Archbishop Wood is the defending state champion in Class AAA. In fact, in the past three seasons the Vikings have rolled out to an impressive 40-6 record with two state championships, and one second place finish.With a 12-1 record right now, the Vikings are looking to add to their run. Wood is a machine from the prestigious Philadelphia Catholic League, and they are looking for their fourth straight trip to Hershey. They are a living and breathing dynasty.
Somerset, on the other hand, is a completely different story. The Golden Eagles have never won a district championship or a state playoff game until this season. This 2014 team is without question the best team in school history. Somerset hails from District 5, and they have to combine with Districts 6,8,and 9 just to have a playoff. Talk about different worlds between these two programs.
The 2014 edition of the Archbishop Wood Vikings is as good as ever. They have size, speed, and loads of talent. This is a team you could argue is the best team in the state, regardless of classification. They have rolled to a 12-1 record, and hold some very impressive wins under their belt. Wood defeated Maryland power, DeMatha Catholic to start the year, along with some wins over respected Pennsylvania teams like North Penn, West Catholic, and Imhotep Charter. They are for sure battle tested coming from a historically competitive Philadelphia Catholic League.
The Vikings boast two highly rated players heading to Penn State next season. Ryan Bates is a four star offensive linemen and anchors a big and powerful line for Wood. Jake Cooper could be the next great linebacker for the Nittany Lions, and he leads a defense that is coming off an outstanding performance by holding Great Valley to just 7 points in the state quarterfinal. While the two Penn State recruits get their fair share of the attention, it is the Villanova-bound running back that makes this team go. Jarrett McClenton rushed for two touchdowns, caught a score, and returned a punt to the endzone for a marvelous quarterfinal performance. He has been doing that kind of thing for a few years, and he is the guy Somerset needs to keep their focus on this weekend.
It was mentioned how Somerset and Archbishop Wood come from different worlds, and that is absolutely true. Somerset plays in a very strong class A and AA conference based in the Johnstown and Altoona region called the Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference, it is the home to notable small school programs like Forest Hills, Bishop Carroll, Bishop McCort, and this year's class A state semifinalist- Bishop Guilfoyle. Actually, Guilfoyle is the only team to conquer the Golden Eagles this season.
Despite the strength of schedule questions, Somerset has powered ahead with wins over four straight AAA teams in the playoffs, including a 30-0 thrashing of perennial power, Bethlehem Catholic this past week. It was the defense that shut down BeCaHi, and the Golden Eagles hope they can replicate that performance this week. The defense may not be big, but they are fast. Somerset relies on the talented defensive line that features all-stater Bryce Mostoller, and senior defensive tackle Colton Slayback. The next level is anchored by another 2013 all state selection in Logan Eller at middle linebacker. As a unit overall, Somerset is very fast and have knocked off bigger and stronger teams in each of the past two weeks.
Somerset's offense features a pair of speedy juniors, Dylan Barnes at QB and Jake Heiple at running back. Heiple rushed for three touchdowns last week, and is just shy of 1,500 yards this season. Raven Beeman is an exciting and versatile weapon and adds to the speed of this dangerous offense. Bryce Mostoller is a big target at tight end and is one of the better ones in the state.
Overall this is a game with tradition vs. newcomers, city vs. country, and of course, David vs. Goliath. Somerset is an excellent team, and one of the better AAA teams this area has ever seen, but they are going up against one of the best programs in all of Pennsylvania. Something will have to give this weekend.
Sunday, November 30, 2014
PIAA Class A Eastern Final Preview: South Williamsport vs. Bishop Guilfoyle
Bishop Guilfoyle enters this game with an unblemished 14-0 record, and have been dominant in all 14 contests. The Marauders have been exceptional on defense and explosive on offense. They used their same recipe for a 62-21 thrashing of District 3 champion, Camp Hill. BG got down early 21-7 on some uncharacteristic mistakes, but from there Guilfoyle rolled with 55 unanswered points to punch their first ever ticket to the state's final four.
Camp Hill boasted one of the better passing games in the state and were coming off a 63 point output the previous week, but they managed just two touchdowns on offense. Bishop Guilfoyle's powerful and imposing defensive line put Camp Hill under constant pressure and turned in six sacks for their effort. Owen Wolf, Matt Gormley, Andrew Berger, and Dakota Leamer all posted sacks, and the experienced line is one of the strong points for this Bishop Guilfoyle team, and they will need it this week going up against a very prolific rushing attack. Bishop Guilfoyle's defense is one very distinct advantage in this game, as they have been down right suffocating this year.
Dominick Bragalone is one of the more prolific backs in state history, and he is the focal point for the 13-1 District 4 champions. The senior for South Williamsport rushed for 443 yards and six touchdowns last week and led his team to a 69-41 victory over Pius X. Bragalone is now over the 3,000 yard mark this season to go along with 46 total touchdowns. At 5'11" 210 pounds, he is a bruising back for the single A level, and with a line that averages 263 pounds, it's a perfect storm for an incredibly successful running game.
As good as South Williamsport has been on the offense, they have certainly had a few times where they have allowed points on defense, like last week giving up 41 to Pius X. They aren;t a bad defense, but far from dominant. Fortunately for Bishop Guilfoyle, they have one of the more explosive offenses you will see at the single A level. The Marauders' attack starts with their dominant senior running back, Sam McCloskey. The Lehigh recruit went for an impressive performance himself in the state quarterfinals with 291 rushing yards and three touchdowns, and he also caught a 59 yard score. He is explosive, and has a different style that his counterpart, Bragalone. BG also boasts another impressive offensive player in senior quarterback, Brandon Chadbourn, He rushed for 100 yards last week and a touchdown, threw for two scores, and returned an interception 90 yards for another one. Not many players can provide the versatility Chadbourn can.
Bishop Guilfoyle and Camp Hill both rely heavily on the running games, they just go about it in different ways. The Marauders use a blend of speed and power, where South Williamsport is going to come right at you with their strength and power. This is the type of games where both teams will find ways to score, but it is where the defense will need to make an extra stop or two to come away victorious. It is an unstoppable force going up against an immovable object, and it should make for an excellent state semifinal game.
Camp Hill boasted one of the better passing games in the state and were coming off a 63 point output the previous week, but they managed just two touchdowns on offense. Bishop Guilfoyle's powerful and imposing defensive line put Camp Hill under constant pressure and turned in six sacks for their effort. Owen Wolf, Matt Gormley, Andrew Berger, and Dakota Leamer all posted sacks, and the experienced line is one of the strong points for this Bishop Guilfoyle team, and they will need it this week going up against a very prolific rushing attack. Bishop Guilfoyle's defense is one very distinct advantage in this game, as they have been down right suffocating this year.
Dominick Bragalone is one of the more prolific backs in state history, and he is the focal point for the 13-1 District 4 champions. The senior for South Williamsport rushed for 443 yards and six touchdowns last week and led his team to a 69-41 victory over Pius X. Bragalone is now over the 3,000 yard mark this season to go along with 46 total touchdowns. At 5'11" 210 pounds, he is a bruising back for the single A level, and with a line that averages 263 pounds, it's a perfect storm for an incredibly successful running game.
As good as South Williamsport has been on the offense, they have certainly had a few times where they have allowed points on defense, like last week giving up 41 to Pius X. They aren;t a bad defense, but far from dominant. Fortunately for Bishop Guilfoyle, they have one of the more explosive offenses you will see at the single A level. The Marauders' attack starts with their dominant senior running back, Sam McCloskey. The Lehigh recruit went for an impressive performance himself in the state quarterfinals with 291 rushing yards and three touchdowns, and he also caught a 59 yard score. He is explosive, and has a different style that his counterpart, Bragalone. BG also boasts another impressive offensive player in senior quarterback, Brandon Chadbourn, He rushed for 100 yards last week and a touchdown, threw for two scores, and returned an interception 90 yards for another one. Not many players can provide the versatility Chadbourn can.
Bishop Guilfoyle and Camp Hill both rely heavily on the running games, they just go about it in different ways. The Marauders use a blend of speed and power, where South Williamsport is going to come right at you with their strength and power. This is the type of games where both teams will find ways to score, but it is where the defense will need to make an extra stop or two to come away victorious. It is an unstoppable force going up against an immovable object, and it should make for an excellent state semifinal game.
Tuesday, November 25, 2014
PIAA Class A State Quarterfinal: Bishop Guilfoyle vs. Camp Hill
Bishop Guilfoyle vs. Camp Hill (10-2 District 3 Champions)
Friday 7:00 Chambersburg High School
Bishop Guilfoyle enters the state playoff with an unblemished 13-0 record. They were able to dispatch a tough Portage team last week to earn the school's first district six championship since 1987. It has been a historic season for the Maruaders, and one they do not want to end just yet. Many feel this Bishop Guilfoyle team has the makeup of a team that can make a run to Hershey, and that journey begins Friday night in Chambersburg.
The Bishop Guilfoyle Marauders have made it this far with a suffocating defense and an explosive offense. The offense is highlighted by the running of senior, Sam McCloskey. The senior back rushed for four touchdowns and 235 yards last week in the district six championship, and that performance led to a scholarship offer from Lehigh University, and he ended up committing to play for the Mountain Hawks soon thereafter. He is not the only division one football threat in this powerful offense, as Villanova-bound Brandon Chadbourn has had an excellent season at quarterback with over 1,200 passing yards and 800 rushing yards. Guys like tight end, Matt Gormley and athlete Evan Chadbourn have been the most targeted players in the passing game, and both have made some big plays this season. It is an offense that can beat you in many ways, and it is one with some very talented pieces. For a young team like Camp Hill, it will be a tall task.
Speaking of Camp Hill's young team, they dress 39 players, with 25 of them being freshmen or sophomores - quite the contrast from the Bishop Guilfoyle senior-laden team. Camp Hill is led by a very talented quarterback in Michael Shuster. The junior signal caller has thrown for 3,373 passing yards and 40 touchdowns this season, and is drawing interest from several colleges. Michael Hope is his favorite target, and he has caught 17 of those 40 touchdowns passes. Bill Williams is the team's leading rusher as a sophomore with 1,252 yards and 17 scores, and is a very good receiver as well with 36 catches and 13 touchdowns. The Lions will certainly be one of the most potent offenses Bishop Guilfoyle has seen this year, and they will be tasked with slowing down a team coming off a 63 point championship performance last week.
The Bishop Guilfoyle defense may have some worries about that vaunted Camp Hill offense, but they have a pretty good defense - and that may be putting it lightly. The Marauders have given up just six touchdowns all season long, and they have pitched seven shutouts on the year also. They have a ball-hawking secondary, an imposing defensive line, and a group of experienced and talented linebackers. This team is good at every level, and they play very well together. They have combined for 46.5 sacks, 35 forced turnovers, and 7 defensive touchdowns. Those are pretty mind boggling numbers, and if a team is tasked with slowing down Camp Hill, it would be Bishop Guilfoyle.
The winner of this game will take on the winner of Pius X and South Williamsport in the class A Eastern Final. District six has fared well in this game with District three in recent years, having won four out of five of these match-ups.
Tuesday, November 18, 2014
District 5A Championship Outlook: Meyersdale vs. Berlin
Meyersdale (10-2) vs. Berlin (11-1)
Saturday 7:00 Somerset Area High School
The Backyard Brawl makes a trip to the District 5 Championship game. This will mark the fourth meeting between the two neighboring schools in the past two seasons. Meyersdale won in an instant class last regular season, but Berlin got the last laugh in the playoffs. This season the Mountaineers beat the Red Raiders in the regular season, so will it be Meyersdale's chance at revenge this time?
Meyersdale went into second seeded Tussey Mountain last week and escaped with a 21-19 upset victory. The Red Raiders have been playing some of their best football in recent weeks as they have a dynamic offense and a stout defense. Sophomore quarterback, Riley Christner, returned from injury to throw for 259 yards and a touchdown against Tussey Mountain last week. He is very talented for a sophomore and shows great poise for his age. Cole Clark and Conner Christner are the two play-making receivers for this offense. Jason Ritchey and Ty Hoover lead the rushing attack. They have different ways they can beat you, and they put that on display last week. To be at this stage of the season without a running back over 1,000 yards is a testament to their balance on offense.
Meyersdale held a pretty good Tussey Mountain offense in check last week, and they have been doing that kind of thing all year. They have pitched five shutouts in their 10 wins, and have been playing at a high level since their mid-season two game losing streak. Their biggest challenge will be to slow down Braden Fochtman somehow, as he went for 200 yards and two touchdowns in the first meeting.
Berlin-Brothersvalley has been one of the hottest teams in the area, and they are riding an eight game winning streak. In those eight games they have pitched five shutouts. Since trailing Portage 14-0 early in the WestPac championship, the Mountaineers have scored 133 unanswered points. The Berlin dominance starts with their sensational running back, Braden Fochtman. He has already rushed for 299 yards and 6 touchdowns in the district playoffs, and will look to add to that impressive total. Berlin has also seen a spike in the rushing game with quarterback Brentson Harding having some big games lately. He is a good passer as well, and it gives this offense another dynamic if he's running and passing well.
As we said, this Berlin defense has been down right dominant of late. Dante Paul has 22 tackles for loss, while Toby Cahill has 13. Bryce Fochtman leads the way with four interceptions. In fact Berlin has 41 takeaways this season with a +25 turnover margin this season.
As we said, this Berlin defense has been down right dominant of late. Dante Paul has 22 tackles for loss, while Toby Cahill has 13. Bryce Fochtman leads the way with four interceptions. In fact Berlin has 41 takeaways this season with a +25 turnover margin this season.
(Helmets courtesy of Pahelmetproject.com)
District Six A Championship Outlook: Portage vs. Bishop Guilfoyle
Portage (11-1) vs. Bishop Guilfoyle (12-0)
Friday 7:00 Mansion Park Stadium
Portage and Bishop Guilfoyle meet for the second straight year, but the stakes are slightly higher this time. Bishop Guilfoyle went into Portage's stadium last year and humbled the Mustangs 42-10 in the district playoffs. This time the game will be Bishop Guilfoyle's stadium, and a championship is on the line. These two teams topped our local power rankings all year long, and were the teams I picked to meet here before the playoffs started. The week is here, and the much-anticipated matchup is upon us.
Portage comes into this game after a thrilling semifinal victory over Blairsville last week. The Mustangs overcame a late deficit and took the lead with under two minutes, and survived a deep drive by Blairsville to advance to the district final for the second time in school history. Like many times over the past three seasons, it was a heavy dose of Caleb Kephart to lead the Portage offense. The senior back rushed for 239 yards and two scores to raise his impressive season totals to 2,327 yards and 33 touchdowns. The offense often receives substantial production from their second back, Luke Dividock. He is over the century mark this season, and is another dangerous runner. Michael Bryja is a more than capable quarterback, and at 6'5" has the size and tools to make some big throws. He has tossed 8 touchdowns this season in Portage's run-happy offense.
The Portage defense stiffened when they needed to last week, and have held in check two very good Heritage teams down in the first two rounds to reach the championship game. They have faced some of the area's best runners in recent weeks, and that should be good simulation for facing the vaunted Bishop Guilfoyle offense on Friday.
Bishop Guilfoyle's offense is flashy and gets a lot of attention, but it has been their defense that has been most impressive. The Marauders allowed a touchdown last week in the second half, and that was just the fourth touchdown they have allowed in 12 games this season. They normally do not surrender a lot, and it's hard to mention this defense without Adam Berger. He is having an absurd season, and you can pretty much pencil him into first team all state defensive line right now.
Notes
- Portage will be without Head Coach Garry Gouse, as he was ejected last week against Blairsville.
- Portage is playing in just their second district final in school history, and their first since 2008.
- Bishop Guilfoyle should feel right at home, as they use Mansion Park as their home field. This will be their 8th game at the stadium this year.
- A LHAC team has not won this championship since the 2010 Bishop Carroll team.
- The last time a WestPac team won this championship was Windber in 2000.
Monday, November 17, 2014
District Six AA Championship Outlook: Tyrone vs. Mt. Union
Tyrone 11-1 vs. Mt. Union 12-0
Saturday 7:00 Mansion Park Stadium
Speed vs. Power.....Tradition vs. Newcomers.....ICC vs. Mountain League. These are just some of the story lines heading into the highly anticipated District Six AA championship Saturday night. The top two seeds survived the first two rounds and give us the championship game many wanted to see from the onset of the playoffs.
So much was talked about if Mt. Union could stack up against the defending district champions, Central. I would say by the result of the game, not only did they stack up, they were far and away the better team. The speed and athleticism of Mt. Union just overwhelmed what many believed was a good Central team, and it led to a 61-13 rout. Like many times this year, BJ Loner had a dazzling performance. The senior athlete rushed 11 times for 163 yards for three touchdowns, while also catching a touchdown. This offense goes as he does, and he looks locked in right now. Trevon Walker has thrown for over 1,400 yards and 20 touchdowns this season, but it was his rushing performance that raised eyebrows last week. The senior play-caller went for 211 rushing yards and 4 scores on the ground and helped lead his team to victory. If both of those players are clicking like that, they will be tough to beat. Throw is Robbie Steel, DJ Bookwalter, Kole Hole, and Keiton Pillock and you have an offense filled with guys capable of making plays.
The Mt. Union defense does not always get the credit it deserves, but they locked down a good Central passing attack. The defensive line led by Brody Suter got after the quarterback and forced them into bad throws. The talented and athletic secondary took advantage of those mistakes, and hauled in four interceptions. Kole House and BJ Loner have been intercepting everything in sight this season, and they continue to play well as the competition gets better.
Tyrone easily dispatched rival Huntingdon 43-15 in the semifinals, and they return to their home away from home for another district title appearance. The Golden Eagles have a balanced offense, a strong defense, and the size and speed to make a run. Tyrone's offense starts with Garrett Hunter at quarterback. The senior went 10-17 for 115 yards and a touchdown with no interceptions last week. It was another strong, mistake-free game from Hunter. Garrett Hunter may be the one that steadies the offense, but Aleic Hunter is the one that makes it run. The senior back rushed for 157 yards and two score to raise his totals to 1,741 and 19 touchdowns. Nicholas Getz led the team in receiving last week, and has been doing it all year long. Silas Crawford and Duane Boone also provide reliable targets for Hunter.
The Tyrone defense has been stiffing this season, and has held their two playoff opponents to just 22 points thus far. They are led by one of the area's top defensive ends, Duane Boone. He went for 4 tackles for loss against Huntingdon last week, and can cause problems in the Mt. Union backfield. Richard Reader and Elijah Sleeth are also big players for this defense. Tyrone is stout against the run, and have been impressive against the pass as well, but chances are they have not seen this kind of speed all season and it will present a new challenge for them.
Notes
-- The winner of this game will play the District 10 Champion next week. Greenville (11-1) and Hickory (9-2) play Saturday afternoon for their championship.
-- Tyrone is going for ninth District Six AA championship. They are currently tied with Forest Hills for the most all-time with 8.
-- Mt. Union is going for their first championship ever. They were the runners-up in 1992 and 1993.
(Helmets courtesy of Pa Helmet Project)
Thursday, November 13, 2014
District Five Class A Semifinal Outlook: Meyersdale at Tussey Mountain
Meyersdale (9-2) at Tussey Mountain (9-2)
Saturday 7:00 Tussey Mountain High School
Meyersdale easily dispatched Everett last week by a score of 27-0. The Red Raiders look to continue their push to the district final on Saturday as they travel to take on the defending champion, Tussey Mountain. Meyersdale has seemingly recovered from their late season two game losing streak, and they now resemble the team that started out 6-0.
The Red Raiders survived last week without starting quarterback, Connor Christner. They received big plays from the running game, and the defense stiffened up in a big way. The offense is paced by running back, Jason Ritchey. He is a tough runner that sets up the passing game. Riley Christner made some plays at quarterback filling in for his brother. Cole Clark is an electric player that is always in the middle of making big plays. The story for Meyersdale is likely their defense, though. They have pitched five shutouts this year, and they have been clicking since the Portage loss. It all starts with their hard-nosed defensive line led by Tim Garlitz and Justin Dunmeyer. They will be tasked with slowing down a very tough Tussey Mountain offense.
Tussey Mountain is coming off a thrashing of Windber in round one. The Titans hung 62 on the Ramblers, and it was another impressive performance for the defending champs. They will look to make it back to the district final again to defend their championship.
Tussey Mountain has a balanced offense with plenty of experience back from last year's run. Quinn Barnett does not have ridiculous stats, but he is a winner and he is a reliable QB. Barnett's record is 20-5 as the starting Tussey quarterback in two years and he is just a junior. Barnett has thrown a touchdown in each of the past 8 games with 15 total on the year. Daniel Taylor, Chris Wentz, and Drew Sitch form a potent trio running the football that has combined for 37 rushing touchdowns this year. Overall, the running game averages 317 yards a contest and it is difficult to key on one player, and that's what makes it so effective. The Tussey Mountain defense has taken a step back this year, and it has forced the offense to win in some shootouts. The offense can make up for it, but it could cost them in a big game against a tough Meyersdale team.
(Helmets courtesy of PA Helmet Project)
District Five Class A Semifinal Outlook: Shade at Berlin
Shade (7-4) at Berlin (10-1)
Friday 7:00 Snyder's Athletic Complex
Shade has now advanced to the second round of the district five playoffs for the second consecutive year. The Panthers are now looking to breakthrough to the championship in 2014, a far cry away from where the program was back in 2011 when they went 1-8.
The Panthers lost to Berlin way back in week one, but since that game Shade has displayed plenty of improvement. Shade is a team that is very balanced, and one that wins without a true offensive star. As evidence to that, Shade has four rushers with at least 500 yards on the year. It seems each week a new guy steps up, and it was Logan Glessner in week one of the playoffs against Northern Bedford by going for for 101 yards. This week it could be Mitch Napora, Ted Dunagan, and Baily Blackburn carrying the load. They even get solid production from Preston Broncoski, the senior quarterback. Shade is a hard-working team that absolutely works well together. They hung around and narrowly lost to WestPac powers Portage and Meyersdale this season, and they are hoping they have closed the gap on Berlin by now as well.
Berlin is sitting on ten wins right now, and that's the third consecutive year the Mountaineers have achieved double digit wins. Doug Paul and his staff have this program as solid as it's ever been, and they are looking for their second championship in three years.
The Berlin offense is explosive, and it has many weapons. Although, just one player stands out above the rest. Braden Fochtman is sitting on 1,540 yards and 24 touchdowns this season, and the junior back already has surpassed the 4,000 yard total for his career. He is a big play waiting to happen on any given snap, and seemingly does the impossible sometimes, like last week by rushing for over 200 yards on just 7 carries. Shade also gets significant production from their junior quarterback, Brentson Harding. He has thrown for 16 touchdowns and rushed for 8 more, and has come up with some big plays for this team in his first year as the starter.The Berlin defense does not get the headlines, but they can really play. Dante Paul is a big player on that side of the ball, and really makes that unit work.
District Six AA Semifinal Outlook: Huntingdon at Tyrone
Huntinngdon (6-5) at Tyrone (10-1)
Saturday 7:00 Grey-Vets Memorial Field
A long time rivalry gets renewed with a berth to the District Six championship on the line. Huntingdon is in the postseason for the first time since 2010, and they are looking for their championship since 2005. Tyrone is seeking for their first trip to Mansion Park since 2011, the same year they went the whole way to the state championship.
Huntingdon had an up and down year, and it led them to a 5-5 regular season mark. In a bit of a surprise though, the Bearcats went to third-seeded Juniata last week and upset them in the first round. Huntingdon rode a big performance by their junior running back, Jake Wagner. He rushed for 239 yards on 24 carries for two touchdowns. The Bearcats will need more of the same from him this week against a stout Tyrone defense. He has rushed for 1,183 yards and 18 touchdowns this year, and he is the undoubted star of this offense. To draw pressure away from him, the Cats may need to see some more production from the passing game. Hudson Speck has 6 passing touchdowns his year, and he did miss the Tyrone game in the first meeting. Perhaps his presence can change things this time around. Logan Fisher and Matt Speck are his favorite targets, and they will have to make a few plays to spring the upset.
The Bearcats' defense had it's moments this year, but they did surrender plenty of points in their five losses. The first meeting with Tyrone saw Huntingdon give up 52 points, and that is not something that can happen again if they wish to pull the upset. Huntingdon does not have the offense to play in that kind of shootout, but they are an improving team. I expect things to be a little closer in this meeting.
Tyrone is coming off a sound 35-7 win over Forest Hills in round one. The Golden Eagles have combined a balanced offense and a stiffing defense be one of the top teams in the district. This is a program that is very familiar and comfortable playing in these type of games, and beating them at home is no easy task, and that may be one of the biggest advantages they have going into the rematch with Huntingdon.
The offense for Tyrone starts with the quarterback, Garrett Hunter. He is a senior and a first year starter, but he plays like he has been doing this for years, as he is completing 56% of his passes for 1,518 yards 17 touchdowns to just 5 interceptions. He was 12 of 16 in the first meeting with Huntingdon, and was 8 of 18 last week against Forest Hills. Hunter has already led them to some big wins this year, and will be ready to handle the big game moment this week. Another Hunter is a big part of this offense, and that Aleic Hunter, the 5'7" 150 pound running back. Don't let the size fool you, he has rushed for 1,426 yards and 19 touchdowns this season including a 220 yard performance in round one. Tyrone has two pretty good receivers with Nicholas Getz and Silas Crawford, and a tight end that is reliable as well in Duane Boone. Tyrone is equally comfortable running and throwing the ball, and that is what makes them so hard to defend.
The Golden Eagles' defense has been on a roll lately. Since the loss to Clearfield, the Golden Eagles have only given up 29 points in their past four games. Tyrone's defense is led by one of the best defensive end duos around these parts. Duane Boone has had a beastly season with 7 sacks and 16.5 tackles for loss, while Richard Reader has posted 3.5 sacks and 15.5 tackles for loss. Elijah Sleeth holds it down as the team's top linebacker. Cameron Baksheshe, Nicholas Getz, and Cullen Raftery form an experienced and athletic secondary. They will make life difficult on a Huntingdon team that does not pass a whole lot.
Notes
-- The winner of this game advances to the District Six AA Championship, which will be held next Saturday and they will play the winner of Central-Mt. Union.
-- Tyrone is looking for their for their 14th all-time championship appearance.
-- Tyrone is tied all-time with 8 District Six AA Championships with Forest Hills.
-- Huntingdon is a six time AAA champion, but have not had much success since they have dropped to AA.The Bearcats last championship was in 2005.
Wednesday, November 12, 2014
District Six AA Semifinal Outlook: Central at Mt. Union
Central (9-2) at Mt. Union (11-0)
Friday 7:00 Mt. Union High School
The defending district champions have a whole new look to them this year. After putting together one of the best seasons in school history in 2013, nobody really knew how Central would follow it up this year. The Dragons seemingly did not miss a beat. Central has two losses this year by ten points total, and they are very much a threat to repeat as champions.
Central has an offense that is more dependent upon the passing game than they usually do, and it has been working. Noah Benton has thrown for over 1,200 yards this season with 16 touchdowns and just 3 interceptions. He has been very good in his first year as a starter. Benton also has the mobility to keep defenses honest with his legs. Mike Mock is not an every down quarterback, but when he steps in, the offense does not skip a beat. He has thrown 10 touchdowns to just three interceptions. Mock is also the team's leading rusher with 771 yards and 9 touchdowns. The Dragons do not have that powerful running game of year's past, but they do average 200 yards a game as a team and they get contributions from a number of different players. The quarterbacks have made the passing game consistent, but the receivers make it explosive. Justin Helsel and Alex Hoenstine have been outstanding this year, and can make things happen when they have the ball in their hands after the catch. Mock has come down with some big catches himself, including a 31 yard touchdown pass against Penn Cambria last week.
The Central defense has been on a roll in the second half of the season, but they did allow some big plays last week. It was out of character because the strength of the Central defense has been in the secondary. Hoenstine, Mock, and Helsel have combined for ten interceptions this year. Jordan Quarello and Kaleb Weyant anchor the linebackers, while Blaize Mock (6 sacks 13 hurries) and Brice Brumbaugh (11 TFL) provide the pass rush on the line. It is a well put together defense, but they will be put to the test this week against a dynamic offense from Mt. Union.
Mount Union is in the midst of their best season, perhaps ever. The Trojans are 11-0, champions of the ICC, and they are hosting a second round playoff game. It has been a dream season, and they will look for it to continue this week, but dethroning the defending champions will not be an easy task.
Mt. Union has a high-flying offense that has been putting up insane numbers all year long. It starts with their third year starting quarterback, Trevon Walker. The senior play-caller has thrown for 1,367 yards 18 touchdowns to just 5 interceptions. He also has 579 yards and 9 touchdowns on the ground, and that adds another element to this offense. While it is Walker drives the offense, it is BJ Loner that makes it fly. The senior do-it-all athlete has accounted for 30 offensive touchdowns this season (20 rushing - 10 receiving) and he is one of the most versatile threats in all of district six. Loner has over 1,000 rushing yards and nearly 600 in receiving. Robbie Steel and DJ Bookwalter aid in the running game as they each have 400+ yards and 5 touchdowns. Kole House and Keiton Pollock are two very good receivers, and they just add to arsenal of this offense. Mt. Union is a tough team to account for on every play with all of the athletes they put out on the field.
The Trojans' defense does not get the headlines the offense receives, but they have been very good in their own right. Take away the Tussey Mountain game, and the Mt. Union defense has held in check every other team they have played thus far. They will be tested by Central's offense, but Mt. Union will not be lacking in confidence going into the game. The amount of turnovers Mt. Union has created jumps off the page, as they have 20 interceptions and 23 fumble recoveries. Kole House has posted 8 interceptions himself, while Loner has 7. The two senior defensive backs are one of the best tandems in the state. The defensive line for Mt. Union also has some strong personnel with seniors Zack Snyder, Brody Suter, and juniors DJ Bookwalter and Adam Rigney providing sound run support. Austin Low leads the linebackers. Overall, it is an experienced group that thrives on taking the ball away from teams and making big plays.
The Trojans' defense does not get the headlines the offense receives, but they have been very good in their own right. Take away the Tussey Mountain game, and the Mt. Union defense has held in check every other team they have played thus far. They will be tested by Central's offense, but Mt. Union will not be lacking in confidence going into the game. The amount of turnovers Mt. Union has created jumps off the page, as they have 20 interceptions and 23 fumble recoveries. Kole House has posted 8 interceptions himself, while Loner has 7. The two senior defensive backs are one of the best tandems in the state. The defensive line for Mt. Union also has some strong personnel with seniors Zack Snyder, Brody Suter, and juniors DJ Bookwalter and Adam Rigney providing sound run support. Austin Low leads the linebackers. Overall, it is an experienced group that thrives on taking the ball away from teams and making big plays.
Notes
-- The winner of this game will play the winner of Tyrone/Huntingdon on Saturday November 22 at Mansion Park.
-- Central is going for their fourth district title in school history. They are looking back to become the first school to win back to back titles since Forest Hills in 2009-2010.
-- Mt. Union is looking to punch their ticket to the district six final for the first time since 1993. The Trojans finished second in back to back years in '92-'93.
(Helmets courtesy of PA Helmet Project)
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