Articles 2014

Class AAA breakdown: With perennial contender Gateway joining Greater Allegheny, trend of championship Parkway teams could be challenged

West Allegheny coach Bob Palko doesn't deny that Gateway dropping down from Quad-A and shifting into the WPIAL Class AAA Greater Allegheny Conference has improved the classification's depth.

“It's well-documented how good Gateway is, how many good athletes they have and the reputation of (first-year coach) Tom Nola and what he did at Clairton,” Palko said.

Yet Palko, whose Indians have claimed the past two Class AAA titles and will aim to three-peat for the first time since Thomas Jefferson (2006-08), isn't ready to anoint the Greater Allegheny as the new Parkway.

“At times, the Parkway has been really good,” Palko said. “That doesn't mean there aren't other good teams that could play in it. It's just different.”

Sure, the Greater Allegheny will boast a top three that consists of preseason favorite Mars, Gateway and 2013 Class AAA semifinalist Franklin Regional. Even four of the remaining six have enjoyed seven-win seasons since 2011.

But the Parkway has no equal when it comes to winning, especially in the playoffs. Over the past five years, Parkway teams have claimed five WPIAL Class AAA titles, took eight of 10 possible slots in the championship game and 10 of 20 spots in the semifinals.

“Everybody talks about the Parkway Conference, how tough it is and how prepared you have to be,” said Central Valley coach Mark Lyons, whose Warriors play in the Parkway. “That's still going to be the case, but I think now you have a great conference in Mars, Knoch, Franklin Regional and Gateway.”

How does Lyons see the Greater Allegheny stacking up with the Parkway?

“You know what? We're going to find out this year,” Lyons said. “I really think those conferences are comparable right now.”

West Allegheny returns quarterback Andrew Koester, running back Chayse Dillon and leading tackler Armond Dellovade from a group that outscored its opponents 34.6-11.0.

The team the Indians beat in the WPIAL final, Central Valley, boasts the area's top recruit in running back/wide receiver/defensive back Jordan Whitehead, who this summer picked up an offer from Alabama. Senior quarterback John George also returns after throwing for 612 yards and seven touchdowns in relief of injured starter Nate Climo.

The most intrigue surrounds Gateway, which is 91-28 with four appearances in the Class AAAA title game over the past decade, the majority of those wins coming under former coach Terry Smith.

But the Gators lost quarterback Jimmy Moore (2,351 yards, fourth in the WPIAL), along with his three NCAA Division I-bound targets: Montae Nicholson (Michigan State), Delvon Randall (Temple) and Anthony Davis (Temple).

Seniors Alex McCallum, a tight end/defensive end, and fullback/linebacker Dylan Smith will play larger roles. Same for senior split end/safety John Horner and junior running back Adam White.

“This is their third system and third head coach in three years,” said Nola, referencing the Donnie Militzer-coached 2013 campaign. “This is the third system they've had to learn, so we have to learn to catch onto that and come together as a cohesive unit.”

Mars must replace its quarterback and top three receivers, but the Planets will lean heavily on 225-pound running back Josh Schultheis, who rushed for 1,645 yards and 24 touchdowns.

“We can run it all day long and probably win some games,” Mars coach Scott Heinauer said. “But it's tough to win in the playoffs if you can't throw the ball.”

Franklin Regional has Maryland recruit Brett Zanotto (157 tackles) back at running back and linebacker.

Count Franklin Regional coach Greg Botta among those who think the Greater Allegheny got better quickly with the addition of Gateway.

“Talking about the power in the Parkway and what's now happening in the Greater Allegheny with Gateway, and Mars is loaded,” Botta said. “Us, Hampton, Indiana, there's not a weak sister in it. I think it's going to be very balanced this year.”

Thomas Jefferson remains one of Class AAA's elite programs but could be challenged in the Big 9 by Ringgold and West Mifflin.

THE FAVORITE

1. West Allegheny (13-1)

The Indians have 49 wins and three WPIAL Class AAA titles since 2009, including the past two championships. Plenty of talent returns this season for coach Bob Palko's squad.

Preseason rankings

2. Central Valley (11-2)

3. Mars (9-2)

4. Thomas Jefferson (11-1)

5. Gateway (8-3)

6. Franklin Regional (10-2)

7. Ringgold (7-3)

8. West Mifflin (9-2)

9. New Castle (7-3)

10. Moon (6-4)

WPIAL Class AAA preview: Familiar favorites, but some new contenders

| FORECAST BY CRAIG MEYER

By Craig Meyer / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

BIG NINE

Team to beat

Thomas Jefferson -- When a team loses its most important players, there's little reason to think it will be as good. With a program such as Thomas Jefferson's, such thinking can be ignored. Despite losing do-everything star Chase Winovich, Bill Cherpak's team will still be among the best in the class. The Jaguars still have many returning starters, particularly on offense, where running back Austin Kemp and offensive lineman Jake Guinn are among the returness. Thomas Jefferson has missed the WPIAL semifinals once in the past 16 years, and there's little reason to think they won't be back there again this year.

Contenders

Ringgold -- The Rams have as good a chance as any to surprise Thomas Jefferson, largely for a pretty simple reason -- they likely have the conference's best player, senior quarterback Nico Law, who threw for 1,494 yards and ran for another 1,210 last season. RB-LB Chacar Berry (563 rushing yards) and DE Aaron Szkal also are among eight offensive and seven defensive starters returning.

West Mifflin -- Stud running back Jimmy Wheeler, who led Class AAA in rushing the past two seasons, has graduated, but there's still some talent at the skill positions. Quarterback Karlyn Garner and his top two receivers, Kevin Garbark and Javon Gibson, are back. There might be a step back after a 9-2 season, but coach Ray Braszo's Titans should still be one of the conference's best teams.

Belle Vernon -- Matt Humbert takes over as coach after leading Ringgold to four consecutive WPIAL playoff appearances. After missing last season with an injury, running back Anthony Levis -- who rushed for 1,136 yards in 2012 -- is back. So is QB Travis Snyder, who missed most of last season with a knee injury. Devin Hannan is one of Class AAA's best linemen.

The others

Elizabeth Forward -- Quarterback/cornerback Jaquan Davidson is gone, so the Warriors lose much of what gave them their punch the past few seasons. Still, four starters are back on the offensive line, as well as running back Ryan Wardropper.

Uniontown -- The Red Raiders lost a significant chunk of offensive talent from a team that finished 3-6 last season. Quarterback Xavier Ellis and running back Doug Lewis graduated. Senior Lyric Ellis was a first-team all-conference defensive back last season..

Albert Gallatin -- The Colonials have five returning starters on offense and seven on defense, so there is room for improvement from a 2-7 record. Hunter Moody returns at QB and the line has 6-3, 340-pound Trey Cavaliere as well as returning starters Jake Boyd and Hunter Matthews..

Laurel Highlands -- Coach Zack Just takes over a Mustangs team that should be better than its 1-9 mark in 2013. Fourteen starters return, including leading tackler James Isler, quarterback Jimmy Pierce, running back Jason Leone and receiver Chad Livingston.

Trinity -- The Hillers disappointed last season, finishing 1-8 after having made the playoffs seven times in the previous eight years. There is reason for hope, though, with seven starters back on offense, including quarterback Forrest Cullings, who threw for nearly 1,200 yards last season.

CLASS AAA

1. West Allegheny13-1

2. Thomas Jefferson11-1

3. Central Valley 11-2

4. Mars 9-2

5. Franklin Regional10-2

http://www.post-gazette.com/sports/high-school-football/2014/08/22/Familiar-favorites-but-some-new-contenders/stories/201408220032#ixzz3BJgq0tf0

South Xtra: TJ is the team to beat in Big Nine

CLASS AAA PREVIEW

By Ken Wunderley / Tri-State Sports and News Service

The Thomas Jefferson High School football team has placed among the top four teams in Class AAA 15 of the past 16 years. During this stretch, the Jaguars have won or shared 14 conference titles, and placed second the other two years.

Coach Bill Cherpak's squad won the Big Nine Conference title last season and advanced to the WPIAL semifinals before bowing out against eventual runner-up Central Valley. The Jaguars finished with an 11-1 record.

Chase Winovich and Christian Briesinger, both quarterbacks from 2013, have graduated. Julian Metro (5-9, 175, Jr.) and Bobby Kelly (5-9, 170, Soph.) are fighting for the right to become the Jaguars 2014 signal caller.

"We're still debating on who will play quarterback," Cherpak said. "Both have looked good at times and not so good at other times in practice thus far."

Cherpak is not lacking for talent in the backfield, as six players have previous varsity experience. The top returning back is Austin Kemp (5-11, 215, Sr., TB/OLB), who rushed for 1,101 yards on 138 carries last season. Ricky Daley (5-5, 160, Jr., TB) added 368 yards on 69 carries. Two other returnees expected to carry the ball are Ryan Scanlon (5-11, 180, Jr., TB) and Braden Pahanish (6-0, 205, Jr., FB). Scanlon has missed most of the past two seasons with a broken collar bone.

Other returnees on offense are: Jake Guinn (6-1, 255, Sr., OC/DT), Russell Siess (6-2, 215, Sr., TE/DE), Frankie Langan (6-3, 205, Sr., WR), and Jake Stein (5-8, 155, Sr., WR).

"We've got a good nucleus of returning starters and some younger kids who are ready to step into the starting lineup," Cherpak said. "We're very optimistic with the group of kids we have."

Kemp, Siess and Guinn are among four returning starters on defense. The other is Dan Matalula (5-10, 165, Sr., CB).

Belle Vernon Area

Coach Matt Humbert takes over at Belle Vernon after leading Ringgold to four consecutive WPIAL Class AAA playoff appearances and 28-13 overall record.

"I hated to leave Ringgold, but I couldn't pass up the opportunity of having a teaching position at Belle Vernon," said Humbert, who has been hired as a ninth grade Civics teacher. "I also have a tie to Belle Vernon because my wife works there."

Humbert is thrilled to be a ninth-grade teacher, since it gives him a chance to recruit younger players.

"We have only 10 freshmen, so I've got to do some recruiting," Humbert said. "I will talk with as many kids as possible and try to convince them to play football."

Belle Vernon placed fifth in the Big Nine Conference last year and finished with a 4-6 record after losing in the opening round of the WPIAL playoffs.

Quarterback Travis Snyder (6-0, 185, Sr., QB), Anthony Levis (5-8, 200, Sr., RB) and Luke Durigon (5-8, 150, Jr., RB/FS) are the top returnees on offense. Snyder has thrown for 1,502 yards since becoming a freshman starter, but injuries have plagued his career. Levis rushed for 1,136 yards in 2012, but missed last season with an injury. Durigon rushed for 557 yards while replacing Levis.

Also back on offense are: Devin Hannan (6-4, 235, Sr., RT/DE), Derek Verkleeren (5-10, 150, Jr., WR/S/PK/P), Phil Taylor (5-10, 160, Jr., WR/CB) and Zac Spate (5-8, 210, Sr., MLB/FB). Verkleeren caught 16 passes for 202 yards.

Hannan, Durigon, Taylor and Spate were also starters on defense.

"One thing that really helped is that my entire coaching staff came with me [from Ringgold]," Humbert said.

Chartiers Valley

The Colts struggled in Niel Loebig's first season as head coach. They recorded only one victory in the Parkway Conference and finished the season with a 1-8 record.

Three starters return from that team: Mike Roper (5-11, 225, Sr., RB/LB), Jamie Pachis (5-10, 205, Sr., RB/WR) and Christo Boulos (6-0, 320, Sr., C).

"We will be young and inexperienced, but that's not always bad," Loebig said. "We have a bunch of kids who love to play football. I'm very excited about this group. We're much improved from last year. We may struggle at the beginning of the year, but our goal is to qualify for the playoffs."

Jake Collins (6-1, 175, Jr., QB) will replace Josh Lapiana, who completed 114 of 232 passes for 1,629 yards.

"Jake is very athletic and very mobile," Collins said. "His passing has improved over the summer. He's also stepped into that leadership role. He was voted as one of our captains."

Roper and Pachis will see time in the backfield, along with Delmar King (5-9, 160, Jr., RB/CB).

Others expected to make an impact are: Joe Testa (6-1, 260, Sr., RG), Anthony Egnatz (6-1, 180, Sr., WR/S), Logan Ford (5-11, 235, Soph., NG), Reed Bruggeman (5-10, 180, Fresh., S) and Steve Alzauzen (5-10, 185, Fresh., OLB).

Elizabeth Forward

The Warriors have made two consecutive WPIAL playoff appearances since Mike LeDonne began his second coaching stint three years ago. The Warriors placed fourth in the Big Nine Conference and finished with a 6-4 record after losing in the first round of the playoffs to Mars.

Quarterback JaQuan Davidson has graduated after rushing for 2,133 yards and throwing for 1,561 yards the past two seasons. Also gone are receiver Matt Bernadowski, who caught 58 passes in two years, and tailback Ryan Wardropper, who rushed for 959 yards in three seasons.

"We lost our quarterback, our top running back and our top receiver," LeDonne said. "They were the key to our offensive success the past two years. That really hurts."

It's a much different situation on the line, as four starters are back: Devin McDonough (6-1, 298, Sr., C/DL), Bill Miles (5-10, 170, Sr., TE/LB), Adam Smith (6-0, 250, Jr., OT/DT) and Damon Morris (5-11, 240, Jr., OG/NG). Miles is a four-year starter, while Smith is a three-year starter. Also back on offense is Matt Hermansen (5-11, 238, Sr., FB/LB).

McDonough, Miles, Morris, Hermansen and Brandon Barr (5-11, 160, Sr., FS/QB/WR) are returning starters on defense.

"Our goal is to finish among the top teams in our conference," LeDonne said. "Thomas Jefferson, Ringgold and West Mifflin are still the teams to beat until somebody knocks them down."

Others who saw significant action last year are: Cam Stover, (6-2, 185, Jr., OT), Anthony Brinson (6-2, 310, Soph., OT/NG), and twins Brandon Kreutzer (5-10, 170, Sr., WR) and Josh Kreutzer (5-8, 165, Sr., WR).

Ringgold

Nick Milchovich returns to coaching after a four-year break. He has nine years of previous head coaching experience at California, Charleroi and Peters Township.

"My wife had a son shortly after I was let go at Peters Township," Milchovich said. "So I decided to take a few years off to spend with my family. When I heard about the opening at Ringgold, I jumped at the opportunity to get back into coaching."

Milchovich couldn't have asked for a better scenario, as Ringgold has 15 starters back from a squad that placed third in the Big Nine Conference. The Rams finished with a 7-3 record after losing to Indiana in the opening round of the playoffs.

"It's been a very smooth transition," Milchovich said. "That's a credit to the kids. I'm very fortunate to have such an experienced team returning. Our goal is to win the Big Nine Conference."

The Rams have eight starters back on offense, including Nico Law (5-9, 175, Sr., QB) and Chacar Berry (5-7, 160, Jr., RB/LB). Law completed 93 of 180 passes for 1,494 yards and rushed for 1,210 yards on 116 carries. Berry rushed for 563 yards on 87 carries and caught 16 passes for 222 yards.

Also back on offense are: Jordan Briscoe (5-9, 185, Jr., FB), Jake Gerard (5-11, 150, Sr., WR/CB), Luke Baldesberger (5-10, 170, Sr., WR), Daylen Penn (6-1, 285, Jr., OL), Eric Higgs (5-9, 245, Sr., OL) and Robert Duda (6-3, 300, Sr., OL).

Berry, Gerard and Baldesberger are among seven returnees on defense.

The others are: Brandon Thomas (5-11, 180, Sr., CB/S), Conner Garry (5-9, 190, Jr., LB), Aaron Szakal (6-0, 240, Sr., DE) and Dante Todaro (6-0, 200, Jr., DE).

Trinity

The Hillers failed to qualify for the WPIAL playoffs last season after making seven appearances in eight years. They posted a 1-7 record in the Big Nine Conference and a 1-8 mark overall.

"We turned in a lackluster performance last season," said Trinity coach Ryan Coyle, now in his third season at the helm. "It was very disappointing for us, especially since we made the playoffs in my first season."

Coyle's top returnee is quarterback Forrest Cullings (6-4, 202, Sr.), who completed 80 of 128 passes for 1,194 yards and seven touchdowns in his first year as a starter.

"Forrest is being heavily recruited by all the Ivy League schools," Coyle said. "He's got a 4.5 grade point average. He's a very smart kid who has a work ethic like no other."

Others back on offense are: Robert West (5-10, 215, Sr., FB/LB), Aaron Britton (6-4, 242, Sr., TE/DE), Dajour Hull (5-10, 162, Jr., RB), Colton Jordan (5-10, 172, Sr., RB), Sam Trapezzano (5-7, 160, Jr., RB/S/PK) and Mac Chambers (6-3, 280, Jr., LT). Hull rushed for 150 yards against West Mifflin last season.

"The conference is tough with Thomas Jefferson, West Mifflin, Ringgold, Belle Vernon and Elizabeth Forward," Coyle said. "We have to battle it out with those teams to fight for a playoff spot.

West and Britton are back on defense, along with Josh Durig (5-10, 190, Jr., LB) and Zach Cain (5-10, 155, Sr., CB).

West Mifflin Area

The Titans earned a fourth consecutive WPIAL Class AAA playoff berth last season. They placed second in the Big Nine Conference and advanced to the WPIAL quarterfinals before suffering a 14-12 loss to Franklin Regional. The Titans finished with a 9-2 record.

Jimmy Wheeler has graduated after leading all Class AAA rushers the past two seasons. He had 4,842 yards in two seasons, including last year's total of 2,616.

"We were hit hard by graduation losses, especially losing Wheeler," West Mifflin coach Ray Braszo said. "We have a lot of young players who will get their chance to start this year."

Five starters return on offense. The top returnee on offense is quarterback Karlyn Garner (6-0, 175, Jr.), who completed 47 of 74 passes for 864 yards. His top two receivers are also back in Kevin Garbark (6-0, 175, Sr., WR/CB) and Javon Gibson (6-0, 190, Sr., WR). Garbark led the team with 16 receptions and 479 yards. Gibson caught 11 passes for 150 yards.

The only other returning starters on offense are two-way linemen Jordan Fontaine (6-0, 230, Sr., OT/DT) and Cory Dzuka (5-10, 180, Sr., OG/MLB).

"We are not one of the favorites in the conference," Braszo said. "Thomas Jefferson and Ringgold should be the teams to beat. Both have a lot of kids back."

Fontaine, Dzuka and Garbark are returning on defense, along with DiAngelo Mitchell (5-10, 175, Sr., CB/WR), Kesean Mikell (6-0, 175, Sr., DE) and Dorian Foreman (5-10, 170, Jr., S).

TJ senior lineman Reynolds reels in Breisinger Award

Less than 24 hours after his efforts were recognized by the Thomas Jefferson football team, Zack Reynolds was doing what he does best: clearing a path.

At the football team's annual banquet Sunday night, Reynolds was voted by his peers as this year's Breisinger Award winner. The next afternoon, with school canceled due to heavy snowfall, Reynolds was outside shoveling snow instead of taking it easy.

Named after former Pleasant Hills police officer Albert Breisinger, the recognition awards a Thomas Jefferson senior for hard work, community work and academics, and not simply for football performance. Each member of the team has one vote.

It's not a most valuable player award, but rather recognizes a player for exemplifying the values the program holds dear. Hard work on the field and in the community, as well as strong academic standing, are paramount.

Breisinger died in 1979 while attempting to save children from a sinkhole.

“Anytime you have teammates nominate, yet alone vote, for you for an award, it feels great. It's a great feeling,” said Reynolds, with the faint sound of a shovel scraping against pavement in the background. “Especially when it's named after and dedicated to a man such as officer Breisinger; how heroic he was.”

A laidback attitude coupled with intensity on the field helped Reynolds garner the award. He was an inspirational player and a leader to the underclassmen.

“It is a great honor to be selected by your teammates to represent the team and what they stand for,” Bill Cherpak, the Jaguars' head coach, said.

“(Reynolds) works hard on and off the field, and is an excellent role model for our younger kids.”

Reynolds carries a 3.6 grade-point average, and said he probably will enroll at Pitt in the fall. He won't play football while he pursues a degree in the medical field.

A 5-foot-11, 240-pound right guard on the offensive line, Reynolds helped clear holes for TJ running back Austin Kemp, who finished the 2014 season with a staggering 1,994 yards rushing and 37 touchdowns for a run-heavy offense that averaged 42.1 points per game.

Thomas Jefferson advanced to the semifinals of the WPIAL Class AAA playoffs before falling to eventual runner-up West Allegheny. The Jaguars ended up 11-1.

Lineman are among the most unsung heroes in sports, but some of them — including Reynolds and his mates — take a liking to the label of hard-nosed, blue collar guys just going about their jobs without making a fuss.

That being said, Reynolds, who also was a backup defensive tackle for the Jaguars, couldn't help but enjoy the limelight of winning a coveted postseason award.

“It's nice to get some recognition once in a while,” he said.

Reynolds is the fourth Thomas Jefferson lineman in the past three years to take home the award. Pat Hall won the honor for the 2013 season, while 2014 featured a split between Anthony Rash and Garrett Pahanish.

In true lineman fashion, Reynolds was quick to point out that he wasn't the only reason the team was successful this past season.

“We're all leaders at one point or another,” Reynolds said. “We all help each other out. There are many other kids on the team that deserve the award.”

That may be true, but the votes are in and the team has spoken. Cherpak agrees with their decision.

“He is a deserving winner,” Cherpak said.