Wednesday, August 27, 2003

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

TEAM TO BEAT

Upper St. Clair -- The Panthers aren't ranked in the Post-Gazette top five now, but they have the capability to be one of the top teams at the end of the season. Senior fullback-defensive lineman Nick DeBartolo (6-0, 235) is a force on offense and defense. Senior Kevin Mathews (5-10, 185) returns to running back after missing most of last season with a broken foot, and junior Josh Helmrich (5-8, 180) started at QB last season. Talented receiver Pat Shepard (6-3, 200) has an injured knee, but should return early in the season. Junior Sean Lee (6-2, 190) is one of the conference's best defensive backs.

CONTENDERS

McKeesport -- Senior linebacker Dontey Brown (6-3, 252), a Penn State recruit, is one of the best defensive players in the state. Senior quarterback Guy Hurt (6-1, 225) rushed for 1,242 yards last season.

Trinity -- The Hillers have 18 returning starters. Senior Chance Varner (6-0, 235) led the team in rushing last season with 615 yards, and senior Jim Johnson (6-1, 195) is back at quarterback.

Canon-McMillan -- After 23 seasons and 192 wins at Washington, Coach Guy Montecalvo proved he can coach a winner. But can he do it on the Class AAAA level? Junior Doug Rheam (6-1, 190) showed promise at quarterback last year as a sophomore and senior Jeff Monaco (6-3, 260) was fist-team all-conference.

THE OTHERS

Fox Chapel -- The Foxes have only three returning starters, but one of them is senior Cyrus Serrao (5-5, 160), who rushed for 731 yards last season.

Albert Gallatin -- The Colonials must patch up a defense that allowed 34 points a game.

Ringgold -- Twenty returning lettermen might help the Rams win a few this season after going 0-10.

FIVE PLAYERS TO WATCH

Nick DeBartolo, Upper St. Clair (6-0, 235); Dontey Brown, McKeesport (TE-LB, 6-3, 252, Sr.); Guy Hurt, McKeesport (QB, 6-1, 225, Sr.); Sean Lee, Upper St. Clair (RB-DB, 6-2, 190); Chance Varner, Trinity (RB, 6-0, 235).

GAME OF THE YEARUpper St. Clair at McKeesport, Oct. 24.

BEST BANDS

Trinity, McKeesport.

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