Leechburg leaving WPIAL. Next stop District 6?

Ligonier Valley, Northern Cambria and the rest of the Heritage Conference could have a new opponent for the 2014-15 school year.

The WPIAL Board of Control voted unanimously Wednesday to permit Leechburg Area School District to move its athletic programs from District 7 to District 6. The vote came after the Leechburg Area School Board voted 8-0 in March to request the move.

It appears the WPIAL has no desire to let Leechburg back, unless there are an odd number of teams in its classification.

"You just can't come and go as you please," WPIAL Executive Director Tim O'Malley told the Tribune-Review.

For Leechburg, a small Class A school located in Armstrong County and a small part of Westmoreland County, the move to District 6 is dependent on being accepted as a member. That's all but a formality considering they've previously been invited to join the Heritage Conference.

And that's exactly where the Blue Devils will land in the 2014-15 school year. The Heritage Conference is the only logical landing place considering its schools, such as Blairsville and Penns Manor, are relatively close to Leechburg.

One reason the school district want to make the moving is the growing number of private schools in the WPIAL. Whether or not that has affected Leechburg's ability to compete is debatable.

The football team hasn't had a winning season since 1991. The boys' basketball program generally struggles, though Leechburg did win a WPIAL Class A championship in 2006-07. It's the only WPIAL title for Leechburg, which has been a member of District 7 since 1919.

The girls' basketball team has lost 25 consecutive games.

One sport where Leechburg is generally competitive is softball. The Blue Devils regularly contend for district championships in the sport. Leechburg also sponsors boys' golf, girls' volleyball and baseball.

The South girls' All-Stars

There have been three girls' basketball players from The Tribune-Democrat coverage area to score 2,000 career points. One of them - Shanksville-Stonycreek senior Kayla Stockenus - will play in Saturday's AmeriServ Senior Hoops Showcase as part of the South roster.

Stockenus is one of several standouts for the South, which will be coached by Berlin Brothersvalley's Rachel Prosser. Under Prosser's guidance, the Mountaineers defeated Portage in the first round of the PIAA Class A playoffs and held a lead late in the fourth quarter against eventual PIAA runner-up Vincentian Academy in the second round.

The scene at Pitt-Johnstown's Sports Center won't be nearly as intense as the state playoffs. Still, the South roster is filled with players who experienced the thrills of the PIAA tournament.

Coach: Rachel Prosser, Berlin
A perennial contender in District 5 and frequent quest of the PIAA Class A playoffs, Berlin finished 23-5 with only one senior receiving significant minutes.

Players (in alphabetical order)
Carly Baer, Conemaugh Township
Multi-faceted senior averaged 7.5 points, 4.0 rebounds and 3.0 assists.

Lyndy Baer, Conemaugh Township
The Indians reached the second round of the PIAA Class A playoffs behind a balanced attack. Baer, a 1,000-point scorer, averaged 11.8 points, 4.7 assists and made 52 3-pointers.

Elizabeth Chobany, Ferndale
The Yellow Jackets struggled in the win column, but Chobany was a bright spot. Chobany averaged 15.2 points, 7.1 rebounds and 4.9 steals.

Alexis Jo Dona, Richland
Injuries shortened a promising senior season, but she averaged 6.6 points in limited duty.

Katie Gehlmann, Richland
Gehlmann averaged 12.7 points, 5.0 assists and made 32 3-pointers.

Maddy Grimm, Ligonier Valley
It's tough finding a player from District 6 with better numbers than the Kent State softball signee. Grimm averaged team highs in points (13.1), rebounds (6.8), steals (5.9), blocks (2.1) and assists (5.4).

Stephanie Hrbal, Bishop McCort
Hrbal ranked second on team in scoring (8.3) and averaged 3.0 rebounds.

Sarah Pfeil, Richland
Pfeil averaged a team-high 14.1 points with 6.3 rebounds and 1.1 blocks per game.

Marah Riley, Berlin
The lone senior in the Mountaineers' starting lineup, Riley could run the offense and get to the basket.

Kelsey Smith, Conemaugh Township
A combo guard/forward, Smith averaged 9.0 points, 4.0 rebounds and 3.6 assists.

Kayla Stockenus, Shanksville-Stonycreek
Stockenus averaged 31.0 points, 6.8 rebounds, 5.4 steals and made 172 free throws.

Area PIAA basketball games

Boys

Tuesday

Class AA

Play-in

Conemaugh Township (22-3) vs. Westinghouse (14-10), 7 p.m. at Somerset

Friday

First round

Class AAA

Greater Johnstown (15-7) vs. Lancaster Catholic (18-9), 6:30 p.m. at Central Cambria

Class A

Bishop Carroll (21-5) vs. Shanksville (21-4), 8 p.m. at Central Cambria
Shade (25-1) vs. North Catholic (16-6), 7:30 at Pitt-Johnstown

Saturday

Class AA

First round

Penn Cambria (20-4) vs. Greensburg Central Catholic (22-2), 4 p.m. at Altoona
Northern Cambria (21-5) vs. Apollo-Ridge (18-8), 7 p.m. at Central Cambria
Bishop McCort (18-8) vs. Burrell (19-7), 4:30 p.m. at Gateway
* Conemaugh Township (22-3) vs. Brentwood (14-10), 7:30 p.m. at Pitt-Johnstown

* - Site and time for Conemaugh Township if victorious in Tuesday's play-in game.

Girls

Friday

Class AA

First round

Westmont Hilltop (21-5) vs. Bishop Canevin (22-4), 6 p.m. at North Hills

Saturday

Class AAA

First round

Forest Hills (19-4) vs. Hampton (18-6), 5:30 p.m. at Central Cambria
Ligonier Valley (16-7) vs. Franklin (24-1), 4:30 p.m. at Slippery Rock University

Class A

Portage (22-3) vs. Berlin (22-4), 4 p.m. at Central Cambria
Conemaugh Township (21-4) vs. Quigley Catholic (18-6), 5:30 p.m. at Pitt-Johnstown

District 6 Class AAA playoff preview

Boys
Teams: 1. Greater Johnstown (14-6), 2. Somerset (13-8), 3. Bedford (4-17).
Defending champion: Greater Johnstown.
Players to watch: Phillip Madison, Roshon Fields (Greater Johnstown); Jake Close, Brent Barron (Somerset), Tyler Black (Bedford).
The skinny: The Trojans are the clear favorite here. They've already defeated Somerset twice during the regular season and bear Bedford by 35 points.
Prediction: Greater Johnstown over Somerset.

Girls
Teams: 1. Forest Hills (17-4), 2. Ligonier Valley (13-5), 3. Westinghouse (13-9), 4. Carrick (10-8), 5. Huntingdon (7-9), 6. Greater Johnstown (6-16).
Defending champion: Hollidaysburg.
Players to watch: Casey Gallaher, Caitlin Gallaher (Forest Hills), Maddy Grimm, Kyre Ludwig (Ligonier Valley), Tara Smith (Huntingdon), Tashayla Smith, Lexi Lindrose (Greater Johnstown).
The skinny: Forest Hills and Ligonier Valley moved up from Class AA and are the clear-cut favorites here in this interdistrict bracket. District 8's Westinghouse played a challenging schedule outside the City League. Carrick sports a winning record but it lost to several small-school WPIAL teams during the regular season.
Prediction: Ligonier Valley over Forest Hills.

T-D girls' basketball rankings

1. Berlin 17-2
Big win versus Conemaugh Township last week. Mountaineers have clinched spot in WestPAC title game.

2. Westmont Hilltop 17-3
It's a battle of perennial powers (Westmont vs. Bishop Guilfoyle) in Saturday's LHAC championship game.

3. Forest Hills 17-4
Rangers should be top seed in District 6 Class AAA playoffs.

4. Ligonier Valley 13-4
Surging Rams should be Forest Hills' top competition in D6 bracket.

5. Portage 18-2
Mustangs are one win from spot in WestPAC championship game for first time.

6. Richland 14-5
Rams bounced back from loss to Westmont with key win versus Bishop McCort.

7. Conemaugh Township 15-4
Indians gave No. 1 Berlin tough game on the Mountaineers' home court.

8. Conemaugh Valley 14-5
Blue Jays remain among WestPAC elite.

9. Bishop McCort 11-9
If Crimson Crushers figure out how to beat one of the area's elite teams, could spell postseason success.

10. Windber 12-10
Ramblers ended regular season on three-game win streak.

T-D girls' basketball rankings

When a program has enjoyed as much success as Westmont Hilltop girls basketball, there are considerable expectations that come with wearing the Hilltoppers' red and white.

Consider Westmont Hilltop played for PIAA Class AA championships in 2005 and 2006, In 2005, the Hilltoppers lost a tough four-point game to Delone Catholic. A year later, the Hilltoppers suffered a five-point loss to another perennial power in York Catholic.

In the world of PIAA small-school girls basketball, private school tend to dominate in the state playoffs, which makes Westmont Hilltop's success all the more impressive.

"You don't play to lose and you don't play to go .500, you play to win," said Hilltoppers coach Jodi Hillegass, who is in her 10th season.

In order to live up to the yearly expectations at Westmont, players often go above and beyond what is expected from them.

"If you want to win championships and go to states, you can't be off weekends, you can't take the summer off," Hillegass said.

Westmont's current group has bought into the hard-working system, and it's resulted in a mid-to-late season surge. The Hilltoppers have climbed to No. 3 in the latest edition of The T-D girls' basketball rankings.


1. Berlin 15-2
Mountaineers bring a 14-game win streak into Tuesday's home game against Conemaugh Township.

2. Forest Hills 16-3
Rangers face tough task tonight as Bishop Guilfoyle comes to Sidman.

3. Westmont Hilltop 15-3
With Rachel Roper healthy, Hilltoppers may be peaking at right time.

4. Ligonier Valley 11-4
Healthy Rams secured two big road wins at Marion Center and Penns manor.

5. Conemaugh Township 13-3
Impressive double-digit home win vs. Portage makes Indians biggest upward movers.

6. Portage 17-2
Juniors Olivia McCabe and Emily Chobany both topped 1,000-point mark last week.

7. Richland 13-4
Rams can earn signature win tonight vs. Westmont Hilltop.

8. Conemaugh Valley 12-4
Blue Jays face Conemaugh Township and Meyersdale this week as part of tough five-game stretch.

9. Bishop McCort 10-8
Crimson Crushers have lost three of four. Those losses are against Forest Hills, Westmont Hilltop and Altoona.

10. Meyersdale 14-4
Eric McCool's Red Raiders haven't allowed more than 34 points since a three-point loss at Shade.

Cleaning out the notebook: Greater Johnstown's tough schedule pays off

Two of the year's better matchups in boys' basketball take place tonight when Greater Johnstown plays at Bishop McCort and Bishop Carroll travels to Penn Cambria.

It's no stretch to say that these four teams are the best the Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference has to offer.

Despite an undersized roster, Greater Johnstown takes a 9-3 record and a 3-0 mark in section play to McCort. Since a 47-point loss to Class AAA power Susquehanna Township on Dec. 27 in Harrisburg, the Trojans have won five consecutive games. Among those wins includes a victory over Annville-Cleona, a former PIAA champion, Somerset and Altoona.

Maybe part of the reason for the improved play is because of games like the loss to Susquehanna Township.

Greater Johnstown has taken on all comers with an ambitious nonconference schedule. The Trojans also played a pair of WPIAL Class AAAA teams in perennial power Mt. Lebanon and Kiski Area.

"We had three new guys (against Mt. Lebanon) and I think they were shocked by the intensity," Johnstown coach Neil Cobaugh said. "Since then, we've come out and played hard, played aggressive. Playing those two huge quad-A schools was good for us.We learned if we can play hard, we can beat these teams."

Teams like Altoona, which lost at home to the Trojans by 15 points.

"We can surprise some people if we play tough defense," Cobaugh said. "These tournaments were a great tool. They gave us something to build around."

* Things haven't been easy for the Ligonier Valley girls basketball team since Maddie Grimm left the lineup with an ankle injury, but the guess here is the Rams will make noise this postseason.
With Grimm, a versatile 5-8 player who has signed to play softball at Kent State, the Rams have an athletic shot-blocking, rebounding presence capable of running the point as well.
Postseason play is matchup predicated. Grimm is a matchup nightmare, and she'll open things up offensively for Kyra Ludwig and Taylor Rudnik.

* The area's most heavily recruited student-athlete? You might be surprised to find out it's not a football or basketball player or even a wrestler. There's a good chance it's Deanna Binnie, the top shooter on the Conemaugh Township rifle team.
Binnie has narrowed her scope to three finalists - Ohio State, Texas Christian (TCU) and Mississippi.
Imagine an area football player with those three as finalists.
Binnie has already qualified for the Junior Olympics, which take place in April in Colorado Springs, Colo.
Eventually, she'd like to qualify for the Olympics.
"That is the goal, to try and get there," said Binnie, who holds or shares 12 national records and competed at a prestigious competition last summer in Fort Benning, Ga. "(At Fort Benning), I was shooting with girls who were shooting in the last Olympics."

* Bishop Carroll boys' basketball made a significant over its recent stretch of schedule.
Since a 67-64 overtime loss to Bishop McCort on Dec. 22, the Huskies have reeled off seven consecutive victories and are 10-2 overall, 4-1 in LHAC Section 1.
In a six-day span (Jan. 7-12), Bishop Carroll put together a run as impressive as any team has put together this season.
It started 24-point mashing of Bishop Guilfoyle on the Marauders' home court, followed by a 23-point win over a solid Cambria Heights team and an 83-81 last Saturday at previously unbeaten Vincentian Academy.
The win streak has catapulted Bishop Carroll to the sixth spot in the Patriot-News Class A state rankings.

T-D girls' basketball rankings

This far into the girls basketball season, we know ... is anyone quite sure what we know yet?

Think we know that Richland is good when healthy. Think we know that Ligonier Valley needs Maddie Grimm back. Think we know that Forest Hills is solid. Think we know Westmont Hilltop is capable of beating any team in the region, especially with Jodi Hillegass as coach.

Think we know that Berlin and Portage are solid in Class A, and that Meyersdale is a team to watch.

Other than that, who knows?

1. Berlin 11-2
Twenty-point win at Meyersdale solidifies Mountaineers as team to beat in WestPAC South.

2. Portage 11-1
Dynamic duo of Emily Chobany and Olivia McCabe have the Mustangs thinking big.

3. Forest Hills 10-3
Loss at Bishop Guilfoyle proves Marauders remain team to beat in the LHAC.

4. Westmont Hilltop 10-2
Behind 1,000-point scorer Erin Rodgers, Hilltoppers have won eight of nine.

5. Ligonier Valley 7-3
The Rams are talented, but blowout loss to Blairsville was an eye-raiser, despite Grimm's absence.

6. Richland 10-3
A double overtime loss at Bishop McCort Monday is the Rams' second-straight setback.

7. Conemaugh Valley 9-2
The Blue Jays' only losses are to Portage and Richland.

8. Conemaugh Township 9-2
Portage and CV are the only teams to knock the Indians. Both losses were by four points.

9. Penn Cambria 6-5
Tori Shingler's return from injury has Panthers pointed in right direction.

10. Meyersdale 8-3
Red Raiders were 8-1 before losses to Portage and Berlin.

The season's first Tribune-Democrat basketball rankings

Other work commitments have kept The Varsity Club on the quiet side in recent weeks, and there were even thoughts of keeping the blog dedicated to high school football. But we're going to crank things up for the rest of the winter sports season and see how things go.

T-D sports staffer Shawn Curtis suggested The Varsity Club offer the area's first intergender basketball rankings. Interesting idea (kind of), but we'll keep things separate ... at least for now.

Since most teams are at or nearing the halfway mark of the regular season, seems like a good time to do some local basketball rankings.

Boys
1. Shade 10-0
2. Bishop McCort 6-2
3. Greater Johnstown 6-3
4. Penn Cambria 7-2
5. Somerset 7-4
6. Bishop Carroll 7-2
7. Cambria Heights 7-3
8. Northern Cambria 7-3
9. Richland 4-1
10. Conemaugh Township 6-2

Girls
1. Richland 9-1
2. Forest Hills 8-2
3. Berlin 8-2
4. Portage 9-1
5. Ligonier Valley 7-2
6. Westmobt Hilltop 7-2
7. Conemaugh Valley 7-2
8. Meyersdale 7-1
9. United 7-4
10. Conemaugh Township 7-2

Area well represented on PFN All-State teams

The Pennsylvania Football news released its comprehensive All-State teams on Tuesday, and the area is well-represented, particularly in Class AA.

If you want to read the entire list of players, click here.

Locally, many of the players – Richland's Tanner Solarczyk, Berlin' Drew Glotflety and Penn Cambria Mack Behe – one would expect to be recognized were. There were a few surprises, too.

Greater Johnstown's Dalvin Williams was the lone local representative on the Class AAA team. He earned second-team honors at linebacker after he finished the regular season with 149 tackles. Williams was a first-team selection to the Pennsylvania Sports Writers' All-State team and had 10 or more tackles in all 10 of the Trojans' games.

Richland's Kyle Flick

Solarczyk, selected Tribune-Democrat Offensive Player of the Year, was a first-team running back in Class AA and was joined on the first team by Rams receiver Kyle Flick. Richland also placed quarterback Matt Shaffer on the second team along with lineman Josh Dininny. Receiver Luke Shertzer was the fifth Richland player selected as he made third team offense.

Ligonier Valley placed two on the Class AA offense. Lineman Micah Tennant, who will play at Lehigh, was a second-team selection and Ryan Torrance made third team at running back.

Forest Hills receiver Jared Shope, who spent time at quarterback this season because of an injury to Rangers starter Joe Donoughe, was a third-team selection.

Ligonier Valley's Stuart Urch

Behe made the PA Sports Writers All-State team at linebacker as a junior and a senior, so it's no surprise that the disruptive force from Penn Cambria earned a first-team spot in Class AA. He's joined at linebacker by Ligonier's Stuart Urch, who had 20 sacks.

Central Cambria defensive lineman  Tyler Gironda was a third-team selection in Class AA.

Two area talents landed on the Class A second team offense in Bishop McCort kicker Jordan Spangler and Berlin's Drew Glotfelty. Spangler kicked nine field goals in addition to being one of the area's premier pass catchers. Glotfelty, along with Solarczyk, rushed for 2,000 yards.

Berlin offensive lineman Levi Bowser was a third-team selection along with Shade running back Brock Medva.

Luke DiFrancesco, another of Bishop McCort's talented receivers, earned second-team honors at defensive back. He was joined by emerging defensive lineman Stew Trulick of Berlin and Norther Cambria linebacker Alex Atkins – Tribune-Democrat Defensive Player of the Year. Atkins finished the season with 160 tackles.


Windber placed three players on the third team in receiver Matt Barkley, punter Dustin Blough and defensive back Devon Tomlinson. North Star's Brantley Rice was also a third-team pick at defensive back.

Pa. Sportswriters All-State team

The 2012 Pennsylvania Sports Writers All-State football team. With players’ school, height, weight and class.

Richland's Tanner Solarczyk was one of four running backs selected to the Pa. Sportswriters Class AA All-State team.

CLASS AAAA
OFFENSE
QUARTERBACK
Mack Leftwich, North Allegheny - 5-11, 190 sr.
Bryan Schor, Delaware Valley - 6-1, 215 sr.
Thomas Woodson, Gateway - 6-2, 225 sr.
RUNNING BACK
Mike Class, Pennridge - 5-11, 185 jr.
James Conner, McDowell - 6-2, 230 jr.
Robert Martin, Harrisburg - 6-0, 190 jr.
WIDE RECEIVER
Will Fuller, Roman Catholic - 6-1, 175 sr.
Gregg Garrity, North Allegheny - 5-10, 145 sr.
Chris Jones, Coatesville - 5-11, 165 sr.
TIGHT END
Zach Lyon, North Allegheny - 6-0, 190 sr.
OFFENSIVE LINEMEN
Scott Augustine, McDowell - 6-1, 195 jr.
Dan Herbster, Garnet Valley - 6-3, 275 sr.
Patrick Kugler, North Allegheny - 6-5, 280 sr.
Mike McGlinchey, William Penn Charter - 6-8, 275 sr.
Tom Spiteri, La Salle College - 6-2, 285 sr.
Mike Unger, Parkland - 6-2, 250 sr.
ATHLETE
Sean Coleman, La Salle College - 5-9, 170 sr.
Drew Scales, Central Dauphin - 5-8, 175 sr.
Von Walker, Central Mountain - 6-0, 195 sr.
KICKER
Joe Julius, Lower Dauphin - 5-11, 200 jr.

DEFENSE
DEFENSIVE LINEMEN
Curtis Cothran, Council Rock North - 6-5, 245 sr.
Jeremy Gonzales, North Allegheny - 6-1, 220 sr.
Junior Joseph, Wilson-West Lawn - 6-3, 235 sr.
Jawan Turner, Woodland Hills - 6-1, 245 sr.
LINEBACKERS
Alex Beasley, Woodland Hills - 6-0, 230 jr.
Hodari Christian, McKeesport - 6-0, 215 sr.
Dakota Everett, Pleasant Valley - 6-4, 225 sr.
Zayd Issah, Central Dauphin - 6-4, 220 sr.
Dominic Moyer, Wilson-West Lawn - 5-10, 210 sr.
DEFENSIVE BACKS
Brendan Coniker, North Allegheny - 6-0, 180 sr.
Montae Nicholson, Gateway - 6-2, 200 jr.
John Reid, St. Joseph’s Prep - 5-10, 175 so.
DEFENSIVE SPECIALISTS
Jimmy Brooks, Wilson-West Lawn - 5-8, 160 sr.
Karlon Quiller, Scranton - 6-0, 180 sr.

PLAYER OF YEAR
Mack Leftwich, North Allegheny
COACH OF YEAR
Matt Ortega, Coatesville


CLASS AAA
OFFENSE
QUARTERBACK
Joe Carroll, Thomas Jefferson - 6-2, 180 sr.
Damion Terry, Erie Cathedral Prep - 6-4, 210 sr.
Alec Werner, Bishop McDevitt - 6-1, 200 sr.
RUNNING BACK
Roman Clay, Lancaster Catholic - 5-11, 215 sr.
Alex Cooley, Eastern York - 5-7, 180 sr.
Colin McDermott, Allentown Central Catholic - 5-11, 185 sr.
WIDE RECEIVER
Robert Foster, Central Valley - 6-2, 185 sr.
Brian Lemelle, Bishop McDevitt - 5-11, 175 sr.
Zach Smith, West York - 6-1, 171 sr.
TIGHT END
Taylor Geib, Manheim Central - 6-2, 210 jr.
OFFENSIVE LINEMEN
Matt Barone, Montour - 6-3, 285 sr.
Jordan Diven, West Allegheny - 6-1, 230 sr.
Zach Duffy, Muhlenberg - 6-5, 315 sr.
Dorian Johnson, Belle Vernon - 6-6, 280 sr.
Brody Kern, West York - 6-2, 275 sr.
Fran Walsh, Archbishop Wood - 6-1, 245 sr.
ATHLETE
Derrick Fulmore, West Mifflin - 6-0, 190 sr.
Devin Wilson, Montour - 6-4, 180 sr.
KICKER
John Chereson, Erie Cathedral Prep - 5-10, 170 sr.

DEFENSE
DEFENSIVE LINEMEN
Jeff Gulyas, Allentown Central Catholic - 6-3, 210 sr.
Steve Marrazzo Jr., Bishop McDevitt - 6-1, 210 jr.
Erik Swanson, Erie Cathedral Prep - 6-2, 230 sr.
Quinn Thompson, General McLane - 6-5, 230 sr.
LINEBACKERS
Matt Galambos, Haverford School - 6-2, 225 sr.
Carter Henderson, Franklin Regional - 6-0, 215 sr.
Jerry Langan, Abington Heights - 5-11, 200 sr.
Jake Plonski, Erie Cathedral Prep - 6-2, 220 sr.
Dalvin Williams, Greater Johnstown - 6-2, 200 sr.
DEFENSIVE BACKS
Darnell Holland, Bishop McDevitt - 5-11, 185 sr.
Austin Jerman, Warren Area - 6-2, 180 sr.
Jermaine Norris, Mastery Charter North - 5-11, 180 jr.
ATHLETE
Andrew Guckin, Archbishop Wood - 5-11, 200 sr.
Delton Williams, Erie Cathedral Prep - 6-2, 210 sr.

PLAYER OF YEAR
Damion Terry, Erie Cathedral Prep
COACH OF YEAR
Mike Mischler, Erie Cathedral Prep





CLASS AA
OFFENSE
QUARTERBACK
Brett Brumbaugh, South Fayette - 6-3, 180 So.
Nick O’Brien, Wyoming Area - 5-10, 180 Sr.
RUNNING BACK
DeShawn Coleman, Hickory - 6-0, 175 Sr.
Shai McKenzie, Washington - 6-0, 215 Jr.
Tanner Solarczyk, Richland - 6-0, 197 Jr.
David Williams, Imhotep Charter - 6-1, 200 Sr.
WIDE RECEIVER
Lucas Benton, Wilkes-Barre GAR - 5-9, 170 Sr.
Zack Bogoly, Wilson Area - 6-2, 200 Sr.
Zach Challingsworth, South Fayette - 6-2, 185 Sr.
TIGHT END
Scott Orndorff, Seton-La Salle - 6-5, 240 Sr.
OFFENSIVE LINEMEN
Josh Dininy, Richland - 6-4, 273 Sr.
Jaleel Fields, Aliquippa - 6-2, 275 Jr.
Jaryd Jones-Smith, West Catholic - 6-7, 290 Sr.
Kyle Santorine, Lewisburg - 6-2, 295 Sr.
Ben Wertz, Wyomissing - 6-3, 260 Sr.
ATHLETE
Patrick Duvgineaud, Jim Thorpe - 5-11, 170 Sr.
Terry Swanson, Aliquippa - 5-9, 182 Jr.
KICKER
Jonah Bowman, Wyomissing - 6-0, 190 Sr.

DEFENSE
DEFENSIVE LINEMAN
Scott Beltz, Penn-Argyl - 6-3, 210 Sr.
Eric Joraskie, Mount Carmel - 6-4, 265 Sr.
Jeriko Reyes, Wyomissing - 6-1, 215 Sr.
Shakir Soto, Wilkes-Barre GAR - 6-4, 255 Sr.
Stuart Urch, Ligonier Valley - 6-1, 219 Sr.
LINEBACKER
Alex Anzalone, Wyomissing - 6-3, 225 Sr.
Mack Behe, Penn Cambria - 6-2, 190 Sr.
Cole Bush, Burrell - 6-2, 220 Jr.
Eric Haney, Danville - 6-0, 192 Jr.
Jaylin Kelly, Washington - 6-2, 235 Sr.
Brandon Smith, Lewisburg - 6-2, 215 Sr.
DEFENSIVE BACK
Elijah Cottrill, Beaver Falls - 6-2, 170 So.
Dravon Henry, Aliquippa - 6-0, 182 Jr.
Cale Rice, Danville - 5-6, 172 Sr.
ATHLETE
Paryss Marshall, Catasauqua - 6-1, 180 Jr.

PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Alex Anzalone, Wyomissing
COACH OF THE YEAR
Bob Wolfrum, Wyomissing


CLASS A
OFFENSE
QUARTERBACK
Matt Bodamer, Port Allegany - 6-1, 180 Sr.
Chavas Rawlins, Monessen - 6-3, 188 Sr.
Lenny Williams, Sto-Rox - 6-0, 190 Jr.
RUNNING BACK
Blake Bowman, Tri-Valley - 5-9, 170 Sr.
Daiqwon Buckley, Dunmore - 5-11, 215 Jr.
Casey Gray, Bellwood-Antis - 6-0, 170 Jr.
WIDE RECEIVER
Nick Conway, Port Allegany - 6-2, 170 Sr.
John Klingerman, Bloomsburg - 5-9, 185 Sr.
Terrish Webb, Clairton - 6-1, 175 Sr.
TIGHT END
Erik Smeltz, Line Mountain - 6-2, 200 Sr.
OFFENSIVE LINEMEN
Ryan Cherwinski, Southern Columbia - 6-0, 260 Sr.
Devonte Harvey, Clairton - 5-10, 195 Sr.
James McHale, Dunmore - 6-7, 285 Jr.
Austin Mital, Moshannon Valley - 6-3, 270 Sr.
Spencer Smeal, Curwensville - 6-2, 240 Sr.
ATHLETE
Tyler Boyd, Clairton - 6-2, 175 Sr.
Danny Ferens, Penns Manor - 6-1, 190 Sr.
KICKER
Philip Esposito, Brockway - 6-0, 180 Sr.

DEFENSE
DEFENSIVE LINEMAN
Mike Boland, Dunmore - 6-5, 265 Sr.
Keith Shawley, Bellwood-Antis - 5-11, 225 Sr.
Nick Ceschini, Bishop Guilfoyle - 6-4, 220 Sr.
Robert Boatright, Clairton - 5-10, 170 Sr.
LINEBACKER
T.J. Armstrong, Clarion - 6-2, 205 Sr.
Alex Atkins, Northern Cambria - 6-2, 235 Sr.
Austin Noel, Delone Catholic - 6-1, 210 Sr.
Cody Pavlick, Southern Columbia - 6-1, 200 Jr.
Shane Schuback, Old Forge - 6-0, 200 Jr.
Garrett Vulcano, Chartiers-Houston - 6-1, 190 Sr.
DEFENSIVE BACK
Dywan Blanding, Steel-High - 5-9, 180 Sr.
Titus Howard, Clairton - 6-2, 160 Sr.
Doug Twigg, Glendale - 5-9, 166 Sr.
ATHLETE
Owen Daniel, Williams Valley - 6-1, 180 Sr.
Brian Tomasetti, Old Forge - 6-1, 175 Sr.

PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Tyler Boyd, Clairton
COACH OF THE YEAR
Jack Henzes, Dunmore

Tribune-Democrat football rankings

Regardless of classification ...

1. Richland 11-0 (Class AA)
2. Ligonier Valley 10-1 (AA)
3. Forest Hills 8-3 (AA)
4. Bishop McCort 8-3 (A)
5. Northern Cambria 8-3 (A)
6. Berlin 9-1 (A)
7. Windber 9-2 (A)
8. North Star 9-2 (A)
9. Chestnut Ridge 6-5 (AA)

PA Football News rankings

Class AAAA:
Rank - School - District - Record - Score - Last Weeks Ranking
1. North Allegheny (7) (11-0) Defeated Bethel Park, 42-14 (1)
2. LaSalle College (12) (10-1) Defeated St. Joseph's Prep, 28-27 (5)
3. Ridley (1) (11-0) Defeated Downingtown West, 20-17 (4)
4. Wilson (West Lawn) (3) (10-1) Defeated Dallastown, 48-0  (7)

5. Pennridge (1) (10-1) Defeated Abington, 35-14 (8)
6. St. Joseph's Prep (12) (9-1) Lost to LaSalle College, 28-27 (2)
7. Upper St. Clair (7) (10-1) Defeated Pittsburgh Central Catholic, 39-0 (9)

8. Scranton (2) (11-0) Defeated East Stroudsburg South, 42-20 (10)
9. Central Bucks South (10-1) Defeated Haverford Township, 38-14 (HM)
10. Harrisburg (3) (9-2) Defeated Mechanicsburg, 53-22 (HM)

 Honorable Mention:

Central Dauphin (3) (9-2)

Coatesville (1) (9-2)
Delaware Valley (2) (10-1)

Downingtown East (1) (10-1)
DuBois Area (9) (8-1)

Frankford (12) (8-2)

Gateway (7) (9-2)

Parkland (11) (9-2)

Penn Manor (3) (10-1)
Seneca Valley (7) (11-1)
Spring-Ford (1) (10-1)

Woodland Hills (7) (9-2)

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Class AAA:
Rank - School - District
1. Bishop McDevitt (3) (11-0) Defeated Lampeter-Strasburg, 40-13 (1)
2. Cathedral Prep (10) (10-0) Did Not Play (2)
3. Pottsgrove (1) (11-0) Defeated Strath Haven, 32-14 (3)
4. Thomas Jefferson (7) (11-0) Defeated Franklin Regional, 24-21 (4)
5. Archbishop Wood (12) (9-2) Defeated Monsignor Bonner/Prendergast, 38-16 (5)
6. Berwick Area (2) (10-1) Defeated Dallas Area, 28-7 (6)
7. West York (3) (11-0) Defeated Northeastern, 49-20 (7)
8. West Allegheny (7) (10-1) Defeated Montour, 14-2 (8)
9. West Mifflin (7) (10-1) Defeated Mars Area, 28-13 (HM)
10. Academy Park (1) (10-1) Defeated Upper Moreland, 35-23 (HM)
Honorable Mention:

Abington Heights (2) (9-2)

Central Valley (7) (9-2)
Clearfield (9) (11-0)
Cocalico (3) (10-1)

Conrad Weiser (3) (9-2)

Garden Spot (3) (10-1)

Lancaster Catholic (3) (8-3)

Manheim Central (3) (9-2)
Mars Area (7) (9-2)

Montour (7) (9-2)

Selinsgrove (4) (8-3)
Slippery Rock (10) (9-1)

Susquehanna Township (3) (9-2)

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Class AA:
Rank - School - District
1. Aliquippa (7) (11-0) Defeated Mount Pleasant, 43-6 (1)
2. Wyomissing (3) (11-0) Defeated Littlestown, 48-13 (2)
3. Imhotep Charter (12) (11-0) Defeated Prep Charter, 32-7 (3)
4. South Fayette (7) (11-0) Defeated Beaver Falls, 35-21 (4)
5. Washington (7) (11-0) Defeated Seton-La Salle, 33-17 (5)
6. Jeannette (7) (10-1) Defeated Beaver Area, 47-15 (6)
7. Richland (6) (11-0) Defeated Penn Cambria, 28-0 (7)
8. Bermudian Springs (3) (11-0) Defeated Susquenita, 42-7 (8)
9. Catasauqua (11) (11-0) Defeated Northern Lehigh, 42-15 (9)
10. Hickory (10) (9-1) Defeated Northwestern, 48-22 (HM)

Honorable Mention:

Danville (4) (9-2)

Forest Hills (6) (8-3)
Grove City (10) (9-1)

Karns City (9) (8-3)

Lakeland (2) (8-3)

Ligonier Valley (6) (10-1)

Montoursville (4) (8-3)

Pen Argyl (11) (9-2)

Tyrone Area (6) (8-3)

West Catholic (12) (7-3)

Wilmington (10) (8-2)

Wyoming Area (2) (9-2)

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Class A:
Rank - School - District
1. Clairton (7) (11-0) Defeated Brentwood, 39-0 (1) (58 Straight Wins)
2. Southern Columbia (4) (11-0) Defeated Line Mountain, 28-21 (2)
3. Old Forge (2) (11-0) Defeated Riverside, 42-7 (3)
4. Port Allegany (9) (10-0) Did Not Play (4)
5. Williams Valley (11) (11-0) Defeated Shenandoah Valley, 42-28 (5)
6. Dunmore (2) (10-1) Defeated Lackawanna Trail, 32-12 (6)
7. Tri-Valley (11) (10-1) Defeated Marian Catholic, 28-13 (7)
8. Sto-Rox (7) (10-1) Defeated Union Area, 33-8 (8)

9. Bellwood-Antis (6) (10-1) Defeated Glendale, 40-14 (9)
10. Sharpsville (10) (9-1) Defeated Cochranton, 42-6 (10)

Honorable Mention:
Berlin Brothersvalley (5) (9-1)

Bristol (1) (7-1)
Clarion Area (9) (11-0)

Delone Catholic (3) (7-3)

Millersburg (3) (7-3)
Monessen (7) (9-2)

Neshannock (7) (10-1)

North Star (5) (9-2)
Northern Bedford (5) (9-1)

Pittsburgh North Catholic (7) (9-2)
South Williamsport (4) (10-1)

West Middlesex (10) (9-2)

Windber Area (5) (9-2)

PA Football News rankings

Class AAAA:
Rank - School - District - Record - Score - Last Weeks Ranking1. North Allegheny (7) (10-0) Defeated Altoona Area, 42-14 (1)
2. St. Joseph's Prep (12) (9-0) Defeated Archbishop Ryan, 29-6 (2)
3. Downingtown East (1) (10-0) Defeated West Chester Henderson, 6-3 (3)
4. Ridley (1) (10-0) Defeated Penncrest, 47-20 (4)
5. LaSalle College (12) (9-1) DefeatedRoman Catholic, 42-13 (5)
6. Gateway (7) (9-1) Defeated Peters Township, 28-19 (6)
7. Wilson (West Lawn) (3) (9-1) Defeated Warwick, 28-0 (8)

8. Pennridge (1) (9-1) Defeated Hatboro-Horsjam, 54-14 (9)
9. Upper St. Clair (7) (9-1) Defeated Kiski Area, 49-0 (10)
10. Scranton (2) (10-0) Defeated Abington Heights, 35-0 (OTW)
Others to Watch:
Central Bucks South (9-1)

Central Dauphin (3) (8-2)

Coatesville (1) (8-2)
Delaware Valley (2) (9-1)
DuBois Area (9) (8-1)

Easton Area (11) (8-1)

George Washington (12) (9-1)
Harrisburg (3) (8-2)

Penn Manor (3) (9-1)
Plymouth-Whitemarsh (1) (9-1)
Seneca Valley (7) (9-1)
Spring-Ford (1) (9-1)

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Class AAA:
Rank - School - District
1. Bishop McDevitt (3) (10-0) Defeated Palmyra, 49-14 (1)
2. Cathedral Prep (10) (10-0) Defeated General McLane, 47-0 (2)
3. Pottsgrove (1) (10-0) Defeated Phoenixville, 24-7 (3)
4. Thomas Jefferson (7) (10-0) Defeated Hollidaysburg, 63-19 (4)
5. Archbishop Wood (12) (8-2) Defeated Cardinal O'Hara, 54-28 (5)
6. Berwick Area (2) (9-1) Defeated Hazleton Area, 49-7 (6)
7. West York (3) (10-0) Defeated New Oxford, 35-0 (7)
8. West Allegheny (7) (9-1) Defeated Ringgold, 48-7 (8)
9. Montour (7) (9-1) Defeated Trinity, 27-6 (8)
10. Garden Spot (3) (10-0) Defeated Pequea Valley, 42-7 (10)
Others to Watch:
Academy Park (1) (9-1)

Central Valley (7) (8-2)
Clearfield (9) (10-0)
Cocalico (3) (9-1)
Donegal (3) (9-1)
Mars Area (7) (9-1)
Shippensburg (3) (9-1)
Simon Gratz (12) (10-0)
Slippery Rock (10) (9-1)

Susquehanna Township (3) (8-2)

West Mifflin (7) (9-1) 

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Class AA:
Rank - School - District
1. Aliquippa (7) (10-0) Defeated Steel Valley, 55-0 (1)
2. Wyomissing (3) (10-0) Defeated Berks Catholic, 14-0 (2)
3. Imhotep Charter (12) (10-0) Defeated Delaware Valley Charter, 48-0 (3)
4. South Fayette (7) (10-0) Defeated Freedom Area, 49-13 (4)
5. Washington (7) (10-0) Defeated Shady Side Academy, 47-12 (5)
6. Jeannette (7) (9-1) Defeated South Allegheny, 40-7 (6)
7. Richland (6) (10-0) Defeated Bellwood-Antis, 14-7 (7)
8. Bermudian Springs (3) (10-0) Defeated Biglerville, 37-21 (8)
9. Catasauqua (11) (10-0) Defeated Northwestern Lehigh, 57-3 (10)
10. Tamaqua (11) (10-0) Defeated Marian Catholic, 14-0 (OTW)

Others to Watch:

Beaver Area (7) (9-1)

Berks Catholic (3) (9-1)

Danville (4) (8-2)
Grove City (10) (8-1)

Hickory (10) (8-1) 

Lewisburg (4) (9-1)

Ligonier Valley (6) (9-1)
Seton-La Salle (7) (9-1)
Trinity (3) (9-1)

Wilmington (10) (7-2)

Wyoming Area (2) (8-2)

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Class A:
Rank - School - District

1. Clairton (7) (10-0) Defeated Frazier, 58-6 (1) (57 Straight Wins)
2. Southern Columbia (4) (10-0) Defeated Warrior Run, 50-19 (2)
3. Old Forge (2) (10-0) Defeated Susquehanna Community, 49-6 (4)
4. Port Allegany (9) (10-0) Defeated Brockway, 54-7 (5)
5. Williams Valley (11) (10-0) Defeated East Juniata, 41-0 (6)
6. Dunmore (2) (9-1) Defeated Riverside, 34-20 (7)
7. Tri-Valley (11) (9-1) Defeated Line Mountain, 42-28 (9)
8. Sto-Rox (7) (9-1) Defeated Carmichaels, 40-7 (10)

9. Bellwood-Antis (6) (9-1) Lost to Richland, 14-7 (3)
10. Sharpsville (10) (8-1) Defeated Sharon Area, 28-6

Others to Watch:
Berlin Brothersvalley (5) (9-1)
Clarion Area (9) (10-0)
Line Mountain (4) (8-2)
Monessen (7) (9-1)
Neshannock (7) (9-1)

Northern Bedford (5) (9-1)
Penns Manor (6) (9-1)

Portage (6) (9-1)

Rochester Area (7) (9-1)
South Williamsport (4) (9-1)

West Middlesex (10) (8-2)

Tribune-Democrat football rankings

Regardless of classification

1. Richland 10-0 (Class AA)
Comment: Rams are the only undefeated team in District 6.
2. Ligonier Valley 9-1 (AA)
Comment: Rams play Bald Eagle Area second consecutive week.
3. Bishop McCort 7-3 (A)
Comment: Crushers defense key to postseason chances.
4. Portage 9-1 (A)
Comment: Big win last week for Mustangs. Tough game this week.
5. Forest Hills 7-3 (AA)
Comment: Rangers peaking at right time.
6. Berlin 9-1 (A)
Comment: Mountaineers lose first game. Sometimes that's not a bad thing.
7. Northern Cambria 7-3 (A)
Comment: Colts can be very good, like last week against Cambria Heights.
8. Cambria Heights 7-3 (AA)
Comment: Highlanders loss to NC put them on the road for the playoffs.
9. North Star 8-2 (A)
Comment: Cougars quitely winning games.
10. Windber 8-2 (A)
Comment: Ramblers finally get signature win in Week 10.

PA Football News rankings

Class AAAA:
Rank - School - District - Record - Score - Last Weeks Ranking
1. North Allegheny (7) (9-0) Defeated North Hills, 42-0 (1)
2. St. Joseph's Prep (12) (8-0) Defeated Archbishop Ryan, 23-7 (2)
3. Downingtown East (1) (9-0) Defeated West Chester East, 48-7 (4)
4. Ridley (1) (9-0) Defeated Upper Darby, 35-14 (5)
5. LaSalle College (12) (8-1) Defeated West Catholic, 28-26 (6)
6. Gateway (7) (8-1) Defeated McKeesport, 21-6 (7)
7. Central Dauphin (3) (8-1) Defeated Carlisle, 31-10 (8)
8. Wilson (West Lawn) (3) (8-1) Defeated Penn Manor, 14-7 (9) 
9. Pennridge (1) (8-1) Defeated Central Bucks East, 34-24 (OTW)
10. Upper St. Clair (7) (8-1) Defeated Mount Lebanon, 21-19 (OTW)
Others to Watch:
Central Bucks South (8-1)
Delaware Valley (2) (8-1)
DuBois Area (9) (8-0)

Easton Area (11) (8-1)
Harrisburg (3) (7-2)
Haverford Township (1) (8-1)

Penn Manor (3) (8-1)
Plymouth-Whitemarsh (1) (8-1)
Scranton (2) (9-0)
Seneca Valley (7) (8-1)
Spring-Ford (1) (8-1)

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Class AAA:
Rank - School - District
1. Bishop McDevitt (3) (9-0) Defeated Cedar Cliff, 34-24 (1)
2. Cathedral Prep (10) (9-0) Defeated Erie East, 70-0 (2)
3. Pottsgrove (1) (9-0) Defeated Perkiomen Valley, 42-28 (3)
4. Thomas Jefferson (7) (9-0) Defeated West Mifflin, 28-14 (4)
5. Archbishop Wood (12) (7-2) Defeated Monsignor Bonner/Prendergast, 56-35 (5)
6. Berwick Area (2) (8-1) Defeated James M. Coughlin, 34-7 (6)
7. West York (3) (9-0) Defeated Northeastern, 35-14 (9)
8. West Allegheny (7) (8-1) Defeated Chartiers Valley, 48-0 (10)
9. Montour (7) (8-1) Defeated Moon Area, 42-21 (OTW)
10. Garden Spot (3) (9-0) Defeated Columbia, 44-14 (OTW)
Others to Watch:
Abington Heights (2) (8-1)
Academy Park (1) (8-1)

Central Valley (7) (7-2)
Clearfield (9) (9-0)
Cocalico (3) (8-1)
Conrad Weiser (3) (8-1)
Donegal (3) (8-1)
General McLane (10) (7-1)
Interboro (1) (8-1)
Mars Area (7) (8-1)
Shippensburg (3) (8-1)
Simon Gratz (12) (9-0)
Slippery Rock (10) (8-1)

West Mifflin (7) (8-1) 

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Class AA:
Rank - School - District
1. Aliquippa (7) (9-0) Defeated Beaver Area, 39-7 (1)
2. Wyomissing (3) (9-0) Defeated Schuylkill Valley, 37-33 (2)
3. Imhotep Charter (12) (9-0) Defeated Communications Tech, 41-8 (3)
4. South Fayette (7) (9-0) Defeated South Allegheny, 42-0 (4)
5. Washington (7) (9-0) Defeated Waynesburg, 69-6 (5)
6. Jeannette (7) (8-1) Defeated Greensburg Central Catholic, 7-6 (6)
7. Richland (6) (9-0) Defeated Central Cambria, 35-7 (7)
8. Bermudian Springs (3) (9-0) Defeated Littlestown, 24-8 (9)
9. Berks Catholic (3) (9-0) Defeated Kutztown, 55-15 (10)
10. Catasauqua (11) (9-0) Defeated Northern Lehigh, 40-7 (OTW)  Others to Watch:

Beaver Area (7) (8-1)

Burrell (7) (8-1)

Biglerville (3) (8-1)
Grove City (10) (8-1)

Hickory (10) (8-1) 

Ligonier Valley (6) (8-1)
Seton-La Salle (7) (8-1)
Tamaqua (11) (9-0)
Trinity (3) (8-1)

Wilmington (10) (7-2)

Wyoming Area (2) (7-2)

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Class A:
Rank - School - District
1. Clairton (7) (9-0) Defeated Imani Christian Academy, 52-0 (1) (56 Straight Wins)
2. Southern Columbia (4) (9-0) Defeated Central Columbia, 15-7 (2)
3. Bellwood-Antis (6) (9-0) Defeated Glendale, 41-13 (4)
4. Old Forge (2) (9-0) Defeated Holy Cross, 55-8 (5)
5. Port Allegany (9) (9-0) Defeated Brockway, 55-20 (6)
6. Williams Valley (11) (9-0) Defeated Newport, 48-0  (7)
7. Dunmore (2) (8-1) Defeated Mid Valley, 34-12 (8)
8. West Middlesex (10) (8-1) Defeated Lakeview, 41-6  (9)

9. Tri-Valley (11) (8-1) Defeated Pine Grove, 45-20 (10)
10. Sto-Rox (7) (8-1) Defeated Rochester, 25-0 (OTW)
Others to Watch:
Berlin Brothersvalley (5) (9-0)
Bethlehem-Center (7) (8-1)
Brockway (9) (8-1)
Clarion Area (9) (9-0)
Line Mountain (4) (8-1)
Monessen (7) (8-1)
Neshannock (7) (8-1)
Penns Manor (6) (8-1)

Rochester Area (7) (8-1)
South Williamsport (4) (8-1)
Sharpsville (10) (7-1)

Tribune-Democrat football rankings

Regardless of classification ...

1. Richland 9-0 (Class AA)
2. Cambria Heights 7-2 (AA)
3. Bishop McCort 6-3 (A)
4. Berlin 9-0 (A)
5. Ligonier Valley 8-1 (AA)
6. Portage 8-1 (A)
7. Forest Hills 6-3 (AA)
8. North Star 7-2 (A)
9. Somerset 5-4 (AAA)
10. Northern Cambria (A)

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.

Tribune-Democrat football rankings

Regardless of classification ...

1. Richland 8-0 (Class AA)
2. Cambria Heights 6-2 (AA)
3. Berlin 8-0 (A)
4. Ligonier Valley 7-1 (AA)
5. Portage 7-1 (A)
6. Forest Hills 5-3 (AA)
7. Bishop McCort 5-3 (A)
8. Northern Cambria 6-2 (A)
9. Somerset 5-3 (AAA)
10. North Star 6-2 (A)

Games of the Week

Big weekend in the LHAC ...

Bishop McCort (5-2) at Cambria Heights (5-2)
Two of the premier defensive teams and, possibly, the two most opportunistic defenses in the LHAC meet in one of the bigger games to hit Cambria Heights in recent years.
Offensively, Bishop McCort and Cambria Heights offer contrasting styles.
The Crushers are effective in the passing game as quarterback Zaine Tomkowski leads the area with 1,006 passing yards. Jordan Spangler and Luke DiFrancesco are the primary receiving targets and will attract plenty of attention from the Highlanders' defense.
Cambria Heights, winners of four consecutive, is a run-first, run-second outfit. The Highlanders average 216.1 rushing yards per game with senior Tyler Crawford leading the way with 699 yards and 11 touchdowns. Crawford has 94 tackles.

Homer-Center (6-1) at Ligonier Valley (6-1)
Ligonier Valley appeared headed to a Heritage Conference championship until the Penns Manor defense dominated the normally high-scoring Rams last week.
To complicate matters for Ligonier Valley, leading rusher and starting linebacker Ryan Torrance won't player after his ejection for throwing a punch during last week's loss. Second-leading rusher Connor Maust is out for the season with a knee injury, and word is linebacker Stuart Urch, who has 17 sacks, is also out because of injury.

Richland (7-0) at Penn Cambria (4-3)
A month ago, this game was a Game of the Year candidate but Penn Cambria is one a three-game losing streak.
Richland is averaging 467.7 yards per game and junior runner Tanner Solarczyk is emerging as an Offensive Player of the Year candidate. He leads the area with 1,114 rushing yards. He's also scored 11 touchdowns the past two weeks.
Penn Cambria's ability to get to Solarczyk could determine the outcome of this one, and the Rams are concerned with linebackers Mack Behe and Devin Lawhead.

Somerset (5-2) at Forest Hills (4-3)
Somerset junior quarterback Tanner Stull practiced late this week and, if Stull plays against Forest Hills, it gives the Golden Eagles a dual threat at the quarterback position and a better chance at beating a team they haven't since 1983.
In typical fashion, Forest Hills is playing better football as the season progresses.
The Rangers bring a modest two-game win streak into the game, but some serious momentum. They rallied from a 12-6 deficit with two minutes remaining in last week's game against Penn Cambria to pull out a 20-18 win in overtime.