2023 District XI Schuylkill/Colonial League Preview: *WHITE* Division-Small School
Tagged under: Conference Previews, District 11, News
Daniel Reed | August 17, 2023
2022 SCHUYLKILL/COLONIAL LEAGUE FINAL STANDINGS
*WHITE DIVISION*
2022 WHITE Division Standings
It’s now time to share the 2023 WHITE division preview for the Schuylkill/Colonial League.
Schuylkill Haven Hurricanes-Class 2A
Head Coach: Mike Farr(19th season, 121-89-0)
The past few years haven’t been the normal for the Hurricanes, posting under .500 records, going 12-28-0 over the last 4 seasons. This season could be different as long as they can stay healthy and control the line of scrimmage. Returning RB-Aiden Myers will lead the team on the ground while new QB-Augustus Warke will be leading the air attack.
Key Games: All the games are key but the ones circled should be @Tri-Valley(Sept. 15), @Palisades(Sept. 22), Minersville(Oct. 20), and always the big one, the backyard brawl, Blue Mountain(Oct. 27).
Players to Watch: Aiden Myers(RB/LB), Travis Richie(WR/DB), Nico Carestia(RB/LB), Augustus Warke(QB/LB), Leyden Hertz(WR/DB), Adam Malinoski(OL/DL), Brian Moran(OL/DL).
Key Players Returning: Captain-Sr.-Aiden Myers-RB/LB, Jr.-Leyden Hertz-WR/DB, Sr.-Travis Richie-WR/DB, Captain-So.-Nico Carestia-RB/LB/P, Captain-So.-Chase Williams-OL/DL.
Key Newcomers: Fr.-Colton Reber-RB/LB, Fr.-Tristan Davis-RB/LB, Fr.-Chase Leibensperger-OL/DL/LB, and Captain-Sr.-Augustus Warke-QB/LB.
Words from Head Coach-Mike Farr:
We had a successful off-season in the weight room. We have a year experience at the varsity level with our young team. If we continue to develop both physically and mentally, this group can be very special for the next several years.
What to Expect:
Aiden Myers to get the ball a lot. A much better defense as long as the Canes can make them tackles and control the line of scrimmage. Coach Farr always has his teams ready to battle in the trenches, look for the Canes to rebound and get over that .500 mark for the first time since 2018 when they went 7-4-0.
2023 Schuylkill Haven Hurricanes Schedule
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Catasauqua Rough Riders-Class 2A
Head Coach: Travis Brett(4th season, 16-28-0)
Last two seasons the Rough Riders have been pretty good, making the District XI playoffs, reaching the District XI Championship last year ending in a tough last second loss to the Raptors of E.E.A.C. 32 to 29. This year, the Rough Riders will be guided by first year Head Coach-Travis Brett. Catasauqua has posted a winning record for two straight seasons, can they do it for a 3rd consecutive season? We will have to wait and see.
Key Games: Palmerton(Sept. 1), @Mahanoy Area(Sept. 15), Pen Argyl(Sept. 22), @Schuylkill Haven(Sept. 29), Minersville(Oct. 6), and @Palisades(Oct. 20).
Players to Watch: Sr.-Jyzaiah Bonilla-RB/SS, Sr.-Dylan Pacheco-HB/LB, Sr.-Ian Juica-WR/CB, Jr.-Aiden Hess-QB/LB, Sr.-Hunter Reitz-RB/LB, Jr.-Matthew Fotta-T/DE.
Key Players Returning: Sr.-RB-Jyzaiah Bonilla, Sr.-RB-Hunter Reitz, Sr.-HB/TE-Dylan Pacheco, Sr.-WR-Ian Juica, Jr.-WR-Jordan Bradsahw, Jr.-OL-Chad Beller Jr., Sr.-OL-Miles Melendez, Jr.-OL-Matt Fotta, Jr.-OL-Elijah Voorhees, Sr.-TE/WR-Brenden Eck, Jr.-DL-Jacob Ramos,
Key Newcomers: So.-WR/DB-Rodney Brodie, Fr.-QB/DB-Aiden Reilly, Fr.-RB/LB-Chase Kratochvil, Fr.-RB/SS-Yandel Martinez, Fr.-WR/DB-Tyler Limandri.
Words from Head Coach Travis Brett:
We return a bunch of starters from last year’s team that made the district finals. This senior group has been in the same system for four years now, and have a very good understanding of our system. We have five seniors who have been four year starters for us, and we will lean on them to lead us on both sides of the ball. Offensively it will start upfront for us this year, we return three linemen, and one rotational guy from last year’s team. We return most of our skill guys, and will have junior Aiden Hess stepping in as our Quarterback this year. Defensively, We return the colonial league defensive player of the year in Chad Beller. We only lost one guy in our front seven from last year, we will have some competition in camp in our secondary. Overall, we will need to start fast. Last year we started 0-3, so we hope to get off to a better start this season. We open up with two tough teams in Northern Lehigh and Palmerton so those will be good tests right off the bat to show us where we are at. Our kids have worked hard all summer, and we are excited to get started.
What to Expect:
I expect a repeat of last season. Good hard-nosed football, close games with lots of excitement. Most every team in this division has improved and the Rough Riders are included. Look for them to contend for another District playoff berth.
2023 Catasauqua Rough Rider Schedule
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Minersville Battlin’ Miners-Class 1A
Head Coach: Justin Frantz(5th season, 21-19-0)
Coach Frantz has his team going in the right direction, qualifying for the District XI playoffs 3 consecutive seasons. Unfortunately the Miners lost all 3 playoff games in the first round. This season looks to be different with all the talent returning as well as a new defensive coordinator that is said to have the young men believing and getting better each day. Will the Miners contend for the DXI title this season… We shall see !
Key Games: @Tri-Valley(Aug. 25), @Catasauqua(Oct. 6), Palisades(Oct. 13), @Schuylkill Haven(Oct. 20), and Nativity BVM(Oct. 27).
Players to Watch: QB-Dante Carr, WR/DB-Logan Hutsko, WR/LB-Lorenzo Yourey, RB/LB-Luke Stevenosky, OL/DL-Cade Schultz, WR/DB-Easton Schultz, and OL/LB-Emiliano Conklin.
Key Players Returning: So.-QB-Dante Carr, Sr.-WR/DE-Lorenzo Yourey, Sr.-RB/LB-Luke Stevenosky, So.-WR/DB-Paiten Lapoint, Jr.-C-Owen Fortna, So.-OG-Dommie Yourey, Sr.-OL/DL-Cade Schultz, Jr.-WR/DB-Easton Schultz, Jr.-WR/DB-Logan Hutsko, Sr.-OL/LB-Emiliano Conklin, So.-WR/DE-Matt Dube, Jr.-OL/DT-Aiden Boom, Jr.-OL/LB-AJ Halford.
Key Newcomers: Jr.-RB/LB-Logan Rizzardi, Sr.-OL/DL-Marques Barnhart, Sr.-WR/DB-Blake Wesler, Sr.-K/P-Carson Boyle, Jr.-RB/LB-Achilles Haddock, Jr.-WR/DB-Kaseem Lofton, Jr.-WR/DB-Jake Kavanaugh, Jr.-OL/DB-Eli Killian, Jr.-OL/DL-Dax Curry, Jr.-OL/DL-Kael Schwartz, So.-RB/LB-Gavin Allan, So.-OL/DL-Hunter Pytak, So.-WR/DB-TJ Bowers, So.-WR-Tyeirre Meade, So.-OL/DL-Ethan Borrell, So.-OL/DL-Peyton Killian, So.-WR/DB-Tyrell Pryce, So.-WR/DB-Tyrell Evans-Moore.
Words from Head Coach Justin Frantz:
We look to build on the momentum that we’ve been building the past year or two. We return a lot of starters on both sides of the ball (7+). The season will all come down to filling a couple key spots on the offensive line and in the defensive backfield. If we can successfully fill those, and avoid some major injuries that hit us last year in the middle of the season, we have a great opportunity to return to district playoffs for the fourth straight year (something that has never been done in school history). Offensively, we return playmakers all over the place – Luke Stevenosky has the chance to be one of if not the most prolific back in school history. Dante Carr comes back for his sophomore season after a hugely successful freshman campaign and working hard all offseason. Lorenzo Yourey, Matt Dube, Easton Schultz, Logan Hutsko, Paiten LaPoint all started at WR and caught passes for Carr last season. There are a lot of options to make plays for the Miners. Owen Fortna, Dommie Yourey, Cade Schultz, Emiliano Conklin, AJ Halford, Aiden Boom, Marques Barnhart all played/started on the offensive line and are competing for the spots this year. In addition to this group, there are new players and young kids who have made an immediate impact this summer who look to get on the field. The offensive line has never had the numbers this team does so it will be a battle through camp to see who the first five are.
Defensively, New coordinator this year, Chad Marquardt, comes in and changes the entire philosophy and alignment of the defense. Marquardt looks to utilize the speed and athletes more and let them play as fast as they can. Filling two holes in the defensive backfield (All State S Brock Polinsky, and 3 year starting CB Ray Snyder) will be the number 1 concern going into this season. Polinsky made all the calls and controlled the defense for his entire career at Minersville so replacing him will be first and foremost on the minds of the defensive staff. There are a number of players who have played in the previous years and have been competing for the spot. Returning as many as 7 of the front 8 will be a huge help in getting pressure on the quarterbacks and getting in the opponent’s backfield. Cade Schultz and Luke Stevenosky both return as four year starters and both had 100+ tackles last season as part of their all-state campaigns. A revamped defense could lead to big things for this team if they can fill the huge void left in the defensive backfield.
What to Expect:
If the Miners can fill a couple spots on the offensive and defensive lines, the Miners should be in good shape for a run at the District title. 7 of the 8 returning starters have played for 2 or 3 years already making this a very deep and skilled team. Look for the Miners to play in the DXI Championship game this year.
2023 Minersville Battlin’ Miners Schedule
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Panther Valley Panthers-Class 2A
Head Coach: Mark Lavine(2nd season, 3-8-0)
The Panthers lost some very good players to graduation in QB-Michael Pascoe, FB/DL-Austin Hadley, and OL/DL-Riley Hoben but should be okay coming into this season. Panther Valley return a slew of players that have played multiple times last year. Coach Lavine will try to guide his team to their first winning season(.500 or above) in 13 years, dating back to 2009.
Key Games: 7 of the 10 games scheduled are very important, click the schedule link below to view.
Players to Watch: OL/DE-Eli Maynard, RB/DB-Brennan Kunkel, QB/DB-Brody Breiner, OL/LB-Brad Jones, WR/DB-Connor Penberth.
Key Players Returning: Brad Jones-OL/LB, Eli Maynard-OL/DE, Brennan Kunkel-RB/DB, Marco Tessitore-OL/DL, Brody Breiner-QB/DB, Brady Jones-WR/DB, Jah Bushati-K.
Key Newcomers: Connor Penberth-WR/DB, Marcus Rodriguez-RB/LB, Logan Fisher-TE/LB, Brian Wesler-TE/DE, Clinton Dyer-OL/LB.
Words from Head Coach Mark Lavine:
We have a lot of players returning who played meaningful minutes last year that will contribute on both sides of the ball. I feel like we are more athletic and have better team speed than last year and am excited for some of our newcomers and what they will bring to the team. In order to be successful we will need to continue to be more physical on both sides of the football and improve as the season goes on.
What to Expect:
With this just being the second season for Coach Lavine, I definitely expect some improvement from the players on both sides of the ball. I don’t see them contending for the division crown or district title but be on the lookout for a surprise victory or two.
2023 Panther Valley Panthers Schedule
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Pen Argyl Green Knights-Class 2A
Head Coach: Brady Mutton(4th season, 7-21-0)
The Green Knights will enter the 2023 season winners of their last 4 of 6 games, including the 2022 Eastern Conference Championship 35 to 0 over Susquehanna Community. Lots of experience returns for this team at the skilled positions which will definitely keep their spirits up for this season.
Key Games: Every game on the schedule will be a key game for the Green Knights if they want to contend. Most notably @Catasauqua(Sept. 22), and Palisades(Oct. 7).
Players to Watch: QB/DB-Brad Rissmiller, WR/DB-Damian Tyminski, WR/DB-Alex Moser, TE/DE-Nuallan King, RB/LB-Terrell Estes.
Key Players Returning: Brad Rissmiller-QB/DB, Damian Tyminski-WR/DB, Alex Moser-WR/DB, Evan Keat-WR/DB, Kael Grim-OL/DL, Jacob Geary-OL/LB, Ethan Holland-OL/DL, Gavin Cunningham-Hammer/DL, Nuallan King-TE/DE, Brayden Krasnopera-Center/DL, Terrell Estes-RB/LB, Mason Soos-QB/DB.
Key Newcomers: Jack McLaughlin-TE/DE, Michael Thomas-TE/DE, Stephen Hines-OL/DL, Adam Bartholomew-OL/DL, Jakob Pietraszkiewicz-OL/DL, Caiden Faust-RB/LB.
Words from Head Coach Brady Mutton:
While we lose some key components from our team last year, we return a wide range of starters with tons of experience. A strong senior class with plenty of starting experience and production will be key to a successful season. Our offseason has been outstanding and we should be able to fill in the gaps with some talented underclassmen. It’s important to continue building and winning games after an Eastern Conference Championship last season.
What to Expect:
I’m expecting a decent season from the Green Knights and believe they can surprise a few teams with their explosive offense at times. Like Coach Mutton said, as long as they can fill those gaps, they should be fine.
2023 Pen Argyl Green Knight Schedule
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Palisades Pirates-Class 2A
Head Coach: Bobby Smith(2nd season, 8-3-0)
Palisades had fantastic season in 2022, winning the division over Catasauqua but did however, lose to Catasauqua 17 to 14 in the District XI 1st. round playoff game. The Pirates come into the 2023 season winners of their last 6 straight regular season games, averaging 32.5pts/game, giving up just 10.33pts/game.
Key Games: @Palmerton(Sept. 8), Schuylkill Haven(Sept. 22), @Pen Argyl(Oct. 7), @Minersville(Oct. 13), Catasauqua(Oct. 20).
Players to Watch:
Key Players Returning: Kyle Kirsch-FB/LB, Danny Haubert-OL/LB, Riley Sessinger-WR/DB, John Haubert-RB/DB, Gavin Lee-OL/DL, Greg Borgeson-QB/DB, Austin Rambo-WR/DB, Logan Sharpe-WR/LB.
Key Newcomers: Silas Day-DE/OL, Ashton Fitzgerald-C/RB, Chase Smith-LB/OL, Tobey Witt-LB/FB/OL, Max Woerner-LB/FB, Lincoln Cook-DB/WR.
Words from Head Coach Bobby Smith:
Playing together as a team while continuing to learn and grow week by week, game by game working towards a run at District Playoffs.
What to Expect: The Pirates only lost 5 players to graduation so the 2023 Pirates will be eyeing another run at the division title as well as a deep playoff run. This years squad will look to add to their already impressive offense. Minersville, and Catty just might have something to say about that however.
2023 Palisades Pirates Schedule
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Division Prediction:
1. Minersville Battlin’ Miners
2. Palisades Pirates
3. Catasauqua Rough Riders
4. Schuylkill Haven Hurricanes
5. Pen Argyl Green Knights
6. Panther Valley Panthers
2023 PENNSYLVANIA DISTRICT XI HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL SEASON SCHEDULE
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