CLASS AAAA

Rank Team (District) Record Previous
1. Pittsburgh Central Catholic (7)  4-0  1
2. LaSalle College (12)  3-1  3
3. North Allegheny (7)  4-0  4
4. Coatesville (1)  4-0  5
5. Council Rock South (1)  4-0  6
6. Upper St. Clair (7)  3-1  8
7. Cumberland Valley  (3)  4-0  10
8. Abington (1)  4-0  OTW
9. Neshaminy (1)  3-1  2
10. Whitehall (11)  4-0  OTW
Others to watch: Central Dauphin East 4-0, Daniel Boone (3) 4-0, Delaware Valley (2) 4-0, Downingtown East (1) 3-1, Downingtown West (1) 4-0, Gateway (7) 3-1, McDowell (7) 3-1, Nazareth (11) 4-0, Penn-Trafford (7) 4-0, Ridley (1) 3-1, St. Joseph’s Prep (12) 3-1, Wallenpaupack (2) 4-0, Woodland Hills (7) 3-1, Wyoming Valley West (2) 4-0.

CLASS AAA

Rank Team (District) Record Previous
1. Archbishop Wood (12)  3-1  1
2. Cathedral Prep (10)  3-1  2
3. Valley View (2)  4-0  3
4. Central Valley (7)  4-0  5
5. Grove City (10)  4-0  6
6. Hopewell (7)  4-0  7
7. Montour (7)  3-1  8
8. Bishop McDevitt (3)  2-2  9
9. Susquehanna Township (3)  3-1  4
10. Allentown Central Catholic (11)  2-2  10
Others to watch: Bangor (11) 4-0,Clearfield Area (9) 4-0, Crestwood (2) 3-1, Dallas Area (2) 4-0, Franklin Regional (7) 4-0, Greater Johnstown (6) 4-0, Hershey (3) 4-0, Indiana Area (7) 4-0, Knoch (7) 4-0, Palmyra (3) 4-0, Phoenixville (1) 4-0, Shippensburg (3) 4-0, Springfield (Delco) (1) 4-0, West Mifflin (7) 4-0

 
CLASS AA

Rank Team (District) Record Previous
1. Lancaster Catholic (3)  4-0  1
2. Aliquippa (7)  4-0  2
3. Trinity (3)  3-1  3
4. Seton-LaSalle (7)  4-0  4
5. Mount Carmel (4)  4-0  5
6. North Schuylkill (11)  4-0  6
7. Pen Argyl (11)  4-0  7
8. Lewisburg (4)  3-1  8
9. Northern Lehigh (11)  4-0  9
10. Hickory (10)  4-0  10
Others to watch: Beaver Area (7) 4-0, Bermudian Springs (3) 4-0, Bloomsburg (4) (3-0), Catasauqua (11) 4-0, Delone Catholic (3) 4-0, Greensburg Central Catholic (7) 4-0, Jeannette (7) 4-0, Mifflinburg (4) 4-0, North East (10) 4-0, Pine Grove (11) 4-0, Richland (6) 3-1, Towanda (4) (3-0), Tyrone Area (6) 3-1, Wilmington (10) 4-0, Wyomissing (3) (3-0)

 
CLASS A

Rank Team (District) Record Previous
1. Clairton (7)  4-0  1
2. Southern Columbia (4)  4-0  2
3. Pius X (11)  4-0  4
4. Dunmore (2)  4-0  5
5. Sto-Rox (7)  4-0  6
6. Linesville (10)  3-0  7
7. Rochester (7) 3-1  3
8. Bishop McCort (6)  4-0  8
9. Mercyhurst Prep (10)  4-0  9
10. North Star (5)  4-0  OTW
Others to watch: Bellwood-Antis (6) 3-1, Bethlehem-Center (7) 4-0, Bishop Canevin (7) 4-0, Brentwood (7) 4-0, Conemaugh Township (5) 4-0, Coudersport (9) 4-0, Lackawanna Trail (2) 4-0, Line Mountain (4) 3-1, Monessen (7) 4-0, Sharpsville (10) (3-0), Springdale (7)3-1, Youngsville (10) 4-0

Despite all of the research, it’s inevitable that talented players on some teams will not catch our attention. Then, on opening night – bam! – a few players burst onto the scene with huge performances. It happened Friday. Here are a few players who slipped under our radar that we’ll be watching now:

DeShawn Coleman, Hickory: The 6-foot 1-inch, 175-pound junior ran for more than 150 yards in the first quarter alone against West Middlesex. He finished with 295 yards on 18 carries, including TD runs of 80 and 55 yards.

Corey Henry, Strong Vincent: In the preseason, we talked about Vincent quarterback Denzel Jones and running back Michael Neavins, but Henry’s emergence could make the Colonels a force. The hulking 6-foot 2-inch, 217-pound fullback gives Vincent an inside power game. He rushed 15 times for 115 yards Friday in a 42-28 victory over General McLane. Jones also looked sensational.

Nathan McLaurin, Cathedral Prep: With a top-notch quarterback like Damion Terry, all Prep needs to do is get the line to protect him and find some sure-handed receivers. The Ramblers found at least one premier receiver in McLaurin, a 5-foot 9-inch 153-pound senior. He had nine receptions for 122 yards, including TD catches of 36 and 7 yards, in a 25-20 loss to McDowell. McLaurin gives Prep three deep threats, along with Kimani Smith and Delton Williams.

Khyre Drayer, McDowell: Yes, Greg Garmon is an all-state running back who garnered much of our attention in the preseason. But Drayer is a nice change-of-pace runner who piled up 130 yards on 14 carries against Prep. The junior scored on runs of 6 and 71 yards. At 5 feet 10 inches and 225 pounds, Drayer is a nightmare to tackle if he has a head of steam.

Fred Epps, Meadville: Artrel Foster and Terence Goodrum entered the season as the Bulldogs’ two vaunted speed backs. Epps, however, gives the team an effective change-up inside. He rushed 22 times for 187 yards in the Bulldogs’ 33-14 win over Fairview.

Here are a few others who emerged Friday: Lakeview’s Blake Reddick (13 rushes, 120 yards, 53-yard TD run), Harbor Creek’s Austin Griffith (7-of-7 passing, 78 yards, TD and 6-yard TD run), Linesville’s Elijah Anderson (10 rushes, 157 yards, 59-yard TD run), Oil City’s Sam Owoc (10 rushes, 109 yards, 2 TDs) and Wilmington’s Ryan Crawford (5 rushes, 85 yards, 3 TDs).

We’re sure more players will break out in the weeks ahead.

Cathedral Prep leads all D-10 teams with a No. 4 ranking in Class AAA. The Ramblers are coming off a trip to the PIAA Class AAA semifinals and return record-breaking junior quarterback Damion Terry.

Defending District 10 AA champion Sharon is ranked 10th in AA.

Meanwhile, listed among “others to watch” are the following D-10 teams: Grove City in AAA, General McLane, Hickory and Wilmington in AA, and Farrell, Linesville and West Middlesex in A.

Click below for the complete rankings:

Pennsylvania Football News preseason state rankings

CLASS AAAA
Rank, Team (District)
1. Pittsburgh Central Catholic (7)
2. North Penn (1)
3. LaSalle College (12)
4. Neshaminy (1)
5. Upper St. Clair (7)
6. Bethlehem Liberty (11)
7. North Allegheny (7)
8. Coatesville (1)
9. Council Rock South (1)
10. Ridley (1)
Others to watch: Bayard Rustin (1), Boyertown (1), Central Dauphin (3), Cumberland Valley (3), Daniel Boone (3), Delaware Valley (2), Downingtown East (1), Easton Area (11), Mount Lebanon (7), Parkland (11), Roman Catholic (12), Wilson (3), Woodland Hills (7), Wyoming valley West (2)

CLASS AAA
1. Allentown Central Catholic (11)
2. Bishop McDevitt (3)
3. Archbishop Wood (12)
4. Cathedral Prep (10)
5. Montour (7)
6. Valley View (2)
7. Thomas Jefferson (7)
8. Abington Heights (2)
9. Susquehanna Township (3)
10. Hopewell (7)
Others to watch: Cardinal O’Hara (12), Central Valley (7), Clearfield Area (9), Crestwood (2), Dallas Area (2), Greater Johnstown (6), Greencastle-Antrim (3), Grove City (10), Manheim Central (3), Strath Haven (1), Lampeter-Strasburg (3),

CLASS AA
1. West Catholic (12)
2. Lancaster Catholic (3)
3. Lewisburg (4)
4. Aliquippa (7)
5. Trinity (3)
6. Seton-LaSalle (7)
7. Mount Carmel (4)
8. North Schuylkill (11)
9. Tyrone Area (6)
10. Sharon (10)
Others to watch: Beaver Falls (7), Bloomsburg (4), Delone Catholic (3), Forest Hills (6), General McLane (10), Greensburg Central Catholic (7), Hickory (10), Montoursville (4), Northern Lehigh (11), Towanda (4), Wilmington (10), Wyomissing (3), GAR Memorial (2)

CLASS A
1. Clairton (7)
2. Southern Columbia (4)
3. Rochester (7)
4. Pius X (11)
5. Dunmore (2)
6. Springdale (7)
7. Line Mountain (4)
8. Shenandoah Valley (11)
9. Sto-Rox (7)
10. Bellwood-Antis (6)
Others to watch: Avonworth (7), Bishop Canevin (7), Bishop Carroll (6), Curwensville (9), Farrell (10), Lackawanna Trail (2), Ligonier Valley (6), Linesville (10), Marian Catholic (11), North Star (5), Port Allegany (9), Schuylkill Haven (11), Steelton-Highpire (3), West Middlesex (10), Williams Valley (11)

Schedule
September
2 Cambridge Springs 7
9 Bye
17 at Kennedy Catholic* 12
23 Lakeview* 7
30 at Mercer* 7
October
7 Farrell* 7
14 Conneaut Valley* 7
21 at Reynolds 7
28 West Middlesex* 7
November
4 at Sharpsville* 7

Thursday: Maplewood

– Tom Reisenweber

The Steelers (11-0) are ranked No. 1 by the Pennsylvania Football News and No. 3 by the Harrisburg Patriot-News.

McDowell (No. 7, Class AAAA), Cathedral Prep (No. 8, AAA), Wilmington (No. 6, AA) and General McLane (No. 8, AA) also are ranked by the Patriot-News.

Meanwhile, the Pennsylvania Football News ranks the following D-10 teams (in addition to Farrell): Cathedral Prep (No. 9, AAA), General McLane (No. 4, AA) and Wilmington (No. 5, AA).

For complete state rankings, click below:

Harrisburg Patriot-News
CLASS AAAA
Rank    Team (previous)    Record
1.    Bishop McDevitt (3)    10-0
2.    Gateway (7)    11-0
3.    North Penn (1)    11-0
4.    Woodland Hills (7)    10-1
5.    St. Joseph’s Prep (4)    9-1
6.    La Salle College (5)     9-1
7.    McDowell (7)    8-2
8.    Downingtown West (9)    10-1
9.    Easton (10)    10-1
10.    Bethel Park (HM)    10-1

CLASS AAA

Rank    Team (previous)    Record
1.    Thomas Jefferson (1)    11-0
2.    Selinsgrove (2)    11-0
3.    Wilson Area (3)    11-0
4.    Manheim Central (4)    11-0
5.    Hopewell (5)    11-0
6.    Bayard Rustin (6)    11-0
7.    Pottsgrove (7)    11-0
8.    Cathedral Prep (8)    9-2
9.    Allentown CC (9)    10-1
10.    Inerboro (10)    11-0

CLASS AA
Rank    Team (previous)    Record
1.    Dunmore (1)    11-0
2.    West Catholic (2)    9-2
3.    Beaver Falls (4)    10-1
4.    Aliquippa (5)    10-1
5.    Lancaster Catholic (6)    10-1
6.    Wilmington (7)    10-1
7.    Breensburg CC (HM)    9-2
8.    General McLane (9)    11-0
9.    Keystone Oaks (10)    10-1
10.    South Fayette (8)    10-1

CLASS A
Rank    Team (previous)    Record
1.    Clairton (1)    10-1
2.    Rochester (2)    11-0
3.    Farrell (3)    11-0
4.    Bishop McCourt (4)    10-0
5.    Laurel (5)    10-1
6.    Steelton-Highspire (6)    8-2
7.    Bellwood-Antis (8)    10-0
8.    Portage (9)    10-0
9.    North Catholic (HM)    9-2
10.     Sharpsville (HM)    9-2

Pennsylvania Football News

CLASS AAAA
Rank, School    District    Previous
1. North Penn    1    11-0    1
2. Bishop McDevitt    3    10-0    2
3. Gateway    7    11-0    3
4. Woodland Hills    7    10-1    4
5. St. Joseph’s Prep    12    9-1    5
6. LaSalle College    12    9-1    6
7. Easton Area    11    10-1     7
8. Wilson (West Lawn)    3    10-1    9
9. Bethel Park    7    10-1    OTW
10. Avon Grove    1    10-1    OTW
Honorable Mention
Central Dauphin    3    9-2
Cumberland Valley    3    9-2
Downingtown West    1    10-1
East Stroudsburg South    11    10-1
George Washington    12    8-2
McDowell    10    8-2
Neshaminy    1    9-2
Norristown    1    9-2
North Allegheny    7    9-2
Penn Manor    3    9-2
Pennsbury    1    9-2
Ridley    1    10-1
Shaler Area    7    9-2
State College    6    9-2

CLASS AAA
Rank, School    District    Record    Previous
1. Thomas Jefferson    7    11-0     1
2. Manheim Central    3    11-0    2
3. Selinsgrove    4    11-0    3
4. Wilson Area    11    11-0    4
5. Hopewell    7    11-0    5
6. Bayard Rustin    1    11-0    6
7. Pottsgrove    1    11-0    7
8. Allentown Central Catholic    11    10-1    8
9. Cathedral Prep    10    9-2    9
10. Interboro    1    11-0    10
Honorable Mention
Abington Heights    2    10-1
Cocalico    3    9-2
Conrad Weiser    3    9-2
Dallas Area    2    10-1
Daniel Boone    3    9-2
Hershey    3    9-2
Littlestown    3    9-2
North Pocono    2    9-2
Owen J. Roberts    1    10-1
Punxsutawney    9    9-2
Schenley    8    9-1
Susquehanna Township    3    10-1
West Allegheny    7    9-2
West York    3    10-1

CLASS AA
Rank, School    District    Record    Previous
1. Dunmore    2    11-0        1
2. Aliquippa    7    10-1    2
3. Lancaster Catholic    3    10-1    3
4. General McLane    10    11-0    4
5. Wilmington    10    10-1    5
6. North Schuylkill    11    11-0    6
7. Beaver Falls    7    10-1    9
8. West Catholic    12    9-2        OTW
9. Greensburg Central Catholic    7    9-2        OTW
10. Forest Hills    6    11-0    OTW
Honorable Mention
Central (Martinsburg)    6    10-1
Delone Catholic    3    10-1
Edward Bok Vo-Tech    12    10-0
Hughesville    4    10-1
Karns City    9    8-2
Keystone Oaks    7    10-1
Lewisburg    4    10-1
North East    10    9-2
Northern Lehigh    11    9-2
Panther Valley    11    9-2
Richland    6    9-2
South Fayette    7    10-1
Towanda    4    11-0
Tyrone Area    6    9-2

CLASS A
Rank, School    District    Record    Previous
1. Farrell    10    11-0     1
2. Rochester Area    7    11-0    2
3. Bishop McCort    6    10-0    3
4. Laurel    7    10-1        4
5. Clairton    7    10-1    5
6. Portage Area    6    10-0    6
7. Bellwood-Antis    6    10-0    7
8. Steelton-Highspire    3    8-2    10
9. Pittsburgh North Catholic    7    9-2    OTW
10. Southern Columbia    4    7-4    OTW
Honorable Mention
Calvary Christian Academy    1    9-1
Cameron County    9    10-1
Conemaugh Township    5    9-1
Curwensville    9    9-2
Line Mountain    4
Linesville    10    9-2
Mercer    10    8-3
Millersburg    3    8-3
Northwest Area    2    8-3
Penns Mano    6    9-1
Pius X    11    9-2
Sharpsville    10    9-2
Upper Dauphin    3    9-1
Windber    5    8-2

Remember, the winner of the poll in the upper right will be featured Friday on the new “spadea wrap” on the front of the sports section.

Here are some nominees. As always, let us know if we forgot someone, and we’ll add them to the poll. Players from Saturday’s games also are eligible.

Peter Jackson, Fairview: 36 rushes, 238 yards, TD runs of 60, 18 and 2 yards

Jimmy Bailey, North East: 22 rushes 115 yards, 3 TDs, including game-winner in overtime. Also had 68-yard punt return for TD.

Aaron Horton, Mercyhurst Prep: 17 rushes 241 yards, TD runs of 16, 56, 84 and 9 yards

Zach Greenawalt, McDowell: 4 rushes 89 yards, including 83-yard TD run; also went 2-for-2 passing for 54 yards, including 39-yard TD pass

Cory Lee, General McLane: 15 rushes, 125 yards, TD runs of 14 and 19 yards

Trevor Litwiler, Linesville: 12 rushes, 128 yards; 7-of-8 passing, 111 yards, TD

Jared Burger, Union City: 36 rushes, 182 yards, 2 TDs

Dallas Williams, Oil City: Game-winning 94-yard fumble return for TD on final play; also had 6 receptions for 75 yards, including a touchdown

From Thursday:

Kevin Green, Strong Vincent: 9 rushes, 100 yards, TD; also had 93-yard kickoff return for a touchdown

Brandon Akins-Jones, Strong Vincent: 7 rushes, 129 yards, TD runs of 1, 61, 9 and 38 yards.

Gary Brown, East: 7-of-10 passing, 107 yards, 2 TDs; 6 rushes, 61 yards, TD

Jordan Elchynski, North East: 22 carries, 131 yards, 2 TDs

Zach Greenawalt, McDowell: 11 rushes, 178 yards, 2TDs; 57-yard TD pass

Aaron Horton, Mercyhurst Prep: 12 rushes, 165 yards; TD runs of 12, 35 and 60 yards

Dakota Schultz, Saegertown: 9 rushes, 102 yards, 3 TDs

Corey McWilliams, Fort LeBoeuf: 5 catches, 109 yards, 2 TDs (now has six TD receptions in three games)

Trevor Litwiler, Linesville: 21 rushes, 174 yards, 3 TD; 5-of-9 passing, 106 yards, TD

Jordan Kerner, Fairview: 7 rushes, 100 yards; TD runs of 11 and 63 yards

Jared Burger, Union City: 23 rushes, 164 yards, 2 TDs

Shyquawn Pullium, Cathedral Prep, 7 rushes, 225 yards, TD runs of 54, 69 and 72 yards, 4-of-8 passing, 73 yards, 2 TDs

There were many other worthy performances this weekend — more than we can list here. Who would you vote for? Who did we miss? Let us know.

The Steelers are first in Class A and the Greyhounds, PIAA champions in 2008, in Class AA. They are the only District 10 schools ranked in PFN’s four polls.

District schools which received honorable mentions were McDowell in Class AAAA, Bradford, Cathedral Prep and Strong Vincent in Class AAA, General McLane in AA, and Linesville and Mercyhurst Prep in A.

– Mike Copper

Pennsylvania Football News High School Football Rankings

Class AAAA

Rank School (District) Record Previous

1. North Penn (1) 2-0 1

2. State College (6) 2-0 2

3. Bishop McDevitt (3) 2-0 3

4. LaSalle College (12) 2-0 4

5. Neshaminy (1) 2-0 6

6. Pittsburgh Central Catholic (7) 2-0 7

7. St. Joseph’s Prep (12) 2-0 9

8. Gateway (7) 2-0 10

9. Downingtown West (1) 2-0 OTW

10. Central Dauphin (3) 2-0 OTW

Others to watch: Abington (1) 2-0; Cardinal O’Hara (12) 2-0; Downingtown East (1) 2-0; Easton  (11) 2-0; Garnet Valley (1) 2-0; McDowell (10) 2-0; McKeesport  (7) 1-1; North Allegheny (7) 2-0; Parkland (11) 2-0; Pennsbury (1) 2-0; Quakertown (1) 2-0; Ridley (1) 2-0; Upper St. Clair (7) 2-0; Wilson (West Lawn) (3) 1-1; Woodland Hills (7) 1-1

Class AAA

Rank School (District) Record Previous

1. Thomas Jefferson (7) 2-0 1

2. Manheim Central (3) 2-0 2

3. Selinsgrove (4) 2-0 3

4. Wilson (11) 2-0 4

5. Hopewell (7) 2-0 5

6. Abington Heights (2) 2-0 6

7. Berwick  (2) 2-0 7

8. West York (3) 2-0 8

9. Bayard Rustin (1) 2-0 9

10. Pottsgrove (1) 2-0 10

Others to watch: Allentown Central Catholic (11) 2-0; Blue Mountain (11) 2-0; Bradford (9) 2-0; Cathedral Prep (10) 1-1; Chartiers Valley (7) 2-0; Cocalico (3) 2-0; ELCO (3) 2-0; Hershey (3) 2-0; Owen J. Roberts (1) 2-0; New Castle (7) 2-0; Northern York (3) 2-0; Strath Haven (1) 2-0; Strong Vincent (10) 1-1; Susquehanna Township (3) 2-0; West Mifflin (7) 2-0

Class AA

Rank School (District) Record Previous

1. Wilmington (10) 2-0 1

2. Lancaster Catholic (3) 2-0 2

3. Aliquippa (7) 2-0 3

4. West Catholic (12) 2-0 4

5. Dunmore (2) 2-0 6

6. Beaver Falls (7) 2-0 7

7. Jeannette (7) 2-0 8

8. Montoursville (4) 2-0 OTW

9. Central (Martinsburg) (6) 2-0 10

10. Burrell (7) 2-0 OTW

Others to watch: Brockway (9) 2-0; Center (7) 2-0; Ford City (7) 2-0; Forest Hills (6) 2-0; GAR Memorial (2) 2-0; General McLane (10) 2-0; Greensburg Central Catholic (7) 1-1; Hanover  (2) 2-0; McGuffey (7) 1-1; Palisades (11) 2-0; Panther Valley (11) 1-1; Seton-LaSalle (7) 2-0; Shady Side Academy (7) 2-0; Sto-Rox (7) 2-0; Tamaqua (11) 2-0

Class A

Rank School (District) Record Previous

1. Farrell (10) 2-0 1

2. Rochester  (7) 2-0 3

3. Bishop McCort (6) 2-0 4

4. Schuylkill Haven (11) 2-0 5

5. Springdale (7) 2-0 6

6. Laurel (7) 2-0 7

7. Clairton (7) 1-1 8

8. Southern Columbia (4) 1-1 2

9. Steelton-Highspire (3) 1-1 9

10. Portage  (6) 2-0 10

Others to watch: Avonworth (7) 2-0; Bellwood-Antis (6) 2-0; Bloomsburg (4) 2-0; Cameron County (9) 2-0; Clarion (9) 2-0; Conemaugh Township (5) 2-0; Fort Cherry (7) 2-0; Line Mountain (4) 2-0; Linesville (10) 2-0; Mercyhurst Prep (10) 2-0; Northwest (2) 1-1; Old Forge (2) 2-0; Serra Catholic (7) 2-0; South Side (7) 2-0; Upper Dauphin (3) 2-0; Williams Valley (11) 2-0

Or does someone else deserve the honor?

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)

Linesville Lions

Coach: Pat Gould
2008 overall record: 10-3
2008 league record (place): 7-1 (Region 1 co-champion
Playoff results: Lost to Farrell, 28-7, in the Class A District 10 championship game
Top players lost: RB/DB Doug Farley, TE Matt Laird, WR/DB Evan Smith, OL/LB Eric Daniels, OL/DL Kris Tursky, LB Matt Laird
Top returning players: QB/DB/K Trevor Litwiler, RB/WR Jimmy Kearns, RB/WR Walter Litwin, RB/WR Jack Sindlinger, OL Tanner Urbanick, OL Dennis Diodati
Key games: Oct. 2 vs. Farrell, Oct. 16 at Saegertown

Trevor Litwiler, quarterback

Outlook: Linesville lost to two teams all of last season. The Lions lost twice in the regular season: once to Region 2 champion Saegertown and once to Farrell. Linesville’s season ended when it faced Farrell again in the Class A District 10 championship game. In its two games against Farrell, the Lions were outscored 55-7. But Linesville still had a very successful season and was co-champions of Region 1, along with Farrell and Mercer. The Lions had four members of the first team all-Region 1 offense and three members selected to the first team all-region defense. Doug Farley and Trevor Litwiler made both first team offense and defense. Litwiler, a quarterback, is the only one of those players returning, but he’s a an elite player. Litwiler’s main targets, in Matt Laird and Evan Smith, graduated too. The Lions also had five total players split between the second team all-region offense and defense (two  offense, three defense) — including two graduating offensive lineman. Litwiler made the second team all-region team as the kicker. The offense next year is in good hands for Linesville. Litwiler threw for 909 yards on a 58.4 percent completion rate. He had 13 passing touchdowns and only five interceptions. He wasn’t a slouch in the ground game either. He ran for 763 yards and led the team with 12 rushing touchdowns. Farley led the rushing attack last year with over 1,000 yards and nine touchdowns of his own. But he’s gone next season, and that offense will have to come from elsewhere. Litwiler had more than 48 percent of the Lions total yards gained last season. The defense loses key players as well. Litwiler was the only Linesville player who made all-region first or second team not to be a senior. The Lions have the players on offense to potentially replace Farley, but the defense also will need people to step up on the line, at linebacker and in the secondary. The team’s third, fourth and fifth leading rushers — Jimmy Kearns, Jack Sindlinger and Walter Litwin — all return and could vie for the starting running back spot. The Lions could repeat at region champs with a talent like Litwiler coming back, but others will need to assist him on both offense and defense.

Schedule
September
4    Cambridge Springs    7
12    at Kennedy Catholic*    noon
18     Lakeview*    7
25    at Mercer*    7
October
2    Farrell*    7
9    Conneaut Valley*    7
16    at Saegertown    7
24    West Middlesex*    7
31    at Sharpsville*    7
November
6    at Conneaut Lake*    7

* Region 1 game

Tuesday: Region 1: Mercer