For the start of a season, the road to a City League championship is the shortest ever. It’s now a drive for only five.
Only five teams will compete for the City League title this season — Allderdice, Brashear, Perry, University Prep and Westinghouse. From 2012 through the start of the 2018 season, the City had six teams. But Carrick folded its team in late September because of low player numbers and injuries.
Carrick is back with a team this year but is playing an independent schedule. Carrick will play two City League teams (Westinghouse and Perry) and six other games against teams outside of the City. Carrick will not be eligible for the City playoffs.
It was only 10 years ago that the City had nine teams. Fifty years ago, the City had 13 teams.
But maybe this could be an up year for City League football. Westinghouse has many more players out for the team than in recent years and Carrick was able to get enough players again to field a squad.
Plus, there is some notable talent in the City League. Westinghouse defensive end Dayon Hayes was one of the most heavily recruited players in the City in the past couple decades and committed to Pitt. University Prep defensive back Michael Snowden has committed to Akron. Allderdice coach Jerry Haslett has probably his biggest team ever.
As for the No. 1 team in the City League, there doesn’t seem to be a prohibitive favorite. It was 50 years between City titles for Allderdice (1967 and 2017), but the Dragons liked it so much that they won a second consecutive last year.
Could there be a threepeat? Well, a number of key players graduated, but that size on the lines and championship experience make Allderdice the preseason No. 1. Haslett said his interior offensive line could average 6 feet 3, 300 pounds.
The up-and-coming team in the City League has to be Westinghouse. The Bulldogs haven’t won a title since 1996, but this could be their year. First-year coach Donta Green has more than just Hayes. The Bulldogs have some experience, skill and size. They lost in the title game last year to Allderdice.
University Prep will certainly challenge again after winning titles in 2011, ’13 and ’16.
Brashear coach Don Schmidt believes his team should be improved after a 3-6 season. Perry also hopes to improve, especially offensively. The Commodores averaged only nine points in five City League games.
The five City League teams vying for the title will all play eight games — four in the City and four non-league games. Allderdice opens against Kiski Area of the WPIAL and then plays at perennial Ohio power Steubenville High School. University Prep also plays Steubenville and also always-strong Sharon of District 10. Brashear plays Beaver of the WPIAL and also Albert Gallatin, which dropped out of WPIAL football after last year.
Westinghouse opens against defending WPIAL Class 1A champion Our Lady of the Sacred Heart.
Mike White: mwhite@post-gazette.com and twitter @mwhiteburgh
RANKINGS
With last year’s record
1. Allderdice 6-5
2. Westinghouse 5-7
3. University Prep 4-6
PREDICTED ORDER OF FINISH
1. Allderdice
2. Westinghouse
3. University Prep
4. Brashear
5. Perry
FAB FIVE
Dayon Hayes, Westinghouse, OT-DE, Sr. — Heavily-recruited defensive end who has made verbal commitment to Pitt. Had many other scholarship offers.
Solomon Johnston, Allderdice, OT-DL, Jr. — He’s 6-4, 320 and started last year as a sophomore. Could be a Division I prospect for future.
Cameron Jones, Westinghouse, QB-DB, Sr. — Versatile player who could play a number of different positions on offense. All-City last year.
Michael Snowden, University Prep, RB-LB, Sr. — Already has made verbal commitment to Akron. Future is probably on defense.
Messiah Wilkerson, University Prep, QB-DB, Sr. — Threw for 1,489 yards last year, but being pushed for QB job this year. Also a key on defense.
First Published: August 12, 2019, 10:00 a.m.
