2015 PENNSYLVANIA FOOTBALL WRITERS’ ALL-STATE TEAM
CLASS AAA
OFFENSE:
Quarterback
Hunter Merritt, Conneaut — 6-1, 190 senior
Ben Moser, Susquehanna Twp. — 5-10, 180 senior
Anthony Russo, Archbishop Wood — 6-4, 225 senior
Tayvon Bowers, Bishop McDevitt — 6-2, 215 junior
Running Back
Evan Culver, Saucon Valley — 5-10, 180 senior
Juvon Batts, Selinsgrove — 5-9, 184 senior
Levi Lorson, Jersey Shore — 5-9, 193 senior
Zane Dudek, Armstrong — 5-10, 180 junior
Mike Waters, Imhotep Charter — 5-10, 192 senior
Terence Stephens, West Allegheny — 6-1, 200 senior
Wide Receiver
Kobay White, Bishop McDevitt — 6-1, 195 senior
Henry Litwin, Conneaut — 6-1, 200 senior
Mark Webb, Archbishop Wood — 6-3, 190 junior
Bryce Hall, Bishop McDevitt — 6-3, 195 senior
Tight End
Naseir Upshur, Imhotep Charter — 6-4, 235 senior
Offensive Linemen
Ryan Solt, Wilkes-Barre Coughlin — 6-3, 285 junior
Yasir Durant, Imhotep Charter — 6-7, 330 senior
Johncarlo Valentin, Imhotep Charter — 6-5, 338 senior
Aaron Seigle, Susquehanna Twp. — 6-3, 280 senior
Kurt Stengel, Archbishop Wood — 6-4, 265 senior
Athlete
Collin Shank, Lampeter-Strasburg — 6-1, 215 senior
Alvin Pacheco, Allentown Central Catholic — 6-0, 190 senior
DEFENSE:
Defensive Linemen
Thor Balavage, Scranton Prep — 6-2, 240 senior
Dominick Covatto, Erie Cathedral Prep — 6-1, 283 junior
Shaka Toney, Imhotep Charter — 6-4, 220 senior
Bryce Charles, Jersey Shore — 6-0, 250 senior
Andre Mintze, Imhotep Charter — 6-4, 227 senior
Linebacker
Tyler Starfursky, Scranton Prep — 6-2, 230 senior
Matthew Bauer, Erie Cathedral Prep — 6-2, 205 sophomore
Matt Collins, Clearfield — 6-0, 205, junior
Wyatt Clements, Lehighton — 6-1, 210 senior
Christian Carvis, Saucon Valley — 6-0, 185 senior
Jerry Roberts, Erie Cathedral Prep — 5-11, 215 junior
Defensive Backs
Shawn Turber, Shikellamy — 6-0, 185 senior
Ryan Lezzer, Clearfield — 5-11, 180 junior
Exree Loe, Greater Johnstown — 5-11, 195 junior
Athlete
Ta’Nauz Gregory, Erie Cathedral Prep — 5-7, 150 senior
Specialist
Derek Adams, Manheim Central — 5-11, 180 senior
Player of the Year — Mike Waters, Imhotep Charter
Coach of the Year — Albie Crosby, Imhotep Charter
One Response
Bethlehem Catholic had 5 FCS/FBS prospects and the coaching staff failed to utilize their talents and skill sets this season. Inexcuseable that they weren’t represented on the AAA All-State team – I don’t blame the players, I blame the coaches! The team underachieved this year considered the talent at the skill positions. However, the kids did not have any control on how they were utilized. The move to the North division of the EPC was detrimental to the program and certain players in spite of the victories this year. They won games with simple and basic plays in 2015, no innovation or use of the quick passing game with the offensive talents they possessed. Joe Jay Smith, Elijah Finneran, Julian Spigner, Nate Stewart, and Antwon Keenan. Aside from the RB, no one else was highlighted at any point this season during a game? Potential or additional scholarships were on the line for many of them and unfortunately, they were not given an opportunity to showcase their talents. Perhaps, the coaches assumed that there would be more games? Unfortunately, that didn’t happen as they played a well coached and determined Saucon Valley team who had a greater hunger across the board for that game. The game of football is about emotion. SV had it in that game and BC did not …..Congrats again to SV for representing the LV at the AAA level and to Parkland for playing in the title game! Devante Cross, as a player, summed up what his team looks to exploit in a post game victory interview; “We look to find the mismatches….” Simple enough…had BC lined up 6’4, 6’2 and 6’2 at the WR positions there would have a been a mismatch somewhere during the regular and post season, throw in a hard to tackle RB – most coaches would have found a way to get their play-makers the ball with hitches, slants, quick hitters, swing passes and then look for the vertical pass.
BC – a missed opportunity for many; players, community, and fans.
Many in the Lehigh Valley are up in arms about the Easton coach and his being somewhat egotistical persona and not helping his student athletes in reaching the next level by being proactive with college recruiting. Thus, the LV had some very good story lines this football season; the unlikely overachieved ( teams- ND of Bethlehem and players) and the saga continues with the resignation of Evancho at SV, perhaps a foreshadow to changes to come – he is an Easton grad?
Best of luck to those student athletes who will continue their athletic careers at the next level. Continue to rep the state of PA!