Standings: 

Andy Shay: Week 3: 16-2 Week 2 13-8  Overall: 43-15 

Andy Sandrik: Week 3: 16-2 Week 2 13-8  Overall: 41-17 

Jake Adams: Week 3: 15-3 Week 2  13-8  Overall: 39-19  

Geoff Morrow: Week 3: 13-5 Week 2 12-9  Overall: 38-20  

Friday, Oct. 16

Boiling Springs at Middletown

Andy Shay: Middletown 34, Boiling Springs 20: Two weeks to sit on a loss is a long time for a program that isn’t used to losing much during the regular season. Blue Raiders are rested and hopefully healthy, especially at the QB position. Bubblers are much improved, but I’m not sure they are quite at the level of winning a game like this. They aren’t a mile away, though.

Jake Adams: Middletown 35, Boiling Springs 17: All good things must come to an end. The Bubblers’ 3-0 start is the feel-good story of the year, in my opinion, but the Blue Raiders won’t let that number reach 4-0 easily. Still, I’m enjoying this Bubbletown run.

Andy Sandrik: Middletown 24, Boiling Springs 21: I think the undefeated Bubblers bring some confidence and pop to Middletown, and, who knows, maybe they can snap their five-game losing streak against the Blue Raiders. Crazier things have happened in 2020.

Geoff Morrow: Middletown 28, Boiling Springs 21: Intriguing game. If the Bubblers can win the turnover battle and come up with a few stops, the upset is very possible. Similarly, the hosts have a lot to prove after a recent shellacking by rival Steel-High, and this is a dangerous spot. I could see any number of outcomes, but I’m guessing it will be tightly contested.

Trinity at Big Spring

Andy Shay: Big Spring 41, Trinity 7: It’s been a very fine line between winning and losing for the Bulldogs, and you can see they have more of the right elements than in recent years. Offensively, they have some punch, and the T-Rocks have struggled to be competitive.

Jake Adams: Big Spring 35, Trinity 14: Feeling bad for these Shamrocks after the beatdown at the hands of Steel-High on Saturday. This team has a lot of growing to do, and it’s going to be painful for a bit. Bulldogs gave Bubblers a scare last week and can use that as a lesson in this one.

Andy Sandrik: Big Spring 42, Trinity 21: It’s been a slow start for both teams, who combine for one win, but the Bulldogs seem to have a little more traction than the ‘Rocks, who have been outscored 119-0 over the last two games.

Geoff Morrow: Big Spring 48, Trinity 0: With Steel-High and Middletown upcoming, Bulldogs better enjoy this one.

Cumberland Valley at Bishop McDevitt

Andy Shay: Bishop McDevitt 41, Cumberland Valley 7: This game has a long and rich tradition in terms of tough, well-played and hard-earned victories. This won’t be one of those games. The gap is that big.

Jake Adams: Bishop McDevitt 44, Cumberland Valley 14: It feels weird to predict a Crusaders blowout in this game, which is usually a tight contest. But with the Eagles’ big-time adjustment from the Wing-T to the spread, this isn’t going to be an easy night for the visitors.

Andy Sandrik: Bishop McDevitt 42, Cumberland Valley 7: Every game, win or loss, comes with a lesson. CV will have to bring everything it has for that lesson to last a full 48 minutes against the mighty Crusaders, who are torching opponents 113-28 this season. 

Geoff Morrow: Bishop McDevitt 48, Cumberland Valley 13: Truth is, this matchup hasn’t produced a close battle (single-digit final spread) since McD’s 6-3 victory in 2014.

State College at Carlisle

Andy Shay: State College 28, Carlisle 14: The Thundering Herd have a slight advantage up front along the OL against the Little Lions’ greenhorns up front on defense. Have to exploit that matchup ‘cause State High has significantly more pop on offense.

Jake Adams: State College 28, Carlisle 21: You know what? The Herd did not play great last week against Central Dauphin, but the offensive line was not overmatched. The coaching staff’s high praise in the preseason of that group was for good reason. I think the Little Lions are in for a fight if Carlisle just plays smarter this week.

Andy Sandrik: State College 35, Carlisle 7: I’ll give the Herd a TD because they’re playing at home, but I just get the sense that this is the week where SC really begins to hit its stride.

Geoff Morrow: State College 44, Carlisle 20: Little Lions have absolutely dominated this series, including wins in each of the previous 10 seasons, all of them by double figures.

Altoona at Central Dauphin

Andy Shay: Central Dauphin 42, Altoona 7: Maybe, by their standards, the Rams were a bit sluggish offensively last week but still scored 35 points. Altoona is much improved; however, slowing down CD looks darn near impossible right now.

Jake Adams: Central Dauphin 42, Altoona 7: The Mountain Lions appear to have some fight in them this year. Fight, however, is not enough against one of the best teams the state has to offer. 

Andy Sandrik: Central Dauphin 35, Altoona 14: My biggest surprise of the Commonwealth has been the Mountain Lions, who are off to a 2-1 start. If Altoona can stay within two scores of the Rams, that’s a win for the Mountain Lions in my book. 

Geoff Morrow: Central Dauphin 49, Altoona 21: Love that the Mountain Lions are showing some grit this year, but there are at least two more levels of significant program growth needed to match wits with the Rams.

CD East at Chambersburg

Andy Shay: CD East 13, Chambersburg 7 (OT): The most consistent aspect of this game for either team has been the Panthers’ defense standing tall each week. With offense appearing to be a premium across the board, I’ll ride the CDE defense to a win. 

Jake Adams: Chambersburg 27, CD East 16: Just realized both of these teams are quickly running out of time to snatch a win. And the schedules don’t let up enough to seemingly guarantee one. This might be the easiest week for both teams the rest of the season. 

Andy Sandrik: CD East 13, Chambersburg 7: Coin flip game in my mind. The Panthers aren’t putting up a lot of points this year, but I think the continued growth of East’s defense — which has limited opponents an average of 10 points the last two games — makes the difference in a nail-biter.

Geoff Morrow: CD East 20, Chambersburg 7: If the Panthers can’t get their offense into a groove this week, it probably ain’t happening this year. I also want to note that East is probably going to be sick of long bus rides after these last two weeks.

Northern at Greencastle-Antrim

Andy Shay: Northern 34, Greencastle-Antrim 7: The play of quarterback Jordan Heisey has been outstanding and has allowed the Polar Bears to find their way in other areas. Blue Devils need the score to be under 20 to win, and Northern has the firepower to clear that hurdle.

Jake Adams: Northern 28, Greencastle-Antrim 7: I had no idea what to make of the P-Bears going into the season. Now? I really wish they could face Mechanicsburg before the playoffs so we could see a Mid-Penn Colonial championship game.

Andy Sandrik: Northern 35, Greencastle-Antrim 14: The 3-0 Polar Bears are slowly converting me into a believer after grinding out a hard-earned win over Shippensburg. Greencastle will be more competitive than last week’s 48-0 loss to Mechanicsburg, but I still see Northern QB Jordan Heisey doing as much damage to the Blue Devils as dynamic ‘Cats QB Micah Brubaker did last week. 

Geoff Morrow: Northern 33, Greencastle-Antrim 10: I remember one time many years ago, I drove to Greencastle for a huge conference baseball game against Northern on a gorgeous spring afternoon, only to learn it had been postponed for some random reason. I stopped into town to get a soft pretzel. But that was a long way to go for a soft pretzel.

Mifflin County at Hershey

Andy Shay: Hershey 40, Mifflin County 6: When was the last time Hershey was 4-0? See, nobody knows. Huskies have struggled, and the Trojans are riding a new-found wave. Deep shots and defense carries Hershey to win No. 4.

Jake Adams: Hershey 34, Mifflin County 17: I’ve been around these parts much less than the other esteemed gentlemen on this panel. I don’t have too many memories of winning Hershey football. 

Andy Sandrik: Hershey 24, Mifflin County 12: Kind of crazy to think that we could see a 5-0 Hershey squad entering battle against Bishop McDevitt on Oct. 30, basically playing for the Keystone Division title. That’s two weeks from now, of course, provided the Trojans can take care of business against winless Mifflin County and Lower Dauphin. 

Geoff Morrow: Hershey 39, Mifflin County 14: Well, Mr. Shay, I’ll do your research for you. Hershey started the 2011 season with seven straight wins. Trojans are hunting their first winning season since 2013.

Susquenita at James Buchanan

Andy Shay: Susquenita 39, James Buchanan 20: Short week for the Rockets does them no favors. ‘Hawks have been a step short of where I thought they would be, but here’s a great opportunity to get one.

Jake Adams: Susquenita 22, James Buchanan 13: Both these teams have struggled perhaps a bit more than I expected in the early going. JB comes in with the short end of the stick having been popped Monday by Annville-Cleona. 

Andy Sandrik: James Buchanan 26, Susquenita 21: Coming from someone who has taken the bus ride before, it is a looooong drive from Perry County to Mercersburg, especially if you get stuck behind farming equipment. 

Geoff Morrow: Susquenita 33, James Buchanan 20: The reason it probably took Sandrik so long to get to Mercersburg is because he was actually riding a lawnmower. Irony is now he needs a lawnmower to shave his face.

Juniata at Lancaster Catholic

Andy Shay: Juniata 21, Lancaster Catholic 13: I’m going to ride the coattails of the Indians’ defense and solid production from the QB position. It’s a winning formula in tight squeezes. Still a toss-up game for me.

Jake Adams: Juniata 24, Lancaster Catholic 19: A couple impressive wins in a row for these Indians, who have an interesting balance on offense. That group produces just enough to impress once again.

Andy Sandrik: Juniata 28, Lancaster Catholic 25: Don’t read my Juniata analysis; read Andy Shay’s. He’s the one who correctly picked the Indians marching into Hersheypark Stadium and coming home with the ‘W’ last week.

Geoff Morrow: Juniata 14, Lancaster Catholic 7: Let’s pretend the Indians are still angry over the lopsided loss they were dealt by the Crusaders back in 2007, when this year’s seniors were 4 years old. ANGER IS A GIFT!

Cedar Cliff at Palmyra

Andy Shay: Cedar Cliff 27, Palmyra 14: Been a rugged and physical 12 opening quarters to the season for the Colts. This is a more level playing field to flash more of that speed they have. Cougars are scrappy but have been inconsistent.

Jake Adams: Cedar Cliff 37, Palmyra 7: Colts have taken some lumps the last few weeks but get to dish out some pain this time.

Andy Sandrik: Cedar Cliff 28, Palmyra 21: With one combined win in six games, this is probably the last chance for one of these teams to turn their season around.

Geoff Morrow: Cedar Cliff 40, Palmyra 14: Let’s not overthink it. Yes, the teams are a combined 1-5, but the Colts lost a nail-biter to Hershey and a competitive game to McDevitt, whereas the winless Cougars just lost by 34 last week to Hershey.

Lower Dauphin at Red Land

Andy Shay: Red Land 21, Lower Dauphin 7: Neither offense has shown enough bang for the buck to be a solid favorite here. Patriots’ defense has been more consistent when the playing field is level. And RL has a win, so that matters. 

Jake Adams: Red Land 20, Lower Dauphin 13: Patriots’ defense has been solid much of the season, but offensive consistency hasn’t always been there. 

Andy Sandrik: Red Land 27, Lower Dauphin 12: The Patriots can’t be thrilled about last week’s blowout loss, and I can’t imagine the Falcons are happy about losing to a team that was in the TVL last year. Someone needs to pick it up this week, and I’m picking the Red Land offense to finally do just that.

Geoff Morrow: Red Land 17, Lower Dauphin 14: Falcons drag a 13-game losing streak into what was recently a one-sided series. Patriots’ triumph over LD last year snapped a seven-game skid vs. LD.

West Perry at Shippensburg

Andy Shay: Shippensburg 37, West Perry 20: More of the pieces fell into place for the Greyhounds despite the loss to Northern. Mustangs are struggling to get all the train cars on the track together, and Ship has an opportunity to get that elusive first win. 

Jake Adams: Shippensburg 35, West Perry 31: Neither of these teams plays like they’re 0-3. Probably the toughest winless teams in the Mid-Penn right now. Sadly, one of them must remain that way for another week. 

Andy Sandrik: Shippensburg 42, West Perry 21: The Mustangs will have to do better than last week’s four-turnover effort if they intend to invade Memorial Park and return to Elliottsburg with a win. Ship is 0-3, too, but the ‘Hounds took a few steps forward in a loss to Northern last week. 

Geoff Morrow: Shippensburg 28, West Perry 20: It was recently Greyhound Week at the beach in Delaware, so it’s time for Ship to get the sand out of its shorts and pocket a W.

Mechanicsburg at Susquehanna Township

Andy Shay: Mechanicsburg 40, Susquehanna Township 7: So it’s been two full weeks without playing ball for the Indians, and that’s a huge factor. Plus Mechanicsburg is on top of its game right from the opening kick. Speed advantage that ‘Hanna usually enjoys does not exist in this one.

Jake Adams: Mechanicsburg 35, Susquehanna Township 19: Indians might be fresher heading into this game, but the Wildcats are playing with a confidence the program hasn’t had in quite some time. A year ago this was a fun battle. This year? Think the ‘Cats’ bite is a little sharper.

Andy Sandrik: Mechanicsburg 42, Susquehanna Township 7: Is Mechanicsburg the team to beat in the Colonial? We may or may not have a good answer to that question after this game, which features a skilled Indians squad that hasn’t played for the past two weeks. 

Geoff Morrow: Mechanicsburg 35, Susquehanna Township 14: As of six days ago, I now live in Susquehanna Township. Let me introduce myself to the neighbors by picking their (our?) football team to lose by three touchdowns.

East Pennsboro at Waynesboro

Andy Shay: Waynesboro 26, East Pennsboro 7: There’s a level of pure football strength and power that the Indians are employing this year that grinds teams into the ground and takes a lot of the fight right out of them. Panthers are 2-1 and will have to live on the edges and be successful there to have a shot.

Jake Adams: Waynesboro 28, East Pennsboro 23: Both teams have been pleasant surprises in the first half of the season. A Panthers win here would likely leave just two unbeaten teams standing in the Colonial. Interesting …

Andy Sandrik: Waynesboro 27, East Pennsboro 14: I still can’t get over how much of a manhandling Waynesboro put last week on Red Land, a program known for its tough, physical style of play. If the Indians can match up with East Penn’s team speed, this is their game to lose.

Geoff Morrow: Waynesboro 33, East Pennsboro 20: First meeting for these programs since 2015 could be entertaining. But the ‘Boro seems to have found another gear last week.

Saturday, Oct. 17

Camp Hill at Steel-High

Andy Shay: Steel-High 54, Camp Hill 21: The over/under for pass attempts in this one is 67. And that might be low. Combined these teams are 5-0, and the week off helps the Lions in one respect, but, in this matchup, that might not matter.

Jake Adams: Steel-High 49, Camp Hill 27: Did you see what the Rollers just did to Trinity? OK, Camp Hill should fair much, much better, even after a sudden week off because of COVID-19, but Steel-High is playing phenomenal ball right now.

Andy Sandrik: Steel-High 55, Camp Hill 14: The Lions have deployed a productive offensive unit this season, but points will be hard to come by against the ‘Rollers, who also hold a major advantage on offense.

Geoff Morrow: Steel-High 59, Camp Hill 26: After watching some highlights of the Rollers, I honestly don’t know what stops them in the small-school universe. This bunch is fast, fun and unforgiving.

J.P. McCaskey at Harrisburg

Andy Shay: Harrisburg 49, J.P. McCaskey 0: Lots of phony tough teams out there ducking teams like the Cougars and opting to enjoy an “off” week instead. In the COVID-19 world any game is better than no game. McCaskey is 0-4 and still took the game. Nothing phony tough about that.

Jake Adams: Harrisburg 51, J.P. McCaskey 9: Really, I’m just picking this score to be weirder than my companions here this week.

Andy Sandrik: Harrisburg 55, J.P. McCaskey 0: There are a whole lot of programs out there crying “Let the kids play!” while also turning down the chance to play Harrisburg. Credit to 0-4 McCaskey for taking this on. If the Cougars end up winning a district or state title, the Red Tornadoes should be invited to the pizza party. 

Geoff Morrow: Harrisburg 62, J.P. McCaskey 6: If he were alive today, former Lancaster mayor John Piersol McCaskey would have just celebrated his 183rd birthday this week. “Celebrate” might be too strong a word, though. I imagine being 183 years old wouldn’t feel that much fun. Ask me in 140 years.

Upper Dauphin at Halifax

Andy Shay: Upper Dauphin 33, Halifax 26: Something tells me this one is tight early then explodes into a track meet in the middle before a big play or two decides it late. True dartboard game for me.

Jake Adams: Upper Dauphin 36, Halifax 28: So I just learned tonight from a groupchat with my old college roommates “Dauphin” is the word for the French heir apparent, which was typically the Duke of Orleans at that time, during the 14th through 19th centuries. The more you know.

Andy Sandrik: Upper Dauphin 49, Halifax 35: This is officially a Mid-Penn Liberty Division contest, but it sure looks, smells, and feels like a TVL pinball matchup, doesn’t it? 

Geoff Morrow: Upper Dauphin 42, Halifax 19: The teams have flip-flopped wins each of the last five years. That means Halifax should win this year. But I detest patterns … unless we’re talking about socks.

*Not playing Week 4: Newport

Week 6 Schuylkill League Schedule: 

Friday, Oct. 16

Williams Valley at Schuylkill Haven

Andy Shay: Williams Valley 40, Schuylkill Haven 21: Whether it was the Tri-Valley League (RIP) or in their new residence as part of the Schuylkill League, the Vikings are pretty consistent in keeping the scoreboard rolling with points. Expect that to continue.

Jake Adams: Williams Valley 35, Schuylkill Haven 25: Vikings invade foreign territory and dominate the competition. You know … how football was played hundreds of years ago.

Andy Sandrik: Williams Valley 42, Schuylkill Valley 25: I take way too many things for granted, like the Vikings providing a steady stream of wins for my pick ‘ems.

Geoff Morrow: Williams Valley 43, Schuylkill Haven 30: Hurricanes roughed up the Vikings in the 2008 and 2013 playoffs, but it’s a new era in the Schuylkill!

Tri-Valley at Marian Catholic

Andy Shay: Tri-Valley 42, Marian Catholic 6: It was a late start for the Bulldogs, but they are making up for lost time by out-scoring their first two opponents 97-7. A one-win Marian squad provides an opportunity for that trend to continue.

Jake Adams: Tri-Valley 40, Marian Catholic 6: Despite already having a couple of shutouts, I still try to avoid predicting a shutout.

Andy Sandrik: Tri-Valley 42, Marian Catholic 0: Once. That’s how many times the Bulldogs have punted in eight quarters of football.

Geoff Morrow: Tri-Valley 38, Marian Catholic 0: The Colts have already been blanked three times this season.

Panther Valley at Pine Grove

Andy Shay: Pine Grove 29, Panther Valley 26: Couple of teams with identical 1-4 marks that have scored points but can’t slow teams down enough with any consistency. A toss-up game on every level in my book.

Jake Adams: Pine Grove 30, Panther Valley 24: My girlfriend would pick the Panthers because she likes Panthers better than Cardinals. She’s not picking these games. Or is she ….

Andy Sandrik: Pine Grove 28, Panther Valley 17: Yes, Pine Grove is 1-4, but those four losses have come against teams with a combined 18-2 record. I think the Cards weather the storm, then finish the fight. 

Geoff Morrow: Pine Grove 28, Panther Valley 27: Honestly, wouldn’t be surprised if this is the most competitive game on our entire slate of games this week.

By Michael Bullock: 

Vikings’ Herb claims one career mark, chasing another

Able to bank one career record while throwing for 308 yards and a handful of touchdowns, Williams Valley’s Bryce Herb hopes to pin down another career mark for the second time in as many weekends. Herb’s 308-yard performance in a 49-20 drubbing of Panther Valley moved the 6-foot-1 senior atop the Vikings’ career touchdown passes mark with 57, supplanting former leader Levi Engle (53). Herb’s record TD toss came with 9:26 left in the first half when he found Hunter Wolfgang. Herb wound up throwing three TD passes to Jesse Engle — Engle became the Vikes’ all-time career TD receptions leader with 33, passing Jake Wolfgang — and one each to Hunter Wolfgang and Jake Herman. Engle wound up with seven receptions for 142 yards as the Vikes won their third game in a row. Herb also ran for 40 yards and another score., while Logan Williard added two interceptions. Up next for the Vikings (4-1, 4-0) is a trip to Schuylkill Haven (2-3, 2-1) for a Schuylkill 2 dustup with the host Hurricanes. Haven last weekend rolled Shenandoah Valley 62-6 behind Connor Goehring, who rushed six times for 177 yards and three touchdowns. Averaging more than 12 yards per pop, Goehring has run for 621 yards on 51 carries and scored eight times.

Late-starting Tri-Valley aiming for third win in a row

Behind Chase Herb’s 215 rushing yards (22 carries) and three touchdowns, Tri-Valley (2-0, 2-0) dumped Mahanoy Area 40-7 at home. Kameron Wetzel added 67 rushing yards on just seven attempts for Jeff Sampson’s Bulldogs, the last Schuylkill League side to get started. Caden Richards added 12 tackles for Tri-Valley — Richards, Herb and kicker Jay Wilcox are the Bulldogs’ only seniors — three more than sophomore Jacob Scheib. Sampson’s Bulldogs will board the bus for the first time as a date with Schuylkill 2 rival Marian Catholic (1-4, 1-2) awaits. Marian was limited to just 8 yards of offense in last weekend’s 48-0 loss to North Schuylkill, the Colts’ second straight setback.

Pine Grove hoping to get back on track

Unable to get its offensive attack into a consistent rhythm last weekend, Pine Grove tumbled 27-7 to visiting Pottsville in a matchup of Schuylkill 1 neighbors. QB Josh Leininger threw for 133 yards (13-for-30), his lone touchdown pass going to Shea Morgan in the third quarter with the Cardinals already down by double digits. Morgan caught six passes for 85 yards, while Dalton Geesey added five grabs for 47 yards. Brody Robinson added 54 rushing yards on 15 attempts. Robinson added 20 tackles defensively, two more than the remarkably active Leininger. Up next for Frank Gaffney’s club is a Schuylkill League crossover against Panther Valley (1-4), which yielded more than 300 yards through the air in a 49-20 loss to Williams Valley.

By Michael Bullock:

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.

Susquenita, James Buchanan seeking to crack win column

Despite amassing more than 500 offensive yards last weekend, Susquenita (0-3, 0-2 Liberty) was unable to reel in its first victory and dropped a 48-31 decision at Upper Dauphin. Austin Kenny rushed 19 times for 171 yards and one touchdown, while freshman Bryce McKee made seven catches for 152 yards and another score. Derek Gibney, another freshman, tossed a pair of touchdown passes for Scott Acri’s Blackhawks and rushed for a third score. Acri’s bunch will make the lengthy jaunt to James Buchanan (0-2, 0-0), which will make its Mid-Penn Liberty debut just four days after losing 47-22 at Annville-Cleona in a hastily assembled matchup. Cliff Pine’s Rockets were slated to meet Newport last weekend, but a COVID-19 flare-up put the Buffaloes on hold indefinitely. Caden Stoner rushed for one touchdown and hooked up with Logan Miller for another score in JB’s loss at A-C. Hunter Smith accounted for the Rockets’ third score with a 13-yard touchdown run. A-C really punished JB on the ground, collecting 368 rushing yards and seven TDs.

Backyard scrap between Halifax and UD on tap

Chasing its initial victory, Halifax (0-2, 0-2) will welcome neighboring Upper Dauphin (1-2, 1-1) Saturday night in a matchup of northern Dauphin County playmates. Earl Mosley’s Wildcats are coming off a 48-21 setback at Line Mountain, a Mid-Penn Liberty scrap highlighted by Micah Deitrich’s 232 yards passing (17-29-2). Deitrich threw three touchdown passes — all to Ryan Stahl (10-159) — but it was the Wildcats’ five turnovers that played a large role in the setback. Judah Miller added six catches for 68 yards for Halifax, which gained just 25 yards on the ground. Upper Dauphin parlayed a sparkling all-around effort from Chance Crawford, who rushed for 89 yards and one touchdown, caught one pass and returned a Susquenita fumble 98 yards for another score. Brady Morgan (5-61) added two touchdown runs and Aiden Wiest (1-54) chipped in one for Kent Smeltz’s Trojans, who rolled up more than 400 yards of offense. UD also forced four turnovers defensively as Kyle Casner picked off two passes and Chase Lentz swiped one.

Line Mountain hoping to run win streak to three

Stepping out of Mid-Penn Liberty play following impressive victories over Upper Dauphin and Halifax, Line Mountain (2-1) will return to the bus for a trip to Columbia County and a scrap with Northwest Area (3-2). The Eagles hope Garret Laudenslager — he rushed 15 times for 141 yards and three scores in a 48-21 win over Halifax — can crack the century mark for the fourth straight week. QB Jacob Feese added 75 rushing yards and two touchdowns rushing but also banked 108 yards through the air on 6-of-13 passing. Cameron Smeltz was the top receiver for the Eagles, catching two passes for 54 yards. Carson’s bunch also displayed an opportunistic defense, forcing five turnovers and benefiting from Brayden Boyer’s 12-yard return of a first-half screen pass. Boyer added 12 kicking points as well. Feese and fellow inside ‘backer Beau Keim will need to be on full alert since the Rangers’ tendency thus far is to load up behind 5-foot-7, 225-pound running back George May. May rushed for 143 yards in last weekend’s 21-13 loss to Muncy, while QB Carter Hontz totaled 128 offensive yards (85 passing, 43 rushing) and one TD. Keim totaled six tackles in the Eagles’ win over Halifax, but also picked off one pass.

Scrambling Juniata hoping to bag third straight road success

Hustling to find an opponent since Mid-Penn Liberty rival Newport is on hold due to a COVID-19 issue, Juniata (2-1) landed a Lancaster Catholic side (0-4) that also was looking once Lebanon went on the shelf. Kurt Condo’s resourceful Indians are hoping to continue their road success — Juniata dropped its road opener at Middletown after going 1-6 last season away from home — after holding off Lower Dauphin 21-14 in overtime. QB Jacob Condo passed for 143 yards (16-of-25) and one touchdown in the final moments of regulation to Yaneil Ortiz. Condo then ran for a short TD in OT before Ortiz sacked LD QB Braden Landis to set up a fourth-and-long the Falcons couldn’t turn into a tying score. Ortiz totaled 111 offensive yards (7-68 rushing and 6-43 receiving) and two scores. Manny O’Donell added six catches for 75 yards for the Indians. Lancaster Catholic is scrambling to find a winning formula since the Crusaders have begun 2020 winless. Catholic’s fourth consecutive loss came last weekend with a 24-7 setback to Ephrata.

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.

Freshman QB Alex Erby’s impressive afternoon: 

I’m not sure in my nearly 30 years of covering high school football in Central Pennsylvania I’ve ever heard of a quarterback accounting for eight touchdowns in a single game. That’s what Steel-High freshman Alex Erby did against Trinity last Saturday on Cottage Hill. EIGHT touchdowns! He threw seven TD passes and ran for another as part of a 396-yard game through the air.

Boiling Springs-Middletown an intriguing match-up

Plenty of meat on the bone when undefeated Boiling Springs pays a visit to War Memorial Field in Middletown Friday to tangle with the 1-1 Blue Raiders in 4th Down Magazine’s Game of the Week. Middletown lost its game last week with Camp Hill because of COVID-19 issues, so the Blue Raiders have been sitting on a loss for two weeks. Yeah, I’m pretty sure those practices just off the Pennsylvania Turnpike are getting a bit edgy. The Bubblers are a splendid feel-good story so far in 2020 after ending an 11-game losing streak to open the season then piling on a couple more victories. The strange part is Middletown has plenty of questions to answer, too. Very intriguing matchup.

Four-star recruit Mehki Flowers set to drop his Top 10 list

Steel-High Rollers class of 2022 four-star wide receiver Mehki Flowers, who had seven catches for 165 yards and four touchdowns against Trinity, said he is taking his recruiting slow right now and focusing on the season. But he did say he plans to drop a Top 10 list on November 3. So look for that to drop on Election Day.

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.

Northern and Mechanicsburg the Colonial favorites?

With each passing week, doesn’t it feel more and more like the 2020 Colonial Division winner is going to either be Mechanicsburg or Northern? I know Waynesboro is 3-0 as well, but I’m not sure the Indians have the firepower to run with the Wildcats and Polar Bears for 48 minutes. Mechanicsburg and Northern play almost every year anyway, so now that they are MPC division mates, the stakes are going to be higher if they do happen to meet Nov. 6 if neither team is in the postseason by that point. The game is usually a good one anyway since they are geographical neighbors and quite honestly don’t care for each other all that much on the gridiron. The quarterback matchup between Jordan Heisey and Micah Brubaker is going to be a dandy. Combined this duo already has posted more than 1,500 yards of total offense with nearly 20 touchdowns.

East Pennsboro’s surprising start:

The most pleasant surprise so far in the Colonial has to be East Pennsboro winning two of its first three games and scoring 38 in each of those wins with a new coaching staff. Confidence helps, and the Panthers are going to need it with Waynesboro on deck this week followed by Shippensburg and Mechanicsburg.

Indians-Wildcats still a go:

To the best of our knowledge Mechanicsburg and Susquehanna Township will play their game at Roscoe Warner Field Friday night. The Indians have been on COVID-19 lockdown the last two weeks and haven’t been able to do much of anything after getting upset by Greencastle-Antrim in Week 1. This is a tough spot for the Hanna Tribe if the game indeed kicks off. The Wildcats have put Shippensburg and Greencastle-Antrim in the mercy rule the last two weeks.

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.

Hershey Trojans the surprise of the Mid-Penn? 

The biggest surprise in the Keystone Division, and perhaps the entire Mid-Penn Conference, is the Hershey Trojans. A lot of the focus has been on the Trojans’ offense, but for my money the work head coach Mark Painter and staff have done on the defensive side of the ball is what jumps out to me. The Trojans are 3-0 and have winless Mifflin County and struggling Lower Dauphin on the schedule the next two weeks. Are we talking a 5-0 Hershey team? 

McDevitt passes test: 

So, after a couple glorified scrimmages, Bishop McDevitt was finally tested by Cedar Cliff last Friday. The Colts, who went into this contest with back-to-back wins over McDevitt, threw the kitchen sink at the Crusaders and still came up two scores short. We’ve heard plenty about some of the younger talent on this Crusaders roster. I can report those young bucks are pretty darn good. McDevitt’s offense is lethal, and defensively they are rotating a lot of guys in-and-out without much change. Somehow it never changes that turnovers and penalties make it harder on McDevitt than it should be at times.

Keystone Division struggling

It should come as no surprise that overall the Keystone Division is struggling. Five of the seven teams have losing records, and Lower Dauphin, Mifflin County and Palmyra are winless.

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.

Commonwealth Division

Do-it-All Timmy Smith fueling Rams offense:

Central Dauphin LB-RB-WR-KR Timmy Smith already has 625 all-purpose yards for the Rams in only three games. For all of his offense, don’t forget he was an All-State linebacker a season ago. Smith has 322 rushing yards, 160 receiving, 122 on kickoff returns and 21 on punt returns. Smith also has six touchdowns. There is literally nothing he can’t do. Overall, the Rams’ offense is averaging more than 500 yards a game. With such a diverse set of weapons, slowing them down is going to be difficult at best.

Harrisburg explodes our of the gate:

That was a powder keg of offense Harrisburg unleashed on Berks Catholic, still a quality Class 4A program, after 11 months between games. Based on the Saints’ defense this season, the Cougars putting up 62 was not a real surprise. Harrisburg coach Calvin Everett is still looking for two more games before the Oct. 26 deadline to be eligible for the District 3 playoffs. Harrisburg will play J.P. McCaskey this week, so that’s two of the four he needs before the deadline. The clock is ticking.

Down year for the Commonwealth? 

It’s a strange season in so many ways as we all already know, and that includes the Commonwealth Division sporting an 8-11 overall mark with only two teams, Central Dauphin and Altoona, boasting a winning record. Harrisburg isn’t included. Overall, the division is down from its normal standard of being one of the deeper divisions in Pennsylvania.

Little Lions picking up momentum:

State College will pick up steam with each passing game after dropping its opener to Central Dauphin. You could see the Little Lions have plenty of emerging talent on both sides of the ball that will serve them well in the near future. Dominated Cumberland Valley 31-0 in their second game, and my sneaky suspicion is they will make big strides with each passing week.

Panthers racking up the miles: 

For the record, CD East, which literally will play anybody, anywhere with a defense that travels extremely well, has already traveled more than 400 round-trip miles to play its three games. Road warriors!

By Eric F. Epler:

CLASS 6A                                  Rec.      Previous
1 St. Joseph’s Prep (12)             1-0       1
2 North Allegheny (7)                4-0       2
3 Central Dauphin (3)                3-0       3
4 La Salle College HS (12)         3-0       7
5 Archbishop Wood (12)            0-0       5
6 McDowell (10)                       3-0       6
7 Delaware Valley (2)                1-1       8
8 Nazareth (11)                         3-0       10
9 Parkland (11)                         1-0       NR
10 Bethlehem Freedom (11)      2-0       NR
Teams to watch: Central York (3) 4-0, Harrisburg (3) 1-0, Northeast (12) 0-0, Pennridge (1) 2-0, State College (6) 1-1.
 

CLASS 5A                                  Rec.      Previous
1 Pine-Richland (7)                    4-0       1
2 Warwick (3)                           4-0       2
3 Gateway (7)                           2-0       3
4 Peters Township (7)                4-0       4
5 Cathedral Prep (10)                4-1       5
6 Governor Mifflin (3)                3-0       6
7 East Stroudsburg South (11)    1-0       7
8 Penn-Trafford (7)                   3-1       8
9 Upper Dublin (1)                    2-0       NR
10 Imhotep Charter (12)            0-0       9
Teams to watch: Exeter Township (3) 3-1, Mechanicsburg (3) 3-0, South Fayette (7) 3-2, Woodland Hills (7) 4-1.
  

CLASS 4A                                  Rec.      Previous 

1 Thomas Jefferson (7)              4-0       1
2 Jersey Shore (4)                      5-0       2
3 Lampeter-Strasburg (3)           4-0       3
4 Bishop McDevitt (3)                3-0       4
5 Aliquippa (7)                          5-0       5
6 Oli City (10)                            5-0       7
7 Belle Vernon (7)                     4-1       8
8 Harbor Creek (10)                   5-0       NR
9 Allentown C.C. (11)                 2-1       10
10 Crestwood (2)                      5-0       NR
Teams to watch: Berks Catholic (3) 2-2, Bethlehem Catholic (11) 2-1, Chartiers Valley (7) 4-1, McKeesport (7) 4-1, Plum (7) 5-0. 

CLASS 3A                                  Rec.      Previous 

1 Central Valley (7)                    5-0       1
2 Wyomissing (3)                      3-0       2
3 Hickory (10)                           5-0       3
4 Montoursville (4)                    5-0       6
5 Neumann-Goretti (12)            0-0       5
6 Bedford (5)                            5-0       7
7 Scranton Prep (2)                   2-0       8
8 Notre Dame-Green Pond (11) 5-0       9
9 North Schuylkill (11)               5-0       NR
10 Saint Mary’s (9)                    4-0       10
Teams to watch: Central Martinsburg (6) 5-0, Danville (4) 4-1, Fort LeBoeuf (10) 5-0, North Catholic (7) 5-0, Tyrone (6) 4-0.

CLASS 2A                                  Rec.      Previous 

1 Southern Columbia (4)            4-0       1
2 Wilmington (10)                     5-0       2
3 Dunmore (2)                          2-0       3
4 Berlin-Brothersvalley (5)         5-0       4
5 Beaver Falls (7)                       5-0       5
6 Bellwood-Antis (6)                  5-0       6
7 Western Beaver (7)                4-0       NR
8 McGuffey (7)                          4-1       NR
9 Farrell (10)                             3-2       7
10 Richland (6)                          4-1       10
Teams to watch: Brookville (9) 5-0, Mount Carmel (4) 2-1, Palisades (11) 4-1, Windber (5) 4-1, York Catholic (3) 4-0.

CLASS 1A                                  Rec.      Result 

1 Clairton (7)                             4-0       1
2 Old Forge (2)                          2-0       2
3 Jeannette (7)                          4-1       3
4 Steel-High (3)                         3-0       4
5 Canton (4)                              2-0       5
6 Muncy (4)                              5-0       6
7 Williams Valley (11)                4-1       7
8 Portage (6)                             3-0       9
9 Delone Catholic (3)                 4-0       10
10 Tri-Valley (11)                       2-0       NR
Teams to watch: Bishop Guilfoyle (6) 3-2, Coudersport (9) 4-0, Reynolds (10) 5-0, Springdale (7) 4-1, Tussey Mountain (5) 5-0.