Saturday, December 31, 2011

Two Pittsburgh Central Catholic Stars Lead North Squad to Victory in Chesapeake Bowl

by Jeff Fisher
Pennsylvania High School Football Huddle

At the start, it looked like Friday night's second annual Chesapeake Bowl all-star football game wasn't going to be a typical all-star football game with the defenses leading the way.

With each team returning kickoffs for touchdown before either offense stepped-on the field, it looked like the game was going to be a high scoring affair at South River High School in Edgewater, Maryland. By the time the crowd had watched the North squad take a 21-7 on the South stars in the first 12 minutes, many thought they were going to see a repeat of last year's offensive game won by the South 30-27.

However, after the first 12 minutes, things returned to normal with both defenses stepping-up, and the North holding-on to win 28-17.

The contest itself, nicknamed "The Civil War" pitted senior high school football stars from Maryland, Virginia, Washington DC and West Virginia (South All-Stars) against a North team made-up of players from Delaware, New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

The game began with a bang when the North's Nate Smith (Archbishop Wood HS - PA) returned the opening kickoff 90-yards for a score. Not to be outdone, Ronald Darby (Potomac HS - MD) answered with a 77-yards return of his own to tie the game at 7.

The rest of the first quarter featured two teammates from Pittsburgh Central Catholic (PA), who have given their verbal commitments to playing their college ball at the University of Maryland next year.

Quarterback Perry Hills ran for 82 yards and threw for a touchdown in the first quarter to stake the North squad to a 21-7 lead. Hills' teammate Anthony Nixon set-up the first offensive touchdown when he picked-off a pass and returned it to the South 28 yard line.

The pick led to a five-yard touchdown run by Sharif Smith (Furness HS - PA) and a 14-7 North lead. Quarterback Josh Weakland (State College HS - PA) extended the lead to 21-7 with a 28-yard touchdown pass to Ray Cathie (Imani Christian - PA).

Late in the first half, Weakland hooked-up with Bruce Mapp (West Catholic HS - PA) on a 61-yard touchdown that gave the North a 28-10 halftime lead.

Aside from Darby's kickoff return, the South's only other first half score came on a 37-yard field goal by Austin Grebe (North Stafford HS - VA).

After a scoreless third quarter, the South tried to mount a comeback. The South cut the lead to 28-17 with 13:01 to go in the game when Ben Onett (St. John's - DC) threw a 65-yard touchdown strike to Wes Brown (Good Counsel - MD).

However, after that, the North squad used a strong ground game to run out the clock and take the victory.

Smith, who has given his verbal to West Virginia, was named the game's MVP.

Sunday, December 25, 2011

Coaching Moves

by Jeff Fisher
Pennsylvania High School Football Huddle

With the 2011 officially in the books, a couple of schools have seen moves at the top of their programs.

Palisades High School has hired Kevin Ronalds as its new head coach.  Ronalds, who's been an assistant at Pen Argyl High School for a couple of season, replaces Jim Brady who was 3-17 in two seasons as head coach.

Ronalds has previous head coaching experience, having been the head coach at Allen from 1997 to 2006 where his teams went 34-69.

Northampton's search for a new head coach is underway.

Bob Steckel resigned after five years on the job.  Steckel is stepping down after leading the Konkrete Kids to a 26-32 record, including a 3-9 mark this past season.

Steckel's best season was in 2008 when Northampton finished 10-3 and won the Eastern Conference AAAA title.

Saturday, December 24, 2011

2011 Class AAAA All-State Team

by Jeff Fisher
Pennsylvania High School Football Huddle

Senior quarterback Dan Harding of Nazareth and Zayd Issah of Central Dauphin have been named Class AAAA Co-Players of the Year.

Harding finished his career with a school record 5,541 yards and 52 touchdown passes, including 32 this past season.

Issah, a junior two-way starter, rushed for 1,300 yards and caught 29 passes for 672 yards.  He scored 31 touchdowns this season.

On defense, the outside linebacker made 123 tackles and recorded 14 sacks.

Central Dauphin's Glen McNamee was named Coach of the Year after leading his team to the AAAA state title.

2011 AAAA All-State Team

OFFENSE
Quarterback -- Dan Harding, Nazareth, 6-4, 205, Sr.; Mack Leftwich, North Allegheny, 5-11, 190, Jr.

Running back -- Dan Brown, Central Bucks South, 5-10, 180, Sr.; Jack Haffner, State College, 5-10, 205, Sr.; Luke Hagy, Mount Lebanon, 6-1, 198, Sr.; Damion Jones-Moore, Pittsburgh Central Catholic, 5-7, 180, Sr.

Wide receiver -- Adam Bridgeforth, Nazareth, 6-0, 180, Sr.; Diante Cherry, J.P. McCaskey, 5-9, 175, Jr.; Anthony Nixon, Pittsburgh Central Catholic, 6-2, 205, Sr.

Tight end -- Adam Breneman, Cedar Cliff, 6-5, 230, Jr.

Linemen -- Patrick Kugler, North Allegheny, 6-4, 270, Jr.; Chris Muller, Boyertown, 6-6, 300, Sr.; Ian Park, Upper St. Clair, 6-4, 290, Sr.; Zach Wilk, Central Dauphin, 6-5, 275, Sr.

Specialist -- Dakota Conwell, Upper St. Clair, 6-1, 210, Sr.; Eugene Lewis, Wyoming Valley West, 6-3, 200, Sr.

Kicker -- Matt Loughnane, Penn-Trafford, 5-10, 150, Jr.

DEFENSE
Linemen -- Cody Conway, Gateway, 6-4, 210, Sr.; Kyle Friend, Cumberland Valley, 6-1, 280, Sr.; Arthur Goldberg, Mount Lebanon, 6-4, 280, Sr.; Evan Schwan, Central Dauphin, 6-6, 225, Sr.

Linebacker -- Rob Dvoracek, Parkland, 6-2, 220, Sr.; Tyrone "T.J." Neal, McKeesport, 6-1, 225, Sr.; Hakeem Oliver, Gateway, 5-10, 200, Sr.; Sean Burke, La Salle College HS, 5-10, 185, Jr.; Ralph Reeves, Lansdale North Penn, 6-0, 230, Sr.

Defensive back -- Brendan Coniker, North Allegheny, 6-1, 170, Jr.; Andrew Erenberg, Peters Twp., 5-10, 200, Sr.; Anthony Orlando, Liberty, 5-10, 170, Sr.; Will Parks, Germantown, 6-1, 175, Sr.

Specialist -- Jaylen Coleman, University Prep, 6-0, 230, Sr.; Greg Garmon, McDowell, 6-2, 200, Sr.; Zayd Issah, Central Dauphin, 6-4, 210, Jr.

Friday, December 23, 2011

2011 Class AAA All-State Team

by Jeff Fisher
High School Football America

Hopewell running back Rushel Shell capped his senior football season by being named the Associated Press' AAA Player of the Year.

Shell set a new all-time state rushing mark by finishing with 9,078 yards during his career.  The Pitt Panther recruited finished with a string of 39 consecutive 100 yard rushing games broke the national record of Billy Sims that was set back in 1975.

Lou Cerro of Montour was named Class AAA Coach of the Year honors.

2011 AAA All-State Team

OFFENSE
Quarterbacks -- Dillon Buechel, Montour, 6-4, 175, Sr.; Brendan Nosovitch, Allentown Central Catholic, 6-3, 205, Sr.; Alec Werner, Harrisburg Bishop McDevitt, 6-0, 195, Jr.

Running backs -- Preston Bare, Palmyra, 6-0, 200, Sr.; Julian Durden, Montour, 5-9, 175, Sr.; Brandon Peoples, Archbishop Wood, 5-10, 180, Sr.; Rushel Shell, Hopewell, 5-11, 215, Sr.

Wide receivers -- Kevin Gulyas, Allentown Central Catholic, 6-1, 185, Sr.; Brian Lemelle, Harrisburg Bishop McDevitt, 5-11, 175, Jr.; Devin Wilson, Montour, 6-4, 175, Jr.

Tight end -- Colin Thompson, Archbishop Wood, 6-6, 255, Sr.

Linemen -- Brandon Arcidiacono, Archbishop Wood, 6-6, 255, Sr.; Jason Emerich, Blue Mountain, 6-4, 275, Sr.; Tad McNeely, Allentown Central Catholic, 6-4, 275, Sr.; Madison O'Connor, Pottsgrove, 6-6, 330, Sr.; Frank Taylor, Archbishop Wood, 6-4, 295, Sr.

Specialists -- Robert Foster, Central Valley, 6-2, 185, Jr.; Wesley Phipps, Grove City, 5-9, 180, Sr.

Kicker -- Jon Chereson, Cathedral Prep, 5-10, 153, Jr.

DEFENSE
Linemen -- D.J. Fink, Central Valley, 6-0, 220, Sr.; Mike Galatini, Valley View, 6-3, 255, Sr.; Averee Robinson, Susquehanna Township, 6-1, 275, Sr.; Noah Spence, Harrisburg Bishop McDevitt, 6-4, 245, Sr.

Linebackers -- Bryton Barr, Mechanicsburg, 6-0, 225, Sr.; Brock Dean, Harrisburg Bishop McDevitt, 6-1, 220, Sr.; Jon Hicks, Palmyra, 6-3, 235, Sr.; Nyeem Wartman, Valley View, 6-3, 230, Sr.; Alkwan Williams, Greater Johnstown, 6-1, 218, Sr.

Backs -- Levonte Ford, Erie East, 6-1, 245, Sr.; Corey Lauer, Franklin Regional, 5-11, 160, Sr.; Desmon Peoples, Archbishop Wood, 5-8, 170, Sr.; Delton Williams, Cathedral Prep, 6-2, 190, Jr.

Specialists -- Perry Law, Ringgold, 5-8, 160, Sr.; Nate Smith, Archbishop Wood, 6-1, 190, Sr.

2011 Class AA All-State Team

2011 AA All-State Team

OFFENSE
Quarterback - Steve Franco, Tyrone, 6-3, 190, Sr.; Blake Rankin, Bloomsburg, 6-4, 195, Sr.

Running Back - Roman Clay, Lancaster Catholic, 5-11, 205, Jr.; DeShawn Coleman, Hickory, 6-1, 175, Jr.; Dylan Evans, Pen Argyl, 6-3, 190, Sr.; David Williams, West Philadelphia Catholic, 6-1, 188, Jr.

Wide Receiver - Zach Challingsworth, South Fayette, 6-2, 170, Jr.; Shakur Nesmith, Imhotep Charter, 6-4, 185, Sr.; Nick Patton, Tyrone, 6-2, 150, Sr.

Tight End - Scott Orndorff, Seton-La Salle, 6-5, 240, Sr.

Linemen - J.J. Beggan, Seton-La Salle, 6-4, 280, Sr.; Matt Bell, Hickory, 6-3, 280, Sr.; Adam DePietro, Lancaster Catholic, 6-6, 300, Sr.; Jonathan Green, North Schuylkill, 6-3, 295, Sr.; Christian Skrepenak, GAR Memorial, 6-9, 350, Jr.; Michael Mooney, Malvern Prep, 6-5, 260, Sr.

Specialist - Kyle Armagost, Moniteau, 6-1, 195, Sr.; Darrell Crawford, GAR Memorial, 5-9, 165, Sr.

Kicker - No selection.

DEFENSE

Linemen - Eric Ellis, Washington, 6-1, 225, Sr.; Eric Joraskie, Mount Carmel, 6-4, 265, Jr.; Shakir Soto, GAR Memorial, 6-3, 230, Jr.; Malcolm White, Wyomissing, 6-0, 265, Sr.; Connor Maloney, Malvern Prep, 6-4, 270, Sr.

Linebacker - Alex Anzalone, Wyomissing, 6-3, 205, Jr.; Mack Behe, Penn Cambria, 6-2, 175, Jr.; Tristin Freeman, West Philadelphia Catholic, 6-0, 215, Sr.; Cody Shustack, Mount Carmel, 5-10, 200, Sr.; Brandon Smith, Lewisburg, 6-1, 200, Jr.

Defensive Back - Demetrious Cox, Jeannette, 6-1, 190, Sr.; Alex Filarsky, Lakeland, 6-1, 170, Sr.; Reggie Mitchell, Shady Side Academy, 5-9, 155, Sr.; Shailek Powell, GAR Memorial, 6-0, 180, Sr.

Specialist - Zack Ripic, Towanda, 5-11, 185, Sr.; Charles Sweigert, Lancaster Catholic, 6-0, 185, Sr.

Player of the Year

Steve Franco, Tyrone

Coach of the Year

John Franco, Tyrone

Archbishop Wood Finishes #13 in Final MaxPreps' Xcellent 25 National Rankings

by Jeff Fisher
Pennsylvania High School Football Huddle

Archbishop Wood's 3A championship season has resulted in the Vikings being recognized by several national rankings services, including MaxPreps.com.

The Vikings, who were not ranked all season, finished #13 in the nation in the website's final national poll.  Two other Pennsylvania teams, Pittsburgh Central Catholic and North Allegheny, spent time this year in MaxPreps Xcellent 25.

Wood finished #21 in USA Today's Super 25; #19 in ESPNHS' Fab 50; and #23 in the National Prep Football Poll.

Final MaxPreps Xcellent 25

1. Don Bosco Prep (NJ) 11-0
2. Trinity (KY) 14-0
3. Armwood (FL) 15-0
4. Grayson (GA) 15-0
5. Good Counsel (MD) 12-0
6. Southlake Carroll (TX) 16-0
7. Lake Travis (TX) 16-0
8. Maryville (TN) 15-0
9. Plant (FL) 14-1
10. De La Salle (CA) 13-1
11. Manatee (FL) 13-2
12. Bishop Gorman (NV) 15-1
13. Archbishop Wood (PA) 14-1
14. Bellevue (WA) 14-0
15. Carmel (IN) 14-1
16. Norland (FL) 15-0
17. Central (FL) 13-1
18. Page (NC) 15-0
19. St. Ignatius (OH) 13-2
20. Dekaney (TX) 14-2
21. Olive Branch (MS) 15-0
22. Prattville (AL) 12-2
23. Santa Margarita (CA) 13-2
24. Lake Oswego (OR) 14-0
25. Skyline (TX) 14-1

2011 Class A All-State Team

by Jeff Fisher
High School Football America

Clairton junior running back Tyler Boyd, who led his team to a third straight Class A championship, has been named the Associated Press' Class A Player of the Year.

Boyd, who rushed for a Clairton single-season record 2,400-plus yards, scored 324 points this season.

Bill Packer, head coach at Penns Manor, was named Class A Coach of the Year
Class A All-State Team

OFFENSE
Quarterback -- Matt Bodamer, Port Allegany, 6-1, 175, Jr.; Mike Gaval, Mahanoy Area, 6-0, 165, Sr.; A.J. Long, Pius X, 6-0, 18, So.

Running back -- Tyler Boyd, Clairton, 6-1, 170, Jr.; Colin Bryan, Windber, 6-0, 188, Sr.; Alex Holland, Curwensville, 6-0, 180, Sr.; De'Andre Moon, Rochester, 6-0, 215, Sr.

Wide receiver -- Mike Burke, Columbia, 6-2, 200, Sr.; Tyce Miller, Port Allegany, 5-10, 160, Jr.; Boise Ross, Pius X, 6-0, 175, Jr.

Tight end -- Ian O'Shea, Bellwood-Antis, 6-0, 180, Jr.

Lineman -- Alex Karlovich, Line Mountain, 6-1, 300, Sr.; Todd Munchak, Curwensville,, 5-11, 295, Sr.; Zach Rugg, Bishop McCort, 6-5, 269, Sr.; Carvan Thompson, Clairton, 5-10, 215, Sr.; Michael Weber, Mercyhurst Prep, , 6-3, 310, Sr.

Specialists -- Danny Ferens, Penns Manor, 6-0, 190, Jr.; David Argust, Old Forge, 6-0, 178, Sr.

Kicker -- Philip Esposito, Brockway, 6-0, 175, Jr.

DEFENSE
Linemen -- Jacob Craig, Berlin-Brothers Valley, 6-2, 220, Sr.; Eric Hirschfield, Bishop Canevin, 6-0, 182, Sr.; Quinton Hixson, Northern Bedford, 6-3, 295, Sr.; Tom Schetroma, Southern Columbia, 6-0, 260, Sr.; Eric Walker, Clairton, 6-3, 245, Sr.

Linebackers -- T.J. Armstrong, Clarion, 6-2, 215, Jr.; Mike Dunn, Bishop Canevin, 6-1, 225, Jr.; Bryan Flory, Columbia, 5-10, 175, Jr.; Luke Patten, West Middlesex, 5-10, 180, Jr.; Deaysean Rippy, Sto-Rox, 6-2, 205, Sr.

Backs -- Marzett Geter, Sto-Rox, 5-9, 180, Sr.; Brody Pollock, Union (Rimersburg), 5-11, 180, Sr.; Trenton Coles, Clairton, 6-3, 180, Sr.

Specialists -- Cole Weachock, Minersville, 5-10, 170, Sr.; Matt Moore, Southern Columbia, 6-2, 200, Sr.

Sunday, December 18, 2011

Central Dauphin Stands Atop Class AAAA

by Jeff Fisher
High School Football America

Central Dauphin's run to the top of the heap in Class AAAA wasn't a dominating one, but none of that mattered when the Rams hoisted the state championship trophy Saturday in Hershey.

The Rams beat North Penn 14-7 to capture the school's first state football championship.

North Penn tied the game, which was the second lowest scoring game in AAAA championship history, at 7 early in the fourth quarter.  The Rams game-winning score came with 8:08 to go in the game when Zayd Issah scored on a 2-yard run.

Central Dauphin finishes 15-1 with a 14-game win streak.

Aside from a 30-0 win over Central Dauphin East in the first round of district playoffs, the Rams won their final five playoff games by an average of 4.6 points.

Pennsylvania AAAA State Champs

2011- Central Dauphin
2010 - North Allegheny
2009 - La Salle College
2008 - Liberty
2007 - Pittsburgh Central Catholic
2006 - Upper St. Clair
2005 - McKeesport
2004 - Pittsburgh Central Catholic
2003 - North Penn
2002 - Parkland
2001 - Neshaminy
2000 - Erie Cathedral Prep
1999 - Central Bucks West
1998 - Central Bucks West
1997 - Central Bucks West
1996 - Downingtown
1995 - Penn Hills
1994 - McKeesport
1993 - North Hills
1992 - Cumberland Valley
1991 - Central Bucks West
1990 - North Allegheny
1989 - Upper St. Clair
1988 - Pittsburgh Central Catholic

Archbishop Wood Caps Season with AAA Title

by Jeff Fisher
High School Football America

Aside from a national television loss to Pittsburgh Central Catholic to open the season, Archbishop Wood was unstoppable.

Friday, the Vikings set a state championship record for margin of victory by beating Bishop McDevitt 52-0 to win the state's AAA title.  The old record was 49 points, set back in 1998 when CB West beat New Castle 56-7.

Archbishop Wood outscored its opponents 699 to 124 this year, which gave the school the seventh highest points differential in state history.

Running back Desmon Peoples rushed for 171 yards and two scores.  He and his cousin Brandon Peoples combined for 322 yards in total offense and five touchdowns.

With six D-1 recruits, Archibishop Wood may go down as one of the best-ever teams in Pennsylvania history.

Lancaster Catholic Wins AA Championship

by Jeff Fisher
High School Football America

Lancaster Catholic beat Tyrone 17-7 to win the state's Class AA championship.

The victory gave the Crusaders their second overall state football title.  LC was led by junior running back Roman Clay, who rushed for 154 yards on 25 carries and one touchdown.

The Crusader defense also shutdown Tyrone senior quarterback Steve Franco and his offense, allowing only 161 yards in total offense.

LC finishes a perfect 16-0, while Tyrone ends with a 14-2 record.

Saturday, December 17, 2011

Clairton 3-Peats in Single A

by Jeff Fisher
Pennsylvania High School Football Huddle

Two-time defending champ Clairton made it three-in-a-row Friday in the battle of Class A powers.

The Bears won their 47th straight by beating Southern Columbia 35-19.  SC was looking for a record 7th Pennsylvania state football title.

Tyler Boyd was the star for Clairton rushing for 218 yards and two touchdowns on just 14 carries.  Terrish Webb caught three of Capri Thompson's four completions, two of them for touchdowns and 167 yards.  Thompson finished the afternoon completing 4-of-9 passes for 165 yards and two touchdowns.

Clairton, which was playing in its fourth straight Class A championship game, hasn't lost since the opening week of the 2009 season.

Southern Columbia, which was playing in its 13th state title game, finishes this season 14-2.

On Thursday's High School Football America radio show, I spoke with Clairton head coach about Tom Nola about the Bear's four-year run to Class A supremacy.

Click here to listen to that interview.

Friday, December 16, 2011

Pennsylvania Votes Against Shortening Season

by Jeff Fisher
High School Football America

Pennsylvania will continue to play a 16-week schedule in football for the next two years.

The PIAA voted 16-10 with one abstention against cutting the season to 15 weeks.  The proposal to shorten the season had passed two previous votes before being voted down on Friday.

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Clairton Head Coach Tom Nola Talks about Class A Championship Game on High School Football America

by Jeff Fisher
Pennsylvania High School Football 

Two of the best-ever in Class A in Pennsylvania football history will collide Friday in the state championship game in Hershey when two-time defending champ Clairton squares-off with Southern Columbia.

To preview the showdown, I'll be joined by Clairton head coach Tom Nola on Thursday night's High School Football America radio show.

Clairton is riding a 46-game win streak and is playing in its fourth straight state title game.  Southern Columbia will be playing in its 13 state title game in 22 years of state tournament play.  The Tigers are going after a record seventh title.  Berwick is the only other school to win six state championships.

Clairton has outscored its opponents 670-59 with the defense pitching nine shutouts.  Southern's only loss was a one-point loss to Mount Carmel, a Class AA school.

Click here to listen to Thursday night's interview with Coach Nola.

Garnet Valley's Andrew Thomas Named Finalist for High School Rudy Award

by Jeff Fisher
Pennsylvania High School Football Huddle

Andrew Thomas, Garnet Valley's team captain and team MVP, is one of twelve finalists for this year's High School Rudy Awards.

Here's Andrew's story from the organization's website:

Andrew Thomas is Team Captain, Team MVP, and First-Team All League Defensive Lineman for the Garnet Valley Jaguars. He is also an excellent student, despite having Attention Deficit Disorder, spending countless hours volunteering as a youth mentor and historical society preservationist, and having to devote a lot of time to providing for his family. Andrew and his family have had to endure a number of challenges that would tear a lesser family apart. A few years ago, Andrew’s two year old brother was struck by a car in front of the family’s home. Andrew played the role of counselor, helping his siblings cope with the accident, while giving support to his little brother during the recovery process. Two years ago, Andrew’s father was laid off from his job of thirteen years. To help his parents make up the difference, Andrew established a lawn care business that, after just two months in operation, was grossing more than $1,000 per month.


His father found work again in May of 2011, but his employment was in distant Hawaii. Without their father at home, Andrew took on the role of man of the house. Just two weeks after his father’s departure, his mother suffered a debilitating stroke. Because their father could not fly home immediately, Andrew was left as the caretaker for his siblings. Recently, the family’s landlord defaulted on his mortgage, and the family was forced to find a new home.


Throughout all of this, Andrew remains as his family’s rock. “Andrew rarely complains, and reminds us to look at the positive side of things,” said Richard Thomas, Andrew’s father.” He lives by the motto of his football team, ‘Oneness, Selflessness, Hard Work and Character.’ I am so proud to say I am part of Andrew Thomas’ life.”.

To learn about all twelve finalists and vote for your favorite, go to www.highschoolrudyawards.com.

Thursday night at 6PM Eastern Time, Byron Jenson of the the High School Rudy Awards will be a guest on the NHSCA Sports Hour to talk about all of the finalists.

Click here to listen.

Sunday, December 11, 2011

Pennsylvania Finals Set

by Jeff Fisher
Pennsylvania High School Football Huddle

Eight teams to go in the 2011 Pennsylvania...five public, three private.

The only team back to defend its title is the Clairton Bears in 1A.

Now let's take at the match-ups...

Let's start in 4A where North Penn will face surprising Central Dauphin for the title.

North Penn won the its only state title in 2003 when it beat Pittsburgh Central Catholic.  Central Dauphin will be playing in its first state title game, thanks to a 23-20 defeating of defending state champ and nationally-ranked North Allegheny on Saturday.  The Knights advanced to the championship game by beating La Salle 21-14.  La Salle was looking for its third straight appearance in the 4A final.

North Penn (13-2) is on a 12-game win streak after a 1-2 start.  Central Dauphin's (14-1) only loss was to 3A finalist Bishop McDevitt in the second week of the regular season.

In 3A, the aforementioned Bishop McDevitt Crusaders will face top-ranked Archbishop Wood.  The Vikings have been on a roll since losing to Pittsburgh Central Catholic in the opening weekend of the season.  PCC was ranked #1 in 4A in several pre-season polls.

The Crusaders, like North Penn, began the season 1-2.  Last year Allentown Central Catholic beat McDevitt 28-27 in the 3A title game.  McDevitt hasn't won a state football title since 1995.

In 2A, Lancaster Catholic will take-on Tyrone.  LC made the final by knocking-off defending state champ West Catholic 23-20.

Lancaster Catholic (15-0) won its only state title in 2009 when it beat Greensburg Central Catholic 21-14.  Tyrone will be playing in its third state championship game, but first since 1999.

Tyrone won its only state title in '99 when it beat Mount Carmel 13-6 to win the AA title.  In 1995, Mount Carmel beat Tyrone 25-6.

In 1A, Clairton puts its 46 game win streak on the line when it plays Southern Columbia in the championship game.  The Bears have won back-to-back 1A titles and will be playing in its fourth straight championship game.

Southern Columbia is no stranger to state championship games.  The Tigers have won a record six 1A titles

BTW...if Clairton wins next weekend, they'll have a shot at going after the state's longest all-time win streak of 59 straight by Central Bucks West in the late 90's.

Pennsylvania HIgh School Football Scores - Playoffs/Semifinals

Pennsylvania High School Football Scores
Saturday, December 9, 2011

Playoffs
Semifinals

AAAA
North Penn 21 La Salle College 14
Central Dauphin 23 North Allegheny 20

AAA
Archbishop Wood 70 Allentown Central Catholic 14
Bishop McDevitt 41 Montour 32

AA
Tyrone 20 Aliquippa 19
Lancaster Catholic 23 West Catholic 20

A
Southern Columbia 37 Penns Manor 6
Clairton 30 Sharpsville 8

Wednesday, December 07, 2011

Allentown Central Catholic's Harold Fairclough Talks About Showdown with Archbishop Wood on HIgh School Football America

by Jeff Fisher
Pennsylvania High School Football Huddle

It's been a crazy season for defending 3A state champ Allentown Central Catholic.

A 2-5 start that has been turned into a seven-game win streak, and the Vikings now stand one win away from returning to Hershey to defend their crown.

Head coach Harold Fairclough will join me Thursday night on High School Football America to talk about the Vikings' turnaround.

On Friday, CCHS takes on top-ranked Archbishop Wood, a team the Vikings beat last year to earn a trip to Hershey.

Click here to listen to the show LIVE tomorrow night at 7 PM.

Saturday, December 03, 2011

Pennsylvania HIgh School Football Scores - Playoffs/Quarterfinals

Pennsylvania High School Football Scores
Saturday, December 3, 2011

Playoffs
Quarterfinals

AAAA
North Allegheny 40 State College 13
Central Dauphin 24 Wilson West Lawn 21
LaSalle College 41 Nazareth 33

AA
Lancaster Catholic 21 Mount Carmel 0
West Catholic 32 Pen Argyl 7

A
Penns Manor 41 Columbia 22

Bishop McDevitt Wins #500 and District Championship

by Jeff Fisher
Pennsylvania High School Football Huddle

Bishop McDevitt became the 80th school in Pennsylvania history to win 500 games.

The Crusaders beat Lampeter-Strasburg 28-14 to win the District 3 Class AAA title.

Here's a look at the Top 5 in all-time wins in Pennsylvania with two teams hoping to reach the 700-win milestone next season.

1. Mount Carmel (began 1893) 805-298-58
2. Easton (began 1895) 770-327-54
3. Berwick (began 1888) 747-317-43
4. New Castle (began 1892) 698-371-69
5. Steelton-Highspire (began 1894) 695-400-55


Friday, December 02, 2011

Pennsylvania HIgh School Football Scores - Playoffs/Quarterfinals

by Jeff Fisher
Pennsylvania High School Football Huddle


There's nothing like the energy of state tournament football!

I was in Pennsylvania tonight for the showdown between two top-notch Class A teams.  Pius X and Southern Columbia both entered their quarterfinal match-up with identical 12-1 records, with both schools' losses coming at the hands of bigger schools.

Pius lost to Quad-A University Prep in Week 6, while SC lost to Double-A Mount Carmel.  University advanced to the first round of the 4A state tourney, while Mount Carmel has a meeting with Lancaster Catholic in Saturday's AA quarters.

Pius X raced-out to a 19-7 second quarter lead behind sophomore quarterback A.J. Long's 44th and 45th touchdown passes this season.  But, after that, it was all Southern Columbia.  The Tigers outscored the Royals 48-6 the rest of the way to advance to the state semifinals with 55-25 victory.

Southern Columbia, which is now 6-0 all-time against Pius, is going after its 7th state title in 22 years since Pennsylvania began playing for state titles.

Here are the rest of tonight's quarterfinal scores:

Pennsylvania High School Football Scores
Friday, December 2, 2011

Playoffs
Quarterfinals

AAAA
North Penn 34 Council Rock South 14

AAA
Allentown Central Catholic 56 Shamokin 14
Archbishop Wood 41 Pottsgrove 22
Bishop McDevitt 28 Lampeter-Strasburg 14
Montour 25 Grove City 21

AA
Aliquippa 32 Montineau 7
Tyrone 40 Hickory 28

A
Southern Columbia 55 Pius X 25
Sharpsville 35 Port Allegany 33
Clairton 44 North Star 0


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