Josh Funk

2012 Statewide Football Rankings – Week 16/Final Poll

Statewide football rankings are compiled and updated weekly by EasternPAFootball.com’s Josh Funk and released for publication each Monday. Teams listed in the “Honorable Mention” category are arranged in numerical order by geographic district. AAAA: 1. North Allegheny (7, 16-0) 2. Woodland Hills (7, 10-3) 3. Coatesville (1, 13-3) 4. La Salle College High School (12, […]

North Allegheny rolls over Coatesville to claim 3rd PIAA AAAA title

HERSHEY, Pa. – After drenching head coach Art Walker with ice cold Gatorade following the team’s ninth touchdown, senior linebacker Kevin Edwards had four words for his mentor. “Get sticky!” Edwards bellowed. “Get sticky!” Coatesville’s prolific offense, spearheaded by quarterback Emmett Hunt and speedy back Daquan Worley, found solving NA’s defense to be quite a […]

Wyomissing completes perfect season with first PIAA championship

HERSHEY, Pa. – Aliquippa. The name alone carries with it an aura, a mystique of sorts. Its slogan could very well be “Where legends are made.” But on the state’s biggest stage, Wyomissing wrote a few legends of its own, and arguably the program’s biggest victory in its gridiron history proved to be no tall […]

North Allegheny (7, 15-0)

North Allegheny (15-0), three-time defending WPIAL AAAA champions and the 2010 PIAA AAAA champion, will face Coatesville (13-2) for the PIAA AAAA state championship Saturday night at Hersheypark Stadium, with kickoff slated for 6 p.m. NA will try for its third PIAA title and look to become the fifth WPIAL program to win three state […]

Coatesville (1, 13-2)

It’s been quite a long time since the Ches-Mont League has been in the statewide spotlight. Ever since the late 1990s, the Suburban One League had staked its claim to ownership of District 1 AAAA hardware, with few exceptions sprinkled in, like a pair of Ridley championships in 2007 and 2009. Otherwise, it had been […]

Clairton (7, 15-0)

Sixty-two up. Sixty-two down. That’s been the story facing the opposition since September 2009, when Clairton began its winning streak following a surprising season-opening loss. Only a small percentage of those last 62 opponents have come close to Clairton – take Riverside jumping out to a 24-0 lead in the 2010 state championship game, before […]

Dunmore (2, 14-1)

The last time we heard from Dunmore in the PIAA finals, it was 2007 and the Bucks were a AA program facing Jeannette, led by future Ohio State quarterback Terrelle Pryor and running back Jordan Hall. Both Hall and Pryor scored 30 touchdowns or more for the Jayhawks, who romped, 49-21, over the Bucks. At […]

Aliquippa (7, 15-0)

Aliquippa has finally made it back to the state’s biggest game in Class AA. That’s not to say the Quips haven’t had their share of chances, though. A couple recent near-misses within the last five years proved it was only a matter of time before the traditional Beaver County powerhouse was back in the PIAA […]

Wyomissing (3, 15-0)

The year 2012 had been circled on many a calendar in Wyomissing for the past several years. No, not because of the Mayans. Rather, a talented class of athletes was ascending through the Spartans’ football ranks. And 2012 was the year when it was all going to come together. That talented senior class is reaping […]

Cathedral Prep (10, 14-0)

Cathedral Prep (14-0) has advanced to its fourth PIAA championship game in school history, and first in AAA, and will take on District 12 and Philadelphia Catholic League champion Archbishop Wood (12-2) Friday night for the PIAA AAA championship, with kickoff slated for 7 p.m. at Hersheypark Stadium. Both the Ramblers and Vikings are each […]

Archbishop Wood (12, 12-2)

Make it 5-for-5. It was five years ago, believe it or not, that the Philadelphia Catholic League gained admittance as being a part of the fabric of PIAA football. And, for the fifth year, the PCL has sent at least one of its teams to Hershey to compete for a PIAA football championship. Archbishop Wood […]

PIAA semifinals notebook

Finally, their courses collide. Wyomissing and Imhotep Charter are facing off in a PIAA AA semifinal Saturday afternoon at Germantown High School in Philadelphia. The Spartans and Panthers each share several similarities, too. For starters, the two teams love to run the football. Imhotep and Wyomissing both average better than 300 yards per game on […]

2012 Statewide Football Rankings – Week 14

Statewide football rankings are compiled and updated weekly by EasternPAFootball.com’s Josh Funk and released for publication each Monday during the season. Installments for Weeks 1 through 16 will include the team, geographic district, overall season record and, for Thanksgiving weekend, the team’s most recent result from the previous week. Teams listed in the “Honorable Mention” […]

Bishop McDevitt claims 10th District 3 football championship with victory over West York

HERSHEY, Pa. – It might have been hard not to confuse West York head coach Ron Miller’s strategy for Penn State’s new boss, Bill O’Brien. The Bulldogs went for several fourth down attempts and took a fair share of risks against perennial Mid-Penn Conference power Bishop McDevitt. “We felt tonight that we had to take […]

EasternPAFootball Notebook: Playoff tidbits

If the names Interboro and Bristol don’t sound like familiar PIAA playoff participant names, it’s because neither is often a participant. Interboro (11-2) won its first District 1 football championship since the region began a postseason football bracket in 1992. The Bucs, led by 200-game winning head coach Steve Lennox, face powerful Archbishop Wood Friday. […]

2012 Statewide Football Rankings – Week 13

Selinsgrove forces eight turnovers in romp over University Prep

ALTOONA, Pa. – As a small band of reporters meandered away from Selinsgrove head football coach Dave Hess, the Seals’ ringleader made one small, simple request. “Hey guys,” Hess said, smiling. “Just make me look smart. Please. That’s all I ask.” Truth be told, Hess had already earned straight As for his power-running game plan […]

Wyomissing romps past Bermudian Springs to claim District 3 AA football championship

HERSHEY, Pa. – The Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act was established in 1940 to protect both bald and golden eagles within the United States borders. Bermudian Springs, nicknamed the Eagles, probably wishes high school football teams also received protection under that same federal law, because it got gunned down by Wyomissing. Wyomissing (13-) ripped […]

Delone Catholic claims District 3 Class A football championship

HERSHEY, Pa. – In the game of bowling, three strikes in a row is termed a “turkey” and four consecutive strikes is called a “four-bagger.” Brett Smith, a senior for Delone Catholic, didn’t land four straight strikes Saturday, but he bowled through Steelton-Highspire both offensively and defensively for a “turkey” and a “four-bagger” of a […]

EasternPAFootball Notebook: How losing helped Abington Heights win, other tidbits

Those who know me well know I loathe the “youth soccer” philosophy where everybody, regardless of record, gets a trophy and that losing somehow ruins someone’s self-esteem. Losing can actually be a good thing. It can motivate teams and kids to want to do better. And if it wasn’t for a rare losing season, Abington […]

2012 Statewide Football Rankings – Week 12

Statewide football rankings are compiled and updated weekly by EasternPAFootball.com’s Josh Funk and released for publication each Monday during the season. Installments for Weeks 1 through 16 will include the team, geographic district, overall season record and the previous week’s result. Teams listed in the “Honorable Mention” category are arranged in numerical order by geographic […]

Williams Valley rolls past Tri-Valley to claim District 11 Class A championship

WILLIAMSTOWN, Pa. – It was all about records Saturday night. Running back Cole Barnhardt set a pair of single-season rushing records. Quarterback Stephen Sedesse set a single-season passing yardage record. Heck, even the 50/50 prize of $2,025 was a record. Williams Valley winning a district football championship, however, won’t go down as sounding like a […]

Junior back helps Danville stave off Athens’ stiff upset bid, advance to District 4 AA title game

DANVILLE, Pa. – During halftime, the Athens Area marching band’s color guard dressed up in costume as superheros, as the group’s performance centered around movies like Batman, Spiderman, and others. Then, on the verge of being upset on its home turf, No. 1-seeded Danville got its best “Super Friends” impersonation from junior fullback Sam Dressler. […]

EasternPAFootball.com Notebook: Tidbits from around the eastern half of the state

Mount Carmel Area head football coach Carm DeFrancesco is one of the best postgame interviews around. He’s honest and thorough, and he’s also got personality with his answers. He’s not afraid to react when he hears a stat that blows him away, like the 29 total offensive plays and five first downs the Red Tornadoes’ […]

2012 Statewide Football Rankings – Week 11

Statewide football rankings are compiled and updated weekly by EasternPAFootball.com’s Josh Funk and released for publication each Monday during the season. Installments for Weeks 1 through 16 will include the team, geographic district, overall season record and the previous week’s result. Teams listed in the “Honorable Mention” category are arranged in numerical order by geographic […]

Blocked field goal, 19-point fourth quarter propel Berwick to District 2 championship game

BERWICK, Pa. – There were points in time Saturday afternoon where it seemed Berwick’s offensive front just couldn’t stop Dallas from getting pressure in the backfield. “We just couldn’t block (Dallas linebacker Jason) Simonovich,” said Bulldogs’ head coach George Curry. “That kid is an animal.” It turns out Berwick got a block of a different […]

Mount Carmel punishes Central Columbia with 210-yard rushing effort, advances to District 4 semifinals

BLOOMSBURG, Pa. – Central Columbia was having a blast of a season. Seven wins was exactly half of the Blue Jays total number of victories over the seven seasons prior to 2012. The Blue Jays also found themselves as the No. 2 seed in the District 4 AA playoffs. Then, Mount Carmel did a different […]

EasternPAFootball.com Notebook: Individual milestones/accomplishments; more 1,000-yard backfield duos; A season of “validation” for Selinsgrove; other tidbits

Before delving into some notes from around the eastern half of the state, many individual milestones were achieved throughout the course of the weekend. Some of the following made Dave Mika’s shoutouts which he posts weekly on Eastern PA Football’s Facebook page. Some did not. Check these items out: – Harriton senior quarterback Pat Moriarty […]

2012 Statewide Football Rankings – Week 10

Statewide football rankings are compiled and updated weekly by EasternPAFootball.com’s Josh Funk and released for publication each Monday during the season. Installments for Weeks 1 through 16 will include the team, geographic district, overall season record and the previous week’s result. Teams listed in the “Honorable Mention” category are arranged in numerical order by geographic […]

Wyomissing uses stingy defense, and just enough offense, to stymie Berks Catholic in Saturday showdown

WYOMISSING, Pa. – Even though Berks Catholic and Wyomissing have only faced each other two times, the Week 10 meeting already has a nickname – “The Backyard Brawl.” Meeting No. 2 might go down in history as “The Backyard Scrap.” Wyomissing (10-0, 6-0 Berks Football League Section 2) used another stingy defensive effort and limited […]

PERFECT 10: Tamaqua puts finishing touches on historic season with shutout of Marian Catholic

TAMAQUA, Pa. – Feeling the certainty of history being made, the anticipation on the visiting side of Men of Marian Stadium was building over the final minute. There was a large, paper banner being carried by some cheerleaders. Some fans waved white rally towels. And as the final seconds of the game clock ticked away, […]

ORANGE CRUSH: Danville forces six Selinsgrove turnovers to claim HAC-I championship

DANVILLE, Pa. – Cale Rice, a Danville senior defensive back, had something he’d been itching to tell any member of the media willing to listen. It wasn’t something to be confused for a bold statement or guarantee of a District 4 championship. Rather, it was about a nickname for his school’s defensive unit. “We call […]

Wilson-West Lawn TE/LB Junior Joseph issues verbal declaration to Connecticut

Wilson-West Lawn’s relentless defensive unit now has a second member who has chosen to continue his football career at the Division-1 level. Junior Joseph, a 6’3, 236-pound tight end/linebacker for the Bulldogs, issued a verbal declaration to Connecticut Thursday evening. Joseph announced he had committed to the Huskies, a representative of the Big East Conference, […]

EasternPAFootball.com Notebook: Record-breaking weekend; Perkiomen Valley QB adds name to a short list; Old Forge’s point-scoring binge; other tidbits

The records, they were a-fallin’ this weekend. It wasn’t just one or two – several single-game school records were rewritten. And they seemed especially concentrated in the southeastern part of the state. The following information regarding District 12 records is attributed to long-time Philadelphia prep sportswriting veteran Ted Silary (who, by the way, keeps one […]

Wilson-West Lawn TE/DL Matt Rothrock issues verbal declaration to Lafayette

One of the leaders of Wilson-West Lawn’s impressive defensive unit will continue his collegiate football career in the Patriot League. Matt Rothrock, a 6’2, 237-pound tight end/defensive lineman, issued a verbal declaration to Lafayette, according to the Bulldogs’ official Twitter account Tuesday evening. Rothrock is one of the Bulldogs’ potential collegiate football prospects – linebacker […]

2012 Statewide Football Rankings – Week 9

Statewide football rankings are compiled and updated weekly by EasternPAFootball.com’s Josh Funk and released for publication each Monday during the season. Installments for Weeks 1 through 16 will include the team, geographic district, overall season record and the previous week’s result. Teams listed in the “Honorable Mention” category are arranged in numerical order by geographic […]

EasternPAFootball.com Notebook: 1,000-yard backfield duos; history in District 2; Roman Catholic QB hits milestone

A few weeks ago, the Plymouth-Whitemarsh backfield duo of Corey Kelly and Tim Brown received brief mention in this notebook for making up the bulk of the Colonials’ offensive production. It turns out the pair more than likely could be one of eastern Pennsylvania’s first 1,000-yard rushing duos of the season. Kelly (1,057 yards) and […]

2012 Statewide Football Rankings – Week 8

Statewide football rankings are compiled and updated weekly by EasternPAFootball.com’s Josh Funk and released for publication each Monday during the season. Installments for Weeks 1 through 16 will include the team, geographic district, overall season record and the previous week’s result. Teams listed in the “Honorable Mention” category are arranged in numerical order by geographic […]

EasternPAFootball.com Notebook: St. Joseph’s Prep’s preparation key to success; William Allen scores big victory; Imhotep in striking distance of PPL record

Preparation is key. And when it comes to preparations, the St. Joseph’s Prep football team leaves nothing to chance. Especially defensively. The Prep flattened three-time defending District 12 AAAA champion LaSalle College High School, 24-16, Saturday night at Plymouth-Whitemarsh High School, limiting the Explorers’ potent passing offense to just 148 yards and three interceptions. In […]

2012 Statewide Football Rankings – Week 7

Statewide football rankings are compiled and updated weekly by EasternPAFootball.com’s Josh Funk and released for publication each Monday during the season. Installments for Weeks 1 through 16 will include the team, geographic district, overall season record and the previous week’s result. Teams listed in the “Honorable Mention” category are arranged in numerical order by geographic […]

Central Dauphin, down 14 in fourth quarter, rallies for OT win

HARRISBURG, Pa. – If you listen to head coach Glen McNamee, the Central Dauphin football story didn’t cease being written after the Rams claimed PIAA gold last December. It’s a story, he told his players, which is ever evolving and being written with each additional game. Really, on the surface, what other themes and stories […]

St. Joseph’s Prep forces 7 LaSalle turnovers to remain undefeated

PLYMOUTH MEETING, Pa. – Maybe St. Joseph’s Prep should consider changing its nickname. Yes, they’re called the Hawks. But why not lend consideration to something like, say, the Hornets, because the Prep’s defensive unit swarmed, smothered and stung LaSalle College High School all night long. The Hawks (6-0) rode their strong defensive unit to another […]

EasternPAFootball.com Notebook: A tribute to a sports writer battling cancer, Dranchak nears school record, SCA’s impressive offensive start, Saturday showdowns

Before we get into some interesting football notes and tidbits in this week’s notebook, it is probably best to begin this week’s notebook by extending our thoughts, prayers and positive energy to a prep sports writer from York County. Steve Navaroli, a veteran reporter for the York Daily Record/Sunday News, is undergoing treatments for cancer. […]

2012 Statewide Football Rankings – Week 6

Statewide football rankings are compiled and updated weekly by EasternPAFootball.com’s Josh Funk and released for publication each Monday during the season. Installments for Weeks 1 through 16 will include the team, geographic district, overall season record and the previous week’s result. Teams listed in the “Honorable Mention” category are arranged in numerical order by geographic […]

EasternPAFootball.com Notebook: Eastern York senior smashes multiple rushing records; District 4 team scores early, often, ties a record; West York becoming YAIAA model of consistency

Alex Cooley said “Good Knight” to several rushing records Friday. What Eastern York’s senior running back did in the Golden Knights’ victory over Hanover will go down in school, York County, District 3 and PIAA record books. According to EY assistant coach Steve Kline, Cooley rushed for 500 yards and eight touchdowns on 26 carries […]

2012 Statewide Football Rankings – Week 5

Statewide football rankings are compiled and updated weekly by EasternPAFootball.com’s Josh Funk and released for publication each Monday during the season. Installments for Weeks 1 through 16 will include the team, geographic district, overall season record and the previous week’s result. Teams listed in the “Honorable Mention” category are arranged in numerical order by geographic […]

EasternPAFootball.com Notebook: WV field general quickly learns new system; D4 senior receiver’s milestone; La Salle makes USA-Today’s Super 25 poll

I’ve always enjoyed talking to football players who not only love the game, but get it and immerse themselves in it. Talk for any length of time with Williams Valley’s Stephen Sedesse and you’ll learn quickly that he’s one of those players. Sedesse, a junior quarterback, had to learn a new offensive system with first-year […]

2012 Statewide Football Rankings – Week 4

Statewide football rankings are compiled and updated weekly by EasternPAFootball.com’s Josh Funk and released for publication each Monday during the season. Installments for Weeks 1 through 16 will include the team, geographic district, overall season record and the previous week’s result. Teams listed in the “Honorable Mention” category are arranged in numerical order by geographic […]

HARD KNOCKS: Williams Valley dismisses Line Mountain from the unbeaten ranks

MANDATA, Pa. – Before even coaching a game in Tower City, first-year head coach Tim Savage had already generated talk about his Williams Valley Vikings. He had decided to move 1,100-yard rusher Owen Daniel to wide receiver. “I caught a lot of grief for doing that – you have no idea,” Savage admitted. Turns out […]

Cedar Cliff QB Ford shreds Hershey, Colts 4-0 for first time since ’97

HERSHEY, Pa. – Just in case he needs a backup career plan, Cedar Cliff junior quarterback Andrew Ford might want to consider a career in the medical field. His dissection of Hershey’s defense was, well, surgical. Ford accounted for 432 of his team’s 538 total offensive yards and had a hand in all six touchdowns as […]

EasternPAFootball.com Notebook: Quarterback, coaching milestones, Fullback leads team in receiving yards, and other tidbits

Just call it the year of the quarterback. Several quarterbacks in the eastern half of the state have or recently have eclipsed career milestones for passing yardage. One quarterback, in fact, helped his program establish a new state standard in one statistical category. It begins with Manheim Township’s Brennan Scott, who surpassed the 5,000-yard passing […]

2012 Statewide Football Rankings – Week 3

Statewide football rankings are compiled and updated weekly by EasternPAFootball.com’s Josh Funk and released for publication each Monday during the season. Installments for Weeks 1 through 16 will include the team, geographic district, overall season record and the previous week’s result. Teams listed in the “Honorable Mention” category are arranged in numerical order by geographic […]

McDowell shows no mercy in convincing victory over Lancaster Catholic

ALTOONA, Pa. – If you’d take a look at Erie McDowell’s final team rushing statistics from its 2011 season, you wouldn’t see James Conner’s name in the No. 1, 2, or 3 slot. And not even the fourth. The now 6’2, 230-pound senior and Pitt recruit was fifth, with 267 yards and three touchdowns. “I […]

2012 Statewide Football Rankings – Week 2

Statewide football rankings are compiled and updated weekly by EasternPAFootball.com’s Josh Funk and released for publication each Monday during the season. Installments for Weeks 1 through 16 will include the team, geographic district, overall season record and the previous week’s result. Teams listed in the “Honorable Mention” category are arranged in numerical order by geographic […]

2012 Statewide Football Rankings – Week 1

Statewide football rankings are compiled and updated weekly by EasternPAFootball.com’s Josh Funk and released for publication each Monday during the season. Installments for Weeks 1 through 16 will include the team, geographic district, overall season record and the previous week’s result. Teams listed in the “Honorable Mention” category are arranged in numerical order by geographic […]

2012 Statewide High School Football Rankings – Preseason

Statewide football rankings are compiled and updated weekly by EasternPAFootball.com’s Josh Funk and released for publication each Monday during the season. Installments for Weeks 1 through 16 will include the team, geographic district, overall season record and the previous week’s result. Teams listed in the “Honorable Mention” category are arranged in numerical order by geographic […]

Haverford School TE/LB Matt Galambos issues verbal declaration to Pitt

After Thursday, the Inter-AC League will now boast a trio of Division-1 FBS recruits. Matt Galambos, a 6’2, 220-pound tight end/linebacker from Haverford School, issued a verbal declaration to Pitt Thursday, according to national recruiting service Scout.com. Including the Panthers, Galambos held a total of six scholarship offers, including Rutgers, Syracuse, Temple, Harvard and Yale, […]

Downingtown East LB Nelson Lee Lucas-Murphy issues verbal declaration to Robert Morris

Make it three Division-1 football recruits on Downingtown East’s 2012 edition of its football team. Nelson Lee Lucas-Murphy, a 6’2, 220-pound linebacker, issued a verbal declaration to Robert Morris Wednesday, according to national recruiting service Rivals.com. With his declaration to the Colonials, Lucas-Murphy joins teammates Jay Harris and Kyle Lauletta as Division-1 FBS or FCS […]

West York Area OL/DL Brody Kern issues verbal declaration to Delaware

Three of the last four seasons for the West York Area Bulldogs have ended in the District 3 AAA semifinals. If the Bulldogs are destined to reach that juncture of the season, they’ll have a Division-1 prospect on their offensive line helping to pave the way. Brody Kern, a 6’2, 270-pound offensive and defensive lineman, […]

Roman Catholic WR Will Fuller issues verbal declaration to Notre Dame

Exactly two months to the day after issuing his initial verbal declaration to Penn State, a top Philadelphia Catholic League recruit has reconsidered and made a new decision.. Will Fuller, a 6’1, 170-pound wide receiver from Roman Catholic High School, issued a verbal declaration to Notre Dame Sunday, according to national recruiting service Scout.com. Fuller’s […]

Inguilli, Gething help City run past County in 78th Dream Game

SCRANTON, Pa. – At one point in the second half, a Delaware Valley assistant coach asked, “Is it Thursday (morning) yet?” It was hard to tell whether the assistant was joking or serious with the inquiry, but one thing was certain: in the 78th installment of the Scranton Lions’ Club Dream Game, the City all-stars […]

Penn Charter WR/S Daryl Worley issues verbal declaration to West Virginia

One non-PIAA affiliated program will now boast a second major Division-1 FBS recruit on its 2012 roster. Daryl Worley, a 6’0, 185-pound wide receiver/safety from William Penn Charter School in the Inter-AC League, issued a verbal declaration to West Virginia Monday, according to national recruiting service Scout.com. In addition to the Mountaineers, Worley, who held […]

Wyomissing RB/LB Alex Anzalone issues verbal declaration to Notre Dame

Pennsylvania’s top linebacker prospect in the 2013 recruiting class has made his choice of where he will continue his collegiate football career. Alex Anzalone, a 6’3, 220-pound running back/linebacker from Wyomissing Area High School in Berks County, issued a verbal declaration to Notre Dame Sunday evening, according to national recruiting services Scout.com and Rivals.com. Anzalone […]

Central Dauphin RB/LB Zayd Issah issues verbal declaration to Penn State

For the second consecutive recruiting class, the Central Dauphin Rams have one of its players bound for Happy Valley. Zayd Issah, a 6’4, 210-pound running back/linebacker for the defending PIAA AAAA champs, issued a verbal declaration to Penn State Friday, according to national recruiting services Scout.com and Rivals.com. Issah becomes the Nittany Lions’ 14th recruit […]

Downingtown East WR Jay Harris issues verbal declaration to Michigan State

Downingtown East returns several key offensive pieces from its District 1 AAAA quarterfinalist team a season ago. One of those pieces is a Division-1 FBS prospect bound for the Big Ten Conference. Jay Harris, a 5’10, 180-pound wide receiver for the Exton-based Cougars, issued a verbal declaration to Michigan State Monday, according to 247sports.com. In […]

Stroudsburg OL/DL Sebastian Joseph issues verbal declaration to Rutgers

The Mountain Valley Conference can claim at least one Division-1 FBS prospect among its 2013 class. Sebastian Joseph, a 6’4, 270-pound defensive lineman for defending MVC champion Stroudsburg High School, issued a verbal declaration to Rutgers Saturday, according to national recruiting services Scout.com and Rivals.com. Joseph becomes the second Keystone State athlete to declare to […]

Ohio rallies for 17 unanswered points, stuns Pennsylvania for fourth straight victory

HERSHEY, Pa. – “Four-peat! Four-peat! Four-peat!” That was the chant the 34 all-stars from Ohio bellowed from a midfield stage postgame after the trophy presentation from honorary game chairman Ben Roethlisberger. But the Buckeye Staters’ four-peat wouldn’t have been possible without a “repeat” of a different sort – from defensive back Nana Kyeremeh (Thomas Worthington). […]

Roman Catholic WR Will Fuller issues verbal declaration to Penn State

One of the Philadelphia Catholic League’s top returning wide receivers will be continuing his career in-state. Will Fuller, a 6’1, 170-pound wide receiver from Roman Catholic High School, issued a verbal declaration to Penn State Tuesday evening, according to national recruiting service Scout.com, just days after he picked up an offer from the Nittany Lions […]

Hulyo’s arm, Groff’s legs carry South to victory in Tri-County All-Star Game

MANHEIM, Pa. – Listing only one quarterback on a roster for an all-star game isn’t always common, but that’s exactly what South head coach John Manion did for Saturday evening’s Tri-County All-Star Game. “I got a lot of questions about that, about who the backup would be, but we had a lot athletes with (prior) […]

East Pennsboro QB Austin Wilson issues verbal declaration to Syracuse

Make it three Keystone State quarterbacks who will be continuing their collegiate football careers at the Division-1 FBS level. Austin Wilson, a 6’3, 205-pound quarterback from East Pennsboro High School, issued a verbal declaration to Syracuse Sunday evening, according to national recruiting service Scout.com. Wilson becomes the third quarterback from the 2013 class to issue […]

Maryland-bound Hills’ 4 TDs key West rout of East, 45-24

MONROEVILLE, Pa. – During his high school career, it wasn’t uncommon for Pittsburgh Central Catholic quarterback Perry Hills to only attempt nine passes in a game. But what Hills did with his nine pass attempts Sunday afternoon in his final scholastic football game of his career was something he admitted he’d never, ever done before […]

Wyomissing RB/LB Alex Anzalone issues verbal declaration to Ohio State

Pennsylvania’s highest-profile linebacker prospect in the 2013 recruiting class will continue his collegiate football career in the Big Ten Conference. Alex Anzalone, a 6’3, 220-pound running back/linebacker for Wyomissing High School in Berks County, issued a verbal declaration to Ohio State today, according to national recruiting services Scout.com and Rivals.com During his recruiting process, Anzalone […]

Hershey OL Andrew Nelson issues verbal declaration to Penn State

The Hershey Trojans will boast a Division-1 prospect on its football roster for the second consecutive season. Andrew Nelson, a 6’5, 260-pound offensive tackle for the orange and blue, issued a verbal declaration to Penn State Sunday, according to national recruiting service Scout.com. The Nittany Lions marked Nelson’s sixth verbal scholarship offer to date, including […]

Council Rock North OL/DL Curtis Cothran issues verbal declaration to Penn State

A second Pennsylvania prep football prospect has chosen to become a part of Bill O’Brien’s 2013 recruiting class at Penn State. Curtis Cothran, a 6’5, 245-pound offensive tackle/defensive end combination for Council Rock North High School, issued a verbal declaration to the Nittany Lions Monday, according to national recruiting services Scout.com and Rivals.com. Cothran held […]

William Penn Charter OL/DL Mike McGlinchey issues verbal declaration to Notre Dame

One of Pennsylvania’s top offensive line prospects in the 2013 class has chosen where he’d like to continue his college football career. Mike McGlinchey, a 6’7, 265-pound offensive lineman from William Penn Charter School in the Inter-AC League, issued a verbal declaration to Notre Dame Sunday, according to national recruiting services Scout.com and Rivals.com. The […]

Council Rock South’s P.J. Gallo added to Big-33 roster

District 1 AAAA runner-up Council Rock South will now feature one of its players on the 2012 Big-33 Classic roster. According to John Pizzigoni of the Council Rock South Football Boosters, tight end P.J. Gallo has been selected as a replacement for the Big-33 game, played June 16 at Hersheypark Stadium. Gallo, a Maryland recruit, […]

Central Dauphin OL Zach Wilk named as replacement to Big-33 team

Central Dauphin will now have two athletes representing it in the Big-33 Football Classic June 16. Zach Wilk, a 6’5, 275-pound offensive and defensive lineman, will join teammate Evan Schwan for one last high school football game together before departing for college. Wilk is a Cornell recruit; Schwan will head to Penn State. Wilk received […]

GAR Memorial DL Shakir Soto earns first verbal scholarship offer

One of the key returning pieces from GAR Memorial High School’s two-time defending District 2 Class AA champion football team has garnered his first Division-1 FBS verbal scholarship offer. Shakir Soto, a 6’4, 220-pound lineman for the Grenadiers, received a verbal scholarship offer from Boston College Tuesday evening, according to an e-mail from his head […]

Allentown Central Catholic WR Kevin Gulyas accepts preferred walk-on status with Villanova

Pennsylvania’s most prolific wide receiver has chosen to continue his collegiate football career at the Division-1 FCS level. Kevin Gulyas, a 6’0, 175-pound wide receiver/kickoff returner for three-time defending District 11 AAA champ Allentown Central Catholic, will play collegiate football for Villanova as a preferred walk-on, according to the Allentown Morning Call. Preferred walk-on status […]

Hershey FB/DT Harold Brantley issues verbal declaration to Missouri

A two-way football player from the Mid-Penn ranks has switched up on his choice of where he will continue his collegiate football career. Harold Brantley, a 6’3, 280-pound fullback/defensive lineman for Hershey High School, issued a verbal declaration to Missouri Sunday, according to national recruiting service Scout.com. Originally, Brantley has declared he would continue his […]

Central Dauphin OL/DL Zach Wilk issues verbal declaration to Cornell

An offensive lineman who helped to pave the way for Central Dauphin’s District 3 and PIAA AAAA championship team this past season has chosen where he will continue playing collegiate football.. Zach Wilk, a 6’5, 275-pound offensive and defensive lineman for the Rams, issued a verbal declaration to Ivy League representative Cornell Tuesday, according to […]

Funkster’s Fab 40 Statewide Rankings – FINAL 2011 poll

The FINAL 2011 installment of Funkster’s Fab 40 statewide rankings includes the team, geographic district and overall season record. Final honorable mention selections for the final set of 2011 statewide rankings will take only 10 teams from each classification and will list the team’s geographic district and end-of-season record. Instead of being arranged in order by […]

TIPPING THE SCALES: Central Dauphin wins D3’s first AAAA state title in 20 years

HERSHEY, Pa. – At the beginning of the season, Central Dauphin head coach Glen McNamee said he was worried only about getting better each day. Because the Rams focused on the little things, it was able to take one giant leap Saturday night – a leap into the history books that neither the 54 players […]

Lancaster Catholic wins second PIAA title in three years

HERSHEY, Pa. – Holding a five-pound Hershey’s chocolate bar firmly in his left hand, Lancaster Catholic junior Roman Clay outlined the Crusaders’ set of goals for the season. “We wanted to win our non-league games; win our section; win Districts; win the state championship,” Clay said. The purple and gold have a message to headquarters: […]

Clairton wins third straight title

HERSHEY, Pa. – About an hour prior to kickoff, the hood of one of Southern’s school buses was raised briefly for what appeared to be some sort of engine inspection. And while Clairton’s offense was very much slowed by Southern’s grinding, ball-controling Wing-T offense, it didn’t take long for junior Tyler Boyd to rev his […]

PIAA “AAAA” state championship preview – Central Dauphin (14-1)

It’s been quite a while since District 3 sent a representative to the PIAA AAAA championship game. Try longer than a decade and a half. It’s actually the 20th season (if counting 1992 as the starting point) since Cumberland Valley hoisted District 3’s only PIAA AAAA championship. Lower Dauphin was the last D3 AAAA title […]

PIAA “AAAA” state championship preview – North Penn (13-2)

District 1 used to be a frequent participant in PIAA championship games, making a total of 12 appearances from 1990 to 2004. But since 2004, D1 hasn’t sent a team on to compete for a state title in the state’s largest classification. District 11 took a stranglehold on PIAA final appearances before a two-year run […]

Archbishop Wood throttles McDevitt for first PIAA title

HERSHEY, Pa. – There have been some dominant teams who have been counted among the Class AAA ranks in PIAA history, including the 1992 Berwick Bulldogs and 2008 Thomas Jefferson Jaguars. Add the 2011 edition of the Archbishop Wood Vikings to the list. Wood (14-1), ranked nationally among the USA-Today’s top-25 teams, rolled to 343 […]

Clairton wins third straight title

PIAA “AA” state championship preview – Lancaster Catholic (15-0)

Prior to 2003, the Lancaster-Lebanon League could only claim a pair of PIAA finals appearances – Wilson-West Lawn in 1989 and Conestoga Valley in 1991. Neither trip ended well for the L-L League. The Bulldogs and Buckskins would lose their appearances by a combined 14 points. And so it stayed until 2003. But between 2003-’09, […]

PIAA “A” state championship preview – Clairton (15-0)

It’s been a long, long time since the WPIAL has seen a team have a run of dominance like the Clairton Bears have had these last few years. And really, in some facets, Clairton’s dominance is unlike anything the WPIAL or state has ever seen. Clairton can add yet another notch in their caps to […]

PIAA “A” state championship preview – Southern Columbia (14-1)

When the state last saw Southern Columbia in Hershey, the Tigers were flying past District 10 champion West Middlesex to their PIAA-record fifth consecutive state championship, supplanting Berwick’s previous state standard of four straight titles from 1994-1997. At that point in time, the Tigers had the stranglehold on the state’s smallest classification; Steelton-Highspire hadn’t yet […]

PIAA “AA” state championship preview – Tyrone (14-1)

If anybody outside of northeastern Blair County had the Tyrone Golden Eagles reaching the PIAA championship game this year, please stand up and take a bow. Such a prediction was viewed as bold, as conventional thinking was that the WPIAL representative, whether it was Jeannette or ultimately Aliquippa, would advance to Chocolatetown. But a funny […]

PIAA “AAA” state championship preview – Bishop McDevitt (13-2)

Last year at this time, we were talking about Bishop McDevitt as a “first-in-a-while” type of program, referencing its appearances in PIAA championship games. That same type of chatter can’t be applied this year, except when speaking in terms of hoisting PIAA gold. For just the third time in District 3’s PIAA finals history, a […]

PIAA “AAA” state championship preview – Archbishop Wood (13-1)

It’s been quite the ride for Archbishop Wood this 2011 season. Actually, it’s been a pretty smooth ride. The Vikings have met little resistance with each passing week. Now, Archbishop Wood has finally arrived at the destination it wanted to reach all season long – Hersheypark Stadium and the PIAA championship game. This time around, […]

Funkster’s Fab 40 Statewide Rankings – Week 15

The Week 15 installment of Funkster’s Fab 40 statewide rankings includes the team, geographic district and overall season record. AAAA: 1. North Penn (1, 13-2) 2. Central Dauphin (3, 14-1) 3. North Allegheny (7, 14-1) 4. La Salle College High School (12, 12-2) 5. Nazareth (11, 12-2) 6. Upper St. Clair (7, 11-2) […]

Funkster’s Fab 40 Statewide Rankings – Week 14

The installments of Funkster’s Fab 40 statewide rankings following Weeks 1-16 include the team, geographic district, overall season record and the previous week’s result. Teams listed as honorable mentions are arranged in numerical order by geographic district. To save space, team records for those listed as honorable mentions are not published. AAAA: 1. […]

Funkster’s Fab 40 Statewide Rankings – Week 13

Columbia claims second D3 title in school history over Camp Hill

HERSHEY, Pa. – Columbia hadn’t had much luck, historically, in District 3 Class A championship games opposite Mid-Penn Capital rep Camp Hill, losing the 1988 and 2001 title games to the Lions. Mike Burke III, Columbia’s present head coach in just his second season, was a senior on that 1988 Crimson Tide team. This time […]

Lancaster Catholic downs Wyomissing for 6th District 3 AA crown

HERSHEY, Pa. – In the critical moments, big-time players make big-time plays. When Lancaster Catholic needed a shot in the arm, it got what it needed from junior corner Isaiah Taltoan. When it needed the knockout punch, senior Brandon Hollister delivered. Hollister ran for a game-high 159 yards, 87 of which came on the final, […]

Easton scores first 24 points in victory over Thanksgiving rival Phillipsburg

EASTON, Pa. – The Easton Red Rovers are loaded with underclassmen – many sophomores and juniors grace the roster – and even some freshmen are starters. Like wide receiver Shane Simpson. But you’d never know that No. 18 was only a frosh by the way he plays on the field. “He hasn’t played (like a […]

Funkster’s Fab 40 Statewide Rankings – Week 12

Funkster’s Fab 40 Statewide Rankings – Week 11

Funkster’s Fab 40 Statewide Rankings – Week 10

Freedom survives shootout with Liberty, advances to the 2/4/11 AAAA playoffs

BETHLEHEM, Pa. – Freedom junior quarterback Brian Uliana barely had time to finish off posing for photographs and receiving postgame congratulations from Freedom fans before facing some questions, namely if the Patriots ever got down or thought a win against their hated rival, Liberty, was out of reach. “Not at all,” Uliana said. “We never […]

Funkster’s Fab 40 Statewide Rankings – Week 9

Projecting potential scenarios for Pius X quarterback A.J. Long’s career passing totals

Last season, Pius X quarterback A.J. Long established what is believed to be Pennsylvania’s single-season passing yardage record for a freshman. Now, as only a sophomore, he’s more than halfway toward the state’s career record for passing yardage. In Pius X’ 46-0 victory over Carson Long Saturday afternoon in very snowy conditions, Long put up […]

Funkster’s Fab 40 Statewide Rankings – Week 8

Funkster’s Fab 40 Statewide Rankings – Week 7

North Schuylkill overcomes Mount Carmel, injuries to win Sunday night thriller

MOUNT CARMEL, Pa. – Ian Murray, North Schuylkill’s starting punter, hadn’t caught a pass in his varsity career entering Sunday night’s showdown opposite unbeaten Mount Carmel. “I’d caught passes in JV, but none in my varsity career…until tonight,” Murray said. Murray’s big night helped the Spartans boot the Red Tornadoes from the ranks of the […]

Funkster’s Fab 40 Statewide Rankings – Week 6

Funkster’s Fab 40 Statewide Rankings – Week 5

The installements of Funkster’s Fab 40 statewide rankings following Weeks 1-16 include the team, geographic district, overall season record and the previous week’s result. Teams listed as honorable mentions are arranged in numerical order by geographic district. To save space, team records for those listed as honorable mentions are not published. AAAA: 1. […]

Nazareth holds on against Allentown Central Catholic

ALLENTOWN, Pa. – It isn’t about how you start, but rather, how you finish. And in Saturday evening’s Lehigh Valley Conference showdown between Nazareth and Allentown Central Catholic, that finish will come down to two words: Wide left. Despite a prolonged cold stretch in the second half during which Nazareth quarterback Daniel Harding completed only […]

Pen Argyl shuts out Southern Lehigh

PEN ARGYL, Pa. – As Southern Lehigh head coach John Toman watched a reporter scribbling notes from his postgame comments, the Spartans’ head man couldn’t help but noting, “I don’t know how you can read that.” It’s also hard to get a good read on Pen Argyl’s physical, unrelenting defense, which made life tough for […]

Berwick rushes past Selinsgrove to snap two-game losing streak

BERWICK, Pa. – The Berwick Bulldog mascot showed off some impressive balance Friday night, riding a unicycle up and down the home sideline on several occasions. On the gridiron, Berwick’s football team showed some balance of its own with running back Jeremy Freeman and quarterback Jared Pierce. Pierce and Freeman combined for five of Berwick’s […]

Downingtown East RB Drew Harris issues oral declaration to Virginia Tech

When Downingtown East offensive lineman Jack Willenbrock gets ready to head to Blacksburg, Va., to begin his career at Virginia Tech, he’ll have some company from Exton joining him. Drew Harris, Downingtown East’s featured tailback and a three-year varsity starter, issued an oral declaration to Virginia Tech Tuesday, according to national recruiting service Scout.com. Scout […]

Funkster’s Fab 40 Statewide Rankings – Week 4

Funkster’s Fab 40 Statewide Rankings – Week 3

Father Judge scores 28 of game’s final 31 points to down State College

STATE COLLEGE, Pa. – The Father Judge Crusader team gathered in a cluster on the visiting sideline and heartily sang their school fight song, “Here’s to our Crusaders.” Early on, the Philadelphia Catholic League reps didn’t have much to sing a jaunty tune about. A slew of flags and inopportune turnovers dug a quick hole. […]

Funkster’s Fab 40 Statewide Rankings – Week 2

Mistakes loom large as Wood blanks West Catholic

WARMINSTER, Pa. – West Catholic’s game plan against Archbishop Wood was rather simple. Run the ball, control the clock and keep Wood’s explosive offensive unit watching helplessly from the sideline. West did the run the ball – 47 times to be exact – and limited the Vikings to only 38 total offensive plays. But Wood […]

Bergen Catholic’s speed too much for La Salle

PLYMOUTH MEETING, Pa. – Behind the area on the sidelines where the La Salle College High School football team stood, a weathered penny lie buried into the artificial surface, with the heads side facing upward. Supposedly, pennies facing heads side up bring good luck. But fate was not ready to yield the Explorers a lucky […]

Funkster’s Fab 40 Statewide Rankings – Week 1

Gateway’s defense stifles Bishop McDevitt in rain-soaked struggle

MONROEVILLE, Pa. – Having a great defense goes a long, long way. And if that great defense can set up several short field opportunities for its offense, it gets even better. Meet the Gateway Gators, who got a stout defensive effort in their season opener against the defending PIAA AAA runners-up. Gateway (1-0) limited Bishop […]

Central Catholic survives titanic clash with Archbishop Wood

MONROEVILLE, Pa. – There’s something about the big stage of Pittsburgh Central Catholic’s season openers and the performances of Damion Jones-Moore. The career 3,400-yard rusher torched Youngstown Ursuline for more than 200 yards in 2009, then ran for 110 more to open the Vikings’ 2010 opener against eventual Ohio state champ Akron Buchtel. So 2011 […]

Barons pluck Falcons with second half surge

MANHEIM, Pa. – The rapper Eminem once recorded a song titled “The Real Slim Shady,” and in that tune, the chorus invokes the question, “Will the real Slim Shady, real Slim Shady please stand up, please stand up?” For the first 24 minutes of Friday’s season opener, youthful Manheim Central didn’t seem to have much […]

Funkster’s Fab 40 Statewide Rankings – Preseason edition

The 2011 pre-season installment of Funkster’s Fab 40 statewide rankings include the team and respective geographic district. Teams listed as honorable mentions are arranged in numerical order by geographic district. AAAA: 1. Pittsburgh Central Catholic (7) 2. Neshaminy (1) 3. La Salle College High School (12) 4. North Allegheny (7) 5. North Penn (1) 6. […]

Team # 6 Neshaminy (1) 0-0

The Redskins haven’t hoisted a District 1 AAAA championship trophy since 2004, but there are a lot of solid pieces in place for Neshaminy to make a deep playoff run. It all starts up front, where starters/significant contributors in the form of Alex McKenzie, Chris Kutsubos, John Bell, Mike Wunderlich and tight end Tadas Karusevicius […]

Team # 6 Lewisburg (4) 0-0

Head coach Todd Tilford has breathed some fire into the Green Dragons’ program, and the results have shown, with two consecutive seasons of 10+ wins and a District 4 AA championship last season, the first in Lewisburg’s history. The run didn’t stop there, as Lewisburg finished 14-1 and gave eventual PIAA AA champion West Catholic […]

Bayard Rustin WR Anthony Nash issues oral declaration to Duke

The Bayard Rustin Golden Knights have taken the District 1 landscape by storm since forming as a high school five years ago, rolling along to a 42-9 overall record in the last four seasons. While Rustin is known for running a Wing-T offensive attack and has produced a career 4,000-yard rusher already, the Knights aren’t […]

St. Joseph’s Prep QB Skyler Mornhinweg issues oral declaration to Penn State

Skyler Mornhinweg first raised eyebrows when, in July 2009, he issued an oral declaration to Stanford prior to the start of his sophomore season of high school. But after opening his recruitment back up, the Cardinal will not be benefitting from adding the services of the St. Joseph’s Prep High School athlete to its 2012 […]

Souderton RB/CB Javon White issues oral declaration to Villanova

The Souderton Indians are loaded at the skill positions for the coming season, returning their quarterback, three leading rushers and a tight end who was the team’s leading receiver. One of the Indians’ top returning running backs will be bound for a Division-1 FCS football program once his days at Souderton are over. Javon White, […]

Allentown Central Catholic QB Brendan Nosovitch issues oral declaration to South Carolina

The ringleader of Allentown Central Catholic’s wickedly efficient and effective spread offensive attack is taking his talents to the Southeastern Conference to continue his collegiate football career. Brendan Nosovitch, a 6’2, 200-pound dual-threat field general for Allentown Central Catholic High School, issued an oral declaration to South Carolina Tuesday, according to national recruiting service Scout.com. […]

Valley View TE/LB Nyeem Wartman issues oral declaration to Penn State

One of the Valley View Cougars top returning two-way athletes, tight end/linebacker Nyeem Wartman, has issued an oral declaration to continue playing football in the Big Ten Conference. The 6’3, 230-pound Wartman issued an oral declaration to Penn State Sunday, according to ESPN.com’s college football recruiting as well as reputable sources from the District 2 […]

Hershey FB/DT Harold Brantley issues oral declaration to Syracuse

Remember when the Chicago Bears lined up the hulking William “Refrigerator” Perry at fullback? The Hershey Trojans have their own, slightly smaller version of “The Fridge”, and he’ll be continuing his football career at the Division-1 level in the Big East Conference. Harold Brantley, a 6’3, 280-pound fullback/defensive tackle combination for the Mid Penn Conference […]

Exeter Township TE Christian Menet issues oral declaration to Eastern Michigan

The Exeter Township Eagles landed on the recruiting scene a season ago with placekicker Taylor Bertolet, who committed to Texas A&M. For the second consecutive year, the blue and white can lay claim to a Division-1 football prospect. Christian Menet, a 6’5, 238-pound tight end for the Eagles, issued an oral declaration to Eastern Michigan […]

Cumberland Valley DT Kyle Friend issues oral declaration to Temple

An interior defensive lineman from the Mid Penn Conference has issued a pre-season oral declaration to a program from the Mid-American Conference. Kyle Friend, a 6’2, 265-pound defensive tackle from Cumberland Valley High School, issued an oral declaration to Temple Tuesday, according to national recruiting service Scout.com. Friend’s profile on Scout only listed Temple as […]

Upper Perkiomen WR/KR Ronnie Gillespie issues oral declaration to Temple

The Temple Owls have fared quite well in attracting recruits from the southeastern portion of Pennsylvania for its 2012 recruiting class. Tuesday, the Mid-American Conference reps added a speed demon of a wide receiver from District 1. Ronnie Gillespie, a 5’9, 160-pound athlete, issued an oral declaration to Temple Tuesday, according to national recruiting service […]

Blue Mountain OT Jason Emerich issues oral declaration to Syracuse

A Big East program has received a declaration from an offensive lineman from District 11 in its 2012 recruiting class. Jason Emerich, a 6’4, 275-pound offensive tackle from Blue Mountain High School, issued an oral declaration to Syracuse Tuesday, according to national recruiting service Scout.com. The Orange were one of seven programs to offer the […]

Coatesville Area QB Manny Stocker issues oral declaration to North Carolina State

Six days ago, Kyle Kerrick gave Coatesville Area High School its first Division-1 prospect of the 2012 recruiting class when he issued an oral declaration to Michigan State. Now, make it two. Another offensive star for the red and black is going Division-1, too. Manny Stocker, a 6’3, 197-pound quarterback for the District 1 representative […]

Bishop McDevitt LB Brock Dean issues oral declaration to Maryland

One of the Bishop McDevitt Crusaders’ top returning defensive players has issued his pre-season declaration to a Division-1 program in the Atlantic Coast Conference. Brock Dean, a 6’1, 220-pound linebacker for Bishop McDevitt High School, issued an oral declaration to Maryland Friday during a ceremony at the Manada Golf Course in Grantville, according to national […]

Lancaster Catholic OT Adam DePietro issues oral declaration to Northwestern

Most of the activity involving pre-season oral declarations to date has come from southeastern Pennsylvania (16) and the WPIAL (seven). District 3 is now getting into the act, as one of the district’s top offensive linemen, regardless of classification, has made his college choice. Adam DePietro, a 6’5, 270-pound offensive tackle for Lancaster Catholic High […]

Boyertown OT Chris Muller issues oral declaration to Rutgers

The number of Division-1 prospect declarations from the Keystone State’s 2012 recruiting class has now hit 25 – and the latest declaration comes from an athlete who may be the best returning offensive tackle in the entire Pioneer Athletic Conference. Chris Muller, a 6’6, 300-pound offensive tackle for Boyertown High School, issued an oral declaration […]

Coatesville Area WR Kyle Kerrick issues oral declaration to Michigan State

A three-star wide receiver from Chester County will continue his football career in the Big Ten Conference. Kyle Kerrick, a 6’3, 185-pound wide receiver for the Red Raiders of Coatesville Area High School, issued an oral declaration to the Michigan State Spartans Tuesday evening, according to national recruiting service Scout.com. Including the Spartans, Kerrick held […]

Neshaminy TE/DE Kiser Terry issues oral declaration to Temple

The Neshaminy Redskins figure to be among the thick of things and competing for another berth in the District 1 AAAA championship this fall. And one of those returning Redskins can now add the phrase “Temple recruit” to his resume. Kiser Terry, a 6’3, 220-pound tight end/defensive end combination for the Langhorne-based program, issued an […]

Blue Mountain OT Jason Emerich up to 7 D-1 offers

The Blue Mountain Eagles have progressed nicely in shifting from a traditional Wing-T offensive attack to the multiple-I offensive philosophy of head coach Mike Brennan, coming within one win of the Berks Inter-County Conference Section 2 championship last season. One of the Eagles who helped to pave the way for that productive 2010 offensive unit […]

Germantown RB/DB William Parks issues oral declaration to Pittsburgh

For the second time this week, a Philadelphia Public League athlete has issued an oral declaration to a Division-1 football program. William Parks, a 6’1, 175-pound running back/defensive back combination for Germantown High School, issued an oral declaration to Pittsburgh Saturday, according to national recruiting service Scout.com. The Panthers were one of six total FBS […]

BOMBS AWAY: Ohio blasts Pennsylvania in 54th Big-33 Football Classic

HERSHEY, Pa. – For Ohio head coach Matt Dennison (New Philadelphia), it was his first-ever trip to Hershey. The man placed in charge of the Buckeye State all-stars for the 54th Big-33 Football Classic had previously coached in Ohio’s esteemed North/South game, but hadn’t experienced the Big-33 game until Saturday. “Boy, what a week,” Dennison […]

Malvern Prep OG Michael Mooney issues oral declaration to Virginia

For the second consecutive day, a Malvern Preparatory School senior-to-be has issued an oral declaration to continue playing football for a Division-1 program. Michael Mooney, a 6’5, 260-pound offensive guard for the Friars, issued an oral declaration to Virginia today, according to national recruiting services Scout.com and Rivals.com. Including the Cavaliers, Mooney received a total […]

Imhotep Charter WR/DB Shakur Nesmith issues oral declaration to Temple

Nine days after receiving a verbal scholarship offer from the Temple Owls, Imhotep Charter senior-to-be Shakur Nesmith has announced he will continue his career for the Mid American Conference rep Owls. Nesmith, a 6’4, 190-pound wide receiver for the Imhotep Charter Panthers, issued an oral declaration to Temple today, according to national recruiting service Scout.com […]

Palmyra LB Jon Hicks issues oral declaration to Connecticut

The first of Pennsylvania’s potential Division-1 prospects at linebacker in the 2012 recruiting class has announced where he will continue his football career. Jon Hicks, a 6’3, 235-pound linebacker for the Cougars of Palmyra High School, issued an oral declaration to Connecticut today, according to national recruiting services Scout.com and Rivals.com. The defending Big East […]

Malvern Prep OG Connor Mahoney issues oral declaration to Northwestern

The Northwestern Wildcats have already landed a Pennsylvania offensive lineman ranked nationally at his position – Upper St. Clair’s Ian Park – in this 2012 recruiting class. Tuesday night, the purple and white got a little richer, landing a second offensive lineman from the Keystone State. Connor Mahoney, a 6’4, 270-pound offensive guard from Malvern […]

Central Bucks South QB Matt Johns issues oral declaration to Virginia

A quarterback from southeastern Pennsylvania is now a Virginia Cavalier. Matt Johns, a 6’5, 200-pound senior-to-be for Warrington-based Central Bucks South High school, issued an oral declaration to Virginia Saturday, according to national recruiting service Rivals.com. The Cavs were the only program to offer the Titan field general, who also received interest from Boston College, […]

Central Bucks East DE Jake O’Donnell issues oral declaration to Miami (FL)

Pennsylvania’s 11th prospect to issue a pre-season oral declaration to a Division-1 football program is headed to the Atlantic Coast Conference. Jake O’Donnell, a 6’6, 235-pound defensive end for Central Bucks East High School, issued an oral declaration to the Miami Hurricanes Thursday evening, according to national recruiting service Scout.com. The Hurricanes were one of […]

Archbishop Wood OG Frank Taylor issues oral declaration to Boston College

The Boston College Eagles have grown quite adept at recruiting prospects in eastern Pennsylvania. The ACC program has landed one of the Keystone State’s, and nation’s, top prospects at offensive guard. Frank Taylor, a 6’3, 285-pound offensive guard, officially gave an oral declaration today to Boston College, according to national recruiting service Scout.com. In addition […]

Norristown RB/DB Brandon Shippen gives oral declaration to Temple

The Temple Owls have received another oral declaration from a suburban Philadelphia prep football player. Brandon Shippen, a 5’10, 170-pound running back/defensive back combination for Norristown High School, gave an oral declaration to Temple Monday, according to national recruiting service Scout.com. The Owls were the only program listed which had offered Shippen. Last week, national […]

Bangor Pius X QB A.J. Long attracts early D-1 interest

He may still have three full seasons left in his varsity football career, but Bangor Pius X sophomore-to-be A.J. Long is already turning heads in the world of Division-1 collegiate football. Long, a 6’0, 170-pound athlete, has received interest, but no verbal offers to date, from several Division-1 football programs, according to national recruiting services […]

Allentown Central Catholic QB Brendan Nosovitch up to 8 offers

Verbal scholarship offers are starting to pile up for Allentown Central’s Catholic’s talented field general Brendan Nosovitch. Nosovitch, a 6’2, 200-pound athlete, is up to eight verbal scholarship offers according to national recruiting service Rivals.com. Parties who have extended offers to Nosovitch include Clemson, Eastern Michigan, Georgia Tech, Maryland, Ohio, South Carolina, Temple and Virginia. […]

Archbishop Wood RB Brandon Peoples gives oral declaration to Temple

It did not take long for Archbishop Wood RB Brandon Peoples to pick where he’d like to continue his football career. Peoples, a 5’8, 180-pound athlete, issued an oral declaration to Temple Tuesday, according to national recruiting service Rivals.com, just days after securing a verbal scholarship offer from the Philadelphia-based school. The Owls were the […]

Stifling South defense corrals North in 10th annual Tri-County All-Star Game

MANHEIM, Pa. – Zach Zweizig had a lot on his mind Saturday night, but none of it had to do with postgame meal choice or preparations before enrolling at Lafayette College in the fall. No, the Wilson-West Lawn senior had a lot to worry about, and it lie on the wristband strapped to his left […]

Archbishop Wood C Brandon Arcidiacono has 14 D-1 offers

Another Division-1 prospect for Philadelphia Catholic League AAA powerhouse Archbishop Wood has surpassed the one-dozen offer mark. Brandon Arcidiacono, the Vikings’ 6’4, 250-pound center, currently holds a total of 14 verbal Division-1 scholarship offers (12 FBS, 2 FCS), according to national recruiting serivce Scout.com. Offering parties include Boston College, Central Florida, Cincinnati, Connecticut, Delaware, Miami […]

West Catholic RB David Williams receiving D-1 interest

One of West Catholic’s most dynamic returning skill position players could wind up being one of the state’s most sought-after recruit in the 2013 recruiting class. David Williams, a 6’1, 185-pound running back for the defending PIAA AA champion Burrs, has received interest, but no verbal offers, from six Division-1 programs, according to national recruiting […]

Lancaster Catholic OG Adam DePietro up to 9 D-1 offers

Lancaster Catholic offensive lineman Adam DePietro is one verbal scholarship offer shy of double-digits. The 6’4, 250-pound senior-to-be at offensive guard holds nine verbal Division-1 scholarship offers, including five from FBS programs, according to national recruiting services Scout.com and Rivals.com. DePietro has been offered by Boston College, Central Florida, Michigan State, North Carolina State Northwestern, […]

Pottsgrove OL Madison O’Connor attracts D-1 attention

The Pottsgrove Falcons have enjoyed quite a run these last five years, posting a 54-12 overall record (.818) and reaching a pair of District 1 AAA championship games. One of the new guys to the maroon and white’s recent run is OL Madison O’Connor, a rising junior-to-be helping to flatten opposing defenses for a lethal […]

New Hope-Solebury ATH Julian Kaminoff attracting FBS & FCS interest

After nearly six decades without football, gridiron action returned to New Hope-Solebury High School two seasons ago. One of the sparkplugs to the Lions in all three phases of the game since then has been multi-purpose athlete Julian Kaminoff. Kaminoff, a 5’11, 175-pound senior-to-be for the Lions, holds a verbal offer from Buffalo, according to […]

Council Rock South TE/DE P.J. Gallo holds 8 D-1 offers

Council Rock South is coming off of one of its best football seasons in school history, and among the athletes returning from the Golden Hawks’ 2010 edition is Division-1 prospect P.J. Gallo. Gallo, a 6’4, 235-pound tight end/defensive end combination, has received eight verbal Division-1 scholarship offers to date, according to national recruiting service Scout.com. […]

Pennsbury OT J.J. Denman gives oral declaration to Penn State

A Big-10 program has received an oral declaration from a four-star athlete who could easily be tabbed the best offensive lineman in all of District 1. J.J. Denman, a 6’6, 310-pound offensive tackle from Pennsbury High School, issued an oral declaration Wednesday evening to Penn State, according to national recruiting service Scout.com. Denman is the […]

Downingtown East OL gives oral declaration to Virginia Tech

One of Downingtown East’s offensive linemen has given an oral declaration to an Atlantic Coast Conference football power. Jack Willenbrock, a 6’4, 255-pound offensive guard from Downingtown East High School in Exton, has given an oral declaration to Viriginia Tech, according to national recruiting service Scout.com. The Hokies were the only program to extend a […]

West Catholic OL Dom DiGalbo racking up D-1 interest

The West Catholic Burrs figure to be one of the state’s best AA football teams when the 2011 season rolls around. One of those key returnees, offensive lineman Dom DiGalbo, is generating some attention from Division-1 FBS and even FCS programs. The 6’2, 245-pound DiGalbo has received interest, but no verbal scholarship offers, from a […]

Central Bucks South QB Matt Johns draws D-1 interest

Matt Johns is coming off what may be the quietest 1,500+-yard passing season in the state last season, but he’s not sneaking past the radars of some Division-1 football programs. Johns, a 6’5, 200-pound senior-to-be for the Warrington-based Titans, has received interest, but no verbal scholarship offers, from a quintet of Division-1 football programs, according […]

Cedar Cliff TE Adam Breneman (Class of ’13) up to 4 D-1 offers

Cedar Cliff’s Adam Breneman still has two full seasons of varsity football remaining in his career. But he’s really making a name for himself in the recruiting world. The 6’5, 220-pound Breneman already is up to four verbal scholarship offers, according to national recruiting services Scout.com and Rivals.com. Offering programs include Boston College, Notre Dame, […]

Steelton-Highspire QB Max Ward receiving D-1 attention

Though Steelton-Highspire currently holds the distinction of producing the state’s all-time leading rusher in Jeremiah Young, the Rollers are a team that likes to air things out and spread the field. The blue and silver already have one career 4,000-yard passer (former head coach Rob Deibler), just missed another in the middle of last decade […]

Palmyra LB Jon Hicks up to 2 D-1 offers

Jon Hicks, a standout linebacker from Palmyra High School, is one of 23 Keystone State linebackers that are potential Division-1 prospects in the 2012 recruiting class. Hicks, a 6’3, 235-pound athlete for the Cougars, has a pair of verbal D-1 scholarship offers to his credit – Connecticut and Temple – according to national recruiting service […]

Allentown Central Catholic QB Brendan Nosovitch holds trio of D-1 offers

Of all of the quarterbacks that have posted seasons of at least 1,000 yards each rushing and passing in the Keystone State, none had ever put up the numbers Brendan Nosovitch recorded last season. If Allentown Central Catholic’s dual-threat field general keeps at his current pace, he could go down as one of the greatest […]

Valley View TE/LB Nyeem Wartman up to 12 D-1 offers

Division-1 offers keep on rolling in for Valley View TE/LB Nyeem Wartman. The 6’3, 230-pound Wartman is now up to 12 verbal Division-1 offers, according to national recruiting services Scout.com and Rivals.com. Akron, Boston College, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Northwestern, North Carolina State, Penn State, Pitt, Rutgers, Syracuse and Temple have all offered the Cougars’ athlete, […]

Archbishop Wood TE Colin Thompson issues oral declaration to Florida

After accumulating 20 verbal Division-1 scholarship offers, Archbishop Wood tight end Colin Thompson has issued his oral declaration of his choice of where he will continue his football career. Thompson, a 6’5, 255-pound tight end, gave an oral declaration to Florida during a Thursday afternoon at Archbishop Wood High School, according to national recruiting service […]

Downingtown East RB Drew Harris hits 20 D-1 offers

Downingtown East RB Drew Harris has quite a solid number of verbal Division-1 scholarship offers to his credit. According to national recruiting service Scout.com, Harris is up to 20 verbal scholarship offers. Programs that have extended scholarship offers to Harris to date include Arkansas, Arizona State, Cincinnati, Florida State, Georgia Tech, Illinois, Kansas State, Kentucky, […]

Columbia WR/DB Mike Burke generating D-1 interest

The Columbia Crimson Tide have a few key pieces returning at the skill positions from last year’s District 3 Class A playoff-qualifying team. One of those skill pieces, senior-to-be Michael Burke, is racking up some Division-1 interest. Burke, a 6’2, 200-pound wide receiver/defensive back combination for the Crimson Tide, has received interest, but no verbal […]

Bloomsburg Area QB Blake Rankin gives oral declaration to Rutgers

For the second time within a three-day span, the Rutgers Scarlet Knights have received an oral declaration from a three-star gridiron prospect from the Keystone State. Blake Rankin, a 6’4, 195-pound senior-to-be for Bloomsburg Area High School, gave an oral declaration to Rutgers Saturday, according to national recruiting service Scout.com. The Scarlet Knights were the […]

Archbishop Wood RB Desmon Peoples gives oral declaration to Rutgers

The first of Archbishop Wood’s six potential Division-1 gridiron prospects has made his oral declaration of where he will continue his football career. Desmon Peoples, a 5’7, 175-pound running back for the three-time defending District 12 AAA champion Vikings, gave an oral declaration to Rutgers today during an afternoon ceremony at Archbishop Wood High School. […]

Cedar Cliff TE Adam Breneman attracts D-1 interest

It didn’t seem to matter whether Tim Kelly or Tyler Orris were throwing the passes in Cedar Cliff’s two-quarterback platoon last season. Adam Breneman seemed to be catching everything. Now, the Colts’ junior-to-be is catching the attention of several Division-1 football programs. The 6’5, 220-pound Breneman already has a verbal scholarship offer from Boston College […]

North Schuylkill OL Jonathan Green generating D-1 interest

The North Schuylkill Spartans have had quite an impressive run the last two seasons, reaching consecutive District 11 AA championship games. One of the athletes helping to pave the way for NS’ potent offensive attack is potential Division-1 prospect Jonathan Green. Green, a 6’3, 290-pound offensive guard, has received interest, but no verbal scholarship offers, […]

Mechanicsburg TE/LB Bryton Barr receiving D-1 interest

One of District 3’s top returning tacklers is Mechanicsburg linebacker Bryton Barr. Division-1 football programs are certainly noticing Barr’s ability and potential. Mechanicsburg’s 6’0, 220-pound tight end/linebacker combination has received interest or verbal offers from 12 Division-1 programs, according to national recruiting services Scout.com and Rivals.com. Barr presently holds an offer from Temple and has […]

Boyertown OL Chris Muller up to 17 D-1 offers

In terms of number of scholarship offers, Boyertown’s Chris Muller, a 6’6, 300-pound senior-to-be, is the second-highest recruited offensive lineman in the Keystone State’s 2012 class, trailing only Pennsbury’s J.J. Denman (25 total offers). Muller is up to 17 verbal scholarship offers, according to national recruiting services Scout.com and Rivals.com. His offer list includes the […]

Central Dauphin RB Zayd Issah generating D-1 interest

Central Dauphin junior-to-be Zayd Issah was one of several productive sophomore running backs to emerge in District 3 last season, including Lancaster Catholic’s Roman Clay and Trinity’s Adam Geiger. And the Rams’ feature back is already picking up some interest from Division-1 programs. The 6’3, 205-pound Issah has received interest, but no verbal offers, from […]

Coatesville Area WR Kyle Kerrick up to 3 D-1 offers

The Coatesville Area Red Raiders are experiencing a resurgence under head coach Matt Ortega, the former head coach at William Penn High School in York. And while Ortega is a fan of a more run-centric style of offense, his top returning wide receiver, Kyle Kerrick, is attracting some Division-1 offers and interest. The 6’3, 185-pound […]

Archbishop Wood OL Frank Taylor up to 9 D-1 offers

Division-1 scholarship offers have kept rolling in for Archbishop Wood offensive lineman Frank Taylor. The 6’4, 285-pound Taylor holds a total of nine verbal Division-1 scholarship offers, according to national recruiting service Scout.com. Taylor has been offered by Boston College, Illinois, Michigan State, Pittsburgh, Purdue, Rutgers, Syracuse, Temple and West Virginia, and has received interest […]

Valley View TE/LB Nyeem Wartman up to 7 D-1 offers

The Valley View Cougars figure to be one of the better teams in the landscape of District 2 AAA competition in the coming season. One of the key returning pieces to the Cougars’ possible run toward a District football crown is senior-to-be Nyeem Wartman. The 6’3, 230-pound Wartman has seven verbal Division-1 offers to his […]

Loyalsock Township LB Mike Kinney receives D-1 interest

Linebacker Mike Kinney has been a wrecking ball of an athlete on defense for Loyalsock Township since his freshman season when the Lancers claimed the Eastern Conference AA football championship. Now, Division-1 football programs are starting to take notice. Kinney has received interest, but no offers, from five Division-1 programs according to national recruiting service […]

Lancaster Catholic OL Adam DePietro holds 6 D-1 offers

Pennsylvania boasts a total of 25 offensive linemen or tight end prospects in its 2012 recruiting class that are attracting Division-1 offers/interest. One of those 25 athletes is Lancaster Catholic’s Adam DePietro. The 6’4, 250-pound senior-to-be holds six verbal Division-1 scholarship offers, including five from FBS programs, according to national recruiting service Scout.com. DePietro has […]

Roman Catholic QB Michael Keir attracting D-1 attention

He may only be entering his junior season in the fall, but one Philadelphia Catholic League quarterback is already making an impression and attracting Division-1 interest. Michael Keir, a 6’2, 220-pound junior-to-be at Roman Catholic High School, has received interest, but no verbal scholarship offers, from nine Division-1 football programs, according to national recruiting service […]

Bishop McDevitt LB Brock Dean begins receiving D-1 attention

Five-star prospect Noah Spence has received quite the boatload of Division-1 attention and offers to date, but he’s not the only Bishop McDevitt Crusader generating interest from the collegiate ranks. Brock Dean is starting to generate some attention as well. Dean, a 6’1, 215-pound running back/linebacker combination picked up a verbal offer from Temple over the […]

Allentown Central Catholic WR Kevin Gulyas receives D-1 attention

The 2010 edition of the Allentown Central Catholic Vikings produced one of the most dynamic and fun-to-watch spread offenses this state has ever seen. While dual-threat quarterback Brendan Nosovitch generates lots of press and lots of ink (and rightfully so), there are several additional components to the ACC arsenal critical to their success. One of […]

Upper Perkiomen WR Ronnie Gillespie receiving D-1 interest

Despite finishing the 2010 season with a sub-.500 record, Upper Perkiomen boasted a pretty potent offensive arsenal that averaged more than 28 points per game, featuring a pair of 1,000-yard rushers, a 1,500-yard passer and a 1,000-yard receiver. One of those key returning offensive pieces, wide receiver Ronnie Gillespie, is attracting Division-1 interest. The 5’9, […]

Downingtown East RB Drew Harris up to 10 D-1 offers

Downingtown East RB Drew Harris recently crossed into the double-digits in terms of Division-1 scholarship offers. According to Scout.com, Harris is up to 10 verbal scholarship offers, including Georgia Tech, Illinois, Miami (FL), Penn State, Pitt, Rutgers, South Carolina, Temple, Virginia Tech and West Virginia. Scout, as well as Rivals.com, combine to list other Division-1 […]

Red Lion QB Tanner Klinefelter attracting D-1 interest

One of Red Lion’s top returning players in 2011 has been generating Division-1 attention. Tanner Klinefelter, the Lions’ 6’2, 185-pound field general, has received interest, but no verbal scholarship offers, from seven Division-1 programs, according to national recruiting service Scout.com. Klinefelter has received interest from Boston College, Maryland, Penn State, Rutgers, Syracuse, Temple and West […]

Archbishop Wood TE Colin Thompson up to 15 D-1 offers

Scholarship offers keep on rolling in for Archbishop Wood tight end Colin Thompson. At present, Thompson has now accumulated 15 Division-1 scholarship offers, according to national recruiting service Scout.com. Thompson has been offered by Alabama, Boston College, Cincinnati, Florida, Michigan State, North Carolina, Northwestern, Penn State, Pitt, Purdue, Rutgers, South Carolina, Stanford, Syracuse, Tennessee and […]

Archbishop Wood OL Frank Taylor up to 5 D-1 offers

These days, it would not be hard to confuse the Archbishop Wood Vikings as a collegiate football team. With plenty of talent and a sizeable offensive line, the black and yellow have locked the southeastern portion of Pennsylvania in a stranglehold since gaining PIAA eligibility three years ago. One of the Vikings’ plethora of potential […]

Ridley RB Jalen Randolph receiving D-1 attention

The Ridley Green Raiders are one of those programs few outsiders know a lot about, save for the fact the program is Pennsylvania’s winningest (in terms of percentage of games won), has produced two 200-game winning coaches (Phil Marion & Joe McNicholas) and played in three PIAA semifinals (1990, 2007, 2009). But it will be […]

West Catholic OL Mike Makur receiving D-1 attention

West Catholic had itself quite a memorable 2010 season, winning the school’s first PIAA football championship with an utterly dominating performance. 2011 could figure to shape up much the same way for the Burrs, who return several key pieces from their state championship team, including potential Division-1 prospect Mike Makor. Makor, a 6’3, 310-pound athlete […]

Archbishop Wood TE Colin Thompson up to 10 D-1 offers

Pennsylvania boasted two talented prospects at tight end in its 2011 recruiting class in Oil City’s Ben Koyack and Downingtown East’s Tyler Kroft. Pennsylvania’s 2012 recruiting class includes one of the nation’s top tight end prospects in Archbishop Wood’s Colin Thompson. Thompson, a 6’5, 255-pound senior-to-be, has received 10 Division-1 verbal scholarship offers to date, […]

Pennsbury OL J.J. Denman up to 13 D-1 offers

The Pennsbury Falcons may be able to lay claim to having the Keystone State’s top offensive line prospect in senior-to-be J.J. Denman. The 6’6, 310-pound tackle now has more than a dozen Division-1 verbal scholarship offers to his credit – 13, to be exact – according to national recruiting service Scout.com. Denman’s list of offers […]

Bloomsburg QB Blake Rankin generating Division-1 interest

It is safe to say 2010 was “the year of the quarterback” across the District 4 AA landscape. Consider that Towanda produced 1,000/1,000 quarterback Cody Miller; Danville’s Andrew Andreychik threw 32 touchdown passes; Lewisburg’s Camden Cassels helped lead the Dragons to a school-record 14 wins. But don’t forget about the Bloomsburg Panthers. They have Division-1 […]

Downingtown East RB Drew Harris up to 4 D-1 offers

The Downingtown East Cougars have posted consecutive seasons of at least nine victories and 400 points scored, and one of the reasons for their success has been the performance of D-1 prospect running back Drew Harris. Harris, a 6’1, 200-pound senior-to-be for the Exton-based Cougars, is up to four verbal scholarship offers from Division-1 football […]

Funkster’s Fab 40 Statewide Rankings – FINAL 2010 POLL

The final 2010 installment of Funkster’s Fab 40 statewide rankings include the team, geographic district, and final 2010 season record. Teams listed as honorable mentions are arranged in numerical order by geographic district. AAAA: 1. North Allegheny (7, 15-1) 2. La Salle College High School (12, 13-2) 3. North Penn (1, 13-2) 4. Pittsburgh Central […]

MERCY, PLEASE: West Catholic drops half a hundred on South Fayette to claim PIAA gold

HERSHEY, Pa. – High atop Section 26 of the visitors side of seating at HersheyPark Stadium, a group of South Fayette youth could be seen running back and forth across empty rows of bleachers during the second half of Saturday’s PIAA AA state championship game. It was eerily similar to what was going on down […]

Bishop McDevitt….

PIAA AAA STATE CHAMPIONSHIP PREVIEW – Bishop McDevitt (13-2) Harrisburg has waited for this moment for quite some time. The city watched as the Steelton-Highspire football community celebrated consecutive PIAA championships in 2007 and 2008. It watched as Lancaster-Lebanon League representatives Manheim Central and Lancaster Catholic reached the state finals last year, finishing 1-1. It […]

North Allegheny….

PIAA AAAA STATE CHAMPIONSHIP PREVIEW – North Allegheny (14-1) It only took six years, but North Allegheny head coach Art Walker is back on the PIAA’s biggest stage – the AAAA state championship game. Take a jog down memory lane, if you will, to the 2003 and 2004 PIAA finals when Walker guided Pittsburgh Central […]

Allentown Central Catholic….

PIAA AAA STATE CHAMPIONSHIP PREVIEW – Allentown Central Catholic (15-0) Isn’t it fun sometimes to turn on a football video game, say maybe NCAA ’10, and play an entire season with a juggernaut football team just to see what stats and numbers you can pile up? But the difference is, that’s a video game. The […]

LaSalle College High School….

PIAA AAAA STATE CHAMPIONSHIP PREVIEW – LaSalle College High School (13-1) Championship teams don’t rebuild. They reload. Many apologies from this writer for beginning with an old and tired sports cliche, but for this edition of the LaSalle College High School Explorers, it is a fairly appropriate statement. After the Explorers claimed the Philadelphia Catholic […]

Taylor-Riverside….

PIAA A STATE CHAMPIONSHIP PREVIEW – Taylor-Riverside (14-1) What seemed to happen with constant regularity once is now something to be treasured. From 1988 until 1997, it seemed that District 2 was a regular participant in PIAA championship games, making 13 appearances in that span and winning 10 titles. But suddenly, those District 2 appearances […]

West Catholic….

PIAA AA STATE CHAMPIONSHIP PREVIEW – West Catholic (12-2) Heartbreak. That could best describe West Catholic’s first experience in the PIAA finals two years ago. The Burrs had it all – a record-setting scoring machine, a trio of 1,000-yard rushers, a quarterback heading to Penn State, a sizeable offensive line, and plenty of speed to […]

South Fayette….

PIAA AA STATE CHAMPIONSHIP PREVIEW – South Fayette (15-0) For the second consecutive year, a football team led by a record-setting quarterback has found its way to the PIAA AA championship game. Last year, it was Kyle Smith (now at Central Michigan) and his more than 8,500 career passing yards and 118 touchdowns gracing Hershey’s […]

Clairton….

PIAA A STATE CHAMPIONSHIP PREVIEW – Clairton (15-0) It may be official. In fact, it is official. The supply of superlatives to describe what the Clairton Bears’ defense (including both first string and reserves) has accomplished these last trio of years is running lower than the supply of ice in the Arctic. They’ve put up […]

HERSHEY BOUND: Bishop McDevitt rallies to defeat lighting-quick Cathedral Prep

DuBOIS, Pa. – Amid the postgame celebration, Bishop McDevitt senior quarterback Matt Johnson was running around the melee with a Santa hat in his hand. The red hats with the poofy white ball on the end are quite a common sight this time of year, as Christmas is not too far away. Moments earlier, Johnson […]

Funkster’s Fab 40 Statewide Rankings – Week 14

Week 14 rankings include the team, geographic district, season record and last week’s result. Teams listed as honorable mentions are arranged in numerical order by geographic district. AAAA: 1. LaSalle College (12, 12-1), def. Easton Area 19-7 2. North Penn (1, 13-1), def. Neshaminy 42-6 3. North Allegheny (7, 13-1), def. State College Area 21-6 […]

Cumberland Valley mercy rules Red Lion for 12th District 3 championship

HERSHEY, Pa. – To fully appreciate the feeling of winning a championship, you have to go through some seasons in the doldrums. That was Cumberland Valley head coach Tim Rimpfel’s feeling after his Eagles claimed their 10th District 3 AAAA football championship and 12th District crown overall. The 35-7 mercy-rule victory Saturday night in HersheyPark […]

Shamrocks’ 12-game win streak ends with loss to Lewisburg

HERSHEY, Pa. – The formula for success on the gridiron in Pennsylvania’s cold December weather is rather simple. First, hit a couple big, momentum-turning plays. Second, play some solid defense. Third, and most importantly, limit the mistakes. Lewisburg followed that formula to a tee. The Green Dragons (14-0) scored the first 28 points of the […]

Cumberland Valley claims 12th District 3 football championship

HERSHEY, Pa. – The Cumberland Valley Eagles are hoisting District 3 gold once again. The Eagles (12-2) successfully defended their 2009 District 3 AAAA championship with a dominating 35-7 victory over Red Lion Saturday evening from HersheyPark Stadium. Game story and final stats are forthcoming.

Holy Name can’t slow Bishop Carroll’s ground game

ALTOONA, Pa. – From Mansion Park Stadium’s pressbox, one can hear the whistles from passing freight trains on the Main Line, one of the busiest freight rail lines in Pennsylvania. The Holy Name defense ran into a freight train of a different sort – the Bishop Carroll ground game. And it was a freight train […]

Funkster’s Fab 40 Statewide Rankings – Week 13

Week 13 rankings include the team, geographic district, season record and last week’s result. Teams listed as honorable mentions are arranged in numerical order by geographic district. AAAA: 1. LaSalle College (12, 11-1), DNP Week 13 (playoff bye) 2. North Penn (1, 12-1), def. Council Rock South 28-14 3. North Allegheny (7, 12-1), def. Woodland […]

Phillipsburg defeats Easton, 3-0, in OT

EASTON, Pa. – The Easton Red Rovers have fallen to the Phillipsburg Stateliners, 3-0, in their annual Thanksgiving Day rivalry game. Story and stats are forthcoming.

EASTON GETS THE BOOT: Pburg wins 104th meeting with OT field goal

EASTON, Pa. – Anthony Castro has made longer field goals in his career for the Phillipsburg Stateliners. He’s already tied the school record long of 47 yards. Castro’s also kicked many other field goals in his time with the Stateliners. But in the rain and slush on Fisher Field’s turf, Castro kicked his way into […]

Funkster’s Fab 40 Statewide Rankings – Week 12

Week 12 rankings include the team, geographic district, season record and last week’s result. Teams listed as honorable mentions are arranged in numerical order by geographic district. AAAA: 1. LaSalle College (12, 11-1), def. Philadelphia Northeast 35-0 2. North Penn (1, 11-1), def. Downingtown East 49-33 3. North Allegheny (7, 11-1), def. Pittsburgh Central Catholic […]

Pennsylvania’s 1,000-yard backfield rushing duos, 2006-present

Here is a compilation of 1,000-yard backfield rushing duos, since 2006. There have been 65 backfields with a pair of 1,000-yard rushers in that span. Impressive? Sure. Nearly a third of the backfields on this list occured in 2008 – when there were 16 duos and one trio of 1,000-yard rushers in the state. Of […]

Funkster’s Fab 40 Statewide Rankings – Week 11

Week 11 rankings include the team, geographic district, season record and last week’s result. Teams listed as honorable mentions are arranged in numerical order by geographic district. AAAA: 1. Pittsburgh Central Catholic (7, 11-0), def. Gateway 10-0 2. LaSalle College (12, 10-1), def. Roman Catholic 35-16 3. North Penn (1, 10-1), def. Penn Wood 20-6 4. […]

PENNSYLVANIA’S TOP FRESHMAN PASSING QUARTERBACKS: Pius X’ gunslinger tops list

It appears Bangor Pius X freshman A.J. Long is all alone when it comes to passing yardage and touchdown passes in a freshman season. The Pius X field general has thrown for 2,633 yards and 27 touchdowns this season, putting him on a collision course for wicked good career passing totals should he continue producing […]

Funkster’s Fab 40 Statewide Rankings – Week 10

Week 10 rankings include the team, geographic district, season record and last week’s result. Teams listed as honorable mentions are arranged in numerical order by geographic district. AAAA: 1. Pittsburgh Central Catholic (7, 10-0), def. Pine-Richland 37-10 2. LaSalle College (12, 9-1), def. Father Judge 34-7 3. Ridley (1, 10-0), def. Upper Darby 14-7 4. North […]

Defense reigns supreme as McDevitt tops archrival Harrisburg

HARRISBURG, Pa. – There’s a large, white banner spanning Market Street a few blocks west of Bishop McDevitt High School that reads, “Be a friend, not a bully.” The sign is part of an anti-bullying campaign in Harrisburg area schools. But there was just one problem. Bishop McDevitt’s ferocious defense obviously was unaware of said […]

Funkster’s Fab 40 Statewide Rankings – Week 9

Week 9 rankings include the team, geographic district, season record and last week’s result. Teams listed as honorable mentions are arranged in numerical order by geographic district. AAAA: 1. Pittsburgh Central Catholic (7, 9-0), def. Fox Chapel 49-0 2. Ridley (1, 9-0), def. Garnet Valley 38-0 3. LaSalle College (12, 8-1), def. St. Joseph’s Prep 31-7 […]

Abington Heights defeats North Pocono to avenge ’09 loss

CLARKS SUMMIT, Pa. – Abington Heights’ senior back James Freuhan had the luck of escorting the lucky girl crowned as AH’s 2010 Homecoming queen. Had the Comets not awoke in the second half from a slight scare from a capable North Pocono Trojan team, AH may have lost its crown as one of the top […]

LaSalle ground attack punishes St. Joe’s Prep

PLYMOUTH MEETING, Pa. – The game of football is one of adjustments. Some are big adjustments and some are subtle. And sometimes, it’s the subtlest of adjustments that yield the biggest impact.Just ask LaSalle head coach Drew Gordon, who simply tweaked an offensive formation at halftime. “We switched from a double tight set to a […]

Danville rallies to down Bloomsburg

BLOOMSBURG, Pa. – For all that the Bloomsburg Panthers did to shut down Danville running back Anthony Sori for the first three and a half quarters, it would have been easy for #28 to get frustrated and not keep his head in the game. The Panthers’ speedster running back, who entered the game with more […]

Funkster’s Fab 40 Statewide Rankings – Week 8

Week 8 rankings include the team, geographic district, season record and last week’s result. Teams listed as honorable mentions are arranged in numerical order by geographic district. AAAA: 1. Pittsburgh Central Catholic (7, 8-0), def. Altoona Area 38-10 2. Ridley (1, 8-0), def. Radnor 42-0 3. LaSalle College (12, 7-1), def. Archbishop Ryan 41-0 4. North […]

Allentown Central Catholic QB could mark a state first

Allentown Central Catholic quarterback Brendan Nosovitch is wreaking more havoc in the Lehigh Valley in his junior season, guiding the Vikings to a 7-0 record. And Nosovitch has the potential to do something that no other quarterback in Pennsylvania football history has ever accomplished. With 1,391 passing yards and 663 rushing yards through ACC’s first […]

Funkster’s Fab 40 Statewide Rankings – Week 7

Week 7 rankings include the team, geographic district, season record and last week’s result. Teams listed as honorable mentions are arranged in numerical order by geographic district. AAAA: 1. Pittsburgh Central Catholic (7, 7-0), def. Gateway 21-7 2. Ridley (1, 7-0), def. Marple Newtown 46-21 3. LaSalle College (12, 6-1), def. Father Judge 42-14 4. […]

Funkster’s Fab 40 Statewide Rankings – Week 6

Week 6 rankings include the team, geographic district, season record and last week’s result. Teams listed as honorable mentions are arranged in numerical order by geographic district. AAAA: 1. Pittsburgh Central Catholic (7, 6-0), def. Plum 33-6 2. Ridley (1, 6-0), def. Conestoga 28-14 3. LaSalle College (12, 5-1), def. Neumann-Goretti 63-0 4. North Penn […]

Zephyrs’ perfect season derailed by Vikings

ALLENTOWN, Pa. – Whitehall placekicker Joshua Cirocco’s cleats were pretty distinctive – a bright shade of blue on a sideline decked in maroon and gold. Cirocco explained he had played in a soccer game earlier Saturday and didn’t have time to get a different pair of cleats. By the time the game clock at J. […]

Crusaders crush Colts

HARRISBURG, Pa. – It’s rare for Cedar Cliff head coach Jim Cantafio to turn down an interview request. But, sitting on the visitor’s bench behind Bishop McDevitt High School Saturday afternoon, the veteran taskmaster politely declined comment postgame. After what happened in the two-plus hours that preceded the polite declination, one would understand exactly why […]

Funkster’s Fab 40 Statewide Rankings – Week 4

Week 4 rankings include the team, geographic district, season record, and last week’s result. Teams listed as honorable mentions are arranged in numerical order by geographic district. AAAA: 1. Pittsburgh Central Catholic (7, 4-0), def. Woodland Hills 24-7 2. Ridley (1, 4-0), def. Springfield-Delco 32-0 3. Central Dauphin (3, 4-0), def. Mechanicsburg 38-3 4. North […]

SPIRIT OF GIVING DOOMS AVON GROVE…

SPIRIT OF GIVING DOOMS AVON GROVE: Shanahan forces 4 Red Devil turnovers, moves to 4-0 DOWNINGTOWN, Pa. – Christmas might be more than 80 days away, but both Avon Grove and Bishop Shanahan were in rather giving moods Saturday afternoon. Between seven combined turnovers, some missed opportunities and a blown 16-point lead, the only things […]

Funkster’s Fab 40 Statewide Rankings – Week 3

Week 3 rankings include the team, geographic district, season record, and last week’s result. Teams listed as honorable mentions are arranged in numerical order by geographic district. AAAA: 1. Pittsburgh Central Catholic (7, 3-0), def. Kiski Area 48-14 2. Ridley (1, 3-0), def. Haverford Township 39-3 3. Central Dauphin (3, 3-0), def. Delaware Valley 35-12 […]

Susquehanna Township “bedeviled” by Greencastle-Antrim

SUSQUEHANNA TOWNSHIP, Pa. – As Susquehanna Township sophomore speedster Colby Grant awaited the second half kickoff, one of his teammates shouted out, “Take it to the crib!” The crib? “Yeah, the crib,” the player said. Greencastle-Antrim, however, did more than just take it to the crib. They took it right to Susquehanna Township using a […]

Funkster’s Fab 40 Statewide Rankings – Week 2

Week 2 rankings include the team, geographic district, season record, and last week’s result. Teams listed as honorable mentions are arranged in numerical order by geographic district. AAAA: 1. Cumberland Valley (3, 2-0), def. Central York 30-0 2. Pittsburgh Central Catholic (7, 2-0), def. Bethel Park 24-3 3. Ridley (1, 2-0), def. Lower Merion 33-0 […]

Funkster’s Fab 40 Statewide Rankings – Week 1

Week 1 rankings include the team, geographic district, season record, and last week’s result. Teams listed as honorable mentions are arranged in numerical order by geographic district. AAAA: 1. Cumberland Valley (3, 1-0), def. Red Lion 45-6 2. LaSalle College (12, 1-0), def. North Penn 27-14 3. Pittsburgh Central Catholic (7, 1-0), def. Akron Buchtel […]

Funkster’s Fab 40 Statewide Rankings

Pre-season rankings for the 2010 season include only the teams ranked and their respective geographic district. Teams listed as honorable mentions are arranged in numerical order by geographic district. EasternPAFootball.com & WesternPAFootball.net statewide rankings will be updated throughout the season the Monday of each week by site reporter Josh Funk. AAAA: 1. Woodland Hills (7) […]

East Stroudsburg South CB Kyshoen Jarrett verbally commits to Pitt

The Pitt Panthers have landed yet another four-star recruit in their 2011 recruiting class – the latest coming from eastern Pennsylvania. Kyshoen Jarrett, a RB/CB for East Stroudsburg South High School, verbally committed to Pitt today during a press conference at his school, according to EasternPAFootball.com’s David Mika. Jarrett chose Pitt over Penn State, among […]

LaSalle College’s Jamal Abdur-Rahman verbally commits to Villanova

It would be sufficient to say the Villanova Wildcats have had a pretty good week. After landing a verbal commitment from Whitehall QB Chris Polony, the Wildcats have now landed one of the Philadelphia Catholic League’s better multi-purpose running backs. Jamal Abdur-Rahman, an RB/CB for LaSalle College High School, verbally committed to Villanova today, according […]

Avon Grove FB/LB Brendan McLaughlin…

Avon Grove FB/LB Brendan McLaughlin transfers to Cardinal O’Hara One of southeastern Pennsylvania’s top returning fullbacks has bid his Chester County high school adieu for a Philadelphia Catholic League school. Brendan McLaughlin, a 6’0, 205-pound fullback who helped Avon Grove to its best football season in school history a year ago, has transferred to Cardinal […]

Delaware Valley Charter WR Brad Wilson receiving D-1 attention

One of the Philadelphia Public League’s top returning receivers (statistically speaking) has been generating some Division-1 interest. Brad Wilson, a 5’10, 173-pound receiver from Delaware Valley Charter, has received interest, but no scholarship offers, from four Division-1 programs – Cincinnati, Ohio State, Penn State and Temple – according to his profile on Scout.com. Wilson was […]

Cardinal O’Hara RB/WR Adam Dempsey generating D-1 AA interest

One of Cardinal O’Hara’s key returning skill position players has received offers from some Division-1 FCS (formerly Division-1 AA schools). Adam Dempsey, a 5’10, 185-pound running back/wide receiver combination, has received offers from New Hampshire, Towson, and Villanova, according to Scout.com. Offers from D-1 FCS schools differ only in terminology – they are called “grant-in-aid” […]

Father Judge QB Tony Smith generating D-1 interest

Tony Smith, a senior-to-be who will be entering his third year as the starting varsity quarterback at Father Judge High School, has been receiving some Division-1 interest, according to Scout.com. To date, Smith has received interest, but no offers, from seven Division-1 programs – UCONN, Georgia, Illinois, Pitt, Rutgers, Syracuse and Temple, according to Scout. […]

West Catholic will boast a bevy of talented WRs on its 2010 team

New West Catholic field general Anthony Reid will have quite a number of talented receivers to throw to this coming season, as the Burrs boast three wide receivers (David Sherman, Jaelen Strong-Rankin, Quran Kent) and a tight end (Jim Lynch) who are all potential Division-1 prospects. Sherman came to West Catholic with Reid when North […]

Red Lion OL Andrew Zeller verbally commits to Maryland

The Maryland Terrapins have landed an offensive lineman from south central Pennsylvania as part of its 2011 recruiting class. Andrew Zeller, a 6’5, 280-pound offensive tackle for Red Lion High School in York County, verbally committed to Maryland Thursday, according to Rivals.com. Rivals rated Zeller as a three-star prospect and ranked him as the 22nd-best […]

Penn Wood DE Shawn Oakman verbally…

Penn Wood DE Shawn Oakman verbally commits to Penn State The Penn State Nittany Lions have landed one of Pennsylvania’s top defensive line prospects in the 2011 recruiting class. Shawn Oakman, a 6’9, 245-pound defensive end, verbally committed to Penn State today, according to Scout.com. Oakman had seven total scholarship offers (including Penn State) – […]

George Washington WR-DB Daquan Cooper…

George Washington WR-DB Daquan Cooper verbally commits to Temple Temple has landed its second commitment in just five days time from Philadelphia’s George Washington High School. Daquan Cooper, a 5’10, 165-pound wide receiver/defensive back, verbally committed to Temple Monday, according to Scout.com. Temple was Cooper’s only scholarship offer – he’d also generated interest from Big […]

Bishop McDevitt QB Matt Johnson verbally commits to Bowling Green

Bishop McDevitt’s talented field general Matt Johnson has verbally committed to Bowling Green today (June 25), according to reports published by Andy Shay of the Harrisburg Patriot-News. Johnson is the second Keystone State prospect in the recruiting class of 2011 to commit to a Mid American Conference program this week – George Washington’s TE/OLB Brandon […]

George Washington TE/OLB Brandon Chudnoff…

George Washington TE/OLB Brandon Chudnoff verbally commits to Temple Philadelphia Public League representative George Washington has turned out its fair share of Division-1 recruits, most notably Sharrif Floyd, who will continue his collegiate football career at Florida. Wednesday, the Eagles’ first prospect in their 2011 class gave his verbal commitment, and he’s sticking around the […]

Downingtown East TE Tyler Kroft verbally commits to Rutgers

Pennsylvania already had seen its top tight end prospect of the 2011 recruiting class make a verbal commitment earlier in the year (Oil City’s Ben Koyack committed to Notre Dame in April). Now, another top tight end prospect, this from the eastern half of the state, has made his verbal commitment to a Division-1 program. […]

Ohio rallies to defeat Pennsylvania in Big-33 Classic

HERSHEY, Pa. – For three quarters of Saturday’s Big-33 game, the only hot stuff was coming courtesy of the air temperature. In the final stanza, both the Pennsylvania and Ohio all-stars caught fire, trading big play after big play after big, momentum-swinging play. But it was the Buckeye State stars that emerged the victors. Ohio […]

Northeast DE Deion Barnes up to 13 Division-1 offers

Deion Barnes, one of the Keystone State’s top prospects among defensive ends, had added scholarship offers from Duke and Purdue this week, according to Scout.com, bringing his total number of Division-1 scholarship offers to 13. In addition to scholarship offers from Duke and Purdue, Barnes also holds offers from Georgia, Louisville, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Penn […]

Dunmore OL Paul Gaughan up to 13 Division-1 offers

The list of potential suitors for Dunmore OL Paul Gaughan keeps on growing – and presently, Dunmore’s senior-to-be has seen his list of Division-1 offers swell to over a dozen. According to Scout.com, Gaughan is up to 13 Division-1 offers – Akron, Boston College, Buffalo, Florida International, Illinois, Indiana, Kent State, Maryland, Northwestern, Stanford, Syracuse, […]

Conestoga WR Dexter Bridge receiving D-1 offers, interest

When you think of District 1 “AAAA” representative Conestoga High School, chances are the thought of progressive offensive attacks and a potent passing game come to mind. A leading returning receiver for Conestoga is generating some Division-1 interest and even has a pair of scholarship offers. Dexter Bridge, a 6’2, 185-pound senior-to-be, has received scholarship […]

West Catholic QB Anthony Reid generating D-1 interest

The 2010 edition of the West Catholic Burrs is absolutely brimming over with talent – and one of those players is its newest field general. Quarterback Anthony Reid, who directed Philadelphia Northeast Catholic’s offense last season as a junior before the school ceased operations, has received interest, but no offers, from four Division-1 programs – […]

Council Rock North ATH Brandon Cottom verbally commits to Purdue

Council Rock North athlete Brandon Cottom has made a decision where he will continue playing college football. Cottom, a 6’2, 225-pound senior-to-be, verbally committed to Purdue Monday, according to Scout.com. Cottom is Pennsylvania’s seventh player to make a verbal commitment from the 2011 recruiting class, and the second of which to commit to the Boilermakers. […]

Dallastown Area WR/LB Ben Kline verbally…

Dallastown Area WR/LB Ben Kline verbally commits to Pitt The Pitt Panthers have landed their second verbal commitment from the Keystone State – and both have come from south central Pennsylvania. Ben Kline, a WR/LB for Dallastown High School, verbally committed to Pitt today, according to Rivals.com. Kline’s profile on Rivals listed nine other scholarship […]

Oil City TE #71 among Rivals Top-100; Kyshoen Jarrett, Jameel Poteat & Terrell Chestnut among Rivals’ class of 2011 Top-250

Only one Pennsylvania athlete graces Rivals.com’s top 100 list of prospects for the 2011 recruiting class – Oil City Area TE Ben Koyack. The 6’5, 230-pound Koyack checks in at #71. Rivals.com released its list of the top-100 prospects in the 2011 recruiting class yesterday. Koyack racked up close to 20 Division-1 offers before committing […]

North stifles South in Tri-County All-Star Game

MANHEIM, Pa. – It had been a while since the North last tasted victory in the Manheim Touchdown Club’s Tri-County All-Star Game. After running off four consecutive victories in the first four years of the series, the North watched the South claim the following four games, evening the series at four wins apiece. Saturday night […]

Red Lion OL Andrew Zeller up to 4 D-1 offers

An offensive lineman at Red Lion High School is up to four Division-1 offers. Andrew Zeller, a 6’5, 280-pound senior-to-be, has scholarship offers from Duke, Maryland, Oregon and Rutgers, according to his profile on Rivals.com. Zeller has also generated interest from schools like UCONN, Georgia Tech, Illinois, Pitt, Temple and Vanderbilt, according to Rivals. Zeller […]

Northeast DE Deion Barnes adds scholarship offers from Georgia, Minnesota

Philadelphia Northeast’s Deion Barnes has added two additional scholarship offers, bringing his total to 10, according to Rivals.com. Barnes has added offers from Georgia and Minnesota, according to Rivals.com. Barnes already had scholarship offers from Louisville, Maryland, Michigan, Penn State, Pitt, South Carolina, Virginia and West Virginia. Earlier in the year, Barnes’ profile on Rivals […]

LaSalle RB Jamal Abdur-Rahman receiving D-1 attention

LaSalle College High School generates a lot of attention because it has produced quarterback after quarterback with gaudy career passing statistics. But it would be a mistake to overlook what the Explorers can do in the rushing department – especially with a running back like Jamal Abdur-Rahman in the backfield. Abdur-Rahman is generating some Division-1 […]

Dunmore DT Jerry Hubshman receiving D-1 interest

One of Dunmore’s offensive linemen, Paul Gaughan, has received Division-1 attention and some scholarship offers. One of the Bucks’ returning defensive linemen is generating quite a lot of Division-1 interest and attention also. Jerry Hubshman, a 6’4, 260-pound defensive tackle for Dunmore, has received interest, but no scholarship offers, from 10 Division-1 programs, according to […]

Bishop McDevitt QB Matt Johnson boasts trio of D-1 offers

About a week ago, Bishop McDevitt quarterback Matt Johnson didn’t have any Division-1 offers. Things can change very quickly, especially in the world of recruiting. Johnson, a 6’0, 194-pound senior to be, now possesses a trio of offers, from Bowling Green, Miami-OH and Temple, according to his profile on Rivals.com. Johnson has also received interest […]

Avon Grove FB Brendan McLaughlin generating D-1 interest

The Avon Grove Red Devils fielded one of its best teams in school history last year as the West Grove-based school advanced all the way to the District 1 “AAAA” semifinals. One of Avon Grove’s top returning players is also a potential Division-1 prospect. Brendan McLaughlin, a 6’0, 205-pound senior-to-be, has generated interest, but no […]

Cumberland Valley’s Kevin Snyder verbally commits to Rutgers

Cumberland Valley’s most versatile returning athlete has made a verbal commitment to Rutgers, according a blog report by Eddie O’Brien (a.k.a. Joe Cleezy) of Pennlive.com. The link to his report is provided here: http://blog.pennlive.com/joecleezy/2010/05/cumberland_valleys_kevin_snyde.html Kevin Snyder, a running back/linebacker for the Eagles, committed to Rutgers Friday evening. Snyder’s profile on Rivals.com also listed offers from […]

Central Dauphin OL/DL Artie Rowell verbally commits to Pitt

Central Dauphin OL/DL Artie Rowell (6’2, 296 lbs.) made a verbal commitment to the University of Pittsburgh today, according to Rivals.com. Rowell’s choice came down to two final schools – Pitt and Northwestern. Rowell also had a scholarship offer from Temple. A source from a recruiting service told me earlier in the week that Rowell […]

Central Dauphin OL Artie Rowell pares list to Pitt, Northwestern

Central Dauphin offensive lineman Artie Rowell has narrowed his list of Division-1 suitors to just two, according to his profile on Rivals.com. The two lucky schools are Pitt and Northwestern. Rowell also had an offer from Temple and interest from Duke and Rutgers, according to Rivals. Rowell is a 6’2, 296-pound senior-to-be, and he played […]

Cumberland Valley’s Kevin Snyder up to 4 D-1 offers

Cumberland Valley’s Kevin Snyder had a fantastic all-around season for the Eagles in 2009. Snyder is also a potential Division-1 prospect. Cumberland Valley’s best returning all-around athlete is up to four Division-1 offers, according to his profile on Rivals.com. Army, Iowa, Rutgers and West Virginia have all offered Snyder a scholarship, and UCONN, Northwestern, Pitt […]

Delaware Valley OL Brandon Clemons up to 7 D-1 offers

Delaware Valley, a District 2 “AAAA” school located in Milford, has landed on the Division-1 recruiting map, as one of the Warriors’ returning offensive linemen is receiving a good deal of Division-1 interest. Brandon Clemons, a 6’4, 255-pound offensive guard for Delaware Valley, is up to seven Division-1 offers, according to his profile on Rivals.com. […]

Council Rock North’s Brandon Cottom generating D-1 offers, interest

For the second consecutive season, Council Rock North boasts an all-purpose athlete that is a potential Division-1 prospect. Last year, that all-purpose athlete was dual threat quarterback Tyler Hamilton. This year, it’s running back Brandon Cottom. Brandon Cottom, a 6’2, 233-pound senior-to-be for the Indians, has a trio of Division-1 offers to his name and […]

Downingtown East TE Tyler Kroft up to 8 D-1 offers

One of Pennsylvania’s top prospects in the Class of 2011, Oil City tight end Ben Koyack, has already made a verbal commitment to Notre Dame. But there’s another prospect at tight end that’s generating considerable Division-1 interest – Downingtown East’s Tyler Kroft. Kroft has received eight Division-1 offers to date, according to his profile on […]

Northeast DE Deion Barnes up to 8 D-1 offers

Philadelphia Northeast High School has produced a couple of Division-1 football prospects in Malik (QB) & Je’Ron Stokes (WR). When Je’Ron Stokes was recruited, he was one of Pennsylvania’s more sought-after wide receivers. Now, a defensive player for the Vikings is a potential Division-1 prospect. Deion Barnes, a 6’5, 220-pound senior-to-be, has received eight Division-1 […]

East Stroudsburg South DB Kyshoen Jarrett adds offers from Duke, Stanford & Vanderbilt

The D-1 offers keep on coming for East Stroudsburg South DB Kyshoen Jarrett. The 5’11, 175-pound senior-to-be has added offers from Duke, Stanford, and Vanderbilt, according to his profile on Rivals.com. Jarrett already had a dozen scholarship offers, including schools like Cincinnati, Illinois, Michigan, Michigan State, Pitt and Virginia. Jarrett did a little bit of […]

Cardinal O’Hara QB Ryan Laughlin generating Division-1 interest

Cardinal O’Hara has a quarterback that could be a Division-1 prospect. Ryan Laughlin, a 6’2, 200-pound senior-to-be, has received interest, but no offers, from seven Division-1 schools, according to his profile on Rivals.com. Georgia, Illinois, Northwestern, Pitt, Purdue, South Carolina and Vanderbilt have all shown interest in the Lions’ field general. Laughlin helped lead O’Hara […]

Downingtown West Wide Receiver Louis Smith receiving significant Division one interest

Downingtown West has been known to produce football teams with quality and balanced offensive attacks mixing the run and the pass. So, it should come as no surprise that the Whippets have a wide receiver in Pennsylvania’s 2011 recruiting class that has generated a lot of Division-1 interest. That receiver is Louis Smith, a 6’1, […]

Dallastown WR/LB Ben Kline up to 8 D-1 offers

Dallastown’s Ben Kline, a two-way player for the Wildcats who lines up at wide receiver and linebacker, has received eight Division-1 offers to date, according to his profile on Rivals.com. Kline has received scholarship offers from Boston College, UCONN, Maryland, Michigan, Pitt, Rutgers, Vanderbilt and West Virginia, according to Rivals. Penn State is showing interest, […]

Penn Wood DE Shawn Oakman up to 6 division one offers

Penn Wood might be more known for its basketball teams than its football program, but the Patriots are coming off of an 8-4 season, one of the better football seasons in recent memory for the Lansdowne-based school. And one of Penn Wood’s returning defensive linemen has generated a lot of Division-1 interest. Shawn Oakman, a […]

Bishop McDevitt QB Matt Johnson receiving Division-1 interest

Bishop McDevitt quarterback Matt Johnson has lit up the stat sheets week after week after week through his first two seasons as a starting varsity quarterback. Now, he’s on the radars of some Division-1 football programs. Johnson, a 6’0, 194-pound senior-to-be for the Crusaders, has generated interest, but no offers to date, from seven Division-1 […]

Whitehall QB Chris Polony receiving Division-1 interest

District 11 has produced a recent string of Division-1 quarterbacks, like Dan Persa, DJ Lenehan and Tyler Smith. That string could continue this year with Whitehall quarterback Chris Polony. Polony has generated interest from five Division-1 programs, according to his profile on Rivals.com. Polony is one of the taller quarterback prospects in PA’s 2011 recruiting […]

Dunmore OL Paul Gaughan up to 8 Division-1 offers

The Dunmore Bucks have had a quite a run of success as a team recently, winning three consecutive District 2 “AA” championships and reaching the 2007 PIAA “AA” state finals. One of Dunmore’s returning offensive linemen is seeing some individual success, as he is generating a lot of Division-1 interest. Paul Gaughan, a 6’6, 280-pound […]

PA’s running backs in 2012 recruiting class have big-time potential

It really isn’t too early to start thinking about Pennsylvania’s recruiting class of 2012 already, even though we’re still months away from the kickoff of the 2010 football season and the first high school football all-star games are approaching. But looking over the 30 juniors in the 2012 class in the Rivals.com recruiting database that […]

Pair of Conrad Weiser athletes generating D-1 interest

Conrad Weiser is coming off of a 10-win season and berth in the District 3 “AAA” semi-finals in 2009. Two of the Scouts’ 2010 returning players from that 10-win team in 2009 are potential Division-1 prospects. Running back DJ Robinson and tight end Matt Weiser are both generating some buzz in the world of college […]

W.C. Henderson LB generating Division-1 interest

When the 2010 season rolls around, there will be schools in District 1 that will have to keep an eye out for a very talented linebacker. Myles Jackson, a 6’4, 225-pound senior-to-be for West Chester Henderson High School, is a potential Division-1 prospect, and even though he’s not received an offer to date, he’s definitely […]

York Catholic boasts pair of potential Division-1 prospects

When you think of York Catholic High School, the first thing that probably comes to mind is their powerful girl’s basketball team, which has made five consecutive trips to the PIAA “AA” championship game. Keep an eye out for what’s going down on the gridiron, too. The Fighting Irish have two potential Division-1 prospects, in […]

East Stroudsburg South DB up to 11 D-1 offers

East Stroudsburg South is coming off of one of its best seasons in recent memory. And the Cavaliers enter 2010 with one of the most sought after defensive backs in the eastern half of Pennsylvania. Kyshoen Jarrett, a 5’11, 175-pound senior-to-be, has 11 Division-1 scholarship offers according to his profile on Rivals.com. The bulk of […]

Scranton Prep OL Kevin Reihner commits to Stanford

Pennsylvania has its first Division-1 verbal commitment for its 2011 recruiting class – an offensive lineman from District 2. Kevin Reihner, an offensive guard for Scranton Prep High School, verbally committed to Stanford Sunday, according to his profile on Rivals.com. Reihner is a 6’3, 275-pound athlete who runs a 5.1 in the 40 yard dash. […]

Inter-AC QB generating D-1 interest

The Inter-Academic League, a compilation of private, college preparatory high schools in and around Philadelphia, boasts one of the state’s returning 2,000-yard passers from the 2009 season. That quarterback, John Loughery of William Penn Charter, is also a potential Division-1 prospect. Loughery has, to date, received interest from six Division-1 schools – Boston College, Connecticut, […]

Pottsgrove’s Terrell Chestnut up to 12 Division-1 offers

Pottsgrove’s versatile senior athlete Terrell Chestnut has reached double figures when it comes to Division-1 scholarship offers. Chestnut, a two-way player for the Falcons, might be the most sought after multi-purpose athlete in District 1 in this 2011 recruiting class. His dozen D-1 offers at present feature a combination of schools from four of the […]

Alabama, LSU showing interest in Owen J. Roberts’ feature back

Two Southeastern Conference schools, including the defending BCS champion Alabama Crimson Tide, have expressed interest in a running back who will enter his 2010 season with more than 5,700 career rushing yards. That running back, Ryan Brumfield, from Owen J. Roberts High School in Pottstown, has also generated interest, but no offers, from a […]

Big-33 rosters released; Kyle Smith didn’t make the cut

Whenever the Pennsylvania State Football Coaches Association compiles the annual Big-33 roster, there’s usually an athlete or two who don’t make the list who could be considered “snubbed.” Last year, recall that Steel-High’s Jeremiah Young, the state’s career leading rusher, was omitted from the roster in favor of Lyle Marsh (Bethel Park) and Brandon […]

Bishop McDevitt RB Jameel Poteat up to 13 D-1 offers

For the second consecutive recruiting class, Pennsylvania will feature a notable recruit among its running backs. Last season, Cardinal O’Hara’s Corey Brown, a multi-purpose athlete who committed to Ohio State, easily stole the title of top Keystone State running back prospect. Now, Bishop McDevitt’s senior-to-be Jameel Poteat will more than likely own that title. […]

LaSalle pummels State College, 24-7

HERSHEY, Pa. – In talking with a Philadelphia reporter following the “AAAA” state championship game, Sam Feleccia said he was thinking about a major in some area of business. Speaking of business, LaSalle College (14-1) was very businesslike in handling District 6 champion State College (12-3), holding the Little Lions to just 120 yards […]

Lancaster Catholic wins PIAA gold; snow, LC defense slows Miller, Greensburg Central Catholic

HERSHEY, Pa. – When there would be talk and discussion about Lancaster Catholic’s football team, the topics would hinge around Kyle Smith and state passing records. It’s only fair, in a way. Smith’s 8,510 yards and 118 touchdown passes are both state career bests. His 50 touchdown passes were a state single season record. […]

Central fought the “Lauv,” and the “Lauv” won; Selinsgrove wins first PIAA title

HERSHEY, Pa. – In reality, Selinsgrove’s Seth Lauver could play on the offensive line for the Seals. Lauver is a 6’2, 250-pound junior, and he could probably flatten many an opposing defensive player. Lauver, though, did some flattening from his fullback position in Friday night’s PIAA “AAA” championship game – flattening Manheim Central’s hopes […]

Clairton’s defense stifles Bishop McCort; WPIAL wins 30th PIAA title

HERSHEY, Pa. – Clairton’s 36 players gathered in a huddle, a joyous, jubilant huddle, and started a call-and-response chant of, “Ohhhh, yeeeaaaaaaah!” But for much of the game, District 6 rep. Bishop McCort kept things very, very close. But never were the Bears in danger of bellowing, “Ohhhhh no!” Clairton (15-1) pulled away […]

PIAA “AAA” State Championship – Manheim Central Preview

Believe it or not, Manheim Central’s 45-27 victory against West Allegheny Friday night snapped a playoff drought for Manheim Central. Prior to that victory, Manheim Central had been without a PIAA playoff victory since 2004, when it defeated Berwick 16-13 at Shamokin High School. Central’s two state playoff games since then – the 2004 “AAA” […]

PIAA “AAA” State Championship – Selinsgrove Preview

Picture someone standing outside a locked door, knocking, knocking, and knocking some more, waiting for the opportunity to get a chance to get inside. That person knocking on the doorstep used to be the Selinsgrove Seals’ football program. Prior to last season, the Seals had been on the doorstep of the “AAA” semi-finals only to […]

PIAA “AAAA” State Championship – State College Preview

A pregame conversation with Cumberland Valley head coach Tim Rimpfel before Saturday’s “AAAA” Western Final revealed just how much parity there was within the Mid-Penn Conference this season. State College had lost to Central Dauphin and Bishop McDevitt in the regular season. Cumberland Valley had lost to State College and Central Dauphin. State College barely […]

PIAA “AAAA” State Championship – LaSalle College HS Preview

The Philadelphia Catholic League seems to have this PIAA playoff thing down pat. They’ve only been involved with the PIAA playoff system since last year, but the PCL’s record against PIAA playoff opponents is fairly impressive. Archbishop Wood, a “AAA” school, is 3-2. West Catholic, which ripped through the “AA” bracket last year and made […]

PIAA “A” State Championship – Bishop McCort Preview

Bishop McCort calls the Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference its home. And, when you look at some of the names that are included in the LHAC, there are powers past and present, like Bishop Carroll, Forest Hills, Greater Johnstown, and so on. But there’s been one thing that’s eluded the conference – a PIAA football championship. […]

PIAA “A” State Championship – Clairton Preview

The South Hills of Pittsburgh has become a hotbed for football in the recent past, especially in the smallest classification. Just look at the list of WPIAL champions – Clairton won titles three of the last four years. Duquesne, now defunct, won the 2005 championship and faced Southern Columbia in the state finals. And in […]

PIAA “AA” State Championship – Greensburg Central Catholic Preview

How do you normally think of celebrating a 50th anniversary? Usually, there is cake involved, or a large party of some sort. For WPIAL representative Greensburg Central Catholic, it’s celebrating its 50th anniversary of its football program in a different way – playing for a PIAA title. Playing for a state championship is nothing new […]

PIAA “AA” State Championship – Lancaster Catholic Preview

To put it simply, Bruce Harbach’s got things rolling in the Rossmere neighborhood of the northeastern reaches of the city of Lancaster. The Crusaders have become a mainstay in the District 3 “AA” landscape, and can usually be counted on as a lock to make up half of the ticket of the District 3 championship […]

Big plays help State College ground Cumberland Valley

ALTOONA, Pa. – State College head coach Al Wolski reclined on the Mansion Park Stadium turf with a football in his right hand. His State College Little Lion football team crowded behind him. Moments earlier, State College finished striking big play after big play after big, big play in winning District 6’s first ever […]

Indians can’t slow down Gorman, Gruber, Barons; Manheim advances to 3rd PIAA championship game

ALTOONA, Pa. – Manheim Central had always been on the cusp of making a trip to Altoona in the middle 1990s, only to fall in Eastern Finals to Berwick, in heartbreaking fashion. So the Barons’ first trip to Altoona, ever, and first meeting against West Allegheny would end in vain, just like first meetings with […]

Josh Funk’s 2009 Statewide Rankings – Week 14

EASTERNPAFOOTBALL.COM’S 2009 STATEWIDE RANKINGS WEEK 14 RANKINGS Honorable mentions are arranged in numerical order by geographic district. A: 1. Bishop McCort (6, 13-0), def. Millersburg 33-6 2. Clairton (7, 13-1), def. Conemaugh Township 46-0 3. Farrell (10, 14-0), def. Clarion Area 19-14 4. Tri-Valley (11, 10-4), def. Southern Columbia 35-32 5. Rochester (7, […]

ONE FOR THE AGES: Cumberland Valley stuns McDevitt in double OT

HERSHEY, Pa. – Trying to find the words to describe the second half of football between Bishop McDevitt and Cumberland Valley would be hard to do. There were many highlight-worthy plays and heart-stopping moments. But, in the end, Cumberland Valley’s Kevin Snyder made the biggest play of his career and the Eagles’ season. […]

Bishop McCort crushes Millersburg, advances to Eastern Finals

HERSHEY, Pa. – After a 2-3 start to its season, the Millersburg Indians went on a nice run, an eight-game winning streak, along with the school’s first District 3 football championship. Speaking of runs, Bishop McCort literally ran over Millersburg. The Crushers (13-0) pounded the Indians (10-4) into submission, amassing 218 yards rushing […]

Live blog from Hershey – Cumberland Valley stuns McDevitt in 2OT; McCort routs Millersburg, 33-6

FINAL THOUGHTS FROM HERSHEY STADIUM: Gutty performance tonight by Cumberland Valley. Not many folks probably picked the Eagles to win, but lo and behold, look what happened. I made the comment that McDevitt is the “Gateway of the East” tonight, and that theory seems to have some validity right now, even though the Crusaders do […]

Josh Funk’s 2009 Statewide Rankings – Week 13

EASTERNPAFOOTBALL.COM’S 2009 STATEWIDE RANKINGS WEEK 13 RANKINGS Honorable mentions are arranged in numerical order by geographic district. A: 1. Bishop McCort (6, 12-0), def. Bellwood-Antis 34-20 2. Farrell (10, 13-0), def. Sharpsville 34-7 3. Clairton (7, 12-1), def. Rochester 14-13 4. Southern Columbia (4, 9-4), def. Northwest Area 60-7 5. Millersburg (3, 10-3), […]

McDevitt stymies upset minded Penn Manor

HARRISBURG, Pa. – After a brief pregame chat with Bishop McDevitt coach Jeff Weachter, one of the Crusaders’ coaching staff gave a small reminder: “Just remember what you see today.” For Penn Manor, it won’t soon easily forget Jameel Poteat running inside, outside, and through its defense. Or Salath Williams’ receptions that chewed up a […]

NUMBERS GAME: Manheim rolls Conrad Weiser; Williams wins #300

MANHEIM, Pa. – Football is more than just the X’s and O’s and Johnny’s and Joe’s. The numbers are fun to crunch. 465 – total number of victories in Manheim Central’s history. 10 – number of 500-point scoring teams to the Barons’ credit. 42 – number of District 3 playoff victories. But tonight, the number […]

Josh Funk’s 2009 Statewide Rankings – Week 12

EASTERNPAFOOTBALL.COM’S 2009 STATEWIDE RANKINGS WEEK 12 RANKINGS Honorable mentions are arranged in numerical order by geographic district. A: 1. Bishop McCort (6, 11-0), def. Penns Manor 45-21 2. Farrell (10, 12-0), def. Linesville 39-0 3. Rochester (7, 12-0), def. Pittsburgh North Catholic 14-7 4. Clairton (7, 11-1), def. Laurel 33-0 5. Bellwood-Antis (6, […]

Josh Funk’s 2009 Statewide Rankings – Week 11

EASTERNPAFOOTBALL.COM’S 2009 STATEWIDE RANKINGS WEEK 11 RANKINGS Honorable mentions are arranged in numerical order by geographic district. A: 1. Bishop McCort (6, 10-0), def. Mount Union Area 30-7 2. Farrell (10, 11-0), def. Eisenhower 53-0 3. Rochester (7, 11-0), def. Brentwood 38-12 4. Clairton (7, 10-1), def. Avonworth 24-0 5. Portage Area (6, […]

Josh Funk’s 2009 Statewide Rankings – Week 10

EASTERNPAFOOTBALL.COM’S 2009 STATEWIDE RANKINGS WEEK 10 RANKINGS Honorable mentions are arranged in numerical order by geographic district. A: 1. Bishop McCort (6, 9-0), DNP Week 10 2. Farrell (10, 10-0), def. Kennedy Catholic 56-7 3. Rochester (7, 10-0), def. Charmichaels 40-6 4. Clairton (7, 9-1), def. South Side Beaver 61-0 5. Old Forge […]

Josh Funk’s 2009 Statewide Rankings – Week 9

EASTERNPAFOOTBALL.COM’S 2009 STATEWIDE RANKINGS WEEK 9 RANKINGS Honorable mentions are arranged in numerical order by geographic district. A: 1. Bishop McCort (6, 9-0), def. Bedford Area 48-13 2. Farrell (10, 9-0), def. Conneaut Lake 36-6 3. Rochester (7, 9-0), def. Monaca 28-0 4. Clairton (7, 8-1), def. Serra Catholic 39-7 5. Old Forge […]

Josh Funk’s 2009 Statewide Rankings – Week 8

EASTERNPAFOOTBALL.COM’S 2009 STATEWIDE RANKINGS WEEK 8 RANKINGS Honorable mentions are arranged in numerical order by geographic district. A: 1. Bishop McCort (6, 8-0), def. Central Cambria 47-14 2. Farrell (10, 8-0), def. Lakeview 18-0 3. Rochester (7, 8-0), def. South Side Beaver 45-6 4. Clairton (7, 7-1), def. Avella 59-0 5. Old Forge […]

Josh Funk’s 2009 Statewide Rankings – Week 7

EASTERNPAFOOTBALL.COM’S 2009 STATEWIDE RANKINGS WEEK 7 RANKINGS Honorable mentions are arranged in numerical order by geographic district. A: 1. Bishop McCort (6, 7-0), def. Greater Johnstown 40-21 2. Farrell (10, 7-0), def. Sharpsville 12-7 3. Rochester (7, 7-0), def. Neshannock 42-0 4. Steelton-Highspire (3, 5-1), def. James Buchanan 48-7 5. Clairton (7, 6-1 […]

SUNDAY SWOON: State College prevails; Central Dauphin East can’t quite pull off the upset

COLONIAL PARK, Pa. – If only high school football was 36 minutes instead of 48. Then we’d be talking about one of the biggest upsets in the state this season, and possibly even in Mid Penn history. Central Dauphin East had a 17-game losing streak entering the day, and State College was figured to win […]

Video replays aids Penn State in pummeling of Minnesota

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – Joe Paterno says he’s always been a fan of instant replay. In fact, he said that he clamored for it well before video replay was instituted just a few seasons ago. Against Minnesota, the Nittany Lions benefitted from two video reviews, and both calls ultimately put the game out of reach. […]

Josh Funk’s 2009 Statewide Rankings – Week 6

EASTERNPAFOOTBALL.COM’S 2009 STATEWIDE RANKINGS WEEK 6 RANKINGS Honorable mentions are arranged in numerical order by geographic district. A: 1. Farrell (10, 6-0), def. West Middlesex 40-7 2. Bishop McCort (6, 6-0), def. Westmont Hilltop 41-14 3. Rochester (7, 6-0), def. Shenango 42-6 4. Steelton-Highspire (3, 4-1), def. Middletown Area 33-21 5. Clairton (7, […]

Penn State pummels Eastern Illinois

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – Leaving Beaver Stadium Saturday afternoon, three tiny Schnouser dogs chased this writer for a short distance. “Are you a mailman?” the dogs’ owner asked. No, not quite, but moments earlier, Penn State (5-1, 1-1) did their best impersonation of the postal service, delivering a 52-3 wallop to Eastern Illinois’ (4-2) doorstep. […]

Millersburg’s option too much for East Juniata

BEAVER SPRINGS, Pa. – The Saturday night sunset over Beaver Springs was one to behold. So was Millersburg’s defensive performance against East Juniata, which entered the game riding four consecutive victories. Millersburg (3-3) outrushed East Juniata (4-2) 312-84 in a convincing 27-6 victory at West Snyder Middle School. The Indians outgained the Tigers 384-200 in […]

Josh Funk’s 2009 Statewide Rankings – Week 5

EASTERNPAFOOTBALL.COM’S 2009 STATEWIDE RANKINGS WEEK 5 RANKINGS Honorable mentions are arranged in numerical order by geographic district. A: 1. Farrell (10, 5-0), def. Linesville 40-0 2. Bishop McCort (6, 5-0), def. Richland 69-35 3. Rochester (7, 5-0), def. Laurel 14-7 4. Steelton-Highspire (3, 3-1), def. Central Dauphin East 56-29 5. Clairton (7, 4-1), def. […]

Josh Funk’s 2009 Statewide Rankings – Week 4

EASTERNPAFOOTBALL.COM’S 2009 STATEWIDE RANKINGS WEEK 4 RANKINGS Honorable mentions are arranged in numerical order by geographic district. A: 1. Farrell (10, 4-0), def. Conneaut Valley 66-7 2. Rochester (7, 4-0), def. Western Beaver 39-0 3. Bishop McCort (6, 4-0), def. Bishop Carroll 28-6 4. Steelton-Highspire (3, 2-1), def. Palmyra 61-30 5. Portage Area […]

UN-HAPPY VALLEY: Iowa shocks Penn State in the national spotlight

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – A soaking wet Joe Paterno sat in front of a packed Penn State media room, the lone man on the podium. “It was going to be a tough football game,” the 386-game winner said. “I think we played a strong game defensively.” But offensively? “We just didn’t get it done,” Paterno […]

Josh Funk’s 2009 Statewide Rankings – Week 3

EASTERNPAFOOTBALL.COM’S 2009 STATEWIDE RANKINGS WEEK 3 RANKINGS Honorable mentions are arranged in numerical order by geographic district. A: 1. Farrell (10, 3-0), def. Reynolds 47-0 2. Rochester (7, 3-0), def. Union Area 37-0 3. Schuylkill Haven (11, 3-0), def. Minersville 35-3 4. Bishop McCort (6, 3-0), def. Somerset Area 38-0 5. Portage Area (6, […]

Josh Funk’s 2009 Statewide Rankings – Week 2

EASTERNPAFOOTBALL.COM’S 2009 STATEWIDE RANKINGS WEEK 2 RANKINGS Honorable mentions are arranged in numerical order by geographic district. A: 1. Farrell (10, 2-0), def. Mercer 20-14 2. Rochester (7, 2-0), def. Riverview 54-14 3. Schuylkill Haven (11, 2-0), def. Marian Catholic 31-14 4. Bishop McCort (6, 2-0), def. Penn Cambria 35-6 5. Portage Area […]

Coach Danny Algeo: Corey Brown is “explosive”

In a word, Cardinal O’Hara senior running back Corey Brown is, well, explosive. That’s not just the impression of this writer – his coach, Danny Algeo, will tell you as much. But there’s more to the Lions’ multi-purpose weapon than just his explosiveness. “He’s very versatile,” Algeo said. “He’s a good runner. He’s a […]

Penn State defeats Syracuse despite poor ground game

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – If there was a fitting analogy to describe Penn State’s game against Syracuse Saturday afternoon, it might have been like that of a burning out light bulb. A bright flash, then nothing, then another bright flash, and then, nothing. Seventh-ranked Penn State (2-0) did manage 318 yards of offense (240 passing) […]

Josh Funk’s 2009 Statewide Rankings – Week 1

EASTERNPAFOOTBALL.COM’S 2009 STATEWIDE RANKINGS WEEK 1 RANKINGS Honorable mentions are arranged in numerical order by geographic district. A: 1. Farrell (10, 1-0), def. Sharon Area 46-7 2. Southern Columbia (4, 1-0), def. Shamokin 21-7 3. Schuylkill Haven (11, 1-0), def. Tri-Valley 28-6 4. Rochester (7, 1-0), def. Monessen 21-0 5. Portage Area (6, […]

St. Joe’s Prep stuns McKeesport with 4th quarter comeback

WHEELING, W. Va. – Tickets to the Wheeling Rally in the Valley cost $20. McKeesport and St. Joe’s Prep gave ticketholders their monies worth…and then some. The Hawks (1-0) erased a 12-point fourth quarter deficit with two late touchdown passes, stunning McKeesport’s (0-1) potent flexbone attack 27-26 from Wheeling Island Stadium. It […]

Josh Funk’s 2009 Preseason Statewide Rankings

EASTERNPAFOOTBALL.COM’S 2009 STATEWIDE RANKINGS PRE-SEASON RANKINGS Teams ranked include geographic district and 2008 season record; honorable mentions are arranged in numerical order by geographic district. A: 1. Clairton (7, 15-1) 2. Farrell (10, 12-3) 3. Steelton-Highspire (3, 16-0) 4. Southern Columbia (4, 10-3) 5. Schuylkill Haven (11, 14-1) 6. Pittsburgh North Catholic (7, […]

McKeesport – St. Joe’s Prep Preview

The game: McKeesport Area (7, 0-0) vs. St. Joseph’s Prep (12, 0-0) When: Saturday, Sept. 5, 2009 @ NOON Where: Wheeling Island Stadium, Wheeling, W. Va. About the game: In a cross-state clash, McKeesport’s vaunted flexbone offense, with what some have called the best backfield in the state of Pennsylvania, take to the gridiron against […]

Liberty ranked 20th by USA-Today

There’s only one Keystone State team that cracked the USA-Today’s national high school football national rankings, which were released Friday Aug. 21, and for the first time in the last three pre-seasons, it’s not a WPIAL team. Bethlehem Liberty checks in at #20 in the nation, which is its second-highest national ranking in school history. The Hurricanes […]

A brief profile of St. Joe’s Prep football

In a way, it’s kind of ironic that St. Joseph’s Prep head football coach Gil Brooks works as a lawyer for Wolf, Block, Schorr, and Solis-Cohen LLP, a law firm in Philadelphia, in the business litigation group. The Hawks have had a very tight grip on the Philadelphia Catholic League football landscape for just over […]

Friends of Coal Classic press conference highlights game matchups

WHEELING, W. Va. – Thursday was supposed to be an exciting day, a day of talking football and the 2nd annual Friends of Coal Prep Football Classic during a press conference featuring the 10 coaches of the schools involved in a five-game marathon Sept. 5th in Wheeling. Instead, the press conference began on a somber […]

Manheim Central star Dakota Royer commits to Penn State

Manheim Central standout defensive end Dakota Royer made a verbal commitment to Penn State Thursday, according to Rivals.com. The 6’3, 221-pound sack machine had narrowed his list of choices to four schools prior to committing – Penn State, Pitt, Michigan State, and Notre Dame. Royer had over 20 Division-1 offers, including Oregon, UCLA, West Virginia, […]

Pennsylvania is better off with current 4-class system

Four classes and 16 weeks of football will stay with us for at least another two years. Thank God for that. I actually was sweating this one out, worrying that the PIAA football championships would be minus a cornerstone district in the WPIAL. Maybe I’m too much of a traditionalist in some respects. Having […]

Lebanon OL commits to Pitt

The Pitt Panthers added an offensive lineman from Central Pennsylvania to its 2010 recruiting class Tuesday. According to reports on Rivals.com and PantherLair.com, Lebanon’s Arthur Doakes verbally committed to Pitt Tuesday evening. Prior to committing to Pitt, Doakes also had offers from Rutgers, Syracuse, Buffalo, and Troy. Virginia, West Virginia, Boston College, UCONN, […]

Dakota Royer to announce school choice July 30

Manheim Central star defensive end Dakota Royer will make his verbal committment to a Division-1 college football team July 30, according to Manheim Central head coach Mike Williams. Williams made the announcement during an interview at the Berwick 7-on-7 and Big Man Challenge. Royer had pared his list of schools from over 20 suitors to […]

Former West Catholic running back shot in Philadelphia

Curtis Brinkley, former running back for West Catholic High School and the 6th-leading rusher in state history, was shot this morning in suburban Philadelphia. The Associated Press released a report at 7:30 a.m. Friday morning which did not provide an update of condition for the former Burr standout, who survived the shooting. Brinkley attended […]

Update on Pennsylvania’s 2010 recruiting class

Here’s an update for statewide recruiting of Keystone State athletes. National recruiting website Rivals.com lists 143 athletes from Pennsylvania in the recruiting class of 2010 that are potential D-1 prospects. Breaking down the list of prospects, by position, shows the distribution as follows: Quarterbacks (17) Running backs/fullbacks (22) Wide receivers/tight ends (17) […]

Friends of Coal Prep Classic set for Sept. 5

One stadium. One day. Five games. Ten teams. Three states. What do all those numbers have in common? They all, in a way, relate to the 2nd Annual Friends of Coal Prep Football Classic, which is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 5 at Wheeling Island Stadium. The line-up features four Keystone State teams, two of which […]

Ohio fends off pesky Pennsylvania in Big-33 Classic

HERSHEY, Pa. – Of all the big plays made in the 52nd Annual Big-33 Football Classic, the biggest came from one of Ohio’s offensive linemen. Adam Replogle (Centerville HS) scored the game-winning touchdown on a 1-yard fullback dive with :20 left in the game, and then Ohio held off a late Pennsylvania rally to […]

East scores 30 unanswered points; pounds West 37-22

ALTOONA, Pa. – Jeremiah Young. Franklin Quiteh. Zach Barket. Those were three big names for the East squad who figured to play key roles in their team’s effort in the 9th Annual PSFCA East/West All-Star Game. Tom Ryan, though, stole the show. So did Zach Zulli. Zulli (Perkiomen Valley) accounted for 118 yards of offense […]

East running backs could steal the spotlight in Altoona

If there’s a recent trend that one can discern from the last couple PSFCA East/West All-Star games, it’s that the team with the better rushing attack has won the game. And I’ll admit it: I am a huge proponent of utilizing a quality ground attack in an all-star game despite the minimum passing requirements and […]

9TH annual PSFCA east west all-star game preview

Playing the East/West game on a Friday night is rare. Moving the kickoff up an hour is also different. And, recently, it’s been rare to see the East tasting victory in a series they dominated so thoroughly for the first six years. The East will look to snap a two-game losing streak against […]

Big-33 Classic helps make up for past Hershey shortcomings

Trying to find an angle for a Big-33 Classic story isn’t hard. The game has been going on now for more than five decades. Story lines abound in what has come to be known as one of the nation’s best high school football all-star games. So, instead of focusing on the Super Bowl ties, […]

52ND BIG 33 FOOTBALL CLASSIC PREVIEW

Keystone Staters will be happy to know, if they weren’t aware already, that Pennsylvania has won the last three Big-33 Football Classics over Ohio, and taken a lead in the series between the two states. Come Saturday evening, the boys in the blue and gold will look to make it four wins in a […]

Update: Liberty quarterback still has chance to attain 4,000/4,000 milestone

NOTE: Eariler this year, I published an article about this subject which contained incorrect statistical information. I thank the readers for bringing that to my attention. This article contains the correct statistical information and current projections for Anthony Gonzalez’ quest toward becoming the second 4,000/4,000 quarterback in state history. Before the start of the 2007 […]

South “grills” North; wins 4th straight Tri-County game

MANHEIM, Pa. – Memorial Day weekend, the unofficial start of summer, is famous for backyard barbecues and grilling parties. If the Manheim Touchdown Club’s 8th annual Tri-County All-Star Game was a Memorial Day get-together, then the South would have been rude hosts. They ate the North for dinner. The South threw for over […]

2009 Tri-County All-Star Game Preview

Playing a name game with the rosters with the 8th edition of the Manheim Touchdown Club’s Tri-County All-Star Game gives the decided advantage to the South team. The South, which will be led by Columbia head coach Jason Shoff, has such athletes like Eric Resch, Kyle Fisher, Dakotah Lightfoot, Dylan Stopper and Zacc Groff, […]

Tyler Smith verbally commits to Maryland

Tyler Smith, quarterback for Wilson Area High School in Easton, PA, announced that he made a verbal commitment to the University of Maryland last evening, according to an e-mail sent from his mother to PA Football Digest magazine owner Brian Hollister. Smith was ranked among ESPN’s Top 150 high school football prospects in the […]

Betancourt commits to Boston College

St. Josephs Prep offensive lineman Seth Betancourt made a verbal commitment to Boston College today, according to Rivals.com. The 6’6, 285-pound offensive tackle had offers from nine total Division-1 programs before his commitment, from schools like UCONN, Michigan State, and West Virginia. Notre Dame and Penn State had shown interest in Betancourt, but did […]

NO AVERAGE JOE: Buckhorns’ back bashing the school record books

When a Wallenpaupack player was last selected as a 1st-Team All-Stater, Bill Clinton was President. That player was Joe Wasylyk, a two-time All-State selection at defensive back in 1996 and 1997. Wasylyk was also the Buckhorn’s starting quarterback, throwing for 3,000 career yards and leading the Hawley-based school to the 1996 Division III Eastern […]

Keeping “nose to the grindstone,” Manheim Central head coach piles up victories

To get something running at maximum efficiency takes time. Think of it like an 18-wheeler starting out after a red light. After a couple shifts, it starts rolling right along. Think of what it took to get Manheim Central football going in roughly the same manner. When Mike Williams was named the head football […]

Trio of Wallenpaupack athletes are D-1 prospects

Whodathunkit? Wallenpaupack Area is suddenly a hotbed with Division-1 football talent, according to Rivals.com and head coach Mark Watson. The Buckhorns are coming off of a 7-4 season that ended in the opening round of the Eastern Conference playoffs, and three athletes, running back Joe Defebo, fullback Taylor Newcomer, and offensive lineman Bryan […]

Central York DE Kyle Baublitz up to 15 D-1 offers

Central York defensive lineman Kyle Baublitz’ big play now has earned him a large number of Division-1 college offers – 15, to be exact, according to Rivals.com. Baublitz, a 6’6, 255-pound athlete for the Panthers, is coming off of a phenomenal junior season. He totaled 166 tackles (53 solo), 1.5 sacks, and a fumble […]

3 wins shy of 300, Jim Roth reflects on his career

Believe it or not, there was once a period of time when winning a single football game was a big deal at Southern Columbia High School. Yes, that’s right. The Class “A” powerhouse that gets mentioned year-in and year-out as a potential state championship contender used to have trouble winning football games. In fact, […]

Watered-down playoffs?

During an interview with former Mt. Carmel head football coach Joe “Jazz” Diminick, the topic of discussion took a brief detour. The subject being discussed was the old Eastern Conference playoff system, the only playoff system in the eastern half of the state until 1982, when District 3 began a three-classification playoff format. […]

Chesnut Hill two-way athlete owns 2 D-1 offers

Chesnut Hill Academy is one of the smallest schools that compete in the Inter-AC Conference. One of the Blue Devils’ football players, however, is looking at a few offers from some Division-1 football programs. Ibraheim Campbell, a running back/defensive back for the Blue Devils, has offers from Minnesota and Vanderbilt, according to Rivals.com. Other […]

Syracuse offer makes 3 for Wilson Area quarterback

May recruiting is just a couple of months away, but Wilson Area quarterback Tyler Smith has one new offer and a Florida school showing interested in him, according to Rivals.com. Smith, a dual-threat quarterback for the Warriors, has an offer from Syracuse in addition to offers from UCONN and Pitt. The other new school […]

West York DB has D-1 interest

West York Area had plenty of reasons to celebrate last season. Now, one of the Bulldogs’ top returning players is the recipient of some notable Division-1 attention. Corey Harris, a running back/defensive back, has interest from seven Division-1 programs, according to Rivals.com. Among the interested schools are Louisville, Michigan State, Ohio State, and Pitt. […]

Eastern PA storylines in 2009

The start of the 2009 high school football season might not start for six months, but it’s never too early to start thinking about what the upcoming season could offer. Here’s a hint: we probably won’t see another Jeremiah Young or Zach Barket anytime soon. Could Neshaminy be considered a favorite to win District 1 […]

Rivals.com releases Top-100 prospects

Rivals.com, a national high school football recruiting website, released its first installment of the Top-100 high school football prospects for the Class of 2010 today. Three Pennsylvania athletes grace the list. They are Corey Brown, a running back for Cardinal O’Hara; Sharrif Floyd, a gargantuan defensive tackle for George Washington, and Paul Jones, quarterback […]

Garnet Valley RB getting D-1 attention

Three members of the 2008 Garnet Valley Jaguars recently signed letters of intent to play at West Chester. Come the spring of 2010, the Jaguars could be watching one of its own sign a Division-1 letter of intent. Senior-to-be Marcellus Irving, a running back/wide receiver combination for the Delaware County-based school, has interest, […]

Wilson Area quarterback has 2 D-1 offers

Don’t look now, but the Lehigh Valley will be able to lay claim to another Division-1 quarterback prospect in the Class of 2010. The latest high-profile quarterback comes from the Easton area, and he plays for the Wilson Area Warriors. Tyler Smith, a dual-threat quarterback with a strong right arm, has a pair of […]

MC’s Royer up to 11 D-1 offers

The last time we reported on Manheim Central defensive end Dakota Royer, he was the recipient of seven Division-1 offers, and had interest from seven other programs. The number of offers for Royer has expanded, as might have been expected. Royer is now up to 11 Division-1 offers, the second-highest total among Pennsylvania athletes […]

1,000-yard backfield duos aren’t as rare as you think

When a running back hits 1,000 yards in a season, it’s kind of a big deal. At least it used to be. Now, the standard for an individual successful season on the ground appears to be 2,000 yards rushing in a season. But what if two running backs on the same football team hit […]

Early on, District 12 has impressive 2010 class

The Philadelphia Catholic and Public Leagues will have some talented athletes in its 2010 recruiting class. Even though the calendar only reads February, the Philadelphia area already has six athletes that are receiving Division-1 interest. Five of the six are play positions on offense. Two are quarterbacks; one is a running back; another is […]

Another Manheim Central QB receives D-1 interest

Manheim Central’s backup quarterback Justin Gorman did an admirable job filling in for Jeremy Knosp when he went down with a shoulder injury during the regular season. He directed the Barons to the District 3 “AAA” championship game, the Barons’ first title game berth since 2005. Now, he’s receiving some attention from Division-1 […]

Liberty quarterback could join exclusive 4,000/4,000 club

Before the start of the 2007 high school football season, Pennsylvania had never had a quarterback rush and pass for 4,000 yards each in his career. Now, by the end of 2009, the Keystone State could see a second quarterback accomplish the feat in three years. The only quarterback with both 4,000 rushing and passing […]

Nebraska ought to be ashamed of itself

The news that the University of Nebraska rescinded its scholarship offer to West Scranton running back Shawn Bodtman was stunning, to say the least. The rationale for pulling the scholarship was also stunning, giving the timing in which it came to light. In fact, the rationale offered by the Nebraska assistant coach didn’t offer […]

Coach Moncman 17 Division-1 schools showing interest in Anthony Gonzalez

In an article published yesterday regarding the recruiting process of Liberty quarterback Anthony Gonzalez, it contained a list of 10 Division-1 football programs . That list expanded by seven, according to an e-mail from head coach Tim Moncman. In addition to the original list of 10 schools provided by assistant coach Jim Tkach and Rivals.com, Moncman reports […]

Malvern Prep head coach retires

“Gamp” Pellegrini, the longtime head coach of the Malvern Prep Friars, has retired, according to Ted Silary of the Philadelphia Daily News. For more on Pellegrini’s retirement, you can view Ted’s story via the following link: http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/homepage/20090129_Malverns_Pellegrini_retires_after_45_seasons.html Pellegrini finished his 42 years as a head coach just 22 wins shy of the 300 mark, the […]

Anthony Gonzalez receives 1st official D-1 offer

Following Liberty’s 28-21 state title victory against Bethel Park, Liberty head coach Tim Moncman answered a question about his star left-handed quarterback, junior Anthony Gonzalez, with another question. “How the heck can he not have a scholarship offer yet?” Liberty’s 82-game winner asked. Ask, and you shall receive. According to an e-mail […]

Lancaster Catholic’s Kyle Smith drawing D-1 interest

Lancaster Catholic has been considered among the top teams in District 3 Class “AA” for the past five years. Now, its quarterback is considered one of the top returning quarterbacks in the state. Kyle Smith, a senior-to-be for the Lancaster Catholic Crusaders, has nine Division-1 schools interested in his services, according to Rivals.com […]

D-1 interest piling up for MC’s Royer

Manheim Central’s multi-faceted athlete Dakota Royer had a dominating 2008 season. Now, a slew of Division-1 programs are pursuing the talented senior-to-be. The Barons’ defensive end/wide receiver has seven official Division-1 offers, according to Jeffrey Reinhart of the Lancaster New Era. Reinhart also confirmed that seven other D-1 programs are interested in Royer’s services, […]

Liberty’s biggest winner

Jim Tkach’s first trip back to Hershey since son’s tragic death a successful one HERSHEY, Pa. – The scene following Bethlehem Liberty’s thrilling overtime state championship victory against Bethel Park went like most other celebrations. The team gang-piled its leader, and game hero, Anthony Gonzalez. Helmets were thrown in the air. Tears were […]

Big things come in small packages

2008 Communications Tech Phoenix gave Public League football a little recognition If the Philadelphia Public League had gained a reputation in any particular sport since it became affiliated with the PIAA, it came from basketball. Prep Charter won back-to-back “AA” state titles in basketball over perennial WPIAL powers Beaver Falls and Aliquippa. Two […]

Josh Funk’s Final 2008 Statewide Rankings

JOSH FUNK’S 2008 STATEWIDE RANKINGS FINAL 2008 RANKINGS A: 1. Steelton-Highspire (3, 16-0) 2. Clairton (7, 15-1) 3. Schuylkill Haven (11, 14-1) 4. Riverside (2, 13-1) 5. Farrell (10, 12-3) 6. Bishop McCort (6, 12-1) 7. Monaca (7, 11-2) 8. Cameron County (9, 12-2) 9. Southern Columbia (4, 10-3) 10. Portage Area (6, 12-1) […]

District 11’s strife is o’er; Liberty claims first PIAA title in OT

HERSHEY, Pa. – There’s an old hymn which begins the opening stanza with the words, “The strife is o’er, the battle won.” To say that District 11 “AAAA” football teams were in some strife in three recent state finals was an understatement. They had been outscored 117-23 in those games. Liberty ended the strife […]

Ain’t Nothin’ but a Hounds’ Win: Wilmington stuns West Catholic for first PIAA title

HERSHEY, Pa. – Zero chance. That had been the going phrase when describing District 10 champion Wilmington’s chances at defeating Philadelphia Catholic League juggernaut West Catholic. Zero chance, eh? This game had undertones of a Class “A” state title game played nearly two decades before it. In the end, Wilmington (15-1) stopped Burrs’ […]

PIAA “AAAA” State Title Game – Bethel Park Preview

In case you haven’t noticed, Bethel Park isn’t flashy. They don’t average 60 points per game or win games by wide margins. But nonetheless, Bethel Park keeps on winning, and they’ve gotten themselves all the way to the “AAAA” state championship game. Bethel Park (15-0) will match District 11 champion Bethlehem Liberty (14-1) Saturday […]

PIAA “AAAA” State Title Game – Bethlehem Liberty Preview

District 1, specifically the Suburban One conference, had dominated the eastern half of the state in the “AAAA” classification for the better part of a decade. It wasn’t uncommon to see Central Bucks West, North Penn, or Neshaminy playing for a state title. But something happened since 2002. That something was a shift in […]

Vikings’ ship sunk: Thomas Jefferson rolls to 3rd PIAA title

HERSHEY, Pa. – Thomas Jefferson quarterback Tyler Wehner had quite the impressive performance in last week’s PIAA semifinals win over West York, accumulating over 300 yards of offense and six total touchdowns. The bad news for Archbishop Wood: Wehner didn’t leave his game in Altoona. Thomas Jefferson (15-1) got another solid performance from […]

Rollin’ right along to a PIAA title: Steel-High wins second straight championship

HERSHEY, Pa. – Andre Campbell’s first two passes in the Class “A” state championship game weren’t exactly perfect. His sixth one, though, was a thing of beauty. Campbell’s 59-yard touchdown pass to Jordan Smith down the Roller sideline, coupled with a bad Clairton punt deep in its own territory, helped Steel-High (16-0) claim […]

PIAA “A” State Title Game – Clairton Preview

If only the WPIAL Class “A” schools could have as much success as their “AAAA” counterparts on the opposite end of the spectrum. Western big schools have dominated in the state finals of late, but it’s been the complete opposite for Class “A” western schools, which have had to settle for state silver every […]

PIAA “A” State Title Game – Steelton-Highspire Preview

Steelton-Highspire has been living up to its nickname lately – they’ve simply been steamrolling opponents. But it’s not just steamrolling teams with its potent offense that can choose whether to throw on the snow tires or air it out – the defense has also been flattening people and deflating some potent offenses. Now […]

PIAA “AA” State Title Game – Wilmington Preview

It’s been a little while since Wilmington was seen in the state finals. In fact, the last time Wilmington played for a state title was in 1988, the inaugural year of the PIAA playoffs. Now, the Hounds are back. And they’ve built up quite an impressive resume to get to Hershey. But if they […]

PIAA “AA” State Title Game – West Catholic Preview

Have you heard the rumblings around Hershey lately? By mid-week, it should grow to a small roar. Come Saturday afternoon, there will be a very potent offense barreling into Chocolatetown, ready to explode at any time. That explosion spoken of belongs to the West Catholic Burrs’ high school football team, whose offense is putting […]

PIAA “AAA” State Title Game – Thomas Jefferson Preview

This just in: Thomas Jefferson is making another trip to Hershey. Surprised? You shouldn’t be. The Jaguars are making Hershey one of their many homes-away-from-home. Truth is it doesn’t matter which stadium Thomas Jefferson plays in these days, whether it’s Elizabeth-Forward High School, Heinz Field, Mansion Park Stadium, or Hershey. They just continue to […]

PIAA “AAA” State Title Game – Archbishop Wood Preview

Archbishop Wood, in the terms of the “AAA” landscape, is one of the new kids on the block. But in terms of the Philadelphia Catholic League, the Vikings’ program has established itself as a player year in and year out. Now, the black and gold find themselves playing a 16th game (Wood previously had […]

Josh Funk’s 2008 Statewide Rankings

JOSH FUNK’S 2008 STATEWIDE RANKINGS Updated through Week 15 A: 1. Steelton-Highspire (3, 15-0), def. Schuylkill Haven 20-9 2. Clairton (7, 15-0), def. Farrell 24-21 3. Schuylkill Haven (11, 14-1), lost to Steelton-Highspire 20-9 4. Farrell (10, 12-3), lost to Clairton 24-21 5. Riverside (2, 13-1), 6. Bishop McCort (6, 12-1), 7. Cameron County […]

Thomas Jefferson rolls on to Hershey

ALTOONA, Pa. – During pregame warm-ups, West York head coach Ron Miller looked over at the Thomas Jefferson coaching staff, clad in black jackets and khaki shorts in the frigid cold of Mansion Park. “They’re crazy,” Miller said, but in the same breath, he laughed as he threw in, “but it must work.” […]

Josh Funk’s 2008 Statewide Rankings – Week 14

JOSH FUNK’S 2008 STATEWIDE RANKINGS Updated through Week 14 A: 1. Steelton-Highspire (3, 14-0), def. Bishop McCort 27-9 2. Schuylkill Haven (11, 14-0), def. Riverside 43-38 3. Clairton (7, 14-0), def. Windber Area 26-0 4. Farrell (10, 12-2), def. Cameron County 31-0 5. Riverside (2, 13-1), lost to Schuylkill Haven 43-38 6. Bishop McCort […]

The spirit of giving dooms Cumberland Valley; Wilson wins 4th title

HERSHEY, Pa. – Christmas is still a month away. The start of the holiday gift-buying season started Friday. But Cumberland Valley was in a very giving mood in the District 3 “AAAA” championship game. The Eagles practically gave Wilson the game. Cumberland Valley (12-2) lost four fumbles and threw four interceptions as Wilson […]

PURPLE PEOPLE EATERS: Lancaster Catholic rolls Mount Carmel

HERSHEY, Pa. – Another week, another playoff game, another playoff blowout victory. That’s been the M.O. for the Lancaster Catholic Crusaders this 2008 season, and, Saturday afternoon, Mount Carmel became the latest victim to fall under the wheels of the purple and gold steamroller. Lancaster Catholic (13-1) racked up 605 yards of offense en […]

PURPLE PEOPLE EATERS: Lancaster Catholic rolls Mount Carmel

Barons’ title dreams “Fisseled”out by West York

HERSHEY, Pa. – Corey Harris couldn’t stand still. He was still clutching a football in his hands and running in place, maybe in an effort to try and keep warm in the chilled Hershey Stadium air. Moments earlier, Harris and his West York Area Bulldogs warmed the hearts of their fans – and all […]

District 3 “AAAA” Championship – Wilson-West Lawn Preview

The Game: District 3 “AAAA” Championship game Where: Hersheypark Stadium When: Saturday, Nov. 29th, 2008, kickoff @ 6 p.m. Wilson last played in the PIAA championship game in 1989, and their quarterback was Kerry Collins, a player who could throw the ball all over the yard. While Collins and the Bulldogs fell […]

District 3 “AAAA” Championship – Cumberland Valley Preview

The Game: District 3 “AAAA” Championship game Where: Hersheypark Stadium When: Saturday, Nov. 29th, 2008, kickoff @ 6 p.m. When you think of District 3 “AAAA” football, you probably think of Bishop McDevitt and Harrisburg. It’s only fair – those two schools have combined to win the last four District 3 “AAAA” […]

District 3/4 “AA” Quarterfinal – Lancaster Catholic Preview

The Game: District 3/4 “AA” Quarterfinal Where: Hersheypark Stadium When: Saturday, Nov. 29th, 2008, kickoff @ 12 noon Open up Webster’s New World Dictionary, and turn to the definition of “rolling.” Do you see a photo of Bruce Harbach’s Lancaster Catholic Crusaders? If not, worry not – their photo […]

District 3/4 “AA” Quarterfinal – Mount Carmel Preview

The Game: District 3/4 “AA” Quarterfinal Where: Hersheypark Stadium When: Saturday, Nov. 29th, 2008, kickoff @ 12 noon Mount Carmel, prior to last Friday, won its last District 4 championship in 2002. It made a couple of playoff appearances since, but hasn’t made this deep of a playoff push since hoisting the […]

District 3 “AAA” Championship – West York Area Preview

The Game: District 3 “AAA” Championship game Where: Hersheypark Stadium When: Friday, Nov. 28th, 2008, kickoff @ 7 p.m. It had become the goal of the York-Adams league “AAA” teams for what seemed like forever – beat Manheim Central. Three of the league’s reps had their chances. Heck, one nearly knocked the […]

District 3 “AAA” Championship – Manheim Central Preview

The Game: District 3 “AAA” Championship game Where: Hersheypark Stadium When: Friday, Nov. 28th, 2008, kickoff @ 7 p.m. Don’t look now, but that team that no one wants to play on Thanksgiving weekend is back. Maybe it took a three-year hiatus, but once again, that football team so synonymous with Hershey […]

Josh Funk’s 2008 Statewide Rankings

JOSH FUNK’S 2008 STATEWIDE RANKINGS Updated through Week 13 A: 1. Riverside (2, 13-0), def. Southern Columbia 25-7 2. Clairton (7, 13-0), def. Monaca 12-6 3. Steelton-Highspire (3, 13-0), def. Camp Hill 49-16 4. Schuylkill Haven (11, 13-0), def. Communications Tech 43-0 5. Bishop McCort (6, 12-0), def. Portage Area 42-7 6. Farrell (10, […]

Josh Funk’s 2008 Statewide Rankings

JOSH FUNK’S 2008 STATEWIDE RANKINGS Updated through Week 12 A: 1. Riverside (2, 12-0), def. Old Forge 48-21 2. Clairton (7, 12-0), def. Rochester 16-0 3. Steelton-Highspire (3, 12-0), def. Millersburg 42-7 4. Schuylkill Haven (11, 12-0), def. Williams Valley 43-7 5. Bishop McCort (6, 11-0), def. Bellwood-Antis 24-20 6. Portage Area (6, 12-0), def. […]

Josh Funk’s 2008 Statewide Rankings

JOSH FUNK’S 2008 STATEWIDE RANKINGS Updated through Week 11 A: 1. Riverside (2, 11-0), def. Wilkes-Barre Meyers 66-22 2. Clairton (7, 11-0), def. Monessen 47-0 3. Steelton-Highspire (3, 11-0), def. Columbia 39-8 4. Schuylkill Haven (11, 11-0), def. Pottsville Nativity BVM 58-13 5. Bishop McCort (6, 10-0), def. Laurel Valley 31-6 6. Saegertown (10, 11-0), […]

Patriots “muff” chances to beat Liberty

BETHLEHEM, Pa. – There’s an old saying that states the stars might lie, but the numbers never do. Just look at the large disparity in rushing yardage between Liberty and Freedom in their annual rivalry game. Liberty ran for 332 yards. Freedom ran for a mere 99. Sounds like the Hurricanes dominated, right? […]

DAWG-GONE IT: Berwick’s six turnovers propel Hazleton to victory

BERWICK, Pa. – Hazleton Area head coach Rocco Petrone was coaching his 100th career football game, and was awarded the game ball afterward. Petrone hoisted the gift high in the air, and then tucked it under his arm, holding it with a near death-grip. Truth is, Hazleton’s defense had a death grip on […]

Bethlehem Liberty – Bethlehem Freedom preview

The Game: Bethlehem Liberty (11 AAAA) @ Bethlehem Freedom (11 AAAA) Date: Saturday, Nov. 1, 2008, from Frank Banko Field @ BASD Stadium, Bethlehem 2008 Record: Bethlehem Liberty (8-1), Bethlehem Freedom (8-1) About Bethlehem Liberty: After a tough Week 1 loss to a very strong North Penn squad, the Hurricanes have roared […]

Hazleton – Berwick Preview

The Game: Hazleton Area (2 AAAA) @ Berwick Area (2 AAA) Date: Friday, Oct. 31, 2008, from Crispin Field in Berwick 2008 Record: Hazleton Area (8-1), Berwick Area (8-1) About Hazleton Area: The Cougars rolled over District 11 powers Easton and Liberty before bowing to Parkland in the District 2/11 “AAAA” subregional, […]

West Catholic’s offense tops 60 points…..again

Through the first six weeks of the season, the West Catholic Burr offense had scored 236 points. Not bad, but you knew at some point this team was just going to explode. Well, they’ve done it. West Catholic routed Kennedy-Kenrick 63-21, to advance to 8-1 on the season. West Catholic is ranked among the top-5 […]

Jeremiah Young hits 8,000 career rushing yards

Steelton-Highspire senior running back Jeremiah Young became just the second running back in Pennsylvania history to surpass the 8,000 yard rushing mark Friday night. According to Pennlive.com, Young ran for 131 yards and two touchdowns in the Rollers’ 53-14 rout of East Pennsboro, which now gives Young 8,021 career rushing yards. The career rushing record […]

Central Dauphin “Smacked” around Happy Valley

STATE COLLEGE, Pa. – Despite being some 70 miles apart, both Central Dauphin and State College featured offenses reliant on the ground. And with a steady rain pouring down upon Memorial Field, the ground game that worked most effectively would ultimately decide which team won the game. State College’s ground game was efficient, too […]

Manheim Central Uses 7-on-7 for Learning Experience

BERWICK, Pa. – Don’t let the scorecard deceive you. Yes, Manheim Central did finish the Berwick 7-on-7 scrimmage with a 2-4 overall record. Yes, Manheim Central got off to an 0-3 start before drawing victories against Delaware Valley and Danville by a combined 57-36. Yes, Manheim Central only had 18 kids on the trip. But […]

Runner-up Mount Carmel Shines at Berwick 7-on-7

BERWICK, Pa. – Mount Carmel can think of 107 reasons to smile when it rides the team bus back down Route 61. That’s the exact number of points the Red Tornadoes scored in all in the second annual Berwick 7-on-7 and Big Man Challenge held at Crispin Field. On the day, Mount Carmel finished with […]

Round-by-round Results for the Berwick 7-on-7 Scrimmage

Preliminary results of through 6 rounds of the Berwick 7-on-7 scrimmage: Round 1: Mount Carmel: 7, Berwick Area: 6 Delaware Valley: 22, Danville: 15 Round 2: Berwick Area: 29, Manheim Central: 28 Danville: 15, Central Bucks West: 14 Round 3:Mount Carmel: 22, Manheim Central: 21 Delaware Valley: 22, Central Bucks West: 21Round 4:Berwick Area: 25, Danville: 21Mount Carmel: 22, Delaware Valley: 21Round 5:Berwick Area: 14, Central Bucks West: 0Danville: 28, Manheim Central: 27Round 6:Mount Carmel: 21, Central Bucks West: 6Manheim Central: 28, Delaware Valley: 7 PlayoffsQuarterfinals#6 Central Bucks West: 14, #3 Delaware Valley: 0 #5 Manheim Central: 29, #4 Danville: 28 Semifinals #1 Mount Carmel: 21, #5 Manheim Central: 14 #2 Berwick Area: 14, #6 Central Bucks West: 0 Championship #2 Berwick Area: 21, #1 Mount Carmel: 14

Berwick Wins Second Annual 7-on-7 Scrimmage

BERWICK, Pa. – The home team got the members-only bounce when it mattered the most. Berwick, the host team for its second annual 7-on-7 scrimmage and big man challenge, won the 7-on-7 scrimmage championship over #1-seeded Mount Carmel Area 21-14 when Steve Walton caught a pass tipped by a Red Tornado defender. Walton caught the […]

2008-09 Top Players in District 2

Chad Nicholas, Junior WR/DB, Hazleton Area HS – The Hazleton Cougars had one of the most impressive playoff runs in the state last season, even if it ended as finishing with the title of District 2/4/11 runners-up. Nicholas was one of the contributors to that 11-2 effort, as he amassed 235 receiving yards to go […]

Football at Northeastern High School a Reality

Sit back for a moment and try to imagine a typical Friday night in Pennsylvania. It doesn’t have to be any specific location. Fans are buying tickets, filing into stadiums, and finding their seats in aluminum bleachers. They are cheering their team to victory — or booing the refs for a bad call. Every touchdown […]

2008-09 Top Players in District 12 & Independent Teams

Adam Novak, Senior WR, Father Judge HS – Novak finished 2007 as the second-leading receiver for Judge, as he hauled in 26 passes for 421 yards and 3 scores. Novak averaged 16.2 yards per reception and was responsible for nearly 30 percent of Judge’s receiving yardage output in 2007. He helped Judge reach the PCL […]

WILD, WILD WEST

ALTOONA, Pa. – The East-West All-Star game saw some electricity late in the first half with the West team trying to kill the clock. Then, electricity cut the game short. After two lightning delays, officials called the 8th annual PSFCA East-West game with 7:18 left in the 3rd quarter. The West, which led 10-0, won […]

2008-09 Top Players in District 4

Andrew Shoop, Senior QB, Danville Area HS – Danville is a pass-happy, run-and-gun offensive football team, and the phrase “running game” is certainly not in the Ironmen’s vocabulary. That type of offense benefits a quarterback like Shoop, or, for that matter, any quarterback. Shoop completed 179-of-298 passes for 2,583 yards and 32 touchdowns. A quarterback […]

East Pennsboro Senior No “Couch Potato”

East Pennsboro’s senior center Matt Couch had just gotten done with his fourth Division-1 football camp in the past 3 weeks. He had gone to camps in Ann Arbor, Mich., Pittsburgh, and Happy Valley, and his latest excursion took him to Paolo Alto, Calif., on the campus of Stanford University. “I think he was the […]

Potential 2008 PIAA Playoff Match-ups

It may only be April, but it’s never too early to start thinking about the 2008 high school football season. It’s even tougher not to think about potential playoff match-ups when the PIAA released its restructured brackets for the 2008-2009 state playoffs. The Class “A” bracket didn’t change from its format of last season, but […]

Joey Orlando Gears Up for East-West All-Star Game

ALTOONA – When Joey Orlando straps on his helmet and laces up his cleats at Altoona’s Mansion Park Stadium on Saturday evening in the East-West All-Star Game, his father, and former NFL defensive back Bo Orlando, will be watching. The elder Orlando played in the Big 33 game after his senior year at Berwick, and […]

2008-09 Top Players in District 1

Angelo Berry, Junior WR, Pottsgrove HS – 15 receptions may not sound like many, and in Pottsgrove’s 14-game season, that works out to just over 1 reception per game. But it’s what Berry did with those 15 receptions that stands out. He averaged 23.1 yards per catch and scored 7 touchdowns. His 347 receiving yards […]

Drake verbally commites to Penn State

PHILADELPHIA – West Catholic’s fan base has always been one that is loyal and follows their Burrs very closely. Come next fall, Burrs’ quarterback Curtis Drake will be playing for another loyal fan base — the Penn State Nittany Lions. Drake made the verbal commitment to the navy blue and white this morning at 11:30 […]

West Catholic Quarterback will make verbal commitment tomorrow

PHILADELPHIA – After the noon hour tomorrow, one member of West Catholic’s dynamic backfield trio will make his verbal commitment to a Division-1 college, most likely Penn State, according to several sources. Curtis Drake, the talented dual-threat field general for the two-time defending PCL Blue Division champion Burrs, will announce his school of choice at […]

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