Here are three District 3 playoff matchups that feature games where the lower seed could possibly post a victory over a higher seed.
CLASS 6A
No. 6 Hempfield (7-4) at No. 2 Harrisburg (10-1): This Black Knights squad played a regular season laced with quality opponents and had to grind just to make the field. That grind really showed up in the opener when they crushed No. 3-seed CD East behind a lockdown defense. It wasn’t even a fair fight, really. The Panthers never punched back. Harrisburg will, however, and the Cougars have plenty of quality wins on their resume as well.
The stage has never been too big for this Harrisburg team. It will take something really special from the Black Knights to pull off an upset at this level. But they have the tools. This has all the ingredients for a 48-minute grind where neither team ever gets far enough ahead to feel comfortable.
CLASS 5A
No. 6 Cedar Cliff (9-2) at No. 3 Shippensburg (11-0): For all the accomplishments in terms of facing a variety of offenses and pretty much coming up with a way to keep them under wraps, Cedar Cliff brings something to the table I’m not sure the Greyhounds have seen yet. The Colts have a couple wideouts that are athletic and are football fast in open space.
With the depth in the Keystone Division being so weak and the Colonial Division squads providing more of a week-to-week test overall, these teams are on pretty even ground in terms of being prepared. I like that both squads can take what a defense gives them and roll with it. Ship is the favorite, but only a slight favorite. I see this one as a toss-up all the way. Greyhounds have answered the bell at every turn, and that matters.
CLASS 4ANo. 10 Big Spring (8-3) vs. No. 2 Lampeter-Strasburg (9-1): My biggest question here is about the Bulldogs’ focus and hunger to continue making history. Getting that first playoff victory over Conrad Weiser on Friday was such a monumental and historical accomplishment for this program. It was well earned and deserved. Keeping the focus and drive at that level would serve Big Spring well this week. Because in my opinion I think the Scouts team they just knocked off is better than the Pioneers squad they are about to face. I don’t see much quality of week-to-week tests in the L-S schedule.
The Pioneers run the ball, and the Bulldogs are pretty good against the run defensively. Lampeter-Strasburg killed the last four teams they played, so it hasn’t been in a tight squeeze for more than a month. A good version of Big Spring shows up focused and plays its normal game. The Bulldogs have a real opportunity to move on if they do that. If a rested and rolling L-S outfit finds that sweet spot it likes and Big Spring is looking at what it accomplished instead of the task at hand, the Pioneers will run away and hide. Very intriguing matchup.
Dillon Wakefield, sr., RB, Big Spring — The No. 10 Bulldogs, at long last, have won a playoff game in just their second ever appearance. Wakefield led the charge with 23 carries, 214 yards and three touchdowns in upending No. 7 Conrad Weiser 49-35. His first TD was a 3-yarder late in the first half, and he added scores of 31 and 11 yards. He also had six tackles (two for loss), a pass breakup and a blocked punt, plus he punted twice for a 52-yard average.
Eli Hasco, sr., LB, Big Spring — Despite the more than 909 combined yards between the two teams in Big Spring’s 49-35 upset of Conrad Weiser in the first round, defensive performances were not hard to come by. Hasco was flying around the ball and recorded 14 tackles (11 solo), two tackles for loss, two sacks and a fumble recovery as the Bulldogs forced three turnovers.
Talon Balluscio, jr., RB, Northern — The Polar Bears won their first playoff game since 2015, fending off Octorara 28-22 in the District 3 Class 4A opener. Balluscio ran for 137 yards and scored on a 2-yard run early on to stake Northern to an early lead.
Jacob Kauffman, sr., RB, Lower Dauphin — The Falcons lost to Cedar Cliff 31-18 in the 5A first round, but Kauffman did everything in his power to keep upstart LD in the game. He ran for 158 yards, added 74 yards receiving and scored on a 74-yard reception and a 20-yard run.
Aidan Mencia, sr., RB, Waynesboro — Mencia and Waynesboro more than doubled up No. 12 Daniel Boone 42-20 in the Class 5A first round. The senior put up one of the best rushing performances in the district this weekend, scoring twice and finishing with 200 yards on 18 touches. One of those touchdowns went for 35 yards.
Ethan Dorrell, jr., QB, Cedar Cliff — The Colts had to rely on their passing game a little more than normal in a tight 31-18 first-round win over Lower Dauphin. Dorrell came through just fine, finishing a tidy 13-of-17 for 163 yards, two touchdowns and an interceptions. He connected with Trenten Smith five times for 99 yards and a 61-yard score, plus hit Mike Armanini for a 3-yard TD.
Anthony Smith, sr., DE/TE, Shippensburg — The future Minnesota Gopher did a little of everything as a team effort propelled the Greyhounds (11-0) to a 43-16 win over New Oxford in the Class 5A first round. Smith scored a second-quarter TD on a 2-yard run and finished with three carries for 18 yards. He added another 18 yards on a reception. And he finished with two sacks on defense.
Terrell Reynolds, jr. LB, Harrisburg — Reynolds became the Cougars’ single-season sack leader Saturday, recording No. 19.5 in the midst of a 36-7 Class 6A first-round win over Carlisle. That’s more than Cougar greats like Micah Parsons, a first-round pick by the Dallas Cowboys in the spring. Reynolds also added a blocked punt that rolled out of bounds for a safety as Harrisburg’s defense smothered Carlisle, allowing just 42 rushing yards and 104 passing while forcing three interceptions.
Zachary Harr, sr, RB/DB, Juniata — Harr inflicted plenty of damage Saturday afternoon, piling up 208 offensive yards in Juniata’s 41-12 triumph over Bellefonte, a victory that gave the Indians their second straight District 6 Class 4A championship. Harr rushed for 175 yards on just 10 attempts, scoring touchdowns that covered 19, 16 and 58 yards, respectively. He also caught a pair of passes for 33 yards as Kurt Condo’s squad collared its seventh straight victory and set up a scrap for a regional championship with Pittsburgh’s University Prep.
Small School: 3A-1A:
Joey Menke, sr., RB, Boiling Springs — Led by Menke and their vaunted Wing-T rushing attack, the No. 7 Bubblers won their first home playoff game in program history, thumping Lancaster Catholic 56-10 in the District 3 Class 3A opener. Menke scored two times to blow the doors off the Crusaders on runs of 74 and 38 yards, finished with 152 yards and crossed 1,000 for the season. The Bubblers had 340 rushing yards.
Tajae Broadie, sr., RB, Middletown — Broadie put up a 20-carry, 174-yard, three-touchdown performance to lead the fifth-ranked Blue Raiders over No. 4 West Perry 35-21 in the Class 3A first round. It was Broadie’s best performance of his career. He scored on runs of 2, 38 and and 13 yards, all in the middle two quarters. Broadie also added a team-best fiver receptions for 34 yards.
Logan Williard, jr., RB/LB, Williams Valley — Williard left his mark on Friday’s 35-25 come-from-behind victory over Nativity BVM, racking up double-digit tackle totals and returning an interception 27 yards for a score that helped ensure Williams Valley’s appearance in the District 11 Class 1A championship game. Williard totaled 10 stops as the Vikings downed Nativity for the second time in three weeks, but he also authored one pancake block from his fullback position, rushed once for 2 yards and hauled in a 5-yard reception.
Brady Evans, jr., WR/DB, Williams Valley — Williams Valley’s big-play wideout definitely influenced the Vikings’ postseason opener, as the 6-foot-3 Evans caught six passes for 162 yards and three touchdowns as Tim Savage’s bunch advanced to the District 11 Class 1A title game. Evans sandwiched touchdown balls thrown by Isaac Whiteash covering 45 and 19 yards around a 56-yard heave from halfback Alex Achenbach as the Vikes erased first-half deficits of 6-0 and 12-7. Evans also swiped a late Nativity BVM pass to close out Williams Valley’s latest win.
Alex Achenbach, so., RB/DB, Williams Valley — Achenbach enjoyed one of his typically productive outings in the opening round of the District 11 Class 1A playoffs, accounting for 268 yards from scrimmage and two scores as Williams Valley eliminated Nativity BVM 35-25. While Achenbach rushed 32 times for 159 yards — his TD run was waved off — he also caught a 53-yard touchdown pass and tossed a 56-yard TD throw as the Vikings scored 28 second-half points. Achenbach also recovered a Nativity fumble.
Kameron Wetzel, jr., RB/DB, Tri-Valley — Wetzel exploded in the Bulldogs’ 47-0 conquest of Mahanoy Area, rushing for 203 yards and three touchdowns on just 11 attempts as Tri-Valley eased into the District 11 Class 1A championship game. While Wetzel’s first touchdown run covered 60 yards, he’d go on to add a pair of 5-yard TD rushes as Jeff Sampson’s squad won going away. Wetzel also registered three tackles on defense.
Middletown’s Tajae Brodie ran like a man on a mission Friday night against West Perry, helping Middletown to a 35-21 victory in the first round of the District 3-3A playoffs.
Brodie, behind strong play from the Blue Raider offensive line, toted the rock 20 times for a career-best 174 rushing yards and three touchdowns.
Audric Bryant added 145 stripes on 11 carries to help pace Middletown on a chilly evening in Elliotsburg.
View our video highlights from the game plus an interview with Middletown coach Scott Acri.
Big Spring now owns a .500 record in the District 3 playoffs.
Why does that matter? The Bulldogs are now 1-1 overall.
Big Spring won the first playoff game in program history Friday night by outscoring Conrad Weiser in a wild two-touchdown win in Berks County where the teams combined for 84 points.
When you only made the playoffs once in the nearly 40 years District 3 has hosted a second season, securing a berth instantly made the 2021 Bulldogs one of the best in program history. Getting the first win puts this Big Spring team in another stratosphere.
There was too much firepower in these two offenses, and not enough defense to push back, it was always going to take points to win this game. The combination of Bulldogs running back Dillon Wakefield powering his way through tacklers and QB Ethan Eisenberg throwing touchdown bombs overwhelmed the Scouts.
Wakefield ran for 214 yards and three touchdowns, Eisenberg threw for 220 yards, rushed for 62 and accounted for four touchdowns. Big Spring tight end Connor Black had three catches for 102 yards and a pair of touchdowns.
It took all the Bulldogs firepower on offense to overcome Weiser QB Logan Klitsch throwing for 402 yards and four scores. Not too many teams see the opposing quarterback throw for 400 yards and celebrate.
No matter what happens going forward, and the Bulldogs could absolutely win another postseason game, this 2021 Big Spring squad made history and they did it with the formula that worked all season.
From the historic to the shocking as CD East was put on lock down by the Hempfield defense and the No. 3 seeded Panthers in Class 6A were blown out by the Black Knights at The Speedway.
CD East was limited to fewer than 200 total yards, was twice stopped on fourth down inside the Hempfield 20-yard-line and turned it over three times. Those numbers add up to a 33-point loss. The big surprise was Hempfield scoring five touchdowns and rolling up a balanced 346 total yards of offense on the Panthers defense. Clearly, Hempfield is better than its 7-4 record.
The Lower Dauphin vs. Cedar Cliff Round 2 was a much better game this time around in a Class 5A opener at West Shore Stadium. The result was still the same as the Colts slipped past the Falcons by a couple touchdowns.
The Falcons, who exit 2021 as the most improved team this season, did almost everything right to pull off the upset. The lone big mistake was a pick-six by the Colts’ Evan Zeigler to open the scoring. Otherwise this was a toss-up game all the way.
It took a big-time game from Cedar Cliff quarterback Ethan Dorrell to keep the Colts season rolling. He completed 13 of 17 passes for 163 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Star RB Jontate Morris was limited to 89 yards on 23 carries and didn’t bust loose – a credit to Lower Dauphin’s defense. Still, that’s solid work in a tight game by Morris.
Jacob Kauffman, the Falcons’ stud running back, rolled up 232 total yards – 158 rushing and 74 receiving – and scored a couple touchdowns. That’s all you can ask for.
Lower Dauphin played well and pushed the Colts. Cedar Cliff simply has more weapons to deploy and they used them all efficiently and well.
Middletown ventured to Elliottsburg to face West Perry with a spot in the Class 3A semifinals on the line and turned to its star defender who turns out is an emerging threat running the rock. Tajae Broadie had a career-best 174 yards on 20 totes and three touchdowns to power the Blue Raiders to a two-score victory.
Boradie wasn’t the only Blue Raider who ran wild in Perry County. Audric Bryant added 145 on 11 carries. The duo combined for 319 yards on 31 carries, an average of 10.3 yards per carry. Hello chunk plays on the ground and an offensive line doing some moving around of dudes.
West Perry fired its own big guns to counter as Trent Herrera had 116 yards on the ground and Ian Goodling had 145 receiving yards on only four grabs. But three turnovers and too much Broadie was simply too much for the Mustangs to overcome.
Boiling Springs, the No. 2 seed in Class 3A, had no problem dispatching Lancaster Cathlolic exploding for 35 second-half points. Joey Menke eclipsed 1,000 yards on the season with a 74-yard scamper just before halftime to put the Bubblers, who finished with 344 rushing yards, up 21-3 at intermission. Menke finished with 150 yards on only 11 carries and two scores.
This is the postseason, but somehow undefeated Shippensburg made its Class 5A opener with New Oxford look a lot like every other Greyhounds win this season. This one was over by halftime as the Hounds exploded for 22 second-quarter points to grab a 29-3 cushion at intermission.
Nobody had a blowout night for the Greyhounds, instead all their weapons did a little bit of everything to overwhelm New Oxford. And the defense made the Colonials one dimensional by limiting the visitors to the Cumberland-Franklin County line to only 75 yards on the ground.
In what always had all the ingredients for a powder-keg game – the Class 2A semifinal between Upper Dauphin and Columbia played along the banks of the Susquehanna River in Lancaster County – played out exactly that way.
The Trojans and Crimson Tide combined for more than 1,000 yards and 100 points. Upper Dauphin led 44-12 at intermission and had to hold on for dear life as Columbia stormed back before falling 58-48. Ultimately it was UDA’s nearly 300 yards on the ground that was the difference maker.
There was a play in the final second of the first half that came in handy as the Trojans tried to hold on down the stretch. With 1 second remaining before halftime, Columbia QB Robert Footman was stripped and fumbled deep in UDA territory. The Trojans’ Austin Hartman, one of the larger lads on the field, scooped it up and started rumbling the other way with nothing but green grass ahead.
He was going to get caught, because the two-way linemen doesn’t list speed as one of his football assets. So the fastest guy on the UDA roster, Brady Morgan, caught his teammate and told him to hand the ball to him. Pretty sure Hartman was more than glad to pass the rock to his teammate and Morgan easily scored to put UDA up 32 at intermission.
Upper Dauphin prevailed despite a Lancaster-Lebanon record 536 passing yards from Footman and a PIAA single-game record 357 receiving yards from J’von Collazo. His record came on only 11 catches and included FIVE touchdowns. Collazo averaged 32.5 yards per catch. And the Crimson Tide lost. Wow!
Northern held serve as the higher seed in Class 4A, powered by running back Talon Balluscio’s 137 yards and a touchdown to edge Octorara 28-22 at Bostic Field. The Polar Bears will square off against No. 1 Bishop McDevitt, who was on a bye, in the second round.
Each week we’ll take a look through our coverage area to highlight five gents we are looking forward to watching perform on the field.
Jontae Morris, RB, Cedar Cliff: Coming off a knee injury that cost him the 2020 season, the 5-foot-9, 160-pound senior has exploded into a horse that carries this Colts offense. It wasn’t an easy transition, though, for Morris. He worked his way back into being comfortable and confident on that knee. Once he hit his stride it was nothing short of impressive. He’s rushed for more than 1,700 yards, has 22 touchdowns, averages 7.8 yards per carry and the last month has been averaging close to 30 totes a game.
Robert Footman, QB, Columbia: The Crimson Tide are a machine on offense, and Footman drives the engine. The 6-foot, 185-pound senior has amassed nearly 3,000 yards of total offense during the regular season. He’s thrown for more than 2,500 yards, has completed 60% of his passes and has 29 touchdown passes. He averages nearly 300 yards a game through the air and can also tuck it, run and do some damage.
Aanjay Feliciano, WR, Conrad Weiser: The Scouts’ 6-2, 190-pound go-to guy on the outside is a weapon every quarterback wants. He’s a fantastic route runner, has some wiggle and shake in the open field, and will bring down anything in his zip code. He’s averaging nearly six catches a game, has surpassed 1,000 yards and most importantly averages 18.5 yards per catch with 12 touchdowns. The Scouts have depth at wideout, so they are tough to handle. But Feliciano breaks the game every time he gets his hands on the ball.
Mehki Flowers, WR/S/KR, CD East: Impact comes in many shapes and forms. And the contributions from the Panthers’ athlete verbally committed to Penn State come in a variety of ways. When you think of Flowers, you think of him catching a short to medium pass and taking it to the house. He can do that, be he also makes some tough grabs in tight spots. Do not for one second overlook what Flowers brings to the table as a safety. He’s a lot better than you might think. His run support from the back end is fun to watch. If you are punting to the Panthers, just kick away from him. Don’t give him a chance. The smallest opening, and he is gone.
Judd Novak, QB, Maheim Central: If it seems like the Barons keep pumping out high-caliber quarterbacks every few years, well, it’s because they do. Novak is a 6-foot, 165-pound athletic dual-threat senior who led the Barons to a nine-win regular season by accounting for nearly 2,300 yards and 29 touchdowns. He’s accurate (61% completion percentage), is critical to the run game (second on the team in rushing and averages 6.2 yards per carry) and has thrown for more than 1,600 yards with 20 touchdowns.
Andy Shay: Hempfield 21, CD East 17: This is a toss-up game for me, and I’m not worried about the Panthers losing to Carlisle last week. I expect both defenses to have a major impact on this game. Hempfield has played six playoff teams on its schedule, played a lot of one-score games and is 4-2 in games decided by seven or fewer points. I guess that’s my reason. Either way, the winner of this game is not an upset or surprise.
Geoff Morrow: CD East 24, Hempfield 16: When these teams met in the 2014 quarterfinals, and I was still slinging stories for the local outlet, I was there. It was one of the best games, in any sport, I covered in person. Panthers won 41-40 in triple overtime in a game neither side deserved to lose. Just spectacular football and effort. Relive it here:
Andy Sandrik: CD East 23, Hempfield 21: The Panthers are 3-0 this season following a loss, so I’m not concerned about whether they’ll be up or not for their postseason game. That said, this looks to be a coin-flip game no matter how you look at it.
Adam Kulikowski: CD East 30, Hempfield 24: Panthers have proven to be a disciplined team all season under first-year coach Lance Deane. In a game that figures to be tight all the way with two stout defenses, the gents who make fewer miscues should come out on top.
(8) Manheim Township at (1) Central York, 7
Andy Shay: Central York 28, Manheim Township 21: Did you know the Blue Streaks have lost four games this season by a total of 16 points, including falling to Harrisburg in overtime? This is a sneaky No. 8 seed. Central York has the best QB in District 3 6A by a wide, wide berth. That is what will be needed to claim this one for the defending champs.
Geoff Morrow: Central York 50, Manheim Township 20: Panthers are on another level right now. As dangerous as the Blue Streaks might be against maybe any other foe in this tourney, I don’t see them putting a fourth-quarter scare into CY.
Andy Sandrik: Central York 44, Manheim Township 28: I usually save the points for/points against argument for soccer, but the Panthers are outscoring their opponents by an astounding 413-132 clip this season. Unless QB Beau Pribula suits up for Penn State early, I like Central York’s chances to light up the scoreboard in a shootout.
Adam Kulikowski: Central York 45, Manheim Township 21: Each year, I create a bucket list of players in the commonwealth whom I’d like to see play in person in the postseason. Pribula is high on that list again this year.
(5) Wilson at (4) York, 7
Andy Shay: Wilson 31, York 14: All I know is Wilson gets better as the year goes along, and it has been tested plenty. I can’t say the same about York. Bulldogs are the lower seed but a heavy favorite. The upset here is York moving on.
Geoff Morrow: Wilson 32, York 20: Bulldogs enter the highly familiar world of district football playoffs on a five-game roll, while the Bearcats are coming off a 46-point shellacking at the hands of top down Central York. Too many intangibles for York High to overcome.
Andy Sandrik: Wilson 28, York 14: The Bearcats are seeded higher, but I don’t think they were challenged nearly as hard as Wilson this year. I think that strength of schedule makes a difference this weekend.
Adam Kulikowski: Wilson 21, York 14: There’s nothing sexy about the way the Bulldogs win ball games, but each year they find a way to get it done. Senior back Jayden Jones sports a hardy 6.7 yards per carry to lead Wilson’s run-heavy attack.
Join us as we do a little bracket breakdown for each classification in District 3. Andy Shay offers his insights, predictions and more.
District 3 Class 5A First Round
(12) Daniel Boone at (5) Waynesboro, 7
Andy Shay: Waynesboro 34, Daniel Boone 14: I like where Waynesboro is at right now. It has found its sweet spot, and defense is driving the bus. I’m not sure Boone is built to change that.
Geoff Morrow: Waynesboro 30, Daniel Boone 17: While the ‘Boro has been pushing folks around for five straight weeks, the Blazers haven’t played a snap since Oct. 15 because of weeks of COVID-19 issues. It’s tough to predict what you’ll see from D-Boone, but it’s easy to predict that the crew from Franklin County can wield its power on the defensive side of the football.
Andy Sandrik: Waynesboro 35, Daniel Boone 14: Congrats to Boone for making the dance after starting 0-2; that’s a tough hill to overcome. Waynesboro has been the hotter team, though, with the Indians’ defense taking no prisoners since a Week 5 loss to state-ranked Shippensburg.
Adam Kulikowski: Waynesboro 28, Daniel Boone 20: You know when you face Waynesboro that you are going to get a gritty, punch-you-in-the-mouth battle balanced by a strong run game and shutdown defense. I’m not sure Daniel Boone is ready for the physical battle the Indians bring to the table.
(9) Gettysburg at (8) Warwick, 7
Andy Shay: Warwick 31, Gettysburg 20: This is a very sneaky No. 8 seed. There’s a lot to like about this Warwick team, and three of its four losses are to playoff teams — and all of them by a single score.
Geoff Morrow: Gettysburg 35, Warwick 33: The thing about the Warriors’ struggles in close games is I expect this will be a close game. Either way, the winner is in trouble next weekend against Governor Mifflin.
Andy Sandrik: Warwick 24, Gettysburg 16: Looks like a quality 8 vs. 9 matchup to me, considering I have no idea who to take. My only prediction is this game remains a one-score contest from beginning to end.
Adam Kulikowski: Warwick 28, Gettysburg 10: Old friend and former Boiling Springs coach Matt Heisler’s Warriors are riding a three-game winning streak heading into this matchup against Warwick. Knocking off the likes of York Suburban, New Oxford and Twin Valley is one thing. Hammering Warwick is a completely different beast.
This week, we’re chatting with Lower Dauphin free safety Max Klingensmith.
(11) Lower Dauphin at (6) Cedar Cliff, 7
Andy Shay: Cedar Cliff 34, Lower Dauphin 28: Special teams mistakes were a factor in the four-touchdown gap earlier in the season. This is NOT the same Lower Dauphin team. Then again, this is a bit different Colts outfit as well. Over/under for combined carries for the star running backs for each team is 62.5.
Geoff Morrow: Cedar Cliff 27, Lower Dauphin 21: Expecting a bit more of a defensive battle than we normally get with these two. Colts have won three straight in the series, scoring in the 40s each time. But, hey, at least one non-McDevitt Keystone Division team will get a postseason win this year!
Andy Sandrik: Cedar Cliff 34, Lower Dauphin 27: Since a four-touchdown loss to Cedar Cliff in Week 4, the Falcons have won four of five games to make it back to the dance. I think the Colts are still the better team, but Lower Dauphin has found ways to surprise us week after week this season.
Adam Kulikowski: Cedar Cliff 38, Lower Dauphin 31: I think the Falcons closed the gap after several special teams misuses hampered the gents from Hummelstown in the first bout earlier this year. Colts still the favorite, however, with Jontae Morris and crew.
(14) New Oxford at (3) Shippensburg, 7
Andy Shay: Shippensburg 41, New Oxford 7: So the Colonials have struggled the second half with only two wins in their final five games. And Shippensburg is not only undefeated; it knows exactly its formula for success. Two “ships” going different directions.
Geoff Morrow: Shippensburg 29, New Oxford 10: I was going to write something about the Greyhounds being in great position to advance, but then I saw AShay’s pun about ships going in different directions. And now I’m jumping ship.
Andy Sandrik: Shippensburg 52, New Oxford 14: Is this Shippensburg’s best team ever? It’s a question that will be answered not this Friday, but in the weeks to come.
Adam Kulikowski: Shippensburg 47, New Oxford 7: The combination of Tucker Chamberlin to Erby Weller will be tested — just not this week.
(10) South Western at (7) Exeter Township, 7
Andy Shay: Exeter Township 41, South Western 7: There is a reason the Eagles have been included in my Elite 11 all season. This is not a No. 7-seed football team in terms of what it brings to the table. The Mustangs don’t have the horses to slow this down.
Geoff Morrow: Exeter Township 53, South Western 14: When I worked at the Reading Eagle many moons ago, we did not include “Township” in the school name. That has nothing to do with what I expect will be a lopsided game.
Andy Sandrik: Exeter Township 33, South Western 7: Gotta love the Eagles’ resume, which includes a blowout win over Wilson and a one-score loss to Central York, the defending PIAA 6A runner-up. Exeter all the way.
Adam Kulikowski: Exeter Township 41, South Western 6: The Eagles enter this fray battle-tested and ready to make a run. That starts with handling business Friday against a South Western team that simply doesn’t match up well with Exeter.
(13) Twin Valley at (4) Spring Grove, 7
Andy Shay: Spring Grove 35, Twin Valley 14: The only loss for Spring Grove is to Central York, and the Rockets made a good accounting of themselves in that matchup. Otherwise they have been killing cats with big wins.
Geoff Morrow: Spring Grove 40, Twin Valley 19: Would love to see a rematch of Week 1’s Rockets vs. Waynesboro, which would happen in next weekend’s quarterfinals if both teams win Friday night.
Andy Sandrik: Spring Grove 44, Twin Valley 10: Spring Grove has made a habit of punching teams in the mouth and overpowering them this season. There’s a good chance the Rockets land that KO before halftime this week.
Adam Kulikowski: Spring Grove 40, Twin Valley 17: Spring Grove’s run through the regular season includes victories against Waynesboro, Northern York and Dallastown — plus a close loss to Central York. That’s a slate that will ensure any team is battle tested and ready for the postseason.
District 3 Class 4A First Round
(10) Big Spring at (7) Conrad Weiser, 7
Andy Shay: Big Spring 31, Conrad Weiser 28: One of the most intriguing matchups of the weekend, in my book. Couple of offenses that will get some. Scouts’ passing game is going to push the Bulldogs in a new way. Trusting the Bulldogs’ offense to bounce back.
Geoff Morrow: Conrad Weiser 28, Big Spring 27: Taking away the Week 10 losses — Bulldogs in the nasty rain to surging Middletown, and the Scouts in the sunlight to the superpower Wyomissing — these teams are playing well down the stretch. It’s one of those where I’m giving home-field advantage the deciding factor.
Andy Sandrik: Big Spring 21, Conrad Weiser 20: I think the Scouts deserve to be a slight favorite here, just as their seed indicates, but this has been a special year for Big Spring, and I’m taking a flyer on the Bulldogs to win a close game.
Adam Kulikowski: Big Spring 28, Conrad Weiser 20: This has the makings of a historic evening for the Bulldogs, who are searching for that elusive postseason victory.
(9) Octorara at (8) Northern York, 7
Andy Shay: Octorara 28, Northern 14: The Braves are not used to playing in a sandbox, and the longer the Polar Bears keeps this game from becoming a track meet, the greater their chances at home of pulling this one out.
Geoff Morrow: Northern 14, Octorara 10: Fact: The Braves lost two games this year by a combined total of five points. Opinion: Based on their schedule, I still have no idea what to make of this team. Mileage: It’s a LONG way from Atglen to Dillsburg. Factor: The Polar Bears’ defense has been good enough to have a say.
Andy Sandrik: Octorara 38, Northern York 21: Who thought we’d see the Polar Bears hosting a playoff game during a “rebuilding” year? It’s a nice story for Northern, but I don’t think this matchup is a favorable one for Bill Miller’s boys.
Adam Kulikowski: Octorara 27, Northern 21: Braves QB Weston Stoltzfus has completed 66% of his passes for more than 1,200 yards and 20 TDs, all without tossing a single INT.
District 3 Class 3A Quarterfinals
(6) Bermudian Springs at (3) Hamburg, 7
Andy Shay: Hamburg 33, Bermudian Springs 20: There’s a little more spark in Hamburg’s offense, and that feels like enough. The Eagles should be able to make some hay, but slowing down Hamburg is the only chance they have.
Geoff Morrow: Hamburg 32, Bermudian Springs 22: The Hawks have a legitimate chance to pocket the school’s first ever District 3 playoff win. Would be heartbreaking for them if they don’t.
Andy Sandrik: Hamburg 41, Bermudian Springs 21: The Hawks have been putting up points almost all season, averaging 31 points per contest. Hamburg is fully capable of scoring that many, or more, this week.
Adam Kulikowski: Hamburg 35, Bermudian Springs 30: Bermudian Springs enters the postseason riding a three-game winning streak, but Hamburg and its offensive firepower should provide a full-metal heat check.
(7) Lancaster Catholic at (2) Boiling Springs, 7
Andy Shay: Boiling Springs 42, Lancaster Catholic 7: Navigated the regular season in workmanlike fashion and learned a couple things about this team. But you know this group of Bubblers now knows what it takes in the second season and has been licking its chops to get this party started.
Geoff Morrow: Boiling Springs 40, Lancaster Catholic 14: Bubblers are nearly a lock to win their first playoff game since 2006. The Crusaders, meanwhile, have lost four of their last five games entering this postseason.
Andy Sandrik: Boiling Springs 52, Lancaster Catholic 7: Fresh off a 29-28 victory over Steel-High, we know the Bubblers know how to win close games, which is essential for any hope of a playoff run. This week, though, should be a breath of fresh air for Boiling Springs.
Adam Kulikowski: Boiling Springs 48, Lancaster Catholic 14: The Bubblers have passed every test they’ve faced this year, including a convincing victory last week against the preseason favorite to win the Capital Division.
(5) Middletown at (4) West Perry, 7
Andy Shay: Middletown 27, West Perry 7: I see the Blue Raiders going one direction and the overachieving Mustangs headed the other way. Plus there’s a physical factor up front Middletown brings to the table I’m not sure West Perry can match. The Mustangs win, it’s an upset!
Geoff Morrow: Middletown 17, West Perry 13: Absolutely love the way the Blue Raiders have been playing lately. That said, the Mustangs are capable of just about anything. They’re highly unpredictable and darn near flammable. But Middletown’s defense has been putting fires out for weeks.
Andy Sandrik: West Perry 13, Middletown 7: I love this matchup, and not just because I’m a WP graduate. Both teams have taken their lumps — and found success — in difficult divisions. This game is a reward that both teams very much deserve.
Adam Kulikowski: Middletown 21, West Perry 20: Why does it feel to me that Middletown is the favorite in this one despite the fact that West Perry is the host? Blue Raiders are playing their best football of the year at just the right time. Dangerous opponent.
District 3 Class 2A Semifinals
(4) Susquenita at (1) York Catholic, 7
Andy Shay: York Catholic 28, Susquenita 6: The Blackhawks are a tough out when the playing field is level. I’m not sure with the YC rushing game if this is a level playing field.
Geoff Morrow: York Catholic 24, Susquenita 14: While I don’t think the Irish have been tested lately, I’m not sure the Blackhawks are quite ready to upend the No. 1 seed. However, I don’t expect Catholic to cruise either.
Andy Sandrik: York Catholic 21, Susquenita 7: After never having a season with even 100 rushing yards, YC senior running back Andrew Adams has secured a 1,000-yard season in his final go-round. Something tells me that Adams and his Fighting Irish squeeze out a tight win over ‘Nita.
Adam Kulikowski: York Catholic 27, Susquenita 14: York Cartholic has surrendered more than 14 points just once this year. It will take a big time effort from the gents in Duncannon to knock off the district favorite.
(3) Upper Dauphin at (2) Columbia, 7
Andy Shay: Columbia 41, Upper Dauphin 28: The air attack for Columbia will stretch the UDA defense in a different way. And the Trojans’ running game that comes at you in waves will give the Tigers’ defense fits. What gives? Taking the air attack in this one.
Geoff Morrow: Upper Dauphin 45, Columbia 38: Definitely the Crimson Tide’s best team since winning a D3 title in 2011, I’m just not sure I trust the defense enough to come up with enough stops against the equally relentless Trojans.
Andy Sandrik: Columbia 42, Upper Dauphin 21: Robert Footman has the name of a running back, but he’s quite a QB for the Crimson Tide, averaging nearly 300 passing yards per game.
Adam Kulikowski: Upper Dauphin 38, Columbia 34: Upper Dauphin prepped for the air attack they are about to face with a fill-in matchup against Executive Education earlier this year. Time to see if they get a return on their investment.
District 4-6 Class 6A Semifinals
(3) Altoona at (2) Williamsport, 7
Andy Shay: Altoona 28, Williamsport 14: It’s been a tough grind for the Mountain Lions in the Commonwealth Division. They fought the good fight, though. And with a win over Williamsport already in their back pocket, that good-fight battle shows up here and pays off.
Geoff Morrow: Altoona 24, Williamsport 21: State College waits on deck for the winner of this one. I like the fight that comes with surviving a brutal Commonwealth slate, so long as that slate didn’t deplete your reserves.
Andy Sandrik: Altoona 23, Williamsport 14: Altoona’s limping into this one on a three-game skid but has the benefit of knowing it’s already beaten Williamsport once this season. I took the Millionaires in the first game — and fell short. Now I’m going with the Mountain Lions.
Adam Kulikowski: Altoona 35, Williamsport 21: The Mountain Lions have taken their lumps in the meat grinder Commonwealth, but they handled Williamsport earlier this year just fine.
District 11 Class 1A Semifinals
(4) Mahanoy Area at (1) Tri-Valley, 7
Andy Shay: Tri-Valley 21, Mahanoy Area 0: Has a lot changed since these clubs traded paint in early September, when the Bulldogs claimed a 21-0 victory? Somehow, I don’t suspect a lot has changed in two months, especially with that TV defense.
Geoff Morrow: Tri-Valley 28, Mahanoy Area 14: Kudos to the Golden Bears for getting here. This is a team that started the season 0-4 and was shut out its first three games. However, a rematch with the Bulldogs, who delivered one of those early season shutouts, isn’t exactly a just reward.
Andy Sandrik: Tri-Valley 28, Mahanoy Area 0: The Bulldogs have pitched six shutouts. Six. Make it seven.
Adam Kulikowski: Tri-Valley 35, Mahanoy Area 6: It might not be a shutout, but the Bulldogs are playing some of their best football of the year at just the right time. Make it 2-0 against Mahanoy Area this year.
(3) Nativity BVM at (2) Williams Valley, 7
Andy Shay: Williams Valley 35, Nativity BVM 7: Just met a couple weeks ago, and the Vikings had their way. Sounds like the lads from Williams Valley will be pleased not to have to play in the slop and won’t be overconfident, either.
Geoff Morrow: Williams Valley 38, Nativity BVM 14: Let there be a WV vs. T-V rematch next week, and let it be in somewhat normal weather conditions. The diehards deserve it!
Andy Sandrik: Williams Valley 34, Nativity BVM 6: Williams Valley seems like the type of team that learns from its losses and gets better. Last week’s 14-0 setback to Tri-Valley will make the Vikings better for this week and set them up for a rematch with the Bulldogs next week.
Adam Kulikowski: Williams Valley 42, Nativity BVM 7: Cast aside the poor showing by Williams Valley in last week’s monsoon, when tossing the rock was all but impossible. A favorable outcome against Nativity BVM should be in the cards for the Vikes.
Saturday’s Games
District 3 Class 6A Quarterfinals
(7) Carlisle at (2) Harrisburg, 1
Andy Shay: Harrisburg 28, Carlisle 21: When the brackets were released, my first thought for Carlisle was ANYBODY in this bracket but Harrisburg. The first meeting was a bit of a mismatch, and while I think the Thundering Herd are more prepared for this, there is a matchup issue with the Cougars that still exists.
Geoff Morrow: Harrisburg 30, Carlisle 20: You might argue this is a tough spot for the doubter-defying Herd, and, yeah, the Cougars are deserved favorites. But it also might be exactly where Carlisle SHOULD be. Nobody will pick the Herd, and that makes this an even scarier battle.
Andy Sandrik: Harrisburg 26, Carlisle 24: The Commonwealth Division champion vs. the team picked to finish last in the division. This is just another opportunity for Carlisle to prove itself in a season where it has already done so several times.
Adam Kulikowski: Harrisburg 38, Carlisle 21: What Carlisle has accomplished this year has been remarkable; knocking off State College and CD East are just a few of the highlights. Reversing a 20-point loss to the Cougars this year is a big ask, though.
District 3 Class 3A Quarterfinals
(8) Northern Lebanon at (1) Wyomissing, 1
Andy Shay: Wyomissing 49, Northern Lebanon 7: The Spartans are only getting better with each passing week, it seems, and they are a machine that isn’t going to be slowed down here.
Geoff Morrow: Wyomissing 53, Northern Lebanon 7: Honestly, the Spartans could be contenders in any classification, while the Vikings lost five of their last six games. A significant mismatch.
Andy Sandrik: Wyomissing 42, Northern Lebanon 0: About as much drama as you can expect from a 1-8 matchup. Spartans win big.
Adam Kulikowski: Wyomissing 45, Northern Lebanon 14: The clear class of the 3A field, the Spartans have yet to be challenged in ‘21. They’ll have to wait at least one more week for a true test.
District 6 Class 4A Championship
(2) Bellefonte vs. (1) Juniata, at Altoona HS, 6
Andy Shay: Juniata 21, Bellefonte 0: So Bellefonte has struggled to score points. And Juniata wins with lockdown defense. That math adds up to a three-score win with a shutout.
Geoff Morrow: Juniata 35, Bellefonte 0: With all due respect to my longtime colleague and Bellefonte native Jim Carlson, this won’t be pretty for the Raiders. But at least they get a trip to Mansion Park!
Andy Sandrik: Juniata 23, Bellefonte 0: You know what they say happens when an immovable object meets a stoppable force, right? Juniata wins by shutout, that’s what they say.
Adam Kulikowski: Juniata 28, Bellefonte 7: The two-win Raiders have scored just 90 points this year. They won’t find many openings against a stout Juniata defense that has often keyed the success of Kurt Condo’s club.
District 4 Class 2A Quarterfinals
(8) Line Mountain at (1) Southern Columbia, 7
Andy Shay: Southern Columbia 49, Line Mountain 7: The Eagles lost seven in a row before closing the regular season with back-to-back wins. So the reward for that is this game. Tip of the cap to LM for showing up and taking a crack.
Geoff Morrow: Southern Columbia 56, Line Mountain 7: Maybe the Eagles can convince the Tigers that this game is actually in Northern Columbia?
Andy Sandrik: Southern Columbia 55, Line Mountain 6: I have to laugh a little when I say this is a “down” year for Southern Columbia, which lost a regular season game for the first time since 2011. Even with the hiccup, the Tigers are still expected to be in the mix for a fifth straight state title.
Adam Kulikowski: Southern Columbia 55, Line Mountain 7: Eagles get a crack at a Week 11 game, but this is nothing more than one last time for the seniors to step between the hash marks.
While it’s been some two months since Tri-Valley hammered out a 21-0 decision at Mahanoy Area, expect even more hard-hitting action later this weekend when Jeff Sampson’s surging Bulldogs (8-1) host the Golden Bears (4-6) in the opening round of the District 11 Class 1A playoffs.
So, let’s start with that Week 2 scrap, when quarterback Jonas McGrath spent much of the night throwing to wideout Layne Yoder. McGrath’s numbers weren’t spectacular (8-of-15 for 99 yards and 2 touchdowns while getting picked off once), but they were just what a ground-happy Tri-Valley attack needed that night. Yoder collected both touchdown receptions, adding more pop to a line that ended with seven catches for 90 yards. Sampson’s Bulldogs netted only 132 rushing yards, but Jake Scheib banked 46 yards on 13 attempts and Reece Huntzinger checked in with nine rushes for 43 yards and one score. Scheib fueled a dominant Bulldogs defense with 15 tackles, but he also registered 2.5 of Tri-Valley’s seven sacks.
Fellow D-lineman Cam Carlin was credited with nine stops and 1.5 sacks, while Levi Murray and Huntzinger combined for another 16 tackles. Murray factored into last weekend’s 14-0 whitewash of Williams Valley, as his 79-yard romp with the opening kickoff staked the visiting Bulldogs to a 7-0 lead they wouldn’t relinquish. Kameron Wetzel added another first-half score for Tri-Valley, which locked up the Colonial-Schuylkill Blue title while running its winning streak to five games. No. 6 and a berth in the 1A final may be just hours away for the fine folks from Schuylkill County’s West End.
2. Rematch No. 2: Angry group gathers along Gary Collins Way
Undoubtedly still miffed following last weekend’s 14-0 blanking, Williams Valley (7-2) likely will be anxious to take out its collective frustration on a Nativity BVM squad (5-5) the Vikings dusted in Week 9 … in Saint Clair. Difference is Tim Savage’s club will be playing at home, and the even-bigger difference is the second-seeded Vikes are facing an all-or-nothing situation in the District 11 Class 1A semifinals.
Win and Williams Valley is into next weekend’s title game at North Schuylkill, but lose and a promising campaign comes to an abrupt end. Although Pat Mason’s Green Wave led 8-0 in the earlier engagement, Savage’s Vikes responded nicely as Alex Achenbach rushed 22 times for 187 yards and four touchdowns. That’s right, four touchdowns. Gage Miller also returned a Nativity fumble 50 yards for Williams Valley’s other score.
The Vikes also dominated defensively as lineman Ezi Hite was credited with 16 tackles, three for loss and one sack. Inside linebacker Jackson Yoder added 12 stops, while Hunter Wolfgang came off the edge to rack up 10 tackles. Williams Valley also forced five turnovers, including a pair of picks by Achenbach. So, even though Savage’s Vikes missed out on the Colonial-Schuylkill Blue title, an D11 crown and a berth in the PIAA’s Class 1A tournament are still possibilities.
When Upper Dauphin athletic director Jody Godsey quickly jumped at the chance to play pass-happy Executive Education a few weeks ago after Halifax was unable to play, it was a potential collision with a Columbia squad that likes to air it out that Godseyand UDA had in mind.
Kent Smeltz’s Trojans (8-1) enter their road tilt in the District 3 Class 2A semifinals riding a seven-game winning streak, and Columbia (8-1) will counter with its own seven-game run. Robert Footman makes Bud Kyle’s Crimson Tide go, as he’s completed 152 of his 252 pass attempts for a little more than 2,500 yards and 29 touchdowns … against nine picks. Footman will spread it around, as Dominic Diaz-Ellis (40 receptions, 793 yards and 10 TDs), J’von Collazo (33-602, 7 TDs) and Artie Poindexter (37-426, 5 TDs) have each caught 30-plus throws. Footman, however, also will throw to Jayden Boone (20-386, 4 TDs) and Demari Simms (16-265, 3 TDs).
While UDA brought numbers and plenty of heat against Executive Education, Footman (106 carries, 440 yards and 14 TDs) will bring it down and go. Another threat is Steven Rivas (67-469, 7 TDs), who last weekend ran nine times for 156 yards and three touchdowns in a romp over Pequea Valley. Whether Columbia can stop or even slow down the Trojans’ multi-pronged ground attack that has bodies moving in every direction remains to be seen. UDA will go at the Tide with backs Christian Snyder, Brady Morgan, Alex Hepler, Aiden Wiest and QB Wil Laskowski. While Morgan returned to action in last weekend’s 48-14 thumping of Newport, Laskowski completed all 10 of his pass attempts for 258 yards and three touchdowns. He also ran five times for 42 yards and another TD. So, if the track atop the hill in Columbia is favorable, take the over.
Susquenita to visit dangerous York Catholic
Although Susquenita (5-4) would prefer to forget last weekend’s 52-20 loss to Mid-Penn Liberty Division champion Juniata, the Blackhawks are back in the postseason mix for the first time in quite a while. Awaiting Augie Glass’s club in the District 3 Class 2A semis is top-seeded York Catholic (9-0), which tumbled to Camp Hill in last season’s 2A title game. Eric Depew’s Fighting Irish eased past York County Tech last weekend, but the YAIAA Division III champions plan to turn dual-threat QB Levan McFadden loose on Susquenita.
McFadden has rushed for 532 yards on 88 attempts and scored 11 times, but he’s also thrown for 576 yards and eight TDs while completing 31 of his 67 pass attempts. Andrew Adams also will play a large role offensively, as he’s gained 1,007 yards on 164 totes and scored nine TDs. Quinn Brennan has hauled in 13 throws for 334 yards and four touchdowns, while Daniel Sterling has seven receptions for 139 yards yet hasn’t found the end zone. Watch out for undersized middle linebacker Nick Creisher, who averages nearly 11 stops per game. Susquenita’s running game was stifled last weekend by Juniata (minus-2 rush yards), but sophomore QB Derek Gibney threw for 172 yards and two touchdowns — both to his twin brother, Drew (5-92). Derek Gibney also rushed for a late TD. If the ‘Hawks can flush last weekend’s setback — Glass’s bunch trailed 45-0 at halftime — they might be able to match whatever York Catholic brings. If not, look out.
Juniata aiming to hoist second straight D6 crown
Even though Juniata’s stingy defense finally allowed some points last weekend after pitching three consecutive shutouts, Kurt Condo’s Indians (8-2) already were sitting on a 52-0 lead at Susquenita when the Blackhawks scored three times. Regardless of what happened in the final 19 minutes of that Week 10 affair, Juniata bounced off with the Mid-Penn Liberty Division championship. The Juniata secret was simple: A powerful rushing attack and an equally effective run defense. While the Indians wound up with nearly 350 rushing yards, nearly 320 of those came before halftime as Condo’s group motored to a 45-0 lead. Zachary Harr (11-138), Seth Laub (11-129, 1 TD) and Waylon Ehrenzeller (11-84, 1 TD) combined for 351 rushing yards and five touchdowns as Juniata’s ground game punished the host Blackhawks. As for the Juniata defense, that unit limited Susquenita to minus-2 rushing yards and forced a pair of fumbles.
Next up for Juniata is a return to the District 6 Class 4A title game at Altoona’s Mansion Park, where the Indians will square off against Bellefonte (2-7). Juniata prevailed in last year’s final, claiming its first district title with a 24-21 victory. This year’s Bellefonte bunch averages a little less than 160 offensive yards per outing, which suggests the Juniata D could find conditions favorable for a repeat. Nolan Weaver has rushed for 317 yards and two touchdowns on 60 carries to lead the Raiders, but he’s also caught 11 passes for 56 yards. Whichever side prevails will get either DuBois or Pittsburgh’s University Prep in next weekend’s regional final.
Believe it or not, Line Mountain is back
On the outside looking in as the regular season splashed to a close, Line Mountain (2-7) already was planning to finish up against Panther Valley until the Eagles learned they were No. 8 in District 4’s Class 2A power rankings. So, instead of making a lengthy trip to Panther Valley, Brandon Carson’s club will carry its two-game winning streak to suburban Elysburg for a scrap with perennial hammer Southern Columbia (9-1). While Carson’s group downed James Buchanan 41-13 last Friday behind 167 yards and three touchdowns from diminutive feature back Nolan Baumert, the Eagles also registered 26 tackles for loss against the Rockets with Brayden Boyer bagging six.
Explains why JB was held to minus-38 offensive yards. One night later, Jim Roth’s Tigers spotted Danville an early field goal before roaring back for a 55-3 triumph — despite the dense fog that rolled into Montour County. Kent State recruit Gavin Garcia carried the ball just seven times for 209 yards, but he scored on runs of 52, 62 and 62 yards. Garcia has wheeled for nearly 1,500 yards and 23 scores, but he’s also returned a handful of kickoffs and punts for TDs. Actually, the Tigers have home run threats all over the place in Garcia, Wes Barnes (75-525, 8 TDs) andBraeden Wisloski (33-377, 3 TDs). Then, there’s rangy wideout Jake Rose (19 catches, 366 yards, 5 TDs), the outstanding track athlete at last spring’s PIAA Class 2A championships.
Line Mountain was Southern’s first postseason victim last season, falling 49-7 to a Tigers squad that won its sixth straight D4 Class 2A title and eventually claimed its fourth consecutive PIAA Class 2A crown. Told you the Tigers were perennial hammers.
