District Nine Conference Preview – Region 1
Tagged under: Conference Previews, District 9, News, pfn
Phil Myers | August 12, 2024
Bradford – The Owls broke a 3-year losing streak in 2023 by winning 4 games. They have 50 players going into camp, so the numbers are good. Coach Jeff Puglio says it is a matter of getting the right kids and they are getting there. They had a few kids step up and contribute last year but none as much as QB Talan Reese. He threw for over 2, 000 yards and 18 touchdowns last year. He has the size and will play college ball somewhere. With six other starters back including four linemen, the offense should produce points for sure. That could translate into a winning season, but it may come down to how well the defense plays. And the defense returns five starters including top tackler in 2023, Evan Whitmore.
Brookville – First year coach, Bill Morrison does not have a bare cupboard. The Blue Raiders return 8 starters on both sides of the ball. Brookville has four O-linemen back anchored by 6’3” 340 lb. Connor Ansinger and 6’3” 290 lb. Jacob Clinger. The four returning skill guys are led by WR/QB Easton Belfiore and RB Tony Ceriani. The defense has six of the front seven returning including leading tackler LB Gavin Hannah. Morrison says he wants other teams to know they played Brookville come Saturday morning. There is a lot of confidence and leadership on this 2024 version of Brookville football. Look for the Blue Raiders to make a push to meet the Region 1 favorite, Central Clarion, in the D-9 AA finals.
Central Clarion – The Wildcats (pictured) have had tremendous teams the past couple of years, but unfortunately met state runner-up Westinghouse both times in the first round. The Dave Eggleton-led Clarion-ites have learned they have to make plays in big games. The players say their work ethic and staying focused will hopefully help them make a run deep into the playoffs. Among their 7 returning offensive starters are QB Jase Ferguson and WR Mason Burford. Ferguson accounted over 3,500 total yards (2,698 passing) and 56 TDs (46 passing) last year. Burford led the team with 15 touchdown receptions in 2023. Big Jimmy Kerr will anchor the line. The defense returns seven also led by their two top takedown artists, linebackers Braylon Beckwith and Charlie Hepfl.
DuBois – The Beavers have approximately 25 lettermen back plus word on the street has it that there may be some big contributions from some young players in 2024. Coach TJ Wingard wants this year’s version of DuBois football to be more consistent, disciplined, physical, and mentally tough. Trey Wingard is back at the quarterback position where he can be a difference maker. His sophomore year was cut short due to an injury. Other skill guys expected to contribute are Carter Vos, Danny Dixon, and Nathan Kougher. The Beavers are hoping to improve their defense this year and one of the keys is LB Carter Wilson who happened to have twice as many tackles as anyone else on the team last year.
Karns City – Head coach Joe Sherwin has most of his starters back from 2023. The coaches think they have a really good team and can contend for the district 2A title with Central Clarion and Brookville. The Gremlins are looking for Nathan Hess and Hunter Scherer to make some big contributions. Hess missed last year due to an injury but as a freshman at fullback, he scored 7 TDs. Scherer averaged 6.5 yards a carry and scored 10 touchdowns last season. OG/DT Cam Ealy and TE/DE Shane Peters on the line on both sides of the ball can be another factor for Gremlin success in 2024.
Moniteau – With 9 starters back on offense and 8 on defense, Moniteau should be able to improve upon their 1-9 record. Head coach Bob Rottman wants to see a shift in the mental approach to the game and for the kids to keep motivated. Trent Beachem and Brendin Sankey split time at quarterback in 2023 and combined for over 1,600 yards and 18 touchdowns throwing the ball. Sankey was one of the leading tacklers for the Warriors last season and Blaine Jamison picked off six passes.
Punxsutawney – The Chucks have a new head coach in Brandon Snyder. His goals are for the Chucks to continue to play physical, to set new expectations, and to win the District Nine Class 4A championship. Punxsy has only 5 kids back on offense, but two are very important contributing pieces in QB Maddox Hetrick and WR Beau Thomas. Hetrick passed for 1,846 yards and 16 TDs, while Thomas caught 46 passes and found the end zone 7 times. The defense is where some new kids need to step in and play good football as the Chucks only return 4 starters from last year.
St. Marys – By forming a football co-op with Elk County Catholic, the Flying Dutchmen of St. Marys may be a pretty strong team this year if the team can gel. They return some talent and 7 starters offensively plus 8 starters on defense. Ben Reynolds could be a big factor in the team’s 2024 success from his running back position. Talon Thomas at wide receiver is another one to keep an eye on. Athlete Frankie Smith, lineman Jayden Overly, and kicker Wil Wortman are three more names that people may get to know as the year progresses. Head coach Chris Dworek notes there is some anxiety about the co-op but the players are working hard. He thinks they will be a solid and competitive team.
PFN’s Projected Region 1 Finish:
- Central Clarion
- Brookville
- DuBois
- Karns City
- Punxsutawney
- St. Marys
- Bradford
- Moniteau
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