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High School Football: Results: Picks and Predictions for Week 3

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High School Football: Results: Picks and Predictions for Week 3

EXPLAINING OUR PICKS: It’s Week 3 of the Pennsylvania high school football season, and the 4th Down Magazine team is here to tell you who’s going to win every game involving Mid-Penn Conference teams, as well as Schuylkill-Colonial League games featuring former members of the now-defunct Twin Valley Conference.

This year’s group of experts includes veteran reporters Andy Shay and Andy Sandrick, as well as 4th Down owner and manager Adam Kulikowski.

Here’s who we think will win each game this week.

2023 Standings

Picker: Week 3 — Overall — Perfect Picks
Andy Sandrik: 22-8 — 73-21 — 0

Adam Kulikowski: 21-9— 69-25 — 0

Andy Shay: 19-11 — 65-29 — 0

* Records in parentheses after school name; District and seed in parentheses before school name.

View our new podcast, 4th and Goal with Jake Adams and Andy Shay. This week, we’re chatting with West Perry wide receiver Ian Goodling. We’re also digging into what stood out in Week 2 including Big Spring’s victory over Shippensburg to claim the Little Brown Jug; our surprise team–the Bishop McDevitt Crusaders; plus we highlight an athlete to watch and one must-see game in Week 3.

FRIDAY, SEPT. 8

Altoona 35, Mifflin County 0

Andy Shay: Mifflin County 34, Altoona 20: Pretty obvious what the Huskies’ recipe for success is built around. Powered by an offensive line that is on point, running back Deakon Schaeffer is averaging 200 yards a game. Not sure Altoona can force Mifflin Country out of its comfort zone.

Andy Sandrik: Mifflin County 32, Altoona 24: Altoona will present a challenge, but the Huskies have answered the bell on both sides of the ball so far this season and deserve to be the favorites.

Adam Kulikowski: Mifflin County 27, Altoona 23: The Huskies are clearly trending up, coming off a 6-5 season last year. If the good times are to continue in Huskie Country, the defense will play a key role. One player that’s stood out in the early polling on that unit? Senior Owen Gipe. The 5-foot-10, 170-pound linebacker has racked up team-high 31 tackles to help limit MIfflin County’s first two opponents to 12 total points. 

York 42, Carlisle 40

Andy Shay: York 42, Carlisle 21: Not sure either defense is going to have a lot of say in this outcome, and it appears as if the Bearcats have more firepower in their offensive arsenal right now.

Andy Sandrik: York 39, Carlisle 35: Kulikowski and Shay can pick against Carlisle without hearing about it from everyone in the drive-through elementary pickup. I don’t have that luxury. 

Adam Kulikowski: York 39, Carlisle 28: Fun fact: the Thundering Herd have scored exactly as many points as they have yielded — 56. The result is a 1-1 record. 

Central Dauphin 35, Coatesville 13

Andy Shay: Coatesville 35, Central Dauphin 14: This will be the Rams’ second opponent in three games ranked inside the Top 10 in the state. Red Raiders’ defense has been impressive through eight quarters and will provide the biggest challenge to date for the CD offense.

Andy Sandrik: Coatesville 33, Central Dauphin 17: Vibes are getting better in Rams’ country, but knocking off this tough Coatesville squad is much easier said than done.

Adam Kulikowski: Central Dauphin 28, Coatesville 27: All signs say to go with the Red Raiders — 77 points scored versus just seven yielded; a victory last year against Central Dauphin; plenty of weapons in the cupboard. Yet, the vibe is back with the Rams and momentum can raise the tide to new heights. 

CD East 60, Northeastern 6

Andy Shay: CD East 35, Northeastern 7: There are huge matchup advantages all over the field for the Panthers in this one against a winless Bobcats squad.

Andy Sandrik: CD East 43, Northeastern 7: Even after a blowout loss, CD East is still about four steps ahead of Northeastern, in my book.

Adam Kulikowski: CD East 45, Northeastern 10: Losses to Red Land and Dover provide enough context to draw the conclusion that Northeastern doesn’t have the pieces in the proverbial cupboard to hang with the Panthers. 

Chambersburg 42, Waynesboro 20

Andy Shay: Chambersburg 42, Waynesboro 7: A friendly reminder the Trojans dropped half a century on the Northern Polar Bears a week ago. Enough said.

Andy Sandrik: Chambersburg 45, Waynesboro 10: I’m still stunned at how badly the Trojans gashed Northern last week. Something’s cooking in Chambersburg, and it would be unwise to pick against the Trojans right now. 

Adam Kulikowski: Chambersburg 34, Waynesboro 13: The Trojans have speed to burn, and that will provide plenty of trouble for a rebuilding Waynesboro squad. 

Spring-Ford 63, Cumberland Valley 17

Andy Shay: Spring-Ford 21, Cumberland Valley 17: Rams are 2-0 while the Eagles are winless after facing two high-quality opponents. This feels like a more level playing field despite the records. Path to success for CV lies in more help from the offense.

Andy Sandrik: Spring-Ford 24, Cumberland Valley 14: I know CV has played some really good programs these opening two weeks, but six points in eight quarters is still a red flag for me. The Eagles’ defense will keep this game close for as long as they can, but the offense is going to have to take that next step sooner rather than later.

Adam Kulikowski: Spring-Ford 17, Cumberland Valley 7: Coach Josh Oswalt’s offense scheme is not an easy one to run fluently on Day 1. That means there’s growing pains that come along with a new cast of characters — and the Eagles certainly have faced those pains, netting just six points in their first eight quarters of play. 

Manheim Township 38, Harrisburg 6

Andy Shay: Harrisburg 27, Manheim Township 24: Both squads have come out of the gates flying and executing at a very high level on both sides of the ball. The chess match between the Cougars’ defense and the Blue Streaks’ offense is going to be fascinating to watch play out.

Andy Sandrik: Manheim Township 30, Harrisburg 26: I get the sense that this won’t be the first time these behemoths square off this fall.

Adam Kulikowski: Manheim Township 31, Harrisburg 30: This one is worth the drive for Harrisburg football fans. My crystal ball says we might be getting a preview of a District 3 Class 6A title match later this year.

State College at Hollidaysburg, Canceled

Andy Shay: State College 34, Hollidaysburg 14: Pretty sure the Little Lions are going to be ready to go from the opening whistle this week and focused on getting back on track after watching a late rally fall just short a week ago.

Andy Sandrik: State College 45, Hollidaysburg 21: State College will be fully focused on getting ahead and staying ahead, which could snowball into a blowout loss for Hollidaysburg.

Adam Kulikowski: State College 45, Hollidaysburg 13: The loss to Downingtown East was a mild shock, but don’t let that fool you. The Little Lions are still a force to be reckoned with for any opponent. 

Mechanicsburg 49, Red Land 30

Andy Shay: Red Land 24, Mechanicsburg 21: Toss-up game for me. The Patriots’ run game is a formula for success against the Wildcats’ defense, plus they have a defense that has created some key turnovers. Mechanicsburg offense will be the difference-maker if the Wildcats take this one.

Andy Sandrik: Red Land 21, Mechanicsburg 14: Having that first win under your belt can make a world of difference. The Patriots’ confidence, combined with its running attack and a sprinkle of defense, could serve them well in a grind-it-out kind of game. 

Adam Kulikowski: Red Land 28, Mechanicsburg 20: If the Patriots watched the tape from Cedar Cliff’s victory against Mechanicsburg last Thursday, they likely saw a few tendencies in the passing game that can be exploited against the Wildcats. 

Bishop McDevitt 47, La Salle College 21

Andy Shay: Bishop McDevitt 35, La Salle College 14: A pair of come-from-behind victories against next-level opponents should serve the Crusaders well in this one. I expect this to be close well into the second half before McD takes charge.

Andy Sandrik: Bishop McDevitt 35, La Salle College 10: The star-studded Crusaders have had to fight and claw for everything they’ve gotten in their 2-0 start. That experience will serve them well in this contest. 

Adam Kulikowski: Bishop McDevitt 41, La Salle College 20: Crusaders survived about 20 haymaker shots last week but never toppled. Consider this crew hardened and ready for the final test before division play begins next week. 

Cedar Cliff 43, McCaskey 6

Andy Shay: Cedar Cliff 27, McCaskey 20: There’s a little bit more pop in the Colts’ offense that you might think. They are a patient and efficient unit that will test McCaskey’s defense over the course of 48 minutes.

Andy Sandrik: Cedar Cliff 28, McCaskey 18: Cedar Cliff’s defense has been quietly having a nice little season, but I think they’ll be tested by a McCaskey squad that’s scored a point or two this season.

Adam Kulikowski: Cedar Cliff 41, McCaskey 17: The numbers Cedar Cliff has posted through Week 2 won’t wow you, but that’s just what’s scary about this team. They are getting solid contributions from a wide array of gents.

Hershey 35, Dallastown 19

Andy Shay: Dallastown 28, Hershey 21: Fully aware the Trojans are 2-0 and the Wildcats come into this one licking their wounds, sporting an 0-2 ledger. Who you play also matters, and Dallastown will have a say in the outcome of this game.

Andy Sandrik: Hershey 28, Dallastown 21: Hershey’s been a nice surprise this fall, but sooner or later someone’s going to knock off the Trojans, right? This seems like another 50-50 game, but fortune has favored Hershey in those kinds of contests this fall.

Adam Kulikowski: Hershey 24, Dallastown 21: Wavered on this pick for a few minutes, but I’m settling with the dudes in our coverage area who sport a tidy 2-0 record and a rushing offense that’s averaged a healthy 6.1 yards per carry.

Lower Dauphin 30, Elizabethtown 0

Andy Shay: Lower Dauphin 34, Elizabethtown 7: Bears have lost each of their first two games by 27 points and have struggled to be competitive. Fully healthy, the Falcons should have little trouble posting victory No. 2. 

Andy Sandrik: Lower Dauphin 41, Elizabethtown 14: I’m having more difficulty trying to type “Elizabethtown” than I think LD will actually have with the Bears this week.

Adam Kulikowski: Lower Dauphin 41, Elizabethtown 13: Falcons have the firepower to get some of the youngsters varsity experience in the second half. 

Palmyra 21, at Donegal 14

Andy Shay: Palmyra 28, Donegal 21: At first glance this might appear to be an upset. Not sure I see it that way. The Cougars’ defense has played eight solid quarters, and despite Donegal’s 2-0 mark, I think the 1-1 Cougars are playing their best football.

Andy Sandrik: Donegal 21, Palmyra 14: This has the makings of a defensive-minded contest. Give the edge to the L-L outfit playing at home.

Adam Kulikowski: Donegal 24, Palmyra 14: Give the Cougars credit for hanging tough against an East Pennsboro crew that has had their number in recent seasons. Perhaps it is a bellwether for what is to come in Palmyra, but for me it’s a bit early to bank just yet. 

Susquehanna Township 28, Middletown 13

Andy Shay: Susquehanna Township 35, Middletown 14: This is still a very dangerous ‘Hanna Tribe offense, and the Blue Raiders have already surrendered 79 points this season.

Andy Sandrik: Susquehanna Township 48, Middletown 14: The Middletown rebuild continues, and with ‘Hanna on tap, there’s sure to be more growing pains this week.

Adam Kulikowski: Susquehanna Township 55, Middletown 6: The Indians would be a pristine 2-0 if not for the last-second heroics of Milton Hershey in the season opener. Middletown continues to look for footholds after an idle year on the sidelines. 

East Pennsboro 34, Milton Hershey 28

Andy Shay: Milton Hershey 26, East Pennsboro 21: Nearly half of the 44 meetings (19 to be exact) have been decided by eight or fewer points. All indicators are this battle of 2-0 clubs could be a tight squeeze, as well.

Andy Sandrik: Milton Hershey 28, East Pennsboro 21: I’d rather drink a Grimace Shake than try to figure out this puzzle of a game. I think the Spartans have an edge, but this seems like it could go either way.

Adam Kulikowski: East Pennsboro 24, Milton Hershey 21: Panthers have yet to be fully tested heading into Week 3, but that’s not their fault. The pieces are there with Keith Oates III and some supporting playmakers to challenge in the Colonial Division. And you know the Spartans will make it a grudge match for four quarters — just ask Susquehanna Township. 

Greencastle-Antrim 35, Delone Catholic 21

Andy Shay: Greencastle-Antrim 21, Delone Catholic 14: Blue Devils are a surprising 2-0, and the Squires are struggling defensively and have lost to a pair of quality opponents. This will be a test at the next level for G-A.

Andy Sandrik: Greencastle-Antrim 24, Delone Catholic 12: Greencastle’s stats aren’t completely up to date, but we know the Blue Devils have at least three players who each have at least two sacks. That tells me Greencastle is fully capable of wrecking this game. 

Adam Kulikowski: Greencastle-Antrim 26, Delone Catholic 20: Jury is deliberating just how good the Blue Devils can be in 2023, but let’s not overthink this one. 

Dover 39, Northern 14

Andy Shay: Dover 17, Northern 14: Couple of 1-1 teams that were rolled by big-school opponents a week ago. Big concern for Northern is only three touchdowns scored in eight quarters. Change that, and this contest could easily be a W.

Andy Sandrik: Northern 14, Dover 7: I’m giving Northern the benefit of the doubt, here, but I have some concerns.

Adam Kulikowski: Northern 21, Dover 14: This may have more the feel of a soccer game than football — a game that is likely decided by field position and a key turnover. Both teams have the ability to gain the advantage, but the Polar Bears have the pedigree in recent years. 

Shippensburg 14, Spring Grove 6

Andy Shay: Shippensburg 27, Spring Grove 7: Pretty sure the Greyhounds are less than pleased at having to surrender the Little Brown Jug. This is the right matchup for Ship to steer its season in a new direction. 

Andy Sandrik: Shippensburg 21, Spring Grove 14: The Greyhounds’ offense is still trying to find some traction, so this could be a closer contest than a lot of folks might think.

Adam Kulikowski: Shippensburg 31, Spring Grove 13: The troops from Spring Grove won’t be sending Big Spring party favors anytime soon after the Bulldogs shook the hornet’s nest last week en route to their first victory against Shippensburg in more than a decade. 

Big Spring 47, Newport 0

Andy Shay: Big Spring 26, Newport 7: Bulldogs are on a heater and understand they can’t let the hangover of claiming the Little Brown Jug for the first time since 2010 define their season. Buffaloes’ offensive woes are clear and obvious.

Andy Sandrik: Big Spring 48, Newport 12: I can’t even imagine how big the bonfires were in Newville after Big Spring finally won the big game against the ‘Hounds. Even if the ‘Dogs are a little “hung over” from last week, I still think they have enough studs in the trenches to make life difficult for Newport.

Adam Kulikowski: Big Spring 33, Newport 13: Is there a better feel-good story from Week 2 than the Bulldogs’ victory in the Little Brown Jug game? Those good vibes should continue against a Newport team that is enduring the pain of a rebuild. 

Gettysburg 50, Boiling Springs 14

Andy Shay: Gettysburg 32, Boiling Springs 20: If nothing else the Warriors’ offense has been good enough to be 2-0 instead of 0-2. This game will be determined by how much hay the Bubblers’ offense can make against a struggling Gettysburg defense.

Andy Sandrik: Gettysburg 38, Boiling Springs 14: Boiling Springs would love to slow this game down with its defense and turn this into a low-scoring affair, but I think the Warriors have a little too much pop for that to happen.

Adam Kulikowski: Gettysburg 45, Boiling Springs 20: Gettysburg may be the most dangerous 0-2 team in District 3. But to make any ground in the Colonial, the Warriors are going to need to limit the defensive miscues.

Camp Hill 42, Upper Dauphin 20

Andy Shay: Camp Hill 28, Upper Dauphin 14: When the dust settles around this one, the bottom line is the defense will play a key role in guiding Camp Hill to a 3-0 start. 

Andy Sandrik: Camp Hill 36, Upper Dauphin 21: Austin Duplessie has three sacks in two games for Upper Dauphin from his defensive tackle position. Can he disrupt the Camp Hill passing attack?

Adam Kulikowski: Camp Hill 35, Upper Dauphin 21: For a small school, the Lions always seem to find a young lad who can sling it. They have another in QB Drew Branstetter. The junior’s completion percentage is a hardy 69% (40 of 58 for 549 yards), and he has yet to toss a pick. 

Wyomissing 35, Trinity 34

Andy Shay: Wyomissing 31, Trinity 21: I’m fascinated by this matchup in so many ways. Spartans are the clear favorites, but the T-Rocks have some offensive firepower and the Wyo defense will present a challenge at another level. 

Andy Sandrik: Wyomissing 30, Trinity 21: This is one of those games where I think the Shamrocks need to force a turnover or two to stay within striking distance.

Adam Kulikowski: Wyomissing 38, Trinity 36: To me, this is the biggest prove-it game on the docket for the Shamrocks. We know they are good, but we don’t know yet if they can knock off a perennial District 3 superpower.

West Perry 39, Juniata 21

Andy Shay: West Perry 42, Juniata 7: The Indians have allowed nearly 100 points over eight quarters, and keeping the scoreboard rolling is not a problem at all for the high-octane Mustangs. 

Andy Sandrik: West Perry 51, Juniata 14: The Mustangs are the Perry County champs after routing Susquenita and Newport, and it doesn’t seem like anything is going to stop WP from taking over Juniata County next.

Adam Kulikowski: West Perry 48, Juniata 13: The Mustangs are running like a finely tuned Cobra right now. It isn’t a matter of if they will win, but rather when will they let off the gas. 

Halifax 53, Hancock (Md.) 6

Andy Shay: Hancock 35, Halifax 31: Wildcats are riding high after a convincing 40-0 victory, and the Panthers were blown out in their season opener. Opportunity for Halifax to be 2-1 is right in front of them.

Andy Sandrik: Halifax 36, Hancock 20: It’s so nice to see the Wildcats showing a little pop this season. This is going to be a tough road test, but I’m riding with Halifax.

Adam Kulikowski: Hancock 45, Halifax 20: In my heart, I want to take the Wildcats. But my gut says don’t overvalue the offensive explosion displayed in Week 2.

James Buchanan 21, Biglerville 19

Andy Shay: Biglerville 21, James Buchanan 7: By a slim margin it feels like the Canners have a few more options in terms of offensive weapons. Will say the Rockets’ defense has been up to the task so far, though.

Andy Sandrik: Biglerville 28, James Buchanan 7: In a few months that fall drive through Adams County will be one of the most picturesque trips you can take on a budget. But I don’t think this ride home from Canner Country will be that fun for the Rockets.

Adam Kulikowski: Biglerville 21, James Buchanan 14: The Canners have scored just 21 points in their first eight quarters of play but have a 1-1 record to show for their efforts. Doubling the tally from the first two weeks should be enough to get the dub.

Tri-Valley 23, Line Mountain 14

Andy Shay: Line Mountain 38, Tri-Valley 28: Let the good times roll, right? This has all the ingredients of being a back-and-forth slugfest for a long time despite each squad checking in at 1-1. Throw the records out.

Andy Sandrik: Tri-Valley 27, Line Mountain 24: Coin-flip game, in my mind, but I’ll take the scrappy Bulldogs. Any team whose QB doubles as a DE, like the Bulldogs’ Blake Schwartz (6-6, 190), deserves to be called scrappy. 

Adam Kulikowski: Line Mountain 32, Tri-Valley 31: Last year, the Eagles nearly pulled off a huge upset when they took Tri-Valley to the wire. In some regards, it was the beginning of the awakening of LM. This year, I’m not even sure we would categorize a victory by the home squad as an upset.

Schuylkill Valley 48, Susquenita 14

Andy Shay: Susquenita 27, Schuylkill Valley 21: Give me 6-4, 230-pound Blackhawks QB Derek Gibney and his 500-plus passing yards, six touchdowns and one INT in eight quarters. Shots will be taken is all I know.

Andy Sandrik: Schuylkill Valley 28, Susquenita 20: As a West Perry grad, I’m obligated to pick against the ‘Hawks in a 50-50 game, right? 

Adam Kulikowski: Susquenita 34, Schuylkill Valley 31: The Gibney brothers, Derek and Drew, are taking the backyard pitch-and-catch to new heights this season, connecting 18 times for 236 of QB Derek Gibney’s 527 stripes to date. 

North Schuylkill 48, Pine Grove 0

Andy Shay: North Schuylkill 33, Pine Grove 14: Fully aware each squad is 1-1, just think the Spartans are going to ask some questions of the PG defense that haven’t been asked of them to date.

Andy Sandrik: North Schuylkill 32, Pine Grove 12: I’ve been on the wrong end of some of those 48-6 losses, like the one PG took last week. It’s remarkably hard to get back on track, even if you’re facing an opponent that may otherwise be an even match. 

Adam Kulikowski: North Schuylkill 37, Pine Grove 20: Coming off a week in which Williams Valley gashed the Pine Grove defense for 370 yards, the thought of NS senior running back Jaxson Chowansky and his 7.6 yards per carry (26 carries, 198 yards) likely is keeping the PG defensive coordinator up at night.

Schuylkill Haven 24, Williams Valley 21

Andy Shay: Williams Valley 35, Schuylkill Haven 20: When you have a dude who averages more than 280 yards a game on the ground, that will cover up for a lot of other gaps on your squad.

Andy Sandrik: Williams Valley 44, Schuylkill Haven 9: Folks are buying tickets just to see Alex Achenbach run the ball, and No. 5 is doing it so well that Williams Valley’s hustling defense — which has allowed six points all season — is still an afterthought.

Adam Kulikowski: Williams Valley 45, Schuylkill Haven 13: Last week, Vikings running back Alex Achenbach broke the school rushing record with 343 yards on just 14 carries. Whose record did he break, you might be wondering? His own — 321 yards against Panther Valley in 2021. 

SATURDAY, SEPT. 9

Steel-High 29, West Catholic (Philadelphia) 22

Andy Shay: Steel-High 46, West Catholic 19: While West Catholic is a known name brand in the state, not sure the Burrs have the firepower this season to hold serve against the Rollers. Steel-High is better at putting pressure on teams to play its style of game.

Andy Sandrik: Steel-High 50, West Catholic 13: Rollers are averaging 44 points per contest. I have a feeling that average rises a little bit after this weekend. 

Adam Kulikowski: Steel-High 55, West Catholic 14: West Catholic scored just six points in its season opener last week. That’s simply not enough offensive firepower to contend with Alex Erby and the gents in Steelton. 

Eric F. Epler’s State High School Football Rankings: December 10

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Eric F. Epler’s State High School Football Rankings: December 10

Folks, thank you all for your incredible work during the football season. Final rankings below if you want them. … If you haven’t received the All-State email about nominations and deadlines, please let me know. Ep

Pennsylvania high school football final 2024 rankings (Dec. 10)

CLASS 6A

Rank – Team – District – Record — Previous

1. St. Joseph’s Prep (12) —                        11-2       — 1

2. La Salle College HS (12) —                  10-1       — 3

3. Pittsburgh CC (7) —                                   12-3       — 2

4. Harrisburg (3) —                                           11-3       — 4

5. Downingtown West (1) —                     13-2       — 5

6. North Penn (1) —                                          11-3       — 6

7. State College (6) —                                    11-2       — 7

8. Central Bucks South (1) —                  12-1       — 8

9. Parkland (11) —                                             11-3       — 9

10. North Allegheny (7) —                          10-2       — 10

Honorable mention: Central Bucks West (1) 10-3, Central York (3) 9-3, Easton Area (11) 10-2, Emmaus (11) 10-3, Imhotep Charter (12) 10-2, Manheim Township (3) 10-2, Wilson-West Lawn (3) 11-2.

CLASS 5A

Rank – Team – District – Record – Previous

1. Bishop McDevitt (3) —          14-2       — 1

2. Roman Catholic (12) —        11-5       — 2

3. Pine-Richland (7) —                11-2       — 3

4. West Chester Rustin (1) — 13-2     — 4

5. Peters Township (7) —           11-2       — 5

6. Upper St. Clair (7) —               11-1       — 6

7. Springfield-Delco (1) —       12-2       — 7

8. Exeter Township (3) —           12-2       — 8

9. Mechanicsburg (3) —             11-1       — 9

10. Hollidaysburg (6) —              12-2       — 10

Honorable mention: Abington Heights (2) 8-3, Bethel Park (7) 10-3, Conestoga Valley (3) 11-1, East Stroudsburg (11) 10-3, Garnet Valley (1) 9-4, Upper Dublin (1) 9-4.

CLASS 4A

Rank – Team – District – Record – Previous

1. Bonner-Prendergast (12) – 12-2     — 2
2. Lampeter-Strasburg (3) — 14-1       — 1

3. Thomas Jefferson (7) —        13-1       — 3

4. Southern Lehigh (11) —       12-3       — 4

5. Wyomissing (3) —                      10-3       — 5

6. Clearfield (9) —                           12-1       — 6

7. Pope John Paul II (1) —          12-2       — 7

8. Aliquippa (7) —                            7-3          — 9

9. Juniata (6) —                                  9-4          — 9

10. Shamokin (4) —                       12-1       — 10

Honorable mention: General McLane (10) 8-3, Jersey Shore (4) 8-4, McKeesport (7) 8-5, Valley View (2) 11-2, Twin Valley (3) 9-3.

CLASS 3A

Rank – Team – District – Record – Previous

1. Northwestern Lehigh (11) —              16-0       — 1

2. Avonworth (7) —                                           12-4       — 2

3. Danville (4) —                                                  13-1       — 3

4. Penn Cambria (6) —                                  14-1       — 4

5. Scranton Prep (2) —                                  12-2       — 5

6. Lewisburg (4) —                                            10-2       — 6

7. Hickory (10) —                                                11-2       — 7

8. Bermudian Springs (3) —                      11-2       — 8

9. Sharon (10) —                                                 11-2       — 9

10. Imani Christian (7) —                            11-1       — 10

Honorable mention: Central Valley (7) 7-6, Elizabeth-Forward (7) 8-3, Trinity (3) 9-3, Western Wayne (2) 10-2, Wyoming Area (2) 11-2.

CLASS 2A

Rank – Team – District – Record – Previous

1. Troy (4) —                              16-0       — 1

2. Central Clarion (9) —                                14-1       — 2

3. Riverside (2) —                                               13-2       — 3

4. South Park (7) —                                           12-2       — 4

5. Seton-LaSalle (7) —                                  12-1       — 5

6. Williams Valley (11) —                            12-2       — 6

7. Cambria Heights (6) —                           13-1       — 7

8. Ellwood City (7) —                                      10-1       — 8

9. Bedford (5) —                                                  10-4       — 9

10. Schuylkill Haven (11) —                      11-2       — 10

Honorable mention: Farrell (10) 7-6, Richland (6) 10-3, Steelton-Highspire (3) 10-3, Steel Valley (7) 9-4.

CLASS 1A

Rank – Team – District – Record – Previous

1. Bishop Guilfoyle (6) —          15-1       — 1

2. Port Allegany (9) —                   14-1       — 2

3. Fort Cherry (7) —                        14-1       — 3

4. Muncy (4) —                                   12-3       — 4

5. Clairton (7) —                                13-1       — 5

6. Lackawanna Trail (2) —        11-2       — 6

7. Westinghouse (8) —                9-2          — 7

8. Greenville (10) —                       11-2       — 8

9. Wilmington (10) —                    8-3          — 9

10. Delone Catholic (3) —        10-3       — 10

Honorable mention: Bishop Canevin (7) 9-3, Cambridge Springs (10) 9-2, Northern Cambria (6) 11-2, Redbank Valley (9) 9-4, Windber (5) 10-3.

Picks and Predictions for the PIAA Championships

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Picks and Predictions for the PIAA Championships

PIAA Finals: 

6A:  

St. Joseph’s Prep vs. Central Catholic

at Cumberland Valley High School December 7 at 7 p.m.

Andy Shay: St. Joseph’s Prep 38, Central Catholic 27: The kingpin of Class 6A is here again to announce its presence with authority. SJP is always the heavy favorite in this game.

Andy Sandrik: St. Joseph’s Prep 32, Central Catholic 25: Is there a three-peat in store for the Hawks? I think so, but Central Catholic will have a say in this outcome.

Adam Kulikowski:  St. Joseph’s Prep 35, Central Catholic 24:  Prep has appeared in every Class 6A Championship bout since the class was established in 2016, winning six of eight titles along the way.  Some say this team is ‘more beatable’ than in years past, but that doesn’t mean the road will be easy for Central. 

5A: 

Roman Catholic vs. Bishop McDevitt

at Cumberland Valley High School December 6 at 7 p.m.

Andy Shay: Bishop McDevitt 28, Roman Catholic 21: Love the quarterback matchup in this one. However the hidden key for me is the play of each defense. Where I think the Crusaders have the slightest of edge.

Andy Sandrik: Bishop McDevitt 24, Roman Catholic 21: I think there were a lot of folks expecting Pine-Richland to be here, but McDevitt did a convincing job of dispatching the Rams and now finds itself as a favorite in the state championship game, at least in my book.

Adam Kulikowski:  Bishop McDevitt 34, Roman Catholic 31: For the third time in four years, Bishop McDevitt will play for a PIAA championship—this time against the District 12 champion Cahillites. Junior QB Semaj Beals has carved up opponents all season with more than 4,000 passing yards and 48 touchdowns. 

4A: 

Bonner Prendergast vs. Lampeter Strasburg

at Cumberland Valley High School December 5 at 7 p.m.

Andy Shay: Lampeter-Strasburg 24, Bonner Prendergast 21: Call this my homer pick all the way. It’s a slim path to victory for the Pioneers, but this season they have answered every question asked. BP will ask some new ones, though.

Andy Sandrik: Lampeter-Strasburg 28, Bonner Prendergast 21: You just never know what’s going to happen in a state title game, but the Pioneers have slayed dragon after dragon to get here. I think they can do it one more time to complete their undefeated season.

Adam Kulikowski:  Bonner Prendergast 45, Lampeter Strasburg 30: Both teams will play for their first state championship December 5. Bonner enters this bout with just two losses on the season–against 6A powerhouses St. Joseph’s Prep and La Salle College. For the undefeated Pioneers, they must find a way to slow down a Bonner offense that averages more than 38 points per game and features a high-powered air attack. 

3A: 

Northwestern Lehigh vs. Avonworth

at Cumberland Valley High School December 7 at 1 p.m.

Andy Shay: Northwestern Lehigh 35, Avonworth 14: The Tigers have carved up anybody and everybody this season. Nothing changes in the highest stakes game of the season. NOTHING!

Andy Sandrik: Northwestern Lehigh 31, Avonworth 24: One of these programs will win a first state title. Odds certainly favor the unbeaten Tigers, who have absolutely demolished the competition this season.

Adam Kulikowski: Northwestern Lehigh 34, Avonworth 21: Lehigh enters this battle as the heavy favorites and for good reason. Here’s just a few… the Tigers are winners of 30 of their last 31 games and have outscored their opponents 634-93 this season. Running back Eli Zimmerman is one of the slickest cats in the Commonwealth, rushing for more than 2,500 yards and 35 touchdowns. 

2A: 

Troy vs. Central Clarion

at Cumberland Valley High School December 6 at 1 p.m.

Andy Shay: Troy 34, Central Clarion 31: Something tells me Troy is built to handle what Central Clarion is going to throw at them. If the game gets sideways and becomes a tight squeeze Troy will know exactly what to do.

Andy Sandrik: Central Clarion 27, Troy 18: Not only will Wildcats senior QB Jase Ferguson be seeking his 50th TD pass on Friday, but Central Clarion could very well be gunning for District 9’s first-ever state title, assuming Port Allegany doesn’t beat them to the punch in Thursday’s 1A final.

Adam Kulikowski:  Central Clarion 45, Troy 21: Central Clarion has imposed the mercy rule in 12 of its 14 wins this season. In its three state playoff games, they outpaced opponents by a combined 145-12 score. Yep, the Wildcats are an imposing obstacle to say the least.  

1A: 

Bishop Guilfoyle vs. Port Allegany

at Cumberland Valley High School December 5 at 1 p.m.

Andy Shay: Bishop Guilfoyle 28, Port Allegany 14: There’s just something about the way BG sucks the life out of the opposition that is kinda boring to watch, but very enjoyable from a football geek perspective. District 6 raw power will be on display.

Andy Sandrik: Port Allegany 35, Bishop Guilfoyle 28: My gut was originally telling me to go with Bishop Guilfoyle, but it’s really hard to ignore the high-powered Gators, who have beaten every one of their postseason opponents by at least three scores.

Adam Kulikowski: Bishop Guilfoyle 27, Port Allegany 21: Experience matters when the pressure is at its peak–and the Marauders have plenty when it comes to playing for a PIAA title.

Eric F. Epler’s State High School Football Rankings: December 3

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Eric F. Epler’s State High School Football Rankings: December 3

CLASS 6A

Rank – Team – District – Record — Previous

1. St. Joseph’s Prep (12) —                        10-2       — 1

2. Pittsburgh CC (7) —                                   12-2       — 2

3. La Salle College HS (12) —                  10-1       — 3

4. Harrisburg (3) —                                           11-3       — 4

5. Downingtown West (1) —                     13-2       — 5

6. North Penn (1) —                                          11-3       — 6

7. State College (6) —                                    11-2       — 7

8. Central Bucks South (1) —                  12-1       — 8

9. Parkland (11) —                                             11-3       — 9

10. North Allegheny (7) —                          10-2       — 10

Honorable mention: Central Bucks West (1) 10-3, Central York (3) 9-3, Easton Area (11) 10-2, Emmaus (11) 10-3, Imhotep Charter (12) 10-2, Manheim Township (3) 10-2, Wilson-West Lawn (3) 11-2.

CLASS 5A

Rank – Team – District – Record – Previous

1. Bishop McDevitt (3) —          13-2       — 3

2. Roman Catholic (12) —        11-4       — 4

3. Pine-Richland (7) —                11-2       — 1

4. West Chester Rustin (1) — 13-2     — 2

5. Peters Township (7) —           11-2       — 5

6. Upper St. Clair (7) —               11-1       — 6

7. Springfield-Delco (1) —       12-2       — 7

8. Exeter Township (3) —           12-2       — 8

9. Mechanicsburg (3) —             11-1       — 9

10. Hollidaysburg (6) —              12-2       — 10

Honorable mention: Abington Heights (2) 8-3, Bethel Park (7) 10-3, Conestoga Valley (3) 11-1, East Stroudsburg (11) 10-3, Garnet Valley (1) 9-4, Upper Dublin (1) 9-4.

CLASS 4A

Rank – Team – District – Record – Previous

1. Lampeter-Strasburg (3) — 14-0       — 2

2. Bonner-Prendergast (12) – 11-2     — 3

3. Thomas Jefferson (7) —        13-1       — 1

4. Southern Lehigh (11) —       12-3       — 4

5. Wyomissing (3) —                      10-3       — 5

6. Clearfield (9) —                           12-1       — 6

7. Pope John Paul II (1) —          12-2       — 7

8. Aliquippa (7) —                            7-3          — 10

9. Juniata (6) —                                  9-4          — 8

10. Shamokin (4) —                       12-1       — 9

Honorable mention: General McLane (10) 8-3, Jersey Shore (4) 8-4, McKeesport (7) 8-5, Valley View (2) 11-2, Twin Valley (3) 9-3.

CLASS 3A

Rank – Team – District – Record – Previous

1. Northwestern Lehigh (11) —              15-0       — 2

2. Avonworth (7) —                                           12-3       — 4

3. Danville (4) —                                                  13-1       — 1

4. Penn Cambria (6) —                                  14-1       — 3

5. Scranton Prep (2) —                                  12-2       — 5

6. Lewisburg (4) —                                            10-2       — 7

7. Hickory (10) —                                                11-2       — 6

8. Bermudian Springs (3) —                      11-2       — 8

9. Sharon (10) —                                                 11-2       — 9

10. Imani Christian (7) —                            11-1       — HM

Honorable mention: Central Valley (7) 7-6, Elizabeth-Forward (7) 8-3, Trinity (3) 9-3, Western Wayne (2) 10-2, Wyoming Area (2) 11-2.

CLASS 2A

Rank – Team – District – Record – Previous

1. Troy (4) —                              15-0       — 1

2. Central Clarion (9) —                                14-0       — 2

3. Riverside (2) —                                               13-2       — 3

4. South Park (7) —                                           12-2       — 4

5. Seton-LaSalle (7) —                                  12-1       — 5

6. Williams Valley (11) —                            12-2       — 6

7. Cambria Heights (6) —                           13-1       — 7

8. Ellwood City (7) —                                      10-1       — 8

9. Bedford (5) —                                                  10-4       — 9

10. Schuylkill Haven (11) —                      11-2       — 10

Honorable mention: Farrell (10) 7-6, Richland (6) 10-3, Steelton-Highspire (3) 10-3, Steel Valley (7) 9-4.

CLASS 1A

Rank – Team – District – Record – Previous

1. Bishop Guilfoyle (6) —          14-1       — 2

2. Port Allegany (9) —                   14-0       — 3

3. Fort Cherry (7) —                        14-1       — 1

4. Muncy (4) —                                   12-3       — 4

5. Clairton (7) —                                13-1       — 5

6. Lackawanna Trail (2) —        11-2       — 7

7. Westinghouse (8) —                9-2          — 6

8. Greenville (10) —                       11-2       — 8

9. Wilmington (10) —                    8-3          — 9

10. Delone Catholic (3) —        10-3       — 10

Honorable mention: Bishop Canevin (7) 9-3, Cambridge Springs (10) 9-2, Northern Cambria (6) 11-2, Redbank Valley (9) 9-4, Windber (5) 10-3.

Picks and Predictions for November 29-30

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Picks and Predictions for November 29-30

PIAA 6A Semifinal: 

Harrisburg vs. Pittsburgh Central Catholic

November 30 at 1 p.m. at Mansion Park in Altoona

Andy Shay: Pittsburgh Central Catholic 35, Harrisburg 19: The last time PCC had a legitimate competitive game that pushed them to the limit was in late September. Fewest points by the Vikings their last seven games is 38 twice. FEWEST points. Cougars aren’t equipped to handle this much two-way horsepower over 48 minutes.

Andy Sandrik: Pittsburgh Central Catholic 32, Harrisburg 23: The Cougars are going to need to play at a level we haven’t yet seen to survive this assignment.

Adam Kulikowski: Pittsburgh Central Catholic 37, Harrisburg 28:  Harrisburg has been here before. Four straight PIAA 6A semifinal appearances give this crew plenty of experience in big moments. But taking down a PCC team that plays with a pace the Cougars haven’t seen all season will be a mighty challenge. 

PIAA 5A Semifinal: 

Bishop McDevitt vs. Pine-Richland

November 29 at 7 p.m. at Mansion Park in Altoona

Andy Shay: Pine-Richland 28, Bishop McDevitt 20: Among a litany of impressive victories, the Rams have taken out Class 6A semifinalist Pittsburgh Central Catholic. The schedule has prepared McD for this type of matchup, just not sure they have all the prerequisite parts to knock off this hammer squad.

Andy Sandrik: Bishop McDevitt 28, Pine-Richland 20: This Crusaders’ defense has solved plenty of tough riddles this season, and I think they have the personnel to combat this balanced Rams attack.

Adam Kulikowski: Pine-Richland 31, Bishop McDevitt 30: In three WPIAL playoff games, the vaunted Pine-Richland defense allowed just 16 total points. It’s safe to say the Rams won’t be intimidated by the playmakers Bishop McDevitt trots onto the field.

Eric F. Epler’s State High School Football Rankings: November 26

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Eric F. Epler’s State High School Football Rankings: November 26

CLASS 6A

Rank – Team – District – Record — Previous

1. St. Joseph’s Prep (12) —                        9-2          — 1

2. Pittsburgh CC (7) —                                   11-2       — 3

3. La Salle College HS (12) —                  10-1       — 4

4. Harrisburg (3) —                                           11-2       — 6

5. Downingtown West (1) —                     13-1       — 10

6. North Penn (1) —                                          11-3       — 7

7. State College (6) —                                    11-2       — 2

8. Central Bucks South (1) —                  12-1       — 8

9. Parkland (11) —                                             11-3       — 9

10. North Allegheny (7) —                          10-2       — NR

Honorable mention: Central Bucks West (1) 10-3, Central York (3) 9-3, Easton Area (11) 10-2, Emmaus (11) 10-3, Imhotep Charter (12) 10-2, Manheim Township (3) 10-2, Wilson-West Lawn (3) 11-2.

CLASS 5A

Rank – Team – District – Record – Previous

1. Pine-Richland (7) —                11-1       — 1

2. West Chester Rustin (1) — 13-1      — 2

3. Bishop McDevitt (3) —          12-2       — 5

4. Roman Catholic (12) —        10-4       — 9

5. Peters Township (7) —           11-2       — 3

6. Upper St. Clair (7) —               11-1       — 7

7. Springfield-Delco (1) —       12-2       — 4

8. Exeter Township (3) —           12-2       — 6

9. Mechanicsburg (3) —             11-1       — 10

10. Hollidaysburg (6) —              12-2       — 8

Honorable mention: Abington Heights (2) 8-3, Bethel Park (7) 10-3, Conestoga Valley (3) 11-1, East Stroudsburg (11) 10-3, Garnet Valley (1) 9-4, Upper Dublin (1) 9-4.

CLASS 4A

Rank – Team – District – Record – Previous

1. Thomas Jefferson (7) —        13-0       — 1

2. Lampeter-Strasburg (3) — 13-0       — 3

3. Bonner-Prendergast (12) – 10-2     — 6

4. Southern Lehigh (11) —       12-2       — 8

5. Wyomissing (3) —                      10-3       — 4

6. Clearfield (9) —                           12-1       — 5

7. Pope John Paul II (1) —          12-2       — 2

8. Juniata (6) —                                  9-4          — 7

9. Shamokin (4) —                           12-1       — 9

10. Aliquippa (7) —                         7-3          — 10

Honorable mention: General McLane (10) 8-3, Jersey Shore (4) 8-4, McKeesport (7) 8-5, Valley View (2) 11-2, Twin Valley (3) 9-3.

CLASS 3A

Rank – Team – District – Record – Previous

1. Danville (4) —                                                  13-0       — 1

2. Northwestern Lehigh (11) —              14-0       — 2

3. Penn Cambria (6) —                                  14-0       — 5

4. Avonworth (7) —                                           12-3       — 6

5. Scranton Prep (2) —                                  12-2       — 3

6. Hickory (10) —                                                11-2       — 4

7. Lewisburg (4) —                                            10-2       — 8

8. Bermudian Springs (3) —                      11-2       — 7

9. Sharon (10) —                                                 11-2       — 9

10. Central Valley (7) —                                7-6          — 10

Honorable mention: Elizabeth-Forward (7) 8-3, Imani Christian (7) 11-1, Trinity (3) 9-3, Western Wayne (2) 10-2, Wyoming Area (2) 11-2.

CLASS 2A

Rank – Team – District – Record – Previous

1. Troy (4) —                              14-0       — 1

2. Central Clarion (9) —                                13-0       — 2

3. Riverside (2) —                                               13-1       — 6

4. South Park (7) —                                           12-1       — 7

5. Seton-LaSalle (7) —                                  12-1       — 3

6. Williams Valley (11) —                            12-2       — 4

7. Cambria Heights (6) —                           13-1       — 5

8. Ellwood City (7) —                                      10-1       — 10

9. Bedford (5) —                                                  10-4       — 8

10. Schuylkill Haven (11) —                      11-2       — 9

Honorable mention: Farrell (10) 7-6, Richland (6) 10-3, Steelton-Highspire (3) 10-3, Steel Valley (7) 9-4.

CLASS 1A

Rank – Team – District – Record – Previous

1. Fort Cherry (7) —                        14-0       — 1

2. Bishop Guilfoyle (6) —          13-1       — 4

3. Port Allegany (9) —                   13-0       — 5

4. Muncy (4) —                                   12-2       — 6

5. Clairton (7) —                                13-1       — 3

6. Westinghouse (8) —                9-2          — 2

7. Lackawanna Trail (2) —        11-2       — 9

8. Greenville (10) —                       11-2       — 10

9. Wilmington (10) —                    8-3          — 8

10. Delone Catholic (3) —        10-3       — 7

Honorable mention: Bishop Canevin (7) 9-3, Cambridge Springs (10) 9-2, Northern Cambria (6) 11-2, Redbank Valley (9) 9-4, Windber (5) 10-3.

Picks and Predictions for November 22-23

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Picks and Predictions for November 22-23

Standings:

Name: Last Week; Overall

Andy Sandrik: 6-4; 189-53

Andy Shay: 6-4; 186-56

Adam Kulikowski: 5-5; 179-63

District 3-6A Championship

Harrisburg (4) vs. Wilson (2)

at Exeter Township, Saturday, November 23 at 1 p.m.

Andy Shay: Harrisburg 21, Wilson 14: Defense seems to be the key right now for both clubs. When it comes to the second season, is it me or do the Cougars resemble a certain professional football team from Kansas City? Just asking.

Andy Sandrik: Harrisburg 27, Wilson 14: Picking Harrisburg to beat No. 1 Manheim Township last week felt more like a leap of faith than anything else, but after the way the Cougars roughed up the Blue Streaks, I’m much more confident in this pick. 

Adam Kulikowski: Harrisburg 35, Wilson 31:  Harrisburg running back Messiah Mickens is playing his best football in the biggest moments–just what you hope for from one of your blue chip players. Cougars will need another big performance from this lad and his crew to get past a resurgent Bulldogs squad. 

District 3-5A Championship

Bishop McDevitt (6) vs. Exeter Township (8)

at ELCO, Friday, November 22 at 7 p.m.

Andy Shay: Bishop McDevitt 33, Exeter Township 27: Something tells me each offense will get some in this matchup. The better balance and more diversity on that side of the ball gives McD a slight edge. Very slight. 

Andy Sandrik: Bishop McDevitt 36, Exeter Township 18: Exeter Township has been nothing short of locked in this postseason, but if there was ever a team equipped with the big-game experience to finally put the Eagles to bed, it’s McDevitt.

Adam Kulikowski: Bishop McDevitt 34, Exeter Township 21: If Bishop McDevitt can find a way to keep dynamic running back Jayden Zandier under wraps, hoisting another District championship is well within reach. Zandier carved up opponents all season en route to nearly 2,100 yards rushing and 30 touchdowns. 

District 3-4A Championship

Wyomissing vs. Lampeter-Strasburg

at Warwick, Friday, November 22 at 7 p.m.

Andy Shay: Lampeter-Strasburg 28, Wyomissing 14: What the Spartans tend to do to clubs this time of year is EXACTLY the Pioneers’ strength as well. The over under for pass attempts combined is 20 and the brute force of L-S is a tall ask to stop.

Andy Sandrik: Lampeter-Strasburg 24, Wyomissing 17: With two 1,200-yard rushers in the backfield — QB Caileb Howse and RB Dominic Brown — it’s no surprise Lampeter-Strasburg has beaten every it’s faced this season, including Wyomissing. No reason to pick any differently this week. 

Adam Kulikowski: Lampeter-Strasburg 21, Wyomissing 14: Just three weeks ago, the Pioneers handed Wyomissing its second loss of the season. While I normally am hard-pressed to pick against Ross Tucker’s Spartans, the path for the Pioneers to advance is attainable. 

PIAA 6A Quarterfinal:

State College vs. Pittsburgh Central Catholic

at Mansion Park in Altoona, November 22 at 7 p.m.

Andy Shay: Pittsburgh Central Catholic 40, State College 38: This is the matchup where the opposition has just as much horsepower and firepower as the Little Lions. I went back and forth on this one and PCC gets the call in a wild guess.

Andy Sandrik: State College 42, Pittsburgh Central Catholic 36: My understanding is that Pittsburgh Central Catholic has a superb squad, but it’s hard to pick against an SC squad that has dudes like Eddie Corkery, Ty Salazer, and Michael Gaul in the lineup. 

Adam Kulikowski:  Pittsburgh Central Catholic 41, State College 38: Airing it out won’t be an issue for either of these two high-powered offenses–each of which has a more-than-capable QB1.  An off-the-radar X-factor to me is sophomore Pitt linebacker Roman Thomson who leads his crew in tackles with 73 tackles and 14 tackles for loss and four sacks.  

PIAA 4A Quarterfinal:

Juniata vs. Southern Lehigh

at Shamokin, November 22 at 7 p.m.

Andy Shay: Juniata 20, Southern Lehigh 14: I’m not going to pick against the Indians and that defense again when all the indicators are Juniata is up against it. SL clearly has to go out and take the game from these Indians because they don’t surrender much.

Andy Sandrik: Juniata 24, Southern Lehigh 20: I’m leaning on a Juniata defense that is allowing 6.5 points per game this postseason. The Indians’ 27-7 spanking over previously-unbeaten Shamokin Area was a surprise.

Adam Kulikowski: Southern Lehigh 24, Juniata 21: The Indians continue to defy the odds as their playoff run continues another week. Southern Lehigh packs a punch with a four-star tight end and a 2,400 yard passer to get him the rock posing the biggest threats to a Thanksgiving holiday without meaningful football practices.

Eric F. Epler’s State High School Football Rankings: November 19

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Eric F. Epler’s State High School Football Rankings: November 19

CLASS 6A

Rank – Team – District – Record — Previous

1. St. Joseph’s Prep (12) —                        8-2          — 1

2. State College (6) —                                    11-1       — 3

3. Pittsburgh CC (7) —                                   10-2       — 5

4. La Salle College HS (12) —                  10-1       — 4

5. Wilson-West Lawn (3) —                       11-1       — 7

6. Harrisburg (3) —                                           10-2       — 9

7. North Penn (1) —                                          11-2       — NR

8. Central Bucks South (1) —                  12-1       — 2

9. Parkland (11) —                                             11-2       — NR

10. Downingtown West (1) —                  12-1       — NR

Honorable mention: Central Bucks West (1) 10-3, Central York (3) 9-3, Easton Area (11) 10-2, Emmaus (11) 10-3, Imhotep Charter (12) 10-2, Manheim Township (3) 10-2, North Allegheny (7) 10-2.

CLASS 5A

Rank – Team – District – Record – Previous

1. Pine-Richland (7) —                10-1       — 2

2. West Chester Rustin (1) — 12-1      — 3

3. Peters Township (7) —           11-1       — 4

4. Springfield-Delco (1) —       12-1       — 5

5. Bishop McDevitt (3) —          11-2       — 7

6. Exeter Township (3) —           12-1       — NR

7. Upper St. Clair (7) —               11-1       — 1

8. Hollidaysburg (6) —                 12-1       — 8

9. Roman Catholic (12) —        9-4          — 10

10. Mechanicsburg (3) —          11-1       — 6

Honorable mention: Abington Heights (2) 8-3, Bethel Park (7) 10-3, Conestoga Valley (3) 11-1, East Stroudsburg (11) 10-3, Garnet Valley (1) 9-4, Upper Dublin (1) 9-4.

CLASS 4A

Rank – Team – District – Record – Previous

1. Thomas Jefferson (7) —        12-0       — 1

2. Pope John Paul II (1) —          12-1       — 2

3. Lampeter-Strasburg (3) — 12-0       — 3

4. Wyomissing (3) —                      10-2       — 5

5. Clearfield (9) —                           12-0       — 6

6. Bonner-Prendergast (12) – 9-2        — 7

7. Juniata (6) —                                  9-3          — NR

8. Southern Lehigh (11) —       11-2       — 9

9. Shamokin (4) —                           12-1       — 4

10. Aliquippa (7) —                         7-3          — NR

Honorable mention: General McLane (10) 8-3, Jersey Shore (4) 8-4, McKeesport (7) 8-5, Valley View (2) 11-2, Twin Valley (3) 9-3.

CLASS 3A

Rank – Team – District – Record – Previous

1. Danville (4) —                                                  12-0       — 1

2. Northwestern Lehigh (11) —              13-0       — 2

3. Scranton Prep (2) —                                  12-1       — 3

4. Hickory (10) —                                                11-1       — 8

5. Penn Cambria (6) —                                  13-0       — 7

6. Avonworth (7) —                                           10-3       — NR

7. Bermudian Springs (3) —                      11-1       — 9

8. Lewisburg (4) —                                            10-2       — 6

9. Sharon (10) —                                                 11-2       — 5

10. Central Valley (7) —                                7-5          — NR

Honorable mention: Elizabeth-Forward (7) 8-3, Imani Christian (7) 11-1, Trinity (3) 9-3, Western Wayne (2) 10-2, Wyoming Area (2) 11-2.

CLASS 2A

Rank – Team – District – Record – Previous

1. Troy (4) —                              13-0       — 1

2. Central Clarion (9) —                                12-0       — 2

3. Seton-LaSalle (7) —                                  12-0       — 3

4. Williams Valley (11) —                            12-1       — 5

5. Cambria Heights (6) —                           13-0       — 6

6. Riverside (2) —                                               12-1       — 8

7. South Park (7) —                                           11-1       — 9

8. Bedford (5) —                                                  10-3       — NR

9. Schuylkill Haven (11) —                         11-2       — 4

10. Ellwood City (7) —                                                     10-1       — 7

Honorable mention: Farrell (10) 7-6, Richland (6) 10-3, Steelton-Highspire (3) 10-3, Steel Valley (7) 9-4.

CLASS 1A

Rank – Team – District – Record – Previous

1. Fort Cherry (7) —                        13-0       — 1

2. Westinghouse (8) —                9-1          — 2

3. Clairton (7) —                                13-0       — 3

4. Bishop Guilfoyle (6) —          12-1       — 4

5. Port Allegany (9) —                   12-0       — 6

6. Muncy (4) —                                   11-2       — 10

7. Delone Catholic (3) —           10-2       — 9

8. Wilmington (10) —                    8-2          — NR

9. Lackawanna Trail (2) —        11-2       — 5

10. Greenville (10) —                    11-2       — 7

Honorable mention: Bishop Canevin (7) 9-3, Cambridge Springs (10) 9-2, Northern Cambria (6) 11-2, Redbank Valley (9) 9-4, Windber (5) 10-3.

Picks and Predictions for November 15-16

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Picks and Predictions for November 15-16

District 3-6A

Harrisburg (4) at Manheim Township (1)

Andy Shay: Manheim Township 20, Harrisburg 14: Body of work wins the day for me in this game. The Blue Streaks have been the more stable squad. The Cougars are the more volatile squad on any given day.

Andy Sandrik: Harrisburg 32, Manheim Township 27: Manheim Township deserves to be the favorite, here, but Harrisburg has a tendency to play its best football in the postseason. The Blue Streaks will have to up their productivity from last week’s nail-biter over Cumberland Valley to avoid the upset.

Adam Kulikowski: Manheim Township 28, Harrisburg 27: If you’re a fanatic of high school football, this one is a must-see among two of the class goliaths. Give the edge to the Blue Streaks and that stifling defense. 

Central York (3) at Wilson West Lawn (2)

Andy Shay: Wilson West Lawn 28, Central York 21: The more week-to-week battle test side are those Bulldogs, who also happen to be red hot and believe they will win this game. That matters.

Andy Sandrik: Central York 28, Wilson West Lawn 21: How will Wilson’s defense stack up against Central York QB Brooklyn Nace? Dude has thrown for 27 TDs and just three INTs.

Adam Kulikowski: Wilson West Lawn 31, Central York 24:  Wilson enters this bout riding an eight-game winning streak thanks to the strong play of senior quarterback Madyx Gruber who has compiled more than 1,700 yards through the air. 

District 3-5A

Exeter Township (8) at Conestoga Valley (4)

Andy Shay: Exeter Township 31, Conestoga Valley 28: In a rematch where the margins were razor thin the first time around, give me the losing side from the regular season game in this one. Always hard to beat an equal twice. These teams are air-tight equal in my book.

Andy Sandrik: Conestoga Valley 28, Exeter Township 24: This game is a rematch of a Week 9 contest that saw the Buckskins edge the Eagles by one point. This Friday’s game is a coin flip all the way.

Adam Kulikowski: Conestoga Valley 31, Exeter Township 28: These two teams—a combined 22-1 this season—squared off in October in a one-point thriller. It’s difficult to beat the same team twice, but I like the Buckskin’s chances.

Bishop McDevitt (6) at Mechanicsburg (2)

Andy Shay: Bishop McDevitt 34, Mechanicsburg 28: Something tells me the Wildcats will come flying out of the gate … well because that’s what they do. And nobody has been able to track them down. McD is fully capable of tracking them down.

Andy Sandrik: Bishop McDevitt 28, Mechanicsburg 21: I think the overall star power of McDevitt will carry the day, but Mechanicsburg has the weapons to turn this game into a drag-out battle.

Adam Kulikowski: Bishop McDevitt 41, Mechanicsburg 24: The Wildcats might be using the words of local pundits for motivation—and that’s fine by me if that’s what it takes to pull off an upset.

District 3-4A

Twin Valley (5) at Lampeter-Strasburg (1)

Andy Shay: Lampeter-Strasburg 35, Twin Valley 21: Man that sandbox the Pioneers get you into must feel like quicksand to an opposition that wants to get out and go. L-S grinds better than most and that’s hard to beat.

Andy Sandrik: Lampeter-Strasburg 35, Twin Valley 27: Led by a couple of 1,000-yard rushers in Dominic Brown and Caileb Howse, Lampeter-Strasburg has a lineup that can dictate the pace of this game. 

Adam Kulikowski: Lampeter-Strasburg 34, Twin Valley 21: You know Brett Myers’s Twin Valley squad will bring a physical, well-disciplined attack to this one. I just don’t know if they have enough weapons to hang in for the full metal test.

West York (3) at Wyomissing (2)

Andy Shay: Wyomissing 35, West York 14: Is there some special energy drink or something the Spartans consume when the second season starts? They obliterate good teams with alarming consistency.

Andy Sandrik: Wyomissing 35, West York 14: For those wondering if Wyomissing was ready for the postseason after losing its Week 10 game, the answer was a resounding yes, as the Spartans pounded East Pennsboro. It could be more of the same this week.

Adam Kulikowski: Wyomissing 41, West York 20: Betting against the Spartans is rarely a wise choice.

District 3-3A

Trinity (2) vs. Bermudian Springs (1)

at Boiling Springs

Andy Shay: Trinity 28, Bermudian Springs 24: Everything football-wise about this matchup points to the Eagles holding serve as the No. 1 seed. The house money that is the 2024 T-Rocks season reaches an apex in a wild and wacky way is my call.

Andy Sandrik: Trinity 24, Bermudian Springs 21: Christian Joy was held under 100 yards rushing for just the third time this season, but Trinity still found a way to win over a hard-nosed Schuylkill Valley squad. Look for Joy to get back on track in a big way against Bermudian Springs this week.

Adam Kulikowski: Trinity 28, Bermudian Springs 24:  Both teams have been on a Cinderella run of sorts all season. While a compelling case might be made for either team, I’ll side with the Shamrocks who have arguably the best athlete on the field in back Christian Joy.

PIAA-2A

Steelton-Highspire vs. Bedford

at Claysburg-Kimmel 

Andy Shay: Steel-High 35, Bedford 21: It’s those 5-6 plays that turn into explosive game changers that will propel the Rollers past a game and capable Bedford squad. If they find them harder than normal to find, it will be a dog fight of the highest caliber.

Andy Sandrik: Steel-High 33, Bedford 28: You know, if you just casually followed high school football, you’d look at Steel-High’s body of work this season and just assume the Rollers possess the same core of players they always have. That’s a huge compliment to coach Andrew Erby’s new-look team, who have more than earned their stripes this fall.

Adam Kulikowski: Steel-High 28, Bedford 23: You get the sense that this Rollers club has a bit of a chip on their shoulder after many wrote them off heading into the 2024 circuit. From my seat, that fuel has paid huge dividends.

PIAA-4A

Juniata vs. Shamokin Area

Andy Shay: Shamokin Area 28, Juniata 14: There is a balance to Shamokin that is just good enough to stretch the Indians’ defense a little thin that your average week-to-week team. The difference on the scoreboard comes into play late, though.

Andy Sandrik: Juniata 21, Shamokin Area 14: I’ve been preaching about Juniata’s defensive prowess all season, and that unit will be needed more than ever against a balanced Shamokin side.

Adam Kulikowski: Shamokin Area 31, Juniata 28: Shamokin Area enters this battle of the Indians with plenty of firepower, including a 1,600-yard passer in sophomore Logan Steele and a 1,200-yard back in junior Jayce Ginck.

PIAA-6A

State College vs. Williamsport

Andy Shay: State College 45, Williamsport 20: What I love about the Little Lions is they can play any style of game and win. If they get their foot on the gas first, it’s lights out. And SC has been finding the gas early and often for a couple months now, right?

Andy Sandrik: State College 43, Williamsport 21: Little Lions QB Eddie Corkery hit 30 passing TDs for the season after connecting on three scoring strikes against McDowell last week. Corkery and State College should get the job done this Friday, as well.

Adam Kulikowski: State College 33, Williamsport 24: Expect the newest member of the 100-win club, State College coach Matt Lintal, to add another Dub to his tally.

Eric F. Epler’s State High School Football Rankings: November 12

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Eric F. Epler’s State High School Football Rankings: November 12

CLASS 6A

Rank – Team – District – Record — Previous

1. St. Joseph’s Prep (12) —                        7-2          — 2

2. Central Bucks South (1) —                  12-0       — 3

3. State College (6) —                                    10-1       — 4

4. La Salle College HS (12) —                  10-1       — 1

5. Pittsburgh CC (7) —                                   9-2          — 6

6. Imhotep Charter (12) —                         10-1       — 5

7. Wilson-West Lawn (3) —                       10-1       — 7

8. North Allegheny (7) —                              10-1       — 10

9. Harrisburg (3) —                                           9-2          — NR

10. Emmaus (11) —                                         10-2       — NR

Teams to watch: Central Bucks West (1) 10-2, Central York (3) 9-2, Downingtown West (1) 11-1, Manheim Township (3) 10-1, North Penn (1) 10-2, Parkland (11) 10-2.

CLASS 5A

Rank – Team – District – Record – Previous

1. Upper St. Clair (7) —               11-0       — 2

2. Pine-Richland (7) —                9-1          — 3

3. West Chester Rustin (1) — 11-1      — 4

4. Peters Township (7) —           10-1       — 5

5. Springfield-Delco (1) —       11-1       — 6

6. Mechanicsburg (3) —             11-0       — 7

7. Bishop McDevitt (3) —          10-2       — 8

8. Hollidaysburg (6) —                 11-1       — 10

9. Conestoga Valley (3) —        11-0       — NR

10. Roman Catholic (12) —    8-4          — NR

Teams to watch: Abington Heights (2) 8-4, Bethel Park (7) 10-2, East Stroudsburg South (11) 10-2, Garnet Valley (1) 9-3, Upper Dublin (1) 9-3.

CLASS 4A

Rank – Team – District – Record – Previous

1. Thomas Jefferson (7) —        11-0       — 1

2. Pope John Paul II (1) —          11-1       — 2

3. Lampeter-Strasburg (3) — 11-0       — 3

4. Shamokin (4) —                           12-0       — 4

5. Wyomissing (3) —                      9-2          — 6

6. Clearfield (9) —                           11-0       — 7

7. Bonner-Prendergast (12) – 8-2        — 8

8. Valley View (2) —                        11-1       — NR

9. Southern Lehigh (11) —       10-2       — NR

10. McKeesport (7) —                  8-4          — NR

Teams to watch: Bethlehem Catholic (11) 6-6, General McLane (10) 8-2, Juniata (6) 8-3, Twin Valley (3) 9-2.

CLASS 3A

Rank – Team – District – Record – Previous

1. Danville (4) —                                                  11-0       — 1

2. Northwestern Lehigh (11) —              12-0       — 2

3. Scranton Prep (2) —                                  11-1       — 3

4. Imani Christian (7) —                               11-0       — 4

5. Sharon (10) —                                                 11-1       — 5

6. Lewisburg (4) —                                            10-1       — 6

7. Penn Cambria (6) —                                  12-0       — 7

8. Hickory (10) —                                                10-1       — 8

9. Bermudian Springs (3) —                      10-1       — 9

10. Trinity (3) —                                                    9-2          — 10

Teams to watch: Avonworth (7) 9-3, Conwell-Egan (12) 8-3, Elizabeth-Forward (7) 8-3, Wyoming Area (2) 11-1.

CLASS 2A

Rank – Team – District – Record – Previous

1. Troy (4) —                              12-0       — 1

2. Central Clarion (9) —                                11-0       — 2

3. Seton-LaSalle (7) —                                  11-0       — 3

4. Schuylkill Haven (11) —                         11-1       — 4

5. Williams Valley (11) —                            11-1       — 5

6. Cambria Heights (6) —                           12-0       — 6

7. Ellwood City (7) —                                      10-0       — 7

8. Riverside (2) —                                               11-1       — 8

9. South Park (7) —                                           10-1       — 9

10. Steelton-Highspire (3) —                   10-2       — 10

Teams to watch: Bedford (5) 9-3, Farrell (10) 7-5, Richland (6) 10-2, Steel Valley (7) 9-3.

CLASS 1A

Rank – Team – District – Record – Previous

1. Fort Cherry (7) —                        12-0       — 1

2. Westinghouse (8) —                8-1          — 2

3. Clairton (7) —                                12-0       — 3

4. Bishop Guilfoyle (6) —          11-1       — 4

5. Lackawanna Trail (2) —        11-1       — 5

6. Port Allegany (9) —                   11-0       — 6

7. Greenville (10) —                       11-1       — 7

8. Bishop Canevin (7) —            9-2          — 8

9. Delone Catholic (3) —           9-2          — 9

10. Muncy (4) —                                10-2       — NR

Teams to watch: Jeannette (7) 9-3, Northern Cambria (6) 11-1, Redbank Valley (9) 9-3, Wilmington (10) 7-2, Windber (5) 10-2.

Results: Picks and Predictions for November 8-9

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Results: Picks and Predictions for November 8-9

Standings:

Name: Week 11; Overall

Andy Sandrik: 13-1; 167-47

Andy Shay: 13-1; 166-48

Adam Kulikowski: 13-1; 159-55

District 3-6A

Manheim Township (1) 14, Cumberland Valley (8) 7

Andy Shay: Manheim Township 35, Cumberland Valley 21: There was a clear cut advantage up front on both sides of the ball for the Blue Streaks in that Week 1 tussle. How do you change that?

Andy Sandrik: Manheim Township 35, Cumberland Valley 14: While Manheim Township’s Week 10 loss to Wilson caught me a little off guard, I’ll go with the collective body of work put together by the Blue Streaks and confidently take them over the Eagles this week.

Adam Kulikowski: Manheim Township 38, Cumberland Valley 24: Way back on Week 1, Manheim Township knocked off the Eagles easily. This is not the same Cumberland Valley squad, but completely closing the gap is still a tall task. 

Dallastown (5) at Harrisburg (4) 

Saturday, November 9 at 1 p.m.

Andy Shay: Andy Shay: Harrisburg 34, Dallastown 20: The journey that has been the 2024 Harrisburg season has been a roller coaster. Cougars have big game second season pedigree, though. And they will need it. For if they leave the door ajar this Dallastown will kick said door down.

Andy Sandrik: Harrisburg 42, Dallastown 21: Harrisburg 34, Dallastown 20: We talk a lot about what Messiah Mickens means to Harrisburg as a running back, but did you know he’s stacked up 12 sacks and 18 QB hurries from the defensive side of the ball? 

Adam Kulikowski: Harrisburg  28, Dallastown 21:  Harrisburg is the more battle tested team as we head into the second week of postseason play. That pays dividends in the biggest moments. 

Wilson (2) 28, Cedar Crest (7) 3

Andy Shay: Wilson 31, Cedar Crest 14: I like this Falcons squad and know they are a couple players short of the next level. Wilson is that next level and the Bulldogs defense is running the show.

Andy Sandrik: Wilson 21, Cedar Crest 7: It’s tough to beat a team twice in a season, but Wilson seems poised to do just that this weekend.

Adam Kulikowski: Wilson 33, Cedar Crest 17:  The Bulldogs sure do seem like they are back to the perennial powerhouse that we are used to seeing. Doug Dahm’s troops are riding a seven-game heater heading into this matchup with the Eagles. Credit its stingy defense which has yielded just over 13 points per game.

Central York (3) 47, Central Dauphin East (6) 14

Andy Shay: Central York 42, Central Dauphin East 21: If nothing else the Panthers are going to take their shots and go all out. Just not sure the CDE defense can stand up. Look, neither defense in this one is all that and a box of chocolates so could get crazy.

Andy Sandrik: Central York 38, Central Dauphin East 21: In a different week I’d call this a toss-up, but East High is limping in with three-straight losses, while Central York has gotten in the habit of blowing teams out.

Adam Kulikowski: Central York 41, Central Dauphin East 31: I fully expect this one to be a wild shootout as both teams are capable of playing a wideout style of play. Difference to me is Brooklyn Nace, the CY junior quarterback with 2,000 passing yards and just three picks to his name.

District 3-5A

Exeter Township (8) 24, New Oxford (1) 21

Andy Shay: New Oxford 28, Exeter Township 20: Man, how would you like to be the No. 1 seed and see this outfit as the No. 8 you get in the second round. The bye matters, though.

Andy Sandrik: New Oxford 27, Exeter Township 24: This doesn’t have the feel of a typical 1 vs. 8 matchup. I’m expecting a battle from beginning to end.

Adam Kulikowski: Exeter Township 24, New Oxford 21: If you love defense, this just might be the match up to punch a ticket to as neither team is yielding more than 10 points per game heading into this fray. 

Conestoga Valley (4) 35, Shippensburg (5) 24

Andy Shay: Conestoga Valley 30, Shippensburg 14: I don’t think the Greyhounds are overmatched decisively here, just not sure if they way they are built that Ship can keep pace with the Buckskins. If it becomes a game in a sandbox, advantage Hounds.

Andy Sandrik: Conestoga Valley 21, Shippensburg 14: Judging from the stats, this game appears to be a battle of contrasting styles between the Greyhounds, who like to pound the ball, and the Buckskins, who like to sling the ball around a little bit with QB Sawyer Esbenshade.

Adam Kulikowski: Conestoga Valley 34, Shippensburg 28: Tough matchup for Shippensburg who must game plan for a gunslinger with seven legit weapons for QB Sawyer Esbenshade to target. 

Mechanicsburg (2) 42, Cocalico (7) 3

Andy Shay: Mechanicsburg 38, Cocalico 28: How do the Wildcats respond when they get a full metal jacket test at the next level. This will be new territory for them. They LOVE to dictate the pace and outcome. Eagles will make it more difficult.

Andy Sandrik: Mechanicsburg 42, Cocalico 27: The Mechanicsburg train has to come to a stop some time, right? Just don’t think it’s this week.

Adam Kulikowski: Mechanicsburg 34, Cocalico 24:  Mechanicsburg has the ability to force the ground-centric Cocalico Eagles out of its comfort zone early with a quick start. But if this one is close heading into the fourth quarter, that makes Cocalico much more lethal with its pair of 1,000-yard rushers. 

Bishop McDevitt (6) 42, Conrad Weiser (3) 7

Andy Shay: Bishop McDevitt 35, Conrad Weiser 20: I feel confident the Crusaders can win this matchup. And they possibly might blow the Scouts out of the water. Just not sure how this plays out other than the final result.

Andy Sandrik: Bishop McDevitt 42, Conrad Weiser 24: I’m excited to see how McDevitt can fare in the postseason after navigating an unforgiving regular season schedule in the Commonwealth. 

Adam Kulikowski: Bishop McDevitt 45, Conrad Weiser 20: The Crusaders might be the lower seed, but they certainly are not the underdogs in this matchup. 

District 3-4A

Lampeter-Strasburg (1) 42, ELCO (8) 7

Andy Shay: Lampeter-Strasburg 44, ELCO 7: OMGOSH did Andy S. and I just pick the identical score. That was not intentional. Guess we kinda see this one the same.

Andy Sandrik: Lampeter-Strasburg 44, ELCO 7: The Pioneers have too many big wins, including a Week 10 scalp over Wyomissing, for me to consider any result other than a blowout.

Adam Kulikowski: Lampeter-Strasburg 43, ELCO 14:  If you’re looking for an X-factor in this matchup, look no further than Pioneers dual-threat QB Caileb Howse who has run and thrown for nearly 2,400 combined yards. 

Twin Valley (5) 47, Susquehanna Twp. (4) 19

Andy Shay: Susquehanna Township 34, Twin Valley 28: A few cracks in the defensive seam were revealed later in the TV season and The Tribe know where to go to find what they are looking for. This is still a dangerous game for both clubs.

Andy Sandrik: Susquehanna Twp. 32, Twin Valley 24: Because of that Week 3 forfeit Boiling Springs, Hanna comes into the playoffs a little bit under-seeded. The Tribe have all of the pieces of a team that could go on a postseason run.

Adam Kulikowski: Susquehanna Twp. 43, Twin Valley 30: Both teams possess an 8-2 record heading into this matchup, but the strength of the Indians schedule should ensure this team is ready for the intensity of playoff football.

East Pennsboro (7) at Wyomissing (2)

Andy Shay: Wyomissing 35, East Pennsboro 17: This is the second season and Wyo gets busy making hopeful teams with some quality to them look rather silly. Not sure the Panthers have all the requisite parts to make this a 48 minute affair.

Andy Sandrik: Wyomissing 38, East Pennsboro 14: The Panthers have earned so much respect over the course of the season, but will have their hands more than full against a Wyomissing program that has been dismantling opposing District 3 programs for years.

Adam Kulikowski: Wyomissing 41, East Pennsboro 17:  The Spartans have seemed a little more vulnerable this year. But I’m not sure they aren’t still the District 3-4A favorite. 

West York (3) 5, Eastern York (6) 3

Andy Shay: Eastern York 23, West York 21: I’m taking the underdog in the rematch between the York Geography Lesson schools.

Andy Sandrik: West York 24, Eastern York 18: Everything about this game suggests it will be a coin-flip contest, much like it was in Week 6, when the Bulldogs secured a 20-18 win over the Golden Knights.

Adam Kulikowski: Eastern York 28, West York 14: In their Week 6 match up, Eastern York limited West York to less that 100 total yards of offense. Do that again and the scoreboard should light up in their favor. 

District 3-3A

Bermudian Springs (1) 42, Berks Catholic (5) 25

Andy Shay: Andy Shay: Berks Catholic 24, Bermudian Springs 22: Taking the more battle tested squad in a next level game in an upset of the top seed.

Andy Sandrik: Bermudian Springs 24, Berks Catholic 21: I like what I see on both sides of the ball from Eagles RB/LB Eddie Sebright. Mark Bermudian Springs down for its 10th-straight win. 

Adam Kulikowski: Bermudian Springs 31, Berks Catholic 28: Bermudian Springs is enjoying its best campaign since 2018. Keeping the good times rolling this week will take their best effort.

Trinity (2) 20, Schuylkill Valley (3) 17

Andy Shay: Trinity 31, Schuylkill Valley 24: Going with the Shamrocks because for them this will be just another game where they get to prove themselves, right?

Andy Sandrik: Trinity 28, Schuylkill Valley 21: When you look at this battle-hardened Trinity squad, it’s hard to believe most media outlets had the Shamrocks program left for dead before the season even started. 

Adam Kulikowski: Trinity 34, Schuylkill Valley 28: Trinity shined when no one else thought they could. Can they carry that chip on their shoulder throughout this playoff run? 

District 3-2A

Steelton-Highspire (1) 36, Lancaster Catholic (2) 7

Andy Shay: Steelton-Highspire 28, Lancaster Catholic 20: Until somebody knocks off the Rollers in the second season, I’m riding the Rollers train. This is sticky wicket game, though.

Andy Sandrik: Steel-High 35, Lancaster Catholic 21: This young group of Rollers has a golden opportunity to defend at least one of the program’s championships on Friday. 

Adam Kulikowski: Steel-High 28, Lancaster Catholic 20: In a rebuilding year, the Rollers are still prepping to defend its District 3 championship. Well done, lads. 

District 4-1A

Muncy (1) 42, Line Mountain (2) 6

Andy Shay: Muncy 34, Line Mountain 21: This is a tough road for LM to navigate. This Muncy squad doesn’t get tested much, but they have been methodic and consistent in their dismantling of opponents.

Andy Sandrik: Muncy 33, Line Mountain 26: According to MaxPreps, Muncy is averaging 37.5 points in the first half of its games and just 3.5 points in the second half. That tells me that the Indians are beating their opponents so convincingly, they have to call off the dogs before things get ugly. Tough matchup for LM, for sure. 

Adam Kulikowski: Line Mountain 34, Muncy 31: The Eagles have scored more than 40 points in five of its last six games. They’ll need to keep the offense rolling against a stout Muncy squad.

District 6-6A

State College (1) 35, McDowell 7

Andy Shay: State College 45, McDowell 20: Something tells me this one could be a done deal by halftime. Little Lions are sitting on a big run I suspect.

Andy Sandrik: State College 42, McDowell 14: State College will be scouting McDowell this week, but I haven’t been. That’s how good the Little Lions were in the Commonwealth Division this fall. 

Adam Kulikowski: State College 48, McDowell 20: State College wideout Ty Salazar has wreaked havoc on opponents all season, racking up more than 1,100 yards on 59 receptions. Can McDowell find an answer to slow down Eddit Corkery’s favorite target? 

District 6-4A

Bellefonte (2) vs. Juniata (1) at Altoona’s Mansion Park

Andy Shay: Juniata 28, Bellefonte 14: All aboard the Juniata defense shows up big time in a playoff game train. I got my ticket. Make sure you get yours.

Andy Sandrik: Juniata 24, Bellefonte 17: With a defense that boasts 14 interceptions — including six from Jasper Shepps and four from Connor Boreman — Juniata could very well turn this into a one-dimensional game for Bellefonte.

Adam Kulikowski: Juniata 31, Bellefonte 24: Bellefonte possesses a balanced offensive attack with a 1,000-yard passer and three running backs who each have rushed for more than 400 yards. Juniata’s calling-card defense will need to hold true to keep this one close.

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