CTK ’16: 4-A Big Nine Conference Preview

By: HSSN Staff
Sunday, August 21, 2016 | 11:52 PM

While realignment created some radically different conferences for the upcoming football season, the 4-A Big Nine bears a tremendous resemblance to the former AAA Big 10 Conference. Eight of those teams made the transition to the Big Nine, while only Yough and Elizabeth Forward moved elsewhere. In their place, Greensburg Salem, formerly of the AAA Greater Allegheny Conference, has joined the section.

Thus, many of the rivalries are already in place in the section, and teams and coaches will have a high level of familiarity. A notable difference for this season, though, is that only four teams will earn playoff bids, whereas the conference produced five teams a year ago.

While Belle Vernon Area is the de facto reigning section champion, it’s Thomas Jefferson that is the reigning AAA WPIAL Champions. As such, the Jaguars are the team to beat, although they will likely face several tough challengers.

Here’s the breakdown of the 4-A Big Nine Conference.

ALBERT GALLATIN COLONIALS

Since 2000, Albert Gallatin has the worst overall record among WPIAL football programs. While turning the program around appears to be a daunting task for first-year Head Coach Shawn Liotta, his resume suggests he will get results, especially on offense.

The past two seasons, Liotta has been the offensive coordinator for Clairton. In 2014, the Bears rewrote the record books, setting the all-time state scoring record, and challenging the national record, as well. In addition to roles at various other high schools previously, Liotta has coached at the college and professional level, as well.

The Colonials are in the midst of a lengthy losing skid, including a winless campaign last season. In 2015, Albert Gallatin lost every game by at least 24 points, and allowed 40 or more points seven times. Additionally, the Colonials lost the vast majority of their offensive production from last year, including their top passer, rusher and receiver.

Albert Gallatin will need to replace QB Hunter Moody, who also paced the Colonials in rushing. No returning player for the Colonials has attempted a pass in a varsity game, and the team only returns 122 yards rushing and 62 yards receiving from last campaign.

Three starters return on offense, while four are back on defense. Among the notable players are linebacker Steve Harwood, wide receivers/defensive backs Willy Hymes and Tavian Mozie, and lineman Dustin Colebank, Corey Dodson, Collin McNeish, and Klayton Jenkins.

It’s unlikely that Albert Gallatin can quickly ascend to playoff contender, but the Colonials should be more competitive in 2016 under Liotta’s guidance.

BELLE VERNON LEOPARDS

Belle Vernon Area’s rise to the top of the Big 10 Conference last year was unexpected, but the Leopards certainly proved their mettle early and often in 2015. Belle Vernon scored key victories in the first two weeks of the campaign against Trinity and conference powerhouse Thomas Jefferson. Furthermore, the Leopards recorded four shutouts, including three in a row. After scoring a decisive first-round playoff triumph against Chartiers Valley, though, the Leopards tasted their lone defeat, to Franklin Regional, 28-7.

The Leopards will now be tasked with trying to replicate last year’s success, but they return enough talent to again be atop the standings. Quarterback Mike Fine, who recently committed to St. Francis, is back to lead the Leopards. Fine threw for more than 350 yards last year, and rushed for 665 and 13 touchdowns. With 1,000-yard rusher Luke Durigon graduated, though, the Leopards will likely turn to Fine to not only use his legs, but to throw the ball more frequently. Head Coach Matt Humbert, in his seventh season, points to the multifaceted Fine and the receivers as the strengths of his squad.

Among the players who could benefit the most from an expanded passing attack is Tim Labuda, who was second on the team in both receptions and receiving yards, behind the departed Philip Taylor. Logan Pfronger also returns at receiver, while newcomer Anthony Bertrum could receive some targets. Nick Hall, meanwhile, is expected to shoulder the burden at the running back spot, while Ben Cole will serve as fullback.

Two offensive lineman, Cody Williams and Jake Herron, are back in the fold, while Blake Zubovic, Collin Pollita and Ian Pollita could also fill spots on the unit.

Defensively, five starters are back for the Leopards, with Williams and Logan Petrosky on the defensive line, Fine and Cole at linebacker, and Prfronger serving as free safety. Both Pollitas and Nino Kuntz will likely see snaps on the line, while Derek Cevoski and Dan Limpert battle for time at cornerback.

For Humbert and the Leopards, the goal is to prove that last season was no fluke by again reigning atop the section.

GREENSBURG-SALEM GOLDEN LIONS

Historically, Greensburg-Salem boasts one of the most successful programs in all of the WPIAL. The past few years, however, have been tough times at historic Offutt Field. In 2015, the Golden Lions captured just one victory, the season finale against City League’s Westinghouse. Greensburg Salem’s shortcomings last year were apparent, as the team scored the fewest points of any AAA team in conference play. Furthermore, the Golden Lions scored 13 or fewer points in all but two of their games.

Head Coach Dave Keefer, in his fourth year, will look to spark the offense, despite the loss of the team’s signalcaller. With Connor Forkey graduated, the team will have a significant void to fill. Forkey scored seven touchdowns last season, while nobody else on the squad had more than three. Taking over the position is Jake Hoyle, who primarily saw action on defense as a sophomore last year.

Hoyle will have the benefit of a talented running back to ease his transition, though. Rising senior Teegan Hahn paced the team with 345 yards. When Hoyle does pass, he’ll likely target newcomers Kevin Braswell and Damon Moffa, who are expected to play major roles in the aerial attack.

Greensburg-Salem also returns two offensive lineman, guards Corey Kelley and Clay Palmer.

On the other side of the ball, seven starters are back, including Kelley, Palmer and Tommy McChesney on the defensive line. Hahn returns at linebacker, where he will act as one of the leaders of the defense, while the secondary includes Hoyle and Joe Williams at safety, and Anthony Phillip at corner.

Keefer believes that the rigors of the Greater Allegheny Conference from last year will serve his team well as they transition to a completely new set of opponents. He also pointed to the reduced travel time, and some renewed rivalries, as reasons for excitement about the realignment. With a small senior class, though, Greensburg-Salem could experience some growing pains as it tries to restore the tradition of the program.

LAUREL HIGHLANDS MUSTANGS

The Mustangs’ offense in 2015 was undoubtedly a strength, as the team boasted one of the best passing attacks in the WPIAL. With an incredible 98 percent of last year’s offensive output lost to graduation, though, Laurel Highlands may need to change the game plan to have similar success. Last year, the Mustangs finished 5-5, but the team struggled down the stretch, dropping four of its final five contests, including a 59-14 drubbing to Central Valley in the first round of the playoffs.

Gone is prolific quarterback Jimmy Pierce, who completed 87 of 154 passing attempts for 1,630 yards and 14 touchdowns. Moreover, Pierce was talented with his legs, as he compiled more than 700 yards rushing and 13 scores. His top target, Chad Livingston, contributed 45 receptions and 974 yards, as well as 10 touchdowns. Meanwhile, Christian Jones rushed for 570 yards, and also was a factor in the passing game.

Replacing those players, among others, will be an unenviable task, but the Mustangs have some newcomers who appear poised to step up. Will Karwatske takes over at QB, while PJ Savini and Jacob Mikluscak will get carries in the backfield. Jacob Dukman will likely see time at receiver, too. Additionally, Ian Edenfield returns to the Mustangs’ offense at tight end, while Hunter Scott and Brandon Chury are back at guard and tackle, respectively.

With the massive turnover on offense, Laurel Highlands will need to be stout defensively. The unit should be strong up front, as six starters are back in the front eight. Chief among those players are linebackers Edenfield and Chad Petrush, and defensive end Dakota Mikita. Also, Dukman could join the linebacker crew, while Karwatske and Mikluscak will battle for snaps in the secondary.

Cameron Lizza, who connected on 32 extra points and two field goals, will again handle the kicking duties for the Mustangs.

Head Coach Zach Just, in his fifth year with the program, expects that his team will compete in every game this season.

RINGGOLD RAMS

The Rams finally got over the hump by defeating Thomas Jefferson last season, but still failed to win the Big 10 Conference, courtesy of the one-point loss to Belle Vernon Area. Nonetheless, it was a stellar season for the Rams that came to a disappointing end. After recording an 8-1 mark in section play and then dismantling Ambridge 35-0 in the first round of the Class AAA playoffs, the Rams fell by that same score to Mars the following week.

Expectations are high once again for the Rams, though, as they return a number of key players. Chief among those returning starters is soon-to-be senior quarterback George Martin, who guided the passing offense to great success. Martin threw for nearly 1,200 yards, and spread the ball well, as five players on Ringgold had more than 100 yards receiving. Dalton Holt, who led all pass catchers with more than 300 yards receiving, returns to the mix, as does Easton Fine. Tight end Max Maciejewski could provide another option for Martin, as well.

However, the Rams did lose more than 1,200 rushing yards with the graduation of running back Chacar Berry. Brendan Small, who rushed for more than 800 yards on his own right, figures to surpass that total as the featured back in 2016. Also, four starting offensive lineman are back, in the form of center Zach Giovaneillo, guards Issac Petrosky and Justin Mayer, and tackle Gage Ivory.

The defense, although not as experienced, returns four key starters, led by Holt at safety. He’s joined in a strong secondary by cornerback Darius Tyree, while Fine will handle outside linebacker duties and Petrosky will be at defensive tackle. Maciejewski could also see time at outside linebacker.

Matt Cannon returns as the kicker and punter, and he booted 11 extra points last campaign. Furthermore, Holt will serve as a dangerous weapon as both the kickoff and punt returner for the Rams.

With a bevy of offensive experience and athleticism, Ringgold should be not only in the playoff conversation, but might be the biggest threat to Thomas Jefferson, as well. For Head Coach Nick Milovich, a conference title and a WPIAL Championship are among the goals for the Rams in 2016.

THOMAS JEFFERSON JAGUARS

For so many years, Thomas Jefferson dominated the Big 10 Conference. Last season, the Jags shockingly finished in third place, but that disappointment seemingly helped motivate Thomas Jefferson, which went on to capture the Class AAA Championship. After dropping their first two contests to Ringgold and Belle Vernon, both by just seven points, the Jags ripped off 11 consecutive victories. In the postseason, TJ walloped Armstrong 42-7, shut out West Allegheny 14-0, edged Franklin Regional 34-21, and defeated the defending champions Central Valley, 20-7.

With many of their top players returning, the Jaguars appear to not only be the conference favorites, but the team to beat in all of 4A. Three different players saw extensive time at QB last season, in large part because of injuries and ailments to starter Bobby Kelley. Kelley was efficient when he was on the field, as he threw for 650 yards and nine touchdowns, with just two interceptions.

Kelly returns for 2016, as do his two top receiving targets. Jon Muehlbauer compiled more than 600 yards receiving, while Zane Zandier recorded 427 yards and 17 touchdowns, numbers that could’ve been much higher if not for his time at quarterback. Also, All-Conference tight end Jake Giegerich, the team’s fourth-leading receiver last year, returns to the star-studded offensive.

Perhaps the biggest factor in Thomas Jefferson’s offensive success, however, was running back Quinton Hill. Hill burst onto the scene, rushing for 1,723 yards and 24 touchdowns. Although fellow 1,000-yard rusher Braden Pahanish is gone, the running game should again be a major strength for the Jags.

To that point, two very talented offensive lineman return, Devin Danielson and AJ Putignano. Danielson, in particular, is receiving considerable attention, as he’s only entering his junior campaign, but already has the size and skills needed to play Division I. Perhaps the only question will be the depth of the line if any of the key players were to falter or suffer injury.

The defense for Bill Cherpak’s squad could be special once again in 2015. After recording five shutouts last year, five key starters are back. Zandier, who is drawing major college interest as a linebacker, will return to the Jaguars’ secondary, along with Muehlbauer. Meanwhile, the linebacker corps should be strong with Hill and Giegerich, while newcomer Luke Petruzzi should see time, as well. Danielson will anchor the line, and he’ll be joined by Garrett Fairman and Noah Palmer.

Tom Campbell is back at the kicker and punter in 2016, after he connected on 61 extra points last year. Also, TJ should have some threats in the return game, with Zandier, Justin Vigna and Nick Freiwald all expected to get opportunities.

Now in his 22^nd year leading the Jaguars, Bill Cherpak has built a nearly unparalleled resume. His team has been one of the most successful in the 21^st century, and 2016 should be no exception. Thomas Jefferson appears to have all the ingredients to claim another championship.

TRINITY HILLERS

Trinity was a team very close to making some noise in the Big 10 Conference last year. The Hillers finished with a losing record (4-5), but they were within 10 points in three of their defeats. Those narrow losses come to some of the conference’s best, Belle Vernon, West Mifflin and Ringgold.

For second-year Head Coach Jon Miller, defense will be the key to success. Last year, the Hillers surrendered less than 20 points per game, including seven points or less on three occasions. This year, Miller hopes that his defense can allow less than 14 points per contest. That defense returns three notable starters, inside linebacker Saul Wells, defensive tackle Ben Phillis and defensive end Robert Nelson.

Offensively, quarterback Dylan Kern is back, and he’s joined in the backfield by running back Joey Koroly. Nelson, at tight end, and Phillis at tackle, are also in the starting unit on offense.

Newcomers who could make an impact for the Hillers this season include Tanner Hudak, Preston Miller, Adam Raggi, Will Edgar, Anthony Yanni and Dausen Marry.

Miller is also hoping to see his team defend its turf, as he wants the Hillers to win all of their home contests. If Trinity can find a way to secure wins against a few top opponents, the Hillers have a real chance for the playoffs.

UNIONTOWN RED RAIDERS

The Red Raiders endured their share of struggles in 2015, as the team recorded just one win, a 42-14 triumph against Albert Gallatin. With a playoff drought dating back in 2009, Uniontown Head Coach John Fortugna aims to return to the postseason this campaign, but his squad will have to make significant strides to do so.

Perhaps the biggest hurdle will be improving the Red Raiders’ offense, which produced 14 or fewer points on six occasions. Making that task difficult, though, is the loss of the team’s leading passer and rusher in QB Phil “Deuce” Mosely, as well as the top receiver, Christian Forsythe. In their absence, a pair of running backs, Malaky Howard and Amadeus Marinuci, are likely to be integral parts of the Uniontown attack.

Additionally, the offensive line, while still young, is experienced. The quartet of Brendan Younkin, Tate Ternisky, Taylor Howser and Shamire Thomas earned playing time as sophomores in 2015, and they should help form a solid line this season.

WEST MIFFLIN TITANS

The 2015 season looked so promising for West Mifflin until the final two games. The Titans were hammered 35-0 by Thomas Jefferson in the regular-season finale, and then blown out 49-7 by Franklin Regional in the first round of the Class AAA playoffs. Eager to get that bad taste of our their mouth, the Titans return the vast majority of their contributors from last season and have high hopes.

Although the Titans lost very few starters to graduation, the absence of Karlyn Garner will be significant. The former West Mifflin quarterback threw for more than 500 yards, rushed for more nearly 650, and scored 10 touchdowns. Gary Galiyas is expected to assume that position this year.

The staple for Ray Braszo’s Titans squads has been a prolific running attack, however, and 2016 will likely be no exception. Russel Tyree eclipsed 800 yards rushing last year, while Howie Reid had more than 500. Tyree and Reid, who combined for 14 scores, should be a terrific tandem again for West Mifflin.

Offensive lineman Darwin Spencer, an All-Conference selection as a sophomore in 2015, should be among the best in the classification this year. On the defensive line, meanwhile, Dylan Boytos should anchor the unit after earning the same accolade as his teammate.

West Mifflin will feature more experience among its upperclassmen this year, which could give the Titans the edge they need to finish stronger down the stretch. If that happens, West Mifflin not only will return to the playoffs, but could also make some noise in the bracket.

MSA SPORTS PREDICTED ORDER OF FINISH:

1.   Thomas Jefferson Jaguars

2.   Ringgold Rams

3.   Belle Vernon Leopards

4.   West Mifflin Titans

5.   Trinity Hillers

6.   Laurel Highlands Mustangs

7.   Greensburg-Salem Golden Lions

8.   Uniontown Red Raiders

9.   Albert Gallatin Colonials

Tags: Albert Gallatin, Belle Vernon, Greensburg Salem, West Mifflin