2024 Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference Preview: West 2 Section
Tagged under: Conference Previews, District 5, District 6, News, pfn
Baron Dionis | August 23, 2024
2023 Final LHAC Standings (Overall-Record/Conference)
- Central 12-1 (11-0)
- Bald Eagle 12-2 (10-1)
- Richland 11-2 (10-1)
- Penn Cambria 9-3 (9-3)
- Clearfield 8-4 (7-3)
- Chestnut Ridge 7-4 (7-3)
- Forest Hills 8-4 (7-4)
- Bishop Guilfoyle 6-5 (6-4)
- Tyrone 6-5 (6-5)
- Penns Valley 6-5 (6-5)
- Central Cambria 4-6 (4-6)
- Philipsburg-Osceola 4-6 (4-6)
- Bedford 3-7 (3-7)
- Somerset 3-7 (3-7)
- Bishop McCort-Carrol 3-7 (3-7)
- Bellefonte 2-8 (2-8)
- Huntingdon 2-8 (2-8)
- Westmont-Hilltop 2-8 (2-8)
- Bellwood-Antis 2-8 (2-8)
- Greater Johnstown 0-10 (0-10)
The West 2 Section of the Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference is the better of the two sections on the west, which will be even more competitive this season. There are lots of standout players this season in this section that will make these teams evenly matched and could be many close games. Let’s preview the West 2 Section of the LHAC.
Bedford Bisons
2023 Record: 3-7
Head Coach Kevin Steele
15th Season 96-61
The Bedford Bisons look to get back to their winning ways in 2024. They lost just five seniors so they return nearly their entire team. That experience these players learned last year will really benefit the Bisons.
We learned at the LHAC Media Day that star all-purpose back Quincy Swaim will play quarterback for Bedford this season. Owen Horne returns on offense as a back, along with Owen Tedrow and AJ Koontz at receiver. The Bisons also return nearly their entire defense as well.
This experienced group could get Bedford back to the postseason.
Central Cambria Red Devils
2023 Record: 4-6
Head Coach Don Fyfe
3rd Season: 7-13
The Central Cambria Red Devils just missed the playoffs last year, but look to win more games in 2024. Coach Fyfe has a lot of confidence in his team this year after losing just two impact players from last year.
Coach Fyfe said, “Have a lot of returning starters so it gives us confidence going into the season. Hopefully we can stay healthy and have a chance to get in the playoffs at the end of the season.”
One of the important starters they return is running back Grady Snyder, who led the team in rushing and receiving. Hunter Pittsinger returns at quarterback, along with Gabe Burkett and Ian Estep at receiver. Linemen David Smith, Blake Coposky, Blaine O’Farrel, and Jacob Conrad all return. Breyden Basko and Alex Kubat will also be returning at linebacker.
It should be an entertaining season for the Red Devils, which could help them return to the playoffs.
Chestnut Ridge Lions
2023 Record: 7-4
Head Coach Max Shoemaker
17th Season: 121-66
The Chestnut Ridge Lions lost a lot of their players from the 2023 team and that will hurt them in 2024. They have a newer team, but they normally have a lot of success.
Chestnut Ridge lost quarterback Nate Whysong, running back Jeb Emerick, receivers Chase Whysong and Jarod Wolfhope, along with other linemen. They do return receiver Owen Claycomb though, who should lead this team. Haydan Webb will make a big impact on defense at linebacker and will likely be their running back.
It should be another exciting year for the Lions, but they have a tough task ahead of them.
Forest Hills Rangers
2023 Record: 8-4
Head Coach Justin Myers
6th Season: 23-30
Forest Hills should be a very good team this year, but they have been bumped up to 3A, which will be difficult in the postseason. Coach Myers says this senior class will lead them this year.
Coach Myers said, “We have a strong nucleus of players coming back. Our seniors will be the driving force to our success.”
Some of the seniors they return are quarterback Nate Cornell, running backs Xander Richardson and Mason Papinchak, and receivers Chase Williamson and Koy McGough.
It should be an exciting season for the Rangers as they will be one of the top teams in the LHAC.
Penn Cambria Panthers
2023 Record: 9-3
Head Coach Nick Foles
6th Season: 29-26
The Penn Cambria Panthers return a very talented team to 2024, but look to get past Central in the District 6 finals as they have lost to them in three consecutive years. The Panthers have division one talent this season, which will help a lot in their run.
Derek Hite is the big name as he recently announced his commitment to the Virginia Military Institute. Gavin Harrold is another big name in Penn Cambria as he is a big time player on offense and defense. Quarterback Brady Jones and running back Thomas Plunkett. Lineman Preston Farabaugh is another key returnee.
Going to be a big season for Penn Cambria as they look to finally bring a District 6 Title back home.
Follow PA Football News on Twitter @PaFootballNews
You must be logged in to post a comment.