2015 PFN State Rankings – Class AAAA Preseason

Tagged under: Rankings

Pa Football News | August 27, 2015

Here are the preseason rankings for Class AAAA. Saint Joseph’s Prep is the defending champion.

(2014 record in parenthesis)

 1. Saint Joseph’s Prep (11-3) – District 12
The two-time state champions will be a favorite to win another but it might not be easy. D’Andre Swift had to take a back seat last year as a sophomore, but he will be one of the best running backs in the Commonwealth. The Hawks are loaded and that’s no surprise, but the competition is better overall at the Quad-A level across the state.

 2. Pittsburgh Central Catholic (11-2) – District 7
Another team that is used to winning state titles, the Vikings have won three times and have been there five times. Central Catholic has four Division 1 recruits on defense alone. Offensively, they will run the ball but can they develop a passing game? The lack of one the past couple years has been a negative for a school that has a rich quarterback tradition. Damar Hamlin is one of the top DBs in the state.

 3. Wilson (14-1) – District 3
There wasn’t much expected from the Bulldogs last season, but they ended up running the table in District 3 before losing to Pine-Richland in the state semifinal. Leading rusher Shane Dantzler returns along with WR Jake Gehman. Plenty of talent across the roster for Wilson. If the QB play is quality, the Bulldogs have a chance to make their first appearance in Hershey as a state finalist.

 4. Woodland Hills (8-3) – District 7
The Wolverines might have more overall talent than anyone, but they have not been able to get over the hump to win a state title in three tries. Many people like them better than Central Catholic in the WPIAL, so it wouldn’t be a surprise if they went on a run. Penn State recruit Miles Sanders is one of the best running backs in the country.  QB Jeremiah Jones is also back and the defense is always good under veteran head coach George Novak.

 5. Parkland (11-3) – District 11
The Trojans have won a state championship and some feel this team could be as good as that one. With Division 1 recruits Devante Cross at QB and Kenny Yeboah at WR, plus another in lineman Noel Brouse up front, Parkland will have enough weapons to go deep in the playoffs.  The linebackers are very good as well.

 6. Coatesville (13-1) – District 1
The Red Raiders made it the District 1 title game and that fact will help them in 2015. QB Jordan Young is the real deal, both running and throwing the football. There will be other contributors who might not have a lot experience, but the overall talent is there. LB Chris Jordan will lead the defense.

 7. LaSalle College HS (8-3) – District 12
Don’t be fooled by the Philly Catholic League Class AAA final. Even though, St. Joe’s had an easy win, the Explorers just had a bad day. LaSalle will still be the underdog but they have plenty of talent, especially up front with Jim Morrissey, Matt McDermott and Conor McCracken, all who weigh in at 270lbs or bigger.

 8. Central Dauphin (11-3) – District 3
The Rams want to get the District 3 title back and they have the players to do it. Sophomore Micah Parsons is one of best defensive players already in Quad-A while RB Raleigh Sirb will be a major offensive contributor. Central Dauphin

 9. State College (6-7) – District 6
Looking at the Little Lions record from last season might make you say why are they in the rankings? But State College lost a lot of close games to good teams and will be better this season. The leading rusher Jordan Misher and leading receiver Brett Graham both return. Defensively, the senior class is loaded with players who were team leaders last season. They will be very competitive in a very good league.

 10. North Allegheny (8-3) – District 7
The Tigers are not used to getting knocked out in the WPIAL quarterfinals and after winning four straight division titles, they were relegated to two straight third place finishes. They have a Notre Dame recruit on the offensive line in junior Josh Lugg to join a couple other returning starters up front. NA might not be in the top echelon of the WPIAL, but they will be much improved and a thorn in people’s side.

HM: Downingtown West (1), Father Judge (12), Penn-Trafford (7), Pine-Richland (7), Simon Gratz (12), Upper Dublin (1), Upper Saint Clair (7), West Chester Henderson (1)

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