JOHNSTOWN —
Bishop Carroll, Bishop McCort, Forest Hills and the former Laurel Valley know the joys of an extended football season.
Playing deep into the PIAA playoffs is far from a common occurrence, however, and that makes what the Richland High School football team accomplished during the 2012 season all the more enjoyable.
The Rams captured the imagination of a community with their entertaining brand of football and, as the wins stockpiled, the region paid more attention. Soon, a fast-paced, balanced offense and a no-nonsense defense gained the attention of the region.
Richland football was the talk of the region and once again proved that the area’s best teams can compete at a state-wide level.
Led by Tribune-Democrat Offensive Player of the Year Tanner Solarczyk and all-state offensive lineman Josh Dininny, Richland won its first Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference championship and District 6 Class AA title.
It was all part of an impressive 14-game win streak that ended with a hard-fought loss to perennial power Aliquippa in the PIAA semifinals.
One of the best things about Richland’s 14-1 season is that a majority of the Rams key players will be back for the 2013 season.
“This team has done tremendous things throughout the year” said Dininny, a senior two-way tackle and a three-year starter, following the loss to the Quips. “For as many underclassmen as we have, we’ve shown toughness and heart that I could only hope for. We’ll be proud of this year, but I want these underclassmen to look forward to the future. They’re going to shine next year.”
That doesn’t mean the 2012 season wasn’t one to savor as the Rams accomplished a long list of firsts for the program.
“We had a heck of a season,” said senior receiver/defensive back Luke Shertzer. “We came this far, farther than any other team at Richland has come. It stinks that we lost (to Aliquippa) but we set the standards for the juniors next year.”
It will be one tough act to follow, though with talent like quarterback Matt Shaffer, receiver Kyle Flick and defensive end Elijah Metzger returning, big things will be expected.
Richland’s first District 6 title, which also doubled as the program’s first win in the state playoffs, was a 27-0 victory over Forest Hills. The game was dubbed “The Bailey Bowl” as it pitted Bailey’s Rams vs. Don Bailey’s Rangers. Don is Brandon’s father.
“Over the last couple years at Thanksgiving the discussion has been about football and the title game,” Brandon Bailey said before the district championship. “Last year we were in it. The year before his team was in it. This year there probably will be less of a discussion of football at the dinner table and more of a discussion of thankfulness, which is the way it probably should be.”
The Rams’ run didn’t end there.
In the PIAA quarterfinals, Richland arguably turned in its most impressive performance as it routed District 10 champion Hickory.
The Rams held Hickory running DeShawn Coleman, a West Virginia recruit, to 85 yards in a 38-12 rout that caught the attention of football followers outside the region.
“So many firsts,” Bailey said. “From conference champs, district champs, undefeated seasons, 14 wins. I think it’s because there is a special relationship between these players and the coaches.”
Sports
Related Photos
-
Richland’s football team had an impressive season, winning the District 6-AA championship en route to an appearance in the state semifinals. The Rams put six players on The Tribune-Democrat’s 21st annual All-Area Football Team, more than any other school. Jason Kapusta
Discussion
Top 10 sports stories of 2012 | No. 2 Richland wins 14 games, reaches PIAA semifinals
- Sports
-
-
Penguins look to close out Senators
Ottawa Senators captain Daniel Alfredsson isn’t quite ready for the traditional season-ending handshake.
-
Bell wants to answer call in Steelers backfield
Le’Veon Bell wants the ball in his hands. Always.
-
Pirates complete three-game sweep of Cubs
It was hard to tell whether the Pittsburgh Pirates were heading on a road trip or getting ready for a Stanley Cup playoff game after beating the Chicago Cubs 4-2 on Thursday for their fourth straight win.
-
Pens seize 3-1 series lead over Senators
Sidney Crosby was careful not to get too far ahead of himself after helping the Pittsburgh Penguins rout the Ottawa Senators for a 3-1 lead in the Eastern Conference semifinal series.
-
Liriano dominant in third start with Bucs
Francisco Liriano’s fastball is going where he wants it to. The Pittsburgh Pirates are following suit.
-
Miller improving, but cautious about return
Heath Miller knows his football career isn’t over, just paused. When the injured Pittsburgh Steelers Pro Bowl tight end will be able to hit the “play” button again is anybody’s guess.
-
Senators relish chance to even series with Penguins
After a win in Game 3, the Ottawa Senators are confident they can tie their series against the Pittsburgh Penguins.
-
Snider’s grand slam lifts Bucs over Cubs
Travis Snider took a pregame pep talk from his manager to heart. Relaxed and with a clear head, he delivered a crucial sixth-inning home run for the second time in five games.
-
Humbled Steelers ready to forget offseason
Troy Polamalu walked off the Pittsburgh Steelers’ practice field on Tuesday with rookie safety Shamarko Thomas hanging on the veteran safety’s every word.
-
Palmer to leave UPJ women’s position
Sasha Palmer will embark on a new chapter as a women’s basketball coach next month.
- More Sports Headlines
-
George: I slipped up
LeBron, Wade on OT win
Hill responds after Game 1 loss to Heat
Vogel: We've got to play better
Spoelstra: Welcome to the Eastern Conference Finals
Raw: Kevin Durant Tours Moore After $1M Pledge
Trout's cycle a boost for Angels
NBA star pledges $1M to help tornado recovery
Coach's quick call saves Moore football team
Sergio Garcia issues an apology to Tiger Woods
Sergio Garcia makes insensitive remark about Tiger Woods
Athletes come to aid of Oklahoma tornado victims
Tiger Woods on his relationship with Sergio Garcia
NBA Draft: Top 5 Prospects
VIRAL: Baby makes epic soccer goal
Race Preview: Charlotte Motor Speedway
Behind the Seams: Big Spenders are Busts
Red Wings take 2-1 series lead
McReynolds: Johnson Coca-Cola 600 favorite?
McReynolds: 48 Team primed for Chase
