WPIAL Primer

By Anthony Jaskulski

Sheetz Preseason Player of the Year

Rushel Shell, JR, RB, Hopewell (5-11, 209) 2009
Season: 2,465 yards on 250 carries with 31 touchdowns

AAAA - Teams To Watch

Gateway: Still the team and coach to beat

McKeesport: Jim Ward begins his first year as coach, replacing George Smith, and the talent he gets back is fantastic.

North Allegheny: Alex Papson is a key component to a team that lost a good bit of talent last year.

Woodland Hills: They will host one of the premier events in HS football with the "Rally at the Wolvarena" Sept. 4, featuring top-tier Florida program, Manatee.

Bethel Park: Bre Ford is the best power back in Quad A football, and might be the best in the WPIAL by years end.

Players To Watch

Christian Bryan, Norwin
Bre Ford, Bethel Park
Sam Gooden, McKeesport
Brandon Jackson, McKeesport
Quinton Jefferson, Woodland Hills
Dondi Kirby, Gateway
Alex Papson, North Allegheny
Lafayette Pitts, Woodland Hills
Ejuan Price, Woodland Hills
Delvon Simmons, McKeesport
Armstead Williams, Gateway

AAA Teams To Watch

Hopewell: Rushel Shell. Enough said.

Thomas Jefferson: Bill Cherpak will have his work cut out for him, looking for a new quarterback, among many other positions to refill.

New Castle: Talent is there.

West Allegheny: When is Coach Bob Palko not competiting for a top spot in Triple-A?

Chartiers Valley: The Mustangs have a gifted quarterback in Wayne Capers, who can take the wishbone offense to the next level.

Players To Watch

Wayne Capers, Char Valley
Mike Caputo, West Allegheny
Ryan Ruffing, TJ
Rushel Shell, Hopewell

AA Teams To Watch

Aliquippa: An experienced offense keeps this team in the run for a title.

South Fayette: Christian Brumbaugh threw for over 2,000 yards last year. Expect those numbers to grow.

Greensburg Central Catholic: Four D-1 kids in the three years for the Centurions.

Steel Valley: Another solid defense returns for this team.

Beaver Falls: Who will be the next Todd Thomas?

Shady Side: May have the most explosive ground game in WPIAL football this year, featuring plenty of depth.

Players To Watch

Christian Brumbaugh, South Fayette
Devin Cook, Beaver Falls
Brian Nickel, Shady Side Academy
Jeff Shogan, Shady Side Academy

A Teams To Watch Clairton:

The Bears defeated a plethora of quad-A teams, including Gateway, in a spring 7-on-7 tournament this year.

Serra: Desmond Ball will be the single-A player of the year with his gritty skills.

Beth-Center: An experienced defensive line, plus quick linebackers, make this one of the toughest defensive teams in the league.

Rochester: Gene Matsook was inches from a WPIAL title last year.  Maybe they cross that goal line this year.

Players To Watch

Desmond Ball, Serra
Desimon Green, Clairton
Vincent Moody, Clairton