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North looking to break South dominance
Jeannette’s A.J. Graves runs over Woodland Hills’ Jon Edwell
Eric Schmadel/Tribune-Review
Paul Schofield can be reached via e-mail or at 724-853-2109.
Brooks, a Pitt recruit who played at Duquesne High School, and Brown, an Iowa recruit who played at Clairton, will be the main focus of the North defense as it tries to stop a four-game losing streak Saturday at Norwin High School Stadium. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.
The South has won seven of the nine previous meetings, including last year when it took advantage of five turnovers in a 20-0 victory.
"I feel I have something to prove," Brooks said. "I played in Class A and I want to see how I match up against players from Woodland Hills and Penn Hills. People always say Class A players can't do this and that. I guess we'll see."
Brooks, 5-foot-11, 220 pounds, combined power and speed to gain 3,958 career yards, including 1,545 yards and 12 touchdowns on 222 carries as a senior. He is a two-time All-Class A selection and was named to the Tribune-Review's Terrific 25 and The Associated Press Class A all-state first team.
Brown, 5-11, 195, was one of the state's premier running backs, with 2,134 yards and 33 touchdowns on 222 carries to earn Tribune-Review Terrific 25 and Class A Player of the Year honors.
North linebackers Justin Colbaugh (Gateway), Kevin Mullen (Penn-Trafford) and Joe Hadley (Plum) want to slow down the South's big-time running game.
"We've taken this game personally," Colbaugh said. "We haven't won in four years. People say the North team isn't as strong as the South, so we'd like to change that around."
Colbaugh, who is one of 10 players in the game who will be part of the inaugural team at Seton Hill University in Greensburg, said he is eager to play against Division I running backs.
"It's going to be a challenge," Colbaugh said. "We'll have to play team defense. It's all about playing as one unit. As long as the linebackers can float free, we can get it done."
Jeannette's A.J. Graves, one of the North's top running backs, doesn't have the same credentials as Brown and Brooks, but the WPIAL and PIAA Class AA wrestling champion can be dangerous, too.
Graves, 5-10, 187, said he is choosing between Slippery Rock and Clarion to play football.
"I'm pretty excited about the game," Graves said. "We haven't won in a few years and, hopefully, that will change."
Graves also combined speed with power. In a practice this week, Graves ran over Woodland Hills defensive back Jon Edwell.
Graves' teammate at Jeannette, Jordan Thomas, is looking forward to the game for a different reason. Thomas, who played quarterback for the Jayhawks the past three seasons, will be playing wide receiver from the slot position.
"Catching passes is something I always wanted to do," Thomas said. "I like the slot position. It gives me a lot of options."
The quarterback job for the North squad will be in the hands of Greensburg Central Catholic's John Rahl and Burrell's Garyn Ehrlich. Rahl, who will be attending Fairmont State, is scheduled to start.
"I know the offense a little better," Rahl said. "I'm excited that I'm getting the opportunity. Coach (Muzzy) Colosimo gave me the chance to play the position last year, and I'm excited about playing it in college."
The South offense appears to have a solid ground game, but don't expect South coach Bill Cherpak of Thomas Jefferson to grind things out. Thomas Jefferson quarterback Brad Dawson and Duquesne quarterback George Little will get a chance to show off their arms, Cherpak said.
