CTK 2015 – Class AAA Greater Allegheny Conference Preview

By: HSSN Staff
Friday, August 21, 2015 | 4:21 PM

While West Allegheny and Central Valley have battled back and forth atop the Parkway Conference and Thomas Jefferson has reigned supreme in the former Big Nine Conference, the Greater Allegheny Conference has had a number of intriguing teams that have enjoyed success recently.

Last year, Hampton captured the top spot, while perennial powerhouse Franklin Regional finished in second. Mars, a team which has been near the top of the standings in recent years, overcame key injuries to still contend and make a playoff run. Conference newcomer Gateway, which was a powerhouse for more than a decade in Quad-A, proved disappointing for most of its debut season.

Those teams all made the playoffs in 2014, as did Indiana, which hopes to remain a title contender this season with a dynamic passing attack.

Another playoff qualifier from a year ago, Knoch, appears to be a team on the rise, with a number of key contributors back in the fold. Also, historically success Greensburg Salem looks to rebound, while Hollidaysburg wants to finish on a high note, as the Tigers are slated to leave the WPIAL following the season.

Every team won at least two games in section play last year except for Yough, which endured the struggles of making the jump from Class AA. The Cougars have since moved out of conference, though, and have been replaced by the WPIAL’s newest team, the Armstrong River Hawks.

The Armstrong district merged from the previous Kittanning and Ford City schools. Although Kittanning in particular enjoyed a strong 2014 in Class AA, Armstrong remains a bit of an unknown as it enters its first year in a competitive section.

Here’s a look at the Greater Allegheny Conference:

ARMSTRONG RIVER HAWKS:

The Central Valley Warriors proved that teams can be very successful immediately after two schools merge, but the task will be difficult for the newly formed Armstrong River Hawks, a combination of the former Ford City and Kittanning teams.

Both teams played in the Allegheny Conference in Class AA last year, when Kittanning was a front-runner at 6-3, while Ford City missed the postseason with a mark of 3-6

Frank Fabian, who coached the Wildcats last year and now will be at the helm for Armstrong’s inaugural season, lost some key contributors from Kittanning a year ago. Nick Bowers, a receiver and tight end who surpassed 500 yards receiving despite missing time with an injury, is now at Penn State University. Moreover, quarterback Brandon Toy, who threw for 1,850 yards and 22 scores in the air and nearly rushed for another 1,000 yards, will be a major loss.

Running back Zane Dudek enters his junior year, though, and he could be a major factor in the team’s success. Dudek topped 1,100 yards in the Wildcats’ prolific offense in the program’s final season.

Ford City graduated its top passer, rusher and receiver from a year ago, but Lancers’ backup quarterback Anthony Falsetti did show promise both with his arm and legs when given the chance.

How quickly the former rival players can unite under the River Hawks’ name will be a key factor, and the new competition could make the transition more difficult for Armstrong in its first year.

FRANKLIN REGIONAL PANTHERS:

The Panthers have been a perennial playoff contender for more than a decade under head coach Greg Botta, and 2015 should be no different. Franklin Regional went 6-2 in section play last season, and ousted Belle Vernon Area in the postseason before bowing out to eventual runner-up West Allegheny in the quarterfinals.

That Franklin Regional squad was paced by Brett Zanotto, a standout linebacker and running back who is now playing collegiately with the University of Maryland. Zanotto battled nagging injuries in 2014, however, which resulted in several younger players receiving increased opportunities.

One of those players who could make big strides this season is quarterback Santino Birty. Birty, now a senior, eclipsed the 1,000-yard plateau last campaign, but threw more interceptions than touchdowns. The dual-threat signalcaller could add to his 400 rushing yards this season, as well.

With nearly all of the contributors at receiver graduated, including Zach Iovino, Brett White and Jordan Kestler, the Panthers will look to tight ends Todd Summer and Jake Lauer to make an impact in what could be an improved passing attack.

Also, Jacob Ross, who was second on the squad in rushing with more than 500 yards last season, figures to be the primary option on the ground for coach Botta. Ross will also anchor the secondary on defense, along with DJ Riga.

As always, the Panthers strength should come in the trenches, as massive Ohio commit Sean Beadle will anchor the left tackle position on the offensive line. Fellow MSA Sports Kennywood Preseason performer Charlie Mazon will join Beadle on the line that’s expected to return all five starters from last season.

GATEWAY GATORS:

Gateway’s 4-4 section campaign and first-round playoff defeat was disappointing for multiple reasons. First and foremost, it was the Gators’ first season in Class AAA after Gateway had enjoyed immense success in Quad-A for more than a decade. Second, it was the first under the guidance of Tom Nola, whose unmatched success at Clairton figured to translate to Gateway.

The team did show some signs of improvement as the season progressed, though, winning four of its final six regular season tilts. As a result, 2015 could be a bounce-back year for the Gators, especially now that Nola and his staff have become more acclimated to the players and opponents.

Aidan Howard, a 6-foot-4 senior receiver, has already committed to play collegiately at the University of Virginia. He will also play in the Offense-Defense All-American Bowl in Florida in January.

Howard was expected to be joined in the Gateway lineup by another Division I prospect, but massive offensive lineman Robert Hainsey surprisingly transferred to Bradenton’s IMG Academy last month. Hainsey holds offers from a dozen major programs, including Penn State, Michigan State and Michigan.

How to replace Hainsey will be one of several questions the Gators will need to answer in 2015.

GREENSBURG-SALEM GOLDEN LIONS:

Greensburg-Salem is one of the most successful football programs in WPIAL history, but last year was a struggle for the Golden Lions. The team scored a massive upset, 9-6, over Gateway in the season opener, but from that point forward, the team captured just one win in section play.

Quarterback Brady Mason struggled to find his rhythm in 2014, as he tossed 10 interceptions in his senior year. With Mason gone, the Golden Lions will need to turn the reigns over to a new QB, possibly junior Alec Shaw.

One benefit the new signal caller will have is the return of running back Connor Forkley, who led the team with 575 yards rushing.

Head coach Dave Keefer has surrounded himself with one of the most accomplished coaching staffs in the area, as former Greensburg-Salem coach Casey Cavanaugh joins former Jeannette and Greater Latrobe head man Ray Reitz as assistants.

A new sign to count the all-time team wins atop a stone platform has been added at historic Offutt Field this season. The number currently stands at 680, but the Golden Lions hope they will be updating the sign often throughout the campaign.

HAMPTON TALBOTS:

To the surprise of many, the Hampton Talbots reigned supreme in the Greater Allegheny Conference last year. Hampton established itself early in the 2014 campaign, as the Talbots scored lopsided wins over section favorites Indiana and Gateway to open conference play. The only loss of the regular season came in the finale against Mars, a six-point setback.

Still, Hampton earned the No. 4 seed in Class AAA and notched an opening round playoff win against New Castle before falling in a thrilling 21-20 overtime contest against Ringgold in the quarterfinals.

Last year, senior signal caller Nick Grabowski threw for nearly 900 yards and tossed 10 scores, while running back Matt Rech totaled 914 yards on the ground.

The offense returns six starters, and Matt Dayton and Ross Andersson, a senior and sophomore, respectively, are competing to earn the starting spot under center. Although Grabowski is gone, Rech will return to the lineup for the Talbots, along with fellow running back Nick Worobij. As a result, the backfield figures to be the strength of the Talbots’ offense in 2015.

Head coach Jacque DeMatteo’s defense brings back half a dozen starters, as well, including standout inside linebacker Jack Werling.

HOLLIDAYSBURG GOLDEN TIGERS:

2015 will be Hollidaysburg’s last campaign in the WPIAL, as the team will go to an independent schedule after the season. The Tigers hope to end their run in Western Pennsylvania on a high note, as they return a number of skills players from last year’s 3-5 (4-5 overall) squad.

The top five receivers return in the form of Mitch Augustine, Chad Dongell, Ryan Adams and Chris Gildea, as well as tight end Jack Vborny. The receiving unit could present even more depth this year, as junior Jason Adams is expected to contribute in the passing attack.

The leading rusher, Zach Kovach, also returns for his senior campaign, and will look to add to his 427 yards on the ground last year.

The Tigers will have a new quarterback who will be responsible for getting the ball in the play makers hands, however, as Jarrett Cavalet takes over for graduated signal caller Josh Bickley.

While the skill players appear to be the strength, the team will need to develop depth in certain areas, especially on the offensive line and at linebacker.

Special teams remains unproven for Hollidaysburg, as the return game has lacked consistency, and the team will use a freshman kicker, Vlad Hilling, in 2015.

INDIANA LITTLE INDIANS:

2014-15 was a banner year of Indiana boys’ sports, as the Little Indians captured both the basketball and hockey crowns. The football team also enjoyed success last season, as they finished with a winning record on the conference slate and topped West Mifflin in the opening round of the playoffs before losing to top-seeded Central Valley.

At the head of their success was the incredible receiving tandem of brothers Riley and Dylan Stapleton. Each player topped 60 catches and 900 yards, and Riley earned an all-state selection.

Riley has graduated and will continue his football career at James Madison University, but Dylan is back and should be one of the best receivers in the WPIAL.

Back too is prolific quarterback Jacob Zilinskas for his senior campaign, so Indiana will likely go to the air frequently to put points on the board.

KNOCH KNIGHTS:

The Knights experienced the extreme highs and lows of the season in a two-week span last year, as they crushed Yough 44-0 to qualify for the postseason, but then lost a lopsided opening-round match against West Allegheny.

This season, Knoch has high expectations, as the team boasts experience on both sides of the line. Five starters are back on offense, including guards Zac Curry and Mark Kroneberg. Both players will also see time on the defensive line, as the Knights’ return six starters on that side of the ball. The team will also employ a new defensive scheme to best utilize the talent at defensive end and tackle.

The lines should also benefit from a new addition to the coaching staff, former NFL standout center Jeff Christy. Christy will serve as an assistant to head coach Mike King.

Christy’s son, Mac, will also been an intriguing player for the Knights, as he could possible add quarterback to his resume, which already includes contributions as h-back, linebacker and punter. Christy will battle Jake Herrit for the QB duties, while returning starting running back Ben Lowery will compete with Jayden Renfrew for carries.

Addis Crotch, a wide receiver and defensive back, is another returning starter who could shine for Knoch, which hopes to battle for the section title this year.

MARS FIGHTING PLANETS:

Mars was dealt a tough blow early in the 2014 season, as the Fighting Planets lost arguably their top player, running back Josh Schultheis, in the first game of the season due to a broken tibia.

Under veteran coach Scott Heinauer, who boasts more than 150 wins as he enters his 25^th season at the helm, Mars bounced back to still qualify for postseason play, and just like the three teams ahead of them in the conference, the Planets scored a first-round postseason triumph.

Ori Rinamin was the player who most noticeably stepped up in Schultheis’ absence, as the senior rushed for 1,245 yards and scored 23 total touchdowns.

This campaign, the combination of Isaiah Johnson and Eli Brooks look to carry the load at running back, and both players will see time in the secondary too.

Although quarterback Jake Rosswog is gone, tight end John Castello, the team’s leading receiver last year, should once again be a factor in the passing attack. He will also anchor the linebacker unit on the other side of the ball, and was named one of the captains for the Planets in 2015. At 6-foot-5 and 225 pounds, he has the potential to become a major college prospect.

Senior Sam Morrisey is expected to serve as the quarterback this year.

Although the team returns three starters on the offensive line, both the offensive and defensive lines overall are youthful, according to Heinauer.

Kicker and punter Caleb Brake, who booted 36 extra points last season, could give the Planets a leg up in the special teams battle.

PREDICTED ORDER OF FINISH IN THE GREATER ALLEGHENY CONFERENCE:

1.      Franklin Regional Panthers

2.      Indiana Little Indians

3.      Knoch Knights

4.      Mars Fighting Planets

5.      Gateway Gators

6.      Hampton Talbots

7.      Armstrong River Hawks

8.      Hollidaysburg Golden Tigers

9.      Greensburg-Salem Golden Lions

Tags: Armstrong, Franklin Regional, Gateway, Greensburg Salem, Hampton, Hollidaysburg, Indiana, Knoch