The USC Trojans recruited Delvon Simmons when he was a star football player at McKeesport High School. It just took a few years for USC to land Simmons.

Simmons played the past two seasons at Texas Tech, but has transferred to USC. Simmons was rated among the top defensive linemen in the country at McKeesport and played two seasons at Texas Tech. He started at defensive tackle last season, but decided to leave Texas Tech after the spring semester.

Former McKeesport coach Jim Ward helped Simmons through the transfer process. Simmons visited USC a few weeks ago and also visited Miami.

"USC has a need at that defensive line position," said Ward. "He actually visted there when he was in high school so he was familiar with the place."

Simmons (pictured during his high school days) was one two McKeesport players who signed with Texas Tech in 2011. The other was defensive end Branden Jackson.

"Branden Jackson is thriving at Texas Tech. He loves it there," said Ward. "With Delvon, I just think there was so much change involved with all the coaches that he didn't like. He thought he would look at other opportunities that he might have."

Simmons and Jackson were actually two of three WPIAL players who signed with Texas Tech in 2011. The others was Clairton's Desimon Green. Green never made it to Texas Tech and now plays at California, Pa.

"He was never homesick at Texas Tech. That was never an issue," Ward said of Simmons. "I don't think distance has ever been a factor with him."

You can bet the more it rained Thursday, the happier Scott Crimone became.

Crimone is Keystone Oaks' baseball coach. The Thursday rain postponed the Keystone Oaks-South Park game to today. It also allowed Keystone Oaks' Jared Skolnicki to pitch - and he rained on South Park's perfect season.

Skolnicki, a senior left-hander and a Kent State recruit, pitched a five-hitter to lead Keystone Oaks to a 3-0 victory over South Park in a PIAA Class AAA quarterfinal at Butler’s Pullman Park. It was the first loss of the season for South Park (25-1), which was trying to become the first WPIAL team to win a PIAA title with an undefeated record.

Skolnicki (pictured) went into today's game with a 10-1 record and had allowed only four runs (three earned) all season. His only loss was to South Park, 1-0, in the WPIAL semifinals. If the game was played Thursday, Skolnicki would’ve been ineligible to pitch because he pitched seven innings Monday in a first-round game. Under PIAA rules, a pitcher who works more than five innings needs three days off before he can pitch again.

Skolnicki struck out six this time against South Park and walked one.

Keystone Oaks (20-5) took a 2-0 lead in the top of the sixth. Skolnicki singled - his third hit of the game - and Ryan Ribeau singled. With one out, Tyler Lehman hit a grounder to first, but Shane Fetsko’s throw to second was wild, allowing Skolnicki to score. Nick Riggle followed with an RBI single.

In the seventh, Keystone Oaks loaded the bases after three walks by Nick Yobbi, South Park’s third pitcher of the game.  Ben Canty then scored on a wild pitch.

What a win for Keystone Oaks, which is having the best season in school history. The Eagles had never made the PIAA playoffs before this year.

Keystone Oaks will play in the semifinals Monday. But Skolnicki can't pitch. Does Keystone Oaks hope for rain again?

NA beats Seneca

In the first game of the PIAA doubleheader at Pullman, North Allegheny defeated Seneca Valley, 4-2, in 10 innings. It was the fourth meeting between the two this year - and how is this for strange? Seneca Valley won the first two meetings, both by 3-2 scores. North Allegheny won the past two, both by 4-2 scores.

Seneca Valley played without three-year starting center fielder Jon Dorogy, who sustained a pulled hamstring in the first round Monday. Still, Seneca Valley took a 2-0 lead in the first inning and chased NA starter Mitch Machi in the second.

James Meeker came on for Machi in the second, and was terrific the rest of the way, holding Seneca scoreless while allowing only four hits. Meeker was maybe the biggest key to the win - along with Matt Waugaman.

 Waugaman had an RBI triple in the third and a run-scoring single in the sixth to tie the game. It stayed 2-2 until the top of the 10th. Brandon Bergstrom (who has to be one of the best defensive shorstops in the WPIAL) was at first with two outs. Waugaman then hit a double in the left-center field gap. On the relay throw to home plate, Seneca Valley catcher Brad Gresock came up the third-base line to take the throw. At first, Bergstrom thought about using a hook slide around the sprawled-out catcher.

But Bergstrom then leaped over Gresock as he tried to make a tag. Bergstrom’s knee and thigh hit Gresock in the head, but Gresock never tagged Bergstrom. The run put North Allegheny ahead, 3-2, and Jim Divosevic followed with an RBI single to give the Tigers a two-run cushion.

“I knew I couldn’t run right over him. I thought I would have to hook slide,” said Bergstrom, who had three singles in the game. “When I decided to jump, my thigh hit his head. It was bad luck.”

Gresock lay on the ground for a minute or so after the play before being removed from the game.

“The umpire made 100 percent the right call,” said Seneca Valley coach Eric Semega.

For Waugaman, it was his third RBI. He finished with a single, double and triple, just four days after he hit a two-run homer against Hempfield in a PIAA first-round game.

Some items that fell off my laptop

Pitt plays Florida State in the football season opener Labor Day. It looks like Pitt also might have to battle Florida State to land a top recruit from Western Pennsylvania.

Washington running back Shai McKenzie (pictured) had scholarship offers from colleges across the country. He has narrowed his list of favorites to five and they are - Pitt, Florida State, Georgia Tech, Virginia Tech and Arkansas. However, McKenzie and both Washington coach Mike Bosnic said Florida State is the top choice - right now. Pitt is next in line.

McKenzie has visted Florida State. It's not often that Florida State is heavily involved with WPIAL players. In fact, I'm having trouble thinking of the last WPIAL player to sign with Florida State. But the Seminoles already have one recruit from the WPIAL class of 2014 - quarterback J.J. Cosentino of Central Catholic.

Kincade to Akron

Blackhawk quarterback Chandler Kincade has decided to attend Akron.

"I'll be playing for a great staff who is putting the program in the right drection," Kincade said in a text message.

Kincade (pictured) originally made a verbal commitment to Pitt during his sophomore year when Todd Graham was coach. After Graham left and Paul Chryst became coach, Kincade stayed committed to Pitt until the two parties mutually parted ways this spring.

Kincade had scholarship offers from Rutgers, Temple and a few Mid-American Conference schools. Other Division I colleges were showing interest. I think the MAC is a good fit for him. Remember, the MAC has produced some NFL quarterbacks (Big Ben).

Where does Pitt's recruiting stand now with quarterbacks? Well, the No. 1 target is undoubtedly Keller Chryst of Palo Alto, Calif. Chryst, a highly-touted pro-style quarterback, is ranked the No. 31 player in the country by Rivals.com. He also is the nephew of Paul Chryst.

Keller Chryst has said his top four choices are Pitt, Alabama, Stanford and USC. It would be gigantic if Pitt were able to land Keller Chryst, but beating out the like of Alabama and West Coast schools for Chryst will be tough.

Cedar Cliff (Pa.) QB Andrew Ford also was considering Pitt but he recently committed to Virginia Tech.

Other notes and thoughts

***** The Post-Gazette will publish its male and female high school athletes of the year in a few weeks. I won't reveal them, but it seems like easy choices this year. Care to take any guesses?

***** After seeing New Castle's Malik Hooker play basketball again yesterday, seeing his body and athletic ability, I say he could be one terrific college player. With those wide shoulders and skinny legs below the knees, and with excellent football-basketball ability, he reminds me so much of Darrelle Revis in high school. Don't get me wrong. I'm not predicting NFL stardom for Hooker. I'm just saying he looks like Revis in high school. And honestly, it wouldn't surprise me if Hooker goes awfully far in football. His athletic ability is that good. I think he might make for an excellent defensive back, although he also plays receiver.

Hooker just doesn't have a lot of experience in football. He didn't play high school football until last year, his junior year. But with his athletic ability, that doesn't matter.

You want to see what I mean of Hooker's athletic ability? Check out this dunk he had this season. It made ESPN's top plays that day.

{youtube}http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y2GCxdQ2XF0{/youtube}

***** North Allegheny standout receiver-defensive back Elijah Zeise might be ready to make his college decision next month. He is at Duke's camp this weekend. Pitt, West Virginia and Arizona have offered. No word yet if Duke offered. Zeise might also look at a few Ivy League schools that are recruiting him.

***** This was no surprise but not one player at a WPIAL school was taken in this year's Major League Baseball draft.

Former Butler High School basketball star Nate Snodgrass is looking to play at another college.

Snodgrass has left Northern Kentucky University after his freshman year. Northern Kentucky moved up to Division I basketball this past season and Snodgrass averaged 17 minutes and three points a game. He had a good chance to increase his playing time this upcoming season.

But Snodgrass said he left Northern Kentucky to play closer to home and also for better academics.

Snodgrass, a point guard, made the Post-Gazette Fabulous Five as a senior and orignally decided to attend the Naval Academy. But after a few weeks of a summer session last year, he decided the Naval Academy wasn't for him. That's when the Northern Kentucky scholarship came through.

If Snodgrass transfers to another Division I school, he has to sit out this season. But if he transers to Division II or lower, he does not have to sit out a season.

The WPIAL class of 2013 has one more Division I player.

Wyatt Hagerty, who recently graduated from Bethel Park, signed today with Colgate University. Hagerty is a 6-foot-11 center.

Some Division I colleges showed interest in Hagerty during the season and he had a couple scholarship offers. But he never signed and was going to maybe go to a prep school for a year. But Colgate got in the hunt for Hagerty and he ended up signing.

Chassidy flipped and is headed to where Cassidy originally was headed. And Cassidy is now going to the school that Chassidy first chose.

Confused? Well, here's the Chassidy-Cassidy recruiting saga.

Blackhawk's Chassidy Omogrosso and Seton-LaSalle's Cassidy Walsh will both be juniors and are two top point guards in WPIAL girls basketball. They both made verbal commitments during their sophomores years - Omogrosso to Pitt and Walsh to Duquesne. But when Suzie McConnell-Serio left Duquesne to become Pitt's coach in the spring, things changed with Omogrosso and Walsh and they flip-flopped over the past few days.

McConnell-Serio still wanted Walsh (pictured to the left). So Walsh backed out of her Duquesne commitment and committed to Pitt late last week.

Omogrosso (pictured in a game last season) opened up her recruitment and made the crosstown flip flop complete today when she committed to Duquesne.

Duquesne's new coach is Dan Burt, who was an assistant under McConnell-Serio.

."I think when Suzie became the coach [at Pitt], she had some players in mind she wanted to recruit," said Blackhawk coach Steve Lodovico. "Chassidy re-opened her recruiting and really liked Duquesne."

Both Walsh and Omogrosso are talented, but different point guards. Omogrosso averaged 22 points as a sophomore and made the Post-Gazette Fabulous Five. She already has scored more than 1,000 points.

Walsh doesn't score as much, but that's because she plays for a Seton-LaSalle team that doesn't need a ton of scoring from her. She was bothered by a stress fracture this past season and averaged 11 points a game.

Both Omogrosso and Walsh have been starters since their freshman years.

Malik Hooker is one of the best two-sport athletes in Pennsylvania for the upcoming school year. Next year, he will play one sport - at Ohio State.

Hooker, a senior at New Castle, made a verbal commitment to Ohio State earlier tonight. He will play football for the Buckeyes and he called Ohio State coach Urban Meyer to give him the news.

Hooker is certainly an interesting story. Last season was the first time he played high school football. By June, he had almost two dozen scholarship offers. Hooker is 6-2, 185 pounds. He plays receiver and defensive back at New Castle, but was recruited to play defensive back.

"When I went there for a visit, I got a spark that I haven't gotten when I went to other schools," Hooker said of Ohio State.

Pitt was his other top choice, but he also had offers from Penn State, Michigan and Nebraska, among others.

I've said on this blog before. He has scary athletic ability and it is probably easier to see on the basketball court. I've also said before he reminds me of Darrelle Revis in high school. I'm not saying Hooker will be as good as Revis. But Hooker is built similar to Revis in high school and he is a football-basketball standout, like Revis.

And I must give a shoutout to former New Castle football coach Gary Schooley, who told me during basketball season that he thought Hooker would be heavily recruited, despite his playing only one year of high school football. Good call, coach Schooley.

Look for more in tomorrow's Post-Gazette.

The calendar flipped to August last week and my work calendar today said "vacation over."

Although it's not officially high school football season yet, why not get started? This week, Varisty Blog will look at the top teams in every WPIAL class, as well as hit a few practices. Next week, it's "Going Camping" time.

But before we get started by taking a look at Class A, a reminder that high school football practices officially start as early as Wednesday. This year, the PIAA has mandated that every team in the state go through three "heat acclimatization practices" before they can start practice Aug. 12 with full pads and full contact. Teams can start the three practices Wednesday, with players in shoulder pads, helmets and shorts. So you will be seeing teams in football gear starting in two days.

But for now, a look at Class A of the WPIAL:

Class A seems to have pretty good depth this year, in terms of quality teams. There are teams worthy of a top five ranking that aren't listed below, like Brentwood and Monessen. Avonworth is worth watching, as well as a few others. But you can't have ties in rankings. So here are my top five (remember, the official Post-Gazette rankings could be different by the time they are published in late August).

5. ROCHESTER

What? Rochester No. 5 to start the season? I don't remember the last time the Rams were ranked so low in the preseason. Looking at Rochester's losses to graduation, you could even make the point that the Rams maybe shouldn't be in the top five. But no way am I discounting a Gene Matsook-coached team just because it is inexperienced. Rochester just has too much tradition not to be in the top five. 

The quarterback, leading rushers and many more graduated. Look for a strong running game to develop, possibly led by Preston Johnson.

4. NESHANNOCK

Neshannock in the top five in the preseason? I know it sounds crazy. I've never seen it before. But the Lancers became one of the darlings of WPIAL football last year. After many seasons of futility, Neshannock finished 10-2 last year and made it to the WPIAL semifinals before losing to Clairton. A number of top players return from that team, including QB Ernie Burkes (2,362 yards combined running and passing) and running back Eli Owens (1,268 yards rushing). Tight end Steven Jeffries, offensive-defensive lineman Ralph DoVidio and linebacker Gianni Oliva were first-team all-conference selections a year ago.

3. NORTH CATHOLIC

The Trojans are set to move into a new school in Wexford next year, but they could have a memorable final season at the top of Troy Hill. A number of top players return from last year's team that finished 9-3 and lost to Sto-Rox in the WPIAL semifinals.

P.J. Fulmore (pictured) returns after rushing for 1,820 yards last year as a sophomore. Quarterback Ryan Kirby also is back. But those aren't the only top players returning. Tight end Ronnie Meder, offensive lineman Dylan Grieco, defensive linemen Ryan Long and Jarred Fragapane, and linebacker Josh Churchin are all back. No other team in the Eastern Conference has as many first-team all-conference players returning.

2. STO-ROX

A third consecutive trip to the WPIAL title game appears possible for the Vikings. Heck, a WPIAL title might be possible.

The Vikings return a number of players from last year's team that lost to Clairton in the title game for the second consecutive year. Seven starters return on defense.

On offense, Sto-Rox has one of the most potent passing-running threats in the WPIAL in quarterback Lenny Williams (pictured in last year's WPIAL final). He threw for 2,237 yards last season, rushed for 1,189 and made the Post-Gazette Fabulous 22. He should be looking good, especially with that load of gear I saw him buying from the Nike outlet store Saturday at the Tanger outlets in Washington (ha ha). Not to be a fashion critic.

Back to on the field matters. Williams could have a big season. He has five scholarship offers from Division I schools as an "athlete." 

Also back is senior running back-linebacker Brendan Blair, who is a force on offense and defense. Blair ran for 799 yards last season. Receiver Javelle Kirkland is another talented player.

1. CLAIRTON

Yes, the Bears lost so many key skill-position players from last year's team. And yes, no one can fill the shoes of all-everything Tyler Boyd. But c'mon. When you win 63 games in a row, five WPIAL titles and four PIAA titles in a row, don't you stay No. 1 until you are beaten?

Last year, the Bears had to develop inexperienced linemen. They did. This year, Clairton is pretty well set on the lines but must develop skill-position players. We'll see. Brentwood and Monessen will be formidable Black Hills Conference challengers to the nation's longest winning streak. And Clairton won't be as strong as the past couple years. But don't be overly surprised if coach Tom Nola (pictured) and the Bears go through another regular season undefeated and the streak reaches 72.

Wayne Wade is back as defensive coordinator, which is huge for the Bears. He thought of not returning. He believes Clairton should be pretty strong again defensively. Jojuan Bray, Vance Gibson, Israel Melvin and Will Hampton return on the lines. Bray was a first-team all-conference lineman last year as a junior.

There are big holes to fill on offense, though. Aaron Matthews and Ryan Williams are battling for the quarterback job. The Bears also must develop some running backs. A player to watch at running back is a freshman. Lamont Wade is a 5-10, 175-pound ninth-grader and Wayne Wade's nephew.

NEXT UP LATER THIS WEEK: Class AA

Rob Gronkowski played only his senior year at Woodland Hills High School after transferring from out of state. In talking today with Woodland Hills coach George Novak about some old times at Woodland Hills, he shared a memorable story about Gronkowski, the current NFL star.

Woodland Hills went away for preseason camp and the team brought along a new jugs football passing machine. It shot balls to receivers at different speeds. At one of the first practices, receivers would have to step up and catch passes. Some had trouble catching the passes.

When it was Gronkowski's turn, he stepped up and caught every pass. He asked if the passes could come at a higher speed - and then higher. He kept catching all the passes.

"So our receivers coach goes up and asks him how he can catch all those passes at that speed because they were coming pretty fast," Novak said. "[Gronkowski] said, 'It's easy. My dad has one of these machines for me in our back yard.'"

The funny thing about Gronkowski's pass-catching ability is this:

"I think he only caught 13 passes that whole season. We didn't throw too much," Novak said with a laugh.

The photo you see of Gronkowski is from his senior year of high school. Kind of menacing then, don't you think?

Gronkowski and the Fab 22

One last thing about Gronkowski. I just happened to look today at when he made the Post-Gazette Fabulous 22 in 2007. Wow. I never realized it but that Fab 22 team turned out to be pretty good. It had seven players who went on to play in the NFL. SEVEN!!!

Besides Gronkowski, the others were  Thomas Jefferson's Dom DeCicco, Jeannette's Terrelle Pryor, Central Catholic's Stefen Wisniewski, Seton-LaSalle's Gino Gradkowski, Aliquippa's Jon Baldwin and Thomas Jefferson's Lucas Nix.

Pretty impressive. Seven of 22 to the NFL.

By the way, here are Gronkowski's answers to some questions for that Fab 22.

* Favorite place to eat: Eat 'N Park
* Person you'd most like to meet:Jeremy Shockey.
* Pregame music choice:Hip hop.
* Most memorable career moment: Beating Central Catholic.
* Favorite TV show: Law and Order.
* Something you'll miss most about high school football: Playing both ways.
* People might be surprised to know that you...: I'm coordinated.
* Where do you see yourself in 10 years? Hopefully in the NFL, or owning my own business.

It seems like there is one overwhelming choice to be the No. 1 team in Class AA. And what else is new?

Everyone seems to have Aliquippa as the preseason No. 1 team – and for good reasons (read below). After that, there could be six or seven teams worthy of a top five ranking.

Beaver Falls has a load of experienced players, South Fayette seems to be excellent at the skill positions again, and Washington has the most heavily recruited running back in the state in Shai McKenzie.

But where do you rank those teams? Washington lost a number of key players from last year. And what do you do with Mount Pleasant, Greensburg Central Catholic, Jeannette? Mount Pleasant has two top players in quarterback Ryan Gumbita and running back Tyler Mellors. Don’t forget about Seton-LaSalle or Beaver. And will a team from the Allegheny Conference emerge as a top five team?

Well, here goes with the top five.

5. GREENSBURG CENTRAL CATHOLIC

The Centurions have some talented players returning from last season. How good is this team? Maybe we’ll find out early. GCC opens at Washington and plays at Mount Pleasant the second week.

GCC’s Chase Keller figures to be one of the top QBs in Class AA. Completed 86 of 151 for 1,378 yards last season and also rushed for 577. Nate Stone is a top linebacker who had 100 tackles on defense. Also plays some at running back. Seth  Warburton is a three-year starter at linebacker who also led team in tackles last season.

4. WASHINGTON

When you talk about Washington, you have to talk about stud running back Shai McKenzie (pictured). And when you talk about McKenzie, you have to talk about recruiting. He had scholarship offers from schools across the country but has narrowed his list to Pitt, Florida State, Virginia Tech, Georgia Tech and Arkansas. Some had thought Florida State might be his leader, but when asked Wednesday whether Florida State was his leader, McKenzie said, “Actually, Virginia Tech is. I vsited there this summer and I just liked everything about it. I like the campus, the coaches, the opportunity to play. It’s a great campus and great atmosphere.”

As for this season, McKenzie is a little bigger, stronger and maybe faster. That’s bad news for opponents because McKenzie rushed for close to 2,700 yards last year. He said he’d like to break Rushel Shell’s single-season WPIAL record of 2,740 yards.

Washington lost a number of key players from a team that lost to Aliquippa in the WPIAL title game, but McKenzie says the OLine is the biggest in his years at Washington. Xavier Darden and Anthony Byrd return on the lines. Chase Caldwell could be a force at LB. He was slated to play quarterback, but a ligament injury in his arm will probably keep him at RB.

“We still have some pretty good athletes,” said Washington coach Mike Bosnic.

3. SOUTH FAYETTE

If talented skill-position players can take a team far, then look for the Lions to go deep in the playoffs.

South Fayette has terrific skill. Brett Brumbaugh (picture) is one of the best junior QBs in the state. Last year he completed 154 of 245 for 2,823 yards and 37 TDs. He is getting Division I college attention. Yes, excellent wideout Zach Challingsworth graduated (now at Pitt), but Justin Watson caught 28 passes for 592 yards last year. Conner Beck caught 29 and Nick Ponivkar 22 as freshman. Also coach Joe Rossi is expecting big things of junior WR-DB Roman Denson.

At running back, senior Grant Fetchet rushed for 932 yards and Zach Walker 163 yards.

Line play will be a key. The Lions lost a number of experienced linemen to graduation.

2. BEAVER FALLS

With a slew of starters back from last year, the Tigers could earn their stripes as one of the best in Class AA this year.

“We were young last year,” said coach Ryan Matsook. “I’m hoping we can cross that bridge and get over our first- and second-round woes of the past few years.”

This team has three Division I recruits. Lineman Brock Boxen has committed to Akron. Linebacker Sage Curry is a West Virginia recruit. Receiver-defensive back Elijah Cottrill also made a “soft” commitment to Akron. He accepted a scholarship, but Cottrill also is a Division I basketball prospect and will wait to see if anything develops in that sport. Creighton has offered for basketball and West Virginia also is very interested, but has not offered. Cottrill led BF in receptions last season.

Cottrill, though, might miss some early-season action because of a knee injury (meniscus) sustained in a recent basketball camp at West Virginia.

A key for Beaver Falls will be the play of quarteback Danny Stratton, who figures to be one of the best QBs in Class AA. Last year, he completed 68 of 143 for 1,454 yards and rushed for 256. Also back is leading rusher Damian Rawl (1,163 yards). And Khalil Caracter, who ran for more than 700 yards last season at Freedom, has transferred to BF, but he has to be ruled eligible first. Caracter went to Beaver Falls as a freshman.

Marcus Cleckley also is back at running back. Some key players back on the lines are Troy Schwartz, Spencer Bacon and Mike Lyons.

A player to watch is 6-3, 225-pound tight end-defensive end Donovan Jeter. He is the younger brother of former Beaver Falls basketball star Sheldon Jeter. Donovan also is expected to be a contributer in basketball.

1.      ALIQUIPPA

Before we get to the team. Stopping at practice Wednesday, it was a great site to see coach Mike Zmijanac watching practice in his “throne.” It’s a lawn chair (pictured) with Coach Z on the back. Of course, always good to see assistant coach Sherman McBride, who I think is the mayor of Aliquippa.

Then there is defensive coordinator Peep Short (pictured talking to Zmijanac). I don’t know what happened to the staff he used to carry around. Now it’s a golf club.

"He's the black Moses," McBride said with a laugh.

And now on the field. Aliquippa is the team to beat. It seems everyone is pointing to the Quips as the favorite to win a third consecutive WPIAL title and sixth since 2000. The Quips are led by a trio of players with Division I offers – running back-defensive back Dravon Henry, lineman Jaleel Fields and running back-defensive back Terry Swanson.

There can’t be a more potent one-two running back punch heading into the season than Swanson and Henry (pictured). Both ran for more than 1,500 yards last season. Fields and Nayo Seaburn return on the lines and Dajon Perry at tight end.

A key might be quarterback, where Darrien Fields has taken over. He is known to everyone as, ahhh, “Bootsie.” Yes, Bootsie.

“I look at this team as a completely different kind of team,” said Aliquippa coach Mike Zmijanac. “Most of you [media] guys did not give enough credit to the number of good offensive linemen we had last year. That was our strength. We don’t have that kind of depth now on the lines. That comes along once in a while at a school like ours. We won’t be that kind of power football team this year. We’ll be back to a team that throws the ball a little more. Last year’s QB ran the ball a lot. This guy won’t.”

High school football practice "officially" started today for schools around Pennsylvania and it brought back the return of "Going Camping," otherwise known as "I'm getting in the Santa Fe and stopping by at some practice."

First stop in the "Going Camping" series: North Allegheny

Before we get to some football talk... the sights and sounds of high school football were everywhere today. At North Allegheny, the band gets ready for a practice next to the stadium. I seem to remember North Allegheny's band has, like, 950 members, doesn't it?

Equipment managers are back at work. This one fixes a helmet at North Allegheny.

And now for some football talk.

North Allegheny is a good place to start "Going Camping." After all, this is the home of the first team to win three consecutive WPIAL Class AAAA titles. North Allegheny also won two of the past three PIAA titles.

As for this season, North Allegheny is ranked No. 23 in the USA Today national rankings. If there would be a word to describe the ranking, it would be:

Puhhhh-lease.

Yes, Art Walker has built a terrific program and the Tigers have been strong the past few seasons. But when you have only three starters back, when you have question marks at many positions, when you just aren't as talented as the past, there shouldn't be a national ranking. I'd probably put NA at No. 4 or 5in WPIAL Class AAAA to start the season. But if North Allegheny is the No. 23 team in the country, then I'm 2 Chainz.

Don't get me wrong. North Allegheny has so many players on its roster every year and they will always be good. But not No. 23 in the country this year. Even Walker shakes his head.

"That ranking is based on a lack of research," said Walker (pictured in the yellow shorts at today's practice). "Those guys with those rankings look at stuff from last year and the last few years. Somebody told me we were No. 23, and I was like, 'Are you kidding me?' When you have to replace 18 or 19 guys, I don't care who you are replacing them with, you shouldn't be ranked that high." 

It is next to impossible to replace players like linemen Pat Kugler and Jeremy Gonzales, quarterback Mack Leftwich, running back Alex DeCiantis.

The only returning starters are receiver-defensive back Elijah Zeise, linebacker Layne Skundrich (last year's leading tackler) and offensive lineman Nick James.

The running game might be OK, though. Sean Idowu carried the ball 53 times a year ago as a backup and Josh Bergman 54 times. Those two got at least a little experience.

The quarterback is a battle between senior Cage Galupi (pictured) and junior Jeff Clemens.

"Cage is a great kid and works really hard," Walker said. "Clemens is a little bigger and maybe more athletic. I can't tell you who it's going to be. Maybe we could play both. We'll see Saturday, evaluate our scrimmage and go from there."

Whoever is quarterback will undoubtedly look often to Zeise (pictured), who made a verbal commitment to Pitt earlier this summer.

"Obviously we want to try and get him the ball more this year," Walker said. "We had so many kids last year at receiver and our tight ends could do some things, too. This year will be different. We'll have to move him around some and do some different things to get him the ball."

Walker also said the coaching staff is approaching the preseason much differently than the past few years. There is much more evaluation going on of players during practice. In the past few years, more positions were set.

But in the long run, are things really that different at North Allegheny, at least in terms of expectations?

"I think we always have high expectations," Walker said. "I think that's the nice thing about our staff. I don't think we ever walk into a season and say, 'We want to just try and make the playoffs.' We want to win every game we can. We put too much time and too much effort into this thing to only say 'Let's just make a good show of it this year.'"

TOMORROW: A look at Class AAA

Below is a look at Class AAA of the WPIAL and rankings, but first some news concerning a top player.

Sto-Rox is being pegged as one of the top teams in Class A, but the Vikings will be without their star quarterback for at least a few weeks.

Lenny Williams, who made the Post-Gazette Fabulous 22 last year as a junior, had his left hand cut and injured in an accident last week involving a hedge clipper. Williams had surgery on the hand and is not practicing with Sto-Rox's team. He said he expects to miss the season opener and possibly the first two games, but hopes to be back for the third game of the season.

"I have to go back to the doctor tomorrow [Wednesday] and I'll probably know more then," Williams said.

Williams sustained nerve and tendon damage to his left hand. He has worked this summer for Stowe Township and was cutting some hedges with a gas hedge clipper last Tuesday when the accident occurred. He needed stitches and surgery to repair nerve and tendon damage. He said he is starting to regain feeling in the injured area.

"It looked a lot worse than it really was," Williams said. "I think I'll be back faster than expected. ... I told the doctor our first game is Aug. 30 and he said don't expect to play that game and I would probably miss the second game, too. I think I'll definitely be back for the third game."

Williams had a shot at the WPIAL career passing record this season. Last year, he had more than 2,000 yards passing and more than 1,000 rushing. He completed 127 of 227 passes for 2,237 yards and rushed for 1,189 yards on 151 attempts.

Brendan Blair, a running back who rushed for 799 yards last season, is one of the candidates to replace Williams.

A look at Class AAA

Below is a look at what I think are the top five teams in Class AAA of the WPIAL (the official Post-Gazette rankings come out Aug. 23 and could be different). But before we get to those rankings, a few words about some other Class AAA teams that are worth watching and could break into the top five at some point this season.

Montour - It seems strange not to have Montour in the top five. Don't be surprised if Lou Cerro has this team challenging for the Parkway Conference title. Montour used three QBs last season but Tyneen Greer is the only one returning. Cole Macek was the team's second-leading rusher last year.

Franklin Regional - Standout receiver Charan Singh is a good athlete and has moved to quarterback.

Blackhawk - When a team has one of the best quarterbacks in the WPIAL (Akron recruit Chandler Kincade), it shouldn't be overlooked.

New Castle - The Red Hurricanes have one of the WPIAL's best players in WR-DB Malik Hooker, but they also have nine starters back on both offense and defense.

Hampton - Some coaches in the Greater Allegheny are picking the Talbots to finish near the top of the conference.

Elizabeth Forward - Can QB JaQuan Davidson's running and throwing carry the Warriors to the playoffs again?

And now the top five ...

5. MARS

It's hard to pick between Mars and Franklin Regional for the top five. We'll find out quickly who is probably the team to beat in the Greater Allegheny Conference because Mars plays host to Franklin Regional in the season opener Aug. 30.

The question with Mars is linemen. The Planets lost most of their linemen to graduation. But the Planets are experienced - and talented - at the skill positions. Running back Josh Schultheis burst on the scene last year as a sophomore when he rushed for 1,687 yards on 224 carries. He fits perfectly into the Planets' winged-T offense.

Also back is three-year starter Owen Nearhoof at quarterback. The Planets don't throw all that often, but Nearhoof's experience is invaluable. He completed 44 of 92 passes for 738 yards last season. Also returning is running back Jason Lozzi, who rushed for 321 yards on 35 attempts.

4. WEST MIFFLIN

Graduation took away a number of key players from last year's team that made it to the WPIAL Class AAA championship game before losing to West Allegheny. But there is one big, er small, reason expectations are still high at West Mifflin. It's little Jimmy Wheeler.

Wheeler is only 5-8, 165 pounds, but he is gigantic for West Mifflin. One of the fastest running backs in the WPIAL, Wheeler (pictured) moved into the starting lineup last year and rushed for 2,226 yards on 289 carries. Look for another big season from Wheeler, although West Mifflin's offense will miss QB Derrick Fulmore, who graduated.

Taking over at QB is Karlyn Garner, a promising 6-1, 160-pound sophomore.

Another key player returning for West Mifflin is slotback-defensive back Diangelo Mitchell, who rushed for 307 yards on 38 attempts.

Overall, only three starters return on offense and five on defense. Other returning starters are fullback John Green, tight end-linebacker Colton Weber, linemen Tyler Bornak and Shawn Devey and linebacker Jeff Foreman.

3. CENTRAL VALLEY

All-everything receiver Robert Foster is now playing for Alabama. But this team still will have offensive firepower.

Jordan Whitehead is one of the top juniors in the WPIAL. He already has a handful of scholarship offers from Division I schools as a defensive back. Look for him to have many offers by the spring of his junior year. He has been a starting defensive back since his freshman year, but expect a big season running the ball. He led the team in rushing last year as a sophomore with 906 yards.

Nathan Climo returns at quarterback and a few linemen also are back. 

2. WEST ALLEGHENY

It's hard to decide between West Allegheny and Thomas Jefferson for the top spot in the preseason. Anyone got a coin? Tails West Allegheny and heads TJ. And it's ..... heads.

West Allegheny is the defending WPIAL champion. No one in Class AAA can match their stable of running backs, at least in terms of experience and productivity from more than one runner. But the question with this team is on the lines. West Allegheny lost a load of linemen to graduation.

West Allegheny ran out of the "wildcat" formation many times last year and will probably use it again this season, putting a running back in shotgun to take direct snaps. But the Indians also have quarterback Andrew Koester returning. He has good size and showed some potential last year (56 of 119 for 907 yards).

You could say the backfield is a three-headed monster. Senior Chayse Dillon (pictured) led the team in rushing with 952 yards, junior Armand Dellovade had 778 and senior Tory Delmonico 726. All averaged between 6.5 and 7.6 yards per carry.

1. THOMAS JEFFERSON

Could this be the year Bill Cherpak wins his fifth title? Or does West Allegheny coach Bob Palko get his seventh?

When asked in a questionnaire to appraise you expectations of your team for the upcoming season, Cherpak (pictured) wrote "Win WPIAL."

Enough said.

There is reason to believe the Jaguars will reach the WPIAL summit again because six starters return on offense and eight on defense.

Thomas Jefferson features one of the WPIAL's top players in linebacker Chase Winovich. A 6-4, 220-pound senior, he was recruited by a number of major colleges before making a verbal commitment to the University of Michigan.

But Winovich will have a new role this year. He also will be the Jaguars' quarterback. TJ had a tremendous passing attack last year with Joe Carroll and Zach Schademan, but both graduated.

Other top players returning for Thomas Jefferson include running back Jake Farrell, receiver-defensive back Zach Talley and linemen Cole Costy and Matt Nagy.

Who is the team to beat in Class AAAA of the WPIAL? What are the rankings?

Before we get to all of that, a few words on one of the more interesting storylines in Class AAAA football this season. George is back - and he has a lot of his old friends with him.

George Smith returns as coach at McKeesport High School. Smith coached McKeesport for 28 years before resigning after the 2009 season. George doesn't like to talk too much about why he resigned from his alma mater. The important thing is he's back. (Below is a photo of Smith from practice yesterday, courtesy of P-G photographer Kelly Tunney)

It's good to see. George Smith is good for WPIAL football. He's good for McKeesport and the kids in that district. It's not an easy place to coach, but Smith built a very successful program. Heck, he won two WPIAL and PIAA championships and did it with that ol' flexbone offense.

He has brought the flexbone back with him. And he has brought back many of his former coaches, including former offensive coordinator Jamie Echols, who resigned as the head coach at Serra.

Don't be surprised if McKeesport makes some noise either this season or next. I don't think they will challenge for a WPIAL championship this year, but you can bet opposing teams are not looking forward to playing McKeesport and that flexbone.

And look for Smith to get his 200th win at some point this season. He left with 197 wins.

A look at Class AAAA

Before we get to the top five teams in Class AAAA, let's look at some teams to watch this year that aren't in the top five.

Bethel Park - Offensive lineman Mike Grimm is a Pitt recruit. QB Levi Metheny, son of coach Jeff Metheny, has a year of experience under his belt after starting last year as a freshman. Zach Enick was the leading rusher last year.

Mt. Lebanon - Although the Blue Devils lost some key players to graduation, second-year coach Mike Melnyk has two Division I recruits. Receiver Troy Apke has committed to Penn State. He caught 54 passes last season. Alex Bookser is one of the most heavily recruited offensive linemen in the state. Pitt, Penn State, Alabama, Ohio State are among the schools on his final list. QB play will be a key for Lebo.

Hempfield - The Spartans made a lot of noise in the first half of last season. The skill positions are filled with returning starters. They aren't WPIAL championship caliber, but keep an eye on the Spartans.

Penn-Trafford - Coach John Ruane has six returning starters on both offense and defense. He says a big key will be how well the Warriors run the ball. Devin Austin led the team in rushing last year. John Wilkie and Adam Polakovsky are two top linemen.

North Hills - Pat Carey takes over for longtime coach Jack McCurry. The Indians have some returning starters on the lines, but a key is if they develop some running backs and QB. They will break out new unis and helmets this year.

Pine-Richland - The Rams played a number of sophomores last year. New coach Eric Kasperowicz has Connor Slomka, who rushed for more than 1,000 yards, and QB Ben DiNucci, who threw for more than 1,000. The Rams haven't done that much since moving from Class AAA to AAAA a few years ago. Is this year they make some noise?

And now a look at the top five (official P-G rankings will be released in the Aug. 23 edition of Varsity Xtra).

5. GATEWAY

Terry Smith is gone as coach, now coaching receivers at Temple University. Former Carlynton assistant Donnie Militzer has taken over. Reports out of Gateway are that the transition hasn't been exactly smooth so far with some Gateway faithful, but Militzer is plugging away and definitely has talent to work with. Receiver-defensive back Montae Nicholson is ranked the No. 1 player in the state by Rivals.com. Also, receiver-defensive back Delvon Randall, receiver-defensive back Anthony Davis and linebacker Brenon Thrift have all committed to Temple and receiver Ricky Rogers to West Virginia.

A key will be the running backs and the play of a new quarterback.

4. NORTH ALLEGHENY

USA Today ranks North Allegheny the No. 23 in the country. Even coach Art Walker said that is ridiculous. Sure, the Tigers are three-time defending WPIAL champs and have won two of the past three PIAA titles. But this team is nowhere near as strong as those teams - and even Walker admits it. Only three starters return from last year.

However, don't overlook North Allegheny. Having so many players on the roster every year helps and the Tigers will certainly not be a slouch. They figure to challenge once again for the conference title.

NA features receiver-defensive back Elijah Zeise, who already has made a verbal commitment to Pitt. He was recruited by Pitt to play receiver. Zeise is a speedy receiver who is a real deep threat. Walker believes North Allegheny must be creative in getting the ball to Zeise more this season.

The only other returning starters are linebacker Layne Skudrich and lineman Nick James. Skundrich led the team in tackles last season.

Either Cage Galupi or Jeff Clemens will be the new quarterback. Sean Idowu and Jeff Bergman got some experience at running back last year, carrying the ball 53 and 54 times, respectively.

3. CENTRAL CATHOLIC

Last season ended with the worst WPIAL playoff loss in school history (to Upper St. Clair). Things shouldn't be as painful for Central Catholic this year.

The Vikings have a number of returning starters and are  looking like the team to beat in the Northern Eight Conference.

Central Catholic features quarterback J.J. Cosentino (pictured). He already has committed to Florida State and has good size and a pretty good arm. But Cosentino still has things to show on the field to prove he is a big-time quarterback. He wasn't the starter the first few games of last year and finished only 43 of 98 for 552 yards. 

The running game will be led by Luigi Lista-Brinza. He could have a big season after rushing for 960 yards on 155 carries last season.

Lista-Brinza has some returning linemen to block for him - Terrence Stanton, Steve Wood, Zack DeLuca and Angelo Natter. 

Shaffer Swann, son of former Steeler great Lynn Swann, returns at receiver after leading the team in receptions last year with 20. 

On defense, linebacker Niko Thorpe and defensive back Tre Tarpley figure to be leaders.

2. UPPER ST. CLAIR

I get the feeling from fans and even some coaches that most people are pegging Woodland Hills, Central Catholic, Gateway and even North Allegheny as the teams to beat. Please, don't forget about Upper St. Clair.

Sure, the Panthers lost a playmaker with the graduation of quarterback Pete Coughlin. But there is experience and talent at many other positions. Ben Huss was a first-team all-conference selection last year on the offensive line. 

Also back are linemen Zach Morris and Robert Plummer, defensive back Margan Lee, linebacker Kyle Page and linebacker J.J. Conn.

Plus, USC has Rori Blair back. He missed last season after suffering a stroke. The WPIAL gave him an extra year of eligibility and Blair (pictured) figures to be one of the best defensive ends in the WPIAL. After he was cleared by doctors to resume playing this year, he was offered scholarships by a few Division I colleges. He committed to Pitt last month.

Offensive guard Zach Morris, running back Steve Mackowick, defensive lineman Robert Plummer, linebacker Kyle Page and defensive back Morgan Lee all return.

 Joe Repishak and J.J. Conn were vying for the QB job. Although the Panthers might not have a speed merchant in the backfield, the running game is in more than capable hands with Steve Mackowick and Mac Pope. Mackowick led all running backs with 525 yards rushing last year and Pope was next with 328.

Overall, USC has enough to add a lot more wins to coach Jim Render's resume. And on the first night of the season, Upper St. Clair plays at Woodland Hills.

1. WOODLAND HILLS

The always-tough Wolverines look like championship material this year after losing to North Allegheny in last year's title game.

Players return in the backfield and on the lines, although coach George Novak said he is a little concerned with the inexperience of his lines.

The Wolverines will be breaking in a new quarterback this year with the graduation of Cody McClelland. Novak said senior Harry Randall (pictured) and sophomore Jeremiah Jones went into preseason practices battling for the job. Randall was a receiver and defensive back last year and showed some explosiveness before a torn ACL ended his season. Jones is the younger brother of former Sto-Rox quarterback Paul Jones, who went to Penn State before transferring to Robert Morris.

In the backfield, Woodland Hills has one of the top young running backs in the WPIAL. Last year as a freshman, Miles Sanders ran for a team-high 738 yards on 129 carries. Dan Gibson and Jim Rooney will be two of the top offensive linemen blocking for Sanders.

Trevon Mathis is one to watch at receiver. Chris David also is playing receiver, trying to come back from an ACL.

Linebacker Dante Broadus and lineman Kevin Sullivan figure to be two of the top players on defense.

NEXT WEEK: CITY LEAGUE PREVIEW

Imani Christian's stay in WPIAL football? Well, that was fast.

The small, private school in the East Hills section of Pittsburgh apparently has folded its football program after joining the WPIAL only last season.

Although Imani Christian hasn't officially notified the WPIAL that it will not have a team this year, Bishop Canevin coach Darren Schoppe said his school was told by Imani last week that it won't have a team this year because of not enough players. Bishop Canevin was supposed to open the season against Imani Aug. 31.

The WPIAL had asked Imani to inform the league by tomorrow if it was not going to have a team. WPIAL Executive Director Tim O'Malley said the league office hasn't heard anything from Imani. Imani coach Jason Bell was not available for comment.

Imani was 6-3 last year, its only season of WPIAL football. Honestly, Imani's venture into the WPIAL has been a debacle from the start. The school wasn't following WPIAL guidelines and breaking some WPIAL rules at first. It had trouble finding a home field. The school was put on probation for a while. There were loads of eligibility questions about players.

Harvey Smith was the coach and athletic director who spearheaded the school's entrance into the WPIAL for football and basketball. He has since left and tried to start another football program at Renaissance Christian Academy. Former Greensburg Central Catholic coach Muzzy Colosimo is part of that venture and some Imani players reportedly left for RCA. By the way, RCA is not in the WPIAL and I'm not even sure if it has a football team.

Considering everything, you can bet the WPIAL isn't exactly upset if Imani drops out of the league, except that it might cause some scheduling problems.

But Imani might not be the only one to fold its program this year. Geibel's program has been on thin ice the past couple years because of a lack of players. The Gators forfeited two games last year because it did not have enough players.

The small Catholic school in Connellsville intended to have a team this year. It thought it would have enough players and informed the WPIAL that it intended to play a schedule. But the season seems in jeopardy. Geibel did not participate in a scheduled three-way scrimmage Saturday with Our Lady of the Sacred Heart and Serra.

Geibel coach Pete Nace could not be reached for comment. But Serra coach Tony St. Angelo said he talked with Nace Saturday and Nace said he had only nine players available for the scrimmage.

"He originally thought he would have 15 players on the team, but he said he was down to nine," St. Aneglo said.

Today is the day the WPIAL asked Geibel and Imani to inform the league if they were going to drop football. Stay tuned. But don't look for Imani to be part of WPIAL football - and the Geibel situation still seems up in the air.

It came as no surprise, but at least it's now official. Imani Christian has dropped its football program.

The small private school in the East Hills section of Pittsburgh sent a letter to the WPIAL this morning, informing the league that it did not have enough players to field a team. Bishop Canevin was supposed to play Imani Christian in the season opener Aug. 31 but Imani informed Bishop Canevin last week that it didn't have a team.

Imani Christian joined the league only last year. Even if it wants to rejoin the WPIAL, Imani will not be given a schedule for at least a few years.

Imani's decision means all teams in the Black Hills Conference will have an open date.

But while Imani dropped football because it lacked enough players, Geibel plans to play this season, despite having only 17 players on its roster, including one kicker.

Geibel forfeited two games last year because it did not have enough players, and the Gators did not have enough players to participate in a three-way scrimmage Saturday with Serra and Our Lady of the Sacred Heart. But Geibel athletic director Shawn Holup said this morning that the team plans to participate in Friday's scrimmage against Mapletown and Wilkinsburg, and also plans to honor its schedule.

"We had 16 [position] players on the team and our new coach [Pete Nace] decided to have the first week of camp at school, where the kids slept over at the school," Holup said. "Well, five ended up with the stomach flu and two were on vacation who are now back. That's why we would've had only nine for a scrimmage. We're actually better, numbers wise, than last year." 

But trying to make it through a season with 16 or 17 players will be awfully tough.

"We made the decision as a school in January that the requirement would be we have 18 to sign up to play," Holup said. "We did get that. We lost one kid who was planning to play. Our plan was to give the team at least one more shot this year."

A few different media outlets publish state football rankings. The Post-Gazette's WPIAL and state rankings will be released Friday in its preseason Varsity Xtra issue.

But the Pennsylvania Football News released its preseason state rankings today and two WPIAL teams are at No. 1 in their respective classes.

Woodland Hills is No. 1 in Class AAAA and Clairton is No. 1 in Class A. Those are no surprises. Clairton has won four PIAA titles in a row. Woodland Hills is trying to give coach George Novak (pictured) his seventh WPIAL title (five at Woodland Hills and one at Steel Valley.

Other No. 1 teams are Harrisburg Bishop McDevitt in Class AAA and Imhotep Charter in Class AA. One other WPIAL team (Aliquippa) is ranked No. 2 in Class AA.

I have been sworn to secrecy about the Post-Gazette rankings. But I will tell you that the P-G and the Pennsylvania Football News seem to think alike. 

The Pennsylvania Football News does a lot more than rankings. It is an excellent site with lots of information and its annual resource guide is a must if you are a high school football fan. The resource guide can be ordered through the web site.

And remember, the Post-Gazette preseason Varsity Xtra edition comes out Friday. The suburban editions of the Post-Gazette (North, South, East and West) will have their preview editions out Thursday.

A Sheldon Jeter sighting. He's at a junior college in Florida.

Jeter is the former Beaver Falls High School basketball star who played last season at Vanderbilt. After the school year, he decided he wanted to leave Vanderbilt and transfer to another school, possibly Pitt. But Vanderbilt wouldn't release him to Pitt, meaning Jeter (pictured) would have to pay his own tuition if he attended Pitt.

So Jeter is enrolled and taking classes at Polk State College, a junior college in Winter Haven, Fla. Polk is coached by former Robert Morris coach Matt Furjanic, who confirmed Jeter is at the school. However, Jeter will only take classes at Polk. He will not play, but can practice with the team.

Jeter has re-opened his recruiting. Furjanic said if Jeter graduates from Polk next spring, he can accept a scholarship to any four-year school, including Pitt. Furjanic said Jeter has no academic problems and should graduate without a problem. He will have three years eligibility remaining.

Jeter has a cousin, Brock Van Lier, who will be a second-year player at Polk, and another cousin, Ramone Shepherd, is a student coach at Polk. Former Beaver Falls star Lance Jeter also played for Furjanic at Polk a few years ago and earned a scholarship to the University of Nebraska.

Lou Cerro will still be the football coach at Montour High School, but he will now also wear the hat of athletic director.

Cerro is the new AD, succeeding Mitch Galiyas, who retired. Cerro has taken Montour football to great heights since leaving Seton-LaSalle as coach. Funny, he's now AD. When he was at Seton-LaSalle, he coached and drove a delivery truck for Breadworks.

Cerro (pictured) also has come a long way since his first year at Montour. Not to bring up bad memories for Lou, but remember his first year at Montour? He had to give way to legendary former NFL player Dick Butkus as the "head coach." All for a reality series for ESPN. What a debacle that was. Cerro doesn't even like to talk about it.

Montour finished 1-8 that year. Now the reality is Cerro has a top program - and he will also run the entire athletic program .

By the way, about Montour this year: The Spartans don't have the star power they had in recent seasons, but something tells me too many people are overlooking Montour. It wouldn't surprise me if they still challenged for the top of the Parkway Conference. 

Watson to Penn

South Fayette receiver Justin Watson has committed to Pennsylvania of the Ivy League. 

Watson is a standout receiver for South Fayette. He was overshadowed some last year by Zach Challingsworth, but with Challingsworth now at Pitt, look for Watson to possibly turn into one of the top receivers in the WPIAL. He is a 6-foot-2, 195-pound senior who also plays defensive back. Other Ivy League and Patriot League schools as well as Buffalo and Akron were recruiting him.

Last season, Watson caught 28 passes for 592 yards.

South Fayette has a number of talented receivers to go along with quarterback Brett Brumbaugh, one of the top junior QBs in the state.

Watson is the second area player to commit to an Ivy League school. Brashear offensive lineman Scott Evans committed to Harvard.

Some items that fell off my laptop

Beaver Falls' Elijah Cottrill is one of the top two-sport athletes (football and basketball) in this half of the state. But you won't see him playing football for a while this season.

Cottrill recently had surgery for a knee injury and is expected to be out at least half of the regular season. He will be on crutches for a few weeks.

Cottrill (pictured in the Class AA state basketball championship game in March) is a receiver-running back-defensive back. He already has accepted a scholarship offer from the University of Akron. But you could say it is a soft commitment to Akron. Cottrill also is getting Division I interest for basketball and he will wait to see if anything develops in basketball recruiting. If not, he has the football scholarship to fall back on.

In football, Cottrill is one of three Division I recruits on Beaver Falls' football team. Fullback-tight end-linebacker Sage Curry has committed to West Virginia and lineman Brock Boxen to Akron.

Also quarterback Dan Stratton is worth watching this year and is getting some college interest.

State rankings

The Post-Gazette released its state football rankings last week, as did the Pennsylvania Football News. Now the Pennlive.com (Harrisburg Patriot-News) state rankings are out:

Woodland Hills is the No. 1 team in Class AAAA.

Archbishop Wood is No. 1 in Class AAA.

Aliquippa is No. 1 in Class AA.

Clairton is No. 1 team in Class A

Game moved

The Jeannette-Southmoreland game scheduled for Friday at Southmoreland has been moved to Friday at California University of Pa. The reason is Southmoreland's field was damaged by flash flooding.

Saturday night lights

Aliquippa usually plays home games Friday nights at "The Pit." But Aliquippa will kick off the season by playing host to Ambridge Saturday night.

When asked why the Quips are playing a Saturday home game, Aliquippa coach-athletic director Mike Zmijanac (pictured) said, "Because it's the 1,000th game in our school history and we'll be the only show in town. So why not?"

Aliquippa will also debut its new Nike uniforms. Aliquippa was able to purchase the uniforms at a price just right for the school because of a Darrelle Revis deal with Nike. Revis is the former Aliquippa star now with the NFL's Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

What do the uniforms look like? Don't ask an Aliquippa player because they don't have any idea.

"We haven't showed them to the players yet and they won't see them until an hour before the game," said Sherman McBride, Aliquippa assistant coach.

No go on cheerleader uniforms

You know how cheerleaders schools wear their uniforms to school on days of football games? Not any more at some Florida schools.

The Tampa Bay Times has a story on some schools that aren't allowing cheerleaders to wear uniforms to school because they are against the dress code.

I don't know, that story just got me thinking of some of the memorable cheers I used to hear years ago from fans at some City League schools. Tremendous. But I won't go there. Varisty Blog is rated PG, right?