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2020 Preview: Palmyra

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July 22, 2021

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By Andy Sandrik:

Coach: Chris Pope

Classification: 5A

League/division: Mid-Penn Keystone

2019 record: 4-6, 3-4 in Capital

Postseason: Did not qualify

RETURNING LEADERS:

Passing: Comp-Att., Yards, TD

Seth Robertson: 19-45, 190, 0

Rushing: Att-Yards., Avg., TD

Nick Wallaesa: 78-381, 4.9, 3

Receiving: Rec.-Yards, Avg., TD

Jacob Deimling: 12-113, 9.4, 1

Key Players: Jordan Blauch, Jr., OL-DL; Luke Gaughler, Jr., OL-DL; Tyler Shertzer, Sr.,TE-DL; Nick Wallaesa, Sr., RB-S; Seth Robertson, Sr., QB-S; Sam Landon, Sr., SS; Jacob Deimling, Jr., WR-CB; Jack Stretch, Sr., DE; Connor Holzman, Jr., OL-DL; John Eisenhooth, Jr., OL-DL; Kyle Chapin, So., OL-DL; Brady Holwig, Jr., LB; Alex Fuhrman, Jr., LB; Brady Coburn, Sr., CB; Tristan Murawski, Sr., WR-S; Max Klipa, Jr., WR; Richie Kowalski, Jr., RB-CB

OUTLOOK: Palmyra is the new kid on the block in the electric Keystone Division, where Cedar Cliff and Bishop McDevitt aim to remain supreme, but don’t expect the Cougars to blink against their top-tier competition. Pope believes his team’s stint in the Capital Division — against the likes of MPC powers Middletown, Steel-High, and Milton Hershey — will have the Cougars ready to play under the bright lights of the Keystone. Of course, being competitive in this division and winning are two different things. Palmyra has the skill players to put points on the board, and a defense that shouldn’t fall victim to too many big plays, but the wins and losses will likely come down to the Cougars’ play in the trenches, where they will be facing an uphill battle against the big boys of the Keystone.

3 THINGS TO KNOW

1. Perspective

Opening night of football in the Mid-Penn was supposed to be an intriguing, if not awkward, experience for Pope, a science teacher at Milton Hershey whose team was originally scheduled to play the Spartans.

Now, as Pope preps his team for Hollidaysburg, he also finds himself looking at the season through the eyes of his Milton Hershey student-athletes, whose football season was halted due to risks associated with COVID-19.

“I have a few of their players in class and, yeah, we talk about football,” Pope said. “They’re disappointed. They’d love to be competing.”

Pope — a Hershey graduate who is in his 25th year on Palmyra’s coaching staff — said he understands and appreciates the challenges faced by Milton Hershey. It puts into perspective how lucky his squad, and others in the Mid-Penn, are to have the chance to play football.

“We should be playing them today,” Pope said. “We’re fortunate to have the opportunity to play football. I see what the Milton Hershey kids are going through and I hope those seniors that have been working so hard get an opportunity to play some games.”

2. The Rooster, the Speedster, and the Battering Ram

Pope says he has no idea how senior RB Nick “Rooster” Wallaesa got his nickname, but it gives us visions of Rocky Balboa chasing the shifty 5-6, 150-pound Wallaesa through the streets of Philadelphia.

The slashing Wallaesa is expected to shoulder the load with the help of another gifted runner: QB Seth Robertson. This is Robertson’s first full-time campaign at quarterback, but he’s no stranger to the Palmyra offense as he got plenty of reps from the Wildcat package last fall, as well as a start in the final game of the season.

Robertson’s raw speed will likely open up lanes for the Rooster to zig-zag through the front lines, and should also provide the QB opportunities to roll out and look for his primary targets: Jacob Deimling and Gage Miller, a recruit from the baseball team.

It may be tempting for opposing defenses to stay light on their feet as to not get juked out by Palmyra’s speed, but that might prove to be a painful mistake as junior Tim Hall — who doubles as the Cougars’ defensive end — comes rumbling forward.

“I think Seth being out there with Nick puts additional stress on the opposing defense,” Pope said. “With the additional element of two nice receivers, opponents will have to cover the whole field instead of honing in on one person.”

3. Laying it on the line

Palmyra certainly has the skill players to cause headaches and defensively, with four of five members of the secondary returning, the Cougars have visions of hanging tough with Keystone Division juggernauts Cedar Cliff and Bishop McDevitt, two teams not shy about stretching out the field via the passing game.

The biggest challenge for the Cougars comes up front, on both sides of the ball, where Palmyra returns one true starter, although a number of players got to see some reps in a 2019 season riddled with injuries. Look for Kyle Chapin, Jordan Blauch, Dan Steskel, Luke Gaughler and Jonathan Eisenhooth to man the OL spots.

If the young line can quickly grow through its inexperience, the Cougars could be a bigger threat than expected in the Keystone.

“We’re still working through the process, but I think our defense will be good,” Pope said. “A lot of our younger guys got a game or two of experience last year, but right now our skill guys are the most experienced.”

Vote Now: Player of the Week (Week 1)

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July 22, 2021

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By 4th Down staff:

Welcome to 4th Down Magazine’s vote for Player of the Week presented by Crown Trophy of Harrisburg (in Lemoyne).

The nominees for the week are listed below. Vote for the player with the most impressive performance.

The poll will remain open until Tuesday at 11 p.m. and voting is allowed once per hour. The winner will be announced on Wednesday.

CrownTrophy HorizontalLogo Color HbgLemoyne 11 19

Cam Ochs, WR, Camp Hill: Hauled in three passes for 134 yards, and all three catches were for touchdowns (of 24, 65 and 45 yards) in a win over Line Mountain that was a tight 35-28 final
Joey Corado, K-WR, Hershey: Nailed a 22-yard FG in the dying seconds of the fourth quarter to march the Trojans past Red Land 10-7. Senior also two catches for 50 yards receiving
Micah Brubaker, QB, Mechanicsburg: Had a hand in all four Wildcats touchdowns in a 28-14 win over West Perry with two passing TDs and a pair of rushing touchdowns. He accounted for nearly 260 total yards (231 passing, 25 rushing) while completing 12-of-14 pass attempts.
Lek Powell, QB, Bishop McDevitt: Powell displayed his proficient arm in Week 1 by going 24-36-0 for 336 yards and four TD passes in a 33-0 whitewash of Mifflin County.
Timmy Smith, RB, Central Dauphin: The explosive senior totaled 200 yards and four touchdowns on 13 touches in 62-10 drubbing of Chambersburg. He got there with nine carries for 79 yards and a score, plus four grabs for 121 yards and three TDs.
Julio Rodriguez, QB, Middleton: Rodriguez fired four TD tosses as the Blue Raiders disposed of Juniata 54-19. TD strikes came from 31, 51, 23 and 35 yards out. He finished 11-of-13 for 185 stripes.
Joey Menke, RB, Boiling Springs: Menke’s 162 yards and three scores helped the Bubblers snap an 11-game losing streak dating back to 2018. He carried it 18 times, scoring on runs of 22, 13 and 48 yards during a 51-13 romp of Susquenita.
Marcus Day, RB, Altoona: A lot of credit goes to the maulers in front of him, but Day benefited nonetheless during a surprise 28-14 upset of Cumberland Valley. Day’s night ended with 23 carries, 188 yards on the ground plus 75 yards on 9-of-17 passing. And he scored on runs of 68 and 11 yards.
Gannon McMeans, QB, Cedar Cliff: His strike to Ramon Garcia in double overtime wound up being key in a 35-34 victory over Berks Catholic. McMeans finished with three TD passes (55, 15 and 10 yards) and a 1-yard QB keeper, totalling 190 stripes on 14-of-24 passing.
Odell Greene, RB, Steel-High: One of the closest to 200 rushing yards this week, Greene cracked 190 stripes on 18 totes, scoring on a 60-yard sprint in the third quarter of a 43-6 blowout of Upper Dauphin. Also added an 8-yard reception.
Alex Erby, QB, Steel-High: Strong debut from the freshman, who finished 11-of-20 for 208 yards during the 43-6 home victory over UD. Erby pegged Tyrone Moore for a 28-yard score, Mehki Flowers twice for 31 and 3 yards and Damein Hammonds for a 36-yard TD.
Adam Root, WR, Greencastle-Antrim: The Blue Devils pulled off an impressive 20-13 upset over Colonial newcomer Susquehanna Township. Root helped big time, hauling in 19-yard and 13-yard TD passes while finishing with five grabs for 73 stripes.
Brody Robinson, LB, Pine Grove: While Robinson put on a defensive show by making a school-record 21 tackles yet it wasn’t enough to prevent the Cardinals’ 16-9 setback to Schuylkill 1 playmate Jim Thorpe. What makes Robinson’s mark even more astounding was the previous single-game record (19) was set only a week earlier by Josh Leininger.
Jesse Engle, TE, Williams Valley: Engle had a splendid five-day stretch, totaling 11 receptions for 260 yards as the Vikings split road games with Mount Carmel (43-28 loss) and Nativity BVM (35-34 win). By the way, five of Engle’s receptions went for touchdowns, three against Mount Carmel and two in a come-from-behind win at Nativity.
Bryce Herb, QB, Williams Valley: Herb also was mighty busy during the Vikings’ split with Mount Carmel and Nativity, completing 25 passes for 568 yards and a handful of scores. The 6-foot senior also cracked over from a yard out midway through the final quarter of Saturday night’s win at Nativity as Tim Savage’s Vikings punctuated a 35-34 Schuylkill 2 win by roaring back from an early 21-0 deficit.

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2020 Preview: Susquehanna Twp.

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July 22, 2021

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By Adam Kulikowski:

Coach: Joe Headen

Classification: 4A

Division: Mid-Penn Colonial

2019 season: 7-4 (4-2 Keystone)

Postseason: Lost to Bishop McDevitt 21-7 in the District 3 Class 4A first round.

Stat leaders not available

Key Players: Owen Wiener, sr., HB-LB; Kylee Page, sr., OL-DL; Bilal Weidler, sr., RB-DB; Mikey Reese, sr., RB-LB; Jamaal Minifield, jr., OL-DL; Donald Leach, sr., QB

Outlook: The Indians enter the Colonial Division as immediate contenders to dethrone perennial powerhouse Shippensburg. While the Greyhounds should be considered the favorites, Joe Headen’s crew will have plenty to say about who stakes their flag at the top of the hill at the end of the regular season.

Move to the Colonial: A new slate of opponents pepper the Indians’ slate as the team transitions from the Keystone Division to the Colonial. Headen and his crew won’t have to prepare for the spread offenses of Cedar Cliff and Bishop McDevitt — no, now they have new problems to scheme against including Northern’s punch-you-in-the-face running attack, and the famed Wing-T run by several Colonial clubs. “It will be interesting for us as coaches because we need to put in more work,” Headen said. “It is different coordinators and different offensive schemes. We spent a lot of time this summer just making sure we understood what we wanted to do so that once the season starts we could focus on what our opponents are doing.”
Turning over the reins: Joe Headen turned the reins of the Indians’ offense over to senior quarterback Donald Leach. In an offseason in which on-the-field preparation was limited due to COVID-19 restrictions, Leach’s experience in the offense playing and learning behind three-year starter Rashaad Carlson should pay dividends. “Donald brings a lot of experience. Even though he didn’t get a ton of playing time, he’s been around for a while,” Headen said. “He doesn’t get shook, he doesn’t wear his emotions on his sleeve. He understands concepts. He isn’t going to ‘wow’ you by his physicality — he’s a long, skinny kid, and you’ll think he is lanky. But at the end of the day, he’ll manage the game and get the job done. “
Endurance over strength: A four-month stretch where teams were not allowed to conduct offseason strength training resulted in less gains in the weight room, according to Headen. That forced the Indians to adjust their game plan as the team progressed through camp. “If you are not going to be as strong as you want to be, the one thing you can do is to make sure you are in shape,” Headen said. “We want to make sure that we’re able to endure the season. When you are fatigued, that’s when it seems that the injures take place.”

News and Notes: Mid-Penn Liberty Division

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July 22, 2021

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News and Notes: Mid-Penn Liberty Division

By Michael Bullock:

1. Juniata hoping to reverse recent road track record

While Juniata struggled a season ago when playing outside Mifflintown, Kurt Condo’s Indians hope to forget about the not-so-distant past by authoring some more positive history. Well, let’s just say it won’t be easy as a Juniata program makes its Mid-Penn Conference entrance. And any time the schedule maker says you’re headed for Memorial Field in Middletown to play the Blue Raiders, that’s a daunting proposition. Although Middletown’s string of appearances in PIAA Class 3A championship games ended in 2018, Brett Myers’ program (10-2 in 2019) still has impressive skill-position players in place such as quarterback Tony Powell and the running back combo of Tymir Jackson and Tajae Broadie. What makes things difficult for Juniata is all three players can run and all three possess terrific size. Juniata (4-7 in 2020) will operate behind dual-threat QB Jacob Condo (nearly 1,700 yards of offense and 21 touchdowns), while backs Caleb Seeger, Trent Martin and Jace White offer a blend of speed and guard-sized power. Should the Indians opt to put the ball in the air, 6-foot-4 wideout Manny O’Donnell can go and get it. Since Juniata is slated to play its first four away from home, let’s see if the Indians can turn around the 1-6 road mark Condo & Co. assembled in 2020.

2. Upper Dauphin to collide with Steel-High

Imagine closing one season against eventual PIAA Class 2A champion Southern Columbia and opening the next on the road at perennial hammer Steel-High (8-3 in 2019). Welcome to Upper Dauphin’s space in Pennsylvania’s high school world. Yet even though Kent Smeltz’s Trojans (12-1) spent last season winning the Tri-Valley League’s final championship, they also collared a District 3 Class 2A title before running into a Southern squad featuring six Division I athletes just in the senior class. Also notable is UD watched 18 youngsters hang up their orange-and-black tinted duds for the final time — including all-state QB Macklin Ayers. What’s different about the Trojans is the first year of their comprehensive cooperative arrangement with neighboring Millersburg. Although a number of experienced linemen will toil in front of first-year quarterback Tyler Cleveland, UD will benefit from the presence of former Millersburg standouts Chance Crawford and Kyle Casner. The Trojans might have had another versatile threat in former ‘Burg Swiss Army knife Caden Feaster, but the diminutive senior tore his ACL during a preseason look and is lost for the season. Steel-High has an assortment of athletic skill players all sporting high flammability levels in running back Odell Greene as well as wide receivers Mehki Flowers and Tyrone Moore. Trying to unnerve freshman quarterback Alex Erby may be one tactic Upper Dauphin puts in play, but Rollers skipper Andrew Erby Sr. undoubtedly has a counter in mind. What will be interesting to see is how Cleveland responds against a Steel-High defensive group that likes to use single coverage while sending everyone else after the QB.

News and Notes: Schuylkill League

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July 22, 2021

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By Michael Bullock:

1. Hectic pace continues for Williams Valley’s Vikings

Playing for the third time in eight days — after spending some time sidelined by a COVID-19 flare-up — Williams Valley (1-1, 1-0 Schuylkill 2) will travel to Saint Clair on Friday night to take on Nativity (2-0, 1-0) in a Schuylkill 2 clash that could double as a possible District 11 Class 1A playoff preview. While Tim Savage’s Vikings opened with a convincing 54-0 thumping of Shenandoah Valley — Hunter Wolfgang rushed for 104 yards and three scores on just six carries, while Bryce Herb tossed a pair of touchdown passes — as the reigning 11-A champions coasted to a season-opening victory. Four nights later at Mount Carmel’s historic Silver Bowl, Williams Valley tumbled 43-28 to the host Red Tornadoes (1-0). Jesse Engle had a monster night for the Vikes, catching seven passes for 213 yards and three TDs. Herb finished with 322 yards passing, completing 13 of his 31 attempts for three scores and three interceptions. Engle also put on a show defensively, totaling 12 tackles, including 10 solo stops against a Mount Carmel side that rolled up 332 yards on the ground. Nativity opened the 2020 season Sept. 11, defeating crosstown rival Pottsville 31-21. Pat Mason’s Green Wave backed up that season-opening victory by defeating Pequea Valley 27-23.

2. Pine Grove chasing first victory

Victimized in the second half for the second consecutive weekend, Pine Grove (0-2, 0-1 Schuylkill 1) dropped a 41-19 decision to North Schuylkill in the teams’ first encounter since last season’s District 11 Class 3A playoff game. Josh Leininger fired three touchdown passes for Frank Gaffney’s Cardinals, who trailed 21-13. Two of those touchdown passes went to Shea Morgan, who set a single-game school record by pocketing 10 catches. Dalton Geesey snared the other touchdown reception for the visiting Cardinals. Jake Hall threw four touchdown passes to lead North Schuylkill (2-0, 1-0) — Hall finished with 264 passing yards — while the Spartans also scored on a blocked punt return. Up next for the Cardinals is a road date with unbeaten Jim Thorpe (2-0, 1-0), which owns road victories over Marian Catholic (43-0) and Schuylkill 1 playmate Blue Mountain (22-21).

2020 Preview: State College Little Lions

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July 22, 2021

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By Andy Sandrik:

Coach: Matt Lintal

Classification: 6A

League/division: Mid-Penn Commonwealth

2019 record: 11-2, 6-1 in Commonwealth

Postseason: Lost to Central Catholic 24-21, in the PIAA quarterfinal

RETURNING LEADERS:

Passing: Comp-Att., Yards, TD

Conrad Moore: 8-20, 150, 1

Rushing: Att.,- Yards, Avg., TD

Dresyn Green: 196-1,204, 6.1, 19

Receiving: Rec.,-Yards, Avg., TD

Conrad Moore: 9-157, 17.4, 1

Key Players: Dresyn Green, Sr., RB-DB; Sammy Knipe, Sr., DB-HB-WR; Carson Franks, Sr., DB-WR; Conrad Moore, Sr., QB-DB; Stevie Guthoff, Sr., DE; RB Nehemiah Howell, Sr., RB; Ryan Domico, Jr., LB-RB; Jashaun Green, Jr., WR; Kyle Kurzinger, Jr., DE-HB; Brady Bendik, Jr., DE-HB; Stephen Scourtis, So., DE-HB

OUTLOOK: Even as we publish this preview, there is still no guarantee that State College will play a single game this fall. The season hinges on not only the responsibility of the players, but also their classmates and community as well. Assuming the Little Lions play games this fall, they will be doing so in the unforgiving Commonwealth Division, without the services of 12 graduated players who are now playing at the collegiate level. That’s not to say State College still can’t contend. Lintal’s squad returns a top-tier running back in Green and a swarming defense that can use its size to wear down opponents. Those two factors, along with the potential of QB Moore, will once again make the Little Lions a tough out for every opponent in the division.

3 THINGS TO KNOW
1. To play or not to play: State College is located in Centre County, home of Pennsylvania’s highest COVID-19 infection rate: 12.1% as of the start of Week 1. Lintal’s Little Lions have been jumping through every hoop and recently had a big off-the-field victory, which came in the form of a 7-2 vote from the school board to allow school sports this fall. State College’s decisions hinges on two conditions: The Little Lions being enrolled in full-time virtual learning, and the school itself meeting guidelines to have on-person learning.

“We’re obviously thrilled to have the opportunity, but there’s still a lot up in the air on a week-to-week basis,” Lintal said. “Our kids have been phenomenal with the way they’ve endured everything.

This is a trying time for all of these players, having to sit at home on Fridays watching our neighboring schools and teams in the district play. It’s tough.” Lintal, who doubles as a school counselor, understands that there are not only physical risks from playing football in the COVID era, but also mental consequences if the team does not play. “I don’t think anyone signed up for 2020, but that’s kind of where we’re at right now,” Lintal said. “It’s tough to make parenting decisions, let alone school decisions that affect a lot of people. I don’t envy the school officials having to make these calls, but I do know what the kids need for their emotional state of mind. Our kids are better together.”

2. Lions turn to first-year QB, experienced RB: Senior Conrad Moore has already proven himself as a competitive wide receiver, an elite high-jumper (recorded a leap of 6-foot-9 as a sophomore), and one of the brightest minds in the Mid-Penn Commonwealth Division (4.5 GPA). The question now is: Can Moore play quarterback? After seeing Moore take QB reps in practice and in game situations last year, Lintal is confident in his signal-caller.

“Conrad can run, throw, jump, catch and play defense,” Lintal said. “He’s a dynamic player with a great skill set, who is a great young man as well. I’m hoping that we will be given a chance to show him off this year.”

While Moore settles into the role, State College will be looking to RB Dresyn Green to help shoulder the load. Green is coming off back-to-back seasons of 1,000 yards and average 6.1 yards per carry last season. Lintal calls Green the toughest football player he’s ever coached. “It’s just the way he plays the game,” Lintal said. “Whether he’s carrying the ball, being the lead blocker, carrying out a fake, or making a tackle, he does not take a play off and plays in such a physical manner that he’s always going to get that extra yard and always going to put that extra effort into every play.”

3. Defense ready to “fly”: With DB Sammy Knipe and LB Ryan Domico patrolling the defense, Lintal feels really good about his team’s ability to slow down and stop opposing offenses this fall. Knipe, a Navy recruit, is larger than most high school athletes playing safety and is able to get his 6-1, 220-pound frame around the field in a hurry.

“He’s a tremendous safety,” Lintal said. “He’s just a force who covers so much ground, has ball skills, is physical and can stop the run.” Knipe will certainly be ready to make plays if the ball gets past Domico. That’s a big if. Like Knipe, Domico brings the 4.5-second 40-yard dash speed to the table and has a physical style of play to complement his game. “It’s tough to sneak one past him,” Lintal said. “Ryan is so instinctive and plays the game in such a physical manner. He just flies all over the field and has had a tremendous start to the season.”

Lintal also likes the play of DB Carson Franks, who he calls a “twin” of Knipe, and has growing enthusiasm for a completely revamped defensive front. What once was an area of concern after heavy graduation losses, the defensive line could end up being a strength by the end of the season. Lintal cites the play of DL Stevie Guthoff, DL Kyle Kurzinger, DE Stephen Scourtis and DL Emerson Martin, a transfer from North Carolina who checks in at 6-5, 245 pounds.

2020 Preview: Greencastle-Antrim

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July 22, 2021

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By Andy Sandrik:

Coach: Devin McCauley

Classification: 4A

League/division: Mid-Penn Colonial

2019 record: 1-9, 0-6 in Colonial

Postseason: Did not qualify

RETURNING LEADERS:

Passing: Comp-Att., Yards, TD

Zach Cole: 95-212, 1,386, 10

Rushing: Att.,-Yards, Avg., TD

David Niebauer: 183-762, 4.2, 0

Receiving: Rec.,-Yards, Avg., TD

Adam Root: 33-807, 24.5, 6

David Niebauer: 26-204, 7.8, 0

Key Players: Adam Root, Sr., WR; David Niebauer, Jr., RB; Zach Cole, Sr., QB; Isaiah Toney-Mayhugh, Sr., RB; Landon Searles, Sr., G-DT; Taylor Conrad, Jr., LB-QB; Ethan Shan, Jr., DB; Jake Kumfert, Jr., G; Blaine Ocker, Sr., G-DT; Levi Bingaman, Jr., WR-CB; Bruce Lepore, Sr., LB

OUTLOOK: It’s going to be really easy for opponents to look at Greencastle’s one-win season from last year and mark the Blue Devils down as an automatic win. That would be a mistake. Greencastle returns 15 starters, most of whom were back in the weight room within days of the conclusion of last year’s hard season.

Wins will still be hard to come by for the Blue Devils, but look for McCauley’s boys to move up from the Colonial Division basement, and don’t be surprised if Greencastle finds itself in position to spring an upset or two, perhaps with a big boot from the leg of Kirkwood.

3 THINGS TO KNOW
1. Long-range threat: Perhaps the best college prospect on the Greencastle squad is kicker Nate Kirkwood, who was named First Team in the Colonial Division as a sophomore last fall. In his first season on a football field, Kirkwood knocked four out of five field goal attempts through the uprights, including three from more 40 yards. He was also reliable on extra-point attempts, banging in 18 of 21 tries.

As McCauley tells the story, Kirkwood was a “soccer kid” who had never kicked before. He entered Greencastle’s kicking competition against a quality opponent and ran away with the job.
Kirkwood has a career-long field goal of 45 yards, and McCauley indicated that he won’t shy away from giving his kicker chances to put points on the board from even longer distances.

“We feel Nate has potential for the next level,” McCauley said. “It’s nice to have a weapon like this with pretty good range, where we know we can get some points any time we pass the 40.”

Kirkwood, who comes from a military family and has eyes on an academy, has made unofficial visits with Air Force and Navy.

2. “Most athletic group we’ve had in years:” Greencastle won’t be favored in a lot of its division games, but with the talent the Blue Devils have returned for this fall, it’s hard to imagine that McCauley’s boys won’t, at the very least, have a puncher’s chance.

Greencastle brings back all three of its statistical leaders: junior RB David Niebauer, senior QB Zach Cole and senior WR Adam Root. Niebauer is a threat for a 1,000-yard season, and could have even more room to run if the Cole-to-Root connection continues to flourish.

“Niebauer is a tough, strong kid who can see the ball well,” McCauley said. “Zach is big, and strong and throws the ball well, and Root can high-point the ball as good as anyone. He’s worked on his route running, he’s good and fast, and he spreads the field well.”

McCauley added that we will likely know sophomore RB Tavon Cooper’s name by the end of the season, and that senior RB Cameron Medina, a transfer from Frederick (Maryland), will also see some time. Taylor Conrad, Greencastle’s starting middle linebacker, is a capable back-up QB who poses a threat as both a runner and passer.

“Our offensive line has also matured physically, so we’re excited to have all of this to build on,” McCauley said. “Last year we were a one-trick pony, but now we have various ways to spread out the attack. This is the most athletic group we’ve had in years.”

3. Defense seeks improvement: If you want to boil Greencastle’s 1-9 record from 2019 down to the simplest of explanations, you can start with this: the Blue Devils allowed 42.6 points per game last season. Even if Greencastle’s offensive fixtures perform beyond their expectations, wins will still be hard to come by if the Blue Devils can’t find a way to make more stops. McCauley is looking for his big guys up front to clog the gaps, so Conrad can make plays from his linebacker spot.

“He’s a difference maker in the middle,” McCauley said. “He’s a quiet player, but he makes plays. He’s football savvy and is the heart and soul of our defense.”

Greencastle, which will be looking to get a boost with the transfer of senior LB Bruce Lepore from Waynesboro, is hoping that last season’s baptism under fire will pay dividends this fall. “I think the kids understand their responsibilities better,” McCauley said. “We’re talking about knowing our assignments, being agressive and tackling.”

2020 Preview: Waynesboro Indians

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July 22, 2021

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By Andy Sandrik:

Coach: Josh Sprenkle

Classification: 5A

League/division: Mid-Penn Colonial

2019 record: 5-6, 4-2 in Colonial

Postseason: Lost to Manheim Central in the first round of the District 3-5A playoffs

RETURNING LEADERS:

Passing: Comp-Att., Yards, TD

Chance Eyler: 21-54., 274, 3

Rushing: Att.,-Yards, Avg., TD

Aidan Mencia: 158-1,039, 6.6, 13

Mikel Holden: 148-773, 5.2, 4

Receiving: Rec.-Yards., Avg., TD

Kareem Sims: 6-85, 14.2, 0

Mikel Holden: 8-82, 10.3, 2

Key Players: Aidan Mencia, Jr., HB-SS; Mikel Holden, So., FB; Chance Eyler, Sr., QB; Gunner Lesher, Sr., OL; Brandon Truillo, Sr., OL-DL; Callin Kauffman, Jr., LB; Brody Rhodes, Jr., DB-WR; Rhyan Day, Jr., CB-WR; Isaiah Reed, Sr., DE; Jesse Julius, Jr., LB-RB

RETURNING LEADERS:

OUTLOOK: Win, lose, or draw, it’s hard not to play against Waynesboro without returning home bruised and bloody. The Indians aren’t built to light up the scoreboard. Instead they set out with the goal of doing damage and breaking opponents until the want-to disappears from the opposition in the fourth quarter. This is the exact mentality needed to withstand a season in the beefed-up Colonial Division, which prides itself on hard-nosed football. We don’t see Waynesboro winning the division outright, but if Colonial giants Shippensburg, Susquehanna Township and Mechanicsburg beat up on each other as expected, a two-loss Indians squad could find itself celebrating a share of the title.

3 THINGS TO KNOW
1. Thunder & Thunder: It wouldn’t be accurate to call junior Aiden Mencia and sophomore Mikel Holden “complementary” backs because they both do exactly the same thing — punch opposing defenses right in the mouth.
The backs combined for more than 2,000 yards last season, and Sprenkle said both backs are clearly ready for more bone-shattering downhill running. Menci gained 15 pounds in the offseason and should be even more of a wrecking ball this fall.

“We had an intrersquad scrimmage on Saturday and there’s certain kids where you’re not sure how they’ll do,” Sprenkle said. “But with these two, you exactly what you’ll get: Going hard every single play.” With a less experienced offensive line, Waynesboro will need its straight-ahead runners to dig a little bit deeper to earn their yards until the boys up front — including three sophomore linemen — can work out the kinks.

With Mencia and Holden providing the thunder, Waynesboro will be seeking for someone else to provide that lighting. Junior Louie Lindsay, a transfer from Smithsburg (Maryland), entered training camp as a QB prospect but could very well be the RB that runs past the defenses bracing for the big hits from Mencia/Holden. “He does well running the football, even if not at QB,” Sprenkle said. “We’re not running a two-QB system, but Lindsay will definitely be involved with the offense in some sort.”

2. High-ceiling prospects: Coach Sprenkle has a knack for recruiting players from outside the football program, and putting them in positions to be playmakers for the Indians on the gridiron. Senior Daniel Norona, a first-year player from Waynesboro’s basketball team, has worked his way into the starting lineup as the Indians’ No. 2 receiver. Standing at 6-foot-1, Norona has already proven he can snag rebounds, now we will see if he can also pull down fade passes from the corner of the end zone.

“We wish he would have played football all through high school, but we’re happy to have him here now,” Sprenkle said. “He’s a fast, natural route runner who is showing flashes of really good football talent.

He’s been able to make plays even after getting hit, so he’s showing us toughness. He’s not scared to run anywhere on the field.” On the defensive side of the ball, Sprenkle noted junior OLB Jesse Julius, mostly a special teams player last season, has earned a “seat at the table” for the starting defensive unit.

“Julius put on 30 pounds of muscle, mostly in his legs, he’s definitely a prospect,” Sprenkle said. “He’s also Mikel Holden’s backup at fullback. If Holden wasn’t Holden, Julius would be our starting fullback.”

3. Student vs. teacher: If Sprenkle had to name one “best friend” from the opposing ranks of the Colonial Division, chances are he’d immediately mention Shippensburg head coach Eric Foust.
The coaches text constantly, share film and intel, and even went golfing a few weeks ago. All of this camaraderie, of course, should come as no surprise considering Sprenkle spent seven years on Foust’s staff, including a stint as the Greyhounds’ defensive coordinator.

“My experience at Shippensburg meant a lot,” Sprenkle said. “I learned a lot from Eric and his dad, and from being with my high school coach Kevin Gustafson. The Ship coaching staff operates cohesively because the staff has remained intact. The guys show up and do their jobs, while you do yours. That’s what I’m trying to build at Waynesboro.”

There will likely be an awkward moment when Sprenkle and Foust come face-to-face at Waynesboro’s Rip Engle Sports Complex when their teams kick off the season Sept. 25. Shippensburg is the preseason favorite to win the Colonial Division, but Waynesboro still likes its chances to bounce back from last year’s 28-7 loss to the Greyhounds.

“That game was early in the season with a younger team,” Sprenkle said. “Mencia fumbled twice, and both fumbles were returned for touchdowns. He’ll be looking to redeem himself, and the other kids will definitely be looking to prove something in Week 1. … This is the only day of the year where I won’t talk with Eric. We will probably just shake hands and go about our business.”

2020 Preview: Altoona

4thdownmagazine

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July 22, 2021

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By Andy Sandrik:

Coach: Vince Nedimeyer Jr.

Classification: 6A

League/division: Mid-Penn Commonwealth

2019 record: 1-9, 0-7 in Commonwealth

Postseason: Did not qualify

Note: 2019 stats unavailable

Key Players: Marcus Day, Sr., QB; Ethan Stroup, Jr., RB-LB; Trevor Manley, Sr., OL-DL; Edwin Franklin, Sr., LB-RB; Nick Petucci, Sr., WR-DB; Ray Boose, Sr., WR-DB; Aidan Palilla, Sr., OL-DL; Kyle Murray, Sr., RB-DB; Jake Adams, Jr., RB-DB; Lamar Robinson, Sr., WR-DB; Shamus Walker, Sr., OL-DL; Kaleb Spriggs, Jr., RB-DB; Ethan Hileman, Jr., WR-DB; Aaron Carothers, Sr., QB-DB

Outlook: There are no games on the schedule that can be circled as an automatic, or even probable, win for Altoona. Whatever yards, points or wins the Mountain Lions get this year will be hard earned. While 2020 might not be the year that Altoona returns to the postseason, it’s worth noting that Nedimeyer Jr. and his coaching staff have convinced a large group of players to buy in to the program’s new system and philosophy. If these players, even in the face of losing, can play hard while wearing the maroon and white, they could very well sow the seeds for a better tomorrow for Altoona football.

3 THINGS TO KNOW

1. “We know what we’re getting into … and we love it:” It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to look at Altoona’s brutal schedule in the Mid-Penn Commonwealth Division and know that wins will be hard to come by for the Mountain Lions, who have gone 2-18 over the past two seasons. Rebuilding a football team is never an easy sell for recruiting talent, yet Altoona enters this season with a roster of nearly 100 players, including 24 hungry seniors. Nedimeyer Jr. said getting live reps against some of the state’s best teams will ultimately make his players better, which could prove to be crucial for the players who have visions of playing college football. “We know what we’re getting into with the Commonwealth, and we love it,” Nedimeyer Jr. said. “There’s no slouch on our schedule, so you’ve got to be prepared and ready for a dogfight every week. If you have any aspirations for the next level, this is one of the best conferences to be in. We’re excited about this year. Our goal is to have a fighting chance in the fourth quarter, and we’ll go from there.”

2. COVID’s silver lining: The typical high schooler is surrounded by distractions. There are parties, concerts, dates and part-time jobs. This year, of course, has been anything but typical. With Altoona’s players spending more time at home then at the mall or movie theater, it gave the Mountain Lions more time to think about football. “I’d say the kids are more focused this year, and that might be because they’ve been trapped in their houses since March 13,” Nedimeyer Jr. said. “In June, when we were allowed to get on the field and be around each other, the kids were eager to get out of the house and come to Mansion Park for our workouts.” Every day the status of football can change. The Mountain Lions are trying to enjoy every moment they have. “Each day it changes, we’re just happy to be in pads with one scrimmage under our belts,” Nedimeyer Jr. said. “If everything can stay the course, we’ll open with Cumberland Valley on the 25th, and will be looking forward to every opportunity we get.”

3. Sophomore voyage for Nedimeyer Jr.: Just like a high school player moving up to play in the college ranks, the game certainly moved faster for Nedimeyer Jr., a former Altoona quarterback, in his first season as head coach for the Mountain Lions. But with a year of experience now under his belt, Nedimeyer Jr. has grown into his role. He has a new system in place, dedicated coordinators in Brian Camberg (offense) and Mike Adams (defense), a commitment to fundamentals and a large stable full of players eager to learn and play. “I wasn’t trying to do it all, but I had a lot on my shoulders last year,” Nedimeyer Jr. said. “My assistants have helped alleviate things and are doing a great job with the kids.”Nedimeyer Jr. isn’t the only one who has become a year wiser. Altoona returns plenty of experienced players who are “speaking the same language as last year” and ready to take the steps necessary to make their head coach’s vision for the team a reality. “Any high school team that can run the ball and stop the run is going to be successful,” Nedimeyer Jr. said. “That’s been our goal from the beginning. We want to play fast, tough and physical. With our seniors coming back this year, we’re hoping to maintain this style of play throughout the season.”

2020 Preview: CD East

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July 22, 2021

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By Adam Kulikowski:

Coach: Aaron Blanding

Classification: 6A

Division: Commonwealth

2019 season: 3-7 (2-5 Commonwealth)

Postseason: Did not qualify

(NOTE: STATS NOT AVAILABLE)

Key Players: Kyle Williams, sr., OL-DL; Levi Krebs, sr., TE-LB.

Outlook: Predicting what to make of the Panthers in a year when Aaron Blanding and his assistants had little time to assess a roster that will feature new playmakers at virtually every skill position is nearly impossible. What we do know is that the Commonwealth — stocked with state title contenders in Central Dauphin and State College — will be a street brawl during a seven-game sprint to the regular season finale.

3 Things to Know:

1. Battle at quarterback: Sophomore Aidan Campbell and a pair of seniors, Romeo Fleck and Max Riley, entered camp battling for the starting role in Blanding’s offense. While Campbell might have an edge based on the experience he enters camp with from 2019, Fleck has impressed in his early opportunities. Each gunner offers a little different skill set, according to Blanding. “Aidan is more of a pocket guy,” Blanding said. “He is 6-3, strong arm. Romeo gives us a little bit of both. He’s a running threat and his arm isn’t quite as strong as Aiden’s. Max is just a leader. He’s a fun guy who can wing it. They all bring something different to the table.” Whoever trots out with the starters Friday night will benefit from an experienced offensive line that returns a full complement of big eaters including senior Kyle Williams, a Mid-Penn Commonwealth Division All-Star in 2019.

2. From the hardwood to the turf: If you follow CD East basketball, you likely have heard of Terrance Jackson. The 6-foot sophomore joined Blanding’s Panthers as a wide out for the 2020 campaign, potentially providing a spark to an offense in search of playmakers. “He’s been looking really good,” Blanding said. “Being a basketball player, that’s a real advantage. It transfers well to football as he goes up to get the ball. He’s athletic, got good size and talent and aggressiveness. That’s something we can’t teach.”

3. Ever-changing schedules: COVID-19 is already playing havoc on the schedules of several Mid-Penn Conference teams. That includes CD East. The Panthers’ scheduled a joy ride to Governor Mifflin on Friday night never got in gear because GM closed their high school and suspended all sports through Sept. 28 due to confirmed cases of COVID. The Panthers, however, quickly found a new dancing partner in Exeter Township after Commonwealth foe Carlisle canceled its Week 1 matchup against the Eagles due to COVID.