties for Bob Ravenstahl. The Trojans have lost only one game in two seasons and that was in the WPIAL Semifinals to Avonworth (28-21). The Trojans had the fifth-best offense in Single A at 44.5 points per game, while the defense was fourth-best at 11.5 points allowed per game. CWNC lost two 1000-yard rushers, but that opens the door for Mario Latronica. Latronica rushed for 772 yards and average 10 yards per carry last season. Vashon Graham also returns after receiving 315 yards through the air.
Brentwood Spartans (6-4, 5-2, Lost in First Round) – Brentwood has made the playoffs the last seven seasons. They needed a four game winning streak in October of last year to extend that number. Pat Carr returns to the backfield after rushing for 1280 yards and catching 21 passes last season. Carr also led the team byt scoring 16 touchdowns. Wide receivers Dorian Bowie, Nick George, and Tayron Kyser also return.
Fort Cherry Rangers (3-6, 2-5, Missed Playoffs) – The Rangers missed the playoffs after three key losses by a combined eight points derailed their season. Fort Cherry should be back in the playoff discussion as a lot of players return. Nick Cook returns as one of the best running backs in the conference. Cook ran for 1041 yards and nine touchdowns last year. He will have all five offensive linemen back from last season. Devon Brown will takeover at quarterback. Brown is 6’6”, 220 pounds.
Bishop Canevin Crusaders (2-7, 1-6, Missed Playoffs) – Darren Schoppe is in his 3rd year as head coach and has a record of 5-14. There is optimism this year as 15 starters returns (eight on offense and seven on defense). Amaan Bridgett rushed for 489 yards last season and Hason Woodson ran for 307 yards. The leading receiver is also back in Sean Fitzgerald, who caught 26 passes last year.
Northgate Flames (4-6, 2-5, Missed Playoffs) – After starting last year 1-4, the Flames finished 3-2 in their last five. Three of the losses were by a combined 10 points. Surron Adams will man the backfield after running for 384 yards and three touchdowns as a freshman. The top two receivers are back in Xavier Rowsey and Rodney Burrow. The Flames had the fourth-best defense in the conference at 26.1 points per game and their defense should be improved with many starters back from last year.
Chartiers-Houston Buccaneers (5-5, 4-3, Lost in First Round) – The Bucs made the playoffs despite having the worst offense in the conference at 15.1 points scored per game. The defense also allowed 30.1 points per game. A.J. Myers returns after catching 25 passes for 303 yards and six touchdowns last year. Spencer Terling led the Bucs in rushing with 468 yards and four touchdowns.
Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Chargers (1-8, 1-6, Missed Playoffs) – The Chargers started last season on a six game losing streak before defeating Bishop Canevin 42-21. The defense allowed a conference-worst 35.0 points per game and the offense scored a second-worst 15.9 points per game. Seven starters return on both offense and defense. John Truskowski returns after rushing for 386 yards last year. Nick Gamick is also back after 17 catches last year. The offensive and defensive lines should be a strength.
WPIAL CLASS A EASTERN CONFERENCE:
Clairton Bears (15-1, 8-0, Lost in PIAA Final) – The Bears had a great season last year in scoring a PIAA record 958 points. They scored at least 46 points in all games except the final one, where they lost to Bishop Guilfoyle 19-18. The defense was also quite good, allowing only 10.0 points per game. Lamont Wade returns for his junior season after rushing for 2765 yards, which is the all-time WPIAL rushing record. Wade also ran for 47 touchdowns and is rated as one of the best defensive backs in the nation. Aaron Matthews also returns after catching 44 passes for 773 yards and 18 touchdowns. Running back Harrison Dreher returns after being injured for five games, but still rushing for 837 yards and 18 touchdowns. Noah Hamlin also returns at wide receiver after averaging over 23 yards per catch.
Greensburg Central Catholic Centurions (5-5, 5-3, Lost in First Round) – The Centurions won four in a row after a 74-0 loss at home to Clartion, however they lost their last three games including a 48-3 loss to Neshannock in the first round. The team will shift to a spread offense as many players return from last season. Quarterback Tommy Pellis is in his third year as a starter after throwing for 725 yards last year. Running back Brian Pevarnik also returns after battling through injuires last year but still running for 616 yards and ten touchdowns. Alvin Ross transferred from Frazier after leading them with 1028 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns. The offensive and defensive lines return nearly all starters from last season.
Jeannette Jayhawks (9-2, 7-1, Lost in Quarterfinals) – The Jayhawks had the third-best offense in Single-A at 44.9 points per game. Second-leading rusher Kareem Hall returns after running for 594 yards and 13 touchdowns. Giovonne Sanders is likely to take over as a dual-threat quarterback after averaging 9.7 yards on 30 carries last season. Second-leading receiver, Swade Redman, also returns. Jeannette also returns eight letter winners on the offensive line.
Springdale Dynamos (6-4, 5-3, Lost in First Round) – The Dynamos won their last four regular season games to qualify for the playoffs, in which they lost to Shenango 35-7 in the first round. Seven starters return to the offense, including all five on the offensive line. Sammy Carey will take over at quarterback and will have the leading receiver back from last year in tight end Eric Lovic. Second-leading rusher, Joel Wunnenberg, also returns to the backfield. The Dynamos had the third-best defense in the conference at 21.6 points allowed per game.
Monessen Greyhounds (4-5, 4-4, Missed Playoffs) – Monessen missed the playoffs by one game after a week one 15-12 loss to Greensburg Central Catholic. After that, the Greyhounds won four in a row, only to lose the final four to miss out. They were forced to vacate those wins after using two players who were ineligible. Long-time basketball coach, Joe Salvino, now takes over the football program. Lavalle Rush will move to quarterback after catching 15 passes for over 300 yards last year. Leading-rusher, Demond Jordan, also returns.
Riverview Raiders (4-5, 3-5, Missed Playoffs) – The Raiders finished October with a 3-1 record in the month after a late-September 72-0 loss to Clairton. Jake Hanus will take over at quarterback after seeing some backup duty last year. Nasan Tibbens also returns as the third-leading rusher from last year at 10.1 yards per carry. The offensive line returns three starters from last season. The defense will need to be better after allowing 24.8 points per game.
Serra Catholic Eagles (1-8, 1-7, Missed Playoffs) – Serra Catholic began last season on an eight-game losing streak before beating Wilkinsburg 38-36. The defense was a big part of that as the unit allowed a conference-worst 48.9 points per game (an improvement over 54.2 in 2013). The Eagles return their dual-threat quarterback, Jason Cerniglia, after he threw for 1127 and ten touchdowns. Cerniglia also ran for 412 yards and four touchdowns. Leading-rusher, Jordan Pulkownik, had over 600 yards of total offense. They need to figure out how to play defense though.
Wilkinsburg Tigers (1-8, 1-7, Missed Playoffs) – After defeating Leechburg 24-14 in the opening game of the 2014 season, the Tigers went on to lose the final eight games. They had the worst offense in the conference at 13.3 points per game, as well as the second-worst defense at 43.3 points allowed per game. Wilkinsburg has not made the playoffs since 2001. The Tigers had only 15 players after several quit during an 86-0 loss to Clairton in week two. Xavier Reed led the team in receptions and receiving yards last year. Leading-rusher, Nigel Noel, also returns.
Leechburg Blue Devils (2-7, 2-6, Missed Playoffs) – The Blue Devils have not been to the playoffs since 1988 and graduated 13 seniors from last years team that had just 28 players. Leechburg had trouble on both side as the offense only averaged 15.4 points per game and the defense allowed 32.4. Quarterback J.B. Burtick returns after throwing for more than 550 yards last year.
WPIAL CLASS A BIG SEVEN CONFERENCE:
Neshannock Lancers (11-1, 7-0, Lost in Semifinals) – Neshannock had the second-highest scoring offense in Single-A at 47.0 points per game. Their only loss was a 48-42 wild shootout in the semifinals against Clairton. Duel-threat quarterback, Frank Antuono, returns after throwing for 1750 yards and 20 touchdowns while running for 483 yards and 12 touchdowns. Fourth-leading rusher, Robert Lindsey, is also back after 356 rushing yards, 243 receiving yards, and 12 touchdowns.
Riverside Panthers (6-5, 4-3, Lost in Quarterfinals) – The Panthers reached the playoffs for the first time since 2007. A move down in classification certainly helped them. Also helping was quarterback, Jason Dambach, who threw for 2058 yards and 16 touchdowns as a sophomore. Dambach’s top target, Ricky Wass, also returns after having 636 yards in receiving.
Shenango Wildcats (7-4, 6-1, Lost in Quarterfinals) – Shenango made the playoffs for the first time since 2006 and won a playoff game for the first time since 2002. The Wildcats return their top two scorers from last year in Tyler Root and Hunter Waskin. Root was the team’s leading rusher. Jason Wallace is also back after running for close to 600 yards last year. Evan Kendall also returns to the quarterback position. Shenango also returns seven defensive starters to a team that allowed: 33, 42, 49, and 68 points in losses.
South Side Beaver Rams (7-4, 5-2, Lost in Quarterfinals) – South Side Beaver made the playoffs for the first time 2009. Three of their four losses last season came against teams that made the semifinals. Big playmaker wide receiver, Cameron Smith, is back after 25 catches for 452 yards and 477 yards rushing (18 yards per carry). Robbie Heberle returns under center after throwing six touchdowns last year. Third-leading rusher, Quae Thompson, will take over at running back after 390 yards rushing last season. The Rams had the second-best defense in the conference at 20.2 points allowed per game.
Rochester Rams (3-6, 1-6, Missed Playoffs) – Rochester missed the playoffs for the second straight year after losing their first four games. Senior running back, Montrail Stroizer, returns after rushing for 1042 yards and 11 touchdowns. Christian Vreen also returns as quarterback. The two leading receivers are also back in DeSean Sherod and Brenden Johnson.
Vincentian Academy Royals (2-7, 2-5, Missed Playoffs) – A four game losing streak derailed the Royals’ playoff hopes in their first official season as a WPIAL member. Todd Hazlett will take over as head coach. Nick Barto returns after leading the Royals in rushing and added ten catches. David Fleming led the team in receiving last year and is listed as a WR and a QB this year. The defense must improve over last year as the Royals gave up an average of 32.4 points per game (second-worst in conference).
Union Scotties (1-8, 1-6, Missed Playoffs) – Union started off last season with a 26-22 win against Rochester. It was all downhill after that as they lost eight straight games to end the season. Jordan Best returns after leading the Scotties in rushing last season. He will be relied on to do a lot on the offensive side. Garrison Bell also returns after leading in receiving last year. Joe Gunn, a two-way starter for New Castle, transferred into Union and will play a major role. Union allowed a conference-worst 35.8 points per game.
Western Beaver Golden Beavers (2-7, 2-5, Missed Playoffs) – The Golden Beavers endured two separate three-game losing streaks and missed the playoffs after hopes were high going into last season. It won’t get any easier this season as they graduated most of their offensive contributors. Western Beaver had the fifth-worst offense in Single-A last year at 14.3 points per game. They do, however, return four starters to the offensive line. The defense allowed 30.3 points per game.
WPIAL CLASS A TRI-COUNTY SOUTH CONFERENCE:
Beth-Center Bulldogs (9-1, 8-0, Lost in First Round) – The Bulldogs had success on both sides of the ball last year as they had the best defense in Single-A at 8.8 points allowed per game and the fourth-best offense at 44.6 points per game. Their lost conference loss came in 2012 to Frazier. Anthony Welsh returns as one of the top running backs in Single-A, after rushing for over 2900 yards in the last two seasons. Trent Cunko also returns at quarterback after only attempting 34 passes last season.
Frazier Commodores (8-2, 7-1, Lost in First Round) – Frazier had success on both sides of the ball with an offense that averaged 33.4 points per game and a defense that allowed only 10.8 points per game. Their two losses came to Beth-Center (29-20) and South Side Beaver (26-12). Alvin Ross ran for over 1000 yards last season but has transferred to Greensburg Central Catholic. The offense will have to go through quarterback Hunter Patterson. He completed 52 of 95 passes for 983 yards and ran for 201 yards. Patterson accounted for 26 touchdowns. Lucas Klorczyk will take over for Ross after rushing 33 times for 190 yards.
Mapletown Maples (7-3, 6-2, Lost in First Round) – The Maples won their final five regular season games last season only to lose 34-0 to Avonworth in the opening round of playoffs. The defense was solid last year, allowing 15.9 points per game. Dylan Rush is back after rushing for 1016 yards last year as a freshman. His older brother, Matt, will move from tight end to fullback. Matt Hein also returns after gaining a good chunk of Mapletown’s yardage last year. The offensive line returns four starters from last years team.
Jefferson-Morgan Rockets (4-5, 4-4, Missed Playoffs) – The Rockets lost the tiebreaker for the final spot as they lost 26-7 to Avella. Their offense was a big problem at 14.6 points scored per game. There is optimism they will return to the playoffs as a number of skill players return. The top two leading rushers return in Trevor Kniha and Joe Headlee. Kniha had 412 yards rushing last year. Dennis Garrett will take over at quarterback. The top two leading receivers are also back in tight end, Jake Bissett, and Headlee.
Bentworth Bearcats (3-6, 3-5, Missed Playoffs) – The Bearcats finished one game out of a playoff despite having the second-worst defense in the conference at 34.3 points allowed per game. Josh Hughes is back at quarterback after completing 72 of 143 for 937 yards and eight touchdowns. Ethan Tush led the team last year with 280 yards rushing, while Felix Hernandez ran for 218 yards and also caught 15 passes. The second and third-leading receivers, Noah Peternel and Ty Mitchell, also return for their senior seasons.
Carmichaels Mighty Mikes (3-6, 3-5, Missed Playoffs) – Carmichaels also struggled on offense last year to the tune of scoring 12.0 points per game. The defense wasn’t great either, allowing 30.0 points per game. They also endured two separate three-game losing streaks. A few players are back on offense including: running back Shawn Dulaney, wide receiver Coty Allen, wide receiver Jake Barnish, and tight end Brody Blaker.
Avella Eagles (5-5, 4-4, Lost in First Round) – Avella has made the playoffs two years in a row after not making them in 37 years. The Eagles lost a lot of talent after 10 players graduated from a roster of 26. The leading receiver from last year, Luke Lloyd, will take over at quarterback after 25 receptions last season. Tyler Fraysier also returns after having 22 receptions and accounting for nearly 800 yards of offense.
California Trojans (1-9, 1-7, Missed Playoffs) – The Trojans struggled in their return to the Tri-County South with an offense that only scored 11.4 points per game. Darrin Dillow takes over as head coach. K.C. Zajicek returns after leading the team with nine touchdowns and playing multiple positions last year. Second-leading scorer, Tyler Rothfuss, returns at wide receiver. California gets to start the season with a non-conference matchup against Clairton.
West Greene Pioneers (1-8, 0-8, Missed Playoffs) – Rodney Huffman takes over as head coach at his alma mater. West Greene has won one or zero games in five of the past seven years. They had the worst offense and defense in the conference at 10.2 points scored and 34.8 points allowed. The Pioneers graduated eight seniors from a 23-man roster. Owen Main and Cole Hamilton both return after splitting time at quarterback last year. Tyler Baker caught 15 passes for 305 yards and two touchdowns last year.
WPIAL CLASS A BLACK HILLS CONFERENCE:
Avonworth Antelopes (11-2, 6-1, Lost in WPIAL Final) – The Antelopes made the WPIAL finals for the second time in school history (1959). Zach Chandler returns under center after breaking his leg in week three. Chandler had thrown for 742 yards before he was injured. Jamal Hughley also returns after rushing for 818 yards and catching 23 passes for 449 yards and 17 total touchdowns. Kevin Simpson also returns to the backfield after rushing for 463 yards on 95 carries. Senior wide receivers Cole Jenkins and Garrett Day also return to an offense that has the potential to be very potent. Avonworth also returns multiple starters to the offensive line.
Cardinal Wuerl North Catholic Trojans (11-1, 7-0, Lost in Semifinals) – Jason Gildon, former Pittsburgh Steeler, takes over coaching duties for Bob Ravenstahl. The Trojans have lost only one game in two seasons and that was in the WPIAL Semifinals to Avonworth (28-21). The Trojans had the fifth-best offense in Single A at 44.5 points per game, while the defense was fourth-best at 11.5 points allowed per game. CWNC lost two 1000-yard rushers, but that opens the door for Mario Latronica. Latronica rushed for 772 yards and average 10 yards per carry last season. Vashon Graham also returns after receiving 315 yards through the air.
Brentwood Spartans (6-4, 5-2, Lost in First Round) – Brentwood has made the playoffs the last seven seasons. They needed a four game winning streak in October of last year to extend that number. Pat Carr returns to the backfield after rushing for 1280 yards and catching 21 passes last season. Carr also led the team byt scoring 16 touchdowns. Wide receivers Dorian Bowie, Nick George, and Tayron Kyser also return.
Fort Cherry Rangers (3-6, 2-5, Missed Playoffs) – The Rangers missed the playoffs after three key losses by a combined eight points derailed their season. Fort Cherry should be back in the playoff discussion as a lot of players return. Nick Cook returns as one of the best running backs in the conference. Cook ran for 1041 yards and nine touchdowns last year. He will have all five offensive linemen back from last season. Devon Brown will takeover at quarterback. Brown is 6’6”, 220 pounds.
Bishop Canevin Crusaders (2-7, 1-6, Missed Playoffs) – Darren Schoppe is in his 3rd year as head coach and has a record of 5-14. There is optimism this year as 15 starters returns (eight on offense and seven on defense). Amaan Bridgett rushed for 489 yards last season and Hason Woodson ran for 307 yards. The leading receiver is also back in Sean Fitzgerald, who caught 26 passes last year.
Northgate Flames (4-6, 2-5, Missed Playoffs) – After starting last year 1-4, the Flames finished 3-2 in their last five. Three of the losses were by a combined 10 points. Surron Adams will man the backfield after running for 384 yards and three touchdowns as a freshman. The top two receivers are back in Xavier Rowsey and Rodney Burrow. The Flames had the fourth-best defense in the conference at 26.1 points per game and their defense should be improved with many starters back from last year.
Chartiers-Houston Buccaneers (5-5, 4-3, Lost in First Round) – The Bucs made the playoffs despite having the worst offense in the conference at 15.1 points scored per game. The defense also allowed 30.1 points per game. A.J. Myers returns after catching 25 passes for 303 yards and six touchdowns last year. Spencer Terling led the Bucs in rushing with 468 yards and four touchdowns.
Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Chargers (1-8, 1-6, Missed Playoffs) – The Chargers started last season on a six game losing streak before defeating Bishop Canevin 42-21. The defense allowed a conference-worst 35.0 points per game and the offense scored a second-worst 15.9 points per game. Seven starters return on both offense and defense. John Truskowski returns after rushing for 386 yards last year. Nick Gamick is also back after 17 catches last year. The offensive and defensive lines should be a strength.