Six weeks into the WPIAL football season, most teams have played enough to demonstrate what they can do.
Teams have had opportunities both to be challenged and to respond to those challenges. Secret weapons have been revealed. Go-to plays have been called. Early season outliers have been normalized through competition.
With that in mind, in Class AAAA, reigning WPIAL champion Pine-Richland (6-0, 5-0) has proven with its play so far that last season was no near-perfect fluke. Perched atop the Quad North Conference standings, the Rams have proven their meddle in wins against formidable foes such as North Allegheny, Kiski Area and Seneca Valley.
If there was any question about it, the Rams have set out with an answer that's withstood every test in the early going — they're here to stay.
“We're not looking to go anywhere any time soon,” coach Eric Kasperowicz said. “We like it at the top. We like being the team to beat, and that's where we want to be. Back in the early 2000's, in the Neil Walker Era in Class AAA, Pine-Richland was a pretty good powerhouse. Then, since the move to Quad-A we struggled a bit, but we're definitely enjoying things now.”
After failing to top five wins in a season from 2008-13, the Rams, under Kasperowicz, suddenly seem awash with talent. The team's offense has kept stride, despite replacing Gatorade Pennsylvania Player of the Year winner Ben DiNucci at quarterback with a sophomore, Phil Jurkovec.
Through the first six games of his career, Jurkovec has put himself on the WPIAL football map in a big way by leading his team to an undefeated record while ranking fourth in Class AAAA in passing yards (886) and fifth in rushing yards (663).
At other key positions, this season's seniors have stepped in to replace studs from last year's WPIAL championship team. Both Brandon Humphrey and Anthony Battaglia have reeled in multiple touchdown catches at wide receiver.
At running back, senior Jimmy Graf has taken over for graduated Connor Slomka after receiving a small fraction of the team's rushing attempts last year. Graf has rushed for seven touchdowns while averaging 9.9 yards per carry.
“I've been preparing for the last couple of years, watching how Connor played and trying to make improvements in my game like he did his,” Graf said. “I was watching in practice and getting ready for when he left so that I could take over and there would be no letdown.”
Kevin Lohman is a freelance writer.
