District 9 – Region 1 Conference Preview
Tagged under: Conference Previews, District 9, News
Phil Myers | August 10, 2023
Bradford returns 5 players on offense including dynamic quarterback Talan Reese who threw for over 2,000 yards last year. The Owls also return 5 players on defense highlighted by two of their top tacklers in AJ Gleason and Evan Whitmore. Bradford has struggled in recent years, losing 29 straight games and 36 of their last 37. However, head coach Jeff Puglio sets a positive example for the team and says the kids were committed this off season. In turn the Owls have shown improvement. The unknown factor for the 2023 season is how the younger kids step into their roles and grow as the year progresses.
Brookville had the injury bug bite them big time in 2022. The majority of the year found a senior wide receiver quarterbacking the team and doing an adequate job as Brookville finished 6-6. The Blue Raiders return 6 on offense this year. Quarterback Charlie Krug will provide senior leadership and the ability to make plays that will be key to Brookville’s success. His rehab from a season ending injury in ’22 has given him greater mental toughness and increased his size, speed, and strength. The Blue Raiders also return 6 on defense, led by 2022’s leading tackler Jack Knapp. Brookville has a new coach in Gabe Bowley who was previously an assistant with the Blue Raiders for six years. Under Bowley’s direction, this group could be the Region 1 dark horse if they stay healthy and find a couple of gems in the new starters.
Central Clarion is the clear favorite in this region as they return all but 2 starters on both sides of the ball from a team that went 10-2 last year. The Wildcats will have no problem scoring. They are led by junior all-state quarterback, Jase Ferguson, who threw for 2,727 yards and 33 touchdowns in 2022. Keep an eye on 6’3” sophomore wide receiver Mason Burford. He is an elite sprinter in track and with his size has the potential to not only be one of the best in D-9, but in the state. Linebacker Braylon Beckwith is a valuable return on defense. He took down 107 ball carriers last year. Two-way players who will be contributing in a big way are Tommy Smith (WR/SS), Dawson Smail (WR/CB), Hayden Hindman (TE/DE), Brady Quinn (RB/LB), and Coleman Slater (G/DE). Head coach Dave Eggleton says the kids are motivated for the upcoming season. He also said they learned from their playoff loss to Westinghouse (state finalist). If Central Clarion fixes the things that contributed to their two losses a year ago, then the Wildcats have a good shot at making a very deep run in the Class 2A state playoffs.
DuBois made the playoffs in 2022, but ended the season with a 5-6 record. According to head coach TJ Wingard the big lesson learned from last year was that the kids can’t take plays off, they’ve got to give 100% every down. What Coach Wingard would also like to see is improvement on execution. If those two things happen, he expects they can win a few 4A playoff games in 2023. The Beavers return about half their starting team from ’22 on offense and defense. Sophomore quarterback, Trey Wingard, took over half way through the season last year and did well. He’ll have a couple of veterans to throw to in Nate Kougher and Kaden Clark. On defense, one of the top tacklers, Grant Nissel, is back for more. The line on both sides of the ball will be anchored by Zack Gallagher.
Karns City lost some important pieces to graduation, but they had a number of underclassmen get experience and playing time last year. Head coach Joe Sherwin says, “We look to build on their experience and add a few new players to the mix to have another successful season.” The Gremlins went 6-5 in 2022 but are looking for a deeper playoff run this year. Karns City wants to be physical and they think that physicality can be a big advantage for them. Some big kids at key positions for Karns City are Cam Ealy 6’ 266 (G/DT), Shane Peters 6’5” 240 (TE/DE), Luke Cramer 6’2” 230 (RB/LB) and Nathan Hess 6’2” 220 (RB/LB). Other key components include Mason Martin (QB/DB) and Zach Kelly (WR/DB).
Moniteau has numerous personnel coming back. Numbers are up which will allow head coach Bob Rottman the luxury of having some much-needed depth. He says the team has worked hard to improve upon their 2-8 season of 2022. Senior leadership will be a key and three Warriors hoping to provide that are Mathew Baptiste (RB/DB), Logan Campbell (RB/LB), and Brock Beachem (TE/DE). Another vital factor to Moniteau’s success will be their ability to score more points in ’23. Coach Rottman hopes the defense will keep them in many games and that the offense can make some plays when the game is on the line.
Punxsutawney is looking for the D-9 championship in class 3A this year. They have 7 returning starters on both sides of the ball and head coach Alan Nichol says the team is stronger and faster than last year. Coach Nichol also hopes the Chucks will mature and be playing their best football by the end of the year. Defense is where the Chucks’ strength will be in 2023. Matthew Grusky will be on the line and is a quick, powerful, smart football player. Two of 2022’s top tacklers Landon Martz and Mason Nesbitt hold the fort at the linebacker position. All three of those players were all conference last year. Add to that the speed rush of defensive ends Nick Wisnesky and Anthony Gould, and Punxsy will have a tough defense to crack. Among the players returning on offense the Chucks have 3 capable linemen in Grusky, Wisnesky, and Ryan Kanouff. They also have Noah Weaver their leading receiver back. The Chucks went 6-5 last year which was their first winning season since 2014 and that was the last year Alan Nichol coached in his first stint at Punxsy.
St. Marys may have the fewest players returning of the eight teams in Region 1. The Flying Dutchmen lost their quarterback, their top 3 receivers, and much of their line offensively. They do return their leading rusher, Matt Davis. Look for St. Marys to be more run heavy in 2023 as they will have a young quarterback and they’d like to take advantage of the running ability of Davis. Defensively, the Dutchmen have Davis, who was one of their top tacklers, returning as well as Tristan Dilley, Mason Sheeley, and Johnny Bandy. St. Marys is coached by Chris Dworek and went 7-5 last year losing in the district class 3A finals 13-7 to Clearfield in the rain.
PFN’s Projected Region 1 Finish:
- Central Clarion
- Karns City
- Punxsutawney
- DuBois
- Brookville
- St. Marys
- Moniteau
- Bradford
Follow PA Football News on Twitter @PaFootballNews
You must be logged in to post a comment.