PIAA “AAA” State Championship – Selinsgrove Preview
Written by: Josh Funk on Thursday, December 17th, 2009. Follow Josh Funk on Twitter.
Picture someone standing outside a locked door, knocking, knocking, and knocking some more, waiting for the opportunity to get a chance to get inside. That person knocking on the doorstep used to be the Selinsgrove Seals’ football program. Prior to last season, the Seals had been on the doorstep of the “AAA” semi-finals only to fall short and watch good season after good season come to an end.
So, last year, Selinsgrove took matters into its own hands and kicked the quarterfinals door in. Now, in a matter of days, Selinsgrove has arrived on the state championship stage, bringing with it one of the most explosive teams District 4, and the state, really, has ever seen.
Selinsgrove (15-0) will meet Manheim Central (15-0) for the “AAA” state championship Friday night at Hersheypark Stadium. Kickoff of this very highly anticipated state title game is slated for 7 p.m.
The past two years, under head coach Dave Hess, who replaced 300-game winner Bill Scott between the 2007 and 2008 seasons, Selinsgrove has gone 28-2. Since 2000, the Seals have posted an impressive overall record of 113-21 (.843). Since the turn of the decade, the Seals have only failed to win 10 or more games in a season once – 2002 – when the red and blue finished 8-4, losing the Eastern Conference “AAA” final to Wyoming Area, 27-24.
Selinsgrove has appeared in the “AAA” quarterfinals, be it eastern or western, in 2000, 2001, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, and 2009. Two quarterfinal losses came at the hands of Friday’s opponent, Manheim Central, as the Seals were gaining their PIAA playoff legs. Three losses came to Thomas Jefferson, including a 20-14 heartbreaker in 2004. The other loss came to Franklin Regional in 2005. Selinsgrove managed to keep things close with the WPIAL, but couldn’t quite crack the win column.
Now, in consecutive quarterfinals, the Seals have knocked off Berwick and Allentown Central Catholic. With its 28-0 victory over Archbishop Wood, Selinsgrove won District 4’s first-ever “AAA” Eastern Final. Prior to 2008, only Shamokin Area had represented D4 in a “AAA” Eastern Final, and the Indians lost to Conestoga Valley, 28-20. That was 1991.
Selinsgrove is looking to bring District 4 its 11th PIAA title. But a win for Selinsgrove is far from a guarantee. Only Southern Columbia and Mount Carmel have won PIAA titles for the district, which total 10 in all. District 4’s other state title game reps besides MCA or SCA (Montoursville, 1989; South Williamsport, 1993 & 1997) are winless, going 0-3.
Selinsgrove can reverse that Friday night, and certainly has the team to do it. This edition of the Seals is a scoring machine – 670 points in 15 games, to be exact – which is 2nd in District 4 and a tie for 7th all-time in state history with the 2008 Schuylkill Haven Hurricanes.
The Seals are highlighted by a talented senior pass-and-catch duo. Cory Briggs, who will attend Harvard, is the passer, and has thrown for 2,081 yards and 30 touchdowns against 8 interceptions. The receiver, Ryan Keiser, who will walk on at Penn State, had snagged 57 passes for 1,057 yards and 16 touchdowns, surely All-state caliber numbers when all is said and done.
In his career, Briggs has thrown for 4,329 yards and 60 touchdowns in just two years’ time. Manheim Central faced a quarterback earlier in the playoffs – John Montiero from Daniel Boone – who finished his two-year varsity career with 5,054 yards and 62 touchdowns. (As an aside, Briggs and Montiero are two of the 24 quarterbacks in state history that have thrown for 4,000+ yards starting only for two varsity seasons – two of the 24 have thrown for more than 5,000 yards.)
Selinsgrove’s ground game features many different faces and players. All told, 14 different Seals have registered a carry this year, led by junior Kyle Reinard’s 1,199 yards and 14 scores. In the last two years, Reinard has tallied 2,329 rushing yards and 20 touchdowns. The Seals also get contributions on the ground from Grant Fleetwood (519, 5), Matt Wenrich (427, 7), Cameron Benner (389, 6), and Seth Lauver (253, 5). The red and blue’s ground game chalks up an average of 215 yards per game.
Defensively, Selinsgrove boasts a number of playmakers. Ryan Keiser, Bryant Troutman, Dylan Elliot, Dakota Wolf, Matt Wenrich, Seth Lauver, and Spencer Myers all have season tackle totals ranging between 51 and 70. Myers adds 7 sacks, and Cameron Benner has picked off a team-best 3 passes.
Selinsgrove’s first string defense and reserves have combined to only allow 89 points on the season. Only Southern Columbia has scored more than 20 points against the Seals. The Tigers’ comeback bid in a Week 7 meeting ended just short, 35-28. The only other team to score double-digits on Selinsgrove’s first string unit was Allentown Central Catholic. The Vikings scored a whopping 10 points, all in the first half.
The Seals’ defense, which has produced 30 sacks, 34 turnovers and blocked 5 punts, is on a six-quarter scoreless streak. Selinsgrove has held 13 opponents to seven points or less and tossed six shutouts.
So, will Selinsgrove become the first District 4 team not named Southern or Mount Carmel to win a PIAA title? Can the Seals’ offense hit the 700-point mark – something only four other teams in state history have ever done?
Find out Friday night.
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December 20th, 2009 at 2:39 pm
Manheim has been around a long time and has played some great teams, but the Seals were greater this time. Congratulations and savor this victory, you earned it.
December 19th, 2009 at 9:34 am
NO DOUBT HAS BEEN LEFT! 2009 CHAMPS! WE ARE THE SELINSGROVE SEALS! It was a close game but we did it! Congratulations to the players and coaches. You played well and brought home the title. We couldn’t be more proud of you! GO SEALS!!!
December 18th, 2009 at 11:53 pm
Weak schedule, no real competition, weak schedule, blah, blah, blah! SEALS WON!With a banged-up D…& O… Respect! Give a little, get a little. Now you know who the real winners are.They Left NO DOUBT. Now…do you respect them a little bit? Just a little ? Will we hear the same next year… yeah, I think we will. And that’s O.K. 2009 SEALS are STATE CHAMPS !!!
December 18th, 2009 at 1:14 pm
There is a lot of pride being defended on here. We all need to remember this game is about the kids and the time they put in to get here. What a Great experience for both teams. Lets all just pray that everyone stays healthy and injury free in this game. Win or lose this experience is going to benefit these kids throughout their lives. Im a born Seal lived in the area my whole life. I have NO DOUBT this Selinsgrove team is for real. All we can do is sit back and let the players show up and LEAVE NO DOUBT!
December 18th, 2009 at 1:27 am
Girls Girls Settle down!! The real and only match up counts tomorrow night!! Both teams look very impressive and of course Richard Reich comment is the most true of any and all fooseball games. I am hoping the seals go out and play a good clean game and they will be the Champions!! If manhiem does a better job they will win?? period. I am a seals fan but GIRLS settle down and let the teams play tomorrow night for the championship and the better team will be crowned the 2009 AAA state Championship!! LEAVE NO DOUBT — GO SEALS!!
December 17th, 2009 at 6:52 pm
I’d like to point out to Mr. District 4 that Selinsgrove is going to remedy their quote, “powder puff schedule. They are putting Manheim Central on their schedule and Berwick is already there. I suppose is Mr. District 4’s opinion Selinsgrove shouldn’t have made it this far at all. Well I think that already the Seals have proven him wrong. Two wins over some pretty good opponants and they’ve made the STATE CHAMPIONSHIP GAME. What else can they prove? Yes, I know what they can prove, but in my opinion you play the season and playoffs to GET to the championship game, and when you do get there THEN you worry about that game. If the Seals win this game I would like Mr. District 4 to apologize to all the Seals players and fans. And then go to all the opponants of Selinsgrove and bow before them and apologize for calling them, “powder puffs.” GO SEALS.
December 17th, 2009 at 2:56 pm
anyone who thinks class size on a schedule doesnt matter is mistaken. i understand these schools can only play the teams on their schedules, however my point is if you continuosly play good AAA and good or great AAAA schools, it will wear on your depth and skill players week in and week out, therefore when the playoff come, to stay injuty free is very difficult. thats the difference it makes. you could have a great team and play a powder puff schedule an have a better edge in the playoffs!
December 16th, 2009 at 9:35 pm
Both teams have a good kicking game. Cold very well come down to a field goal. Selinsgrove kicker is something like 76-80 on PAT’s and 2-3 on Field Goals. Can’t wait for this game. The attendance is gonna be huge for this game.
December 16th, 2009 at 9:35 pm
Let me clarify something please.
Whichever team plays a full 4 quarters, makes the least mistakes and wants it the most will win!
Hope to see both teams have a real crowd of fans, I was disappointed that at some playoff games that Seals opponents had very few fans make the trip. ALL of these young men deserve home town and school support!
See ya all there!
December 16th, 2009 at 7:09 pm
Thanks Matt. I think the Barons conditioning will surprise the Seals. We have a big line and these guys condition all year round for just his type of game. I don’t know about the Seals kicking game but the Barons kicking game is outstanding. It could come down to a field goal and I would feel good about our chances to make it from 45 yards.
Good luck to both teams.
December 16th, 2009 at 6:32 pm
DREW,
Not sure why you mentioned Arch Wood in your comment. Wood has nothing but respect for the Seals this year and never thought that the Seals played a light schedule. You can only play the schedule that you are dealt, and to be back in the hunt again is a great accomplishment. I am Wood parent and I watched many of the AAA teams Wood played and the AAAA teams Wood played and Selinsgrove is the real deal. Agressive, fast, and well coached. Wood beat Seals last year in a great game and you won this year. Wood knew coming into this game that you were a very good team so please don’t write that Wood thought you played an easy schedule and thay we were going to roll over you. Your team deserves all the credit for a great season and I hope you win in your game.
December 16th, 2009 at 4:15 pm
Matt, and others.
I agree that the letter classification of a school has no bearing on how good it is. But it is one measure an attempt to keep the playing field level. The fact that the 4A schools, etc. usually will have so many more players to choose from, and possibly platoon; that there could conceivably be a “wear down” factor on the smaller school. This is true if the smaller school must play ALL larger schools on its schedule. But this doesn’t usually occur. It looks like all the state championships this year are going to be something!
December 16th, 2009 at 2:22 pm
Ed, you are a true sportsman. Also, appreciate snakepit’s opinion. I am a SEALS fan and so, of course, I want them to win. I will not make any predictions, but I don’t think either side can downplay the other team. If it does come down to the last minute it will be a pins and needles game. I also agree with the A’s classification being simply school size and has nothing to do with how good the team is. I’ve been saying that for awhile. I’ve thought that teams should be based in the same class based on quality of team, but I guess that would take a lot of changing. Maybe every five years or something.
GO SEALS!!
December 16th, 2009 at 1:34 pm
To all concerned. Win, lose, or draw, the two best teams in triple A football are going to play a big football game on Friday night. M.C. is and has been a very good team with an impressive record.Selinsgrove is an underated team. LEAVE NO DOUBT< Selinsgrove will be the victors.
December 16th, 2009 at 11:11 am
Manheim may be faster and bigger but size is not everything. manheim’s line is bigger and slower we are more conditioned. It will be a good game. Seals keep level headed and play selinsgrove football and manheim will see what having a big head does to a team. I will be there cheering you on once again. Play ball and do it respectful. Seals 28-MC 14
December 15th, 2009 at 11:33 pm
manheim is to big and fast selinsgrove had a good ride but they finally hit the wall in this one
December 15th, 2009 at 10:52 pm
well for one, there are not many good AAA teams in D4, second one of the AA teams was Mt. Carmel who has the most wins, plus 5 state titles since 1988. This program is usually good. Third, SCA has won 6 state titles and 5 of them consecutively. SCA has appeared in a total of 12 state title games and consistently have a good team. These two schools even though they have lower enrollment numbers are better than many AAA and even some of the poor AAAA schools. The seals do their best to play quality opponents that will prepare them for playoffs, too many people are caught up on the A’s. Apparently it doesn’t matter because the Seals have been pretty dominating in states so far. Seals/Barons should be a great game and I think the Seals pull it out, just seems like it is their time. They have been working so hard to finally break through and not win it all would be a shame for them. I respect Manheim Central and they could just as easily win the game because it really is a toss up. The winner of the game will be the team that can make one more play then the other. I see this possibly coming down to the last minute. Whomever has the ball last might just win this game.
December 15th, 2009 at 10:33 pm
To get this far both teams a very good. I’m a Baron fan and didn’t think this was the best team we had at Manheim. Over the last 4 weeks these boys have proved me wrong. I just want to see a hard clean played game and let the best team win. Good luck to the Seals.
December 15th, 2009 at 9:10 pm
Even though im from Selinsgrove I think manheim is a good all-around team and i have a bad feeling about fri night. But it should be a good game.
December 15th, 2009 at 9:00 pm
I know the Seals are for real. They’ve been knocking on the door the whole decade. This team is loaded. I’ve been following Pa. football for a long time and I know MC isn’t taking this team lightly. It’s the championship ,the Seals didn’t have a 3 week bye to get here. I want to see a good game between 2 teams.I want to see what MC is going to do with the Seal’s vaunted 3-5 defense.
December 15th, 2009 at 8:12 pm
EVERYBODY SHOULD JUST KEEP TO THEM SELFS AND SHOW UP AND SEE WHAT HAPPENS. BOTH TEAMS GOT TO BE GOOD TO GET THERE. THE GAME SHOULD BE A GOOD ONE THE BOTTOM LINE WHO EVER WANTS IT THE MOST WILL WIN. [ SATURDAY NIGHT UNDER THE LIGHTS ]
December 15th, 2009 at 8:04 pm
Go Seals! 2009 im proud to be on the 09 seals im on a record setting team!
December 15th, 2009 at 6:18 pm
Breaker,
Mount Carmel’s first of its 5 state titles came as a member of District 11 in 1994. In terms of District 4 representation, Mount Carmel has won 4 PIAA titles (lost 1 in 1999), SCA – 6.
December 15th, 2009 at 5:58 pm
Correction: Southern Columbia (SCA) has 6 state titles, not 5.
December 15th, 2009 at 5:18 pm
Baron the schedule does not matter at all. Allentown Central Catholic a team Selinsgrove beat 31-10 PLAYED 8 AAAA Schools and that proved to be nothing, so your logic makes no sense.
December 15th, 2009 at 5:16 pm
I love it, let the Barons fans and team think exactly what the fans of Archbishop and Allentown Central Catholic thought. What happened? Oh yeah a combined 59-10 thumping of those 2 teams.
December 15th, 2009 at 4:13 pm
LOL…THERE’S A SUPRISE SOMEONE ELSE NOT GIVING CREDIT TOO A GREAT TEAM LIKE SELINSGROVE.
JUST CAUSE THEY PLAYED SMALLER AREA SCHOOLS DOESN’T ME A LICK.
THAT’S ALL THEM THERE A’S STAND FOR IS SIZE OF DISTRICT… DOESN’T MAKE THAT TEAM ANY TOUGHER OR WEAKER.
LAST TWO PEOPLE THOUGHT THE SAME THING AND WHERE ARE THERE TEAM’S NOW?????
DON’T THINK HAVE TOO SAY ANYMORE
December 15th, 2009 at 2:07 pm
The Baron’s schedule is only slightly more impressive? Please!! The Barons beat Wilson, AAAA team that was the #2 seed in district 3. The beat LC, a team that is now in the AA finals. The beat CV and Coc, both teams in the AAA play-offs.
The seals on the other hand played “down” to the AA level 5 times and once to the single A level. That’s 6 games against teams that aren’t even in AAA!!
December 15th, 2009 at 2:04 pm
LEAVE NO DOUBT! LEAVE NO DOUBT! LEAVE NO DOUBT!
BRING UR 1ST STATE CHAMPIONSHIP HOME SEALS! U R NO DOUBT THE BEST TEAM IN THE STATE!
LETS GO 16 AND 0!
December 15th, 2009 at 12:12 pm
GO SEALS!!!! Go bring the state title home. You have the full support of your school, town and students ( past and present). I could not be more proud of my school, town and football team. Go get em. LEAVE NO DOUBT!!!!
December 15th, 2009 at 8:38 am
Manheim’s regular season opponents’ overall win loss record is 55 wins and 56 losses to Selinsgrove’s 53 and 58. The Barons schedule is only slightly more impressive than the Seals, this wasn’t one of District 3’s more stellar seasons. Looking over statistics, it should be a good game. I’m hoping both teams bring their A game and there’s fair officiating. Go Seals!
December 15th, 2009 at 2:22 am
I love how the Seals have just dominated the last 2 really good teams and they still don’t get any respect. I guess we’ll just have to make them give us respect Friday night. GO SEALS!!!!!!!!!!!
December 14th, 2009 at 7:47 pm
Today I was told, by a Lancaster Co-Worker, who’s son is on the Manheim Central team, that the State Playoff game will not be great because Selinsgrove had no real competition in their schedule. I sincerely hope the Manheim boys come to Friday’s game with that attitude!
Seals, LEAVE NO DOUBT!!!! I have been a fan since 1964.