Wednesday, August 27, 2003

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

TEAM TO BEAT

Beaver -- The Bobcats made it to the WPIAL semifinals last season, and have enough talent to win their first WPIAL title since 1982. Senior Rory Nicol (6-5, 242) is ranked among the best tight ends in the country. Senior Adam Schmidt (6-2, 262) is a force on both lines. Overall, nine starters return on offense and seven on defense. Senior running back-linebacker Pat McDanel (5-10, 165), senior linebacker Mike Milne (5-9, 187) and senior quarterback Chad Davies (6-0, 184) are three others expected to have big seasons.

CONTENDERS

Aliquippa -- Senior Darrelle Revis (6-1, 180) has Division I college offers and will see some time at quarterback this season. Revis and linebacker Will Forbes are two of the reasons the Quips will be strong.

Freedom -- Most coaches are picking the Bulldogs to grab a playoff spot. Senior fullback-linebacker Kurt Brenner (5-10, 190) led the team in rushing last season with 573 yards.

THE OTHERS

Center -- Coach Larry Taddeo lost 17 players to graduation, but maybe preseason scrimmages against Class AAA powers Hopewell and Moon will prime the Trojans.

Ellwood City -- This could be the sleeper team in the conference as Coach Curt Agostinelli has starters back at 15 positions. The first conference game at Aliquippa could tell a lot about the Wolverines.

Beaver Falls -- Senior quarterback Jordan Potter (6-1, 190) was 111 of 194 for 1,446 yards last season, but is he enough to get the Tigers into the playoffs? Four starters return on both offense and defense.

New Brighton -- Only one starter returns on offense and three on defense. Keep an eye on junior lineman Brandon Richardson, an all-conference pick last year. At 6-4, 325 pounds, you can't miss him.

Quaker Valley -- The Quakers will rely heavily on 6-2 senior running back Rusty Killen, who has run the 40 in 4.3 seconds. Coach Terry Turzai also expects a big year from sophomore quarterback Darren Rogers.

FIVE PLAYERS TO WATCH

Rory Nicol, Beaver (TE-LB, 6-5, 242, Sr.); Jordan Potter, Beaver Falls (QB, 6-1, 190, Sr.); Darrelle Revis, Aliquippa (QB-WR-DB, 6-1, 180, Sr.); Brandon Richardson, New Brighton (OL-DL, 6-4, 325, Jr.); Adam Schmidt, Beaver (OT-DT, 6-2, 262, Sr.).

GAME OF THE YEAR

Aliquippa at Beaver, Sept. 26.

BEST BANDS

Center, Beaver.

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