Joe Rossi In eight seasons at the helm, Joe Rossi guided South Fayette to the pinnacle of success and a spot on everybody’s Coach of the Year list. During his tenure with the Lions, Rossi has racked up an 85-16 record. He surpassed 100 career victories during South Fayette’s 41-7 victory against Carlynton in the fifth game of the season. In addition, the Chartiers Valley High School and West Liberty University graduate gave the program its third WPIAL championship in four years. The Lions beat Aliquippa two years in a row at Heinz Field, 34-28 in 2013 and 31-22 in 2014. SF also reached the PIAA finals in 2010 but avenged that 50-14 defeat to West Philadelphia Catholic, by waxing Imhotep Charter, 41-0, in the 2013 title tilt. The Lions tacked on their second straight state championship with a 28-16 win against Dunmore on Dec. 13 at Hersheypark Stadium. Rossi, who is a physical education teacher at the middle school, started his coaching career as an assistant at Carrollton High School in Ohio. He toiled five seasons at Riverview before landing the job at South Fayette in time for the 2007 campaign. He designed a defense that allowed only 216 points this season and adopted a spread offense that produced a record-setting quarterback.

Brett Brumbaugh This 6-4, 200-pound senior has been that pacesetter. Brett Brumbaugh compiled a 45-2 record as a starter for the Lions. He passed for a state record 11,048 yards in his career. A two-time all-state and all-conference performer, he also finished with 127 career touchdowns. Brumbaugh passed for 3,738 yards this season. The Duquesne University recruit tossed 42 touchdowns.

Hunter Hayes With 263 yards and two touchdowns in the PIAA championship game, Hunter Hayes took the baton from Brumbaugh and became the new face of South Fayette football. The 6-foot, 190-pound junior also set a record for his 95-yard touchdown run in that state final, a 28-14 victory against Dunmore. The all-conference running back rushed for 2,103 yards this season. He scored a team-high 33 touchdowns. Hayes never left the field. He played on special teams and, as a defensive back, he ranked second on the team with 80 tackles.

Logan Sharp A two-way starter, Logan Sharp gained All-Century Conference honors at tight end as well as at linebacker. The 6-3, 220-pound senior caught 49 passes for 859 yards. He scored 13 touchdowns. Defensively, he recorded 75 tackles, including eight for a loss of 54 yards. He registered four sacks. Courted by Lafayette and Dartmouth, Sharp has decided to play football at the University of Pennsylvania, where his former teammate, Justin Watson had 42 catches for 497 yards and two TDs this season.

Anthony Davidson Another two-way starter that gained All-Century Conference on both sides of the ball, this 6-2, 230-pound lineman suffered a season-ending injury during the WPIAL semifinal victory, 35-13, against Seton-La Salle. Nevertheless, he made his presence known. “Every one knows about Brett (Brumbaugh),” said Greg Perry, who coached against Davidson for two seasons, “but this kid (Anthony) has been the heart and soul of (South Fayette’s) team for two years.” Davidson will play at Johns Hopkins University.

Jeremy Carter This 6-1, 260-pound senior helped anchor an offensive line that provided the protection for its quarterbacks to pass for 3,787 yards and rush for 3,017 total yards. Jeremy Carter was also a mainstay on a defensive line that permitted just 4.9 yards passing per attempt and allowed only 218 points in 16 games. Individually, Carter tied teammate Brett Beltz for the lead in sacks with four. Carter managed 61 tackles.

Jared “JJ” Walker A two-time Almanac all-star, this 5-9, 180-pound linebacker led South Fayette’s defense with 116 tackles. JJ Walker also managed seven tackles for losses and two sacks. He recovered a key fumble during the PIAA state championship game against Dunmore. The All-Century Conference performer also made the most of his carries on offense. The fullback rushed for five touchdowns despite being hobbled by a leg injury. He will wrestle at Lock Haven.

Roman Denson Despite missing six games due to a broken hand, this 5-11, 180-pound senior netted All-Century Conference honors as a defensive back. Roman Denson led the Lions with six interceptions. He deflected five more aerials and had a fumble recovery. Denson also was a playmaker on offense. He racked up 438 yards on just 15 receptions for a 29.2-yard average. Denson also scored eight touchdowns.

Jack Relihan This 6-1, 180-pound senior followed Roman Denson in the interception department with five picks. Jack Relihan returned two of those for touchdowns. He was also a threat at wide receiver, averaging 15.3 yards per catch. He recorded 56 tackles, two for losses, and he deflected five passes. Relihan will likely play basketball in college.

Nick Ponikvar Just a junior, Nick Ponikvar lead the Lions’ receiving corps. The 5-11, 175-pound wide out hauled in 53 passes for 1,018 yards. On the big stage at Heinz Field, he excelled, pulling in six catches for 157 yards and an 87-yard touchdown in the WPIAL championship win against Aliquippa. During the season, he scored 10 touchdowns. An All-Century Conference performer, Ponikvar scored on a 77-yard punt return in a PIAA playoff win against Karns City. In addition to returning punts, Ponikvar averaged 20.3 yard per kick-off return and he played in the defensive secondary for the Lions.

Alex Minton This senior worked for every yard he gained and he racked up plenty of them as he led Bethel Park to a 5-2 showing in the Southeastern Conference and a 6-4 overall mark after a playoff loss to Altoona. Alex Minton ranked among the top rushers in Quad-A football and the WPIAL. On 227 carries, he gained 1,237 yards, a 5.4-yard average. The 5-8, 188-pound tailback also caught 18 passes for 234 yards and a 13-yard average. Named all-conference, first team, Minton scored 14 touchdowns. A linebacker on defense, he rolled up a career-best 205 yards rushing in a win against rival Upper St. Clair. “[Alex] is a real good football player because of how hard he works,” said coach Jeff Metheny. “He’s the one player that you want to be on your team and to coach because he gives you everything he’s got. He’s one of our hardest-working kids, one of our finest players and persons on the team. He’s always there for you. A confident, poised young man.” Lafayette, Allegheny College and Case Western is recruiting Minton, who owns a 4.1 QPA and runs track in the spring.

Chris Pauley This 6-1, 265-pound senior anchored both sides of the line for Bethel Park. He helped pave the path for Alex Minton to rush for over 1,000 yards and provide the protection for Levi Metheny to pass for over 1,000 yards. Chris Pauley also earned first-team Southeastern Conference honors. “Chris was one of the strengths of our line,” said Jeff Metheny.

Levi Metheny A two-way starter, Levi Metheny made some big hits on defense at linebacker and took some licks on offense as signal caller for Bethel Park. A starter since his freshman year, this 6-1, 192-pound junior completed 92 of his 161 passes for 1,156 yards. In eight games, he tossed 10 touchdowns. During conference play, he threw no interceptions. Metheny also rushed for eight scores and a two-point conversion to finish second on the team with 50 points. He earned second-team Southeastern Conference recognition.

James Gmiter A bright future awaits this 6-3, 264-pound freshman, as James Gmiter started and played every rep on offensive line for Bethel Park. The Almanac’s Rookie of the Year also started some games on the defensive line for the Hawks. “He will be a great player for us, no doubt,” predicted Jeff Metheny. Gmiter also has a bright future in basketball. He already is a contributing member on the varsity squad.

Marcus Galie This 6-0, 200-pound senior helped Upper St. Clair reach the playoffs after a 1-4 start. The Panthers finished 4-3 in the Southeastern Conference, but lost to North Allegheny in the first round of the WPIAL Quad-A playoffs. Marcus Galie ranked second on the team in rushing with 403 yards on 79 carries. He ran for seven scores and maintained a 5.1-yard average per carry. Galie also ranked third in the receiving department with 13 grabs for 186 yards and three more touchdowns. He led the team in scoring with 66 points. Defensively, Galie recorded 58 tackles, second-best on the squad. He had eight tackles for losses and one fumble recovery for a 73-yard touchdown. For his efforts, Galie gained all-conference first-team honors. “Marcus is a marvelous player,” coach Jim Render said of his captain. “Effort-wise and talent-wise, he stands out.”

Mike Krenn Another standout for the Panthers was Mike Krenn. This 5-10, 170-pound senior gained all-conference first-team honors as a defensive back. Plus, he excelled on special teams and as a multi-purpose player on offense. On eight punt returns, he gained 94 yards. On 19 kick-off returns, he rolled up 427 yards. Krenn caught 12 passes for 168 yards and three scores. On the ground, he averaged 6.9-yards per carry. He also tossed one touchdown, a 22-yard scoring strike in a 49-14 victory against archrival Mt. Lebanon. “Mike is one of the fastest kids I’ve ever coached,” said coach Jim Render of this speedster. “He wants the ball. Sometime he ad libs and it helps him.”

Jesse Slinger Versatility helped Jesse Slinger as the 6-1, 200-pound senior provided Upper St. Clair plenty of options. Because of his 35.8-yard average, he gained first-team all-conference honors as a punter. Slinger also led the Panthers on defense. He recorded 98 tackles, eight of them for losses. He also registered a sack and recovered two fumbles. Used sparingly on offense, he did maintain an 8.5-yard average per carry and seven yards per catch.

Eddie Jenkins A two-year starter, Eddie Jenkins engineered the Mt. Lebanon offense, guiding the Blue Devils to a post-season berth and a 5-5 record. The 5-11, 165-pound junior earned Southeastern Conference first-team honors as a multi-purpose back. He accounted for nearly 2,000 yards of offense and 20 touchdowns. As a quarterback, he completed 104 of 187 passes for 1,287 yards and 12 scores. He rushed for 614 yards, second-best on the squad, on 135 carries for a 4.5-yard average. Jenkins scored eight times on the ground and tacked on a 2-point conversion. He finished second on the team in scoring with 50 points, four behind leading rusher Joey Stabile.

Matt Hoffman This 6-3, 251-pound senior gained first-team all-conference honors at offensive tackle. Matt Hoffman is also on the watch list for the Big 33 Classic. According to head coach Mike Melnyk, Hoffman represents the epitome of what Mt. Lebanon would like all of its football players to be. “A champion on and off the field,” Melnyk said. “Matt has worked extremely hard to become the player he is and just as hard on becoming a model citizen and outstanding student.” Hoffman, who owns a 4.6 GPA, is a member of the Blue Devils’ basketball team. He will play football at the University of Penn next fall.

Ben Bruni A 6-0, 201-pound senior, Ben Bruni was the ‘heart and soul’ of the Mt. Lebanon defense, which recorded one shutout this season. “He was a great player,” said head coach Mike Melnyk. He helped the Blue Devils reach the WPIAL playoffs and post a 5-5 record. Bruni gained all-conference, first-team honors at linebacker.

Tyler Perone In a conference of quarterbacks, Tyler Perone held his own. He was one of six signal callers in the WPIAL to throw for over 2,000 yards this season. In guiding Seton-La Salle to a 10-2 record and a WPIAL semifinal appearance, Perone completed 93 of his 273 aerials for 2,258 yards and 26 touchdowns. As a junior, he passed for more than 2,320 yards and 24 touchdowns. The 6-3, 205-pound senior, was Damon Rosol’s right-hand man. “Tyrone is an extension of me,” said the first-year coach. “Everybody looks to him. If he plays good, he gets the credit. If we play bad, he gets blamed. He embraces that and everything about being quarterback. He’s like [Ben] Roethlisberger when he says ‘it’s on me.’ The execution is on Tyrone.”

Danzel McKinley-Lewis At Seton-La Salle, the implementation was one Danzel McKinley-Lewis. Although he didn’t play football until his junior year, preferring to expend his talents on baseball, he snagged a football scholarship to Toledo. After he hauled in 40 passes for 791 yards and eight scores, McKinley-Lewis followed that rookie campaign with numbers that netted him All-Century Conference first-team honors at wide out. He led the Rebels with 54 receptions and 754 yards. In 11 games, he scored a team-high 14 touchdowns, including one against South Fayette on a 39-yard reception. McKinley-Lewis also finished as the team’s second-leading rusher. He averaged 11.6 yards per carry. “This young man hasn’t even scratched the surface of where he could be as a football player,” said Damon Rosol. “Danzel’s strengths are his explosiveness and ball skills. He really tracks the ball well and snatches it when given an opportunity.”

Kobe Phillippi Despite having three different coaches during their four-year varsity careers, the players at Keystone Oaks endeavored to excel and despite a 3-6 showing his senior season, Kobe Phillippi continued to rank among the best quarterbacks in the WPIAL. Although he lost his top receiver to an injury at the start of the season, Phillippi adjusted and brought out the best in the underclassmen, including sophomore Nick Hrivnak, who finished with 29 receptions. Phillippi passed for 1,656 yards and 15 touchdowns. “His stats could have been better, but we had an average of five drops a game,” said coach Greg Perry. “Kobe was a fantastic leader on the field and in the classroom,” he added of the 4.0 student. “He kept us in games. I just wish I had another year with him. He would have excelled.” In the winter, Phillippi excels on the basketball courts for the Golden Eagles.

Jimmy Canello At linebacker is where this senior excelled. A three-year starter, Jimmy Canello led the Golden Eagles in tackles. “He drove people backwards when he tackled,” explained Perry. “He was a really good linebacker with football smarts and instincts. He deserved a better fate. He was one of two seniors on our defense.” Canello also was Keystone Oaks’ top receiver. He pulled in 31 passes for 313 yards and ranked among the leaders in the WPIAL.

Tim Swoope This 6-4 200-pound senior excelled as a wide receiver and outside linebacker for Peters Township. Tim Swoope earned first-team all-conference honors on offense after hauling in 42 passes for 600 yards and two touchdowns. A WPIAL receiving leader, Swoope also made 42 tackles on defense. He intercepted on pass for the Indians, who finished 2-7 overall. A three-sport athlete, Swoope is a standout and a leading scorer for the basketball team.

Alex Paulina A two-way starter since his freshman year, this 6-4 280-pound tackle is a Pitt recruit. Alex Paulina gained Southeastern Conference second-team honors as an offensive tackle. He had been a member of the squad’s first team as a ninth grader. “Alex is big and physical and he pushes everyone around,” said Lebo head coach Mike Melnyk. Despite his high ranking among recruiters and opposing coaches, Canon-McMillan failed to achieve much success. The Bigs Macs were winless this fall, posting a record of 0-9.