2021 Preview: Line Mountain Eagles

Michael Bullock
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2021 Preview: Line Mountain Eagles

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

Classification: 2A

League/division: Mid-Penn Conference/Liberty

2020 record: 5-3, 3-0

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

RETURNING LEADERS

Passing: Comp-Att, Yards, TDs

N/A

Rushing: Att-Yards, Avg, TDs

Beau Keim: 64-281, 4.4, 2

Receiving: Att-Yards, Avg, TDs

Jace Hackenburg: 6-84, 14.0, 0

Aidan Herb: 4-74, 18.5, 1

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

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

3 THINGS TO KNOW 

1. O-Line will play leading role

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

2. Experienced D figures to carry the load early

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

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

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

2021 Preview: Greencastle-Antrim Blue Devils

Andy Sandrik
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2021 Preview: Greencastle-Antrim Blue Devils

Coach: Devin McCauley

Classification: 4A

League/division: Mid-Penn Conference/Colonial      

2020 record: 2-5, 2-5

Postseason: Did not qualify

RETURNING LEADERS

Passing: Comp-Att., Yards, TD

Not available

Rushing: Att-Yards, Avg., TD

Not available

Receiving: Rec.-Yards, Avg., TD

Not available

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

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


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

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

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

2021 Preview: Halifax Wildcats

Michael Bullock
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2021 Preview: Halifax Wildcats

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

Classification: 1A

League/division: Mid-Penn Conference/Liberty

2020 record: 1-6, 0-5

Postseason: Did not qualify

RETURNING LEADERS

Passing: Comp-Att, Yards, TDs 

Carter Enders: 6-21, 99, 2

Rushing: Att-Yards, Avg, TDs

N/A

Receiving: Rec.-Yards, Avg, TDs

Carter Enders: 10-80, 8.0, 0

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

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

3 THINGS TO KNOW 

1. Scrambling for answers with small numbers

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

2. Another Enders will be critical

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

3. Mosley & Co. trying to keep chins upright

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

2021 Preview: Juniata Indians

Michael Bullock
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2021 Preview: Juniata Indians

Coach: Kurt Condo (3rd season, 9-9)

Classification: 4A

League/division: Mid-Penn Conference/Liberty

2020 record: 5-2, 2-0

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

RETURNING LEADERS

Passing: Comp-Att, Yards, TDs

Jacob Condo: 68-126, 843, 10

Rushing: Att-Yards, Avg, TDs

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

Jacob Condo: 66-160, 2.4, 4

Receiving: Rec-Yards, Avg, TDs

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

Makih Hunt: 5-88, 17.6, 2

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

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

3 THINGS TO KNOW

1. Juniata eyeing more success

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

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

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

3. Renewing acquaintances with former TVL brethren

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

2021 Preview: Mifflin County Huskies

Adam Kulikowski
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2021 Preview: Mifflin County Huskies

Coach: Scot Sechler

Classification: 6A

League/division: Mid-Penn Conference/Keystone Division 

2020 record: 0-6, 0-5

Postseason: Did not qualify

RETURNING LEADERS

Passing: Comp-Att., Yards, TD

Jared Lyons: 21-45, 402, 0

Rushing: Att.-Yards, Avg., TD

Tyler Hunter: 5-35, 7.0, 0

Reagan Ettinger: 4-21, 5.3, 0

Receiving: Rec.-Yards, Avg., TD

Josiah Sechler: 1-35, 35, 0

Daniel King: 2-18, 9, 0

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

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

3 THINGS TO KNOW

1. Getting physical

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

2. ‘Lion’ under center

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

3. Strength at corner

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

2021 Preview: Newport Buffaloes

Michael Bullock
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2021 Preview: Newport Buffaloes

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

Classification: 2A

League/division: Mid-Penn Conference/Liberty

2020 record: 4-2, 3-1

Postseason: Did not qualify

RETURNING LEADERS

Passing: Comp-Att, Yards, TD

Andrew Bates: 33-79, 455, 4

Rushing: Att-Yards, Avg, TD

Andrew Bates: 79-642, 8.1, 8

Receiving: Rec-Yards, Avg, TD

Andrew Bates: 2-50, 25.0, 1

Caleb Godbout: 1-17, 17.0, 0

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

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

3 THINGS TO KNOW

1. Bates growing more comfortable at QB

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

2. Trying something new another plus

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

3. Rothermel counting on others to flash abilities

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

2021 Preview: Big Spring Bulldogs

Andy Sandrik
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2021 Preview: Big Spring Bulldogs

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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2021 Preview: Boiling Springs Bubblers

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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Elite 11: Preseason edition

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 Wieser0-0NR
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-High0-0NR
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. Wyomissing0-0NR
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.Cocalico0-0NR
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. Wilson0-0NR
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. Harrisburg0-0NR
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 Township0-0NR
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 Dauphin0-0NR
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 McDevitt0-0NR
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 York0-0NR
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 Mifflin0-0NR
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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Preseason HS Football Rankings

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. 

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