Southern Columbia, the dominant team in PIAA Class 2A football for more than a decade, loomed large again Wednesday when the all-state team was announced.
The reigning state champions from District 4 had five players earn all-state honors and the Tigers’ Jim Roth was named coach of the year. In comparison, the WPIAL had two players make this year’s list.
Steel Valley senior Da’Ron Barksdale (defensive back) and Apollo-Ridge senior Connor Bogdanski (offensive line) were named all-state. The team was selected by a statewide vote of sportswriters.
Barksdale, a Pitt defensive back recruit, intercepted four passes this season and returned one for a touchdown. Also a running back for Steel Valley, Barksdale rushed for 2,068 yards and scored 32 touchdowns for the WPIAL finalist.
Bogdanski, a two-way lineman, helped Apollo-Ridge bounce back from a one-win season a year ago to share the Allegheny Conference title. He was a finalist this year for the Bill Fralic Memorial Award given annually to the top WPIAL lineman.
All-state player of the year honors went to Farrell running back Juelz Johnson, who rushed for 2,305 yards and scored 45 touchdowns. The Steelers, who lost 43-22 to Southern Columbia in the PIAA finals earlier this month, had seven players earn all-state honors.
But Farrell couldn’t end the reign of Southern Columbia, which has won the PIAA Class 2A title in nine of the past 11 seasons. The Tigers overall have won 15 state titles under Roth, who has coached the team for 42 years.
The all-state teams for Class 5A, 3A and A were announced Tuesday. The three other classifications — 2A, 4A and 6A – will be revealed Wednesday.
2025 Pa. Class 2A All-State Football Team
Player of the Year: Juelz Johnson, Farrell
Coach of the Year: Jim Roth, Southern Columbia
OFFENSE
Quarterback
Brady Shomper, Williams Valley, 5-11, 180, sr.
Jacob Regan, Richland, 5-10, 165, so.
Aaron Pegues, Farrell, 6-1, 175, jr.
Dante Carr, Minersville, 6-4, 225, sr.
Yeboa Cobbold, Lansdale Catholic, 6-1, 185, sr.
Wyatt Brosious, Bloomsburg, 5-9, 180, sr.
Running back
Juelz Johnson, Farrell, 5-11, 185, sr.
Brayden Andrews, Southern Columbia, 5-7, 165, sr.
Colton Reber, Schuylkill Haven, 6-1, 210, jr.
Vinnie Feliciano, Mercyhurst Prep, 5-10, 181, jr.
Jerome Ross III, Steelton-Highspire, 6-2, 195, sr.
Brendan Gilliland, Troy, 6-1, 195, sr.
Wide receiver
Jamere Christian, Richland, 5-8, 160, jr.
Paiten LaPoint, Minersville, 5-10, 170, sr.
Arnold Mugerwa, Richland, 6-4, 205, jr.
Tight end
Jack Katulis, Bloomsburg, 6-3, 220, sr.
Offensive line
Greg Fulmer, Southern Columbia, 5-10, 220, sr.
Micah Pesesky, Troy, 6-3, 275, jr.
Chase Williams, Schuylkill Haven, 6-3, 342, sr.
Sean Slaughenhaupt, Karns City, 5-10, 260, sr.
Connor Bogdanski, Apollo-Ridge, 6-3, 330, sr.
Athlete
David Naniewicz, Lakeland, 6-3, 215, sr.
Cohen Zechman, Warrior Run, 5-7, 165, sr.
DEFENSE
Defensive Line
John Quinton, Southern Columbia, 6-2, 245, sr.
Rhashaud Dunbar, Farrell, 5-10, 180, sr.
Terrance Smith, Lansdale Catholic, 6-6, 260, so.
Chase Williams, Southern Columbia, 6-3, 195, jr.
Bryce Lewis, Cambria Heights, 6-1, 215, jr.
Linebacker
Omario Boatwright, Farrell, 5-8, 175, jr.
Talon Piatt, Southern Columbia, 5-6, 180, sr.
Angel Luciano, Steelton-Highspire, 6-3, 220, sr.
Niko Castillo, Schuylkill Haven, 6-2, 220, sr.
Deyontay Gillespie, Farrell, 6-0, 185, fr.
Chase Marley, Columbia, 5-10, 175, so.
Defensive back
Da’Ron Barksdale, Steel Valley, 5-11, 190, sr.
Dorean Cain, Farrell, 6-0, 180, jr.
Bryson Durst, North Star, 5-9, 160, sr.
Bentley Bainey, McCort-Carroll, 6-4, 175, jr.
Athlete
Teegan Carroll, Halifax, 6-2, 190, sr.
Jadon King-Vincent, Farrell, 5-11, 160, jr.
Grayson Mahla, Richland, 5-9, 195, jr.
Specialist
Connor Anstadt, Hughesville, 6-1, 175, jr.