HS football preview: California
Expectations haven’t changed at California
Consistency has been a key to Ed Woods’ high school coaching career.
That’s how he likes it and it remains the cornerstone of his and the California Trojans’ success.
“My expectations are the same every year,” Woods said. “I mean, I expect us to win the conference and I expect us to have success in the playoffs as well. I mean expectations don’t change, only players do.
“I’ll tell you what I’m very excited about the group this season. The kids are working hard in the weight room and we’re going to (continue). I saw some nice results in there this year, and on the field the kids are working hard.”
The Tri-County South Conference will again feature Avella, Bentworth, Beth-Center, Carmichaels, Jefferson-Morgan, Mapletown and West Greene, in addition to the Trojans.
In 2024, California finished 8-4 overall and 6-1 in conference play. The Trojans finished as the TCS runnerup after a narrow losslate in the regular season to Jefferson-Morgan.
The Trojans upended Laurel in the first-round of the WPIAL Class A playoffs before bowing out in the quarterfinals.
California had a high-powered offense, averaging 37.5 points per game. The Trojans allowed 18.2 points per game.
The Class A playoff system remains the same as last season. Sixteen playoff spots are available. Playoff berths will be based on team records using conference games, the top three teams in each section qualify for a playoff spot plus four at-large bids, determined by the football committee.
The Trojans are expected to again battle Jefferson-Morgan for the top spot and last season’s loss to the Rockets is a huge motivation.
“Well, it’s definitely motivation,” Woods said. “That’s been discussed already.”
California’s roster isn’t huge but it is dotted with talent and possibilities.
One of the main attractions is senior Malachi Peak (6-0, 231), a running back-defensive end. Peak was a complimentary running back a year ago to the Trojans’ Lee Qualk, a 2,000-yard rusher. Peak ran for 436 yards and averaged 8.9 yards per carry. He should get a larger workload this fall.
“Malachi has been known for defense but he’s on both sides of the ball now,” Woods said. “He played some fullback last year and played a little tailback. So far, his strength has been defensive end but I think that he’s going to have a breakout year as a tailback this year for us. He looks great and is working hard.”
Others who could shine for the Trojans are sophomore fullback-linebacker Brayden Crockett (5-9,205), junior wide receiver-linebacker Elijah Carpenter (6-1, 212), junior offensive lineman-linebacker Colton Lowden (6-1, 212), senior fullback-linebacker Landon Abercrombie (5-10, 191), senior quarterback-defensive back Logan Hartley (6-3, 190) and senior offensive lineman-defensive end Noah Layhue (6-5, 240).
“Noah has really come a long way in one year in the weight room,” Woods said. “He put on a lot of weight and he’s a wrestler, too. So, it’s kind of tough for him, with his weight. I think he really decided that he wants to try and play college football. It shows by the way that he’s taking care of his body. I’m looking for big things from him on both sides of the football.”
Hartley had to attempt only 71 passes a year ago in the Trojans’ run-oriented offense. Nine of those attempts went for touchdowns.
Woods also identified junior running back-linebacker Chase Shemansky (6-0, 165), sophomore running back-defensive back Alan Dennis (6-0, 180) as potential key contributors this season and beyond.
Woods pointed to Abercrombie, who plays fullback and inside linebacker. And to Hartley, the Trojans’ quarterback as plays who could take on larger roles.
“I’m expecting Abercrombie to have a solid year on both sides of the ball, and then we have our returning quarterback back, Logan Hartley, and we’re expecting him to improve this year,” Woods said. “Chase Shemansky is another guy who has played a lot of slot receiver but also plays an outside linebacker position. I think he’s going to have a nice year. Eli Carpenter, another receiver-outside linebacker kid who played a lot last year. We’re expecting a lot out of him. Colton Lowden, who we moved from tight end to offensive tackle, is also playing linebacker.”