ESPNHS Pennsylvania

(After games of Tuesday, May 22)

One player is chosen from each region of the country. The only other criteria is that no player will be chosen more than once during a season.

EAST

Ben Hartz, Shady Side Academy (Pittsburgh)
The senior pitcher-first baseman led the Indians on the mound and at the plate in a 4-3 Western Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic League Class AA first-round 4-3 playoff victory over Waynesburg (Pa.). Hartz struck out 14 batters in a four-hit effort and helped his own cause with two hits and a pair of RBIs. The four-year starter has been impressive his last three seasons with a combined .520 batting average, 77 RBIs, 16 pitching wins and 150 strikeouts.

SOUTHEAST

Blaine Crain, Spanish Fort (Ala.)
Crain was named MVP of the Class 5A state championship series after going 3-for-6 with two RBIs to help Spanish Fort defeat Southside (Gadsden, Ala.) in a two-game sweep. It was Spanish Fort's third straight state title. Crain, who had a game-winning RBI in the team’s victory that sent them to the state finals, played despite very difficult personal circumstances. Six weeks ago, his father, Kurt, a former All-American linebacker at Auburn and an assistant football coach at South Alabama, died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

MIDWEST

Eric Veglahn, La Crescent (Minn.)
The senior left-handed pitcher had an inning to remember in a 4-1 victory over Hayfield (Minn.), striking out five batters to close out the game in the bottom of the seventh inning. He fanned the first two batters, but the next two strikeout victims reached base on passed balls by the catcher. He then wrapped up the victory with his fourth and fifth strikeouts of the inning plus the 12th and 13th of the game.

MIDLANDS

Tate Matheny, Westminster Christian (Town & Country, Mo.)
The son of new St. Louis Cardinals’ manager Mike Matheny is in the midst of a monster senior season. Earlier this week, in Westminster’s 3-0 win over Orchard Farm (St. Charles, Mo.) in the Class 3 sectional tourney, Matheny belted a two-run homer, his 11th of the season. Last week in a 11-1 romp in five innings against MICDS of St. Louis, Matheny went 3-for-3 with a double and homer. Prior to the game against Orchard Farm, he was batting .614 with 10 homers, 10 triples, 52 runs scored and 47 RBIs. Matheny’s team also improved to 26-3 after that win and upped its winning streak to 23 games.

WEST

Troy Conyers, El Capitan (Lakeside, Calif.)
The 6-foot-5, 230-pound left-handed pitcher struck out 16 and pitched a four-hitter in El Capitan’s 7-1 win last week against Monte Vista (Spring Valley, Calif.). Conyers also went 1-for-3 with a double at the plate. He pitched a one-hitter with 11 strikeouts in his previous start and has led the Vaqueros to a 27-5 record and No. 37 FAB 50 national ranking. Heading into this week, Conyers was batting .395 with 24 RBIs and had an 8-1 mound record with 114 strikeouts and a 0.72 ERA. He was the San Diego Union-Tribune Player of the Year as a junior and has signed with the University of San Diego.

After games ending Saturday, May 19

If there's any one thing we learned this past week, it doesn't matter how good you are in the regular season; if you don't get it done in the postseason, the season doesn't mean much. Norwin found that out for the second straight year, and as a result, a team that rode the No. 1 spot for much of the season is now out of the POWERADE Pennsylvania Weekly Rankings. So too is the No. 2 team, Bethel Park, and now the presumptive finalists in the WPIAL Class AAAA tourney are eliminated. So who's next? South Williamsport takes over the top spot for now, but it's a wide open field for whoever wants to assert their dominance and take hold of the No. 1 mark in the rankings.

1. South Williamsport (17-3) Last week: No. 4

2. Cedar Crest (17-4) Last week: No. 3

3. Council Rock South (16-1) Last week: No. 5

Click here for the full POWERADE Pennsylvania Rankings.

After games ending Saturday, May 12

Nobody's moved out of this week's installment of the POWERADE Pennsylvania Weekly Rankings, but there's been plenty of moving and shaking. Norwin's unbeaten record has kept them firmly entrenched in the top spot, but it's another team from the WPIAL, Bethel Park, which has moved up to No. 2 from the 10 spot. Bethel Park currently sits at 18-2 and is considered one of the favorites to challenge Norwin in the upcoming WPIAL Class AAAA tournament. Another WPIAL school, Blackhawk, has established itself as the class of Class AAA.

1. Norwin (17-0) Last week: No. 1

2. Bethel Park (18-2) Last week: No. 10

3. Cedar Crest (17-4) Last week: No. 3

Click here for the full POWERADE Pennsylvania Rankings.

After games ending Saturday, May 5

Call it spring cleaning, but it was time to make room for some new teams in this week's installment of the POWERADE Pennsylvania Weekly Rankings. Four teams give way to some new faces this week, and those new squads are more than deserving. Meanwhile, look at what our top teams are doing to stay ahead of the pack - Norwin and South Williamsport have combined to go 29-0 and both teams are making quick work of their opponents.

1. Norwin (15-0) Last week: No. 1

2. South Williamsport (14-0) Last week: No. 2

3. Cedar Crest (16-3) Last week: No. 3

Click here for the full POWERADE Pennsylvania Rankings.

After games ending Saturday, April 28

Two unbeaten teams are at the top of our POWERADE Pennsylvania Weekly Rankings, but the team that made the biggest leap is Neumann-Goretti. A 4-0 week wasn't the end of the story for the Saints, as the team posted three shutouts and allowed just one run on the week. Another hot team, Hopewell, joins our rankings this week for the first time. The one-loss Vikings' only defeat came in a 13-12 loss back on April 4. Other teams of note this week include Cedar Crest, whose 1-0 win over previous No. 2 Hempfield was enough to move the team into the top three.

1. Norwin (13-0) Last week: No. 1

2. South Williamsport (12-0) Last week: No. 3

3. Cedar Crest (13-3) Last week: No. 5

Click here for the full POWERADE Pennsylvania Rankings.

After games ending Saturday, April 21

There's little debate as to which team is No. 1 in Pennsylvania. Norwin's incredible 10-0 start has solidified the team's position as the state's top team in the POWERADE Pennsylvania Weekly Rankings. The Knights routed opposing teams this week, going 3-0 and looking as sharp as ever. With some challenging games on the schedule, however, it'll be interesting to see how long this team can keep its unblemished streak alive. And with so many teams knocking on the door, including new teams Hempfield and South Williamsport, even the slightest slip-up can spell doom for a top-ranked club.

1. Norwin (10-0) Last week: No. 1

2. Hempfield (11-1) Last week: NR

3. South Williamsport (10-0) Last week: NR

Click here for the full POWERADE Pennsylvania Rankings.

After games ending Saturday, April 14

A blazing hot start to the season by Norwin has propelled the team to the No. 1 spot in the POWERADE Pennsylvania Weekly Rankings. Norwin has also taken the No. 8 spot in the POWERADE East Region Rankings. Cedar Crest, off to a similarly strong start, is close behind at No. 2 after jumping up two spots this week. And Conestoga, which had held the top spot last week, dipped to No. 3 after suffering a tough 13-0 loss to Garnet Valley last week. But the season is very young, and there's plenty of time for more reshuffling.

1. Norwin (7-0) Last week: No. 2

2. Cedar Crest (8-1) Last week: No. 4

3. Conestoga (4-1) Last week: No. 1

Click here for the full POWERADE Pennsylvania Rankings.

After games ending Saturday, April 7

The first official ranking of the season is always a tough one, and in the POWERADE Pennsylvania Weekly Rankings, it's no different. Conestoga, our preseason No. 1, made things a little easier for us by taking care of business to start the season. So too did Norwin and Malvern Prep, which are off to fast starts so far this season. But for some teams, high hopes have turned to slow starts. For teams like Spring Ford, Penn Charter and Chestnut Hill, hopefully there's time to rejoin the ranks following a stretch of good play.

1. Conestoga (3-0)

2. Norwin (5-0)

3. Malvern Prep (7-0)

Click here for the full POWERADE Pennsylvania Rankings.

Few things are certain in high school football, but it’s always safe to assume North Allegheny (Wexford, Pa.) is going to be in the state-title discussion.

Last season, the Tigers lost in the Class AAAA state semifinals by three points and finished No. 49 in the POWERADE FAB 50. And this fall, with many of their skill players returning, the Tigers will again be among the favorites to bring home the hardware.

One of the biggest reasons for the team’s consistent success is an always-strong offensive line, and junior offensive lineman Patrick Kugler is as good as you’ll find in the nation. The ESPNU 150 Watch List recruit and Michigan commit was named an ESPNHS Underclass All-American this past fall.

Kugler’s father, Sean, is the offensive line coach for the Pittsburgh Steelers. And his brother, Robert, is currently in his first season at center at Purdue.

Clearly, it’s a family that knows the O-line. And Patrick might be the best of the bunch.

“He’s one of those guys who just loves to play,” says North Allegheny head coach Art Walker. “He plays hard every snap, he’s physical, he’s aggressive, and he’s a good locker room guy as well.

What makes this stellar junior one of the nation’s top offensive linemen? It’s time to Get Familiar with Patrick Kugler.

ESPNHS: How’s the offseason going? What are you up to so far?
Kugler: It’s been going really good. I’ve been doing some lifting, and this summer I’m hoping to play some AAU football. I’m staying busy.

ESPNHS: Is there a specific goal behind your lifting? Are you trying to get bigger, just gain strength, or just kind of stay where you’re at now?
Kugler: I’m definitely always trying to get stronger, and right now I’m just trying to mold my body. I have a little bit of a gut, and it would be awesome to get rid of that right now and just mold my body into a college-type body instead of a big wide-body high school hooligan.

ESPNHS: You play at a school — North Allegheny — that is always right in the state title discussion. What are your expectations for this upcoming season?
Kugler: If we don’t win a championship, it’s an unsuccessful season. We’ve got a great team coming back this season — great quarterback, great running game, great receivers and a great defense. The only question is going to be who starts on that offensive line, and obviously I’ll be there, and hopefully I can help give us a great shot at winning state.

ESPNHS: What are some of the things you think you need to work on before you get to college?
Kugler: Technically, I always want to improve on my pass blocking. I think we’re going to pass a lot more this year because we have a good quarterback and good receivers, and so that’s something I’m going to need to improve on. After that, it’s just keeping my feet underneath me and not losing my balance.

ESPNHS: Tell us about the process that went into your college decision.
Kugler: Well, I committed to Michigan a month ago, and it’s been nice having it over with and not having to talk to any other coaches.

ESPNHS: What were your favorite and least favorite parts of the whole process?
Kugler: My favorite part was just learning about all of the different schools, some prestigious programs. And my least favorite part was having to talk to all of these people who were trying to recruit me and continuously having to talk to people even if I knew I wasn’t going to their school.

ESPNHS: You’re from a family that knows its offensive line, between your dad and your brother. What are those conversations around the dinner table like?
Kugler: My dad doesn’t really talk a lot of football with us. We’re not criticized unless we ask for it, and then he’ll give us his two cents. But he’ll help us work out and improve. It’s not forced.

ESPNHS: Your brother just went through this whole recruiting process. How was he able to help you?
Kugler: He’s definitely really helped. He told me all sorts of schools to look at, and he told me what were some fun schools to go to and check out. He’s happy I chose a Big Ten school.

ESPNHS: You won’t line up directly against him, but is Purdue-Michigan the new rivalry now?
Kugler: Oh, definitely. We’re looking forward to it.

Patrick Kugler
School: North Allegheny (Wexford, Pa.)
Position: OL
HT: 6-4
WT: 280
College: Michigan

FAVORITES
TV Show: “Family Guy”
Athlete: Maurkice Pouncey
Sports Team: Pittsburgh Steelers
Food: Steak
Video Game: “Assassin’s Creed”

After games ending Sunday, March 25

There's little surprise here - Chester is the top team at the conclusion of our POWERADE Pennsylvania Weekly Rankings. The Clippers ran the table to finish 32-0 and cap the year as the nation's No. 4 team in the POWERADE FAB 50. Season-long No. 2, Neumann-Goretti, also claimed a state championship with a narrow win over Montour. Other state champs included Imhotep Charter, in an upset win over Beaver Falls, and Constitution, which ran the table in Class A after playing a very difficult non-league schedule. Congratulations to all of this year's state champions.

1. Chester (32-0) Last week: No. 1

2. Neumann-Goretti (29-3) Last week: No. 2

3. Imhotep Charter (22-8) Last week: No. 10

Click here for the full POWERADE Pennsylvania Weekly Rankings.

After games ending Sunday, March 18

By this weekend, we'll know who the state champions are, and we'll know which teams end the season atop the POWERADE Pennsylvania Weekly Rankings. Chester and Neumann-Goretti, which have sat at the top of our rankings every week since the beginning of the season, are just two wins away from state championships in Class AAAA and Class AAA, respectively. But that doesn't mean a title is a sure thing. Look out for tough teams such as Lower Merion, Central Dauphin and Montour, possibly the hottest team in the state right now, as the final week shapes up to be an exciting one.

1. Chester (30-0) Last week: No. 1

2. Neumann-Goretti (26-3) Last week: No. 2

3. Lower Merion (27-3) Last week: No. 3

Click here for the full POWERADE Pennsylvania Weekly Rankings.

After games ending Sunday, March 11

The state tournament has begun, and already there's a bit of separation evident between the state's top teams and those who weren't quite on that level. No teams have fallen out of or slipped in the POWERADE Pennsylvania Weekly Rankings, but with the tournaments heating up this week, that will surely change with some big matchups on the horizon. As always, check back often for updates as the tournament progresses.

1. Chester (28-0) Last week: No. 1

2. Neumann-Goretti (25-3) Last week: No. 2

3. New Castle (27-0) Last week: No. 3

Click here for the full POWERADE Pennsylvania Weekly Rankings.

After games ending Sunday, March 4

It's make-or-break season for the state's top teams, and the squads at the top of the POWERADE Pennsylvania Weekly Rankings appear to be peaking at the right time. But still, that's why they play the games. While some squads are on the outside looking in at this time of year, others are looking for their shot at a state title - and just five wins can get it done. Can Chester keep the winning streak alive? Is Neumann-Goretti deep enough to win the Class AAA crown again? Is anyone up to the task of toppling Beaver Falls in Class AA? Only time will tell.

1. Chester (27-0) Last week: No. 1

2. Neumann-Goretti (23-3) Last week: No. 2

3. New Castle (27-0) Last week: No. 3

Click here for the full POWERADE Pennsylvania Weekly Rankings.

ESPNHS has announced its preseason all-state baseball teams, so feel free to start debating the Pennsylvania selections.

It's no surprise that players like Conestoga's Scott Williams or Nazareth's Karl Keglovits are on our squad. But take a look at who else made the team, and then reach out on Twitter @CParishESPN to tell us who you think should have made the cut.

Click here for the Pennsylvania All-State baseball team.

Click here to check out the other states across the country.

During the offseason, we’ll check out one team per week that looks like a sure bet to be among the best in the nation for next fall.

FAB 50 Offseason Primer Archive

This week’s team: Central Dauphin (Harrisburg, Pa.).

2011 Season: 15-1, PIAA AAAA state champion, No. 38 in the final POWERADE FAB 50.

Projected 2012 Preseason Ranking: Top 15. The Rams celebrated their first state title last season with a team that featured several underclass standouts. Coach Glen McNamee's squad won its final 14 games after losing to rival Bishop McDevitt (Harrisburg, Pa.). The team defeated defending state champ North Allegheny (Wexford, Pa.) in the semifinals and then upended perennial contender North Penn (Lansdale, Pa.) in the championship. The Rams will likely enter the reason ranked No. 1 in the Keystone State, a spot that’s always going to translate to a high ranking in the FAB 50.

Team Strengths: The three most productive offensive players for the Rams will return for their senior seasons in the fall and that spells problems for upset-minded foes. Quarterback Brandon LaVia ran a balanced attack, throwing for 1,490 yards and 16 touchdowns and rushing for four scores. Running back/linebacker Zayd Issah was league MVP on offense, but he’s just as touted on the defensive side. He finished the year rushing for 1,345 yards and 21 touchdowns and catching 10 touchdown passes on offense and racking up 123 tackles and 14 sacks on defense. Junior running back/defensive back Drew Scales had nine touchdowns on offense and was also a dynamic kickoff returner.

Another Pennsylvania team to watch: North Allegheny (Wexford, Pa.) had its unbeaten season and bid for a second straight PIAA AAAA state crown halted in the state semifinals by Central Dauphin, which won 23-20 on a last-second field goal. The Tigers, who finished No. 49 in the FAB 50, could be in the running for another state crown in the fall with the return of eight all-conference players, three of which earned all-state honors. ESPNHS Underclass All-American and two-way lineman Patrick Kugler, a Michigan commit, will anchor both lines. Quarterback Mack Leftwich will run the offense after accounting for 36 touchdowns as a junior.