CTK ’14: Pittsburgh City League Preview

By: HSSN Staff
Tuesday, August 26, 2014 | 6:09 PM

The Pittsburgh City League once again is a six pack.

This is the third consecutive year that the City League will have only six teams. The closing of some schools has shrunk the league drastically in the past few years. Oliver and Langley closed after the 2011-12 school year. Only 10  years ago, the City League had nine teams.

The City League almost dropped to five teams this season. Westinghouse had asked the WPIAL to join its league, but the WPIAL turned down Westinghouse’s request.

Here is an preview of the six teams in the City League:

ALLDERDICE DRAGONS:

Allderdice has lost in the final two of the past three seasons, and this could possibly be the year Allderdice gets to the top of the ladder. It would be one giant step for Allderdice because the last time the Dragons won a City League championship was 1967.

Many believe Allderdice is the favorite. A number of starters return from last year’s team, including the Jackson twins. They are both 6 feet 2, 175 pounds and James is the quarterback and Tim a receiver. Last season, James threw for 1,677 yards and 12 touchdowns. Tim caught 33 passes for 1,099 yards. That’s 30.6 yards a catch.

Trevon Williams looks like he might lead the running game.

One of Allderdice’s other strengths is on the line. Lamone Dixon, Anthony Langford, Robert Smith and Talon Scott are experienced and will be counted on to open holes and also to protect James Jackson.

BRASHEAR BULLS:

The Bulls figure to be a playoff team once again and the running game should help get them there. Ty Powe and Khalil Saunders return at running back. Powe rushed for almost 700 yards last season. At quarterback, Therran Coleman takes over after switching from receiver. Coleman also is an adept runner.

The defense has potential with the return of linebackers Keyshawn Shaaid and Joe Bonner. On the lines, the Bulls have some size and experience with Jeff Arnold (6-4, 270), Pat Evans, D’Angelo Spencer and Cody Wagner.

CARRICK RAIDERS:

The Raiders were only 1-7 last season, but they are optimistic they should be more competitive this season. Seven starters return on offense and six on defense.

The offense has potential with the return of quarterback Hakeim McKenzie and running back Joe Kelsak. McKenzie moved to QB late last season and could use his 5-11, 220-pound body to become a running threat. Kelsak led the team in rushing a year ago.

On the lines, Tyler Thornton, Terrin Hampton and Isiah Walker return. Taylor Thornton (Tyler’s brother) returns at receiver and cornerback, and Marsai Howard at running back and linebacker.

PERRY COMMODORES:

There is a new era at Perry as Ken Wright takes over as coach. He used to be the coach at Langley, which closed after the 2011-12 school year. At Langley, Wright was 10-39 in five seasons. At Perry, Wright takes over for Bill Gallagher, who resigned after 13 seasons and seven City League championships.

By Perry standards, the Commodores had a horrible season in 2013 when they were 3-6. The hope for improvement will rest on getting better on both sides of the ball, but especially offensively. Perry averaged only 11 points a game last year.

Shawn Rutherford, a 6-1 junior, takes over at quarterback. He is the cousin of former Perry star QB Rod Rutherford. Malik James and Chandlor Huston will be counted on in the running game, but also keep an eye on Moses Giles, who transferred from Avonworth. Sto-Rox transfer Amir Newring is a receiver transfer from Sto-Rox who could make an impact. Jujuan Engram is one of the top returning linemen.

UNIVERSITY PREP WILDCATS:

The team, also known as USO, is the defending City League champion. But coach Lou Berry’s team was hit hard by graduation.

University Prep, though, does have a dazzling player back. Ron Brown returns at quarterback after a tremendous junior season in which he fired the ball at will, completing 207 of 342 passes for 3,401 yards and 43 touchdowns. He did it in only 10 games.

Brown’s top receiver, Marcus Johnson, graduated, but 6-3 receiver Kenny Robinson transferred from Pittsburgh Central Catholic. He could help immensely and will also play defense.

The offensive line is almost entirely intact from a year ago. Center Kevin Williams is in his fourth year as a starter. Juwan Hutchinson and Zacheria Sesay also are back.

WESTINGHOUSE BULLDOGS:

The Bulldogs have won only one game in each of the past two seasons, and things won’t be any easier this year as only a few starters return.

Receiver Kameron Watson, lineman Kejuan Burg and quarterback Marion Ellis are three seniors counted on for leadership. Running back-defensive back Darnell Jordan and linemen Deontrae Boyce are ones to watch for coach Monte Robinson, who is in his seventh season.

MSA SPORTS PREDICTED ORDER OF FINISH:

1.    Allderdice Dragons

2.    University Prep Wildcats

3.    Perry Commodores

4.    Brashear Bulls

5.    Carrick Raiders

6.    Westinghouse Bulldogs

Tags: Allderdice, Brashear, Carrick, University Prep, Westinghouse