Coach: Glen McNamee
Classification: 6A
League/division: Mid-Penn Conference, Commonwealth Division
2020 record: 5-1, 5-0
Postseason: Lost to Central York in the first round of the District 3-6A playoffs, 42-15
RETURNING LEADERS:
Passing: Comp-Att., Yards, TD
Max Mosey: 64-101., 990, 13
Rushing: Att-Yards., Avg., TD
Max Mosey: 33-161., 4.9., 1
Tyrell English: 21-152., 7.2, 1
Receiving: Rec.-Yards, Avg., TD
Tyrell English: 2-114, 57., 1
KEY PLAYERS:
Max Mosey, sr, QB; Kyle Yeager, sr., OT; Ben Stewart, sr., OT; Tyrell English, sr., WR-LB-DB; Zion Allen, sr., DB; Darrion Thomas, sr., TE-DE; Myles Wallace, sr., DE;
OUTLOOK: Quarterback Max Mosey anchors an offense that will see plenty of new faces in the starting lineup. The good news? Much of the Commonwealth division will be reloading as well. That should buy a little time for a coaching staff with more than 200 collective years of experience to rev up the new lads as the Rams target their 18th straight postseason appearance.
3 THINGS TO KNOW
1. Reloading the offense
CD coach Glen McNamee is learning a lot about his Rams offense as the clock ticks down to opening night Aug. 27 against Wilson. McNamee must find productive pieces to replace running back Timmy Smith (78 carries for 580 yards in 2020) and wideouts Malichi Bowman and Shamilyn Joppy who with Smith collectively accounted for more than 800 yards receiving over the six game 2020 campaign.
One piece he won’t be looking to replace—that’s All-State quarterback Max Mosey.
The 6-1, 195-pound gunslinger will look to add to his career 3,120 passing yards with a new cast and crew that figures to include David Chase (6-0, 190) and Randy Rudy (5-11, 185).
Rudy saw limited snaps at wideout during the abbreviated 2020 campaign as a junior but figures to see an expanded role this year while Chase is inked in as the starting tailback.
“They’re are all brand new faces,” McNamee said. “That’s one of the biggest things we are looking for through camp. Who has the best chemistry with Max.”
Mosey, who cleaned a team-high 295 pounds, should take another step forward in his game with improved arm strength after packing on nearly 10 pounds to his frame.
The added brawn should also help Mosey improve on the 161 stripes he tallied on the ground during the truncated 2020 campaign.
“There are going to be designed runs like we’ve done the last two years, but he’ll also scramble and make plays,” McNamee said. “Now he will have that physic that will make him even tougher to contend with when he takes off.
The senior holds a pair of offers from St. Francis and Holy Cross and likely will see more interest as the season progresses.
2. Battles in the trenches:
Three of six starting brutes up front return to provide protection to Mosey anchored by Sacred Heart recruit Kyle Yeager (6-4, 287), tight end Darrion Thomas (6-0, 225) and Ben Stewart (6-1, 276) who will shuffle from guard to tackle for his senior circuit. That’s a solid base to build from as McNamee looks to identify who will step in at the center and guard positions. Tommy McGovern, a 5-10, 233-pound senior and young bull Even Bushong (6-3, 273) are the names to watch at center while Carson Cassle (6-0, 242), Anthony Robsock (6-5, 248) and McGovern are in the mix to claim the open guard positions.
3. Three to watch:
You’ll need to keep your Central Dauphin program handy the first few weeks of the season as fresh faces fill 8 of the 11 starting positions on defense. We have a feeling you’ll want to remember the names of these three cats. So let us introduce you to some folks who should be making plays on Friday nights.
Jett Franz: The 6-3, 180-pound sophomore will see time at defensive end and tight end. “He has a bright future,” McNamee said. “He’s really coming into his own. You’ll going to see him a lot at defensive end. He’s athletic and tough. He’s a basketball player for CD so he brings that skill set. He’s only 180 right now, so he’s got room to grow.”
AJ Wenrich: Best known as a standout baseball player, Wenrich participated in the Big 26 and dons an offer from Georgia Southern to continue his stick and ball career. But for now, he’s stepping back into the gridiron to help out in Coach Mac’s secondary after not playing as a junior. The 6-0, 182-pound Wenrich will compete for time at free safety and serve as the backup quarterback.
Mateo Crummel: Crummel is another sophomore who could make an impact at receiver and defensive back as the Rams retool for another run at a District 3-6A championship. This cat isn’t big, standing just 5-8 and 128-pounds, but has provided plenty of juice so far in camp.
“He’s not a big kid at all, but he’s really athletic and seems to have a knack for making plays and the ball,” McNamee said. “We’re set to find out as the pads go on whether he is ready for the big time. Without pads, he’s done some really nice things.”
