All-Montgomery Media Football Team

By Andrew Marcus
Sportswriter for Montgomery Media

Follow me on Twitter @amarcus515

The All-Montgomery Media team is picked by me and based on what I have seen and read. This is NOT an official Montco Media team. It is given the title of "All-Montgomery Media" based on the requirement of needing to play in the coverage area.

I am aware Downingtown East, Saint Joseph's Prep, and Central Bucks South have had some stellar seasons from stellar athletes, but there is no Josh Adams, John Reid or Jay Harris on these teams.

Without further adieu...



OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR

FIRST TEAM RUNNING BACK: Mike Class (Pennridge) - Every game this season for the Rams was filled with the anticipation of a long, thrilling run from Mike Class. The junior shattered every rushing record in school history and did so on a championship team. Even when teams crowded the box to stop him, Class found a way to get loose. Class scored 32 touchdowns and rushed for over 2300 yards. Those are large standards set for his senior season, but all that matters is that @Touch_Of_Class5 was clearly the best player in the area this fall.



SECOND TEAM RUNNING BACK: Robert Knox (Upper Moreland)
THIRD TEAM RUNNING BACK: Mark Dukes (Pottsgrove)
HONORABLE MENTION RUNNING BACK: Dan Murphy (Wissahickon)

FIRST TEAM QUARTERBACK: Chris Kane (LaSalle) - If anyone has a case to argue against Class for Player of the Year it is the senior gun-slinger from LaSalle. In his only season under center. Kane started firing bullets in week one and never stopped. Though he did miss a few games recently with an injury, he came back on the field and helped the Explorers repeat as Philadelphia Catholic League champs. Kane threw over 2,000 yards and 25 touchdowns and in his limited time as a starter grabbed the attention of multiple colleges.

SECOND TEAM QUARTERBACK: Hank Coyne (Spring-Ford)
THIRD TEAM QUARTERBACK: Rasaan Stewart (Perkiomen Valley)
HONORABLE MENTION QUARTERBACK:  Tom Kinniry (Jenkintown)

FIRST TEAM FULLBACK:  Corey Kelly (Plymouth-Whitemarsh) - Not too often do you find a fullback at the top of rushing totals, but Kelly has done so in his senior season. He and his running mate Terry Brown both eclipsed the 1,000 yard mark on the ground. Kelly was a near lock to score in the red zone every time the Colonials got down there.

SECOND TEAM FULLBACK: Andrew Guckin (Archbishop Wood)
THIRD TEAM FULLBACK: Mark Thompson (Cheltenham)
HONORABLE MENTION FULLBACK:  Reed Rapine (Upper Dublin)

FIRST TEAM OFFENSIVE LINE: George Griffin (Archbishop Wood) - It did not matter who was carrying the ball this season for the Vikings because the holes created by Griffin and his group made the runner's job easy. Griffin stepped in some big shoes of graduated Division-One lineman this season and the Vikings did not miss a beat.

SECOND TEAM OFFENSIVE LINE: Patrick Hoffman (LaSalle)
THIRD TEAM OFFENSIVE LINE:  Shane Kraynik (Pennridge)
HONORABLE MENTION OFFENSIVE LINE:  Mark Faust (Lower Moreland)

FIRST TEAM WIDE RECEIVER  Sean Coleman (LaSalle) - I'm sure college football coaches have tried their best to pry Coleman away from his lacrosse scholarship. While that seems very unlikey, Coleman cleary could excel at the next level. His play made the Explorers' offense one of the most explosive air attacks in the area.






SECOND TEAM WIDE RECEIVER: Clay Domine (Perkiomen Valley)
THIRD TEAM WIDE RECEIVER: Kyle Bigam (Pennridge)
HONORABLE MENTION WIDE RECEIVER: Chris Viesberg (Pope John Paul II)

FIRST TEAM TIGHT END: Nick Arcidiacano (Archbishop Wood) - The big Rutgers recruit was the top option in the Vikings' passing game, but his work blocking is even more valuable. Arcidiacano can seal off an edge with the best of them and spring the runners free. He is a match-up nightmare and the leader of the Vikings this season.

SECOND TEAM TIGHT END:  Zameer McDowell (Spring-Ford)
THIRD TEAM TIGHT END: Billy Dahm (Springfield Township)
HONORABLE MENTION TIGHT END:  Lou Stevens (Germantown Academy)


ALL-MONTCO MEDIA KICK:  Ryan Winslow (LaSalle)
ALL-MONTCO MEDIA PUNTER:  Nick Visco (Archbishop Wood)

DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR:
FIRST TEAM DEFENSIVE LINEMAN: Tom Spiteri (LaSalle) - The 6-2, 28- pound defensive tackle is a nightmare for teams that like to run the ball. Spiteri is so athletic for his size and has the ability to close a hole before a running back hits it. He's no slouch with the pass either as he loves to chase down quarterbacks. Spiteri has spear-headed the Explorers' defense this season and is my Defensive Player of the Year.






SECOND TEAM DEFENSIVE LINEMAN: Fran Walsh (Archbishop Wood)
THIRD TEAM DEFENSIVE LINEMAN:  John Dubyk (Pennridge)
HONORABLE MENTION DEFENSIVE LINEMAN:  Derek Brandt (North Penn)

FIRST TEAM LINEBACKER: Steve Gozur (North Penn) - While the offensive struggles of North Penn were well documented, Dick Beck had the same old stingy defense he usually has. With Brandt and Gozur, who seemed to never miss a tackle, the Knights were a tough team to score on for most.

SECOND TEAM LINEBACKER:  Jeremy Xander (Pennridge)
THIRD TEAM LINEBACKER:  Colby Johnson (Souderton)
HONORABLE MENTION LINEBACKER:  Kevin Sabo (Lansdale Catholic)

FIRST TEAM DEFENSIVE BACK: Kyle Wenger (Souderton) - While Anthony Williams and Kyle Mayfield deserve recognition for their play on defense, the selection of them was solidified because of their play on both sides of the ball. Wenger, too had a solid year on offense, but the cornerback for the Indians was a pass deflection machine and by the end of the season team's were not even throwing in his direction too often. Wenger's speed and hand-eye coordination is some of the best in the area.

SECOND TEAM DEFENSIVE BACK: Dad Poquie (LaSalle)
THIRD TEAM DEFENSIVE BACK: Anthony Williams (Souderton)
HONORABLE MENTION DEFENSIVE BACK: Kyle Mayfield (North Penn)

All-Montgomery Media Soccer Teams

By Andrew Marcus
Sportswriter for Montgomery Media

Follow me on Twitter @amarcus515

This is NOT the official All-Area team for Montgomery Media. The All-Area 11, both and boys and girls, were chosen solely from the players on teams in Montgomery Media's coverage area.

BOYS ELECTRIC 11

Nick Higgins (LCHS)

PLAYER OF THE YEAR:  Nick Higgins (LaSalle) - It was a shutout streak that is unheard of in the state of Pennsylvaina. While the Explorers had field players chip in all season, the last line of defense was the senior goalie. Higgins posted nine consecutive shutouts prior to the Explorers' exit in the PIAA Class 3A Semifinals.  Not even expected to be the in net heading into the year, a midfielder by trade, Higgins solidified the Explorers defense and helped them win back-to-back Philadelphia Catholic League and City Championships.

Goalkeeper: Pat Swartz (Spring-Ford)

Defenders:
Jeff Wolf (Souderton)
Phillip Zielke (Germantown Academy)
Sean Gorman (North Penn)

Midfielders:

Matt Robinson (NP)

Matt Robinson (North Penn) - Robinson played Mr. Do-It-All for all four seaons he was a member of the Knights' soccer club. While he could score a goal when needed, it was his footwork in the middle of the field that made life a little easier. His transitions helped the defense stay solid and scoring chances plentiful. Robinson's biggest attribute however, has to be his leadership.
Dan Trodden (Archbishop Wood)
Ryan Molyneaux (Soduerton)

Forwards:
Danny Sheppard (Abington) - His lightning quick first touch gave defender's neck whip lash and the speedy forward seemed to always find a way to find the back of the net for the Galloping Ghosts. Even when Sheppard did not have the ball in his possession he drew extra attention from opposing outside backers, which opened up his teammates for scoring chances. Sheppard was the driving force of the Ghosts offense on their way to a Class 3A District One title.
Robby Johnson (Christopher Dock)
Matt Lucas (LaSalle)


GIRLS ELECTRIC 11

Jackie Pierson (AW)

PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Jackie Pierson (Archbishop Wood) - When everything is all said and done with Pierson's athletic career with the Vikings she is certainly going to have a lot hardware to show off around her neck. And that hardware is direct product of her hard work. The senior midfielder, also a forward on the powerhous basketball team, Pierson's combination of aggressiveness and intelligence helped her lead this year's team to the PIAA Class AA  state title game. Though the Vikings lost to Moon 1-0 in at Hersheypark, there is no doubt Pierson was a big reason they were able to get their in the first place.



Goalkeepers:
Deanna Messner (Archbishop Wood)
Rachel Stone (Wissahickon)

Defenders: 
Carly Henry (Pennridge) - The Rams found out first hand how hard it was to have a target on their back. Playing this fall as defending District One champs and the state runner-ups, the Rams had to fight off the area's best effort on a daily basis, while they were also fighting off injuries. Henry, who limped her way through the playoffs was heroic at center-back all season. Without Henry, the Rams would have been unable to make another playoff push, which had them one win away from a state playoff appearance.
Shea Neal (Christopher Dock)

Midfielders: 
Bryn Wassel (Lansdale Catholic)

Tory Adlam (H-H)

Emily Morgan (Owen J. Roberts)
Taylor Caparo (Gwynedd Mercy)

Forwards:
Tory Adlam (Hatboro-Horsham)
Megan Shenk (Pennridge)
Rachel Shive (Faith Christian)

Crystal Ball: District One, City Title Games, Week 12 NCAA, Week 11 NFL Predictions

By Andrew Marcus
Sportswriter for Montgomery Media

Follow me on twitter @amarcus515

High School Football Playoff Predictions (winner in yellow)
CLASS 4A DISTRICT ONE

(16) Wissahickon at (9) Coatesville - After becoming the third 16-seed since the field went to 16 teams to knock off the number one seed, the Trojans have been on cloud nine. Coatesville may be a measly nine seed in comparison to last week's opponent, but if the Trojans think everything will come easier after knocking off Downingtown East, they could be in a for quick end to the fairy tale.
CLICK HERE TO READ  THE WISS-EAST GAME STORY
(13) Neshaminy at (5) Central Bucks South
CLICK HERE TO READ THE P-W vs NESHAMINY GAME STORY
(7) Spring-Ford at (2) Ridley - Different worlds collide and since the level on competition is so drastic in leagues (in my opinion) I think the seeds can be thrown away here. I was hesitant to take the Rams against Garnet Valley, but now that they have their first district playoff win under their belt, and this Pac-10 offense could be very dangerous.
CLICK HERE TO READ THE SPRING-FORD vs GARNET VALLEY GAME STORY
(6) Pennsbury at (3) Pennridge - Get ready for possibly the top two tandem backs in the area going head-to-head. It will be Mike Class and Kenny Crawford versus the Falcons' Shawn Pepper and Daquan Mack. Let the duo who can keep the ball in their hands and the defense on the sideline be the winner of this low-scoring, hard hitting fantastic finish.
CLICK HERE TO READ THE PENNRIDGE-ABINGTON GAME STORY
CLASS 3A DISTRICT ONE
(4) West Chester Henderson at (1) Pottsgrove
CLICK HERE TO READ THE POTTSGROVE-HAVEN GAME STORY
(3) Interboro at (2) Academy Park
CLICK HERE TO READ THE UPPER MORELAND-ACADEMY PARK GAME STORY
3A CITY CHAMPIONSHIP
Bok Tech vs Archbishop Wood
CLICK HERE TO READ THE WOOD-BONNER GAME STORY
4A CITY CHAMPIONSHIP
Frankford vs LaSalle
CLICK HERE TO READ THE LASALLE-PREP GAME STORY

LAST WEEK: 9-6
OVERALL RECORD: 145-61


Week 12 NCAA Predictions (winner in yellow)
Iowa at (23) Michigan
Northwestern at Michigan State
Indiana at Penn State

Duck and cover

(25) Kent State at Bowling Green
(22) Rutgers at Cincinnati
Arkansas at Mississippi State
(21) USC at (17) UCLA
NC State at (11) Clemson
Minnesota at (16) Nebraska
(23) Texas Tech at Oklahoma State
(6) Ohio State at Wisconsin
Ole Miss at (8) LSU
Wake Forest at (3) Notre Dame
Utah State at (19) Louisiana Tech
(13) Oklahoma at West Virginia
Syracuse at Missouri
Tennessee at Vanderbilt
(14) Stanford at (1) Oregon
(2) Kansas State at Baylor
Arizona at Utah

LAST WEEK: 13-7
OVERALL RECORD: 140-82


Week 11 NFL Predictions (winner in yellow)
Dolphins at Bills

Byron under center for B-More

Cardinals at Falcons
Browns at Cowboys
Packers at Lions
Bengals at Chiefs
Jets at Rams
Eagles at Redskins
Buccaneers at Panthers
Jaguars at Texans
Saints at Raiders
Chargers at Broncos
Colts at Patriots
Ravens at Steelers
Bears at 49ers

LAST WEEK: 9-4-1
OVERALL RECORD: 104-41-1

Crystal Ball: District One & PCL playoffs, Week 11 NCAA, Week 10 NFL Predictions

By Andrew Marcus
Sportswriter for Montgomery Media

Follow me on Twitter @amarcus515

High School Football Playoff Predictions (winner in yellow)
CLASS 4A DISTRICT ONE
(16) Wissahickon at (1) Downingtown East - A tandem of D-1 playmakers named Kyle Lauletta (quarterback, Richmond) and Jay Harris (wide receiver,  Michigan State) make it a tall task for the Trojans' secondary. The running game led by senior Dan Murphy will need to eat the clock away and keep the ball out of  West's hands if they want pull off the upset.
(9) Coatesville at (8) Unionville
(13) Neshaminy at (4) Plymouth-Whitemarsh - A tall task for the Colonials in the Redskins, whose roller coaster season will help them have their heads on right and ready to play in my opinion. They will play for their coach and each other. But after last year's first round loss to C.B. South I expect the Dan Chang gang to be ready to win it in the fourth quarter. This has the chance to be the best game of the week.
(12) Haverford at (5) C.B. South
(15) Downingtown West at (2) Ridley

(10) Garnet Valley at (7) Spring-Ford - The Jags are a perennial playoff face and the Rams are looking like they will be one under coach Chad Brubaker. With Jarred Jones back healthy, the Rams have three proven running backs. But can they run through the 10-seed's beefed up front.
(14) Abington at (3) Pennridge - These schools have scrimmaged each of the last few season, so they are not complete strangers. While the Ghosts may be able to put up some points, they just do not have the defensive front to slow down all-league running back Mike Class and keep up.
(11) W.C. Rustin at (6) Pennsbury
CLASS 3A DISTRICT ONE
(8) Strath Haven at (1) Pottsgrove
(5) Springfield Delco at (4) W.C. Henderson
(7) Upper Moreland at (2) Academy Park
(6) Phoenixville at (3) Interboro
INTER-AC
Penn Charter at Germantown Academy
PCL 3A FINAL
Bonner vs Archbishop Wood
PCL 4A FINAL
St, Joe's prep vs LaSalle

LAST WEEK: 14-2
OVERALL RECORD: 136-55

Week 11 NCAA Predictions (winner in yellow)
Miami at Virginia
(11) Louisville at Syracuse
Cincinnati at Temple
Wisconsin at Indiana

Texas A &M get their crack at Bama

Northwestern at Michigan
Arkansas at (12) South Carolina
Iowa State at (19) Texas
Missouri at Tennessee
Wake Forest at N.C. State
Arizona State at (21) USC
(13) Oregon State at (16) Stanford 
Penn State at (18) Nebraska
Baylor at Oklahoma
West Virginia at Oklahoma State
(15) Texas A&M at (1) Alabama
(22) Mississippi State at (9) LSU
Vanderbilt at Ole Miss
(3) Kansas State at TCU
Utah at Washington
Fresno State at Nevada

LAST WEEK: 13-7
OVERALL RECORD: 127-75

Week 10 NFL Predictions (winner in yellow)
Colts at Jaguars
Giants at Bengals

Can the Monsters of the Midway stop HOU

Titans at Dolphins
Lions at Vikings
Bills at Patriots
Falcons at Saints
Chargers at Buccaneers
Broncos at Panthers
Raiders at Ravens
Jets at Seahawks
Cowboys at Eagles
Rams at 49ers
Texans at Bears
Chiefs at Steelers

LAST WEEK: 11-3
OVERALL RECORD: 95-37

News, Notes from Week 10 of High School Football

By Andrew Marcus
Sportswriter for Montgomery Media

Follow me on Twitter @amarcus515

GAME OF THE WEEK: North Penn 11, Souderton 10 - It has not been often in recent years that the Knights played the role of upsetting district dreams, instead of worrying about their own, but that was the case on Saturday afternoon. The Indians chances of making the postseason disappeared with the two-point conversion to win the game in the final minutes. CLICK HERE TO READ THE GAME STORY

PLAYER OF THE WEEK: Dan Murphy (Wissahickon) - The Trojans were not sure if even a win over Upper Moreland  (55-13 win) would let them play another week, but the senior running back Murphy made sure that he held his end up. And with a little help from their friends, Murphy's 223 total yards and four scores was plenty to make the Trojans grace the postseason. CLICK HERE TO READ THE GAME STORY





AROUND THE AREA:
Pennridge 54, Hatboro-Horsham 14 CLICK HERE TO READ THE GAME STORY
Episcopal Academy 47, Germantown Academy 0 CLICK HERE TO READ THE GAME STORY
Cheltenham 21, Norristown 0 CLICK HERE TO READ THE GAME STORY
Abington 37, William Tennent 14 CLICK HERE TO READ THE GAME STORY
Archbishop Wood 54, Cardinal O'Hara 28 CLICK HERE TO READ THE GAME STORY
LaSalle 42, Roman Catholic 13 CLICK HERE TO READ THE GAME STORY
Methacton 45, Pottstown 27 CLICK HERE TO READ THE GAME STORY
Pottsgrove 24, Phoenixville 7 CLICK HERE TO READ THE GAME STORY
Spring-Ford 42, Perk Valley 28
Upper Dublin 24, Upper Merion 14
Plymouth-Whitemarsh 28, Springfield 6
Pope John Paul II 35, Upper Perk 26
Tatnall School 40, Academy New Church 12

Week Five Prediction Record: 14-2
2012 Prediction Record: 136-55
2011 Prediction Record: 191-57


STAT LEADERS FOR WEEK 10

100+ yard rushers
Andrew Guckin (Archbishop Wood) 304, 4 TDs
Jarred Jones (Spring-Ford) 208, TD
Mike Class (Pennridge) 197, 4 TDs
Corey Kelly (Plymouth-Whitemarsh) 192, TD
Dan Murphy (Wissahickon) 177, 3 TDs
Alex Valeri (Pope John Paul II) 164, TD
Chris Ejimonyeugwo (Hatboro-Horsham) 144, TD
Rasaan Stewart (Perk Valley) 131, TD
Aidan Shaffer (Upper Perk) 125
Nick Brennan (Pottsgrove) 115
Nick Howarth (Pope John Paul) 106, 2 TDs
Mark Thompson (Cheltenham) 102

125+ yard passers
Dylan Wesley (Upper Perk) 252, 2 TDs
Brandon Bossard (Methacton) 192, TD
Dylan Collins (Abington) 151, 2 TDs
Rasaan Stewart (Perk Valley) 136, TD

100+ yard receivers
Travis Kline (Upper Perk) 112


Projected 4A District One Opening Round Games
(16) Wissahickon at (1) Downingtown East
(15) Downingtown West at (2) Ridley
(14) Abington at (3) Pennridge
(13) Neshaminy at (4) Plymouth-Whitemarsh
(12) Haverford High at (5) Central Bucks South
(11) W.C. Rustin at (6) Pennsbury
(10) Garnet Valley at (7) Spring-Ford
(9) Unionville at (8) Coatesville

PENNRIDGE SEASON STATISTICS (9-1, 6-0)
RUSHING - Mike Class 234-1940, 22 TDs; Kenny Crawford 96-573, 4 TDs; Kyle Bigam 32-198, 4 TDs; Alex Krivda 34-171, 2 TDs ; John Kim 21-133;  Imeir Simmons 8-65; Matt Pasquale 6-18, TD; Alex Fedele 8-22; Sifee Good 8-25, TD; Devon Baulmer 2-12; Levi Antonucci 1-9
PASSING - Alex Krivda 47-80-5 - 840, 10 TDs; Matt Pasqaule 0-1-0 - 0
RECEIVING - Kyle Bigam 17-427, 7 TDs; Micah Stutzman 11-145, TD; Mike Class 10-102, 2 TDs;  John Kim 6-78; Kenny Crawford 4-40; John Dubyk 1-45
SACKS - Jeremy Xander (4), Andy Graff (3), Tyler Kio (2),Mike Supp, Alex Fedele, Zach Hockman, Joey Kracz
INTERCEPTIONS - Jeremy Xander (2), Micah Stutzman, Kyle Bigam, Tyler Kio

SOUDERTON SEASON STATISTICS (6-4, 4-3)
RUSHING - Anthony Williams 118-897, 16 TDs; Dan Knight 114-696, 4 TDs; Jarrett Reinhard 101-563, 6 TDs; Ken Yoder 11-116; Jon Horton 25-98, 2 TDs; Marcus Miller 8-21; Colby Johnson 3-18, TD;  Micah Bosico 3-15; Taz Smith 1-9; Jeb Burleigh 1-8; Steve Nelson 3-4; Nate Stein 1-3; Jack Ionnotti 3-4; Nate Landes 4-(-15); Peter Shupuli 1-(-3); A.J. Curotto 20-(-19), TD; Sage Rausher 1-(-2)
PASSING - A.J. Curotto 39-91-5 - 652, 4 TDs; Colby Johnson 5-8-0 - 61; Troy Johnson 0-1-0 - 0; Anthony Williams 0-1-0 - 0; Kyle Wenger 0-1-0 - 0
RECEIVING - Kyle Wenger 26-512, 2 TDs; Dan Knight 5-46; Anthony Williams 4-64, TD; Tyler McKeon 3-48;Jarrett Reinhard 4-25, TD; Kyle Murphy 1-15; Ken Yoder 1-6; Manny Nieves 1-6
SACKS - Jarrett Reinhard (2), Marcus Miller (2), Ben Licona, Justin Meyers, Tyler Hangey, Arden Snyder
INTERCEPTIONS - Kyle Wenger (6), A,J, Curotto (3), Anthony Williams, Tyler McKeon, Jon Horton,

NORTH PENN SEASON STATISTICS (6-4, 5-2)
RUSHING - Kyle Mayfield 170-1042, 13 TDs; Steve Gozur 88-610, 6 TDs; Chris McGinnis 15-111, 3 TDs; Anthony Cameron 20-115; Luke Berry 24-167, 3 TDs;  James Desimone 1-36; Jeff Reimel 4-8; Mike Isabella 3-8; Eddie Posavec 7-5; Dorian Sobetsky 3-6; Nick Wright 1-4;   Kris Akins 1-0; Mike Berstacher 13-(-22); Austin Shearer 8-(-32)
PASSING - Austin Shearer 48-97-5 - 621; Mike Berstacher 36-73-4 - 565, 7 TDs; Jeff Reimel 2-2-0 - 8; Eddie Posavec 1-1-0 - 52
RECEIVING - Eddie Posavec 21-256, 2 TDs; Colton Pyne 20-295, TD; Steve Gozur 14-158; George Shipp 7-159, 2 TDs; Kyle Mayfield 8-149, 2 TDs; Kris Akins 6-136, TD; Luke Berry 4-33; Mike Isabella 4-21;  Beck 2-8
SACKS - Isiah Swint, Nick Wright, Kris Akins
INTERCEPTIONS - Steve Gozur, Mike Isabella, Bobby Bull, Jesse Cook, Derek Brandt