2011 DISTRICT 9  SEASON PREVIEW

By Rich Rhoades

Another District 9 high school football season begins this weekend as 14 games make up the schedule, 10 of them on Friday and four on Saturday.

Friday in the Keystone Shortway Athletic Conference’s Large School Division, it’s off to a heavy start as St. Marys hosts Brookville and Moniteau travels to Karns City. In the KSAC-Small School Division, Clarion hosts Keystone, A-C Valley travels to Clarion-Limestone and Union entertains Redbank Valley.

Three Allegheny Mountain League games are set for Friday in division crossover  matchups. Coudersport visits Johnsonburg, Smethport hosts Curwensville and Otto-Eldred heads to Kane. Saturday afternoon, Sheffield hosts Brockway and Port Allegany hosts Ridgway while Elk County Catholic hosts Cameron County Saturday night.

Three non-league gamees are on the schedule, including the long-time rivalry between Punxsutawney and DuBois. The Chucks and Beavers meet in DuBois Friday night for the 96^th time. DuBois leads the all-time series, 59-33-3. Clearfield visits Central-Martinsburg. Saturday, Bradford visits Olean N.Y. as the longtime rivals meet for the 114^th time.

So who are the teams to beat, the players to watch and the storylines to watch? Here’s a look at a little bit of everything:

Teams to Watch/Favorites

Allegheny Mountain League: Port Allegany is primed to end Cameron County’s four-year run at the top of the AML-North while Curwensville is the team to beat in the AML-South.

KSAC Large School: Brookville could be the slight favorite, but Moniteau, Karns City, St. Marys and defending champion Punxsutawney could all be a factor in an interesting race.

KSAC-Small School: No team had a winning record, but defending champion Clarion is the solid favorite to repeat after going 5-6 last year but 5-0 in the division.

Others: Bradford, Clearfield and DuBois all play in conferences/divisions with District 6 or 10 teams. Of the three, the Bisons have the most back and could defend their Mountain League-Allegheny Division crown. DuBois has former Brockway coach Frank Varischetti on its sideline this year and it’ll be an interesting storyline to see how the Beavers embrace his wide-open offensive style.

Playoff format/calendar

Class A

Total Teams (16): Brockway, Cameron County, Clarion, Clarion-Limestone, Coudersport, Curwensville, Elk County Catholic, Johnsonburg, Kane, Keystone, Otto-Eldred, Port Allegany, Redbank Valley, Ridgway, Smethport and Union.

Maximum number of teams in playoffs: 8

Selection process: The AML will have four teams guaranteed spots while the KSAC is assured two teams. The final two teams will be selected as “at large” teams. Various qualification criteria apply.

Pre-seeded bracket (top to bottom): First round has KSAC-1 vs. No. 8-at large; AML-2 vs. AML-4; KSAC-2 vs. AML-3 and AML-1 vs. No. 7-at large.

Playoff schedule: Week 11 first round (Nov.  11), Week 12 semifinals (Nov. 18-19), Week 13 Championship (Nov. 25-26). Winner advances to state playoffs in Week 14 (Dec. 2-3) against District 10 champion.

Playoff teams last year: Curwensville, Cameron County, Port Allegany, Redbank Valley, Smethport, Clarion, Elk County Catholic and Kane.

The Skinny: Curwensville beat Port Allegany 37-21 in last year’s final. The Gators were the sixth seed and managed to get to play the Tide for the title, but it’s doubtful that they’ll be that low of a seed this year with the talent they have returning. Give the nod to the favored Tide and Gators to return again, but don’t rule out teams like Cameron County or Clarion, or even Brockway, which moved down a classification this year. Curiously, the PIAA made a mid-cycle ruling that teams now count just half of their co-op partner’s enrollment (DuBois Central Catholic in this case) toward their classification. That put the Rovers in Class A. The ruling affected some 40 or so teams across the state.

Class AA

Total Teams (5): A-C Valley, Brookville, Karns City, Moniteau and Sheffield.

Maximum number of teams in playoffs: 4

Selection process: Criteria based on the PIAA Ranking System. Seeding of bracket based on points standings.

Playoff schedule: Week 11 semifinals (Nov. 11-12), Week 12 Championship (Nov. 18-19). Winner advances to state playoffs in Week 13 (Nov. 25-26) against District 8 (Pittsburgh City League) champion.

Playoff teams last year: Brockway, Brookville and Moniteau.

The Skinny: The Rovers have left for Class A. Based on recent history, four teams finishing with winning records from this field is unlikely. So a top seed could earn a Week 11 bye as it happened last year with the Rovers. Call Brookville the slight favorites, but it’s not a far leap at all to either Moniteau or Karns City.

Class AAA

Total Teams (4): Bradford, Clearfield, Punxsutawney and St. Marys.

Maximum number of teams in playoffs: 2

Selection process: PIAA ranking system.

Playoff schedule: Week 11 Championship game (Nov. 11-12). Winner advances to regional matchup with District 6 in Week 12 (Nov. 18-19) with that winner playing District 4 Week 13 (Nov. 25-26).

Playoff teams last year: Clearfield and Punxsutawney.

The Skinny: It’s silly that more than two District 9 teams can’t qualify for the postseason, considering all four teams had winning records a year ago. A combined regional tournament with District 6 would at least give more than two D9 teams a chance to make a four-team playoff bracket. District 6 has just two Class AAA teams with Johnstown and Bellefonte. Call the Bisons the favorite in the D9 field.

Class AAAA

Total Teams (5): DuBois (District 9), State College and Mifflin County (New Lewistown-Indian Valley jointure in District 6) and Strong Vincent (District 10).

Maximum number of teams in playoffs: 4

Selection process: PIAA ranking system.

Playoff schedule: Week 11 semifinals (Nov. 11-12), Week 12 Championship (Nov. 18-19). Winner advances to state playoffs in Week 13 (Nov. 25-26) against District 8 (Pittsburgh City League) champion.

The Skinny: The Beavers haven’t won a postseason game since 1996 when they beat Hollidaysburg in the District 6-9 semifinals. Since then, they’ve gone 0-8 over the last 15 seasons.

Players to Watch

(Alphabetical order)

Kyle Armagost, Sr., Moniteau: He was a 1,000/1,000 passer/rusher for the Warriors. He was also an all-state selection as a punter.

Matt Bodamer, Jr., Port Allegany: Passed for almost 2,000 yards for the Gators.

Curtis Frye, Sr., Clearfield: All-Stater at defensive back, but he was a two-way threat at quarterback with 1,830 yards passing and over 300 yards rushing.

Alex Holland, Sr., Curwensville: He broke the District 9 single-season rushing yardage record last year and was runner-up in postseason voting in The Rehab Centre D9Sports.Com MVP, Offensive Player of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year and Performance of the Year. He was a first-team all-state selection.

Ryan Kerr, Sr., Brookville: According to MaxPreps.Com, he’s the second-leading returning rusher in the state among Class AA schools and with a healthy season, he’s within striking range of 3,000 career yards and school record.

Best of the Rest: Karns City junior Glenn Toy was the Rookie of the Year. … Bradford senior David Reinhardt was second in the Offensive Lineman of the Year voting. … Other returning all-staters (either PA Sports Writers or Pennsylvania Football News): Curwensville linemen, senior Todd Munchak and junior Spencer Smeal; Brockway senior WR Kyle Braun; and Kane senior lineman Josh Kibbie.

Team-By-Team Reports

Below are team-by-team previews with information gleaned from area publications The Courier-Express, Olean Times-Herald, Bradford Era, Clarion News and Oil City Derrick.

Allegheny Mountain League

North Division

Cameron County

Head coach: Mark Morelli (8-4, 2^nd season; 68-49 overall, 13^th season)

Last year’s record: 8-4

What’s the skinny? The Red Raiders have won four straight AML-North titles and should be at least a contender to do it again. Senior QB Zach Austin (661 yards passing, 481 yards rushing) is back while senior RB Nick Stuckey appears to be at the top of the backfield depth chart. Senior DL Aaron Burnside had 12 sacks and was fourth on the team with 67 tackles. Seniors Austin, Cody Beer and Matt Fragale return to the secondary.

5-year trend

2010: 8-4-AML runner-up

2009: 10-2-AML runner-up

2008: 12-2-District 9 Class A champion/AML runner-up

2007: 11-2-District 9 Class A runner-up/AML runner-up

2006: 6-4

Coudersport

Head coach: Chris Fink (2-8, 2^nd season)

Last year’s record: 4-5

What’s the skinny? The Falcons try to rebound after their 14-year winning season streak came to an end last year. Fink has just 30 players on his roster, including eight returning starters. Senior QB Tim McCusker (269 yards passing) is back after an injury-shortened season. Senior RB/LB Jason Gibson also threw for 416 yards, but moves to RB. He rushed for 200 yards. Senior RB/LB Mitch Freeman (642 yards, 10 TDs) led the team in rushing. Other starters back are junior RB/CB Caden Williams and senior RB/LB Alex Furman. Senior Zach Cumby and junior Ryan Counts are the top returning linemen and linebackers.

5-year trend

2010: 4-5

2009: 9-3-District 9 Class A runner-up

2008: 8-3

2007: 8-3

2006: 13-1-District 9 Class A champion/AML champion

Otto-Eldred

Head coach: Virgil Graham (2-8, 2^nd season)

Last year’s record: 2-8

What’s the skinny? Graham hopes a strong sophomore class can help boost the  Terrors as 13 are on his 35-man roster. Eight returning starters lead the way, five of them seniors — TE/LB Seth Coscia, HB/LB Luke Kerr, WR/LB Clay Pinner, OL/LB Dakota Lee and OL/DT Chris Craig. Sophomore Dakota Vaughn will be the quarterback.

5-year trend

2010: 2-8

2009: 2-8

2008: 2-8

2007: 3-7

2006: 4-6

Port Allegany

Head coach: Mike Bodamer (31-29, 7^th season)

Last year’s record: 7-5

What’s the skinny? Led by junior QB Matt Bodamer, the Class A runners-up Gators will be looking to put up big numbers this year as Coach Bodamer promises to be “pass happy” this year. Bodamer passed for 1,992 yards and 22 touchdowns while running for 574 yards and 10 scores. Two of his top three receivers are back in junior Tyce Miller (392 yards, 3 TDs) and senior Charlie Buchanan (327 yards, 3 TDs). Junior TE Rickie Bova returns after missing a year with an injury. On the line, seniors Brock Taylor and Tyler Burr, and juniors Nick Budd and Alex Gular are back.

5-year trend

2010: 7-5-District 9 Class A runner-up

2009: 6-4

2008: 3-6

2007: 6-4

2006: 2-7

Sheffield

Head coach: Bryan Gould (4-26, 3^rd season)

Last year’s record: 1-9

What’s the skinny? The Wolverines have a couple of dangerous skill position players returning, including state medalist sprinter in senior Khalil Slaughter. He rushed for 601 yards and caught 18 passes for 254 yards. Senior quarterback Ike Nearing passed for 1,134 yards and five touchdowns. His top receiving target was senior George Fitch (21 receptions, 440 yards).

5-year trend

2010: 1-9

2009: 2-8

2008: 1-9

2007: 1-8

2006: 1-8

Smethport

Head coach: Tim Woodruff (1^st season)

Last year’s record: 4-6

What’s the skinny? Woodruff takes over a team that’s coming off its winningest season since 2004, which is also its last winning campaign. Graduation hit the Hubbers somewhat hard. Key players back include senior QB/S Kevin Lord, junior RB/DB Clay Schuler senior lineman Tyler Smead, and junior linemen Tom Mack and Alex Ball.

5-year trend

2010: 4-6

2009: 1-8

2008: 2-7

2007: 1-8

2006: 0-9

South Division

Brockway

Head coach: Mike Pisarchick (1^st season)

Last year’s record: 12-1

What’s the skinny? It’s a new era for the Rovers, who had their record-breaking quarterback Derek Buganza and coach Frank Varischetti move on to coach at DuBois. Head coach Mike Pisarchick, the defensive coordinator the past three seasons, takes over the helm. The 1988 graduate ran the Rovers’ option offense to perfection back in his high school days, so it’ll be interesting to see if his team returns to its power running roots of yesteryear. The Rovers lost most of their skill position players, but return three three-year starters to their offensive line — senior RT Cody Overturf, and junior Gs Jacob Heigel and Matthew Snyder. Senior Kyle Braun, who caught 45 passes for 908 yards and was a fourth-team Class AA all-stater by the Pennsylvania Football News, moves to quarterback. Junior RB Tom Vervoort is back after missing almost all of last year with a knee injury. Junior NT Morgan Murry made nine sacks and 77 tackles while seniors Levi Miller and Braun are back in the secondary.

5-year trend

2010: 12-1-District 9 Class AA champion/AML champion

2009: 8-4-District 9 Class AA runner-up

2008: 5-5

2007: 5-6

2006: 6-5

Curwensville

Head coach: Andy Evanko (91-34, 12^th season)

Last year’s record: 11-2

What’s the skinny? The defending district champions have their workhorse back in senior all-stater Alex Holland, who ran for a district-record 2,600 yards to go along with 34 total touchdowns. Two all-state linemen are also back in senior Todd Munchak and junior Spencer Smeal. Junior QB Hunter McCracken threw for 758 yards and 13 TDs. Defensively, Holland led the team in tackles (107) from his middle linebacker spot. Senior Jesse Zorger had 55 tackles and 3 sacks.

5-year trend

2010: 11-2-District 9 Class A champions

2009: 9-3-AML Champions

2008: 7-3

2007: 4-6

2006: 10-3-District 9 Class A runner-up/AML runner-up

Elk County Catholic

Head coach: Travis Skrzypek (18-13, 4^th season)

Last year’s record: 7-3

What’s the skinny? The Crusaders move on without 1,600-yard rusher Ricky Pearsall as Johnsonburg transfer Mitchell Vallone takes over at quarterback and junior Brock McCullough heads a backfield committee. Senior Cory Williams is a three-year starter on the offensive line while senior Cole Gerber and junior Adam Evers are two-year starters. Defensively, Gerber and McCullough are back at linebacker as is senior Scott Krellner on the line.

5-year trend

2010: 7-3

2009: 4-6

2008: 7-4

2007: 5-6

2006: 5-5

Johnsonburg

Head coach: Jesse Schreiber (1^st season)

Last year’s record: 4-6

What’s the skinny? Schreiber takes over for the late Tom Launer, who died this spring. The Rams, who have struggled with numbers the past few years, are low again with 20 players after losing 12 to graduation last year, taking with them most of the team’s offensive production. Junior Quinn Luhr will be the quarterback. Sophomore C.J. Herbstritt and senior Mike Shuey appear to be the main men out of the backfield. Shuey, at linebacker, was fourth on the team with 63 tackles.

5-year trend

2010: 4-6

2009: 3-6

2008: 6-4

2007: 1-8

2006: 8-3

Kane

Head coach: Jason Barner (34-22, 6^th season)

Last year’s record: 4-6

What’s the skinny? The Wolves lost 17 seniors to graduation, so Barner doesn’t have much experience back on this year’s roster. Pat Anderson (301 yards) is the team’s leading returning rusher. Sean Jordan takes over at quarterback after seeing some backup time there last year, passing or 342 yards and three touchdowns. Senior lineman Josh Kibbie was an all-stater last year. Seniors Mike Swartwood and Gunnar Emberg are also back in the trenches with Kibbie.

5-year trend

2010: 4-6

2009: 5-5

2008: 8-3-AML champion

2007: 14-1-District 9 Class A champion/AML champion

2006: 3-7

Ridgway

Head coach: Mark Heindl (4-16, 3^rd season)

Last year’s record: 1-9

What’s the skinny? Heindl hopes some newcomers will help get the Elkers to their first winning season since 2006. Senior QB Jordan Lundin returns to the team after a one-year hiatus along with some first-year seniors, including basketball standout Eric Matheson. Junior Logan Wickett is the leading returning rusher. Senior NT Jared Casolo anchors the line. Of the Elkers’ 28 players, 15 are seniors.

5-year trend

2010: 1-9

2009: 3-7

2008: 2-7

2007: 4-5

2006: 6-4

Keystone Shortway Athletic Conference

Large School Division

Brookville

Head coach: Chris Dworek (88-74, 16^th season; 92-87-1, 18^th season overall)

Last year’s record: 9-3 (District 9 Class AA runner-up)

What’s the skinny? The Raiders have their quarterback Steve Kennedy (1,045 yards passing, 801 yards rushing) and tailback Ryan Kerr (1,543 yards rushing) returning to a Raiders roster that numbers in the low 30s. Despite the low number, the Raiders have some quality after that. Senior WR Brock Bietz (14 catches, 178 yards) is the leading returning receiver. Three returning starters are back on the line — seniors A.J. Skerkavich and Jordan Young, and junior Justin Snyder. Defensively, Bietz made five interceptions at free safety and Kerr and senior Conan Gilhousen are back at linebacker.

5-year trend

2010: 9-3-District 9 Class AA runner-up

2009: 3-7

2008: 5-6

2007: 7-4

2006: 11-2-District 9 Class AA champion/D9 League tri-champions

Karns City

Head coach: Ed Conto (97-31, 12th season at KC; 132-97-3, 22^nd season overall)

Last year’s record: 4-6

What’s the skinny? The Gremlins are coming off a rare losing season, their first in 15 seasons. Junior RB Glenn Toy (461 yards rushing) was the D9Sports.Com Rookie of the Year and senior FB Alex Kinkela rushed for 420 yards. Senior Brady Ellenberger and sophomore Tyler Kepple are battling for the QB job. Junior RT Dylan Freiters was a second-team all-conference selection. Toy, at safety, led the team with 73 tackles. DE Kinkela and LB Ellenberger (54 tackles, 3.5 sacks) also return.

5-year trend

2010: 4-6

2009: 10-3-District 9 Class AA champion-KSAC Co-Champions

2008: 12-2-District 9 Class AA champion

2007: 12-1-District 9 Class AA champion-KSAC Champions

2006: 10-2-District 9 Class AA runner-up-KSAC Champions

Moniteau

Head coach: Jeff Campbell (27-19, 5^th season)

Last year’s record: 5-6

What’s the skinny? The Warriors boast one of the best all-around players in the district as senior quarterback Kyle Armagost (1,361 yards passing; 1,186 yards rushing) leads the way. He had a hand in 25 of the team’s 36 touchdowns last year. Sophomore RB Dustin Geagan rushed for 676 yards and 6 TDs and senior WR Ethan Pry (24 catches, 593 yards, 5 TDs) led the team in receiving. The defense has senior NT David Campbell back on the line. Armagost moves from safety to outside linebacker while Pry, Geagan and sophomore Trevor Shaffer are back in the secondary.

5-year trend

2010: 5-6

2009: 6-5

2008: 10-2-District 9 Class AA runner-up-KSAC Champions

2007: 6-6-District 9 Class AA runner-up

2006: 6-5

Punxsutawney

Head coach: Alan Nichol (19-4, 3^rd season at Punxsutawney; 7^th season overall, 30-21)

Last year’s record: 10-1

What’s the skinny? The Chucks lost a ton of talent to graduation and also had senior QB Logan Weaver transfer to Indiana, so Nichol’s team will have a new identity this year for sure. Of all the all-conference players the Chucks had, only senior G/DT Jacob Shiock is back.

5-year trend

2010: 10-1-District 9 Class AAA runner-up-KSAC Large School champion

2009: 9-3-District 9 Class AAA champion-KSAC Co-Champions

2008: 4-6

2007: 0-10

2006: 4-6

St. Marys

Head coach: Joe Schlimm (35-36, 8^th season at St. Marys; 114-95-4 overall)

Last year’s record: 6-3

What’s the skinny? The Flying Dutchmen have senior Justin Quiggle back after he turned in some solid numbers (713 yards rushing, 245 yards receiving) despite an injury-shortened season. He may take some snaps at quarterback running the wildcat offense. Otherwise, it’ll be senior David Aul taking the snaps. Seniors Brian Merritt and Cody Baker, and junior Joe Luchini are also in the backfield. Junior T Eric O’Dell is back on the line. Defensively, lineman Shajuan Carrero, linebackers Werner, Aul and Merritt, and Quiggle at safety are back.

5-year trend

2010: 6-3

2009: 6-4

2008: 6-5-District 9 Class AAA runner-up

2007: 8-4-District 9 Class AAA runner-up

2006: 2-8

Small School Division

A-C Valley

Head coach: Chris McNany (1-17, 3^rd season)

Last year’s record: 1-8

What’s the skinny? The Falcons ended their 46-game losing streak last season, but their future as a program is still a bit shaky as their co-op program with Cranberry ends after this year. Of the 31 players on the roster, 14 are sophomores and only three players hail from Cranberry. Either junior Kevin Kaufman or sophomore Colton Cunningham will play quarterback. Junior Jimmy Holton returns to the offensive line at center and will play outside linebacker on defense.

5-year trend

2010: 1-8

2009: 0-9

2008: 0-9

2007: 0-9

2006: 0-9

Clarion

Head coach: Larry Wiser (146-77-1, 23^rd season)

Last year’s record: 5-6

What’s the skinny? He was retired for one year, but head coach Larry Wiser is back on the Bobcats’ sideline, replacing the departed Judd Allen. The Bobcats return senior quarterback Brandon Heeter, but he’ll miss the start of the season with an injury. Senior RB Marcus Smerker (507 yards) junior TB T.J. Armstrong and sophomore TB Damien Slike are other backfielders. Junior WR Camrin Kirkland (23 catches, 490 yards) and senior TE Bryce Straffin are the top receivers. Two-time KSAC Lineman of the Year Ian Matson is a 6-1, 225-pound senior. Armstrong, who had 12 sacks at defensive end, moves to middle linebacker. Kirkland, who moves from corner to free safety, had five interceptions.

5-year trend

2010: 5-6-KSAC Small School champion

2009: 10-4-District 9 Class A champion

2008: 8-5-District 9 Class A runner-up

2007: 4-6

2006: 5-6

Clarion-Limestone

Head coach: Jason Kundick (1-9, 2^nd season)

Last year’s record: 1-9

What’s the skinny? Senior QB Billy Kelley passed for 1,245 and 11 touchdowns and junior RB Joe Tommasi (487 yards, 5 TDs) are back for the Lions. Defensively, LB Tommasi, senior LB Joey Preston, sophomore NT Cole Lyle and S Kelley lead the way.

5-year trend

2010: 1-9

2009: 2-8

2008: 1-8

2007: 2-7

2006: 2-7

Keystone

Head coach: John Stiglitz (1^st season)

Last year’s record: 3-7

What’s the skinny? Stiglitz, in his first year, will have a new quarterback in either junior Josh Eberhart or sophomore Adam Lencer. Senior RB Colt O’Neil rushed for 391 yards and senior RB Josh Lencer (252 yards) are the top backfielders. TE Kyle Servey caught 14 passes for 155 yards. Senior G Nick Hepfl returns to the offensive line and anchors the defense at end where he had five sacks. O’Neil returns to linebacker while senior CB Tanner Hannold made 62 stops and junior S Matt Black had 52 tackles and two interceptions.

5-year trend

2010: 3-7

2009: 7-4

2008: 3-8

2007: 6-5

2006: 6-5

Redbank Valley

Head coach: Frank Fabian (6-6, 2^nd season)

Last year’s record: 6-6

What’s the skinny? The Bulldogs are looking for a new quarterback and running back to lead the way. It looks to be either sophomore Kyle Shrecengost or freshman Jake Dougherty at QB while seniors Kyle Lee (411 yards) and Keaton Delp are the leading rushing candidates. On the line, senior Braden Bowser and Clay Kennemuth return. Bowser had 10 sacks at defensive end.

5-year trend

2010: 6-6

2009: 3-7

2008: 7-3

2007: 10-2

2006: 8-4

Union

Head coach: Dave Louder (4-6, 2^nd season)

Last year’s record: 4-6

What’s the skinny? The Knights nearly made the Class A playoffs a year ago, so Louder will try to build on that. Senior Taylor Smith rushed for 500 yards and 7 TDs, but will move to quarterback. Seniors Austin Davis (483 yards, 3 TDs) and Mikey Harris will also be in the backfield while WR Brody Pollock (413 yards, 4 TDs) is the top receiver target. Junior C Jake Gezik was a second-team all-conference player. On defense, Gezik will be at defensive end while Davis and Harris return to LB. Smith and Pollock are the safeties.

5-year trend

2010: 4-6

2009: 2-7

2008: 2-7

2007: 1-9

2006: 2-8

Other Teams

Bradford

Head coach: Jeff Puglio (14-6, 3^rd season)

Last year’s record: 8-2

What’s the skinny? The Owls lost two games, yet didn’t make the playoffs, so that’ll likely be motivation for Puglio’s team that plays just one District 9 team this year — DuBois in Week 10. Senior G/LB David Reinhardt and C/DT Dan Kline anchor the offensive line, which will block for a new backfied that will likely feature seniors Dan Rinfrette and John Golden. Junior Matt Yurkewicz is the quarterback this year. Other returners are seniors Zach Vleminicky (TE/LB), Cody Mascho (G/DE) and Zach Britton (RB/LB).

5-year trend

2010: 8-2

2009: 6-4

2008: 5-5

2007: 8-3-District 9 Class AAA champion/D9 League champions

2006: 8-3-District 9 Class AAA champion/D9 League tri-champions

DuBois

Head coach: Frank Varischetti (1^st season at DuBois; 5^th season overall, 30-16)

Last year’s record: 4-6

What’s the skinny? Varischetti moves over from Brockway to take over the Beavers, who are looking for their first winning season since 2005. He’ll have an experienced quarterback returning in senior Sean Sleigh, who passed for 1,517 yards and 11 TDs and rushed for 264 yards and six scores. Senior WR Max Hine (35 receptions, 571 yards). Senior Brady Haines and juniors Shane Marshall and Garrett Brown are the top running back candidates. The Beavers have some big guys on the line, including LT Garrett Kerner, RT Dylan Himes, RG Jake Dowling and C Ray Titler. Haines and Sleigh are back in the defensive secondary at the safety spots.

5-year trend

2010: 4-6

2009: 5-6

2008: 5-6

2007: 2-8

2006: 1-9

Clearfield

Head coach: Tim Janocko (194-92-3, 27^th season)

Last year’s record: 13-1

What’s the skinny? The Bisons have plenty of players back from last year’s squad that made a deep run into the state playoffs. Senior QB/DB Curtis Frye was an all-state pick as a defensive back where he made five interceptions, but he also passed for 1,830 yards and 19 touchdowns, and ran for 302 more yards. Senior RB/LB Beau Swales rushed for 702 yards and caught 14 passes for 224 yards. Senior Corey Knepp returns to both lines. Swales and senior Robbie Myers will be the inside linebackers where Swales is the leading returning tackler (81) with three interceptions.

5-year trend

2010: 13-1-District 9 Class AAA champion/ML-Allegheny Division champion

2009: 7-4-District 9 Class AAA runner-up

2008: 10-3-District 9 Class AAA champion/MAC-Nittany Division champions

2007: 7-4

2006: 7-4-District 9 Class AAA runner-up/D9 League tri-champion.