By CORY ISENBERG
The Tribune-Democrat
August 31, 2008 11:18 pm
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The opening week of the high school football season had its usual top performances and surprises.
Probably one of the most talked-about games, was Ebensburg’s backyard brawl between Bishop Carroll and Central Cambria, a 12-7 victory for the Huskies.
Carroll’s senior running back Brendan Julock rushed for 186 yards on 20 carries and both touchdowns, but it was the Huskies’ defensive effort that was there when the team needed it most.
After missing the District 6 Class A playoffs the past two seasons, Bishop Carroll let the rest of the area know that it’s back.
There were several other top individual performances.
Conemaugh Valley’s Steve Ling rushed for 225 yards and two touchdowns and passed for two more scores in the win over Shade while Forest Hills quarterback Zack Glessner had two rushing touchdowns and passed for 200 yards, going 13 of 16 with one passing touchdown in the Rangers’ victory. Also, Meyersdale’s Matt Donaldson had three interceptions, one for a score.
On the other side of the mountain, in a Quad-A clash, Altoona certainly caught everyone’s attention with its impressive 28-21 victory over District 7 North Allegheny.
The Tigers were ranked third in the Pennsylvania Football News preseason poll while the Mountain Lions were listed as a team to watch.
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As it has been doing the last few seasons, The Tribune-Democrat will publish a weekly stats package.
Area football coaches are asked to submit varsity statistics from Week 1 games as soon as possible so that they can be compiled.
Stats can be submitted by fax to 539-1409 or e-mail (sports@tribdem.com).
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With the beginning of the season, the predictions also began and it was left to the pickers to decide which camps had the best propaganda.
Guest picker Dave Lynch got off to a strong start with a 13-2 week, losing only the Central Cambria-Bishop Carroll – all nine of us missed that one – and Westmont/Bishop Guilfoyle games.
Defending picking champion Mike Mastovich and sports editor Eric Knopsnyder were second with 11-4 records. Shawn Curtis, Matt Jordan and I were all 10-5 with Tim Burns 9-6, Hugh Conrad 8-7 and Steve Johncola 7-8.
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Statewide, the No. 1 ranked teams by the Football News picked up wins in three of the four classes.
In Quad-A, Gateway downed Penn Hills, 45-17 and in Class AA, District 2 Dunmore defeated Mid Valley 42-21. Steelton-Highspire, the top team in Class A, edged Class AAA Susquehanna Township 16-14.
Thomas Jefferson, the top-ranked Class AAA squad, plays today.
Cory Isenberg is a sports writer for The Tribune-Democrat.
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