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. 

2021 Preview: Shippensburg Greyhounds

Adam Kulikowski
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2021 Preview: Shippensburg Greyhounds

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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2021 Preview: Bishop McDevitt Crusaders

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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2021 Preview: Carlisle Thundering Herd

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.”


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