LHAC Football Forecast Week 5.
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LHAC Football Forecast Week 5.
http://www.d6sportsnetwork.com/2013/09/ ... week-five/
Jim Hammett
D6SN Sports Editor
Follow me @JimHammett
The LHAC season has been a hard one to predict, but we are finally seeing some separation from the pack. We know what we have in Richland, but after that has been a mess. Somerset appears to be a good team, and section I has a number of quality teams as well. Last week we saw a run away in our Game of the Week with Richland taking it to Johnstown. Somerset, Bedford,Bishop Guilfoyle, and Bishop Carroll also came up with multiple touchdown victories. This week should prove to be a little more exciting, though. We are in the rivalry stage of the season, and some intriguing matchups on the slate this week.
Richland (4-0) at Bishop McCort (0-4) Friday 7:00 Point Stadium
Richland has been everything you would expect in a top three team in the state. Matt Shaffer is having an all state caliber season at quarterback. The Rams have some great targets to get the ball in to. Kyle Flick has been another player of all state recognition. Tanner Solarczyk is a power back, and as good of a runner you will see in district six. The line lost a lot, but have been playing great as well. The defense is stout, and they do not give up much of anything. All in all, this is a well built football team.
Bishop McCort is going through a strange season. The Crushers had many starters back on both sides of the ball, but can not seemingly put it together. Young quarterback Blake Wade has been a work in progress. Marc Smith has been able to piece together a few 100 yard rushing performances. Nemo Trexler, Tyler Rugg, and Luke DiFrancesco are all capable senior play makers. The problem seems to be holding onto the football. Tons of turnovers are not a good recipe for success. The defense has played well up until last week, and they have the athletes to keep the Crushers closer in some games.
This just has all the makings of a Richland runaway. The Crushers are reeling bad, and they simply do not have an offense capable of competing with Richland. McCort was able to keep it close last season, and in a rivalry game that can happen from time to time, but I do not see any evidence that they can even do that. Richland is better in all facets.
Rams 56 Crimson Crushers 7
Bishop Guilfoyle (2-2) at Penn Cambria (0-4) Friday 7:00
Bishop Guilfoyle started slow, but things appear to be picking u[p quickly. The Marauders have some explosive athletes, and they put that on display against Forest Hills Saturday night. Sam McCloskey and DJ Kitt form a good two headed monster in the backfield, and all can carry the workload. Brandon Chadbourn is back at quarterback, and made some big plays against the Rangers. The defense has played better in recent weeks, as they have really clamped down after Richland put up big numbers.
Penn Cambria is in a bit of rebuilding mode, but they have managed to keep every game close. The defense for the Panthers is always tough, and it is no different this season. Still, the Panthers have managed three touchdowns total this season, and that is the sole reason behind the 0-4 record.
Guilfoyle appears to be clicking now. Chadbourn is back at quarterback, and the offense should open up even more. Penn Cambria can keep things close with a Payton Behe led defense, but the offense just has too many uncertainties. I’m going with BG.
Marauders 23 Panthers 0
Bedford (3-1) at Westmont (0-4) Saturday 1:00 Price Field
Bedford has really opened some eyes this season, and they are sitting pretty at 3-1. The offense has been sparked by some talented sophomores, and some bright days are ahead for the Bison. Austin Montgomery turned in his best passing performance of his young career last week, and has been a reliable runner as well. Bingham, Cook, and Blevins form a nice stable of running backs for a unit that is averaging 200 rushing yards a game. This team can score, and the defense has played well for the most part this season also.
Westmont has some nice pieces on offense, but the defense has been letting them down. The Hilltoppers have given up 40 or more points in three of their games. Offensively, though, Liam Moran has been leading a repectable attack. He has been involved for seven touchdowns (5 passing 2 rushing) on the season. Sam Curry has been a force on the ground, and is quietly one of the better players in the conference. Colin Barron has proved to be a solid receiving threat as well. The offense can hang, but the defense certainly raises some questions.
I like Bedford is heading as a program. They have young talent producing right now. The offense has the playmakers to hang with a lot of teams this year. The Saturday afternoon effect is not a myth, and Bedford cannot sleep on it. Westmont will be able to hang around and score, but I still like Bedford.
Bison 35 Hilltoppers 20
Somerset (4-0) at Johnstown (2-2) Friday 7:00 Trojan Stadium
Somerset is off to one of their best starts in years. The Golden Eagles have a veteran team that is looking to overcome an injury to their best player, Tanner Stull. The senior leader did not play last week, and it gave sophomore Dylan Barnes the chance to run the offense. He has proven he is a pretty good athlete himself, and should be able to manage everything well. The running duo of Blake Faulkner and Matt Boyer may see added work in Stull’s absence. The defense has been superb, as the opposition is only averaging 9 points against Somerset this season.
It has only been four weeks, but it would be safe to say Johnstown has already had an up and down year. The Trojans have looked great in some instances, but looked overwhelmed in others. The Trojans have talent, and it should not be excused that it is young either. Johnstown has a bright future ahead, and that is why they are so dangerous each and every week, because sooner or later they are going to figure things out. The offense has potential with a sophomore quarterback, Jeremy Updyke. The backfield duo of Terrell Jones and Jayvon Braxton has been tough to defend this season, and of course the athletes on the outside are capable of big things.
Somerset has a huge task ahead of themselves, going on the road potentially without their star player. Johnstown can be a tough team to defend, and the possibility of a shootout is out there. The separating factor I like in this game is, Somerset’s experience. Again when I saw Johnstown go up against Richland, you could tell the Trojans had players, but Richland’s senior leadership made the difference. Tanner Stull or not, I like Somerset.
Golden Eagles 27 Trojans 14
‘
Cambria Heights (1-3) at Forest Hills (2-2) Friday 7:00 G.H. Miller Field
Cambria Heights suffered a tough setback on the road to a very good Central Cambria team. It marked the second consecutive week where the Highlanders lost a tough one. The problem right now is simple, Heights has only mustered 10 points in their last eight quarters. That kind of offensive production will not win you many games in this league. The passing game has suffered with senior quarterback, Richard Legros having an injury plagued season. The running has been moderately successful with Josh Fees proving to be one of the better backs in the league. Right now the defense has been bringing it of late, and they are by Isaac Sclesky.
The Rangers are trying to overcome a serious case of the injury bug. It has slowed them a bit of late with two consecutive losses. We know the offense has some big play threats, and they are always liable to come through for coach Bailey. Joe Donoughe is one of the top passers in the area, but can also make plays with his feet. The problem right now is there is no consistency in the running game. Donoughe leads the team, but after that the Rangers have struggled. A young and injured line certainly plays into that. They do have some weapons on the outside with guys like Shareef Blough, Tyer Shima, and Dusty Ohler. I expect this team to get better, but there are some growing pains happening right now in Sidman.
This can be a tricky game to call. Both teams have their struggles right now, and they both appear to be on the offensive end of the ball. It is just a matter of who can come out and make some big plays. Clearly the ground and pound is not working so much for either team currently. So when it comes to making a pick, I like Forest Hills to pull away because I see more big play potential.
Rangers 23 Highlanders 12
GAME OF THE WEEK
Central Cambria (3-1) at Bishop Carroll (3-1) Saturday 7:00 DeGol Field Saint Francis University
Nothing like a neighborhood rivalry on a Saturday night. The Huskies and Red Devils will take center stage with the eyes of the LHAC watching. The game being on Saturday should help boost the attendance from some Friday night fans. The Huskies and Red Devils have a proud history individually, and this game has always been important with the schools literally being right next door. Times have fallen hard on each school, and both teams have suffered some rough seasons of late. The emergence of both teams is certainly good for the community, and it should be a spirited game.
Bishop Carroll employs a pretty standard offense that has struggled at times, but has found its way of late. David Maruca is a senior quarterback that has shown improvement, and is capable of keeping teams honest with his throwing ability. He averages just 70 yards a contest, but has limited his mistakes, and manages things well. Tyler Janosik and Dan Lesney have taken the running back duties, and they front a rushing attack that averages 181 yards per contest. Janosik has found the end zone four times in four games. Carroll does not throw the ball a lot, but Brody Shuty is the guy doing most of the damage with 12 receptions averaging 10 yards apiece. Carroll’s strength is their defense, and it has been very good this season. Marty Lessard, Janosik, and Alex Keim have been the forces on the side of the ball. The huskies have allowed just 27 points in 4 games thus far.
Central Cambria has reeled off three straight wins, with the latter two being very close calls. This team is not a great offensive team, but they are efficient. The guy everyone needs to know about is their junior QB, Will Seymour. He is the player everyone needs to know about. Seymour has thrown for 383 yards on the season, and rushed for 232 more. He has six total touchdowns to his credit. Scott Baurer has been a solid back, and leads the team on the ground with 278 yards and 3 scores. Seymour has two reliable receivers with Tanner Ambrisco and Matt Leary. The Red Devils also employ a great defensive scheme, and they have survived two tight games in consecutive weeks over other rivals, Penn Cambria, and Cambria Heights. This team is battled tested, and they are comfortable in close games.
It is certainly an exciting game for the Ebensburg community. Both schools have proud traditions on the gridiron, but it has been a few years since both teams have been in this position at the same time. The game has big implications for the LHAC section I championship, with many teams still alive in that race. I think this will be a good spirited, physical football game. Both teams have methodical offenses, with good defense to go with it. In many cases, the two teams are similar. I am taking Central Cambria in this one, though. I really like the play making ability of Will Seymour, and it just seems like they excel in games like this.
Red Devils 13 Huskies 10
Jim Hammett
D6SN Sports Editor
Follow me @JimHammett
The LHAC season has been a hard one to predict, but we are finally seeing some separation from the pack. We know what we have in Richland, but after that has been a mess. Somerset appears to be a good team, and section I has a number of quality teams as well. Last week we saw a run away in our Game of the Week with Richland taking it to Johnstown. Somerset, Bedford,Bishop Guilfoyle, and Bishop Carroll also came up with multiple touchdown victories. This week should prove to be a little more exciting, though. We are in the rivalry stage of the season, and some intriguing matchups on the slate this week.
Richland (4-0) at Bishop McCort (0-4) Friday 7:00 Point Stadium
Richland has been everything you would expect in a top three team in the state. Matt Shaffer is having an all state caliber season at quarterback. The Rams have some great targets to get the ball in to. Kyle Flick has been another player of all state recognition. Tanner Solarczyk is a power back, and as good of a runner you will see in district six. The line lost a lot, but have been playing great as well. The defense is stout, and they do not give up much of anything. All in all, this is a well built football team.
Bishop McCort is going through a strange season. The Crushers had many starters back on both sides of the ball, but can not seemingly put it together. Young quarterback Blake Wade has been a work in progress. Marc Smith has been able to piece together a few 100 yard rushing performances. Nemo Trexler, Tyler Rugg, and Luke DiFrancesco are all capable senior play makers. The problem seems to be holding onto the football. Tons of turnovers are not a good recipe for success. The defense has played well up until last week, and they have the athletes to keep the Crushers closer in some games.
This just has all the makings of a Richland runaway. The Crushers are reeling bad, and they simply do not have an offense capable of competing with Richland. McCort was able to keep it close last season, and in a rivalry game that can happen from time to time, but I do not see any evidence that they can even do that. Richland is better in all facets.
Rams 56 Crimson Crushers 7
Bishop Guilfoyle (2-2) at Penn Cambria (0-4) Friday 7:00
Bishop Guilfoyle started slow, but things appear to be picking u[p quickly. The Marauders have some explosive athletes, and they put that on display against Forest Hills Saturday night. Sam McCloskey and DJ Kitt form a good two headed monster in the backfield, and all can carry the workload. Brandon Chadbourn is back at quarterback, and made some big plays against the Rangers. The defense has played better in recent weeks, as they have really clamped down after Richland put up big numbers.
Penn Cambria is in a bit of rebuilding mode, but they have managed to keep every game close. The defense for the Panthers is always tough, and it is no different this season. Still, the Panthers have managed three touchdowns total this season, and that is the sole reason behind the 0-4 record.
Guilfoyle appears to be clicking now. Chadbourn is back at quarterback, and the offense should open up even more. Penn Cambria can keep things close with a Payton Behe led defense, but the offense just has too many uncertainties. I’m going with BG.
Marauders 23 Panthers 0
Bedford (3-1) at Westmont (0-4) Saturday 1:00 Price Field
Bedford has really opened some eyes this season, and they are sitting pretty at 3-1. The offense has been sparked by some talented sophomores, and some bright days are ahead for the Bison. Austin Montgomery turned in his best passing performance of his young career last week, and has been a reliable runner as well. Bingham, Cook, and Blevins form a nice stable of running backs for a unit that is averaging 200 rushing yards a game. This team can score, and the defense has played well for the most part this season also.
Westmont has some nice pieces on offense, but the defense has been letting them down. The Hilltoppers have given up 40 or more points in three of their games. Offensively, though, Liam Moran has been leading a repectable attack. He has been involved for seven touchdowns (5 passing 2 rushing) on the season. Sam Curry has been a force on the ground, and is quietly one of the better players in the conference. Colin Barron has proved to be a solid receiving threat as well. The offense can hang, but the defense certainly raises some questions.
I like Bedford is heading as a program. They have young talent producing right now. The offense has the playmakers to hang with a lot of teams this year. The Saturday afternoon effect is not a myth, and Bedford cannot sleep on it. Westmont will be able to hang around and score, but I still like Bedford.
Bison 35 Hilltoppers 20
Somerset (4-0) at Johnstown (2-2) Friday 7:00 Trojan Stadium
Somerset is off to one of their best starts in years. The Golden Eagles have a veteran team that is looking to overcome an injury to their best player, Tanner Stull. The senior leader did not play last week, and it gave sophomore Dylan Barnes the chance to run the offense. He has proven he is a pretty good athlete himself, and should be able to manage everything well. The running duo of Blake Faulkner and Matt Boyer may see added work in Stull’s absence. The defense has been superb, as the opposition is only averaging 9 points against Somerset this season.
It has only been four weeks, but it would be safe to say Johnstown has already had an up and down year. The Trojans have looked great in some instances, but looked overwhelmed in others. The Trojans have talent, and it should not be excused that it is young either. Johnstown has a bright future ahead, and that is why they are so dangerous each and every week, because sooner or later they are going to figure things out. The offense has potential with a sophomore quarterback, Jeremy Updyke. The backfield duo of Terrell Jones and Jayvon Braxton has been tough to defend this season, and of course the athletes on the outside are capable of big things.
Somerset has a huge task ahead of themselves, going on the road potentially without their star player. Johnstown can be a tough team to defend, and the possibility of a shootout is out there. The separating factor I like in this game is, Somerset’s experience. Again when I saw Johnstown go up against Richland, you could tell the Trojans had players, but Richland’s senior leadership made the difference. Tanner Stull or not, I like Somerset.
Golden Eagles 27 Trojans 14
‘
Cambria Heights (1-3) at Forest Hills (2-2) Friday 7:00 G.H. Miller Field
Cambria Heights suffered a tough setback on the road to a very good Central Cambria team. It marked the second consecutive week where the Highlanders lost a tough one. The problem right now is simple, Heights has only mustered 10 points in their last eight quarters. That kind of offensive production will not win you many games in this league. The passing game has suffered with senior quarterback, Richard Legros having an injury plagued season. The running has been moderately successful with Josh Fees proving to be one of the better backs in the league. Right now the defense has been bringing it of late, and they are by Isaac Sclesky.
The Rangers are trying to overcome a serious case of the injury bug. It has slowed them a bit of late with two consecutive losses. We know the offense has some big play threats, and they are always liable to come through for coach Bailey. Joe Donoughe is one of the top passers in the area, but can also make plays with his feet. The problem right now is there is no consistency in the running game. Donoughe leads the team, but after that the Rangers have struggled. A young and injured line certainly plays into that. They do have some weapons on the outside with guys like Shareef Blough, Tyer Shima, and Dusty Ohler. I expect this team to get better, but there are some growing pains happening right now in Sidman.
This can be a tricky game to call. Both teams have their struggles right now, and they both appear to be on the offensive end of the ball. It is just a matter of who can come out and make some big plays. Clearly the ground and pound is not working so much for either team currently. So when it comes to making a pick, I like Forest Hills to pull away because I see more big play potential.
Rangers 23 Highlanders 12
GAME OF THE WEEK
Central Cambria (3-1) at Bishop Carroll (3-1) Saturday 7:00 DeGol Field Saint Francis University
Nothing like a neighborhood rivalry on a Saturday night. The Huskies and Red Devils will take center stage with the eyes of the LHAC watching. The game being on Saturday should help boost the attendance from some Friday night fans. The Huskies and Red Devils have a proud history individually, and this game has always been important with the schools literally being right next door. Times have fallen hard on each school, and both teams have suffered some rough seasons of late. The emergence of both teams is certainly good for the community, and it should be a spirited game.
Bishop Carroll employs a pretty standard offense that has struggled at times, but has found its way of late. David Maruca is a senior quarterback that has shown improvement, and is capable of keeping teams honest with his throwing ability. He averages just 70 yards a contest, but has limited his mistakes, and manages things well. Tyler Janosik and Dan Lesney have taken the running back duties, and they front a rushing attack that averages 181 yards per contest. Janosik has found the end zone four times in four games. Carroll does not throw the ball a lot, but Brody Shuty is the guy doing most of the damage with 12 receptions averaging 10 yards apiece. Carroll’s strength is their defense, and it has been very good this season. Marty Lessard, Janosik, and Alex Keim have been the forces on the side of the ball. The huskies have allowed just 27 points in 4 games thus far.
Central Cambria has reeled off three straight wins, with the latter two being very close calls. This team is not a great offensive team, but they are efficient. The guy everyone needs to know about is their junior QB, Will Seymour. He is the player everyone needs to know about. Seymour has thrown for 383 yards on the season, and rushed for 232 more. He has six total touchdowns to his credit. Scott Baurer has been a solid back, and leads the team on the ground with 278 yards and 3 scores. Seymour has two reliable receivers with Tanner Ambrisco and Matt Leary. The Red Devils also employ a great defensive scheme, and they have survived two tight games in consecutive weeks over other rivals, Penn Cambria, and Cambria Heights. This team is battled tested, and they are comfortable in close games.
It is certainly an exciting game for the Ebensburg community. Both schools have proud traditions on the gridiron, but it has been a few years since both teams have been in this position at the same time. The game has big implications for the LHAC section I championship, with many teams still alive in that race. I think this will be a good spirited, physical football game. Both teams have methodical offenses, with good defense to go with it. In many cases, the two teams are similar. I am taking Central Cambria in this one, though. I really like the play making ability of Will Seymour, and it just seems like they excel in games like this.
Red Devils 13 Huskies 10
Re: LHAC Football Forecast Week 5.
Hey Jim, thanks for running this thread weekly. On Thursdays I am constantly hitting the refresh button on my browser waiting for it to post!
Here are a few comments, but what do I know?
Yes, Bishop McCort will fall to Richland, but it will be a reasonably good game for 3 quarters. In the end, Richland will win by two scores, however The Crushers will put up a fight as they have too much pride in their program. Coaching is not the issue; they just need to get their football machine back into gear.
The Red Devils will beat The Huskies by a wider margin. Welcome back CC!
Westmont will beat Bedford at home to claim their first win of the season. They are due, too well coached and they are better than 0-4. I agree with you that Bedford is back to being Bedford, but that ride up 56 has given Bedford trouble in years past.
The Highlanders will pull off a Friday Night Surprise by beating the Rangers in a close game.
Looking forward to the results.
Here are a few comments, but what do I know?
Yes, Bishop McCort will fall to Richland, but it will be a reasonably good game for 3 quarters. In the end, Richland will win by two scores, however The Crushers will put up a fight as they have too much pride in their program. Coaching is not the issue; they just need to get their football machine back into gear.
The Red Devils will beat The Huskies by a wider margin. Welcome back CC!
Westmont will beat Bedford at home to claim their first win of the season. They are due, too well coached and they are better than 0-4. I agree with you that Bedford is back to being Bedford, but that ride up 56 has given Bedford trouble in years past.
The Highlanders will pull off a Friday Night Surprise by beating the Rangers in a close game.
Looking forward to the results.