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Titusville Rockets
Coach (season, record): Scott Salvo (8th season, 26-42)
2011 overall record: 2-8
2011 region record (place): 1-4 (tied for fourth)
2011 playoff results: Did not qualify for the District 10 Class AA playoffs.
Top players lost: Drew Sneeringer, Alex Kline
Top returning players: Sam Bodamer, Xavier DeRose, Austin Christy, Ryan Ernecoff, Armand Rickerson, Jayce Corklin, Bill Brittain
Assistant coaches: Greg Houk, Tom Hancock, Bryan Baldwin, Marc Bodamer
Outlook: Titusville has experience this season and making strides last fall. The Rockets went 0-10 two years ago before picking up three wins last year. Titusville graduated quarterback Drew Sneeringer and running back Alex Kline but most of the Rockets’ other standouts are back. Sneeringer threw for 254 yards last fall and ran for 300 yards and two touchdowns. He was voted to the all-region second team at defensive back. Kline, a second-team running back and linebacker, ran for 319 yards and four touchdowns on 81 carries.

Titusville has a solid group back, including second-team defensive lineman Armand Rickerson and running back Jayce Corklin. Rickerson had 41 tackles last year, while Corklin ran for 354 yards and two touchdowns on 120 carries. He also led the Rockets in receiving with four catches for 62 yards. Sam Bodamer, Xavier DeRose, Austin Christy, Ryan Ernecoff and Bill Brittain are also back to lead a young Titusville team. Bodamer led the Rockets with 88 tackles, while Corklin had 51. Corklin also had three interceptions on defense. Titusville is looking to improve on its three wins from last year but Region 3 isn’t the easiest region to improve in. With Grove City and Saegertown being added to the region, the schedule gets even tougher for the next two years. The Rockets also get Class AAA Franklin, Oil City and Warren in the non-region portion of the schedule. Titusville needs a quarterback to step in and lead the inexperienced Rocket backfield this season.

Schedule
August
31 Franklin 7
September
7 at Reynolds* 7
14 at Sharon* 7
21 Wilmington* 7
28 Hickory* 7
October
5 Greenville* 7
12 at Oil City 7
19 at Grove City* 7
26 Saegertown* 7
November
2 at Warren 7:30
*Region 3 games

Friday: Union City

– Tom Reisenweber

Strong Vincent Colonels
Coach (season, record): Scott White (3rd season, 12-9)
2011 overall record: 8-3
2011 region record (place): 5-1 (second)
2011 playoff results: Defeated Mifflin County 42-21 and lost to State College 42-31 in a PIAA subregion tournament.
Top players lost: Denzel Jones, Shikeal Page, Mike Neavins, DeAndrye Henderson, Matt Rodgers, Blake Quirk, Robert Jones
Top returning players: Corey Henry, Chris Kirkland, Anthony Twillie, Kyle Mathis, Tashan Jordon-Mitchell, Hassam Farooq, Donald Bender, Antonio DeBerry, Troy Honard, Donny Tatum, Divon Jones, Kyle Bogel
Assistant coaches: Dan Olson, Chris Spooner, John Ferraro, Kevin Boxer, Allan Kavelish, Joe Gabbard, Shawn Carlson, Bob Helsely, Jim Fuller, Eric Jones, Brian Bires
Outlook: Strong Vincent had a fairly successful run in Class AAAA. The Colonels participated in the PIAA playoffs both years and won a state-playoff game last fall. The Colonels are back down into Class AAA this season and will need to win the District 10 championship to get to the state playoffs. Vincent has some holes to fill, especially at quarterback and running back. Denzel Jones was named to the all-district team at defensive back and was an all-region first-team defensive back and second-team quarterback. Jones threw for 890 yards and 12 touchdowns and ran for 1,085 yards and 16 touchdowns on 102 carries. He also had 49 tackles and two interceptions. Vincent also graduated running back Mike Neavins and wide receiver DeAndrye Henderson. Neavins ran for 1,248 yards and 15 touchdowns on 106 carries and caught 10 passes for 136 yards and one touchdown. Henderson led the Colonels with 12 catches for 395 yards and five touchdowns. He was voted to the all-region first team at wide receiver. Vincent has most of its line back but the Colonels have to replace first-team offensive lineman Blake Quirk and second-team defensive lineman Robert Jones. Shikeal Page, Matt Rodgers and Robert Jones also leave big holes for the Colonels. Page was a first-team defensive back and Rodgers and Jones provided depth on both lines.

With all of the standout players Vincent lost, the Colonels have a solid group back. The offensive line is strong, including second-team lineman Tashan Jordan-Mitchell. Second-team tight end Donnie Tatum returns along with second-team defensive lineman Antonio DeBerry. Tatum caught four passes for 73 yards and two touchdowns last fall. In the backfield, Chris Kirkland and Corey Henry return for their senior seasons. Kirkland ran for 745 yards and nine touchdowns last year on his way to being voted to the second team at running back and at defensive back. He also caught 10 passes for 88 yards and one touchdown. Henry ran for 741 yards and five touchdowns and was voted to the first team at running back and linebacker. He finished with 44 tackles, including two sacks. Hassam Farooq, a first-team linebacker, returns after recording 43 tackles in 2011. Mark Akerly, Chris Strocci and Craig Heidelberg are new players this season that could make an impact right away.

Vincent has an experience group back this year but finding a new quarterback and a few running backs to add depth will be important. Vincent loaded its non-region schedule with talented teams that could get the Colonels ready for the D-10 playoffs. Vincent opens with defending D-10 Class AA champion Hickory before back-to-back brutal games with Cathedral Prep and St. Ignatius (Ohio). Vincent also has Youngstown Ursuline, Brashear and North East on the non-region schedule along with General McLane and McDowell on its Region 6 schedule. The Colonels have some holes to fill but their schedule is loaded and the program is strong. There might be a rematch between Prep and Vincent in the D-10 AAA championship in late November.

Schedule
August
31 at Hickory 7
September
7 Cathedral Prep* 7
15 St. Ignatius (Ohio) 2
21 at East* 7
27 at Brashear 7
October
6 at Central Tech* 7
12 at Youngstown Ursuline (Ohio) 7
19 General McLane* 7
26 McDowell* 7
November
2 at North East 7
*Region 6 games

Thursday: Titusville

– Tom Reisenweber

Slippery Rock Rockets
Coach (season, record): Brendan Hathaway (3rd season, 7-14)
2011 overall record: 7-4
2011 region record (place): 5-1 (second)
2011 playoff results: Lost to Meadville 43-7 in the District 10 Class AAA quarterfinals.
Top players lost: Ben Gaul, Sean White, Chris Thomas, Josh Antal, Ziggy Mertens, Caleb Whitney, Sam Furrh
Top returning players: Ryan Currie, Jeff Croll, Dylan Neal, Forrest Christmann, Spencer Rea, Ryan Bosch, Dustin Mellot
Assistant coaches: Josh Anderson, Travis Sarver, Fred Pryor, Ken Raabe, Dave Bauer
Outlook: Slippery Rock put together a huge a turnaround season last fall after going 0-10 in 2010. The Rockets made the playoffs in 2011 and are looking to build off that this fall. Slippery Rock will need to replace several players in the starting lineup, including Ben Gaul, Sean White, Chris Thomas, Josh Antal, Ziggy Mertens, Caleb Whitney and Sam Furrh. Antal and Neal were an all-region first-team defensive linemen, while Furrh (wide receiver) and Gaul (defensive back) were second-team picks. Gaul was Slippery Rock’s third-leading rusher with 437 yards and six touchdowns last fall, and Thomas has 412 yards on the ground. Furrh led the Rockets with 15 catches for 366 yards and two touchdowns, while Thomas had three catches for 31 yards and one touchdown. Gaul added six catches for 44 yards and one touchdown leaving third-year coach Brendan Hathaway with plenty of holes to fill this season.

Ryan Currie, Jeff Croll, Dylan Neal, Forrest Christmann, Spencer Rea, Ryan Bosch and Dustin Mellot are back this season to lead a young team. Christmann was a first-team offensive lineman, while Currie was a second-team quarterback. Currie threw for 508 yards and five touchdowns and he rushed for 770 yards with 12 touchdowns last fall. Currie is one of six returning starters on offense along with Croll at fullback, Rea at tight end and Neal, Christmann and Bosch on the offensive line. Croll ran for 499 yards and three touchdowns on 104 carries in 2011. Returning starters on defense include Rea and Christmann on the line, Mellot at defensive back and Neal at linebacker.

Slippery Rock has a nice mix of returning starters and new players this season. The Rockets built confidence last year and realized they can compete with the best in Region 5. Slippery Rock opens the season with two games on the road, including a crucial region game at Meadville on Sept. 7. The Rockets will play six games on the road this year and winning away from their home field will be important.

Schedule
August
31 at Brashear 7
September
7 at Meadville* 7
14 Central Tech 7
21 Bradford* 7
28 at East 7
October
5 Warren* 7
12 at Grove City 7
19 Franklin* 7
26 at Oil City* 7
November
2 at DuBois* 7
*Region 5 games

Wednesday: Strong Vincent

– Tom Reisenweber

Sharpsville Blue Devils
Coach (season, record): Paul Piccirilli (17th season, 143-48)
2011 overall record: 13-1
2011 region record (place): 7-0 (champion)
2011 playoff results: Defeated Cambridge Springs 48-0, Farrell 36-0 and West Middlesex 21-13 to win the District 10 Class A championship. Sharpsville then defeated Port Allegany 35-33 in the PIAA quarterfinals before losing to Clairton 30-8 in the semifinals.
Top players lost: Dylan Hogue, Jacob Henwood, Spencer Bland, Robby Moss, Dersean Alberty-Brown, Joey Flynn, Austin Rice
Top returning players: Tyler Luchey, Joey Pagliaroli, Cody Hughes, Joey Flynn, Kaleb Robertson, Zack Stafford, Derrick Odem
Assistant coaches: Gary Baker, Len Grandy, Fred Sablack, Joe Joseph, Steve Summers, Rich Pavone, Pat Campoli, Brian Weber, Doug Levis, Brent Pavone, Bill Henwood, Rick Grandy
Outlook: Sharpsville put together a terrific run in 2011 to win the District 10 Class A championship and make the final four in the PIAA playoffs. The Blue Devils’ program has raised to the level where the football team is competitive every year no matter how many players graduated. Sharpsville will need to reload six positions on offense and seven on defense this season to remain competitive on a high level. Dylan Hogue, Jacob Henwood, Spencer Bland, Robby Moss, Dersean Alberty-Brown, Joey Flynn and Austin Rice are all-region departures to graduation. Hogue was named to the all-district team at defensive line and was voted to the all-region first team at offensive and defensive line. Alberty-Brown was a first-team linebacker and Moss was a first-team offensive and defensive lineman. Bland was voted to the first team as a running back and a linebacker but the biggest loss could be Henwood, a first-team quarterback. The list of players lost also includes Rice, a second-team all-region tight end. Replacing all of the Blue Devils’ all-region players will be a tough task for longtime coach Paul Piccirilli in camp this fall.

Joey Flynn and Tyler Luchey bring back experience for Sharpsville. Flynn was a first-team defensive back last year, while Luchey was a first-team wide receiver and defensive back. Joey Pagliaroli is also back after being voted to the all-region first team at kicker. Sharpsville’s offense will be in search for a new quarterback and five other starters as well. Other than Flynn at running back and Luchey at wide receiver, the Blue Devils also have linemen Kaleb Robertson, Zack Stafford and Cody Hughes back. On defense, Pagliaroli, Luchey and Flynn are returning starters in the secondary, while Derrick Odem is back at defensive end. Greg Popatak, P.J. Campoli and Ross Llewellyn all started at linebacker last year at various times and could all compete for starting jobs in camp.

Sharpsville has been a mark of consistency in Class A football in recent history. The Blue Devils seem to always contend for a playoff spot and have reloaded their program every year. Sharpsville has an interesting schedule in the first four weeks of the season before a brutal second half. Sharpsville heads to Farrell in the final week of September before taking on contenders West Middlesex, Lakeview, Wilmington and Sharon. The Blue Devils have a few games early in the season to come together as a team and could be a dangerous team once again this season.

Schedule
August
31 Moniteau 7
September
7 Mercer* 7
14 Conneaut* 7
22 at Kennedy Catholic* noon
28 at Farrell* 7
October
5 at West Middlesex* 7
12 Wilmington 7
19 Lakeview* 7
26 Bye
November
2 at Sharon 7
*Region 1 games

Tuesday: Slippery Rock

– Tom Reisenweber

Sharon Tigers
Coach (season, record): Bob Fromm (8th season, 54-36)
2011 overall record: 2-8
2011 region record (place): 1-4 (tied for fourth)
2011 playoff results: Did not qualify for the District 10 Class AA playoffs.
Top players lost: Dallas Rodgers, Zack Porterfield, Jason Sypolt, Jason Ondic, Donte Bagnall
Top returning players: Jesse Rodgers, Anthony Johnson, Craig Osmon, JeVontes Torres, Beau Dignall, Cory Buchanan, Jarrell Lampkins
Assistant coaches: Tony Molinari, Dan Schneider, Jeff Krecek, Matt Schneider, Ken Smith, Mike Schneider, William Henwood, Kevin Burns, Dontell Morgan, Justin Schweiss, Casey Smith, Chris Wallace, Lyle Bieber, Mike Snyderwine
Outlook: Sharon struggled in 2011 and had its frustrations carry over against Hickory in a game that ended early in the fourth quarter because of a fight. Coach Bob Fromm has been through it all with the Tigers and is looking to change direction and attitude this fall. Dallas Rodgers, Zack Porterfield, Jason Sypolt, Jason Ondic and Donte Bagnall were all-region picks for Sharon last year but all have graduated. Rodgers was a first-team wide receiver and Porterfield was a second-team offensive lineman. Sypolt was a two-position selection as the second-team kicker and punter, while Bagnall was a second-team linebacker and Ondic was a second-team defensive back.

The Tigers will look to rebound their proud tradition with the return of Jesse Rodgers, Anthony Johnson, Craig Osmon, JeVontes Torres, Beau Dignall, Cory Buchanan and Jarrell Lampkins. Rodgers is getting some college looks and returns at defensive back and either quarterback or running back. Rodgers saw time at both positions on offense last year and might replace Ondic right away at quarterback. Johnson is a returning starter at tight end and linebacker, while Osmon is back to anchor the offensive and defensive lines. Sharon has no other starters back on offense but plenty of experience on defense. Torres and Dignall are returning defensive linemen, while Buchanan is back to lead the secondary and Lampkins the linebackers. The Tigers had a young team last year and gained valuable experience. A big key could be the offensive line coming together early in the season. The biggest challenge will be overcoming the bad memories of last season and changing the direction of the program.

Sharon is already dealing with a brutal region schedule this year with the addition of Grove City, but the Tigers also schedule three tough non-region games as well. Sharon will travel to Farrell to open the season with the Steel Bowl and later to West Middlesex in October. The Tigers wrap up the regular season at home against defending District 10 Class A champion Sharpsville, one week after taking on D-10 AAA champion Grove City. If Sharon can get through the first half of the season with a decent record, the second half of the season will be a huge test for a young team.

Schedule
August
31 at Farrell 7
September
7 at Saegertown* 7
14 Titusville* 7
21 at Greenville* 7
28 Reynolds* 7
October
6 at Hickory* 1
12 at West Middlesex 7
19 at Wilmington* 7
26 Grove City* 7
November
2 Sharpsville 7
*Region 3 games

Monday: Sharpsville

– Tom Reisenweber

Seneca Bobcats
Coach (season, record): Dave Frank (2nd season, 1-9)
2011 overall record: 1-9
2011 region record (place): 1-5 (tied for sixth)
2011 playoff results: Did not qualify for the District 10 Class AA playoffs.
Top players lost: Joe Hibbler, Matt Mongera, Kyler Sonney, Brad Beiter, Neville Askins, Dan Teed
Top returning players: Luke Muye, Trevor Beiter, Jake Whitman, Kamron Brace, Scott Groenendaal, Jason Brown, Garrett Duda, Zach Muye, Davyn Wettekin, Michael Gibbens
Assistant coaches: Matt Glass, Joe Yuhas, Dave McQuiston, Mike Pettinato, Bob Hammer, Ricky Goodenow
Outlook: Seneca will be young this season with only a few seniors coming back. The Bobcats graduated Joe Hibbler, Matt Mongera, Kyler Sonney, Brad Beiter, Neville Askins and Dan Teed this past spring, leaving some huge holes to fill. Hibbler was an all-region first-team selection at all-purpose during his senior year. Hibbler threw for 316 yards and three touchdowns and ran for 1,413 yards and 13 touchdowns on 238 carries. Hibbler also caught nine passes for 129 yards and one touchdown. Mongera was a first-team punter and second-team defensive lineman. He led the Bobcats with 11 catches for 154 yards and two touchdowns last fall.

Seneca is basically starting over under second-year coach Dave Frank. The Bobcats will have a new-look offense this season after graduating most of their production from last year. Luke Muye, Trevor Beiter, Jake Whitman, Kamron Brace, Scott Groenendaal, Jason Brown, Garrett Duda, Zach Muye, Davyn Wettekin and Michael Gibbens are back to lead a young team. Luke Muye could have a breakout season, especially on defense, and Seneca should have an intense competition in camp for the starting quarterback position. The Bobcats are experienced on the line and have a year of experience in Frank’s system. Seneca’s depth could be a problem with a small senior class and no experience in the secondary. With a region that is wide open this year, Seneca could be an interesting team to watch as the program develops. Seneca opens with a winnable game at Cochranton before jumping right into two home games with region opponents Northwestern and Fort LeBoeuf. The Bobcats have a tough game with West Middlesex and another winnable game with Youngsville, but Seneca will need to win at least three region games to contend for a playoff spot.

Schedule
August
31 at Cochranton 7
September
7 Northwestern* 7
14 Fort LeBoeuf* 7
21 at Girard* 7
28 at Fairview* 7
October
5 at Corry* 7
12 Youngsville 7
19 Harbor Creek* 7
26 at North East* 7
November
2 West Middlesex 7
*Region 4 games

Sunday: Sharon

– Tom Reisenweber

Saegertown Panthers
Coach (season, record): Michael Rhoades (2nd season, 7-4)
2011 overall record: 7-4
2011 region record (place): 6-2 (third)
2011 playoff results: Lost to Mercer 48-20 in the District 10 Class A quarterfinals.
Top players lost: Noah Marvin, Jerrod Young, Alex Petruso, Josh Tomiczek, Brandon Stafford, Casey Chapman, Matt Mondi, Logan Pratt, Brock Lojeck
Top returning players: Kyle Wise, Dakota Long, Adam Riddle, Luke Carter, Nick Rumzie, Brock Henderson
Assistant coaches: Wayne Llody, Shane Ream, Adam Horne
Outlook: Saegertown has some big challenges in front of it this season. The Panthers are young and inexperienced and moved up to Class AA in the offseason. Saegertown changed regions and heads to Region 3 where powerhouses Grove City, Hickory, Sharon and Wilming are waiting. The Panthers have to replace a big senior class, including Noah Marvin, Jerrod Young, Alex Petruso, Josh Tomiczek, Brandon Stafford, Casey Chapman, Matt Mondi, Logan Pratt and Brock Lojeck. Petruso was voted to the all-region first team at offensive line and linebacker, while Pratt was a first-team linebacker. Marvin was a second-team quarterback and Lojeck (running back) and Young (offensive line) are also second-team picks. Also, first-team pick at tight end and defensive line, Shane Rigby, has decided to focus on volleyball and not play this year.

Saegertown doesn’t have much experience back this season. Kyle Wise, Dakota Long, Adam Riddle, Luke Carter, Nick Rumzie and Brock Henderson are back for the Panthers, but Saegertown will need big contributions from the underclassmen to stay competitive this fall. Lance Neuschler, Casey Fetzner, Willie Bernardo, Alex Barclay, Nick Monico and Spencer Price could be contributors right away. The Panthers have a tall order in Class AA this fall. Saegertown has been a perennial playoff team in Class A and will need to find some way to crack the top four in Region 3 to have a shot at the postseason. Second-year coach Mike Rhoades is focusing on keeping morale up this season. Saegertown opens at rival Cambridge Springs before a tough home opener against Sharon. The showdown with the Tigers could indicate where Saegertown is going this season.

Schedule
August
31 at Cambridge Springs 7
September
7 Sharon* 7
14 Greenville* 7
21 at Reynolds* 7
28 at Wilmington* 7
October
5 Grove City* 7
12 Maplewood 7
19 Hickory* 7
26 at Titusville* 7
November
2 at Girard 7
*Region 3 games

Saturday: Seneca

– Tom Reisenweber

Reynolds Raiders
Coach (season, record): Jerry Pacifico (5th season, 5-35)
2011 overall record: 2-8
2011 region record (place): 1-4 (tied for fourth)
2011 playoff results: Did not qualify for the District 10 Class AA playoffs.
Top players lost: Blake Heim, Tyler Miller, Justin Rhodes
Top returning players: Clayton Stoyer, Logan Rickert, Kellen Gursky, Jamar Henry, Brenton Tymchyshyn, Mike Millero, Alex Mcwherter
Assistant coaches: Dan Gill, Josh Mull, John Tofani, Todd Daniello, Brad Stoyer, Marty Miller
Outlook: Reynolds could have a bounce back season this fall. The Raiders only lost three starters on both sides of the ball, including Blake Heim, Tyler Miller and Justin Rhodes. Miller ran for 581 yards and seven touchdowns last season, while Heim and Rhodes were key players as well. Reynolds weren’t hit hard by graduation and have plenty of senior leadership back this season.

Among the Raiders’ returning starters are Logan Rickert and Kellen Gursky. Rickert was voted to the all-region second team as an offensive and defensive lineman. He has been getting plenty of looks from colleges in the offseason. Gursky was voted to the second team at linebacker. Also back is Clayton Stoyer along with Jamar Henry, Brenton Tymchyshyn, Mike Millero and Alex Mcwherter. Stoyer threw for 309 yards and one touchdown and ran for 150 yards and one touchdown last season. Millero could be a breakout running back this season. He ran for 144 yards and four touchdowns last fall and is primed for a big year.

Reynolds starts the season with two games the Raiders can win. They open the season with Maplewood and Titusville before traveling to powerhouse Grove City. The Raiders may not be on the level of the top Region 3 teams but they have the experience to make things interesting in the playoff race.

Schedule
August
31 at Maplewood 7
September
7 Titusville* 7
14 at Grove City* 7
21 Saegertown* 7
28 at Sharon* 7
October
5 Wilmington* 7
12 Kennedy Catholic 7
19 at Greenville* 7
26 at Hickory* 7
November
2 Mercer 7
*Region 3 games

Friday: Saegertown

– Tom Reisenweber

Oil City Oilers
Coach (season, record): Matt LaVerde (5th season, 23-20)
2011 overall record: 3-7
2011 region record (place): 1-5 (sixth)
2011 playoff results: Did not qualify for the District 10 Class AAA playoffs
Top players lost: Mike Moon, Devin Wolbert, Blake Hadley, Jake Rankin
Top returning players: Sam Owoc, Kevin Daly, Jesse Rice, Logan Way, Jericho Hartle, Logan Johnson, Quenton Reed, Taylor Stamm
Assistant coaches: Matt Miller, Chris Delmonaco, Tim Reed, Nick Woods, Eric Cole, Bundy Fulmer, Blaine Gold, Billy Keely, Brian Yeager, Scott Roberts
Outlook: Oil City struggled last fall with three wins and some missed opportunities. The Oilers had minimal graduation losses and could be tough this season. Oil City has to replace all-district lineman Mike Moon along with Devin Wolbert, Blake Hadley and Jake Rankin. Moon was voted to the all-region first team on the offensive and defensive lines. On defense, he had 42 tackles and one sack. Wolbert had 67 1/2 tackles and 1 1/2 sacks last fall. Hadley could be the biggest loss after throwing for 719 yards and five touchdowns last fall. One of Hadley’s top targets was Rankin, who had 23 catches for 304 yards and one touchdown.

Sam Owoc, Kevin Daly, Jesse Rice, Logan Way, Jericho Hartle, Logan Johnson, Quenton Reed, Taylor Stamm are back to lead an experienced Oil City team. Rice was voted to the second team at wide receiver after catching 32 passes for 454 yards and two touchdowns as a sophomore. Daly and Owoc are top returning rushers this season. Daly ran for 402 yards and five touchdowns on 88 carries, while Owoc had 61 carries for 319 yards and three touchdowns. Way is back to anchor the wide receivers after collecting 13 catches for 247 yards in 2011. The Oilers will have a quarterback competition in camp to replace Hadley. Seniors Taylor Stamm and Mitchell Eberle along with junior Trent Zdarko will be in the competition. Also, a wild card to earn the starting job could be Colton Cunningham. He started for A-C Valley as a sophomore and has varsity experience.

Oil City entered a co-op with Cranberry to boost its numbers. The Oilers have enough experience returning this season to bounce back in Region 5. Oil City opens the season against Corry before two tough road games at Bradford and General McLane. The Oilers’ toughest stretch comes in the middle of the season against DuBois, Warren and Meadville.

Schedule
August
31 Corry 7
September
7 at Bradford* 7
14 at General McLane 7
21 DuBois* 7
28 at Warren* 7
October
5 Meadville* 7
12 Titusville 7
19 at Karns City 7
26 Slippery Rock* 7
November
2 at Franklin* 7
*Region 5 games

Thursday: Reynolds

– Tom Reisenweber

Northwestern Wildcats
Coach (season, record): D.J. Hough (2nd season, 5-6)
2011 overall record: 5-6
2011 region record (place): 3-3 (tied for third)
2011 playoff results: Lost to Hickory 33-12 in the District 10 Class AA quarterfinals.
Top players lost: Aaron Morley, Adam Alexander, Cody Parmerter
Top returning players: Chad Roberts, Garrett Behringer, Tom Head, Grant Panko, Kyle McKeen
Assistant coaches: Ron Glus, Dave Randall, Dave Merritt
Outlook: Northwestern made strides under first-year coach D.J. Hough last fall. The Wildcats made the playoffs and hung with District 10 champion Hickory for the first half. Northwestern will have to plug some holes in order to repeat that success. The Wildcats lost several key players to graduation, including all-region running back Aron Morley and all-region linemen Adam Alexander and Cody Parmerter. Morley, who was a first-team defensive lineman and second-team running back, ran for 1,053 yards and 15 touchdowns as a senior. He also had 32 tackles and one sack. Alexander was a second-team offensive lineman and Parmerter a second-team defensive lineman.

Grant Panko is back to lead the offense after throwing for 466 yards and six touchdowns last fall. He also ran for 217 yards and three touchdowns. Also back is playmaker Kyle McKeen, a second-team wide receiver. He caught six passes for 196 yards and three touchdowns last year and his speed along with his arm can be confusing for defenses. McKeen can take pitches and run the ball and can step back throw it downfield. Garrett Behreinger is back to anchor the defense after being voted to the all-region second team at linebacker.

Northwestern has an interesting schedule this season. The Wildcats will take on a talented team on each level. Northwestern plays Class AAA Meadville, Class AA Greenville and Class A Mercyhurst Prep to go along with a solid region schedule. The Wildcats hit the road for three of their first four games but get most of their key games at home. Northwestern hosts Girard, Corry, North East and Fairview in Region 4 play. The Wildcats have to win on the road to boost their record but taking care of business at home would be a huge help.

Schedule
August
31 at Meadville 7
September
7 at Seneca* 7
14 Girard* 7
21 at Harbor Creek* 7
28 Corry* 7
October
5 at Fort LeBoeuf* 7
12 Greenville 7
19 North East* 7
26 Fairview* 7
November
2 at Mercyhurst Prep 7
*Region 4 games

Wednesday: Oil City

– Tom Reisenweber

North East Grapepickers
Coach (season, record): Matt Shesman (19th season, 98-86-1)
2011 overall record: 9-2
2011 region record (place): 6-0
2011 playoff results: Lost to Hickory 35-0 in the District 10 Class AA quarterfinals.
Top players lost: Alex Svetz, Tyler Johnson, Brady Lynn, Dustin Sweet, Cory Bailey, Max Knight, Eddie Sheldon, Mike Wydro
Top returning players: Chase Doyle, Tyler Koszewski, Corey Voorhis, Rocky Owens, Brett Swan, Tyrus Murphy
Assistant coaches: Shawn Humes, Bill Renne, Joe Shesman, Curtis Bailey, Ed Orris
Outlook: North East will be rebuilding this season after heavy graduation losses on the lines and in the backfield. The Grapepickers lost Alex Svetz, Tyler Johnson, Brady Lynn, Dustin Sweet, Cory Bailey, Max Knight, Eddie Sheldon and Mike Wydro to graduation. Svetz, an all-region first-team running back and defensive lineman, ran for 1,760 yards and 23 touchdowns and recorded 67 tackles as a senior. Johnson made up a powerful rushing duo with Johnson, North East’s all-time rusher. Johnson was voted to the all-region first team at running back and defensive back after rushing for 1,487 yards and 13 touchdowns on 175 carries, caught 14 passes for 144 yards and three touchdowns and collected 67 tackles. As if Svetz and Johnson weren’t big enough losses in the backfield, quarterback and leader Cory Bailey also graduated. Bailey was voted to the all-region first team at defensive back and second team at quarterback last fall. He threw for 591 yards and 14 touchdowns and he ran for 118 yards and one touchdown. Lynn, Sweet, Sheldon and Wydro were all-region linemen, while Knight was a first-team linebacker.

North East will have to fill in massive graduation holes with new players and underclassmen. The ‘Pickers have some experienced players back to lean on. Brett Swan, Tyrus Murphy and Tyler Koszewski are back on the line. Murphy will also see time at linebacker on defense. Kicker Chase Doyle was voted to the all-region second team after connecting on 43 extra points last fall. Corey Voorhis and Rocky Owens are back to lead a young offense. Voorhis finished with 117 rushing yards, 61 receiving yards, one touchdown and two interceptions. He could step in and play quarterback this fall. Owens ran for 116 yards and one touchdown and could see a huge increase in carries. North East doesn’t have a lot of experience back this season and will have plenty of work to do in training camp.

North East is lacking in experience but the growing pains the ‘Pickers go through this season could pay off in the next two years. North East has a big sophomore class, some of which could start this season. After its usual showdown with Greenville in Week 1, North East has five brutal region games to get through. If the ‘Pickers are in range of a playoff spot heading into their final two region games, they would have a great chance at returning to the postseason.

Schedule
August
31 Greenville 7
September
7 at Corry* 7
14 Harbor Creek* 7
21 at Fairview* 7
28 Fort LeBoeuf* 7
October
5 at Girard* 7
13 at East 7
19 at Northwestern* 7
26 Seneca* 7
November
2 Strong Vincent 7
*Region 4 games

Tuesday: Northwestern

– Tom Reisenweber

Mercyhurst Prep Lakers
Coach (season, record): Matt Morgan (8th season, 67-23)
2011 overall record: 9-2
2011 region record (place): 7-1 (second)
2011 playoff results: Lost to Farrell 28-25 in the District 10 Class A quarterfinals.
Top players lost: Joe Peterson, Darrin Donikowski, Dwayne Canady, P.J. Wycech, D.J. Mahoney, Josh Agresti, Ben Tarcson, Matt Ganska, Mike Weber, Kyle Marinelli
Top returning players: Cornelius Barclay, Tom Higgins, Ryan Connor, Alec Parson, Joe Desanti, Kyle Drabic
Assistant coaches: Ryan Abbott, Nate Hain, Pete Szoszorek, John Graeb, Scott Gorring, Drew Bothelo, Rich Krafty
Outlook: Mercyhurst Prep has some work to do in camp with the graduation of Joe Peterson, Darrin Donikowski, Dwayne Canady, P.J. Wycech, D.J. Mahoney, Josh Agresti, Ben Tarcson, Matt Ganska, Mike Weber and Kyle Marinelli. Weber, an all-state lineman, was named to the all-district team and the all-region first team at offensive line and the all-region second team at defensive line. Tarcson was voted to the first team at wide receiver, while Canady was a first-team selection at all-purpose. Canady led Mercyhurst with 18 catches for 197 yards and two touchdowns, while Tarcson had 259 yard and three touchdowns on 13 catches. Canady also rushed for 1,005 yards and 10 touchdowns on 114 carries. If there wasn’t enough for the Lakers to lose, Mahoney was a first-team defensive back, Agrestiy was a second-team tight end and Donikowski was a second-team defensive lineman. Donikowski led the Lakers with 76 tackles, including 6 1/2 sacks. Mercyhurst will also search for a new quarterback after Wycech graduated. He threw for 575 yard and six touchdowns as a senior. The Lakers will have a quarterback battle in camp between Garrett Palmer and Nick Evanoff.

Mercyhurst has enough experience back this season to stay near the top of the Region 2 standings and compete for the region title. Standout running back Cornelius Barclay is back after rushing for 1,324 yards and 18 touchdowns on 170 carries as a junior. He was voted to the all-region first team at running back and is primed for another big season. The Lakers return three lineman on the offensive line, including Joe Desanti, Alec Parson and first-team lineman Kyle Drabic. The defense must replace seven starters from last year. Ryan Connor, who might see a big increase in carries this year, is back as a second-team defensive back, while Parson, Barclay and Tom Higgins are back on defense. Higgins ran for 931 yards and 13 touchdowns on 145 carries last year and could factor into the rushing attack in a big way.

Mercyhurst Prep has a strong line back and solid players in the backfield. It will take some time to work in a new quarterback into the system and establish a new set of wide receivers, but the Lakers have the time to do it. After a season-opener against Class AAA Central Tech, Mercyhurst Prep jumps right into its region schedule. The Lakers will run into tough games along the way, including a road game at Eisenhower on Sept. 21, but they should be in good shape heading into the second half of the season. The Lakers also have interesting games against Mercer and Northwestern on the schedule to prepare them for another playoff run. Mercyhurst was shocked in the District 10 Class A quarterfinals against Farrell and is hungry to make a deep postseason run.

Schedule
September
1 at Central Tech 7
7 at Union City* 7
14 Cochranton* 7
21 at Eisenhower* 7
29 Youngsville* 7
October
5 at Maplewood* 7
12 at Mercer 7
18 Iroquois* 7
27 Cambridge Springs* 7
November
2 Northwestern 7
*Region 2 games

Monday: North East

– Tom Reisenweber