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2007 POISED TO BE ANOTHER EXCITING YEAR IN DISTRICT 9 FOOTBALL |
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| 2007 Schedules | 2007 Rosters | ||||
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By Chris Rossetti COUDERSPORT – Are you ready for some football? The 2007 high school football season starts Friday night with 13 games on tap including a rematch of the last two District 9 Class A title games when Curwensville travels to the CARP in Coudersport looking to break a five-game losing streak to the Falcons. With the start of the season, questions abound including can Coudy win an unprecedented third straight District 9 Class A title in ’07? If the Falcons turn the trick, they would become the first Class A team to win three straight titles. As it stands now, they are one of just three schools to repeat as Class A title winners joining Smethport (1991-92 & 1995-96) and Clarion-Limestone (2002-2003) in accomplishing the feat. The Falcons will see plenty of challengers including AML North foe Cameron County, which is looking to end Coudy’s reign of five straight AML North titles, AML South teams Ridgway and Curwensville and KSAC foes Clarion and Keystone. It might also be a surprise team like Kane, which is coming off a 3-7 injury riddled season but has many coaches afraid to play it this year. In Class AA, will Brookville defend its title or will someone else overtake the Raiders for championship gold. Karns City, looking for its first title since 2001 after finishing second last season, and Moniteau, which has never won a title, look to have strong teams that will challenge Brookville, which is looking for back-to-back titles for the first time since 1994-95. The Class AAA battle should come down to a pair of ex-D9 League mates Clearfield and Bradford. The two teams have combined to win nine of the 10 Class AAA titles given out solely in District 9 including every single one of them since 1998. Bradford is the defending champion knocking off Clearfield in two overtimes last year ending the Bisons two-year reign on top. If they meet in the title game this season, it would be the first meeting of the year for them thanks to Clearfield leaving the D9 League and not playing the Owls in the traditional season opener. While the team’s listed above appear to be the best on paper, that doesn’t mean they will win it all. Maybe someone else sneaks up and surprises everyone before taking home D9 gold. For a team-by-team look at the 2007 season including our predictions of how the teams will finish the regular season, see below. The breakdown is in alphabetical order by school. Note – All stats are from last season unless otherwise noted) A-C
VALLEY FALCONS Head Coach: Gary Pinkerton (1st season) 2006 Record: 0-9 overall, 0-7 KSAC Conference/Classification: KSAC/Class AA Key returning players: QB Brad Rembold (4th year as starting QB; 48 of 130, 413 yards, 3 TDs, 9 Ints; Career – 125 of 349, 1,455 yards, 10 TDs, 30 Ints); RB Mike Himes (341 yards rushing, 1 TD; 16 catches, 173 yards, 1 TD) Returning offensive linemen: Not available Team notes: Pinkerton becomes the sixth coach in the past 10 years at A-C Valley, and he has his work cut out for him. The Falcons haven’t had a winning season since 1999 (7-4) and have gone 10-52 since and are currently riding a District 9-long 13-game losing streak. D9Sports.com predicted 2007 record: 0-9 overall, 0-7 KSAC BRADFORD
OWLS Head Coach: Steve Ackerman (7th season; 42-23, .646) 2006 Record: 8-3 overall, 4-1 D9 League (D9 Class AAA Champions; Shared league title) Conference/Classification: D9 League/Class AAA Key returning skill players: QB Ben Walter (3rd year as starting QB; 37 of 81, 610 yards, 8 TDs, 9 Ints; Career – 75 of 174, 1,158 yards, 11 TDs, 14 Ints; 267 career rushing yards, 6 TDs); RB Taylor O’Brien (134 carries, 1,094 yards, 19 TDs; Ranked 8th in D9 in rushing); RB Nick Johnson (72 carries, 593 yards, 8 TDs; 6 catches, 88 yards, 3 TDs) Returning offensive linemen: TE Alex Goodman (6-2, 190); OTs Steven Reinhardt (6-3, 260) and Cody Godding (6-3, 220), G Mike Johnston (5-10, 208) Team notes: The Owls won their first D9 title since 2003 last season and are looking to repeat for the first time since 2000-2001. Bradford is in its final season in the D9 League. The Owls, who have won or shared five D9 League titles since the league inception in 1985, will play in a District 10 conference next year while still playing for the D9 title as the D9 League is disbanding. The conference breakup is a direct result of Clearfield leaving the conference for the second time in three seasons, and the Owls and the Bisons do not play in the regular season this year. D9Sports.com predicted 2007 record: 6-3 overall, 3-1 D9 League BROCKWAY
ROVERS Head Coach: Frank Varischetti (1st season) 2006 Record: 6-5 overall, 6-3 AML South Conference/Classification: AML South/Class AA Key returning skill players: QB Matt Pentz (15 of 31, 303 yards, 2 TDs, 2 INTs; Took over as main QB for final two weeks of the season); TB Dillon Park (157 carries, 876 yards, 8 TDs; 12th in D9 in rushing; 8 catches, 101 yards, 2 TDs); RB Armando Fortunato (67 carries, 390 yards, 7 TDs; 9 catches, 130 yards, 2 TDs); RB Camdon McKay (25 carries, 146 yards; 7 catches, 102 yards, 1 TD) Returning offensive linemen: OT Jeff Uhl Team notes: Varischetti is the grandson of Frank Varischetti, whom the Brockway football field is named after. He takes over for the legendary Ray Reckner, who went 131-90-3 with four D9 Class AA titles in his 22 years as head coach before stepping down after last season. Reckner is still involved with the program as the junior high coach, and according to Varischetti has been very helpful in making it a smooth transition. D9Sports.com predicted 2007 record: 5-5 overall, 5-4 AML South BROOKVILLE
RAIDERS Head Coach: Chris Dworek (12th season; 64-54, .542) 2006 Record: 11-2 overall, 4-1 D9 League (D9 Class AA champions; Shared league title) Conference/Classification: D9 League/Class AA Key returning skill players: QB Shane Heschke (68 of 124, 1,246 yards, 14 TDS, 6 INTs; 5th in D9 in passing yards; 166.83 QB rating led D9; 102 carries, 525 yards, 9 TDs; 23rd in D9 in rushing yards, 3rd among QBs); RB Joe Galbraith (161 carries, 1,175 yards, 10 TDs; 6th in D9 in rushing yards; Career – 1,537 yards; 14 TDs); WR Alex Kerr (11 catches, 236 yards, 2 TDs); TE Greg Sobol (5 catches, 72 yards, 1 TD). Returning offensive linemen: C Nick Nosker (6-3, 292 pounds), James Harbison (6-2, 259 pounds; TE/T Justin Smith (6-3, 249), TE Greg Sobol (6-3, 211) Team notes: Brookville, which won its second D9 title in three years, has some key skill players back like Heschke and Galbraith. But the Raiders must replace Max Kutz (1,382 yards, 13 TDs), the third-leading rusher in D9 last year, and Tyler Ross (39 catches, 741 yards, 9 TDs), the third-leading receiver in D9 as well as some key offensive linemen including Eli Morres, the D9Sports.com District 9 Offensive Linemen of the Year who is now at Clarion University. On defense, Levi Singleton (115 tackles) will not been easy to replace, although Kerr (83 tackles, 3 INTs) was the second leading tackler last season and Smith (59 tackles, 6 sacks) tied with Morres for third on the team in stops. D9Sports.com predicted 2007 record: 8-2 overall, 4-0 D9 League CAMERON
COUNTY RED RAIDERS Head Coach: Tony Defilippi (3rd season; 9-10, .474) 2006 Record: 6-4 overall, 6-3 AML North Conference/Classification: AML North/Class A Key returning skill players: QB Jordan Crane (32 of 84, 690 yards; 12 TDs, 8 INTs; 135.19 QB Rating; 15th in D9 in passing yards; 2nd in QB Rating); RB Cameron Clingan (75 carries, 501 yards, 4 TDs; led team in rushing; 24th in D9); RB Abram Zoschg (39 carries, 261 yards, 4 TDs; 7 catches, 205 yards, 4 TDs); RB Darrick Mason (27 carries, 168 yards, 2 TDs); RB Charlie Holjencin (17 carries, 149 yards, 1 TD); SE Sean McManigle (6 catches, 150 yards, 2 TDs) Returning offensive linemen: OTs Connor McCurley (5-11, 225 pounds) and Tommy Jack (6-2, 240), Gs Shawn Ellenberger (6-3, 270) and Marcus Mullens (5-10, 185), TE Mike Malizia (6-3, 205; 3 catches, 71 yards, 2 TDs) Team notes: With almost all of its key players back from a team that produced the school’s first winning record since 2001, expectations are soaring in Emporium where town folks have visions of the school’s first D9 title since 1999. But in order to win the title, the Red Raiders will have to knock off two-time defending champion Coudersport, which has won five straight AML North crowns. The last team other than Coudy to take an AML North title was Smethport in 2001. Defense might be the key to the title run, as Cameron ranked third in D9 in scoring defense (12.6 ppg allowed) last season and returns three of the top four tacklers from that team (Mason – 71 stops, 6 sacks; Mullens – 63 stops, 4 sacks, 1 Int; Malizia – 61 tackles, 1 sack). The one loss, though, John Malizia (68 tackles, 3 sacks) will be tough to replace considering he is now playing at Edinboro. D9Sports.com predicted 2007 record: 9-0 overall, 9-0 AML North CLARION
BOBCATS Head Coach: Larry Wiser (20th season; 124-62-1, .665) 2006 Record: 5-6; 4-3 KSAC Conference/Classification: KSAC/Class A Key returning skill players: QB Adam Bevevino (60 of 142, 931 yards, 13 TDs; 3 INTs; 123.31 QB Rating; 9th in D9 in passing; 6th in QB Rating); RB James Seidle (15 catches, 343 yards, 4 TDs; 16th in D9 in receiving yards; 8 carries, 37 yards; Was starting WR last season); WR Jake Fleeger (9 catches, 116 yards, 1 TD) Returning offensive linemen: G Jeff Wiant (6-1, 275 pounds), C Riley Gudakunst (6-0, 252), OT Maurizio Giambanco (6-1, 266), TE Scott Larson (6-9, 263) Team notes: The Bobcats were a preseason favorite to win the KSAC and contend for the D9 Class A title last year, but things didn’t turn out as planned with Clarion struggling to a 5-5 regular-season mark thanks to mistakes at key times and finishing under .500 (5-6) for the first time since 2002 and for only the fifth time in Wiser’s 19 seasons. But despite last season and despite losing its top two rushers in Brad Rapp (857 yards, 9 TDs) and Larry Stout (673, 6 TDs) and most likely only being able to use Eric Grejda (180 yards, 1 TD) on defense because of an injury suffered last season, many coaches believe Clarion has the talent to right the ship this year. And they might be right. After all, how many D9 teams can move a 6-9, 263-pound tackle to tight end like Clarion is doing with Larson? And Bevevino has so much talent at QB that Wiser went to the shotgun formation for the first time in his career last year and was rewarded. The big question mark remains at RB where Seidle was given the first shot in preseason despite being a wide receiver up until this year. D9Sports.com predicted 2007 record: 8-2 overall, 6-1 KSAC CLARION-LIMESTONE
LIONS Head Coach: Todd Smith (5th season; 33-12, .733) 2006 Record: 2-7 overall, 2-5 KSAC Conference/Classification: KSAC/Class A Key returning skill players: QB Dan Miller (40 of 94, 481 yards, 2 TDs, 9 INTs); RB Harry Cooper (83 carries, 329 yards, 4 TDs; 8 catches, 84 yards; Out until at least Week 4); SB Jace Rhoads (16 carries, 147 yards, 1 TD; SB Andy Wilson (21 carries, 74 yards; 5 catches, 23 yards) Returning offensive linemen: Cam Schirmer (5-10, 184 pounds), Rod McKissick (6-1, 244), Jaye Dulavitch (6-3, 203, played TE last season but moving to T) Team notes: The Lions, who were forced to forfeit two games a year ago, suffered through their first losing season since 1999 (4-5) last year and had their fewest wins this going 1-7-1 in 1987. This looks like another rebuilding year with seven sophomores or freshmen slated to start, although Smith said that a lot of those players got key experience last year. But he still expects a lot of growing pains this year, and the Lions need to find a way to stay healthy. Injuries hurt them in the preseason forcing C-L to cancel one of its scrimmages. But the coaching staff did that only as a precaution to get the team healthy in time for the season. D9Sports.com predicted 2007 record: 1-8 overall, 1-6 KSAC CLEAFIELD
BISONS Head Coach: Tim Janocko (23rd year; 157-80-3, .661) 2006 Record: 7-4 overall, 4-1 D9 League (Tri-D9 League Champions) Conference/Classification: MAC-7 MT. Division/Class AAA Key returning skill players: RB Isiah Morgan (228 carries, 1,130 yards, 13 TDs; 7th in D9 in rushing); WR Drew Hipps (6 catches, 132 yards, 1 TD) Returning offensive linemen: G Justin Karp; C Nick Redden Team notes: The Bisons have left the D9 League for good to compete full-time in the Mountain Athletic Conference. Things are a little different on the sideline this season for Janocko, as his son, Andrew, last year’s QB, has graduated. It is the first time since Andrew was a wee little one that he hasn’t been on the Bison sideline with his dad in one capacity of another. But Andrew Janocko’s replacement is another coaching brat. Long-time assistant coach Forrest Campman’s son Jarrin, a junior, takes over behind center. He has some big shoes to fill, as Andrew Janocko led D9 in passing last season (1,933 yards, 13 TDs, 9 INTs). Campman also won’t have the district’s top two receivers to throw to either, as Adam Jury (64 catches, 905 yards, 6 TDs) and Doug Kephart (42 catches, 801 yards, 8 TDs) have both graduated. Expect the offense to be more ground oriented this year thanks to Morgan, who was one of the top backs and one of the top rookies in D9 last season. D9Sports.com predicted 2007 record: 7-3 overall, 4-2 MAC COUDERSPORT
FALCONS Head Coach: Paul Simcoe (28th season; 196-75-8, .717) 2006 Record: 13-1 overall, 9-0 AML North (D9 Class A Champs; AML Champs) Conference/Classification: AML North/Class A Key returning skill players: QB Boomer Wetzel (2-year starter; 45 of 95, 718 yards, 9 TDs, 6 INTs, 129.49 QB Rating; 135th in D9 in passing yards; 5th in QB Rating; Career – 108 of 214, 1,992 yards, 25 TDs, 17 INTs); FB Adam Foust (50 carries, 272 yards, 4 TDs); FB Carin Knight (37 carries, 226 yards, 3 TDs); RB Kyle Gee (30 carries, 226 yards, 3 TDs); RB Tim Thomas (27 carries, 175 yards, 4 TDs); TE Colton Corey (2 catches, 31 yards); SE Justin Kinder (Played QB last season going 32 of 75 for 449 yards, 6 TDs, 2 INTs). Returning offensive linemen: OT Evan Abplanalp (6-0, 275) Team notes: With four more wins, Simcoe will become the first known coach in District 9 history to record 200 wins according to pafootballnews.com. Only 66 coaches who have spent at least a part of their career in Pennsylvania have achieved 200 career wins in football. The Falcons, as noted, are the two-time defending D9 Class A champions, the two-time defending AML Champions and the five-time defending AML North title winners and are trying to become the first team to ever win three straight D9 Class A titles. But Coudersport has its work cut out for it needing to find a way to replace the Co-D9Sports.com Player of the Year last season running back Chris Cavallari (1,816 yards rushing, 21 TDs; 252 yards receiving, 3 TDs) as well as its top receiver Logan Hathaway (22 catches, 389 yards, 7 TDs), speedy Sam Decker (13 catches, 225 yards, 2 TDs despite missing time with an injury) and four offensive linemen. The challenge got bigger when two of the best tight ends in District 9 Blair Heimel (6 catches, 102 yards) and John Hau (5 catches, 88 yards) decided not to play football their senior season. Coudy has installed Weitzel as the full-time QB again this season – he was full-time in 2005 but shared time with Kinder last year – and moved Kinder to wide out to try to back up for some of the loses at the skill positions. It looks like either Gee or Thomas will try to be the next “one” at TB for the Falcons. Despite all of that, playing in the relatively weak AML North should mean another solid season for Coudy, which has won 19 straight regular season games. D9Sports.com predicted 2007 record: 7-2 overall, 7-2 AML North CURWENSVILLE
GOLDEN TIDE Head Coach: Andy Evanko (7th season; 60-20, .750) 2006 Record: 10-3 overall, 8-1 AML South (AML South champions) Conference/Classification: AML South/Class A Key returning skill players: WR Jesse Hoover (19 catches, 401 yards, 4 TDs; 8th in D9 in receiving yards) Returning offensive linemen: Trevor Horton Team notes: Young would be a good word to describe Curwensville, which has only three seniors on the team. Inexperienced would be another considering very few of this year’s key players have much playing time. That’s what happens when you graduate a senior class that might be considered one of the best in school history. That class had District 9’s all-time leading rusher Nick Sipes (5,963 career yards rushing and 83 TDs – also a D9 record; 2006 – 336 carries for D9 leading 1,987 yards, 31 TDs – also D9 leading), the co-D9Sports.com District 9 Player of the Year last season, as well as quarterback Shawn Sopic (44 of 107, 885 yards, 8 TDs, 8 INTs; Ranked 11th in D9 in passing; 127 carries; 945 yards, 7 TDs; Ranked 9th in D9 in rushing and first among QBs; Career – 33-9 as a starting QB; 137 of 324 passing, 2,414 yards, 28 TDs, 26 INTs; 262 carries, 1,595 yards, 20 TDs), fullback Brandon Hess (89 carries, 424 yards, 4 TDs) and a host of linemen including Sam Kephart, who came in fourth in the D9Sports.com Offensive Lineman of the Year voting. Ben McGary (8 carries, 35 yards) moves into the TB spot that has only been occupied by Sipes since 2000 with Nate proceeding Nick. David Kalgren (1-for-1, 8 yards) is the new QB and Nathan Russell, who was the starting center last season, has been moved back to fullback. The offensive line will be young with just one starter returning and two sophomores on it. Curwensville hasn’t missed the D9 playoffs since 2003 and has been there five times in the past seven seasons. Curwensville has also won the last three AML South titles. D9Sports.com predicted 2007 record: 5-4 overall, 5-4 AML South DUBOIS
BEAVERS Head Coach: Jason Shilala (3rd season; 9-11, .450) 2006 Record: 1-9 overall, 0-5 D9 League Conference/Classification: D9 League/Class AAAA Key returning skill players: QB Danny Henry (Took over as QB in Week 7; 27 of 54, 333 yards, 2 TDs, 5 INTs) , RB Garrett Malmgren (17 carries, 195 yards, 2 TDs; 9 catches, 105 yards, 1 TD), RB Kyle Bish (7 carries, 79 yards, 1 TD), RB Ricky Shenkle (31 carries, 76 yards), RB Mike Yamrick (28 carries, 94 yards, 1 TD; 11 catches, 80 yards), WR Kyle Bish (8 catches, 143 yards – led team) Returning offensive linemen: Gs Kyle Sedor (5-10, 215) and Alex Bender (6-2, 212), OTs John Vitarelli (6-4, 240) and Adam Katchmarchi (6-1, 253) Team notes: Two years ago, the Beavers went 8-2 and made it to the playoffs. Last season was a different story, as DuBois scored just 124 points in 10 games winning only once. While it was a long year, the Beavers were able to get some young players experience including getting Henry into the starting QB role. That coupled with the four returning linemen could mean happier times are ahead this season. But the schedule is brutal with road games at Central Mountain, Brookville, Kittanning, Hollidaysburg, Selinsgrove and Brashear. When DuBois does play at home, they will be playing on a new artificial turf field at EJ Mansell Stadium. This is the Beavers final season in the D9 League, a conference that DuBois has won 12 times since 1985 including two seasons ago. D9Sports.com predicted 2007 record: 1-9 overall, 1-3 D9 League ELK
COUNTY CATHOLIC CRUSADERS Head Coach: Keith Lecker (3rd season; 10-10, .500) 2006 Record: 5-5 overall, 4-5 D9 League Conference/Classification: AML South/Class A Key returning skill players: RB Eric Mastrogiacomo (122 carries, 625 yards, 6 TDs; 17th in D9 in rushing; 6 catches, 50 yards, 1 TD), FB Josh Catalano (22 carries, 63 yards, 2 TDs), WR Nick Brennen (9 catches, 120 yards, 1 TD) Returning offensive linemen: OT – Alex Moore (6-2, 285), C – Kyle Herzing (6-3, 205) Team notes: Only eight lettermen return for the Crusaders, but in a wide open AML South race anything is possible. Mastrogiacomo is one of the best small-school players in D9 on both sides of the ball and expect a heavy workload for the senior this year if ECC is going to make it back to the playoffs after missing the postseason last year. The QB spot for the Crusaders was undecided going into training camp with two inexperienced players – senior Kyle Garner and junior Matt Meholic (2 of 9, 21 yards, 1 INT) – in the running. The bottom line is ECC is a young team (19 of the 30 players are juniors or sophomores) and this could be a rebuilding year. D9Sports.com predicted 2007 record: 3-7 overall, 3-6 AML South JOHNSONBURG
RAMS Head Coach: Tom Launer (4th season; 17-13, .567) 2006 Record: 8-3 overall, 7-2 AML South Conference/Classification: AML South/Class A Key returning skill players: RB Mark Myers (36 carries, 142 yards, 2 TDs), RB Ren Yonker (2 carries, 12 yards), RB Zane Zelehoski (18 carries, 76 yards; 4 catches, 39 yards), QB Zach Padasak (1-for-5, 1 yards, 1 TD). Returning offensive linemen: None Team notes: Johnsonburg has made the D9 playoffs in each of the last two seasons, but a repeat appearance seems unlikely considering graduation basically gutted the Rams roster. Johnsonburg must replace 94 percent of its total offensive yards from a year ago and 93 percent of its scoring including super-everything quarterback Calvin Grumley (1,146 yards passing, 9 TDs; 498 yards rushing, 10 TDs, 24 yards receiving). The Rams also must replace the entire offensive and defensive lines. To make matters more difficult, J-burg’s most recent roster sent to D9Sports.com lists just 19 players including only three seniors. To call this a rebuilding year would be an understatement. But Launer has always found a way to keep the Rams competitive in his first three seasons, although this year should be his biggest challenge yet. D9Sports.com predicted 2007 record: 0-9 overall, 0-9 AML South KANE
WOLVES Head Coach: Jason Barner (2nd season; 3-7, .300) 2006 Record: 3-7 overall, 3-6 AML South Conference/Classification: AML South/Class A Key returning skill players: QB Zach Anderson (Injured in first quarter of first game last season and missed entire year; Was 2-for-2 for 47 yards when hurt; As a sophomore in 2005 he was 113 of 191 for 1,494 yards, 10 TDs, 12 INTs while also running 61 times for 101 yards, 6 TDs); WR Kenny Kane (Played QB last season; 71 of 140, 695 yards, 3 TDs, 12 INTs), TE John Bizzak (16 catches, 135 yards; 123 carries, 601 yards, 7 TDs), RB Ross Nicholson (13 catches, 161 yards, 1 TD), WR Deryk Smith (16 catches, 135 yards), RB Matt Mix (104 carries, 434 yards, 2 TDs, 15 catches, 133 yards, 1 TD; 104 carries), RB Dustin Moran (52 carries, 173 yards; 7 catches, 68 yards), WR DJ Horton (10 catches, 100 yards, 1 TD), RB Shane Todd (24 carries, 77 yards) Returning
offensive linemen: Chad Gustafson (6-3, 285), Steve Mix (6-0, 220), Cory Smith (5-11, 210), Andy Olson
(5-11, 180) Team notes: Kane’s season was sabotaged almost before it started last year when Anderson was hurt in the season opener vs. Sheffield. That forced the Wolves to go to a musical-chairs approach at positions with Bizzak moving from TE to RB, Nicholson moving in a tight end and Kenny Kane, then a sophomore being forced into starting at QB. This year, Bizzak moves back to tight end giving Anderson a big target (6-3) and Kane at 6-5 is another huge target. Nicholson will get a chance to be the feature back, and a host of returning skill players makes this a very intriguing team. Add to that Mike Punk, a senior who was a key player on Kane’s Class AA championship basketball team last year, and this offense could be downright scary. If the Wolves can stop anybody, and there is no reason to think they can’t thanks to their top eight tacklers from a defense that ranked 11th in D9 in scoring defense a year ago back, a run at the AML title and the D9 title could be within reach. D9Sports.com predicted 2007 record: 8-1 overall, 8-1 AML South KARNS
CITY GREMLINS Head Coach: Ed Conto (8th season; 59-19, .756) 2006 Record: 10-2 overall, 7-0 KSAC Conference/Classification: KSAC/Class AA Key returning skill players: TE Cameron Turner (15 carries, 335 yards, 2 TDs; 17th in D9 in receiving yards); WR Mike McConnell (8 catches, 245 yards); WR Matt McConnell (10 catches, 130 yards, 3 TDs) RB Marcus LaVan (68 carries, 293 yards, 4 TDs); RB Brett Green (45 carries, 232 yards, 1 TD); QB Anthony Stimac (Back-up last season; 6-for-12, 164 yards, 2 TDs; 24 carries, 125 yards, 2 TDs); WR Josh Callender (11 catches, 200 yards, 3 TDs; 26 carries, 105 yards, 1 TD), RB Ben Pyle (7 carries, 109 yards, 1 TD), WR Stephon Conto (9 catches, 180 yards, 1 TD; 26 carries, 81 yards), RB Levi Buck (21 carries, 54 yards, 2 TDs), RB Josh Stimac (8 carries, 53 yards, 1 TD) Returning offensive linemen: OTs Jarrett LaVan (5-11, 251) & Nick Sypulski (5-11, 240); G Earl Everetts (5-11, 173 – Was hurt early one last season), Devin Collins (5-7, 189) and Shane Dillon (5-9, 188); C Corey Gifford (5-9, 247) Team notes: Karns City is the two-time defending KSAC champions (they shared the title with C-L and Clarion in 2005) and made it to the D9 Class AA title game last year before losing to Brookville despite playing with an entire sophomore offensive line. All five linemen are back from a year ago, although Jarrett LaVan is out until midseason at best because of a non-football injury suffered last spring. The Gremlins do have to replace the D9Sports.com District 9 Defensive Player of the Year Justin Switzer (122 tackles, 6 sacks, 2 Def. TDs) as well as quarterback Matt Endlish (1,346 yards passing, 9 TDs, 13 INTs; Ranked 3rd in D9 in passing yards and 10th in QB Rating at 117.58). D9Sports.com predicted 2007 record: 7-3 overall, 6-1 KSAC KEYSTONE
PANTHERS Head Coach: Jason Nellis (4th season; 10-19, .345) 2006 Record: 6-4 overall, 4-3 KSAC Conference/Classification: KSAC/Class A Key returning skill players: QB Ben Black (66 of 144, 1,022 yards, 10 TDs, 12 INTs; 8th in D9 in passing yards); QB Dan Reed (8 of 24, 123 yards, 1 TD; 108 yards rushing, 4 TDs); RB Derek Swartfager (193 carries, 806 yards, 12 TDs; 14th in D9 in rushing; 143 yards receiving, 1 TD); WR Mike Switzer (25 catches, 453 yards, 5 TDs; 5th in D9 in receiving yards); WR Kyle Rhoads (5 catches, 78 yards, 2 TDs) Returning offensive linemen: G Drew Myers (5-11, 230); OT Matt Bashline (5-11, 200) Team notes: Keystone returned to the District 9 playoffs last season for the first time since 1997, and with many of the skill players back from that team the Panthers are looking for a deeper run in 2007. Black and Reed give Keystone two legitimate quarterbacks, while Swartfager and Switzer are two of the top skill players in the KSAC. The team actually has two Mike Switzers, as the other one, a junior, goes by the nickname “Red” and will backup Swartfager. The Panthers biggest challenge this season could be an opening schedule that features four 2006 playoff teams – Redbank Valley, Clarion, Karns City and Moniteau – in the first five weeks. If they survive that stretch, the second half of the season should be a lot easier. D9Sports.com predicted 2007 record: 6-4 overall, 4-3 KSAC MONITEAU
WARRIORS Head Coach: Jeff Campbell (1st season) 2006 Record: 6-5 overall, 4-3 KSAC Conference/Classification: KSAC/Class AA Key returning skill players: QB Tyler Armagost (71 of 149, 1,261 yards, 9 TDs, 4 INTs; 133.3 QB Rating; 4th in D9 in passing yards; 3rd in D9 in QB Rating; 90 carries, 138 yards, 3 TDs), RB Ricky Best (61 carries, 180 yards, 1 TD; 2 catches, 25 yards) RB Clayton Drnek (48 carries, 176 yards, 2 TDs; 3 catches, 22 yards), WR Josh Loos (12 catches, 248 yards, 2 TDs; 38 carries, 197 yards, 2 TDs; 8 of 33 passing, 167 yards, 1 TD, 3 INTs) Returning offensive linemen: RT Brice Schwab (6-8, 340); LT Aaron Randall (Played TE last season & could see time there this season; 6-2, 185); RG Justin Ellenberger (6-3, 225); C Adam Clark (6-0, 215) Team notes: Campbell takes over for Steve Wilson, who was 27-26 in five seasons at Moniteau taking the Warriors to their first five District 9 playoff appearances. Wilson got a job outside of teaching that didn’t allow him to continue to coach. Campbell was Moniteau’s defensive coordinator last year and helped the Warriors to the sixth-best scoring defense in D9 (15.7 ppg allowed). Armagost was one of the top rookies in District 9 last season after taking over as the starting QB in Week 3. To take advantage of his arm and legs, Moniteau is employing the spread formation ala West Virginia, Utah and Florida, under new offensive coordinator Al Pryor, the former head coach at Union. D9Sports.com predicted 2007 record: 6-3 overall, 4-3 KSAC OTTO-ELDRED
TERRORS Head Coach: Kerry Snow (6th season; 18-30, .375) 2006 Record: 4-6 overall, 3-6 AML North Conference/Classification: AML North/Class A Key returning skill players: QB Travis Bair (3rd year as starter; 98 of 213, 1,358 yards, 8 TDs, 17 INTs; 2nd in D9 in passing yards; 36 carries, 72 yards, 2 TDs; Career – 166 of 403, 2,577 yards, 19 TDs, 36 INTs); RB/WR Kurtis Breese (34 catches, 419 yards, 4 TDs; 6th in D9 in receiving yards; 4th in D9 in catches); RB Tod Chaffee (68 carries, 182 yards, 1 TD; 7 catches, 71 yards) Returning offensive linemen: G Zach Thompson (5-7, 200); OT Zach Roberts (6-0, 240); C Zach Williams (6-2, 188). Team notes: Three of the offensive linemen were starters last season and their return along with Bair and Breese gives the offensive some firepower in 2007. That offense, despite high passing numbers struggled to score ranking 19th in D9 in scoring at 10.9 ppg. Most of that was because Otto's running game was non-existent. Otto ran for 797 yards last season, and the 79.7 yards per game rushing was the second worst mark in the district. Bair will also have to make better decisions this season and cut down on the 17 interceptions but he should become a 3,000-yard career passer as he enters his senior season with 2,577 and has an outside shot to even reach 4,000 yards. D9Sports.com predicted 2007 record: 5-5 overall, 4-5 AML North PORT
ALLEGANY GATORS Head Coach: Mike Bodamer (3rd season; 9-10, .474) 2006 Record: 2-7 overall, 2-7 AML North Conference/Classification: AML North/Class A Key returning skill players: RB Nick Nichols (82 carries, 278 yards, 2 TDs; 4 catches, 27 yards, 1 TD); QB Derick Morey (36 of 97, 605 yards, 6 TDs, 9 INTs; 61 carries, 62 yards, 5 TDs); RB Ryan Bodamer (8 carries, 30 yards; Missing 1 game from stats); RB Mark Larson (50 carries, 314 yards, 2 TDs) Returning offensive linemen: Josh Saltsman (6-0, 250); Josh Guerrero (6-1, 220); Dylan Major (6-0, 215) Team notes: Port Allegany suffered its first losing season since 2001 last season. The Gators were consistent if nothing else in 2006 ranking 15th in both scoring offense (15.0 ppg) and scoring defense (19.4 ppg) but the offense stats are a little misleading considering 76 of their 135 points came in just two games – both wins. Port didn’t score more than 14 points in any of the other seven contests and was held to single digits in five of those games. On the other hand, the defense didn’t allow more than 28 points in any game and two of the loses came by a grand total of three points. D9Sports.com predicted 2007 record: 3-6 overall, 3-6 AML North PUNXSUTAWNEY
CHUCKS Head Coach: Blake Moilan (3rd season; 4-15, .211) 2006 Record: 4-6 overall, 2-3 D9 League Conference/Classification: D9 League & MAC 7-Mts. Division/Class AAA Key returning skill players: QB Zach Smith (3rd year as starters; 49 of 123, 688 yards, 6 TDs, 4 INTs; 16th in D9 in passing yards; Career – 110 of 267, 1,542 yards, 10 TDs, 15 INTs); RB Mike Smiley (150 carries, 731 yards, 4 TDs; 15th in D9 in rushing; 13 catches, 161 yards, 3 TDs); RB Mike Decker (32 carries, 87 yards; 5 catches, 37 yards, 1 TD); FB Kyle Steffey (11 carries, 17 yards; 2 catches, 17 yards); WR Austin Furman (19 catches, 317 yards, 2 TDs; 18th in D9 in receiving yards; 66 carries, 119 yards); WR Easton Weaver (1 catch, 6 yards); TE Bobby Wingert (4 catches, 36 yards) Returning offensive linemen: C Rich Smochek (5-6, 185), LT Neil Weaver (6-1, 270), RG Zeke Irwin (6-1, 225) Team notes: This is Punxsutawney’s last season in the D9 League and MAC, as the Chucks will join the KSAC next season. The Chucks won 3 of their final five games last season, but Punxsy’s four wins came against teams that went a combined 6-34 last season and two of those teams – Lewistown and Bald Eagle – aren’t on this year’s schedule (and neither is Lewistown) having been replaced by the three-some of Hollidaysburg, Tyrone and Central Mountain who combined to go 25-11 last season. Lewistown isn’t on the schedule despite the two teams both playing in the MAC-7 Mountains Division. The challenge this year will be on the offense, which ranked 22nd in D9 last year averaging just 9.0 ppg. D9Sports.com predicted 2007 record: 2-8 overall, 1-3 D9 League, 1-4 MAC REDBANK
VALLEY BULLDOGS Head Coach: Ed Wasilowski (12th season; 56-44, .560) 2006 Record: 8-4 overall, 6-1 KSAC Conference/Classification: KSAC/Class A Key returning skill players: RB Alex Bladel (2006 D9Sports.com District 9 Rookie of the Year; 200 carries, 1,373 yards, 14 TDs; 4th in D9 in rushing yards; 17 catches, 255 yards, 3 TDs; 25th in D9 in receiving yards, T-22nd in catches); QB Jake Smith (83 of 173, 1,124 yards, 14 TDs, 10 INTs, 117.7 QB Rating; 7th in D9 in passing yards; 9th in D9 in QB Rating; 128 carries, 587 yards, 11 TDs; 20th in D9 in rushing, 2nd among QBs; Career – 87 of 182 passing, 1,220 yards, 15 TDs, 11 INTs; 644 yards rushing, 12 TDs); SB Jerrett Magagnotti (16 catches, 202 yards, 3 TDs) Returning offensive linemen: G Tony Bish (5-11, 180); C Shane Bowser (5-11, 255) Team notes: Without question the Bulldogs have some of the best skilled players in District 9 returning especially with Bladel and Smith in the backfield. The big question for Redbank Valley will be on the offensive and defensive line. If the line, especially on offense, comes around this team will be able to put up points that could match or exceed last year’s production (24.8 ppg, 9th in D9). On defense, Redbank has switched to a 3-5 look that a lot of team’s without a lot of line depth seem to be going to in District 9. That is a switch from tradition in New Bethlehem and could be a cause for concern but only time will tell. D9Sports.com predicted 2007 record: 8-2 overall, 5-2 KSAC RIDGWAY
ELKERS Head Coach: Mark Morelli (56-42, .571) 2006 Record: 6-4 overall, 6-3 AML South Conference/Classification: AML South/Class A Key returning skill players: QB Nick Dickant (39 of 86, 582 yards, 4 TDs, 5 INTs; 59 carries, 142 yards, 3 TDs); HB Jerico Weitzel (190 carries, 1,222 yards, 15 TDs; 5th in D9 in rushing; 21 catches, 312 yards, 3 TDs; 21st in D9 in receiving yards, T-12th in catches); HB Andy Aiello (38 carries, 204 yards, 1 TD; 4 catches, 68 yards); TE Shane Lindgren (7 catches, 135 yards) Returning offensive linemen: C Nate Eberly (6-0, 215); G Pat Buehler (6-0, 225) Team notes: Ridgway returned to the District 9 postseason last year for the first time since 2003 turning around a couple of lean years in a big way. Weitzel, who transferred into the school two springs ago, was a big part of that turnaround and is the one player that Ridgway can’t afford to get hurt. If he stays healthy, the Elkers have the firepower to make a run at the AML South and AML titles and to be a player in the District 9 Class A title race. Ridgway is looking for its AML title and first AML divisional title since 1993 and for its first District 9 title since winning the Class A title 3-0 over Johnsonburg in 1989. The Elkers haven’t even been in a D9 title game since losing to Clarion-Limestone 33-6 in 1993. D9Sports.com predicted 2007 record: 8-1 overall, 8-1 AML South SHEFFIELD
WOLVERINES Head Coach: John Bonavita (1st season; Coached Sheffield from 1997-2001 and was 19-27) 2006 Record: 1-8 overall, 1-8 AML North Conference/Classification: AML North/Class A Key returning skill players: QB Jordan Copley (32 of 105, 414 yards, 3 TDs, 16 INTs; 102 carries, 219 yards, 2 TDs); RB Jesse Parsons (60 catches, 117 yards, 2 TDs); RB Matt Bryant (24 carries, 87 yards) Returning offensive linemen: Not available Team notes: Bonavita gets set for his second stint as Sheffield’s head coach and is looking to turn around a program that has gone 4-25 in its first three years as a full-fledged District 9 member including 1-18 the last two seasons. The Wolverines are just 10-37 over the past five years. Bonavita doesn’t have a large roster – number-wise or physical size-wise – with just 25 players out and only five of those over 200 pounds. Sheffield must improve on both sides of the football after allowing 38.6 ppg last season while scoring just 9.9 ppg. D9Sports.com predicted 2007 record: 0-9 overall, 0-9 AML North SMETHPORT
HUBBERS Head Coach: Rob Cosper (4th season; 9-10, .474) 2006 Record: 0-9 overall, 0-9 AML North Conference/Classification: AML North/Class A Key returning skill players: SE Joel Kohler (Missing 2 games from stats; 7 catches, 130 yards, 1 TD); FB Kyle Nobles (Missing 2 games from stats; 33 carries, 95 yards; 3 catches, 1 yard) Returning offensive linemen: OTs Colby Austin (6-2, 185) and Derek Durphy (5-9, 180); G Brandon Conner (5-8, 175) Team notes: Smethport is coming off its first winless season since 1947 (0-8-1) and its first winless/tie-less season since 1944 (0-7). And it wasn’t like the winless season was a fluke, as Smethport was outscored 297-66 (33-7.3) and lost all but two games by 20 or more points and all but one by at least two touchdowns. The 7.3 ppg scored ranked last in District 9. This season looks like another rebuilding year as well with only five returning starters back from last year’s team and many sophomores figure to find their way into the starting lineup. The Hubbers will need to have good technique and be quick on the line, as the heaviest projected lineman comes in at all of 220 pounds. D9Sports.com predicted 2007 record: 1-8 overall, 1-8 AML North ST.
MARYS DUTCHMEN Head Coach: Joe Schlimm (4th season; 9-20, .310; Career 88-79-4, .526) 2006 Record: 2-8 overall, 1-4 D9 League Conference/Classification: D9 League/Class AAA Key returning skill players: RB Brian Tamburlin (189 carries, 933 yards, 11 TDs; 10th in D9 in rushing; Career – 313 carries, 1,697 yards, 21 TDs); RB Todd Schatz (55 carries, 256 yards; 25 catches, 256 yards, 2 TDs; T-8th in D9 in catches, 24th in receiving yards) Returning offensive linemen: Ethan Skrzypek (6-0, 195), Jeff Myers (6-2, 205) Team notes: After reaching the District 9 Class AAA title game in 2005 for the first time in school history, St. Marys slid back last season. But the year could have been very different had some bounces gone the Dutchmen’s way. Six of St. Mary’s eight loses came by two touchdowns or less including three loses by six points or less. That could be seen has a stepping stone if not for the fact that only four key players from last year’s team are back on offense, although Tamburlin has proven himself to be one of the top running backs in District 9. This is St. Marys last season in the D9 League, although unlike the other members of the league, the Dutch don’t have a home for next year yet. D9Sports.com predicted 2007 record: 3-7 overall, 1-3 D9 League. UNION
GOLDEN KNIGHTS Head Coach: Tom Kidder (4th season; 2-27, .069) 2006 Record: 2-8 overall, 1-6 KSAC Conference/Classification: KSAC/Class A Key returning skill players: QB Zach Himes (42 of 114, 610 yards, 2 TDs, 7 INTs; T-17th in D9 in passing yards); TB Colby Davis (153 carries, 563 yards, 3 TDs; 21st in D9 in rushing); WB Kasey Kriebel (6 catches, 141 yards, 1 TD; 30 carries, 42 yards, 1 TD) Returning offensive linemen: C Drew Logue (6-1, 230); G Jake Myers (6-0, 170) Team notes: Union broke a 30-game losing streak with a win over Cambridge Springs in Week One last season and then added a victory over A-C Valley and finished out of the KSAC basement for the first time since 2002 last season. The Golden Knights are hoping to build upon that success with some key players back from last season, and head coach Tom Kidder believes the Knights could win at least four games this year. D9Sports.com predicted 2007 record: 3-7 overall, 2-5 KSAC |
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