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2021 Preview: Big Spring Bulldogs

Andy Sandrik

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August 23, 2021

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Coach: John Sinkovich

Classification: 4A

League/division: Mid-Penn Conference – Capital

2020 record: 5-3, 0-3

Postseason: Did not qualify

RETURNING LEADERS:

Passing: Comp-Att., Yards, TD

Not available

Rushing: Att-Yards., Avg., TD

Not available

Receiving: Rec.-Yards, Avg., TD

Not available

KEY PLAYERS:

Dillon Wakefield, sr., FB-LB-P-KR; Connor Black, jr., LB; Andrew Adams, sr., OL-DL; Jay Roberds, jr., OT-DE; Ethan Eisenberg, jr., QB; Logan Schmidt, sr., RB-DB; Logan Brennan, so., OL; Evan Header, sr., OL; Aaron Matthews, jr., WR-DB; Eli Hasco, sr., OLB-RB; Seth Griffie , sr., OLB; Andrew Witter, jr., WR; Caleb Massare, sr., WR-CB; Dakoda Garman, sr., LB-RB; Collin Roberts, sr., K; Tucker Lowery, Sr., WR-DB; Jayden Jones, DT.

OUTLOOK: Big Spring’s recent re-alignment from the Colonial Division to the Capital gives the Bulldogs a chance to be more competitive on a week to week basis. But that’s not to say that winning games in the division won’t be a challenge. Big Spring’s schedule includes a reigning 1A state champion in Steel-High, a Middletown program that has grown used to dominating the district tournament, a 2A playoff regular in Camp Hill, and a physical Boiling Springs squad that has no intention of surrendering the “Battle of the Springs” trophy to the Bulldogs. Throw in a non-conference contest against Colonial contender Shippensburg — with a Little Brown Jug at stake — and yeah, you’re not going to find too many holes in Big Spring’s schedule. Given the hurdles in front of them, this could very well be a difficult year for the Bulldogs, but games should be close and if their solid core of players can make plays when it matters, this could also be a very successful season for Big Spring.

3 THINGS TO KNOW
1. Learning how to win
There’s reason to be excited in Bulldog country as coach Joe Sinkovich’s crew is coming off a 5-3 campaign, just the program’s second winning season over the past 17 years. More than 40 players, including a solid core group of returning juniors and seniors, have come out for this year’s squad. Big Spring enters this fall coming off its first full offseason of workouts. Sinkovich, in his third year at the helm, says that now that his players have a taste of winning, they’re hungry for even more success this season. “The kids know the system and they’re able to concentrate on the fundamentals of being a good team,” Sinkovich said. “Part of the process is learning how to win and then having that expectation to win games.”

2. QB stability
Decisions had to be made last season when the Big Spring coaching staff decided their best athlete — Jack Shulenberger — could make more plays for the team in open space, so they shifted him from quarterback to a wide receiver/running back role. The Bulldogs inserted 6-foot Ethan Eisenberg into the QB spot, Shulenberger shined in his new role, and the rest is history as Big Spring ended its 2020 campaign on a 4-1 tear. Shulenberger is gone now, but Eisenberg — who racked up seven pass TDs, three rush TDs, and nearly 500 passing yards — is back as a junior. “He came up in a tough spot, played really well as a sophomore, and gave us what we needed in the passing game,” Sinkovich said. “He has an understanding of our offense and what defenses do. One of the biggest things he’s done since he started playing is he’s on film watching teams and seeing where he can be successful. He’s not satisfied, he takes responsibility on himself, which makes him a better player.”

3. Always on the field
The big college interest hasn’t materialized just yet for senior Dillon Wakefield, but the versatile 5-foot-11, 205-pound prospect doesn’t really take “no” for an answer when it comes to being on the field. Wakefield brings a hard-nosed presence to the Bulldogs lineup from his fullback role in the Wing-T offense, where he averaged 100 rushing yards per game and scored eight TDs. He doubles as a middle linebacker, and showcased a sense for the ball with more than a dozen TFLs. Not only is Wakefield Big Spring’s punter (33 yards per punt), you’ll also see No. 21 returning kicks, where he boasted a 19.5-yard return average. Sinkovich is excited for what Wakefield will now show on the field after a dedicated offseason training program. “Dillon is a tough runner inside, and teams have to account for that and try to stop him,” Sinkovich said. “He’s that type of kid that doesn’t want to come off the field. He just loves to play, and you see that week in and week out. We’re pretty excited where he’s gotten himself with his offseason strength and quickness. He’ll be a great player for us, and I know he wants to play some college ball after this.”

2021 Preview: Boiling Springs Bubblers

Andy Sandrik

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August 23, 2021

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Coach: Brad Zell

Classification: 3A

League/division: Mid-Penn Conference – Capital

2020 record: 4-2, 3-1 in Division

Postseason: No post season

RETURNING LEADERS:

Passing: Comp-Att., Yards, TD

Not available

Rushing: Att-Yards., Avg., TD

Not available

Receiving: Rec.-Yards, Avg., TD

Not available

KEY PLAYERS: Joey Menke, sr., RB-LB; Colin Lunde,Sr., QB-CB; Hunter Coyle, sr., OT; Dalton Ackley, jr., OL-DL; Aidan Metzger, sr., FB-DE; Carson Garvey, sr, SE-SS; Jayden Barrick, sr., DL; Trey McCardell, jr., FB-LB.

OUTLOOK: Even Zell is realistic about the challenges the Capital poses, saying that he has a sneaking suspicion that the division will “beat each other up.” Whether or not that’s the case, look for the Bubblers to be one of the last teams standing in the division. Anchored by an offensive line that has the size and depth to wear opponents down, with an experienced backfield to match, Boiling Springs should not only be able to take a punch, but deliver a few haymakers of its own. You never want to look too far ahead on the schedule, but if the Bubblers hit the ground running against their non-conference schedule, they could very well be 5-0 heading into a crucial second-half stretch against the heavy hitters of the Capital. A division title may or may not be in the works for the Bubblers, but if they shoot for the moon and miss, they still might land among the stars in the district playoffs.

3 THINGS TO KNOW

1. Continuity the Key
When the current Boiling Springs seniors were seventh-graders, the program’s head coach was Nate Freier, and when they moved up to eighth, Zack Stroh was the coach. Now, from freshman to seniors, the players have been unified under one football program and message, and that head coach Brad Zell says, has made all the difference in the world. Zell was 3-17 in his first two seasons before last year’s 4-2 campaign, which saw the Bubblers qualify for the postseason for the first time since 2015. “Prior to our staff here, there were a lot of coaches and a lot of changes,” Zell said. “Last year guys were buying into the program that had been in place for two years.” Zell said this year’s camp has an even stronger energy than last year. There are close to 50 kids out for the team, including a large contingent of those who have kept the weight room full all summer. Hopes and expectations, Zell says, are high for all in Bubbletown.

2. Bruisers up Front
There aren’t many teams in the Capital that are built to keep up in the trenches with the sheer manpower possessed by Boiling Springs. The leader of the offensive line is Hunter Coyle, a 6-foot-2, 285-pound bruiser who recently picked up his first collegiate interest from the University of Shenandoah. He’s joined up front by junior Dalton Ackley (5-11, 228), and a large stable of athletes that are eager to get into the thick of things. “Our offensive line could definitely be a strength, this year and also moving forward,” Zell said. “We finally have some depth up front where we can rotate guys and get guys off the field. This could really be a plus for us. We’ve got some new guys up front, but Coyle and Ackley are our go-to guys that have played a lot of football for us.”

3. The “Swiss Army Knife”
The Bubblers are solid on the line, return a third-year QB in Colin Lunde, and have some play-making talents in Albright and Misericordia recruit Aidan Metzger and Carson Garvey, but perhaps the cog that makes the Boiling Springs machine go is 5-foot-10, 175-pound senior Joey Menke, who plays halfback and linebacker. He averaged more than 8.5 yards per carry last season in the Bubblers’ Wing-T offense and on the other side of the ball, he registered 35 tackles and two sacks. With the line another year older, wiser, and stronger, Menke just might see even more daylight this season. “Joey is kind of our Swiss Army Knife. He catches the ball well, sees the ball well, and has been around the Wing-T for a very long time,” Zell said. “He’s already able to do a lot on his own, but with this offensive line, I think it’s just going to make him even better and more explosive. I think our other halfback, Jack Laing, will surprise some people as well.”

Elite 11: Preseason edition

Andy Shay

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August 22, 2021

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

11.	Conrad Wieser	0-0	NR
Berks Division II is a place to pick off wins when you have a quarterback and wideout who are setting records at an alarming pace. Defense is full of newbies and will require the offense to score a ton of points. Opener with No. 2 Central York is brutal, but I believe this offense can and will score a lot of points.
10.	Steel-High	0-0	NR
Lost their All-State wideout to a transfer and running back position was hit hard by graduation. Still a fan of what is going on in the trenches on both sides of the ball and I have a feeling the wideout and RB positions will be filled adequately.
9.	Wyomissing	0-0	NR
Very well aware they lost a half-dozen All-State players from a machine of a two-way squad that had almost no weaknesses. Most concerned about the losses up front on the OL. Still the Class of 3A and will be doing more reloading than rebuilding in ‘21.
8.	Cocalico	0-0	NR
In that wicked efficient and very difficult to defense Flex/Veer the Eagles run, having two options at the back position in addition to the QB is key. Steven Flinton and Anthony Bourassa are a lethal combo that make Cocalico an even tougher out.
7.	Wilson	0-0	NR
Very well aware the Bulldogs took a slobber knocker to the chin in terms of offensive lineman graduating. Like everybody is gone. Wilson gets better and finds a way to mix-and-match parts at the skill positions. Up front, particularly on offense, is where the rubber will meet the road.
6.	Harrisburg	0-0	NR
Cougars bring some beef to the table up front on both sides of the ball and Kyle Williams is going to be a very special player. Numbers are real problem on the upper reaches of Market Street and the QB and RB positions are major question marks.
5.	Manheim Township	0-0	NR
There’s a lot for the Blue Streaks to show me on the offensive side of the ball beyond their blue-chip do-everything guy we all know about. I’m a big believer this team will need the defense to carry the load for a while and I don’t think that’s a tall ask.
4.	Central Dauphin	0-0	NR
I still think this squad will be super strong in spots and will play to its strengths on both sides of the ball. Just wondering when the QB gets a little more freedom in this offense to light it up if necessary. He has the tools.
3.	Bishop McDevitt	0-0	NR
There is the issue of experience and to a lesser degree the talent at the quarterback position that needs answered. Beyond that … well there’s a lot of young and very well know talent that has gained experience. Sitting on a big year.
2.	Central York	0-0	NR
In Beau you should trust, right. I mean I would never bet against the dude after the “game” he showed last year in terms of doing whatever it took. Yes there are some major playmakers that have moved on but overall, though, this is a squad with precious few questions that need answers.
1.	Governor Mifflin	0-0	NR
This group of Mustangs is a pure football bully. They have three-quarters of their starters back on both sides of the ball including vets on that OL that make the Flex-Bone roll. Also having one of the top RB recruits in the country to tote the rock is a double dose of cruelty. Most complete team regardless of classification.

Preseason HS Football Rankings

4thdownmagazine

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August 17, 2021

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Class 6A — 2020 Record — Previous rank

1. St. Joseph’s Prep (12) — 6-0 — 1

2. Pittsburgh C.C. (7) — 6-2 — 6

3. Archbishop Wood (12) — 3-4 — NR

4. Central York (3) — 10-1 — 2

5. North Penn (1) — 4-1 — NR

6. Emmaus (11) — 5-1 — NR

7. Mount Lebanon (7) — 4-3 — NR

8. North Allegheny (7) — 6-1 — 7

9. La Salle College HS (12) — 6-1 — 4

10. Garnet Valley (1) — 6-0 — NR

Teams to watch: Central Dauphin (3) 5-1, Delaware Valley (2) 5-2, Manheim Township (3) 5-2, Parkland (11) 4-1, Pennridge (1) 7-1, Wilson (3) 6-1.

Class 5A — 2020 Record — Previous rank

1. Imhotep Charter (12)* — 4-0 — NR

2. Governor Mifflin (3) — 8-1 — 2

3. Gateway (7) — 5-1 — 7

4. Cathedral Prep (10) — 7-3 — 3

5. Pine-Richland (7) — 11-0 — 1

6. Upper Dublin (1) — 6-2 — 5

7. Penn-Trafford (7) — 6-2 — 9

8. Whitehall (11) — 5-3 — NR

9. Academy Park (1)* — 4-1 — NR

10. Moon (7) — 4-3 — NR

Teams to watch: Chester* (1) 5-1, Exeter Township (3) 6-2, Manheim Central (3) 3-5, Peters Township (7) 8-1, West Chester Rustin (1) 4-2.

Class 4A — 2020 Record — Previous rank

1. Thomas Jefferson (7) — 10-1 — 1

2. Bishop McDevitt (3) — 6-0 — 5

3. Jersey Shore (4) — 10-1 — 2

4. Belle Vernon (7) — 6-2 — HM

5. Bethlehem Catholic (11) — 4-4 — NR

6. Aliquippa (7) — 9-1 — 4

7. Valley View (2) — 3-3 — NR

8. Berks Catholic (3) — 5-3 — NR

9. Cocalico (3) — 4-4 — NR

10. Pottsville (11) — 6-2 — NR

Teams to watch: Allentown C.C. (11) 6-2, Bonner-Prendergast (12) 4-0, Lampeter-Strasburg (3) 9-1, McKeesport (7) 6-2, Shamokin (4) 5-4.

Class 3A — 2020 Record — Previous rank

1. North Schuylkill (11) — 8-0 — 5

2. Central Valley (7) — 12-0 — 1

3. Wyomissing (3) — 9-1 — 2

4. Notre Dame-Green Pond (11) — 7-1 — 8

5. Scranton Prep (2) — 4-1 — NR

6. Bedford (5) — 10-1 — 3

7. Neumann-Goretti (12)* — 3-1 — NR

8. Hickory (10) — 8-1 — 6

9. Elizabeth Forward (7) — 8-1 — 9

10. Central Martinsburg (6) — 8-1 — HM

Teams to watch: Clearfield (9) 4-2, Danville (4) 8-2, Montoursville (4) 8-1, North Catholic (7) 8-1, St. Mary’s (9) 5-1, Western Wayne (2) 4-1.

Class 2A — 2020 Record — Previous rank

1. Southern Columbia (4) — 12-0 — 1

2. Farrell (10) — 5-3 — 9

3. Richland Township (6) — 8-2 — 6

4. Sto-Rox (7) — 8-2 — 5

5. McGuffey (7) — 6-2 — NR

6. South Williamsport (4) — 5-2 — HM

7. Wilmington (10) — 10-1 — 2

8. Bellwood-Antis (6) — 7-1 — HM

9. Beaver Falls (7) — 10-1 — 3

10. Windber (5) — 6-2 — NR

Teams to watch: Chestnut Ridge (5) 7-3, Dunmore (2) 3-3, Serra Catholic (7) 5-1, Washington (7) 5-3, York Catholic (3) 6-2.

Class 1A — 2020 Record — Previous rank

1. Steelton-Highspire (3) — 10-0 — 1

2. Muncy (4) — 7-2 — 8

3. Old Forge (2) — 5-1 — 3

4. Clairton (7) — 8-1 — 4

5. Redbank Valley (9) — 7-1 — 10

6. Bishop Guilfoyle (6) — 7-3 — 5

7. Rochester (7) — 7-2 — HM

8. Tri-Valley (11) — 5-1 — 9

9. Williams Valley (11) — 8-1 — 7

10. Juniata Valley (6) — 6-3 — HM

Teams to watch: Canton (4) 4-1, Delone Catholic (3) 6-1, Nativity-BVM (11) 5-4, Northern Bedford (5) 7-2, Our Lady of the Sacred Heart (7) 5-3.

2021 Preview: Shippensburg Greyhounds

Adam Kulikowski

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August 13, 2021

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Coach: Eric Foust

Classification: 5A

League/division: Mid-Penn Conference/Colonial Division

2020 record: 4-3, 4-3

Postseason: Did not qualify

RETURNING LEADERS:

Passing: Comp-Att., Yards, TD

None

Rushing: Att.-Yards, Avg., TD

Nathan Beam: 84-450, 5.4, 1

Traevon Kater: 24-154, 6.4, 0

Receiving: Rec.-Yards, Avg., TD

Anthony Smith: 14-213, 15.2, 1

KEY PLAYERS: Anthony Smith, sr., DE; Nathan Beam, sr., RB; Erby Weller, jr., Wr-DB; Tucker Chamberlin, jr., QB-FS.

OUTLOOK: The Greyhounds know what it takes to reach the top of the Colonial Division summit. Shippensburg struggled to a 4-3 record in a COVID-impacted 2020, but with a return to a more normal offseason, look for Shippensburg to regain its footing in 2021. It might take some time for the offense to reach full stride as Foust plugs in a new quarterback, reloads along the offensive line and out wide, but that shouldn’t be a problem with nine returning defensive starters in tow to keep opponents in check as the offense gears up.

3 THINGS TO KNOW
1. Bringin’ back the D

Shippensburg’s young defensive crew sharpened as the 2020 season churned forward. After yielding nearly 30 points per game in three season-opening losses, the Greyhounds found their footing, surrendering more than 10 points just once (22 against East Pennsboro in a 25-22 victory) in the final four contests. That bodes well for Foust’s squad heading into a 2021 season in which nine of 11 defensive starters return. Senior Carter Funk and 6-foot-7, 255-pound Penn State target Anthony Smith anchor a defensive front which should apply plenty of pressure to opponents while the ‘Hounds’ entire linebacker corps returns intact as well.

2. Who is at QB?

Finding the next man to take the reins of the Shippensburg offense is a top priority for Foust and his crew. Zack Manning exits as one of the Mid-Penn’s winningest quarterbacks of the last four years — posting a 25-6 record as the leader of the ‘Hounds’ offense. Manning, who is continuing his athletic career at Washington and Jefferson College, wrapped up his Greyhounds career with 2,835 passing yards and 28 touchdowns, leading Shippensburg to a pair of Colonial Division titles in 2019 and 2018. The good news? There are two strong candidates battling to be under center when the Greyhounds open their season on the road against Hershey — Tucker Chamberlin, a baseball standout who Foust praised as a tremendous athlete, and Keegan Kissinger, who possesses strong vision of the field and started at free safety in 2020. Bonus note: Don’t be surprised to hear “QB1 hits Erby Weller” often in 2021 as the 6-foot, 135-pound junior wide out has been a standout during preseason workouts and is poised to be the next dynamic receiver in the Greyhounds attack.

3. Three backs a runnin’

When it comes to toting the rock, the Greyhounds are well stocked in the backfield heading into the 2021 campaign with Nate Beam, Tra Kater and Amari Kerr all expected to earn carries. Beam, who chalked up 450 stripes in the COVID-shortened circuit as a lead back in Foust’s offense, returns for another go, and Kerr possesses breakout potential after a season-ending injury derailed his sophomore season. “There are a lot of pieces to him (Kerr) that we’ve seen through the summer and as this year has developed that we are pretty excited about,” Foust said. “We were in team camp and playing a game, and he slid through this crease and got himself small to get through, then big. We knew then that he was going to be able to do this.”

2021 Preview: Bishop McDevitt Crusaders

Andy Sandrik

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August 12, 2021

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Coach: Jeff Weachter

Classification: 4A

League/division: Mid-Penn Conference/Keystone Division

2020 record: 6-0, 5-0

Postseason: Did not qualify

RETURNING LEADERS:

Passing: Comp-Att., Yards, TD

None

Rushing: Att.-Yards, Avg., TD

Marquese Williams: 53-248, 4.7, 3

Ty Kephart: 28-150, 5.4, 3

Receiving: Rec.-Yards, Avg., TD

Kamil Foster: 35-498, 14.2, 6

Mario Easterly: 34-464, 13.7, 8

KEY PLAYERS: Kade Werner, jr., OLB; Jamani George-Heron, sr., OLB; Mario Easterly, sr., WR-SS; Marquese Williams, jr., RB; Kamil Foster, sr., WR-DB; Gabriel Arena, sr., OL-DL; Riley Robell, jr., DT; Jyaire Rawlison, so., CB-WR; Jalil Terry, jr., FS-WR; Rico Scott, so., WR-CB; Ethan Straining, jr., OL-DL; Ty Kephart, so., RB-SS; Ryan Russo, sr., TE-OLB; Nate Kinsey, sr., TE-OLB-DE; Odezhon Troublefield, sr., OL-DL; TaShawn Russell, jr., WR-CB.

OUTLOOK: There is no rebuilding at McDevitt, just reloading. The Crusaders return a wealth of starters, so many that we ran out of space to talk about the team’s monstrous presence in the trenches, a defensive unit that is stocked to smother the run and pass alike, and a pair of senior all-star caliber receivers in Kamil Foster and Mario Easterly, who combined for 14 TDs and nearly 1,000 yards last season. Even with a freshman quarterback, we see no reason to believe that McDevitt can’t conquer the Keystone, if not District 3 itself.

3 THINGS TO KNOW
1. In the past
It’s going to take a few years for fans, and perhaps a few former players, to completely move past what happened to Bishop McDevitt last season. If you’re looking for a refresher, the Crusaders stomped through their schedule for a 6-0 record, but missed out on a spot in the District 3 Class 4A postseason when the size of the bracket was trimmed over COVID-19 concerns. Bishop McDevitt’s streak of 16 consecutive playoff appearances is over. But if you ask Crusaders coach Jeff Weachter or any of his current players, last season is ancient history. Of course there’s no reason to dwell on the previous year when McDevitt is returning a wealth of starters on both sides of the ball for this season. “It was tough not making the playoffs, and I think that motivated our guys in the offseason, but now we’re talking about this year,” Weachter said. “We’re bringing back nine starters on each side of the ball. You just kind of move on and start thinking about the next year.”

2. Freshman at the helm
With all of the talent returning for Bishop McDevitt, the one position where the Crusaders need to start over is at quarterback. Graduated is Lek Powell, who unloaded for nearly 1,600 yards in six games with a spotless 20-0 touchdown to interception ratio. McDevitt will now place its trust in a freshman: Stone Saunders. Ninth-grade starters make any coach nervous, but Weachter says the 6-foot-1, 185-pound Saunders is the team’s best option at QB. The University of Michigan agrees. Saunders was so impressive in his summer trip to Michigan football camp that the Wolverines felt compelled to offer him before he even makes his first high school pass attempt. “There’s lots of ability, he’s very intelligent and has a lot of football smarts. I think he’ll be fine,” Weachter said. “He understands coverages and gets the ball out pretty quick. He’s a freshman, so he’ll make some mistakes, but he’ll also be making a lot of plays.” Saunders will be backed up by sophomore Nevan Hopkins, who measures up at 5-foot-10 and 150 pounds.

3. Not one, not two, not three…
But four running backs look to share carries for McDevitt this season. The most recognizable name among the bunch is junior Marquese Williams, although his stats (53 carries, 248 yards, 3 TDs) took a bit of a dip last fall due to playing only three games in an injury shortened season. Weachter says he expects to see Williams return to form from his breakout freshman season in 2019, where he totaled more than 1,000 yards on the ground to go along with 15 touchdowns. “Marquese looks really, really good,” Weachter said. “His speed is back and so is his cutting ability. His ankle is 100 percent now.” Don’t be surprised to see Williams split out and play a little bit of wide receiver in the slot, which would create room in the backfield for sophomores Rico Scott and Ty Kephart, as well as junior Cyncir Bowers, who all averaged more than 5 yards a tote last season.

2021 Preview: Carlisle Thundering Herd

Andy Sandrik

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August 12, 2021

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Coach: Brett Ickes

Classification: 6A

League/division: Mid-Penn Conference/Commonwealth Division

2020 record: 3-3, 2-3 in Division

Postseason: Did not quality

RETURNING LEADERS:

Passing: Comp-Att., Yards, TD

Ezeekai Thomas: 15-62, 162, 1

Rushing: Att-Yards., Avg., TD

Ezeekai Thomas: 88-453, 5.1., 3

Receiving: Rec.-Yards, Avg., TD

Matt Trollinger: 5-47, 9.4., 0

KEY PLAYERS: Ezeekai Thomas, jr., QB-DB-OLB-ATH; Matt Trollinger, sr., WR-SS; Jeremiah Hargrove , so., DB; Eli Hargrove, so., DB; Eli Carothers, sr., LG; Layton Schmick, jr., C.

OUTLOOK: When head coach Brett Ickes talks about the talent he has assembled for this season, he can’t help but remember Carlisle’s 2004 team, which went 12-2, took second in the Commonwealth and won a pair of district playoff games against Cumberland Valley and Wilson. Their star player that season, Clem Johnson, got the headlines and took up most of the spotlight, but Ickes was quick to point out how many good players were around Johnson, as he rattled off names from 15 years ago as if it was yesterday. Ickes believes he could have a really good squad under his watch this season, perhaps comparable to the 2004 outfit. We’re not ready to call the current version of Carlisle THAT good just yet, but with an electric athlete in Ezeekai Thomas under center, a strong o-line that collectively tips the scales at nearly 1,000 pounds and a core group of players that has been competitive since early elementary school, it’s not out of the question for the Herd to finish in the top half of the Commonwealth, if not higher.

3 THINGS TO KNOW

1. A winning history
Don’t be shocked when experts and division coaches alike pick the Thundering Herd to finish in the bottom half of the Commonwealth this season. It comes with the territory when you’re the smallest school in the division. But this season Carlisle — which hasn’t posted a winning record since 2005 — will be led by a core group of players that have yet to experience a losing season. And these guys have been playing together since Peewees. “I’m not sure if they won the Super Bowl as Peewees, but they went deep into the playoffs,” Ickes said. “They did well as Ponies, too, and won the Super Bowl decisively as Midgets. When they played as ninth-graders, they lost two games. These kids are just very, very competitive. They don’t like to lose.” Some of that swagger carried into last fall, when Carlisle went 3-3 in a COVID-shortened season. A .500 record might not seem that impressive, but take a closer look. In addition to wins over Chambersburg, Cedar Cliff and CD East, the Herd came within a touchdown of Cumberland Valley and played within nine points of State College, one of the Commonwealth’s stronger teams in recent years. “The Commonwealth is a Top 5 conference in the state, year after year,” Ickes said. “It’s a gauntlet that we have to go through every year as the smallest team. It is what it is. We’re ready to go after it.”

2. All eyes on EZ
There’s a buzz in the Carlisle football world about Ezeekai Thomas, a 5-foot-11, 185-pound junior who starred in the secondary last season and also gave the Herd some promising reps on the other side of the ball as a QB. The one they call EZ, pronounced “easy,” can accelerate, make defenders miss and navigate his way through traffic. Ickes tells us that Thomas is a year older, wiser, stronger, faster, and apparently, more versatile. Thomas will not only line up behind center for Carlisle this season, but he could also see time as a running back and wide receiver as well. “He’s an electric player who has worked on his skills, especially as a passer,” Ickes said. “We also have Louie Shank, who is a very good quarterback himself, so there might be a couple times where you see EZ lining up out there as a receiver, running back or wherever we need him.” Every opponent will be scouting No. 4 and dedicating resources to stopping him. With Thomas drawing so much attention, that should make things easier — or shall we say Ezier — for a supporting cast that has plenty of talent itself. Matt Trollinger is back as a receiver, and he’ll be catching passes alongside newcomer Josh “DC” Zipperer, a 6-foot-3 stud who moved to the area with his military family to Carlisle through the U.S. Army War College. The Hargrove brothers, Jeremiah and Eli, started as freshman cornerbacks last year and will “help us on offense” this fall, Ickes said. Tight ends Terrence Steele and Quentin Barclay each stand at 6-foot-3 and will make for nice targets in the short passing game.

3. O-line marches forward
With linemen Jeremiah Carothers, Christian Good and Austin Coldren paving the way last year, Carlisle was able to churn out nearly 1,600 rushing yards in six games. The only problem for the Herd this fall is that Carothers is at Shippensburg University, Good is at Thiel, and Coldren is serving his country in the Marine Corps. The graduation losses would normally be devastating for any team in the Commonwealth, where games are won and lost in the trenches, but Ickes has good reason to believe that the 2021 offensive line can be even stronger than it was last year. Thomas Nelson, a 6-foot-3, 305-pound junior, has found his killer instinct and looks to be a mainstay on the line. Eli Carothers (6-0, 235), who Ickes says is very disciplined and the strongest kid on the team, will likely man the left guard spot. Returning starter junior Layton Schmick (6-2, 280) will give the Herd a large presence at the center position, while senior Hayden Mohr (6-1, 250) and junior Charlie Dib (6-0, 230) round out the offensive line. Look for Kyle Kaczynski (6-0, 250) to work his way into the rotation, as well. “We’re pretty much just reloading,” Ickes said. “They’re going to be really good, I think. They can be even better than last year, even.”

2021 Preview: Harrisburg Cougars

Andy Sandrik

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August 11, 2021

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Coach: Calvin Everett

Classification: 6A

League/division: Mid-Penn Conference/Commonwealth Division

2020 record: 4-1, 1-0

Postseason: Did not qualify

RETURNING LEADERS:

Passing: Comp-Att., Yards, TD

Not available

Rushing: Att-Yards., Avg., TD

Not available

Receiving: Rec.-Yards, Avg., TD

Not available

KEY PLAYERS: Justin Cook, sr., WR-CB; Kyle Williams, jr., WR-DB; Tyrell Young, OL; Roy Irvin, sr., OL; Tyshawn Black, sr., OL-DL; Terrell Reynolds, jr., DE; Anthony Day, sr., MLB; Mahkai Hopkins, jr., RB-LB.

OUTLOOK: Teams in the Commonwealth have a tendency to just reload after shedding talent-laden senior classes, but there are no guarantees for Everett’s small-rostered squad. While the Cougars have several of the pieces already in place at WR, as well as running back with Mahkai Hopkins, they will also be breaking in a new quarterback against an unforgiving schedule. Look for Harrisburg to lean heavily on the aforementioned Young-Black-Irvin combo up front to give the skill players a chance to make plays and allow the young guns an opportunity to learn the trade under fire. If the Cougars can survive the week-in, week-out rigors of their schedule — once again, not a guarantee — they will be as hardened as any team for the district postseason.

3 THINGS TO KNOW
1. Gauntlet of Death
Calvin Everett, in his 11th year at the helm for the Cougars, said he was feeling no butterflies on the eve of heat acclimation week, saying it’s just another day. But will those feelings change when Everett’s Harrisburg outfit begins with perhaps the most treacherous opening schedule in the state? The Cougars open their season with defending 6A state champion Pine-Richland. Following a Week 2 road scrap with Hazleton, a team that went 4-3 last year, Harrisburg will defend its home turf against a talent-rich Bishop McDevitt squad. If the Cougars are still standing in Week 4, they’ll open Commonwealth play on the road against defending division champion Central Dauphin. “Those opening games, I love it,” Everett said. “Our kids love it. Our coaches love it. We all love it. We love the competition. Those games give us good indications of what we’re working with. We’re going to throw them in the fire with the big dogs and see what happens.”

2. Position battles rage on
With the defending state champs on tap in the opening week, Harrisburg finds itself still looking for a starting quarterback. The Cougars have been working four different players in with the offense, but the coaching staff will need training camp for one player to rise to the starting position. Everett didn’t show his cards on who those players might be but added there are a lot of positions other than quarterback that are up for grabs. “We still have a bunch of guys fighting for jobs, we don’t know who’s who or what guys will do just yet,” Everett said. “We graduated a bunch of senior starters and have a young group of guys who didn’t get an opportunity to play last year, because there was no JV team or freshman team. It’s extremely challenging.” Everett said that his roster is small for a 6A school but carries quality over quantity. Expect for Harrisburg’s best players to play on both sides of the ball this season. “Our guys have been showing up every single day and working extremely hard,” Everett said. “We’re just as excited as coaches, we want to know who our guys are going to be. You want to know the playmakers, all those types of things, but you just don’t know until you get some live action.”

3. “Sky is the limit” for Williams
There are still no college offers for rising junior Kyle Williams, but don’t expect that trend to continue long for the 6-foot, 185-pound athlete, who is a solid prospect on both offense and defense. A regular in Harrisburg’s lineup since his freshman season, Williams runs sharp routes, has the speed to return punts and leads by example. Everett will tell you those are just a few of the things that Williams can do. “He can catch the ball, run the ball, defend the pass,” Everett said. “We’re going to be asking Kyle to do a lot of things for us. He’s a great young man who is dedicated to the program and doesn’t miss workouts. He works extremely hard.” Williams will be complemented on offense by returning senior wide receiver Justin Cook, as well as linemen Tyrell Young, Tyshawn Black and Roy Irvin, who should give Harrisburg’s new QB, whoever that ends up being, enough time to find his targets.

2021 Preview: Waynesboro Indians

Andy Sandrik

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August 11, 2021

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Coach: Josh Sprenkle

Classification: 5A

League/division: Mid-Penn Conference/Colonial Division

2020 record: 5-3, 4-3

Postseason: Did not qualify

RETURNING LEADERS:

Passing: Comp-Att., Yards, TD

None

Rushing: Att-Yards., Avg., TD

Mikel Holden: 84-420, 5, 8

Aiden Mencia: 84-420, 5, 2

Receiving: Rec.-Yards, Avg., TD

Rhyan Day: 13-145, 11.2, 2

Aiden Mencia: 5-96, 19.2, 1

KEY PLAYERS: Louie Lindsay, sr., SS-QB; Rhyan Day, sr, DB-WR; Mikel Holden, jr., RB-LB; Aiden Mencia, sr., RB-LB; Logan Parris, sr., OL; Jessie Julias, sr., LB-TE; Callin Kauffman, sr., LB; Cody Tharp, jr., OL-LB; Jon Huff, sr., DB-WR; Marcus Smith, jr., DE

OUTLOOK: Solid defense, strong running game, toughness and now improved team speed. Waynesboro is checking all the boxes for what it takes to be a contender in the Colonial. The Indians also boast a highly experienced roster, which will be crucial as the team navigates a schedule that begins with three tough YAIAA teams — Spring Grove, Red Lion and Gettysburg — and ends with four of the last six games on the road against the toughest teams in the division. Shippensburg, Northern and Susquehanna Township all have to be seething after losses to Waynesboro last year, and all three squads will be on their home turf seeking revenge this time around. If the Indians’ offense can dictate the pace of the game, and if the defense can keep the games low-scoring, don’t be surprised if Sprenkle’s boys have a chance to compete for a division title in the final weeks of the season.

3 THINGS TO KNOW
1. A different offseason training program
Take a stroll around Waynesboro football camp and the first thing you may notice is head coach Josh Sprenkle, who has dropped nearly 15 pounds since the last time we saw him. Well done! But football games aren’t won or lost based on the fitness of the coach, but rather the players. Instead of the standard “we’re gonna lift” routine, Sprenkle recruited an ex-teammate from his Shippensburg University playing days — Antonio Williams, who now runs Next Level Athletic Fitness — to create and implement offseason workouts for Waynesboro every Monday for six weeks. Sprenkle supplemented those workouts with training in the True Athletic Performance program, which promotes the growth of speed, agility, flexibility and injury prevention. Sprenkle said he was happy with the results, which were gathered via pre- and post-program NFL-style combines measuring 40-yard dash, pro agility, vertical jump and broad jump. Waynesboro’s top-ranked player from the workouts? That would be free safety/return man Brody Rhodes, the fastest man on the Indians. Rhodes drew attention at the Ship U. prospect camp, and Sprenkle says to not be surprised if we see the speedster catching a few passes on offense this season. “With the kids we have, we don’t have a bunch of power lifters,” Sprenkle said. “So, we really preached speed and agility through the offseason. We think we’re going to have faster overall team speed for the season.”

2. Have a Day
It’s no secret that the Colonial Division loves to run the ball, but just in case teams have any visions of airing it out against Waynesboro, they might want to think again with all-state cornerback Rhyan Day patrolling the secondary. Day, who logged seven interceptions in eight games last year, will be used to mark the opposing No. 1 receiver. If opponents try to game plan around Day, they’ll still have their hands full (or perhaps empty) contending against an experienced secondary that includes the likes of Jonathan Huff, Louie Lindsay and Rhodes. With a strong pass defense in place, Sprenkle also likes his chances against the run with a defensive unit that returns eight of 11 starters. “It’s not going to be easy to create situations to isolate a guy to make plays, because Day and those other guys have the experience to fill in where they need to be,” Sprenkle said. “We also feel good about stopping the run. We only graduated three kids from the starting defense, so our guys out there understand where we’re at from a scheme standpoint. I think we’ll be in good shape to handle whatever teams throw at us this season.”

3. Bringing toughness to the QB position
Take a players poll on who the toughest player on Waynesboro is, and you just may be surprised to find that the starting quarterback is near the top of the list. Louie Lindsay has already earned his due for Waynesboro delivering bone-jarring hits from his strong safety position, and this year the senior takes on an even bigger responsibility of piloting the Indians offense. A quick and slippery ball carrier, Lindsay takes over at QB after occasionally manning the position for designed runs last season. Sprenkle said that Lindsay has made improvements in his throwing mechanics and, with an experienced offensive line paving the way, will be a great complement to RBs Mikel Holden and Aidan Mencia, two of the hardest-running backs in the Colonial. “Louie is about as tough as they come. He’s a leader, and a competitor and a great player to be our quarterback,” Sprenkle said. “I have no reservations about him playing on both sides of the ball. If he does make a mistake and turn the ball over, he’s able to go on defense and make plays, because he wants to get the ball back into his hands.”

Scenes from the 2021 East-West Game

4thdownmagazine

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August 8, 2021

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