The Liberty Division was fun while it lasted, but when push came to shove in the offseason, the Mid-Penn Conference ultimately ruled to blow up its fifth division to make way for a future of four super divisions.
All seven pieces of the Liberty — coming in the form of Line Mountain, Juniata, Upper Dauphin, Susquenita, Halifax, Newport, and James Buchanan — have found a landing place in the Capital Division. There, they will join Capital mainstays Camp Hill and defending PIAA Class 1A state champion Steel-High.
It’s going to be a wild season as a top-heavy group of ex-Liberty teams look to stake their claim in a Capital Division that has been controlled by the Rollers for several years. Repeating as division champions won’t be easy for Steel-High, which has to replace its best senior class in school history.
Look for competitive matchups every week as the Capital season rolls around. We like defending Liberty champion Line Mountain to take the Capital with a loaded roster over defensively-sound Juniata, but we’re not counting out Steel-High, even in a supposed rebuilding year. Upper Dauphin, Camp Hill, and Susquenita are next on our list, but each of those teams possesses the talent to unseat any of the squads we picked to finish in the Top 3.
With that in mind, expect an exciting year in the wide-open Capital Division.
Projected division standings: Line Mountain, Juniata, Steel-High, Upper Dauphin, Camp Hill, Susquenita, Halifax, Newport, James Buchanan.
Line Mountain Eagles
Predicted finish: 1st
Coach: Brandon Carson
Record last season: 9-3, 6-0 Liberty (1st place)
Team outlook: A few of the big horses — Liberty Defensive POY Chandon Maurer (LB) and Offensive POY Nolan Baumert (RB) — have graduated, but there’s no reason to doubt the Eagles, who are returning nine starters on offense and eight on defense. The offense is projected to be guided by 6-foot-2, 190-pound junior QB Kaiden Maurer, who threw for more than 1,000 yards last season and 18 TDs against just three interceptions. To support Maurer, senior offensive back Ian Bates will need to be even more productive than he was last season when he garnered First Team honors in the Liberty after rushing 79 times for 566 yards and eight TDs while catching five passes for 102 yards and one TD. The Maurer-Bates backfield should have some time to gel thanks to returning all-star talent up front: Senior Jacob Rebuck (6-5, 250), junior Jackson Kauwell (6-0, 260), and senior center Kohen Shingara (5-9, 160). Defensively, Line Mountain will be anchored at LB by Noah Ringes, who rang up 117 tackles and 12 TFL as a freshman last fall. Add in a returning ballhawk in DB Bates, and a DE in Maxim Johnson (6-4, 210) who can flat-out wreck games, and it’s increasingly hard to find a path to victory against this Eagles squad. Line Mountain can’t defend its title in the now-defunct Liberty Division, but the Eagles should very much be in contention for the Capital crown this season, even more so with 2023 Liberty Coach of the Year Brandon Carson at the helm.
One player to watch: Maxim Johnson. As a sophomore defensive end last season, Johnson showed he can be both an immovable object and an unstoppable force. With Johnson standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing in at 210 pounds, opposing blockers often struggled to gain any traction, resulting in frequent havoc in the backfield. Johnson is lightning-quick off the snap and can beat his opponent in many ways, whether it’s swimming around his blocker, holding him up and shedding him, or simply driving the poor soul directly into the ball carrier. Lining up at DE from both the left and right sides, Johnson totaled 84 tackles in 2023, including 34 tackles for loss and 13.5 sacks. On offense, Johnson lines up at TE and gives Maurer a tall target that can catch the ball in traffic.
Juniata Indians
Predicted finish: 2nd
Coach: Kurt Condo
Record last season: 8-6, 4-2 Liberty (2nd place)
Team outlook: It’s been a life of the nomad for Juniata, which moves to its third division in six seasons, joining the Capital Division this fall after playing in the Liberty for four years and the Tri-Valley League in the seasons before that. While the atmosphere and opponents have changed, the Indians have stayed the same, churning out a .614 winning percentage over that stretch and recording four straight winning seasons. We expect that trend to continue for Juniata in 2024, with defense leading the way. The Indians return all-star talent at every level of the defense, starting up front with a pair of returning senior linemen in DE Wyatt Dysinger (5-10, 185) and DT Hunter Erb (5-11, 310), who combined for nearly 100 tackles last season. With Juniata contending for the line of scrimmage on every play, it opens opportunities to tee off for LBs Lane Peiper and Wyatt Ehrenzeller, who teamed up for more than 190 tackles. Frustrated opponents will then turn to the air where even more bad news awaits in the form of game-changing DBs Jasper Shepps (8 INTs) and Connor Boreman (5 INTs). There are many more questions for Juniata offensively, a unit whose top returning rusher is QB Ehrenzeller. The Indians have a returning all-star lineman up front in Peiper (5-11, 200), who will need to hold the fort while Ehrenzeller and WR Shepps work to improve the connection that produced 71 catches for 1,379 yards and 13 TDs last fall. Juniata’s placement in the Capital pecking order will be determined rather early this season, as the Indians take on division contenders Steel-High and Line Mountain in Weeks 2 and 3, respectively.
One player to watch: Jasper Shepps. The Indians return 12 all-star selections from last fall, with four of those honors belonging to the 6-foot-1, 180-pound Shepps. Where do we even begin with the versatile Shepps, who gave Juniata star-studded reps at DB, WR, return specialist, and punter last fall? We can start on defense, where the ball-hawking Shepps totaled 61 tackles and picked off eight passes, to go along with three pass defenses, two fumble recoveries, and one caused fumble. On the other side of the ball, Shepps showcases soft hands and always seems to be wide open. Even when he’s well covered, Shepps has shown the ability to make Willie Mays-style basket catches and a knack for collecting the ball in heavy traffic. The electricity in Shepps’ legs makes him dangerous as a punter, where he not only averaged 35.7 yards per boot but also frightened opponents with the threat of taking off for first-down yardage. Good luck bringing down Shepps in the open field on special teams, where averaged 21.6 yards as a kick returner and 7.7 yards bringing back punts. Regardless of what the scoreboard reads, expect to get your money’s worth when Shepps is on the field.
Steel-High Rollers
Predicted finish: 3rd
Coach: Andrew Erby
Record last season: 16-0, 6-0 Capital (1st place)
Team outlook: Last season’s Capital Division Coach of the Year — Andrew Erby — will face the toughest assignment of his career this fall as his program attempts to follow one of the best 1A teams, if not the best 1A team, in Pennsylvania history. Graduated are Erby’s sons, Capital Defensive POY Andrew Erby Jr. and Offensive POY Alex Erby, along with an irreplaceable stable of all-star talent that encompassed more than half of Steel-High’s 2023 roster. We could go on and on about the 19 all-star selections who have left the program, and probably will for decades to come! But whether it’s fair or not, it’s this year’s group of fresh-faced Rollers that will be wearing a huge target on their collective backs as the two-time defending PIAA champions and charged with defending a 28-game winning streak. A small group of returning all-stars — DBs Yahmir Ceasar and Nazier Fuller, and center Devon Reid — will need to carry the leadership load as new-look Steel-High establishes its identity this fall. Life won’t be easy in a Capital Division that boasts a solid core of established teams, but we expect the Rollers to weather the storm, and perhaps make a run in the small-school playoff picture.
One player to watch: Nazier Fuller. It’s going to take some time for Steel-High to gel with an all-new lineup, so the Rollers will likely have to rely on a handful of home run hitters to put points on the board with solid individual efforts. Fuller, a 6-foot and 160-pound WR/CB/KR, is one of those big-play guys that Steel-High will be leaning on. Fuller runs with long, strong strides that can cover a lot of ground in a hurry, especially if there is a blocker in front of him. He has the hands to pull down a ball in traffic and has a strong sense of how to attack the defense once that ball is in his hands. As much as Steel-High will need Fuller to help churn out yardage and points, his future in this sport might be on the defensive side, where his perfectly-timed hits strike fear into the hearts of opposing receivers. Those receivers have a split-second to catch and secure the ball before having to take a heavy shot from Fuller, who jump-starts the defense with his high-energy play. If the Rollers are to have success this season, they’ll need to have big efforts every week from Fuller and his talented counterpart in the secondary, Yahmir Ceasar.
Upper Dauphin Trojans
Predicted finish: 4th
Coach: Kent Smeltz
Record last season: 5-5, 4-2 Liberty (2nd place)
Team outlook: Upper Dauphin will be aiming to light up the scoreboard in a new division, as the Trojans are projected to return all three of their leaders in rushing, receiving, and passing. Seniors Caleb Snyder (6-0, 195) and Tyler Erdley (5-8, 155) combined for more than 1,000 rushing yards and 14 TDs last season on their way to Second Team honors in the Liberty. Aidan Bingaman, a 6-foot-2, 165-pound signal caller who tossed 10 TDs against two INTs last fall, is slated to return as is his top receiving target: Erdley (12-272-4). Upper Dauphin’s offense, which returns another all-star in senior OL Zach Schell (5-11, 200), will need to lead the way as the defense works to establish its identity with a linebacking core that no longer has the services of graduated Liberty First Teamers Keatin Dieffenbach and Tegan Engle. A couple of underclassmen who cut their teeth as all-star freshmen last season — DE Eoghan Savage (6-3, 220) and DB Isaac Jackson (5-10, 160) — will be counted on more than ever to be key contributors for the defensive unit. The same can be said for fellow defensive returners DB Carter Dreibelbis (5-11, 175), LB Austin Duplessie (5-10, 180), and LB Wyatt Troutman (6-1, 190). Look for the Trojans to be competitive week in and week out in the new-look Capital.
One player to watch: Eoghan Savage. You’d be forgiven last season if you mistook Savage — a freshman playing his first season of high school football — for a well-seasoned senior stud looking to win a college scholarship. The 6-foot-3, 220-pound defensive end imposed his will with regularity in the trenches last fall, racking up 24 TFLs and seven sacks. Lining up from both the right and left sides, Savage showcased an ability to make quick reads on the ball, coupled with the physicality of a grown man to toss aside any blocker who had the guts to stand in his way. Prompt punishment waited for opponents that assigned a solo blocker to Savage, and even when he was delayed on his path to the quarterback, he showed he could still disrupt plays by batting down passes at the line of scrimmage. Look for Savage to draw more double teams, and perhaps some college interest, in his sophomore season under the Friday night lights.
Camp Hill Lions
Predicted finish: 5th
Coach: Tim Bigelow
Record last season: 8-6, 1-5 Capital (5th place)
Team outlook: It’s no secret that Camp Hill has been a passing-oriented team in recent years. Last fall alone, the Lions churned out nearly 5,000 yards of offense, with more than 3,500 of those yards coming through the air. Expect more of that this year as Camp Hill returns All-State QB Drew Branstetter, who is aiming for another big campaign despite losing three receivers who combined for more than 1,200 yards and 15 TDs last season. Even with those losses, Branstetter still has a pair of senior receivers in Alex Long and Noah Doi who know how to light up the scoreboard. Long, much like his name indicates, is a tall target at 6-foot-3 and 210 pounds who reeled in 72 catches for 1,110 yards and 11 TDs last season. Doi, a shifty receiver at 5-foot-9, 140-pounds, caught 67 passes for 960 yards and 13 TDs last fall. Camp Hill will look to DB Doi, the only returning all-star on defense, to lead the unit after hustling for 163 tackles, three interceptions, and four caused fumbles in 2023. M.A. Scaringi, a junior OLB, also returns some valuable experience after totaling 148 tackles, including 11 tackles for loss. With the aforementioned talent above, Camp Hill has an opportunity to win its fair share of games this fall, but it goes without saying the depth-challenged Lions will need to stay healthy to keep the ship above water.
One player to watch: Drew Branstetter. The Lions will go as far as their 6-foot-1, 175-pound QB can take them this season. And if Branstetter plays anywhere near the level he played in 2023 — when he aired it out for nearly 3,400 yards and 38 TDs — that destination could be deep into the postseason. Even with limited roster numbers at Camp Hill that can make protecting the QB a challenge, Branstetter’s presence behind center gives the Lions a chance to win any game. He has an easy passing motion and throws a nice, high spiral, even when he’s under pressure. Branstetter, also Camp Hill’s top returning rusher, has quick legs that can scramble for a first down or buy time for a big play downfield. On the rare occasions when opponents shut down the Lions’ offense, the team will march out Branstetter, a First Team Capital Division selection at punter, who averaged 32.9 per boot last fall.
Susquenita Blackhawks
Predicted finish: 6th
Coach: Joe Chrismer IV
Record last season: 5-5, 4-2 Liberty (2nd place)
Team outlook: The first order of business for the Blackhawks will be to fill the shoes of the Gibney brothers — Derek and Drew — who combined for four selections on the Liberty Division all-star team last fall. If the ‘Hawks can find a man to replace Derek Gibney at QB, Susquenita has a couple of returning all-star receivers in Blaise Swancer (50-693-10) and Athan Robinson (34-137-3) who know how to take the ball to the promised land. Drew Gibney was a stud receiver whose talents will also need to be replaced on defense, where he was a first-team selection as a DB. Braden Law, a 6-foot-2, 220-pound OL/DL, will help Susquenita in its battle for the line of scrimmage, while fellow senior Athan Robinson will be counted on as a two-way player at WR and LB. It may take some time for Susquenita to find continuity, especially on offense, so look for junior place kicker Corey Warren to be a consistent source of offense. Last season Warren was 26 for 29 on extra points and 3 for 4 on field goals, while averaging 38.5 yards on kickoffs. Life on the field will certainly be challenging for Susquenita in the Capital, but if the ‘Hawks can answer a handful of lineup questions, they may be more competitive than most of us expect.
One player to watch: Athan Robinson. This senior 5-foot-10, 155-pound athlete hustled to all-star selections as both a WR and LB last fall. On offense, Robinson has a constant engine and doesn’t give up on plays, even when he’s nearly brought to his knees. Elusive with the ball in his hands, Robinson excels at finding the hole in the defense and zipping through it. Last season he was an impact player as both a receiver (34-137-3) and rusher (20-151-2). Defensively, look for Robinson to combine his nose for the ball with quick legs that can quickly close in on running backs and unsuspecting QBs. For Susquenita to succeed this season and lay down the groundwork for years to come, the Blackhawks will need players like Robinson to set the example on the field. We expect Robinson to do just that in his final season on the high school gridiron.
Halifax Wildcats
Predicted finish: 7th
Coach: Roy Wall
Record last season: 4-7, 2-5 Liberty (5th place)
Team outlook: New head coach Roy Wall takes over a four-win Halifax squad that graduated four of its six Liberty all-stars from last fall. Junior QB Teegan Carroll is projected to return as starter for the Wildcats, as is junior all-star receiver Cohen Bechtel (6-0, 175). Halifax’s defense will need to provide backup for 5-foot-10 LB Curtis Conrad, who started as a freshman for the Wildcats last fall. Wall and his coaching staff will have to plug the holes around those returners with limited roster numbers, and how well those players gel will determine how competitive Halifax can be as it steps into an even tougher division than last fall.
One player to watch: Cohen Bechtel. The 6-foot, 175-pound Bechtel looks the part of a running back, and even wears the No. 25, but he earned his spot as a Liberty all-star for his play as a wide receiver last fall. The solid-bodied Bechtel can line up both as a slot receiver and out wide, and has reliable hands that can catch the ball in stride. Bechtel’s size comes in handy for the running game, as he can overwhelm most defensive backs with his blocking. The Wildcats will also line up Bechtel in the backfield, where he’s shown he can run over opponents when he has a full head of steam. It won’t be easy in a tough division, but Bechtel has the potential to go from good to great in his junior season.
Newport Buffaloes
Predicted Finish: 8th
Coach: Todd Rothermel
Record last season: 1-9, 1-5 Liberty (6th place)
Team outlook: After taking lumps with a young roster and a few key injuries last fall, Newport is hoping that its year of competition under fire will help it move up the ladder this season. The Buffaloes will look to build on a seasoned group of returning all-stars that includes OLs Noah Weller (6-1, 215) and Evan Fleisher (6-5, 260), DB Aiden Crockett (5-10, 140), QB Zach Bates (6-1, 180), and RB Dalton Kratzer (5-4, 130). Another projected returner for Newport is Dylan Vadasz, who led the Buffs with 67 tackles last fall. The improvement of these key players, as well as contributions from the supporting cast around them, will be crucial as Newport seeks to carve out its path in the new-look Capital.
One player to watch: Zach Bates. As a sophomore last season, Bates wore many hats for the Buffaloes, including that of quarterback, receiver, safety, punter, and kicker. The 6-foot-1, 180-pound Bates ran for more than 400 yards and compiled six TDs last fall, and was a Second Team Liberty all-star as both a punter, where he averaged 33.8 yards per punt, and as a kicker, where he converted 6 of 8 PATs. In a division of small schools where limited rosters can make for long seasons, the versatility of Bates gives Newport a playmaker that can be relied in all phases of the game.
James Buchanan Rockets
Predicted finish: 9th
Coach: Cliff Pine
Record last season: 1-9, 0-6 Liberty (7th place)
Team outlook: If you’re looking for a challenging history project, try researching the last time James Buchanan had a winning season. The answer to that trivia question is 1995, when Bill Clinton was still in the White House. Reversing decades of losing has become somewhat of an unsolvable riddle in Mercersburg, and the odds will once again be against this year’s team, which carries a seven-game losing streak into this fall. Wins will be hard to come by in a hard-nosed Capital Division, but if the Rockets can piece together extended sequences of competitive play this season, that should be considered a victory.
One player to watch: Alex Brake. Without a single returning all-star from last season, James Buchanan will need a hardened leader on the field with the toughness to guide the club through choppy waters. Brake, a FB and MLB, showcased strong flashes of strong play for the Rockets as a sophomore last season. He brings a winning pedigree to the football team after grappling to a 20-6 record as a 145-pounder for the wrestling squad last winter.
