2015 PFN State Rankings – Class A Preseason

Tagged under: Rankings

Pa Football News | August 24, 2015

Here are the preseason rankings for Class A. Bishop Guilfoyle is the defending champion.

(2014 record in parenthesis)

1. Clairton (15-1) – District 7
The Bears want redemption after losing in the state championship and they are stocked with enough talent to chase their 5th state title. Lamont Wade and Aaron Matthews are two Division 1 prospects that create match-up problems for every opponent.

2. Camp Hill (10-4) – District 3
No doubt QB Michael Shuster (3,776 passing yards & 44 touchdown passes) makes the Lions the district favorite and a state contender, but there is much more surrounding him that justifies the hype.

3. Neshannock (11-1) – District 7
After an outstanding 2014 playoff run that ended with a loss to Clairton in WPIAL semifinals, the Lancers are poised for another run to Heinz Field. The offense should be very good with Frank Antuono returning at QB.

4. Bishop Guilfoyle (16-0) – District 6
The defending state champions lost some very good football players to graduation, but there are enough key contributors coming back to make them a contender again. Aaron Yasulitis and Evan Chadbourn will be two names you will be hearing a lot about.

5. Sharpsville (11-4) – District 10
The Blue Devils are always in the mix and last year came up one game short of getting to Hershey. They have to replace some very good players including some size up front. But Luke Henwood and Tyrin Peavey should make Sharpsville exciting and balanced on offense again while Bobby Demofonte will be the anchor on the line.

6. Marian Catholic (8-4) – District 11
Lots of football tradition at Marian Catholic and this appears to be the year they can win a district title and make a run in the east. Junior QB Ethan Kuczynski will be a player to keep an eye on along with Aaron D’Angelo and K.J. Sneer.

7. Old Forge (12-1) – District 2
A state finalist two-years ago, the Blue Devils bring back an arsenal of very good players including PFN all-state DB Joey Gutowski. The offense struggled last year and Old Forge still had an unbeaten regular season. Look for them to make another run in 2015.

8. Farrell (8-4) – District 10
Defense will be a strength of the Steelers this season with LB Malachi Newell leading the way.  QB Alex Myers returns and should give Farrell enough offense to contend for a district title. Steelers won 5 of their last 6 with a team that was very young.

9. Cardinal Wuerl North Catholic (11-1) District 7
Two years ago, the Trojans were state champs. Last year, they went unbeaten in the regular season before losing in the WPIAL semifinals. Keith Wells and Brett Heitzenrater will make North Catholic tough up front. If the new skill kids can advance quickly, Heinz Field is not out of the question for new coach and former Steelers LB Jason Gildon.

10. Portage (11-2) District 6
The Mustangs have some impressive players up front on defense with Elliot Vassa and Max Gossard. With new QB Luke Dividock, the offense might take some time to develop but will be good enough the second half of the season.

HM: Bellwood-Antis (6), Berlin-Brothersvalley (5), Bishop McDevitt (12),  Greensburg Central Catholic (7), North Penn (4), Steelton-Highspire (3), York Catholic (3)

Follow PA Football News on Twitter @PaFootballNews