The 2012-13 Pennsylvania Sports Writers All-State Boys Basketball teams, including each player’s school, height, class and scoring average.
CLASS AAAA
FIRST TEAM
Shawn Anderson, New Castle, 6-3, sr., 20.2 ppg
Rondae Jefferson, Chester, 6-7, sr., 15.5 ppg
B.J. Johnson, Lower Merion, 6-7, sr., 16.5 ppg
Jahad Thomas, Williamsport, 6-2, sr., 18.0 ppg
Geno Thorpe, Shaler, 6-3, sr., 26.3 ppg
Stephen Vasturia, St. Joseph’s Prep, 6-5, sr., 20.5 ppg
SECOND TEAM
Yohanny Dalembert, Lower Merion, 6-7, sr., 10.8 ppg
Shep Garner, Roman Catholic, 6-2, jr., 15.7 ppg
Miles Overton, St. Joseph’s Prep, 6-4, sr., 15.7 ppg
Cole Renninger, Central Mountain, sr., 27.2 ppg
Darius Robinson, Chester, 6-1, sr., 11.8 ppg
Isaiah Washington, Williamsport, 6-4, jr., 15.9 ppg
Sheldon Zablotny, Cathedral Prep, 6-0, sr., 19.1 ppg
THIRD TEAM
Sal Biasi, Hazleton, 5-11, jr., 26.8 ppg
Richard Granberry, Chester, 6-7, sr., 12.3 ppg
Ryan Luther, Hampton, 6-7, jr., 21.1 ppg
Tavon Parker, York, 6-3, sr., 20.4 ppg
Devonne Pinkard, J.P. McCaskey, 6-6, sr., 18.1 ppg
Jahaad Proctor, Harrisburg, 6-2, so, 13.5 ppg
Amar Stukes, La Salle College, 6-1, sr., 19.6 ppg
PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Rondae Jefferson, Chester
COACH OF THE YEAR: Gregg Downer, Lower Merion
CLASS AAA
FIRST TEAM
Muhammad Ali Abdur-Rahkman, Allentown Central Catholic, 6-4, jr., 21.2 ppg
Brandon Austin, Imhotep Charter, 6-7, sr.,, 17.0 ppg
John Davis, Neumann-Goretti, 6-5, sr., 13.4 ppg
Ja’Quan Newton, Neumann-Goretti, 6-3, jr., 18.4 ppg
J.C. Show, Abington Heights, 6-2, jr., 19.0 ppg
Devin Wilson, Montour, 6-4, sr., 16.9 ppg
SECOND TEAM
Jason Dietrich, Donegal, 6-3, sr., 15.3 ppg
Martin Dietrich, Donegal, 6-3, sr., 15.4 ppg
Nana Foulland, Berks Catholic, 6-9, jr., 14.0 ppg
Derrick Jones, Archbishop Carroll, 6-6, so, 14.1 ppg
Jaymon Mason, General McLane, 6-3, sr., 26.8 ppg
Khalid Nwandu, Northeastern, 6-2, sr., 20.6 ppg
Yosef Yacob, Archbishop Carroll, 6-0, sr., 13.0 ppg
THIRD TEAM
Spencer Casson, Chartiers Valley, 6-6, sr., 11.4 ppg
Matt Husek, Bethlehem Catholic, 6-11, sr., 16.0 ppg
Matt Knowles, Scranton Prep, 6-1, sr., 14.6 ppg
Phillip Madison, Greater Johnstown, 5-9, sr., 20.3 ppg
Basil Thompson, Imhotep Charter, 6-6, jr., 9.7 ppg
Ernie Tyler, Shikellamy, 6-3, sr., 13.2 ppg
PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Brandon Austin, Imhotep Charter
COACH OF THE YEAR: Ryan Butt, Donegal
CLASS AA
FIRST TEAM
Drew Cook, Beaver Falls, 6-2, sr., 15.9 ppg
Elijah Cottrill, Beaver Falls, 6-3, jr., 16.4 ppg
Matthew Dogan, West Middlesex, 6-6, sr., 25.7 ppg
Josh Kosin, Holy Cross, 6-7, sr., 19.6 ppg
A.J. Leahey, Penn Cambria, 6-7, sr., 20.8 ppg
Roger Wilson, Loyalsock, 6-5, sr., 15.0 ppg
SECOND TEAM
Dominick Antonelli, Trinity, 6-2, jr., 13.2 ppg
Noah Davis, Bellwood-Antis, 6-6, sr., 22.1 ppg
David Johnson, Communications Tech, 5-11, sr., 17.8 ppg
Julian Moore, Germantown Academy, 6-9, sr., 14.5 ppg
Rasheed Moore, Meyers, 6-6, sr., 16.5 ppg
Brett Smith, Delone Catholic, 5-10, sr., 13.9 ppg
Nemo Trexler, Bishop McCort, 6-4, jr., 18.8 ppg
THIRD TEAM
Travis Conrad, Lewisburg, 5-10, sr., 15.0 ppg
Kyle Datres, Loyalsock, 5-10, soph., 9.9 ppg
Jahyde Gardiner, Freire Charter, 6-5, jr., 18.2 ppg
Jordan Jackson, Wellsboro, 5-11, sr., 14.0 ppg
Nick Lorenz, East Juniata, 6-1, jr., 21.0 ppg
Ronnie Tomasetti, Mid Valley, 6-4, sr., 13.3 ppg
Josh Wise, Washington, 6-2, sr., 21.9 ppg
PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Josh Kosin, Holy Cross
COACH OF THE YEAR: Doug Biega, Beaver Falls
CLASS A
FIRST TEAM
Sammy Foreman, Vaux, 6-0, so, 12.2 ppg
Ryan Fyock, Shade, 6-1, sr., 25.2 ppg
Rysheed Jordan, Vaux, 6-4, sr., 24.8 ppg
Elijah Minnie, Lincoln Park, 6-9, jr., 20.1 ppg
Cole Peterson, Johnsonburg, 5-10, jr., 15.6 ppg
Jeremiah Worthem, Math, Civics & Sciences, 6-7, sr., 15.7 ppg
SECOND TEAM
Aondofa Anyam, Church Farm, 5-10, jr., 12.2 ppg
Dalton Cesarz, Blacklick Valley, 6-1, sr., 25.7 ppg
Alize Johnson, St. John Neumann, 6-5, jr., 18.0 ppg
Britton Lee, Math, Civics & Sciences, 5-11, sr., 10.0 ppg
Maverick Rowan, Lincoln Park, 6-5, fr, 23.5 ppg
Danny Savulchak, North Catholic, 6-4, sr., 20.5 ppg
Wade Walker, Shade, 6-5, sr., 18.0 ppg
THIRD TEAM
Cameron Grumley, Johnsonburg, 5-9, jr., 15.5 ppg
Brandon Martinazzi, Bishop Carroll, 5-9, soph., 17.8 ppg
Timmy Orr, Lebanon Catholic, 6-2, sr., 17.4 ppg
Zach Smith, Smethport, 6-4, sr., 22.3 ppg
Dache Talbert, Sankofa Freedom, 5-8 sr., 15.5 ppg
Shafeek Taylor, Math, Civics & Sciences, 6-4, sr., 8.3 ppg
Ryan Wolf, Vincentian, 5-9, so, 21.3 ppg
PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Rysheed Jordan, Vaux
COACH OF THE YEAR: Bill Shuey, Johnsonburg
Showing posts with label Blacklick Valley. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Blacklick Valley. Show all posts
Wednesday, April 3, 2013
Monday, March 25, 2013
The North girls' All-Stars
All-Star basketball teams often feature a collection of scorers, nothing but a group of shooting guards and small forwards that look to shoot the basketball with incredible frequency. It can often lead to boring basketball.
The group comprising the North girls' roster for Saturday's AmeriServ Senior Hoops Classic, which tips off at 1 p.m. at the Pitt-Johnstown Sports Center, is much more than a collection of offensive standouts. It resembles an actual basketball team.
Sure, the North features some of the area's premier scorers, but there are players who rebounded, ran the point and dug down defensively. Another positive for Portage coach Lance Hudak, who guided the Mustangs to one of its best seasons and will lead the North roster, is every player came from a playoff team. Several of those players came from teams that accomplished more than expected in the postseason.
Coach: Lance Hudak, Portage
The Mustangs finished 22-4 and won their first WestPAC championship with a hard-fought overtime victory against Berlin. Portage was the District 6 Class A runner-up and qualified for the PIAA playoffs.
Players (in alphabetical order)
Katie Bracken, Central Cambria
Red Devils' post presence averaged 8.8 points and a team-best 9.1 rebounds.
Jamie Cekada, Conemaugh Valley
Blue Jays point guard did a little bit of everything as she averaged 7.1 points, 4.9 assists, 5.4 rebounds and 2.8 steals.
Casey Gallaher, Forest Hills
Gallaher aggravated an injury in the final game of the season and won't be able to play but plans to attend game. She scored 1,500 career points.
Lexi Hody, Conemaugh Valley
Ranked second on team with 10.1 scoring average.
Taylor King-Brothers, Central Cambria
King-Brothers recently signed with St. Francis track, but she's also a basketball standout who averaged 8.8 points and 3.2 steals.
Paige Lamberson, Westmont Hilltop
Three-point shooting specialist averaged 11.9 points and made 65 3-pointers.
Heather Marsh, Blacklick Valley
Stat-sheet filler averaged 11.0 rebounds and team-high 11.1 rebounds.
Emily McCabe, Portage
Key role player for Mustangs averaged 4.9 points and 4.2 rebounds.
Bri Mulhern, Penn Cambria
Another sharpshooter, Mulhern averaged 11.7 points and made 47 3-pointers.
Candice Ramus, Portage
One of the area's premier shooters in rifle, Ramus was a rare multi-sport winter sports athlete.
Erin Rodgers, Westmont Hilltop
One of area's most complete players averaged 16.7 points, 4.8 rebounds, 4.1 assists and 4.0 steals.
Marlee Zubek, Forest Hills
Key figure for District 6 Class AAA champs averaged 8.3 points, 3.4 rebounds and 3.1 assists while leading team with 30 3-pointers.
The group comprising the North girls' roster for Saturday's AmeriServ Senior Hoops Classic, which tips off at 1 p.m. at the Pitt-Johnstown Sports Center, is much more than a collection of offensive standouts. It resembles an actual basketball team.
Sure, the North features some of the area's premier scorers, but there are players who rebounded, ran the point and dug down defensively. Another positive for Portage coach Lance Hudak, who guided the Mustangs to one of its best seasons and will lead the North roster, is every player came from a playoff team. Several of those players came from teams that accomplished more than expected in the postseason.
Coach: Lance Hudak, Portage
The Mustangs finished 22-4 and won their first WestPAC championship with a hard-fought overtime victory against Berlin. Portage was the District 6 Class A runner-up and qualified for the PIAA playoffs.
Players (in alphabetical order)
Katie Bracken, Central Cambria
Red Devils' post presence averaged 8.8 points and a team-best 9.1 rebounds.
Jamie Cekada, Conemaugh Valley
Blue Jays point guard did a little bit of everything as she averaged 7.1 points, 4.9 assists, 5.4 rebounds and 2.8 steals.
Casey Gallaher, Forest Hills
Gallaher aggravated an injury in the final game of the season and won't be able to play but plans to attend game. She scored 1,500 career points.
Lexi Hody, Conemaugh Valley
Ranked second on team with 10.1 scoring average.
Taylor King-Brothers, Central Cambria
King-Brothers recently signed with St. Francis track, but she's also a basketball standout who averaged 8.8 points and 3.2 steals.
Paige Lamberson, Westmont Hilltop
Three-point shooting specialist averaged 11.9 points and made 65 3-pointers.
Heather Marsh, Blacklick Valley
Stat-sheet filler averaged 11.0 rebounds and team-high 11.1 rebounds.
Emily McCabe, Portage
Key role player for Mustangs averaged 4.9 points and 4.2 rebounds.
Bri Mulhern, Penn Cambria
Another sharpshooter, Mulhern averaged 11.7 points and made 47 3-pointers.
Candice Ramus, Portage
One of the area's premier shooters in rifle, Ramus was a rare multi-sport winter sports athlete.
Erin Rodgers, Westmont Hilltop
One of area's most complete players averaged 16.7 points, 4.8 rebounds, 4.1 assists and 4.0 steals.
Marlee Zubek, Forest Hills
Key figure for District 6 Class AAA champs averaged 8.3 points, 3.4 rebounds and 3.1 assists while leading team with 30 3-pointers.
Wednesday, March 20, 2013
The North Boys' All-Stars
The AmeriServ Senior Hoops Showcase, which is hosted by The Tribune-Democrat, takes place March 30 with a girls' and boys' game beginning at 1 p.m. at the Pitt-Johnstown Sports Center.
What makes this event unique is that every player selected comes from a school inside The T-D coverage area.
And this year's showcase is shaping up to be a memorable one as the majority of the area's top players have confirmed their intentions to participate.
Over the next few days, rosters for the teams will be released - starting with the North Boys.
North
Coach: Dan Weber, Northern Cambria
Weber guided the Colts to four consecutive PIAA playoff appearances and the program's first two victories in the state playoffs since 1965. The Colts played in the District 6 Class AA championship game one year after winning the Class A crown.
Players (in alphabetical order)
Mack Behe, Penn Cambria
Two-time All-State linebacker averaged 8.6 points, 4.7 rebounds, 4.4 assists.
Josh Bonatesta, Northern Cambria
Future baseball player at Mt. Aloysius averaged 12.4 points.
Dalton Cesarz, Blacklick Valley
Leading rebounder in Vikings history averaged 25.7 points, 12.1 rebounds, 3.0 steals, 2.6 blocks.
Roshon Fields, Greater Johnstown
Averaged 11.1 points, double-digit rebounds.
A.J. Leahey, Penn Cambria
UPJ signee averaged 20.8 points, 12.0 rebounds, 3.2 assists for District 6 Class AA champs.
Phillip Madison, Greater Johnstown
Averaged 20.3 points, topped 1,000 career points during postseason.
Adam Polites, Northern Cambria
Averaged 20.1 points, topped 1,000 career points.
Scott Ranck, Bishop Carroll
Huskies' on-floor leader averaged 13.8 points, 5.4 rebounds, 2.5 steals.
Nick Roberts, Conemaugh Valley
Averaged 16.2 points, 13.1 rebounds, 2.1 blocks, 2.0 steals.
Johnny Sheesley, Blacklick Valley
PA High School Heisman winner topped 1,000 career points, averaged 17.7 points, 3.0 steals.
Isaac Vescovi, Cambria Heights
One of four people in family to score 1,000 points at CH, Vescovi averaged 21.9 points, 6.7 rebounds, 1.8 blocks.
Mike Vliet, Westmont Hilltop
Averaged 16.1 points, 5.4 rebounds.
What makes this event unique is that every player selected comes from a school inside The T-D coverage area.
And this year's showcase is shaping up to be a memorable one as the majority of the area's top players have confirmed their intentions to participate.
Over the next few days, rosters for the teams will be released - starting with the North Boys.
North
Coach: Dan Weber, Northern Cambria
Weber guided the Colts to four consecutive PIAA playoff appearances and the program's first two victories in the state playoffs since 1965. The Colts played in the District 6 Class AA championship game one year after winning the Class A crown.
Players (in alphabetical order)
Mack Behe, Penn Cambria
Two-time All-State linebacker averaged 8.6 points, 4.7 rebounds, 4.4 assists.
Josh Bonatesta, Northern Cambria
Future baseball player at Mt. Aloysius averaged 12.4 points.
Dalton Cesarz, Blacklick Valley
Leading rebounder in Vikings history averaged 25.7 points, 12.1 rebounds, 3.0 steals, 2.6 blocks.
Roshon Fields, Greater Johnstown
Averaged 11.1 points, double-digit rebounds.
A.J. Leahey, Penn Cambria
UPJ signee averaged 20.8 points, 12.0 rebounds, 3.2 assists for District 6 Class AA champs.
Phillip Madison, Greater Johnstown
Averaged 20.3 points, topped 1,000 career points during postseason.
Adam Polites, Northern Cambria
Averaged 20.1 points, topped 1,000 career points.
Scott Ranck, Bishop Carroll
Huskies' on-floor leader averaged 13.8 points, 5.4 rebounds, 2.5 steals.
Nick Roberts, Conemaugh Valley
Averaged 16.2 points, 13.1 rebounds, 2.1 blocks, 2.0 steals.
Johnny Sheesley, Blacklick Valley
PA High School Heisman winner topped 1,000 career points, averaged 17.7 points, 3.0 steals.
Isaac Vescovi, Cambria Heights
One of four people in family to score 1,000 points at CH, Vescovi averaged 21.9 points, 6.7 rebounds, 1.8 blocks.
Mike Vliet, Westmont Hilltop
Averaged 16.1 points, 5.4 rebounds.
Sunday, February 17, 2013
District 6 girls' Class A preview
Top seeds: 1. Bishop Guilfoyle (21-2), 2. Portage (20-2), 3. Claysburg-Kimmel (16-5), 4. Conemaugh Valley (16-6).
Defending champion: Bishop Guilfoyle
Players to watch: Olivia McCabe, Emily Chobany (Portage), Emily McCray, Lexi Hody (Conemaugh Valley), Eden Bloom (United), Allison Thomas, Heather Marsh (Blacklick Valley), Ellie Yahner (Bishop Carroll), Halee Adams, Kayla Bates (Bishop Guilfoyle), Abigayle Kulick (Claysburg-Kimmel), Krista Gillo (Penns Manor), Abbie Zinobile (Juniata Valley).
The skinny: It's difficult to imagine any other team besides Bishop Guilfoyle winning the tournament because, well, the Marauders win District 6 most years. ... Portage enters the field with higher expectations than its had in years and several standout underclassmen. ... Conemaugh Valley drew a tough first-round opponent in Penns Manor. ... According to MaxPreps, Williamsburg doesn't have a player averaging more than 7.1 points per game while Bishop Carroll averages 21.9 points per game.
Sleeper: Juniata Valley
Championship: Bishop Guilfoyle over Portage.
 |
| Portage's Olivia McCabe (left) and Emily Chobany. Photo courtesy of Portage Athletics Twitter. |
Players to watch: Olivia McCabe, Emily Chobany (Portage), Emily McCray, Lexi Hody (Conemaugh Valley), Eden Bloom (United), Allison Thomas, Heather Marsh (Blacklick Valley), Ellie Yahner (Bishop Carroll), Halee Adams, Kayla Bates (Bishop Guilfoyle), Abigayle Kulick (Claysburg-Kimmel), Krista Gillo (Penns Manor), Abbie Zinobile (Juniata Valley).
The skinny: It's difficult to imagine any other team besides Bishop Guilfoyle winning the tournament because, well, the Marauders win District 6 most years. ... Portage enters the field with higher expectations than its had in years and several standout underclassmen. ... Conemaugh Valley drew a tough first-round opponent in Penns Manor. ... According to MaxPreps, Williamsburg doesn't have a player averaging more than 7.1 points per game while Bishop Carroll averages 21.9 points per game.
Sleeper: Juniata Valley
Championship: Bishop Guilfoyle over Portage.
District 6 boys' Class A preview
Top seeds: 1. Bishop Carroll (19-4), 2. Bishop Guilfoyle (16-5), 3. Homer-Center (17-5), 4. Blacklick Valley (14-7).
Defending champion: Northern Cambria
Players to watch: Brandon Martinazzi, Marcus Lee (Bishop Carroll), Dalton Cesarz, Johnny Sheesley (Blacklick Valley), Chad Eisenhuth, Rakwon Hinton (Ferndale), Brandon Drenning (Bishop Guilfoyle), Caleb Taylor (Juniata Valley), Eli Fay (Williamsburg), Shea O'Donnell (Glendale), Steve Richards (Saltsburg).
The skinny: Despite Saturday's loss to Bishop McCort in the LHAC championship game, Bishop Carroll has to be considered the favorite though Bishop Guilfoyle and Homer-Center are more than capable. ... Guilfoyle beat Carroll in the most previous meeting between the two rivals. ... Blacklick Valley's Dalton Cesarz is the Vikings' all-time leading rebounder and he's averaging 25.6 points per game. ... There's a Heisman winner in the bracket. BV's Johnny Sheesley was recognized as the PA High School Heisman winner during the fall. ... Ferndale's Eisenhuth is averaging 21.1 points per game. ... Glendale's O'Donnell averages a double-double.
Sleeper: Williamsburg.
Championship: Bishop Carroll over Bishop Guilfoyle.
 |
| Bishop Carroll's Marcus Lee averages 12.0 points and 8.5 rebounds. |
Players to watch: Brandon Martinazzi, Marcus Lee (Bishop Carroll), Dalton Cesarz, Johnny Sheesley (Blacklick Valley), Chad Eisenhuth, Rakwon Hinton (Ferndale), Brandon Drenning (Bishop Guilfoyle), Caleb Taylor (Juniata Valley), Eli Fay (Williamsburg), Shea O'Donnell (Glendale), Steve Richards (Saltsburg).
The skinny: Despite Saturday's loss to Bishop McCort in the LHAC championship game, Bishop Carroll has to be considered the favorite though Bishop Guilfoyle and Homer-Center are more than capable. ... Guilfoyle beat Carroll in the most previous meeting between the two rivals. ... Blacklick Valley's Dalton Cesarz is the Vikings' all-time leading rebounder and he's averaging 25.6 points per game. ... There's a Heisman winner in the bracket. BV's Johnny Sheesley was recognized as the PA High School Heisman winner during the fall. ... Ferndale's Eisenhuth is averaging 21.1 points per game. ... Glendale's O'Donnell averages a double-double.
Sleeper: Williamsburg.
Championship: Bishop Carroll over Bishop Guilfoyle.
Friday, October 26, 2012
Games of the Week
It's the final meaningful week of the regular season for several teams.
Ligonier Valley (7-1) at Northern Cambria (6-2)
The formula is simple for Northern Cambria - win and the Colts claim their first Heritage Conference championship.
For Ligonier Valley, things are a little more complicated but still possible. The Rams must beat Northern Cambria and get help from Homer-Center, which plays Penns Manor. If LV and H-C both win, the Rams win the Heritage. If Ligonier and Penns Manor win, then Penns Manor wins the conference.
Got it? Good.
Ligonier Valley gutted out a one-point win over Homer-Center, and the Rams should be feeling good as the victory came without three of its top players - Ryan Torrance, Stuart Urch and Connor Maust. Torrance is back after he had to sit out the Homer-Center game because of his ejection during the Penns Manor game. Urch, who has 17 sacks, is also back. Maust is out for the season.
Here's a little fact: Northern Cambria has not lost at home. The Colts' losses came at Homer-Center and Berlin. Among Northern Cambria's home wins was one over Penns Manor in Week 1.
Cambria Heights (6-2) at Somerset (5-3)
Somerset knows it's not always easy dealing with the aftermath of a big victory. The Golden Eagles followed their first ever win against Bishop McCort with a loss to Westmont Hilltop in a game Somerset dominated statistically.
Cambria Heights, winners of five straight, are coming off a 21-19 win over Bishop McCort and face an hour bus ride south.
It will be interesting to see how the Highlanders' tough-as-nails defense, led by senior Donnie Contorchick, handles the Eagles' spread offense, led by playmaker Tanner Stull.
Bishop Guilfoyle (7-1) at Bishop McCort (5-3)
The time has come to drop the "surprise" label from Bishop Guilfoyle. The Marauders are flat out good, and figure to be one difficult out in the District 6-A playoffs.
So does Bishop McCort, which has played every team on its demanding schedule a tough time.
This game could be a first-round playoff preview, as it's not entirely out of the realm of possibility that the Marauders and Crushers clash again in two weeks.
Both teams have strong defenses, particularly up front.
North Star (6-2) at Blacklick Valley (6-2)
What do we know about the Cougars and Vikings after eight weeks?
Well, not much to be honest.
North Star has beat up inferior opponents, and the Cougars' lone win against a team with a .500 record or better is a 3-0 victory over Shade. That said, there aren't many playmakers around better than senior standout Tony Strasiser.
Blacklick Valley has its own playmaker in Johnny Sheesley, and he's putting together an all-state caliber season. But, like North Star, the Vikings have yet to beat a team with a winning record.
Ligonier Valley (7-1) at Northern Cambria (6-2)
The formula is simple for Northern Cambria - win and the Colts claim their first Heritage Conference championship.
For Ligonier Valley, things are a little more complicated but still possible. The Rams must beat Northern Cambria and get help from Homer-Center, which plays Penns Manor. If LV and H-C both win, the Rams win the Heritage. If Ligonier and Penns Manor win, then Penns Manor wins the conference.
Got it? Good.
Ligonier Valley gutted out a one-point win over Homer-Center, and the Rams should be feeling good as the victory came without three of its top players - Ryan Torrance, Stuart Urch and Connor Maust. Torrance is back after he had to sit out the Homer-Center game because of his ejection during the Penns Manor game. Urch, who has 17 sacks, is also back. Maust is out for the season.
Here's a little fact: Northern Cambria has not lost at home. The Colts' losses came at Homer-Center and Berlin. Among Northern Cambria's home wins was one over Penns Manor in Week 1.
Cambria Heights (6-2) at Somerset (5-3)
Somerset knows it's not always easy dealing with the aftermath of a big victory. The Golden Eagles followed their first ever win against Bishop McCort with a loss to Westmont Hilltop in a game Somerset dominated statistically.
Cambria Heights, winners of five straight, are coming off a 21-19 win over Bishop McCort and face an hour bus ride south.
It will be interesting to see how the Highlanders' tough-as-nails defense, led by senior Donnie Contorchick, handles the Eagles' spread offense, led by playmaker Tanner Stull.
Bishop Guilfoyle (7-1) at Bishop McCort (5-3)
The time has come to drop the "surprise" label from Bishop Guilfoyle. The Marauders are flat out good, and figure to be one difficult out in the District 6-A playoffs.
So does Bishop McCort, which has played every team on its demanding schedule a tough time.
This game could be a first-round playoff preview, as it's not entirely out of the realm of possibility that the Marauders and Crushers clash again in two weeks.
Both teams have strong defenses, particularly up front.
North Star (6-2) at Blacklick Valley (6-2)
What do we know about the Cougars and Vikings after eight weeks?
Well, not much to be honest.
North Star has beat up inferior opponents, and the Cougars' lone win against a team with a .500 record or better is a 3-0 victory over Shade. That said, there aren't many playmakers around better than senior standout Tony Strasiser.
Blacklick Valley has its own playmaker in Johnny Sheesley, and he's putting together an all-state caliber season. But, like North Star, the Vikings have yet to beat a team with a winning record.
Friday, September 21, 2012
Games of the Week
Blacklick Valley (3-0) at Windber (3-0)
Blacklick Valley has run through Meyersdale, Rockwood and, in a non-conference game, Purchase Line.
Windber has rolled past Shade, Meyersdale and Rockwood.
Neither has played the most daunting schedule, but following tonight, one of these teams can claim a quality victory and establish itself as one of the teams to beat in the WestPAC.
Blacklick Valley's Johnny Sheesley is one of the area's premier players, and the rare player who is equally effective on both sides of the football. He's rushed for 530 yards and six touchdowns. Defensively, Sheesley has a knack for finding the football and already has two interceptions. His coverage skills could come in handy against a Windber offense that is adept at throwing the football.
The Vikings are far from a one-man show. Grant Reigel and Matty Worthington have made plays all season.
Windber's single-wing offense may not feature an every-down back this year, but the Ramblers have rambled through three opponents and displayed big--play ability.
There are a couple surprising stats for Winder: 1. Quarterback Dakota Gipe has attempted 41 passes, and 2. Windber's leading receiver (Matt Barkley) has more receiving yards (176) than the team's leading rusher has rushing yards (Trevor Neri, 173).
Bishop Guilfoyle (2-1) at Forest Hills (2-1)
The Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference has already seen its share of surprises. Count Bishop Guilfoyle's start among them.
Then again, Forest Hills coach Don Bailey was certain his Rangers would face a quality opponent in Week 4 in mid-August after seeing tape of a Bishop Guilfoyle scrimmage.
The Marauders own convincing wins over Bedford and Cambria Heights, which received more preseason consideration than BG. And they're doing it with defense. Cody Rossman average 10 tackle per game and the Marauders have forced five turnovers.
From a statistical standpoint, Forest Hills features one of the area's most balanced offenses and an emerging talent in sophomore quarterback Joe Donoughe, who has passed for 545 yards and completed 71.7 percent of his attempts.
The Rangers have passed for 601 yards and rushed for 587.
Greater Johnstown (2-1) at Richland (2-1)
The Trojans remain a work-in-progress, but one that took a step toward where they want to be with last week's come-from-behind victory over Westmont Hilltop.
Johnstown's offense isn't scoring much, but the emergence of quarterback Deion Moore adds a dynamic component. Moore is averaging 10.0 yards per carry. Dalvin Williams has been a menace defensively with his team-best 42 tackles.
Williams will likely be busy against a Richland offense that has scored at will all season.
The Rams have scored 135 points.
The quarterback tandem of Matt Shaffer and Nico Pecora have put up ridiculous statistics - 50 of 63, 789 yards 11 touchdowns. Tanner Solarczyk has 369 yards rushing and is averaging 10.2 yards per carry.
Blacklick Valley has run through Meyersdale, Rockwood and, in a non-conference game, Purchase Line.
Windber has rolled past Shade, Meyersdale and Rockwood.
Neither has played the most daunting schedule, but following tonight, one of these teams can claim a quality victory and establish itself as one of the teams to beat in the WestPAC.
Blacklick Valley's Johnny Sheesley is one of the area's premier players, and the rare player who is equally effective on both sides of the football. He's rushed for 530 yards and six touchdowns. Defensively, Sheesley has a knack for finding the football and already has two interceptions. His coverage skills could come in handy against a Windber offense that is adept at throwing the football.
The Vikings are far from a one-man show. Grant Reigel and Matty Worthington have made plays all season.
Windber's single-wing offense may not feature an every-down back this year, but the Ramblers have rambled through three opponents and displayed big--play ability.
There are a couple surprising stats for Winder: 1. Quarterback Dakota Gipe has attempted 41 passes, and 2. Windber's leading receiver (Matt Barkley) has more receiving yards (176) than the team's leading rusher has rushing yards (Trevor Neri, 173).
Bishop Guilfoyle (2-1) at Forest Hills (2-1)
The Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference has already seen its share of surprises. Count Bishop Guilfoyle's start among them.
Then again, Forest Hills coach Don Bailey was certain his Rangers would face a quality opponent in Week 4 in mid-August after seeing tape of a Bishop Guilfoyle scrimmage.
The Marauders own convincing wins over Bedford and Cambria Heights, which received more preseason consideration than BG. And they're doing it with defense. Cody Rossman average 10 tackle per game and the Marauders have forced five turnovers.
From a statistical standpoint, Forest Hills features one of the area's most balanced offenses and an emerging talent in sophomore quarterback Joe Donoughe, who has passed for 545 yards and completed 71.7 percent of his attempts.
The Rangers have passed for 601 yards and rushed for 587.
Greater Johnstown (2-1) at Richland (2-1)
The Trojans remain a work-in-progress, but one that took a step toward where they want to be with last week's come-from-behind victory over Westmont Hilltop.
Johnstown's offense isn't scoring much, but the emergence of quarterback Deion Moore adds a dynamic component. Moore is averaging 10.0 yards per carry. Dalvin Williams has been a menace defensively with his team-best 42 tackles.
Williams will likely be busy against a Richland offense that has scored at will all season.
The Rams have scored 135 points.
The quarterback tandem of Matt Shaffer and Nico Pecora have put up ridiculous statistics - 50 of 63, 789 yards 11 touchdowns. Tanner Solarczyk has 369 yards rushing and is averaging 10.2 yards per carry.
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