Jan 8, 2015 6 min read

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WPIAL football season is well behind us, but as basketball season reaches its midpoint, I can’t help but look ahead to next fall.

Local football programs will have a different look with as many as five new head coaches and a plethora of talent is gone from programs across the area.

Though Brett Brumbaugh, Nico Law, Malik Wells, Hunter Cenname and several other standout players are gone, there is plenty of talent returning to the area in 2015. There were several breakout players in 2014, including Wash High’s DeQuay Isbell, but with a new Observer-Reporter Player of the Year set to be crowned in 2015, let’s turn our attention to local players to keep an eye on next season.

Jordan West, Washington

The Prexies’ offense was not the same without West. Even when he missed time early in the season, they looked out of rhythm and opponents were able to key on Wells.

West averaged over nine yards per carry as a junior in 2014 with 499 yards and seven touchdowns. The statistics are not eye-popping, but you can expect those to rise considerably next season.

The combination of West and Adkins will make Wash High a contender.

Hunter Hayes, South Fayette

This one is common sense. Hayes ran for more than 2,000 yards and 33 touchdowns. Yes, he was helped by the presence of Brumbaugh and I do not expect him to reach 2,000 again, but he’s one of the best all-around players in the WPIAL.

It’s only a matter of time before FCS scholarship offers begin to come. Hayes is a physical runner with a quick first step that allows him to take advantage of his offensive line, which will be the best returning unit in the WPIAL next season.

If the Lions find a capable replacement at quarterback, look for another strong season by Hayes.

Mac Chambers, Trinity

You may not have heard about the 280-pound junior offensive lineman, but that will change. Chambers is receiving Division I interest and that will only continue as the offseason progresses.

Losing Aaron Britton will hurt the Hillers in 2015, but Chambers and Toby Cullings offer two strong building blocks for whoever becomes head coach.

Shaun Sanders, McGuffey

Sanders is the one player who always stood out when I covered McGuffey this fall. A junior two-way standout, Sanders is one of the better athletes in the area and will help alleviate the loss of James Duchi.

There are plenty of unknowns surrounding McGuffey in 2015. Not only is Duchi gone, but quarterback Nate Whipkey and a bulk of the offensive line will not be back. Having a weapon like Sanders will help the transition.

TJ Kpan, Peters Township

Even with a Division I-caliber quarterback, the Indians stuck to the running game the past four years. That won’t change in 2015, especially with a new quarterback and an experienced offensive line.

Kpan’s numbers weren’t incredible as a sophomore, but he’s physically gifted and the experience will help him prepare for his second season as the starting running back. If PT can stay healthy on the offensive line, look for a big season from Kpan.

Colin McCracken, Waynesburg

McCracken was one of many bright spots on Waynesburg’s team last fall. Primarily a blocking tight end, the sophomore was strong at the point of attack.

Though he is a pivotal part of the offense at tight end, there is a possibility McCracken could play quarterback next fall. I’m not sure who else is on the roster at the position, but head coach Russ Moore spoke highly of McCracken’s ability to play the position.

Ahmad Morris-Walker, Canon-McMillan

I’ve mentioned Morris-Walker in previous posts, but his physical attributes make him a breakout candidate in 2015. Even with a new offensive system and two head coaches during his junior season, Morris-Walker was a big play waiting to happen.

I am going to boldly predict we will see a vastly improved C-M team under new head coach Mike Evans and Morris-Walker will be the centerpiece of a rejuvenated passing game.

Anthony Welsh, Beth-Center

This is a no-brainer. I think Welsh, a senior next season, would be a steal for any college coach looking for a player who can excel on offense or defense. The one statistic that is incredible is 20 straight games with at least 100 rushing yards and at least one rushing touchdown.

Say what you want about the competition. Dig up the film of Welsh against Greensburg Central Catholic in Week 2. The Centurions had a down year, but their linebackers were excellent. Welsh ran over defenders throughout the game to lead the Bulldogs to a win.

He’s a clear-cut O-R Player of the Year candidate in 2015.

Chacar Berry, Ringgold

I was going to group Berry with Brenden Small, but Berry will carry the load in 2015, likely delaying Small’s breakout season.

Regardless, the duo will once again make Ringgold a WPIAL title contender. I received emails last fall from readers saying I was crazy for picking the Rams to go that far. I won’t dive into the “I told you so” speech, so let’s focus on Berry.

With a bulk of the offensive line returning, there is no reason to think Berry won’t replicate or surpass his 2014 numbers, which were outstanding. The O-R Elite 11 pick rushed for 1,392 yards and 23 touchdowns.

I expect him to get bigger, faster and stronger in 2015 to set up another big season. With Law graduated, George Martin will take over the reins and has the luxury of handing the football to Berry or Small.

Nate Swart, Wash High

A Division I-caliber defensive end or tight end. Pick your poison. He hurts teams on offense and defense. Opposing linemen will likely switch between doubling Swart and Khalid Blount. Either way, both will take turns giving quarterbacks nightmares.

The 6-5, 230-pounder is a tremendous edge rusher and though his receiving skills aren’t heavily used because of the Prexies’ run-first offensive scheme, he is deadly in the play-action game and offers Wash High another blocker to pave the way for West and Adkins.