CTK ’16: Pittsburgh City League Preview

By: HSSN Staff
Wednesday, August 31, 2016 | 5:34 PM

The hottest topic in high school football in the WPIAL and around the state this season has been the six classifications. The addition of two classes has moved many teams to new classifications in the WPIAL. Everyone has to get used to how many A’s are next to teams.

The same goes with the City League.

City League teams have different classifications now also. Although all six are in one league, they can go to the postseason in different classifications.

The largest school in the City is Allderdice and it is a Class 6A team. Brashear is in 5A. Carrick and University Prep are both Class 4A while Perry is 3A. Obama and Westinghouse are 2A. So, there are six teams in five different classes.

Here is a look at the City teams:

ALLDERDICE DRAGONS

Allderdice will try once again to win its first City League championship since 1967. The Dragons keep coming close, losing in the title game four of the past five years.

The Dragons lost a number of key players from last year’s team, but there is hope for another championship appearance. The Dragons have a new quarterback in Kyler Hurt. That means they will probably rely heavily a running game that will be led by Jeremiah Hardrick. Marcale Slater and Brice Miller are two of the top linemen.

Allderdice’s defense features defensive back Dorian Hardy.

BRASHEAR BULLS

The Bulls are the two-time defending City League champions. Although a number of the Bulls graduated and a top player transferred, Brashear should still be fighting for the title.

Sha’rron Steve takes over at quarterback for Therran Coleman, who is now a defensive back for the Pitt Panthers. Queran Powe figured to be a player to watch on offense and defense this year, but he transferred to Keystone Oaks a few weeks ago. But on Wednesday, the WPIAL ruled Powe ineligible to play at Keystone Oaks, claiming he transferred for athletic intent.

Niciere Davis and Anthony Carrington figure to be in the backfield. On the offensive line, Tra Murray returns after making all-City last season. Six starters return on defense. The linebackers should be strong with Phil Nappier and Richard Stone.

Also returning is all-City kicker Dom Molinaro. Last season, he kicked four field goals, which is practically unheard of in the City League.

Brashear began the season last week with a 21-7 loss to Franklin.

CARRICK RAIDERS

Ed White begins his second year as the Raiders coach after going 2-6 last season. The Raiders haven’t been to the playoffs since 2007.

But Carrick has six returning starters on both offense and defense, including two returnees who made all-City last season. They are wingback-defensive back Dayquan Evans and lineman Trevor Hazen. The offense will be led by quarterback L.J. Orbovich. Justice Jones returns at tailback and also linebacker.

Other returning starters include center John Pounds, WR-LB Isaiah Canterbury, linebacker Juan Rodriguez and linebacker Devan Mosby.

PERRY COMMODORES

The Commodores finished 3-6 last season, but made the playoffs as the fourth-place team. This year’s team is hoping for improvement and a few more wins. Offense must improve as Perry averaged only 15 points a game last season.

One of the leaders of this year’s team is definitely Doug Johnson, who got some playing time last season at quarterback. The running game will be led by Josh Dyer and Amir Dennis. Malik Townsend is a top lineman.

UNIVERSITY PREP WILDCATS

University Prep thought it would have one of the top players in the City League. Kenny Robinson is a receiver-defensive back who has scholarship offers from Pitt and West Virginia, despite playing only two games last year because of an injury. But earlier this summer, Robinson decided to transfer to Imani Christian of the WPIAL.

But coach Lou Berry has a team that should challenge for the City championship. Tawan Wasley takes over at quarterback for graduated Sawn Rutherford. University Prep has had a strong passing game in recent years and it should be good again with Wasley and also receiver Darious Shields, who was the team’s leading receiver last year.

In the backfield, big things are expected from Darius Langston.

On the lines, seniors Hezekiah Johnson and Terry Turk are two of the leaders.

WESTINGHOUSE BULLDOGS

Westinghouse played a game last week and surprised a lot of people by beating Greensburg Central Catholic, 41-14. Greensburg Central usually has a top program in Class A. While beating GCC might have surprised some, winning by 27 points was the real eye opener.

But maybe Westinghouse will make a difference in the City this year after a number of struggling seasons. Wilkinsburg closed in June and Wilkinsburg students now attend Westinghouse. That adds a few players.

Judging by the first game, quarterback Tay’von Lee-Mattox and running back Wade Yurko could have a big season. Yurko had a touchdown run and two TD receptions. Lee-Mattox had a TD pass.

Line play could be a big plus for the Bulldogs as a number of starters return from last year. One of the best is Jamon Miyares. Alex Bryant and Tyreese Hicks are two other returning linemen.

MSA SPORTS PREDICTED ORDER OF FINISH:

1.      University Prep Wildcats

2.      Brashear Bulls

3.      Allderdice Dragons

4.      Westinghouse Bulldogs

5.      Perry Commodores

6.      Carrick Raiders

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