High school football: 21 top recruits in Pennsylvania in Mid-Penn Conference in 2023

Jake Adams
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High school football: 21 top recruits in Pennsylvania in Mid-Penn Conference in 2023

Top to bottom, the Mid-Penn Conference is stacked with talent that will find its way to football fields across the country on Saturdays. 

There are obvious talents like Bishop McDevitt QB Stone Saunders, who recently verbally committed to Kentucky. But the glam positions aren’t the only ones with next-level talent. 

With the 2023 PIAA high school football season days away from kicking off, here are 21 players from every division of the Mid-Penn who have caught recruiters’ eyes and are worth watching on Friday nights. Not every top recruit is included to provide a mix from Commonwealth studs to Liberty standouts, and more players are sure to establish themselves as bona fide stars this fall. Who else do you think should be mentioned?

(Names are listed alphabetically.)

Jarome Benjamin, OL/DL, Gettysburg

Year: Senior

Recruiting status: Unranked recruit holds an offer from Albright

Scouting report: Between Benjamin and a teammate we’ll see shortly on this list, the Warriors have a pair of big space-eaters with multiple college offers. Benjamin can line up at tackle and guard on the o-line and routinely stands up defensive lineman. 

Kevin Brown, Harrisburg

Year: Sophomore

Recruiting status: 4-star recruit holds offers from Penn State, Pitt, West Virginia and several other Division I programs

Scouting report: Keep an eye on the years and positions of the top Commonwealth prospects, because you’ll sense a theme. Brown checked in last week as one of three Pennsylvania products in the Class of 2026 to make 247Sports’ initial Top 100. His game film proves why. Brown, who played right tackle last year, moves well laterally and gets to the second level to open up big holes in the run game or on screens better than most linemen his age and size. The Cougars seem to have a lot of fun using him as a blocking weapon.

Aubrey Carter, DL, Susquehanna Township

Year: Senior

Recruiting status: Unranked recruit holds offers from Lehigh, Navy, Miami (Ohio), Central Michigan and other Division I programs

Scouting report: Group of Five and FCS schools have been all over the game-wrecking lineman, who shows a penchant in his highlights for penetrating the gaps not because of his power but because of an impressively quick first step that routinely beats guards to the point of attack. Carter’s speed is also on display chasing down terrified quarterbacks or swallowing up running backs before they can bounce a run outside. 

Lex Cyrus, WR, Susquehanna Township

Year: Junior

Recruiting status: Unranked recruit holds offers from Penn State, Wisconsin, Pitt, Texas A&M and other Division I programs

Scouting report: ‘Hanna looks like the runaway favorite for the Mid-Penn Colonial title, and Cyrus will be a big reason why. Few in the state have his level of speed — he set the District 3 100-meter record in the spring. Everything portends his first 1,000-yard season and a breakout campaign for a skilled pass catcher who already has the attention of multiple Power Five programs. More could be on the way.

Jaceb Dickerson, DL, Gettysburg

Year: Senior

Recruiting status: Unranked recruit holds offers from Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, Carnegie Mellon, University of Chicago

Scouting report: Mostly rushing off the edge, Dickerson is more than just a lineman who can plug up space for his linebackers to get all the glory. He had 66 tackles (13 TFLs) and 3 ½ sacks last season in just eight games and has good burst to blow up plays.

Alex Erby, QB, Steel-High

Year: Senior

Recruiting status: 3-star recruit holds offers from Pitt, Nebraska, Louisville, Maryland, Minnesota and other Division I programs

Scouting report: Erby has a chance to lead the Rollers to their third PIAA Class 1A championship in four years, and a good one at that. The Power Five recruit, who should make his decision sometime this season or shortly after, is on pace to become the greatest Steel-High QB in history and one of the best the Mid-Penn has seen. He threw for 3,389 yards and 40 touchdowns last season en route to his second state title.

Andrew Erby Jr., OL/DL, Steel-High

Year: Senior

Recruiting status: 3-star recruit holds offers from Penn State, Nebraska, Maryland, West Virginia, Ohio and other Division I programs

Scouting report: Alex’s brother, Erby Jr. is a destructive force in his own right in the trenches. On offense, he can line up along the line and even as a hulking fullback to open up cavernous running lanes and provide time for his brother to survey the field. On defense, he recorded an eye-popping 11 sacks in his junior season and has caught the eye of several marquee college programs, including Penn State. 

Michael Gaul, LB, State College

Year: Junior

Recruiting status: Unranked recruit holds Division I offers from Virginia Tech, Akron, Connecticut and Toledo

Scouting report: Gaul plays wide receiver on offense and uses that speed to his advantage on defense, where he can combine it with power to lay some devastating hits. But his film shows an athlete who doesn’t just fly into the backfield; he’s patient at the line of scrimmage and waits for the right moment to plug a hole and swallow up running backs. No wonder he had more than 120 tackles last year and is catching on with college scouts. 

Derek Gibney, QB/P, Susquenita

Year: Senior

Recruiting status: Unranked recruit has received interest from Juniata, Colgate and the U.S. Coast Guard Academy

Scouting report: Gibney has a chance to lead the Blackhawks, predicted by 4th Down Magazine to finish third in the Liberty Division this year, to a run at the division crown if he can follow up on an impressive junior season that saw him throw for 1,655 yards and 14 touchdowns against 11 interceptions (he added 315 yards and six TDs rushing). Such a performance should surely solidify college interest in the veteran and land him a home playing on Saturdays.

Zachary Mell, DL, Big Spring

Year: Senior

Recruiting status: Unranked recruit holds offers from Misericordia and Juniata

Scouting report: The Bulldogs sure do like to produce top-notch defenders, and Mell looks like the next one likely to find himself on a football field on Saturdays. He picked up his first two offers in recent months, and if he can follow up a junior season that saw him register 2 ½ sacks and 56 tackles (9 ½ for loss), more should be on the way.

Tyler Merrill, OT, Cumberland Valley

Year: Sophomore

Recruiting status: 4-star recruit holds Power Five offers from Penn State, Ohio State, Michigan and several others

Scouting report: The Commonwealth has quite a few linemen set to play at the next level, including a couple Power Five recruits. Merrill can make the case as the best of them all, or soon could. The 2026 recruit has multiple Big Ten (Big Eighteen?) offers already and is poised to be the anchor of an Eagles team that looks like it might rely on the run a bit more this season. He played on both sides of CV’s line as a freshman and projects at tackle at the next level, with an impressive burst into the second level and immense power at such a young age.

Messiah Mickens, RB, Trinity

Year: Sophomore

Recruiting status: 4-star recruit verbally committed Sunday to Penn State over offers from Texas A&M, Ohio State, Alabama and other Power Five programs

Scouting report: When 247Sports released its initial Class of 2026 rankings, Mickens debuted as the 30th overall prospect in the nation and the best in PA. The offers (see above) tells half the story, while the tape tells the rest. After landing an offer from the Aggies before his first varsity play from scrimmage, Mickens put together an impressive rookie season of 961 rushing yards, 200 receiving yards and 18 touchdowns. He’s nearly impossible for defenses to contain, is slippery even at full speed and displays tackle-breaking power even when swarmed in the backfield.

Marcus Quaker, QB, West Perry

Year: Senior

Recruiting status: Unranked recruit holds an offer from Penn

Scouting report: It seems like the Mid-Penn has been talking about Quaker for a decade, that’s how long he’s been dominating up in Perry County. With an Ivy League offer in his back pocket, Quaker can cap off one of the best four-year stretches in Mustangs history. Last season he led West Perry to arguably its best season ever, going 11-2 and making the District 3 Class 3A final. He threw for 2,021 yards, ran for another 1,240 and accounted for an overwhelming 45 touchdowns.

Jaire Rawlison, DB, Bishop McDevitt

Year: Senior

Recruiting status: Unranked recruit has verbally committed to Kent State

Scouting report: There are going to be a lot of Crusaders on this list, but it’s hard to discount the overwhelming talent they have on both sides of the ball. Rawlison and a teammate coming up very soon make up half of a defensive backfield with multiple Division I offers that terrorized offenses last year. He returned two interceptions for scores last season and recorded two tackles. Rawlison holds nearly a dozen offers beyond his verbal to Kent State.

Chase Regan, DB, Bishop McDevitt

Year: Senior

Recruiting status: Unranked recruit has verbally committed to James Madison

Scouting report: Meet the other half of McDevitt’s dynamic defensive backfield. Regan, a JMU commit with more than a dozen other FCS offers, recorded 55 tackles (10 for loss) from his safety spot and also caught a pair of interceptions for the defending state champs last season. He’s able to plant his foot decisively and close in on short passes and running backs and wraps up well in the open field. He also can score as a punt returner and break containment on the edge with his speed.

Anthony Robsock, OT, Central Dauphin

Year: Senior

Recruiting status: 3-star recruit verbally committed to Maryland

Scouting report: Let’s add some Commonwealth veteran savvy to this list with Robsock, who holds several FCS and FBS offers and has chosen to head south of the state border to join the Terrapins. The Rams look like a team primed for a big bounceback in 2023, and Robsock can anchor a lot of that effort on the offensive end especially, along with another D-I teammate in James Madison pledge Evan Bushong.

Stone Saunders, QB, Bishop McDevitt

Year: Junior

Recruiting status: 3-star recruit has verbally committed to Kentucky

Scouting report: Saunders will join Kentucky in two years and play for a Liam Coen-led offense that has a penchant for bringing the best out of QBs. In the meantime, he’s got a chance to put up some truly crooked career numbers. He already has 6,620 yards and 100 TDs and was named the PA Gatorade Player of the Year in 2022. He’s got seemingly unlimited weapons around him, sure, to make life easy for him, but it takes a special talent to make McDevitt’s offense hum the way he does.

Rico Scott, WR, Bishop McDevitt

Year: Senior

Recruiting status: 4-star recruit has verbally committed to Alabama

Scouting report: The third-ranked prospect in the state heading to Nick Saban’s Crimson Tide over more than a dozen Power Five offers, Scott is one of the most exciting players to watch on Friday night’s right now. He caught 66 passes for 1,184 yards and 18 touchdowns last season and led the Crusaders to the PIAA Class 4A championship. Scott has breakaway speed before and after catching the ball and displays soft hands, and he’s really good at getting open off-script when the play breaks down.

D’Antae Sheffey, RB, State College

Year: Sophomore

Recruiting status: Unranked recruit holds Power Five offers from Pitt, Syracuse, Cincinnati, Virginia Tech and other Division I programs

Scouting report: The Commonwealth has a few future Division I players (what else is new?), but none bring more juice on Friday nights than Sheffey, who exploded onto the scene last year as a freshman. He’s an easy all-state candidate again this year after putting together the Little Lions’ fourth-best rushing total in a season ever (1,725 yards), while adding 24 total touchdowns. Those are some incredible numbers for a division that makes it very hard for running backs.

Nick Slogik, Edge, Bishop McDevitt

Year: Senior

Recruiting status: 3-star recruit has verbally committed to Eastern Carolina

Scouting report: Mid-Penn baseball fans will recognize this name. Slogik originally committed to the Pittsburgh Panthers’ baseball team but has since flipped to ECU football, over several other D-I offers, including Maryland and Syracuse. Playing mostly as a three-down defensive end for the Crusaders, he sheds blocks easily and is disruptive in run defense or pass rushing.

Amil Way, DB, Trinity

Year: Junior

Recruiting status: Unranked recruit holds offers from Central Michigan and West Virginia

Scouting report: Way’s best trait on film appears to be his ability to fight off receivers with his size to get to the ball or to shed a block to make a tackle on a ball carrier flying around the edge. He can play in single coverage and win more often than not, finishing last season with 52 tackles and eight interceptions. Trinity stunned almost everyone to finish with a 10-5 season and make the PIAA Class 2A semifinals, thanks in part to Way’s shutdown defense, and could be in line for another big season in the Capital Division.

High School Football: Results: Week 1 Picks and Predictions

4thdownmagazine
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High School Football: Results: Week 1 Picks and Predictions

EXPLAINING OUR PICKS: The 4th Down Magazine crew picks all games involving Mid-Penn Conference teams, as well as Schuylkill-Colonial League games featuring former members of the now-defunct Twin Valley Conference. Starting with the state semifinals, our pickers get really bold and predict all the games. And, after 10 weeks of regular season and six weeks of playoffs, the season is officially over. Congrats to the six PIAA champs, all of the district champs, division champs, and everybody else who suited up and gave their all last season. Of course, we must also give a shoutout to Mr. 4th Down, Adam Kulikowski, who somehow found time between his day job and working tirelessly to keep the 4th Down Magazine website updated and running to actually WIN our picks title! The dude is amazing! (And he’s almost certainly going down this year because the Andys won’t stand for a repeat!)

2023 Standings

Picker: Week 1 – Overall – Perfect Picks
Adam Kulikowski: 25-6 — 25-6 — 0

Andy Sandrik: 25-6 — 23-6 — 0

Andy Shay: 23-8 — 21-8 — 0

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

View our team previews:

Commonwealth

Keystone

Capital

Colonial

Liberty

View our Preseason Elite 11 rankings

FRIDAY, AUG. 25

Hollidaysburg 21, Altoona 13

Andy Shay: Altoona 26, Hollidaysburg 20: I’m going to bank on the vets and playmakers residing on the defensive side of the ball for Altoona providing enough to start the season with a W. Won’t be an easy opener, either.

Andy Sandrik: Altoona 28, Hollidaysburg 17: There are a lot of scrappers on the Altoona roster looking to prove they belong on the field in the Commonwealth Division. The first test for these guys will be a difficult one against their rivals from Hollidaysburg.

Adam Kulikowski: Altoona 38, Hollidaysburg 14: Hollidaysburg hasn’t beaten the Mountain Lions since 2020 — a streak that will continue for another circuit. 

Carlisle 35, Mechanicsburg 28

Andy Shay: Carlisle 20, Mechanicsburg 14: Both teams are replacing a good bit of their known talent, so early bumps are expected. The list of newbies for the Wildcats is much longer, and that gives the Herd a slight edge.

Andy Sandrik: Carlisle 28, Mechanicsburg 10: Both teams are rebuilding to a certain degree, but I still think Carlisle is about two steps ahead of the ‘Cats.

Adam Kulikowski: Carlisle 24, Mechanicsburg 14: First-year head coach Brandon Cook will look to build on back-to-back playoff appearances by the Thundering Herd when the 2023 circuit kicks off Friday. Finding ways to get the rock to their key playmaker, Carson Swartz, will be key in the opener for the gents in green and white. 

Central York 45, Central Dauphin 35

Andy Shay: Central Dauphin 28, Central York 27: The Rams are coming off a three-win campaign and spent the offseason pressing a big reset button. Getting their QB back from an injury that cost him most of last season will help the offense. Central York is the favorite and has earned that. So this is an upset should CD pull it off.

Andy Sandrik: Central York 21, Central Dauphin 14: When’s the last time Central York had a down season? It seems like no matter how much talent the Panthers lose each year, they come back stronger than ever the following season. Central Dauphin does have a group of men in the trenches that could make this a tight contest.

Adam Kulikowski: Central York 21, Central Dauphin 17: Prior to last season’s 3-7 campaign, the Rams never had a losing season under coach Glen McNamee’s guidance. You can bet the Rams are ready to turn the page on 2022. This one, however, might not be the first step in that revival.

CD East 55, Reading 6

Andy Shay: CD East 25, Reading 20: When you lose all six of your all-star players from a three-win team, you are fighting an uphill battle again for sure. Wins are going to be hard to come by, and this is a 50-50 game all the way.

Andy Sandrik: Reading 27, CD East 21: Tough road game for an unproven CD East squad against a Reading team that is also young but brings back a lot of talent.

Adam Kulikowski: CD East 28, Reading 13: On a squad hit hard by graduation, Lance Deane’s returning class is highlighted by a pair of standout defenders in Jared Porter and Xavier Armstrong in the secondary. What other pieces emerge in Deane’s third run as head coach will determine how far this team can go. 

Pope John Paul II 22, Chambersburg 0

Andy Shay: Pope John Paul II 42, Chambersburg 14: Staring down the barrel of a 10-win team from a year ago that still has some key pieces in the fold is a mighty large ask of the Trojans, who have skill players but are green as summer grass up front both ways.

Andy Sandrik: Pope John Paul II 36, Chambersburg 14: Plenty of fun athletes to watch for the Trojans if they can find a line to run behind. Not sure they’re going to find it right away in this tough opener, though.

Adam Kulikowski: Pope John Paul II 48, Chambersburg 21: Four of PJPII’s top five tacklers and their three top playmakers on offense all are suiting back up for the 2023 campaign. Experience pays early in the season, and the Golden Panthers possess it.

Manheim Township 35, Cumberland Valley 6

Andy Shay: Manheim Township 34, Cumberland Valley 14: I have zero doubts the Eagles can hang in the trenches with the Blue Streaks. When it comes to skill positions, though, the Blue Streaks right now are a mile ahead and that will show up late in a game that I expect to be competitive well into the second half.

Andy Sandrik: Manheim Township 28, Cumberland Valley 21: I’ve been seeing the Eagles post weight-room updates all summer and get the sense they’re going to have a heck of a line this fall. Is that enough to topple the Blue Streaks, who are deep in the skill positions?

Adam Kulikowski: Manheim Township 41, Cumberland Valley 20: The Blue Streaks return one of the best QB-WR tandems in District 3 in Hayden Johnson (QB) and Declan Clancy (WR), a duo that connected for 13 TDs and nearly 1,000 yards last season.

State College 49, Williamsport 20

Andy Shay: State College 42, Williamsport 7: Will the Little Lions ride with one signal caller this season? The formula recently was to mix-and-match, and it produced results. They have a star at running back to lean on and a defense that leans on offenses trying to find their way.

Andy Sandrik: State College 35, Williamsport 7: It’s still hard for me to imagine a world where a freshman is as good as D’Antae Sheffey was running the ball for State College last season. He’s only going to be better this time around, right?

Adam Kulikowski: State College 34, Williamsport 14: The Little Lions turn the reins over to senior QB Owen Yerka, a lad who did get some time under center last year. Look for Matt Lintal to lean on his stud back, D’Antae Sheffey, as Yerka gets comfortable at the helm.

Bishop McDevitt 20, Mount Saint Joseph (Md.) 14

Andy Shay: Bishop McDevitt 30, Mount Saint Joseph 21: Enjoy the elite high school quarterbacks that will be featured in this matchup. Couple of really, really good ones who will be facing arguably their toughest test of the regular season right out of the gate.

Andy Sandrik: Bishop McDevitt 28, Mount Saint Joseph 21: I make a lot of jokes at McDevitt’s expense for their cakewalk through the Keystone Division, but I respect the Crusaders for taking the initiative to schedule high-quality non-conference games like these.

Adam Kulikowski: Bishop McDevitt 34, Mount Saint Joseph 27: There aren’t many games on the docket in Week 1 with the type of QB matchup this one features. On one side, the Crusaders will trot out Kentucky commit Stone Saunders, a known pedigree. For the Baltimore-based Mount Saint Joseph, they have a good one themselves in Winston Watkins. He racked up more than 2,000 passing yards with 23 TDs and just five interceptions in 2022.

Lower Dauphin 45, Middletown 0

Andy Shay: Lower Dauphin 28, Middletown 10: Going with the Falcons’ defense and the nine returning starters to be more than enough to slow down a Blue Raiders program that has picked up the pieces and will be starting from scratch after a year on the sidelines.

Andy Sandrik: Lower Dauphin 28, Middletown 7: Lower Dauphin stud RB Ty Millhimes will test each and every defender in the re-assembled Middletown lineup. That factor alone should push the Falcons to a convincing win.

Adam Kulikowski: Lower Dauphin 21, Middletown 20: If you know what to expect with this one, props to you. Middletown makes its return to the field after the doors were shuttered last year following a hazing incident while Lower Dauphin continues to make strides in its rebuild. 

Cedar Cliff 29, Shippensburg 13

Andy Shay: Cedar Cliff 31, Shippensburg 14: Simply put, the Colts have significantly fewer questions to answer than the Greyhounds, and defensively Cedar Cliff brings back nine regulars who know the ropes.

Andy Sandrik: Cedar Cliff 21, Shippensburg 18: I love the little rivalry that has developed from this cross-division matchup. Great games in recent years. Colts will be hungry for this one against the ‘Hounds, who were responsible for disposing of CC in the playoffs last fall.

Adam Kulikowski: Cedar Cliff 24, Shippensburg 20: I learned long ago never to doubt the chops of the Greyhounds, but graduation hit this squad hard. It takes time to break in a new crew, and the Colts offer a battle-tested bunch in Week 1. 

Northern 13, Red Land 7

Andy Shay: Northern 34, Red Land 20: The Polar Bears have a huge advantage at the skill positions in this one, and that will be too much for the Patriots to handle over 48 minutes. The battle in the trenches will be a more equal battleground, and Red Land will make a case by hanging around.

Andy Sandrik: Northern 28, Red Land 21: Northern is breaking in a new QB, but with Cole Bartram in the lineup who really needs passing, anyway?

Adam Kulikowski: Northern 42, Red Land 14: Bartram and his 1,600 rushing stripes headlines the returning cast for the Northern Polar Bears, who a year ago thumped the Patriots 45-6. Expect a similar result Friday night. 

Hershey 36, Gettysburg 35

Andy Shay: Gettysburg 21, Hershey 10: In many ways these teams are in a similar position in terms of replacing lost key ingredients. Except the Warriors have QB Brady Heiser back under center, and his abilities are the biggest difference maker.

Andy Sandrik: Hershey 17, Gettysburg 10: I’ve had a bad habit of underrating Gettysburg in recent years, and that certainly has cost me on this pick ‘em panel. Some people just never learn. But I think Hershey has enough pieces to steal an upset win in front of the home crowd. 

Adam Kulikowski: Gettysburg 31, Hershey 17: A good QB can mask bumps in the road as new talent gets acclimated to the speed of varsity football. We know Gettysburg has that dude in Brady Heiser, while Hershey is hoping sophomore Cameron Sweeney can become that guy. 

Milton Hershey 35, Susquehanna Township 34

Andy Shay: Susquehanna Township 34, Milton Hershey 20: This is a great first test for two quality teams that should absolutely have postseason aspirations. ‘Hanna was a bit of a surprise story a year ago with how far this group moved the needle. Winning this one would be validation and another big step forward.

Andy Sandrik: Milton Hershey 28, Susquehanna Township 21: Both teams possess size, skill, experience and speed. I think this is more of a coin-flip game than most folks might think.

Adam Kulikowski: Susquehanna Township 32, Milton Hershey 21: Pegged by our own Andy Sandrik to win the Colonial, the Indians are looking to build on a turnaround season in 2022. This will be a nice first step.

Palmyra 50, Lebanon 7

Andy Shay: Palmyra 14, Lebanon 7: Combined, these teams went 1-19 a year ago. The Cougars have most of those players back, but lost a key piece to transfer in the offensive backfield. Coin flip on this one for sure.

Andy Sandrik: Palmyra 21, Lebanon 7: This is perhaps the most winnable game on the schedule for both teams, which makes this a potentially entertaining Week 1 matchup.

Adam Kulikowski: Palmyra 28, Lebanon 6: When your crew struggles like the Panthers did in 2022, you look for anything to provide a spark. Panthers have the edge in this one just as they did a year ago.

Mifflin County 41, Central Mountain 6

Andy Shay: Mifflin County 41, Central Mountain 13: They have a couple quality linemen to replace, but for the most part the Huskies are pretty well stocked with known talent from a six-win season. The Wildcats were 0-10 a year ago, so this is most likely a mismatch.

Andy Sandrik: Mifflin County 44, Central Mountain 21: The Huskies have a lot of returning pop on offense. It’s going to take some kind of an effort for Central Mountain to stop its losing streak.

Adam Kulikowski: Mifflin County 31, Central Mountain 20: Central Mountain last won a ball game in October 2021 — a span of a dozen contests. Huskies won’t be the ones who allow the Wildcats to sip some victory root beer. 

Greencastle-Antrim 17, Big Spring 14

Andy Shay: Big Spring 26, Greencastle-Antrim 20: Couple of squads that lost some major horsepower at the most high-profile positions from a year ago. The Bulldogs have a little more to work with up front on offense and in the backfield. That’s enough for me in an otherwise even landscape.

Andy Sandrik: Big Spring 21, Greencastle-Antrim 18: I think Big Spring deserves to be favored by more than three points, but something tells me this will be a scrappy contest that remains in doubt until the final second ticks away.

Adam Kulikowski: Greencastle-Antrim 24, Big Spring 14: In a game filled with question marks and new faces in both starting lineups, I’ll line up two all-star defensive studs in the run-heavy Colonial any day. And that’s what the Blue Devils have in lineman Parker Funk (6-foot-1, 245 pounds) and linebacker Logan Shifflett (5-11, 185). 

Littlestown 23, Boiling Springs 8

Andy Shay: Littlestown 28, Boiling Springs 24: Tales of two seasons for a Thunderbolts team that went 1-4 the first half of the season a year ago and proceeded to win their final five games. Still think this is a tight shave, but the Bubblers are in a tough division and have a lot of skill player questions to answer. 

Andy Sandrik: Littlestown 24, Boiling Springs 14: I’m going to have to see some consistent production from Boiling Springs before I can start picking the Bubblers in games this year.

Adam Kulikowski: Littletown 38, Boiling Springs 21: Consider this the year of redemption for the Thunderbolts after getting whooped 66-18 last year.

Camp Hill 21, Newport 0

Andy Shay: Camp Hill 37, Newport 14: These Lions are better than you think, but in the very top-heavy Capital Division they are a little lost on the attention meter. They have to be better on defense to finish above .500, and winning favorable matchups like this one is critical. The Buffs just don’t have enough skill dudes to keep pace right now.

Andy Sandrik: Camp Hill 35, Newport 7: Camp Hill is a team that’s been to hell and back with the West Perrys, Big Springs and Steel-Highs of the world. This is a tough matchup for the Buffaloes.

Adam Kulikowski: Camp Hill 45, Newport 13: Lions return a 2,000-yard QB in junior Drew Branstetter. For a club that loves to sling it, that’s a pretty darn good building block. 

Trinity 49, Delone Catholic 12

Andy Shay: Trinity 34, Delone Catholic 14: This is still a solid Delone squad, but they just do not match up well against the Shamrocks. Both wins by Trinity a year ago were blowouts, and the crew from Shiremanstown hasn’t lost many horses.

Andy Sandrik: Trinity 44, Delone Catholic 10: It’s no secret that Trinity has some weapons that could turn this into a lopsided affair rather quickly. 

Adam Kulikowski: Trinity 37, Delone Catholic 20: Each year I have a handful of gents who I look forward to watching play in person. Jordan Hill’s squad possesses one of those dudes in running back Messiah Mickens. If you haven’t seen clips from this cat’s freshman year, fire up Google and take a look — or better yet, buy a ticket to one of the Shamrock games this year.

West Perry 45, Susquenita 22

Andy Shay: West Perry 42, Susquenita 14: I think the Blackhawks, who have yet another head coach, will be part of the conversation in the Liberty Division. They are nowhere near the Mustangs’ level right now. West Perry is hunting for an RB1 for this season. Finding the answer starts in this one.

Andy Sandrik: West Perry 38, Susquenita 7: I’m not that old, but I am old enough to go back with parents of kids on both of these teams. It’s a weird feeling.

Adam Kulikowski: West Perry 45, Susquenita 16: WP’s Marcus Quaker and crew take charge of this one early — that’s more of a testament to how good the Mustangs can be this year than an indication of troubles in Duncannon. 

Waynesboro 21, Spring Grove 3

Andy Shay: Spring Grove 31, Waynesboro 7: The Rockets might have some questions that need answers going into this one, but they do not have more questions than the Indians. Waynesboro is starting from scratch pretty much.

Andy Sandrik: Spring Grove 26, Waynesboro 7: Could be a lean year in Waynesboro this fall. I’m not sure how long the Indians will be able to stick with the Rockets on Friday.

Adam Kulikowski: Spring Grove 24, Waynesboro 13: Former Chambersburg head coach Mark Saunders has the reins of the Indians heading into the 2023 circuit. Filling the cupboard might take a little time in the ‘Boro.

East Pennsboro 37, York Suburban 6

Andy Shay: East Pennsboro 34, York Suburban 20: The Panthers took out YS a year ago and have almost everybody back. That’s enough for me.

Andy Sandrik: East Pennsboro 28, York Suburban 17: I’ve caught some flack for possibly overrating East Pennsboro in my Colonial Division preview. But I stand by my pick, and think the Panthers open with a big win in York County. 

Adam Kulikowski: East Pennsboro 24, York Suburban 21: We’re bullish on the Panthers, but that doesn’t mean they will notch the dub in blowout fashion. Takes a strong effort to notch No. 1 on Friday. 

Hamburg 49, Halifax 19

Andy Shay: Hamburg 42, Halifax 14: I can see where the Wildcats will improve, but the Hawks are coming off a nine-win campaign and have way more known talent in their camp.

Andy Sandrik: Hamburg 45, Halifax 8: Hamburg lost some quality players, but I still see the Hawks and Wildcats being in two completely different tiers.

Adam Kulikowski: Hamburg 38, Halifax 14: I think we will see positive steps in the Halifax program this year. But it’s a tough call to predict a victory in Week 1. 

York Tech 14, James Buchanan 7

Andy Shay: James Buchanan 20, York Tech 7: Slight edge to the Rockets, who will face some tough times ahead in the Liberty Division. Chance to get started right with a lot of new faces.

Andy Sandrik: James Buchanan 24, York Tech 7: Mike Bullock wrote some nice things about Jacob Frey in his Liberty preview for 4th Down. Look for that kid to put up some nice numbers in this one.

Adam Kulikowski: James Buchanan 21, York Tech 14: Both teams likely have this one circled in the winnable-games column. Rockets have more firepower — get it? — to actually get it done. 

Line Mountain 54, Athens 12

Andy Shay: Line Mountain 21, Athens 14: This will not be an easy opener for the Liberty Division favorites, who are experienced but still have another level to discover. The Wildcats are a competitive squad.

Andy Sandrik: Line Mountain 18, Athens 14: I think Line Mountain gets tested, but ultimately prevails, against a Wildcats outfit that has a lot of skill positions to replace. 

Adam Kulikowski: Line Mountain 27, Athens 13: It wasn’t long ago that we were simply hoping the Eagles would find their footing and put some points on the scoreboard. Now, we have them pegged as the favorite in the feisty Liberty Division thanks to a strong returning class featuring 10 returnees on defense and nine more on offense. 

Williams Valley 28, Upper Dauphin 0

Andy Shay: Upper Dauphin 30, Williams Valley 28: Give me the Trojans in this one because … I’m taking Upper Dauphin, that’s why. 

Andy Sandrik: Williams Valley 33, Upper Dauphin 28: Alex Achenbach ran all over UD for 305 yards and five TDs last year, and could very well do it again Friday night.

Adam Kulikowski: Williams Valley 28, Upper Dauphin 27: In years past this would be one of the marquee matchups on the docket in Week 1 — and it still might be, but both teams enter the 2023 circuit with big questions to answer. Edge goes to the lads with Alex Achenbach on their side. 

Pine Grove 20, Northern Lebanon 14

Andy Shay: Pine Grove 20, Northern Lebanon 17: Two evenly matched teams who each ended up below the .500 bar a year ago. Not sure I see a clear advantage for either club here.

Andy Sandrik: Pine Grove 17, Northern Lebanon 7: Pine Grove carries a lot of size on the defensive line and could use that beef to lean on the Vikings and wear them down over four quarters. 

Adam Kulikowski: Pine Grove 31, Northern Lebanon 28: If we’re being honest, it’s a coin flip who ends up on top of this matchup. One thing I do know is that Lane Lehman can be a difference maker for the Cardinals. The 5-10, 175-pound senior led the team last year with 90 tackles and 1,000 rushing yards. Not too shabby. 

Minersville 38, Tri-Valley 34

Andy Shay: Minersville 20, Tri-Valley 13: The Bulldogs took out the Battlin’ Miners twice a year ago, but both games were competitive. Seems like a level playing field and just feels like Minersville is due to get one.

Andy Sandrik: Tri-Valley 14, Minersville 7: Give me the Bulldogs’ defense winning at home, while T-V’s new-look offense learns the ropes in a grind-it-out game. 

Adam Kulikowski: Minersville 24, Tri-Valley 7: Incoming sophomore QB Dante Carr earned valuable reps under center last year for the Battlin’ Miners. Look for the 6-4, 205-pound field general to take a big step forward in 2023.

SATURDAY, AUG. 26

Harrisburg 50, York 20

Andy Shay: Harrisburg 49, York 6: You do not want to be looking to replace your top three rushers and receivers and be playing this Cougars defense. That just isn’t going to end well. Harrisburg will control this one from start to finish.

Andy Sandrik: Harrisburg 38, York 15: Harrisburg certainly has the advantage in the skill department, but York possesses some all-star experience in the trenches. This will be a good test for a new-look Cougars’ line. 

Adam Kulikowski: Harrisburg 45, York 13: The Cougars return a nice core on both sides of the ball, while the Trojans will be searching for playmakers after their top three rushers and receivers all turned their tassels. 

Steel-High 42, Imani Christian Academy 27

Andy Shay: Steel-High 48, Imani Christian Academy 14: Not sure the Saints’ defense has enough tools in their defensive chest to keep up with the Steel-High offense. ICA surrendered more than 30 a game last season. The Rollers punish defenses that struggle at times.

Andy Sandrik: Steel-High 44, Imani Christian Academy 12: Steel-High can, and should, dictate the pace of this game. Gonna be exciting to see how many points these Rollers can put up this fall.

Adam Kulikowski: Steel-High 52, Imani Christian Academy 13: The Rollers have the potential to put up points at a lightning pace. Just when does Andrew Erby let off the gas in Week 1? 

Troy 56, Juniata 21:

Andy Shay: Troy 20, Juniata 13: I still think the Indians are in the hunt to grab the Liberty Division crown, it just feels like playing a rising Troy squad this early on level ground will be a grind. But Juniata grinds better than most.

Andy Sandrik: Troy 24, Juniata 16: The Indians will be just fine as the season progresses, but there are too many question marks to take them over a battle-hardened Troy squad in Week 1. 

Adam Kulikowski: Juniata 24, Troy 21: Judging from my colleagues, this might be an upset. But in Week 1 anything is possible — and I know Kurt Condo’s club always plays tough defense. 

High school football season previews 2023: Mid-Penn Capital predicted finish, players to watch and more

Andy Sandrik
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High school football season previews 2023: Mid-Penn Capital predicted finish, players to watch and more

Three behemoth teams seem poised to rule the roost over the Mid-Penn Capital Division this fall.

Defending PIAA Class 1A state champion Steel-High brings back most of its talent and is favored to repeat at the top, but “underdog” challengers West Perry and Trinity are also playoff-hardened squads that have a good chance of wreaking havoc upon the rest of the division and possibly even testing the Rollers. There is some good talent rising from the bottom half of the division, perhaps enough to consider some of these teams contenders in other years, but it’s going to take an extraordinary effort this season for these squads just to stay off the highlight film for the stars of the Big 3.

We’re looking forward to the return of Middletown, a program looking to repair its identity after having its season canceled last year, as well as the head-to-head battles between the Rollers, Mustangs and Shamrocks.

Predicted finish: Steel-High, West Perry, Trinity, Big Spring, Camp Hill, Boiling Springs, Middletown.

Steel-High Rollers

Predicted finish: 1st

Coach: Andrew Erby

Record last season: 13-1, 5-0 Capital (1st place)

Team outlook: There’s no doubt about it, the Rollers are the team to beat not only in the Capital Division, but in PIAA Class 1A itself. Steel-High returns all of the biggest pieces from last year’s monster team, which marched right through the Capital before going on a dominant postseason run that concluded with a 22-8 win over Union Area in the state championship game. The Rollers’ machine is guided by all-state quarterback Alex Erby, who is complemented in the offense by returning all-stars in wide receiver Rell Ceasar Jr. (65 catches, 1,054 yards, 16 TDs) and running back Ronald Burnette (21 TDs, more than 1,000 yards). Steel-High will be deep at the line of scrimmage with a group of all-star caliber scrappers that include Andrew Erby Jr. (6-foot-3, 240 pounds), Devon Reid (5-10, 205) and Eugene Greene (6-2, 215). Defensively, look for last year’s Capital Defensive Player of the Year, Andrew Erby Jr., to be the first point of contact for the highly decorated Rollers’ unit, which includes some top-shelf returning talent in defensive end Green, linebackers Amari Williams and Taevon Legrande, and defensive back Jaeion Perry. Expect Steel-High to face the best the Capital has to offer — the top of the division is as tough now as it has ever been — and come away unscathed. Beyond that, it’s hard to envision a world where this season doesn’t end with a third state championship for this Rollers’ dynasty.

One player to watch: Alex Erby. Over three seasons at Steel-High, this 6-foot-4, 205-pound quarterback has lit up the Friday night skies for 9,142 yards — which equals more than five miles of offense. And if all goes according to plan this fall, Erby will break the state record of 11,084 yards established by South Fayette’s Brett Bumbaugh. A pro-style quarterback that loves standing tall in the pocket and delivering strikes, Erby possesses the size, arm strength and accuracy to take over a football game. Erby, a southpaw, used his cannon of an arm to throw for 3,389 yards and 40 TDs last season. The records and video-game numbers are nice, but look for Erby, who’s drawn college interest from all over the Division I ranks, to stay focused on the numbers that matter: Winning a fourth District 3 title and a third PIAA Class 1A championship.

West Perry Mustangs

Predicted finish: 2nd

Coach: Bob Boden

Record last season: 11-2, 4-1 Capital (2nd place)

Team outlook: The pieces are in place for West Perry to make a spirited run at the Capital Division. While most experts, including us, believe Steel-High is too powerful to dethrone, there are a group of seniors in Elliottsburg — led by all-state LB/WR Ian Goodling and Capital Second Team QB Marcus Quaker — that love their chances in the division. Goodling is the headliner of the group and rightfully so. The 6-1, 175-pounder fills a variety of roles for the Mustangs, all at a high level, including linebacker (76 tackles, 5 interceptions), wide receiver (71 catches, 1,239 yards, 14 TDs), and place kicker (65 of 67 PATs, 7 of 10 field goals). Goodling will be joined on defense by LB Brad Hockenberry (16 TFLs), DB Bryce Smith and DL Caleb Gutshall as West Perry looks to find its way without a chunk of defensive linemen lost to graduation. Offensively, the Mustangs are set in the passing department with the Quaker-Goodling connection, but they will need to find an RB to replace the production of the graduated Trent Herrera. Assuming they can address some of its holes, the Mustangs could once again repeat the success of last year, when they became the first Perry County team to win multiple playoff games in the same season. 

One player to watch: Marcus Quaker. West Perry didn’t become a good football program overnight, just by adding crop after crop of superior players to the mix. No. From a young age, the Mustangs put their collective heads down, hit the weight room, studied the film and refined their game to the point where the football field seems like their natural habitat. There’s nobody who embodies the “Mustang way” quite the same way as Quaker, a 5-11, 170-pound senior quarterback. After two years of grinding as an underclassman, Quaker had an unforgettable junior season, where he established himself as quite the dual-threat QB. As a passer, Quaker has a smooth and accurate delivery, and he delivered last year by completing 132 of 206 passes for 2,021 yards, 22 TDs, and eight INTs. Nicknamed “Spark,” he used solid speed and superior acceleration to have a rushing season most RBs can only dream about, toting the ball 139 times for 1,240 yards and 23 TDs. Opponents are at their most apprehensive when Quaker is on the move, either delivering a strike downfield or gashing the defense for a big run. Wrestling the Capital Division away from favored Steel-High sure seems like a “David vs. Goliath” proposition, but if there was ever a man to play the role of David, it’s Quaker.

Trinity Shamrocks

Predicted finish: 3rd

Coach: Jordan Hill

Record last season: 10-5, 4-2 Capital (3rd place)

Team outlook: Last year was a breakout season for the Shamrocks, who rose from the basement of the Capital Division to become one of the standout teams in the Mid-Penn Conference itself. The bad news for opponents is Trinity returns a large chunk of that talent, including Messiah Mickens, a RB who verbally committed to Penn State after a phenomenal freshman season. The Shamrocks’ QB, Caleb Wray, is back for his senior season and looking to get the ball to two of his favorite targets: Cole Cappawana (17 receptions, 333 yards, 3 TDs) and Tanie Young (16 receptions, 239 yards, 3 TDs). Add in the running talents of Cappawana (22 carries, 241 yards, 4 TDs) and Christian Joy (59 carries, 666 yards, 6 TDS), and it becomes crystal clear the Shamrocks have enough offensive firepower to overwhelm a majority of the teams on their schedule. And if there’s a defense built to take down Steel-High and all-state quarterback Alex Erby, it’s the unit from Shiremanstown. The group picked off 21 passes last year, and 20 of those interceptions return this year, led by CB Amil Way, who snagged eight picks. Joining Way are LBs Jacob Ness (101 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, 3 INTs) and Tucker Paynter (74 tackles, 6 TFLs, 4 sacks), safeties Payton Schaffner (48 tackles, 4 INTs) and Collin Morrow (62 tackles, 3 INTs), and CB Mike Johnson (25 tackles, 2 INTs). Expect Trinity to finish as a Top 3 team in the Capital, if not higher.

One player to watch: Messiah Mickens. Only a freshman last season, the 5-10, 185-pound RB still found a way to look like a man among boys on the football field. Using uber speed, good ball protection and quick moves, Mickens impressed in his debut varsity season with 123 rushes for 961 yards and 18 TDs. It usually takes more than one defender to take Mickens down, and that’s assuming those defenders are within striking range. He’s a master of finding the edge and simply outrunning the entire defense into the end zone. Also a good pass catcher, look for Mickens’ overall output to increase this fall now that he truly has a grasp on the high school game. Enjoy the Mickens experience while you still can, as the sophomore is already committed to play for Penn State.

Big Spring Bulldogs

Predicted finish: 4th

Coach: Joe Sinkovich

Record last season: 3-7, 2-3 Capital (4th place)

Team outlook: Needing to replace graduated QB Ethan Eisenberg — the school’s all-time passing leader who led Big Spring to its first playoff victory in 2021 — the boys from Newville take the field in 2023 looking to establish the run. Guided by an offensive line that includes returning all-star talent in offensive tackle Logan Brennan and center Jacob Stewart, the Bulldogs will turn to a two-headed monster at RB until the team can decide on a QB between senior Chase Hope or sophomore Chase Fry. Connor Green totaled 943 yards and 10 TDs on 161 carries for the Bulldogs last season, while Grant Hall got 108 carries for 684 yards and nine TDs and hauled in 21 catches for 385 yards and three TDs. Defensively, look for the Bulldogs to turn to senior DE Zack Mell (6-3, 225) to wreck plays from the edge, and for the returning linebacking corps of Green (39 tackles), Spencer Cachara (50 tackles) and Brexton Heckendorn (30 tackles) to be a reliable one. There are plenty of pieces in place for Big Spring to compete on Friday nights, perhaps even against the giants of the Capital Division.

One player to watch: Logan Brennan. Pancake blocks aren’t a stat that is very seriously tracked, but if they were, you get the sense that Brennan — a 6-2, 380-pound offensive tackle — could be in the running as one of the all-time greats at Big Spring. A second-team selection in the Capital Division last season, Brennan spent his Fridays bullying defenders into the turf and then knocking them down again if they chose to rise. And often in the wake of Brennan’s destruction you’d see a Big Spring running back collecting big yardage without being touched. Expect more of that from Brennan in his final season of high school ball. 

Camp Hill Lions

Predicted finish: 5th

Coach: Tim Bigelow

Record last season: 5-6, 1-4 Capital (6th place)

Team outlook: Camp Hill has to be feeling good about its roster and its chances of making headway in the Capital Division. The Lions return a junior QB in Drew Branstetter, who threw for more than 2,100 yards last fall. He is joined by a talented crop of returning receivers, including Alex Long (6-3, 175), Noah Doi (5-9, 140) and Luke Becker (5-11, 160), each of whom totaled more than 350 receiving yards. With senior RB Kobe Moore (5-11, 175), a running and receiving threat, also returning, there are plenty of reasons to believe Camp Hill will keep the chains moving this year. Defensively, LBs Tommy Corbin and Moore, as well as DB Doi, return more than 300 tackles to lead an experienced group. In most years, Camp Hill would be considered a division contender. But with monsters like Steel-High, West Perry and Trinity in the mix, the Lions might have to just settle for a deep playoff run in the small-school postseason.

One player to watch: Drew Branstetter. With nine quality returning starters on each side of the ball, it’s challenging to make a choice. But when you think about which player Camp Hill can’t afford to lose, it’s Branstetter, the 6-foot-1, 180-pound quarterback. The junior has a nice arm with an easy throwing motion and knows how to make quick and accurate decisions. Branstetter completed 189 of 314 passes for 2,148 yards and 21 TDs last fall and gets back most of his receivers. With the loss of some key linemen, Branstetter’s legs may be just as important as his arm this season. He can scramble for yards when called upon, but mostly Branstetter will be using his mobility to keep plays alive. With Branstetter in the lineup, Camp Hill knows it’s always one play from turning a game around.

Boiling Springs Bubblers

Predicted finish: 6th

Coach: Brad Zell

Record last season: 4-6, 2-3 Capital (4th place)

Team outlook: Just as the Bubblers were starting to establish themselves as district contenders, they took a step back with last fall’s four-win campaign and failed to qualify for the postseason. Now with a solid group of returning players that have experienced both the highs and lows of Friday nights, it’s up to this group to determine the program’s next step. Boiling Springs looks to stay competitive this fall with an experienced group of returners in the trenches that includes all-star Rylan Bush (6-2, 265), Aron Beam (5-10, 205) and Lance Schwang. Liam Fisher returns at QB for his senior season, and the 5-7, 165-pound signal-caller could have some help this fall in the form of incoming sophomore WR Ryan Heller. The Bubblers are at their best when they can slow down the game and control the line of scrimmage. Executing that game plan will be a tall task against the Capital Division, but Boiling Springs can help its cause by tightening the defense and reducing turnovers.

One player to watch: Matt McNair. There’s a lot to love in the cerebral way in which McNair, a 6-foot, 190-pound senior running back and free safety, plays the game of football. The senior is an expert at following blocks and is patient in letting plays develop, but once it’s go-time, McNair lets his physical talents take over. McNair’s cuts are sharp as a knife, and once he’s moving forward it’s full steam ahead with punishment waiting for anyone willing to stand in his way. He’s excellent at making defenders miss in the open field and is sometimes called upon as a blocker in the run game, where he often showcases his crushing power. As a free safety, we like McNair’s vision of the field and the way he smartly reads plays in front of him. The Bubblers will have to work for everything they get in the Capital Division this year, but luckily with McNair, they have a player laying down the blueprint on just how to do that.

Middletown Blue Raiders

Predicted finish: 7th

Coach: Scott Govern

Record last season: Season canceled

Team outlook: Middletown returns to the gridiron for the first time since 2021 after last season was canceled due to extreme player hazing. This team would like nothing more than to put the scandal in the past and regain the respect the proud Middletown program once commanded. It’s going to take baby steps. There are no returning all-stars for the Blue Raiders, just a small-sized roster of players happy to be back on the field. How Middletown plans to fill its skill positions is still unclear, but the team has a trio of linemen — Loir Brunson (6-foot, 280), Malcolm Taalibuddeen (6-1, 220) and Chase Eberly (6-0, 255) — that could make the growing pains just a little bit easier. There’s plenty of excitement around the program, certainly, but it could still take some time before the Blue Raiders can once again return to their winning ways.

One player to watch: Loir Brunson. After playing last season at Albany High School in New York, Brunson returns to Middletown for his senior season. The 6-foot, 280-pound Brunson is a bear in the trenches. He generates a lot of push coming out of the three-point stance from his DT position and usually commands the attention of at least two blockers. While most DTs are there to chew up space and create tackling openings for the linebackers, Brunson has the ability to stand an o-lineman up, discard him and go for the tackle. For a man of his size, Brunson has a surprising amount of speed and can catch up to a ball carrier even if the opposition runs the ball away from him. It’s going to take a blue-collar effort for Middletown to climb its way back into Capital Division contention. Look for Brunson to play hard-nosed football and set that example.

High school football season previews 2023: Mid-Penn Commonwealth predicted finish, players to watch and more

Andy Sandrik
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High school football season previews 2023: Mid-Penn Commonwealth predicted finish, players to watch and more

The most unpredictable division in the Mid-Penn is back for what promises to be another wild season this fall, and we’ve given ourselves plenty of headaches trying to determine just who exactly will finish on top.

Defending champion and perennial PIAA contender State College gets our tentative nod, but we could just as easily see Harrisburg winning the division, with Central Dauphin and Cumberland Valley giving close chase. Even if you’re going to watch the teams in the bottom half of the division, it’s still more than worth the price of the ticket to see the talent of the Commonwealth up close. It’s not every day you can see an RB like State College’s D’Antae Sheffey, who drew Division I offers during his freshman season, or offensive lines that can completely control games, like the ones possessed by CV and CD.

Every year in the Commonwealth seems to offer its fair share of upsets and instant classics, and we see no reason why that can’t be the case once again this fall. Buckle up!

Predicted division finish: State College, Harrisburg, Central Dauphin, Cumberland Valley, Carlisle, Chambersburg, Altoona, CD East

State College Little Lions

Predicted finish: 1st

Coach: Matt Lintal

Record last season: 13-1, 7-0 Commonwealth (1st place)

Team outlook: Similar to Bishop McDevitt, it’s never appropriate to say State College is in a “rebuilding” state, no matter how many all-stars it loses in a given season. Yes, the Little Lions have lost their fair share of talent from 2022, with eight selections from the Commonwealth First Team graduating, but we wouldn’t be surprised in the least if State College found a way to successfully defend its division title this fall. The Little Lions will need to replace quarterback Finn Furmanek, and luckily senior Owen Yerka seems up for the job. Yerka got a fair amount of on-the-job experience last fall, going 38 of 75 for 479 yards, four touchdowns and two interceptions, while also rushing for 347 yards and six TDs on 50 carries. He will be joined in the backfield by D’Antae Sheffey, who totaled more than 1,700 rushing yards as a freshman last season. State College will be anchored defensively by defensive tackle Justin Castro-Dixon (6-foot, 350), inside linebacker Mike Gaul (6-1, 195), safety Cooper Brushwood (5-7, 155) and cornerback Ty Salazar (5-11, 165), who also earned honorable mention honors as a wide receiver and return specialist. Look for Commonwealth Coach of the Year Matt Lintal to once again guide his State College team to a Top 3 finish, if not another championship.

One player to watch: D’Antae Sheffey. This 6-foot, 190-pound RB exploded onto the scene as a freshman last season and racked up an unreal 1,725 rushing yards and 22 TDs on 223 carries. With three full years of high school football still left to play, Sheffey already holds offers from five Power Five schools. On film, Sheffey certainly didn’t look like a freshman. Combining power and speed, Sheffey has the option to run around defenders or right through them. He’s patient behind his run-blockers and has an arsenal of moves, including a spin move, juke and stiff arm, that he uses to keep himself out of harm’s way. Sheffey is also a threat in the passing game, where he hauled in 17 passes for 167 yards and two touchdowns, with some of those catches being high-difficulty receptions that a freshman RB usually has no business making. We’ve already seen so much from Sheffey, who is also a home-run threat in the return game, so it’s natural to feel those goosebumps when thinking about what kind of player Sheffey could still become.

Harrisburg Cougars

Predicted finish: 2nd

Coach: Calvin Everett

Record last season: 11-3, 6-1 Commonwealth (2nd place)

Team outlook: If there’s one thing you never want to see as an offense, it’s Harrisburg staring you down on the other side of the ball. While the Cougars lost a significant amount of talent, there’s a certain fear that comes with facing off against remaining all-star returners DB Raytel Bryant (54 tackles, 5 INTs), DT Ryan Epps (63 tackles, 18 TFLs, 3.5 sacks), DE Jayrell Britton (59 tackles, 1.5 sacks) and OLB KyMir Williams (65 tackles, 12 TFLs, 1 sack). While Harrisburg’s defense looks for another big year in the Commonwealth, we’re expecting the Cougars’ offense to reload as well. Shawn Lee Jr., an honorable mention selection at QB last fall, will lead the offense and look to continue his partnership with super sophomore WR Elias Coke, who caught 24 passes for 409 yards and six TDs last fall. The offensive line is still a work in progress, but with Sir-Kayne Venable (6-4, 290) and Kevin Brown (6-5, 235) leading the unit, Harrisburg has a couple of all-stars ready to plow the way for Lee & Co. The Cougars are easily a Top 3 team in the Commonwealth, but as is often the case with them, our guess is as good as yours where they will finish.

One player to watch: Shawn Lee Jr. With nearly 2,500 yards of rushing lost to graduation and an offensive line that will need time to gel, the pressure will be intensified on junior QB Lee, who was Harrisburg’s third-leading rusher last season. Not only did Lee run the ball 110 times for 584 yards and 10 TDs, he also proved himself to be an effective passer, completing 140 of 207 passes for 1,744 yards, 17 TDs and eight INTs. Working primarily out of the shotgun, Lee sports a solid arm and has good timing with his receivers. He is at his most dangerous when he is on the move. His scrambling can, and often does, turn broken plays into first downs, but it can also buy him time in the pocket when he’s facing danger. Not one to panic, Lee is great at making adjustments on the fly. Expect another big season, and perhaps a monster season if the offensive line can come together.

Central Dauphin Rams

Predicted finish: 3rd

Coach: Glen McNamee

Record last season: 3-7, 3-4 Commonwealth (5th place)

Team outlook: We counted back in Central Dauphin history as far as we could and it’s confirmed, last year’s three-win campaign broke a streak of at least 17 consecutive winning seasons. Was it a fluke? We’ll find out soon enough as senior QB Key’Ron Plummer gets another crack to lead the offense after injury spoiled the season for him and CD alike last fall. He will be protected by one of the nastiest returning offensive lines in the midstate, led by guard Anthony Robsock (6-6, 257) and tackle Evan Bushong (6-5, 277). Central Dauphin will have to find a way to replace more than 1,500 rushing yards lost from the graduation of David Chase and Devin Shepherd, but senior RB Miles Copper (26 carries, 169 yards, 1 TD) seems up for the challenge. Defensively, the Rams return a host of hard-nosed players, led by senior DE Jett Franz, who logged 80 tackles and 12.5 sacks a year ago. Franz will be joined by DB Ayden Smith (68 tackles), LB Kyle McCullough (76 tackles, 2.5 TFL) and DL I’Zhior Moon (56 tackles). With CD’s experience in the trenches, we’re expecting the Rams to at least hold serve with their opponents, and possibly dominate if the skill players can hit their stride. 

One player to watch: Key’Ron Plummer. After having his junior campaign derailed by a shoulder injury in the early stages of last season, Plummer is back to give the QB position another shot in 2023. In limited action last season, the 6-foot-1, 175-pound Plummer completed 17 of 32 passes for 206 yards, one TD and one INT. Plummer possesses a strong arm and is equally gifted with his legs, which can be used to extend plays or simply generate yardage. Central Dauphin’s chances this season hinge largely on whether Plummer can stay healthy and be productive. The Rams’ staff certainly believes in Plummer, as does Wheeling University, which has already offered the signal caller an opportunity to play at the next level.

Cumberland Valley Eagles

Predicted finish: 4th

Coach: Josh Oswalt

Record last season: 7-4, 4-3 Commonwealth (4th place)

Team outlook: Cumberland Valley made the playoffs last fall in the third year of the Josh Oswalt era, but there are multiple questions that need to be answered before the Eagles can take flight again this season. The first is who is going to replace QB and Commonwealth Offensive Player of the Year Isaac Sines? CV is looking to make its decision at signal caller between senior Deagan Rardain and juniors Kaden Schoenly and Grant Shepley. Whoever wins the job will be protected by one of the most battle-tested offensive lines in the Commonwealth, led by Tyler Merrill (6-5, 305), Noah Brown (6-foot, 245), Tre Grohman (6-foot, 225) and Mekhi Tichenor (6-foot, 225). Look for another beneficiary of the experienced line to be RB Bryce Staretz, who racked up 147 carries for 738 yards and six TDs last season. Defensively, CV will be looking to rally behind senior inside linebacker Alex Sauve, who was a first-team selection after logging 65 tackles and one INT last season. The Commonwealth is always an unpredictable beast, but the Eagles’ stability in the trenches has us believing they’ll be competitive in every game they play this year.

One player to watch: Caiden Pines. It doesn’t matter if he’s on offense or defense — when the ball is in the air, look for Pines to make the play. The 6-foot, 170-pound Pines is aiming to build off a junior season where he earned Commonwealth Honorable Mention honors as both a wide receiver and defensive back. Pines has good speed, with a 4.57-second time in the 40-yard dash, but it’s his catching fundamentals that make him especially effective. Whether the ball is underthrown or aired out too high, Pines has a knack for catching the ball out of position. Last year he totaled 304 yards and six TDs on 16 receptions. As a cornerback, Pines will be expected to once again stick with the best receiver on the opposing team while also baiting the QB into making ill-advised throws. He logged 26 tackles and three interceptions last fall. If colleges were looking for another reason to consider Pines, take a look at his special teams game film and watch how seriously he takes the unheralded role of blocking the opposing team’s “gunner” on punt return plays.

Carlisle Thundering Herd

Predicted finish: 5th

Coach: Brandon Cook

Record last season: 6-5, 4-3 Commonwealth (3rd place)

Team outlook: With two straight playoff appearances in the books, Carlisle will be looking to pull off the trifecta under first-year head coach Brandon Cook, who was an assistant on the Herd staff from 2016-2018. Repeating the success of last season will be easier said than done for a Carlisle team going to battle with a new QB and an inexperienced offensive line. Senior Lucas Smith has won the starting job at signal caller after having success in limited reps last fall, throwing for 344 yards and two TDs. He’ll have a nice target to throw to in the form of WR Carson Swartz (29 catches, 758 yards, 6 TDs) but will need some balance in the offense from top returning rusher Marquise Miller (13 carries, 117 yards, 3 TDs) to keep opposing defenses honest. Senior all-star Jeremiah Hargrove has transferred to Trinity for this season, but his twin brother Eli is back from a torn ACL and is ready to make a big impact on both sides of the ball. Carlisle has quite a few divisional games that could be considered coin-flip games, and fast development in the trenches will certainly have an impact on how many of those games the Herd can win.

One player to watch: Carson Swartz. The biggest returning playmaker for the Herd is Swartz, a lightning-fast receiver in the business of making over-the-head circus catches like Willie Mays. Standing at 5-foot-10 and 160 pounds, Swartz can run the 40 in 4.49 and, combined with great hands, he is Carlisle’s biggest deep-threat weapon. He has the speed to simply outrun defensive backs and create separation in the secondary but has proven himself time and again when challenged to make contested catches. A team-oriented player, Swartz is willing to take the big hit to secure a catch and is a playmaker on special teams. Swartz was a Commonwealth Second Team selection at WR last fall, and if he can form a bond with Smith, we could very well see him standing among the best in the conference at the end of this season. 

Chambersburg Trojans

Predicted finish: 6th

Coach: Mark Luther

Record last season: 3-7, 1-6 Commonwealth (7th place)

Team outlook: Chambersburg’s strength lies in its treasure trove of skill players, as the roster is dotted with talented players who can pass, catch and run as well as anyone in the Commonwealth. The riddle coach Mark Luther needs to solve, however, resides in the trenches. The Trojans will be green up front, both offensively and defensively, and their chances of success this fall will bank largely on how well both units can gel. If the Trojans’ line can build some confidence and continuity, look for senior QB Riley Harmon and WRs Andy Jean (5-8, 161) and Rhaigeon Parker (5-10, 153) to have a big season, and for RB Dayre Senft to keep defenses honest. On the other side of the ball, LB Stanley Lozius (5-11, 195) leads a defense that is looking to make steps forward after allowing 25.9 points per game last season. There are pieces in place to field a good football team in Chambersburg, but it’s going to take an extraordinary effort to move up the Commonwealth ladder.

One player to watch: Riley Harmon. When you’re trying to navigate the choppy waters of the Commonwealth Division, it’s best to have a battle-tested quarterback at the helm of the ship. Harmon, a 5-10, 170-pound senior, gives the Trojans just that. Harmon likes to sling the ball downfield and does so with a pretty spiral. He’s got a great rapport with Jean and Parker, and his ability to scramble and stay focused downfield gives his senior teammates even more opportunities to make plays. It’s this elusivity that leads us to believe that Chambersburg will have a chance to be competitive this season, even with a new-look offensive line.

Altoona Mountain Lions

Predicted position: 7th

Coach: Vince Nedimyer

Record last season: 6-6, 2-5 Commonwealth (6th place)

Team outlook: Altoona brings back one returning all-star player — OL/DL Hayden Speece (6-2, 265) — but there is enough in the cupboard for the Mountain Lions to once again grind out some wins this fall. Alex Yost, who totaled nearly 1,000 rushing yards in 2022, is lost to graduation, but there are several players who could help fill that gap this season, including sophomore Julian Hazlewood (20 carries, 211 yards, 1 TD) and seniors Bron Mosley (24 carries, 190 yards, 1 TD) and George Jackson (33 carries, 124 yards, 1 TD). Quarterback Brennen Freiwald is back for his junior season after completing 44 of 100 passes for 686 yards, five TDs and a pick last fall. Most of Freiwald’s weapons at WR are gone, so top returner Mark Harrington (3 catches, 86 yards, 1 TD) will undoubtedly have to pick up production. Altoona’s defense brings back a number of experienced players, including Mosley (26 tackles, 3 TFL), Harrington (32 tackles, 1 INT), sophomore Logan Wukovich (40 tackles, 1 TFL, 1 sack) and senior Evan Boose (38 tackles, 3.5 sacks).

One player to watch: Logan Wukovich. It’s no easy task for a freshman to earn playing time in the rugged Commonwealth Division, especially so at middle linebacker, but the 6-foot, 195-pound Wukovich did just that for the Mountain Lions last season. He wasn’t born ready for the varsity playing field, but rather he hustled his way into the Altoona lineup. A high-energy player with a big motor and even bigger heart, Wukovich is sharp at reading the opposing offense and doesn’t get fooled by deception. Wukovich still has room to grow into his body and the potential to develop into a star. That’s scary news for the rest of the Commonwealth, considering Wukovich still has three full years of high school football yet to play.

CD East Panthers

Predicted finish: 8th

Coach: Lance Deane

Record last season: 3-7, 1-6 Commonwealth (8th place)

Team outlook: Heading into his third year as head coach, Lance Dean is trying to build a quality football program at CD East. But as he’s learning, piecing together a squad is no easy task when the pieces keep on graduating. The Panthers will be looking to compete in the Commonwealth without a single one of their six all-star selections returning to the high school field this fall, including super DT Vincent Jackson-Carroll, now at Nebraska. With that said, Dean’s Panthers have some promising returning athletes looking to make their mark. Jared Porter and Xavier Armstrong are both solid at the RB position, and both double as fearsome defenders in the secondary. In the trenches, Adam Putric (5-10, 248) is another player looking to make an impact on both sides of the ball. Zach Brown, a 6-2, 210-pound TE/LB, earned some reps as a freshman last fall and looks to be a key member of the team in 2023. We’d love to see East take a step forward in the Commonwealth, but it’s going to take a few more emerging stars before we can envision the Panthers moving up from the bottom half of the division.

One player to watch: Jared Porter. CD East could very well have a star in the making in Porter, a 5-foot-9, 170-pound junior RB/DB who already has a college offer from West Virginia. Porter clocks a 4.5 in the 40, and believes he can go even faster, but the secondary standout is just as renowned for his ability to unleash big hits. Receivers should start to get nervous if Porter isn’t draped all over them deflecting passes, because that means the ball is about to get separated from them in a much more forceful manner. Offensively, Porter is a fast and slippery ball carrier who can make sharp reads at the line of scrimmage. Once the shifty Porter hits the hole and finds the open field, it’s off to the races. Porter missed the Commonwealth all-star team as a sophomore but has the tools to make a run at this list, and perhaps more.

PA High School Football: Andy Shay’s Preseason Elite 11 Rankings

4thdownmagazine
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PA High School Football: Andy Shay’s Preseason Elite 11 Rankings
11. Steel-High0-0NR
The defending PIAA Class 1A champions are still loaded with a wicked combination of speed, power and explosiveness. QB Alex Erby will finish with a laundry list of records, RB Ronald Burnette is good for 1,000-plus rushing and that defensive front can take over a game.
10. Wilson0-0NR
Hard to ignore a program that hasn’t had a losing season since 1963. The Bulldogs bring back nine starters on offense, and their zone read scheme will be a well-oiled machine from the jump. Biggest question mark will be on defense where there are more questions than answers.
9. Exeter Township0-0NR
Nobody on the Elite 11 preseason roster was hit harder by graduation than the Eagles. They lost a cupboard of elite dudes who powered the magic carpet ride of 2022. Still think Exeter has enough coming back to stay relevant and part of the conversation, particularly up front where it matters. Skill positions on offense will be where the rubber meets the pavement.
8.Wyomissing0-0NR
When you run the Wing-T offense and you lose an FBS-level left tackle and more than 3,100 of your more than 4,600 rushing yards to a trio of graduates, the prospects of another deep playoff run should be slightly diminished. For 2023 the Spartans’ initial answer will come from a defense that is better than most. Don’t expect less from Wyo.
7. Central York0-0NR
The kingpin of York County has posted a 31-4 mark the last three seasons and clearly moved into the alpha dog class of big-school football in District 3. Heavy favorites in York-Adams 1, they will be tested early by the likes of Central Dauphin, Cumberland Valley and Hempfield.
6. Cocalico0-0NR
Nobody did a better rebuild on the fly in 2022 than the Eagles, who lost five games but still claimed the District 3 Class 5A title. And they have seven or eight regulars back on each side of the ball. A couple minor question marks need answers up front on offense, but the loss of two hammer leaders on defense will show up early. Clearly the class of Section 4.
5. Manheim Central0-0NR
Get ready for an offense that has all the tools to put up 40 points a game. The quartet of elite skill players will be a wrecking ball despite being among a group of solid clubs in Section 2. They have a couple open spots on the o-line, and the new linebackers will play catch-up for a bit with plenty of experience around them to help. High expectations for Dave Hahn’s group.
4. Manheim Township0-0NR
Navigated a tough start and played its best football when it mattered a year ago, and QB Hayden Johnson, who is approaching 5,000 career passing yards, is back to orchestrate the offense. At first glance the defense has more meat on the bone than you think, and that will help an offense that has very few questions at the skill positions but will be searching for answers along the OL
3. State College0-0NR
There was some turnover for the lads from up Route 322, but they have a replacement system in place for a ridiculously deep roster and it works. Sophomore RB D’Antae Sheffey eclipsed 1,700 yards in his first year of high school. That’s a good starting point. This defense will be elite in ‘23. Don’t say you haven’t been warned.
2. Harrisburg0-0NR
Expectations are high on the edge of Market Street. The evolution of QB Shawn Lee Jr. his first two seasons has been stunning to watch. This is Year 3 as QB1, and there’s another level or two in his tank for sure. Like fellow Commonwealth Division mate State College, the Cougars’ defense will be nothing short of elite from snap No. 1 of the season.
1. Bishop McDevitt0-0NR
For the defending PIAA Class 4A champions, it starts with 2022 Pennsylvania Gatorade Player of the Year Stone Saunders at quarterback. But McDevitt is oh-so-much more than the recent Kentucky commit. They arguably will have the fastest receiving corps in the state. And as a friendly reminder, remember that defense that took over big-time playoff games late in the state run to gold? Well, there are nine regulars back.

High school football season previews 2023: Mid-Penn Keystone predicted finish, players to watch and more

Andy Sandrik
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High school football season previews 2023: Mid-Penn Keystone predicted finish, players to watch and more

It might not last long, but for now there is a ray of hope for teams in the Mid-Penn Keystone Division hoping to catch up with Bishop McDevitt, a team which has had its offensive line absolutely gutted from graduation losses.

But the reality is the backups for the Crusaders are almost always good enough to start at any other school. And even if you can find a way to expose the new-look offensive line, they still have plenty of other game-breaking talents at other parts of the field to overwhelm even the most game teams in the Keystone.

It’s going to be a fun battle for second place between Cedar Cliff and Milton Hershey, with Lower Dauphin, Mifflin County and Hershey all looking to prove they belong in that tier. Red Land and Palmyra could have difficulty staying in games this fall, but there are some high-quality players on those squads who can set an example for the years to come.

It’s going to be a fun division to watch as all games not involving Bishop McDevitt should carry a certain level of unpredictability.

Predicted division standings: Bishop McDevitt, Cedar Cliff, Milton Hershey, Lower Dauphin, Mifflin County, Hershey, Red Land, Palmyra

Bishop McDevitt Crusaders

Predicted finish: 1st

Coach: Jeff Weachter

Record last season: 13-1, 7-0 Keystone (1st place)

Team outlook: For most schools, extraordinary graduation losses in the trenches can be backbreaking. But for defending state champ Bishop McDevitt — which lost the equivalent of an entire college offensive line with the departures of Riley Robell (James Madison), Gabe Arena (Virginia Tech), Kameron Zaengle (Edinboro), Dimitri Chacon (Bloomsburg), and Ethan Straining (Shippensburg) — it’s just a matter of reloading. McDevitt will have time for its new o-line to gel as it navigates through Keystone Division play, and if that mission is accomplished the Crusaders have the firepower to once again contend for a PIAA championship. It all starts behind center with junior quarterback Stone Saunders, a 6-foot-2, 200-pound gunslinger committed to Kentucky who threw for 3,583 yards and an obscene 54 touchdowns to go along with five interceptions. The majority of those passes will go to superhuman wide receiver Rico Scott, but look for Nevan Hopkins (6-foot, 185) and tight end Nick Slogik (6-5, 240) to have pass-catching duties ramped up this fall. Defensively, it’s going to be challenging for opponents to accomplish much of anything as the Crusaders return all-star linebackers Ty Kephart (6-foot, 195) and Maurice Barnes (6-2, 200), defensive backs Hopkins, Chase Regan (6-foot, 180), and Jaire Rawlison (5-10, 175), and defensive linemen Slogik and Dallas Davenport (6-foot, 260). Look for this edition of McDevitt to once again overwhelm the Keystone Division and make a deep run into the postseason, possibly concluding with another PIAA championship.

One player to watch: Rico Scott. We’ve been told the film on Scott is not, in fact, being played in fast-forward, rather that’s just how much blinding speed is possessed by the freakish 6-1, 190-pound senior receiver. As soon as Scott secures a pass, whether it’s in the flats or deep down the sideline, it’s a race to the end zone that the Alabama verbal commit almost always wins. Scott isn’t always tested by DBs at the high-school level, but when he is, he displays the great hands and athleticism to make plays under duress. His first move after the catch is enough to shake off the most well-prepared tackler. Last year Scott cashed in 66 receptions for 1,184 yards and 18 TDs. We’re excited, and maybe a little bit scared, to see the damage this dude does in the Keystone this fall.

Cedar Cliff Colts

Predicted finish: 2nd

Coach: Colin Gillen

Record last season: 7-4, 5-2 Keystone (3rd place)

Team outlook: If there’s one team that has a chance to be competitive with feared Bishop McDevitt, at least in spots, it’s Cedar Cliff. The Colts bring back a treasure trove of senior all-star talent on defense, including LBs Nathan Lusk, Carter Enders and Michael Jones, and DBs in Julius Tirado, Taeon Abraham and Elijah Wilbourn. Whether you’re looking to run or pass, the Colts have got you covered. Offensively, junior QB Bennett Secrest (6-foot, 190) is back to lead the offense after accumulating 1,281 passing yards and 17 TDs last fall. He has already built a strong connection with WR Lusk (37 receptions, 458 yards, 6 TDs) and will be aided by the return of RB Jones (109 carries, 502 yards, 4 TDs) in the backfield. Cedar Cliff has a handful of quality linemen to replace, so look for Cooper Hambright (5-11, 220) and TE Enders to lead by example for the boys in the trenches. Also on the agenda for coach Colin Gillen and his staff is finding a replacement for Derek Witmer, who made a big impact on special teams as a First Team Keystone kicker and punter. With that said, there’s plenty of talent at Cedar Cliff, and we see no reason why the Colts can’t lock up that second-place position and maybe, just maybe, put a scare into the Crusaders.

One player to watch: Nathan Lusk. If the ball is aired out anywhere near the same continent as Lusk, there’s a good chance the sure-handed linebacker and wide receiver is going to come down with the ball. A 6-1, 190-pound footballer just brimming with athleticism, Lusk is looking to repeat the success of last fall, which landed him on the Keystone’s First Team for defense and Honorable Mention for offense. Lusk has the size and fundamentals of a solid linebacker, but it’s his presence as a ball-hawking defender that makes opponents think twice about running plays in his direction. He can split out to play cornerback as needed and knows how to time blitzes as well as anyone. On the offensive side of the ball, Lusk has made the habit of turning sure-to-be incomplete passes into acrobatic receptions. Even when a defender is draped all over him, Secrest has the confidence to throw in tight windows because Lusk repeatedly makes plays on passes that would be low-probability catches for most receivers. With Lusk on the field, you get the sense that Cedar Cliff will always have a chance to make the defensive stop or big conversion, even when facing a superior team.

Milton Hershey Spartans

Predicted finish: 3rd

Coach: Jeff Boger

Record last season: 6-5, 4-3 Keystone (4th place) 

Team outlook: There are enough playmakers in the stable at Milton Hershey for the Spartans to put up some big numbers this season. Just how big those numbers get is largely dependent on projected starting QB Jason Burney, a southpaw senior who put up some decent numbers while backing up Kenny Emile last fall. Burney will have a couple of all-star receivers to throw to in Angel Roberts (6-foot, 180) and Mohamed Koroma (6-foot, 165) and will be joined in the backfield by senior running back Elijah Johnson, who earned Second Team honors in the Keystone in 2022. When considering Milton Hershey also brings back stud offensive linemen Noah Gibbs (5-11, 295) and Lany Brode (6-2, 280), it’s easy to envision the Spartans lighting up the scoreboard this fall. The defense will be led by senior linebacker Michael Blidi (6-2, 225), defensive back Kaden East (6-foot, 185) and strong safety Burney. We’re not sure if Milton Hershey has what it takes to spring an upset over Bishop McDevitt, but the Spartans should have plenty in the cupboard to give the rest of the Keystone problems.

One player to watch: Mohamed Koroma. Any time this dude gets his hands on the ball it’s like lightning in a bottle, and the coaches in the Keystone certainly noticed this last season when they voted Koroma a Second Team all-star as both a receiver and return specialist. Opponents would be wise to kick the ball to someone other than the 6-foot, 165-pound spark plug with great vision who seems to see the holes before they even open up. Of course, kicking away from Koroma won’t stop him from being the primary target on offense. Last year as a junior he caught 40 passes for 532 yards and eight TDs. Milton Hershey will do whatever it takes to get him the ball, even if it’s just tossing it to him in the flats and letting him work his magic. Even when the Spartans don’t call Koroma’s name, he stays engaged in his blocking assignments and doesn’t take plays off. With the ability to run precise routes and make sharp cuts, the speedy Koroma could be one of the breakout stars of the Keystone this fall.

Lower Dauphin Falcons

Predicted finish: 4th

Coach: Josh Borreli

Record last season: 4-6, 2-5 Keystone (6th place)

Team outlook: Slowly but surely under the college-style direction of coach Josh Borreli, Lower Dauphin is starting to regain some of the respect that once made the program feared throughout the Mid-Penn. Borreli has some tough assignments in front of him, like trying to replace the QB-WR combo of seniors Bryce and Charlie Fortney, but he has a hard-nosed RB in Ty Millhimes who will keep the chains moving all season. Defensively, the Falcons are returning nine starters, including all-star talent in LB Nathan Stuckey (6-foot, 180) and DBs Brandon Fritz (6-2, 180) and Wes Heagy (6-foot, 180). Our biggest concern about LD is size — the biggest man on the roster is 238 pounds, and the top returning lineman, all-star Connor Hassinger, checks in at 5-10 and 200 pounds. Staying healthy will be key, and if the Falcons can do that they are tough enough to win every 50-50 matchup the Keystone throws at them.

One player to watch: Ty Millhimes. After watching junior season film on Millhimes, we’re absolutely convinced this 6-2, 215-pound stud was born on the football field. Whether he’s shaking off defenders like practice pylons from his running back position, or wrecking plays when blitzing as an outside linebacker, or just taking kickoffs to the house, Millhimes certainly looks like he’s in his natural environment on the field. He’ll be most depended upon on offense, where his hands and speed make him a threat both as a runner and receiver. Millhimes carries so much muscle that opponents would be better off trying to tackle a bowling ball. Last year he accounted for more than 1,200 yards of offense and 17 total touchdowns. Defensively, look for Millhimes to be a leader. He is great at pursuit and creating angles and is a sure-handed tackler. Carrying the same hefty measurements as the offensive linemen that try to block him, Millhimes is an immovable object. He just maintains his ground, sheds his blocker and makes the tackle. Millhimes is a player that wants to be on the field every single play, and if his wish is granted this fall Lower Dauphin could have an even better season than expected.

Mifflin County Huskies

Predicted finish: 5th

Coach: Shane Breon

Record last season: 6-5, 4-3 Keystone (5th place)

Team outlook: After two years of winless football, Mifflin County rebounded in a big way last season with just its third winning campaign since the fall of 2011. Shane Breon was named the Keystone Coach of the Year for the Huskies, who return both experience and confidence for their Friday night scraps. Mifflin County has battle-tested studs at RB in Deakon Scheaffer and QB in Landon Eichhorn (1,580 yards, 17 TDs, 10 INTs), but the Huskies will need to find a way to fill the (oversized) shoes of graduated all-star linemen Ryan Stahl and Elijah Osborne if they’d like to see their playmakers continue to make plays. They have a two-way returning all-star in Parker Kearns, who racked up 82 tackles as a linebacker, while catching 22 passes for 340 yards and a touchdown as a wide receiver. The Huskies earned a lot of respect last season, but they will probably be seen as an underdog again in 2023. That would be a grave mistake for opponents, as they have the pieces in place to be competitive on a weekly basis.

One player to watch: Deakon Schaeffer. The Huskies will go as far as the speedy 5-7, 190-pound running back will take them. As a junior last season, Scheaffer piled up 1,058 yards on 192 carries (5.5 yards per carry) to go along with 10 TDs. When Scheaffer finds the hole, he slams on the turbo button to run away from defenders in the secondary. His speed — clocked at 4.55 in the 40-yard dash — is enough to make the opposition nervous, but it’s Schaeffer’s shiftiness that makes those opponents look like fools. It’s these qualities that make Scheaffer a dangerous kick returner and a big threat in the receiving game as a back who can catch passes in the flat or split out wide. Last fall Scheaffer caught 17 passes for 270 yards and four TDs. In order for Mifflin County to repeat its success from last season, it is going to need players who don’t give up on plays. Expect Scheaffer, always willing to churn his legs just to get that extra yard, to set that example.

Hershey Trojans

Predicted finish: 6th

Coach: Mark Painter

Record last season: 5-5, 5-2 Keystone (2nd place)

Team outlook: Graduation losses always hurt, but when you lose a player like Marcus Sweeney — a lock-down defensive back, acrobatic receiver and superior return specialist — it almost feels like you’ve lost five or six players. Sweeney is just one player the Trojans need to go on without; they also need to replace their starting quarterback. They are turning to Sweeney’s younger brother, sophomore Cameron Sweeney, to take on that role. We don’t know what kind of arm the younger Sweeney has just yet, but we can confirm his legs work just fine and could be key in keeping plays alive while he learns the position. Look for Angel Cabrera, a 6-foot, 230-pound battering ram of a running back, to get a healthy amount of carries after totaling 111 for 625 yards and eight TDs last fall. Cabrera is nearly as large as the two returning all-star linemen opening holes for him: Tucker Valoczki (6-3, 240) and Cory Schaffer (6-2, 225). On the defensive side, the linebacking corps will be led by returning all-stars Cabrera and junior Sean Elliott (6-foot, 215). Hershey has the pieces to have a nice season, but execution from the new players at key positions will likely be what determines whether the Trojans have a winning or losing season.

One player to watch: Cameron Sweeney. Whether it’s fair or not, heavy expectations will be placed on the 6-foot, 155-pound Sweeney, just because of his last name. For that, the sophomore can thank his older brother Marcus, who nailed down First Team Keystone honors at three different positions in his final year at Hershey. Luckily, the younger Sweeney is more than just a name. As a freshman getting playing time at cornerback, Sweeney showed that he wasn’t intimidated by playing with the older kids. He has the speed to stick like glue on receivers, the size to play physical and the height to make plays on the ball. How will these skills translate on the other side of the ball, where Sweeney will be taking on the role of QB? Well, we’re just as curious as you, and that’s one of the many reasons we’ve selected Sweeney as our player to watch. 

Red Land Patriots

Predicted finish: 7th

Coach: Eric Depew

Record last season: 2-8, 1-6 Keystone (7th place)

Team outlook: After taking lumps in the Keystone Division for several years, Red Land has a solid group of seniors that just might be able to reverse the losing trend. The Patriots will be led up front by a couple of all-star offensive tackles in Addison Janovich (6-1, 265) and Anthony McCutcheon (6-foot, 266) who will pave the way for wrecking ball RB Colton Hoffman. Throw in some blocking and pass-catching from Second Team Keystone tight end Bryce Phillips, and it’s easy to envision the Patriots generating some push this season. Hoffman, Phillips and Janovich will pull double-duty on defense, with DB Anthony Shay also returning to make life miserable for opponents. The Patriots might not have the firepower to keep up with a lot of teams in the Keystone, but they have the size to ensure, at the very least, they won’t be pushed around.

One player to watch: Colton Hoffman. It’s hard to find a player who is both slippery and seeks out contact, but the 6-foot, 215-pound Hoffman sure seems to fit the bill. Give the physical RB a running head start and there’s very little that can stop him. Hoffman is willing to lower his head and deliver the kill shot on would-be tacklers, and when the rest of the defense swarms him he repeatedly finds ways to hop away from the scrum and get to daylight. Hoffman’s qualities also translate to the defensive side of the ball, where he mans the middle linebacker position. He’s elusive and rarely takes on full blocks from the opposition before laying the wood on the ball carrier. Hoffman is more than a heat-seeking missile. He has a great knack for reading plays and knows when to stay home and cover the pass. Last year Hoffman was an Honorable Mention selection in the Keystone at both positions. That stock could rise significantly this fall.

Palmyra Cougars

Predicted finish: 8th

Coach: Chris Pavone

Record last season: 1-9, 0-7 Keystone Division (8th place)

Team outlook: Life in the Keystone Division hasn’t been easy in recent years for Palmyra, which will be searching for its first winning record since the 2018 season. While the Cougars do return eight starters on each side of the ball, Friday nights at Buck Swank Stadium will be a little harder to navigate without the services of junior RB Juan Figueroa, who transferred to Bishop McDevitt this season. Palmyra will be breaking in a new QB this fall, but on-the-job training should be a little easier for the signal-caller with the return of WRs Keagan Kleinfelter (19 catches, 115 yards, 2 TDs) and Kadan Readinger (16 catches, 233 yards), and a duo of offensive linemen in Andrew Manning and Kadin Jones. Defensively, Palmyra has a few returning all-stars in DL Manning, LBs Kyle Koennecke and Jones, and DB Kleinfelter — who combined for more than 240 tackles last season. There’s plenty of experience on the field for the Cougars, but only time will tell if that will be enough to stay competitive with the big dogs in the Keystone.

One player to watch: Kadin Jones. If Palmyra hopes to earn a few wins in the Keystone this season, the Cougars will need a few hard-nosed athletes to set the tone on the field. Enter the 5-11, 195-pound Jones, a middle linebacker and center who stays tough year-round by also competing in wrestling and lacrosse. An Honorable Mention selection on both sides of the football last year, Jones accounted for 97 tackles, including seven TFLs. Palmyra knows the middle of the field is safe with Jones on patrol, as he doesn’t get fooled on play calls and can cover the run and pass with equal precision. Look for Jones, a specialist in the fundamentals of tackling, to set a shining example for the young players with his textbook technique.

High school football season previews 2023: Mid-Penn Liberty predicted finish, players to watch and more

Michael Bullock
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High school football season previews 2023: Mid-Penn Liberty predicted finish, players to watch and more

Even though the Mid-Penn Conference’s far-flung Liberty Division featured outright champions each of the past two seasons — Juniata in 2021 and Upper Dauphin last season — this time around the seven-team scrap for league supremacy may be tighter than it’s been since many of these programs called the Tri-Valley League home.

Even back as far as the Twin Valley Conference.

So, dig in, pay attention and make sure to raise your voice a few octaves when your favorite team begins its quest for a Liberty crown and hopefully a berth in a panoramic postseason picture.

Predicted order of finish: Line Mountain, Juniata, Susquenita, Upper Dauphin, Newport, Halifax, James Buchanan

Line Mountain Eagles

Predicted finish: 1st

Coach: Brandon Carson

Record last season: 4-7, 3-3 Liberty

Team outlook: Line Mountain has 10 players back on defense and nine on offense from a season ago when a daunting non-league slate put Brandon Carson’s club in an early 0-3 hole. But this group is still climbing the developmental ladder even though it sports experience just about everywhere. While feature back Ian Bates will draw plenty of attention after becoming the first Line Mountain sophomore to rush for more than 1,000 yards, carries will be available for Nolan Baumert, Chandon Maurer, Quinn Dunkelberger and freshman Noah Ringes. Sophomore quarterback Kaiden Maurer also returns, and he’ll have targets available, with classmate Max Johnson likely to find the ball coming his way often — especially early. A veteran front featuring Colby Rebuck, Kohen Shingara and Jackson Kauwell has enough size to move defenders and protect Maurer. On the defensive side, Carson really wants to get after people up front, at the second level and across the secondary. If these Eagles can build early confidence — Athens, Danville, Tri-Valley and Middletown make up the non-league slate — look out once league play begins to unfold. These guys really want a league title and a home date in the District 4 Class 2A playoffs.

One player to watch: Ian Bates. A threat to go yard any time he latches on to the football, Bates’ season really began to take shape before September ended — especially with the dependable Baumert out with an ankle injury. When it came to a close, he gained a sophomore record 1,219 yards and scored 15 touchdowns running the ball. Bates also hauled in a team-high 16 receptions and yet another score. Add everything up and you’ll understand why the diminutive youngster with the high-octane chassis was tagged the Liberty’s Offensive Player of the Year. Bates, however, also held his own in the secondary by making 39 tackles, picking off one pass and causing one fumble. He’s also a threat on special teams.

Juniata Indians

Predicted finish: 2nd

Coach: Kurt Condo

Record last season: 8-4, 5-1 Liberty

Team outlook: Juniata’s program may graduate key performers every year, but Kurt Condo’s squad typically has more than enough talent — and the requisite numbers — to put competitive sides on the field every fall. And this year is no different. So while the Indians’ early opponents may find themselves trying to figure out who’s going to carry the football or plug a gap on the defensive line, Condo and his experienced staff will shake some youngsters who’ve spent the past season or two in the shadows and turn them into prime-time performers. One player everyone already knows about is sophomore Jasper Shepps, who likely will move into the quarterback position after spending his first varsity season catching passes and chasing down receivers. And since Shepps led the Indians in receiving in 2022, his understanding of the Juniata passing game should help him make a smooth transition. Plus, having burly back Seth Laub ready to churn out sizable chunks of yardage in the run game and as a receiver will bump Shepps’ comfort level. While replacing Liberty Defensive Player of the Year Jonathan Kauffman will be next to impossible, Lane Peiper appears to be the heir apparent after starting his first two seasons. Although unable to defend their 2021 Liberty title, Condo’s Indians made their third straight appearance in the PIAA Class 4A state tournament after winning their third District 6/9 championship. Rarely an easy out.

One player to watch: Seth Laub. Dependable throughout his varsity career, Laub’s productivity in the backfield and at linebacker figures to increase in his final high school season since he’s a load at 220-or-so pounds. While Laub last season ran for 468 yards, he averaged more than 6 yards per carry and scored five times. He also caught six passes, scoring once. Where he figures to really thrive is defensively, especially since his 65 stops ranked him behind only Kauffman and Peiper and earned him a second-team All-Liberty selection at linebacker. Need more? The kid also can punt the football.

Susquenita Blackhawks

Predicted finish: 3rd

Coach: Rick Gibney

Record last season: 5-5, 4-2 Liberty

Team outlook: Although the Blackhawks have been somewhat enigmatic since a sizable group of seniors entered the varsity scene as freshmen, perhaps this is the season when those puzzling losses become victories and ‘Nita finally finds a way to squeeze into postseason play. Then again, one never knows how playing for a third head coach in four seasons will impact what happens on the playing surface. Nonetheless, it wouldn’t be a surprise if first-year skipper Rick Gibney — a former Blachawks QB — turns his quarterback-playing son, Derek, loose during the latter’s final high school campaign. Derek Gibney stands 6-foot-4, weighs 230 pounds and has the ability to thread a pass through a keyhole and the mobility to run away from a quality rush. Susquenita also returns a bunch of targets — Derek Gibney’s twin brother, Drew, Blaise Swancer and Athan Robinson on the flanks, Kamar Lewis at tight end and Bryce McKee out of the backfield — so if there’s time to throw these guys have people capable of making plays. In fact, spread sets might be ‘Nita’s favored alignment when on offense. If these guys can ring up points, then a defensive unit that will feature many of these same players may only need to stop the other guys two or three times to gain a savory result. These guys have the talent to make things happen, but do they have the confidence needed to contend for a crown?

One player to watch: Derek Gibney. Poised to start behind center for the fourth consecutive season — he also plays defensive end and punts — the powerfully built Gibney has all the prerequisites needed to be able to throw the ball all over the yard. And with a strong right arm, terrific feet and more than enough foot speed to make him difficult to catch and bring down, the 6-4, 230-pounder may be ready to lead the Blackhawks to the top of the Liberty table. And there isn’t a Liberty defensive coordinator that’s not leery of finding a way to slow Gibney & Co. down. In fact, each and every one of them will exhale deeply once they’ve watched the clock run out and hear the horn sounding — hopefully with a victory tucked away. What’s interesting about Gibney is his ambidexterity. No one would be surprised to see him make a throw with his left arm, particularly since he punts with his left foot.

Upper Dauphin Trojans

Predicted finish: 4th

Coach: Kent Smeltz

Record last season: 8-3, 6-0 Liberty

Team outlook: Although picking Kent Smeltz’s squad to finish in the middle of a remarkably competitive Liberty Division pack might be surprising to many, the Trojans did watch a sizable senior class (16) march off in the spring with their diplomas in hand. And those departures are a lot to overcome, particularly since that group featured some talented linemen and a productive array of skill people. Nonetheless, these guys will be tough to take out regardless of the players on the field and won’t yield their 2022 crown without a heated scrap or two. While UDA may need some time to iron out its offensive front and ground game, Smeltz believes junior quarterback Aidan Bingaman is ready to shoulder whatever load necessary to keep the Trojans relevant and firmly in the Liberty title chase. Several other players to keep an eye on include junior running back/defensive end Caleb Snyder, tight end/inside linebacker Tegan Engle and two-way back Tyler Erdley. Dangerous group.

One player to watch: Aidan Bingaman. Although Smeltz has admitted Bingaman encountered his share of struggles at the start of the 2022 campaign, he was pleased how the talented youngster absorbed instruction throughout the season and began to grow more comfortable with each game. Standing 6-1 and checking in at about 180 pounds, Bingaman, who also plays d-end and punts, corralled a second-team all-star nod last season after completing nearly 58% of his passes while throwing for 1,264 yards and 15 touchdowns. What’s important to note is Bingaman, a drop-back passer not likely to run all that much, was only intercepted three times while attempting just more than 150 throws. Fast forwarding to 2023 — and yet another season under the tutelage of UDA quarterback guru Tom Hain — Bingaman may need to spread the ball around until some of his youthful receiving corps grows accustomed to Friday night’s excessively bright lights. He’s not Randy Martz nor Todd Gittings yet — they were some of Hain’s top-notch QBs in the 1970s — but Smeltz is genuinely upbeat about how good Bingaman can be before his Trojans career comes to a close.

Newport Buffaloes

Predicted finish: 5th

Coach: Todd Rothermel

Record last season: 2-8, 2-4 Liberty

Team outlook: Following several difficult seasons — and some frustrating setbacks — Todd Rothermel’s Buffaloes are hoping to regain their swagger and return to the top of the Liberty standings. And if his old-school approach works — strong play along both fronts is a staple — the ‘Port may be able to surprise a few people along the way. Especially after the Buffs closed the 2022 season with consecutive victories over Halifax and James Buchanan. Obviously, we’ll see what happens once the season begins to unfold. What we do know about Rothermel-coached squads is they will compete hard against everyone they play. What we don’t know is which of the Buffaloes will emerge from the Katchmer Field shadows and step up to the level that’s expected of those front-line players under Friday night’s bright lights.

One player to watch: Zach Bellis. If Newport popped players off an assembly line somewhere beneath Buffalo Mountain, the remarkably competitive Bellis (sr., OL/LB) would fit a fiery profile dating back to Rothermel’s coaching days at Line Mountain. While the 6-1, 200-pound Bellis was a warrior in the middle of the Buffs’ offensive front last season, he really stood out defensively while leading the ‘Port with 71 tackles — including 10 ½ behind the line of scrimmage. Bellis also registered one quarterback sack, posted four QB hurries, recovered a pair of fumbles, swiped one pass and blocked four kicks. In other words, the football seems to find this the honorable mention all-league choice (on both sides of the ball) so he can make whatever play is necessary to thwart a scoring drive. Terrific player who many opponents will try to avoid by scheming plays away from wherever he sets up.

Halifax Wildcats

Predicted finish: 6th

Coach: Roy Wall

Record last season: 1-9, 0-6 Liberty

Team outlook: Whether Roy Wall opts to adopt the Navy Spread attack he utilized so effectively during his decade-plus at neighboring Millersburg remains to be seen, but Halifax’s first-year skipper does have some skill people who can make plays — if time permits everything to unfold the way it’s drawn up. Yes, Wall has returned to the Susquehanna River’s east bank, stepping into a difficult position left vacant when Earl Mosley retired. If Wall can surround his skill players with linemen capable of occupying defenders long enough to enable runners to get to the second level, then the ‘Cats may be able to move the ball consistently. In sophomore Teegan Carroll and senior Mason Enders, Halifax has quarterbacks who can throw the football. And with the likes of Peter Ranck and Landon Areford, the ‘Cats have talented youngsters capable of breaking open in the secondary and making catches. Then, there’s senior back Isaac Miller — a do-everything type who can run and catch — who just might thrive in a Navy Spread that emphasizes fullback play. Stay tuned.

One player to watch: Isaac Miller. Anyone who happened to glance at Halifax’s defensive statistics a season ago and wondered if there was a misprint somewhere next to Miller’s name, the answer was and is no. The 6-foot, 190-pound senior who plays ‘backer and running back was all over the field a year ago, particularly when the Wildcats were trying to get the football back, totaling 157 tackles from his inside linebacker position. While seven of those stops just happened to occur behind the line of scrimmage, Miller also posted one quarterback sack and recovered a pair of fumbles. No wonder he landed a first-team defensive nod on the Liberty Division’s all-league contingent. Miller also led Halifax in rushing in 2022, collecting 511 yards and six touchdowns while averaging more than six yards per pop. He also caught six passes out of the backfield, posting another TD.

James Buchanan Rockets

Predicted finish: 7th

Coach: Cliff Pine

Record last season: 3-7, 1-5 Liberty

Team outlook: While Cliff Pine’s Rockets lifted off quickly by winning three of their first four games — JB toppled York Tech, Clear Spring (Maryland) and Halifax, but lost to Biglerville — they were unable to maintain their early momentum against the Liberty’s stronger adversaries. Unfortunately for JB, some significant graduation losses may slow their progress in 2023, even as Pine wheels into his fourth season fronting the program. Skill people such as John Stoner, Alex Beeler and Spencer Line have exhausted their eligibility and will not be available on Friday nights — unless they’ve been added to Pine’s staff or help out by taking tickets. So, we’ll see what happens as 2023 plays out.

One player to watch: Jacob Frey. Since the senior rarely left the field, JB’s 48-minute man spent most nights trying to make plays all over the field — whether at running back, linebacker or returning kicks. And at least one opposing coach said after a game during Frey’s sophomore season, “I’d love to have him on my team.” Well, JB isn’t about to let him escape Franklin County because they need him to run, catch and pass out the water bottles during timeouts whenever the Rockets have the ball. Heck, he might even spend time during the run-up to some game taping his defensive teammates’ ankles — and that’s before he spends the rest of the night pursuing ballcarriers, receivers and kick returners. A quality player who was recognized last season as a second-team all-star on both sides of the ball. If JB hopes to upend a Liberty opponent or two, they’ll need this guy to shoulder a sizable portion of the load.

High school football season previews 2023: Mid-Penn Colonial predicted finish, players to watch and more

Andy Sandrik
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High school football season previews 2023: Mid-Penn Colonial predicted finish, players to watch and more

Perhaps in football more than any other sport, it’s experience and growth from the heat of battle under the stadium lights that can give a team a considerable edge over the competition. 

But this year in the Mid-Penn Colonial Division, almost every team is dealing with considerable graduation losses. Every team except for Susquehanna Township and East Pennsboro, that is. Both rosters are chock-full of returning all-star talent that could very well shake up the division.

Call us crazy for picking last year’s fifth- and eighth-place teams to finish 1-2, but after a thorough roster review of all eight teams in the Colonial, we believe it would be crazy for us not to make this call. The path to the crown will not be easy, however, as we expect teams like Northern and Shippensburg to play the “media disrespect” card all the way to the postseason.

Buckle up — it’s going to be yet another wild ride in the black-and-blue Colonial Division.

Predicted division standings: Susquehanna Township, East Pennsboro, Northern, Shippensburg, Gettysburg, Mechanicsburg, Greencastle-Antrim, Waynesboro

Susquehanna Township Indians

Predicted finish: 1st

Coach: Joe Headen

Record last season: 6-5, 4-3 Colonial (5th place)

Team outlook: The Wendy’s fast food franchise has already patented the slogan, “We’ve got the beef,” but those words can certainly be used to describe the wealth of size possessed by Susquehanna Township this fall. The Indians have a stable of linemen that would make even teams in the Commonwealth Division envious. And these aren’t just run-of-the-mill big men, either. Among the returning talent in the trenches is a laundry list of linemen who earned all-star accolades last fall, including blue-chip recruit Aubrey Carter (6-foot-3, 270), Mason Lubold (6-foot, 255), Jayden Riley (5-9, 240), Isaiah Riley (6-1, 210), PJ Wilson (6-3, 270), and Yendor Mack (6-1, 250). Look for Hanna’s size advantage to pay immediate dividends in a Colonial Division that is almost always won by the team who can best control the line of scrimmage. Throw in returning sophomore quarterback Torrin Evans (6-foot, 160) and a blue-chip wide receiver in Lex Cyrus (5-11, 165), and it’s easy to see why the Indians should be considered a contender this fall. 

One player to watch: Aubrey Carter. It was tempting for us to pick Cyrus, a rare talent at wide receiver who has just as many college offers as he does touchdowns, but we here at 4th Down Magazine have a soft spot in our hearts for big men like Carter, a 6-3, 275-pound man who earned both defensive and offensive all-star recognition last fall. Often right in the middle of the trenches, Carter has the firepower to explode through a double team, and also has the speed to make opposing QBs run for their lives. On the offensive side of the ball, Carter is primarily an overpowering blocker at TE who can blaze a path for the running game or give his QB as much time as he needs to complete a pass. Already with interest from Navy, Miami (Ohio), Connecticut and several others, Carter seems destined to play at the next level, so enjoy his talents now while you can still afford the game tickets.

East Pennsboro Panthers

Predicted finish: 2nd

Coach: John Denniston

Record last season: 5-7, 1-6 Colonial (8th place)

Team outlook: If there was ever a season for East Pennsboro to move up the pecking order in the Colonial Division, this one is it. The Panthers return eight starters on defense and eight starters on offense, including four of five offensive linemen and a quarterback in Keith Oates III with three seasons of varsity experience under his belt. Running back Aaron Angelo is back and is a threat both running (149 carries, 747 yards, 6 touchdowns) and catching (13 receptions, 237 yards, 4 TDs) the football. Defensively, it will be difficult for opponents to overcome beasts in the trenches like Josh Angelo and Colin Benoist, and if they do, they’ll have to contend with a linebacking group led by Oates and a secondary that includes a pair of all-stars in Breckin Swope and Paul Sanderson. It’s no secret that many teams in the Colonial are dealing with heavy graduation losses, so the division is up for grabs if the Panthers decide they want it.

One player to watch: Josh Angelo. Checking in at 6-foot and 240 pounds, with a smoking-fast 40-yard dash time of 4.67 seconds, East Pennsboro’s stud defensive end is the embodiment of the cliche “bigger, stronger, faster.” There are very few offensive tackles, if any, in the Colonial Division that can stand up to Angelo without the help of double-teams. Not only can Angelo overpower the bigger boys in the trenches, he can also use his speed advantage to quickly accelerate his way to the quarterback. Angelo was a monster as a junior last fall, accumulating 62 solo tackles, 17.5 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks to go along with six pass deflections, one punt block, one caused fumble and two fumble recoveries. The bad news for opponents is that keying in on Angelo is not exactly a great option, as that would open up more opportunities for fellow down lineman Benoist, who racked up 13 TFLs and seven sacks of his own last year. Any way you look at it, opponents will have to always be aware of where No. 71 is on the field. 

Northern Polar Bears

Predicted finish: 3rd

Coach: Bill Miller

Record last season: 8-5, 5-2 Colonial (2nd place)

Team outlook: Over the years, many media outlets have tried, and failed, to identify when exactly the Polar Bears will be due for a “rebuilding” year. It’s been eight consecutive winning seasons for the boys in Dillsburg, who always seem to find a way to plow forward, even after losing irreplaceable talent to graduation almost every fall. This fall is no exception as, once again, Northern has a lot of holes to fill with the graduation of all-star players all across the field. It’s tempting to once again bet against the Polar Bears, but we wouldn’t recommend it. While Northern has to break in a new quarterback and a fresh crop of wide receivers, senior running back Cole Bartram is back from a 1,600-yard rushing season, and he’ll be running behind all-star center Spencer Siegel. Defensively, linebackers Bartram and Magarrin Macke combine to bring back more than 230 tackles, 19 tackles for loss and four sacks. The Polar Bears will be green at several positions this season, but if they can rally behind their stud players and mature as the season progresses, they’ll be a tough out every week.

One player to watch: Cole Bartram. While Northern lost some great players to graduation, the Polar Bears should consider themselves lucky to still have Bartram — a 5-11, 195-pound sledgehammer of a running back and linebacker — in their ranks. He is already considered one of the baddest men in Pennsylvania after finishing as the PIAA Class 3A runner-up at 189 pounds in wrestling last winter and is committed to wrestle at Lock Haven. Look for Bartram, a First Team Colonial Division selection on both sides of the ball, to be a workhorse for the offense. A downhill runner, he seeks out contact and is a battering ram at the line of scrimmage. Solid fundamentals and group tackling are a must to bring down Bartram, who will make a fool out of any defender going for haphazard arm tackles. On the defensive side of the ball, he has an uncanny ability to diagnose the play, slip away from potential blockers and put himself in position to make the tackle before the play even has a chance to pick up steam.

Shippensburg Greyhounds

Predicted finish: 4th

Coach: Eric Foust

Record last season: 8-4, 4-3 Colonial (3rd place)

Team outlook: Colonial Division titles have become the norm in Greyhounds Country, but last fall was a break from the trend. Did that discourage the kids from coming out this season? Not a chance. While the 151 players listed on Ship’s MaxPreps roster certainly seems like an inaccuracy, it’s clear that players have a strong belief and investment in the program. And it’s going to take all the dedication coach Eric Foust and his staff can squeeze out of this group for the ‘Hounds to have a successful season, considering Shippensburg has the unenviable task of replacing its top passer, receiver and running back. Even with all of the uncertainty, though, there’s something that tells us things will turn out just fine for Shippensburg, which has made 12 postseason appearances in the last 14 seasons.

One player to watch: Landon Carbaugh. We’re still waiting on news of college offers for the senior, a 6-2, 270-pound offensive lineman who snagged Second Team honors in the Colonial Division last fall. In the meantime, we’ll just sit back and enjoy the destructive nature of Shippensburg’s starting left tackle. Carbaugh has a great initial pop when he bursts out of his stance and is even more effective when he has time to gather momentum during a trap play. With all of the Greyhounds’ major skill players lost to graduation, this season is going to come down to the guys up front like Carbaugh. The more power that can be manufactured in the trenches, the easier it will be for Ship’s new cast of skill players to build confidence and make plays.

Gettysburg Warriors

Predicted finish: 5th

Coach: Matt Heiser

Record last season: 8-3, 6-1 Colonial (1st place)

Team outlook: Against the predictions of all the experts, the invaders from the York-Adams League made a big impression in their return to the Mid-Penn Conference last fall. The Warriors ran roughshod over the Colonial Division, winning all but one divisional game to capture the crown. In the process, they piled up a whopping 18 Colonial all-star selections. But now it’s time for Gettysburg to face the bad news: Only one of those all-stars is back for the 2023 season. Young talent will have to emerge, and develop fast, if the Warriors want to have any chance of defending their division title.

One player to watch: Brady Heiser. In a Colonial Division that is built almost exclusively around running the football, Gettysburg is home to the division’s deadliest quarterback. The 6-1, 200-pound signal-caller is going into his third season as the team’s QB and is coming off a 2022 campaign where he accounted for 19 TDs and more than 2,000 passing yards, an effort that earned himself a spot as a First Team division all-star. What makes Heiser dangerous is his ability to scan the field and make quick and accurate decisions. He possesses a deep-ball ability to stretch the field, and when opponents commit their resources toward stopping the pass, that’s when Heiser can do damage with his feet, either from scrambling or designed run plays like the option. While Heiser has yet to receive an official college offer, he has already received messages of “good luck” on Twitter from the Penn and Dartmouth football programs.

Mechanicsburg Wildcats

Predicted finish: 6th

Coach: Anthony Rose

Record last season: 4-6, 4-3 Colonial (4th place)

Team outlook: Mechanicsburg’s streak of three consecutive winning seasons came to an end with last year’s four-win campaign. The Wildcats would like nothing more than to get back on track this fall, but their work will certainly be cut out for them as they are tasked with replacing talent all across the field. That includes finding a man to fill the shoes of Sage Thomas, a linebacker who was named the Colonial’s Defensive Player of the Year last season. There are a handful of returning players, including two-way all-star Justin Bardo (linebacker/interior lineman), defensive back Josh Smith, and starting quarterback Jeffrey Lougee. If the Wildcats can get some plays and leadership from this small core group, they could be a player in a Colonial Division where several teams are also adjusting to significant lineup turnover.

One player to watch: Jeffrey Lougee. Mechanicsburg has lost as much talent to graduation as anybody in the Colonial Division, but the good news for the Wildcats is they are bringing back Lougee, one of the division’s most experienced returning quarterbacks. The 6-foot, 175-pound Lougee, committed to play college baseball for the Duke Blue Devils, slings the football with the zip of a fireballing pitcher. Lougee is just as deadly on his feet. He has the speed to scramble and a large enough frame to lower his shoulder and punish linebackers and defensive linemen. Named an Honorable Mention “athlete” in the Colonial last season, Lougee doubles as a playmaking cornerback with big hops and the wheels to go step-for-step with opposing receivers.

Greencastle-Antrim Blue Devils

Predicted finish: 7th

Coach: Devin McCauley

Record last season: 5-7, 1-6 Colonial (8th place)

Team outlook: Forgive us if we’re starting to sound like a broken record, but Greencastle-Antrim is yet another team in the Colonial Division that was hit with severe graduation losses. Among the players in the rear-view mirror is running back Tavon Cooper, the Colonial’s Offensive Player of the Year, who gave everything he had to help carry the Blue Devils to a five-win season. Repeating, or even surpassing, that level of success will require the “next man up” at multiple positions to bring intensity to the table. The Blue Devils do return a pair of defensive all-stars in lineman Parker Funk (6-1, 245) and linebacker Logan Shifflett (5-11, 185) and their leadership will be very crucial to how well their unit can hold serve against the bruisers of the Colonial. Greencastle also returns starting QB Logan Alvey (6-foot, 170), so the cupboard isn’t completely bare, but rising talent will have to develop fast if the Blue Devils hope to be players in the division.

One player to watch: Parker Funk. One second. That’s the maximum amount of time that most opponents have to stop the 6-1, 245-pound down lineman. Funk explodes out his three-point stance exceptionally fast, uses his arms to create space between himself and the blocker and then takes advantage of that separation to slip off and make plays. Watch his highlight film with the sound on, and you’ll hear several collective gasps from the crowd pitying the QBs that were left crunched up in his wake. Funk doubles as a star on the offensive line, and when his number is called upon for the trap block, he has a history of pancake-blocking would-be tacklers into the shadow realm. It could be a tough year for Greencastle in the Colonial, but regardless, Funk will very likely look the part of a man playing amongst the boys.

Waynesboro Indians

Predicted finish position: 8th

Coach: Mark Saunders

Record last season: 3-7, 2-5 Colonial (7th place)

Team outlook: After a brief stint as Chambersburg’s head coach that ended in 2015, Saunders gets another chance to lead a program, this time at Waynesboro. Saunders’ coaching skills will certainly be put to the test as the Indians return just one all-star — place kicker Andrew Soffe — from last year’s three-win season. The key for the Indians will be to identify their playmakers and put them in position to make plays and build confidence. Of course that’s easier said than done in a Colonial Division that isn’t exactly known for being kind to young and rebuilding squads. This season could very well be a baptism under fire for the boys in the ‘Boro, who will have to grind hard to stay competitive this fall.

One player to watch: Alex Torbica. Last season as a sophomore Torbica got some valuable varsity reps, and Waynesboro is hoping that experience will pay dividends this season for the 6-5, 195-pound tight end. Not only is Torbica a tall target, he also has soft hands to collect the ball and is willing to mix it up as a blocker in the running game. With the Indians set to break in a new quarterback this fall, Torbica could very well become that “safety blanket” receiver for Waynesboro in short-yardage passing situations.

Eric F. Epler’s State High School Football Preseason Rankings

4thdownmagazine
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Eric F. Epler’s State High School Football Preseason Rankings

Pennsylvania’s 2023 high school football preseason rankings 

CLASS 6A 

Rank – Team – District – ’22 record – Previous rank 

1. St. Joseph’s Prep (12)          12-1     1 

2. Pittsburgh C.C. (7)               7-5       NR 

3. Garnet Valley (1)                 13-1     4 

4. North Allegheny (7)             11-2     5 

5. Parkland (11)                      9-5       6 

6. Harrisburg (3)                      11-3     2 

7. State College (6)                  13-1     3 

8. Central Bucks West (1)        9-5       9 

9. Nazareth (11)                      9-2       NR 

10. Coatesville (1)                   8-2       HM 

CLASS 5A 

Rank – Team – District – ’22 record – Previous rank 

1. Imhotep Charter (12)          10-3     2 

2. Pine-Richland (7)                13-3     1 

3. Gateway (7)                         7-4       NR 

4. Cathedral Prep (10)             8-3       6 

5. West Chester Rustin (1)      11-2     7 

6. Cocalico (3)                         10-5     4                       

7. Delaware Valley (2)             7-6       NR 

8. Penn Hills (7)                       5-5       NR 

9. Strath Haven (1)                  12-1     8 

10. Roman Catholic (12)         8-3       9 

CLASS 4A 

Rank – Team – District – ’22 record – Previous rank 

1. Bishop McDevitt (3)             13-1     1 

2. Aliquippa (7)                       13-1     2 

3. Thomas Jefferson (7)          8-4       HM 

4. Manheim Central (3)          11-2     9 

5. Pope John Paul II (1)           10-2     NR 

6. Allentown C.C. (11)             9-5       5           

7. McKeesport (7)                   11-2     8           

8. Bonner-Prendergast (12)    11-2     10 

9. Jersey Shore (4)                  12-1     3 

10. Selinsgrove (4)                  9-3       NR 

CLASS 3A 

Rank – Team – District – ’22 record – Previous rank 

1. Belle Vernon (7)                  12-2     1 

2. Wyomissing (3)                   13-1     3 

3. Neumann-Goretti (12)        10-4     2 

4. Loyalsock (4)                       11-2     8 

5. North Schuylkill (11)           10-3     9 

6. Grove City (10)                    9-4       HM 

7. Notre Dame-GP (11)           9-3       10 

8. Scranton Prep (2)                9-4       NR 

9. West Perry (3)                     11-2     HM 

10. Avonworth (7)                   11-2     6 

CLASS 2A 

Rank – Team – District – ’22 record – Previous rank 

1. Southern Columbia (4)       13-3     1                                   

2. Farrell (10)                          10-2     7 

3. Dunmore (2)                       8-4       NR        

4. Beaver Falls (7)                    11-2     5 

5. Trinity (3)                             10-5     6 

6. Westinghouse (8)                14-1     2 

7. Steel Valley (7)                    12-1     3 

8. Richland (6)                         11-1     HM 

9. Central Clarion (9)               10-2     HM 

10. Executive Education (11)  8-4       10 

CLASS 1A 

Rank – Team – District – ’22 record – Previous rank 

1. Steelton-Highspire (3)         14-1     1           

2. Bishop Canevin (7)              12-2     7 

3. Canton (4)                           12-2     2 

4. Northern Bedford (5)          11-1     NR 

5. Union Area (7)                    12-4     3                                   

6. Lackawanna Trail (2)           8-5       NR 

7. Northern Lehigh (11)          12-1     5 

8. Muncy (4)                            10-1     9 

9. Brockway (9)                       8-5       HM 

10. Clairton (7)                        6-6       NR 

2022 Pa. Football Writers’ Class 2A All-State Team 

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OFFENSE 

Quarterback 

Keyshawn Morsillo, Westinghouse – 6-2, 188 senior 

Dominico Spataro, Lakeland – 5-9, 190 senior 

Cruce Brookins, Steel Valley – 6-2, 185 senior 

Nate Myers, Southern Huntingdon – 6-0, 210 senior 

Josh Jenkins, Sto-Rox – 6-3, 180 senior 

Running Back 

Braeden Wisloski, Southern Columbia – 5-11, 185 senior 

Phoenix Music, Annville-Cleona – 5-7, 180 senior 

Khalil Taylor, Westinghouse – 5-11, 170 senior 

Alex Achenbach, Williams Valley – 5-10, 170 junior 

Evan McCracken, Richland – 5-9, 180 junior 

Wide Receiver 

Sincere Smith, Westinghouse – 6-0, 185 senior 

Reese Gaughan, Riverside-Taylor – 6-0, 180 junior 

Garen Levis, Sharpsville – 6-1, 185 senior 

Damian Tyminski, Pen Argyl – 6-2, 200 junior 

Tight End 

Lacota Dippre, Lakeland – 6-4, 240 senior 

Offensive Line 

Chris Treshock, Southern Columbia – 6-2, 285 senior 

Anthony Jackson, Farrell – 6-5, 320 senior 

Adam Wormuth, Lakeland – 6-4, 290 senior 

Greg Smith, Steel Valley – 6-5, 315 senior 

Colin Smith, Ligonier Valley – 6-0, 260 senior 

Athlete 

Kylon Wilson, Farrell – 5-9, 175 senior 

Karson Kiesewetter, Bishop Guilfoyle – 6-0, 185 senior 

Caullin Summers, Sharpsville – 5-10, 155 junior 

DEFENSE 

Defensive Line 

Anthony Cioffari, Bishop Guilfoyle – 6-3, 215 senior 

Matt Scicchitano, Mount Carmel – 6-4, 275 senior 

Tyler Arnold, Southern Columbia – 6-2, 200 senior 

Donte Taylor, Westinghouse – 5-11, 295 senior 

Malachi Owens, Farrell – 6-4, 230 senior 

Jayzen Flint, West Catholic – 6-4, 225 junior 

Linebacker 

Dominic Ferrerolf, Southern Columbia – 6-1, 205 sophomore 

Jordan Nichols, Richland – 6-1, 190 senior 

Mason Hoppes, Hughesville – 6-2, 210 senior 

Wes Barnes, Southern Columbia – 5-9, 180 senior 

Max Schlager, Trinity-Camp Hill – 6-1, 190 senior 

Ryan Miller, Seneca – 6-0, 190 senior 

Defensive Back 

Aiden Barlett, Hughesville – 6-0, 180 junior 

Noah Peterson, Brookville – 6-0, 165 senior 

Pace Prosser, Berlin Brothersvalley – 6-1, 176 junior 

Amil Way, Trinity-Camp Hill – 6-0, 185 sophomore 

Garrett Varano, Mount Carmel – 5-11, 175 senior 

Athlete 

Luke Parise, Camp Hill – 6-1, 190 senior 

Aidan Myers, Schuylkill Haven – 5-11, 195 junior 

PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Braeden Wisloski, Southern Columbia 

COACH OF THE YEAR: Donta Green, Westinghouse 

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