Tough early schedule paying off now for Trojans
Not many Class A high school football teams faced a tougher non-conference schedule than California this season.
The Trojans traveled for a stiff test at Fort Cherry (a 43-14 loss) in Week Two which was followed by a tough home challenge against Washington (a 50-6 loss) in Week Three.
When the WPIAL pairings were released on Saturday, the Prexies were seeded No. 1 and the Rangers were at No. 4.
California coach Ed Woods wasn’t miffed by the difficult early stretch at all.
In fact, he welcomed it.
“No question I think it definitely helped us playing Fort Cherry and Wash High at the beginning of the season,” said Woods, whose team was seeded sixth after claiming the Tri-County South Conference championship with a 22-20 win at previously unbeaten Beth-Center in Week 10.
“That’s what gets you ready for the conference. I hope they continue to give us those strong opponents at the beginning of the year. Win or lose, it makes you better.”
California (8-2), which has won seven in a row since the loss to Washington, opens the postseason against No. 11 Northgate (7-3) at Trojans Stadium on Friday with kickoff slated for 7 p.m.
“They’re a good football team,” Woods said. “Everything runs through the quarterback (Devontae Smith). He’s an excellent runner. I think he’s like 6-1, 215 maybe, nice-sized quarterback, throws the ball well, too.
“He’s like our Enzo Brown for this week,” Woods added, referring to the Bulldogs running back his Trojans faced last week. “We’ve got to try to stop him or we’re going to have some issues. I think we matchup better with them as far as the offensive and defensive lines go.”
Woods, who previously coached at Beth-Center, reached a couple individual coaching milestones this season, taking over as California’s career wins leader (currently at 63) while also securing his 10th conference championship.
Don’t talk to him about those accomplishments, though, at least not during the season.
“I don’t think about that stuff now,” Woods said. “The sad thing with me is after the Beth-Center game I’m already thinking about what I have to do Saturday morning, finding out who we’re going to play.
“I can’t really enjoy anything until it’s all over. It’s just how I’m built.”
California is led offensively by quarterback Brandon Meier, running backs Alan Dennis and Chase Shemansky, fullback Brayden Crockett and wide receivers Eli Carpenter and Weston Monticelli.
If the Trojans defeat Northgate they will advance to the quarterfinals on Nov. 13, likely against No. 3 Clairton, whichs hosts No. 14 Union in the first round.