CHICAGO (AP) – Top high school basketball recruit Jabari Parker says he will attend college and not go on a Mormon mission after he graduates.
Parker, a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, previously mentioned the possibility of doing mission work after graduation from Chicago’s Simeon Career Academy. During an appearance Friday on ESPN Radio, Parker said he will be going to college next year.
Although he hasn’t announced a choice, Parker has visited Duke, Michigan State, Florida and BYU. He says he also will visit Stanford.
A 6-foot-8 forward, Parker is one of the most prized recruits to come along in recent years. He led Simeon to its third straight state championship while averaging 19.5 points and 8.9 rebounds as a junior.
Friday, November 30, 2012
Thursday, November 29, 2012
WestPAC not so whack
When it comes to respect, the WestPAC gets precious little during football season.
Yet, when the 2012 PIAA Class A brackets were released two of the 16 teams remaining hailed from the WestPAC – North Star and Berlin. It's a solid achievement for a conference looked upon as a weak sisters by its neighbors in the Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference and the Heritage Conference.
The LHAC produced three state qualifiers in Richland, Forest Hills (Class AA) and Bishop McCort (Class A).
As for the Heritage Conference, there were no PIAA-playoff qualifiers.
"The top of the conference is strong," North Star coach Stacy Schmitt said. "The top teams from the WestPAC can compete. There's four or five teams in our conference that can compete in just about any conference."
Berlin coach Doug Paul echoed those sentiments.
"The WestPAC is very competitive," Paul said. "People talk about the size of our schools and the demographics that make up the teams, but any given year, three or four of our schools could compete in any Class A conference in the state."
Paul added more clarification to the statement.
"I'm not saying any of our teams would go undefeated, but there's three or four teams that year-in, year-out would compete for the playoffs."
Count North Star and Berlin among those programs.
And count Berlin (11-10 as the next team to face mighty Clairton (13-0), which set a PIAA record for consecutive wins with 60 in winning last week's WPIAL championship over Sto-Rox. The Bears have won five consecutive WPIAL titles and the last three state championships.
Kickoff is Friday at 7 p.m. at Somerset High School. Clairton shut out North Star, 52-0, two years ago on a memorably snow-filled night in Somerset.
When asked about Clairton minutes after Berlin won its first District 5 championship since 2004, Paul said, "I watched the (WPIAL) game on television earlier (Friday). They don't have a weakness. They have athletes everywhere."
Yet, when the 2012 PIAA Class A brackets were released two of the 16 teams remaining hailed from the WestPAC – North Star and Berlin. It's a solid achievement for a conference looked upon as a weak sisters by its neighbors in the Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference and the Heritage Conference.
The LHAC produced three state qualifiers in Richland, Forest Hills (Class AA) and Bishop McCort (Class A).
As for the Heritage Conference, there were no PIAA-playoff qualifiers.
"The top of the conference is strong," North Star coach Stacy Schmitt said. "The top teams from the WestPAC can compete. There's four or five teams in our conference that can compete in just about any conference."
 |
| Berlin's Drew Glotfelty scores as North Star's Levi Albright attempts to tackle him during the District 5 Class A championship game at Somerset. |
Berlin coach Doug Paul echoed those sentiments.
"The WestPAC is very competitive," Paul said. "People talk about the size of our schools and the demographics that make up the teams, but any given year, three or four of our schools could compete in any Class A conference in the state."
Paul added more clarification to the statement.
"I'm not saying any of our teams would go undefeated, but there's three or four teams that year-in, year-out would compete for the playoffs."
Count North Star and Berlin among those programs.
And count Berlin (11-10 as the next team to face mighty Clairton (13-0), which set a PIAA record for consecutive wins with 60 in winning last week's WPIAL championship over Sto-Rox. The Bears have won five consecutive WPIAL titles and the last three state championships.
Kickoff is Friday at 7 p.m. at Somerset High School. Clairton shut out North Star, 52-0, two years ago on a memorably snow-filled night in Somerset.
When asked about Clairton minutes after Berlin won its first District 5 championship since 2004, Paul said, "I watched the (WPIAL) game on television earlier (Friday). They don't have a weakness. They have athletes everywhere."
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
Patriot-News football rankings
CLASS AAAA -- Record -- Previous rank
1. North Allegheny (7) -- 13-0 -- 1
2. LaSalle College (12) -- 11-1 -- 2
3. Harrisburg (3) -- 11-2 -- 3
4. Parkland (11) -- 11-2 -- 5
5. Woodland Hills (7) -- 10-3 -- 4
6. St. Joseph’s Prep (12) -- 10-1 -- 6
7. Wilson (3) -- 12-1 -- 8
8. Coatesville (1) -- 11-2 -- NR
9. Spring-Ford (1) -- 12-1 -- NR
10. Upper St. Clair (7) -- 10-2 -- 7
Honorable mention
Central Dauphin* (3) 10-3, Delaware Valley (2) 11-2, Gateway (7) 9-2, McDowell (10) 7-5, Ridley (1) 11-1, Scranton (2) 11-1.
CLASS AAA -- Record -- Previous rank
1. Cathedral Prep (10) -- 12-0 -- 1
2. Bishop McDevitt (3) -- 13-0 -- 2
3. Archbishop Wood* (12) -- 10-2 -- 3
4. West Allegheny (7) -- 12-1 -- 4
5. Thomas Jefferson (7) -- 11-1 -- 7
6. West York (3) -- 13-0 -- NR
7. West Mifflin (7) -- 11-2 -- 5
8. Allentown C.C. (11) -- 8-5 -- NR
9. Montour (7) -- 9-1 -- 9
10. Interboro (1) -- 11-2 -- NR
Honorable mention
Abington Heights (2) 10-3, Berwick (2) 10-2, x-Lancaster Catholic (3) 9-4, Mars (7) 9-2, Pottsgrove (1) 11-1, Selinsgrove (4) 10-3.
CLASS AA -- Record -- Previous rank
1. Aliquippa (7) -- 13-0 -- 1
2. Imhotep Charter (12) -- 13-0 -- 2
3. Wyomissing (3) -- 13-0 -- 3
4. Hickory (10) -- 11-1 -- 5
5. Washington (7) -- 12-1 -- 4
6. Richland (6) -- 13-0 -- 7
7. Pen Argyl (11) -- 11-2 -- 8
8. South Fayette (7) -- 11-1 -- 6
9. Wyoming Area (2) -- 10-3 -- 10
10. Catasauqua (11) -- 12-1 -- NR
Honorable mention
Bermudian Springs (3) 12-1, Danville (4) 11-2, Grove City (10) 9-2, Jeannette (7) 10-2, Wilmington (10) 9-3.
CLASS A -- Record -- Previous rank
1. Clairton* (7) -- 13-0 -- 1
2. Dunmore (2) -- 12-1 -- 3
3. Sharpsville (10) -- 11-1 -- 5
4. Sto-Rox (7) -- 11-2 -- 4
5. Bellwood-Antis (6) -- 12-1 -- 6
6. Southern Columbia (4) -- 12-1 -- 2
7. Old Forge (2) -- 11-1 -- 7
8. Port Allegany (9) -- 12-0 -- 10
9. Bristol (1) -- 9-1 -- NR
10. Delone Catholic (3) -- 9-3 -- NR
Honorable mention
Monessen (7) 9-2, Neshannock (7) 10-2, North Catholic (7) 9-3, Rochester (7) 9-2, West Middlesex (10) 10-3, Williams Valley (11) 12-1.
1. North Allegheny (7) -- 13-0 -- 1
2. LaSalle College (12) -- 11-1 -- 2
3. Harrisburg (3) -- 11-2 -- 3
4. Parkland (11) -- 11-2 -- 5
5. Woodland Hills (7) -- 10-3 -- 4
6. St. Joseph’s Prep (12) -- 10-1 -- 6
7. Wilson (3) -- 12-1 -- 8
8. Coatesville (1) -- 11-2 -- NR
9. Spring-Ford (1) -- 12-1 -- NR
10. Upper St. Clair (7) -- 10-2 -- 7
Honorable mention
Central Dauphin* (3) 10-3, Delaware Valley (2) 11-2, Gateway (7) 9-2, McDowell (10) 7-5, Ridley (1) 11-1, Scranton (2) 11-1.
CLASS AAA -- Record -- Previous rank
1. Cathedral Prep (10) -- 12-0 -- 1
2. Bishop McDevitt (3) -- 13-0 -- 2
3. Archbishop Wood* (12) -- 10-2 -- 3
4. West Allegheny (7) -- 12-1 -- 4
5. Thomas Jefferson (7) -- 11-1 -- 7
6. West York (3) -- 13-0 -- NR
7. West Mifflin (7) -- 11-2 -- 5
8. Allentown C.C. (11) -- 8-5 -- NR
9. Montour (7) -- 9-1 -- 9
10. Interboro (1) -- 11-2 -- NR
Honorable mention
Abington Heights (2) 10-3, Berwick (2) 10-2, x-Lancaster Catholic (3) 9-4, Mars (7) 9-2, Pottsgrove (1) 11-1, Selinsgrove (4) 10-3.
CLASS AA -- Record -- Previous rank
1. Aliquippa (7) -- 13-0 -- 1
2. Imhotep Charter (12) -- 13-0 -- 2
3. Wyomissing (3) -- 13-0 -- 3
4. Hickory (10) -- 11-1 -- 5
5. Washington (7) -- 12-1 -- 4
6. Richland (6) -- 13-0 -- 7
7. Pen Argyl (11) -- 11-2 -- 8
8. South Fayette (7) -- 11-1 -- 6
9. Wyoming Area (2) -- 10-3 -- 10
10. Catasauqua (11) -- 12-1 -- NR
Honorable mention
Bermudian Springs (3) 12-1, Danville (4) 11-2, Grove City (10) 9-2, Jeannette (7) 10-2, Wilmington (10) 9-3.
CLASS A -- Record -- Previous rank
1. Clairton* (7) -- 13-0 -- 1
2. Dunmore (2) -- 12-1 -- 3
3. Sharpsville (10) -- 11-1 -- 5
4. Sto-Rox (7) -- 11-2 -- 4
5. Bellwood-Antis (6) -- 12-1 -- 6
6. Southern Columbia (4) -- 12-1 -- 2
7. Old Forge (2) -- 11-1 -- 7
8. Port Allegany (9) -- 12-0 -- 10
9. Bristol (1) -- 9-1 -- NR
10. Delone Catholic (3) -- 9-3 -- NR
Honorable mention
Monessen (7) 9-2, Neshannock (7) 10-2, North Catholic (7) 9-3, Rochester (7) 9-2, West Middlesex (10) 10-3, Williams Valley (11) 12-1.
Richland's Mihalik signs with West Liberty
Richland High School senior Nicki Mihalik signed a National Letter of Intent to play softball at Division II West Liberty University. Mihalik pitched the Rams to Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference championships as a freshman and junior. She has 372 strikeouts and a 33-8 career record. She was also an all-conference selection in soccer as a senior.
 | |
| Richland's Nicki Mihalik signs her National Letter of Intent to play softball at West Liberty. Standing from left to right are Jim Peracchino, travel coach; Carl Teeter, travel coach; Stephen Mihalik, father; Lisa Parana, mother; Ed Haberkorn, Richland softball coach; Rick Bicko, travel coach. |
Monday, November 26, 2012
PA Football News rankings
Class AAAA:
Rank - School - District - Record - Score - Last Weeks Ranking1. North Allegheny (7) (13-0) Defeated Woodland Hills, 21-14 (1)
2. LaSalle College (12) (11-1) Did Not Play (2)
3. Wilson (West Lawn) (3) (12-1) Defeated Governor Mifflin, 21-14 (3)
4. Harrisburg (3) (11-2) Defeated Central Dauphin, 27-21 (5)
Class AAA:
Rank - School - District
1. Bishop McDevitt (3) (13-0) Defeated Lancaster Catholic, 27-7 (1)
2. Cathedral Prep (10) (12-0) Defeated General McLane, 48-14 2)
3. Archbishop Wood (12) (10-2) Did Not Play (3)
Class AA:
Rank - School - District
1. Aliquippa (7) (13-0) Defeated Washington, 34-7 (1)
2. Wyomissing (3) (13-0) Defeated Bermudian Springs (2)
3. Imhotep Charter (12) (13-0) Defeated Boy's Latin, 58-8 (3)
4. Richland (6) (13-0) Defeated Forest Hills, 27-0 (5)
5. Hickory (10) (11-1) Defeated Wilmington, 39-7 (7)
6. Pen Argyl (11) (10-2) Defeated Wyoming Area, 21-7 (8)
7. Danville (4) (11-2) Defeated Mount Carmel, 28-21 (10)
8. Karns City (9) (10-3) Defeated Chestnut Ridge, 35-29 (HM)
9. South Fayette (7) (11-1) Season Complete (9)
10. Washington (7) (12-1) Lost to Aliquippa, 34-7 (4) (Blogger's note: Washington beat South Fayette in the WPIAL playoffs but fell behind SF in this week's rankings.)
Class A:
Rank - School - District
1. Clairton (7) (13-0) Defeated Sto-Rox, 58-21 (1) (60 Straight Wins - Breaks the state Record)
2. Dunmore (2) (12-1) Defeated Southern Columbia, 35-29 (5)
3. Port Allegany (9) (13-0) Defeated Clarion Area, 47-8 (3)
4. Bellwood-Antis (6) (12-1) Defeated Bishop McCort, 54-3 (7)
5. Sharpsville (10) (11-1) Defeated West Middlesex, 28-0 (8)
6. Southern Columbia (4) (12-1) Lost to Dunmore, 35-29 (2)
7. Bristol (1) (9-1) Defeated Williams Valley, 20-0 (HM)
8. Berlin Brothersvalley (5) (11-1) Defeated North Star, 14-6 (HM)
Clarion Area (9) (12-1)
Monessen (7) (9-2)
Rank - School - District - Record - Score - Last Weeks Ranking1. North Allegheny (7) (13-0) Defeated Woodland Hills, 21-14 (1)
2. LaSalle College (12) (11-1) Did Not Play (2)
3. Wilson (West Lawn) (3) (12-1) Defeated Governor Mifflin, 21-14 (3)
4. Harrisburg (3) (11-2) Defeated Central Dauphin, 27-21 (5)
5.
Parkland (11) (11-2) Defeated Delaware Valley, 49-41 (8)
6. McDowell (10) (7-5) Defeated State College, 42-0 (HM)
7. Coatesville (1) (11-2) Defeated Neshaminy, 63-28 (HM)
6. McDowell (10) (7-5) Defeated State College, 42-0 (HM)
7. Coatesville (1) (11-2) Defeated Neshaminy, 63-28 (HM)
8.
Spring-Ford (1) (12-2) Defeated Pennridge, 35-24 (HM)
9. St. Joseph's Prep (12) (9-1) Season Complete (6)
10. Pennridge (1) (11-2) Lost to Spring-Ford, 35-24 (4)
Honorable Mention:
9. St. Joseph's Prep (12) (9-1) Season Complete (6)
10. Pennridge (1) (11-2) Lost to Spring-Ford, 35-24 (4)
Honorable Mention:
Central
Bucks South (10-2)
Central
Dauphin (3) (10-3)
Delaware Valley (2) (11-2)
Delaware Valley (2) (11-2)
Downingtown East (1) (10-1)
Governor
Mifflin (3) (10-3)
Neshaminy (1) (9-4)
Ridley
(1) (11-1)
Scranton
(2) (11-1)
Upper
St. Clair (7) (10-2)
Class AAA:
Rank - School - District
1. Bishop McDevitt (3) (13-0) Defeated Lancaster Catholic, 27-7 (1)
2. Cathedral Prep (10) (12-0) Defeated General McLane, 48-14 2)
3. Archbishop Wood (12) (10-2) Did Not Play (3)
4. West
York (3) (13-0) Defeated Susquehanna Township, 31-7 (4)
5. West Allegheny (7) (12-1) Defeated West Mifflin, 34-8 (5)
5. West Allegheny (7) (12-1) Defeated West Mifflin, 34-8 (5)
6.
Selinsgrove (4) (9-3) Defeated University Prep, 41-14 (10)
7. Interboro (1)(11-2) Defeated West Chester Henderson, 14-12 (HM_
8. Allentown Central Catholic (11) (8-5) Defeated Abington Heights, 23-0 (HM)
9. Thomas Jefferson (7) (11-1) Season Complete (HM)
10. Pottsgrove (1) (11-1) Season Complete (HM)
Honorable Mention:
7. Interboro (1)(11-2) Defeated West Chester Henderson, 14-12 (HM_
8. Allentown Central Catholic (11) (8-5) Defeated Abington Heights, 23-0 (HM)
9. Thomas Jefferson (7) (11-1) Season Complete (HM)
10. Pottsgrove (1) (11-1) Season Complete (HM)
Honorable Mention:
Abington
Heights (2) (10-3)
Berwick
Area (2) (10-2)
Central
Valley (7) (9-2)
Clearfield (9) (11-1)
Clearfield (9) (11-1)
Garden
Spot (3) (10-1)
General
McLane (10) (9-3)
Susquehanna Township (3) (10-3)
West
Mifflin (7) (11-2)
Class AA:
Rank - School - District
1. Aliquippa (7) (13-0) Defeated Washington, 34-7 (1)
2. Wyomissing (3) (13-0) Defeated Bermudian Springs (2)
3. Imhotep Charter (12) (13-0) Defeated Boy's Latin, 58-8 (3)
4. Richland (6) (13-0) Defeated Forest Hills, 27-0 (5)
5. Hickory (10) (11-1) Defeated Wilmington, 39-7 (7)
6. Pen Argyl (11) (10-2) Defeated Wyoming Area, 21-7 (8)
7. Danville (4) (11-2) Defeated Mount Carmel, 28-21 (10)
8. Karns City (9) (10-3) Defeated Chestnut Ridge, 35-29 (HM)
9. South Fayette (7) (11-1) Season Complete (9)
10. Washington (7) (12-1) Lost to Aliquippa, 34-7 (4) (Blogger's note: Washington beat South Fayette in the WPIAL playoffs but fell behind SF in this week's rankings.)
Honorable Mention:
Bermudian Springs (3) (12-1)
Catasauqua (11) (12-1)
Forest
Hills (6) (9-4)
Jeannette (7) (10-2)
Wilmington (10) (9-3)
Wyoming
Area (2) (10-3)
Class A:
Rank - School - District
1. Clairton (7) (13-0) Defeated Sto-Rox, 58-21 (1) (60 Straight Wins - Breaks the state Record)
2. Dunmore (2) (12-1) Defeated Southern Columbia, 35-29 (5)
3. Port Allegany (9) (13-0) Defeated Clarion Area, 47-8 (3)
4. Bellwood-Antis (6) (12-1) Defeated Bishop McCort, 54-3 (7)
5. Sharpsville (10) (11-1) Defeated West Middlesex, 28-0 (8)
6. Southern Columbia (4) (12-1) Lost to Dunmore, 35-29 (2)
7. Bristol (1) (9-1) Defeated Williams Valley, 20-0 (HM)
8. Berlin Brothersvalley (5) (11-1) Defeated North Star, 14-6 (HM)
9.
Delone Catholic (3) (9-3) Defeated Steelton-Highspire, 28-13 (HM)
10. Old Forge (2) (11-1) Season Complete (9)
Honorable Mention:10. Old Forge (2) (11-1) Season Complete (9)
Clarion Area (9) (12-1)
Monessen (7) (9-2)
Neshannock (7) (10-2)
North
Star (5) (10-3)
Sto-Rox
(7) (11-1)
Tri-Valley (11) (10-2)
West
Middlesex (10) (10-3)
Williams
Valley (11) (12-1)
#Won13
Every team has preseason goals and expectations. The Richland High School football team is no different.
The Rams, however, aren't afraid to raise the bar.
They're not afraid to let it be known, either.
Before a down was played this season, Richland adopted a Twitter hashtag used by coach Brandon Bailey, players and fans alike.
Many tweets concluded with "#win13."
For those not in the know, Twitter is a booming method of social media. It's used by movie stars, rock stars, pro athletes and, on a more local level, high school student-athletes and coaches. Twitter is an effective and quick way to communicate with an entire team and beyond.
Richland football actively uses Twitter as a communication vehicle. The Rams also entered the season with the heavy expectation of winning its first 13 games, which would lead to the program's first district championship.
Hence, the hashtag "#win13."
A couple weeks ago, senior receiver/defensive back Luke Shertzer explained the hashtag.
"It's something we talked about before the season, and it feels great knowing we're close to achieving it," Shertzer said. "All summer long, we talked about winning the (Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference) and the district. Winning 13 games meant we would do both."
Well, Richland achieved its goal Friday night when it shut out Forest Hills, 27-0, in the District 6 Class AA championship at Mansion Park in Altoona.
It prompted a change in hashtags.
Shertzer, who goes by @GeistownsFinest on Twitter said following the win, "Wouldn't trade this team for the world, thank you for making my senior year memorable#loveyall #WON13"
Matt Shaffer (@mshaffe12) "Words just can't describe this...#won13"
Tanner Solarczyk (@Tsolarczyk) "Best feeling ever#won13"
Mario Rizzo (@mariorizzo1411) "Hats off to FH, great game D6 champs!!!! Greatest feeling. Lets keep rolling and#win16"
Of course, for the Rams to win 16, it means they'll be crowned PIAA champions at the end of the year. First, Richland (13-0) must get past District 10 champion Hickory in the quarterfinals on Saturday at 1 p.m. at Slippery Rock University.
Who knows, by next week, maybe Richland will be tweeting "#won14."
The Rams, however, aren't afraid to raise the bar.
They're not afraid to let it be known, either.
Before a down was played this season, Richland adopted a Twitter hashtag used by coach Brandon Bailey, players and fans alike.
Many tweets concluded with "#win13."
For those not in the know, Twitter is a booming method of social media. It's used by movie stars, rock stars, pro athletes and, on a more local level, high school student-athletes and coaches. Twitter is an effective and quick way to communicate with an entire team and beyond.
Richland football actively uses Twitter as a communication vehicle. The Rams also entered the season with the heavy expectation of winning its first 13 games, which would lead to the program's first district championship.
Hence, the hashtag "#win13."
A couple weeks ago, senior receiver/defensive back Luke Shertzer explained the hashtag.
"It's something we talked about before the season, and it feels great knowing we're close to achieving it," Shertzer said. "All summer long, we talked about winning the (Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference) and the district. Winning 13 games meant we would do both."
Well, Richland achieved its goal Friday night when it shut out Forest Hills, 27-0, in the District 6 Class AA championship at Mansion Park in Altoona.
It prompted a change in hashtags.
Shertzer, who goes by @GeistownsFinest on Twitter said following the win, "Wouldn't trade this team for the world, thank you for making my senior year memorable
Matt Shaffer (@mshaffe12) "Words just can't describe this...
Tanner Solarczyk (@Tsolarczyk) "Best feeling ever
Mario Rizzo (@mariorizzo1411) "Hats off to FH, great game D6 champs!!!! Greatest feeling. Lets keep rolling and
Of course, for the Rams to win 16, it means they'll be crowned PIAA champions at the end of the year. First, Richland (13-0) must get past District 10 champion Hickory in the quarterfinals on Saturday at 1 p.m. at Slippery Rock University.
Who knows, by next week, maybe Richland will be tweeting "#won14."
Thursday, November 22, 2012
Forest Hills/Richland aka "The Bailey Bowl" capsule
Forest Hills (9-3) vs. Richland (12-0)
What: District 6 Class AA championship.
When: 7 p.m., today.
Where: Mansion Park, Altoona.
District titles: Forest Hills, 9 – 1985 (Class AAA), 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 2002, 2005, 2009, 2010 (Class AA). Richland, none.
Forest Hills scores: Westmont Hilltop (W, 44-0), Bishop McCort (L, 10-6), Bishop Carroll (W, 27-0), Bishop Guilfoyle (L, 14-0), Cambria Heights (L, 24-6), Central Cambria (W, 28-14), Penn Cambria (W, 20-18), Somerset (W, 17-7), Greater Johnstown (W, 29-24), Philipsburg-Osceola (W, 43-0), Central (W, 21-7), Ligonier Valley (W, 26-12).
Richland scores: Cambria Heights (W, 38-20), Bishop Guilfoyle (W, 35-12), Bedford (W, 62-14), Greater Johnstown (W, 42-0), Bishop McCort (W, 17-10), Somerset (W, 47-0), Westmont Hilltop (W,
51-23), Penn Cambria (W, 30-12), Central Cambria (W, 35-0), Bellwood-Antis (W, 14-7), Penn Cambria (W, 28-0), Tyrone (W, 43-22).
Forest Hills coach Don Bailey
Seasons as head coach: 39.
Career record: 333-91-8.
District titles: 9.
This season: 9-3.
Highlight: Led Rangers to 1994 PIAA Class AA state championship game, a 20-14 double-overtime loss to Mount Carmel.
Richland coach Brandon Bailey
Seasons as head coach: 11.
Career record: 62-55.
District titles: 0.
This season: 12-0.
Highlight: Led Rams to first playoff berth in 20 seasons in 2008 and advanced to the district championship game two straight years.
Bailey vs. Bailey
Forest Hills is 9-1 against Richland since the father-son coaching duel began in 2002. ... The total includes Rangers playoff wins in 2008 and 2009. Richland won the 2011 season opener in Sidman. ... The teams did not meet during the 2012 regular season.
What: District 6 Class AA championship.
When: 7 p.m., today.
Where: Mansion Park, Altoona.
District titles: Forest Hills, 9 – 1985 (Class AAA), 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 2002, 2005, 2009, 2010 (Class AA). Richland, none.
Forest Hills scores: Westmont Hilltop (W, 44-0), Bishop McCort (L, 10-6), Bishop Carroll (W, 27-0), Bishop Guilfoyle (L, 14-0), Cambria Heights (L, 24-6), Central Cambria (W, 28-14), Penn Cambria (W, 20-18), Somerset (W, 17-7), Greater Johnstown (W, 29-24), Philipsburg-Osceola (W, 43-0), Central (W, 21-7), Ligonier Valley (W, 26-12).
Richland scores: Cambria Heights (W, 38-20), Bishop Guilfoyle (W, 35-12), Bedford (W, 62-14), Greater Johnstown (W, 42-0), Bishop McCort (W, 17-10), Somerset (W, 47-0), Westmont Hilltop (W,
51-23), Penn Cambria (W, 30-12), Central Cambria (W, 35-0), Bellwood-Antis (W, 14-7), Penn Cambria (W, 28-0), Tyrone (W, 43-22).
Forest Hills coach Don Bailey
Seasons as head coach: 39.
Career record: 333-91-8.
District titles: 9.
This season: 9-3.
Highlight: Led Rangers to 1994 PIAA Class AA state championship game, a 20-14 double-overtime loss to Mount Carmel.
Richland coach Brandon Bailey
Seasons as head coach: 11.
Career record: 62-55.
District titles: 0.
This season: 12-0.
Highlight: Led Rams to first playoff berth in 20 seasons in 2008 and advanced to the district championship game two straight years.
Bailey vs. Bailey
Forest Hills is 9-1 against Richland since the father-son coaching duel began in 2002. ... The total includes Rangers playoff wins in 2008 and 2009. Richland won the 2011 season opener in Sidman. ... The teams did not meet during the 2012 regular season.
Patriot-News football rankings
Pennsylvania high school football rankings from the Patriot-News of Harrisburg, with school’s district in parentheses, followed by record and position in last week’s rankings. NR means not ranked.
CLASS AAAA
1. North Allegheny (7) 12-0 1
2. LaSalle College (12) 11-1 2
3. Harrisburg (3) 10-2 3
4. Woodland Hills (7) 10-2 5
5. Parkland (11) 10-2 9
6. St. Joseph’s Prep (12) 9-1 6
7. Upper St. Clair (7) 10-2 4
8. Wilson (3) 11-1 NR
9. Central Dauphin (P)) 10-2 NR
10. Gateway (7) 9-2 10
Teams to watch
Coatesville (1) 10-2, Delaware Valley (2) 11-1, Ridley (1) 11-1, Scranton (2) 11-1, Seneca Valley (7) 10-2, Spring-Ford (1) 11-1.
CLASS AAA
1. Cathedral Prep (10) 11-0 1
2. Bishop McDevitt (3) 12-0 2
3. Archbishop Wood (P) 10-2 3
4. West Allegheny (7) 11-1 4
5. West Mifflin (7) 11-1 8
6. Susquehanna Twp. (3) 10-2 10
7. Thomas Jefferson (7) 11-1 5
8. Abington Heights (2) 10-2 NR
9. Montour (7) 9-1 9
10. West Chester Henderson (1) 9-3 NR
Teams to watch
Berwick (2) 10-2, x-Lancaster Catholic (3) 9-3, Mars (7) 9-2, Pottsgrove (1) 11-1, West York (3) 12-0.
CLASS AA
1. Aliquippa (7) 12-0 1
2. Imhotep Charter (12) 12-0 2
3. Wyomissing (3) 12-0 4
4. Washington (7) 12-0 5
5. Hickory (10) 10-1 6
6. South Fayette (7) 11-1 3
7. Richland (6) 12-0 10
8. Pen Argyl (11) 10-2 NR
9. Wilmington (10) 9-2 NR
10. Wyoming Area (2) 10-2 NR
Teams to watch
Bermudian Springs (3) 12-0, Catasauqua (11) 11-1, Forest Hills (6) 9-3, Grove City (10) 9-2, Jeannette (7) 10-2.
CLASS A
1. Clairton (P)) 12-0 1
2. Southern Columbia (4) 12-0 2
3. Dunmore (2) 11-1 4
4. Sto-Rox (7) 11-1 5
5. Sharpsville (10) 10-1 6
6. Bellwood-Antis (6) 11-1 8
7. Old Forge (2) 11-1 3
8. Williams Valley (11) 12-0 9
9. Bishop McCort (6) 9-3 NR
10. Port Allegany (9) 11-0 NR
Teams to watch
Monessen (7) 9-2, Neshannock (7) 10-2, North Catholic (7) 9-3, Rochester (7) 9-2, Steelton-Highspire (3) 9-3, West Middlesex (10) 10-2.
(P)-2011 PIAA champion. (x) 2011 Class AA champion. Number in parentheses is PIAA district.
CLASS AAAA
1. North Allegheny (7) 12-0 1
2. LaSalle College (12) 11-1 2
3. Harrisburg (3) 10-2 3
4. Woodland Hills (7) 10-2 5
5. Parkland (11) 10-2 9
6. St. Joseph’s Prep (12) 9-1 6
7. Upper St. Clair (7) 10-2 4
8. Wilson (3) 11-1 NR
9. Central Dauphin (P)) 10-2 NR
10. Gateway (7) 9-2 10
Teams to watch
Coatesville (1) 10-2, Delaware Valley (2) 11-1, Ridley (1) 11-1, Scranton (2) 11-1, Seneca Valley (7) 10-2, Spring-Ford (1) 11-1.
CLASS AAA
1. Cathedral Prep (10) 11-0 1
2. Bishop McDevitt (3) 12-0 2
3. Archbishop Wood (P) 10-2 3
4. West Allegheny (7) 11-1 4
5. West Mifflin (7) 11-1 8
6. Susquehanna Twp. (3) 10-2 10
7. Thomas Jefferson (7) 11-1 5
8. Abington Heights (2) 10-2 NR
9. Montour (7) 9-1 9
10. West Chester Henderson (1) 9-3 NR
Teams to watch
Berwick (2) 10-2, x-Lancaster Catholic (3) 9-3, Mars (7) 9-2, Pottsgrove (1) 11-1, West York (3) 12-0.
CLASS AA
1. Aliquippa (7) 12-0 1
2. Imhotep Charter (12) 12-0 2
3. Wyomissing (3) 12-0 4
4. Washington (7) 12-0 5
5. Hickory (10) 10-1 6
6. South Fayette (7) 11-1 3
7. Richland (6) 12-0 10
8. Pen Argyl (11) 10-2 NR
9. Wilmington (10) 9-2 NR
10. Wyoming Area (2) 10-2 NR
Teams to watch
Bermudian Springs (3) 12-0, Catasauqua (11) 11-1, Forest Hills (6) 9-3, Grove City (10) 9-2, Jeannette (7) 10-2.
CLASS A
1. Clairton (P)) 12-0 1
2. Southern Columbia (4) 12-0 2
3. Dunmore (2) 11-1 4
4. Sto-Rox (7) 11-1 5
5. Sharpsville (10) 10-1 6
6. Bellwood-Antis (6) 11-1 8
7. Old Forge (2) 11-1 3
8. Williams Valley (11) 12-0 9
9. Bishop McCort (6) 9-3 NR
10. Port Allegany (9) 11-0 NR
Teams to watch
Monessen (7) 9-2, Neshannock (7) 10-2, North Catholic (7) 9-3, Rochester (7) 9-2, Steelton-Highspire (3) 9-3, West Middlesex (10) 10-2.
(P)-2011 PIAA champion. (x) 2011 Class AA champion. Number in parentheses is PIAA district.
Bishop McCort/Bellwood-Antis capsule
Bishop McCort (9-3) vs. Bellwood (11-1)
What: District 6 Class A championship.
When: Saturday, 7 p.m.
Where: Mansion Park, Altoona.
District titles: Bishop McCort, 5 – 2001, 2006, 2007 (Class AA), 2008, 2009 (Class A). Bellwood-Antis, 5 – 1988 (Class AA), 1997, 2004, 2006, 2007 (Class A).
Bishop McCort scores: Bishop Carroll (W, 38-18), Forest Hills (W, 10-6), Somerset (L, 19-14), Bedford (W, 38-14), Richland (L, 17-10), Westmont Hilltop (W, 35-0), Greater Johnstown (W, 28-18), Cambria Heights (L, 21-19), Bishop Guilfoyle (W, 37-0), Central Cambria (W, 38-13), Penns Manor (W, 32-29), Northern Cambria (W, 45-6).
Bellwood-Antis scores: Tyrone (W, 22-15), Moshannon Valley (W, 35-14), West Branch (W, 54-20), Juniata Valley (W, 47-34), Mt. Union (W, 21-0), Everett (W, 41-14), Southern Huntingdon (W,
39-3), Northern Bedford (W, 20-0), Glendale (W, 41-13), Richland (L, 14-7), Glendale (W, 40-14), Bishop Guilfoyle (W, 19-6).
What: District 6 Class A championship.
When: Saturday, 7 p.m.
Where: Mansion Park, Altoona.
District titles: Bishop McCort, 5 – 2001, 2006, 2007 (Class AA), 2008, 2009 (Class A). Bellwood-Antis, 5 – 1988 (Class AA), 1997, 2004, 2006, 2007 (Class A).
Bishop McCort scores: Bishop Carroll (W, 38-18), Forest Hills (W, 10-6), Somerset (L, 19-14), Bedford (W, 38-14), Richland (L, 17-10), Westmont Hilltop (W, 35-0), Greater Johnstown (W, 28-18), Cambria Heights (L, 21-19), Bishop Guilfoyle (W, 37-0), Central Cambria (W, 38-13), Penns Manor (W, 32-29), Northern Cambria (W, 45-6).
Bellwood-Antis scores: Tyrone (W, 22-15), Moshannon Valley (W, 35-14), West Branch (W, 54-20), Juniata Valley (W, 47-34), Mt. Union (W, 21-0), Everett (W, 41-14), Southern Huntingdon (W,
39-3), Northern Bedford (W, 20-0), Glendale (W, 41-13), Richland (L, 14-7), Glendale (W, 40-14), Bishop Guilfoyle (W, 19-6).
North Star/Berlin capsule
North Star (10-2) vs. Berlin (10-1)
What: District 5 Class A championship.
When: 7 p.m., today.
Where: Somerset High School.
District titles: North Star, 4 – 2008 (Class AA), 2007, 2010, 2011 (Class A).
Berlin Brothersvalley, 4 – 1986, 1987, 1990, 2004 (Class A).
North Star scores: Portage (L, 13-10), Ferndale (W, 30-0), Conemaugh Valley (W, 42-7), Saltsburg (W, 40-7), Berlin Brothersvalley (L, 28-19), Shade (W, 3-0), Meyersdale (W, 32-7), Rockwood (W, 42-0), Blacklick Valley (W, 36-24), Conemaugh Township (W, 14-12), Shade (W, 21-0), Northern Bedford (W, 21-20).
Berlin scores: Conemaugh Township (W, 41-6), Portage (W, 20-7), Ferndale (W, 55-8), Conemaugh Valley (W, 27-0), North Star (W, 28-19), Northern Cambria (W, 21-19), Shade (W, 40-7), Meyersdale (W, 28-27), Rockwood (W, 49-12), Windber (L, 28-20), Windber (W, 40-20).
Berlin received a first-round bye in the District 5 playoffs.
What: District 5 Class A championship.
When: 7 p.m., today.
Where: Somerset High School.
District titles: North Star, 4 – 2008 (Class AA), 2007, 2010, 2011 (Class A).
Berlin Brothersvalley, 4 – 1986, 1987, 1990, 2004 (Class A).
North Star scores: Portage (L, 13-10), Ferndale (W, 30-0), Conemaugh Valley (W, 42-7), Saltsburg (W, 40-7), Berlin Brothersvalley (L, 28-19), Shade (W, 3-0), Meyersdale (W, 32-7), Rockwood (W, 42-0), Blacklick Valley (W, 36-24), Conemaugh Township (W, 14-12), Shade (W, 21-0), Northern Bedford (W, 21-20).
Berlin scores: Conemaugh Township (W, 41-6), Portage (W, 20-7), Ferndale (W, 55-8), Conemaugh Valley (W, 27-0), North Star (W, 28-19), Northern Cambria (W, 21-19), Shade (W, 40-7), Meyersdale (W, 28-27), Rockwood (W, 49-12), Windber (L, 28-20), Windber (W, 40-20).
Berlin received a first-round bye in the District 5 playoffs.
Chestnut Ridge/Karns City capsule
Chestnut Ridge (6-5) vs. Karns City (9-3)
What: PIAA Class AA first-round game.
When: 7 p.m., today.
Where: Memorial Stadium, Clarion University
District titles: Chestnut Ridge, 2 – 2010, 2012 (Class AA). Karns City, 9 – 1993, 1997, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2012 (Class AA).
Chestnut Ridge scores: Central (L, 51-20), Carrick (W, 35-12), Berks Catholic (L, 47-0), Bald Eagle Area (L, 28-26), Philipsburg-Osceola (W, 34-7), Mountain Ridge (W, 34-6), Kutztown (W, 60-14), Fort Hill, Md. (L, 32-28), Allegany, Md. (L, 42-8), Bedford (W, 33-7), Everett (W, 22-21).
Karns City scores: St. Marys (W, 38-25), Clarion Area (L, 34-12), Moniteau (W, 20-7), Union (L, 28-18), Franklin (W, 30-22), Keystone (W, 34-7), Punxsutawney (W, 17-14), Oil City (L, 33-21), Brookville (W, 45-20), Marion Center (W, 34-20), St. Marys (W, 34-14), Kane (W, 33-27).
Winner draws either Aliquippa or Washington in quarterfinals.
What: PIAA Class AA first-round game.
When: 7 p.m., today.
Where: Memorial Stadium, Clarion University
District titles: Chestnut Ridge, 2 – 2010, 2012 (Class AA). Karns City, 9 – 1993, 1997, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2012 (Class AA).
Chestnut Ridge scores: Central (L, 51-20), Carrick (W, 35-12), Berks Catholic (L, 47-0), Bald Eagle Area (L, 28-26), Philipsburg-Osceola (W, 34-7), Mountain Ridge (W, 34-6), Kutztown (W, 60-14), Fort Hill, Md. (L, 32-28), Allegany, Md. (L, 42-8), Bedford (W, 33-7), Everett (W, 22-21).
Karns City scores: St. Marys (W, 38-25), Clarion Area (L, 34-12), Moniteau (W, 20-7), Union (L, 28-18), Franklin (W, 30-22), Keystone (W, 34-7), Punxsutawney (W, 17-14), Oil City (L, 33-21), Brookville (W, 45-20), Marion Center (W, 34-20), St. Marys (W, 34-14), Kane (W, 33-27).
Winner draws either Aliquippa or Washington in quarterfinals.
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
North Star's two-back system proves effective
Between Rashard Mendenhall, Isaac Redman and Jonathan Dwyer, it's been said that the Pittsburgh Steelers have an embarrassment of riches at the running back position. Some have gone as far as saying the trio gives Pittsburgh the most depth at the position in the NFL.
While not many have said that North Star boasts the best backfield depth in District 5. The statement may be true.
The Cougars, who are in the District 5 Class A championship game for the fourth time in five years, can counter any defense with a runner suited to help North Star win a football game.
And North Star (10-2) has won seven straight games, including three by shutout, heading into Friday night's championship game against Berlin (10-1) at Somerset. The game also serves as a first-round game in the PIAA Class A playoffs with the winner drawing the WPIAL champion, either Clairton or Sto-Rox, Nov. 30.
"For us, everything starts with the line play more so than anything else," North Star coach Stacy Schmitt said. "If we're having a hard time moving people, Thomas Miller is the better back to move people with. Shawn Costas has blinding speed."
Miller, a 5-foot-8, 185-pound junior, rushed for more than 1,000 yards as a sophomore. This year, he's carried the football 142 times for 709 yards and six touchdowns. Two of those scores, 26 of his carries and a season-high 132 yards came in last week's thrilling 21-20 win at Northern Bedford in double overtime.
Costas (5-5. 145) has rushed for a team-high 714 yards and 6.0 yards per carry. His best game came at Blacklick Valley when he rushed 19 times for 176 yards.
The nature of a particular game determines who will be effective and which back we'll go with," Schmitt said. "It's not a case of which back is better because they're both very good."
No matter the back, North Star will need to run the football against a determined Berlin team coming off a semifinal performance against Windber where the Mountaineers rushed for 463 yards and five touchdowns.
While not many have said that North Star boasts the best backfield depth in District 5. The statement may be true.
The Cougars, who are in the District 5 Class A championship game for the fourth time in five years, can counter any defense with a runner suited to help North Star win a football game.
And North Star (10-2) has won seven straight games, including three by shutout, heading into Friday night's championship game against Berlin (10-1) at Somerset. The game also serves as a first-round game in the PIAA Class A playoffs with the winner drawing the WPIAL champion, either Clairton or Sto-Rox, Nov. 30.
"For us, everything starts with the line play more so than anything else," North Star coach Stacy Schmitt said. "If we're having a hard time moving people, Thomas Miller is the better back to move people with. Shawn Costas has blinding speed."
Miller, a 5-foot-8, 185-pound junior, rushed for more than 1,000 yards as a sophomore. This year, he's carried the football 142 times for 709 yards and six touchdowns. Two of those scores, 26 of his carries and a season-high 132 yards came in last week's thrilling 21-20 win at Northern Bedford in double overtime.
Costas (5-5. 145) has rushed for a team-high 714 yards and 6.0 yards per carry. His best game came at Blacklick Valley when he rushed 19 times for 176 yards.
The nature of a particular game determines who will be effective and which back we'll go with," Schmitt said. "It's not a case of which back is better because they're both very good."
No matter the back, North Star will need to run the football against a determined Berlin team coming off a semifinal performance against Windber where the Mountaineers rushed for 463 yards and five touchdowns.
Monday, November 19, 2012
Tribune-Democrat football rankings
Regardless of classification ...
1. Richland 12-0 (Class AA)
Noteworthy: Richland remains area's most consistently excellent team. Rams make District 6-AA title game for second straight year. This year, it's being dubbed the Bailey Bowl as Brandon Bailey's Richland Rams play father Don Bailey's Forest Hills Rangers.
2. Forest Hills 9-3 (AA)
Noteworthy: Rangers have been one of Class AA's best teams since Week 6. Father/son coaching matchups happen occasionally, but one has to wonder if it's ever actually happened in a PIAA playoff game.
3. Bishop McCort 9-3 (A)
Noteworthy: It's late November, so that must mean it's time for the annual playoff matchup between Class A powers Bishop McCort and Bellwood-Antis. The winner could be set for a long postseason run.
4. Berlin 10-1 (A)
Noteworthy: Not sure why, but it seems like Mountaineers coach Doug Paul doesn't get enough credit. He's not afraid to alter schemes, play calls or signals or even move players to different positions if he believes it gives Berlin a chance.
5. North Star 10-2 (A)
Noteworthy: The District 5 Class A championship will be contested Friday night. That must mean North Star is still playing. The Cougars are in the title game ... again, and their defense is playing at en elite level.
6. Chestnut Ridge 6-5 (AA)
Noteworthy: Chestnut Ridge won its first playoff game two weeks ago against Everett. The Lions had a week off now travel to Clarion University to play District 9's Karns City. Ridge played a difficult, nomadic schedule. Now, the ever-improving Lions will find out if it pays off.
1. Richland 12-0 (Class AA)
Noteworthy: Richland remains area's most consistently excellent team. Rams make District 6-AA title game for second straight year. This year, it's being dubbed the Bailey Bowl as Brandon Bailey's Richland Rams play father Don Bailey's Forest Hills Rangers.
2. Forest Hills 9-3 (AA)
Noteworthy: Rangers have been one of Class AA's best teams since Week 6. Father/son coaching matchups happen occasionally, but one has to wonder if it's ever actually happened in a PIAA playoff game.
3. Bishop McCort 9-3 (A)
Noteworthy: It's late November, so that must mean it's time for the annual playoff matchup between Class A powers Bishop McCort and Bellwood-Antis. The winner could be set for a long postseason run.
4. Berlin 10-1 (A)
Noteworthy: Not sure why, but it seems like Mountaineers coach Doug Paul doesn't get enough credit. He's not afraid to alter schemes, play calls or signals or even move players to different positions if he believes it gives Berlin a chance.
5. North Star 10-2 (A)
Noteworthy: The District 5 Class A championship will be contested Friday night. That must mean North Star is still playing. The Cougars are in the title game ... again, and their defense is playing at en elite level.
6. Chestnut Ridge 6-5 (AA)
Noteworthy: Chestnut Ridge won its first playoff game two weeks ago against Everett. The Lions had a week off now travel to Clarion University to play District 9's Karns City. Ridge played a difficult, nomadic schedule. Now, the ever-improving Lions will find out if it pays off.
Sunday, November 18, 2012
PA Football News rankings
Class AAAA:
Rank - School - District - Record - Score - Last Weeks Ranking
1. North Allegheny (7) (12-0) Defeated Seneca Valley, 47-17 (1)
2. LaSalle College (12) (10-1) Defeated Frandford, 37-20 (2)
3. Wilson (West Lawn) (3) (11-1) Defeated Central York, 35-10 (4)
4. Pennridge (1) (11-1) Defeated Pennsbury, 28-27 (5)
Rank - School - District - Record - Score - Last Weeks Ranking
1. North Allegheny (7) (12-0) Defeated Seneca Valley, 47-17 (1)
2. LaSalle College (12) (10-1) Defeated Frandford, 37-20 (2)
3. Wilson (West Lawn) (3) (11-1) Defeated Central York, 35-10 (4)
4. Pennridge (1) (11-1) Defeated Pennsbury, 28-27 (5)
5.
Harrisburg (3) (10-2) Defeated Cumberland Valley, 47-28 (10)
6. St. Joseph's Prep (12) (9-1) Season Complete (6)
7. Woodland Hills (7) (10-2) Defeated Upper St. Clair, 42-20 (HM)
6. St. Joseph's Prep (12) (9-1) Season Complete (6)
7. Woodland Hills (7) (10-2) Defeated Upper St. Clair, 42-20 (HM)
8.
Parkland (11) (10-2) Defeated Pleasant Valley, 37-0 (HM)
9. Central Dauphin (3) (10-2) Defeated Manheim Township, 38-30 (HM)
10. Neshaminy (1) (9-3) Defeated Central Bucks South, 14-7 (HM)
9. Central Dauphin (3) (10-2) Defeated Manheim Township, 38-30 (HM)
10. Neshaminy (1) (9-3) Defeated Central Bucks South, 14-7 (HM)
Honorable Mention:
Central
Bucks South (10-2)
Coatesville
(1) (10-2)
Delaware Valley (2) (11-1)
Delaware Valley (2) (11-1)
Downingtown
East (1) (10-1)
Governor
Mifflin (3) (10-2)
McDowell
(10) (6-5)
Ridley
(1) (11-1)
Scranton
(2) (11-1)
Spring-Ford (1) (11-1)
Spring-Ford (1) (11-1)
Upper
St. Clair (7) (10-2)
Class AAA:
Rank - School - District
1. Bishop McDevitt (3) (12-0) Defeated Conrad Weiser, 42-21 (1)
2. Cathedral Prep (10) (11-0) Defeated Warren Area, 54-12 (2)
3. Archbishop Wood (12) (10-2) Defeated Edward Bok Vo-Tech, 49-28 (5)
4. West York (3) (12-0) Defeated Spring Grove, 42-27 (7)
5. West Allegheny (7) (11-1) Defeated Thomas Jefferson, 24-7 (8)
6.
West Mifflin (7) (11-1) Defeated Central Valley, 36-35 (OT) (9)
7. Susquehanna Township (3) (10-2) Defeated Manheim Central, 27-17
8. Abington Heights (2) (10-2) Defeated Berwick Area, 44-35 (HM)
9. General McLane (10) (9-2) Defeated Slippery Rock, 46-42 (HM)
10. Selinsgrove (4) (9-3) Defeated Milton Area, 31-0 (HM)
Honorable Mention:
7. Susquehanna Township (3) (10-2) Defeated Manheim Central, 27-17
8. Abington Heights (2) (10-2) Defeated Berwick Area, 44-35 (HM)
9. General McLane (10) (9-2) Defeated Slippery Rock, 46-42 (HM)
10. Selinsgrove (4) (9-3) Defeated Milton Area, 31-0 (HM)
Honorable Mention:
Berwick
Area (2) (10-2)
Central
Valley (7) (9-2)
Clearfield (9) (11-1)
Clearfield (9) (11-1)
Garden
Spot (3) (10-1)
Interboro
(1)(10-2)
Lancaster
Catholic (3) (9-3)
Pottsgrove
(1) (11-1)
Thomas
Jefferson (7) (11-1)
West
Chester Henderson (1) (9-3)
Class AA:
Rank - School - District
1. Aliquippa (7) (12-0) Defeated Jeannette, 56-0 (1)
2. Wyomissing (3) (12-0) Defeated Schuylkill Valley, 42-14 (2)
3. Imhotep Charter (12) (12-0) Defeated West Catholic, 40-8 (3)
4. Washington (7) (12-0) Defeated South Fayette, 26-14 (5)
5. Richland (6) (12-0) Defeated Tyrone Area, 43-22 (7)
6. Bermudian Springs (3) (12-0) Defeated Biglerville, 34-14 (8)
7. Hickory (10) (9-1) Defeated Grove City, 35-13 (10)
8. Pen Argyl (11) (10-2) Defeated Catasauqua, 26-20 (HM)
9. South Fayette (7) (11-1) Lost to Washington, 26-14 (4)
10. Danville (4) (11-2) Defeated Athens, 14-13
Honorable Mention:
Catasauqua
(11) (11-1)
Forest
Hills (6) (9-3)
Jeannette
(7) (10-2)
Karns
City (9) (9-3)
Mount
Carmel Area (4) (8-4)
Wilmington
(10) (9-2)
Wyoming
Area (2) (10-2)
Class A:
Rank - School - District
1. Clairton (7) (12-0) Defeated Neshannock, 37-3 (1) (59 Straight Wins - Ties the state Record)
2. Southern Columbia (4) (12-0) Defeated South Williamsport, 47-12 (2)
3. Port Allegany (9) (12-0) Defeated Elk County Catholic, 48-7 (4)
4. Williams Valley (11) (12-0) Defeated Tri-Valley, 48-0 (5)
5. Dunmore (2) (11-1) Defeated Old Forge, 7-6 (6)
6. Sto-Rox (7) (11-1) Defeated Pittsburgh North Catholic, 34-20 (8)
7. Bellwood-Antis (6) (11-1) Defeated Bishop Guilfoyle, 19-6 (9)
8. Sharpsville (10) (10-1) Defeated Lakeview, 41-34 (10)
9.
Old Forge (2) (11-1) Lost to Dunmore, 7-6 (3)
10. West Middlesex (10) (10-2) Defeated Farrell, 42-0 (HM) Honorable Mention:
Berlin Brothersvalley (5) (10-1)
10. West Middlesex (10) (10-2) Defeated Farrell, 42-0 (HM) Honorable Mention:
Berlin Brothersvalley (5) (10-1)
Bishop
McCort (6) (9-3)
Bristol
(1) (8-1)
Clarion Area (9) (12-0)
Clarion Area (9) (12-0)
Delone
Catholic (3) (8-3)
Monessen (7) (9-2)
Monessen (7) (9-2)
Neshannock
(7) (10-2)
North
Star (5) (10-2)
Steelton-Highspire
(3) (8-3)
Tri-Valley
(11) (10-2)
Friday, November 16, 2012
Mixed feelings on bye week for Berlin, Windber
Windber received a first-round bye in the 2011 District 5 Class A playoffs. For the Ramblers, it was a chance to earn a well-deserved rest.
"We gave the kids the whole week off," Windber coach Matt Grohal said. "We lifted two or three times and watched film but we didn't go out on the practice field until we knew we were playing Northern Bedford."
As the second-seed in this year's District 5 postseason, Berlin (9-1) received a first-round bye. The Mountaineers handled things differently than the Ramblers did a year ago.
Of course, Berlin was coming off a loss at Windber to conclude the regular season last week.
"We had four days of practice and we gave the kids Friday off," Berlin coach Doug Paul said. "Most of the team went out to Windber to watch them play Tussey Mountain. This week, it's back to a normal five days of practice."
This week is far from normal, however, as Windber (9-2) travels to Berlin for a District 5 Class A semifinal Saturday night at Snyder of Berlin Sports Complex.
Will the bye week help Berlin? Time will tell, but both coaches have mixed feelings on the bye week.
"Some kids are banged up this time of year and it gives them a little more time to heal," Paul said. "At the same time, when you're heading into the playoffs, you want to keep playing. Two years ago, I didn't like having the bye. It mixed up the routine."
Will not having the bye hurt Windber? The Ramblers bring a four-game win streak into Berlin, but they're also banged up. Devon Tomlinson, a key running back and the team leader with seven interceptions, suffered a broken ankle against Tussey Mountain. Leading rusher Dustin Blough is dealing with injury, as is starting quarterback Dakote Gipe.
Grohal expects Gipe, who is dealing with an elbow injury, to play.
"To be honest, I don't like the bye. At this time of year, you just want to keep playing," Grohal said. "Of course, in hindsight, we would have taken the bye week this year given what happened (against Tussey Mountain)."
"We gave the kids the whole week off," Windber coach Matt Grohal said. "We lifted two or three times and watched film but we didn't go out on the practice field until we knew we were playing Northern Bedford."
As the second-seed in this year's District 5 postseason, Berlin (9-1) received a first-round bye. The Mountaineers handled things differently than the Ramblers did a year ago.
Of course, Berlin was coming off a loss at Windber to conclude the regular season last week.
"We had four days of practice and we gave the kids Friday off," Berlin coach Doug Paul said. "Most of the team went out to Windber to watch them play Tussey Mountain. This week, it's back to a normal five days of practice."
This week is far from normal, however, as Windber (9-2) travels to Berlin for a District 5 Class A semifinal Saturday night at Snyder of Berlin Sports Complex.
Will the bye week help Berlin? Time will tell, but both coaches have mixed feelings on the bye week.
"Some kids are banged up this time of year and it gives them a little more time to heal," Paul said. "At the same time, when you're heading into the playoffs, you want to keep playing. Two years ago, I didn't like having the bye. It mixed up the routine."
Will not having the bye hurt Windber? The Ramblers bring a four-game win streak into Berlin, but they're also banged up. Devon Tomlinson, a key running back and the team leader with seven interceptions, suffered a broken ankle against Tussey Mountain. Leading rusher Dustin Blough is dealing with injury, as is starting quarterback Dakote Gipe.
Grohal expects Gipe, who is dealing with an elbow injury, to play.
"To be honest, I don't like the bye. At this time of year, you just want to keep playing," Grohal said. "Of course, in hindsight, we would have taken the bye week this year given what happened (against Tussey Mountain)."
Thursday, November 15, 2012
Backyard football helps Richland become elite
Being undefeated at this late stage of the season, which is something that sets the Richland High School football team apart from all others, requires a combination of things.
First, there needs to be talent. Check. The Rams boast talent in bunches and at all positions.
Players need to be coachable. Check. Richland's players often talk about following the game plan in order to be successful.
Sometimes a team needs to catch a few breaks, or at least make their own. That happened in the regular season finale as Richland won a tough game at Bellwood Antis.
Often, intangibles come in to play.
And there's at least one offseason intangible Richland (11-0), which hosts Tyrone (8-3) Friday night in the District 6 Class AA semifinals, attributes its in-season success to.
"Our kids love to play football," Richland coach Brandon Bailey said. "Come up to Richland any time of the year, and you'll see those kids back there playing touch football. They love putting their helmets on because they realize there's only so many opportunities to play on Friday."
Richland truly believes those impromptu flag football sessions are a reason why the Rams are still playing and favored to win the program's first District 6 championship.
"I would say we're probably up there almost every day of the week during the summer," said senior receiver/defensive back Luke Shertzer. "It makes us close. When you have fun together, it brings you closer as a team."
There's no denying Richland's cohesion on offense. The Rams average more than 400 yards per game while players like Shertzer, quarterback Matt Shaffer, running back Tanner Solarczyk and receiver Kyle Flick are putting together the type of seasons that merit all-state consideration as the wins pile up.
It's a bond that's been forming for some time.
"When we were in seventh grade, that was the first year that Richland made the playoffs. We saw that and knew if we keep working hard, we could do the things the previous groups did," said Derek Crawford, who starts at center and defensive tackle. "Now it's up to us to win the District 6 championship."
A District 6 title and a spot in the state tournament, where Richland could run into perennial powers like Grove City, Aliquippa, South Fayette or Washington at some point if the Rams continue to win, would cement a legacy for the senior.
It would also raise the bar for returning players.
"The kids really want to be remembered down the road as one of the best Richland teams ever," Bailey said. "They've been setting goals that have never happened at Richland before. They're the first team to win 11 games, now they're going for 12. They're the first to go undefeated in the regular season since 1971. They're the first to win a Laurel Highlands championship."
First, there needs to be talent. Check. The Rams boast talent in bunches and at all positions.
Players need to be coachable. Check. Richland's players often talk about following the game plan in order to be successful.
Sometimes a team needs to catch a few breaks, or at least make their own. That happened in the regular season finale as Richland won a tough game at Bellwood Antis.
Often, intangibles come in to play.
And there's at least one offseason intangible Richland (11-0), which hosts Tyrone (8-3) Friday night in the District 6 Class AA semifinals, attributes its in-season success to.
"Our kids love to play football," Richland coach Brandon Bailey said. "Come up to Richland any time of the year, and you'll see those kids back there playing touch football. They love putting their helmets on because they realize there's only so many opportunities to play on Friday."
Richland truly believes those impromptu flag football sessions are a reason why the Rams are still playing and favored to win the program's first District 6 championship.
"I would say we're probably up there almost every day of the week during the summer," said senior receiver/defensive back Luke Shertzer. "It makes us close. When you have fun together, it brings you closer as a team."
There's no denying Richland's cohesion on offense. The Rams average more than 400 yards per game while players like Shertzer, quarterback Matt Shaffer, running back Tanner Solarczyk and receiver Kyle Flick are putting together the type of seasons that merit all-state consideration as the wins pile up.
It's a bond that's been forming for some time.
"When we were in seventh grade, that was the first year that Richland made the playoffs. We saw that and knew if we keep working hard, we could do the things the previous groups did," said Derek Crawford, who starts at center and defensive tackle. "Now it's up to us to win the District 6 championship."
A District 6 title and a spot in the state tournament, where Richland could run into perennial powers like Grove City, Aliquippa, South Fayette or Washington at some point if the Rams continue to win, would cement a legacy for the senior.
It would also raise the bar for returning players.
"The kids really want to be remembered down the road as one of the best Richland teams ever," Bailey said. "They've been setting goals that have never happened at Richland before. They're the first team to win 11 games, now they're going for 12. They're the first to go undefeated in the regular season since 1971. They're the first to win a Laurel Highlands championship."
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
Bishop McCort's playoff journey takes flight
Bishop McCort has moved the football more successfully through the air than on the ground during the 2012 season, but the Crushers aren't following all the trends infiltrating passing games at the high school level.
The Crushers' offense isn't a spread. They don't always line up in shotgun formation. It's certainly far from dink and dunk.
To the contrary, Bishop McCort is not shy about taking chances downfield. Those gambles paid off with a 32-29 victory last Friday at Penns Manor in the quarterfinals of the District 6 Class A playoffs.
Old-time fans of the Oakland Raiders would have come away impressed by the performance of Bishop McCort senior quarterback Zaine Tomkowski, who completed 8 of 13 passes for 211 yards and three touchdowns.
That's an average of 26.4 yards per completion. Move over Daryle Lamonica and Ken Stabler.
"Zaine has a really good arm and he throws well on the run," Bishop McCort coach Kevin Sheridan said following the victory over the third-seeded Colts that gave the Crushers (8-3) a home game Saturday night against Northern Cambria (8-3) in the semifinals.
But, in an interesting twist, Bishop McCort set up its highly effective passing game by running the football with a moderate degree of success against Penns Manor.
The Crushers ran 37 times for 120 yards. It was just enough to open things up in the passing game.
"We knew going into the game when we watched these guys (Penns Manor) on film, their defense is so strong, we simply can't win just by throwing the football," Sheridan added.
On McCort's opening drive, senior Dustin Belsky went at the Penns Manor defense on a succession of run plays and it set up the game's first touchdown.
Tomkowski's first pass attempt was a classic dropback, complete with a double arm pump fake to freeze the defense, and it allowed receiver Jordan Spangler to get behind the defense. Spangler made a nice catch on the high-arching 29-yard touchdown.
"We wanted to establish the run game," Tomkowski explained. "Once we did that, we wanted to go over the top, especially when they put eight, nine guys in the box."
Tomkowski later connected on a 67-yard touchdown pass to Spangler, who had three catches for 111 yards and had the game-saving interception with a minute remaining. Ryan Siwy added an 18-yard touchdown reception. Tomkowski's 211 passing yards were his most since a Week 4 win over Bedford.
"I get very greedy out there," Tomkowski said. "I always want to go over the top for it all."
His play against Penns Manor helped the Bishop McCort defense overcome another amazing performance from Comets quarterback Danny Ferens, who battled a virus to rush for a season-high 264 yards in his final high school football game.
"I would say Danny Ferens is unlike anyone we've seen in a while," Sheridan said. "The last kid we ran into who could run like that was Antwuan Reed."
Tomkowski may not run like Ferens, but he sure can throw the football.
For the season, Tomkowski has completed 99 of 183 passes for 1,511 yards and 12 touchdowns against five interceptions. Impressive numbers made more so considering that Bishop McCort, unlike many Class A teams still playing, doesn't get to play a schedule full of inferior competition.
Spangler has 49 catches for 710 yards and eight touchdowns. Luke DiFrancesco is also a big-play threat. He has 25 catches for 513 yards and four scores.
The Crushers' offense isn't a spread. They don't always line up in shotgun formation. It's certainly far from dink and dunk.
To the contrary, Bishop McCort is not shy about taking chances downfield. Those gambles paid off with a 32-29 victory last Friday at Penns Manor in the quarterfinals of the District 6 Class A playoffs.
Old-time fans of the Oakland Raiders would have come away impressed by the performance of Bishop McCort senior quarterback Zaine Tomkowski, who completed 8 of 13 passes for 211 yards and three touchdowns.
That's an average of 26.4 yards per completion. Move over Daryle Lamonica and Ken Stabler.
"Zaine has a really good arm and he throws well on the run," Bishop McCort coach Kevin Sheridan said following the victory over the third-seeded Colts that gave the Crushers (8-3) a home game Saturday night against Northern Cambria (8-3) in the semifinals.
But, in an interesting twist, Bishop McCort set up its highly effective passing game by running the football with a moderate degree of success against Penns Manor.
The Crushers ran 37 times for 120 yards. It was just enough to open things up in the passing game.
"We knew going into the game when we watched these guys (Penns Manor) on film, their defense is so strong, we simply can't win just by throwing the football," Sheridan added.
On McCort's opening drive, senior Dustin Belsky went at the Penns Manor defense on a succession of run plays and it set up the game's first touchdown.
Tomkowski's first pass attempt was a classic dropback, complete with a double arm pump fake to freeze the defense, and it allowed receiver Jordan Spangler to get behind the defense. Spangler made a nice catch on the high-arching 29-yard touchdown.
"We wanted to establish the run game," Tomkowski explained. "Once we did that, we wanted to go over the top, especially when they put eight, nine guys in the box."
Tomkowski later connected on a 67-yard touchdown pass to Spangler, who had three catches for 111 yards and had the game-saving interception with a minute remaining. Ryan Siwy added an 18-yard touchdown reception. Tomkowski's 211 passing yards were his most since a Week 4 win over Bedford.
"I get very greedy out there," Tomkowski said. "I always want to go over the top for it all."
His play against Penns Manor helped the Bishop McCort defense overcome another amazing performance from Comets quarterback Danny Ferens, who battled a virus to rush for a season-high 264 yards in his final high school football game.
"I would say Danny Ferens is unlike anyone we've seen in a while," Sheridan said. "The last kid we ran into who could run like that was Antwuan Reed."
Tomkowski may not run like Ferens, but he sure can throw the football.
For the season, Tomkowski has completed 99 of 183 passes for 1,511 yards and 12 touchdowns against five interceptions. Impressive numbers made more so considering that Bishop McCort, unlike many Class A teams still playing, doesn't get to play a schedule full of inferior competition.
Spangler has 49 catches for 710 yards and eight touchdowns. Luke DiFrancesco is also a big-play threat. He has 25 catches for 513 yards and four scores.
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
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)
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)
Santa Fund Soccer Rosters
All-star soccer and charity join forces Sunday as Greater Johnstown School District hosts the second Santa Fund Soccer Classic, which features the area's top seniors and benefits The Tribune-Democrat Santa Fund.
The games take place Sunday beginning with the girls game at 1:30 p.m. The boys game will follow.
North Boys
Coach - Ron Spinelli, Bishop McCort
Tyler Ofman, John Nau (United); Michael Pyo, Matt Deskevich (Bishop Carroll); Sean Ingram, Adam Wood (Bishop McCort); Tyler Gary, Dominic Williams, Zachary Wingard (Cambria County Christian); Tristin Irwin, Dylan Mauer (Cambria Heights); Tyler Varner (Greater Johnstown); Bobby Colvin, Curtis Colvin, Ismail Ahmad (Richland); Dan Durham, Dominic Ramirez (Westmont).
South Boys
Coach - Brett Hoffman, Windber
Zach Barbus, Samuel Felix, Steven Stroup (Bedford); James Bassette, Nick Felton, Andrew Gowarty (Conemaugh Township); Tanner Bloom, Gavin Will (Johnstown Christian); Bradley Lemmon, Alex Myers, Jonathan Waltermire (Rockwood); Jacob Hanley, Garrett Walerysiak (Windber); Ian Hicks, Zach Ferchalk (Somerset).
North Girls
Coach - Donna Gallaher, Forest Hills
Olivie Kirsch (Bishop Carroll); Laura Seitz, Cecilia Stasko (Bishop McCort); Kady Bills, Kiera Bills, Alyssa Wills (Cambria Heights); Larissa Hunt, Allie Thompson (Central Cambria); Casey Gallaher, Briana Kostan (Forest Hills); Maren Meyer, Sierra Steele (Greater Johnstown); Nicki Mihalik, Lauren Miller, Sabrina Wingard (Richland); Maddie Helsel, Melissa Walko (Westmont).
South Girls
Coach - Fred Galiote, Conemaugh Township
Players - Carrie Baker, Hannah Grimes (Bedford); Jorden Eutsey, Marah Riley (Berlin); Allyson Lonas, Chloe Reese (Conemaugh Township); Lindsey Najjar, Taylor Euen (Johnstown Christian); Maddy Grimm, Katie DeMayo (Ligonier Valley); Aleigha Deal, Janelle Long (Meyersdale); Chasity Dupont, Ashley St. Clair (North Star); Chelsea Beener, Sarah Foy (Rockwood); Hope Griffith, Megan Lenzi, Bri Trent (Somerset); Jaycey Hunter (Windber).
The games take place Sunday beginning with the girls game at 1:30 p.m. The boys game will follow.
North Boys
Coach - Ron Spinelli, Bishop McCort
Tyler Ofman, John Nau (United); Michael Pyo, Matt Deskevich (Bishop Carroll); Sean Ingram, Adam Wood (Bishop McCort); Tyler Gary, Dominic Williams, Zachary Wingard (Cambria County Christian); Tristin Irwin, Dylan Mauer (Cambria Heights); Tyler Varner (Greater Johnstown); Bobby Colvin, Curtis Colvin, Ismail Ahmad (Richland); Dan Durham, Dominic Ramirez (Westmont).
South Boys
Coach - Brett Hoffman, Windber
Zach Barbus, Samuel Felix, Steven Stroup (Bedford); James Bassette, Nick Felton, Andrew Gowarty (Conemaugh Township); Tanner Bloom, Gavin Will (Johnstown Christian); Bradley Lemmon, Alex Myers, Jonathan Waltermire (Rockwood); Jacob Hanley, Garrett Walerysiak (Windber); Ian Hicks, Zach Ferchalk (Somerset).
North Girls
Coach - Donna Gallaher, Forest Hills
Olivie Kirsch (Bishop Carroll); Laura Seitz, Cecilia Stasko (Bishop McCort); Kady Bills, Kiera Bills, Alyssa Wills (Cambria Heights); Larissa Hunt, Allie Thompson (Central Cambria); Casey Gallaher, Briana Kostan (Forest Hills); Maren Meyer, Sierra Steele (Greater Johnstown); Nicki Mihalik, Lauren Miller, Sabrina Wingard (Richland); Maddie Helsel, Melissa Walko (Westmont).
South Girls
Coach - Fred Galiote, Conemaugh Township
Players - Carrie Baker, Hannah Grimes (Bedford); Jorden Eutsey, Marah Riley (Berlin); Allyson Lonas, Chloe Reese (Conemaugh Township); Lindsey Najjar, Taylor Euen (Johnstown Christian); Maddy Grimm, Katie DeMayo (Ligonier Valley); Aleigha Deal, Janelle Long (Meyersdale); Chasity Dupont, Ashley St. Clair (North Star); Chelsea Beener, Sarah Foy (Rockwood); Hope Griffith, Megan Lenzi, Bri Trent (Somerset); Jaycey Hunter (Windber).
Sunday, November 11, 2012
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)
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)
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)
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)
Delaware Valley (2) (10-1)
Downingtown
East (1) (10-1)
DuBois Area (9) (8-1)
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)
Seneca Valley (7) (11-1)
Spring-Ford (1) (10-1)
Woodland
Hills (7) (9-2)
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)
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)
Mars Area (7) (9-2)
Montour
(7) (9-2)
Selinsgrove
(4) (8-3)
Slippery Rock (10) (9-1)
Slippery Rock (10) (9-1)
Susquehanna
Township (3) (9-2)
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)
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)
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)
10. Sharpsville (10) (9-1) Defeated Cochranton, 42-6 (10)
Honorable Mention:
Berlin Brothersvalley (5) (9-1)
Berlin Brothersvalley (5) (9-1)
Bristol
(1) (7-1)
Clarion Area (9) (11-0)
Clarion Area (9) (11-0)
Delone
Catholic (3) (7-3)
Millersburg
(3) (7-3)
Monessen (7) (9-2)
Monessen (7) (9-2)
Neshannock
(7) (10-1)
North
Star (5) (9-2)
Northern Bedford (5) (9-1)
Northern Bedford (5) (9-1)
Pittsburgh
North Catholic (7) (9-2)
South Williamsport (4) (10-1)
South Williamsport (4) (10-1)
West
Middlesex (10) (9-2)
Windber
Area (5) (9-2)
Friday, November 9, 2012
Games of the week, first-round edition
The first-round of the playoffs in districts 5 and 6 are loaded with intriguing matchups - Bishop McCort at Penns Manor (where I'll be on Saturday), Forest Hills at Central (Martinsburg) and Cambria Heights at Tyrone among them.
There's also three games where local teams are paired up.
Shade (6-4) at North Star (8-2)
In Week 6, these WestPAC neighbors met and the Cougars escaped Boswell with a 3-0 victory. Brantley Rice scored the game's only points on a field goal to cap North Star's opening drive.
"Games like that a real rare, especially in high school," North Star coach Stacy Schmitt said. "We had a lot of missed opportunities and they did too. The conditions were not the best. We expect them to be better (Saturday)."
The narrow victory ignited a five-game win streak for the Cougars, who have won the past two District 5 Class A titles.
Shade is making its first postseason appearance since 1989, but the Panthers aren't just happy to be involved. They believe they can compete with a district power like North Star.
"Beating a team like that takes us to the next level," said Mike Pribish, who co-coaches Shade with Don Fyfe. "Not only being in the playoffs, but getting a win in the playoffs. That's what we want. Portage, North Star, Windber, Berlin, that's the next level in our league. That's where we want to be."
Northern Cambria (7-3) at Portage (9-1)
The Colts can beat any team, as evidenced by impressive victories over Penns Manor (Week 1) and Cambria Heights (Week 10) during the regular season. They've also been competitive against a pair of 9-1 teams in Berlin and Ligonier Valley.
Few teams enter the postseason on a bigger roll than Portage.
The Mustangs are on an eight-game win streak, and they earned a share of the WestPAC title with Berlin and Windber. Portage averages 8.1 yards per carry.
Penn Cambria (6-4) at Richland (10-0)
The Panthers have responded to a four-game win streak and the abrupt resignation of Ernie Fetzer with a pair of victories over Westmont Hilltop and Somerset to secure the eighth spot in the District 6 Class AA standings.
Penn Cambria played at Richland in Week 8 and left with a 30-12 loss.
The Rams are the only undefeated team in the coverage area and all of District 6. For that matter, Richland is one of nine unbeaten teams in Class AA in the state. Only two teams (Bishop McCort, Bellwood Antis) stayed within 10 points of the Rams.
There's also three games where local teams are paired up.
Shade (6-4) at North Star (8-2)
In Week 6, these WestPAC neighbors met and the Cougars escaped Boswell with a 3-0 victory. Brantley Rice scored the game's only points on a field goal to cap North Star's opening drive.
"Games like that a real rare, especially in high school," North Star coach Stacy Schmitt said. "We had a lot of missed opportunities and they did too. The conditions were not the best. We expect them to be better (Saturday)."
The narrow victory ignited a five-game win streak for the Cougars, who have won the past two District 5 Class A titles.
Shade is making its first postseason appearance since 1989, but the Panthers aren't just happy to be involved. They believe they can compete with a district power like North Star.
"Beating a team like that takes us to the next level," said Mike Pribish, who co-coaches Shade with Don Fyfe. "Not only being in the playoffs, but getting a win in the playoffs. That's what we want. Portage, North Star, Windber, Berlin, that's the next level in our league. That's where we want to be."
Northern Cambria (7-3) at Portage (9-1)
The Colts can beat any team, as evidenced by impressive victories over Penns Manor (Week 1) and Cambria Heights (Week 10) during the regular season. They've also been competitive against a pair of 9-1 teams in Berlin and Ligonier Valley.
Few teams enter the postseason on a bigger roll than Portage.
The Mustangs are on an eight-game win streak, and they earned a share of the WestPAC title with Berlin and Windber. Portage averages 8.1 yards per carry.
Penn Cambria (6-4) at Richland (10-0)
The Panthers have responded to a four-game win streak and the abrupt resignation of Ernie Fetzer with a pair of victories over Westmont Hilltop and Somerset to secure the eighth spot in the District 6 Class AA standings.
Penn Cambria played at Richland in Week 8 and left with a 30-12 loss.
The Rams are the only undefeated team in the coverage area and all of District 6. For that matter, Richland is one of nine unbeaten teams in Class AA in the state. Only two teams (Bishop McCort, Bellwood Antis) stayed within 10 points of the Rams.
Thursday, November 8, 2012
Shope, Donoughe key Forest Hills' win streak
When Forest Hills needed a starting quarterback to replace sophomore Joe Donoughe, the Rangers turned to senior Jared Shope.
A senior, Shope had started since his sophomore season, and that year the Rangers reached the PIAA Class AA semifinals where it ran into high-powered South Fayette. As a sophomore, he started at defensive back. As a junior, he became a two-way starter - defensive back and receiver.
Shope (5-foot-10, 175 pounds) might not have been the obvious choice, but he played well in Donoughe's absence. He's back at receiver now, and returned to his normal role of Donoughe's favorite target.
And Forest Hills hasn't looked back.
The Rangers (7-3) have won five consecutive games, including gritty wins over Penn Cambria, Somerset and Greater Johnstown. They play a District 6 Class AA first-round game at Central (Martinsburg) on Saturday.
There's no doubting Shope will play a key role for Forest Hills.
"Really, he's not been full speed all season," said legendary Forest Hills coach Don Bailey, who has 331 career victories in 39 years with the Rangers. "He's been dealing with a knee injury and the kids see how he's played through it, and they respect that. He's been an effective leader."
So has Donoughe, who missed two games and still has 1,175 yards, rushed for 363 yards and accounted for 13 touchdowns.
Donoughe engineered an improbable last-minute drive to force overtime in an eventual victory over Penn Cambria. He passed for 168 yards, rushed for 119 and accounted for three touchdowns in a win against Greater Johnstown.
"He's improved each week," Bailey said. "Every week, he's seeing things better. He's finding the open receiver. He's running the ball when he needs to and throwing when he needs to. Of course, it helps that he has a couple good receivers to throw to in Jared Shope and Doltyn Sneeden."
A senior, Shope had started since his sophomore season, and that year the Rangers reached the PIAA Class AA semifinals where it ran into high-powered South Fayette. As a sophomore, he started at defensive back. As a junior, he became a two-way starter - defensive back and receiver.
Shope (5-foot-10, 175 pounds) might not have been the obvious choice, but he played well in Donoughe's absence. He's back at receiver now, and returned to his normal role of Donoughe's favorite target.
And Forest Hills hasn't looked back.
The Rangers (7-3) have won five consecutive games, including gritty wins over Penn Cambria, Somerset and Greater Johnstown. They play a District 6 Class AA first-round game at Central (Martinsburg) on Saturday.
There's no doubting Shope will play a key role for Forest Hills.
"Really, he's not been full speed all season," said legendary Forest Hills coach Don Bailey, who has 331 career victories in 39 years with the Rangers. "He's been dealing with a knee injury and the kids see how he's played through it, and they respect that. He's been an effective leader."
So has Donoughe, who missed two games and still has 1,175 yards, rushed for 363 yards and accounted for 13 touchdowns.
Donoughe engineered an improbable last-minute drive to force overtime in an eventual victory over Penn Cambria. He passed for 168 yards, rushed for 119 and accounted for three touchdowns in a win against Greater Johnstown.
"He's improved each week," Bailey said. "Every week, he's seeing things better. He's finding the open receiver. He's running the ball when he needs to and throwing when he needs to. Of course, it helps that he has a couple good receivers to throw to in Jared Shope and Doltyn Sneeden."
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
Cambria Heights not fighting history against Tyrone
When it comes to postseason success, there aren't many, if any, programs in District 6 with a better resume than Tyrone.
The Golden Eagles played for the PIAA Class AA football championship last year and won it all in 1999. They're regulars to the postseason picture.
Cambria Heights, meanwhile, is the polar opposite of Tyrone.
When it comes to the playoffs, the Highlanders have, well, they're the No. 5 seed in this year's District 6 Class AA bracket. They're playing at Tyrone on Saturday.
Both teams sport the same 7-3 records, but only one team can advance to the semifinals.
"I've said this numerous times: We don't feel like we're fighting history," Cambria Heights coach Jarrod Lewis said.
What Camrbia Heights is battling is Tyrone team with a standout runner in junior James Oliver, who has 1,669 yards and 26 rushing touchdowns (27 total).
Being able to stop Oliver is more important to Camrbia Heights' chances of advancing to the semifinals than postseason history and tradition. Another thing that should help the Highlanders is the return of senior Ben Myers, who's been out since breaking a thumb against Forest Hills on Sept. 28.
"Every team is so different," Lewis said. "I don't think there's a huge benefit to what Tyrone has done in the past against our history. It's going to be a football game. The past doesn't matter."
The Golden Eagles played for the PIAA Class AA football championship last year and won it all in 1999. They're regulars to the postseason picture.
Cambria Heights, meanwhile, is the polar opposite of Tyrone.
When it comes to the playoffs, the Highlanders have, well, they're the No. 5 seed in this year's District 6 Class AA bracket. They're playing at Tyrone on Saturday.
Both teams sport the same 7-3 records, but only one team can advance to the semifinals.
"I've said this numerous times: We don't feel like we're fighting history," Cambria Heights coach Jarrod Lewis said.
What Camrbia Heights is battling is Tyrone team with a standout runner in junior James Oliver, who has 1,669 yards and 26 rushing touchdowns (27 total).
Being able to stop Oliver is more important to Camrbia Heights' chances of advancing to the semifinals than postseason history and tradition. Another thing that should help the Highlanders is the return of senior Ben Myers, who's been out since breaking a thumb against Forest Hills on Sept. 28.
"Every team is so different," Lewis said. "I don't think there's a huge benefit to what Tyrone has done in the past against our history. It's going to be a football game. The past doesn't matter."
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)
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)
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)
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)
Berlin Brothersvalley (5) (9-1)
Clarion Area (9) (10-0)
Line Mountain (4) (8-2)
Monessen (7) (9-1)
Neshannock (7) (9-1)
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)
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)
Delaware Valley (2) (9-1)
DuBois Area (9) (8-1)
Easton
Area (11) (8-1)
George
Washington (12) (9-1)
Harrisburg (3) (8-2)
Harrisburg (3) (8-2)
Penn
Manor (3) (9-1)
Plymouth-Whitemarsh (1) (9-1)
Seneca Valley (7) (9-1)
Spring-Ford (1) (9-1)
Plymouth-Whitemarsh (1) (9-1)
Seneca Valley (7) (9-1)
Spring-Ford (1) (9-1)
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)
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)
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)
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)
Seton-La Salle (7) (9-1)
Trinity (3) (9-1)
Wilmington (10) (7-2)
Wyoming
Area (2) (8-2)
Class A:
Rank - School - District
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:10. Sharpsville (10) (8-1) Defeated Sharon Area, 28-6
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)
Penns Manor (6) (9-1)
Portage
(6) (9-1)
Rochester Area (7) (9-1)
South Williamsport (4) (9-1)
South Williamsport (4) (9-1)
West
Middlesex (10) (8-2)
Bishop McCort's championship haul
Last Saturday was "Championship Saturday" for Bishop McCort High School, which won a pair of District 6 soccer championships.
The Bishop McCort girls won a fourth district title with a 1-0 victory over Richland at Trojan Stadium in the District 6 Class A championship match. Senior striker Cecilia Stasko netted the game-winner in the 61st minute. The Crushers advanced to the PIAA Class A playoffs, where they lost to York Catholic.
The boys District 6 Class A championship match was filled with drama and Bishop McCort edged Westmont Hilltop, 2-1. The Crushers won their fourth district title and second consecutive championship on Jonathan Shearer's penalty kick during the second shootout. Braden Junker scored in regulation for Bishop McCort, which lost to perennial power Greensburg Central Catholic on the first round of the state tournament.
 |
| The Bishop McCort girls soccer team with the District 6A team trophy. |
The Bishop McCort girls won a fourth district title with a 1-0 victory over Richland at Trojan Stadium in the District 6 Class A championship match. Senior striker Cecilia Stasko netted the game-winner in the 61st minute. The Crushers advanced to the PIAA Class A playoffs, where they lost to York Catholic.
 |
| After playing 100 minutes and going through two round of penalty kicks, the Bishop McCort boys soccer team claimed the District 6 Class A title. |
The boys District 6 Class A championship match was filled with drama and Bishop McCort edged Westmont Hilltop, 2-1. The Crushers won their fourth district title and second consecutive championship on Jonathan Shearer's penalty kick during the second shootout. Braden Junker scored in regulation for Bishop McCort, which lost to perennial power Greensburg Central Catholic on the first round of the state tournament.
Tuesday, November 6, 2012
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.
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.
Monday, November 5, 2012
Northern Cambria brings home the Coal Bowl
Newspapers get some interesting emails. Here's a photo attachment of the Coal Bowl Trophy coming back to Northern Cambria. At left is Colts head coach Paul Taranto, second from left is Northern Cambria athletic director Jim Yearger.
Playoff matchups
Class AAA
Districts 5,6,8,9 subregional
Friday night
No. 4 Punxsutawney (5-5) at No. 1 Clearfield (10-0)
No. 3 Somerset (5-5) at No. 2 University Prep (5-3)
Class AA
District 6
Friday night
No. 8 Penn Cambria (6-4) at No. 1 Richland (10-0)
No. 7 Bald Eagle Area (6-4) at No. 2 Ligonier Valley (9-1)
Saturday
No. 6 Forest Hills (7-3) at No. 3 Central (Martinsburg) (8-2)
No. 5 Cambria Heights (7-3) at No. 4 Tyrone (7-3)
District 5
Friday night
No. 2 Everett (5-5) vs. No. 1 Chestnut Ridge (5-5) at Northern Bedford
Class A
District 6
Friday night
No. 8 Glendale (6-4) at No. 1 Bellwood-Antis (9-1)
No. 7 Northern Cambria (7-3) at No. 2 Portage (9-1)
Saturday
No. 6 Bishop McCort (7-3) at No. 3 Penns Manor (9-1)
No. 5 Bishop Guilfoyle (8-2) at No. 4 Juniata Valley (9-1)
District 5
No. 1 Northern Bedford (9-1) received bye and plays in semifinals Friday, Nov. 16; No. 2 Berlin (9-1) received bye and plays in semifinals Saturday, Nov. 17.
Friday night
No. 6 Tussey Mountain (5-5) at No. 3 Windber (8-2)
Saturday
No. 5 Shade (6-4) at No. 4 North Star (7-3)
Districts 5,6,8,9 subregional
Friday night
No. 4 Punxsutawney (5-5) at No. 1 Clearfield (10-0)
No. 3 Somerset (5-5) at No. 2 University Prep (5-3)
Class AA
District 6
Friday night
No. 8 Penn Cambria (6-4) at No. 1 Richland (10-0)
No. 7 Bald Eagle Area (6-4) at No. 2 Ligonier Valley (9-1)
Saturday
No. 6 Forest Hills (7-3) at No. 3 Central (Martinsburg) (8-2)
No. 5 Cambria Heights (7-3) at No. 4 Tyrone (7-3)
District 5
Friday night
No. 2 Everett (5-5) vs. No. 1 Chestnut Ridge (5-5) at Northern Bedford
Class A
District 6
Friday night
No. 8 Glendale (6-4) at No. 1 Bellwood-Antis (9-1)
No. 7 Northern Cambria (7-3) at No. 2 Portage (9-1)
Saturday
No. 6 Bishop McCort (7-3) at No. 3 Penns Manor (9-1)
No. 5 Bishop Guilfoyle (8-2) at No. 4 Juniata Valley (9-1)
District 5
No. 1 Northern Bedford (9-1) received bye and plays in semifinals Friday, Nov. 16; No. 2 Berlin (9-1) received bye and plays in semifinals Saturday, Nov. 17.
Friday night
No. 6 Tussey Mountain (5-5) at No. 3 Windber (8-2)
Saturday
No. 5 Shade (6-4) at No. 4 North Star (7-3)
Thursday, November 1, 2012
Behe, Lawhead could stay teammates after Penn Cambria
Should Penn Cambria beat Somerset on Saturday night, the Panthers will catapult into the eighth spot in the District 6 AA standings and qualify for the postseason.
Richland, who holds onto the top spot, defeated Penn Cambria in Week 8, but that doesn't mean the Rams would want to run into the Panthers in Week 11.
"It will be a second chance for all of us," said senior Devin Lawhead. "I think we'd be the best eighth seed anyone has seen in a while. I'm guessing most people think we're a lot better than an eighth seed."
Penn Cambria (5-4) isn't in the playoffs yet. While there postseason chances have yet to be solved, there's no denying Lawhead and fellow senior standout Mack Behe are nearing the end of standout varsity football careers.
The pair have been all-conference players and, in Behe's case, an all-state linebacker a year ago.
They've dominated in different ways.
"It's been great playing beside him," Behe said. "We're similar linebackers in a way, but we're both very different."
They're similar in that Behe and Lawhead are both team leaders. They play with high levels of energy and intensity. Both are disruptive defenses forces and solid against the run.
They're different in that Behe is a pass-rushing playmaker. Lawhead excels in pass coverage.
"We push each other and we back each other up," Lawhead said. "We're always waiting for the other one to make a play. It's been a privilege playing beside him."
Behe and Lawhead may get to keep playing together as several colleges are recruiting the pair.
St. Francis and Shippensburg are two of the more active pursuers. Towson and Youngstown State have also expressed interest.
"It's been real nice for both of us hearing from all these schools," Behe said. "We really haven't thought about playing college football together, but it would be good."
Richland, who holds onto the top spot, defeated Penn Cambria in Week 8, but that doesn't mean the Rams would want to run into the Panthers in Week 11.
"It will be a second chance for all of us," said senior Devin Lawhead. "I think we'd be the best eighth seed anyone has seen in a while. I'm guessing most people think we're a lot better than an eighth seed."
Penn Cambria (5-4) isn't in the playoffs yet. While there postseason chances have yet to be solved, there's no denying Lawhead and fellow senior standout Mack Behe are nearing the end of standout varsity football careers.
The pair have been all-conference players and, in Behe's case, an all-state linebacker a year ago.
They've dominated in different ways.
"It's been great playing beside him," Behe said. "We're similar linebackers in a way, but we're both very different."
They're similar in that Behe and Lawhead are both team leaders. They play with high levels of energy and intensity. Both are disruptive defenses forces and solid against the run.
They're different in that Behe is a pass-rushing playmaker. Lawhead excels in pass coverage.
"We push each other and we back each other up," Lawhead said. "We're always waiting for the other one to make a play. It's been a privilege playing beside him."
Behe and Lawhead may get to keep playing together as several colleges are recruiting the pair.
St. Francis and Shippensburg are two of the more active pursuers. Towson and Youngstown State have also expressed interest.
"It's been real nice for both of us hearing from all these schools," Behe said. "We really haven't thought about playing college football together, but it would be good."
If the regular season was over ...
If the regular season was over in these parts as it is in the WPIAL, which wisely is playing all its games on artificial surfaces this weekend (take notice other districts), here's how the playoff matchups would look:
Class AAA
Districts 5,6,8,9
No. 4 Punxsutawney (5-4) vs. No. 1 Clearfield (9-0)
No. 3 Somerset (5-4) vs. No. 2 University Prep (5-2)
Class AA
District 6
No. 8 Juniata (5-4) vs. No. 1 Richland (9-0)
No. 7 Bald Eagle (6-3) vs. No. 2 Central (7-2)
No. 6 Forest Hills (6-3) vs. No. 3 Cambria Heights (7-2)
No. 5 Tyrone (6-3) vs. No. 4 Ligonier Valley (8-1)
District 5
No. 2 Chestnut Ridge (4-5) vs. No. 1 Everett (5-4)
Class A
District 6
No. 8 Homer-Center (6-3) vs. No. 1 Bellwood Antis (9-0)
No. 7 Northern Cambria (6-3) vs. Portage (8-1)
No. 6 Bishop McCort (6-3) vs. No. 3 Penns Manor (8-1)
No. 5 Bishop Guilfoyle (7-2) vs. No. 5 Juniata Valley (8-1)
District 5
No. 8 Rockwood or Meyersdale (1-8) vs. No. 1 Berlin (9-0)
No. 7 Conemaugh Township (3-6) vs. No. 2 Northern Bedford (8-1)
No. 6 Tussey Mountain (4-5) vs. No. 3 Windber (7-2) or North Star (7-2)
No. 5 Shade (5-4) vs. No. 4 Windber (7-2) or North Star (7-2)
Class AAA
Districts 5,6,8,9
No. 4 Punxsutawney (5-4) vs. No. 1 Clearfield (9-0)
No. 3 Somerset (5-4) vs. No. 2 University Prep (5-2)
Class AA
District 6
No. 8 Juniata (5-4) vs. No. 1 Richland (9-0)
No. 7 Bald Eagle (6-3) vs. No. 2 Central (7-2)
No. 6 Forest Hills (6-3) vs. No. 3 Cambria Heights (7-2)
No. 5 Tyrone (6-3) vs. No. 4 Ligonier Valley (8-1)
District 5
No. 2 Chestnut Ridge (4-5) vs. No. 1 Everett (5-4)
Class A
District 6
No. 8 Homer-Center (6-3) vs. No. 1 Bellwood Antis (9-0)
No. 7 Northern Cambria (6-3) vs. Portage (8-1)
No. 6 Bishop McCort (6-3) vs. No. 3 Penns Manor (8-1)
No. 5 Bishop Guilfoyle (7-2) vs. No. 5 Juniata Valley (8-1)
District 5
No. 8 Rockwood or Meyersdale (1-8) vs. No. 1 Berlin (9-0)
No. 7 Conemaugh Township (3-6) vs. No. 2 Northern Bedford (8-1)
No. 6 Tussey Mountain (4-5) vs. No. 3 Windber (7-2) or North Star (7-2)
No. 5 Shade (5-4) vs. No. 4 Windber (7-2) or North Star (7-2)
Three football games altered because of storms
Two feet of snow at Seven Springs Mountain Resort won't stop Mud on the Mountain from being run as scheduled on Saturday, but Hurricane Sandy's wrath caused at least two area football games to moved.
Somerset at Penn Cambria will be played Saturday at 7 p.m.
Ferndale's nonconference home game against Glendale has moved from The Hive to Trojan Stadium. The game will kickoff Saturday at 7:30 p.m.
The Philipsburg Osceola at Forest Hills game has been moved to Richland High School. The game will still be played Friday at 7 p.m.
Somerset at Penn Cambria will be played Saturday at 7 p.m.
Ferndale's nonconference home game against Glendale has moved from The Hive to Trojan Stadium. The game will kickoff Saturday at 7:30 p.m.
The Philipsburg Osceola at Forest Hills game has been moved to Richland High School. The game will still be played Friday at 7 p.m.
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