There’s only one team in the Mid-Penn Conference that is a clear-cut favorite to win a division: The Susquehanna Township Indians.
Joseph Headen’s squad returns a treasure trove of top-shelf talent in a Colonial Division where most of the teams are dealing with heavy losses. There are no guarantees, but with QB TD Evans and WR Lex Cyrus leading the charge, it’s hard for us to imagine anyone other than the Tribe winning this division.
With that said, predicting the order of the other finishers from runner-up all the way to ninth place is a much tougher task. Every one of these teams has graduated impact players that will make the going difficult this fall, yet all return pieces that lead you to believe they can have success in a division that is rebuilding as a whole.
So as you settle in for another season in the new-look Colonial, expect some quirky results, and perhaps for a new crop of stars to emerge from this wave of young players.
Projected division standings: Susquehanna Township, Big Spring, Trinity, West Perry, Milton Hershey, Boiling Springs, Middletown, East Pennsboro, Greencastle-Antrim.
Susquehanna Township Indians
Predicted finish: 1st
Coach: Joseph Headen
Record last season: 7-4, 5-2 Colonial (2nd place)
Team outlook: With a loaded squad this fall, Susquehanna Township has a chance to do something it hasn’t done since 2015: Win a division title. That year, the Indians went 10-4 and shared a Keystone Division title with Bishop McDevitt. Susquehanna Township will be aiming to bring home a division title, and perhaps more, with one of the best QB-WR combos you’ll see in the Mid-Penn this fall. Junior TD Evans (6-1, 175) and senior WR Lex Cyrus (5-11, 165) have made a habit of dicing up opposing defenses, with WR Jarrett Kern (47-579-6) also getting in on the action. That group will have plenty of time to do the same this season with the return of all-star OLs Mason Lubold (6-0, 265), Yendor Mack (6-3, 260), and Anthony Burnett (6-2, 285). Take into account a Township defense that brings back DLs Lubold and Jayden Riley (5-10, 250), and DB Alfonso Burnett (6-1, 168), and the Tribe should very much be considered the favorites to win the Colonial this season.
One player to watch: Lex Cyrus. Catch him if you can. Susquehanna Township’s defending state champion in the 100-meter dash is certifiably the fastest man in the Mid-Penn Conference, and it shows on the football field, where he excels for the Tribe as a WR and return specialist. Cyrus’ blinding speed, combined with sharp route running, makes him a nightmare for opponents and a dream come true for South Carolina, the school he will be playing for next fall. He is a very slippery ball carrier and has a knack for turning short passes into big plays. All of these attributes carry over to the return game, where Cyrus becomes even more of a blur for would-be tacklers. With Cyrus spreading the field, look for the Indians to light up the scoreboard this fall.
Big Spring Bulldogs
Predicted finish: 2nd
Coach: Joseph Sinkovich
Record last season: 6-5, 3-3 Capital (4th place)
Team outlook: Vibes are optimistic in Newville for the Bulldogs, who bring back a number of skill players from last year’s playoff team. Big Spring returns seven offensive starters, with QB Chase Fry (6-0, 175) and RB Grant Hall (5-10, 180) set to lead the way. Hall accounted for nearly 1,500 yards as a rusher and receiver, but duplicating those numbers won’t be easy without the help of a new-look offensive line that includes Matthew Paulus (6-3, 200), Preston Alleman (5-11, 200), Davis Moore (6-0, 220), Carson Henry (6-2, 275), and TE Brexton Heckendorn (6-3, 230). Big Spring’s defense returns six starters, including LB Brady Singer (6-2, 200), who is back after logging 59 tackles last fall. Singer will be joined in the linebacking corps by Spencer Cachara (5-10, 180), Paulus, and Hall, with DE Heckendorn and DL Henry looking to make an impact upfront. All-star kicker Landen Mayer (6-2, 175) will be counted on for clutch field goals in tight games. Big Spring returns more talent than many of the teams in the Colonial, so if this group can gel quickly, their experience advantage could pay large dividends.
One player to watch: Grant Hall. There are plenty of playmakers on the Big Spring offense, but none more dynamic than Hall, a 5-foot-10, 180-pound RB. Not only did Hall give the Bulldogs a 1,000-yard rushing campaign last fall, averaging 8.4 yards per carry and scoring 10 TDs, but he also made an impact in the receiving game where he hauled in 21 catches for 419 yards and 5 TDs. Hall’s feet are always chopping as he bobs and weaves through traffic, and with good balance and acceleration — not to mention a little bit of hustle — he’s able to transform broken plays into first downs and touchdowns. Hall boasts a 4.48 40-yard dash time, and he takes advantage of that speed when he splits out wide to play receiver. If Big Spring’s fresh-faced offensive line can pull together, don’t be surprised if Hall’s numbers — and the Bulldogs’ win total — are even bigger this season.
Trinity Shamrocks
Predicted finish: 3rd
Coach: Kevin Yarnevich
Record last season: 8-4, 4-3 Capital (3rd place)
Team outlook: When it comes to predicting the Trinity Shamrocks, your guess is just as good as ours. They are projected to return several key players, like two-way Capital all-stars Christian Joy and Chris Thompson, but the team will be trying to find their way with a new head coach and quarterback. The team will also be looking to replace the production of star RB Messiah Mickens, who is now at Harrisburg. Joy, an RB, and OL Thompson (5-10, 250) will look to guide an offense that is projected to return RB PJ Dent (29-89-1) and WRs Tanie Young (9-120-4) and Ishmael Palmer (2-97-1). Trinity should be OK on defense, where they return a trio of First Team Capital selections DL Thompson (40 tackles), LB Jacob Ness (133 tackles, 6 TFLs, 2 sacks), and DB Amil Way (33 tackles). The Shamrocks’ defensive unit is also expected to return LBs Hayden Johnson (5-10, 205), Marcus Yeager (6-3, 215), and Quincy Smith (6-2, 220), NG Aiden Arias (5-10, 205), and SS Payton Schaffner (6-2, 190). The parts seem to be there for the Shamrocks, but their season will come down to how quickly they can adjust to a flurry of off-season changes to the program.
One player to watch: Christian Joy. With Messiah Mickens’ transfer to Harrisburg, Joy becomes the primary go-to player in the Trinity offense. Joy, a 5-foot-9, 170-pound RB and return specialist, brings back 719 rushing and 210 receiving yards, to go along with six combined TDs. Joy is a scrappy player with a nice burst. He breaks through arm-tackles and doesn’t give up on plays. Joy is excellent at running the screen play and following his blockers, and he will stiff-arm or juke out defenders that get in his way. Trinity will be counting on Joy to be the portrait of consistency, as the Shamrocks settle into the season and discover their identity.
West Perry Mustangs
Predicted finish: 4th
Coach: Bob Boden
Record last season: 11-2, 5-1 Capital (2nd place)
Team outlook: It’s easy to believe that West Perry will be in a rebuilding year after graduating a strong senior class that helped the Mustangs average 49.9 points per game last fall. But if you take a closer look, WP returns plenty of quality players who can once again make an impact. Leading the charge is Brad Hockenberry (5-10, 180), a two-way Capital all-star at RB and LB last fall. Running behind Honorable Mention all-star center Connor Fleisher (5-10, 200), Hockenberry will be counted on to handle the bulk of the carries as the Mustangs attempt to replace their starting QB and top WR. Three other returning West Perry RBs — Evan Jutba (5-8, 160), Grady Reisinger, and Jenson Hockenberry-Folk — combined for nearly 700 rushing yards and 8 TDs last fall. West Perry returns all-star caliber talent on the defensive side, as well, with DL Quade Boden (5-10, 215) and Hockenberry. Several others were active on the defensive unit last season, including LB Hockenberry-Folk (82 tackles, 11.5 TFLs, 2 sacks, 1 INT), DBs Cole Brown (31 tackles, 2 INTs, 3 pass breakups) and Trent Hockenberry (41 tackles, 1 INT, 8 pass breakups), DLs Cayden Sturgeon (32 tackles, 3.5 TFLs, 2 sacks) and Nic Oerman (27 tackles, 2.5 TFLs). It would be wise for opponents not to underestimate the Mustangs this season.
One player to watch: Brad Hockenberry. This 5-foot-10, 180-pound RB/LB will is projected to be West Perry’s big man on campus after a brilliant junior season last fall. On offense, he returns nearly 1,200 rushing yards and 12 TDs, to go along with 159 receiving yards and a TD. Hockenberry runs with big, strong strides and won’t be brought down with arm tackles. He’s deceptively quick and can juke out defenders or just run right past them. Hockenberry is a strong blocker who has been known to pancake blitzing linebackers. This strength translates to the defensive side of the ball, where Hockenberry totaled 44 tackles, 6.5 TFLs, 4 sacks, 1 INT, 2 pass breakups, 1 forced fumble, and 1 blocked kick. Hockenberry also wears the hat of kick returner, a job that saw him average 26.5 yards per return last season. With Hockenberry helping to guide the ship, look for “rebuilding” West Perry to be competitive on a weekly basis.
Milton Hershey Spartans
Predicted finish: 5th
Coach: Jeff Boger
Record last season: 6-6, 3-4 Keystone (6th place)
Team outlook: After losing many of their prized skill players to graduation, the Spartans will be looking to instead bully their way through the Colonial this fall with a sizable group of trench warriors. Keystone all-stars OL Christian Bryant (6-2, 295) and junior DL Malachi Toles (5-9, 220) highlight Milton Hershey’s group of big men, a unit that also includes the likes of OL/DL Mark Reid (6-1, 265), OL/DL Connor Miller (6-0, 240), Zyair Pernsley (5-11, 174), and Sinai Mayer (6-2, 205). With these dudes controlling the line of scrimmage, lanes should be open for HB/LB Damian Mattos (5-7, 160) and RB/LB Anthony Taylor (5-9, 175) to make plays on both sides of the ball. Receiver and defensive back should also be a strength for the Spartans, who are eager to get to work with a group of players that includes Parris Blackston (5-9, 170), Keon Lovitt (5-10, 155), Isaiah Zoegar (5-8, 160), and Alex Cruz-Wright (5-7, 150). Milton Hershey will need to identify a QB to deliver the ball to this stable of receivers, but whoever the Spartans select should have an extra second or two given the wall of protection they will have in front of them. In a Colonial where nearly every team is dealing with graduation losses, Milton Hershey’s size and physicality could give them a decisive edge.
One player to watch: Christian Bryant. The baddest man on the Milton Hershey offensive line is the punishing left tackle, the 6-foot-2, 295-pound Bryant. In one of the more violent highlight films you can watch, Bryant’s stretch is apparent early. One shove is all it takes to pancake most defenders, and those who are able to stay on their feet usually find themselves getting trucked 10 yards downfield. Bryant is a big man, but he has plenty of spring in his step when he’s hustling to lead block on a screen play. As a defensive end, Bryant generates a strong push toward the QB and can demand the attention of multiple blockers. If Milton Hershey outperforms expectations this season, we presume that Bryant will be a big reason why.
Boiling Springs Bubblers
Predicted finish: 6th
Coach: Brad Zell
Record last season: 2-8, 1-5 Capital (6th place)
Team outlook: With a solid corps of returners, Boiling Springs will be aiming for its first winning season since 2021. The Bubblers return two all-stars — OL Lance Schwang (6-0, 215) and P/K Preston Warner (5-11, 165) — as well as a handful of skill players: QB Zach Porter (5-11, 143), RB Javier Rosario (5-5, 142), and FB Demetri White (6-0, 195). Schwang will help pave the way up front, along with a varsity-tested group of big men that include C/DE Ethan Stouffer (5-9, 185), T/DT Ryan Bush (6-2, 265), G/DE Brodric Deitz (5-9, 189), C/T Ethan Noll (6-1, 230), and DE/TE Jonathan Wonders (6-1, 195). Expect to see plenty of two-way players, including junior SS Ryan Heller (6-0, 160), who should also make an impact at WR. In order to move up the food chain in the Colonial Division, the Bubblers will have to stay healthy and continue to improve every week.
One player to watch: Demetri White. This junior wasn’t an all-star last season, but the game film of the 6-foot, 195-pound FB/OLB stood out for us. Just a sophomore last fall, White ran like a man, using his strength to rumble through tacklers. He has good speed for a large runner, and when he accelerates into the secondary, there isn’t a DB in the Mid-Penn who wants to stand in his way. On the defensive side of the ball, White can use his big frame to muscle through the chaos at the line of scrimmage and put himself in position to make a play. His aggressive nature makes him a prime candidate for blitzing. There aren’t an abundance of superstars on the Boiling Springs roster, but if White makes that next step forward, don’t be surprised if you see him land on an all-star team this fall.
Middletown Blue Raiders
Predicted finish: 7th
Coach: Scott Govern
Record last season: 1-9, 1-5 Capital (7th place)
Team outlook: Two years removed from its “death penalty” season in 2022, the Middletown football program seems to be back on the way up. The Blue Raiders graduated their only all-star, but return seven players on offense and nine on defense to compete in the new-look Colonial Division. A pair of freshman QBs — Harrison Ortiz (6-1, 165) and Benjamin Nordai (5-11, 170) — are set to compete for the starter’s job, and they will be assisted on offense by a supporting cast of skill players that includes RBs Luis Roman (5-9, 170), Adiel Johnson, and Gavin Paul (5-8, 170), and WRs Nickayus Zenon (5-9, 172) and Genesisia Ross (5-10, 150). Look for OL’s Josh Toro (6-0, 245) and Joseph Gassert (6-0, 255) to help pave the way up front, and to help on the defensive side, as well. The Blue Raiders will be looking to improve upon their 26.9 points allowed average from last fall, and could very well do so with an experienced group that includes LBs Johnson and George Hartwick (5-10, 180), DBs Zenon and Ross, safeties Roman and Paul, and DE Annyas Hassan (6-1, 225). Toss in a returning senior kicker in Landon Keyser, and it’s easy to see why Middletown is optimistic about its chances in 2024.
One player to watch: Genesisia Ross. Coach Govern describes the 5-foot-10, 150-pound Ross as one of the best athletes in the Mid-Penn Colonial Division. That’s high praise for a rising sophomore, but the limited tape on the DB/WR shows that Govern just might be on to something. As a defender, Ross is excellent in both anticipation — which allows him to unleash big hits at the same moment the ball is caught — and pursuit, where he can create angles and chase down a runner on the other side of the field. A capable pass catcher, Ross not only possesses speed but can switch gears to throw off defenders. Look for Ross’ playmaking abilities to not only lift Middletown’s confidence but perhaps the team’s win total, as well.
East Pennsboro Panthers
Predicted finish: 8th
Coach: John Denniston
Record last season: 9-2, 6-1 Colonial (1st place)
Team outlook: East Pennsboro played its best season in years last fall, and the Panthers finished with 20 selections to the Colonial Division all-star squad. Graduation, however, has not been kind to East Penn as only two all-stars return for the 2024 season: Seniors JJ Gossard and Ali Alami. Gossard (5-8, 175) was a two-way all-star at RB and DB last fall. He will be counted on to give East Penn good reps in the running game while the Panthers go to work replacing their starting QB, top receiver, and three offensive linemen. Junior Elliot Bruhn (55-258-2) should also get some carries. As for Alami (6-4, 220), he was also a two-way all-star as a TE, where he caught 14 passes for 196 yards, and as a kicker, where he averaged 34.2 yards on kickoffs, converted 28 of 33 PATs, and was 8 for 8 on field goals with a long of 38 yards. Defensively, DB Gossard will lead a group of returners that includes DB Cel Reed (5-10, 180), OLBs Kolton Keys (5-11, 160) and Ryan Potts (5-10, 160), DL Logan Newman (6-1, 264), as well as Bruhn (5-9, 160) and Henry Ridgley (5-9, 215). If coach Denniston can find a way to cover the Panthers’ graduation losses and contend for the division, he could be well on his way to repeating as the Colonial Coach of the Year.
One player to watch: JJ Gossard. If East Pennsboro secures another winning season, Gossard will be a big reason why. The 5-foot-8, 175-pound RB/DB was a two-way star for the Panthers, and will be the focal point of the East Penn offense this fall. He totaled 776 yards and 6 TDs on 169 carries last season and hauled in nine catches for 180 yards and 3 TDs. Gossard boasts strong acceleration, allowing him to throw would-be tacklers with starts and stops. He has the power to run effectively between the tackles, and the speed to run on the outside. Gossard has sharp footwork and soft, reliable hands that make him a prime target for dump-off passes and screen play. On the other side of the ball, Gossard is a versatile player who totaled 41 tackles, 2 TFLs, 1 sack, 1 INT, and 3 pass breakups. Look for East Pennsboro to turn to Gossard early and often for production and leadership as it breaks in several players who are new to the varsity game.
Greencastle-Antrim Blue Devils
Predicted finish: 9th
Coach: Devin McCauley
Record last season: 7-4, 4-3 Colonial (4th place)
Team Outlook: After graduating a senior class that carried the Blue Devils to the District 3 postseason, Greencastle-Antrim finds itself with more than a few holes to fill on both sides of the ball. The QB is gone, as are the Top 8 rushers, and while the Blue Devils’ top receiver — Carter McCauley (6-4, 180) — is back, five other receiving leaders have graduated. McCauley and returning all-star TE Connor Rennekamp will need to provide leadership and production for the offense, and with points coming at a premium, senior kicker Andrew Bowers will have to be just as effective as last season, when he converted 18 of 20 extra points and 4 of 6 field goals, with a long of 39 yards. The Blue Devils defense returns solid players at all three levels in DT Jeremiah Fogle (6-2, 220), MLB JD Flynn (6-0, 197), and FS McCauley. Fogle is Greencastle’s returning sack leader after getting to the QB six times last season. The Blue Devils aren’t the only team in the Colonial trying to rebound after heavy losses, so if their new cast of role players can catch on quickly, they can have a competitive team this fall.
One player to watch: Carter McCauley. Eight years ago McCauley won a Punt, Pass, & Kick competition put on by the Baltimore Ravens. Now a 6-foot-4, 180-pound senior WR/FS for the Blue Devils, McCauley will have to “do it all” more than ever as Greencastle tries to remain competitive after losing a talented group of players to graduation. As a defender, McCauley is good at keeping the ball in front of him and gets low to make sure-handed tackles. When McCauley has a sense of where the ball is going, he becomes a heat-seeking missile that can lay down the hammer. Last year he logged 39 tackles and a TFL. On offense, McCauley is coming off a season where he hauled in 39 catches for 588 yards and 5 TDs, and will provide a tall target for Greencastle’s newest QB this fall.
