The South boys' All-Stars

The basketball season was a solid team for Somerset County teams. Conemaugh Township and Shade won district championships and state playoff games. In the case of the Indians, they advanced all the way to the PIAA Class AA quarterfinals.

It's no coincidence that those two schools comprise seven of the 12 players on the South roster for the AmeriServ Senior Hoops Showcase, which begins March 30 at 1 p.m. at the Pitt-Johnstown Sports Center.

Coach: Scott Close, Somerset
Close has steadily turned the Golden Eagles from a struggling program into a high-scoring, quick-shooting outfit capable of beating any team in the Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference. Somerset reached the District 6 Class AAA championship game this season.

Brent Barron, Somerset
Barron averaged a team-high 17.1 points and 6.1 rebounds.

Dillon Boyer, Conemaugh Township
The leader of the Indians' balanced offense, Boyer averaged 14.3 points and was a 1,000-point scorer.

Josh Burns, Conemaugh Township
High-percentage shooter averaged 11.4 points and 2.7 steals.

Jake Close, Somerset
The future basketball player at Juniata College averaged 15.8 points and made 78 3-pointers.

Chad Eisenhuth, Ferndale
A 1,000-point scorer, Eisenhuth averaged 21.1 points as a senior.

Jeff Fisher, Conemaugh Township
Football standout averaged 12.5 points, 7.2 rebounds and 3.2 steals.

Ryan Fyock, Shade
A gifted, creative offensive player, Fyock averaged 25.2 points and 5.7 rebounds.

Brock Medva, Shade
The football standout made plenty of big plays for the Panthers. He averaged 10.1 points and 2.4 steals.

Luke Shertzer, Richland
One of the area's premier defensive backs during football season, Shertzer's fine senior year continued in basketball as he averaged 10.7 points and 4.3 rebounds.

Carter Slade, Shanksville
The Vikings' clutch senior averaged 15.7 points and 7.8 rebounds.

Jeremy Sotosky, Conemaugh Township
CT's inside presence averaged 10.9 points and 7.7 rebounds.

Wade Walker, Shade
An athletic gamechanger, Walker averaged 18.0 points and 13.1 rebounds.

District 6 Class AAA playoff preview

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

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

The season's first Tribune-Democrat basketball rankings

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

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

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

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

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

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?

Forest Hills' Gallaher, Somerset's Lenzi on PSCA Girls All-State team

Forwards
AJ Baroffio, Sr., Bethel Park
Alicia Binn, Jr., Saucon Valley
Bria Bittiger, So., Stroudsburg
Carley Bogan, Sr., Upper St.  Clair
Maci Bower, So., Millwill
Frannie Crouse, Jr., Greensburg Central Catholic
Kayla Cunningham, Sr., Whitehall
Ashley Dunbar, Sr., Dallas
Morgan Glassford, Sr., Strath Haven
Antonia Grese, Sr., Moon
Alexis Junker, Jr., Fairfield
Sarah Kaiser, Sr., Mercyhurst Prep
Shyanne Kimbrough, Jr., West York
Mikala Kin, Sr., York Suburban
Lauren Kovalchuk, Sr., Belle Vernon
Taylor Landis, Sr., Warrior Run
Veronica Latsko, Jr., Peters Township
Kathleen Lawver, Sr., Cocalico
Liana Leja, Sr., South Fayette
Kelsie Maloney, Sr., Bishop McDevitt
Ivy Nulton, Sr., Coughlin
Lauren Pietrowski, Sr., Governor Mifflin
Julianna Provini, Jr., Owen J. Roberts
Hannah Racis, So., Conrad Weiser
Madyson Riegel, Jr., Blue Mountain
Olivia Roberson., Sr., Peters Township
Megan Schafer, Jr., Neshaminy
Sarah Segan, So., Northwestern Lehigh
Rachel Shive, Sr., Faith Christian Acadey
Lana Spitler, Sr., Montoursville
Bryn Wassel, Sr., Lansdale Catholic
Bryce Watts, So., Red Land
Marisa Weaver, Sr., Boiling Springs
Morgan Williams, Sr., Seneca Valley
Jennifer Wittick, Sr., Downingtown West
Natalie Zelensky, Sr., Mechanicsburg

Midfielders
Casey Gallaher, Sr., Forest Hills
Siobhan Bross, Sr., Danville
Kristin Buchanan, Sr., Bellefonte
Bianca Chairge, Sr., Scranton Prep
Bailey Corbin, Jr., Lampeter-Strasburg
Haleigh Echard, Jr., Cedar Crest
Malea Fabean, Jr., Greensburg Central Catholic
Emily Gingrich, Sr., Governor Mifflin
Andrea Gunderson, Sr., West Chester Rustin
Kaylee Harner, Sr., Red Land
Ally Kasun, Sr., Hempfield
Kayla Kelley, Jr., Halifax
Elise Krause, Sr., Cumberland Valley
Emily Morgan, Sr., Owen J. Roberts
Shea Neal, Sr., Christopher Dock
Bethany Perri, Sr., Mars
Lauren Pezzica, Sr., Conestoga Valley
Jackie Pierson, Sr., Archbishop Wood
Camille Roberts, Sr., Parkland
Kailee Rottet, Sr., Tamaqua
Carly Seneca, Sr., Gateway
Marissa Sheva, So., Pennridge
Brittany Simmons, Sr., Cocalico
Maddie Swarr, Sr., Conestoga
Creslyn Van Dyck, Jr., Harrisburg Christian
Tess Wei, Sr., Friends Central

Defenders
Megan Lenzi, Sr., Somerset
Emma Blair, Sr., Governor Mifflin
Kylie Borick, Sr., Forest City Regional
Isabelle Clauss, Jr., Abington Heights
Michelle DeGerolamo, Sr., Hickory
Alexa Fabbri, So., Villa Joseph Marie
Rachel Kester, Sr., Northwestern Lehigh
Kelly Sheptock, Sr., Berwick

Goalkeepers
Natasha Brigham, Sr., Harbor Creek
Madison Hileman, Sr., Fleetwood
Gabby Reichart, Sr., New Oxford
Alesha Seifert, Jr., Wilson Area

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.

Tribune-Democrat football rankings

Regardless of classification ...

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

Games of the Week

It's the final meaningful week of the regular season for several teams.

Ligonier Valley (7-1) at Northern Cambria (6-2)
The formula is simple for Northern Cambria - win and the Colts claim their first Heritage Conference championship.
For Ligonier Valley, things are a little more complicated but still possible. The Rams must beat Northern Cambria and get help from Homer-Center, which plays Penns Manor. If LV and H-C both win, the Rams win the Heritage. If Ligonier and Penns Manor win, then Penns Manor wins the conference.
Got it? Good.
Ligonier Valley gutted out a one-point win over Homer-Center, and the Rams should be feeling good as the victory came without three of its top players - Ryan Torrance, Stuart Urch and Connor Maust. Torrance is back after he had to sit out the Homer-Center game because of his ejection during the Penns Manor game. Urch, who has 17 sacks, is also back. Maust is out for the season.
Here's a little fact: Northern Cambria has not lost at home. The Colts' losses came at Homer-Center and Berlin. Among Northern Cambria's home wins was one over Penns Manor in Week 1.

Cambria Heights (6-2) at Somerset (5-3)
Somerset knows it's not always easy dealing with the aftermath of a big victory. The Golden Eagles followed their first ever win against Bishop McCort with a loss to Westmont Hilltop in a game Somerset dominated statistically.
Cambria Heights, winners of five straight, are coming off a 21-19 win over Bishop McCort and face an hour bus ride south.
It will be interesting to see how the Highlanders' tough-as-nails defense, led by senior Donnie Contorchick, handles the Eagles' spread offense, led by playmaker Tanner Stull.

Bishop Guilfoyle (7-1) at Bishop McCort (5-3)
The time has come to drop the "surprise" label from Bishop Guilfoyle. The Marauders are flat out good, and figure to be one difficult out in the District 6-A playoffs.
So does Bishop McCort, which has played every team on its demanding schedule a tough time.
This game could be a first-round playoff preview, as it's not entirely out of the realm of possibility that the Marauders and Crushers clash again in two weeks.
Both teams have strong defenses, particularly up front.

North Star (6-2) at Blacklick Valley (6-2)
What do we know about the Cougars and Vikings after eight weeks?
Well, not much to be honest.
North Star has beat up inferior opponents, and the Cougars' lone win against a team with a .500 record or better is a 3-0 victory over Shade. That said, there aren't many playmakers around better than senior standout Tony Strasiser.
Blacklick Valley has its own playmaker in Johnny Sheesley, and he's putting together an all-state caliber season. But, like North Star, the Vikings have yet to beat a team with a winning record.

Tribune-Democrat football rankings

Regardless of classification ...

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

Games of the Week

Big weekend in the LHAC ...

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

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

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

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

Games of the Week

Richland at Somerset
The lone remaining unbeaten team in the LHAC, Richland (5-0) hopes to be back at full strength offensively this week against Somerset (4-1). Rams coach Brandon Bailey believes receiver Kyle Flick may be ready for the Golden Eagles, and his big-play presence will test a Somerset secondary that has performed well all season.
Somerset coach Bob Landis hopes Flick is able to play this week as well. He said as much on Monday, noting that in big games, you want the best players on the field for both teams.
Richland leads the District 6AA standings. Somerset is second to Clearfield in the District 5-6-8-9 AAA standings.

Northern Cambria at Berlin
It's a non-conference game, or interconference game as some like to call it in these parts, but it's also a big-time measuring stick for both programs.
The game probably means more to Northern Cambria (4-1), which faces a more crowded obstacle course to the District 6A postseason. Still, the Colts have looked awfully impressive of late.
Berlin (5-0) is second to Northern Bedford in the District 5A standings and the Mountaineers are leading the WestPAC.
We'll know a lot more about both teams following this one.

Cambria Heights at Penn Cambria
Both teams have lost to Bishop Guilfoyle and each only managed one touchdown against the Marauders.
This looks like an even matchup.
Cambria Heights (3-2) has looked impressive since losing to Guilfoyle, outscoring Central Cambria and Forest Hills by a combined 58-6. When the Highlanders eliminate mistakes, they're tough to beat.
Penn Cambria (4-1) is coming off its loss to Guilfoyle, and that game was played Saturday night. Whether the 24 fewer hours of prep for Heights affects the Panthers remains top be seen. Penn Cambria has not allowed more than 14 points in a game.

Tribune-Democrat football rankings

Regardless of classification ...

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

APB, Where are they now?

Growing up as a sports junkie in Somerset, there were two Golden Eagles athletes whom I looked up to.

One was Andy Rush, a multi-sport standout who was drafted in the second round of the 1988 MLB draft by the Boston Red Sox. Rush will be inducted into the Somerset County Oldtimers Baseball Hall of Fame on Oct. 13.

The other was Tim Emert, the subject of this week's All Points Bulletin.

Many of my first sports memories were of Hugh Green at Pitt, Curt Warner at Penn State, Franco Harris with the Steelers and Tim Emert at Somerset.

When it came to hard-nose football players in Somerset County during the 1980s, Emert - to borrow an overused phrase from Mike Tomlin - set the standard. If there was an on-field scrum, chances were Emert was involved.

As good as Emert was at football, he was probably a better basketball player.

From 1980-83, Emert scored 1,526 points - a school record at the time. Rush would go on to break Emert's mark. Emert then went on to play men's basketball at Pitt-Johnstown.

Anyone knowing of Emert's whereabouts is urged to contact The Varsity Club.

Friday night thoughts

It's a question raised on many occasions, and a fair one at that.

"Why isn't Somerset better at football?"

Somerset has some things going for it many other schools in the area do not. There's a larger population base. The nearest private school with a football team is 30 miles away. Other programs have tasted success, particularly the baseball team. Plus, Somerset plays a schedule filled mostly with smaller schools.

Yet, the Golden Eagles have produced only a couple winning seasons since the 1990s.

Kinda scary.

Turning around a program that has struggled for, well, basically decades, was the task given Bob Landis, who took over the head coaching position before the start of the 2011 season - one year after the Golden Eagles went 0-10.

Somerset took a big step toward establishing itself as a contender in the often-rugged Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference with Friday's 19-13 win over Bishop McCort. The Crushers are a Class A team, and it might sound weird that a Class AAA team took a major step beating a small-school team. Yet, the win marks Somerset's first victory over Bishop McCort.

Somerset's record in the series now stands at 1-23.

Yep, a major step.

At 3-0, Somerset sits atop the conference with Penn Cambria and Richland - a pair of teams who have looked impressive to date. The win total matches the Golden Eagles' output of the last two seasons combined.

Somerset is running the football and playing strong defense. The Golden Eagles with need a strong defense against an offense the caliber of Richland's.

* Even with Somerset's surge, still say the game of the year is Penn Cambria at Richland.

* Anyone else notice Windber has quietly pieced together a 3-0 record and are racking up some significant offensive statistics?

* Got to love all the national and regional attention the Walnut Heights at Ampipe, er, Westmont Hilltop at Johnstown game generated.

As neat as the pregame story lines were, the game produced something that could significantly impact the LHAC race as the Trojans offense showcased junior Deion Moore.

Moore rushed for 146 yards in Johnstown's 20-17 victory, and he displayed the type of shiftiness and athleticism that could make defenses look silly the rest of the season.

As much talk as the game generated before kickoff, and it's difficult imaging a high school game in the country that drew more headlines, Moore was the talk after the game.

Games of the Week

While the majority of football fans in the area (and some outside the area) concentrate on the Walnut Heights at Ampipe, err, Westmont Hilltop at Greater Johnstown game, The Varsity Club is looking at a few matchups with some serious potential to shape the postseason picture.

Bishop McCort (2-0) at Somerset (2-0)
It's been years since Somerset played in a premier matchup, yet that's exactly where the Golden Eagles are in Week 3.
Somerset is off to its best start since 2004, but there's two potential problems. In 2004, Somerset finished with a 3-6 record, and it has not beaten Bishop McCort in 20 tries.
Both teams have played well defensively. McCort has forced six turnovers in two games. Somerset has allowed just 14 points and posted a season-opening shutout versus Central Cambria.

Blairsville (2-0) at Ligonier Valley (2-0)
This game could end up being the Game of the Year in the Heritage Conference, though Penns Manor could play a decisive role in the standings despite an early loss to Northern Cambria.
Ligonier Valley has shredded its first two opponents. Running back Ryan Torrance has already scored six touchdowns in limited duty, while quarterback Scott Fennell is emerging as a dual-threat and a standout on defense.
Blairsville is a big-play offense. The Bobcats are averaging nearly seven yards per carry and 21 yards per completion. They should pose a challenge to a Rams defense that has yet to allow a point.

Portage (1-1) at Shade (1-1)
Both teams have a loss, but the Mustangs and Panthers are two of the top defensive teams in the WestPAC.
Portage must be stinging after a home loss to Berlin in a game where the Mountaineers moved the football a few yards at a time. Even with Berlin's impressive rushing performance, Portage has only allowed 30 points against the two teams expected to contend for a conference title in the Mountaineers and North Star.
Shade surprised some with its win at Conemaugh Township last week, but the Panthers are swarming on defense. Four of the area's top 13 tacklers are on the Panthers' defense.

Tribune-Democrat football rankings

Ranking the top 10 local teams, regardless of classification.

1. Penn Cambria (2-0, Class AA)
2. Richland (2-0, AA)
3. Bishop McCort (2-0, A)
4. Somerset (2-0, AAA)
5. Forest Hills (1-1, AA)
6. Berlin (2-0, A)
7. Ligonier Valley (2-0, AA)
8. Cambria Heights (1-1, AA)
9. Greater Johnstown (1-1, AAA)
10. Windber (2-0, A)

Camp Kovak, Somerset (fourth stop)

The trophy case just outside the doors to the coaches office in the field house at Somerset High School's football stadium isn't a particularly crowded display.

There's mementos commemorating the Golden Eagles' 1990 LHAC championship. There are pictures and a few other pieces of memorabilia from an undefeated team in 1950s ... and not much else.

When it comes to tradition, Somerset football doesn't have much.

And that makes establishing a winning attitude - a task given to second-year head coach Bob Landis and his staff - a tough task. Not that it can't be done, even for a program whose last winning season came in 2007. And that winning season was preceded by a winning season, well, let's just say it took a while.

Somerset's roster is filled with baseball players, and the Golden Eagles' baseball program is well-known because they win and win frequently. 

"I don't know why there's not more tradition," Landis said. "When you look at athletes, there's more around here than other places."

Somerset, which won three games in 2011 after a winless season two years ago, competes in the Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference and has moved back up to Class AAA this season. The Golden Eagles will rely on several key members of its baseball team, particularly junior quarterback Tanner Stull, on the field.

"Even with other sports, the guys are working all year-round," Landis said. "One goal is consistency. We want to be very consistent on offense and on defense. They're working hard. Our numbers are low for our size but we're seeing good effort."