Central Valley lone WPIAL team No. 1

High school football in Pennsylvania is pretty much back to normal, which means the standard state rankings are back.

A year ago, due to COVID19, some teams started the season late and played only a few games in the regular season. A few districts around the state elected not to participate in the PIAA playoffs. Some teams did not even play in the fall, and played a short schedule in the spring. Thus, some teams worthy of being in the state rankings were not included.

But high school football is a full go this season. All districts will participate in the PIAA playoffs. No one has a spring schedule.

The Post-Gazette preseason state rankings also are ready — and include a number of familiar faces. Four of the No. 1-ranked teams won PIAA titles a year ago. Central Valley is the only WPIAL team ranked No. 1.

The season kicks off in Pennsylvania Friday. The PIAA championships are Dec. 9-11 in Hershey.

Here is a look at some of the top teams in each classification.

Class 6A

Perennial power St. Joseph’s of Philadelphia has won six PIAA titles since 2013. St. Joe’s lost many top players from last year’s team that played only six games, but won a PIAA championship. Star quarterback Kyle McCord and receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. are both at Ohio State, while linebacker Jeremiah Trotter Jr. is at Clemson. But the Hawks simply reload every season, and have some more future major-college players. St. Joe’s is ranked No. 1 in Class 6A.

Defensive back Keenan Nelson is one of the top players in the state and has committed to South Carolina.