Delayed gratification: Shippensburg charges to a 28-10 victory against Cedar Cliff
NEW CUMBERLAND—Two delays couldn’t stop Shippensburg (1-0) from redeeming its 10-7 loss to Cedar Cliff (0-1) last year in the District 3-5A quarterfinal.
And once the game got going—about an hour after its scheduled 7 p.m. start—Shippensburg didn’t waste any time executing a play they had been scheming to use against the Colts since last year.
Tucker Chamberlin pitched the ball to Trae Kater on the first play from scrimmage. Kater zipped the pitch to Erby Weller for a 51-yard completion that set the tone for the entire evening.
“We started talking about that play after we lost last year,” Shippensburg coach Eric Foust said. “We thought that was something that we could have done last year and we never got there. So that play has been in the works for about nine months. We felt we needed to start the game with a big play. Last year, we came out and do what we do which normally works for us, but to get the momentum going and get the field flipped, we thought this would be a great thing. We needed to do something special. It was exciting to see it work.”
Shippensburg capped the drive eight plays later on an Amari Kerr rushing TD to take a 7-0 lead.
Shippensburg stayed in control, never trailing in a game that almost didn’t happen.
That’s because a lockdown for a potential active shooter delayed the Greyhounds’ trip to Cedar Cliff. Foust was quick to credit Shippensburg’s athletic department, boosters, parents, and support staff who all played a role in getting the team prepared and to West Shore Stadium once the lockdown was lifted.
A second delay for lightning paused the action early in the fourth quarter.
Neither delay could stop the Greyhounds on a night in which Weller caught 8 passes for 159 yards and a touchdown and Kater rushed for 91 yards, a rushing TD, and an 86-yard interception which he returned to pay dirt.
Mid-Penn Liberty Division Breakdown
Predicted finish: Juniata, Susquenita, Upper Dauphin, Line Mountain, Newport, James Buchanan, Halifax
Susquenita is a year older and more mature, so Augie Glass’ Blackhawks could pose a challenge to Kurt Condo’s Indians. Upper Dauphin is hoping to fill some significant vacancies up front and at the quarterback position, yet Kent Smeltz’s Trojans will continue to attack throughout.
Brandon Carson’s youthful Line Mountain program, if it can survive a super-challenging three-game gauntlet at the start, has quality at a lot of positions. Todd Rothermel is hoping to get Newport revved up – and back in the discussion – by unveiling a different offensive scheme.
James Buchanan is still trying to figure out what its Liberty playmates are all about, but Cliff Pine’s Rockets will continue to stick with their pound-the-rock approach. And the youngsters at Halifax are facing yet another numbers shortage, so Earl Mosley will test his freshmen early.
Quite simply, these programs will get after one another – as they have in many cases for 50-plus years and even longer. Some things just don’t change.
Team: Juniata
Predicted finish position: 1st
Coach: Kurt Condo (4th season, 19-12)
Record last season: 10-3, 6-0 Liberty
Team outlook: Condo’s Tribe returns seven starters on both sides of the football, but there are some concerns along the lines. The good news in Mifflintown is all-league performer Jonathan Kauffman, who played center last season yet is ticketed to move to guard, is back. Since Juniata was without quarterback Jacob Condo for a sizable portion of the 2021 regular season, Aaron Kanagy was able to log plenty of playing time, and he should be better in his first full campaign as the starter. Having backs such as Seth Laub, Waylon Ehrenzeller and Casey Smith still in the stable — as well as tight end Makih Hunt — is another plus. If linemen can be groomed quickly defensively, the presence of a strong linebacking corps and a ball-hawking secondary will make it difficult for opponents to reach the end zone. Kurt Condo decided to bring all of his freshmen up to the varsity, and they will dress on Friday nights. One youngster likely to do more than just pull on a red jersey is freshman Jasper Shepps, a likely starter at safety who will play split end when he’s not serving as Kanagy’s understudy. This remains a defense-first squad that will be stingy. “We’re cautiously optimistic,” Condo said. “We have a target on our backs, but these kids know how to win and they put in a lot of time during the offseason.”
One player to watch: Jonathan Kauffman. While Kauffman packs enough giddy up to get out in front of Juniata’s ballcarriers, the nagging question is how did the 6-foot, 220-pounder not land on a first-team all-league defensive nod from the Liberty skippers in 2021? Arguably the top returning defender in the Liberty, Kauffman’s 66 stops a season ago tied him with nose guard Trent Martin for second in that category. He also piled up a team-high 14 sacks and fell on three fumbles. Remarkably mobile, the high-motored Kauffman will rarely come off the field this fall since he also thrives on punt and kick coverage.
Team: Susquenita
Predicted finish position: 2nd
Coach: Augie Glass (2nd season, 4-5)
Record last season: 4-5, 3-2 Liberty
Team outlook: Just being a year older, bigger and more mature should translate to better results on the football field — at least that’s the way second-year head coach Augie Glass is thinking, particularly since his Blackhawks are in their second season running his high-octane attack. Susquenita returns nine starters on both sides of the football. And with a host of experienced skill-position types among the returnees, Glass is hoping his offense will really perk up as the Blackhawks debut their artificial playing surface. Start with junior quarterback Derek Gibney, a strong-armed type who can also use his 6-4, 230-pound frame to cause all sorts of problems in short-yardage situations. “He’s starting to slow things down,” Glass said. “(Derek) was always in a rush, but he’s become much better at reading defenses.” Gibney also will benefit since his twin brother, Drew, and Blaise Swancer are back on the flanks while small yet tough-minded Bryce McKee can run the ball and catch it out of the backfield. While Susquenita figures to be much more efficient offensively, Glass knows his defensive unit must consistently make plays and get opponents on the ground if the ‘Hawks are going to be successful. “We definitely have to score points, make tackles and stay healthy,” Glass said. “It’s as simple as that. I really do think we can go far.”
One player to watch: Blaise Swancer. Having grown some 2 or 3 inches to 5-11 or so, while adding roughly 25 pounds to his lean frame, sophomore wideout Swancer spent the offseason attending highly competitive camps that had him lining up against quality defensive backs and linebackers and fine-tuning various parts of his perimeter game — such as his route running and hands. “Blaise should be fun to watch this year,” Glass said. Swancer also is a candidate at a crowded safety position, but he’s capable of playing on the corner as well.
Team: Upper Dauphin
Predicted finish position: 3rd
Coach: Kent Smeltz (6th season, 36-16)
Record last season: 9-2, 4-1 Liberty
Team outlook: Sixth-year skipper Kent Smeltz believes his program — looking for its third District 3 championship appearance in four years after falling to York Catholic last season in the Class 2A title game — is far enough along in the process that he prefers expanding his players’ roles when talking about a young player moving into a first-team spot or upping his snap total. Smeltz and his staff have been busy finding replacements for their losses to graduation in the spring, and much of the work concerns the available vacancies up front and at quarterback. “Guys who were maybe on a rotational-type basis last year, we’ve got to look to them to step up and be an impactful player for us,” Smeltz said. Since all-league QB Wil Laskowski is among the departed, sophomore Aidan Bingaman likely will get the first shot at succeeding his dual-threat predecessor. Other needed moves came up front, where tackles Peyton Wentzel and Sean Wenrick need to mesh with players such as Aidan Ritter, Chase Grassmyer and Keatin Dieffenbach since Chase Lentz, Dillon Johns and Colton Reed have graduated. What’s good is the Trojans are returning senior Brady Morgan, who can go yard when the Trojans are on the move offensively or in the return game. Experienced backs such as Konner Walker and Alex Hepler will offer a change of pace yet just as much firepower. The losses of Johns and Lentz may be felt just as much on the defensive side of the ball since both thrived in UD’s attack-minded scheme that gets numbers to the ball and puts pressure on quarterbacks. A quality secondary featuring Morgan and Landon Mace should do just fine if the Trojans can force opponents to throw.
One player to watch: Brady Morgan. One of those do-it-all types, the 5-10, 170-pound Morgan is a home-run threat every time he touches the football. The Upper Dauphin senior can run past defenders and/or corkscrew them into the ground with a head-shaking move that slides him into space. Yet at the same time, Morgan, who can squat 405 pounds and run a 4.45 in the 40, is durable enough to take on contact if it means an extra yard or two and an opportunity to move the sticks or crack the end zone. “Brady is a very, very good player,” Smeltz said. “He’s an excellent student, so respectful and just a great kid to have around. … We’re very excited to see what he can do.” Morgan did plenty a season ago, rushing for 873 yards and 13 touchdowns on just 95 totes (9.2 yards per carry) and catching a team-high 17 passes for 152 yards. Morgan is a known threat in the return game and recorded three interceptions and two fumble recoveries
Team: Line Mountain
Predicted finish position: 4th
Coach: Brandon Carson (7th season, 28-36)
Record last season: 2-8, 2-3 Liberty
Team outlook: Brandon Carson’s roster sports just three seniors that have logged significant minutes and two that are out for the first time. Nonetheless, the Eagles have plenty of experience bouncing around their practice fields in lower Northumberland County. Line Mountain is carrying the momentum of a modest two-game winning streak that closed out the 2021 regular season and popped Line Mountain into the District 4 playoffs opposite eventual state champion Southern Columbia. Diving in the mud at waterlogged Ressler Field following a decisive late win over James Buchanan simply serves as a constant dose of positive reinforcement. “Everyone remembers that (moment) and they all want that feeling every single game,” said senior tight end Brayden Boyer, the first-team Liberty Division all-star who led the Eagles a season ago with 16 receptions. While Boyer will again serve as a prime target on the edges and between the hashes, it would seem as if sophomore Blake Readinger is the likely No. 1 quarterback although freshman Kaiden Maurer is right there. The Eagles’ Nolan Baumert also returns after rattling off 100-yard outings in Line Mountain’s final three regular-season contests, while the likes of Yari Johnson, Colby Rebuck, Josh Scott and Kohen Shingara provide a veteran presence up front that may rejuvenate the Eagles’ ground game. “We’re going to have to establish the run,” Carson said. “We’re going to have to move people up front, and we’re gonna have to be able to move the ball.” Line Mountain’s defense also sports plenty of experience as inside linebacker Chandon Maurer and defensive back Connor Finlan are among those returning.
One player to watch: Brayden Boyer. Now standing 6-3 and carrying 215 well-distributed pounds, the dependable Boyer has spent the offseason preparing for a 2022 campaign that likely will find him on the field for at least 46 minutes per outing as a talented receiving tight end (who can slide into the slot), defensive end, kickoff specialist and punter. Boyer’s size also is a potential physical nightmare for opposing defensive coordinators with smallish backfields. “(Brayden’s) definitely quicker and he’s definitely stronger,” Carson said. “He’s looked really good at practice, and he’s also taken on a leadership role and he’s owning that and owning the season.” Boyer also is a problem on the edge, whether defending the run or chasing quarterbacks. Heck, he totaled nine tackles for loss with many of them coming in the opening quarter of Line Mountain’s JB win. “I’m expecting more of that type of performance from him,” Carson said.
Team: Newport
Predicted finish position: 5th
Coach: Todd Rothermel (11th season, 61-43; 15th season overall, 94-56).
Record last season: 2-7, 2-3 Liberty
Team outlook: If you struggle against an adversary and you’ve tried different thing to solve that particular puzzle, why not join them and run the same stuff? That’s what Todd Rothermel was thinking when he decided to install the Pistol Wing-T offensive scheme that Upper Dauphin has been so successful operating since Kent Smeltz moved into the top spot following his run as the ‘Port’s defensive coordinator. Rothermel also considered his program’s personnel, which returns just three seniors, and attended a clinic in central Ohio headed by UD assistant Rick Stewart before going all-in. Since a handful of smaller yet mobile linemen are returning to the Newport front — and the Buffaloes’ new scheme features misdirection and players moving everywhere — Rothermel believed they could handle the transition. Running back Aiden Dishman should find more lanes to run in, while returning starter Mason Messick possessed the requisite skills and the ability to diagnose what opposing defenses were bringing to be able to read, react at the line of scrimmage and get the football in the proper hands. Come this weekend at Camp Hill, we’ll see how far along the Buffs are. Not as experienced defensively, Newport will field a veteran d-line featuring Tyler Geer, Zach Bellis, Caleb Lesher and Noah Weller — all of whom are part of the Buffs’ offensive front — while Dishman logged snaps at outside ‘backer. Rothermel hopes, his offensive unit will move the ball, control the clock and punch in a few scores — all while keeping opposing attacks idling in neutral and off the field.
Two players to watch: Aiden Dishman, Mason Messick.Dishman, a senior, is bigger and stronger (5-10, 175 pounds) than in 2021 when he gained some 500 yards a season ago. Rothermel genuinely believes his feature back can thrive in Newport’s sparkling new scheme since the movement within the offense should allow Dishman to go in either direction as opposed to functioning as a tailback and relying on Student Body Right or Student Body Left to rip off a reasonable gain. Messick’s role is even more different since the 5-9, 155-pounder must make a battlefield decision at the line of scrimmage that puts the football in the right set of hands instead of running the play that’s called in from the sideline or dialing up an audible.
Team: James Buchanan
Predicted finish position: 6th
Coach: Cliff Pine (3rd season, 2-12)
Record last season: 1-8, 1-5 Liberty
Team outlook: Determined to build a program in Mercersburg and McConnellsburg, Cliff Pine likely will stick to the philosophy that his James Buchanan squads have displayed since the Rockets returned to the Mid-Penn Conference stable — run, run and run some more. With quarterback John Stoner, fullback Nathan Brake and halfback Jacob Frey still sporting JB green, that ground-happy approach may work against some of the slower and less-experienced Liberty Division defenses. However, against the upper-echelon sides, predictability isn’t likely to be successful — and it hasn’t been. One example occurred in JB’s regular-season finale at Line Mountain, where the Rockets totaled negative-38 yards on the ground and didn’t complete a pass. Since o-linemen Cam Pine and Dalton Ebersole are back, they might be able to provide enough space to slip runners into space and/or reach the second level.
One player to watch: Jacob Frey.His numbers last season certainly didn’t move any functioning needle — none of JB’s individual stats did — but the senior halfback did enough things well in JB’s season-ending setback at Line Mountain to impress Eagles head coach Brandon Carson. In addition to returning the second-half kickoff 81 yards for JB’s first score, he also motored in from 13 yards out later in the third quarter to bring the Rockets closer. Don’t be surprised if he improves on his 135 yards from scrimmage last season.
Team: Halifax
Predicted finish position: 7th
Coach: Earl Mosley (5th season, 13-25; 16th season overall, 68-86-2)
Record last season: 1-7, 0-4 Liberty
Team outlook: While the numbers were better when Earl Mosley’s Wildcats opened preseason training camp, it didn’t take long before bumps, bruises and more dropped Halifax’s roster size from 22 youngsters to 17. And while the dangerously small numbers on hand mean the ‘Cats can’t afford a single physical setback, there’s also plenty of freshmen eager to jump in the fray and find out what Fridays are all about. “This is one of the youngest teams I’ve coached,” Mosley said. “Just coming together and believing in one another, that’s really key. We’re not measuring this year with success based on our won or lost column. We just care how we come together.” While junior veterans such as WR/DB Peter Ranck, RB/ILB Isaac Miller and RB/LB Landan Klinger do return, junior Carter Enders is nursing a significant injury and unlikely to play this season. That means freshman Teegan Carroll will be behind center while three or four of his classmates are holding down other starting roles. “He has a huge upside, but he’s just a freshman. He’s a tough kid,” Mosley said. “He’s going to be something special by his junior year.” Sizable sophomores Blake Hoover and Zach Witmer are the most experienced players up front. Creating space for the backs is another must or the ‘Cats won’t be able to sustain any drives.
One player to watch: Peter Ranck.Getting him the football in space or downfield in the vertical passing game is a must-do for Mosley’s Wildcats after he caught a team-high 27 passes last season for 355 yards and three TDs. And that’ll be incumbent upon Carroll, or whomever is throwing the football, to get the rock to the ‘Cats’ dangerous junior, a second-team all-league selection in 2021. Ranck also will be stationed in the Halifax secondary and he’ll be a regular on the kickoff and punt return units, so 48-minute performances will be regular occurrences.
Week 1 Picks and Predictions
Related: View our Elite 11 Preseason Rankings
Friday, Aug. 26
NON-LEAGUE
Bishop Canevin vs. Steel-High, at Chambersburg HS, 5:30
Andy Shay: Bishop Canevin 37, Steel-High 35: Great small-school opener for a pair of defending district champs who have high aspirations in 2022. The WPIAL champs from a year ago, like the Rollers, have a core group of young players that are difference makers. Toss-up game.
Geoff Morrow: Bishop Canevin 44, Steel-High 42: A football showcase on opening weekend? On Chambersburg’s fancy field? And I’m no longer a full-time sportswriter? And THIS is one of the premier matchups? I feel robbed. What an outstanding start to the 2022 season.
Andy Sandrik: Steel-High 42, Bishop Canevin 41: Give me the Rollers in a shootout on Chambersburg’s fast turf field. What a game to kick off the weekend.
Adam Kulikowski: Steel-High 45, Bishop Canevin 41: I absolutely love the idea of the Chambersburg Peach Bowl — where this game will be one of six gems on the docket in Week 1 in Franklin County. Give me the Rollers with their potentially dominating big men and the two-time all-state QB.
Related: Capital Division Preseason Previews
Boiling Springs at Littlestown, 7
Andy Shay: Boiling Springs 21, Littlestown 14: That was quite a two-year run for the Bubblers, capped by an 11-win season a year ago. Boiling Springs lost so much offensive firepower at the skill positions. That takes time to replace. Defense and line play will need to be top notch to get a first win in 2022.
Geoff Morrow: Littlestown 21, Boiling Springs 13: Many years ago when I worked at the Reading Eagle, there was (and still is) a fabulous photographer there named Lauren Little who hailed, of course, from Littlestown. My question? Where the hell is Morrowsburg?
Andy Sandrik: Boiling Springs 28, Littlestown 14: Success breeds success, which is why I think Boiling Springs will come out victorious Friday, despite some graduation losses.
Adam Kulikowski: Boiling Springs 14, Littlestown 6: Bubblers may need to rely a little more on their defense as they break in a new gamut of playmakers on offense, but with four all-stars returning on the defensive side of the ball, coach Brad Zell won’t mind leaning on those gents early on.
Related: Keystone Division Preseason Previews
Related: Colonial Division Preseason Previews
Cedar Cliff at Shippensburg, 7
Andy Shay: Shippensburg 31, Cedar Cliff 20: This is a Week 1 heavy hitter for sure. The Colts’ defense isn’t quite ready for what the Greyhounds’ offense will bring to the table.
Geoff Morrow: Cedar Cliff 24, Shippensburg 21: For fun, I googled top speeds of a colt (55 mph) and a greyhound (45 mph). To me, a 10 mph difference between animals = a field goal difference between football teams.
Andy Sandrik: Shippensburg 31, Cedar Cliff 21: If you’re wondering whether the Keystone or Colonial is a stronger division, this game could go a long way toward answering that question.
Adam Kulikowski: Shippensburg 35, Cedar Cliff 28: This one should be well worth the price of admission in Greyhound country. Give the nod to the Greyhounds with that stout returning duo of QB Tucker Chamberlin and wideout Erby Weller.
Related: Commonwealth Division Preseason Previews
Central Dauphin at Central York, 7
Andy Shay: Central York 14, Central Dauphin 10: We all know both squads have big-time quarterbacks who have moved on. Beyond that, I think Central York has a bit more known on its side of the ledger. Rams are starting over.
Geoff Morrow: Central York 17, Central Dauphin 14: I’m impressed that, geographically speaking, both of these schools are more or less actually centrally located within their respective counties. I feel like a lot of directional school names lie. But not these two!
Andy Sandrik: Central Dauphin 13, Central York 7: Both teams introducing a lot of new offensive parts, including QBs, so I see this being a struggle. I think CD’s defense tips the scales for a road win.
Adam Kulikowski: Central Dauphin 21, Central York 20: It isn’t often you talk to coach Glen McNamee and the word “rebuild” is uttered. But this is one of those years. After missing the postseason in 2021, the Rams are looking to re-establish themselves. They take a nice first step Friday.
Clearfield at Juniata, 7
Andy Shay: Juniata 20, Clearfield 14: This will be a tall task for the Indians, and this call might be considered an upset. Juniata is not easy to beat and has 7-8 starters back on each side of the ball. That really matters early.
Geoff Morrow: Clearfield 28, Juniata 20: This pick is for the legend, the one and only Rod Frisco, recently retired from his District 3 duties. I, of course, knew Frisky from our days at The Patriot-News, where he shared all sorts of weird stories from his hometown of Clearfield. I even once named a fantasy football team of mine the “Topless Snuff Stealers” after one particularly bizarre local incident we read about with much immature glee.
Andy Sandrik: Clearfield 21, Juniata 14: Clearfield is coming off an 11-1 season, but the Bison have lost to graduation: more than1,700 yards of passing, 2,100 yards of rushing, and more than 1,500 yards of receiving. I’m still calling Clearfield the favorite, but Big Red might make me regret this pick.
Adam Kulikowski: Juniata 28, Clearfield 27: Juniata proved to be a tough out for just about everyone last year. Expect more of the same in ’22 from Kurt Condo’s crew.
East Pennsboro at York Suburban, 7
Andy Shay: East Pennsboro 30, York Suburban 19: For the Panthers from the MPC, this year is all about consistency. They have enough talent and experience on both sides of the ball to win games; consistency is key.
Geoff Morrow: East Pennsboro 32, York Suburban 23: East Penn doubled these guys up in last year’s opening week; no reason for me to believe they’ll win again, even in York County.
Andy Sandrik: East Pennsboro 42, York Suburban 38 (2OT): Tricky game to pick. May as well make it fun.
Adam Kulikowski: East Pennsboro 34, York Suburban 20: The Panthers might be a team that sneaks up on folks in the Colonial Division with a large core returning on both sides of the ball. John Denniston’s crew could set the tone with a strong Week 1 performance.
Greencastle-Antrim at Big Spring, 7
Andy Shay: Big Spring 31, Greencastle-Antrim 14: There will be a question for the Bulldogs at running back after a memorable season a year ago. QB Ethan Eisenberg will help provide some of those answers. The Blue Devils will be better than a year ago.
Geoff Morrow: Big Spring 35, Greencastle-Antrim 21: I’m a wee bit out of the loop (as most might be able to tell by my off-the-wall breakdowns), but this feels like it should be a division game to me. Either way, this is a gorgeous place for football.
Andy Sandrik: Big Spring 14, Greencastle-Antrim 7: I could be wrong, but I see this as a game Big Spring wins with its defense.
Adam Kulikowski: Big Spring 27, Greencastle-Antrim 14: The Blue Devils have shown strides in the right direction, and I think that will continue in ’22. But this Week 1 matchup favors the Bulldogs.
Hamburg at Halifax, 7
Andy Shay: Hamburg 42, Halifax 7: Coming off a record year, the Hawks’ head coach resigned after only one season. A more wide-open offense, Hamburg ditched the Wing-T and will allow its experienced QB to shine in this one.
Geoff Morrow: Hamburg 40, Halifax 13: This matchup has a very European feel to it. Let’s go with the boys from Deutschland.
Andy Sandrik: Hamburg 35, Halifax 12: Hamburg has lost a fair share of its all-star talent from a year ago but brings back QB Xander Menapace, who could have some big numbers this weekend.
Adam Kulikowski: Hamburg 43, Halifax 14: A win in Week 1 for Hamburg’s new head coach Matt Hoffert would be quite special for the 2001 grad.
Hershey at Gettysburg, 7
Andy Shay: Gettysburg 34, Hershey 28: Nice to have the Warriors back in the MPC, and their head coach knows the territory very well. Gettysburg is the favorite, but it won’t be an easy opener.
Geoff Morrow: Gettysburg 26, Hershey 21: Gettysburg trying to decide on conferences is like me trying to figure out which ice cream flavor I want.
Andy Sandrik: Hershey 19, Gettysburg 15: Another fun Keystone-Colonial crossover. Could be a bruise-fest.
Adam Kulikowski: Gettysburg 27, Hershey 17: Matt Heiser’s return to the Mid-Penn Conference kicks off in fine fashion with a win against the Trojans.
Hollidaysburg at Altoona, 7
Andy Shay: Altoona 31, Hollidaysburg 7: With all the attention on the Little League World Series squad from Hollidaysburg, as it should be, the Tigers have quietly been grinding away on finding offensive answers. Too many questions still remain to have success against a more seasoned Altoona group.
Geoff Morrow: Altoona 34, Hollidaysburg 16: One of my volleyball teammates is originally from Altoona, and Mike is a cool dude. It pains me to say it, but my personal rivalry with the Blair County town might be ending. SHEETZ FOR EVERYONE!
Andy Sandrik: Altoona 26, Hollidaysburg 7: The Golden Tigers have graduated more than 1,300 yards of rushing and will be breaking in a new QB. You know ‘Toona wants that rivalry shutout.
Adam Kulikowski: Altoona 28, Hollidaysburg 6: This Week 1 matchup should provide a nice taste of what the full-time role under center will be like for first-year quarterback Sean Bettwy.
Lebanon at Palmyra, 7
Andy Shay: Palmyra 34, Lebanon 7: Rebounding from an 0-fer in the win column takes more than one offseason to change course. Cougars have a new head coach for the first time in a couple decades and were a .500 squad a year ago with more known pieces in place.
Geoff Morrow: Palmyra 28, Lebanon 21: If you’ve been around these parts long enough and paid enough attention to the local sports bylines, you’ll recognize the names David Bohr (from Palmyra) and John Tuscano (from Lebanon). I’m not sure who wins if those two battle on the hardwood or in checkers, but the edge goes to Bohr’s hometown in this football game.
Andy Sandrik: Palmyra 25, Lebanon 14: There are going to be a LOT of new faces Friday night at Buck Swank Stadium. Give me the all-new cast of characters for the Cougars in a grind-it-out win over the Cedars.
Adam Kulikowski: Palmyra 20, Lebanon 14: Chris Pavone takes over the reins of a program he once played for — that’s pretty cool! Can he be the spark that’s needed to get the Cougars on track in 2022?
Line Mountain at Penns Valley, 7
Andy Shay: Penns Valley 21, Line Mountain 14: With roughly 18 starters back, including 10 on the defensive side of the ball, the Eagles should be better than a two-win squad. Tough opener, though.
Geoff Morrow: Penns Valley 16, Line Mountain 7: If memory serves, the Eagles struggled to find the end zone in 2021. Which, considering this is football, isn’t a strategy for success. Let’s hope they stop zigzagging and just find the straight line to pay dirt this season.
Andy Sandrik: Penns Valley 24, Line Mountain 21: Some defensive talent returns for the Eagles, and they will be put to the test with the Rams’ Jackson-Romig-to-Miles-Brooks connection. The pair hooked up for more than 700 yards and seven TDs last season.
Adam Kulikowski: Penns Valley 17, Line Mountain 7: Scoring points came at a premium for the Eagles last season. Find a little more firepower to support a defense that played well a year ago and returns much of that crew, and the Eagles just might be a tough out.
Manheim Township at Cumberland Valley, 7
Andy Shay: Cumberland Valley 20, Manheim Township 14: Very intriguing MPC vs. Lebanon-Lancaster League clash. The Eagles have to play well. A mediocre outing won’t obtain this result against a Blue Streaks team that lacks high-octane pop but is built to grind.
Geoff Morrow: Manheim Township 28, Cumberland Valley 27: The Blue Streaks won the two most recent matchups, which were playoff battles in 2019 and 2017.
Andy Sandrik: Cumberland Valley 21, Manheim Township 17: Chapman Field, now the host site for the PIAA championships, has moved from grass to turf. That benefits the Eagles. It also benefits Streaks QB Hayden Johnson, who threw for 25 TDs last year. I think CV needs to win the turnover battle to survive this game.
Adam Kulikowski: Cumberland Valley 28, Manheim Township 13: Coach Josh Oswalt is now in his third year at the helm of the Eagles. This is a group of young lads who know his system well and are anxious to return to the postseason after just missing the dance last year.
Mechanicsburg at Carlisle, 7
Andy Shay: Carlisle 28, Mechanicsburg 14: Could easily be a higher number for the Thundering Herd if they find some Week 1 mojo. Each squad has enough cooking on defense to impact the game.
Geoff Morrow: Carlisle 39, Mechanicsburg 33: The Herd have won seven straight in this series, all but one of those by at least two scores. So it’s the Wildcats who have more to prove here.
Andy Sandrik: Carlisle 42, Mechanicsburg 29: I actually like both of these defenses in the Backyard Brawl, but this series has been full of big plays in recent years.
Adam Kulikowski: Carlisle 35, Mechanicsburg 14: Herd QB Louis Shank and X-factor running back Ezeekai Thomas are both returning for another run through the Commonwealth gauntlet. That’s a powerful one-two punch for the Wildcats to slow.
Mifflin County at Central Mountain, 7
Andy Shay: Central Mountain 33, Mifflin County 7: This tailspin the Huskies are in seems like one of those cyclones you can’t get away from. Lots of reasons, but consistent losses are the common thread.
Geoff Morrow: Central Mountain 30, Mifflin County 15: Going with the Wildcats. Did you know Central Mountain is the home of Penn State/NFL kicking legend Robbie Gould?
Andy Sandrik: Mifflin County 29, Central Mountain 27: Pop quiz time: Aside from Bishop McDevitt, which Keystone team returns the most all-conference all-stars? That would be the Huskies.
Adam Kulikowski: Central Mountain 28, Mifflin County 14: It’s been tough sledding for the Huskies over the last two-plus years as they look to break a 17-game skid dating to the 2019 circuit. The road hasn’t gotten any easier in 2022.
Newport at Camp Hill, 7
Andy Shay: Newport 26, Camp Hill 20: Neither squad had a winning season a year ago and lost some key pieces. The Buffaloes are more solid up front, and the Lions will be a more underclassmen-led squad, so growing pains are expected.
Geoff Morrow: Camp Hill 29, Newport 26: It’s that time of year again! Time for everybody to misspell Siebert Park, home of the Lions!
Andy Sandrik: Camp Hill 24, Newport 17: Camp Hill might struggle to stop the rush from a bigger Newport line, so look for the Lions to quickly get the ball to their tall group of WRs, who should have the advantage on 50-50 balls.
Adam Kulikowski: Camp Hill 28, Newport 21: What to expect from these two squads is a bit of a mystery to me, but we know the Lions are going to come out firing the rock downfield. And they have some weapons, highlighted by senior Mike Shartle.
Pine Grove at Northern Lebanon, 7
Andy Shay: Pine Grove 21, Northern Lebanon 20: This is just a wild guess. Both rosters feature plenty of young players at this level, and one group is going to take a step forward here.
Geoff Morrow: Northern Lebanon 21, Pine Grove 19: NorLeb always makes me think back to that one year we did a “Student Section Showdown” at PennLive, and the Vikings’ students went all-in to pull the upset and win our weird little contest.
Andy Sandrik: Pine Grove 27, Northern Lebanon 21: The Vikings won a close opener last year. The Cardinals have a few returning parts, and I think they return the favor this time around.
Adam Kulikowski: Pine Grove 14, Northern Lebanon 7: New Cardinals head man Dave Shiffer has some pieces to build on a 1-9 2021 campaign. But the chore won’t be easy as Pine Grove transitions to the Red Division — one that features dates with North Schuylkill, Jim Thorpe and Tamaqua.
Reading at CD East, 7
Andy Shay: CD East 26, Reading 13: This is a very nice way to get all those greenhorns the Panthers are going to look at for answers a little quality seat time that matters.
Geoff Morrow: CD East 39, Reading 20: I’m not connected enough right now to know this for sure, but what’s happening at East feels foundational to me. Like, this is a program that I expect to win and/or compete with the best almost all the time now.
Andy Sandrik: CD East 24, Reading 12: Both Reading, which went 1-7 last season, and CD East, searching for its identity after losing a star-studded class, have something to prove. Panthers get it done at home.
Adam Kulikowski: CD East 31, Reading 13: Any team that can retool successfully after losing nine all-conference players gets a tip of the cap and a round of root beer on me. That’s the challenge ahead of the Panthers after the Lance Deane-led team posted a 7-4 mark and playoff berth in 2021.
Red Land at Northern, 7
Andy Shay: Northern 35, Red Land 14: Patriots lost their head coach to a resignation and starting QB to a transfer. Up front they are solid, but the Polar Bears are looking to make some real noise with 16 seniors and plenty of vets at key spots.
Geoff Morrow: Northern 33, Red Land 7: I don’t know what to make of my alma mater (RLHS) anymore. But I do know the Polar Bears always seem to have a competitive crew.
Andy Sandrik: Northern 44, Red Land 22: Patriots want to stay competitive and establish an identity, while the loaded P-Bears simply want to launch their backyard rivals into outer space.
Adam Kulikowski: Northern 34, Red Land 20: The Polar Bears always seem to have a chip on their shoulder as they fight for respect in the Colonial Division. They have the experience this year to be a force. That starts on night No. 1 against a Patriots squad in full transition.
Susquehanna Township at Milton Hershey, 7
Andy Shay: Milton Hershey 27, Susquehanna Township 14: This is closer to a 50-50 game than you might think, but that base offense of the Spartans will feature enough to make the difference.
Geoff Morrow: Susquehanna Township 22, Milton Hershey 21: I hate homers, ESPECIALLY in the press box, but I admit I’m going full homer here as a taxpayer in the ‘Hanna school district and a scorekeeper for the ‘Hanna hoops team. I just wish they’d finally dump the outdated Indians nickname and pick something new and creative.
Andy Sandrik: Milton Hershey 21, Susquehanna Township 14: Coin flip game? I’m intrigued.
Adam Kulikowski: Milton Hershey 33, Susquehanna Township 13: The Indians continue to rebuild after a winless season. Coach Joe Headen’s crew will find a few dubs along the circuit, but an opening night toast seems out of reach.
Trinity at Delone Catholic, 7
Andy Shay: Trinity 28, Delone Catholic 21: A year ago this was a massive upset victory by the Shamrocks. The Squires put together a better overall 2021, though. Trinity has more firepower at the skill positions right now. It’s that simple — maybe!
Geoff Morrow: Trinity 30, Delone Catholic 20: With last year’s triumph and growing expectations around the Shamrocks program, anything less than a victory here would be disappointing for J-Hill and crew.
Andy Sandrik: Trinity 21, Delone Catholic 14: Delone Catholic returns its QB, but other than that, who is going to score points for the Squires? I see this as a low-scoring game, with Trinity holding the offensive advantage.
Adam Kulikowski: Trinity 33, Delone Catholic 27: Deja vu all over again? I’m not sure this would be called an upset again with the returning talent the Shamrocks possess.
Tri-Valley at Minersville, 7
Andy Shay: Tri-Valley 32, Minersville 14: This version of the Bulldogs will look very similar to a year ago when T-V won nine games and was ridiculously hard to score against with any consistency. O-line has some questions that need answered, though.
Geoff Morrow: Tri-Valley 21, Minersville 6: Bulldogs do what they do, and they do it very well. My wife has been playing Minecraft lately when we watch some late-evening TV, and that’s about all I know about Miners at this point.
Andy Sandrik: Tri-Valley 28, Minersville 21: Minersville brings back some quality players, including most of its defense. Look for this one to be much closer than last year’s 47-7 blowout by the Bulldogs.
Adam Kulikowski: Tri-Valley 38, Minersville 14: Defense carried the Bulldogs last year, often holding opponents to single digits. Seven starters return on each side of the ball, offering Jeff Sampson’s crew a rock solid base to build on in 2022.
Waynesboro at Spring Grove, 7
Andy Shay: Waynesboro 28, Spring Grove 14: Friendly reminder the Indians lost three games last year and two of them were to SG — in the season opener and again in the playoffs. Revenge on the table here? Not sure the Rockets are at the same level as a year ago.
Geoff Morrow: Spring Grove 17, Waynesboro 15: The Rockets found a formula that worked twice last year, so why not again in 2022? Though I imagine the ‘Boro REALLY wants to flip that script.
Andy Sandrik: Waynesboro 35, Spring Grove 28: These teams have had some physical scraps over the past few years and aren’t exactly friends. Look for the Rockets to pull out all the stops in their home opener.
Adam Kulikowski: Waynesboro 34, Spring Grove 13: The Indians will go as far as their dynamic sophomore running back Mikel Holden can carry them. This cat has full control of the backfield after the graduation of Aiden Mencia. He just might run wild Friday.
West Perry at Susquenita, 7
Andy Shay: West Perry 35, Susquenita 20: New coach for the Blackhawks will see what an experienced QB and RB bring to the table for the Mustangs. It will be all about keeping up because West Perry will score points.
Geoff Morrow: West Perry 38, Susquenita 21: I’m calling this one the “Johnny Alphabets Bowl” in honor of the late, great Perry County Times sportswriter John Alvanitakis. RIP, buddy.
Andy Sandrik: West Perry 42, Susquenita 16: Nothing makes me feel younger than seeing names of kids on the WP roster whose parents went to school with me.
Adam Kulikowski: West Perry 45, Susquenita 26: Calling the Capital Division home after transitioning from the Colonial shouldn’t present too many problems for a Mustangs squad primed with playmakers on offense.
Williamsport at State College, 7
Andy Shay: State College 35, Williamsport 14: All I know is State College is built on a very strong and powerful base up front and has more zip on the edges than you think. They will be a tough out in 2022!
Geoff Morrow: State College 26, Williamsport 16: Little Lions waited until playoff time to really turn up the heat on last year’s season. Guessing it won’t take as long to find a groove in 2022.
Andy Sandrik: State College 24, Williamsport 14: I think this is a good Week 1 test for the Little Lions’ defense. The Millionaires return accurate senior QB George Whaley, who was effective both through the air (732 pass yards, 7 TDs, 3 INTs) and on the ground (5.3 ypc)
Adam Kulikowski: State College 31, Williamsport 14: Whoever emerges as QB1 from a four-horse battle to lead the Little Lions will have a strong supporting cast and some pretty mighty gents up front providing protection. Lions kick off their 2022 circuit on a strong note as they look to re-establish themselves as an upper echelon team.
Williams Valley at Upper Dauphin, 7
Andy Shay: Williams Valley 38, Upper Dauphin 14: In case you were wondering, the Vikings are still loaded and could be even more explosive than a year ago. The Trojans have too many questions that need answers, and it starts at quarterback.
Geoff Morrow: Williams Valley 40, Upper Dauphin 21: Just one hell of a consistently impressive small school from up thataway.
Andy Sandrik: Williams Valley 33, Upper Dauphin 10: Williams Valley, with its top QB, RB and WR all back, once again looks ready to do Williams Valley things.
Adam Kulikowski: Williams Valley 32, Upper Dauphin 6: What’s different for the Vikings? By one lad, they are now a 2A squad. What’s not different? Their approach to thumping opponents. All-State feature back Alex Achenbach and backfield mate Logan Williard should provide plenty of firepower to zip past the Trojans.
York Tech at James Buchanan, 7
Andy Shay: James Buchanan 27, York Tech 14: Combined, these teams won two games a year ago, so somebody is getting off to a good start. Rockets have their starting QB and RB back, and that’s enough to give them the edge.
Geoff Morrow: James Buchanan 17, York Tech 14: It’s not often you can say this about a Jimmy Buck opponent, but the Rockets have dominated this series, winning each of the last five meetings. Spartans last beat JB back in 2004 when “Alien vs. Predator” was raking in movie theater money.
Andy Sandrik: James Buchanan 38, York Tech 26: Give me the Rockets in a high-scoring battle.
Adam Kulikowski: James Buchanan 41, York Tech 24: Finding that feel-good vibe early can do wonders for a team that just hasn’t experienced many dubs in recent years.
Harrisburg vs. St. Vincent Pallotti (Md.), at Chambersburg HS, 8:30
Andy Shay: Harrisburg 49, St. Vincent Pallotti 0: The Cougars are loaded, and the Panthers don’t have the horsepower to stay competitive for 48 minutes.
Geoff Morrow: Harrisburg 52, St. Vincent Pallotti 3: I hope this isn’t blasphemous, but I looked up the actual guy, Vincent Pallotti (1795-1850), and he reminds me of Mr. Burns from The Simpsons.
Andy Sandrik: Harrisburg 55, St. Vincent Pallotti 0: The loaded, defending Commonwealth Division champs vs. the team that finished last in MIAA Class A last fall. I hope the Panthers have been warned of what they signed up for.
Adam Kulikowski: Harrisburg 48, St. Vincent Pallotti 6: If the Cougars can toss aside the offseason distractions, this is a team that has the potential to make a deep postseason push.
Saturday, Aug. 27
NON-LEAGUE
Imhotep Charter vs. Bishop McDevitt, at Chambersburg HS, 5:30
Andy Shay: Bishop McDevitt 35, Imhotep Charter 21: This should be an interesting matchup. On paper it looks pretty good. The Crusaders’ ability to be balanced offensively will be a true difference maker.
Geoff Morrow: Bishop McDevitt 43, Imhotep Charter 30: This is the Eric Epler game. The longtime Patriot-News/PennLive scribe is a McDevitt grad (and former Crusaders bruiser), and “ImHotEp” should be his vanity license plate.
Andy Sandrik: Bishop McDevitt 42, Imhotep Charter 21: Check off who has the advantage at each position, and it’s almost all Crusaders. Imhotep’s best chance at victory is to beat McDevitt in a shootout, because you know the Crusaders are going to get their points.
Adam Kulikowski: Bishop McDevitt 28, Imhotep Charter 21: The Crusaders have their eyes on a state title run behind QB Stone Saunders and a treasure trove of top talent behind him. This Week 1 test can help set the tone for what that postseason run might take.
Central Bucks East at Chambersburg, 8:30 p.m.
Andy Shay: Central Bucks East 40, Chambersburg 14: Plenty of vets returning for the Trojans from a year ago, but CB East was a playoff team, and QB Pat Keller returns to drive this offense.
Geoff Morrow: Central Bucks East 37, Chambersburg 20: Welcome, all, to the 2022 high school football season! Here’s the final prediction of Week 1. And good luck to all the 4th Down Magazine game pickers not named Andy or Adam.
Andy Sandrik: Central Bucks East 32, Chambersburg 21: Props to Chambersburg for putting this whole Peach Bowl together. The price of one ticket gets you a whole lot of good football.
Adam Kulikowski: Central Bucks East 27, Chambersburg 21: Last year the Trojans’ young bucks carried a huge load, learning the varsity ropes as they battled through a winless Commonwealth Division slate. Can that experience translate to a better 2022? This is the first big test, but maybe one Mark Luther’s crew isn’t quite ready for.
Canceled: Middletown at Lower Dauphin
Schuylkill League Preseason Breakdown
As much as things change from one season to the next, don’t seem surprised if the 2022 campaign plays out in remarkably similar fashion for the three Schuylkill County football programs that once called the Twin Valley Conference and Tri-Valley League home.
Separated by just a few miles and one well-placed mountain, Williams Valley and Tri-Valley likely will decide the Colonial-Schuylkill consortium’s White Division championship when they collide yet again in the Hegins-Valley View Metroplex in an anticipated Week 10 scrap.
There were two installments of this fierce backyard scrap a season ago, with Williams Valley playing host at Stauffenberg Field. Tri-Valley claimed the regular-season matchup – and the White Division crown – but Tim Savage’s Vikings avenged that loss by capturing a third straight District 11 Class 1A championship.
What’s different is these fierce playmates can only meet one time since Williams Valley was bumped up to Class 2A – by one youngster – and that’ll happen in Week 10.
And while Pine Grove struggled mightily the past two seasons, the Cardinals genuinely hope to generate plenty of positive waves while beginning a difficult upward climb made more difficult by a shift to the bigger-school Red Division from their perch in the White.
They’ll all kick off the 2022 season Friday night against non-league adversaries.
WILLIAMS VALLEY VIKINGS
Head coach: Tim Savage (11th season, 94-27).
Last season: 9-3 overall, 3-1 in the Colonial-Schuylkill’s Blue Division. Won District 11 Class 1A championship and advanced to the state playoffs.
Outlook: With nine players returning on both sides of the ball – including all-state feature back Alex Achenbach (1,716 rushing yards, 6.4 yards per carry, 16 rushing touchdowns) – Savage’s Vikings are chasing their fourth straight District 11 championship and yet another berth in the PIAA’s championship. While the bump to Class 2A might generate plenty of anxieties on any number of sidelines, the Vikings are unlikely to alter what they do and when they do it. “You can throw in a 2012 film and it’s the same,” Savage said. “We’re gonna bomb it, stretch block it, trap it, those sorts of things.” While Achenbach will get plenty of touches, fullback Logan Williard is back at full strength following a truncated 2021 and quarterback Isaac Whiteash figures to be much more comfortable in his second full season as starter. And with the likes of Ezi Hite, Brayden Shadle and Cruz Banda up front – all four-year starters – the Vikes have options. They’ll also continue to bring it defensively – they’ll miss ball-hawking middle linebacker Jackson Yoder and edge rusher Hunter Wolfgang – attacking opposing offenses while trying to pile up takeaways. For those fans who enjoy high-octane offensive football, pull out your calendars and circle Sept. 23, since that’s the night Loyalsock pays a visit to the Stauff.
Player to watch: Brady Evans. For those who may have begun screaming at a notable absence a few lines higher, please don’t fret. Long at 6-foot-4 and remarkably mobile whenever he blows past an unsuspecting defensive back or breaks off a crisp route, Evans is capable of tormenting opposing secondaries – even though those on the other sideline know what’s coming. All Evans did a season ago was haul in 46 passes for 844 yards (18.3 yards per reception) and 13 touchdowns. He also more than held his own in the secondary in 2021, swiping three passes while totaling 24 tackles. Heck, he’s also Williams Valley’s punter.
TRI-VALLEY BULLDOGS
Head coach: Jeff Sampson (5th season, 29-13; 16th overall, 90-81).
Last season: 9-2 overall, 5-0 in the Colonial-Schuylkill’s Blue Division. Advanced to the District 11 Class A championship game.
Outlook: While Sampson’s squad sports plenty of experience – seven starters return on both sides of the football – there’s some concern among those in Schuylkill County’s West End since the Bulldogs are trying to replace three-year starter Jonas McGrath at the quarterback spot and they have some openings along the offensive front. As for the vacancies alongside burly center Justis Troutman and tackle Ayden Rodichok, grooming linemen will fall to Sampson and assistant coach Mike Ulicny. Kole Miller is the likely starter amongst four QB candidates on the 41-man roster since he backed up McGrath in 2021. What helps is the Bulldogs return a hammer at fullback in Jake Scheib while lightning bolt Kameron Wetzel is back at his familiar halfback spot – a potent one-two that combined for nearly 1,600 rushing yards a season ago and 21 scores. Perimeter targets include Jolten Flory, Jake Tietsworth and Layne Yoder should Tri-Valley go up top. On the defensive side of the ball, keep an eye on senior ‘backer Reece Huntzinger since he’s moving inside after wreaking havoc on the outside. Huntzinger led the ‘Dawgs a season ago with 83 tackles, but also tacked on six quarterback sacks while swiping two passes and recovering one fumble. Scheib and Troutman will blow up plenty of blocking schemes and running plays from their defensive tackle spots. Tietsworth, Yoder and Wetzel will man the secondary roles yet again while Flory has been moved to outside backer after spending 2021 at defensive end. And the future will become the present since Sampson believes freshmen Cole Gemberling will make an early impact at outside linebacker. This is a seasoned outfit that has enjoyed loads of success and may pile up plenty of victories if those vacancies can be ironed out.
Player to watch: Kameron Wetzel. About to start for the third straight season, the elusive Wetzel can drive opposing defenses batty as they try to put the 5-10, 175-pounder on the ground. A home-run threat any time he touches the football, Wetzel can run it (881 yards rushing, 9.5 yards per carry, 13 touchdowns), catch it (4 receptions, 22 yards per catch, 2 touchdowns) or go yard in the return game. He’s also a capable defensive back after intercepting one pass in 2021. “If we can create a seam or a crease for Wetzel, he’ll get through it,” Sampson said. “He also has great field vision, but he can turn on the afterburners when he needs to.” And since Wetzel shares the spotlight in the offensive backfield with Scheib, don’t look for the Bulldogs to overhaul their game plan any time soon. “We have two of the better backs in the area,” Sampson added. “Why change things up when you have those two horses?”
PINE GROVE CARDINALS
Head coach: Dave Shiffer (1st season)
Last season: 1-9 overall, 0-5 in the Colonial-Schuylkill’s White Division.
Outlook: While the Cardinals endured a difficult 2021 campaign – Pine Grove’s lone victory came against Shenandoah Valley – Shiffer’s first club was uprooted from the White Division and relocated to the Red. That likely means colliding with programs from bigger schools such as North Schuylkill, Jim Thorpe and Tamaqua, but it also means racking up frequent bus miles with trips to Northern Lehigh and Notre Dame-Green Pond. While the Cardinals undoubtedly will ride their big offensive front as much as possible, creating lanes for feature back Lane Lehman will fall on the shoulders of Carter Raudabaugh, Tyler Sleva, Brennden Etzweiler, Hunter McConnell and Xaviar Yeagley. Protecting quarterback Mason Kroh, who can throw and run, is another must for Shiffer’s sizable front. They’ll return a sizable offensive line averaging 250 pounds per big eater – and four of the five are experienced juniors while 265-pound Carter Raudabaugh is one of Pine Grove’s seven seniors. While Pine Grove brought back eight offensive starters – wideout Dalton Geesey is the notable loss – the Cardinal defense sports seven returnees. They do need to find a way to match the numbers that ‘backer Colin Ibarra racked up game after game. “He was a stud,” Shiffer said of Ibarra. “That’s a big loss.” Another plus is Pine Grove’s secondary features yet another quality group of defensive backs highlighted by Lehman and Nick Wolff, who can cover and level opposing receivers. Since Pine Grove’s roster features just seven seniors, Shiffer’s objectives aren’t centered on results. “My goal this year isn’t about finishing at the top of the division, but just being a competitive football program,” Shiffer said. “My main goal is leaving every week saying we gave our best effort and we were competitive while competing week-in, week-out and for four quarters.”
Player to watch: Mason Kroh. Moved all over the field a season ago when Pine Grove’s offense had the football, Kroh could have been tagged the Cardinals’ Swiss Army knife. While Kroh tacked up some 900 yards a season ago, the 17-year-old will be a full-time quarterback this time around. “He’s a do-it-all offensive weapon,” Shiffer said of Kroh. While Shiffer can appreciate Kroh’s versatility, right now he wants his talented senior to concentrate on running the show and directing traffic. Kroh likely will get plenty of looks on the defensive side of the football, as well, as Shiffer’s Cardinals try to get things moving in a positive direction.
Mid-Penn Capital Division Breakdown
Mid-Penn Capital Division
Predicted finish: Steel-High, Boiling Springs, Middletown, West Perry, Big Spring, Trinity, Camp Hill
Last fall was the year of the Bubbler in the Capital Division. Not only did Boiling Springs jet toward an undefeated division championship, it also advanced to play in its second-straight District 3 championship game. Bubblers skipper Brad Zell, last year’s Coach of the Year in the Capital, will have his work cut out for him preparing his squad for what promises to be a dangerous division. We all know Steel-High has a loaded roster with one of Pa.’s all-time greats at QB, Alex Erby, but there are land mines all over the division. Middletown and Big Spring were both big players in the division last season, and the addition of West Perry from the Colonial brings an additional edge to an already physical division. We have an idea of what direction this division will take, but in an environment where nearly every game will be competitive, it might be best to just expect the unexpected this fall.
Team: Steel-High
Predicted finish position: 1st
Coach: Andrew Erby
Record last season: 8-3, 3-2 Capital
Team outlook: It wasn’t all that long ago when Steel-High was the small school trying to hang with all of the big dogs in the Capital Division. Now we’re trying to figure out how the Rollers can be considered anything other than the favorites to win the division crown. Steel-High is loaded with returning talent. Start up front, where the Rollers have three returning all-stars in Andrew Erby Jr., Tyshaun Hollands-Alli and Eugene Greene, who should make running lanes nice and wide for RB Jakhai Noss, another all-star returner. If that’s not enough for opponents to worry about, Erby is a two-time all-state QB with a big arm and plenty of receivers to throw to. There will be a lot of blowouts this season, but in the event of a close game, Steel-High’s defense — anchored by LBs Amari Williams and Jaeion Perry — certainly knows how to slam the door. Small school or not, you better believe the Rollers will be wearing the target this season.
One player to watch: Alex Erby. It’s hard to believe that the 6-foot-4, 205-pound Erby is only a junior this season, having already established himself as the greatest QB in Steel-High history, by far. With nearly 6,000 passing yards and 74 TDs to his name, Erby has garnered plenty of Division I interest, and we see no reason why he won’t run rampant through the Capital again this season. Erby lost his top receiver to graduation, but WRs Rell Ceasar Jr., Jaieon Perry and Da’Quan McCraw are all back after combining for nearly 1,600 receiving yards last season.
Team: Boiling Springs
Predicted finish position: 2nd
Coach: Brad Zell
Record last season: 11-2, 5-0 Capital
Team outlook: The Bubblers were so eager to get the new season underway that they kicked off training camp at the earliest possible moment: Midnight. The defending Capital champs will need every head start they can get as they prepare to replace their top passer and running back. Heck, the Bubblers even need to replace their kicker. There is some good news for fans of the Purple and Gold, though. Boiling Springs returns a number of defensive all-stars, including LB Gabe Hughes, DB/return specialist Marcus Boyle, DL Julyan Dodson and LB Trey McCardell, a group of men who helped the Bubblers limit opponents to just 19.6 points per game last season. If Boiling Springs can get any momentum at all from its new group of skill players on offense, the Bubblers could very well compete for a division crown and a spot in the District 3 Class 4A postseason again.
One player to watch: Dalton Ackley. Some would say that Ackley, at 6-foot and 228 pounds, is a bit undersized for a lineman, but we don’t have the guts to say that to his face and we doubt you do, either. Ackley is a monster in the trenches and was recognized as such with Capital Division First Team nods on both the offense and defensive lines. With Ackley opening holes for the Bubblers’ Wing-T offense, even the most inexperienced backs on the roster will find some room to run.
Team: Middletown
Predicted finish position: 3rd
Coach: Scott Acri
Record last season: 6-5, 3-2 Capital
Team outlook: We really should be talking about how Middletown’s proud football program is pursuing a winning season for the eighth consecutive year, but instead the Blue Raiders are in the news for all the wrong reasons, thanks to an ugly hazing incident that has dominated headlines. On the field, Middletown should be a force in the Capital, as usual. With a couple of mountain-movers returning to the offensive line, there should be plenty of room for dual-threat QB Bamm Appleby to work his craft and establish a connection with 6-4 TE Asa Kochvar. If the Blue Raiders can overcome the off-the-field stuff — which is no guarantee — they’ll be just fine for a winning record in the Capital, if not more.
One player to watch: Marquis Beasley. A two-way stud in the trenches last season, the 5-11 and 255 pound Beasley personifies the “Middletown Tough” attitude and should be a driving force in a division already filled with quality linemen. Beasley can not only protect the passer at left tackle, but the Capital Division First Teamer can also move fast as a run-blocker, disposing of his opponent on the front lines before advancing to take on the linebacker. On the other side of the ball, opponents will want to think twice about running down the middle, as Beasley commands double-teams and will stand up almost any adversary that tries to take him on one-on-one.
Team: West Perry
Predicted finish position: 4th
Coach: Bob Boden
Record last season: 5-6, 3-4 Colonial
Team outlook: After years of taking heavy body blows from the Colonial Division, the Mustangs pack their bags for a new challenge in the Capital. With a solid group of returning skill players on offense, we think the Mustangs will find success moving the ball in their new division. It all starts with junior QB Marcus Quaker, who can buy time with his athleticism to find open receivers down the field. It helps that Quaker has an uber-talented receiver in Ian Goodling and a returning 1,000-yard rusher in RB Trent Herrera. As the season progresses we will see if the stars of the Capital can be corralled by the WP defense, which has returning all-star experience in DB Goodling, as well as LBs Caleb Gutshall and Hunter Poticher. Expect to see this well-assembled team in plenty of meaningful and entertaining scraps this fall.
One player to watch: Ian Goodling. If you’re a good athlete at West Perry, there’s a more-than-good chance you’ll be asked to wear many hats for the Mustangs. With the 6-1, 173-pound Goodling, WP has its wide receiver, defensive back and placekicker, and he performs all three roles at an all-star level. Goodling was the go-to receiver for QB Marcus Quaker last fall, hauling in 42 catches for 730 yards and seven TDs to earn Colonial First Team Offense honors. He was a Second Teamer on defense and Honorable Mention as a placekicker, where he buried 28 of 29 PATs and was 8 of 8 on field goal tries. If West Perry has a big season this fall, you better believe Goodling will be the guy who was in the center of it all.
Team: Big Spring
Predicted finish position: 5th
Coach: Joe Sinkovich
Record last season: 8-4, 3-2 Capital
Team outlook: For two straight seasons, Big Spring has paired a winning football team with one of the prettiest stadiums in the Mid-Penn. It’s good to be a Bulldog, again. But can Sinkovich’s squad keep the train rolling for a third consecutive campaign? That all depends on how well the team can regroup and reload from its roster losses, including more than 1,900 yards of rushing offense lost to graduation. But with All-Star Connor Black back in the mix at MLB surrounded by playmakers like DE Jay Halberds, DT Owen Hutchinson and DB Connor Green, the Bulldogs have a defensive unit that could very well keep them competitive for the duration of the season, including a Week 2 crossover scrap with Colonial superpower Shippensburg for the Little Brown Jug.
One player to watch: Connor Black. With Black on the field, Big Spring knows it has more than a fighting chance against any team in the Capital. The 6-3, 200-pound wrecking machine produced 138 tackles, including 13.5 for loss, from his middle linebacker position last season. On the other side of the ball, TE Black will provide a steady and familiar target (24 receptions, 412 yards, 7 TDs) for senior QB Ethan Eisenberg to lean on while the Bulldogs’ new RBs get their varsity legs.
Team: Trinity
Predicted finish position: 6th
Coach: Jordan Hill
Record last season: 3-6, 0-5 Capital
Team outlook: Coming off a three-win season, we can’t exactly call the Shamrocks a contender in the Capital, but if the pieces come together, they could very well be a dark horse this fall. Trinity brings back a nice corps of young players and should be competitive on defense, especially in the secondary, with DBs Amil Way, Collin Morrow, Trey Weiand and Cole Cappawana returning after combining for eight interceptions last fall. Throw Capital Division First Team linebacker Max Schlager into the mix, and the Shamrocks could very well be the team that gives pass-happy division favorite Steel-High the most trouble. With all of that said, Trinity will still need to score points, so finding a solid footing on offense is a priority. Junior Caleb Wray returns at QB with a nice WR target in the 6-2, 180-pound Weiand (11-216-2), but the ‘Rocks only return one player who had more than 100 rushing yards last season. That player is Schlager, who stacked up 240 yards on 35 carries with two TDs while battling injury. If the Shamrocks can introduce one or two more playmakers this season, who knows, they could be the biggest surprise of the division.
One player to watch: John Paukovits. Field position and points will be at a premium for the Shamrocks this season, so having a special teams ace like Paukovits on the roster could be the difference between Trinity having a winning or losing record this fall. Paukovits, a Capital Division Honorable Mention as a placekicker, was near automatic on PATs last season, going 29 for 30, and was 2 of 5 on field goal tries. He was a First Team all-star as a punter, where he delivered a 32.1-yard average, and also served on the kickoff team, where he boomed his kicks for an average of 52 yards. It’s going to take a few good bounces for Trinity to stay above water in the Capital, but luckily for the Shamrocks, they possess a player that can make his own luck.
Team: Camp Hill
Predicted finish position: 7th
Coach: Tim Bigelow
Record last season: 4-6, 1-4 Capital
Team outlook: Camp Hill’s players are not shy about sharing their goal of pursuing District 3 Class 2A gold. To do that, however, the Lions will need to earn their chops in a rugged division where they might not be expected to win a game. Camp Hill is hoping that by taking on the big bads of the Capital, it’ll be ready for the worst the 2A postseason has to offer. As the season progresses, keep an eye on the Lions’ offensive line, which will have to mature quickly under fire. QB Drew Branstetter brings back some experience and could have a breakout year if he can get the ball to a deep group of tall receivers. Look for FB Kobe Moore to be a dual threat running and receiving out of the backfield, while also coming up with big stops from his linebacker position. If the Lions can learn from their tough schedule and not let it beat them down, they could end up being a force in the small-school district playoffs.
One player to watch: Mike Shartle. On a team loaded with sophomores and juniors, it’s nice to have a grownup in the room. Camp Hill’s senior team captain, measuring in at 6-1 and 165 pounds, will be expected to set the example for his teammates on both sides of the ball. A Capital Division Honorable Mention on defense last season, expect to hear Shartle’s name a whole lot this fall as he guides the defense from his linebacker position. Shartle, who caught 22 passes for 267 yards and three TDs last season, will serve as one of many tall targets for QB Drew Branstetter in his first full season at the helm.
Preseason Elite 11
| 11. | Steel-High | 0-0 | NR | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Never wanting for weapons, the key for Steel-High in 2022 will be tied to the half-dozen vets who roam the offensive and defensive fronts. Never the bright-lights side of the ball, how this defense performs will be the difference-maker later down the line. | ||||
| 10. | Shippensburg | 0-0 | NR | |
| So, the Greyhounds are edging toward being able to possibly straight-up outscore teams on a weekly basis with all the weapons coming back — including the most prolific QB-WR combo numbers-wise in the Mid-Penn Conference. We know their coach still loves his defensive football, but that will most likely resemble more of a work-in-progress to start. | ||||
| 9. | Manheim Central | 0-0 | NR | |
| The house of horrors for most teams known as Elden Rettew Field will be host to seven of the 10 regular-season home games for the Barons in 2022, including five in a row during one stretch. New QB and that brings questions about the offense into play, but this defense will carry the load early and be a force all season. | ||||
| 8. | Cumberland Valley | 0-0 | NR | |
| Nearly clawed its way into the District 3 playoff party a year ago with a .500 record. Still has a killer schedule, but year No. 3 for Eagles skipper and alumnus Josh Oswalt feels more like mastering the direction he is taking the program instead of learning it. Big difference. | ||||
| 7. | Lampeter-Strasburg | 0-0 | NR | |
| Nearly rocked the District 3 playoffs by knocking off Bishop McDevitt in the Class 4A title game and will be back to take another crack this year. They are looking for answers at a few skill positions, but the horses up front are grizzled and experienced. Pencil them as a legitimate contender. | ||||
| 6. | Wyomissing | 0-0 | NR | |
| Another District 3 championship and a run at another PIAA title are in the cards. Part of the killer new-look Section 4 in the new-look L-L. They will garner more week-to-week competition, and that will only help their cause. | ||||
| 5. | Solanco | 0-0 | NR | |
| This squad has been knocking down L-L Section II doors the last couple seasons, and with 20-plus experienced seniors on their roster the Mules’ time is now. In the new-look L-L, they are the heavy Section III favorites and a double-digit win total at the end of the trail is more likely than not. | ||||
| 4. | Wilson | 0-0 | NR | |
| They will have all fresh faces in the backfield at the quarterback and running back positions from a year ago. The defending L-L Section I champions are still pretty stocked up front offensively, and do you ever see the Bulldogs play bad football defensively with any consistency? Me, neither. | ||||
| 3. | Exeter Township | 0-0 | NR | |
| There is very good reason to have some questions about the Eagles’ defense — it wasn’t great overall during that magical run last year — but they still have some weapons on offense and they do rather enjoy making the scoreboard roll. | ||||
| 2. | Harrisburg | 0-0 | NR | |
| So the off-the-field preseason distraction of its head coach being shelved from the sidelines until Sept. 11 does not impact what the Cougars have cooking. This is a better overall team than it was a year ago, and that will be easy to see. | ||||
| 1. | Bishop McDevitt | 0-0 | NR | |
| This is still very much a championship caliber roster at the highest level, and the goals and aspirations of the Crusaders are in line with the speed, talent and athleticism. | ||||
Mid-Penn Colonial Division Breakdown
Predicted finishing order: Shippensburg, Northern, Waynesboro, Mechanicsburg, Gettysburg, East Pennsboro, Greencastle, Susquehanna Township
We’ve spent a considerable amount of time talking about Shippensburg these past few years, and deservedly so, the Greyhounds have set a standard of excellence not only for their division, but for the Mid-Penn as a whole. But have you noticed how most of the Colonial Division, once viewed as a weaker conference in the Mid-Penn, has followed in Ship’s footsteps? Northern and Waynesboro are winning programs that boast playoff experience, while Mechanicsburg and East Pennsboro are a few big plays from being in the same position. Toss in improved Greencastle and Susquehanna Township squads, along with division newcomer Gettysburg, and it’s clear the Colonial will at the very least be providing high-end competition on a weekly basis during the regular season, if not deep into the postseason.
Team: Shippensburg
Predicted finish position: 1st
Coach: Eric Foust
Record last season: 11-1, 7-0 Colonial
Team outlook: There are plenty of great programs in the Colonial, but until someone knocks off Eric Foust’s Greyhounds, that’s who we’re going to pick. Under the direction of Foust, Shippensburg has won the division four of the last six years and has made 11 postseason appearances in the last 13 seasons. Expect more of that this year, as the ‘Hounds bring back a wealth of talented starters on offense, including a trio of stud RBs in Traevon Kater (95 carries, 809 yards, 6 TDs), Amari Kerr (92-642-10) and Diesel Koser (92-415-1). This group, along with returning QB Tucker Chamberlin, will be lighting up the scoreboard all season long. Ship should also be formidable on defense, where they return a number of key players in LBs Jaxson Funson, Koser, Cody Wenner and Chris Wenner, along with NT Keshaun Benjamin and rush end Amari Kerr. How solid are the Greyhounds? Well, they lost a Division I talent in Anthony Smith, now at Minnesota, and we haven’t even mentioned him until the end of this outlook. Nothing’s ever easy in the Colonial, but look for Ship to set sail for a division title, perhaps undefeated once again.
One player to watch: Tucker Chamberlin. We’re putting down the QB’s name here, but keep an eye on both Chamberlin and his top WR Erby Weller in their senior seasons this fall. The players are cousins who have been playing together since they were small. That deep connection has made communication on the field a little easier and has allowed both players to emerge as standouts. Chamberlin, a 5-foot-11, 160-pound signal-caller, had a great season last year, going 60 of 112 for 1,144 yards with 15 TDs and three INTs. His main receiver, of course, was Weller, a big target at 6-2 who reeled in 36 catches for 744 yards and 10 TDs. The passing game will be strong enough as it is, especially with a talented group of RBs to keep defense’s honest, but just in case Chamberlin needed another weapon at his disposal, younger brother Troy Chamberlin has joined the receiving corps this season.
Team: Northern York
Predicted finish position: 2nd
Coach: Bill Miller
Record last season: 7-4, 4-2 Colonial
Team outlook: Last year, almost every Colonial Division expert and insider had the Polar Bears pegged for a rebuilding season after the team was hit with graduation losses. How did Bill Miller’s Northern club respond? With their seventh-straight winning season and their first playoff win since 2015. With most of that group back for the 2022 season, there’s no doubt about it, the Polar Bears will be division contenders this season. Sporting a group of nine returning all-stars, Northern is primed to dictate action on offense, defense and special teams. QB Timmy Bonin (70 of 132, 1,002 yards, 11 TDs, 6 INTs, 2 rush TDs) is back to lead the offense for his senior year, while fellow senior RB Tallon Belluscio has a really good chance of going for 1,000 rushing yards after compiling 844 yards on 140 rushes with seven TDs last season. Cole Bartram returns some hard-earned rushing yards (110-514-8), and will serve as a key member of the LB corps along with Joel McClintock (89 tackles, 1 sack, 1 INT) after a 99-tackle season last fall. Spencer Siegel, Nathan Deller, and Sam Gunning are all big men who will make an impact both ways in the trenches. From “rebuilding” to reloading, pencil Northern in for an eighth consecutive winning season, and maybe more.
One player to watch: Mason Yohn. There aren’t many players who can occupy four different spots on a single all-star team, but Yohn showed last year that he can excel almost anywhere you try to put him on a football field. Yohn, a versatile 6-foot, 165-pound player, made the Colonial First Team as a kicker (54.1 avg), Second Team as a punter (32.3 avg), Second Team as a DB (24 tackles, 2 INTs), and Honorable Mention as a WR (6-153-5). Yohn, who earned all-state honors as a kicker and punter, can be called upon to nail field goals of 50 yards or more, which makes him especially valuable in a division that could be dominated by defense. A potential college future almost certainly lies in special teams, but look for Yohn to make gains as both a WR and DB in his final year wearing the Polar Bears uniform.
Team: Waynesboro
Predicted finish position: 3rd
Coach: Josh Sprenkle
Record last season: 9-3, 6-1 Colonial
Team outlook: Waynesboro is a program that takes a lot of pride in its defense, but teams will be testing the Indians ‘D’ right off the bat, as the team has graduated two of the best secondary players in the Colonial in Rhyan Day and Brody Rhodes, who combined for nine INTs last season. There’s a mostly green group of guys in the secondary, led by returning CB Nick Brill (23 tackles, 3 INTs), so the responsibility will fall on the big guys up front, like DT/NG Marcus Smith (38 tackles, 2 sacks), DE/DT Kaden Ditch (26 tackles) and NG/DE Tristan Franklin (10 tackles) to force the action on offense to create easier plays for the guys behind them. Offensively, we’re excited to see the backfield combination of RB Mikel Holden, a bruising back, and QB Jaylon Bean, a slippery dual-threat QB, with big man Cody Tharp (5-11, 220). Like we said, there are a couple pieces missing from last year, but the Indians have more than enough coming back to once again be a contender in the Colonial.
One player to watch: Mikel Holden. A stud RB since his freshman season, Holden seemed ready for a breakout year when he ripped off 505 yards on 102 rushes with 11 TDs, but his campaign was cut short when he broke his leg. Waynesboro not only survived, but thrived when now-graduated backfield mate Aiden Mencia took on the burden and ran his way to the Colonial Offensive MVP award. Now, the 5-9, 195-pound Holden is back healthy and stronger than ever. He is THE man expected to carry the load for Waynesboro this season. Can Holden handle all of that weight on his shoulders? Well, he can lift more than most linemen, and that strength transfers to the field, where he loves to run between the tackles and deliver big hits to defenders. Holden can also catch passes out of the backfield, making him a nightmare matchup in open space when considering one man alone is almost never enough to bring him down. Look for Holden, with nearly 2,000 career rushing yards, to flirt with a 1,000-yard campaign this fall.
Team: Mechanicsburg
Predicted finish position: 4th
Coach: Anthony Rose
Record last season: 6-5, 3-4 Colonial
Team outlook: Mechanicsburg enters this season without the services of a host of linemen lost to graduation, but the team believes it has the pieces to not only replace those guys in the trenches, but also take a big step forward. The Wildcats are counting on returning starter Jayden Connors (6-foot, 220) to set the tone up front with a group that includes Davon Hutchinson (6-2, 245) and Ted Lechthaler (6-foot, 240). If the line gels, we could very well see career-best seasons from returning dual-threat QB Jeffrey Lougee (52 of 119, 675 yards, 5 TDs, 7 INTs), and the 1-2 punch of RBs Parker Sample and Sage Thomas (249 rush yards, 2 TDs). Many of Mechanicsburg’s offensive starters will also be starting on defense, including TE/DE Seth Brubaker, TE/LB Antonio Zeno and WR/DB Vance Koontz, as well as Lougee and Sample at DB. The Wildcats have the size, speed and experience to make a dent in their Colonial Division schedule, it’s just up to Mechanicsburg’s men on the field to make it happen.
One player to watch: Parker Sample. A 5-9, 180-pound RB who constantly keeps his legs churning forward, Sample could be the difference-maker that pushes Mechanicsburg to a big year. He’s a straightforward, no-nonsense runner on his way to the line of scrimmage, and once he finds open space he can juke defenders or flat out run them over. Last season he piled up 933 rushing yards and six TDs in a campaign that saw him earn Colonial First Team honors. A DB on the defensive side of the ball, Sample logged 41 tackles last season, including five TFLs and two sacks. A senior this season, look for Sample to have his best season yet for the Wildcats.
Team: Gettysburg
Predicted finish position: 5th
Coach: Matt Heiser
Record last season: 7-4, 5-1 York-Adams Division 2
Team outlook: Gettysburg sure would have loved to make its re-entry into the Mid-Penn with its best offensive player, RB Landon McGee, and defensive player, safety Tanner Newman, still in tow, but hey, that’s how graduation rolls, sometimes. Even with those impact players in the rear-view mirror, the Warriors still have enough gas in the tank to keep things interesting in their new division. Sophomore QB Brady Heiser is back after an all-conference season as a freshman, while senior OL/DL Dunn Kessel returns up front to guide the offensive line. Gettysburg also returns all-stars in MLB Cody Furman (5-10, 195) and kicker Jermain Gondwe. Will the Warriors have a winning mark in the Colonial, in their first time playing in the Mid-Penn since 2013? As the season progresses, that question will almost certainly be answered by Gettysburg’s supporting cast.
One player to watch: Dunn Kessel. Listen, if your name is Dunn Kessel, we don’t even have to look up your position, we know you’re a big dude taking souls in the trenches. The 6-foot-3, 270-pound OT/DE was a monster on the line for Gettysburg, driving players into the turf all season long for the Warriors. Kessel is a menace in the run game, especially when he pulls to land a block, and is an immovable object on his pass blocks. On defense, Kessel doesn’t get pushed around, so look for him to draw double teams and still find a way to keep contain on the QB. There are some concerns about the Gettysburg running game now that York-Adams Division II Offensive POY Landon McGee has been lost to graduation, and while those shoes will be hard to fill, there’s a lot of easy production that can still happen by following the warpath of Kessel.
Team: East Pennsboro
Predicted finish position: 6th
Coach: John Denniston
Record last season: 5-5, 3-4 Colonial
Team outlook: With seven players returning on offense and nine back to play defense, East Pennsboro likes its chances to do some damage in the Colonial. With conference all-stars Josh Angelo (6-foot, 245) and Colton Yohe (6-foot, 250) back up front, along with Carter Stup (6-foot, 290), look for East Pennsboro to hang in the trenches with the division’s best. Junior QB Keith Oates (34 of 83, 449 yards, 1 TD, 5 INT, 3 rush TDs) is back, as is do-everything back Dakota Campbell and WR Breckin Swope. Defensively, the Panthers will have to cope with the loss of all-star LB Devin Shepherd, who transferred to Central Dauphin, but have enough talent to possibly close the gap with players like LB Caden Holmes (5-8, 175), LB Matthew Sullivan (5-10, 165), DB Travis Brown (5-9, 165), DB Trey Good (5-10, 170), LB Oates, DL Yohe and DL Stup (16 tackles, 5 TFLs, 2.5 sacks, 2 pass deflections) in the mix. If Oates can continue to develop as a QB and the team can establish a productive running game, we see no reason why East Penn can’t battle its way to at least the top half of the Colonial.
One player to watch: Dakota Campbell. Whether he’s tackling, rushing, receiving, punting or kicking, expect to hear Campbell’s name all season. The 5-11, 185-pound Campbell is most valuable to his team on defense, where he earned Colonial Second Team Honors as a DB last year after logging 44 tackles, four TFLs, one sack, six INTs, 10 pass defenses, one punt block, one kick block and one fumble recovery. Campbell is a hustle player who plays with attitude and is not afraid to put his body in danger to make a play. He has great anticipation in the secondary and equally great athletic ability to snatch INTs out of mid air. Look for Campbell to take on an increased workload on offense, where he can excel running (65-265-0) or receiving (4-36-0). Campbell will also make an impact on special teams, where he stars as a kicker and all-state punter (36.1 avg). He was 19 of 20 on PATs last season, while also connecting on 5 of 8 field goals, including two FGs over 40 yards. A PA All-Academic player, Campbell already has one offer from Division II West Virginia Wesleyan.
Team: Greencastle-Antrim
Predicted finish position: 7th
Coach: Devin McCauley
Record last season: 4-7, 2-6 Colonial
Team outlook: Greencastle will be angling for its winning season since 2015, but collecting victories in the rugged Colonial Division is easier said than done. The Blue Devils will give it their best shot, though, with a group led by returning Colonial First Teamers Elijah Britner (DL) and Tavon Cooper (RB). Britner, a 6-4, 305-pound menace of a nose tackle, can line up right over center and command the attention of two, sometimes three, blockers. With all-star senior DB Seth Stouffer (6-0, 175) also returning, opponents will have to think long and hard when choosing between running or throwing the ball. Offensively, look for Cooper to follow the blocks of Britner to keep his team staying ahead of the chains. Add in senior Austin Wyand, who can change the course of a game as a return specialist, and it’s easy to see that the Blue Devils won’t be going down without a fight this fall.
One player to watch: Tavon Cooper. Sure, the Blue Devils lost a number of big guys up front to graduation, but look for the 5-10, 163-pound Cooper to some way, somehow power his way to another 1,000-yard rushing season. The RB has great vision and is good at finding holes, so he doesn’t necessarily need a group of all-stars in the trenches to get his yards. Cooper can take direct snaps to make life miserable for opposing defenses and is capable of hauling in passes from the backfield. Most successful team rebuilds are built around a good running game, and if Cooper can get going this fall, Greencastle could be in business.
Team: Susquehanna Township
Predicted finish position: 8th
Coach: Joe Headen
Record last season: 0-10, 0-7
Team outlook: With two wins over the last two seasons, Susquehanna Township believes it is beyond due for a rebound season. That could very well happen for an Indians squad that returns some talent from a squad that was better than last year’s winless record indicates. Township took its lumps early on last fall, but by the end of the season the team was competitive in losses to East Pennsboro (21-14), Mechanicsburg (21-12) and West Perry (31-28). The Indians return all-conference offensive all-stars in sophomores WR Lex Cyrus (5-11, 165) and center Mason Lubold (6-0, 250). Look for playmakers to include WR Ryan McClain and Javon White, who brings experience to the huddle as a passer, runner and receiver. Defensively, ‘Hanna will be anchored by all-stars DL Aubrey Carter (6-3, 250) and DB Dorian Smith (5-8, 150), with S/CB McClain, CB White and LB Razay Bowles also returning to the starting lineup. The Colonial Division is a weekly blue-collar job, and if the Indians’ defense is up for the challenge, we think the team will be able to win a few games.
One player to watch: Lex Cyrus. After starting at WR as a freshman, the 5-11, 165-pound Cyrus, already has two offers to his name from UConn and UMass. The speedy Cyrus has a knack for getting wide open, but is very capable of reaching up and making tough catches. Once the ball is secured, Cyrus has more moves than an underclassman should to make would-be tacklers miss. It’s hard to tackle a blur, so look for the elusive Cyrus to take his fair share of end-around runs to further keep opponents off balance. With a budding star like Cyrus on the roster, pencil the Indians in for several highlight-reel plays, and perhaps a few wins, as well.
Mid-Penn Keystone Division Breakdown
Mid-Penn Keystone Division
Predicted finish: Bishop McDevitt, Cedar Cliff, Red Land, Lower Dauphin, Milton Hershey, Hershey, Mifflin County, Palmyra.
Picking the Mid-Penn Keystone Division becomes a lot more fun when you set aside superpower Bishop McDevitt and try to figure out who’s going to take second place. We’re expecting the Crusaders, who played in the PIAA Class 4A title game last season, to run laps around their Keystone playmates. But who’s going to be that second team? Cedar Cliff has served the “best of the rest” role for quite some time, but intra-school district rival Red Land has a solid group that could spoil the Colts’ fun. You can’t count out Lower Dauphin, a program restored to prominence by Keystone Coach of the Year Josh Borreli, while Milton Hershey always fields a competitive team. Toss in improving Hershey and Mifflin County squads, and we’re in for a quite a ride in the Keystone. Buckle up!
Team: Bishop McDevitt
Predicted finish position: 1st
Coach: Jeff Weachter
Record last season: 12-2, 7-0 Keystone
Team Outlook: Fresh off an appearance in the PIAA Class 4A championship game, the Crusaders return to the Keystone Division with an embarrassment of riches that we don’t expect opponents to keep up with. Even if Bishop McDevitt played its games with just its 14 returning all-star players, and without the other 83 players on their roster, we’d still like its chances to win the division. The Crusaders should get a Super Bowl effort from every opponent they face this season, so it will be important for McDevitt’s men in the trenches — guys like Riley Robell (6-foot-3, 280 pounds), Gabe Arena (6-5, 285), Dimitri Chacon (6-4, 310), Kameron Zaengle (6-1, 270) and Ethan Straining (6-3, 255) — to control the line so the stars like running back Marquese Williams can shine. The Crusaders’ defense is also tough up front, and with the team returning its entire secondary, look for Bishop McDevitt to win the turnover battle almost every week. If the Crusaders stay healthy, they are a lock to not just win the Keystone, but also to make another deep playoff run.
One player to watch: Stone Saunders. With Bishop McDevitt, we can’t really go wrong with picking any player for this spotlight, but when’s the last time you saw a freshman QB step into the white-hot spotlight and have a 3,000-yard season? That’s exactly what the 6-1, 180-pound signal-caller did last season, to the tune of 46 TDs and five interceptions. Saunders, an All-American who was getting college offers out of middle school, lost a couple of his best receivers but has plenty of playmakers to deliver the ball to, including Rico Scott, Jeffrey Penn, and Williams. Enjoy the Saunders show while you can still see it for the price of a high school football ticket.
Team: Cedar Cliff
Predicted finish position: 2nd
Coach: Colin Gillen
Record last season: 10-3, 7-1 Keystone
Team Outlook: When a high school team loses some of its top talent, like Cedar Cliff did with its top RB and WR, it’s natural to be concerned about the program struggling the following season. But we get the sense there’s no need to worry for the Colts, who haven’t had a losing season since 2012. Cedar Cliff brings back talented QB Ethan Dorrell, who will be working with a new cast of characters, while the defense seems ready for battle with returning all-stars in LB Evan Ziegler, DE Daniel Schaeder, and CB Nathan Lusk all suiting up for Friday nights. Returning punter/kicker Derek Witmer is accurate and will help the Colts with field position and racking up points. Still, there are plenty of holes to fill, especially in the trenches on both sides of the ball. But if long-time coach Colin Gillen can find a way to fill in those blanks, West Shore Stadium will once again be home to some exciting football.
One player to watch: Ethan Dorrell. There will be a little more pressure on Cedar Cliff’s 5-11, 160-pound senior QB this fall. Dorrell will be working without a 2,000-yard rusher in the backfield now that Jontae Morris is on the Millersville University roster and his top receiver Trenten Smith has also graduated. Throw in an offensive line that is replacing four of five starters, and it’s easy to see why Dorrell’s work is cut out for him. He’ll be ready, though. He plays a fearless brand of QB and is not afraid to throw across his body or off his back foot to find the open receiver. Dorrell throws a tight spiral and a nice deep ball, and as soon as you fully commit to defending the pass, he’ll take off on draw plays for huge chunks of yardage.
Team: Lower Dauphin
Predicted finish position: 3rd
Coach: Josh Borreli
Record last season: 6-4, 5-3 Keystone
Team Outlook: There weren’t many who had Lower Dauphin pegged for its first winning season since 2015, but something changed when Josh Borreli stepped into the room last year and guided the Falcons to a 6-4 record. Borreli was named the Keystone’s Coach of the Year for his efforts, but his talents as a team leader will once again be put to the test this fall as LD will have to figure out how to stay competitive with the graduation of both its quarterback and top running back. The Falcons have a few playmaking returners in WR Charlie Fortney (23 receptions, 462, yards, 4 TDs) and RB Ty Millhimes. On the defensive side, Lower Dauphin has lost its biggest stoppers, so guys like DB Fortney (33 tackles, 1 INT), LB Millhimes (21 tackles), and DB Wesley Heagy (34 tackles, 2 INTs) will be expected to pick up the slack this season.
One player to watch: Ty Millhimes. All signs point to a breakout season from the 6-1, 200-pounder as he looks to ascend from a productive underclassman to a game-changing junior. What can Millhimes do? A little bit of everything. Not only is he Lower Dauphin’s top returning rusher (48 carries, 221 yards, 3 TDs), he can also catch passes out of the backfield, like he did last year to the tune of 11 receptions for 140 yards and a pair of TDs. Millhimes’s versatility in the offense opens the field up for big plays for senior teammate Fortney, the team’s leading receiver a year ago. Millhimes has put on 10 pounds for this season, making his hits from the linebacker position even more devastating.
Predicted finish position: 4th
Team: Red Land
Coach: Eric Depew
Record last season: 2-8, 2-5 Keystone
Team Outlook: Folks in Lewisberry have to be getting excited about their team’s chances this fall. While graduation rocked some of the other teams in the Keystone, Red Land is bringing back plenty of talent and experience and we think that the Patriots will be strapping on the helmets with confidence this season. While QB Roman Jensen has transferred out of state, Red Land returns an exceptional RB/WR in do-everything back Parker Lawler. Up front senior tackle Addison Janovich (6-1, 265) will be charged with leading the trenches and protecting the Patriots’ new signal-caller. Red Land might be even better defensively, where they return a pair of Keystone Division First Teamers in DB Lawler and OLB Anderson French, as well as Honorable Mention MLB Colton Hoffman. It’s always an uphill battle in the Keystone, but we fully expect the Patriots to be competitive this season.
One player to watch: Parker Lawler. When you look at the resume’ of Parker Lawler and begin to appreciate all of the things he can do, your mind begins to wonder: Will No. 5 ever get a break on the field? The primary role for the 6-0, 170-pound Lawler is defensive back, where he earned Keystone Division First Team honors. He has the size to bring down a hulking RB, the speed to match up with receivers, and the soft hands to pick off errant throws from the opposing QB. Lawler is also an all-star caliber return specialist, on both kickoffs and punts, and he knows a thing or two about punting the ball, himself. Offensively, Red Land will find a way to get the ball to Lawler either as a runner or receiver. Also a lacrosse player, Lawler is a player that can succeed on the field no matter where Red Land puts him. The Pa. Football Writers’ also noticed this when they named Lawler to last year’s 5A all-state team as an “athlete.”
Team: Milton Hershey
Predicted finish position: 5th
Coach: Jeff Boger
Record last season: 4-6, 3-4 Keystone
Team Outlook: It’s almost unfair that Milton Hershey is coming off its first losing season since 2010, which came after the Spartans didn’t play any football at all in the pandemic-plagued 2020 season. It’s even more unfair that the team will have to get along this year without do-everything star Dion Bryant, who had more than 2,400 combined rushing, passing and receiving yards last fall, including more than 1,900 on the ground. But don’t feel sorry for Milton Hershey, the Spartans bring back a fair amount of talent that will at least keep them competitive in the Keystone this season. We love how Jeff Boger’s bunch looks on defense, with all-star FS Malachi Thomas back to lead the unit, along with LB Haize Fulton (72 tackles, 2 sacks) and DE Michael Blidi (57 tackles, 7 sacks). On offense, there’s no one player that can replace Bryant, but with QB Kenny Emile (52 of 97, 803 yards, 8 TDs, 0 INTs) back in the mix, the Spartans have an experienced skill player who can make plays behind an o-line led by returning all-stars Tyler Quinter and Terek Lawson.
One player to watch: Malachi Thomas. Whether you’re flooding Thomas with blockers or trying to work on the other side of the field entirely, good luck getting the ball past this 6-2, 195-pound free safety. Thomas can wheel back and defend the pass, come in hard with the blitz and return punts. He logged 55 tackles, two sacks and an interception last season, earning him a spot as a Keystone Division Second Team all-star. Did we mention that Thomas is also Milton Hershey’s top returning WR? He caught eight passes for 108 yards and three TDs last fall.
Team: Hershey
Predicted finish position: 6th
Coach: Mark Painter
Record last season: 1-9, 1-6 Keystone
Team Outlook: It’s time to see how much Hershey has grown since taking its lumps during a one-win season last year. The Trojans return a handful of players, including QB Daniel Painter, who brings a good pocket presence coupled with an ability to scramble and keep plays alive with his legs. Marcus Sweeney, a 6-2, 180-pound basketball standout with big ups, will be a WR that wins almost every jump-ball matchup he encounters this season. On the defensive side, Hershey has some size in the LB corps with 220-pounders Angel Cabrera and AJ Slamans bringing the wood. Defensive end Yamael Wiggins is fast, slippery and can wreak absolute havoc on a backfield. The talent is there and Hershey knows it can compete, so if the Trojans can learn to win the close games, they’ll be in great position to move up the Keystone ranks.
One player to watch: Angel Cabrera. Since moving to Hershey in 2015, the Puerto Rico-born Cabrera has mastered both a new language, English, and a new sport, football. The 6-foot, 220-pound battering ram of a linebacker rewarded his coaches last season with a brilliant sophomore campaign that saw him earn a spot on the Keystone Division’s Second Team defense. Hershey may or may not win a lot of games this season, but opponents will most certainly be feeling those big hits from Cabrera several days after the fact. Look for Cabrera to also take another step forward on offense, where he plays a physical brand of FB that usually requires more than one defender to bring him down. Cabrera did all of these things as an underclassman, so if he put in any lifting at all over the summer for his junior season, the opposition will be in for a bruising this fall.
Team: Mifflin County
Predicted finish position: 7th
Coach: Shane Breon
Record last season: 0-10, 0-7 Keystone
Team Outlook: The last time Mifflin County won a game, the world still thought a face mask was a football penalty. The Huskies enter this season on a 17-game losing streak, with their last victory coming Oct. 18, 2019 in a 48-7 win over Greencastle. MiffCo is hoping to reverse its fortunes with a new hometown coaching hire in Shane Breon, a long-time Mid-Penn assistant who most recently served as the offensive coordinator for Central York. There are plenty of kinks to work out for Breon and Co., but the coaching staff isn’t coming into this gig with a bare cupboard, as the only team returning more division all-stars than the Huskies (6) is Bishop McDevitt. The team will look to build its defense around LBs Reagan Ettinger, Steven Albert and Isaac Wilson, who combined for more than 160 tackles last fall, including 9.5 tackles for loss from Ettinger. On the other side of the ball, Logan Parks is the only returning player with significant QB experience. If Parks can get some support in the running game from RB Deakon Schaeffer (86-187-1) and Joshua Cruz (61-149-0), he could get comfortable with slinging the ball to top WRs Wilson and Josiah Sechler. Mifflin County’s best shot at snapping its losing streak just might be in its season-opener against Shikellamy, a team that went 1-9 last year.
One player to watch: Isaac Wilson. If opponents don’t keep a close eye on WR Wilson, the 5-8, 145-pound senior speedster just might go off for another big season. With soft hands and an uncanny ability to make plays after the catch, Wilson thrived on the big plays last season, catching 35 passes for 534 yards and four TDs. A Keystone Division Honorable Mention last year, Wilson has potential for even more success if he can quickly catch on to the system brought in by Breon, who has a history of taking passing games to the next level. Wilson will have to catch his breath quickly after long TD catches, considering he’s also a defensive starter at linebacker, where he made 35 tackles last season.
Team: Palmyra
Predicted finish position: 8th
Coach: Chris Pavone
Record last season: 5-5, 4-3 Keystone
Team Outlook: Graduation hits every team hard, but for goodness sake, the Cougars have lost their quarterback, top two RBs, top three WRs, top eight tacklers and their kicker. The good news is Palmyra grad Chris Pavone, now the team’s head coach, has been around the program as a long-time assistant and knows exactly what talent he has coming back. There are only three starters returning on offense, but one is 6-foot, 235-pound Kyle Chapin in the trenches. The senior will anchor the line and clear a path for RBs Dylan Kriner and Juan Figueroa. A large stable of capable receivers, including Jose Morales, await the man that wins the QB competition. A defense that returns six starters will work to keep the Cougars afloat as the team finds its way on offense.
One player to watch: Dylan Kriner. Fans of the Cougars may notice the former WR/DB looks a little bit different this season. That’s because Kriner hit the weight room hard this summer in order to make a pair of position changes. The 6-foot-1, 190-pound Kriner will now be taking snaps at RB and LB, where he will move to middle linebacker alongside Kadin Jones. Kriner’s move on offense should alleviate the pain of losing a 900-yard rusher. Senior leadership is especially important when a program is coming off heavy losses, and with Kriner already setting an example through his actions before the season even starts, Palmyra might be better than a lot of people expect this fall.