Dakota Royer to announce school choice July 30
Manheim Central star defensive end Dakota Royer will make his verbal committment to a Division-1 college football team July 30, according to Manheim Central head coach Mike Williams. Williams made the announcement during an interview at the Berwick 7-on-7 and Big Man Challenge. Royer had pared his list of schools from over 20 suitors to […]
Former West Catholic running back shot in Philadelphia
Curtis Brinkley, former running back for West Catholic High School and the 6th-leading rusher in state history, was shot this morning in suburban Philadelphia. The Associated Press released a report at 7:30 a.m. Friday morning which did not provide an update of condition for the former Burr standout, who survived the shooting. Brinkley attended […]
Update on Pennsylvania’s 2010 recruiting class
Here’s an update for statewide recruiting of Keystone State athletes. National recruiting website Rivals.com lists 143 athletes from Pennsylvania in the recruiting class of 2010 that are potential D-1 prospects. Breaking down the list of prospects, by position, shows the distribution as follows: Quarterbacks (17) Running backs/fullbacks (22) Wide receivers/tight ends (17) […]
Friends of Coal Prep Classic set for Sept. 5
One stadium. One day. Five games. Ten teams. Three states. What do all those numbers have in common? They all, in a way, relate to the 2nd Annual Friends of Coal Prep Football Classic, which is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 5 at Wheeling Island Stadium. The line-up features four Keystone State teams, two of which […]
Ohio fends off pesky Pennsylvania in Big-33 Classic
HERSHEY, Pa. – Of all the big plays made in the 52nd Annual Big-33 Football Classic, the biggest came from one of Ohio’s offensive linemen. Adam Replogle (Centerville HS) scored the game-winning touchdown on a 1-yard fullback dive with :20 left in the game, and then Ohio held off a late Pennsylvania rally to […]
East scores 30 unanswered points; pounds West 37-22
ALTOONA, Pa. – Jeremiah Young. Franklin Quiteh. Zach Barket. Those were three big names for the East squad who figured to play key roles in their team’s effort in the 9th Annual PSFCA East/West All-Star Game. Tom Ryan, though, stole the show. So did Zach Zulli. Zulli (Perkiomen Valley) accounted for 118 yards of offense […]
East running backs could steal the spotlight in Altoona
If there’s a recent trend that one can discern from the last couple PSFCA East/West All-Star games, it’s that the team with the better rushing attack has won the game. And I’ll admit it: I am a huge proponent of utilizing a quality ground attack in an all-star game despite the minimum passing requirements and […]
9TH annual PSFCA east west all-star game preview
Playing the East/West game on a Friday night is rare. Moving the kickoff up an hour is also different. And, recently, it’s been rare to see the East tasting victory in a series they dominated so thoroughly for the first six years. The East will look to snap a two-game losing streak against […]
Big-33 Classic helps make up for past Hershey shortcomings
Trying to find an angle for a Big-33 Classic story isn’t hard. The game has been going on now for more than five decades. Story lines abound in what has come to be known as one of the nation’s best high school football all-star games. So, instead of focusing on the Super Bowl ties, […]
52ND BIG 33 FOOTBALL CLASSIC PREVIEW
Keystone Staters will be happy to know, if they weren’t aware already, that Pennsylvania has won the last three Big-33 Football Classics over Ohio, and taken a lead in the series between the two states. Come Saturday evening, the boys in the blue and gold will look to make it four wins in a […]
Update: Liberty quarterback still has chance to attain 4,000/4,000 milestone
NOTE: Eariler this year, I published an article about this subject which contained incorrect statistical information. I thank the readers for bringing that to my attention. This article contains the correct statistical information and current projections for Anthony Gonzalez’ quest toward becoming the second 4,000/4,000 quarterback in state history. Before the start of the 2007 […]
South “grills” North; wins 4th straight Tri-County game
MANHEIM, Pa. – Memorial Day weekend, the unofficial start of summer, is famous for backyard barbecues and grilling parties. If the Manheim Touchdown Club’s 8th annual Tri-County All-Star Game was a Memorial Day get-together, then the South would have been rude hosts. They ate the North for dinner. The South threw for over […]
2009 Tri-County All-Star Game Preview
Playing a name game with the rosters with the 8th edition of the Manheim Touchdown Club’s Tri-County All-Star Game gives the decided advantage to the South team. The South, which will be led by Columbia head coach Jason Shoff, has such athletes like Eric Resch, Kyle Fisher, Dakotah Lightfoot, Dylan Stopper and Zacc Groff, […]
Tyler Smith verbally commits to Maryland
Tyler Smith, quarterback for Wilson Area High School in Easton, PA, announced that he made a verbal commitment to the University of Maryland last evening, according to an e-mail sent from his mother to PA Football Digest magazine owner Brian Hollister. Smith was ranked among ESPN’s Top 150 high school football prospects in the […]
Betancourt commits to Boston College
St. Josephs Prep offensive lineman Seth Betancourt made a verbal commitment to Boston College today, according to Rivals.com. The 6’6, 285-pound offensive tackle had offers from nine total Division-1 programs before his commitment, from schools like UCONN, Michigan State, and West Virginia. Notre Dame and Penn State had shown interest in Betancourt, but did […]
NO AVERAGE JOE: Buckhorns’ back bashing the school record books
When a Wallenpaupack player was last selected as a 1st-Team All-Stater, Bill Clinton was President. That player was Joe Wasylyk, a two-time All-State selection at defensive back in 1996 and 1997. Wasylyk was also the Buckhorn’s starting quarterback, throwing for 3,000 career yards and leading the Hawley-based school to the 1996 Division III Eastern […]
Keeping “nose to the grindstone,” Manheim Central head coach piles up victories
To get something running at maximum efficiency takes time. Think of it like an 18-wheeler starting out after a red light. After a couple shifts, it starts rolling right along. Think of what it took to get Manheim Central football going in roughly the same manner. When Mike Williams was named the head football […]
Trio of Wallenpaupack athletes are D-1 prospects
Whodathunkit? Wallenpaupack Area is suddenly a hotbed with Division-1 football talent, according to Rivals.com and head coach Mark Watson. The Buckhorns are coming off of a 7-4 season that ended in the opening round of the Eastern Conference playoffs, and three athletes, running back Joe Defebo, fullback Taylor Newcomer, and offensive lineman Bryan […]
Central York DE Kyle Baublitz up to 15 D-1 offers
Central York defensive lineman Kyle Baublitz’ big play now has earned him a large number of Division-1 college offers – 15, to be exact, according to Rivals.com. Baublitz, a 6’6, 255-pound athlete for the Panthers, is coming off of a phenomenal junior season. He totaled 166 tackles (53 solo), 1.5 sacks, and a fumble […]
3 wins shy of 300, Jim Roth reflects on his career
Believe it or not, there was once a period of time when winning a single football game was a big deal at Southern Columbia High School. Yes, that’s right. The Class “A” powerhouse that gets mentioned year-in and year-out as a potential state championship contender used to have trouble winning football games. In fact, […]
Watered-down playoffs?
During an interview with former Mt. Carmel head football coach Joe “Jazz” Diminick, the topic of discussion took a brief detour. The subject being discussed was the old Eastern Conference playoff system, the only playoff system in the eastern half of the state until 1982, when District 3 began a three-classification playoff format. […]
Chesnut Hill two-way athlete owns 2 D-1 offers
Chesnut Hill Academy is one of the smallest schools that compete in the Inter-AC Conference. One of the Blue Devils’ football players, however, is looking at a few offers from some Division-1 football programs. Ibraheim Campbell, a running back/defensive back for the Blue Devils, has offers from Minnesota and Vanderbilt, according to Rivals.com. Other […]
Syracuse offer makes 3 for Wilson Area quarterback
May recruiting is just a couple of months away, but Wilson Area quarterback Tyler Smith has one new offer and a Florida school showing interested in him, according to Rivals.com. Smith, a dual-threat quarterback for the Warriors, has an offer from Syracuse in addition to offers from UCONN and Pitt. The other new school […]
West York DB has D-1 interest
West York Area had plenty of reasons to celebrate last season. Now, one of the Bulldogs’ top returning players is the recipient of some notable Division-1 attention. Corey Harris, a running back/defensive back, has interest from seven Division-1 programs, according to Rivals.com. Among the interested schools are Louisville, Michigan State, Ohio State, and Pitt. […]
Eastern PA storylines in 2009
The start of the 2009 high school football season might not start for six months, but it’s never too early to start thinking about what the upcoming season could offer. Here’s a hint: we probably won’t see another Jeremiah Young or Zach Barket anytime soon. Could Neshaminy be considered a favorite to win District 1 […]
Rivals.com releases Top-100 prospects
Rivals.com, a national high school football recruiting website, released its first installment of the Top-100 high school football prospects for the Class of 2010 today. Three Pennsylvania athletes grace the list. They are Corey Brown, a running back for Cardinal O’Hara; Sharrif Floyd, a gargantuan defensive tackle for George Washington, and Paul Jones, quarterback […]
Garnet Valley RB getting D-1 attention
Three members of the 2008 Garnet Valley Jaguars recently signed letters of intent to play at West Chester. Come the spring of 2010, the Jaguars could be watching one of its own sign a Division-1 letter of intent. Senior-to-be Marcellus Irving, a running back/wide receiver combination for the Delaware County-based school, has interest, […]
Wilson Area quarterback has 2 D-1 offers
Don’t look now, but the Lehigh Valley will be able to lay claim to another Division-1 quarterback prospect in the Class of 2010. The latest high-profile quarterback comes from the Easton area, and he plays for the Wilson Area Warriors. Tyler Smith, a dual-threat quarterback with a strong right arm, has a pair of […]
MC’s Royer up to 11 D-1 offers
The last time we reported on Manheim Central defensive end Dakota Royer, he was the recipient of seven Division-1 offers, and had interest from seven other programs. The number of offers for Royer has expanded, as might have been expected. Royer is now up to 11 Division-1 offers, the second-highest total among Pennsylvania athletes […]
1,000-yard backfield duos aren’t as rare as you think
When a running back hits 1,000 yards in a season, it’s kind of a big deal. At least it used to be. Now, the standard for an individual successful season on the ground appears to be 2,000 yards rushing in a season. But what if two running backs on the same football team hit […]
Early on, District 12 has impressive 2010 class
The Philadelphia Catholic and Public Leagues will have some talented athletes in its 2010 recruiting class. Even though the calendar only reads February, the Philadelphia area already has six athletes that are receiving Division-1 interest. Five of the six are play positions on offense. Two are quarterbacks; one is a running back; another is […]
Another Manheim Central QB receives D-1 interest
Manheim Central’s backup quarterback Justin Gorman did an admirable job filling in for Jeremy Knosp when he went down with a shoulder injury during the regular season. He directed the Barons to the District 3 “AAA” championship game, the Barons’ first title game berth since 2005. Now, he’s receiving some attention from Division-1 […]
Liberty quarterback could join exclusive 4,000/4,000 club
Before the start of the 2007 high school football season, Pennsylvania had never had a quarterback rush and pass for 4,000 yards each in his career. Now, by the end of 2009, the Keystone State could see a second quarterback accomplish the feat in three years. The only quarterback with both 4,000 rushing and passing […]
Nebraska ought to be ashamed of itself
The news that the University of Nebraska rescinded its scholarship offer to West Scranton running back Shawn Bodtman was stunning, to say the least. The rationale for pulling the scholarship was also stunning, giving the timing in which it came to light. In fact, the rationale offered by the Nebraska assistant coach didn’t offer […]
Coach Moncman 17 Division-1 schools showing interest in Anthony Gonzalez
In an article published yesterday regarding the recruiting process of Liberty quarterback Anthony Gonzalez, it contained a list of 10 Division-1 football programs . That list expanded by seven, according to an e-mail from head coach Tim Moncman. In addition to the original list of 10 schools provided by assistant coach Jim Tkach and Rivals.com, Moncman reports […]
Malvern Prep head coach retires
“Gamp” Pellegrini, the longtime head coach of the Malvern Prep Friars, has retired, according to Ted Silary of the Philadelphia Daily News. For more on Pellegrini’s retirement, you can view Ted’s story via the following link: http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/homepage/20090129_Malverns_Pellegrini_retires_after_45_seasons.html Pellegrini finished his 42 years as a head coach just 22 wins shy of the 300 mark, the […]
Anthony Gonzalez receives 1st official D-1 offer
Following Liberty’s 28-21 state title victory against Bethel Park, Liberty head coach Tim Moncman answered a question about his star left-handed quarterback, junior Anthony Gonzalez, with another question. “How the heck can he not have a scholarship offer yet?” Liberty’s 82-game winner asked. Ask, and you shall receive. According to an e-mail […]
Lancaster Catholic’s Kyle Smith drawing D-1 interest
Lancaster Catholic has been considered among the top teams in District 3 Class “AA” for the past five years. Now, its quarterback is considered one of the top returning quarterbacks in the state. Kyle Smith, a senior-to-be for the Lancaster Catholic Crusaders, has nine Division-1 schools interested in his services, according to Rivals.com […]
D-1 interest piling up for MC’s Royer
Manheim Central’s multi-faceted athlete Dakota Royer had a dominating 2008 season. Now, a slew of Division-1 programs are pursuing the talented senior-to-be. The Barons’ defensive end/wide receiver has seven official Division-1 offers, according to Jeffrey Reinhart of the Lancaster New Era. Reinhart also confirmed that seven other D-1 programs are interested in Royer’s services, […]
Liberty’s biggest winner
Jim Tkach’s first trip back to Hershey since son’s tragic death a successful one HERSHEY, Pa. – The scene following Bethlehem Liberty’s thrilling overtime state championship victory against Bethel Park went like most other celebrations. The team gang-piled its leader, and game hero, Anthony Gonzalez. Helmets were thrown in the air. Tears were […]
Big things come in small packages
2008 Communications Tech Phoenix gave Public League football a little recognition If the Philadelphia Public League had gained a reputation in any particular sport since it became affiliated with the PIAA, it came from basketball. Prep Charter won back-to-back “AA” state titles in basketball over perennial WPIAL powers Beaver Falls and Aliquippa. Two […]
Josh Funk’s Final 2008 Statewide Rankings
JOSH FUNK’S 2008 STATEWIDE RANKINGS FINAL 2008 RANKINGS A: 1. Steelton-Highspire (3, 16-0) 2. Clairton (7, 15-1) 3. Schuylkill Haven (11, 14-1) 4. Riverside (2, 13-1) 5. Farrell (10, 12-3) 6. Bishop McCort (6, 12-1) 7. Monaca (7, 11-2) 8. Cameron County (9, 12-2) 9. Southern Columbia (4, 10-3) 10. Portage Area (6, 12-1) […]
District 11’s strife is o’er; Liberty claims first PIAA title in OT
HERSHEY, Pa. – There’s an old hymn which begins the opening stanza with the words, “The strife is o’er, the battle won.” To say that District 11 “AAAA” football teams were in some strife in three recent state finals was an understatement. They had been outscored 117-23 in those games. Liberty ended the strife […]
Ain’t Nothin’ but a Hounds’ Win: Wilmington stuns West Catholic for first PIAA title
HERSHEY, Pa. – Zero chance. That had been the going phrase when describing District 10 champion Wilmington’s chances at defeating Philadelphia Catholic League juggernaut West Catholic. Zero chance, eh? This game had undertones of a Class “A” state title game played nearly two decades before it. In the end, Wilmington (15-1) stopped Burrs’ […]
PIAA “AAAA” State Title Game – Bethel Park Preview
In case you haven’t noticed, Bethel Park isn’t flashy. They don’t average 60 points per game or win games by wide margins. But nonetheless, Bethel Park keeps on winning, and they’ve gotten themselves all the way to the “AAAA” state championship game. Bethel Park (15-0) will match District 11 champion Bethlehem Liberty (14-1) Saturday […]
PIAA “AAAA” State Title Game – Bethlehem Liberty Preview
District 1, specifically the Suburban One conference, had dominated the eastern half of the state in the “AAAA” classification for the better part of a decade. It wasn’t uncommon to see Central Bucks West, North Penn, or Neshaminy playing for a state title. But something happened since 2002. That something was a shift in […]
Vikings’ ship sunk: Thomas Jefferson rolls to 3rd PIAA title
HERSHEY, Pa. – Thomas Jefferson quarterback Tyler Wehner had quite the impressive performance in last week’s PIAA semifinals win over West York, accumulating over 300 yards of offense and six total touchdowns. The bad news for Archbishop Wood: Wehner didn’t leave his game in Altoona. Thomas Jefferson (15-1) got another solid performance from […]
Rollin’ right along to a PIAA title: Steel-High wins second straight championship
HERSHEY, Pa. – Andre Campbell’s first two passes in the Class “A” state championship game weren’t exactly perfect. His sixth one, though, was a thing of beauty. Campbell’s 59-yard touchdown pass to Jordan Smith down the Roller sideline, coupled with a bad Clairton punt deep in its own territory, helped Steel-High (16-0) claim […]
PIAA “A” State Title Game – Clairton Preview
If only the WPIAL Class “A” schools could have as much success as their “AAAA” counterparts on the opposite end of the spectrum. Western big schools have dominated in the state finals of late, but it’s been the complete opposite for Class “A” western schools, which have had to settle for state silver every […]
PIAA “A” State Title Game – Steelton-Highspire Preview
Steelton-Highspire has been living up to its nickname lately – they’ve simply been steamrolling opponents. But it’s not just steamrolling teams with its potent offense that can choose whether to throw on the snow tires or air it out – the defense has also been flattening people and deflating some potent offenses. Now […]
