Wednesday, August 27, 2003

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

TEAM TO BEAT

Pine-Richland -- After losing in the WPIAL title game last year to Hopewell, Pine-Richland is thinking of bigger things. "We hope to repeat as conference champions and win the WPIAL crown," said Pine-Richland Coach Clair Altemus. With six starters back on offense and eight on defense, it seems like a realistic goal. Star quarterback Kevin McCabe is now at the University of Virginia, so star senior receiver Neil Walker (6-3, 200) has moved to quarterback. The Rams should have a strong running game with senior Greg Hough (5-11, 205), who rushed for 1,834 yards last year. Two-way tackles Greg Conti (6-0, 260) and Mike Nanna (6-5, 280) are two other top returners. Senior Pat Humes (5-7, 160) is one of the best kickers in the WPIAL.

THE CONTENDERS

Highlands -- With a stable of talented skill-position players, the Rams will be Pine-Richland's top challenger. Junior Zack Bonatesta (5-11, 185) threw for 807 yards as a sophomore. He also has some capable receivers and a good fullback in senior Kevin Linza (5-11, 205), who gained 263 yards on 45 carries.

Kittanning -- A strong running game will have the Wildcats in the thick of the conference race. Senior Scott Shepard (5-11, 185) is a strong fullback. Junior Joe Acerni (5-10, 220) was a first-team all-conference linebacker as a sophomore.

THE OTHERS

Hampton -- The Talbots scored one touchdown or less in five games last year. "But our entire line is back, so we are looking to start putting up some points again," said Coach Greg Mihalik.

Knoch -- The Knights have two of the best players in the conference in quarterback Mark Rupert (6-3, 201) and lineman Josh Bzorek (6-4, 235), but only three other starters return.

Valley -- After going 1-8 last year, there is hope for improvement. Senior quarterback Mike Girardi (5-11, 175), junior fullback-linebacker Logan Downes (5-10, 185) and senior tackle Mike Wojcik (6-4, 265) are three of the reasons.

FIVE PLAYERS TO WATCH

Zack Bonatesta, Highlands (QB-DB, 5-11, 185, Jr.); Josh Bzorek, Knoch (OT-DT, 6-4, 235, Sr.); Greg Hough, Pine-Richland (RB-LB, 5-11, 205, Sr.); Mark Rupert, Knoch (QB-DB, 6-3, 201, Sr.); Neil Walker, Pine-Richland (QB-DB, 6-3, 200, Sr.).

GAME OF THE YEAR

Pine-Richland at Highlands, Oct. 10.

BEST BANDS

Pine-Richland, Kittanning.

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