Wednesday, August 27, 2003

By Mike White and Ken Mrazik, Post-Gazette Sports Writers

TEAM TO BEAT

Thomas Jefferson -- Maybe this is the season Thomas Jefferson gets to the title game. The Jaguars have lost in the semifinals six of the past seven seasons. The offense could be strong with senior quarterback Pete Winovich (6-3, 225), who completed 45 of 93 for 972 yards last season. Jon Drager (2,094 yards rushing) graduated, but senior Ryan Hicks (6-1, 185) shows plenty of promise. The major question mark seems to be the defense, where only three starters return.

CONTENDERS

Peters Township -- The Indians look to be Thomas Jefferson's No. 1 challenger. Senior quarterback-defensive back Jim Gallagher (6-1, 185) threw for 1,101 yards last season and ran for 637. Senior Joe Kurnal (5-8, 185) ran for 511 yards while senior Shane Sullivan (5-11, 175) caught 25 passes.

Chartiers Valley -- With starters back at 16 positions, this could be the year the Colts get to the playoffs for the first time since 1997. Junior halfback-linebacker Nick Hursky (6-1, 230) was a standout as a sophomore. Senior tight end Joe Monteverde (6-5, 230) caught 34 passes a year ago and might catch the eyes of college recruiters.

THE OTHERS

West Mifflin -- The Titans should still be good enough to earn a fifth consecutive playoff appearance. Sophomore Shawn Thomas (5-10, 170) rushed for 628 yards last season.

Keystone Oaks -- The Eagles lost 16 starters to graduation. Can you say rebuild?

Elizabeth Forward -- New coach Tony Ruscitto will build around senior quarterback Steve Collage (6-1, 180), who threw for 672 yards last season and rushed for 235.

McGuffey -- Eight starters returning on both offense and defense should make things easier for second-year coach Derek Bochna, who was 0-10 in his first season.

FIVE PLAYERS TO WATCH

Jim Gallagher, Peters Township (QB-DB, 6-1, 185, Sr.); Nick Hursky, Chartiers Valley (FB-LB, 6-1, 230, Jr.); Joe Monteverde, Chartiers Valley (TE-DE, 6-5, 230, Sr.); Shawn Thomas, West Mifflin (RB-DB, 5-10, 170, Soph.); Pete Winovich, Thomas Jefferson (QB-LB, 6-3, 225, Sr.).

GAME OF THE YEAR

Peters Township at Thomas Jefferson, Sept. 26.

BEST BANDS

Elizabeth Forward, West Mifflin.

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