Wednesday, August 27, 2003

By Paul Zeise and Ken Mrazik Post-Gazette Sports Writers

TEAM TO BEAT

Blackhawk -- The Cougars haven't won the WPIAL Class AAA title since the glory days from 1991-96, when they won four titles in six years. That could change this season as the team has starters returning at 17 of 22 positions. And many of those players are seniors entering their third season as starters, so this team has been in the making for the past two seasons. On offense, the team returns quarterback Sean Conley (1,239 yards passing, 316 yards rushing), receiver Brian Dvorsak (204 yards, 4 TDs) and leading rusher Jeremy Bruce (61 rushes, 396 yards, 7 TDs). Two-way lineman Mark Estermyer (6-2, 230) anchors both sides of the ball. The Cougars also have a favorable schedule as they get both Moon and West Allegheny at home, but they will have to survive a trip to Hopewell in October in order to win the conference.

CONTENDERS

Hopewell -- Defending PIAA champions should be strong along both lines again. Guard/defensive end Craig Bokor is a Pitt recruit and one of the top linemen in the state.

West Allegheny -- Offense could struggle early but it only has to get to within 40 yards of the goal line to score as the team's not-so-secret weapon is Purdue-bound kicker Dave Brytus. Both lines are excellent.

Moon -- If the Tigers get consistent quarterback play, they could make a run at the WPIAL title. The team is strong along both lines and deep and experienced on defense.

THE OTHERS

Montour -- Junior tight end/linebacker Josh Byrom (6-4, 230) is one of the top players in the conference.

New Castle -- The Hurricanes will have to rebuild some, but talented quarterback Ross Crist (1,025 total yards last season) returns.

Ambridge -- Don Yannessa begins yet another rebuilding project.

FIVE PLAYERS TO WATCH

Dave Brytus, West Allegheny (P-K, 6-4, 230, Sr.); Sean Conley, Blackhawk (QB-DB, 5-11, 185, Sr.); A.Q. Shipley, Moon (OL-DL, 6-3, 280, Sr.); Craig Bokor, Hopewell (OL-DL, 6-3, 275, Sr.); Josh Byrom, Montour (TE-LB, 6-4, 230, Jr.).

GAME OF THE YEAR

Blackhawk at Hopewell, Oct. 3.

BEST BANDS

Blackhawk, West Allegheny.

E-mail this story   Print this story