(LHAC) Week 4 Preview
(LHAC) Week 4 Preview
Three games in the books, and we’re already down to just two unbeaten teams. As mentioned in the preseason, the LHAC is better than it’s been in quite some time and the records are certainly supporting this. With Bedford and McCort setting the tone, Week 4 looks to be just as exciting as those which have come before it. With so many quality teams in the conference and so many games yet to be played, it’s very possible this year’s conference champs could have a blemish or two on the record. Week 4 has it all; as we take a look at what I believe will be the game of the week and be an upset of sorts in the minds of others. To the breakdowns…
Bedford (3-0) @ Penn Cambria (0-3)
What better way to start than with a look at possibly the best team in the LHAC after three weeks of play – the Bedford Bisons.
As we all know by now, Bedford was ready for the challenge awaiting them in Week 3 and took a huge step towards the LHAC crown by handily defeating the Forest Hills Rangers (35-21) one week ago. Predicted by most to hang with the Rangers, the Bisons were not given much of a chance to actually beat FH. No matter what the “experts” here at LHSPORTS thought last week or think now, the Bisons are out to prove they can slam the door on anyone in the LHAC in ’04.
Standing in their way in Week 4 will be the winless Panthers of Penn Cambria. As if PC’s (0-3) wasn’t enough of a headache, they now must deal with containing a team which displays three or four of the finest athletes in the conference. The Panthers will need to overcome some serious hurdles if they hope to keep this game from getting embarrassing before the half – something they’ve only been able to do in 1 game thus far (Somerset).
While it’s obvious the Panthers will be on their heels all night long, here’s something to ponder. Of the 47 teams in district 6, the Panthers’ offense ranks dead last, having only scored 6 points through three games. And, just in case you were wondering, the Panthers’ defense sits firmly in the #45 spot, having yielded 116 points in those same three contests. Is it a safe bet to assume the Bisons will put up 39 or more points and the Panthers will put up 6 or less? Unfortunately, I believe so.
In looking over the stats for the Bisons in Week 3’s triumph over the Rangers, I noticed that Bedford was able to display another weapon in the arsenal. Fullback Mike Young cracked the Rangers defense for over 100 yards on less than 10 carries. To all other teams in the LHAC – take notice. The Bisons have displayed the services of many different kinds of players in their 3 victories, and who knows what they still have not shown…
While we’ve heard time and again how weak the Bisons line may be, you cannot deny something is clicking in the trenches right now. Troy Harris, Derrick Harris, John Marshall, Mike Young, Kyler Ford, Shane Fox… the list goes on and on with this talented group. These workhorses would not be getting free if the front seven were not contributing.
After Week 1, I felt Johnstown and Forest Hills were probably the teams to beat. After Week 2, there was no doubt in my mind it would be the Crushers. Now, after Week 3, all I can say is look out for the Bisons. This conference is stacked and most important – completely up for grabs!
Bedford will waste little time in chasing the PC fans out of their own stadium – completely dominating in all facets of the game. PC is young and taking their lumps and this usually leads to victories down the road. For the sake of the juniors and sophomores, I hope these learning experiences they gain in ’04 will provide some victories for them in ’05. As for Friday night, it will be yet another disappointment to the tune of a 30 – 45 point step in the wrong direction.
Bedford moves to (4-0) here… with the greatest of ease.
Bedford 50, Penn Cambria 6
Central (0-3) @ Forest Hills (2-1)
What is going on in Martinsburg? In Week 1, the Dragons lit up the scoreboard for 35 points in front of the home crowd… and lost the game. In Week 2, the Dragons were completely shut out on the road… and lost the game. In Week 3, the Dragons again displayed the fireworks – scoring 36 points in, you guessed it, another loss. It’s obvious that Central knows how to get into the endzone when they play a less than spectacular team, but everyone knows that defense will win you the games in the clutch. Unfortunately for the Dragons, they will only suit up against two more “less than spectacular” teams in the ’04 season.
Week 4 brings about an opponent that does not fall into this category. The Rangers were already a team to be reckoned with, now they will be an angry team to be reckoned with.
One week ago, the Rangers found themselves (once again) entering a game minus one of their standout players. Just when the Rangers' faithful thought they’d seen the end of the injury bug from ’03, Bed Maderia becomes hampered with an illness. While I don't place the entire loss on the absence of Maderia, I certainly feel it would have been a different game had he played. Regardless, the Rangers must now rebound from an uncharacteristic loss.
Many have chimed in with their thoughts on the Rangers’ problems from last week’s defeat – mainly focusing on the “quarterback controversy”. The Rangers are currently running a two-man rotation at the Q, with James Mehall and Travis Rearick each seeing plenty of playing time. While many have cited the differing approaches each brings to the field as being negative, maybe Coach Bailey sees the same situation in a different light. Having two entirely different types of players handling the ball can often confuse and frustrate opposing defenses. While it may not have worked last week in Bedford, expect to see much of the same rotation this week in Sidman. Things will be ironed out for the Rangers in the very near future and a share of the conference crown is certainly not out of the question for FH.
Whether it’s Mehall or Rearick in the lineup, expect big things from the Rangers’ offense here. The Central defense has shown they cannot keep anyone out of the endzone and the Forest Hills offensive line is just as good, if not the best, in the LHAC in ’04 (when Maderia is healthy). With or without Maderia, the Rangers front line will provide plenty of space and time for Mehall and Rearick to create in this match-up.
The Rangers will regain their composure and begin to cruise as they usually do as the season progresses. FH will pick up their first win in Section 1 here, and follow it up with another in Week 5 (Heights). Starting now, the Rangers will begin their run for the crown, which will have to run through CC, Westmont and McCort to materialize.
Can the Rangers pull it together and complete the run? Hey, this is Forest Hills we’re talking about…
Forest Hills has no problem christening the new stadium with a good old fashioned thumping of the Dragons in Week 4.
Forest Hills 43, Central 14
Johnstown (2-1) @ Richland (0-3)
Does the fact that LaRod Stephens ran for 250 yards and the Trojans still lost interest anyone? How about the fact that an (0-2) Westmont team was able to overcome LaRod with a speedster of their own? Like the rest of the LHAC, the results of last week’s game were par for the course in a conference which changes favorites on a daily basis.
Although the Trojans now find themselves in a place they definitely did not expect to be, I really feel their performance here in Week 4 will tell a lot about this team. With huge upcoming games in the very near future, the Trojans must evaluate what went wrong defensively and correct the mistakes right here, right now.
One major blow to the Trojans in last week’s demoralizing defeat was the lack of coverage provided in the Trojans’ secondary. The Hilltoppers were able to completely pick apart the J-Town perimeter, as Westmont's Q (Joe Ozbold) torched the Trojans for 250 yards and a score, taking advantage of a freshman corner (inserted into the lineup due to injury). The Trojans will have a tremendous opportunity to turn it up here, as Richland will absolutely take to the air with their wide-open offense.
Speaking of Richland, some serious defensive strategies will need to be installed for this Week 4 match-up, as the Rams rush defense was woeful one week ago against Bishop Carroll. Richland yielded nearly 250 yards rushing to one player, while giving up over 500 total yards to the BC offense before it was all said and done. While that one BC runner is certainly gifted (Paul Forcellini) he was running behind an offensive line which I feel is less talented than that of Johnstown. Oh yeah, the Trojans have that kid named LaRod too. Putting two and two together, things look to go from bad to worse for Richland. On numerous occasions I’ve mentioned that Richland is playing better than they have in the past, and although I still do believe this, I also feel that Weeks 3 & 4 will be games the Rams move on from in a hurry.
I see Richland giving the Trojans some troubles through the air, but this won’t last for even one quarter. Also, LaRod will go berserk here, possibly attaining a 300 yard game before he takes a seat on the bench. Johnstown has the most talented runner in the league and Richland (quite possibly) has the weakest rush defense in the league. 1 + 1 = horrible odds for Richland.
As I mentioned earlier – this game will be a measuring stick, for me anyway, as to how the Trojans will handle the loss to Westmont and move on. I look for J-Town to take out quite a bit of frustration and the only thing that will be able to stop them is the sinkholes in the Richland field.
Johnstown 55, Richland 18
Central Cambria (2-1) @ Cambria Heights (1-2)
Both CC and CH are coming off Week 3 victories after Week 2 defeats, as Heights outlasted Central (44-36), while the Devils slammed PC (49-0).
Central Cambria took to the air early and often in their blasting of PC, as senior Q Matt Mesaros threw for over 100 yards for the second straight week, this time connecting for two TD passes to senior Derek Natcher. Coming out firing also opened up the running game for the Devils and senior Ryan Krull, who finished the night with 120+ yards rushing and 3 TD’s on only 11 carries. CC’s Steve Makin and Corey Faish also hit paydirt, completing the rout of the Panthers.
As for Heights, an offensive barrage was the theme as the Highlanders put the finishing touches on their game with Central with just under 15 seconds remaining. A shift of senior Scott Lane from Q to running back seemed to be the difference and will likely keep him in this spot – a position he played all last season. Lane finished the night with 115 yards on 13 carries with 2 rushing TD’s. Lane also provided some fireworks by returning a kickoff 85 yards and scoring yet another TD on the receiving end of a Brian Ranck pass.
Although both teams were unstoppable one week ago on offense, only one will be able to achieve the same type of stats in this week’s match-up. Heights was very impressive against a very questionable Central defense (ranked 46th of 47 teams in district 6), however this week brings about a much different opponent. Central Cambria will waste little time exploiting the Cambria Heights defense – a unit that ranks dead last in district six, giving up an appalling 47 points per game (on average).
Look for CC to come out slinging the ball again, as they have a premier Q in Mesaros and some emerging possession receivers in Natcher, Wade Klezek and Luke Espe. The passing game will give way to the rushing attack as needed, as Krull will easily surpass the century mark, along with Makin and Faish racking up over 100 yards in their rushing duties.
Central Cambria is moving forward to a huge two game home-stand in Weeks 5 & 6 (Bedford & Forest Hills). A victory here against Heights and a much hyped second half of the season could be key for the Devils success in the conference and in the upcoming AA Playoffs.
The Devils leave little to chance here, as they throttle Heights on their own turf.
Central Cambria 56, Cambria Heights 6
Somerset (2-1) @ Westmont (1-2)
At (1-2), Westmont may be the most dangerous team in the LHAC right now. After successfully knocking Johnstown from their AAA perch, the Hilltoppers are… at the top of the hill. Sorry, it was too easy. After two weeks of letdowns (CC, Bedford) Westmont was finally able to seal the deal. What better way to earn their first win than taking down a larger, undefeated team in hostile territory. The Hilltoppers entered the game with J-Town winless, and sure enough, Johnstown was the latest in a string of teams to take Westmont lightly. It’s been said right here on LHSPORTS that Westmont is a team to be taken seriously and, although they may only win 4 games, they will challenge the best the conference has to offer and certainly make a run for the AA Playoffs.
In the Hilltoppers’ way in Week 4 – the once-beaten Somerset Golden Eagles. After flying out of the gate to begin the season, the Eagles were brought back down to Earth against a very skilled Bishop McCort squad. While some may claim Somerset was hampered by the rains, I believe it was the rains that kept Somerset within 24 points of the Crushers at the half.
Somerset will no doubt use this game to prove they were not given the fairest of chances one week ago, and I believe it will make for an interesting game with the Hilltoppers.
Obviously, the key match-up here will be who can contain who. Somerset’s Josh Simmons was contained last week, thanks in part to the Crushers and also the flooded field. Westmont’s Brad Kanuch was anything but contained last week, as he played a key role in pushing the Hilltoppers past the previously unbeaten Trojans (130 yards on 20 carries, 2 rushing TD’s, 1 receiving TD).
Westmont Q Joe Ozbold was also able to step to the forefront for the Hilltoppers, as he scorched the J-Town perimeter for 250 yards and a TD. If Westmont is able to continue on with the pass and run as they were against J-Town, this could be an even more exciting year in the LHAC.
In my opinion, Somerset is better this year than one year ago, however they have quite possibly the roughest schedule remaining in the conference from this point on (Westmont, J-Town, BC, CC, and Bedford). Somerset did well in posting the (2-0) start, but I believe Coach Fetzer has his work cut out for him over the rest of this season.
It’s not likely that anyone will question Westmont for the rest of the season, and you can guarantee Coach Fetzer will have his players in the best position possible to do well in this game. In my opinion, no amount of preparation will be enough to keep Kanuch contained in this game. Now that Westmont has seen the light, I really believe they can challenge and possibly win 4 of their remaining 6 games.
Somerset will be put to the test early here and I believe the Saturday afternoon set-up will add to the Hilltoppers advantage.
If the Eagles lose here, (which I believe they will) I look for them to only win 4 games at the very best in ’04. A victory here and I will change my opinion of the Eagles and their outlook for the remainder of the season.
Somerset’s promising start takes a backseat to Westmont’s breakthrough revelation, as the Hilltoppers finally realize they can compete and beat the big boys.
Westmont 27, Somerset 13
GAME OF THE WEEK
Bishop Carroll (2-1) @ Bishop McCort (3-0)
For the first time in the history of the game, Bishop Carroll will not be a heavy favorite to walk away with the win. As a matter of fact, many may look at this game as the exact opposite this season.
The Bishop Carroll Huskies entered the ’04 campaign as they have any other in the last few years – expecting to win the conference, the district and beyond. That course took a sudden detour after the Huskies were handled and then some by the Rangers of Forest Hills. Since the loss, the Huskies have played better in subsequent weeks, outscoring Cambria Heights in Week 2 because of skill and pummeling Richland in Week 3 because of talent. The two-week walk in the park for the Huskies ends now, as they face one of, if not the best teams in the LHAC in ’04.
That team, the Bishop McCort Crimson Crushers, has plenty at stake and plenty of payback on their minds after the thrashings BC has laid on them over the past few seasons.
As mentioned in previous weeks, Bishop McCort displays a very athletic and intelligent Q in lefthander Mike Sheridan. Sheridan has thrown for over 220 yards in just 21 attempts. Although these numbers may not seem outstanding, consider the fact that Sheridan has only thrown 5 incomplete passes on the season with zero interceptions. He’s also not had to throw all that often, as the multi-faceted Crushers’ offense rarely depends upon one feature. Along with Sheridan, the Crushers have counted on senior running backs Shawn Lewis and Josh Varga to do the damage in picking up the teams 3 wins. To date, Lewis has carried the ball for 429 yards on only 46 carries. Varga has been steady and dependable, picking up tough yardage when needed, as well as breaking out at the most opportune times. These three will no doubt play a large role in whether or not the Crushers can remain perfect through 4 weeks.
The Bishop Carroll Huskies, though seemingly outmanned in this contest, have a few game-breaking players of their own. Junior halfback Paul Forcellini has torn it up in the first three weeks, rushing for over 400 yards on less than 50 carries, including a 240 yard performance last week against Richland. Senior quarterback Joel Takacs has also played very well, rushing his way into the endzone on four occasions in the last two games.
While I feel BC is in the middle to upper tier of the conference in ’04, I definitely do not feel they are in the same area as McCort. I never like to look back to what was lost to graduation, but it’s obvious to me that only 2 or 3 players on the Huskies roster resemble what they had 1 year ago. Granted, last year was a very special year for the Huskies, but the fact remains – the Huskies will not be able to compete at the level we’ve become accustomed to.
With both teams displaying speed and skill, the winner here will likely be the team that’s able to control the line of scrimmage. It’s obvious to me that McCort has the advantage here. I believe Forcellini will be a factor, but how much of a factor will depend upon the McCort defense.
I’ve mentioned 5 or 6 teams throughout this post that can contend for the LHAC title in ’04. Plain and simple, McCort is one of these teams, Bishop Carroll is not. I believe the Huskies can win 5 games, but only 6 at the very most this season. At (6-3) the Huskies will still likely make the playoffs and do well because of the Laurel Highlands Conference. The Huskies face a tough task over the next three weeks, but will absolutely finish off the regular season on a high note, likely winning the final three games on the schedule.
McCort proves to be too much here, as the Crushers solidify their spot in the top of the conference by passing a mental test in picking up a solid win over the Huskies.
Bishop McCort 31, Bishop Carroll 7
Bedford (3-0) @ Penn Cambria (0-3)
What better way to start than with a look at possibly the best team in the LHAC after three weeks of play – the Bedford Bisons.
As we all know by now, Bedford was ready for the challenge awaiting them in Week 3 and took a huge step towards the LHAC crown by handily defeating the Forest Hills Rangers (35-21) one week ago. Predicted by most to hang with the Rangers, the Bisons were not given much of a chance to actually beat FH. No matter what the “experts” here at LHSPORTS thought last week or think now, the Bisons are out to prove they can slam the door on anyone in the LHAC in ’04.
Standing in their way in Week 4 will be the winless Panthers of Penn Cambria. As if PC’s (0-3) wasn’t enough of a headache, they now must deal with containing a team which displays three or four of the finest athletes in the conference. The Panthers will need to overcome some serious hurdles if they hope to keep this game from getting embarrassing before the half – something they’ve only been able to do in 1 game thus far (Somerset).
While it’s obvious the Panthers will be on their heels all night long, here’s something to ponder. Of the 47 teams in district 6, the Panthers’ offense ranks dead last, having only scored 6 points through three games. And, just in case you were wondering, the Panthers’ defense sits firmly in the #45 spot, having yielded 116 points in those same three contests. Is it a safe bet to assume the Bisons will put up 39 or more points and the Panthers will put up 6 or less? Unfortunately, I believe so.
In looking over the stats for the Bisons in Week 3’s triumph over the Rangers, I noticed that Bedford was able to display another weapon in the arsenal. Fullback Mike Young cracked the Rangers defense for over 100 yards on less than 10 carries. To all other teams in the LHAC – take notice. The Bisons have displayed the services of many different kinds of players in their 3 victories, and who knows what they still have not shown…
While we’ve heard time and again how weak the Bisons line may be, you cannot deny something is clicking in the trenches right now. Troy Harris, Derrick Harris, John Marshall, Mike Young, Kyler Ford, Shane Fox… the list goes on and on with this talented group. These workhorses would not be getting free if the front seven were not contributing.
After Week 1, I felt Johnstown and Forest Hills were probably the teams to beat. After Week 2, there was no doubt in my mind it would be the Crushers. Now, after Week 3, all I can say is look out for the Bisons. This conference is stacked and most important – completely up for grabs!
Bedford will waste little time in chasing the PC fans out of their own stadium – completely dominating in all facets of the game. PC is young and taking their lumps and this usually leads to victories down the road. For the sake of the juniors and sophomores, I hope these learning experiences they gain in ’04 will provide some victories for them in ’05. As for Friday night, it will be yet another disappointment to the tune of a 30 – 45 point step in the wrong direction.
Bedford moves to (4-0) here… with the greatest of ease.
Bedford 50, Penn Cambria 6
Central (0-3) @ Forest Hills (2-1)
What is going on in Martinsburg? In Week 1, the Dragons lit up the scoreboard for 35 points in front of the home crowd… and lost the game. In Week 2, the Dragons were completely shut out on the road… and lost the game. In Week 3, the Dragons again displayed the fireworks – scoring 36 points in, you guessed it, another loss. It’s obvious that Central knows how to get into the endzone when they play a less than spectacular team, but everyone knows that defense will win you the games in the clutch. Unfortunately for the Dragons, they will only suit up against two more “less than spectacular” teams in the ’04 season.
Week 4 brings about an opponent that does not fall into this category. The Rangers were already a team to be reckoned with, now they will be an angry team to be reckoned with.
One week ago, the Rangers found themselves (once again) entering a game minus one of their standout players. Just when the Rangers' faithful thought they’d seen the end of the injury bug from ’03, Bed Maderia becomes hampered with an illness. While I don't place the entire loss on the absence of Maderia, I certainly feel it would have been a different game had he played. Regardless, the Rangers must now rebound from an uncharacteristic loss.
Many have chimed in with their thoughts on the Rangers’ problems from last week’s defeat – mainly focusing on the “quarterback controversy”. The Rangers are currently running a two-man rotation at the Q, with James Mehall and Travis Rearick each seeing plenty of playing time. While many have cited the differing approaches each brings to the field as being negative, maybe Coach Bailey sees the same situation in a different light. Having two entirely different types of players handling the ball can often confuse and frustrate opposing defenses. While it may not have worked last week in Bedford, expect to see much of the same rotation this week in Sidman. Things will be ironed out for the Rangers in the very near future and a share of the conference crown is certainly not out of the question for FH.
Whether it’s Mehall or Rearick in the lineup, expect big things from the Rangers’ offense here. The Central defense has shown they cannot keep anyone out of the endzone and the Forest Hills offensive line is just as good, if not the best, in the LHAC in ’04 (when Maderia is healthy). With or without Maderia, the Rangers front line will provide plenty of space and time for Mehall and Rearick to create in this match-up.
The Rangers will regain their composure and begin to cruise as they usually do as the season progresses. FH will pick up their first win in Section 1 here, and follow it up with another in Week 5 (Heights). Starting now, the Rangers will begin their run for the crown, which will have to run through CC, Westmont and McCort to materialize.
Can the Rangers pull it together and complete the run? Hey, this is Forest Hills we’re talking about…
Forest Hills has no problem christening the new stadium with a good old fashioned thumping of the Dragons in Week 4.
Forest Hills 43, Central 14
Johnstown (2-1) @ Richland (0-3)
Does the fact that LaRod Stephens ran for 250 yards and the Trojans still lost interest anyone? How about the fact that an (0-2) Westmont team was able to overcome LaRod with a speedster of their own? Like the rest of the LHAC, the results of last week’s game were par for the course in a conference which changes favorites on a daily basis.
Although the Trojans now find themselves in a place they definitely did not expect to be, I really feel their performance here in Week 4 will tell a lot about this team. With huge upcoming games in the very near future, the Trojans must evaluate what went wrong defensively and correct the mistakes right here, right now.
One major blow to the Trojans in last week’s demoralizing defeat was the lack of coverage provided in the Trojans’ secondary. The Hilltoppers were able to completely pick apart the J-Town perimeter, as Westmont's Q (Joe Ozbold) torched the Trojans for 250 yards and a score, taking advantage of a freshman corner (inserted into the lineup due to injury). The Trojans will have a tremendous opportunity to turn it up here, as Richland will absolutely take to the air with their wide-open offense.
Speaking of Richland, some serious defensive strategies will need to be installed for this Week 4 match-up, as the Rams rush defense was woeful one week ago against Bishop Carroll. Richland yielded nearly 250 yards rushing to one player, while giving up over 500 total yards to the BC offense before it was all said and done. While that one BC runner is certainly gifted (Paul Forcellini) he was running behind an offensive line which I feel is less talented than that of Johnstown. Oh yeah, the Trojans have that kid named LaRod too. Putting two and two together, things look to go from bad to worse for Richland. On numerous occasions I’ve mentioned that Richland is playing better than they have in the past, and although I still do believe this, I also feel that Weeks 3 & 4 will be games the Rams move on from in a hurry.
I see Richland giving the Trojans some troubles through the air, but this won’t last for even one quarter. Also, LaRod will go berserk here, possibly attaining a 300 yard game before he takes a seat on the bench. Johnstown has the most talented runner in the league and Richland (quite possibly) has the weakest rush defense in the league. 1 + 1 = horrible odds for Richland.
As I mentioned earlier – this game will be a measuring stick, for me anyway, as to how the Trojans will handle the loss to Westmont and move on. I look for J-Town to take out quite a bit of frustration and the only thing that will be able to stop them is the sinkholes in the Richland field.
Johnstown 55, Richland 18
Central Cambria (2-1) @ Cambria Heights (1-2)
Both CC and CH are coming off Week 3 victories after Week 2 defeats, as Heights outlasted Central (44-36), while the Devils slammed PC (49-0).
Central Cambria took to the air early and often in their blasting of PC, as senior Q Matt Mesaros threw for over 100 yards for the second straight week, this time connecting for two TD passes to senior Derek Natcher. Coming out firing also opened up the running game for the Devils and senior Ryan Krull, who finished the night with 120+ yards rushing and 3 TD’s on only 11 carries. CC’s Steve Makin and Corey Faish also hit paydirt, completing the rout of the Panthers.
As for Heights, an offensive barrage was the theme as the Highlanders put the finishing touches on their game with Central with just under 15 seconds remaining. A shift of senior Scott Lane from Q to running back seemed to be the difference and will likely keep him in this spot – a position he played all last season. Lane finished the night with 115 yards on 13 carries with 2 rushing TD’s. Lane also provided some fireworks by returning a kickoff 85 yards and scoring yet another TD on the receiving end of a Brian Ranck pass.
Although both teams were unstoppable one week ago on offense, only one will be able to achieve the same type of stats in this week’s match-up. Heights was very impressive against a very questionable Central defense (ranked 46th of 47 teams in district 6), however this week brings about a much different opponent. Central Cambria will waste little time exploiting the Cambria Heights defense – a unit that ranks dead last in district six, giving up an appalling 47 points per game (on average).
Look for CC to come out slinging the ball again, as they have a premier Q in Mesaros and some emerging possession receivers in Natcher, Wade Klezek and Luke Espe. The passing game will give way to the rushing attack as needed, as Krull will easily surpass the century mark, along with Makin and Faish racking up over 100 yards in their rushing duties.
Central Cambria is moving forward to a huge two game home-stand in Weeks 5 & 6 (Bedford & Forest Hills). A victory here against Heights and a much hyped second half of the season could be key for the Devils success in the conference and in the upcoming AA Playoffs.
The Devils leave little to chance here, as they throttle Heights on their own turf.
Central Cambria 56, Cambria Heights 6
Somerset (2-1) @ Westmont (1-2)
At (1-2), Westmont may be the most dangerous team in the LHAC right now. After successfully knocking Johnstown from their AAA perch, the Hilltoppers are… at the top of the hill. Sorry, it was too easy. After two weeks of letdowns (CC, Bedford) Westmont was finally able to seal the deal. What better way to earn their first win than taking down a larger, undefeated team in hostile territory. The Hilltoppers entered the game with J-Town winless, and sure enough, Johnstown was the latest in a string of teams to take Westmont lightly. It’s been said right here on LHSPORTS that Westmont is a team to be taken seriously and, although they may only win 4 games, they will challenge the best the conference has to offer and certainly make a run for the AA Playoffs.
In the Hilltoppers’ way in Week 4 – the once-beaten Somerset Golden Eagles. After flying out of the gate to begin the season, the Eagles were brought back down to Earth against a very skilled Bishop McCort squad. While some may claim Somerset was hampered by the rains, I believe it was the rains that kept Somerset within 24 points of the Crushers at the half.
Somerset will no doubt use this game to prove they were not given the fairest of chances one week ago, and I believe it will make for an interesting game with the Hilltoppers.
Obviously, the key match-up here will be who can contain who. Somerset’s Josh Simmons was contained last week, thanks in part to the Crushers and also the flooded field. Westmont’s Brad Kanuch was anything but contained last week, as he played a key role in pushing the Hilltoppers past the previously unbeaten Trojans (130 yards on 20 carries, 2 rushing TD’s, 1 receiving TD).
Westmont Q Joe Ozbold was also able to step to the forefront for the Hilltoppers, as he scorched the J-Town perimeter for 250 yards and a TD. If Westmont is able to continue on with the pass and run as they were against J-Town, this could be an even more exciting year in the LHAC.
In my opinion, Somerset is better this year than one year ago, however they have quite possibly the roughest schedule remaining in the conference from this point on (Westmont, J-Town, BC, CC, and Bedford). Somerset did well in posting the (2-0) start, but I believe Coach Fetzer has his work cut out for him over the rest of this season.
It’s not likely that anyone will question Westmont for the rest of the season, and you can guarantee Coach Fetzer will have his players in the best position possible to do well in this game. In my opinion, no amount of preparation will be enough to keep Kanuch contained in this game. Now that Westmont has seen the light, I really believe they can challenge and possibly win 4 of their remaining 6 games.
Somerset will be put to the test early here and I believe the Saturday afternoon set-up will add to the Hilltoppers advantage.
If the Eagles lose here, (which I believe they will) I look for them to only win 4 games at the very best in ’04. A victory here and I will change my opinion of the Eagles and their outlook for the remainder of the season.
Somerset’s promising start takes a backseat to Westmont’s breakthrough revelation, as the Hilltoppers finally realize they can compete and beat the big boys.
Westmont 27, Somerset 13
GAME OF THE WEEK
Bishop Carroll (2-1) @ Bishop McCort (3-0)
For the first time in the history of the game, Bishop Carroll will not be a heavy favorite to walk away with the win. As a matter of fact, many may look at this game as the exact opposite this season.
The Bishop Carroll Huskies entered the ’04 campaign as they have any other in the last few years – expecting to win the conference, the district and beyond. That course took a sudden detour after the Huskies were handled and then some by the Rangers of Forest Hills. Since the loss, the Huskies have played better in subsequent weeks, outscoring Cambria Heights in Week 2 because of skill and pummeling Richland in Week 3 because of talent. The two-week walk in the park for the Huskies ends now, as they face one of, if not the best teams in the LHAC in ’04.
That team, the Bishop McCort Crimson Crushers, has plenty at stake and plenty of payback on their minds after the thrashings BC has laid on them over the past few seasons.
As mentioned in previous weeks, Bishop McCort displays a very athletic and intelligent Q in lefthander Mike Sheridan. Sheridan has thrown for over 220 yards in just 21 attempts. Although these numbers may not seem outstanding, consider the fact that Sheridan has only thrown 5 incomplete passes on the season with zero interceptions. He’s also not had to throw all that often, as the multi-faceted Crushers’ offense rarely depends upon one feature. Along with Sheridan, the Crushers have counted on senior running backs Shawn Lewis and Josh Varga to do the damage in picking up the teams 3 wins. To date, Lewis has carried the ball for 429 yards on only 46 carries. Varga has been steady and dependable, picking up tough yardage when needed, as well as breaking out at the most opportune times. These three will no doubt play a large role in whether or not the Crushers can remain perfect through 4 weeks.
The Bishop Carroll Huskies, though seemingly outmanned in this contest, have a few game-breaking players of their own. Junior halfback Paul Forcellini has torn it up in the first three weeks, rushing for over 400 yards on less than 50 carries, including a 240 yard performance last week against Richland. Senior quarterback Joel Takacs has also played very well, rushing his way into the endzone on four occasions in the last two games.
While I feel BC is in the middle to upper tier of the conference in ’04, I definitely do not feel they are in the same area as McCort. I never like to look back to what was lost to graduation, but it’s obvious to me that only 2 or 3 players on the Huskies roster resemble what they had 1 year ago. Granted, last year was a very special year for the Huskies, but the fact remains – the Huskies will not be able to compete at the level we’ve become accustomed to.
With both teams displaying speed and skill, the winner here will likely be the team that’s able to control the line of scrimmage. It’s obvious to me that McCort has the advantage here. I believe Forcellini will be a factor, but how much of a factor will depend upon the McCort defense.
I’ve mentioned 5 or 6 teams throughout this post that can contend for the LHAC title in ’04. Plain and simple, McCort is one of these teams, Bishop Carroll is not. I believe the Huskies can win 5 games, but only 6 at the very most this season. At (6-3) the Huskies will still likely make the playoffs and do well because of the Laurel Highlands Conference. The Huskies face a tough task over the next three weeks, but will absolutely finish off the regular season on a high note, likely winning the final three games on the schedule.
McCort proves to be too much here, as the Crushers solidify their spot in the top of the conference by passing a mental test in picking up a solid win over the Huskies.
Bishop McCort 31, Bishop Carroll 7
Re: (LHAC) Week 4 Preview
At the bedford game last week i was talking to a few forest hills fans and they said all we have is troy harris, i told this fella that derrick was just as good of an athlete and he agreed. I then told him we have a solid back that wont turn your head all the time due to the harris' brothers and he said that Young couldn't run the football. I will admit i didnt think the Bison line wasnt going to be very good this year but they have shown they worked hard in camp and thus far this season to clear some holes for Young. None the less Mike Young is running the ball well and when they call his number he is going to hit the hole and get some yards. Congrats to the Bison Linemen for clearing the way to what appears to be a season the Stampede will be able to cheer about.
And to my Stampede guys......playoffs come...off come ALL your shirts
And to my Stampede guys......playoffs come...off come ALL your shirts
I EAT A LOT
I dont no about anyone else but I think us at bedford have more then just Troy Harris.. Derrick as you said is just as good and mike young has stepped it up. but dont forget about john marshall and fox.. and dont forget about Jesse F. the line has stepped it up since last year also.. they have provided the QB's with time to throw the ball and had made running lanes for the ball carries
Footballll!!!!!!!!
Re: (LHAC) Week 4 Preview
the biggest test for the bison will be in a couple weeks with MCCort and CC coming up.
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Lefteyelouie
- Official BleacherCoach
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Re: (LHAC) Week 4 Preview
I agree! Bedford has someone new stepping up and making plays every week so far. We are also starting to see the physical play Bedford used to be noted for, that was absent for the last few years. Great job guys keep it up!!!
Re: (LHAC) Week 4 Preview
personally i think their qb has just grown some cahones and is staying in the pocket a little better. I remember many times last year he took off running the minute he sensed any little bit of pressure, many times he had time to get a good throw off but he just didn't want to take the hit.
i also need to give some credit to fox...i haven't heard any complaints of penalties from the wide out. Last year we all thought he was actually trying to block in the back, maybe he wisened up this year :lol:
i also need to give some credit to fox...i haven't heard any complaints of penalties from the wide out. Last year we all thought he was actually trying to block in the back, maybe he wisened up this year :lol:
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Lefteyelouie
- Official BleacherCoach
- Posts: 1828
- Joined: September 14th, 2004, 3:56 pm
- Location: Bedford
Re: (LHAC) Week 4 Preview
I don't know about that Bison1. I was at quite a few games and he didn't have tons of time back there. But Im sure there were a few times he left a little early. I guess a year of experience really helps. But I wouldn't question his willingness to take a hit. Afterall isn't that what running quarterbacks do. Troy was one of the players on last years team that impressed me with his toughness. Especially in the opening game against BC. I saw alot of guys wanting out of that game but Troy played tough and physical.
Re: (LHAC) Week 4 Preview
I'll give him that...MOST OF THE TIME he doesn't mind taking a hit.
but believe me (and this is the case with many young quarterbacks) if he got hit hard early in the game last year he was pulling out early and wasn't willing to stay in the pocket for more than 1-1.5 seconds before he was scrambling. luckily he had exceptional speed and great feet so he was able to scramble and still get yards.
I haven't gotten to see him play this year...troy are you still known for your "speed turns" as swaim called them last year?
personally, and nothing against troy...just ask him and he'll agree with me, but i think one of the biggest defensive changes they made this year was moving troy to d-end from safety. It saves his legs a little bit while giving us a speedy outside contain.
...not to mention it keeps them from getting burnt deep every game :lol: :lol:
but believe me (and this is the case with many young quarterbacks) if he got hit hard early in the game last year he was pulling out early and wasn't willing to stay in the pocket for more than 1-1.5 seconds before he was scrambling. luckily he had exceptional speed and great feet so he was able to scramble and still get yards.
I haven't gotten to see him play this year...troy are you still known for your "speed turns" as swaim called them last year?
personally, and nothing against troy...just ask him and he'll agree with me, but i think one of the biggest defensive changes they made this year was moving troy to d-end from safety. It saves his legs a little bit while giving us a speedy outside contain.
...not to mention it keeps them from getting burnt deep every game :lol: :lol:
Re: (LHAC) Week 4 Preview
i def. agree on that move bison1....i was tired of watching him play DB...but it made up for it when he played QB, and as bison1 said i have nothing against him hes a good guy and all but the move was for the better
I EAT A LOT