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. Now that we’re into the state semifinals, our pickers have gotten really bold and are predicting all the games. The predictions are meant for entertainment purposes only because, truth be told, these guys aren’t very bright. Three of them are former full-time sportswriters (dummies), and the other decided to start a high school football magazine despite the fact he already works a full-time job. But, dangit, they like to watch football, think about football, write about football, and eat. That last one isn’t related to picking football games unless you count the mustard on the keyboard. As always, enjoy, and don’t take it too seriously. Nobody here hates any program. Any perceived disrespect is a figment of your imagination. Except Sandrik, who absolutely DESPISES … (transmission interrupted) …

2022 STANDINGS AFTER WEEK 15Picker: Week 15 – Overall – Perfect Picks
Adam Kulikowski: 8-4 — 230-73 — 0
Andy Shay: 8-4 — 226-77 — 2
Andy Sandrik: 7-5 — 223-80 — 1
Geoff Morrow: 8-4 — 223-80 — 1

WEEK 5 PLAYOFF SCHEDULE

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

Friday, Dec. 2

PIAA CLASS 5A SEMIFINALS

Imhotep Charter 21, Upper Dublin 14

Andy Shay: Imhotep Charter 20, Upper Dublin 14: If you like defense in your high school football, then this is the game for you. From my chair, the speed of Imhotep on the defensive side of the ball tips the scale in this one.

Geoff Morrow: Imhotep Charter 21, Upper Dublin 7: The Imhotep defense should be called “Point Blank,” because it pretty much blanks teams and prevents them from scoring points. The Philly charter school has done it again and again and again and hasn’t surrendered more than a TD in a game since Sept. 16. Upper Dub is the only unbeaten team in 5A and has a D1 QB, but the Cardinals are also 0-3 all time in the PIAA semifinals.

Andy Sandrik: Imhotep Charter 27, Upper Dublin 14: A few minutes ago, I was looking online to jog my memory on which team it was that defeated Bishop McDevitt. It was these Panthers from Imhotep Charter. I think I’ll take them here then.

Adam Kulikowski: Imhotep Charter 33, Upper Dublin 27: While Imhotep’s defense draws plenty of attention – and for good reason – junior QB1 Mikal Davis has the Panthers’ offense humming along just fine. His steady hand racked up 1,600 passing yards and 18 TDs against just six picks.

Pine-Richland 34, Cocalico 12

Andy Shay: Pine-Richland 22, Cocalico 20: Two teams on an absolute tear since taking some early season hits. The quality of the Rams’ schedule and the opponents they have upended to get here has to be a factor at this level, right? The Eagles will have a say, though.

Geoff Morrow: Pine-Richland 38, Cocalico 23: If you would have asked back in September, and somebody told you these two teams would meet in the state semifinals, you’d be mocked. But the Rams and Eagles are proof slow starts don’t equal mediocre seasons. Difference for me is playoff experience, as P-R has two state titles (2017 and 2020) and multiple other deep runs, while Cocalico hasn’t won a state playoff game since 1994.

Andy Sandrik: Cocalico 23, Pine-Richland 20: If the playoffs went according to district seeding, Cocalico would already be a month deep into its offseason lifting program. But the Eagles just keep winning. Win or lose, they’ll be talking about this team in Denver for decades to come.

Adam Kulikowski: Pine-Richland 27, Cocalico 20: If the storybook season ends here for Cocalico, consider this the tip of a cap on a historic circuit.

PIAA CLASS 4A SEMIFINALS

Bishop McDevitt 35, Crestwood 0

Andy Shay: Bishop McDevitt 42, Crestwood 14: The Comets’ offense has produced just five touchdowns in the last eight quarters. That won’t be enough to keep pace in this game against a defense that has found another level and offense laden with quick-strike weapons.

Geoff Morrow: Bishop McDevitt 35, Crestwood 10: While the Comets have been opportunistic in the playoffs, living on the edge isn’t the safest place to be. Their best hope here is McDevitt, which hasn’t really been tested since losing to Imhotep Charter in Week 1 and is just 4-12 over its last 16 PIAA playoff games, comes out flat and allows the Mountain Top school to build confidence. No matter what, for a Crestwood program that has never won a state playoff game, it’s a tough “mountain” to climb.

Andy Sandrik: Bishop McDevitt 38, Crestwood 18: This is the state semifinals. Every team is good. So why do I feel like I’m shorting the McDevitt defense by predicting they’ll allow 18 points?

Adam Kulikowski: Bishop McDevitt 55, Crestwood 13: It is still amazing to me just how smooth the road has been for the Crusaders at this point. The talent and depth of this roster is just a sight to see … and you will for another week because the Crusaders should have an opportunity to hoist that coveted state championship trophy next week.

Aliquippa 31, Allentown Central Catholic 10

Andy Shay: Aliquippa 40, Allentown Central Catholic 7: Too big, too strong and too fast on the edges on both sides of the ball. Aliquippa is a complete beast, and the Vikings aren’t built to stand up to this very tall task over 48 minutes.

Geoff Morrow: Aliquippa 41, Allentown Central Catholic 21: There are similarities here. For example, both feature balanced offenses that can beat you multiple ways. And, even stranger, both entered this season with identical 16-7 PIAA playoff records. However, the Quips are defending champs and on a different level, while the Vikings last tasted state playoff success a decade ago. Tough to pick against the Quippin’ crew.

Andy Sandrik: Aliquippa 38, Allentown Central Catholic 13: The good news for the five-loss Vikings is there is absolutely zero pressure on their shoulders. The bad news is they have to play Aliquippa.

Adam Kulikowski: Aliquippa 45, Allentown Central Catholic 10: When you’re a multiple-score underdog as ACC is, you pull out all the stops to steal possessions and cause disruptions. Just hard to see a path that swings the tide enough to knock off the Quips.

PIAA CLASS 3A SEMIFINALS

Belle Vernon 21, Central Martinsburg 17

Andy Shay: Belle Vernon 27, Central Martinsburg 21: Vastly different approaches in this one offensively. Belle Vernon will look to pound it on the ground, and Central has a stud do-everything QB on whom to lean. Taking the ground game in this one.

Geoff Morrow: Central Martinsburg 28, Belle Vernon 21: No matter what, one of these teams is reaching its first PIAA championship game. While the District 7 champ Leopards, who are into the state playoffs for the first time since 1995, have been absolutely hammering foes since a 1-2 start, I like the Dragons here. Why? They lost by two scores to Penn Cambria in Week 3, then turned the tables with a 35-6 takedown of the same team in the playoffs. That’s the sign of a rock-solid turnaround.

Andy Sandrik: Belle Vernon 28, Central Martinsburg 20: As long as Quinton Martin is on the field, Belle Vernon has a good shot to advance. The junior is a blur to tackle in the running game, can catch passes and is a big threat in the return game. 

Adam Kulikowski: Belle Vernon 24, Central Martinsburg 17: Nothing pairs better in the playoffs than a lockdown defense and a strong running attack. Belle Vernon possesses both.

PIAA CLASS 2A SEMIFINALS

Southern Columbia 42, Trinity 7

Andy Shay: Trinity 31, Southern Columbia 28: Really, really hard to pick against the Tigers at this level. They just line ‘em up and knock ‘em down in the state playoffs. T-Rocks have played at this competition level a few times already in 2022. As long as the stage doesn’t overwhelm them, I’m putting my “homer” glasses on and riding the wave.

Geoff Morrow: Southern Columbia 34, Trinity 20: I was very tempted to take the upstart Shamrocks, but history won’t allow me to do so. The Tigers have won 16 straight PIAA playoff games, are 59-16 overall in the state playoffs with 12 championships, and they’ve really turned up the volume after an almost human-like regular season. Trinity is having an outstanding season, arguably its best in school history, but it will need top-notch performances from offense, defense and special teams to reach the title game.

Andy Sandrik: Southern Columbia 33, Trinity 27: The only thing on this pick ‘em panel separating me from first place is my consistent inability to properly size up the Shamrocks. I do, however, know how to pick Southern Columbia games.

Adam Kulikowski: Southern Columbia 33, Trinity 31: I see paths to victory for both teams. At this point in the season, everyone on the field belongs. Some say the Tigers aren’t what they’ve been over the past several years. Yet here they are one step away from another state title bout. 

Westinghouse 26, Steel Valley 7

Andy Shay: Steel Valley 36, Westinghouse 20: Any team that averages nearly 400 yards a game against a quality schedule always tickles my “pick a winner” ivory. The Ironmen have a larger stable of weapons, and I’m counting on that to be on full display.

Geoff Morrow: Steel Valley 38, Westinghouse 35: Not only are these the only unbeaten teams left in 3A, but here’s a wild stat: The Bulldogs have scored at least five touchdowns in every game, and the Ironmen have scored at least four touchdowns in every game. Neither side has a ton of playoff history, but SV does have a 2016 state championship to its name. Westinghouse, meanwhile, is aiming to become the first Pittsburgh City League team to reach the title game since 1997.

Andy Sandrik: Steel Valley 32, Westinghouse 24: The last time we heard about Westinghouse in Mid-Penn country, the Bulldogs were coming off a 39-18 pasting over Steel-High in Week 2. So we know Westinghouse belongs here, but can it hold serve against the mighty Ironmen?

Adam Kulikowski: Steel Valley 41, Westinghouse 17: Fun fact: Steel Valley’s rushing attack sports five gents who are averaging at least 10 yards per carry, including senior RB1 Cruce Brookins whose back-of-the-trading-card stat line includes 13.2 yards per carry, 1,625 yards rushing and 33 TDs.

PIAA CLASS 1A SEMIFINALS

Steelton-Highspire 28, Canton 21

Andy Shay: Steel-High 39, Canton 34: As you can tell, I fully expect to see plenty of points. Canton has a path to victory in this game through its defense, but the Rollers are more balanced than you think and find a way for those weapons to strike at the right time.

Geoff Morrow: Canton 30, Steel-High 28: The Warriors enter as the No. 1 team in Eric Epler’s Class 1A state rankings and have the confidence of knocking the then-defending champ Rollers from last year’s postseason. But Canton has never reached a title game, let alone won one, so getting over this hump will require a big psychological step. The explosive, three-time PIAA champion Rollers will be really fired up, but like some of my mates here, I expect this will come down to the final moments.

Andy Sandrik: Steel-High 41, Canton 33: Steel-High would love to win this by about a million points over the Warriors, who jettisoned the Rollers from the state playoffs last season. Something tells me, though, that this game could come down to the final play.

Adam Kulikowski: Steel-High 35, Canton 21: Rollers enter this one ready for the redemption tour. That doesn’t mean it will be easy, however. The Warriors have yielded more than 14 points just twice all season en route to a 12-1 record. 

Union Area 46, Port Allegany 36

Andy Shay: Union Area 27, Port Allegany 20: The Scotties have roughed up and dropped a few games and found a way to win plenty of tight squeezes. The Gators bring plenty of offensive firepower to the table, but have they seen a defense at this level? If Port solves the Union defense early, they will take this one.

Geoff Morrow: Union Area 24, Port Allegany 21: No disrespect meant, but I think the general feeling is whoever wins this game will be underdogs next week against the winner of the other semifinal. That said, there’s plenty of fight here. The Scotties opened eyes last week with a shutout of favored Bishop Canevin, earning them their first WPIAL title and first PIAA playoff game. The Gators are a veteran bunch whose last and only playoff win came a decade ago. Could be a lot of fun.

Andy Sandrik: Port Allegany 27, Union Area 23: When I look over this Gators roster, I’m not seeing any superstars. And I mean that as a compliment. Port Allegany has gotten this far with balanced team play, and if it advances to the big game, it will be for that reason. 

Adam Kulikowski: Port Allegany 31, Union Area 28: If there’s a play to be made late to preserve a Port Allegany victory, you can bet Blaine Moses will be in the action. Moses ate up opponents all season, registering more than twice as many tackles as any other Gator (132-63).

Saturday, Dec. 3

PIAA CLASS 6A SEMIFINALS

St. Joseph’s Prep 48, Garnet Valley 7

Andy Shay: St. Joseph’s Prep 27, Garnet Valley 24: Do I think Garnet Valley can win this game? I 100% can see the Jaguars knocking off SJP. I’m just not prepared to pick against the Hawks until somebody beats them in one of these games.

Geoff Morrow: St. Joseph’s Prep 42, Garnet Valley 30: The Hawks, who are now 23-2 all-time in PIAA playoff games with six state titles, won this matchup easily when they met in the same spot last year. However, the District 1 champ Jaguars are better than they were in 2021 and have really rallied around each other after the recent death of a beloved teammate, Bryson Hall. A win would still qualify as a monumental upset, but don’t be surprised if this is close deep into the fourth quarter.

Andy Sandrik: Garnet Valley 21, St. Joseph’s Prep 20: Never underestimate the very real energy that comes from a team fighting for a fallen teammate. There’s no doubt GV’s players will have No. 88, Bryson Hall, on their minds when they take the field against perennial PIAA contender St. Joseph’s Prep. 

Adam Kulikowski: St. Joseph’s Prep 24, Garnet Valley 21: This time of year, experience in the biggest of games matters. Not sure there’s another team that better fits that edge than St. Joseph’s, whose gents have tasted PIAA’s finest moments seemingly since they could walk. 

Harrisburg 27, State College 7

Andy Shay: State College 20, Harrisburg 14: Twice in a row, the Little Lions have traveled to the Cougars’ den on Market Street and came out victorious. I know the Harrisburg defense is in full lockdown mode, and the revenge tour is alive and kicking for the Cougars. State College has earned a chalk call. My expectation is a defensive battle.

Geoff Morrow: Harrisburg 19, State College 17: Since 2008, neither of these Mid-Penn Commonwealth rivals has won more than two games straight in the series. Guess what? The Little Lions have won the last two meetings, including last year’s state playoffs and this year’s regular-season game in Harrisburg. Cougars won’t allow State High to make it three in a row. It’s science (and defense).

Andy Sandrik: Harrisburg 30, State College 24: We have two Commonwealth Division teams scrapping for a berth in the state title game. My body is covered in goosebumps as I type. My gut instinct is telling me to trust the Harrisburg defense, which showed no mercy against Manheim Township last week. 

Adam Kulikowski: State College 28, Harrisburg 27: Bruising force Malichi Hopkins left last week’s game early due to injury. His availability – or lack thereof – makes a huge difference in this one.

PIAA CLASS 3A SEMIFINALS

Neumann-Goretti 20, Wyomissing 17

Andy Shay: Wyomissing 28, Neumann-Goretti 14: How can you not trust the Spartans to be the methodical machine of a football team they have proven they are all season? Neumann-Goretti will ask some interesting questions of this Wyomissing team, but it’s earned the trust to find a way to answer them.

Geoff Morrow: Wyomissing 42, Neumann-Goretti 14: Like many, I thought last week’s Wyo vs. Danville game was the unofficial 2A state championship. And the Spartans escaped with a 21-19 triumph. Now they meet a team they beat 42-6 in last year’s semifinals. The Saints can make it closer this time around, but it’s a tall order to knock off the Berks County powerhouse.

Andy Sandrik: Wyomissing 21, Neumann-Goretti 20: Wyomissing would be wise to keep an eye on Shawn Battle, who had four TDs, including a pick-6, in last week’s blowout over Northwestern Lehigh. 

Adam Kulikowski: Wyomissing 37, Neumann-Goretti 17: Spartans have given absolutely no reason to think that they will not continue to churn out the impeccable production they have all season on Saturday. Until proven otherwise, toss me a ticket on Wyo.

Marquese Williams, sr., RB, Bishop McDevitt: The senior dismantled Manheim Central’s defense with surprising ease for a PIAA Class 4A quarterfinal, carving out 187 yards and two touchdowns (of 5 and 42 yards) on 18 carries in a 40-0 whitewash. Williams also scored on a 64-yard reception, giving him 251 total offensive yards.

Jaire Rawlinson, jr., CB, Bishop McDevitt: Someone on the Crusaders’ defense needs to be nominated for holding Manheim Central to a paltry 64 total offensive yards. So let’s give it to the man he scored on a 67-yard pick-6 in the second quarter that turned an as-yet-close game into a laugher. 

Rico Scott, jr., WR, Bishop McDevitt: The wideout had limited touches but made the most of them Friday night, scoring on a 35-yard reception in the second quarter and adding a 70-yard TD run to open the second half and effectively ice McDevitt’s win. Scott finished with six catches for 83 yards and his one touchdown-scoring carry. 

Finn Furmanek, sr., QB, State College: The Little Lions did most of their damage, especially on the ground, in the first half to beat North Allegheny 28-7. And Furmanek was at the center of it, rushing 17 times for 132 yards and scoring on runs of 33 and 10 yards in the second quarter. He had 100 yards rushing by halftime. He added 52 yards on 4-of-9 passing (with an interception).

Cooper Brushwood, so., DB, State College: Brushwood made an acrobatic interception to stifle a key North Allegheny drive, one of his two picks on the night and four total for the Little Lions, in an impressive defensive effort that sends State to the PIAA Class 6A semifinals next week.

D’Antae Sheffey, fr., RB, State College: The breakout rookie star of the Little Lions didn’t find the end zone, but he did co-pilot a run game that ground North Allegheny for 269 yards. Sheffey finished with 14 touches for 104 stripes, his fifth-straight 100-yard game of the season.

Amir Way, so., DB, Trinity: The Shamrocks made history Friday, making their first PIAA semifinal. And Way put the finishing touches on the historic 35-17 victory over Executive Education. The sophomore swiped a Darmel Lopez pass in the fourth quarter and raced 99 yards to the opposite end zone to ice the game. It was the final of five Trinity interceptions and Way’s second of the night.

Messiah Mickens, fr., RB, Trinity: The defense had its fun, especially in the second half, but Mickens produced key plays for the ‘Rocks’ 35-17 win, producing 10 carries for 61 yards and hauling in a 20-yard reception for an offense that did just enough to pull off the win. Mickens scored the game’s opening points on a 48-yard sprint in the first quarter.

Ronald Burnette, jr., RB, Steel-High: Burnette helped an unusually sloppy and sluggish Rollers get the wheels turning in a 42-35 win over Northern Lehigh in the PIAA Class 2A quarterfinals. Burnette ripped off 212 yards and three touchdowns (10, 5 and 16 yards) on 20 carries in the win, including 142 stripes and two scores after halftime. He also caught an 8-yard pass.

Alex Erby, so., QB, Steel-High: It wasn’t his usually eye-popping numbers, but Erby did enough to guide the Rollers out of a slow start and into the PIAA state semifinals with a 12-of-15, 134-yard three-total-touchdown performance Saturday. He threw two fourth-quarter TDs (8 and 20 yards) and ran for another from 3 yards out, finishing with 19 rushing yards.

Shawn Lee Jr., so., QB, Harrisburg: Lee overcame two interceptions to finish with four total touchdowns (three rushing, one passing) to help the Cougars avenge a previous loss and beat Manheim Township 44-6 for the District 3 Class 6A title. Lee completed 9 of 13 passes for 112 yards and threw a 52-yard TD; he ran nine times for 66 yards and three scores of 4, 6 and 39 yards.

Mahkai Hopkins, sr., RB, Harrisburg: Hopkins produced two early touchdowns (and two-point conversions) to put the Cougars in the cat-bird seat that eventually led to a 44-6 state quarterfinal victory. He plowed in for a 1-yard score and hauled in a 52-yard TD reception to make it 16-0 ‘Burg after one quarter. Hopkins finished with 14 carries for 70 yards and two receptions for 61 yards.

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. Now that we’re into playoff time, they’ve expanded to include all District 3 teams, as well as the local District 4, District 6 and District 11 programs. Then they’ll get really bold in the state semifinals and start picking games across the state. The predictions are meant for entertainment purposes only because, truth be told, these guys aren’t very bright. Three of them are former full-time sportswriters (dummies), and the other decided to start a high school football magazine despite the fact he already works a full-time job. But, dangit, they like to watch football, think about football, write about football, and eat. That last one isn’t related to picking football games unless you count the mustard on the keyboard. As always, enjoy, and don’t take it too seriously. Nobody here hates any program. Any perceived disrespect is a figment of your imagination. Except Sandrik, who absolutely DESPISES … (transmission interrupted) …

2022 STANDINGS AFTER DURING WEEK 14

Picker: Week 14 – Overall – Perfect Picks
Adam Kulikowski: 6-1 — 222-69 — 0
Andy Shay: 5-2 — 218-73 — 2
Andy Sandrik: 6-1 — 216-75 — 1
Geoff Morrow: 5-2 — 215-76 — 1

WEEK 4 PLAYOFF SCHEDULE

 * Records in parentheses after school name; District playoff seed in parentheses before school name in district playoff games; District and seed in parentheses before school name in PIAA playoff games; In scorelines, home team in all caps.

Friday, Nov. 25

PIAA DISTRICT 3 CLASS 4A CHAMPIONSHIP

BISHOP McDEVITT 40, Manheim Central 0

Andy Shay: Bishop McDevitt 42, Manheim Central 21: There is a concern of how this Crusaders team responds under pressure in the second half of a game. Through no fault of their own, the schedule hasn’t exactly prepared them for big-game heat like this. The talent, though, is not a question. Barons have been tested on a more consistent basis, and that will matter. In the end, the talent steals the show.

Geoff Morrow: Bishop McDevitt 40, Manheim Central 33: For all the wild district playoff history shared by these two programs – McDevitt is 61-9 all time with 15 championships; Central is 61-15 with 18 championships – there’s limited and unspectacular Crusaders vs. Barons history. They met in both the 2013 and ‘14 playoffs, with McD winning both decisively. I’m guessing this year’s title bout brings actual excitement.

Andy Sandrik: Bishop McDevitt 36, Manheim Central 28: The Crusaders have been leaps and bounds better, as expected, than their lesser competition all season. Now that we’re in the deep stages of the playoffs, there should finally be some resistance.

Adam Kulikowski: Bishop McDevitt 43, Manheim Central 21: The Crusaders have simply been toying with opponents nearly the entire circuit. Barons will need to be absolutely perfect to be within striking distance late.

PIAA CLASS 6A QUARTERFINALS

STATE COLLEGE 28, North Allegheny 7

Andy Shay: North Allegheny 28, State College 20: Switching up the focus in this one from the offensive weapons to the defensive side of the ball. That’s the key to this one from my seat. Think both defenses are capable; just think the Tigers have performed at a high level against better quality overall. Little Lions’ path to victory is to hit some big plays to put NA defense on tilt.

Geoff Morrow: State College 28, North Allegheny 24: Two top-notch teams that have proven again and again they can win in myriad ways. Of the Tigers’ 11 wins, seven have been by two touchdowns or fewer. They’ve not dominated quite like the Little Lions have, though State High has also shown the ability to win close ones – none closer than last week’s three-OT triumph. Home field gets the edge here.

Andy Sandrik: State College 38, North Allegheny 28: Give me the Little Lions in a nail-biter. Tigers QB Logan Kushner is a home-run threat, both with his legs and his arm. 

Adam Kulikowski: State College 41, North Allegheny 30: The Little Lions have been held under 200 yards rushing just three times this season. Can North Allegheny’s tenacious ‘D’ do better?

PIAA DISTRICT 3 CLASS 5A CHAMPIONSHIP

Cocalico 34, EXETER TOWNSHIP 14

Andy Shay: Exeter Township 31, Cocalico 21: Two of the four teams that bumped off Cocalico during the regular season, Manheim Central and Wyomissing, are still playing. That being said, the two-way challenge presented by Exeter takes a physical and mental toll on a team over the course of 48 minutes. Mistakes against the undefeated Eagles are magnified and usually punished. Cocalico is ready for this challenge, but over 48 minutes, it feels like it comes up just short despite playing well.

Geoff Morrow: Exeter Township 30, Cocalico 23: An interesting matchup because the Lancaster County version of the Eagles has been on an absolute tear since mid-October, while the Berks County Eagles – the defending 5A district champs – haven’t lost all season. Exeter will need to be at or near its best to survive this upstart 12 seed.

Andy Sandrik: Exeter Township 33, Cocalico 25: It’s Birds Night in Reading! Exeter is deservedly the favorite here, but all heavy-handed Cocalico has done is repeatedly KO rock-solid playoff competition. Buckle up.

Adam Kulikowski: Exeter Township 35, Cocalico 24: Cocalico boasts one of the best rushing attacks in the area behind junior Sam Steffey’s 1,700-yard season. But I’ll drop my coin on the bevy of weapons at the Eagles’ disposal: a 1,500 yard rusher, a 1,500-yard passer and a 900-yard receiver.

PIAA CLASS 3A QUARTERFINALS

Wyomissing 21, DANVILLE 19

Andy Shay: Wyomissing 35, Danville 21: The only undefeated Class 3A teams in the state square off in a misplaced quarterfinal. This Ironmen defense has registered eight shutouts this season while Danville’s offense has scored nearly 600 points. Wyomissing presents challenges you don’t see very often or can properly prepare for. The quality of the Spartans’ schedule will show up here.

Geoff Morrow: Danville 35, Wyomissing 28: How do you pick this? Picking against the Ironmen feels disrespectful, but how does one argue against the Spartans? For comparison, Wyo has outscored opponents 533-90, and Danville has outscored foes 598-56. They rank 1st and 2nd in the state in Class 3A. I went back and forth, and the reason I landed on the Ironmen isn’t something I need to share because it makes no sense (except in my tofurkey brain).

Andy Sandrik: Wyomissing 36, Danville 30 (OT): Fans of both teams have to be wondering, “Have we finally met our equal?” It sure looks that way on paper.

Adam Kulikowski: Wyomissing 45, Danville 31: Best test the Spartans have faced this season. But the Wyo crew just seems to have a way of dismantling high-octane opponents.

PIAA CLASS 2A QUARTERFINALS

TRINITY 35, Executive Education 17

Andy Shay: Trinity 28, Executive Education 20: Despite seven combined losses, these clubs are in peak form right now, and both rightfully believe they are the better team heading into this one. The T-Rocks have a couple of extra pieces to choose from in terms of weapons, and that will be very important. Don’t forget Trinity was 1-3 and looking for answers. It carries the confidence of a team that hasn’t forgotten climbing out of the early season abyss.

Geoff Morrow: Trinity 30, Executive Education 18: Huge congrats to the Shamrocks on their first district championship in more than a decade, which was followed by a state playoff victory. Now they have a better than average chance to reach the PIAA semifinals. But the Raptors from Allentown won’t make it easy.

Andy Sandrik: Trinity 24, Executive Education 19: The ‘Rocks are on some kind of a roll right now, but can they defeat actual dinosaurs? Raptors won’t make this one easy for Trinity.

Adam Kulikowski: Trinity 27, Executive Education 26: Double E poses a tricky threat to the ‘Rocks with height at receiver and a gunslinger QB who isn’t afraid to test the limits.

Saturday, Nov. 26

PIAA DISTRICT 3 CLASS 6A CHAMPIONSHIP

HARRISBURG 44, Manheim Township 6

Andy Shay: Harrisburg 33, Manheim Township 21: Can the Blue Streaks make two trips to Severance Field in the same season and come away with two victories? Harrisburg’s defense is in full physical lockdown mode and isn’t surrendering much these days. Now, if this one comes down to MT needing a late-game TD to win the title, the Cougars are in trouble.

Geoff Morrow: Harrisburg 29, Manheim Township 21: Surrendering the go-ahead touchdown in the final minute of their Week 2 meeting at Severance Field undoubtedly still stings for the Cougars, so revenge is very much in play here. These are also the most deserving championship teams: battle-tested, tough, versatile, confident and unafraid. It’s just a tremendously tough task winning in Harrisburg twice in one season.

Andy Sandrik: Harrisburg 26, Manheim Township 20: Cautiously sticking with the Cougars here, but this is a Streaks team that has ice water running through its veins. Man Town is unbeaten on the road, with one of those wins including a Week 2 victory over Harrisburg.

Adam Kulikowski: Harrisburg 38, Manheim Township 14: Yes, the Streaks knocked off Harrisburg in Week 2. But that sure seems like ages ago when the Cougars were awaiting the return of their head coach. Expect the Cougars to come out with a little edge in this one.

PIAA CLASS 1A QUARTERFINALS

STEELTON-HIGHSPIRE 42, Northern Lehigh 35

Andy Shay: Steel-High 28, Northern Lehigh 14: Tempering this score a little bit out of respect for the way each squad has played on the defensive side of the ball this season. Each offense is kindling firewood and can be a raging scoring machine at any moment, so it’s a delicate balance. If big plays come early, throw this score out the window.

Geoff Morrow: Steel-High 34, Northern Lehigh 26: The Bulldogs really did a number on a tough Tri-Valley team in the District 11 championship two weeks ago, so I wouldn’t be stunned to see them compete with the explosive Steamrollers. But Steel-High has home-field advantage, a lot more playoff history, and – oh yeah – the ability to seemingly score at will.

Andy Sandrik: Steel-High 44, Northern Lehigh 10: We all knew Steel-High’s offense was going to be lighting it up this fall, but the difference in the postseason just might be the Rollers’ defense, which is now allowing 6.3 points per game in three playoff contests.

Adam Kulikowski: Steel-High 38, Northern Lehigh 20: The Rollers are just where we expected them to be. The road gets tougher now starting the Bulldogs, winners of eight straight.

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Ronald Burnette, jr., RB, Steel-High: This game featured a rusher with 37 TDs and more than 2,600 yards. But Burnette was the ground-game star, shredding Windber for 204 yards and three touchdowns (59, 2 and 64 yards) in a 37-7 win over Windber in the PIAA Class 1A playoffs.

Alex Erby, jr., QB, Steel-High: Erby was not to be outdone in the 37-7 blowout of Windber, tossing three touchdowns and finishing 17 of 20 for 222 yards. His scoring tosses covered 6, 8 and 64 yards, two of them going to Daquan McCraw.

Cole Bartram, jr., RB, Northern: The Polar Bears’ rollercoaster but otherwise impressive season ended Friday with a 21-7 loss to Exeter Township in the District 3 Class 5A semifinals, but Bartram impressed against a stout defense with 17 carries, 83 yards and a 35-yard TD run in the fourth quarter that made it a one-score game.

Kyle Williams Jr., sr., RB, Harrisburg: Williams and the next guy on this list really should give their nominations to their linemen for opening up a crazy 467 rushing yards on 66 (!!!) attempts. Williams sliced up Central York for 156 yards and three touchdowns (1, 14 and 9 yards) on 24 carries in a 44-7 District 3 Class 6A semifinal victory. Williams also had a 64-yard punt return for a score.

Mahkai Hopkins, sr., RB, Harrisburg: The other back that shined behind the Cougars’ overpowering line. Hopkins earned 231 yards on 27 carries and scored twice in the fourth quarter, including a 30-yarder, to send Harrisburg to the district championship.

Terrell Reynolds, sr., DE, Harrisburg: On the other end of the 44-7 blowout was Reynolds, who recorded three of the ‘Burg’s five sacks and added six tackles (four for loss) and a fumble recovery.

Marquese Williams, sr., RB, Bishop McDevitt: The Crusaders cruised to a 47-3 win over Twin Valley in the District 3 Class 4A semis, in part because of a 12-carry, 149-yard, three-touchdown performance by Williams. The senior had TD runs of 4, 12 and 3 yards.

Stone Saunders, so., QB, Bishop McDevitt: Saunders was back at it again Friday night, completing 11 of 19 passes for 256 yards and three scores. All of those TDs went to the next nominee on this list and traveled at least 30 yards.

Tyshawn Russell, sr., WR, Bishop McDevitt: The biggest beneficiary of Saunders’ rocket arm was Russell who had a 60% clip of receptions to touchdowns. His five catches covered 57 yards and included the three aforementioned TDs of 34, 54 and 34 yards to send McD to the district championship.

Trey Weiand, sr., WR, Trinity: Weiand’s 32-yard touchdown reception made it a 14-0 lead, but it was his blocked punt (returned to the 7-yard line by Payton Schaffner) that flipped momentum the Shamrocks’ way. In a historic 24-0 PIAA Class 2A win over West Catholic, Weiand finished with two carries for 11 yards and his TD catch.

D’Antae Sheffey, fr., RB, State College: The rookie has made his presence felt in these parts of late and is back again after rushing 15 times for 148 yards and two touchdowns (10 and 12 yards) in the Little Lions’ wild 57-50 triple-overtime win over McDowell.

Michael Gaul, so., WR, State College: Gaul only had two catches, but it was the latter that was the biggest of the game. The sophomore toe-tapped in the front corner of the end zone on a laser from Finn Furmanek for a 13-yard TD, THE TD that won the game in three overtimes. Gaul finished with 32 yards.

Marcus Quaker, jr., QB, West Perry: The Mustangs’ once-in-a-century season came to an unceremonious end, but Quaker impressed in a 63-7 loss to Wyomissing anyway. He completed 18 of 27 passes for 181 yards, tossing a first-quarter 45-yard TD for a brief lead. Quaker was picked off, but he also ran 18 times for 69 stripes.

Jasper Shepps, fr., WR/DB, Juniata: Big stage? No problem for Juniata’s versatile freshman, who played extremely well in the Indians’ 27-14 loss to Meadville in the PIAA Class 4A playoffs. Shepps caught four passes for 106 yards and a 34-yard touchdown when Juniata was on offense, but the youngster picked off a pair of passes that set up a Caleb Smith score and preceded his own touchdown as the Indians opened a 14-6 lead on the run-happy Bulldogs. Shepps also made six tackles.

Juniata fans came out in force for two of their own this week, lifting Waylon Ehrenzeller to the 4th Down Magazine Player of the Week.

Ehrenzeller’s only competition after racking up 1,006 votes was his teammate and run-blocker, Jonathan Kauffman, who had 830 votes. A total of 1,918 fans voted.

Both were certainly deserving of the praise. Ehrenzeller earned a tough 135 yards and two second-half touchdowns on 21 carries to lead Juniata (8-3) to a 17-7 win over DuBois. That victory, in the District 6/9 Class 4A subregional, advanced the team to Saturday’s PIAA Class 4A first-round game against District 10 champion Meadville (11-1).

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. Now that we’re into playoff time, they’ve expanded to include all District 3 teams, as well as the local District 4, District 6 and District 11 programs. Then they’ll get really bold in the state semifinals and start picking games across the state. The predictions are meant for entertainment purposes only because, truth be told, these guys aren’t very bright. Three of them are former full-time sportswriters (dummies), and the other decided to start a high school football magazine despite the fact he already works a full-time job. But, dangit, they like to watch football, think about football, write about football, and eat. That last one isn’t related to picking football games unless you count the mustard on the keyboard. As always, enjoy, and don’t take it too seriously. Nobody here hates any program. Any perceived disrespect is a figment of your imagination. Except Sandrik, who absolutely DESPISES … (transmission interrupted) …

2022 STANDINGS DURING WEEK 13

Picker: Week 13 – Overall – Perfect Picks
Adam Kulikowski: 9-2 — 216-68 — 0
Andy Shay: 11-0 — 213-71 — 2
Geoff Morrow: 9-2 — 210-74 — 1
Andy Sandrik: 9-2 — 210-74 — 1

WEEK 3 PLAYOFF SCHEDULE

 * Records in parentheses after school name; District playoff seed in parentheses before school name in district playoff games; District and seed in parentheses before school name in PIAA playoff games; In scorelines, home team in all caps.

Friday, Nov. 18

PIAA CLASS 6A ROUND OF 16

STATE COLLEGE 57, McDowell 50 (3OT)

Andy Shay: State College 45, McDowell 14: Strictly by the numbers, this could be a shootout. The Trojans have posted more than 500 points this season, and the Little Lions are still unbeaten and full of firepower. McDowell’s weak schedule will show up in this one. State College’s defense has surrendered 21 or more points only once this season and that was to Downingtown East, a District 1 squad that is still playing. If this is a close game, it will be a surprise.

Geoff Morrow: State College 38, McDowell 14: The Trojans and Little Lions have met five times in the playoffs since 2014, with State High winning each, including 42-21 three seasons ago. The Erie crew plays an interesting, multi-state schedule, its only losses to highly ranked PA teams. Alas, State College is a highly ranked PA team.

Andy Sandrik: State College 44, McDowell 22: Just spent a few minutes watching Hudl film on SC freshman RB D’Antae Sheffey. Dude can start and stop on a dime and is just one of many weapons that makes this Little Lions team a special one.

Adam Kulikowski: State College 54, McDowell 21: The Little Lions are battle-tested and firing on all cylinders. That doesn’t bode well for a McDowell squad that hasn’t yet really faced the fire.  

PIAA DISTRICT 3 CLASS 6A SEMIFINALS

Manheim Township 42, HEMPFIELD 7

Andy Shay: Manheim Township 24, Hempfield 21: Playoff Revenge Tour continues for the Blue Streaks. Last week it was Cumberland Valley after falling to the Eagles in Week 1. Black Knights edged Township in Week 5. Expect another defensive battle.

Geoff Morrow: Hempfield 20, Manheim Township 17: The Blue Streaks might be the revenge-minded flashy pick, but it’s the Black Knights who’ve someknow charged under the radar despite their No. 1 seed. Hempfield used turnovers to build an early lead back in Week 5, and that defense has been playing pretty darn well recently. Another solid effort, and Hempfield’s first championship berth since 1984 is certainly possible.

Andy Sandrik: Manheim Township 23, Hempfield 17: The Streaks just finished avenging a regular-season loss to Cumberland Valley. And now Man Town has a chance to get back at the Black Knights, who secured a 17-14 win over the Streaks in Week 5.

Adam Kulikowski: Manheim Township 31, Hempfield 24: The Blue Streaks took a punch early from Cumberland Valley and never wavered. Mental makeup is huge in the playoffs, and this crew has the toughness that’s needed. 

Harrisburg 44, CENTRAL YORK 7

Andy Shay: Harrisburg 24, Central York 14: Pretty simple difference maker for me in this game is the Cougars’ defense is better than Central York’s D. Panthers’ only path to victory is to try to outscore Harrisburg, because surrendering nearly 24 points a game isn’t a winning defensive formula.

Geoff Morrow: Harrisburg 35, Central York 24: No doubt the Panthers are really good and have perfected winning close games, thanks in large part to intense battles with rival York. But if the Cougars bring their best, they’re the ones who dictate the outcome here. Harrisburg has also been lights out in its three Friday night games this season.

Andy Sandrik: Harrisburg 28, Central York 19: I don’t think this is a game where Central York can just stick to the script and win by putting a thousand points on the board. Harrisburg’s defense is too good for that.

Adam Kulikowski: Central York 31, Harrisburg 28: It took the Cougars a bit to warm up last week against Wilson. Panthers are more equipped to make the Cougars pay for another slow roll off the starting line. 

PIAA DISTRICT 3 CLASS 5A SEMIFINALS

Cocalico 32, SOLANCO 8

Andy Shay: Cocalico 27, Solanco 21: Not a bad loss on the Eagles’ docket among the four they have — including a setback to Solanco by 14 points in Week 2. It has been a magical ride for the Golden Mules, but this is where it ends. Cocalico has won five straight and defensively has made massive progress over the course of the season.

Geoff Morrow: Cocalico 23, Solanco 20: These L-L rivals have split their last four meetings, including the Mules’ 21-7 triumph in the regular season during the Eagles’ 3-4 start to the campaign. While Solanco has remained unscathed, I really like what Cocalico has done after that sluggish first seven weeks. It’s an angry, confident, battle-tested group, and I’m not betting against it.

Andy Sandrik: Solanco 28, Cocalico 21: It’s been 11 up, 11 down for the Golden Mules, with one of those wins coming over Cocalico. I think the No. 1 seed survives at least one more week.

Adam Kulikowski: Solanco 21, Cocalico 20: While both teams love to spread the rock around among a number of ball carriers, this 50-50 tilt will be decided by the big men in the trenches. 

EXETER TOWNSHIP 21, Northern York 7

Andy Shay: Exeter Township 42, Northern 14: Impressive run by the Polar Bears. Winning by 14 points last week must have felt like an easy win compared to how close Northern games down the stretch played out. Exeter Township is a different beast and something the Polar Bears haven’t seen this season in terms of firepower and pure blunt football force.

Geoff Morrow: Exeter Township 40, Northern 20: Absolutely love what the Polar Bears have done this season, even though they’re impossible to predict (which is kind of what makes them so lovable). But this Eagles team is exceptional in various facets, and it would take an awful game by Exeter and a nearly flawless game by Northern for a P-Bears victory.

Andy Sandrik: Exeter Township 33, Northern 21: The Polar Bears will be happy to learn they are heavy underdogs this week, but even if they play at 120%, I’m not sure the pieces are there to hang with the Eagles for four full quarters. 

Adam Kulikowski: Exeter Township 35, Northern 23: Polar Bears fought for respect all season — and they got it. But all good rides do eventually come to an end, and this is the stop for the gents in purple and white. 

PIAA DISTRICT 3 CLASS 4A SEMIFINALS

BISHOP McDEVITT 47, Twin Valley 3

Andy Shay: Bishop McDevitt 49, Twin Valley 14: Points were plentiful for the Raiders down the stretch and were key to this run to the postseason and a victory over Milton Hershey in the opener. Welcome to the second round. This is your reward.

Geoff Morrow: Bishop McDevitt 48, Twin Valley 13: Longtime Middletown coach Brett Myers just directed the Raiders to the program’s first ever District 3 playoff victory last week vs. Milton Hershey, a McD division foe. The reward after the celebration ended is a chance at the Crusaders. This is a mismatch on paper, though it won’t be in terms of heart.

Andy Sandrik: Bishop McDevitt 52, Twin Valley 14: It’s easy to fall in love with McDevitt’s air attack and seemingly unstoppable offense, but the Crusaders have some dangerous cats on the other side of the ball who are allowing less than 10 points per game. Those could very well be the difference makers as McDevitt marches through the postseason.

Adam Kulikowski: Bishop McDevitt 55, Twin Valley 7: It’ll be after Thanksgiving before the Crusaders truly get a test. How remarkable is that?  

MANHEIM CENTRAL 42, Lampeter-Strasburg 6

Andy Shay: Manheim Central 24, Lampeter-Strasburg 21: Going chalk on this one. The Barons deserve to be the favorite, and I’m not prepared to pick against MC. That said, my football instincts tell me L-S is going to win this game. When it comes to this game, color me a hot mess! 

Geoff Morrow: Manheim Central 38, Lampeter-Strasburg 21: The Barons have literally played 75 District 3 playoff games in program history, and this is just the second time facing the Pioneers. Good news for L-S is it won that lone postseason meeting, 25-20 in 2010. Central, though, has won the last four regular-season battles, all by decisive scores.

Andy Sandrik: Lampeter-Strasburg 28, Manheim Central 20: Andy Shay might not trust his football instincts this week, so I’ll trust them instead. L-S is a monster that makes great teams look pedestrian, and that’s a good enough reason for me to take the Pioneers.

Adam Kulikowski: Manheim Central 31, Lampeter-Strasburg 30: This has all the makings of an instant classic. Impact players line both squads. This one won’t be given away by a mistake. So who steps up to be a difference maker in the biggest moment? 

PIAA CLASS 2A ROUND OF 16

TRINITY 24, West Catholic 0

Andy Shay: Trinity 49, West Catholic 14: Remember when the Shamrocks were struggling to find their identity and post wins on a consistent basis? They played some really, really tough competition. Looks like that rough stretch served its purpose. T-Rocks are en fuego right now.

Geoff Morrow: Trinity 34, West Catholic 14: The Burrs’ sub-.500 mark was built against larger schools, but this Philly squad has struggled to score against most opponents. Struggling to score is NOT a problem for Trinity, especially lately, as the ‘Rocks have netted 55-plus in three straight games.

Andy Sandrik: Trinity 55, West Catholic 20: Now that the Shamrocks are playing teams their own size, they’re averaging 50-plus points per contest in the postseason. Expect that trend to continue against the four-win Burrs.

Adam Kulikowski: Trinity 43, West Catholic 24: The Shamrocks’ ground attack right now is a force to be reckoned with. Their last six games they’ve posted: 200, 306, 231, 297, 288 and 485 yards on the ground. In each of those games, they’ve ripped off runs of at least 43 yards.

PIAA DISTRICT 3 CLASS 3A CHAMPIONSHIP

WYOMISSING 63, West Perry 7

Andy Shay: Wyomissing 49, West Perry 14: This Mustangs team will go down as one of the Top 5 in their rich program history. And this result will not change that one bit. The Spartans are big, strong, fast and supremely confident. Wyomissing hogs the ball, shortens the game and sucks the life out of the opposition. West Perry has firepower, but in this game that won’t matter.

Geoff Morrow: Wyomissing 42, West Perry 35: The unbeaten Spartans have won eight straight district playoff games and three straight D3 titles. Wyo is a machine. Meanwhile, the Mustangs have scored 108 points in two playoff games, including SIXTY-THREE against previously unbeaten Lancaster Catholic last week. I think this will be closer than most expect.

Andy Sandrik: Wyomissing 47, West Perry 24: No matter how many times and different ways I play this out in my mind, the result is still the same. This is one of the best WP teams in history, but these Spartans can bend steel with their bare hands.

Adam Kulikowski: Wyomissing 55, West Perry 28: This might end up on the Mustangs bulletin board — and if that fuels Bob Boden’s crew to the upset, we’ll pop a root beer in celebration. For all the reasons mentioned by the gents above, this is a big-time test on Wyomissing turf.

PIAA CLASS 1A ROUND OF 16

STEELTON-HIGHSPIRE 37, Windber 7

Andy Shay: Steel-High 35, Windber 14: Rollers have played and beaten better teams this season than Windber. Each squad has double-digit victories, but their paths to that spot have been against vastly different levels of competition. And that will be a factor in this one.

Geoff Morrow: Steel-High 49, Windber 20: Gotta respect what the Ramblers have done this season, including four straight shutouts entering this contest. However, they’ve not faced anything like this Steel-High outfit. That’s why I’m predicting the Rollers score as many points in this game as Windber has allowed to all other opponents combined this season.

Andy Sandrik: Steel-High 28, Windber 27: I might be accused of making a homer pick, going against Windber, which boasts the state’s third-best scoring defense and sixth-best scoring offense.

Adam Kulikowski: Steel-High 42, Windber 30: These are the moments the Rollers prepped for all season by facing a daunting schedule. Biggest test on tap? Limiting the damage senior Ramblers running back John Shuster inflicts on the ground. This gent has gashed opponents all season, racking up 2,613 stripes and a jaw-dropping 13.2 yards per carry. 

PIAA CLASS 4A ROUND OF 16

Meadville 27, Juniata 14

Andy Shay: Meadville 30, Juniata 21: These Bulldogs have too much horsepower for a defense even at the level of the Indians to handle. Don’t forget the Juniata offense isn’t high-powered — getting three touchdowns is a magic number for a good shot at victory. Just feels like a bad matchup for the champs of District 6.

Geoff Morrow: Juniata 33, Meadville 27: The Bulldogs haven’t really been challenged in a while, so who knows what to expect now that they’re facing a tough foe? These teams met last year in this spot, too, with Meadville using a 91-yard rushing TD in the closing minutes to win 34-27. That presents a legit revenge factor, too. Gimme the Indians in what feels like an upset to some, but not so much to me.

Andy Sandrik: Meadville 32, Juniata 24: Let’s assume for a second Juniata’s stalwart defense holds Meadville’s high-octane offense, which averages 51 points per game, to half of what the Bulldogs normally score. That still puts an awful lot of pressure on Juniata’s offense, which has only scored 30-plus three times this season. Adam Kulikowski: Meadville 20, Juniata 10: This has the makings of a defensive grudge match with Meadville yielding just under 10 points per game. How do the Indians find traction on offense? Step 1 will be stopping linebacker/running back Brady Walker, who has 10 sacks and 78 tackles to go along with 1,524 rushing yards.