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2020 Preview: East Pennsboro Panthers

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July 15, 2021

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By Jake Adams:

Head coach: John Denniston, 1st season

Classification: 4A

Division: Mid-Penn Colonial

2019 season: 3-7 (3-4 Capital)

Postseason: did not qualify

RETURNING LEADERS

Passing: Comp-Att, Yards, TD

Zach Zeiders: 15-30, 208, 1

Rushing: Att-Yards, Avg, TD

Jacob Shermeyer: 155-596, 3.9, 6

Receiving: Rec-Yards, Avg, TD

Jacob Shermeyer: 18-189, 10.5, 1

Daiquaan Everett: 8-78, 9.8, 0

Key returning players: Jacob Shermeyer, sr., RB-LB; Zach Zeiders, sr. QB-S; Gavin Garlinger, sr., TE-LB; Jude Gourdier, sr., OL-DL; Dominic Weaver, sr., OL-LB; Jacob Dein, jr., OL-DL; Jaren Boles, jr., OL-DL; Syrell Burgos, jr., RB-DB; Justin Moore, jr., OL-DL; Harrison Laman, jr., RB-LB; Joshua Wortherly, jr., WR-DB; Devin Shepherd, so., RB-LB; Colton Yohe, so., OL-DL.

Outlook: A new division, a new coach and a pandemic. No sweat, right? Denniston wishes. In steps a longtime assistant at Central Dauphin, replacing the Panthers’ longtime head coach, Todd Stuter, as East Penn slides from the Capital to the Colonial. None of this is to say the Panthers, a notoriously tough team for years, will be a pushover. They most certainly won’t. But this is a young group trying to acclimate to a new system.

It’s a good group to make this kind of leap in 2020, though, Denniston believes. He’ll have a few years with the same linemen, and he inherits Jacob Shermeyer, and tireless two-way player who is aiming to crack 2,000 yards for his career.

3 Things to Know:

1. If there’s one thing to their advantage … It’s fitness. Like every other team, the Panthers lost valuable time in the weightroom this offseason due to the shutdown. But new head coach John Denniston said he had his players focus on “fitness, plyometric strength.” It may not translate to record numbers on the bench press, but Denniston feels the group won’t be too far behind the 8-ball. “As I look at it from 10,000 feet,” Denniston said, “I’m actually really content with what we have. I think we have a nice blend of size up front and we’ve got some playmakers. Now, we’ve got some unproven playmakers, but the challenge we have as coaches everyday is [to make them successful].”

2. Bringing a CD mentality: Denniston arrives after spending years in the Central Dauphin program, where he was tasked with integrating the middle school program with the high school. “I put a really nice model together there,” he said. Now, Panthers fans shouldn’t expect the team will become the Rams, one of the Mid-Penn’s most dominant teams, especially overnight. They are two very different schools. But he’s bringing over an emphasis on athletic, powerful, suffocating defense and incorporating it with East Penn’s established 4-4 formation, one in which defensive coordinator Joe Shermeyer is sticking around to lead. Denniston is a Trinity grad who went on to play football at Duquesne in the 1980s, so he has years of experience in the Mid-Penn but also has that D-I college pedigree.

3. Jacob’s ladder to climb: Denniston also inherits a talented two-way player in Jacob Shermeyer, a running back/linebacker who has been with the program all four years. Two years ago, Shermeyer was one of the backs that attempted to replace Temple-bound Onasis Neely, one of the top backs in the state before his graduation. Shermeyer has put up a pair of 500-yard seasons since in the midst of the Panthers’ retooling. “Jacob’s definitely the leader of the team. He’s a three-year starter, four-year letter winner, terrific young man,” Denniston said. “High expectations for him. He’s run behind some very, very young lines the last couple of years.” Now he’s got one of the largest lines of his career to run behind, one that is 230-240 pounds across the board, his coach said. And the hope is with a new scheme and more experience, Shermeyer can explode with a big season. “We’re expecting a lot out of Jake,” Denniston said. “He’s very versatile, we can play him at any running back position, we can play him out of the slot, we can play him out wide.” Can’t forget his playmaking on defense last year, where he racked up 105 tackles, 14.5 TFLs, 1.5 sacks, caused two fumbles and picked off two passes.

2020 Preview: Mechanicsburg Wildcats

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July 15, 2021

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By Jake Adams:

Head coach: Anthony Rose, 3rd season (8-13)

Classification: 5A

Division: Mid-Penn Colonial

2019 season: 6-5 (3-3 Keystone)

Postseason: Lost to Warwick in District 3 Class 5A first round 34-6.

RETURNING LEADERS

Passing: Comp-Att, Yards, TD

Micah Brubaker: 53-90, 989, 12

Rushing: Att-Yards, Avg, TD

Micah Brubaker: 94-409, 4.4, 9

Caleb Brubaker: 33-151, 4.6, 1

Receiving: Rec-Yards, Avg, TD

Caleb Brubaker: 13-290, 22.3, 4

Taylor Shearer: 16-230, 14.4, 2

Key returners: Caleb Brubaker, sr., WR-DB; Micah Brubaker, sr., QB; Taylor Shearer, sr., WR-DB; Tyree Morris, sr., TE-DE; Hoyt Lechthaler, sr., OL-DL; James Nguyen, sr., OL-DL; Nick Morrison, sr., WR-DB-K; Dominic Zeno, sr., RB-DL; James Anderson, sr., WR-DB; Cedar Brill, sr., OL-DL.

Outlook: There’s excitement Bru-ing in Mechanicsburg. The Wildcats are fresh off a surprisingly entertaining season that ended in the team’s first playoff berth in years. And another year with the dynamic Brubaker twins ensures a higher entertainment value in their senior years.

Mechanicsburg’s addition to the Colonial, along with former Keystone foe Susquehanna Township, creates a ton of intrigue in the rejiggered division, which suddenly appears to be more competitive than ever. There’s no McDevitt or Cedar Cliff to fight through, but can the ‘Cats knock off Shippensburg, ‘Hanna, neighborhood rival Northern and and leap to the top of the pile? It’ll be fun to watch.

3 Things to Know:

1. Consistency the key: Last year’s upstart Wildcats were explosive, especially coming off defensive turnovers. Led by Micah Brubaker, the dual-threat QB who danced around defenses with the best of them, the ‘Cats routinely hit on shot plays for big yards. But there was a weakness — sustained drives. Undersized at several spots, Mechanicsburg struggled to grind down teams with short passes and the run game. Keegan Neill was a capable back, and Micah’s wheels were impressive, but it didn’t translate enough with 10-play, 80-yard drives. That’s something Anthony Rose recognizes. “We need to continue to improve up front, and that’s one thing I’ve been really impressed with offensive lineman [in the weight room],” the head coach said. “The main thing is we gotta be able to run the ball effectively.” Replacing Neill could be a committee of Taylor Shearer, Dom Snowden and Glen Robinson. The Brubakers, including Caleb on end-arounds, will also be included, but Rose said he wants to take some of the onus off Micah’s legs after he ended the season a bit banged up.

2. Tyree and the Troops: Brando Arristy and Tyree Morris were an impressive pair of bookends on the d-line a year ago. Now, it’s Morris headlining a group that hopes for bigger things from Dominic Zeno up front, Marlon Brando at linebacker and Caleb Brubaker and Nick Morrison in the backfield. Morris in particular can be a gamechanger; he had 79 tackles and eight sacks, two picks and two fumble recoveries at d-end. Mechanicsburg made strides last year on this side of the ball and needs to take another step if it wants to return to the postseason as one of just four Class 5A teams in districts this year. The ‘Cats were turnover machines a year ago, with 12 picks and multiple forced fumbles. But if they can shave just a little of the 4.5 yards per carry and 175.5 rush yards per game, it could make all the difference. “One positive thing is we have so many starters coming back,” Rose said. “I just think we turned the page defensively last year, especially in the (defensive backfield).”

3. Welcome to the neighborhood: The Wildcats tag along with Susquehanna Township as the newest tenants in the Colonial, a suddenly exciting division dominated for years by Shippensburg, a team that was undefeated in the regular season. The move was planned before Mechanicsburg’s resurgence a year ago. “It’s exciting times,” Rose said. “I like the fact that we’ll be facing Ship, they’ll offer a very stern test.”

2020 Preview: Northern York Polar Bears

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July 15, 2021

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By Jake Adams:

Head coach: Bill Miller, 19th season overall, 4th at Northern (26-17)

Classification: 5A

Division: Mid-Penn Colonial

2019 season: 7-4 (5-1)

Postseason: Lost to Governor Mifflin 54-14 in District 3 Class 5A first round.

RETURNING LEADERS

Passing: Comp-Att, Yards, TD

Jordan Heisey: 82-165, 997, 13

Rushing: Att-Yards, Avg, TD

Jordan Heisey: 73-480, 6.6, 9

Receiving: Rec-Yards, Avg, TD

Tyler Weary: 9-148, 16.4, 2

Key returners: Jordan Heisey, sr., QB-DB; Hunter Fitterling, sr., OL-LB; Hunter Hertzog, sr., OL-DL; Nick Fekete, sr., OL-DL; Zach Mowchan, sr., RB-LB; Bay Blaschak, sr., OL-DL; Blake Cruz, sr., RB/WR-LB; Tyler Weary, sr., WR-DB; Jeff Wright, sr., RB-DL; Aidan Sherman, sr., TE-DE; Joe Kostelac, sr., TE-LB; Zach Beam, sr., WR-DB; Josh Ford, sr., OL-DL.

Outlook: With Mechanicsburg and Susquehanna Township joining the fray, the Colonial is suddenly incredibly top heavy. Northern’s been chasing Shippensburg the last few years, and things are suddenly much more difficult. And that doesn’t even account for the painful loss of two-way stud Kyle Swartz.

Do not count out the Polar Bears. Even without Swartz and with new challengers in their way, this is still a team with a veteran QB in Jordan Heisey, veterans in the trenches and veterans elsewhere. This maybe isn’t the preseason division favorite, but they’re going to have a say in who comes out on top.

3 Things to Know:

1. Lots of carries to replace: Life without RB-LB Kyle Swartz begins, and it’s not an envious position for Miller or the team. Swartz was a standout back and not too shabby on defense either, but he’s now wrestling at Army this winter. How do you replace a powerful back like Swartz who had 2,000 yards a year ago? “You don’t,” head coach Bill Miller said. “It’s that simple, you don’t. You can’t go into this saying well, you’re going to replace Kyle with anybody. Players like Kyle only come around once in a while. … The trick is to try to replace as much of his numbers as you can.” Miller likes CJ Wagner, who arrived this year “more focused,” and the other RBs fighting to step into the backfield vacancy. “As I’m sitting here driving home … I can’t tell ya [what our backfield will look like],” Miller said. “There’s a handful of kids who are all working hard, the tailback in that I offense. Kids want to be that. There’s a lot of kids vying for that position.”

2. Don’t forget the passing game: Some of the onus will also fall on veteran QB Jordan Heisey, who will no longer have the protection of one of the conference’s best runners. “We may be counting on Jordan for a little more production than he was used to last year or that he got at the end of the year,” Miller said. Not that he isn’t capable — Heisey tossed 13 TDs against five picks and also has some impressive legs, having rushed for 480 yards and nine scores, second most on the team last year. Miller hinted it may be time to cut Heisey loose. That probably doesn’t mean he’ll be slinging it 35 times a game — Northern still likes to run out of its I-formation — but it could mean more designed QB runs, more shots down field or just about anything.

3. Different tests on defense: The influx of new Colonial challengers presents different problems week to week for the P-Bears, who struggled in the run-centric 2019 version of the division, allowing 6.3 yards per carry and 233.4 rush yards per game. Mechanicsburg brings a spread look, East Pennsboro arrives with a pro-style offense and Susquehanna Township brings a roster full of athletes. Combine that with Ship’s speed and relentless run game, and Northern will have to prove versatile on defense while breaking in several new faces. The team’s top four tacklers are graduated. Blake Blaschak (65 tackles, 8.5 TFLs, 6.5 sacks) does return, which is a key holdover on the d-line. And Miller has high hopes Zach Mowchan, who missed most of last year with an injury, can be a stopper in the middle of the defense.

2020 Preview: James Buchanan Rockets

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July 15, 2021

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By Michael Bullock:

Head coach: Cliff Pine (1^st season)

Classification: 4A

League/Division: Mid-Penn Liberty

2019 season: 3-7 as an independent

Postseason: Did not qualify

RETURNING LEADERS

Passing: Comp-Att, Yards, TD

Caden Stoner: 3-7, 47, 0

Rushing: Att-Yards, Avg, TD

Logan Miller: 68-250, 3.7, 1

Receiving: Rec-Yards, Avg, TD

Caden Stoner: 34-310, 9.1, 1

Key Returning players: Caden Stoner, sr, QB-DB; Grant Ellis, sr, WR-LB; Hunter Smith, sr, RB-LB; Caleb Wise, sr, RB-LB; Mason Line, sr, RB-DB; Logan Miller, sr, RB.

Outlook: Dipping back into league play for the first since Cliff Pine’s seniors were just beginning the eighth grade, the Rockets are flashing plenty of enthusiasm as they begin their quest for a Liberty Division crown. If they can quickly dissect what an unfamiliar collection of opponents tends to do, a versatile group of upperclassmen may pack more than enough athleticism to put teams under duress. The big question mark is whether a youthful collection of linemen can gel quickly enough in a truncated setting.

Three Things to Know:

1. Following a four-season hiatus, James Buchanan marking return to Mid-Penn Conference grid action: Assigned to a Mid-Penn Liberty Division that includes six former Tri-Valley League residents, Cliff Pine’s Rockets are hoping that the chance to compete for league supremacy and spots on all-star teams may provide a timely boost of high-octane fuel. Particularly since not one of JB’s players — unless they shipped in from a different school — has ever chased league gold. “Our juniors and seniors now understand the reason why we (left) the Mid-Penn,” said Pine, the Rockets’ first-year skipper. “We needed to rebuild and we were trying to get things turned around at James Buchanan. So, going back to the Mid-Penn and sitting in the division we’re in and seeing what it’s going look like, the morale’s high. We feel that we can be in this Liberty Division and these guys are hungry. I’m not going to lie, our guys are hungry and they’re coming out ready to play.” Plus, there won’t be any lengthy jaunts to distant venues such as Clarion or Albert Gallatin (Uniontown). “We’re not taking any three, three-and-a-half hour trips this year,” cracked Pine.

2. Pine not an unfamiliar face to JB’s anxious players: Pine may be in his first season as JB’s head coach, but he’s actually followed a similar path to his latest role as any of the Rockets’ home-grown personnel. Following an extended stretch at the youth football level — Pine spent eight to 10 seasons mentoring future Rockets — he spent the past two seasons fronting JB’s junior high program before his March appointment as David Miller’s successor. “Being able to know these kids and know their abilities and what their strengths and weaknesses are is a level up for me because I’ve known these kids for a long time. We all play a factor with each other and it comes together with the team, as a coaching staff, the athletes … everybody fits great as a whole. I think that’s one of the most important things this year for James Buchanan.”

3. Experienced group of skill players, but guys up front must come together: Although James Buchanan hopes to employ its experienced group of experienced skill people wherever it makes sense, the Rockets may not have as much versatility and flexibility in the offensive and defensive trenches. Yet even though JB may wind up fielding a number of sophomores and freshmen up front, Pine believes his youngsters are ready to go. “We’re trying to get the best 11 guys on the field on any given Friday night, so we’re going to move kids to where we feel they’re going to best support the team and do what’s best for the team and it doesn’t matter what position that is.” As for grooming those youthful linemen, Pine offered this: “Our upfront guys are young and getting them to gel with our skill guys, who are versatile, is (key). I have no doubt that we can do it. I’ve seen it done in our team sessions and it’s coming together, so I feel confident that it’ll happen on Friday nights.”

News and Notes: Schuylkill League

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July 15, 2021

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By Michael Bullock:

Only Pine Grove slated to open up this weekend

With its regular-season schedule juggled yet again just last week by COVID-19, Frank Gaffney’s Pine Grove Cardinals will begin their 2020 campaign Friday night at home against Notre Dame-Green Pond instead of traveling to former Tri-Valley League playmate Williams Valley. And while this weekend’s dustup between Gaffney’s Schuylkill League newcomers (8-3 in 2019) and an experienced Crusaders group (7-4) doesn’t carry any conference implications, it could be an early look at a District 11 Class 3A confrontation — since both squads reached postseason play a season ago.

While Pine Grove returns dual-threat QB Josh Leininger, WR Shea Morgan and a pair of running backs in Brody Robinson and Ayden Ney that should see their touches increase dramatically. Athletic junior newcomer Dalton Geesey, a large target at 6-foot-3, 190 pounds, could draw attention away from the explosive Morgan. What Gaffney is most concerned with is a reconstructed offensive front anchored by Ty Reynolds that could feature two sophomores and two freshmen. All of the youngsters possess size, but occupying defenders just long enough could provide the Pine Grove skills enough space to break off long-gainers or go yard. NDGP also returns some impressive skill-position players, as junior QB Collin Quintano (65-108-3) threw for nearly 900 yards and seven touchdowns in just five outings. Senior Matt Frauen racked up 1,155 rushing yards and 14 scores, logging eight 100-yard contests while averaging just south of 10 yards per attempt.

Three of Quintano’s top five receivers also return — junior Derek Berlitz (48-746, 3), senior Joe Galle (24-259, 2) and senior Izzy Rodriguez (23-248, 1) — to Phil Stambaugh’s high-octane attack. Stambaugh’s Crusaders also sport plenty of experience up front, but the defense should be in good hands since linebackers Jake Hull and Joey Rivituso totaled 96 stops apiece in 2019. DE William Jordan is another dandy. Should be a telling early-season contest for two teams anxious to get going, but Gaffney’s Cards are looking to prove something after relocating to the Schuylkill League. “Why not us?” said Gaffney, Pine Grove’s third-year skipper. “I’m not saying we’re going to go out and go undefeated, but I guarantee you we will play every week. When we went up to North Schuylkill (for the District 11 playoffs), we didn’t back down.”

2020 Preview: Cumberland Valley Eagles

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July 15, 2021

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By Jake Adams:

Head coach: Josh Oswalt, 10th season (48-57), 1st at Cumberland Valley

Classification: 6A

Division: Mid-Penn Commonwealth

2019 season: 5-6 (3-4)

Postseason: Lost to Manheim Township 32-26 in District 3 Class 6A quarterfinals.

RETURNING LEADERS

Passing: Comp-Att, Yards, TD

Alex Kovach: 40-83, 607, 4

Rushing: Att-Yards, Avg, TD

Kellan Walker: 61-318, 5.2; 1

Receiving: Rec-Yards, Avg, TD

Kellan Walker: 3-69, 23.0; 0

Key returners: Gavin Conklin, sr., WR-DB; Gabe Hayes, sr., RB-DB; Alex Kovach, sr., QB-DB; Derik Sauve, sr., RB-LB; Kellan Walker, sr., RB-DB; Luke Wellman, TE-DE.

Outlook: Oswalt is staying coy about the offense he’ll run this year, but if his track record says anything, it’s that the Wing-T will be officially retired at CV in 2020. How much of his patented no-huddle spread he brings to his alma mater is unclear, but the Eagles will likely be more dynamic on that side of the ball. It’ll be interesting to see how quickly the team adapts to the changes in a truncated season with just four playoff spots available. Does it translate into more wins against the Commonwealth’s elite (which CV prides itself in being a part of)? That’s the plan.

A lot of the team’s success in the win column will depend on health (true for every team, especially this year), the offense coalescing quickly and the defense’s new parts stepping up in big ways against big, strong, challenging opponents.

3 Things To Know:

1. New coach, new scheme, new challenges: It can’t be easy to take over a new team in the middle of a pandemic. But Oswalt, one of two new skippers in Cumberland County this year, arrives with a leg up — he’s a CV grad and already has proven himself capable of quickly leaving his mark during his previous two stops at Carlisle and Central York, where he established dynamic no-huddle spread offenses. Oswalt joked repeatedly this summer he might run the Single Wing with CV this year. No chance that happens. Still, he’s spent the last few months socially distanced, trying to quickly install his offensive and defensive schemes. It’s not easy, but preparation has helped. “What people don’t understand — maybe they do — we are so to-a-tee organized and [regimented],” Oswalt said. “There’s no playbook for how you’re supposed to prepare your kids. … The big thing I’ve learned is always going to practice with a positive mind.”

2. Who benefits most? Quarterbacks: Oswalt’s offenses have a track record of producing good quarterbacks. At Carlisle, Billy Burger landed an offer from Dickinson and Eric Harris tried to walk on at Penn State. At Central York, Cade and Beau Pribula developed into Division I prospects. Now it’s Alex Kovach who stands to benefit. “Kovach is looking good, he’s really progressing,” Oswalt said. “He has grown a ton. He benefited from the pandemic, he benefited from being home March, April, May, June. … He doesn’t need the affirmation, he doesn’t need the pat on the back, but he needed to find confidence in himself.” But Kovach has to secure the job first. Oswalt told all the seniors he’s not reserving spots for them just because they’re seniors or started last year. The same stands for Kovach, who is being tested by junior JT Mazzie and sophomore Isaac Sines, Oswalt said. He’s been impressed by how all three have competed and worked, in Zoom meetings, practices and even video games, which have proven an entertaining source of bonding for the group and the team.

3. On the lines: There’s going to be some changes in the trenches. The offensive lineman have to adjust after years of perfecting blocking technique for the Wing-T. Oswalt said “what fit for a Wing-T lineman might not fit for our offense,” but he feels good about the seniors in that group and the underclassmen depth. Defensively, Oswalt feels confident the Eagles can run rotations of 3-4 players at d-end and d-tackle, always a plus for a program. “[Defensive line coach Jordan Hill is] excited about a handful of guys on the defensive front,” Oswalt said. “He feels like we’re able to do more than we thought we would be able to do before we met them.”

2020 Preview: Carlisle Thundering Herd

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July 15, 2021

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By Jake Adams:

Head coach: Brett Ickes, 8th season (16-54)

Classification: 6A

Division: Mid-Penn Commonwealth

2019 season: 2-8 (1-6)

Postseason: did not qualify

RETURNING LEADERS

Passing: Comp-Att, Yards, TD

Ezeekai Thomas: 9-21, 93, 0

Rushing: Att-Yards, Avg, TD

Braydon Keller: 49-184, 3.8, 2

Receiving: Rec-Yards, Avg, TD

Matt Trolinger: 16-239, 14.9, 2

Ezeekai Thomas: 6-71, 11.8, 0

Key returners: Jeremiah Carothers, sr., OL-DL; Braydon Keller, sr., RB-LB; Christian Good, sr., OL-DL; Sean Smith, sr., RB-LB; Dominic Morano, sr., WR-DB; Austin Coldren, sr., OL-DL; Elisha Carothers, jr., OL-DL; Matt Trolinger, jr., RB-S; Ezeekai Thomas, so., QB-DB; Layton Schmick, so., OL-DL.

Outlook: It looks like the “EZ” Thomas era is about to begin, unless someone beats out the uber-athletic sophomore for the starting job under center. Don’t heap a ton of expectations just yet on the young QB — the Commonwealth is a murderer’s row of defenses, one that feasts on new starters more often than not.

With Harrisburg bowing out this season, the Herd picked up Exeter Township for the season opener at Ken Millen Stadium. That’s a District 3 Class 5A semifinalist on a schedule that only includes Commonwealth foes. There will be no easy games this year for a squad breaking in a new QB with unproven weapons surrounding him. The Herd won’t have much time to mature together, but that’s true for every team this year.

3 Things to Know:

1. Second coming of Clem?: Head coach Brett Ickes hasn’t been shy to compare sophomore Ezeekai Thomas to former Carlisle standout QB Clem Johnson, an athletic signal caller who went on to play at North Carolina State and then the CFL’s Hamilton Tiger-Cats. Now we’ll get to see if the high praise holds up. “He’s a great kid, he’s very athletic,” Ickes said. “Very Clem-like in athleticism. He’s a kid I know he doesn’t get rattled.” Thomas is expected to take over under center this year unless Bishop McDevitt transfer Victor Patterson, who also plays receiver, beats him out. If not, Carlisle could have the most stability it’s had at the position in years. He also has a veteran offensive line that has the potential to keep him upright. Jeremiah Carothers is the mammoth, athletic headliner of the group. Then there’s his brother, Elisha, Christian Good at tackle, Layton Schmick at center, Charlie Dib, Austin Coldren, Thomas Neilson and others. Ickes doesn’t know who will be the starting five, but he could also utilize a rotation. Whoever it is, it’s one of the bigger, stronger lines they’ve had in some time, which is a rookie QB’s dream.

2. The weapons are an enigma: For the second year in a row, the Herd have to find a solution at WR. Then there’s the loss of 1,000-yard back Tristyn Sulich, a bruising runner who is not easily replaced. Who steps up and how well will go a long when in determining if the offense proves potent. In the backfield, Sean Smith and Braydon Keller are likely to be the top two guys, and Ickes also expects Darren Curry to get some touches. Flanked out wide will be Matt Trolinger, Patterson (or Thomas), plus Dylan Young, a basketball player who hasn’t played football in a few years but provides much-needed soft hands after the position was plagued by drops last year. “In our league, if you can’t throw the ball when they put nine guys in the box, you’re in trouble,” Ickes said.

3. Defense up front a strength: That o-line mentioned before? That same group is back to anchor the defensive line as well. And the linebackers return some veterans, Ickes said. “The biggest problem right now for us, biggest question mark, is receiver and defensive back,” he said. Thomas is the only returning starter out of a DB group that got torched for 14.3 yards per pass attempt last year. But the hope is the front seven improves on its 5.9 yards per carry allowed and generates pressure on the QB to ease the burden on the rebuilt defensive backfield. Doing so might just mean the difference between a win and a loss in this condensed season.

2020 Preview: Pine Grove Cardinals

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July 15, 2021

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By Michael Bullock:

Coach: Frank Gaffney, 3^rd season (12-9)

Classification: 3A

League/Division: Schuylkill League

2019 record: 8-3 (7-2 Tri-Valley League)

Postseason: Lost to North Schuylkill 42-20 in District 11 Class 3A first round.

RETURNING LEADERS

Passing: Comp-Att, Yards, TDs

Josh Leininger: 17-49, 340, 4

Rushing: Att-Yards, Avg, TDs

Josh Leininger: 33-314, 9.5, 7

Receiving: Rec-Yards, Avg, TDs

Shea Morgan: 24-402, 16.8, 4

Key returning players: Josh Leininger, sr., QB-SS; Brody Robinson, sr., RB-OLB; Ayden Ney, sr., RB-NG; Shea Morgan, sr., WR-CB; Ty Reynolds, sr., OL-DL; Colin Ibarra, jr., MLB; Mason Kroh, so., QB-S; Zak Hlavaty, sr., OL-De (injured).

Outlook: Since the skill-position group has speed and the ability to operate effectively in space, the Cardinals figure to be more of a finesse group than the hammer-it-out squad that featured two 1,000-yard running backs. What will take time is adjusting to a brand new group of opponents, but what could take even more time is getting a new front that could include three freshmen up to speed and comfortable against some sizable lines. Despite the obvious challenges, Gaffney & Co. remain upbeat and optimistic.

3 Things to Know:

1. Healthy Leininger will have the ball … frequently: Hampered last season by a shoulder injury that limited his availability, senior quarterback Josh Leininger will direct a Pine Grove attack that may change up a few things to fit the personnel group. Since Leininger is a threat on the edge — with his strong right arm and his terrific feet — the Cardinals hope to keep opposing defenses on full alert. “Josh Leininger is the best dual-threat quarterback in [Schuylkill County], there are no ifs, ands or butts about that,” said Gaffney of a youngster who, despite limited availability, managed to throw for 300-plus yards and run for 300 or so more. “The kid is 6-foot, can throw the rock and runs a high 4.5 40. And just has vision like crazy. … We need the ball in his hands every play — and we know that.” Even though Leininger missed so much action, he still managed to accrue an honorable mention spot in the Tri-Valley League’s all-conference secondary as a strong safety.

2. Morgan good for 48 minutes again: Remarkably talented and extremely versatile, senior Shea Morgan will spend most Friday nights between the lines … unless games get out of hand. A wide receiver when the Cardinals have the ball, a cornerback when Pine Grove is on defense and a fixture on special teams — regardless of the unit in play — Morgan is a key component in everything Gaffney’s program tries to do. While Pine Grove ran the ball almost exclusively in 2019, Morgan still managed to reel in 24 catches for 400-plus yards and four scores in limited attempts. He also carried the ball a handful of times and completed the lone pass he tried. Helps explain why the invaluable Morgan was an all-conference selection at wideout, defensive back and as a kicker. What’s frightening is Morgan could be even better in 2020 since he’s more than a year removed from reconstructive knee surgery. “Shea Morgan had almost 500 yards receiving in an offense that ran the ball 92 percent of the time. The kid was double covered, but he ran phenomenal routes,” Gaffney said. “Shea runs the ball. He threw passes for us. He catches [passes] and runs routes. He’s our kicker. He’s our punter. He kicks off for us. He’s our kick returner and our punt returner. …The kid never leaves the field. He legitimately does everything.”

3. Challenging slate awaits in new home: Although Pine Grove will open against Notre Dame-Green Pond instead of neighboring rival Williams Valley — COVID-19 forced Williams Valley to delay the start of its 2020 campaign — the Cardinals will face a series of perennial hammers as they adjust to being an average-sized school in the Schuylkill League and not one of the now-defunct (in football) TVL’s larger enrollments. In fact, Pine Grove will see such opponents as North Schuylkill, Jim Thorpe, Blue Mountain, Pottsville and Tamaqua before the regular season comes to a close. “When we played in the Tri-Valley League, all the people in the school system knew those teams. When I was at [Schuylkill] Haven, I ran the defense against North Schuylkill, Tamaqua, Jim Thorpe, Lehighton. The only school I never coached against was Pottsville, but I played against them,” Gaffney said. “For me as a coach, it’s exciting because I’m glad our kids get to play in the competitive culture that these kids are going to be playing in.” Pine Grove held the halftime lead at North Schuylkill last season in the opening round of the District 11 playoffs, but wound up falling to the powerful Spartans. Said Gaffney: “Well, that’s every week now.”

2020 Preview: Middletown Blue Raiders

4thdownmagazine

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July 15, 2021

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By Adam Kulikowski:

Coach: Brett Myers (8^th season, 68-20)

Classification: 3A

Division: Mid-Penn Capital

2019 season: 10-2 (6-1 Capital)

Postseason: Lost to Wyomissing 24-21 in the District 3 Class 3A championship.

RETURNING LEADERS

Passing: Comp-Att, Yards, TD

Tony Powell: 70-123, 1,408, 18

Rushing: Att-Yards, Avg, TD

Tymir Jackson: 153-1,282, 8.3, 11

Receiving: Att-Yards, Avg, TD

Tajae Broadie: 32-438, 13.6, 7

Key returners: Brock Welsh, sr., OT/DE; Amir Potter, sr., OG; Nick Newton, sr., OT-DT; Tim Wagner, sr., DB-RB; Tymir Jackson, sr., DT-RB; Jules Nester, sr., DB-WR; Jeremy Wells, sr., OG-LB; TJ Daniels, sr., RB-DB; Jaydon Wotring, sr., RB-DB; Tajae Broadie, jr., DE-FB; Tony Powell, jr., QB-LB.

Outlook: A pair of games on the calendar won’t even count in the win-loss column, but they were added to the slate by Middletown coach Brett Myers with a purpose. The Blue Raiders, primed to make another run at a state title, picked up a pair of scrimmages against 6A powerhouse Central Dauphin and 5A Governor Mifflin. Myers wanted his team to face an early test as they prepare for an abbreviated 2020 campaign. Fueled by a pair of high-end running backs, a junior quarterback just beginning to find his groove and a tough physical defense, the Blue Raiders should be the favorites to claim another Capital Division title.

3 Things to Know:

Closing in on a milestone: The Middletown Blue Raiders are closing in on a mark that only 44 other football programs in the commonwealth can say they have achieved — 600 wins in program history. Middletown currently sits just a handful of games away from achieving the mark — somewhere between 594-597 depending on how one counts games in the 1920s against the American Legion. (Myers and his staff are currently working to resolve how to count those matchups.) At some point in 2020 — COVID-19 allowing — the Blue Raiders should be popping the (alcohol-free) bubbly to celebrate the program’s successes. “It is a reminder that there was a lot of really good football before this group of kids and coaches. We talk a lot about the standard of living up to the past. Middletown more than anything is known for its physical football and playing with great effort. We’re lucky to be here at this time to be the ones who do it.”
Grooming from a guru: Quarterback Tony Powell had plenty of reasons to feel good after a 2019 campaign in which he threw for 1,400 yards (18 TDs). But the incoming junior — a 6-foot-5, 205-pound field general who also runs a 4.66 — had plenty to work on to continue to improve his craft. Enter quarterback guru Jim Contafio. The former Wilson and Cedar Cliff coach who has honed the skills of NFL quarterbacks Chad Henne and Dwayne Haskins and college QBs including Andrew Ford, Luke Emge and Grant Brenneman worked during the offseason with Powell to help improve his footwork and release. “You can see it,” Myers said of Powell’s progress. “He has really developed and now has a year of experience in our system. He did a great job running the RPOs last year, and now we know we can do more of it. He’s constantly asking about other things he can do to allow us to spread the field more.”
Passing the torch: The running back pipeline at Middletown continues to churn out top end talent. From Jaelen Thompson, to Brady Fox to Jose Lopez, the Blue Raiders have had no shortage of game-altering talent to fuel their success. While Lopez departed for his freshman campaign at Albany after a stellar career concluding with 6,197 yards on 750 carries, a pair of backs, Tymir Jackson (1,200 rushing yards in 2019) and Tajae Broadie, are ready to carry the load. “We’ve been really blessed with a lot of good running backs,” Myers said. “This year is no different. We have two guys that most teams would feel are pretty special players. The nice thing is they are both really big running backs. Both can run. A lot of people think Tymir is a pounder — a physical guy, which he is — but last year in the playoffs, he showed that he can go for 90 yards at any time. He’s going to give us the homerun threat that we’ve had these last few years. Tajae led the team last year in catches as a fullback.”

2020 Preview: Chambersburg Trojans

4thdownmagazine

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July 15, 2021

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By Adam Kulikowski:

Coach: Mark Luther (5th year, 14-28)

Classification: 6A

Division: Commonwealth

2019 Season: 6-5 (4-3 Commonwealth)

Postseason: Lost to Wilson 41-13 in the District 3 Class 6A first round.

RETURNING LEADERS

Passing: Comp-Att, Yards, TD

Maliki Blair: 1-3, 12, 0

Rushing: Att-Yards, Avg., TD

Jaden Jones: 40-327, 8.1, 5

Receiving: Rec-Yards, Avg, TD

Kevin Lee: 15-211, 14, 0

Key returners: Kevin Lee, sr., WR-CB; Samuel Vessah, sr., WR-OLB; Carter Sollenberger, sr., OLB; Tanner Luther, sr., K; Grant Hopple, jr., LB; Malaki Blair, sr., QB-FS; Chase Shaffer, sr., C; Joey Fuller, sr., G-DT.

Outlook: After reaching the postseason in back-to-back seasons, expectations are higher for Mark Luther’s Trojans in 2020. The road in an ultra-competitive Mid-Penn Commonwealth Division is never easy, even with Harrisburg on hiatus after opting out of the 2020 season due to COVID concerns. Can this team take the next steps needed to compete with the Central Dauphins and State Colleges? The jury is still out, but the talent level on this team provides plenty of potential.

3 Things to Know:

Early test: For Chambersburg to continue its revival, head coach Mark Luther knows the team must experience more big-game, pressure situations. “That’s the only way you are going to know if you can get it done,” Luther said. “No matter what you do in practice or how you try to simulate it. There’s nothing like being in that big game against a good football program.” Circle Sept. 25 on your calendar. While it isn’t a postseason test, Chambersburg squares off against one of the best 6A programs in the Commonwealth when the Trojans battle Central Dauphin. Consider it the first big game test of the 2020 campaign — and in an abbreviated schedule where every game is magnified — this just might be the pressure situation Luther’s team needs to fuel that climb to the next level.
Keeping up with Jones: While rumors persisted through the offseason that Jaden Jones would play for Shippensburg in 2020, he will continue his high school career at Chambersburg. That’s great news for Luther and the Trojans offensive attack as they look to replace more than 1,100 stripes of production. “He brings an explosive attack for us as we go into the fall season,” Luther said. “He’s a different player than what Keyshawn was for us the last couple years. He’s not a slasher, stop-on-a-dime cutter, but he has a higher gear than what Keyshawn did. If we can give him a seam, he’s going to be gone because he is so fast. He had to wait behind Keyshawn, but he understands that now it is his year and his opportunity.”
Taking control: Malaki Blair will hold the reins of the Chambersburg offense from Brady Stumbaugh who tallied up more than 1,400 yards through the air in his final campaign with the Trojans. The 5-foot-11, 160-pound senior inherits a talented supporting cast which includes three returning starters on the offensive line, talented wideouts in Kevin Lee and Samuel Vessah and a dynamic speedster at running back in the aforementioned Jones. “He’s a little more dynamic with his feet than Brady was,” Luther said. “Brady made some great plays running and pulling it on our RPO stuff. We really think Malaki will take that to the next level for us. He’s a faster, more agile runner that can make some plays with his feet. Passing-wise, he is not your prototypical drop-back-and-pass guy. We understand that and won’t put him in that situation. We’re going to take his abilities and use the RPO to play to his strengths.”