Pittsburg, PA

CIF-North Coast Section football NorCal Bowl championship previews, predictions

Published

2 years ago

December 2, 2022

CIF-North Coast Section football NorCal Bowl championship previews, predictions

Listed below are capsule seems in any respect eight North Coast Part champions that reached the CIF State Bowl Championships and their Northern California matchups.

At the very least one NCS squad is assured to maneuver on to subsequent week’s championship video games as two part champions face off within the Division 2-A sport, Marin Catholic at San Ramon Valley.

As a result of solely two groups are within the Division 7-AA brackets, Pinole Valley is enjoying for a state title on Saturday.

FRIDAY (all video games 7:30 p.m.)

DIVISION 1–AA BRACKET

De La Salle-Harmony (9-3) at Folsom (12-1)
Historical past since 2004: De La Salle 5, Folsom 2
Factors scored (allowed): De La Salle 396 (196), Folsom 508 (179)
Outlook: The function of revenge has modified on this current rivalry between Northern California powers. The Spartans ended Folsom’s seasons in 2012 and 2013 and the Bulldogs returned the favor in 2021, 28-27. Additionally they knocked off DLS in September, 24-20, so the Spartans have an axe do grind. Their floor sport has come to life with the well being of their offensive line and quite a lot of ball carriers led by Fresno State-bound Charles Greer. Folsom’s deadly passing sport, led by 4-star junior Austin Mack (258 of 363, 3,370 yards, 40 TDs) was harm by season-ending accidents to Stanford-bound TE Walker Lyons and Rico Flores (Notre Dame), however junior Brian Ray III has responded in huge manner with 25 catches for 328 yards and two touchdowns the final two video games.
CalPreps.com predicted rating: Folsom 28, De La Salle 20
SBLive prediction: De La Salle 28, Folsom 27

DIVISION 3–AA BRACKET
Grant-Sacramento (10-2) at El Cerrito (13-0)
Historical past since 2004: None
Factors scored (allowed): Grant 615 (227), El Cerrito 416 (89)
Outlook: One other high-octane offense, the visiting Pacers common 51.3 factors and 425 yards per sport. They’ve scored 76, 80 and 84 factors in video games this season. Senior QB Joseph McCray has thrown for a minimum of 270 yards seven instances with 42 TDs to go together with seven speeding touchdowns. Kyrell Boss-Pruitt and Kingston Lopa every have caught 15 TD passes and common higher than 23 yards per reception. El Cerrito may need the quickest and hardest-hitting protection within the Bay Space, led by Washington State-bound cornerback Warren Smith. The Gauchos have allowed simply 89 factors, although Windsor scored three touchdowns within the final quarter-hour final week in a 34-27 EC NCS D3 title win. 3-AA: Grant-Sacramento (10-2) at El Cerrito (13-0) — One other high-octane offense, the visiting Pacers common 51.3 factors and 425 yards per sport. They’ve scored 76, 80 and 84 factors in video games this season. Senior QB Joseph McCray has thrown for a minimum of 270 yards seven instances with 42 TDs to go together with seven speeding touchdowns. Kyrell Boss-Pruitt and Kingston Lopa every have caught 15 TD passes and common higher than 23 yards per reception. El Cerrito may need the quickest and hardest-hitting protection within the Bay Space, led by Washington State-bound cornerback Warren Smith. The Gauchos have allowed simply 89 factors, although Windsor scored three touchdowns within the final quarter-hour final week in a 34-27 EC NCS D3 title win.
CalPreps.com predicted rating: Grant 28, El Cerrito 24
SBLive prediction: Grant 21, El Cerrito 20

SATURDAY (all video games 6 p.m.)

DIVISION 1–A BRACKET
Manteca (11-1) at Pittsburg (11-2)
Historical past since 2004: None
Factors scored (allowed): Manteca 629 (223), Pittsburg 503 (172)
Outlook: Though Pittsburg has an abundance of Division I expertise, Manteca’s RB/LB Blake Nichelson seems to have all of them trumped. The Florida State-bound senior has rushed for 1,547 yards and 26 touchdowns, caught 29 passes for 703 yards and 14 extra scores, plus he’s been on 44 tackles, 4.5 sacks and intercepted a cross. He’s a number one candidate for state Participant of the Yr. Junior RB Bryson Davis (1,122, 15) is one other breakaway risk. Pittsburg QB Jayden Rashada (Florida commit) has three college-bound receiving threats in Rashid Williams (Washington), Zachary Card (Oregon State) and Khai Taylor (Boise State). That trio has mixed for two,109 receiving yards and 25 TDs. Sophomore RB Elijah Bowl (966, 14) is one other huge offensive risk. Pittburg’s benefit is probably going on its bodily, lively protection. Plus they don’t need lame duck coach Vic Galli to exit with a loss.
Calpreps.com rating: Pittsburg 35, Manteca 30
SBLive prediction: Pittsburg 42, Manteca 28

DIVISION 2–A BRACKET
Marin Catholic-Kentfield (13-0) at San Ramon Valley-Danville (11-2)
Historical past since 2004: None
Factors scored (allowed): Marin Catholic 579 (125), San Ramon Valley 503 (269)
Outlook: Like Manteca-Pittsburg, these groups have by no means met. The visiting Wildcats have not actually been threatened all season (outscored foes 579-125). Anticipate a giant dosage of junior RB Charles Williams (130, 1,032, 21), who has had only one sport with greater than 20 carries. On protection Trenton Francis Carrade and Mario Crocitto have mixed for 26 sacks and MLB Will Clemens has a team-high 70 tackles. San Ramon Valley QB Luke Baker spreads the ball round superbly with Trevor Scott (55 catches, 824 yards, 12 TDs), Zack Dodson (49, 645, 6) and Caleb Padrid (40, 647, 9).
Calpreps.com rating: San Ramon Valley 31, Marin Catholic 28
SBLive prediction: Marin Catholic 28, San Ramon Valley 27

DIVISION 4–A BRACKET
Menlo Faculty-Atherton (8-5) at San Marin-Novato (11-2)
Historical past since 2004: None
Factors scored (allowed): Menlo 330 (233), San Marin 470 (177)
Outlook: Having misplaced three of 4 to finish the common season, the visiting Knights caught fireplace within the part playoffs, completed off with a stunning lopsided 42-6 win over Hollister within the finals. In that one, 6-foot-3, 218-pound tight end-linebacker Cort Halsey not solely had 10 catches for 187 yards and two touchdowns, however he additionally had 12 tackles, two for loss together with a sack. San Marin, the defending state 5-AA champions, needed to exchange lots, however has responded with all kinds of standouts together with QB Dominic Ingrassia, junior RB Charlie Singleton (1,033 yards, 13 TDs), sophomore RB Jonah Lozano (469, 10) and 4 receivers with between 31 and 55 catches, and 6 and 9 TDs.
Calpreps.com rating: San Marin 24, Menlo Faculty 21
SBLive prediction: San Marin 31, Menlo 21

DIVISION 5–A BRACKET
Clear Lake-Lakeport (12-1) at Orland (13-0)
Historical past since 2004: None
Factors scored (allowed): Clear Lake 429 (206), Orland 540 (134)
Outlook: High gamers for Orland are QB Grant Foster (15-27, 373, 4 TDs, 181-1,659, 27 TDs), RB/DB Jaime Albarran (159-1,169, 14 TDs, 63 tackles), and TE/DE Khalil Coley (67 tackles, 11 sacks). For Clear Lake, RB/LB Hank Ollenberger, WR/DB Ayden Williamson, OL/DL Tony Gersalia are finest gamers. Clear Lake gained its first NCS with a wild 56-55 victory over closely favored St. Vincent de Paul. The Cardinals scored 15 unanswered factors within the fourth quarter and transformed a 2-point conversion within the remaining 15 seconds to win it. Remarkably they weren’t flagged for a single penalty within the victory. Gersalia was the Coastal Mountain Convention Defensive Participant of the Yr and Ollenberger was the CMC Offensive Participant of the Yr. They function a balanced offense, whereas the Trojans function a run-heavy offense with quite a lot of rushers led by their quarterback Foster.
Calpreps.com rating: Orland 34, Clear Lake 26
SBLive prediction: Orland 35, Clear Lake 34

DIVISION 7–AA State Championship
Pinole Valley (8-4) at Mendota (9-5)
Historical past since 2004: None
Factors scored (allowed): Pinole Valley 250 (198), Mendota 374 (278)
Outlook: The visiting Spartans, who gained their first NCS title in 43 years, are led by a potent working again that options Ellis Shamsid-Deen, Larry McDonald and James Gordon. They tackle a Fresno County squad and Central Part championship staff that’s led by dual-threat QB Cejaa Ceja (2,190 complete yards, 28 TDs).
Calpreps.com rating: Pinole Valley 26, Mendota 17
SBLive prediction: Pinole Valley 21, Mendota 7

Source link

Click to comment

Pittsburg, PA

Brandon Aiyuk Names Steelers as Landing Spot

Published

5 hours ago

June 28, 2024

Press Room

Brandon Aiyuk Names Steelers as Landing Spot

PITTSBURGH — Just when the Brandon Aiyuk sweepstakes feel over, the Pittsburgh Steelers are dragged back in. The contract talks between the San Francisco 49ers and Aiyuk still haven’t bore fruit, despite repeated efforts. As it stands, he hasn’t signed an extension, and speculation surrounding his future continues.

It doesn’t help that there is some calculated negotiating through the media taking place. Aiyuk has been vocal on social media about the situation and his frustration. He’s also frequently seen with Washington Commanders’ rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, fueling the rumors that the Commanders are the frontrunner to land him.

But the gasoline poured into the fire is the media’s indulgence. The buzz and speculation is rampant online and on television. The latest came from former Steelers’ safety and NFL analyst Ryan Clark. On his podcast, The Pivot, Clark welcomed Aiyuk to discuss the situation.

On the show, Clark was pointed with his questions. He asked Aiyuk what uniform he envisioned himself in, and Aiyuk was equally pointed in return.

“Probably a Niners uniform, if not a Niners uniform probably a Washington Commanders uniform. If not a Washington Commanders uniform, probably Steelers uniform,” he said.

Clark told Aiyuk that he believed the Steelers were the best fit for him and his career ambitions. It almost came across as a recruiting pitch for the Black and Gold.

“And so, whether it’s in San Francisco, Washington, Pittsburgh, whatever team you play for, you’ve succeeded at every level, even with odds stacked against you,” Clark said. “So for us, we’re rooting for you. I wanna see you do well. Pittsburgh would be the best place for you to thrive.”

The writing is on the wall for the Steelers, but they are not giving up yet. In all likelihood, Aiyuk will remain with the 49ers. The main sticking point remains the yearly salary and whether the 49ers will give him $30 million or more. Until then, the Steelers remain in pursuit of Aiyuk and upgrading their wide receiver room.

Make sure you bookmark All Steelers for the latest news, exclusive interviews, film breakdowns and so much more

Subscribe to the All Steelers YouTube Channel

Source link

Pittsburg, PA

Pittsburgh Native Included in ESPN’s 2025 NBA Mock Draft

Published

12 hours ago

June 28, 2024

Press Room

Pittsburgh Native Included in ESPN’s 2025 NBA Mock Draft

It is never too early to project who will get selected in the NBA Draft according to some national sites.

ESPN, among others, has already released a projected 2025 NBA Mock Draft, just one day after the 2024 NBA Draft wrapped up. The 2025 mock does not include any players from Pitt, Duquesne, or Robert Morris, but does include a prospect who is originally from Pittsburgh.

ESPN has former Quaker Valley star Adou Thiero going No. 32 overall in the projection. Thiero is a 6-foot-8. 220-pound guard/forward who joined the Razorbacks this spring. After playing two seasons at Kentucky for head coach John Calipari, Thiero decided to follow Calipari to Fayetteville when he took the Arkansas job in a monumental move.

Thiero will be a junior this upcoming season. As a sophomore, he appeared in 25 games for the Cats. Thiero averaged 7.2 points and 4.96 rebounds per game on the year. Per Arkansas’ team notes, Thiero led the Kentucky team in rebounding in eight separate games and scored at least ten points five times. Thiero exploded for 16 points and 13 rebounds last season in an early-season contest against Kansas.

Following the season, Thiero entered the transfer portal, where he was recruited by programs all over the country, including his hometown team Pitt. During the process, Thiero took a visit to Pitt and included the Panthers in his top five list. He eventually chose Arkansas, and joins a loaded roster that includes Johnell Davis (FAU transfer), Boogie Fland (five-star freshman), Jonas Aidoo (Tennessee transfer), DJ Wagner (Kentucky transfer), and more.

Source link

Pittsburg, PA

Anthrocon, the Pittsburgh furries convention, expected to set attendance record

Published

19 hours ago

June 28, 2024

Press Room

Anthrocon, the Pittsburgh furries convention, expected to set attendance record

15,500 furries expected to generate $17.4 million in direct visitor spending in Pittsburgh

PITTSBURGH ― Anthrocon, more generally known as the annual furry convention, returns to the David Lawrence Convention Center on July 4-7.

VisitPITTSBURGH announced Thursday that Anthrocon is expected to bring record-breaking attendance and economic impact to Pittsburgh.

“With more than 15,500 furries expected to take on the city, the annual furry convention is anticipated to result in approximately $17.4 million in direct visitor spending, a press release from Pittsburgh’s tourism agency said.

Fursuiters, people who celebrate anthropomorphics, which are human-like animal characters, dress in head-to-toe furry attire.

“Each year, we have the privilege of working with the event organizers to establish strong community connections and partnerships that leave a significant and lasting impact on our city,” Andy Ortale, chief salesofficer at VisitPITTSBURGH, said. “And this year, there are several events on the docket that standto make Anthrocon 2024 bigger and better.”

Attendees are booked across 22 partner hotels, with six shuttle routes facilitating travel to thedowntown Pittsburgh convention center.

Over the four-day event span, attendees will explore the city by foot and partake in Anthrocon’s line-up of community events in and around Downtown, such as:

Market Square Musicians: The Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership has invited musicians attending Anthrocon to perform on July 4 during the lunchtime concerts in Market Square.
Anthrocon Block Party: On July 6, will take over Penn Avenue between Ninth and 11th streets from noon through the evening, encouraging attendees to meet with downtown businesses and the community. Nearby restaurants and attractions are encouraged to display signage that invites the fursuiters to stop in.
The Fursuit Parade: More than 5,000 people are expected to line the street July 6 for a world record-setting event. The Fursuit Parade begins at 2 p.m. on 10th Street near Fort Duquesne Boulevard, proceeding south along 10th Street and routing back to the convention center.
Harris Theater Screening: A special screening 4 p.m. July 6 of the Don Bluth animated film classic “The Secret of N.I.M.H.” co-presented by Anthrocon. Tickets can be purchased via the Culture Trust at trustarts.org.
Community Events: Anthrocon has partnered with several local businesses, including the Carnegie Science Center and Gateway Clipper, to provide special offerings toconvention-goers.

Scott Tady is entertainment editor at The Times and easy to reach at stady@gannett.com.

Source link