Who will be this year’s surprise and who will dominate football this year. It’s never too early to talk High School Football.
Who are your top players in 2012? Who do you think will be the top teams going into the 2012 season?
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since scrimmages are 70/30 2nd 1st teams, it’s hard to really get an objective look. It looks like the goal is to have a big passing game. Defense was rocky, but good
Shamokin/ williamsport… defense’s for both teams look good. offensives for both teams had several “false starts” shamokin seemed to be able to move the ball in chunks while williamsport had a nice run by #25 that went for a score and a couple other nice plays that could’ve went. some nice hits in this scrimmage!
Del Val scrimaged Beth. Liberty yesterday and Banko field
Sorry! Liberty was scheduled to scrimmage Del Val tonight but apparently they changed the date to Thursday. Have no idea why! Anyway, what else can you tell me about how Liberty looked, Kevin.
@ireland
Pretty sure DV and Liberty played last night.
Delaware valley pa played bethlehem liberty last night
Liberty did not play Del Valley this year yet. They scrimmage them tonight at Bethlehem Stadium. Did you possibly mean Williamsport?
Keep a eye on a kid named ADAM HARRISON with the Berick Bulldogs. DE, SENIOR.. Great athlete, strong kid that plays 110 % each play.Hustles and smart.Can play anywhere on the d line,one of the team leaders in tackles in 2011.
Liberty did not look good at all against Delaware Valley. Come ‘on fellas, need to take it up a few notches.
I WANT TO WISH ALL THE TEAMS THE BEST OF LUCK HAVE A GREAT SEASON IN ALL THE D”S
Hey guys Imho does have a chance just like alot of other teams,BUT…. You have to block first! I think making these predictions based off of potential and one scrimmage against Bonner? Bonner is not very good. Not that they cant get better but still. Imho did’nt exactly come out and hammer Bonner into submission, which if Imho is as good as you guys are saying they should have dismantled Bonner! I gotta use a line from Huck” Until West Catholic gets beat 2A runs through them!”
Hey guys how about we kick off opening night before we put anyone in Hershey.lots of football to be played.Let remember these are kids we are talking about.I want to wish all teams a successful and healthy season
Now huck your not under standing my point!!! Seen plenty of haters before and Im not even from there. Just have learned the football is religion when it comes to that whole area… lets just enjoy the season and meet back up here at the end of the season….
Rob,
No one is denying Mount Carmel’s history and tradition. It speaks for itself. But in the grand scheme of things it really means nothing in 2012. With that said, I’m sure they’ll have a very competitive squad and are probably one of just a handful of teams from the east that can get to Hershey. I’m thinking one of MC, Wyomissing, West Catholic, or Imhotep will represent the east. Just my hunch…
@Huck
I’m sure they is some talent, but adding one player does not make you the front runner to win the State. I’m still trying to figure out where that says anything about being a one-man team. Oh, it doesn’t. The point I made, if you read it clearly, was that they are not the be all to end all after adding one player. Had Williams stayed at West, would Imhotep be getting any press? Probably not. As for your ridiculous comment about Mount Carmel not smoking anybody, just for the record I said steamrolled not smoked, look at their results the past few years.
To add to “jiveturkey’s” post… I not only played in district 4 but have been around it since 93… ive seen in person some of mount carmels state championship teams they’ve had…. you can say ” Ihoetep” this and that but until they get some history or can even accomplish a 5-0 mark… youd only be fooling yourself… here infact just do this…. google mount carmel red tornado’s… after checking their site out keep this in mind… dont listen to what others have to say Im telling your their going to be more then likely the AA team to beat if they have a loss it’ll be from A southern columbia tigers ( google them as well) tigers again will be a contender, if not the front runner. In A.. be sure to check southerns schedule. Out take note of the single A schools, the AA and AAA schools… southern and mount carmel schools are roughly 10 miles apart and always a killer game this year is going to be the best so far by reasons of all around athletes!!! Again you dont have to believe what I know… just slow your roll hoss NEVER COUNT OUT ANYONE FROM DISTRICT 4!!!
LGC,
They may have underachieved last year to a degree, but they were simply just an ok team. They imploded against Bok in that game. They also lost to Bok by 3 TDs early in the year and lost to Springfield-M by 4 TDs. West was in a tussle with Bok because of their own doing they outgained them 4-to-1 in yards. WC also handled SPR-M in a game only kept close by wet grass.
Again, I think they have potential to be pretty good. All I’m saying is let’s not start crowning anything just yet. It’s not ten years ago. No guarantee S. Haven is anything special. Playing the teams they play in that league won’t help either. It’s awful. To totally dismiss more than likely the 2nd best 2A team in the state four years running isn’t called for. Show a little respect. After all, you want FRK to get respect and they have won nothing.
I’m not even saying WC will get out of D-12. In my opinion, the odds are stracked against them more this year than any other recent season. We’ll see what happens.
Jive, Imhotep is more than one-man team. Not even close to being the case. Trust me, if they get out of D-12 then D-11 and D-3/D-4 winners will more than likely have a problem. At minimum a tough game. Mount Carmel isn’t smoking anyone.
Imhotep added a RB and now they are front runners to go to Hershey? Granted, Williams is a fantastic back but I think we may be getting a little ahead of ourselves here. Will they win the Pub? Yes. Will they beat West in the D12 AA finals? Maybe. Will they, if they make it that far, get steamrolled by Mount Carmel? Most likely. One fantastic player can win you the Pub, however, it takes a pretty stacked team to win the State. I am not taking anything away from the rest of the team, I’m sure there is some talent, but adding one player does not make you the front runner to win the State. Being a D12 guy, I hope I’m wrong and will be rooting for them. Lets see them play a game before we shine the trophy.
also huck they lost to bok on a late drive in the pub final, who only lost to west by 1 point. 🙂
@ huck a good percentage of these kids were part of the Philly Football Skills Academy, I did watch them last year,they have added David Williams,Brandon Chatman a pretty good base last year that underchieved IMO . Their QB has a ton of upside, I could go on and on. I know this team pretty good and people will begin to take notice after their week 1 game against Strath Haven.
Marquis has impressive size and power. He ran over lots of kids, but the kid does lack handles I think he fumbled twice.
LGC,
I think they have a chance to be good. I didn’t see special on Sat. I saw potential which is a good starting point for this time of year. I think winner of D-12 has a chance to get to Hershey. I’ll know more on how the two teams compare after tomorrow’s scrimmage. But still, it’s very early. All I’m saying is baby steps before annointing. Not saying it’s not possible. And I’m not really sure how you came up with special without even see them play a real football game yet. 7-on-7’s have their place, but they aren’t a good indicator. Down the line it could be an intriguing and good battle for D-12 2A supremacy. Long way off, though.
Really keith? Play some games against top schools and then we’ll see. Scrimmages are just a vehicle to look at the entire game for all positions while rotating in and out a multitude of players. We wish him luck and I’m sure W Scranton is thrilled to add him to their roster.
@ huck no disrespect intended towards West Catholic but this team is gonna be special.
Major top player under the radar player! Transferred last season so he was not eligible to play. This is what he did at the National Underclassman Combine in New Jersey..
Marquis Brownlee, LB, West Scranton, PA (2013)
Official Size: 6-1, 232
Strengths: Brownlee’s physical attributes are special. He was a freak during the combine, he ran a 4.55 forty, a shuttle run of 4.44, a broad jump of 8’11, and he benched 185 lbs 27 times. He did well in coverage. He easily jammed some of the RBs at the line scrimmage with his strength. He has great upper and lower body strength. He earned the 11th grade LB MVP award.
He just ran over kids in the Pittston scrimmage. Man vs Boys. Top RB and maybe LB in the Lackawanna Region by far.
Inhotep played well versus Bonner. A lot ot be happy about. Like every team still some chinks to hammer out. Their defense was not dominat, though. They gave up 230+ yards and allowed Bonner to hold the ball for 13 plays during the live scrimmage.
Again, a lot to like. They have a nice group. Some very good athletes. Lots of potential.
Bonner brought back very little from last year and didn’t have a RB. Many of their kids were seeing their first varsity action ever. They competed for the most part.
LGC,
“Definately????”
Man, how quickly people forget.
I’ll say potentially the team to beat.
yep Imhotep is definately the team to beat in 2A.
Philly
Where is”Imhotep” located?
To coach B, I went to Imhotep’s website and it is rather interesting. Help us understand what this school is about?
Imhotep scrimmage vs bonner. Imhotep looked really good, especially with the adfitions of dave williams(top back in the state). Their defense was also dominant as well. We could be looking at the future piaa aa champions.
Saw mount carmel have their way with s. Haven sat. Morning… running play or passing didnt matter they looked like a mid season team already… AA teams they are a contender
Sat night saw a typical southern tiger squad churn the sod at will… southern/ mount carmel is always a banger BUT this year youd be a fool to miss this one!!! Cannot wait
I saw Parkland-Wilson WL…
Parkland absolutely couldn’t run the football inside the tackles at all. WL snuffed their inside running game to negative yardage. #7 & #1 for Parkland have nice speed and were able to get outside a few times for nice yards. Parkland seemed OK with only throwing streaks down the field, absolutely no timing passes at all. They didn’t connect too well in their passing game in my opinion.
Wilson WL seemed pretty balanced on offense. They didn’t run the ball really well themselves, but had a lot more success between the tackles than did Parkland. They threw with average decency.
It was a pretty even scrimmage from my eyes, and after only the first scrimmage they have things to work on for next week and then the regular season. Both teams I think should fare well in their respective leagues though.
saw Arch.Wood and Father Judge : Wood looked super on defense but needs work on defending the pass and Judge looked pretty good on defense also. Wood looks like they will be able to run the rock against anyone put not so sure about the passing game all 3 qb’s looked below average. Judge also has along way to go on offense but they have a couple of nice backs but like wood has a real issue at QB.But it is only the 1st scrimmage only time will tell.
Parkland scrimmage and Nazareth. Parkland looked good on both sides, quite a bit of the O was not shown today. Nazareth has some work to do on O for timing and rythym and D is suspect
What scrimmage(s) did you go to and who look good?
Hi everyone. On August 27th I am going to start a new thread for the 2012 season. You can still post on this thread. You can find it at District Talk >> Fan Blog.
@jiveturkey9 yes they are unproven simply for the fact that they only have 4 kids returning from last year who recieved playing time on that 9-2 team that is why they are unproven because they lost 15 starters
Heres a sleeper for you. Colton Turns, from Oxford Area High School. Had More then a 1000 All-Purpose yards last year. Ran a 4.29 at a combine in June. His speed is a big factor on the field.
@Bob Malvern is unproven? Malvern was 9-2 last season and has a RB that averaged over 7 yds per carry last season coming back. The Inter-Ac is not what it used to be as far as talent and great teams, however, it is still a pretty tough league, which Malvern coasted through. Everybody that knows a bit about HS football in the Philly metro area knows Malvern is very good. They may not get the press throughout the State but that would be because they are not in the PIAA, I assume. Looking for another very good season out of Malvern. They have a major obstacle in front of them on the 1st against Roman. If they beat Roman, and that is a very big if, you will certainly start hearing their name in conversations about the better teams in the State.
I agree with Tim below. Malvern Prep is very unproven yet has all the tools to surprise every this year. Most people are aware they’ve lost a handful of starters last year but the skill players coming back are alot better then the ones last year. Only concern will be offensive line and linebacker. They had some holes at offensive line but i believe they have made some moves to fill the gap the only thing left is to prove if they can work together. Linebackers are young, coming off of 3 linebackers last year whom were 3 year starters.
They open the season with Roman, LaSalle, Coatesville and a team from Washington, DC. Not many are giving them the respect them deserve, but i believe they have all of the tools to come out of the gate with 4 or even 5 wins and finish the season in the 8-10 win range.
Be Prepared if you go watch them, not much experience, but a whole lot of speed and raw talent
Malvern Prep is most underrated team in 2012. alot of unseen talent. By far one of the best freshman teams ever the current senior class was apart of. Watchout
@ Brian Hope
Thanks for info on Pennridge. Sounds promising. We’ll see if they can bring it. Don’t have a favorite team per se, I root for whatever team can represent S.E. Pa. the best.
I’m new to the area and HS football in PA. Of the three years I’ve lived in the area I have seen football in the eastern half of Pa. I was at the Easton-Pennsbury games the last two seasons. Easton won the game because of their superior line play. Defensively Easton returns 8-9 starters and they fly to the football play aggressively. Unless Pennsbury can throw the ball better than the past they will not come close to winning. You will not run a Wing-T and expect to run 40 times and win, not against this Easton team. Just saying.
@littleguyscoach
You are absolutely correct there on the Falcons. As I wrote, and Harris added, Easton is never easy, new QB or not; and per talk about, the next two opponents present excellent QBs and solid programs. I would be most surprised at 3-0 for Pennsbury, but even at 0-3, they might then carry to a decent season. Time will soon tell.
on the flip side Pennsbury could very well start out 0-3 with that schedule.
@ phillyboy
I’ll take Pennridge as the surprise team this year, loaded with seniors all big and fast, 9 returning starters on both sides of the ball. Pennridge has about 4-5 boys most likely going D1. As long as they can avoid major injuries should be fun to watch. Their home opener against Haverford Prep will be a tough one, may set the tone for the rest of the season.
@Colt and Kmac,
I hope that Pennsbury is on a mission. Too good of a school and program to play the way they have lately.
Easton needs to find a QB this season, but is loaded at just about every position on the football field. They would be a top 10 team in the state preseason in my book. The last two Pennsbury-Easton meetings weren’t that competitive.
I would love to see a close and tough opener for both.
I thought Pennridge was supposed to be the surprise team this year.
@Colt
I hope you a right about the Falcons; Pennsbury I have followed since 1951, of course among many other teams. They are going to have to be ready- starting in Easton, with Frankford next, and at Downingtown East third game. If they start 3-0 I would be most surprised, and it would certainly make your comment prophetic.
OK, one week until scrimmages start!
Watch out for pennsbury there going to shock people , I got a source there that’s says there on a mission this year.
@ david, your countdown to opening kickoff is off a little bit. it should be 1 more day and 15 less hours. a lot of people are looking to aug 31.
4 weeks boys
In AA district 3 I feel folks are over looking Trinity HS . They have an awsome running back / athlete in Sr Adam Geiger who may be one of the best in the state. Also Sr recievers / Dbacks in Dan Jackson and Ryan Herr and Sr D end / Left O Tackle Chas Wagner who also is the long snapper. The option Quarterback is Mike boguski who is only a jr, along with a sloid kicking game. They will be going for their 3rd consecutive Capitol conferance championship and are looking to make a real run at the PIAA AA state title. Shamrocks.
This is the year of the Cougar and Downingtown East. Great Qb, great Wr, great defense. Solid coaching. Nothing less than a District 1 final appearance.
Sorry, last word- first line last post should be “interesting.”
Great job Dave and crew on this website making high school football most intesting. As the number of thread comments show, a high level of interest exsists in eastern PA. The coaching versus school size argument is fascinating. Based on current enrollments the top ten schools for size in 4A in PA now are, biggest to smallest of the ten – Reading Central, North Penn, Hazleton Area, Upper Darby, Northeast (Phila), Pennsbury, J P McCaskey, Parkland, William Allen, and Neshaminy. Only three have claimed a state title: Neshaminy, North Penn and Parkland. Without checking up on records, I believe that Reading and William Allen have struggled for some time, and none of the others have set the world ablaze, Pennsbury has a district title about 2006. I cannot comment on the length of coaching tenure for all of the schools to add anything to the argument. But, it would seem that size is not a panacea to success in itself.
back @wildcat
Sounds like he on the road to a full recovery, as for western wayne making a lot of noise.They play in divison 2 of lackwanna league they are going to be hard pressed to have enough points to qualify for the dictrict playoffs.Most aaa schools in the district have 3 aaaa teams on their schedule and only one aa team.Western wayne has only 4 aaa team on their schedule and no aaaa teams,they probaly have to run the table or at least 9-1 to get in.I believe they have Prep and Coughlin early so we will know where they stand in Sept,good luck on the season.
@mark
Misericordia would make more sense. I see him lifting there often.
@Rob
I think he is scouting for WVW. He is also helping at College Misericordia. That is what I heard from several Misericordia players. Not sure how true it is.
I am hearing a rumor that Ted Jackson will be an assistant at Berwick. Can anyone confirm or is this hooplah?
@ mark d,
I hear what your saying about the contact. I also agree about the defense, they were terrible. Robbie was a huge part of that defense/team. Its hard to loose a player of that caliber and still be competitive. I do hope they grow up, if they do look out for the Wildcats to stop being pussy cats and make some noise.
P.S.
Robbie’s performance at the University @ Buffalo
Ht: 6-2 Wt: 210
Bench Press: 225 13 x
40-4.55
Pro-agility: 4.4
Vert: 30
Thats a kid on the right track to getting back to 100 %
@wildcat
with an acl you have to wait till you take some contact on it before you know where you are ,but i heard the kid is a stud.as for 8 coming back on defence ! hope they grown up becuse and please not trying to knock the kids but they were very bad last year.
I saw Old Forge in a pssing scrimmage, they have some speed to go along with a mean streak. Look for them in single A.
Trouble is they will have to get by Dunmore and Riverside.
I have also seen the Western wayne Wildcats peform in a few passing scrimmages, They have some weapons. Any time a team goes 3-7 you tend to look by them, but they lost 3 games by 3 pts. They also lost their best player Robbie Siclari last year to an ACL injury. He is back and even bigger and better. I heard he has been getting serious interest from D1 schools. The team also returns 9 Starters on Offense, 8 on defesne.
Phoenixville Senior LB/TE Ryan Pannella is expected to have another great season. Last year put up huge number tackles 195 total. Was a key leader on defense for the Phantoms. Pac 10 2nd team,ALL-Area 2nd team,3rd team All- state PA.
Starting to get alot of feedback from 1AA.
i havent seen del valley and yes i been told scranton may be weak up frount.i seen dunmore scranton and valley view in 7 or 7 and yes i understand it a lot different when it live , but i am telling you this kid was showing great arm strength.
Parrish Bennett, the running back on Hanover has transfered to Meyers. Personally, I think he will help more in the secondary than on offense simply because he will not have the luxury of running behind a big O line on Meyers, unlike last year when he had some maulers on Hanover.
Although he’s a nice addition, I don’t see Meyers’s record changing. Looking at their schedule they will go 4-6 with losses to GAR, Old Forge, Lehman, Wyoming Area, Northwest and Trail.
mark d, Scranton goes 7-3, what did you think about delaware valley?
mark d, Scranton goes 7-3 How did del val look
mark d, scranton looked good but when the rest of the d is there evrything changes. Scranton goes 7-3 How did del val look
The North Penn losses to Liberty weren’t that big of a deal. All I am saying is Beck didn’t give his team the best chance to win either contest. He STUNK and in big games he tends to get out coached to a huge degree. He’s not the entire reason they lose as their opponents were good and should be at that point. I just know that he NEVER makes adjustments. He plays one way, coaches one way and it’s why superior coaches dominate the Knights.
The Akins, Oliver, & Hearns team was so talented my 92 year old grandmother takes them to a state title. I’m sorry, I wish I could give the guy more credit but he’s not a head coach. If he’d step down and be an OL coach and let a real HC in the Knights would have 3-4 state titles by now.
He’s the Eastern PA version of Terry Smith.
@all the d2 guys
saw a 7 on 7 with scranton and dunmore. scranton qb got a big time arm ,saw lot of speed from scranton
North Penn’s ’08 loss to Liberty was to a very good team. The ’10 loss to LaSalle likewise. Maybe you could argue they should have won the ’05 eastern final to Libery but even that team was really good. Dan Persa played at Northwestern and there were a couple few other D1 players on that team. That deep in the playoffs, the teams can ball. It’s been a little frustrating/disappointing but one of these years it’s all going to line up.
@ Chuck:
I have questioned his adjustments ( or lack thereof) at times also. He can make them on defense ( last year was a good example), but not on offense.
If pettine Sr. was still coaching West, EVEYBODY would be losing to them.
That Liberty game, their ( Liberty’s) line was bigger and tougher. Not sure how you adjust to that.
That liberty team, and the LaSalle teams, were very good. You say NP had no right losing to them? Both rosters are huge ( number of players), like NP’s. And the talent was there, like NP.
Size of the school does matter, but I think the coaching matters more. Upper Darby is a good example. There are others also.
I don’t give Pettine Jr. as much credit as you do, possible because he’s such an arrogant ass ( just listen to some of his pep talks). Beck could have left the school flounder, but he didn’t. Remember, they have district boundaries, unlike LaSalle & Prep.
What’s your responce to past NP teams being so bad considering their size? Merely bad coaching?
Which makes Beck a helluva improvement.
@Buddy,
If Pettine Sr. was still coaching at West (and there were only two CB’s)…North Penn would still be losing to West. Pettine Jr changed the culture at NP and Beck reaped the benefits of it. He’s a decent coach, but the advantage they have in D-1 currently is a joke…With how large a school they have and the players they have had…they shouldn’t be sitting with one state title.
Beck got out coached in at least 3 playoff games. He absolutely doesn’t ever make adjustments. In the Liberty game he looked like a deer in headlights. No answers for the load option. Liberty didn’t have much business beating NP that day and I was ashamed to even think Beck was a decent coach. God awful! He’s never been good at making adjustments.
He made no adjustments last year in the state final 14-7 loss to CD. I don’t hold it against him that NP lost. I consider it foolish to continue to do something that isn’t working. Slight adjustments in the game and they have a fighting chance. Why you think his record stinks in big games? He knows one way to play football and if it isn’t working he has no clue what he’s doing. If he was any worse at making adjustments his name would be Mark Schmidt.
I think it’s cool that North Penn has not split. There’s tons of smaller schools out there. Can’t there be a few giants out there? What’s the big deal? It’s probably cheaper too. Isn’t everybody always worried about how taxpayer money is spent? Welp, it’s cheaper to have one big school. How you like them apples?
@ Brian Hope:
Yes, NP should have split 20 years ago. Taxpayers keep fighting that and, obviously, winning.
@ Chuck:
Riddle me this: NP has ALWAYS been a large school. Very large. Even when there was only one Central Bucks, one Downingtown, one Council Rock, they were still one of, if not the, largest school in the district. Yet they sucked at football ( Track & Swimming, somewhat wrestling, was their forte).
The school decide to ear-mark football until the late 90’s, starting with Pettine Jr.( only 2 years I believe) then taken over by Beck.
So I suppose those coaches back in the day were the worst ever to coach, OR something must be said for the current coaching staff.
The biggest upset Beck ever had was the 2009 district final at Ridley. NP looked past them I believe, and Ridley was on fire. Those other games you mentioned was a case of the other teams were simply better. It’s NOT just W’s & L’s I look at, it’s the history of the school.
C’mon dude, you’re being silly!!
@ Buddy
I’m older than you think, went to Souderton back in the 70’s. Dont hate NP just think they need another High School, two many great kids that will never see playing time that could play somewhere else. Big Souderton, Q-town, Pennridge & CB West fan (the Old Bux-Mont). Also Pennridge has had around 40-50 on their roster the past few years. This year I heard Pennridge has a very large senior class team.
@David Mika,
Like your idea of “2012 HS Football Season”
@phillyboy
Yes imhotep is a magnet charter. However, the criteria as to which you are referring does not apply to all students. I personally know 2 kids on their basketball team who barely read at a 3rd grade level. Not saying it’s the kids fault or anything like that, just saying exceptions are made.
@Buddy,
It’s unfortunate people everywhere including you judge coaching based on W’s and L’s. When you coach at a school like NP, you could play without coaches and win league titles. It’s not brain surgery when you’ve got the biggest drawing areas. Why do you think NP and Neshaminy are ALWAYS in the playoffs?!?!?
As I mentioned in a post down below, the only state title Beck has as HC is with a team so stacked it was a joke.
If you look at NP’s two East Finals losses to Liberty, Beck was out coached very badly. Especially the 2008 game. NP beats Liberty 23-15 at Liberty then loses to them in the East final by 7. Liberty came out in the game running load option and NP looked lost defensively. NP’s offensive gameplan was a joke. Let’s try and pound the football, if we get stopped we have nothing else except spider 2 banana. C’mon dude, you’re silly.
There are probably 10-15 WPIAL AAAA coaches who are eleven times better than Gordon, Schmidt, or Beck. Those guys are OK coaches with supreme talent. Nothing more!
i think district 11 1-A is overlooked, shenandoah valley and williams valley should run the table and make for a great d11 championship
Brett, it’s the public schools too. Last year a team in No. NJ Wayne Hills I think had 6 or so players start a fight against their rivals Wayne hills or vice versa. these are spoiled kids from a money area and have a guy named Olsen as the coach/AD. He’s apparently a real Ahole and it wound involving lawyers, suspensions… Another coach rented an apartment to two kids and their families from out of the district and after they won the state title, he kicked them out. It’s crazy. Who would of thought what happened at Penn St. could happen.
@ Brett:
Imhotep is a public charter. It’s also a magnet school which basically means that they have academic criteria that need to be met in order to be accepted. Sure, I agree that academics are more important than sports. Don’t some of the private high schools grant scholarships to some kids?
In regards to Baltimore and DC, if anybody is doing any pillaging it’s DeMatha in DC and Gilman in Baltimore.
@phillyboy
Go take a look in Maryland or Washington, DC and see how that is working. Dunbar (Baltimore) and Friendship pillage their areas, pay no attention to grades and graduate less than half of their football team. That’s what Imhotep is going to be. AAU Football.
@Jeff
On minimum GPA, drugs, violence – it’s not just Philly even though I know you’re not saying it is. The kid from (I think Council Rock) went to a Big Ten school and beat his high school coach senseless. He was a repeat violent offender. I’m not saying who, but there was another public league kid out there who went FBS that I can tell you for a fact had a cocaine problem.
The Philly kids simply don’t always have the coaches pushing them. Depends on the school. Plus, what are mom and dad doing?
@Lance
It will keep on doing that. They won’t make it out of 12, even with Gore on the staff who is one heck of a coach. Not rooting against them but don’t think they have it up front yet. Those Burr teams had big boys to plow the road.
Hey, it’s not just Imhotep. You’ve only got a few “elite” catholic schools left that aren’t out blatantly recruiting.
Check out Imhoteps’Roster they picked up Williams’,Najee Goode andShayodd Chavis from West Catholic and are Loaded with Size all over the field..Can they get out of D-12 though to make a run?
to BRett, you are correct. My kid has to stay up late and balance schoolwork and sports. The culture of thinking one will play professional Sports, be an AMerican Idol star… are not life goals. Many families struggle finanically, but education needs to be valued right before sports. With such a small amount of kids going to the pro’s, the ones who fake it thru life using sports are left on the curb when it’s all over. There has to be a minimum GPA std, zero tolerance for drugs and brushes with the legal system. A kid does not have to be EInstein, but has to be respectful, humble and willing to be open to education.
@ Brett:
A catholic school is a type of private school. And the charter school happens to be a public school. The charter schools are subsidized by taxpayer money. It’s just that they have more independence in regards to management. I hear what you’re sayin’ but I wouldn’t begrudge the Phila. public schools (traditional or charter) any positive developments. Give ’em a break. It’s not like any Phila. public has been a state power in football lately. Besides, what comes around goes around. Now W. Catholic knows how it feels.
Wondering why no one is talking about Mount Carmel? I Definitely have them in my AA Top 5
@phillyboy –
Dave Williams didn’t transfer from a private school to a public school. He transferred from a catholic school to a charter school. In other words he was recruited to go there. He went with former West Catholic OC Al Crosby. So are many other players around the area.
It’s the same nonsense that West Catholic did on a different level. Nobody graduates, nobody goes to college. Meat market. Anyone in the know in Philadelphia knows where Williams is going to college anyway. Where his coach gets paid.
Brian will flees them this year anyway. Absolute joke.
@ Chuck:
Actually, Beck isn’t all that nice, he’s a salty bastard at times.
Why do you assume NP has to have outrageous talent every year? They can’t recruit. They have graduates every year, and at some point they have to groom green players. Reason they stay good is Beck!
Those 3 Eastern finals they lost, who do you think they were playing, a bunch of patseys? They were superb teams. they went on to win the states.
I think Beck & Gordon ( LaSalle) are maybe the 2 best coaches in the East. many others are up there too ( including Schmidt).
I suspect you do write childrens books, ’cause you do have one helluva imagination
@fred
hey i a d2 guy but in my opinion the coaching mentality in the area has to change. i beleve we have the kids to compete with the rest of the state . we play tough physical football in this area,but when you get to the state level you just cant run everbody over
@phillyguy,
Dick Beck lost three eastern finals that he had no business losing. He almost makes the state championship game and loses with a really horrible offensive effort. Luckily he’s not a childrens book writer because he’s got no imagination.
Winning percentage is a joke, the dude with that kind of talent consistently underachieves. He’s slightly better than Mark Schmidt as a head football coach. WOW. Beck’s a really really nice guy, he’s not a head coach.
@Buddy,
Pennsbury opens up at Easton. Easton played away last season at Pennsbury.
@ Mika:
Sounds good. This one is getting a little unwelding.
Great job everyone! Good stuff!
When the season starts I was thinking of starting a new thread called, “2012 HS Football Season”.
Would you rather keep this thread going or start a new one? It’s up to all of you. Let me know. Thanks!
Yeah, that 2003 North Penn team was the real deal, very talented and powerful. Going into the games there was a palpable confidence that they were going to dominate and they did. I miss those days. Heck, I think they could have held their own against Bosco or some of these other high powered programs.
First game for Easton is at Pennsbury. If they beat them handily, then Easton might be for real.
I believe their 2nd game is Parkland. That will tell us a lot also.
Chuck:
I believe you’re correct. I think Beck has a .850 winning percentage while at North Penn, and that’s been over 10 years now. Probably the winningest AAAA team in the East, possibly the state, for the last 10 years.
Mark D, spot on about D2
@ Lance: not sure how good W. Catholic may be this year, but to the best of my knowledge their highly regarded running back transfered to a public school. That sure doesn’t help any. By the way, nice to see a player transfer from private to public.
thanks guys great job on an update on d 11 .we will see early what del valley has, and how they approch this season as they open with parkland.like i said before d2 has to get away from that no throwing on 1st down 9 men in box defence thinking.
@ Jack
I think I pretty much agree with your assessment of D-11 4A this year, but I would have to say that Whitehall is probably a couple of steps ahead of Freedom, but we haven’t seen how Freedom’s new acquisitions (er…I mean transfers) can play in the higher classification. I know it’s early, but Whitehall brings back a good amount of talent plus some good younger players. They may even be right up there with Parkland. I think they will be extremely competitive with everyone they play this year.
They will have 2 starters back on the OL and a 3rd who got a lot of time last year, a good tight end, a very quick Scat Back, and of course their QB who is getting a lot of FCS attention. They will also have good size at WR (6’2″ & 6’3″). On D they will have back their whole DL, very quick LBs and 2/3 of their secondary.
@Jeff I understand Del Val will be good, I was just talking about the District 11 teams in the LVC. I don’t think Del Val would beat any of the top 5 teams in the LVC even this year when the drop off is pretty big after the top 2-3 teams. Of course I am biased I live here. Unless a team comes down with a player like Nate Eachus I don’t see it happening. With the way the sub-region could play out I can definetly see Del Val in the final. I mean Del Val certainly would beat an MVC district 11 team. Del Val will regardless be high seed in the sub-region. Then I think they beat a team like a Freedom, Whitehall, Nazareth having them to go on the road. With all the 3A teams on Del Val schedule it might be tough for them to get the 1 seed at 10-0 vs 9-1 LVC team.
@Jeff,
We will have to wait and see. D-2 AAAA rarely does well against LVC competition in the subregional playoffs. Hopefully D-2 continues to put Hazleton type teams on the field so the playoffs are a lot more interesting than LVC rematches!
I am not discounting DV because simply I know absolutely nothing about them. If they win or compete with Parkland then obviously they are for real. Parkland is going to be tough!
to Jack, DV is right up there with Easton and Parkland. Week 1 will determine how things shake out for them and Sub Regional.
I’m a fan of AA football being a coach for Beaver Falls of D-7.. I realy like Mount Carmel, Wyomissing,Montoursville..Any thoughts on these teams? I am wondering how good Phil. West Catholic will be also?
@Mark d for District 11 Easton brings back a lot, they are the favorite and should be the favorite. However I think Parkland will be the team that comes out of district 11. But here are my thoughts on D11 4A (LVC only)
Easton- brings back a very good defense, with most likely a top 5 linebacker in Eastern PA. Also have a young kid who played WR for them last year. Very similiar to Jared Holley, might not be as good as Holley but they will use him the way Easton used Holley. And of course they are Easton, and Easton kids dream of playing for Easton and are some of the toughest kids around.
Parkland- brings back a good athlete at RB but I’m told they have very very impressive athletes that did not see the field last year for whatever reason. Biggest upgrades may have been there staff new Offensive Coordinator is the former ACC OC, new Defensive Coordinator is the former Liberty HC. They are my pick.
Nazareth- Graduated a lot more than people realize. Bring back a good WR, good LB, and a special young RB. But Nazareth is simply a school that is not big enough to maintain a high level year in and year out because of the enrollment. They will be competitive every year because the HC is good. But I don’t see them making noise.
Freedom- got some new transfers which if you live in the valley is nothing new. Lost a lot of the skill players but bring back a decent QB and average OLine. Prob the 3rd or 4th best team in the LVC.
Whitehall- most likely has the best QB in the league. Look for them to open it up a bit more as the new HC threw it all over the place when he was a previous HC. From what I hear is that they will take a small step back losing the HC. They will battle Freedom for the 3rd or 4th spot.
Liberty- has a dynamic WR but they run the triple option. Graduated all the skill guys, could be a down year for Liberty. But I hear the have some really special athletes coming through the program in the next few years.
Emmaus- until they lose there head coach they will be irrelevant.
I think overall a down year for District 11 and the LVC overall however I think Parkland and Easton are really special both can compete with District 12 and 1 this year in the playoffs. They play week 2.
Easton is definitely the favorite to come out of District 11. They return a ton of players from last year that lost by 7 to Nazareth in the district finals.
Parkland probably comes in at the 2nd best team going into the preseason.
any d 11 guys out their ? who are the top teams coming out of d11 this year?
The year North Penn won the state title 2004, I think? That team was easily the most talented and best team in the state. You could have called anything offensively and it would have worked. With Hearns and Kevin Akins at QB and RB respectively, that’s athletic. Oliver outside at WR and a bruising good blocking FB they were stacked.
Dick Beck is a very good coach on the lines (being a former CB WEST OL and Temple University center) he knows his stuff. NP doesn’t have much offensive imagination and tend to keep their LB’s too tight to the line and inside. A team that has speed to the corners or throws the ball well has field days with them.
Drew Scales (CD #5) had an excellent day getting outside in the state title and ultimately the stalemate at the lines and CD’s skill players the difference.
North Penn never is done, they reload. Too many kids and a very nice area will produce you the economics and spirit to win football games. Winning breads more winning in areas such as Lansdale!
rob i with you threw the grapevine i heard pittston is a real sleeper time will tell .hey remember guys we need to keep in mind these are kids we are talking about
There are at least 2 seasons where North Penn could have/should have won the state title. The year Liberty won, they had a talented mature team. They lost by a whisker to Libery in the eastern final at Coatesville. They had beaten them in the first game of the season too but Liberty was hard-nosed and seemingly on a mission. Then a couple years ago when they lost to LaSalle 38-35 at Plymouth-Whitemarsh. That one hurt. Again, it was a talented mature team that, I think, may have matched up better against the eventual champ N. Allegheny. But it wasn’t to be. Ironically, I think that team was better than the team that made it to the final last year.
Dick Beck is a nice coach, but he’s not a good big game coach. I’ve counted the Knights being beaten 3 times in the state playoffs in which they had the better team and lost. He was severely out coached. People put way too much emphasis on wins and losses as a judge to who’s a good coach and who’s not. Sometimes a guy goes 5-5 and he coached far superior to someone who went 13-1. Trust me, Beck in the grand scheme of PIAA football is a solid coach. There’s 20-30 better HS 4A head coaches in the state better. That is just off the top of my head.
Wyomissing has the best player in the state… Ben Wertz. Not to mention guys like Causa, Cacchione, and Anzalone.
@phillyboy:
Yea, pettine Jr. was only there for 1 or 2 years. he’s not the reason they are so good.
@ brian:
NP is not the only school in D1 with 100+ on the roster. I’ll bet your Rams aren’t far behind.
I’m a NP fan, but I don’t hate Pennridge or anyone else ( well maybe LaSalle).
But you’re a Pennridge fan that hates everyone else. I suspect you’re still too young to look at anything with objectivity.
@ Chuck,
The truth is, size of enrollment and coaching are both factors. Otherwise how do you explain Upper Darby. Hate to say it but their program is a bit of a joke considering their enrollment. How do you figure Pettine Jr. got the ball rolling, didn’t he coach there for about a year or two?? The fact that CR split didn’t matter. They weren’t a threat in the first place. It definitely hurt them in wrestling, though. Botton line is: Beck is an excellent coach. It just so happens that there are a lot of good AAAA teams in PA each year. To be the absolute best in any given year is quite an accomplishment. Sometimes it takes a little bit of luck too. I would say North Penn has had the most successful program in the state at AAAA in the last 10 years.
@ Chuck
Could not agree more! Pettine Jr. did build that program. Beck really has no full time job except coaching football, he’s head of security which he can delegate the work to others and sit behind his desk and watch game films all day. They should have more than one State Championship. When you have 100+ kids on your roster your going to have 20 great kids on the field by pure numbers.
My last comment was meant for Chuck, not Clark…………….. sorry.
@ Clark:
Pettine Jr. may have gotten them started, Beck has made them a state power ( he’s from the CB West program too).
They been to the final twice, winning once. You know how hard it is to get to the final? Especially from D1.
The school you coach at has nothing to do with it, it’s all about the coaching. NP been a large school forever, but before the late 90’s, they played .500 ball at best.
I’m siding with RickD on this one. Saw a few Dallas games and I was familiar with their lineup.
@Buddy,
The reason for North Penn’s success was because of Pettine Jr. He got the ball rolling for the Knights and had a very good staff. The splitting of most of the other big and competitive schools like CR & CB schools. Really only Pennsbury, Neshaminy, & NP have larger enrollments. Nesh and NP two biggest in D-1 I think. The nice developments give them an advantage with a combo of wealth and middle class families to draw from such an area.
With all the talent the Knights have had Beck’s only got 1 state championship. You would think he’d have far more than 1. Mostly it’s about the school you coach at than who’s coaching the team.
@ mark
You are the one who needs to get a clue. Gately maybe played 3 snaps on offense all season and Monk did not play AT ALL on defense.
Dolman started both ways?? Are you delusional?? Maybe he started @ DE for a half but then missed the whole season. I would hardly count him as a returning starter. Where did Dolman start on offense if you don’t mind me asking???
And then you mention certain players starting depending on the scheme? Ted Jackson only used one scheme. You need to get a clue my friend. Are you on the new coaching staff???
Pretty sure Taylor was the other lineman and not Vario but regardless Dallas is going to have a solid team anyway so hey who cares. I am looking at their schedule and the only real threats I see are Berwick and Pittston. Maybe Valley West can give them a game.
I’ll say 9-1 with a loss to Berwick and at worst 8-2, I can see Pittston upsetting them.
@ Brian:
Nice thought……….. but not gonna happen.
It’s not the 100+ roster, it’s the coaching.
@rick D
Sorry, I forgot Felix Dolman on both offense and Defense. He started both ways in the coughlin game and then suffered an ACL injury and missed the remainder of the season. He will be back and ready for the opener this season. So that’s seven possibly 8 depending on how you look at it. Defense Returners: Dolman, Gately, Bullock, Roccograndi, Shutlock, Siminovich & Monk ( both played significant time depending on the Defensive scheme. That’s seven. But who is counting other than yourself. These players may not have started every game, but did start several. Either way they were able to get alot of experience.
@Rick D Get a clue. If you went to all of those Saturday games you would know that on offense they return the following:
1) Zapoticky
2) Bullock
3) Vario
4) Shutlock
5) Monk
6) Gately (Certain Sets)
7) Siminovich
Brace got hurt in the 1st game. So if you count him as a starter than I’m sorry, they return 6-7 starters on offense.
What’s up with all these Dallas fans out there? You should root for the Eagles or possibly the Steelers. Go Eagles!
@mark d
Nah I don’t haha.
@ Buddy
Very Bold. Let the trash talk begin. Even if its not Pennridge I would love to see a Souderton, Quakertown, CB West etc beat North Penn would be the the Hilite of the year. There would be nothing better than to see the mighty North Penn and their 100+ roster fall this year to a much smaller school. Its time for a change.
@bert valley view has a lot of talent coming back,pluse the new strength coach is doing a great job with the kids but 3 things
tyler need to hold on the the ball
they need to beat prep 6 points in the last 2 years !!!1
and the coach cant put the whole offence on tyler needs to get his other athlets involed
@rob i sure lakeland will be solid they always well coached,we should find out early what they have they play valley view the second game. just thought you might had some inside info
@ mark
Your posts about Dallas are starting to become ridiculous.
Simonovich is a 3-sport athlete so how can you possibly say he had a great year in the weight room? I know for a fact the new coaching staff did not even have the weight room open for a good portion of the offseason. Two parents of two separate current players told me they had to open gym memberships for their sons because of this.
I saw Dallas play several times last year because they play a bunch of Saturday games. 8 starters on offense and 7 on defense? That is completely false.
On offense they lost the center, one of the guards, the FB, the TB, and both starting WRs. So that means they return FIVE on offense. I’ll give you six if you count Simonovich as a starter. He played a lot last year but he was not a starter….Dunn/Wanek/Brace were the starters. They also lost #22 who got triple the amount of time @ TE compared to the TE that started.
Their defense was even hit harder by graduation. They lost the ENTIRE secondary plus 3 out of 4 LBs. They have the two DTs back plus one DE and one LB. So that is FOUR returning starters.
And their biggest problem is going to be finding a way to replace Ted Jackson.
Please….I cannot listen to you ramble on and on about Dallas with all this false information. It is not fair to the people who check this site for info on the upcoming season. And more importantly it is not fair to the players at Dallas and the new coaching staff.
Mark I’m pretty sure they lose more than that
Roccograndi, Dixon, Wanek, Brace, Artsma, Rogers and Dunn. Thats 7 starters they lose on D
On Offense they lose 2 lineman, FB and RB, and 2 WRs = 5 returning starters
@ Bert I Agree with you. Valley View will be back. Berwick will be good this year no doubt, but it will be next year and the following that Curry will be able to groom this team into his own. They will be young but they will win their share of games.
I do think it will be Valley View VS Dallas for District 2 AAA Championship.
Jason Simonovich had a great year in the weight room and should have a massive year for Dallas.
Dallas also has three new players that are all very good that did not play last season, but will fill the wholes vacated by Roccograndi, Dunn, and Wanek. They return 8 starters on offense and 7 on Defense. New coaching, yes but I think these kids have enough experience that they will do just fine under coach Zaruda.
Good luck to all of the teams this season.
I think, by rights, Pennsbury should be a more successful program than they have. Like North Penn, they’re a huge enrollment school in a rich suburban district that has only one high school. I think sometimes it boils down to coaching. Their coach is OK but maybe not excellent. An even more glaring example of this is Upper Darby.
@ Henry
Pennsbury went 9-4 last season, losing to Easton (24-0), Abington (20-7), Neshaminy 24-7) and in the playoffs to North Penn (27-3)
Pennsbury runs a Wing-T type of attack. They have Daquan Mack and Chuck Snorweah coming back at running back. Mack rushed for 1,006 yards and 15 touchdowns and Snorweah rushed for 478 yards and one score. I think Shawn Pepper will get some looks at quarterback this year.
There leading tackler Tommy Hose is back. He had 112 total tackles.
Gone is running back Adam Lewis, quarterback Bruce Campbell and All-State lineman JJ Denman.
Not sure about their line.
Easton should be real strong this year.
cant wait for the season to start
talking to coach”s at wyoming area they feel they could go deep in the state playoffs this year-last year they made d-2 title game with a very young team they have one of the best and fasted players in the state in (nick obrien) also mid valley is going to be very good that could be your d-2 title game in 2-a lots of luck to all the teams
TALKING TO THE WYOMING AREA COACH,S THEY THINK THEY CAN GO DEEP IN THE STATE PLAYOFFS THEY WENT TO D-2 CHAMPIONSHIP GAME WITH A VERY YOUNG TEAM LAST YEAR LOOK FOR WYOMING AREA AND MID VALLEY IN THAT GAME THIS YEAR -MID VALLEY IS GOING TO BE VERY GOOD THIS YEAR- WISH ALL THE TEAMS THE BEST OF LUCK
@DavidMika,
Do you know anything about Pennsbury this season? I see they open up once again against Easton (@ Easton this year). Easton probably has their best team since Brad Piperata and Ovid Goulbourne were the backs. Can Pennsbury compete or will it be more of the same Red Rover song and dance?
(2010- Easton 34 Pensbury 13)
(2011- Easton 24 Pennsbury 0)
@ Bert the last two years coach curry coached, he had two very good teams. in 2004 berwick played manheim central in the eastern final losing 14-10. in 2005 his final year berwick was 7-3, coach curry had to dismiss 6 starters from his team including his starting qb for breaking team rules the last 2 games. a lot of people in berwick thought this team had a chance going deep in the state playoffs. the 2012 team has very good size and team speed. dont forget this year dallas plays at berwick without ted jackson, the bulldogs will be ready !!
@ Brian:
very bold. I’ll be at that game too.
On a different note, does anyone know if the WVC goes by Division I and II anymore? I think division winners are now crowned like this: 4A, 3A and AA/A(northwest). I’m almost positive I and II hasn’t been used for a few years now but I keep seeing the division split like that on here and NPF but the local newspapers do it the other way. Can someone clear this up for me?
@mark D
I don’t think they’re that great to be honest, I’m just going with them because AA is very weak again in my opinion and with a 4 year QB and decent LB and TE I’ll go with them. MV’s QB will be coming off an ACL injury and lose their RB. Wyoming Area doesn’t have an RB but they do have a good FB Plus their OL will be on the small side losing 3 starters. GAR is just going to be so small in the secondary and in the linebacker corps they will look like a JV team but they’ll still be OK considering they have a great DL and OL. They are so bunched together anyway, my guess is as good as anyone elses. AAA and A are more easy to figure out.
Also, admittedly I don’t know as much of LFC football than I do WVC so if you guys truly don’t think Lakeland is that good then I could very well be wrong.
I unfortuntely have to much time on my hands. After traveling around and seeing what North Penn, Souderton and Pennridge has to offer I predict Pennridge will go undefeated and beat North Penn sometime in October and win the Continental Conference and go to the playoffs. I will make sure I am at that game. Should be a good one!
As for Dallas and Berwiok Nos 1 and 2 in AAA, don’t go to sleep on VV, have 6 or 7 of better players at their positions in division. If Tyler Phillips stays healthy, he’ll be a threat every time he touches the ball. Also, Scranton Prep will be strong. Let’s not jump to conclusions and overestimate the effect Curry will have on Berwick, they weren’t dominant the last few years there when he was still coaching.
@rob why do you think lakeland will be so strong ?midvalley and w.a i think have better qb and support players
49 days to go is too long!
Mark
Looks good but I would swap Berwick for Dallas. Dallas loses a lot of key guys. Plus Curry >>>>Zaruta
In 2A I reckon it will look like this
1) Lakeland
2) Wyoming Area
3) Mid Valley
4) GAR
5) Western Wayne
6) Lake-Lehman
7) Carbondale
8) Susquehanna
9) Meyers
10)Hanover
11)Redeemer
12)Montrose
13)Nanticoke
“A” is a little easier…
1) Dunmore
2) Riverside
3) Old Forge
4) Trail
5) Northwest
6) Holy Cross
AAAA will be won by DV
District 2 AAA Predictions:
1) Dallas
2) Valley View
3) Berwick
4) Coughlin
5) Pittston
Dallas is my favorite. They have reloaded and should be the most skilled team in the conference. VV and Berwick close 2nd. It will be fun to watch. Can’t wait.
@ Jeff. I did think of that too.
@ Buddy
I have no inside information on the subject, but I would imagine that unless the PIAA comes up with some other realignment scheme, D3 in both 4A and 3A will be in the west. Before the switch there were 115 4A teams in the east and only 37 in the west. The switch of the 30 4A’s in D3 narrows the east-west gap from 78 to 18. This is based on numbers in 2011. Lancaster Catholic, by going to 3A from 2A this season will also now be a “western” team.
to David, like to see an all academic team D2/4/11 based off of talent too.
@ jeff:
In D1 ( probably the same for all districts), they play 3 games out of league ( almost always the first three), then 7 games in their respective division.
@ all:
Can anyone answer my question. Is Central Dauphin still considered, playoff-wise, in the West? Same with McDevitt & Wilson West lawn?
Nice job everyone on your rankings. Any one want to tackle small school teams? Central Dauphin is in our rankings.
@ Buddy,
Central Dauphin has a great team but after talking to some of the parents who are friends they indicate they are weak up front. Definately strong in the specialty department. Time will tell but I would not give them a lock. I like your pics. Should be an interesting season.
DOug, as for DV or any other school, don’t they have to play all the league/district games? How many out of distict games can teams play during the regular season.
It’s not necessary to make an imaginary North/South line exactly in the center of the state. Break out your Rand-McNally. The majority of the population of the state is in the eastern third. After that it’s basically Pittsburgh area and Erie.
the team that can make some noise in d2 aaa watch pittston area
Good point Buddy.
Although we argue (in good fun,naturally)among these posts the merits of player vs player, team vs team, league vs league, district vs district, and east vs west; there are district realignments east to west to consider. Although I see the reason the PIAA realigned to balance the number of teams somewhat in each class, it really hammers the east vs west part of our discussions. For the last several years, as Buddy said, D3 was in the “west” in both 4A and 3A. Although most of the posts concern 4A and 3A,western D6 also plays in the “east” in 1A and 3A; and western D9 also plays in the “east” in 3A. But, together, D6 and D9 only add 5 teams to the 3A bracket. Last year – Central Dauphin’s 4A win was the first “asterisk title” – an eastern team winning the west title.
It would seem to make sense for D3 to be in the western bracket. Because The WPIAL champ usually plays State College (or whoever wins that district). No disrespect but that branch of the western bracket is a little weak to be guaranteed a trip to the western final. So if D3 is there that would seem to reconcile that.
Not to pick on DV, but with 6 3A teams on their schedule, they SHOULD do well. I give them credit for opening with Parkland, but the rest of their schedule is not exactly a who’s who of Eastern PA powerhouses.
@ ROB
I agree with everything about the teams, EXP looking out for Western Wayne, I have been saying this for awhile…they have 1 divison one kid on the team and 2 division 1 prospects on the team. The only prob with WW is they are not AA this year. Unfortunaley the cut of is 299 and WW is exactly on 299 making them AAA.
Mid Valley I think is going to be a tough team. There QB is going to be tanner and that kid is quick and shifty, almost if not faster than WA obrein. MV freshman team was coached very well the last few years and those kids have bought into the system.
As far as LHS after those kids they dont have much. The QB has noone to throw to this year. filarsky is gone and so is rochences.
Question:
Is Central Dauphin still in the west? I had heard a rumor they were re-alligning and coming to the east side this year. I kind of doubt that though.
Assuming they are in the west, they really shouldn’t be on anyone’s list here ( including mine) if we are talkin’ about top 10 teams from the East.
Also, isn’t McDevitt in the west? Or is it that they used to be? Same question with Wilson West lawn.
I guess my point is we should just stick to ranking our side only, that’s tough enough.
@Rob I think D11 is down to a point, there is not as many quality teams. Last year Parkland, Whitehall (who didn’t get in the playoffs), Nazareth, Easton, and maybe Freedom could have all won the sub-regional. I think after Easton and Parkland there is a lot of mediocrity in the LVC. Whitehall has a very good QB and could contend. I think what we will see happen is more D11 MVC teams qualify for the sub-regional and D2 4A is certainly better football than the MVC. Depending how the seeds work out D2 could end in the sub-regional final but will definetly be much more of a factor this year since the Eachus year with the Hazelton.
@Rob I do think Berwick will not only win the district but go all the way to the Eastern Final. I posted below that only D3, D12, and D7 are in play for state gold and I believe that but George will out coach district 2 and they will take apart the D11 rep and D4 has really really struggled since the grove went down hill, District 2 final will be the toughest game for the District 2 3A rep until the eastern final, but Wood will handle them when they get there, but I guess you can never count George out.
Jack I’m a D2 guy and I agree that a District 2 4A team shouldn’t normally be in the top 10 to start, but from what I’m hearing it sounds like D11 is down this year in 4A so I’ll make an exception for DV. They have a nice team coming back.
I don’t think a District 2 4A team deserves to be in the top 10 right away. This is not D2/D4 bashing (like that has gone on in a few threads). Del Val or WVW could both be there at the end of the year bot are solid programs, but until they beat a team from outside the district (the same could also be said for D11 outside of beating 2 and 4 on a regular basis) I think Del Val has the right mentality they are scrimaging Nazareth and Liberty and playing Parkland. I don’t think they will beat Parkland. Easton is the favorite and should be the favorite but I think Parkland will be the team standing at the end of the sub-regional.
As far as Souderton while I know that they lost some very good kids I think that they bring some really good kids who are under the radar a bit. I think out of district 1 we will see Downingtown East they have a very good football teams, Coatsville I saw in a 7on7 (which mean nothing) but I was overly impressed with there athletes. You can never count out North Penn and Neshaminy.
Really 4A is wide open in the entire state coming from the “East Bracket” I think we could see North Penn, Downingtown East, Parkland, Easton, or Lasalle represent the East in the state final. Central Dauphin will have a tougher time bcause they could play a District 7 team, but they should be the odds on favorite.
3A is about a handful of teams in the entire state. Wood loses a lot but all reports are that they will be bigger than last year up front, they bring the cooper kid back and the younger arch, from what I can tell they have no QB though. McDevitt brings back some really dynamic kids on offense, Lancaster Catholic moving up to 3A should challenge McDevitt, and the most liekly Central Valley out in District 7. District 12, 3, and 7 will be the only districts in play of for 3A gold.
Jeff- For some reason I forgot about them, DV makes more sense.
D2- LAkeland has a 4 year QB coming back, a good rb and a solid LB/TE. MV’s QB is gonna be coming off an ACL injury and lose a speedy RB. Sure, Tomasetti is a good player but who else is going to catch the ball?
Gar loses their entire skill position corps and their linebackers will be WEAK. I saw them last season and they averaged something like 5’8 160, no joke. They will have a solid OL/DL though.
D2 AA has been down for the past two years and will continue that trend this year. Whoever wins it will get stomped in the first round of states…again. A and AAA will be solid once again. Berwick and Dunmore are my picks and I think they’ll hold their own if they win districts.
GAR/WA/Lakeland and MV are very close together in my opinion btw. I can even see Western Wayne making some noise.
David,
I am a Ridley graduate who follows the football program. Do you know why Malvern Prep isn’t on their schedule? I thought they signed a 2 year contract last year, and Malvern was supposed to host this year. They also don’t have a game scheduled on September 14th.
Rob Lakeland over Wyoming Area??? I can see Wyoming Area there But LAKELAND? What do you know that everyone else dosent? what About Mid valley, who returns a senior laden team and had an exccellent coaching staff. Also GAR is going to be a good team, dont count them out. I do realize that AA is def down this year.
1.) Central Dauphin
2.) Wood
3.) North Penn
4.) Prep
5.) LaSalle
6.) Easton
7.) D-Town East
8.) Parkland
9.) McDevitt
10.) Pennridge
#1 is probably a lock, the rest is a crap-shot
@ Jack
Hope your right about Souderton but they only have a few lineman coming back, lost their whole backfield.
1. LaSalle
2. Central Dauphin
3. Pennridge
4. Wood
5. Downingtown East
6. Parkland
7. North Penn
8. Easton
9. Whitehall
10. CR North
Rob, what makes you believe WVW will be better than Del Val in AAAA?
Central Dauphin should be preseason #1. They better finally beat McDevitt (2nd game) or they’ll drop quick. Wood seems to be a popular pick but I expect them to drop off a bit this year; they graduated several talented players from last year. I don’t know, maybe they had a dynamite j.v. team last year too.
@Jack
Souderton in the top 10? After losing their whole backfield?
1. Central Dauphin
2. Wood
3. Lasalle
4. Easton
5. North Penn
6. Downingtown East
7. McDevitt
8. Wilson West Lawn
9. Parkland
10.Delaware Valley
Team to watch from each district not above
(1) CR North
(2) Scranton
(3) Cumberland Valley
(4) N/A
(11) Whitehall
(12) Roman Catholic/SJP
D2 District winners
A)Dunmore over Riverside
AA) Lakeland over Wyoming Area
AAA) Berwick over Valley View
AAAA) Valley West will have the best record
jack, add DV to your list next to Easton!
Need help with District One schedules. Here’s what I am still missing.
Bensalem
Bishop Shanahan
Octorara Area
Ridley
Spring-Ford
Unionville
Wissahickon
Nice job Jack! What are your small school rankings?
@Dave Mika give me your thoughts
Big School top 10
1. Central Dauphin
2. Downingtown East
3. Lasalle
4. Wood
5. Easton
6. North Penn
7. Parkland
8. Coatsville
9. Souderton
10. McDevitt
@Buddy…You are correct. Our countdown will start ten days before the season starts.
Before that we will release our senior watch list and player list.
Let’s here your top 10 Big School (AAAA and AAA) and Small School (AA and A) teams?
@ all:
Staff doesn’t enter their predictions until 10 days before season starts.
They enter 1 team per day starting with their #10. They like to keep you tuned in.
Just got the itch back now that we have started practicing. D12 4A has some very good football this year, won’t be shocked if Prep misses the playoffs. LaSalle will be very good, Judge looks strong, Ryan has a ton of young talent, and Roman has all the tools to win the state. Should be a very entertaining year!
Agree with Buddy
To David Mika,
When will your staff make their predictions?
Watch out for Cyree Ames at Great Valley High School. He is coming into his junior year and is a powerful shifty back. He was selected by Football University to play in there All-Amercian Game as a 8th grader and although he had a injury filled season his sophomore year we look for big things from him this year.
@Buddy I saw so much of Skyler during his years at the Prep that I can honestly say the only way you will see him at an SEC game is if he’s selling Coke or Pepsi in the stands. Not to belittle the kid. He was an OK HS QB. But I never saw how people could foresee him playing QB at a big time program like Stanford, Penn State or Florida. Just don’t see it.
@ paul:
I was talkin’ about AFTER those 3 games. When they get into their regular season schedule.
LaSalle always gives them a game, possibly O’Hara too.
But I don’t believe they would meet any PPL team until the playoffs. The PPL team that makes it that far might give them a game ( other then the teams mentioned above)
Morningwig DIDN’T do the PCL ( nor the East) proud in the Big 33 game did he? Don’t care who his father is, I suspect you won’t hear about him again, even in college.
@buddy. Why do you say that? The three teams mentioned that are playing the Prep are much better than any PPL team. The PPL sucks, for lack of a better word.
I’ve been watching the Public League for about 10 years now. The best that I saw was probably the ’04 George Washington team. Was the first year that the PPL participated in the PIAA playoffs. They were a hard-nosed, feisty team. Saw them play Easton at Charlie Martin Stadium. They came up short but probably should have won.
Prep’s biggest threat might come from the PPL.
The Prep is bringin’ it; they open against powerful Cocoa, FL and then play Gonzaga fron DC. Then North Penn etc. Maybe they can reassert themselves as the top dog in the PCL.
must have rubbed off rod lol
Also caps & spell check. Damn near un-readable!
Mark, you do know there’s commas and periods on your keyboard right? jesus
@ staff:
When you guys making your picks?
@bert that west scranton you spoke about is my point the one with mcgolin that team was blanced it wasnt a wild shot gun 5 wide team like the one with hughes it was balance ran a lot of play action had a good running game as well as pass and i believe it the only school above aa who won a state playoff game from the scranton area
Mark D, you nailed it!
guys yes d.v has players but untill d2 teams get away from no throwing on 1 st down 9 men in the box defence that no body check away from they will suffer out of d2 i know i being general but i think you know what i mean hey i a d2 guy and we are physical teams in this area but at the state playoff level you just cant run over everbody
Jeremy, read this again. Not making all kinds of claims. Just stating they have a solid team with 2-3 years of Varsity experince under their belts. I saw them play twice here in Scranton last year and the thing that hurt them was the receiving game. We D2 Fans stick up for our teams, jsut the the rabid D11 fans stick up for theirs.
1. to Bobby, Parkland has to get by Delaware Valley in the first game of the season first, any D11 team will have the hands full this year agaisnt them
2. Del Val returns most of their team from last year and has the talent to get to the subregional final.
DV has some top talent returning. Included are quarterback Brian Schorr and tight end Connor Decker, both of whom attended big 33 game as part of top 100 in Eastern Pa for next year. Also, have a couple huge tackles, running back, and receiver back from a good team last year. Schorr can throw the ball with the best of them, they won’t go 5 wide sets, but won’t have to with the run threat they’ll have. Contrary to what some of you people think, teams in the Scranton area can throw the ball. In the last few years, teams like Riverside, Scranton, and West Scranton, with Matt Mcgloin and the Hughes kid played wide open football. At the AAAA level, Scranton, DV, and even Wallenpaupak did pretty well out of district. Two out of 3 of these teams have a lot coming back this year.
@mark d Del Val does have a lot coming back, the limited amount of time I have seen them over the oast few years they are physical and well coached. But it is a littl emuch to come on here and make all kinds of claims that there going to play in the sub-region final. Which they may do, but what does anybody really know about a team in june to make those claims. every year we hear about a District 2 team who is going to open up throw the ball and so forth and every year we see a different version of the same offense.
@jeremy guess i have to agree with you yes del valley has a qb coming back and a very strong o line but to see if they open it up as you said you hear every year but they do have deep talent
@ Bobby, Del Val-Parkland will be one heck of an opening day game. Del Val returns most of their team from last year and has the talent to get to the subregional final. To Jeremy, pre season bet. Del Val in sub regional final. If not, I’ll donate $100 to Wounded Warrior project, if they are in you donate the $100.
I think Nazareth will be competitive in the League but they lost a lot of people. I really don’t think the LVC will get more than 3 teams in the sub-region. Easton and Parkland look like the pre-season favorites. But I can see the rest of the league Whitehall, Nazareth, Freedom, Liberty all being 6-4/7-3. I think the MVC will get 2 teams in, and the other 3 from district 2. I hope more get in but from what it looks like outside Easton and Parkland the other teams may all beat each other.
@Buddy…
Liberty and Nazareth both lost a ton of talent (especially skill position players).
Nazareth lost State Co-Player of the Year in Qb Daniel Harding and three of their top WR’s in both Bridgforth’s and Dan Shepard. They lost one of their most solid OL-DL players too in David Wilke…Nazareth does return leading rusher sophomore this year Jordan Gray and a nice WR in Tonnies…
Liberty lost all 5 of their ballcarriers from last year…QB, both WB’s, both FB’s…(they ran a flexbone)…they lost a lot of their OL and DL and it seems to be a rebuilding project…they do return possible 1st-3rd team all-state and D-1 prospect WR in KJ Williams…but I don’t know much else.
I think Nazareth should/could compete for the subregionals and Liberty is a wait and see…from a pure guesstimate I’d lean toward at most 7 wins and at least 4…
@Photo Not Available…
It will be a very interesting season this year. I expect Parkland to be in the top 3-4 teams in the LVC this year (like every year)…and so it’ll be a nice opener for both. What does DV have that makes you think they will be really good? I know they scrimmage Liberty on 8/24 and I will check them out then.
Secondly, Easton is the preseason league favorite…who lost to Nazareth in the D-11-2-4 finals by 7 points. They return a ton and should be very tough to contend with.
@photonotavailable please tell me what Easton, Parkland, and Whitehall have coming back? If all of D11 should watch out for Del Val what are the strengths and weakness of D11 teams that Del Val will struggle with or the weakness that Del Val will exploit. Who returns from Del Val other than your son or the position you coach? Wait will Del Val line up on offense and run power or iso out of the I? Will another D2 claim to have passing attack this year with a QB that we never see? I think you need to go to a MENSA meeting
to Joe, great response. I’ll see you at the MENSA meeting.
Yeah D11 should be worried about Del Val because D2 has competed so well with D11 in the sub-regional in the past.
Mifflin County will be @ Berwick friday 24th at 6pm. should be a good test for both teams.
does anyone know where the mifflin vs berwick scrimmage will be held?
to Bobby, Parkland has to get by Delaware Valley in the first game of the season first, any D11 team will have the hands full this year agaisnt them
Whoever survives out of D11 in the playoffs will just about always meet someone from the PCL ( usually will be LaSalle or Prep). I would really like to see one of the PPL teams beat them ( PCL), maybe some day.
D1 is anyones guess. Everyone always figures NP winning it, but that’s not automatic.
What about Liberty & Nazareth in D11 this year?
won’t they contend?
@Buddy,
In 2008, Liberty had to beat George Washington (after they won their subregional)…GW beat LaSalle…so they did go through them before they beat North Penn. GW defeated LaSalle for the D-12 championship (the first year the PCL got into the playoffs)….
Anyways, Easton/Parkland should be pretty good in D-11 AAAA…what else is new. I’d expect D-12 rep to end up playing one of those two teams. It’s kind of funny if Easton and LaSalle meet again in the playoffs…this in my opinion could be the first year Easton slays that beast. Although not as an excuse to play P-burg on Turkey Day and then play another game 2 days after is a chore.
One thing that I’d like to see. Players who also excel in the classroom and community. Athletic talent should be only 1/2 the equation, because when it’s all over thats all they have.
@ staff:
Now I’ve heard from different sources on this website that North Penn’s first 3 games are:
LaSalle 8/31 7 pm
@ A.Wood 9/8 7 pm
St. Joe’s Prep 9/14 7 pm
All that true, NP’s schedule is now complete.
Shenandoah Valley Blue Devils
watch out for williams valley in D11 to make some noise this year, there returning 8 starters on offense and 9 on defense, should make for a pretty decent team
@ Buddy … Agreed; Tough schedule to say the least.LaSalle,Wood,SJ Prep and NP all will have new QB’s this year… McGarrity,Monaghan, Morningweg and Ernst all were studs… will be fun to see how everything plays out.
Pennridge returns many starters and will be tough.
@ soup:
You’re kidding! So NP’s first 3 games are:
LaSalle, Wood & Prep ( in that order).
Talk about chasing the best! I don’t see them going thru that unscathed, that’s for sure.
@ phillyboy:
NP loses alot from last year. Biggest question mark is at QB. So yea, maybe Pennridge beats them this year………… never know.
Speaking of North Penn, does anyone know how they’re expected to do this year. Will this be more of a peak year? They always seem to reload. Maybe this is the year that North Penn takes it on the chin from Pennridge.
@Buddy – North Penn is playing SJ Prep not LC 9/14/12. The NP VS LC neighborhood series is on hold for a while and may not continue unless LC can get their program together. D. Beck always plays the best teams out there…
@ staff again:
I am 95% positive that North Penn’s 3rd game ( would be Sept 14), is Lansdale Catholic at NP’s field. I’ll try to get this verified.
That would then complete NP’s schedule.
Thanks guys for the North Penn game info…
correction from below:
North Penn at Wood is SATURDAY, SEPT. 8TH at 7 pm. Not sure, but I don’t believe Wood has a field, so game is at William tennant High.
Mike had mentioned that below.
@ staff:
Schedule update;
North Penn is playing at Archbishop Wood on Sept. 7, 7 pm start I believe.
One player to watch is Dalton Nunemacher from Tamaqua. He’s a WR who recorded a 4.48 40 yard dash time last month.
@ David Mika
Thank you for the list.
I will have to say keep an eye on Joshua Gibbs on the offensive and defensive line for West Catholic.
@ Brian…Here’s the link for all the All-Star games. I will be there for it.
https://www.easternpafootball.com/2012allstargames.html
Does anyone know where & when the Bucks County All Star Game will take place?
I think CD will have a good team with Issah, Scales and Lavia back. I talk to a player a couple of days ago and said this year’s team will be better then last year’s team. It has a lot of potential.
I would look at Downingtown East to have a good year. 3 possibly 4 kids with D1A Scholarship offers. Lauletta (QB), Harris (WR), and Lucas-Murphy (ILB). I think Griffin (DT) will possibly getting an offer too. Keep an eye on this team in the Chestmont.
@phillyboy look under team info on this site for eastern pa football schedules for 2012.
@phillyboy:
The schedules are on this website. Go to the the top of this page under “team info”, then “2012 team schedules” , then you can take it from there.
Not all team schedules are complete yet. Some are partial, but many are complete. Ex.: North Penn’s schedule only has 8 of the 10 games they play, their 2nd & 3rd games aren’t listed yet.
Not sure if maxpreps is better, but these guys here are constantly updating the schedules as they receive more info.
@Phillyboy….We got 80% of the schedules up on both sites (east and west)
Schedules link >> https://www.easternpafootball.com/db/schedules/index.php5
Master List >> https://www.easternpafootball.com/epascoreboard/index.php
Does anybody know, where is the best place to check for schedules for the upcoming season? Maxpreps.com or is there a better option?
@ Jack, i agree with you about whoever comes out of d2 aaa will play wood in eastern final. Dallas has a very good qb and of line but lost a lot of weapons on of except a quality receiver who will be double teamed. Berwick will be the darkhorse this year as the c.j curry era at qb starts. has potential to be a very good qb. Scranton Prep, Coughlin, and Valley View will be in the hunt also. 2012 season will have a lot of great games.
NP Buddy!
@ Mike:
Thanks. That should be a helluva game.
@ phillyboy:
You are right, NP will play anyone , might lose, but will go after the best teams out there.
They only got the first 3 game of the year to do this , and really only 2 of those games can they invite. One of them is locked into playing lansdale Catholic, cross-town rival.Should they be playing LC?………….. No! It’s a AA school.
Several years ago they tried to get Gateway in early part of schedule. Fell thru, I heard Gateway didn’t wanna play ( maybe travel issues).
Up until last year, they scimmaged Don Bosco for years. Got to play the best to be the best.
@philly boy curry been gone from wyoming valley west for years they had some nice player last year one is going to penn state but the program has struggled the last few years and i apologize Dallas does have a nice team coming back in aaa wouldnt be suprised to see valley view and dallas again in the final but their a lot of football to be played we all need to remember your talking about kids
I don’t know if it will be Dallas coming out of D2. They have the players, but they also have a new coach. QB is back and healthy. Line of scrimmage is experienced and huge. It all comes down to coaching. Berwick, Pittston, Coughlin, all are looking strong. Can’t wait till kickoff.
@Buddy, North Penn @ Wood game 2. Game is at William Tennet.
Wood has not been dominant enough yet to justify moving to AAAA. They had a very good team last year but that was only 1 year. They had a peak team last year so I expect them to come back to earth a little bit as they lost many key players to graduation. …..regarding N Penn, you got to give them their props. They definitely do not duck anybody at the beginning of the year. They’ll rumble with any team out there.
@ Buddy. The are definitely playing. NP goes LaSalle, Wood and SJ Prep then into league play.
I heard a rumor that Wood & North Penn are trying to line up a game this year. It would have to be either the 2nd or 3rd game of the season. Then NP gets into their league schedule.
Can anyone verify this?
Who ever comes out of district 2 in AAA will go to the Eastern final. ACC is done for a while not much else in D11 AAA. D4 and those districts they play in the sub-region stink. So if it is Dallas I would imagine they will be losing to Wood in the Eastern Final. 3A in the western part of the bracket isn’t as easy because of McD, the WPIAL, and ECP. But I would imagine we will see Wood most certainly from the east and McD from the west. That could be the 3A state title game for a few years. Any Philly people think Wood will have the stones to move to 4A they absolutely will be able to compete.
Just curious, isn’t there also a Wyoming Valley West team out there that has the old Berwick coach at the helm? I thought they were a decent AAAA program from that general area.
Dont cout out Dallas from D2, they have an all star qb and a few line man that are huge.
del valley is about the only team from d 2 that can make some noise they have a all star qb and strong o line valley view is strong but not deep enough d 2 will be strong at the aa and a level
Phillyboy & Joe,
Wyoming Area is a AA school, so they are no threat whatsoever to any LVC team.
I don’t know much about them, but it seems like it will be a very down year in the LVC so maybe they can this year break through.
Do you think they could take out the D11 champ in the state playoffs? At the AAAA level, the D11 champ always seems to win that subregional.
WYOMING AREA IN D2 WYOMING VALLEY CONFERNCE SHOULD BE TOP DOG LOADED WITH LOTS OF TALENT THEY HAVE A LOT MORE THEN JUST OBRIEN
WYOMING AREA WARRIORS ARE LOADED WITH LOT OF RETURNING THIS YEAR AND ONE OF THE BEST PLAYERS IN THE STATE (NICK OBRIEN)LOOK FOR THEM TO GO DEEP IN THE PLAYOFFS
@phillyboy:
You are correct and I agree.
Liberty DID go thru D12 in 2008. They crushed George Washington, the D12 champ that year. That was the PCL’s first year in the PIAA playoffs and ironically they didn’t even win D12. LaSalle lost to GW. Without a doubt D7 is the best in the state. D1 was the best from the mid ’90’s to early 2000’s.
@ Joe:
Liberty did not go thru D12 in 2008 to win the state title. They played NP in the Eastern Final and won 21-14.
I still contend that D11 would have trouble getting thru the D1 playoffs. Way too many good teams in there that could, & would, knock them out.
D12 is only as strong as the PCL is, and frankly, that’s really only 2 teams, Prep & LaSalle. So how can you say D12 is a strong league when it really only involves 2 teams?
I agrree with Soup, D7 is probably the strongest in the state.
Keep in mind that alot of this is a matter of opinion. We all have our own.
In my humble opinion D7 has been the strongest year in and year out from top to bottom. I’m pretty sure they have the most state title’s since it all began in 88. I believe it will be a very competetive year in the East w/ D1,D11 and D12 all having some top notch squads… We will see who has the hot hand late in the year when it counts….D7’s North Allegheny is loaded once again & Central Dauphin has alot coming back… Can’t wait!
In regards to D1, they’re probably the 5th best district in the state after: D7, D12, D11, and D3. How the mighty have fallen.
@ Buddy: Yeah, Pennridge beat N Penn 35-27 during the regular season in 2004 and then N Penn beat Pennridge in the 2nd round of the playoffs 24-21 later in the year.
@buddy well D11 has gotten past us down in D12 in 2008 when Liberty won the state title. How could you justify saying D11 could not get through the D1 playoff’s? Considering D1 could not get past D11. I know people think us PCL are arrogant. But geez D1 is nowhere near the quality it used to be. I would certainly put D11 and D12 above. State wide the LVC is considered prob the toughest league top to bottom excluding the WPIAL.
@ Joe:
There was never any “chest pounding’ intended . When you say “you”, not sure who you’re referring to. I wasn’t just talking about NP.
Indeed, our D1 championship is the state quarterfinal. But to get to that point is quite a chore. Suburban one league is arguably the toughest in the East.
I contend no D11 school would survive that playoff. Obviously, D12 would fare better.
Dominance goes in cycles. Of course D1 is not as dominant as the ’90’s. That was just due to one team. Overall, they have gotten better.
D12, particually the PCL, will always be very good, for obviously reasons. As long as the palyoff scenerio stays the way it is, D11 will never get past D12.
If you measure every teams success by if they make the state final, that’s just narrow-minded. That’s like saying the Eagles are simply a terrible team ’cause they don’t make the Super Bowl every year ( although there has been several years they deserved that stigma).
@ phillyboy:
I don’t quite remember that ’04 game between pennridge & NP. You say pennridge beat them? I certainly believe you then.
Did they both make the playoffs that year?
Did they meet in the playoffs? I’m simply drawing a blank for that year.
Of course, I could look it up on the internet here if I wasn’t so damn lazy!
@Buddy I said until recently meaning this past year, prior to that it has been D11 and D12. And D11 can’t get past D12, you get to the eastern final every year because your district championship is the state quarterfinal. Of course if you go back in time CB WEST obviously. But in the last 10 years you have been to a total of 3 title games. While D11 has been been to 5, and D12 has been to 2 and they’ve only been in for 4 years. So before you pound your chest,understand D1 is not the D1 of the 1990’s
I remember Pennridge back in ’04 when they had Greiser at RB. Was a pretty good team. They beat N Penn that year during the regular season.
Pennridge will be the surprise team in 2012. They have 3 legitimate D1 prospects in their backfield with RB Mike Class (will only be a junior but is already getting major D1 interest), Kenny Crawford at FB who has all but locked up a D1 offer and under-the-radar QB Alex Krivda. At 6’6″ and with outstanding mechanics, Krivda has been tearing it up at 7v7, combines and camps this spring and is currently listed at 85th on the Scouts.com list of top QBs nationwide in the class of 2013. The Rams return starters or players with lots of exerpiece at virtually every position including all-conference players at 9 positions. They will be loaded with talent. In addition to the 3 I mentioned, there are at least a half dozen other players getting serious looks by college programs. If they can avoid the injuries that plagued them last year, the Rams should have a dynamite season.
That’s what I mean. There have been lots of “good” teams but no “very good” teams in a while in D1. I don’t care who it is; just want some team to step up. If it’s Pennridge, cool. As long as they can bring it at states.
@ Joe:
How ’bout last year?
Look at the States since they started in ’88.
@buddy what are you talking about? D1 has not made a state title appearance in how many years until recently. Before D 12 came into the picture they could not get past D11
@ all:
….Neshaminy, D-Town East, possibly Bayard Rustin, Coatsville, Abington, etc, etc.
Ridley will back back in power ( frankly, they never been out of power). Always a threat.
D1 is so big, very tough to get through a year unscathed ( even NP).
D12 is the biggest threat that D1 has had in many years getting to the state final.
I welcome them to the fray, makes for really good football.
@Phillyboy,
In my opinion Ridley is barely a factor anymore to threaten for a Division 1 title. The Central League is dominated by Garnet Valley now and you could see that in the 1st round of last years playoffs.
Moving on to teams stepping up in D1, Council Rock South, Garnet Valley, and Pennsbury….
(and North penn of course)
I hope Pennridge has a great team this year. Considering how big D1 is more teams need to step up other than N Penn and occasionally Ridley.
Pennridge should have a real good team this year. They got alot of skill players coming back from a very good team last year.
North Penn/Pennridge should be a helluva game. It’s at Pennridge. That helps the Rams.
I’ll be at that one for sure.
@ Buddy
I beg to differ, the Continental, Philly suburbs is some of the best best football in the state. Wait and see Im sure one of these teams whether it be North Penn, Souderton or Pennridge will go deep into the playoffs.
@ Hope:
They are staying where their at for this year anyway. If you look at their schedule, they do play both Pennridge & Souderton away.
But they should move to the National conference. Sorry, but the copmpetition isn’t there in the continental.
Dave Mika:
Any idea when the teams start submitting their full schedule for the upcoming season?
Anyword whether North Penn is leaving the Contintental Conference? I personally hope they stay where their at.
phillyboy, you are absoulutely correct on NJ with their north group this and south group that. it makes sense to have schools segreataed by size and in the end the top 10 say (football) go to Giants Stadium for the championships and final top 10 rankings.
Bottom line is PA and Ohio got it right; NJ not so much. Jersey is an enigma. For football, as we know, they separate public/private. The privates crown a state champion. Meanwhile, the publics do NOT crown a state champion. They have 4 geographic Sections: North Jersey I, North Jersey II, Central Jersey, and South Jersey. That’s it, it ends there for the publics. If they’re going to separate public/private the least they could do is crown public champions like the privates do. It even gets crazier. For basketball, not only do they crown state champions for private and public, but they then have a Tournament of Champions amongst the state champs per enrollment classification. I understand there are practical considerations but can’t they moderate things a little better. All they have to do for the publics in football is to play 2 more rounds. Even with the additional 2 games that would be about 14 games, still less than a lot of states.
Here is my 2 cents on the recruiting conversation… It happens in every sport in PA primarily in Catholic, prep & private schools. To this day you have families trying to move their kids to “loaded” suburb public school districts. They end up going in front of the PIAA for review ala Rob Gronkowski( Woodland Hills in Pgh, he won the hearing by the way)Then there is the city schools doing it because of the open enrollment in Pgh and Philly alike but until the PIAA says different it is “legal”…so it is what it is. Every year is a new year so just play ball with what you got and see what happens.
Last go around: Parents who have $ and kids who are above average athletes will attempt to send them to a Catholic School. Go to the front desk of any one of them and look at the register. You will see representatives from IVY, Patriot and other top D1/D2/D3 academic schools signed in. Only foolish parents believe sending their kids to college to play football is smart. The smart ones go for the education and then to play football. If they are good enough, some will go to the pros. Also, we area talking about now, not back in the day to compare public-private. Bosco started their quest back in the 70’s. 40 years later they made it to the top!
Joe, first my kid is out of HS. He played varsity 4 years both ways. I have watched Bosco starting back in the late 70’s and PA schools don’t technically recruit like Jersey Catholic schools, but they line up kids in the middle school years through parents who have the $ and know its a stepping stone to IVY/Patriot league and maybe a top D1 School. If has nothing to do with competing, it has to do with a level playing field. Tired of this subject. Play with the kids in your school district and every once in a while maybe more frequently you get a really solid class.If you think a coach wants to play a stacked Catholic School in the playoffs you’re out of your mind. They want a fair shot. Go google or talk to the AD’s in Jersey, they’ll tell you about the BS that goes on. Funny thing some of the public school coaches try to grab kids from outside their districts
@Jeff North Bergen is a public school… Second that is my point look at Bosco and Bergen CATHOLIC recruit like Dematha etc. what you don’t understand is that is what will happen to Pa if we seperate. I’m sure your one of those guys who complains to coaches about playing time and it’s never your kids fault. It’s called competing, maybe we can take all the public schools who don’t want to COMPETE with catholic schools they can form there own division have there own state title game. My prediction would be you would get a handful of schools and that is it. Most schools and coaches would want the competition.
It might not be “recruiting” but lets say some try to line up kids to play for the hs. not the kids, they’re probably all good kids, its the coaches and administrators.
@ Jeff:
There is probably no one on this web site that doesn’t concede that Jersey schools recruit.
But we are in Pa. Send us absolute proof that private schools in Pa. recruit.
There is a lot of speculation, but I haven’t seen any real proof. But even if there is some of that going on, the non-recruiting & the “recruiting” schools in eastern pa. are very competitive. No private school has dominated.
Also, I remind you of Berwick back in the day. They were accused, & probably rightfully so, of recruiting. That was a public school.
it is an unfair advantage to have recruiting schools play agaisnt non recruiting schools. Let them play during the regular season. You guys are our of your minds. the Catholic school lackeys miss the main point. It’s not the top 4 teams or so, its the really good ones in first 2?3? rounds that get knocked out. In the end the top teams tend to be pretty competitive. Remember Danny Almonte who was 14 and played on a little league team agaisnt 12 year olds? Slightly different but yet the same. Those kids that were really good got knocked out of mabey going one or two more rounds. If you guys still insist it’s fair let the PIAA rule any kid can play for any team? What’s the issue then other than chaos.
No Catholic Schools dont recruit! It’s starts in the middle schools. ONJSIAA finds legendary North Bergen football coach recruited players, places athletic program on probation
Published: Friday, May 04, 2012, 6:00 AM Updated: Friday, May 04, 2012, 7:05 AM
By Craig Wolff/The Star-Ledger The Star-Ledger
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Last fall, Vincent Ascolese crowned his long career with a final glorious moment — one more championship for the North Bergen High School football team he had coached for 39 years.
Thursday, the governing body for high school sports in the New Jersey sharply reprimanded Ascolese, finding he recruited two star players — mainstays in the title run — and placing the school’s entire athletic program on two years probation.
After a 10-week investigation, the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association found that Ascolese, with the help of his family, lured the players to North Bergen. In a special report, the organization said the players — Denzell Leitch and Eric McMullen — were urged and enticed to transfer schools. Ascolese rented them apartments at bargain prices in a house next door to the coach’s own home, the report said.
Unsparing in its direct language, the NJSIAA report laid out a string of trespasses against one of the organization’s cardinal rules. It said the coach’s relationship with the players had created “an inherent conflict of interest.” But it stopped short of stripping North Bergen of its state championship, leaving many in New Jersey’s tightly patched sports community confounded and angry over what they said was a missed opportunity — to take a strong stand against an old problem, the recruiting of student athletes.
“It’s like I robbed a bank and got probation and got to keep the money,” said Rick Rodriguez, the football coach at Bayonne High. “It’s a pretty good deal.”
With the probation, the school has to provide proof to the NJSIAA with the start of each season that every one of its athletes on all its teams is eligible for competition. School administrators will also have to attend a remedial course on the association’s rule book, to take what the report calls an “eligibility workshop.”
Should the school violate any rules during the probationary period, it could be suspended from state playoff competition.
The investigation, sparked by a report in The Star-Ledger in January, drew upon the divergent accounts of the two talented teen-aged athletes, their parents and Ascolese, a venerated coach. Ascolese retired after 50 years of coaching soon after the school captured its 8th state title with a heart-thumping catch in the final seconds against Montclair High at MetLife Stadium last December, winning by a single point. Hard feelings and controversy spiraled almost exactly from that moment.
RELATED COVERAGE:
• North Bergen football coach Vincent Ascolese recruited players, then cast them aside, families say
• North Bergen school district hires attorney to probe players’ allegations against coach Vincent Ascolese
• North Bergen lawyers interview players in coach Vincent Ascolese investigation
• Coaches respond to allegations against North Bergen legend Vincent Ascolese
• North Bergen football program placed on probation for recruiting
Amidst celebration in the locker room, the coach approached Leitch’s father, Ingram Leitch, about back rent he was owed, and within a few days, Ascolese told both players it was time to pack their belongings and get out.
Ascolese, the report says, misled the school into believing Leitch was living with his father in an upstairs one-bedroom apartment on 82nd Street in North Bergen when in fact the player lived there alone, beginning with the start of his junior year in 2010. McMullen arrived this past season, moving into a larger apartment on the first floor with his mother, Debra Johnson.
Rent was low, $300 for Denzell Leitch and $750 for Johnson, who paid only sporadically.
Neither Ascolese nor the players – both of whom graduate next month — were penalized. But a lawyer for the NJSIAA, Steven Goodell, said probation served as a stern warning to the school to avoid further infractions.
“They have to reform their practices,” Goodell said. “If things had been different, if the coach was not retiring, he would have faced additional penalties.”
Robert Lane, an attorney for Ascolese, said there was only one interpretation of the report — that in keeping the state title with North Bergen, the NJSIAA had exonerated the coach.
“Coach Ascolese had an unblemished 50-year career in high school sports, one of accolades and achievements,” Lane said. “He was a credit not only to his own school but school sports in general. He is extremely gratified for his players who earned this championship on the field in a hard-fought classic game.”
The report concluded that three members of the coach’s family — a daughter, son and grandson — promoted North Bergen to Leitch, encouraging him to transfer from Xaverian High School in Brooklyn. The grandson, Vin Ascolese, an All-American at North Bergen, is also graduating this year.
Rules barring gifts and money to prospective players were violated, the report said, when the Ascoleses paid for Leitch to attend a summer football camp in Oklahoma, and the apartments at cut-rate rents equated with “subsidized housing.”
“It is not credible that Coach Ascolese would not have known that he was living alone,” the report said.
Overall, the report questioned the wisdom of a coach becoming involved in what amounted to a business relationship with students.
“Importantly, this case demonstrates the inherent conflict of interest that occurs when a coach enters a landlord-tenant relationship with his players,” the report says. “These were not arms-length transactions.”
Montclair’s athletic director, John Porcelli, said he was struggling to reconcile the NJSIAA definition of a recruited player as ineligible with a rule saying a team has to forfeit games in which they used an ineligible player.
“I’m trying to be as diplomatic as possible, but I’m surprised and disappointed,” he said. “I would never want to gain a championship by forfeit. I honestly assumed they would vacate
K fellas, where there’s smoke, there’s fire:
In regards to Wood, they had a great team last year. It was a peak year when several key players were seniors. But that was just one state title. I remember just a few years ago they got crushed by TJ. I expect them to come back to earth this year.
@ Jimmy:
One important fact you missed, not everyone, actually not most, parents can afford to send their kids to LaSalle, Prep or even Wood. So it won’t get as diluted as you think.
Having said that, they still shouldn’t seperate public & private. Until the day it gets like NJ, but I don’t believe it ever will.
@ jeff:
I kinda agree with phillyboy, I’m not sure what you’re saying in your last comment either.
@ Jeff & Hentz,
Agree, leave it the way it is. Believe both private & public leagues are equally competitive.
Any updates on whether North Penn is leaving the Continental League?
Thanks.
@ Jeff:
phillyboy is right. Definetly do not seperate public & private ( catholic) schools for playoffs. It would be way too watered down.
The competition is very good as it stands. Just when you think no public school can beat LaSalle, North Penn does it last year.
PCC was odds on favorite this past season to be state AAAA champ. What happens? A public school knocks them out of the playoffs early.
Believe or not, someone will probably beat Wood this season. Might happen very early. Probably will be a public school.
As for now, it’s very competitive the way it is.
@ jeff — Honestly, not quite sure what the point is you’re trying to make. Could you please clarify what you’re trying to say.
@Jeff you actually need degrees everywhere to get into school, in fact there is something called Proposition 48 where you have to qualify based on a sliding scale between core GPA and SAT’s. It’s an NCAA regulation to accept a letter of intent to play.
@Jeff To echo’s Joe’s point it would be the absolute worst thing that could happen to Pennsylvania HS football to split Private/Public up.
Reason one would be recruiting. You want to talk to recruiting split the publics and privates up. It will be a free for all. And here are 2 example New Jersey and Maryland. The public schools will become as Joe said unimportant. State Championships will not mean nearly enough as they do now, because it would like winning a district title. Private Schools will then follow the lead of Don Bosco, Bergen Catholic, Dematha, etc and it will be geared more toward national recognition. So if I play at North Penn and winning a state title really has become a joke where will I go North Penn or Wood where presumably would take on the national type of schedule and play ESPN be featured on rivals (I realize they did this year) but on year to year consistent basis. Well then a kid from north penn is going to go to wood. After anout 3-4 years of this the talent pool at public schools will become so diluted because every District 1/12 Kid will be at Wood, West Cath, Lasalle, Prep; every D11 kid will be at ACC, every D3 kid will be McDevitt and Lancaster Caath. The only people likely to survive would be the WPIAL because of the long standing tradition, but with the other privates making there hay dont think that PCC wont make a significant push.
People who do not public and private to play in the same playoffs simply do not want to compete. It’s the people who complain to coaches and need an excuse when losing to privates.
To Philly boy, if you follow the PIAA, the issue has made it’s first hurdle advancement this off season. Based on what is happening elsewhere and mirroring NJ’s post season splitting public and privates needs to be done sooner than later. Private schools need money and those who have that and good athletes for a son or daughter know this increases their odds of getting into the better academic schools. Only dopes think the NFL is a career. Remember, you don’t need a transcript to get into the U of Miami, just an arrest record.
The private schools in PA are mediocre. Sure, PCC now and then has a pretty good team, and the PCL champ is usually competitive at the state level but that’s no reason to separate them. It would be a classic case of fixing something that
is not broken. Over in Jersey there is a big difference for some reason. Apparently there is a big recruiting advantage in NJ. Even Ohio doesn’t separate the private/public. It waters down the tournament. There’s already enrollment classifications. How much do you want to water it down. It would be so cheesy. A team would not be able to say that they are true state champs. They would have to say they’re the Public state champs or private state champs. That’s totally corny. But to reiterate, in PA the public teams at AAAA have won 19 of the 24 state tournaments. I will keep reminding people of this until it registers. I’m sorry. I don’t mean to confuse you with the facts.
@ Jeff — Why do you think that the PIAA will separate public and private schools for the playoffs in 5 years?? Is it because you think the private schools have an unfair advantage? Do the private schools in PA dominate? ….NOT! At the AAAA level since 1988 when the state tournament began public teams have won 19 of the 24 years. Or maybe the should separate them because the public schools are dominating big time. The public schools own the private schools in PA. Central Dauphin is the reigning AAAA champ.
If they separate public and private it would be the worst thing to happen to Pennsylvania sports. And all the public people who have cried about it will see public school football become largely unimportant.
To HS Fan, you miss the point, the recruiting starts in middle school. PIAA within 5 years will separate public and Catholic Schools during the playoffs.
Anybody know something about Shamokin this year? I know they won the D4 AAA title and then lost to ACC last year. They have a QB who was a freshman.
just cuz its a catholic school doesnt always mean they recruit. ACC for example won a state title with all kids that played together in catholic middle schools so obviously they would continue to play at a catholic high school. i know its different for other areas but not all catholic schools recruit its not a fair judgment to say oh its a catholic school and they are dominant im sure they recruited. things havent changed since 88 when they implemented a state tournment. some schools recruit some dont. public schools recruit too maybe not as much as they used to but it happens
Coachs/fans/etc.
I just stumbled upon this blog. Great convo. I feel a lot can be solved by adding more classes. There are a lot of teams in the state and the PIAA wants to cram all this into a season. Across the river NJ has (6) classes, NY has (12), and Mass (19). 19? are you kidding me? NJ and Mass are what maybe 1/4 of the size of PA? Opening up can be the anwser to alot of problems. As for the recuiting part, it does happen I have seen it first hand. Here in Philly for all intents and purpoes, its open enrollment for public school unless you want to go to a speciality school. The better kids get recruited by the better teams and the rich stay rich for the most part. Also the game has passed some of these coachs by. They eaither dont want to evolve or cant. Lastly money is a killer. Can these other districts say that they are cutting the entire middle school (in only its 7th yr) program thats reigon based not school based as well as all JV football programs because of lack of funds? Fact is Dist 12 was and still is a HEAVY pop warner/NESAC/liberity bell area. There is no foundation to build programs. Most of the PPL teams gave the middle school teams the time of day. They were too busy head hunting pop warner games. To loosely quote a newpaper, “… the only sport that PPL will be able to compete with the rest of the state is basketball..” (roughly 8 PIAA titles since joing). And was before the PCL came to help us out lol. Thanks for reading
Hentz,
No updates yet.
@ phillyboy:
Yep. The playoffs are one game too long.
@ Josh Funk:
Hear anymore about North Penn moving to the other ( National) division?
@ hentz: Well said. A potential state champion should have proven themselves during the regular season also to earn the right to compete in the playoffs. For a team to win the state title they have to win 6 games. I mean, what is this, the NCAA basketball tournament?
@ Jeff Smith Of course there is an advantage to private schools because kids can go there with no geographic boundaries. But if you want to seperate it than you will see things get out of control recruting wise. Look at Jersey and Maryland. I am not a catholic school backer, as a matter of fact hate the PCL, but enough whining and complaining about catholic schools. There are a lot of negatives they have to deal with, People have to pay 6000-8000 in some cases even more, catholic schools are in such dire straights that they are not letting kids go for free. Most catholic schools have very bad or no facilities.
Than North Penn and Neshaminy don’t get in the playoff’s this is football not other sports where everybody gets in.
@ Jeff Smith:
It ( D1) still should drop from 16 to 8 teams. NP & Neshaminy don’t make the playoffs, then they don’t make the playoffs. Plus it would get rid of that unpopular bye the other half of the bracket has, and would shorten the season by one week ( assuming the west cuts back 1 week).
Public schools and Private schools need separate playoffs or allow kids to move around and play where they want to. Same end result. This gets tiring hearing the Catholic Schools backers trying to say there is no recruiting or advantage.
Just read some of these comments. Good stuff on here. Someone was questioning Josh Funk`s street cred , because he never played prep football. That is funny stuff. Funkster knows more about Pa prep football than any living human. Playing prep ball doe not make you a football authority. Funkster might not know cover two from a comforter blanket, but he knows teams, coaches and players. Plus he is the bassmaster!
Cutting down D1 to 8 teams? I don’t agree with that. You people realize North Penn wouldn’t even had made the playoffs? Same goes with Neshaminy. District 1 is pretty strong to boast a 16 team playoff.
Your right about that separating public/private schools would create what everyone complains about. People who claim recruiting need to only look at New Jersey and Maryland, if we did what they did recruiting would get out of control.
16 weeks works out good, regardless of whether it is 15 or 16 weeks, D1 should not get so many teams in, and D12 should not a bye in certain classifications. I understand why the PIAA has to let WPIAL get what they want, because they will leave the PIAA, but re-organizing this 6 week playoff should be a priority.
@ phillyboy:
You gotta realize that only 2 teams from the entire state ( in each division) play 16 weeks, only 4 play 15 weeks, etc. But I agree, cut it down to 15 weeks.
I also agree cutting D1 down to 8 teams ( even though NP would not have made it last year). That has nothing to do with the current point system. I think the current system is quite equitable. Can’t think of a better way.
How can you say the public schools dominant?
Look at LaSalle, Wood, ACC & even Prep.They do seperate the public & parochial ( private) schools early in the playoffs. They wanna keep that city championship goin’.
I think a 16 week schedule for high school football is ridiculous. 15 games should be the absolute limit. There’s no way D1 should have 16 teams in the playoffs. I realize it’s a large district but still it’s watered down with that many teams. Instead, they should figure out a way to perfect the point system. And if a team doesn’t make the cut, so be it. On the other hand, one thing the PIAA has right is NOT separating the public and private schools for the playoffs. The public schools continue to dominate so it would be a case of fixing something that’s not broken. New Jersey is an exception. I don’t know why but the private schools are so much better over there in certain team sports.
@ muggy:
I know, a bit crazy. But that was bantered about. The only time anyone from D12 was going to play a team from the west, it would be at least halfway thru the playoffs. But I don’t think these changes ( D3 to the east & D12 to the west) will ever happen.
They wanted to drop from a 16 week schedule to a 15 week schedule. Simple solution for the East would be dropping D1 from 16 teams in the playoffs to 8. That would solve the East. Not sure what they would do in the west.
I contacted a couple of people I know from the southeastern part of the state. Neither one had heard the NP rumor; however, one of my contacts indicated, if the rumor is true that it is a move that he thinks should happen. If I hear anything back from either inidivdual, I’ll pass along what I find out.
D3 winner currently plays state semi-final against D7, winner is in the final, no change there. CD played the WPIAL champ, Wilson played Bethel Park, winner went to Hershey. D3 was put in the west because of the large number of 4A schools, it balanced the bracket. Don’t hold me to this, but D3 and D1 are probably the 2 districts with most 4A schools, would seem kind of nuts to have them in same bracket and make D12 go to the west- where do you play the games that fans can get to?
District 1 had 3 appearences my mistake
There may be some truth to that. When the 15 week proposal was out it had bascially D3 and D1 playing there district title to the quartefinal final round and the semi final round was D3 vs D1. I believe the other side of the bracket Had D11 and D12 playing the winner out of the D7 and all those other districts. not sure if they still intend to do that now since we are staying with 16 weeks. This a little dumb that D3 and D1 get a road to the state semi-final, not necessarily D1 but if you look at the last 10 years:
District 7 – 8 Teams have played for a 4A title
District 11- 6 Teams have played for a 4A title
District 12- 2 Teams have played for a 4A title
District 1- 2 Teams have played for a 4A title
District 6- 1 Team has played for a 4A title
District 3- 1 Team has played for a 4A title
District 12 has only been in since 2009. So were taking the top 3 districts in 4A over the last 10 years (total 16 state title appearences) and making them battle it out and letting two districts 1 and 3 who have a total of 3 appearences go all the way to the state semi-final
@phillyboy:
There are 12 districts in the state, so there are other districts in the west other then D7 & D10. It’s not that the East have 10 of the 12 districts.
They were talkin’ about this when they were going to change the playoff scenerio. They were thinking of dropping D1 playoff teams from 16 to 8 ( which I applaud ).
This is when it was mentioned bringing D3 in the fold. I also heard, believe it or not, that D12 was going to the west.
Far-fetched I know. But not that crazy since D12 only plays within their league during the regular season ( except some early games). So therefore they wouldn’t be traveling outside of philly until the mid-way through the playoffs.
The reason I mention this is someone here on the website stated that if they made these changes ( it was decided to make no changes for this coming year ), that the only way North Penn and LaSalle could meet, in the playoffs, is in the State final. And that if NP & CD met again, it would be in the Eastern Final.
Wild & crazy stuff.
If D3 moves to the eastern bracket then who will be left in the west — D7 and D10?? That would be a very uneven distribution. When D12 joined the PIAA it made sense to displace D3 to the west for the sake of balance.
@ muggy:
Well that’s the rumor, D3 moving to the East.
Central Dauphin can’t “move to the East” unless the PIAA changes the brackets- as long as District 3 remains on the west side of the bracket, Central Dauphin will remain on that side.
@ Brian Hope:
I haven’t heard that rumor, but I hope you’re right. Maybe Dave Mika or Josh Funk can shed some light.
North penn used to be in the National division until they re-aligned about 4 or 5 years ago. They really don’t have enough competition in the continental. In the National division they play who they should play: Neshaminy, Pennsbury, C. Rock’s etc. They might lose a game or two, but it’s better for them in the long run.
@phillyboy:
I heard that Central Dauphin is moving to the East. Maybe Mika or Funk can verify that also.
Central Dauphin has their 3 best skill players back next year. Maybe they’ll be ranked in the preseason national rankings.
@ Jeff:
See the many earlier comments below. We have extensively covered 2012. Now it’s remimiscing time.
great point Jeff. I watch this site and read the posts that pertain to CURRENT high school football. Let’s get back to that please.
There are many rumors flying that North Penn is moving from the Continental League to the National League, do any of you know the facts?
Thank you.
What happened to top teams (s)… for 2012? too much reminiscing now
@Philly Boy -No Pro’s that I am aware of and maybe not stellar but here’s what I remember…Chris Cisar started 2 years at Hero back for Penn State, Eric Renkey started NG as a true freshman for Penn State before a neck injury, Gary Gorajewski started 2 years OL at Pitt, Geoff Bender started at QB for NC State his brother punted for GA Tech.
@ Soup — Just curious, was there anybody on that 87 North Hills team that made it to the NFL or had a stellar college career?
One of the best teams I have seen in PA AAAA…87 North Hills(Pittsburgh).They were Ranked #1 in the Country by several National publications,had over 10 Div.1 scholarship kids on that squad (between their soph,jr, sr. class). Their 1st team D was not scored on the entire year…
The score was still very close. Garnet Valley had the ball
coming out at the half and thats when it happened. Im pretty sure it was a one score game, not sure though. The sophomore quarterback was obviously not ready. For them
To have a chance in that game they needed the passing game desperately, which im still worrisome about next year because they will be thin at receiver losing both starters
@Jeff Smith
I hate to say this, but unfortunately I have to say that had Corkery not been injured in that game against CR South, they still would’ve had a difficult time coming back. CR South was a very physical team and clearly the best team Garnet Valley faced that entire year. GV is my top pick to win the Central Leauge as well, but it will be very interresting to see how they stake up against the teams from the Suburban One.
Garnet Valley will be back next year projected to be Central League Champs. 3 out of 4 years champs int the Central League, not bad. I see the Central League being very competitive this year though. Penncrest is getting much better, Harriton will have Moriarty back, and Springfield, Ridley, Marple, and Stoga will all still be in the mix.
I can possibly see Garnet Valley getting to the D-1 Championship this year. In the semis against CR South, their Quarterback Corkery went down in the beginning of the game, forcing them to put a sophomore in. If Corkery were to never go down, i truly believe they would have made that game go right down to the wire. But no excuses, its just my opinion
An ’03 Prep/N.Penn game would have been great. I saw both teams that year. Saw N.Penn at Hershey when the beat up PCC and saw theCatholic League final at Plymouth Whitemarsh when they throttled Cardinal O’hara. That N.Penn team was CB West-esque, a power team with talent. Meanwhile, that Prep team had incredible team speed. They were dynamite. Hard to say who would have won had they played. Prep was ranked 3rd in the nation and I think N.Penn was ranked 8th in the final USA Today rankings. I don’t know. But one thing is for sure. N.Penn
was PIAA state champs whereas the Prep just won their little PCL tournament.
Joe, your last sentence below is correct, and point I was making. In ’03 they rather handily beat an PCC team that was essentially the same team the following ( ’04) year that won going away. Too bad the ’03 Prep team didn’t play in the PIAA for states that year. An ’03 Prep/NP game would have been great.
@Hentz of course they are a great program. Just because they got into the playoffs every year does not mean that one specfific team was great, although there 2003 team was great. But I would not put them in over the other 5 teams. Just my opinion. I would say that the 2003 North Penn Team was very good, not better than Prep in 2003. They might be the next team in there you could make the argument they should be in there in there over the Parkland and Neshaminy Team.
@ Joe:
Big omission Joe for the 2000’s. North Penn has never NOT been in the playoffs since 1999. Going to the state finals twice ( 1 win, 1 lose). Something like an .854 winning percentage. The 2003 team would have to be in the top 5. Quite possibly would have beaten some of the CB West teams of old.
Here are my top 5 from different decades.
1980’s- 83 Berwick, 87 North Hills, 86 Gateway, 88 Berwick, 89 Upper St. Claire.
1990’s- 98 CB West, 92 Berwick, 97 CB West, 93 ACC, 91 CB West.
2000’s- 04 PCC, 03 St. Joe Prep, 11 Arch Bishop Wood, 02 Parkland, 01 Neshaminy
If I had to Pick 5 in order:
1. 98 CB West
2. 04 PCC
3. 92 Berwick
4. 87 North Hills
5. 03 Prep
Who do you guys think were the best 5 PA teams in the past 30 years regardless of classification in order?
@philly boy who did berwick play ? in 1988 they played aliquippa for the aaa title. the quips had 10 div 1 players including pro bound sean gilbert. they were ranked 2nd in the country by usa. berwick dominated the quips 13-0. quips had no first downs in first half and finished with only 2 first downs.
in 1998 they defeated clev. st. ignatius 30-28. they also played and defeated glen mills when they were highly reguarded. in their quest for 6 state titles they had to beat acc, manheim central, and strath haven. nobody comes close to the great run of state titles berwick had and i dont think nobody ever will.
Joe,
In D2, Wallenpaupack used to be AAAA, but they’ve dropped down for the next enrollment cycle. Abington Heights also used to fluctuate between AAA and AAAA in the early and mid 2000s. You are right – Williamsport is the lone AAAA school in District 4. They are kind of in no-mans land, literally smack dab in the middle between State College and Wilkes-Barre.
As for the other districts in AAAA, beginning with D1, keep an eye on North Penn, Garnet Valley, Ridley, Downingtown East and Pennsbury – all have pretty good returning cores to build around, especially Ridley and Garnet Valley. GV has its QB, 2 of 3 top rushers (QB was one of them), 3 OL, 2 DL, 2 LBs and 2 DBs back; Ridley, I’m told, returns RB/LB Shane Dougherty, 4 OL, its TE/DE and 3/4 of its defensive secondary. NP needs a QB, but has a few more pieces returning from its state runner-up team than it did entering the 2011 season, so NP will have fewer holes to fill than it did at this time last year. Pennsbury will be very stout defensively – six of eight returness I know of (and there could be more than eight) are on the defensive side of the ball. But the Falcons need to reload on the OL. DTE returns QB Kyle Lauletta, RB Riley Angeline, WR/KR Jay Harris, a pair of OLs, two DL and LB Nelson Lee Lucas-Murphy (a law firm-esque name and the team’s leading tackler each of the last two seasons). All five teams could legitimately make a case for a preseason ranking in AAAA.
In D11, Easton will have a very good team. Look for another 10-win season (at least) from the Rovers, who are 36-8 over the last three years. I’ve heard rumblings that, supposedly, Nazareth has a good QB coming up through the ranks who will be a freshman in 2012. Dave Mika might be able to elaborate more on the Nazareth athlete a little more than I can.
In D12, La Salle will always be a contender with their coaching. Never, ever discount the Explorers. I thought Roman Catholic might be a legit contender last year, and they have some nice pieces to build around with their QB Michael Keir, WR William Fuller and a young RB (Dimitri Kelly), but, until otherwise decided, La Salle should be considered the favorite.
@Josh Funk is it safe to say it will be usual suspects come playoff time? Easton, Lasalle, and North Penn? I thought that there were more 4A teams in district 2, and District 4 only has one 4A team right?
In D2, there will be only 4 AAAA schools for the 2012-13 enrollment cycle – Hazleton, Wyoming Valley West, Delaware Valley and Scranton.
Hazleton really struggled last year. I am not very well-versed on what the Cougars have returning.
WVW lost a pair of solid players in Eugene Lewis and TaShawn Bunch, both of whom ran for more than 1,200 yards last year and contributed the bulk of the team scoring. It’ll be interesting to see what the Spartans do in terms of replacing that offensive firepower.
Del Val returns its QB Bryan Schor (consecutive 1,400-yard passing seasons, 3,600+ career passing yards), top three rushers (Joe Santiago, Martin Strenk and Schor), TE Connor Decker and at least two OL (Jack Fagan and Tom Everson). Not quite sure what the Warriors have back on defense, but they’ve got a nice nucleus to build around offensively.
Scranton returns, at a minimum, its QB Marlon Waiters, a sophomore RB (Jake McCarthy), OL/DLs Mike Condrad and Brandon Navoczynski, LB Matt Gorton, FB/DL Kyle Czarkowski and WR/DB Karlon Quiller. A nice nucleus to build around from an 8-3 team which rolled past WVW in the 2/4/11 qtrs and fell to Easton in the semis of the 2/4/11. I think that final score of the Easton/Scranton game was 29-20, but I could be mistaken.
who all is in D2?
Parkland opens up against Del Val this year.
The topics below are about football.
Who is going to be good in 4a d2 this year? What about d11? I would assume Easton,Parkland, and Whitehall in D11? Del Val is D2? Prob Lasalle out of district 12? Dave or Josh what are your thoughts on 4A in the east? Lets get back to just talking about football.
You don’t have to have played high school football to know high school football, particularly when it comes to knowing the teams, their players and strengths.
@brian hope Josh Funk would not know what coaches think, since he’s never been involved in football. Josh thanks for the clarification I knew you never played football, considering what most HS coaches say about you
@ Josh Funk,
Got ya, that’s fine just wanted to say the coaches do not want to reveal everything they have going into a season from what I see Pennridge will not necessarily be that big but tough, quick and experienced and should make for an exciting season. They will have to get pass Souderton & North Penn other than that should do very well. As for Berwick I believe they were the best in the day and should have been ranked nationally, they probably had one of the best coaches in the country next to Pettine.
@philllyboy don’t disregard or look down on the anthracite region football, believe me it is/was tough. I saw the Berwick first national championship team at the Silver Bowl and it was one heck of a game. As Joe said, the AAA ball of the time was simply great- deep, talented. Berwick played more than PA teams, they went to and had some great out of state teams in Berwick. Manheim Central, MC, and others gave them all they could handle at times.
@phillyboy they absolutely were great. CB West had unbelieveable teams as well. If you looked at 3A football in this time period, it may have been the best quality football played Berwick, ACC, Manheim Central, Strath Haven. National Rankings are mostly based off reputation, bust consider that Orlando, Kelchner, Powlus, and Robbins. Thats 3 Division 1 QB’s (Orlando played DB in college. That is pretty darn good. They hands down had the best coach in the state.
@pillyboy
i saw thouse berwick teams play and yes they were that good in the mid 90 i saw then take some great valley view teams and just destroy them
@ phiilyboy:
Believe me, they were good. I seen them several times. Curry (their coach) was famous for recruiting players from all over the state & outside the state. How? He usually got their fathers a job at the local power plant & other places. So the rumor has it.
Good chance they would have beat CB West back in the day. They used to invite some of the best teams in the country. I seen them play St Ignatious out of Ohio. Ranked in the top 10 nationally.
Oh yea, they were real good.
@ Josh Funk — Do you think those great Berwick teams were all that?? Never saw them play but how could some AAA coal country team be the best in the country? I mean, who did they play that was really good? They didn’t even play CB West. Who did they beat — Selinsgrove and Manheim Central? They’re good programs but I don’t know if that’s enough to be crowned national champions. What do you think?
Brian Hope,
Reread my previous response to you and you’ll see I had one more item for reference with Pennridge beyond just the preseason lineup. I also had the SOL Continental Conference team to look at, too, from the first team all the way through HM. And as I said previously, I only found two underclassmen OL on the all-conference team, neither of which were mentioned on the preseason lineup (which is why I try to find as many all-conference teams as possible). Mike Class was in that preseason list, actually.
While Pennridge does put information up on Maxpreps in terms of offensive and defensive individual stats, it doesn’t show starters for the offensive line. So, seeing you seem to know a lot about Pennridge (even though they aren’t your team), I thought I’d ask you because I knew I didn’t have complete information. And that, I guess, makes me closed-minded.
@ Josh Funk,
How can you look at a pre-season lineup to determine what you have? Who thought Mike Class would end up being one of the top rushers in the league in the “preseason lineup”, you seem to be a little close minded. Riddle me this, how can a team (Pennridge) hold 7th ranked powerhouse CR South to a 2-0 loss with all underclassmen on the line. Just go back to the WNPV Lansdale Sports Radio archives. Anyway we’ll see in September. By the way I’m a Souderton graduate from the late 1970’s, I’m just calling it the way I see it. No preference for Pennridge, I just want to see one of the other Continental teams knock off North Penn this year and Pennridge has the best shot.
I agree but they can say they were in it to win the game vs all those teams besides springfield this year even though ending 2-8
# Josh:
Well said.
Hentz,
You might be thinking of the 1985, 1986 and 1987 editions of CB West, which went 11-0 in all three seasons. The ’85 team was 10th; the ’86 team was ranked 9th; and the ’87 team was 7th nationally. Those rankings came during a period from 1983-’88 where the Bucks went 63-2-1 (.969) overall.
Joey,
First, whether anyone played a down of football or not doesn’t diminish their ability to answer HISTORICAL football-related questions. However, to answer your question, I personally know offhand of only three sportswriters who played football during their high school careers. It is possible that there are more. That’s not the first question I ask members of the scholastic football media, though. One is Joby Fawcett (Scranton region), one is Eric Epler (Harrisburg region), and the other is a good friend I attended college with at Clarion, Andy Close (Bradford region). If you are trying to base one’s football credibility on whether he played a down or not, then, in your eyes, I would have none. That’s fine. I don’t need your blessing or approval of having “football credibility” to make my life complete, nor do I seek it. 2012 will mark the 17th season I have actively followed high school football in this state and 7th as a football writer. I am a member of the Maxwell Football Club and have also participated in nominating/voting for last year’s Pennsylvania Sportswriters’ All-State teams, so I cannot be too terribly ignorant about the game as you seem to be inferring. I am doing what I love, both for my full-time job and in my spare time, and that is covering sports. I hope you are able to say the same about your life situation, that you are doing something in this life that you enjoy.
I had thought that CB West won the “mythical” national title back , I believe, in the early 80’s, possibly during their 55 game winning streak.
@Josh Funk how many downs of football have you played?
Tim,
Yes, but not from eastern PA. The 1987 North Hills Indians went 13-0, won the WPIAL AAAA championship over Mt. Lebanon, 21-0, and earned USA-Today’s No. 1 ranking. The season prior to that, North Hills was ranked No. 1 in the nation by USA-Today, but lost the WPIAL AAAA title game to Gateway, 7-6, when it went for the win and a two-point conversion and missed. The current head coach at Gateway, Terry Smith, was the Gators’ starting QB in ’86.
was any team from pa besides berwick ever national champs?
@Josh
Penncrest is gonna have some players going into next year, but they still have to get through the likes of Garnet Valley, Ridley, Strath Haven, Springfield, Haverford, Conestoga, and even Harriton (although Penncrest did beat them this past year, but will not be an easy win). The Central League will once again be very competitive to win.
Kudos Dave
Look for Penncrest to make a big improvement in the Central League. Donnelly at Qb, with Trust at WR and Gartland at RB all three of them three year varsity starters.
I see Central Dauphin as the top team in AAAA Lavia is back at QB and Zayid Isiah back. Class A I see Pius X with the Long kid at QB and Southern. Lancaster Cath and McDevitt AAA Trinity in AA.
Brian Hope,
Actually you answered my question. All I had to go on for Pennridge was a pre-season projected lineup and the SOL all-Continental Conference team, neither of which reflect injuries or defections. When I went over the Continental Conf. team, I was expecting to find 4 or 5 underclassmen listed as linemen for the Rams, but only found two. Anybody can come on here and thump their chest and say, “My team has everybody coming back,” but I legitimately thought you only meant the skill guys because I never saw you post any specifics about the line, only the general statement, “Everybody is coming back.” Thank you for being more specific. And sorry if I came off a bit callous. I am just skeptical by nature when it comes to people hyping up their team by making general statements. I figured I’d try to flush a little more specific info out of you.
@ Josh Funk
James Worthington was plagued with injury and missed a few games, Stefan Crouse was out all year with a knee injury, Fecondo was out with injury then quit, Newmman was plagued with injury and missed a few games. When I went to watch the CB South & Quakertown games and went through the roster I counted about 3 seniors on both sides of the ball. So riddle me that?
Barry- agreed on Wilson- BUT they lose their QB and Rodney Gillem- that is a lot to lose on the offense- defense is always a strong suit with the Doggies and they do tend to reload every year. The game with Lancaster Catholic is one to watch- Bruce Harbach is a Wilson grad and feeling slighted he didn’t get the job at Wilson. Wilson does tend to get underrated in the beginning of the year and they do tend to rise to the top by the end. One of the longest streaks of winning seasons in the state, and the last time they had a losing season was around 1965.
The Wilson Bulldogs who are usually overlooked and underrated every year and have a long tradition as being a football power for the past 50 years could potentially be stronger this year because they are developing another fearsome Bulldog defense with 8 of their 11 starters returning from last years very tough defensive unit.
The Wilson Bulldogs which has been one of the most overlooked District 3 and state powers for the past 50 years will have another brutal defense with 8 out 11 starters returning.
Wyomissing has a team full of talent. Keep an eye on Wyomissing Offensive Lineman Ben Wertz #71.
What about Academy Park?
Academy park
Brian Hope,
Not quite sure Pennridge has “everybody” back as you proclaim, especially up front. OL James Worthington was a senior. Stefan Krause was a senior OG. OG/DL Anthony Fecondo was a senior. TE/DE Jake Newman was a senior. Yes, I count the TE among the offensive linemen in run-centric offenses. The only returning starters up front I’ve found for Pennridge were Shayne Kraynik and Tyler Kio. That’s 2/3 of the line gone. So, riddle me this: How can Pennridge have “everybody” coming back in 2012 when 4 of the six linemen listed were seniors in 2011? Unless they have 11 of Mike Class or 11 Kenny Crawford’s, there seems to me to be some holes to fill. Care to elaborate?
CR North has a lot of senior players who can be All-League and possible all state players such as Curt Cothran, Bill Foote, Nate English, Pat Krimm, Aj Nielson, John Devine, Bobby Bartlett. Check thes kids out and you will see how dominant CR North can be this coming season.
CR North can absolutely contend with anyone this coming season. They will have a highly explosive offense this year with Senior QB Brandon Knotts coming back from last year’s shoulder injury and Aj Nielson will be one of the top running backs this season. And like I said before their defense under coach Bob Malley will be unstoppable.
I can see North Penn & Pennridge playing for the Continental League Championship towards the end of the season. Pennridge like CR North has everyone back and I predict Pennridge will have one of the top defenses in the State under Coach Rosenberger and their offense will be explosive with their entire backfield back with Class, Crawford, Kim and 6′ 6″ Quaterback Krivda
Yes……… but will they be able to beat North Penn?
Cothran and Foote are a dangerous duo upfront…. All-League possibilities without a doubt
I feel that Council Rock North will have a very good run this year. There entire starting team is now going into there 3rd year playing together. Also, this senior class won the Bucks County Freshman Championship. They have a good amount of size and speed at the RB and WR spots with Aj Nielson and John Devine. Also, there defense returning this year will be dominant as they have Cothran, Foote, and Callender leading the way up front as a lethal three. Along with English and Krimm at linebackers. You should check them out, have a lot of potential and could make a run for the championship.
“I would have all of my Offensive Lineman wrestle if I could.”
– John Madden, Hall of Fame Football Coach
Hose and pepper from pennsbury first team and 2nd team look them up
Avon Grove JT BLYDEN 210-1126-12 as a Soph in the
Chesmont ..8 of 10 teams had winning records .
Does NP play Prep next year?
LaSalle playing NP at NP week 1 and playing Wood week 7 under new PCL format unless Bonner and Egan stay open and they change everything again. North Penn week one is definite.
@ Greg:
They used to on a regular basis. Many still do. When I was in high school, if you were on the football team, you HAD to go out for wrestling. It was one way they made you stay in shape. Today, the superstar football players don’t wanna risk injury. Those kids are vying for a football scholarship.
Agreed, wrestling is undeniably the toughest sport in high school ( or college). Followed closely by soccer, then football.
Why don’t we see more football players wrestling? If they want better balance, agility and tackling prowess, this is the toughest sport in the school.
@ Dan:
Sorry, me bad. I have been saying ACC and all the time I meant Wood. Brain-Fart.
@ newman:
Yes, I also heard NP plays Wood 2nd game. I don’t think that NP plays LaSalle again. I heard that contract is over. Hope I’m wrong, but that’s my understanding.
I have read that North Penn is playing Archbishop Wood in week 2 this upcoming season. Those two teams and LaSalle are said to all be playing each other, with each team playing the other two. Now that sounds great.
@hentz
ACC opens with Allen and then has 9 straight LVC games. No NP.Go to the team info tab at the top of this page and you will find ACC’s schedule.
@ Dan:
Someone on this blog told me NP plays ACC early next season. They had thought it was the 2nd game. What I’m wondering now is if those two ( NP/ACC) meet at all. I certainly hope so. Can anyone here verify? It would have to be in one of the first 3 games of the season. After that, NP gets into their regular league schedule.
@ hentz
ACC has Freedom the second game of the season in 2012.
In liu of Berwick/ ACC, you can see NP/ACC next year. Second game of the season. Neither team should be that down, should be helluva game.
too bad acc will prob be down next year id love to see an old berwick acc rematch just like the 90’s
young guns at berwick will show thier skills keep an eye on will updegrove 6’4″ 220 te/de and for those of you who know eastern pa football c j curry grandson of coach curry will make an impact starting at qb
Wyomissing is going to be loaded- especially watch Alex Anzalone- LB already has offers from Alabama, BC, FL, Ohio State and numerous others. With Lancaster Catholic moving up the main roadblock could be romoved.
look out for shane simpson who started for easton as a freshman this year hes gonna be a special talent. he played wr this yr but look for him to be a versatile tailback in the future. the kid has an icredible skill set.
Keep an eye on Berwick to return to glory and make a state run!!!
@ OLCoach:
Please don’t tell me someone actually let’s you coach anyone?!?
I think it has more to do with expenses than anything else. I can’t imagine how much it must cost to run a “national” program like Bosco or Bergen. Must mean a whole lotta bake sales and car washes. You have to be drinking the program”s kool aid to justify spending that kind of money on High School football.
Appreciate your clarity. Playing top teams nationally is not an advantage though. It’s a disadvantage. So that’s not a valid excuse as to why the N.Jersey programs are better. The PCL just needs to get with the program. The last legit team was the ’03 Prep team. And sheer population isn’t the only factor either. Look at Thomas Aquinas from Ft.Lauderdale, FL. They’re a national powerhouse. And we have a lot more people in the Phila. region.
I meant playing games nationally. Takes alot to build a program and are willing to take the show on the road to other top programs
When you say that the Bosco and Bergen programs are going nationl — do you mean that they actually recruit nationally? I know they play teams from all over the country but I don’t know about national recruiting.
Watch out for martin luther king high in philly. ive heard they have a transfer from the pottsville area by the name of Carey Bostick. Watch out for this fifteen year old Beast, hes going to shake the city up.
Give it time. The PCL has only been in the PIAA for just a few years. The Bosco and Bergen programs are going National by the way. That’s a whole different level.
The private schools in PA don’t recruit well enough. At the AAAA level public schools have won 19 of the 24 state titles. Maybe Don Bosco Prep, Bergen Catholic, St. Peter’s Prep, and even St. Joe’s Montvale could conduct a seminar for the PCL.
@nick7del. Great comeback. Anything else?
@paulfromphilly why are you still posting stuff on here, I thought it was already implied that you were on comment timeout.
He is a very, very special running back from West Catholic who’s looking for a school to go to. I’d heard that O’Hara was the front runner for him.
Who’s that?
Don’t now how true just heard David Williams registered at lasalle ….
Last post clarification Ridley D1 Champs 2007 AND 2009; not 2007 through 2009.
@mattyG and hentz
I think matty means he feels Ridley is not much mentioned in the discussions of the great football programs currently. I can see both sides of that. The Green Raiders have reached the 500-win list in the shortest time of any team on the list, only starting 1934. Some teams on the list started 1888, 1892, most by 1910. That’s amazing. Flip side,their last state championship appearance 1990; D1 champs 2007 – 2009. There always seem to be at least one or more little bit better teams in the east each year for some reason. Plus I think there might be a new sheriff in the Central League, and his initials are G V.
@ mattyG:
What’s that mean?
@ Brian:
I agree. Pennridge will be good. Should be beter then last year. They play a tough schedule that’s for sure. With the likes of Neshaminy, NP etc. Maybe make the playoffs since they are keeping 16 teams. I wish them luck.
@ paulfromphilly:
nick7del is making a fool of you! You gonna let him get away with that?
Ridley continues to get thrown under the bus i see.
@ hentz
I like Pennridge this coming year, my buddies son goes there and they literally have everyone coming back. They only lost 3 guys on both sides of the ball. They have an incredible backfield with Class & Crawford both back and a seasoned offensive line. They had a bad start last year but once they got the right kids in place (all underclassmen) they had a winning season. You should have seen the 2-0 loss to CR South. Definately a good loss. Time will tell.
I will give you Wood. Definately a great team. I’ll take High School Football over the pros anyday of the week.
@ Brian:
If you are only counting AAAA schools, I think your pick are a bit out of order there. If you count all large schools ( AAAA & AAA ), Wood would have to be first.
Man you sure are a homer. Pennridge 3rd? I don’t mind if you’re right, I like Pennridge ( my grandkids go to that school district), but I think Neshaminy, Pennsbury, D-town East etc. etc. will have something to say about that.
I think it’s LaSalle, then maybe NP, etc. for AAAA only.
I dont see what the big issue is, if a kid wants to go to a Private school for football or academics he has every right too. You guys have to get off your high horses. It’s High School Football, not the pros. I enjoy watching both public & private league games and both are equally good. As for Nate Smith it shouldn’t matter, I hope he does well. Just remember their kids trying to get ahead.
My top three picks for the SE in 2012 are North Penn, LaSalle & Pennridge
@Buddy. Yup still waiting. If he took me to school I hope it’s La Salle. At least there I can get free room, according to him.
@ Paul:
Well I see nick7 certainly took you to school. Are you still waiting………….?
@nick7del again. And just so you know something as a fact, I do know something about the program. My son was on the team for the last 4 years. 4 PCL championships, 3 city or D12 Championships, 2 semi-finals appearances and a State Championship. Now what states were those boys from. Oh I forgot it doesn’t matter, they were living at school. Moron!
@ nick7del. I don’t know why you would make it up. Let’s go on the premise that you didn’t. Name the states. Name the counties, and the players. Maybe it’s the same reason why you made up the statement that La Salle is now a boarding school for all the out of state help. Just keep throwing that stuff nick if it makes you feel better.
@Joey. Someone took down my previous post where I called you a hick. According to the U.S. census bureau. Philly has 1.5 million. Montgomery county has 700,000. Bucks has a half a million, Delaware has a half a million. Granted I’m stupid, as you said, but that number does not add up to 6 million. That’s half the state in and around Philly. You really believe that? And numbers don’t mean anything. Maybe it’s the coaching and the program. That’s when I called you a friggin hick.
@paulfromphilly like why would I make that up, exactly I have no reason to, so stop acting like you know every little thing that goes on because I guess you didn’t realize that kids can live at Lasalle so that bus doesn’t have to make those trips everyday.
@Brian Hope…The thing is though is that doesn’t happen MOST of the time and a perfect example is Nate Smith who from George Washing to Wood for “academic purposes” like come on everyone knows that’s not true, he just went there to play football but as long as he has that excuse it’s allowed.
@ Joey. Sorry I called you a friggin hick, but when people make over the top statements without anything to go on, well it pisses me off. Just as an example about La Salle, their only returning starter on the defensive or offensive line this year was a student who was 6’2″ and weighed 205. For a lineman. Either they don’t do a very good job recruiting or that student was pretty well coached and bought into the program. And I’m sure your teeth outnumber your tattoos by a few.
@nick7del. I’m a big fan of Continental League public school football and I have no problem with school choice or vouchers, if a kid wants to go to a private school to play ball or get a better education so be it. It looks like you lean a little to far to the left.
@Paul there are 6 million people living in the philadelphia metro area. 1.5 million live in the city of philadelphia, but thank you for trying to smart and sounding dumb. So 3 schools got to draw from 6 million people I would hope that they could find 22 players each
@nick7del. 4 states. I’m still scratching my head over that one. If it were true, what states are you talking about. Pennsy and I guess you’re thinking Jersey. I’ll give you Jersey (even though none of the players were from Jersey) but then where are you off to for the other two? Delaware? Ok (still no one from Delaware but OK) So you’re up to three. Now where do they go for the fourth state. Maryland? New York? Ohio? That little yellow school bus must be good miles per gallon!!
@nick7del. Name them. You can’t. You know why. Because that is just not true. “4 states.” Name them. Let’s see, Pennsylvania,……still waiting? 7 counties? Lets see. Montgomery, Philadelphia, Bucks,……..still waiting? Bring info to the discussion nick7del. Don’t just throw stuff on the wall to see what sticks. Go talk to the PIAA if you don’t like the situation. Or else shut your piehole and play the game ya big crybaby!
@paulfromphilly Lasalle gets kids from out of state too, their championship team in ’09 had kids from 4 states and 7 counties. Must be nice to hand pick the best talent there is instead of just working with the ones that come up through the district.
@ Paul:
I’m pretty sure they don’t play again this year ( LaSalle/NP). However, according to Garfield below, NP & Wood hook up this year. If so, helluva match up. Wood should get that game.
@Joey again. I think your numbers are a little screwed up too. There are only 12 million people in the state of Pennsylvania. So you’re saying the PCL has their pick of half the state? Must be something to see that little yellow school bus stop off in Harrisburg or Scranton to pick up all the players that want to come to the PCL. As I said before, your beef is with the PIAA. Tell them to change the rules. But until they do, the PCL will continue to play by those rules.
@hentz you are correct. The last is the one that’s remembered. That’s why it hurts. And I’m pretty sure they play again this year.
@Joey. Stop with the recruiting. It’s called open enrollment. The PIAA is the one you have a problem with. And beyond NP, Neshaminy and I’ll throw in Pennsbury (why I don’t know) who else is in your very competitive league?
@ Paul:
It’s only the last game that’s remembered ( and most important).
@ Garfield:
Wood & NP next season? Do you have a link to these schedules? They usually don’t know this early.
@ Paul again:
U sure ’bout LaSalle/NP next season? I heard it was only a 2 year contract.
@Paul you have 3 good teams in the PCL one in each classfication (prior to West closing)with a population of about 5 million people factor in how far people commute to those 3 schools and that number is prob closer to 6 or 7 million. Your right very competitive 3 teams and now 2 get there pick of the best kids in huge area!!! You should win state titles every year with those advantages. The rest of the teams stink! That is not being competitive. If it is such a competitive league why hasnt Wood nd Lasalle played every year? What the problem niether team could get arch bishop who cares off there schedlue?
@hentz. It seems you forgot that La Salle’s record against NP the last two years is 3 and 1 so whose regular season record looks bad. Their record over the last three years, playoffs included, is 39 and 5.
@hentz La Salle does play North Penn during the regular season next year.
@Joey If La Salle wins another State Championship next year, you have to put them in that conversation. PCL people are not absurd. The PCL is just as competitive as the rest of the state. We have great teams, good teams and bad teams just like every other division or league in the state. Just not as many. The SOL? Oh wow, let’s see. NP, Neshaminy……waiting……still waiting.
Archbishop wood gets north penn in week 2 next season
Instead of D2 what about D4?
@Paul Dynasty? A Dynasty is Berwick, CB West, ACC 1990’s, Mount Carmel, Southern Columbia. The PCL people are absurd
@ paul:
So you’re predicting a state championship for next year? Hmmmmmmmm. Gutsy. Well they don’t play that other dynasty ( North Penn), during the regular season, so they should have a good record going into the playoffs ( unless they play Bergen again). Then they might run into NP again in the Eastern Final, since they decided not to re-align the districts. Frankly, LaSalle will have a better chance to get to the final than NP. North penn loses a whole lot. Of course, they usually just re-load also.
Just keep your eyes on La Salle. They lose alot of seniors this year, but they just seem to reload. Magarity and Wade will be gone from the offensive backfield but they have two freshmen moving up that will take their places. Herron and Meachim. How about five straight PCL titles, 4 straight city titles (D12) and 4 straight trips to the state semis. And maybe, just maybe two State Championships in 4 years. Did I hear someone say Dynasty?
Jordon Gray will be tough but Nazareth loses alot on the offensive side.
Easton should be really good…they need to find a QB as is the case every year but alot of young talent especially on the OL & DL
Gray, the Freshman? Was it determined that he is 16? If not quite a few people owe him an apology, if he is 16, those who hyped him up should be ashamed of themselves
Jordon Gray/ Nazareth
Aginst Wyoming Area Robbie had 23 Carries for 198 yds 4 TD. 1 KR 80 yds 1 TD, 5 Solo Tackles and a pass deflection. YOu can go to youtube and search for his video, just search his name. The second game of the year he tore his ACL on the first play of the game. From what I am hearing he is almost 100 % now and is looking bigger and stronger. He ran a 10.6 at districts hand held time in the prelims. I agree with you he is a tremendous DB and also a tremendous WR.
I will be looking for Siclari. 6’2″ 210 & a 10.9 100m, WOW! I hope Bill O’Brien recruits him for PSU! I can see a kid like that delivering crushing blows from SS/FS because if he’s that size now, how big will he be in 2 years?
Is he listed in Rivals.com/PaPreps.com?
I am agreeing with you…But an all state selection no matter what the process still counts. I agree that people is a def first teamer. i am just gave a run down of d2’s top players and my sleeper team. I also gave my biggest sleeper for the 2012 seaason, names Robbie Siclari. He would have been the best player comming out of D2 this year if not for the injury. he is 6-2 210 lbs and runs a 10.9 100m . He might just be the most explosive player, just look at his stats.
D2, Coughlin has a couple good players. Joe Parsnik is a very fine back (just like his dad…maybe better) certainly worthy of an All-State slot. 1st team tho over Brandon Peoples of AB Wood who has a full ride to Temple? Another problem with PFN’s process is they rely heavily on MaxPreps’ stats (a great site btw). Coaches ain’t great at data entry. There’s kids w/1000 yards rushing on championship teams who only show 400-500 yards. If you go by MaxPreps Peoples had only 395 yds & Parsnik, 1592. In EXCEL its a no brainer, right? But Wood’s coach doesn’t sweat MaxPreps. Its widely known that Peoples went over 1000 yards on a championship team. I’d be willing to bet even though Parsnik and Peoples are of somewhat similar size, Peoples’ 40 time is probably 2/10 sec faster than Parsnik…who again I agree should have a slot on the all state team. Not meaning to take shots at him because he’s a hardnosed runner with lots of skills…def should be all state. I’m more questioning PFN’s process.
Watch out for LaSalle. Should have fastest defense in the state. Nobody will be able to throw on them. Very young team but huge O line and D line will carry them until young bucks are ready to roll. It’s nice to see a team who plays 30-40 kids every game in regular rotations, who develop them and watch them grow in their 4 years. No big time recruits as far as D1 goes, just committed,tough kids who play smart. Hoffman & Speteri will anchor the line– each is over 6’3″ and 275, both have 4.0 averages in school too, Ivy or Patriot recruits. Everyone pays their way at LaSalle and 80% of kids had a family member attend before them. Tuition is $18,000
I agree with coughlin getting all those kids on the team. But coughlin was not a bad team and they do have some talent comming back. they always seem to have big linemen and at least a good running back every year.
Jim, I was serious. With all those dominant kids perhaps it will harken back to the 90’s when Berwick was dominant and Dallas and Hanover challenged. They would nicely augment the smaller schools like Old Forge, Riverside and Dunmore. If Hazleton can get a run going well…maybe you’re being pompous…why can’t D2 dominate again?
After what I just said, sorry for this D2, but you kind of lost me when you mentioned the PFN all state team…no credibility when a 5-6 Coughlin team has more All-State kids than state finalist Bishop McDevitt. Its great for the kids to be named All State…something to tell the grandkids. And those PFN guys do work tirelessly to promote PA Football. But that All State team looks like nothing more than if a coach put his kids name in, the kid made it. They must have rejected some kids but it sure doesn’t look like it…
Rollie time to take your meds, these are opinions from readers in their various readers. You pompous response is uncalled for.
Don’t sleep on Christopher Sutton. 5’11 165 1bs. Will be excellect on both sides of the ball and special teams as well.
D2 is going to have some tough football next year. If you look up an down the board every team seems to have at least one good player. case in point The western wayne team went 3-7 last year but had 2 kids make PFN all- state team. They have a Qb who is your proto type pocket passer 6-3 and threw for 1200 yards. They have a ATH in James berger who can do it all and a LB Conner Rosensweet who plays the game mean, old school.
I might go as far as putting this team as my sleeper team for this year. They lost prob the best player in D2 last year in Robbie Siclari and he is back. I saw him in a scrimmage and he tore up Lackawanna Trail and he hardly carried the ball, If I remember he had three picks. Then aginst Wyoming area he put on a show, that might have been the best performance i have ever seen by a kid. At 6-2 210 LBS thats a name to look out for.
With all those dominant (I believe that’s what David asked for) players, District 2 should own PA football across all classifications next year. Looking forward to it.
PAC-10 in District 1:
Pottsgrove: Sr Madison O’Connor OL 6’6″ 320, 1st team all state in 2011
Pottsgrove: Sr Tory Hudgins QB 6′ 175, 1530 yds rushing & 27 TDs, 35-60 passes 655 yds 10 TD passes & just 1 INT.
Spring-Ford: Jr Jarred Jones, RB 5’10” 180, 1520 yds rushing & 20 TDs
Ok, that some serious research! There are so many kids/schools and AAAA to A to choose from. Thanks for the info, love to see the kids get acknowledged.
To jeff:
i went with stats and all star picks and bids also coaching aginst some of these guys also played a factor.
to D2 is there any order to your picks?
gotta love football it never ends and some of these guys stay tough and in shape wrestling then track
@D2
I’m impressed, you really know NE PA High School Football
Here is the defense for D2
DL
1. Shakir Soto GAR
2. Brandon Novoczynski Scranton
3. Brad Emerick Coughlin
4. Cody Delfino Lakeland
5. Buddy Shultock Dallas
6. Jack Fagan DV
LB
1.Conner Rosensweet Western Wayne
2. Mark Donaghey Riverside
3. Jeff Skursky Wyoming Area
4. Remmington Hedden Cdale
5. Jordan Sekol Old Forge
DB
1. James berger Western Wayne
2. Nick Obrien Wyoming Area
3. Derrick Simms Wyoming valley West
4. Chris Rebar Mid Valley
5. robbie Siclari Western Wayne
6. John Rinaldi Dunmore
william fuller roman catholic
david williams ????
Here are the top players in D2 comming back for 2012…defense tomorrow !!!
QB
1. Ryan Zapoticky Dallas
2. Bryan Schor DV
3. Marlon Waiters Scranton
4. Johnny Rhodes Western Wayne
5. Kyle Miller Honesdale
6. Kyle Kiehart Lakeland
RB
1. Tyler Phillips Valley View
2. Austin Seamon Dunmore
3.Tony Politz Northwest
4. Parish Bennett Hanover
5. Devin Miller Will
FB
1. Zac Evans Coughin
2. Nickolai Pritchyk Western Wayne
3. Tyler Brady lakeland (if he remains @ FB)
4. Kyle Czarkowski Scranton
TE
1. Mike Loftus Riverside
2. Cody Delfino Lakeland
3. Trent Grove Wyoming Area
4. Tony Desando Old forge
WR
1. Ron Tomasetti Mid valley
2. Jordan Houserman Pittston
3. Dave Sweetman Riverside
4. Karlon Quiller Scranton
5. J.C. Show Abington
6. jason Siminovitch dallas
OL
1. Christian Skrepnak GAR
2. Tyler Armilay Riverside
3. Mike Boland Dunmore
4. Logan bullock Dallas
5. Justin Barber Lackawanna Trail
6. Bailey Hughes Cdale
7. Jack Fagan DV
ATH
1. Nick O’Brien Wyoming Area
2. James Berger Western Wayne
3. Kyle Carney Honesdale
4. Nick Dranchak Riverside
5. Robbie Siclari (Was hurt most of 2011 but did a number on wyoming area)
K
1. A.J. lenkaitis Wyoming Area
2. Matt mancuso Old Forge
3. Hunter Bednarczyk Coughlin
valley view has a good core coming back pluse a top back in tyler phillips
Delaware Valley in District 2 is going to be tough in 2012. They have their all conference QB plus many starters coming back next year.
I agree with John Thomas. Ryan Zapoticky from Dallas was an honorable mention PFN All State QB and should be a player to watch for 2012. Dallas has a nucleus of returning players and should contend in AAA.
DV will be there and have some kids on a few lists
Garnet Valley is gonna have high expectations again. With a lot of talent returning, they will be expected to make another run. Springfield, Ridley, and Strath Haven will also be frontrunners to contend for the Central Leauge.
Mackenzie Crawford from Pennridge High School a 6’2″ 225 lb FB/OLB very quick and probably one of the strongest running backs in the state. Currently being recruited by several D1 schools and has a 3.9 GPA in the classroom.
@ HSfan
When I saw the LVC all-stars list I was shocked that his name was not on there. I am not an Easton fan, but I have watched Brown since his sophomore year and he is one of the better LBs in the league.
austin brown lb/fb from easton. the kid got snubbed on every conference all star team voting out there. one of the best linebackers in the state being recruited by big 10 and big east schools had 122 tackles on a very good easton team
Chris Bonk
Ryan Zapoticky of Dallas, hes got great potential and even quit basketball to work on his football game. Not the biggest kid around but very tough and athletic.