Mid-Penn Colonial Division Breakdown

Andy Sandrik
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Mid-Penn Colonial Division Breakdown

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Predicted finishing order: Shippensburg, Northern, Waynesboro, Mechanicsburg, Gettysburg, East Pennsboro, Greencastle, Susquehanna Township

We’ve spent a considerable amount of time talking about Shippensburg these past few years, and deservedly so, the Greyhounds have set a standard of excellence not only for their division, but for the Mid-Penn as a whole. But have you noticed how most of the Colonial Division, once viewed as a weaker conference in the Mid-Penn, has followed in Ship’s footsteps? Northern and Waynesboro are winning programs that boast playoff experience, while Mechanicsburg and East Pennsboro are a few big plays from being in the same position. Toss in improved Greencastle and Susquehanna Township squads, along with division newcomer Gettysburg, and it’s clear the Colonial will at the very least be providing high-end competition on a weekly basis during the regular season, if not deep into the postseason.  

Team: Shippensburg

Predicted finish position: 1st

Coach: Eric Foust

Record last season: 11-1, 7-0 Colonial

Team outlook: There are plenty of great programs in the Colonial, but until someone knocks off Eric Foust’s Greyhounds, that’s who we’re going to pick. Under the direction of Foust, Shippensburg has won the division four of the last six years and has made 11 postseason appearances in the last 13 seasons. Expect more of that this year, as the ‘Hounds bring back a wealth of talented starters on offense, including a trio of stud RBs in Traevon Kater (95 carries, 809 yards, 6 TDs), Amari Kerr (92-642-10) and Diesel Koser (92-415-1). This group, along with returning QB Tucker Chamberlin, will be lighting up the scoreboard all season long. Ship should also be formidable on defense, where they return a number of key players in LBs Jaxson Funson, Koser, Cody Wenner and Chris Wenner, along with NT Keshaun Benjamin and rush end Amari Kerr. How solid are the Greyhounds? Well, they lost a Division I talent in Anthony Smith, now at Minnesota, and we haven’t even mentioned him until the end of this outlook. Nothing’s ever easy in the Colonial, but look for Ship to set sail for a division title, perhaps undefeated once again.

One player to watch: Tucker Chamberlin. We’re putting down the QB’s name here, but keep an eye on both Chamberlin and his top WR Erby Weller in their senior seasons this fall. The players are cousins who have been playing together since they were small. That deep connection has made communication on the field a little easier and has allowed both players to emerge as standouts. Chamberlin, a 5-foot-11, 160-pound signal-caller, had a great season last year, going 60 of 112 for 1,144 yards with 15 TDs and three INTs. His main receiver, of course, was Weller, a big target at 6-2 who reeled in 36 catches for 744 yards and 10 TDs. The passing game will be strong enough as it is, especially with a talented group of RBs to keep defense’s honest, but just in case Chamberlin needed another weapon at his disposal, younger brother Troy Chamberlin has joined the receiving corps this season.

Team: Northern York

Predicted finish position: 2nd

Coach: Bill Miller

Record last season: 7-4, 4-2 Colonial

Team outlook: Last year, almost every Colonial Division expert and insider had the Polar Bears pegged for a rebuilding season after the team was hit with graduation losses. How did Bill Miller’s Northern club respond? With their seventh-straight winning season and their first playoff win since 2015. With most of that group back for the 2022 season, there’s no doubt about it, the Polar Bears will be division contenders this season. Sporting a group of nine returning all-stars, Northern is primed to dictate action on offense, defense and special teams. QB Timmy Bonin (70 of 132, 1,002 yards, 11 TDs, 6 INTs, 2 rush TDs) is back to lead the offense for his senior year, while fellow senior RB Tallon Belluscio has a really good chance of going for 1,000 rushing yards after compiling 844 yards on 140 rushes with seven TDs last season. Cole Bartram returns some hard-earned rushing yards (110-514-8), and will serve as a key member of the LB corps along with Joel McClintock (89 tackles, 1 sack, 1 INT) after a 99-tackle season last fall. Spencer Siegel, Nathan Deller, and Sam Gunning are all big men who will make an impact both ways in the trenches. From “rebuilding” to reloading, pencil Northern in for an eighth consecutive winning season, and maybe more.  

One player to watch: Mason Yohn. There aren’t many players who can occupy four different spots on a single all-star team, but Yohn showed last year that he can excel almost anywhere you try to put him on a football field. Yohn, a versatile 6-foot, 165-pound player, made the Colonial First Team as a kicker (54.1 avg), Second Team as a punter (32.3 avg), Second Team as a DB (24 tackles, 2 INTs), and Honorable Mention as a WR (6-153-5). Yohn, who earned all-state honors as a kicker and punter, can be called upon to nail field goals of 50 yards or more, which makes him especially valuable in a division that could be dominated by defense. A potential college future almost certainly lies in special teams, but look for Yohn to make gains as both a WR and DB in his final year wearing the Polar Bears uniform.

Team: Waynesboro

Predicted finish position: 3rd

Coach: Josh Sprenkle

Record last season: 9-3, 6-1 Colonial

Team outlook: Waynesboro is a program that takes a lot of pride in its defense, but teams will be testing the Indians ‘D’ right off the bat, as the team has graduated two of the best secondary players in the Colonial in Rhyan Day and Brody Rhodes, who combined for nine INTs last season. There’s a mostly green group of guys in the secondary, led by returning CB Nick Brill (23 tackles, 3 INTs), so the responsibility will fall on the big guys up front, like DT/NG Marcus Smith (38 tackles, 2 sacks), DE/DT Kaden Ditch (26 tackles) and NG/DE Tristan Franklin (10 tackles) to force the action on offense to create easier plays for the guys behind them. Offensively, we’re excited to see the backfield combination of RB Mikel Holden, a bruising back, and QB Jaylon Bean, a slippery dual-threat QB, with big man Cody Tharp (5-11, 220). Like we said, there are a couple pieces missing from last year, but the Indians have more than enough coming back to once again be a contender in the Colonial.

One player to watch: Mikel Holden. A stud RB since his freshman season, Holden seemed ready for a breakout year when he ripped off 505 yards on 102 rushes with 11 TDs, but his campaign was cut short when he broke his leg. Waynesboro not only survived, but thrived when now-graduated backfield mate Aiden Mencia took on the burden and ran his way to the Colonial Offensive MVP award. Now, the 5-9, 195-pound Holden is back healthy and stronger than ever. He is THE man expected to carry the load for Waynesboro this season. Can Holden handle all of that weight on his shoulders? Well, he can lift more than most linemen, and that strength transfers to the field, where he loves to run between the tackles and deliver big hits to defenders. Holden can also catch passes out of the backfield, making him a nightmare matchup in open space when considering one man alone is almost never enough to bring him down. Look for Holden, with nearly 2,000 career rushing yards, to flirt with a 1,000-yard campaign this fall. 

Team: Mechanicsburg

Predicted finish position: 4th

Coach: Anthony Rose

Record last season: 6-5, 3-4 Colonial

Team outlook: Mechanicsburg enters this season without the services of a host of linemen lost to graduation, but the team believes it has the pieces to not only replace those guys in the trenches, but also take a big step forward. The Wildcats are counting on returning starter Jayden Connors (6-foot, 220) to set the tone up front with a group that includes Davon Hutchinson (6-2, 245) and Ted Lechthaler (6-foot, 240). If the line gels, we could very well see career-best seasons from returning dual-threat QB Jeffrey Lougee (52 of 119, 675 yards, 5 TDs, 7 INTs), and the 1-2 punch of RBs Parker Sample and Sage Thomas (249 rush yards, 2 TDs). Many of Mechanicsburg’s offensive starters will also be starting on defense, including TE/DE Seth Brubaker, TE/LB Antonio Zeno and WR/DB Vance Koontz, as well as Lougee and Sample at DB. The Wildcats have the size, speed and experience to make a dent in their Colonial Division schedule, it’s just up to Mechanicsburg’s men on the field to make it happen.

One player to watch: Parker Sample. A 5-9, 180-pound RB who constantly keeps his legs churning forward, Sample could be the difference-maker that pushes Mechanicsburg to a big year. He’s a straightforward, no-nonsense runner on his way to the line of scrimmage, and once he finds open space he can juke defenders or flat out run them over. Last season he piled up 933 rushing yards and six TDs in a campaign that saw him earn Colonial First Team honors. A DB on the defensive side of the ball, Sample logged 41 tackles last season, including five TFLs and two sacks. A senior this season, look for Sample to have his best season yet for the Wildcats.

Team: Gettysburg

Predicted finish position: 5th

Coach: Matt Heiser

Record last season: 7-4, 5-1 York-Adams Division 2

Team outlook: Gettysburg sure would have loved to make its re-entry into the Mid-Penn with its best offensive player, RB Landon McGee, and defensive player, safety Tanner Newman, still in tow, but hey, that’s how graduation rolls, sometimes. Even with those impact players in the rear-view mirror, the Warriors still have enough gas in the tank to keep things interesting in their new division. Sophomore QB Brady Heiser is back after an all-conference season as a freshman, while senior OL/DL Dunn Kessel returns up front to guide the offensive line. Gettysburg also returns all-stars in MLB Cody Furman (5-10, 195) and kicker Jermain Gondwe. Will the Warriors have a winning mark in the Colonial, in their first time playing in the Mid-Penn since 2013? As the season progresses, that question will almost certainly be answered by Gettysburg’s supporting cast. 

One player to watch: Dunn Kessel. Listen, if your name is Dunn Kessel, we don’t even have to look up your position, we know you’re a big dude taking souls in the trenches. The 6-foot-3, 270-pound OT/DE was a monster on the line for Gettysburg, driving players into the turf all season long for the Warriors. Kessel is a menace in the run game, especially when he pulls to land a block, and is an immovable object on his pass blocks. On defense, Kessel doesn’t get pushed around, so look for him to draw double teams and still find a way to keep contain on the QB. There are some concerns about the Gettysburg running game now that York-Adams Division II Offensive POY Landon McGee has been lost to graduation, and while those shoes will be hard to fill, there’s a lot of easy production that can still happen by following the warpath of Kessel.

Team: East Pennsboro

Predicted finish position: 6th

Coach: John Denniston

Record last season: 5-5, 3-4 Colonial

Team outlook: With seven players returning on offense and nine back to play defense, East Pennsboro likes its chances to do some damage in the Colonial. With conference all-stars Josh Angelo (6-foot, 245) and Colton Yohe (6-foot, 250) back up front, along with Carter Stup (6-foot, 290), look for East Pennsboro to hang in the trenches with the division’s best. Junior QB Keith Oates (34 of 83, 449 yards, 1 TD, 5 INT, 3 rush TDs) is back, as is do-everything back Dakota Campbell and WR Breckin Swope. Defensively, the Panthers will have to cope with the loss of all-star LB Devin Shepherd, who transferred to Central Dauphin, but have enough talent to possibly close the gap with players like LB Caden Holmes (5-8, 175), LB Matthew Sullivan (5-10, 165), DB Travis Brown (5-9, 165), DB Trey Good (5-10, 170), LB Oates, DL Yohe and DL Stup (16 tackles, 5 TFLs, 2.5 sacks, 2 pass deflections) in the mix. If Oates can continue to develop as a QB and the team can establish a productive running game, we see no reason why East Penn can’t battle its way to at least the top half of the Colonial.

One player to watch: Dakota Campbell. Whether he’s tackling, rushing, receiving, punting or kicking, expect to hear Campbell’s name all season. The 5-11, 185-pound Campbell is most valuable to his team on defense, where he earned Colonial Second Team Honors as a DB last year after logging 44 tackles, four TFLs, one sack, six INTs, 10 pass defenses, one punt block, one kick block and one fumble recovery. Campbell is a hustle player who plays with attitude and is not afraid to put his body in danger to make a play. He has great anticipation in the secondary and equally great athletic ability to snatch INTs out of mid air. Look for Campbell to take on an increased workload on offense, where he can excel running (65-265-0) or receiving (4-36-0). Campbell will also make an impact on special teams, where he stars as a kicker and all-state punter (36.1 avg). He was 19 of 20 on PATs last season, while also connecting on 5 of 8 field goals, including two FGs over 40 yards. A PA All-Academic player, Campbell already has one offer from Division II West Virginia Wesleyan.

Team: Greencastle-Antrim

Predicted finish position: 7th

Coach: Devin McCauley

Record last season: 4-7, 2-6 Colonial

Team outlook: Greencastle will be angling for its winning season since 2015, but collecting victories in the rugged Colonial Division is easier said than done. The Blue Devils will give it their best shot, though, with a group led by returning Colonial First Teamers Elijah Britner (DL) and Tavon Cooper (RB). Britner, a 6-4, 305-pound menace of a nose tackle, can line up right over center and command the attention of two, sometimes three, blockers. With all-star senior DB Seth Stouffer (6-0, 175) also returning, opponents will have to think long and hard when choosing between running or throwing the ball. Offensively, look for Cooper to follow the blocks of Britner to keep his team staying ahead of the chains. Add in senior Austin Wyand, who can change the course of a game as a return specialist, and it’s easy to see that the Blue Devils won’t be going down without a fight this fall.

One player to watch: Tavon Cooper. Sure, the Blue Devils lost a number of big guys up front to graduation, but look for the 5-10, 163-pound Cooper to some way, somehow power his way to another 1,000-yard rushing season. The RB has great vision and is good at finding holes, so he doesn’t necessarily need a group of all-stars in the trenches to get his yards. Cooper can take direct snaps to make life miserable for opposing defenses and is capable of hauling in passes from the backfield. Most successful team rebuilds are built around a good running game, and if Cooper can get going this fall, Greencastle could be in business. 

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Team: Susquehanna Township

Predicted finish position: 8th

Coach: Joe Headen

Record last season: 0-10, 0-7

Team outlook: With two wins over the last two seasons, Susquehanna Township believes it is beyond due for a rebound season. That could very well happen for an Indians squad that returns some talent from a squad that was better than last year’s winless record indicates. Township took its lumps early on last fall, but by the end of the season the team was competitive in losses to East Pennsboro (21-14), Mechanicsburg (21-12) and West Perry (31-28). The Indians return all-conference offensive all-stars in sophomores WR Lex Cyrus (5-11, 165) and center Mason Lubold (6-0, 250). Look for playmakers to include WR Ryan McClain and Javon White, who brings experience to the huddle as a passer, runner and receiver. Defensively, ‘Hanna will be anchored by all-stars DL Aubrey Carter (6-3, 250) and DB Dorian Smith (5-8, 150), with S/CB McClain, CB White and LB Razay Bowles also returning to the starting lineup. The Colonial Division is a weekly blue-collar job, and if the Indians’ defense is up for the challenge, we think the team will be able to win a few games. 

One player to watch: Lex Cyrus. After starting at WR as a freshman, the 5-11, 165-pound Cyrus, already has two offers to his name from UConn and UMass. The speedy Cyrus has a knack for getting wide open, but is very capable of reaching up and making tough catches. Once the ball is secured, Cyrus has more moves than an underclassman should to make would-be tacklers miss. It’s hard to tackle a blur, so look for the elusive Cyrus to take his fair share of end-around runs to further keep opponents off balance. With a budding star like Cyrus on the roster, pencil the Indians in for several highlight-reel plays, and perhaps a few wins, as well.

Mid-Penn Keystone Division Breakdown

Andy Sandrik
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Mid-Penn Keystone Division Breakdown

Mid-Penn Keystone Division

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

Picking the Mid-Penn Keystone Division becomes a lot more fun when you set aside superpower Bishop McDevitt and try to figure out who’s going to take second place. We’re expecting the Crusaders, who played in the PIAA Class 4A title game last season, to run laps around their Keystone playmates. But who’s going to be that second team? Cedar Cliff has served the “best of the rest” role for quite some time, but intra-school district rival Red Land has a solid group that could spoil the Colts’ fun. You can’t count out Lower Dauphin, a program restored to prominence by Keystone Coach of the Year Josh Borreli, while Milton Hershey always fields a competitive team. Toss in improving Hershey and Mifflin County squads, and we’re in for a quite a ride in the Keystone. Buckle up!

Team: Bishop McDevitt

Predicted finish position: 1st

Coach: Jeff Weachter

Record last season: 12-2, 7-0 Keystone

Team Outlook: Fresh off an appearance in the PIAA Class 4A championship game, the Crusaders return to the Keystone Division with an embarrassment of riches that we don’t expect opponents to keep up with. Even if Bishop McDevitt played its games with just its 14 returning all-star players, and without the other 83 players on their roster, we’d still like its chances to win the division. The Crusaders should get a Super Bowl effort from every opponent they face this season, so it will be important for McDevitt’s men in the trenches — guys like Riley Robell (6-foot-3, 280 pounds), Gabe Arena (6-5, 285), Dimitri Chacon (6-4, 310), Kameron Zaengle (6-1, 270) and Ethan Straining (6-3, 255) — to control the line so the stars like running back Marquese Williams can shine. The Crusaders’ defense is also tough up front, and with the team returning its entire secondary, look for Bishop McDevitt to win the turnover battle almost every week. If the Crusaders stay healthy, they are a lock to not just win the Keystone, but also to make another deep playoff run.

One player to watch: Stone Saunders. With Bishop McDevitt, we can’t really go wrong with picking any player for this spotlight, but when’s the last time you saw a freshman QB step into the white-hot spotlight and have a 3,000-yard season? That’s exactly what the 6-1, 180-pound signal-caller did last season, to the tune of 46 TDs and five interceptions. Saunders, an All-American who was getting college offers out of middle school, lost a couple of his best receivers but has plenty of playmakers to deliver the ball to, including Rico Scott, Jeffrey Penn, and Williams. Enjoy the Saunders show while you can still see it for the price of a high school football ticket.

Team: Cedar Cliff

Predicted finish position: 2nd

Coach: Colin Gillen

Record last season: 10-3, 7-1 Keystone

Team Outlook: When a high school team loses some of its top talent, like Cedar Cliff did with its top RB and WR, it’s natural to be concerned about the program struggling the following season. But we get the sense there’s no need to worry for the Colts, who haven’t had a losing season since 2012. Cedar Cliff brings back talented QB Ethan Dorrell, who will be working with a new cast of characters, while the defense seems ready for battle with returning all-stars in LB Evan Ziegler, DE Daniel Schaeder, and CB Nathan Lusk all suiting up for Friday nights. Returning punter/kicker Derek Witmer is accurate and will help the Colts with field position and racking up points. Still, there are plenty of holes to fill, especially in the trenches on both sides of the ball. But if long-time coach Colin Gillen can find a way to fill in those blanks, West Shore Stadium will once again be home to some exciting football.

One player to watch: Ethan Dorrell. There will be a little more pressure on Cedar Cliff’s 5-11, 160-pound senior QB this fall. Dorrell will be working without a 2,000-yard rusher in the backfield now that Jontae Morris is on the Millersville University roster and his top receiver Trenten Smith has also graduated. Throw in an offensive line that is replacing four of five starters, and it’s easy to see why Dorrell’s work is cut out for him. He’ll be ready, though. He plays a fearless brand of QB and is not afraid to throw across his body or off his back foot to find the open receiver. Dorrell throws a tight spiral and a nice deep ball, and as soon as you fully commit to defending the pass, he’ll take off on draw plays for huge chunks of yardage.  

Team: Lower Dauphin

Predicted finish position: 3rd

Coach: Josh Borreli

Record last season: 6-4, 5-3 Keystone

Team Outlook: There weren’t many who had Lower Dauphin pegged for its first winning season since 2015, but something changed when Josh Borreli stepped into the room last year and guided the Falcons to a 6-4 record. Borreli was named the Keystone’s Coach of the Year for his efforts, but his talents as a team leader will once again be put to the test this fall as LD will have to figure out how to stay competitive with the graduation of both its quarterback and top running back. The Falcons have a few playmaking returners in WR Charlie Fortney (23 receptions, 462, yards, 4 TDs) and RB Ty Millhimes. On the defensive side, Lower Dauphin has lost its biggest stoppers, so guys like DB Fortney (33 tackles, 1 INT), LB Millhimes (21 tackles), and DB Wesley Heagy (34 tackles, 2 INTs) will be expected to pick up the slack this season.

One player to watch: Ty Millhimes. All signs point to a breakout season from the 6-1, 200-pounder as he looks to ascend from a productive underclassman to a game-changing junior. What can Millhimes do? A little bit of everything. Not only is he Lower Dauphin’s top returning rusher (48 carries, 221 yards, 3 TDs), he can also catch passes out of the backfield, like he did last year to the tune of 11 receptions for 140 yards and a pair of TDs. Millhimes’s versatility in the offense opens the field up for big plays for senior teammate Fortney, the team’s leading receiver a year ago. Millhimes has put on 10 pounds for this season, making his hits from the linebacker position even more devastating.

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Predicted finish position: 4th

Team: Red Land

Coach: Eric Depew

Record last season: 2-8, 2-5 Keystone

Team Outlook: Folks in Lewisberry have to be getting excited about their team’s chances this fall. While graduation rocked some of the other teams in the Keystone, Red Land is bringing back plenty of talent and experience and we think that the Patriots will be strapping on the helmets with confidence this season. While QB Roman Jensen has transferred out of state, Red Land returns an exceptional RB/WR in do-everything back Parker Lawler. Up front senior tackle Addison Janovich (6-1, 265) will be charged with leading the trenches and protecting the Patriots’ new signal-caller. Red Land might be even better defensively, where they return a pair of Keystone Division First Teamers in DB Lawler and OLB Anderson French, as well as Honorable Mention MLB Colton Hoffman. It’s always an uphill battle in the Keystone, but we fully expect the Patriots to be competitive this season.

One player to watch: Parker Lawler. When you look at the resume’ of Parker Lawler and begin to appreciate all of the things he can do, your mind begins to wonder: Will No. 5 ever get a break on the field? The primary role for the 6-0, 170-pound Lawler is defensive back, where he earned Keystone Division First Team honors. He has the size to bring down a hulking RB, the speed to match up with receivers, and the soft hands to pick off errant throws from the opposing QB. Lawler is also an all-star caliber return specialist, on both kickoffs and punts, and he knows a thing or two about punting the ball, himself. Offensively, Red Land will find a way to get the ball to Lawler either as a runner or receiver. Also a lacrosse player, Lawler is a player that can succeed on the field no matter where Red Land puts him. The Pa. Football Writers’ also noticed this when they named Lawler to last year’s 5A all-state team as an “athlete.”

Team: Milton Hershey

Predicted finish position: 5th

Coach: Jeff Boger

Record last season: 4-6, 3-4 Keystone

Team Outlook: It’s almost unfair that Milton Hershey is coming off its first losing season since 2010, which came after the Spartans didn’t play any football at all in the pandemic-plagued 2020 season. It’s even more unfair that the team will have to get along this year without do-everything star Dion Bryant, who had more than 2,400 combined rushing, passing and receiving yards last fall, including more than 1,900 on the ground. But don’t feel sorry for Milton Hershey, the Spartans bring back a fair amount of talent that will at least keep them competitive in the Keystone this season. We love how Jeff Boger’s bunch looks on defense, with all-star FS Malachi Thomas back to lead the unit, along with LB Haize Fulton (72 tackles, 2 sacks) and DE Michael Blidi (57 tackles, 7 sacks). On offense, there’s no one player that can replace Bryant, but with QB Kenny Emile (52 of 97, 803 yards, 8 TDs, 0 INTs) back in the mix, the Spartans have an experienced skill player who can make plays behind an o-line led by returning all-stars Tyler Quinter and Terek Lawson.

One player to watch: Malachi Thomas. Whether you’re flooding Thomas with blockers or trying to work on the other side of the field entirely, good luck getting the ball past this 6-2, 195-pound free safety. Thomas can wheel back and defend the pass, come in hard with the blitz and return punts. He logged 55 tackles, two sacks and an interception last season, earning him a spot as a Keystone Division Second Team all-star. Did we mention that Thomas is also Milton Hershey’s top returning WR? He caught eight passes for 108 yards and three TDs last fall.

Team: Hershey

Predicted finish position: 6th

Coach: Mark Painter

Record last season: 1-9, 1-6 Keystone

Team Outlook: It’s time to see how much Hershey has grown since taking its lumps during a one-win season last year. The Trojans return a handful of players, including QB Daniel Painter, who brings a good pocket presence coupled with an ability to scramble and keep plays alive with his legs. Marcus Sweeney, a 6-2, 180-pound basketball standout with big ups, will be a WR that wins almost every jump-ball matchup he encounters this season. On the defensive side, Hershey has some size in the LB corps with 220-pounders Angel Cabrera and AJ Slamans bringing the wood. Defensive end Yamael Wiggins is fast, slippery and can wreak absolute havoc on a backfield. The talent is there and Hershey knows it can compete, so if the Trojans can learn to win the close games, they’ll be in great position to move up the Keystone ranks.

One player to watch: Angel Cabrera. Since moving to Hershey in 2015, the Puerto Rico-born Cabrera has mastered both a new language, English, and a new sport, football. The 6-foot, 220-pound battering ram of a linebacker rewarded his coaches last season with a brilliant sophomore campaign that saw him earn a spot on the Keystone Division’s Second Team defense. Hershey may or may not win a lot of games this season, but opponents will most certainly be feeling those big hits from Cabrera several days after the fact. Look for Cabrera to also take another step forward on offense, where he plays a physical brand of FB that usually requires more than one defender to bring him down. Cabrera did all of these things as an underclassman, so if he put in any lifting at all over the summer for his junior season, the opposition will be in for a bruising this fall. 

Team: Mifflin County

Predicted finish position: 7th

Coach: Shane Breon

Record last season: 0-10, 0-7 Keystone

Team Outlook: The last time Mifflin County won a game, the world still thought a face mask was a football penalty. The Huskies enter this season on a 17-game losing streak, with their last victory coming Oct. 18, 2019 in a 48-7 win over Greencastle. MiffCo is hoping to reverse its fortunes with a new hometown coaching hire in Shane Breon, a long-time Mid-Penn assistant who most recently served as the offensive coordinator for Central York. There are plenty of kinks to work out for Breon and Co., but the coaching staff isn’t coming into this gig with a bare cupboard, as the only team returning more division all-stars than the Huskies (6) is Bishop McDevitt. The team will look to build its defense around LBs Reagan Ettinger, Steven Albert and Isaac Wilson, who combined for more than 160 tackles last fall, including 9.5 tackles for loss from Ettinger. On the other side of the ball, Logan Parks is the only returning player with significant QB experience. If Parks can get some support in the running game from RB Deakon Schaeffer (86-187-1) and Joshua Cruz (61-149-0), he could get comfortable with slinging the ball to top WRs Wilson and Josiah Sechler. Mifflin County’s best shot at snapping its losing streak just might be in its season-opener against Shikellamy, a team that went 1-9 last year.

One player to watch: Isaac Wilson. If opponents don’t keep a close eye on WR Wilson, the 5-8, 145-pound senior speedster just might go off for another big season. With soft hands and an uncanny ability to make plays after the catch, Wilson thrived on the big plays last season, catching 35 passes for 534 yards and four TDs. A Keystone Division Honorable Mention last year, Wilson has potential for even more success if he can quickly catch on to the system brought in by Breon, who has a history of taking passing games to the next level. Wilson will have to catch his breath quickly after long TD catches, considering he’s also a defensive starter at linebacker, where he made 35 tackles last season.

Team: Palmyra

Predicted finish position: 8th

Coach: Chris Pavone

Record last season: 5-5, 4-3 Keystone

Team Outlook: Graduation hits every team hard, but for goodness sake, the Cougars have lost their quarterback, top two RBs, top three WRs, top eight tacklers and their kicker. The good news is Palmyra grad Chris Pavone, now the team’s head coach, has been around the program as a long-time assistant and knows exactly what talent he has coming back. There are only three starters returning on offense, but one is 6-foot, 235-pound Kyle Chapin in the trenches. The senior will anchor the line and clear a path for RBs Dylan Kriner and Juan Figueroa. A large stable of capable receivers, including Jose Morales, await the man that wins the QB competition. A defense that returns six starters will work to keep the Cougars afloat as the team finds its way on offense. 

One player to watch: Dylan Kriner. Fans of the Cougars may notice the former WR/DB looks a little bit different this season. That’s because Kriner hit the weight room hard this summer in order to make a pair of position changes. The 6-foot-1, 190-pound Kriner will now be taking snaps at RB and LB, where he will move to middle linebacker alongside Kadin Jones. Kriner’s move on offense should alleviate the pain of losing a 900-yard rusher. Senior leadership is especially important when a program is coming off heavy losses, and with Kriner already setting an example through his actions before the season even starts, Palmyra might be better than a lot of people expect this fall.

Mid-Penn Commonwealth Division Breakdown

Andy Sandrik
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Mid-Penn Commonwealth Division Breakdown

Predicted Division Finish: Harrisburg, Cumberland Valley, State College, Central Dauphin, Carlisle, Altoona, CD East, Chambersburg

The toughest division in the Mid-Penn Conference is set to kick off, and we’re expecting yet another rough and tumble season with Commonwealth teams beating the stuffing out of each other. Harrisburg, under the direction of reigning Coach of the Year Calvin Everett, who has been suspended the first three games of the season after pleading guilty to selling used cars with his brother without a license, has a team that will set the bar high for the conference, with a number of other top programs giving chase in hope of a district playoff berth. Cumberland Valley and Carlisle have squads full of impact starters and are looking to move up to that next level, while State College and Central Dauphin, a program tasked with replacing its all-star QB, also have visions of Commonwealth supremacy. Football season is always a marathon, but each week in the Commonwealth is a violent sprint, and we’re here for it. If you want to catch multiple Commonwealth teams in action over one weekend, we recommend you check out the season-opening Chambersburg Peach Bowl, with showcase games featuring division members Harrisburg and Chambersburg, as well as fellow Mid-Penn squads Steel-High and Bishop McDevitt.

Team: Harrisburg

Predicted finish position: 1st 

Coach: Calvin Everett

Record last season: 12-2, 7-1 Commonwealth

Team outlook: From our perspective, there is one clear-cut team to beat in the Commonwealth, and that team is Harrisburg. The Cougars return perhaps the best two players in the conference in seniors DE Terrell Reynolds, the Commonwealth MVP on Defense, and Kyle Williams Jr., the top conference “Athlete.” On the offensive side of the ball, Williams is lethal both rushing (115 carries, 740 yards, 6 TDs) and receiving (70 receptions, 788 yards, 11 TDs), while top returning RB Mahkai Hopkins (169-898-9) seems poised for an even bigger year behind the blocking of junior OL Sirkayne Venable (6-foot-4, 310 pounds). Harrisburg also returns a pair of capable QBs in sophomore Shawn Lee and senior Zakii Lewis. Defensively, the Cougars are going to cause some problems for their Commonwealth playmates. In the event opponents evade DEs Reynolds and Micah Chambers, who combined for 33 sacks last season, they will still have to contend with a linebacking corps that includes Hopkins (91 tackles, 2.5 sacks) and Ryan Epps (69 tackles, 3.5 sacks). If Harrisburg can stay healthy, count on the Cougars for a Commonwealth crown, and a deep postseason run.

One player to watch: Terrell Reynolds. Perhaps the baddest man in all of the Mid-Penn this season is the 6-1, 245-pounder, who was the Commonwealth Defensive MVP after putting together numbers that only seem possible in video games. A man amongst boys, Harrisburg records fell when Reynolds compiled 123 tackles, including 37 TFLs and 22.5 sacks. He also intercepted a pass, forced six fumbles, and scored three defensive TDs. There’s no doubt Reynolds has the goods to make a college team very happy some day, but for one more year the Cougars get a chance to watch history made once more. 

Team: Cumberland Valley 

Predicted finish position: 2nd

Coach: Josh Oswalt

Record last season: 5-5, 4-3 Commonwealth

Team outlook: The third season of the Josh Oswalt era is underway at Cumberland Valley, and the Eagles seem ready to fly their highest under his direction. CV’s offense brings back many weapons, including QB Isaac Sines, RBs JD Hunter and Bryce Staretz, and WRs Griffin Huffman and Adam Somerville, not to mention a valuable trench player in Ridge Crispino (6-1, 235). Points could still come at a premium, so even more improvement from the Eagles’ defensive unit is a must. Alex Sauve, a junior LB, brings back 74 tackles and two INTs from his First-Team Commonwealth effort last year. He is joined by DB Hunter (69 tackles, 1 sack, 1 INT) and LB Bryce Beutler (51 tackles). The Eagles have all the ingredients to put together another winning record in the Commonwealth, and possibly a playoff run.

One player to watch: Isaac Sines. With a full season of development in CV’s spread offense and a stable full of capable receivers, senior QB Sines is poised to have his biggest year in an Eagles uniform. The 5-11, 180-pound southpaw runs a very nice option play and is slippery to tackle. Sines improved his throwing last season (74 of 162, 1,020 yards, 10 TDs, 6 INTs) and established some great rapport with Huffman (28-475-5) and Somerville (15-188-0), as well as Hunter (14-200-4) out of the backfield. In a Commonwealth Division that promises to be ruled by defense, CV will need to take points when it can get them, and Sines can help his team do just that as a kicker. Last season he banged 14 of 16 PATs through the uprights and connected on 12 of 13 field goals.

Team: State College

Predicted finish position: 3rd 

Coach: Matt Lintal

Record last season: 8-6, 4-4 Commonwealth

Team outlook: A stable group of returners with size, speed, and high football IQ are eager to restore State College’s status as an upper-echelon team in the Commonwealth. Don’t be fooled by the name “Little” Lions, as the team brings back some big dudes in Michael Dincher (6-2, 300), Justin Castro-Dixon (5-11, 355), and Stephen Scourtis (6-4, 235). State College has a capable group of runners and receivers who, oddly enough, all seem to be engaged in a four-way battle for the QB position. The Little Lions return four players who threw a TD pass last season, including senior Jack Morris (43 of 103, 664 yards, 5 TDs, 4 INTs), senior Finn Furmanek (51 of 94, 834 yards, 7 TDs, 1 INT), junior Owen Yerka (43 of 82, 537 yards, 4 TDs, 5 INT), and senior Ian Brandt (7 of 17, 82 yards, 1 TD, 0 INT). If State College runs a multiple-quarterback system this season, it could make preparation a nightmare for the opposition. 

One player to watch: JW Scott. When this 6-1, 230-pound ILB is on the move teasing the blitz during the pre-snap, expect opposing QBs to sweat. That’s because they know they’ll have mere seconds, if that, to force a rushed throw before Scott makes them one with the turf. As an underclassman last fall, Scott showcased his constant motor and proved himself as one of the division’s most durable and reliable defenders, registering a team-high 139 tackles and three sacks to earn Commonwealth First Team honors. With fellow all-conference defenders up front in DE Stephen Scourtis (6-4, 235) and DL Justin Castro-Dixon (5-11, 355) to take on double teams, look for Scott to once again log a high volume of tackles, and make a few plays along the way.

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Team: Central Dauphin 

Predicted finish position: 4th

Coach: Glen McNamee

Record last season: 5-3, 4-2 Commonwelath

Team Outlook: Look for Central Dauphin to once again set the Commonwealth standard for defensive excellence. Yards will be awfully tough to come across against the Rams, who return a deep linebacking corp that includes David Chase (61 tackles, 5 TFL), Sam Sauers (56 tackles), Xander Toland (68 tackles) and Kyle McCullough (34 tackles), not to mention a dangerous DE in the 6-foot-3 Jett Franz, who logged 50 tackles and 3.5 sacks last season. We get the sense that even in games where the Rams are the underdog, they’ll be within striking distance from first whistle to the last bell, thanks to their defense. With that said, points could be at a premium for the CD offense, which is tasked with replacing QB Max Mosey, who was the division’s Offensive MVP last season. David Chase, a bruising runner and pass catcher, could be a big weapon, but the Rams will need a few more stars to emerge if they hope to contend for the Commonwealth crown.

One player to watch: David Chase. An exceptional linebacker named to the Commonwealth Second Team last season, the 5-11, 190-pound Chase has been training all summer to ensure his senior season is his best one yet. The OLB never gives up on plays and is strong enough to overpower and shed blockers. But as much value as Chase brings as a defender, the success of the Rams just might hinge on how much he has improved on other side of the ball. Chase is the team’s leading returning rusher (28-181-1) and the only returning WR (9-237-2). Central Dauphin will also be breaking in a new QB, so look for Chase to be that safety valve for the offense, at least until the next young crop of Rams playmakers emerge.

Team: Carlisle 

Predicted finish position: 5th

Coach: Brett Ickes

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

Team outlook: With a roster stacked with athletes and enough size up front to handle the behemoths of the Commonwealth Division, Carlisle seems more than ready to prove that last year’s winning campaign was more than a fluke. Senior QB Louis Shank (53 of 107, 740 yards, 11 TDs, 0 INTs) will once again line up under center with a solid group of receivers to throw to, including Eli Hargrove (17-285-4), Jeremiah Hargrove and Jeremiah Snyder (6-116-2). The Thundering Herd will be fresh at RB all season long thanks to a deep stable of runners that includes Ezeekai Thomas (106-519-6), Hargrove, Jaqueece Morrell (61-288-3), Marquise Miller (21-248-2) and John Smith (43-199-3). Trench warriors Layton Schmick (6-2, 280) and Thomas Nelson (6-4, 305) will look to control the flow of battle up front. Throw in a defense highlighted by all-conference returners DB Thomas, DL Nelson and DB Hargrove, and Carlisle has the potential to have an even better campaign than last fall.

One player to watch: Jeremiah Hargrove. We’re sure a lot of media outlets will focus their attention on Ezeekai Thomas, who was named the Commonwealth’s Second Team “Athlete” last season, and that’s quite OK with Hargrove, who could fly under the radar on his way to another star-studded season. Hargrove, a junior DB/RB, has grown a few inches since last year’s breakout season, when he was named Commonwealth Second Team on both defense and offense. On defense, Hargrove serves as a key cog for a ball-hawking Carlisle secondary, and offensively, he is a home-run threat both as a rusher (39-308-6) and a receiver (10-155-2). Measuring in at 5-9, 190 pounds, Hargrove can also change the outcome of a game with his explosive play as a kick returner.

Team: Altoona 

Predicted finish position: 6th

Coach: Vince Nedimyer

Record last season: 4-7, 1-6 Commonwealth

Team outlook: The beastly Commonwealth Division chews teams up and spits them out, but Altoona has rolled with the punches and continues to march itself back for more. Don’t expect this year’s strong group of battle-tested Mountain Lions to back down, either. Led by a group of senior playmakers who wear quite a few hats, Altoona seems primed to do some damage of its own within the division. It starts with two do-it-all players in RB/FS Alexander Yost and RB/DB Tyson Reid. Yost, at 6-foot, 200 pounds, was effective on offense both as a rusher (77-392-6) and receiver (7-113-2), and contributed defensively with 32 tackles and an interception, to go along with a few kick return reps. Reid is lightning in a bottle as a rusher (19-160-1) and punt returner (15.8 avg.) and was a ballhawk on defense with three INTs and 43 tackles. Keep an eye on Altoona’s special teams, a scrappy group of players combined with a pair of kicking aces in K Cohen Crawford (51.2 avg.) and PK Ian Palilla, who misfired on just two kicks all of last season. The Mountain Lions will be competitive in all games, but the difference between wins and losses could rest on the progression of projected senior QB Sean Bettwy, who attempted two varsity passes last season.

One player to watch: Manny Miller. When opposing offenses take the field against Altoona this season, the first thing they’ll want to do is find out where the 6-2, 225-pound Miller is lined up. A ferocious pass rusher, Miller can overpower blockers out of a four-point stance from his DE position and is strong enough to approach the line standing and still dispose of the opposition. He piled up 59 tackles and five sacks, with some of those stats coming from splitting out to play OLB. And that’s just what Miller can do with his reactionary time. As an OL with the first move, Miller violently explodes out of his stance and is going to keep the lower center of gravity with almost any defender he engages. Miller is listed a TE on this year’s roster, so any catches will be icing on the cake for one of the Commonwealth’s most phyical returning trench players.

Team: Central Dauphin East

Predicted finish position: 7th 

Coach: Lance Deane

Record last season: 7-4, 5-2 Commonwealth

Team outlook: Word out of CD East camp is the Panthers want to be even better than last year. It’s always good to aim high, but there are a lot of things that will have go just right for CD East to match the success of last season’s playoff team. The Panthers will navigate this fall without nine all-conference players lost to graduation, including Mehki Flowers, now at Penn State. To stay afloat in the Commonwealth, CD East will need its remaining impact players to shoulder more of the load. The defense is led by wrestling standout and LB Thaddeus Krebs (5-9, 170), who earned First Team division honors after piling up 92 tackles, including 12 tackles for loss and seven sacks. Senior OL/DL Vincent Jackson Carroll (6-5, 270) will impact the game on both sides of the ball, while QB/WR Terrence Jackson-Copney will keep the chains moving with his playmaking abilities. The Panthers like their chances, but we’re going to have to see a few more parts to the machine before we declare it a contender.

One player to watch: Terrence Jackson-Copney. With most of CD East’s star power lost to graduation, Jackson-Copney will be the man providing a bulk of the highlights for the Panthers. A 6-1, 180-pound combination of speed, acceleration and athleticism, he played both QB and WR for the Panthers last year, accounting for more than 1,300 yards to go along with 15 TDs. As a QB, Jackson-Copney brings a strong arm to the table, coupled with an ability to extend plays with his legs, while the WR Jackson-Copney has sure hands and big ups to reel in passes. Already with an offer from Wheeling University, Jackson-Copney’s stock can rise even higher with a big campaign on the gridiron this fall.

Team: Chambersburg

Predicted finish position: 8th 

Coach: Mark Luther

Record last season: 2-8, 0-7 Commonwealth

Team outlook: Winless in the Commonwealth a season ago, there’s only one way for the Trojans to go this fall. There are no returning all-stars in Chambersburg’s lineup, but the Trojans are banking on improvements across the board from a large group of young players that was baptized under fire last year. The team has been united in offseason workouts, with seniors Bryce Folmar (slot receiver/safety), Shea Macosy (TE) and Carter Flory (RG/DE) providing leadership. The Commonwealth is a cruel and unforgiving division, but Chambersburg believes it has the pieces to move up a few rungs. 

One player to watch: Carter Flory. The road to improvement begins with the big men in the trenches, and luckily for the Trojans, they have a good one up front in the 6-3, 245-pound Flory. The OL can bulldoze defenders on the run block and provides a wall of protection on the pass block to keep the pocket clean. On the other side of the ball, once DE Flory wraps his arms around you, it’s all over. It’s going to take heart and intensity for the Trojans to move up the ranks, and if they’re successful, we believe Flory will be the man setting the tone.

2021 Pa. Football Writers’ Class 6A All-State Team

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2021 Pa. Football Writers’ Class 6A All-State Team

OFFENSE 

Quarterback 

Beau Pribula, Central York — 6-2, 210 sr. 

Ethan Kohler, Perkiomen Valley — 6-2, 215 sr. 

Joey Daniels, Mount Lebanon — 6-1, 185 sr. 

Ryan Zeltt, North Penn — 6-4, 190 jr. 

Running Back 

Tahir Mills, Ridley — 6-1, 210 sr. 

Alex Tecza, Mount Lebanon — 6-0, 200 sr. 

Jaheim White, York High — 5-9, 195 sr. 

Khalani Eaton, North Penn — 5-10, 210 sr. 

Sam Brown, La Salle College HS — 6-0, 195 sr. 

Wide Receiver 

Eli Heidenreich, Mount Lebanon — 6-0, 180 sr. 

Anthony Ivey, Manheim Township — 6-1, 180 sr. 

Kenny Johnson, Dallastown — 6-2, 190 jr. 

Levi Carroll, North Penn — 6-4, 185 sr. 

Tight End 

Aiden Black, Delaware Valley — 6-4, 225 soph. 

Offensive Line 

Joden Nelson, York High — 6-4, 280 sr. 

Michael Dincher, State College — 6-3, 295 jr. 

Brad Harris, St. Joseph’s Prep — 6-4, 280 sr. 

Kade Capristo, Mount Lebanon — 6-2, 270 jr. 

Jon Ramsey, Wilson-West Lawn — 6-2, 220 sr. 

Cooper Cousins, McDowell — 6-6, 275 soph. 

Athlete 

Samaj Jones, St. Joseph’s Prep — 6-1, 210 soph. 

Kyle Williams Jr., Harrisburg — 6-0, 175 jr. 

DEFENSE 

Defensive Line 

Braelin Moore, Bethlehem Freedom — 6-3, 295 sr. 

Eric Gardner, Archbishop Wood — 6-2, 225 jr. 

Donovan Hinish, Pittsburgh C.C. — 6-2, 275 sr. 

Terrell Reynolds, Harrisburg — 6-2, 245 jr. 

James Heard, St. Joseph’s Prep — 6-3, 225 sr. 

William Harvey, Mount Lebanon — 6-3, 280 sr. 

Linebacker 

Phil Picciotti, Pennridge — 6-3, 225 jr. 

Abdul Carter, La Salle College HS — 6-4, 235 sr. 

Carter Glassmyer, Central York — 6-1, 215 sr. 

Kenneth Talley, Northeast — 6-3, 240 sr. 

Josiah Trotter, St. Joseph’s Prep — 6-1, 230 jr. 

Bryce Wood, McDowell — 6-3, 215 sr. 

Defensive Back 

Keenan Nelson, St. Joseph’s Prep — 6-1, 195 sr. 

Justin Cook, Harrisburg — 5-10, 165 sr. 

Anthony Sacca, St. Joseph’s Prep — 6-4, 190 fr. 

Mehki Flowers, CD East — 6-1, 185 sr. 

Specialist 

Antonio Chadha, St. Joseph’s Prep — 5-9, 195 sr. 

Athlete 

Lebron Bessick, Coatesville — 6-0, 175 sr. 

Cameron Jones, Wilson-West Lawn — 5-11, 180 jr. 

CO-PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Alex Tecza, Mount Lebanon; Beau Pribula, Central York

COACH OF THE YEAR: Bob Palko, Mount Lebanon

2021 Pa. Football Writers’ Class 5A All-State Team

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2021 Pa. Football Writers’ Class 5A All-State Team

OFFENSE 

Quarterback 

Bobby McClosky, East Stroudsburg South — 6-2, 180 sr. 

Brad Birch, Gateway — 6-0, 190 soph. 

Colin O’Sullivan, Upper Dublin — 6-0, 185 jr. 

Carter Green, Penn-Trafford — 5-10, 170 sr. 

Running Back 

Eric Nangle, Exeter Township — 5-10, 175 sr. 

Dayshawn Jacobs, West Chester Rustin — 5-9, 175 sr. 

Nick Singleton, Governor Mifflin — 6-0, 218 sr. 

Cade Yacamelli, Penn-Trafford — 6-0, 205 sr. 

Jontae Morris, Cedar Cliff — 5-10, 160 sr. 

Zyree Brooks, Spring Grove — 5-8, 170 sr. 

Wide Receiver 

Patrick Body, Gateway — 6-2, 175 sr. 

Cooper Eckert, Warwick — 5-9, 170 sr. 

Jeff Nyamekye, Red Lion — 6-0, 170 sr. 

Tight End 

Joey Schlaffer, Exeter Township — 6-6, 210 jr. 

Offensive Line 

Trent Fraley, Moon Area — 6-3, 290 sr. 

Declan Ochendowski, Penn-Trafford — 6-3, 240 sr. 

Jonah Naugle, Governor Mifflin — 6-2, 300 sr. 

Caden Pustelak, Cathedral Prep — 6-4, 305 sr. 

Kyle Helm, Exeter Township — 6-2, 315 sr. 

Brandon Lawhorn-Moore, Kiski Area — 6-6, 295 sr. 

Athlete 

Michael Parks, Cathedral Prep — 5-8, 164 sr. 

Brett Gerlach, Central Mountain — 6-0, 180 sr. 

DEFENSE 

Defensive Line 

Anthony Smith, Shippensburg — 6-7, 275 sr. 

Enai White, Imhotep Charter — 6-5, 235 sr. 

Ben Bladel, Moon Area — 6-0, 235 sr. 

Keon Wylie, Imhotep Charter — 6-3, 220 sr. 

Linebacker 

Jeremiah Hasley, Pine-Richland — 6-3, 225 sr. 

Ty Yocum, Exeter Township — 6-0, 220 sr. 

Trey Rock, Governor Mifflin — 6-1, 215 sr. 

Maurice Beverly, Imhotep Charter — 6-0, 215 sr. 

Micah Walizer, Central Mountain — 5-11, 225 sr. 

J.R. Strauss, Exeter Township — 6-3, 210 sr. 

Defensive Back 

Tanner Maddocks, Fleetwood — 6-1, 172 sr. 

Jamir Reyes, Imhotep Charter — 6-0, 185 sr. 

Eden Johnson, Governor Mifflin — 5-11, 185 sr. 

Robert Dickerson, North Hills — 6-0, 190 sr. 

Specialist 

Nate Millard, Daniel Boone — 5-10, 150 sr. 

Athlete 

Parker Lawlor, Red Land — 6-0, 175 jr. 

DaMario Crawford, Cathedral Prep — 5-10, 158 jr. 

PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Nick Singleton, Governor Mifflin

COACH OF THE YEAR: John Ruane, Penn-Trafford 

2021 Pa. Football Writers’ Class 3A All-State Team

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2021 Pa. Football Writers’ Class 3A All-State Team

CLASS 3A 

OFFENSE 

Quarterback 

Jeff Hoenstine, Central Martinsburg — 5-9, 179 jr. 

Jake Hall, North Schuylkill — 6-0, 215 sr. 

Tyler Gee, Loyalsock — 5-10, 180 soph. 

Dominico Spataro, Lakeland — 5-9, 155 jr. 

Marqui Adams, Neumann-Goretti — 5-11, 175 sr. 

Running Back 

Landon Alexander, Central Valley — 6-1, 190 sr. 

London Montgomery, Scranton Prep — 5-11, 190 jr. 

Rocco Pulizzi, Montoursville — 6-0, 180 sr. 

Parker Gregg, Central Martinsburg — 6-0, 185 sr. 

Tommy Grabowski, Wyomissing — 6-0, 200 sr. 

Wide Receiver 

Carson Persing, Danville — 5-9, 170 jr. 

Rian Glunk, Loyalsock — 6-1, 175 jr. 

Ramarion Whitehead, Hickory — 6-1, 165 sr. 

Joey Flail, North Schuylkill — 6-0, 180 soph. 

Ja’On Phillips, Sharon — 5-9, 170 sr. 

Tight End 

Aiden Mack, Wyomissing — 6-4, 220 sr. 

Offensive Line 

Jven Williams, Wyomissing — 6-4, 310 jr. 

Hunter Hanna, Montoursville — 6-0, 235 sr. 

Josh Waite, Central Martinsburg — 6-3, 275 sr. 

Nick Elko, Wyoming Area — 6-3, 300 sr. 

Gage Dlugonski, Grove City — 6-2, 265 sr. 

Athlete 

Joey Menke, Boiling Springs — 5-10, 170 sr. 

Davion Hill, Loyalsock — 6-1, 175 jr. 

Diohnny Ruiz, Hamburg — 5-11, 185 sr. 

DEFENSE 

Defensive Line 

Sean FitzSimmons, Central Valley — 6-3, 280 sr. 

Oliver Billotte, Clearfield — 6-5, 255 sr. 

Joey Fazzone, Hickory — 6-2, 240 sr. 

Jackson Tonya, Central Valley — 6-2, 225 jr. 

Lacota Dippre, Lakeland — 6-3, 230 jr. 

Tajae Broadie, Middletown — 6-4, 240 sr. 

Linebacker 

Michael Golay, Scranton Prep — 6-2, 240 sr. 

Jack Bible, Central Valley — 6-1, 205 sr. 

Jackson Pryts, Hickory — 6-4, 205 sr. 

Matt Merritt, Central Valley — 6-3, 215 sr. 

Jack Miller, Wyomissing — 5-11, 200 sr. 

Mason Raup, Danville — 6-0, 195 jr. 

Defensive Back 

Jayvin Thompson, Central Valley — 6-2, 190 jr. 

Carson Garvey, Boiling Springs — 6-2, 190 sr. 

Nevin Carter, Wyomissing — 6-5, 190 sr. 

DaVontay Brownfield, Elizabeth Forward — 5-11, 178 sr. 

Specialist 

Serafino DeSantis, Central Valley — 5-11, 180 jr. 

Daniel Mueller, Lancaster Catholic — 5-10, 180 sr. 

Athlete 

Amory Thompson, Wyomissing — 6-1, 185 sr. 

Raleigh Collins, Neumann-Goretti — 6-2, 190 sr. 

Robert Rossi, Scranton Prep — 6-4, 195 sr. 

PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Jeff Hoenstine, Central Martinsburg 

COACH OF THE YEAR: Mark Lyons, Central Valley 

2021 Pa. Football Writers’ Class 2A All-State Team

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CLASS 2A 

OFFENSE 

Quarterback 

Jaren Brickner, Beaver Falls — 6-0, 170 jr. 

Kellan Stahl, Richland — 5-11, 190 sr. 

Robert Footman, Columbia — 6-0, 185 sr. 

Dylan Smoyer, Northern Lehigh — 6-0, 180 sr. 

Running Back 

Gavin Garcia, Southern Columbia — 5-9, 190 sr. 

Anthony Stallworth, Farrell — 6-0, 190 sr. 

Damon Crawley, Forest Hills — 5-10, 192 sr. 

Nijhay Burt, Steel Valley — 6-0, 175 sr. 

Luke McCoy, Laurel — 5-9, 180 sr. 

Jaymar Pearson, Sto-Rox — 5-11, 190 sr. 

Wide Receiver 

Trevor Amorim, Northern Lehigh — 6-0, 175 sr. 

Jackson Byer, Conemaugh Township — 5-11, 190 sr. 

Kylon Wilson, Farrell — 5-10, 165 jr. 

Matt Whysong, Chestnut Ridge — 6-0, 171 sr. 

Offensive Line 

Preston Williams, Farrell — 6-2, 380 sr. 

Carson Savitski, Southern Columbia — 6-2, 250 sr. 

RJ Schirg, Lackawanna Trail — 6-2, 285 sr. 

Matt Kelley, Mount Carmel — 6-4, 319 jr. 

Gabe Leffler, Southern Columbia — 6-0, 195 sr. 

Athlete 

Levan McFadden, York Catholic — 6-0, 175 jr. 

Matt Machalik, Palmerton — 6-0, 195 soph. 

Julien Stellar, Mount Carmel — 5-9, 185 sr. 

DEFENSE 

Defensive Line 

Ryan Brooks, Serra Catholic — 6-2, 215 sr. 

Derek Berlitz, Southern Columbia — 6-2, 245 sr. 

AJ Jimenez, Northern Lehigh — 6-0, 185 jr. 

Mason Imbt, Troy — 6-3, 300 sr. 

Linebacker 

Taidon Strickland, Farrell — 5-11, 205 sr. 

Garrett Garcia, Southern Columbia — 6-0, 185 soph. 

Hunter Wall, Ridgway — 5-10, 192 sr. 

Anthony Jackson, Farrell — 5-10, 210 sr. 

Dominic Fetterolf, Southern Columbia — 6-0, 190 fr. 

Omar Stewart Jr., Farrell — 6-2, 195 sr. 

Defensive Back 

Mehki Clark, Beaver Falls — 5-11, 160 sr. 

Pharoh Fisher, Serra Catholic — 6-2, 180 sr. 

Griffin LaRue, Richland — 6-3, 192 sr. 

Brett Misera, Northern Lehigh — 6-1, 180 sr. 

Specialist 

Isaac Carter, Southern Columbia — 5-11, 190 soph. 

Athlete 

Terrell Booth, Serra Catholic — 6-0, 170 sr. 

Joey Vevasis, Shenandoah Valley — 5-8, 150 sr. 

Dominic Allegretto, Ridgway — 5-10, 174 sr. 

PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Gavin Garcia, Southern Columbia 

COACH OF THE YEAR: Jose Regus, Serra Catholic 

2021 Pa. Football Writers’ Class 1A All-State Team

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2021 Pa. Football Writers’ Class 1A All-State Team

CLASS 1A 

OFFENSE 

Quarterback 

Logan Almeida, Montgomery — 5-9, 155 sr. 

Karson Kiesewetter, Bishop Guilfoyle — 6-1, 192 jr. 

Alex Erby, Steelton-Highspire — 6-4, 210 soph. 

Bryson Bain, Redbank Valley — 6-4, 215 sr. 

Dan McGarry, Curwensville — 5-11, 180 jr. 

Running Back 

Jalen Wagner, Reynolds — 6-0, 175 jr. 

Riley Parker, Canton — 6-0, 190 jr. 

Logan Kent, Conemaugh Valley — 5-9, 170 sr. 

Cooper Rother, Bishop Guilfoyle — 5-10, 169 jr. 

Alex Achenbach, Williams Valley — 5-10, 160 soph. 

Daivin Pryor, Steelton-Highspire — 5-9, 160 sr. 

Wide Receiver 

Coltin Hans, Montgomery — 6-0, 150 sr. 

Tyrone Moore, Steelton-Highspire — 6-1, 185 sr. 

Ty Terry, Curwensville — 6-4, 165 sr. 

Lesae Lacks, Bishop Canevin — 5-8, 140 jr. 

Offensive Line 

Isaac Harris, Muncy — 6-4, 235 sr. 

Caiden Williams, Canton — 6-1, 190 sr. 

Mitchell Mason, Reynolds — 6-2, 220 sr. 

Dion McIntosh, Our Lady of Sacred Heart — 6-4, 290 sr. 

Kainen Brown, Northern Bedford — 5-10, 210 sr. 

Cyllel Rose, Old Forge — 5-11, 225 jr. 

Athlete 

Jake Johnson, Juniata Valley — 6-1, 175 sr. 

Tim Henderson, Cornell — 5-9, 165 sr. 

DEFENSE 

Defensive Line 

Joe Mansfield, Redbank Valley — 6-2, 192 sr. 

Anthony Cioffari, Bishop Guilfoyle — 6-3, 206 jr. 

Dominic Yanoshak, Bishop Guilfoyle — 5-9, 150 jr. 

Sante Bambocci, Bishop Guilfoyle — 5-11, 205 jr. 

E.J. Dawson, Cornell — 6-0, 200 jr. 

Kanye Hawkins, Clairton — 6-4, 255 sr. 

Linebacker 

Hayden Ward, Canton — 5-10, 165 jr. 

Weston Pick, Montgomery — 6-1, 210 jr. 

Nathan Schilling, Blacklick Valley — 5-11, 195 sr. 

Bailey Hadzinikolov, Muncy — 6-0, 205 sr. 

Sal Laure, Rochester — 5-9, 190 sr. 

Defensive Back 

Ross Eyer, Muncy — 6-1, 180 jr. 

Haydin McLaughlin, Reynolds — 6-0, 180 jr. 

Chris Marshall, Redbank Valley — 6-4, 190 sr. 

Specialist 

Jake Mullins, Curwensville — 5-10, 150 sr. 

Athlete 

Weston Bellows, Canton — 5-10, 190 jr. 

Suds Dubler, Glendale — 5-11, 170 sr. 

PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Karson Kiesewetter, Bishop Guilfoyle 

CO-COACH OF THE YEAR: Justin Wheeler, Bishop Guilfoyle; Blane Gold, Redbank Valley 

4th Down Magazine Player of the Week sponsored by Crown Trophy of Harrisburg

4thdownmagazine
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4th Down Magazine Player of the Week sponsored by Crown Trophy of Harrisburg

All Schools 6A-1A:

Here are the 4th Down Player of the Week nominees from Bishop McDevitt’s 34-27 loss to Aliquippa in the PIAA Class 4A championship game:

Stone Saunders, fr., QB — It was not Saunders’s most flawless game, but the rookie with just a handful of starts under his belt acclimated himself well on the biggest of high school football stages. Saunders, who need it be reminded is just a freshman, went 13-of-24 for 239 yards and three touchdowns in Thursday’s loss. He hit Kamil Foster for a 55-yard score, M. Williams for an 18-yarder and the next guy for …

Mario Easterly, sr., WR/DB — 59 yards in the game’s opening minute. The Saunders-to-Easterly connection gifted the Crusaders (12-2) a 7-0 lead less than a minute into the game, and McD briefly boosted that to 13-0 barely a minute later. The advantage didn’t last ,but Easterly finished with four catches for 126 yards and the early TD. He also had five tackles.

Marquese Williams, jr., RB — Williams was held to just 36 rushing yards on 12 carries, but he scored on the ground and through the air Thursday. His first trip to the end zone came from 15 yards out just 2:13 into the game to give McDevitt a 13-0 lead. His second came in a late comeback bit when he hauled in Saunders’s 18-yard TD with 3:02 left to set the final score. Williams ended with three catches for 24 yards.

Ryan Russo, sr., TE/LB — Now we get to the middle of the Crusaders’ rugged defense. Russo recorded a game-high 12 tackles, more than double any Quips defender, and added half a tackle for loss for a Bishop McDevitt defense that impressed all postseason. He finished the season with more than 120 total tackles and 15 tackles for loss.

Riley Robell, jr., TE/LB — And Russo’s running mate. Robell added 7.5 tackles in Thursday’s loss, easily outpacing all Quips defenders as well. He also tied for a game-high 1.5 TFLs. Robell finished third on the team (Russo was first) with more than 80 tackles 

This poll has ended (since 3 years).
Ryan Russo, sr., TE/LB
70.89%
Riley Robell, jr., TE/LB
12.66%
Stone Saunders, fr., QB
8.86%
Mario Easterly, sr., WR/DB
7.59%
Marquese Williams, jr., RB
0.00%

COMMENTARY: 4A title tilt between Bishop McDevitt and Aliquippa lives up to the hype

Andy Shay
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COMMENTARY: 4A title tilt between Bishop McDevitt and Aliquippa lives up to the hype

This was the fourth time since 2010 Bishop McDevitt played for a state championship, and you could make a fair argument this was only the second time the Crusaders and head coach Jeff Weachter had a real shot at ending a drought without a title that dates back to 1995.

McDevitt and Aliquippa put on a football show Thursday night in the PIAA Class 4A championship game. It was two really good teams who played the game at a rarely seen level for 48 minutes.

Each team made one major football mistake — Aliquippa didn’t react to a short kickoff in the first quarter and McDevitt recovered the live ball then scored four plays later, and the Crusaders threw a pick-6 in the first quarter. Each squad essentially had a free touchdown in the 34-27 final.

Otherwise everything else posted on the scoreboard was earned. McDevitt was the more explosive offense in terms of big plays. Aliquippa was more efficient and balanced.

The difference in this one was the Quips offense. They converted 10 times on third and fourth down. They made every big play in key situations in the second half to keep McDevitt’s defense on the field.

Bishop McDevitt didn’t really do a whole lot to lose this game. Aliquippa simply didn’t misfire once when it really mattered to claim its fourth state title in school history.

Sure, you could nitpick about little things here and there with each team that added up. In the end, Aliquippa was better and deserved to win.

Did the McDevitt defense have opportunities in the second half? What’s crazy is this defense, led by 28 combined tackles from Ryan Russo and Riley Robell, created a ton of chances to give the ball back to its offense and couldn’t clear that final hurdle.

Aliquippa converted third-and-1, third-and-9, fourth-and-8, fourth-and-goal, third-and-11 and fourth-and-2 all in the second half. Not very often you see this McDevitt defense create this many chances and not be able to finish.

The critical tipping point in this highly entertaining championship game came in the third quarter when the Quips kept converting on third and fourth down to string together a staggering 17-play drive that covered 80 yards and sucked nearly nine minutes off the clock. McDevitt ran four plays offensively in the third quarter.

When the Quips capped the march on the first snap of the final quarter, it gave them a narrow 27-20 lead.

With opportunities limited, McDevitt had to respond. Derailed by a horrifically bad intentional ground call and pressure from the Quips defensive front, the Crusaders went three-and-out.

Four Aliquippa snaps later, the Quips traversed 47 more yards with ease in only four plays to snare a two-score lead with only nine minutes and change to play.

McDevitt made two trips into the Aliquippa red zone those final nine minutes, but scored once and came up empty once. Honestly it was a tall ask to score twice against another really good defense that had McDevitt’s run game locked down.

After the game, Weachter said that Aliquippa long drive in the second half reminded him of the Archbishop Wood drive in 2013 that salted the game away. He is right in that the drives were similar. But in 2013 the Crusaders had zero say in the outcome of that game. Wood was driving the train that day. This game was much more like the 2010 title game with Allentown Central Catholic where it was a 50-50 proposition who would win until the bitter end.

You will hear from this McDevitt team again in 2022. They lose several key components — star receivers Kamil Foster and Mario Easterly on offense, and LB Ryan Russo and DL Nate Kinsey on defense. But the core of this team led by QB Stone Saunders and DL-OL Riley Robell, returns.

The bad news is the large majority of the Quips top players are underclassmen as well, including four of the five members of what I can safely say is the biggest offensive line I’ve seen in 30 years of covering high school football.

I for one wouldn’t mind seeing Round 2 of this matchup in 364 days. The first one lived up to the billing.

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