2025 WPIAL 5A Northeast Conference Preview
Tagged under: Conference Previews, District 7, News, pfn
Davis Natali | August 13, 2025
Pine-Richland Rams
After taking home their second WPIAL title in three years, Pine-Richland looks to add another championship to the trophy case in 2025. The Rams finished 11-2 overall last year and enter this season with their leading passer, rusher, and receiver returning. Junior quarterback Aaron Strader is back under center after throwing for 1,755 yards and 20 touchdowns. He’ll be joined by Florida State commit Jay Timmons, who totaled 755 receiving yards and 12 scores. Senior Maclane Miller returns in the backfield after rushing for 1,303 yards and 15 touchdowns, while Pitt commit John Curran anchors the offensive line. The Rams also add a dangerous playmaker on the outside in Penn State-commit Khalil Taylor, a junior transfer from Seton LaSalle. The defense, which gave 12.9 points per game a year ago, looks to replace several important starters, including five of the top six tacklers. Senior linebacker Grant Pillar and senior defensive backs Dajaun Webb and Jay Timmons will lead the unit. With a loaded offense and leaders returning on defense, Pine-Richland is built for another Northeast Conference title run.
Penn Hills Indians
Penn Hills enters the year with high expectations after finishing 7-5 and second in the Northeast conference a year ago. The Indians will look to fill the void left by standout back Naytel Mitchell’s graduation with a rotation featuring sophomore Doryan Peay and seniors Chase Gonzales and Jeremy Paolino. Under center will be senior Devin Harris, who steps into the starting role after transferring from Shady Side Academy in 2024. On the perimeter, Junior wide receiver Carter Bonner, a four-star recruit with offers from many Power-Five schools, returns as an important playmaker on both sides of the ball. Penn Hills returns three starters on the offensive line: Tristan Davis, Camryn Price, and Jayden Jones, providing a solid foundation up front. Sophomore linebacker Disere Green-Lindsay will lead the defense. With an experienced offensive line and playmakers across the roster, the Indians aim to build on last season and make a run at the Northeast conference crown.
North Hills Indians
North Hills is looking to build on last year’s 8-2 campaign. With head coach Pat Carey taking a one-year absence due to health concerns, defensive coordinator Brody Zangaro steps in as interim head coach. The Indians return several key players but will need to replace almost half of last year’s starters. The defense, which gave up 17 or more points only four times last year, is expected to be a strength again, led by junior nose tackle Jalil McKinley, along with seniors Joey Lutz at linebacker and Josiah Mathis at cornerback. On offense, quarterback Kelly McCarthy returns for his senior year. The backfield features a dynamic one-two punch in running backs Israel Armstead and Johnell Edison. On the outside, reliable targets Jack Broderick and Josiah Mathis give McCarthy a solid receiving core. North Hills hopes a strong start will once again prepare them for the challenges of the tough Northeast Conference and help set the stage for another successful season.
Shaler Titans
The Titans finished the 2024 season with a 3-7 overall record and went 1-4 in Conference play. Looking to take a step forward in 2025, Shaler returns several key players on both sides of the ball. Senior quarterback Aaron Aversa, who led the team in both passing and rushing yards last season. He’ll be protected by a veteran offensive line that includes seniors Ben Yeckel, Cix O’Domes, and Zac Ehrenberger. In the passing game, Aversa will have reliable targets in junior receiver Logan Messina, senior tight end Zach London, and senior wideout Jon Saban. Defensively, junior linebacker Jayden Conrad and senior safety Trevor Cignetti return to lead the unit. In the secondary, junior Braedyn Witkowski and seniors Muhammad Perez and Nyzere McBride will handle coverage at cornerback. Shaler faces a tough conference schedule in 2025, with key home matchups against Pine-Richland and Penn Hills that could play a major role in shaping their postseason hopes.
Plum Mustangs
Plum enters the 2025 season looking to rebound from a disappointing 2-8 finish and a two-year playoff drought. With 14 returning starters, seven on each side of the ball, the Mustangs are counting on their experienced senior class to lead the way. Senior wide receivers Sloan Humphries and Niko Signor, along with junior defensive back Tyler Baleno, provide both talent and leadership. In the backfield, the Mustangs will rely on the one-two punch of senior Elijah Jackson and junior CJ Hart to power the running game. Adding to the mix is former NFL running back Deji Karim, who joins the staff as the new running backs coach, bringing valuable experience and insight to the offense. At quarterback, senior Antonio Hanzlik and junior John Nonnenberg return after gaining reps last season, giving the team depth under center. Despite competing in a tough Northeast Conference, Plum believes it’s better prepared this fall to challenge the league’s top teams and make a push back into the playoff picture.
Fox Chapel Foxes
After a challenging 2-7 season and a winless record in conference play, Fox Chapel is ready to turn things around. Despite still being a young team, the Foxes believe they are more talented, better prepared. Several sophomores, including Gianni Fusaro, Sam Resek, Caleb Portis, and Dom Fabrizi, are expected to play key roles this season. One of the most significant offseason developments came from senior Max Melocchi, a Carnegie Mellon commit, who decided to move from quarterback to wide receiver. His transition adds depth to the receiving corps and opens the door for returning senior starter Joey Geller to take over. Geller passed for 575 yards last season and looks to build on that experience. Senior tight end Thomas Billings is back after recovering from a knee injury, and the offensive line returns valuable experience with senior center Kaleb Hartman and lineman Aidan Elwood anchoring the front. On special teams, senior kicker Harran Zureikat, a Georgia commit, returns. With a mix of promising young talent and seasoned veterans, Fox Chapel is aiming to climb the standings and become more competitive in the Northeast Conference.
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