If you based overall success on the regular season alone, North Allegheny would have been the king of Class 6A the past three seasons. In that time, the Tigers went 24-1 in the regular season, which included a 19-1 record in conference play.

 

But despite two perfect regular seasons and a one-loss regular season, the Tigers didn’t have any WPIAL titles to show for it. In both 2018 and 2019, they lost in the semifinals. Last season, they fell to Central Catholic, 38-24, in the championship after beating the Vikings by two touchdowns in the regular season.

 

North Allegheny graduated five all-conference players and two Fabulous 22 performers (Khalil Dinkins and Nathan Hoke) from that 2020 team, but the Tigers are still loaded with talent. They will now look to put together a complete season in hopes of winning their first WPIAL championship since claiming WPIAL and PIAA titles during their perfect 2012 season.

 

“We’ve got some big shoes to fill,” coach Art Walker said, “but we have some kids that had some quality reps last year, so it’s a mix of both. We’re looking forward to seeing who is emerging and who takes those jobs. We’ve had a productive summer, but there are still some question marks.”

 

One of the biggest question marks is at quarterback, where several players have been competing for the starting job. They include senior Tanner Potts, junior Rourke Kennedy and sophomore Logan Kushner. Potts is the only one who saw any varsity action last season.

 

“The best game manager is going to be the one who starts and plays,” Walker said.

 

That manager will be managing an offense that isn’t short on dynamic playmakers. In seniors J.R. Burton and Dwayne Taylor, North Allegheny has two of the most talented skill position players in Class 6A.

 

Burton (5 feet 8, 180 pounds) led the Tigers in rushing last season when he had 60 carries for 296 yards (4.9 yards per carry) and scored five touchdowns.

 

“I think he did a lot of growing as a player and as an athlete,” Walker said. “He’s figured things out. Those carries as a junior were invaluable. He has a better understanding of what we’re doing. He’s matured and has put on some size. He’s become more durable and has breakaway speed. We’re hoping he puts different things together and has a good year for us.”

 

Senior Kolin Dinkins and junior Andrew Gavlik are expected to be big contributors to the rushing attack, as well.

At 6-5, 205 pounds, Taylor is an impressive-looking athlete who won the triple jump at the WPIAL Class 3A track and field championships his junior season. He had nine receptions for 141 yards in 2020, and will now be the marquee attraction at wide receiver with Dinkins now at Penn State.

 

“He’s a very good athlete,” said Walker. “He’s explosive and he’s a competitor, and he’s not afraid to be physical. I’m really surprised [his recruitment] hasn’t picked up more. I think he’s a kid who can play Division I football and can make someone happy.”

 

Senior Kyrell Hutcherson and sophomore Khiryn Boyd will also play key roles at wide receiver.

 

Two of North Allegheny’s four returning offensive starters can be found on the line. Senior Josh Ruppert is a tackle who also has experience playing center, while senior Nick Frisco will play guard. Seniors Elijah Smith and Cameron Fries and junior Abdallah Daud will also be in the mix.

 

The defense is headlined by senior defensive end Jacob Porter, an all-conference pick last season and one of four returning starters. Porter (6-2, 210) is big and he can fly. He finished fourth in the 100-meter dash at the WPIAL championships. Porter is the son of former Steelers linebacker Joey Porter and brother of Joey Porter Jr., who now plays at Penn State. Jacob Porter has several Division I offers.

 

“He’s got a lot of speed off the edge,” Walker said. “I think he ran an 11.2 100. He has a great motor and great work ethic. He’s an intelligent player who creates matchup problems.”

 

A son of a current Steeler is one to watch, too. Walker said that sophomore linebacker Tyree Alualu has a bright future. He’s the oldest son of Steelers defensive tackle Tyson Alualu.

 

Said Walker, “He’s going to be a big-time player for three years.”

 

Porter will be joined on the line by Frisco, senior Luke Rumpler and sophomore Cameron Chmura.

 

North Allegheny graduated all of its starting linebackers, so it will move on with an unproven group that includes the likes of Alualu, senior Dom O’Barto and sophomore Aidan Buggey.

 

A secondary that is big, fast and experienced should be an area of strength for the Tigers. Dinkins (6-2, 180) is one of the best cornerbacks in the conference. He’ll play alongside Taylor, Hutcherson, Boyd and senior Ryan Treser.

 

“I really like the speed and athleticism of the secondary,” Walker said. “I think it will give us a good opportunity to man up on teams and do different things.”

 

The Tigers, who went 6-1 a season ago, open this season against City League foe Allderdice before playing Ohio opponents Pickerington Central and Mentor.

 

Walker and the Tigers are excited to make another run at a WPIAL title.

 

“There are some question marks,” Walker said, “but we’ll get them figured out.”

 

Coach: Art Walker

Years at school: 17

2020 record: 6-1

 

Returning starters: Offense 4, Defense 4

 

Key returners: Jacob Porter (6-2, 210, Sr., DE), Dwayne Taylor (6-5, 205, Sr., WR-DB), Kolin Dinkins (6-2, 180, Sr., RB-DB)

 

Keys to success: Finding a quarterback who can manage an offense not short on playmakers. Rebuilding a linebacking group that graduated all four starters. 

 

Schedule

Aug. 27	Allderdice*	7:30
Sept. 3	at Pickerington Central (Ohio)*	7
Sept. 10	Mentor (Ohio)*	7:30
Sept. 17	at Baldwin	7
Sept. 24	Central Catholic	7:30
Oct. 1	at Mt. Lebanon	7
Oct. 8	Norwin	7:30
Oct. 15	at Canon-McMillan	7
Oct. 22	Hempfield	7:30
Oct. 29	at Seneca Valley	7

 

 

*Non-conference game

 

First Published August 22, 2021, 7:00am