An in-depth look at Week 2 of the high school football season with players to watch, top games and more ...
Week 2 Players to watch
RYAN RUFFING · THOMAS JEFFERSON
So., RB · 5-11, 185
Ruffing's 86-yard, three-touchdown performance in TJ's season-opening win over H.D. Woodson might have surprised a lot of people, but coach Bill Cherpak wasn't among them. Ruffing was the starting point guard for the Jaguars' basketball team as a freshman last year and is already becoming a leader on the football field. "We have high expectations for him," Cherpak said. "We think he's going to be a pretty good player for us."
BRAD BURKLEY · LATROBE
Sr., RB · 5-9, 189
When new Latrobe coach Ray Reitz was preparing for his first season with the Wildcats, he was uttering Burkley's name when talking about the prospects for success. Burkley kicked off the Wildcats' scoring in their opener Saturday — a 21-0 victory over arch-rival Derry — with a 11-yard touchdown run in the second quarter. Latrobe outgained Derry in rushing, 160-152, with Burkley leading Latrobe with 59 yards on 15 carries.
DAMIAN JONES-MOORE · CENTRAL CATHOLIC
So., RB · 5-6, 165
The darty sophomore's 204 yards in Central Catholic's victory over Youngstown Ursuline last Saturday was the week's fourth-highest single-game rushing total in the WPIAL. He also scored four touchdowns for the No. 2-ranked Vikings. "He's a tremendous player," coach Terry Totten said. "We can't get enough ways to get him the ball."
DAVID NOWICKI · GREENSBURG SALEM
Jr., RB · 5-10, 170
The buzz: Greensburg Salem found it tough to score in its season-opening 40-7 loss to neighboring Hempfield, but the Golden Lions were denied at least one more touchdown, when Nowicki's 90-yard kickoff return in the first quarter was nullified by a holding penalty.
JARED PRATT · BETHEL PARK
Sr., FB/LB · 5-11, 210
A second-year starter at linebacker, Pratt proved last Friday against Kiski Area that he's much more than a one-way player. Pratt had two rushing touchdowns in his senior debut at fullback for coach Jeff Metheny and the reigning Class AAAA champs. "He's got to be a two-way player for us this year," Metheny said. "He had a good night Friday night, that's for sure."
MIKE ROSEBOSKY · MT. PLEASANT
Sr., RB · 5-11, 165
The buzz: Mt. Pleasant's come-from-behind 17-6, season-opening victory over McGuffey was the result of two fourth-quarter touchdowns by the Vikings, including Rosebosky's 2-yard pass from quarterback Derek Mellors on fourth down. Rosebosky is among what Mt. Pleasant coach Bo Ruffner called in preseason "a nice senior class." Rosebosky totaled 27 yards rushing on the drive that resulted in his touchdown reception.
Week 2 Q&A
HOPEWELL SENIOR QB MATT HUNDENSKI
The Buzz: Hopewell quarterback Matt Hundenski is more than just the guy handing the ball off to star sophomore running back Rushel Shell. Hundenski was 42-5 as a 152-pound wrestler last year, winning the WPIAL Class AAA title as a junior and placing sixth in the PIAA tournament. While Shell ran for 256 yards in Hopewell's 47-6 win over Knoch, Hundenski completed a 45-yard touchdown pass and started at free safety for the Vikings. Recently, Hundenski spoke with the Tribune-Review about Shell, wrestling and how Brady Quinn tested his allegiance to the Steelers.
What's it like playing with Rushel Shell?
It's an honor. He's a great football player, and I'm friends with him and I hang out with him on and off the field. It's an honor to be playing with him.
How good do you think your team can be?
By the looks of it so far, we're coming out pretty strong. I think we can match where we got to last year (WPIAL Class AAA quarterfinals), if not go further.
Where's your favorite place to play on the road?
So far, the nicest stadium was last year at South Fayette against (Thomas Jefferson in the WPIAL quarterfinal playoff game). The field was unbelievably nice, and it was packed. It was unbelivable.
Do you have a pregame routine?
After school I go home, get something to eat, get ready and listen to my iPod the whole way until game time. I just get focused on the game, nothing special.
Who do you look up to in professional sports?
I've always been a fan of Brady Quinn because I'm a big Notre Dame fan. Now that he's with the Browns, it's like, 'Yeah, I'm a Steelers fan.' But Brady Quinn is still one of my idols.
What do you like to do in your free time?
In my free time I'm usually lifting or I'm hanging out with my friends at someone's house.
What are you plans for after high school?
So far, I haven't gotten any (college interest) for football, so I'm planning on going to college for wrestling. I don't know what I'm going to study yet.
Who's recruiting you for wrestling?
So far Maryland, Pitt, West Virginia and Kent State.
DERRY AREA SENIOR RB SCOTT DIXON
The Buzz: Scott Dixon, a senior running back for Derry Area, committed last month to play baseball at Penn State where he hopes to join the Nittany Lions' pitching staff. Derry opened its season Friday with a 21-0 non-conference loss to Latrobe.
What positives can be taken from your season opener?
It's better to have that (loss) happen early in the season. We have time to bounce back. We came out in the second half and played football like we know how. We were moving the football, but we'd dug ourselves too big of a hole.
What are your expectations for this season?
Our expectations are high, but no one's going to roll over for us. We had a tough first game. We have to work hard. We expect our team to be good, but we have to work at it.
What led you to choose Penn State?
I went up there to visit the campus and I fell in love with it. It was a place I could see myself being for the next four years.
Everyone knows about the football team's Beaver Stadium. How is the school's baseball stadium?
The baseball field is magnificent. They share a field with a minor-league team called the State College Spikes. It's one of the nicest stadiums I'll play at.
Are there any games on Penn State's schedule you're looking forward to?
Pretty much any game in the Big Ten looks exciting to play. I'm just excited to be in the Big Ten Conference. That's one of my favorites.
What other schools had you considered?
Duquesne offered, Seton Hill offered, St. Peters offered but none of them were a fit for me like Penn State.
Did you have to make a choice between baseball and football?
Some of my coaches told me I had a choice, but I never looked into it. For me it was baseball all the way. Baseball has always been my sport. I didn't start playing football until I was in middle school.
How does the excitement of striking out a batter compare to that of breaking a long run?
Nothing beats the excitement on Friday nights.
Who would you like to change places with for one day?
Probably (New York Mets pitcher) Johan Santana. He's a well-respected Major League pitcher and I'd love to be as good as he is now.
What's one thing people don't know about youâ¢
I could probably sing 95 percent of (country singer) Taylor Swift songs the whole way through.
Do you ever sing these songs during practice?
Sometimes, just to lighten the mood.
Week 2 Games of the Week
NO. 5 MONESSEN (0-1) at NO. 4 CLAIRTON (0-1)
7:30 p.m. Friday
These teams should be contenders for the WPIAL championship by the end of the season, but right now, each is looking for its first win.
Clairton went into the season as the top-ranked team in Class A but was upset at Laurel. The Bears have an outstanding offense, but were held to one touchdown in the loss to the Spartans and weren't sharp in their final scrimmage, scoring only once against Class AAA Albert Gallatin.
While Clairton was losing to Laurel, Monessen dropped its second consecutive opener to Rochester. The Greyhounds were without quarterback Terrance Stepoli and his lineman brother, Josh, who were suspended because they were ejected during a playoff loss to Clairton last season.
Both players will return this week, which should bolster Monessen on each side of the ball.
Monessen is also attempting to avoid opening the season with back-to-back shutout losses to Rochester and Clairton for the second consecutive season.
NO. 10 SHALER (1-0) AT HEMPFIELD (1-0)
7:30 p.m. Friday
Hempfield opened the season with a 33-point win over Class AAA Keystone Conference rival Greensburg Salem, but the competition gets a bit stiffer this week with Shaler visiting Spartan Stadium.
Shaler, which beat Hempfield, 41-10 last season, spoiled the debut of Baldwin first-year coach Jim Wehner. Titans senior running back Jesse DellaValle showed his versatility in the win, scoring touchdowns both rushing and receiving, while backfield mate Matt Ramey had 101 yards and a score.
Shaler allowed Baldwin back Jordan Joyce to break off a 74-yard touchdown as part of his 136-yard rushing performance.
Hempfield has a pair of weapons who could be threats to Shaler's defense in running back R.J. Thomas and quarterback Dante Nania, who passed for 281 yards and five touchdowns last week.
Week 2 game capsules
CLASS AAAA
No. 6 North Allegheny (1-0) at Mt. Lebanon (1-0)
7:30 p.m. Friday
North Allegheny became a serious contender with a 53-point shutout victory over District 6 powerhouse Altoona. ... Tigers running back Alex Papson had 100 yards and three touchdowns last week. ... Mt. Lebanon opened its season with a win for the first time since a 21-12 win over Woodland Hills in 2007. ... The Blue Devils came up with the big defensive play when they had to in a 17-16 win over North Hills, as they held on a two-point conversion in the final seconds. ... North Allegheny is trying to open a season 2-0 for the first time in two years.
No. 5 Penn Hills (0-1) at No. 9 Bethel Park (1-0)
7:30 p.m. Friday
Bethel Park first showed itself as a title contender last season with a 20-13 win over Penn Hills. ... The Black Hawks have won 11 consecutive regular-season games since losing to Upper St. Clair on Oct. 12, 2007. ... Penn Hills was sluggish in its loss to Gateway, though quarterback Chaz Whittaker did complete eight passes for 103 yards and a touchdown. ... The Indians are trying to avoid beginning the season 0-2 for the third consecutive season.
Latrobe (1-0) at Fox Chapel (1-0)
7 p.m. Friday
Both teams opened the season by winning regional rivalry games against Class AAA teams. ... Latrobe coach Ray Reitz won his debut as the Wildcats' coach. Reitz took over at Latrobe after leading Jeannette to a pair of WPIAL titles and a PIAA championship. ... Fox Chapel lineman Miles Diffenbach is a Penn State recruit. ... Latrobe scored two of its three touchdowns in its opener off a blocked punt and a botched fake.
Norwin (1-0) at Butler (0-1)
7:30 p.m., Friday
Norwin opened the 2009 season the way it opened the 2008 season, with a victory (17-7) against Seneca Valley. Now, the Knights hope Week 2 is a little different; they lost to Butler, 26-20, last year. ... Running back Joel DeSelice rushed for 108 yards and had a 67-yard touchdown run, but it was the special teams and the Knights defense the preserved the victory. Andrew Cockeram returned a punt 65 yards for a score and the defense forced four fumbles. ... Butler quarterback Cole Harvey completed 7 of 19 passes for 69 yards and had two passes intercepted in a 20-14 loss to New Castle.
Peters Township (1-0) at Kiski Area (0-1)
7:30 p.m., Friday
Peters Township slipped by Kiski Area, 17-13, last season. The Indians are in their second-year of Class AAAA competition after moving up from Class AAA. ... First-year Kiski Area head coach Troy Wilson will go after his first win. The Cavaliers are trying to reverse course after losing 10 of their last 11 games. Kiski Area continues to use senior Tarique Godson, a Division I prospect, in a slash role. He lined up at wide receiver, running back and quarterback in a 37-14 loss to Bethel Park last week.
CLASS AAA
Indiana (0-1) at No. 2 New Castle (1-0)
7:30 p.m. Friday
New Castle senior running back Keith Keene showed he may be one of the most underrated players in Class AAA with 129 rushing yards and three total touchdowns in a win over Class AAAA Butler. ... He could have a big day against an Indiana squad that allowed Plum running back Ryan Allen pick up 172 total yards. ... The Little Indians will have to improve on the five turnovers it had in that 20-point loss to the Mustangs. ... New Castle lost to Indiana in the regular season before rebounding with a 55-49 victory in the WPIAL Class AAA quarterfinals.
No. 9 Mars (1-0) at No. 3 Hopewell (1-0)
7 p.m. Friday
Hopewell sophomore running back Rushel Shell rushed for 257 yards on 13 carries with four touchdowns against Knoch. ... Mars has a solid running game, as junior fullback Austin Miele, who like Shell had more than 1,000 yards last season, had 160 yards and scored both rushing and receiving in a win over Moon. ... Hopewell defeated Mars, 34-7, last season while controlling the Planets Delaware Wing-T offense.
No. 10 Uniontown (1-0) at No. 1 Thomas Jefferson (1-0)
7:30 p.m. Friday
Uniontown is coming off a win over Quad-A Connellsville. ... Thomas Jefferson rolled over Washington D.C. powerhouse H.D. Woodson thanks to three touchdown runs from sophomore running back Ryan Ruffing in his first varsity start. ... Jaguars Division I receiving prospect Jim Giansante scored his first touchdown of the season on a pass from first-year starting quarterback Sam Johnston. ... The Jaguars have won 38 consecutive games against WPIAL opponents.
No. 7 Trinity (0-1) at Greensburg Salem (0-1)
7:30 p.m. Friday
Trinity got run over by Penn State recruit Mike Hull, who rushed for four touchdowns, led Canon-McMillan to a 36-22 victory. ... Trinity quarterback Andrew Steratore completed 7 of 11 passes for 70 yards and a touchdown, but had had three passes intercepted. ... Greensburg Salem lost to a strong Hempfield squad. The Golden Lions defense allowed more than 530 yards in a 40-7 loss. ... David Nowicki was a bright spot running and catching the ball, and he was one of the team's leading tacklers. His brother, Michael (Nowicki), returned an interception 95 yards for a score.
Indiana (0-1) at No. 2 New Castle (1-0)
7:30 p.m. Friday
New Castle senior running back Keith Keene showed he may be one of the most underrated players in Class AAA with 129 rushing yards and three touchdowns in a win over Class AAAA Butler. ... He could have a big game against an Indiana squad that let Plum running back Ryan Allen register 172 total yards. ... The Little Indians will have to improve on the five turnovers they had in that 20-point loss to the Mustangs. ... New Castle lost to Indiana in the regular season before rebounding with a 55-49 victory in the WPIAL Class AAA quarterfinals.
CLASS AA
No. 10 Shady Side Academy (1-0) at No. 8 Freeport (1-0)
7:30 p.m. Friday
Shady Side Academy barely escaped with a win over Summit Academy last week and will get a stiffer test from Freeport. ... The Yellowjackets scored 37 points at Kittanning, which is typically a tough venue for visiting teams. ... Shady Side Academy defensive back Brian Nickel led the WPIAL with 12 interceptions last season. ... Freeport has not defeated Shady Side Academy since the 2006 season opener. ... The Indians are the defending conference champions and have won 16 consecutive conference games since a 25-7 loss to Ford City on Sept. 7, 2007.
Mt. Pleasant (1-0) at Washington (1-0)
7:30 p.m. Friday
Washington opened with a decisive victory over Waynesburg. ... Little Prexies quarterback Marquis Brown threw for two touchdowns in the win. ... Mt. Pleasant scored 14 points in the fourth quarter in a come-from-behind win against a McGuffey team projected to be a postseason contender. ... Vikings quarterback Derek Mellors ran and threw for the two late scores. ... Mt. Pleasant has not opened a season 2-0 since it played in the Class AAA Keystone Conference in 1997.
No. 1 Beaver Falls (1-0) at Freedom (1-0)
7 p.m. Friday
Freedom had a relatively easy time with Ellwood City last week, but it was nothing compared to what Beaver Falls did in its 25-point victory over Riverside. ... Beaver Falls running back Cody Cook, who is being looked at by Pitt and West Virginia, carried six times for 199 yards and three touchdowns. ... Tigers quarterback Tony Omogrosso also had a big game with 142 yards and a score. ... Freedom has not defeated Beaver Falls since a 28-24 victory in 2005.
Brownsville (1-0) at No. 6 Jeannette (1-0)
7:30 p.m., Friday
Brownsville made first-year coach Von Braddock a winner with an upset of South Allegheny in overtime (21-14) on a Brandon DeCarlo run. DeCarlo scored a second touchdown and threw a score for the Falcons. ... Jeannette gave first-year coach Roy Hall an opening-season victory, 45-13, against East Allegheny. ... Toddy Harris and Darius Brown each scored two touchdowns for the Jayhawks. ... Jeannette won, 41-0, last year.
No. 2 Greensburg Central Catholic (1-0) at McGuffey (0-1)
7:30 p.m., Friday
Running back David Miller rushed for 234 yards and scored two touchdowns, as the Centurions grounded out a 31-7 win against Charleroi. ... Quarterback and Bowling Green recruit Trent Hurley threw one touchdown and ran for another. He completed 6 of 12 passes for 121 yards. ... McGuffey couldn't handle the Mt. Pleasant running game and fell, 17-7, to the Vikings. ... The Highlanders were expected to challenge for a playoff berth in the conference. ... Nick Shuman ran for a touchdown in the loss.
CLASS A
No. 10 North Catholic (0-1) at No. 2 Laurel (1-0)
7 p.m. Friday
Laurel pulled off one of the bigger upsets in Week 1, downing defending WPIAL Class A champion Clairton, but the Spartans need an encore to prove their mettle. ... All-state receiver Jake Dando led the winning drive against Clairton when he replaced injured quarterback Tyler Forbes. ... North Catholic's pass defense was exposed by Serra Catholic quarterback Rob Heatherington, who was 7 of 8 for 117 yards and a score. ... Trojans running back Julian Durden ran for two touchdowns against Serra Catholic, including an 80-yarder.
Avonworth (1-0) at Neshannock (1-0)
7 p.m. Friday
Avonworth only attempted nine passes in its win over Western Beaver. ... The Antelopes have a solid running attack led by senior Jim Zubik, who rushed for 178 yards and two touchdowns in the victory. ... Neshannock has not won its first two games in more than a decade. ... Neshannock running back Chris Kirkwood had 209 yards and three touchdowns last week against District 10 Kennedy Catholic. ... Neshannock quarterback John Sanzone was only 3 for 3 for 55 yards last week but two of his throws went for touchdowns.
No. 5 Monessen (0-1) at No. 4 Clairton (0-1)
7:30 p.m. Friday
Both teams should figure into the WPIAL championship picture by the end of the season, but this week, each is looking for its first win. ... Clairton went into the season as the top-ranked team in Class A only to be upset at Laurel. The Bears have an outstanding offense, but were held to one touchdown in the loss to the Spartans, and they weren't sharp in their final scrimmage, scoring only once against Class AAA Albert Gallatin. ... Monessen dropped its second consecutive opener to Rochester. The Greyhounds were without quarterback Terrance Stepoli and his lineman brother, Josh, who were suspended from last week's game as punishment for being ejected from last season's playoff loss to Clairton. Both players should bolster Monessen on each side of the ball.
Frazier (0-1) at Mapletown (0-1)
7:30 p.m., Friday
The Commodores allowed two fourth-quarter touchdown passes, and lost to California (20-16). .. Running back Chase Kirmeyer, who rushed for 86 yards, scored two touchdowns for the Commodores, and Kyle Rodriguez booted a field goal. ... Mapletown lost a shootout to Bentworth, 41-33. ... Mapletown quarterback Cory Minnick piled up 369 total offense yards. Minnick completed 14 of 30 passes for 249 yards and four touchdowns to Jarrett Porterfield. Minnick also ran for 120 on 22 carries and another score. ... Frazier won last year's battle, 40-24. ... Both teams open conference play next week against tough opponents. Frazier is at Clairton, and Mapletown will travel to Monessen.
CITY LEAGUE
No. 3 Schenley (1-0) at No. 1 Perry (1-0)
Noon Saturday
Perry staked its claim to the City League regular-season title by beating two-time defending champion Brashear last week. ... The Commodores have not lost to Schenley since the final regular-season game in 2007. ... Perry running back Greg McGhee had 146 yards in the win over the Bulls. ... Schenley did not give up an offensive touchdown last week in its win over Westinghouse. ... Perry has not won the City League title since 2005, while Schenley has not won the championship since 1999.
HERITAGE CONFERENCE
Laurel Valley (1-0) at Penns Manor (1-0)
7 p.m., Friday
Laurel Valley gave new coach Chuck Nanassy an opening-season victory against rival United. The Rams rallied late to force overtime before winning the game, 14-8, on a 5-yard run by Chris Morrow. ... Morrow scored the tying two-point conversion and finished with 127 yards on the ground. ... Penns Manor started strong, as Travis Trimble rushed for 102 yards and scored three touchdowns in a 41-19 win against Northern Cambria. ... Freshman quarterback Dan Ferens rushed for two scores and had one touchdown pass off a hook-and-ladder trick play. Ferens rushed for 75 yards. ... Laurel Valley won 29-12 last year.
