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Written by: David Mika on Monday, January 1st, 2018. Follow David Mika on Twitter.
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881 Responses
Jeff, you might be right, but until December, you, me, and everyone else is just guessing when it comes to Archbishop Wood.
They’ve essentially received a bye into the PIAA semi-finals after going an entire season without beating anyone great. Last night, in the THIRD week of the playoffs (after a true bye in week 1) they played a 5-5 Gratz team that has now been outscored on the season. Next week they will draw a 3 or 4 loss team out of 2/6, known across the state as perennial big-school power districts (sarcasm intended)… Seriously, their path to the state semi-finals is ridiculous They will get there without playing a top 15, maybe not even a top 20, 5A school.
If you examine their body of work on the field it’s a mixed bag. On one hand, they didn’t get embarrassed in losing to probably the best two teams in PA and NJ. On the other hand, they lost to a 3-6 McDonogh squad and beat a 2-9 St Pius team by 2 points. The offense just doesn’t seem to be clicking under the new coach.
To take a historical perspective, Wood outscored opponents by 300 points in 2016 and 2017 en route to state titles. So far in 2018, they’ve outscored opponents 242-166. So if the District 3 winner (Manheim still has to beat two MaxPreps top 6 teams in Cedar Cliff and Cocalico just to win the district) or WPIAL winner can’t beat Wood this year, the PIAA might as well cancel the 5A tournament going forward. P.S. it’s a shame Malvern Prep isn’t in the PIAA because I think they would torch Wood.
I do hope they play at NP’s crappy field, we need all the help we can get.
I didn’t expect them to get this far. I’m glad, cause the Eagles are hard to follow.
All I can say is this……………..someone has to beat SJP !
My, my, my…..lets see who is going to confess that they were wrong about NP being overrated and had no shot at making it to the District finals . Oh by the way it was also said that NP couldnt beat either of the Downingtowns and they beat west in their own building. Waiting on the geniuses to start talking out the sides of the necks predicting CVille mercy rules NP next Friday..
I have to give credit to NP, I was one of the naysayers who didn’t think they would make the final when the playoffs started, pretty impressive win tonight at Dwest, especially considering the circumstances. I still don’t think they can score enough to keep up with Coatesville next week, but we’ll see.
Big upset in 5A in the WPIAL, West Allegheny shocked previously unbeaten Gateway 42-28, Gateway had given up 50 points all year until tonight, I saw WA struggle to beat Woodland Hills last week and thought they had very little chance in this game, tremendous coaching job by Bob Palko.. In the other 5A game Penn Hills came back from a 14-0 first half deficit to beat Peters Twp 22-14, I was at that game and was not all that impressed with PH, lots of skill but undisciplined and both O line and D line decent but not great. What I think this means on the state level is neither West A nor Penn Hills will be able to stop Archbishop Wood’s running game in 2 weeks, and you can pencil in AW right now for Hershey, think Manheim Central is the only team that has a chance to beat them. Lots of guys on here thought I was crazy a few weeks ago for saying AW was still the team to beat in 5A, well, looks like they are the team to beat until proven otherwise, cause I don’t see anyone preventing them from getting to Hershey.
What more can I say? Great win by the Knights, especially considering the circumstances. Finding out only hours before the game that you lost any home field advantage and needed to get on a bus all the way to Downingtown. Sure, they get Coatesville next week but for now, this is to be enjoyed. All year they’ve been questioned and all year they have found some way to win. Go Knights!
Coatesville is very, very good. Let nothing I say after this take away from that. They’re neck and neck with 2016 North Penn as the best D1 team in a long time.
But Garnet Valley got taught a humiliating lesson. I hate to say this about a 17/18 year old kid, but their QB totally blew the game for them in the first half. Their passing game had plenty of very basic opportunities to get them on the board. He completely under-threw a big play on the second drive and shorted his receivers for big gains repeatedly after that. They muffed an option on 3rd and short down, then the QB bricked a simple hook route that gave Bryant an “easy” 90 yard pick six.
GV’s coaching staff should take a long look in the mirror after this. They’ll continually roll their league with an occasional hiccup or 2, but they need a QB who can execute simple out routes to be able to compete with the big boys. Granted, they’ve run into 2 dominating programs the last 3 years, but they need to decide whether competing for a state championship is really their goal.
Coatesville wins 42-7, mercy rule. GV played hard — they’ll be back. I liked how C’ville just pounded the ball up the middle (I think they rely on the pass too much sometimes). Hope C’ville doesn’t have to play on NP’s crappy field (I would guess not, but . . . )
As for Imhotep it doesn’t look like teams from the past, they struggle on offense
Np 35
DW 21
North Penn did what a lot of people thought they couldn’t reaching the District Finals. Now they will play Coatesville and good luck with that.
NP 28
DW 21
@ Michael
Please post NP score when final. Thanks
Lost feed with 4 minutes left with C’Ville up 42-7 and GV at the C’Ville 10 but this one’s been decided.
GV was out played from start to finish. Really disappointing.
NP 28
DW 21
4th Q
Coatesville 42 Garnet Valley 7
11:11 left in the 4th QTR
Ortega with the 7 yard TD run. 25 yards in 3 plays.
Mercy rule now in effect
Coateville 35 GV 7 END of 3RD QTR
GV just held C’Ville at own ten, then GV with nice play but a fumble on a strip is recovered by C’Ville and returned to the GV 25 as time ran out in the 3rd quarter.
DTW 21 NP 21 I believe it’s 3rd QTR
GV stopped deep in own territory and forced to punt.
Coatesville takes over at GV 42 yard line.
A little over 3 minutes left in the 3rd QTR.
Barring a miracle, this one is about over folks!
GV is way over matched on athletic ability tonight. I thought they were a little better than this!
TD Coatesville now 35-7 over GV
2 plays
A Young with the 43 yard TD run after an Ortega scramble.
GV rushing defense quite disappointing.
GV starts the second half with the ball from their own 30.
GV moving the ball on the ground out over midfield then mysteriously throws two incompletions.
A gain of 8 on a keeper and an offside gets them a 1st down.
GV converts another 4th and one on a keeper down to the 12.
GV touchdown now 28-7
Drive took up more than 1/2 of third qtr. 5:39 left in 3rd
@ David Mika No problem…I figured may as well update while watching the live stream. C’Ville has looked shaky at times in pass defense but has been able to make stops when GV penetrated deep into C’Ville territory. Some GV receivers have been wide open and weren’t seen.The athletic ability of Ortega and Young have taken over the game along with superior run blocking by the offensive line. The C’Ville ‘O’ line has blocked well for the run but has had numerous leaks when pass blocking. The vaunted C’Ville passing game doesn’t seem to be in sync. Also a few too many bad snaps from center, mostly low. A few nice completions but several coverage sacks also.They are going to have to clean those things up against a better team or they may not make it to the 6A finals. Some tough games before that! To answer your question though…yes I believe they can beat SJP if they’re playing well.
Second half now underway.
C’Ville 28 GV 0 Half
C’Ville has scored on every possession except the first when they went out on downs deep in GV territory.
GV moved the ball a little better in the late 1st and 2nd QTR as they mixed it up a bit but couldn’t punch it in.
C’Ville hasn’t been able to pass much, good pressure by GV, but they really haven’t had to because of the running game with Young and the scrambles by Ortega.
GV receives second half kickoff
Mike A….Nice job updating us….The question is can they beat St. Joseph’s Prep in the Class 6A finals?
C’Ville now up 28-0 after C’Ville return interception 91 yards for a TD 4:12 left in 1st half.
GV coverts two 4th and one on the drive before the INT
Previously a long scramble run by Ortega I believe, about 50 yards, made it 21-0.
This one’s going to be a mercy rule soon if GV can’t score!
C’Ville 14 GV 0 End of 1st QTR
2 Aaron Young TD’s, both up the gut, one was 69 yards.
GV run game being stuffed for the most part. Going to the air now to try to loosen things up. Guys getting open but some being missed.
C’Ville pass defense a little shaky in the 1st QTR
C’Ville just stopped GV with a 4th and 6 on the C’Ville 19 with 46 seconds left in 1st qtr.
A Young in beast mode tonight
Newman:
1st, this is not the district final
2nd, the D1 final 2 years ago was played at NP ( grass)
@et all:
So gang, no live streaming ( free of course) of the NP/DTW game tonite that you know of?
Here is the updated list of games being moved to Saturday >> https://www.easternpafootball.com/news/piaa-hs-football-playoff-schedule-changes-for-nov-16th-2018/
Hello Newman……..wth (only on turf??)?? Don’t think so. Played at Crawford 2 years ago (I believe)…….
Entire District 3 football tournament slate rescheduled
http://highschoolsports.pennlive.com/news/article/-8157027890412064788/entire-district-3-football-tournament-slate-rescheduled/
My guess as to why they are playing the NP/DTW game at Downingtown?? $$$$ I’m sure NP was already paying to use the Wissahickon stadium, why would they want to pay more for snow removal?? Or maybe Wissahickon wasn’t going to bother cleaning the stadium period. At least now it is at one, if not the best football facility in all of the D1/D12 area.
@ Bleed Black and Red – completely agree, as I’ve stated on this board in the past, just hard to understand why NP has not installed turf yet, if they lose tonight have only themselves to blame, maybe now the school board will see the light and figure out they need to fast track the renovations at Crawford. Agree with Kevin X .that it’s absolutely ridiculous and embarrassing to change sites only hours before the game is scheduled, wouldn’t be surprised if some fans aren’t aware of the change and show up at Wissahickon and wonder what the heck is going on.
@Chief: the Garnet Valley football website has a link to their webcast. It is listing the game tonight as on the schedule, so perhaps they ponied up the $ to broadcast.
@KevinX: how could that work? That would be some loooong commutes. I thought it was ridiculous when Sun Valley went in the Ches Mont since they have no natural rivalry at all with any of the teams and the distances just don’t make sense, but this would be crazy.
@ Chief Red Raider – I heard that GV is live streaming the game on their football website.
@Kevin X
Something is in the works, the initial move of the West Chester East and West Chester Henderson that was approved a couple weeks ago has now been rejected by the league principals and AD’s.
The logical move would be to just do district-wide scheduling for 6A. If this merger does take place you are going to have 22 of the 35 6A teams in the same division/conference. In addition to that at least half of D1 schools from 4A and 5A will be involved in the merger.
Would be interesting to see the alignment of the division since the logistics make it crazy for a team such as Avon Grove. I would assume they would stay linked to Coatesville, DTE and DTW. The rest of the division is going to have to be comprised of some SOL schools and possibly a school like Chester. Most if not all SOL schools are some 50-75 miles from Avon Grove. Might not seem bad, but I can just imagine parents/fans making those treks on a Friday night in rush hour traffic. In addition to the added cost of the school districts for the transportation cost of for players/band/cheerleaders.
Zack, Knight, Buddy…I’m pretty sure District finals are required to be played on turf so there will be no more games at Crawford Stadium this year.
Rumor has it the NP / DTW game moved to DTW! That’s Bull…………. if it’s true!
Will it be live streamed anywhere? And why did they do this.
You NP fans, NPTV will not be streaming it.
…..and tonight’s Unionville/Upper Dublin game has been moved to tomorrow at 1:30p. These last minute changes are an absolute disgrace and joke. The people who run these events, are they completely clueless???
I just read on another site the DTW and NP game has been switched to DTW tonight from Wissahickon, anyone else hear that? And if true why was the game moved, doesn’t seem to make any sense.
North Penn vs Downingtown West game moved from Wissahickon high school to Kottmeyer Stadium at Downingtown West
HAHA
Maybe now the powers-at-be in North Penn will install some turf. It’s bad enough that home games are being moved to a neutral site, but it’s downright embarrassing when the game is now being played on the home field of your lower-seeded opponent some 40 miles from your school.
So much for that……
“The latest ChesMont realignment passed two weeks ago tat would have an eight team American Division and a five team National is dead. Principals and AD’s rejected the plan this morning.”
This has been re-tweeted a few times recently……..thoughts???
“Suburban One League still discussing possible merger with DelVal and ChesMont for football only.”
I might have missed it, but can anyone tell me if (and where) the CV/GV game is televised? I’d even settle for a radio broadcast 🙂 Thanks in advance.
@Jeff H. I agree with both your GV-C’ville and HBG-CD analysis. I think you pegged the score about right for GV-C’ville. I think HBG-CD may have a few more points than last time also. I’ll go with HBG something like 27-17. I think CD needs a critical turnover or two to win. If HBG gets some big plays in the kicking game, which they have lately, that will make it real tough on CD, who does have a very good defense. Everson can really frustrate a good defense.
@ Knight Time – you better hope GV pulls the big upset over Coatesville because if you face them in the final I don’t like your chances, because I don’t think NP can score enough to keep up with them. I do have to give NP credit, they keep finding ways to win, which is the mark of a really good team, and I think they’ll likely find a way tomorrow to beat Dwest. The only chance GV has in the other game is to control the clock and limit Coatesville to 7-8 possessions the whole game, and not turn the ball over, the other thing is they can’t fall behind by 2 TD’s, because if they have to play catchup think the rout will be on, I like Coatesville by at least 2 scores and maybe 3, something like 38-21.
In D3 I think CD gives Harrisburg all they can handle, expect a pretty low scoring slug-fest, CD did shut them out in the first half of the earlier game, think they score more points this time and anticipate it to being close well into the 4th quarter with Harrisburg scoring a late TD to win, but I wouldn’t be surprised if CD upsets them.
@ Zack:
So NP wanted to play all these games away from home? Saving the really tough ones for Crawford eh?
Or maybe they will find another field to play on that’s grass, just to screw C’ville?
In 2003 , when they won states, they didn’t play a single playoff game at home, and they were #1 seed.
@Booby:
Isn’t LaSalle & SJP all boys schools? I read last year that SJP has 999 students. I assumed all boys.
@ Bobby A – I’m aware of Wood’s enrollment, and give them credit for playing up in 5A, I didn’t mean to imply they were a “big” school based on enrollment, given their tradition and 5 state titles in the last 10 yrs I put them in the category of “big” privates, or more accurately powerhouse privates along with Erie Prep, who actually has a larger enrollment than Wood but still plays at 4A. My point was you can’t expect the smaller 1A and 2A private schools that struggle to compete against public schools their own size in the same class as the powerhouse private schools, there are several smaller catholic schools in the WPIAL like Greensburg Central Catholic, Serra Catholic, Seton LaSalle, etc. and if any of them had to play Pittsburgh Central Catholic they would get crushed and could get some kids injured due to the disparity in size and speed of the players. I think all this talk about splitting between privates and publics is nonsense and not workable in PA due to the lack of private schools in many areas of the state.
@zack hopefully I get to see 1 more game @ crawford this year. I think it will be against GV because they are the more disciplined team.
@Jeff H.
I understand your point; however, Wood is not a large catholic school. They have 351 boys, which makes them the smallest school in the PCL Red. They are actually 4A by enrollment. For comparison, LaSalle has 813 and SJP has 660. Again, your point is well taken, but to say Wood has a large enrollment is just a misrepresentation.
Anyone want to place bets on the D1 final (if its NP/Coatesville) that it will be played in Crawford on the grass? It could have 20 inches of rain(it won’t) and I’m sure they would find a way to make sure that game would be played on grass.
Gonna give this Coatesville/Garnet Valley game a little more hype – should be the most intriguing game in the state this weekend along with Thomas Jefferson/South Fayette in 4A.
I’d love to see a replay of last year, when Coatesville was forced to dig deep and rely on their best players to make the big plays at big moments. If not, this side of the bracket is going to be a snoozefest. I’ve said it before on here and I’ll say it again- GV is the is only team that can threaten Coatesville until the state final. As much as North Penn seems to have gotten their act together (at least defensively), I don’t trust Dick Beck in games against elite teams- he graduated from the Andy Reid school of clock management. Further, Harrisburg just simply has to prove it can win big games at 6A before I take them seriously.
Ville would be a minimum 16.5 pt favorite to give them a 3 score headway. Their defense is very underrated in comparison to their overwhelming offense, and we’re going to see them move the ball at will until they get in the red zone. GV’s defense is a prototypical bend-but-don’t-break, so they’re going to have to force a turnover or 2 (on downs or otherwise) inside the 20 for this game to be competitive. The GV offense is going to give the Coatesville D a disciplined gameplan unlike anything they’ve seen or prepared for so far, and they have depth that will just keep coming in waves. But if Coatesville has their typical success with 20+ yard scoring plays, they will roll as usual. The skill position talent gap is lopsided, as it will be with anyone until they potentially meet SJP.
@Knight Time…Me too! I got NP/DTW as a virtual toss up. Hoping NP moves on to face either Coatesville or Garnet Valley.
@Mike A, glad your rankings don’t hold any weight.
@Buddy, @Bleed Red & Black is correct the game is at Wissahickon
@Buddy
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It’s official –
The District One 6A Semifinal between North Penn and Downingtown West will be played at Wissahickon High School on Friday night at 7pm.
8:16 AM – 14 Nov 2018
Remember that these rating are based on the entire body of work for the season not just an individual game or upset. Therefore, the rankings may have a team that is out of the playoffs ranked higher than a than a team that is still alive.
Mike’s Eastern 6A Top Ten 11/13/2018
1) St. Joseph’s Prep 78.9
2) Coatesville 77.6
3) Harrisburg 72.9
4) Central Dauphin 64.4
5) Garnet Valley 58.8
6) Bethlehem Freedom 56.2
7) Downingtown West 56
8) Downingtown East 55.8
9) Emmaus 55.3
10) North Penn 54.7
Honorable Mention
LaSalle 54, Manheim Township 53.8, Wilson 52.3, Neshaminy 49.1,Truman 48, Parkland 46.7, Easton 45.3, Chambersburg 45.3
Mike’s State 6A Top Ten 11/13/2018
1) St. Joseph’s Prep 78.9
2) Coatesville 77.6
3) Harrisburg 72.9
4) Pine Richland 69.3
5) State College 65.9
6) North Alleghenny 65.2
7) Central Dauphin 64.4
8) Seneca Valley 62.5
9) Garnet Valley 58.8
10) Bethlehem Freedom 56.2
Honorable Mention
Downingtown West 56, Downingtown East 55.8, Emmaus 55.3, North Penn 54.7, Pittsburgh Central Catholic 54.4, LaSalle 54, Manheim Township 53.8, Wilson 52.3, Neshaminy 49.1, Truman 48, Mt. Lebanon 47.8
@ Bleed:
You sure?
I thought they wait til Fri. morning to call that.
@Buddy
It’s going to be played at Wissahickon again Friday night.
Anyone know where the DTW/NP game will be played?
I be shocked if it’s at NP. The school board might wait ’til the last minute to decide.
@Jeff H
I see what your saying about the smaller schools. Just throw them all the hell out then.
@Mick – there are some very small private/catholic schools, are you going to put the 1A and 2A schools in with the very large privates like SJP, Archbishop Wood and Pittsburgh Central Catholic? That’s not fair to anyone, particularly the smaller schools that aren’t even competitive against public schools their size, that would lead to a very dangerous situation, and isn’t a practical solution. When you think about it there are only maybe 10-12 private schools across all 6 classifications that are a factor in the state playoffs, it’s most noticeable of course at the higher classes, as the public schools typically dominate the lower classes, with the exception of Bishop Guilfoyle’s run in 1A a few yrs ago.
@ Mick
Basketball YES!!!
Football and other sports NO!!!
Mmmmm, SoCo vs. Scranton Prep, Middletown, CEC, the Quips of D7, all of AAA fame??? Run that table?? No idea, but would love to see it play out on the field!! SoCo vs Valley View for the Great NE/NoCentral Overall Championship and bragging rights, be worth a drive up the NE Extension!!!!
@Bojangles – in a word, no, expect SoCol to beat either LV or Richland by 3 TD’s, they are that much better than everyone else in 2A, agree they would likely win 3A, but 4A is a whole different story, doubt they would beat the traditional powers in 4A.
@d3 Mike – you are right, Erie Prep is not nearly as good as their prior 2 teams state championship teams, but they are still very good, I’ve seen them play once this year, I just don’t see them winning the title again. TJ has a mental block against them, that’s why I don’t like their chances to beat them, but if South Fayette upsets TJ on Saturday I give them a chance against ECP because they have a very good passing game and might be able to exploit Prep’s secondary. The only flexibility TJ has with their schedule is the week O game, and they have a scrimmage instead of scheduling a game, imo they would be better off playing a powerhouse team from 5A or 6A than another scrimmage, other than that the WPIAL makes the schedule, although they could ask the WPIAL to schedule tougher non conference games, this year they played a horrible 5A Connelsville and a mediocre 3A Central Valley as their 2 non conference games, which did absolutely nothing to prepare them for the state playoffs.
The Prep vs. Tep trilogy was entertaining, but would be nice to see some new teams this year, maybe Becahi or VV will upset Imhotep, and the D3 winner will get past the Prep/WPIAL winner, we’ll see, expect some very competitive games the next few weeks.
I don’t know the other teams you mentioned but York would be one and done most years. District 3 isn’t great at 2A now that Lancaster Catholic and Wyomissing moved up. (Both won state titles at 2A within the past few years and play at 3A now).
And this isn’t most years, since Southern Columbia probably has the best small school team in memory. They might mercy rule the field.
I know that S Columbia could most likely win 3 and compete in 4A…but is there any chance for York or the Richland/ligonier winner
@D3 Mike,
Disclaimer: I am a Valley View alum but I won’t tell you or anyone they are the best and will smoke all of 4A. I was interested to see what neutral people have to say.
What I will say is this…I was at the VV/Tep game last year when isheem young pretty much beat us by himself. They are not AS good and we are better. They are most certainly beatable. Like You said, was there enough of a change to eliminate a 41 point gap? The gap is definitely narrowed, by how much? I don’t know. They still have a Baylor commit and a WV commit, plus more D1 prospects. So for sure the whole east, including us are all u underdogs. I can only hope for a great game.
@Jeff H
I watched ECP get steamrolled in 2015 by Tep. Of course Tep had something like 8 or 9 D1 guys and their line averaged 6’5 308 that year I believe. And then of course ECP regrouped and beat Tep the next two years. It was fun to watch the trilogy but it’s nice to see new teams in.
I agree with D3 Mike that 4A is wide open this year. And any “predictions” once we get to next week could literally go either way it’s that close imo. TJ vs SF..fayette could win that game for sure. Berks/mcdevitt…same thing. Bechai/pottsgrove…Bechai prob wins that. And then Tep/VV. It’s going to be fun to watch.
I propose that the PIAA creates another class for all Catholic and privates schools no matter what size the school. Too much recruiting by these schools and nothing gets done. I went to Catholic high school and I am sick of all of them.
@Sky I wasn’t there so I can’t comment on what happened Friday night. But I’ve seen several LaSalle-SJP games in recent years and a fair number of other Prep games (often a computer screen, which of course offers a better view than almost anyone at the game has) and I’ve never seen the Prep hit the opposing team’s center when in a goal line defense in a way that would likely or even very possibly cause an injury. If two Prep defensive linemen hammered LaSalle’s center in the way you say they did, I think the officials should at least have thrown a flag for unsportsmanlike conduct or unnecessary roughness. And if there was clear intent to injure or, since such intent is hard to be sure of, reckless action that could lead to injury, the players should have been thrown out of the game. (I’m next to certain the officials can do that.) And, frankly, if what you describe is what the officials saw, I have no idea why they didn’t act accordingly.
The context of my comments is hearing from a few LaSalle people myself in recent years and from family and friends in contact with other LaSalle people–I’m a Prep guy–that the Prep has thrown a lot of money at the football program, brought in a lot of “athletes,” and is way too cocky and aggressive while LaSalle plays a cleaner, more disciplined game with players who may not be as talented but who “play their hearts out” and, in a case of “virtue rewarded,” spring the occasional upset over the Prep. (Maybe a combination of factors had LaSalle thinking lightening would strike again on Friday.) I know I’m not entirely objective, but I can recall a few LaSalle-Prep games, Including ones the Prep won, e.g. regular season 2015, where the officiating struck me as strikingly biased in favor of LaSalle.
Jeff, why doesn’t TJ schedule better non-conference foes? Does the WPIAL restrict it in some way?
And yeah, Cathedral Prep plays a tough schedule but they do every year … and they were still undefeated 6 of the 7 times they made the state finals previously (1 loss the other time). This year they have 2 losses, so just based on the prior year comparisons I don’t think they’re as good as their previous state final teams (FWIW I’ve seen them play exactly zero minutes). Just read a bit in the Erie paper.
Should be a good game out west, though. I’d love to see BC get another shot at Prep but will be pulling for TJ just so I don’t have to hear their coach crying about non-boundaries in the post-game again 🙂 Where will that one be played this year?
Also, agreed on BC needing to control tempo in D3. A true contrast in styles with BC grinding the wing-T and McDevitt airing it out.
PS If anyone has access to the MaxPreps tool (I can’t find it) I’d be curious to see the strength of schedule ratings for the top 4A schools. McDevitt and Berks both played decent slates this year and Imhotep always does.
@Sky – I’m from Pittsburgh and have a lot of respect for the job Infante’s done at SJP and by all accounts seemed to be a class act, but if the reports I heard about Friday’s game against LaSalle are true then I agree with you 100%, bush league and classless move. And some of the LaSalle guys have been saying that’s not the first time something like that has happened, not sure how accurate that is but my respect for Infante just went down several notches. I root against them just because I’m a public school fan and from the other side of the state, but all the more reason to hope Coatesville or someone else beats them.
@D3 Mike & Bojangles – ECP is starting to get healthier and got Billy Lucas back last week, and I give them the edge over the WPIAL winner, which I think will be TJ for the 4th yr in a row, but expect South Fayette to give them their toughest challenge of the year on Saturday at Heinz. ECP plays a way more difficult schedule than TJ (or SF for that matter) and that comes back to haunt TJ when they play Prep, if they are ever going to beat them this is probably the year, but I don’t see it happening (and I hope I’m wrong because I’m a WPIAL guy) I do think the D3 winner has a good chance to beat ECP this year, and think McDevitt and BC is a tossup, if BC is going to win think they need to control the clock and limit the number of possessions McDevitt gets, because I don’t think they are going to beat them if it turns into a shootout.
In the east I agree and don’t see anyone beating Imhotep, think the D3 winner and Imhotep would make for a good final in Hershey, before the playoffs started I picked BC vs.Imhotep on this board, and I’m sticking to that prediction for now.
@FrankG..come on, a team as disciplined as Prep is, jumping offsides twice before cadence even starts is just crap….this cheap shot maneuver is bush league at best. Its hard to respect the best team in the state when they do this kind of garbage. Coaching staff should be ashamed of themselves for coaching this behavior.
@Bojangles now you’re talking!
It’s a lot closer this year – any of 6 schools could realistically win the state title.
Thomas Jefferson is stronger and Cathedral lost a lot of talent plus has had injury issues. I’ll take TJ in a close one in that quarter (assuming TJ makes it past a very good South Fayette team).
McDevitt is a bad match up for Berks Catholic. I’m an alum and have been to most of their games – great front 7 but inexperienced and a bit slow in the secondary. Malvern torched them up top as Cathedral did in years past. We’ll see if BC can get to the QB or not. Should be a great game but I’d have to pick McDevitt in a shootout.
Valley View is improved but have they narrowed the Imhotep gap by 41 points?Imhotep isn’t amazing this year but they’ve been to a bunch of consecutive state finals now. With their schedule, experience, and D1 talent that side of the bracket is still theirs to lose.
Imhotep
TJ
Erie
McDevitt
Berks
Valley View
How bout a break from 6A for a bit…since imhotep and ECP are not the monsters they’ve been the last few years…any thoughts/predictions on 4A?
I’m pretty sure 3CTV is not covering the C’viile/GV game — announcer said it was their last game on Friday. I think the cost is prohibitive (thanks to the PIAA). They did the district final last year, so I guess if they got the finances they would cover it.
I doubt 3CTV broadcast the Cville/Garnet Valley game. I believe they made mention this past week on the broadcast that it was going to be there last of the year.
The PIAA is charging these stations anywhere from $350-$500 per game for 5A/6A. To broadcast the entire D1 playoffs a station is going to be spending almost $2,000. Although it is a luxury to have (especially if you stayed home the past 2 weeks with the weather) I doubt these stations have the sponsorship revenue to be able to do it more than a couple weeks. Not sure about the NPTV, I think according to PIAA rules they get a discount if it a school-owned station. Even still the school is going to be paying out hundreds of dollars to broadcast all the games.
@ Buddy, et al…..
3CTV is done broadcasting/streaming football games this season. Their last game was last Friday. No GV/C’Ville game (or any other game) broadcast/stream this week from them.
Friday: NP was 11th seed in 2011, went to state final lost to CD 14-7.
But I say so what. If you aren’t in a group of 8, you don’t make playoffs.
Of course that year ( 2011), it would have been a travesty if NP didn’t make it.
Also, D1 lowers to 8 teams, the rest of the state will follow suit. They almost have to.
@ et al:
3CTV covers Chesmont football live. I assume they will cover C’ville / GV.
But will they also cover DTW/NP ? Or can they only be in one place at a time?
@Buddy:
With the way the PPL works, Central is in the toughest division (i.e. with Imhotep, Northeast, Gratz, Bartram, Frankford) so they have recently struggled in the regular season. Then they play some of the teams in the lower divisions in the playoffs (the seeding system is super wonky) and win a couple games before losing again. The PPL playoffs also start a week before the rest of the state. In general, that playoff system could use some (read: a lot of) tweaking, but I guess they want all the city public schools to play in a playoff if they make it through the season without forfeiting.
My updated, revamped, streamlined, even steven no bye week, 32 team 5 week 6A playoff bracket suggestion that still reasonably retains and crowns district champions (really not too much different from what we have now)………..
D1 – 8 teams (this was tough as you have 33 teams competing, but hey, we have all chalk right now with the final four)
D3 – 8 teams (well done D3, already in place)
D11 – 4 teams (we had the best 4 D11 teams playing this past weekend, question is, would we originally have Parkland or Stroudsburg as the 4 seed)
D12 – 4 teams (sorry no separate PCL and PPL over the top useless playoff, figure it out during the regular season, and figure out your 4 reps)
D7 – 4 teams (sure that will send shivers up the spines of WPIAL traditionalist and messes with their Heinz Field final, but oh well, something has to give)
D 2/4/6/8/10 – 4 teams (State College and 3 other sacrificial lambs to fill out the bracket and have some form of inclusive representation)
Buddy-
Remember though, NP has made it to the final or won D1 from lower than the 8th seed on more than 1 occasion. I believe the year they lost to CD in the state final they were either the 9th or 11th seed. Not sure if going down to 8 actually gives you the best teams in the district.
@Friday
NPTV has never, in the past, streamed games live.
When did this start and are you sure?
BTW, did you see the last game on NPTV? Horrible. Film was fragmented. It would freeze, when started again, play was over.
There just isn’t a great way to do the brackets when every district has a different number of teams, and so many districts now have only 1 or 2 schools in a class.
If you break down the 90 teams in 6A to get to the semi-finals you have:
D1: 33 schools
D11/D12: 22 schools
D7/D2/D4/D6/D8/D10: 18 schools
D3: 17 schools
D1 has the most teams by far; D3 second most by almost a half dozen. There just isn’t a cleaner way to split them up IMO. I think the PIAA did their best on that.
BUT… they should require all districts to have their bye week in week 11 instead of week 14. That’s within their control so I think the PIAA dropped the ball there.
Of course that still doesn’t change the fact that the D1 winner still needs to be the best out of 33 teams as opposed to 17, 18, or 22. So it will never be “fair”; the best the PIAA can do is make it less unfair with how byes can be allotted by the districts.
@Sky I find it very odd that if such unsportsmanlike and even dangerous play is so obvious to those of you in the LaSalle stands watching those plucky Explorers playing their hearts out SJP has yet to be appropriately penalized, especially since, according to you, it’s been common practice for SJP to take such cheap shots for several years now.
Buddy-
NPTV on youtube has been streaming all home games, including playoff games at Wissahickon. If the weather is decent I will be there, if not I will be streaming it on the TV with a fire and an adult beverage.
No question a bye late in the playoffs is an advantage, part of the problem with the move to 6 classes is there’s not enough teams to field a full playoff bracket in each class, the way things are set up now some teams have to get byes, as Kevin X. mentioned there are 5 situations out of the 12 brackets where this occurs. The WPIAL winners in 1A and 3A have a bye after the district championship next week, just like the Harrisburg/CD winner. In fact the WPIAL 3A winner the last 2 years has had a bye after the WPIAL championship, then had to win 1 game to get to Hershey, and both of course subsequently won the state title (Beaver Falls & Quaker Valley). I think those 2 teams were the best teams in the years they won, but there’s no doubt they had an advantage by having a bye in the quarterfinal round while everyone else was playing. The way to avoid that is to eliminate a week off the playoffs so you can put together a full playoff bracket where no one gets byes, and maybe it still doesn’t work, but it’s something I think the PIAA needs to address.
Prep/LaSalle—-LaSalle played their hearts out against a better team. They gave St. Joes Prep all they wanted. Infante is a great coach, that can’t be denied. Personally, I think that any coach that would coach their defense to purposefully jump offsides at the goal line to get a free hit at the center and qb is a classless jerk who should be penalized severely for this lack of sportsmanship and potential for injuring a player. For more clarification, LaSalle was first and goal from the Prep 1. Not once, but twice in a row, as soon as the offense was set before cadence was started, the defensive lineman over the center jumped off the line of scrimmage and hammered a cheap shot at the center and the qb. This is, and has been a common practice for Prep to do this to opponents for some years now. I myself have seen this activity numerous times. When it is obvious what they are doing, why is it tolerated? At some point in time this activity is going to cause an injury, most likely a neck considering the impact. Any input by any refs in the forum would be appreciated.
@Kevin X
MaxPreps Strength of Schedule Top 5 in PA
1)Roman Catholic 44.4 (wow!…brutal ) includes SJP twice, Malvern Prep, Acrhbishop Wood, Conwell-Egan Catholic, Downingtown East, Archbishop Ryan, LaSalle, Springside Chesnut Hill Academy, Father Judge
2)LaSalle 37.7
3)Archbishop Wood 36
4)Cumberland Valley 35.8 * see below
5)Mt.Lebanon 34.6
SJP came in at 32.7 (8th) just behind PCC at 33.5 (6th) and Seneca Valley (7th) at 32.9
*Cumberland Valley’s Schedule MaxPreps State Rankings (Other rankings may vary slightly)
Teams on the Cumberland Valley schedule:
Coatesville #2 6A
Harrisburg #3 6A
State College #5 6A
Central Dauphin #7 6A
Chambersburg #22 6A
Central York District 3 6A qualifier
Bishop McDevitt #5 4A
Kevin:
Agree with a lot of that. D1 6A: 16 teams make playoffs. Absurd. I think it should be 8 ( used to be), or at best 12 teams with 4 byes.
D1 5A is the same ( 16 teams), in that case, it gets more absurd. There’s where you have a lot more sub .500 teams get in.
Some coaches have stated the a bye week hurts their teams. There’s some validity to that. You lose your roll.
The PPL in D12 is really a shame. Don’t they have enough public schools in Philly that play football?
Ironically, an 0-9 team has won their 1st two playoff games! So………. who the hell knows.
@ Jay
Yes, hard to disagree with you or anyone else stating that a mid playoff bye week is not an advantage and is unfair. A quick look at the brackets, D3 6A is one of 5 situations where this plays out statewide. First round byes on the other hand, I’m all for if it means cutting down on the number of teams in the playoffs, especially these 2-8 and 3-7, etc. teams. Call it a reward for a team that has a great regular season and getting a week break and a subsequent home game to commence their playoff run.
The SJP situation, kind of neutral on that. Believe for the last several years they have only 8 regular season games scheduled. They had 8 again this year, but their opening game against St. Frances was called in the 3rd quarter due to weather conditions (yes, weather). But their regular season schedule is in my option the toughest in the state, by far. Six of their eight games (St. Frances, St. Peter’s Prep, Our Lady of Good Counsel, LaSalle, Wood and Ryan) are not exactly chopped liver. The only other PIAA team that may be in the discussion is LaSalle (Imhotep, North Penn, Malvern Prep, SJP, Wood and Ryan). I think playing high caliber opponents week in week out versus a schedule full of average teams evens things out.
Will the DTW vs NP game be live streamed?
If so, where?
@ Knight Time or anybody else
Any word on White? He is so important. Seemed like a number of NP players got banged up in that game. Hopefully they will all be available Friday. Another hard fought win for the Knights!
How far can Rustin go? They have only lost to Coatesville and East. Also, any predictions on the 6A games? I have no idea concerning NP and DTW — NP ekes out wins and DTW is hard to figure.
Plus they might be playing on the crappy NP field. For C’ville to basically lock down DTE’s running game is a good sign for them against GV, and I’m not sure GV can stop C’ville’s offense. C’ville needs to watch the penalties (still not sure how many are legit — 2 TD’s called back in row last night???).
FINAL Harrisburg 36 Wilson 12
Harrisburg led 30-0 at halftime. Wilson had 53 total yards offense in the first half. Wilson scored its final TD with about 6:30 left after Harrisburg had built a 36-6 lead.
From my previous post: Wilson has given up a lot passing and I’m sure they haven’t seen anyone as dynamic as Everson so Harrisburg should thrive Saturday. I got Harrisburg winning by 3-4 TD’s. Something like 38-14 with Wilson scoring a late TD.
I get prediction right once in a while.
So much for all those who said NP would be knocked out early in the districts. They continue to do what they have done all season. Play tough D and find a way to win. 1st 2 playoff games won without their starting fullback Julian “Thunder” White who is a vital part of NP’s strong running game. Hopefully he will return Friday night against DTW.
I can only speak for myself, but for me the big deal about moving a football game for weather is that it’s misaligned with the values instilled in me by playing the sport.
Football taught me about obstacles, adversity, and perseverance. It follows that I just don’t believe in moving games due to rain, or wind, or snow … or skipping practice due to aches and pains … or transferring after junior year because my team sucks. All of these things are related in that they reflect taking the easy way out.
To me, high school football is as much about getting smoked on a miserable November night, losing with the guys I grew up with, as it is about getting featured on a state ranking on PennLive.
Playing in bad weather represents everything I loved about high school football; moving games reflects the artificiality of what so much of the sport has become. My two cents.
@Jeff H. Central Dauphin definitely has a chance. I think they’ll be about a 14 point underdog. In the first contest they shut out Harrisburg in the first half and were leading 5-0 at the half. Harrisburg finally got rolling in the second half and won 20-5. The defense actually only gave up 2 TD’s to Harrisburg, the third coming on an interception return. Harrisburg’s defense is underrated. They have improved over the season and are very tough. The question will be can CD score enough to beat Harrisburg. A big play or two or a turnover would help. Burkhart had been a beast over the last several games. I think the next one will be a little higher scoring, something like 28-14 Harrisburg.
@All Thanks for the input on the ratings I’m sure I’ll have a few tweaks next week, especially after that Seneca Valley win…IMPRESSIVE!
Well we’re down to the business end of the D1 tournament, and 3 of the 4 teams I expected to see are playing in the semis. I’m unsure of what to expect from DTW because the only two times I saw them play this year were the blowout loss at Coatesville and the 14-13 near loss against Bishop Shanahan. Clearly they’re a good team, or they wouldn’t still be playing. I just can’t see them beating North Penn. Heck of a win last night though. I keep thinking what if Truman didn’t get that penalty for celebrating after going up 22-21, which gave DTW great field position in the final drive… hats off to both teams for an exciting game.
Coatesville is just scary good. I had to watch my neighbors kids because they had an emergency, but we live a mile from the stadium so it was torturous for me to have to watch the game online (great stream though) while listening to the crowd outside. Small crowd but still.
I don’t know enough about Garnet Valley to make an educated guess on next weeks game, but I know they’ll be Coatesvilles toughest challenge yet, and it’s also a revenge match. I know that they run the ball a lot, but to be honest, despite Coatesvilles highly talented offense, I honestly think their defense is even better. If they hadn’t taken out their starters last night, that game would’ve been 50-something to nothing. But I mean DTE absolutely no disrespect. They are a good team, and as I read in the paper today, Coach Matta pointed out that in the last two seasons they are 19-5, with four of those losses coming to Coatesville.
And on another note, I think it’s wildly unfair that the D3 champion gets a bye week before the Eastern Final. And that SJP has played three fewer games than the field. How does the PIAA allow this? Do you guys agree that the bye week is a huge advantage, or am I overreacting because I’m obviously a bit biased?
I went back and re-read recent posts about the playing of some of the games last night. Seems to be about a 50/50 split on those who commented about playing (or not playing). I was one against playing. Maybe I should say not so much against playing, but more of what is the big deal about simply postponing these game 18-24 hrs?? Anyway, maybe more on that later. But maybe D1 (and others who played) did look ahead and see that today the forecast was for very strong winds. I believe wind wreaks much more havoc to a game then plain old rain. Sure its uncomfortable for fans who attend a game, cheerleader, band, officials, stadium workers, etc. but play will go on and affect each team equally. Unless like someone stated before, if lighting or real serious situation, games can soldier on (and take a nice financial hit, but again, maybe more on that later). Wind however, just really messes with the passing and kicking games, and has a much greater negative effect on the game itself. Here’s hoping for calm, cool (not cold), dry weather next Friday night.
Hats off to North Penn for a tough win. Defense on both sides played very well. Key points in game Neshaminys line could not give the QB anytime to throw when needed. North Penn’s McNamara is a player. DW & North Penn should be a tight game.
If I had to guess I would assume Coach Matta from Downingtown East left the majority of the starters in like QB Davis, WR’s Riley/Choi and RB’s Jonassaint/Hamilton in the game in the blowout was because they were all seniors and you would hate to see their high school careers end in that fashion. I personally didn’t have a problem with it, but a large portion of the Coatesville fans took exception to it thinking they were just trying to pad the stats while running against the JV team.
As much talk as the Coatesville offense gets and rightfully so, it’s about time people start taking notice to the defense. They’ve been allowing less than 11 points per game this season and that is with the backups playing large portions of the 2nd half in almost every game this year. Tonight was no different as DTE was lucky if they had 50 yards of total offense in the 1st half before calling off the dogs at halftime.
They will get their biggest test to date next week against a very good Garnet Valley team. As others have said they don’t do anything fancy on offense. You basically know what is coming and hope that you have the gameplan to stop/slow it down. The extended weather outlook looks promising for next Friday, so I expect the stands to be filled at Coatesville
Big surprise in the WPIAL with Seneca Valley taking down previously undefeated and top ranked NA 31-14 on NA’s home field. PR rolled over Mt Lebo 46-16 to set up the final next week at Heinz. Can SV slay the big 3 in the WPIAL 3 weeks in a row after taking out PCC last week. Whoever wins is going to have a battle with State College in the quarterfinals, and SJP will beat the winner the following week pretty comfortably.
@ Buddy – you and I agree to disagree, it is in no way unfair for the fans, prepare accordingly for the weather, that’s why they make raincoats and umbrellas. I can guarantee you the players would prefer to play no matter the conditions. Football was meant to be played in the elements as long as the conditions are not dangerous, that’s part of the charm of the game, period.
@Mike A – how do you like CD’s chances against Harrisburg, assuming they beat Wilson tomorrow as expected
As many of you probably know, the NFL Oakland Raiders stink. Its a shame, as their famous motto “Just win, baby” is pretty much useless, to them anyways. So I propose we give it to a team that is much more deserving, the North Penn Knights!!!
@Chief Yep…not sure why some thought East was going to be any different this time around. Clearly, Coatesville has the superior athletes.
FINAL Central Dauphin 27 Manheim Township 0 It appears CD’s defense is firing on all cylinders (kind of thought they’d get revenge for that early season loss)
FINAL Cedar Cliff 33 Warwick 23 These two teams were pretty even coming in IMO
Coatesville was leading 38-0 at the half — mercy rule 2nd half. Unbelievably the D-town coach played his starters (if not all — most of them) the entire 2nd half against C’ville’s 2nd team (scored 19 points — what does that prove?). I was hoping Ortega brought the 1st team back in to send a message, but I guess he wasn’t as worked up about it as I was.
Looks like a lot of fans dressed up as an empty bleacher tonight in the ‘Ville……….
I’m in Coatesville right now and the rain isn’t heavy at all. Not sure what the forecast calls for, or how saturated the field is already, but currently the conditions are not that bad.
Unfortunately I’m unable to make the game tonight, so thank God for online streaming.
Go Red Raiders, but best of luck to all the teams leaving it all out on the field tonight!!
Rainfall expected in the 7PM-10PM time frame tonight:
Generally places west of Coatesville to Reading to Wilkes-Barre will get .1″ or less. Places to the east from Wilmington, DE north to Allentown and should get about .1-.25″. Areas east of that south of the turnpike and east of 476 and north of the turnpike along and east of the route 611 corridor (i.e. Easton, Doylestown, Stroudsburg, etc.) could get more than .25″, especially farther east near the PA/NJ border and NE of Philly. A few isolated spots far east along the border could receive up to .5″. The good news is that most of MOST of the moderate to heavy rain should be over by 7 PM in the western areas and by halftime or a little later in the eastern areas except the far eastern areas next to the PA/NJ border. The latest high resolution models show the heaviest rain is over for most by 8-9 PM except the extreme eastern region near the border. So expect conditions to improve slightly, at least as far as intensity is concerned, as the evening progresses.
Have fun and take plenty or rain gear, especially if you are in the eastern areas.
Disclaimer: As a retired former DOD meteorologist and National Weather Service employee I am no longer authorized to issue official weather watches, warnings and advisories. This information is intended for specific users. These are my projections, opinions, and analysis and as such should be used by others only for information and planning at your own risk and not used in lieu of currently certified, licensed, and authorized meteorologists or certified and trained weather forecaster technicians from sources such as local media, National Weather Service, Accuweather, The Weather Channel etc.
Bull……………… if you have an option of playing the next day, then do it!
Not to mention the players, it’s unfair to the fans. The stands will be deserted.
Has any D1 games been postponed? Curious.
As a follow-up to my previous comment great teams win in any kind of weather, rain, snow, wind, etc., if they play the games tonight and one of the top teams gets upset so be it, part of the game. Anyone really think GV is going to lose to Quakertown tonight? If anything their offense should have a big advantage in this weather and they may win by a bigger margin than if it was nice, NP/Neshaminy is a toss-up in any kind of weather, and if Coatesville somehow goes down tonight how good were they? I still think GV and Coatesville win big because they are much better than their opponents and being experienced teams and great programs they should be able to handle the weather conditions.
Completely agree with @Jeff H and @ Bleed Red & Black. The elements is where it’s at. Makes the games intriguing. Stoked for tonite!!!!! You know what time it is????
@Bleed Black & Red – completely agree with you, football is meant to be played in the elements, unless the field is unplayable or there’s lightening, which is a different story, it’s raining steadily now in Western PA and has been since before dawn and by the look of the radar it’s going to rain all day and into this evening, and the WPIAL has not rescheduled any games as of yet and would be shocked if they did so. I’ve sat through many high school football games over the years in the rain/snow/cold, deal with it, it’s part of the game. And I’ll bet if you left it up to the players/coaches the vast majority would say let’s strap em on and play, moving football games because of rain is just another sign that our society is becoming a bunch of wimps, the thought of moving games because of rain would have been laughed at 20-30 years ago, and now today the majority thinks it a good idea, I’m sorry but that’s not progress in my opinion.
I’m with you Chief. This makes no sense. Especially after last Friday’s games. I went to a game last Saturday night and it was just about a perfect November evening for football. I saw that all D2, D4 and D11 games have been postponed to Saturday, only two so far in D1?? If they play the Nesh/NP game I will like last week be warm and dry with beverage of choice in hand watching the game from the comforts of home on the big screen with my Roku device thru NPHS YouTube app and checking in on the DTE/C’Ville game as well via the same set-up. Thank you modern technology and NPHS TV and 3ctv/chesmont football……..
@ chief
Good point. D11, and I believe D3, have moved ALL their games to Sat.
I mean it’s 100% chance of rain tonite. D1 should move all their games.
Maybe they will yet. Let’s hope so.
I don’t get it either Chief. Tomorrow is going to be a wipeout with a clear forecast Saturday.
Big advantage that levels the playing field for lower seeds to keep competitive and possibly steal a playoff win, only to get slaughtered the following weeks when/if the weather is better. Top half of D1 is a toss up between all 4 teams, but I think everyone wants that Coatesville/Garnet Valley game to happen in the bottom half. Would be a shame if one them is neutered by weather.
@Chief
Football is supposed to be played in the elements be it rain, snow, heat or wind. Unless the field is unplayable I see no reason to move games to Saturday.
I could be wrong but I would assume the PIAA doesn’t have a say to move the games to Saturday. I would think it would be decision or AD’s, Principals and Superintendents of the host site to make that type of call.
I had no problem sitting in the rain last week at Cville and will be right back in my spot tomorrow night with more wet conditions expected.
Does anyone know why all the games are not moved to Saturday? I doubt there would be facility use conflicts and better conditions would benefit the players and the spectators — who wants to sit on stiff bleachers in the pouring down rain? (Plus the PIAA would make more money at the gate). It seems like such a no-brainer.
Would be interesting if the D3 champ had to play the D11 champ in a quarterfinal instead of getting a bye to the semifinal. Would definitely prefer this as a D11 fan than having to face the D12 champ (i.e. SJP) in the quarters, lol.
@b – I’m sorry but I refuse to believe the NP school board couldn’t find the money for a turf field if they really wanted it, virtually all of the larger schools in western PA have turf, as do some of the smaller schools in 2A and 3A, districts that have a much lower per capita income than NP, so seems from afar they don’t want turf for whatever reason, perhaps the coaching staff prefers a grass field, I dunno, but it’s sure not helping them for the playoffs, maybe if they lose to Neshaminy tomorrow night the school board will finally see the light and install turf.
It’s a shame. NP gets #1 seed and home field through out playoffs
and probably won’t have any home games. Home field is a big deal
in high school football ( college also, less with pros).
Of course this has happened many times before for NP.
We need someone like the Koch brothers to donate a new field!
@Buddy
Was referring to prep and LaSalle, as far as Neshaminy they looked pretty good in the rain/mud where Haverford seemed to struggle
Neshaminy running and passing is clicking right now. Also, it has been a while since the 1st string D has allowed a TD
@D3 Mike The sad thing is we will never really know because barring an upset the better teams will advance and IMO there are teams that will beat Wilson and North Penn in the next several weeks.. Wilson did play bad against Warwick but gave Manheim Central a tough game, led at the half and MC had to score two late TD’s to seal the win. MC had less than 200 yards of total offense and Wilson also beat Manheim Township. Sometimes bad games just happen and let’s not lose sight of the fact that Warwick is a very good 5A team with a lot of studs, especially on the line, but also some good skill players. The upcoming game with Cedar Cliff should be a good one. Warwick is definitely a top 10 5A team and maybe a top 5 5A team. Wilson isn’t as good as past Wilson teams so maybe they are rated a bit too high.
P.S. Wilson beating Harrisburg is a long shot even though they have been playing better of late. Wilson has given up a lot passing and I’m sure they haven’t seen anyone as dynamic as Everson so Harrisburg should thrive Saturday. I got Harrisburg winning by 3-4 TD’s. Something like 38-14 with Wilson scoring a late TD.
@ buddy….i have to admit when I wrong. NP game switched to wissahickon field Fri. 7 pm
Here you guys go…….from the North Penn School District Twitter feed…….
“Due to current field conditions and Friday’s forecast for more rain, the playoff football game against Neshaminy will be played at Wissahickon HS at 7:00.”
According to the updated bracket the Neshaminy/North Penn game will be played at Wissahickon on Friday @ 7pm
@Mike – nice work putting together the rankings, I too would probably make a few tweaks but overall a very solid list, I agree with Jay that I would have GV a few spots higher, think they are slightly better than the D3 teams CD and Manheim and also Seneca Valley. Also agree with Jay the top 4 teams are likely to be the 4 semi-finalists, although NA will get challenged by State College in the quarterfinals, expect that game to be very close and could go either way. That’s assuming NA gets there, think they are going to have their hands full with Seneca Valley this week, and if they get past them will likely have a rematch with PR in the WPIAL finals, from here on NA will only be playing teams in your top 10, talk about a brutal schedule to just make it to Hershey!
@ et al
Just heard NP game moved to wissahickon , still on Fri.
Anyone verify?
Re: the rankings, in case anyone missed my prior rants:
The D3 6A teams remain overrated outside of Harrisburg. LL1 is perpetually trash with the exception of Wilson, who is down this year.
Wilson lost 3 games, including by almost 30 to the 5-seed in 5A (Warwick). Central Dauphin and Manheim Central are quality losses … but Wilson scored all of a combined 2 touchdowns in those 2 games. Plus they had a lot of close wins.
Manheim Township is a bit better but has won ONE district title in its history and ZERO state playoff games. If they are playing, say, North Penn on a neutral field in the state playoffs, who are you taking there? That’s how I look at state rankings.
As for Central Dauphin, great program, brutal schedule, but they seemed to lose steam after the player death in September. They ended with 3 losses, and just as with Wilson, I don’t know how 3 loss D3 teams can ever be ranked above 1 loss teams from districts that consistently perform better in the state playoffs (D1 and D11) at 6A.
Just my 2 cents. Now watch Wilson beat Harrisburg on Saturday 🙂
@Mick – weather could be a factor but still don’t think Lasalle has much of a chance, both programs going in different directions, just don’t think Lasalle has the talent to keep up with SJP regardless of the weather. I think the only team in PA that has a realistic chance to beat SJP this year is Coatesville as I expect them to beat everyone else by at least 2 TD’s and probably more, including the D11 winner and then the WPIAL winner or State College, would love to see someone beat them but just don’t see it happening unless Coatesville can outscore them in Hershey.
@Mike
I like the statewide rankings because I think the top four will wnd up as the semifinal teams.
I admittedly don’t know much about the D3 teams since I’m a D1 guy, so the only tweaks I’d make would probably be Garnet Valley a spot or two higher (as a Coatesville fan they scare the hell out of me) and also I think North Penn would destroy either Downingtown team.
Thanks for putting that together, that’s the type of thing that keeps me coming back to the forum!
@ mick
Not sure who “they” is, but if it’s Neshaminy, they have a more effective passing game, so rain might hurt them.
However, if their RB is a “mudder”, that bodes well for Neshaminy.
I fully suspect the game to move to Sat. Don’t know where though.
Doubt it’s at NP, unless they have a set of massive fans.
@mike
I put North Penn above Emmaus & Wilson. Maybe even Neshaminy above Wilson.
Watch Truman shock us all!
@Ndgp82
NDGP vs. North Schuylkill should be a hell of a game! I don’t think NDGP will move the ball like they did with Tamaqua last week. Yes they have a best offense in the bracket. A bracket of 9-1 teams. Still have no idea why they didn’t keep distict 11 AAA a 8 team field. Crazy when you are the lowest seed at 9–1. PIAA will never make sense to me. It’s going to be a tough game for either the following week in states. But I do think it will be a low scoring game maybe like 21-14, 28-21 going either way
@jeff
I saw the weather for Friday and thought they may have a shot in the rain.
OK…here we go. Some further research and this is what I got. I attached an index I developed as I compiled the ratings. A few tweaks up and down but still mostly the same teams just in a slightly different order. Notice the close rating from 4 through the first half of HM in the East and 6 thru HM in the state ratings. I’m only posting to encourage thought and discussion. You can agree, disagree or just call me crazy!
Mike’s Eastern 6A Top Ten 11/6/2018
1) St. Joseph’s Prep 82.7
2) Coatesville 76.8
3) Harrisburg 69.4
4) Central Dauphin 59.9
5) Manheim Township 57.5
6) Garnet Valley 56.2
7) Emmaus 55.5
7) Downingtown West 55.2
8) Bethlehem Freedom 55.2
9) Downingtown East 55
10) Wilson 53.1
Honorable Mention
North Penn 53, Neshaminy 51, LaSalle 50.2,Truman 48.6, Parkland 48.4, Easton 46.2, Chambersburg 44.7
Mike’s State 6A Top Ten 11/6/2018
1) St. Joseph’s Prep 82.7
2) Coatesville 76.8
3) North Alleghenny 70.6
4) Harrisburg 69.4
5) Pine Richland 66.7
6) State College 61.6
7) Central Dauphin 59.9
8) Seneca Valley 57.6
8) Manheim Township 57.5
9) Garnet Valley 56.2
10) Emmaus 55.5
Honorable Mention
Downingtown West 55.2, Bethlehem Freedom 55.2, Downingtown East 55, Pittsburgh Central Catholic 53.8, Wilson 53.1, North Penn 53, Neshaminy 51, LaSalle 50.2, Mt. Lebanon 49.6, Truman 48.6
Notre Dame Green Pond vs. North Schuylkill in Lehighton. Notre Dame should win with the high power offense they have. Thoughts?
@Knight Time – I think the NP/Neshaminy game will be extremely competitive and could go either way, should be a great game and probably the closest game of any of the quarterfinal match-ups, although DTW and Truman should also be a very interesting game, expect both Coatesville and GV to cruise in their games and win by several scores.
@Mick – that’s quite a limb you’re going on by predicting Lasalle to knock off SJP, that would be an even bigger upset than Governor Mifflin knocking off Harrisburg in the D3 semi-finals last year that sent shock waves around the state. I think it’s more likely the game will be a mercy rule, because unfortunately Lasalle just doesn’t have the talent to stay with SJP this year, I don’t see this being a repeat of 2015 when they beat them in the playoffs to prevent a likely 4peat.
@D3 Mike – best games in the WPIAL this week, at least among the big schools, are Seneca Valley at NA, first game ended up 10-6, and I think this will be a similar type game, defensive struggle and a real battle in the trenches, expect NA to prevail again, I’ll say 17-10. In 5A the best quarterfinal game is Peters Township vs. Penn Trafford, winner likely gets Penn Hills in the semi’s, assuming they get past McKeesport, and I think the Peters/PT winner will give Penn Hills all they can handle next week, Gateway will cruise to the finals as they are in the weaker half of the bracket.
District 3, Round 2 Picks:
Harrisburg, Central Dauphin
Manheim Central, Warwick, Cocalico, York
Bishop McDevitt, Berks Catholic, Milton Hershey, Conrad Weiser
Lancaster Catholic, Middletown
York Catholic
Minor upsets with Central Dauphin, Warwick, and York. Wyomissing has a punchers shot against Middletown.
If you enjoy football, Central Dauphin and Manheim should be good. If you enjoy scoring, Warwick and Cedar Cliff will be playing 7v7. First team to 50 wins.
What are the games to watch outside of district 3 this weekend?
I am gonna go out on a limb and say the big upset this weekend will be LaSalle over St Joe Prep
FridayNightLights,
Liberty beat NP 14-12. Liberty’s best defensive player (Rutgers commit) Andre “Hoagie” Morales got thrown out of NP game for a baloney punch call. Liberty then got beat by McKeesport in the State Final 49-14. When Libertys leader wasn’t allowed to play in that final the team was devastated. The following year Liberty beat Pennsbury and got beat bad by Upper Saint Clair.
Knight Time,
Obviously Haverford laid a big egg that had a lot to do with Neshaminy. I had them above North Penn when I did (week 9) based off a very good season from their skill positions and going toe-to-toe with Garnet Valley down to the final minute in week 2. Hindsight obviously, but that GV game was probably as close as it was because it was during the week that flooded out most games in the area- GV/Hav played 1 quarter Friday night, then had to finish the last 3 quarters Saturday night. GV is also the Central League measuring stick so they tend to get everybody’s best shot like a backyard rival.
We’ll see how the Knights do this week against the Skins. Should be a great atmosphere (weather permitting) for a playoff game.
@ BR&B
Funny, right after I posted that copied tweet and my two cents, I got curious and did some digging. I came across an article that quoted the BC HC of what you said. I suppose it does make sense in a few ways for BS to continue to want to play the “Big 3” in the Chesmont. They haven’t been embarrass that I recall by C’Ville or DTE, and have played DTW close and even beat them previously. So guessing I’m guessing the 4 no votes came from the 4 6A schools. Their late season scheduling I believe is going to be a challenge. Everyone else that time of year is committed to their league play. May be able to get Malvern Prep, EA, or Haverford before they start Inter/AC play. They may be forced into a bye week or some other real crafty scheduling.
As far as BS jumping to the PCL, I think it could be good move for them overall, if they take PJPII with them. Devon Prep started play in the PCL this year, and I’m assuming Holy Ghost Prep will get the acceptance for next year as well. Be a nice little “western” PCL football division with BS, PJPII, Carroll, Bonner and O’hara.
The bigger issue in all of this is, that I believe these western D1 conferences need to realign, at least for football. Put the 6A PAC, C-M, Central and DelVal teams together, the 5A, etc. Easier said then done, I know.
@Jay:
Last year. One of the Downingtowns beat NP ( rather easily I believe). Game might have been at Downingtown tho.
Pat Devlin’s team must of had the comeback against Neshaminy..
NP beat that team ( Devlin’s) rather convincingly that year. It was 55 to something.
Shocked me a little ( the size of victory), but NP had a really good team.
Devlin was DTE’s leading rusher in that game.
NP last game ( Ridley), they passed well. Need to do that again, or they will lose.
@Jay,
DT East beat a very good Neshaminy team to get to the district final against NP. The game was played at Crawfird Stadium (NP) and NP won 55-20 I believe. You were right, it was Pete Stoll at RB/FB for the Knights who ran all over almost everybody that year. They ended up losing the east final to Liberty 14-12 and Liberty got hammered in the state championship but I forget by who… maybe Upper St Claire or PCC. I also do not recall NP losing to either of the Downingtowns in the playoffs during the Beck era. I can only recall 3 meetings though. The affore mentioned D1 final, 1 at West that NP won in 2006 I think, and the game against DT East in 2015.
@Mick thank you! I’m almost tempted to just go to that game instead but I haven’t missed a CV home game all season and now isn’t the time to start. Especially when it’s a rivalry match like Dtown who played well last week and also played Coatesville well the week before. For one quarter… But still.
@Buddy looks like our predictions are pretty much the same… but if NP beats Neshaminy, I think they beat DTW too… granted my history is a bit hazy, and despite growing up in Downingtown/Coatesville and following HSFB for many years now, I can’t recall a time where either DTE or DTW won at North Penn. Did Pat Devlin lead DTE to a comeback win over NP, or was that against Neshaminy, and then they lost to NP the following week? Not sure where I’d even look that up.
All I know is that I’ve gone to most-if-not-all DTE/DTW @ NP games, and I can’t ever remember leaving happy haha. I still have horrible nightmares where I hear a crowd screaming and then as if from the voice of God himself, “PETE STOLL FOR ANOTHER NORTH PENN TOUCHDOWN!” At least I think that was his name.
And yes I’m kidding about the nightmares. Maybe.
@ Jay, to live stream Neshaminy game on your phone, type in WBCB radio station and you will find it there
No doubt about it, it will be C’ville & GV in the D1 semi.
I suspect that winner to play DTW in the final.
Also predicting the D1 winner will play H’burg for the east.
I just want someone to beat SJP !
@jeff h That was not you saying Haverford was good it was that “genius” @uncle t who had Haverford and Truman rated higher than NP going into the District playoffs.
Neshaminy wants revenge. Looking forward to Friday Night
@Jeff H
I see what you mean about 6A WPIAL. I hadn’t really done my homework, just knew that NA went undefeated and beat really good teams along the way. I’d love to see SJP get beat but I’ll probably he disappointed as usual. Last years state final notwithstanding.
You don’t think that North Penn or Garnet Valley would have a shot? I like to think Coatesville is the best chance to topple SJP but after witnessing the CV-GV D1 final last year and how close CV was to losing, I just have this nagging feeling that GV is going to come to CV and play the game of their lives.
Can anyone stay with Southern in 2A. Starters only seem to play the first half of play which is great for the subs as they get to play often.
@Jay – trust me, the 6A WPIAL is not stacked, it’s way down this year from past years, NA is very good and so is PR,Seneca Valley is solid and that’s about it. PCC had their worst team in many years and just finished their season at 7-4 with a 15-14 loss to Seneca,, Mt Lebanon is average as their 6-5 record would indicate and got beat up by 2 5A teams, granted one was Gateway, but the other was a slightly about average Upper St. Clair team who’s already out of the 5A playoffs.. I live in Pittsburgh so obviously root for the WPIAL teams but think NA is going to lose to SJP by 3 touchdowns, assuming they win the WPIAL title and beat State College in the quarterfinals which is no sure thing, in fact I think Seneca Valley is going to give NA all they can handle this week. IMO there’s only 1 team in the state that has a chance to beat SJP and that’s Coatesville, anyone else in the final except them and it will be 3 score game for SJP, if not worse.
You are right about the WPIAL 5A being stacked this year, the winner will likely be Gateway, and if not Penn Hills, and will challenge Archbishop Wood in the semi-finals, and yes,I already have AW in the semi’s because I would be shocked if anyone beat them before then.
@Jut – where have you been, the top 3 classes in D3 have played in the western bracket for the last 7-8 years, maybe longer, and in 6A the WPIAL winner has beaten the D3 winner for the last 6 years in the semi-finals, the last D3 6A team to beat a WPIAL team was Central Dauphin over NA in 2011, and the next week of course they beat North Penn in the final. My hunch is the PIAA got tired of seeing the WPIAL winner versus the D12 winner (i.e. SJP) every year so for the next 2yr cycle including this year they flipped D12 and D3 in the brackets for 5A and 6A, but their 4A winner is still in the western bracket.
@Champ Guy – if you were referring to me I never said how good Haverford was, just that North Penn was going to lose before the D1 final, and I stand by that prediction, they are definitely going to have their hands full with Neshaminy and could very well lose that game. I specifically said Ridley would play them tough but end up losing and given the final score it certainly appears they gave them a pretty good game.
@Kevin X
Bishop Shanahan coach has already said he has no interest in moving to the “weaker” side of the Ches-Mont and wants to play with the big boys. There has been talk and “rumors” of them jumping ship to the PCL for years and nothing has happened yet, nor do I think it happens anytime in the near future.
I feel bad for schools like Sun Valley, Oxford and Kennett that now are going to have to face Coatesville and the Downingtowns. What good is going to do the league by having them get beat by 60 points.
If the WC East and Henderson want to move then dont schedule any cross over games… It does nobody any good! Just let Cville, DTE, DTW, AG and BS schedule an extra 2 or 3 non conference games a year. It wont be hard for BS and AG to find those games as other schools will view them as “winnable” games. Cville and the Downingtowns could have some issues however finding additional games.
@ et al:
No doubt about it. Nesahminy / NP game of the week in D1.
I think the other games will be one-sided. Don’t know anything about Truman ( ’cause they’re never here).
But it’s at DTW, that’s the clincher. Out west you got two #1 seeds goin’ at it.
Wonder if that will be game of the week on PCN?
“By a voye of 8-4 ChesMont League principals have decided to realign the league for next year. One Divsion will have the 6A schools plus Bishop Shanahan. The other division will be all the 5A schools. Schools on each side will play one or two non division ChesMont League games”
Wonder if the AD from Shanahan has placed (or will) a call to the PCL??? Might be a good time to jump ship…….
@David Mika
Sorry to blow up the forum with three posts in a row! Just wondering if there’s a way I can stream any other D1 games on my phone while I’m at the CV-DTE game this Friday. Specifically NP vs Neshaminy, but the DTW and GV games would be great to see too. I wish they staggered the games half on Friday and the other half on Saturday so I could double up!!
Thanks!
Jay….Your good!
As a follow up to my last comment, I forgot how strong North Allegheny is this year, and could definitely see a Harrisburg vs NA state final. SJP is always strong, and have played three fewer games than the field, so that’s why I tend to go with them, but NA has rolled through their schedule which has included defending 6A champion Pine Richland, PCC, and off the top of my head I think also Seneca Valley?? Man, the 6A WPIAL is stacked! So is 5A for that matter, maybe even more so, at least as far as the number of teams.
Screw it. Coatesville all the way. Final answer!
@Chief fellow Coatesville resident and fan, but I went to and played for Downingtown before the district split. So DTW I guess would be my alma mater, though I root for both, as well as Coatesville. That said I’m firmly in the Coatesville camp and have been since the year they went to the state final. I do believe they’ll beat DTE this week but in a close game. I’m more concerned with Garnet Valley as I think they have the weapons to win D1 and beyond. I see Neshaminy beating NP and losing to DTW. DTW at Coatesville or Garnet Valley in D1 final. If I have to pick now, then Coatesville, but I have to admit my bias possibly factoring in there, because I continue to have this sneaking suspicion that Garnet Valley will lose to Harrisburg, who will lose to SJP in Hershey. Hopefully I’m wrong. Go Raiders.
Watched the GV/Pennsbury game. Impressed with GV’s offense (not so much by their defense — but not bad). Not dumping on Haverford, but curious how they shut down GV (14 points), when seemed overmatched by Neshaminy — any feedback? I know C’ville had a tough time figuring them out last year, but I think their defense is a bit better and GV’s offense might not be quite as good as last year. Just hope C’ville has a good game plan for DTE — I’ve been telling folks that the D-town teams are pretty good — any predictions? P.S. the weather looks like it might be bad again this Friday.
@Buddy I have Garnet Valley as #2 in District 1 behind only Coatesville, North Penn is #3,that said I think you are right that Quakertown is in a world of Poop, the IF there is if Quakertown plays their kind of game, and keep it clean (no 3 turnovers in the first half like Pennsbury) they can keep it closer than most think.
@ Knight Time:
Wow, you’re apparently off you’re meds again aren’t you?
I thought PV would beat Q’town just because I thought PV would beat Q’town…………… period.
Better than 50/50 chance NP doesn’t play at Crawford stadium this Fri. Why? It’s gonna rain 3 days this week including Fri.
Hope I’m wrong though. But if I’m not, I rather see it at Souderton because it’s closer to my house ( as opposed to wissahickon).
@Smoll:
PV couldn’t stop the run, plus PV simply had a bad game ( rain was a factor, PV passes quite a lot, weather stifled that).
Hate to tell you, but Q-town is in a world of poop next week.
Just came back from watching Garnet Valley live for the first time since week 6. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a team do what they do in my 3 decades + of following high school football. They’re more than just a “typical” triple-option, and threw a couple of wrinkles in that makes you think there is more from where that came from. It used to be that the old ground-and-pound methods of Pennsbury circa 2000’s and the glory years of CB West would be fundamentally overwhelming line play followed by a hammer like Picciotti or a super freak athlete like the Jones kid from Strath Haven in the late 90’s. GV has that line but backs it up with 5 or 6 (yes, 5 or 6) carbon copy scat backs (plus 2 athletic QBs) that will either run right down the teeth of a D line or make 1-3 shifts after getting the handoff and bounce it for 10+. Granted, Pennsbury was down this year and were overmatched from the opening kickoff, but GV was impressive.
If their seemingly inevitable matchup with Coatesville comes to pass, there is no question that Ville will move the ball on that D. Pennsbury ran a spread offense that got a fair share of yards when they weren’t turning the ball over, and Coatesville’s talent dwarfs Pennsbury. If Coatesville plays a clean game, they win by at least 14, but if GV can force a couple of turnovers that game will get very competitive. Would be an awesome high school football game.
I wouldn’t be surprised to see a closer game for DTE, but Coatesville still wins by 14-17 points. I was at the first game and the scoreline didn’t tell the whole story. If DTE can come out like they did last week in the week 10 matchup, and control the tide a bit longer, who knows? Can’t wait to see it live.
Good to see DTW, Rustin and Unionville with some impressive wins too. Ches-Mont is strong this year.
@buddy you know why you stayed until the end of the q town/PV game. You thought the SOL team would fold because you believe the SOL is inferior. Such a NP hater…..”Almost guarantee it won’t be at NP field. On that assumption, hope it’s at Souderton.”
Wish I could bet and take your money. If you think they won’t play at Crawford Stadium next week I do have to check your NP hate card because obviously you have no clue.
Harrisburg 42 Hempfield 0 FINAL
So how did Q-town look, keep in mind they beat Central Bucks East, Souderton and Central Bucks West to start the season, not exactly killers row, but Souderton gave North Penn their toughest league game. They will need their A game for next week though, key for them is playing clean, control the clock, no penalties, no turnovers and solid D.
You guys should have two options to live stream the Pennsbury @ Garnet Valley game tonight @ 7p
https://portal.stretchinternet.com/gvfootball/
http://www.wbcb1490.com/watch-pennsbury-high-school-football-live-on-wbcb-1490am/
CEC and HSOTF game at 6p on same above wbcb 1490 web site.
A little preclude before settling in to watch LSU kick some ‘bama butt…………
Quakertown plays good D & has above average line play, that keeps them competitive. I can’t remember a game they gave up more than 17 points. If they play clean the can be a tough out. Upper Dublin is clearly a top 5A contender, Cheltenham is a program on the rise they have always had the skill people.
@ Smoll:
I was the PV/Q-town game. Stayed the whole game. Why? Don’t know, I’m obviously not all there.
Good game most of the time. Did not expect that result. Guess it shows difference between the PAC and SOL league.
@Kevin:
Garnet will “save face” in a big way, Take it to the bank.
@et al:
Game of the week might be NP/Neshaminy. Redskins has improved exponentially. .
Almost guarantee it won’t be at NP field. On that assumption, hope it’s at Souderton.
Question: will C’ville have a close game?
Interesting that SOL American sent 3 teams to the District Playoffs One to 6A where #11 Quakertown knocked off Perkiomen Valley, and two to 5A where both Upper Dublin and Chelthenham both won. So all 3 teams from the weak sister of the SOL won, maybe it’s not such a down league after all.
In 6A D1 last night……SOL 4-2 (one loss to another SOL team), Chesmont 3-0, Central and PAC combined 0-5. Let’s see in Garnet can save a little face for the Central league tonight.
Where is the guy who talked about how good Haverford was and that NP and these other schools would
Be in trouble? Smh.
@Buddy it does have lights and a scoreboard however the only thing you stated corectly is the limited
It would help if we knew what class you were referencing. Just to get into the state playoffs half of the District 3 classes require teams to play thru 4 rounds. It’s the largest district in the state apart from the WPIAL.
This year it looks like District 3 gets a bye between districts and states for 6A and 2A. For 6A, I think there are 17 teams in the class and I don’t know if the PIAA gave them 4 weeks to play that bracket. Many districts would have a 10 or 12 team field there (4 rounds). District 1 has 16 teams out of the 25 teams in their 5A class, for example. I think a fair compromise would be that if you’re allotted 4 weeks and choose to only invite 8 teams that you have to play those district playoff rounds in weeks 11, 12, and 13, instead of week 10, 11, and 12 (how it is now). That lessens the impact of the bye week (probably for Harrisburg) so that it’s before the district playoffs instead of after them.
For 2A, there’s no reason the district should have a bye because they don’t need 3 weeks at that class. I couldn’t even guess at a reason on that one. Although they could give York Catholic a month-long bye and it’s not going to help them stay with Southern Columbia.
As for the District 3 conspiracy, half the time I hear it’s a conspiracy to send them out west, other times it’s a conspiracy to keep them in the East. I wish someone would tell me which conspiracy to believe. It’s a huge district geographically and in number of school districts. It’s in the center and eastern half of the state… but so is most of the state’s population. So it could really go either way. You have to beat both a Philly school and a WPIAL school most years anyway so I’m not sure it matters all that much.
Cedar Cliff 50 Exeter Township 6 FINAL
I believe there is a proposal in the works for a long term athletics update/upgrade at NP. It would include improving all fields including the stadium. This would include snack stands, bathrooms, signage, and turf in the stadium. It would take multiple years. That’s what I have heard. NP did re-do all of the athletic fields some years back and built the small turf stadium. I would say NPs grass field has at least held up better. I remember the 03 team played all home games at Wisahickon after the first game destroyed the field.
Nice win by Neshaminy tonight. Players continue to improve. Coaching staff doing a really nice job. Hats off to both.
Central Dauphin 42 Central York 6 Halftime (Mercy rule in effect)
Central Dauphin 49 Central York 21 FINAL
@Jeff H and @D3 Mike
That’s okay have byes in district play for top seeds I would like to see more of that since there are 0-10, 1-9, 2-8 teams in playoffs. What I don’t get is in other classes for district 3 if they win districts they aren’t playing the following week in the state tournament? Why not play district 2 the week after and have a District 4 have a bye or any other district have a bye in states? Just an example. Or play any other district why is it only district 3 have byes in the state tournament and nobody else? Having rest helps out any team. That’s all I’m saying. Say next year district 11 get those byes? Most likely not cause district 3 will get them again since PIAA headquarters are in District 3 and they will try to help them out as much as possible like moving them out west so they don’t have to play Philly schools now until the state finals
@ Jeff H Seneca Valley lost to PCC earlier in the year and then defeated Mt. Lebanon by 3. PCC Seneca Valley should be a good game, probably a toss up but Seneca Valley has been playing well so a victory would not be surprising at all. I only have PCC rated one notch higher because they did win the head to head earlier this year. Maybe I just got some bad info from the media but didn’t Freedom lose handily to Liberty last week or did they not play starters? If they threw in the towel then I should have rated them higher but no way to know that just looking at scores. That’s why I moved them down a few spots. Ridley could put up a fight but I think NP is at least 2 TD favorite in this one. Never know when you have the rain like tonight though. Rain seems to help the underdog. I think NA and Gateway are pretty even. I agree that PCC is down this year. The WPIAL is normally pretty tough though with NA the best this year. I rated the WPIAL teams a notch or two higher based on schedule and past performance but a few eastern team could be right there too. Hard to tell with such different competition.
Kevin:
I don’t think it has lights. That’s why they played Pennsbury on Sat. afternoon.
I know it has no scoreboard. limited seating is an understatement.
Jeff:
You gave one of the reasons in you rebuttal.
Big doesn’t mean wealthy.
Actually, North Penn does have a very nice turf field (with lights). It used for field hockey, soccer, lax and I’m guessing softball and baseball practice in the spring if needed. It is also stripped for football, maybe the freshman and JV have games there, and I guessing varsity uses it for practice. The varsity team did play their week 3 home game against Pennsbury on that field on a Saturday afternoon after Friday’s night’s game was postponed due to weather. There are bleachers, but very limited. I’m guessing why would they want to spend the $$$ for a new turf field for what, simply 5 to 8 or so home football games a year???
NP may not be Main Line levels of wealthy but they’re not hurting for cash either. Plenty of schools in less wealthy areas have converted to turf.
@Buddy – I find it hard to believe NP can’t afford to put in a turf field if they truly wanted to, seems to me they have enough alums and boosters that could raise money for the field if necessary, just seems odd that one of the largest school districts in the state with much higher than average teacher salaries can’t afford a turf field. Any of the NP faithful want to chime in on this?
@ Kevin:
Yep, heard the same thing about the NP game. Apparently, 3 people peed on the field, hence it is un-playable. Absurd!
@ Jeff:
About 10 years ago ( maybe 15 now) NP re-did the field at a million dollars ( that’s what I heard, hard to believe it was that much).
NP was trying to keep it real grass, but it certainly is not working out. That’s why they had to move tonight’s game.
And no, they can’t obviously afford a turf field. NP isn’t as wealthy as you apparently think.
From Twitter (NPSD and Kyle Berger): The NPHS Football Playoff game vs Ridley High School has been moved to the Wissahickon High School Stadium. Game is Friday, 11-2-18 starting at 7:00 p.m. 521 Houston Rd, Ambler, PA 19002
So much for a true home field advantage tonight for NP.
Can someone please explain why in this day and age North Penn still has a grass field and not turf, obviously the school district could afford to put in turf if they wanted to, is it because they feel the grass field gives them a bigger home field advantage? I would think most 6A schools in the state have turf, all the 6A schools in D7 do, and for that matter to my knowledge all the 5A schools in D7 also have turf. Doesn’t give them much of a home field advantage if they have to move a home playoff game to a turf field due to the weather. I think Ridley is going to give them a battle tonight, not saying they are going to win, but I have a feeling this game is going to be close well into the 2nd half.
@Mike A – agree with much of your state top 10 with the exception of Mt Lebanon and PCC, I’ve seen both of them play and neither of them is top 10 in the state, if they are then the level of play is down substantially state wide, because both of them are only slightly above average. I think Seneca Valley is better than both of them and will beat PCC tonight, also think a few of the D11 schools like Freedom and Emmaus are better than both of them as well, this is PCC’s worst team in a number of years, they are going nowhere in the WPIAL playoffs even if they manage to win tonight.
I know you were just ranking 6A, but in my opinion Gateway is the best team in the WPIAL this year, better than even NA and PR.
Some potential barnburner playoff games this weekend (tongue firmly planted in cheek if you don’t realize):
D2: Abington Heights (2-8) @ Valley View (10-0)
Carbondale (3-7) @ Dunmore (7-3)
Hanover (3-7) @ Wyoming Area (10-0)
Honesdale (3-7) @ Dallas (9-1)
Scranton (1-9) @ DelVal (7-3)
W-B GAR (1-9) @ Scr. Prep (9-1)
D3: Fairfield (2-7) @ Halifax (9-1)
D4: CMVT (4-7) @ Jersey Shore (5-5)
Line Mtn. (4-6) @ SoColumbia (10-0)
D11: Blue Mtn. (3-7) @ Becahi (7-3)
D12: And maybe the Game of the Weekend: Roman Catholic (0-9) @ SJP (7-0)
Please just call these games (and many others that I decided not to list) simply what they are, and that is, nothing more than an easy money grab!!!!
Just for fun…
Mike’s Eastern 6A Top Ten
1) St. Joseph’s Prep
2) Coatesville
3) Harrisburg
4) Downingtown West
5) Manheim Township
6) Central Dauphin
7) North Penn
8) Garnet Valley
9) Emmaus
10) Bethlehem Freedom
Honorable Mention
Downingtown East, Wilson, LaSalle,Truman, Perkiomen Valley, Parkland, Neshaminy, Easton, Chambersburg, Red Lion
Mike’s State 6A Top Ten
1) St. Joseph’s Prep
2) Coatesville
3) North Alleghenny
4) Harrisburg
5) Pine Richland
6) State College
7) Downingtown West
8) Manheim Township
9) Mt. Lebanon
10) Pittsburgh Central Catholic
Honorable Mention
Seneca Valley, Central Dauphin, North Penn, Garnet Valley, Emmaus, Bethlehem Freedom, Downingtown East, Wilson, LaSalle, Truman, Perkiomen Valley,
I’m torn on the idea of teams opting out of the playoffs.
Obviously, teams that finish 0-10, 1-9, 2-8, etc. have no business making the playoffs. Might as well hand out participation trophies right at the start of the season. I’m all on board with the idea of fewer teams making the playoffs and BYE weeks.
Having said that, I think that since the current situation is what it is (those teams with losing records do make the playoffs), that opting out sends a bad message to the kids. “We’re probably going to lose this game, so let’s not even play it.”
@D3 Mike – you couldn’t be farther from the truth. A bye in week 10 or 11 absolutely helps a team if they make it to week 14. Any extra week of rest is huge going into a playoff stretch, not just for the following week. We call it “heal time”. It also gives the players an extra week to scout. Coaches love to get players into the AV room and sit w/ Hudl studying the guys who will be covering them, tackling them, and blocking them. That “heal time” carries into weeks 12, 13, and 14.
@artist – that would be pretty cool to see games there. I was a huge fan of the early years (during the 90’s) when the PIAA said they were going to make a HUGE push to have the Eastern Finals at Lehigh University; sadly however they only scheduled two games there and that was it. Both games were a HUGE HUGE success nearly selling out the stadium – Lehigh doesn’t even do that!
Fans begged the PIAA to keep games there but it was, as usual, one excuse after another.
@Jut & D3 Mike – just to follow up on Mike’s comments District 7 has 24 teams in 5A, and were also allotted 4 weeks by the PIAA, but instead of giving the top teams byes they went with a 16 team field with no byes, so as a result we have 5 teams in the 5A playoff field with losing records, including the aforementioned #16 Kiski at 3-7 vs. #1 Gateway at 10-0 which will almost certainly be a mercy rule game, those teams were in the same conference last year and Gateway won 61-21, this game is likely to be even worse because Gateway has a much better defense this year and there’s a distinct possibility Kiski will not score in that game My feeling is its an awful lot to ask high school kids to play 16 weeks in a row, not even the NFL does that anymore, so any time a district can give their top teams with state title aspirations a bye I think it’s good for everyone.
@Jut it’s up to each district to structure it’s playoffs within the allotted weeks.
For example, D3-5A has 28 schools and they were given 4 weeks by the PIAA. They could have chosen a 4 round tournament with 16 teams but to lessen the likelihood of teams with losing records in the playoffs they settled on a 14 team bracket, with the top 2 seeds having first round byes.
Byes really only benefit a team the following week, and it’s mostly from extra film time for the coaches. Having to play a team in week 14 that had a bye in week 10 disadvantages no one.
@Jut – each district is responsible for how they conduct their district playoffs, all the PIAA does is slot them into the state tournament after their district playoffs are completed, other districts could have byes too for the top teams if they wanted to, but most have decided it’s more important to have more teams make the playoffs than give the top teams byes. I think D3 has the right idea in giving their top teams a bye this week, and hope other districts follow their lead in the future, there are way too many mediocre or below average teams that make the playoffs in many districts.
Always respected how the WPIAL plays their championship games at the Steelers stadium. Couldn’t imagine the eastern finals ever being played at the Eagles stadium. As it is, they’re gouging Temple to rent their stadium despite the fact it was partially subsidized by taxpayer money. Speaking of that, if Temple gets their on-campus 35,000 seat football stadium built at 15th and Norris I could see PIAA playoff games being played there. They’ve hinted it will be community friendly. To be able to take a half hour walk to a PIAA semifinal would be pretty cool.
I fine it so funny. That for years district 12 schools got byes during state championship or had a week off of some sort. This year it’s distinct 3 in every class. Even the classes that that don’t have a bye. They have the top teams with byes. I find this unfair. What makes that district so more deserving of a bye then other districts?? Is it because the PIAA is out of district 3? Will next year some other district get the byes? Can someone explain it to me
Kevin:
Your scenario does not correct the problem of 6A teams in D7. They would still be woefully short.
5 classes should correct that. That said, too many teams in the playoffs? I agree.
@ Kevin X – as I’ve previously stated completely agree too many teams make the playoffs statewide, your solution for the WPIAL in 6A sounds logical, but being from Pittsburgh I can guarantee you the WPIAL would never agree to that because that would mean they might not have a district 7 6A championship at Heinz Field, that tradition has been going on for decades and they are not going to change for the sake of the PIAA no mater how much sense it makes. The move to 6 classes already has interfered with all the WPIAL championships being played on the same day at Heinz, the last 2 years 3A-6A were at Heinz and 1A and 2A were at Robert Morris college the following weekend, in this 2 year cycle several 6A teams dropped to 5A, so now we have a 16 team field and 5A championship will be played at Norwin high school and not Heinz, with the 2A being played at Robert Morris. In my opinion the short term solution is for less teams to make the district playoffs and give the top seeded teams a bye week, but good luck getting the various districts to agree to that, especially the WPIAL.
Anthony had a seizure after the Schuykill Valley game a few weeks ago and a brain scan showed that he has malignant anaplastic astrocytoma, a rare and deadly form of Brain Cancer. His world and the Myers Family has been turned upside down. Anthony is a fantastic kid and the Myers are a wonderful family, both parents are educators and big brother Nico is a Sr Center and defensive tackle on the team. A fundraiser is being planned for Nov 17th at the planetarium in Reading. I will fill everyone in when I get the details.
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/community-tackles-devasting-cancer-diagnosis-for-berks-catholic-player
@ NO
Yep, that makes sense. Hopefully they aren’t on any sort of probation or disciplinary action. Wish more teams would use some common sense and wake up and smell the java, and opted out.
Which leads me to…..
@ Buddy
Six classifications are fine, the problem/issue is that you have way too many teams in the post season across all classifications. Aprx. 2/3rds of all teams are playing this weekend in some form of playoff post season games. Ridiculous. Hell, you have 3 teams in D12 that are playing in playoff games that haven’t won a game all year!!!!! Unbelievable. I’ve climbed high atop this soapbox before, and guess it is that time of year to do it again, as I’d advocate cutting the brackets down to 32 deserving schools/teams (with teams at least having a better than .500 record), and 5 weeks of post season play. Add an 11th week if you want another game, schedule more contingency games, bring back the old Thanksgiving Day games, whatever, if you need or want another game, just not in the playoffs/post season. As far as D7 and 6A, make it a regional 8 team bracket with D6, D8 and D10. I guess that though would mess up the purity of traditional WPIAL only playoff and possibility of a non D7 champion.
@Buddy – only 9 teams in 6A in the WPIAL, most of the traditional power schools are in 5A, including Gateway, Penn Hills, McKeesport, Upper St Clair, Woodland Hills, Bethel Park, North Hills, etc. I completely agree the PIAA expanded too far, I have argued for the last few years they should have added 1 class, not 2, every time they expanded in the past it was 1 class at a time, went from 3A to 4A in 1980, so were due to add another class, just think they went too far going to 6, but I don’t think they’ll ever admit that and go back to 5.
@D3 Mike – completely agree with you about the expanded district playoffs, it’s been a problem in the WPIAL for years even before expansion, not sure how blowouts and mercy rule games in districts benefit anybody, perfect example in the WPIAL in 5A is #16 seed Kiski at 3-7 taking on #1 Gateway, which will be very ugly, Kiski lost 47-0 to a mediocre 4-6 Woodland Hills team, imagine what Gateway is going to do to them, they could literally put up 100 if they wanted to, instead it will probably be 49-0 at half and they’ll sit their starters for the 2nd half, I think it’s much better for all involved to give the really great teams a bye and not have some really bad teams make the playoffs just to be canon fodder, it’s better for kids at both schools, and better for the game in general.
@d3 Mike – thanks for the info on BC, didn’t realize they are so young in the secondary, think one of the keys will be how much pressure they can get on Chase Diehl, if they can get consistent pressure that can help mask some of the inexperience in the secondary. I’m guessing Malvern’s OLine is better than McDevitt, but I’m not sure, skill guys are probably comparable. I just have a hunch this is Berks year to take the next step and get to the state final, I certainly could be wrong, the fact they played a much tougher non-conference schedule has them better prepared than years past for a long playoff run. Also agree the Middletown and Lancaster Catholic match up should be a very good game. In the larger classes I’m not sure if any team is going to seriously challenge either Manheim Central or Harrisburg, in 5A I think the team that might give Manheim a run is Warwick, assuming they can get past Cedar Cliff, think CD is the only team in 6A that might pose a challenge to Harrisburg in the final.
@Buddy – D7 brackets were announced last night at 7pm, virtually all first round games will be this Friday at 7;30, may be a few in the lower classes on Saturday afternoon, I haven’t checked the full schedule yet. 6 teams made the playoffs in 6A, NA and PR have byes and will host home games next week in the semi-finals, PR plays the winner of Mt Lebo and Canon Mac, and NA plays the winner of Seneca Valley and PCC. Winner of the district title enters the state playoffs in the quarterfinals to likely play State College with the winner of that game playing SJP in the semi-finals.
In 5A 16 teams made the playoffs with Gateway as #1 seed, Penn Hills #2 and Peters Twp #3, top 8 teams have home games this week, next week and thereafter are neutral site games. Winner of the 5A district title this year enters the playoffs in the semi-finals where they will likely be playing Archbishop Wood.
@ JC Regarding D11 3A, can you say loaded bracket? Of the four teams, Notre Dame would stand the best chance of beating Conwell-Egan because of their high-powered offense. They need to ramp up their defense.
@Neutral Observer
Agreed about Nanticoke. It’s disappointing how districts keep expanding the playoff brackets on top of expanding the number of classifications. District 3 used to send 16 teams into the district playoffs. Most of the games were competitive. Now they send 38 teams and the vast majority of first-round games are blowouts. Looking across the state, half of the district brackets contain 5-5 teams, if not teams with losing records. I have no idea what sending seniors out on a mercy rule loss is supposed to accomplish.
@D3 Commish
Wyomissing has beaten BC 4 times since the school was founded in 2011 and won a state title during that time (BC hasn’t). They will probably be just fine. BTW, Wyomissing is 23-10 vs BC/Holy Name over the past 30 years… and is 102-3 vs. other Berks County public schools this century. So again, they will probably be fine. Lost in the hysteria around non-boundary schools is the fact that transfer exemptions, foundations (a la Manheim Central) and district wealth (like that at Wyomissing) lead to a greater unbalance than anything else. Across all sports, Wilson and Wyomissing have 10 state titles for every 1 won by a Berks County private school. It’s just that the advantages are less obvious and more difficult to stop.
tl;dr as soon as Southern Columbia isn’t in the state title game just about every season for an entire generation I’ll shed a tear for public schools.
D7 must really be hurtin’ for class 6A teams. They got 8 slots ( 4 games) and they have 2 byes ( i.e. 6 teams in playoffs). Terrible
Now here is a case for NOT having 6 classes. It is AT LEAST one class too many. PIAA should review this during off-season.
@ Kevin X
RE: Greater Nanticoke Area declining District 2 playoffs
Nothing from the actual team/coaches, but my personal guess (with no supporting evidence whatsoever) is that they knew they would be in the bottom half of the 4A playoffs and would rather play a win-able Eastern Conference game than get chewed up by Valley View, Dallas or Berwick.
What’s up with D7? Do they have games today?
Buddy…They have a special show on Monday….there is a game today.
are the Eastern Conference championships being played this season??? if so, anyone have the game days, location, and times. tx.
Sausmann9…Yes…We are working on that bracket
IMO the amount of Seniors playing is the often overlooked when comparing teams. Obviously they must be good players, but generally speaking Seniors beat underclassmen. For this reason I see Harrisburg and CD in the D3 Final with CD pulling the upset.
MT and Wilson are very young on defense. Both teams will peak next year and be favorites for the Final next year. Keep an eye on MT Freshman Anthony Ivey (WR) as he matures. Also Wilson Soph Class is very athletic.
CV finished 3-7. They did finish strong and almost beat SC but ended up on the short side 16-13. Look forward to them bouncing back strong next year!
5A 2nd round game should be Warwick vs Cedar Cliff – If you like passing this is the game to see. I’m picking Warwick 72 – 71. Warwick WR Trey Glass is the fastest human in the world! Winner of this game will most likely go to Manheim Central. Central plays the winer of E-Town and Mifflin in the 2nd round.
Shout out to Conrad Weiser for pulling a big upset and beating Mifflin to win the Berks 1 Division. The QB for Weiser – Alex McKenzie – is a gamer and would be getting lots of attention at a bigger school. Looks like a PSAC QB in the future.
Was at the “Backyard Brawl” for the BC vs Wyomissing game. BC won 28-7. First time there and it is a great atmosphere to see a game……. However when you look at the size of the players you see clearly the advantage of Non-Boundary Schools. Two schools a mile apart with similar enrollments and to a man BC was 6 inches taller and 50 lbs bigger. How does this happen! Wyo is better coached and has a wonderful tradition but they will only beat BC once every ten years now. This was once an even rivalry. I wonder how Ross Tucker feels about this?
That D11 3A bracket is going to be a grinder with 4 9-1 teams. Notre Dame definitely has the talent to win, but they’ll have to get through two very tough teams. The winner likely gets rewarded with Conwell-Egan.
@ Neutral Observer
Thanks for the Nanticoke info. Any idea why they chose the EC over Districts/PIAA???
@Jeff H Agreed. I’m a Holy Name graduate (one of the two schools that merged to form BC) and have seen them play a few times. Their non-league schedule has gotten them ready for the district final and state playoffs far better than schedules of years past. I just don’t know if they have the experience in the secondary to match up with McDevitt. They start a Freshman and a Sophomore back there and Malvern Prep absolutely torched them earlier this year. While Malvern Prep might have won 5A if they actually played in the PIAA, it’s still a fair comparison for what BC will see from McDevitt’s offense. That final should be one of the best games in the District 3 playoffs. Also interested to see Middletown vs. Lancaster Catholic and if anyone can give Harrisburg or Manheim Central a football game.
@Ndgp82 I’ve only seen North Schuylkill play but from what I’ve heard you can pretty much flip a coin on all of those games. I think Tamaqua beat NS who beat Jim Thorpe who beat Tamaqua… so around and around they go. NDGP has the best offense but has also played the weakest schedule so it will probably depend on November weather and turnovers. A final with Jim Thorpe would be entertaining since Jim Thorpe’s defense averages around 4 PPG while NDGP scores 44 PPG.
District XI 3A Playoffs: Jim Thorpe at North Schuylkill, Notre Dame Green Pond at Tamaqua. I think Notre Dame has a great chance to win Districts. What are your thoughts?
@Kevin X
Greater Nanticoke Area announced a few weeks ago that they would voluntarily decline any invitation to the District playoffs. They decided to go Eastern Conference instead.
Appears North Penn has a much tougher draw than Coatesville, as Uncle T. noted face a hot Ridley team coming in with some confidence, get either Neshaminy or Haverford in the quarterfinals, then likely either DTWest or Truman in the semi’s, as I’ve stated on here before I have a hunch before they lose before the final. I don’t see any team in the bottom half of the bracket preventing a Coatesville/GV showdown in the semi’s.
@D3 Mike – completely agree there’s about a half dozen teams that have a legit shot at the 4A title, unlike the last few years when it was pretty much a foregone conclusion in would be Erie Prep and Imhotep. Whoever wins D3 might be the favorite, or at least be the favorite to get there from the west, I think either of those teams have a good chance to beat the Thomas Jefferson/Prep winner, expect the TJ/Prep game will be much closer than the last few years and TJ has a chance, game will be in the Pittsburgh area this year and not Erie. If I’m picking now I’d say Berks vs. Imhotep in Hershey and BC would definitely have a shot in that game.
Hey Uncle T,
I don’t think DTE will beat C’ville (if both get that far), but DTE’s first drive went 92 yards and took over 9 minutes (I think) and the quarter was basically over (and C’ville looked a little rattled). I think it depends on the adjustments and game plan (and turnovers). I want to see C’ville go all the way and beat Prep (if they have the chance), but I think both D-town teams have been underestimated a little bit in this forum and can be tough outs.
Tough bracket for North Penn. They get a hot Ridley team that’s won 6 in a row after a dreadful start, then would stare at the winner of Neshaminy/Haverford (one of the best games of the whole tournament). DTown West vs. Truman will be really fun in round 2.
Bottom half should be steamroll city for Garnet Valley until the semis, and Coatesville/DTown East part 2 looks likely (not sold on Spring Ford.) Chief- do yo think East can play with them if they have a clean game (no bad penalties/turnovers)?
The D1 playoff brackets are posted on the District One web page. They are “unofficial” until noon tomorrow (Monday).
When does the seeding committee meet?
Buddy, Not sure about D-1…We are working on brackets today..I will have most of the games set today.
Looking at the power rankings for District 2, under the 4A teams, Greater Nanticoke Area is highlighted in red, are they illegible for post season play?? Probation or something?? What’s the meaning of the red highlighting???
Solid win this afternoon for Berks Catholic, 28-7 at rival and 3A ranked Wyomissing.
4A appears more balanced than its been in awhile. IMO Imhotep is still the favorite but there are a half-dozen teams with a realistic shot at the state title this year.
Add Bethlehem Freedom to that list.
Aliquippa – Lost
Pine Richland – Lost
Upper Dublin -Lost
Cathedral Prep – Lost
Academy Park – Lost
Haverford School – Lost
Good teams lost lost this week
Michael, Upper Dublin won…A newspaper had the wrong score
As a C’ville fan, I still think they are the odds on favorite to win D1 and possibly more, but don’t count out DTE or DTW for some D1 tournament wins — would love to see them play NP. The DTE game last night appears to be a blowout, but 3 turnovers, a bad punt, and some holding penalties really turned the game around. They also hit on the formula on how to beat C’ville by grinding out a 92-yard drive for the lead in the 1st (C’ville was frazzled — but their defense adjusted well). The DTE defense played well — subtract some improbable throws and a long run on 3rd and forever — they were pretty good. Looking forward to seeing the playoffs — hope all the teams stay healthy, and the weather is good (and the refs are too). Oh, I almost forgot, why in the bleep was C’ville throwing backwards passes!?? — some weird play calling last night. Also, if one were to look at the playoff brackets, the not-so-awesome Ches-mont League looks like the best (3 in the top 9 or 10 for 6A (and the best team), 4 in 5A (Rustin might even be the best team), and Shanahan in 4A).
Tonight’s rain:
Most places will receive .25″ or less through 10 PM tonight so I don’t see a problem playing games Friday evening. About .1″-.2″ should fall in the southern tier counties south of York, Lancaster, Coatesville, and West Chester. Areas to the north of those cities will generally receive .1″ or less. Places near the PA/MD border between the Susquehanna river and just south of Oxford could get .25″ by 10 PM. The Allentown area and points north should receive little rain while areas north of Harrisburg to Williamsport and Wilkes-Barre will just see about .1″ or less although a few isolated areas may get a bit more than .1″.
Have fun at the games!
Did they move the S-F/PJPII game to Spring-Ford tonight?? PJPII’s field does not have lights, so I am assuming they are not play at PJPII, or maybe down at Conchy “A”???
I saw that the Malvern Prep @ Haverford game has been moved up from Saturday afternoon to Friday @ 3p. Anybody know of any other schedule changes for Saturday’s game due to this impending weather??? Pennridge @ CB East is a huge game with playoff implications for both teams that is scheduled for Sat. afternoon, but at least they have a turf field and maybe they’ll just soldier on. S-F @ PJPII Saturday afternoon tho has the makings of an epic slog fest mud bowl game 🙂
Kevin X…I am sure more will be coming…I will have a list ready.
Neshaminy is improving on both sides of the line. Top player has been hurting the last 2 games. Sophmore running back playing very good..Tough little guy. Don’t be surprised if they are in the D1 semis. Must beat Pennsbury this week.
Neshaminy is improving on both sides of the line. Top player has been hurting the last 2 games. Sophmore running back playing very good..Tough little guy. Don’turprised if they are in the D1 semis. Must beat Pennsbury this week.
I see that our boys from Baltimore, St. Frances Academy, that is, are heading up I-95 on Friday to play Northeast. Any chance someone can pull some stings and/or work some magic, and have St. Frances meet up with SJP again (@Northeast, Widener, heck anywhere in the DelVal), and have Ryan simply go down the Boulevard and play the Vikings?? That actually might be a good, competitive game. Otherwise Its going to be ugly, real ugly, on Cottman on Friday evening.
@Buddy: I don’t now about handily, and I shouldn’t have said Coatesvile was probably than that NP team. We’ll have to see how Coatesville does in the playoffs before we can say more definitively. The thing about that ’16 NP team- even with how good Swift was, NP was the clear better team for most of that game vs. SJP. Udinski just had all those interceptions and the fumble on the last drive as they were marching in for the game winning score. I felt so bad for the kid. They would have smoked PCC in the final too like Prep did.
@Knight Time: Man, I don’t have anything against your team. They’re always a threat, and still could be this year if they get it together over the next 2 weeks which should basically be scrimmages. But even a loyalist has to admit they’ve looked very vulnerable, like Buddy has. As for seeds, I’d have Coatesville, GV, Truman, Haverford ranked above NP, and yes, at least one of the Downingtowns too depending on how East looks this week vs. Coatesville. You can bring up schedules and the 5A/6A stuff all you want, but the fact is that NP barely survived Neshaminy while DTown West clobbered them, and likewise to a lesser extent with CB South. I’ve said that I don’t think the DTowns are anything special, but those head to head comps favor West. They would be in a 3rd tier of quality with Truman, Haverford, NP, and East (tier 1- Coatesville; tier 2- GV; tier 3). You can interchange tier 3 any way you want, but that’s just how I would have them based off of performance this year.
Not sure Uncle is insulting anyone — look at common opponents — DTW beat CB South 37-0 (NP 21, CB South 10), DTW beat Neshaminy 35-14 (NP 34, Nesh 33 in OT)
@Uncle T there you go again spewing your madness. If they were ranking like the NCAA please tell me the 5 seeds you have ahead of North Penn in District 1 and please insult me with DTE and DTW
Uncle T:
The 2016 NP team would beat this years C’ville team rather handily, maybe worse then they did in 2016.
NP was best team in state that year except for one player………………… D’Andre Swift,
Having said that, NP is most definitely over-rated this year. Not very stellar performance against mediocre teams.
Going to the PV/Pottsgrove game Fri. P’grove will be favored I’m sure, but if the avid PV student body has anything to say, it won’t matter.
Best fans I ever seen in District one!
@Kevin X and @Buddy
The game is being played at Pottsgrove, Rick Pennypacker field.
No, I definitely said Harrisburg was good and I gave them credit for beating a good State College team (non D3 btw). What I said was that Wilson, CD, and Manheim Twp were not good because unlike anyone at any of the outlets trying to rank 559 schools in PA I’ve actually seen those 3 teams play multiple times. I mean if you cover the date on any of those ratings you would have zero idea what year they were published, let alone what week. You want the PennLive state rankings for Oct 2019? I can give you probably 9 of 10 in each class right now.
Wilson just got done going 10 years without a league loss. 9-1 every other year year. Smoked in states every other year. I live a block from the school. This year’s 3 loss team is just not good. I don’t know if they have a true D1 player. And they are probably the second best team in the district. CD isn’t the same team they were at the start of the year. Manheim was like 3-20 in districts until last year or whatever it was. Their recent success is a function of Wilson being down as much as anything. They’d get beaten by Downingtown and mercy ruled by either North Penn or GV.
Where I’ll agree with you is that the middle and bottom of the Mid Penn is superior, so overall Harrisburg’s schedule is probably better. So I will grant you that part of the argument. I was focusing more at the high end teams they will have each beaten before playing each other again and I stand by my assertion that State College will be the only real notable win for Harrisburg on the way there, including districts. I’ll even take DTE off the list for you, but Coatesville will probably have beaten Harrisburg, DTW, North Penn and GV. That’s after playing St Joe’s and the D1 gauntlet last year while Harrisburg was at home. I just don’t see how beating 7-3 teams in districts will prepare them for that game.
Mike A
As a D1 guy, respect teams like Wilson, CD, and Manheim. Solid programs with legacies/pedigree, but a Tier under D11. Harrisburg has had a great last few years, but D3 Mike is right to say that their playoff loss last year was a bad blow to the district’s reputation. They were supposed to be on par with Wood, and well, yeah.
I think you’re highlighting how flawed and irrelevant the ***preps algorithm is. Just look at their rankings this year: DTown West is ranked way too high- they looked like a JV team against Coatesville just off of their own gameplan, and the fact that they handled DTown East doesn’t bode well at all this week for East vs. C’Ville. Even at this site, the rankings are flawed to anyone who pays attention to the games instead of the final scores. North Penn is ranked where they are solely off of reputation, and you’ll get no argument here that any of the big boys in D3 would beat them this year. NP is a 6 or 7 seed in the district if we were ranking like NCAA.
Coatesville is one of the most talented D1 teams of the last many years (probably better than 2016 North Penn, who was the best team in the state that year in my opinion and only lost to SJP because their QB Udinski had his worst game of the year at the worst time). But they have some flaws- mainly the fact that their competition has been woefully underwhelming and we don’t know how they’ll react if they’re trailing at halftime or in a 2nd half. If talented Haverford gets the 7 seed, we’re gonna see just how good Coatesville is if they have to beat them and battle-tested, undefeated Garnet Valley in consecutive weeks. As D3 Mike himself said previously, Coatesville in the state final is written in pencil, however dark the shading may be.
Not sure I want to wade into the discussion, but hard to figure why the Downingtown teams are being somewhat dumped on. Yes, the Chesmont league is weak (and a real problem for the good teams concerning D1 rankings), but hard to say how the mid-level teams would fare in other conferences. I know that both Downingtown teams have put the smackdown on a number of teams (I’m just not seeing upwards of 4 losses each playing in D3). As far as the Coatesville/CV game — C’ville was well on their way to the mercy rule (then a fumble and a TON of penalties — could have piled on another TD in the last minute too but took a knee — probably their worst game to this point). DTE could give C’ville a challenge this Friday, but we’ll have to wait and see.
@D3 Mike…Just for fun I ran CD’s schedule with DTE and DTW. Here are the results. Pretty much as I expected but some very close games that could go either way. Here is the site if you want to play around. You can even match teams from other years against each other. I’ve found it to be pretty reliable as far as ratings go.
http://www.calpreps.com/cgi-bin/2018/project_matchup1_new.pl
Ratings: http://calpreps.com/2018/ratings/Pennsylvania_all.htm
DTW with Central Dauphin Schedule -Projected scores (all neutral field)
DTW 28 Wilson 20
DTW 28 Berks Cath 21
DTW 22 Manheim Township 21
DTW 35 Cumberland Valley 14
DTW 44 Carlisle 13
Harrisburg 31 DTW 20
DTW 42 Altoona 13
State College 31 DTW 26
DTW 35 Chambersburg 21
W 7 L 2
Projected outcome of a CD/DTW match up (neutral field)
Central Dauphin 22 DTW 21
*****************************************************************************
DTE with Central Dauphin Schedule -Projected scores (all neutral field)
DTE 31 Wilson 26
DTE 31 Berks Cath 28
Manheim Township 27 DTE 26
DTE 38 Cumberland Valley 20
DTE 48 Carlisle 19
Harrisburg 35 DTE 21
DTE 44 Altoona 19
State College 35 DTE 28
DTE 38 Chambersburg 27
W 6 L 3
Projected outcome of a CD/DTE match up (neutral field)
Central Dauphin 28 DTE 22
Projected outcome of a Manheim Township/DTE match up (neutral field)
Manheim Township 27 DTE 26
@D3 Mike So you’re saying the State College, Harrisburg, Manheim Township, Wilson, and CD are not very good. I agree that D3 is also down a bit except for Harrisburg bjut these are still pretty good teams. My guess is that DTW and DTE would both have 2-4 losses if they had to play those teams. While I agree with you about the SOL historically has been very good but aside from North Penn they are also down this year. However, DTE and DTW are part of the weak Chestmont League. Although the National division is the best they are still well below the Mid Penn Commonwealth in ratings. Coatesville is the only outstanding team there. The BEST teams fall 3-4 TD’s or more under them while the rest are pretty much mercy rule fodder. Even Cumberland Valley, with their worst team in nearly 50 years, avoided being mercy ruled by Coatesville at Coatesville. In addition to conference games the D3 teams that CD and Manheim Township have played (each other, Berks Catholic, Warwick, Cocalico, Wilson) outside their conference are much better than the teams that DTE and DTW have played in the Chestmont, SOL and outside their conference. It’s not just me saying this it’s various rating sites (CalPreps/MaxPreps and Born) also. While not always perfect they are usually in the ballpark as to who is pretty good and who isn’t. Like I said before we’ll never get to see any of those teams play each other unless some upsets occur. While the D3 teams have lost decisively to the West teams such as PCC and North Allegheny and most recently Pine Richland not many eastern teams have played them close either except for St. Josephs Prep and occasionally LaSalle College. CD did win a state championship in 2011.
League ratings-2018
http://calpreps.com/2018/ratings/Pennsylvania_leagues.htm
@ Buddy
I was wondering the same thing. Saw on MaxPreps (granted I take things I see and read on that site with large grain of salt) they had PV @ Pottsgrove Friday night, and as I call the runner-up PAC game, Spring-Ford @ PJPII on Saturday at 1p.
Will the PV/Pottsgrove game be at Pottsgrove or neutral site?
@Jay – current power rankings are available on the DI website, as of today the top 16 teams are as follows, also noted Ridley at #17 for all the Ridley fans, you are correct about the top 3 but Coatesville and GV are reversed:
1) North Penn
2) Coatesville
3) Garnett Valley
4) DT West
5) Truman
6) Perk Valley
7) Haverford
8) DT East
9) Spring-Ford
10) Quakertown
11) Neshaminy
12) Pennsbury
13) Upper Darby
14) Owen J. Roberts
15) CR South
16) CB East
17) Ridley
As I’ve stated before I think Coatesville is significantly better this year than any team in D1, just like Pine Richland was significantly better than every team in the WPIAL last year, we’ll find out over the next month, but I would be very surprised if any team in D1 or D3 for that matter beats Coatesville, and if the D3 winner is not Harrisburg it could get ugly in the semi-finals against Coatesville.
@Jay
PIAA District 1 website has the playoff rankings.
Top 3 are pretty much locked in unless something bizarre happens. 1. North Penn 2. Coatesville 3. Garnet Valley
North Penn ends up #1 basically because they play an all 6A schedule and the fact that Coatesville ended up playing W.C Rustin who only played a 9 game schedule this year and Middletown South from NJ who only played 8 games. If they would have both played 10 game schedules Coatesville might have edged NP out with bonus points for #1.
Coatesville will edge out Garnet Valley for #2 (assuming both win Friday). They will both end up with the same number of win points but Coatesville has a nice lead in bonus points thanks to a tougher schedule.
@Knight Time – and same to you, don’t get lost when NP loses in the district quarters or semi-finals, you guys better hope you don’t draw Haverford in the quarterfinals or you could be in trouble, I don’t see them even making the final to get beat up by Coatesville. Last year it was pretty obvious early in the season that Pine Richland and SJP were the 2 best teams in 6A, this year it’s been equally obvious the 2 best teams are Coatesville and SJP. Can one of them get upset, of course, but highly unlikely.
I expect PR to win the WPIAL title, and I think SJP beats them by 2-3 scores this year, I could see a reversal of the score from last years final of 42-21 for SJP.
@D3 Mike – yes, the McDonough game was a bad loss for Wood, no doubt about it, but as usual they have gotten stronger as the season has gone on, and just ran the ball all over Lasalle over the weekend. Gateway’s defense is much improved, but whether they can stop the vaunted Wood running game is a whole other story, I’m just not sure Gateway has made up the huge gap from last year. I for one would not be surprised at all if Wood ends up in Hershey again, don’t see them getting challenged until they play the WPIAL winner in the semi-finals, I sure hope someone beats them because it would be nice for any school besides AW to win the 5A title.
@Mcd – agree with you about Egan, I can see them in Hershey taking on Aliquippa, who is a big favorite to get there from the west, also agree Berks Catholic has a good chance to beat Erie Prep this year assuming they can slow down Billy Lucas which they couldn’t do last year, winner will more than likely face Imhotep in the final.
Is there a way to see the current rankings in D1 6A? That would determine the playoff rankings I mean? I assume that North Penn, Garnet Valley and Coatesville would be 1-3 at this point even if Coatesville is considered better, since they have a couple wins over 5A schools, am I right?
I live in Coatesville but went to Downingtown (prior to the split) and would love to see CV, DTE or DTW go very far or even win the state championship. I know that Coatesville has the best shot out of the three, but I haven’t seen DTE play yet this year and am very excited to see them at CV this week.
Also I went to the DTW vs Shanahan game and I feel like despite their 8-1 record (and they’ll probably finish 9-1 based on their next opponent it seems) DTW could easily be beaten in the first round of districts. Big emotional win over DTE but almost lost to Shanahan and got absolutely smoked by Coatesville a couple weeks ago.
You can get 3 losses from playing great competition. Another way you can get 3 losses is from just not being very good. You’re saying the former and I’m claiming the latter, and I guess time will tell.
The D3 teams you cited often go 9-1 or 10-0 and proceed to get smoked in states. So, by extension, their 7-3 versions this year are probably not as good as year’s past, right? Meanwhile, the winner of the SOL has played for how many state titles now? And when they lose in the semi-finals, they are at least competitive.
I’m just not sure where you’re getting this supposed district strength from this year considering the district has posted all of one big school state title since they opened it up in 1994 and historically performs poorly in the semi-finals and the team records are all worse than usual.
@ D3 Mike…You get three losses when you play tough teams. You can play a bevy of inferior teams even if they are 6A like the DTE and DTW teams play and only lose once to Coatesville. This happens every year with the York county teams as I am sure you are well aware. Those teams come into the D3 playoffs with no or one loss seeded high and are usually gone after the second round. I’m not saying the schedule for DTE/DTW is York County easy but it’s not CD tough either. Playing inferior teams doesn’t mean a one loss team is better than a three loss team that has lost to State College, Manheim Township and Harrisburg. If you take strength of schedule into account these teams are also very good despite 3 losses. CD has also defeated Chambersburg, Berks Catholic, and Wilson. All those teams are better, at least according to several rating sites, than any team that DTW has beaten except DTE. Other than Coatesville and the other Downingtown team, Perkiomen Valley is the best team they have played. While Perk is a decent team they fall well below Chambersburg in the ratings. CD has played SIX teams rated higher than Perkiomen Valley. The three teams CD lost to are all rated as good or better than DTW by those same rating sites. I’m not saying CD or Manheim Township would give Coatesville a close game but they are solid squads and are just as good, especially CD and one loss Manheim Township, as the Downingtown teams IMO. Unfortunately, we will probably not get to see a match-up between any of those team because Coatesville is so dominant.
Calpreps PA Ratings
Coatesville 2
Harrisburg 6
State College 10
DTW 20
Manheim Township 21
Central Dauphin 23
DTE 32
Cedar Cliff 36
Berks Cath 45
Wilson 50
Chambersburg 57
Perkiomen Valley 67
I give Harrisburg the State College win but Central Dauphin and Wilson are 6A teams with 3 losses (with a lot of 5As on the schedule for Wilson). They are solid squads, either could win the district since they’ve done it so many times before, but Coatesville would probably have a running clock on them by halftime. It’s just not a great year for either program IMO. And D3-6A generally doesn’t look strong if you look at the records of the top teams this year compared to recent years. Also, the marquee wins for Cedar Cliff and CD are against 4A schools (albeit great 4A schools).
Meanwhile DTE and DTW are 8-1 (one a loss to Coatesville) while playing almost exclusively 6A programs in suburban Philadelphia. Maybe I give them too much credit but that league actually produces teams that play in the state title game at the highest class, regularly, so I feel like they’ve earned it. But to be fair I’d defer to some of the people who have seen SOL teams play this year.
If you’re saying 34-21 Coatesville you won’t get much of an argument out of me. I just wasn’t seeing any basis for expecting a Harrisburg win in a rematch short of “any given Friday”. And yeah, Warwick is having a great year. One of a couple sleepers with a puncher’s shot to upset Manheim at 5A.
RE: My post to D3 Mike Sorry…Warwick is a 5A team not 6A. My bad! They are tough though!
@D3 Mike While I agree that D3 6A is somewhat down this year I disagree that Harrisburg has played ‘meh’ teams. Harrisburg has played three teams the quality of DTE and DTW , those being Cedar Cliff (who beat Bishop McDevitt I might add), Central Dauphin and State College. I would argue that Harrisburg’s regular season schedule is stronger than Coatesville’s and the D3 playoffs will include the likes of Wilson,Warwick, Manheim Township, and Central Dauphin. In Cumberland Valley’s 1992 championship season they played Harrisburg during the regular season and won 38-0. They played Harrisburg once again in the D3 playoffs and had to scratch and claw to win 10-7. In the first game, some of the long catches were highly contested and yes there were several “trick’ plays that Coatesville used. Harrisburg also had quite a few new players around a solid nucleus so it’s sometimes hard to judge on a first game, especially when playing against many seasoned Coatesville skill players. Don’t count out Harrisburg just yet although Coatesville is the better team anything can happen in one game as we saw when that Harrisburg team who demolished everyone last year got beat by Governor Mifflin and their ball control on a sloppy field. If Harrisburg can survive D3 I would expect a much closer game perhaps in the order of 34-21.
I’m just not seeing what you’re seeing in Harrisburg. First, they had a better team last year, were playing at a lower level in 5A … and couldn’t make it to the district finals, let alone the state finals. It’s a big jump in class going up against the elite, greater-Philly teams, as they learned in getting trashed by Wood in ‘16.
Second, it wasn’t just trick plays and jump balls in Week 1. Coatesville had the game under control from start to finish, put up around 400 yards of total offense, and kept Harrisburg off the board with the exception of one bad snap.
Finally, Harrisburg is hurt by the Mid Penn and D3 being down overall at 6A this year. They basically will have beaten State College and a bunch of meh teams to get to the state semis. Coatesville will have beaten Harrisburg, Down East, Down West, and run the D1 6A playoff gauntlet, which is an even tougher set than usual this year.
Add in the St Joe’s Prep game last year and I think both the talent and tough-game experience favor Coatesville.
Hey D3, I think H-burg is a top team, but I watched the C’ville game — I’m pretty sure I remember C’ville pulling their starters — plus it was their first game too and they always improve as the season progresses. The other side of your equation seems flawed as well — SJP will probably be the favorite no matter who they play (P-R and NA might have something to say as well). Moreover, other than their QB, what playmakers does H-burg have? (I don’t remember any standouts from the C’ville game).
With all due respect to all the Coatesville lovers out there, but Harrisburg will beat Coatesville (or Garnett Valley if it’s them because Garnett Valley is a running team). Anyone who watched their first game saw that Coatesville didn’t beat Harrisburg as much as Harrisburg beat themselves. Coastesville hit some 50/50 jump balls and hit a few trick plays but they didn’t move the ball up and down the field on Harrisburg. Harrisburg probably has the best defense in the state at any level (top 3 at least). No team is going to run the ball on them. I am fairly certain Harrisburg hasn’t given up 100 yards rushing to anyone this year, including to Coatesville, and also Ortega had a lot of pressure in that Harrisburg game too. Lastly, Harrisburg will also have a bye week the week before playing Coatesville, assuming Coatesville makes it out of D1. I think Harrisburg ends up in the state championship game vs whoever comes out of the west(PR or NA), er…east (SJP).
Jeff, I’m usually big on “the champ is the champ until someone beats them” but I’m going to make an exception for Wood. I’ve been skeptical since they lost to a middling McDonogh team (2-4 out of Baltimore) in week 1.
For comparison, the following two weeks McDonogh proceeded to lose to both Berks Catholic and Malvern Prep, so I don’t think Wood is even a top 4, 5A team this year let alone the team to beat. Btw I saw Malvern Prep in person and they might be the best non-PIAA school I’ve seen in quite awhile. Would probably win 5A this year.
Sorry, can’t answer your question on the QB but I think Gateway would be the stronger team with or without him.
Hey Bubba C,
As a Coatesville fan, I think they can be beat. In general, they are H.S. kids, they have committed (or been called for) a lot of penalties, the H.S. game is short, it could be raining or snowing, they could cough up some turnovers, or they could play on a muddy, tundra-like field that could slow them down. Specifically, some issues I have seen this year are as follows: 1. Although they have a huge O-line, it seems like they have problems sometimes with run and pass protection. 2. They don’t feed the rock to Young or Bryant enough. 3. A team that can grid out first downs and eat a lot of clock would definitely limit their scoring ability and keep a game close. 4. Not sure their pass defense is up to snuff — can a good passing team stay with them? 5. Special teams — it’s great that coach Ortega lets a lot of guys play, but I think you should have your best personnel out there on kick-offs (WC burned them last week). With all that being said, I don’t see any defense stopping them. Yeah, Coatesville lost to SJP last year, but I don’t think any team lit up the vaunted Prep D like C’ville did, and their offense might be better this year.
Jeff H , Archbishop Wood may run out of gas this year and for sure the next few years based on what I have seen and their roster. They could make a run this year if Colyar returns which I hear is doubtful. St Joes/ Coatsville final which most folks are predicting would be a shootout for sure. I like the Prep in another close one. Watch out for Conwell/Egan in AAA . Their RB Garwo is a beast. So Columbia should be a 2 TD winner over any of the other finalist . Imhotep can be a tough opponent , but Berks is my pick in AAAA.
@Jeff H please don’t get lost when the districts are over and it’s time to comment when the rubber meets the road.
@ Matt – Is Delone AAA or AA? I thought they (and york catholic) were AA. I could be incorrect.
CoalRgnFrballFan….Both are AA teams
@Bubba C
I can speak for myself and pretty much everybody in the city of Cville that we believe this team will get to Hershey. I think the only team that has a shot of derailing them is Garnet Valley in D1 just because they play a grind it out, eat out the clock type of game with that offense. They’ve been ahead by 21 points at some point in the 1st quarter in 6 of their 8 games. They’ve scored 26 TD’s and only given up 1 in that same 1st quarter. As I’ve said all year about their opponents particularly the all hyped up DTW team if you start off slow against them, you might get run off the field.
As for D3 Manheim and Harrisburg look to be the favorites and Coatesville already beat Harrisburg handily the 1st week. Granted Kane Everson got hurt as did Andre White, so if they do happen to meet again I suspect it will be a much closer game.
If they happen to meet SJP they will be an underdog as one would expect, but the kids from Coatesville will not be scared. If anything they might be hungrier than ever knowing that they should have won the game last year in the Eastern Final. SJP has some new faces in McCord and Harrison, etc but basically, the entire Coatesville team with the exception of Avery Young and a few other contributors are back from last year.
If they do somehow pull off an upset there will be a parade like you will not believe down the main street of Coatesville that Saturday night and a huge party at the high school to welcome them back!
Lots of IF’s mentioned above and still a lot of football left to be played. Hopefully, all teams can avoid the injury bug and we can honestly see who has the best team and settle it on the field and not speculate about if this person was healthy or if this person would have played it would have been a different outcome.
@ Bubba C – I’m from Pittsburgh and a WPIAL guy but I closely follow football statewide, Coatesville is clearly the favorite to get to Hershey from the eastern bracket and will almost certainly have a rematch with SJP for the state title. I think Coatesville is at least 2 TD’s better than any team in DI, including North Penn, and they will be a big favorite to beat the D3 champion in the Eastern Finals, where they could have a rematch with Harrisburg, or perhaps Manheim Township, last years 6A D3 champion.
As for winning the state title they will be underdogs to SJP, but I give them a shot in what could be a great game, I certainly hope they win the state title because I’m a public school fan and I think the only public school in the state that can beat SJP this year is Coatesville.
Has anyone who follows the PCL heard whether Wood QB Jack Colyar will be back for the playoffs. Appears AW is down a bit in overall talent since the last few years and this team is pretty one dimensional without Colyar. They are still the favorite in 5A until proven otherwise, but if Colyar is not coming back they may be beatable, I anticipate a great game in the west finals between AW and the WPIAL winner, which will likely either be Gateway or Penn Hills, both of whom are very talented and have several D1 players, Gateway’s defense is substantially better than last year giving up less than 5 points/game with 4 shutouts.
Manheim Central clearly the favorite in D3, not sure there’s a D1 team that can beat them, at this point looks like Manheim Central vs. the WPIAL/AW winner in Hershey.
All out honest ? For everybody on here who knows this team , or follows this team and who is a true fan…
Please answer I want see what everybody thinks..
Do you think that Coatesville can get to Hershey this year ?
If you think not , who or what will stop them.from getting there…Thanks FBall Fans
Also Delone Catholic looks to be very good in AAA East but I think WC is toughest comp for Southern in East.
@coal….I’m a d11 guy but I think WC will be southerns toughest comp in postseason….that being said Southern I believe would win by 2-3 scores….maybe 35-20.
SOL folk: how good do you think Truman is? Everything I’ve read on them continues to be the same praise about a program “taking a leap”, but that doesn’t mean much other than kudos to their current staff and roster. If they beat Pennridge, it looks like they’ll be the 4 or 5 seed and a likely 2nd round matchup with an enigma in D-Town West. The winner of that goes to the semis against the winner of North Penn and the 8/9, which looks like it will end up being a bit of a break for NP in the 2nd round. D-Town East is likely to get smoked by Coatesville, and Upper Darby likewise with Garnet Valley, so that leaves an iffy group of Perk Valley, Neshaminy, Quakertown, and CR South to emerge as the 8 and 9.
I don’t think North Penn wants any part of Haverford, who would grab the 7 if things play out like I said. Haverford has a 3 year starter at QB and a ton of talent at the skill positions, and would be a track meet with Coatesville in the 2nd round. They took Garnet Valley down to the wire and have handled everyone else with ease. They’ve also been at NP the last 2 years in the playoffs, so there would be no ignorance of what it’s like to play at Crawford in November.
Can anyone offer insight on West Catholic this year? I’m guessing they will play a role in the AA eastern state playoffs. Compare them to their 2015/2016 versions.
Where’s the scoreboard?
Also, this site went 2 weeks without a comment posted.. I doubt that very much.
Throw this out, go back to the old site!
Buddy….I post the scores on the main page every day….There’s a banner that says SCOREBOARD<<<<<
Jeff H: I agree with you on North Penn.
Big weekend for the PCL as 7-0 Conwell Egan hosts 6-1 West Catholic on Friday night, and SJP visits Wood Saturday afternoon.
Thanks guys!!! Guess the bracket I was looking at had slots for 16 teams. So does then the D3 6A teams start their playoffs a week after everyone else or will the winner have a bye week before meeting D1??
Kevin X – D3-6A Eight teams qualify. 5A 14 teams qualify. 4A 10 teams qualify. PIAA should never have made 6 classifications for football as many small schools don’t have teams and more are dropping or should. Kutztown only has 16 players. Columbia and Pequay Valley are not far behind. Needs to go back to 4 classifications. As Berks Catholic has improved more players from small schools want to play there for a chance to win……. This has affected Hamburg, Fleetwood, Kutztown and Wyomissing the most.
6A Update :
Harrisburg has moved to the top since the early season loss to Coatesville. The transfer of Kane Everson from CD East to Harrisburg has made them a force to reckon with. He is amazing to watch and dominated in the win of State College on Saturday. Most likely a rematch with Coatesville in November……. But they were in the same position last year and gave up against Mifflin on a cold rainy day that was won in the trenches. They should win out and be the one seed.
CD has been sputtering since the tragic loss of one of their players. Still an awesome team and hopefully they can finish strong in his honor. They have State College this weekend. Their two losses have been to MT and Harrisburg. If they win they will mos likely end up as the two seed
Manheim Township beat Warwick last week and lost to Wilson the week before. I saw both games and am still not sure about this team against the best teams. The QB, Harry Kirk is a natural passer and very fluid, but appears a bit reckless under pressure. They have tall athletic skill players and can break a big play. Both of their lines are smallish but quick. They beat Warwick in the turnover battle and that was the difference. Could not move the ball against Wilson but did hit a few big plays to get their points. Township will win out and be the three seed if CD beats SC or the two seed if CD loses.
Wilson is still an unknown. Saw them against Manheim Central and Township. Still have a lot of injuries but are starting to get a few players back. Their defense is very young but is dominating teams. Held Evan Simon to 3 for 16. Offense had many opportunities in the first half and only scored 10 points and this came back to cost the game. They also had 2 turnovers that set-up short drives for Central. Township was also stymied against the defense. Offense is dink and dunk. If they get Lockhart and Johnson back they can play with a TE and might be able to pound their way to the D3 final. Wilson is at Warwick this week. Wilson will be the four seed unless CD loses to SC then they will be the three seed.
I don’t believe any other team will beat any of these teams in D3 playoffs……. Sorry York County.
5A Update
It’s all about Manheim Central. I spoke highly of the QB but I may have placed him a little higher than I should. From the teams I have seen, I would rate him behind the QB’s at MT, Harrisburg and Spring Ford. 5A is very weak this year so Central will win the D3 5A again. The only upset I could see is if Mifflin can get healthy and make a run.
Warwick is interesting because of the pedigree of their line. Three D1 players- Hayden Rucci (Wisconsin) Coomer (Delaware) and Nolan Rucci who is a Sophomore but is 6′ 8″ and 270 and has about 20 offers to the top programs. He is athletic for a big guy and I believe also plays b-ball. Will be interesting to watch him mature.
4A will be Berks Catholic vs Bishop McDevitt – Either of these teams would win 5A this year
@Kevin X
D3 playoffs are Top 8 teams for 6A
Haha, no, 8 teams in D36A. And that’s a touchy subject in these parts. They just expanded the playoffs for 2018 in most of the middle classes in what was an obvious money grab. Why they insist on having so many of these kids get mercy ruled for their final football memory is beyond me. For forever there were 16 TOTAL teams in districts. Now it’s up to like 44 or some crazy number.
On an unrelated D3 note, almost every district title game since 1982 was played at Hershey Stadium. They just ended that relationship due to rising costs from the park to host games there. Interested to see if the costs also push the state title games elsewhere.
To all of you D3 folk, is D3 seriously going to have a 16 team playoff in 6A for 17 (or is it 18) schools???
@D3 Mike – completely agree about Harrisburg, and don’t forget about Manheim Township, they’re not giving up their title from last year without a fight. I personally think Coatesville is a bigger favorite to win D1 than Harrisburg is to win D3.
@Knight Time – NP is winning close games against average or above average teams, not very good or great teams, Neshaminy, Pennridge, Pennsbury and LaSalle are all down compared to prior years, and Souderton and CRS are not known as powerhouse programs. NP is good, but I don’t think they are anywhere near as good as Coatesville, and if they manage to beat them in the playoffs I’ll be the first one to admit I was wrong, although I have a hunch NP is going to lose before they have a chance to face Coatesville in the D1 final. If you’re insinuating Coatesville would not be undefeated if they played in the SOL I completely disagree as they are significantly better than all of the teams NP has beaten thus far.
yo Knight:
I don’t think uncle T was dis-respecting NP, just telling it like it is. They are missing some key elements this year. That will catch up to them.
If C’ville handles DTE easily, then you can’t say they have weaker schedule ( hell, they played CV and Harrisburg!).
NP needs a passing game AND a pass defense. Got 3 games to find it. If not, they won’t even meet C’ville or GV.
@Uncle T and all you other Coatesville forecasters that have them cruising through the Districts better wake up! @Uncle T you are comical when you say about NP “they have gone down big in games against some above average SOL competition.” The key is we play above average competition in the SOL and no 5A completion like CVille. If CVille was in the SOL believe me they would not be looking like the “greatest show on turf”. LOVE THE NP DISRESPECT!!!!!!
We need some sort of ticketing system as every HS football fan in the state tries to get back on the Harrisburg bandwagon, all at the same time…
That program got to the state title game in 2016 … and then with a far more talented team in 2017 failed to get out of the district semi finals.
Now they’ve moved up to 6A, and while it’s not D7 or D1, running the big school gauntlet in D3 is far from a gimme. They have the best team again, but I’d still take the field over Harrisburg winning 3 straight. Cumberland Valley is down this year but Wilson West Lawn and Central Dauphin are still on the board with their 10 district titles, all at the biggest classification.
The less talented but more disciplined (and pedigreed) programs often give the headline teams trouble in November, so that Harrisburg vs. Coatesville rematch should definitely be written in pencil.
@Buddy
SJP run this year will be similar to recent years past, with the exception of the state semi final and Championship game. Not exactly going out on a limb here, but guessing Round 1 PCL semi final vs. RC/FJ, Round 2 PCL final vs. LaSalle, Round 3 D12 championship vs. Northeast (stop me if you heard this before), state quarters against D11 (Parkland/Emmaus/Freedom) (anybody else on board with a 16 team 6A Super Regional bracket consisting of D2/D11/D12??), then the state semi’s (PR/NA) and the championship game vs. the D1/D3 winner.
Buddy
While it is new and I am far from certain, it seems that if SJP were to come out of D12, they would play the D11 rep; and the then the D7 rep.
Meanwhile, the D1 champ in 6A meets the D3 champ, and the winner meets the D12-D7 champ in the state championship.
I think that the Class 5A is similar, but again its different, so I can’t even envision the brackets yet.
@Kevin District 3 is listed on the top line of the bracket for the semifinal game, which means (if the past years brackets are good indicators of which district gets the home game) that District 3 will host this year.
@ Buddy – yes, SJP will play the D11 winner in the quarterfinals, just like in previous years. Big game this week in D11 when the 2 lone unbeaten 6A teams face off when Bethlehem Freedom travels to Emmaus, I think Freedom’s a better team but game is on the road. Parkland may still be heard from come playoff time, they lost to Freedom by 1 point earlier in the season and play Emmaus in the last game of the regular season.
@Kevin X – could very well be a rematch of week 1 in the eastern finals, although Manheim Township might have something to say about that come the D3 playoffs, wouldn’t count out CD just yet either, although at this point looks like Harrisburg is the favorite to win D3.
When does SJP enter the playoff picture? They play any eastern teams?
@ Uncle T – completely agree with your assessment, the only team in the “east” that has a chance to keep Coatesville from Hershey is GV. Barring some unforeseen circumstances it appears we’re headed for Coatesville-SJP round 2, but this time for the state title. I think SJP has too much for Pine Richland this year and will beat them in the “west finals”, expect PR to beat NA for the WPIAL title and then beat SC in the quarterfinals, just like last year.
Starting to smell like a C’Ville/Harrisburg week #1 re-match for the D1/D3 6A state semi final. That stinks IMO, nothing against those two teams, I just hate post season re-matches of regular season contests. At least these two games would be as far apart on the football calendar as you could get. Pretty sure if this game does come to fruition, this will be a much more competitive Harrisburg team and game overall. Speaking of, anyone know who (district) will host this game (regardless of the D1 and D3 reps), D1 or D3?? Guessing if D3 the game will be at Hershey, D1 maybe, hopefully at D-Town (if not DTE playing, already ruled out DTW).
uncle T, that’s about right. NP should win 1st playoff game, then it’s over
@ Bleed Red & Black, Chief, et al…
I’ll say this: Coatesville is obviously the team to beat in District 1- they are more talented on offense than any team in the state (including SJP). But they have gotten some very, very weak competition so far. D-West looked thoroughly psyched out with their game plan, and the Whippets defense was boneheaded with some of the things they did (jumping offside on a 4th and 5 with Coatesville’s punting team on and no hard count?). I don’t want to take anything away from the Ville since they can play with anyone, but some of the things I’ve seen in their opponents are simply not what they are going to see in the later rounds of the playoffs.
In my opinion, North Penn is overrated. They have gone down big in games against some above average SOL competition, and teams like Coatesville and Garnet Valley will simply run them off the field if that situation occurs in D1. But NP’s remaining schedule means they will almost assuredly win out and be the 1 seed, which is tough for you guys because GV is the only team I think can give ‘Ville a serious challenge in the new “eastern” side of the bracket. The GV defense is big, athletic, very well-coached, and deep, and that time-consuming running attack is kryptonite to a team with Coatesville’s overwhelming offense. If they both win out, it will be a district semi’s matchup. They are even in playoff points now and have just about identical remaining points available, so home field would come down to how the teams on their schedules do. That’s the D1 final in my eyes, and GV is the only team in the way of Coatesville being in the state finals.
Harrisburg defeats State College 32-17.
@Jeff H
Sure Dtown has a chance if they can get off to a quick start which is something they haven’t done the last 2 games. The didn’t score until early in the 2nd quarter last week against Avon Grove and were clinging to a 21-14 lead in the 3rd the week before to a not so good 1-5 Great Valley team.
Obviously, this will be the best offense DTW has seen all year, and if they start off slow it might be similar to last year’s 42-7 score. Howard has made remarks that he has had this game circled on the calendar and wants to prove what he is capable of doing. He isn’t very athletic so if the Coatesville front of Kirk, Holmes, Limper and LB Thompson can get in his face he will get uncomfortable. Howard is athletic but he isn’t really a threat to run the ball. They need to get a balance going early with RB Lewis so all the pressure isn’t solely on Howard’s arm.
For Coatesville, they just need to keep doing what they have been doing all year with the addition of one thing. Aaron Young needs to get 2X as many touches as he has been getting all year. Ortega had more rushing attempts last week than AYoung. Being one of the best RB’s in the state I would expect a little more than 11 carries a game. I understand all the games the starters have been out before the start of the 4th quarter but Coach Ortega, Coach Cantafio need to recognize he is the most dangerous weapon on the team and let him get 20 touches. I don’t get if it’s 20 carries or incorporating him into the passing game, which is something we haven’t seen all year. I think 20 touches is possible, but Ricky calls his own number a little too many times in the read option. I expect a high scoring game and a ton of penalties to be called on Coatesville like there always are but Coatesville comes out victorious.
Ricky has yet to lose a Ches-Mont game in 2+ years and I don’t see that changing. It’s the Homecoming game for Coatesville so the players might be a little more amped up. Biggest game of the year in Chester County so far this year so expect a packed house. Although I’m loyal to the Red and Black I kinda wish this game was at Downingtown. Hands down the best place to view a game in district 1 and always a treat when Coatesville and either of the Downingtown schools face off against one another.
Anyone think Dtown West has much of a chance against Coatesville tomorrow night? I think West is a bit overrated and not as good as their record, expect them to score some points but not nearly enough to keep pace, I see the final being something like 49-28.
Another big 6A game tomorrow is State College at Harrisburg, with SC looking to avenge last years thumping. Harrisburg has been on a roll since their season opening loss to Coatesville, but I think SC has too many weapons on offense and wins a close one. Harrisburg appears to be the favorite to win D3, although defending champion Manheim Township might have something to say about that,while SC again seems headed for a quarterfinal match-up against the WPIAL winner, which will either been Pine Richland or North Allegheny, at this point I give the edge to PR.
Has anyone heard anything the SOL possibly starting a small schools division? With the BAL teams enrollments being down and Teams like Springfield-Montco, New Hope and Lower Moreland would leave Bicentennial League and join.
North Penn is getting some good work during this regular season. They have been tested a few times and have won 2 double OT games. Good for preparing for the district playoffs.
@Knight Time
I agree, they do have some weapons. I am also curious as to what Intrieri can add when he’s healthy. The have lacked a tight end which is something they have had dating back to Ralph Reeves. Reeves, Earle, Vasger, Thomas have all been weapons from the tight end position is recent years. Hopefully Beck can get it figured out because I do like the potential of this team. Especially with Robinson’s ability to run. He is their best running threat at QB since Hearns. They have plenty of games to try and develop so here’s to hoping.
@Knight Time
You are spot on with your overall assessment of North Penn. Beck was working on the passing game when they were up by 28 points. North Penn has the receivers to get the job done. Jon Haynes, Shamar Edwards (when they go to multiple receivers), Evan Spann and Kaleem Corbin can make plays but lets hope the qb Solomon Robinson can get in sync. He has a good arm but needs to be more consistent with his accuracy. If he cleans that up the sky is the limit because North Penn would be well balanced with their strong running game already in place.
@Knight Time
NP should definitely run the table and I think that should be enough to give them the 1 seed despite what Coatesville and Garnet Valley do. Same goes for the Downingtowns I believe. That would be extremely important for North Penn. They would still have to beat at least one VERY good team on their way to the final if they are to get there though and that is definitely not a given. They need to continue to develop that passing game. It has shown some flashes but is not consistent enough. You can tell Beck is trying to work on it though. When Pennridge started coming back they went back to pounding the ball, which they do very well, but it will take more than that.
@Mgguy – because I don’t think there’s a 6A team in D3 that’s going to beat Coatesville, that’s why. I realize there are multiple state champions from D3, but not many at the highest classification, if memory serves me correctly CV in 1992 and CD in 2011 are the only teams from D3 to win at the highest classification, and I just don’t see it happening this year, that’s all.
I know the North Penn faithful will disagree, but I don’t like their chances in a game against Coatesville, even at home, we’ll see, that’s why they play the games.
@Friday Night Lights
Book it now. North Penn runs the table during the regular season and will get #1 seed.
Wilson West Lawn had Manheim Central on the ropes until the beginning of the 4th quarter when the Bulldogs fell apart terribly. Their QB was somewhat comfortable in first half but exploded in the second half. He appears only to focus on one receiver and then when pressure comes he gets rattled and that’s when miscues happen and they are costly turnovers into the opposing team to score. It happened in the first game and now the fourth game. Wilson needs to reevaluate their QB issue NOW……………. People tell me that they have a sophomore QB that has good potential. Maybe it’s time for a change. They have at least 3 tough games ahead with Manheim Township (Away), Warwick (Away) and Hempfield home sort of. This game is being played at the Reading Phils baseball complex. A change may well be what this team needs for the future.
So why do you assume that D3 is “bye” and D1 wins. Multiple D3 State Champions.
@ Uncle T – I tried to post earlier in the day but guess the moderator didn’t like the verbiage I used, so I’ll try again. District 11 got the short end of the stick with the bracket realignment, they still have to play SJP in the quarterfinals, and the winner of that game will take on the WPIAL winner, which will either be PR or North Allegheny. That’s assuming the WPIAL winner beats State College in the quarterfinals, which is no sure thing as SC is very good this year and expect their game against the WPIAL winner to be very competitive. So, for the D11 winner to get to Hershey they would have to beat SJP in the quarterfinals and then likely the WPIAL winner in the semi-finals.
The District 1 winner will play the District 3 winner in the eastern semi-final, as both districts enter the state playoffs in the semi-final round. At this point the DI winner will definitely be favored to get to Hershey, especially if it’s Coatesville.
As I stated before I have no inside information on how the PIAA operates, but the rumors I’ve heard were DI and especially D3 lobbied the PIAA to change the bracket and flip the D12/D11 winner to the west and the D3 winner to the east, makes no sense geographically but that’s how the PIAA operates.
@Uncle T
Quakertown is not in the same conference as North Penn. They’re in the conference with all the teams you listed on their schedule.
@ Uncle T North Penn and Quakertown aren’t in the same conference for Football. All other sports they are (since those are based solely on geography).
@Uncle T – District 11 got screwed, they still play SJP in the quarterfinals, the winner of that will take on the WPIAL winner in the semi-final, assuming they beat State College in the quarterfinal, which is no sure thing because SC is very good this year. So, in order to just make it to Hershey the D11 winner would have to beat SJP in the quarterfinals and then the SC-WPIAL winner in the semi-finals. The D1 winner will play the D3 winner in the other semi-final, and right now the D1 winner would be the favorite in that game, especially if it’s Coatesville.
Like I stated previously I have no inside information but sure seems from the outside the PIAA was getting pressure from D1 and particularly D3 to flip D12 to the western side of the bracket and D3 to the eastern side, of course it makes absolutely no sense geographically but that’s PIAA logic for you.
@Uncle T
My understanding is that non-PIAA schools classifications are set using the PIAA standards, so Middletown South should be classified as a 6A school due to their enrollment. The NJSIAA has them as a Group IV classification (Group V is the highest) in the state with an enrollment of 1,096.
As I mentioned in a previous post they only play 8 games during the designated PIAA 10 week season so Coatesville will likely be impacted by that in regards to bonus points, unless run the table and go 7-1.
Ok, I’ll bite…
I will preface this by saying I am a North Penn fan through and through. Coatesville can be beat. I will say it again, Coatesville can be beat. Now, that being said, I must be honest when I say they are the definitive favorite in D1 and for a team to beat them in districts it will take a monumental effort with just about everything going right. I also think it will take a team that can play a physical style ball and control the clock to beat them. North Penn and Garnet Valley come to mind. One thing North Penn has been able to do this year is run the ball. If North Penn can go on long, clock consuming drives and limit the number of possessions Coatesville has then maybe they can keep it manageable with a shot to win in the end. North Penn does have somewhat of a three headed monster in the run game With a dangerous QB when he runs, a very good back in Shamar Edwards, and a tough running fullback in Julian White. NP is starting 5 new O linemen this year so it is reasonable to think they will continue to improve. Getting the 1 or 2 seed in Districts would also be important. I would much rather play Cville at Crawford Stadium on the grass if we are able to earn our way there. In the end, Coatesville is extremely talented and I for one recognize that talent. I would love to see NP get a shot at them but at the same time I would certainly be worried. Coatesville deserve a lot of respect.
Uncle T
Quakertown is in the American Conference of the Suburban One League. The teams you listed ARE their conference.
You D2 guys still out there?? Two big games this week, Scranton Prep @ Valley View and Berwick/WVW. Is this the week someone is finally going to score on Prep?? Thoughts/predictions??
Uncle T, Q-Town is not in the same conference as North Penn. They are in with UDub, P-W, Wiss, UMoreland, H-H, and Cheltenham. You would think geographically they would be in with the likes of NP, Pennridge, the Central Buckes (mmm, spelling??) and Soudy.
Also, and if someone can actually confirm this, I believe, based on the “preliminary” proposed brackets that I saw some time ago for 6A, unfortunately for the the EPC teams, they (D11) still get D12 in state quarters. Then the D11/12 winner gets the winner of the D7/D2-6-8-10 (did I miss anyone??) in the semis. D1/D3 meet in the other semi. 5A is laid out in similar fashion, now D1 gets D3 in the semis (hey no more Wood in the semis for D1!!!) and D7 meets (I’ll just say the rest of 5A) in the other semi final. 4A appears to be the same as the last 2 years, which is looking like it is going to be a lot of deja vu all over again……
Knight time: I remember 2016. Ortega was a Freshman, Young was a soph., and no Bryant (and C’ville scored 25 points too — not a lockdown IMO). Most importantly, however, I was talking about this year’s team. You’re comparing apples and oranges. If you want to go back to 2016, why not go back to 2017? (More recent and more similar to this year’s team)
To all Suburban One folks, how is it possible that Quakertown does not play North Penn even though they are in the same 7 team conference? Their next 5 games are against Upper Moreland, Cheltenham, Wissahickon, Upper Dublin, and Plymouth-Whitemarsh. Is this standard operating procedure in the SOL?
@ Buddy
My extended family is mostly all DelCo (frown), so I tend to pay more attention to what goes on there than I do elsewhere. I’d be very surprised if GV doesn’t win out. Haverford was their biggest test of the year, and they gutted that one out for the W (keep an eye out for Haverford- they have lots of skill around a 3 year starter at QB. They’re not going to be an easy out in the playoffs, reminding me stylistically of Perk Valley 2 years ago when Sturm was at QB. They should win the rest of their games as well, and be a dangerous 5-10 seed). 5A Springfield DelCo is 3-0, but they have struggled big time in their last 2 and don’t seem to have the level of offense they had a year ago. For comparison, GV crushed a slippery slope Ridley program 55-21, 500+ yards rushing, mercy rule at halftime, with 2 of Ridley’s scores being kickoff and fumble returns and the other after the mercy rule; Springfield needed 3 overtimes to beat Ridley after not scoring at all in regulation. I’d put GV as at least a 2 touchdown favorite over Springfield right now with blowout potential. The only other team that has a remote possibility of challenging GV in the Central League is 5A Radnor, who has one of those teams with a core that has been together since pee wee days. It would still take the collective game of their lives to knock off GV, whose depth on 3 platoons is incredible for a high school team.
@Jeff H
Interesting, possibly shady, theory about D12 going out West. So I take it that the D1 winner will play the D11/D? winner in the semis? Parkland/Freedom/Emmaus must be dancing a jig over not staring at SJP in the quarterfinals again.
@Bleed Red & Black
Good math. It looks like it will be close between Coatesville and GV for the 2 seed, since one of the DTowns will likely have 2 losses and either Springfield DelCo or Haverford will have 2. Weird how it’s gonna work out better for the Raiders to not play Unionville this year. Do you know what kind of points, if any, C’ville gets for that Middletown game? That could be the deciding factor in what would be a huge difference for either team being home or away in the district semis.
@Knight Time
2016 when Ortega and Bryant were freshman and Aaron Young was a sophomore? Is this year’s North Penn team trotting out Ricky Johns, Owen Thomas, Justis Henley, and Reece Udinkski?
Not sure if this NP team is the caliber of that team. It took an almost 300-yard effort and 4 TD by the best RB in the country (Swift) to knock them off from playing for the state championship.
@bleed red& black and @ chief red raider
Outscoring the tougher opponents and can’t seeing anybody locking them down. How quickly you forget 2016 and the District Playoffs with the great skill players and high scoring team of that year
@Uncle T
I agree that Shanahan dropping to 4A could come back and hurt Coatesville and both DTown’s at some point, but I think teams in every league outside of the SOL National and SOL Continental are in similar situations. Coatesville and both Dtown’s have 3 5A schools and Shanahan 4A on there schedule so if they win all of them they will get 460 pts. Garnet Valley, on the other hand, has 4 5A schools which will net them 480 points. The 20 points are essentially 2 extra wins awarded by bonus points. The 100 point difference North Penn would have by playing all 6A schools is a little more difficult to overcome.
There are only 7 undefeated 6A D1 teams remaining (Cville, Dtown East, Dtown West, Garnet Valley, North Penn, Quakertown and Truman) if standings are correct and I didn’t miss somebody.
The big separator is going to be the bonus points come the end of the year. Coatesville already has 170 bonus points (tops among the undefeated teams) at the moment thanks to strong starts by basically everybody on their schedule outside of Cumberland Valley and Henderson. North Penn, on the other hand, has the lowest with 90 bonus points due to slow starts by pretty much everybody on their schedule. Granted all of that changes once conference games start this week and the likes of Shanahan (2-1)and WC East (3-0) both have to play Cville and Dtown East and West, and should be 3 losses.
Can’t speak for anybody else but Coatesville is going to rack up a ton of bonus points by having Harrisburg, Dtown East, Dtown West, Rustin and possibly Middletown South on their schedule. Although they could also be hurt by Rustin deciding to play the 2nd scrimmage thus only playing 9 games and Middletown only having 8 games scheduled before the conclusion of the PIAA defined 10 week season.
BR&B, please re-read my post. I’ll specify…..”not impressed last night with the Red Raiders, at least from the middle of the second quarter after the muffed punt.” If you or anyone else who is familiar with C’Ville and watched from that point on (muffed punt), I really don’t know what else to say. Up 28-0, complete domination, getting the ball back at worse mid-field, looking at going up 35-0 and then not putting them away at that point. In fact, they were outscored 19-7 from that point on, and the D did not stop CV for the rest of the game (3 TDs and the half). That from a top ranked team playing at home, with an x-tra day of rest/prep, against a struggling, re-building team, yes, that does not impress me. I’m not saying I’m not impressed with the Red Raiders and their past history (and a congrats are in order for being the first D1 team to reach 700 wins with that win Friday night), or this year’s team overall, just that game the other night. I can see Will Howard picking that D apart, or Garvey Jonassaint running all night long on that D, if they play like that again. Yes, they are still in my mind the favorite to win the D1 6A title, but North Penn, Garnet, D-East and West will have a lot to say about that as Uncle T laid out.
You’re the man Bleed Red and Black — nice synopsis concerning Coatesville. If they can stay healthy, they should go pretty far. I am a bit concerned with the defense, but maybe they will just outscore the tougher opponents — I don’t see any team locking them down.
@Uncle T
No one is belittling C’Villa but at the same time we are not going to act like they are going to just tip toe through the tulips in District 1…….Please!
@ Uncle T – just my opinion and have no information to support it but I think some of the powers that be in the PIAA got tired of the 6A final (and previously 4A) always being District 12 vs. District 7, so for the next 2 yr cycle that’s not going to happen because they moved District 12 to the other side of the bracket, so D12 vs. D7 will occur in the semi-finals and not the final. State College will be in the mix as they will take on the D7 winner in the quarterfinals, but as of now I would expect either Pine Richland or North Allegheny to play SJP in the “western” final in a couple of months.
@Foleman – great win for BC over McDonogh, I thought they lose by 10-14 points. Certainly appears BC and McDevitt and headed for a rematch in the D3 final, and since Imhotep is now on the other side of the bracket the winner of that game has an excellent chance to face Imhotep in Hershey for the title (Erie Prep is down a good bit this year, don’t think either ECP or TJ from the WPIAL will beat Imhotep in the semi-finals).
Also surprised like most of you that Township beat CD at their place, looks like they are a strong contender to repeat.
Regarding Coatesville I think most neutral observers would have them as the favorite to win DI, yes, I realize because of the playoff format they will likely have to beat several very good teams in a row, possibly GV and NP on the road, I think the team that poses the biggest threat to them is GV, don’t think NP has the front 7 on defense to slow down Ortega and company, and doesn’t have the firepower on offense to outscore them.
allright. name goes in top block ( under “leave a reply”), next block email, comment under “website”.
Or what?
C’ville has dates with both D’towns. Could be a wrestle there.
Will GV go undefeated?
Saw film on Malvern Prep vs LaSalle, Explorers had all the chances in the world. TO’s killed them. A young team that will be back.
They have 2 Freshman that start at LB. #22 Carter is a absolute stud, he was the best player on the field at times maybe 8 Tackles 2-3 Sacks. I was also very impressed with Lasalles 6’6 WR, man is this kid good. D1 material. BIG, Great Hands. He has to get the ball
Malvern was so so, Scored on the same play 3x Rocket Screens
Coatesville is the team with the highest ceiling, but they are set up for a difficult D1 path. It’s still a little early, but the way things look, North Penn and Garnet Valley are both likely to run the table and their schedule points will give them the 1 and 2 seeds respectively. Bishop Shanahan dropping to 4A is gonna be costly for C’ville’s points, but they should win out as well and get the 3 seed if they are as good as advertised. That will likely mean either DTown East or West (who both look quite legit), in the 2nd round. So we’re talking about a round 1 cakewalk, a home rivalry rematch against one of the DTowns in round 2, then 2 long road trips against GV and North Penn. That’s a tough ask, so they’ll have earned every bit of it if they just get back to where they were last year.
Does anyone know why the PIAA moved D12 to western side of the playoff bracket this year?
Bleed Red & Black – Coatesville has an awesome Team and a great tradition. Don’t let these grumpy old men get to you. Way too many positive things to talk about in high school football. Not sure why some need to belittle other teams to make their schools seem better.
To say that you weren’t impressed with Coatesville by watching 1 game is just plain ignorance. There are 2+ years of tape/film, newspaper articles, etc with the same core group of guys to prove that they are impressive. Since the trio of Ortega/Bryant/Young have been on the field together they are 27-4 with the only losses coming to start powerhouses SJP, Cumberland Valley (twice) and North Penn. In that time frame, they are averaging over 42 points a game.
You can go back to plays for teams every year and pick apart why players did certain things. They are high school 15-18 year old KIDS. They are going to make mistakes. Professionals NFL players do stupid stuff and they are getting paid millions of dollars. Coatesville basically did whatever they wanted in the 1st half against Cumberland Valley hence the 28-7 score with the only points coming off the fumbled/muffed punt. They only had 2 possessions in the 2nd half and scored on the 1st and ran the clock out on the 2nd.
Is their stuff that Coatesville could improve on? Yes, of course, there are. But the same can be said about most high schools in the country at this point in their season. I would expect Coatesville as well as any other playoff team to be vastly improved come playoff time compared to week 2-3. Coatesville is has been inconsistent on the defensive side of the ball stopping the run the last 2 games, but they are also working in a handful of guys with limited varsity snaps at both the LB and DL positions.
The “lack of discipline” and penalties have been an issue forever at Coatesville. At times I think the calls come out of reputation more than anything. They won the D1 championship last year with those “issues” as well as making it to the state championship game in 2012 with those “issues”. You can go back to the last 10-15 years if not longer and find Coatesville getting the raw end of the deal on many occasions when it comes to penalties and refs calls.
Coatesville is going to be right in the thick of the D1 playoff talk and trip to Hershey talk(barring injury) come the end of the year. Coatesville is going to score points, the question will be is there a team in the area with that can either match their offensive firepower or make enough plays on the defensive side of the ball to give them a chance to win. Coatesville isn’t a one trick pony if you sell out to Aaron Young from running the ball Rickie is either going to beat you in the passing game or with his feet. If you try to take the passing game of Rickie/Dapree away then Aaron is going to kill you on the ground. They’ve got 5 guys right now with D1 offers/commitments (Young, Ortega, Bryant, Santiago and Holmes) as well as a couple other at least that have a chance to play high level ball (Nichols, Thompson, Kirk)
Hey Derrick and Mike Smoll. I didn’t see the Central – Warwick game so I can’t comment on his performance, but I do know that Warwick has three D1 Linemen in Big Rucci (Wisconsin) Little Rucci (Wisconsin) and Coomer (Delaware) so they are certainly a formidable team. Also, Simon already has offers from Pitt and West Virginia so evidently some college coaches feel he is an OK QB.
Did not envision Township beating CD. That’s makes them the favorite now in D3 6A.
Cocalico with a big win over Mifflin makes them 3-0 to date and a challenger to Central maybe??? Mifflin is struggling at 0-3 however.
Three former LL QB’s in the NFL. Nagy and Reich are coaching and Henne is back-up with the Chiefs. That is amazing! I’m guessing there isn’t another High School league with two former players as head coaches in the NFL.
BC with a nice win over McDonough 14-13. McDonough went for two at the end of the game and missed.
I do think that Coatesville will win the east this year, but there will be a lot of tough teams in the District 1 playoffs, they may have to get through a really good North Penn team and then SJP after that, but I think they can do it. And if not, I’m still just really excited for this season.
Sounds like Knight Time is making a prediction — we’ll see if “any” playoff team with a good defense and a run game game can take out Coatesville. It’s a bit of cheap shot to say C’ville can be taken out year after year because of their emotions and undisciplined play — they won District 1 last year (beat GV by the way) and were a play away from going to the state championship (and they didn’t lose because of their emotions or penalties). I’m definitely not in awe of C’ville, they are H.S. kids after all, but if anyone has seen many of their games over the past few years, it’s hard to deny their talent. Young, Ortega, and Bryant are genuine D1 prospects — I just want to enjoy watching them light up the scoreboard for a little bit longer. By the way, I like that “Greatest show on turf” thing. It’s been said before, but it’s still pretty catchy.
To all the followers in this forum in awe of CVille and their greatest show on turf. Their Achilles heel for years has been their discipline (unecessary penalties) and can be taken out of their game because year after year they play with their emotions on their sleeves. Any playoff team with a good defense and can run the ball (NP and GV) can take them out
District 3 Commish watch the QB you recommended on TV last night for 2 1/2 Qtrs, a very good High School ball player, but “Definitely a Power 5 QB” seems to be a stretch, from the limited time I saw he’s got a lot of work til he’s in that company.
@ Foleman. I watched Evan play last night on PCN. He is good, but I don’t see what you see. I have definitely seen better QB’s in high school.
Where is the scoreboard?
TAKE THE S off HTTPS://
Hey Kevin X, as a C’ville guy, I don’t necessarily disagree with you. However, it seemed to me that without all the penalties (or lack of penalties) it would have easily been a mercy rule game. The big question is: were most of the penalties (or no calls) legit? If so, then I’m more in line with your thinking. I definitely saw some poor tackling from C’ville and some secondary issues, but I think it will take a very strong defensive team to slow down their offense — Ortega’s arm is fine. I think the Downingtown games could be good, but I think they will be shooting matches and C’ville has the heavy artillery.
Last night Southern Columbia freshman Gavin Garcia 3 TD this kid can play. Southern has so many weapons. This could very well be the best Southern team to date. And that comes from a Dunmore bucks fan.
Also, and you C’Ville folks feel free to jump down my throat or set me straight, but I was not impressed last night with the Red Raiders, at least from the middle of the second quarter after the muffed punt. He should have never been near that punt. Then the penalties. And the run defense. Ortega’s mid to long range passing accuracy. Does make the games against the two Downingtowns’ in October a lot more intriguing.
Why didn’t CV attempt an onside kick in the middle of 4th qtr after their 3rd TD?? That was the only way they had a chance to win that game if they got the ball back right then. That made no sense to me.
Watched the Coatesville/CV game. Coatesville had a ton of penalties — not sure how many were legit (some seemed ridiculous). 3 holding plays in a row? Maybe. Not sure CV had any penalties (even though an end left early on half a dozen plays). A win is a win, but with all the talent C’ville has they need to clean it up. I’ll give C/V credit for not folding after the initial onslaught.
Derrick, this comes from someone who has seen Simon play, he’s the real deal and will you will probably be watching him on TV on Saturday’s in a few years. He will probably wind up at a school like Pitt or Wisconsin and tear it up.
Jeff H Berks Catholic 14-13 over McDonough BC led 14-0 with a little over 2 minutes to go, McDonough scored twice and went for 2 but was stopped. Then they recovered an onside kick but BC held. Fantastic game. Gives District 3 some cred, was surprised Manheim Township beat Central Dauphin. 6A up for grabs in D3
Coatesville uses big first quarter to defeat Cumberland Valley.
Coatesville 35 Cumberland Valley 19.
After falling behind 28-0 to one of the top 6A programs in the state this year, CV showed signs of grit, determination, and growing up a little with several nice long drives over the last three quarters. CV closed to 28-13 late in the third quarter but Coatesville sealed the victory with an impressive drive culminating in a touchdown with just over 10 minutes left. CV answered with a TD drive of their own but time was running out and Coatesville was able to run out the clock. CV hung in there and battled back after the initial Coatesville onslaught but D1 players Aaron Young and Ricky Ortega for Coatesville were just too much for the CV defense to handle. Coatesville improves to 3-0 while CV starts the season with an un-CV like 0-3 record.
Thank You Evan Simon’s dad. Nice touch adding a couple smaller opinions on other boys to throw us off.
Really nice to see some of the crossover games in the early season in D3, Berks has been criticized on this board and elsewhere in years past for having a cupcake schedule in the regular season, which I think clearly hurt them in the state playoffs when it came time to take on Erie Prep. To their credit they’ve significantly upgraded their schedule this year, will have their hands full with McDonogh tonight and will do well to keep it within 2 scores, but playing teams like CD and McDonogh and Malvern Prep in a couple of weeks will get them better prepared for the playoffs.
Also nice to see McDevitt play Middletown, expect this game to be a battle but think McDevitt with Chase Diehl and company have too much firepower and will end up winning by a couple of scores.
Game of the week among big schools in the WPIAL is Pittsburgh Central Catholic travelling to North Allegheny, those 2 along with Pine Richland have won the last 8 WPIAL titles at the largest classification, and one of those 3 will win again this year, there’s a very large gap between them and the rest of the 6A schools. I like NA at home tonight in a slugfest, they mercy ruled Norwin last week in a game I thought was going to be pretty close, as Norwin has a good QB and some nice skill players, but NA dominated in the trenches.
Mike A and Jeff H – Thanks for the feedback and also the update on your area schools. Let’s try to make this an informative forum as much as possible.
I would encourage everyone to try to see Evan Simon of Manheim Central before he graduates. He is a Jr this year. He will definitely be a starting QB for a Power 5 college and has a chance to go further. I believe he is more advanced at this age than some other D3 QB’s that have played on Sundays. Doesn’t mean he will surpass them, but he is a complete player. An actual passing QB not a high school / college running QB He beat Mifflin in the D3 final with a shoulder fake that froze the corner and then threw a perfect ball for a TD……Game Over! I am not from Central either so I don’t want to hear that. He is special.
Adam Burkhart from CD is incredibly physical. Probably won’t get D1 offers because of size but he is awesome to watch. Against BC he was the most physical LB for both teams. Watch his HUDL video for that game. He literally knocks people over to get to the ball. Amazing!
Nick Singleton is a Freshman at Mifflin and is their best player. He will become their FB and his ceiling is very high. Amazing athlete.
And another reminder that Wilson is at Manheim Central next Firday 9/14 @ 7pm. These schools have not played each other in about 5 years due to different classifications, but they have had some epic battles over the years. Two amazing programs that have been the standard in D3 along with McDevitt, CV and CD. Great fan bases and it will be a sellout. Amazing long tenured coaching staffs that have mutual respect for each other. Complex defensive schemes and players finish tackles. They have progressive offenses that have grown legendary QB’s such as Nagy, Smoker, Collins and Henne. This will be the best atmosphere at a high school game in Central PA all year……. and again next year at Wilson.
@District 3 Commish – great summary, I’m from the Pittsburgh area but follow football statewide, my impression from afar when I saw CD handle Wilson and then beat BC 7-0 was they were the team to beat in 6A. Also agree with your assessment Coatesville will be in Hershey in December barring something totally unforeseen, if I was making a state poll I would have them #1 followed by SJP and Pine Richland,
Regarding 5A I think Manheim Central has a good chance of making it to Hershey, appears they are better than any of the D1 teams in 5A, out here in the west the WPIAL is loaded in 5A this year with Gateway, Penn Hills, and McKeesport the top 3 in no particular order, and several other solid teams like Bethel Park and West Allegheny, whoever survives the WPIAL playoffs will likely play AW in the semi-finals, but early indications and the talk out East is this is not the same vintage AW team we’ve seen the last several years, time will tell, they are obviously still the team to beat in 5A until someone knocks them off.
Hi guys. I am enjoying all the football talk on here. If anyone is interested in helping us promote high school football let me know. I am always looking for more reporters and if you want to send me a weekly recap of games in your district let me know.
You can reach me at Dave@easternpafootball.com
Thank you!
@District 3 Commish Nice summary…pretty much right on the mark.
Cumberland Valley Outlook for 2018:
CV had 4 turnovers against Central York but the reality is this is probably the weakest and most inexperienced team CV had fielded in the last 20-30 years. They were hit very hard by graduation of some very good players.15-16 starters this year are basically JV players with little to no varsity experience. The pass defense has been nonexistent and the offense is inconsistent and mistake prone. There are several very skilled players and as the younger players get some experience they should improve but they lack the overall team speed and athleticism of past teams. A 5-5 record would be a successful season but 4-6 is more likely from what I have seen so far and the difficulty of the upcoming schedule. They will be very large underdogs (probably 3-4 TD’s) to Coatesville (mercy rule is possible) and considerable underdogs as well to CD and Harrisburg in the following weeks.
My humble opinion on district 3 big school classifications:
– Central Dauphin is the team to beat in 6A. Have not seen a front 8 that strong in D3 in a long time. Plus they are all seniors. BC saw that first hand this week on their new home turf. I believe
they will beat Manheim Township soundly this week.
– CV is having a down year. Not enough team speed to win consistently at the 6A level this year.
– Is this the year York County has a contender in D3 playoffs? Central York beat CV and is 2-0 and Red Lion is also 2-0.
– Cedar Crest is a confident team. Will be interesting to see how that offense performs against MT, Hempfield and Wilson this year.
– Wilson is very young, only starting 2 seniors on defense. A solid team this year but will not peak until next year. But keep an eye on Elijah Morales as he ran away from a very fast Mifflin
secondary multiple times.
– Warwick has two D1 beasts on their Lines in Rucci and Coomer. Not sure who can block these two?
– MT has a nice QB in Kirk and some tall athletic players. If their line play is solid they will be strong again. Not CD strong, but a battle for the silver medal in D3.
– No D3 team will beat Coatesville this year. Put Coatesville in the State Final….. Book It!!!!
-5A is all about Manheim Central. D! QB and a beast of a line! Mifflin, Cedar Cliff, Cocalico, Warwick are all playing for 2nd.
– Next weekend Wilson is at Central in a mandated LL crossover game. Central QB against Wilson running game!!!!!!! Central is the favorite in this game for sure.
Good Day Good Sports!
Looking for high quality videographer for highschool games in eastern pa area for the rest of the season. Professional quality.
Anyone know if the SJ Prep/St. Frances game will be televised or streamed live anywhere tonight?? Looking for a “Plan B” if going to be overly wet this evening.
Why no squawking about how MCA is going to get pummeled by SCA tomorrow? I remember years when Mount Carmel supporters wouldn’t keep their traps quiet. Can’t wait to go sit in the “Toilet Bowl” and watch another SCA beat down!
Maybe its a Chester County thing, these Thursday night games before Labor Day weekend. I count 5 games in Chester County this evening…….
Thanks guys!!! Saw it initially slated for 6p, but more recently @7p. Trying to motivate myself for a little road trip this evening. Figure I’ll be down there next week for CV, so might be tough to head out there two weeks in a row. We’ll see.
A few games today. Believe follow Ches Mont folk WC Rustin and WC Henderson are going at it as well, plus a few others. Middletown has a bit of a ride, easier to make I suppose on a Thursday then the Friday before a long 3-day summer holiday weekend. Makes for a short week for C’Ville coming off a Sat. road game in Harrisburg. But I believe this is M-Town’s fist game, so at least C’Ville got some work in. Yeah, guessing C’Ville might of had to take what was offered to them for an opponent this weekend. I see that Wood is idle this weekend. No takers there either. Oh well, would of loved to have seen that match-up.
As far as Garnet and North Penn, both will be there high in the rankings I am assuming when all is said and done. GV, of their 10 games, 6 are against 5A schools. Their schedule is OK, not overly tough. Wouldn’t be surprised to see them run the table. All of NP’s games are against 6A competition, and a tougher schedule. If they can escape the next 3 unscathed (or even drop one of the games), good chance they will run the table as well and probably a top 4 seeding (and minimum of 2 home playoff games). Wild card in all of this IMO is Pennridge. A good team with an all 6A schedule against fairly decent teams (similar to NP) and who made the D1 6A semi’s last year. Let the fun and games continue!!!!!
Coatesville’s game time is 7pm…they just moved it back last week.
I think they heard alot of feedback and pushed it back last minute.
First home game of the season, should have a decent crowd before the holiday weekend.
2018 ratings?
Where are the 2018 Rankings?
I am working on them, Cobra01
PastorZack
I would assume they would be classified as a 6A team. NJSIAA has them as a Group IV classification (Group V is the highest) in the state with an enrollment of 1,096.
I agree they need all the bonus points they can get for playoff seeding. Hurts having only Dtown East & West and Avon Grove as the only 6a schools in the Ches-Mont National. They will be losing points every week against the 5A West Chester schools (East, Henderson and Rustin) and 4A Shanahan.
Kevin X,
Game tomorrow is 7pm!
Does anybody have a clue as to why they are playing on a Thursday night? Believe last year they played at Cumberland Valley the Friday of Labor Day weekend. Not sure if Jersey has some weird rule not allowing teams to play on a day that schools are closed or if it. Could also be because this was basically the only team that showed any interest in playing them this week.
@PastorZack, et al……What time is the C’ville game tomorrow, 6p or 7p??? I’ve seen it listed at both times.
Does this work?
Any comparison for size of school that Middletown South High (NJ) is and how that you transfer over to PIAA division for points purposes? Coatesville needs all the extra points they can get just to keep up with GV and NP since Bishop Shanahan moving down to 4A. Sometimes these conference affiliations hurt going into playoff time. I’d much rather play GV or NP at home rather than away come playoff time.
NP (wet and long) grass could hinder the speed come playoff time and just having to play ground and pound with GV in Delco is not something that I’d want to revisit. Too much for cardiac arrest.
@Friday Night Lights, not serious will return in a few weeks
To everyone else thanks for the history on Heartbreak Ridge.
@Knight Time
Any idea if Intrieri’s knee is serious? Hoping to have Edwards back for La Salle but cant rush head injuries with kids.
Knight Time –
Neshaminy’s current playing field was completed in time for the 1956 season (the new school was finished for the 1954-1955 school year but some construction continued for a few more years and that included sports fields so the ‘Skins played at the old field in “downtown” Langhorne for two seasons). Then notably the concrete stands were put in just in time for the 1963 season (prior to that they were using “standard” wooden bleachers) while the official name back then was Playwicki Field or the Neshaminy Athletic Field.
Anyway, from 1956 through 1965 Neshaminy played very well at home. And aware of that fact, Dick Dougherty (the head of the Sports Department at the Bucks County Courier-Times) had it in mind while he was writing an article just prior to the Pennsbury game in ’65 (that was late in the season with Neshaminy having just one more game after the Falcons contest and Pennsbury might have had one more too). The game was at Neshaminy and Dougherty, knowing the ‘Skins record, was describing how difficult it was for a visiting team to win there (Neshaminy’s tally “at home” to that point and at their home field from 1956 to 1965 was actually 55-4-4). So looking to be colorful, no doubt, Dougherty referenced Neshaminy’s field as “Heartbreak Ridge” for visitors — and it stuck.
Then part of the reason for the use of the “Ridge” term is due to geography (the “Heartbreak” is understandable). In that regard, the school’s location is right at the edge of the land mass that would form or be part of the more mountainous region leading up to the Appalachians (that would be to the north and west of the school, generally). To the south and east of that site is the beginning of the flatter land mass that runs through that part of Lower Bucks County and then New Jersey through to the Atlantic Ocean. Thus, there is a steep drop off from the school site down to the Neshaminy Creek (to the north and west where the Creek is the boundary of the school grounds) and then also to the “flatlands” to the south and east (and all of that is not far from the field’s location). Thus, and as you would suspect, the school grounds and the field essentially sit on the high top of a “ridge” area and which allowed “it” to fit nicely into Mr. Dougherty’s article.
Attended the Valley View Wallenpaupack game friday night.Not really sure how good either team is .but boy what a war in the trenches! One of the most physical games i have seen in some time and some really big time hitting.Play either of those teams you better buckle up the chin strap !!!
@mick, Robinson had no time to throw ball all night (all new starters on NP o line this year). If rb/lb Edwards didn’t suffer concussion in 1st half and lb/te Intreri, knee on opening kick off remained in game it wouldn’t have been that close nor would have gone to OT with our without Manzyk
I was at NP/Neshaminy game on Friday. Wow. So glad I made the trip. I agreed with the choice to go for 2, and thought Neshaminy was rolling and would score. I knew that 5 would get the ball, I just didn’t think he would be stopped. NP QB Robinson came up big when he had to. Honestly, Neshaminy would have won the game if one of the following three things didn’t happen. #5 dropped a long pass. #25 dropped a sure TD pass and tipped it to NP. #5 was assed a roughing the passer penalty (which I thought was BS). Neshaminy QB was on the run all night. My group questioned why he didn’t throw more. He showed great composure in the 2 minute drill. Definitely helped us by him not passing more. Anyway, a great game by both sides. I am hoping for a rematch in November.
Knight Time
Newspaper man, the late Dick Dougherty initiated the name Heartbreak Ridge in a news article about Neshaminy in the mid 1960s. Since they opened the stadium in 1956 they were something like 55-4 there at the time, and Dougherty felt it was heartbreak for most opponents coming in. The name stuck. Check out the Neshaminy football website, it is one of the best you will find.
Knight time,
It was a great game at Neshaminy. Couple things I noticed: North Penn QB did not look good most of the game but did make a few big throws in the 4th. Neshaminys line on both sides of the ball needs to get stronger. QB on the run every time he drops back. Manzyk js unbelievable, but he can not do it alone. This kid is all over the field and can chase down anyone. Great acceleration
No disrespect to the coaches and players but without this kid they may win 4 games. Give the Redskins credit, though, this game was over but they always find a way to come back. Steve Wilmot excellent coach and great guy/role model.
What a barn burner at heartbreak Ridge. Double OT win by North Penn over Neshaminy. Still trying to find out why they call Neshaminy stadium heart break ridge.
Coatesville demolished Harrisburg. I will admit, I don’t know much about Harrisburg, but I know they were very good last year and people were surprised when they didn’t make the 5A final. And I saw how bad they beat teams etc. but I don’t know if they kept their best players or anything like that. So that’s the first thing.
Also, we all knew going into this season that Coatesville retained many of their key players from last seasons run, one that ended 21-3 up against SJP in the east final before eventually losing to them in a wild game overall.
Coatesville will undoubtedly 10-0 or 9-1 if they have an off night and have a high playoff seed. Will they win D1 again? Will they get revenge on SJP?
From Coatesville btw. Go Red Raiders.
Are the team previews over? No Cumberland Valley this year? I know they lost a lot and have a tough schedule with McDevitt, Coatesville, Central Dauphin, and Harrisburg all in the first half of the season and then State College in the finale. Will be a difficult year. Maybe I can dig up a little and give it a shot like I did last year.
Thoughts on CVille vs Harrisburg??? Who you guys got?
Prayers also needed for the Jersey Shore player who was seriously injured in a helmet to helmet collision in practice last week. He has been in a coma ever since.
My thoughts go out to Dunmore and coach Jack Henzes for a speedy recovery. Get Well Jack.
Dunmore coach Jack Henzes will not be on the side line as Dunmore opens the season he is recovering from open heart surgery and most are saying we will not see him this year.join me in prayers for his recovery
Kevin X, probably go with McDonogh vs. Wood or Imhotep vs. LaSalle. North Penn against Neshaminy should be interesting. Curious to see how Coatesville does against Harrisburg also.
@ Kevin X
Bishop McDevitt @ Cumberland Valley Friday
Coatesville @ Harrisburg Saturday
NP @ neshaminy
When will preseason rankings be out?
NDGP82…Friday
When will the preseason rankings be published?
Wow 3 days to opening night kickoff, and it seems to be a little quiet around here. You guys getting your game faces on?? Two questions……..
1. If you are headed out Friday night, just curious what game you guys are heading to across our eastern coverage area.
2. If you had a choice of games to go to anywhere in the D1/D12 area, what game would you most like to attend Friday night. I must have at least 6-8 games on my radar.
Neshaminy easily handled laslle at lasalle. Nesh scored on a pass to Manzyk who was the best player on the field. Neshaminy also scored on 2 pick six’s, 2 of the 4 interceptions thrown by lasalle. Neshaminy O line needs work as they could not get running game going and qb was on the run. Lasalle’s only score was called back on penalty. Not much O for either team. Lasalle lucky not 5 or 6 picks in about a half. Lasalle did have a nice field goal. Running game for lasalle was decent at times and some poor tackling by neshaminy. Neshaminy line on both sides will need to grow up fast, if they can Neshaminy should win their conference but it is down this year.
Was anyone at the Neshaminy/Lasalle scrimmage on Saturday? How was it? North Penn QB looked good in the scrimmage with PW. NP overall looked solid but I take it with a grain of salt considering the level of competition.
Hey guys, the rest of the PCN TV “Game of the Week” season schedule has been posted on their website (other than week 10, which is a TBD game).
https://pcntv.com/2017/09/03/gameoftheweek/
@SCA Mom Your response on the comment from GSM is most appreciated. Most contributors and readers in this forum can see right through the statements that were made. When you are winning like Southern is you will always have negative criticism. I have followed Southern football 25+ years and attended many games I have nothing but respect for the football program. And that comes from a Dunmore bucks fan
Joepa,
Calm down, learn to take defeat, and every kid shouldn’t get a participation trophy
GSM you clearly are just trying to stir the pot, anyone can say I heard or I was told without the facts to back it up. My son plays on the varsity team for SCA (always lived in the district) and has been in school with all these kids since, at the latest I can think of someone moving here being 6th grade. There are only 2 kids on the varsity roster I believe who moved into the district at some point in high school.(I don’t know the younger kids JV/JH so to make a statement about them without knowing the facts would be wrong.) One boy on the roster always lived in the district but went to Christian school and transferred two years ago back to Southern (and 2 out of the 3 I mentioned aren’t starters). So if you really believe what you are saying go ahead and contact PIAA and do a walk through everyone’s residence. But please be sure to come back on here and eat crow and give an honest report. I will speak for my son and say that he works year round for football. The mentality is to always get better. So I choose to applaud the work ethic of our boys. Also, I venture to say the a majority of our fans route for the surrounding teams to be successful; when they aren’t playing us of course.
Saw on the PCN web site that their first “Game of the Week” is Coatesville @ Harrisburg on Saturday August 25th @ 1p. Did not see the rest of the PCN Game of the Week season schedule listed on the web site. Guess it will tho be released shortly.
Go turn them in then GSM.
Gsm- Not sure where you are getting your information but its really incorrect.
I was standing next to a junior high coach from one of Southern Columbia neighboring school districts and as they introduced the players, he said that five of the kids played for him in junior high school. I’m not sure when the last time they started an entirely home grown back field there.
Over the summer I was talking to a head coach from one of their opponents and he said at least five of their players still live in the neighboring district I alluded to earlier.
Johnny C, if that’s for real, those are two really bad options.
@Phillyboy
North Penn has part of their 2018 roster uploaded and I do not see Gorski’s name on there. Looks like they moved Shamar Edwards to RB.
Heard there are three options being discussed in Boundary / Non Boundary issues with PIAA and School Administrator Attorney’s Two of these are true and one is not.
1.) Classifying Non Boundary schools by the amount of students available within the geographic radius of all students enrolled in each respective school district. For example if two students live 50 miles apart, then all of the students available attending ALL schools would be counted as available to that Non Boundary district. In essence this would establish a boundary for that school year. This available population would determine their classification for that year. Most schools would then be 6A
2.) Eliminate all boundaries for all schools. Students would no longer need to live in the district they choose to participate in for athletics, band, chess club etc… This would negate the relocation advantage of Non Boundary schools.
3.) Allow Trump to decide. Since it has become a circus why not let the biggest Clown make the decision. 🙂
@ Knight Time
That’s not good if Gorski is not at North Penn anymore. I considered him one of their returning stars. Almost reminded me of Needhammer or Laky or Smith. Oh well.
JoePa, I guess your “English as a second language” course isn’t going as well as planned.
@Knight Time
Interesting. Like I said, that’s what I think I thought I might know lol. Any idea who might be the RB this year?
@dave Thank you! I dont know How I forgot about that one!
I have always been interested in the rivalries that pitted two schools in close proximity up agianst each other. My dad told me all kinds of stories about the Sunbury Owls playing against the Northumberland Pineknotters and I went to college in Lock Haven and heard all kinds of stories about Bald Eagle Nittany and Lock Haven High School. Are there any rivalries like this still around? I know Bloom and Central is a good example as well as Loyalsock and Montoursville. Consolidation is a killer =/
Unrelated note…. I wish Midd-West played more D4 teams in their inaugural season. Hopefully next year they get their schedule straightened out – This year they are all over the place, but thats to be expected of a brand new team.
@D4 FB, another good D4 rivalry to consider is the yearly “Battle For The Bridge”, Montoursville / Loyalsock.
Mick POLITICS, you got to be kidding me !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! What I referred to is the truth about the most powerful person in the world. Guest you were brought up to answer creatively but I call it not telling the truth it’s a lie in my book. If you are parent I guest that’s fine if your children’s up bringing, but not in my family and that’s the cold harden fact/truth..
@Friday Night Lights
Xzavier Gorski is no longer at North Penn. I don’t even think he is playing football
Hey guys, I am thinking of going to some games this year and recording the games and uploading them to youtube.
1. I am not affiliated with any schools (I am a teacher in the area, but probably wont record any of their games.
2. Is there any reason I wouldn’t be allowed to record / post online? I cant see any reason seeing it is a public event, but you know…
3. Does anyone hae any recs for a good digital camera? I have a decent one, but I could probably upgrade.
4. Bonus question: What are the best D4 games this season? I am going to check out the schedule, but I think me and my crew will be looking mostly for rivalries. Big ones I can think of off the top of my head are Shik/selinsgrove, bloom/central, Milton/warrior Run.
Thanks folks!
Joepa: Really!!! You are bringing politics to this forum. Show a little respect. This is high school football not the NFL
Here is what I think I know about NP. The QB is new and is a senior. He is originally from NJ but did play basketball for NP last year. Don’t know much about his arm but he is apparently pretty athletic. His main two targets will be Shamar Edwards and Jon Haynes. Haynes is a third year starter and Edwards is a second year starter. They have been larger contributors on defense thus far because NP has had some good receivers the last two years in Ricky Johns, Owen Thomas, Justis Henley, and Jake Hubler. I expect them to both have a good seasons now that they will be focal points on offense. Xzavier Gorski should be the RB. He saw varsity minutes as a sophomore behind Nick Dillon and last year behind KJ Cartwright so there is some experience there. Good, shifty runner with some speed. TE is a question with Owen Thomas and Nick Vasger all gone. Nick Intrieri, who was a 6’3″ 200 lb WR/LB last year could be a candidate. Jake Walton was listed as a TE last year at 6’3″ 220 but he is now up to 245 so he could switch to the line. The o line replaces all 5 but that has become fairly normal under Beck because of his preference for starting seniors along the o line. They do have some larger bodies that were on the team last year but I do not know how good they are. Could be a slightly bigger line than recent years. Defensively the return third year starter Julian White at D end. They have some other D linemen that saw minutes last year as well but none were starters. Should be a camp battle but with some solid candidates. Linebacker could be a strength with Nathan Brown (5’11” 205) and Nick Intrieri (6’3″ 200) playing a lot of minutes and even starting at times last year. Shamar Edwards (5’11” 190) should play the strong safety in Becks preferred 4-4 front. Haynes (6′ 195) was a safety last year but could switch to corner. Kaleem Corbin plays for Philly’s Finest 7v7 looks like a solid bet to start at the other corner. Again, this is what think I know. Looking forward to week one.
Brain
I have nothing but respect for SCA. They have a great program and tradition there. They have by far the best High school Football coach in Pennsylvania. You could be correct it was probably JV but still out numbered their opponent by 20 some girls and the opponent probably had their Jv girls too. It was a State playoff game. Just looked weird considering they were in the same class. I get it is a unique VoTech not many have sport teams but the kids that go to other vo techs count towards the school they originally had to go to. Not saying that is wrong or anything since others schools in the area send their students to the same Vo tech. But would SCA ever play up a class. A boys basketball school in Single A killed Lourdes in the state championship and now is moving up to 6A. We all know the next 2 years have SCA championships written all over it in AA. Unless something crazy happens.
RE: Foleman ——- TOM F. the same. You can’t help yourself can you to be accurate. Seems your similar to our President just can’t get the facts and truth correct. It appears that you have an inside path to Berks Catholics internal bureaucracy and that’s fine. First of all Wilson does not openly, actively attract athletes from around Berks County. But non boundary schools do quit well. Where I live two brothers are athletes, one goes to Berks Catholic and one to Wilson. You know this has been around for decades and can you blame parents wanting their son/daughter to get a good education and at the same time get extra exposure to advance their athletic skills to further their education beyond high school with potential scholarships. Why would a parent not do this. In a recent case a Wilson RB parent’s inherited a home in the Muhlenberg School District yet the RB transferred to BC. BC’s AD could have nixed it but did he and why? BC is well know to subsidize tuition costs for special students. And your fact that 3 players transferring into Wilson, in fact these boys transferred in from another state into Wilson (Illinois). The father went to Wilson, played for Wilson and when his boys were younger played football in the Wilson feeder program. It is very clear that non boundary schools have huge advantages over boundary schools and can derive techniques to recruit. Oh by the way regarding Callaway. Why not talk to his father on the reason to transfer. You have the open path at BC Tom F. but get your facts correct.
Not going to lie, I’m biased towards my team, Neshaminy, but they should be better than last years team. With Manzyk leading the D, and also returning on O with QB McAndrew, WR Joyce, and almost all of the skill players, it should be a fun year. The lines will be the biggest question mark, but the D line should have no problem replacing last years seniors. The O line will be OK, mostly because Coach Wilmot is by trade an O Line coach. I’m sure he will have the right guys in place with the right game plans. Not to sure about NP, other than they are usually a great team and they have a new senior QB.
FNL
Nesh lost all 5 O linemen from last year with this year’s line with no experience and undersized in a big way. Also replacing 3 or 4 DL line with similar issues. Also, expected starting RB transferred to Bensalem, and Hebron is not playing sticking to track. While manzyk can create plays on both side of the ball. Playing a NP or Pennsbury with their size and depth up front will be a problem if Beck and McShane figure out in time. Nesh will still make playoffs as SOL national is not very strong again. Pennsbury needs to repalce qb, but has decent size and speed back.
Haven’t heard much either about NP, other than QB situation.
@Skat
North Penn-Neshaminy should be very competitive. I agree with you that I am hearing little about either team. North Penn has some solid skill position players and a new QB who they need to break in. From what I understand Neshaminy has some good skill players too but might struggle early along the lines. Curious as to what other people think.
Jut,
There is no sending of students to vo-tech to keep numbers down. A handful of students choose to go to vo-tech in 9th grade to study a trade because they have no desire to stay in the academic setting. Those students who opt to go there spend the entire day there and if they are interested they play athletics there. It’s a unique vo-tech school because it’s all day and they have their own sports team. Also the other surrounding schools like bloom, central Columbia, Berwick, among others have students who attend that vo-tech school. It’s not done to duck numbers just another attempt of haters to put down a successful program. Also that soccer game you went to could’ve easily been the jv team dressed on the sidelines too.
I’m thinking about going down to the North Penn-Neshaminy game week 1. Will that game be competitive? Hearing little about either side. Thanks
Why would a high school QB with a legitimate chance to play QB in college want to play for a high school that runs a Wing T?
District 3, no, not the same person,are you a Wilson coach? Or maybe you are the wealthy Real Estate Alum who finds all of the “move ins’ cheap housing in Sinking Spring! Ask Menapace, Hess, Ferrandino or any other of the AD’S in Berks what they think of Wilson’s recruiting. 4 basketball players from BC transferred in to WIlson last year. Everyone pleaded with Hess to not sign off on the Calloway transfer when Wilson’s coach, who was coaching him all summer in AAU was actively recruiting him. I can’t imagine the negative publicity this would generate if the situation was reversed. Kids do move for athletic purposes, but when a School is actively reaching out to parents and recruiting their sons and daughters for athletics like Wilson does, that’s wrong and they should be punished. MacFoy you say! Who is Wilson’s starting tailback this year? What school did he transfer in from?. I also see your baseball and girls basketball teams had some high profile transfers, more move in’s? One from Wyomissing, which happens to be one of the top SD in the State.
District 3 commish
About SCA you are right it’s crazy the amount of kids that are on their sport teams considering they are a A/AA school. I went to a state playoff single A girls soccer game a few years ago and SCA must of had 40 some girls on their team. That’s crazy for a single A. Not sure the rules with the school. Maybe if you attend SCA you have to play a sport or something. Did hear a rumor way back which is a rumor no truth behind it that I know. Is they send most of Thur students to Col Mont. Vo-tech to keep their numbers down so they could stay playing at A/AA level. Funny thing with that is that if they did play AAA/AAAA they would compete and win there too. But it is fishy that the number of athletes on their sports teams is crazy high for a small school
Foleman, are you and Irish 1 the same person? Has your kid “Foley” decided where he is going to school this year? Who else would ask about a kid know one else has heard about?
Manheim Township had the Emge family move from Fleetwood to MT so the kids could play football there. MT also had a WR move from Hempfield last year. They all had to move to another district to play though…… not just enroll there.
Somehow Southern Columbia, who has approximately 75 male students per class, has a large percentage of large athletes in that district. Not sure how they end up there but they all live in the district. The best receiver in the country and a QB heading to BAMA?
Last year Wilson lost 3 seniors that all started for other schools…. One to Mifflin, one to Warwick and one to Cocalico. They all started for these respective teams and they all moved to those respective districts to play football. This year one kid moved from Mifflin to Wilson and two kids moved from Wilson to Mifflin
In the Harrisburg area kids are always moving between CD, CD East, Harrisburg, etc…. It happens.
Families are always going to move to other districts for whatever reason and that can’t be stopped. There is no moving required to attend BC.
MacFoy transferred to BC because his parents used a Muhlenburg address and Wilson would not allow him to enroll in the district without being a resident. Based on that he should be attending Muhlenburg this year. I would wager a LOT of money he is not paying tuition to attend BC this year.
Maybe one year BC will quit being scared and play 6A.
@Foleman Wilson West Lawn has had more transfers the last two years than Cumberland Valley has had in more than 30 years!
@Matt I agree with who your top 4 in the Colonial League are but I have them in this order 1. Notre Dame Green Pond 2. Palisades 3. Southern Lehigh 4. Saucon Valley. 5 through 10 could go many ways. The last 2 either way. The good news for Notre Dame is that they are home against all three of their top 4 opponents. September 7 Southern Lehigh September 28 Palisades. October 19 Saucon Valley.
Wilson West Lawn needed a quarterback, 3 Sophomore QB’S transferred in including 1 which started as a Freshman at Hamburg, which is located 20 miles at the opposite end of Berks County from Wilson. Iggy Reynoso, Berks Counties all time leading rusher also started out at Hamburg and somehow found his way into Wilson’s Zip Code. Berks Public School AD’s are livid, especially Hamburg and Wyomissing, where Wilson has been contacting their athletes for years about transferring. District 1 has NP, District 3 has Wilson, and Wilson had the Stones to show up at the meeting regarding separating Public and Private schools. A few years ago, Wilson’s starting QB, RB and Receiver were all transfers.
@Colonialfan…I’m going to take a guess at CL records and ranking this year for the fun of it
1) Palisades 9-1
2) SL 8-2
3) NDGP 8-2
4) SV 7-3
5) Bangor 6-4
6) NW 6-4
7) NL 5-5
8) Wilson 5-5
9) PA 4-6
10) Palmerton 4-6
11) Salisbury 2-8
12) Catty 1-9
As you can see from 5-10 I have alot of teams aorund 500….the top 4 are clearly top 4 then it’s a lot of parity. Should be a fun year!
@Knight Time
Thanks for the update. I tried researching him a bit but it seems there isn’t much film available. How does North Penn look this year? I know a little bit about them but not as much as I usually do.
@Mike Smoll
It looks like he is from New Jersey but played basketball for NP last year.
@David Mika
Are you close to posting class rankings for 2018?
On 8/24/18
@Matt I’m with you on the Colonial League! Would love to see them sit into divisions…north/south or east/west. Issue is we have 11 teams. Would be no extra to have divisions and play 5 division games, 2 to 3 crossover games and then you have the opportunity to schedule 1 or 2 out of league games where you could schedule up and have the opportunity for extra power points when’s it comes to districts. Would definitely make things more interesting and fun for the kids to get to see new opponents.
Since you’re a Colonial League I am interested to see how you think the league will shake out this year??
???!
I guess we’re not really saying anything different. Imhotep recruits for athletics, as do some other charters and most of the privates. The rules allow it. The playing field is not level between those programs and the real public schools, particularly in the densely populated areas of the state where not only are public schools playing against a stacked roster, they’re actually playing against some of their own, best players. A “super” 7A class, like CA’s “Open” Division might be a solution.
First where did North Penn’s new Quarterback come from? Is he a product of their program or a transfer in? Note: Colonial League Saucon Valley and SOL American Quakertown, has in the past tentatively scheduled a game the 1st week of the playoffs (don’t know about last year or this year) but the years it was done both teams made their respective divisions playoffs so the game wasn’t played.
Used the Internet thingy and answered my own question about Romeo Gunt. Went to CA to play JC ball and wound up at Portland State.
Phillyboy, go to the toolbar up on top of the website, go to Extras, scroll down to forum.
@Friday Night Lights
The new quarterback at North Penn is Solomon Robinson. Pretty athletic. I’m hoping he is accurate.
@Dave…..thanks for the info. As a colonial league guy I wish they would have an open week the first week to play another team not from league but it’s always been a 10 game league schedule in the CL. And I used to like when the old LVC (now EPC) schools played a non league game first week. Parkland used to schedule some good matchups week 1. But it is what it is I guess.
@PS Futility
Most of Imhotep stars come from the same lil league program 4x national champions Northwest Raiders jus to name a few Nasir Bonner – Naseir Upshur FSU – Deandre Scott ASU commit transfer N graduated from Maine U- Najee Goode Maine Graduate – Carl Jones Imhotep current runningback #1 – Isheem Young – Another kid from the program upcoming stud Deshuan Seals from Northwest raiders Imhotep 2020-2021 class has some really toughnose physical kids coming up. But on Rome Gunt note he went to Juco N played SS idk which one out Cali but he currently playing a a AA D1 school.
Tbh in my opinion I feel like they should make that super class 7A have all the schools in that class non boundary school so the playing field is even then let each power house fight it out for the the title to own the state. Also I think for this super class there shouldn’t be a West N East side of the state playoff bracket the should jus random the match ups. Something like how they did that Texas bracket on Friday night lights they random the match ups so teams can all have a equal playing field of playing each other
@ phillyboy http://www.westernpafootball.net/news/2018-football-forum/
Alabama wanted him and got him ! Southern Co. Stone Hollenbach commits. Not to bad for a 2A school quarterback. Best of luck and congratulations from a Dunmore bucks fan.
@ ???!
Funny you should mention Romeo Gant, who was one of my favorite HS football players. The kid dominated as a 160 (probably more like 150) pound OLB/DE at West Philly Catholic then, lo and behold, he winds up at Imhotep as an All City DB. Imhotep is in the middle of MLKs district, yet they get most of the best ballplayers and I’d be willing to bet many, if not most, of their best kids cross other HS boundaries to go to Tep. That’s well within the rules and while those rules are stricter than the basically non-existent private school rules, they aren’t nearly as strict as the ones most publics have to play by. I really don’t care who recruits who, but let the neighborhood kids from the real publics play each other and let the privates and charters fight it out for a separate championship. Mixing schools with different enrollment rules in the playoffs doesn’t make sense. If everyone has a need to see the best open enrollment and boundary schools play each, they can schedule non-league games.
On another note, do you know what happened to Romeo Gant? I didn’t see him as a D1 kid, but thought he could be great at the D2/D3 level.
Was just wondering, does anybody know what the situation is with westernpafootball.net? Can’t seem to find the forum for comments. Does it still exist or did it possibly change to ‘tweets’ only? Always appreciated getting the take of western PA — jack1234 and Billy have been great in that regard.
Does anyone know who North Penn’s QB will be this season? That and improvement on defense will be key to any success this season.
Are all of the times on the Master Schedule List on this site off by 3 hours?
Live4Fridays…We are working on fixing the time
@LBC
Nothing but athletes wanna go to Imhotep. Imhotep has branded its self as a legit ticket out of Philadelphia every kid in Philadelphia knows that. Furthermore, Imhotep is a lottery school but the lottery goes from Family if you have a relative or past grad in your family that attends the school you have a better chance of getting in. Example Rome Gunt #5 for Imhotep in 2014-2015 younger brother is currently Imhoteps #5 and Virginia U commit. Also like I said in my last post relationship from Imhotep staff gives kids ahead start to apply let’s say your kid is 8th grade but plays good lil league and Imhotep coach is currently his head coach he can ask the parents to look into Imhotep. (if this is there school of choice, no force or bribes involved aka scholarship that ALL catholic schools offer top talent to come play for them) if so they can apply to Imhotep for his/her 9th grade year in advance so not only does he have a head start into getting into the school but he is currently already ahead of the lottery.
@Matt, Several Heartland Conference teams have regular season games scheduled with non- conference teams. For example, Loyalsock and Mt. Carmel both play North Schuylkill, so I don’t believe there is any league only rule.
Doesn’t Imhotep have an enrollment lottery? Yet it seems all the top athletes who apply seem to get in? I don’t care if they have a top notch coaching staff or not. If they are keeping other students out of the school so they can enroll the athletes that is violating their charter.
@kevin, they play every school in the division I believe then have crossover games….kind of like how the EPC in the Lehigh valley is set up with Parkland, Whitehall, Emmaus, etc….they play two cross over games with the EPC North but have no outside league games anymore. They do play Selingsgrove who is a good 4A school. Selingsgrove actually took Bethlehem Catholic to the final minutes last year in 4A quarters. I’m not sure actually how crossover division games work in the Heartland conference as I’m a D11 colonial league guy but I know looking at thier schedule every year it’s only heartland conference games which leads me to believe it’s a league only reg season league.
@Foleman
If you did research instead of what you’re hearing from others you would clearly see that all those schools you listed was shut down just for that. Only school on that list still open is Imhotep you wonder why cause they where not found guilty of any of those charges or statements you put there name with. Crazy thing is every team that plays Imhotep in Philadelphia doesn’t complain they are excited and thanks Imhotep for putting the public league on the map. Only people that complain is other district champions Imhotep beats up on.
@Phillyboy
Imhotep welcomes all cultures to the school but I think that being considered a Public school scares off people that would rather put there kids in catholic schools. Imhotep has that QB from North Penn but other than that idk really.
Everybody thinks Imhotep is just taking kids from programs when Imhotep losses a lot of kids every year. Imhotep lost 1-3 D1 players this upcoming season they lost there young LT to Maryland powerhouse and nationally rank Saint Frances MD also lost Omar to Northeast I’m not gone name the rest but Imhotep losses more kids than any stable program in the state.
@ Foleman
Look, everybody is entitled to their opinion. I think the public charter schools are a total gimmick. On a larger level they were created to circumvent the teachers’ union and to cut down on expenses. The proponents of charters are playing dumb — they’re acting like they want the charters because of the poor quality or bad results of the traditional publics in low income areas. The bottom line is it’s about having prepared students and engaged parents. The charters make things more complicated. If they want to break the union or whatever then they got to stop the games and just play hard ball. I’ve always had some sentiment for labor unions as it evokes a greater sense of professionalism — as opposed to being a rented, expendable schnook. I don’t think new teachers are overpaid. It’s those with tenure and some administrators. Where a lot of money is being lost is in the PSERS program. Pensions are fine but there’s no way retired teachers or any profession should be getting close to full salary for the rest of their life. It’s simply too generous. It should be a helper or supplement. The other thought is for the retirees to tone down their life style. Anyway just some thoughts.
@ Mcd65 Thanks for the clarification. I was afraid people might think me and phillyboy were one in the same or some kind of weird conjoined twins. Scary thought 😉
@Tnd775 What is the issue you are referring to??
@ Matt Looking into the Heartland Conference, 19 schools, with 3 divisions?? So if you play another school from a different division, that counts as a conference game?? Is the divisions set up enrollment or classification wise, or geographically?? Does the conference mandate that you only play and schedule conference games?? Kind of a small pet peeve of mine that it seems like every D2 and D4 schools only play other D2 or D4 schools in the regular season. I enjoy the first few weeks of the season when you get to see teams play each other that they normally don’t. I’ll give kudos to Del Val up in D2 for hitting the road ever year for their first game the last several years and taking on some tough competition. Two trips to Florida, Parkland, Upper Dublin (at their recent peak), Downingtown East, and this year Pennridge.
@ ????
I absolutely root for Imhotep when they play private teams like Erie CP etc. but not when they play traditional publics. On a side note was just wondering why they never have any white players on their team. But yeah the youth football programs are awesome, I’m proud of those guys when they win national titles as Philadelphia teams. Lastly, just wanted to say that Imhotep this year has a very aggressive schedule; they open up with LaSalle, DeMatha, and St. Joe’s Regional…..that’s no joke. Would love to see them go 3-0 there.
????? This is what The State Investigation showed for the PSSA test:
The cheating at Imhotep Charter is very severe. The data shows the answer sheets that were modified was at a substantially high rate vs. standard deviation, higher in some grades than any other school in the state. And after the investigation was completed, TEP’S PSSA scores plummeted! HHHMMMM, wonder why? Plus, remember who the Philly Superintendent was at that time-Arlene Ackerman, who was busted for giving out million dollar no bid contracts to her friends.
Here is a list of the charter schools in Philly that were red flagged for modified answers:
CHARTER SCHOOLS
Alliance for Progress Charter
Charter High School for Architecture and Design
Imhotep Institute Charter High School
Maritime Academy Charter
Walter D. Palmer Leadership and Learning Partners Charter
Wissahickon Charter
Philadelphia Electrical and Technology Charter
Big 33 game on the move…….
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/sports/hs-football-big-33-game-gets-new-name-and-date-1.2368426
@Foleman
“But some how all these great football players from the city somehow wind up there” – Your lack of knowledge about the program is where your down fall is. But to answer your question Imhotep coaching staff is full of head coaches from elite Pop Warner teams in Philadelphia like Northwest Raiders, NorthPhilly Aztecs, NorthPhilly Blackhawk, Enon Eagles so when you know the parents of those kids you’ve been teaching football to 4 years plus you get a relationship with parents. If your parent who has a son who has potential talent but u don’t have catholic school money or your child hasn’t received a scholarship for you send them to catholic school. You send your kid to Imhotep I’m not saying Imhotep is the best school but it’s better than sending your child to other public’s in Philadelphia. Plus on the cheating note if you really think Imhotep got caught CHEATING ON A STATE TEST AND GOT CAUGHT BY “THE STATE” YOU REALLY THINK THEY WOULD STILL BE OPENED. Imhotep education speaks volumes for itself when you say there down near the bottom on academics but continues to put kids in college and it’s not like there dropping out there actually staying in school and maintaining college GPA’s for major athletic programs.
Like to hear from the Berwick boys. How will the “DAWG’S stack up? Also the boys from Dunmore a favorite team of mine. What is going on up there?
@Kevin….yes….all of southerns games are heartland conference games. They play a ten game league schedule like the colonial league does in dist 11. And actually like the EPC does now as well. The old LVC used to have a non league game first game but when they went to the EPC they are all league games now. That’s why Parkland, etc doesn’t play a non league game anymore like they used to play Glen Mills, Harrisburg etc.
???? David Williams, Omar Speights, Nasir Boykins, Chris Wells, Andre Mintz, Steve DePaul and dozens of others have something in common, they all transferred into Imhotep Charter from other schools. Tep is ranked near the bottom in academics in the State, the school was almost closed a few years ago due to poor test scores and cheating but somehow all of these great football players from the City somehow wind up there. TEP is one of the schools often listed by the PUBS as the main reason for separate playoffs. Your 2015 state champ squad had about a dozen transfers on it. Don’t give us the Northwest Raiders, no one is buying it.
PIAA should remove boundaries from all schools and just have one classification. They should also allow high school kids to be paid. In 5 years there will only be 10 schools remaining so we won’t need to hear how great Southern Columbia is in 2A. Move up or Shut up!
kevinx/phillyboy, That was me posting. DUH !!!! sorry for the mistake.
Cracks me up about all this public/private when it’s literally only a few teams causing the issue
Imhotep doesn’t recruit. When you have the #1 Pop Warner program in the nation practicing @ the same field where one of the top Highschools in the state play your gonna have a lot of talent coming. Jus cause 1. Northwest Raiders And Imhotep practices @ the same field 2. Head Coach of the 4x defending national champions is a Imhotep coach 3. Northwest Raiders kids watch Imhotep practices all the time before there own practices starts (which starts right after Imhotep) 4. Imhotep was very young this year and still made it to the state finals with barely no seniors 5. Imhotep school is in a very high area that produces a rich amount of talent for Philadelphia 6. Proof of Talent Zaire Franklin David Williams Dj Moore Deandre Scott Deandre Swift Jaelen Strong etc the list can go on but most of those players came from lil league programs that are all no more than a couple blocks from Imhotep
@mark
I have no idea. I never even knew about the meeting until I stumbled upon a couple of articles about it on Pennlive while checking out some Penn State articles. Who knows what will become of it. One interesting note is that of the 150 or so attendees listed, no District 12 school (or City of Philadelphia) was present, and only one or two D1 districts are present.
@Matt
All 10 of SC games are conference games?? I believe Fleming is No. 3 nationwide on ESPN’s Jr. 300 for the class of 2020. Hoping he commits to play an hour or so west.
Some info on the new transfer rules and “playing-up” stuff…..
http://www.post-gazette.com/sports/highschool/2018/07/24/Superintendents-principals-ADs-meet-to-discuss-PIAA-playoff-equity/stories/201807240128
I enjoy all the controversy about Southern Co.football it is good for this forum. I heard the word (peak). Watch the underclass they are diamonds in the rough and are extremely good. Look to them in the future. Can’t wait for the season to start.
@ndgp82
Yes, ND could very realistically win the Colonial League this year. I wouldn’t be surprised if it happened. I’m just giving the edge to Palisades based on their size and physicality on the offensive and defensive lines. ND hasn’t handled more physical type games well.
I understand how the classifications are set. However, if you look at roster sizes for other 3A schools it is no where near 75/80. Why is that? It’s not just because more kids decided to play at ND, it’s because ND recruits kids to specifically play football their. And yes, any co-ed non prep Catholic school has an advantage when they are able to do that. Just look at schools like Beca and Berks Catholic to name a couple.
@ndgp82
Yes, ND could very well win the Colonial League this year. I wouldn’t be surprised if they did. I’m giving the edge to Palisades due to their physicality and size on the offensive and defensive lines. ND hasn’t handled more physical types of games recently.
I understand how classifications are set. However, look at other 3A schools and their roster size. It’s not just that more kids want to play at ND, it’s that ND recruits kids specifically to come there and play football. Yes, that puts them at an advantage. There are plenty of co-ed non prep Catholic schools that take every advantage of this…Beca, Berks Catholic, etc.
Im a fan of what So. Columbia has accomplished and will accomplish the next couple of years ,but to suggest a game against Archbishop Wood or Imhotep would not be a good idea. Those two are just too powerful and fast. So. should stay where they are. Lets not get carried away.
I like to see stricter rules on transfers, but not separate playoffs.
@ Dennis
Bishop McDevitt or PCC
@Kevin……Southern Columbia unfortunately plays a ten game reg season schedule in the league they are in and have no open dates during the reg season. Most smaller leagues in D11 (Colonial) have no open dates during season unfortunately. However, I would love to see then play a good 5A team or even 6A team. I just saw in a addition to Fleming who has offers almost everywhere that southerns senior QB Stone Hollenbach has 8 D1 offers and just received a preferred walk on offer from Alabama.
@Colonial Fan….Let me go over your post point by point.
thoughts on Notre Dame Green Pond. The Colonial League will come down to Palisades and ND, but Southern Lehigh will also have something to say. At this point, I’m giving the edge to Palisades. Response: Fair enough, but it’s conceivable that ND could win based on your comment.
I hope to never see ND win a league championship after a local writer claimed a few years ago that they would change the league forever and referred to it as the “good old boys” league. Response: Notre Dame has only won one league championship in its history (1979, Centennial League as a Class A school) as well as two District championships (2015 AA, 2016 AAA) so I fail to see the relevance of the “good old boys’ comment. As an alumnus of ND, I hope they do win a few championships.
The fact that their team preview said they expect to have a roster of 75/80 kids is just ridiculous. If your roster is that big, you shouldn’t be playing 3A!
Response: Classification is based on male enrollment not roster size. You should not punish a school for having success in getting students to participate. I can only imagine that 75/80 includes a lot of JV’s. My guess is 35/40 are realistically Varsity.
Not even the bigger schools in the league have rosters anywhere near that size. Southern Lehigh is 5A and they are lucky to even have 50-60 kids in 9th-12th grade. It’s ridiculous. Response: Yet Southern Lehigh has had a great deal of success in football. Their problem is that Whitehall is 5A as well. Also, other league schools have historically greater success than Notre Dame. Notre Dame has never won a Colonial League title in football so I don’t honestly know why you’re complaining.
These are the reasons we are in the current predicament of boundary vs non-boundary. Response: Prep schools like St. Joe’s and charter schools like Imhotep Charter have greater advantages than a co-ed non-prep Catholic School could ever hope to have.
@Kevin X on that meeting at state collage what did you hear about it ? i heard a rumor the D7 along with D2 and 4 talked about going back to the old playoff systems and forgetting about the PIAA I thought is was just bull do you know if their any substance to it ???
@phillyboy Who would you like to see Southern play in 5A or 6A.? Just curious.
@Ndgp82….thoughts on Notre Dame Green Pond. The Colonial League will come down to Palisades and ND, but Southern Lehigh will also have something to say. At this point, I’m giving the edge to Palisades.
I hope to never see ND win a league championship after a local writer claimed a few years ago that they would change the league forever and referred to it as the “good old boys” league. The fact that their team preview said they expect to have a roster of 75/80 kids is just ridiculous. If your roster is that big, you shouldn’t be playing 3A! Not even the bigger schools in the league have rosters anywhere near that size. Southern Lehigh is 5A and they are lucky to even have 50-60 kids in 9th-12th grade. It’s ridiculous. These are the reasons we are in the current predicament of boundary vs non-boundary.
@Foleman….separate playoffs? Absolutely! Yes, some of the best games in history have been public vs Catholic, but those days are over. Catholic/charter schools have ruined it. Some public schools, that aren’t traditional powerhouses, only have one shot. I’ll use Saucon Valley from 3 years ago as an example. They had an outstanding team that did big things and were even able to knock Beca off in the district championship. One a game or two in states until they run into the Imhotep buzzsaw…they go into the game knowing they have no chance. Saucon a small public school who just happened to have a great core group that played together forever against a school that had 10+ D1 recruits. That’s BS.
It’s time for a change and more of a change than just the recruiting rules PIAA has put in place. You could get creative and have the public school champ play the non-boundary school for the end all, be all championship. Would be a little more work in football, but Jersey has the Tournament of Champions for basketball.
@ phillyboy
Also looks like Imhotep has an open date week 4. Julian Fleming v. Tykee Smith, might be worth the price of admission and little drive to a mid point neutral field……….
@ Phillyboy
Love to see that as well. I believe Archbishop Wood still has an open date week 2 (Labor Day weekend).
Foleman, are you sure the transfere rule keeps players out of playoffs this year? The article i read was confusing. It sounded like to me that if a transfere who
enrolled before rule went into effect (Aug 6) that the player would be eligible to play in districts and or state playoffs.
@Phillyboy….Southern Columbia is in the Heartland conference which plays a ten game league schedule which allows no no league matchups currently. All the games are in conference. Like alot of smaller leagues in D2 D11 and D4 they play a full 10 Game league schedule and there are no non league games until playoffs. I would love to see then play a good 5-6A team as I think they would compete with them but they do play some decent 4A teams in league schedule like Selingsgrove who had made state playoffs in 4A a bunch of times recently and almost beat Beth Catholic last season in state quarters. They would have won A and AAA last year in my opinion and they prob could win all three smaller classes this year as well. We all saw what they did to NG last year and with all the talent NG had
I don’t know if it’s too late but I think Southern Columbia should schedule one of the big boys in the regular season. That’s right, a legit 5A or 6A team. You want to do that when you’re at your peak. It’s high risk, high reward. You win that game and it creates a lasting community buzz.
Heard that Southern Columbia recently dispatched the third ranked team in the nation at a 7 on 7 at Penn State.
Do the majority of fans really want separate playoffs? I don’t think so, some of the greatest playoff games in PIAA History were Private VS Public, I could watch the Epic 2 game championship series between Erie CP and CB West all day, and would it be for all sports or just football and basketball? Do the Pubs really want Pa to turn into NJ where the Private School juggernauts get to recruit who they want? What really ticks me off is that its only a handful of renegade private/charter schools that are the reason for this mess. If the PIAA put the hammer down on the TEP’S, Beca’s, N Goretti’s and McDevitt’s of the world, we would not have this problem as most of the Private schools abide by the rules. Western Pa seems to do a much better job on reviewing transfers for athletic purposes than Philly/Eastern/Central Pa. The Parson’s transfer to Harrisburg was an absolute joke! The transfer rule will also hurt the Public’s too, one Principal at the meeting stated he had 40+ kids move into his district last year and now transfers this year wont be able to participate in the playoffs. Enforcement on this rule is going to be a huge mess. One other thing, several of those public schools at the PIAA meeting should be ashamed of even showing their faces as some of them benefit more from recruiting/transfers than most of the private schools.
Heard recently that Southern Columbia dispatched the third ranked team in the country at a 7 on 7 at Penn State.
What is the outlook for Notre Dame Green Pond as far as Colonial League, District XI, and States?
We missed all of the fun when the forum was down regarding the PIAA’s fast tracking changes to transfer rules with the sitting out of the following years post season (or something like that) and a formula for “playing up” based on recent past dominations. Any thoughts guys?? I believe this is just for football and basketball.
Also, the real fun IMO was the 150 or so AD’s, superintendents and other school representatives having their own meeting in State College. I do like the nuclear option mentioned about simply leaving the PIAA. Get off the pot and just do it guys, talk is cheap, we all know it. Someone may actually start paying attention and wake up.
Glad to hear you are back up and running!
Great to have you back and running Dave! I am lost without this site, even off-season!
Hi all. Someone signed in and deleted all the files and backups. But thank god we found the most recent backup. I have a weeks of work to catch up. We are backup and running.
Good to see you’re getting everything up and running again.
@Matt Looking at your 5A predictions, I’m going to say Whitehall is going to have a bit of a down year. Their starting QB transferred to Emmaus, they lost some quality starters and also have a brand new head coach. Those things point to possibly a rebuilding year, time will tell. Also, in 5A, district 11 and district 2 have now combined for a sub regional which will include Wyoming Valley West and Wallenpaupack making for a more competitive bracket with 7 teams vying for 4 spots.
@Matt, looking at your 5A predictions, I’m going to say that I think Whitehall I going to have a down year this season. Their starting QB transferred to Emmaus and they did lose some quality starters to graduation. Add in a new coach and this could be a rebuilding year. Also, making the 5A playoffs out of district 11 this year will be a little more difficult as there is now 5 teams from District 11 and Wyoming Valley West and Wallenpaupack from District 2 have been added to form a sub regional.
@Basketcase…thanks….then I would put West Catholic in their place. I would then put NG in the mix in AAA. They might have a better chance on AAA than AA with Southern in AA.
Matt, Neumann-Goretti is AAA for the upcoming 2-year cycle.
My early 2018 top 3 in East (based on the east teams covered here)
A: 1) Old Forge 2) Williams Valley 3) Marian
AA: 1) Southern Columbia 2) Dunmore 3) NG
AAA: 1) Middletown 2) Scranton Prep 3) Conwell Egan
AAAA: 1) Tep 2) Bethlehem Catholic 3) Bishop McDevitt
AAAAA: 1) Wood 2) Manheim Central 3) Whitehall
AAAAA: 1) SJ prep 2) Coatesville 3) North Penn/ Parkland
The PDF team schedules don’t say whether the game is a home game or an away game.
@david mika when will the class rankings for 2018 be updated?
Late August.
@boroboy you are absolutely wrong on almost everything you said. No idea how you got this information. PR head coach is not suspended 4 games, I’ve already said on here that’s wrong. Assistant coach was fired because he had prior incidents. Also, the head coach wasn’t doing any of this, it was two assistant coaches. The kid your talking about didn’t even play WR, he’s a top ten sprinter in the country and he moved back for track. the kid legit has a shot at the Olympics one day. And what about the QB last year being from ohio? Don’t think pine township is anywhere near ohio lmao. Your post makes no sense, just exaggerated rumors to make PR look bad. If you wanna complain about transfers, go up the road to NA they seem to get plenty more than PR but no one bats an eye.
Irish, heard the coaches and players from BC were trying to get him back in the fold. He’s currently not on their roster. I wouldn’t be surprised if it was PJP.
@ Boroboy,
Please have your facts straight before posting on the board. NE best player left the Prep on his own in January of his freshman year with a 3.3 GPA. Her left because he did not like wearing a sport coat everyday, and he did not get preferential treatment for being an up and coming football player.
Ricky Ortega Jr looked good today @ 7×7 slinging the ball around the field. Picked up another D1 offer from Lehigh University also during the passing camp
any word on where rb from Berks C who transferred is going? Heard it may be PJP
Boroboy, the difference between public and non-boundary schools is PR is being punished for recruiting, while it would have been perfectly legal for a private. I see no problem with non-boundary schools recruiting or publics being penalized for doing it (and we all know some do). The problem is applying different rules to schools that compete for the same championship. Imagine if some colleges were allowed to recruit nationally, while others could only recruit in state.
Pine Richland head coach suspended First 4 games and assistant coach fired for recruiting Ohio kids. A public recruiting and no outcry. Northeast HS got 9 transfers from NG and Imhotep but that is ok. NE top player , good kid, couldn’t handled the academics atPrep and told he couldn’t come back after freshman year. Prep has 6’8” freshman basketball player transfer because mommy and daddy thinks he should gotten time on Varsity. Mommy and daddy shopped him to other schools, I know for a fact, before he transferred to Bishop Eustace. The kid was lucky to be even be suiting Varsity. He might have gotten time this year on Varsity but mommy and daddy know better than a coaching legend who has over 1000 career wins. They all recruit except probably the small town schools in PA. Oh by the way Pine Richland ‘s WR from last year, who is a relative of a steeler, transferred back to Florida after state football championship game and won a state championship in track. And I believe their QB was originally from Ohio, hmmm.
@Foleman
Yes PJP was senior heavy last year. Return 4 starters from what I can saw both sides. Yes rumor has it that a handful of Carroll players transferred to PJP. New Hope returns 6 offense and 8 on defense. Offensively, they return 4 up front and should be fine in the pass game. After Capriotti graduated they will need to figure who is running the ball.
@Foleman –
Carroll QB to PJP confirmed. Evidently the move was motivated primarily because of baseball, but the destination is the same. A rising junior lineman is headed from Carroll to PJP as well.
PJP and New Hope meet in week 2. Should be a good barometer of where both teams are. Not sure if its confirmed but I’ve heard that Archbishop Carroll’s QB is now at PJP.
Everyone talks about the higher classes I am going to show some love to 3-A…it should be interesting this season with Neumann Goretti moving up and PJP moving down to that class…Egan, NG, New Hope, Lansdale, PJP, Future, KIPP, Prep Charter….Egan(12) and New hope(1) look to be favorites. Both Return a tons of starters.
OK, I think I got it.
Nothing slow ’bout me!
Testing 1, 2 ,3
Is there any team that can challenge Coatesville in District 1? How is Garnett Valley looking for this year? I think that coach at GV has done a terrific job the last few years. Love the way his offense pounds the ball. Blue collar.
Love the new website layout!!!
I really like the new format. Very easy to maneuver . Great job !!!
@Mick it looked like the qb from Pennsbury carried that team last year, especially with his legs. Looks like it will be NP or Neshaminy this year
Love the new look – good work!
@Mick it looked the qb from Pennsbury carried that team last year, especially with his legs. Looks like it will be NP or Neshaminy this year
GREAT JOB ON THE NEW LOOK
Whoa, look at you, you guys outdid yourselves; easternpafootball.com will never be the same. Like the dude who suddenly appears with a new hottie out of the blue, or the person who nonchalantly pulls up in his brand new car and acts like everything is normal, whistling to himself. Got it going on.
WOW! Great new-look website!
Best of luck going forward, Dave.
Derrick, Pennsbury was the team to beat last year, but I believe they lost a lot of starters. Neshaminy returns some skilled players so I would think they would be the favorite. Players to watch Neshaminys QB and the TE/MLB/RB (Oleh) who is a very nice kid, and the TE from CR South are very good players.
jtrun
Not sure on Chambers but heard he is gone.
Im going
JT
Tamaqua
NS
BM
Pottsville
Lehighton
Anyone have any predictions for Suburban One?
Standings? Leaders? Who stands out this year?
PIAA oversight committee recently had a meeting in june and is recommending to its members at its july meeting that all students who transfer after 10th grade to play football or basketball at a private or public school must sit out a year. Hopefully this will stop students from transfering. If passed rule would take effect in 2020-2021 season.
Anybody have predictions for the Schuylkill League? I heard the running back from Lehighton-Bradley Chambers has been dismissed
Don’t forget that Berks picked up talented soph to be Larkin at hb from Wyomissing last year, and this year freshmen hb to be cacchione from Wyomissing as well.
Hey Foleman,
BC does deserve credit for adding those teams this year. Will be some great games on that new turf!
I still believe “Football Schools” that attract athletes from other areas, whether public or private, should want to play at the highest classification if they want the full respect of the football community. I am not impressed by smaller schools that have established a great football program, which then attracts great football players to come to their school, but continue to play at lower classifications and destroy other small schools . Move Up and challenge your team!
Week two will be a great week in Berks County football as CD @ BC and Mifflin @ Wilson. Two great games within 5 miles of each other.
I believe CD has the toughest schedule in D3 as they have Wilson, BC, MT, CV, H-burg, State College and the rest of the Mid Penn schedule. WOW!
Toby, I heard Daniel Boone or Pope John Paul, He wasn’t happy with his number of carries as BC tried to make all of their stud backs happy with everyone getting carries-Lutz, George, Dabney,Garcia, Foley, Myers, Newton. Too many talented running backs and not enough touches for everyone. All but Lutz & Dabney are back and now add MacFoy. Brandon George who just verballed to Pitt didn’t even have much film to show colleges. MacFoy will play but he will have to battle a talented Soph RB Myers to even start. Cant complain about BC’S schedule this year-Central Dauphin, McDonough, Malvern Prep, Exeter, Wyo is as tough as any.
Foleman,
Foley may be a better player than Macfoy and I’ll admit I’ve never seen him play but you can’t compare stats between BC and that cupcake schedule, to Wilson or MT or CD or CV. Foley may be the next Barkley but you can’t compare stats.
So where is he going? And why did he leave BC?
And yes Lockhart should be the feature back and would have been even if MacFoy stayed there. MacFoy is a scat back / slot receiver / returner. Prefers to run wide vs hit the hole.
Toby, Sausmann, MacFoy wasnt even living in Wilson’s SD, his Grandpop died and his parents moved into his house in the Muhlenberg SD. Wilson found out and was going to kick him out. Quinn Foley, the top tailback in the region is transferring out of BC, he averaged 14.5 YPC to MacFoy’s 4.5 YPC and lit it up at PSU’S elite camp. But thats not big news.
And who is taking MacFoy’s tailback position at Wilson? Avanti Lockhart, a transfer from Berks Catholic. BC loses more players to transfer’s and turns down Football transfers who want to transfer in. Don’t lump them in with the TEP”S, ECP”S, McDevitt’s and Beca’s.
Saussman, MacFoy wasn’t even living in Wilson’s SD, his grandpop died, his parents inherited the house in Muhlenberg’s SD and moved in, Wilson found out and was going to kick him out of school. Quinn Foley, the top tailback in the region is transferring out of Berks Catholic, he averaged 14.5 yards a carry VS MacFoy’s 4.5 and lit it up at PSU’S elite camp. And BTW, who is going to take MacFoy’s place at Wilson? Avanti Lockhart, formerly of Berks Catholic. BC turns down football transfers and has more kids transfer out than transfer in. Don’t lump them in with the McDevitt’s and BECA’S of the world.
@Sausmann9
As a Lehigh Valley person, fill me in on the Beca transfers. I know of an incoming freshman who left our local public school to head to beca citing the usual nonsense. Grew up in our feeder program and played two years of public MS with a very talented group of kids with some undefeated seasons as well as a couple youth league championships.
Won’t be a factor as a freshman, but down the road will be.
PIAA is thinking about 7 classes.
Can’t quite figure that one out.
Hey Sausmann,
I watched BECA destroy BC in basketball last year and then lose to Imhotep at the Geigle. They had some really tall “Catholics” But Imhotep had better recruiters I guess….. cause they won.
@ Toby – well Berks has to keep stride with Becahi (bethlehem catholic) who just picked up two underclassmen transfers since june 11. both will start and one has some decent offers.
“That” season is upon us.
Another transfer to Berks Catholic……
Abdul Macfoy is leaving Wilson and transferring to BC. He already has a D1 offer as a Sophomore.
4.3 in 40
10.8 in 100 – good for 6th in PA State Meet
5’7 170lbs – Think Darren Sproles
Hey guys, a quick update on the PA Athletic Oversite Committee’s hearing on sport championships for public and private schools, I believe it will only be a free live stream of the hearing this morning @ 10:30a (not live on PCN TV), but will be replayed on PCN TV tonight at 8:15p.
Tomorrow (Monday) on PCN TV live at 10:30a and then re-broadcast @ 8:15p is a PA state oversight committee’s hearing on the Public and Private sports championship issue. Free streaming of the hearing live if you don’t have PCN. Check out their web site and schedule for more info…….
That’s because there’s no schools up there that anyone wants to transfer to. Maybe from.
Hey did you hear about all the transfers up here in district 2? oh forgot their are none !!!!!
@Mick
I know one was from that class. Kratee was at neshmaniny. He started at DT for them in 2016. He transferred to Egan and starts on both sides of the ball for them now. No idea the reason he transferred.
Mick
I did not say after jr year. I was referring to your comment about leaving nesh, it happens and with very good D1-D1AA players.
Ragles1
You are telling me 7 kids left after their junior year? Share the starting positions? And if so shame on those parents
@Tony Ramos
Just a note on D1 recruits and transfers. As a Cumberland Valley fan since the mid 80’s, the fan base gets exited when we have ONE D1 recruit at a skill position. A D3 championship or two will likely be in the works along with a top 10 6A ranking. When we have two (a skill position and a lineman), and that’s rare, we are expecting to be in the top 5 6A and possible compete for a state title. CV competes based on teamwork, running an offense that can be difficult to defend, wearing opponents down, and a bevy of good if not great role players. Even during the state championship run in 1992 Jon Richie and Askari Adams were the only D1 recruits and Adams was just a sophomore at the time. Over the course of the last ten years I can only remember three Div 1 recruits (Kevin Snyder-Rutgers, Kyle Friend-Temple, and Charlie Katshir-Penn State), and “no” they weren’t transfers. I can’t imagine having 3 or more Div 1 recruits/transfers like a lot of these schools have every year.
Mick
There are at least 7 players to leave Nesh for a variety of reasons from class of 2019.
D1Coach
I believe the deciding factor for PIAA is you cannot turn 19 before september first, however IA does not have these rules that is why you see some athletes who stayed back or reclass along the way finish back at an IA school.
@Newman, @Knight Time
Do tell, I like good gossip. Is there a name or team he has played for that one might know?
Can’t wait until Imhotep kickoff it season on August 31st against DeMatha at the NW Super site! Friday night lights! Don’t know of any transfers other than Speights but the Panthers will have a Senior heavy lineup on both sides of the ball! Mixed in with juniors and sophomores at key positions! 3 of the top 40 players statewide.
FootballDad,
Your comment about what a kid does in middle school is not completely true. Unless the PIAA has again changed their eligibility rules (which is possible I’ve been out of the AD loop for a couple years now) a student athlete’s eligibility (clock) if you will actually starts in 7th grade. They have six years from the time they start 7th grade to finish their eligibility. AD’s are responsible (at least in theory) for tracking that. I don’t know how the student athlete mentioned would be regarded since he was at non-PIAA member institutions when he allegedly repeated but at least in theory he could potentially be ineligible for his senior year. Now because it was before high school I doubt it will be enforced but I know there have been students who have transferred from PCL and Public League schools to Inter-Ac schools, repeated a grade, then transferred back and were, at least initially, ineligible for their “Senior (5th)” year of HS. This was many moons ago when the entrance of PCL schools was new.
I saw that Coatesville is scheduled to play Middletown South from New Jersey at home on Thursday August 30th at 6p. I am assuming that is correct and official. If so, that is a quick turnaround for the Red Raiders coming off a potentially tough opening road game the previous Saturday afternoon up in Harrisburg. Guess on the plus side, at least for us fans, gives us an early Labor Day weekend game to check out.
@ Knight Time
I heard he’s from North Jersey and he’s not meeting expectations just yet.
@ Knight Time
I heard he’s from North Jersey and I heard he’s not meeting expectations just yet.
@Derrick….no one from Neshaminy.
I did not hear anyone leaving Neshaminy. If so, Why? To leave Steve Wilmot,his staff, and that packed stadium every week?
Someone mentioned Neumann Goretti and Egan about transfers and returning players…very interested to see what players both teams bring in this season. NG apparently will be very young but talented and Egan has a bunch of starters returning including last years post season transfer.
Footballdad99
100% correct….And agree you reap what you sow, transfers are one thing but when you make promises and do not allow competition you are in trouble…
@knight time, if you know, why don’t you tell us? I heard it was a Neshaminy kid. Truth?
I think North Penn will steal that 1st game against Neshaminy. If these posters are alarmed about transfers wait until the find about the new QB at North Penn
Westy, not sure anyone anywhere is gonna give a rats backside about a kid leaving lasalle and going to prep. Who cares. And what a kid does in grade school is his biz. sounds like you may me too close to this one. And explore other than the qb at wood tell me one kid who left lasalle previous to this year. keep in mind the kid at wood lost his chance to compete to a transfer from another school. You reap what you sow big man.
I’m with you @Route54. Too much whining about transfers. North Penn might steal that 1st game against Neshaminy. Thesee guys on here are really going to be alarmed when they find out who the starting QB is.
@Route54… I and everyone else in the state would be shocked if Southern Columbia doesn’t win the state championship in AA the next two years. The top 4 players return and Fleming and Garcia are only juniors. Fleming I believe is #1 WR in 2020 recruiting class and good size 6’3 200lbs. He should be fun to watch in 3-4 years at the D1 level.
Maybe we can talk Dave, Billy, etc. into hosting an easternpafootball.com kickoff pre-game happy hour and/or post game party at the NBI on Friday August 24th around the CBW/Hatboro game 🙂
et al:
CBW plays AT NP on 10/12.
You guys wanna meet, I’ll join the party.
Neshaminy very talented this year at the skilled positions. However the line on both sides of the ball is a ?
Dont post here often but I have to clear the air. 1st, the player ennis is at king high not northeast. 2nd, goretti loss a lot of players from last year to many schools throughout the city due to demerits and tuition. 3rd lasalle loses good young players every year due to transfer and no one whines.
@wpial rules where did you get that the head coach was suspended 4 games? I didn’t hear that anywhere. I do know the head coach and QB coach were suspended until school ended, and the one assistant had prior incidents and was fired. I’m pretty Sure most schools private or public do some form of recruiting
Can we move forward and get away from this boundary transfer talk for a change? What about this. Who will be the top teams for each class on the east? What about power SCA? Any roadblocks or will Southern once again be state champ.
@McD65 – sounds like a plan, I know the Bucks have two home games before Sept and if not one of those lets shoot for that North Penn game if possible. I do want to see them once this season somewhere.
Talk about Transfers, Marvin Harrison Jr who has transferred from LaSalle to St Joe’s Prep which is a total joke and i don’t know how the PIAA is letting this happen, He has transferred from Chestnut Hill Academy after 7th grade to Penn Charter for 8th grade to stay back in 8th grade to transfer to La Salle for 9th grade to now Transfer to Prep for 10th grade. I mean Cmon, PIAA is complete joke and so is PREP.
Well,last year it was Neuman/Gorretti and this year Northeast. I believe Northeast with the transfers and a very competent Head coach and now an experienced OC will be a factor and win the Pub going away. They will of course have a tough time getting by the Prep which is Nationally ranked by ESPN. These multiple transfers are getting out of hand and are for athletic reasons IMO.6-2 Stack Monster, Sauseman9 how about we pick a CB West game early in the season and get to the NBI.
Just wondering why no one has stated that the Pine Richland head coach has a 4 game suspension and another PR coach was fired for trying to recruit a player from Ohio? I thought only private schools recruit?
Stack Man, thank you very much for the GA information, very interesting. I know that area very well. On the southeast corner of School House Lane and Greene is the PA School for the Deaf. It’s those buildings, wow, never knew that. Germantown Friends HS is right by there also which of course is still in existence. There are still two major leagues that are independent of the PIAA: the Inter-Ac and the Friends. Don’t know if any of the Friends League teams even have a football program; they’re more basketball oriented.
Of the big three, Wood seems to me to be the most blue collar, almost like the CB West of the PCL. Also give them props for hanging tough against top out of state competition. And no admission charge for home games at Tennent is right on. Meanwhile Prep IMO bought a team, and to a slightly lesser degree LaSalle.
@6-2 Stack Monster
Ive been coaching 15 years. Ive been all over …SOL, PCL, BAL, Ches-Mont and PAC-10. I agree the volume of transfers is out of control. I think in these players in general who transfer show zero loyalty in general to the programs that bring that up. Yes there are the legitimate exceptions of kids who’s parents actually move districts, However most in really are just switching schools. You see kids now, like the Prep QB, that are being offered scholarships being they have even stepped foot onto a HS varsity field. Some these programs and coaches are like leeches to the players while they are still in elementary school. Then you have the coaches who go to 7v7’s and passing camps and big man camps to promote their schools. Then when it comes to the playoff its only common sense that when you allow teams who can recruit which student-athletes they have in their school vs. schools that pull directly from their immediate district, there is an unfair advantage. Then you have the schools like West Catholic and Egan who receive a huge donation to use for scholarships, can use that to recruit players, who ordinarily did not go to catholic school to be able to transfer. Its Insane now!
@ Coach D –
Thanks for the verification. That makes sense. Those transfers would appear to be athletics-related, but with the state of affairs in Philly schools, any type of leadership and stability from adults is a positive thing. Good luck to those kids and coaches – it will be fun to watch Northeast this season and see what they can do.
@phillyboy-
When I said that the volume of transfers was getting crazy, I was really just stating the obvious – that’s just the world we live in now. Kids transfer for all kinds of reasons and at the end of the day those reasons, whatever they may be, are for the benefit of the kids. I’m agreeable to some type of rule on senior transfers not playing in an effort to curtail trophy chasing, but there would still have be some leeway – there will always be legitimate exceptions to the rule, though they should be heavily scrutinized. That said, you still confuse me. I understand that you are good with a public school “benefitting from favorable developments”, as am I. However, you noted that you “think they should discourage transfers regardless of the type of school.” So as it stands, you will be running the sidelines with your viking helmet but, and I ask this question sincerely, what would your reaction have been had all these kids gone to Prep, LaSalle, or Wood?
And speaking of those three, you seem to have a particular grievance with Prep, while giving LaSalle and Wood a pass. Why is that? I get that to an extent everyone looks at them as the evil empire due to their success, but are they doing something so different from the other two? Or any anyone else, some publics included, for that matter?
Again, not looking to pick a fight, just open a dialogue.
As for your question about Germantown Academy:
School was originally located at Greene St. & Schoolhouse Lane (south of Germantown Ave.); that’s just less than a mile from the current location of LaSalle University, who moved there in 1930. While at this location sports were played on a field on campus, but the school also utilized the facilities at the Germantown Cricket Club – I believe that football was exclusive to the school’s own field, but verification of that fact may have been lost to time. GA moved to its current location in Ft. Washington in 1965. The tale I’ve heard is that some rich dude who owned the land offered it up to all the city academies for free, with the only stipulation being that the school would have to become co-ed. GA obliged. Bonus fun fact: The GA/Penn Charter football rivalry is the oldest in the United States, dating back to 1886.
@McD65 & @sausmann9 –
I’m no spring chicken, but would gladly pick up the tab at any watering hole in Doylestown to hear some stories from a couple of old-timers (original gangsters?) like you.
@Brian
NG was no guarantee to even make it out of districts this year. They are at AAA the next two years with Egan, Lansdale, New Hope, PJP, SOF and KIPP. NG was a senior heavy last season and only returns a handful starters on both sides. Even Less now with Britt and Ennis headed to NE. In District 12, Egan the favorite in AAA. Egan returns all skill positioned players on offense and 2/3 starters on the line and if they are smart they move majors to guard because they have Harris..defensively they returned majority of the front 7.
the NG players know that they have to go through Southern Columbia the next two years and they couldn’t do it this year with their so called 7 division 1 players.
Sausman9, yes I used to go to the NBI quite a bit after West games years ago. I cant get around very well due to health issues , but maybe after a game this year I can make it over and get together and talk about the sport we love. I sometimes get to the Candlewick . Philly boy, cant help you with the GA info. As far back as I remember GA has been in Fort Washington.
@Tony Ramos
“Both the RB’s on CV were transfers in state title year (Gumby & McKillop)”
Brandon McKillip was not a transfer. Gumby transferred from East Pennsboro in 1992 and they didn’t “bring in” Regis Perry in 2001. Regis Perry moved here from Ohio (I thought originally it was western PA) in 2001. The Perry transfer was from Cleveland, Ohio because his family moved here to Silver Spring Township AND he only played the second half of the season. Gumby had a bad leg most of the second half of the season and actually made more of an impact at LB on defense than at running back.
“Over the years everyone has benefited.”
I don’t think one transfer every TEN years qualifies under the category of “everyone has benefited”. Private and some public schools have three or more every year!In addition, although Gumby and Perry were good high school players we’re not talking about Division I transfers here. I may be mistaken but I have never seen a Division I transfer INTO Cumberland Valley since the mid 80’s when I started attending their games. 99%+ of CV players are home grown.
I thought this was a “football” talk forum. What is all this whining about tranfers? Sound’s like a NCAA delegation meeting
@sausman9 NBI was my home in college lol!
@PhillyProper I am not debating you on this nor am I discrediting anyone. Its a moot point! Fact is How many parents have you ever heard come out an say “yes we believe its a better athletic opportunity for our son” Someone made comment that they heart sever NG and Imhotep players were transferring to NE…I simply confirmed that yes indeed that is true.
@Mike A,
Both the RB’s on CV were transfers in state title year (Gumby & McKillop)….then when they had Dan Lawlor they brought in Regis Perry. Most public schools do not bring in all kinds of transfers. Over the years everyone has benefited.
@ McD65
“BTW,moved 40 years ago to Doylestown from Philly”
oh boy, so youre telling me I could have been rubbing elbows with you at the NBI over a burger and beer for the last 20 years or so and not even known it???
ever chat w/ some really cool dude over trading games there (assuming you go to NBI), I’ve met quite a few football gurus there and picked up/dropped off games.
LOL, small world.
McD65, once these transfer rules get implemented, of course they have to apply to all types of schools. Having said that, I don’t have a problem with a public school benefiting from favorable developments. At places like Prep, they have all the favor and advantages in the world. You got multiple former NFL players sending their kids there, come on. It’s like the unspoken, agreed-upon place for anybody with resources and promise to meet; in effect it’s a passive conspiracy. The District 12 final (PCL champ vs. Public League champ) for all intents and purposes is a bye for the PCL. Like the recent snarky comment from Kevin X insinuated: if Prep kept their starters in the whole game, the final could be 77-0 or so. So to be indignant over the good fortunes of Northeast is outlandish.
Yeah back in the day downtown Germantown was basically King of Prussia before King of Prussia — the most prominent retail shopping district west of Center City. Was always curious about something, maybe you know. When Germantown Academy was actually located in Germantown, where exactly was it located and where did they play their home games?
Kecin X, From what I read, if an athlete enters a school in 9th grade and transfers to another school, he will be eligible to play during the regular season but not eligible for the playoffs in years 10,11 and 12. Originally it looked like the transfer rule applied to only Senior transfers and playoffs, now, the Pubs want it to extend to all transfers for their entire career.
@Coach D so your assumption is that you know why any of these kids transferred basically. Because to say it’s not too difficult to figure out what’s going on is just that an assumption on your part. So are you saying you discredit a parent? I have talked to many parents and heard many horror stories of things done to their kids all in the name of a sport, by coaches.
@ Foleman
What do you mean that the transfer rule is to harsh as it stands??? Where are you getting the 2-3 years from??
@Philly Proper Off hand not sure names of what other Imhotep players transferred. Gore has already updated his profile to saying Northeast OC and and the now former goretti QB has also already updated his twitter to saying Northeast HS. Just like the big OLinemen from Lincoln HS switch schools to School of Future Hs. Coaches talk to each other. What are the parents going to say? The standard “better education” , “Better environment” When you have A coach and players at the same DVC, NG and now NE its not that difficult to figure out why the players is transferring. Following last season Goretti had kids transfer out due to “Scholarship Issues”, again its not that difficult to figure out what was going on.
@ D12FAN
Mmmm, so Garlick is going to be reunited with his old coach at Ursinus this season……what goes around comes around……or small world???
Phillyboy,You confuse me .You were cheering the transfers to Northeast and now going off on players staying put. Im very familiar with those two players you referenced and both transfers were for good reasons at the time. BTW,moved 40 years ago to Doylestown from Philly.
Phillyboy
Please don’t reference those two players when you have no idea what you are talking about. The coaches son was QB at UD and Chris made the best decision for himself, got a good education, started and beat prep senior year, got scholarship and started at Maine last year as frosh. Garlick took a chance and competed won at state chip, he had a great opportunity. Don’t start second guessing HS kids choices, dude. There are plenty of other situations that worked out worse, garlick started at Ursinus last year….This is still the United States of America and people are free to chose where they go to school, no matter what cape may boy thinks.
@Coach D what other Imhotep players transferred to Northeast? You’ve named Goretti kids but not these other Imhotep kids. The players from Gorretti that you said transferred to Northeast, do you know why? Have you talked to the kids parents? I’m just asking because it seems everyone has knowledge about kids and what’s going on by coaches, but not by the parents who I would rather hear information from, not outside sources who I’m sure are angry about the transfers.
@6-2 Stack Monster a few coaching buddies of mine have confirmed that coach gore who was the HC of former Del Val charter and last years OC at Goretti left to become the OC at Northeast. He also took with him Goretti starting QB (Britt) and LB (Ennis) and few others with him. They all played at Del Val for him. I was also told that few Imhotep kids also transferred into Northeast besides Speights.
Foleman, ….politics? Got to work that stuff out, deal with it man. ‘I’m not happy, I deserve better, I need to go find myself, I know what I’ll do …I’ll find another man, I mean team.’
Depth chart issues? Very few teams have this “problem”. That’s the breaks if a kid is going to transfer to a great program. A couple examples: a few years ago there was a kid by the name of Ferguson who transferred from Upper Dublin to LaSalle. But there was already another very good QB there. Kid ended up bench warming for a year or two. The solution: just stay where the heck you are, Upper Dublin. The thing about it, UD already had a pretty decent program anyway. Same thing with Garlick; should have stayed at Quakertown all four years. When he got bumped by the ‘new kid on the block’ it was almost a form of justice.
@Route54. Yes, sad and creepy indeed. The scary thing to me is exactly what you said these are grown men saying these things, bashing this kid as I’m sure they have done to many others. Makes me wonder the motive? What is also scary is I’m sure they have kids of their own, to have the audacity to say something about Speights Mother and your a grown man bashing a teen age kid….very sad. Speaks volumes about who they are.
The transfer rule is too harsh as it stands. I can see an athlete who transfers having to sit out the playoffs for the year they transferred in, but for 2-3 years, that’s excessive. Some kids have to transfer for a variety of reasons-Politics, depth chart issues, scheme. I can give several examples on why some kids had to transfer to another school that makes perfect sense.
@phillyproper. Agree 100%. Certain handful of folks around that rip and bash teenage athletes. Where they transfer, where they live and what “boundary ” school they attend. That’s quite sad and creepy if you ask me. And these are not kids , they are grown men.
So much hate for this Speights kid. I gotta wonder why? I’m confused I talked to a tep coach who told me He was a great kid, I also have first hand knowledge of him and his Mother. I think we should be careful throwing around accusations, I’m sure we all want to know why the transfer but to smear a kids name in the process? It’s a shame because what your saying is just not true, you should be more responsible than that. Where exactly was he home schooled if the head coach in a newspaper article stated he transferred may 1st? And please if you want to speak on a kid make sure you state, the kid that transferred that you referred to, he was kicked out of Imhotep for punching another football player in the face. But you didn’t say that, you painted him as a victim and Speights I see nothing but lies.
this is a test
@ knight
I suspect coach Beck doesn’t know yet
Has anyone heard who will be the new qb at north Penn now that Steve depaul transferred to imhotep?
BREAKING NEWS: https://www.easternpafootball.com/news/piaa-addresses-competition-imbalance-at-recent-meeting/
McD65,
http://www.collegian.psu.edu/football/article_2967f540-edad-11e7-ab41-47ccd4a7f003.html
McD65, Toney was suspended last year at the Fiesta Bowl.
@ McD65
Possible. But he did not play in the Fiesta Bowl and I understand a suspension. I know nothing more about it. Not a big deal or real issue in the overall big picture and grand scheme of that game. I’m guessing he did something, just enough anyway to irk Franklin in having him not play in the game.
As far as this rumored mass migration to Northeast, so that basically will mean then that Prep will probably have their starters start the second half in the D12 6A finals.
In D2, the Wilkes-Barre Area School board voted tonight to consolidate all sports teams beginning in the 2019-2020 school year. That is three schools merging into one; Meyers, GAR, Coughlin. This new team will most certainly be 6A in football and basketball.
Coughlin started playing football in 1892 as Wilkes-Barre High.
Kevin X, I don’t believe there were any issues with Shaka Toney at all.
Wow Stack Man, you fill me with excitement. Did Albie Crosby just become the head coach at Northeast? LOL I sure hope the rumor is true. For a traditional public in the Public League to be able to contend for or win a state title would be amazing, especially at 6A. Since the Public League joined the PIAA their best team was probably that first year when George Washington almost beat Easton in the playoffs. They had a really talented RB who went to Wisconsin. Hypothetically speaking, if Northeast could beat Prep in the D12 final, in local high school football circles that would be tantamount to Argentina beating the Dream Team at the 2002 World Basketball Championship. Are you kidding ME?! I’ll be out there at Charlie Martin Stadium running down the sidelines with the horned Vikings helmet and concomitant fur get-up like that dude in the 70s NFL Films clip.
And exactly how much interest does Penn State really have in Tykee Smith?? He has at least 24 offers, but not from PSU. Nor does his current teammate, Yusef Terry, have an offer from PSU. Both are in most recruiting site’s PA top 10 for the class of 2019. Interesting that Smith’s 24 offers are more than twice that of Speights’, a consensual top 5 recruit in the PA class of 2019. Maybe the two incidents last year with Young and Shaka Toney are giving PSU Imhotep grads reservations. Or just that PSU’s patients has worn thin with these kids from ‘Tep. Also though, PSU has a limited number of spots for their class of 2019 recruits, so they are being very selective and looking outside of PA. They got verbals from a bunch of 4 and 5 star recruits just within the past week, and are eyeing western PA’s Joey Porter Jr. as well. And finally, this years PA recruiting class is down, if not way down, from recent years (one ESPN300, the aforementioned Porter). Will be interesting to see how things play out between now and mid/late December.
Summer must be upon us, as the rumor mill is starting to crank up. Heard that Speights might be the tip of the iceberg at Northeast. Word on the bricks is that there are NINE kids from Imhotep and Neuman-Goretti that will be transfering to Northeast for this season. Anybody hearing anything similar? If true, that is quite the power shift, and should make D12 all the more interesting.
News from the Lehigh Valley, Whitehall head coach Brian Gilbert has resigned to take Athletic Director job at Palisades.
The Speights transfer is definitely intriguing. You have a kid that’s a 4 star player but his head is not in school. He stayed in trouble at Imhotep. One of the games he didn’t play go into a fight with another player who later transferred. His mother tries to defend his antics and he was being home schooled after the football season was over. A coach from NE recruited him while he was home schooled. It’s their problem now, I wonder how long he will last. And as for PSU recruiting Panthers, it’s a player they’re in the hunt for and his name is Tykee Smith.
After McDevitt got squashed by Berks Catholic in the District 3 4A final last year, you knew they were not going to stand pat. I wonder how many other transfers will flock to McDevitt this year? 4a football is transfer Central with Erie Cathedral Prep, TEP and McDevitt. A few renegade schools are making a mockery of the PIAA rulebook.
Bishop McDevitt football adds another weapon in Elizabethtown transfer Devyn Clair
http://highschoolsports.pennlive.com/news/article/-832944006411403315/bishop-mcdevitt-adds-another-weapon-in-elizabethtown-transfer-devyn-clair/
He said he transferred to Bishop McDevitt in January, and his decision was based, in part, on academics.
“in part” = ?% academics, ?% football
@phillyboy –
Thanks for the clarification. I’m a public school product myself (and was an average football player on a good day), so I understand where you’re coming from. I agree the volume of transfers is getting crazy. The whole thing is the proverbial slippery slope – what’s best for a kid versus what team benefits/suffers as a result. I think the answer lies somewhere in the middle. Not allowing senior transfers to play is a good move.
The games you mentioned were great, but I think last year’s C’ville/SJP semi game was epic – you should add that one to your list. I’ve heard that somewhere it was voted the PA “game of the year”
My 6-2 Stack Monster handle doesn’t have a specific meaning, but it is a specific reference. I’ll let you think about it a little more… Nevertheless, if you’re telling me that Wendy’s has a new burger in the works, I’m in!
@ WestyBoy
So what you are saying then is that Speights was home schooled if he didn’t go to class??? 🙂
Maybe he’ll stay and play for Northeast this upcoming fall, then over Christmas break transfer once again, but this time to someplace like MaST Charter to graduate on an academic high note and add a STEM type of academy/school to his resume?? Why not, try them all out, become a very well rounded and diversified young man!!!
I believe the PIAA is going to propose (unless they already have) another rule to their recently passed transfer rules that would make a junior who transfers after their junior year to be ineligible to participate in post season (Districts and PIAA states) games during their senior year. They’d still be eligible to play for their new school in regular season games during their senior year. They were talking about fast tracking this as well and quite possibly, but unlikely, to take effect as soon as this fall. Don’t know if this effect the recent high profile transfers we are talking about here if passed.
Stack Man, the short answer is yes I think they should discourage transfers regardless of the type of school. Apparently the PIAA still allows this practice for now. So I like it when a public benefits from a favorable development. The early thinking is that among publics Coatesville may have the most promise this year, so to enhance that with a 4 star player is all the better. He would have had to move there; not realistic, I know. At the end of the day it’s about great competition. I don’t want PA to turn into another Ohio where a public wins the state title once every 8-10 years, it’s corny. When there is a legit public team it makes for some compelling matchups and great high school football. Last year’s 6A final between PR and Prep and the 2016 eastern final between North Penn and Prep were fantastic. I consider PA a top 10 state for high school ball and if it meets its potential, could crack the top 5.
Btw, 6-2 Stack Monster is a nifty handle. That’s got to mean something specific. What does it denote, what does it mean? Possible candidates: a new Wendy’s burger, a breakfast special at IHOP, a surround sound system installed by the Geek Squad, the box set of Unsolved Mysteries with Larry Stack…..wait no I got it, I think I’ve got it — it’s a defense or defensive formation. Anyway phillyboy here, I’m out.
@ stack
Phillyboy was joking. trying to make a point.
This kid can’t transfer to Coatesville unless he lives there ( or with some family member).
That’s the ol’ boundary dispute.
I’m guessing he’s saying Tep & LS will be a good game?
Maybe? Who knows?
WHAT?! How are the privates and charters supposed to compete when the big 6A publics keep taking their kids? LOL
@phillyboy: Agreed that Speights is a 4 star stud; he’ll help Northeast yawn THEIR way to the D12 final – once there, who knows. But I’m curious about your stance on transfers – you mention you would have liked to see him go to Coatesville. That’s a hike from Philly to go to school, a distance (across several good school districts) that some folks would have issue with if the player were headed INTO the city. Are you okay with it so long as the player is going to a public school? Not trying to pick a fight here – just want to understand what is deemed a ‘legit’ transfer in your opinion.
These Transfers is getting out of hand, there are more to come, some bigger then others that have not been announced yet. Speights wont last in college either, 3 schools 3 years, he didn’t even goto class at TEP this year is the rumor . If i was a college coach i would not offer him a trail pass. PIAA has to get something going with this Rule, if you transfer you should not be able to play that coming season especially in the same division. High School Football is becoming a complete joke anymore and uninteresting.
@ phillyboy
huh???
You people are loosing me with these posts.
Phillyboy, SPeights actually hit all 3 school classifications -Private-St. Joe Prep-Charter-TEP and Public-Northeast. The next rule the PIAA should implement is Multiple transfers. 1 transfer and that’t it. Such is life in Philly.
Interesting about Speights who is the number 1 rated player in Pa. Penn State hasn’t offered which is puzzling to me ,unless Tep has gotten a rep due to last years player incident. Guess we will never know for sure. Anyway,no matter where he plays he will be a great asset. Another transfer issue to discuss.
That’s what I’m talking about: a 4 star junior transfers to a 6A traditional public ….are you kidding ME?! As long as the current rules allow for this, you’re darn right this phillyboy approved. Really wish he would have joined Coatesville but this is very fine. Kudos to the Speights family. Hopefully some other youngsters will join him there; then maybe Prep won’t be able to yawn their way to the District 12 crown. Omar, you’re the man ….I mean boy ….oh never mind.
@ Jason Port
???????
Go on…..
This is interesting….usually the other way around…..or maybe a move to South Philly and N-G…..
http://highschoolsports.pennlive.com/news/article/6191347666741700154/four-star-omar-speights-pas-top-player-in-class-of-2019-transfers-to-northeast-from-imhotep-charter/
Omar Speights transfers from Imhotep to Northeast
His 3rd school in 4 years-St. Joe Prep, TEP now NE
http://highschoolsports.pennlive.com/news/article/6191347666741700154/four-star-omar-speights-pas-top-player-in-class-of-2019-transfers-to-northeast-from-imhotep-charter/
Imhotep vs. La Salle
kevin x, looks like only 5/6 changed the brackets for the next 2 year cycle.
http://www.piaa.org/assets/web/documents/BOD_Agenda/2018/January/Sports/Fall/Football.pdf
Anyone know how the Scranton Prep Off. And Def. Lines are gonna look this season? THx.
Yes, forgot that the PIAA tweaked the playoff bracket for 6A (other classifications as well I suppose??), or at least they are proposing it. Are they official?? Any idea why they are doing it (or proposing it)?? Looking at D1 vs D3 and D7/west vs D3/D12 in the semi finals now???
Harrisburg moved up to 6A this year, so Coatesville gets two D3 powerhouses in the regular season. They will run the gauntlet in D1 against Neshaminy, Garnet Valley as well as NP.
Coatesville’s biggest challenge will be keeping its Defense fresh and at times maybe scoring too quick. Look for Aaron Young to have more carries this year, especially early due to the youth out wide.
Tom Foley,in a way too early prediction I would take the Prep in another shootout. Both squads are loaded offensively. Should be another classic assuming they both make it to the finals.
to:Mark Tyer SJP will always be a major problem in PCL they are the best team money can buy.That being said you must worry about your own program and it’s progress.At the end of the day if you are good enough player and student no matter were you go the college coaches will find you.
Who wins this year? St.Joe Prep or Coatesville? With the new playoff structure, I don’t see anyone in District 3 giving Coatesville a game and it looks like anyone out in Western Pa can give Prep a game unless some of the younger players on PCC and Pine Richland can develop quickly. PCC already lost one of their top players who transferred to a Public School.
Mike A.
Cumberland Valley is one of the great football traditions in PA. Always in the hunt for at least a District Final and sometimes even more. Looking forward to the CV vs Coatesville game this year. Always neat to see two contrasting styles of play as power goes against speed.
Also look forward to CV and Wilson battles when they match up in District 3 playoff games. Those two programs are the leaders of D3 for sure.
SJP will be a major problem this year. The incoming QB, Soph Kyle McCord, probably should have started last year as a freshman. He already has offers from Michigan, West Virginia, Boston College, Syracuse and Rutgers…before starting a game. Jeremiah Trotter Jr. (yes the Ax Man’s son) is an incoming soph with offers from Maryland, Syracuse and Temple. They return RB Kolbe Burrell, who just ran a 4.4 garners offers from Rutgers and Temple. O Line comes back very strong and have a slew of young offensive playmakers. I’m a Judge guy, this is going to be an uphill battle for anybody to stay with this team in the PCL. We’ll see how these young guys can play.
Sorry, NP plays AT Pennridge.
@Kevin:
re. NP, very possible.
Pennridge would have won against GV if they had
Tarburton, no doubt about it. Not sure what happened between those two. C’ville was looking past them? They had a great game against Prep.
One positive, NP has Pennsbury & Pennridge at home. might help.
@ Buddy
NP could easily start the season 0-4 (Nesh, LaSalle, Pennsbury, P-Ridge (nasty)), then run the table, finish 6-4, get a 13 or 14 seed, with the 3 or 4 seed going, really??
Speaking of Pennridge, any crystal ball thoughts on them this year?? The old “what if” as in if Tarburton was “available” for that playoff game against Garnet, would they have prevailed in that game and gone on to face C’Ville, who had their hands more than full with Garnet…….back to the “what if”……….
One more PCL question. C-E?? Can Garwo carry them this year, does he have help, is Jersey boy playing the whole season on this side of the river or doing double duty again……as the HS football world turns……
Coatesville QB Ortega is good, but looks like he put on some weight in the offseason. He won’t be as quick as he was last year. I’m waiting for the week 1 NP/Neshaminy match up. I like Redskin QB McAndrews to take a huge leap from the very good year he had last year. They should repeat as Suburban One National Champs. Wouldn’t mind a Neshaminy/Coatesville matchup in the playoffs.
@ kevin
Watching the state final last year, I was amazed at all the underclassmen SJP had starting. No re-loading, already loaded.
LaSalle always good. It’s just that in recent years prep has out-recruited them.
NP could be disappointing this year. Unless they have some unknowns under wraps.
NP has missed the playoffs once in the last 20 years. This could be the second time.
@Daryl I have followed Cumberland Valley football since the mid 80’s and I can tell you they haven’t had more than 4 or 5 players transfers from nearby districts over the last 30+ years. In fact, they have lost way more good players to other schools in the area like Trinity. I may be missing someone but Corey Gumby (East Pennsboro) 1992 when they won the state championship and Steve Smith (Trinity) are really the only two I remember that have had an impact. They did get a big fullback in from the Pittsburgh area in the early 2000’s but that was a legitimate transfer as the parents moved here.
Looks like schedules are 90 % complete. Noticed a few with week #1 missing. When will schedules be completely done?
phillyboy back at it again — cause you know this stuff is therapeutic man.
Toby, not a bad rant, came out swinging with some creative lines, fueled by sincere exasperation. I sure hope you’re right about Coatesville. They got a stud QB coming back, started last year as a sophomore. Kid has what it takes to win a 6A state title: confidence, hunger, football instincts plus a nice skill set. Kid can scramble like nobody’s business; not to THAT extent but he is almost a little reminiscent of Eugene Jarvis how he bounces off players. And if I’m not mistaken they have most of their excellent skill players back — I hope I’m right on that. I’m all in with Coatesville BABY! — this year’s version of the ‘great public hope’ — at least on this side of the state.
Daryl, yes, apparently some publics do acquire some players here and there but here’s the thing: the privates tend to pluck the elite players (must be nice) and the publics are then left to deal with the fallout. Look, if McCray hadn’t absconded to the Prep, North Penn wouldn’t have had a need to accept the Norristown transfer. I absolutely and totally appreciate the young man’s efforts this past year (the problem with 2017 North Penn was the D) and am disappointed that he’s now at Imhotep. For that matter there’s a good chance DePaul would have stayed at Norristown if Isaac Jones hadn’t been recruited to LaSalle. It creates a domino effect. Poor Norristown — they lost 2 QBs. They should have called 911; they were victims of a ‘home district invasion’.
Awwwwww……. Did the Big Bad Non Boundary Schools get their feelings hurt? Well just go to the nearest Youth League and ask their best players to come help your football team. That should make it all better. After all you need to keep the Boosters happy. Or is that college? Basically the same thing right.
I’ll follow along with Toby’s football talk…..
What’s the outlook for our beloved D12 PCL top teams, SJP, LaSalle and Wood?? SJP just re-load?? Their defense carried them for a good part of last year, until they implode the last two games (or were very over rated). I’ll assume another deep playoff run from them. Lasalle I though last year they’d make more noise, but still played well. That same old same old week 2 playoff meeting with SJP again. Really wish they would figure out a way to avoid each other so early in the playoffs. Injury to the QB, but the back-up stepped up nicely. Wood, new coach, lost D1 RB and TE (ok, they loose D1 talent every year, I get it), but like SJP, just reload?? Playing up in 5A shouldn’t be an issue and another deep playoff, if not another championship game appearance in the cards?? Any word on that possible rumored week 2?? match-up with Imhotep???
OK, the South Philly All-Stars, aka Neumann-Goeretti. One hit wonders?? Appears that they lost a ton of top talent. Any thoughts??
@ Darrl
NP does not get 3 or 4 transfers every year! Tired of hearing that crap!
The privates entire student/athletes are recruits, in effect. I mean nobody HAS to go to prep, LS or wood. One doesn’t have to go to a public school either, but if they don’t have the $$$, then they HAVE to.
Also, the privates CAN and DO give scholarships based on academics and NEED base. Let’s not pretend there’s little difference between boundary & non when recruiting!
Toby as I can see you like to target non boundary schools but why is it OK for.boundary schools to recruit? Just a coincidence north Penn gets 3 or 4 transfers a year that are great athletes? Same with other top public programs? Now I can agree changes need to be made bit please don’t act like public schools don’t play the same game.
Toby,
Just because it doesn’t occur in a classroom, doesn’t mean it’s not education. Most professionals will tell you that athletics and extra-curricular activities is every bit as important or more in the development of a student than Math, English, and Science Class. Also when talking about urban school districts especially successful athletic programs greatly increase the climate and culture of those buildings and have been universally proven to diminish high risk behaviors. Making the statement that athletics is not a part of the educational experience goes against everything most data and research by “the experts everywhere” that has been presented for the last 30 years.
Football it is then….
Coatesville will have the fastest team in the state
Manheim Central has a quarterback – Evan Simon – who already has an offer from West Virginia as a Sophomore and will be the best QB in the state before he graduates.
Cantral Dauphin and Wilson are both young and will be strong, but should peak next year.
Cumberland Valley lost a lot but will still be a tough squad as always.
And the reality is none of these proud, accomplished, awesome football programs, that are filled with tradition, have much of a chance against a Non Boundary School in the Philly area. They have 10 million people within an hour drive which make the probability of finding great athletes a lot easier.
There is a reason there are classifications in athletics…… The more kids in the school district the better chance of having more great athletes. The only people that can’t understand that are the same people that think Trump doesn’t know why the $130k went to Stormy 🙂
Hey Toby
While we are at it, let’s return the school property taxes to the people who send their children to Private/Catholic schools.
Someone mentioned Catholic schools budgets, let’s give equal time, public schools spend about 10k-15k per student per year and budgets are unbalanced and pensions severely underfunded and in crisis. Would be great if the constituents on here would be as passionate about real education reform in PA as they are about little timmy from public school getting state trophy..
We are on here because a love a HS football, let’s some, any football talk….
Since it has been confirmed (by the experts here) that Non-Boundary Schools have been established with the intent of a better education, perhaps they could dissolve their extracurricular activities and have the children participate in the Public School in which they live?
Then they could use all of the tuition just for educational purposes!!!
I’m sure this change would also increase enrollments from other families that just want the “educational benefit”.
Yes. It’s an issue in wrestling, volleyball, lacrosse, etc. Football and basketball just get the majority of the press. Here’s a good article that touches on other sports.
https://www.ydr.com/story/sports/high-school/2018/03/29/img-academy-other-elite-programs-take-top-athletes-what-high-school-sports-pennsylvania/344020002/
Outside of football and basketball (boys and girls) is this private/catholic/charter vs public boundary schools an issue?? Especially when talking about separate playoffs and championships??
Someone asked “what makes a Catholic education better education?” I worked in the admissions office of a University in Florida and we had schools ranked and graded based on their academics. Catholic and Private schools ranked much higher than Public schools in every state. A “B” grade at a Public school in Florida or a 3.0 GPA for example, wouldn’t tell us much because many of them would arrive to school and not be able to read or write well enough for college level courses. SAT and ACT scores on average were routinely higher, much higher in Catholic and Private schools. Typically classroom size is smaller in Catholic schools and discipline is higher leading to an atmosphere of excellence and character development.
Any news on last week’s meeting with Senator’s? That’s what I thought, nothing. Next time bring Donald Trump. Nothing will change the laws and by laws created by the PIAA. I guess a few hard heads thought bringing government officials would warrant automatic change and separation of playoffs.
Lol at the religious background comments regarding schools in the Philadelphia catholic league. Watch those schools play and you’ll see quick that they don’t behave like a school who promotes religion would.
ColonialFan – I agree completely with you!!!!
@colonialfan
From my experience yes catholic schools provide a better education for those that want it,however I do see a problem with a lot of these transfers but please don’t act like public schools don’t do it either.north Penn had 4 or 5 studs transfer in last year.cb west and neshaminy are the same.
@D12FAN…by the way it was the poster Daryl that offered up “better education”. It hasn’t just been him, better education is often used by Catholic school proponents.
@D12FAN….better education is one of the arguments that has always been used. If a kid grows up going to a Catholic school his entire life, I’m fine with that. The issue stems from kids, who happen to be stud athletes, showing up in 9th grade, 10th grade and sometimes even 12th grade. See all the previous examples of the kid showing up to Conwell after already completing his season in NJ, or the girls who shoes up to NG in late February just in time for the stretch run of playoffs, etc. I’m from the Lehigh Valley and last year a girl transferred from Central Catholic to Bethlehem Catholic for her senior year. Are you telling me she did that for educational purposes?? The school was that much better that she needed a change for her senior season?? By the way, Beca won a state title that year. People that continue to say there is not an issue are blind and biased. It’s ridiculous. There’s no inferiority comPlex. Facts have been laid out by more than one source. If you can’t even admit to seeing the disparity between boundary and non boundary you are flat out delusional.
@ McD65 and D12FAN
CapeMayboy?? LOL Been living in Philadelphia since 1995 and probably can count on two hands the amount of times that I’ve visited CM since then. But you can use that moniker if you so desire. Even President Obama, after some ribbing, acquiesced and accepted the term ‘Obamacare’. This message has been approved by phillyboy.
My apologies to Mike McGlinchey from Wm Penn Charter in Philly, the No. 9 overall pick in the draft. That would make 3 of the top 24 players picked from Eastern PA.
@ GK
You should of just stopped at “……best academic schools in the state.”
St Joe Prep and LaSalle are two of the best academic schools in the state. Last two mayors of philly went to Prep, Johnny Doc etc the networking that school provides you after you graduate is a major benefit. But at this point just take the catholic schools out of the PIAA this conversation is getting old.
Heard a rumor that a couple LL schools are being investigated for full contact practices at Spooky Nook indoor facility this winter. I don’t know those rules. Anyone else heard of this?
ColonialFan
I didn’t see anyone say it was catholic was better. Sounds like an inferiority comlex…
Can someone tell me what exactly makes a Catholic education a better education??
And please explain the kids that transfer from one Catholic school to another catholic school?? That catholic school offers a better education??
Saquon Barkley, Whitehall, Number 2 pick, D.J. Moore, Imhotep, Number 24 pick, not a bad evening of representation for Eastern PA Football in the NFL draft’s first round……
CapeMayboy-
You can chose to send your kids where ever you want, God Bless America. Prep and Wood offer a football program experience and national prowess and competition like few others, couple that with the religous background and athletic competitive culture these schools offer and it is a no brainer. Assuming you embrace competition and are unafraid to take on all comers to get on the field….
CapeMayBoy.,You are a like a broken record with the local Public School Rah Rah stuff. Look,I have NOTHING against deciding to send your son to the local public school, but you act as though this is something that is a must do or you are a traitor. FYI,it used to be if you were Catholic you almost automatically sent your child to the Catholic HS and Not the public school. Those days are gone for most,but there are still a percentage of us that continue to choose a Catholic education for our kids. NO KIDDING !!! We are not Wussies my man.
@phillyboy
Your going to try and tell me if your kid got a chance at a better education and program you’d still send him to a lesser school?
@ Route54
What are you kidding yourself man?! The true wussies are the dads who send their kids to these specialty schools, all in a tizzy like a school girl crying that she only got a 98 on her test. If I had a son of high school age I would absolutely send him to the local traditional high school; go Edison BABY! If the kid is an out and out stud he’ll be noticed, if not then has a great chance to get a whole lot of playing time, excel and have some nice memories.
Growing up down in Cape May County in the 80’s I remember at one point being tempted with the idea of playing ball at Holy Spirit HS which has a pretty nice program. Glad that didn’t happen. It’s up to the parents to steer the ship. Like a first century traveler once said: ‘When I was a babe, I used to speak as a babe, to reason as a babe; but now that I have become a man, I have done away with the traits of a babe.’
What you don’t understand. Pennsylvania legislation are laxed and have back logs of laws they want to pass. Desks are piled high to the ceiling. They still have not passed a simple law of no cell phones while driving, so what makes you think they are going to drop everything for a few “wussies” that cry unfairness because their team got roughed up in eastern finals.
Any news on the big meeting with Piaa and our beloved Senators? I Was told by a friend from Dauphin county that it was a total blow off. In other words, nothing more than a listen and “sweet talk” session. Don’t let the door hit you on the way out. Waste of time and overhyped news. I was also told from a lawyer friend it will be very hard to change 1972. PIAA is not going to lay down and look incompetent. They have lawyers too. You can’t tell anyone what school they attend or living preferences. Especially when you pay for education.
sausman, will be publishing an updated east west roster later today. There have been many changes since the original announcement
good read here: https://www.easternpafootball.com/gotw-1/private-problem-public-debate-delving-into-the-debate-of-the-public-vs-private-transfers-issue/
Foleman thanks. I am in the philly area, not mentioned down here. I don’t see any changes coming. None. Get ready for more of same old.
Footballdad99, the hearing was broadcast on Channel 12, I watched it, and yes, the Catholic League did send in the Big Guns-(Lawyers)
http://www.genedigirolamo.com/NewsItem.aspx?NewsID=267391
Foleman,I have a hard time believing Philly Cath league sent some shark lawyers to Harrisburg for a PIAA meeting. They can barely afford to heat their schools. The issue is the PIAA charter. The PCL probably read it aloud and case closed. Clearly states Championships for all. The charter has to be changed, and that will allow for the different championships. Until then nothing will change and not worth talking about.
Colonial fan. they can have all the meetings they want with the senators. Nothing is going to change.
I’m hearing Marian is loaded up again in Single A. Any truth to this?
Cantafio is in way over his head. Mike Williams, the former HC of Manheim Central had a hearing in front of Several state reps and had his head handed to him by the Philadelphia Catholic league Lawyers. It was embarrassing. In fact, many of the State Reps wondered why there was even a hearing in the 1st place. Seperate playoffs between Public and Private will never happen.
Also regarding boundary vs non-boundary, if you follow Coach Cantafio of Coatesville on Twitter, he is pushing hard for separate classes. He has a meeting with Pennsylvania state senators upcoming regarding the issue.
Article on some WPIAL superintendents calling for change on boundary vs non-boundary issue.
http://www.post-gazette.com/sports/high-school-football/2018/04/18/WPIAL-to-survey-schools-on-separate-state-championships-for-public-and-private-schools-PIAA-Tim-O-Malley-John-Sarandrea/stories/201804180223
let me rephrase that and ask does anyone know of any other kids that have opted out of the East v West allstar game on May 6??? I don’t need a reason, just which kids might be out or might have been invited to join. tx.
I heard;
Rakowsky from Palisades is not in due to Lehigh Univ request.
The kid from Prep going to Bucknell was also asked not to participate by Bucknell.
tx.
Draft of PCL schedule link from Ted…Also hear Wood may play Imhotep 8/31..In addition to the 2 Maryland teams and 2 North Jersey teams…WOW!
http://www.tedsilary.com/FBCLmastersked18.htm
Does anyone have an updated roster for the East v West game on May 6th??? tx. I have already heard of two players recently opting out due to college requests.
George
Why can’t a rising sophmore transfer after Freshman year?
Schmidt had accepted DC posistion at NP, but fell apart….Back at TEP
Wasn’t there a rumor or talk (or maybe just something I read here??) about the Ches Mont and PAC getting together for a football only league?? Or maybe that was just something circulating in my feeble mind. Anyways, kind of like the idea of an 8 team 6A western D1 division consisting of C’ville, DTE, DTW, P-V, S-F, rounded out with Avon Grove, OJR and B-town. Better yet, swap out AG and plug in Garnet from the Central.
@ GeorgeP
“If that’s true how does PCL let this happen?”
Please tell me that’s sarcasm.
Kevin X, I doubt anyone wants to play Imhotep, they might be the most talented team in PA this year and just got better with a Div 1 QB just transferring in which is a joke. They are PA’S version of IMG academy. BC has Malvern Prep, McDonough, Exeter and Haverford on the schedule. The merger of the Lancaster/Lebanon and Berks County will be a win-win for football in Central Pa.
Phillyboy, the recruiting free for all in Philadelphia started with the Del Val Charter Boys basketball team starring the Morris Twins. The Philly Public league boys basketball teams got their head handed to them in the PIAA playoffs their 1st year in..when it was an even playing field. Del Val lost due to the team having no guards. Presto, 3 guards get recruited to join Del Val and the Morris twins and District 12 and the PIAA looked the other way while Del Val wins Multiple State Championship. Other schools in Philly took notice and followed suit. NC and Dougherty closing helped the Charter and Pubs more than the Catholic schools, Judge should be a powerhouse sports school, NC and Dougherty athletes headed elsewhere due to recruiting.
Is there any words on who will new Coach will be at Archbishop Wood? Rumors?
I AGREE WITH SKINSFAN ABOUT NESHAMINY HS FOOTBALL..IT SHOULD BE BETTER THIS FALL THAN LAST YEAR BUT NOT YET GREAT BETTER WAIT AND SEE I AM GOING TO BE 61ST FOOTBALL DEAF FAN WOW THANK Y
Rumor around the D12 PCL, Freshman WR Marvin Harrison from La Salle transferring to Prep this summer? If that’s true how does PCL let this happen?
I really need to better proof read my post……..
My previous post should have read…….”would be ineligible to play in post season games”…….sorry.
Some more transfer stuff for you guys to chew on. A new proposal being floated is regarding a transfer at the end of their junior year would not be ineligible to play in post season games during their senior year. Interesting…….
http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/high_school/piaa-transfer-rules-guidelines-resrictions-changes-football-basketball-20180414.html
@Zack Felter
After the news broke with the reclassification of teams and Shanahan going to 4A I had a brief discussion with Ches-Mont AD and he mentioned that they had discussions with the Del-Val League about a possible merger. Not sure how serious it got, but for football purposes it does no good as only Chester is 6A and the other member schools are either 4A or 5A.
As for Coatesville this year they should be explosive as ever of offense. They are returning their top 3 weapons in Ortega, Bryant and Aa Young. Young has recently picked up offers from Stanford, Vandy, Ole Miss, Arkansas as well as about 20+ others.
I haven’t heard much about what the freshman and JV teams looked like this past year, but I know a large chunk of them where probably on the Bert Bell unlimited team that won the championship a couple years ago, so the talent should be there.
@SkinsFan:
Thanks for the info. I did not believe it when I read it.
Phillyboy
That is a great post and very insightful. I agree with all you said. I will add that I think the public schools didn’t recognize quick enough the situation you described and did not adabt.
@Friday
Coach Schmidt will not be with North Penn this season as instead, he will be assisting at Imhotep.
The more I think about it, West Snyder and Middleburg merged in the late 1990’s. West Snyder was located in Beaver Springs,Snyder County. Neither school had a football team.
Midd-West High School formed when they combined West Snyder High School and Middleburg High School in Snyder County. I think they combined the two schools in the 1980’s.
@ Friday:
No I haven’t. That’s the old Neshaminy/Imhotep coach. I assume he’s a defensive guru. I certainly hope he is, we could use that.
Buddy,
I saw a post in another board that said Mark Schmidt is North Penn’s defensive coordinator now. Heard anything?
@PastorZack
“finding a plug in the middle of their D”
Well that gives me a bit of hope as a CV fan. Perhaps they can grind it out with the running game and keep it close.
@Kevin Coatesville has Middletown South High School out of NJ in Week 2 for a home game. They have had problems with other PA 6A teams to come play them at home.
I’m assuming the Harrisburg is a home/home with them coming to Coatesville next year. Gratz had been wanting to get out of our deal since they made it a couple of years ago.
@ D12FAN
When the PCL first joined the PIAA St. Joe’s Prep lost to North Penn twice in the regular season. In that first year LaSalle even lost to the Public League champ in the District 12 championship (I realize that was a bit of a fluke but still). And then Wood got destroyed by Thomas Jefferson in the state final. Imagine that. Why is that? In a few years things have changed drastically. TJ is pretty much the same solid program. I have a theory: generally speaking the top public programs back in the day would have had their way against the top privates. But membership in the PIAA has been a catalyst for PCL recruiting because of the excitement and glamour of being able to compete for state championships and crisscross the country playing big games. So the top PCL teams today are better than they used to be. Those first few years when the PCL struggled a bit, represented the time it took to benefit from the heightened recruiting.
Then sure, the elimination of North Catholic and Cardinal Dougherty among others tended to help consolidate talent at less schools. Lastly, you got school districts like Downingtown and Central Bucks who hurt themselves by adding extra teams. Anyway just some thoughts.
Looks like a good chunck of the 2018 schedules have been posted, sans D12. Any idea when they might make an appearance??
Are we done with “week 0?” D3 appears now to be starting the weekend before Labor Day weekend, joining the rest of (at least the east) in making that their first regualar season games.
For you C’Ville folk (Pastor Zack??) any idea if C’ville has a game scheduled (or will have) the second week, between H-Burg and CV?? I’ll continue beating the drum for them to hook up with Imhotep, or even Wood, in an early season non league battle. That tho would be quite an opening first 3 game stretch for the Red Raiders.
Speaking of ‘Tep and H-Burg, no home and home match-up this year?? No Berks Catholic/’Tep game this year that was rumored to take place when the game late last year never materialized??
@sausmann9
You paint everyone in philly and the pcl with the same brush but it’s not the case.take wood,sjp and lasalle out of the pcl and what teams left dominate? Most are made up of local kids.and other than imhotep what school is dominating the city? What you don’t think north penn or neshaminy recruits? Cb West Dominated For Years And Recruited Like crazy.
@PhillyBoy:
Could very well be the case with less pressure and expectations. You never know with high school kids. A lot of their success will be determined by how they can figure out the QB situation. Sounds like that opening game could be a pretty good battle.
Live4Fridays
Thank you for the additional information on Midd-West. You also gave us the deal with East Juniata and Juniata as well. We did not add another team as now EJ won’t play FB, its a wash. Thanks again.
Sausman
As a D12 fan I agree with you. But you forget it was the PIAA that came calling for the PCL in 2008. Before that every year we heard how the top public school would beat the top PCL teams. I guess that didn’t work out as planned. You also fail to point out 2 other fatctors with the public schools. 1. Is that most of the top successful public schools get transfers as well due to their success, like the successful private schooLs.. 2. Once the PCL is gone from the PIAA, guys like you will go back to complaining that norht penn and pennsbury have too many kids and will start asking for 10 classifications to make it more fair…
BTW plans are in place for the strong PCL schools to play national schedules and the state championship an after thought. With more archdiocesan consolidation that is coming the successful teams will just get stronger. We will see if they can pull it off..
@sausmann:
You will be stoned…………….but you’re essentially correct.
Yea, I know D12FAN………… nice work, carry on………
@PhillBoy:
North Penn will be competitive as always, and I agree that less prssure may help them. That said, I think Coatesville will be the team to beat in District 1. They return a boatload of talent, but I believe that Sanders graduates this year and is headed to Bucknell.
@ PCL whiners – NO I was not telling anyone from the beloved PCL to drop their beloved, recruited up football programs especially to all those that tossed the “ignorance” tag around as if you actually know what it means.
What I was recommending is that the PCL and Philly schools leave the PIAA for athletic reasons. They can keep their beloved programs and all the kids they bring in from ANY surrounding states, not just PA. If a STUDENT of any of those PCL or Philly schools wants to participate in PIAA sports such as football, they may join the public school district’s team they reside within and pay taxes to.
You all throw the idea around that my suggestion is the “wussification” of sports – actually you are 100% wrong and if anything its the EXACT OPPOSITE. By letting the PCL and Philly schools build and recruit a team together every year, they are not really competing but cheating their way through the season. Anytime any other school CANNOT do what the PCL and Philly schools can, that’s the unfair and dangerous advantage PCL and Philly teams have. Take Ihop for example – went out and got them a quarterback. SJP needs a few skill playyers and they got one already (public school transfer from NJ).
If anything the “wussification” of high school sports is brought on by schools like those in the PCL and city of Philly by only being able to compete by ASSEMBLING a team of already coached up and developed players. Teach them to battle through the tough season instead of teaching them to go out and get the running back and lineman and quarterbacks they need from other teams and then act as if it was a great accomplishment to actually beat the teams who you took best players from, lol.
Ken/Billy
To be accurate, Midd-West was in a CO-OP with EAST Juniata in the Tri-Valley League. EJ was AAAA because of the CO-OP. Most of the players on the EJ team were actually from the M-W school district so they should not have trouble generating interest for their own team. The other half of the story is that EJ will now not have a FB team and their players will play for Juniata which has always fielded a pretty decent team.
Neshaminy returnees starts with its QB from last year, Brody McAndrew (6′ 3″, 190 lb – last year). He was 136 of 232 in 2017 with 17 TDs against 4 INTs — he will be a junior this year (he’s very, very good and with another inch and a few more pounds expected he’ll have good size).
The receivers coming back include Zack Canimore, Cory Joyce and Oleh Manzyk who had 12 catches for 128 yards, 48 for 610 and 28 for 438 respectively last season (88 catches in total for just shy of 1,200 yards). They’re all good (and all seniors).
Running backs include the Hebron brothers (back as seniors — Vaughn’s kids) along with Henry Hill, who was a sophomore last year and looks to have potential (there are some other names too who were sophs and a freshmen in 2017).
The O line will see some new faces.
D wise they have Luke Hitchens along the line (6′ 2″, 210) with Bobby Buchys (6’4″, 210 – again, last year). Manzyk is all over the place on D but will probably be an LB or DE with Chris Majors (5′ 11″, 205 last year, Corey Majors younger brother, junior this year) another LB.
They have at least two of their DBs back (Joyce and Marcus Griffin who is another senior).
As it is, and skill-wise, they have what seems as everyone back except Joel Stills (RB and DB) and Zach Canimore (receiver and DB). Then as said, they’ll be some new faces on the line.
McAndrews is very good and took them to an 11-1 season as a sophomore so watch for a lot from him and his arm (he’s got the receivers too).
Stills was making noise as the RB by season’s end in 2017 so we want to see the group as mentioned above fill that in (they seem to produce RBs every year).
Manzyk is an impact player (he was all state as a sophomore and junior at two different positions) so expect plenty from him.
The defense should be solid.
Multiple transfers should be next on the agenda. HS athletics should not be about “Hired Guns” DePaul should not be allowed to play for TEP. The PIAA is a joke!
@philyboy Coatesville does return some skill position players, but lost 3 of their 4 starting WR’s. Lost two OL’s and TE. On D, is where the losses sting a bit, they lost both DT’s, a SDE and WLB, and half of their secondary.
They should be fine on O, but finding a plug in the middle of their D and replacing Avery Young at one corner spot will be their defenses main challenge.
While this site was down for a few weeks last month, some of you might of missed that the PIAA inched along in their attempt to deal with the transfer issue. This only applies to in-season transfers, and IMO it is still way too little, and too late, especially after this N-G girls hoops issue. If anyone in familiar with it, you already know how much of a complete disgrace it was/is.
http://highschoolsports.pennlive.com/news/article/-8985422966390870277/piaa-board-of-directors-tightens-procedure-on-in-season-transfers/
@FNL
Neshaminy returns their QB McAndrews. I believe he will be a senior. He returns with fellow seniors Joyce and Manzik who will get D1 offers if he hasn’t already. Not sure about their running game, but the defense seems to be pretty good every year. If NP lost their QB from last season, I will give the way to early to tell nod to Neshaminy.
@phillyboy
“But from what I gather Coatesville may be really good this year”
Cumberland Valley lost a lot from last year so Coatesville should be able to finally win one against them this year. CV reloads pretty quickly though so don’t count them out just yet but the talent will be younger and inexperienced. I’ll know more as the season approaches but I’d expect Coatesville to win this one fairly handily this year.
Billy Splain
Thank you for the information regarding Midd West
Thanks for that FridayNightLights. Who knows, ironically maybe they’ll have a better season this year now that there’s seemingly less pressure. But from what I gather Coatesville may be really good this year. If I’m not mistaken they have most of their best skill players back. Any Red Raiders fans out there that can shed some insight into this? Would be awesome if they could talk that Sanders kid into returning to the home team for such a promising year, you feel me?
Time for the PIAA to step in and stop the “Philly Sports School” DePaul goes from Norristown to North Penn to Imhotep…I’m sure he transferred to TEP for academics. No wonder the Western shools, i.e the WPIAL, are considering leaving the PIAA. This is now what, the 4th straight year TEP will be in the AAAA finals and will probably mercy rule the competition. This school should not be allowed to compete in the PIAA.
Foleman: the wpial is not considering leaving the PIAA. no district can leave the PIAA, the member schools can leave the PIAA but very doubtful any would consider that.
Chris & Ken, Midd West was in a co op with Juniata for several years.
@Phillyboy:
North Penn definitely underachieved last year. Never seemed to come together. They had a fair amount of players go to D1 schools from last year’s team. Henley went to Delaware, Thomas to Villanova, and Jamal to Delaware State. DePaul holds at least one D1 offer, as does Cartwright. Jon Haynes has also received D1 interest and it seems a matter of time until he receives his first offer. That’s a lot of talent on one high school team. Goes to show that a collection of talent doesn’t mean a team. Hopefully they uncover some diamonds this year. They usually find a way to develop.
Buddy
Already enrolled at TEP..
https://twitter.com/stevedepaulqb
Will have to manage my expectations for North Penn this year. Going into last year there was all kinds of hype, it almost took on a life of its own. Somebody with the handle ‘District 1’ was talking some serious smack. Heck, even the WNPV guys bought into it. Must confess I started to get a little excited. Drove all the way up to Lansdale from North Philly on that humid late August evening. MAN, felt like I finally reached Wall Drug only to realize there was no ‘there’ there. It reminded me a little of the Eagles infamous ‘dream team’ from a few years back. Like a great coach once expressed: ‘If you start believing your press clippings you’re in trouble. Your butts got to make it happen’.
@ Buddy:
DePaul’s twitter says Imhotep ’19 now. Looks like he’s gone. He had some talent. Not sure what they have in the pipeline talent-wise. Feiser’s younger brother is there and Feiser is the QB coach I believe. Any ideas?
@Buddy
PW because PW coach Chung is a former North Penn Knight, I think it was like 5-7 years ago they scrimmaged Don Bosco, as I went down to that scrimmage, Don Bosco handled them fairly easily.
David Mika
Dave, as basically a fan interested in the history of PA high school football, new schools, or those not playing football anymore, or consolidations always interest me. Can you (or anyone) tell me about D4 Midd West?
@ Friday:
DePaul to Imhotep? Find that hard to believe. Need to get verification on that.
@ Smoll:
NP scrimmages PW. Or at least they scrimmage at PW’s field.
You can find NP schedule at northpennfootball
What Heartland division is Southern Columbia in this year?They’re schedule shows a lot of Division 1 games and Division 3 games. Very little division 2. I find it bad for football if they are in the small school division and I’m sure they don’t want to be in that one either.
@Derrick:
Not sure what to expect from NP this year. Pretty much everyone now gone from that strong team that lost to St. Joe’s 2 years ago and a lot from last year’s team that I thought underachieved a little bit. I’m also not sure about who’s moved in or out, with the transfers we see nowadays. I saw on another message board that DePaul, NP’s starting QB from last year, has left the school to go to Imhotep. I believe NP will have a solid running back in Gorski and a couple of experienced receivers in Jon Haynes and Shamar Edwards, assuming they are all still there. They have a few other good players as well but it will definitely need to be a quick re-stock. I would say the edge goes to Neshaminy right now. Does anybody know how Neshaminy looks?
Thx Buddy!!!
I did a little digging and found NP’s full 2018 schedule and saw that they have Pennsbury game 3 to wrap up their non league schedule. From there it is the usual suspects of their SOL division.
I’m not a big NP fan, but I do appreciate and respect them for scheduling more established competition the first few weeks of the season. I remember 4 or 5 years ago they had a three headed monster of a schedule with Lasalle, Wood and SJP to start the season, which just lets say was ugly. But they picked themselves up, dusted themselves off, and proceeded to run the table I believe and made a nice deep run in the post season that year.
Is this Midd West in D4 a new team?
Yes, Chris.
Typical North Penn scheduling to me, take on someone really tough week 0 and 1, possibly take a loss or two, toughen up the troops, and turn North Penn into the tough North Penn and watch out near the end of the season. Generally they schedule a really tough scrimmage too, a few years ago if my memory was right it was Don Bosco Prep at North Penn.
anyone heard any news on ChesMont adding teams or combining since Octorara has moved to D3 and Bishop Shanahan is now a 4A school?
@ kevin:
NP first game ( not counting the 1 scrimmage they have) is at Neshaminy.
Second game is LS at NP. Rather play LS the last game, but 2nd game is better then first.
@ Buddy and Derrick et al……
No traditional LaSalle match-up for the first game of the year for North Penn this year?? Or is the Nesh game the second week of play (week 0, week 1, gets confusing).
@ derrick:
Two traditional powerhouses. NP loses a lot from a so-so year ( by NP standards). NP is rebuilding, although I hope they are just ” reloading”.
NP typically starts out slow, so this could be Neshaminy’s game to win. I’ll know more when I see what kind of roster both teams have.
mgguy, Wyo will end up in LL league Div 3-(3A schools) while Berks Catholic moves up to Division 2-(mostly 5A schools). I’ve heard the Backyard Brawl will now be the 1st game of the year for both teams. The move will make the LL much stronger and competitive. You had to feel for WYO and BC, they both had great difficulty getting out of conference games scheduled. Although I am really excited about the BC/Malvern Prep game next season.
Someone posted on another board that Mark Schmidt is NP’s D coordinator now. Can anyone confirm if there is any truth to this?
Neshaminy hosts North Penn week 1. Thoughts?
an interesting development for D3, Berks League and LL League looking to combine. That creates some interesting sections, Wilson Mifflin Reading, Hempfield Manheim Township; Manheim Central and Berks Catholic in same section? Where does Wyomissing end up? Sounds like a lot to work out yet and most likely 2 years out, but will solve a lot of scheduling issues for a lot of schools.
Kutztown Football Coach Charly Maddocks resigned. Team had only 13 healthy players at the end of the year and forfeited a game. You have to wonder if Kutztown will have a program in the future.
Forum is back up and we are done moving to a new server.
testing
We are moving the site to a new server. The forum will be shut down until we are done. I am going to shut it down at noon, Monday. Thank you!
@WPIAL Rules, yeah too bad they didn’t play last year, that QB might have been able to keep the game close, not sure I would want to be in that game, possibly on TV, not a good way for the kids to start a season.
Coach Devlin leaving Wood for DC position at Ursinus. He did a great job with that program. Who takes over ?
Buddy
So in case you don’t realize Wood competes against Prep and LaSalle and other open enrollment schools, plus a national schedule against other open enrollmnebt schools from other states including Oh, NJ, FL. NP welocmes many transfers and then competes other public schools in PA SOL…Just so you know….Nice try, DB
@ Mike Smoll it is already set to happen week 0 at Pine Richland!
I’m so confused about what exactly these private schools are selling to kids? So say a kid from Lansdale goes to St. Joes Prep. He’s driving all the way downtown to go to school, to play for a football program that has to practice off campus, and play their games even further way. When he could stay home and play for North Penn a pretty respectable program. I’m just confused… Better example for Sausmann a kid from Parkland goes to play football at ACC, what in the world has ACC sold him that Parkland doesn’t have or do better. Sausmann I don’t disagree with your sentiment but your blatant ignorance and the way you conduct yourself is a mirror image of where our society is today. Run from competition, everyone gets a trophy, it’s the coaches fault etc. Nobody can possibly be ignorant to believe all of these are recruited, it is such a baseless argument. Other than Wood, does SJP and Lasalle take many transfers? Doesn’t sound like it to me. Do they get them in 8th grade and develop them yes. Why hasn’t North Penn invested in their program to make it more attractive? This is just so silly.
Buddy, stop already.That PCL enrollment statement is pure BS. I get that several of the posters here do not like and even despise the PCL, but you don’t have to sling that exaggerated garbage .
@WPIAL Rules, you actually want to do that? IMG is a national Prep All-Star team, that runs their football program all year. The saving grace may be to play them in game 1, while they are still getting their feet wet, that way they only beat you by 30 instead of more.
Sausman, you’re a clown and the epitome of the wussification of america in todays day and age.
@ D12:
So you’re comparing transfers at Pine-Richland and North Penn to the likes of Prep, LaSalle, Wood etc.?
Those entire ( PCL) school enrollments is made up of “transfers” ( i.e. recruits)…….nice work, carry on………….
Sausy
From what I hear Ohio public school transfers make the PCL, Pine-richland, and North penn transfers look like nothing. Basically open enrollment for public schools. So if the goal is to level the playing field, disrciminating against Catholic does nothing.
In PA, you can implement, then go back to complaining about the public schools that take transfers and which public school is too big etc. Then in few years start spouting off how the public schools would beat the private schools if they met….Nice work, carry on….
Wait saussman 9 did you just recommend private and parochial teams to disband their football program? So Roman Catholic whose been playing football since 1893 and St Joe Prep since 1888 END their football history at the drop of a hat? HAHAHAHAHA!!!
Not everyone know who “IMG” is.
News breaking out to the western part of the state… Pine Richland to host IMG week 0.
Sound off!
sausmann9 .
i just looked at this description, and i completely agree. This is the format that the PIAA should look at, but we all know they won’t.
http://ohsaa.org/Portals/0/SchoolResources/CompetitiveBalance/CompetitiveBalance101.pdf
@Matt and Route 54
District 11 predictions
A Marian over WV both are weaker so its a close call.
AA Haven over Palmerton
AAA Palisades over Jim Thorpe Both return strong teams. Dont sleep on JT this year.
AAAA Bechai
5A No idea
6AParkland again
JT in Dist 11 3A should challenge this year. They return 17 of 22 starters.
@Matt-Yes, SL’s consistency over the last 10 years has been probably one of the more under-reported/under appreciated things in the Lehigh Valley and they’ve probably been one of the more underrated teams in the area. However, coming from the Colonial League that’s to be expected. The numbers discussion in an interesting one. Using East Stroudsburg South as an example from last year’s playoff, they had a roster of 62 with no freshmen. SL had 52 with 20 freshman on the roster. That’s a pretty significant difference and when it comes to playing a team as talented as Whitehall that usually ends up being the difference in the game as they don’t have near as many kids, especially linemen playing both ways.
@sausmann9-agree with your Kyle Haas sentiments. I had my son at the Berwick QB Camp last year and Haas was in charge of his group. Very impressed by his way of inspiring and motivating kids in just that small window of time. He will have no issue getting kids to play for him.
COMPETITIVE BALANCE – I love the idea!!!
Its the next best thing to getting rid of parochial/private school sports teams and making those parochial/private school kids return to their district school after they get their religious education (you know, the real reason they went to those schools) to participate in football, wrestling, basketball, etc…
https://www.mydaytondailynews.com/sports/has-competitive-balance-impacted-high-school-football/s1DWVZfEsUFmC9M94Hg4IP/
@colonial fan…. as a CL fan too, I also would like to see SL beat Whitehall for dist gold but Whitehall will be favorite again. SL has been CLs most consistent winner in league last 10 or so years….teams like PA, NL, Catty, NW etc have a couple really good years but with smaller numbers can’t compete year in and year out. SL has numbers so hopefully that can get Whitehall one of these years.
Route 54….agree but in AA Haven has to beat Southern Columbia to get further and we all know Southern will be state favorite in AA for next two years. In A Williams valley had very good teams last two years but couldn’t make it past state semis. In AAA dist 11 I think that’s the most wide open class. Notre Dame, Palisades and Lehighton all could win it.
@ StackMonster – this is all Northampton needed; a qualified experienced motivator. Northampton has athletes; both size and speed walking those hallways and they used to have (and still could) excellent feeder programs.
Wait til Haas gets his staff in place at the freshman level, middle school level, etc… give him three seasons or so and I’d bet he’s in the mix for an EPC title. Northampton area STILL GROWING on three of four sides and fast.
Thanks guys. Not a big all star game fan on any level of sports, but may be intrigued by a PA/NJ Big 33 showdown, in late April/early May (current game in mid June have beach and baseball on brain, not football), at Villanova stadium…………Yeah, that might work…..
Matt,interesting picks. It would be nice to see a D11 team finish stronger in A,AA.
Hearing some rumors of a sub-regional being proposed for District 11 and District 2 at the 5A level. Did some snooping on the PIAA website and they already have the proposed brackets posted for next season, showing those districts combined. Definitely make things more interesting as District 11 will jump from 4 teams the past two years, to what was 5 after the new relcassification and now 7 teams, with Wyoming Valley West and Wallenpaupack.
@Matt…mostly agree with your District 11 picks. I think Palisades might still have the horses to give ND a run, although that may be wishful thinking on my part. Beca has young talent, but will have an uknown at QB to start the season, but probably a good pick there. 5A will definitely become more interesting with the possibility of added teams. Don’t forget WVW beat them last year and they were not near as talented as Whitehall and I think Whitehall will be a little down this year. I’m not saying bad, but they lost some good talent. One of these years Southern Lehigh will break through for a District gold. The last two championship games have been more competitive than the final score has indicated.
Definitely looking forward to the start of spring practices, high school TEAM 7 on 7s, and start of a new season!
Matt
Agreed Parkland likely still the king at 6A for some time, but new coach Kyle Haas should breathe some life into struggling Northampton. I don’t know if they have the horses, but I think there is a young, athletic QB there that Haas could work with. Should be interesting to watch them over the next few years to see if they can build a contender.
Route 54…..
Dist 11 I’ll go Marian in A, Haven in AA, Notre Dame in 3A (Palisades will contend but lose some seniors), Beca in 4A, Whitehall in 5A and Parkland in 6A….pretty clear except for maybe 3A and A in dist 11. I’d like to see a new winner in 6A but Parkland wins it every year.
Way to early predictions. Anyone want to predict the District winners, east coast.
@ KevX – no our Big 33 has only ever been against Texas (65 – 67), Maryland, and Ohio. In the late 80’s and early 90’s PA played Maryland and back to Ohio for many years. PA used to have an instate “Big33” back in the day as well called the Blue/Grey game I think. The only all-star games involving NJ are local ones (county level) b/n the states and that hasn’t happened in YEARS. Now PA brings in Pburg kids to play in our Lehigh Valley allstar game in June at Nazareth HS.
@ Dave -I agree NJ would be a lot of fun to play in the Big 33 plus I think PA fans are more familiar w/ Jersey players and teams. JMO
@ NO – that move was personally motivated. The Quips just lost the best thing that happened to them in 21 years.
Has Pennsylvania every played NJ in the Big 33 game?? Wouldn’t mind seeing that match-up.
Kevin…I don’t think so…I rather see them play New Jersey than Maryland.
I’m happy to see the All-Academic teams. Amazing how the kids can play such a high level of football while keeping the grades up.
How about Aliquippa firing head coach Mike Zmijanac? In 21 season, his record was 237-36.
http://www.post-gazette.com/sports/high-school-football/2018/02/22/mike-zmijanac-fired-aliquippa-football-school-board-vote-wpial-western-pennsylvania/stories/201802220194
Any word on 2018 schedules?
Starting in March we are going to enter them.
@ sausmann9
Ironically one of the Prep players, to the best of my knowledge, got into trouble with the law from the ’03 team. A few years back was surprised to see in the news that their dynamic starting tailback from NJ was mentioned in the story.
@ Buddy – PA has not only played Ohio in the
Big 33 but they also played TX in the past (way past). Ohio started selected their top studs for their own in-state all star game (North v South and its a great game) and then sent the remainder of the all stars to PA for our game. That started around 2005/2006 sometime.
Maryland was another logical choice and shouldn’t really be underestimated. MD has some really nice talent for a small state as well as some very solid, nationally recognized football teams.
@ anonymous – you called out an entire football team from 2003 as an embarassment and criminals that lost scholarships. I am pretty familiar with that team; seen them in person quite a few times in 02 and 03 and still watch four of their games from those seasons from time to time. Of the starters I remember, these are the ones that I think went on to play college football on scholarships;
Kevin Akins
Eric Halberstat
George “Mauler” Farell
Casertano
Adam Hearns
Jeff Ball
Deanco Oliver
Chris Finney
Chris Tribiani
can’t remember where Laky or Raffle went but those are the ones I do.
can you tell me which players YOU were referring to???
Yo Buddy, I attended one Big 33 game in my life, back around 12 years ago for the experience of it. It was the year Ted Ginn Jr. played for Ohio (and had a nice TD catch). I tell you what, won’t do it again though. There was major gridlock in the roads around the stadium. Then they charged to park, I wasn’t feeling warm and fuzzy about that. I’ll give Hershey Park props for free parking at the PIAA state finals, but they don’t extend that same courtesy for the Big 33.
To clarify Jimmy’s comment, I believe you are referring to John Smith of Pen Argyl?
The Big 33. We used to play Ohio, now Maryland.
Why the switch? Maryland is usually a mis-match.
Is it because Ohio used to beat us most of the time, and Maryland is easier?
If that’s the case, shame.
Yo Mike A., That ‘project a matchup’ feature at calpreps.com is super cool — good looking out.
I need a geography refresher, The Perk School (and Pennsburg) is in Upper Montgomery County.
http://papreplive.com/2018/02/15/perkiomen-school-transitioning-to-eight-man-football-in-2018-names-upper-perk-grad-perlstein-coach/
Pa football fan. Smith started his first meeting with players and parents with taking credit for pocono mountain east at diffrent times during this meeting. Rob Meloski must be so glad that he does not have to deal with that guy. Plan and simple, old school con man. Who ever voted for this man to be the next coach should be ashamed.
I saw an article that the Perkiomen School (independent private prep school in Upper Bucks County (Pennsburg)) is transitioning to 8 man football for this upcoming season. The first 8 man team in Pennsylvania. So how long before other schools follow suit??
@phillyboy
CALPREPS.COM
Your source for high school football scores, standings & rankings
PROJECT A MATCHUP
neutral field
[2003] North Penn (Lansdale, PA) 34, [2003] St. Joseph’s Prep (Philadelphia, PA) 22
The problem with the North Penn ’03 team was most of the star players wound up in jail at the end of the season. All lost scholarships.
Great team, but a total embarrassment!
They got a carryout special going on at Dominos right now; large 2 topping for $5.99 a pop. Decided to break out the old North Penn – PCC DVD to enhance the experience. Man o man, are you KIDDING me?! It had been a while since I’ve seen that game. That ’03 North Penn team was a beast, the last hurrah of the late great Suburban One. I give a hearty honorable mention to the ’16, ’08, and ’10 teams but ’03 was on another level. It was a true power team with elite talent at several skill positions. Hearns was a great running QB who could heave the ball quite nicely as needed thank you very much. Then you had Kevin Akins and Casertano in the backfield, are you KIDDING me?! Got that Casertano screen pass play etched into my memory, dude was like Daryl Johnston. Then you had role players like Laky and Halberstadt who could take it to the house. Then you had the formidable defense with Carey at the helm.
From time to time heads of state will extend a formal apology for past misdeeds and news anchors will sometimes apologize for a recent faux pas. Well I’m here to tell you that phillyboy needs to set something straight. A while back I opined that ‘the ’03 SJP team might have won if they had played NP that year.’ Even when I wrote that it didn’t feel right, have had some misgivings about it ever since. So I hereby retract that statement. Although that Prep team was very good, I say there’s a better chance than not that NP would have taken them.
I think Phillyboy got it right.
Two LL League Alumni now NFL Head Coaches….. Congrats to Matt Nagy and Frank Reich!!!
Honestly, the real issue to me is the number of teams that makes the playoffs. 4 classes, 6 classes, I’m kind of indifferent on that front. Just make the playoff format worthwhile and meaningful. If doing that requires contracting the number of classes, then do that.
In case anybody was wondering what phillyboy’s take is on PA expanding to 6 classes: I don’t like it, I’m not feeling it one iota. I was against it from the get-go and still am. Don’t fix it if it’s not broken. 4 classes was very fine. No way in the world it should be any more than that. Heck, if anything you could make a case for 3 classes; small, medium and large schools — but 4 was okay. Here’s the deal, in the east they can get away with the extra classes, albeit watered down, due to the sheer abundance of larger schools. But out west the weakness of it is really exposed. Come on man, let’s be real, the highest classification in the WPIAL is a shell of itself. Before, there was depth, a larger pool of quality programs. Now it’s basically PCC, NA and PR. McKeesport, Gateway, Upper Saint Clair etc. should still be in the same classification. They should go back to 4 classes. It’s okay, they experimented, made a mistake, humbly recognize it and duly make the correction, no harm no foul. And while I’m at it, 2 other things to undo: no way the first game of the season should be in August, and WAY too many teams qualify for the playoffs. Don’t get me wrong, I love the playoffs and all, don’t mean to be a party pooper, but the quality starts to plummet when it’s too much. Just look at the NBA or NHL playoffs, talk about overkill, yikes, that’s some boring stuff until maybe the final. They need to lessen the amount of playoff spots and if a team doesn’t qualify then so be it, win your games or beat it. Play your Thanksgiving game and see you next year.
There are approximately 95 schools in each football classification for an approximate total of 570 football schools in PA. Again this is football only. This comes directly from the PIAA classification website for the 2018 – 2019 seasons.
FYI…. Wikipedia isn’t always correct 🙂
Link below
http://www.piaa.org/assets/web/documents/Report_18_19_and_19_20_Football.pdf
Buddy said:
2000 high schools in Cali., 1800 in Tx.
All other states under 1000.
This was all in argument for 5 classes in Pa, instead of 6 ( like Cali & Tx).
I still believe we have 1 class too many.
@Billy – did you try reaching out to Eddie Walker or Bob the video guy at Berwick??? I got some games from both of them in the past and they were older Berwick games. Might be worth a try, both of really cool guys.
@ kevin X
Here is what you are missing: Buddy said there were 1500 to 2000 HS in FL. and TX. and under 1000 in PA., Sooooo, I looked up how many HS in PA both public and private and the wiki page said there was about 1500 in PA. That’s were you came in.
Sorry Billy I do not have that game and the only person I knew that might have an oldie like that said no as well. He had the same idea as I and that is sending a message out to someone like Bo Orlando. 07′ or 08′ was the last time I spoke w him but he’s still out at McDowell. Maybe somebody from the Coughlin side of the ball might be sitting on a vhs copy in their attic but I don’t know anyone from there, sorry again.
I really didn’t start collecting any games until about 86′ or so but I did lose quite a few to water damage down in GA in 95′. shoot me an email and I’ll send you an updated copy of the games I still have if you want.
The long term quality of football has been diminishing for 20 years simply because top athletes are playing other sports and there are less athletes in the game.
Just look at professional sports. Baseball and basketball have players from all over the world. Hockey has Europe and North America. These sports are getting the best out of several billion.
The NFL is getting the best out of 150 million. 40% of NFL players come from three states: CA, FL & TX.
High school football teams will continue to contract until only schools with 100 plus boys per class can survive. And the reality is 4A and below is a different game than 5A & 6A. Much smaller players.
@ jj D2 (and I suppose Buddy as well??)
OK, so what are your guys respected points?? What am I missing??
neither do all of them in Pa.
That stat was from US news & world report of 10 years ago. NO state has over 1000 except Cali. ( 2000) & Texas ( 1800). Many are just under 1000, Pa., Ohio, Fl, IN. Ill, etc.
This is all high schools ( Public, Catholic, private charter) Not all, but most, in Pa. belong to the PIAA.
@kevin X
the original topic was the number of high schools in PA. I dont think all the high schools in the other states that were mentioned have football programs.
@Kmac. All we can do is hope it gets better. The teams I was referring to are coal region teams. Not sure what’s going on. I think more families are moving towards the city for work. I also believe more and more parents are not letting their kids play football as someone mentioned below.
Phil
Ok I’ll deal with it thanks…Of course coaches and AD’s will be in favor it give more chances for trophies and more money. I’m sure it is here to stay and probably go to 8 some day for same reasons. Hershey used to be fun, now there are even fewer good games, 6 classifications certainly not the only reason, but doesn’t help. You can argue the degree to which it is watered down, but by definition going from 4 to 6 is less competition in each class, thus watered down. Look at WPIAL in 2018 vs 3 years ago. Carry on….
@ D12FAN
Let me stand corrected. I re-read your post regarding your transfer suggestion, and mis read it originally, thinking you meant a transfer sitting out in August at the beginning of practice in early August, not the start of the season of regular season games later in August, at least that is what I am assuming now. My bad. I may be able to get on board with that idea of a transfer sitting out once the regular season officially kicks-offs for his respected team in late August. I still may find this tough to swallow if you’re a senior, and this is your last opportunity of playing in any kind of organized football.
Route 54
You are certainly correct. An example down here in the big schools in Bucks County When the Council Rock School District split in 2002 each of the two teams Rock North and Rock South were getting 70 to 80 players per squad. Last season it was about 45 – 50 players per squad. I witnessed a Pennsbury practice of 108 players about 7 or 8 years back. Squad looked to be about 70 last season. It’s worse with the smaller schools.
@ D12FAN
Because life happens, people/families move. There is more to this transfer issue then that of timing. I feel your idea of sitting out the whole season once practice starts is a little draconian. Granted, its a no muss no fuss zero tolerance solution, and I’d sign up for that over what is taking place now. I was tossing out a middle of the road option when transferring early in the in season and/or after practice commences. Maybe move my date back from Sept. 30th to 15th, or after the third or fourth game, or sit out any post season games. Just tossing options out there. Really other than 2 or 3 recent high profile incidents, I don’t think this is huge issue. No one batted an eye when that kid from Norristown transferred to Methacton mid season.
Also, how do you define or describe “watered down” as it pertains to 6 classes?? I’ll keep hammering the point that it is the playoffs, being a combined district and state drawn out concoction that is currently in place where we attempt to hand out trophies left and right (really, do we need a playoff for all 3 5A teams in D2 for example??). 1 state champion out of a give or take field of 96?? Hardly watered down.
@ phil
Thank you, agreed and well said……
@D12
Going from 4 champs out of 570 teams (.007) to 6 champs (.0105) is hardly watering anything. You do know PA is still in the top 5 out of all 50 states with the most teams in a class vying for a championship, so 96 is more than plenty to be competing for a title. Besides 6 classes are here to stay. Deal with it! I travel around the state and from talking to ADs, players and coaches, they are overwhelmingly in favor of six classes.
Probably the best thing to do when playoffs begin to get to the place where there are no byes is go to a 32 team field and have four regions OR as someone stated just rank them somehow and go with it. The district concept has always been a sticking point for the playoff picture going smoothly. How ’bout this – the team that gets the deepest into the playoffs is the district champ.
@ Tom F. I’ve witnessed it myself. 3 teams I watched in 2016, 2017. You can see the numbers going down. When you see 11 on the field and 8 on the sideline, that’s bad.
Way too early for any schedules right?
Looks like Coatesville and Harrisburg may have a two-year agreement to play each other starting in Harrisburg in 2018 and Coatesville in 2019.
Kevin
Why would you be in favor of playing 4-5 games in AUG/SEPT then transfering sitting out a few weeks and playing a couple games and playoffs for another team?
6 state champs with only 96 teams in each classification is watered down, no matter how you format the playoffs…
@ jj D2
Per the PIAA website….there are 570 schools participating in football in PA within the PIAA. Add a handful of others playing at the independent level, you have aprx. 600 schools participating in HS football in PA.
@ TomF
Changing demographics, kids/parents not wanting to/or having their kids to play football, opting for soccer, basketball, and lacrosse, and in the expense of running a football program, yeah, the numbers and quality are going to go down.
I’m assuming you were not at the 6A Eastern final between C’ville and SJP @ Downingtown?? Full house in a large stadium, raucous, energized crowd, fun crazy game, should of ended the season there on an up note, but no, we had blowouts and empty stadiums for 3 days the following weekend in Hershey.
@ Buddy
Still prefer the 6 classifications. Those who say its watered down, it is the playoffs system that makes it watered down. Like I posted previously, go with 32 teams (the best and most qualified teams at that as well) in each classification for the playoffs, that is about a third of all schools in each classification. Now its like 2/3rds of all schools that participate in the playoffs/post season.
@ D12 FAN
I wouldn’t. You misread my post or maybe I wasn’t clear. Any kid transferring from October 1st to the end of the current season would not be eligible to play that year, period. I’d institute 4 game sit out/wait period for any transfer transferring between game one and Sept. 30th.
@buddy
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
This is a complete list of senior high schools in the state of Pennsylvania, United States.
There are 952 public high schools and 549 private high schools.[1]
hey Sausmann, wouldn’t happen to have the Berwick/Coughlin 1981 EC Title game would you?
Football and wrestling are taking a major hit in Pa. Teams struggling to field teams, the multi sport athlete Disappearing. Quality of football and wrestling athletes on the downtrend. Kids sick of losing and transferring to winners. I thought 5 classifications would have been fine. 6 is a watered down version with teams being in the playoffs that will get mercy ruled in the 1st or 2nd round. I long for the old days when BECA and CB West played in front of 20,000.00 fans, the titanic battles between Erie Cathedral Prep and CB West, Berwick taking on all comers. I don’t think we will ever see Pa football like that again.
Has the PIAA committee even considered dropping down to 5 classes? I never understood the jump from 4 classes to 6. California & Texas has 6 classes, but they have 2000 & 1800 high schools respectively. Pa. has under 1000.
Wouldn’t that solve this re-alignment fiasco? You gotta keep an East vs West team in the state final.
i agree you potentially have the best two teams meeting up in the semi-finals with the bracket change. But i actually like the idea of changing up the matchups every couple years. Get some different teams playing somebody else. District 3 never runs into District 1, so that will be a nice change up for two seasons. I think they should change up the smaller classes as well, give them so different matchups.
Kevin
As much as I love PA football for a very long time the fact is, loss of population and player participation has diluted the level of play. Add (right or wrong)the private schools attracting more of the talent pool and drop to only 96 teams per classification and you have an even more watered down system. We don’t have to agree, 4 classification playoff system started in 1988, a heck of lot more kids playing HS football then and over the years, the only thing I can think of that drove the move to 6A was more balance between size of schools, so more trophies, and more chances for trophies. Now that there are 6 classifications several conferences are finding it hard to support the current system with the their number of teams. Nots sure what it accomplished? Still have a big disparity in several classes top to bottom, and ECP, PREP, BG, WOOD, SC, PARKLAND, and the D7 winners still rule…
Why allow an October transfer to play for 2 teams same season….
@ D12FAN
Maybe I’m not the common sense HS football fan that I may think that I am, as I actually like the move to 6 classifications. In fact I believe it was long over due IMO. People will always find something to complain about, especially when things don’t go their way.
I do agree with you on the rest of your points………(except maybe wait until after October 1st for a transfer sit out the rest of the current season, and say 4 games from the start of practice to Oct. 1st??)
@ WPIAL Rules
I agree, at least with the 32 team part. I’ve mentioned this some time ago, do away with the districts (really like trying to put a square peg in a round hole for football playoff purposes), and figure out the best 32 teams in each classification (I really don’t care how they do, it will still be better then letting every mediocre Tom Dick and Harry team into the post season), and get it done in 5 weeks. Seed each team 1 to 8 in a regional/geographical 4 bracket common sense manner, while attempting to avoid early round re-mateches (enough of SJP and LaSalle meeting ever round week 2 for example) and then you can either move the finals up to the first weekend of December, push the start of the season back to Labor Day weekend, have a mandatory bye week, or even an 11 game regular season schedule. I’m tired of all these mis-matches, routes, mercy rules games, and re-matches of the same teams every year. Mix things up for once guys!!!
I don’t think any common sense high school football fan agrees with any of the last 3 big decisions by PIAA.
1. 4 classes to 6: PA football already watered down by demographics, going to 6 did nothing, people still complain about larger school enrollment in each class. This decision is part of the reason for the realingment decision this year, one bad move leads to another…
2. Transfer rule: 21 day sit out period. Just simply say once season offically starts in August you can’t play for another team period.
3. Realigment: Completely transparent move to give D1 and D3 teams a better chance of getting to Hershey. It totally disadvantages D11, having to get through D7 and D12. Also, creates a very likely scenario best 2 teams in state will meet in semi’s especially in 5A and 6A.
Doens’t matter to Prep and Wood they will play anywhere, but these three decisions lack common sense for all schools and continue to make PIAA football less appealing for all.
Sorry JC my bad!
Go to 5 classes instead of 6.
That should help the WPIAL problem and many others too.
@Zack
Of course they have the potential to be “epic”, but why should SJP or LaSalle have to play a neutral site game in front of 187 people against a team from Pittsburgh in a state semi-final to make that happen? Quite frankly, I would like to see more of these out of conference games but I suspect the opposite will happen. If Coatesville (or other D1 power) and CV (or other D3 power) have the potential to meet in the playoffs I suspect they may be less apt to want to play each other during the regular season.
The PIAA ruling directly helps teams in District 1. Not having to play the Non-boundary schools before the championship game is a comfort.
D1 and D3 battles will be epic. Good showdown will be Coatesville and Cumberland Valley in week 3 again.
@WPIAL RULES: You may have misunderstood me; I was agreeing with you.
JC, but why have a team from the furthest east play a team from the furthest west? Pull a 6A from Central PA to fill the number of teams. Balance out the numbers that. PIAA is just pissed that most of the championship teams are from one of the 3 district. I’m spotting D11 from 2011.
@Dawg Pound good schedule but for a tough one check out Abington Heights
I think it’s time for the PCL and WPIAL to get out of PIAA. Have their own state title game. Best in the PCL Vs best in WPIAL. PIAA has become irrelevant.
Berwick football schedule 18-19:
Abington Heights
Pittston
Williamsport
WVW
Selinsgrove
Valley View
Hazleton
Crestwood
Dallas
WB Coughlin
Toughest schedule in District 2
@WPIAL RULES: I’m inclined to agree, as this really screws D11, who now has to get through D12 and D7 just to make the final. 2011 was the last time a team outside of D7 or D12 won the title in the highest classification; common sense says keep them on opposite sides. If this is a response to the number of 6A WPIAL schools declining to 9, it feels reactionary.
I forgot LFC Division IV:
http://timestribuneblogs.com/football/hs-football-2018-lackawanna-football-conference-division-iv-schedules/
Lackawanna Football Conference (LFC) schedules have been released (sort of):
http://timestribuneblogs.com/football/hs-football-2018-lackawanna-football-conference-division-i-schedules/
http://timestribuneblogs.com/football/hs-football-2018-lackawanna-football-conference-division-ii-schedules/
http://timestribuneblogs.com/sports/hs-football-2018-lackawanna-football-conference-division-iii-schedules/
I think the most interesting match up is Dunmore (2A) playing Scranton Prep (3A) to start the season.
District 2/LFC approved new league alignment and schedules. Schedules for Lackawanna league were posted in today’s Scranton paper but are not in online article.
That much wanted Prep Vs. Dunmore game will happen week 1.
The article discusses the new make up but doesn’t have the schedules.
http://m.thetimes-tribune.com/sports/hs-football-liaa-accepts-alignment-and-schedule-for-lfc-1.2294419
http://tribhssn.triblive.com/piaa-puts-philadelphia-football-powers-in-wpial-champions-paths-to-hershey/
What a joke. It’s time for the WPIAL to pull out of the PIAA. What is the purpose of having an eastern and western champion? Why not just rank the top 16 or 32 teams in the state in each conferance and go from there?
LL-Berks merger has little chance of happening.
LL is unsure of Mifflin as they left once before when they struggled with a tough schedule and their roster numbers dropped due to lack of success. Same concerns are there for BC over the long haul. Their own AD admitted such and was hesitant to even move up to Berks section one.
That league tries to mess with Wilson’s schedule and they will leave and go to the Mid-Penn. The presence of Wilson gives Township, Hempfield, Warwick, Penn Manor a bar to strive for. They don’t want that measuring stick to leave. Just ask Mark Evans what Wilson has done for their program.
Reading Eagle reported today LL and Berks League looking at football merger. Could be interesting if it happens.
WOW! Berks County might merge with Lancaster Lebanon league-article below. Scheduling problems were the main reason’s cited. Berks Div 1 and 2 have only 7 teams each. Blue Mt and Pottsville exited Berks several years ago which hurt their scheduling. Some interesting matchups could occur with berks Catholic, Cocalico and Manheim Central in the same division. Wilson and Governor Mifflin already play each other annually.
http://www.readingeagle.com/sports/article/scholastic-football-berks-football-league-may-join-lancaster-lebanon-league
@ phillyboy – won’t be Bosco. They just got their guy in place ala Mike Teel. Infante’s ego will never let himself be an assistant at HS level, he’s got to be the head man in charge and its one of the reason’s he ended up where he did. Maybe another school in BNU but highly doubt DBP.
If anyone has 80 to 100 lb dumbbells in good shape they’re looking to get rid of, I’m your man! Please email me at mcoyne51@yahoo.com.
Dan Connor steps down at Carroll to be Widener’s defensive coordinator. He had a 4-18 record at Carroll.
http://papreplive.com/2018/01/18/connor-steps-down-at-carroll-will-be-wideners-defensive-coordinator/
Like the Whoopi Goldberg character in Star Trek The Next Generation, my intuition tells me something. I don’t know why, just have a hunch that Coach Infante is gonna bail from the Prep. Not necessarily this year but relatively soon. He’s already snagged 3 state titles, reaching a high point in 2016 with the #12 team in the nation in USA Today final rankings. With his resume and people skills I could see him getting offers to coach at a higher level. The most likely scenario though is that he returns to North Jersey to take over one of the big boys like Don Bosco. Plus it’s a natural desire to want to return to your roots later in life, so an overture by Bosco etc. could be what makes it happen.
District 2 released a unapproved schedule. I believe it gets voted on for approval this week.
http://m.thetimes-tribune.com/sports/hs-football-liaa-schools-to-discuss-proposed-schedule-1.2292130
Any Truth to LaSalle’s Brett Gordon moving on to College? Possibly NFL?
When do 2018 schedules start coming out? I know some leagues post schedules in January.
Next month I will start working on schedules.
@Alex B – go back to 2017 season and look in month of March. around posts 2280’s. Billtown, Neutralobserv, etc.. had conversation about it. not sure if POC info included. good luck.
@David Mika
“Its up top Mike A. Click on 2017 Football Forum.”
OK..thanks. I was looking at the top of the page where the menu’s are.
Tamaqua is on our schedule for 2018. I know they were pretty good in 2017 and have a good number of kids back. Can someone provide any further info on them and how they will be in 2018?
@Alex B – if nobody replys, go back on the 2017 eastern forum and find a reply that had ALL the contact info for PIAA officiating. I don’t have the time to find it but somebody else might have it handy. hope that helps.
https://www.easternpafootball.com/gotw-8/2017-football-forum/
Hey guys,
I am interested in becoming an official this coming year. I am just doing some research and trying to find any information I can. I’m more so looking for dates or timelines of when I should start the process and when different referee clinics will start popping up. Any information would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
Wonder if they could put up a link to last years comments for a while?
Its up top Mike A. Click on 2017 Football Forum.
Congrats to Matt Nagy on being chosen new Chicago Bears head coach. Nagy played qb at Manheim Central in 94 and 95, losing in state playoffs to Berwick both years. Nagy then went on to be qb at Delaware where he was a very good qb. Nagy recently was OC for KC Chiefs before getting bears job. Good luck Matt, I’m sure you will do a good job in Chicago.
Justin, you would need to determine a number of things, What level – Physically/Academically is a fit for your son? I’m sure his coaches will give him an honest assessment. Revisit the schools that were initially interested in your son, contact them to see if they have any additional scholarships open.
Contact recruiting sites like Go Big Recruiting and explain your son’s situation. There is still time to get your son in the mix for a scholarship somewhere.
Jusin E
It is very late for FBS/FCS schools. Without knowing anything about your son at all. I would say he would have known if FBS/FCS schools were heavily interested in him. We can be relentless in contacting prospective student athletes. So if any FBS/FCS schools contacted him I would start by contacting those schools. I would have him ask his HS coach what FBS/FCS schools came into school and asked about him. Regardless of how much his HS coach has or has not done for him, if schools at that level think a someone can play for them. At the very least they were asked about when the coach was in the school in January/May 2017. If no schools even asked about him, it is highly unlikely that no matter what the coach did, he was going to be recruited at that level. I would start contacting D2/3 schools. My personal opinion is that D3 football is much a much better route than D2 UNLESS the D2 school is bringing significant scholarship money to the table. It is not too late for D2 either. Hope this helps.
My post right before the new year is gone with the updated forum so I will repost.
My son just finished his senior year of football. He made all-state and 1st team Eastern PA football as a linebacker. He has been on varsity since 9th grade(class 5A school) and led his team in tackles since 10th grade. He was dead set on going to the military so we did nothing as far as recruiting goes. His coach did nothing for him since he was also under the impression my son was going to the military. Well now my son has chosen not to peruse a military career and its very late in the recruiting game I would guess. Im looking for suggestions from coaches or a parent that went through the recruiting process this late on where to start. My kid will be perfectly happy just going to community college but I figured if there was a school out there that would have interest in him he can continue playing football. I have not personally talked to any coaches about him and any that contacted his coach were basically brushed off. What do I do now?
Predicted champions for this year:
St Joe’s Prep
Archbishop Wood
Imhotep Charter
Aliquippa
Southern Columbia
Bishop Guilfoyle
Even with these off-the-cuff guesses that took me about 2 minutes to think about, I’d be surprised if I didn’t get at least 50%. That’s including Imhotep-Cathedral, where I’d be surprised if those aren’t the final two teams again. I’ll hold out hope for a more unpredictable year, though.
Some NJ and D12 games next year:
http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/high_school/philadelphia-catholic-league-north-jersey-football-rivalry-games-20180106.html
Yeah just noticed that Ohio’s Division I state champion this year is Pickerington Central, located just outside of Columbus. Wow, it’s been a minute since PA and Ohio both had public state champs in the highest classification in the same year — that’s what’s up. I think I’m gonna out and get me a Wendy’s chili as a nod to Columbus, baby!
Happy New Year everyone!!! Hey all, remember Thursday is the Under Armour All Star game at 1pm and then on Saturday at 1pm is the US Army All Star game. Enjoy and good luck to our PA players!!!!
Happy New Year!