2017 PIAA Class 1A Title Game Preview: Homer-Center (6) 13-1

Written by: David Mika on Wednesday, December 6th, 2017. Follow David Mika on Twitter.

Class 1A State Championship: Thursday, Dec 7, 1 pm at Hershey Park Stadium

Head Coach: Greg Page

How they got here:

2017 Schedule

Homer-Center opened the year ranked #5 in the WesternPAFootball.net rankings. The Widcats weren’t tested until their fourth game of the year, a 28-26 win over Northern Cambria. Then in week 6 they face traditional power Ligonier Valley and were handed their first loss. The 35-6 score wasn’t indicative of the play during the game as the Wildcats gave the ball up several times resulting in short fields for the Rams.

Portage gave them a fight a few weeks later, but once they entered the playoffs the Wildcats offensive line was hitting on all cylinders. Getting by Purchase Line and Ferndale easily, the Wildcats faced their toughest test, and were decided underdogs, against 3 time defending champs and owners of a 59 game winning streak, Bishop Guilfoyle. That day Greg Page saw how important his line was and just how good his team was, coming away with the win. Last week their win of Steelton-Highspire didn’t look as dominating as the 20-14 score, but that Wildcat offense line was showing it had state championship talent.

Coaches comments:

What would it mean for Homer-Center to win the game:

To win this game would be truly historic for our town and Indiana county. We are already the first team from the country to be in this game.

What was your teams defining moment this year:

I am sure most people would say our defining moment would be defeating Bishop Guilfoyle.

Keys to winning the game on offense:

Keys on offense are to control the ball and finish drives

Keys to winning the game on defense:

Keys on defense would be to limit big plays from Jeannette…make them earn it.

Here’s a breakdown of Homer Center’s projected starters in the Class 1A PIAA State Championship game with coaches quotes:

Offense Starters

QB—Ben Schmidt

Our QB is a freshman who has matured as the year has gone on. He has alot of ability for a 9th grader.

SE-Tim Alcon

TE-Logan Hill

Our receivers are not highly acclaimed but they run good routes and catch well.

FB-Jesse Lee

TB-Mike “Bassa” McCracken

SB (swingback)-Matt Miles

Our RB’s can be the key if they continue to get moving down hill.

RT-Eric Shirley

RG-Austin Perry

C-Tyler Dunn

LG-TJ Tagliati

LT-Dom Edwards or Jason Monko

Our line adapts well to many fronts and can be physical.

Defense

Our defense has done what they need to do. They have gotten more cohesive as we have moved on, against very good offenses. We need a consistent effort from all three defensive areas.

DE-Logan Hill

DT-Eric Shirley

DT-TJ Tagliati

DE-Bassa McCracken

ILB-Garrison Kanouff

ILB-Trevor Mlakar (pronounced Mah-LA-kar)

OLB-Jesse Lee

CB-Nick Schmidt

CB-Tim Alcon

FS-Dakota Sunday

SS-Matt Miles

Punter: Hill