Game preview: Steel-High vs. Middletown

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Game preview: Steel-High vs. Middletown

By 4th Down Staff: 

STEEL-HIGH (1-0) at MIDDLETOWN (1-0)
7 p.m. Friday, War Memorial Field, Middletown

THE ROLLERS: It’s no secret Andrew Erby’s program likes to move fast and in large intervals, but defensive assignments and awareness will be most important against the rival Blue Raiders. Middletown has averaged 46 points in its last four meetings with Steel-High, all resulting in sizable victories. Still, it’s fun to talk about the guys making all those highlight reel moves. Freshman QB Alex Erby made his varsity debut last week, chucking for 200-plus yards and four touchdowns in a 43-6 win over Upper Dauphin. Top targets Mehki Flowers and Damein Hammonds were expected matchup problems, and RB Odell Greene carried 18 times for 190 yards during the onslaught. That’s a pile of firepower that is difficult to clock for any defense. Greene’s early work, coupled with that developing o-line, could tell the tale here. Once that second line of defense creeps closer to the line of scrimmage, it’s a license for Steel-High to look deep.

THE BLUE RAIDERS: The hours leading in might be enough time for QB Tony Powell to get back on the field. Powell was injured vs. Central Dauphin during a scrimmage and did not play vs. Juniata in the opener. However, coach Brett Myers got a stock performance from Julio Rodriguez under center. Rodriguez completed 11-of-13 passes for 185 yards and four touchdowns in a lopsided 54-19 win. The Raiders cranked out nearly 550 yards of offense, including 195 stripes, on just eight carries, by Tymir Jackson. Audric Bryant paced the defense with 10 stops and Middletown enjoyed a breezy night. Like the Rollers, Jackson might hold the key for the hosts. If Rodriguez is needed again, handing the QB manageable down and distances will help sustain possessions and keep the up-tempo Rollers on the sideline.

THE SERIES: Each team has won five times in the last 10 meetings, although the Rollers’ last victory in the series came in 2015, a 19-18 decision.

DOWN & DISTANCE: Greene began his prep career at Middletown. In 2018, the sophomore helped Middletown cash in a third straight District 3 Class 3A title and finish as the PIAA runner-up to Aliquippa.

THE PICK: Middletown 35, Steel-High 33

News and Notes: Mid-Penn Capital (Week 2)

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News and Notes: Mid-Penn Capital (Week 2)

By Andy Shay: 

Capital Division

1. Did you know the residents of the Capital went 5-1 in their Week 1 crossover games. Big Spring, Boiling Springs, Camp Hill, Middletown and Steel-High all posted wins to kick off 2020. The only team that lost was Trinity in a close one.

2. Right out of the chute we get Steel-High vs. Middletown on the docket in Week 2. This is a hammer game. The Rollers have liked their chances before against the Blue Raiders only to crash and burn. Steel-High RB Odell Greene and Middletown hammer Tymir Jackson, both 1,200-plus yard rushers a year ago, will have a say in the outcome for sure. The quarterback play and ability to tackle in space is the deciding factor for me.

3. If Boiling Springs sold a “fan version” of that jersey they wore in Week 1 on its way to ending that 11-game losing streak by drubbing Susquenita, I’d have to throw down the coin for that. I’d even pay up to $100 for that sweet purple and yellow beauty. Throw in the white helmets and I was smitten. The individual responsible for choosing that combo got it SO RIGHT!!!

News and Notes: Mid-Penn Liberty (Week 2)

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News and Notes: Mid-Penn Liberty (Week 2)

By Michael Bullock: 

1. Newport, Susquenita to engage in one backyard scrap …: Strongly suggesting that his offensive attack needed to put the ball in the hands of new quarterback Andrew Bates, feature back Thomas Pyle and versatile wideout Mason Huggins, Todd Rothermel’s Newport Buffaloes carried out that plan last weekend while hanging a 21-17 setback on Trinity in a Mid-Penn crossover. Bates rushed 13 times for 83 yards and two touchdowns, including a 61-yard scamper for the Buffs (1-0). Pyle added a touchdown run, but Huggins caught three Bates tosses for 50 yards and enjoyed a terrific game on the defensive side of the football. In addition to making eight tackles, Huggins swiped three passes and knocked down three others. Up next for the Buffs will be a short road trip to neighboring Susquenita (0-1), which last weekend left with a 51-13 loss to a Boiling Springs side featuring a huge offensive front. Austin Kenny rushed 15 times for Scott Acri’s Blackhawks, gaining 85 yards and scoring once. Kenny also caught one pass for 31 yards from freshman quarterback Derek Gibney (5-for-11 for 89 yards, 2 picks). Acri’s Blackhawks also picked up a 30-yard touchdown run from Laiken Miller, who also totaled 34 receiving yards on a pair of catches.

2. … while Line Mountain and Upper Dauphin engage in another: Despite a sizable edge in time of possession — Line Mountain ran off 70 offensive plays to Camp Hill’s 38 — Brandon Carson’s Eagles (0-1) made the return trip to Mandata lugging a 35-28 setback. Quarterback Jacob Feese racked up 138 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 26 carries, but also banked 102 passing yards on an 8-for-17 performance through the air. Feese uncorked a pair of first-half darts that could have resulted in big plays, but one was dropped and the other was waved off by a penalty. Garret Laudenslager accounted for Line Mountain’s late score, finishing with 102 rushing yards on 16 carries as the Eagles rolled up nearly 400 yards of total offense. On tap for the Eagles is a much-shorter trip to Elizabethville for a Mid-Penn Liberty scrap with Upper Dauphin (0-1). Kent Smeltz’s Trojans led early yet eventually suffered a 43-6 loss to a remarkably athletic Steel-High squad. Christian Snyder was UD’s most-productive offensive performer, as the junior back collected 86 rushing yards and the Trojans’ lone touchdown on nine totes. Snyder also caught two passes for 17 yards from senior QB Tyler Cleveland (3-for-9, 24 yards). Chance Crawford led UD’s defense with nine stops, but he also rushed 15 times for 45 yards.

News and Notes: Schuylkill League

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News and Notes: Schuylkill League

By Michael Bullock: 

1. Tri-Valley ready to get going … finally: Those passionate football fans that call the Hegins-Valley View Metroplex home figure to be as wound up as possible — given the COVID-19 limitations on those able to watch live — when their beloved Tri-Valley Bulldogs open the 2020 campaign Friday night against Schuylkill 2 playmate Shenandoah Valley (0-3, 0-2). Despite sporting just three seniors on his roster, third-year skipper Jeff Sampson’s ‘Dawgs return nine starters on defense and eight on offense from a still-youthful yet experienced group that last season played for a District 11 Class 1A championship. Three Bulldogs — versatile senior back Chase Herb, burly fullback Jacob Scheib and interior lineman Cameron Carlin — remain entrenched in the lineup on both sides of the ball after landing on the Tri-Valley League’s final all-conference unit. Herb rushed for nearly 1,500 yards in 2019, but also will serve as a likely target for many of second-year quarterback Jonas McGrath’s pass attempts. Tri-Valley also can offer a terrific change of pace in the offensive backfield in sophomore Kameron Wetzel. One sizable hole that must be filled is the one left by Tyler McGrath, an all-state defensive back who swiped 14 passes during his Tri-Valley career. Shenandoah Valley opened with a 49-7 loss to Tamaqua and has subsequently fallen to Williams Valley (54-0) and Marian Catholic (24-7). “On Friday night, when we open up, Shenandoah will have played three games and a scrimmage, where the only thing we’ve had was [Sept. 24] when we had an intrasquad scrimmage,” Sampson said. “We have no game-time experience and there’s a lot to be said with that, because of timing, and you don’t get the normal look as you get from a scout offense or a scout defense that you’re gonna get on a Friday night. We may look good in practice and the timing’s down and so forth, but when you’re on a football field on a Friday night and the coaches aren’t behind you, things are a lot different. I think we’ll be alright. The kids are really ready to play, and they’ve made that point clear to me.”

2. Williams Valley facing another dangerous opponent: Surviving a late field-goal attempt that sailed wide right and resulted in a 35-34 victory, Williams Valley (2-1, 2-0) hopes to maintain the momentum generated by a come-from-behind victory at Nativity and carry it into a Schuylkill 2 road date at Mahanoy Area (2-1, 2-0). Bryce Herb’s 1-yard quarterback plunge midway through the fourth quarter pushed Tim Savage’s club in front, yet the Vikings didn’t prevail until they made a red-zone stop in the final seconds. Herb also threw for 246 yards (12-for-27, 1 interception) and a pair of touchdowns — Jesse Engle (4-47) hauled in both scoring tosses — as Williams Valley erased an early 21-0 deficit. Logan Williard added two short scoring runs, while Hunter Wolfgang cranked out 90 rushing yards on 15 attempts and Brady Evans racked up 117 receiving yards on four catches. Williard also amassed 14 tackles defensively, three more than Engle. Mahanoy Area began the 2020 season by dropping a 50-21 decision to North Schuylkill, but the Golden Bears rebounded the past two weeks by defeating Schuylkill Haven (31-20) and Minersville (48-12).  

2020 Preview: Tri-Valley Bulldogs

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By Michael Bullock: 

Coach: Jeff Sampson, 3rd season (15-10), 14th season overall (76-78)

Classification: 1A

League/division: Schuylkill League Division 2

2019 record: 6-6 (4-5 Tri-Valley League)

Postseason: Lost to Williams Valley 36-7 in District 11 Class 1A championship.

RETURNING LEADERS

Passing: Comp-Att, Yards, TDs

Jonas McGrath: 40-112, 514, 5

Rushing: Att-Yards, Avg, TDs

Chase Herb: 224-1,461, 6.5, 12

Receiving: Rec-Yards, Avg, TDs

Chase Herb: 13-110, 8.5, 1

Key returning players: Chase Herb, sr., HB-DE; Caden Richards, sr., TE-OLB; Jonas McGrath, jr., QB-CB; Jeremiah Umbenhauer, jr., OT-DL; Cameron Carlin, jr., OG-DT; Josh Reho, jr., OT-LB; Mason Boltz, jr., WR-OLB; Jacob Scheib, so., FB-DE; Justis Troutman, so., C-DT; Kameron Wetzel, so., HB-FS.

Outlook: Even though COVID-19 prevented Tri-Valley from beginning preseason practice until mid-September and playing for real until the first Friday in October, there’s plenty of talent on hand in the Hegins-Valley View Metroplex. While the Bulldogs have just three seniors on their roster, many of Jeff Sampson’s juniors were in pads when Tri-Valley defeated Williams Valley in the 2018 District 11 Class 1A final and reached states — so they’ve had a big-game taste, and they renewed that appetite by reaching the 11-A final a year ago. Having a terrific offensive backfield is one thing, but Tri-Valley has experienced people up front as well and Sampson believes his big eaters may be the key to extending the 2020 campaign well into November. Stay tuned.

3 Things to Know:

1. Herb certainly will do his share of heavy lifting: Back for his final high school campaign in a helmet and pads, Chase Herb will get his share of offensive touches. Yet he’s also likely to find the ball quite frequently when Tri-Valley is on defense. In addition to rushing for nearly 1,500 yards (6.5 ypc average) and 12 touchdowns, the 6-foo-3, 215-pound Herb hauled in 13 catches for 110 yards and another score. And while opposing defensive coordinators will make stopping him a priority, that’s a difficult proposition since Herb can inflict plenty of damage running downhill yet he’s also effective in space. Shifted to defensive end late last season — Herb was a first-team TVL all-star at inside linebacker — Herb also is the Bulldogs’ leading returning tackler (89). “He brings a lot of experience and leadership to the table. He’s been around, starting at one point or another for three years and probably played as a freshman,” Sampson said. “He’s not an overly vocal person, but he leads by example. He’s got good grades and he does well in school, he never misses a practice, and he runs hard on every single play at practice. He leads by example, and he’s an invaluable asset for us offensively, defensively and as a captain.”

2. Bulldogs trying to continue momentum gained in 2019: Burdened by an unsightly 1-4 mark just a handful of weeks into last season, Sampson’s resilient Bulldogs collared victories in five of their final seven outings and reached the District 11 Class 1A title game. So, one preseason objective is to continue the momentum generated by what happened in late September, October and early November. And with nine returning starters on defense and eight on offense, don’t be surprised if a Tri-Valley program that graduated a small group and has just three seniors among this contingent takes advantage of its youthful yet experienced collection of players. “I give credit to the kids,” Sampson said. “Again, we didn’t have a big senior class last year, and that was followed up by an even-smaller junior class. So last year wasn’t an experiment … even though we had three or four sophomores and a freshman on the offensive line. It was a learning experience, and there was [lots of] growth, because I think they believe in each other. I know at the end of the season they looked forward to this year coming up. Unfortunately, there were some thngs that weren’t in our control. … We adapted pretty well the last two-and-a-half weeks, but I attribute that to the amount of kids we had coming back that got playing time last year.”

3. Late start hasn’t put a lid on optimistic outlook: The Bulldogs didn’t begin preseason workouts until they were nearly two weeks into September because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Regardless of a start that’s put them behind all of their new Schuylkill League playmates, Sampson is pleased with his young club’s progress since many of his players continued to work out when the coaching staff was prohibited from organizing any offseason activities. While Tri-Valley has just five regular-season scraps scheduled, the ‘Dawgs believe they can make some things happen even though they need to do some catching up. “They just have to come out and play the way they’re taught and come out and play the game hard, be aggressive and relax,” Sampson said. “I think that will come to them. There are some younger kids that didn’t play much last year that we have in the lineups. … Yet, I think it’s going to come down to our offensive and defensive lines. I think our defensive line is pretty stout. Cam Carlin was [honorable mention] last year, and Scheibie was new to that [defensive end] position yet played very well last year. The offensive line is still young. We have two sophomores and three juniors [plugged in there]. I think our backfield is very talented, so it’s going to come down to us just being able to move people enough up front to create a crease and let those guys do what they do. I’m confident in this group, and they’re well established.”

Sunday Morning QB: Colts win a 2OT thriller; Altoona shocks Cumberland Valley; Boiling Springs breaks an 11-game losing streak and more

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Sunday Morning QB: Colts win a 2OT thriller; Altoona shocks Cumberland Valley; Boiling Springs breaks an 11-game losing streak and more

By Andy Shay:

It was a strange start to the season for the Mid-Penn Conference with more people probably watching live streams than in the stands Friday night, but having any football to watch was a welcome respite to what 2020 has become in the midst of a global pandemic.

My preference these first few weeks is to stay at home since my wife has compromised lungs ﹘ and that means caution first, optimism later. I hope to return to covering games in-person at some point, but it wasn’t too bad catching bits of several games on livestream.

Since Cedar Cliff kicked off a half hour earlier than the rest of the slate and my main focus was on the Red Land at Hershey game, I caught a wild first quarter from West Shore Stadium. First, taking a game on a Tuesday against the squad like Berks Catholic is gutsy. Full props to the Colts for not caring who the opponent was.

And man what a start for the Colts. A kickoff return to ignite the fire from Jontae Morris covering 70 yards, and then on the first play from scrimmage Gannon McMeans hooked up with Trenten Smith for a 55-yard touchdown. Before the game was four minutes old it was 14-7 Colts.

A back-and-forth affair wasn’t settled until the second OT when the Saints went for the win with a two-point conversion and Hunter Garced stopped BC stud Justin Small right at the line to seal a 35-34 Colts victory. Something about the Colts and big games it seems.

. @BerksCatholic goes for 2-pt conversation and the win again @GoCCFootball in the second OT. They fall inches short of the goal line. Colts survive a thriller at West Shore Stadium, 35-34 (2OT) pic.twitter.com/SfsxNf16re— 4th Down Magazine (@4thDownMag) September 26, 2020

A couple results qualify as surprising, although in 2020 you have to give some rope to everybody as each team’s situation is unique, right?

Cumberland Valley getting thumped by Altoona tops my list. It’s not that the Eagles lost, it’s how they lost. The Mountain Lions churned out more than 350 yards on the ground while CV struggled to post 100 yards of total offense. The two-touchdown final score seems about the only thing that was close.

I expected the Waynesboro-Shippensburg game to be tight, and it was. The Indians pulling off the upset was a mild surprise. The Colonial Division is going to be entertaining again this season.

Well done Greencastle-Antrim Blue Devils, going on the road to knock off the ‘Hanna Tribe at Roscoe Warner. Adam Root had a couple touchdown grabs for G-A to lead the way.

Boiling Springs say a fond farewell to that 11-game losing streak it dragged into 2020 by hanging a 51-burger on Susquenita. Congrats to the Bubblers. RB Joey Menke had 162 yards on only 18 carries and three touchdowns. Always good when your RB goes for 9.0 yards per carry.

Middletown, Bishop McDevitt, Central Dauphin and Steel-High each produced some monster offensive numbers in cruising to comfortable Week 1 wins. Nobody should be surprised, either. Crazy common thread for those four squads is they have multiple weapons that each showed up big-time right out of the gate. That’s attention worthy.

My biggest impact performance of the week goes to Camp Hill wideout Cam Ochs. The senior had three catches for 135 yards, and all three of his catches he took to the house in the Lions’ 35-28 victory over Line Mountain.

Hershey’s Joey Corado drills game-winning field goal with 10 seconds left to push Hershey past Red Land

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Hershey’s Joey Corado drills game-winning field goal with 10 seconds left to push Hershey past Red Land

By Andy Shay: 

Nothing like a little late-game drama in Hershey to kick off the 2020 Mid-Penn Conference football season.

Trailing visiting Red Land by a touchdown and getting blanked in the first half, Hershey dominated the final 24 minutes in every phase to nudge past the Patriots Friday night.

Senior kicker Joey Corado drilled a 22-yard field goal with only 10 seconds remaining to vault Hershey past Red Land 10-7.

Before paying a visit to the Trojans’ memorable final drive that set up Corado’s field goal, the biggest difference in the second half was Hershey’s defense.

Both defenses were the stars of the game, but after getting shoved around a bit in the first half, Hershey’s D slammed the door the final two quarters and limited Red Land to only 46 total yards.

And just before the Hershey offense put together its best drive of the game at the exact right time — a 14-play, 68-yard march that chewed up nearly seven minutes of the fourth-quarter clock — the Trojans’ defense had to come up with a stand to set the table.

Red Land blocked a punt on the final play of the third quarter and set up shop at its own 45-yard line entering the final 12 minutes of a 7-7 game.

The Patriots used a nifty middle screen from quarterback Landon Henline to wideout Trey Slayton that covered 11 yards on third-and-8. It gave Red Land a fresh set of downs at the Hershey 30-yard line.

Four snaps and only 3 yards later, the Hershey defense had turned the ball over on downs back to the Trojans’ offense with 7:04 to play.

Red Land’s offense didn’t step back onto the field again until the final snap of the game.

Hershey mixed up its running game with some pounding inside the tackles coupled with some work on the edge. And it was clear as the march to victory progressed, the Patriots defense that had been stellar all game was running out of gas in the tank.

Junior running back Jaquan Barrier had 31 yards on his five carries to keep the chains moving, and the Trojans hit one chunk play covering 25 yards when Owen Weaber went up and snared a Jackson Bouslough pass that moved Hershey to Red Land’s 31-yard line.

It wasn’t a clean drive by any stretch of the imagination. Aaryn Koperna fumbled inside the 20 after a short gain, but one of his mates up front found the free ball.

Koperna later appeared to score on a 5-yard plunge with 1:50 to play, but the touchdown was wiped out on a holding call.

Hershey milked the clock meticulously, piled on 10 yards on three more rushes and moved the ball before sending in Corado to win it.

Caleb Strawser’s snap was true, the hold by Davey Loyd was executed to perfection and Corado’s kick was never in doubt the minute he struck it.

Red Land took a 7-0 lead early in the second quarter when Dylan Rodenhaber, who finished with a game-high 86 yards on 20 carries, galloped into the end zone from 9 yards out.

The Patriots were clearly the better team the first half offensively. Red Land had 125 yards at intermission to only 59 for Hershey. Neither squad was lighting it up, but getting a first down was tough for Hershey.

To start the second half, Red Land made the decision to try an onsides kick. It was a curious call in a 7-0 game. And it backfired big-time.

The ball failed to travel the required 10 yards and Hershey took over near midfield, seized the momentum and never relinquished it.

Hershey traveled 49 yards in eight plays following the failed onsides kick. Nathan Lopez, who had a monster game on defense, capped the drive with a 1-yard dive to forge a 7-7 deadlock.

Red Land never really recovered. The offense ran only 16 more plays the rest of the game and managed just three first downs and 46 yards.

TROJANS 10, PATRIOTS 7

Red Land 0 7 0 0 – 7

Hershey 0 0 7 3 – 10

First Quarter

None

Second Quarter

RL-Dylan Rodenhaber 9 run (Gavin Felciano kick), 10:27

Third Quarter

H-Nathan Lopez 1 run (Joey Corado kick), 7:40

Fourth Quarter

H-FG Corado 22, :10

Team Statistics RL H

First downs 8 11

Rushes-yards 28-91 34-135

C-A-I 8-17-1 3-11-0

Passing yards 80 75

Fumbles-lost 0-0 2-1

Punts-avg. 7-40.4 5-39.4

Penalties-yards 7-66 8-75

Individual Statistics

RUSHING: Red Land, Dylan Rodenhaber 20-86; Landon Henline 4-(-9); Adrien Oritz 1-3; Parker Lawler 1-8; Robert Rodgers 2-3. Hershey, Jaquan Berrier 9-54; Galvin Paniagua 6-28; Nathan Lopez 6-28; Aaryn Koperna 4-19; Jackson Bouslough 9-6.

PASSING: Red Land, Henline 8-17-1-80. Hershey, Bouslough 3-10-0-75; Owen Weaber 0-1-0-0.

RECEIVING: Red Land, Garrett Hodges 2-21; Lawler 3-33; Sam Sklar 1-15; Rodgers 1-0. Hershey, Joey Corado 2-50; Weaber 1-25.

4th Down Magazine’s Picks and Predictions (Oct. 2-3)

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4th Down Magazine’s Picks and Predictions (Oct. 2-3)

Standings: 

Andy Shay: Week 1 14-5

Geoff Morrow: Week 1 13-6

Andy Sandrik: Week 1 12-7

Jake Adams: Week 1 11-8 

Related: Andy Shay’s Elite 11 teams

Related: News and Notes: Mid-Penn Commonwealth

Related: News and Notes: Mid-Penn Keystone

Related: News and Notes: Mid-Penn Colonial

Related: News and Notes: Mid-Penn Capital

Related: News and Notes: Mid-Penn Liberty

Related: News and Notes: Schuylkill League

 Watch High School Football Now with Eric Epler and Andy Shay for free exclusively on the Small Player, Big Play app. Guests this week included Cedar Cliff’s Gannon McMeans and Trenten Smith and Altoona’s Vince Nedimyer Jr. and Marcus Day.  Download the app today! 

Week 2 Mid-Penn Schedule: 

Friday, Oct. 2

Hollidaysburg at Altoona

Andy Shay: Altoona 33, Hollidaysburg 7: It wasn’t that Altoona sprung a monster upset in Week 1, it was how the Mountain Lions did that stood out. Still not 100% sure they aren’t a one-hit wonder. This rivalry test will reveal the answer.

Jake Adams: Altoona 30, Hollidaysburg 14: I’m not sure what last week’s win means for the Mountain Lions just yet, but I’m intrigued. 

Andy Sandrik: Altoona 36, Hollidaysburg 10: I haven’t seen the film just yet, but beating Cumberland Valley in any season requires depth, talent and execution. Altoona seems to possess all of these things, so I’m going with the Mountain Lions to improve to 2-0.

Geoff Morrow: Altoona 34, Hollidaysburg 21: Welp, got both of these teams’ games wrong last week. So now I’m wondering if the Lions can post a winning record for the first time since 2014.

State College at Central Dauphin

Andy Shay: Central Dauphin 24, State College 20: Rams have a leg up with four quarters under their belt, but you know State College will be right there trading blows with CD. Don’t expect anything different.

Jake Adams: Central Dauphin 28, State College 24: In a normal season, I’m not sure where I’d go with this pick. But I’ll take the Rams because they already have one game under their belts.

Andy Sandrik: Central Dauphin 20, State College 7: Welcome to football season, State College! In any other situation I’d predict this to be a one-possession game, but I fully expect CD, with a full game of dominance under its belt, to control play from beginning to end. 

Geoff Morrow: Central Dauphin 26, State College 22: My colleagues above all referencing belts… Wanna know what’s under my belt? A pandemic belly.

Carlisle at Chambersburg

Andy Shay: Chambersburg 31, Carlisle 14: There’s a slight talent/weapons gap that favors the Trojans; my only concern is there’s a toll that comes with playing CD. Carlisle opener is not favorable for the Herd.

Jake Adams: Chambersburg 21, Carlisle 14: The Trojans may not be as potent as they were the last few years, but they’re still dangerous. And the Herd will feel like a scrimmage after getting thumped by state title contender Central Dauphin last week.

Andy Sandrik: Chambersburg 35, Carlisle 14: The biggest improvements typically come from Week 1 to Week 2, and the Trojans have plenty of improvements to consider following a beat down by Central Dauphin last week.

Geoff Morrow: Chambersburg 29, Carlisle 20: This was a serious blowout last year, but will be interesting to see how Trojans respond to getting slugged by CD last week.

CD East at Cumberland Valley

Andy Shay: Cumberland Valley 17, CD East 10: I’m just going to say I don’t feel good about this pick at all. Neither offense displayed much pop in the opener. Who makes that jump from Week 1 to Week 2 is your winner.

Jake Adams: Cumberland Valley 24, CD East 20: The Eagles aren’t going to only have four second-half offensive snaps again, right? 

Andy Sandrik: Cumberland Valley 28, CD East 14: CV surrendered over 300 rushing yards last week. The Eagles should improve that number against CD East, which managed just one TD in a short-notice game against Exeter Township last week.

Geoff Morrow: CD East 22, Cumberland Valley 19: Something has to give after both teams took some lumps last week. It’s that eye-popping rushing-yards-allowed number by CV that gives me the most concern.

Steel-High at Middletown

Andy Shay: Middletown 38, Steel-High 35: In the last couple years the Rollers have postured like they were ready to compete with the Blue Raiders. And, rightfully, they are in that position again. I think the Rollers can win this game, but you gotta get one to nab my pick. Quarterback play is gonna be important.

Jake Adams: Middletown 39, Steel-High 34: Alex Erby looks like the real deal, and the Rollers’ talent will make this an incredibly intriguing matchup. But my guess is the Raiders still pull this one out. 

Andy Sandrik: Steel-High 33, Middletown 32: There are still a handful of seats remaining on the Rollers’ bandwagon. Jump on now, because there’s a chance those seats won’t be available after this weekend.

Geoff Morrow: Steel-High 40, Middletown 36: Four straight wins in this series for the Blue Raiders, and I just know how much that eats at the Rollers. This one should be televised.

 Related: 4th Down Magazine Player of the Week: Middletown’s Julio Rodriguez

Fleetwood at East Pennsboro

Andy Shay: Fleetwood 27, East Pennsboro 14: A last-second game grab for both clubs. That was never even considered prior to 2020 – taking a game on 72 hours or less from kickoff. Clearly a different world we live in now. Anyway, Panthers struggled in their opener and Fleetwood has 12 solid quarters of football on its resume including a W.  

Jake Adams: Fleetwood 29, East Pennsboro 18: An 11th-hour game in the 11th hour of the 30th day of the ninth month of the 2020th year AD. If that’s not something …

Andy Sandrik: Fleetwood 40, East Pennsboro 30: A battle of two teams that have given up points, with about 20 minutes to prepare for each other. Could we see a shootout in Enola?

Geoff Morrow: Fleetwood 22, East Pennsboro 20: Tigers haven’t embarrassed themselves, following a blowout victory over Pottstown with losses to tough Conrad Weiser and Wyomissing programs. The experience of three games should help, especially as the Panthers try to figure out who they are.

Cedar Cliff at Hershey

Andy Shay: Cedar Cliff 24, Hershey 10: From my vantage point, the biggest difference here is the QB play for Cedar Cliff is more consistent and reliable, and up front the Colts are more solid. Trojans’ run game has some variety and pop.

Jake Adams: Cedar Cliff 31, Hershey 21: I’m gonna say the Trojans keep this one close all game until a late turnover knocks them out. Colts are in for a bigger fight in this matchup than they’ve seen in a while. 

Andy Sandrik: Cedar Cliff 21, Hershey 7: Both teams are coming off emotional wins that went down to the wire. This game could be close, but the Colts seem to have a few more playmakers to ultimately make the difference.

Geoff Morrow: Cedar Cliff 28, Hershey 14: Impressive performances from both last week, but the Colts are clear favorites going in.

Lower Dauphin at Bishop McDevitt

Andy Shay: Bishop McDevitt 42, Lower Dauphin 0: Another quasi-scrimmage, it appears, for the Crusaders. Impressed their stars were able to shine so bright in the opener. That tells me they are taking these favorable matchup games seriously. Falcons are still trying to fix a mess.

Jake Adams: Bishop McDevitt 42, Lower Dauphin 7: Not getting cute. Crusaders cruise to this Week 2 win. 

Andy Sandrik: Bishop McDevitt 49, Lower Dauphin 0: No matter how ugly it gets against the mighty Crusaders, the Falcons will be happy just to take the field after their Week 1 game was canceled.

Geoff Morrow: Bishop McDevitt 50, Lower Dauphin 14: Crusaders have the horses.

Palmyra at Red Land

Andy Shay: Red Land 10, Palmyra 7: See what I did there? Same score the Patriots had a week ago but came up on the short end. Neither offense is gonna light it up. Expect a tight one.

Jake Adams: Red Land 14, Palmyra 7: That’s a tough loss the Patriots took last week. But the Cougars losing to Hollidaysburg is more alarming to me. Patriots’ defense has another strong week to win this. 

Andy Sandrik: Red Land 17, Palmyra 10: Points were hard to come by for both teams last week, and something tells me that trend continues Friday. Patriots seem to have a bit more defense, though, and I think they’ll make a late stop to preserve their first win of the season.

Geoff Morrow: Red Land 20, Palmyra 18: Pates need to showcase a little bit of offense, and if/when they do, I expect they’ll be a solid team this season.

Mifflin County at Governor Mifflin

Andy Shay: Governor Mifflin 42, Mifflin County 0: So it goes from bad to possibly worse for MC after getting rolled by Bishop McDevitt in Week 1. Now you get the Mustangs and that wicked running game. That’s a wee bit cruel.

Jake Adams: Governor Mifflin 49, Mifflin County 6: This is a brutal way to start 0-2 if you’re the Huskies.

Andy Sandrik: Governor Mifflin 48, Mifflin County 7: It’s hard to imagine MiffCo having a tougher matchup than it did in a Week 1 blowout loss to Bishop McDevitt, but man, Governor Mifflin just put a 48-7 HURTING on perennial district power Wilson. I’m taking the Mustangs to win by the same score this week.

Geoff Morrow: Governor Mifflin 55, Mifflin County 13: About time these Mifflins got together. Both named after Thomas Mifflin, our commonwealth’s first governor. Too bad he died in 1800; otherwise, I’d tell him to put on a mask and go watch this game.

Mechanicsburg at Shippensburg

Andy Shay: Shippensburg 21, Mechanicsburg 17: It’s all about the big plays for me. I’m banking on the Greyhounds defense to limit those to a minimum. IF the Wildcats hit on three plays of 40 or more yards this game is theirs. Tight squeeze all the way.

Jake Adams: Mechanicsburg 27, Shippensburg 20: I would be really scared to go into Shippensburg against a ticked-off Greyhounds after they were just upset by Waynesboro. But if the ‘Cats hit on a few big plays again against a young defense, they just might pull off this tough road win.

Andy Sandrik: Shippensburg 21, Mechanicsburg 14: The ‘Hounds don’t give up a whole lot of big plays, something the Wildcats thrive on. How will Mechanicsburg respond when drives stall out? An equally important question: Can Ship’s running game, which managed around 60 yards last week, limit the ‘Cats possession time? 

Geoff Morrow: Mechanicsburg 38, Shippensburg 31: First meeting since 2015, and this one is intriguing. Got a feeling special teams will play a critical role.

Northern at West Perry

Andy Shay: Northern 28, West Perry 14: Polar Bears did a little bit of everything well in their opener, and that level of execution and complementary football will be required again. The Mustangs showed some junkyard scrap in Week 1, and that matters.

Jake Adams: Northern 35, West Perry 14: Was really impressed by how the Mustangs played last week. They’ll be a pain all year and will spring an upset if a team overlooks them. That’s not Northern, though. 

Andy Sandrik: Northern 24, West Perry 21: I’m not convinced that the Polar Bears are going to run away with this one. WP earned a lot of respect with the way it handled division-contending Mechanicsburg.

Geoff Morrow: Northern 25, West Perry 16: Wow, there are a LOT of really interesting matchups this week. I keep waiting to predict a few yawners, but then the Mid-Penn keeps dropping battles like this on me.

Waynesboro at Greencastle-Antrim

Andy Shay: Waynesboro 28, Greencastle-Antrim 20: The combo of two productive running backs and run-slowing defense is what gets the Indians across the finish line. Blue Devils are NOT easy to beat, though. Muck it up and they will knock you down. 

Jake Adams: Waynesboro 23, Greencastle-Antrim 20: One of these teams could be in a driver’s seat for Mid-Penn Colonial supremacy, especially if Ship knocks out the Wildcats. What a world. 

Andy Sandrik: Waynesboro 30, Greencastle-Antrim 20: I like to joke with Greencastle coach Devin McCauley — who doubles as the Blue Devils track and field coach — that he’s coached more state champions (Taryn Parks, now running at North Carolina) than the rest of the Colonial Division combined. A win here would put Greencastle in the driver’s seat for McCauley’s first division championship, in football that is. The issue, though, is that it really, really hurts when Waynesboro’s contact-seeking wrecking ball of an RB, Mykel Holden, hits you. 

Geoff Morrow: Greencastle-Antrim 23, Waynesboro 20: Some Franklin County fun. Blue Devils find a way.

Camp Hill at Big Spring

Andy Shay: Camp Hill 26, Big Spring 20: The Lions are fairly one dimensional and can be a bit leaky on defense. I’ll take the big-play capabilities of the Lions against a Bulldogs squad that is trending in a good direcion.

Jake Adams: Camp Hill 27, Big Spring 22: All the reshuffling in the Mid-Penn has me really confused. Can the Bulldogs’ pass defense hold up again Daniel Shuster and the Lions’ aerial attack? We’ll find out. 

Andy Sandrik: Big Spring 24, Camp Hill 21: I’m not sure what to make of Camp Hill, a team that scored 35 points last week but managed just six first downs and 15 yards of rushing. I’ll take the Bulldogs at home, but if Camp Hill gets its passing game going, who knows what will happen. 

Geoff Morrow: Camp Hill 30, Big Spring 21: So long as it’s not windy or rainy, I like the Lions’ chances.

Boiling Springs at Trinity

Andy Shay: Boiling Springs 32, Trinity 17: When you score 51 that isn’t an accident. There’s a reason an offense clears the half-century mark no matter how weak the opposition might be. Too many questions still hanging over the T-Rocks to see them taking this one.

Jake Adams: Boiling Springs 35, Trinity 14: Oh, yes. The Bubblers are about to be 2-0. Quite a fun early turnaround this is after making all four of us look bad last week with our picks. 

Andy Sandrik: Boiling Springs 28, Trinity 14: The losing streak is over for Boiling Springs. The Bubblers are playing with confidence. And just in time for a throwdown with heated rival Trinity.

Geoff Morrow: Boiling Springs 25, Trinity 15: Since 2006, these teams have played just ONE game (out of 13) that was statistically close. Which is strange, because this is NOT a one-sided rivalry.

Newport at Susquenita

Andy Shay: Newport 26, Susquenita 15: That was a lot of yards and points the Blackhawks surrendered in Week 1. Buffaloes had to scratch and claw to get their initial MPC victory, and that will serve them well.

Jake Adams: Newport 27, Susquenita 15: We’ve seen the Blackhawks follow up stinkers with shockers in recent years. Can they do it again? I don’t think so this week.

Andy Sandrik: Newport 22, Susquenita 15: Can Newport be a player in the freshly minted Liberty Division? The answer is yes, but not without winning this scrap against ex-TVL foe Susquenita, which is eager for revenge after a 42-34 setback last season.

Geoff Morrow: Newport 34, Susquenita 19: Buffaloes’ offense should find some room to roam against the Blackhawks.

Line Mountain at Upper Dauphin

Andy Shay: Upper Dauphin 26, Line Mountain 24: Saw enough out of this new-look Trojans squad in the opener to feel fairly confident they are ready to turn the page and embark on a new journey of their own. Line Mountain will be a tall task, though.

Jake Adams: Upper Dauphin 30, Line Mountain 22: Back to my dart-throwing ways. I’ll figure things out soon enough.

Andy Sandrik: Line Mountain 28, Upper Dauphin 16: UD had a monster of a Week 1 opponent in Steel-High but showed some potential in its running game. Will that be enough to stop the Eagles, who went step-for-step with division contender Camp Hill last week? 

Geoff Morrow: Upper Dauphin 39, Line Mountain 28: Could and should be a back-and-forth battle, which leads me to believe turnovers will play a pivotal role.

Juniata at Halifax

Andy Shay: Juniata 30, Halifax 14: The Indians have more bark in their bite offensively, and that will show up in a more favorable matchup. Playing Middletown didn’t hurt the Indians one bit. They are prepped for this one.

Jake Adams: Juniata 36, Halifax 16: What a reprieve this must be for Juniata. Not Halifax, though.

Andy Sandrik: Juniata 48, Halifax 21: Credit to Juniata for putting up 19 points against a formidable Middletown squad. Makes me believe the Indians have more than a fighting chance in the small-school Liberty Division.

Geoff Morrow: Juniata 43, Halifax 14: A return to more familiar territory will suit the Indians well this week.

*Teams not playing Week 2: Susquehanna Township

Week 4 Schuylkill League Schedule: 

Friday, Oct. 2

Pine Grove at Blue Mountain

Andy Shay: Blue Mountain 28, Pine Grove 26: It hasn’t been an easy road for the winless Cardinals, and this is a real opportunity to snare that elusive first SL victory. Need everything to go right, and that’s tough.

Jake Adams: Blue Mountain 26, Pine Grove 16: I miss skiing at Blue Mountain. My knees don’t, but I do.

Andy Sandrik: Blue Mountain 25, Pine Grove 20: This might be Pine Grove’s best chance in its first four games to score a win, but it won’t be easy on the road against a team that has already tasted victory. 

Geoff Morrow: Blue Mountain 35, Pine Grove 14: Eagles have lost a couple of tough ones, but I still feel like this is a pretty steep climb for the winless Cardinals.

Williams Valley at Mahanoy

Andy Shay: Williams Valley 32, Mahanoy 29: This one has all the feel of a shootout, and when was the last time the Vikings didn’t enjoy chasing points with anybody? The lower the better for Mahanoy.

Jake Adams: Mahanoy 34, Williams Valley 30: Playing in a pandemic is a disaster waiting to happen. And even when it’s not, we still run into messes like this where a team has to play two games four days apart. 

Andy Sandrik: Mahanoy 28, Williams Valley 27: I know these kids are teenagers and can operate solely on fast food with no sleep, but I’m really concerned about the Vikings in a tough road matchup after playing two games in four days last week.

Geoff Morrow: Mahanoy 33, Williams Valley 30: This seems like a toss-up game to me, though we’re all still figuring out this new Schuylkill League schedule. I feel like we’ll know a lot more after this week.

Shenandoah Valley at Tri-Valley

Andy Shay: Tri-Valley 20, Shenandoah Valley 14: Nice to finally see the Bulldogs on the COVID-19 always fluid schedule for 2020. SV has three games under its belt but has been roughed up and hasn’t been able to do much offensively. Feels like an even matchup.

Jake Adams: Tri-Valley 17, Shenandoah Valley 9: This is about as 2020 a matchup as we can expect with one team getting a three-week head start.

Andy Sandrik: Tri-Valley 28, Shenandoah Valley 14: In this Twilight Zone of a football season, do I take the T-V team making its season debut, or the more experienced Blue Devils, who have gotten hammered 127-14 in 12 quarters of football? 

Geoff Morrow: Tri-Valley 30, Shenandoah Valley 7: Late start for the Bulldogs, but this is the right way to do it.

News and Notes: Mid-Penn Colonial (Week 2)

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News and Notes: Mid-Penn Colonial (Week 2)

By Andy Shay:

Inside The Mid-Penn Conference

Each week during the 2020 season we’ll offer some news, notes, tidbits and opinions from each of the five divisions in the Mid-Penn Conference.

Colonial Division

 1. Honesty moment, it slipped past me that Waynesboro has two of the Top 10 running backs in their arsenal heading into 2020. Aidan Mencia and Mikel Holden combined for more than 1,800 yards and 17 touchdowns a year ago. With that in mind, a Week 1 win over Shippensburg should have been expected perhaps.

2. How much of an influence does Mechanicsburg and Susquehanna Township bring to the Crazy Colonial in 2020? There was always this sense of stability in you knew what to expect pretty much. My instincts tell me a team with one or two losses might claim the crown. Who that is I am in no way prepared to say. Greencastle-Antrim bumped off the ‘Hanna Tribe, and Waynesboro beat Shippensburg in Week 1. Northern is a player, the Wildcats like their chances. This group of teams has my attention.

News and Notes: Mid-Penn Keystone (Week 2)

4thdownmagazine
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News and Notes: Mid-Penn Keystone (Week 2)

By Andy Shay:

Inside The Mid-Penn Conference

Each week during the 2020 season we’ll offer some news, notes, tidbits and opinions from each of the five divisions in the Mid-Penn Conference.

 

Keystone Division

1. Hello, Cedar Cliff, and welcome back. We missed ya during that one-week hiatus of the 2019 District 3 Championship game. Taking in the Colts on livestream bumping off Berks Catholic in double OT was exactly what this program has evolved into. The Colts still need to find a running game to balance out the offense a bit, but up front they are rock solid on both sides of the ball. You kind of forget QB Gannon McMeans threw for nearly 1,500 yards last season.

Related: Watch High School Football Now with Eric Epler and Andy Shay for free excusely on the Small Player, Big Play app. We’re joined this week by Cedar Cliff’s Gannon McMeans and Trenten Smith.  Download the app today! 

2. Milton Hershey has opted out for 2020, Lower Dauphin had to cancel its Week 1 game because of COVID-19, Mechanicsburg and Susquehanna Township have moved to the Colonial and Mifflin County has jumped divisions again. The MPC Keystone, we hardly recognize you.

 3. In RB Marquese Williams and QB Lek Powell, Bishop McDevitt has more than 3,000 yards and 30-plus touchdowns of offense returning. And each had big games in the opener against Mifflin County. Not sure anybody else has that kind of firepower.

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