Big Game Hunter: Week One.

I'll be taking you on a tour of the ten best games involving District Five and Six teams each week. Hopefully this will give you some ideas as to which game to attend, and what to expect in that game. I hope to put this out every Thursday, so be sure to check back each and every Thursday throughout the High School Football season. The D6 Sports Network will feature a Sunday Morning QB which will recap the weekend's action. There will be an LHAC preview every Monday, and a podcast either Tuesday of Wednesday of each week to go along with The Big Game Hunter.



10. Ferndale at Conemaugh Valley Saturday 1:00
The Scoop-If you are looking for as much football as you can get this weekend, well here is a Saturday rivalry for you.  Neither team has been a factor in the playoffs lately, but that should not change the atmosphere. These two teams are the only Johnstown based WestPac teams, and they are heated rivals. This will be a hard fought game.
The Players-Chad Eisenhuth is back for Ferndale at Quarterback and is one of the best kept secrets in the area. Shane Corson is a big Fullback for the Jays that could be ready for a big season.
The Outcome-This is a true toss-up of a game. Neither team has high expectations going into the season, but starting the season with a win could jump start a respectable season. I'll take Ferndale in a tight one.

9. Central at Chestnut Ridge Friday 7:00
The Scoop-This should be a pretty competitive non conference game. Central is coming off a 5-5 campaign and will be seeing plenty of new faces in key places. They have a giant game with Tyrone next week, so the Ridge game is very important for the Dragons.  Chestnut Ridge starts their tough schedule of being an independent team yet again. They lose plenty from last season's playoff team.
The Players-Bradi Moore was just a sophomore in 2011 but rushed for 566 yards and five touchdowns, his workload will go way up this season. Beau Bocsh is a big 6-5 Junior that will look to replace Hengst at quarterback. Bocsh played receiver last season and will take the transition for 2012.
The Outcome-Again, this is another game that could go either way. Both teams have a lot of new personnel and will be working with younger guys. I'll take Central, but I could see anything happening.

8. Bedford at Bishop Guilfoyle Saturday 7:00
The Scoop-Bishop Guilfoyle appears to be gearing up for a run in the next two seasons, but maybe they can surprise people this season. Bedford must turn the page from the Marcus Shippey era. Shippey was an excellent player for Bedford and did so much for that team. They will need to identify some guys that can replace his production. So if college football does not suit your fancy, this is a Saturday night contest.
The Players-Aaron Henry was a good play maker for Bedford last season, and will get his chance to be the quarterback this season. He is a good athlete that should keep the offense balanced. Bishop Guilfoyle has a very underrated quarterback in Pat Irwin. He is a tough customer and made a lot of plays last season.
The Outcome-As you can see here I chose Guilfoyle in a close one.

7. Portage at North Star Friday 7:00

The Scoop-Portage is coming off a disappointing 2011 season in which they missed the postseason. They will attempt to get things back on track on Friday night.  North Star is the class of the WestPac and District Five. This will be a good gauge to see if they can hold up to the expectations. This game will feature contrasting styles as Portage likes to run it, while North Star can sling the ball around.
The Players-Tony Straiser is one of the best in the area. He is a 6-5 athletic receiver that very few, if any, can cover. He will stick out right away if you go to this game. Portage will feature Evan Price at QB, he is another player that will make the position switch and he should add a dual threat element to the position.
The Outcome-I like North Star because of the experience, but I think Portage can show positive signs towards a good season and a return to the playoffs in this one.

6. Penns Manor at Northern Cambria Friday 7:00
The Scoop-This is the premier game of the Heritage conference this weekend. Penns Manor is coming off a banner season that took them the whole way to the State Semi Finals. Danny Ferens may be the most exciting player in the District and he will be worth the trip. Northern Cambria is expected to be better with starters back, and will be looking to pull off the upset of the weekend.
The Players-DannY Ferens is obviously the guy to see in this game. He stands out with his size, and he looks the part of being a Division One athlete. Adam Polites for Northern Cambria is an athletic receiver that could be poised for a big season for the Colts. He is one of the better pure athletes in the league.
The Outcome-I am taking Penns Manor, but it will be closer than some expect. Northern Cambria is better than they were last season.

5. Northern Bedford at Glendale Friday 7:00
The Scoop-Northern Bedford and Glendale both come into this game with pretty high expectations in the ICC. This is a crossover division game, and both teams can make some noise this season. Glendale sports a very small roster, but is really talented from the skilled positions. Northern Bedford has the tools to be a District 5 championship contender.
The Players-Tayler Pressel is a Tight End/Defensive End player for Northern Bedford. He is a big kid standing at 6-3, and will be the leader on both sides of the ball. Damon Braniff is an explosive back for the Vikings, and is one of the better talents in the ICC.
The Outcome-I like Northern Bedford as I said in this week's podcast.

4. Conemaugh Township at Berlin-Brothersvalley Friday 7:00
The Scoop-Berlin is definitely a candidate to take on North Star for the WestPac crown. They have some talent coming back and will be a team to check out throughout the season. Conemaugh Township is a perennial power in the area, and they must replace a lot of key players.
The Players-Drew Glotfeltey is expected to be one of the premier backs in the District and will be worth checking out. Ken Domonkos is the top returning play maker for the Indians. He will have to touch the ball frequently for Township.
The Outcome-Berlin is the better team, but never count out Conemaugh Township. This will be a well played game, but I feel Berlin takes it.

3. Richland at Cambria Heights Friday 7:00
The Scoop-Richland is one of the favorites to take the LHAC and District Six AA. They return a lot of pieces from the 2011 squad that advanced to the championship game. The one piece that is gone that has people concerned is John Rizzo. Cambria Heights is coming off a 5-5 season in 2011, and that is a lot to celebrate for that program. All of the key skill position players from that team are back in 2012.
The Players-Tanner Solarczyk is definitely a guy to keep a close eye on. He has some of the biggest shoes in the District to fill. He is a more than capable running back, and should open up a lot of eyes this season.  Ben Myers is a guy that can run and catch the ball for Heights. He is the guy they like to get the ball in his hands in space. He is a good defensive player also.
The Outcome- If you like shoot outs, this game is for you. Neither defense is stout, but both offenses have the chance to be prolific. This game will be played in the 30's, and I like Richland to take this one home in a very close game.

2. Johnstown at Penn Cambria Friday 7:00
The Scoop-There is plenty of questions surrounding the Trojans coming into 2012. They lose almost all of their key players from 2012, but they still have high expectations. Johnstown can be a very good team, but it remains unclear who will be the big players. Penn Cambria was picked by the coaches to be the favoprite in league play. They have a solid defense and one of the district's best players in Mac Behe.
The Players-Phillip Madison was buried on the wide receiver depth chart last season, but he will eb the go to guy this season. He is a very athletic player that can create big plays for the Trojan offense. Mac Behe was a second team all state linebacker in 2011, and could be a first team guy if he can duplicate his success.
The Outcome-Neither team has a good offense just yet. Penn Cambria is never a high scoring team, and they will look to keep this game close and compact. They do not want this to be a running match with Johnstown. I like Penn Cambria 24-17 in this one.

1. Bellwood-Antis at Tyrone Friday 7:00
The Scoop-If you were fortunate to get your ticket for this game ahead of time, you will be one of the lucky ones to see this game. Both teams have rapid fan bases, and these teams are arch-rivals separated by just a few miles. Tyrone is coming off a state championship appearance, and nobody is quite sure how they will fare in 2012 with a new group of players and a new head coach. Bellwood has some talent back, and will be looking to take down Tyrone for the first time since 2009, and for just the second time since 2003.
The Players- Charles Adams will be one of the featured receivers this season, and will be one of the better defensive backs in the district for Tyrone. He had a game changing "pick six" over Aliquippa last season. Bellwood will feature perhaps their next great running back. Casey Gray touched the ball in different ways as a sophomore, but will now be the featured back.
The Outcome-Not many people are picking Tyrone. That is a bit surprising, I thought I was going out on a limb by taking Bellwood-Antis. This will be a good game, and it will be tight. Both schools have a lot of pride, and both schools produce excellent football teams year in and year out. This will be a special treat to finally see one of these games in person.