Wednesday, August 27, 2003

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

TEAM TO BEAT

Sto-Rox -- The Vikings have come to pass. Senior quarterback Adam DiMichele (6-0, 170) led the WPIAL in passing last season and has more than 4,000 yards in his career. But Sto-Rox also has a standout running back in Chuck Banks, who ran for 1,158 yards in 2002. Senior linemen Vinnie Parrilla (6-4, 295) and Luis Cruz (6-3, 295) will be counted on to protect DiMichele and open holes for Banks. "I believe we should be extremely strong in our conference and hope to go farther in the playoffs," said Coach Ron Butschle, whose team lost in the quarterfinals last year.

CONTENDERS

Bishop Canevin -- If the Crusaders' lines come together, they are a definite playoff team. Senior Trevor Concannon (6-0, 195) was first-team all-conference last season. Senior Lucas Parker (5-7, 165) returns at quarterback.

Chartiers-Houston -- With the return of senior running back Brandon Henderson (5-10, 190), the Bucs should finish near the top. Henderson rushed for 658 yards on 98 attempts a year ago.

THE OTHERS

Fort Cherry -- Jim Garry has retired as coach and his son, Tim, has taken over a team that has good size on the lines, but little experience.

Avella -- With returning starters at 12 positions, don't forget about the Eagles.

Burgettstown -- Senior Brandon Wright (5-9, 185), who rushed for 644 yards last season, could lead the Blue Devils to some success.

Bentworth -- Ron Skiles returns to coaching in hopes of bringing some good fortune back to the Bearcats. Skiles coached the team to four Class AA playoff berths in the 1980s,

Beth-Center -- The Bulldogs need to avoid the midseason doldrums. They won their first two and last two in 2002, but lost the five games in between.

FIVE PLAYERS TO WATCH

Chuck Banks, Sto-Rox (RB-DB, 5-9, 160, Sr.); Trevor Concannon, Bishop Canevin (TE-LB, 6-0, 195, Sr.); Adam DiMichele, Sto-Rox (QB, 6-0, 170, Sr.); Brandon Henderson, Chartiers-Houston (RB, 5-10, 190, Sr.); Brandon Wright, Burgettstown (RB-LB, 5-9, 185, Sr.).

GAME OF THE YEAR

Sto-Rox at Canevin, Oct. 25.

BEST BANDS

Chartiers-Houston, Fort Cherry.

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