1. Nate Monroe, LB, Bishop McDevitt: The Class AAA benchmark program might be known for pumping out a few National Football League running backs, but plenty of top-notch linebackers have excelled in blue and gold. While Monroe added his name to that list a while back, the 6-0, 205-pound gunner has been a terror in recent weeks. Not only does Monroe lead the Crusaders with 85 tackles, he's broken up six passes and picked off two more. His latest theft occurred on Saturday when Monroe's 32-yard pick-6 helped cut Cathedral Prep's lead to 42-40 in the third quarter. That left the door open for QB Nick Marsilio's game-winning strike to Bryce Hall and yet another PIAA championship appearance for the Crusaders.
2. Jarrett McClenton, RB, Archbishop Wood: Don't be fooled by McClenton's size. What the junior captain brings to the Vikings offense is a really explosive set of legs and mean streak. Plenty of speed and open-space shiftiness, as well. McClenton was a freshman during that last 2011 tango with McD, but the 5-8, 160-pounder will do a little of everything for Devlin's crew this time around. Of McClenton's 1,467 rushing yards this season, the versatile two-way player put up some of his best numbers against top-tier opponents. McClenton went for 168 yards against North Penn, 174 against Class AAAA No. 2 St. Joseph's Prep, and is coming off a 172-yard waltz vs. Berwick in the semifinals. Counting his 26 TDs on the ground, McClenton has produced 180 points in all.
3. Jake Cooper, LB, Archbishop Wood: There are certain characteristics you must account for when facing a Steve Devlin-coached football team. A fancy for running downhill is one. A steady stream of versatile playmakers with a serious edge is another. Cooper, a dynamite 6-2, 230-pound inside linebacker also brings a nasty streak to the equation. Cooper is only a junior, but there's a reason why FBS programs like Syracuse, Duke and the University of Pittsburgh are pining for his services in the Fall of 2015. With more than enough physical talent to attack the interior, Cooper also brings a smart mental approach to the game. And if Devlin lines up his top tackler at fullback, well, let's just say Cooper is a hard man to bring down.
4. Andre Robinson, RB, Bishop McDevitt: It's not uncommon for head coaches to dish out compliments to opposing players. When you see an elite-level player, even on the “wrong” side of the field, there's a level of respect that carries over. Mike Mischler was that head coach just days ago when the 5-11, 205-pound junior rang up 180 rushing yards and two TDs to help the Crusaders upend Cathedral Prep 47-42 in DuBois. Robinson brings a lot more than speed and toughness to the position. He brings experience, vision, and a open-field stiff arm that makes it difficult for opposing tacklers to reach the strongman's hitch. Entering Friday's clash with the Vikings, Robinson has produced 2,276 rushing yards on just 249 carries. He's over 3,000 all-purpose yards and has manufactured 32 touchdowns in all. Penn State, Pitt and Virginia Tech are among the dozen-plus FBS schools already on the hook.
5. Ryan Bates, OT, Archbishop Wood: You can't score 615 points in 15 weeks without having a little size and aggression along the offensive line. Bates has both, which is why the likes of Penn State, South Carolina and Virginia, among others, have offered the towering 6-5, 280-pounder a future on a FBS sideline. Bates, however, isn't all brawn. He's been clocked at 4.9 in the 40, which is tremendous for his size, so Devlin has no issues running his playmakers behind that kind of talent. It's easy to see why the Vikings boast a 1,400-yard rusher and three additional backs with more than 315 stripes.
Epler on Twitter: @threejacker
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