CTK 2015 – Class A Tri-County South 7 Conference Preview

By: HSSN Staff
Sunday, August 30, 2015 | 9:33 PM

The Tri-County South is more like the Try Beating Beth-Center Conference

Beth-Center moved into the Tri-County South in 2008. Since then, the Bulldogs have won the conference title five times, including four in a row. Beth-Center has lost only one conference game in the past four years.

So the question is will Beth-Center’s dominance continue? Probably. The Bulldogs look to be the team to beat again, one year after they outscored conference opponents, 397-47.

But when discussing the Tri-County South, the subject that comes up so often around the rest of the WPIAL is will any team from the conference have any playoff success? The Tri-County South hasn’t won a playoff game since 2010, going 0-16 in that time. Despite Beth-Center’s success, the Bulldogs haven’t gotten past the first round.

Will the postseason blahs continue?

Here is a look at the Tri-County South Conference.

 AVELLA EAGLES:

After not making the playoffs in 37 years, Avella qualified in 2013. Then the Eagles made it two in a row, qualifying again last year. If the postseason streak is to continue, Avella will have to fill some big holes left by graduation.

Santino Paris was one of the best players in the conference at quarterback. Nick Kusich rushed for more than 1,000 yards. But both of those players graduated and filling their spots will be hard. Luke Lloyd was the leading receiver last year with 25 receptions, but has moved to quarterback. Also back at receiver is Tyler Fraysier, who had 22 receptions last season.

The only returning starter back on the offensive line is Sean Williard. The offense averaged 26 points a game last season.

BENTWORTH BEARCATS:

If the Bearcats are to challenge for a playoff berth for the first time since 2005, coach Ron Skiles’ team will have to improve its defense. For the past two seasons, the Bearcats have been one of the worst defensive teams in conference play. Two years ago, they gave up more points in conference games than any team in the Tri-County South. Last year, they allowed 247, second-worst in the conference.

If the defense improves, maybe the Bearcats could be improved because nine players return who had considerable playing experience a year ago.  

Josh Hughes will be a key for Bentworth at quarterback. He showed plenty of potential last year, completing 72 of 143 for 937 yards.

There is some talent at some of the other skill positions. Ethan Tush led the team in rushing with 280 yards. Felix Hernandez rushed for 218 yards on 26 carries and also caught 15 passes. Shawn Holbert is one of the top returning linemen along with Derek Richards.

BETH-CENTER BULLDOGS:

When you talk about Beth-Center, you have to start with Anthony Welsh. A senior, Welsh is one of the most accomplished running backs in Class A, at least by statistics. He has more than 2,900 yards rushing two seasons. He had 1,582 last year and 1,336 two years ago. Welsh will undoubtedly be the focus of opposing defenses.

Trent Cunko returns at quarterback. Maybe the Bulldogs will let him throw the ball more after attempting only 34 passes a year ago.

Also back is Colton Belmont, a member of the coaches all-conference team a year ago.

CALIFORNIA TROJANS:

After spending two years in the Black Hills Conference, playing against the likes of Clairton, Monessen and Brentwood, California was happy to be back in the Tri-County South last year. But things didn’t go any better as the Trojans finished with a 1-9 record and averaged only 11 points a game.

First-year coach Darrin Dillow is hoping he can help things improve. K.C. Zajicek played quarterback and receiver last year and returns. He led the team with nine touchdowns. Tyler Rothfuss made the coaches all-conference team a year ago as a sophomore receiver-defensive back.

The WPIAL did not do California any favors with the early-season schedule. The Trojans open at mighty Clairton. The third game of the year is against Beth-Center.

CARMICHAELS  MIGHTY MIKES:

The Mikes have been near the top of the conference a number of times in recent years, but they took a big drop last year, finishing 3-6. If the offense gets a little more production, the Mikes might improve this season.

Carmichaels averaged only 12 points a game last season. But they do have some experienced offensive players in the fold again. Shawn Dulaney showed some promise last year at running back and returns. Coty Allen and Jake Barnish return at receivers.

Lineman-linebacker Cody Lancaster is one of the other top returnees.

FRAZIER COMMODORES:

The Commodores are fresh off one of their best seasons in a while, as they went 8-2 and finished second to Beth-Center in conference play. Frazier was the only team in the Tri-County South to give Beth-Center a game. Frazier lost by only 29-20.

A number of key players are back from last year’s team, although Frazier did lose one of those top players when Alvin Ross transferred to Greensburg Central Catholic. Ross rushed for more than 1,000 yards last season.

That means the offense will rely even more on quarterback Hunter Patterson. He completed 52 of 95 for 983 yards last year and also rushed for 201 on 51.

Lucas Klorczyk figures to lead the running game without Ross. He carried 33 times for 190 yards last season.

Three other players return after making the coaches all-conference team last year. They are lineman Joe Horvath, and linebackers Bret Polin and Cameron Roebuck.

JEFFERSON-MORGAN ROCKETS:

After making the playoffs five consecutive seasons from 2003-07, Jefferson-Morgan missed the postseason five of the next seven years. Don’t be surprised if the Rockets rocket into the top four in the conference again.

Jefferson-Morgan has a number of players returning from last year’s team that tied Avella for the fourth and final playoff spot in the conference. But Avella won out because of a victory against Jeff-Morgan.

The top two leading rushers return – Trevor Kniha and Joe Headlee. Kniha ran for 412 yards last season. Dennis Garrett takes over at quarterback and the Rockets have one of the conference’s best kickers in Bo Ricci. Lineman Zach Shaffer made all-conference a year ago.

Other top players are WR-DB Nick Teegarden, RB-LB David Blaker, WR-LB Colton Davidson, WR-DB Jacob Bissett and linemen Will Fath, Brennan Kozich and Dalton Fowler.

MAPLETOWN MAPLES:

This might give you a head rush. But a Rush will rush the ball often this year and the Maples could rush to victory.

The Maples will feature an all-Rush backfield this season. Dylan Rush is the halfback and will probably have a ton of yards by the time he graduates. Rush rushed for 1,016 last year as a freshman. This season, his older brother, Matt, moves from tight end to fullback.

The quarterback will be either Tanner Griffin or Dustin Lemley. A strength of the team will be the offensive line, where four starters return from a team that finished 7-3 and made the playoffs as the No. 3 team in the Tri-County South. They are Chace Johnston, Jake Visokey, Harley Gee and Brandon McClead. Gee, Visokey and McClead all made the coaches all-conference team.

Defensively, Matt Rush and R.J. Durr will be leaders at linebacker.

WEST GREENE PIONEERS:

Rodney is looking for a little respect for his team. That’s Rodney Huffman, who is in his first year as the coach at his alma mater. He takes over a team that has won one or zero games five of the past seven years.

The Pioneers have to get better in many areas, but especially offensively. West Greene scored only 92 points, the fewest in Class A last season. Owen Main returns at quarterback and was vying with Cole Hamilton for the job. Tyler Baker caught 15 passes last season.

PREDICTED ORDER OF FINISH IN THE TRI-COUNTY SOUTH CONFERENCE:

1.      Beth-Center Bulldogs

2.      Frazier Commodores

3.      Jefferson-Morgan Rockets

4.      Mapletown Maples

5.      Carmichaels Mighty Mikes

6.      Bentworth Bearcats

7.      California Trojans

8.      Avella Eagles

9.      West Greene Pioneers

Tags: Avella, Bentworth, Beth-Center, California, Carmichaels, Frazier, Jefferson-Morgan, West Greene