Eric F. Epler’s State High School Football Rankings: October 8

CLASS 6A

Rank – Team – District – Record — Previous

1. La Salle College HS (12) —                  7-0          — 2

2. St. Joseph’s Prep (12) —                        3-2          — 1

3. Central Bucks South (1) —                  7-0          — 3

4. Imhotep Charter (12) —                         6-1          — 4

5. Bethlehem Freedom (11) —               7-0          — 5

6. Manheim Township (3) —                     7-0          — 6

7. Downingtown West (1) —                     7-0          — 7

8. Harrisburg (3) —                                           6-1          — 8

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

10. State College (6) —                                 6-1          — NR

Teams to watch: Central York (3) 6-1, Easton Area (11) 6-1, North Allegheny (7) 6-1, North Penn (1) 6-1, Parkland (11) 6-1, Wilson-West Lawn (3) 6-1.

CLASS 5A

Rank – Team – District – Record – Previous

1. Pine-Richland (7) —                6-0          — 1

2. Chester (1)  —                                6-1          — 2

3. Strath Haven (1) —                    7-0          — 3

4. Upper St. Clair (7) —               7-0          — 4

5. West Chester Rustin (1) — 6-1         — 5

6. Peters Township (7) —           6-1          — 6

7. Bishop McDevitt (3) —          6-1          — 7

8. Bethel Park (7) —                       7-0          — 9

9. Roman Catholic (12) —        5-2          — 10

10. Mechanicsburg (3) —          7-0          — NR

Teams to watch: Exeter Township (3) 7-0, Garnet Valley (1) 6-1, Hollidaysburg (6) 6-1, New Oxford (3) 7-0, South Fayette (7) 6-1, Springfield-Delco (1) 6-1.

CLASS 4A

Rank – Team – District – Record – Previous

1. Twin Valley (3) —                         7-0          — 1

2. Aliquippa (7) —                            5-1          — 2

3. Pope John Paul II (1) —          6-1          — 3

4. Wyomissing (3) —                      6-1          — 4

5. Thomas Jefferson (7) —        7-0          — 5

6. Bonner-Prendergast (12) — 5-0      — 6

7. Lampeter-Strasburg (3) — 7-0          — 7

8. Shamokin (4) —                           7-0          — 8

9. Montour (7) —                               7-0          — 10

10. Clearfield (9) —                        7-0          — NR

Teams to watch: General McLane (10) 6-1, Jersey Shore (4) 5-2, Southern Lehigh (11) 6-1, Springfield-Montco (1) 6-1, Susquehanna Township (3) 6-1.

CLASS 3A

Rank – Team – District – Record – Previous

1. Danville (4) —                                                  7-0          — 1

2. Northwestern Lehigh (11) —              7-0          — 2

3. Scranton Prep (2) —                                  6-1          — 3

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

5. Western Wayne (2) —                              7-0          — 5

6. Lewisburg (4) —                                            7-0          — 9

7. Sharon (10) —                                                 6-1          — 8

8. Notre Dame-Green Pond (11) —    6-1          — NR

9. Mount Carmel (4) —                                  5-2          — 7

10. Hickory (10) —                                             6-1          — 10

Teams to watch: Penn Cambria (6) 6-1, Tamaqua (11) 6-1, Trinity (3) 6-1, Avonworth (7) 5-2, Bermudian Springs (3) 6-1.

CLASS 2A

Rank – Team – District – Record – Previous

1. Troy (4) —                              7-0          — 1

2. Riverside (2) —                                               7-0          — 2

3. Central Clarion (9) —                                7-0          — 3

4. Seton-LaSalle (7) —                                  7-0          — 4

5. Schuylkill Haven (11) —                         6-1          — 5

6. Williams Valley (11) —                            6-1          — 6

7. Cambria Heights (6) —                           7-0          — 7

8. Ellwood City (7) —                                      6-0          — 8

9. Richland (6) —                                                6-1          — 9

10. South Park (7) —                                       6-1          –10

Teams to watch: Mount Union (6) 6-1, Sharpsville (10) 6-1, South Allegheny (7) 6-1, Steel-High (3) 5-2.

CLASS 1A

Rank – Team – District – Record – Previous

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

2. Bishop Guilfoyle (6) —          7-0          — 2

3. Westinghouse (8) —                5-1          — 3

4. Clairton (7) —                                7-0          — 4

5. Lackawanna Trail (2) —        6-1          — 5

6. Port Allegany (9) —                   7-0          — 6

7. Bishop Canevin (7) —            5-1          — 7

8. Neshannock (7) —                    6-1          — 8

9. Muncy (4) —                                   6-1          — 9

10. Greenville (10) —                    6-1          — NR

Teams to watch: Cambridge Springs (10) 6-1, Line Mountain (4) 5-2, Monessen (7) 6-1, Nativity-BVM (11) 6-1, Northern Bedford (5) 6-1.

Results: Week 7 Picks and Predictions

Name; Week 7; Overall

Andy Sandrik: 14-5; 112-33

Andy Shay: 14-5; 109-36

Adam Kulikowski: 15-4; 106-39

Friday, Oct. 4

Non-League

Line Mountain 55, Middletown 21

Andy Shay: Middletown 21, Line Mountain 19: If nothing else, the Blue Raiders have proved themselves as a tough out. And they have the defense to back it up.

Andy Sandrik: Middletown 24, Line Mountain 21: An intriguing Mid-Penn crossover game if I’ve ever seen one. I still like LM to win the Capital, but Middletown has more than answered the bell in the deeper Colonial.

Adam Kulikowski: Line Mountain 28, Middletown 21: The Blue Raiders are showing plenty of signs of life with tough loss against Susquehanna Twp. and a victory over West Perry. But I’m giving the edge to the experiences Line Mountain squad. 

Commonwealth

Harrisburg 33, Altoona 0

Andy Shay: Harrisburg 35, Altoona 7: Love the fight Altoona put up last week, but the ask is another level against the Cougars and they will demand more and that’s a mountain the lads from District 6 can’t climb.

Andy Sandrik: Harrisburg 42, Altoona 10: Full credit to Altoona for pushing McDevitt last week, but there are far too many paths to victory for the Cougars for me to see this game being anything other than a Harrisburg rout.

Adam Kulikowski: Harrisburg 43, Altoona 13: Give credit to the winless Mountain Lions for the fight they showed against Bishop McDevitt. But you have to wonder what the effect of that battle will have this week against one of the best teams in the Commonwealth.

Bishop McDevitt 30, Cumberland Valley 8

Andy Shay: Bishop McDevitt 28, Cumberland Valley 14: Fully expect the Eagles to put up a fight in this one, just not sure they have nearly enough horsepower to keep up with the Crusaders over 48 minutes.

Andy Sandrik: Bishop McDevitt 33, Cumberland Valley 7: Crusaders will be looking to make a statement after squeaking past Altoona last week. I’m not sure if the Eagles have enough offense to keep this game within reach.

Adam Kulikowski: Bishop McDevitt 34, Cumberland Valley 20: A quarterback change earlier this season lit a fire for the Eagles. Not sure there’s enough weapons on the Eagles sideline to hang in for four quarters against the Crusaders, however. 

Chambersburg 28, Carlisle 13

Andy Shay: Chambersburg 28, Carlisle 21: More of a level playing field for both club, edge in this one goes slightly to the Trojans side against the winless Thundering Herd.

Andy Sandrik: Chambersburg 32, Carlisle 24: My wife’s alma mater (Chambersburg) is playing my kids’ school (Carlisle), yet the only one in this house who is excited by this matchup is a West Perry grad (me).

Adam Kulikowski: Chambersburg 34, Carlisle 14: After scoring 2, 3, 14 and 7 points, the Trojans erupted for 38 against Cedar Cliff. Can Chambersburg replicate that success against a struggling Carlisle team?  

State College 38, Cedar Cliff 0

Andy Shay: State College 28, Cedar Cliff 7: Something the Little Lions seems to enjoy is making each game a physical dog fight. Not sure the struggling Colts can meet that challenge.

Andy Sandrik: State College 32, Cedar Cliff 14: The Colts are learning first-hand just how demanding the Commonwealth can be. It seems like a long shot for Cedar Cliff to keep pace with State College, which has the talent to get ahead and the depth to stay ahead.

Adam Kulikowski: State College 34, Cedar Cliff 14: The Colts were exposed a bit by Chambersburg last week. The battle certainly does not get easier against the Little Lions. 

Central Dauphin East 21, Central Dauphin 20

Andy Shay: Central Dauphin East 21, Central Dauphin 7: With what the Panthers have on deck the last three weeks, this is a game they should win. It’s a rivalry and the shoe is on the other foot in terms of the clear favorite. Won’t be easy, but still like the Panthers.

Andy Sandrik: Central Dauphin East 24, Central Dauphin 14: Raise your hand if you had East High undefeated going into Week 7. Anyone?

Adam Kulikowski: Central Dauphin East 28, Central Dauphin 14:  When is the last time the Panthers started a season 7-0? Asking for a friend. 

Keystone

Shippensburg 35, Gettysburg 7

Andy Shay: Shippensburg 28, Gettysburg 14: What I admire most about the ‘24 Greyhounds is they have been the model of football consistency. They are exactly who you think they are, and they know that as well. That shows up each Friday night.

Andy Sandrik: Shippensburg 27, Gettysburg 21: After surviving in overtime last week, Shippensburg could be vulnerable for a let-down game in this spot. The Hounds, however, have been so locked in this fall it’s hard for me to believe that will actually happen.

Adam Kulikowski: Shippensburg 31, Gettysburg 28: Greyhounds possess three dudes who have at least 44 carries and are averaging 5.4 yards-per-carry or more. Can the Warriors limit the damage done by these lads?

Red Land 20, Hershey 13

Andy Shay: Hershey 34, Red Land 14: There’s a formula for the Trojans and they are pretty deft at finding their way inside that comfort box. Should be a little easier to find this week against the Patriots.

Andy Sandrik: Hershey 32, Red Land 10: One of the hardest riddles to solve in high school football is the dual-threat QB. Hershey has a good one in Cameron Sweeney, who averages 10.6 yards per carry from his signal-caller position.

Adam Kulikowski: Hershey 44, Red Land 7: Trojans know who they are while the Patriots are still searching for the right formula.

Lower Dauphin 44, Palmyra 0

Andy Shay: Lower Dauphin 28, Palmyra 14: Combined these two clubs have lost eight consecutive games. Biggest struggles for the Falcons has been offensive output. Should be a good opportunity here to put some points on the board.

Andy Sandrik: Lower Dauphin 24, Palmyra 21: Lower Dauphin should be a bigger favorite in this spot, but these backyard rivalry games are often closer than expected.

Adam Kulikowski: Lower Dauphin 26, Palmyra 14: This hasn’t been the season the Falcons were hoping for, but there’s still time to notch a few victories. That starts Friday against Palmyra.

Mechanicsburg 42, Northern York 14

Andy Shay: Mechanicsburg 35, Northern 14: Simply because isn’t this what every Wildcats victory looks like this season? Polar Bears can be flammable, but Mechanicsburg has more firepower.

Andy Sandrik: Mechanicsburg 38, Northern 13: Only one opponent has been able to stay within three scores of the Wildcats, who are on track to annihilate the Keystone this fall.

Adam Kulikowski: Mechanicsburg 41, Northern 20: Wildcats have been a model of consistency each week through the 2024 circuit while Northern’s ride resembleds that of the Great Bear at Hersheypark.

Mifflin County 20, Waynesboro 14

Andy Shay: Waynesboro 34, Mifflin County 20: The Indians have lost their two games by a combined total of 10 points – including a one-point upset to Northern York a week ago. That dose of humble pie should serve Waynesboro well in this one.

Andy Sandrik: Waynesboro 38, Mifflin County 27: Waynesboro has the offensive pop to dig itself out of holes, but the Tribe could save themselves a lot of headaches if they just come out of the gates a little bit faster.

Adam Kulikowski: Waynesboro 28, Mifflin County 21: The Indians aren’t going to blow you away with gaudy numbers or flashy plays. Just steadily grinding you into submission.

Capital 

Upper Dauphin 30, Camp Hill 21

Andy Shay: Camp Hill 21, Upper Dauphin 19: Lions have scored only two touchdowns over the last eight quarters. That is cause for concern. This is a zinger of a matchup, though.

Andy Sandrik: Upper Dauphin 28, Camp Hill 21: The Lions are an entirely different team when QB Drew Branstetter is healthy and in the lineup. If Branstetter is out again, like he was last week against Halifax, the Trojans have the horses to outslug Camp Hill.

Adam Kulikowski: Upper Dauphin 34, Camp Hill 20: Injuries are a factor for every team in Week 7, but it is especially crucial in this one if the Lions do-it-all cannot suit up or is severely limited.

Susquenita 23, Halifax 6

Andy Shay: Susquenita 29, Halifax 20: Couple of one-win teams who struggle to put up enough points on a weekly basis to be competitive. So why not have some fireworks go off when they square off, right?

Andy Sandrik: Susquenita 14, Halifax 7: Both of these teams have earned respect within the Capital in recent weeks, but only one can come away with a win on Friday.

Adam Kulikowski: Susquenita 21, Halifax 7: Nita appears to have a few more viable options offensively that the ‘Cats who have only cracked double-digits in points once this season.

Steelton-Highspire 55, James Buchanan 0

Andy Shay: Steelton-Highspire 28, James Buchanan 20: That was a huge victory over Line Mountain last week for the Rollers. Be careful red flags going off, though, for this one. Rockets are not an easy out this season and have four victories they bring to the table.

Andy Sandrik: Steelton-Highspire 38, James Buchanan 14: The Rockets have been better than advertised, but I’m still leaning on the Rollers as heavy favorites, especially after how they took care of business against Line Mountain last week.

Adam Kulikowski: Steelton-Highspire 41, James Buchanan 13: The Rollers are still a work in progress as we head into Week No. 7 but there’s a very good chance Steel-High finishes the regular season on a five-game winning streak.

Juniata 33, Newport 6

Andy Shay: Juniata 35, Newport 0: This is a physical mismatch and it will be tough for the Buffaloes to generate much offense against this defense.

Andy Sandrik: Juniata 36, Newport 7: Zach Bates helped lift the Buffs to an improbable first victory with three TDs last week, and I think he’s good for another score in a game this week that should otherwise be dominated by Juniata. 

Adam Kulikowski: Juniata 31, Newport 13: The Juniata defense will have plenty to say about what Newport’s Zach Bates is able to do in this one after showcasing his elusiveness the last two weeks.

Colonial

Big Spring 30. West Perry 13

Andy Shay: Big Spring 21, West Perry 14: Mustangs have dropped two straight and offense has lost some of that pop that fueled them early, but over the last eight quarters has gone silent. Bulldogs grind out the upset.

Andy Sandrik: West Perry 24, Big Spring 21: This felt like a slam-dunk pick just a few weeks ago, but now, not so much. 

Adam Kulikowski: West Perry 28, Big Spring 27: We’re about to find out if the Mustangs have a miss in the engine or just a faulty warning light. I’m banking on the former.

Trinity 41, Boiling Springs 13

Andy Shay: Trinity 37, Boiling Springs 14: Five consecutive weeks the T-Rocks have eclipsed 35 points. Make it six straight in this one.

Andy Sandrik: Trinity 39, Boiling Springs 18: Boiling Springs would love nothing more than to spring an upset over its rival, but how much of a dent can the Bubblers really make against the suddenly-rock solid ‘Rocks?

Adam Kulikowski: Trinity 43, Boiling Springs 20: ‘Rocks running back Christian Joy is averaging a staggering 11.3 yards-per-carry through 78 totes. That’s video-game level production.  

Susquehanna Township 35, East Pennsboro 28

Andy Shay: East Pennsboro 29, Susquehanna Township 26: I expect this one to be wild. I can see a path to victory for both sides, and I think Hanna can win this game. Panthers get the nod because they are confident and playing their best football right now.

Andy Sandrik: Susquehanna Township 30, East Pennsboro 21: The rebuilding Colonial Division was supposed to be a cinch for the talented Tribe, but week after week, opponents are making Hanna earn it. 

Adam Kulikowski: Susquehanna Township 31, East Pennsboro 28: Losing to West Perry a few weeks ago might have been the best thing to happen to the Tribe. Since that loss, we’ve seen a tougher more resilient Twp. That renewed mentality will pay dividends down the stretch.

Milton Hershey 30, Greencastle-Antrim 29

Andy Shay: Milton Hershey 26, Greencastle-Antrim 20: It just doesn’t feel like these two clubs are a combined 3-9 right now. Seems like both squads have played better than their record.

Andy Sandrik: Greencastle-Antrim 28, Milton Hershey 18: With all due respect to the Newport Buffaloes, their win over Milton Hershey raised a lot of eyebrows, and makes this week’s contest sure seem like a winnable one for the Blue Devils.

Adam Kulikowski: Greencastle-Antrim 30, Milton Hershey 21: Both teams have flashed moments that make you think they should be better than their record—and others that help you understand why they are not. Question is which can compile a more complete four quarters of football.

Eric F. Epler’s State High School Football Rankings: October 1

CLASS 6A

Rank – Team – District – Record — Previous

1. St. Joseph’s Prep (12) —                        3-1          — 1

2. La Salle College HS (12)                       6-0          — 3

3. Central Bucks South (1) —                  6-0          — 2

4. Imhotep Charter (12) —                         5-1          — 4

5. Bethlehem Freedom (11) —               6-0          — 6

6. Manheim Township (3) —                     6-0          — 7

7. Downingtown West (1) —                     6-0          — 8

8. Harrisburg (3) —                                           5-1          — 9

9. Pittsburgh CC (7) —                                   4-2          — NR

10. North Penn (1) —                                      6-0          — 10

Teams to watch: Bethlehem Liberty (11) 6-0, Central York (3) 5-1, Easton Area (11) 5-1, North Allegheny (7) 5-1, State College (6) 5-1, Wilson-West Lawn (3) 5-1.

CLASS 5A

Rank – Team – District – Record – Previous

1. Pine-Richland (7) —                5-0          — 5

2. Chester (1)  —                                5-1          — 4

3. Strath Haven (1) —                    6-0          — 6

4. Upper St. Clair (7) —               6-0          — 10

5. West Chester Rustin (1) — 5-1         — 3

6. Peters Township (7) —           5-1          — 2

7. Bishop McDevitt (3) —          5-1          — 7

8. Springfield-Delco (1) —       6-0          — 8

9. Bethel Park (7) —                       6-0          — NR

10. Roman Catholic (12) —     4-2          — 1

Teams to watch: Cathedral Prep (10) 5-1, Exeter Township (3) 6-0, Garnet Valley (1) 5-1, Hollidaysburg (6) 5-1, Mechanicsburg (3) 6-0, New Oxford (3) 6-0.

CLASS 4A

Rank – Team – District – Record – Previous

1. Twin Valley (3) —                         6-0          — 1

2. Aliquippa (7) —                            4-1          — 2

3. Pope John Paul II (1) —          5-1          — 3

4. Wyomissing (3) —                      5-1          — 4

5. Thomas Jefferson (7) —        6-0          — 5

6. Bonner-Prendergast (12) — 4-0      — 8

7. Lampeter-Strasburg (3) — 6-0          — 6

8. Shamokin (4) —                           6-0          — 7

9. Jersey Shore (4) —                     5-1          — 9

10. Montour (7) —                            6-0          — 10

Teams to watch: Bethlehem Catholic 4-2, Clearfield (9) 6-0, General McLane (10) 5-1, West York (3) 6-0.

CLASS 3A

Rank – Team – District – Record – Previous

1. Danville (4) —                                                  6-0          — 1

2. Northwestern Lehigh (11) —              6-0          — 2

3. Scranton Prep (2) —                                  5-1          — 3

4. Imani Christian (7) —                               6-0          — 4

5. Western Wayne (2) —                              6-0          — 5

6. Tamaqua (11) —                                            6-0          — 6

7. Mount Carmel (4) —                                  5-1          — 7

8. Sharon (10) —                                                 5-1          — 8

9. Lewisburg (4) —                                            6-0          — 9

10. Hickory (10) —                                             5-1          — 10

Teams at watch: Deer Lakes (7) 6-0, Notre Dame-Green Pond (11) 5-1, Penn Cambria (6) 5-1, Trinity (3) 5-1.

CLASS 2A

Rank – Team – District – Record – Previous

1. Troy (4) —                              6-0          — 1

2. Riverside (2) —                                               6-0          — 2

3. Central Clarion (9) —                                6-0          — 3

4. Seton-LaSalle (7) —                                  6-0          — 5

5. Schuylkill Haven (11) —                         5-1          — 6

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

7. Cambria Heights (6) —                           6-0          — 8

8. Ellwood City (7) —                                      5-0          — 9

9. Richland (6) —                                                5-1          — 10

10. South Park (7) —                                       5-1          — NR

Teams to watch: Camp Hill (3) 4-2, Sharpsville (10) 5-1, South Allegheny (7) 5-1, Southern Columbia (4) 3-3, Steel-High (3), 4-2, Warrior Run (4) 5-1.

CLASS 1A

Rank – Team – District – Record – Previous

1. Fort Cherry (7) —                        6-0          — 1

2. Bishop Guilfoyle (6) —          6-0          — 2

3. Westinghouse (8) —                5-1          — 3

4. Clairton (7) —                                6-0          — 4

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

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

7. Bishop Canevin (7) —            4-1          — 7

8. Neshannock (7) —                    5-1          — 8

9. Muncy (4) —                                   5-1          — NR

10. Redbank Valley (9) —          5-1          — NR

Teams to watch: Cambridge Springs (10) 5-1, Greenville (10) 5-1, Line Mountain (4) 4-2, Monessen (7) 5-1, Nativity-BVM (11) 5-1.

Andy Shay’s Elite 11 After Week 6

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11. Conestoga Valley6-011
It took until Week 6 for an opponent to reach double digits points scored against CV. Rumor has it that defense wins championships.
10. Twin Valley6-010
Raiders played Berks Catholic and Selinsgrove and still have not had a truly “competitive” game this season. Offense is averaging just shy of 50 points a game.
9. Wyomissing5-19
Second shutout in three games for a Spartans team that is battle tested and clearly sharpening the tip of their spear as they gear up for a couple of tests the final month.
8.Lampeter-Strasburg6-08
Make it three consecutive games where the Pioneers have scored at least 44 points. Translate that means their offense is rolling.
7. Wilson West Lawn5-17
Show some versatility to its game by winning a game two weeks ago where 21 total points was scored, then followed up in Week 6 with a triumph in a contest where 60-plus total points kept the scoreboard clicking.
6. Dallastown5-16
Yeah that was a tough loss pill to swallow, but losing to the YAIAA Kingpin, Central York, by a single point goes down in our book as a quality loss. The Wildcats belong this season.
5. Bishop McDevitt5-15
Was pushed by Altoona much harder than expected on a night where a state TD passing record was on the docket diverted a lot of attention away from the opponent. Not pretty, but the result the Crusaders needed.
4. State College5-14
Little Lions have played Harrisburg, Cumberland Valley and Central Dauphin the last month and among those three only CV managed to put two touchdowns on the board.
3. Central York5-13
When you are the team EVERYBODY wants to knock off you get the very best shot they have most weeks. On a level playing field with Dallastown, finding a way to get the win is all that matters. Would love to see these two play again in the postseason.
2. Harrisburg5-12
First shutout of the season for a defense that has been up and down this season and looking to become a more consistent unit week to week. Chance to validate this week against Altoona.
1. Manheim Township6-01
Make that three shutouts in the last four games for the Blue Streaks. Still less than 50 points surrendered through six games.

Vote Now: Week 6 Mid-Penn Conference Player of the Week

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Vote now for our 4th Down Magazine Mid-Penn Conference Player of the Week. Our poll will remain open until Wednesday evening at 11 p.m. Voting is allowed once every 30 minutes.

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Stone Saunders, QB, Bishop McDevitt: Saunders etched his name into the Pennsylvania record books, setting a new record for career passing touchdowns. The Kentucky recruit tossed a pair of TDs and finished the evening with 153 yards as the Crusaders knocked off Altoona, 28-21 on Friday.

Aaron Angelo, WR-LB, East Pennsboro: East Pennsboro may have entered its match up again West Perry as an underdog, but they sure didn’t play like one. Angelo grabbed five passes for 191 yards and two touchdowns to fuel the Panther’s 35-14 victory. On defense, he captured an interception to help seal the victory.

Zach Bates, RB, Newport: A week ago, Bates nearly fueled the Buffaloes first victory of the season. This week, Bates and his mates in Newport got that coveted victory. Bates carried the rock 20 times for three touchdowns and 145 yards in a 20-18 victory against Milton Hershey.

Cooper Brushwood, WR, State College: When State College needed a big play, the Little Lions turned to Brushwood who hauled in seven receptions for 142 yards and a touchdown to push State College past Central Dauphin, 24-7.

Sean Elliott, RB-LB, Hershey: Hershey leaned heavily into its running attack and who could blame them. Sean Elliott had himself an evening with 26 carries, 134 yards, and two touchdowns in Hershey’s 41-35 win against Gettysburg.

Grant Hall, RB, Big Spring: Hall turned in another big time performance for the Bulldogs, rushing for 259 yards and two touchdowns in a 48-21 victory against Boiling Springs.

This poll has ended (since 10 months).
Zach Bates, RB, Newport:
65.75%
Aaron Angelo, WR-LB, East Pennsboro:
28.00%
Grant Hall, RB, Big Spring:
6.07%
Stone Saunders, QB, Bishop McDevitt:
0.13%
Sean Elliott, RB-LB, Hershey:
0.02%
Cooper Brushwood, WR, State College:
0.02%

Newport’s Zack Bates earns Week 5 Mid-Penn Conference Player of the Week

Zack Bates turned in a stellar performance in Week 5, nearly willing his Newport Buffaloes to the team’s first victory of the season.  The Newport fanbase turned out in support of their stud, making him the runaway winner of our Mid-Penn Conference Player of the Week award.  Big Spring’s Grant Hall finished as the runner up in fan voting.

In an overtime thriller Bates did all he could to help Newport notch a victory Friday night against Susquenita. He ran for a touchdown, hauled in eight receptions for 109 yards and legged a pair of field goals in a 29-26 double-overtime loss to Susquenita.

Sunday Morning QB: Saunders set new state passing mark; East Penn climbs back in the race; assessing the Keystone Division and more

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ACCOLADES FOR SAUNDERS

Plenty of intrigue to dig into as we glide past Week 6 of the Mid-Penn Conference football season, but there is no other place to start than a couple of individual records getting eclipsed from the Commonwealth Division.

Bishop McDevitt senior quarterback Stone Saunders, a Kentucky recruit, took over the No. 1 spot in career touchdown passes in the state of Pennsylvania by surpassing fellow MPC mate Alex Erby from Steel-High, who set the standard last season, with his 177th TD toss early in the first quarter on the road to victory against Altoona.

The next Erby record of interest for Saunders is the career passing yards mark. Saunders went over 11,000 yards Friday night, becoming only the third QB in state history to eclipse that mark. Saunder is still more than 2,200 yards behind Erby’s 13,562 mark, though. Feels like that one is a bridge too far for Saunders.

Still pretty heady stuff, the top two record setting quarterbacks in the state of Pennsylvania in terms of career yards passing and touchdowns thrown are a couple of lads from the MPC.

CD East senior running back Leon Parson has had a spectacular first season at his new school after transferring from Bishop McDevitt. Now Parson has etched his name in the Panthers football record books for the most rushing yards in a single game.

Parson eclipsed current NFL running back Chase Edmonds by rushing for 315  yards in a tough grind-it-out victory over Cumberland Valley. Parson also had four touchdowns, including the game winning TD deep into the final quarter.

This record was earned, too. Parson carried the rock a staggering 35 times and averaged a difference making 9.0 yards per carry. Parson is well on his way to a 1,000-yard season with more than 800 rushing  yards and 10 touchdowns.

PANTHERS CLIMB BACK INTO CONTENTION

There were some lofty expectations around this East Pennsboro team when the season kicked off. And it had serious merit, it wasn’t just a flyer based on one of those well if a couple things fall into place expectations. Panther have some dudes.

Well when you start 0-2 including a loss in your division, well you kind of fall off the relevancy radar. Well since losing to MPC Colonial mate Trinity a month ago, East Pennsboro has said hold my root beer we got work to do.

On the heels of a convincing 35-14 drilling of once-beaten West Perry the Panthers are in the hunt for the MPC Colonial title. Wideout Aaron Angelo had himself a game against the Mustangs. He caught all five passes thrown his way for a mind blowing 191 yards (38.2 yards per catch) including TD catch-and-runs covering 88 and 73 yards. And he intercepted a pass as well on defense, one of four turnovers created by the EP defense.

Trinity, if you had the Shamrocks winning the MPC Colonial Division on your preseason bingo card you are not being truthful, continues to headline the division with a perfect 4-0 division mark. The Panthers are a game back along with Susquehanna Township. West Perry and Big Spring, told you the Bulldogs had more bark than their record, are each 2-2 in the Colonial.

This will continue to be a crazy division title chase, but East Pennsboro has definitely climbed its way back to having a say on how this plays out.

KEYSTONE PICTURE STILL BLURRY

Mechanicsburg kept on rolling in Week 6, crushing Red Land 35-7 to make it six wins that kind of all look the same. As we’ve said before the Wildcats are killing ‘Cats. And M’burg continues to share top billing with fellow unbeaten Shippensburg as the front runners in the MPC Keystone.

Here’s the thing … Why do I think Hershey might have the final say in how this shakes out and I’m not sure what the Wildcats look like under a real test because they haven’t had one.

The six Mechanicsburg opponents to date have a combined seven victories. Nothing the Wildcats can do about that, except take care of business on their end and they are doing that. But six in a row without a true test gets dicey the longer you go.

Shippensburg and Mechanicsburg play each other the final week of the regular season. The Greyhounds have already knocked off Hershey, so they totally control their own destiny. The Hounds haven’t been as impressive overall as the Wildcats, edging LD by a point last Friday and getting pushed to the limit by Waynesboro. Still, 6-0 says it all.

The trio of contenders, Shippensburg, Mechanicsburg and Hershey, are crystal clear. I can’t get a sense of who has an upper hand, though. Excited to see how this one plays out.

MY 2 CENTS

Running backs Samir Edwards-Pace and Sean Elliott along with quarterback Cam Sweeney combined for nearly 400 rushing yards in a wild 41-35 victory over Gettysburg. The trio combined for 45 totes and accounted for five of the six Trojans touchdowns. That’s a ridiculous 8.8 yards per carry. … Congrats to Newport for picking up win No. 1 of the season, using three Zach Bates touchdown runs to edge Milton Hershey 20-18. … If nothing else, and remember that Middletown knocked West Perry from the ranks of the unbeaten last week, the Blue Raiders are extremely difficult to beat. Susquehanna Township QB Torin Evans threw for 235 yards on 14 completions and needed every bit of his strong effort to nudge past Middletown 21-14. … Upset of the week goes to Chambersburg. The Trojans walked into their Week 6 matchup with Cedar Cliff toting a single victory achieved more than a month ago. Not only did Chambersburg drop the Colts, who have lost four straight, it was a dominating 25-point victory. 

Result: Week 6 Picks and Predictions

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Name; Week 6; Overall: 

Andy Sandrik: 14-5; 98-28

Andy Shay: 13-6; 95-31

Adam Kulikowski: 13-6; 91-35 

Friday, Sept. 27

Non-League

Newport 20, Milton Hershey 18

Andy Shay: Milton Hershey 42, Newport 0: Both the Spartans wins have come against squads with sub-.500 records right now. Make is 3-0 and returns Milton Hershey to three up and three down after six games.

Andy Sandrik: Milton Hershey 45, Newport 6: That first win was so close, yet so far away for Newport last week. The Buffs won’t have that same opportunity this week against a heavily-favored Spartans team.

Adam Kulikowski:Milton Hershey 49, Newport 6: Spartans rebound from a narrow loss to Trinity last week against a undermanned Newport squad. 

Commonwealth

Bishop McDevitt 28, Altoona 21

Andy Shay: Bishop McDevitt 49, Altoona 7: Should be what promises to be the first of many state passing records kind of night for QB Stone Saunders and an easy Crusaders victory.

Andy Sandrik: Bishop McDevitt 56, Altoona 7: Ever since the Crusaders’ loss to Harrisburg in Week 2, they’ve made a point of annihilating every Commonwealth team that lines up in front of them.

Adam Kulikowski: Bishop McDevitt 55, Altoona 13: Did anyone seriously think McDevitt would not be a force in the Commonwealth? 

Chambersburg 38, Cedar Cliff 13

Andy Shay: Cedar Cliff 35, Chambersburg 20: Colts are on a three-game Commonwealth slide. That’s about to end. Cedar Cliff three straight setbacks are against clubs who have a combined two losses. And the Colts have been right in two of those games down the stretch.

Andy Sandrik: Cedar Cliff 38, Chambersburg 17: Despite the losses, Cedar Cliff will be the first team to say that it deserves to be in the Commonwealth Division. The Colts have a big opportunity to nail this point home against an offensively-challenged Chambersburg side.

Adam Kulikowski: Cedar Cliff 37, Chambersburg 14: Not letting recency bias warp the fact that the Colts are one of the best clubs in the Mid-Penn.

State College 24, Central Dauphin 7

Andy Shay: State College 20, Central Dauphin 7: Little Lions have a legit next level defense and the Rams are offensively challenged to push the envelope. Huge advantage for SC as they move to 5-1 overall.

Andy Sandrik: State College 24, Central Dauphin 7: Even in a down year this CD team has been a tough out. I respect the improvement the Rams have shown and think they’ll test the Little Lions for at least a half.

Adam Kulikowski: State College 33, Central Dauphin 14: The Rams will need to open up their typically conservative offense to hang in this one for four quarters. 

Cumberland Valley at Central Dauphin East 34, Cumberland Valley 28

Andy Shay: Central Dauphin East 29, Cumberland Valley 10: My concern here is the Eagles offense has scored more than two touchdowns in a game exactly once this season. Undefeated Panthers have found a way to keep the scoreboard ticking over on the points scored side of the ledger with regularity.

Andy Sandrik: Central Dauphin East 20, Cumberland Valley 13: The defense of Cumberland Valley has been sensational on the road, and I think the Eagles will make it tough for for the favored Panthers to put points on the board. That said, where is CV going to find the points to outscore East?

Adam Kulikowski:Central Dauphin East 31, Cumberland Valley 21: A new quarterback under center last week provided a spark for the Eagles. Panthers provide a bigger test. 

Keystone

Hershey 41, Gettysburg 35

Andy Shay: Hershey 28, Gettysburg 7: Anybody get to 4-1 more quietly than the Trojans? Asking for a friend. NOBODY has scored 14 points on Hershey this season and Warriors are lacking depth in terms of weapons at the skill position.

Andy Sandrik: Hershey 32, Gettysburg 13: There’s still a couple seats left on the Hershey bandwagon, but those will fill up fast if the Trojans put up a convincing win over a capable Gettysburg squad.

Adam Kulikowski: Hershey 33, Gettysburg 21: Warriors have the capability to light up the scoreboard, but the Trojans defense has been a key cog in their 4-1 start to the season. 

Shippensburg 24, Lower Dauphin 23 (OT)

Andy Shay: Shippensburg 34, Lower Dauphin 7: Points have dried up for the Falcons offense and the Greyhounds offense has been rock solid (and building) all season. Who had this score if the game is played Week 1?

Andy Sandrik: Shippensburg 28, Lower Dauphin 14: It’s tough to stop a team that’s rolling, when you’re reeling.

Adam Kulikowski: Shippensburg 27, Lower Dauphin 20: It’s quickly becoming a two-horse race for the Keystone division between the Greyhounds and Mechanicsburg. 

Mechanicsburg 35, Red Land 7

Andy Shay: Mechanicsburg 49, Red Land 7: Victories by the Wildcats this season have been by 28, 21, 34, 29 and 28 points. Mechanicsburg attacks from the opening whistle and only slows down when the outcome has been decided. Defense has been a hidden gem this season. That trend continues here.

Andy Sandrik: Mechanicsburg 52, Red Land 3: The Wildcats have been demolishing opponents in such a way that picking them to win in any manner other than blowout would be disrespectful.

Adam Kulikowski: Mechanicsburg 41, Red Land 6: Wildcats take care of business with ease. 

Mifflin County 20, Palmyra 0

Andy Shay: Palmyra 27, Mifflin County 25: Couple of one-win teams who have similar issues they are working on and through. Cougars are at home so give me Palmyra in a coin flip game.

Andy Sandrik: Palmyra 28, Mifflin County 24: If you venture out to Buck Swank Stadium, I think you’ll see two feisty teams who both like their chances of getting that second victory.

Adam Kulikowski: Palmyra  21, Mifflin County 14: The Huskies offense has been stuck in first gear just about all season, scoring more than 13 points just once in the first half of the season. 

Northern York 30, Waynesboro 27

Andy Shay: Waynesboro 29, Northern York 14: Very few scenarios out there the Indians haven’t faced this season and they’ve managed to navigate their way to a 4-1 mark. That will come into play against the Polar Bears.

Andy Sandrik: Northern York 21, Waynesboro 14: This might be an out-of-pocket pick, but I get the sense that Northern has turned corner after its cold start to the season. Just a hunch, though, Waynesboro has been better than advertised.

Adam Kulikowski: Waynesboro 31, Northern York 20: The Polar Bears can be a dangerous out if they get moving downhill against you. Indian will have a say in that happening though. 

Capital

Steelton-Highspire 43, Line Mountain 40

Andy Shay: Line Mountain 32, Steel-High 20: Just not sure the Rollers have enough offense in the tank these days to keep pace with a LM squad that knows exactly who it is and has a wealth of experience to boot.

Andy Sandrik: Line Mountain 28, Steel-High 20: The Eagles are more of a proven commodity at this point in the season, but I don’t think the “rebuilding” Rollers are all that far behind. 

Adam Kulikowski: Line Mountain 34, Steel-High 21: The Eagles are in the midst of their most challenging stretch of games with Upper Dauphin in the rearview and Steel-High and a resurgent Middletown on deck.

Camp Hill 7, Halifax 0

Andy Shay: Camp Hill 48, Halifax 0: That was an old-school dose of humble pie the Lions were fed last week by Juniata. This is a good “bounce back” opponent on the heels of getting run over.

Andy Sandrik: Camp Hill 35, Halifax 7: Camp Hill is rostered in such a way that the Lions can just as easily win or lose most of the games on their schedule. This is not one of those games.

Adam Kulikowski: Camp Hill 43, Halifax 7: Lions key playmakers find the sledding less challenging a week after being held to just seven points against Juniata.

Upper Dauphin 35, James Buchanan 24

Andy Shay: Upper Dauphin 34, James Buchanan 14: All I know is UDA is not your typical one-win team. Rockets are 4-1 and have earned those four victories. Trojans will ask some different questions, though.

Andy Sandrik: Upper Dauphin 37, James Buchanan 13: The Rockets have been perhaps the biggest surprise in all of the Mid-Penn Conference, but I would be shocked if they can stay competitive against an Upper Dauphin team that is worlds better than its record indicates.

Adam Kulikowski: Upper Dauphin 41, James Buchanan 14: Rockets are the feel-good story of the Mid-Penn Conference this year. That doesn’t change with this outcome.

Juniata 49, Susquenita 7

Andy Shay: Juniata 42, Susquenita 0: I’ll take the Juniata defense for $200, Alex, in this one. After last week’s performance, they sent a clear message for all to hear.

Andy Sandrik: Juniata 38, Susquenita 7: Shoutout to the ‘Hawks for nailing down their first win last week. Getting another victory this week, however, seems much less realistic against a solid Juniata side. 

Adam Kulikowski: Juniata 55, Susquenita 7: It will take a mighty effort from ‘Nita to tally points against a crew who has yielded just 55 points in five games this season. 

Colonial

Big Spring 48, Boiling Springs 21

Andy Shay: Big Spring 27, Boiling Springs 20: Neighbors but not official “rivals” this game still has plenty of bite for each program. Bulldogs have been the more consistent squad and that’s good enough for me.

Andy Sandrik: Big Spring 24, Boiling Springs 21: The headline will read, “Bulldogs best Bubblers in backyard brawl, barely.”

Adam Kulikowski: Big Spring 20, Boiling Springs 14: I can’t match the alliteration of my colleague above, but I can tell you the Bulldogs put forth their best effort of the season last week against Greencastle-Antrim. I have every reason to believe the Newville gang will build on that success.

East Pennsboro 35, West Perry 14

Andy Shay: West Perry 20, East Pennsboro 14: So how do the Mustangs respond after being massive upset victims. That is the only question that needs to be addressed early. Panthers are playing some of their best football right now and will have a say.

Andy Sandrik: West Perry 24, East Pennsboro 21: A hobbled Brad Hockenberry missed the second half of last week’s upset loss to Middletown. His presence in the lineup, or lack thereof, will have a lasting impact on the outcome of Friday’s game. 

Adam Kulikowski: West Perry 31, East Pennsboro 24: Pencil me in for a tentative selection of the Mustangs–Brad Hockenberry’s availability is key to the outcome of this tussle. 

Trinity 42, Greencastle-Antrim 13

Andy Shay: Trinity 28, Greencastle-Antrim 14: The records are Shamrocks 4-1 and Blue Devils 1-4. Trust me the difference between the two squads is nowhere close to that. This will be a tight squeeze most of the way.

Andy Sandrik: Trinity 35, Greencastle-Antrim 14: Trinity has scored at least 35 points in every game since being shut out in Week 1. Blue Devils have been competitive every week, but can’t let this turn into a shootout. 

Adam Kulikowski: Trinity 36, Greencastle-Antrim 20: Shamrocks continue to prove the naysayers wrong each week. It’s time for last call on this bandwagon. 

Susquehanna Township 21, Middletown 14

Andy Shay: Susquehanna Township 30, Middletown 14: Can the Blue Raiders do it two weeks in a row. Maybe, but I’m pretty sure Middletown has the full and undivided attention of the Hanna Tribe after last week’s result.

Andy Sandrik: Susquehanna Township 32, Middletown 18: If ‘Hanna wasn’t playing Middletown, one would imagine the Tribe would be high-diving the Blue Raiders for knocking out West Perry last week.

Adam Kulikowski: Susquehanna Township 44, Middletown 20: Middletown raised eyebrows last week, knocking off West Perry in dramatic fashion. Indians, however, possess a much more diverse offensive onslaught. 

Saturday, Sept. 28

Commonwealth

Harrisburg 42, Carlisle 0

Andy Shay: Harrisburg 49, Carlisle 0: After weeks in a grinder, this is a chance for the Cougars to get some work done in a hurry against a Herd team that struggles to be competitive at this level. A fast start by Harrisburg is in order.

Andy Sandrik: Harrisburg 52, Carlisle 7: I’m old enough to remember the last time Carlisle beat Harrisburg, but my kids aren’t. 

Adam Kulikowski: Harrisburg 55, Carlisle 7:  Want a look at the future of Harrisburg football? Pop into this one after halftime to watch the youngbloods get some varsity action.