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 12

Picker: Week 12 – Overall – Perfect Picks
Adam Kulikowski: 10-3 — 201-66 — 0
Andy Shay: 8-5 — 196-71 — 2
Andy Sandrik: 11-2 — 196-71 — 1
Geoff Morrow: 10-3 — 195-72 — 1

WEEK 2 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.

Thursday, Nov. 10

PIAA DISTRICT 6 CLASS 6A CHAMPIONSHIP

State College 28, Altoona 7

Andy Shay: State College 45, Altoona 14: The Little Lions are a powerhouse, and this result has nothing to do with a competitive Altoona squad not being worthy of playing for a title. The Mountain Lions are a respectable side but massively overmatched in this one.

Geoff Morrow: State College 40, Altoona 13: Wasn’t terribly close when they met in the regular season. Little Lions haven’t done anything since to cause concern. This is a really good team.

Andy Sandrik: State College 48, Altoona 14: I give all the credit to Altoona for scrapping all season, but there’s not enough gas left in that tank for the Mountain Lions to stay competitive with State College.

Adam Kulikowski: State College 43, Altoona 17: The undefeated Little Lions have a cupboard full of weapons to fuel a lengthy stay in the playoff bracket. A first-person view of SC running back D’Antae Sheffey is worth the price of a ticket to this tilt. 

PIAA CLASS 4A ROUND OF 32

Juniata 17, DuBOIS 7

Andy Shay: Juniata 24, DuBois 7: Getting two touchdowns on the board against these Indians has been a tall order. And that will be a difference-maker against the Beavers.

Geoff Morrow: Juniata 31, DuBois 14: Two things quickly jump out to me: 1. The Beavers have lost four of five entering this game; 2. Both teams played Clearfield, with the Indians winning by multiple scores while DuBois got smoked.

Andy Sandrik: Juniata 28, DuBois 10: If defense truly wins championships, give me Juniata to at least take this Round of 32 game. The Indians are allowing just 8.8 points per game this season. 

Adam Kulikowski: Juniata 34, DuBois 14: The Indians registered their second best rushing performance of the season last week against Susquenita with 270 stripes, the fifth time Juniata eclipsed the 200-yard mark. DuBois hasn’t yielded more than 100 yards on the ground since Week 8.

PIAA DISTRICT 11 CLASS 1A CHAMPIONSHIP

Northern Lehigh 40, Tri-Valley 15

Andy Shay: Tri-Valley 21, Northern Lehigh 20: This one could go either way. Tri-Valley getting the lead early will give them a big-time boost that will go a long way to getting across the finish line successfully.

Geoff Morrow: Northern Lehigh 23, Tri-Valley 20: A true “Bulldog” fight here, a pair of programs unfamiliar with each other but plenty familiar with high-stakes playoff battles. Northern Lehigh’s postseason success last year will have it feeling confident. T-V would really benefit from a strong start here.

Andy Sandrik: Tri-Valley 24, Northern Lehigh 21: Looking over the Northern Lehigh stat leaders, there are no superstars, but the Bulldogs are capable across the board. Tri-Valley can win, but solid execution of the game plan is a must.

Adam Kulikowski: Tri-Valley 28, Northern Lehigh 24: I’m having flashbacks to that wild Bulldogs matchup last year against Williams Valley in the downpour. TV handled the conditions with ease – and I expect another wet Slip ‘N Slide at midfield Friday night. 

Friday, Nov. 11

PIAA DISTRICT 3 CLASS 6A QUARTERFINALS

HEMPFIELD 30, Carlisle 14

Andy Shay: Hempfield 30, Carlisle 20: Here we go with the chase for big-school district supremacy, and it starts with a top seed vs. No. 8 seed game where the Thundering Herd — the No. 8 seed — have plenty of paths to victories. The depth of the Lancaster-Lebanon League will show up, though.

Geoff Morrow: Hempfield 19, Carlisle 14: For a No. 1 seed, the Black Knights are far from untouchable. The Herd have a legitimate chance to win their first playoff game since 2004. But they’ll need to win the turnover battle and take advantage of nearly every red zone trip. Can be done.

Andy Sandrik: Hempfield 28, Carlisle 13: I’m going to stick with the odds, here, but for a 1-seed vs. an 8-seed, this sure seems like it could be a toss-up game. 

Adam Kulikowski: Hempfield 27, Carlisle 20: The Thundering Herd enter postseason play riding a three-game winning streak — including a ‘dub against Cumberland Valley. That makes them a dangerous opponent for the District 3 Class 6A No. 1 seed. 

Manheim Township 37, CUMBERLAND VALLEY 31

Andy Shay: Cumberland Valley 13, Manheim Township 10: Not sure conditions will be ideal for a pass-happy game with the weather forecast. Running game and defense could be the deciding factors. Feels like the Eagles are better equipped for adverse conditions.

Geoff Morrow: Cumberland Valley 20, Manheim Township 18: All three previous meetings since 2017 — including Week 1 of this year — have been decided by six points or fewer. So don’t expect any runaways. I think the week off helps CV just a little bit more.

Andy Sandrik: Manheim Township 13, Cumberland Valley 10: It’s supposed to be quite a wet Friday. Will this still be a track meet in those conditions?

Adam Kulikowski: Manheim Township 27, Cumberland Valley 24: Township junior QB1 Hayden Johnson made serious strides during the second half of the season. After tossing interceptions in four straight contests early in the circuit, he hasn’t been picked off once in the final five matchups. Can the Eagles force Johnson into a mistake? Could be the key to moving on in the postseason. 

CENTRAL YORK 51, York 44

Andy Shay: Central York 34, York 30: Buckle up, this is going to be another wild ride for the Panthers and Bearcats. This one could go either way. Expect the fourth quarter to be full of drama.

Geoff Morrow: Central York 40, York 35: Folks at the Daily Record and Dispatch must be loving this. These rivals just met in Week 10, with the Panthers escaping with a 41-36 triumph. Was anybody saving anything special for a potential playoff meeting? We’ll see. Central has won four straight in the series.

Andy Sandrik: York 36, Central York 33: After playing within five points of CY in Week 10, the Bearcats know they belong on the field with the Panthers, who have all the pressure in this game.

Adam Kulikowski: Central York 45, York 41: This high-octane tilt might be one of the finest on the docket this week. Weather could play a huge role in this one with heavy rain on tap Friday night.  

PIAA DISTRICT 3 CLASS 5A QUARTERFINALS

Cocalico 23, GETTYSBURG 13

Andy Shay: Gettysburg 21, Cocalico 17: I know the Eagles are on a red-hot roll and have been flattening teams the last month or so. Gettysburg is comfortable in its own skin and will not be rattled by a test at this level.

Geoff Morrow: Cocalico 26, Gettysburg 18: Of concern to me as a predictor: The Warriors have lost eight straight playoff games, last winning one in 2007. Meanwhile, the Eagles are fresh off a dominating performance last week and are flying around carefree right now. All pressure is on the hosts.

Andy Sandrik: Cocalico 32, Gettysburg 24: The Eagles have been smoking teams since their 3-4 start. Even if the offense sputters, Cocalico’s defense has been allowing just 6.5 points per contest during its four-game winning streak.

Adam Kulikowski: Gettysburg 24, Cocalico 21: Call me the contrarian, but I believe this is the year the Warriors break that playoff victory drought. Just a hunch. 

Northern York 20, NEW OXFORD 7

Andy Shay: New Oxford 27, Northern 21: Just what the Polar Bears want: the underdog role in the postseason. If New Oxford fails to show up with its ‘A’ game, the Colonials will certainly go down. Northern believes it has put together a winning formula.

Geoff Morrow: New Oxford 23, Northern 20: Again, the Polar Bears are intensely difficult to predict, which I’m sure they love. The Colonials, meanwhile, have been pretty good but are certainly beatable. They’ve won six straight against PA opponents, though, so I’m riding the hot hand.

Andy Sandrik: Northern 28, New Oxford 27: There’s no good reason for me to make this pick other than the Polar Bears play out of their minds when they’re the team that’s expected to lose.

Adam Kulikowski: Northern 25, New Oxford 23: I’m doubling down on my Polar Bears wager after cashing in last week as the lone crony to pick Northern. 

PIAA DISTRICT 3 CLASS 4A QUARTERFINALS

BISHOP McDEVITT 42, East Pennsboro 7

Andy Shay: Bishop McDevitt 56, East Pennsboro 0: Another layup game for the Crusaders. Bigger tests are coming down the pipe in these playoffs, but this isn’t one of them. The Panthers are massively overmatched.

Geoff Morrow: Bishop McDevitt 58, East Pennsboro 7: Heck of a job – and a pretty surprising result – by the Panthers to not only snap a five-game losing streak last week but to do it in dominating fashion against Kennard-Dale. However, this is a different universe this week.

Andy Sandrik: Bishop McDevitt 55, East Pennsboro 7: I know Michigan is all over McDevitt QB Stone Saunders and that he’s just a high school sophomore, but I’m pretty sure he could start for Penn State this weekend and lead the Lions to victory over Maryland.

Adam Kulikowski: Bishop McDevitt 64, East Pennsboro 7: Crusaders simply have an abundance of firepower that might not be matched until the bus rolls into Cumberland Valley for the PIAA finals. 

TWIN VALLEY 43, Milton Hershey 29

Andy Shay: Milton Hershey 27, Twin Valley 20: Spartans are certainly capable of this result, but they have to keep the game within reach heading into the later stages in order to make this happen. If Twin Valley strikes big early, it might run away and hide. Toss-up game!

Geoff Morrow: Milton Hershey 21, Twin Valley 14: Credit to the Raiders for a second straight District 3 playoff appearance (last year was their first ever). But this is definitely a winnable game for the visiting Spartans, assuming they put Week 10’s decisive loss to Cedar Cliff appropriately in the rearview.

Andy Sandrik: Twin Valley 28, Milton Hershey 21: Football teams aren’t the only ones pursuing postseason glory. Catching up to Kulikowski in the pick ‘em standings starts with a TV victory.

Adam Kulikowski: Milton Hershey 21, Twin Valley 17: Spartans, if you needed any extra motivation to win Friday night, keeping Team K ahead of my run-for-8-hours-straight-for-charity friend, Andy Sandrik, should be just the extra juice you needed. All jokes aside, give the Sandman some props: He trotted nearly 33 miles last weekend to raise funds for Extra Life Hershey. 

MANHEIM CENTRAL 63, York Suburban 14

Andy Shay: Manheim Central 38, York Suburban 20: The diversity and balance for the Barons’ offensive will keep Trojans off balance all game, and being able to focus on one dimension defensively will free the Central defense to fly around.

Geoff Morrow: Manheim Central 40, York Suburban 21: A monumental – and, frankly, jaw-dropping – performance by Trojans RB Mike Bentivegna (12 carries, 382 yards, 6 TDs) last week vs. Donegal. Will be interesting to see how the Barons decide to defend this guy. 

Andy Sandrik: Manheim Central 38, York Suburban 24: Goodness gracious, how are you supposed to defend these Barons? QB Zac Hahn has a 25-to-4 TD-to-INT ratio, while RB Brycen Arnold averages 9.1 yards a pop.

Adam Kulikowski: Manheim Central 41, York Suburban 24: Barons have a Swiss Army of weapons equipped to combat any weather issues or defense the Trojans throw at them. 

LAMPETER-STRASBURG 52, Susquehanna Township 6

Andy Shay: Lampeter-Strasburg 28, Susquehanna Township 21: Tough draw for the ‘Hanna Tribe, who went from zero wins a year ago to a No. 6 seed in the playoffs. Arriving at the next level ahead of schedule will show against a postseason stud in the Pioneers.

Geoff Morrow: Lampeter-Strasburg 27, Susquehanna Township 23: Welcome back to the playoffs, ‘Hanna! Though it’s only been since 2019 since the Indians have been here, it’s felt longer with a couple of trying seasons in between. L-S, which finds another gear in the postseason (8-1 over its last nine District 3 playoff games), provides a great test for Joe Headen’s crew.

Andy Sandrik: Lampeter-Strasburg 33, Susquehanna Township 21: It doesn’t matter the sport, Lampeter-Strasburg is where Mid-Penn dreams go to die. I’ve seen it happen many times decades ago writing for the Sentinel and Patriot, and I think it happens against these Indians, too.

Adam Kulikowski: Lampeter-Strasburg 29, Susquehanna Township 27: A storybook season for the Indians closes on the road against L-S. But this season was a resounding success for Joe Headen’s crew. 

PIAA DISTRICT 3 CLASS 3A SEMIFINALS

West Perry 63, LANCASTER CATHOLIC 20

Andy Shay: West Perry 31, Lancaster Catholic 20: You have to respect the Crusaders’ undefeated season on merit. But once the game kicks off, the Mustangs will look to push the pace and make this a track meet. It’s what they do well.

Geoff Morrow: West Perry 29, Lancaster Catholic 19: While the Crusaders bring an unbeaten mark into the postseason, it feels to me like the Mustangs have faced – and mostly passed with flying colors – a few more tests this season, including a fairly definitive takedown of Schuylkill Valley last week. West Perry has never won two straight playoff games, though. Does that change Friday night?

Andy Sandrik: West Perry 30, Lancaster Catholic 24: It blows my mind that my alma mater is one win away from a berth in the district championship game. It’s also not a surprise, though, after QB Marcus Quaker and Co. spent countless hours in the offseason becoming a well-oiled machine. 

Adam Kulikowski: West Perry 43, Lancaster Catholic 20: The Mustangs are not afraid to punch you in the mouth. That physical brand of football combined with the offensive weapons at Bob Boden’s disposal will make West Perry a tough out. 

Saturday, Nov. 12

PIAA DISTRICT 3 CLASS 6A QUARTERFINALS

(6) Wilson (8-2) at (3) Harrisburg (7-2), 1

Andy Shay: Harrisburg 20, Wilson 14: I expect a lot of defense and heavy hitting inside the trenches right from the opening possession. Wilson is a squad that improves more than most over the course of a season, but the clearly more talented squad is the Cougars. Mistakes in this one will be magnified.

Geoff Morrow: Harrisburg 21, Wilson 17: Don’t look surprised, but the Bulldogs are bouncing with excitement now that we’re into the second season. However, they’ve struggled in recent playoff meetings vs. the Cougars (0-3 since 2018, including a 14-10 loss last year). Manheim Township and State College figured out how to beat Harrisburg at Severance Field this year, so it can be done. Points could be at a premium yet again.

Andy Sandrik: Harrisburg 28, Wilson 13: Harrisburg seems a touch more susceptible than in years past, but these Cougars are still loaded and can still make quality teams like Wilson look bad.

Adam Kulikowski: Harrisburg 31, Wilson 20: Cougars have the weapons (enter stage right, Kyle Williams) to make the game-breaking plays needed to advance in the playoffs. 

PIAA DISTRICT 3 CLASS 3A SEMIFINALS

(4) Hamburg (9-2) at (1) Wyomissing (10-0), 1

Andy Shay: Wyomissing 49, Hamburg 7: Going with the vintage Spartans score in this one. Anything else would be a surprise. Hamburg won’t have much say in the outcome in this one because Wyomissing has a standard of play it generally has no trouble reaching.

Geoff Morrow: Wyomissing 53, Hamburg 7: No offense to the Hawks, who have now won two District 3 playoff games over the past two seasons after having ZERO wins on their postseason résumé entering 2021. But nobody knows the Spartans’ dominance quite like Hamburg, which has seen it close up for decades.

Andy Sandrik: Wyomissing 50, Hamburg 10: I’ll throw the Hawks a bone and say they score more than Wyomissing’s 6.9 points allowed per game. Aside from that, I’m not sure Hamburg can keep this game competitive.

Adam Kulikowski: Wyomissing 45, Hamburg 14: Slowing down the Spartans’ Wing-T attack is a task no one to date has accomplished successfully.

PIAA CLASS 1A ROUND OF 32

(3-1) Steelton-Highspire (9-1) vs. (12-1) Belmont Charter (7-3), at Germantown Super Site, 5

Andy Shay: Steel-High 55, Belmont Charter 13: The gap between for the Rollers at this level is bigger than you can measure based on any record. Steel-High overwhelms less-equipped teams, and the Tigers don’t have enough horsepower to keep up.

Geoff Morrow: Steel-High 60, Belmont Charter 20: It’s just the second season for the Tigers out of Philadelphia, and both have been pretty successful in terms of win-loss record. But last year’s slate also included a 61-6 regular-season loss to the Rollers, so…

Andy Sandrik: Steel-High 60, Belmont Charter 21: After beating up on a Capital Division full of bigger schools, Steel-High continues its trek through the small-school postseason ready to break every PIAA record there is.

Adam Kulikowski: Steel-High 65, Belmont Charter 14: The Rollers right now are simply sparring with their opponents as they await the heavyweight bouts later in the postseason.

PIAA DISTRICT 3 CLASS 5A QUARTERFINALS

(8) Shippensburg (8-3) at (1) Solanco (10-0), 6

Andy Shay: Solanco 26, Shippensburg 20: Nothing seems to shake the Golden Mules, and they have an experienced team that is built to take the best shot of the opposition and still find a way to prevail. It’s their time.

Geoff Morrow: Solanco 27, Shippensburg 21: Half of the Golden Mules’ 10 wins have been within a single score, which tells you two things: 1. They know how to win the close ones; 2. They’re susceptible to an upset against a foe that comes correct with a dynamite game plan. Will that be the Greyhounds? Maybe!

Andy Sandrik: Shippensburg 24, Solanco 20: Shippensburg has enough horses in its RB stable to slow the game down and stay within reach. This is somewhat of an upset pick, as I still think the ‘Hounds will need a big defensive play or two to turn the tide.

Adam Kulikowski: Solanco 33, Shippensburg 27: The Golden Mules possess four ‘backs with 500 or more yards on the turf this season. On what could be a rainy evening, their fierce running game could be the ticket to another week of practice. 

(7) Dover (9-2) at (2) Exeter Township (10-0), 7

Andy Shay: Exeter Township 42, Dover 14: The Eagles are the best team in this bracket and have a depth of weapons that Dover isn’t built to slow down enough to keep pace.

Geoff Morrow: Exeter Township 38, Dover 14: Another convocation of Eagles flying high right now. Despite its No. 2 seed, I think most view Exeter as the favorite in the whole District 3 Class 5A field.

Andy Sandrik: Exeter Township 35, Dover 10: Keep an eye on Exeter’s Joey Schlaffer. The dude is a 6-foot-6 wrecking ball with some nice hands. He’s also comfortable running the ball, where he averages 22.4 yards per pop, usually after taking a direct snap. 

Adam Kulikowski: Exeter Township 41, Dover 7: Eagles have yielded just 11 points per game this season. That’s one stingy defense capable of shutting down the Dover attack. 

PIAA DISTRICT 3 CLASS 2A CHAMPIONSHIP

(3) Trinity (7-4) at (1) Annville-Cleona (8-3), 7

Andy Shay: Trinity 28, Annville-Cleona 21: The T-Rocks will have to earn this one and play well. They’ve faced some hammers this season and are playing their best football right now. That attacking defense will set the tone.

Geoff Morrow: Trinity 27, Annville-Cleona 21: There’s some great sports psychology potential here. Both teams probably feel a bit underappreciated, the Shamrocks because of their early season lumps and A-C because – well, it’s the No. 1 seed playing at home, and people keep picking against it. So long as Trinity doesn’t bus into Lebanon County expecting a gift-wrapped trophy, I think the momentum it brings is enough to claim the program’s first title since 2010.

Andy Sandrik: Trinity 28, Annville-Cleona 20: I’ve been underselling Trinity all season. It’s time to acknowledge that the ‘Rocks will be a major threat in this 2A bracket. Adam Kulikowski: Trinity 34, Annville-Cleona 21: I know Annville-Cleona is the No. 1 seed, but to me it feels like the underdog in this tilt.

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Alex Erby, jr., QB, Steel-High: It wasn’t really a fair fight against Fairfield, a 62-6 win for the District 3 Class 1A championship, but Erby still shined. The signal caller completed 13 of 15 passes for 325 yards and four touchdowns, including two to the next player on the list and one apiece to Da’Quan McCraw and Jaeion Perry. 

Durell Ceasar, jr., WR/KR, Steel-High: The guy who benefited most from Erby’s right arm was Ceasar, who caught six passes and turned them into 170 yards and two touchdowns against Fairfield. Caesar also returned a punt 60 yards for a score. 

Amari Williams, jr., OLB, Steel-High: Williams racked up an absurd six sacks Saturday afternoon. Yeah, it came against an overmatched Fairfield for the D3 Class 1A crown in a blowout, but when’s the last time you heard of ANYONE recording six sacks? 

Messiah Mickens, fr., RB, Trinity: The No. 3 Shamrocks ran Delone Catholic out of the District 3 Class 2A semifinals 56-17, with Mickens the one doing the honors. The freshman averaged nearly 14 yards a carry, rushing 11 times for 141 yards and four touchdowns of 60, 6, 5 and 15 yards. He also snagged two passes for 47 stripes. 

Caleb Wray, jr., QB, Trinity: Wray was a tidy 10 of 12 for 198 yards and three touchdowns, guiding Trinity to a blowout semifinal win (the first Trinity playoff win since 2011) over the Squires to set up a district championship appearance. His TDs covered 13, 59 and 15 yards.

Marcus Quaker, jr., QB, West Perry: The AOTW’s season-long regular was at it again during a 45-21 win over Schuylkill Valley in the District 3 Class 3A semifinals, rushing 12 times for 152 yards and two scores (15 and 64 yards). He also completed 6 of 10 passes for 98 yards and a 21-yard TD. 

Keith Oates, jr., QB/LB, East Pennsboro: The Panthers romped Kennard-Dale 43-0 in the District 3 Class 3A quarterfinals. Oates did a little of everything in the win, tossing 28- and 16-yard TDs during a 23-point EP second quarter and finishing with 135 yards on 7-of-12 passing. He ran eight times for 23 yards and had five tackles, one for a loss.

Spencer Siegel, jr., DE, Northern: Siegel is credited with the game-saving blocked extra point, the difference in a tight 21-20 win over South Western in the District 3 Class 5A first round. Siegel was plenty busy for a defense that allowed just 79 rushing yards, stacking up 10 tackles and two sacks.

Mason Yohn, sr., WR/DB/K/P, Northern: Yohn’s two touchdown receptions in the first half, covering 14 and 49 yards, were vital in the Polar Bears’ upset win Friday. He finished with three catches for 70 yards, added two tackles on defense, drilled three extra points and averaged a stellar 45.9 yards on seven punts, downing five inside the 20.

Trae Kater, sr., RB/DB, Shippensburg: The Greyhounds exacted some revenge and advanced to the District 3 Class 5A quarterfinals with a 32-14 win over Cedar Cliff. Kater had a rare double-double, 100 yards rushing and 100 more receiving. Kater ran 11 times for 125 stripes and a 53 TD, and he caught five balls for 108 yards and a 40 TD.

Amari Kerr, sr., RB/DB, Shippensburg: The other half of a two-headed rushing attack that carved up the Colts for 269 yards and three scores, Kerr churned out 110 stripes and a 12-yard first-quarter TD on just 12 carries. He also had a 17-yard reception. 

Alex Yost, sr., RB, Altoona: The Mountain Lions survived Mifflin County 31-24 in the District 6 Class 6A semifinals, with Yost producing a tough 28 carries, 143 yards and touchdown runs of 2 and 8 yards, the last of which won the game with 34 seconds left.

Julian Hazelwood, fr., RB, Altoona: Yost provided the veteran leadership and Hazelwood provided promise, rushing 12 times for 130 yards and a 14-yard score early in Altoona’s playoff win over a feisty Huskies side. Altoona totaled 340 rushing yards.

Ian Bates, so., RB/DB, Line Mountain: While the Eagles were blown out by perennial state hammer Southern Columbia 69-6, Bates accounted for 165 offensive yards in the losing effort. While the 5-7, 155-pounder scrambled for 119 rushing yards on 26 carries, he also caught two passes for 46 yards – including a 35-yarder on a wheel route that he had to accelerate to get to before carrying the ball over the goal line. 

Minersville’s Luke Stevenosky and his Battlin’ Miners mates ended the regular season with a statement last Friday night, knocking off Nativity BVM 37-0.

And Stevenosky played a big role, racking up 221 stipes on 17 carries—a 13-yard-per-carry average. He reached the end zone three times.

The Minersville faithful rewarded his efforts, casting 618 votes for the junior to edge Pine Grove’s Lane Lehman and Tri-Valley’s Kameron Wetzel.

Eastern Conference Class 4A Championship:

Pottsville – 32, Big Spring – 10

Eastern Conference Class 3A Championship:

Berks Catholic – 49, Pine Grove – 14

District 6 Class 6A Semifinal:

Altoona – 31, Mifflin – 24

            Next Week: State College

PIAA District 3 Class 5A First Round:

Shippensburg – 32, Cedar Cliff – 14

            Next Week: Shippensburg at Solanco – 11/11 at 7 p.m.

Cocalico – 42, Elizabethtown – 2

            Next Week: Cocalico at Gettysburg – 11/11 at 7 p.m.

Dover – 40, Garden Spot – 21

            Next Week: Dover at Exeter Township – 11/11 at 7 p.m.

Northern York – 21, Southwestern – 20

            Next Week: Northern York at New Oxford – 11/11 at 7 p.m.

PIAA District 3 Class 4A First Round:

East Penn – 43, Kennard Dale – 0

            Next Week: East Pennsboro (8) at Bishop McDevitt (1) – 11/11 at 7 p.m.

York Suburban – 41, Donegal  – 6

            Next Week: York Suburban (7) at Manheim Central (2) – 11/11 at 7:00PM

PIAA District 3 Class 3A Quarterfinal:

Hamburg – 49, Upper Dauphin – 35

            Next Week: Hamburg at Wyomissing (1) – 11/12 at 1 p.m.

West Perry – 45, Schuylkill Valley – 21

            Next Week: West Perry (3) at Lancaster Catholic (2)– 11/11 at 7 p.m.

PIAA District 3 Class 2A Semifinal:

Annville-Cleona – 42, Camp Hill – 13

            Next Week:  Trinity (3) at Annville-Cleona (1), TBD

Trinity – 56, Delone Catholic – 17

Next Week:  Trinity (3) at Annville-Cleona (1), TBD

PIAA District 4 Class 2A Quarterfinal:

Southern Columbia – 69, Line Mountain – 0

            Next Week: Southern Columbia (3) at Troy (2), TBD

PIAA District 11 Class 1A Semifinal:

Tri-Valley – 24, Minersville – 13

            Next Week: Tri-Valley (2) at Northern Lehigh (1), TBD

PIAA District 3 Class 1A Championship:

Fairfield at Steel-High

            Next Week: TBD

PIAA District 11 Class 2A Semifinal:

Executive Education Academy at Williams Valley

            Next Week: TBD

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 WEEK 11

Picker: Week 11 – Overall – Perfect Picks
Adam Kulikowski: 9-8 — 191-63 — 0
Andy Shay: 11-6 — 188-66 — 2
Andy Sandrik: 10-7 — 185-69 — 1
Geoff Morrow: 13-4 — 185-69 — 1

WEEK 1 PLAYOFF SCHEDULE

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

Thursday, Nov. 3

EASTERN CONFERENCE CLASS 4A CHAMPIONSHIP

POTTSVILLE 32, Big Spring 10

Andy Shay: Pottsville 24, Big Spring 20: In playoff games, the daily double is a home game and a better strength of schedule. Pottsville will cash in, but it will be a white-knuckle affair all the way. Bulldogs are capable but lack the outside firepower to knock the Crimson Tide off their game.

Geoff Morrow: Pottsville 27, Big Spring 17: Edge to the Crimson Tide, who played a pretty tough regular-season schedule and get to play at home. Still, a good chance for the Bulldogs to end a so-so season on a high note.

Andy Sandrik: Big Spring 33, Pottsville 27: Even for a four-win team, I really like Big Spring’s résumé and how hard the Bulldogs have pushed some really good teams. Expect no less from Big Spring on Thursday evening.

Adam Kulikowski: Big Spring 38, Pottsville 27: It seems all season like the Bulldogs have been searching for a way to get over the hump with a number of close losses. Call it an upset if you want, but this is a matchup that aligns well with the Bulldogs’ strengths. 

EASTERN CONFERENCE CLASS 3A CHAMPIONSHIP

BERKS CATHOLIC 49, Pine Grove 14

Andy Shay: Berks Catholic 41, Pine Grove 7: Great close to the season for Pine Grove, but the 4-6 team they are playing from Reading has played a brutally tough schedule. That will show.

Geoff Morrow: Berks Catholic 42, Pine Grove 14: Love that the Cardinals turned things around late in the regular season and earned themselves an extra game. However, while the Saints’ sub-.500 mark is unique for them, they played a HAMMER schedule — and played it tough. They’re a notch or two above PG right now.

Andy Sandrik: Berks Catholic 38, Pine Grove 7: Both teams enter postseason play with losing records, but this game has all the ingredients necessary for a BC blowout win. 

Adam Kulikowski: Berks Catholic 35, Pine Grove 13: Tip of the cap to the Cardinals, who have the opportunity to play No. 11 this year. Saints will end their season on a high note. 

Friday, Nov. 4

PIAA DISTRICT 6 CLASS 6A SEMIFINALS

ALTOONA 31, Mifflin County 24

Andy Shay: Altoona 31, Mifflin County 14: Several weeks does not erase getting steamrolled by 38 points. There is a matchup gap the Huskies can’t close. And the Mountain Lions, despite a three-game slide entering the postseason, know it.

Geoff Morrow: Altoona 26, Mifflin County 14: This was a blowout/shutout when they met for the first time in series history earlier this season, but the Mountain Lions have suffered through a relentless Commonwealth slate since while the Huskies built some more confidence in the rather ordinary Keystone Division. Still, a 38-point difference is A LOT to make up. Winner gets State College.

Andy Sandrik: Altoona 31, Mifflin County 13: The Mountain Lions limp into the playoffs on a three-game skid, but they smoked the Huskies 38-0 in Week 3. Not sure how MiffCo flips that script. 

Adam Kulikowski: Altoona 35, Mifflin County 20: This Huskies team is not the same group that got bounced 38-0 in Week 3, but has the gap closed far enough to make this a game late in the final stanza? 

PIAA DISTRICT 3 CLASS 5A FIRST ROUND

SHIPPENSBURG 32, Cedar Cliff 14

Andy Shay: Cedar Cliff 24, Shippensburg 21: Shippensburg won the first meeting, but it also got rolled by non-playoff squad Greencastle-Antrim to close out the regular season. This Colts team has found its groove and has five consecutive wins to prove it.

Geoff Morrow: Cedar Cliff 21, Shippensburg 13: A pair of teams growing more and more familiar with each other after the Colts stunned the Greyhounds in last year’s playoffs, then Ship rebounded to rip Cliff in Week 1 this year. However, the Colts enter the postseason on a five-game winning streak while the ‘Hounds have been inconsistent nearly all year. A high-scoring game would surprise me. Winner gets 10-0 Solanco.

Andy Sandrik: Shippensburg 23, Cedar Cliff 20: It’s hard to bet against the Colts at this point, but Ship’s already topped Cliff once this season. 

Adam Kulikowski: Cedar Cliff 28, Shippensburg 27: The Colts are playing their best football of the season at just the right moment, and their young QB is a big reason why. Sophomore Bennett Secrest hasn’t thrown a pick since September and has a QB rating over 126 in his last three games. 

Cocalico 42, ELIZABETHTOWN 2

Andy Shay: Cocalico 34, Elizabethtown 30: This is a team the Bears, who have enjoyed their best run in more than a decade, did not want to see. The Eagles are battle tested and not afraid to push the envelope.

Geoff Morrow: Cocalico 40, Elizabethtown 28: The Bears have enjoyed their best season in 15 years, but they’ve been giving up way too many points in recent weeks, which doesn’t bode well for the high-octane playoff season. The Eagles, meanwhile, seem to be settling into a groove at the perfect time. Winner gets Gettysburg.

Andy Sandrik: Cocalico 33, Elizabethtown 28: Buckle up for this L-L slugfest. I’m taking the Eagles by a hair. 

Adam Kulikowski: Cocalico 26, Elizabethtown 24: Eagles do nearly all their damage on the ground while Elizabethtown has struggled to stop the other’s storm troopers. Edge: Cocalico.

DOVER 40, Garden Spot 21

Andy Shay: Garden Spot 45, Dover 20: The Spartans are a powder-keg team that can rip off points in a hurry and in big bunches. The Eagles will have to either keep up or find a way to make this game a slugfest.

Geoff Morrow: Dover 24, Garden Spot 23: Eagles, who finished 1-9 a year ago, are riding a six-game winning streak into the playoffs, their first visit since 2013. The Spartans, who just dropped 66 points on Elizabethtown two weeks ago, are into the postseason for the first time since 2014. This has potential to be a very entertaining game. Winner gets unbeaten powerhouse Exeter.

Andy Sandrik: Garden Spot 28, Dover 21: I trust Garden Spot QB Kye Harting to carry the Spartans to victory. Dude has thrown 16 TDs and is a 1,000-yard rusher, to boot. 

Adam Kulikowski: Garden Spot 37, Dover 34: The weapons on both sides of this tilt should create plenty of fireworks. I’ll give the edge to Harting and his mates, but this one is an even-money game to me. 

Northern York 21, SOUTH WESTERN 20

Andy Shay: South Western 28, Northern 24: All I know is if you think you know what to expect from this Polar Bears team in 2022, good chance you will be wrong. Mustangs are beatable but have earned the call. Northern and how it plays will most likely decide this outcome.

Geoff Morrow: South Western 33, Northern 24: Considering the geography, it’s somewhat surprising these teams don’t have much, if any, recent history. The Mustangs’ résumé this season is a bit better, but Lord knows the Polar Bears are nothing if not battle-tested (nine straight games decided by 11 points or fewer). Winner gets New Oxford.

Andy Sandrik: South Western 35, Northern 27: South Western deserves to be the favorite here, but Northern has a tendency to play at a higher level when its back is against the wall. Could be a closer game than most expect. 

Adam Kulikowski: Northern 33, South Western 30: Predicting Northern games has been one of the most challenging aspects of this season. But the quality wins against Shippensburg and Gettysburg illustrate the upside for Bill Miller’s crew. 

PIAA DISTRICT 3 CLASS 4A FIRST ROUND

EAST PENNSBORO 43, Kennard-Dale 0

Andy Shay: Kennard-Dale 20, East Pennsboro 14: Both squads are in the same boat, bringing a losing record to the table for a playoff game. The Panthers’ last win came in September. And it’s November. Tough to get past that.

Geoff Morrow: Kennard-Dale 16, East Pennsboro 14: Rams have lost three of four; Panthers have lost five straight. Welcome to the playoffs! Winner gets (gulp) Bishop McDevitt. Are we sure that’s a good thing?

Andy Sandrik: Kennard-Dale 22, East Pennsboro 15: I hate to be the old man waving his cane, but back in my day, we had 8-2 teams that missed the playoffs!

Adam Kulikowski: Kennard-Dale 27, East Pennsboro 21: Losing five straight is no way to enter postseason play, but perhaps the “new” season helps the Panthers turn the page. 

YORK SUBURBAN 41, Donegal 7

Andy Shay: York Suburban 33, Donegal 14: Already a game between this duo earlier in the season. The team with the winning record won by three scores, and that gap is a tall uphill climb for the Indians.

Geoff Morrow: York Suburban 38, Donegal 13: This wasn’t much of a contest when they met in Week 2. Add to that the Trojans’ current four-game winning streak with a high-scoring offense, and they should be punching their ticket to meet Manheim Central in the next round.

Andy Sandrik: York Suburban 28, Donegal 15: York Suburban was 23 points better than Donegal in Week 2. Can the Indians close the gap?

Adam Kulikowski: York Suburban 24, Donegal 17: One of the best aspects of the playoffs is the opportunity to see some of the best talents from outside your normal coverage area. For me, this one meant an opportunity to watch a few highlights from senior YS running back Mike Bentivegna. Bentivegna has powered the Trojans’ attack all season with 1,873 yards on 209 carries — that’s 9 yards per carry. 

PIAA DISTRICT 3 CLASS 3A QUARTERFINALS

HAMBURG 49, Upper Dauphin 35

Andy Shay: Upper Dauphin 41, Hamburg 27: Making the playoffs and having success is becoming an expectation for the lads from the northern reaches of Dauphin County. Hamburg doesn’t have enough firepower to keep up over the course of 48 minutes.

Geoff Morrow: Hamburg 30, Upper Dauphin 28: Both teams can — and will — score. But the Hawks probably get to tailgate at Cabela’s. Edge to the Berks County squad. However, the winner gets the No. 1 state-ranked team in Class 3A, Wyomissing. Good luck.

Andy Sandrik: Upper Dauphin 42, Hamburg 28: This could very well turn into a touchdown-a-minute affair, but I think Upper Dauphin’s unheralded defense makes the difference this week.

Adam Kulikowski: Upper Dauphin 48, Hamburg 21: Upper Dauphin has plenty of firepower to out-gun you, but the key here is that Trojan defense which I believe has a few more playmakers than Hamburg can handle. 

WEST PERRY 45, Schuylkill Valley 21

Andy Shay: West Perry 45, Schuylkill Valley 14: The Mustangs weren’t quite ready to win a division and had a very shaky start in a winner-take-all game a week ago at Steel-High. Don’t expect any stage fright entering the second season. Mustangs will be ready.

Geoff Morrow: West Perry 27, Schuylkill Valley 21: Firstly, I do not expect a blowout. The Panthers haven’t been an easy out and can score in bunches. Plus, it’ll be interesting to see how the Mustangs respond to their first loss. I expect they’ll be OK, but they cannot show up and just expect to win. Surprising unbeaten Lancaster Catholic awaits the victor.

Andy Sandrik: West Perry 44, Schuylkill Valley 7: A humbled West Perry team enters the playoffs after taking its first loss of the season. If the Mustangs have their heads screwed on right, they certainly have the pieces to open postseason play with a bang.

Adam Kulikowski: West Perry 38, Schuylkill Valley 13: Would it have been cool to see a 10-0 Mustangs team enter postseason play? Sure. But maybe the heavyweight bout with Steel-High sharpened West Perry for a postseason run. 

PIAA DISTRICT 3 CLASS 2A SEMIFINALS

ANNVILLE-CLEONA 42, Camp Hill 13

Andy Shay: Annville-Cleona 28, Camp Hill 21: This is a toss-up game for me. I think the Lions are capable, but A-C is very comfortable in its own skin. Camp Hill has struggled a bit the last month, and it goes beyond losing games. I’m taking the No. 1 seed.

Geoff Morrow: Annville-Cleona 20, Camp Hill 14: Four straight losses for the Lions, who are lucky to have a shot to break that skid. They have a chance, too, but the Dutchmen are really “in een groef.” (My attempt at Dutch.) Confidence is key here. A-C has it. 

Andy Sandrik: Camp Hill 24, Annville-Cleona 21: It’s been over a month since the Lions won a game. With that said, I think Camp Hill’s schedule has it prepared for this moment.

Adam Kulikowski: Camp Hill 27, Annville-Cleona 24: I have no doubt the Lions will find a way to fill their side of the scoreboard. Can they stack the box enough to stop the Dutchmen’s explosive running attack? 

Trinity 56, DELONE CATHOLIC 17

Andy Shay: Trinity 35, Delone Catholic 14: Pretty clear the Squires have made plenty of strides since the Shamrocks issued a 28-point thumping to open the season. Guess who is much better and battle tested? Trinity is the favorite to win it all, in my opinion.

Geoff Morrow: Trinity 31, Delone Catholic 20: Even before the Shamrocks went through their “Let’s play the NFC East” section of their schedule, they crushed the Squires in Week 1. And even though Delone cruised through the YAIAA part of its schedule, Trinity has only gotten better because of those planned growing pains.

Andy Sandrik: Trinity 28, Delone Catholic 14: Delone Catholic has come quite a long way since its 35-7 beatdown loss against Trinity in Week 1, which kickstarted an 0-3 start to the season. The problem for the Squires is the ‘Rocks have also improved by leaps and bounds.

Adam Kulikowski: Trinity 42, Delone Catholic 20: Squires enter this fray as winners of seven straight; however, none of those wins came against a club with the chops the Shamrocks possess. 

PIAA DISTRICT 4 CLASS 2A QUARTERFINALS

SOUTHERN COLUMBIA 69, Line Mountain 6

Andy Shay: Southern Columbia 42, Line Mountain 13: Are the Tigers the automatic ticket to the state finals that vaporize every team along the way? They are not, but they still pack a pretty powerful punch and, at this level, are still ridiculously tough.

Geoff Morrow: Southern Columbia 40, Line Mountain 20: Believe it or not, the Tigers’ 7-3 mark means this is their “worst” season since finishing 9-5 in 2009. It’s still a lot to ask of the Eagles to hang tough against a team that’s beaten them by a combined score of 111-21 in the previous two postseasons.

Andy Sandrik: Southern Columbia 33, Line Mountain 12: With three division losses to Southern Columbia’s name, you get the sense the defending state champions are vulnerable this November. I just don’t think Line Mountain is the team that breaks through.

Adam Kulikowski: Southern Columbia 45, Line Mountain 14: Give the Eagles big props for the progress they have shown in the second half of the season. Still see an uphill battle against Southern Columbia.

PIAA DISTRICT 11 CLASS 1A SEMIFINALS

TRI-VALLEY 24, Minersville 13

Andy Shay: Tri-Valley 28, Minersville 26: Just feels like the Bulldogs are a little off their game entering the second season, and it was no easy task to slip past the Miners to kick off the season. The surprise here is Tri-Valley rolling.

Geoff Morrow: Tri-Valley 25, Minersville 18: The Battlin’ Miners, who hung tough with the Bulldogs back in Week 1, won’t be intimidated. And we’ll see how T-V responds to yet another disappointing loss to rival Williams Valley. This is a dangerous spot for the ‘Dawgs, but I still expect them to handle business.

Andy Sandrik: Tri-Valley 23, Minersville 21: This game is a rematch of a Week 1 scrap that saw the Bulldogs clip the Miners 20-13. Tri-Valley deserves to be the favorite here, but this is a much better Minersville team than we’ve seen in recent years.

Adam Kulikowski: Minersville 24, Tri-Valley 21: OK, so this is an upset to me if it happens with a talented freshman QB Dante Carr getting his first playoff exposure at the helm for Minersville. But they sport the kind of balance that plays well in the postseason — a talented QB with dual-threat abilities, a leading rusher with more than 1,000 yards, and four receivers with more than 225 yards. 

Saturday, Nov. 5

PIAA DISTRICT 3 CLASS 1A CHAMPIONSHIP

STEELTON-HIGHSPIRE 62, Fairfield 6

Andy Shay: Steel-High 56, Fairfield 14: Rollers should respect Fairfield taking the game, get some necessary work done, and then call off the dogs. No need to pad the stats. The outcome isn’t a question. There are much bigger fish to fry for Steel-High coming down the stream.

Geoff Morrow: Steel-High 59, Fairfield 7: This latest championship for the Rollers will not be their most difficult. Credit to the Green Knights for volunteering their Saturday afternoon for this.

Andy Sandrik: Steel-High 73, Fairfield 14: I see no evidence that suggests this game will be anything other than a Rollers blowout.

Adam Kulikowski: Steel-High 68, Fairfield 6: Rollers handle business. ‘Nuff said. 

PIAA DISTRICT 11 CLASS 2A SEMIFINALS

Executive Education Academy 22, WILLIAMS VALLEY 20

Andy Shay: Williams Valley 38, Executive Education Academy 27: All I know is EEA will show up and take its shots, and some will land. Vikings have to be ready to trade haymakers and keep the gas pedal on the floor to win this one.

Geoff Morrow: Williams Valley 20, Executive Education Academy 17: The Raptors gave Tri-Valley all it could handle in the regular season and should give the Vikings a battle here. But after some deserved midseason adversity, WV has rediscovered its groove and enters the dance on a five-game winning streak.

Andy Sandrik: Williams Valley 33, Executive Education Academy 29: Give me the Vikings, winners of five straight, but this has all the makings of a contest that comes down to the final play.

Adam Kulikowski: Williams Valley 45, Executive Education Academy 28: This is the type of game the Vikings are best equipped to play. That win last week against Tri-Valley only fortified the confidence WV should have entering this tilt.  

Tri-Valley and Minersville may not be sporting the same uniforms they were wearing in late August when they met for the first time.

But Friday night in the Hegins-Valley View Metroplex, good starts to promising seasons won’t be the primary objectives for the neighboring Schuylkill County combatants. Surviving to play next week is all that matters.

Matched up in the all-or-nothing District 11 Class 1A semifinals, Tri-Valley (9-1) and Minersville (6-4) will be dueling for the right to meet top-seeded Northern Lehigh or No. 4 Mahanoy Area in next weekend’s championship game.

A berth in the PIAA’s Class 1A playoffs also will be awarded to the eventual champ.

State-ranked Tri-Valley went into its regular-season finale hoping to deck rival Williams Valley and claim the Colonial-Schuylkill League’s Blue Division crown, but the Bulldogs dropped a 21-14 decision and saw those hopes end.

Kameron Wetzel scored both touchdowns for Jeff Sampson’s Bulldogs, cashing in on runs covering 34 and 9 yards for a Tri-Valley squad that was limited to 185 offensive yards — a mere 66 on the ground. Wetzel totaled 55 on 14 tries.

Quarterback Kole Miller completed eight of his 23 pass attempts for 106 yards, but he was picked off four times and the Bulldogs lost two fumbles. Jolten Flory caught three passes for 60 yards, while Layne Yoder had three grabs for 43.

Inside linebacker Reece Huntzinger and defensive tackle Jake Scheib each totaled 13 tackles. Huntzinger had one of Tri-Valley’s two sacks. Flory and Kash Tobin added interceptions, with Tobin returning his pick 55 yards.

Minersville mauled Nativity 37-0 in its regular-season finale, running up more than 400 offensive yards against the Green Wave. Luke Stevenosky had a huge game for the Miners, rushing for 221 yards and three TDs on 17 carries.

Freshman quarterback Dante Carr attempted eight passes, but completed five for 152 yards and one touchdown. Brock Polinsky had two catches for 86 yards.

Stevenosky and A.J. Halford paced the Miners with eight tackles apiece, while Polinsky picked off one pass and fell on a Nativity fumble.

In the earlier meeting, Tri-Valley snapped a 13-13 tie on the second of Scheib’s two touchdown runs. Wetzel posted the other score for Sampson’s Bulldogs, who picked up a combined 251 rushing yards from Huntzinger (17-95), Wetzel (9-91) and Scheib (11-65). Yoder added four receptions for 70 yards.

Minersville totaled 272 offensive yards — a combined 120 on the ground from Carr (eight carries, 65 yards, one TD) and Stevenosky (7-55) — with Carr completing 10 of his 24 pass attempts for 151 yards and one score. He was intercepted three times, once each by Jake Tietsworth, Cole Gemberling and Kole Miller.

Huntzinger also recovered a fumble. Polinsky finished with 13 tackles, while Stevenosky and Cade Schultz each totaled 10 stops.

Williams Valley begins quest for 2A crown

Tim Savage’s Williams Valley Vikings are riding a five-game winning streak into postseason play — they downed Tri-Valley 21-14 and captured the Colonial-Schuylkill League’s Blue crown — and are looking for one or two more.

Perhaps more.

Up first is a Saturday date in Williamstown with Allentown-based and pass-happy Executive Education (5-3). Williams Valley (8-2) also made its return this week to the state rankings.

Second-seeded Williams Valley totaled 248 yards in its win at Tri-Valley, getting nearly a 50-50 split between the passing and running attacks. Defensively, the Vikes limited the host Bulldogs to 172 total yards and forced six turnovers.

Alex Achenbach rushed for 125 yards on 27 carries, scoring on an 18-yard run. The multi-talented junior also caught two passes for 71 yards, including a 64-yard strike from quarterback Isaac Whiteash (6 of 14 passing, 125 yards, two TDs, two INTs).

Brady Evans added three receptions for 50 yards and one score, but he also recorded one interception. Whiteash, Evan Achenbach and Aiden Miller added the other picks for the Vikes, who led 14-7 at half and 21-7 after three.

Bryant Hoover topped Williams Valley with 10 tackles — linemen Ezi Hite and Cruz Banda shared five of the Vikes’ seven tackles for loss — while Logan Williard and Alex Achenbach each registered eight stops.

Executive Education last played Oct. 21, defeating Lower Moreland 44-7 for the Raptors’ second consecutive victory.

Darmel Lopez completed 12 of his 16 pass attempts for 273 yards and four touchdowns, hooking up with Jyhmiek Roman (four receptions, 55 yards), Kristopher Cruz (2-30), Damon Young (1-79) and Cazhiere Richardson (1-55) on his scoring throws. Lopez also ran six times for a team-high 72 yards.

Matthew Martinez paced Executive Ed with 12 tackles.

Should Savage’s Vikings prevail, they will square off with either top-seeded Palisades or No. 4 Catasauqua in next weekend’s 2A title game.

Pine Grove gets one more chance

Pine Grove (3-7) will have the chance to close out an up-and-down 2022 campaign on a winning note and capture a championship Thursday night when it visits Berks Catholic. The Eastern Conference’s 3A crown will be at stake.

Lane Lehman rushed 30 times for 108 yards and a pair of third-quarter touchdowns as Dave Shiffer’s closed out the regular season by grinding out a 14-6 victory over Marian Catholic. Lehman scored TDs of 1 and 4 yards.

Mason Kroh (7 for 10) added 66 yards through the air with Nick Wolff hauling in four passes for 25 yards.

Wolff also fell on a Marian fumble and Xaviar Yeagley picked off one pass for the Cards, while Lehman registered a team-high eight tackles.

Berks Catholic (4-6), which played a brutal non-league schedule, closed out regular-season play with a 49-28 victory over Elco. Rick Keeley’s Saints rang up a little more than 500 yards of total offense en route to the road success.

Josiah Jordan rushed 16 times for 192 yards and three touchdowns, fueling a ground assault that chalked up 312 lengths on 30 carries — an average of 10.4 yards per crack. The Saints, who led 28-14 at the half and 49-14 after three, also picked up 76 yards and a score from Michael Bradley on just two attempts.

William Hess attempted just six passes yet completed five for 191 yards and three touchdowns. Jordan (69) and Bradley (14) caught TD passes for their lone receptions, while Devin Garcia had two catches for 84 yards and one score.

Luke Impellizzeri tormented the Elco attack by racking up 16 stops, while Kevin Olivier added 10 tackles. Jordan recorded Berks Catholic’s lone pick.