GOLD
1. Bellwood-Antis (10-2)
KEY Players-Casey Gray (RB) Tyler Campbell (LB) Ian O'Shea (TE)
Bellwood-Antis is the marquee program for the ICC, and this year should not be any different. They will enter the season as the favorites again, and will be among the best teams in the District. The offense returns two key runners, and they could form a lethal duo. Casey Gray did a little bit of everything as a Sophomore, and this year he will do a little bit more. He is set for a big year, and could be the best player in the league. Gray's running mate, Tyler Campbell could also be set for a big offensive year. The passing offense returns some of their key cogs as well. Ian O'Shea at Tight End, Cameron Worthing at receiver, and Gray out of the backfield are all reliable targets. Seth Worthing is in line to be the next quarterback for Coach John Hayes. The defensive unit was dominant at times last year, before being exposed by Penns Manor. The will have revenge on their minds Tyler Campbell,Ian O'Shea, and Casey Gray also have a strong defensive presence on this team as well. This team can be really good. They are capable of running through the ICC, but have two very difficult non conference games in Tyrone and Richland. Those will be great tests and should help their playoff push.2. Northern Bedford (8-3)
KEY Players-Zach Pressel (WR) Tayler Pressel (TE) Caleb Ebersole (FB)
The Northern Bedford Panthers will be transitioning into a new era on offense, but it could be a smooth one. The offense relied heavily on the play of Matt Sollenberger and Logan Fluke, but they have a new group ready to step in. The offense will have a strong core of receivers lead by Tight End, Tayler Pressel. Tayler will be joined by his twin brother, Zach and Junior Kyler Diehl. All three kids are 6-3 or better and will be match up nightmares for opposing secondaries. The problem will be, Who will get them the ball? Blake Over will step in and get the chance. Caleb Ebersole and Connor Kagarise will lead the running game. NBC always puts out a solid defensive effort, and this year should be no different. Tayler Pressel will be the main man on that side of the ball as well. NBC opens with Glendale and good be a big measuring point for the entire conference's pecking order. The Pnathers should also play a factor into the District 5 race.3. Southern Huntingdon (3-6)
KEY Players-Chad Waite (RB) Arron Thomas (OL) Zach Simmerson (S)
Southern Huntingdon is losing plenty from the 2011 squad, but leave some promising players. The Southern Huntingdon Rockets are coming off a 3-6 campaign, but there is a belief they could still improve. SH will win some games with their offensive line. They have a huge presence up front in senior, Arron Thomas. Thomas stands at a massive and imposing 6-7 335 frame. He will lead the attack up front. Chad Waite is believed to be the star of the offense and could have a breakout season. There will be plenty of new faces in some key areas, so inexperience will hurt initially. The Rockets have a favorable enough schedule that a AA playoff berth is not far out of reach.4. Everett (1-9)
KEY Players-Kyle Droz (QB) Colton Mearkle (DB) Barkley Rhoat (SR)
The Everett Warriors are ready to usher in a new coach, and there could be success along the way. The cupboard is not bare after last year, and there are plenty of experienced players left in the fold. The offensive line looks to be a strength as four of five starters are back. The unit will be led Phil Cummings and Justin Weist. The QB spot will, be manned by Kyle Droze, a returnee from last season. Barkley Rhoat, Zach Jays, and Kyle Shearer are all talented skilled players and should see the bulk of the carries on offense. Colton Mearkle returns to lead the defensive unit that should be improved from last season. Everett will now compete in AA and they have a chance at a District Title. The new coach should breath life into a program that needs it.5. Mt. Union (4-6)
KEY Players-Dylan Smith (LB) Willie Miner (QB) Kord Aurand (WR)
Mt. Union could be in for a long season. The Trojans lose almost all of their primary players from 2011, and a young group will take over. Willie Miner appears to be in line to take the Quarterback position. Greg Reeder and Mike Smith will man the backfield and should each see carries. Kord Aurand will be a player in the receiving game. The Trojans lose most of their line, and they will be a little undersized up front. Mt. Union needs a nice influx of Sophomores to the team that can contribute right away. If that happens, the Trojans could move up the charts.
Mt. Union could be in for a long season. The Trojans lose almost all of their primary players from 2011, and a young group will take over. Willie Miner appears to be in line to take the Quarterback position. Greg Reeder and Mike Smith will man the backfield and should each see carries. Kord Aurand will be a player in the receiving game. The Trojans lose most of their line, and they will be a little undersized up front. Mt. Union needs a nice influx of Sophomores to the team that can contribute right away. If that happens, the Trojans could move up the charts. 6. West Branch (5-5)
KEY Players-Chad Speigle (RB) Morgan Slepack (DT) Parker Emigh (K)
West Branch listed 23 kids on their roster, and 12 of them have since graduated. Needless to say the numbers will be a factor with this team. They return a really good player from their surprising 2011 squad, and that is Chad Speigle. He will lead the team in rushing and will be among the best players in the conference. Speigle may be moved to QB out of need, but either way will be a factor. Morgan Slepack is the top returnee on the line, and he is the biggest player on the team. he will be counted on to anchor both lines. The kicking game returns Parker Emigh. Special teams is not often talked about, but the kid nailed 6 field goals last year and could be a good weapon for the team this season. Depending on the roster turnout, this team could move up. Football is a lot about depth, and the Warriors do not have it right now.
SILVER
1. Glendale (6-4)
KEY Players-Damon Braniff (RB) Gary Witherow (QB) Doug Twigg(WR)
The Glendale Vikings only lose four seniors from last year's 6-4 team. The hope is that the experience returning will take Glendale to the next level. They have the skilled players to make a run at Bellwood, but do they have the depth to compete? Damon Braniff is the most accomplished back returning to the conference, and could be set for another big season. Braniff averaged 5 yards a carry last season, and scored 13 touchdowns. His worth to this squad can not be measured. The offense has a nice passing threat, and it could improve on last year. Gary Witherow enter his second season as the starter at QB. His favorite target, Doug Twigg is also back. Glendale has some size, but only 22 players returning from last year's team. Depth will definitely be an issue, but if they can remain healthy, they have a shot. 2. Tussey Mountain (3-6)
KEY Players-Eric Husick (QB) Mitchell Corbin (RB) Jarred Rhodes (DE)
Tussey Mountain is looking for a bounce back year after a tough 2011. The pieces are in place for that bounce to happen. Eric Husick is back to lead the offense and his experience should help him. The running game will be manned by the duo of Mitchell Corbin and Tyler Husick. Corbin has the ability to catch passes out of the backfield and should be the Titans' biggest offensive weapon. The line will be completely in tact from last season and should pave the way for a successful 2012 campaign. The defense will be led by Jarred Rhodes, who posted seven sacks last season. The Titans seem ready to take a step towards the playoffs, and could find their way into the District 5 race. 3. Claysburg-Kimmel (4-6)
KEY Players-Zach Helsel (RB) Devin Weyandt (DE) Trey Claar (QB)Claysburg-Kimmel is looking for its first winning season since 2004. The Bulldogs may be ready to take the next step. The team will be built around star tailback, Zach Helsel. Helsel will be one of the league's premiere rushers and showcase players. The offense will turn over the reigns to Trey Claar at QB. He will have 6-3 Devin Weyandt as his primary target. They return their five biggest players on the line, so they will be one of the bigger teams in the league. The defense relies heavily on Weyandt and Claar and they will not disappoint.
4. Juniata Valley (7-3)
KEY Players-Caleb Taylor (QB) Brett Grissinger (RB) Ian Hawn (DE)
Juniata Valley is about to go through some turnover. They Hornets have had some great runs of late, but will be missing some key names. JV still brings back some skilled players. Caleb Taylor did a solid job at QB as a Sophomore, and he should only get better. Brett Grissinger was only the third option last season, but mustered 380 yards and 4 touchdowns. He will be the featured back this time, and should put together a nice season. Size will be the team's biggest issue. They are not very big up front. They have had some successful offenses recently and they should still be able to make plays. There is the worry that they could be worn down throughout the season. Kris Gardner and Ian Hawn are two defensive standouts that will be focal points this season. Juniata Valley has their work cut out for themselves if they wish to earn a playoff berth, but it is certainly doable. 5. Moshannon Valley (8-4)
KEY Players-James Stodart (TE) Austin Mital (OL) Kent Stewart (S)
All the key pieces of the 8-4 2011 campaign are gone. There will be plenty of new faces in key places. The way those players respond could be the difference in this team finishing anywhere from 2nd to 6th place in this division, it is a large unknown. Some of the known commodities are good ones. James Stodart is big target at Tight End and will be one of the league's best. Tanner Dipko and Justin Kitko will be in the battle for the QB race. The line will be fronted by Austin Mital and the group returns a number of key players. The running back position is unknown, Caleb Campbell could be the answer. Kent Stewart made plenty of tackles from his Safety position last season, and will be expected to do the same this year. The Black Knights could have a very big year, all depends on how the new players respond. This is a good program, and a proud one. They will muster up some wins.6. Williamsburg (1-9)
KEY Players-Alan Shanholtz (RB) Sean McCauley (DT) Austin McMonagle (QB)The Williamsburg Pirates could be the surprise of the season. They have strong skilled position players across the board and could make some unexpected noise within the league. The QB battle will be between Austin McMonagle and Jed Dishong. McMonagle may win the battle because Dishong is a pass catching threat. Quinton Snyder will also be a threat in the passing game. Alan Shanholtz is a solid back and will be a big time part of the Williamsburg offense. He has great hands as well, and could really stretch defenses. Williamsburg is a tiny school, and the numbers are not always there. The Pirates will be battling the numbers game all year long. They do have some pretty good size coming back, but little depth behind them. If the line holds up, these playmakers can win them some games. The playoffs are a tough goal to reach, especially now they are reduced to eight teams.
No comments:
Post a Comment