2021 Preview: Steel-High Rollers

Adam Kulikowski
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2021 Preview: Steel-High Rollers

Coach: Andrew Erby

Classification: 1A

League/division: Mid-Penn Conference/Capital Division

2020 record: 10-0, 4-0

Postseason: Won the PIAA Class 1A championship, defeating Jeannette 32-20.

RETURNING LEADERS:

Passing: Comp-Att., Yards, TD

Alex Erby: NA-NA., 2,742, 35

Rushing: Att-Yards, Avg., TD

None

Receiving: Rec.-Yards, Avg., TD

Tyrone Moore: 42-600, 14.2, 8

KEY PLAYERS: Tyrone Moore, sr., WR-CB; Taeyon Bratton sr., FB-DT; Marlyn A. Davis, sr., OT; Daivin Pryor, sr., SS; Tyshaun Holland-Alli, jr., LB-DE; Alex Erby, so., QB; Andrew Erby, so., DT; Jaeion Perry, so., LB; Amair Williams, so., LB; Eugene Green, so., DE; Rell Ceasar Jr., so., FS.

OUTLOOK: Steel-High will look to run it back after winning the PIAA Class 1A championship in 2020. The men on Cottage Hill return eight of 11 starters on defense — a young unit that should take a step or two forward thanks to the reps gained last season. A stellar group of wideouts no longer don the blue and silver including Penn State recruit Mehki Flowers and Damein Hammonds, but with incoming sophomore Alex Erby under center, the new cast should be quick to hit their stride. A District 3 title and more is well within reach for the Rollers.

3 THINGS TO KNOW
1. Next-level D

Steel-High knew its defense would need time to settle in 2020 as green underclassmen comprised many of the starting positions. As that championship run progressed, this defense continued to clamp down, capped by strong performances in the semifinal and championship games in which the unit yielded 14 and 20 points, respectively. The Rollers should reap the benefits of that seasoning in 2021 and beyond with eight of 11 starters set to return. Eugene Green (23 tackles, 4 sacks) and the 6-foot-4, 275-pound sophomore Andrew Erby Jr. (43 tackles, 3 sacks) anchor the trenches while linebackers Jaeion Perry and Amari Williams combined to notch more than 140 tackles as freshmen. Daivin Pryor, the most seasoned veteran of the group as a senior leads the defense as an anchor in the secondary. “We’re going to make mistakes, but we want to learn from them and we spent a lot of time on how we can improve,” Steel-High coach Andrew Erby said. “We still feel like we haven’t reached our potential with so many young players coming back. … The defensive side of the ball has the potential to be our strength.”


2. Shuffling the skill positions

Many of the cats who fueled Steel-High’s high-octane offense in 2020 exited the program — Penn State recruit Mehki Flowers now calls CD East home, while All-State first-team selections Odell Greene and Damein Hammond turned their tassels after the COVID-altered 2020 campaign. That’s more than 3,400 yards of production combined. That opens the door for a new batch of playmakers to make their mark alongside Erby. Junior wideout Tyrone Moore, often an unsung player in Erby’s offense, returns after notching 600 yards and eight touchdowns last year. Sophomores Durrell Ceaser Jr. and Jaieon Perry will help round out the speedsters outside. Carlisle transfer Jakhai Noss will help comprise a revamped backfield that will also include Taeyon Bratton and Daivin Pryor. Noss, the 6-2, 205-pound junior, last played football two season ago, but Erby believes he’ll contribute to the Rollers success this year. “I like how he carries himself,” Erby said. “He fits our culture and is a hard-working kid. He’s a great fit for the program. He can run a little bit, he’s fast enough to run away from you but physical enough to run through you.”

3. Maturation of Alex Erby

Steel-High coach Andrew Erby is ready to take the cover off his Corvette  —that is he’s taking the restraints off his 6-4, 210-pound quarterback and son, Alex Erby. A year removed from a broken foot that limited Alex, Erby’s gunslinging son is ready to showcase his refined ability to throw on the run and become a true dual-threat passer. The Pa. Football Writers All-State selection filled the stat sheet with 2,742 passing yards and 35 touchdowns en route to the PIAA Class 1A title. Tutelage from former Cedar Cliff Colts standout Andrew Ford — a fellow lefty quarterback — helped to improve his footwork and build more mental toughness needed to compete at the highest level. “He worked hard at keeping his body lean,” Erby said of Alex’s offseason work. “We worked on his speed and agility, his mobility from the pocket, being able to throw on the run. That will be an added component to his game that will really take off for him as far as the team and college recruiting… He has all the tangibles to be a high-end quarterback.”

2021 Preview: Susquehanna Township Indians

Adam Kulikowski
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2021 Preview: Susquehanna Township Indians

Coach: Joe Headen

Classification: 3A

League/division: Mid-Penn Conference/Colonial Division

2020 record: 2-5, 1-5

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: Freeman Wilson, sr., OL-DL; Jamall Minifield, sr., OL-DL; Nazsair Porter-Bellamy, sr., RB-LB; Julio Enos, sr., DE; Milt Baltimore, sr., S; Javon White, jr., QB-FS; Razzay Bowles, jr., WR-LB; Ryan Nickel, jr., K-P-PK; Ryan McClain, so., WR-DB.

OUTLOOK: What this Indians team lacks in experience — 25 of their 50-man roster has never participated in a varsity snap — they make up in athleticism. How far that can carry the boys from Elmerton Avenue remains to be seen, but there are plenty of pieces to be excited about. One thing Joe Headen’s groups knows, however, is that they need to improve their red zone offense. During the COVID-altered 2020 campaign, the Indians converted just 17% of their red zone trips into points.

3 THINGS TO KNOW
1. From taking carries to taking snaps

Javon White is back at the position he knows best.White spent the 2020 season taking handoffs from quarterback Donald Leach after Headen’s crew penciled the incoming junior in as a lead back in the Indians attack — it’s what you do when you need to get one of your best athletes on the field. “Javon, I believe, he might be the best athlete in our building, and that says a lot,” Headen said. “I think the potential he has to affect the game not only offensively, but when we talk about defensively as well.” White is the prototypical dual-threat passer who will rely on his legs to wreak havoc on defenses as he matures in his ability to work through his progressions. “His ability to extend the play will be big,” Headen said. “Once he figures out at the high school level about the passing concepts, he will be a definite weapon against opposing defenses in our league.”


2. Weapons outside

A look at the Township roster won’t show many upperclassmen at wideout, but that doesn’t mean Headen’s group lacks experience. A talented group of pass catcher are poised to capitalize on the snaps they earned last year during a stop-and-start 2020 campaign. Juniors Ryan McClain (5-foot-9, 160) and Razay Bowles (5-10, 150) return for another circuit. Senior Middletown transfer Ny’zier Arango (6-3, 177) also will don the red and black when the season boots up Friday on the road against Kennett. At 6-3, Arango will provide the Indians with another physical receiver who has the ability to stretch the field. “He brings a whole different aspect that is going to complement what we are trying to do (on offense),” Headen said. “He has great length, is a great strider and a physical receiver who is going to add to our ability to take the top off the defense.”

3. Prospect watch

One of the most under-the-radar prospects in the Commonwealth resides on Elmerton Avenue where offensive lineman Jamall Minifield continues to hone his craft. The 6-6, 320-pound senior guard shed nearly 30 pounds to reach 320. The result? He’s moving better, and he’s showcasing better footwork. Headen believes the offseason efforts of the All-Mid-Penn linemen could pay off with a Division I offer. “They (colleges) are going to see a difference on film,” Headen said. “His ceiling is extremely high. Someone is going to get a kid that develops into something special when that opportunity comes.” Minifield and All-Conference compadre Freeman Wilson (6-2, 260) highlight what Headen called one of the deepest groups of linemen that have ever been in the program at Susquehanna Twp. — a group that runs 22 members deep.

2021 Preview: Cedar Cliff Colts

Adam Kulikowski
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2021 Preview: Cedar Cliff Colts

Coach: Colin Gillen

Classification: 5A

League/division: Mid-Penn Conference/Keystone   

2020 record: 4-4, 3-2

Postseason: Did not qualify

RETURNING LEADERS

Passing: Comp-Att., Yards, TD

Ethan Dorrell: 17-28, 148, 2

Rushing: Att-Yards, Avg., TD

Zackariah Little: 39-185, 4.7, 3

Ethan Dorrell: 18-53, 2.9, 1

Receiving: Rec.-Yards, Avg., TD

Trenten Smith: 30-310, 10.3, 3

Mark Paradine: 10-195, 19.5, 1

KEY PLAYERS: Trenten Smith, sr., WR-DB; KC Robinson, sr., TE-DL; Mark Paradine, sr., WR-DB; Gabe Kocher, sr., OL; Logan Heiple, sr., OL; Claude Godineaux, sr., OL-DL; Hunter Garced, sr., DL; Zackariah Little, sr., LB; Jontae Morris, sr., RB-DB; Alexander Sanders, sr., DL; Ethan Dorrell, jr., QB; Derek Witmer, jr., K-P.

OUTLOOK: There’s plenty to love about this Cedar Cliff team. Stout line play in the trenches, the return of the dynamic Jontae Morris from an ACL injury and firepower at the skill positions provide plenty of reasons to be bullish on the Colts. While we know winning the Keystone Division is always a challenge with perennial contender Bishop McDevitt in the fray, this is a team more than capable of staking their flag to the top of the hill when the dust settles on the regular season.

3 THINGS TO KNOW
1. Leader of the cavalry

After a season splitting reps with senior Gannon McMeans, incoming junior Ethan Dorrell returns to take over the starring role as QB1 in the Colts offense. The 5-foot-10, 155-pound general connected on 60% of his passing attempted (17-of-28, 148 yards) during the COVID-shortened 2020 circuit. He’ll have plenty of help from his mates on offense with Trenten Smith’s big-play abilities at wideout and a year of experience honing his route-running abilities, a pair of do-it-all tight ends in KC Robinson and Daniel Schraeder, plus a healthy Jontae Morris (more on him later) taking a share of the carries in the backfield. A stout line up front headlined by Claude Godineaux, Logan Heiple and Gabe Kocher should provide Dorrell with the time he needs to get comfortable in the pocket. “We’re very pleased with his development and his decision making,” Colts coach Collin Gillen said of Dorrell.” He’s a high-level thinker and has a lot of good knowledge of the game that he’s building. He’s just lacking experience that he needs to gain. He’s done a nice job being able to get through his progression. Last year being a young guy, it was tough to keep your eyes off the rush, and be able to negotiate the pocket and get through a progression. That’s typical of a young quarterback where if their first read isn’t there, they are looking to tuck it and run. Team camp and a full offseason of 7-on-7s and interactions with other team where he has been able to get in the pocket with some rush around him and get through progressions has been great for him.”

2. Running-by-committee

Cedar Cliff leaned heavily on its lead back over the last three years, with their main ball carrier toting the rock 150 (Jamir Reynolds-Vasquez, 2020), 365 (Jaheim Morris, 2019) and 273 (Morris, 2018) carries. And who could blame Gillen and crew for leaning on their heavy hitters when two of your top three rushers in school history rolled through the halls of Cedar Cliff over the last five years. Expect that workload to be spread out more evenly, however, in 2021. Jontae Morris returns after a devastating ACL injury in Week 1 of the 2020 season derailed what could have been a breakout season for the 5-10, 160-pound senior. “It was huge,” Gillen said of the loss of Morris last season. “It was devastating for us. He had two touches before he went out. One was a touchdown, the other was a 15-year gain on a swing pass. We had guys that were able to step in, but Reynolds-Vasquez becomes the full-time starting tail back and also was our starting safety.” The double duty, Gillen said, somewhat wore Reynolds-Vasquez out near the end of the season. Keeping Morris, who is perhaps the Colts’ best home-run threat and a key contributor on defense, fresh will be key Cedar Cliff making a deep run in the playoffs. He’ll have plenty of help carrying the load in the backfield with Zack Little, Ricardo Harmon — who Gillen described as a hammer between the tackles and a physical punisher in the Jerome Bettis (former Pittsburgh Steelers running back) mold — and Mikey Jones mixing in.


3. A defense to be excited about

The excitement in Gillen’s voice was evident as the conversation turned to the Colts defense. And why not? That Morris lad we mentioned above — Gillen called him a lockdown corner and one of the best he has coached thanks to a blend of technique, aggressiveness and physicality. His mate on the other hash, Trenten Smith, will also be a strong contributor in coverage. A pair of quick studies, Elijah Wilbourn and Mikey Jones, project to be starters at the safety positions as sophomores. Jones’ ability to play in on the run and also in coverage could be a key to the Colts defensive becoming a dominant unit. “The years that we have been very good defensively are the years that we have a kid that we are able to play the run in and be physical in the box but also play back on a hash and play half-field coverage,” Gillen said. “Kids like Brennan Quigley and Trysten McDonald were. He (Jones) is cut from that mold.” Opponents won’t find a break up front, either with Robinson (6-1, 220), Hunter Garced (6-3, 235), Alexander Sanders (6-2, 250) and Godineaux (6-2, 310) up front wreaking havoc. “Our defensive line is exceptional,” Gillen said. “Those four guys are legit. They are going to give a lot of people some fits in the run game and also the pass rush, so we are extremely excited about those guys.”

2021 Preview: Trinity Shamrocks

Andy Sandrik
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2021 Preview: Trinity Shamrocks

Coach: Jordan Hill

Classification: 2A

League/division: Mid-Penn Conference/Capital

2020 record: 0-7, 0-3

Postseason: Did not qualify

RETURNING LEADERS

Passing: Comp-Att., Yards, TD

Cooper Manley: 23-68, 262, 2

Rushing: Att-Yards., Avg., TD

Tyler Rossi: 69-420, 6.1, 3

Cole Cappawana: 20-67, 3.4, 0

Receiving: Rec.-Yards, Avg., TD

Maximillian Schlager: 29-503, 17.3, 5

Tyler Rossi: 16-117, 11.5, 1

KEY PLAYERS: Jason Wewer, sr., WR-LB; Ryan Dalton, sr., OL; Tyler Rossi, sr., RB; Max Schlager, jr., WR-LB; Cole Cappawana, so., WR-CB; Luke Britten, so., OL; Santanna Young, fr., WR-CB

OUTLOOK: Spend five minutes chatting with Hill, and you just might forget you’re talking to an ex-NFL player. He enjoys talking about his players and coaching philosophies and is eager to soak up any football knowledge he can acquire. Under Hill, practices at Trinity have become games within the game, so to speak, with players pushing each other to the limit to win every drill. It’s going to take that kind of a competitive attitude for the Shamrocks to have a puncher’s chance in the Capital, where they could very well be the underdog in every division game they play. Keep a close eye on freshman cornerback and wide receiver Santanna Young. Quick development from the youngster could very well hasten the turnaround process for the Shamrocks, who are looking to snap a 10-game losing streak that dates back to 2019.

3 THINGS TO KNOW
1. Name recognition
Who is the most recognizable player on the Trinity sidelines? Well, that would be the team’s new head coach: Jordan Hill. He was an all-state defensive tackle for Steel-High and an all-Big Ten selection for Penn State before winning a Super Bowl with the Seattle Seahawks in a five-year NFL career derailed by injuries. Since being named to lead the Shamrocks’ program in February, Hill and his coaching staff have been quickly embraced by the players, many of whom grew up watching him play. Could the name recognition be a draw for the once-great Trinity program, which is seeking its first winning season since 2012? Well, considering there are already 55 players out for this season, we’ll say maybe. “I could definitely see it as a plus, but I wouldn’t say for someone to come here just for me,” Hill said. “Take a look at what this place offers, the culture and the whole school. This is a place where kids want to be.”

2. Bonds of Steel
Hill is, through and through, a Steel-High guy. He can only smile and laugh knowing that fate would have him leading the once-hated Shamrocks, who went 1-3 against Hill’s Rollers from 2005-2008. “I thought about that when I was making my decision,” Hill said. “Ten years ago I would have never told you this would be my first head coaching job. But six months into this thing, I’m glad for the decision I made.” Hill is joined on the sidelines by several others from the Steel-High circle, including Jordan Smith, Jordan Milberry, Kevin Yarnevich and Jeremiah Young. Emotion and nostalgia should be high when the defending 1A state champion Rollers visit COBO Field on Oct. 8. “The Capital is a strong division, and obviously, my alma mater is the top dog. I wouldn’t have it any other way,” Hill said. “It’s the place where I’m from, and I want to see them be successful no matter what. But as long as we’re in that division, I’m hoping they finish second.”

3. A “Young” star
To have a chance to win in the competitive Capital, Trinity will be looking for a promising freshman — Santanna Young — to make plays for the Shamrocks this season. He is the nephew of the aforementioned Jeremiah Young, Trinity’s RBs coach, who in 2008-09 became Pennsylvania’s all-time leading rusher with over 9,000 career yards. Young, listed as a 6-foot, 180-pound cornerback and wide receiver, possesses the speed, size and hands you’d normally see on an upperclassman. Look for Young to start both ways and make an impact. “He is going to be a guy that is very influential to the program right away,” Hill said. “I think he’s going to be a very good corner, and like any young guy, he’s going to want the ball. We need him to learn what it takes to be a good football player, and we hope he steps up to the plate.”

2021 Preview: Line Mountain Eagles

Michael Bullock
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2021 Preview: Line Mountain Eagles

Coach: Brandon Carson (6th season, 26-28)

Classification: 2A

League/division: Mid-Penn Conference/Liberty

2020 record: 5-3, 3-0

Postseason: Reached District 4 Class 2A semifinals, losing to Southern Columbia, 49-7

RETURNING LEADERS

Passing: Comp-Att, Yards, TDs

N/A

Rushing: Att-Yards, Avg, TDs

Beau Keim: 64-281, 4.4, 2

Receiving: Att-Yards, Avg, TDs

Jace Hackenburg: 6-84, 14.0, 0

Aidan Herb: 4-74, 18.5, 1

KEY PLAYERS: Jace Hackenburg, sr., WR-DB; Aidan Herb, sr., WR-FS; Beau Keim, sr., RB-LB; Chase Miller, sr., C-DT; Wyatt Shaffer, sr., OG-DE; Brayden Boyer, jr., TE-DE-PK; Connor Finlan, jr., WR-SS; Nolan Baumert, so., RB-WR-CB; Yari Johnson, so., OT-DT; Chandon Maurer, so., FB-ILB; Colby Rebuck, so., OT-DT.

OUTLOOK: Had the Mid-Penn Liberty Division crowned a regular-season champion in 2020 — truncated schedules and all — Brandon Carson’s run-happy Line Mountain Eagles would have hoisted the hardware by virtue of pocketing one more league win than fellow league unbeaten Juniata. So, as Carson & Co. hustle into 2021, the big question in lower Northumberland County is can the Eagles prevail despite losing two runners who racked up more than 1,000 yards apiece and three all-state selections? If Line Mountain can generate a consistent offensive effort, the Eagles’ defensive unit might be stingy enough to win games with that phase — particularly since nine returning starters are available. A talented defensive outfit flush with well-tested and youthful veterans will make certain of that.

3 THINGS TO KNOW 

1. O-Line will play leading role

As Carson and his offensive-minded assistants brainstorm while trying to devise ways to move the football consistently, the return of guard Wyatt Shaffer, center Chase Miller and tackle Colby Rebuck provides the Eagles with a three-headed monster up front that’s been counted on to occupy defenders at the point of attack. Since all-state backs Garret Laudenslager and Jacob Feese departed — both wheeled for more than 1,000 yards — that means a slimmed-down and quicker Beau Keim is the lone ballcarrier sporting significant experience. Snyder, Miller and Rebuck also will be tasked with keeping Line Mountain’s untested quarterback — either sophomore Nick Snyder, freshman Blake Readinger or both — upright and clean. Sophomore Yari Johnson, who impressed last season on the defensive side of the ball, will add bulk and skill at one of the tackle spots. “It’s extremely critical (we get strong play up front),” Carson said. “Wyatt has done a really, really good job of being a leader. There haven’t been many vocal leaders, or leaders in general, since I took over. He’s been extremely vocal, he’s pushed his teammates and he’s pushed the younger linemen. He’s really been positive and supportive. Chase Miller has done a really nice job with that. I’ve been really impressed with that, like how they’ve been focused and how they go about practices.” Line Mountain does have plenty of experience on the flanks in seniors Aidan Herb and Jace Hackenburg, but the ball needs to get there. So … “Developing a quarterback is our No. 1 priority,” Carson said. “If we get decent play there, I think we’ll be all right.”

2. Experienced D figures to carry the load early

With nine players returning who started throughout 2020 or shared a starting spot with someone else, Line Mountain’s defensive crew figures to be extremely solid — especially early. While the Eagles may not have the star power provided by high-motored all-stater Dominick Bridi, standup end Laudenslager or inside linebacker Feese, former Temple and Shikellamy standout Jim Ermert should find plenty to like about this group as he settles into the defensive coordinator post. Johnson, Shaffer, Miller and Rebuck likely will have their hands in the dirt up front, but junior Brayden Boyer may be Line Mountain’s next sparkling standup defensive end. Keim and Chandon Maurer return at linebacker, while a quick, ballhawking secondary features Hackenburg and Nolan Baumert at corner and Herb and Connor Finlan at the safety positions. “What we’re hoping to do is get 11 guys on the field and all of them contribute,” Carson said. “I’ve been very, very pleased with our practices. The kids really enjoy coaching. They’ve been working hard, even though we’re really young overall. The coaching staff has done a really good job.”

3. Youth is everywhere, but those deserving to play will

While Line Mountain likely will trot out a handful of sophomores in Week 1 at Juniata, Carson won’t hesitate to play other youngsters if they show well in practices and ultimately games. Johnson, Maurer and Baumert logged plenty of defensive snaps last season, while Rebuck worked his way into a starting role on the offensive line. With Feese gone, Snyder and Readinger are vying for the starting quarterback job. Athletic freshman Ian Bates has impressed during preseason practice, while untested senior Micah Sgrignoli moved over from the soccer program and he, too, has all sorts of quicks and hops. Others, too. While Carson knows youngsters are prone to make mistakes, he realizes his Eagles must keep things crisp and clean if they hope to finish among the Liberty’s best. “We cannot turn it over, and we need to make plays when we have to,” Carson said. “We also need to get the ball into our athletes’ hands … and my young guys are really athletic.”

2021 Preview: Greencastle-Antrim Blue Devils

Andy Sandrik
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2021 Preview: Greencastle-Antrim Blue Devils

Coach: Devin McCauley

Classification: 4A

League/division: Mid-Penn Conference/Colonial      

2020 record: 2-5, 2-5

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: Jake Kumfert, sr., OG-DT; Gage Smith, sr., C; John Redos, sr., OT; Taylor Conrad, sr., QB-LB; David Niebauer, sr., RB; Ethan Shank, sr., WR-S; Lorcan Wright, sr., RB-SS; Brady Diller, sr., WR-LB; Nathan Kirkwood, sr., K; Tavon Cooper, jr., RB; Elijah Britner, jr., OG-DT; Austin Wyland, jr., WR.

OUTLOOK: Optimism is high for a Greencastle-Antrim program trying to return to its winning normalcy of the early 2000s, when it logged 11 straight non-losing seasons from 2005-15. Getting back to those glory days, however, will be much easier said than done. The Colonial is chock-full of hard-nosed teams with playoff experience. The Blue Devils have their own fair share of talent and varsity experience, but there’s a chance the team could play its best football in years and still finish with a three-win season. Greencastle, which took big steps to be competitive within the division last year, needs to continue to make strides to turn those close losses into wins. From Week 1 to Week 10, coach Devin McCauley said to expect “10 fistfights.” The odds seem to be stacked against the Blue Devils, but if there is any Greencastle team equipped to snap the streak of five straight losing seasons, it’s this one.


3 THINGS TO KNOW
1. Respect is earned
When the coaches’ votes were tallied for the Colonial preseason poll, Greencastle was picked to finish eighth out of eight teams. That’s a tough pill to swallow for a Blue Devils club that returns many starters and was competitive in almost every game during last year’s 2-5 campaign. On one hand, Greencastle has every right to feel disrespected, but on the other hand, the Blue Devils are also seeking their first winning season since 2015. “I don’t think we’ve done enough to get the respect that we have to earn,” McCauley said. “If we take care of ourselves, I think we’ll be alright.” The Blue Devils skipper is counting on leadership and playmaking from a group of seniors that began their high school careers at the same time McCauley took over the program. That senior class — which includes captains John Redos, Taylor Conrad and Ethan Shank — is eager for a season of success after years of taking lumps. “A lot of those kids played early as sophomores, took their lumps and have kind of grown through that,” McCauley said. “These guys know the system and the expectations. I’m happy to see how they’ve grown and matured.”

2. Triple-threat offense
It’s no secret that the Colonial Division loves to run the ball. That’s A-OK for a Greencastle squad that returns its entire backfield, as well as three starters on the offensive line. QB Taylor Conrad and RBs Tavon Cooper and David Niebauer are all looking to make an impact in their final year of high school football. Cooper is a speedster, Conrad is a talented athlete and Niebauer is a solid downhill runner. Three different styles of running should create challenges for opposing teams, who also have to figure out a way to get around the Blue Devils’ offensive line, one that McCauley calls Greencastle’s “best in years.” The trenches will be led by John Redos, Gage Smith and Jake Kumfert, who checks in at 6-foot-5 and 315 pounds. Add to the line another 315-pounder in Elijah Britner, who doubles as Greencastle’s nose guard on defense, and the Blue Devils’ running attack has the potential to rack up some major yards this fall. “If you can run the rock to shorten games and control the clock, that’s a good thing,” McCauley said. “It helps the defense, too. It’s complementary football.”

3. Improved special teams
Last season, McCauley had plenty of good things to say about his kicker, Nathan Kirkwood, one of the bigger college prospects you’ll find in the Colonial. The only problem was that Kirkwood did not get many opportunities to showcase his talent. There were protection problems and issues with getting the ball from the long snapper to the holder to the kicker. There was a light at the end of the tunnel, however, when Kirkwood drilled the game-winning field goal in a season-ending 23-21 upset over East Pennsboro. Kirkwood is back for his senior season, and with a little more help around him this time around, don’t be surprised if McCauley marches him out to attempt field goals of 50-plus yards. “Kirkwood is a Power 5 talent,” McCauley said. “He’s a weapon, who can also put the ball into the end zone on kickoffs. That gets overlooked. He’s playing at a high level right now.”

2021 Preview: Halifax Wildcats

Michael Bullock
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2021 Preview: Halifax Wildcats

Coach: Earl Mosley, 4th season (12-18), 15th season overall (67-79-2)

Classification: 1A

League/division: Mid-Penn Conference/Liberty

2020 record: 1-6, 0-5

Postseason: Did not qualify

RETURNING LEADERS

Passing: Comp-Att, Yards, TDs 

Carter Enders: 6-21, 99, 2

Rushing: Att-Yards, Avg, TDs

N/A

Receiving: Rec.-Yards, Avg, TDs

Carter Enders: 10-80, 8.0, 0

KEY PLAYERS: Owen Klinger, sr., OL-DL; Carter Enders, so., QB-DB-K; Isaac Miller, so., RB-DB; Landon Klinger, so., RB-MLB; Peter Ranck, so., WR-CB.

OUTLOOK: Even though Halifax’s Wildcats aren’t all that far removed from their run to a District 3 Class 1A championship and a berth in states, gold medals and trophies aren’t on Earl Mosley’s mind right now. Finding 11 capable players to send into the fray is his primary concern, especially since the Wildcats’ veteran skipper has just 15 or 16 bodies to choose from. Although low numbers are one thing, Halifax has just one senior and one junior populating its incredibly thin roster while several youngsters have never played the game before. Small wonder that Mosley and his coaching staff are hoping the lines in the training room don’t become too long since maintaining his team’s collective health is critical if the Wildcats hope to have enough players to line up on Friday nights. So, right now, winning the small battles is the primary objective.

3 THINGS TO KNOW 

1. Scrambling for answers with small numbers

Beset by a low turnout for the third straight season, veteran head coach Earl Mosley and the rest of his coaching staff is trying to figure out how to keep a roster numbering just 15 or 16 healthy and viable so the Wildcats can line up and play on Friday nights. And all of this comes just three seasons since Halifax claimed a District 3 Class 1A championship. Actually, Mosley is hoping more youngsters will come out once Halifax swings open its doors Aug. 24th for the first day of school. “With the numbers we have, it’s kind of disheartening,” said Mosley, who earlier in his head coaching career fronted the programs at Central Dauphin East and Harrisburg, the latter his alma mater. “We had about 30 kids toward the end of the school year that said they would play, but that didn’t materialize.” Adding to Halifax’s number woes is four youngsters that started and/or logged plenty of playing time earlier in their careers opted not to play. Running back/linebacker Bryce Enders, an all-state selection as a junior, transferred to Bishop McDevitt near the end of the 2020-21 school year. Juniors Anthony Adams, Judah Miller and Eli Tyrrell also left the program — Mosley said Miller is playing fall baseball — after starting a season ago. “Those four guys were extremely key to us,” Mosley said. Especially since they would have brought experience to a roster that features just one senior and one junior. “We have one senior on our offensive line,” Mosley said. “The rest of our offensive line will be all freshmen, coming right up from midgets. … You can’t practice as hard because you worry about their legs. You can’t tackle because we can’t lose anybody.”

2. Another Enders will be critical

Although his older brother is no longer part of the Wildcats’ program, sophomore Carter Enders will play a lead role for Halifax after spending the 2020 season as a starting defensive back and filling in on the flanks offensively. Though he saw some playing time at quarterback last year, this time aroundEnders will have the ball in his hands on every play. “He’s gonna be a good one. I really like him,” Mosley said. “He’s our only quarterback. I’ve never been in a situation with just one quarterback, so if he goes down we’ll just have to pull somebody who can take the snap and run.” Mosley also likes Enders’ approach to the game, whether at practice or logging 48 minutes on Friday nights against one of the Wildcats’ Mid-Penn Liberty adversaries. “He’s an excellent leader, an outstanding leader.” Easily Halifax’s most versatile player, Enders likely would be the Wildcats’ regular punter and kicker. However, Mosley may need to employ him as the club’s long snapper on punts, placements and field goal attempts.

3. Mosley & Co. trying to keep chins upright

While Mosley has added former Steel-High skipper Tom Hailey and former CD East defensive coordinator Warren Ritter to his Halifax staff, all of them have been busy trying to keep spirits running high and chins up — despite the Wildcats’ obvious disadvantages. “It’s a great group of kids, so we’ll go to battle with these guys,” said Mosley, who is hoping his program will get a numbers boost from a midget program anticipating a strong 2021 campaign. “That’s what I like about this coaching staff is they’re always positive. We’re gonna have some fun this year. Play fast, keep it simple and whatever happens, happens.”

2021 Preview: Juniata Indians

Michael Bullock
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2021 Preview: Juniata Indians

Coach: Kurt Condo (3rd season, 9-9)

Classification: 4A

League/division: Mid-Penn Conference/Liberty

2020 record: 5-2, 2-0

Postseason: Beat Bellefonte 24-21 in the District 6/9 Class 4A championship and reached states before falling to Oil City, 34-33 in the PIAA Class 4A first round.

RETURNING LEADERS

Passing: Comp-Att, Yards, TDs

Jacob Condo: 68-126, 843, 10

Rushing: Att-Yards, Avg, TDs

G.G. Ortiz: 53-380, 7.2, 6

Jacob Condo: 66-160, 2.4, 4

Receiving: Rec-Yards, Avg, TDs

G.G. Ortiz: 21-203, 9.7, 3

Makih Hunt: 5-88, 17.6, 2

KEY PLAYERS: Jacob Condo, sr., QB-LB; Trent Martin, sr., OT-NG; G.G. Ortiz, sr., RB-DB; Austin Derr, sr., OG-LB; Zach Harr, sr., RB-S; Jonathan Kauffman, jr., C-DL; Jordan Dickinson, jr., FB-LB; Makih Hunt, jr., SE-CB.

OUTLOOK: Buoyed by the return of seven or eight regulars on both sides of the football, Condo’s upbeat Indians genuinely believe another season flush with excitement is on tap in 2021. Experience is one thing, but Juniata played just one time in 2020 at Deitrick Field at Klingensmith Stadium and claimed two overtime victories while on the road. So, little bothers a veteran squad with several players about to begin their fourth varsity seasons — in a program that would typically keep its freshmen at the junior high level. And while a remarkably competitive Mid-Penn Liberty situation will test Condo’s bunch, so will crossover scraps with Middletown and Steel-High. Nonetheless, there’s more than enough balance in Mifflintown to contend and possibly win a Liberty title and hopefully defend the regional (District 6 and 9) championship Juniata collared in 2020. If that happens, another journey to states will be the Indians’ fitting reward.

3 THINGS TO KNOW

1. Juniata eyeing more success

Capturing a postseason championship for the first time since Gary Klingensmith piloted Juniata to District 3’s Class AA title in 1987, Condo is hoping his Indians can do something that his former skipper was unable to accomplish — win two straight District 6/9 Class 4A regional crowns. With his eldest son, Jacob, about to start his third season as Juniata’s starting quarterback — the younger Condo landed the starting QB gig during the second half of his freshman season — the Indians have an experienced field general coming off an all-state campaign and ready to roll. With several experienced skill players such as G.G. Ortiz and Makih Hunt, and newcomers Caleb and Casey Smith around him that can stretch the field, and a veteran line featuring all-stater Trent Martin, Austin Derr and Jonathan Kauffman working up front, Juniata should be able to score. While Martin also will anchor the defensive line — and he’s capable of blowing up opposing fronts — clutch DBs such as Ortiz and Zach Harr will make plays in the secondary. “I think (winning a district title) left a good taste in the kids’ mouths last year, and we have a lot of those kids back,” Kurt Condo said. “They’ve worked hard in the offseason, and they have no doubts in their minds about reaching for the sky as far as their goals. They’re a good group of kids, and they’re a good group of competitors.”

2. Juniata has Mr. Clutch and Mr. Clutch 1A

Although Ortiz may be the smallest player on the football field many nights, the diminutive senior has a knack for making big and even huge plays that stymie opponents, erase deficits and even provide just enough points to claim positive results — whether he’s lining up on offense, defense or one of Juniata’s specialty units. Meanwhile, Harr also displayed those same big-play capabilities by intercepting a pair of passes in the 6/9 Class 4A title game as Juniata turned back Bellefonte 24-21. “Our kids last year — I’ve got to give them credit — they fought through all kinds of adversity, and I think that helps coming into this year,” said Condo, whose Indians downed Lower Dauphin and Lancaster Catholic in overtime on the road. “They really began to believe in themselves.”

3. Renewing acquaintances with former TVL brethren

Since COVID-19 raised constant havoc with regular-season schedules in 2020, Juniata’s Mid-Penn Liberty slate only included encounters with James Buchanan and Halifax. Nonetheless, the division anointed Juniata No. 2 in PennLive’s preseason poll of the league’s seven skippers. “With not playing everyone last year, I don’t even know where to begin just looking at things,” Condo said. “Obviously, we’re just worried about Week 1 against Line Mountain right now. I have a lot of respect for all the coaches in our league, because each week I think everyone’s prepared and it can go either way in most cases.” Condo boiled down the Liberty landscape even further. “We’re not real familiar with everyone else, but they’re not real familiar with what we have.”

2021 Preview: Mifflin County Huskies

Adam Kulikowski
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2021 Preview: Mifflin County Huskies

Coach: Scot Sechler

Classification: 6A

League/division: Mid-Penn Conference/Keystone Division 

2020 record: 0-6, 0-5

Postseason: Did not qualify

RETURNING LEADERS

Passing: Comp-Att., Yards, TD

Jared Lyons: 21-45, 402, 0

Rushing: Att.-Yards, Avg., TD

Tyler Hunter: 5-35, 7.0, 0

Reagan Ettinger: 4-21, 5.3, 0

Receiving: Rec.-Yards, Avg., TD

Josiah Sechler: 1-35, 35, 0

Daniel King: 2-18, 9, 0

KEY PLAYERS: Daniel King, sr., WR-DB; Jared Lyons, sr., QB-LB; Jaxson Pupo, sr., OL-DL-FB; Braden Shaeffer, sr., WR-DB; Josiah Sechler, jr., WR-DB; Elijah Osborne, jr., OL-DL; Regan Ettinger, jr., RB-LB; Isaac Wilson, jr., SB-LB.

OUTLOOK: The move from the Colonial Division to the Keystone resulted in a few more bumps than expected as Sechler and his crew posted a winless campaign during the COVID-truncated season. Mifflin’s second turn in the division should be a different story as the Huskies emphasize a power-running attack behind an offensive line that includes Jaxson Pupo (5-foot-11, 225), Alexander Price (6-2), Ryan Stahl (6-0, 205) and Elijah Osborne (6-0, 260). A .500 record isn’t out of the question if the Huskies young guns turn out to be quick studies.

3 THINGS TO KNOW

1. Getting physical

Mifflin County won’t be trying anything cute when the team kicks off its regular season Friday against State College — and that’s by design. The Huskies are determined to return to their power football roots — a battle plan that was last used back in 2018 when Scott ’s crew bruised and batters its way to the Colonial Division title. With a big number of big-eaters now on the roster — a group so large it sent Sechler’s scrambling for extra-large helmets and shoulder pads this offseason — the brawn no longer is scarce in Lewistown. “We’re going to go back to what we did a few years ago when we won the Colonial,” Sechler said. “So, we are going more power football. We have big guns up front, and we are just going to run the ball downhill and dare teams to stop it.”

2. ‘Lion’ under center

You can include Jared Lyons, the odds-on favorite to start at quarterback, as one of the brutes who will bring a physical presence to the Huskies attack. The 5-9, 195-pound senior threw for 402 yards as a junior; and while Lyons won’t be afraid to sling the pigskin, his build should play up in the ground-focused Mifflin scheme. “He’s a gunslinger,” Sechler said. “He isn’t afraid to throw the football. We’ve been working throughout the season to get him to get the ball out of his hand sooner. Trying to see things a little quicker. … He’s a little bit of a risk taker. I think we need that. And he’s physical, he’s not afraid to run you over. When he takes off, he runs like (Tennessee Titans running back) Derrick Henry. He just puts his arm out and stiff arms you and knocks you down. He’s had a really good offseason.”

3. Strength at corner

Strong corner play in the Keystone Division is a must when you’re lining up against top cats from Bishop McDevitt, Cedar Cliff, Milton Hershey and more each year. You can check that box off for the Huskies, who possess a pair of playmakers in coverage. Josiah Sechler, son of Scott, debuted last year posting a pair of picks and five tackles in six games. He more than held his own as a sophomore, and bigger things are expected for the incoming junior who shot up 2 inches and packed on 20 pounds to his frame. “He’s probably the fastest kid on the team. … He can help us stretch the field for us,” Scott Sechler said of his son, who will play both ways. “Defensively. He’s a ball hawk. He’s good in man coverage and not afraid to press.” Danny King, a physical corner who can also play at outside linebacker, is expected to start opposite Sechler in coverage.

2021 Preview: Newport Buffaloes

Michael Bullock
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2021 Preview: Newport Buffaloes

Coach: Todd Rothermel, 10th season (59-36), 14th season overall (92-49)

Classification: 2A

League/division: Mid-Penn Conference/Liberty

2020 record: 4-2, 3-1

Postseason: Did not qualify

RETURNING LEADERS

Passing: Comp-Att, Yards, TD

Andrew Bates: 33-79, 455, 4

Rushing: Att-Yards, Avg, TD

Andrew Bates: 79-642, 8.1, 8

Receiving: Rec-Yards, Avg, TD

Andrew Bates: 2-50, 25.0, 1

Caleb Godbout: 1-17, 17.0, 0

KEY PLAYERS: Andrew Bates, sr., QB-LB; Caleb Godbout, sr., WR-DB; Dalton Downin, sr., TE-DE; C.J. Christilaw, sr., ILB; Carter Bennett, sr., DL; Eli Zerance, sr., DL; Tyler Geer, jr., OL-LB; Caleb Lesher, jr., OL-DL; Joe Sprout, so., OL-DE.

OUTLOOK: Although Newport may need to ride the legs and arms of dual-threat quarterback and athletic outside ‘backer Andrew Bates early on, veteran head coach Todd Rothermel is optimistic he can locate some critical pieces that will complement his athletically gifted and multi-talented senior. And if the likes of wideout Caleb Godbout, tight end Dalton Downin and running back Aiden Dishman can provide capable hands and legs, that will take the pressure off Bates and make a potentially dangerous attack downright lethal. A smallish yet experienced front that’s already lost one cog to a season-ending knee injury will also play a significant role. A perked-up attack also will lighten the demands on a defensive unit that has some beef up front to go with some mobile parts at linebacker and in the secondary. Regardless, Rothermel knows opposing defensive coordinators are going to build their game plans around finding Bates and putting him on the ground. Yet if enough things go according to plan and the Buffaloes can avoid lengthy lines in the training room — while surviving a series of character-building crossovers against Steel-High, Middletown and Trinity — Rothermel could be celebrating his 100th career victory sometime this fall. A Liberty title also is a possibility for a bunch that was tagged the favorite when PennLive polled the league’s seven head coaches.

3 THINGS TO KNOW

1. Bates growing more comfortable at QB

Back for his second season as Newport’s starting quarterback after spending his first two years catching passes instead of throwing them, Bates is much more comfortable running the offensive show than he was in 2020. Yet even though skipper Todd Rothermel knows his senior QB can make all sorts of plays with his legs, he’s hoping the passing game takes another step or two forward and provides balance. “He’s done a really, really nice job,” Rothermel said. “He spent time in the offseason going down to Jimmy Cantafio, taking some reps down there at Spooky Nook. … The maturity’s been a big thing. Learning the offense has been good. It took until our last few ballgames to really start to act like a quarterback and understand the terminology. … Really toward the end of last season he started to catch on and started to understand. During today’s practice, he went out and we had a play called, and when it was over I started quizzing him. He said, ‘Well, I could have changed it to this.’ I was like, ‘Then do it. Just do it. If you understand why you’re changing it, then go ahead and do it. I’m never going to yell at you for doing that.’” Yet despite his continual improvement, Bates likely projects as a receiver at the next level and not a quarterback. In fact, PSAC programs Kutztown and East Stroudsburg have shown plenty of interest in a youngster that also is a talented baseball player.

2. Trying something new another plus

For the first time in his head coaching career, Rothermel decided to pack up 35 of his 37 rostered players and truck off to team camp at East Stroudsburg. Not only was the Newport staff able to work with its own players, but the Buffaloes also were able to compete in a variety of situations against other programs at the camp. And, obviously, Jimmy Terwilliger’s ESU staff was available to counsel the Buffs in various aspects of the game. The only negative for ‘Port was Rothermel’s club lost a would-be starting lineman to a knee injury that may ultimately bring his career to a premature end. “Going to team camp was a huge thing for us,” Rothermel said. “It really helped us in terms of teaching. This week (during heat acclimatization week) it was pretty much an hour meeting before we started doing anything. We just committed to going at a fairly slow pace and just teaching and teaching. I really like where we are right now mentally. Now, I might not like where we are next week when we start hitting.”

3. Rothermel counting on others to flash abilities

While Bates may be drawing plenty of preseason attention — and deservedly so — Rothermel hopes a trio of seniors are ready to step into expanded roles and complement their talented classmate. Two of those youngsters — tight end Downin and wideout Godbout — caught one pass between them in 2020 yet may be ready to be dependable targets when Bates puts the ball up. When the Buffs are on defense, inside ‘backer C.J. Christilaw will get plenty of chances to make stops since he’ll be plugged in behind beefy tackles Eli Zerance and Carter Bennett. “He’s finally focused on having a year,” Rothermel said. “But he told me, ‘Oh, I want to have a year.’” Rothermel also is anxious to get the ball in junior running back Dishman’s hands as often as possible. Dishman backed up Thomas Pyle a season ago, but he may be ready to bust out. “To me, watching him in practice, I just see the vision he has where he’s avoiding kids who show up in front of him,” said Rothermel, who has been flashing his expertise by working closely with his down linemen. “I’m excited to see what we’re gonna get out of him. Andy and (Dishman) are the 1-2 punch back there, and I’m excited to see that.”

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