News and Notes: Capital Division

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

Capital Division the gem of the Mid-Penn Conference?:

I’m going to say it now, this division could be the crown jewel of the Mid-Penn Conference this season. Big Spring, Boiling Springs, Camp Hill, Steel-High and Trinity all posted victories to open the 2021 campaign. Nobody lost and Middletown was idle. There’s at least a half-dozen high intrigue games I want to see this season among this six-pack of small school heavy hitters.

Boiling Springs capitalizing on its savy veterans:

Experience matters, and Boiling Springs opened up a can of it on Littlestown to the tune of a 69-burger. Scored six touchdowns on its first six offensive possessions, and the defense was in lockdown mode, creating short fields in addition to adding a pair of pick-6 touchdowns to its side of the ledger. Littlestown made a TON of mistakes to fuel the fire, but it only made the scoreboard roll faster. The Bubblers took some huge steps forward as a program a year ago. Feels like they are ready to step on teams now. For the record: this is a warning.

News and Notes: Colonial Division

A record breaker, a last-minute winner, a 300-yard rushing team and more

Plenty of meat on the bone for lads in the Colonial with a record performance (Sy Burgos, East Pennsboro), a trio of backs who totaled nearly 300 rushing yards (Northern) and a last-minute touchdown for the only points (Shippensburg). Plenty of entertainment value right there. What stood out to me going forward was a team that lost — Greencastle-Antrim. The Blue Devils lost to big-school Chambersburg by two points. Something tells me that result will serve this group from Franklin County well going forward.

Three of a kind in the Northern backfield:

A triple threat at running back could make the Polar Bears extremely dangerous this season. They still have balance, but in RB’s Cole Bartram, Timothy Bonin and Talon Balluscio they have three underclassmen who all appear they could be RB1. The trio had 40 combined carries for 276 yards and four touchdowns. Hope they took a few of the offensive linemen to Baker’s Diner for some eats and thanks.

News and Notes: Keystone Division

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

Keystone teams took on water in Week 1:

Hate to be the bearer of bad news, but it was serious choppy waters for the squads in the Keystone in Week 1. Cedar Cliff’s victory over Red Lion marked the only win for a team from the division. Red Land, Palmyra, Milton Hershey, Mifflin County, Hershey and Bishop McDevitt all lost. Lower Dauphin did not play. No one-week evaluations coming from us, but the early returns indicate some less-than-smooth sailing ahead for the majority of the Keystone clubs.

Colts’ Trenten Smith off to a fast start:

Colts wideout Trenten Smith gets our Keystone game ball for his stellar two-way performance. Scored a pair of touchdowns to go along with 171 receiving yards and added an interception on defense.

News and Notes: Mid-Penn Commonwealth Division

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

Commonwealth Division

Harrisburg’s Williams a star in the making:

Another road trip, this one to Hazleton, for the 1-0 Harrisburg Cougars. There won’t be as much huff and puff over the upcoming contest as the opener against the defending PIAA Class 5A champion Pine-Richland. Kyle Williams is going to be a star for the Cougars this season, and up front is where this team will win more games and what makes this 2021 team different. They aren’t going to be as explosive overall, but they will make a big ask of their opponents.

Balanced Carlisle offense on tap in ’21?

Getting a peek at Carlisle in person I see some potential to be a more balanced offense this season. They have speed and athleticism at the wide receiver position, but the quarterback position was a huge question mark. The only way for the Herd to win in the past was a big game out of a running back. Junior Louis Shank is raw and undeveloped at the varsity level as a QB, but if he develops this offense could be sticky for teams to defend going forward.

Candid words from Cumberland Valley coach Josh Oswalt:

This is part of what Cumberland Valley head coach Josh Oswalt — a former Eagle in case you were not aware of that tidbit — said after getting rolled by Manheim Central: “I don’t know what the heck happened to our guys today. It’s to be expected in Week 1 to make some mistakes to squelch some drives. If you look at the first half, we had an inadvertent snap, we didn’t get pass protection calls. We were not disciplined at all on the offensive line, and it just makes me sick because all those guys are back. They’re great kids, but they’re selfish, selfish football players at times. It’s just sad to watch.” Josh calls them like he sees them.

Vote now: Red Land football play of the week

Watch these five plays and vote for your Red Land Patriots Play of the Week

  1. Roman Jensen hits Sam Sklar for a 40-yard touchdown.

2. Roman Jensen connects with Parker Lawler for 81-yard touchdown.

3. Parker Lawler races to an 18-yard touchdown.

4. Red Land quarterback Roman Jensen hits Sam Sklar for a 37 yard gain.

5. Red Land quarterback Roman Jensen fires to Parker Lawler for a 31-yard touchdown

This poll has ended (since 3 years).

Vote now for your Red Land play of the week against Northern York

Roman Jensen connects with Parker Lawler for 81-yard touchdown.
50.00%
Roman Jensen hits Sam Sklar for a 40-yard touchdown.
25.00%
Roman Jensen fires to Parker Lawler for a 31-yard touchdown
16.67%
Red Land quarterback Roman Jensen hits Sam Sklar for a 37 yard gain.
5.56%
Parker Lawler races to an 18-yard touchdown.
2.78%

Stock up, Stock down after Week 1 of the high school football season

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One week of the high school football season is in the books. We’re taking a look around our coverage area to see who helped themselves this week and who did not in Week No. 1 in this edition of Stock up, Stock Down.

STOCK UP

• Anybody pull off a bigger upset in Week 1 than the Trinity Shamrocks? Harrisburg taking out defending state champion Pine-Richland is up there as well. I’m riding with the T-Rocks, though. I’m now keen on seeing this team sooner than later. Beating Delone Catholic with all that change that’s gone on in Shiremanstown is an old-fashioned upset. Posting a three-score victory is a jaw dropping result in my book. 

• Over my career I have learned the hard lesson of evaluating CD East’s program a week at a time during the season. That’s not a knock, it’s just the smart and safe way to approach the Panthers. Despite the loss on the road in Lancaster County to Manheim Township, you have to like the direction after four quarters. The Blue Streaks are beatable, sure, but they ask a lot of the opposition in order to beat them. CD East had a lot of the right answers. The ending was brutal. Otherwise, bring on Week 2 and let’s see!

• Already regarded as one of the top running backs in the Mid-Penn Conference, East Pennsboro’s Sy Burgos went to another level in the opener by making the school single-game rushing record his own with 366 yards against York Suburban. He surpassed Onassis Neely’s 2017 mark of 320 yards by nearly half a football field. He left no doubt. And his team needed him in a game that was air-tight at halftime. 

STOCK DOWN

• Penalties and lots of them are just part of the game in the early weeks of football at this level. However, some of the numbers I saw and witnessed told me the limitations everyone dealt with in 2020 related to the pandemic are going to have more impact on the sharpness meter this season. Still, I saw numbers like 15 and a couple 12s. The game I watched in person, Carlisle at Mechanicsburg, saw each squad rack up 11 flags. The small details matter, right?

• Change is never easy, just ask Cumberland Valley skipper Josh Oswalt. His system works — think Carlisle and Central York, his previous two stops. And it will work eventually in New Kingstown. But only one touchdown against Manheim Central is a downer for this offense. Maybe the Barons defense is better? Still, one score again for the Eagles is not what they needed to see.

• We continue to navigate the pandemic and how it impacts Friday night football. Last year it was fans in the stands. So, seeing fans in the stands Week 1 was nice. But an athletic director recently told me plenty of schools will not be taking their marching bands to road games. Safety first. I get it and agree 100%. One band is better than none, but it’s still a major bummer on my what-makes-Friday-night-so-special meter.

Eric Epler’s State High School Football Rankings after Week 1

Class 6A — Record — Previous rank 

1. St. Joseph’s Prep (12) — 0-0 — 1 

2. Archbishop Wood (12) — 1-0 — 3 

2. Pittsburgh C.C. (7) — 0-1 — 2 

4. Central York (3) — 1-0 — 4 

5. North Penn (1) — 1-0 — 5 

6. Emmaus (11) — 1-0 — 6 

7. Mount Lebanon (7) — 1-0 — 7 

8. North Allegheny (7) — 1-0 — 8 

9. La Salle College HS (12) — 1-0 — 9 

10. Garnet Valley (1) — 1-0 — 10 

Teams to watch: Harrisburg (3) 1-0, Manheim Township (3) 1-0, Parkland (11) 0-0, State College (6) 1-0, Wilson (3) 1-0. 

Class 5A — Record — Previous rank 

1. Imhotep Charter (12) — 1-0 — 1 

2. Governor Mifflin (3) — 1-0 — 2 

3. Gateway (7) — 1-0 — 3 

4. Cathedral Prep (10) — 1-0 — 4 

5. Upper Dublin (1) — 1-0 — 6 

6. Penn-Trafford (7) — 1-0 — 7 

7. Whitehall (11) — 1-0 — 8 

8. Pine-Richland (7) — 0-1 — 5 

9. Academy Park (1) — 1-0 — 9 

10. Moon (7) — 1-0 — 10 

Teams to watch: Chester (1) 1-0, Exeter Township (3) 0-1, Manheim Central (3) 1-0, Peters Township (7) 1-0, West Chester Rustin (1) 0-0. 

Class 4A — Record — Previous rank 

1. Thomas Jefferson (7) — 0-0 — 1 

2. Jersey Shore (4) — 1-0 — 3 

3. Belle Vernon (7) — 0-0 — 4 

4. Bishop McDevitt (3) — 0-1 — 2 

5. Aliquippa (7) — 0-0 — 6 

6. Valley View (2) — 1-0 — 7 

7. Berks Catholic (3) — 1-0 — 8 

8. Cocalico (3) — 1-0 — 9 

9. Bethlehem Catholic (11) — 0-1 — 5 

10. Pottsville (11) 1-0 — 10 

Teams to watch: Allentown C.C. (11) 1-0, Bonner-Prendergast (12) 1-0, McKeesport (7) 1-0,  Pope John Paul II (1) 1-0, Shamokin (4) 1-0.  

Class 3A — Record — Previous rank 

1. North Schuylkill (11) — 1-0 — 1 

2. Central Valley (7) — 1-0 — 2 

3. Wyomissing (3) — 1-0 — 3 

4. Notre Dame-Green Pond (11) — 1-0 — 4 

5. Scranton Prep (2) — 1-0 — 5 

6. Bedford (5) — 1-0 — 6 

7. Neumann-Goretti (12) — 1-0 — 7 

8. Elizabeth Forward (7) — 1-0 — 9 

9. Central Martinsburg (6) — 1-0 — 10 

10. North Catholic (7) — 1-0 — NR 

Teams to watch: Clearfield (9) 1-0, Danville (4) 1-0, Montoursville (4) 1-0, Western Wayne (2) 1-0.  

Class 2A — Record — Previous rank 

1. Southern Columbia (4) — 1-0 — 1 

2. Farrell (10) — 1-0 — 2 

3. Richland Township (6) — 1-0 — 3 

4. Sto-Rox (7) — 1-0 — 4 

5. South Williamsport (4) — 1-0 — 6 

6. Wilmington (10) — 1-0 — 7 

7. Bellwood-Antis (6) — 1-0 — 8 

8. Washington (7) — 1-0 — NR 

9. Windber (5) — 1-0 — 10 

10. York Catholic (3) — 1-0 — NR 

Teams to watch: Beaver Falls (7) 0-1, Chestnut Ridge (5) 0-1, Dunmore (2) 0-1, Northern Lehigh (11) 1-0, Serra Catholic (7) 1-0. 

Class 1A — Record — Previous rank 

1. Steelton-Highspire (3) — 1-0 — 1 

2. Old Forge (2) — 1-0 — 3 

3. Clairton (7) — 0-0 — 4 

4. Bishop Guilfoyle (6) — 1-0 — 6 

5. Muncy (4) — 0-1 — 2 

6. Rochester (7) — 0-0 — 7 

7. Tri-Valley (11) — 1-0 — 8 

8. Williams Valley (11) — 1-0 — 9 

9. Redbank Valley (9) — 0-1 — 5 

10. Juniata Valley (6) — 1-0 — 10 

Teams to watch: Canton (4) 1-0, Delone Catholic (3) 0-1, Keystone (9) 1-0, Northern Bedford (5) 1-0, Our Lady of Sacred Heart (7) 1-0. 

Elite 11: a ranking of our top 11 teams after Week 1

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Each week, we’re scouring the Mid-Penn, Lancaster-Lebanon, York, and Berks conferences to determine the top 11 teams in the area regardless of classification. Take a look at which teams made the cut after Week 1. Disagree, let us know on Twitter (@4thdownmag) and Facebook.

11. Conrad Wieser0-111
Traded big plays with fellow Elite 11 foe Cocalico, with each squad registering nearly 400 yards of offense. Scouts had a whopping 15 penalties for 100-plus yards. Can’t win big games with those numbers. Still sticking with CW.
10. Steel-High1-010
A win in their opener was guaranteed against numbers-challenged Morrisville. QB Alex Erby attempted only 15 passes and eclipsed 500 passing yards. This was barely a scrimmage for the defending state champs.
9. Wyomissing1-09
With all the offensive firepower that graduated, the Spartans opening this season with 41 points against Daniel Boone is a warning sign Wyomissing is still the Class 3A team to beat.
8.Cocalico1-08
Used big plays and a 206-yard outing from halfback Anthony Bourassa to edge Weiser. Bourassa added three touchdowns, including an 88-yard gallop. One of the two passes completed was a 74-yard catch-and-run.
7. Central Dauphin0-14
Go inside the numbers and the Rams offense was stuck in the mud against Wilson, averaging a paltry 3.6 yards a carry and precious few chunk plays of any kind. Defense put in a respectable showing.
6. Bishop McDevitt0-13
Losing at home to District 1 power La Salle College by three touchdowns isn’t great, but not putting up a single point and getting rolled 21-0 means talent alone isn’t always enough to play winning football. Quarterback play was an issue.
5. Manheim Township1-05
Needed some help from a dropped snap on a short field goal attempt on the final play to hold off CD East and get a tough victory. Good early test, and getting a tough W will serve them well.
4. Wilson1-07
Bulldogs defense made a Week 1 statement by limiting Central Dauphin to 303 total yards, including holding the Rams to a paltry 3.6 yards per carry. Offensive was efficient and brought more pop to the table.
3. Harrisburg1-06
Came from behind on the road to upset defending PIAA Class 5A champion Pine-Richland. Harrisburg trailed 14-0 late in the first half before a late touchdown before intermission lit a spark. Huge confidence victory to go along with the emerging young talent.
2. Central York1-02
Excellent victory over tricky Exeter Township to open the season. All QB Beau Pribula did was throw for 334 yards and account for all five touchdowns (four passing, one rushing) in a game that was tight all the way.
1. Governor Mifflin1-01
One of the best running backs in the country opens with 280 yards and five touchdowns for an offense that scores 55 points and cruises to win over York High. These are numbers we should all get accustomed to for the Mustangs in 2021.

Vote now: Player of the Week

Sy Burgos, East Pennsboro, sr., RB: When you post a new school record, you deserve to be listed among the candidates for Player of the Week. It’s that simple. Burgos deserves serious consideration for the award after slicing up York Suburban’s defense for 366 yards on 23 totes en route to a 42-21 victory. The senior reached the promised land four times to help the Panthers enjoy a happy bus ride back up Route 15.

Ethan Dorrell, Cedar Cliff, sr., QB: Whatever adjustments coach Colin Gillen and his staff instilled at the half sure worked out well as Cedar Cliff surged past Red Lion 56-35 Friday night. Dorrell, in his first night as the clear No. 1 QB, had a near-perfect competition percentage, connecting on 13-of-15 for 254 yards and three touchdowns. He also caused damage with his legs, picking up 93 stripes and another touchdown. 

Roman Jensen, Red Land, so., QB: Leading into Friday night’s opener against Northern York, Patriots coach Frank Gay talked about the progression he needed from Jensen at quarterback. Gay thought he could be one of the best passers in the conference. While the Patriots fell to the Polar Bears 42-28, Jensen turned in a strong performance, completing 20-of-35 of 362 passing yards, three touchdowns and a goose-egg in the interception column.

Josh Zipperer, Carlisle, jr, WR: Carlisle didn’t light it up through the air Friday night against Mechanicsburg, but when they needed a big play, Zipperer proved to be the go-to-receiver. Zipperer hauled in a 39-yard strike from Louis Shank to kick off the scoring. Of Carlisle’s 104 yards through the air, Zipperer’s hands accounted for 86 of them. 

This poll has ended (since 3 years).

Select your choice for Class 6A-4A Player of the Week

Ethan Dorrell, Cedar Cliff, sr., QB
201
Sy Burgos: East Pennsboro, sr., RB
136
Roman Jensen, Red Land, so., QB
114
Josh Zipperer, Carlisle, jr, WR
13

Alex Erby, Steel-High, so., QB: Alex Erby didn’t waste any time slicing up the Morrisville defense Friday night en route to a 77-0 victory. Erby posted an eye-popping 502 stripes through the air in just 15 attempts. Oh, and eight of those competitions hit paydirt. 

Tyler Rossi, Trinity, sr., RB: Rossi provided plenty of fuel to spark Trinity’s upset victory against perennial power Delone Catholic 34-14. First-year head coach Jordan Hill had to love the production he received from Rossi, who grounded out 174 rushing yards, including first-half touchdowns of 67, 9 and 71 yards.

Christian Doi, Camp Hill, sr., WR-LB: When Camp Hill needed a big play, Doi delivered. The senior was a force on both sides of the ball for the Lions, who notched one in the win column despite limited practice time after COVID affected the team just before opening week. Doi hauled in five receptions for 139 yards on offense and a touchdown, then on defense he piled in 14 tackles, a sack and a fumble recovery. Talk about filling up the stat sheet. 

Dom Coletta, Camp Hill, sr, DT: Doi’s compadre turned in his own stellar performance from a three-point stance. The defensive lineman shed blockers left and right to make 14 tackles, including one for a loss. He also had a fumble recovery to help the Lions walk away from Week 1’s matchup against Fairfield victorious. 

Chase Lentz, Upper Dauphin, sr., ILB: Lentz enjoyed a productive opener as Upper Dauphin opened Mid-Penn Liberty play with a 60-8 clocking of James Buchanan. In addition to making a team-high nine stops — including five of UD’s remarkable 22 tackles for loss — Lentz authored one sack and recovered one fumble as Kent Smeltz’s Trojans opened a three-game homestand.

Hunter Wolfgang, Williams Valley, sr., DE: Wolfgang definitely was busy throughout the Vikings’ season opener, as he registered a team-high 16 tackles as Tim Savage’s club turned back Mahanoy Area 6-0 — the same squad the Vikes downed in last season’s District 11 Class 1A semifinals. Wolfgang also totaled four tackles for loss and one sack.

Jace Hackenburg, Line Mountain, sr., DE: Hackenburg certainly put a stamp in his season-opening performance, but it wasn’t enough as the Eagles dropped a 6-3 decision at Juniata. Hackenburg actually played a big role in Line Mountain’s lone scoring drive, as his fumble recovery on the opening snap of the game eventually led to Brayden Boyer’s 23-yard field goal. He tacked on a second fumble recovery later in the 48-minute scrap.

Kameron Wetzel, Tri-Valley, sr., HB: Wetzel didn’t wait long to make his presence felt, as the explosive youngster scored three times in Tri-Valley’s 47-7 dismantling of neighboring rival Minersville. Already up 7-0, Wetzel erupted for rushing touchdowns of 90 and 54 yards before hauling a Jonas McGrath pass 42 yards for a score that bumped the Bulldogs’ lead to 27-0.

This poll has ended (since 3 years).

Make your selection for Class 3A-1A Player of the Week

Chase Lentz, Upper Dauphin, sr., ILB:
407
Tyler Rossi, Trinity, sr., RB:
197
Kameron Wetzel, Tri-Valley, sr., HB:
161
Alex Erby, Steel-High, so., QB:
143
Hunter Wolfgang, Williams Valley, sr., DE:
130
Jace Hackenburg, Line Mountain, sr., DE:
119
Dom Coletta, Camp Hill, sr, DT:
23
Christian Doi, Camp Hill, sr., WR-LB:
12

By the numbers: A looks at the statistical leaders in Week 1

Note: Stats not available for: State College, Hershey, Milton Hershey, Palmyra, Shippensburg, Susquehanna Twp., Waynesboro, Line Mountain, Tri-Valley, James Buchanan

Did not play: Susquenita, Lower Dauphin, Middletown

Passing:

Alex Erby, Steel-High: 12-15-0-502, 8 touchdowns

Roman Jensen, Red Land: 20-35-0-362, 3 touchdowns

Ethan Dorrell, Cedar Cliff: 13-15-0-254, 3 touchdowns

Peyton Shore, Camp Hill: 13-19-2-247, 2 touchdowns

Stone Saunders, Bishop McDevitt: 13-24-0-216

Tony Powell, CD East: 19-35-1-187, 1 touchdown

Mason Kroh, Pine Grove: 13-34-4-181

Ethan Eisenberg, Big Spring: 3-6-1-158, 2 touchdowns

Max Mosey, Central Dauphin: 10-16-0-142

Marcus Quaker, West Perry: 13-21-136-1, 1 touchdown

Louis Shank, Carlisle: 6-9-1-104, 3 touchdowns

Rushing: 

Sy Burgos, East Pennsboro: 23-366, 4 touchdowns

Tyler Rossi, Trinity: 7-174, 3 touchdowns

Jontae Morris, Cedar Cliff: 17-151, 2 touchdowns

Dillon Wakefield, Big Spring: 14-131, 1 touchdown

Cole Bartram, Northern York: 13-125, 2 touchdowns

David Niebauer, Greencastle-Antrim: 20-116

Kyle Williams, Harrisburg: 18-114, 1 touchdown

Jeffrey Lougee, Mechanicsburg: 11-107, 1 touchdown

Aiden Wiest, Upper Dauphin: 8-102

Andrew Bates, Newport: 4-99, 2 touchdowns

Trent Herrera, West Perry: 21-94, 1 touchdown

Ethan Dorrell, Cedar Cliff: 14-93, 1 touchdown

Alex Achenbach, Williams Valley: 21-93

Jermere Jones, Chambersburg: 15-89, 1 touchdown

Jakhai Noss, Steel-High: 2-84

Talor Balluscio, Northern York: 13-81, 1 touchdown

Ethan Stroup, Altoona: 18-81, 3 touchdowns

Brady Morgan, Upper Dauphin: 5-79, 3 touchdowns

Logan Schmidt, Big Spring: 5-78, 1 touchdown

Tyrell English, Central Dauphin: 21-78

Max Mosey, Central Dauphin: 20-78

Ezeekai Thomas, Carlisle: 15-77

Mason Messick, Newport: 7-76, 1 touchdown

Sean Gaillard, Upper Dauphin: 2-74, 2 touchdowns

Bryce Elenory, Chambersburg: 14-67, 1 touchdown

Receiving: 

Parker Lawler, Red Land: 9-230, 2 touchdowns

Tyrone Moore, Steel-High: 5-206, 2 touchdowns

Trenten Smith, Cedar Cliff: 7-171, 2 touchdowns

Christian Doi, Camp Hill: 5-139, 1 touchdown

Mario Easterly, BIshop McDevitt: 5-113

Rell Ceasar Jr., Steel-High: 3-110, 3 touchdowns

Daquan McCraw, Steel-High: 2-105, 2 touchdowns

Tymere Thornton, CD East: 6-100

Dalton Geesey, Pine Grove: 5-90

David Chase, Central Dauphin: 5-89

Logan Schmidt, Big Spring: 1-88, 1 touchdown

Josh Zipperer, Carlisle: 3-86, 1 touchdown

Jaeion Perry, Steel-High: 2-81, 1 touchdown

Peter Ranck, Halifax: 3-79, 1 touchdown

Kyle Williams, Harrisburg: NA-74, 2 touchdowns

Jeff Penn, Bishop McDevitt: 2-71

Trent Herrera, West Perry: 6-70, 1 touchdown

Jordan Bomberger, Juniata: 2-70, 1 touchdown

Brennan Stanton, Pine Grove: 5-69

Trenton Peach, Northern York: 2-56, 1 touchdown

Mehki Flowers, CD East: 6-54

Josiah Sechler, Mifflin County: 2-47