H.S. Sports Central

An in-depth look at Week 3 of the high school football season with players to watch, top games and more ...

Week 3 Players to watch

NOLAN BONHAM · HEMPFIELD

Senior, RB/LB · 5-10, 200

He's a speedster who adds depth to the Hempfield backfield. Bonham is reliable and experienced — and he's done well for the Spartans, too, at the linebacker spot. While fellow senior RB R.J. Thomas is Hempfield's go-to guy on offense, he wasn't around for last week's loss to Shaler, the victim of a one-game suspension, according to Hempfield coach Greg Meisner. Guys like Bonham were there to try to pick up the slack.

DARIUS BROWN · JEANNETTE

Junior, RB · 5-7, 150

The diminutive Brown is a threat to break big gainers for the Jayhawks. Some of the familiar names from the recent past — QB Terrelle Pryor, RB Jordan Hall, coach Ray Reitz — are gone, but guys like young Brown, only a junior, have remained in hopes of carrying on Jeannette's tradition of success in football.

BEAU CARSON · CHARTIERS VALLEY

Sr., RB/DB · 6-0, 175

Last Friday against Yough, Carson caught three passes for 121 yards and three touchdowns. He also ran for another score. Coach Chris Saluga said one of Carson's touchdown catches — a leaping, one-handed grab — might have been the best high school catch he's ever seen. "He always makes freakish plays in practice," Saluga said, "so it's no surprise to see it on the field."

DONTAE GILMORE · STO-ROX

Sr., WR/DB · 5-10, 170

Gilmore scored touchdowns rushing and receiving in Sto-Rox's win over Bishop Canevin last week, and he had a 40-yard touchdown catch against Cornell in Week 1, prompting coach Jason Ruscitto to call him "electric." "As he continues to do what he's been showing, I definitely think he's a (college) scholarship-type of football player," Ruscitto said.

CONNOR SCOTT · UPPER ST. CLAIR

Jr., WR/DB · 6-0, 170

Scott scored on kick returns of 90 and 98 yards in Upper St. Clair's victory over Pine-Richland last week, but that didn't surprise coach Jim Render. "He had several outstanding offensive plays last year," Render said. "So, I don't know, the rest of the world may have been surprised. I wasn't. I know what he's capable of doing."

TYLER ZIMMER · PENN-TRAFFORD

Senior, WR/LB · 6-2, 215

First-year Warriors coach T.J. Wiley has been impressed with Zimmer's play through the first two weeks of the regular season. In the opener against Upper St. Clair, Zimmer showed his versatility, taking a pitch and passing on a specially designed play. On defense last weekend against North Hills, he registered 15 tackles for Penn-Trafford.

Week 3 Q&A

JEANNETTE SENIOR QB TOM PAULONE

The Buzz: Tom Paulone, a senior at Jeannette, has helped the Jayhawks start 2-0. The 5-foot-10 quarterback, who has split time under center with sophomore Demetrius Cox, threw a 54-yard touchdown pass in Week 1 and ran for a score during Week Two. Paulone's coach, Roy Hall, said he would "like to have 22 kids like him," calling Paulone a key to his team's success. A three-sport athlete, Paulone is an outfielder in baseball and a shooting guard in basketball. Paulone recently spoke with the Tribune-Review.

What's one thing people probably don't know about you?

I'm the best bocce player on the East Coast. My dad belongs to a league here in Jeannette and he started me real young. You can't join the club until you're 21, but I go on family days. I play all the old Italian guys.

And you win?

Oh, yeah, I kick their butts.

How have you accepted the time-share at quarterback?

I just want to do whatever is best for the team. I have no trouble splitting time with Demetrius because he's a good football player and it's going to help out the team. I respect the coaches' decisions in doing that.

Do you two have different strengths?

I think we do. He's a little bit faster than me and stronger than me. I have a little bit more experience and can break down the game.

It's been a couple years since all-state QB Terrelle Pryor graduated from Jeannette. Is there still pressure following after him?

We're trying to make a name for ourselves at quarterback. No one's trying to be Terrelle Pryor. We'll always look up to him because he was the best, but we can't try to do things the way he did them.

Do you watch Pryor on Saturday?

Every Saturday I look for highlights. If his game is on TV, I'll sit down and watch him.

Ever learned anything from watching him?

Last summer, all three quarterbacks (Paulone, Cox and Matt Shrum) worked out with him at the stadium. He'd always be there lifting and we'd talk.

Of your three sports, which is your favorite?

I've always loved football. I love the commitment. I love every minute of it. This is my 11th year playing. I've been playing since I was 7-years old.

How did you get started playing football?

I'd always told my father I wanted to be a Jeannette Jayhawk someday. He would take me to the high school games when I was real young. It was a dream of mine. I looked up to the Jayhawks way before me. So when I was 7, and it came time for me to play, that's the only thing I wanted to do.

What are your goals for this season?

My goal right now is to compete for an Interstate Conference title. And to compete every day in practice.

If your football team held a talent show, who wins?

Probably wide receiver Chris Smith. He's a magician. He can do any trick in the book.

What are your plans for after graduation?

I plan to attend pharmacy school, maybe at Duquesne or Pitt, or study criminal justice. I'm being recruited by Pitt-Greensburg for baseball so that's an option.

What's your favorite class?

Probably college English 4. I like to express myself through writing and through presentations. And I have a really good teacher who gets you ready for other courses — not just English — that I'm going to have to take at the next level.

Do you plan to play sports in college?

I'm going to try my best to play either football or baseball.

CENTRAL CATHOLIC SENIOR QB DAVID SMYERS

The Buzz: It's no wonder Central Catholic quarterback David Smyers looks up to Peyton Manning. Much like Manning's constant preparation, Smyers studies defenses and draws up plays when other quarterbacks often are listening to music. As a result, Smyers and the Vikings are considered by many as the top Class AAAA team in Pennsylvania, and they are 2-0 heading into Friday's game against Mt. Lebanon. Recently, Smyers spoke with the Tribune-Review about this season, his fantasy football team, Central Catholic, and how he and his teammates are handling their first full year without former teammate Kyle Wilson, who died last October after suffering an apparent stroke.

What is the team doing this season for Kyle Wilson?

We're dedicating this season to him. He was friends with all of us, and he was very tight with all the players on the team. His dad was on the sideline (for Central's win at Canon-McMillan last week), and (Kyle's father) is very supportive of this team. We're definitely dedicating the season to him. We're going to play for Kyle and win it for him.

How do you handle Central's high expectations for this season?

We just have to stay grounded. We're a tight-knit group, and we all stick together and move forward as a unit. We definitely think we can go very far. We believe in each other and believe in ourselves as a team. As long as we stick together, we know we can take it home.

What kind of player is sophomore running back Damian Jones-Moore?

He's truly outstanding. He's one of the best players I've ever played with. Damian knows this, but it really speaks to our whole offensive line. Our O-line is unreal, as well. Without them, he wouldn't be doing what he's doing. but Damian is unreal. He's tremendous. He's really, really special. I think he can go very far in football as long as he keeps his head up and keeps doing what he's doing.

Is there anyone you look up to in professional sports?

I have to say Peyton Manning. He's probably my favorite player in the NFL. I love his demeanor and how he goes about his business. I think he's a really intelligent football player and shows how the quarterback position is supposed to be played.

Who is on your fantasy football team?

Well, Peyton Manning, obviously. I got Matt Forte and Ryan Grant at running back. Then, Greg Jennings and T.J. Houshmandzadeh and Santana Moss are my receivers. And I have the Steelers defense, of course.

What do you do before games?

I try to keep an even keel and stay calm. Actually, on the bus ride to the game, I draw up some of the defensive formations and our plays. That's a little out of the ordinary, but I just stay calm and stay focused.

What's something people might be surprised to know about you?

I like to joke around a lot. I'm pretty sarcastic. When I get out on the field, I'm obviously business-like, but when I'm off the field, I joke around a lot. I'm not serious too often, even though a lot of quarterbacks are real serious and kind of stoic. But I like to joke around and have fun.

Week 3 Games of the Week

NO. 7 BETHEL PARK (2-0) at NORTH HILLS (1-1)

7:30 p.m. Friday

If this is what Bethel Park terms a rebuilding year, the rest of the WPIAL is in serious trouble.

All the defending champion Black Hawks have done so far is rout Kiski Area before shutting out Penn Hills, the Tribune-Review's preseason No. 1 in Class AAAA, 25-0. The key to the victory against Penn Hills was a solid running game led by junior Bre' Ford and a defense that posted a shutout over one of the most skilled teams in the WPIAL.

North Hills could be 2-0, but it lost to Mt. Lebanon, 17-16, in the opening week of the season when coach Jack McCurry decided to go for a two-point conversion that failed instead of kicking an extra point and sending the game into overtime. The Indians recovered to defeat Penn-Trafford by three touchdowns.

For North Hills to succeed, it will have to get its running game, led by the two-pronged attack of Taylor Schmidt and Elajah David, rolling early. Each player has a 100-yard game this season.

Bethel Park's first year starting quarterback Matt Bliss appears to be getting comfortable in the pocket and threw his first touchdown pass of the season last week.

ERIE MCDOWELL (2-0) at NORWIN (2-0)

7:30 p.m. Friday

Erie McDowell has survived on home cooking for the first two weeks of the season, but now the team must go on the road and see if it can remain unbeaten against a resurgent Norwin team that has won its first two games for the first time since 2007. That was also the last time the Knights finished the season with a winning record.

Norwin needed some luck and a thrilling clutch performance in the final moments to win last week at Butler. The Golden Tornado turned the ball over late in the fourth quarter and Brandon Horsman hit a 39-yard field goal on the game's final play to give the Knights the victory.

Special teams also played a part in Norwin's first victory of the season as the Knights blocked a late Seneca Valley field goal and senior Andrew Cockeram turned it into a 65-yard touchdown return.

For Norwin to win, it must control the Erie McDowell running game led by Greg Garmon, who had seven carries for 148 yards and two scores against Seneca Valley.

Last season, Erie McDowell defeated Norwin, 49-13, in their first meeting since 1997 when the Knights lost, 44-14.

Week 3 game capsules

CLASS AAAA

Latrobe (1-1) at No. 1 Gateway (2-0)

7 p.m. Thursday (FSN Pittsburgh)

Gateway has won the past five meetings with Latrobe by an aggregate score of 223-9, including four consecutive shutouts in which the Gators have averaged 49.3 points. ... Latrobe most recently defeated Gateway in 2001. ... In four seasons at Jeannette, first-year Latrobe coach Ray Reitz was 33-3 in the regular season and never lost more than one game in a year. ... Gateway quarterback Rob Kalkstein has thrown for more than 210 yards in both games and is one of only two WPIAL quarterbacks to do so.

No. 9 Canon-McMillan (1-1) at 4 Woodland Hills (1-1)

7 p.m. Friday

This could turn into a battle between two of the top Division I recruits in the area. Canon-McMillan linebacker Mike Hull (Penn State) will face off against Woodland Hills running back Dom Timbers (Syracuse). ... Canon-McMillan's Chad Hagan, an Ohio State recruit, is expected to play for the first time this season after missing two games with a heart condition. ... Woodland Hills also has college prospects in outside linebacker Mike Lee Jr. (Purdue) and defensive tackle Khaynin Mosley-Smith (Pitt). ... This will only be the second meeting between the schools since Canon-McMillan moved from Class AAA in 2006. The Big Macs won last year's contest, 10-0.

Fox Chapel (2-0) at Class AAA No. 10 Franklin Regional (1-1)

7:30 p.m. Friday

The Foxes haven't started 3-0 since they opened 4-0 under Joe Naunchik in 1996. ... The all-time series between Fox Chapel and Franklin Regional is 8-8-1 and dates to 1980. ... Fox Chapel beat the Panthers last season, 24-19. In their only other meeting this decade, Fox Chapel won, 8-0, in the 2001 WPIAL Class AAAA playoffs. ... This could turn into the game of the massive Division I line prospects with Fox Chapel's Miles Dieffenbach (6-5, 285, Penn State) and Panthers tackle Sean Hickey (6-6, 280 - undecided).

No. 3 McKeesport (1-1) at Connellsville (0-2)

7:30 p.m. Friday

After opening the season by blowing a fourth-quarter lead against St. Joseph Prep, losing 27-26, McKeesport bounced back with an impressive 54-0 victory at Plum. ... The Tigers have a lot of team speed led by quarterback Ty-Meer Brown, a Division I recruit. ... Connellsville dropped a one-point decision to Uniontown to open the season, but was blanked by Woodland Hills, 37-0, in Week 2. Despite the loss, the Falcons impressed Woodland Hills coach George Novak with their improved play. ... The Falcons and first-year coach Jeff Immel will again deal with an experienced, physical squad. ... Connellsville once dominated this series under former coach Dan Spanish, not losing in the first 10 meetings. McKeesport has dominated the past few seasons. ... Connellsville has lost 21 consecutive games.

CLASS AAA

Greensburg Salem (1-1) at Albert Gallatin (1-1)

7:30 p.m. Friday

Greensburg Salem has shown this might be the season the Keystone Conference breaks its long futility streak in the playoffs. ... The Lions heralded its arrival as a Class AAA threat with a 10-7 win over previously ranked Trinity last week. ... Albert Gallatin quarterback Cody Peebles ran for a touchdown and threw for two more in a loss to Ringgold. ... The Colonials most recently defeated Greensburg Salem in 2005. ... Greensburg Salem has only scored 10 points in two games this season, but has a dangerous offense with quarterback Nate Sphon. ... Albert Gallatin has not won a conference title since before it was merged with two other district high schools to form Tri-Valley in the 1986-87 school year.

No. 9 Blackhawk (1-1) at No. 2 New Castle (2-0)

7:30 p.m. Friday

New Castle may be a legitimate WPIAL title contender, but to make it happen the Red Hurricanes must get past Blackhawk. ... Since New Castle dropped to Class AAA in 2000, it has lost nine consecutive games to Blackhawk by an average of 18.7 points. ... New Castle's first-year starting quarterback John Matarazzo threw for 368 yards and four touchdowns against Indiana last week after throwing for just 78 in the opener against Butler. ... Blackhawk's Zach Morrow and Mike Mazza each scored two touchdowns last week against Knoch.

Trinity (0-2) at No. 1 Thomas Jefferson (2-0)

7:30 p.m. Friday

Coming into the season, this looked like a marquee matchup, but that was before Trinity lost to Greensburg Salem last week. ... The Hillers have not opened a season 0-3 since losing their first eight in a 1-9 season in 1999. ... Trinity linebacker Ken Wilkins, a Michigan recruit, will have his hands full trying to stop Thomas Jefferson running back Ryan Ruffing, who has 183 yards and four touchdowns this season. ... Jaguars wide receiver Jim Giansante had three touchdown catches last week against Uniontown and is playing well with new quarterback Sam Johnston, who was 10 of 12 for 292 yards in that game.

Uniontown (1-1) at Derry (0-2)

7:30 p.m. Friday

After barely defeating Connellsville in Week 1, Uniontown almost stunned No. 1 Thomas Jefferson last week before falling, 34-19. ... Running back Arnold Walker scored three times for the Red Raiders. ... Uniontown's pass defense gave up big plays to wide receiver Jim Giansante. ... Derry started well last week at West Mifflin when Nick Sofranko returned the opening kickoff for a touchdown. But West Mifflin countered with a touchdown on the ensuing kickoff and the Titans rolled to a 30-20 victory. ... Derry was blanked by rival Latrobe, 21-0, in Week 1. ... Derry is expected to challenge for the Keystone Conference title with Uniontown and Greensburg Salem. ... Uniontown won, 28-7. last year.

Yough (0-2) at Laurel Highlands (0-2)

7:30 p.m. Friday

Keystone Conference play begins for these teams after both were beaten by Elizabeth Forward. The Cougars fell, 14-3, and the Mustangs lost, 26-7. ... Yough was blanked last week by Chartiers Valley, 54-0, so first-year coach Jim Ward will be looking to kick-start his offense. ... The Mustangs lost to Belle Vernon to open the season. They are led by running back Dylan Clifford and quarterback Carmen Congelio. ... Yough outscored Laurel Highlands, 43-21, in last year's contest. ... Mike Madden is Yough's starting quarterback. ... Matt Sever, who races at Motordrome Speedway in Smithton and won the super compact point title, is a starting center and defensive tackle.

CLASS AA

No. 4 Keystone Oaks (2-0, 2-0) at South Fayette (2-0, 2-0)

7:30 p.m. Friday

Moving down to Class AA last season helped Keystone Oaks, which was 3-7 in 2007 but has now won 10 of its 11 conference games in the past two seasons. ... South Fayette didn't prove to be much of an obstacle last season in a 53-3 loss, but this is a much-improved team with running back Jeff Davis, who has 18 carries for 273 yards and seven rushing touchdowns. ...Keystone Oaks is allowing only 6.5 points per game, tied with Beaver Falls for the third fewest in Class AA. ... Matt McCann and Jordon Maddox combined for 378 yards and four touchdowns against South Park last week.

Washington (1-1, 1-1) at No. 10 Greensburg Central Catholic (1-1, 1-1)

7 p.m. Friday

Greensburg Central Catholic losing to McGuffey shouldn't be a surprise as it's the second time in three seasons that it has happened. ... What is shocking is that it was the first time the Centurions had been shut out in more than a decade. ... Despite the loss, Greensburg Central Catholic is still a formidable team and will be looking to rebound against a Washington team it defeated, 50-0, last season. ... The Little Prexies had problems stopping Mount Pleasant running back Bryce Ansell, who gained 126 yards and scored three touchdowns. ... Greensburg Central Catholic has a solid runner in senior David Miller, who has 311 yards this season.

No. 3 Aliquippa (2-0, 1-0) at No. 1 Beaver Falls (2-0, 2-0)

7:30 p.m. Friday

This may only be the third week of the season, but with the top three teams in Class AA in this conference, this game could mean the No. 1 seed in the WPIAL playoffs. ... Beaver Falls has had an easy time in its first two games, outscoring its opponents, 80-26. ... Tigers running back Cody Cook has only 21 carries, but he has 342 yards and five touchdowns. ... Beaver Falls quarterback Tony Omogrosso has a perfect 158.3 quarterback rating this year. ... Aliquippa's Troy Jeter had two touchdowns last week against Ellwood City, and teammate Darius Walker picked up 147 yards. ... The Quips were shut out in the first half against Ellwood City.

No. 5 Jeannette (2-0, 2-0) at South Allegheny (0-2, 0-2)

7:30 p.m. Friday

Jeannette has started the season with two victories, but first-year coach Roy Hall is far from pleased. The Jayhawks committed 16 penalties and had a couple turnovers in last week's 35-7 win against Brownsville. ... Running back Toddy Harris is off to a fast start, scoring five touchdowns. ... Jeannette linebacker Brian Weightman continues to be sidelined with an elbow injury. ... South Allegheny has stumbled, losing in overtime to Brownsville and falling to Waynesburg. ... South Allegheny is coached by former Duquesne coach Pat Monroe. ... Jeannette won last year's contest, 45-0.

Charleroi (1-1, 1-1) at Brownsville (1-1, 1-1)

7:30 p.m. Friday

Charleroi bounced back from a tough loss to Greensburg Central Catholic in Week 1 to roll over East Allegheny, which is missing numerous starters for the first few weeks. ... Running back Quentin Briggs rushed 135 yards on 11 carries and scored three touchdowns in the Cougars' 41-8 romp. ... Brownsville, which opened the season with a victory against South Allegheny, hung with Jeannette last week in the first half before falling, 35-7. ... Von Braddock, a former Belle Vernon assistant coach, is now the Brownsville coach. He replaced Andy Assad. ... Charleroi and Brownsville are former Mon Valley rivals. The Cougars won last year's battle, 27-0.

CLASS A

No. 2 Laurel (2-0) at South Side Beaver (2-0)

12:30 p.m. Saturday

Laurel didn't have much of a letdown last week in a 28-7 victory against North Catholic in the game immediately following its 15-8 upset of Clairton. ... Quarterback Tyler Forbes returned to the lineup after being injured against Clairton and completed a pass to backup signal caller, all-state wide receiver Jacob Dando. ... Four players scored touchdowns for Laurel against North Catholic. ... Laurel won last year's meeting against South Side Beaver after dropping down in classification from the Tri-County North Conference. ... South Side Beaver running back Luke Shaffer has at least 100 yards and a touchdown in both games.

Springdale (2-0) at North Catholic (0-2)

7:30 p.m. Friday

North Catholic started off the season with losses to No. 3 Serra Catholic and No. 2 Laurel. ... Now the Trojans get No. 6 Springdale, which defeated Monaca and Western Beaver by 27-6 scores. ... The Dynamos will be playing their first road game of the year. ... Springdale running back Bill Arch has scored five of the team's eight touchdowns. ... Versatile quarterback Martin Long has run for two touchdowns and thrown for another for a North Catholic team that has only scored four this year.

Mapletown (0-2) at Monessen (0-2, 0-0)

7:30 p.m. Friday

Monessen and Mapletown square off at Memorial Stadium in Monessen looking for their first victory. ... Monessen also is looking for its first points of the season after being shutout at Rochester (21-0) and Clairton (46-0). ... Mapletown has been able to score points, scoring 23.5 per game, but the Maples are allowing 37.5 in losses to Bentworth and Frazier. ... Monessen quarterback Josh Stepoli, who missed the Rochester game while serving a one-game suspension, played with an eye injury in Week 2. He completed only 4 of 14 passes for 25 yards. ... Monessen's offense gained less than 100 yards against Clairton and coach Andy Pacek vowed to make changes before the next game.

Geibel (1-1) at No. 8 Jefferson-Morgan (2-0)

7:30 p.m. Friday

After losing the opener at Avella, Geibel bounced back nicely with a 27-20 victory against Bentworth. ... Christian Henckel threw a 25-yard touchdown pass to Hudnell Caldwell with 2:25 remaining to lift the Gators to the win. Caldwell also scored two other touchdowns on a 5-yard run and 40-yard pass from Henckel. ... Jefferson-Morgan is led by quarterback Brandon Kozich, who threw for 138 yards and a touchdown in an opening night win against Leechburg. He has completed 13 of 18 passes for 262 yards. ... Running back Ray Knight has scored three touchdowns for the Rockets. ... Jefferson-Morgan won last year's battle, 28-14.

CITY LEAGUE

No. 2 Brashear (1-1, 1-1) at No. 1 Schenley (2-0, 2-0)

7:30 p.m. Friday

Brashear has an opportunity to get back into the City League title race and three-peat thanks to Schenley's upset of Perry Traditional Academy last week. ... The Bulls lost to the Commodores in the season opener at Cupples Stadium. ... Schenley's Jerome Matthews had a sack for a safety and clinched the victory against Perry with a late interception. ... Bruce Patterson had 142 yards and three touchdowns as Brashear rebounded from its loss to Perry with a 61-0 thrashing of Langley. ... The Bulls intercepted three passes in the game and had three returns — a kickoff, interception and punt — for touchdowns. ... Schenley is trying to win its first City League title since 1999.

HERITAGE CONFERENCE

Ligonier Valley (1-1, 1-1) at Blairsville (1-1, 1-1)

7 p.m. Friday

Ligonier Valley got a jolt last week when the Mounties fell to United, 26-12. ... The Mounties were run over by United's running game, which rushed for 211 yards, including 149 on 31 carries by Kody Oliver. United lost its opener at Laurel Valley. ... Ligonier Valley running back Jackson Corcoran was held to 21 yards on 12 carries. ... Blairsville, which was leveled by Marion Center in Week 1, bounced back behind the throwing of quarterback Scott Harsh, who completed 7 of 12 passes for 159 yards as the Bobcats downed Purchase Line, 36-20. He also scored on a 61-yard run. ... Ligonier Valley defeated Purchase Line in Week 1. ... Blairsville rolled up 354 yards against Purchase Line.

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