What does Clairton have to do to gain respect.

 After reading 2 pieces(by Josh Funk and Josh Yohe) on the Bears, and a pick by Rich Emert of the Post Gazette against the Bears at Heinz, I must ask a ?, has anyone listented to any Aretha Franklin lately?!!!

What must the Bears do to gain respect?

Just look at some quick numbers for a second; after the first week of the season against Washington it took until midway through the 3rd Quarter of week 8 against Fort Cherry to give up any points. Not even a Special Teams TD, or a TD against the backups nor any Field Goals.

How are those numbers possible if this team is bored or complacent? I would think if this team was bored and/or complacent they would be giving up more points.

Ok fact is is that offense hasn't been as explosive as in past years. Can it be a little possible that some defenses in the league are getting a little better as well? For much of the game against Fort Cherry, the Rangers seemed to shut down the Bears run game. Whats wrong about giving a little credit to Fort Cherry, and Brentwood's defenses for not giving up as many points in past years? And despite those 2 games the Bears still are averaging 47 points a game.

I understand people are right to their opinions but how can anyone at this point pick against Clairton; whether its the WPIAL Title(Rich Emert of the PG) or the PIAA Title (Jeremy Verner and Josh Funk of Prep Sports Radio)

Clairton's has amassed 4 WPIAL Titles in the last 5 years(3 in a row) and 2 PIAA Titles in a row, and along this ride has a 40 game winning streak.

What will it take for some to say this team is legit? Could it take the Bears mercy ruling Rochester and Sto Rox for people to hop on board?

Here's a quote from one of the players on his feelings about the lack of respect towards the Bears;

"Damn, the newspaper that US... The clairton bears aren't as good as everyone thinks we are but not too many schools win back too back state titles and win 4 times straight down Heinz... #Disrespect"

But hell, let the naysayers; naysay. Y'all gave Clairton some beautiful bulletin board material, and lit a fire under the teams ass for sure. And with that said, I totally feel sorry for the Cornell Raiders because they are first up on the Bears agenda. And as former Wrestler Goldberg would say Springdale "You're Next".

On another note; I didn't contribute to Josh Funks piece in any form. If I had anything to do with it, I would've wanted to be quoted to plug my blog for traffic. And don't you think if I had anything to say, I would've simply wrote a piece myself.  And I'm not upset those 2 pieces was written. Heck if I had 2 guys from Southern Columbia giving me quotes and what not I'd write a piece about how they're not as good as people think they are.

Playoff Projections

16 Cornell at 1 Clairton; Clairton by 35
9 Springdale at 8 Monessen; Springdale by 21

13 Northgate at 4 Rochester; Rochester by 28
12 California at 5 Avonworth; Avonworth by 42

15 Frazier at 2 Sto-Rox; Sto Rox by 55
10 Western Beaver at 7 Brentwood; Brentwood by 14

14 Chartiers-Houston vs. 3 Bishop Canevin at Dormont Stadium; Bishop Canevin by 3
11 Fort Cherry at 6 Beth-Center. Fort Cherry by 10

Round 2

9 Springdale at 1 Clairton; Clairton by 28
5 Avonworth at 4 Rochester; Rochester by 14

7 Brentwood at 2 Sto Rox; Sto Rox by 30
11 Fort Cherry at Bishop Canevin; Fort Cherry by 3

Semis

4 Rochester at 1 Clairton; Clairton by 14
11 Fort Cherry at 2 Sto Rox; Sto Rox by 20

Finals

2 Sto Rox at Clairton at Heinz Field; Clairton by 7

Why Having More Conferences is Benificial

As I was sitting back pondering to myself, what would be the best way to align 8 conferences instead of 4 I came to an even better reason.

Its not always about competition per say, or even better proposed match ups. Its driving distance in itself. Hollisdaysburg has to travel at least 2 hours to at least 2 away games a year. Lets do some math for a minute, most games end between 9:30 and 10:30, add the 2 hour drive, plus unpacking at the school- whether its band or football equipment. Kids most likely aren't getting home from the school function until about midnight or later.

I mean come on, isn't better to have games a little bit closer especially when a Ringold got 5 schools within a 20-40 minute drive in Belle Vernon, Elizabeth Forward, South Park, McGuffey and Trinity. 

Just from that list a League consisting of Ringold, Trinity, McGuffey, and Chartiers Valley makes sense while Thomas Jefferson, South Park, West Mifflin, and Elizabeth Forward makes sense for another league.

Belle Vernon for instance would be then place with the 3 Uniontown Schools; Uniontown, Laurel Highlands, and Albert Galletin, which is 1-2 40 minute drives a year. That ultimately creates just 1-2 drives that are an hour or more for Hollidaysburg to the Greensburg area against Franklin Regional, Greensburg Salem, and then Derry.

I just created 4 geographical friendly conferences in 3A in a matter of minutes. It just makes too much sense not to happen and should happen pretty much across the board. Imagine these local Conferences 1: Waynesburg, Washington, Charleroi, and Brownsville 2: Bentworth, Beth Center, Monessen, and California 3: Chartiers Houston, Fort Cherry, Avella, and Brentwood!

Under these smaller leagues, that frees up out of conference games like this; Chartiers Houston vs Canon Mac; Burgettstown vs Avella, Fort Cherry vs South Fayette, Ringold vs Charleroi, Ringold vs Peters Township, Charleroi vs Monessen, Clairton vs TJ, Trinity vs Washington, Washington vs Canon Mac, Trinity vs Peters Township!!! Some of those games has been important rivalries over the years, and why should we let the WPIAL ruin these rivalries by not freeing up the space for them to be played.

So I again ask why are schools traveling up to 2 hours away when there could be neighborhood games. It would be a bigger gate for home games when you're playing a local rival as opposed to a school coming in 1-2 hours away. Its a win/win situation.

The ball is in your court Tim O'Malley, make it happen.

Pitt and Cuse Expected to Stay for the 27 Months

Big East Commissioner John Marinatto expects Pittsburgh and Syracuse to stay in the Big East for the entire 27 months as explained in this article by Jerry DiPaola of the Pittsburgh Tribune Review.

Personally I'm not exactly sure if its a great idea for both sides to stick together for the entire 24 months.

For one, is it a great idea for Big East schedule makers to make out a schedule for possibly as many as 14 schools, just for one or maybe two seasons. If the Big East plans on having a 9 game schedule from here on out it possibly makes sense.

Another thing is, is it a good idea to keep two sides together-Big East and Pitt/Cuse- when both sides just may have some ill feeling towards each other. I can just imagine the awkwardness media days and other behind the scene functions like AD and President's meetings will be.

So when could possibly be the year that Pitt and Cuse enter ACC play?

My best guess is that the 2013 Academic year will be the first year for Pitt and Cuse. For one 2012 is way too soon, in my eyes. Yes I see that Texas A&M and possibly Missouri will be in the SEC in 2012. But I just see a lot of problems with schools from the ACC, and Pitt and Cuse postponing and possibly canceling out of conference games. 2014 is just too far away and causes too many problems with 2 and 3 lame duck years in most sports.

I highly doubt Marinatto wants to keep Pitt and Cuse until the 2014 year. And once he gets everything together with the Big East-as far as future alignment is concerned- he'll want to get with Chancellor Paul Nordenberg and work out a deal that suits both parties.

In this day and age money talks. I'm sure Pitt and Cuse will be more than willing to pay 10-15 Million Dollars to get out of the Big East one year early. I'm also very sure that the Big East would be willing to accept an offer in that price range as well.

But hey, what do I know. I could be wrong with my personal observation. I just find it hard to believe that both sides would think it would be a good idea for Pitt and Cuse to be in the Big East for the 2014/15 Academic Year.

* On another note, Chip Brown of Orangebloods is reporting that Missouri is ready to apply to the SEC. Stay tuned as the realignment cycle will speed up. I'm sure the Big XII already has its 10th school on board and my guess is that its still BYU despite the Louisville rumors. And I doubt the Big XII is going to 12. Texas has done a lot of conceding this past month. I think that's all part of a compromise within the league to keep all members happy.

Follow me on Twitter @JoeyNik

Realignment Picture Starting to Take Shape

Last Friday Conference USA and the Mountain West Conference agreed to merge to become a football only conference. Its essentially an alliance to protect each other from future "raids". I'm just curious to how the divisions will be aligned once their games actually are played.

There are lots of rumors on the Big East front, and it seems like one comes out every couple of hours. I'm really in no mood to dissect the rumors individually. What we do know is that the league will be a 12 Team Football league with potentially 3-4 Football only's. Some schools that are rumored to be a Football Only are; Boise State, Army, Air Force, and Navy. Some schools that are rumored to be in the league full are; Houston, SMU, and Central Florida. I think we'll have a much clearer picture on what the league looks like by the end of the week or the beginning of next week.

Another interesting thing on the Big East front are exit fees. The league agreed unanimously to raise the fees from $5M to $10M. But there is a catch. The fees will not be raised until expansion schools agree to join the league.

Missouri appears to be closer and closer to joining the Southeastern Conference. Last night rumors swirled that the move is imminent. The SEC will become a 14 team league once Missouri joins. I'm not sure if the SEC decides to head to 16 anytime soon or not. There are 0 indications out there that says it will or not.

Once Missouri leaves the Big XII, the Big XII will have to decide whether to head to 10 or 12. I personally believe that the Big XII will go to 10 with BYU joining the league. I do understand that Louisville is holding Board of Trustees are meeting sometime today or tonight to "explore" other conference opportunity's. That doesn't mean that they are Big XII bound either.

Predictions:

SEC: Mizzou to become a 14 Team League
Big XII: BYU to become a 10 Team League
Big East: All Sports: UCF, Houston, and SMU; Football Only: Boise State, Air Force, and Navy to become a 17 School All Sports League and a 12 Team Football League.

*Follow me on Twitter @JoeyNik

Heading Down the Final Stretch

Let me start this off with saying, what a phenomenal job Coach Bill Daniels is doing at Our Lady of Sacred Heart. Granted his 3 wins are against schools with a combined record 2 -16 its still improvement from last year with room to grow going into next year. Next year he'll have 5'9 170 RB Isiah Neely, who is have a solid year this season. I think OLSH may be a sleeper playoff contender next year, or more.

Beth Center had an eye opening win over Monessen. I understand that the Greyhounds have a few injuries and some kids gone due to transfers, but 46-0 is impressive... period. With that said, I'm still curious to how good this team is compared to Bishop Canevin, Rochester, Sto Rox, and Clairton. I want to put them on the level of Bishop Canevin and Rochester and a lot of questions will be answered when the play Avonworth this Friday night. Overall Number's 5 and 6 seed in the WPIAL bracket could be decided on the field that night as well. Even though they aren't conference rivals, there is much at stake.

Speaking of Monessen, there has to be a lot of soul searching going on down there in "Mo Town". Could Coach Andy Pacak be on the hot seat? They have a very winnable game in West Greene to gain confidence then a couple of toss ups in Jefferson-Morgan and Frazier that can make or totally break this team. Here's a question for the WPIAL Committee that makes the brackets, if Monessen finish's in 3rd do they get the Tri County South treatment and earn the 15th seed in a matchup against possibly Sto Rox, or does the "Brand Name" of Monessen prevent that treatment?

I really don't know about Brentwood, I'm not sure if I would call them lucky or what. They just find ways to win late in games. Last Friday they scored a TD with 8 seconds left in the game and then won with a TD in Overtime. They also won in Overtime the previous week against Fort Cherry. The Spartans are set to face a Clairton team that hasn't given up a Touchdown since Week 1 against Washington. 

Most of the 1 and 2 seeds from each conference is all but set minus the Tri County South with Frazier, Jeff Morgan, and Monessen at 4-1(Conference record) and California trying to sneak in at 3-2. Baring upsets across the board its looking like the Big 7's 1 & 2 will be Sto Rox and Rochester, Eastern's 1 Bishop Canevin, 2 Avonworth, and the Blackhills 1 Clairton, 2 Brentwood.

If I was to seed 1-8 right now it would look like this;
1 Clairton 2 Sto Rox 3 Rochester 4 Bishop Canevin 5 Beth Center or Avonworth 6 Beth Center or Avonworth 7 Brentwood 8 TCS #2

One last note, make sure you check out http://thevarsityletters.blogspot.com/     which is hosted by Mike Kovak of the Observer Reporter out of Washington and Greene Counties. You can also follow him on Twitter at @TheMikeKovak         

Clairton: To play 2A or not to play 2A

I make no bones about it, Clairton's 84-0 romp of Avella is an unfortunate event. I just have to say that this game should never be played. But the solutions of Clairton not playing Avella are conflicting.

One solution I've heard was to move Avella and Bentworth to the Tri County and Monessen and Beth Center to the Blackhills Conference. My problem with that is you eliminate 2 teams from making the playoffs in the Blackhills and is adding 2 schools to the playoffs that shouldn't be there. It does make the Blackhills a tougher league top to bottom and makes the Tri County weaker top to bottom. But what it does do is create more competition.

Another solution out there is Clairton moving up to 2A. The last enrollment cycle I was more gung ho about the move. But the fact of the matter is the Bears has been dressing 24-28 kids every Friday night. Take an injury on the line, and the season may be over in 2A. You have to have more size and depth to compete on a weekly basis in 2A than in 1A. Some say, look at Aliquippa, and Jeannette but look at their roster sizes. They're fielding 2A rosters with 1A enrollment. Big difference.

One thing is, Clairton has an influx of kids in the Sophomore and Freshman class's and even the 8th grade class coming up. Just those 3 class's alone have about 300 kids, which is roughly 150 boys-give or take. No reason why just a 1/3 of them isn't coming out for football. That alone would give the 2012 roster 50 kids and we're not talking about the Senior Class. If the turnout is better, I'd be more keen w/ the move.

Time for a radical idea, how bout the PIAA splitting Class A into half(I'll call it Class A and B for argument sake). There are about 144 schools in Class A which would equal to roughly 72 schools per class if A was split. Now Clairton would still fall into Class B, but a move to Class A would make much more sense. Clairton would still be a favorite to win Class A, but it would be a stiffer slate week in and week out.

I agree that something should be done about complete mismatch's at the Class A level. But pushing schools to 2A isn't the answer here. Riverside totally competed w/ Clairton, as well as Farrell the past few years minus last year. Should they have to play 2A as well. They would most likely pound the weakest of the weak as bad as Clairton did. Steel High and Southern Columbia won a string of 1A Titles in the 00's, should they have been forced to play up as well.

Personally, I think splitting the Class is the best idea. What are your thoughts on this issue?