2011-12 District 11 “Players to Watch” list
Written by: EasternPAFootball.com Staff on Monday, August 15th, 2011. Follow EasternPAFootball.com Staff on Twitter.
Aaron Cook, Senior TE/LB, Palmerton – A key returner at linebacker for the Blue Bombers, Cook had a respectable junior season, posting 64 tackles (42 solo), five sacks, an interception, a deflected pass and a fumble recovery. He averaged 6.4 tackles per game, posting a three-sack game against Palisades. Offensively, Cook ran for 83 yards and three touchdowns on 15 carries and caught three passes for seven yards.
Adam Bridgeforth, Senior WR, Nazareth – The top returning receiver from a Blue Eagles’ aerial assault that averaged just a hair under 151 yards per game last season, Bridgeforth snagged 19 passes for 294 yards and a team-leading six receiving touchowns, averaging 15.5 yards per catch. Bridgeforth was one of five Nazareth receivers with at least 12 receptions and 160 receiving yards last season.
Ahmad McFarland, Senior OL/DE, Bethlehem Liberty – McFarland helped to pave the way for a Liberty flexbone attack that averaged more than 330 rushing yards and more than 26 points per game. Liberty’s flexbone attack produced four backs with at least 585 rushing yards and a 600-yard passing quarterback. The Hurricanes finished 7-5 overall, reaching the Eastern Conference AAAA championship game opposite Emmaus.
A.J. Long, Sophomore QB, Bangor Pius X – Long was given the reins of the Royals’ spread offense, and he wound up guiding District 11 Class A’s most explosive offensive unit in 2010. The freshman put up huge numbers, never before seen from a 9th grader, in terms of passing. Long completed 202-of-307 passes for 2,852 yards with 28 touchdowns against only six interceptions. He averaged more than 235 passing yards per game and threw for no fewer than 174 yards in any of the Royals’ 12 games. During an eight-game winning streak en route to the District 11 Class A title game, the Royals averaged 53.7 points per game and scored no fewer than 42 points in any game in that span. Long also added 355 rush yards and four touchdowns on 91 carries.
Alex Vignone, Junior TB/DB, Palmerton – The Blue Bombers’ leading rusher, Vignone ran for 584 yards and five touchdowns on 106 carries and caught one pass for six yards, averaging 5.5 yards per carry and twice rushing for more than 100 yards in a game. He also recorded 35 tackles (18 solo), three interceptions and a deflected pass and returned seven kickoffs for 120 yards.
Andrew Brome, Senior RB/DEF, Stroudsburg – One of the veteran presences returning to the Stroudsburg defensive unit in 2011, Brome registered 78 tackles (56 solo) and a sack, averaging 6.5 tackles per game and posting 14 tackles against Pocono Mountain West and 10 tackles against Pleasant Valley. Offensively, Brome ran for 207 yards and two touchdowns on 40 carries and caught another two passes for 23 yards, averaging 5.2 yards per carry and 11.5 yards per reception.
Andrew Harris, Senior RB/LB, Whitehall – A key returner at linebacker for the Zephyrs, Harris posting 65 tackles (59 solo) and one sack. He had 166 yards rushing and 122 yards receiving.
Angelo Perrucci, Senior WR/DB, Wilson Area – Primarily a defensive force for the Warriors, Perrucci tallied 58 tackles (36 solo), a sack, an interception and six deflected passes, averaging 5.8 tackles per game. He returned the interception 80 yards for a touchdown against Salisbury Township. In limited action as a wide receiver, Perrucci caught 11 passes for 131 yards, averaging 11.9 yards per reception.
Anthony Castillo, Senior OL, Bethlehem Liberty – Castillo helped to pave the way for a Liberty flexbone attack that averaged more than 330 rushing yards and more than 26 points per game. Liberty’s flexbone attack produced four backs with at least 585 rushing yards and a 600-yard passing quarterback. The Hurricanes finished 7-5 overall, reaching the Eastern Conference AAAA championship game opposite Emmaus.
Anthony Farole, Senior WR/DB, Lehighton – An all-around type of athlete for the Indians, Farole rang up 1,184 all-purpose yards (19 passing, 56 rushing, 566 receiving, 109 punt returns, 434 kickoff returns) and scored eight touchdowns (7 receiving, 1 fumble return). Farole completed his only pass attempt for a touchdown; averaged 5.1 yards per carry on 11 rushes; 20.71 yards per reception on 28 catches; 12.1 yards per punt return on nine attempts and 20.7 yards per kickoff return on 21 attempts. Defensively, he registered 51 tackles, two interceptions and a fumble recovery. Farole also handled Lehighton’s punting chores, averaging 33.2 yards per punt on 26 boots, with four of his kicks downed inside the 20.
Anthony Orlando, Senior FS, Bethlehem Liberty – Orlando was part of a Hurricane defensive unit that held seven of 12 opponents to 16 points or less, with one shutout, and reached the Eastern Conference AAAA championship game opposite Emmaus. Orlando totaled 67 tackles, two interceptions and two fumble recoveries for Liberty as a junior. Anthony is the son of former Berwick standout Bo Orlando, who played in the NFL.
Austin Brown, Junior RB/WR, Easton Area – One of the Red Rovers’ top returning rushers from their 12-3 campaign in 2010, Brown ran for 413 yards and five touchdowns on 111 carries and caught another six passes for 85 yards and one additional touchdown, averaging 3.7 yards per carry and 14.2 yards per reception.
Barry Temple, Senior OL, Bethlehem Liberty – A 6’4, 295-pound behemoth in the trenches for the Hurricanes, Temple helped to pave the way for a Liberty flexbone attack that averaged more than 330 rushing yards and more than 26 points per game. Liberty’s flexbone attack produced four backs with at least 585 rushing yards and a 600-yard passing quarterback. The Hurricanes finished 7-5 overall, reaching the Eastern Conference AAAA championship game opposite Emmaus.
Ben Kloepping, Senior ATH, Stroudsburg – Kloepping did a little bit of everything for the Mountaineers last year, amassing 628 all-purpose yards (34 rushing, 141 receiving, 61 punt returns, 392 kickoff returns) and scored a pair of receiving touchdowns, averaging 17 yards per carry, 8.8 yards per reception, 7.6 yards per punt return and 19.6 yards per kickoff return. Defensively, Kloepping recorded 17 tackles (12 solo), three interceptions, two deflected passes and two fumble recoveries.
Billy Powanda, Senior RB/LB, Minersville – A two-way threat for the Battling Miners, Powanda ran for 460 yards and a trio of touchdowns on 92 carries and caught four passes for 33 yards and one additional touchdown, averaging exactly five yards per carry and 8.3 yards per reception. Powanda twice ran for more than 100 yards in a game. Defensively, Powanda was the Battling Miners’ leading tackler, racking up 76 stops (43 solo), two sacks and two fumble recoveries, averaging 7.6 tackles per game with a pair 10+ tackle performances.
Blake Bowman, Junior TB/WR, Tri-Valley – Bowman was quite the offensive catalyst for the Bulldogs, helping them reach the Eastern Conference Class A playoffs. He had a breakout sophomore season, running for 1,156 yards on 180 carries, completing 16-of-36 passes for 314 yards and hauling in two passes for 49 yards, accounting for 18 total touchdowns (14 rushing, 4 passing). Bowman completed 44.4 percent of his passes, throwing for 100+ yards once, running for 100+ yards five times and averaging 6.4 yards per carry and 24.5 yards per reception. Defensively, Bowman tallied 105 tackles, six sacks, three deflected passes and two forced fumbles. He posted a season-best 19 tackles against Williams Valley and 14 tackles against Mahanoy Area.
Brad Lukasak, Senior K, Blue Mountain – A heck of a weapon on special teams for the 7-4 Eagles, Lukasak handled the kickoff and placekicking chores for the Eagles last season. He booted 14 touchbacks on 59 total kickoffs, meaning 23.7 percent of his kickoffs wound up in the end zone. He also converted 42 extra points and one field goal, scoring 45 of the Eagles’ 391 points on the season, or 11.5 percent of the team’s season scoring output. Lukasak is a potential Division-1 prospect at kicker and has worked out during the offseason with former Exeter Township kicker Taylor Bertolet, who is headed to Texas A&M.
Brandon Cooper, Senior RB/NG, Schuylkill Haven – One of the key players in the defensive trenches for the Hurricanes last season, Cooper rolled up an impressive 102 tackles (all solo), two sacks and two fumble recoveries, averaging 7.3 tackles per game. He finished four games with 10+ tackles, including a season-best 16 tackles against Minersville and 12 tackles against Tamaqua. Offensively, Cooper ran for 167 yards on 27 carries, averaging nearly 6.2 yards per rush.
Brendan McGowan, Senior OL, Marian Catholic – A Temple recruit, McGowan returns to help anchor the Colts offensive line after helping to pave the way for a Marian Catholic offensive unit which averaged 234.9 yards (140.2 rush, 94.7 pass) and 20.7 points per game, producing two backs with 200+ rushing yards and a 715-yard passer. The Colts scored 25 total offensive touchdowns (14 rushing, 11 passing).
Brendan Nosovitch, Senior QB, Allentown Central Catholic – A South Carolina recruit, Nosovitch posted one of the best individual seasons of any quarterback in the Keystone State in 2010, and maybe, of all time. The Vikings’ field general threw for 3,112 yards and ran for 1,647 yards, accounting for 68 total touchdowns (43 passing, 25 rushing). He threw for 121+ yards in 14 of ACC’s 16 games and ran for 100+ yards in nine of 16 games. Nosovitch was the ringleader of an ACC offense that averaged more than 40 points per game. Of the 44 Pennsylvania quarterbacks to rush and pass for 1,000 yards each in a season since 1996, Nosovitch amassed the most total offensive yardage in one season (4,759). The next closest was Susquehanna Township’s Ben Dupree, who posted 4,073 total offensive yards (2,306 passing, 1,767 rushing) in 2009.
Brock Mitchell, Senior TE, Panther Valley – The featured receiver in the Panthers’ aerial assault last season, Mitchell hauled in 30 passes for 384 yards and a pair of touchdowns, recorded seven carries for 88 yards and a pair of touchdowns and completed 1-of-5 passes for 5 yards. He averaged 12.8 yards per reception and 12.6 yards per carry. Mitchell was a 2nd-team Associated Press Class A All-state selection at tight end.
Cade Mileger, Senior RB/LB, Pocono Mountain East – Mileger only played in eight of the Cardinal’s 10 games last season, but he had a respectable season, racking up 78 tackles (54 solo), an interception, a deflected pass, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery. He averaged 9.8 tackles per game, including a season-best 16 tackles against Stroudsburg and 11 tackles against District 2 AAA semifinalist Dallas.
Cameron Conrad, Senior RB, Pine Grove Area – The second-leading rusher in the Cardinals’ offensive scheme, Conrad racked up 762 yards and 10 touchdowns on 113 carries and caught another four passes for 97 yards, averaging 6.7 yards per carry and 24.2 yards per reception. Conrad was part of the Cardinals’ run to a 9-3 record and Eastern Conference AA football championship.
Chris Palubinsky, Junior QB, Shenandoah Valley – One of the top returning passers (yardage-wise) in District 11, Palubinsky completed 101-of-243 passes for 1,745 yards and 17 touchdowns against 14 interceptions, averaging more than 158 yards per game. He was the ringleader of a Blue Devils’ offense that averaged more than 270 yards and 18 points per game. Palubinsky also added 87 rushing yards and one touchdown on 81 keepers, and is on pace to throw for more than 5,500 yards and 54 touchdown passes in his career.
Cliff Newton, Senior RB/LB, Pottsville – The leading returning rusher from Pottsville’s Wing-T offense last season, Newton ran for 1,028 yards and nine touchdowns on 168 carries and caught another five passes for 53 yards, scoring 10 total touchdowns (9 rushing, 1 receiving). He averaged 6.1 yards per carry and 10.6 yards per reception. Newton finished five Crimson Tide games with more than 100 rushing yards, forming a key component of the Tide’s ground attack that averaged just over 252 yards per game.
Cole Weachock, Senior QB/DB, Minersville – More of a running threat for the Battling Miners, Weachock finished his junior season with 1,159 yards of offense (770 rushing, 389 passing) and had a hand in 11 total touchdowns (9 rushing, 2 passing). He averaged exactly five yards per carry on 154 rushes and completed 27-of-98 passes (27.6 percent), throwing for 100+ yards once and running for 100+ yards four times. Defensively, Weachock chipped in with 51 tackles (29 solo) and tied for the team lead in interceptions, with three.
Colin McDermott, Junior RB, Allentown Central Catholic – McDermott quietly flew under the radar and posted a very successful sophomore campaign for the Vikings. The beneficiary of playing in the same backfield as Brendan Nosovitch, McDermott tallied 233 rushes for 1,666 yards and 16 touchdowns, averaging more than 7.1 yards per carry and 100 yards per game. McDermott reached triple figure rushing yardage in eight of the Vikings’ 16 games, posting a career high 279 yards in the PIAA playoffs against Clearfield Area.
Conor Gum, Senior WR/DB, Pen Argyl – A force in the defensive backfield for the Green Knights, Gum tallied 27 tackles and five interceptions, averaging a little more than two tackles per game for the District 11 AA semifinalists. He also completed 5-of-11 passes for 70 yards, recorded eight carries for 40 yards and caught nine passes for 111 yards.
Corey Quick, Junior QB, Marian Catholic – Quick helped lead the Colts to a 3-7 overall record in 2010, completing 46-of-112 passes (41 percent) for 715 yards and seven touchdowns against six interceptions. He also caught one pass for 16 yards and scored one rushing touchdown on 28 keepers. Quick is on pace to throw for more than 2,100 yards in his career.
Dalton Miller, Junior QB, Tri-Valley – Playing in only the first seven games for the Bulldogs, Miller put up respectable numbers, completing 41-of-96 passes (42.7 percent) for 700 yards and seven touchdowns against nine interceptions. He threw for 100+ yards three times and also had three games with multiple rushing touchdowns. He also added four rushing touchdowns on 58 keepers. Defensively, Miller chipped in with 34 tackles and a deflected pass.
Daniel Harding, Senior QB, Nazareth – The field general at the reins of a Blue Eagles’ offensive attack that scored what is believed to be a school single-season record 473 points last season, Harding connected on 116-of-186 passes (62.4 percent) for 1,555 yards and 16 touchdowns. Harding helped lead Nazareth to a 9-3 record and an average of 39.4 points per game. The Blue Eagles reached the District 2/4/11 AAAA semifinals.
Dashon Russell, Sophomore RB/DB, Bangor Pius X – One of four Royal backs with at least 200 rushing yards in 2010, Russell made the most of his limited number of carries, running 25 times for 219 yards and six touchdowns, averaging 8.8 yards per carry. He also caught three passes for 18 yards, recorded 49 tackles, six deflected passes, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries on defense and returned 10 kickoffs for 177 yards (17.7 yd. avg.).
David Getz, Senior WR/DB, Northern Lehigh – One of the key players in the Northern Lehigh defensive backfield, Getz registered 49 tackles, a team-leading six interceptions and a fumble recovery. He averaged 3.8 tackles per game for a Northern Lehigh defense that held 10 of 14 opponents, with three shutouts.
Derek Knight, Senior RB/LB, Pottsville – Knight just missed reaching the 1,000-yard rushing mark for the 2010 season, meaning Pottsville narrowly missed its first 1,000-yard backfield rushing duo since 2006. Knight ran for 982 yards on 130 carries and caught five passes for 53 yards, scoring 18 rushing touchdowns. He averaged 7.5 yards per carry and 10.6 yards per reception, finishing five games with at least 100 rushing yards and seven of the Crimson Tide’s 11 games with multiple touchdowns scored. Defensively, Knight recorded 36 tackles and also returned one kickoff 21 yards.
Devon Jones, Senior RB, Bethlehem Liberty – One of four Liberty backs with at least 585 yards rushing last season, Jones ran for 588 yards on 68 rushes and caught another six passes for 110 yards, scoring 16 total touchdowns (12 rushing, 4 receiving). Jones averaged 8.6 yards per carry and 18.3 yards per reception.
Dubois Ross, Junior RB/DB, Bangor Pius X – A threat in all three phases of the game for Pius X, Ross finished his sophomore season with 1,109 all-purpose yards (582 rush, 337 receiving, 190 punt/kickoff returns) and scored 19 total touchdowns (14 rush, 4 receiving, 1 misc.). Ross averaged 6.77 yards per carry, 13.5 yards per reception, 15.5 yards per punt return and 12.8 yards per kickoff return. Defensively, Ross added 79 tackles, deflected four passes and forced a fumble and recovered a fumble. He posted a 20-tackle game against Staten Island-based St. Joseph-by-the-sea High School in Week 2.
Dustin Jones, Senior OL/DL, Schuylkill Haven – An Associated Press Class A 2nd-team All-state selection on the offensive line, Jones helped to pave the way for the District 11 Class A champion Hurricanes’ offensive unit that averaged 299 yards and 27.6 points per game in 2010. Schuylkill Haven averaged more than 235 yards per game on the ground and produced five backs with at least 220 rushing yards and an 800-yard passing quarterback.
Dylan Evans, Senior RB/DB, Pen Argyl – One of the top returning running backs in the Colonial League, Evans paced the Green Knights’ ground attack by running for 1,282 yards and 25 touchdowns on 224 carries and caught another 20 passes for 306 yards, averaging 5.7 yards per carry and 15.3 yards per catch. Evans had five games with at least 100 rushing yards and one game with at least 100 receiving yards. Defensively, Evans racked up 46 tackles (35 solo), picked off a team-leading six passes and blocked a field goal. Finally, on special teams, Evans returned a combined 27 kickoffs and punts for 479 yards, averaging 16.9 yards per punt return and 19.3 yards per kick return.
Dylan Hofmann, Senior QB, Northern Lehigh – The field general at the helm of Northern Lehigh’s ground-and-pound offense that averaged more than 365 yards and 41.1 points per game, Hofmann totaled 1,064 yards of offense (721 passing, 364 rushing) and had a hand in 14 Bulldog touchdowns (10 passing, 4 rushing). He averaged 8.1 yards per carry on 42 rushes and completed 39-of-73 passes (53.4 percent). Hofmann averaged only five passing attempts per game for NL last season thanks to the potent rushing attack spearheaded by Cody Remaley and Jake Kern. The 2010 edition of the Bulldogs claimed the school’s third District 11 AA championship since 1999. Defensively, Hofmann chipped in with 22 tackles, one sack and a fumble recovery.
Eddie Elliott, Senior RB, Bethlehem Freedom – The Patriots’ featured tailback in 2010, Elliott ran for 901 yards and 13 touchdowns on 161 carries and caught another 17 passes for 291 yards and one additional touchdown, averaging 5.6 yards per carry and 17.1 yards per reception.
Eric Whalen, Senior RB, Shenandoah Valley – The featured tailback in the Blue Devils’ offensive arsenal, Whalen ran for 1,086 yards and 10 touchdowns on 224 carries, averaging more than 4.8 yards per carry and nearly 100 yards per game. Whalen could potentially surpass the 4,000-yard rushing mark for his career. To date, he has run for 2,791 yards. Whalen also caught six passes for 101 yards and one additional touchdown, averaging 16.8 yards per reception. Defensively, he recorded 48 tackles and two interceptions.
Ethan Motsney, Junior RB, North Schuylkill – Motsney is the top returning rusher from the Spartans’ multi-faceted rushing attack that averaged more than 264 yards per game last season. He rolled up 664 yards of offense (449 rushing, 216 receiving) and scored nine total touchdowns (5 rushing, 4 receiving) on 54 total touches (39 rushing, 15 receiving). Motsney averaged 11.5 yards per carry and 14.4 yards per catch. He was the Spartans’ fourth-leading rusher and featured receiver.
Evan Fardella, Junior QB, Pocono Mountain East – A dual-threat field general for the Cardinals in their 3-7 campaign last year, Fardella rolled up 1,835 yards of total offense (1,286 passing, 549 rushing) and accounted for 20 total touchdowns (13 passing, 7 rushing). He completed 88-of-163 passes (54 percent) and averaged more than 5.2 yards per carry on 104 rushes. Fardella threw for 100+ yards six times and ran for 100+ yards two times. Defensively, Fardella contributed 22 tackles, two interceptions, four deflected passes and a forced fumble.
G.B. Harkins, Senior RB/LB, Allentown Central Catholic – Harkins is a veteran presence at linebacker for the Vikings after posting 96 tackles (71 solo), three sacks, an interception, two deflected passes and three fumble recoveries, averaging four tackles per game. He scored a defensive touchdown on a fumble return against Parkland. Offensively, Harkins saw limited action as a reserve running back, posting 22 carries for 166 yards and a touchdown, averaging 7.6 yards per carry. Harkins ran for a season high 90 yards in the PIAA playoffs against Clearfield.
Greg Tkacik, Senior OL, Bethlehem Liberty – Tkacik helped to pave the way for a Liberty flexbone attack that averaged more than 330 rushing yards and more than 26 points per game. Liberty’s flexbone attack produced four backs with at least 585 rushing yards and a 600-yard passing quarterback. The Hurricanes finished 7-5 overall, reaching the Eastern Conference AAAA championship game opposite Emmaus.
Ian Hower, Senior K, Schuylkill Haven – Hower handled the kickoff and placekicking chores for the Hurricanes last year, averaging 35.9 yards per kickoff on 62 boots, with one touchback. He also converted 43 extra points, accounting for 11.1 percent of Schuylkill Haven’s season scoring output.
Jacen Nalesnik, Junior WR/TE/DE, Lehighton – Nalesnik played in three plus games before breaking his forearm. He put up nice numbers in a limited time. He caught 14 passes for 216 yards and three scores. On defense he had 11 tackles and one sack. He punted 10 times for 392 yards and had 14 kicks for 667 yards and one touchback. He made one out of two field goals and went perfect, eight of eight on PAT.
Jake Cryst, Senior SE/DB, Blue Mountain – Cryst figures to be a catalyst in his senior season for the Eagles. When all was said and done, he had racked up 766 all-purpose yards (5 passing, 4 rushing, 383 receiving, 25 punt returns, 349 kickoff returns) and scored nine total touchdowns (1 rush, 7 receiving, 1 kickoff return). He is Blue Mountain’s top returning wide receiver, averaging 13.2 yards per catch on 29 receptions and 24.9 yards per kick return on 14 tries. He also handled the punting chores, averaging 29.7 yards per punt on 22 boots and contributed 30 tackles (17 solo), one sack and one interception on defense.
Jake Naus, Senior QB/DB, Schuylkill Haven – Primarily a threat from his position in the defensive backfield, Naus racked up 59 tackles (all solo), one sack, four interceptions, seven deflected passes, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries, averaging 4.2 tackles per game. Naus’ four interceptions were good enough for tops on the team in that category. Offensively, Naus went 0-of-2 passing, ran 28 times for 179 yards and caught a pair of passes for 73 yards and one touchdown, averaging 5.3 yards per carry and 36.5 yards per reception.
Jalen Snyder-Scipio, Senior WR/DB, Allentown Central Catholic – A two-way threat for the Vikings as a wide receiver and defensive back, Snyder-Scipio made his presence known on both sides of the ball in 2010. As a wideout in ACC’s lethally effective spread offense, he snared 23 passes for 393 yards and six touchdowns, averaging nearly 17.1 yards per reception. Defensively, Snyder-Scipio posted 18 tackles (15 solo), a team-best five interceptions and deflected six other passes.
James Coyne, Senior RB, Nativity BVM – The leading rusher in BVM’s offensive scheme, Coyne rolled up 739 yards and five touchdowns on 155 carries and caught 10 passes for 63 yards, averaging nearly 4.8 yards per carry and 6.3 yards per reception. Coyne accounted for half of Nativity’s season output of rushing touchdowns and 35.7 percent of the team’s total offensive touchdowns scored.
James McCarthy, Senior QB, Bethlehem Liberty – The field general at the controls of Liberty’s newly installed flexbone offense, McCarthy proved an apt dual-threat athlete, racking up 1,542 yards of offense (880 rushing, 662 passing) and accounting for 20 total Hurricane touchdowns (14 rushing, 6 passing). McCarthy completed 35-of-66 passes (53 percent) and averaged 6.5 yards per carry on 135 rushing attempts.
James Middleton, Senior RB, Easton Area – The top returning rusher from a Red Rovers’ offensive arsenal that averaged more than 190 rushing yards per game en route to a berth in the PIAA AAAA quarterfinals, Middleton ran for 530 yards and eight touchdowns on 114 carries and caught another 14 passes for 154 yards. He averaged 4.6 yards per carry and 11 yards per reception.
Jason Emerich, Senior OL, Blue Mountain – An Associated Press Class AAA All-state 2nd Team selection on the offensive line, Emerich helped to pave the way for a Blue Mountain offensive arsenal which averaged 360 yards (231.1 rushing, 128.9 passing) and 35.5 points per game, scoring 54 total offensive touchdowns (33 rushing, 21 passing). The Eagle offensive front helped produce four backs with between 244 to 898 rushing yards and a 1,400-yard passer. Blue Mountain finished 7-4 overall, reaching the District 11 AAA semifinals opposite Allentown Central Catholic. Emerich is a Syracuse recruit.
Joey Dalessandro, Senior WR/DB, Bangor Pius X – One of five Royal receiving targets with at least 20 receptions and 200 yards last season, Dalessandro snared 24 passes for 251 yards and a touchdown, averaging 10.5 yards per catch. He finished seven games with at least two catches, including two games with a season-high five receptions. Defensively, Dalessandro added 22 tackles (18 solo) and deflected a pair of passes.
Jonathan Green, Senior OL, North Schuylkill – Green helped to pave the way for a North Schuylkill offensive unit that averaged 325 yards and 38.3 points per game, including an impressive 264 yards per game on the ground. NS produced four backs with at least 400 rushing yards last season and three with at least 630 yards, as well as a 700-yard passer, and scored a total of 60 offensive touchdowns (47 rushing, 13 passing). He is a potential Division-1 prospect, having received interest from programs like Illinois, Penn State, Pitt, Virginia Tech and West Virginia, among others.
Jordon Ellison, Junior K, Stroudsburg – Ellison handled the bulk of the special teams chores for Stroudsburg, booting 30 punts for an average of 26.7 yards, with four punts downed inside the 20 yard line and a long of 49 yards. He also booted 42 kickoffs for an average of 51.7 yards with 10 touchbacks. Ellison also converted 21 extra points and four field goals, scoring 33 total points.
Josh Agosto, Senior QB, Lehighton – Agosto operated the reins of an Indians’ offense that averaged more than 290 yards and nearly 25 points per game last year. He completed 101-of-193 passes (52.3 percent) for 1,518 yards and 21 touchdowns against five interceptions. He averaged more than 168 passing yards per game and finished six Indian games with at least 175 passing yards and seven games with at least two touchdown passes. Agosto also accounted for 359 rushing yards and three touchdowns on 112 carries, averaging a little more than 3.2 yards per attempt.
Josh Pensyl, Junior RB/ILB, Bangor Area – A key returning force to the Slaters’ linebacking corps, Pensyl accounted for 89 tackles (64 solo), a deflected pass, three forced fumbles, a fumble recovery and a blocked field goal. He averaged 8.9 tackles per game, finishing with a season-best 17 tackles against Berwick in the Eastern Conference AAA playoffs and 14 tackles against Pen Argyl.
Josh Wing, Senior ATH, Bangor Area – A weapon in all three phases of the game for the Slaters, Wing rolled up an impressive 1,358 all-purpose yards (867 rushing, 13 receiving, 105 punt returns, 373 kickoff returns) and scored 12 rushing touchdowns. He averaged 7.6 yards per carry, 13 yards per reception, 17.5 yards per punt return and 62.2 yards per kick return. Defensively, Wing added 47 tackles (38 solo), three interceptions, four deflected passes, two fumble recoveries and a blocked field goal.
Justin Renninger, Senior K, Pine Grove Area – Renninger handled the placekicking chores for the Eastern Conference AA champion Cardinals last season, converting 37-of-40 extra points and 2-of-3 field goals. He scored 43 total points, accounting for 12.8 percent of Pine Grove’s 335 total points scored on the season.
Kane Kralik, Senior OL/DL, Palmerton – A veteran presence along the defensive trenches for the Blue Bombers, Kralik tallied 56 tackles and 4.5 sacks in nine games, averaging 6.2 tackles per game. He posted a season-best 11 tackles against Catasaqua.
Kevin Gulyas, Senior WR, Allentown Central Catholic – Gulyas had quite the successful junior season. The featured receiving target in ACC’s spread offense, Gulyas snagged 78 passes for 1,281 yards and 19 touchdowns, averaging more than 16.4 yards per reception. #4 went over the 100-yard receiving mark in a game five times and finished six games with seven or more catches. Gulyas was also a threat on special teams, averaging 24 yards per punt return and 33.8 yards per kickoff return, scoring a touchdown on a kickoff return against Abington Heights.
Kirk Bender, Senior ILB, Northern Lehigh – One of the key returning cogs to the Bulldogs’ defense from their District 11 AA championship team, Bender rattled off 139 tackles (all solo), two sacks and a safety, avergaing 9.9 tackles per game. Bender finished nine of Northern Lehigh’s 14 games with 10+ tackles, including a pair of 15-tackle games against Bangor Area and Jim Thorpe. Offensively, Bender ran for 36 yards and one touchdown on eight carries, averaging 4.5 yards per carry.
Kyle Greenawald, Senior OL/DL, Northern Lehigh – One of the key players in the trenches for the Bulldogs’ defensive unit last season, Greenawald rang up 65 tackles (all solo), six sacks and a blocked punt, averaging five tackles per game. He finished with a season high 12 tackles against Pen Argyl and two sacks against Wilson Area.
Kyle Kokawski, Sophomore OL, Bangor Pius X – A returning starter on the offensive line for the high-flying Royals, Kokawski helped to pave the way for a Pius X unit which averaged 397.5 yards (237.7 pass, 159.8 rush) and 41 points per game, producing four backs with season rushing totals between 215 to 585 yards and a 2,850-yard passer. The Royals, who reached the District 11 Class A championship game, scored 65 total offensive touchdowns (37 rushing, 28 passing).
Kyle Muller, Senior WR/DB, Pen Argyl – A key returner to the Pen Argyl defensive backfield, Muller recorded 24 tackles (14 solo) and intercepted four passes, averaging a little more than two tackles per game and finishing third on the team in interceptions, returning one of the picks for a touchdown against Catasaqua. In limited action at wide receiver, Muller caught five passes for 79 yards and one touchdown, averaging 15.8 yards per catch.
Kyle Schomp, Senior OL/DL, Northern Lehigh – A force along the Northern Lehigh defensive line, Schomp rolled up 92 tackles (all solo), a team-best seven sacks, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery. He averaged 6.6 tackles per game, finishing three games with 10+ tackles and two games with multiple sacks. Schomp was part of a Northern Lehigh defense that held 10 of 14 opponents to 20 points or less, with three shutouts.
Larry Zimmerman, Senior WR/DB, Pine Grove Area – One of the top returning wide receiver/defensive back combinations in all of District 11, Zimmerman was a 1st-team Associated Press All-state selection on the AA team at defensive back, where he picked off a team-best six passes. Zimmerman was part of a Cardinal defense that held nine of 12 opponents to 17 points or less, with one shutout. Offensively, Zimmerman was the only Pine Grove receiver with double-digit catches, snagging 42 passes for 897 yards and 11 touchdowns, averaging an impressive 21.3 yards per catch.
Logan Fetterhoff, Senior RB, Williams Valley – One of the key players in the Vikings’ offensive scheme last season, Fetterhoff amassed 881 total yards of offense (612 rushing, 269 receiving) and scored 13 total touchdowns (10 rushing, 3 receiving), averaging 5.4 yards per carry on 113 rushes and 24.4 yards per reception on 11 catches.
Marquis Harp, Senior ATH, East Stroudsburg South – Primarily a defensive weapon for the Cavaliers, Harp recorded 59 tackles (47 solo) and a pair of interceptions, returning one for a touchdown, and averaging 4.5 tackles per game. The interception return for a touchdown went for 34 yards and came against rival East Stroudsburg North. Offensively, Harp ran for 125 yards and a touchdown on 15 carries and caught another three passes for 32 yards, averaging 8.3 yards per carry and 10.7 yards per reception.
Mason Shomper, Senior QB, Williams Valley – Shomper helped lead the Vikings to a 9-2 record in 2010 and a berth in the District 11 Class A playoffs. The WV field general completed 60-of-98 passes (61.2 percent) for 1,144 yards and 15 touchdowns against six interceptions. He averaged 104 passing yards per game. Shomper also scored seven rushing touchdowns on 66 keepers.
Matt Camiletti, Senior WR, Bangor Pius X – The featured target in Pius X’ aerial assault, Camiletti is the top returning receiver to the Royals’ 2011 team. Camiletti caught 53 passes for 932 yards and 10 touchdowns – all three categories led the team. He averaged 17.59 yards per reception, finishing three games with 100+ receiving yards, four games with multiple receiving touchdowns and seven games with five or more receptions. Camiletti also booted 29 extra points and scored three two-point conversions, meaning he accounted for 95 total points last season.
Matt Gist, Senior OL, Bangor Pius X – A returning starter on the offensive line for the high-flying Royals, Gist helped to pave the way for a Pius X unit which averaged 397.5 yards (237.7 pass, 159.8 rush) and 41 points per game, producing four backs with season rushing totals between 215 to 585 yards and a 2,850-yard passer. The Royals, who reached the District 11 Class A championship game, scored 65 total offensive touchdowns (37 rushing, 28 passing).
Michael Harris, Senior RB, Bethlehem Liberty – Harris was a key rusher and receiver in the Hurricanes’ flexbone offensive attack, running for 680 yards on 67 carries and adding another nine catches for 292 yards, scoring 10 total touchdowns (8 rushing, 2 receiving). He averaged 10.1 yards per carry and 32.4 yards per reception.
Michael Pheasant, Senior QB, East Stroudsburg South – Pheasant started the final four games of the Cavaliers’ season, including a pair of District 2/4/11 AAAA playoff games, and finished by completing 31-of-52 passes (59.6 percent) for 593 yards and four touchdowns against two interceptions. He threw for 100+ yards in all four starts, posting a 2-2 record. Pheasant also added one rushing touchdown on 22 keepers.
Mike Donovan, Junior RB/DB, Blue Mountain – A two-way threat for the Eagles, Donovan made impacts from his positions as a running back and defensive back, tallying 29 tackles (16 solo) and a trio of interceptions defensively and accumulating 334 total yards of offense (244 rushing, 90 receiving) and scored three total touchdowns (2 rush, 1 rec.). He averaged 7.6 yards per carry and 12.9 yards per reception. Donovan also returned four kickoffs for an average of 28 yards per return.
Mike Gaval, Senior QB, Mahanoy Area – One of the biggest weapons in the Golden Bears’ run to an 8-4 record and Eastern Conference Class A championship, Gaval rolled up 1,581 yards of total offense (1,300 rushing, 281 passing) and accounted for 14 total touchdowns (10 rushing, 4 passing). Gaval averaged just under 7.3 yards per carry and completed 17-of-55 passes (30.9 percent). Between rushing and passing yards combined, Gaval averaged 131.8 yards of offense per game for Mahanoy Area.
Mike Shinkus, Senior LB, North Schuylkill – Shinkus was one of the anchors of a North Schuylkill defense that allowed a total of 70 points in 12 games (one game was a forfeit victory over Freedom Village, N.Y.). The Spartans allowed an average of 5.8 points per game, with seven shutouts. Shinkus was a 2nd-team Associated Press AA All-state selection at linebacker.
Mitchell Moyer, Senior RB/LB, Lehighton – Moyer played in nine games last season for the Indians, racking up 79 tackles (44 solo), 1.5 sacks, two interceptions, three forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries, averaging 8.8 tackles per game. He posted a season-best 16 tackles against Stroudsburg and a pair of 14-tackle games against Tamaqua and Pocono Mountain East. He scored his lone touchdown of the season on a 67-yard fumble return against Stroudsburg.
Nick DeRea, Senior RB/DB, Bangor Pius X – DeRea finished the season as the second-leading rusher on the Pius X team in 2010. When the dust settled on the season, DeRea had accumulated 673 all-purpose yards (534 rushing, 87 receiving, 52 kickoff returns) and scored 11 total touchdowns (9 rushing, 2 receiving). He averaged 6.28 yards per carry and 10.88 yards per reception, rushing for a season-best 111 yards against Lourdes Regional. Defensively, DeRea added 23 tackles (16 solo), one forced fumble and a fumble recovery.
Nick Merva, Junior WR/DB, Shenandoah Valley – One of the featured targets in the Blue Devil aerial assault that averaged more than 158 yards per game, Merva hauled in 27 passes for 382 yards and three touchdowns, averaging 14.1 yards per catch. Defensively, Merva added 43 tackles, an interception and a fumble recovery.
Nick Todero, Senior QB, Pine Grove Area – The field general of Pine Grove’s Eastern Conference AA championship team last season, Todero completed 68-of-115 passes (43.8 percent) for 1,210 yards and 13 touchdowns against 18 interceptions. He also scored one rushing touchdown on 44 keepers. Todero helped lead the Cardinals to a 9-3 record. The Cardinals averaged more than 300 yards of offense and 27.9 points per game.
Nico Goffredo, Senior OL/LB, Bangor Pius X – A key returning presence at linebacker for the Royals, Goffredo chalked up 71 tackles, one sack, two deflected passes and two forced fumbles. He averaged 6.5 tackles per game, finishing four of the Royals’ 12 games with 10+ tackles.
Noah Robb, Senior WR/DB, Allentown Central Catholic – A two-way threat for the Vikings, Robb made the majority of his contributions on the defensive side of the ball, where he registered 41 tackles, two sacks, an interception and 10 deflected passes.He finished five games with five or more tackles. Offensively, Robb hauled in 14 passes for 241 yards and three touchdowns, averaging more than 17.2 yards per catch. Robb scored two of his three receiving touchdowns in the playoffs.
Okezie Alozie, Senior DB, Bethlehem Freedom – A potential Division-1 prospect at defensive back in the 2012 recruiting class, Alozie has received interest from more than a dozen Division-1 programs. He was part of a Patriots’ defensive unit that held three of 10 opponents to 18 points or less, with one shutout. Offensively, Alozie ran for 153 yards and four touchdowns on 27 carries and caught another two passes for 27 yards, averaging 5.7 yards per carry and 13.5 yards per reception.
Owen Daniel, Junior RB/WR, Williams Valley – Daniel had quite the solid sophomore season for the 9-2 Vikings, racking up 1,318 yards of offense (887 rushing, 431 receiving) and scoring 12 total touchdowns (7 receiving, 5 rushing). Daniel averaged just under 9.1 yards per carry on 98 rushes, finishing as the second-leading rusher for WV, and averaging 22.6 yards per catch on 19 receptions. Daniel was the leading receiver in the Vikings’ aerial assault that averaged 104 yards per game.
Pat Douglas, Senior RB/LB, Bangor Pius X – A 210-pound wrecking ball at linebacker for Pius X, Douglas finished his junior season by racking up 67 tackles (54 solo), a sack, three deflected passes, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries. He averaged 6.1 tackles per game, finishing three games with 10+ tackles. Douglas was part of a Royal defensive unit that held three of 12 opponents to 14 points or less, with one shutout.
Patrick Cook, Senior QB, Northampton – Cook helped lead the Konkrete Kids to a 5-6 overall record by connecting on 67-of-146 passes (45.9 percent) for 882 yards and five touchdowns. He also added three rushing touchdowns on 59 keepers. He averaged more than 80 passing yards per game.
Paul Martin, Senior RB, Marian Catholic – The leading rusher in the Colts’ offensive arsenal last season, Martin rang up 656 yards and six touchdowns on 108 carries and caught another seven passes for 114 yards and one additional touchdown, averaging just under 6.1 yards per carry and 16.3 yards per catch. Martin also completed 1-of-2 passes for 20 yards and a touchdown, converted 8-of-10 extra points and 1 field goal. He scored 53 of Marian Catholic’s 207 total points last season, or 25.6 percent of the Colts’ season scoring output.
R.J. Taylor, Senior RB/CB, Allentown Central Catholic – A potential Division-1 prospect in the 2012 recruiting class at defensive back, Taylor has received interest from a mixed amount of FBS and FCS programs like Delaware, Georgetown, Penn State, Rutgers and West Virginia. Through the Vikings’ first 10 games, Taylor racked up 37 tackles (31 solo) and an interception, averaging 3.7 tackles per game.
Rob Dvoracek, Senior FB, Parkland – One of the key returning pieces for the Trojans, Dvoracek is a Temple recruit and received interest/offers from programs including Buffalo, Temple, VMI, Maryland, Michigan, Penn State, Pitt and West Virginia, among others, before choosing the Owls.
Rob Getz, Senior RB/CB, Pleasant Valley – One of the top statistical all-around athletes returning in the Mountain Valley Conference in 2011, Getz had quite the solid junior season, amassing 1,605 all-purpose yards (681 rushing, 518 receiving, 406 kickoff/punt returns) and scored 16 total touchdowns (7 rushing, 7 receiving, 2 misc.). He averaged nearly 6.2 yards per carry, 13.3 yards per reception, 33.6 yards per punt return and 19.8 yards per kickoff return. He had two 100-yard rushing performances and one game with 100+ receiving yards. Defensively, Getz chipped in with 20 tackles, two interceptions and two deflected passes. Getz was one of the keys to a Bears’ attack that finished 8-3 overall and averaged more than 32 points per game.
Robert Bennie, Senior QB/LB, Stroudsburg – It is difficult to sum up all that Bennie did for the Mountaineers in 2010 in just a paragraph. Offensively, Bennie amassed 1,954 yards of offense (1,184 rush, 770 pass) and had a hand in 16 Stroudsburg touchdowns (11 rushing, 5 passing). He connected on 68-of-137 passes (49.6 percent) and averaged 5.3 yards per carry on 224 rushes, throwing for 100+ yards twice and running for 100+ yards six times. Defensively, Bennie was Stroudsburg’s leading tackler, accumulating 116 tackles (83 solo), six interceptions, five deflected passes and a fumble recovery. He averaged 9.7 tackles per game, finishing five games with 10+ tackles, including a season-high 16 stops against Wilkes Barre-Coughlin.
Robert Naylor, Senior OL/DL, Bangor Area – A key returner along the Bangor defensive line, Naylor accumulated 79 tackles (55 solo), deflected a pass, forced a fumble and had two fumble recoveries. Naylor averaged 7.2 tackles per game, finishing with a season-high 12 tackles against Pen Argyl.
Ryan Henning, Senior QB, North Schuylkill – Henning had a solid junior season for North Schuylkill, leading the Spartans to an 11-win season and berth in the District 11 AA championship game. Henning completed 41-of-108 passes (37.9 percent) for 735 yards and 12 touchdowns against six interceptions. He also added 57 rushing yards and one touchdown on 33 keepers. He directed a North Schuylkill offense that averaged 325 yards and 38.3 points per game.
Ryan Pysher, Senior OL/DL, Bangor Area – One of the Slaters’ athletes lining up in the defensive trenches last season, Pysher rolled up 96 tackles (65 solo), one sack, one interception, two deflected passes, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery. He averaged 8.7 tackles per game, finishing five of the Slaters’ 11 games with 10+ tackles, including a 14-tackle game against Saucon Valley and a pair of 12-tackle games against Catasaqua and Berwick.
Sam Bacon, Senior RB/DB, Bangor Pius X – A veteran presence returning to the Royals’ defensive backfield, Bacon tallied 58 tackles (32 solo), a sack, an interception, a deflected pass, one forced fumble and two fumble recoveries. He averaged 4.8 tackles per game, finishing with a season-best 13 tackles against Marian Catholic. Bacon also returned his interception 58 yards for a touchdown, which also occurred in the Marian game.
Scott Beltz, Junior WR/DE, Pen Argyl – A key player in the trenches for the Green Knights, Beltz had quite an impressive sophomore season, amassing 43 tackles, a team-best 14 sacks, two deflected passes, four forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries and a blocked punt. Beltz finished four Pen Argyl games with multiple sacks, one game with multiple forced fumbles and averaged a little more than three tackles per game.
Scott Sherman, Senior FB, Williams Valley – Sherman had a solid junior season for Williams Valley, running for 1,119 yards and 15 touchdowns on 175 carries and catching four passes for 18 yards and one additional touchdown. He averaged just under 6.4 yards per carry and 4.5 yards per reception. In his career for the Vikings, Sherman has run for 2,388 yards and 32 touchdowns.
Sekou Jones, Junior WR/OLB, Pleasant Valley – The top returning tackler to the Bears’ defensive unit, Jones racked up 60 tackles, a half a sack and a forced fumble in his sophomore season. Jones averaged six tackles per game and finished with a season-best 12 stops in a game against East Stroudsburg South.
Shaquille Cousins, Senior FB/DL, Wilson Area – A key returning presence in the defensive trenches for the Warriors, Cousins tallied 58 tackles and three sacks, averaging 6.4 tackles per contest for the blue and gold. Cousins finished with a season-high 10 tackles against Saucon Valley, his only double-digit tackle performance of the season.
Stephon Font-Toomer, Senior FB/LB, Bethlehem Liberty – A potential Division-1 prospect at linebacker for the Hurricanes, Toomer was part of a Liberty defensive unit that held seven of 12 opponents to 16 points or less, with one shutout. He averaged close to eight tackles per game through Liberty’s first nine games of the season, and has received interest from numerous D-1 programs. Offensively, Toomer was the ‘Canes’ battering ram of a fullback, running for 645 yards and a trio of touchdowns on 121 carries, averaging 5.3 yards per rush.
Steve Juarbe, Junior OL, Bangor Pius X – A returning starter on the offensive line for the high-flying Royals, Juarbe helped to pave the way for a Pius X unit which averaged 397.5 yards (237.7 pass, 159.8 rush) and 41 points per game, producing four backs with season rushing totals between 215 to 585 yards and a 2,850-yard passer. The Royals, who reached the District 11 Class A championship game, scored 65 total offensive touchdowns (37 rushing, 28 passing).
Tad McNeely, Senior OL/DL, Allentown Central Catholic – A two-way lineman for the Vikings, McNeely was part of an ACC offensive unit that averaged more than 425 yards and 41 points per game. McNeely helped pave the way for a pair of 1,600-yard rushers and a 3,000-yard passer. Defensively, McNeely chipped in with 27 tackles (19 solo), two sacks and a fumble recovery. He was an Associated Press All-state selection.
Tajmire Flood, Senior QB, Allentown Allen – Flood was one of Allen’s key statistical leaders in 2010, amassing 1,129 yards of total offense (724 passing, 405 rushing) and accounting for 10 total Canary touchdowns (7 passing, 3 rushing). Flood connected on 47-of-143 passes (32.9 percent) and averaged 3.6 yards per carry on 114 rushes. He threw for 100+ yards three times and ran for 100+ yards once.
Teddy Airoldi, Senior LB, Allentown Central Catholic – A defensive force for Allentown Central Catholic, Airoldi posted 57 tackles and four sacks through the Vikings’ first 10 games of the 2010 season. He made a very critical defensive play in the PIAA AAA championship game, laying the hit on Bishop McDevitt quarterback Matt Johnson on fourth down as he passed the ball to help ACC claim its first PIAA football championship since 1998.
Tim DiGiacomo, Senior K, Allentown Central Catholic – DiGiacomo emerged as the Vikings’ placekicker towards the end of October, and he responded, converting 47 extra points and a pair of field goals, scoring 53 of ACC’s school record 663 points scored in 2010. In the PIAA semifinals and PIAA AAA state title game, DiGiacomo was a perfect 11-of-11 on extra point attempts. He was also a perfect 5-of-5 on extra points in ACC’s victory over Emmaus.
Tito Rodriguez, Senior WR/DB, East Stroudsburg South – A veteran presence returning to the ESS defensive backfield, Rodriguez totaled 77 tackles (62 solo), averaging 5.9 tackles per game and posting a season-best 10 tackles against Pocono Mountain East.
Travis Moyer, Junior RB/DEF, Blue Mountain – The leading tackler from the Eagles’ 2010 defensive unit, Moyer amassed an impressive 98 tackles (66 solo), three sacks and an interception, averaging 8.9 tackles per game. He finished four games with 10+ tackles, including a season-best 14 stops against Pottsville, and had one game with two or more sacks. Moyer was part of a BM defense which held seven of 11 opponents to 20 points or less. Offensively, Moyer was the #3 rusher in the Eagles’ offensive arsenal, running for 307 yards and two touchdowns on 47 carries, averaging 6.5 yards per rush.
Trey Robinson, Junior RB/DB, Wilson Area – Robinson did a little bit of everything for the Warriors last season, amassing 922 all-purpose yards (471 rushing, 79 receiving, 372 kickoff returns) and scored 12 total touchdowns (10 rushing, 2 receiving). He averaged 8.1 yards per carry, 9.9 yards per reception and 20.7 yards per kickoff return. He ran for a season-best 197 yards against Notre Dame-Green Pond. Defensively, Robinson added 66 tackles (35 solo), five sacks and an interception, averaging 6.6 tackles per game. He posted one game of 10+ tackles and two games with multiple sacks.
Tyler Edmond, Senior QB, Southern Lehigh – One of the keys to the Spartans’ 9-3 record and berth in the District 11 AAA championship game last season, Edmond completed 93-of-172 passes for 1,474 yards and 15 touchdowns against nine interceptions. The SL field general connected on 54.1 percent of his passes, throwing for 100+ yards in six of 12 games and finishing four games with at least two touchdown passes. Edmond also scored three rushing touchdowns on 53 keepers.
Tyler Heffner, Senior QB, Pottsville – One-half of a two-quarterback platoon utilized by Pottsville last season, Heffner put up respectable numbers, completing 50-of-90 passes for 707 yards and 10 touchdowns against three interceptions. He connected on 55.6 percent of his passes and averaged more than 67 passing yards per game for the Crimson Tide. Heffner posted two games with three touchdown passes and had a season-high 235 yards against Governor Mifflin. Heffner also scored five rushing touchdowns on 42 quarterback keepers.
William Moyer, Senior WR/LB, Shenandoah Valley – The leading receiver in the Blue Devils’ aerial assault that averaged more than 158 yards per game in 2010, Moyer hauled in 27 passes for 676 yards and nine touchdowns, averaging more than 25 yards per reception. He accounted for 38.7 percent of Shenandoah Valley’s receiving yards last season.
Zach Miller, Senior DE, Pen Argyl – The top returning tackler to the Pen Argyl defense, Miller recorded 69 tackles (36 solo), one sack, three interceptions and deflected a pass. He averaged 6.3 tackles per game for a Green Knight defense that held eight of 11 opponents to 14 points or less.
Zeke Cinelli, Senior OL, Bangor Pius X – A returning starter on the offensive line for the high-flying Royals, Cinelli helped to pave the way for a Pius X unit which averaged 397.5 yards (237.7 pass, 159.8 rush) and 41 points per game, producing four backs with season rushing totals between 215 to 585 yards and a 2,850-yard passer. The Royals, who reached the District 11 Class A championship game, scored 65 total offensive touchdowns (37 rushing, 28 passing).
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August 23rd, 2011 at 10:24 am
I’m surprised theres none of Mahanoy Area’s OL on here, a team that racked up 3,000 yards on the ground last year. I’d watch out for Gage Cara, Aaron Broomell, and Robert Van Horn, all returning starters from last year.
August 17th, 2011 at 2:14 pm
Ants,
My comment about Pius being the best team in D11 was obviously sarcastic. They might go .500 in the Colonial League and not win a game in the LVC (maybe be competitive with Allen and Dieruff). They would be “mercy ruled” just about every week in the LVC. The list is obviously bogus and assembled by what was provided by the schools. The fact that Pius has more talent listed than Parkland, Whitehall and the defending AAA state champion that returns many, combined, tells you all you need to know about the list.
August 17th, 2011 at 12:12 pm
Hey Joe
You hit the nail on the head with Pius….the team was assembled….Boisy Ross and AJ Long are from Bethlehem….if they want to go to catholic school they each have three catholic high schools closer than Pius….and those are the two kids that I know about…so far…schools like Pius….and their coaches and administrators….are what give a bad name to the rest of the catholic schools that do it properly…
and by the way….regarding your comment about Pius being the best team in district 11?….if Pius played any mid level district 11 team from any higher classification…AA…AAA…AAAA…they would get whipped….their O-line is beyond small….
August 17th, 2011 at 6:57 am
r lauer,
unless you’re a wilson student or fan, no one cares what wilson’s colors are.
why do you even mention this?
acc’s are green and gold and are AAA state champs.
August 15th, 2011 at 8:18 pm
Watch for Kirby Mutton- Sr. Pen Argyl 2 way linemen.
Very agile for his size
August 15th, 2011 at 7:51 pm
Wilson Area colors are Blue & Gold
August 15th, 2011 at 3:31 pm
@ Jiimy
Have to agree. No Andrew Harris from Whitehall? He was named to the Big “33” Hot 100 and the PSFCA Players to watch. Also had 65 tackles despite missing almost 4 full games. No Jake Wygant? 2 way starter last year as a sophomore who totaled 40 tackles, 5 sacks, and 9 TFLs in 8 starts at NG. No Aaron Genevese a 6’3″ 275 tackle who also started as a sophomore. No Malcolm Guya? As you can tell, I’m a Whitehall fan. I guess they don’t need preseason hype, though. They can show it on the field. Again.
August 15th, 2011 at 1:43 pm
Interesting list. Tiny “A” school Pius X of Bangor has 13 players on the list (more than any other school) including quality programs like Parkland, Whitehall, Nazareth and defending state champion Allentown Central Catholic. Either this will be the greatest team ever assembled or the school has a great marketing department or a coach that knows how to play the media. With this group of stars this team will without a doubt be the top team in D11 and a certain state champion. Look out Clairton!
August 15th, 2011 at 11:18 am
Great listing for the most part. Kind of surprised that there is not one entry for Whitehall Zephyrs who should be tough this year and only one entry for Parkland who should also make some noise in the LVC. Also, from most reports that I’ve heard Tajmire Flood may be at Freedom High this year (word on the street).