Here's a look at a few teams in the Pittsburgh area to keep an eye on this fall:
Boys' Soccer -- Mars
Getting all the way to a championship game -- and losing -- is never easy for a team. But there may be solace for the Mars boys' soccer players. The Planets went into last year's Class AA final against Palmyra with a roster loaded with youth and talent, meaning it could be a great couple of years for the team. Still, head coach Chris Knauff isn't ready to accept the trophy just yet. "We're not trying to look too far ahead," he says, "but I know that the players see the talent that's on this team." This year's group has a good mix of juniors and seniors. It starts in the back with senior Joe Hefner, the team's goaltender. "He got better and better throughout last season," Knauff says. "He's a solid goalie. He doesn't make many mistakes." Up front, the offensive power is plentiful, led by junior Ryan McKenzie. "He's our most
dynamic player," Knauff says. "We're going to look for Ryan to do big things."Senior Tim Frigot joins McKenzie up front and is dominant in mid-air challenges. In the midfield, junior Mike Page and seniors Andy Knauff and Scott Sowers control tempo and help keep the ball moving inside to outside. Senior Zach Miele, one of the fastest players on the team, and junior Jack Leslie man the back lines. With a good mix of talent across the field, Mars is looking forward to this season. "Setting the goal of winning state is a little high," coach Knauff says, "but I think we have the ability to get that far."
| Girls' Soccer -- South Park |
| The defending WPIAL champs aren't about to rest on their laurels any time soon. South Park has won the last two Class AA titles, and led by senior Nikki Doria a third may not be out of the question. But Doria isn't the only star on this team. Sophomore Lauren Yobbi is very adept at finding the back of the net, while senior Sydney Judkins is one of the region's best goalkeepers. |
| Football -- Trinity |
| Trinity's streaky season last year was misleading; the team was full of talented but young players who showed flashes of brilliance. Look for the Belltowers to take that experience and use it to their advantage this season. Senior Jack Jamerson, who is a versatile player at both linebacker and fullback, will be a player to watch this year. The offensive line, led by senior Nate Lojeck, will be very formidable as well. |
| Boys' Cross Country -- Seneca Valley |
| The team to watch in the PIAA this year might be the Raiders. The team finished fourth at last year's PIAA Class AAA state meet, and this season there are a number of very talented harriers returning to push the Raiders even further up the standings. Senior Cam Stauffer, who was 11th overall last year, leads the up-and-coming program. Look for junior Andrew Razanauskas, senior Eric Geddis and sophomore Alex Mascio to boost depth as well. |
| BREAKOUT TEAMS |
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Football -- Montour Keep an eye on senior E.J. Banks, who is one of the best athletes in the state. |
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Girls' Tennis -- Shady Side Sophomore Sarah Perelman is one of the region's new tennis talents. |
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Boys' Golf -- Sewickley Rising star Ian Bangor, a junior, could surprise some people this year. |
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Girls' Golf -- Peters Township Junior Jessy Parham, 10th at last year's WPIAL final, is one of the favorites this year. |
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