Mid-Penn Conference: Six-pack of stories to watch
Bishop McDevitt's T’nyis Becker is just one of the many weapons roaming between the hash lines for the Crusaders. (Adam Kulikowski/4th Down)
1. The best player in the MPC that isn’t a household name is Kenyon Johnson. The versatile Johnson could start as a wide receiver and shine for any team in the conference. But Johnson plays at West Perry, and the Mustangs in Elliottsburg don’t grab a lot of headlines. Well, with Johnson moving to quarterback to have the ball in his hands all the time, he responded with 333 yards and four touchdowns in his first start under center. He’s one of the best players nobody knows about, but you should.
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2. Let’s talk about the Cedar Cliff defense and that doughnut it posted against Governor Mifflin. That was the most impressive part of the Colts thumping of the Mustangs. The key was three gents up front — Anthony Jones, Iasiah Tirado and Albert Rosado — dominating the point of attack all game against the veer offense. Well done.
Related: In their words: Moments that stood out in Week 1
3. Best game this week is Central Dauphin hitting the road to face Berks Catholic. The Saints getting their non-divisional schedule up to standard with a game like this was overdue. Why not pick a team to play that you know, when punched, won’t lay down and has a history of climbing off the deck and punching back. That’s the Rams. This game serves both teams well, but Berks better be ready for 48 minutes of physical football. The Rams won’t be bothered by anything.
4. Don’t think for a minute Bishop McDevitt coach Jeff Weachter is going to change his thought process and run the ball more in this offense. They are going to pump the rock downfield with all that talent at QB in Chase Diehl and WR in Nazir Burnett and T’nyis Becker. But there is a trio of backs, including Becker, who is a legitimate dual-threat RB-WR combo, to carry the rock. And the OL is huge and works well together. Expect more balance this season.
Related: Game recap Bishop McDevitt vs. Cumberland Valley
5. I’m worried about Trinity, Red Land and Mechanicsburg this season. I see very long seasons for all three clubs. Red Land has pipeline talent developing so this is truly a transition year. Trinity and Mechanicsburg struggle to keep the opposition from scoring 30-plus points a game. That’s a recipe for lots of losses. I’m worried, but hopeful. Hope I’m wrong.
6. Here’s my take on a few marquee teams in Week 2 who dropped their openers. Harrisburg needs to win and should have little trouble with Reading, Cumberland Valley will win, and the toughest challenge falls to Susquehanna Twp. The Tribe faces a surging Milton Hershey team, and after posting less than 100 yards of offense and getting shut out by powerhouse Manheim Central, this feels like a must-win for Joe Headen’s troops.
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