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News and Notes: Schuylkill League

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July 22, 2021

By Michael Bullock:

1. Hectic pace continues for Williams Valley’s Vikings

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

2. Pine Grove chasing first victory

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

2020 Preview: State College Little Lions

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July 22, 2021

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By Andy Sandrik:

Coach: Matt Lintal

Classification: 6A

League/division: Mid-Penn Commonwealth

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

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

RETURNING LEADERS:

Passing: Comp-Att., Yards, TD

Conrad Moore: 8-20, 150, 1

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

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

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

Conrad Moore: 9-157, 17.4, 1

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2020 Preview: Greencastle-Antrim

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July 22, 2021

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By Andy Sandrik:

Coach: Devin McCauley

Classification: 4A

League/division: Mid-Penn Colonial

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

Postseason: Did not qualify

RETURNING LEADERS:

Passing: Comp-Att., Yards, TD

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

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

David Niebauer: 183-762, 4.2, 0

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

Adam Root: 33-807, 24.5, 6

David Niebauer: 26-204, 7.8, 0

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2020 Preview: Waynesboro Indians

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July 22, 2021

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By Andy Sandrik:

Coach: Josh Sprenkle

Classification: 5A

League/division: Mid-Penn Colonial

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

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

RETURNING LEADERS:

Passing: Comp-Att., Yards, TD

Chance Eyler: 21-54., 274, 3

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

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

Mikel Holden: 148-773, 5.2, 4

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

Kareem Sims: 6-85, 14.2, 0

Mikel Holden: 8-82, 10.3, 2

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

RETURNING LEADERS:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2020 Preview: Altoona

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July 22, 2021

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By Andy Sandrik:

Coach: Vince Nedimeyer Jr.

Classification: 6A

League/division: Mid-Penn Commonwealth

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

Postseason: Did not qualify

Note: 2019 stats unavailable

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

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

3 THINGS TO KNOW

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

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

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

2020 Preview: CD East

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July 22, 2021

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By Adam Kulikowski:

Coach: Aaron Blanding

Classification: 6A

Division: Commonwealth

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

Postseason: Did not qualify

(NOTE: STATS NOT AVAILABLE)

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

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

3 Things to Know:

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

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

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

Picks and Predictions for Week 1

Uncategorized

4thdownmagazine

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July 22, 2021

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Week 1 Mid-Penn Schedule:

Friday, Sept. 25

Juniata at Middletown

Andy Shay: Middletown 38, Juniata 7: I’m going to give the Indians a touchdown and am well aware the Blue Raiders took a beating at the QB position in that scrimmage with CD. And I also know that will not matter.

Jake Adams: Middletown 49, Juniata 0: Let’s not get cute here. The Blue Raiders are a machine that will welcome Mid-Penn newcomer Juniata very, very rudely.

Andy Sandrik: Middletown 44, Juniata 0: The Indians have always been a tough out in the newly defunct TVL, and may yet be a tough out in the Mid-Penn, but Middletown… yeah, that’s not the team you want breaking you in for conference play.

Geoff Morrow: Middletown 40, Juniata 12: Holy crap. I am so far behind the Andys and Jakes of the world. My head has been buried so deep in other life stuff that I completely forgot Juniata (and others) are part of the Mid-Penn now.

4th Down’s weekly show, High School Football Now with Eric F. Epler and Andy Shay, has a new home exclusively on the Small Player, Big Play app. Down the app today from Android or Apple and give us a watch!

Related: Middletown preview

Related: Juniata preview

Cumberland Valley at Altoona

Andy Shay: Cumberland Valley 41, Altoona 13: Former Eagles standout and Shippensburg University alum Josh Oswalt gets his first win at his high school alma mater. About time I could write that. It’s long overdue.

Jake Adams: Cumberland Valley 35, Altoona 3: Josh Oswalt’s spread offense finally reaches the Red and White. I don’t expect it to be running in midseason form, but it’ll be interesting to see what the result is.

Andy Sandrik: Cumberland Valley 33, Altoona 7: I’m as excited to see the Eagles’ new offense #TakeFlight as much as the next guy, but I’m wondering if we’ll even get to see beyond Page 1 of CV’s playbook in this contest.

Geoff Morrow: Cumberland Valley 43, Altoona 19: Blair County is an easier trip in September than it is in December. (I’m speaking physically here. Like the roads and things.) Advantage, Eagles.

Related: Cumberland Valley preview

Related: Altoona preview

James Buchanan at Big Spring

Andy Shay: Big Spring 25, James Buchanan 15: Welcome back to the MPC, Rockets. Appears JB has some talent to work with, and the Bulldogs are looking to fill the void created by weapons that have moved on. Still think BiS gets it done on the ground.

Jake Adams: Big Spring 27, James Buchanan 14: Rockets at Bulldogs, a well-established rivalry, back again with JB in its old stomping grounds. Big Spring has a bunch of weapons to replace, but the backfield appears stable and could grind out some good yards this week.

Andy Sandrik: Big Spring 31, James Buchanan 14: The Rockets return to the Mid-Penn after making strides during a four-year hiatus to build the program as an independent team. JB comes in confident now that it remembers what it feels like to win, but will that be enough for the Rockets to snap a 22-game losing streak against teams from the MPC?

Geoff Morrow: Big Spring 28, James Buchanan 20: Feels good to say “Jimmy Buck” again.

Related: James Buchanan preview

Related: Big Spring preview

Susquenita at Boiling Springs

Andy Shay: Susquenita 27, Boiling Springs 20: What does all that experience mean for the Bubblers and that nasty L streak they are carrying around? We are gonna find out. ‘Nita (gloriously displayed on their helmets) has a bit of junkyard dog in them and is my sleeper pick to win the Liberty.

Jake Adams: Susquenita 21, Boiling Springs 14: The Bubblers, I think, will end their losing streak this year, but I know how tough the Blackhawks have been in the TVL the last few years and think they’ll be a challenge. But I could be wrong and wouldn’t be surprised in the slightest.

Andy Sandrik: Susquenita 19, Boiling Springs 17: My gut feeling is to take Boiling Springs, which returns a wealth of experience, but until the Bubblers snap their 11-game losing streak, I’m going to keep picking against them.

Geoff Morrow: Boiling Springs 22, Susquenita 20: Feels like I picked the Blackhawks wrong every game last year, which, if nothing else, speaks to their ability to keep things interesting AND my inability to figure out just what Perdix’s role is in all things ‘Nita.

Related: Boiling Springs preview

Related: Susquenita preview

Line Mountain at Camp Hill

Andy Shay: Camp Hill 28, Line Mountain 13: I’m going to ride Lions veteran QB Daniel Shuster here. Not sure of the weapons at his disposal, but he’ll find them. First taste of the MPC for Line Mountain. Welcome!

Jake Adams: Camp Hill 35, Line Mountain 17: If the Lions can replace two-way talent Frank Shartle II properly, they’ll be just fine. That requires one or more players stepping up in the run game and another one or two at linebacker. Good thing? The Lions’ passing game should be improved.

Andy Sandrik: Camp Hill 33, Line Mountain 6: Excited to watch the season progression of senior Camp Hill QB Daniel Shuster, who gets to test his arm against Line Mountain, an ex-TVL squad making its Mid-Penn debut.

Geoff Morrow: Camp Hill 24, Line Mountain 20: Might not end up this close, but this seems like kind of a cool game. I’m digging this new Mid-Penn look.

Related: Camp Hill preview

Related: Line Mountain preview

Exeter Township at CD East

Andy Shay: Exeter Township 34, CD East 20: The Eagles have a game under their belt and despite the loss put up nearly 500 yards of offense. They will score points. Not sure the Panthers, who are preparing for their third opponent for this game, can be quite ready.

Jake Adams: Exeter Township 32, CD East 24: And this is the perfect example of why this season cannot possibly go smoothly. We’re only in Week 1 and East is on their backup-backup opponent.

Andy Sandrik: Exeter Township 37, CD East 30: Part of me wants to think that East can trade blows with the Eagles, who took heavy graduation losses from last year’s district semifinals team. Another part of me thinks that returning all-league QB Gavin McCusker is going to put on a fireworks show. Maybe both things can be true.

Geoff Morrow: Exeter Township 28, CD East 21: Ain’t nothing like a last-second change of schedule. Gotta figure Eagles have the edge with a productive win over Hempfield last week while the Panthers were still scrimmaging.

Related: CD East preview

Berks Catholic at Cedar Cliff

Andy Shay: Cedar Cliff 21, Berks Catholic 20: The last time the Colts played a game it was an embarrassing performance in a District 3 championship game. That’s some fuel to light a fire right there. The Saints are the clear favorite. And I know the Colts are filling some huge shoes at important spots. I’m done picking them to lose big games until it happens — the D3 final doesn’t count as a game, either, cause it wasn’t.

Jake Adams: Berks Catholic 35, Cedar Cliff 20: Both teams made the district championship a season ago, but it appears the Colts have more new pieces to acclimate. And I think that shows in this hastily thrown together Week 1 matchup.

Andy Sandrik: Berks Catholic 28, Cedar Cliff 7: I can’t, in good faith, convince myself the Colts are going to beat the Saints when two days ago I was predicting Lower Dauphin to give CC a run for its money in the post-Jaheim Morris era.

Geoff Morrow: Cedar Cliff 22, Berks Catholic 21: I feel like I just accidentally copied AShay, though I didn’t notice his prediction until AFTER I made mine. Whatever. AShay is cool. I’m proud to sometimes think like him.

Related: Cedar Cliff preview

Chambersburg at Central Dauphin

Andy Shay: Central Dauphin 35, Chambersburg 7: Rams are the Alpha Dog in the division, and the Trojans have been knocking at the door. Some key losses means there’s going to be a gap. And playing a team like CD to learn how to plug those holes is a tall, tall ask.

Jake Adams: Central Dauphin 35, Chambersburg 21: The Rams look really, really dangerous. That’s what happens when a healthy chunk of a state championship finalist comes back.

Andy Sandrik: Central Dauphin 28, Chambersburg 14: The Trojans want so badly to become one of the top programs in the elite Commonwealth and have made strides with their ascent in the division’s pecking order, but in order to be the best, you have to beat the best. Chambersburg is being asked to do just that in Week 1 against defending champ Central Dauphin, a team the Trojans haven’t beaten since 2013.

Geoff Morrow: Central Dauphin 40, Chambersburg 20: So, some 2019 stuff is coming back to me, even though it feels like 8 million years ago. I remember the Trojans are a player now. But I also know the Rams are arguably the best team in the area.

Related: Central Dauphin preview

Related: Chambersburg preview

Northern at East Pennsboro

Andy Shay: Northern 26, East Pennsboro 23: This is going to be a scrap because the Polar Bears no longer have an ace in the hole. Up front Northern is better. EP has more seasoned and known weapons. I’m leaning on the hogs up front as the deciding factor.

Jake Adams: East Pennsboro 28, Northern 21: You know what? Let’s go for the upset. Longtime CD assistant John Denniston snags his first career head-coaching win in his first try.

Andy Sandrik: Northern 28, East Pennsboro 21: For four years, Kyle Swartz was a cheat code for the Polar Bears. Something tells me this game is closer than expected as Northern adjusts to playing the game with mere mortals on its roster.

Geoff Morrow: Northern 25, East Pennsboro 15: Hard to imagine a Panthers team without Todd Stuter patrolling the sideline. It’s not hard to imagine this being a fun contest.

Related: Northern preview

Related: East Pennsboro preview

Hamburg at Halifax

Andy Shay: Hamburg 20, Halifax 13: The best player on the field, Diohnny Ruiz, plays for Hamburg, and in this strange world we now live in that’s enough a difference maker for me.

Jake Adams: Halifax 26, Hamburg 23: The Hawks won this one handily last year. But the Wildcats return a sizable amount of weapons. Gut call, considering how little I know outside the Mid-Penn.

Andy Sandrik: Hamburg 24, Halifax 21: Halifax had best keep an eye on Hamburg’s HB/LB Diohnny Ruiz, who was all-league on both sides of the ball last season.

Geoff Morrow: Hamburg 30, Halifax 7: At first I thought this said “Harrisburg at Halifax,” and I was like, “Uh oh. That’s not good for the Wildcats.” After correcting myself, this still feels like an uphill battle to me.

Related: Halifax preview

Red Land at Hershey

Andy Shay: Red Land 20, Hershey 13: Scoring enough points to stay competitive is a hurdle Hershey must overcome this year. They have the horses to be better, but can they execute? Patriots are cooking with more they can trust right now. Should be a good one.

Jake Adams: Red Land 23, Hershey 20: This might be one of the juiciest matchups of the first week. The Trojans and Patriots both return a sizable chunk of last year’s squads, and at some valuable positions. This one’s a coin toss to me.

Andy Sandrik: Red Land 17, Hershey 7: All signs point to improved seasons from both the Patriots and Trojans, so this is a tough one to call. I’m giving Red Land the advantage because the Pats beat up on Hershey 31-6 in last year’s meeting.

Geoff Morrow: Red Land 20, Hershey 14: I went to Red Land, but I’m not a homer. I just flip coins.

Related: Red Land preview

West Perry at Mechanicsburg

Andy Shay: Mechanicsburg 42, West Perry 7: Welcome to the Colonial Division, Wildcats. You get to open with a Mustangs team that is solid up front but replacing all those yards and points at the skill positions is a process. And Wildcats QB Micah Brubaker is sneaky good.

Jake Adams: Mechanicsburg 35, West Perry 10: We know the Wildcats will rack up yards. But can they finish off a few more drives this year AND, more importantly, make more stops on defense? That’s the key to a successful Colonial Division debut.

Andy Sandrik: Mechanicsburg 28, West Perry 10: The Mustangs have strength on the offensive line, which is where games are ultimately won or lost, but WP’s new cast of playmakers will need to start producing almost immediately to keep pace with the rejuvenated Wildcats, led by Micah Brubaker, perhaps the biggest QB threat in the Colonial Division.

Geoff Morrow: Mechanicsburg 33, West Perry 14: Boss’ son plays for the Wildcats, so I’m just predict right now that Mechanicsburg wins the Super Bowl this year and hope it gets me a quality job review.

Related: Mechanicsburg preview

Related: West Perry preview

Bishop McDevitt at Mifflin County

Andy Shay: Bishop McDevitt 44, Mifflin County 0: Thinking this is more like a scrimmage than a Week 1 game. The talent gap is rather large here.

Jake Adams: Bishop McDevitt 56, Mifflin County 3: The Crusaders are built to score a billion points, and that starts in Week 1.

Andy Sandrik: Bishop McDevitt 42, Mifflin County 0: The Crusaders are great on offense and exceptional on the defensive side of the ball. I think McDevitt’s starters and backups work hard to keep MiffCo off the board.

Geoff Morrow: Bishop McDevitt 55, Mifflin County 7: Running wild in Lewistown.

Related: Bishop McDevitt preview

Related: Mifflin County preview

Hollidaysburg at Palmyra

Andy Shay: Hollidaysburg 20, Palmyra 16: This is my guess pick of the week. The fact the Golden Tigers already have eight live quarters under their belt has to mean something, right?

Jake Adams: Palmyra 28, Hollidaysburg 13: Normally, I’d like a team coming in with two games in hand, but the Golden Tigers are already 0-2 and went 0-4 pretty decisively against Mid-Penn competition last year. Cougars cruise here.

Andy Sandrik: Hollidaysburg 28, Palmyra 13: I’m going to disagree with Jake here. Even at 0-2, I fully expect the Golden Tigers to be more prepared for the lights in Week 3 than an untested Palmyra in Week 1. That’s not a slight on the Cougars, either, just another weird-but-true reality of 2020.

Geoff Morrow: Palmyra 21, Hollidaysburg 17: Such an intense, classic rivalry here. It’s like cats vs. dijon mustard.

Greencastle-Antrim at Susquehanna Township

Andy Shay: Susquehanna Township 33, Greencastle-Antrim 26: The Blue Devils will be improved and look to play at a much different pace than their opponent. I fully expect the Hanna Tribe to flash, but G-A will make it grind over 48 minutes.

Jake Adams: Susquehanna Township 41, Greencastle-Antrim 19: It’ll be a 3-4 team race in the Colonial this year, perhaps the most entertaining division race to watch in the entire Mid-Penn. ‘Hanna firmly belongs in that camp, while G-A will be looking to play spoiler all year.

Andy Sandrik: Susquehanna Township 48, Greencastle-Antrim 21: The Indians will, as expected, make their Colonial Division debut an explosive one. This is, however, one of Greencastle’s best teams in years. Can the Blue Devils keep the game entertaining?

Geoff Morrow: Susquehanna Township 35, Greencastle-Antrim 14: I remember Jake issued an edict last year saying we now have to spell out “township” in these school names. I gave in, but it will always be “Twp.” in my heart.

Related: Susquehanna Twp. preview

Related: Greencastle-Antrim preview

Newport at Trinity

Andy Shay: Newport 20, Trinity 7: Both squads are shopping for weapons to emerge at the skill positions. This is a box of chocolates game to me — not sure what you are going to get.

Jake Adams: Newport 28, Trinity 21: I’m going to struggle the first few weeks figuring out these Liberty-Capital crossover games. But I’m not sure what to expect from a rebuilt Shamrocks offense that will have a new QB, new RB and several new receivers.

Andy Sandrik: Trinity 14, Newport 7: Both teams replacing some key skill players so points might come at a premium on Friday night. Coin flip game in my mind, so going with the home team.

Geoff Morrow: Trinity 21, Newport 18: It’s a good nickname battle. Let’s hope this is also a good actual battle. I think it will be.

Related Newport preview

Related: Trinity preview

Shippensburg at Waynesboro

Andy Shay: Shippensburg 24, Waynesboro 13: In a year when very little resembles what we saw in 2019 because of COVID, the Greyhounds are lethally predictable. That will serve them well against the pesky Indians.

Jake Adams: Shippensburg 28, Waynesboro 14: The Greyhounds may not be able to get to warp speed after some lightning-fast graduations, but they’re still big, still strong, still confident and still have some speed left over.

Andy Sandrik: Shippensburg 21, Waynesboro 12: Ship appears to have the best team on the field this week, and perhaps in the Colonial Division all season, but Week 1 is a dangerous time to be taking Waynesboro’s best shot.

Geoff Morrow: Shippensburg 30, Waynesboro 20: Remember that one year Brennan Marion coached the ‘Boro and added some spice to the entire Colonial? That was fun. Indians have been pretty competitive since, too.

Related: Shippensburg preview

Related: Waynesboro preview

Saturday, Sept. 26

Upper Dauphin at Steel-High

Andy Shay: Steel-High 33, Upper Dauphin 22: To me this game goes one of two ways, either’s a fun up-and-down Saturday thriller on Cottage Hill, or the Rollers take the Trojans out behind the woodshed. The over-under for touchdown plays covering 60 or more yards is 3.5.

Jake Adams: Steel-High 37, Upper Dauphin 32: Two favorites in their respective divisions with two potent offenses, this also has the makings of an excellent Week 1 clash. If the Rollers’ rookie QB Alex Erby proves the preseason hype correct, this could be a fun, high-scoring game.

Andy Sandrik: Steel-High 30, Upper Dauphin 20: My wife wants us to take the kids to Hersheypark on Saturday, but it’s gonna be really hard not to stay home and search for a livestream of this juicy matchup.

Geoff Morrow: Steel-High 44, Upper Dauphin 30: Rollers family suffered some recent heartbreak, and I think the team rallies around that and wins one for the community.

Related: Upper Dauphin preview

Related: Steel-High preview

*State College, Lower Dauphin, Carlisle: No contests scheduled

Related: State College preview

Related: Lower Dauphin preview

Related: Carlisle preview

Week 3 Schuylkill League Schedule:

Friday, Sept. 25

Jim Thorpe at Pine Grove

Andy Shay: Jim Thorpe 26, Pine Grove 14: I don’t think I realized JT was nicknamed the Olympians. WHAT a great nickname. There’s a physical level between the old TVL (rest in peace you beautiful small-school league) and the Schuylkill League. The Cards are finding that out.

Jake Adams: Jim Thorpe 27, Pine Grove 20: I think I played a youth league baseball game against a team from Jim Thorpe 20 years ago. That’s my special nugget of knowledge for this one.

Andy Sandrik: Jim Thorpe 28, Pine Grove 7: The transition to Schuylkill League football hasn’t been an easy one for 0-2 Pine Grove, and I’m not sure the road gets any easier this week for the Cards, who now have to deal with the 2-0 Olympians.

Geoff Morrow: Jim Thorpe 35, Pine Grove 21: If you’re gonna play against just one guy, Jim Thorpe probably isn’t the guy you want to face.

Related: Pine Grove preview

Williams Valley at Nativity BVM

Andy Shay: Williams Valley 37, Nativity BVM 12: The Vikings are to the point where they just want to outscore you and provide their fans as much splash and big plays as possible. They are fun to watch. Nativity is 2-0 but hasn’t faced a test like this.

Jake Adams: Williams Valley 35, Nativity BVM 13: I think the Vikings want to atone for finishing third in the last year of the Tri-Valley League. I see they averaged 12.2 yards a carry last week. That must feel nice.

Andy Sandrik: Williams Valley 28, Nativity BVM 24: Looks like it’s business as usual for the Vikings, who opened with a 54-0 win over Shenandoah Valley. I’m curious to see if unbeaten Nativity, which went 0-2 against TVL teams last year, can challenge Williams Valley.

Geoff Morrow: Williams Valley 45, Nativity BVM 14: Pre-, mid- or post-pandemic, the Vikings are a safe bet to win football games.

Related: Williams Valley preview

2020 Preview: Upper Dauphin Trojans

4thdownmagazine

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July 22, 2021

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By Michael Bullock:

Coach: Kent Smeltz, 3^rd season (25-9)

Classification: 2A

League/division: Mid-Penn Liberty

2019 record: 12-1 (9-0 Tri-Valley League)

Postseason: Beat Delone Catholic 36-28 in District 3 Class 2A championship. Lost to Southern Columbia 63-22 in PIAA Class 2A quarterfinals.

RETURNING LEADERS

Passing: Comp-Att, Yards, TDs

Tyler Cleveland: 0-1, 0, 0

Rushing: Att-Yards, Avg, TDs

Chance Crawford (Mbg): 161-759, 4.7, 5

Receiving: Rec-Yards, Avg, TDs

Kyle Casner (Mbg): 25-518, 20.7, 5

Key returning players: Chance Crawford, sr., RB-DB (Millersburg); Tyler Cleveland, sr., QB-DB; Hayden Harner, sr., WR-OLB; Elijah Latshaw, sr., OL-DL (Mbg); Jaben Jury, sr., OL-DL (Mbg); Alex Gannon, sr., OL-DL; Dominic Fulkroad, sr., OL-DL; Bransen Byle, sr., OL-DL; Kyle Casner, sr., WR-DB (Mbg).

Outlook: While graduation definitely belted Smeltz’s prolific Trojans, the Millersburg upperclassmen now on the scene will help up front while the skills can provide plenty of pop. So, all is not lost as UDA shifts from the Tri-Valley League to the Mid-Penn’s freshly minted Liberty Division. Yes, Smeltz’s program is in transition. Yes, the rest of the Liberty will be looking to unseat the Trojans. Regardless, a football program that spans almost all of northern Dauphin County is not about to yield anything without a scrap.

3 Things to Know:

1. Trojans hoping to maintain momentum: Propelled by a senior-heavy squad featuring All-State QB Macklin Ayers (3,000 yards from scrimmage) and highly productive running back Jake Ramberger, Kent Smeltz’s Trojans collared the Tri-Valley League’s final crown, captured a District 3 Class 2A title and advanced to state play before encountering eventual state champ Southern Columbia. When it was over, 18 seniors played their final high school football games in Upper Dauphin orange and black. Now comes the test of plugging some less-experienced performers into some prime-time positions while trying to fend off the rest of the Mid-Penn’s determined Liberty Division rivals. “That’s one of the things we talked about [Sept. 18] at our last practice before [the Trinity] scrimmage,” Smeltz said. “There’s no magical potion out there. There aren’t these magical plays that we know and nobody else knows. It’s hard work. It’s as simple as that. It’s hard work. Do you put in the time? Are you willing to be focused at practice? Coaches have to put in the time to prepare, and players have to put in the time at practice to prepare for a game. It’s a grind. It is a grind. That’s the challenge. That senior class that we had last year, they certainly set the standard, and hopefully the underclassmen learned from that. We’re bringing in some kids from Millersburg that weren’t exposed to that, so that’s a little bit of a challenge. They’re very eager, but this is a new system for them.”

2. Year 1 of U.S. 209 cooperative agreement about to begin: Even though UD said so long to its sizable senior class, Smeltz’s Trojans definitely will benefit from the arrival of a number of former Millersburg players as a full-scale cooperative relationship gets underway. And since the Indians closed out 100-plus years of football by claiming a District 3 Class 1A championship and reaching states, those underclassmen who opted to continue their careers nine miles away will capably fill some of those existing holes. Chance Crawford is a dependable two-way back, while receiver Kyle Casner averaged just over 20 yards per catch and can run past plenty of defensive backs. Linemen Elijah Latshaw and Jaben Jury bring experience and bulk to the Trojans. Another player who could have helped plenty was versatile Caden Feaster, but he suffered a preseason knee injury and will be unavailable. Former Millersburg head coach Aaron Wright also has joined the UDA staff. “I don’t think there’s been any issue. They struggled the last few years, so they’re willing just to fall in line and do what we ask. That’s for the older kids, the juniors and seniors,” Smeltz said. “The underclassmen, it’s maybe been a little bit more of a shock to them how we do things; they’re not used to that. But the upperclassmen — ‘whatever Coach, whatever’ — are so willing to adapt and just do whatever we ask them to do. … I don’t think there’s been a total buy-in from the younger kids, but from the older kids there’s been buy-in from Day 1.”

3. Program A + Program B = UDA — and hopefully more success: While Smeltz & Co. would love to have more time to fine-tune the transition and fully incorporate the former Millersburg players into the Upper Dauphin way of doing things, that won’t be the case since the Trojans must open against perennial hammer Steel-High in a Mid-Penn crossover. Quite simply, UD is going from finishing one season against powerful Southern Columbia to opening another against dangerous Steel-High. Yikes! “Because of the Millersburg kids coming on to the team, we’re running a different offense and a different defense than what they’ve been used to — so it’s a big learning curve for them,” Smeltz said. “Once again, they’ve been trying really hard, but there’s nothing like experience. So, by the middle of the season I think we’ll be a much better team than we are at the beginning of the season, but opening up with Steel-High we’re not getting any type of leeway there. We’re going right into the lion’s den with the first game, so it’s concerning cause the kids just don’t have a lot of experience in our systems. We’re going to try hard and see what happens.”

2020 Preview: Bishop McDevitt

4thdownmagazine

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July 22, 2021

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By Andy Sandrik:

Head coach: Jeff Weachter

Classification: 4A

Division: Mid-Penn Keystone

2019 Season: 8-4, 5-1 in Keystone

Postseason: Lost to Lampeter-Strasburg in the District 3-4A quarterfinal

RETURNING LEADERS

Passing: Comp-Att, Yards, TD

Lek Powell: 155-254, 2,054, 18

Rushing: Att-Yards, Avg., TD

Marquese Williams: 155-1,019, 6.6, 15

Receiving: Rec-Yards,Avg., TD

Mario Easterly: 52-761, 14.4, 7

Omari Hopkind: 20-492, 24.6, 3

Key Players: QB Lek Powell, Sr., QB; Marquese Williams, So., RB; Mario Easterly, Jr., WB-DB; Kamil Foster, Jr., WR-DB; Gabe Arena, So., OL-DL; Julian Bakos, Sr., OLB-DE; Jamoni Heron George, Jr., LB; Riley Robell, So., LB; Danny McHale, Sr., OL-DL; Omari Hopkins, Sr.,; Dedrick Tinker, Sr., WR-RB-DB

OUTLOOK: If this year were like any other year, we’d be talking about this team’s chances to compete for a state title. But the reality of this fall is that the Crusaders will be competing for one of just four spots in the district playoffs, and losses — either by final score or game cancellations — could leave Bishop McDevitt on the outside looking in. The good news, in case you haven’t heard, is that the Crusaders are an excellent football team. They will be favored in every regular season game they play this fall. If McDevitt can play a full schedule this season, and earn a signature win over Cedar Cliff and/or Cumberland Valley, we like the Crusaders chances to not only qualify for the postseason, but to make a run.

3 THINGS TO KNOW

1. Williams hitting the OL books
Following an electric freshman season that featured 15 TDs and more than 1,000 yards, it’s hard to imagine McDevitt marching out an even better version of RB Marquese Williams this fall. Yet Weachter reports that Williams has only gotten bigger, faster and smarter since last season.

Williams has done everything that’s been asked of him, even study the playbook: From the perspective of a lineman.

“We made Marquese learn the blocking schemes as if he’s a lineman,” Weachter said. “We made LeSean (McCoy) do the same thing. When you do that, your understanding of how to run the ball is better.”

That understanding goes beyond the running back, as Weachter can count on Williams for not only yards, but opposition intel as well. Weachter acknowledges that technological improvements, like instant replay, have made it easier for coaches to pick up on what’s happening between the lines, but he said it’s still important to get the feedback from his RB.

“Marquese has great peripheral vision like Shady, so he can talk more about what he’s seeing,” Weachter said. “He can talk more on a coaches level now about what he’s seeing and what he likes.
“He has just physically and mentally matured since last year, so he’s going to be tough to handle.”

2. Altered Schedule

Harrisburg and Milton Hershey are off the schedule because of COVID-19 season cancellations. McDevitt won’t be meeting national power St. Mary’s Ryken, as scheduled, either. Even Middletown, a PIAA tournament regular, won’t be able to challenge the Crusaders after making the move from the Keystone Division to the Capital.

The question for McDevitt is can its schedule, in its current form, prepare the Crusaders for a deep postseason run? Another question worth considering, as the number of District 3 4A qualifiers has dipped from 10 teams to four: Will McDevitt be able to rack up enough power points to qualify for the dance?

Not so fast, Weachter says.

“Losing all of those teams is a little frustrating, but I’m just happy that we’re getting to hopefully play some games,” Weachter said. “I haven’t looked at the other 4A teams, but I know we have two 6A teams on our schedule and the rest are all 5A, so you’ve got to win anyway. You just have to win, and hope you get in.”

If there’s a silver lining to the schedule changes, it’s that the Crusaders can continue their rivalry with Cumberland Valley, which was added to the schedule for Oct. 16 to replace Harrisburg. This game will be played one week after Keystone heavy hitter Cedar Cliff welcomes McDevitt to West Shore Stadium. These two games will not only give us a better idea of how good the Crusaders really are, these contests could go a long way in determining whether Weachter’s squad make it to the playoffs at all.

3. “We’ll go as far as our O-Line takes us”

Even if McDevitt didn’t have Williams, the Crusaders would still be loaded at the skill positions. QB Lek Powell developed a steady hand last season and returns this fall with an even stronger arm. He has a deeply talented wide receiving corps of Mario Easterly, Omari Hopkins, Kamil Foster, and Dedrick Tinker.

McDevitt’s defense, with DE/LB Julian Bankos wreaking havoc to lead by example, will ensure that the Crusaders are in every game this year.

The biggest question mark for McDevitt lies with the young offensive line, which struggled at times last seasons, but returns with a year of on-the-job experience. These dudes are big — check out the measurements for Kameron Zeangle (6-0, 250), Cole Brandenburg (6-7, 240), Ethan Straining (6-2, 230), and Gabriel Arena (6-4, 250) — but aside from senior Bradenburg, all are sophomores.

Weachter is banking on 2019’s baptism under fire to pay dividends for his boys in the trenches this season.

“We’ll go where our offensive line goes,” Weachter said. “We were young last year and we’re still young this year, but we’ve seen improvements. We’ve got some good size for the offensive line to gel, and if we can do that, and get some good secondary play, we’ll be a really good football team.”

2020 Preview: Red Land

4thdownmagazine

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July 22, 2021

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By Adam Kulikowski:

Head coach: Frank Gay, 17th season overall (92-83), 11th season at Red Land (50-58)

Classification: 5A

Division: Mid-Penn Keystone

2019 season: 4-6 (2-4)

Postseason: did not qualify

RETURNING LEADERS

Passing: Comp-Att.,Yards, TD

None

Rushing: Att-Yards, Avg, TD

Dylan Rodenhaber: 35-140, 4.0, 1

Receiving: Rec-Yards, Avg, TD

Chase Lawler: 34-378, 11.1, 3

Hayden Zechman: 16-228, 14.3, 2

Key returners: Dylan Rodenhaber, sr., RB-LB; Chase Lawler, sr., WR-DB; Hayden Zechman, sr., WR-OLB; Robert Rodgers, sr., RB-LB; Adrien Ortiz, sr., RB-DB; Cole Archambeault, sr., OL-DL; Kaden Peifer, jr., TE-LB; Nate Smith, jr., OL-DE; Sam Sklar, jr., WR-DB; Brady Lydon, jr., OL-DL; Gavin Feliciano, jr., K-P.

Outlook: The Patriots’ stock continues to rise as Frank Gay and his crew work to rebuild the them into a contender in the Keystone Division. While a postseason berth appears to be out of reach in a year where District 3 will punch only four tickets in the 5A class, a winning record is not — and that would be another step forward for the Lewisberry bunch.

3. Things to Know:

1. QB 1: Frank Gay named junior Landon Henline the starting quarterback Monday morning, just days before the Patriots are scheduled to face off against Hershey. It took a pair of scrimmages and an intense battle during an abbreviated offseason for the 6-foot-3 Henline to earn the nod over freshman Roman Jensen. “We wanted to see: could they command an offense?” Gay said of the pair before the veteran coach gave the starting nod to Henline. “Could they handle pressure? Could they be efficient? Our quarterbacks are going to be game managers, they are not going to be guys we have to rely on to win games. They are both brilliant kids in the classroom and on the field. Roman is a freshman coming up. He hasn’t seen a lot of big kids flying at him. It is just different. Landon, he played JV for us and did well, but then he broke his leg.”

2. Ready to run: You could hear the excitement in the voice of Gay when he spoke about the potential he saw in running back Dylan Rodenhaber. The senior — an established force on defense as a linebacker who was a leading tackler as a junior — prototypes as a bruising back who can grind out the tough yards in between the tackles. But looks can be deceiving. “He’s 215 pounds,” Gay said. “He can run hard inside, but he has some wiggle that you wouldn’t expect. He showed that against Big Spring in a couple runs. You are going to pay for it if you try to bring him down.” While Rodenhaber won’t be the starting quarterback when the Patriots roll into Hershey High School on Friday, don’t be surprised if he takes a few snaps as the 2020 season unfolds.

3. Promising front line: Three new starters will open the season on the offensive line for the Patriots. The good news for that group? One of those vacant positions will be filled by a former starter who took a year off from the game. Center Cole Archambeault is back on the roster, joining Brady Lydon and Nate Smith — who Gay praised as one of the toughest kids he’s coached in his 31 years — as penciled-in starters. A pair of promising sophomores, Addison Janovich (6-2, 210) and Bryce Stevens (6-2, 265) are battling for the remaining open slots. “We have some really young, talented linemen who if I can get them on track, we’re going to be OK because we have good kids in the fold. We just need to nurture them and get them ready to play as fast as we can.”