Wednesday, August 27, 2003

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

TEAM TO BEAT

Seton-LaSalle -- Standout quarterback Anthony Doria has graduated, as have some of Seton-LaSalle's other top players from last year's team that won the WPIAL title. But the Rebels are still ranked No. 4 in Class AA by the Post-Gazette. Junior Carmen Connolly (6-1, 185) led the team in rushing last year with more than 800 yards. Senior linebacker Chris Droney (6-1, 230) was second on the team in tackles and senior linebacker Steve Morse (6-2, 235) third. Big things are also expected of junior quarterback Bill Stull (6-3 1/2, 190).

CONTENDERS

Northgate --Nine starters return on offense and nine on defense. Senior running back Remaro Rush (5-7, 165) rushed for 600 yards on 86 attempts last season. The Flames also have size on the lines with seniors Ron Maruscak (6-5, 230) and Mark Neel (6-5, 260) and junior Mike Maruscak (6-5, 260).

South Park -- Senior fullback Alex Fulton (5-11, 220) led the team in rushing with 438 yards last season. Some talented linemen also are back.

East Allegheny -- Senior tight end-defensive end Tony Young (6-2, 240) is one of the reasons Coach Tim Cortazzo is excited. "This might be the best combination of juniors and seniors that we have had," Cortazzo said.

THE OTHERS

Steel Valley -- With five returning starters on the offensive line, the Ironmen figure to improve on last year's 2-8 record.

South Allegheny -- Pat Risha is South Allegheny's superintendent -- and first-year football coach. Fullback-linebacker Justin Guadagni (6-1, 230) is a Georgia Tech recruit.

South Fayette -- Senior receiver Marques Parks (6-0, 175) caught 25 passes last year and junior running back Shane Rooney (5-10, 180) rushed for 716 yards. They are reasons for optimism.

Carlynton -- The Cougars were winless last year, but Coach Mike Crown believes his squad can "stun some teams this year." Senior receiver Carmen Talmonti (6-0, 195) caught a team-high 23 passes last year.

FIVE PLAYERS TO WATCH

Carmen Connelly, Seton-LaSalle (RB-DB, 6-1, 185, Jr.); Alex Fulton, South Park (FB-NG, 5-11, 220, Sr.); Justin Guadagni, South Allegheny (FB-LB, 6-1, 230, Sr.); Remaro Rush, Northgate (RB-DB, 5-7, 165, Sr.); Bill Stull, Seton-LaSalle (QB, 6-3 1/2, 190, Jr.).

GAME OF THE YEAR

Seton-LaSalle at Northgate, Sept. 19.

BEST BANDS

Steel Valley, South Fayette.

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