High school football conference preview: District 6 Heritage

By:
Wednesday, August 23, 2017 | 6:18 PM


The favorite

Ligonier Valley (14-1 overall, 9-0 Heritage in 2016)

After breezing through the Heritage Conference in 2016, is Ligonier Valley poised for a repeat performance? “You betcha,” according to coach Roger Beitel. The Rams mercy-ruled 12 consecutive opponents and posted seven shutouts. Beitel feels his 2017 defense might be better than last year. Beitel expects big things from RB/LB Aaron Sheeder, LB Joe Dubics, WR/DB Jackson Daugherty and WR Aaron Tutino. Tutino and Jackson combined to catch 99 passes for 1,926 yards and 27 touchdowns.

The contenders

Homer-Center (11-2, 8-1)

Homer-Center returns its entire backfield after a runner-up finish in the Heritage Conference last season. The Wildcats averaged 30.8 points before falling to Bishop Guilfoyle, 52-6, in the playoffs. Back are senior QB/S Jesse Beacker, junior FB/LB Jesse Lee and junior RB/LB Matt Miles. Senior OT/NG Gabe Manzanilla (6-0, 295) and senior DT Matt Warr (5-8, 190) were all-conference selections.

Blairsville (7-5, 6-3)

The Bobcats started 6-0 last year before losing to United and forfeiting to Ligonier Valley. They have a smaller roster this season and will miss all-conference kicker Andrew Stipcak and lineman Zach Sleasman. Back is leading rusher, senior Orahnde Askew (105-461, 5 TDs).

Northern Cambria (8-4, 6-3)

Junior QB/DB Mark Marino returns after leading Northern Cambria to the postseason. He threw for 541 yards and 11 scores. Two-way linemen Jacob Sodmont, Nicholas Sifford, Joe Wagner and Joe Rezek also return.

West Shamokin (5-6, 4-5)

The Wolves enter their second season in the Heritage Conference after finishing fifth a year ago. They will rely on three returning starters on the offensive line — senior Curt Slagle, junior Tyler Sweeney and sophomore Brandon Faber.

United (5-6, 4-5)

Sophomore QB/DB Kyle Silk (24-54, 422 yards, 4 TDs) is back as one of six returning starters on offense for the Lions. Senior TE/DE Nate Fabrizio (23-364) also is back.

Purchase Line (3-7, 3-6)

Purchase Line has nearly its entire starting lineup returning, led by dual-threat senior QB Shamar Campbell, who also shines at safety and in the punting game. Senior all-conference RB/CB Melvin Sanchez had 1,200 all-purpose yards. The defense will be anchored by senior LB Lucas Syster (107 tackles, 4 sacks) and sophomore LB Cullen Goncher, who had two interceptions.

Penns Manor (5-7, 3-6)

The Comets return senior QB Adam Dumm, who ran for 590 yards and six scores and threw for 637 and six, and senior RB Zac Horwat (87-519, 6 TDs).

Saltsburg (3-7, 2-7)

Six starters return on both sides of the ball for second-year Saltsburg coach Mike Leasure. The group includes sophomore lineman Alex Lassick and sophomore QB/S Josh Gibbons, who threw for 500 yards as a freshman.

Marion Center (1-9, 0-9)

Marion Center will look to build on a victory over North Star to end last season. The Stingers return lineman Garrick Shellhammer.

Players to watch

Shamar Campbell

Purchase Line, sr., QB/S/P

Campbell (6-2, 185) ran for 1,885 yards last season to earn all-conference honors.

Jackson Daugherty

Ligonier Valley, sr., WR/DB

Daugherty caught 44 passes for 743 yards and nine scores even after missing the first six games with an injury.

Aaron Tutino

Ligonier Valley, jr., WR/DB

An all-conference selection, Tutino had 55 catches for 1,183 yards and 18 touchdowns.

Games to watch

9.29 Blairsville at Penns Manor

Blairsville earned a key edge in the standings with a 15-9 win last season.

10.20 Ligonier Valley at Purchase Line

Purchase Line was the lone conference team to score more than a TD against Ligonier Valley last season, falling 41-12.

Fast facts

• Ligonier Valley outscored conference opponents 426-30 last season.

• Mike Falisec is in his first season as head coach at Purchase Line after coaching the linemen from 2003-12.

More High School Football

Burrell hires former Highlands coach to lead football program
Kiski Area hires Franklin Regional grad Haugh as football coach
Jim Render, Charlie Batch, Zack Washington Sr. selected to National H.S. Football Hall of Fame
Southmoreland turns to former Yough star Dustin Shoaf, 23, to lead football program
Latrobe names former assistant Tom McIntyre as new football coach