Each week, we’ll take a look through the Mid-Penn Conference, highlighting notes that stood out to us and news you need to know.
Week 3 provided a record-breaking performance from a lad from CD East; an emotional tribute to fallen servicemen and women, a nod to a Liberty Division team showing some promise and a peek at what a pair of former Mid-Penn stars accomplished at the next level.
Here are five observations from the week that was and the weeks coming up. To share updates on your team for a future edition of our News & Notes, email us at 4thdownmagazine@gmail.com.
Jared Porter sets CD East record
Central Dauphin East has a new single game record holder for touchdowns in a game. Jared Porter etched his name in the record books Friday night with six scores to propel the Panthers to a 60-6 victory against Northeastern. And he did it on just nine touches, highlighted by a 76-yard touchdown run and a 65-yard touchdown reception. He racked up 308 total yards on the evening, just 8 shy of Chase Edmond’s record. Edmonds, now playing in the NFL in Tampa Bay, also held the touchdown record until Porter eclipsed the mark. Cheers to you, Mr. Porter!
Gold Star Moms night at Central Dauphin
Central Dauphin held its ninth annual Gold Star Moms Game Friday night. Fifteen players and cheerleaders were paired with the families of soldiers who were killed in service. The team also honored former player Harrison Fenstemaker, who was killed in 2018 in a drunk-driving accident. Suzanne Sheaffer developed the annual tribute in 2014 after her son, Billy, died while serving. Those honored Friday included (player & cheerleader: honored serviceman):
- Grady Curry and Haila Boyle: Sgt. John Thomas Bubeck
- Joey Bass and Nyla Burston: Specialist (SP4) Reuben Louis Garnett
- Kellen Phillips and Morgan: 2nd Lt. Fredrick “Fritz” Fromm
- Jeff Franz and Alexa Ziser: Lance Cpl. Jesse Ryan Tracey
- Kaiden Palmer and Jasmyne Dyer: Pfc. Samuel Lee McDonald
- Andrew Simpler and Lexi Herchelroath: Gunnery Sgt. Justin E. Schmalsteig
- Kannyon Miller and Avery Trimble: Lance Cpl. Nicholas B. Morrison
- Matteo Pellegrini and Makenzie Bender: Airman 1st Class Trent A. Grovve
- Andrew Kurtz and Marissa Hagy: Specialist (SP4) Michael Jones
- Kolton Sheeler, Kayla Bishop and Ella Cassivi: Petty Officer Second Class William C. Trapnell IV
- Collier Book, Lily Mubbala: Specialist (SPC) Donald Wade Woodward
- Zack Temple and Carinne Lepley: Specialist Martin Wilson Kondor
- Anthony Robsock and Kylie Burd: Marine Staff Sgt. Christopher Kenley Aldric Slutman
- Miles Copper and Alaina Hower: Cpl. Jonathan D. Faircloth
- Elijah McDonald and Phoebe Eldridge: Specialist Zachary Ryan Clouser
- Evan Bushong and Rachel Kelly: Harrison Freeman Fenstemaker
Halifax already surpassing recent seasons
Let’s take a moment to throw some love to the Halifax Wildcats. A quick peek at the Liberty Division standings shows the Wildcats alone at the top of the mountain with a 2-1 overall record. This group has already achieved more in the win-loss column than any squad since 2018’s 11-2 juggernaut. And more good times could be ahead with a winnable matchup against James Buchanan on tap in Week 4. A 3-1 start would look mighty good for a club that has not notched more than one victory over the last four campaigns.
Former Northern star Zach Mowchan gets collegiate start
Former Northern linebacker Zach Mowchan earned his first career start at Eastern Michigan University on Saturday against Minnesota. Mowchan forced a fumble and notched two solo tackles and three assists in a 25-6 loss to the Golden Gophers. The former Polar Bear concluded his high school career in 2021 with a stellar senior season that included 86 tackles, 12 for loss, a sack, two interceptions, a fumble returned 80 yards for a touchdown and three passes defended. He also earned recognition as PennLive’s Defensive Player of Year and a roster slot in the East-West All-Star Game.
Ex-McDevitt WR Tyshawn Russell scores for South Carolina
One more first for a former Mid-Penn star. Former Bishop McDevitt wide out Tyshawn Russell hauled in his first touchdown as a South Carolina Gamecock — and he did it in eye-popping fashion. Check out his 50-yard reception:
Looks real familiar!! Congrats @TyShawnR_22 ‼️ https://t.co/DSMDSK0z4F
— Ryan Mackes (@RMackes) September 10, 2023
