Dare we say Cedar Cliff went old school to solve the mystery of how to beat Shippensburg this season?

The Colts put up a defensive shell that limited the Greyhounds to fewer than 150 total yards, and Cedar Cliff handed the ball to stud running back Jontae Morris a staggering 40 times.

Morris responded with 202 yards, accounting for nearly 70% of the Colts’ total yards, in the 10-7 victory that pushed No. 6 seed into the District 3 Class 5A semifinal opposite Exeter Township.

Defense and the running game. Never a bad combination when it comes to the playoffs in Pennsylvania in November. Tough first loss for the Greyhounds, but the score says this game was a toss-up all the way.

The best player on the field in this game was always Morris, and he showed up in a big way.

This crazy lower half of the Class 5A bracket played out where Cedar Cliff will get a home game for the semis as the No. 6 seed. The Eagles are the No. 7 seed, proving what everyone already knew that this was NOT your typical seventh seed.

You could choose several results from the playoff slate and say they were surprising — Wilson edging Central York, York Catholic drubbing Upper Dauphin in the Class 2A championship game, Exeter Township easily dispatching of Manheim Central or Williams Valley doubling up Tri-Valley in the District 11 Class 1A championship game.

None of those results tops Wyomissing 14, Middletown 0. Nobody covered more ground the last six weeks of the season than the Blue Raiders. The defending Class 3A champs came into this matchup averaging nearly 48 points a game.

It was always going to be an uphill climb to score points against the Wyomissing defense, and getting shut out is not a surprise. Holding the Spartans to a pair of touchdowns speaks volumes in my book. It was a game for 48 minutes. The final result was probably never in doubt, but the No. 1 seed was never comfortable, either. That’s a job well done to first-year Middletown coach Scott Acri and his squad.

Harrisburg is going to the Class 6A championship game in what should be a surprise of nobody. The Cougars have been rock steady all season and are a team that simply doesn’t get moved off its spot easily.

Upstart Hempfield was hit with a couple early haymakers by the Cougars and never really offered any resistance the rest of the way in terms of impacting the outcome.

Kyle Williams, who finished with four touchdowns, landed the first one with a 78-yard punt return for a touchdown in the opening quarter, and Mahkai Hopkins, who eclipsed 200 rushing yards, followed up with an 88-yard run that made it 14-0 just past the midway point of the first quarter.

Harrisburg has played a pair of seven-win teams in the playoffs and won by a combined score of 69-17. The Cougars’ opponent in the title game is No. 5-seed Wilson. The Bulldogs have won seven in a row.

Bishop McDevitt rolled up more than 450 yards and 56 points in its District 3 Class 4A opener against Northern. Those were the yards and points the Crusaders had at halftime. I’ve seen my share of explosive offenses in 30 years of covering Central Pennsylvania high school football. Not sure this one is just about a weak schedule. Will Berks Catholic in the next round even provide a test? It’s a fair question.

As I’ve said for all of that offensive flash — and my goodness gracious there are a lot of options when it comes to offensive flash — I will continue to beat the warning drum on what the McDevitt defense continues to do on a weekly basis. The Polar Bears, a team that massively overachieved in 2021 with seven wins including a playoff victory, was held to negative yards the first half and finished with less than 50 total yards.

Boiling Springs is headed to the District 3 Class 3A title game and will face the same Wyomissing squad on the road in Berks County that blitzed the Bubblers a year ago in the first round.

A lot of players on this 2021 Bubblers team learned some valuable “next level” lessons in that game a year ago. Another crack is all you can ask for. For the second week in a row the Bubblers used a big second half to vanquish a playoff opponent. Two weeks ago it was 35 points the final two quarters against Lancaster Catholic. This time around it was 28 second-half points that put Hamburg away. Not sure Brad Zell’s troops can wait until the second half to find their groove against the Spartans.

Defending PIAA Class 1A champion Steel-High began the defense of its state championship by winning the District 3 title behind a big second half on Cottage Hill. The Rollers outscored Delone Catholic 29-13 the final two quarters to pull away for a three-score win. Rollers RB Daivin Pryor finished with 147 total yards on 20 touches including a receiving touchdown. Steel-High quarterback Alex Erby had three touchdown passes in the second half.

A few thoughts on teams who saw their seasons come to an end … Big Spring made history with the first playoff win in school history, which is still a monumental accomplishment. Lampeter-Strasburg crushed the No. 10 seed by 49 points and scored 63. Upper Dauphin was never in the game with York Catholic in the Class 2A championship game. The Trojans trailed 28-0 at intermission. Waynesboro couldn’t find enough offense to impact the outcome against Spring Grove. The Indians defense showed up and limited the Rockets to 21 points to keep Waynesboro in the game.

It took less that two minutes for Bishop McDevitt to assert their dominance Friday night in the District 3-4A quarterfinal at Rocco Ortenzio Stadium.

The Crusaders racked up 56 first half points and held Northern York to negative yardage en route to a 62-0 plastering of the Polar Bears.

Freshman quarterback Stone Saunders threw for 283 yards and three touchdowns while Marquese Williams paced the Crusaders with 124 stripes and three touchdowns on the ground.

Bishop McDevitt will host No. 4 Berks Catholic next Friday in the semifinals.

View our game highlights:

Beau Pribula, QB, Central York: When it comes to that “it” factor by subtly making everyone around him better, this guy has a ton of “it.” The Penn State recruit is simply a winner. In his final high school season, he’s completed a stunning 73% of his 165 attempts for 2,268 yards and a staggering 32 touchdowns. The dual-threat signal caller also has more than 400 yards on the ground with eight more scores to give him 40 total touchdowns. And the numbers don’t tell the real story of his value.

Christian Royer, RB/LB, Warwick: One of my favorite players in the Lancaster-Lebanon League for a lot of reasons. Sure, the Warriors are playing mighty Governor Mifflin and the expectation is Warwick is going to lose. One of the many qualities that makes Royer stand out on a field is his football determination. He’s tough as nails and plays at 100 miles per hour every play. He’s a respectable running back and is very good at getting yards after first contact and navigating tight spaces. Most eyes, though, will be on another running back in this game. I want to see Royer play linebacker against this OL and the rushing attack of the Mustangs. He’s an exceptional linebacker with well above average first-read instincts.

Erby Weller, WR, Shippensburg: Everyone knows the Greyhounds  historically love to pound the rock, and this year’s team is no different. They employ a three-headed monster in the run game where nobody is the single go-to back, but all three find a way to get theirs. And that’s tough to defend. Ship is more balanced than most years in 2021, and Weller, a 6-foot-2 junior, is a go-to weapon for the undefeated Colonial Division champions. As a team, Shippensburg has completed 59 passes this season and 36 of those have gone to Weller. He averages 20.7 yards per catch and has 10 touchdowns. That’s some serious production in limited opportunities. If Ship is going to continue playing, he might need to be more of a factor.

Ethan Eisenberg, QB, Big Spring: History has been made, but it’s time to move on because opportunity knocks for this Bulldogs team as the No. 10 seed in Class 4A. At its core Big Spring is still a Wing-T based offense with several modifications. The most prevalent is the Bulldogs have a deep-shot gunslinger at quarterback. Eisenberg’s strength is throwing rainbows downfield for huge plays. He’s thrown for nearly 1,600 yards and 22 touchdowns this season. But here’s all you need to know why he’s fun to watch: one out of every three passes the junior completes goes the distance for a touchdown. That’s ridiculous considering this is a run-based offense. The run game matters, still. It’s the vehicle that opens up these deep shots. They have more depth at wideout than you think at their disposal, too.

Stone Saunders, QB, Bishop McDevitt: Get ready, Pennsylvania, to be introduced to the next great quarterback to play for the Crusaders. Saunders is a 6-1, 175-pound freshman. Quietly, very quietly actually, this first-year player has put together an impressive campaign. Everyone knows McDevitt’s schedule has been soft. Yet if you think this type of production is based on a soft schedule you don’t know much about football. How about a 68% completion percentage, nearly 2,100 yards passing with 34 touchdowns and get ready for it … ONE interception. Somebody much wiser than me once said a hidden stat in football for quarterbacks is yards per attempt. Saunders averages 15.5 yards per attempt. That is a ridiculous number.

The first meeting was just a warmup

When the discussion centers on the backyard rivalry between Tri-Valley and Williams Valley, these guys haven’t been satisfied just playing once every season — at least not recently. And come Friday night at North Schuylkill High School in Ashland, these fiercely competitive programs will meet with the District 11 Class 1A championship on the line for the fourth time in five years.

They would have met last year as well, but a COVID-19 outbreak scotched those plans so Jeff Sampson’s fourth-ranked Bulldogs and Tim Savage’s No. 9 Vikings wound up sharing district gold — since District 11 didn’t send any squads to the state tournament. If it seems as if these clubs just met, it’s because they did two weeks ago in the regular-season finale, with Tri-Valley claiming a 14-0 decision in the slop between the pines in Williamstown. Grabbing the lead immediately as Levi Murray went yard with the opening kickoff, the Bulldogs increased their lead to 14-0 on Kam Wetzel’s rushing TD.

That’s where it stayed, however, as a Tri-Valley defense led by Reece Huntzinger (15 tackles, 2 sacks), Josh Reho (12 tackles), Jonas McGrath (11 tackles) and Mason Boltz (9 tackles) limited the Vikings to 131 yards from scrimmage. While the artificial playing surface may give everyone terrific footing throughout — in good or bad weather — these sides will get after one another. Tri-Valley (9-1) ran its winning streak to six games last weekend by pounding Mahanoy Area 47-0 behind Wetzel’s 203 rushing yards and three touchdowns.

McGrath only attempted four passes, but completed all four for 90 yards, including a 63-yard touchdown heave to Devin Wertz. It’s also worth mentioning that Tri-Valley registered six sacks en route to its fourth consecutive shutout. Meanwhile, at Williams Valley (8-2), Savage’s Vikes rebounded from their loss to Tri-Valley by eliminating Nativity BVM 35-25. Brady Evans caught six passes for 162 yards and three scores — two from QB Isaac Whiteash and one on a halfback option from Alex Achenbach — as the Vikes rallied from 6-0 and 12-7 deficits. Achenbach added 159 yards on 32 carries, but also reeled in a 53-yard TD reception from Whiteash (9-16-0-186). The Vikings also received a 27-yard interception return from Logan Williard and a pick from Evans that closed out the semifinal victory. Williard added 10 stops ­— three fewer than Jackson Yoder — while the Vikes banked five sacks. Whichever side prevails will get the survivor between District 2 champ Old Forge (9-0) and District 12 winner Belmont Charter (8-1) in the opening round of states.

Each week during the 2021 season we’ll offer some news, notes, tidbits and opinions from each of the five divisions in the Mid-Penn Conference.

Upper Dauphin hoping to mine gold

Still jazzed after surviving a 58-48 shootout with Columbia, Upper Dauphin (9-1) will carry its eight-game winning streak into York for a matchup with unbeaten York Catholic (10-0) for the District 3 Class 2A championship. If Kent Smeltz’s Trojans are successful Friday night on Springettsbury Avenue, they’ll claim their second 2A crown in three seasons and set up a state tournament scrap with District 12 champ West Catholic (3-7).

With Brady Morgan, Christian Snyder and Aiden Wiest combining for nearly 260 rushing yards and five touchdowns — not to mention a combined 70-yard fumble return from Austin Hartman and Morgan — UDA opened a 44-12 halftime lead last week against Columbia. QB Wil Laskowski added one rushing TD and connected with Snyder for a 59-yard score, but even those numbers weren’t enough to deter the Crimson Tide.

With QB Robert Footman throwing for 500-plus yards and wideout J’von Collazo setting a state record with 357 receiving yards, the Tide rallied and rallied only to fall short as Upper Dauphin advanced. Meanwhile, York Catholic’s top-seeded Fighting Irish were disposing of Susquenita 43-7 in the other semifinal. Dual-threat quarterback LeVan McFadden rushed for 121 yards and two touchdowns, threw for 104 more and another score, and even returned an interception for a fourth TD as Eric DePew’s squad won going away.

Nick Creisher added 100 rushing yards and one touchdown on 21 carries, but he also registered a safety when he pinned the Blackhawks’ Bryce McKee in the end zone. Since the seventh-ranked Irish — three rungs higher on the 2A ladder than UDA — have championship-game experience after their loss in last year’s 2A championship game to Camp Hill. Should be a good one.

Juniata wants more after repeating

Finally able to get on the scoreboard in the second quarter, Juniata parlayed its powerful ground game and stifling defense into a 41-12 triumph over Bellefonte in last weekend’s District 6 Class 4A title game. Kurt Condo’s Indians (9-2) aren’t done, however, as they’ll return to Altoona’s Mansion Park to square off against Pittsburgh’s USO (3-6) — a cooperative arrangement between University Prep, Sci-Tech and Obama Academy.

The winner of Saturday’s regional clash will advance to state play, meeting the District 10 Class 4A champ, either Meadville or General McLane. While Juniata rattled off the game’s first 41 points behind a productive ground assault fueled by Zachary Harr (175 yards, 3 touchdowns), Waylon Ehrenzeller (86 yards, 2 TDs) and Seth Laub (58 yards), the Indians also benefited from the return of senior quarterback Jacob Condo. Out since suffering a broken collarbone in a Week 3 loss at West Perry, the younger Condo didn’t run the ball yet completed eight of his 15 pass attempts for 67 yards.

That was more than enough offensive balance and working room for the Juniata defense, which sacked Bellefonte QB Trevor Johnson five times and limited the Raiders to minus-40 rushing yards. Johnson wound up throwing for 239 yards and a pair of scores, but that damage was inflicted late. USO advanced by squeezing past District 9 Class 4A entry DuBois 14-13.

RECORDS (Week 11 — Overall — Perfect Picks):

Andy Shay: 20-3 — 206-48 — 1

Andy Sandrik: 18-5 — 194-60 — 0

Geoff Morrow: 19-4 — 192-62 — 3

Adam Kulikowski: 20-3 — 179-75 — 1

Friday’s Games

District 3 Class 6A Semifinals

(5) Wilson at (1) Central York, 7

Andy Shay: Central York 28, Wilson 21: Remember, this was a Bulldogs team that was 2-3 at the midway point of the season and beat Hempfield and Manheim Township the final two weeks — each by a touchdown. The game won’t be too much for them. Until somebody beats Beau Pribula, I’m not willing to pick against him.

Geoff Morrow: Central York 48, Wilson 24: Love the Bulldogs’ pedigree. But, against such a dynamic foe, I worry a little bit about a defense that’s surrendered more points per game than any other Wilson team in recent memory.

Andy Sandrik: Central York 35, Wilson 28: Say what you want about Central York’s monster season; I’m just excited for my name to make it on Wilson’s bulletin board for the second time this season.

Adam Kulikowski: Central York 35, Wilson 30: Hats off to the Bulldogs, who continued to evolve into the perennial contender we are accustomed to seeing after a 2-3 start to their regular season. Difference to be is that dude, Beau Pribula, who has the ability to take a team on his back. Just ask Central Dauphin.

District 3 Class 5A Quarterfinals

(6) Cedar Cliff at (3) Shippensburg, 7

Andy Shay: Cedar Cliff 28, Shippensburg 24: There’s an element to the Colts that the Greyhounds have not faced, and that’s a really good RB and a couple of receivers who are slick in space. Toss-up game for me all the way. This is the upset pick.

Geoff Morrow: Shippensburg 28, Cedar Cliff 20: If the Colts’ offensive line and running game find a way to control clock and tempo, well, then we’re talking upset. But nothing about the Greyhounds’ season thus far gives me reason to doubt their ability to set the tone.

Andy Sandrik: Shippensburg 35, Cedar Cliff 21: When you have players like Anthony Smith and Erby Weller on the field, like Shippensburg does, it forces the opposition to devote multiple players toward stopping you. Quality teams have taken their shots at the Greyhounds all season — and have been denied each time.

Adam Kulikowski: Shippensburg 24, Cedar Cliff 21: It’s hard to pick against a team that has yet to lose in 2021 — but this is easily the biggest challenge the Greyhounds have faced thanks to what Jontae Morris brings to the table.

(7) Exeter Township at (2) Manheim Central, 7

Andy Shay: Exeter Township 23, Manheim Central 21: Not overly wild about the Eagles’ showing in the playoff opener, but advancing is all that matters. The trendy pick is Manheim Central. The Eagles’ losses are to teams that are still playing, and two of those are No. 1 seeds. They’ve been tested. This won’t be a challenge they haven’t seen.

Geoff Morrow: Exeter Township 35, Manheim Central 32: Both teams have played impressive schedules. I mean, how often do you get to match foes who both claim victories over Wilson? I’m picking the Eagles but wouldn’t be the least bit surprised if the Barons prevail. If I was advising neutral fans to find a game Friday, this might be my pick.

Andy Sandrik: Manheim Central 27, Exeter Township 14: To this day, I still have PTSD from Manheim Central’s Jeff Smoker and Co. knocking my team out of the district championship game in 1999. There are certain programs that just live in the postseason, and the Barons are one of them.

Adam Kulikowski: Manheim Central 31, Exeter Township 28: This matchup features two outstanding senior QBs, Exeter’s Colin Payne and MC’s Judd Novak, both of whom take care of the football and limit mistakes. Which one will make that game-changing play? I’ll take Novak and the Barons.

(8) Warwick at (1) Governor Mifflin, 7

Andy Shay: Governor Mifflin 49, Warwick 21: There are elements of this Warwick squad I really like. And, against the Mustangs, those elements won’t matter enough to dent this machine.

Geoff Morrow: Governor Mifflin 43, Warwick 20: The Mustangs’ schedule this season features some monsters, all of whom have been humbled in lopsided defeat. Seriously, can we get an NCAA-style four-team tourney featuring Central York, Governor Mifflin, Bishop McDevitt and Wyomissing?

Andy Sandrik: Governor Mifflin 44, Warwick 14: We’re running out of chances to see Nick Singleton in a high school uniform before he starts racking up yards for Penn State in the near future. Enjoy the show now — while you can still get a ticket and a snack for less than $10.

Adam Kulikowski: Governor Mifflin 37, Warwick 20: No team to date has been able to slow the machine that is Nick Singleton and that brutal offensive line he runs behind. Until that happens, the Mustangs are my pick.

(5) Waynesboro at (4) Spring Grove, 7

Andy Shay: Spring Grove 28, Waynesboro 26: These clubs traded paint in the season opener, and the Rockets prevailed by a field goal. Second time around is always different, right? Not if the Indians have anything to say about it!

Geoff Morrow: Spring Grove 21, Waynesboro 14: A rematch from what feels like a year ago, when the Rockets edged the Indians in a Week 1 beauty. What sells me again on Spring Grove right now is a defense that’s been pretty darn stout the last month.

Andy Sandrik: Waynesboro 30, Spring Grove 27: Win or lose, Aidan Mencia will still be going to bed with at least a dozen 4DM Player of the Week awards to his name. He’s gone above and beyond for the Indians since Mikel Holden went down.

Adam Kulikowski: Waynesboro 31, Spring Grove 28: I fully expect this one to come down to whoever has the ball last. I love the toughness of the Indians, and this is the time of year when leaning on senior running back Aidan Mencia is never a bad idea.

District 3 Class 4A Quarterfinals

(10) Big Spring at (2) Lampeter-Strasburg, 7

Andy Shay: Lampeter-Strasburg 33, Big Spring 27: Having a week to catch your breath and take a breather is more important than you think. L-S offense has been rolling up big numbers against struggling teams. The one constant is the Pioneers’ defense, though. The Bulldogs made history. This game is winnable for them. Has to be their very best, though.

Geoff Morrow: Lampeter-Strasburg 39, Big Spring 33: Pressure is entirely on the Pioneers, who cleaned up in a relatively weak L-L Section 3 this year and haven’t really been challenged since September. As we all know, the Bulldogs just bit off their first bit of District 3 playoff victory chew toy, and they’re hungry for more. If they believe like they did against Steel-High, Big Spring could celebrate again. But I’m still having a hard time picking against the Pioneers here. 

Andy Sandrik: Lampeter-Strasburg 28, Big Spring 10: The Bulldogs are coming off their first playoff win in school history, while the Pioneers win postseason games year after year. I think that track record, and a sturdy defense, will carry L-S to victory.

Adam Kulikowski: Big Spring 35, Lampeter-Strasburg 31: One week after a historic victory — the first in school history — the Bulldogs have a good chance to double up on that playoff win total. 

(5) Cocalico at (4) Berks Catholic, 7

Andy Shay: Berks Catholic 34, Cocalico 27: You look at who Berks Catholic lost to this year, and every single one of those four losses makes sense. Being tested at that level on a consistent basis will show up here against a sneaky Cocalico team that, when running downhill, is very tricky to get slowed down.

Geoff Morrow: Berks Catholic 29, Cocalico 23: Two teams with identical records and similar ups and downs this year, and both had last week off to game plan and prepare. I’m giving the edge to the homebound Saints, but this one could very well come down to creative coaching.

Andy Sandrik: Cocalico 35, Berks Catholic 28: I have a feeling this game is going to be a nailbiter, but give me Anthony Bourassa (183.3 yards per game) and the Eagles’ running game to spring the mild upset on Friday.

Adam Kulikowski: Berks Catholic 41, Cocalico 35: The Saints sport plenty of depth in the backfield behind 1,100-yard rusher Christian Cacchione and Josiah Jones and Luke Hughes each topping 450 stripes.

(6) Donegal at (3) Kennard-Dale, 7

Andy Shay: Kennard-Dale 33, Donegal 31: I’m going with the chalk here. I literally picked Donegal to win, then switched to K-D and back again to Donegal. Does that mean I think this is a “pick ‘em” game?

Geoff Morrow: Kennard-Dale 27, Donegal 14: Gimme the red-hot Rams, who’ve not been turned back since a Week 1 loss to Octorara. Neither side boasts strong strength-of-schedule, but K-D has home field and some more consistently impressive offensive outputs this year.

Andy Sandrik: Donegal 35, Kennard-Dale 27: You ever try to solve a math problem and just get lost staring at the numbers? That’s how I feel trying to figure out the victor in this game. Coin flip all the way.

Adam Kulikowski: Donegal 28, Kennard-Dale 27: I’ll echo the thoughts of my compadres. This one is a toss-up that’s worthy of punching a ticket to see in person on Friday night. Eight gents on Kennard-Dale and six more on the Donegal roster have rushed for more than 100 yards on the season.

(8) Northern York at (1) Bishop McDevitt, 7

Andy Shay: Bishop McDevitt 56, Northern 7: Because this is the best score to pick for McDevitt this season. The opponent is irrelevant. Crusaders operate at a different level, and the expectation is the Polar Bears will play well.

Geoff Morrow: Bishop McDevitt 59, Northern 14: Bryce Hall went beast mode — as did Tayvon Bowers and Michael Jones — when these squads met in the 2015 playoffs. See my pick when these squads meet again in the playoffs in 2026 to see who went off for McDevitt this time.

Andy Sandrik: Bishop McDevitt 62, Northern 21: Never say never in a battle of McDevitt vs. the Colonial Division (see the Crusaders vs. Ship in 2016 playoffs). But, yeah, there are a lot of weapons that need to be accounted for, and Northern doesn’t have the personnel to spring the upset.

Adam Kulikowski: Bishop McDevitt 49, Northern 14: I simply don’t see a way that the Polar Bears can slow down this McDevitt crew enough to keep it close. Marquise Williams and Cy Bowers are dynamic backs, their wideouts have done plenty, and Stone Saunders is already a Division I-level talent. Stop one facet? OK. Stop all of those weapons? Tall task.

District 3 Class 3A Semifinals

(3) Hamburg at (2) Boiling Springs, 7

Andy Shay: Boiling Springs 42, Hamburg 14: Coming off a huge win, the expectation is Hamburg has some juice. The Bubblers counter with a variety of weapons offensively that find a way to make big plays at the right time.

Geoff Morrow: Boiling Springs 40, Hamburg 20: Remember, the Bubblers are two years removed from 0-10, and they just posted their first district playoff victory since “Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan” was topping the box office in 2006. The Hawks, meanwhile, just won their first playoff game EVER. I just think the crew from Cumberland County has more to offer on both sides of the ball.

Andy Sandrik: Boiling Springs 33, Hamburg 21: You’ve got to love the energy Hamburg has brought to the field this season. The Hawks have a little pop, and although I think they’re heavy underdogs here, don’t be surprised if they have successful plays, series and quarters against the Bubblers.

Adam Kulikowski: Boiling Springs 37, Hamburg 24: This is shaping up to be one special season for the Bubblers. That modified Wing-T offense does just enough to keep teams off balance, and Brad Zell’s physical defense should provide a challenge to Hamburg.

District 3 Class 2A Championship

(3) Upper Dauphin at (1) York Catholic, 7

Andy Shay: Upper Dauphin 30, York Catholic 28: The Trojans are more suited for this matchup than a week ago with Columbia, and UDA still knocked off the Crimson Tide in that wild ride of a game. Undefeated YC has some pop offensively, but so do the Trojans. Riding the underdog in this one to keep rolling.

Geoff Morrow: York Catholic 26, Upper Dauphin 23: This will be the fourth time these teams have met in the District 3 playoffs (1982, 2009, 2013), though all previous meetings came in the semifinals. Fighting Irish have won two of those three meetings. Not much separates these two. Picking this one caused me significant mental turmoil.

Andy Sandrik: York Catholic 38, Upper Dauphin 32: Can I just take a moment to say how much I appreciate both teams inputting their stats on to MaxPreps every week this season? This game proves that you can still have a quality program without hiding your stats from the world.

Adam Kulikowski: Upper Dauphin 35, York Catholic 21: Would this be considered an upset after what the Trojans did to Columbia last week? Just asking.

District 4-6 Class 6A Championship

(2) Williamsport vs. (1) State College, at Central Mountain HS, 7

Andy Shay: State College 30, Williamsport 14: Nice revenge win for Williamsport last week taking out Altoona. The Little Lions will ask more of the Millionaires this week, and I’m not convinced Williamsport will have the answers.

Geoff Morrow: State College 31, Williamsport 20: While the Millionaires won the most recent meeting (2016), I like what the Little Lions did over the last two weeks of the regular season this year: nearly stunning Harrisburg at home, then taking care of Altoona in Week 10. It won’t be easy, but I think State High is rounding into a more typical playoff form than its 5-5 record suggests.

Andy Sandrik: Williamsport 28, State College 21: Williamsport left no doubts in its rout over Altoona last week. State College, I believe, is the favorite here, but when are the Millionaires going to have a better crack at the Little Lions than right now?

Adam Kulikowski: State College 35, Williamsport 28: The Little Lions were hit hard by the injury bug throughout much of the regular season. But things just might be getting better for Matt Lintal’s crew at just the right time.

District 11 Class 1A Championship

(2) Williams Valley vs. (1) Tri-Valley, at North Schuylkill HS, 7

Andy Shay: Tri-Valley 28, Williams Valley 14: I’m choosing to disregard that Week 10 T-V victory in the rain and slop. That’s not a valid measuring stick in those conditions. Still think the Bulldogs’ defense is just too much for the Vikings. That unit has a tendency to suck the football life out of an offense.

Geoff Morrow: Tri-Valley 20, Williams Valley 6: Four straight shutouts by the Bulldogs means it’s tempting to pick a shutout. And, hey, it might rain again Friday like it did in the regular-season meeting two weeks ago. Of note: T-V’s only loss this year is to another team mentioned on this predictions page: Hamburg.

Andy Sandrik: Tri-Valley 17, Williams Valley 0: A month has come and gone since Tri-Valley last allowed a touchdown in a 42-17 win over Nativity BVM on Oct. 8. Defense wins championships, and the Bulldogs’ D is going to do just that on Friday.

Adam Kulikowski: Tri-Valley 35, Williams Valley 21: Sure, the rain and slop in the Week 10 mud bowl wasn’t a good indication of what each team can do. But what I saw in that mess was that the Vikings didn’t come ready to fight while the Bulldogs did. Will that change with the District 11 championship up for grabs?

Saturday’s Games

District 3 Class 6A Semifinals

(6) Hempfield at (2) Harrisburg, 1

Andy Shay: Harrisburg 27, Hempfield 13: Yes, Hempfield is better than its 7-4 record. The one-loss Cougars haven’t been caught napping by anybody this season and have answered the bell every time. This won’t be easy, but this Harrisburg squad somehow finds a way.

Geoff Morrow: Harrisburg 25, Hempfield 21: This would have been a quicker and easier pick for me except for two recent results: the Cougars’ 15-13 white-knuckle victory over State College in Week 9, and the Black Knights’ 35-2 domination of Harrisburg rival CD East last week. I’m now trying to convince myself that the Cougars are favorites here. And I did. Barely.

Andy Sandrik: Harrisburg 35, Hempfield 14: Harrisburg dismantled a high-quality Carlisle squad with ease, while the Black Knights earned a 33-point win over CD East. I’m leaning on the Cougars big time, but Hempfield can’t be taken lightly.

Adam Kulikowski: Harrisburg 35, Hempfield 21: The Cougars bring a punch-you-in-the-jaw mentality each week — and it is working just fine. After several years of flashy skill-position players, this team relies more on grit, stingy defense and power running.

District 3 Class 3A Semifinals

(5) Middletown at (1) Wyomissing, 1

Andy Shay: Wyomissing 41, Middletown 7: Despite all those mistakes a week ago, the Blue Raiders are here. And even one mistake is too many against a Spartans team that leans on you for 48 minutes and forces teams to eventually wave the white flag. (I don’t mean quitting.)

Geoff Morrow: Wyomissing 43, Middletown 14: Sixth straight November meeting for these playoff rivals, and the Spartans will win their third straight vs. the Blue Raiders after dropping the first three in this fun series. Middletown will wear the underdog label proudly and fearlessly, but this Wyomissing is seriously special, even by Wyomissing standards.

Andy Sandrik: Wyomissing 34, Middletown 7: The Blue Raiders have done nothing but get better every week. That’s all you can ask. If Middletown can hold serve with Wyomissing for a half or longer, that’s a win in my book.

Adam Kulikowski: Wyomissing 45, Middletown 14: Tate Leach provided a spark to the Blue Raiders’ offense around the mid-season mark, and Middletown hasn’t looked back since. Taking down a Wyomissing group that has yielded just 93 points all season will take a monumental effort.

District 3 Class 1A Championship

(2) Delone Catholic at (1) Steel-High, 1

Andy Shay: Steel-High 48, Delone Catholic 20: Yes, the Rollers drag a two-game losing streak to the table in this one. Don’t be fooled. Big Spring beat the pants off them, and they answered the bell a week later and showed up big-time against Boiling Springs. They are ready to defend their state title starting here.

Geoff Morrow: Steel-High 49, Delone Catholic 21: I’m banking on Andrew Erby to have his Steamrollers ready to iron out those late-season wrinkles and begin the second season in style.

Andy Sandrik: Steel-High 47, Delone Catholic 26: The Squires have to feel hope knowing Steel-High is coming into this game on a two-game skid. Or maybe that just means the Rollers will be playing with a chip on their shoulder as they begin their state title defense.

Adam Kulikowski: Steel-High 45, Delone Catholic 21: Rollers enter this battle on a skid, but in reality they’ve answered the bell and are battle tested heading into 1A play. Their chances of back-to-back state titles are fully in play.

District 6-8-9 Class 4A Championship

(3) University Prep vs. (1) Juniata, at Altoona HS, 1

Andy Shay: Juniata 20, University Prep 7: There’s a discipline and precision to this Juniata defense that will give UP problems all game. Hard to see it any other way.

Geoff Morrow: Juniata 23, University Prep 6: Congrats to the Panthers from Pittsburgh for snapping a four-game skid and beating District 9’s DuBois on a late TD and two-point conversion last week. But I don’t think that 14-13 victory is adequate preparation for roughneck Juniata in this subregional championship.

Andy Sandrik: Juniata 23, University Prep 10: My research somehow shifted from the football aspect of this game to trying to find the mascot for University Prep. I’ve given it 10 minutes and still haven’t figured it out, so let’s just say the Indians ride their defense to a win over The Football Team.

Adam Kulikowski: Juniata 30, University Prep 14: It seems like we say the same thing about the Inidans each week: their defense will be the key. But the chorus rings true and it should help Juniata slip past UP.

Five-star performance

Tight end Zack Kuntz continued his stretch of strong play Saturday.

In Old Dominion’s second straight win, 47-24 over Florida International University, Kuntz put together his fourth game in the last five with at least eight catches.

Kuntz’s line — nine catches, 102 yards and a touchdown — is the best of his career. He had nine for 119 but no TDs two games ago.

The former Camp Hill tight end, who originally went to Penn State for three years, has a five-game stretch with the Monarchs (3-6) that includes 37 catches, 365 yards and two touchdowns. On the season, he has 53 receptions for 550 yards and four scores. 

In on the action

Andre White Jr. (Harrisburg) had a career-high nine tackles in No. 13 Texas A&M’s 20-3 win over No. 12 Auburn. The Aggies (7-2) have won four straight, beginning with the upset of the season over then-No. 1 Alabama. White had eight tackles in that game a month ago and has 23 tackles in the last four games. The 6-foot-3, 230-pound junior linebacker now has 44 tackles, a tackle for loss, a sack and a QB hit through nine games this season. Auburn was held to just 73 rushing yards and 153 passing.

Another former Cougar, Donte Kent, had eight tackles in Central Michigan’s 42-30 win over Western Michigan on Wednesday. Kent, who has 39 tackles this season and had eight two weeks ago against Northern Illinois, also had a pass breakup.

Keaton Ellis (State College) had two tackles in Penn State’s 31-14 win over Maryland, and Charlie Katshir (Cumberland Valley) had one takedown.

Pete Haffner (State College) had six tackles and one tackle for loss as Lehigh ended its eight-game losing streak to start the season with a 38-6 win over Bucknell.

Forrest Rhyne (Waynesboro) had two tackles and a fumble recovery in Villanova’s 35-0 shutout of Elon. The Wildcats improved to 7-2.

Damion Barber (Harrisburg/Penn State) had two quarterback hits in Austin Peay’s 42-26 win over Eastern Illinois.

Cody Gustafson (Shippensburg High) had eight grabs for 96 yards in Grove City College’s 35-21 loss to Case Western Reserve, the first time in six games and just the second time all season he didn’t break 100 yards. His brother, Nick, played in his first game this season, snagging three balls for 36 yards. Nick Gustafson had 13 receptions for 236 yards and a TD during the alternate spring season in four games.

PSAC performances

Laron Woody recorded his fourth sack of the season and finished with five tackles, giving him 43 overall this season, in Shippensburg University’s 52-14 win over Lock Haven. SU (8-2) has won three straight. Cameron Tinner (Shippensburg High) tied a season high with three tackles and a tackle for loss. Lower Dauphin grad Evan Morrill had four receptions for 61 yards and a touchdown. Bill Williams (Camp Hill) rushed eight times for 31 yards.

Jaheim Morris (Cedar Cliff) had 20 yards on six carries in Millersville’s fifth straight loss, 35-38 to Bloomsburg. Teammate Timmy Smith (Central Dauphin) lost 3 yards in six carries and had 9 yards on four catches. He also had two kick returns that totaled 43 yards. Tim Kissinger (Cumberland Valley) made all three extra point attempts but missed a 24-yard field goal in the third quarter.

Kurtis Ravenel Jr. (Carlisle) had three receptions for 27 yards in Kutztown’s 21-14 win over West Chester. WCU defensive tackle A.J. Perez (Central Dauphin) had a tackle.