National Signing Day is the most important day in college football recruiting as it is the day most recruits make their college choices known. Many recruiting fans go so far as to call this day a holiday. What school will be the big winner in PA, Pitt or Penn State? Let’s talk about where players might be heading?
Fan Blog
Welcome to the Eastern PA Football Fan Blog! Here you’ll find posts submitted by our fans. We really appreciate all the help our friends & fans give us.
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2013 Rivalry Week
Week Ten of the 2013 High School football regular season should be exciting, with conference titles and playoff berths on the line. There are also those classic and histoic rivalry battles. Let’s take a look at rivalry week and let us know why your game is special.
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Pennsylvania’s Top 15 High School Football Dynasties
A look at the most dominant football teams in the state based on wins and state titles.
MaxPreps.com released their top 15 Pennsylvania Football Dynasties from 2003 to 2012. In the East these are the teams that made the list, North Penn (1), St. Joseph’s Prep (12), Bishop McDevitt (3), LaSalle HS (12), Easton Area (11), Cumberland Valley (3), Archbishop Wood (12), Parkland (12) and Bethlehem Liberty (11).
Who is number one? Click here and find out. What do you think?
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Penn State willing to give chance to PA recruits
STATE COLLEGE – Call it what you want. Be it the result of NCAA sanctions, a change in attitude about freshmen that fans aren’t used to or a fresh outlook on the way players make their way to the field but one thing was made crystal clear during the first press conference before spring practice began: Any recruit that commits to Penn State has a chance to play immediately. “At the end of the day we’re going to put our best players on the field” Penn State head coach Bill O’Brien said about position battles. “Whether he’s a freshman run-on or a scholarship senior, if he practices hard and wins that position it’s his to lose.”
O’Brien has already shown he’s going to rely heavily on his “run-on” program, recruiting all over Pennsylvania to bring in the best talent he can and give them a chance to earn a scholarship down the road. We are all familiar with the story of Matt McGloin. And Selinsgrove’s Ryan Keiser has already done the same. “Ryan came here and showed us he wants to and can play, so we rewarded him with the scholarship. Matt Lehman is another great example of that. Derek Day, you know, those guys are great examples of guys that. Derek Day played a prominent role, also. Those guys are great examples of guys that are run-ons. And hopefully, especially in the state of Pennsylvania, high school players in the state of Pennsylvania can really look at that and say, ‘Here’s a place that I’ve grown up loving and I’ve always wanted to play at, and here’s my opportunity to go play and potentially earn a scholarship.”
The recruiting staff has reached out to all corners of the state this year bringing in guys like RB Cole Chiappialle of Blackhawk, RB Brian Tomasetti of Old Forge, RB Von Walker of Central Mountain, LB Kyle Searfoss of Red Land and LB Brandon Smith from Lewisburg. Most of these guys had offers from smaller schools but opted to take their chance at Penn State.
So hear this Pennsylvania high school juniors and seniors, because you haven’t gotten a scholarship offer doesn’t mean you can’t play college football for a D1 team. Penn State is looking for you and they’ll give you a chance. All you have to do is work hard, play hard and be a team player.
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Best high school nicknames
Who has the best nickname in Eastern PA? Among some of the names I like are Abraham Lincoln “Rail Splitters” and Boiling Springs “Bubblers”. Who are yours?
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2013 Football Season
Are you ready for some football?
Welcome to the official blog on high school football for the 2013 season.
During the off-season let’s talk about players, recruiting news, teams and everything about high school football.
During the season each week let’s talk about match-ups and how teams did. Let us know what player(s) stood out each week.
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What was your favorite football moment of 2012?
We’re counting down the final hours of 2012, and what football moment stood out for you?
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Who are your 2012 Players and Coach of the Year
Later this month we are releasing our Offensive and Defensive Players of the year plus the Coaches of the year. Who do you think deserves this honor?
Big School Players and Coaches are made up of AAAA and AAA teams. Small School Players and Coaches are made up of AA and A teams.
Please post your offensive and defensive Big and Small School Players of the year. Post your Big and Small School Coach of the year?
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2012 Football Season
Are you ready for some football?
Welcome to the official blog on high school football for the 2012 season.
We want to know what game you are going to each week and let’s talk about matchups and how teams did.
Let us know what player(s) stood out each week.
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2012 EasternPAFootball.com Super 10 Rankings (Week 11)
Big School
1) LaSalle College (12) 10-1 (4)
2) Bishop McDevitt (3) 11-0 (2)
3) Ridley (1) 11-0 (8)
4) Archbishop Wood (12) 9-2 (7)
5) Scranton (2) 11-0 (5)
6) Wilson (3) 10-1 (10)
7) Pennridge (1) 10-1 (9)
8) Delaware Valley (2) 10-1 (10)
9) Harrisburg (3) 9-2 (NR)
10) St. Joseph’s Prep (12) 9-1 (3)
Small School
1) Wyomissing Area (3) 11-0 (1)
2) Southern Columbia (4) 11-0 (2)
3) Imhotep Charter (12) 11-0 (3)
4) Old Forge (2) 11-0 (4)
5) Dunmore (2) 10-1 (5)
6) Bermudian Springs (3) 11-0 (7)
7) Williams Valley (11) 11-0 (8)
8) Catasauqua (11) 11-0 (9)
9) Danville Area (4) 9-2 (NR)
10) Episcopal Academy (IND) 10-0 (10)
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Greatest show on turf in 2012
Last season it was Brendan Nosovitch to Kevin Gulyas as one of the greatest combos Pennsylvannia has ever seen. Nosovitch threw for 8,173 yards in his career and most of that has gone to Gulyas who has 3,714 yards receiving.
So, who will be the “Greatest Show On Turf” in 2012?
Here’s my list of the top five candidates in 2012. Who makes your list?
1) Downingtown East
In his first year as a starting quarterback at Downingtown East, Kyle Lauletta to Jay Harris was one of the best pitch-catch combos in the state last season and they may be the top dog this season.
Last year Lauletta passed for 1,971 yards and 23 touchdowns. Harris caught 53 passes for 732 yards and 11 touchdowns.
These players are worth the price of admission. Look for bigger numbers in 2012.
2) Bishop McDevitt
The combo of Alec Warner to Brian Lemelle was deadly in 2011. Their team finished 13-3 and was runner-up in Class 3A state title game last season. Look for this team to make another run to Hershey and a big part of it will be Warner to Lemelle.
Warner had a huge year passing for 3,518 yards and 30 touchdowns and most of his totals went to Lemelle. He caught 93 passes for 1,630 yards and 15 touchdowns.
This pitch-catch combo is looking for the title, “Greatest show on turf and state champions”.
3) Roman Catholic
One of the not so known pitch-catch combos in Eastern Pennsylvania comes from the Philadelphia Catholic league. But this combo of quarterback Michael Keir to Will Fuller is one of the best, not only in Philly but in the state.
Last season Kier passed for 1,525 yards and 12 touchdowns. His main target was Fuller who caught 46 of those passes for 758 yards and 10 touchdowns.
Keep an eye on this tandem in the city of brotherly love.
4) Central Dauphin
Central Dauphin is riding high, coming off a Class 4A state championship in 2011 and two of the big guns are returning, quarterback Brandon Lavia and all-purpose player Zayd Issah.
Issah not only led his team in rushing, but led his team in receiving. He caught 29 passes for 672 yards and 10 touchdowns. Lavia passed for 1,490 yards and 16 touchdowns.
If Central Dauphin is going to repeat as state champions, Lavia and Issah will be a big part of their success.
5) Manheim Township
Manheim Township is coming off a 8-3 record. They are led by quarterback Brennan Scott who threw for 2,480 yards and 29 touchdowns.
His main target, Tyler Karpinski is returning at wide receiver. Karpinski caught 50 passes for 720 yards and five touchdowns.
Look for Scott and Karpinski to terrorize District Three opponents this fall.
Honorable Mention – Cedar Cliff
Coming off a 9-3 record, Cedar Cliff is gearing up for a big year in 2012. But Cedar Cliff had a major set back when TE Adam Breneman went down with a ACL injury in a non-contact drill before a 7-on-7 tournament.
But the combination of QB Andrew Ford and Breneman still makes our list despite the injury. Last season Ford put up nice numbers despite sharing duties with Tyler Orris. He passed for 1,370 yards and 12 touchdowns. Breneman caught 68 passes for 1,092 yards and 10 touchdowns.
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Wide Receivers – Class of 2012-2013
Who are some of the top wide receivers going into the 2012-13 season? Here’s our list of the top five wide receivers in Eastern PA. The Big School list consists of players from schools within the AAAA and AAA classifications and the Small School list consists of players from schools within the AA and A classifications. Athletes are arranged in alphabetical order by first name.
Who makes your top five list?
EPA (Big School)
1) Brian Lemelle, Bishop McDevitt – 2011 Video Highlights
As a junior, Lemelle caught 93 passes for 1,630 yards and 15 touchdowns. He averaged 17.53 yards per catch. His sophomore year he caught 70 passes for 1,223 yards and 11 scores.
2) Diante Cherry, JP McCaskey – 2011 Video Highlights
As a junior, Cherry was the man for McCaskey catching 65 passes for 1,003 yards and 10 touchdowns. He averaged 15.4 yards per catch. He rushed for two touchdowns.
3) Jay Harris, Downingtown East – 2011 Video Highlights
As a junior, Harris hauled in a team-leading 53 passes for 732 yards and 11 touchdowns. He averaged 13.8 yards per reception.
4) Sean Coleman, LaSalle – 2011 Video Highlights
As a junior, Coleman caught 43 passes for 688 yards and 7 touchdowns. He rushed for 109 yards on 11 carries and one score.
5) William Fuller, Roman Catholic – 2011 Video Highlights
As a junior, Fuller led his team with 46 catches for 758 yards and 10 touchdowns. He rushed for two touchdowns.
EPA (Small School)
1) Danny Jackson, Trinity – 2011 Video Highlights
As a junior, Jackson caught 39 passes for 812 yards and nine touchdowns. He averaged 20.82 yards per catch. He led the team with 29 punt returns for 359 yards.
2) DuBois Ross, Pius X – 2011 Video Highlights
As a junior, Ross caught 49 passes for 1,177 yards and 19 touchdowns. He averaged an impressive 24.2 yards per catch. He had six punt returns for 117 yards and an average of 19.50 yards.
3) John Klingerman, Bloomsburg – 2011 Video Highlights
As a junior, Klingerman led his team with 48 catches for 1,150 yards and 12 touchdowns. He averaged 23.9 yards per catch. In his career he caught 127 passes for 2,679 yards and 34 touchdowns.
4) Nick Merva, Shenandoah Valley
As a junior, Merva led his team with 48 catches for 616 yards and five touchdowns. He was second on the team in scoring.
5) Ron Tomasetti, Mid-Valley
As a junior, Tomasetti caught 41 passes for 714 yards and four scores. He averaged 17.42 yards per catch.
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Running backs – Class of 2012-2013
Who are some of the top running backs going into the 2012-13 season? Here’s our list of the top five running backs in Eastern PA. The Big School list consists of players from schools within the AAAA and AAA classifications and the Small School list consists of players from schools within the AA and A classifications. Athletes are arranged in alphabetical order by first name. Who makes your top five list?
EPA (Big School)
1) Jordyn Bennett, Garnet Valley – 2011 Video Highlights
Bennett ran for 775 yards and 16 touchdowns on 75 carries and caught six passes for 95 yards as a junior.
2) Mike Class, Pennridge – 2011 Video Highlights
As a sophomore, Class rushed for 1,512 yards on 245 carries and 15 touchdowns.
3) Roman Clay, Lancaster Catholic – 2011 Video Highlights
As a junior, Clay rushed for 1,899 yards on 186 carries and 31 touchdowns. His sophomore season he rushed for 1,544 yards on 171 carries and 20 touchdowns. His junior year he was named Small School Offensive player of the year by EasternPAFootball.com.
4) Tyler Phillips, Valley View – 2011 Video Highlights
As a junior, Phillips rushed for 1,553 yards on 155 carries and 23 touchdowns. He caught eight passes for 18 yards.
5) Zayd Issah, Central Dauphin – 2011 Video Highlights
As a junior, Issah rushed for 1,345 yards on 237 carries and 21 touchdowns. He caught 29 passes for 672 yards and 10 touchdowns. On of the most versatile backs in Pennsylvania.
EPA (Small School)
1) Adam Geiger, Trinity (3) – 2011 Video Highlights
As a junior, Geiger rushed for 1,112 yards on 127 carries and 20 touchdowns. He averaged 8.76 yards per carry. His sophomore year he rushed for 1,419 yards and 15 touchdowns.
2) Austin Seamon, Dunmore
As a junior, Seamon rushed for 1,342 yards on 143 carries and 16 touchdowns. He averaged 9.39 yards per carry.
3) David Williams, West Catholic – 2011 Video Highlights
As a junior, Williams rushed for 1,938 yards on 301 carries and 17 touchdowns. Williams is ranked the number one running back prospect in Pennsylvania.
4) Nick O’Brien, Wyoming Area
As a junior, O’Brein rushed for 1,847 yards on 192 carries and 29 touchdowns. He averaged 9.62 yards per rush.
5) Parrish Bennett, Hanover Area
As a junior, Bennett rushed for 1,597 yards on 258 carries and 13 touchdowns. He caught 16 passes for 319 yards and three touchdowns.
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Quarterbacks – Class of 2012-2013
Who are some of the top quarterbacks going into the 2012-13 season? Here’s our list of the top five quarterbacks in Eastern PA. The Big School list consists of players from schools within the AAAA and AAA classifications and the Small School list consists of players from schools within the AA and A classifications. Athletes are arranged in alphabetical order by first name. Who makes your top five list?
EPA (Big School)
1) Alec Werner, Bishop McDevitt – 2011 Video Highlights
As a junior, Werner passed for 3,518 yards and 30 touchdowns. He completed 238 of 361 passes.
2) Brandon Lavia, Central Dauphin – 2011 Video Highlights
As a junior, Lavia completed 96 of 171 passes for 1,490 yards and 16 touchdowns. He added 164 yards rushing and four scores. He led his team to a Class 4A state title. His sophomore season he passed for 1,648 yards and 17 touchdowns.
3) Brennan Scott, Manheim Township – 2011 Video Highlights
As a junior, Scott completed 153 of 256 passes for 2,480 yards and 29 touchdowns. He had only four interceptions. His sophomore season he passed for 2,036 yards and 15 touchdowns.
4) Kyle Lauletta, Downingtown East – 2011 Video Highlights
As a junior, Lauletta completed 130 of 210 passes for 1,971 yards and 23 touchdowns. His team finished 9-3.
5) Michael Keir, Roman Catholic – 2011 Video Highlights
As a junior, Keir completed 108 of 198 passes for 1,525 yards and 12 touchdowns. He added 71 yards rushing. His sophomore season he passed for 1,207 yards and 13 touchdowns.
EPA (Small School)
1) AJ Long, Pius X – 2011 Video Highlights
As a Sophomore, Long completed 212 of 315 passes for 3,700 yards and 46 touchdowns. He rushed for 931 yards on 110 carries and 17 touchdowns. His freshman season he passed for 2,852 yards and 28 touchdowns. He rushed for 355 yards on 91 carries and four touchdowns.
2) Brett Smith, Delone Catholic
As a Junior, Smith passed for 1,380 yards and 21 touchdowns. He added 60 yards rushing and three scores. His sophomore year he passed for 525 yards and nine scores.
3) Chris Palubinsky, Shenandoah Valley
As a Junior Palubinsky completed 97 of 192 passes for 1,527 yards and 12 touchdowns. He rushed for 303 yards on 92 carries and 10 touchdowns.
4) Dustin Crouse, Littlestown
As a Junior, Crouse completed 126 of 246 passes for 2,147 yards and 18 touchdowns. He rushed for 131 yards and one score.
5) Nick O’Brien, Wyoming Area
As a Junior, O’Brien completed 48 of 94 passes for 729 yards and nine touchdowns. He rushed for 1,847 yards on 198 carries and 28 touchdowns.
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ESPN Releases Best HS Football Players
ESPN released their High School Football’s best 150 players in the class of 2013. ESPN named seven Pennsylvania players to the list. Who do you think should have made their list and did not?
ESPN 150 – Pennsylvania
Rank. Name, Position (HT, WT) – High School – College Choice
23. Robert Foster, WR (6’3, 190) – Central Valley – Offers: Bama, Fla, Mich, Mich St, ND, Ohio St, Penn St, Pitt, Ore, WV26. Dorian Johnson, OT (6’6, 285) – Belle Vernon – Offers: Bama, MD, Mich, Nebra, ND, Ohio St, Penn St, Pitt, Tenn, Va Tech, WV
39. Adam Breneman, TE (6’5, 225) – Cedar Cliff – Penn State
65. Alexander Anzalone, OLB (6’3, 225) – Wyomissing – Offers: Bama, Fla, Mich, Mich St, ND, Ohio St, Penn St, S. Carolina, USC, WV
118. David Williams, RB (6’1, 183) – Imhotep – Offers: Auburn, AZ, AZ St, MD, Mich St, Nebra, ND, Ohio St, Penn St, Pitt, Tenn, WV
121. Patrick Kugler, G (6’4, 275) – North Allegheny – Michigan
144. Tyler Boyd, ATH (6’1, 175) – Clairton – Offers: AZ, Ill, ND, Penn St, Pitt, Purdue, Va Tech, Wisc, WV
Full list: Click here
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The most untouchable record in Pennsylvania High School Football
I was looking at some of the all-time records for high school football in Pennsylvania. The one that stands out for me and may never be broken is the 1922 Jersey Shore team.
Jersey Shore scored 676 points in nine games. The record that may never be broken is their average points per game – 75.1 (10 or fewer games). This is a national record.
They scored 127 points against South Williamsport that year. On defense they had eight shutouts.
My question to you is what record do you think will never be broken?
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Who are the Top Players/Teams in 2012
Who will be this year’s surprise and who will dominate football this year. It’s never too early to talk High School Football.
Who are your top players in 2012? Who do you think will be the top teams going into the 2012 season?
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Who are your 2011 Players and Coach of the Year
Next week we are releasing our Offensive and Defensive Players of the year plus the Coach of the year. Who do you think deserves this honor?
Big School Players and Coaches are made up of AAAA and AAA teams. Small School Players and Coaches are made up of AA and A teams.
Please post your offensive and defensive Big and Small School Players of the year. Post your Big and Small School Coach of the year?
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Who stood out: 2011 Season
What did you think of the 2011 Season? What team(s), player(s) or moments stood out for you in 2011? Post a comment below and we can chat about it.
Check out other fan blog topics!!
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Tonight 8:00pm – Talking PIAA State Finals: Live chat
It’s PIAA championship weekend time for Pennsylvania’s high school football teams. Central Dauphin, North Penn, Bishop McDevitt, Archbishop Wood, Lancaster Catholic, Tyrone, Southern Columbia and Clairton are all in the hunt. Clairton has a 46 game winning streak and they are going for three straight titles in a row.
Join our chat tonight at 8pm to talk about all the games this weekend in Hershey. Just click the Cover It Live box below to reserve a seat for the chat.
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The OFFICIAL High School Football 2011 Playoff Thread
UPDATED 12/11 – This will be the official thread each week for playoff talk, playoff schedules, scores and so much more! What do you think of the match ups this week?
It’s never too early to look at how the playoff picture is shaping up!
So let’s talk playoffs!
2011 Brackets (Updated 12/11)
Class A Class AA Class AAA Class AAAA Eastern Conference
2011 Playoff Schedules (Updated 12/11)
District 1 District 2 District 3
District 4 District 11 District 12
Playoff Scoring Stats (Updated 12/11)
2011 Playoff Scoreboard (Updated 12/11)
“EasternPAFootball Talk”…..Talking Playoffs
Join Josh Funk, Armand Vanore and David Mika as we take a look ahead to Week 12 games and look back to Week 11. We will break down each bracket and give our opinion on each game. Join us by clicking the links below.
Class A Class AA Class AAA Class AAAA
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Who stood out: Week 15
What did you think of week 15 games? What team(s), player(s) or moments stood out for you? Post a comment below and we can chat about it.
Check out other fan blog topics!!
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Who stood out Week 14
What did you think of week 14 games? What team(s), player(s) or moments stood out for you? Post a comment below and we can chat about it.
Check out other fan blog topics!!
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“Greatest show on turf” in the Lehigh Valley
Lately I have seen some high-powered offenses in the Lehigh Valley. I was thinking who has the best offense on turf in the Lehigh Valley? Is it Allentown Central Catholic or Nazareth Area? You can make a good argument for both teams this season. I will break down both teams and you can decide who should get the title of “Greatest show on turf” in the Lehigh Valley.
All-State senior quarterback Brendan Nosovitch and record-breaking receiver Kevin Guylas lead Allentown Central Catholic. These two players are considered the best pitch-catch combo the state has ever seen.
This season Nosovitch has passed for 3,219 yards and 33 touchdowns. His two favorite targets are Kevin Gulyas and Jalen Snyder-Scipio. Gulyas has caught 108 passes for 1,777 yards and 24 touchdowns. Snyder-Scipio has caught 64 passes for 980 yards and eight touchdowns.
Daniel Harding who has thrown for 3,468 yards and 31 touchdowns leads Nazareth Area. His favorite targets are the Bridgeforth brothers. Adam Bridgeforth has caught 75 passes for 1,205 yards and eight touchdowns. Andrew Bridgeforth has caught 55 passes for 898 yards and eight touchdowns.
In October these teams met and Nazareth won 31-30 in a thrilling game. Harding threw for 201 yards and the Bridgeforth brothers combined for 160 yards receiving. Nosovitch threw for 246 yards and two scores. Guylas had 158 yards and Sndyer-Scipio added 77 yards receiving.
In 13 games Nazareth has 3,375 yards passing and 1,833 yards receiving. Allentown Central Catholic has 3,229 yards passing and 2,344 yards rushing.
I will leave you with this. Both offenses are fun to watch unless you are a defensive coordinator on the opposing team. Who do you think is the “Greatest show on turf” in the Lehigh Valley?
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Who stood out Week 13
What did you think of week thirteen games? What team(s), player(s) or moments stood out for you? Post a comment below and we can chat about it.
Check out other fan blog topics!!
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The best QB/receiver combo of all-time
In District 11 it can be said that Brendan Nosovitch to Kevin Gulyas is one of the greatest combos Pennsylvannia has ever seen. Nosovitch has thrown for 8,173 yards in his career and most of that has gone to Gulyas who has 3,714 yards receiving.
Who do you think are the best QB/receiver combos in Pennsylvania history?
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Who stood out Week 12
What did you think of week twelve games? What team(s), player(s) or moments stood out for you? Post a comment below and we can chat about it.
Check out other fan blog topics!!
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Who stood out Week 11
What did you think of the eleventh week of high school football? What team(s), player(s) or moments stood out for you? Post a comment below and we can chat about it.
Check out other fan blog topics!!
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Who stood out Week 10
What did you think of the tenth week of high school football? What team(s), player(s) or moments stood out for you? Post a comment below and we can chat about it.
Check out other fan blog topics!!
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Rivalry Week
Week Ten of the 2011 High School football regular season should be exciting, with conference titles and playoff berths on the line. There are also those classic and histoic rivalry battles. Let’s take a look at rivalry week and let us know why your game is special.
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Who stood out Week 9
What did you think of the ninth week of high school football? What team(s), player(s) or moments stood out for you? Post a comment below and we can chat about it.
Check out other fan blog topics!!
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Best Football Stadium Food
I was at Mount Carmel for a game on Sunday and I was thinking about who has the best stadium food in PA? While your favorite players are enduring an on-field pounding in pursuit of a win, you can be enjoying the concession stand.
These days, football stadiums have a lot more to offer than tiny hot dogs and nachos coated in cheese. Who has the best stadium food and what unique foods do they have?
Check out other fan blog topics!!
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Who stood out Week 8
What did you think of the eighth week of high school football? What team(s), player(s) or moments stood out for you? Post a comment below and we can chat about it.
Check out other fan blog topics!!
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Who stood out Week 7
What did you think of the seventh week of high school football? What team(s), player(s) or moments stood out for you? Post a comment below and we can chat about it.
Check out other fan blog topics!!
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Who stood out Week 6
What did you think of the sixth week of high school football? What team(s), player(s) or moments stood out for you? Post a comment below and we can chat about it.
Check out other fan blog topics!!
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Random Thoughts: Mid-Season report
It is hard to believe we are half way through the regular season. Before we get started on this topic I need to vent a little about a topic in District 11.
Up in the slate belt area in District 11 you have Bangor (5-0), Pen Argyl (5-0) and Pius X (5-0). Bangor and Pen Argyl play in the Colonial league and cannot play teams outside their league. Pius X finally got into a different league (All-American), but they play teams not in their area. They even have to travel to Pittsburgh to play a team. It would be nice to see these teams play for a slate belt trophy every year.
In 2010, the Colonial league voted 8-4 against admitting the Royals. This decision is not just about football. Pius X would play all sports in the Colonial league each year. Now they have to travel a far distance to play games.
What is the Colonial league’s reasonings behind this? I will have to answer that another day. But for now it is a shame they do not play for a slate belt trophy. I hope some day they do!
Okay, enough venting, I will take a look at each class at the mid-season point.
AAAA: There are a lot of good teams in the East and no one seems to be stepping up as the team to beat in the East. There are ten undefeated teams left and 27 teams with a 4-1 records.
In District one it is a wide-open race on who will be number one. Teams to keep a eye on that should battle for the district title are Abington, Downingtown West, Downingtown East, Coatesville, Neshaminy, Ridley, Unionville and North Penn.
In District two it seems to be a three team race, Delaware Valley, Wyoming Valley West and Wallenpaupack.
Cumberland Valley once again is leading the way in District 3. Keep a eye out for these teams, Wilson, Central Dauphin, Central Dauphin East, Cedar Cliff, Daniel Boone, Exeter Township, Central York, Governor MIfflin and Manheim Township.
Nazareth Area and Freedom are on top in District 11. They are set for a show down on Oct. 14th to see who is the beast of District 11. Keep a eye on Whitehall, Liberty, Easton Area, Emmaus, Parkland and Stroudsburg. Do not be surprised if all the LVC teams end up with two losses.
District 12, like the rest of AAAA is wide-open. LaSalle could be the last one standing when it is all over. But keep a eye out for these teams: George Washington, Father Judge, Archbishop Ryan, Roman Catholic and St. Joseph’s Prep.
Undefeated teams: Abington, Bethlehem Freedom, Cumberland Valley, Daniel Boone, Delaware Valley, Downingtown West, Exeter Township, George Washington, Nazareth Area and Wyoming Valley West
AAA: In the pre-season, the power teams in the state seem to come from this classification: Archbishop Wood, Bishop McDevitt and Allentown Central Catholic. Wood has shown they are one of the top teams in the state regardless of classification. After starting the season 1-2, McDevitt has reeled off two straight wins and seems to be getting better each week. The defending state champs, Central Catholic barely has a pulse and is off to a 2-3 start with tough games ahead against Whitehall, Parkland and Emmaus.
Springfield-Delco’s 5-0 record leads the way in District one. With some of the power teams down this year keep a eye on these teams: Academy Park, Marple-Newtown, Octorara Area, Phoenixville and Strath Haven.
Valley View is the team to beat in District two. But Dallas and Crestwood might have something to say about that.
District three is loaded with talent. Who will be the last team standing? Keep a eye out for Bishop McDevitt, Conrad Weiser, Dover Area, Hershey, Palmyra, Shippensburg, Garden Spot, Lampeter-Strasburg, Manheim Central and West York.
Bangor, yes Bangor is leading the way with a 5-0 record. After an easy first half schedule they play teams like Catasauqua, Northern Lehigh, Northwestern Lehigh and finish the regular season with Pen Argyl. Other teams to keep a eye on are Allentown Central Catholic, Bethlehem Catholic and East Stroudsburg North.
In District 12, Wood is the heavy favorite to win their district. But keep a eye on Cardinal O’Hara and West Philadelphia.
Undefeated teams: Bangor, Conrad Weiser, Dallas, Dover Area, Hershey, Palmyra, Shippensburg Area, Springfield-Delco, Valley View and West Philadelphia
AA: The defending state champs West Catholic started the season 0-3. Some of you may say they are done and have no chance to win back-to-back state championships. I dare any team to play the three teams they played, Roman Catholic, Archbishop Wood and LaSalle. Just like last year there are a lot of really good teams that could hoist the golden trophy.
Springfield-Montco is leading the way in District one and should win their district.
Wilkes-Barre GAR and Lakeland are heading for another show down in district play. GAR won the two meetings last year and Lakeland won 34-31 this year. Other teams to watch are Susquehanna Community and Wyoming Area.
After an early exit last year in District three playoffs, Lancaster Catholic is eager to prove they are the team to beat in 2011. But teams like Delone Catholic, Wyomissing Area and Trinity might have something to say. Other teams to watch are Bermudian Springs and Littlestown.
The best district for AA last season was District four. This year is shaping up to be the same. This district is deep in talent with teams like Athens, Lewisburg, Mifflinburg, Mount Carmel, Bloomsburg, Danville, North Penn and Towanda. It will be another war to see who comes out as the district champ.
Northern Lehigh is the defending District 11 champs. But North Schuylkill, Pen Argyl, Pine Grove, Catasauqua and Northwestern Lehigh will challenge them this year.
Bok Vo-Tech may be leading the way, but watch out for Bishop McDevitt, Comm Tech and Imhotep Charter. But when the dust settles look for West Catholic to come out as District 12 champs.
Undefeated teams: Athens, Bermudian Springs, Catasauqua, Delone Catholic, Edward Bok Vo-Tech, Lancaster Catholic, Mifflinburg, Mount Carmel, North Schuylkill, Northern Lehigh, Pen Argyl, Pine Grove, Springfield-Montco, Wyomissing Area, Bloomsburg and Towanda.
A: In Class A Its a three team race in 2011, Dunmore, Southern Columbia and Pius X. These teams have combined for a 15-0 record at mid-season.
District one is a two team race, Calvary Christian and Delaware County Christian School.
Dunmore seems to be the team to beat in District two. But keep a eye on Lackawanna Trail who moved to 5-0 after an impressive win over Lakeland Friday night.
Columbia leads the way in District three. Watch out for Halifax, Millersburg or York Catholic to challenge them when the playoffs starts.
One of the toughest single A districts in the east is District four. Southern Columbia is on top, but keep a eye on Canton Area, Line Mountain, Bucktail and Sayre.
Can Pius X finally break through and win their district? Time will tell. Keep a eye on these teams: Minersville, Mahanoy Area, Nativity BVM, Shenandoah Valley and WIlliams Valley.
Undefeated teams: Dunmore, Lackawanna Trail, Pius X, Southern Columbia and Delco-Christian
Who are YOUR pretenders and contenders?
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Who stood out Week 5
What did you think of the fifth week of high school football? What team(s), player(s) or moments stood out for you? Post a comment below and we can chat about it.
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Nominate your Player and Team of the Week: Week 4
EasternPAFootball.com Big and Small School “Player/team of the Week” award. EasternPAFootball.com player/team of the week award recognizes High School Football players/teams each week. Players/teams are nominated by coaches, parents and teammates each week.
Each week we will pick a Team/Player of the week. Who are your team/player of the week? Nominate your player and team each week by posting on here or dave@easternpafootball.com.
We will release the winners each Friday.
Week 3 Winners
Big School Player: Nazareth Area (11)
Big School Team: QB Skyler Morhinweg of St Joseph’s Prep (12)Small School Player: Lakeland (2)
Small School Team: QB Brett Smith of Delone Catholic (3) -
Who stood out Week 4
What did you think of the fourth week of high school football? What team(s), player(s) or moments stood out for you? Post a comment below and we can chat about it.
Check out other fan blog topics!!
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Player and Team of the week: Week 3
Each week we will pick a Team and Player of the week. Here’s our Team and Player of the week. Who are your team and player of the week? Nominate your player and team each week on “Who stood out Week 4“?
“Week 3”
EasternPAFootball.com “Big School Team of the Week”
Nazareth Area: Dan Harding threw for over 390 yards and four touchdowns, including a 31-yard touchdown pass to Adam Bridegeforth with 38 seconds remaining. His two-point conversion to Dan Shepherd gave the Blue Eagles a thrilling 42-41 win over Bethlehem Liberty.
EasternPAFootball.com “Big School Player of the Week”
Quarterback Skyler Mornhinweg of St. Joseph’s Prep: Mornhinweg passed for 232 yards and four touchdowns. He rushed for 154 yards and two scores. He also had a 54- yard fumble recovery for a score. His team defeated North Penn, 51-33.
EasternPAFootball.com “Small School Team of the Week”
Lakeland: In a rematch from last year’s District 2 Class AA championship game, Lakeland rushed for over 400 yards in a 34-31 win over Wilkes-Barre GAR. Led by Ryan Nichols 233 yards and three touchdowns. Tyler Brady added 155 yards and one score.
EasternPAFootball.com “Small School Player of the Week”
Quarterback Brett Smith of Delone Catholic: Smith passed for 210 yards and five touchdowns in a 40-21 win over Littlestown. His favorite target was Cooper Ayres who caught four passes (all for touchdowns) for 97 yards. Delone Catholic moves to 3-0 and 2-0 in their league.
Stats provided by Varsity570.com, Philly.com and GametimePA.com
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Top Football games for Week 4
Who are your top football games for Week 4? Here is my list.
District 1
Coatesville vs. Downingtown East:
Downingtown West vs. Quakertown Community:
Neshaminy vs. Abington:
District 2
Abington Heights vs. Wallenpaupack:
Riverside vs. Lackawanna Trail:
District 3
Hershey vs. Cedar Cliff:
Chambersburg vs. Central Dauphin East:
York Suburban vs. Delone Catholic:
District 4
Mifflinburg vs. Danville:
Towanda vs. North Penn:
District 11
Whitehall vs. Bethlehem Liberty:
Parkland vs. Easton Area:
Bethlehem Freedom vs. Emmaus
District 12
St. Joseph’s Prep vs. Archbishop Wood
Roman Catholic vs. Cardinal O’Hara
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Who stood out Week 3
What did you think of the third week of high school football? What team(s), player(s) or moments stood out for you? Post a comment below and we can chat about it.
Check out other fan blog topics!!
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Week three game(s). What game are you going too?
What game(s) are you going to attend week three? Break down the matchup of your game. What are some of the marquee match-ups this weekend?
Check out other fan blog topics!!
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Who stood out Week 2
What did you think of the second week of high school football? What team(s), player(s) or moments stood out for you? Post a comment below and we can chat about it.
Check out other fan blog topics!!
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EasternPAFootball.com live chat Week 2
EPA – Join David Mika every Sunday between 7:00pm and 8:00pm, we will recap games from the past weekend. Bring your questions and comments and please spread the link to your friends.
Here’s the chat link:
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Week two game(s). What game are you going too?
What game(s) are you going to attend week one? Break down the matchup of your game. What are some of the marquee match-ups this weekend?
I will be covering the West Catholic vs. Archbishop Wood game on Saturday.
Check out other fan blog topics!!
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Who stood out Week 1
What did you think of the first week of high school football? What team(s), player(s) or moments stood out for you? Post a comment below and we can chat about it.
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Week one game(s)
What game(s) are you going to attend week one? Break down the matchup of your game.
I will be covering the Downingtown East vs. Allentown Central Catholic game. It will be interesting to see ACC’s offensive/defensive line. Can they contain Drew Harris? Any one else going to this one?
We will be covering about 20 games this first week!
Check out other fan blog topics!!
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Greatest Rivalry Games
What game is the greatest rivalry game in Pennsylvania? Here are a couple of games that come to mind for me.
1) Easton Area vs. Phillipsburg NJ – The annual Thanksgiving game has drawn as many as 20,000 fans. The two cities are separated by a bridge the crosses the Delaware River. This game has been televised on ESPN a couple of times. They even did a replay game of the 1993 game.
2) Mount Carmel vs. Shamokin – This game is known as the “Coal Bucket Game”.
3) Pottsville vs. Reading – Pottsville won last year’s “Lump of Coal” trophy with a 29-21 OT win over Reading.
4) Stroudsburg vs. East Stroudsburg South – These teams battle every Thanksgiving for the chance to keep the “Little Brown Jug”.
5) ???
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Best HS Football Game ever
I was thinking over the past 15 years, I have seen hundreds of HS Football games. Which game would you say is the best HS Football game you ever saw?
One game that comes to my mind recently was in 2006, Bethlehem Liberty defeated Pennsbury in four-overtimes 45-38. That was one of the greatest games that people still talk about.
Another of my favorite games was the 2003 3A State Final game in a snow storm. Manheim Central won in double overtime over Pine-Richland 39-38 to win their first state championship in football.
What is the best game that you ever saw?
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Top High School Football Coaches
There are legends like Mike Pettine of Central Bucks West and George Curry of Berwick. But who are some of the best high school coaches in Pennsylvania coaching today?
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Who are the top teams in Eastern PA this year?
Next month we will count down to our number one team in our Super 10 Rankings. Who are your top 5 teams in Class AAAA, AAA, AA and A? Pick from any of these Districts – 1,2,3,4,11 and 12 teams.
Class AAAA
1) ?
2) ?
3) ?
4) ?
5) ?
Class AAA
1) ?
2) ?
3) ?
4) ?
5) ?
Class AA
1) ?
2) ?
3) ?
4) ?
5) ?
Class A
1) ?
2) ?
3) ?
4) ?
5) ?
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Who will repeat as state champs in 2011
Who will repeat as state champions? Here’s a list of the 2010 state champs. Tell us which team(s) you think will repeat and why?
4A – North Allegheny
3A – Allentown Central Catholic
2A – West Catholic
1A – Clairton
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Football Players Committing Early to Colleges
High School kids are committing to colleges earlier than ever before and in fact about twice the rate from last year. As of today, there have been 33 in-coming, senior players that have committed to play football at a certain college already.
What are the reasons behind this? One of the reasons is a player can focus on their senior season without distraction. Another reason has to do with the talent level of Pennsylvania. The talent pool is deep next season.
How many kids who commit early will de-commit next year? Let’s hear your opinion on why kids are committing early?
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Quarterback – Class of 2011-2012
Who are some of the top quarterbacks going into the 2011 season? Here’s our list of the top three quarterbacks in Eastern PA. Who do you think makes the top five list?
1) Brendan Nosovitch – Allentown Central Catholic 6-2 195
As a junior, Nosovitch passed for 3,112 yards and 43 touchdowns. He rushed for 1,647 yards and 25 touchdowns. His sophomore year he passed for 2,085 yards and 20 touchdowns. He rushed for 1,007 yards and 19 touchdowns.
Video – Bethlehem Freedom
Video – Whitehall
Video – Abington Heights
Video – Archbishop Wood
Video – Bishop McDevitt
2) Skyler Mornhinweg – St. Joesph’s Prep 6-3 190
As a sophomore, Mornhiweg passed for 1,543 yards and 18 touchdowns. He rushed for 364 yards and five scores. His junior year he passed for 1,546 yards and 13 touchdowns.
Video – George Washington
3) Blake Rankin – Bloomsburg Area 6-4 195
As a junior, Rankin passed for 1,580 yards and 16 touchdowns. He rushed for 981 yards and 17 touchdowns.
Video – 2010 Season
4) ?
5) ?
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Defensive Backs – Class 2011-2012
Who are some of the top Defensive backs going into the 2011 season? Here’s our list of the top three Defensive backs in Eastern PA. Who do you think makes the top five list?
1) Nate Smith – Archbishop Wood – 6-0 185
Video – 2010 Highlights
2) Noah Robb – Allentown Central Catholic – 6-3 195
3) Darrell Crawford – Wilkes-Barre GAR – 6-0 175
Video – 2010 Highlights
4) ?
5) ?
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Linebackers – Class of 2011-2012
Who are some of the top linebackers going into the 2011 season? Here’s our list of the top three linebackers in Eastern PA. Who do you think makes the top five list?
1) Nyeem Wartman – Valley View – 6-3 230
Video – 2010 Highlights
2) Bryton Barr – Mechanicsburg – 6-0 220
Video – 2010 Highlights
3) Brock Dean – Bishop McDevitt – 6-1 210
Video – 2010 Highlights
4) ?
5) ?
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Defensive Lineman – Class of 2011-2012
Who are some of the top defensive lineman going into the 2011 season? Here’s our list of the top three defensive lineman in Eastern PA. Who do you think makes the top five list?
1) Noah Spence – Bishop McDevitt 6-4 240
Video – 2010 Highlights
2) Averee Robinson – Susquehanna Township 6-2 255
Video – 2010 Highlights
3) David Telp – Red Lion 6-3 210
4) ?
5) ?
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Offensive Lineman – Class of 2011-2012
Who are some of the top offensive lineman going into the 2011 season? Here’s our list of the top three offensive lineman in Eastern PA. Who do you think makes the top five list?
1) JJ Denman – Pennsbury 6-6 310
Video – 2010 Highlights
2) Chris Muller – Boyertown Area 6-6 300
Video – 2010 Highlights
3) Frank Taylor – Archbishop Wood 6-4 285
4) ?
5) ?
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Running back – Class of 2011-2012
Who are some of the top running backs going into the 2011 season? Here’s our list of the top three running backs in Eastern PA. Who do you think makes the top five list?
1) Drew Harris – Downingtown East 6-1 200
As a junior, Harris rushed for 1,960 yards and 28 touchdowns. His sophomore year he rushed for 2,010 yards and 30 touchdowns.
Video – Season Highlights
2) Desmon Peoples – Archbishop Wood 5-8 170
As a junior, Peoples rushed for 1,349 yards and 23 touchdowns. his sophomore year he rushed for 1,050 yards and had 15 total touchdowns.
Video – Cardinal O’Hara
3) Rodney Gillin – Wilson (3) 5-11 175
As a Junior, Gillin rushed for 1,890 yards on 183 carries and 27 touchdowns. He had 55 yards receiving.
Video – Season Highlights
4)?
5)?
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Wide Receivers – Class of 2011-2012
Who are some of the top wide receivers going into the 2011 season? Here’s our list of the top three wide receivers in Eastern PA. Who do you think makes the top five list?
1) Eugene Lewis – Wyoming Valley West 6-2 180
As a junior, Lewis played QB in 2010. He passed for 1,245 yards and rushed for 1,179 yards. He had 29 total touchdowns.
Video – 2009 Season
2)Kevin Gulyas – Allentown Central Catholic 6-0 175
As a junior, Gulyas caught 78 passes for 1,281 yards and 19 touchdowns. He averaged 16.42 yards per catch.
Video – 2010 Season
3) Brian Lemelle – Bishop McDevitt 5-11 175
As a Sophomore, Lemelle caught 70 passes for 1,223 yards and 11touchdowns. He averaged 17.47 yards per catch.
Video – 2010 Season
4)?
5)?
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2011 National Signing Day
National Signing Day is the most important day in college football recruiting as it is the day most recruits make their college choices known. Many recruiting fans go so far as to call this day a holiday. What school will be the big winner in PA, Pitt or Penn State? With National Signing Day quickly approaching on Feb. 2, 2011 let’s talk about where players might be heading?