WPIAL releases 2015 football schedules
The WPIAL released the conference schedules for the 2015 football season and there are a few intriguing match ups to look forward to.
It is still early in the off-season and coaching changes could still come, but going off what we know as of now, I think Ringgold has a very strong shot at making a run to Heinz Field.
After traveling to Thomas Jefferson and West Mifflin in 2014, the Rams will get to host the perennial powers this fall.
Week One: Thomas Jefferson at Ringgold
The Jaguars were a force in the regular season last season and it all began when they defeated the Rams, 49-6, in the season-opener. Things will be different in 2015. Thomas Jefferson is losing 15 seniors, including running back Austin Kemp. Ringgold lost Nico Law and Aaron Szakal, but it still has the best backfield in WPIAL Class AAA and George Martin will be able to step in at quarterback.
No one will expect Ringgold to win, but I disagree. Most of the offensive line is back and Chacar Berry will be 100 percent healthy.
Another game to look out for in Week One is Mt. Lebanon at Canon-McMillan. Yes, the Big Macs have been bad in recent years, but Mike Evans will breathe new life into that program. It’s not going to happen overnight, but C-M is headed in the right direction. It will be interesting to see how they match up with the Blue Devils.
Week Four: West Mifflin at Ringgold
Again, the Rams get to host two of the strongest teams in the conference. The Titans lost DiAngelo Mitchell, but the offensive line will be much improved and there is always a steady pipeline of skill players.
A potential upset could be in Week Six when Ringgold travels to Belle Vernon. The Leopards will take a leap forward in year two under Matt Humbert.
Week Five: Wash High at Mt. Pleasant
Both teams lost a strong senior class, but the Prexies will reload. Their backfield is strong and if they can find a few linemen, Wash High could compete for the conference title. Beating the Vikings on the road will be important if they are going to repeat.
Week Six: Frazier at Beth-Center
A brawl erupted when the two teams played at Frazier in 2014. The Bulldogs prevailed with a victory behind running back Anthony Welsh, who will be asked to carry the load next season.
You would think a team in the Tri-County South has to knock off Beth-Center eventually, right? It doesn’t look like it will happen in 2015. If the defense improves and the Bulldogs get consistent production at quarterback, look for them to end the TCS’s drought in the playoffs.
Week Seven: Jeannette at Monessen
I did not get to see Monessen last fall, but the reports out of Westmoreland County aren’t good. Numbers and inexperience were a problem. The Greyhounds lost their last four games, including a regular season finale to Mapletown, but there should be talent returning.
Finding a quarterback and improving a defense that allowed almost 25 points per game is a priority.
Week Eight: Seton-La Salle at South Fayette
There is no longer a Brumbaugh running the show in McDonald, but Hunter Hayes and the entire offensive line from the state title game is back. The Rebels have incredible talent, including Paris Ford, but there are unknowns. South Park could be a sleeper to claim the Century Conference, but it will likely come down to South Fayette and Seton.
Week Nine: McGuffey at Wash High
The atmosphere was electric in Claysville last season. The Prexies prevailed with a strong second half to clinch the conference title. I do expect Mt. Pleasant to be in the mix after having to play a ton of underclassmen in 2014, but this will come down to Wash High and McGuffey.
Both teams have question marks, but who doesn’t? It will be the game to watch in Week Nine.
You can find the remainder of the schedules at the link below:
http://www.wpial.org/general/stuff/foot/15-16 ftb grids all.pdf