Pennsylvania High School Football Huddle

Trisciani Steps Down as Head Football Coach at Whitehall

2012-01-27T13:41:00.000-08:00

by Jeff Fisher
High School Football America

Whitehall High School has announced it's in the market for a new head football coach.

School officials have announced that Tony Trisciani has resigned to become the defensive backs coach at Villanova.

In five years with the Zephyrs, Trisciani led the school to a 36-22 record.

Bishop McDevitt's Noah Spence named The Maxwell Football Club's National Player of the Year

2012-01-25T14:28:00.003-08:00

by Jeff Fisher
High School Football America

Ohio State recruit Noah Spence of Bishop McDevitt High School has been named the fifth winner of The Maxwell Football Club's National High School Player of the Year Award.

Spence had a great senior season that saw him lead his school to Pennsylvania Class AAA championship game. The 6-4, 240-pound defensive end recorded 108 tackles with 12-and-a-half sacks, plus 27 tackles for losses.

Spence joins past winners DeVier Posey (Cincinnati LaSalle, OH), Jamarkus McFarland (Lufkin, TX), Sharrif Floyd (George Washington, Philadelphia, PA) and Jeff Driskel (Hagerty HS, Orlando, FL)

Colonial League Coaching Changes

2012-01-24T14:58:00.000-08:00

by Jeff Fisher
High School Football America

Northwestern Lehigh High School has announced that it's in the market for a new head football coach.

Tom Linette has resigned after two years as head coach and 30-years overall on the staff. The Tigers were 10-10 under Linette, who took over for Bob Mitchell in 2010. Mitchell, who was the head coach at Northwestern for 28-years, asked Linette to take-over when he resigned.

Meanwhile, Salisbury has a new head coach.

Andy Cerco has been named the new leader of the Falcons after spending two years as the defensive coordinator at Parkland. Last season, Salisbury went 1-9 under Rob Sawicki.

Since the end of the season, three Colonial League coaches have resigned. Last month, Palisades' head coach Jim Brady stepped-down as the head coach of the Pirates.

Big 33 Coach Mike Brennan Talks About 2012 Classic on High School Football America

2012-01-14T10:56:00.000-08:00

by Jeff Fisher
High School Football America

Mike Brennan, who has been going to the Big 33 Classic in Hershey since he was 9-years old, is a very proud coach these days.

Brennan, who will be entering his fourth season as the head coach at Blue Mountain this year, will be the head coach of the Pennsylvania All-Stars in the 2012 Big 33 Game.

Coach Brennan joined me on Thursday's High School Football America radio show to talk about the honor of being a head coach in game that has the distinction of having an alum play in every Super Bowl.

Click here to listen to my interview with Coach Brennan.

Legendary New Castle Football Coaches Passes Away

2012-01-14T10:48:00.000-08:00

by Jeff Fisher
High School Football America

Lindy Lauro, who led New Castle to six undefeated season, died Thursday at the age of 90.

Lauro led New Castle as its head coach for 32 years before retiring in 1992 with a record of 220-104-15. When Lauro won his 200th game in 1987, New Castle was the only high school in America with two coaches with 200 wins or more. Phil Bridenbaugh won 265 games with New Castle from 1922-1955.

Shaler Head Coach Resigns

2012-01-14T10:24:00.000-08:00

by Jeff Fisher
High School Football America

After four seasons at Shaler, Neil Gordon has resigned as the school's head coach.

Gordon, who led the Titans to a 27-15 record and three WPIAL playoff appearances, took over the Shaler program after a successful career at Penn Hills.

Gordon left Penn Hills after the school district opened-up the head coaching position after the '07 season. At Penn Hills, Gordon was 156-72-2 with a Class AAAA state title.

Neshannock Names New Head Coach

2012-01-11T10:04:00.000-08:00

by Jeff Fisher
High School Football America

Fred Mozzocio is the new head coach at Neshannock.

Mozzocio served as an assistant with the Lancers in the early 2000s. Last year Neshannock finished 5-4 under Pat Cuba, but missed the WPIAL playoffs.

East Allegheny Head Coach Resigns

2012-01-11T08:43:00.000-08:00

by Jeff Fisher
High School Football America

East Allegheny is in the market for a new head football coach.

Dennis Edwards has resigned after six years as the leader of the program. East Allegheny was 26-33 under Edwards.

Last season East Allegheny was 5-5, including a first-round loss in the WPIAL playoffs.

PIAA Reclassifies for the Next Two Years

2012-01-10T18:11:00.000-08:00

by Jeff Fisher
High School Football America

The Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association has released its reclassification numbers for the next two school years beginning in the fall of 2012.

There aren't a lot of changes, but one 2011 state champ will be playing-up a class over the next two seasons. Class AA champ Lancaster Catholic will be in AAA during the 2012-13 and 2013-14 school years.

Click here to see what class your favorite school will be playing in this fall.

Four Archbishop Wood Players Named to Big 33 Roster

2012-01-08T17:36:00.000-08:00

by Jeff Fisher
High School Football America

2011 Class 3A state champ Archbishop Wood was one of the most talented teams to ever step on a high school football field in Pennsylvania.

Aside from state gold medals, the Vikings were honored with several players earning all-state honors from the state's various media outlets. Today, the Vikings learned that four of its seniors will play in the 55th annual Big 33 Game on June 16th in Hershey.

The Pennsylvania stars will be led by Blue Mountain head coach Mike Brennan.

Below are the 34 players that were named to the squad today.

2012 Pennsylvania Big 33 Roster

OFFENSE
QB-Skyler Mornhinweg, St. Joe’s Prep
QB-Brendan Nosovitch, Allentown C.C.
RB-Rushel Shell, Hopewell
RB-Julian Durden, Montour
H Back-Colin Thompson, Archbishop Wood
H Back-J.P. Holtz, Shaler
WR-Shakim Alonzo, Woodland Hills
WR-Eugene Lewis, Wyoming Valley West
WR-Kevin Gulyas, Allentown C.C.
WR-Cory Jones, Penn Hills
OL-Brandon Arcidiacono, Archbishop Wood
OL-Frank Taylor, Archbishop Wood
OL-Ian Park, Upper St. Clair
OL-Kyle Friend, Cumberland Valley
OL-Jason Emerich, Blue Mountain
OL-Adam DePietro, Lancaster Catholic
OL-JJ Denman, Pennsbury
ATH-Greg Garmon, McDowell

DEFENSE
DL-Treyvon Hester, Penn Hills
DL-Tyrique Jarrett, Allderdice
DL-Noah Spence, Bishop McDevitt
DL-Evan Schwan, Central Dauphin
DL-Terrell Williams, McKeesport
LB-Bryton Barr, Mechanicsburg
LB-Mike Caprara, Woodland Hills
LB-Jon Hicks, Palmyra
LB-Nyeem Wartman, Valley View
DB-Nate Smith, Archbishop Wood
DB-Miles Williams, Bishop McDevitt
DB-Anthony Nixon, Pittsburgh C.C.
DB-Andrew Scanlan, Spring-Ford
DB-Damiere Shaw, Cardinal O’Hara
DB-Michael Felton, South Western
K/P-Bryant Myer, Manheim Central

Mt. Lebanon Coach Resigns to Take Job at Pitt

2012-01-04T14:28:00.000-08:00

by Jeff Fisher
High School Football America

After 17 years as the head coach at Mt Lebanon, Chris Haering has stepped down to take an assistant coaching at Pitt.

Haering led the school to a 111-71 record, including winning the 2003 WPIAL AAAA championship.

Last year Mt. Lebanon finished 7-4, losing to Pittsburgh Central Catholic in the second round of the WPIAL AAAA playoffs.

University Park Changes Nickname

2012-01-02T16:17:00.000-08:00

by Jeff Fisher
Pennsylvania High School Football Huddle

Defending Pittsburgh City League champ University Prep will have a new nickname next season.

School officials have announced that the team is dropping the nickname Panthers in favor of the Wildcats.

Last year, University Prep finished 11-2, losing 33-32 to State College in the opening round of the Class 4A playoffs.

Two Pittsburgh Central Catholic Stars Lead North Squad to Victory in Chesapeake Bowl

2011-12-31T10:15:00.000-08:00

by Jeff Fisher

Pennsylvania High School Football Huddle

At the start, it looked like Friday night's second annual Chesapeake Bowl all-star football game wasn't going to be a typical all-star football game with the defenses leading the way.

With each team returning kickoffs for touchdown before either offense stepped-on the field, it looked like the game was going to be a high scoring affair at South River High School in Edgewater, Maryland. By the time the crowd had watched the North squad take a 21-7 on the South stars in the first 12 minutes, many thought they were going to see a repeat of last year's offensive game won by the South 30-27.

However, after the first 12 minutes, things returned to normal with both defenses stepping-up, and the North holding-on to win 28-17.

The contest itself, nicknamed "The Civil War" pitted senior high school football stars from Maryland, Virginia, Washington DC and West Virginia (South All-Stars) against a North team made-up of players from Delaware, New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

The game began with a bang when the North's Nate Smith (Archbishop Wood HS - PA) returned the opening kickoff 90-yards for a score. Not to be outdone, Ronald Darby (Potomac HS - MD) answered with a 77-yards return of his own to tie the game at 7.

The rest of the first quarter featured two teammates from Pittsburgh Central Catholic (PA), who have given their verbal commitments to playing their college ball at the University of Maryland next year.

Quarterback Perry Hills ran for 82 yards and threw for a touchdown in the first quarter to stake the North squad to a 21-7 lead. Hills' teammate Anthony Nixon set-up the first offensive touchdown when he picked-off a pass and returned it to the South 28 yard line.

The pick led to a five-yard touchdown run by Sharif Smith (Furness HS - PA) and a 14-7 North lead. Quarterback Josh Weakland (State College HS - PA) extended the lead to 21-7 with a 28-yard touchdown pass to Ray Cathie (Imani Christian - PA).

Late in the first half, Weakland hooked-up with Bruce Mapp (West Catholic HS - PA) on a 61-yard touchdown that gave the North a 28-10 halftime lead.

Aside from Darby's kickoff return, the South's only other first half score came on a 37-yard field goal by Austin Grebe (North Stafford HS - VA).

After a scoreless third quarter, the South tried to mount a comeback. The South cut the lead to 28-17 with 13:01 to go in the game when Ben Onett (St. John's - DC) threw a 65-yard touchdown strike to Wes Brown (Good Counsel - MD).

However, after that, the North squad used a strong ground game to run out the clock and take the victory.

Smith, who has given his verbal to West Virginia, was named the game's MVP.

Coaching Moves

2011-12-25T09:24:00.000-08:00

by Jeff Fisher
Pennsylvania High School Football Huddle

With the 2011 officially in the books, a couple of schools have seen moves at the top of their programs.

Palisades High School has hired Kevin Ronalds as its new head coach. Ronalds, who's been an assistant at Pen Argyl High School for a couple of season, replaces Jim Brady who was 3-17 in two seasons as head coach.

Ronalds has previous head coaching experience, having been the head coach at Allen from 1997 to 2006 where his teams went 34-69.

Northampton's search for a new head coach is underway.

Bob Steckel resigned after five years on the job. Steckel is stepping down after leading the Konkrete Kids to a 26-32 record, including a 3-9 mark this past season.

Steckel's best season was in 2008 when Northampton finished 10-3 and won the Eastern Conference AAAA title.

2011 Class AAAA All-State Team

2011-12-24T13:30:00.000-08:00

by Jeff Fisher
Pennsylvania High School Football Huddle

Senior quarterback Dan Harding of Nazareth and Zayd Issah of Central Dauphin have been named Class AAAA Co-Players of the Year.

Harding finished his career with a school record 5,541 yards and 52 touchdown passes, including 32 this past season.

Issah, a junior two-way starter, rushed for 1,300 yards and caught 29 passes for 672 yards. He scored 31 touchdowns this season.

On defense, the outside linebacker made 123 tackles and recorded 14 sacks.

Central Dauphin's Glen McNamee was named Coach of the Year after leading his team to the AAAA state title.

2011 AAAA All-State Team

OFFENSE
Quarterback -- Dan Harding, Nazareth, 6-4, 205, Sr.; Mack Leftwich, North Allegheny, 5-11, 190, Jr.

Running back -- Dan Brown, Central Bucks South, 5-10, 180, Sr.; Jack Haffner, State College, 5-10, 205, Sr.; Luke Hagy, Mount Lebanon, 6-1, 198, Sr.; Damion Jones-Moore, Pittsburgh Central Catholic, 5-7, 180, Sr.

Wide receiver -- Adam Bridgeforth, Nazareth, 6-0, 180, Sr.; Diante Cherry, J.P. McCaskey, 5-9, 175, Jr.; Anthony Nixon, Pittsburgh Central Catholic, 6-2, 205, Sr.

Tight end -- Adam Breneman, Cedar Cliff, 6-5, 230, Jr.

Linemen -- Patrick Kugler, North Allegheny, 6-4, 270, Jr.; Chris Muller, Boyertown, 6-6, 300, Sr.; Ian Park, Upper St. Clair, 6-4, 290, Sr.; Zach Wilk, Central Dauphin, 6-5, 275, Sr.

Specialist -- Dakota Conwell, Upper St. Clair, 6-1, 210, Sr.; Eugene Lewis, Wyoming Valley West, 6-3, 200, Sr.

Kicker -- Matt Loughnane, Penn-Trafford, 5-10, 150, Jr.

DEFENSE
Linemen -- Cody Conway, Gateway, 6-4, 210, Sr.; Kyle Friend, Cumberland Valley, 6-1, 280, Sr.; Arthur Goldberg, Mount Lebanon, 6-4, 280, Sr.; Evan Schwan, Central Dauphin, 6-6, 225, Sr.

Linebacker -- Rob Dvoracek, Parkland, 6-2, 220, Sr.; Tyrone "T.J." Neal, McKeesport, 6-1, 225, Sr.; Hakeem Oliver, Gateway, 5-10, 200, Sr.; Sean Burke, La Salle College HS, 5-10, 185, Jr.; Ralph Reeves, Lansdale North Penn, 6-0, 230, Sr.

Defensive back -- Brendan Coniker, North Allegheny, 6-1, 170, Jr.; Andrew Erenberg, Peters Twp., 5-10, 200, Sr.; Anthony Orlando, Liberty, 5-10, 170, Sr.; Will Parks, Germantown, 6-1, 175, Sr.

Specialist -- Jaylen Coleman, University Prep, 6-0, 230, Sr.; Greg Garmon, McDowell, 6-2, 200, Sr.; Zayd Issah, Central Dauphin, 6-4, 210, Jr.

2011 Class AAA All-State Team

2011-12-23T16:09:00.000-08:00

by Jeff Fisher
High School Football America

Hopewell running back Rushel Shell capped his senior football season by being named the Associated Press' AAA Player of the Year.

Shell set a new all-time state rushing mark by finishing with 9,078 yards during his career. The Pitt Panther recruited finished with a string of 39 consecutive 100 yard rushing games broke the national record of Billy Sims that was set back in 1975.

Lou Cerro of Montour was named Class AAA Coach of the Year honors.

2011 AAA All-State Team

OFFENSE
Quarterbacks -- Dillon Buechel, Montour, 6-4, 175, Sr.; Brendan Nosovitch, Allentown Central Catholic, 6-3, 205, Sr.; Alec Werner, Harrisburg Bishop McDevitt, 6-0, 195, Jr.

Running backs -- Preston Bare, Palmyra, 6-0, 200, Sr.; Julian Durden, Montour, 5-9, 175, Sr.; Brandon Peoples, Archbishop Wood, 5-10, 180, Sr.; Rushel Shell, Hopewell, 5-11, 215, Sr.

Wide receivers -- Kevin Gulyas, Allentown Central Catholic, 6-1, 185, Sr.; Brian Lemelle, Harrisburg Bishop McDevitt, 5-11, 175, Jr.; Devin Wilson, Montour, 6-4, 175, Jr.

Tight end -- Colin Thompson, Archbishop Wood, 6-6, 255, Sr.

Linemen -- Brandon Arcidiacono, Archbishop Wood, 6-6, 255, Sr.; Jason Emerich, Blue Mountain, 6-4, 275, Sr.; Tad McNeely, Allentown Central Catholic, 6-4, 275, Sr.; Madison O'Connor, Pottsgrove, 6-6, 330, Sr.; Frank Taylor, Archbishop Wood, 6-4, 295, Sr.

Specialists -- Robert Foster, Central Valley, 6-2, 185, Jr.; Wesley Phipps, Grove City, 5-9, 180, Sr.

Kicker -- Jon Chereson, Cathedral Prep, 5-10, 153, Jr.

DEFENSE
Linemen -- D.J. Fink, Central Valley, 6-0, 220, Sr.; Mike Galatini, Valley View, 6-3, 255, Sr.; Averee Robinson, Susquehanna Township, 6-1, 275, Sr.; Noah Spence, Harrisburg Bishop McDevitt, 6-4, 245, Sr.

Linebackers -- Bryton Barr, Mechanicsburg, 6-0, 225, Sr.; Brock Dean, Harrisburg Bishop McDevitt, 6-1, 220, Sr.; Jon Hicks, Palmyra, 6-3, 235, Sr.; Nyeem Wartman, Valley View, 6-3, 230, Sr.; Alkwan Williams, Greater Johnstown, 6-1, 218, Sr.

Backs -- Levonte Ford, Erie East, 6-1, 245, Sr.; Corey Lauer, Franklin Regional, 5-11, 160, Sr.; Desmon Peoples, Archbishop Wood, 5-8, 170, Sr.; Delton Williams, Cathedral Prep, 6-2, 190, Jr.

Specialists -- Perry Law, Ringgold, 5-8, 160, Sr.; Nate Smith, Archbishop Wood, 6-1, 190, Sr.

2011 Class AA All-State Team

2011-12-23T11:40:00.000-08:00

2011 AA All-State Team

OFFENSE
Quarterback - Steve Franco, Tyrone, 6-3, 190, Sr.; Blake Rankin, Bloomsburg, 6-4, 195, Sr.

Running Back - Roman Clay, Lancaster Catholic, 5-11, 205, Jr.; DeShawn Coleman, Hickory, 6-1, 175, Jr.; Dylan Evans, Pen Argyl, 6-3, 190, Sr.; David Williams, West Philadelphia Catholic, 6-1, 188, Jr.

Wide Receiver - Zach Challingsworth, South Fayette, 6-2, 170, Jr.; Shakur Nesmith, Imhotep Charter, 6-4, 185, Sr.; Nick Patton, Tyrone, 6-2, 150, Sr.

Tight End - Scott Orndorff, Seton-La Salle, 6-5, 240, Sr.

Linemen - J.J. Beggan, Seton-La Salle, 6-4, 280, Sr.; Matt Bell, Hickory, 6-3, 280, Sr.; Adam DePietro, Lancaster Catholic, 6-6, 300, Sr.; Jonathan Green, North Schuylkill, 6-3, 295, Sr.; Christian Skrepenak, GAR Memorial, 6-9, 350, Jr.; Michael Mooney, Malvern Prep, 6-5, 260, Sr.

Specialist - Kyle Armagost, Moniteau, 6-1, 195, Sr.; Darrell Crawford, GAR Memorial, 5-9, 165, Sr.

Kicker - No selection.

DEFENSE

Linemen - Eric Ellis, Washington, 6-1, 225, Sr.; Eric Joraskie, Mount Carmel, 6-4, 265, Jr.; Shakir Soto, GAR Memorial, 6-3, 230, Jr.; Malcolm White, Wyomissing, 6-0, 265, Sr.; Connor Maloney, Malvern Prep, 6-4, 270, Sr.

Linebacker - Alex Anzalone, Wyomissing, 6-3, 205, Jr.; Mack Behe, Penn Cambria, 6-2, 175, Jr.; Tristin Freeman, West Philadelphia Catholic, 6-0, 215, Sr.; Cody Shustack, Mount Carmel, 5-10, 200, Sr.; Brandon Smith, Lewisburg, 6-1, 200, Jr.

Defensive Back - Demetrious Cox, Jeannette, 6-1, 190, Sr.; Alex Filarsky, Lakeland, 6-1, 170, Sr.; Reggie Mitchell, Shady Side Academy, 5-9, 155, Sr.; Shailek Powell, GAR Memorial, 6-0, 180, Sr.

Specialist - Zack Ripic, Towanda, 5-11, 185, Sr.; Charles Sweigert, Lancaster Catholic, 6-0, 185, Sr.

Player of the Year

Steve Franco, Tyrone

Coach of the Year

John Franco, Tyrone

Archbishop Wood Finishes #13 in Final MaxPreps' Xcellent 25 National Rankings

2011-12-23T10:35:00.000-08:00

by Jeff Fisher
Pennsylvania High School Football Huddle

Archbishop Wood's 3A championship season has resulted in the Vikings being recognized by several national rankings services, including MaxPreps.com.

The Vikings, who were not ranked all season, finished #13 in the nation in the website's final national poll. Two other Pennsylvania teams, Pittsburgh Central Catholic and North Allegheny, spent time this year in MaxPreps Xcellent 25.

Wood finished #21 in USA Today's Super 25; #19 in ESPNHS' Fab 50; and #23 in the National Prep Football Poll.

Final MaxPreps Xcellent 25

1. Don Bosco Prep (NJ) 11-0
2. Trinity (KY) 14-0
3. Armwood (FL) 15-0
4. Grayson (GA) 15-0
5. Good Counsel (MD) 12-0
6. Southlake Carroll (TX) 16-0
7. Lake Travis (TX) 16-0
8. Maryville (TN) 15-0
9. Plant (FL) 14-1
10. De La Salle (CA) 13-1
11. Manatee (FL) 13-2
12. Bishop Gorman (NV) 15-1
13. Archbishop Wood (PA) 14-1
14. Bellevue (WA) 14-0
15. Carmel (IN) 14-1
16. Norland (FL) 15-0
17. Central (FL) 13-1
18. Page (NC) 15-0
19. St. Ignatius (OH) 13-2
20. Dekaney (TX) 14-2
21. Olive Branch (MS) 15-0
22. Prattville (AL) 12-2
23. Santa Margarita (CA) 13-2
24. Lake Oswego (OR) 14-0
25. Skyline (TX) 14-1

2011 Class A All-State Team

2011-12-23T09:38:00.000-08:00

by Jeff Fisher
High School Football America

Clairton junior running back Tyler Boyd, who led his team to a third straight Class A championship, has been named the Associated Press' Class A Player of the Year.

Boyd, who rushed for a Clairton single-season record 2,400-plus yards, scored 324 points this season.

Bill Packer, head coach at Penns Manor, was named Class A Coach of the Year
Class A All-State Team

OFFENSE
Quarterback -- Matt Bodamer, Port Allegany, 6-1, 175, Jr.; Mike Gaval, Mahanoy Area, 6-0, 165, Sr.; A.J. Long, Pius X, 6-0, 18, So.

Running back -- Tyler Boyd, Clairton, 6-1, 170, Jr.; Colin Bryan, Windber, 6-0, 188, Sr.; Alex Holland, Curwensville, 6-0, 180, Sr.; De'Andre Moon, Rochester, 6-0, 215, Sr.

Wide receiver -- Mike Burke, Columbia, 6-2, 200, Sr.; Tyce Miller, Port Allegany, 5-10, 160, Jr.; Boise Ross, Pius X, 6-0, 175, Jr.

Tight end -- Ian O'Shea, Bellwood-Antis, 6-0, 180, Jr.

Lineman -- Alex Karlovich, Line Mountain, 6-1, 300, Sr.; Todd Munchak, Curwensville,, 5-11, 295, Sr.; Zach Rugg, Bishop McCort, 6-5, 269, Sr.; Carvan Thompson, Clairton, 5-10, 215, Sr.; Michael Weber, Mercyhurst Prep, , 6-3, 310, Sr.

Specialists -- Danny Ferens, Penns Manor, 6-0, 190, Jr.; David Argust, Old Forge, 6-0, 178, Sr.

Kicker -- Philip Esposito, Brockway, 6-0, 175, Jr.

DEFENSE
Linemen -- Jacob Craig, Berlin-Brothers Valley, 6-2, 220, Sr.; Eric Hirschfield, Bishop Canevin, 6-0, 182, Sr.; Quinton Hixson, Northern Bedford, 6-3, 295, Sr.; Tom Schetroma, Southern Columbia, 6-0, 260, Sr.; Eric Walker, Clairton, 6-3, 245, Sr.

Linebackers -- T.J. Armstrong, Clarion, 6-2, 215, Jr.; Mike Dunn, Bishop Canevin, 6-1, 225, Jr.; Bryan Flory, Columbia, 5-10, 175, Jr.; Luke Patten, West Middlesex, 5-10, 180, Jr.; Deaysean Rippy, Sto-Rox, 6-2, 205, Sr.

Backs -- Marzett Geter, Sto-Rox, 5-9, 180, Sr.; Brody Pollock, Union (Rimersburg), 5-11, 180, Sr.; Trenton Coles, Clairton, 6-3, 180, Sr.

Specialists -- Cole Weachock, Minersville, 5-10, 170, Sr.; Matt Moore, Southern Columbia, 6-2, 200, Sr.

Central Dauphin Stands Atop Class AAAA

2011-12-18T11:49:00.000-08:00

by Jeff Fisher
High School Football America

Central Dauphin's run to the top of the heap in Class AAAA wasn't a dominating one, but none of that mattered when the Rams hoisted the state championship trophy Saturday in Hershey.

The Rams beat North Penn 14-7 to capture the school's first state football championship.

North Penn tied the game, which was the second lowest scoring game in AAAA championship history, at 7 early in the fourth quarter. The Rams game-winning score came with 8:08 to go in the game when Zayd Issah scored on a 2-yard run.

Central Dauphin finishes 15-1 with a 14-game win streak.

Aside from a 30-0 win over Central Dauphin East in the first round of district playoffs, the Rams won their final five playoff games by an average of 4.6 points.

Pennsylvania AAAA State Champs

2011- Central Dauphin
2010 - North Allegheny
2009 - La Salle College
2008 - Liberty
2007 - Pittsburgh Central Catholic
2006 - Upper St. Clair
2005 - McKeesport
2004 - Pittsburgh Central Catholic
2003 - North Penn
2002 - Parkland
2001 - Neshaminy
2000 - Erie Cathedral Prep
1999 - Central Bucks West
1998 - Central Bucks West
1997 - Central Bucks West
1996 - Downingtown
1995 - Penn Hills
1994 - McKeesport
1993 - North Hills
1992 - Cumberland Valley
1991 - Central Bucks West
1990 - North Allegheny
1989 - Upper St. Clair
1988 - Pittsburgh Central Catholic

Archbishop Wood Caps Season with AAA Title

2011-12-18T11:40:00.000-08:00

by Jeff Fisher
High School Football America

Aside from a national television loss to Pittsburgh Central Catholic to open the season, Archbishop Wood was unstoppable.

Friday, the Vikings set a state championship record for margin of victory by beating Bishop McDevitt 52-0 to win the state's AAA title. The old record was 49 points, set back in 1998 when CB West beat New Castle 56-7.

Archbishop Wood outscored its opponents 699 to 124 this year, which gave the school the seventh highest points differential in state history.

Running back Desmon Peoples rushed for 171 yards and two scores. He and his cousin Brandon Peoples combined for 322 yards in total offense and five touchdowns.

With six D-1 recruits, Archibishop Wood may go down as one of the best-ever teams in Pennsylvania history.

Lancaster Catholic Wins AA Championship

2011-12-18T11:28:00.000-08:00

by Jeff Fisher
High School Football America

Lancaster Catholic beat Tyrone 17-7 to win the state's Class AA championship.

The victory gave the Crusaders their second overall state football title. LC was led by junior running back Roman Clay, who rushed for 154 yards on 25 carries and one touchdown.

The Crusader defense also shutdown Tyrone senior quarterback Steve Franco and his offense, allowing only 161 yards in total offense.

LC finishes a perfect 16-0, while Tyrone ends with a 14-2 record.

Clairton 3-Peats in Single A

2011-12-17T12:16:00.000-08:00

by Jeff Fisher
Pennsylvania High School Football Huddle

Two-time defending champ Clairton made it three-in-a-row Friday in the battle of Class A powers.

The Bears won their 47th straight by beating Southern Columbia 35-19. SC was looking for a record 7th Pennsylvania state football title.

Tyler Boyd was the star for Clairton rushing for 218 yards and two touchdowns on just 14 carries. Terrish Webb caught three of Capri Thompson's four completions, two of them for touchdowns and 167 yards. Thompson finished the afternoon completing 4-of-9 passes for 165 yards and two touchdowns.

Clairton, which was playing in its fourth straight Class A championship game, hasn't lost since the opening week of the 2009 season.

Southern Columbia, which was playing in its 13th state title game, finishes this season 14-2.

On Thursday's High School Football America radio show, I spoke with Clairton head coach about Tom Nola about the Bear's four-year run to Class A supremacy.

Click here to listen to that interview.

Pennsylvania Votes Against Shortening Season

2011-12-16T12:13:00.000-08:00

by Jeff Fisher
High School Football America

Pennsylvania will continue to play a 16-week schedule in football for the next two years.

The PIAA voted 16-10 with one abstention against cutting the season to 15 weeks. The proposal to shorten the season had passed two previous votes before being voted down on Friday.

Clairton Head Coach Tom Nola Talks about Class A Championship Game on High School Football America

2011-12-14T21:02:00.000-08:00

by Jeff Fisher
Pennsylvania High School Football

Two of the best-ever in Class A in Pennsylvania football history will collide Friday in the state championship game in Hershey when two-time defending champ Clairton squares-off with Southern Columbia.

To preview the showdown, I'll be joined by Clairton head coach Tom Nola on Thursday night's High School Football America radio show.

Clairton is riding a 46-game win streak and is playing in its fourth straight state title game. Southern Columbia will be playing in its 13 state title game in 22 years of state tournament play. The Tigers are going after a record seventh title. Berwick is the only other school to win six state championships.

Clairton has outscored its opponents 670-59 with the defense pitching nine shutouts. Southern's only loss was a one-point loss to Mount Carmel, a Class AA school.

Click here to listen to Thursday night's interview with Coach Nola.