Vote now: Week 1 Mid-Penn Conference Player of the Week Presented by Vertical Raise PA

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Vote now: Week 1 Mid-Penn Conference Player of the Week Presented by Vertical Raise PA

Vote now for our 4th Down Magazine Mid-Penn Conference Player of the Week. Our poll will remain open until Tuesday evening at 11 p.m. Voting is allowed once every 30 minutes.

Editor’s note: We have implemented safeguards to prevent voting which falls outside the spirit of the rules in place. We reserve the right to block users who cast fraudulent votes.

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Drew Branstetter, QB, Camp Hill: Branstetter accounted for six touchdowns and 463 all-purpose yards in a 42-41 double overtime loss to Lancaster Catholic.

Brad Hockenberry, RB, West Perry:  Mr. Hockenberry racked up 147 stripes and three scores as the Mustangs cruised to a 58-0 victory against Susquenita.

Demaj Jalloh, QB, CD East: Demaj completed 50 percent of his passing attempts for 265 yards and a score as well as a pair of rushing touchdowns in a 40-6 victory against York High.

Ja’nye Statum, RB, Shippensburg: In an emotional contest, Statum chugged to 162 yards and a pair of touchdowns to help his Greyhounds take home the Little Brown Jug, 28-7 against Big Spring.

Dominic Diaz-Ellis, WR, Bishop McDevitt:  Diaz-Ellis hauled in seven receptions for 179 yards and a pair of touchdowns in Bishop McDevitt’s 45-13 victory against Mount St. Joseph.

This poll has ended (since 6 months).
Demaj Jalloh, QB, CD East:
41.84%
Brad Hockenberry, RB, West Perry:
40.59%
Ja’nye Statum, RB, Shippensburg:
7.53%
Drew Branstetter, QB, Camp Hill:
7.11%
Dominic Diaz-Ellis, WR, Bishop McDevitt:
2.93%

Sunday Morning QB: Tragedy rocks Shippensburg community; Colts-Patriots combine for 80; Branstetter ignites and more

Andy Shay
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More than 30 years have shown me to practice caution when it comes to making big-picture assertions after four quarters of football. You can learn a little bit in Week 1, but it takes at least 8-12 quarters of football to drill down on the 2024 season.

Still no harm, though, in peeling back a few layers on the Mid-Penn Conference onion to see what grabbed our fancy.

Tragedy rocked the Shippensburg community earlier this week when the 13-year-old son of Shippensburg University head football coach Mark Maciejewski was found dead in the backyard of the family home from an apparent gunshot wound.

Older brother to Levi Maciejewski, Brady, is the starting quarterback for the Shippensburg Greyhounds and revealed his character for all to see by taking the field Friday night in the Little Brown Jug game against Big Spring.

He rushed for a touchdown and Ship won this nearly seven-decade-old rivalry comfortably. Peace to Brady and the entire Maciejewski family.

On the football front, the return of Greyhounds RB Ja’nye Statum, who missed 2023 with an injury, gives Ship some extra bite. He ripped off 162 yards and scored twice in his return to action.

HEY NOW, REALLY?

Friendly reminder, this is only one game and there are still 36 long quarters ahead for everybody. However, these tidbits grabbed our attention for the right reasons.

Sparked by versatile back Sawyer Young, Boiling Springs thumped Littlestown by four touchdowns. Not a whole lot is expected of this Bubblers outfit after a rough 2023 campaign. Young scored four touchdowns including a 90-yard kickoff return, a 48-yard TD reception, and a pair of rushing scores. The seven points Boiling Springs surrendered on defense is the key, though. It was the side of the ball where progress had to be made in order to be competitive this year. Job well done!

I did not think WSSD rivals Cedar Cliff and Red Land would combine for 80 points. The Colts of Cedar Cliff accounted for 50 of those points and won comfortably. Still, 80 is a very big number. Colts RB Princeton Dent galloped for 187 yards and a couple of scores on debut as a potential RB1. That’ll work.

Hershey winning the annual Cocoa Bean Bowl is worthy of recognition on its merit. However, the way the Trojans grabbed the trophy against rival Milton Hershey – posting a shutout – tells you a little something.

WINNING IS DEFINITELY BETTER THAN LOSING

If you’ve known greenhorn Mechanicsburg head football coach Dave Heckard as long as I have – watched him grow up around Twilight baseball, I covered him as a player at Cumberland Valley and wrote about his college career – then you will understand his quote following the Wildcats victory over Carlisle “winning is better than losing” is vintage Dave. Congrats coach.

The win also halted a streak of nine consecutive losses for Mechanicsburg against throwback rival Carlisle. Kind of surprised the Herd were that dominant in recent years considering Mechanicsburg has put some quality playoff caliber teams on the field during that time frame. The 28-point gap could indicate some very tough sledding ahead for Carlisle, though.

GO SEE HIM PLAY

If you enjoy high octane football and a quarterback who has zero fear of making any throw or failing, go watch the Camp Hill Lions and quarterback Drew Branstetter this season.

Branstetter accounted for more than 450 yards of offense and threw for six touchdowns to kick off his 2024 campaign. Now the Lions did lose to Lancaster Catholic in double overtime, but that is a toss-up game the other team just happened to win. 

The 382 passing yards by the Lions quarterback came on only 22 completions. That’s a staggering 17.4 yards per completion. He also rushed for 81 yards. Do yourself a favor if you just enjoy the game and go see the Lions and Branstetter this season. You’ll be glad you did.

HEY NOW, REALLY? PART II

This is the other side of the coin. These were the game that made us internally say “what” or ask the are you sure that score is right question.

It was pretty obvious based on the preseason Central Dauphin is going to struggle this season and that starts up front in the trenches. I must admit my jaw dropped when I sat down at halftime Friday night at Chapman Field and pulled out my phone and saw on social media a post that said Central York 44, Central Dauphin 0 with 4:48 to play in the first half. Whoa!

I’m waiting for more body of work, but my initial reaction to Cedar Crest 45, Lower Dauphin 16 had me thinking red flags of all sorts for the Falcons from Dauphin County. It’s not that you lose more the how you lose that is relevant in my book early in the season. And clearly LD was not competitive.

Manheim Township is still a very good football team despite losing its All-State quarterback. Cumberland Valley had zero say in the outcome, a 42-14 drubbing by the Blue Streaks, at Chapman Field. What grabbed my attention was how overwhelmed the Eagles were up front on both sides of the ball. It was a massive mismatch. Plus Township was in late season form in terms of execution and discipline. I will say Cumberland Valley showed plenty of dog in the fight and that’s expected. This was just a matter of being outclassed football-wise.

Results: Week 1 Picks and Predictions

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Results: Week 1 Picks and Predictions

Standings:

Name, Week 1, Overall:

Andy Shay: 21-10, 21-10

Andy Sandrik 21-10, 21-10

Adam 19-12, 19-12

Friday, August 23

Week 1: 

Hollidaysburg 27 Altoona 14:

Andy Shay: Altoona 27, Hollidaysburg 17: Like the way the Mountain Lions charged into the offseason and brought back a solid group of experienced seniors. Defense needs to be better and finding an answer at RB will be vital to success.

Andy Sandrik: Altoona 28, Hollidaysburg 21: I’ll give the Mountain Lions the benefit of the doubt in their home opener, but they still have a lot of questions that need to be answered before they can start climbing the ladder in the Commonwealth Division.

Adam Kulikowski: Altoona 21, Hollidaysburg 14: Look for the Mountain Lions to lean on a defense that features a pair of returning all-star linebackers, Mark Harrington and Logan Wukovich. 

Mechanicsburg 34, Carlisle 6:

Andy Shay: Mechanicsburg 31, Carlisle 20: Not much is expected of this Thundering Herd outfit and the Wildcats have more quality-developed talent than normal. First game for Dave Heckard as the M’Burg skipper. Feels like he gets victory No. 1.

Andy Sandrik: Mechanicsburg 28, Carlisle 13: I’m going to be hounded at Carlisle Elementary School pick-up for taking the ‘Cats over the Herd in the season opener, and when that happens I’ll talk about all the things I like about this Mechanicsburg team until they get annoyed and walk away.

Adam Kulikowski:  Mechanicsburg 28, Carlisle 14: In what should shape up as a wide-open Keystone Division look for the Wildcats to get win No. 1 under coach Dave Heckard. 

Cedar Cliff 50, Red Land 30:

Andy Shay: Cedar Cliff 42, Red Land 7: Very few in the MPC have been as solid as the Colts the last half-decade. That’s expected to continue with several horses up front and a veteran QB. Skill positions need answers, but rival Red Land has way too many questions that require answers to make this WSSD match-up tight.

Andy Sandrik: Cedar Cliff 44, Red Land 10: Now that the Colts have a team that can win the Keystone Division, they get moved to the Commonwealth. Look for CC to take some of that frustration out on WSSD rival and Keystone representative Red Land.

Adam Kulikowski: Cedar Cliff 48, Red Land 14: The Colts haven’t lost to the Patriots since 2012. Look for that trend to continue. 

Central York 47, Central Dauphin 0

Andy Shay: Central York 34, Central Dauphin 17: Last season ended with a Rams loss to CY, and all indicators are CD will start 2024 in a similar fashion. Not sure the CD offense can keep pace with the York County kingpin offensively, so any whiff of an upset will be fueled by the Rams defense.

Andy Sandrik: Central York 32, Central Dauphin 14: Too many question marks on the CD side for me to justify picking the Rams to win a high-tilt matchup like this.

Adam Kulikowski: Central York 45, Central Dauphin 14: Rams are looking to break in new talent at nearly every position on offense. I’ll need to see what the youngbloods can do at all the skill positions before picking coach McNamee’s crew against powerhouse Central York. 

Central Dauphin East 40, William Penn 6:

Andy Shay: CD East 33, William Penn 29: Everything tells me York High is better equipped to win this game over an emerging talent base at CDE that hasn’t shown enough consistency at this level. I’m taking the Panthers to take the first next step anyway!

Andy Sandrik: CD East 28, William Penn 21: Call me a Mid-Penn homer (I am) but I have a good feeling about the Panthers in their opener. 

Adam Kulikowski: William Penn 32, CD East 31: The Panthers possess two home-run hitters in all-stars in Jared Porter (RB) and wideout Zach Brown. The question is if they have enough support pieces to notch win No. 1 of the season. 

Chambersburg 24, Gettysburg 17:

Andy Shay: Gettysburg 28, Chambersburg 20: Warriors have one of the top quarterbacks and a way better-than-average running back to unleash on opposing defenses. Firepower will not be a problem for Gettysburg. Holding the opposition in check will be the key to next-level success. Not sure the Trojans have the pop to push the envelope here.

Andy Sandrik: Gettysburg 24, Chambersburg 14: The best shot at victory for the Trojans would be not allowing this game to turn into a shootout. That’s a pretty tall ask for a team facing an offense as potent as Gettysburg’s.

Adam Kulikowski: Gettysburg 41, Chambersburg 13: Warriors QB Brady Heiser racked up nearly 2,000 passing yards last season. That experience should pay dividends against a Trojan defense that will be leaned on heavily if Chambersburg is to make strides this season. 

Manheim Township 42, Cumberland Valley 14:

Andy Shay: Cumberland Valley 28, Manheim Township 21: Well this is just a fun Week 1 matchup in Class 6A. Eagles just have better football bones in their arsenal right now and that should show. Blue Streaks will be learning on the fly while CV knows exactly who they are.

Andy Sandrik: Manheim Township 20, Cumberland Valley 17: These teams have met four times over the last two years and the Blue Streaks have won all four of those games. This is a winnable game for CV, but Manheim Township is a proud program that won’t bow out quietly. 

Adam Kulikowski: Cumberland Valley 27, Manheim Township 17: Don’t call it a redemption game for the Eagles who were knocked out of the District 3 6A playoffs by the Blue Streaks (37-27) last year, but there’s no doubt it’ll feel good to start the season on a high note against Manheim Township

State College 49, Gateway 14:

Andy Shay: State College 24, Gateway 21: Quality WPIAL foe for the Little Lions, who lost a superstar at RB to transfer. Still think State College has the muscle to endure what promises to be a slugfest.

Andy Sandrik: State College 21, Gateway 14: The Little Lions always seem to be a team that’s deep at every position, and I think that will go a long way for SC to stay fresh as it takes Gateway’s toughest shots for four quarters.

Adam Kulikowski: State College 28, Gateway 7: Yes, the Little Lions lost a tremendous talent to transfer at running back, but this is still a team with plenty in the cupboard to contend in the refreshed Commonwealth. 

Hershey 28, Milton Hershey 0:

Andy Shay: Hershey 27, Milton Hershey 20: Nothing like a little Cocoa Bean Bowl action in August to stir up the competitive juices. The Trojans have a massive offensive hole to cover up at RB and everyone knows it. The Spartans have some dangerous weapons, but for me, Hershey’s defense is key to victory.

Andy Sandrik: Milton Hershey 25, Hershey 23: If the Spartans win this game, it will be because of their work in the trenches. This is a big group capable of bullying some teams. 

Adam Kulikowski: Hershey 31, Milton Hershey 30: Trojans aim to make it three straight Cocoa Bean Bowl championships. Think that doesn’t mean something to this crew? Think again. 

Cedar Crest 45, Lower Dauphin 16:

Andy Shay: Lower Dauphin 35, Cedar Crest 14: Just feels like the Falcons and all those weapons have enough to overpower the other “Falcons” in this tilt.

Andy Sandrik: Lower Dauphin 34, Cedar Crest 10: I took LD to win the Keystone Division this fall, so I would be remiss to pick against Josh Borreli’s Falcons in Week 1. 

Adam Kulikowski: Lower Dauphin 28, Cedar Crest 21: You have to go all the way back to 2013 when LD last topped the Keystone Division standings. If we’re correct, the Falcons can again reach the top of the mountain. 

Mifflin County 42, Central Mountain 6:

Andy Shay: Mifflin County 34, Central Mountain 13: All indicators are the Huskies could have a little more zip offensively than a year ago and the Wildcats aren’t quite ready to go up and down the field at this point.

Andy Sandrik: Mifflin County 28, Central Mountain 16: The Huskies have plenty of questions to answer this season, but they should have more than a puncher’s chance against this depleted Central Mountain squad.

Adam Kulikowski: Mifflin County 21, Central Mountain 20: Call this a hunch with the Huskies reloading nearly all of its skill position starters.

Spring Grove 31, Northern York 14:

Andy Shay: Northern York 27, Spring Grove 24: Coming off a losing season and replacing a do-everything RB will be a challenge for the Polar Bears. Good first test before diving into the Keystone Division pond.

Andy Sandrik: Spring Grove 21, Northern York 14: There’s no longer such a thing as “easing” into your schedule thanks to the formation of four super conferences in the Mid-Penn. This is a tough opening assignment for the Polar Bears, who would love to build some confidence going into a tough Keystone slate. 

Adam Kulikowski: Spring Grove 28, Northern York 13: Spring Grove has big ambitions to reach the postseason in coach Tom Trone’s second circuit at the helm. A win against the rebuilding Polar Bears would be a good way to start.

Palmyra 43, Lebanon 8:

Andy Shay: Palmyra 30, Lebanon 6: Look the Cougars are not a powerhouse, but the Cedars have a whole new staff and precious few varsity veterans to build with. Cougars offense should spread its wings here.

Andy Sandrik: Palmyra 28, Lebanon 7: The fruits produced from dedicated offseason labor will taste sweet for Palmyra this week before games start getting much tougher in Keystone Division play. 

Adam Kulikowski: Palmyra 21, Lebanon 6: The Cougars have some nice pieces returning to build on a two-win season. Can Chris Pavone’s crew see dividends on the experience gained last year? 

Shippensburg 28, Big Spring 7:

Andy Shay: Shippensburg 27, Big Spring 14: The biggest difference in this tilt for me is the Bulldogs will be a work in progress up front. Big Spring has the offensive weapons to compete. Trenches will be where the Greyhounds show their mettle.

Andy Sandrik: Shippensburg 24, Big Spring 18: Little Brown Jug game seems like a 50-50 call to me. Both teams have weapons that can turn the tide in their favor. I’m leaning toward Ship, but this is nothing more than an educated guess.

Adam Kulikowski: Shippensburg 31, Big Spring 20: Greyhounds aim to rebound from an uncharacteristic 4-6 campaign in 2023. Claiming the Little Brown Jug would be a great way to start. 

Waynesboro 30, Greencastle-Antrim 27:

Andy Shay: Waynesboro 28, Greencastle-Antrim 27: Not sure which way to lean on this one. Feels like the Blue Devils have less known weapons than the Indians, but G-A is coached to play inside a comfortable box that allows it to win those close games.

Andy Sandrik: Waynesboro 35, Greencastle-Antrim 28: I expect this to be one of the feistiest matchups we’ll see in the opening week. The Indians have a nice group of hardened returners, and that gives them the advantage. 

Adam Kulikowski: Greencastle-Antrim 31, Waynesboro 24: Our crew sees this game as one of the tightest matchups of Week 1. I agree, but lean toward the Blue Devils.

Lancaster Catholic 42, Camp Hill 41 (2OT):

Andy Shay: Camp Hill 31, Lancaster Catholic 20: Four vital ingredients return for a Lions squad that won District 3 gold and showed up in the PIAA quarterfinals. Sure they lost some dudes, but LC isn’t ready for a mature offense at this point.

Andy Sandrik: Camp Hill 28, Lancaster Catholic 24: From where I’m sitting — the reclining chair in my living room — it seems like the Lions have a core group of guys that just live and breathe for these heart-stopping games that come down to the last possession. That is a good thing, because I think Camp Hill is going to be in more than a few of those games this fall. 

Adam Kulikowski: Camp Hill 35, Lancaster Catholic 21: The Lions brand of football is built on slinging the rock–and with all-state QB Drew Branstetter back for another circuit at the helm, the Lions should feel good even as they search for the next set of receivers to compliment its offense.

Minersville 39, Halifax 0:

Andy Shay: Minersville 35, Halifax 14: Too many questions at the skill positions for a Halifax side that took some steps forward a year ago but was hit pretty hard by graduation. Tough opening matchup for the Wildcats no way around it.

Andy Sandrik: Minersville 32, Halifax 9: The Miners return way too many varsity-seasoned guys for me to see this matchup going any other way. 

Adam Kulikowski: Minersville 45, Halifax 14: Experience pays and the Miners have it while the Wildcats are looking to rebuild again. 

James Buchanan 15, York County Tech 14:

Andy Shay: York County Tech 21, James Buchanan 14: Still feels like a toss-up game but until JB wins one of these 50-50 affairs going with the winner of this close tilt from a year ago.

Andy Sandrik: York County Tech 19, James Buchanan 7: This is probably the most winnable game on the schedule. For both teams. 

Adam Kulikowski: York County Tech 27, James Buchanan 6: Both clubs likely have circled this one on their calendar as a moment where they could potentially enjoy some celebratory root beers. 

Lewisburg 26, Line Mountain 23:

Andy Shay: Line Mountain 27, Lewisburg 14: I expect the Green Dragons to offer some serious resistance and give the Eagles a stern test. Just the firepower and defensive prowess of what is known about LM pushes them to favorites status.

Andy Sandrik: Line Mountain 30, Lewisburg 17: This pick is less about what I think about Lewisburg and more about what we know about Line Mountain. The Eagles have all the pieces to put together a splendid season, and could very well seize this opener.

Adam Kulikowski: Line Mountain 41, Lewisburg 14: It wasn’t long ago that we were waiting for this group of young bucks to find their footing. They did that last year, ticking off nine victories. Can this club make the next step this year? 

Steelton-Highspire 69, Fairfield 0:

Andy Shay: Steelton-Highspire 35, Fairfield 14: After a four-year run where 40 points were expected, a lot has changed for the Rollers entering 2024. This season will be a grind and might include as many losses as wins perhaps. This game still feels like vintage Rollers, though.

Andy Sandrik: Steelton-Highspire 45, Fairfield 9: The Rollers just graduated their best class in school history, but it won’t seem that way when this game goes final.

Adam Kulikowski: Steelton-Highspire 48, Fairfield 13: Expectations might not be as high for the Roller this season, but on this day that high-octane offense will look just fine. 

West Perry 58, Susquenita 0:

Andy Shay: West Perry 28, Susquenita 7: Mustangs suffered some massive production losses, but have enough meat on the bone to be very intriguing and competitive for sure. The Blackhawks lost practically all of their offensive firepower and once again are breaking in a new coaching staff.

Andy Sandrik: West Perry 36, Susquenita 7: The Mustangs will be playing with 12 men on the field — the 12th being the spirit of former player Tyler Wonders, who passed suddenly this week — so it’s hard to imagine the Blackhawks staying in this ballgame for any extended period of time. 

Adam Kulikowski: West Perry 34, Susquenita 7: Even with a slew of losses to graduation, the Mustangs program simply has more firepower and a more established coaching staff. 

Boiling Springs 35, Littlestown 7:

Andy Shay: Littlestown 32, Boiling Springs 14: Yeah the T-Bolts have some losses to overcome, but right now the Bubblers seem behind the York County squad in terms of the power curve. BoS defense has to be better to be competitive, that’s the bottom line.

Andy Sandrik: Littlestown 23, Boiling Springs 14: The Thunderbolts lost some talent to graduation, much like everyone else, but they have been a consistent program with seven winning seasons over the last eight years. A win is possible for the Bubblers, but they’ll have to earn it.

Adam Kulikowski: Littlestown 30, Boiling Springs 21: Ok, I’m speculating a bit here as we know Littlestown will be reloading at many of its skill positions. Call it recency bias, but I’ll run with the team with more recent success–and that is Littletown. 

Bethlehem Catholic 28, East Pennsboro 14:

Andy Shay: Bethlehem Catholic 31, East Pennsboro 14: A year ago this would have been a tough tilt for the Panthers with all their talent and experience. A good bit of that is gone and BC is reloading and that will show.

Andy Sandrik: Bethlehem Catholic 28, East Pennsboro 14: Whether East Pennsboro is in a rebuilding or reloading season, it might not make a difference against BC, the defending District 11 4A champion.

Adam Kulikowski: Bethlehem Catholic 48, East Pennsboro 21: Last year Bethlehem Catholic streaked from a five-game winning streak to a five-game losing streak to a District 11 4A championship. Steadying the ups and downs will help BC make a run at defending its title. 

Middletown 31, Donegal 24:

Andy Shay: Middletown 21, Donegal 14: Not sure the Blue Raiders are going to be relevant in the division, but this is an opportunity where it feels like they are on more equal footing. Have to be better up front to have any shot.

Andy Sandrik: Middletown 21, Donegal 20: Middletown has to like its chances at home against an Indians squad that lost most of its skill players from last fall’s three-win season.

Adam Kulikowski: Middletown 28, Donegal 14: Can the Blue Raiders begin to reestablish themselves as a contender? The jury is still out. But a win in Week 1 would be a good way to set the tone for the season. 

Allentown Central Catholic 18, Trinity 0:

Andy Shay: Allentown Central Catholic 28, Trinity 7: Yeah these two clubs are embarking on “seasons of change” but the T-Rocks have simply been turned upside down this offseason.

Andy Sandrik: Allentown Central Catholic 18, Trinity 10: The Vikings have been ravaged by graduation losses and the transfer of their starting QB and top receivers. Trinity, a team replacing a blue-chip RB and a head coach, can relate. 

Adam Kulikowski: Allentown Central Catholic 33, Trinity 10: These are uncertain times at Trinity where a their stud running back transferred and their esteemed head coach departed after the conclusion of last season. It’ll take some time to regain their footing.

Saturday, August 24

Selinsgrove 14, Juniata 7:

Andy Shay: Selinsgrove 28, Juniata 17: Make no mistake about it, the Indians are going to make some noise in the Capital Division this season. Playing a team of this caliber will only help, but winning would be an upset. I could be wrong, often am.

Andy Sandrik: Selinsgrove 21, Juniata 14: Talk about getting thrown into deep waters! This is a tough matchup for Juniata, but the Indians have a defense that can keep this game much closer than most folks might expect.

Adam Kulikowski: Selinsgrove 35, Juniata 28: If Juniata plays up to its potential, this matchup will be a one-score difference in the final stanza. 

Williams Valley 21, Upper Dauphin 7:

Andy Shay: Williams Valley 27, Upper Dauphin 25: Both these squads are looking to find answers to serious production questions on the offensive side of the ball. True flip the coin game for me here. 

Andy Sandrik: Upper Dauphin 39, Williams Valley 34: Gosh, this matchup has me feeling nostalgic about the old TVL. I have no idea who’s going to win, but I get the sense there could be a thousand TDs on the board before the end of the night. 

Adam Kulikowski: Upper Dauphin 34, Williams Valley 27: The Vikings relied so much on Alex Achenbach last year that it makes you wonder how quickly they will be able to turn the page in 2024. 

Bishop McDevitt 45, Mount St. Josephs 15:

Andy Shay: Bishop McDevitt 32, Mount St. Joseph 14: The league the Gaels play in is high quality and they will ask some interesting questions of the Crusaders. I’m riding McD enjoying an advantage up front to pull away and separate.

Andy Sandrik: Bishop McDevitt 30, Mount St. Joseph 21: I don’t think this is necessarily a blowout kind of game for the Crusaders, who have to reload at several defensive positions before they can officially be considered a contender for the top spot in the Commonwealth Division.

Adam Kulikowski: Bishop McDevitt 35, Mount St. Joseph 24: Stone Saunder’s quest to top recently-graduated Steel-High QB Alex Erby’s career passing record of 13,562 begins tonight for the senior Kentucky commit. Saunders enters play in Week 1 with 10,142 yards.

La Salle College 45, Harrisburg 7:

Andy Shay: Harrisburg 28, La Salle College 21: Before the first real snap is taken the Cougars are facing major adversity as Pitt recruit and starting QB Shawn Lee Jr. was ruled ineligible for the 2024 season earlier this week. Not like the Cougars are a one-trick pony by any stretch, but La Salle is no easy out, either.

Andy Sandrik: Harrisburg 34, La Salle College 21: I wouldn’t recommend ever picking against Harrisburg this regular season, but if you’re insistent on doing so, make sure it’s early while the Cougars are still working on ironing out the kinks.

Adam Kulikowski: Harrisburg 28, La Salle College 27: Look for the Cougars to lean on their highly touted transfers at running back as they adjust to life without QB Shawn Lee Jr. 

Juniata Valley 35, Newport 7:

Andy Shay: Juniata Valley 36, Newport 7: Being competitive over four quarters is a stretch for the Buffaloes recently and this JV squad has some bark to its bite.

Andy Sandrik: Juniata Valley 30, Newport 12: The Hornets bring back too many returners from their 7-4 season to have me believe the Buffs can stay in this game for a full four quarters.

Adam Kulikowski: Juniata Valley 45, Newport 7: No one likes to predict blowouts, but the reality is that the Buffaloes face another uphill battle as they look to regain their form. 

Susquehanna Township 36, Penn Hills 30:

Andy Shay: Susquehanna Township 27, Penn Hills 14: This won’t be a soft opener for the Tribe, but the stability at QB and an elite weapon on the outside will be a difference-maker on the road.

Andy Sandrik: Susquehanna Township 28, Penn Hills 21: Penn Hills has to start over at QB thanks to the graduation of Julian Dugger, now a freshman for the Pitt Panthers. Hanna’s stability at QB with TD Evans, combined with a deadly receiver in Lex Cyrus, gives me plenty of reason to believe the Tribe can steal a win on the road.

Adam Kulikowski: Susquehanna Township 45, Penn Hills 28: Our odds-on favorite to win the Colonial Division, Twp. will showcase the firepower on offense that makes them a fearsome bunch. 

Andy Shay’s Elite 11 Preseason Rankings

Andy Shay
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Andy Shay’s Elite 11 Preseason Rankings
11. Lower Dauphin0-0NR
Giving the Falcons a preseason call in the Elite 11. Snuck into the District 3 Class 5A playoffs and have so many returning players across the board on both sides of the ball, winning eight or nine games is not an unrealistic expectation.
10. Wyomissing0-0NR
Fully aware the Spartans lost a dozen key contributors from a year ago. But doesn’t that seem to be the case almost every year and Wyo just continues to win game after game? I think this defense is going to be tough to crack in ‘24.
9. Cocalico0-0NR
Yeah the Eagles literally are starting over up front offensively. Lost everybody including both tight ends and several quality back-ups who stepped in when needed. All gone. Skill positions bring some pop to the table, but up front and how that shakes out will reveal all.
8.Dallastown0-0NR
Time for the Wildcats to perform like a team that belongs instead of just on the outside looking in. They have a pair of all-state caliber wideouts and a returning quarterback to pull the trigger. When you have more than a dozen starters back the bar should be raised, right?
7. State College0-0NR
Might be a little different look offensively with the shuffle of star RB D’Antae Sheffey from the 814 (State College) to the 717 (Harrisburg). Up front they are as good as anybody around and Eddie Corkey is sneaky good and is ready to flourish in a bigger role if called upon.
6. Cumberland Valley0-0NR
All QB Grant Shepley did was go 5-1 as the Eagles’ starter a year ago and made an offense that could barely move have more spark and life. The distance this squad traveled a year ago, starting from 1-4 to become a playoff team, will show out of the gate in 2024.
5. Manheim Central0-0NR
All about who steps up at the skill positions for the Barons in 2024 that will tell the tale of the tape. Plenty of competition for those spots, but real high level action is limited after nearly every major contributor from a year ago departed. But we know MC is not starting from scratch. They will be relevant.
4. Manheim Township0-0NR
There will be some questions that need answers in the passing game, but the Blue Streaks have a two-way stud in Declan Clancy to lead the ground game and is a missile on defense. Like what they will start out with up front and that still matters.
3. Central York0-0NR
Fully aware they lost 11 starters including several Division I recruits on both sides of the ball. CY has not lost a league game in five years. That is the most dominant stretch by one team these four eyes have ever seen.
2. Bishop McDevitt0-0NR
Lots of new for the Crusaders this year starting with a shift to the Commonwealth Division and a more quality week-to-week schedule including renewing acquaintances with former Market Street neighbor Harrisburg. How about a new turf field at The Roc – always nice. What hasn’t changed is the prolific passing of star QB and Kentucky recruit Stone Saunders.
1. Harrisburg0-0NR
Three consecutive District 3 Class 6A titles says this squad does more reloading the rebuilding. The eligibility of star QB and Pitt recruit Sean Lee, Jr. will play a huge role for the Cougars. But they are far more than a one-trick pony.

High school football season previews 2024: Mid-Penn Keystone predicted finish, players to watch and more

Andy Sandrik
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High school football season previews 2024: Mid-Penn Keystone predicted finish, players to watch and more

For the first time since 2019 the Mid-Penn Keystone Division will crown a champion not named Bishop McDevitt.

That’s because the high-powered Crusaders have made the move to take on the 6A giants of the rugged Commonwealth Division. McDevitt leaves behind Keystone playmates Hershey, Lower Dauphin, Palmyra, Mifflin County, and Red Land, with the new-look division being rounded out by former Colonial squads Gettysburg Mechanicsburg, Northern, Shippensburg, and Waynesboro.

What do all 10 of these teams have in common? None finished higher than third in their respective division last year, meaning that no matter which team wins this fall, it will be a surprise. 

Picking a winner in a division full of underdogs is no easy undertaking, but we’re going to take a shot. 

With defense setting the tone, we like Lower Dauphin and Mechanicsburg to lead the way with their groups of returning players, with Hershey, Northern York, Shippensburg, and Gettysburg giving close chase. We’ve picked Red Land, Palmyra, Waynesboro, and Mifflin County to round out the standings, but make no mistake there are no easy outs in this division.

Our crystal ball tells us this division will beat up on itself every week, and we could very well see a division champion with two or more losses. Buckle up!

Projected division standings: Lower Dauphin, Mechanicsburg, Hershey, Northern York, Shippensburg, Gettysburg, Red Land, Palmyra, Waynesboro, Mifflin County.

Lower Dauphin Falcons

Predicted finish: 1st

Coach: Josh Borreli

Record last season: 6-5, 4-3 Keystone (3rd place)

Team outlook: With a solid group of returning all-stars, Lower Dauphin is optimistic about the prospect of moving up the Keystone pecking order. It starts on defense for the Falcons, who return All-Keystone LBs Hunter Strohm (6-1, 205) and Owen Tucker (6-2, 210), as well as DB Wes Heagy (5-11, 180). Strohm and Tucker combined for more than 130 tackles, including 14 tackles for loss, while Heagy racked up 64 tackles and defended two passes. Expect Lower Dauphin to move the ball offensively, as the team returns its top passer and receiver, along with junior Hunter Stoak, a 6-foot-2, 255-pound OL. The Falcons are projected to return starting QB Carter Burton, who threw for 872 yards and five TDs, while also rushing 120 times for 784 yards and 13 TDs. Heagy, who caught 11 passes for 250 yards and 3 TDs last season, will be counted on for increased production this fall, as will RB Gerald Sanders (89-612-6). Games in the Keystone could be tight this season, so look for punter/kicker Brandon Fritz to be a difference-maker in the win-loss column.

One player to watch: Carter Burton. There’s not a high school football team in America that wouldn’t want an experienced senior QB in saddle for the upcoming season. Lower Dauphin happens to have a good one in 6-foot, 205-pound signal-caller Carter Burton. His presence in the backfield forces opponents to account for his quick legs, which benefit the Falcons in both the passing and rushing attack. Burton can scramble away from a broken pocket and deliver strikes on the run, but his biggest value to Lower Dauphin just might be his efficiency on designed QB running plays. An elusive runner who is good at following his blockers, Burton averaged 6.5 yards per carry last fall and found the end zone 13 times. With Burton running the show, look for Lower Dauphin’s offense to be calm and productive in the storm that is the Keystone Division.

Mechanicsburg Wildcats

Predicted finish: 2nd

Coach: Dave Heckard

Record last season: 5-5, 4-3 Colonial (4th place)

Team outlook: Already known as one of the top wrestling coaches in the area, Heckard will put his football know-how to the test as takes over a Wildcats program seeking its first winning season since 2021. Heckard, also the head coach of Mechanicsburg’s wrestling squad, inherits an intact Wildcats team with quality returners on both sides of the ball. Two returning all-star defensive ends — junior Collin Stare (6-2, 210) and senior Willie Travis (6-1, 180) — combined for four sacks last season and will be looking to once again make life miserable for opposing QBs. Look for the Stare-Travis combo to create rushed passes, creating open season in the secondary for DBs Jack DeLuca (5-10, 155) and Josh Smith (6-1, 170) to go hunting for interceptions. Speaking of Smith, he will be counted on to provide the spark as a WR after generating a 1,000-yard season last fall. Throwing the passes to Smith will be senior QB Eli Reider (6-1, 175), who completed 175 of 278 passes for 2,358 yards, to go along with 25 TDs and nine INTs. Reider’s backfield mate, RB Isaac Dollman, combined for nearly 900 rushing and receiving yards last fall. If the Wildcats can quickly adapt to their new coach, look for them to, at the very least, finish in the top half of the standings.

One player to watch: Josh Smith. Mechanicsburg is lucky to get one more season with senior WR/DB Smith, who set Mechanicsburg’s single-season TD reception record with 16 scoring grabs last fall. Standing at 6-foot-1, 170-pounds, Smith’s height makes him a tough receiver to cover, especially near the end zone, where a pass lofted in Smith’s direction is about the closest thing you can get to a guaranteed TD. Smith, who totaled 72 catches for 1,022 yards last fall, has superb footwork that enables him to shake off diving tacklers and run right around DBs. With crisp route running and reliable hands, look for Smith to once again shine as one of the division’s premier wide receivers. We could stop the conversation right there with Smith’s abilities as a pass catcher, but that would be a disservice to his defensive prowess, which made a First Team Colonial selection at DB last fall. Smith registered 25 tackles, while picking off a pass, recovering a fumble, and blocking two extra points. With a been-there, done-that guy in Smith to lead Mechanicsburg, look for the Wildcats to hang tough in a challenging Keystone Division.

Hershey Trojans

Predicted finish: 3rd

Coach: Mark Painter

Record last season: 9-4, 4-3 Keystone (4th place)

Team outlook: Hershey took a step forward last season with a pound-the-rock offense led by a battering ram of a running back, Angel Cabrera, who accounted for nearly 1,800 yards and 26 TDs. Cabrera is gone this fall, as are fellow First Team Keystone all-star linemen Tucker Valoczki and Cory Schaffer. That leaves Carter Kelin (84-365-2) as Hershey’s top returning rusher, along with QB Cam Sweeney (56-258-3). The Trojans will need increased production from these two players — as well as returning all-star center Ethan Castillo — as Hershey spends the early part of the season discovering its identity. Sweeney, who threw for 737 yards and four TDs last season, will be aiming to deliver the ball to a new stable of ball-catchers: TE Aiden Edelman (6-0, 205) and WRs Grant Later (5-11, 165) and James Campbell (6-5, 215). The Trojans return seven starters on defene, including Keystone First Team DB Sweeney (26 tackles, 3 INTs) and Second Team LB Sean Elliot (70 tackles). Hershey’s success this season will depend greatly on how fast the team’s new group of role-players can gel against a division that is trying to tear the Trojans down on a weekly basis.

One player to watch: Cam Sweeney. The top returning playmaker for Hershey will need a big season if the Trojans are hoping to repeat their success from 2023. Sweeney, a 6-foot-2 QB and DB, showed flashes of greatness as a sophomore last season. At QB, Sweeney showcased his skills as both a runner and a scrambler. When Sweeney is in motion, he is athletic enough to take off and run for the first down, and also possesses the awareness to keep his eyes downfield and deliver clutch throws. Defensively, Sweeney boasts solid field vision and not only has a strong sense of where the ball is, but also where it will be delivered. Sweeney is a solid fundamental tackler, who also has the hops to go up with a receiver and wrestle the ball away.

Northern York Polar Bears

Predicted finish: 4th

Coach: Bill Miller

Record last season: 3-7, 2-5 Colonial (7th place)

Team outlook: There’s no question about it, the Polar Bears are going to miss the mythical Cole Bartram, the man who once ran for NINE touchdowns in a single high school football game. It’s impossible to completely fill the shoes of the Colonial’s Offensive and Defensive POY, but the Polar Bears are set to give it a shot. Northern’s defense should be able to adjust well to the graduation of Bartram, with a solid core of returning all-stars that include DL Trey Tyree, LB Brandon Wiley, and DB Austin Miller, a group that accounted for more than 160 tackles last fall. Replacing Bartram on offense will be much harder, but RBs Tyree (11-63-0) and Gabe Johnson (12-57-1) will look to make the most out of more carries. QB Grady Bonin returns for his junior season after throwing for nearly 700 yards and 4 TDs last season. Our crystal ball tells us points will be hard to come by for Northern, but if the Polar Bears can keep games close this year, look for their special teams to give them a much-needed edge. Northern has a pair of reliable kickers in Nolan Wimbrough (4 for 4 field goals, 49.0 kickoff average) and Anna Lehman (22 of 25 extra points), not to mention a solid punter (33.0 average) and kick returner (15.6 average) in Johnson.

One player to watch: Gabe Johnson. For the past eight years, Northern has developed the blueprint on how to develop the ideal high school RB/LB combo: Find the toughest wrestler, put him on the field as a freshman, and watch him become a stud by his senior year. Opponents who have had to face Cole Bartram, and Kyle Swartz before him, should know this formula all too well. Only time can tell, but it appears Northern has found another man, Johnson, to help shoulder the load for the Polar Bears. As a freshman last fall, Johnson was a regular in Northern’s linebacking corps, and he also gave his team solid reps as a rusher, punter, and kick returner. Did we mention he also won 33 matches and a section title as a wrestler? On the football field, Johnson’s strength is in his defense, where the hard hitter excels in disguising blitzes and tracking down the ball carrier. Even if the play is on the other side of the field, he can create the angles to meet his opponents in a hurry. Johnson’s sample size as an RB is small, but on film, he protects the ball and rumbles through defenders with aggression. If Johnson continues to develop in his sophomore season, look for Northern to surprise opponents with a certain 5-foot-11, 180-pound wrecking ball leading the way.

Shippensburg Greyhounds

Predicted finish: 5th

Coach: Eric Foust

Record last season: 4-6, 3-4 Colonial (6th place)

Team outlook: There’s good news and bad news for Shippensburg, which makes a fresh start in the Keystone after suffering its first losing season since 2006 last fall. The good news is the Greyhounds return almost all of their skill players on offense, including junior QB Brady Maciejewski (5-9, 170), who completed 54 of 110 passes for 762 yards and 4 TDs last fall. He’s joined in the backfield by a trio of RBs who share the workload — Janye Statum (114-486-6), Patrick Eichelberger (108-446-4), and Mark Carothers (57-205-1) — and a couple of reliable WRs in Aydin Mentzer (15-119-0) and Elijah Bailey (7-140-1). A year older and a year stronger, we fully expect this collection of players to improve upon Shippensburg’s 2023 scoring average of 13.4 points per game. Ready for the bad news? The Greyhounds’ defense, which allowed just 16.5 points per contest last fall, has to pick up the pieces after graduating five players who earned Keystone all-star nods. If Ship can plug some of those defensive holes, we see no reason why the Greyhounds can’t return to their winning ways this fall.

One player to watch: Janye Statum. The Greyhounds’ top returning rusher is the prototypical Shippensburg running back. He picks up a head of steam in the backfield and from there, it’s all about using his 6-foot frame to punish defenders and break through one level after another. Statum seems to seek out contact and keeps his legs chugging, even when a tackle is all but completed. It’s not uncommon to see entire piles being moved, with Statum in the center of the scrum. His blue-collar running style generated 4.3 yards per carry and he also showed flashes of bright play catching passes in the flats and bowling over defenders who stood in his way. If Statum and his backfield mates — Patrick Eichelberger (4.1 ypc) and Mark Carothers (3.6 ypc) — can help Shippensburg control the clock on offense, it could make a world of a difference for a fresh-faced ‘Hounds defense looking to find its way.

Gettysburg Warriors

Predicted finish: 6th

Coach: Matt Heiser

Record last season: 4-6, 3-4 Colonial (5th place)

Team outlook: Gettysburg’s Warriors will be the first to tell you that last fall’s losing season — the first since 2015 — was a disappointment. They went 1-3 to start the season and ended their campaign with three straight losses, allowing 32.9 points per game in the process. The good news for Gettysburg is that it gets a fresh start in a new division this fall, with roster pieces that are more than capable of putting together a winning season. It starts with a potent offensive backfield that’s anchored by senior QB Brady Heiser (6-0, 200) and junior RB Preston Burnett (5-10, 180), a pair of Second Team Colonial all-stars who bring back more than 2,500 yards of combined offense. Heiser completed 143 of 242 passes for 1,868 yards, with 18 TDs and six INTs, while also rushing for more than 500 yards and 16 TDs. The offense will need to answer questions in the trenches, where the Warriors lose four all-star caliber players to graduation, and Heiser would be thrilled to have another target in the passing game to complement Shayde Shultz (41-582-5). On the other side of the ball, look for Gettysburg to generate pressure up front on the strength of DLs Charles Norman (6-2, 275) and Chris Miller (5-10, 205). Shultz, a second-team DB in the Colonial, will patrol the secondary alongside Honorable Mention selection Maurici Escobar. These players will be counted on to pick up the slack for a defensive unit that loses four all-star players to graduation. Expect Gettysburg to be competitive on a weekly basis in the Keystone, and perhaps reach a winning record for the 10th time in 12 seasons.

One player to watch: Preston Burnett. This 5-foot-10, 180-pound RB showcased sharp vision and patience while carrying the rushing load for Gettysburg as a sophomore last season. Burnett averaged 5.3 yards per carry in a season where he toted the ball 241 times for 1,279 yards and six TDs. He won’t simply rush a hole, but rather let the blocking develop and use quick acceleration to get himself to the next level and beyond. This field IQ pays off not only in the backfield, where Burnett thrives running between the tackles but also in the kickoff return game, where he can be trusted to make quick decisions in traffic. It takes more than one man to bring down Burnett, who possesses the technical skill to step around opponents and the strength to move entire scrums of players. Capable of catching the ball and making plays in open space, Burnett promises to be the straw that stirs the drink for Gettysburg and could be the difference for a Warriors squad that is trying to quickly back on a winning track.

Red Land Patriots

Predicted finish: 7th

Coach: Eric Depew

Record last season: 2-8, 1-6 Keystone (7th place)

Team outlook: There are no returning all-stars for Red Land, but the Patriots bring back a solid core of players who are hoping to nail down their first winning season since 2016. Junior QB Quinlin Shearer (6-3, 185) and senior RB Dominic Woodruff (5-11, 185) guide a balanced offense that will be aiming to improve upon last year’s scoring average of 13.7 points per game. Look for WRs Brady Seyler (6-1, 195) and Anthony Shay (5-10, 155) to help stretch the field for Shearer, and for OLs Devin Driscoll (6-3, 295) and Isaiah Ambush (6-0, 190) to hold down the front line. On the other side of the ball, Red Land returns a group of defenders that includes the likes of DE Ambush, CBs Seyler and Shay, OLB Woodruff, and NG Jake Owen. All of these returners, and the role players around them, will need to elevate their game on a weekly basis to take steps forward in the gauntlet that is the Keystone Division.

One player to watch: Quinlin Shearer. Just a junior, Shearer is lining up under center for his third year as Red Land’s starting QB. The 6-foot-3, 185-pound signal-caller possesses a good pocket presence and knows how to step into a throw. A great scrambler under duress, Shearer exudes calmness and keeps his eyes downfield, making accurate throws even while being flushed out of the pocket. Blitzers beware, Shearer has the elusiveness to shake off would-be sackers and take off for big yardage. With a well-seasoned Shearer guiding the ship, Red Land has to be confident about its chances of moving up the ladder in the Keystone.

Palmyra Cougars

Predicted finish: 8th

Coach: Chris Pavone

Record last season: 2-8, 0-7 Keystone (8th place)

Team outlook: Palmyra wasn’t feeling sorry for itself after last year’s two-win campaign. That’s because the Cougars have been busy putting in at least three days of work a week in the weight room since Thanksgiving. At the center of the action has been Palmyra’s lone returning Keystone all-star: Senior OL Beau Toler. The 5-foot-11, 245-pound Toler recently power cleaned 275 pounds to shatter the school record, and now he and his Cougar cohorts are eager to test out their gains on a Keystone Division that has done some beefing up of its own. Toler, a 20-game starter in the trenches for Palmyra, will pave the way for a backfield that includes experienced RBs Braxtin Risser (113-661-5) and Justin Kaplan (66-375-3), with senior QB Ryan Kowalski (5-7, 150) ready to return for his second year leading the offense. Last year Kowalksi completed 96 of 194 passes for 994 yards and 7 TDs. Defensively, the Cougars will lean on a core group that includes LB Joey Altebrando (5-10, 165), DE/OLB Xavier Smith (6-1, 215), and LB Kaplan (6-0, 175). We’d be lying if we said this season, the 90th for the Palmyra football program, is going to be easy, but if there’s any Cougars’ group ready to take on the challenge, it’s this one. 

One player to watch: Justin Kaplan. Somewhere, there is a college program that will appreciate the versatility and gumption of RB/LB/KR Kaplan, a 6-foot and 175-pound standout for the Cougars. Using patience and smooth, long strides to average 5.7 yards per carry last season, Kaplan excels at breaking through the initial tackler and reaching the next level. Good acceleration and ball protection make Kaplan an ideal kick returner, a role that saw him take a kickoff 95 yards to paydirt last fall. Look for Kaplan to also take on an increased workload on defense, where he totaled 20 tackles and two TFLs last fall. A breakout senior season from Kaplan could certainly have an impact on Palmyra’s win-loss record, and perhaps his own college stock, as well.

Waynesboro Indians

Predicted finish: 9th

Coach: Mark Saunders

Record last season: 2-8, 1-6 Colonial (8th place)

Team outlook: Just as expected last fall, Waynesboro’s youthful squad was repeatedly punched in the mouth throughout a two-win season. But the way the Indians responded — by spitting out the blood, flashing a smile, and giving it right back to their opponents — has us wondering if Waynesboro could be in for a big rebound season this fall. The Indians made the most of their field time, slugging it out in just about all of their games last season. In the process, several bright spots emerged, including an exciting young QB in Rayshawn Hewitt, a thudding LB in Andrew Florek, and a hard-nosed sibling duo in the Nolan brothers: Nathan and Hayden. With stats reported in nine of 10 games, Hewitt threw for more than 1,000 yards and 8 TDs with a whole stable of targets that includes Nathan Nolan (22-203-0), Hayden Nolan (19-222-5), Tank Benedict (15-118-1), and Calvin Myers (23-246-0). Waynesboro also boasts a wealth of capable ballcarriers in Nathan Nolan (55-427-0), Hayden Nolan (28-141-1), Anthony Ausherman (46-212-3), and Benedict (61-257-6). Defensively, look for senior leadership from Florek, a returning Second Team Colonial all-star, who totaled 88 tackles, including 17 TFLs, and two caused fumbles. Joining Florek as key players on the defense is who else but the Nolan brothers: OLB Nathan (35 tackles, 3 passes defended, 1 fumble recovery) and CB Hayden (42 tackles, 3 INTs, 5 passes defended, 1 caused fumble). Look for the seasoned Indians, still bearing calluses from last season, to at the very least increase their win total from a year ago. 

One player to watch: Rayshawn Hewitt. Waynesboro’s signal-caller showed plenty of flashes after being thrown into the fire as a sophomore last fall. Hewitt fires quick darts and can pick opponents apart with his short- and mid-range throws, with the capability of hitting open receivers with the long ball. There is an element of electricity to Hewitt that makes him a dangerous prospect for opposing defenses. Whether it is a designed run or a broken play, he has the speed to beat the defensive end to the edge. Hewitt’s quick legs also keep passing plays alive, allowing receivers to improvise and find holes in the secondary. Look for Hewitt to keep defenders on their toes all season, and for the big plays to happen more frequently as the confidence rises and the game begins to slow down. 

Mifflin County Huskies

Predicted finish: 10th

Coach: Shane Breon

Record last season: 5-6, 3-4 Keystone (5th place)

Team outlook: The graduation gods have not been kind to Mifflin County, as the Huskies will have to press forward following the graduation of all of their top skill players. Quarterback Landen Eichhorn is gone, and so too are dynamic all-stars Deakon Scheaffer and Parker Kearns. The most notable returning skill player is WR Landon Haigh (21-324-3), so Mifflin County will need to try its luck in the Keystone with a fresh cast of characters. The defense will have to carry the day for the Huskies until the offense can get settled in. Keystone Honorable Mention selection Avery Aurand, a DE, will aim to create chaos at the line of the scrimmage after a junior season where he totaled 61 tackles. Will this be a rebuilding or reloading year for the Huskies? That all depends on how Mifflin County’s newest group of players adjust to playing under the bright lights of Friday night.

One player to watch: Avery Aurand. Mifflin County’s only returning all-star has beefed up since we last saw him and now the DE/TE will be looking to end his career with a boom. The 6-foot-1, 185-pound Aurand made an impact as a rushing end last fall, totaling five sacks and two fumble recoveries, while also recording a pass defense. Aurand wrestles for the Huskies and it shows on the football field. He has an unrelenting engine, the strength to bull rush through a blocker, and the fleet of foot to hop around plodding offensive tackles. On the other side of the ball, Aurand will give Mifflin County’s newest QB a tall target with better hands than you’d expect from a tight end. 

High school football season previews 2024: Mid-Penn Colonial predicted finish, players to watch and more

Andy Sandrik
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High school football season previews 2024: Mid-Penn Colonial predicted finish, players to watch and more

There’s only one team in the Mid-Penn Conference that is a clear-cut favorite to win a division: The Susquehanna Township Indians.

Joseph Headen’s squad returns a treasure trove of top-shelf talent in a Colonial Division where most of the teams are dealing with heavy losses. There are no guarantees, but with QB TD Evans and WR Lex Cyrus leading the charge, it’s hard for us to imagine anyone other than the Tribe winning this division.

With that said, predicting the order of the other finishers from runner-up all the way to ninth place is a much tougher task. Every one of these teams has graduated impact players that will make the going difficult this fall, yet all return pieces that lead you to believe they can have success in a division that is rebuilding as a whole.

So as you settle in for another season in the new-look Colonial, expect some quirky results, and perhaps for a new crop of stars to emerge from this wave of young players.

Projected division standings: Susquehanna Township, Big Spring, Trinity, West Perry, Milton Hershey, Boiling Springs, Middletown, East Pennsboro, Greencastle-Antrim.

Susquehanna Township Indians

Predicted finish: 1st 

Coach: Joseph Headen

Record last season: 7-4, 5-2 Colonial (2nd place)

Team outlook: With a loaded squad this fall, Susquehanna Township has a chance to do something it hasn’t done since 2015: Win a division title. That year, the Indians went 10-4 and shared a Keystone Division title with Bishop McDevitt. Susquehanna Township will be aiming to bring home a division title, and perhaps more, with one of the best QB-WR combos you’ll see in the Mid-Penn this fall. Junior TD Evans (6-1, 175) and senior WR Lex Cyrus (5-11, 165) have made a habit of dicing up opposing defenses, with WR Jarrett Kern (47-579-6) also getting in on the action. That group will have plenty of time to do the same this season with the return of all-star OLs Mason Lubold (6-0, 265), Yendor Mack (6-3, 260), and Anthony Burnett (6-2, 285). Take into account a Township defense that brings back DLs Lubold and Jayden Riley (5-10, 250), and DB Alfonso Burnett (6-1, 168), and the Tribe should very much be considered the favorites to win the Colonial this season.

One player to watch: Lex Cyrus. Catch him if you can. Susquehanna Township’s defending state champion in the 100-meter dash is certifiably the fastest man in the Mid-Penn Conference, and it shows on the football field, where he excels for the Tribe as a WR and return specialist. Cyrus’ blinding speed, combined with sharp route running, makes him a nightmare for opponents and a dream come true for South Carolina, the school he will be playing for next fall. He is a very slippery ball carrier and has a knack for turning short passes into big plays. All of these attributes carry over to the return game, where Cyrus becomes even more of a blur for would-be tacklers. With Cyrus spreading the field, look for the Indians to light up the scoreboard this fall.

Big Spring Bulldogs

Predicted finish: 2nd

Coach: Joseph Sinkovich

Record last season: 6-5, 3-3 Capital (4th place)

Team outlook: Vibes are optimistic in Newville for the Bulldogs, who bring back a number of skill players from last year’s playoff team. Big Spring returns seven offensive starters, with QB Chase Fry (6-0, 175) and RB Grant Hall (5-10, 180) set to lead the way. Hall accounted for nearly 1,500 yards as a rusher and receiver, but duplicating those numbers won’t be easy without the help of a new-look offensive line that includes Matthew Paulus (6-3, 200), Preston Alleman (5-11, 200), Davis Moore (6-0, 220), Carson Henry (6-2, 275), and TE Brexton Heckendorn (6-3, 230). Big Spring’s defense returns six starters, including LB Brady Singer (6-2, 200), who is back after logging 59 tackles last fall. Singer will be joined in the linebacking corps by Spencer Cachara (5-10, 180), Paulus, and Hall, with DE Heckendorn and DL Henry looking to make an impact upfront. All-star kicker Landen Mayer (6-2, 175) will be counted on for clutch field goals in tight games. Big Spring returns more talent than many of the teams in the Colonial, so if this group can gel quickly, their experience advantage could pay large dividends.  

One player to watch: Grant Hall. There are plenty of playmakers on the Big Spring offense, but none more dynamic than Hall, a 5-foot-10, 180-pound RB. Not only did Hall give the Bulldogs a 1,000-yard rushing campaign last fall, averaging 8.4 yards per carry and scoring 10 TDs, but he also made an impact in the receiving game where he hauled in 21 catches for 419 yards and 5 TDs. Hall’s feet are always chopping as he bobs and weaves through traffic, and with good balance and acceleration — not to mention a little bit of hustle — he’s able to transform broken plays into first downs and touchdowns. Hall boasts a 4.48 40-yard dash time, and he takes advantage of that speed when he splits out wide to play receiver. If Big Spring’s fresh-faced offensive line can pull together, don’t be surprised if Hall’s numbers — and the Bulldogs’ win total — are even bigger this season.

Trinity Shamrocks

Predicted finish: 3rd

Coach: Kevin Yarnevich

Record last season: 8-4, 4-3 Capital (3rd place)

Team outlook: When it comes to predicting the Trinity Shamrocks, your guess is just as good as ours. They are projected to return several key players, like two-way Capital all-stars Christian Joy and Chris Thompson, but the team will be trying to find their way with a new head coach and quarterback. The team will also be looking to replace the production of star RB Messiah Mickens, who is now at Harrisburg. Joy, an RB, and OL Thompson (5-10, 250) will look to guide an offense that is projected to return RB PJ Dent (29-89-1) and WRs Tanie Young (9-120-4) and Ishmael Palmer (2-97-1). Trinity should be OK on defense, where they return a trio of First Team Capital selections DL Thompson (40 tackles), LB Jacob Ness (133 tackles, 6 TFLs, 2 sacks), and DB Amil Way (33 tackles). The Shamrocks’ defensive unit is also expected to return LBs Hayden Johnson (5-10, 205), Marcus Yeager (6-3, 215), and Quincy Smith (6-2, 220), NG Aiden Arias (5-10, 205), and SS Payton Schaffner (6-2, 190). The parts seem to be there for the Shamrocks, but their season will come down to how quickly they can adjust to a flurry of off-season changes to the program.

One player to watch: Christian Joy. With Messiah Mickens’ transfer to Harrisburg, Joy becomes the primary go-to player in the Trinity offense. Joy, a 5-foot-9, 170-pound RB and return specialist, brings back 719 rushing and 210 receiving yards, to go along with six combined TDs. Joy is a scrappy player with a nice burst. He breaks through arm-tackles and doesn’t give up on plays. Joy is excellent at running the screen play and following his blockers, and he will stiff-arm or juke out defenders that get in his way. Trinity will be counting on Joy to be the portrait of consistency, as the Shamrocks settle into the season and discover their identity.

West Perry Mustangs

Predicted finish: 4th

Coach: Bob Boden

Record last season: 11-2, 5-1 Capital (2nd place)

Team outlook: It’s easy to believe that West Perry will be in a rebuilding year after graduating a strong senior class that helped the Mustangs average 49.9 points per game last fall. But if you take a closer look, WP returns plenty of quality players who can once again make an impact. Leading the charge is Brad Hockenberry (5-10, 180), a two-way Capital all-star at RB and LB last fall. Running behind Honorable Mention all-star center Connor Fleisher (5-10, 200), Hockenberry will be counted on to handle the bulk of the carries as the Mustangs attempt to replace their starting QB and top WR. Three other returning West Perry RBs — Evan Jutba (5-8, 160), Grady Reisinger, and Jenson Hockenberry-Folk — combined for nearly 700 rushing yards and 8 TDs last fall. West Perry returns all-star caliber talent on the defensive side, as well, with DL Quade Boden (5-10, 215) and Hockenberry. Several others were active on the defensive unit last season, including LB Hockenberry-Folk (82 tackles, 11.5 TFLs, 2 sacks, 1 INT), DBs Cole Brown (31 tackles, 2 INTs, 3 pass breakups) and Trent Hockenberry (41 tackles, 1 INT, 8 pass breakups), DLs Cayden Sturgeon (32 tackles, 3.5 TFLs, 2 sacks) and Nic Oerman (27 tackles, 2.5 TFLs). It would be wise for opponents not to underestimate the Mustangs this season.

One player to watch: Brad Hockenberry. This 5-foot-10, 180-pound RB/LB will is projected to be West Perry’s big man on campus after a brilliant junior season last fall. On offense, he returns nearly 1,200 rushing yards and 12 TDs, to go along with 159 receiving yards and a TD. Hockenberry runs with big, strong strides and won’t be brought down with arm tackles. He’s deceptively quick and can juke out defenders or just run right past them. Hockenberry is a strong blocker who has been known to pancake blitzing linebackers. This strength translates to the defensive side of the ball, where Hockenberry totaled 44 tackles, 6.5 TFLs, 4 sacks, 1 INT, 2 pass breakups, 1 forced fumble, and 1 blocked kick. Hockenberry also wears the hat of kick returner, a job that saw him average 26.5 yards per return last season. With Hockenberry helping to guide the ship, look for “rebuilding” West Perry to be competitive on a weekly basis.

Milton Hershey Spartans

Predicted finish: 5th

Coach: Jeff Boger

Record last season: 6-6, 3-4 Keystone (6th place)

Team outlook: After losing many of their prized skill players to graduation, the Spartans will be looking to instead bully their way through the Colonial this fall with a sizable group of trench warriors. Keystone all-stars OL Christian Bryant (6-2, 295) and junior DL Malachi Toles (5-9, 220) highlight Milton Hershey’s group of big men, a unit that also includes the likes of OL/DL Mark Reid (6-1, 265), OL/DL Connor Miller (6-0, 240), Zyair Pernsley (5-11, 174), and Sinai Mayer (6-2, 205). With these dudes controlling the line of scrimmage, lanes should be open for HB/LB Damian Mattos (5-7, 160) and RB/LB Anthony Taylor (5-9, 175) to make plays on both sides of the ball. Receiver and defensive back should also be a strength for the Spartans, who are eager to get to work with a group of players that includes Parris Blackston (5-9, 170), Keon Lovitt (5-10, 155), Isaiah Zoegar (5-8, 160), and Alex Cruz-Wright (5-7, 150). Milton Hershey will need to identify a QB to deliver the ball to this stable of receivers, but whoever the Spartans select should have an extra second or two given the wall of protection they will have in front of them. In a Colonial where nearly every team is dealing with graduation losses, Milton Hershey’s size and physicality could give them a decisive edge.

One player to watch: Christian Bryant. The baddest man on the Milton Hershey offensive line is the punishing left tackle, the 6-foot-2, 295-pound Bryant. In one of the more violent highlight films you can watch, Bryant’s stretch is apparent early. One shove is all it takes to pancake most defenders, and those who are able to stay on their feet usually find themselves getting trucked 10 yards downfield. Bryant is a big man, but he has plenty of spring in his step when he’s hustling to lead block on a screen play. As a defensive end, Bryant generates a strong push toward the QB and can demand the attention of multiple blockers. If Milton Hershey outperforms expectations this season, we presume that Bryant will be a big reason why.

Boiling Springs Bubblers

Predicted finish: 6th

Coach: Brad Zell

Record last season: 2-8, 1-5 Capital (6th place)

Team outlook: With a solid corps of returners, Boiling Springs will be aiming for its first winning season since 2021. The Bubblers return two all-stars — OL Lance Schwang (6-0, 215) and P/K Preston Warner (5-11, 165) — as well as a handful of skill players: QB Zach Porter (5-11, 143), RB Javier Rosario (5-5, 142), and FB Demetri White (6-0, 195). Schwang will help pave the way up front, along with a varsity-tested group of big men that include C/DE Ethan Stouffer (5-9, 185), T/DT Ryan Bush (6-2, 265), G/DE Brodric Deitz (5-9, 189), C/T Ethan Noll (6-1, 230), and DE/TE Jonathan Wonders (6-1, 195). Expect to see plenty of two-way players, including junior SS Ryan Heller (6-0, 160), who should also make an impact at WR. In order to move up the food chain in the Colonial Division, the Bubblers will have to stay healthy and continue to improve every week.

One player to watch: Demetri White. This junior wasn’t an all-star last season, but the game film of the 6-foot, 195-pound FB/OLB stood out for us. Just a sophomore last fall, White ran like a man, using his strength to rumble through tacklers. He has good speed for a large runner, and when he accelerates into the secondary, there isn’t a DB in the Mid-Penn who wants to stand in his way. On the defensive side of the ball, White can use his big frame to muscle through the chaos at the line of scrimmage and put himself in position to make a play. His aggressive nature makes him a prime candidate for blitzing. There aren’t an abundance of superstars on the Boiling Springs roster, but if White makes that next step forward, don’t be surprised if you see him land on an all-star team this fall.

Middletown Blue Raiders

Predicted finish: 7th

Coach: Scott Govern

Record last season: 1-9, 1-5 Capital (7th place)

Team outlook: Two years removed from its “death penalty” season in 2022, the Middletown football program seems to be back on the way up. The Blue Raiders graduated their only all-star, but return seven players on offense and nine on defense to compete in the new-look Colonial Division. A pair of freshman QBs — Harrison Ortiz (6-1, 165) and Benjamin Nordai (5-11, 170) — are set to compete for the starter’s job, and they will be assisted on offense by a supporting cast of skill players that includes RBs Luis Roman (5-9, 170), Adiel Johnson, and Gavin Paul (5-8, 170), and WRs Nickayus Zenon (5-9, 172) and Genesisia Ross (5-10, 150). Look for OL’s Josh Toro (6-0, 245) and Joseph Gassert (6-0, 255) to help pave the way up front, and to help on the defensive side, as well. The Blue Raiders will be looking to improve upon their 26.9 points allowed average from last fall, and could very well do so with an experienced group that includes LBs Johnson and George Hartwick (5-10, 180), DBs Zenon and Ross, safeties Roman and Paul, and DE Annyas Hassan (6-1, 225). Toss in a returning senior kicker in Landon Keyser, and it’s easy to see why Middletown is optimistic about its chances in 2024. 

One player to watch: Genesisia Ross. Coach Govern describes the 5-foot-10, 150-pound Ross as one of the best athletes in the Mid-Penn Colonial Division. That’s high praise for a rising sophomore, but the limited tape on the DB/WR shows that Govern just might be on to something. As a defender, Ross is excellent in both anticipation — which allows him to unleash big hits at the same moment the ball is caught — and pursuit, where he can create angles and chase down a runner on the other side of the field. A capable pass catcher, Ross not only possesses speed but can switch gears to throw off defenders. Look for Ross’ playmaking abilities to not only lift Middletown’s confidence but perhaps the team’s win total, as well.

East Pennsboro Panthers

Predicted finish: 8th

Coach: John Denniston

Record last season: 9-2, 6-1 Colonial (1st place)

Team outlook: East Pennsboro played its best season in years last fall, and the Panthers finished with 20 selections to the Colonial Division all-star squad. Graduation, however, has not been kind to East Penn as only two all-stars return for the 2024 season: Seniors JJ Gossard and Ali Alami. Gossard (5-8, 175) was a two-way all-star at RB and DB last fall. He will be counted on to give East Penn good reps in the running game while the Panthers go to work replacing their starting QB, top receiver, and three offensive linemen. Junior Elliot Bruhn (55-258-2) should also get some carries. As for Alami (6-4, 220), he was also a two-way all-star as a TE, where he caught 14 passes for 196 yards, and as a kicker, where he averaged 34.2 yards on kickoffs, converted 28 of 33 PATs, and was 8 for 8 on field goals with a long of 38 yards. Defensively, DB Gossard will lead a group of returners that includes DB Cel Reed (5-10, 180), OLBs Kolton Keys (5-11, 160) and Ryan Potts (5-10, 160), DL Logan Newman (6-1, 264), as well as Bruhn (5-9, 160) and Henry Ridgley (5-9, 215). If coach Denniston can find a way to cover the Panthers’ graduation losses and contend for the division, he could be well on his way to repeating as the Colonial Coach of the Year.

One player to watch: JJ Gossard. If East Pennsboro secures another winning season, Gossard will be a big reason why. The 5-foot-8, 175-pound RB/DB was a two-way star for the Panthers, and will be the focal point of the East Penn offense this fall. He totaled 776 yards and 6 TDs on 169 carries last season and hauled in nine catches for 180 yards and 3 TDs. Gossard boasts strong acceleration, allowing him to throw would-be tacklers with starts and stops. He has the power to run effectively between the tackles, and the speed to run on the outside. Gossard has sharp footwork and soft, reliable hands that make him a prime target for dump-off passes and screen play. On the other side of the ball, Gossard is a versatile player who totaled 41 tackles, 2 TFLs, 1 sack, 1 INT, and 3 pass breakups. Look for East Pennsboro to turn to Gossard early and often for production and leadership as it breaks in several players who are new to the varsity game.

Greencastle-Antrim Blue Devils

Predicted finish: 9th

Coach: Devin McCauley

Record last season: 7-4, 4-3 Colonial (4th place)

Team Outlook: After graduating a senior class that carried the Blue Devils to the District 3 postseason, Greencastle-Antrim finds itself with more than a few holes to fill on both sides of the ball. The QB is gone, as are the Top 8 rushers, and while the Blue Devils’ top receiver — Carter McCauley (6-4, 180) — is back, five other receiving leaders have graduated. McCauley and returning all-star TE Connor Rennekamp will need to provide leadership and production for the offense, and with points coming at a premium, senior kicker Andrew Bowers will have to be just as effective as last season, when he converted 18 of 20 extra points and 4 of 6 field goals, with a long of 39 yards. The Blue Devils defense returns solid players at all three levels in DT Jeremiah Fogle (6-2, 220), MLB JD Flynn (6-0, 197), and FS McCauley. Fogle is Greencastle’s returning sack leader after getting to the QB six times last season. The Blue Devils aren’t the only team in the Colonial trying to rebound after heavy losses, so if their new cast of role players can catch on quickly, they can have a competitive team this fall.

One player to watch: Carter McCauley. Eight years ago McCauley won a Punt, Pass, & Kick competition put on by the Baltimore Ravens. Now a 6-foot-4, 180-pound senior WR/FS for the Blue Devils, McCauley will have to “do it all” more than ever as Greencastle tries to remain competitive after losing a talented group of players to graduation. As a defender, McCauley is good at keeping the ball in front of him and gets low to make sure-handed tackles. When McCauley has a sense of where the ball is going, he becomes a heat-seeking missile that can lay down the hammer. Last year he logged 39 tackles and a TFL. On offense, McCauley is coming off a season where he hauled in 39 catches for 588 yards and 5 TDs, and will provide a tall target for Greencastle’s newest QB this fall. 

High school football season previews 2024: Mid-Penn Commonwealth predicted finish, players to watch and more

Andy Sandrik
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High school football season previews 2024: Mid-Penn Commonwealth predicted finish, players to watch and more

The Mid-Penn Commonwealth Division, already regarded as one of the most rugged divisions in the state, is about to get even tougher.

Thanks to division re-alignments from the Mid-Penn, Bishop McDevitt and Cedar Cliff join a group of Commonwealth mainstays that include Harrisburg, State College, Cumberland Valley, CD East, Carlisle, Central Dauphin, Chambersburg, and Altoona. 

Only the strongest will survive the season-long grind in a physical division known for monsters in the trenches and superstars at the skill positions. As we scanned over the division’s 10-team roster, we found ourselves saying “This team could win it all” over and over again.

After careful evaluation, we’re taking Harrisburg to repeat as Commonwealth champion. The Cougars may or may not have the services of all-state QB Shawn Lee Jr., who will be facing a PIAA eligibility hearing, but Harrisburg has more than enough top-shelf talent elsewhere to be considered the favorite in every regular-season game it plays this fall.

State College brings back most of the pieces from its high-flying offense and we like the Little Lions to claim the runner-up spot over division newcomer Bishop McDevitt, a team that has holes to fill but is still as star-studded as any Commonwealth team. Cumberland Valley, Cedar Cliff, CD East, and Carlisle all have the rosters to finish higher than their predicted finish, while we anticipate Central Dauphin, Chambersburg, and Altoona will have to play catch-up in a brutal division.

Look forward to a divisional season where nearly every game will be a must-watch.

Projected division standings: Harrisburg, State College, Bishop McDevitt, Cumberland Valley, Cedar Cliff, CD East, Carlisle, Central Dauphin, Chambersburg, Altoona

Harrisburg Cougars

Predicted finish: 1st

Coach: Calvin Everett

Record last season: 12-2, 7-0 Commonwealth (1st place)

Team outlook: We’d be lying if we said it was a quiet offseason for the Harrisburg Cougars. The team has imported more than 4,000 career rushing yards and 67 TDs in the form of transfers D’Antae Sheffey (State College) and Messiah Mickens (Trinity), while its star QB Shawn Lee Jr. is set to face a PIAA hearing to determine if he’s eligible to play this season. Combine these factors with a Commonwealth Division that has expanded and it’s hard for even the most accurate crystal ball to predict what’s going to happen for the Cougars this fall. Assuming Lee returns to guide the offense, the 5-foot-11 signal caller will give Harrisburg a major dual threat on offense after a junior season where he threw for nearly 2,300 yards and 26 TDs, while also rushing for more than 1,400 yards with 19 TDs. All-star receivers Elias Coke (45-843-12) and Quincy Brannon (40-633-9) will fill their share of highlight tapes, while RBs Sheffey and Mickens could each be primed for career seasons. Trench warriors Kevin Brown (6-5, 250), Tayvon Williamson (6-0, 265), and Jyrell Britton (6-0, 210) — all returning all-stars — will allow Harrisburg to dictate the pace of games on an almost weekly basis. Good luck trying to move the ball against the Cougars daunting defense, led by DLs Brown and Britton (66 tackles, 7 sacks), DBs Lee (47 tackles, 4 INTs, 7 PDs), Brannon (49 tackles, 6 INTs, 21 pass defenses), and Kymir Williams (66 tackles, 4 INTs, 5 pass defenses, 3 caused fumbles). The Cougars have a million questions to answer this season, but even if they answer only half of those questions, they still have an excellent chance to repeat as Commonwealth champs.

One player to watch: Kevin Brown. All it took was a monster sophomore season from Brown — a 6-foot-5, 250-pound powerhouse of a lineman — to catch the attention of Penn State, a school where he is currently committed. We don’t always recommend keeping your eyes on a specific offensive lineman, especially when considering the explosive playmakers on this Harrisburg suad, but it’s worth it to witness  Brown put in a day’s work. He is strong, almost to the point of hilarity, and can be frequently found driving helpless defenders 20, even 30 yards down the field. We’re not exaggerating. Brown pancakes defensive ends and linebackers with regularity, so good luck if you’re the poor defensive back who has to stand in Brown’s way as he lead blocks for a screen play. Every way we described Brown as an offensive lineman can also be applied to the other side of the ball, whereas a DE he accumulated 58 tackles, 22 TFLs, 11.5 sacks, 10 hurries, one pass defense, and one caused fumble. So grab your popcorn, and maybe say a prayer for those opposing linemen, as we believe Brown will be locked in for another dominant fall. 

State College Little Lions

Predicted finish: 2nd

Coach: Matt Lintal

Record last season: 7-4, 6-2 Commonwealth (3rd place)

Team outlook: The big news in the offseason was the transfer of nationally-ranked RB D’Antae Sheffey from State College to Harrisburg, but we don’t believe that will be a distraction for a loaded Little Lions squad that is primed to make a run for the Commonwealth Division. Yes, State College will need to find a replacement for Steffey in the running game, but the Little Lions bring back most of the pieces from an offense that generated 32 points per game in the Mid-Penn’s toughest division last fall. State College will count on senior QB Eddie Corkery (6-2, 195) to once again lead the offense after throwing for more than 2,000 yards and 20 TDs last season. Corkery has at his disposal a 1,000-yard receiver in Ty Salazer (5-11, 173), and a gifted supporting cast of pass catchers that includes Michael Gaul (26-383-5), Cooper Brushwood (11-251-3), and Daimear Coad (15-225-2). The Little Lions are even more terrifying on defense, a unit which will be led by a pair of First Team Commonwealth selections in LB Gaul (107 tackles, 10 TFLs, 3.5 sacks, 2 INTs) and DB Salazar (47 tackles, 3 INTs, 3 passes defended). Up front, all-star DLs Sam Mayer (6-1, 250) and Nathan Haas will set the table for an experienced group of returners that includes DE Thomas Keller (6-5, 225), OLB Peyton Crane (5-10, 170), MLB Trayce Brennan (6-0, 205), and SS Robert Strayer (6-0, 185). On special teams, State College will need to replace all-star kicker/punter John Zipf, but the unit does return a capable returner in Brushwood, who averages 13.8 yards on kickoff returns and 8.5 yards on punt returns. State College is a powerful team with depth for days. We fully expect the Little Lions to finish in the Top 3 in the Commonwealth, at the very least.

One player to watch: Ty Salazer. It takes a heck of a player to nail down First Team Commonwealth honors on both sides of the ball, but Salazer — a 5-foot-11, 173-pound WR/DB — did just that as a junior last fall. Salazer brings both speed and quickness to the table and uses those gifts to run slick routes and easily get wide open. An elusive ballcarrier in the open field, with the toughness to win 50-50 balls, Salazer totaled 66 catches for 1,079 yards and nine TDs last season. In the secondary, Salazer showcased a great nose for the ball and a knack for sniffing out plays, leading to a season where he totaled 47 tackles, three INTs, three pass defenses, and one caused fumble. With men like Salazer and fellow senior leader Michael Gaul, leading State College, it’s hard to imagine the Little Lions being counted out of any game this fall. 

Bishop McDevitt Crusaders

Predicted finish: 3rd

Coach: Jeff Weachter

Record last season: 13-1, 7-0 Keystone (1st place)

Team outlook: Thanks to re-alignment in the Mid-Penn Conference, the King of the Keystone is now a Contender in the Commonwealth. Bishop McDevitt’s arrival in the Mid-Penn’s big-boy division is exciting news for all, including the juggernauts of the Commonwealth who intend to make the Crusaders work for every inch. Senior QB Stone Saunders (6-2, 200) will have to show his mettle as he works with a receiving corps that has lost its top playmakers. His top returning WRs are Jontai Quick (5-10, 150) and Gage Ruth (6-3, 175), two guys who combined for nearly 600 receiving yards and 10 TDs. Returning RB Nazir Jones-Davis (6-0, 180), who brings back nearly 1,000 rushing yards and 10 TDs, will have plenty of holes through with the return of towering all-star OLs Landon Blauch (6-4, 240), Ja’Kye Logan (6-2, 290), and JJ Torres (6-6, 300). Also keep an eye on freshman RB Jerome Larue Jr. (5-9, 160), a verbal commit to Virginia Tech. Defensively, the Crusaders have to plug holes all over the field, most notably on the defensive line. McDevitt will lean on a core group of returners to carry the load: LBs Maurice Barnes (6-2, 205) and Venny Brooks (6-0, 210), DL Lucas Lawler (6-2, 215), and DB Leon Parson (5-8, 170). With the graduation losses sustained by the Crusaders, we can’t call them the favorites to win the Commonwealth, yet when we look at their schedule and roster, there isn’t a game they can’t win. 

One player to watch: Stone Saunders. By the time Bishop McDevitt’s PA Class 4A Player of the Year leaves the campus, he just may end his high school career as the best high school QB this state has ever seen. The 6-foot-2, 200-pound touchdown-slinging Saunders is coming off a junior season where he completed 213 of 329 passes for 3,522 yards, 56 TDs, and 5 INTs. The Kentucky commit makes big throws look effortless, and he puts the ball where he wants with pinpoint accuracy. Under pressure, Saunders has strong pocket awareness and can make throws on the run. Competing in the Commonwealth Division this fall will give Saunders a chance to showcase his talents against some of the toughest teams in the state. If all goes well, he has a chance to re-write the record books, one year after Steel-High’s Alex Erby did so last fall. Saunders needs 12 TD passes to break Erby’s career record of 167, and less than 3,000 yards to break the passing mark of 12,998 yards, a record also set by the Rollers’ legend. Another Erby record — 61 TDs in a season — is also up for grabs. 

Cumberland Valley Eagles

Predicted finish: 4th

Coach: Josh Oswalt

Record last season: 7-5, 6-1 Commonwealth (2nd place)

Team outlook: The Eagles became the darlings of the Mid-Penn last season when they overcame a 1-4 start to qualify for the District 3-6A dance, an improbable run that saw the team take down Wilson before being knocked out by Manheim Township. But after soaring to a runner-up finish in the Commonwealth last fall, Cumberland Valley graduated nine all-star selections, and will now have to defend itself in one of the scariest divisions in the state. Junior OL Tyler Merill (6-5, 315) has become one of the most sought-after prospects in the nation, and he will have to elevate his game even more this season to account for the loss of three graduated trench mates. The offense is slated to be run led by QB Grant Shepley (6-0, 190), who threw for more than 700 yards and 5 TDs last fall. Shepley will have some nice targets in TE Nolan Buzalka (15-233-1) and WRs Brody Pines (17-118-1) and Ke’aune Green (13-214-1), but finding an RB to replace the graduated Bryce Staretz will need to happen sooner rather than later. Senior Caden Lloyd (6-0, 190) is CV’s top returning rusher. Points may come at a premium for this offense, but the same can be said for the Eagles’ defense, which returns plenty of seasoned players in DEs Buzalka (28 tackles, 9 sacks) and Brady Hubbard (45 tackles, 2 sacks), LBs Brady Hockenberry (98 tackles) and Jaydin Holmes (25 tackles, 3 TFLs), and DBs Gavin Kendrick (66 tackles, 3 INTs) and Ryan Hunter (31 tackles, 1 INT), SS Pines (45 tackles, 4 TFLs). Look for the Eagles to get an edge on opponents with a top-flight special teams group that includes a pair of sharp kick returners in Green (25.6 yards per return) and Elijah Sherman (23.2 yards per return), as well as two capable players who can play both the kicker and punter positions: Andrew Rice and Jackson Waggoner. Overall, CV has the roster to be competitive on a weekly basis, but wins and losses will come down to how much each “next man up” can adjust to life as a starter in the Commonwealth.

One player to watch: Tyler Merrill. If you can’t already tell, this preview is being written by a former offensive lineman, but we’re not the only ones with eyes on CV’s 6-foot-5, 315-pound right tackle. More than 25 college programs have made offers to Merrill, including Alabama, Michigan, Notre Dame, and Penn State. Merrill is imposing in the trenches, and with his churning legs generating power, he can overwhelm almost any Commonwealth defender in a one-on-one matchup. Merrill is a superb run blocker who collects pancake blocks in bunches and can shut down an entire defensive line when he blocks his man to the inside and knocks over other defenders like dominoes. Merrill doesn’t lose any strength when he takes a defensive stance for pass blocking and can be seen dropping lesser defensive ends with just one touch. Even the premier pass-rushers in the Commonwealth struggle against Merrill, whose chopping feet and pumping arms will eventually serve him well at the college level. As the season kicks off, we don’t even know who will be running the ball for CV, but we can say with certainty that the player will be successful running behind the blocks of Merrill.  

Cedar Cliff Colts

Predicted finish: 5th

Coach: Colin Gillen

Record last season: 10-2, 6-1 Keystone (2nd place)

Team outlook: With eight returning all-stars and a group of monsters in the trenches that could move a semi-trailer truck, Cedar Cliff possesses a team that we’d be calling a favorite to win the division IF the Colts were still in the Keystone. But now that Cedar Cliff is in the Commonwealth, the best we can call them is a big fish in a big pond. There’s plenty of talent on this Colts roster — six returners on offense and seven on defense — but it’s going to take a full season of play on the field to see how that translates in one of the state’s toughest divisions. Our guess is that Cedar Cliff will, at the very least, be competitive against the giants of the Commonwealth, and that’s because they have a few giants of their own: OL/DL Guner Hiller (6-3, 305), Josh Gillen (6-1, 250), Hezikyah Latini (6-5, 320), and Blake Secrest (6-2, 220). With that kind of support up front, look for senior QB Bennett Secrest, who passed for nearly 1,400 yards and 16 TDs last fall, to have the time to pinpoint returning WRs Julius Tirado (6-0, 160), Owen Anastasi (6-0, 170), and Kade Finkboner (5-9, 180). The top returning rusher on the Colts is the quarterback so they will need to develop a supporting running game to keep opposing defenses honest. Defensively, again look for Cedar Cliff to at least hold its own on the line of scrimmage, with guys like Blake Secrest, Hiller, Latini setting the tone. With those blokes chewing up blocks, look for a well-seasoned defense to make plays, led by returners DBs Tirado (27 tackles, 3 INTs) and Anastasi (17 tackles, 1 INT), LBs Kade Finkboner (24 tackles, 1 INT) and Will Kocher (45 tackles, 9 TFLs). Cedar Cliff has the potential for a big season in the Commonwealth, but they’re going to have to prove it.

One player to watch: Bennett Secrest. You can’t ask for a better QB to guide Cedar Cliff on its maiden voyage through the Commonwealth than three-year starter Secrest. The 6-foot gunslinger has a nice, big right arm that can stretch the field and a stable of receivers who are all capable of making big plays. Secrest would probably prefer to comfortably pile up video-game passing numbers, but he has the legs to impact the game as a runner, like last year when he rushed 82 times for 486 yards and seven TDs. Those quick legs and sharp, technical footwork make Secrest a tough man to tackle for opposing pass rushers. Perhaps Secrest’s biggest asset is his mind: He will be counted on to make reads and adjustments that most high school QBs are not asked to make. With Secrest at the helm, look for Cedar Cliff’s offense to rack up big plays with regularity against the studs of the Commonwealth.

CD East Panthers

Predicted finish: 6th

Coach: Lance Deane

Record last season: 4-6, 2-5 Commonwealth (6th place)

Team outlook: Outside of high school football, coach Deane is known for his prowess as a personal trainer, where his clients include Dallas Cowboys star Micah Parsons, among others. CD East will need all the training it can get from its coach as it once again enters the fall season as an underdog in the Commonwealth Division. The Panthers return two exciting all-stars in RB/DB Jared Porter (5-9, 170) and WR/OLB Zach Brown (6-2, 220), but will otherwise be fighting an uphill battle against opponents boasting both depth and top-shelf talent. Porter is a home-run threat every time he touches the ball, and should help take the pressure off senior QB Demaj Jalloh (6-0, 180), while Brown is a hard-hitting hustle player. These players alone aren’t enough, so the maturation of young prospects is a must if CD East hopes to stay competitive this fall. If the Panthers can keep games close, they have a trusted kicker and punter in senior Kyle Bloss (6-0, 150) who can deliver points and field position in nip-and-tuck battles.

One player to watch: Jared Porter. This 5-foot-9, 170-pound speedster just might be the fastest football player in the Mid-Penn. A two-way Commonwealth all-star at RB and DB, Porter is electric-in-a-bottle personified and colleges took notice, with Porter choosing to play for Delaware next season. But before he packs his bags and leaves Harrisburg, Porter still has some highlight tapes to fill in his senior season for East. As an RB, Porter can run between the tackles or bounce to the outside, and if he makes it past the first level, it’s off to the races against LBs and DBs who simply can’t match his speed. Tackling a blur is not easy and opponents who are able to make contact can usually only grab a leg or an arm, allowing the elusive Porter to gain bonus yards with frequency. Last season Porter exploded for 1,807 yards on 198 rushes, an average of 9.1 yards per carry. Porter’s speed also translates to the defensive side, where he totaled 53 tackles and 2 INTs last fall. While we can’t forecast an abundance of wins for CD East in 2024, we can guarantee fans will get their money’s worth with Porter on the field.

Carlisle Thundering Herd

Predicted finish: 7th

Coach: Brandon Cook

Record last season: 1-9, 0-7 Commonwealth (8th place)

Team outlook: Despite losing all five of its Commonwealth all-star selections from last fall, Carlisle is optimistic for a solid year in a rough and tumble division. Junior Curtis Stroud (5-11, 170) is slated to take over at QB after previously standing out at WR and CB. Stroud will turn to an experienced receiving corps that includes Devin Vasquez (5-10, 165), Xavier Campbell (5-11, 148), and Mickel Hakim (5-9, 165). With the return of Ryan Wolaver (6-3, 250) and Nathan Carothers (6-2, 288), look for the offensive line to be a strength for Carlisle and open plenty of holes for returning RB Chase Bonner (5-11, 204). Defensively, Carlisle has a scrappy group that is led by SS Vasquez, CBs Stroud, Campbell, and Hakim, DTs Wolaver and Carothers, MLB Bonner, and DE Joshua Smith (5-11, 195). If you haven’t noticed, that’s quite a few Herd players who will be counted on to play two ways. We expect Carlisle to be competitive on the Mid-Penn’s biggest stage, but conditioning and maintained health will be crucial as they navigate through the Commonwealth gauntlet.

One player to watch: Curtis Stroud. After establishing himself as a varsity-caliber WR and CB as a sophomore, Stroud will be counted on to lead Carlisle’s offense as the QB this fall. There is no film of Stroud playing QB, but we can say he has experience slinging a ball as a pitcher for the Herd’s baseball squad. Boasting a 40-yard dash time of 4.3 seconds, we expect Stroud to be able to scramble away from defenders and factor as a threat in the running game. All of the pieces — a quality group of receivers, an effective offensive line, and a solid RB — are there for Carlisle to make a smooth transition at QB, it’s just up to Stroud to do his part.

Central Dauphin Rams

Predicted finish: 8th

Coach: Glen McNamee

Record last season: 6-5, 4-3 Commonwealth (4th place)

Team outlook: Central Dauphin opens this fall with an unproven roster after graduating nearly all of its top players from last season’s winning campaign. The QB is gone, as are the Rams’ Top 5 receivers. Five of the Top 6 runners on CD have departed, as have two all-star interior linemen. To make coach McNamee’s job even harder, the Rams have also graduated their punter and kicker, and the defense will have to make do without six of its Top 7 tacklers. Ouch. And while there’s no such thing as an “empty cupboard” at a proud football program like Central Dauphin, it’s going to be difficult for the new-look Rams to gain traction in a Commonwealth Division against opponents who are already built to win championships. Central Dauphin will lean on senior DL/OL Zack Coleman (6-2, 270), a two-way Commonwealth all-star, to set the tone at the line of scrimmage. Another returning all-star, junior LB Mason Wydra (5-11, 175), could be primed for a big season after establishing himself as a sophomore with 83 tackles, 5 TFLs, 3 INTs, one QB hurry, one pass breakup, and one caused fumble. Drew Kurtz, 5-foot-11, 180-pound DB, returns 58 tackles for the Rams. Offensively, look for Central Dauphin to discover its identity behind a beefy offensive line that includes Coleman, Kolton Sheeler (6-0, 268), Elijah McDonald (6-1, 275), and TE Collier Book (6-5, 230). Senior John Harris III is the top returning skill player for the Rams after totaling 168 rushing yards on 41 carries last fall.

One player to watch: Mason Wydra. With the strength of a lineman and the swiftness of a DB, Wydra established himself as quite the prospect as Central Dauphin’s full-time sophomore OLB last fall. The 5-foot-11, 175-pound Wydra is a hard tackler, and those hits sting a little bit more when he comes charging in on a perfectly-timed blitz. Teams that like to pick on LBs in the passing game might want to rethink that strategy against Wydra, who runs a 4.65 40-yard dash and picked off three passes last season. He closes in fast on receivers and uses his athleticism to win his share of 50-50 balls. You’ll be hard-pressed to find a receiver that can generate a good block on Wydra, a 27-match winner as a wrestler last winter. Central Dauphin is known for its strength and conditioning program, and we’re eager to see what Wydra brings this fall following a full offseason of training.

Chambersburg Trojans

Predicted finish: 9th

Coach: Mark Luther

Record last season: 4-6, 2-5 Commonwealth (5th place)

Team outlook: Chambersburg comes into this season with a solid senior class prepared to give the unforgiving Commonwealth Division one last go-around. Two of those seniors are a couple of RBs with incendiary speed, Imari Watson (5-6, 160) and Antonio Harrison (5-9, 175), who will be running behind the blocks of returning OLs Dominick Curtis (6-1, 280) and Cole Edwards (6-1, 265), as well as TE Kevin Demory (6-3, 230). Chambersburg will be young at QB, but the signal-caller will have a couple of experienced pass-catchers in Trever Luther (5-11, 175) and Evan Brown (6-0, 180). The Trojans are highlighted on defense by a linebacking corps that includes Commonwealth all-star Stanley Lozius (5-11, 195) and Dylan Panfili (5-9, 190), who combined for nearly 180 tackles and 5 INTs last fall. Joining Lozius and Panfili on the defensive side are CBs Watson, Luther, and Brown, FS Jason Chambers (5-9, 180), and DE Demory. It’s going to be an uphill battle for the Trojans in the Commonwealth, but a big surge from a strong senior class will go a long way in earning respect for Chambersburg’s football program and setting the tone for seasons to come.

One player to watch: Stanley Lozius. This 5-foot-11, 195-pound senior is Chambersburg’s only returning all-star this fall. He earned Commonwealth Honorable Mention honors as an MLB after grinding to a season where he totaled 85 tackles, 10 TFLs, 2 INTs, and a sack. Lozius has good vision of the backfield and has a strong sense of where the ball is going to go. Lozius sets the example with hustle and solid fundamental tackling and is strong enough to shed blockers who get in his way. He knows how to time a blitz, and uses explosive acceleration to reach his destination. With these attributes, there’s a good chance we’ll also see Lozius take on an increased role as an RB this fall.

Altoona Mountain Lions

Predicted finish: 10th

Coach: Vince Nedimyer

Record last season: 5-7, 2-6 Commonwealth

Team outlook: The road through the Commonwealth will always be a tough one, but that’s not news to the Mountain Lions, who have been an underdog in the division since they joined in 2018. This fall will be no exception for Altoona, as it enters the season with just three returning all-stars: OL Calvin Troutamn, P/MLB Mark Harrington, and LB Logan Wukovich. Troutman will help pave the way up front for a group of RBs that include Amar Emeigh-Ballos (25-155-0), Julian Hazelwood (19-125-1), and Zion Patterson (34-107-0). Those players will need to increase their production to support the offense as it looks to replace graduated QB Brennan Freiwald. On the other side of the ball, look for the Mountain Lions to lean on a core group of defenders that includes Wukovich (6-1, 210), Harrington (6-3, 225), and Wes Baumgartner (6-1, 235). Big special teams play from junior KR Julian Hazlewood (23.9 average) could also make a difference as Altoona navigates through another black & blue season in the Commonwealth.

One player to watch: Mark Harrington. The football future of Harrington — a 6-foot-3, 225-pound senior — could very well be as a punter, a position that saw him nail down Second Team Commonwealth honors last fall. But for his final season of high school ball, we’re just going to enjoy watching the big man play the more fun positions. Harrington certainly left his stamp on defense as an MLB last season, filling the entire stat sheet with 62 tackles, two sacks, 12 QB hurries, two INTs, two pass defenses, two fumble recoveries, one caused fumble, and one blocked field goal. He plays an exciting and violent brand of defense, often overwhelming solo blockers in the process. Harrington also plays a little bit of receiver (11-62-0) and has a booming leg for kickoffs, where he averages 52.3 yards per kick. We haven’t even talked about Harrington as a punter, where he averaged 39.0 yards per punt and landed 13 punts inside of the 20-yard line. Altoona is going to need all the help it can get in a loaded Commonwealth, and with Harrington helping to control the field position battle as both a defender and a punter, the Mountain Lions have an even better chance of playing competitive football. 

High school football season previews 2024: Mid-Penn Capital predicted finish, players to watch and more

Andy Sandrik
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High school football season previews 2024: Mid-Penn Capital predicted finish, players to watch and more

The Liberty Division was fun while it lasted, but when push came to shove in the offseason, the Mid-Penn Conference ultimately ruled to blow up its fifth division to make way for a future of four super divisions. 

All seven pieces of the Liberty — coming in the form of Line Mountain, Juniata, Upper Dauphin, Susquenita, Halifax, Newport, and James Buchanan — have found a landing place in the Capital Division. There, they will join Capital mainstays Camp Hill and defending PIAA Class 1A state champion Steel-High.

It’s going to be a wild season as a top-heavy group of ex-Liberty teams look to stake their claim in a Capital Division that has been controlled by the Rollers for several years. Repeating as division champions won’t be easy for Steel-High, which has to replace its best senior class in school history.

Look for competitive matchups every week as the Capital season rolls around. We like defending Liberty champion Line Mountain to take the Capital with a loaded roster over defensively-sound Juniata, but we’re not counting out Steel-High, even in a supposed rebuilding year. Upper Dauphin, Camp Hill, and Susquenita are next on our list, but each of those teams possesses the talent to unseat any of the squads we picked to finish in the Top 3.

With that in mind, expect an exciting year in the wide-open Capital Division.

Projected division standings: Line Mountain, Juniata, Steel-High, Upper Dauphin, Camp Hill, Susquenita, Halifax, Newport, James Buchanan.

Line Mountain Eagles

Predicted finish: 1st

Coach: Brandon Carson

Record last season: 9-3, 6-0 Liberty (1st place)

Team outlook: A few of the big horses — Liberty Defensive POY Chandon Maurer (LB) and Offensive POY Nolan Baumert (RB) — have graduated, but there’s no reason to doubt the Eagles, who are returning nine starters on offense and eight on defense. The offense is projected to be guided by 6-foot-2, 190-pound junior QB Kaiden Maurer, who threw for more than 1,000 yards last season and 18 TDs against just three interceptions. To support Maurer, senior offensive back Ian Bates will need to be even more productive than he was last season when he garnered First Team honors in the Liberty after rushing 79 times for 566 yards and eight TDs while catching five passes for 102 yards and one TD. The Maurer-Bates backfield should have some time to gel thanks to returning all-star talent up front: Senior Jacob Rebuck (6-5, 250), junior Jackson Kauwell (6-0, 260), and senior center Kohen Shingara (5-9, 160). Defensively, Line Mountain will be anchored at LB by Noah Ringes, who rang up 117 tackles and 12 TFL as a freshman last fall. Add in a returning ballhawk in DB Bates, and a DE in Maxim Johnson (6-4, 210) who can flat-out wreck games, and it’s increasingly hard to find a path to victory against this Eagles squad. Line Mountain can’t defend its title in the now-defunct Liberty Division, but the Eagles should very much be in contention for the Capital crown this season, even more so with 2023 Liberty Coach of the Year Brandon Carson at the helm.

One player to watch: Maxim Johnson. As a sophomore defensive end last season, Johnson showed he can be both an immovable object and an unstoppable force. With Johnson standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing in at 210 pounds, opposing blockers often struggled to gain any traction, resulting in frequent havoc in the backfield. Johnson is lightning-quick off the snap and can beat his opponent in many ways, whether it’s swimming around his blocker, holding him up and shedding him, or simply driving the poor soul directly into the ball carrier. Lining up at DE from both the left and right sides, Johnson totaled 84 tackles in 2023, including 34 tackles for loss and 13.5 sacks. On offense, Johnson lines up at TE and gives Maurer a tall target that can catch the ball in traffic.

Juniata Indians

Predicted finish: 2nd

Coach: Kurt Condo

Record last season: 8-6, 4-2 Liberty (2nd place)

Team outlook: It’s been a life of the nomad for Juniata, which moves to its third division in six seasons, joining the Capital Division this fall after playing in the Liberty for four years and the Tri-Valley League in the seasons before that. While the atmosphere and opponents have changed, the Indians have stayed the same, churning out a .614 winning percentage over that stretch and recording four straight winning seasons. We expect that trend to continue for Juniata in 2024, with defense leading the way. The Indians return all-star talent at every level of the defense, starting up front with a pair of returning senior linemen in DE Wyatt Dysinger (5-10, 185) and DT Hunter Erb (5-11, 310), who combined for nearly 100 tackles last season. With Juniata contending for the line of scrimmage on every play, it opens opportunities to tee off for LBs Lane Peiper and Wyatt Ehrenzeller, who teamed up for more than 190 tackles. Frustrated opponents will then turn to the air where even more bad news awaits in the form of game-changing DBs Jasper Shepps (8 INTs) and Connor Boreman (5 INTs). There are many more questions for Juniata offensively, a unit whose top returning rusher is QB Ehrenzeller. The Indians have a returning all-star lineman up front in Peiper (5-11, 200), who will need to hold the fort while Ehrenzeller and WR Shepps work to improve the connection that produced 71 catches for 1,379 yards and 13 TDs last fall. Juniata’s placement in the Capital pecking order will be determined rather early this season, as the Indians take on division contenders Steel-High and Line Mountain in Weeks 2 and 3, respectively. 

One player to watch: Jasper Shepps. The Indians return 12 all-star selections from last fall, with four of those honors belonging to the 6-foot-1, 180-pound Shepps. Where do we even begin with the versatile Shepps, who gave Juniata star-studded reps at DB, WR, return specialist, and punter last fall? We can start on defense, where the ball-hawking Shepps totaled 61 tackles and picked off eight passes, to go along with three pass defenses, two fumble recoveries, and one caused fumble. On the other side of the ball, Shepps showcases soft hands and always seems to be wide open. Even when he’s well covered, Shepps has shown the ability to make Willie Mays-style basket catches and a knack for collecting the ball in heavy traffic. The electricity in Shepps’ legs makes him dangerous as a punter, where he not only averaged 35.7 yards per boot but also frightened opponents with the threat of taking off for first-down yardage. Good luck bringing down Shepps in the open field on special teams, where averaged 21.6 yards as a kick returner and 7.7 yards bringing back punts. Regardless of what the scoreboard reads, expect to get your money’s worth when Shepps is on the field. 

Steel-High Rollers

Predicted finish: 3rd

Coach: Andrew Erby

Record last season: 16-0, 6-0 Capital (1st place)

Team outlook: Last season’s Capital Division Coach of the Year — Andrew Erby — will face the toughest assignment of his career this fall as his program attempts to follow one of the best 1A teams, if not the best 1A team, in Pennsylvania history. Graduated are Erby’s sons, Capital Defensive POY Andrew Erby Jr. and Offensive POY Alex Erby, along with an irreplaceable stable of all-star talent that encompassed more than half of Steel-High’s 2023 roster. We could go on and on about the 19 all-star selections who have left the program, and probably will for decades to come! But whether it’s fair or not, it’s this year’s group of fresh-faced Rollers that will be wearing a huge target on their collective backs as the two-time defending PIAA champions and charged with defending a 28-game winning streak. A small group of returning all-stars — DBs Yahmir Ceasar and Nazier Fuller, and center Devon Reid — will need to carry the leadership load as new-look Steel-High establishes its identity this fall. Life won’t be easy in a Capital Division that boasts a solid core of established teams, but we expect the Rollers to weather the storm, and perhaps make a run in the small-school playoff picture.

One player to watch: Nazier Fuller. It’s going to take some time for Steel-High to gel with an all-new lineup, so the Rollers will likely have to rely on a handful of home run hitters to put points on the board with solid individual efforts. Fuller, a 6-foot and 160-pound WR/CB/KR, is one of those big-play guys that Steel-High will be leaning on. Fuller runs with long, strong strides that can cover a lot of ground in a hurry, especially if there is a blocker in front of him. He has the hands to pull down a ball in traffic and has a strong sense of how to attack the defense once that ball is in his hands. As much as Steel-High will need Fuller to help churn out yardage and points, his future in this sport might be on the defensive side, where his perfectly-timed hits strike fear into the hearts of opposing receivers. Those receivers have a split-second to catch and secure the ball before having to take a heavy shot from Fuller, who jump-starts the defense with his high-energy play. If the Rollers are to have success this season, they’ll need to have big efforts every week from Fuller and his talented counterpart in the secondary, Yahmir Ceasar.

Upper Dauphin Trojans

Predicted finish: 4th

Coach: Kent Smeltz

Record last season: 5-5, 4-2 Liberty (2nd place)

Team outlook: Upper Dauphin will be aiming to light up the scoreboard in a new division, as the Trojans are projected to return all three of their leaders in rushing, receiving, and passing. Seniors Caleb Snyder (6-0, 195) and Tyler Erdley (5-8, 155) combined for more than 1,000 rushing yards and 14 TDs last season on their way to Second Team honors in the Liberty. Aidan Bingaman, a 6-foot-2, 165-pound signal caller who tossed 10 TDs against two INTs last fall, is slated to return as is his top receiving target: Erdley (12-272-4). Upper Dauphin’s offense, which returns another all-star in senior OL Zach Schell (5-11, 200), will need to lead the way as the defense works to establish its identity with a linebacking core that no longer has the services of graduated Liberty First Teamers Keatin Dieffenbach and Tegan Engle. A couple of underclassmen who cut their teeth as all-star freshmen last season — DE Eoghan Savage (6-3, 220) and DB Isaac Jackson (5-10, 160) — will be counted on more than ever to be key contributors for the defensive unit. The same can be said for fellow defensive returners DB Carter Dreibelbis (5-11, 175), LB Austin Duplessie (5-10, 180), and LB Wyatt Troutman (6-1, 190). Look for the Trojans to be competitive week in and week out in the new-look Capital.

One player to watch: Eoghan Savage. You’d be forgiven last season if you mistook Savage — a freshman playing his first season of high school football — for a well-seasoned senior stud looking to win a college scholarship. The 6-foot-3, 220-pound defensive end imposed his will with regularity in the trenches last fall, racking up 24 TFLs and seven sacks. Lining up from both the right and left sides, Savage showcased an ability to make quick reads on the ball, coupled with the physicality of a grown man to toss aside any blocker who had the guts to stand in his way. Prompt punishment waited for opponents that assigned a solo blocker to Savage, and even when he was delayed on his path to the quarterback, he showed he could still disrupt plays by batting down passes at the line of scrimmage. Look for Savage to draw more double teams, and perhaps some college interest, in his sophomore season under the Friday night lights.

Camp Hill Lions

Predicted finish: 5th

Coach: Tim Bigelow

Record last season: 8-6, 1-5 Capital (5th place)

Team outlook: It’s no secret that Camp Hill has been a passing-oriented team in recent years. Last fall alone, the Lions churned out nearly 5,000 yards of offense, with more than 3,500 of those yards coming through the air. Expect more of that this year as Camp Hill returns All-State QB Drew Branstetter, who is aiming for another big campaign despite losing three receivers who combined for more than 1,200 yards and 15 TDs last season. Even with those losses, Branstetter still has a pair of senior receivers in Alex Long and Noah Doi who know how to light up the scoreboard. Long, much like his name indicates, is a tall target at 6-foot-3 and 210 pounds who reeled in 72 catches for 1,110 yards and 11 TDs last season. Doi, a shifty receiver at 5-foot-9, 140-pounds, caught 67 passes for 960 yards and 13 TDs last fall. Camp Hill will look to DB Doi, the only returning all-star on defense, to lead the unit after hustling for 163 tackles, three interceptions, and four caused fumbles in 2023. M.A. Scaringi, a junior OLB, also returns some valuable experience after totaling 148 tackles, including 11 tackles for loss. With the aforementioned talent above, Camp Hill has an opportunity to win its fair share of games this fall, but it goes without saying the depth-challenged Lions will need to stay healthy to keep the ship above water.

One player to watch: Drew Branstetter. The Lions will go as far as their 6-foot-1, 175-pound QB can take them this season. And if Branstetter plays anywhere near the level he played in 2023 — when he aired it out for nearly 3,400 yards and 38 TDs — that destination could be deep into the postseason. Even with limited roster numbers at Camp Hill that can make protecting the QB a challenge, Branstetter’s presence behind center gives the Lions a chance to win any game. He has an easy passing motion and throws a nice, high spiral, even when he’s under pressure. Branstetter, also Camp Hill’s top returning rusher, has quick legs that can scramble for a first down or buy time for a big play downfield. On the rare occasions when opponents shut down the Lions’ offense, the team will march out Branstetter, a First Team Capital Division selection at punter, who averaged 32.9 per boot last fall. 

Susquenita Blackhawks

Predicted finish: 6th

Coach: Joe Chrismer IV

Record last season: 5-5, 4-2 Liberty (2nd place)

Team outlook: The first order of business for the Blackhawks will be to fill the shoes of the Gibney brothers — Derek and Drew — who combined for four selections on the Liberty Division all-star team last fall. If the ‘Hawks can find a man to replace Derek Gibney at QB, Susquenita has a couple of returning all-star receivers in Blaise Swancer (50-693-10) and Athan Robinson (34-137-3) who know how to take the ball to the promised land. Drew Gibney was a stud receiver whose talents will also need to be replaced on defense, where he was a first-team selection as a DB. Braden Law, a 6-foot-2, 220-pound OL/DL, will help Susquenita in its battle for the line of scrimmage, while fellow senior Athan Robinson will be counted on as a two-way player at WR and LB. It may take some time for Susquenita to find continuity, especially on offense, so look for junior place kicker Corey Warren to be a consistent source of offense. Last season Warren was 26 for 29 on extra points and 3 for 4 on field goals, while averaging 38.5 yards on kickoffs. Life on the field will certainly be challenging for Susquenita in the Capital, but if the ‘Hawks can answer a handful of lineup questions, they may be more competitive than most of us expect.

One player to watch: Athan Robinson. This senior 5-foot-10, 155-pound athlete hustled to all-star selections as both a WR and LB last fall. On offense, Robinson has a constant engine and doesn’t give up on plays, even when he’s nearly brought to his knees. Elusive with the ball in his hands, Robinson excels at finding the hole in the defense and zipping through it. Last season he was an impact player as both a receiver (34-137-3) and rusher (20-151-2). Defensively, look for Robinson to combine his nose for the ball with quick legs that can quickly close in on running backs and unsuspecting QBs. For Susquenita to succeed this season and lay down the groundwork for years to come, the Blackhawks will need players like Robinson to set the example on the field. We expect Robinson to do just that in his final season on the high school gridiron.

Halifax Wildcats

Predicted finish: 7th

Coach: Roy Wall

Record last season: 4-7, 2-5 Liberty (5th place)

Team outlook: New head coach Roy Wall takes over a four-win Halifax squad that graduated four of its six Liberty all-stars from last fall. Junior QB Teegan Carroll is projected to return as starter for the Wildcats, as is junior all-star receiver Cohen Bechtel (6-0, 175). Halifax’s defense will need to provide backup for 5-foot-10 LB Curtis Conrad, who started as a freshman for the Wildcats last fall. Wall and his coaching staff will have to plug the holes around those returners with limited roster numbers, and how well those players gel will determine how competitive Halifax can be as it steps into an even tougher division than last fall.

One player to watch: Cohen Bechtel. The 6-foot, 175-pound Bechtel looks the part of a running back, and even wears the No. 25, but he earned his spot as a Liberty all-star for his play as a wide receiver last fall. The solid-bodied Bechtel can line up both as a slot receiver and out wide, and has reliable hands that can catch the ball in stride. Bechtel’s size comes in handy for the running game, as he can overwhelm most defensive backs with his blocking. The Wildcats will also line up Bechtel in the backfield, where he’s shown he can run over opponents when he has a full head of steam. It won’t be easy in a tough division, but Bechtel has the potential to go from good to great in his junior season.

Newport Buffaloes

Predicted Finish: 8th

Coach: Todd Rothermel

Record last season: 1-9, 1-5 Liberty (6th place)

Team outlook: After taking lumps with a young roster and a few key injuries last fall, Newport is hoping that its year of competition under fire will help it move up the ladder this season. The Buffaloes will look to build on a seasoned group of returning all-stars that includes OLs Noah Weller (6-1, 215) and Evan Fleisher (6-5, 260), DB Aiden Crockett (5-10, 140), QB Zach Bates (6-1, 180), and RB Dalton Kratzer (5-4, 130). Another projected returner for Newport is Dylan Vadasz, who led the Buffs with 67 tackles last fall. The improvement of these key players, as well as contributions from the supporting cast around them, will be crucial as Newport seeks to carve out its path in the new-look Capital. 

One player to watch: Zach Bates. As a sophomore last season, Bates wore many hats for the Buffaloes, including that of quarterback, receiver, safety, punter, and kicker. The 6-foot-1, 180-pound Bates ran for more than 400 yards and compiled six TDs last fall, and was a Second Team Liberty all-star as both a punter, where he averaged 33.8 yards per punt, and as a kicker, where he converted 6 of 8 PATs. In a division of small schools where limited rosters can make for long seasons, the versatility of Bates gives Newport a playmaker that can be relied in all phases of the game.

James Buchanan Rockets

Predicted finish: 9th

Coach: Cliff Pine

Record last season: 1-9, 0-6 Liberty (7th place)

Team outlook: If you’re looking for a challenging history project, try researching the last time James Buchanan had a winning season. The answer to that trivia question is 1995, when Bill Clinton was still in the White House. Reversing decades of losing has become somewhat of an unsolvable riddle in Mercersburg, and the odds will once again be against this year’s team, which carries a seven-game losing streak into this fall. Wins will be hard to come by in a hard-nosed Capital Division, but if the Rockets can piece together extended sequences of competitive play this season, that should be considered a victory. 

One player to watch: Alex Brake. Without a single returning all-star from last season, James Buchanan will need a hardened leader on the field with the toughness to guide the club through choppy waters. Brake, a FB and MLB, showcased strong flashes of strong play for the Rockets as a sophomore last season. He brings a winning pedigree to the football team after grappling to a 20-6 record as a 145-pounder for the wrestling squad last winter.

Scenes from the 2024 Big 33 Classic

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Vote Now: Mid-Penn Conference Player of the Week Sponsored by Vertical Raise PA

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Vote Now: Mid-Penn Conference Player of the Week Sponsored by Vertical Raise PA

Vote now for our 4th Down Magazine Mid-Penn Conference Player of the Week. Our poll will remain open until Tuesday evening at 11 p.m. Voting is allowed once every 30 minutes.

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Durrell Ceasar Jr., sr., WR/DB, Steel-High: Heckuva run for these Rollers seniors, who capped a four-year run with a third state title after routing Fort Cherry 42-8 in the PIAA Class 1A championship. Caesar was electric again, catching 13 passes for 147 yards, plus a 32-yard touchdown before halftime.

Alex Erby, sr., QB, Steel-High: No surprise here. Erby led the Rollers to his third state title in four years, already had state career passing yards and touchdowns marks and then set the single-season TD record. He’s one of the best in state history. But just to fill in his stats here for your consideration, Erby went 29 of 39 for 340 yards and five touchdowns (5, 17, 77, 32 and 3 yards), and ran four times for 36 yards and a 37-yard score.

Eugene Green, sr., DE/OL, Steel-High: Gotta throw a defender onto this list after the Rollers held a very good Rangers team to just eight points, and only in the fourth quarter. Green swarmed the ball, snagging 12 tackles, eight unassisted and a tackle for loss. Steel-High held Fort Cherry to just 180 total yards on 55 plays and forced three turnovers.

Nazier Fuller, jr., WR/DB, Steel-High: A first-time nomination for Fuller, who was only targeted three times but was incredibly efficient in the championship game, catching two passes for 94 yards and two touchdowns, including the game’s longest of 77. 

Jaeion Perry, sr., WR, Steel-High: Another favorite target of Erby all season, Perry finished with nine catches for 84 yards and the game’s first touchdown, a 5-yarder just 3:37 into the game.

This poll has ended (since 1 year).
Jaeion Perry, sr., WR, Steel-High:
0.00%
Nazier Fuller, jr., WR/DB, Steel-High:
0.00%
Eugene Green, sr., DE/OL, Steel-High:
0.00%
Alex Erby, sr., QB, Steel-High:
0.00%
Durrell Ceasar Jr., sr., WR/DB, Steel-High:
0.00%
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