WPIAL 2014 Season Bold Predictions
by Karlo Zovko
Posted March 11, 2014 8:48 pm
Aaron Matthews, ben dinucci, D'Aundre Johnson, donnie west, PJ Fulmore, preps, WPIAL Insider
Preps.com loves being the first people to break news to you guys. We also love giving you educated predictions on how the season will turn out. After last year’s prospect list released, we got a somewhat good idea of which teams will play well and which teams were rebuilding. This year, from only watching film, without seeing anybody grow from offseason workouts or live in 7 on 7s, we’re presenting to you our 2014 Season Bold Predictions.
Single A:
One of the biggest stories of this offseason was Clairton Coach Tom Nola leaving his storied Bears to move up to AAA to coach for Gateway. Wayne Wade, previously their Defensive Coordinator, resumed position as their Head Coach. With that being said, we’re predicating the Bears to be crowned Single A champions this year with Aaron Matthews and Harrison Dreher (both class of 2016) leading the way. Expect North Catholic to be in the mix for the championship as well. RB Moses Giles of Avonworth (class of 2016) had a stellar sophomore campaign and looks to continue to build his resume. Avonworth might give Clairton some trouble if they meet in the playoffs. Vincentian Academy also has it’s first year of playoff eligibility, and we think they have what it takes to make the playoffs. They bring back all 22 starters and Head Coach Tim Storino is fresh off of his 1 year suspension. Look for the Royals to make some noise.
Top Prospect Predication: PJ Fulmore to Pitt
Double A:
Our breakout player for AA is Apollo Ridge’s Tre Tipton. I like Apollo Ridge to go deep in the playoffs. Also expect there to be a rematch at Heinz this year with Aliquippa facing off against South Fayette. Expect Aliquippa to pull out on top however, despite losing a large group of D1 players. The Quips’ Kaezon Pugh looks to be the stud this year in AA.
The team to look out for is the Valley Vikings. D’Aundre Johnson (class of 2016) is a guy that looks to create some buzz, especially with WPIAL Legend Coach Muzzy at the reigns.
Top Prospect Predication: Arrington Gipson to West Virginia
Triple A:
Am i hearing a 3-peat for West A? Not going out on too far of a limb with that prediction but I don’t see anybody from the WPIAL knocking them off the top of the mountain. A breakout player to watch for is Terrence Stephens Jr. from West A. A quick, shifty RB who is also a 2016 kid that looks to have a huge role in their offense.
Top Prospect Prediction: Jordan Whitehead to West Virginia
Quad A:
The sleeper team in Quad A is Pine Richland. If they didn’t pull Woodland Hills in round 1 last year of the playoffs they could’ve made some noise. Expect them to be much better this year with Ben DiNucci aka “Benny Football” being the breakout player in AAAA. Our Quad A champion pick is going to be Central Catholic on the repeat but don’t count out Seneca Valley or Woodland Hills. One more sleeper team to watch out for is Baldwin. They’ve been quietly building something over there and now their main core that they have been polishing are all seniors. LB Donnie West had his season cut short last year due to a broken leg but look for him to wreak havoc on opposing QBs.
Top Prospect Prediction: Sterling Jenkins to Penn State
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Aaron Matthews, ben dinucci, D'Aundre Johnson, donnie west, PJ Fulmore, preps, WPIAL Insider