Pitt, Penn State recruiting classes

2013 University of Pittsburgh Football Recruiting Class

Name Pos. Ht. Wt. Hometown/High School/Prep School

Carson Baker OL 6-5 280 Fairborn, Ohio/Fairborn

Chris Blewitt PK 5-9 165 Alexandria, Va./West Potomac

Tyler Boyd WR 6-2 185 Clairton, Pa./Clairton

Zach Challingsworth WR 6-2 185 McDonald, Pa./South Fayette

Tra’Von Chapman* QB 6-2 200 Kent, Ohio/Theodore Roosevelt

James Conner RB 6-2 230 Erie, Pa./McDowell

Devon Edwards TE 6-4 255 Reynoldsburg, Ohio/Eastmoor Academy

Matt Galambos LB 6-2 215 Collingdale, Pa./The Haverford School

Reggie Green ATH 6-2 200 Cranford, N.J./Cranford

Tony Harper TE 6-4 200 Toledo, Ohio/St. John’s Jesuit

Titus Howard DB 6-1 180 Clairton, Pa./Clairton

Rachid Ibrahim DB 6-1 185 Rockville, Md./Avalon

Tyrique Jarrett* DL 6-3 320 Pittsburgh, Pa./Taylor Allderdice/

Milford Academy (N.Y.)

Dorian Johnson OL 6-5 290 Belle Vernon, Pa./Belle Vernon Area

Jaryd Jones-Smith OL 6-7 295 Voorhees, N.J./West Catholic (Pa.)

Luke Maclean DL 6-3 235 Grand Blanc, Mich./Grand Blanc

Justin Moody DL 6-3 265 Philadelphia, Pa./George Washington

Alex Officer OL 6-4 290 Rochester, N.Y./Eastridge

Scott Orndoff* TE 6-5 245 Waynesburg, Pa./Seton-LaSalle

Jaymar Parrish FB 6-2 230 Monroeville, Pa./Gateway

Zach Poker LB 6-4 220 Oconomowoc, Wis./Oconomowoc

Aaron Reese OL 6-5 300 Fayetteville, Pa./Chambersburg Area

Shakir Soto* DL 6-3 230 Wilkes-Barre, Pa./G.A.R. Memorial

Jeremiah Taleni DL 6-2 300 Kaneohe, Hawaii/Kailua

Jester Weah WR 6-3 190 Madison, Wis./Madison Memorial

Terrish Webb DB 5-11 170 Clairton, Pa./Clairton

Ryan Winslow P 6-5 205 Ambler, Pa./La Salle College H.S.

 

 

2013 Penn State Football Signees

Name                                     Pos.    Ht.       Wt.      Cl./El.             High School/Hometown

Richy Anderson*                 RB      5-11    171     Fr./Fr.              Governor Thomas Johnson/

Frederick, Md.

Brandon Bell                        LB       6-1      222     Fr./Fr.              Oakcrest/Mays Landing, N.J.

Adam Breneman*                TE       6-4      230     Fr./Fr.              Cedar Cliff/Camp Hill, Pa.

Curtis Cothran                      DE      6-5      235     Fr./Fr.              Council Rock North/ Newtown, Pa.

Parker Cothren                     DT       6-5      265     Fr./Fr.              Hazel Green/Hazel Green. Ala.

Tyler Ferguson*                   QB      6-3      199     So./So.           College of the Sequoias (Calif.)/Bakersfield, Calif.

Kasey Gaines                       DB      5-10    160     Fr./Fr.              Grayson/Loganville, Ga.

Christian Hackenberg         QB      6-3      215     Fr./Fr.              Fork Union Military Academy (Va.)/Palmyra, Va.

DaeSean Hamilton WR     6-1      182     Fr./Fr.              Mountain View/Fredericksburg, Va.

Tanner Hartman                   G         6-5      255     Fr./Fr.              Lynchburg Christian Academy/Lynchburg, Va.

Zayd Issah                            LB       6-3      215     Fr./Fr.              Central Dauphin/Harrisburg, Pa.

Brendan Mahon                   G         6-4      315     Fr./Fr.              Randolph/Randolph, N.J.

Andrew Nelson                    T          6-5      295     Fr./Fr.              Hershey/Hershey, Pa.

Neiko Robinson                   DB      5-11    170     Fr./Fr.              Northview (Fla.)/Flomaton, Ala.

Garrett Sickels                      DE      6-4      238     Fr./Fr.              Red Bank Regional/Little Silver, N.J.

Anthony Smith*                    DB      6-0      184     Fr./Fr.              Valley Forge Military Academy (Pa.)/Randolph, N.J.

Jordan Smith*                       DB      5-11    178     Fr./Fr.              H.D. Woodson/Washington, D.C.

Te'o's story not the first phony tale

The bizarre saga involving Notre Dame linebacker Manti Te'o and a fabricated girlfriend/relationship brought back memories of another odd made-up story.

This one involved Kevin Hart. No, not the famous comedian but a run-of-the-mill high school football player from Nevada. Hart staged a fake press conference, where he selected Cal over Oregon in front of his schoolmates.

His story quickly unfolded from there.

For an outstanding read on the story from ESPN in 2008, click here and check out the video below.

Area well represented on PFN All-State teams

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

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

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

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

Richland's Kyle Flick

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

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

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

Ligonier Valley's Stuart Urch

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

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

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

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

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


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

Pa. Sportswriters All-State team

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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





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

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

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


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

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

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

Friday Night Lights coach resigns

LUBBOCK, Texas (AP) – Gary Gaines, the 63-year-old high school coach at the center of the “Friday Night Lights” book and film, has left the Odessa Permian sideline for the last time.
Gaines said he resigned from the West Texas football program he helped make famous. He said he doubts he’ll coach again but wasn’t sure what’s next for him.
“We’re going to give it to someone else and, hopefully, they can make more out of it than we did,” Gaines said. “We came here to make some deep playoff runs and we weren’t able to do that. That’s what (Permian fans) expect, and I expect as well.”
He leaves with a 69-28-1 record in eight years as Permian’s head coach, including a 23-21 mark in his last four years. In all, he coached Permian from 1986-89 and 2009-12, and was an assistant there for three years in the early 1980s.  
His second stint in Odessa included a lone playoff victory and no district championships.
Gaines led the program to a state 5A championship in 1989. The Panthers were undefeated that season, just a year after H.G. “Buzz” Bissinger spent a year in town researching his best-seller, which chronicled how high school football binds an oil patch community.
Todd Veseley, athletic director of the Ector school district, said it would be a “daunting” task to replace Gaines. He declined to say whether he asked Gaines to step down following the Panthers’ disappointing 5-6 season.
“Any time anyone the quality of coach Gaines leaves, it leaves a vacuum,” he said.
Gaines would not say directly whether he was asked to resign.
“It was just one of those things,” he said. “I understand when programs don’t improve sometimes the head coach has to bear that responsibility.”
Made into a movie in 2004, Bissinger’s book was a hit everywhere but Odessa. Locals felt Bissinger betrayed their hospitality by writing about the sociological woes surrounding the team and town, including allegations of racism and a win-at-all-costs mentality. An NBC television series with the same name was less about football than the community depicted.
After leading the Panthers to the state title more than 20 years ago, Gaines left Permian to become linebackers coach at Texas Tech. He left coaching in 2005 after five years at Abilene Christian to return to Odessa as the school district’s athletic director. Two years later, he moved north to take a similar post in Lubbock.
The once-vaunted Panthers have won six state titles but none since 1991.
Before Gaines’ return in 2009, the Permian program enjoyed something of a revival, making it to three regional finals the previous four seasons while compiling a 38-11 record under Darren Allman, a former Permian player and Gaines protege who left in 2009 to take the coaching job at Austin Westlake.

Final Patriot-News football rankings

The final 2012 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) 16-0 1
2. Coatesville (1)13-3 2
3. Woodland Hills (7)10-3 5
4. LaSalle College (12)12-2 3
5. Wilson (3)13-2 4
6. St. Joseph’s Prep (12)10-1 6
7. Harrisburg (3)11-3 7
8. Upper St. Clair (7)10-2 9
9. Parkland (11)11-3 8
10. Spring-Ford (1)12-2 10
Honorable mention
x-Central Dauphin (3) 10-3, Delaware Valley (2) 11-2, Gateway (7) 9-2, McDowell (10) 7-6, Ridley (1) 11-1, Scranton (2) 11-1.

CLASS AAA
1. Cathedral Prep (10)15-0 1
2. x-Archbishop Wood (12)12-3 2
3. West Allegheny (7)12-2 3
4. Bishop McDevitt (3)14-1 4
5. Thomas Jefferson (7)11-1 5
6. Allentown C.C. (11)9-6 6
7. West York (3)13-1 7
8. West Mifflin (7)11-2 8
9. Montour (7)9-2 9
10. Interboro (1)11-3 10
Honorable mention
Abington Heights (2) 10-3, Berwick (2) 10-2, xx-Lancaster Catholic (3) 9-4, Mars (7) 9-2, Pottsgrove (1) 11-1, West Chester Henderson (1) 9-3.

CLASS AA
1. Wyomissing (3)16-0 2
2. Aliquippa (7)15-1 1
3. Imhotep Charter (12)14-1 3
4. Richland (6)14-1 4
5. Washington (7)12-1 5
6. South Fayette (7)11-1 6
7. Hickory (10)11-2 7
8. Pen Argyl (11)11-3 8
9. Wyoming Area (2)10-3 9
10. Catasauqua (11)12-1 10
Honorable mention
Bermudian Springs (3) 12-1, Danville (4) 11-3, Grove City (10) 9-2, Jeannette (7) 10-2, Wilmington (10) 9-3.

CLASS A
1. x-Clairton (7)16-0 1
2. Dunmore (2)14-2 2
3. Sto-Rox (7)11-2 3
4. Bellwood-Antis (6)13-2 4
5. Southern Columbia (4)12-1 5
6. Port Allegany (9)13-1 6
7. Old Forge (2)11-1 7
8. Sharpsville (10)11-2 8
9. Delone Catholic (3)9-4 9
10. Bristol (1)9-2 10
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.
x-2011 PIAA champion. xx-2011 Class AA champion. Number in parentheses is PIAA district.

Twelve things on 12/12/12

Twelve things that crossed my mind on Dec. 12, 2012, which is the last day to have identical digits (12/12/12) until Jan. 1, 2101 (01/01/01).

1. Richland football earned a lot of respect with the way it played in the PIAA Class AA tournament, and coach Brandon Bailey showed why a growing number of people think he's one of the best around. Check out this quote from Aliquippa's Malik Shegog in a recent edition of the Tribune-Review, "Hats off to (Richland‘s) coach; they played hard, and he had them ready."

2. Sixteen 3-pointers in an awful lot to make in a game at any point during the season. Somerset hit 16 of them at Bishop Carroll in a boys game on Monday.

3. Central Cambria's Max Kirsch and Richland's Brady Moran both had opportunities to play Division I golf. It's a pretty neat story that the duo opted to become teammates next year at IUP, and a big get for the Crimson Hawks. Kirsch and Moran played their best in the big tournaments.

4. Winston Redman resigned as football coach at Conemaugh Valley. Like any coach, Redman had his detractor but, from this perspective, he did a solid job this season. CV has a lot of building to do. The linemen are small and so are the numbers.

5. Ferndale is also looking for a football coach to replace Tony Penna Sr. Rebuilding Ferndale is a bigger task than turning Conemaugh Valley into a winner. The Yellow Jackets' struggles brings me back to one of my favorite arguments. ... It's time for more mergers.

6. It will be interesting to see how many area players land on the Pennsylvania Sports Writers All-State football team. Here's a few guys I believe are worthy: Dalvin Williams (Johnstown), Stuart Urch (Ligonier Valley), Tanner Solarczyk, Josh Dininny, Derek Crawford, Luke Shertzer and Elijah Metzger (Richland), Drew Glotfelty (Berlin), Brock Medva (Shade), Tony Strasiser, Levi Albright (North Star) and Johnny Sheesley (Blacklick Valley).

7. With a majority of skill players returning, Richland should be primed for another strong year in 2013, but replacing all those seniors up front will be difficult. Don't be surprised if Forest Hills is right there with the Rams atop the LHAC standings next year.

8. All signs point toward Don Bailey returning for another season at Forest Hills. Could all signs be pointing to another "Bailey Bowl" for the District 6 Class AA title in 2013?

9. Greater Johnstown and Somerset fielded underclassmen-heavy teams this fall and should be much improved in 2013. Teams from the WestPAC, however, were senior-oriented. Should be interesting to see which programs do the best job replacing departing talent like Strasiser, Glotfelty and Sheesley.

10. Wondering how many other opening will happen in football? Counting Conemaugh Valley and Ferndale, the guess here is five.

11. Love it when teams beef up the schedule in hopes of bettering postseason performance. The Ligonier Valley girls basketball team, which moved up to Class AAA this year, is a good example. The Rams compete in the Heritage Conference, which includes some Class A schools. That won't help LV in the postseason, but playing at the Greensburg Salem Tournament gives it a better idea of what it will take to advance in a larger classification.

12. Did the players from Johnstown and Westmont get to keep the Ampipe/Walnut Heights jerseys their wore earlier this season?

The 700-point club

Aliquippa entered exclusive company with its 51-15 victory over Karns City in the PIAA Class AA quarterfinals last week.

The win gave the Quips 709 points on the season. They became just the sixth team in Pennsylvania high school football history to reach the 700-point plateau.

Aliquippa's run-oriented offense is led by Dravon Henry (1,439 yards) and Terry Swanson (1,234 yards). The Quips have rushed for more than 4,000 yards.

According to head coach Mike Zmijanac, a hard-hitting, physical defense deserves all the credit.

"The key for us is defensively," Zmijanac said. "We've played extremely well on that side of the ball and given our offense opportunities to score. We're not fancy offensively and we're not fancy on defense. The kids are just executing."

Richland, which sports the same 14-0 record as Aliquippa, gets its shot to slow down the Quips' high-powered run game, which churned out more than 500 yards in the WPIAL championship game against a previously unbeaten Wash High.

Members of the 700-point club
1. Jeannette (2007) 860 points in 16 games
2. West Catholic (2008) 775 points in 16 games
3. Southern Columbia (2006) 755 in 16 games
4. Clairton (2010) 746 points in 16 games
5. Aliquippa (2012) 709 points in 14 games
6. Serra Catholic (2007) 702 points in 16 games

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.

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)

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)

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:

Central Bucks South (10-2)

Central Dauphin (3) (10-3)
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)

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:

Abington Heights (2) (10-3)

Berwick Area (2) (10-2) 

Central Valley (7) (9-2)
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:
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."

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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)

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)

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)

Honorable Mention:

Central Bucks South (10-2)

Coatesville (1) (10-2)
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)

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:

Berwick Area (2) (10-2) 

Central Valley (7) (9-2)
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)

Bishop McCort (6) (9-3)

Bristol (1) (8-1)
Clarion Area (9) (12-0)

Delone Catholic (3) (8-3)
Monessen (7) (9-2)

Neshannock (7) (10-2)

North Star (5) (10-2)

Steelton-Highspire (3) (8-3)

Tri-Valley (11) (10-2)

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)."