2015 PFN State Rankings – Class AA Preseason

Tagged under: Rankings

Pa Football News | August 24, 2015

Here are the preseason rankings for Class AA. South Fayette is the defending champion.

(2014 record in parenthesis)

 1. Aliquippa (12-1) – District 7
The Quips couldn’t get past South Fayette at Heinz Field the past couple seasons, but with some personnel losses by the Lions, Aliquippa is the team to beat in Class AA. Kaezon Pugh is a First Team PFN All-State and Division 1 running back while Darnell Gardner is one of the best linebackers in the WPIAL. The Quips always have players and this year could see them get back to Hershey for the first time since 2012.

 2. Hickory (12-3) – District 10
The offense should be outstanding for the Hornets as QB Luke Brennan, RB Chuck Carr and Division 1 recruit Andrew Pryts all return. The defensive line needs some work, but Hickory should be able to out up a ton of points each week and win shootouts on a regular basis.

 3. South Fayette (16-0) – District 7
The Brett Brambaugh era ends but that does not mean the Lions cannot get back to Hershey for a three-peat. Running back Hunter Hayes and leading receiver Nick Ponikvar return. The defense has to replace 6 starters so that unit will be a question mark initially. The experience factor puts South Fayette right in the mix come November.

 4. North Schuylkill (11-1) – District 11
Getting upset in the district final did not sit well with the Spartans last season. PFN All-State first team wide receiver Tevin Murray returns along with QB John Grigas.  LB Major Jordan is a key returnee on defense. North Schuylkill usually does a good job replacing bodies up front and we will assume that happens again this season.

 5. Wyomissing (13-2) – District 3
The Spartans made another trip to the PIAA playoffs last season and coach Bob Wolfrum always has them in the mix. PFN All-State Defensive lineman Colin Maluchnik returns to anchor a solid defense. Christian Martir will be the feature back this season.

 6. West Catholic (7-4) – District 12
The Burrs area used to being in the conversation on the state-wide level, but last year finally lost their perch on top of District 12 Class AA as Neumann-Goretti won the title. Rutgers recruit Tymir Oliver will be at the center of the defense while Calil Wortham should be the main ball carrier.

 7. Beaver Falls (7-3) – District 7
An outstanding junior class, which includes highly recruited DL Donovan Jeter, will have many people say the Tigers are a year away. Add Matt Gandy and Raquan Crowder to the mix up front and Beaver Falls might be the biggest Class AA team in the state.

 8. Montoursville (9-5) – District 4
Junior Brycen Mussina is one reason why the Warriors surprised everyone last season and won the district title. Mussina will begin his third season as the starting QB. Running back Keith Batkowski also returns after rushing for 2,234 yards in 2014. Offensive fireworks will be evident at every Montoursville game this season.

 9. Bedford (9-2) – District 5
The Bison return their entire starting defense as well as most of their offense. They expect to go farther in 2015 after suffering a three-point loss to Chestnut Ridge in the playoffs. QB Austin Montgomery leads the way offensively for the Bedford.

 10. Southern Columbia (11-1) District 4
There was no dropoff with the Tigers switching from 1A to 2A last season except they didn’t win a District 4 championship. But the classification is very competitive in the district and it will be again this year. Coach Jim Roth thinks this one of his most experienced teams which is saying a lot. Most of that comes from the fact that SoCo had major injury issues the past couple seasons and were forced to play younger players.

HM: Berks Catholic (3), Central Martinsburg (6), Karns City (9), Loyalsock (4), Prep Charter (12), Sharon (9), Springfield-Montco (1), Tyrone (6)

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