Week 1 Picks and Predictions

September 22:

Cedar Crest at Lower Dauphin (7)

Andy Shay: Lower Dauphin 27, Cedar Crest 20: Feels like a toss-up game at first glance. Falcons are coming off a season where they recorded first postseason win in a quarter century but lost some critical skill players and are thin up front. Falcons have less questions that need answered right now.

Adam Kulikowski: Lower Dauphin 33, Cedar Crest 21: Our 4th Down crew is bullish on LD’s prospects with QB Braeden Heckard back for another circuit. 

Andy Sandrik: Lower Dauphin 21, Cedar Crest 13: Expect some ruffled feathers when Cedar Crest travels to LD for some PIAA-sanctioned Falcon-on-Falcon violence. The boys from Hummelstown return their starting QB, among other key players, and seem to have the edge in this one.

West Perry at Susquenita (7)

Andy Shay: West Perry 34, Susquenita 14: Mustangs are still picking up the pieces after a hard fall in 2024. And WP lost its nearly 1,300-yard back, too. Blackhawks don’t have the parts required to make Mustangs sweat this one out.

Adam Kulikowski: West Perry 28, Susquenita 14: Judging this one based on which team is more equipped to plug in new pieces and execute in Week 1. That team to me is clearly in green and white.

Andy Sandrik: West Perry 42, Susquenita 7: The Mustangs are coming off a losing season, yes, but I don’t expect them to cede their dynastic control over Perry County any time soon.

Big Spring at Shippensburg (7)

Andy Shay: Shippensburg 30, Big Spring 14: Greyhounds won 10 games a year ago and have more than enough key pieces still around to have some serious lofty expectations. Too big, too fast and too strong for the Bulldogs this early.

Adam Kulikowski: Shippensburg 37, Big Spring 14: 4th Down has high expectations for the Greyhounds again in 2025–just check out our season preview. Today, that talent shines even if the lights aren’t on yet. 

Andy Sandrik: Shippensburg 28, Big Spring 12: The Greyhounds come into this season with a solid group of returners who still can’t play in their newly-built stadium, which won’t have lighting installed until at least mid-October. Big Spring, unfortunately, seems like it will be the one paying the price for this delay.

Lewisburg at Line Mountain (7)

Andy Shay: Lewisburg 27, Line Mountain 24: The prohibitive favorite in the MPC Capital has a wicked tough opener against a Green Dragons squad that won 10 games a year ago and still has a defense that makes you earn it.

Adam Kulikowski: Line Mountain 21, Lewisburg 20: The Green Dragons will be breaking in a new QB while the Eagles return plenty of top talent. That opens the door for Line Mountain to get redemption from last year’s 26-23 loss.

Andy Sandrik: Line Mountain 24, Lewisburg 20: This game was a nail-biter last season, and although Line Mountain lost, I think the Eagles bring back enough All-Star talent to spring an upset over the Green Dragons this time around.

Allentown Central Catholic at Trinity (7)

Andy Shay: Allentown Central Catholic 20, Trinity 13: Huge fan of the T-Rocks defense and the Vikings have a lot to prove offensively. However, Trinity offense is a huge question mark. Shamrocks offense finds some firepower early they win this one.

Adam Kulikowski: Allentown Central Catholic 28, Trinity 21: ACC’s dual threat quarterback Patrick Cahill offered glimpses of his versatility last year as a sophomore, registering 779 passing yards and 364 rushing yards. Look for an even bigger impact in ‘25.

Andy Sandrik: Trinity 17, Allentown Central Catholic 10: Just when we were ready to feel sorry for a “depleted” Trinity squad last preseason, the team rallied for a 9-3 campaign under the guidance of first-year coach Kevin Yarnevich. I have a feeling the ‘Rocks take another big step forward this fall, starting with a hard-earned win over ACC.

Palmyra at Lebanon (7)

Andy Shay: Palmyra 32, Lebanon 12: Could be another tough year for the Cougars in the MPC Keystone, but this is a winnable game on every front. Take ‘em one at a time, right? 

Adam Kulikowski: Palmyra 34, Lebanon 6: This is one match-up the Cougars have circled annually on their calendar. Time to take full advantage. 

Andy Sandrik: Palmyra 28, Lebanon 7: The Cougars don’t want to miss out on what could be their most winnable game of the season. Cedars aiming for a fresh start after going 0-10 last fall.

Milton Hershey at Hershey (7)

Andy Shay: Hershey 28, Milton Hershey 20: Little forced family fun to start the season with the Bean Bowl on tap in the town founded on chocolate. Trojans have more pieces to the puzzle that are known so a slight nod to the lads from Derry Township School District.

Adam Kulikowski: Hershey 37, Milton Hershey 33: Hershey QB Cam Sweeney enters the ‘25 circuit as a favorite to take home division MVP honors. Expect plenty of fireworks in this battle for the bean.

Andy Sandrik: Hershey 33, Milton Hershey 27: Expect electric play at QB with two dynamic athletes — Hershey’s Cam Sweeney and Milton Hershey’s Logan Jerry — slated to guide their teams.

Upper Dauphin at Williams Valley (7)

Andy Shay: Williams Valley 36, Upper Dauphin 27: Vikings are regarded as one of the preseason 10 best teams in PIAA Class AA. Good enough to get my pick for Week 1.

Adam Kulikowski: Williams Valley 41, Upper Dauphin 30: Both teams have some quality pieces that will pay dividends throughout the season. Give the Week 1 edge to the Vikings in my book. 

Andy Sandrik: Williams Valley 33, Upper Dauphin 24: No better way for the Trojans to prepare for their season in the Capital Division than with a high-powered tangle with their former TVL rival.

Gettysburg at Chambersburg (7)

Andy Shay: Chambersburg 36, Gettysburg 14: Don’t look at the Trojans winning only four games a year ago and think that wasn’t a noteworthy season. The MPC Commonwealth is a gauntlet again these days. Warriors have a stud RB and next level lineman but it still won’t be enough against the experienced lads from Franklin County.

Adam Kulikowski: Gettysburg 27, Chambersburg 21: The Warriors simply couldn’t find consistency last year; getting off to a fast start against a Commonwealth team with a new head coach could provide the momentum needed to fully turn the page on ’24.

Andy Sandrik: Chambersburg 32, Gettysburg 15: This seems like a good spot for Chambersburg’s long-time assistant Gary Carter to pick up a win in his first game as head coach of the Trojans.

Middletown at Donegal (7)

Andy Shay: Middletown 29, Donegal 7: Let’s just say this is a very, very favorable first bite of the apple for the Blue Raiders in 2025.

Adam Kulikowski: Middletown 33, Donegal 14: If the Blue Raiders come out on top as predicted by our crew, they will need to limit the damage done by Caiden Leaf—Donegal’s bruising game-change who is expected to slide into the back field this season.

Andy Sandrik: Middletown 24, Donegal 17: The Indians return their top passer, rusher, and receiver from last season, a group which pushed Middletown to overtime in 2024. This game could be closer than a lot of folks think.

Boiling Springs at Littlestown (7)

Andy Shay: Littlestown 42, Boiling Springs 7: It will take some time for the pieces in South Middletown Township to be picked up and change course. Right now it’s a struggle to stay competitive for the Bubblers.

Adam Kulikowski: Littlestown 43, Boiling Springs 13: Littlestown coach Corey Brittle handed the reigns of the offense over to senior son Brody Bittle this year. This Week 1 match up seems to be the perfect opener to get acclimated to the role of QB1.

Andy Sandrik: Boiling Springs 24, Littlestown 20: The Bubblers, who hammered Littlestown in 2024, have enough talent to best the Bolts once again.

Lancaster Catholic at Camp Hill (7)

Andy Shay: Lancaster Catholic 27, Camp Hill 22: Just not sure if the Lions have the horses to run with LC for 48 minutes. I do know Camp Hill will take their shots and get after it and if the Crusaders don’t counter the Lions are not afraid to win when they shouldn’t.

Adam Kulikowski: Lancaster Catholic 28, Camp Hill 14: Lions traditionally like to sling the rock—we’re about to learn what that looks like with the graduation of Drew Branstetter.

Andy Sandrik: Lancaster Catholic 34, Camp Hill 24: The Lions have a number of issues to address, the most important of which is finding a man to replace QB Drew Branstetter, now playing for Gettysburg College.

York at CD East (7)

Andy Shay: CD East 23, York 20: New head coach and lots of rebuilding going on with the Panthers and level set opportunities won’t be something CDE sees many weeks. This is one where the playing field is fairly equal.

Adam Kulikowski: CD East 24, York 21: The Panthers face plenty of changes heading into the new campaign. Getting a Dub in Week 1 can do wonders for a program that is again evolving.

Andy Sandrik: York 30, CD East 23: This game has coin-flip written all over it, and my coin flipped in favor of the team from White Rose City.

Mechanicsburg at Carlisle (7)

Andy Shay: Mechanicsburg 27, Carlisle 17: Wildcats are riding a regular season winning streak they want to keep rolling. And it should despite the questions that need answered at QB. T-Herd have some pop, but not enough overall to keep up over 48 minutes.

Adam Kulikowski: Mechanicsburg 32, Carlisle 24: This one comes down to who produces the better answers to the question marks they have entering Week 1. That team to me is the Wildcats.

Andy Sandrik: Mechanicsburg 42, Carlisle 21: The Wildcats lost some of the best talent in the Mid-Penn with the graduation of QB Eli Reider, RB Isaac Dollman, and WR Josh Smith, yet they return enough talent that I still see them as heavy favorites against Carlisle.

Central York at Central Dauphin (7)

Andy Shay: Central York 27, Central Dauphin 17: There is zero expectation the Rams win this game. They are not close on the overall talent depth chart. However, they need to be competitive and make it a game and that will be the right step made.

Adam Kulikowski: Central York 34, Central Dauphin 20: Taking down York’s most elite program is no small feat. I need to see more from the Rams who figure to be on the upswing before making that gamble.

Andy Sandrik: Central York 28, Central Dauphin 14: It’s never easy, or smart, to pick against Central Dauphin, but smart money is on the Panthers, who have won their last four meetings over the Rams.

Altoona at Hollidaysburg (7)

Andy Shay: Hollidaysburg 32, Altoona 14: Until the Mountain Lions show they have a next gear overall, it’s nearly impossible to lean their way.

Adam Kulikowski: Hollidaysburg 27, Altoona 24: I wouldn’t be surprised if Altoona walks away with the Week 1 victory in what figures to be a tight match up.

Andy Sandrik: Hollidaysburg 33, Altoona 17: Both squads have graduated their top skill players, but the Golden Tigers still deserve to be favored over Altoona, a squad coming off a one-win season.

Juniata Valley at Newport (7)

Andy Shay: Juniata Valley 28, Newport 14: I do believe the offense will provide more pop for the Buffs this season, but not enough to close the gap with the Hornets.

Adam Kulikowski: Juniata Valley 31, Newport 14: The Buffalos boast an increased roster from recent years. How quickly that pays dividends is yet to be determined.

Andy Sandrik: Juniata Valley 28, Newport 12: I’m expecting an improved season from the Buffs, but they’ll have to play a really clean game to beat the Hornets, who won by four scores last fall.

Minersville at Halifax (7)

Andy Shay: Minersville 39, Halifax 20: There will be more opportunities to show the progress the Wildcats are making and will make in 2025. Just not seeing it in this matchup.

Adam Kulikowski: Minersville 33, Halifax 6: Finding ways to slow the Battlin’ Miners could prove to be challenging for opponents in 2025.

Andy Sandrik: Minersville 35, Halifax 0: Miners’ QB Dante Carr will be looking to get off to a fast start against Halifax following a junior season that saw him throw for more than 1,700 yards and 22 TDs.

Spring Grove at Northern York (7)

Andy Shay: Spring Grove 30, Northern York 28: Could go either way and like the key components for the Polar Bears on offense. Just very concerned about their defense. SG has lots of question marks as well.

Adam Kulikowski: Northern York 30, Spring Grove 14: The Bill ‘Milldawg’ Miller era concluded with another underwhelming season in 2024 in Dillsburg. Turning the page provides an opportunity for new energy and ideas from a long-time Mechanicsburg coach.

Andy Sandrik: Northern York 24, Spring Grove 21: The Jeff Costello era begins with a win in Dillsburg.

Gateway at State College (7)

Andy Shay: State College 42, Gateway 14: There’s a gap the Gators need to close after getting spanked in this tilt a year ago. All I know is the Little Lions look better than the outfit of 12 months ago and that group was solid.

Adam Kulikowski: State College 23, Gateway 13: Elite programs in flux after a slew of graduations always find a way to replenish. The Little Lions are one of those teams that always seem to have the answers when the whistle blows.

Andy Sandrik: State College 17, Gateway 7: The Little Lions have graduated way too much talent to consider them as a contender in the Commonwealth Division, but they could sway my opinion with a rout over Gateway.

Waynesboro at Greencastle-Antrim (7)

Andy Shay: Waynesboro 36, Greencastle-Antrim 13: All indicators are the Indians have more seasoning at the positions that move the scoreboard needle and the Blue Devils are looking for answers to questions at those spots.

Adam Kulikowski: Waynesboro 31, Greencastle-Antrim 24: This could be one of the best match ups on the Week 1 docket. In Week 1 as we all learn what each team truly possesses, this one is a true toss up.

Andy Sandrik: Greencastle-Antrim 30, Waynesboro 28: I could be leaning the wrong way on this one, but I like Greencastle’s Wing-T style of offense to get the job done against a Waynesboro team aiming to sort out its linebacking corps.

Selingsgrove at Juniata (7)

Andy Shay: Juniata 27, Selinsgrove 7: Call me crazy but I think the Indians have the best player on the field on both sides of the ball. I’ve been wrong before, though – MANY times.

Adam Kulikowski: Selingsgrove 28, Juniata 14: Seals have a few more pieces to provide an offensive spark including senior wide out Gavin Bastian than their counterparts in Juniata.

Andy Sandrik: Selinsgrove 21, Juniata 7: I think Juniata has the defense to keep this game close, especially with Jasper Shepps patrolling the secondary, but I’m not yet sure where the Indians are going to get their points from this season.

Cumberland Valley at Manheim Township (7)

Andy Shay: Cumberland Valley 28, Manheim Township 21: Remember this was NOT a competitive game a year ago up front. It was Varsity vs. JV. If that changes the Eagles fly. This might feel like an upset pick but it’s really not. 

Adam Kulikowski: Cumberland Valley 27, Manheim Township 21: Preseason hype is just that until you prove it on the field. The Eagles have that opportunity ahead of them. Can they cash in?

Andy Sandrik: Cumberland Valley 21, Manheim Township 14: The Eagles are quietly being picked as the dark horse of the Commonwealth Division this season. A win over the powerful Blue Streaks would certainly add credibility to this prediction.

Cedar Cliff at Red Land (7)

Andy Shay: Cedar Cliff 35, Red Land 14: More forced family fun as the mates from West Shore School District square off. Let’s be honest they are NOT mates. We all know that. Patriots have a new skipper, philosophy and not many horses in the stable. Cedar Cliff is simply miles ahead at this point.

Adam Kulikowski: Cedar Cliff 24, Red Land 14: The Colts have had the upper hand in this rivalry lately—and there’s no reason to think that changes in 2025.

Andy Sandrik: Cedar Cliff 28, Red Land 21: The Colts graduated their QB, while their top RB, Princeton “PJ” Dent, is now playing football for Harrisburg. Can Red Land close the distance on its rival? 

August 23: 

James Buchanan at York County Tech. (11 a.m.)

Andy Shay: James Buchanan 30, York County Tech 14: This used to be the one game and sometimes the ONLY game the Rockets would win in a season. That’s no longer the case.

Adam Kulikowski: James Buchanan 21, York County Tech 13: A year ago James Buchanan was a bit of a Cinderella story early. Can history repeat itself?

Andy Sandrik:  James Buchanan 21, York County Tech 7: The Rockets might have the best player on the field in Christian Pine. That’s more than enough to make a difference against the Spartans.

South Western at Susquehanna Twp. (4 p.m.)

Andy Shay: Susquehanna Twp. 42, South Western 14: Speed is a killer and experience at the QB position shows up in spades for the Indians here.

Adam Kulikowski: Susquehanna Twp. 41, South Western 14: The Indians, under still-head-coach Joe Headen, possess all the weapons needed to make this a truly memorable season. That starts with taking care of business in Week 1.

Andy Sandrik: Susquehanna Twp. 30, South Western 13: The Tribe have all the tools to overwhelm the Mustangs in their home opener.

Bishop McDevitt vs. Clarkson North (ON) (4 p.m. at York Suburban High School)

Andy Shay: Bishop McDevitt 42, Clarkson North (ON) 7: Remember be nice to your friends north of the border and always remember that hate is a learned behavior. But what do I know other than McD is loaded and the other team is from Canada.

Adam Kulikowski: Bishop McDevitt 31, Clarkson North 28: While I consider myself an avid football fan, I’m not well version on my Canadian high school teams. But research tells me Clarkson hails from Mississauga, Ontario and runs an elite football program. Last year, these gents took on Imhotep Charter, falling 38-20 to the PA powerhouse program.

Andy Sandrik: Bishop McDevitt 38, Clarkson North 21: Canadian invader Clarkson North put up some points in a loss to PA power Imhotep Charter last season. Can the Chargers keep up with the defending PIAA Class 5A champion Crusaders?

East Pennsboro at Bethlehem Catholic (7 p.m.)

Andy Shay: Bethlehem Catholic 28, East Pennsboro 14: Love what the Panthers have at QB and they play tough on defense. But overall they have some major firepower to replace and not sure the Hawks help them find their way at a nice leisurely pace.

Adam Kulikowski: East Pennsboro 24, Bethlehem Catholic 20: Both teams enter Week 1 with plenty of question marks to answer. Give the nod to the Panthers in this opener.

Andy Sandrik: Bethlehem Catholic 20, East Pennsboro 7: Panthers appear to have a defense to stay competitive for a spell, but have too many holes to fill at the RB and WR positions to stick with BC for four full quarters.

Harrisburg at Imhotep Charter ( 7:30 p.m.)

Andy Shay: Harrisburg 28, Imhotep Charter 21: Two teams ranked in the Top 10 in Class 6A for the preseason state rankings. Cougars are higher of the two but that doesn’t mean squat in my book. I just love the matchup more than anything. Nobody loses an ounce of heavy hitter status based on the result.

Adam Kulikowski: Harrisburg 34, Imhotep Charter 33: Both teams are absolutely stacked with Division 1 talent—no shock there. I’ll side with the Coach Cal’s gents in a potential playoff preview.

Andy Sandrik: Imhotep Charter 28, Harrisburg 21: Historically, Harrisburg is at its most vulnerable in the early stages of the season. I’ll take Imhotep for that reason, but the Cougars are undoubtedly in for a monster campaign.