North Allegheny would give undefeated Norcross a brutal battle if they played in the Capital One Bowl.
Photo by Ken Inness
Capital One Bowl, Georgia vs. Nebraska
High school equivalent: Norcross (Ga.) vs.
North Allegheny (Wexford, Pa.)Rankings (Xcellent 25, MaxPreps Computer Rankings): Norcross 3, 16; North Allegheny 7, 4
Norcross represented the Peach State well on the national level in 2012. Capturing Georgia's Class AAAAAA state title with an unblemished record is a major achievement on the high school level.
Like their homestate Bulldogs, Norcross boasts some impressive talent, led by senior
Alvin Kamara. Kamara was the Atlanta Journal-Constitution All-Class Player of the Year after the 5-foot-10, 195 pounder gained 2,264 yards and scored 26 touchdowns on 303 carries.
Junior
Myles Autry is another game-changing talent. Perhaps the team's most impressive player is 6-6, 230-pound defensive end
Lorenzo Carter.
A first team All-State pick after recording 136 tackles and 18 sacks, Carter was a monster at the end position for head coach Keith Maloof and would cause major problems for any opposing offense.
Led by quarterback
Mack Leftwich, North Allegheny is accustomed to taking on teams with more pure talent and, at least recently, coming away with victories.
Over the last three seasons, North Allegheny has lost only twice and has captured two Class AAAA state titles, beating highly regarded teams from all parts of the state. Like Nebraska, North Allegheny is traditionally a run-first team. This year however, Leftwich threw for 3,331 yards and 45 touchdowns - the type of air attack that can more than keep defenses honest and help allow for an effective ground game.
Michigan-bound tackle
Patrick Kugler gives North Allegheny coach Art Walker an opportunity to neutralize Carter.
Norcross thrived in high-scoring affairs this year, but North Allegheny, which averaged more than 54 points in its final three games, would not be afraid to get into an offense-driven affair.
Still, leading rusher
Alex DiCiantis would have to be productive to keep Kamara and company off the field.
Our Computer Projection (neutral field): North Allegheny 31, Norcross 21
