WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA AT A GLANCE

NEW CASTLE
Head coach: Gary Schooley (30-35).
2000 record: 5-5, 2-5 Parkway.
Key loss: Nick Sciarro (OL/DL, Allegheny).
Returning letterwinners (4): Zach Mariacher (6-0, 185, Jr., RB/LB); Allen Billyk (6-4, 245, Jr., OL/DL); Russ Relic (6-0, 220, Sr., QB); Robert Calhoun (6-0, 175, Jr., RB/DB).
Promising newcomer: Leon Ward (6-0, 175, Jr., WR/QB/RB/DB).
Outlook: The Red Hurricanes have talent, and much of it comes from their junior class. Running backs Mariacher and Calhoun combined for over 1,000 yards last year, and newcomer Ward looks to be extremely versatile.
Schedule:
Aug. 31 -- North Hills7:30
Sept. 7 -- at Deer Lakes7:30
Sept. 14 -- at Moon7:30
Sept. 21 -- Hopewell7:30
Sept. 28 -- at Blackhawk7:30
Oct. 5 -- Ellwood City7:30
Oct. 12 -- at Montour7:30
Oct. 19 -- Knoch7:30
Oct. 26 -- Ambridge7:30
MOHAWK
Head coach: Lew Commesso, 5th year (12-28).
2000 record: 4-6, 3-5 Midwestern.
Key losses: Justin Crum (WR/P); Ryan Ray (OL/DL); Anthony Pannutti (RB/OLB); Jeff Fowler (WR-RB/K).
Returning letterwinners (15): Ryan Carr (6-1, 180, Sr., QB/DB); Greg Glass (6-0, 170, Jr., QB/DB); Travis Bessell (6-1, 175, Jr., RB/DB); Joel Benedict (6-1, 185, Jr., TE/DE); Josh Duffy (5-10, 175, So., RB/DB); Mitch Gasperoni (5-10, 185, Sr., FB/OLB); Bryan Van Tassel (5-10, 175, Jr., FB/OLB); Jesse Hunter (5-11, 255, Jr., OT/DT); Jason Kelderhouse (5-11, 185, Sr., OG/OLB); Andrew Cook (5-10, 200, Sr., OG/ILB); Jack Pumphrey (5-10, 210, Sr., OG/ILB); Bill Penwell (5-11, 210, Sr., C/DE); Ryan Chmura (6-2, 265, Sr., OT/DT); Chris Hodge (6-3, 195, Sr., WR/DE); Todd Youngblood (6-2, 195, Sr., TE/DE).
Promising newcomers: Bobby Griffith (6-2, 215, Jr., WR/LB); Joe Crist (6-0, 195, Jr., TE/OLB); Brandon Shubert (5-11, 215, So., OG/ILB); Steve McFate (6-3, 220, So., OT/DE); Brandon Corwin (5-9, 215, Jr., OG/LB); Brad Penwell (5-10, 185, WR/OLB); Larry Quear (5-9, 190, So., RB/DB).
Outlook: The Warriors made the playoffs for the first time in school history in 1999 and narrowly missed the opportunity again last year, so expectations will be running high. A stronger defense, as well as a solid line and a talented backfield, just might get them to that point again. Depth will be a concern.
Schedule:
Aug. 31 -- Center7:30
Sept. 8 -- at Shenango7:30
Sept. 14 -- Laurel7:30
Sept. 21 -- Aliquippa7:30
Sept. 28 -- at Freeport7:30
Oct. 5 -- at Beaver7:30
Oct. 12 -- at Freedom7:30
Oct. 19 -- Beaver Falls7:30
Oct. 26 -- at New Brighton7:30
FARRELL
Head coach: Lou Falconi, 23rd year (177-63-5)
2000 record: 7-4, 5-3
Key losses: Tight end/strong safety Marcellino Manilla (all-state, first-team all-conference); Tailback Kennard Davis (Thiel College); Tackle Mark Rupnik (Thiel College).
Returning letterwinners (3): Allan Claiborne (5-9, 210, Jr. TB/LB, 1st-team all Big 7 offense and defense); Jason Marshall (6-0, 220, Jr., FB/LB); Pete Craig (6-2, 185, Sr., WR).
Promising newcomers: Brandon Chambers (6-1, 180, DB); Dan Wiley (6-0, 225, TE/DT); Brian Dungee (5-9, 175, So., QB).
Outlook: Falconi sees another run for a state title, calling Claiborne one of the best tailbacks in the state who is already drawing the attention of Division I college programs. Falconi says the Big 7 Conference is the strongest in the state, with Rochester, Monoca, Sto-Rox and Western Beaver as the teams to beat. "We look to challenge Rochester for the league championship," Falconi said.
Schedule:
Sept. 1 -- at Duquesne1:30
Sept. 7 -- Canevin7:30
Sept. 14 -- Rochester7:30
Sept. 21 -- at Monaca7:30
Sept. 29 -- at Western Beaver12:30
Oct. 5 -- Sto-Rox7:30
Oct. 12 -- at Union7:30
Oct. 19 -- at Neshannock7:30
Oct. 26 -- Southside Beaver7:30