Dalton Clymer, sr., RB, Northwestern Lehigh: Clymer piled up 129 yards and two rushing touchdowns as Northwestern Lehigh dismantled Palmerton Friday night 58-8 in the District 11 Class 3A championship. He also added a fumble recovery.
Ty Sander, sr., FS, Palmerton: In his final prep football game, Sander led his team in tackles with 11, including two for loss. He also added a rushing touchdown in Palmerton’s 58-8 loss to Northwestern Lehigh Friday night in the District 11 Class 3A championship.
Marcus Shoop, sr., LB, Williams Valley: Shoop notched a team-high 16 tackles in his final prep football game Friday night against Dunmore, a 41-21 loss in the first round of the PIAA Class 2A playoffs.
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Drew Branstetter, jr., QB, Camp Hill: It wasn’t as efficient as some of his other showings this season, but Branstetter did what needed to be done to lead the Lions to a 32-26 win over West Catholic in the PIAA Class 2A first round, completing 20 of 44 passes for 318 yards and four touchdowns (plus two interceptions). He also ran eight times for 99 yards and another TD.
Kevin Brown, so., DL/OL, Harrisburg: One of three Cougars you’ll find on this list after an impressive 28-21 District 3-6A semifinal victory over Central York on Saturday. Brown had three sacks to lead a Harrisburg unit that got to Panthers QB Brooklyn Nace five times, held a potent rushing attack to just 54 yards on 27 carries and blocked for a running game that tallied 398 yards on 50 carries.
Eddie Corkery, jr., QB, State College: Corkery uncorked 31 passes, completing 19 of them for 230 yards and
three touchdowns (and an interception) in the Little Lions’ 47-20 loss to McDowell in the first round of the PIAA Class 6A playoffs on Friday night. He finished with 2,170 yards and exactly 20 TDs this season.
Wyatt Ehrenzeller, jr., QB/LB, Juniata: Always love to see a two-way QB make an impact on both sides of the ball. Ehrenzeller did that in Juniata’s 21-7 PIAA-4A first-round win over Meadville, going 7-of-15 passing for 116 yards and a touchdown (plus two picks), running 11 times for 42 stripes and recording five tackles, two tackles for loss and a sack on defense.
Alex Erby, sr., QB, Steel-High: Rain seems to be the only thing that can slow the Rollers offense, but Erby still led a 21-7 PIAA Class 1A first-round victory over Northern Bedford with just enough offensive pop. The Navy commit went 8 of 12 for 136 yards and two TD tosses to Durrell Ceasar Jr., and ran seven times for 27 stripes.
Nehemiah Ewell, jr., RB, Harrisburg: The first half of the Cougars’ potent rushing attack Saturday afternoon, Ewell averaged nearly 10 yards a pop (18 carries, 170 yards) and provided a 4-yard touchdown in the second quarter to hand Central York its first loss of the season in the district semis.
Nazir Jones-Davis, so., RB/DB, Bishop McDevitt: Jones-Davis was one of those Crusaders in the 43-7 District 3-4A semifinal victory over Lampeter-Strasburg who did a whole lot with just a few opportunities. He ran just nine times but finished with 103 yards and touchdowns of 20, 6 and 1 yard in the middle quarters (plus two catches for 16 yards).
Shawn Lee Jr., jr., QB, Harrisburg: Lee opened the game with an 80-yard touchdown run and finished with two more dashes to the end zone (9 and 47 yards) to help co-lead the Cougars’ ground-based assault. Lee carried the ball 15 times for 153 yards and was 6 of 10 for 73 yards through the air.
Alex Long, jr., WR/DL, Camp Hill: We’ve mentioned the QB a few times this season in these parts, but how about one of his favorite targets? Long was excellent in Friday’s first-round state playoff win with seven catches for 174 yards and two touchdowns, all in the first half. Those TDs covered 23 yards and
Lane Peiper, jr., OL/DL, Juniata: Peiper led a strong Juniata defensive effort in the win over Meadville, recording a team-high 11 tackles (seven solo) and three tackles for loss. He also dragged down Meadville’s quarterback twice for sacks, half of Juniata’s total on the night. He now has 123 tackles, 14 TFLs and nine sacks this season.
Caiden Pines, sr., WR/DB, Cumberland Valley: Pines did plenty of damage through the air for a team not known for that this season, hauling in six passes for 165 yards in Friday’s District 3 Class 6A semifinal loss to Manheim Township, 37-27. Pines also scored a touchdown from 46 yards out.
Rico Scott, sr., WR/DB, Bishop McDevitt: Just like teammate Jones-Davis, Scott needed just a handful of touches to do damage. The Alabama verbal pledge took five receptions for 114 yards and a 27-yard, second-quarter TD in the Crusaders’ district semifinal victory over Lampeter-Strasburg.
Bennett Secrest, jr., QB, Cedar Cliff: The Colts only had 30 offensive plays in a 31-13 District 3-5A semifinal loss to Cocalico, so the pickings were slim. But Secrest tossed two second-half touchdowns of 15 and 40 yards and was an efficient 6-of-9 passing for 96 yards (and an INT) in an effort to keep the game close.
Bryce Staretz, sr., RB/LB, Cumberland Valley: One final big game for Staretz, who had 166 typically hard yards on 25 totes in the Eagles’ 37-27 loss to Manheim Township in the district semis. The senior scored twice on runs of 2 and 6 yards, and he finished with 1,574 yards and 20 scores this season.
For the second week in a row Camp Hill quarterback Drew Branstetter guided his team to a touchdown in the dying minutes of the game to secure a victory. That’s what a junior taking his game to the next level looks like.
Only difference this time around, compared to last week’s win against Trinity in the District 3 Class 2A championship game, was the Lions trailed West Catholic by a point when it got the ball back instead of being tied. Big difference. Same result.
It took a 2-yard TD toss to Kobe Moore with 25 seconds left to get the win in a game where Branstetter accounted for more than 400 yards of offense (310 passing, 101 rushing).
For a team that was 4-5 after a loss to West Perry on Oct. 20, to celebrating a state playoff victory less than a month later is borderline unthinkable.
It proves anything is possible when you have a quarterback with ice in his veins running the show. Well done to the Lions.
Bishop McDevitt in class by itself
Friday night provided a perfect example of the ridiculous level this Bishop McDevitt Crusaders offense is operating at in defense of its PIAA Class 4A state championship.
Entering The Roc, visiting Lampeter-Strasburg had not yet surrendered 100 total points this season through 11 games and brought a tidy 9-2 record to the table with its only losses coming to Cocalico and Wyomissing — two teams still playing late November football — in tight, low-scoring affairs.
By halftime, McDevitt had put 23 points on the board, amassed 355 total yards, orchestrated two scoring drives that each covered 99 yards and was in complete control against an opponent who was battle tested and had the potential to slow down this offense.
Before the third quarter was five minutes old, McDevitt had added another TD to its ledger and eventually led 43-7 after three quarters to kickstart the mercy rule clock.
The Crusaders rocked L-S for nearly half as many points in three quarters as the Pioneers had surrendered all season. That is what other teams in Class 4A are up against.
Steel-High’s worst enemy? Mother Nature
If you were out at a game anywhere in District 3 Friday night, you noticed a drizzle of rain every now and then. It was nothing that impacted how any game was played.
That was not the case in Claysburg where Steel-High was up against undefeated District 5 champion Northern Bedford. It was a full-scale deluge for the first half, which should explain 0-0 halftime score that would’ve been a surprise to casual observers. Throwing was impossible, and holding onto the football with any consistency was a struggle.
Once the heavy rain moved out, Steel-High posted 21 second-half points and cruised to a 14-point victory. Remember, the Rollers can play some defense, too. The Northern Bedford touchdown came with 2:21 to play.
The Rollers’ D picked off three passes and limited Northern Bedford to 158 yards of total offense while surrendering that lone late touchdown.
Having this much adaptability to prevail in a variety of ways, shapes and forms is what makes Steel-High such an impossible out at the Class 1A level.
Harrisburg gets chance at redemption against Manheim Township
Storms forced Harrisburg’s Week 3 game with Manheim Township to be moved to Saturday after the Cougars made the trip on Friday and took the field ready to play.
When they returned the next day, Harrisburg was a no-show and the Blue Streaks drilled the visitors 38-6. Even in September you kind of figured these two squads would most likely see each other again.
Yep. Harrisburg gets another bite of the Manheim Township apple after a rock solid 28-21 victory over previously undefeated Central York on Saturday.
Safe to say the Cougars will be ready for this one with a District 3 Class 6A title on the line.
Hat tip to some Mid-Penn teams knocked out this weekend
Cumberland Valley went down swinging, eh? The Eagles took an early haymaker from Manheim Township, steadied the ship and fired back round after round. Deep into the second half this was a one-score game with the outcome in doubt somewhat. Just to be in that spot is a testament to the Eagles’ mettle, and losing 37-27 is a loss of the highest quality.
I was hinting around at Hershey hitting a wall a week ago against a well-rested New Oxford side. To the Trojans’ credit, that didn’t happen. But Hershey ran into that wall this week and was drilled by Ephrata 47-7 in the Class 5A semifinal. Two playoff wins was a next-level accomplishment.
West Perry’s magic carpet ride came to a screeching halt Saturday afternoon, and for the most part it looked the same as it did a year ago in the District 3 Class 3A championship game at Wyomissing. Less than a minute into the third quarter, the powerhouse Spartans put the running clock into play when they went up 35-0 on their way to a commanding 42-14 win. West Perry had no say in the outcome of this title tilt.
First thoughts on Mid-Penn football realignment
The Mid-Penn Conference has approved realignment for the 2024 seasoness. The conference will go from five divisions to four, comprising two 10-team divisions and a pair of nine-team divisions.
Here’s some initial quick takes.
Cedar Cliff to the Commonwealth is a big jump for the Colts. That’s a tough one. Bishop McDevitt going back to the big-school division, jumping from the Keystone to Commonwealth, feels like an overdue move.
The new-look Keystone will take some time to figure out if it works or not, but I like the initial lineup of teams. Putting Steel-High and Camp Hill among the former Liberty Division squads makes sense in terms of school enrollment, but from a competition standpoint it appears as if the Rollers and Lions are the alpha dogs.
I love the new-look Colonial Division. It’s like a box of chocolates. Overall, 20 of the 38 teams in the conference are changing divisions. Structurally, the realignment makes a lot of sense.
Cocalico never really gave Cedar Cliff a whiff at being competitive in this District 3 Class 5A semifinal Friday night at West Shore Stadium.
The Eagles were simply dominant on both sides of the ball and kept the Colts’ offense on ice much of the night to post a commanding 31-13 victory.
Staying true to form, Cocalico used its run-heavy offense to dictate the tempo of the game and, despite leading only 10-0 at halftime, the blueprint for victory was printed in triplicate and already dry.
Cocalico amassed 229 total yards by intermission while limiting the Colts to 10 offensive snaps and two possessions the opening 24 minutes.
Led by halfback Aaryn Longenecker, who dashed 83 yards for a touchdown on the fourth play of the game, the Eagles piled up nearly 400 yards on the ground and had a trio of 100 yard rushers — Longenecker, fullback P. Dane Horning and quarterback Joshua Myer.
Horning added a short touchdown run midway through the third quarter to up the cushion to 17 points.
When Horning found the end zone from the 3-yard line with 11:07 to play to up the margin to 24 points and close the book on the game, the Eagles had more points (24) than the Colts had offensive snaps (16).
Cocalico will play Ephrata, which clobbered tournament surprise Hershey, in the Class 5A championship game.
Time to hand out some postseason grades.
COCALICO EAGLES
Quarterback: The 6-foot-2 junior runs the Eagles’ Wing-T offense like a veteran, and he killed the Colts on those outside down-the-line QB option runs all game. He’s quicker than you think in tight spaces and physical once he gets a head of steam. He eclipsed 100 yards on the ground and completed both of his passes for first downs on critical third-down plays. He was a big time difference-maker in this game. Grade: A
Running back: Senior halfback Aaryn Longenecker was the best player on the field in this one from start to finish. He didn’t have a ton of touches, but in addition to his 83-yard gallop he added another 40-plus yard run. It was a pleasure to watch him patiently wait in space for an opening to emerge before putting his foot in the ground and stepping on the gas. Smooth runner. Fullback Horning is only a junior, gets a ton of carries, is more physical than you think and is not easy to get to the ground. He cleared 100 yards by halftime and is the perfect set-up man for anything outside the tackles. Grade: A+
Wide receivers: They have a wide receiver, but they don’t throw to him much at all. Both completions, big plays, went to the running backs and covered nearly 50 yards total. Grade: B
Offensive line: When you run for nearly 400 yards against a defense that didn’t really have a bad night, that’s a dead giveaway the battle up front was one-sided. The Eagles don’t run the buck sweep very often, but the few times they did Friday night the blocking was executed nearly flawlessly. Physical group as well. Early on they were blowing Colts off the ball. Grade: A
Defensive line: Light load with so few possessions and plays run by the opposing offense. They did create noticeable pressure on obvious pass plays, were very gap responsible in the run game and played a huge role in forcing the Colts’ offense off the field in quick order. Grade: A
Linebackers: They made two big splash plays on blitzes that were good calls by the defensive coordinator and produced a pair of early sacks that ended drives in the first half. In terms of the run game, they were average at best. Second-level runs were what worked more often than not. Grade: B
Secondary: Later in the game they did get beat clean a couple times, and there was a coverage confusion on the one Cliff touchdown. However, when the game was in the balance they did snare an interception to give their greedy offense the ball back. Grade: B
Special teams: Cocalico did not punt. That needs to be noted. I wasn’t very warm and fuzzy about their kickoff coverage. Kicker Todd Becker has a big leg; you could see that on extra points. And though his 22-yard field goal was a duck, the snap and hold looked off but he still managed to get the ball just over the goal post. Grade: B
CEDAR CLIFF COLTS
Quarterback: Tough night for Bennett Secrest. Couple of early, easy sacks where he could do nothing killed drives and stalled the offense. He never really had a chance to impact the game. Plus, he threw an INT that was massively underthrown and lost a key fumble on the opening drive of the second half on fourth-and-2. Killer turnover. Grade: C
Running back: What you expect from Erik Schriver is exactly what you got. He actually ran well in between the tackles but had so few carries it almost was irrelevant how many yards he amassed. I still think he ran well against a defense that was in full attack mode. Grade: B
Wide receivers: You knew Cedar Cliff would have to throw the ball to stay up with the Eagles, and that never happened because this group was, for the most part, left in the garage with their hands tied. Several good grabs late. Had they been afforded the opportunity, this group could have really changed the perspective of this game. Grade: B
Offensive line: I thought overall they blocked OK in a small sample size, but two big plays really did a number on this offense. They were the two missed blitzes where the Cocalico linebacker came through untouched to sack Secrest. That could not happen with so few opportunities. Grade: C
Defensive line: They pushed back after getting knocked off the ball with relative ease early. From the midway point of the second quarter until the halfway point of the third quarter they were very good. Was too late, though. The damage was done. Grade: C+
Linebackers: Inside the tackles they were pretty good on those belly and dive plays led by Blake Secrest and Nathan Lusk. On the edge they were torched on buck sweeps and QB options. Those big chunk plays killed this defense. It was too easy for Cocalico. Grade: B-
Secondary: Easy to say because the other team is almost exclusively running the ball, but when their number was called they were beaten soundly twice for big plays and first downs. And they were not helpful on the edge, either. Rough night overall. Grade: C
Special teams: Kick return game was good. Punting was what they needed it to be, and kickoffs were deep and the coverage was solid. They did their job on this night. Grade: B
Two Mid-Penn Conference teams have won a District 3 title. Another is playing for one this weekend. And more are vying for a chance a week from now.
So can West Perry in Class 3A knock off titan Wyomissing and add to the MPC haul? And can Cedar Cliff and Hershey (5A), and Cumberland Valley and Harrisburg (6A) get to their respective title games?
Time to find out. This week also marks the first round of the PIAA football championships, which includes several more Mid-Penn teams, from State College in 6A to surprise District 3-2A champ Camp Hill.
As always, bookmark this page on your phone, laptop or tablet to follow every matchup and see every highlight from the Mid-Penn and some of the teams in the Colonial-Schuylkill League. We’ll update scores throughout the night on this page (refresh the page to see new updates), and you can follow our Twitter feed below for minute-by-minute updates.
PIAA football playoffs: District 3 football championships analysis, staff picks and previews
Each week 4th Down Magazine will preview the weekend slate, predict the winners and provide extra analysis. Here’s everything to get you ready for the District 3 Class 3A championship game and semifinals in 4A through 6A:
Who’s gonna win? The 4th Down crew picks winners in this week’s district playoff matchups
EXPLAINING OUR PICKS: It’s the third week of the PIAA football playoffs, and the state tournaments officially begin Friday night while much of District 3 continues to determine its six champions. And the 4th Down Magazine team is here to tell you who will win the District 3, 4, 6 and 11 playoff games this weekend, most of which kick off at 7 p.m. Friday.
This year’s group of experts includes veteran reporters Andy Shay and Andy Sandrik, as well as 4th Down owner and manager Adam Kulikowski.
Here’s who we think will win each game and why, with the kind of analysis you won’t find anywhere else. Stick with us all the way through the PIAA state championships in December.
2023 Standings
Picker: Last Week — Overall — Perfect Picks Adam Kulikowski: 15-3 — 218-63 — 2
Andy Sandrik: 15-3 — 218-63 — 0
Andy Shay: 13-5 — 205-76 — 1
* Records in parentheses after school name; District and seed in parentheses before school name.
Watch: This week’s edition of 4th & Goal with Andy Shay and Jake Adams features an interview with Juniata’s Jasper Shepps plus we dive into Camp Hill’s upset victory over Trinity, Cumberland Valley’s turnaround season, which Mid-Penn teams could claim District titles and previews of this week’s action.
PIAA CLASS 6A FIRST ROUND
FRIDAY, NOV. 17
6-1 State College at 10-1 McDowell, 7 p.m.
Andy Shay: State College 20, McDowell 17: Based on the offensive output the last month by the Little Lions — averaging only two touchdowns per outing — is going to be a struggle. McDowell has an offense with some pop — will it be enough to rock the State College defense?
Andy Sandrik: State College 21, McDowell 14: This is my benefit-of-the-doubt pick with State College, a proven PIAA playoff team with a solid defense, but I’d be lying if I said that McDowell offense doesn’t have me second-guessing my pick.
Adam Kulikowski: State College 28, McDowell 21: Our crew’s collective worry gives me pause making the call to go with the Little Lions. But the pedigree of this program and its coaching staff says they will have an answer for the team’s recent offensive woes.
PIAA CLASS 4A FIRST ROUND
FRIDAY, NOV. 17
6-1 Juniata at 10-1 Meadville, 7 p.m.
Andy Shay: Juniata 29, Meadville 27: This is a toss-up game for me all the way. What I can’t get away from is the quality of competition Juniata has faced this season. Meadville has enjoyed recent success in this matchup, though.
Andy Sandrik: Juniata 34, Meadville 24: When comparing the records, it seems like Meadville should be favored, but I’ve been saying it all season: Juniata’s schedule will have the Indians more than ready for this moment.
Adam Kulikowski: Meadville 31, Juniata 28: The Bulldogs possess a dynamic trio of runners — each with more than 940 stripes in 2023 — that could flex their collective muscles against the Indians.
PIAA CLASS 2A FIRST ROUND
FRIDAY, NOV. 17
11-1 Williams Valley vs. 2-1 Dunmore, at Schuylkill Haven HS, 7 p.m.
Andy Shay: Dunmore 28, Williams Valley 26: Two hammer running backs going head-to-head in a power struggle. Look inside the trenches, and that is where the Bucks have a decisive advantage they have to take advantage of. Otherwise, the Vikings win.
Andy Sandrik: Williams Valley 28, Dunmore 21: Alex Achenbach is the star running back for Williams Valley, I think we all know that much. But after completing 4 of 4 passes for 147 yards and three TDs last week, Achenbach now also leads the Vikings in TD passes — with eight.
Adam Kulikowski: Williams Valley 34, Dunmore 23: Both teams sport a tough rushing attack led by the Vikings’ Achenbach and Dunmore’s Danny Pigga. The size of the Bucks’ line has created matchup challenges for foes all season and could be an X-factor Friday night.
12-1 West Catholic at 3-1 Camp Hill, 7 p.m.
Andy Shay: Camp Hill 42, West Catholic 0: Talk about the Lions’ offense all you want, and that winning drive was nothing short of football perfection last week to win a District 3 crown. But for me, this is about a tough-as-nail Camp Hill defense in full bloom.
Andy Sandrik: Camp Hill 38, West Catholic 7: This Camp Hill squad hasn’t faced an “easy” team since September, which should play to the favor of the Lions, who are heavy favorites in this PIAA opener.
Adam Kulikowski: Camp Hill 45, West Catholic 6: The Burrs have one win this season. One. 1. Uno. After knocking off Trinity to claim the District 3 Class 2A title last week, this game should feel like a warm up for the Lions.
PIAA CLASS 1A FIRST ROUND
FRIDAY, NOV. 17
5-1 Northern Bedford County vs. 3-1 Steel-High, at Claysburg Kimmel HS, 7 p.m.
Andy Shay: Steel-High 49, Bedford County 35: This one has all the prime ingredients for a shootout where mistakes get lost in big play after big play. Bedford won’t mind the pace, but the Rollers thrive in these situations at another level.
Andy Sandrik: Steel-High 46, Northern Bedford County 28: By all accounts we have two terrific teams lining up Friday night, but I think the “been there, done that” factor will pay dividends for the Rollers in a game that could appear to be a 50-50 affair late.
Adam Kulikowski: Steel-High 45, Northern Bedford County 41: If you like offense, this just might be the ticket to purchase Friday evening. Both clubs feature dynamic weapons at the skill positions and strong supporting casts. I fully expect the last team to hold the rock will win.
DISTRICT 3 CLASS 6A SEMIFINALS
FRIDAY, NOV. 17
No. 4 Cumberland Valley at No. 1 Manheim Township, 7 p.m.
Andy Shay: Manheim Township 42, Cumberland Valley 17: This is not the same Eagles team the Blue Streaks faced in Week 1 and dispatched by 28 points with relative ease. It’s the same Township outfit, just more polish on the brass.
Andy Sandrik: Manheim Township 40, Cumberland Valley 14: Most of CV’s big wins have been unexpected, but if the Eagles find a way to win this one, that would be infinitely more unexpected than all of those other wins combined.
Adam Kulikowski: Manheim Township 43, Cumberland Valley 23: Yes, this is likely the final stop for the Eagles in 2023, but what an incredible journey it has been for Josh Oswalt’s team — one that will pay huge dividends in 2024.
SATURDAY, NOV. 18
No. 3 Central York at No. 2 Harrisburg, 1 p.m.
Andy Shay: Harrisburg 40, Central York 38: Give me some points and the last team that has the ball. If this turns into a defensive battle, then something has gone sideways big time. Panthers are better equipped for a close shave, though. They know how to win this type of game.
Andy Sandrik: Harrisburg 39, Central York 21: A lot of folks are calling for this one to be a slobberknocker, but not me. With the Cougars playing at Severance Field with Shawn Lee Jr. behind center, I’ll go ahead and go as far as calling this my lock of the week.
Adam Kulikowski: Central York 39, Harrisburg 37: One of the best matchups on the docket this week, the Panthers figure to provide the biggest challenge since Harrisburg’s Week 3 tussle with Manheim Township.
DISTRICT 3 CLASS 5A SEMIFINALS
FRIDAY, NOV. 17
No. 8 Hershey at No. 5 Ephrata, 7 p.m.
Andy Shay: Hershey 29, Ephrata 28: Riding the Trojans Train. Why not?
Andy Sandrik: Hershey 30, Ephrata 27: Angel Cabrera is having a postseason that none of us could have imagined. Except for 4th Down Magazine, that is, which recognized Cabrera as Hershey’s “One Player to Watch” way back in 2022.
Adam Kulikowski: Hershey 35, Ephrata 31: Mettle. Grit. Resilience. Pick the adjective you like best. They all fit a Trojans team that simply has refused to allow their 2023 circuit to end.
No. 3 Cocalico at No. 2 Cedar Cliff, 7 p.m.
Andy Shay: Cocalico 35, Cedar Cliff 27: I believe the Colts can win this game if some dominos fall their way. They need a little help, though. I don’t think Cocalico needs that help and have earned the role of favorites. Tough draw for Cliff.
Andy Sandrik: Cocalico 28, Cedar Cliff 14: Both teams come in with 10-1 records, but if you count the number of quality wins possessed by Cocalico, it’s not hard to tell Cedar Cliff is the team that’s going to need a few breaks to stay in this one.
Adam Kulikowski: Cedar Cliff 27, Cocalico 24: Call it a contrarian pick. But a tough draw won’t deter a Colts team that possesses the weapons to win a tight battle.
DISTRICT 3 CLASS 4A SEMIFINALS
FRIDAY, NOV. 17
No. 5 Lampeter-Strasburg at No. 1 Bishop McDevitt, 7 p.m.
Andy Shay: Bishop McDevitt 41, Lampeter-Strasburg 14: The L-S defense has earned respect. Pretty sure they haven’t seen an offense like this, and I still think the McD defense gets overlooked a bit this time of year.
Andy Sandrik: Bishop McDevitt 42, Lampeter-Strasburg 14: There’s nothing about Lampeter-Strasburg’s résumé that suggests the Pioneers are going to do the thing to McDevitt that 11 other teams have failed to do.
Adam Kulikowski: Bishop McDevitt 45, Lampeter-Strasburg 14: The 9-2 Pioneers sport a formidable defense that has yielded less than 100 points this year. Is that enough to slow the Crusaders and keep this a game close for a full four quarters? Tall task.
No. 3 Manheim Central at No. 2 Twin Valley, 7 p.m.
Andy Shay: Twin Valley 27, Manheim Central 21: The better offense in this matchup belongs to the Barons. On the other side of the ball, this Twin Valley defense has grown into a big part of the keys to victory. I’m taking the defense in this one.
Andy Sandrik: Manheim Central 23, Twin Valley 20: Something tells me the Barons have just enough to outlast fellow L-L power Twin Valley.
Adam Kulikowski: Manheim Central 33, Twin Valley 14: I’ll place my chips on Barons senior gunslinger Zac Hahn (2,600 yards, 37 touchdowns) and his dynamic weapons in running back Brycen Armold (1,275 stripes, 17 scores) and wideout Aaron Enterline (1,415 yards, 24 touchdowns).
DISTRICT 3 CLASS 3A CHAMPIONSHIP
SATURDAY, NOV. 18
No. 3 West Perry at No. 1 Wyomissing, 1 p.m.
Andy Shay: Wyomissing 35, West Perry 28: The Mustangs are better equipped for the Class 3A beast of District 3. I can see a path to victory for them. Just not prepared to pick them to shock the Spartans until somebody does it. Wyomissing demands 48 minutes of excellence from a team and can grind on you like very few can.
Andy Sandrik: Wyomissing 42, West Perry 35: Even the most hardcore of West Perry fans will acknowledge the Mustangs have their work cut out for them this weekend. It’s going to take some kind of effort just to stay competitive.
Adam Kulikowski: Wyomissing 45, West Perry 24: This might not be one of those classic Wyomissing clubs that will drop a 60-spot on you like they did last year to the Mustangs, but the Spartans still pack a big punch.
Trey Good was good enough to earn one last 4th Down Magazine Mid-Penn Conference Player of the Week honors after the second round of the District 3 playoffs.
The standout East Pennsboro senior’s varsity career came to an end in the District 3 Class 4A quarterfinals, 23-20 in double-overtime to Lampeter-Strasburg, but he went out with a bang. The receiver caught 10 passes for 120 yards and two touchdowns, and the 870 yards he accumulated this season makes him the program’s single-season record holder. It snapped a 22-year record held by Ross Wheeler (762 yards).
East Pennsboro players were contenders all season for POTW, and Good finished voting this week with 1,636 votes cast, easily knocking out second-place West Perry junior running back Brad Hockenberry (362 votes). There were 2,677 total votes cast this week.
The Panthers’ great season came to an end with a 9-2 record and a Mid-Penn Colonial Division title.
For a second straight week a linebacker has earned the 4th Down Magazine Colonial-Schuylkill League Player of the Week, this time Williams Valley’s Trevon Bair in the second week of the playoffs
Bair, a dominant freshman, notched a team-high 13 tackles (three for loss) and a sack to lead the Vikings to a 49-35 victory over Schuylkill Haven for the District 11 Class 2A championship. The ‘backer has come on strong since his first varsity game Oct. 6, according to MaxPreps, with 56 tackles (eight TFLs) in six games
The rookie earned 1,765 votes from thrilled Vikings fans this week, easily besting teammate and star running back Alex Achenbach (883). There were 3,298 total votes cast this week.
Bair and the Vikings’ (10-2) season continues Friday in a PIAA first-round playoff game against District 3 champion Dunmore Friday at 7 p.m. at Schuylkill Haven High School.
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Alex Achenbach, sr., RB, Williams Valley: Big time players show up in the biggest moments. And Achenbach certainly fits that mold, accounting for seven touchdowns in Williams Valley’s 49-35 victory Friday against Schuylkill Haven. The senior rushed for 234 stripes on 37 carries and four touchdowns. He also completed four passes for 147 yards and three more touchdowns.
Trevon Bair, fr., LB, Williams Valley: Bair made a huge impact on defense for the Vikings, notching a team-high 13 tackles. He added three tackles for loss and a sack to help Williams Valley slip past Schuylkill Haven 49-35.
Emiolo Gonzalez, sr., LB, Palmerton: Gonzalez made a new home in the North Schuylkill backfield Friday night in a 32-24 victory. The senior notched a team-high 10 tackles and had three sacks and a forced fumble.
Luke Stevenosky, sr., RB, Minersville: Stevenosky rushed for 175 yards on 22 carries (8.0 yards per carry) and a touchdown. On defense, he racked up 10 stops, including four for loss, and a sack.
