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Mid-Penn Capital: Preseason Records, Breakdowns, MVP and More

Luke Brown

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August 15, 2025

Another season of high school football season is upon us and it’s time to take a preseason look at the Mid-Penn Conference, specifically the Capital division. Last season, Steel-High lost in the PIAA first round to Bedford after winning a District 3 2A title and Juniata won the District 6 4A championship and made a run into the state quarterfinals.

COMMONWEALTH DIVISION PREVIEW

Preseason Capital MVP: Jasper Shepps, Juniata

Shepps is the only returning wide receiver from last year’s Mid-Penn all first team offense, and he’s primed to put up a season that may contend for a Mid-Penn Capital MVP in November. Last season, he caught 55 passes for 933 yards and 14 touchdowns, by far the leading pass-catcher on Juniata’s team.

Team-by-team Record Predictions

1. Line Mountain Eagles (9-1)

2024 Record: 8-4 | Head Coach: Brandon Carson

The Eagles only dropped two Capital division games in 2024, to Steel-High and a confusing loss to Camp Hill. In the playoffs, they dropped the PIAA District 4 1A title game to Muncy, a team they’re familiar with through preseason scrimmages. They’ll face Muncy in their Saturday scrimmage again this season. Kaiden Maurer is back in the saddle for the Eagles, after a junior season that saw him throw for 2,219 yards off 129 completions. Only Susquehanna Township’s Torin Evans threw for more yards out of returning passers in the Mid-Penn. Maurer also ran for nine touchdowns last year and 356 yards, proving to be a do-it-all guy on the offense. Maurer’s top target, Dalton Schadel, is also back for a senior season in 2025. He caught 28 passes for 651 yards and 10 TD’s last year, a mark that makes him the fourth top returning pass-catcher, and second top in the division. Line Mountain kicks off the season with Lewisburg in non-conference, and it’s hard to see them losing more than two division games. The tough ones will come against Juniata and Steel-High, and I see them splitting the two with one win and one loss.

2. Juniata Indians (8-2)

2024 Record: 9-4 | Head Coach: Kurt Condo

As mentioned, Jasper Shepps is in for a really big final season as the top wide receiver in the division, and one of the best in the Mid-Penn Conference. The Indians continue to run into Selinsgrove each year, and will again for their non-conference game in week one. Last year, the Indians claimed a District 6 4A championship win and beat Shamokin Area in a PIAA playoff game. They were beaten in the state quarterfinals by Southern Lehigh, led by Penn State commit Andrew Olesh. Wyatt Ehrenzeller graduated last year after a memorable career with the Indians, and they’ll likely turn to junior Jason Condo this season, who saw limited action at quarterback last season. For Juniata to lose more than one divisional game this season is tough to see, and the other predicted loss comes in week one to a Selinsgrove team that Juniata desperately wants to beat.

3. Steel-High Rollers (7-2)

2024 Record: 10-3 | Head Coach: Andrew Erby

Steel-High’s season will be an interesting one, considering they won’t play a single game in Steelton all year. The state of 113-year-old War Veterans Memorial Field is condemnable, therefore they won’t get to play on home field all year. If there’s one program that can manage, though, it’s the Andrew Erby-led Rollers, who’ve battled adversity before seasons before and gone on to continue writing history for one of the top small-school programs the state has ever seen. This year, they’ll play home games at Roscoe Warner Field, West Shore Stadium, Rocco Ortenzio Field and Landis Field to get every game in. Last year, the Rollers went 10-3 and claimed another District 3 title, this time in 2A. That shot Steel-High into the PIAA first round, where Bedford claimed a 24-15 win over the team, and finished their season at 10-3. It was their first year without legendary Steel-High passer Alex Erby – now at Navy – and they were successful in using Yahmir Ceaser as his replacement, who’s now playing defensive back at Lock Haven. The team will have to turn to another quarterback in 2025 in front of a nine-game schedule that includes a non-conference game against Susquehanna Township. The Rollers will also get an extra week to wait into their season, not playing until August 28 against Juniata. It was hard to tell last year where Steel-High stacks up and it is again now, but one thing was made clear last season, and that’s that Andrew Erby always has a plan.

4. Upper Dauphin Trojans (6-4)

2024 Record: 5-6 | Head Coach: Tim Savage

The Trojans took a 20-point loss in the semifinals of last year’s District 3 2A semifinals to Steel-High, and are looking to make another push into the postseason yet again. Aidan Bingaman graduated after a 1,300+ yard passing year last season, and it’ll likely be a year for Alfonso Santiago to step up. Fortunately, Isaac Jackson and Eoghan Savage are returning as receivers, who combined for over 500 yards receiving last year and six touchdowns. Running back Carter Dreibelbis returns as well, after scoring four touchdowns on the ground. He’ll be stepping in for Caleb Snyder, a top rusher in UDA’s program, and the man who put up 18 touchdowns on the ground last season. The Trojans open the season at Williams Valley again this season and are predicted to open up 2-0, but a tough stretch of West Perry, Steel-High and Line Mountain will make or break the season in weeks three, four and five.

5. James Buchanan Rockets (6-4)

2024 Record: 4-6 | Head Coach: Cliff Pine

Christian Pine will be a name to watch this season as a returning receiver, and there’s a plethora of offensive weapons that are coming back from what seemed to be a young and inexperienced squad that tallied four wins last year. If those young pieces from last season can become more developed and ready this season, JB could be in shape for a leap to a record north of .500. The Rockets started 4-1 last season with wins over York County Tech, Susquenita, Newport and Halifax. The back half was rough, losing five in a row. The squad will look to turn some backstretch losses into wins to finish the season this year, and potentially enter in the postseason.

6. Susquenita Blackhawks (3-7)

2024 Record: 2-8 | Head Coach: Joe Chrismer

Susquenita returns junior Rex Wilson at quarterback for a Susquenita squad that is looking to improve upon last year’s two-win record. He threw 103 completions off 216 attempts last season, tallying 1,242 yards in the process. One of his targets, Jacob Brown comes back as well after leading the team in rushers and and is the top returning air threat as well. The Blackhawks squeaked out wins over Newport and Halifax last year, and they might be able to add Camp Hill to a list of wins this year.

7. Camp Hill Lions (2-8)

2024 Record: 6-5 | Head Coach: Tim Bigelow

The Lions met up with Lancaster Catholic more than any other team last year, catching the Crusaders in a week one, double overtime loss and a 27-20 loss in the District 3 2A semifinals. Now, Drew Branstetter – now at Gettysburg College – hands the reigns of quarterback to junior Colby Luther, who is ready to prove himself as Camp Hill’s next passer. Branstetter took over midway through his freshman year and was QB1 since then, so it’s reasonable to expect the transition under center to be a big move. The Lions will host Lancaster Catholic in week one at Siebert Park, then get into conference play against Big Spring. Two seniors, AJ Serdar and MA Scaringi will be difference makers this season, Serdar as a running back and Scaringi as a linebacker. The two threats at wide receiver will be junior Owen Grove and senior Jax Hale, a transfer from Upper Dauphin. It’s not far-fetched to say the Lions can squeak a few more wins out of their schedule, it’s just not easy to see where they come. For now, it’s Halifax and Newport.

8. Newport Buffaloes (1-9)

2024 Record: 2-8 | Head Coach: Todd Rothermel

The Buffaloes edged out a surprising win over Milton Hershey and beat Halifax last season, and are bringing back quarterback Trevin Arnold for his senior year this season. Whenever Newport can grab a win in their schedule, it’ll come as Rothermel’s 100th of his career at Newport, and it seems they may be able to beat Halifax again this year. It seems they’ll be led in the ground game, with a duo of running backs – Landon Cigic and Dalton Kratzer – leading the way. The Buffaloes open the year hosting Juniata Valley.

9. Halifax Wildcats (0-10)

2024 Record: 0-10 | Head Coach: Ben Carroll

Halifax will turn to Ben Carroll to lead the program in 2025, and they hope for a few wins in the new season. Ryder Tobias will take over as Halifax’s quarterback this season. Halifax opened their season with Minersville, and will host the Battlin’ Miners again in week one. Halifax’s closest game was their 7-0 loss versus Camp Hill, so they may turn to that road game this season as a potential chance to win.

Counting down the Top 10 Players to watch in the Mid-Penn Colonial Division

Colonial

Andy Sandrik

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August 14, 2025

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Individual talent doesn’t always equate to team success, but it’s hard to bet against the sheer number of talented individuals the Susquehanna Township Tribe are projected to bring to the high school gridiron this fall.

We’ve been tasked with determining the Top 10 players to watch in the Colonial Division this season, and even with the graduation of the division’s Defensive Player of the Year in Ka’seemh Singleton Brown, we find ourself with a list just chock full of ‘Hanna stars.

How many Tribe standouts made it into our Top 10? That’s for you to find out in the week to come as we reveal two standouts to watch in the Colonial each day. Stick with 4th Down Magazine as we continue to preview the upcoming Mid-Penn Conference season.

10. George Hartwick, Middletown, LB

With the 5-foot-10, 190-pound Hartwick patrolling from the middle LB position for Middletown, the high-motor Colonial Division Second Teamer had an opportunity to impact the game on every snap last fall, and he often did.

Compiling 87 tackles to go along with a caused fumble and a pass defense in 2024, Hartwick plays with aggression and brings the wood. He excels at reading plays and making contact at the line of scrimmage with solid, fundamental tackles. Hartwick isn’t an LB that can be picked on in the passing game, either, as he can hold his own in one-on-one coverage and snag down receivers with shoestring tackles. Hustle is a trademark of Hartwick’s game, as is playing until the whistle.

Hartwick doubles as a long snapper, where he boasts a fast and clean release.

9. Turner Barlup, East Pennsboro, QB

It’s difficult to find film on the 5-foot-10, 170-pound Barlup, but the numbers do a fine job of telling the story of his breakout season as a junior QB last fall.

A Colonial Division Honorable Mention selection, Barlup had an accurate campaign in his first full season as the signal caller for the Panthers, completing 68 percent of his passes (93 of 136) for 1,458 yards, 14 TDs, and two interceptions.

Wearing the No. 13 and projected to have a talented corps of receivers at his disposal, Barlup will be eager to prove that his standout 2024 season was no stroke of luck.

8. Steph Malette, Susquehanna Township, DB

Malette earned the respect of his opponents in the Colonial Division last season, with the 5-foot-6, 140-pound sparkplug nailing down a First Team spot on the division’s defensive All-Star squad.

Manning both the free and strong safety positions, Malette can cover a lot of ground in a hurry and excels at creating angles to cut down ballcarriers. He hustled around the field for 60 tackles last fall. Possessing the hops to jump through a ceiling, Malette forces QBs to think twice about throwing in his direction after a 2024 season that saw him defend five passes and register an interception.

Look for Malette to have an even bigger impact as a junior this season, with increasing responsibilities as a returner, special teams, and RB.

7. Jarrett Kern, Susquehanna Township, WR

Kern, a 6-foot-1, 190-pound speedster, enters his senior season as the No. 1 receiver for a ‘Hanna offense guided by one of the top QBs in all of the Mid-Penn Conference: Torin Evans.

That means Kern will have more opportunities than ever to make plays, and judging by the film we’ve seen, he could very well have a breakout season after hauling in 45 catches for 601 yards and eight TDs last fall. A Second Team selection to the All-Colonial Division squad in 2024, Kern brings plenty of speed to the table with a time of 4.6 seconds in the 40-yard dash.

His speed, coupled with solid acceleration and sharp route-running, make him a threat both in the slot and out wide. Kern’s skill set is rounded out with hands that can make catches out of position, and a phsyical style of blocking that can absolutely punish DBs.

The stage is set for Kern to have a monster final season on the high school gridiron, and could very well improve his stock in college recruitment, where he’s generated interest from several Division I programs but has received just one offer, from Akron.

6. Samuel Mulbah, Trinity, DL

Size, speed, and power: Mulbah, a UMass commit, has it all.

The 6-foot-3, 255-pound DL is a game-wrecker in the trenches who generates such a push that he can disrupt a play from the very start. Mulbah is strong enough to weather the storm of a double team and needs just one hand, if that, to pull down a ballcarrier in the midst of the chaos.

Even as opponents dedicate their best resources toward neutralizing Mulbah, he can still use his length to bat down passes and often breaks through the line, anyway. Boasting a 40-yard dash time of 4.86 seconds, Mulbah can power his way to the backfield in a hurry. In a junior season that concluded with a selection to the Colonial Division Second Team, Mulbah totaled 43 tackles, including 12 tackles for loss and three sacks, to go along with a fumble recovery.

5. Jayden Riley, Susquehanna Township, DL

Susquehanna Township has its own version of William “Refrigerator” Perry — with perhaps a touch of Jerome Bettis — in the 5-foot-11, 280-pound Riley, who totaled an absurd five TDs on just eight carries for seven yards last fall.

While we could go on and on about Riley’s adventures as a primarily blocking fullback, it was his work on the defensive line that earned him a First Team selection on the Colonial Division All-Star squad. Speedy and strong with a good sense of the backfield, Riley’s not just there to chew up space for the LBs to make plays, he’s talented enough to split double teams and gobble up runners all on his own. Riley has enough power to overwhelm most blockers at the high school level, and has a knack for making plays on the ball after recording two fumble recoveries and two pass defenses last fall. He added 58 tackles, including six tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks, to go along with four QB hurries.

Playing on what could be an elite defense for the Tribe, look for continued defensive production from Riley, and maybe even a goal-line TD or two.

4. Marcus Yeager, Trinity, DL/TE

It’s been a fast rise up the ranks for the 6-foot-3, 225-pound Yeager, a Richmond commit who just started playing football two years ago.

It not only take brains — which Yeager has plenty of with a 3.8 GPA and membership in the National Honor Society — to pick up the varsity game at such a fast pace, it also takes some talent. Yeager put his skills on full display last fall, with the junior earning a First Team selection in the Colonial Division as a DE and Second Team honors as a TE.

Yeager is a force on the defensive side of the ball who has such a quick burst that he often appears to know the snap count better than the man assigned to block him. A steady attacker, Yeager excels at keeping blockers at bay with extended arms and using his height advantage to read the play in front of him. Once he’s made his read, Yeager has the strength to simply discard his blocker to one side or another and finish the job, whether that requires making a tackle or deploying his leaping skills to bat down passes. The Shamrocks stud compiled 57 tackles last season, including four sacks, and recovered a fumble.

On the offensive side of the ball, it’s imperative for opposing defenses to identify where Yeager is on the field. He’s a monster blocker as a TE, who also showed flashes as a pass catcher with 22 catches for 289 yards and two TDs. Yeager can also split out to wide receiver, where in open space he can juke away defenders or just overwhelm them altogether.

3. Logan Jerry, Milton Hershey, Athlete

Jerry electrified as a sophomore last fall, with the 5-foot-10, 155-pound QB averaging 15.6 yards per carry to establish himself as one of the biggest home run threats in the Colonial Division.

Boasting superior acceleration combined with runaway speed, Jerry can zip through smallest of openings and quickly leave defenders in the rear view mirror. He totaled 985 yards and 14 TDs on just 63 carries in 2024, with the slippery back shaking off would-be tacklers and making them look foolish with his ability to make sharp cuts.

A First Team selection in the Colonial as an athlete, Jerry showed some potential as a signal caller last year, completing 24 of 56 passes for 316 yards and four TDs, against one interception. As a cornerback, Jerry posted 20 tackles, including a sack, and caused a fumble.

If Jerry can continue to develop as a QB this fall, he has the potential to be a contender for Player of the Year honors in the Colonial.

2. Yendor Mack, Susquehanna Township, DL/OL

What happens when you combine an unstoppable force with an immovable object? Well, you get something like Yendor Mack, a 6-foot-3, 295-pound trench warrior who is committed to play at UMass next season.

Mack can plug into any spot on the offensive and defensive lines and the Colonial Division recognized this, naming Mack a First Teamer on both sides of the ball.

Mack plays like a man among boys and when he competes on the offensive line, it’s almost unfair the advantage he has by knowing the snap count. With overwhelming strength, Mack has made a habit out of steamrolling the opposition, while his quick feet enable him to neutralize even the most relentless of pass rushers.

Mack is just as effective on defense, where he often lines up on all fours before taking souls in the trenches. Last season he he racked up 76 tackles last fall, including four tackles for loss and one sack, to go along with one QB hurry and one pass defense. Even with double teams, it’s difficult to maintain a block on Mack, who can rip a man to the ground or send him flying into the air.

1. Torin Evans, Susquehanna Township, QB

You’d be hard-pressed to find another athlete in the Mid-Penn with a more accurate nickname than Susquehanna Township’s Torin “TD” Evans, a 6-foot-1, 175-pound QB who has accounted for 66 touchdowns — 51 passing and 15 rushing — over the course of his career.

He was named the Colonial Division’s Offensive Player of the Year as a junior last fall after completing 64 percent of his passes (168 of 264) for 2,562 yards, 29 TDs, and four INTs. Also an effective runner, Evans registered 55 carries for 357 yards and eight TDs last season.

Evans, a southpaw with a strong arm and an easy-throwing motion, loves to vertically stretch the field with the deep ball. He excels when he can stand tall in the pocket, identify openings, and deliver smooth strikes. With that said, Evans is most exciting to watch under pressure, when he uses his legs to buy more time or pick up positive rushing yardage. Like Harry Houdini, Evans has a knack for escaping the jaws of certain disaster.

Evans, who runs the 40-yard dash in 4.58 seconds, is a slippery runner who has excellent instincts as a ballcarrier and is smart enough to slide to avoid taking damage.

With Evans running the show, ‘Hanna will have a chance to win every time it steps on the field in 2025.

Honorable Mention: Josh Nengite (Susquehanna Township, LB, 6-3, 193), Noah Shifflett (Greencastle-Antrim, LB, 5-10, 180), Jasani Brown (Susquehanna Township, DB, 6-3, 175), Raj Collotia (East Pennsboro, K, 5-10, 210), Mason Boyer (Trinity, QB), Rakhi Seville (Susquehanna Township, RB, 5-9, 175), Maddox Jarzynski (Trinity, WR, 6-3), Dameon Reese (Trinity, DL, 6-3, 300), Luis Roman (Middletown, DB, 6-0, 190), Adam Yoder (West Perry, DB), Landen Mayer (Big Spring, K), Nickayus Zenon (Middletown, WR, 5-10, 172), Luke Serino (Trinity, OL, 6-1, 210), Mason Mellott (Greencastle-Antrim, OL, 5-10, 210), Henry Ridgley (East Pennsboro, OL, 5-11, 240), Christian Harter (East Pennsboro, C, 5-11, 230).

Counting down the Top 10 Players to watch in the Mid-Penn Capital Division

Capital

Andy Sandrik

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August 11, 2025

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Defense and trench warfare will rule the day in the Mid-Penn Capital Division this fall. That’s the impression that we get after poring through stats and film on our way to determining the Top 10 players to watch in the division this season.

Our list includes powerful giants and relentless monsters, all with the ability to wreck a game. Just one offensive specialist, an All-State QB, cracked into the Top 10.

We’ll take a closer look at these players–two per day–as well a few Honorable Mention selections, as part of our breakdown of the Capital Division. Stick with 4th Down Magazine in the days to come as we continue to analyze the remaining three divisions in the Mid-Penn.

10. M.A. Scaringi, Camp Hill, OLB/FB

When you live in the weight room, like the 6-foot, 200-pound Scaringi does, you can do some pretty remarkable things on the football field, like Scaringi has.

Power, acceleration, and keen field awareness are the senior’s strengths when he plays the OLB position. A “play to the whistle” kind of player, Scaringi can muscle down just about any opponent when he gets his arms wrapped around them. The Capital Division took notice of Scaringi’s big 2024 season, honoring him with a Second Team selection for his 101-tackle campaign.

Offensively, Camp Hill will be counting on Scaringi to once again produce from the backfield, where he churned out more than 700 combined rushing and receiving yards with five TDs last fall. Scaringi has soft hands and make the same basket catches as a WR, and he deploys a rumbling running style that can blast right through would-be solo tacklers.

9. Isaac Jackson, Upper Dauphin, DB/WR/Returner

Lighting in a bottle. That’s what Upper Dauphin has in Jackson, a 5-foot-10, 160-pound junior who was named a Capital Division All-Star on offense, defense, and as a returner for his electric play on the field last fall.

His incendiary speed, coupled with an ability to cut on a dime, fueled a season that saw him average 26.7 yards per catch after hauling in 18 receptions for 480 yards and five TDs. Jackson has a good sense of the ball under the stadium lights and has the hops to win jump balls, whether he’s playing on offense or defense.

He is a sticky DB whose presence alone can make a QB think twice about lofting a ball toward his side of the field, where he secured 33 tackles and two interceptions last season. Jackson was also a home run threat in the return game, where he averaged 25.2 yards as a kick returner.

8. Jackson Kauwell, Line Mountain, OL

The 6-foot-1, 270-pound Kauwell got to live the lineman’s dream last fall when we pulled in an interception from his DT position and returned it more than 60 yards on his way to the end zone.

It’s flashes like these that make us wonder if the powerful and athletic Kauwell can someday live out another dream: Making a college roster.

Kauwell, entering his fourth year as a starter on Line Mountain’s OL, came into his own last season, landing a spot on the Capital Division’s First Team offense. Heavy-handed with natural power, skills honed by his service as a heavyweight on the Eagles’ wrestling squad, Kauwell is no easy assignment for any lineman in the division.

If Kauwell can unleashed his angry side in 2025, he could be in for a breakout senior season.

7. Karson Engle, Upper Dauphin, OL/DT

If you’re facing off in the trenches against Engle, a 6-foot-4, 290-pound terror of a left tackle, get used to spending the majority of the game with your back on the ground.

Engle was cooking as a sophomore last fall, with the big man simply steamrolling nearly every opposing defender put in front of him. He generates a powerful drive right from the snap of the ball, and once Engle builds momentum, he leaves bodies in his wake.

His pass blocking is effective almost to the point of hilarity, with Engle frequently taking on the appearance of an adult warding off a flailing child.

Engle also came into his own as a DT last fall, piling up 27 tackles, including six tackles for loss and two sacks.

6. Kaiden Maurer, Line Mountain, QB

Following a big junior season that saw Maurer — a 6-foot-2, 180-pound QB — set school records for single-season (29) and career (53) passing TDs, Line Mountain’s signal caller could be in for his most productive campaign yet.

Named to the Pa. Football Writers’ All-State Team and as a Second Team selection in the Capital Division, Maurer threw for more than 2,000 yards last fall, and ran for nine scores. His experience shows in the way he plays the position, with Maurer keeping his sharp eyes downfield and delivering strikes with a quick release and a nice, easy spiral.

Left with time in the pocket, Maurer can pick a defense apart, which forces the opposition to apply pressure with blitzes. That’s not a good idea, either, as Maurer can deliver strong throws from out of position when he’s under duress.

His ability to run adds another wrinkle to an offense that promises to create major headaches for defenses. Maurer ran 68 times last season, averaging 5.2 yards per carry.

5. Angel Luciano, Steel-High, LB/WR

Steel-High couldn’t ask for a better man to lead its defense this season than Luciano, a violent 6-foot-3, 225-pound MLB and edge-rush DE who nailed down First Team honors in the Colonial last fall.

The senior has a knack for recognizing where the ball is going, and with that ability to see a play develop, Luciano is able to put himself in a position to wreck it. He is a dangerous blitzer who, on his path to the ballcarrier, can shake off blockers or simply blow past them untouched. With the speed to stick with wideouts and the strength to manhandle them, Luciano is equally deadly at defending the pass, enforcing a toll on any receiver left hanging out to dry.

Like many players on Steel-High’s roster, Luciano plays both ways. As a receiver, was named to the Colonial’s Second Team last fall.

4. Semaj Evans, Steel-High, DL/OG

There was some concern about how Steel-High’s new-look squad would react following the 2023 season, which featured a state championship and the graduation of the greatest senior class in school history. As it turned out, the closing of one era opened the door for a new one: The reign of Semaj Evans, a 6-foot-3, 255-pound lineman who earned Capital Division First Team nods on both sides of the ball as a sophomore last fall.

With the strength to split double teams and the speed to chase down fleeing ballcarriers, coupled with a relentless style of play, Evans’ presence on the defensive line has been known to cause panic in opposing backfields. On offense Evans mans the guard position, and while he is a solid pass protector, he especially excels at obliterating unsuspecting defenders on trap plays.

With two seasons of varsity ball still remaining for Evans, look for the Rollers to stay relevant in the Mid-Penn for years to come.

3. Eoghan Savage, Upper Dauphin, DE/TE

Very few players have a surname that perfectly aligns with their play on the field, but it clicks perfectly for Savage, a 6-foot-3, 235-pound monster who has been torturing opposing high school linemen since he was a freshman.

Whether he’s lining up at DE, his primary position, or in the very middle of the trenches at nose tackle, Savage excels at wreaking havoc. Equipped with a large frame, coupled with long, strong arms, Savage can quickly disengage from blocks and scoop up nearby ballcarriers. This process often results in opponents getting tossed around like rag dolls, or being flat out pancaked. To put this all into perspective, Savage has totaled 108 tackles over his career with 39 of those being recorded for a loss, including 13 sacks.

On the other side of the ball as a TE/WR, Savage recorded 11 catches for 141 yards and a TD last season. While his ability to catch passes is a plus, his blocking is what puts fear into the hearts of opponents. We feel especially sorry for the defensive backs trying to survive the blocks from Savage, a PIAA wrestling qualifier at heavyweight.

. Jasper Shepps, Juniata, DB/WR/Returner/Punter

It’s hard for us to believe that a player like Shepps, a 6-foot-1, 180-pound athlete who can do just about anything he wants on a football field, doesn’t have more college offers than he has.

Shepps is at his deadliest on the defensive side of the ball, where he’s pulled down 23 interceptions over his first three seasons on the high school gridiron. Shepps can match up with the top opposing receiver, if asked, or he can patrol the deep end of the field as a safety, just daring the QB to put the ball up for grabs.

Whether he’s playing defense or offense, Shepps has a good sense for the ball and the length to reach up and haul it in. As a receiver, Shepps has a knack for finding the soft spot in the defense, coupled with an ability to beat double teams and make off-balance catches in traffic. Over the course of his career, he’s registered 146 catches for 2,805 yards and 30 TDs.

Arm tackles won’t work against the shifty Shepps, also a dangerous return man who averaged 21.4 yards on kickoff returns and 8.9 yards on punt returns. Shepps can also impact the game as a punter, a position that saw him average 37 yards a pop last fall.

1. Max Johnson, Line Mountain, DL/TE

We think Maxim is a cooler first name than Max, but who are we to argue with the 6-foot-4, 200-pound beast from Herndon?

Johnson was the most terrifying man in the Capital last fall, with the rangy DE securing the nod as the division’s Defensive Player of the Year after rolling up 81 tackles, 16 sacks, 16 QB hurries, and four caused fumbles, to go along with five passes defended. This breakout season, of course, was nothing new for Johnson, who’s totaled 36.5 sacks over his first three seasons on the high school gridiron.

Johnson wields a potent combination of power and quickness, and his ability to attack from both the left and right sides make him a matchup nightmare for opponents. Johnson often finds himself in the backfield almost as soon as the ball is snapped, either running past the offensive lineman tasked with blocking him or picking up the poor soul and using him as a weapon to disrupt the QB.

Johnson’s length, which he uses to bat down passes at the line of scrimmage, made him an asset on the other side of the ball at TE. He had the best offensive season of his career last season, hauling in 27 catches for 383 yards and five TDs. It goes without saying that Johnson has the potential to put up even bigger numbers in his final season of high ball.

Honorable Mention: Bryce Harlon (Juniata, OL, 5-10, 215), Jackson Kauwell (Line Mountain, OL, 6-0, 260), Quann Padgett (Steel-High, DL/OL, 6-3, 236), Teegan Carroll (Halifax, LB/QB, 6-2, 195), Ni’Shaun Ward-McMullen (Steel-High, LB/RB, 6-2, 220), Dalton Schadel (Line Mountain, WR, 5-9, 160), Dylan Vadasz (Newport, OL, 6-0, 230), Braiden McCartney (Upper Dauphin, OL, 6-3, 240), AJ Serdar (Camp Hill, RB, 6-1, 195), Zach Bates (Newport, QB/K, 6-1, 190).

Mid-Penn Commonwealth: Preseason Records, Breakdowns, MVP and More

Luke Brown

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August 11, 2025

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Mid-Penn Commonwealth: Preseason Records, Breakdowns, MVP and More

Another season of high school football season is upon us and it’s time to take a preseason look at the Mid-Penn Conference. It’s the second year of Mid-Penn realignment which placed Cedar Cliff and Bishop McDevitt into the conference’s largest division. Last season, Harrisburg lost in the PIAA semifinals to Pittsburgh Central Catholic and McDevitt won the 5A state championship against Roman Catholic, and the pair of Central PA heavyweights find themselves on top of the division preseason rankings once again in 2025.

Preseason Commonwealth MVP: Tyler Merrill, Cumberland Valley

One day in the weight room working out, one of Merrill’s coaches at Cumberland Valley just made up a name out of thin air: “Big Oak.” It stuck for the 6’6”, 325 pound giant on the line. It’s even his X username, and it’s all you hear when talking about the incoming senior committed to play at Notre Dame. There’s been a lot of hype around the Cumberland Valley standout, and now that he’s reached senior year, he’s the preseason most valuable player in the Commonwealth Division.

Team-by-team Record Predictions

1. Harrisburg Cougars (10-0)

2024 Record: 11-3 | Head Coach: Calvin Everett

The Cougars are reloaded once again in 2025, and unlike last year at this time, they have a good idea of who will play quarterback this season. After Shawn Lee Jr. was ruled ineligible by the PIAA before the season, Harrisburg had to scramble to find a quarterback, and found a hidden gem in Jaiyon Lewis, who ended up throwing 14 completions for 236 yards and a touchdown at Rocco Ortenzio Stadium in a rivalry renewed between McDevitt and Harrisburg – a 35-33 win for the Cougars in an instant classic. Harrisburg will return two offensive weapons, both heading to Big Ten schools, in Elias Coke and Messiah Mickens. Coke, heading to Rutgers as a wide receiver, caught 50 passes last year for 968 yards and 10 touchdowns. Mickens, heading to Penn State next season, is a force in both the run game and on defense, which led him to earn the 2024 Gatorade Player of the Year award for the top player in the state. He ran for 1,214 yards off 155 carries and 21 touchdowns. He also tallied 81 total tackles, with a staggering number of 39 tackles for loss. Fellow Penn State commit Kevin Brown – the 6’5” 290 pound lineman – will return for his senior season at Severance Field. Brown tallied 11.5 sacks his sophomore season, but missed the bulk of junior year after getting hurt in week one against La Salle, and didn’t return until the District 3 6A semifinal. Speaking of La Salle, they’re the team that had the Cougars’ number in week one last season, coming out of nowhere to make quite a run last season. This year, it’s another Philadelphia powerhouse in Imhotep Charter that the Cougars will see in week one at the York Rose Bowl, a star-studded matchup that will be a packed house at York High’s Smalls Athletic Field. Harrisburg will certainly have the talent to make a run through the semifinals and into the PIAA final this season, but it won’t be easy in the slightest to get there through a packed regular season and tough playoff bracket.

2. Bishop McDevitt Crusaders (9-1)

2024 Record: 14-2 | Head Coach: Jeff Weachter

It’s a McDevitt squad that can easily be written off because of their change at the quarterback position. If you want to be wildly off on how this Crusader team will perform in the year 2025. Yes, Stone Saunders’ legacy at McDevitt is complete and he’ll be with Kentucky this season, but now it’s Sebestian Williams turn at throwing the rock at Rocco Ortenzio Stadium, and all signs point to readiness and a smooth transition of power for the returning 5A state champs. The junior passer has 321 yards and three touchdowns under his belt off 26 passing attempts and 23 completions. The weapons at skill positions are certainly plentiful, as always. Nazir Jones-Davis was the Crusaders’ leading rusher last year, tallying 1,657 yards and 18 TD’s off 216 carries. 2,828 is the number to beat this season for Jones-Davis, the single-season rushing record set 2004 by LeSean McCoy. Maurice Barnes shares the backfield at McDevitt, the senior who doubles as a receiving threat as well as the ground game. His 1,968 all-purpose career yardage mark has given him offers from Notre Dame, Penn State and Michigan among others. McDevitt opened the season with a statement, 45-15, win over Mount St. Joseph, a team that nearly beat them the year previous. Then, Ortenzio Stadium hosted the “Battle for the ‘Burg,” a rivalry renewed between McDevitt and Harrisburg now that the Crusaders are back in the Commonwealth division. It was a classic city barnburner, and a 35-33 overtime loss at home for Jeff Weachter’s team. “That loss was unacceptable,” said Jude Slover, McDevitt’s starting center. The team went on to lose one more game in the regular season to State College in Week 10, but ramped up in the postseason to win a PIAA District 3 title and the program’s third state championship against Roman Catholic. It was a thrilling 34-31 overtime win against the Philadelphia Catholic League squad off the foot of Aidan Grella, who kicks for the team on Friday nights and stars for the boys soccer team through the week. This season, McDevitt will play Clarkson North, a Canadian school, in week one at the York Rose Bowl. The non-conference meeting has the potential for a close game, but the Crusaders only predicted loss is to come at Harrisburg in week two, but it’s not hard to see McDevitt run the table in the postseason again and compete for back-to-back state championships.

3. Cumberland Valley Eagles (7-3)

2024 Record: 6-6 | Head Coach: Josh Oswalt

Over the years, there’s been a lot of postseason rivalries between all sorts of different teams across the state. McDevitt and Aliquippa were battling for PIAA 4A titles for a while, Camp Hill seemed to meet York Catholic quite often, but none compare the recent meetings between Cumberland Valley and Manheim Township. The Blue Streaks and Eagles have met eight times in the last four seasons, and the Lancaster-Lebanon frontrunners seem to have CV’s number. “We beat them the one year at home when Isaac (Sines) was our quarterback, and we’ve kind of been looking back since that. We want to kind of change the vibe of that game, and make it more a rivalry,” said Cumberland Valley’s offensive tackle Tyler Merrill, committed to play at Notre Dame. Grant Shepley was CV’s quarterback last season, who waited in line for a shot in senior season and was able to complete 71 passes for 972 yards and 11 touchdowns. This year, it’ll be another senior under center in Kameron Wolfe. Wolfe was 20/33 last season when he got a shot at QB, tallying 290 yards and a touchdown. Brody Pines, the Eagles’ leading rusher last season, is also back after a 2024 season that included 133 carries for 456 yards and six touchdowns. CV will be without Nolan Buzalka, the do-it-all athlete that is heading to play this season at East Stroudsburg. Buzalka was the Eagles’ top receiver last season, and his season earned him a roster spot on the Pennsylvania roster in the Big 33 Football Classic, played on Chapman Field in Mechanicsburg. Luckily, it seems there will be a seamless transition from Buzalka to Elijah Sherman, who caught 33 passes for 453 yards and 6 touchdowns. Pines, who made his mark in the ground game, put up five receiving touchdowns in the air as well off his 31 receptions. The Eagles should be in position to win a seven Commonwealth games, but time will be the judge on whether they can get past three strong teams in Harrisburg, McDevitt and Manheim Township.

4. State College Little Lions (7-3)

2024 Record: 11-2 | Head Coach: Matt Lintal

It’s only fitting that State College’s senior athletics banquet was the same night as their PIAA first round for boys lacrosse, girls lacrosse and boys volleyball. Some seniors were late, some couldn’t make it all. That’s the way the class at SC will be remembered because of the immense amount of talent they had packed into it. That includes Ty Salazer, the wide receiver who won the Large School Mr. PA Football award and is heading to the University of Delaware. The stacked senior class also includes Eddie Corkery, the Little Lions’ starting quarterback who passed for 3,109 yards last season and is now playing his college ball at Millersville. And the third big piece to last year’s roster was Michael Gaul, a three-star linebacker now at Villanova, the newest addition to the Patriot League. Two sophomore QB’s took snaps last year in addition to Corkery in Kellen Williams and Keen Furmanek. Keen, the younger brother of State College former quarterback turned Penn State tight end, will likely get more involved as a rusher than passer, making room for Kellen Williams to take over as the primary quarterback for the Little Lions. Per usual, SC opens their season with Gateway, which is usually a win to ease into a new season for the Little Lions. Then, they’ll travel to their fellow Mid-Penn outsider in Altoona before hosting Harrisburg and Cumberland Valley. State College always seems to find plenty of athletes and reload year in, year out. Their game against CV could go either way, but it’s hard to see a way past McDevitt or Harrisburg this season.

5. Cedar Cliff Colts (6-4)

2024 Record: 4-6 | Head Coach: Colin Gillen

The Colts’ first season in the Commonwealth division was certainly a challenge. The blatant challenges of Harrisburg and McDevitt were expected, but add in a good CD East team, a Chambersburg squad that was better than expected, State College and Cumberland Valley being in the way and that’s six losses right there. Bennett Secrest was the starting quarterback and passed for 1,229 yards and 15 touchdowns for the Colts, but his legacy – and many of his peers – will revolve around the PIAA 6A baseball championship that was won in June by Cedar Cliff in a 13-inning, walk-off balk against North Penn. Jalen Hinton will develop through the year as the starting QB after two completions off 12 attempts last season as a sophomore. Luckily, the Colts will return this season like lineman Josh Gillen, wide receiver Owen Anastasi, linebacker Will Kocher and running back Alex Otero. PJ Dent, now suiting up for Harrisburg and Otero for 1,028 rushing yards last season. The Colts will open the year at West Shore Stadium against Red Land, as they now do without having the rival Patriots in their division. This year should prove easier to pull off wins against the “middle of the road” teams like CD East, Chambersburg and others for a few more wins on the Colts’ schedule. Last year, a 5-5 record was enough for fellow Commonwealth division squad Cumberland Valley, so 6-4 might be enough this year for the Colts to squeak into District play.

6. Chambersburg Trojans (4-6)

2024 Record: 4-6 | Head Coach: Mark Luther

Chambersburg turned heads last year in week one with a 24-17 win at Gettysburg. Then those heads turned the other direction when the same Trojans team lost 50-2 to CD East in week two. Still, a team with nothing to lose put together four total wins, beating Cedar Cliff, Carlisle, and another upset against Cumberland Valley. The good news: Ceagen Truett is back at the helm, after going 78/133 for 885 yards and four touchdowns last year as a junior. That statline is the fifth best in the Mid-Penn conference for returning passers. Unfortunately, though, a lot of Truett’s options won’t return like Antonio Harrison, Imari Watson, Trever Luther and Jason Chambers. Games against CD East, Carlisle, Altoona and Central Dauphin are open doors through the year and if the Trojans can play the right game, they’ll be able to make out some wins.

7. Central Dauphin Rams (3-7)

2024 Record: 3-7 | Head Coach: Glen McNamee

Central Dauphin and Central York have been battling in week one for a few years, and it’s a great chance for CY to ease into the season, coasting to wins over the Rams. That’s certainly not where CD wants to be as a program, but it’s been difficult for the program to find it’s footing in recent years. Last year, the team forced overtime at West Shore Stadium against Cedar Cliff and followed up by beating Carlisle and Altoona in weeks three and four. They went on to beat Chambersburg, 28-21, to finish the season 3-7. With Central York only improving into this season and the same divisional schedule, it’s hard to see the Rams picking up any more wins this season. Additionally, quarterback Gavin Kirkpatrick graduated after a senior season last year that saw 71 completions for 963 yards and five touchdowns. Mark Lebo is likely set as the replacement after throwing just three passes last year, all completions for a total of 56 yards and a touchdown along with it. Lebo also had five rushing touchdowns.

8. CD East Panthers (3-7)

2024 Record: 7-4 | Head Coach: Tyshaun Pollard

There was a lot of buzz around CD East last season and for good reason. The Panthers outscored opponents 90-8 in their first two games, they started 7-0, and everything seemed to be going so right. Some teams get hit with the injury bug late in the year, but CD East got hit with the scheduling bug. They had to play McDevitt, Harrisburg and State College to finish the season, and then were expecting to somehow bring back what they had going for the playoffs. Central York took advantage of their fatigue for a 47-14 win in the first round of District 3 playoffs, thus ending CD East’s season at 7-4. Demaj Jalloh, now at Clarion, was the do-it-all QB for the Panthers, and will sit in school legacy with the most passing yards in a career, a season and a game. Tanie Young, who transferred from Trinity to CD East after sophomore year, will also be a legend for quite some time at East High after receiving for more than 1,000 yards last year. He’ll play his college ball at LIU. CD East seemed to never run out of playmakers last season, but a heavy senior class will hit them hard now. To add to the turnover, Lance Deane, the Panthers’ former coach, left in the offseason to become Director of Athletics at Susquehanna Township. The school stayed internal with hiring former assistant coach Tyshaun Pollard to lead the program, which makes it quite possible for the program to be right back in a good spot soon, but this might be a rebuilding year.

9. Carlisle Thundering Herd (1-9)

2024 Record: 1-9 | Head Coach: Brandon Cook

It didn’t take long for Carlisle to be tested last season. They played their yearly rivalry game against Mechanicsburg in week one, and the Wildcats could not stop scoring. It ended 34-6, and then more tests continued to pile on Brandon Cook’s squad. Another rival, Cumberland Valley, were the challenge the next week, a 35-0 loss. The Thundering Herd struck within nine points of CD East, but did not grab a win until their week ten game at Altoona. It’s a tough division, and Carlisle has not seen a winning season since 2022, when they went 6-5. Brett Ickes, who spent 26 years involved in the program, stepped down after that season. The team will host Mechanicsburg in the “Backyard Brawl” this year, then get into divisional play with Cumberland Valley at home.

10. Altoona Mountain Lions (0-10)

2024 Record: 1-9 | Head Coach: Vince Nedimyer Jr.

Mark Harrington’s run as the quarterback of the Mountain Lions ended after last season, and now it’ll likely be time for Conner Pike – a junior – to step into the role. Running back Julian Hazlewood steps up after a 283-yard rushing season for the squad last season. Hazlewood also caught four passes for 32 yards last year. The team will lead off the year at Hollidaysburg, whom they lost to 27-14 in 2024. The Mountain Lions squeaked out a 21-14 win over Chambersburg last season in week eight, so it’s certainly possible for them to pull off another upset this year, it’s just hard to see where.

Eric F. Epler’s State High School Football Rankings: December 10

State rankings

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December 10, 2024

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Eric F. Epler’s State High School Football Rankings: December 10

Folks, thank you all for your incredible work during the football season. Final rankings below if you want them. … If you haven’t received the All-State email about nominations and deadlines, please let me know. Ep

Pennsylvania high school football final 2024 rankings (Dec. 10)

CLASS 6A

Rank – Team – District – Record — Previous

1. St. Joseph’s Prep (12) — 11-2 — 1

2. La Salle College HS (12) — 10-1 — 3

3. Pittsburgh CC (7) — 12-3 — 2

4. Harrisburg (3) — 11-3 — 4

5. Downingtown West (1) — 13-2 — 5

6. North Penn (1) — 11-3 — 6

7. State College (6) — 11-2 — 7

8. Central Bucks South (1) — 12-1 — 8

9. Parkland (11) — 11-3 — 9

10. North Allegheny (7) — 10-2 — 10

Honorable mention: Central Bucks West (1) 10-3, Central York (3) 9-3, Easton Area (11) 10-2, Emmaus (11) 10-3, Imhotep Charter (12) 10-2, Manheim Township (3) 10-2, Wilson-West Lawn (3) 11-2.

CLASS 5A

Rank – Team – District – Record – Previous

1. Bishop McDevitt (3) — 14-2 — 1

2. Roman Catholic (12) — 11-5 — 2

3. Pine-Richland (7) — 11-2 — 3

4. West Chester Rustin (1) — 13-2 — 4

5. Peters Township (7) — 11-2 — 5

6. Upper St. Clair (7) — 11-1 — 6

7. Springfield-Delco (1) — 12-2 — 7

8. Exeter Township (3) — 12-2 — 8

9. Mechanicsburg (3) — 11-1 — 9

10. Hollidaysburg (6) — 12-2 — 10

Honorable mention: Abington Heights (2) 8-3, Bethel Park (7) 10-3, Conestoga Valley (3) 11-1, East Stroudsburg (11) 10-3, Garnet Valley (1) 9-4, Upper Dublin (1) 9-4.

CLASS 4A

Rank – Team – District – Record – Previous

1. Bonner-Prendergast (12) – 12-2 — 2
2. Lampeter-Strasburg (3) — 14-1 — 1

3. Thomas Jefferson (7) — 13-1 — 3

4. Southern Lehigh (11) — 12-3 — 4

5. Wyomissing (3) — 10-3 — 5

6. Clearfield (9) — 12-1 — 6

7. Pope John Paul II (1) — 12-2 — 7

8. Aliquippa (7) — 7-3 — 9

9. Juniata (6) — 9-4 — 9

10. Shamokin (4) — 12-1 — 10

Honorable mention: General McLane (10) 8-3, Jersey Shore (4) 8-4, McKeesport (7) 8-5, Valley View (2) 11-2, Twin Valley (3) 9-3.

CLASS 3A

Rank – Team – District – Record – Previous

1. Northwestern Lehigh (11) — 16-0 — 1

2. Avonworth (7) — 12-4 — 2

3. Danville (4) — 13-1 — 3

4. Penn Cambria (6) — 14-1 — 4

5. Scranton Prep (2) — 12-2 — 5

6. Lewisburg (4) — 10-2 — 6

7. Hickory (10) — 11-2 — 7

8. Bermudian Springs (3) — 11-2 — 8

9. Sharon (10) — 11-2 — 9

10. Imani Christian (7) — 11-1 — 10

Honorable mention: Central Valley (7) 7-6, Elizabeth-Forward (7) 8-3, Trinity (3) 9-3, Western Wayne (2) 10-2, Wyoming Area (2) 11-2.

CLASS 2A

Rank – Team – District – Record – Previous

1. Troy (4) — 16-0 — 1

2. Central Clarion (9) — 14-1 — 2

3. Riverside (2) — 13-2 — 3

4. South Park (7) — 12-2 — 4

5. Seton-LaSalle (7) — 12-1 — 5

6. Williams Valley (11) — 12-2 — 6

7. Cambria Heights (6) — 13-1 — 7

8. Ellwood City (7) — 10-1 — 8

9. Bedford (5) — 10-4 — 9

10. Schuylkill Haven (11) — 11-2 — 10

Honorable mention: Farrell (10) 7-6, Richland (6) 10-3, Steelton-Highspire (3) 10-3, Steel Valley (7) 9-4.

CLASS 1A

Rank – Team – District – Record – Previous

1. Bishop Guilfoyle (6) — 15-1 — 1

2. Port Allegany (9) — 14-1 — 2

3. Fort Cherry (7) — 14-1 — 3

4. Muncy (4) — 12-3 — 4

5. Clairton (7) — 13-1 — 5

6. Lackawanna Trail (2) — 11-2 — 6

7. Westinghouse (8) — 9-2 — 7

8. Greenville (10) — 11-2 — 8

9. Wilmington (10) — 8-3 — 9

10. Delone Catholic (3) — 10-3 — 10

Honorable mention: Bishop Canevin (7) 9-3, Cambridge Springs (10) 9-2, Northern Cambria (6) 11-2, Redbank Valley (9) 9-4, Windber (5) 10-3.

Picks and Predictions for the PIAA Championships

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December 5, 2024

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Picks and Predictions for the PIAA Championships

PIAA Finals:

6A:

St. Joseph’s Prep vs. Central Catholic

at Cumberland Valley High School December 7 at 7 p.m.

Andy Shay: St. Joseph’s Prep 38, Central Catholic 27: The kingpin of Class 6A is here again to announce its presence with authority. SJP is always the heavy favorite in this game.

Andy Sandrik: St. Joseph’s Prep 32, Central Catholic 25: Is there a three-peat in store for the Hawks? I think so, but Central Catholic will have a say in this outcome.

Adam Kulikowski: St. Joseph’s Prep 35, Central Catholic 24: Prep has appeared in every Class 6A Championship bout since the class was established in 2016, winning six of eight titles along the way. Some say this team is ‘more beatable’ than in years past, but that doesn’t mean the road will be easy for Central.

5A:

Roman Catholic vs. Bishop McDevitt

at Cumberland Valley High School December 6 at 7 p.m.

Andy Shay: Bishop McDevitt 28, Roman Catholic 21: Love the quarterback matchup in this one. However the hidden key for me is the play of each defense. Where I think the Crusaders have the slightest of edge.

Andy Sandrik: Bishop McDevitt 24, Roman Catholic 21: I think there were a lot of folks expecting Pine-Richland to be here, but McDevitt did a convincing job of dispatching the Rams and now finds itself as a favorite in the state championship game, at least in my book.

Adam Kulikowski: Bishop McDevitt 34, Roman Catholic 31: For the third time in four years, Bishop McDevitt will play for a PIAA championship—this time against the District 12 champion Cahillites. Junior QB Semaj Beals has carved up opponents all season with more than 4,000 passing yards and 48 touchdowns.

4A:

Bonner Prendergast vs. Lampeter Strasburg

at Cumberland Valley High School December 5 at 7 p.m.

Andy Shay: Lampeter-Strasburg 24, Bonner Prendergast 21: Call this my homer pick all the way. It’s a slim path to victory for the Pioneers, but this season they have answered every question asked. BP will ask some new ones, though.

Andy Sandrik: Lampeter-Strasburg 28, Bonner Prendergast 21: You just never know what’s going to happen in a state title game, but the Pioneers have slayed dragon after dragon to get here. I think they can do it one more time to complete their undefeated season.

Adam Kulikowski: Bonner Prendergast 45, Lampeter Strasburg 30: Both teams will play for their first state championship December 5. Bonner enters this bout with just two losses on the season–against 6A powerhouses St. Joseph’s Prep and La Salle College. For the undefeated Pioneers, they must find a way to slow down a Bonner offense that averages more than 38 points per game and features a high-powered air attack.

3A:

Northwestern Lehigh vs. Avonworth

at Cumberland Valley High School December 7 at 1 p.m.

Andy Shay: Northwestern Lehigh 35, Avonworth 14: The Tigers have carved up anybody and everybody this season. Nothing changes in the highest stakes game of the season. NOTHING!

Andy Sandrik: Northwestern Lehigh 31, Avonworth 24: One of these programs will win a first state title. Odds certainly favor the unbeaten Tigers, who have absolutely demolished the competition this season.

Adam Kulikowski: Northwestern Lehigh 34, Avonworth 21: Lehigh enters this battle as the heavy favorites and for good reason. Here’s just a few… the Tigers are winners of 30 of their last 31 games and have outscored their opponents 634-93 this season. Running back Eli Zimmerman is one of the slickest cats in the Commonwealth, rushing for more than 2,500 yards and 35 touchdowns.

2A:

Troy vs. Central Clarion

at Cumberland Valley High School December 6 at 1 p.m.

Andy Shay: Troy 34, Central Clarion 31: Something tells me Troy is built to handle what Central Clarion is going to throw at them. If the game gets sideways and becomes a tight squeeze Troy will know exactly what to do.

Andy Sandrik: Central Clarion 27, Troy 18: Not only will Wildcats senior QB Jase Ferguson be seeking his 50th TD pass on Friday, but Central Clarion could very well be gunning for District 9’s first-ever state title, assuming Port Allegany doesn’t beat them to the punch in Thursday’s 1A final.

Adam Kulikowski: Central Clarion 45, Troy 21: Central Clarion has imposed the mercy rule in 12 of its 14 wins this season. In its three state playoff games, they outpaced opponents by a combined 145-12 score. Yep, the Wildcats are an imposing obstacle to say the least.

1A:

Bishop Guilfoyle vs. Port Allegany

at Cumberland Valley High School December 5 at 1 p.m.

Andy Shay: Bishop Guilfoyle 28, Port Allegany 14: There’s just something about the way BG sucks the life out of the opposition that is kinda boring to watch, but very enjoyable from a football geek perspective. District 6 raw power will be on display.

Andy Sandrik: Port Allegany 35, Bishop Guilfoyle 28: My gut was originally telling me to go with Bishop Guilfoyle, but it’s really hard to ignore the high-powered Gators, who have beaten every one of their postseason opponents by at least three scores.

Adam Kulikowski: Bishop Guilfoyle 27, Port Allegany 21: Experience matters when the pressure is at its peak–and the Marauders have plenty when it comes to playing for a PIAA title.

Eric F. Epler’s State High School Football Rankings: December 3

State rankings

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December 3, 2024

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Eric F. Epler’s State High School Football Rankings: December 3

CLASS 6A

Rank – Team – District – Record — Previous

1. St. Joseph’s Prep (12) — 10-2 — 1

2. Pittsburgh CC (7) — 12-2 — 2

3. La Salle College HS (12) — 10-1 — 3

4. Harrisburg (3) — 11-3 — 4

5. Downingtown West (1) — 13-2 — 5

6. North Penn (1) — 11-3 — 6

7. State College (6) — 11-2 — 7

8. Central Bucks South (1) — 12-1 — 8

9. Parkland (11) — 11-3 — 9

10. North Allegheny (7) — 10-2 — 10

Honorable mention: Central Bucks West (1) 10-3, Central York (3) 9-3, Easton Area (11) 10-2, Emmaus (11) 10-3, Imhotep Charter (12) 10-2, Manheim Township (3) 10-2, Wilson-West Lawn (3) 11-2.

CLASS 5A

Rank – Team – District – Record – Previous

1. Bishop McDevitt (3) — 13-2 — 3

2. Roman Catholic (12) — 11-4 — 4

3. Pine-Richland (7) — 11-2 — 1

4. West Chester Rustin (1) — 13-2 — 2

5. Peters Township (7) — 11-2 — 5

6. Upper St. Clair (7) — 11-1 — 6

7. Springfield-Delco (1) — 12-2 — 7

8. Exeter Township (3) — 12-2 — 8

9. Mechanicsburg (3) — 11-1 — 9

10. Hollidaysburg (6) — 12-2 — 10

Honorable mention: Abington Heights (2) 8-3, Bethel Park (7) 10-3, Conestoga Valley (3) 11-1, East Stroudsburg (11) 10-3, Garnet Valley (1) 9-4, Upper Dublin (1) 9-4.

CLASS 4A

Rank – Team – District – Record – Previous

1. Lampeter-Strasburg (3) — 14-0 — 2

2. Bonner-Prendergast (12) – 11-2 — 3

3. Thomas Jefferson (7) — 13-1 — 1

4. Southern Lehigh (11) — 12-3 — 4

5. Wyomissing (3) — 10-3 — 5

6. Clearfield (9) — 12-1 — 6

7. Pope John Paul II (1) — 12-2 — 7

8. Aliquippa (7) — 7-3 — 10

9. Juniata (6) — 9-4 — 8

10. Shamokin (4) — 12-1 — 9

Honorable mention: General McLane (10) 8-3, Jersey Shore (4) 8-4, McKeesport (7) 8-5, Valley View (2) 11-2, Twin Valley (3) 9-3.

CLASS 3A

Rank – Team – District – Record – Previous

1. Northwestern Lehigh (11) — 15-0 — 2

2. Avonworth (7) — 12-3 — 4

3. Danville (4) — 13-1 — 1

4. Penn Cambria (6) — 14-1 — 3

5. Scranton Prep (2) — 12-2 — 5

6. Lewisburg (4) — 10-2 — 7

7. Hickory (10) — 11-2 — 6

8. Bermudian Springs (3) — 11-2 — 8

9. Sharon (10) — 11-2 — 9

10. Imani Christian (7) — 11-1 — HM

Honorable mention: Central Valley (7) 7-6, Elizabeth-Forward (7) 8-3, Trinity (3) 9-3, Western Wayne (2) 10-2, Wyoming Area (2) 11-2.

CLASS 2A

Rank – Team – District – Record – Previous

1. Troy (4) — 15-0 — 1

2. Central Clarion (9) — 14-0 — 2

3. Riverside (2) — 13-2 — 3

4. South Park (7) — 12-2 — 4

5. Seton-LaSalle (7) — 12-1 — 5

6. Williams Valley (11) — 12-2 — 6

7. Cambria Heights (6) — 13-1 — 7

8. Ellwood City (7) — 10-1 — 8

9. Bedford (5) — 10-4 — 9

10. Schuylkill Haven (11) — 11-2 — 10

Honorable mention: Farrell (10) 7-6, Richland (6) 10-3, Steelton-Highspire (3) 10-3, Steel Valley (7) 9-4.

CLASS 1A

Rank – Team – District – Record – Previous

1. Bishop Guilfoyle (6) — 14-1 — 2

2. Port Allegany (9) — 14-0 — 3

3. Fort Cherry (7) — 14-1 — 1

4. Muncy (4) — 12-3 — 4

5. Clairton (7) — 13-1 — 5

6. Lackawanna Trail (2) — 11-2 — 7

7. Westinghouse (8) — 9-2 — 6

8. Greenville (10) — 11-2 — 8

9. Wilmington (10) — 8-3 — 9

10. Delone Catholic (3) — 10-3 — 10

Honorable mention: Bishop Canevin (7) 9-3, Cambridge Springs (10) 9-2, Northern Cambria (6) 11-2, Redbank Valley (9) 9-4, Windber (5) 10-3.

Picks and Predictions for November 29-30

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November 28, 2024

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Picks and Predictions for November 29-30

PIAA 6A Semifinal:

Harrisburg vs. Pittsburgh Central Catholic

November 30 at 1 p.m. at Mansion Park in Altoona

Andy Shay: Pittsburgh Central Catholic 35, Harrisburg 19: The last time PCC had a legitimate competitive game that pushed them to the limit was in late September. Fewest points by the Vikings their last seven games is 38 twice. FEWEST points. Cougars aren’t equipped to handle this much two-way horsepower over 48 minutes.

Andy Sandrik: Pittsburgh Central Catholic 32, Harrisburg 23: The Cougars are going to need to play at a level we haven’t yet seen to survive this assignment.

Adam Kulikowski: Pittsburgh Central Catholic 37, Harrisburg 28: Harrisburg has been here before. Four straight PIAA 6A semifinal appearances give this crew plenty of experience in big moments. But taking down a PCC team that plays with a pace the Cougars haven’t seen all season will be a mighty challenge.

PIAA 5A Semifinal:

Bishop McDevitt vs. Pine-Richland

November 29 at 7 p.m. at Mansion Park in Altoona

Andy Shay: Pine-Richland 28, Bishop McDevitt 20: Among a litany of impressive victories, the Rams have taken out Class 6A semifinalist Pittsburgh Central Catholic. The schedule has prepared McD for this type of matchup, just not sure they have all the prerequisite parts to knock off this hammer squad.

Andy Sandrik: Bishop McDevitt 28, Pine-Richland 20: This Crusaders’ defense has solved plenty of tough riddles this season, and I think they have the personnel to combat this balanced Rams attack.

Adam Kulikowski: Pine-Richland 31, Bishop McDevitt 30: In three WPIAL playoff games, the vaunted Pine-Richland defense allowed just 16 total points. It’s safe to say the Rams won’t be intimidated by the playmakers Bishop McDevitt trots onto the field.

Eric F. Epler’s State High School Football Rankings: November 26

State rankings

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November 26, 2024

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Eric F. Epler’s State High School Football Rankings: November 26

CLASS 6A

Rank – Team – District – Record — Previous

1. St. Joseph’s Prep (12) — 9-2 — 1

2. Pittsburgh CC (7) — 11-2 — 3

3. La Salle College HS (12) — 10-1 — 4

4. Harrisburg (3) — 11-2 — 6

5. Downingtown West (1) — 13-1 — 10

6. North Penn (1) — 11-3 — 7

7. State College (6) — 11-2 — 2

8. Central Bucks South (1) — 12-1 — 8

9. Parkland (11) — 11-3 — 9

10. North Allegheny (7) — 10-2 — NR

Honorable mention: Central Bucks West (1) 10-3, Central York (3) 9-3, Easton Area (11) 10-2, Emmaus (11) 10-3, Imhotep Charter (12) 10-2, Manheim Township (3) 10-2, Wilson-West Lawn (3) 11-2.

CLASS 5A

Rank – Team – District – Record – Previous

1. Pine-Richland (7) — 11-1 — 1

2. West Chester Rustin (1) — 13-1 — 2

3. Bishop McDevitt (3) — 12-2 — 5

4. Roman Catholic (12) — 10-4 — 9

5. Peters Township (7) — 11-2 — 3

6. Upper St. Clair (7) — 11-1 — 7

7. Springfield-Delco (1) — 12-2 — 4

8. Exeter Township (3) — 12-2 — 6

9. Mechanicsburg (3) — 11-1 — 10

10. Hollidaysburg (6) — 12-2 — 8

Honorable mention: Abington Heights (2) 8-3, Bethel Park (7) 10-3, Conestoga Valley (3) 11-1, East Stroudsburg (11) 10-3, Garnet Valley (1) 9-4, Upper Dublin (1) 9-4.

CLASS 4A

Rank – Team – District – Record – Previous

1. Thomas Jefferson (7) — 13-0 — 1

2. Lampeter-Strasburg (3) — 13-0 — 3

3. Bonner-Prendergast (12) – 10-2 — 6

4. Southern Lehigh (11) — 12-2 — 8

5. Wyomissing (3) — 10-3 — 4

6. Clearfield (9) — 12-1 — 5

7. Pope John Paul II (1) — 12-2 — 2

8. Juniata (6) — 9-4 — 7

9. Shamokin (4) — 12-1 — 9

10. Aliquippa (7) — 7-3 — 10