District Nine Conference Preview – Region 3
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Phil Myers | August 20, 2024
Bucktail – New coach Kevin Ransom is looking to build upon Bucktail’s 5-5 record last year. He says building a foundation is important. With 4 offensive linemen back plus Brody Pentz at QB, the 2024 season is bright. Pentz rushed for over 1,300 yards last year and is a super athlete. Rushing and passing for over 1,000 yards in ’24 is not out of the question. WR Gavin Yachmyack also returns. The defense has 5 starters returning, 3 down linemen and 2 linebackers. With what they have coming back and knowing they lost 3 of 5 games last year by six points or less, it is very possible for the Bucks to have a winning season.
Cameron County – The Red Raiders (pictured) return virtually everyone from a team that went 7-4 last year. Coach Ryan Neyman has to replace a quality quarterback, but that is about it. They have three linemen on offense that will be starting all four years. They are Maxx Newton, Landon Farren, and Nick Streich. They will open up holes for Malakai Zucal who rushed for 1,040 yards and 10 touchdowns. The defense will be bigger and stronger this year. They’ve been building to this point and the players are enthusiastically looking forward to the 2024 season.
Coudersport – Coudy is still building. It’s a process says head coach Frank Brown. The Falcons were 8-4 last year where they hosted and won a playoff game. Now they want to take it to the next step. They return a lot from their productive 2023 season. Look for the offense to center around three players, QB John Wright, Z-Back Danny VanVladricken, and TB Ethan Ott. Wright is a leader and system player, while VanVladricken may be the best playmaker, and Ott is tough running hard between the tackles. If the defense can play well again or even better, look for them to defend their Region 3 championship.
Otto-Eldred – The Terrors were 6-4 last year and return 9 offensive starters and 10 defensive starters. Their goal is to make the playoffs and see where it takes them. They qualified for the playoffs in 2023 but with some injuries and low numbers, the difficult decision was made to forego the post season. The most experienced position is their group of wide receivers. O-E will be deep at running back too. QB Shane Magee threw for 1,681 yards and 22 TDs last year. WR Manning Splain finished with 764 yards receiving and 11 touchdowns. RB Hunter App ran for 10 scores in ’23. With a veteran defense, the goal is to cut down on points scored. Two leaders on defense in terms of tackling are App and Jeremiah Ford. When all is said and done, look for the Terrors to have had a good 2024 football season.
Sheffield – There are rumors that Sheffield High School may close its doors for the 2025-26 school year. But the Wolverine gridiron players of 2024 are blocking that distraction out and focusing on playing football with hopes that a good season will be a factor, among others, in keeping the doors open for the following year. QB Colby Barr returns. He is a leader and set the Sheffield single game passing record last year by throwing for 427 yards. Coach Mike Barr’s Wolverines have a few players back who could help his son make a difference in the upcoming season. Among them are two of his offensive linemen in OL/OLB Andrew Kyler and RG/DT Braylon Winslow. Their home stadium, Wolverine Mountain, is one of the most scenic stadiums in all of Pennsylvania. If you are looking for something to do some Saturday afternoon, take a trip to Sheffield.
Smethport – First year coach Eric Rees will be implementing a new offense and defense. He is looking for improvement over the Hubbers 2-7 record of last year. He is pleased that the powers that be in District Nine moved them down to Region 3 for competitive balance for the time being. The Hubbers return just a few offensive and defensive starters. RB Jonah Ganoe may be relied upon to increase his numbers from last year, although he scored 7 touchdowns which was almost half the team’s TD total for the year. Others that Coach Rees is looking for to lead and contribute are Ben Kirkman Zach Hunginville, and Alex Yeager. Kirkman and Ganoe were two of the top tacklers on the Hubber defense a year ago.
PFN’s Projected Region 3 Finish:
- Cameron County
- Otto-Eldred
- Coudersport
- Bucktail
- Smethport
- Sheffield
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