Wilmington, the defending PIAA Class AA champion, highlights five teams ranked in the Pennsylvania Football News Preseason Rankings released this week.
The Greyhounds finished 2008 at 15-1, including a thrilling double overtime win in the state championship over West Catholic, 35-34. Greenville is the other D-10 team in the Class AA rankings as a team to watch.
Rivals Strong Vincent and Cathedral Prep are ranked in the top 10 in Class AAA. The Colonels won the District 10 Class AAA championship over the Ramblers in ’08. 28-0. Vincent lost several starters but has a solid offensive and defensive line coming back. The Colonels are ranked No. 6 in the state, while their playoff-rival Thomas Jefferson is No. 1.
Prep is ranked No. 9 despite having an average year in ’08. The Ramblers created a buzz around the state by hiring Mike Mischler to return as head coach coupled with the heavy recruiting by Division I schools of Shyquawn Pullium has Prep at a top 10 spot.
In Class A, Farrell and Linesville are ranked No. 6 and No. 9, respectively. The Steelers made a deep run into the PIAA playoffs in ’08 before losing to Clairton and Pitt recruit Kevin Weatherspoon. The Lions had an outstanding season last year but lose to Farrell in the District 10 championship.
Mercer and Sharpsville, two teams that could surprise some teams in Class A, are both listed as others to watch.
For the complete rankings, click below
– Tom Reisenweber
Pennsylvania Football News Preseason Rankings
Class AAAA
Rank School (District)
1. Bethlehem Liberty (11)
2. McKeesport Area (7)
3. North Penn (7)
4. Downingtown West (1)
5. Bishop McDevitt (3)
6. Gateway (7)
7. State College (6)
8. Wilson (West Lawn) (3)
9. Neshaminy (1)
10. LaSalle College (12)
Others to Watch: Abington (1), Cumberland Valley (3), Easton Area (11), Emmaus (11), Garnet Valley (1), George Washington (12), Hazleton (2), Parkland (D-11), Penn Hills (7), Penncrest (1), Pennsbury (1), Pine-Richland (7), Pittsburgh Central Catholic (7), Ridley (1)
Class AAA
Rank School (District)
1. Thomas Jefferson (7)
2. Selinsgrove (4)
3. Archbishop Wood (12)
4. Wilson Area (11)
5. Manheim Central (3)
6. Strong Vincent (10)
7. Hopewell (7)
8. Abington Heights (2)
9. Cathedral Prep (10)
10. West York (3)
Others to Watch: Allentown Central Catholic (11), Blackhawk (7), Brashear (8), Clearfield Area (9), ELCO (3), Greater Johnstown (6), Hollidaysburg (6), West Allegheny (7), Bayard Rustin (12)
Class AA
Rank School (District)
1. Wilmington (10)
2. Aliquippa (7)
3. Dunmore (2)
4. Central (Martinsburg) (6)
5. Beaver Falls (7)
6. Lancaster Catholic (3)
7. Greensburg Central Catholic (7)
8. Jeannette (7)
9. Karns City (9)
10. Tyrone Area (6)
Others to Watch: Brockway (9), Center (7), Forest Hills (6), Greenville (10), Lakeland (2), Lampeter-Strasburg (3), Moniteau (9), Palmerton (11), Pottsville (11), Salisbury Township (11), Shady Side Academy (7), Sto-Rox (7)
Class A
Rank School (District)
1. Clairton (7)
2. Steelton-Highspire (3)
3. Rochester Area (7)
4. Bishop McCort (6)
5. Southern Columbia (4)
6. Farrell (10)
7. Schuylkill Haven (11)
8. Riverside (2)
9. Linesville (10)
10. North Catholic (7)
Others to Watch: Bellwood-Antis (6), Bloomsburg (4), Brentwood (7), Cameron County (9), Coudersport (9), Curwensville (9), Line Mountain (4), Marian Catholic (11), Mercer (10), Portage Area (6), Serra Catholic (7), Sharpsville (10), Springdale (7)
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