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Cruz Banda, Williams Valley, sr, OL/DL: Although the Vikings struggled collectively throughout a 30-12 loss to Minersville – and especially when they had the football – Banda put together a fine defensive effort against the Miners. Banda paced the Vikes with 11 tackles, including eight solo stops. He also posted a pair of tackles behind the line of scrimmage, both quarterback sacks.
Dan Darno, Notre Dame-Green Pond, jr, QB: Stop us if you heard this one before. Notre Dame-Green Pond junior Dan Darno did a bit of everything Friday night as the Crusaders took care of business against winless Salisbury Township. While there will be bigger challenges in the schedule, Darno led the way for the Crusaders with an efficient 12-of-16 passing for 148 yards. He added 76 more on the ground and a touchdown in a 48-6 victory.
Jared Rohn, Saucon Valley, so, WR: Rohn’s Saucon Valley Panthers fell Friday night to Bangor, 26-21 but Rohn turned in a stellar individual performance, snagging eight passes for a game-high 127 yards.
Eric Striba, Bangor, sr, QB: The do-it-all QB1 efficiently guided the Slaters past Saucon Valley Friday night, 26-21. Striba completed 80 percent of his passes for 85 yards and a touchdown, but it’s what he did with his legs–24 totes for 111 stripes and three TDs– that kept the Pathers off balance. Dante Carr, Minersville, fr, QB: Talk about a statement victory for Minersville Friday night against Williams Valley. And Carr played a critical role, guiding his gents with a tiddy 7-of-11 passing for 111 yards and three scores.
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Cole Bartram, jr., RB, Northern: In a 17-6 stunner to hand Shippensburg its first loss of the season, Bartram ran 25 times for a touch 151 yards and a crucial 2-yard score. He also caught a 4-yard pass.
Isaac Sines, sr., QB/DB, Cumberland Valley:Sines ran for 112 yards, and totaled three touchdowns (20 and 25 yards on the ground, 9 yards through the air) and picked off CD East QB Terrance Jackson-Copney in the Eagles’ 45-14 win, their fourth of the season.
Kyle Williams Jr., jr., RB, Harrisburg: Williams Jr. recorded 161 total offensive yards (106 rushing, 55 receiving) on 11 total touchdowns and ran into the end zone three times in the Cougars’ 44-15 win over Carlisle. Williams’s three rushing TDs came from 42, 8 and 48 yards out. He also had a two-point conversion.
David Chase III, sr., RB, Central Dauphin: The Rams finally got a win, surviving Chambersburg 42-35 with a strong run game. Chase III was half the equation, scoring three times on runs of 12, 20 and 2 yards. The last of those tied the game in the fourth quarter. He finished with 16 carries and 164 yards.
Devin Shepherd, sr., RB, Central Dauphin: The other half of the Rams’ nearly 400-yard rushing effort against Chambersburg, Shepherd finished with 21 carries and 183 yards, scoring on runs of 86 and 1 yard. The second won the game after Chase III tied it.
D’Antae Sheffy, fr., RB, State College: The rookie continues to shred defenses for nearly 10 yards a pop, nearly doing the same again Friday in a 55-14 win over Altoona. Sheffy finished with 13 touches, 125 yards and two scores.
Jayden Johnson, sr., RB, Gettysburg: Johnson carved up East Pennsboro, which suffered its first loss 27-11, for 161 yards and a touchdown on 22 carries. The TD came on a 37-yard run.
Ian Goodling, jr., WR/DB/K, West Perry: Goodling did a little of everything in the Mustangs’ 40-14 win over Trinity. He finished with 35 yards on three grabs offensively, but he shined with a pair of picks, including a 96-yard pick-6 in the third quarter. He also drilled field goals of 26 and 45 yards and made four PAT attempts.
Trent Herrera, sr., RB, West Perry: Herrera did the damage on offense for the unbeaten Mustangs. In the 40-14 win over the winless Shamrocks, Herrera scored on runs of 4 and 14 yards and totaled 182 yards on 24 carries and another 22 yards on three receptions.
Marcus Sweeney, sr., WR/DB, Hershey: Sweeney led a thrilling come-from-behind, 21-20 victory over Cedar Cliff with a pair of second-half touchdowns. The senior caught four passes for 115 yards and a 94-yard TD, and he stepped in front of a Bennett Secrest pass for a back-breaking pick-6. Sweeney added three tackles.
Landen Eichhorn, jr., QB, Mifflin County: Eichhorn was solid all night, going 10 of 16 for 188 yards and three touchdowns to Dupree Reed, Isaac Wilson and Deakon Schaeffer in a 28-7 win over Lower Dauphin. The junior also ran three times for 17 yards.
Konner Walker, sr., RB/DB, Upper Dauphin: A Jack-of-all-trades performance by Walker included seven carries for 110 yards and a touchdown, two receptions for 58 yards and a score, and two interceptions returned 26 yards. UD handled Susquenita 30-7 thanks to the effort.
Tavon Cooper, sr., RB, Greencastle-Antrim: The Blue Devils ended an eight-year losing streak against rival Waynesboro, 35-21, thanks to a second-half burst by Cooper. On a night in which he had a Mid-Penn-high 29 carries for 229 yards, Cooper scored second-half TDs of 19 and 29 yards. He had a first-quarter TD of 7 yards to give G-A an early 14-0 lead.
Brady Morgan, sr., RB/DB, Upper Dauphin: Back on track, Morgan wheeled for 146 yards on 14 carries and scored once as the Trojans throttled Susquenita 30-7 in their Mid-Penn Liberty opener. Morgan’s longest run covered 50 yards for a UD squad that netted 341 rushing yards against the Susquenita defense. He also pocketed a couple of tackles as Kent Smeltz’s club opened up a 30-0 advantage.
Ian Bates, soph, RB/DB, Line Mountain: Flashing his speed and ability to go yard at any moment he has the ball in his capable hands, Bates wheeled for 124 yards on 11 attempts as the Eagles cracked the win column by downing Marian Catholic 26-19. Although the Colts jumped on top with a blocked punt return, Bates promptly posted the equalizer by zipping 68 yards for his first score. Then, in the second quarter, he tacked on a 57 yarder for good measure as the diminutive youngster cracked the 100-yard barrier for the first time in his varsity career.
Nolan Baumert, jr, QB/RB/DB, Line Mountain: The focal point of Marian’s early defensive game plan, Baumert needed a little time before to find some needed space as the Eagles claimed a 26-19 decision that gave them their first victory. Baumert wound up with 89 yards on 10 carries, collecting an 8-yard score in the third quarter on a QB keeper before racing 57 yards early in the fourth to set up a Chandon Maurer TD.
Zach Bellis, jr, OL/LB, Newport: While the Newport attack continues to hiccup in neutral, Bellis uncorked a terrific defensive effort in a 36-0 loss to Juniata in the Buffs’ Mid-Penn Liberty opener. Bellis totaled 14 tackles before his night was over, including 10 solo stops. He also caused one fumble and recovered another.
Alex Erby, jr, QB, Steel-High: It’s not like Alex Erby needed any more motivation when the Rollers opened division play Friday night against Boiling Springs. Winning the division is always goal No. 1 for a team that has ambitions far beyond that initial check mark. But Erby entered on a mission, throwing for a conference-high 501 yards and a whopping seven touchdown strikes against a quality Boiling Springs club. Yea, that makes the list of top performers in Week 4.
Earlier in the week, West Perry quarterback Marcus Quaker was on 4th Down Magazine’s The Spotlight and he made what seemed like a bold and brash statement that if the Mustangs offense plays well this week, his expectation as the starting quarterback is they should score 40-plus points against Trinity.
The junior QB1 for the Mustangs was spot on in his assessment of what West Perry is capable of offensively. Sure there was a 96-yard pick-6 by triple threat weapon WR-DB-K Ian Goodling that helped the cause. The bottom line is West Perry owned the line of scrimmage and ran the rock 50-plus times for more than 300 yards that pushed the T-Rocks’ losing streak to three straight with a four-score victory.
Slightly undervalued all season, West Perry’s defense put in another stellar effort and played a much bigger role in this triumph than a final score would indicate. The Shamrocks were limited to fewer than 100 rushing yards and only five first downs, and the Mustangs produced four turnovers. RB Trent Herrera paced West Perry with 164 yards and a couple of scores on the ground. Quaker added 182 total yards (97 passing, 85 rushing) and a touchdown. Goodling added a pair of field goals, including a 45-yarder just before halftime that made it 20-0, to go along with his momentum-changing interception in the second half.
There’s still more scheduled meat on the bone for the undefeated Mustangs in the coming weeks, but over the course of four weeks, West Perry has shown it has plenty of tools in its chest to compete with anybody in the Mid-Penn Capital Division.
Northern York added another level of chaos to the Colonial Division by ending a two-game slide and getting back to .500 overall with a physical 17-6 win over previously unbeaten Shippensburg. Cole Bartram rushed for 151 yards and a touchdown and the Polar Bears’ defense was a difference maker.
The only undefeated team in what is shaping up to be another version of the Crazy Colonial Division … those Greencastle-Antrim Blue Devils! Powered by an offense that scored 35 or more points for the third consecutive game, G-A dropped the Indians to 1-3 overall with a two-score victory. Cumberland Valley stayed unbeaten and showed exactly what a comfortable and confident team looks like by racing to a 17-0 advantage after the first quarter on its way to a comfortable win over CD East. QB Isaac Sines continues to be a dual-threat catalyst for the Eagles – posting four more touchdowns with a pair each passing and rushing. Next up for CV is Harrisburg.
Speaking of the Cougars … their head coach, Calvin Everett, returned to the sideline after his three-game suspension and his squad responded with a 29-point drubbing of Carlisle. Big-play weapon Kyle Williams had three touchdowns and 161 total yards. This was the expected response from a Harrisburg team that was upset a week ago by Manheim Township on its home turf.
Central Dauphin avoided dropping to 0-4 by outlasting Chambersburg 42-35 in a back-and-forth affair. Led by senior RB David Chase and his 164 yards and three touchdowns, the Rams picked up win No. 1.
Altoona and State College squared off in a battle of Commonwealth Division unbeatens, and the Little Lions showed their pedigree and firepower with a 55-point explosion in a cruise-control victory. Freshman RB D’Antae Sheffy continues to shine for SC, adding another 125 yards and three touchdowns to his running total on only 13 carries.
Steel-High quarterback Alex Erby has been a little quiet by his standards to start this season. His response on Friday night was 374 yards and seven touchdown passes as the Rollers put up 74 against Boiling Springs.
Big Spring is clawing back from a rocky start and reached .500 after four games by handing Camp Hill its first loss of the season in a low-scoring affair that saw only 22 total points put on the board. Defense was the story in this one and the Bulldogs limited Camp Hill to a single touchdown and only 219 yards through the air. This isn’t a “bad loss” for the Lions in any way, shape, or form.
Mechanicsburg picked up its first win by scoring a season-high 34 points to edge Susquehanna Township. On a night when the Wildcats defense surrendered 27 points and was unable to be the rock for this team, the offense came alive behind QB Jeff Lougee and the return of RB Parker Sample to the lineup. Gettysburg is 3-1 overall in its return to the Mid-Penn Conference and picked up its first division win of the campaign by dominating previously unbeaten East Pennsboro in a Colonial tussle. The Warriors limited East Pennsboro to 162 total yards, scored 27 unanswered points after falling behind 3-0 early in the second quarter, and did not have a turnover. RB Jayden Johnson was the workhorse with 145 yards on 24 carries with a touchdown.
A trio of Thursday evening games produced the gamut of results. Bishop McDevitt, as expected, had no trouble with Palmyra and cruised to a 49-3 triumph. The Crusaders defense registered a pick-6 and a whopping 16 tackles for a loss. RB Marquese Williams galloped for a season-high 216 yards and three touchdowns to power the offense.
Hershey’s upset of Cedar Cliff was well earned and with four minutes to play looked nearly improbable. The Trojans were facing third-and-18 from their own 6-yard line trailing the Colts by six. Hershey QB Daniel Painter connected with Marcus Sweeney down the sideline for a 94-yard catch-and-run score that coupled with a late defensive stand propelled the Trojans past the Colts 21-20. Cedar Cliff led this one 17-0 at halftime.
Mifflin County flexed its muscle and rode a defense that revealed a 2-2 Lower Dauphin squad has some serious challenges to overcome offensively to be a winning team. The Huskies rolled LD 28-7 and improved to 3-1 overall.
As the seven football programs that call the Mid-Penn Liberty Division home ready for their respective league openers, only one can say they’re going in on a winning note.
And – drum roll, please – that club is Earl Mosley’s youthful Halifax Wildcats.
That’s right, only Halifax (1-2) is heading into Mid-Penn Liberty play on a one-game winning streak. And Mosley’s Wildcats generated all sorts of positive waves by walloping Hancock (Md.) by a 53-0 score. By the way, all 53 of those points arrived before halftime.
Halifax encountered little to no resistance on the ground, rolling up 441 rushing yards against its Maryland visitors while watching two runners crack the 100-yard barrier. Freshman Cohen Bechtel needed just six carries to amass 188 yards and three touchdowns.
Junior hammer Isaac Miller added 100 rushing yards on eight attempts while scoring twice, while Peter Ranck chimed in with 65 yards and one score on a mere three totes.
Halifax attempted just three passes in its lopsided victory, completing one as freshman QB Teegan Carroll hooked up with Ranck on a 27-yard touchdown pass.
Miller also was a beast defensively, totaling 10 tackles, including one for loss. Carroll booked the ‘Cats’ lone quarterback sack, but he also fell on one of Hancock’s three lost fumbles.
Well, making the lengthy journey to northern Dauphin County is a James Buchanan contingent (2-1) that defeated York County Tech and Clear Spring (Md.) in Weeks 1 and 2, respectively, yet were upended 21-14 by a Biglerville side that rushed for 204 yards against the Rockets.
Seth Lady caused much of the damage for the Canners (2-1), rushing 14 times for 161 yards and touchdowns covering 3, 56 and 63 yards. Lady’s final TD, which snapped a 14-14 tie and turned out to be the game-winner, arrived with 8:22 to play in the third quarter.
Conversely, Jacob Frey spearheaded a JB rushing attack that totaled 205 yards on the ground by picking up 119 yards on 29 attempts. Frey’s 41-yard TD pulled JB even 63 seconds before Lady’s game-winning score, but Cliff Pine’s club couldn’t convert the 2-point try and take the lead.
John Stoner added an 8-yard TD run for JB.
Stoner completed 7 of his 11 pass attempts for 134 yards – with five throws going to Spencer Line for 115 yards. JB also was pestered by racking up 12 penalties for 88 yards.
Trojans, Blackhawks looking to open league play in winning fashion
Unable to get its potentially combustible Pistol Wing-T cranked up and humming on every possible cylinder last weekend, Upper Dauphin (1-2) is hoping to rejuvenate its offensive attack this weekend when Susquenita (1-2) motors into Elizabethville.
Yet despite its inability to cash in repeatedly, Kent Smeltz’s Trojans trailed undefeated by just two points (14-12) heading into the final quarter. UD, however, never could get closer as the pass-happy Lions trucked home after pocketing a 26-12 triumph.
Although Branden Fetterhoff (11-53) and Brady Morgan (15-46) paced the Trojans’ run game, UD’s lone rushing score came from Konner Walker. UD’s other touchdown came through the air as Aidan Bingaman found Landon Mace. Regardless, the Trojans totaled just 213 yards.
UD’s defense held up fairly well against Camp Hill’s vaunted passing attack, limiting the Lions to 150 yards while yielding three TDs. Caleb Snyder led the Trojans with eight tackles – including three behind the line of scrimmage – and added one quarterback sack.
The Trojans finished with six sacks and 11 tackles for loss, although those numbers didn’t impact the final result. Four lost fumbles also proved problematic for Smeltz’s bunch.
Susquenita was roughed up at home for the second time in as many tries, surrendering 384 offensive yards to a Schuylkill Valley club that was winless when the Panthers arrived in Cove. Schuylkill Valley picked up 250 yards on the ground, which might have UD salivating.
Derek Gibney threw one touchdown pass – twin brother Drew latched on – and crashed over for the Blackhawks’ other TD. Those two may need to play big against the host Trojans.
Juniata and Newport to renew lengthy rivalry … in Mifflintown
Undoubtedly steamed after dropping its second straight outing, Kurt Condo’s Juniata squad (1-2) will be trying to rebound from consecutive setbacks to Selinsgrove (17-14) and West Perry (24-0) when winless Newport (0-3) strides into the Kling for the umpteenth time.
Todd Rothermel’s Buffaloes conceded 461 offensive yards one week ago in a 47-0 loss to Big Spring – with 334 coming on the ground. Conversely, the ‘Port managed just 157 total yards, with Aiden Dishman rushing 16 times for 83 lengths. Two fumbles also stung the Buffs.
Juniata struggled mightily when it had the ball, totaling merely 99 yards against the undefeated Mustangs. Steady senior Waylon Ehrenzeller picked up 48 rushing 48 yards on 11 attempts and caught one pass, but he was all over the place defensively (15 tackles/one fumble recovery).
In case anyone needs a timely reminder, Condo’s Indians are the reigning Mid-Penn Liberty Division champions after skipping through the 2021 regular season with a perfect 6-0 mark.
One more non-league scrap awaits Line Mountain
With everyone else in the Mid-Penn Liberty engaged in divisional play this weekend, Line Mountain (0-3) will try to break into the win column when Marian Catholic (2-1) steams into lower Northumberland County’s Glenn Ressler Field.
Brandon Carson’s Eagles were originally scheduled to entertain Middletown, but a Week 4 opening in Line Mountain’s schedule developed when a hazing incident led to the Blue Raiders scrapping the 2022 campaign and sending lots of folks scrambling to find opponents.
While Line Mountain’s opponents thus far have a combined 9-0 mark, the Eagles nearly dealt Tri-Valley its first setback – but the Bulldogs used a Jake Scheib short-yardage blast with just over 50 seconds to go to take their first lead and pull out a 35-28 victory.
Nolan Baumert rushed for 84 yards and a pair of touchdowns to lead Carson’s Eagles, while Chandon Maurer and Ian Bates also cashed in on short TD runs. Line Mountain also received production from Tharon Wagner (3 carries, 26 yards/2 receptions, 42 yards), who was making his first varsity appearance since the 2020 season.
Maurer and Max Johnson paced the Line Mountain defense with nine tackles and 2.5 stops for loss, while Quinn Dunkelberger chipped in a handful of hits, one tackle for loss and a QB sack. Johnson and Brayden Boyer also posted sacks while sharing a handful of hurries.
Marian outslugged Catasauqua 12-7 in a matchup of Colonial-Schuylkill League squads that play in different divisions. Bruce Hopeck’s 16-yard touchdown pass to giant tight end Michael Gelatko (3-34) accounted for one score, while Jesse Rodino’s blocked punt in the final two minutes set up Matt Martin’s game-winning 10-yard TD run.
Martin is the Colts’ top rusher with 355 yards on 76 carries (5 touchdowns) – he finished with 62 yards on 18 carries against Catty – but Stan Dakosty’s club has only attempted 22 throws. Martin (35), Joe Walco (32) and James Rodino (29) are Marian’s top three tacklers.
This week, we chatted with West Perry quarterback Marcus Quaker on The Spotlight with Andy Shay.
EXPLAINING OUR PICKS: The 4th Down Magazine crew picks all games involving Mid-Penn Conference teams, as well as Schuylkill-Colonial League games featuring former members of the now-defunct Twin Valley Conference. Come playoff time, they’ll expand to include all District 3 teams, as well as the local District 4, District 6 and District 11 programs. Then they’ll get really bold in the state semifinals and start picking games across the state. The predictions are meant for entertainment purposes only because, truth be told, these guys aren’t very bright. Three of them are former full-time sportswriters (dummies), and the other decided to start a high school football magazine despite the fact he already works a full-time job. But, dangit, they like to watch football, think about football, write about football, and eat. That last one isn’t related to picking football games unless you count the mustard on the keyboard. As always, enjoy, and don’t take it too seriously. Nobody here hates any program. Any perceived disrespect is a figment of your imagination. Except Sandrik, who absolutely DESPISES … (transmission interrupted) …
Andy Shay: Bishop McDevitt 55, Palmyra 0: Anything other than this result would be a major surprise.
Geoff Morrow: Bishop McDevitt 56, Palmyra 7: A true mismatch. This one ended 75-7 last year. Honestly, the Crusaders probably shouldn’t be in the Keystone Division anyway.
Andy Sandrik: Bishop McDevitt 63, Palmyra 7: I really wish the Mid-Penn would adopt a promotion and relegation system, because it would be a heck of a lot more fun watching the Crusaders play in the Commonwealth Division.
Adam Kulikowski: Bishop McDevitt 55, Palmyra 6: The Crusaders are a state title contender while the Cougars are working to rebuild a winning culture – two very different tasks at hand.
Hershey 21, CEDAR CLIFF 20
Andy Shay: Cedar Cliff 30, Hershey 17: Been a little bit of an up-and-down ride for the Trojans defensively out of the gate. They need their best effort in this one to keep in touch. Cliff asks a lot out of a team to beat them. If they go down, the Colts usually go down swinging.
Geoff Morrow: Cedar Cliff 31, Hershey 14: While the Colts were stampeding past McCaskey last week, the Trojans took a step backward by dropping a 44-30 decision to (previously) winless Dallastown. No gimme here, but Colts have won nine of the last 10 in the series.
Andy Sandrik: Cedar Cliff 28, Hershey 21: Colts are coming in fully expecting to win here, and they should, but it’s going to be a struggle if they can’t establish the run.
Adam Kulikowski: Cedar Cliff 27, Hershey 24: Colts seem to have found another gear with first-year QB Bennett Secrest under center. Can the sophomore keep the good times rolling Friday night?
Mifflin County 28, LOWER DAUPHIN 7
Andy Shay: Lower Dauphin 27, Mifflin County 20: This one is all about defense in my book. Which one puts in a better 48-minute effort will go a long way to determining the outcome.
Geoff Morrow: Lower Dauphin 24, Mifflin County 14: Each team suffered through disappointing Week 3 results, with LD surrendering 41 points in a loss to Elizabethtown while the Huskies were blanked by Altoona. Something has to give here, and my Monopoly money is on the host Falcons.
Andy Sandrik: Lower Dauphin 23, Mifflin County 7: It’s awfully hard to come off a 38-0 loss and then board the bus for a tough road game the following week, like the Huskies have to do.
Adam Kulikowski: Lower Dauphin 34, Mifflin County 20: The Huskies broke a long losing streak this year with a pair of victories to open the season. Signs say this will be a competitive matchup, but the Falcons have a few more pieces in the cupboard to swing the balance in this Thursday night tilt.
Friday, Sept. 16
MID-PENN COMMONWEALTH
CUMBERLAND VALLEY 45, Central Dauphin East 14
Andy Shay: Cumberland Valley 31, CD East 14: It’s been a three-week grind for the Eagles, but they can’t afford to let off the gas in this one. They have the upper hand in this matchup and can’t rest on that 3-0 mark.
Geoff Morrow: Cumberland Valley 30, CD East 20: If the Eagles win, they’re 4-0. Last time CV started 4-0? That would be 2017 when it also reached the District 3 championship game. That same season, East lost twice to CV by a combined score of 104-12. Does any of that matter now in 2022? No. But I’m kind of the “recent history” guy here, so there it is.
Andy Sandrik: Cumberland Valley 44, CD East 20: It’s just about impossible to piece together a non-con schedule to adequately prep your team for the Commonwealth, but that was quite an opening three weeks for CV. I think the Eagles deserve to be big favorites in this spot.
Adam Kulikowski: Cumberland Valley 35, CD East 33: These first three weeks haven’t been a cruise for the Eagles, but the grind sharpens a team, right?
CENTRAL DAUPHIN 42, Chambersburg 35
Andy Shay: Central Dauphin 24, Chambersburg 21: It was a much better overall outing from the Rams a week ago, but the result wasn’t there. That will be what’s required to avoid 0-4 because the Trojans are much better and are feeling pretty good about where they are – and rightfully so.
Geoff Morrow: Central Dauphin 27, Chambersburg 23: I realize the Trojans are off to a better start than the Rams this season, but it’s nearly impossible to imagine CD starting 0-4. This is their moment to turn things around.
Andy Sandrik: Central Dauphin 17, Chambersburg 13: Should be a close game. I’m setting the over/under at 30.5 and taking the under.
Adam Kulikowski: Chambersburg 28, Central Dauphin 21: To me, this is a 50-50 game, so I’ll side with the team with a little more firepower offensively.
Harrisburg 44, CARLISLE 15
Andy Shay: Harrisburg 42, Carlisle 28: I see this one as back-and-forth for very long stretches before a late Cougars surge puts the game on ice. Going to learn a lot about both squads this week.
Geoff Morrow: Harrisburg 39, Carlisle 32: This is a case where program strength overrides seasonal strength, because based on 2022 results thus far, the Herd might be the safer pick. However, I think most Mid-Penn football observers will look at the Cougars’ surprising home loss to Manheim Twp. last week and expect Harrisburg to make corrections. Add to that the fact that Carlisle has lost six straight to the Cougars since 2016, and NONE of those games has been competitive for 48 minutes, and you have prognosticators almost unifying in their predictions.
Andy Sandrik: Harrisburg 45, Carlisle 25: In my season preview I said Harrisburg was head and shoulders above the Commonwealth competition, and I still feel that way. That said, Carlisle has the horses to make this game worth the price of a ticket.
Adam Kulikowski: Harrisburg 35, Carlisle 28: How do the Cougars – still one of the most talented teams in District 3 – respond to the last-second loss last week to Manheim Twp.? We’re about to learn more about the character of this team.
State College 55, ALTOONA 14
Andy Shay: State College 38, Altoona 21: We know Altoona isn’t intimidated by the Little Lions. So take that off the board. The Mountain Lions give SC their best shot on a pretty consistent basis. Not sure their best is enough, though.
Geoff Morrow: State College 23, Altoona 21: Mountain Lions have given the Little Lions headaches in recent meetings, including a stunning one-point victory in 2020. But this version of State High REALLY seems to have something special brewing. Gotta figure the Lil’ Lions are the Commonwealth favorites (just ahead of CV and Harrisburg) as we enter the start of division play.
Andy Sandrik: State College 33, Altoona 28: Safe money is on State College, but why do I sense a barn-burner at Mansion Park?
Adam Kulikowski: State College 42, Altoona 28: The Little Lions are quickly becoming a contender for much more than a Commonwealth Division title. Picking against Mrs. 4th Down’s alma mater generally comes with a good scowl, but it’d be a 2020-esque upset if the Mountain Lions pull this one off.
MID-PENN KEYSTONE
MILTON HERSHEY 35, Red Land 10
Andy Shay: Milton Hershey 19, Red Land 17: Each of these squads is looking for that next level of consistency and production on offense. That is where the rubber meets the road in this game. It’s a toss-up unless one offense finds a little something.
Geoff Morrow: Milton Hershey 16, Red Land 14: Patriots have shown significant progress from week to week under its new coach, and they’ll need another big step forward to knock off the Spartans. Doable, for sure. Neither offense has found a groove yet.
Andy Sandrik: Red Land 21, Milton Hershey 20: I’m giving the Keystone benefit of the doubt over the Capital in this matchup, but this seems like a coin-flip game all the way.
Adam Kulikowski: Red Land 24, Milton Hershey 20: I wavered back and forth on this one. Great to see the Patriots notch a victory last week, I see them as a step or two further along in the effort to identify their offensive prowess.
MID-PENN COLONIAL
GETTYSBURG 27, East Pennsboro 11
Andy Shay: Gettysburg 28, East Pennsboro 24: This is one of those winnable games for both teams. The margins are tight in terms of the matchup. The old and perhaps tired cliche applies here that penalties and turnovers could be true difference makers.
Geoff Morrow: Gettysburg 26, East Pennsboro 21: Panthers bring a 3-0 mark into this one, but it’s the Warriors who put a hurting on a quality Boiling Springs squad last week. Note: This is Gettysburg’s first Mid-Penn Colonial game since losing 19-13 to Shippensburg on Nov. 1, 2013.
Andy Sandrik: East Pennsboro 25, Gettysburg 23: A battle between two teams that could each be the dark horse of the Colonial. I’m taking the Panthers here, but keep in mind I’m 0-3 picking Gettysburg games this season, with about a 50-50 shot of moving to 0-4.
Adam Kulikowski: East Pennsboro 28, Gettysburg 27: The Panthers sport a dynamic duo with Dakota Campbell and Keith Oates that should present a problem for Gettysburg to handle.
Mechanicsburg 34, SUSQUEHANNA TOWNSHIP 27
Andy Shay: Mechanicsburg 17, Susquehanna Township 14: Offensively, these clubs seem on pretty equal footing in terms of where they are right now. The Wildcats’ defense has been keeping them in games, and it feels like that could be the difference in this one.
Geoff Morrow: Mechanicsburg 18, Susquehanna Township 13: Waffled on this pick for a while. Is the ‘Hanna back and ready to win games like this, or does the division losing skid hit 10 games? Are the Wildcats REALLY an 0-3 team, or are they one decent week from turning this around? We’ll find answers soon enough!
Andy Sandrik: Susquehanna Township 20, Mechanicsburg 19: This is either going to be a razor-thin win for the Tribe or a blowout win for the Wildcats, nothing in between. I’m going with my gut.
Adam Kulikowski: Mechanicsburg 21, Susquehanna Township 20: Tempting to “Trust the Process” as Coach Joe Headen would say, but I don’t believe for a second the Wildcats’ 0-3 record is indicative of their ability to be a tough out.
NORTHERN YORK 17, Shippensburg 6
Andy Shay: Shippensburg 28, Northern York 14: The Greyhounds aren’t blowing the doors off everybody, and they are surrendering a few more yards and points than we’ve come to expect. And none of that matters because they simply have the firepower and experience to know what is required to get a win. That’s respect-worthy.
Geoff Morrow: Shippensburg 35, Northern York 21: For most teams, I might consider this a trouble spot. But the Greyhounds, who last posted a losing season in 2006, aren’t most teams and inherently know how to avoid missteps. I expect their Colonial win streak to hit 11 games Friday night, though it’s notable that their last division loss came at Northern in October 2020.
Andy Sandrik: Shippensburg 28, Northern York 24: The thing I like most about this year’s edition of the Greyhounds is how comfortable they seem to be in tight spots and hostile environments. Northern is a really nice team and will land some haymakers, so victory will be within reach, but give me the ‘Hounds in a grindfest.
Adam Kulikowski: Shippensburg 34, Northern York 21: The Polar Bears are reeling a bit coming off a loss to Dover. Not good heading into a huge match up against the Greyhounds.
GREENCASTLE-ANTRIM 35, Waynesboro 21
Andy Shay: Greencastle-Antrim 26, Waynesboro 14: All the momentum you would want a team to have, the Blue Devils own it right now. They are flying high and you know exactly who they are. Waynesboro is still searching for some answers to questions it didn’t expect to need answers for. Big difference.
Geoff Morrow: Greencastle-Antrim 23, Waynesboro 8: It’s not just that the Blue Devils are winning; it’s HOW they’re winning. G-A appears on the path to posting its first winning season since 2015. Snapping an eight-game losing skid vs. its Franklin County rival would go a long way to making that happen.
Andy Sandrik: Waynesboro 25, Greencastle-Antrim 24: The Blue Devils are undefeated, amped up and ready to sock it to their rivals. It’s super tempting to take Greencastle here, but I’m going with the team that hasn’t lost this matchup since the year my fourth-grader was born.
Adam Kulikowski: Greencastle-Antrim 21, Waynesboro 20: I’m officially on the G-A bandwagon. When are they serving the snacks?
MID-PENN CAPITAL
BIG SPRING 16, Camp Hill 6
Andy Shay: Camp Hill 28, Big Spring 20: There was a brief moment of pause for this one, and then I remembered the Lions’ defense has been lights out for 12 quarters. The Bulldogs’ front will present some different challenges, but the Lions have passed every test to date.
Geoff Morrow: Big Spring 33, Camp Hill 31: Now that the Bulldogs got that first victory out of the way, I expect they’ll be primed for the upstart Lions, who just keep knocking off quality foes to start this 2022 season. Can Camp Hill do it again and avenge last year’s 42-7 shellacking by Big Spring? Or will the hosts rise up and knock the Lions from the ranks of unbeaten?
Andy Sandrik: Big Spring 28, Camp Hill 21: Camp Hill reminds me of my gamer friend Nick, who downplays his abilities and congratulates me for winning before we even play, then he defeats me soundly. If Big Spring gives this anything other than an ‘A’ effort, it’s the Lions scoring another “upset” victory.
Adam Kulikowski: Camp Hill 32, Big Spring 20: The Lions made a loud statement last Friday night with their dominance of Upper Dauphin. We knew Drew Branstetter and crew would light up the scoreboard, but that defense is a game-changer for this edition of the Lions. (Tip of the cap to the CH coaching crew who had their gents ready for the trickery the Trojans have used to find success.)
Steel-High 74, BOILING SPRINGS 30
Andy Shay: Steel-High 33, Boiling Springs 24: Plenty of lessons and takeaways for the Bubblers from getting bumped off by Gettysburg. Just not sure this is the team you get some of those fixes worked out against. Rollers feel like they are sitting on a big game.
Geoff Morrow: Steel-High 32, Boiling Springs 28: Wholesale entertainment when these programs get together lately, and I have no reason to expect this will be any different. While the Rollers will be happy to play somebody local – the first two games were against Pittsburgh schools – the Bubblers need to shake off last week’s 15-point home loss to Gettysburg.
Andy Sandrik: Steel-High 36, Boiling Springs 27: Man, I wish we could have this game in Week 9 or 10, not Week 4. Will still be a fun game to hear those shoulder pads pop.
Adam Kulikowski: Steel-High 36, Boiling Springs 30: This has Game of the Week written all over it. Find a good spot on the hill in Bubbletown and get some popcorn, ‘cause there’s sure to be some highlight-reel moments on tap.
MID-PENN LIBERTY
JAMES BUCHANAN 27, Halifax 7
Andy Shay: James Buchanan 26, Halifax 19: Rockets have played three tight games and won two of them. And overall they have shown more consistency on defense, which gives JB a clear-cut advantage.
Geoff Morrow: James Buchanan 22, Halifax 19: Well, Halifax has two games listed on its Week 4 schedule – this one and another vs. Morrisville. Is this split-squad spring training kinda stuff? Because I’m not sure that’s gonna work.
Andy Sandrik: James Buchanan 33, Halifax 13: Assuming the MaxPreps roster for James Buchanan is even half accurate, I think the Rockets’ depth will play a big role against the Wildcats.
Adam Kulikowski: James Buchanan 21, Halifax 14: Rockets are more the well-tested team at this point in the season. That gives them the advantage in my book.
JUNIATA 36, Newport 0
Andy Shay: Juniata 36, Newport 7: The struggles continue for Newport against a Juniata squad that was limited to fewer than 100 yards in a loss to West Perry last week. The Buffaloes have surrendered 145 points in three games.
Geoff Morrow: Juniata 40, Newport 8: Can’t imagine it was a joyful week of practice for the Indians. And the Buffaloes just don’t offer much resistance right now, so it’s another wrong place, wrong time for the ‘Port.
Andy Sandrik: Juniata 27, Newport 0: No TDs for the Newport offense over its last eight quarters, and I’m not convinced the Buffs are going to score against the Big Red defense this week, either.
Adam Kulikowski: Juniata 35, Newport 7: No one expected the Indians to be blanked by West Perry last week. Don’t think for a second that their scoreless streak will extend into this week.
UPPER DAUPHIN 30, Susquenita 7
Andy Shay: Upper Dauphin 40, Susquenita 14: Mildly surprised these squads each have only one win under their belt. Still a lot to play for in the Liberty Division, and the Trojans’ pop on offense will show up in this one.
Geoff Morrow: Upper Dauphin 42, Susquenita 20: Trojans have put up a lot of points and nothing but victories when battling against the Blackhawks over the last four years. And despite its 1-2 non-league start, UDA still very much has reason to believe the Liberty is there for the taking.
Andy Sandrik: Upper Dauphin 38, Susquenita 21: UD is looking for four full quarters of execution, here. If the Trojans do that, they win big.
Adam Kulikowski: Upper Dauphin 38, Susquenita 24: The Trojans tipped their hand a bit to Camp Hill last week. Can they disguise their tells better in Week 4?
SCHUYLKILL-COLONIAL RED DIVISION
NORTHERN LEHIGH 61, Pine Grove 0
Andy Shay: Northern Lehigh 42, Pine Grove 0: This brings to a close a brutal three-game stretch for PG, and there’s no reason to think this result won’t resemble the previous two 25+ point losses.
Geoff Morrow: Northern Lehigh 44, Pine Grove 7: Bulldogs are 3-0 and ranked No. 5 in Eric Epler’s Class A state rankings. The Cardinals, meanwhile, lost 48-0 and 38-13 to two DIFFERENT state-ranked programs the previous two weeks. This wraps up a brutal three-game stretch for Pine Grove.
Andy Sandrik: Northern Lehigh 45, Pine Grove 7: Yikes. Tough matchup for the Cards.
Adam Kulikowski: Northern Lehigh 43, Pine Grove 14: The Cardinals have to feel like they’ve been in a heavyweight fight each of the last two weeks after butting heads with state-ranked opponents … unfortunately they are about to go another round with the big dogs.
NON-LEAGUE
LINE MOUNTAIN 26, Marian Catholic 19
Andy Shay: Marian Catholic 13, Line Mountain 7: Eagles came oh so close to springing a major upset last week … but remain winless. Don’t see a ton of points being scored in this one, and that favors Marian and its stingy defense.
Geoff Morrow: Line Mountain 23, Marian Catholic 18: Technically, we all correctly picked the Tri-Valley vs. Line Mountain winner last week, though I’d argue none of us deserved credit because the Eagles played ‘em tough and probably should have won while we all picked blowouts. But what prognosticator could have possibly seen that coming? Well, now we do see something coming. Marian might be 2-1, but Line Mountain learned something about itself last week and now has a chance to pocket its first victory of the season.
Andy Sandrik: Line Mountain 24, Marian Catholic 17: Head-check game for Line Mountain. The Eagles are coming off a loss, but in that loss, they were landing haymakers on unbeaten Tri-Valley for three quarters.
Adam Kulikowski: Marian Catholic 21, Line Mountain 20: Which Line Mountain offense will show up Friday night? The one that has struggled to move the rock through the first two weeks, or the one who almost upset Tri-Valley in Week 3?
Minersville 30, WILLIAMS VALLEY 12
Andy Shay: Williams Valley 26, Minersville 20: This feels like a tight squeeze most of the way, but the Vikings clearly have more horsepower on offense overall, and that has to play a role to clear this hurdle.
Geoff Morrow: Williams Valley 29, Minersville 19: The Battlin’ Miners have been a tough out this season, so I expect they’ll keep it interesting vs. the Vikings for a while. But there’s just too much firepower on the WV side for me to pick against them.
Andy Sandrik: Williams Valley 35, Minersville 12: Everyone seems to think this game is going to be close, but it’s gonna be all Vikings, all night Friday.
Adam Kulikowski: Williams Valley 38, Minersville 28: Go ahead and pencil in WV QB Isaac Whiteash for 200 through the air and RB Alex Achenbach for another 150 on the ground. That’s just how the Vikings roll each week when you look at the box at the end of the night
WEST PERRY 40, Trinity 14
Andy Shay: Trinity 28, West Perry 24: Don’t look at the win-loss records here; look inside the matchup – as in go really deep inside and look at the OL-DL. Whoever has the upper hand wins. This feels like a must-win game for Trinity, and the playing field is definitely more level for the T-Rocks compared to the previous two outings. If the Mustangs find open space, they will take advantage of it.
Geoff Morrow: West Perry 26, Trinity 22: This is arguably the most interesting game on our entire Week 4 slate. If you’re the Shamrocks, psychologically it might feel like a game at West Perry is a LOT more winnable after taking lumps against state powers Roman Catholic and Wyomissing. However, the Mustangs are 3-0 and coming off a VERY impressive shutout of Juniata. I think this will be close, though, because I have to believe Trinity’s tough-schedule confidence matters here.
Andy Sandrik: West Perry 28, Trinity 21: I think this comes down to who best can limit big plays, and for that reason I’m taking the Mustangs, who are allowing 2 points per game.
Adam Kulikowski: West Perry 31, Trinity 28: Give a listen to our interview with West Perry QB Marcus Quaker. The dual-threat junior is confident and has a much better understanding of what defenses are throwing at the Mustangs. Plus, Bob Boden’s bunch carries all the momentum after shutting out a quality Juniata program.
Tri-Valley 37, SCHUYLKILL HAVEN 0
Andy Shay: Tri-Valley 38, Schuylkill Haven 14: Bulldogs took some major body blows last week and still came out on top. Their run game struggled, and when that happens, it gets a little sideways for TV. I expect a full and resounding rebound here.
Geoff Morrow: Tri-Valley 28, Schuylkill Haven 13: If you’re young enough to play in this football game, you’ll have no idea what I’m about to write. But I saw this matchup and immediately started singing the Scorpions’ 1984 hit, “Rock You Like a Hurricane.” I honestly hadn’t thought of that song in at least a decade. So, thanks for the nostalgia, Schuylkill Haven!
Andy Sandrik: Tri-Valley 28, Schuylkill Valley 7: I hope the ‘Dawgs send a thank-you note to Line Mountain, not just for lighting a fire under their butts, but for showing them all the areas where they need to improve. Either way, this is not a good spot for the ‘Canes.
Adam Kulikowski: Tri-Valley 31, Schuylkill Haven 14: And now we know how old GMo is. … I like the ‘Dawgs to have an easier go of it this week.
EXPLAINING OUR PICKS: The 4th Down Magazine crew picks all games involving Mid-Penn Conference teams, as well as Schuylkill-Colonial League games featuring former members of the now-defunct Twin Valley Conference. Come playoff time, they’ll expand to include all District 3 teams, as well as the local District 4, District 6 and District 11 programs. Then they’ll get really bold in the state semifinals and start picking games across the state. The predictions are meant for entertainment purposes only because, truth be told, these guys aren’t very bright. Three of them are former full-time sportswriters (dummies), and the other decided to start a high school football magazine despite the fact he already works a full-time job. But, dangit, they like to watch football, think about football, write about football, and eat. That last one isn’t related to picking football games unless you count the mustard on the keyboard. As always, enjoy, and don’t take it too seriously. Nobody here hates any program. Any perceived disrespect is a figment of your imagination. Except Sandrik, who absolutely DESPISES … (transmission interrupted) …
This week, we chatted with West Perry quarterback Marcus Quaker on The Spotlight with Andy Shay.
Andy Shay: Bishop McDevitt 55, Palmyra 0: Anything other than this result would be a major surprise.
Geoff Morrow: Bishop McDevitt 56, Palmyra 7: A true mismatch. This one ended 75-7 last year. Honestly, the Crusaders probably shouldn’t be in the Keystone Division anyway.
Andy Sandrik: Bishop McDevitt 63, Palmyra 7: I really wish the Mid-Penn would adopt a promotion and relegation system, because it would be a heck of a lot more fun watching the Crusaders play in the Commonwealth Division.
Adam Kulikowski: Bishop McDevitt 55, Palmyra 6: The Crusaders are a state title contender while the Cougars are working to rebuild a winning culture – two very different tasks at hand.
Hershey 21, CEDAR CLIFF 20
Andy Shay: Cedar Cliff 30, Hershey 17: Been a little bit of an up-and-down ride for the Trojans defensively out of the gate. They need their best effort in this one to keep in touch. Cliff asks a lot out of a team to beat them. If they go down, the Colts usually go down swinging.
Geoff Morrow: Cedar Cliff 31, Hershey 14: While the Colts were stampeding past McCaskey last week, the Trojans took a step backward by dropping a 44-30 decision to (previously) winless Dallastown. No gimme here, but Colts have won nine of the last 10 in the series.
Andy Sandrik: Cedar Cliff 28, Hershey 21: Colts are coming in fully expecting to win here, and they should, but it’s going to be a struggle if they can’t establish the run.
Adam Kulikowski: Cedar Cliff 27, Hershey 24: Colts seem to have found another gear with first-year QB Bennett Secrest under center. Can the sophomore keep the good times rolling Friday night?
Mifflin County 28, LOWER DAUPHIN 7
Andy Shay: Lower Dauphin 27, Mifflin County 20: This one is all about defense in my book. Which one puts in a better 48-minute effort will go a long way to determining the outcome.
Geoff Morrow: Lower Dauphin 24, Mifflin County 14: Each team suffered through disappointing Week 3 results, with LD surrendering 41 points in a loss to Elizabethtown while the Huskies were blanked by Altoona. Something has to give here, and my Monopoly money is on the host Falcons.
Andy Sandrik: Lower Dauphin 23, Mifflin County 7: It’s awfully hard to come off a 38-0 loss and then board the bus for a tough road game the following week, like the Huskies have to do.
Adam Kulikowski: Lower Dauphin 34, Mifflin County 20: The Huskies broke a long losing streak this year with a pair of victories to open the season. Signs say this will be a competitive matchup, but the Falcons have a few more pieces in the cupboard to swing the balance in this Thursday night tilt.
Friday, Sept. 16
MID-PENN COMMONWEALTH
CUMBERLAND VALLEY 45, Central Dauphin East 14
Andy Shay: Cumberland Valley 31, CD East 14: It’s been a three-week grind for the Eagles, but they can’t afford to let off the gas in this one. They have the upper hand in this matchup and can’t rest on that 3-0 mark.
Geoff Morrow: Cumberland Valley 30, CD East 20: If the Eagles win, they’re 4-0. Last time CV started 4-0? That would be 2017 when it also reached the District 3 championship game. That same season, East lost twice to CV by a combined score of 104-12. Does any of that matter now in 2022? No. But I’m kind of the “recent history” guy here, so there it is.
Andy Sandrik: Cumberland Valley 44, CD East 20: It’s just about impossible to piece together a non-con schedule to adequately prep your team for the Commonwealth, but that was quite an opening three weeks for CV. I think the Eagles deserve to be big favorites in this spot.
Adam Kulikowski: Cumberland Valley 35, CD East 33: These first three weeks haven’t been a cruise for the Eagles, but the grind sharpens a team, right?
CENTRAL DAUPHIN 42, Chambersburg 35
Andy Shay: Central Dauphin 24, Chambersburg 21: It was a much better overall outing from the Rams a week ago, but the result wasn’t there. That will be what’s required to avoid 0-4 because the Trojans are much better and are feeling pretty good about where they are – and rightfully so.
Geoff Morrow: Central Dauphin 27, Chambersburg 23: I realize the Trojans are off to a better start than the Rams this season, but it’s nearly impossible to imagine CD starting 0-4. This is their moment to turn things around.
Andy Sandrik: Central Dauphin 17, Chambersburg 13: Should be a close game. I’m setting the over/under at 30.5 and taking the under.
Adam Kulikowski: Chambersburg 28, Central Dauphin 21: To me, this is a 50-50 game, so I’ll side with the team with a little more firepower offensively.
Harrisburg 44, CARLISLE 15
Andy Shay: Harrisburg 42, Carlisle 28: I see this one as back-and-forth for very long stretches before a late Cougars surge puts the game on ice. Going to learn a lot about both squads this week.
Geoff Morrow: Harrisburg 39, Carlisle 32: This is a case where program strength overrides seasonal strength, because based on 2022 results thus far, the Herd might be the safer pick. However, I think most Mid-Penn football observers will look at the Cougars’ surprising home loss to Manheim Twp. last week and expect Harrisburg to make corrections. Add to that the fact that Carlisle has lost six straight to the Cougars since 2016, and NONE of those games has been competitive for 48 minutes, and you have prognosticators almost unifying in their predictions.
Andy Sandrik: Harrisburg 45, Carlisle 25: In my season preview I said Harrisburg was head and shoulders above the Commonwealth competition, and I still feel that way. That said, Carlisle has the horses to make this game worth the price of a ticket.
Adam Kulikowski: Harrisburg 35, Carlisle 28: How do the Cougars – still one of the most talented teams in District 3 – respond to the last-second loss last week to Manheim Twp.? We’re about to learn more about the character of this team.
State College 55, ALTOONA 14
Andy Shay: State College 38, Altoona 21: We know Altoona isn’t intimidated by the Little Lions. So take that off the board. The Mountain Lions give SC their best shot on a pretty consistent basis. Not sure their best is enough, though.
Geoff Morrow: State College 23, Altoona 21: Mountain Lions have given the Little Lions headaches in recent meetings, including a stunning one-point victory in 2020. But this version of State High REALLY seems to have something special brewing. Gotta figure the Lil’ Lions are the Commonwealth favorites (just ahead of CV and Harrisburg) as we enter the start of division play.
Andy Sandrik: State College 33, Altoona 28: Safe money is on State College, but why do I sense a barn-burner at Mansion Park?
Adam Kulikowski: State College 42, Altoona 28: The Little Lions are quickly becoming a contender for much more than a Commonwealth Division title. Picking against Mrs. 4th Down’s alma mater generally comes with a good scowl, but it’d be a 2020-esque upset if the Mountain Lions pull this one off.
MID-PENN KEYSTONE
MILTON HERSHEY 35, Red Land 10
Andy Shay: Milton Hershey 19, Red Land 17: Each of these squads is looking for that next level of consistency and production on offense. That is where the rubber meets the road in this game. It’s a toss-up unless one offense finds a little something.
Geoff Morrow: Milton Hershey 16, Red Land 14: Patriots have shown significant progress from week to week under its new coach, and they’ll need another big step forward to knock off the Spartans. Doable, for sure. Neither offense has found a groove yet.
Andy Sandrik: Red Land 21, Milton Hershey 20: I’m giving the Keystone benefit of the doubt over the Capital in this matchup, but this seems like a coin-flip game all the way.
Adam Kulikowski: Red Land 24, Milton Hershey 20: I wavered back and forth on this one. Great to see the Patriots notch a victory last week, I see them as a step or two further along in the effort to identify their offensive prowess.
MID-PENN COLONIAL
GETTYSBURG 27, East Pennsboro 11
Andy Shay: Gettysburg 28, East Pennsboro 24: This is one of those winnable games for both teams. The margins are tight in terms of the matchup. The old and perhaps tired cliche applies here that penalties and turnovers could be true difference makers.
Geoff Morrow: Gettysburg 26, East Pennsboro 21: Panthers bring a 3-0 mark into this one, but it’s the Warriors who put a hurting on a quality Boiling Springs squad last week. Note: This is Gettysburg’s first Mid-Penn Colonial game since losing 19-13 to Shippensburg on Nov. 1, 2013.
Andy Sandrik: East Pennsboro 25, Gettysburg 23: A battle between two teams that could each be the dark horse of the Colonial. I’m taking the Panthers here, but keep in mind I’m 0-3 picking Gettysburg games this season, with about a 50-50 shot of moving to 0-4.
Adam Kulikowski: East Pennsboro 28, Gettysburg 27: The Panthers sport a dynamic duo with Dakota Campbell and Keith Oates that should present a problem for Gettysburg to handle.
Mechanicsburg 34, SUSQUEHANNA TOWNSHIP 27
Andy Shay: Mechanicsburg 17, Susquehanna Township 14: Offensively, these clubs seem on pretty equal footing in terms of where they are right now. The Wildcats’ defense has been keeping them in games, and it feels like that could be the difference in this one.
Geoff Morrow: Mechanicsburg 18, Susquehanna Township 13: Waffled on this pick for a while. Is the ‘Hanna back and ready to win games like this, or does the division losing skid hit 10 games? Are the Wildcats REALLY an 0-3 team, or are they one decent week from turning this around? We’ll find answers soon enough!
Andy Sandrik: Susquehanna Township 20, Mechanicsburg 19: This is either going to be a razor-thin win for the Tribe or a blowout win for the Wildcats, nothing in between. I’m going with my gut.
Adam Kulikowski: Mechanicsburg 21, Susquehanna Township 20: Tempting to “Trust the Process” as Coach Joe Headen would say, but I don’t believe for a second the Wildcats’ 0-3 record is indicative of their ability to be a tough out.
NORTHERN YORK 17, Shippensburg 6
Andy Shay: Shippensburg 28, Northern York 14: The Greyhounds aren’t blowing the doors off everybody, and they are surrendering a few more yards and points than we’ve come to expect. And none of that matters because they simply have the firepower and experience to know what is required to get a win. That’s respect-worthy.
Geoff Morrow: Shippensburg 35, Northern York 21: For most teams, I might consider this a trouble spot. But the Greyhounds, who last posted a losing season in 2006, aren’t most teams and inherently know how to avoid missteps. I expect their Colonial win streak to hit 11 games Friday night, though it’s notable that their last division loss came at Northern in October 2020.
Andy Sandrik: Shippensburg 28, Northern York 24: The thing I like most about this year’s edition of the Greyhounds is how comfortable they seem to be in tight spots and hostile environments. Northern is a really nice team and will land some haymakers, so victory will be within reach, but give me the ‘Hounds in a grindfest.
Adam Kulikowski: Shippensburg 34, Northern York 21: The Polar Bears are reeling a bit coming off a loss to Dover. Not good heading into a huge match up against the Greyhounds.
GREENCASTLE-ANTRIM 35, Waynesboro 21
Andy Shay: Greencastle-Antrim 26, Waynesboro 14: All the momentum you would want a team to have, the Blue Devils own it right now. They are flying high and you know exactly who they are. Waynesboro is still searching for some answers to questions it didn’t expect to need answers for. Big difference.
Geoff Morrow: Greencastle-Antrim 23, Waynesboro 8: It’s not just that the Blue Devils are winning; it’s HOW they’re winning. G-A appears on the path to posting its first winning season since 2015. Snapping an eight-game losing skid vs. its Franklin County rival would go a long way to making that happen.
Andy Sandrik: Waynesboro 25, Greencastle-Antrim 24: The Blue Devils are undefeated, amped up and ready to sock it to their rivals. It’s super tempting to take Greencastle here, but I’m going with the team that hasn’t lost this matchup since the year my fourth-grader was born.
Adam Kulikowski: Greencastle-Antrim 21, Waynesboro 20: I’m officially on the G-A bandwagon. When are they serving the snacks?
MID-PENN CAPITAL
BIG SPRING 16, Camp Hill 6
Andy Shay: Camp Hill 28, Big Spring 20: There was a brief moment of pause for this one, and then I remembered the Lions’ defense has been lights out for 12 quarters. The Bulldogs’ front will present some different challenges, but the Lions have passed every test to date.
Geoff Morrow: Big Spring 33, Camp Hill 31: Now that the Bulldogs got that first victory out of the way, I expect they’ll be primed for the upstart Lions, who just keep knocking off quality foes to start this 2022 season. Can Camp Hill do it again and avenge last year’s 42-7 shellacking by Big Spring? Or will the hosts rise up and knock the Lions from the ranks of unbeaten?
Andy Sandrik: Big Spring 28, Camp Hill 21: Camp Hill reminds me of my gamer friend Nick, who downplays his abilities and congratulates me for winning before we even play, then he defeats me soundly. If Big Spring gives this anything other than an ‘A’ effort, it’s the Lions scoring another “upset” victory.
Adam Kulikowski: Camp Hill 32, Big Spring 20: The Lions made a loud statement last Friday night with their dominance of Upper Dauphin. We knew Drew Branstetter and crew would light up the scoreboard, but that defense is a game-changer for this edition of the Lions. (Tip of the cap to the CH coaching crew who had their gents ready for the trickery the Trojans have used to find success.)
Steel-High 74, BOILING SPRINGS 30
Andy Shay: Steel-High 33, Boiling Springs 24: Plenty of lessons and takeaways for the Bubblers from getting bumped off by Gettysburg. Just not sure this is the team you get some of those fixes worked out against. Rollers feel like they are sitting on a big game.
Geoff Morrow: Steel-High 32, Boiling Springs 28: Wholesale entertainment when these programs get together lately, and I have no reason to expect this will be any different. While the Rollers will be happy to play somebody local – the first two games were against Pittsburgh schools – the Bubblers need to shake off last week’s 15-point home loss to Gettysburg.
Andy Sandrik: Steel-High 36, Boiling Springs 27: Man, I wish we could have this game in Week 9 or 10, not Week 4. Will still be a fun game to hear those shoulder pads pop.
Adam Kulikowski: Steel-High 36, Boiling Springs 30: This has Game of the Week written all over it. Find a good spot on the hill in Bubbletown and get some popcorn, ‘cause there’s sure to be some highlight-reel moments on tap.
MID-PENN LIBERTY
JAMES BUCHANAN 27, Halifax 7
Andy Shay: James Buchanan 26, Halifax 19: Rockets have played three tight games and won two of them. And overall they have shown more consistency on defense, which gives JB a clear-cut advantage.
Geoff Morrow: James Buchanan 22, Halifax 19: Well, Halifax has two games listed on its Week 4 schedule – this one and another vs. Morrisville. Is this split-squad spring training kinda stuff? Because I’m not sure that’s gonna work.
Andy Sandrik: James Buchanan 33, Halifax 13: Assuming the MaxPreps roster for James Buchanan is even half accurate, I think the Rockets’ depth will play a big role against the Wildcats.
Adam Kulikowski: James Buchanan 21, Halifax 14: Rockets are more the well-tested team at this point in the season. That gives them the advantage in my book.
JUNIATA 36, Newport 0
Andy Shay: Juniata 36, Newport 7: The struggles continue for Newport against a Juniata squad that was limited to fewer than 100 yards in a loss to West Perry last week. The Buffaloes have surrendered 145 points in three games.
Geoff Morrow: Juniata 40, Newport 8: Can’t imagine it was a joyful week of practice for the Indians. And the Buffaloes just don’t offer much resistance right now, so it’s another wrong place, wrong time for the ‘Port.
Andy Sandrik: Juniata 27, Newport 0: No TDs for the Newport offense over its last eight quarters, and I’m not convinced the Buffs are going to score against the Big Red defense this week, either.
Adam Kulikowski: Juniata 35, Newport 7: No one expected the Indians to be blanked by West Perry last week. Don’t think for a second that their scoreless streak will extend into this week.
UPPER DAUPHIN 30, Susquenita 7
Andy Shay: Upper Dauphin 40, Susquenita 14: Mildly surprised these squads each have only one win under their belt. Still a lot to play for in the Liberty Division, and the Trojans’ pop on offense will show up in this one.
Geoff Morrow: Upper Dauphin 42, Susquenita 20: Trojans have put up a lot of points and nothing but victories when battling against the Blackhawks over the last four years. And despite its 1-2 non-league start, UDA still very much has reason to believe the Liberty is there for the taking.
Andy Sandrik: Upper Dauphin 38, Susquenita 21: UD is looking for four full quarters of execution, here. If the Trojans do that, they win big.
Adam Kulikowski: Upper Dauphin 38, Susquenita 24: The Trojans tipped their hand a bit to Camp Hill last week. Can they disguise their tells better in Week 4?
SCHUYLKILL-COLONIAL RED DIVISION
NORTHERN LEHIGH 61, Pine Grove 0
Andy Shay: Northern Lehigh 42, Pine Grove 0: This brings to a close a brutal three-game stretch for PG, and there’s no reason to think this result won’t resemble the previous two 25+ point losses.
Geoff Morrow: Northern Lehigh 44, Pine Grove 7: Bulldogs are 3-0 and ranked No. 5 in Eric Epler’s Class A state rankings. The Cardinals, meanwhile, lost 48-0 and 38-13 to two DIFFERENT state-ranked programs the previous two weeks. This wraps up a brutal three-game stretch for Pine Grove.
Andy Sandrik: Northern Lehigh 45, Pine Grove 7: Yikes. Tough matchup for the Cards.
Adam Kulikowski: Northern Lehigh 43, Pine Grove 14: The Cardinals have to feel like they’ve been in a heavyweight fight each of the last two weeks after butting heads with state-ranked opponents … unfortunately they are about to go another round with the big dogs.
NON-LEAGUE
LINE MOUNTAIN 26, Marian Catholic 19
Andy Shay: Marian Catholic 13, Line Mountain 7: Eagles came oh so close to springing a major upset last week … but remain winless. Don’t see a ton of points being scored in this one, and that favors Marian and its stingy defense.
Geoff Morrow: Line Mountain 23, Marian Catholic 18: Technically, we all correctly picked the Tri-Valley vs. Line Mountain winner last week, though I’d argue none of us deserved credit because the Eagles played ‘em tough and probably should have won while we all picked blowouts. But what prognosticator could have possibly seen that coming? Well, now we do see something coming. Marian might be 2-1, but Line Mountain learned something about itself last week and now has a chance to pocket its first victory of the season.
Andy Sandrik: Line Mountain 24, Marian Catholic 17: Head-check game for Line Mountain. The Eagles are coming off a loss, but in that loss, they were landing haymakers on unbeaten Tri-Valley for three quarters.
Adam Kulikowski: Marian Catholic 21, Line Mountain 20: Which Line Mountain offense will show up Friday night? The one that has struggled to move the rock through the first two weeks, or the one who almost upset Tri-Valley in Week 3?
Minersville 30, WILLIAMS VALLEY 12
Andy Shay: Williams Valley 26, Minersville 20: This feels like a tight squeeze most of the way, but the Vikings clearly have more horsepower on offense overall, and that has to play a role to clear this hurdle.
Geoff Morrow: Williams Valley 29, Minersville 19: The Battlin’ Miners have been a tough out this season, so I expect they’ll keep it interesting vs. the Vikings for a while. But there’s just too much firepower on the WV side for me to pick against them.
Andy Sandrik: Williams Valley 35, Minersville 12: Everyone seems to think this game is going to be close, but it’s gonna be all Vikings, all night Friday.
Adam Kulikowski: Williams Valley 38, Minersville 28: Go ahead and pencil in WV QB Isaac Whiteash for 200 through the air and RB Alex Achenbach for another 150 on the ground. That’s just how the Vikings roll each week when you look at the box at the end of the night
WEST PERRY 40, Trinity 14
Andy Shay: Trinity 28, West Perry 24: Don’t look at the win-loss records here; look inside the matchup – as in go really deep inside and look at the OL-DL. Whoever has the upper hand wins. This feels like a must-win game for Trinity, and the playing field is definitely more level for the T-Rocks compared to the previous two outings. If the Mustangs find open space, they will take advantage of it.
Geoff Morrow: West Perry 26, Trinity 22: This is arguably the most interesting game on our entire Week 4 slate. If you’re the Shamrocks, psychologically it might feel like a game at West Perry is a LOT more winnable after taking lumps against state powers Roman Catholic and Wyomissing. However, the Mustangs are 3-0 and coming off a VERY impressive shutout of Juniata. I think this will be close, though, because I have to believe Trinity’s tough-schedule confidence matters here.
Andy Sandrik: West Perry 28, Trinity 21: I think this comes down to who best can limit big plays, and for that reason I’m taking the Mustangs, who are allowing 2 points per game.
Adam Kulikowski: West Perry 31, Trinity 28: Give a listen to our interview with West Perry QB Marcus Quaker. The dual-threat junior is confident and has a much better understanding of what defenses are throwing at the Mustangs. Plus, Bob Boden’s bunch carries all the momentum after shutting out a quality Juniata program.
Tri-Valley 37, SCHUYLKILL HAVEN 0
Andy Shay: Tri-Valley 38, Schuylkill Haven 14: Bulldogs took some major body blows last week and still came out on top. Their run game struggled, and when that happens, it gets a little sideways for TV. I expect a full and resounding rebound here.
Geoff Morrow: Tri-Valley 28, Schuylkill Haven 13: If you’re young enough to play in this football game, you’ll have no idea what I’m about to write. But I saw this matchup and immediately started singing the Scorpions’ 1984 hit, “Rock You Like a Hurricane.” I honestly hadn’t thought of that song in at least a decade. So, thanks for the nostalgia, Schuylkill Haven!
Andy Sandrik: Tri-Valley 28, Schuylkill Valley 7: I hope the ‘Dawgs send a thank-you note to Line Mountain, not just for lighting a fire under their butts, but for showing them all the areas where they need to improve. Either way, this is not a good spot for the ‘Canes.
Adam Kulikowski: Tri-Valley 31, Schuylkill Haven 14: And now we know how old GMo is. … I like the ‘Dawgs to have an easier go of it this week.
While some might categorize Williams Valley’s fast-approaching engagement with Minersville as a trap game – especially since state-ranked Loyalsock visits The Stauff next weekend – Vikings coach Tim Savage might order laps for anyone mentioning that term.
Savage, in fact, only needs to bring up two forgettable numbers to fuel his team’s fire –47-24.
When these Schuylkill County playmates met last season in Minersville, the Battlin’ Miners threw the football all over the yard while posting a stinging 47-24 triumph. Well, John Adams is gone after piling up 399 yards and five touchdowns and completing 15 of his 21 throws. And receiver Jared Graeff, who caught six passes for 137 yards and two TDs, also is gone.
Brock Polinsky, who hauled in six Adams deliveries for 162 yards and two scores, remains in the Miners’ lineup. Also back is running back Luke Stevenosky and a number of others.
Which brings us to this weekend’s scrap between an undefeated Williams Valley club (3-0) ranked 10th in Pennsylvania (Class 2A) and a Minersville group (2-1) that will contend for District 11 Class 1A supremacy.
Williams Valley walloped Schuylkill Haven 54-19, flashing all sorts of offensive balance. Quarterback Isaac Whiteash triggered Savage’s high-octane attack, throwing for 225 yards (8 of 15) and four touchdowns before his night came to a close.
Whiteash completed three touchdown passes to favorite target Brady Evans for 104 yards, scoring plays that covered 21, 73 and 10 yards. Touchdown pass No. 4 went to Logan Williard, who had three catches out of the backfield for 47 yards.
Feature back Alex Achenbach added 88 yards on the ground and three touchdowns –Achenbach totaled 16 carries – as the Vikings rolled up more than 400 yards of offense.
Ezi Hite also had a productive night on the defensive front, posting a team-high 10 tackles – including three for losses – and a fumble recovery.
Minersville won its second straight, mauling Shenandoah Valley 39-0 behind 137 yards rushing and three scores from Stevenosky (8 carries). Lorenzo Yourey added one touchdown pass while completing seven of his nine attempts for 129 yards. Four of those throws went to Polinsky for 68 yards, who also had two interceptions.
Stevenosky and Cade Schultz recorded 10 tackles apiece – Schultz bagged two quarterback sacks – while the pair combined for six stops for loss.
So … it should be a good one. Trap game? Hardly.
Tri-Valley looking for 4-0 start
Pushed to the max by Line Mountain a week ago, Jeff Sampson’s Bulldogs (3-0) escaped in the final minute when Jake Scheib blasted over the goal line from the 4 to cap Tri-Valley’s come-from-behind win. Sampson’s bunch trailed 28-14 entering the fourth quarter, but a pair of Kole Miller touchdown runs pulled the Bulldogs even before Scheib posted the game-winner.
While Miller finished with 69 yards on nine attempts, he also completed six of his 21 aerials for 194 yards and a pair of touchdowns. He was picked off by Nolan Baumert.
Both of Miller’s touchdown throws went to Jolten Flory – first-half deliveries covering 28 and 20 yards – who breached the goal line with 9 seconds left in the half as Tri-Valley closed within 21-14. Flory finished with four catches for 118 yards, the last a 30-yard reception that moved the ball to the Line Mountain 17. Two plays later, Scheib blasted into the end zone.
Scheib had a big night along the defensive front, totaling 16 stops. Inside linebacker Reece Huntzinger and defensive end Jaydon Kroh added 12 tackles each, while Kash Tobin and Noah Porter chimed in with 11 and 10, respectively.
Since Kam Wetzel was sporting a walking boot – Sampson was uncertain when the senior might return – Huntzinger will join Scheib in the backfield when the Bulldogs visit Schuylkill Haven.
Haven (1-2) tumbled 54-19 at Williams Valley, where the Hurricanes were limited to 171 offensive yards. Workhorse Aiden Myers, Haven’s primary ballcarrier, managed just 73 yards and one touchdown on 13 attempts. Connor Goehring returned a kickoff for another score.
Pine Grove hoping to get back on track
Back on the buses for the second consecutive weekend, Dave Shiffer’s Pine Grove outfit (1-2) hope this weekend’s lengthy journey leads to a much-different result than what happened last week when North Schuylkill cracked the Cardinals 48-0.
Pine Grove managed just 124 offensive yards against the perennially powerful Spartans – Mason Kroh (6-17-1) threw for 44 and Lane Lehman needed 13 attempts to rush for 25 – which was far from enough to claim the Colonial-Schuylkill Red Division opener.
Up next for the Cards is a trek to Slatington for a dustup with unbeaten Northern Lehigh (3-0), Pennsylvania’s fifth-ranked side (Class 1A), which peppered Pen Argyl by a decisive 44-14 count. Jack Tosh rushed nine times for 115 yards to pace the Bulldogs.
While Northern Lehigh spread the ball around – four players found the end zone via the run or pass – the Bulldogs absorbed a 292-yard passing effort from Brad Rissmiller (15-24-2). Eight Rissmiller throws went to Damian Tyminski for 135 yards. The Bulldogs, however, yielded just 10 yards rushing on 16 attempts while forcing three turnovers.
