2021 Preview: Tri-Valley Bulldogs
By Michael Bullock
Coach: Jeff Sampson, 4th season (20-11), 15th season overall (81-79)
Classification: 1A
League/division: Colonial-Schuylkill League Blue Division
2020 record: 5-1, 4-1 in Schuylkill League
Postseason: Shared District 11 Class A championship
RETURNING LEADERS
Passing: Comp-Att, Yards, TDs
Jonas McGrath: 26-53, 515, 5
Rushing: Att-Yards, Avg, TDs
Jake Scheib: 53-363, 6.8, 5
Kameron Wetzel: 42-301, 7.2, 3
Receiving: Rec-Yards, Avg, TDs
Jake Tietsworth: 6-87, 14.5, 0
Jolten Flory: 5-81, 16.2, 2
Layne Yoder: 5-68, 13.6, 0
Key returning players: Jonas McGrath, sr, QB/DB; Kameron Wetzel, sr, HB/FS; Mason Boltz, sr, WR/OLB; Devin Wertz, sr, WR/DB; Jolten Flory, jr, WR/DE; Josh Reho, sr, OT/OLB; Kole Mattis, sr, OT/DT; Jere Umbenhauer, sr, OG/DE; Justis Troutman, jr, C/DT; Cam Carlin, sr, OT/DT; Jake Scheib, jr, FB/DT; Levi Murray, sr, TE/ILB; Reece Huntzinger, jr, HB/ILB; Layne Yoder, so, SB/OLB.
Outlook: Although Tri-Valley’s Bulldogs lost the first half of the 2020 campaign for a variety of reasons — including misgivings about playing at all during the COVID-19 surge — Jeff Sampson’s group caught up in a hurry as they pocketed four victories while motoring through a truncated five-game slate. Another victory popped the Bulldogs into their third straight District 11 Class A title game, but that contest never was played so Tri-Valley ended up sharing gold with neighboring Williams Valley. Now poised to play a 10-game schedule, Sampson’s Bulldogs return all but the three seniors they lost from last year’s club — including do-everything Chase Herb and steady two-way grinder Caden Richards. What pleases this run-happy coaching staff is the offensive line returns intact and the big fella, 6-3, 275-pound Cam Carlin is ready to create all sorts of havoc after missing three of Tri-Valley’s six games a season ago. Presence of numerous skill players — all packing experience — is another plus for a Bulldogs outfit that hopes to unleash plenty of bite. The bottom line is the folks in the Hegins-Valley View Metroplex are ready to watch their beloved Bulldogs chomp on the opposition as they enjoy a steady diet of hamburgers and sauce with a sizable side of Williams French Fries.
Three Things to Know:
1. Bulldogs will head into 2021 with the same offensive front they trotted out one season earlier: While an assortment of veterans return at a variety of skill positions, one reason why skipper Jeff Sampson is upbeat is the Bulldogs bring back all five offensive linemen that started a season ago. Led by massive tackle Cam Carlin — Carlin missed three games a season ago — Tri-Valley also will plug in the likes of Josh Reho, Kole Mattis, Jeremiah Umbenhauer and Justis Troutman and watch these youngsters tee off on opposing defensive lines and linebackers. “We have the horses up front from last year and they’re all back,” Sampson confirmed. “The ones behind them are a year wiser and are pushing the older kids. … There’s only one kid on the offensive line that’s going to be going both ways and that’s Cam Carlin.” Tri-Valley also has seasoned veterans at quarterback in Jonas McGrath, fullback in Jake Scheib and halfback in Kam Wetzel, So, they should find space to run behind the Bulldogs’ offensive front and McGrath may have more than enough time to target a group of wideouts led by Jolten Flory and Layne Yoder. Yet that O-Line is key. “I like to run the ball,” Sampson said. “I think Jonas gets that and he understands that. I may change a little and decide to throw the ball a little more. It’s his third year. He’s really progressed. He’s really been throwing the ball well all preseason. And we have a logjam at wide receiver. We have five or six kids that can probably start on most teams and we have a lot of height. The goal is to establish the run, which you normally do, but we may sprinkle a little more passing in with Jonas back there and our receiving corps.”
2. Sampson genuinely believes McGrath, Scheib and Carlin are ready to take sizable steps forward: Since Scheib and McGrath are three-year starters, Sampson believes those two are ready to take their games to a higher level. Scheib has earned the nod at fullback, yet he’ll also have his hand in the dirt when he lines up at defensive tackle. While Sampson already has admitted that McGrath may get the chance to throw more frequently, he’d also like to see his athletic senior use his legs as well. “Jonas is another one,” Sampson said. “This’ll be his third year starting and we want to get him more involved in the running aspect. He’s ready to take that next step.” And so is Carlin, who already sports college-level size as well as some other measurables. “He went from about 245 or 250 and he’s about 275 right now,” Sampson added. “He’s just a monster size-wise and he moves well.” Since the Bulldogs have experience all over the field, guys like Jolten Flory and Layne Yoder may be ready to leave indelible imprints for the passionate partisans that adore the youngsters from Schuylkill County’s West End.
3. If things go well, Tri-Valley is hoping to play in its fourth consecutive District 11 Class A title game: While Sampson’s Bulldogs claimed an 11-A championship in his first season (2018) on the West End, Tri-Valley also reached the district final a season later. And last year, the Bulldogs were scheduled to square off against neighboring Williams Valley, but that game never was played since both squads were dealing with COVID-19 issues. Regardless of what’s taken place in the past — particularly in an 11-A setting that also includes Nativity and Mahanoy Area — Sampson understands that his squad must stay in form if it hopes to be competing for gold-tinted hardware. “We’ve got to stay on course,” Sampson admitted. “I don’t think we can look ahead, so we’ve got to take it one week at a time. We have a decent schedule. It is a tight-knit group and they’ve got to play together and to their potential. They want to be a championship team this year and you’ve got to practice that way and be willing to make sacrifices and be committed since every practice is worth something.” Tri-Valley definitely will be tested early as backyard rival Minersville, Mahanoy Area, Pine Grove and Schuylkill Haven make up the first month of the Bulldogs’ slate. Scraps with Nativity and Williams Valley will come later. “The expectations are high,” Sampson added. “Now you’ve got to put everything together on a Friday night. Lay it on the line. … It’s like I told them, ‘They don’t give out championships. You’ve got to earn them. We’ll see how much they want to earn a district title and go beyond that.”
2021 Preview: Northern York Polar Bears
Coach: Bill Miller
Classification: 4A
League/division: Mid-Penn Conference/ Colonial Division
2020 record: 5-4, 5-2
Postseason: Lost to Eastern Lebanon County, 42-7, in the District 3-4A first round
RETURNING LEADERS:
Passing: Comp-Att., Yards, TD
Timothy Bonin: 2-2, 19, 0
Rushing: Att-Yards., Avg., TD
Talon Balluscio: 52-248, 4.8, 5
Receiving: Rec.-Yards, Avg., TD
Trenton Peach: 23-251, 10.9, 0
Mason Yohn: 4-54, 13.5, 0
KEY PLAYERS:
Aydan Digrugilliers, so, WR-DB; Sean Sarley, sr., RB-LB; AJ Vail, sr., OL-DL; Fred Hunter, sr., OL-DL; Trenton Peach, sr., WR-LB; Telon Belluscio, jr., RB-LB; Timmy Bonin, jr., QB-DB; Mason Yohn, jr., WR-DB-P-K
OUTLOOK:
Colonial Division foes may find comfort in knowing that Jordan Heisey is cleating up for Division II Lock Haven this year and not making another circuit through the Colonial Division. Heisey is one of more than a dozen impact players to exit the Northern program, but that shouldn’t deter Bill Miller’s crew from making another run at the Colonial Division title. To do that, he’ll need some new lads to step in to deliver production beyond top returning receiver Trenton Peach (23-251) and junior running back Talon Belluscio (52-248). Some names to watch include Kade Kitts at tight end and Mason Yohn (more on Yohn below).
3 THINGS TO KNOW
1. Big Shoes to fill:
Do-it-all quarterback Jordan Heisey contributed in every facet of Northern’s success. Top passer? Check. Heisey threw for 921 yards and four touchdowns in a truncated 2020 campaign. Leading rusher? Check. The commander under center notched 687 stripes and another seven trips to pay dirt. That’s some big shoes to fill on Bill Miller’s squad. Timmy Bonin, a standout on the diamond as a pitcher, appears to be the next in line for the Polar Bears.
2. Kickin’ butt:
Mason Yohn is known throughout the Mid-Penn as an outstanding kicker. National attention may soon follow thanks to a strong performance in his age group in the 2021 Kohl’s National Scholarship Camp in Baltimore, Md. earlier this year.
The 6-0, 165-pound sophomore recently competed in field goals, punts, and kickoffs, charting 22 points in the field goal portion of camp, a 101.73 in the kickoff portion—he also charted a big ball of 45 yards with 4.38 seconds of hang time—combined, that is a 4.5 star score for the Dillsburg kicker.
At the high school level, that makes Yohn another weapon the Polar Bears have to gain field position and add points to the board.
Last year, Yohn averaged 36.4 yards per punt, including pinning 14 inside the 20 for Miller’s Polar Bears and connected on 20-of-21 extra points and 7-of-11 field goals.
3. Questions in the trenches:
Finding the right mix of big men up front continues to be a goal for the Polar Bears as they enter Week 1. Two senior linemen, 6-2, 230-pound AJ Veil and 6-4, 320-pound Fred Hunter return for another season in purple. They provide a strong foundation from which Miller and his crew can build. Who solidifies the remaining spots in the trenches alongside these cats—well that’s what the Polar Bears hope they’ve learned after scrimmaging a physical Middletown group on Saturday. An early test against an improved Red Land squad lies ahead in Week 1 and should provide a solid indication of where Northern stands.
2021 Preview: Palmyra Cougars
Coach: Chris Pope
Classification: 5A
League/division: Mid-Penn Conference/Keystone
2020 record: 3-5, 2-4
Postseason: Did not qualify
RETURNING LEADERS
Passing: Comp-Att., Yards, TD
Seth Robertson: 19-45, 190, 0
Rushing: Att-Yards, Avg., TD
Nick Wallaesa: 70-311, 4.4, 2
Seth Robertson: 27-75, 2.8, 5
Receiving: Rec.-Yards, Avg., TD
Jacob Deimling: 12-113, 9.4, 1
Seth Robertson: 4-27, 6.8, 1
KEY PLAYERS: Rich Kowalski, sr., RB-CB; Jacob Deimling, sr., WR-DB; Brady Holwig, sr., HB-LB; Jase Jones, sr., HB-DB; Jordan Blauch, sr., OL-DT; Alex Fuhrman, sr., OL-MLB; Connor Holzman, sr., OL-DT; Dan Steskal, sr., OL-DT; Kyle Chapin, jr., OL-DL.
OUTLOOK: What to expect from Palmyra is a bit unclear after the Cougars watched the heir-apparent QB Brennan Almond transfer out of the district. Coincidently, Jordan Wamsher transferred into the district during the summer and appears to be at the front of the line to take the first offensive snap of the season under center. While Wamsher gets acclimated to the Cougars scheme, Pope will rely on an experienced front core to punch holes and keep the chains moving on offense.
3 THINGS TO KNOW
1. Altered 2020 preparations hurt Cougars
COVID-19 impacted preparations for every team entering the 2020 season, but for the Cougars who were retooling in many areas the canceled team camps, 7-on-7 work and normal camps created a ripple effect in Palmyra that lasted throughout the first half of last year. “I think the teams that had more younger kids last year got hurt a little more,” Pope said. “We had a young team, especially up front. We didn’t have the camp experience that really helps you realize how hard you have to come off the line and the level of intensity that you need to compete at this level. I feel like we were close but not quite there. It took us about four weeks to really get to where we needed to be. Then we ended up being quite successful the last part of the season.”
2. QB shuffle and a weapon to target
The Cougars thought they knew who their next quarterback would be when Seth Robertson hung up his cleats at the conclusion of the 2020 campaign. Then Pope and the Cougars learned that Brennan Almond would be transferring out of the district. A murky situation became more clear when Jordan Wamsher, a transfer from Cedar Crest, moved into the district in time to participate in summer camps. The 5-foot-10, 170-pound senior now appears to have a grasp on the starting role though he may not be eligible to participate in the playoffs should Palmyra qualify. But first things first: The Cougars have their answer for Week 1. “He has a real good arm,” Pope said of the new addition to the squad. “He’s a good athlete who is still learning our system and working to be consistent with this throws and timing with our receivers.” Anthony Mansfield is one of those weapons Wamsher is working to build chemistry with.Mansfield showed flashes of brilliance last year as an electric kickoff returner but needed to refine his route running. This year, he’s primed for a bigger role as a senior. “We know we need to get him the ball some how,” Pope said of Mansfield who has shown improved hands heading into Week 1. “He’s legitimately fast. When you watch his returns on video, it doesn’t even seem like he is trying to run, but he is pulling away from people and it looks effortless.”
3. Leaning on the big men
The growing pains Palmyra experienced early last season as the greenhorns were gaining experience paid dividends later in the year as the Cougars won three of its last four games. Palmyra is hoping to cash in again with the play of an experienced line that includes Jordan Blauch (6-4, 235), Kyle Chapin (6-1, 250), Daniel Steskal (5-10, 220), Luke Gaugler (6-2, 195). “We thought that our offensive line would be good and be able to be a strong point for us,” Pope said of the play of his big men in Saturday’s scrimmage against Elizabethtown. “I think they were. We did a good job against E-town, but you are always waiting to see because you don’t know until you go full gear and get out there and after it. They are going to determine a lot of what we do this year. There’s a lot of potential, but we need to work to turn it into something.”
2021 Preview: Red Land Patriots
Coach: Frank Gay
Classification: 5A
League/division: Mid-Penn Conference/Keystone
2020 record: 3-4, 2-3
Postseason: Did not qualify
RETURNING LEADERS
Passing: Comp-Att., Yards, TD
Not available
Rushing: Att-Yards, Avg., TD
Not available
Receiving: Rec.-Yards, Avg., TD
Not available
KEY PLAYERS: Kaden Peifer, sr., TE-LB; Sam Sklar, sr., WR-DB; Gavin Feliciano, sr., WR-K; Brady Lydon, sr., OL-DL; Nate Smith, sr., OL-DE; Parker Lawler, jr., WR-DB; Kerry Reiker, jr., OL-LB; Roman Jensen, so., QB; Anderson French, so., WR-OLB; Bryce Phillips, so., TE-DL; Josh Patrick, so., ATH-DB.
OUTLOOK: Red Land didn’t turn in its best performance Saturday when the Patriots scrimmaged Big Spring, but this is a team that has the talent needed to make positive strides in the Keystone Division. How far can they get? That depends on how quickly some gents develop. But Frank Gay, a seasoned vet of 32 years coaching, believes he’s got something here.
3 THINGS TO KNOW
1. Avoiding the sophomore slump
The Patriots will need second-year starting quarterback Roman Jensen to rebound from a shaky performance in Saturday’s scrimmage against Big Spring in which the sophomore completed just one pass — a task Frank Gay believes Jensen is fully capable of achieving. “It all came down to the simple basics of footwork and timing,” Gay said. “He was out of wack. We showed him film, and he understands. It is the little things. Get the footwork right, his timing right and he is back to normal.” Red Land saw flashes of the incoming sophomore’s potential toward the end of last season as the game slowed down, and Jensen felt more comfortable in Gay’s system. “We thought Roman performed well toward the end and got comfortable being our quarterback,” Gay said. “But then he slumped on Saturday in the scrimmage. He just didn’t go through his reads, his progressions, things like that. But our expectations are super high for Roman Jensen, and I truly believe that he can be one of the best quarterbacks in the conference.”
2. O-line grading high
If there’s one thing head football coaches love, it is watching game film. (It’s true, just ask any football coach.) And well, when that game film shows positive signs, that’s even better. So, while every tape is going to show areas where a team can improve, Gay had to be happy with the grades his offensive linemen received Saturday. The Patriots big men are scored on their assignments — i.e. were they in the right spot executing the right play at the right time? His big eater — which includes seniors Nate Smith (6-foot, 195 pounds) and Tanner Herman (6-1, 210) — posted a score of 95%. Not too shabby. While there’s still plenty of fine-tuning needed, there were plenty of positive signs from the group that also includes Kerry Rieker (6-1, 205), Anthony Rodgers, Andrew McCutchen (6-0, 260) and Addison Janovich (6-1, 265). “The biggest thing is they bought into the fact that we can’t do anything without you guys,” Gay said. “We need to get a little more physical, but last year we were probably at 40 percent (grade on assignments). So that is a big jump. If they know what they are doing, they can play fast and physical and they are doing that right now.”
3. Defense key to Patriots’ success You might know his name from the baseball diamond — that Red Land Little League team that was pretty good back in the day, or maybe a more contemporary example from this lad leading Red Land to the PIAA Class 5A championship game might be easier to recall. Either way, Kaden Peifer played a huge role in both. And if you didn’t know, that dude is pretty good at football, too. Red Land will rely heavily on its defense and special teams to stymy opponents, and the 6-0, 210-pound senior will play a critical role from the MIKE linebacker position. He’s the field general of the defense, a three-year starter and someone who has become a vocal leader of this team. Supporting cast members at every level should provide plenty of punch as well with Anderson French ready to break out as an outside linebacker and Joseph LJ Sersch snagging a starting role after a strong performance Saturday. Parker Lawler and Sam Sklar anchor the secondary, and Tanner Herman and Nate Smith, a four-year starter, provide a foundation in the trenches. “We felt coming in that the defense would be our strong suit because we have dudes back that can really play,” Gay said. “We really feel that we have to play great defense. I think our offense can give us a spark, but we have to get them the ball more often. The more we can get the ball into their hands, the better we will be.”
2021 Preview: Chambersburg Trojans
Coach: Mark Luther
Classification: 6A
League/division: Mid-Penn Conference/Commonwealth
2020 record: 2-4, 2-4
Postseason: Did not qualify
RETURNING LEADERS:
Passing: Comp-Att., Yards, TD
None
Rushing: Att-Yards, Avg., TD
Not available
Receiving: Rec.-Yards, Avg., TD
Not available
KEY PLAYERS: Grant Hopple, sr., HB-LB; James Lilley, sr., TE-DE; Malachi Scott, sr., WR-CB; Lucas Lohman, jr., G-LB; Shea Makosy, jr., LB; Carter Flory, jr., G-DE.
OUTLOOK: Could we say check back after the Trojans face off against Greencastle-Antrim on Friday? That game, along with the following matchup against Red Lion, will tell us what to expect from a Chambersburg squad that has virtually no varsity experience at any of the skill positions. The potential for a .500 season exists if the young bucks can acclimate quickly to play under the Friday night lights, but potential — which there is plenty of — won’t automatically transfer to “dubs” in Mark Luther’s sixth season at the helm in Chambersburg.
3 THINGS TO KNOW
1. Strength in the trenches
The Trojans possess plenty of experiences in the trenches, and that will be an area that this club leans on as a number of greenhorns break in at the skill positions. That’s not a bad places to stake a foundation with brutes like Brandon Vaughn (6-foot-1, 210 pounds), Carter Flory (6-2, 230), Patrick Demory (6-4, 230) and Lucas Lohman (5-10, 225) all returning and gents including Nathaniel Stroman (5-10, 185), Avery Kuhns (6-1, 260) and Sedrick Vessa battling for a starting role. “We have to lean on those guys,” Luther said. “In high school football, you have to be able to run the football. We don’t have enough time to work at the passing game enough to be efficient at it. We’re not trying to put pressure on them, but we need them to understand that they are the most experienced. Those first few games, the nonconference games will really dictate how things go this year. … We’re going to pound the football up in there and see if they are strong enough and physical enough to move guys and help us move the football.”
2. Anchors at linebacker
By now, we’ve already established that seasoned veterans are a rare commodity in the Chambersburg landscape. But lying right in the middle of the Trojans defense sits that gold nugget, Grant Hopple. The 6-1, 215-pound senior is more than ready to be the anchor of this defense with plenty of size and enough speed to make an impact. “We’re really just looking for him to be a menace,” Luther said. “Play physical, fly around and wreak havoc on our opponent’s offense. For his size, he is an athletic kid. He can run. Flip his hips, do all the things that you want, especially for someone his size. He has a lot of interest from different schools. And he should be able to play at the next level.” The Trojans also received an infusion of talent alongside Hopple with the addition of 6-2, 215-pound Linganore High School transfer Shea Makosy who Luther touted as an immediate difference maker. Take a quick look at the junior’s 2020 highlights, and it is easy to see why Luther is excited about what he brings to the team.
3. One to circle
Mark your calendars for Oct. 22 when the Trojans battle Cumberland Valley. Chambersburg young guns will look to make it four straight victories over the red machine dating back to 2017. There’s plenty of motivation to take down their rival after the Eagles held serve for 25 years prior to the current Trojans streak.
2021 Preview: Camp Hill Lions
Coach: Tim Bigelow
Classification: 2A
League/division: Mid-Penn Conference/ Capital Division
2020 record: 3-3, 1-2
Postseason: Lost to Bishop McDevitt (Wyncote) in the PIAA 2A quarterfinal, 26-14
RETURNING LEADERS:
Passing: Comp-Att., Yards, TD
NONE
Rushing: Att-Yards., Avg., TD
Christian Doi: 25-87, 3.5, 1
Receiving: Rec.-Yards, Avg., TD
Christian Doi: 29-701, 24.9, 4
Payton Shore: 5-32, 6.4, 0
KEY PLAYERS:
Christian Doi, sr, RB-WR-DB-LB; Peyton Shore, sr., QB-DB; Luke Parise, jr.,RB-WR-LB-DE; Michael Shartle, jr., WR-OL-DE; Grant Cutler, sr., OL-DL; Erik Dick, sr., OL-DL; Robby Rhinehart, sr., OL-DL
OUTLOOK:
Camp Hill sent parting gifts to 12 seniors—a large class that fueled the Lions run to the PIAA 2A quarterfinals where the team fell to Bishop McDevitt (Wyncote), 26-14 last season. Now the Lions must battle a rocky launch to their 2021 season with positive COVID tests in the district stalling camp work just days ahead of opening night action. Head coach Tim Bigelow should have plenty of weapons in the arsenal to compete for another postseason berth, but it will be important to may hay early during non-league play.
3 THINGS TO KNOW
1. COVID upends Camp Hill preparation:
Heading into Friday night’s scheduled matchup at home against Fairfield, Tim Bigelow had no idea if his team would be cleared to play after COVID issues popped up last week. The Lions received the green light to get back to full practices just days before its Week 1 matchup against Fairfield. COVID concerns in the district forced the Lions to scuttle its scrimmage Saturday against Halifax — a time Bigelow needed to evaluate a squad that includes a number of first-time varsity players — and limited preparations to workouts with the vaccinated athletes and online Zoom meetings to continuing building knowledge of the playbook up until mid-week. It’s stunted the team’s ability to evaluate its roster and prepare for Week 1. “The only real thing that is concerning for us from a coaching standpoint is that we have a lot of new football players,” Bigelow said of the disruption to two-a-day practices. “We pulled some freshmen. And we really needed a scrimmage to evaluate talent. We can only do so much hitting in our practices. Hitting and tackling is big, and from that standpoint we still have a lot of question marks.”
2. Airing it out:
While the average weight of Camp Hill’s offensive line might edge up slightly to 210 this year from 2020 when the average of the big-eaters was more middle-weight wrestler than heavyweight at 165, Bigelow knows his Lions won’t be knocking the opposing big men out of the trenches. That’s no knock on the fellas up front highlighted by the formidable Erik Dick (6-1, 230) and Grant Cutler (6-0, 245) (check out this cat’s Instagram on lifting), just the state of the bodies currently available at a small school.
That means the Lions will levy their attack through the air—not a secret Bigelow or the Lions try to hide.
“We’re going to take what we are given. We often go against (non-league) teams where no one really throws in their league,” Bigelow said. “They are bigger than us and they pack the box. If they are going to pack the box with six or seven guys that are 225-260, we are going to spread them out and find open grass.”
Execution of that plan begins with the 5-11,150-pound senior Payton Shore who succeeds Daniel Shuster under center in the Lions attack.
Flanked wide, there’s no shortage of big-bodied outside weapons for Shore to target. The 6-2, 155-pound Corbin Ochs followed the path laid out last year by his brother, Cam, joining the team as a first-year football player. His basketball prowess and ability to out jump just about anyone he lines up against should provide plenty of down-field fade opportunities for the pass-first Lions. Ben Tyler (6-3, 180), another newcomer and sophomore Tommy Corbin (6-1, 185) figure to create match-up problems for opponents all season long.
“We love our wide outs,” Bigelow said. “We feel really good about them being able to stretch the field and find the open gaps.”
3. Getting off to a fast start:
Stepping on the gas early through non-league play will be vital for the Lions’ success this year. Camp Hill cuts the ribbon on their season against Fairfield—a team that last won more than two games in 2017. Follow that with match ups against Biglerville, Susquenita and Upper Dauphin and the Lions have a prime opportunity get out of the gate fast and in prime position for a post season berth before they enter the meat grinder of league play against an improved Big Spring club and perennial powerhouse programs like Middletown and Steel-High.
Week 1: Picks and Predictions
RECORDS (Last week — Overall):
Andy Shay: 0-0 — 0-0
Geoff Morrow: 0-0 — 0-0
Andy Sandrik: 0-0 — 0-0
Adam Kulikowski: 0-0 — 0-0
Friday
La Salle College vs. Bishop McDevitt
Andy Shay: Bishop McDevitt 20, La Salle College 14: If you’re hunting a couple of state-level squads that rightfully have high expectations this year, then this is your game. Each is ranked in the preseason Top 10 in their respective PIAA classifications. I’m going to ride the Crusaders’ defense in this one.
Geoff Morrow: La Salle College 27, Bishop McDevitt 25: I’m firing out of the gate with my eyes sewn shut. I literally just got back from Vegas this week, where I was NOT studying high school football, so my breakdowns will instead tell random stories from first pick to last. And my selected winners are all gut, no research or reasoning.
Andy Sandrik: Bishop McDevitt 24, La Salle College 20: With an offense that knows 101 ways to score a TD, and a stingy defense that will keep points at a premium, I have no problem taking the Crusaders over just about anyone this season, even the powerhouse Explorers.
Adam Kulikowski: Bishop McDevitt 28, La Salle College 17: Who else is excited for the debut of Bishop McDevitt’s freshman phenom quarterback, Stone Saunders? Nothing like stepping right into the big-game spotlight for the kid who already possesses an offer from Michigan.
Shippensburg vs. Hershey
Andy Shay: Hershey 19, Shippensburg 14: Plenty of pieces fell in place for the Trojans to finish 5-1 a year ago. Plenty to replace at the skill positions, but they are solid up front both ways. Greyhounds will be run-heavy (naturally) but are also looking for answers at the skill positions.
Geoff Morrow: Hershey 20, Shippensburg 13: You might ask yourself, is it ethical to make predictions with nothing more than 20-plus years of institutional knowledge but no 2021 previews yet digested? And that’s a fair question.
Andy Sandrik: Shippensburg 14, Hershey 7: With Hershey sporting an all-new cast in the backfield, even a little disruption from Ship DE and Minnesota commit Anthony Smith could go a long way in this one.
Adam Kulikowski: Shippensburg 14, Hershey 13: Yes, the Greyhounds need to replace a few key pieces, including Zack Manning at quarterback. But Shippensburg coach Eric Foust always finds a way to grind out 8-10 wins. Chalk this one up as No. 1.
Line Mountain vs. Juniata
Andy Shay: Juniata 33, Line Mountain 20: When you have a game changer at quarterback and seven-plus starters returning on each side of the ball, you immediately become the favorite to be 1-0 when the final horn sounds.
Geoff Morrow: Juniata 30, Line Mountain 19: Well, if you’re looking for up-to-date expertise and outright professionalism, meet the man above me, Mr. Andrew P. Shay, whom I was fortunate enough to call a colleague for many years at The Patriot-News.
Andy Sandrik: Juniata 28, Line Mountain 14: As long as the Indians have Jacob Condo at QB, I like their chances in the TVL … um, I mean Liberty Division.
Adam Kulikowski: Juniata 31, Line Mountain 21: Sign me up for an early bird ticket back on the Juniata bandwagon. With the Indians returning seven or more starters on both sides of the ball, including QB1 Jacob Condo, this team should make another nice run at the Mid-Penn Liberty Division title and more.
West Perry vs. Big Spring
Andy Shay: Big Spring 26, West Perry 22: Big fans of the Bulldogs, who are coming off only their second winning campaign in 17 seasons. Junior QB Ethan Eisenberg was 4-1 as a starter, and there are a handful of vets back on defense. Mustangs will be improved, but not enough to grab this one.
Geoff Morrow: West Perry 38, Big Spring 30: Then you’ve got the resident 4th Down Magazine goofball (said lovingly), Mr. Andy Sandrik — a West Perry grad, I might add — who provides dynamite perspective and humor while usually battling against some type of facial hair demon.
Andy Sandrik: West Perry 21, Big Spring 14: Is there anything more American than a backyard brawl in the countryside between the Mustangs and Bulldogs? Love to see this rivalry live on, nearly 20 years since I was once a player in the series.
Adam Kulikowski: Big Spring 21, West Perry 20: This one comes down to whoever makes the least mistakes; I think these clubs are that close in skill. I’ll pony up for the Bulldogs ticket in Week 1 with fewer question marks at the shotgun start.
State College vs. Mifflin County
Andy Shay: State College 34, Mifflin County 7: There are plenty of questions on offense for the Little Lions that need answers, but this defense is ready to carry the load. In this matchup, the Huskies are just outmanned too much on one side of the ball.
Geoff Morrow: State College 42, Mifflin County 14: This year, our picks crew is joined by the man behind the curtain, Mr. Adam Kulikowski, whose vision years ago provided this region with additional and reliable high school football coverage just as newspapers started cutting staff.
Andy Sandrik: State College 32, Mifflin County 14: MiffCo hasn’t come close to sniffing victory over the Little Lions since 2013. That trend continues Friday night.
Adam Kulikowski: State College 45, Mifflin County 6: A number of Huskies were late arrivals to camp after playing in a baseball tournament in Texas. Couple that with a tough out in State College, and that’s more than enough reason to cash my Little Lions ticket at the end of the night.
Central Dauphin vs. Wilson
Andy Shay: Central Dauphin 24, Wilson 21: The Rams’ defense will be breaking in more new starters than I can recall in at least a decade. CD still has some vets up front, and that will show up in this game. Wilson will be up for the challenge, but up front there are too many questions to answer. Rams have a QB in Max Mosey who changes the dynamic of this contest at this early stage.
Geoff Morrow: Central Dauphin 14, Wilson 13: Kulikowski emerged from his picks dungeon to replace former Carlisle Sentinel sports editor Jake Adams, who now works and resides in Wisconsin. I actually hung out with Jake and Mallory Merda, my former Sentinel colleagues, when I was in Vegas. (It was for an Associated Press Sports Editors conference.)
Andy Sandrik: Central Dauphin 21, Wilson 7: I’ll never forget that time I saw CD live a few years ago and focused solely on the trenches. Pure domination, and it really just made every other phase of the game irrelevant. CD has the advantage here at OL, not to mention an experienced QB, so I’m taking the Rams.
Adam Kulikowski: Central Dauphin 28, Wilson 21: Call me a homer with this pick, but even with a whole new cast and crew (aside from standout QB Max Mosey), I like the Rams in a tight matchup.
Williams Valley vs. Mahanoy Area
Andy Shay: Williams Valley 20, Mahanoy Area 14: Vikings are in search of skill positions, and the new QB1 has some big shoes to fill. But, up front, Williams Valley has the horses to be a machine, and that will show up here.
Geoff Morrow: Williams Valley 35, Mahanoy Area 20: By the way, this was my first time ever in Vegas. The famous Las Vegas strip is intense and smells of various types of smoke. There are people trying to sell you things pretty much everywhere. It’s hot and dry. And there’s nothing quite like it. Sort of like watching a game at WVHS.
Andy Sandrik: Williams Valley 28, Mahanoy Area 10: Mahanoy gave the Vikings quite a fight last season, but something tells me it won’t be as close this time around with WV’s reloaded roster.
Adam Kulikowski: Williams Valley 34, Mahanoy Area 17: Whenever your program loses a record-setting QB like Bryce Herb, there’s going to be a transition period. But the Vikings seem to be in good hands with experience in the trenches and a robust 41-man roster to help locate the next set of impact players.
Trinity vs. Delone Catholic
Andy Shay: Delone Catholic 38, Trinity 7: Word on the street is the Squires are ready to compete at a championship level this season, and the Shamrocks are starting over with a new and youthful coaching staff. Talent and experience still matter, and they’re a bit lopsided in this matchup.
Geoff Morrow: Delone Catholic 26, Trinity 21: If you find yourself in Vegas, eat at one of Gordon Ramsay’s joints. I don’t know much about the dude other than he’s famous for cooking and temper tantrums, but, holy cow, his food — from every ingredient in the plant-based burger all the way to the ketchup for the onion rings — was sensational.
Andy Sandrik: Delone Catholic 35, Trinity 14: This is a game Delone Catholic is supposed to win, but I’m curious to see how ‘Rocks freshman Santana Young performs in his varsity debut. If he can shake loose for a few big runs, this game might be more competitive than the experts think.
Adam Kulikowski: Delone Catholic 28, Trinity 7: First-year coach Jordan Hill brought excitement to a Shamrocks team that seemingly has been in transition every other year since the days of Bill Ragni. I have no doubt Hill will bring a winning attitude to the green and white, but you have to walk before you run.
Halifax vs. Newport
Andy Shay: Newport 35, Halifax 0: Buffs have plenty of vets and ingredients to be a menace on a weekly basis. Halifax is barely hanging on to being a football program on many fronts.
Geoff Morrow: Newport 38, Halifax 6: The Mob Museum was also pretty neat, if you’re into that sort of thing. Oh, and we saw Buffaloes (the snortin’ kind) while driving through southern Utah en route to Zion.
Andy Sandrik: Newport 42, Halifax 7: Lots of returning talent make the Buffs a decisive favorite against thin-rostered Halifax.
Adam Kulikowski: Newport 35, Halifax 7: The Wildcats are simply in survival mode this year with a roster in the mid-teens and several of their top players from last year not suiting up in Halifax colors this year.
Boiling Springs vs. Littlestown
Andy Shay: Boiling Springs 26, Littlestown 14: I’m bullish on the Bubblers’ run in 2020 NOT being a fluke or by accident. Defense will still be solid, and the OL has arguably its two best back. Two-way star Joey Menke is an impact player.
Geoff Morrow: Boiling Springs 23, Littlestown 13: Speaking of bubbles, we spent half of the vacation at Lake Powell in Page, Arizona. Drought has the lake the lowest it’s been since its inception in 1963. Still, it’s insanely gorgeous land.
Andy Sandrik: Boiling Springs 28, Littlestown 14: I can’t always spell their names right (is it Aiden or Aidan?), but I know the Bubblers have a nice little football team that should open with a big win.
Adam Kulikowski: Boiling Springs 30, Littlestown 7: When you run the Wing-T, you best have a set of brutes up front who can do some damage. The Bubblers have that. And that should be enough to get past the gents from Littlestown.
Carlisle vs. Mechanicsburg
Andy Shay: Carlisle 28, Mechanicsburg 21: This is a toss-up game for me. Whoever wins the Wildcats’ QB1 job could be the difference-maker. The Herd have some three-year vets who know the ropes and just enough flash to give Mechanicsburg problems in spots where Mechanicsburg would rather not be tested.
Geoff Morrow: Mechanicsburg 25, Carlisle 22: If you find yourself at Lake Powell, and the water level supports it, take a boat tour. We did a Navajo Canyon tour, and the visuals are amazing. Much like the Wildcats’ 2020 season.
Andy Sandrik: Carlisle 33, Mechanicsburg 24: Plenty of quality returners on this Mechanicsburg squad, but I’m curious to see how they come together when faced with a little bit of adversity, something they didn’t really have to do that often last season. It’s hard to take your eyes off the skill players — especially Herd QB Ezeekai Thomas — but take a few moments to appreciate the battle in the trenches, as both of these squads have big dudes who can move mountains.
Adam Kulikowski: Carlisle 21, Mechanicsburg 14: The Thundering Herd should provide plenty of electrifying moments to watch with the speedy QB Ezeekai Thomas under center. With the Wildcats’ quarterback situation unsteady, I’ll take my chances on the up-and-coming boys from Carlisle.
Spring Grove vs. Waynesboro
Andy Shay: Spring Grove 27, Waynesboro 20: I know this is the team Spring Grove fans have been waiting to see come together for a while now. Waynesboro’s dynamic duo at RB — in an offense you know is gonna run it — will provide a thorough test.
Geoff Morrow: Spring Grove 28, Waynesboro 27: One regret about the trip is we didn’t have Rockets to lead us home. A lack of hotel shuttle service or available cabs at 4 a.m. meant we couldn’t get to the airport in time to make our scheduled flight home. Lame!
Andy Sandrik: Waynesboro 21, Spring Grove 14: The best player on the field just might be Rockets QB Andrew Osmun, a Division 1 recruit at safety. But he faces a matchup challenge against the talented Waynesboro secondary. If the Indians can limit the big plays from Osmun and get a lead, they have enough running talent in their backfield to smother the game clock and steal a road win.
Adam Kulikowski: Waynesboro 28, Spring Grove 21: Waynesboro checks all the boxes in a Week 1 selection that could realistically go either way. Toughness, an experienced roster, solid defense and a dynamic back in Aidan Mencia.
Cedar Cliff vs. Red Lion
Andy Shay: Cedar Cliff 33, Red Lion 26: There’s a “compete” level from the Colts I’ve come to admire. They are very unsettled in the QB spot, but the return of RB Jontae Morris from a Week 1 ACL injury last year is welcome. Up front, the Colts are solid both ways. Red Lion’s roster is still solid but lost its two best players. That matters.
Geoff Morrow: Cedar Cliff 30, Red Lion 14: If you ever want to feel small — like an ant next to a Colt — I highly recommend rolling through Zion National Park. That was arguably the highlight of our western swing.
Andy Sandrik: Cedar Cliff 28, Red Lion 21: I spent way too much time thinking about this pick. That’s a credit to Red Lion and the YAIAA for moving out of the District 3 shadow in recent years.
Adam Kulikowski: Cedar Cliff 38, Red Lion 21: The loss of Jontae Morris proved to be devastating to the Colts in 2020 — not only because of his dynamic play on both sides of the ball, but because of the ripple effect it had throughout the roster. I wouldn’t expect Morris to get 30 carries a game, but every touch is a game-changing moment. Plus, he’s a lockdown corner.
Altoona vs. Hollidaysburg
Andy Shay: Altoona 28, Hollidaysburg 20: Not quite sure what to expect from this Mountain Lions squad; the QB1 they lost was such an integral factor to success. Taking a flier with this one.
Geoff Morrow: Altoona 30, Hollidaysburg 21: We didn’t see Mountain Lions, but we did come across a couple of bighorn sheep hanging right along the path through Zion, almost like a welcoming committee.
Andy Sandrik: Hollidaysburg 21, Altoona 18: As much as I like Altoona to continue its upward trend, it’s hard to pick against Hollidaysburg, which has won three straight in the series.
Adam Kulikowski: Altoona 21, Hollidaysburg 20: My wife hails from Altoona, so I’m obligated to select the boys in Maroon. OK, not really. But I love what Vince Nedimyer Jr. has done with the Mountain Lions since taking the reins — and even with the dynamic dual-threat QB Marcus Day no longer cleating up, this team is trending up.
East Pennsboro vs. York Suburban
Andy Shay: East Pennsboro 32, York Suburban 28: Chalk up win No. 1 for the Panthers against York Suburban. This is only the third meeting, but EP is 0-2. A budding star at RB in Sy Burgos and four starting OL from a squad that ran for nearly 2K a year ago. Defense is a question mark and where YS could keep this one very interesting.
Geoff Morrow: York Suburban 35, East Pennsboro 27: Strangely, while in Vegas, I did no gambling. When stuck at the airport for half the day awaiting standby tickets, my wife tossed $12 into an airport slot machine and lost $11.95. Obviously, she played just the tiniest bit of defense.
Andy Sandrik: East Pennsboro 36, York Suburban 28: Looking forward to watching the late-night highlights from this one. Sy Burgos should get his, but I’m curious to see if the EP defense has evolved enough to prevent this game from becoming a shootout.
Adam Kulikowski: East Pennsboro 37, York Suburban 28: East Pennsboro’s best seasons in recent memory often include two elements: strong lads up front and a back it can trust to carry a big load. This group checks both boxes.
Chambersburg vs. Greencastle-Antrim
Andy Shay: Chambersburg 28, Greencastle-Antrim 14: Both teams are going to struggle at times this season, but in this matchup, the Trojans should be able to find a little extra space to operate in and make it count. Blue Devils’ pop on offense is tough to overcome.
Geoff Morrow: Greencastle-Antrim 16, Chambersburg 14: Some might argue the devil lives in Vegas, though I’m not sure it’s blue. Probably green for money. It knows how to win. That’s for sure.
Andy Sandrik: Greencastle-Antrim 21, Chambersburg 14: The Blue Devils are marching out their best offensive line in years, and if that group can hold serve with the Trojans’ big men, Greencastle returns an entire backfield that can very well be the difference in this game.
Adam Kulikowski: Chambersburg 14, Greencastle-Antrim 13: The Trojans are just starting to put the puzzle pieces together in an offseason that required a full restock of the shelves. Still, the Trojans have the athletes to present just enough of a challenge to sidestep the Blue Devils.
Northern York vs. Red Land
Andy Shay: Red Land 20, Northern 14: One team (Red Land) has a quarterback with some experience, and the other (Northern) is replacing a vet QB who did a little bit of everything. Polar Bears also have questions up front, and that tilts this one to the Patriots in my book.
Geoff Morrow: Red Land 17, Northern 13: But, hey, it was good to be home, back where I grew up, visiting the folks and picking up the dog in the mystical town of Etters.
Andy Sandrik: Red Land 10, Northern 7: Red Land seems a little more well-stocked than Northern, but you just never know with these backyard rivalries. Late field goal wins it for the Patriots.
Adam Kulikowski: Red Land 21, Northern 20: Red Land didn’t play its best scrimmage Saturday, but this is a team that has plenty of talent to make this a tough out for the Polar Bears. Patriots need Roman Jensen to play with confidence and manage the ball.
Milton Hershey vs. South Western
Andy Shay: Milton Hershey 26, South Western 20: This one is tricky because the Spartans last played a football game in November 2019. There’s some issues that come with that in the heat of a late August opener. However, I’ll take Milton Hershey senior RB Dion Bryant and his more than 2,000 career yards to find a way to get a Week 1 victory.
Geoff Morrow: Milton Hershey 25, South Western 19: Our dog, Pae, by the way, greeted us at my parents’ front door like we’d been gone an entire year and she was about to play ball with us for the first time since 2019. In other words, she was STOKED.
Andy Sandrik: Milton Hershey 28, South Western 21: I’m expecting a full range of emotions when Milton Hershey — the only Mid-Penn school to have football completely taken away by COVID-19 last fall — takes the field. There might be nerves and it might not be pretty at times, but I think the Spartans will their way to victory.
Adam Kulikowski: Milton Hershey 31, South Western 14: Welcome back, Spartans! Tough to know what to expect with this group after a long layoff, but one thing is certain — Dion Bryant will be a dynamic weapon in the Spartans’ attack.
Susquehanna Township vs. Kennett
Andy Shay: Kennett 33, Susquehanna Township 20: So, the Blue Demons lost one of their best athletes but still have nine starters with plenty of size and production back on offense. Plus, they have seven starters back from a defense that is good at the point of attack and gets after the QB. Indians don’t have that to start 2021, and that’s where the problem lies in this one.
Geoff Morrow: Kennett 26, Susquehanna Township 21: And when we finally pulled into the lot behind our house in Susquehanna Township, the grass was high, the garden was overflowing, and there was work to do. But hard work will eventually pay dividends, even if it takes longer than you hoped.
Andy Sandrik: Kennett 28, Susquehanna Township 14: Autocorrect keeps trying to change Kennett to “Kenneth.” I know Township can beat Kenneth, but I’m not so sure about Kennett.
Adam Kulikowski: Susquehanna Township 14, Kennett 7: Javon White slides back to his natural position under center after spending the 2020 campaign logging totes from the backfield. White’s a difference-maker for the Indians, who will look to ride his arm and legs to a Week 1 victory.
CD East vs. Manheim Township
Andy Shay: Manheim Township 28, CD East 21: This is a very, very, very interesting matchup. The Blue Streaks have a do-all FBS weapon whose availability for this game is suspect. The Panthers have a new QB-WR combo that is enticing but unproven together. Panthers are my ‘Forrest Gump Box Of Chocolates’ team for 2021.
Geoff Morrow: Manheim Township 32, CD East 27: One thing is for sure, though. The blue streaks of jet lag — otherwise known as desynchronosis — are tough to overcome on that first night back.
Andy Sandrik: CD East 32, Manheim Township 28: I’m buying into the East hype. Tony Powell and Mehki Flowers are tremendous pickups for the Panthers, and the QB-WR combo looks even more promising with an OL that can give the duo time to gel.
Adam Kulikowski: CD East 35, Manheim Township 28: I’m a big believer in Lance Deane and what he brings to the table as a leader and motivator. Add in transfers Tony Powell and Mehki Flowers, and the Panthers have the weaponry to cause damage.
Pine Grove vs. Northern Lebanon
Andy Shay: Pine Grove 23, Northern Lebanon 21: Offense is always behind defense in the early weeks, and having the pieces in the trenches the Cardinals have in place will pay off big time to help the newbies at the skill spots.
Geoff Morrow: Northern Lebanon 22, Pine Grove 20: So, while we still have several weeks of summer left, it’s time to settle in and turn attention to football. Because where else can Vikings do battle with Cardinals, and nobody really knows who will win?
Andy Sandrik: Pine Grove 28, Northern Lebanon 20: Shout-out to Eric Epler for tweeting out PG’s remarkable football program. That alone is reason enough to take the Cards this week.
Adam Kulikowski: Pine Grove 20, Northern Lebanon 17: Honest moment. This is a leap of faith in backing the Cardinals. Their offensive line is back and intact, but the cast and crew surrounding the strong guys has been completely retooled. Still, in Frank Gaffney’s system, if those big dudes control the line, PG will always have a chance.
Cumberland Valley vs. Manheim Central
Andy Shay: Cumberland Valley 21, Manheim Central 17: Not sure exactly why I’m making this pick. Both tradition-rich programs struggled in 2020, and the Barons have a proven commodity at QB back in the fold. Eagles have to be better, right? Maybe?
Geoff Morrow: Manheim Central 29, Cumberland Valley 25: We’re officially done calling it Week Zero, right? Because if you add up these programs’ all-time victories, I think the number is the opposite of zero.
Andy Sandrik: Manheim Central 21, Cumberland Valley 14: Looking for the Eagles to improve from Year 1 to Year 2 under Josh Oswalt. Will it happen right away against traditional L-L power Manheim Central? Can’t wait to find out.
Adam Kulikowski: Cumberland Valley 28, Manheim Central 17: Tough call. With a full offseason of prep, you know Coach Oz’s Eagles are going to want to put 2020 in the rearview mirror as quickly as possible.
Steel-High vs. Morrisville
Andy Shay: Steel-High 42, Morrisville 0: We all know the WR the Rollers lost to transfer, and that RB who graduated was a horse who carried the load. Still like the OL and the newbie at RB, and the QB has an arm and plenty of targets. Defense for this squad could be downright nasty to play against.
Geoff Morrow: Steel-High 50, Morrisville 2: The task for Morrisville here seems comparable to my chances of out-picking the Andys and the Adam in this first week. Longshot!
Andy Sandrik: Steel-High 44, Morrisville 0: Plenty of questions that still need to be answered for the defending PIAA champion Rollers as the season progresses, but probably not this week.
Adam Kulikowski: Steel-High 55, Morrisville 6: Alex Erby is cut loose and ready to run — that’s an aspect of the sophomore QB’s game that was slow to develop last year after an offseason foot injury.
Fairfield vs. Camp Hill
Andy Shay: Camp Hill 28, Fairfield 20: Been a tough week for the Lions with the COVID-19 protocols forcing Camp Hill to have limited preparation. Not sure even the coaching staff knows what to expect from the defense, so rely on a couple of known weapons on offense to carry the load.
Geoff Morrow: Camp Hill 24, Fairfield 14: And here’s the reminder that, while in a much better spot than we were last year, the pandemic isn’t behind us just yet. I just hope nobody takes a helmet off mid-game thinking it inhibits their freedom.
Andy Sandrik: Camp Hill 28, Fairfield 27: It’s a good thing we’re not just diving right into division play like last year. The Lions have a lot on their table right now, and it’s good to open with Fairfield, which should give Camp Hill an opportunity to smooth out some edges in a competitive game.
Adam Kulikowski: Camp Hill 30, Fairfield 21: COVID issues at Camp Hill have impacted the Lions’ ability to prepare for the start of the season. The status of this game lingered in limbo for much of the week. Still, even with the Lions not quite understanding all that they have on defense, I think they have enough weapons on offense to mask some of the uncertainty on the defensive side.
Palmyra vs. Solanco
Andy Shay: Solanco 26, Palmyra 19: Any early success for the Cougars will be spearheaded by a defense that should keep them relevant in most second halves this season. However, the offense is full of unknowns, and that includes the guys in the trenches. Solanco is big and physical up front, and early on that’s enough.
Geoff Morrow: Palmyra 16, Solanco 13: The best defense in any good fight is protection, and I believe the Cougars have improved their levels of protection.
Andy Sandrik: Solanco 24, Palmyra 17: Cougars seem to have enough pop to keep this interesting. If Palmyra can get enough push in the trenches to force Solanco to throw the ball, this could very well be a winning start for Chris Pope’s boys.
Adam Kulikowski: Palmyra 21, Solanco 20: A strong offensive line that cut its teeth last year should be a strong suit for Chris Pope’s gang. If the Panthers can win in the trenches, they have a chance to build some early momentum.
Upper Dauphin vs. James Buchanan
Andy Shay: Upper Dauphin 33, James Buchanan 19: The Trojans felt the sting of that post-championship-run fallout and struggled a year ago. Injuries didn’t help, either. Up front is where the biggest jump could come in ‘21. More consistency out of the QB position is needed, and this will be a good start.
Geoff Morrow: Upper Dauphin 40, James Buchanan 22: Because once we’re all healthy again, there’s really no limit to what we can accomplish, including a return to recent glory.
Andy Sandrik: Upper Dauphin 28, James Buchanan 14: I’m genuinely excited for all of the teams in the Liberty. There are the refugees from the now-defunct TVL, of course, and then teams like JB that have been struggling to find a competitive home in the Mid-Penn for years. Should be plenty of fun football in the division this season.
Adam Kulikowski: Upper Dauphin, 37, James Buchanan 14: This JB team is largely a mystery. That means we go off track record — and this program’s record over the last number of years is suspect at best.
Tri-Valley vs. Minersville
Andy Shay: Tri-Valley 38, Minersville 20: There’s some retooling going on with the Bulldogs, but not nearly as many questions that need answers as Minersville. T-V will keep it simple and will find plenty of success.
Geoff Morrow: Tri-Valley 29, Minersville 21: One doesn’t necessarily need a trip to Vegas to realize there are new and different ways to win. But a dog is a dog, and good dogs are reliable, happy and always working for their next milkbone.
Andy Sandrik: Tri-Valley 41, Minersville 17: The Bulldogs bring back plenty of talent to build up even more from last year’s 5-1 squad. T-V opens this season with a bang.
Adam Kulikowski: Tri-Valley 35, Minersville 21: Jeff Sampson’s Bulldogs have the puzzle pieces needed to retool and not lose a step after a 5-1 campaign in 2020.
Saturday
Harrisburg vs. Pine-Richland
Andy Shay: Pine-Richland 31, Harrisburg 20: Not quite the same Rams team that won a state championship a year ago, but it isn’t a rebuilding year either. Cougars have some bright spots but have too many questions to answer for this type of ask from an opponent at this level.
Geoff Morrow: Pine-Richland 35, Harrisburg 28: So, let’s forget the heartbreak of last year and start fresh in 2021, where hopefully we have a full season of football with health and prosperity for our local squads, even those looking to rebuild a little bit.
Andy Sandrik: Pine-Richland 28, Harrisburg 21: Harrisburg reminds me of Goku from Dragon Ball Z. His friends are scared for him when he gets in over his head — much like the Cougars with their aggressive scheduling — but Goku, he gets excited. And then he gets stronger. Harrisburg might not win this one, but you better believe they’ll grow from the experience.
Adam Kulikowski: Pine-Richland 38, Harrisburg 17: With a roster hovering in the 30s, Harrisburg doesn’t have quite as many weapons as it had in the past. Not saying the shelves are empty by any stretch, but in a matchup against these Rams, you are going to need a little more.
Lower Dauphin vs. Middletown
NOTE: THIS GAME HAS NOW BEEN POSTPONED UNTIL NOV. 5
Andy Shay: Middletown 28, Lower Dauphin 7: The Iron Spike Game, a great nickname for those who are interested. Lots of new faces at Middletown on many fronts, including head coach and quarterback. My biggest question is who totes the rock? Up front looks solid for the Raiders. The Falcons are in transition again and don’t have the horses to turn the corner in this game right now.
Geoff Morrow: Middletown 34, Lower Dauphin 14: No matter where you go or what you do, the beat goes on. So, grab that Iron Spike and put your mark on this land. Oh, and never split 10’s at the Blackjack table.
Andy Sandrik: Middletown 28, Lower Dauphin 14: I like the knowledge that LD skipper Josh Borelli brings from coaching at the college level for the last four years, and I get the sense he’ll have his guys in the right spots to make this game closer than most people expect.
Adam Kulikowski: Middletown 31, Lower Dauphin 7: Scott Acri notches his first victory as the head man in Middletown. Falcons still in rebuild mode.
POSTPONED: Susquenita vs. ELCO
2021 Preview: Pine Grove Cardinals
By Michael Bullock
Head coach: Frank Gaffney, 4th season (16-15)
Classification: 3A
League/Division: Colonial-Schuylkill League White Division
2020 record: 4-6, 2-6 in Schuylkill League
Postseason: Did not qualify
RETURNING LEADERS
Passing: Comp-Att, Yards, TDs
Mason Kroh: 12-25, 259, 4
Rushing: Att-Yards, Avg, TDs
Nick Wolff: 12-48, 4.0, 0
Mason Kroh: 7-29, 4.1, 0
Receiving: Rec-Yards, Avg, TDs
Dalton Geesey: 24-388, 16.2, 3
Aaron Crumrine: 3-33, 11.0, 0
Key returning players: Collin Ibarra, sr, LG/MLB; Mason Kroh, jr, QB/DB; Dalton Geesey, sr, WR/FS; Javin Ward, sr, RT/DE; Carter Raudabaugh, jr, RG; Brennden Etzweiler
, so, C; Tyler Sleva, so, LT; Lane Lehman, so, RB/SS; Ty Drumheller, so, CB; Nick Wolff, jr, CB.
Outlook: Even though the Cardinals watched a trio of terrific skill people walk during graduation exercises, fourth-year skipper Frank Gaffney really is excited since his O-Line returns intact and having a strong front fits snugly into his program’s philosophy about controlling the line of scrimmage and winning the box. Pine Grove’s big eaters also will play a big role in providing running lanes for some untested runners and time to throw for starting quarterback Mason Kroh. Losing Josh Leininger, Shea Morgan and Brody Robinson definitely left some scars, but Gaffney & Cards are positive they can compensate in other ways since losing that remarkably productive trio.
Three Things to Know:
1. Offensive front ready to play bigger role after experiencing plenty of growing pains in 2020: While Gaffney knew going into last season that his youthful O-Line might need time and seasoning before it would mesh and grow into a highly effective unit — especially since several then-freshmen would be logging plenty of playing time. Well, fast forward to 2021 and things are considerably different since right tackle Javin Ward, right guard Carter Raudabaugh, center Brennan Etzweiler, left guard Collin Ibarra and left tackle Tyler Sleva are prepped and ready to take another step or two forward since they return intact. Only Ibarra and Ward — ironically the only players who will start the season playing one way — are seniors. “I’ve said it each year since I’ve been at Pine Grove: The staple of our program has been controlling the line of scrimmage and winning the box,” Gaffney reiterated. “If you can’t win the box, there’s not many football games that you’re gonna win. There’s talent all over the area here, but the teams that win — you look at Tri-Valley, you look at Williams Valley, you look at North Schuylkill — these teams control the line of scrimmage. They do. At the end of the day, we have prided ourselves on trying to control the line of scrimmage and making sure we’re protecting those kids behind them. From last year, starting that many young kids, now I have the opportunity to watch them grow. … We have the athletes behind them, but we can actually rely on our offensive line this year and that’s a big step.”
2. Ibarra may have an important offensive role, but he’s best suited for defensive play: Fresh off a season during which he totaled 122 tackles — and didn’t lead the Cards in that category — Collin Ibarra will be the centerpiece of a Pine Grove defensive unit that wants to attack and attack and attack opposing offenses. Ibarra, in fact, will be one of the inside backers in Gaffney’s hybrid scheme. Yet if one listens closely to Gaffney, Ibarra may be just as productive off the field as he is whenever he’s on the prowl. “Collin Ibarra, at the end of the day, is our guy. He’s our dude,” Gaffney said. “He is just a class-act kid, yes sir, no sir. Doesn’t miss a weightlifting day. Leader. Picking up young kids and bringing them to practice. He’s the heart and soul of our defense, our signal caller. He could have been the Defensive Player of the Year (in our league) if we didn’t have (Brody) Robinson next to him. … As good as he is as a player, he’s a better leader.” Gaffney can’t say enough good things about Ibarra when it comes to his club, particularly since the talented Card volunteered to surrender his opportunities carrying or catching the ball to play on the offensive line prior to his junior campaign. “These days, who does that?” Gaffney wondered. Apparently, one Pine Grove player does.
3. Kroh has enjoyed plenty of success already, but now that he’s calling the signals on a full-time basis he’s ready for more: During his first two seasons at the varsity level, quarterback Mason Kroh started 10 times when Leininger was unavailable and led the Cardinals to nine victories. Now that Kroh is about to begin his junior campaign, the No. 1 job is his — although freshman Carson Lengle is making a strong push. “(Lengle’s hunger) sort of gave Mason his second shot of gas,” Gaffney revealed. “He realized that this kid’s hungry and he wants to play. He’s 6-1, 180 and he’s one of the fastest athletes we have. His whole thing is confidence. … He’s always been in the shadow of Leininger, but he’s starting to realize that ‘my offensive line is solid, my running back and wide receiver corps is great. He now has to take that step of, ‘I’m the starter. I’m the dude. It’s my program.’ And he’s only a junior. He’s the real deal. He can run the ball. He can throw the ball. It’s his time to take the program over.”
2021 Preview: James Buchanan Rockets
By Michael Bullock
Head coach: Cliff Pine (2nd season, 1-4)
Classification: 4A
League/Division: Mid-Penn Liberty Division
2020 season: 1-4, 0-2 in Mid-Penn Liberty
Postseason: Did not qualify
RETURNING LEADERS
Passing: Comp-Att, Yards, TD
N/A
Rushing: Att-Yards, Avg, TD
N/A
Receiving: Rec-Yards, Avg, TD
N/A
Key Returning players: John Stoner, jr, QB; Nathan Brake, jr, FB/MLB; Jacob Frey, so, HB/OLB; Camron Pine, jr, C/DT.
Outlook: Since Cliff Pine’s bunch is still waiting to experience what a full tour of the Mid-Penn Liberty Division is all about — not the three-hour version they logged a season ago during engagements with Susquenita and Juniata — league play remains an unknown for much of the roster since JB played two years as an independent before reconnecting with the football portion of the sprawling conference. Unlike last year’s truncated season, Pine’s Rockets are entering 2021 with an experienced offensive front and a skill-position group that’s received a sprinkling of seasoning. So, right now, JB is hoping its defensive unit can keep a lid on things until the attack figures out how to sustain drives by winning the line of scrimmage, moving the sticks and scoring points. A quick start would provide a needed boost, but back-to-back excursions to northern Dauphin County for scraps with Upper Dauphin and Halifax will put the Rockets on unfamiliar turf before Labor Day. Lots of unknowns for a paper-thin roster desperate to erase some shadowy perceptions.
Three Things to Know:
1. For JB, it’s déjà vu all over again … sort of: Filled with anticipation some 12 months ago as preseason practice approached, Cliff Pine’s Rockets fully expected to play a full Mid-Penn Liberty Division slate. Yet that never happened as the presence of COVID-19 wrecked whatever plans were in place, slicing a number of games off the JB schedule — including four of the six encounters against Liberty playmates. Fast forward to now and JB is again filled with anticipation as yet another six-game Liberty Division schedule is in place, with the Rockets hoping to see where they stand against what’s left of the Twin Valley Conference and eventually the Tri-Valley League. Scrap No. 1 will come (Aug. 27) at Upper Dauphin. “I was pretty confident going in, especially going into this Liberty Division,” admitted Pine, whose JB squad played only league adversaries Juniata and Susquenita in 2020. “Going into this week, I felt pretty comfortable playing in this division. I think we can be competitive and I still think we can be competitive in the Liberty Division. I feel real comfortable being in this division and I’m happy where we’re at. I’m ready to play a full schedule within this division and see how we measure up.”
2. Low numbers have the second-year skipper concerned: Carrying just 28 players, Pine and his assistant coaches will be even thinner heading to Elizabethville since two projected starters on the offensive line are ineligible and will sit out Weeks 1 and 2. A third player will miss the season opener while in concussion protocol after getting banged up in JB’s scrimmage. So, remaining healthy is at the top of the Rockets’ wish list as they approach the 2021 season cautiously yet optimistically. “The number aspect’s been the difficult (part) this year,” Pine admitted. “That’s been my biggest trouble this year, dealing with the numbers issue. We’ve always been a low numbers school, but never this low.” Low numbers aside, JB remains enthusiastic and optimistic about what’s ahead. “The guys we have are eager to get into game-time situations and they’re willing to put it all out there for us,” Pine added. “We do have a strong core group of guys that are willing to play and do what they have to do to win ballgames.”
3. Defense appears solid all over the field, but the offensive group has a veteran front with untested skills — the opposite of how JB entered 2020: Since Pine believes his Rockets will field a defensive unit that’s solid up front, at linebacker and in the secondary, but the offense still has some things to sort out. While Camron Pine anchors an O-Line that returns four starters — once the ineligibilities are sorted out — QB John Stoner is new to the position. Backs Nathan Brake and Jacob Frey logged some varsity reps a season ago, but the flanks also are somewhat untested. “It’s just continuing to get everybody up to speed, keeping confidence up and moving through the low numbers,” said Cliff Pine, whose program lost nine seniors at graduation — most of whom were utilized at the skill positions. “Repetition. Repetition. Repetition. We run a pretty high-tempo practice and we get as many repetitions as we can throughout our practice.” So, heading into the season, JB needs its defensive unit to take control of games until the Rockets’ attack can figure out how to move the sticks consistently in order to sustain drives that lead to scores and ultimately positive results.