PRZPA Team Preview, Aliquippa Part 2

<p>When thinking about the Aliquippa Quips, one saying comes to mind: the rich get richer. The Quips are one of the most successful high school programs in the U.S., let alone the state of Pennsylvania. Aliquippa has reached the state championship for three straight years, winning two out of the three title games. The reigning 4A WPIAL champions boast a plethora of returning veterans. The most recognizable names returning in 2024 are Penn State commit [player_tooltip player_id='220266' first='Tiqwai' last='Hayes'], [player_tooltip player_id='598916' first='Arison' last='Walker'], [player_tooltip player_id='647248' first='Justus' last='Starks'], [player_tooltip player_id='1156194' first='Qalil' last='Goode'], [player_tooltip player_id='647645' first='Marques' last='Council Jr.'], Tekoah Gilbert, Lester Longmire, and [player_tooltip player_id='1158287' first='Gavin' last='Wilcox']. The biggest surprise this season is the top talent the Quips picked up in the offseason: [player_tooltip player_id='670812' first='Larry' last='Moon III'], WVU commit [player_tooltip player_id='399251' first='Daiveon' last='Taylor'], [player_tooltip player_id='648230' first='Sa'Nir' last='Brooks'], and [player_tooltip player_id='646782' first='Joseph' last='Work'] are all D1 prospects, with three of the four holding multiple offers. Other key players, such as Jasir McCracken, [player_tooltip player_id='1624051' first='Shamar' last='Underwood'], Myles Greene, and Josh Lay, will contribute to the team's overall depth and playmaking abilities.</p>    <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/certified_Dai13/status/1800177119991042223 </div></figure>   <p>It's going to be quite intimidating to see Taylor on Aliquippa's defense this year. Daiveon has a strong lower body, suggesting room for further physical growth. He's already committed to the WVU Mountaineers, showcasing his productivity and versatility playing both DE and LB, excelling in both roles. As a freshman, he led his former team Bishop Canevin with an impressive 17 sacks. Daiveon's lateral quickness and agility will pose a serious threat to opposing teams facing the Quips in '24. He's a D1-caliber blitzer from LB with the ability to cover RBs in man coverage. I expect Daiveon to also make a significant impact on special teams this fall. Before choosing the Mountaineers, he held offers from Penn State, Syracuse, Pitt, Marshall, and Bowling Green.</p>    <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/BrooksNir/status/1800593129214730653 </div></figure>   <p>Brooks transferring from Pittsburgh Central Catholic to Aliquippa marks a significant shift in WPIAL dynamics. The Vikings' loss of two major D1 prospects, Brooks and [player_tooltip player_id='670812' first='Larry' last='Moon III'], simultaneously benefits Aliquippa. Sa'Nir's speed and agility, coupled with [player_tooltip player_id='220266' first='Tiqwai' last='Hayes'], creates a formidable duo in the WPIAL. Brooks demonstrated veteran-like skills during his limited playing time as a freshman at PCC. Opposing defenses now face the challenge of defending against two major FBS-level RBs when playing the Quips this season. Standing at 5'11 and 190 lbs, Brooks possesses the size to run inside the tackles and the speed to break long runs outside. Sa'Nir currently holds offers from West Virginia, Miami Ohio, and Akron at the FBS level.</p>    <p>[player_tooltip player_id='646782' first='Joseph' last='Work'], a D1 prospect, has transferred to the Quips from rival Central Valley, adding depth and versatility to the team. Known for his grit and adaptability, Work showcased his skills at WLB, SS, and RB for CV in 2023. He exhibits excellent football IQ, maintaining a strong tempo while tracking the ball and delivering reliable tackles. As a hard-nosed runner, Joe excels at breaking tackles and gaining valuable yards after contact on every play. His exceptional effort on special teams at CV is expected to translate seamlessly to Aliquippa this upcoming season. While Joseph has drawn interest from several D1 programs, he has yet to receive his first official offer. Nonetheless, with two seasons ahead at Aliquippa, [player_tooltip player_id='646782' first='Joseph' last='Work'] has ample opportunity to further impress recruiters.</p>    <p>Gilbert, a 2026 prospect, exemplifies relentless effort for Aliquippa every game. He boasts a quick first step off the ball as a DE, consistently pressuring the QB and causing disruptions such as hurries, sacks, and TFLs. Gilbert excels at using leverage to bend around the edge and reach the quarterback, demonstrating agility and rapid direction changes while pursuing the football. Despite his size, Tekoah plays with a physicality that exceeds expectations, often outmatching blockers and showcasing his strength with impactful plays like pancake blocks seen in his FB tape at Fullback. </p>    <p>Jasir is poised to return for another impactful season with the Quips, showcasing his experience on the field. He demonstrated precision running an angle route for a touchdown in last season's footage. Jasir also showcased excellent hands and body control on a deep post reception last year. McCracken's physicality shines through in his blocking efforts, consistently delivering on stock blocks. He flashed speed and elusiveness on a spot screen play, turning it into a significant gain in '23. Jasir is set to contribute effectively to the special teams unit in 2024.</p>    <p>Lay is a promising athlete with two seasons left to shine for the Quips. This '26 prospect brings versatility as a receiver, adept at both slot and outside positions. His route running is precise, swiftly transitioning out of breaks without wasting movement. I admire his ability to instinctively turn upfield after receptions, effectively shielding defenders for additional yardage. Lay showcases strong hands and toughness, consistently gaining yards after the catch. His competitive spirit was evident when he forced a fumble on a kickoff return, leading to a score for the Quips. I'm eager to see his impact at defensive back this season; his talent suggests he could excel on special teams as well. Lay's potential to earn a scholarship is clear, and I anticipate he'll prove himself as a standout athlete in the seasons to come.</p>     <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/ShamarUnderwood/status/1729172594346373582 </div></figure>   <p>Two impressive underclassmen who saw significant playing time as freshmen last season are LB [player_tooltip player_id='1624051' first='Shamar' last='Underwood'] and DT/OT Myles Green. Underwood excels as a run stopper in the box at linebacker, demonstrating quickness to the ball and aggressiveness in shedding blockers. He reads plays effectively and reacts swiftly, traits that will continue to develop as he grows into a collegiate prospect at MLB, standing currently at 5'10 and 185 lbs. Green gained valuable experience at defensive tackle as a freshman and will take on increased responsibilities this year. With D1 prospect and transfer DL [player_tooltip player_id='646753' first='Jamar' last='Allen'] ruled ineligible for the season, Myles is poised to step in and elevate his role for the Quips. I expect Underwood and Greene to contribute actively on special teams as well for the defending state champions.</p>

When thinking about the Aliquippa Quips, one saying comes to mind: the rich get richer. The Quips are one of the most successful high school programs in the U.S., let alone the state of Pennsylvania. Aliquippa has reached the state championship for three straight years, winning two out of the three title games. The reigning 4A WPIAL champions boast a plethora of returning veterans. The most recognizable names returning in 2024 are Penn State commit Tiqwai Hayes Tiqwai Hayes 6'1" | 200 lbs | RB Aliquippa | 2025 State PA , Arison Walker Arison Walker 5'8" | 155 lbs | ATH Aliquippa | 2025 State PA , Justus Starks Justus Starks 6'1" | 260 lbs | DL Aliquippa | 2026 State PA , Qalil Goode Qalil Goode 6'0" | 150 lbs | DB Aliquippa | 2026 State PA , Marques Council Jr. Marques Council Jr. 6'2" | 190 lbs | QB Aliquippa | 2026 State PA , Tekoah Gilbert, Lester Longmire, and Gavin Wilcox Gavin Wilcox 5'10" | 150 lbs | DB Aliquippa | 2026 PA . The biggest surprise this season is the top talent the Quips picked up in the offseason: Larry Moon III Larry Moon III 5'11" | 175 lbs | DB Aliquippa | 2027 FL , WVU commit Daiveon Taylor Daiveon Taylor 6'1" | 215 lbs | LB Moon Area | 2026 State PA , Sa’Nir Brooks Sa’Nir Brooks 5'10" | 190 lbs | RB/DB St. Frances | 2027 State MD , and Joseph Work Joseph Work 5'10" | 165 lbs | LB Aliquippa | 2026 State PA are all D1 prospects, with three of the four holding multiple offers. Other key players, such as Jasir McCracken, Shamar Underwood Shamar Underwood LB Aliquippa | 2027 State PA , Myles Greene, and Josh Lay, will contribute to the team's overall depth and playmaking abilities.