LHAC Football Preview 2012.

Football season is fast approaching, and it will be August before you know it. This is an exciting time for the entire country, especially Western Pennsylvania. This is the second annual Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference preview done by myself, and it is something I hope will build into a tradition.  The coverage and passion that drives our area's athletics will only stand to get better. The arrival of the D6 Sports Network by some bright young minds in the area, and the constant talk of High School athletics on Bleachercoaches, along with the improving content by local newspapers and news stations will make the 2012 season one to remember, and one to build on.
        The 2011 season was a memorable one and featured some very talented teams and individuals. The Johnstown Trojans marched on to another impressive run led by Division One recruits, Alkwan Williams(Temple), Gervon Simon(Army), and Brock Eisenhuth(Youngstown State). The 2012 Trojans have big shoes to fill, to say the least. The Richland Rams reached untouched heights of success in 2011, and look to add to that string of success this year. They will be without all everything Johnny Rizzo, but bring back plenty to the table. Bishop McCort losses a massive presence in Zach Rugg(UConn), but looks to some bright young talent to overcome the loss. Somerset and Cambria Heights showed off vast improvements, and may become serious contenders this time around. Forest Hills seemingly always reloads and will be ready to compete. Central Cambria looks to build off a monumental win over Johnstown, and bring more success into the 2012 campaign.
     The names of 2011 are gone, Shippey, Gdula, Fuller, and Leech. Although, the talent this year may not rival that of 2011. The league is more wide open than ever, and as many Five teams can seriously compete for Laurel Highlands supremacy. There may not be as many talented college level players, but there may be more quality teams. I hope you enjoy this year's preview, and look to the D6 Sports Network for updated content all season long and as always keep the banter going on Bleachercoaches!

Section II

1. Richland Rams (10-3) 

KEY Players-Matt Shaffer (QB). Kyle Flick (WR). Josh Dininny(DT)

   Richland is coming off a very successful season by their standards. It was the first time they played for a District Title since 1986. The team was centered around star player Johny Rizzo. They relied upon the workhorse heavily, but were not totally dependent upon him. Junior Quarterback,  Matt Shaffer showed great poise for a sophomore and is one of the key returning factors for this year. He is a dual threat that can run it some, but will be used for passing more this season. Richland typically runs a pass happy offense and Shaffer should be able to control things. He is joined by some other talented juniors. Kyle Flick is coming off another successful season and will be entering his third season as Richland's featured Wide Receiver. He has great hands, and good speed and is athletic enough to create separation. His experience will make as dangerous as anyone in the league. Tanner Solarczyk will assume Running Back responsibilities. He is not a legitimate replacement for Rizzo, and how could he be? Rizzo was so valuable, but Solarczyk may be a good fit if Richland plans to throw it more because he is a fast open field threat.  Richland returns four starters on the offensive line that paved the way for a very lethal offense in 2011. The leader of the pack is Josh Dininny. He will also anchor the defense. Luke Shertzer and Kyle Flick will also play big roles for the defense.  This team is set with their Quarterback and top receiver, and an experienced line. They are coming off a successful season and will look to build upon it. I think Richland is the LHAC front runner, and one of the top competitors in the District for "AA".  

2.  Bishop McCort (7-4)

KEY Players-Gap Barbin (NT) Jordan Spangler (WR) Dustin Belskey (RB)
  Bishop McCort got off to a hot start in 2011, and finished rather cold. The Crimson Crushers faced injury and number problems all year long, and this year they will have more depth.  The Crushers must replace their Quarterback,Running Back, top Receivers, and a Division One Linemen. That is a tall order for anyone to overcome. The Crushers success will start up front with Gap Barbin. He anchors both sides of the ball and is one of the better interior linemen in the conference. He will be joined with some younger guys, but they are not short on size.  The Quarterback battle will be interesting between Nathan Neiderhiser (Jr) and Zaine Tomkowski (Sr). The backfield should be in good shape with Dustin Belskey's return, he played Fullback last season but should see more carries in 2012, expect Wyatt Jackson to see some time as well. Christian Leech and Jerqual Wilson formed a solid receiving corps, but Jordan Spangler should be ready to take the lead role. The Defense for the Crushers should be an improvement with health. Tyler Rugg, Nathan James, and Gap Barbin are names to watch on that side of the ball.  McCort has hit a tough two year run after winning the conference for four straight seasons. They have the talent to contend this year, and will play a big factor in the "A" race in District 6. 

3. Johnstown (9-2)

KEY Players-Dalvin Williams (LB) Nick Subich (OL) Tyler Taylor (RB)
    There is no team other team in the league that has to replace the talent that the Trojans had. Johnstown's impressive regular season run will be coming to an end, but they still will put together a very competitive team, that could surprise some people. The first step is replacing all everything Quarterback, Gervon Simon.  Easier said than done. Brody Loboi seems to be the next in line, and perhaps Phillip Madison will get a chance.  The spread offense for the Trojans is all about the pass, and they must replace their top four receivers, although the running game should improve.  Tyler Taylor and Dalvin Williams are good athletes that will be key play makers for Johnstown.  The Trojans offense should have at least one strength, the line. Nick Subich will anchor the line at center, and Michael Brooks will return at tackle. The defense loses stalwart, Alkwan Williams. Dalvin Williams will likely be that go to guy for Johnstown on defense. He made some big plays last year, and should be asked to do plenty more this season.  Johnstown has some pieces albeit some unproven ones. The athletes and size never seems to be a problem at Johnstown, they just need to get everything in order. The success may take a few weeks, but if they get rolling they can beat anyone.  

4. Somerset (3-7)

KEY Players-Tanner Stull (QB) Matt Boyer (RB) Jordan Willkow (WR)

The Somerset Golden Eagles rebounded well in 2011 from a win-less 2010 campaign. The season also brings a sense of belief for this year. Somerset only finished 3-7 but hung in tightly with teams like Richland and Penn Cambria proving they could play with the conference's elite. The 2012 hopes rest a lot on the shoulders of Junior signal caller, Tanner Stull. Stull was thrust into the starting lineup early and opened some eyes. He is a quick kid that can make plays with his feet. He will be among the better quarterbacks in the league and will win some games for Somerset. Another Junior, Matt Boyer will be a factor in the offense. He rushed for eight touchdowns last year and his bruising style of running should result in more scores this season. These two players bring much of the promise for the 2012 season, but there are obviously concerns.  The team lost 21 seniors and much of them occupied the defense and the trenches.  The Line and Defense will have plenty of new faces and how they respond will say a lot about Somerset's season. 

5. Westmont (2-8)

KEY Players-Liam Moran (QB) Luke Blackburn (WB) Donny Shovestull (OL)
The 2011 Westmont Hilltoppers had a bid of a dissapointing campaign. They were led by a good group of seniors, yet couldn't secure many wins. The 2012 Hilltoppers will look to turn things around, and it all starts with the new Coach. Coach Glennon will move on, and leaves Westmont with a void. Despite not having a coach, there is talent for the new head man to build on.  Liam Moran will assume the role of Quarterback this season, and his athletic style will bring a new element to Westmont's offense. Sam Curry and Luke Blackburn will be manning the backfield positions and should be seeing the bulk of the carries.  Don Shovestall and Lucas Dragovich should provide size and stability up front.  Westmont's biggest issues over the years have been the numbers game.  They never seem to get a big football turnout, thus leaving little depth.  Westmont needs someone to stir up excitement and passion for the program, it could be a sleeping giant for the right coach.

6. Bedford (6-5)

KEY Players-Aaron Henry (RB) Luke Campbell (WR)  Tyler Black (TE)
2012 Bedford will see plenty of new faces and it is hard to predict how things will develop. Bedford loses all everything Marcus Shippey, all five offensive linemen, and playmaker Dakota Hess. Kody Blevins will get a look at QB, but Aaron Henry may have to take the role.  Henry was a good all purpose threat last season and has the athleticism to make the move.  Luke Campbell came on strong at Wide Receiver last season and is definitely one of the top offensive threats in the league. He needs to see the ball, so it is imperative for Bedford to find a Quarterback.  It really comes down to, Will Bedford's line be able to compete.  Bedford will have some athletes on offense and in the back lines of defense, but the lines are really shaky. There does not appear to be a lot of size coming up through the system, and as we all know games are won up front. Bedford could surprise some, but there is a lot of unknown.

Section I

1. Forest Hills (8-3)

KEY Players- Jared Shope (WR) Shawn Dell (RB) Tyler Shima (S)
Forest Hills has a disappointing end to their 2011 campaign. They will look to rebound after losing some key pieces from last season. Jared Shope will be the star of the show and could compete for Quarterback duties, but may be better serves at Wide Receiver. He will be a factor on defense and special teams also. Tyler Shima will be a factor at Quarterback.  Shawn Dell will return to be the primary Running Back. Shareef Blough, a sophomore, could also be a factor on offense at running back.  The offensive and defensive lines are depleted after last year, but they also seem to retool.  Hayden Fyock returns with starting experience there.  The Rangers have a special player in Shope, and some unproven kids as well. Coach Bailey rarely has down seasons, and it is because of the hard working kids and the good coaching staff. Forest Hills will play a factor for the District Championship race, as always.

2. Penn Cambria (9-3)

KEY Players-Mac Behe (LB) Devin Lawhead (RB) James Mardula (WR)
There is plenty of optimism and confidence in Cresson this season. Penn Cambria has a really strong senior class on their hands, and Coach Ernie Fetzer and the Panthers can make a run to Mansion Park. The Running Game loses Jordan Fuller, but Mac Behe and Devin Lawhead should be able to hold things down just fine. Nathan Keagy and James Mardula are two good athletes at receiver and will play big factors. Quarterback is not a sure thing right now, but Branden Eckenrode will get a look.  The defense of Penn Cambria will definitely be one of the league's best. All State Linebacker Mac Behe will be the anchor. Lawhead and Mardula are also big tackles for PC. They made the semi-finals last year before falling to eventual state runner-up Tyrone, but Penn Cambria's season featured a playoff win over Forest Hills. That game with Forest Hills this season could be one of the best of the year, if not the best.  Penn Cambria is a legitimate conference and district threat.  

3. Cambria Heights (5-5)

KEY Players-Tyler Crawford (FB) Ben Myers (WR) Andrew Brawley (WR)
This is certainly uncharted waters for Cambria Heights. They regularly do not have high expectations, but after a .500 campaign in 2011 and many key players back, this could be Cambria Heights season for perhaps a playoff berth.  The offense returns nine starters from last season, including all the skilled position players. The offense will feature a heavy dosage of Tyler Crawford's running.  Donnie Contorchick will also see carries. Ben Myers is a versatile player that will see the ball in a variety of ways.  Andrew Brawley is a quick receiver that will be reliable for Quarterback, Nathan Bearer.  The offense will be able to score enough points to keep them in games, but the defense must improve. Contorchick and Crawford are the anchors on that side of the ball. Coach Jarrod Lewis may have been just what the Doctor ordered for this program, they are definitely on the rise. Cambria Heights could challenge for a playoff berth, it is not that far fetched.  

4. Bishop Guilfoyle (1-8)

KEY Players-Pat Irwin (QB) Cody Rossman (RB) Nate Nardelli (WR)

Bishop Guilfoyle suffered some growing pains in 2011, but the rebuilding year may be worth it.  The Marauders only lost six seniors from last season, and the team featured many freshmen. They will still be young, but much more experienced. Pat Irwin was often running around for his life last year, but the Senior will be the team leader and the primary source of offense.  Cody Rossman and Brendan Chadbourn should be able to make plays out of the backfield. Chadbourn will also be a factor as a receiver, along with Nate Nardelli.   They have play makers, but the defense and line will prevent them from being in the upper echelon of the league.  The team and program will get better and they may surprise this season. If they can sneak into the "A" playoffs, they will be a factor. 

5. Central Cambria (2-8)

KEY Players-Stephen Papuga (RB) Steven Rickard (OL) Brandon Long (WR)
Tough times have fallen on the Central Cambria Football program. Sam Shutty has the tough task of restoring pride and a winning way to the program. Central Cambria was very senior heavy last year, and they lost nearly everyone. Stephen Papuga will have to be the primary offensive threat as a Running Back. Tyler Gironda is the only Quarterback listed for this year, so that duty will be up to him. Central Cambria will have a retooled line and defense. They will struggle with size this year, that is the sure thing. They do not appear to have the strong depth they usually possess. This could be a long year in Ebensburg.   

6. Bishop Carroll (1-9)

KEY Players-Michael Leslie (OL) Dan Lesney (RB) Josh Mock (OL)

The state of Bishop Carroll Football does not look good. Craig Sponsky is out at Coach, enrollment is way down, and there is a principal that would like to de-emphasize athletics. Greg Snyder has no easy task at hand in his first head coaching stint.  The Huskies do possess some great size with Michael Leslie and Josh Mock among a few others. They do not have a definitive plan at Quarterback or Running Back, but have a number of options. Eric Smith,David Maruca, and Brody Shuty are all listed at Quarterback.  Dan Lesney is the leading returning rusher, so he will get the first crack. Familiar last names, Woo and Repko will also get some looks. The size of BC is their best asset. They really lack depth and experience. The unknown of Greg Snyder is another cause for concern.  The Huskies will have their work cut out for them, and it could be a long season on Husky Hill.