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2020 Preview: Steel-High Rollers

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July 15, 2021

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By Adam Kulikowski:

Head coach: Andrew Erby, 7^th season (40-33)

Classification: 2A

Division: Capital

2019 Season: 8-3 (5-2 league)

Postseason: Lost to Delone Catholic 39-27 in District 3 Class 2A semifinal.

RETURNING LEADERS

Passing: Comp-Att, Yards, TD

None

Rushing: Att-Yards, Avg, TD

Odell Greene: 73-1,300, 18

Receiving: Rec-Yards, Avg, TD

Mehki Flowers: 43-1,000, 23.2, 25

Tryone Moore: 47-743, 15.8,10

Key returners: Tydre Hollands Alli, sr., OT; Kiyler Raye, sr., OG; Marcus Martinez, sr., C; Damein Hammonds, sr., WR; Mehki Flowers, jr., WR-DB; Odell Greene, sr., RB; Tyrone Moore, jr., WR-DB; Tyhir Duncan, OG.

Outlook: The Rollers have all the components needed to stake their flag to the top of the Capital Division hill. Mehki Flowers, the four-star wide receiver and safety who packed on another 10 pounds to his frame over the offseason, draws plenty of attention — and for good reason — but this is a team that is loaded with talent beyond the stud incoming junior. Four starters return to anchor the offensive line, running back Odell Greene and a freshman QB with a familiar last name are all primed to hit the ground running (more on that below). This is a club that should be fun to watch.

3 Things to Know:

More than a game: Each morning before the pandemic shut down schools across the Commonwealth, Andrew Erby’s crew met in the auditorium. The goal? Build life skills that the Rollers could use both on and off the field. “When we evaluated and reflected on our previous season, we wanted to form a way and an opportunity to build leadership and life skills,” Erby said of the meetings which continued online after schools closed for the year. “We talked about the importance of team, and unity and effort and just our team core values. We related them to school, football and life. It was a life lesson class to give our kids the skills they need to be successful. … You can see first-hand the benefit of it.”
A father’s son: The next four years should be a special time for Andrew Erby. Alex Erby, who is the twin brother of defensive lineman Andrew Jr., takes over as QB1 in the Rollers system as a 6-foot-2, 190-pound freshman. Think that’s a tall task? Think again. Alex already is garnering interest from colleges and has played with a number of his new varsity teammates as he rose through the feeder systems. “He’s been preparing for this since he’s been about 5 years old,” Erby said. “He has the measurable to be a good elite quarterback. To be a 6-2, 190-pound freshman, he is really advanced. It is hard to find a kid his age that is on the level he is as a freshman. He’s worked with this group of kids for years through the ranks. Now the opportunity is here.” Nine starters on offense return from 2019’s squad to fuel what should be a high-powered offense.
Dean(e) of the defense: The Rollers gained a difference maker on defense — he just won’t be able to take the field. Lance Deane — yep, the same Lance Deane who dominated at Bishop McDevitt and shined at corner back for Kutztown — will serve as defensive coordinator in 2020. “I probably have the best hire in Pennsylvania because he easily could be a head coach,” Erby said. “He’s a well-rounded guy who brings leadership. I can just see — he’s going to change what we look like defensively just with his knowledge and work ethic and understanding of the fundamentals. He could easily be a college coach right now. He fit in the mold of not just being a good coach, but also being active in the community, so he fit as a mentor in our program. He was a no-brainer for our program.”

2020 Preview: Mifflin County Huskies

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July 15, 2021

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By Adam Kulikowski

Coach: Scot Sechler

Classification: 6A

Division: Keystone

2019 record: 3-7 (2-4 Colonial)

Playoffs: did not qualify

Returning leaders

Passing: Comp-Att, Yards, TDs

Chris Sheetz: 47-95, 666, 6

Brycen Hassinger: 28-72, 523, 5

Rushing: Att-Yards, Avg., TDs

Brycen Hassinger: 103-651, 6.3, 4

Gage Schaeffer: 110-584, 5.3, 6

Receiving: Rec-Yards, Avg., TDs

Jayden Jackson: 18-450, 25.0 4

Key Players: Brycen Hassinger, sr., QB-OLB; Gage Schaeffer, sr., RB; Jayden Jackson, sr., WR-DB; Jacob Rhodes, sr., C-DL; Zach Williams, sr., FB-DE.

Outlook: During a year when the COVID-19 pandemic sapped teams from opportunities to participate in 7-on-7’s, Sechler and Co. should take advantage of a full compliment of returning skill position players led by Hassinger, Schaeffer and Jackson. That trio — a combined 2,200 yards of production — have a ready built rapport that could cause havoc as the Huskies move from the Colonial Division to the Keystone in 2020.

Three things to know:

New-look offense: When the Huskies kick off their season Sept. 25 against Bishop McDevitt, Sechler’s crew will sport a new-look offense featuring a version of the triple option scheme. The shift in philosophies will capitalize on a loaded set of skill position players led by a trio of seniors — quarterback Brycen Hassinger, Gage Schaeffer, the 4.4-second (40-yard dash time) blazer at running back and the dynamic Jayden Jackson at wide out. “We completely revamped our offense to build around the offensive talent we have,” Sechler said. ”We also have another back coming back in Trey Kibe who will play football again this year. We have a quarterback who can run well and a great group of wide outs. … We’re not a college team, we’re not recruiting kids in so we have to fit our offense and defense into the talent we have. This is the best fit for us this year.”
Pocket presence: Speaking of Hassinger, the 6-foot-2 signal caller should showcase growth in the pocket during his final abbreviated circuit through the Mid-Penn. Unlike in years past, Hassinger did not split time between football and baseball during the offseason. The added time honing his football skills should shine as the Huskies finally get to put the pads on today as heat acclimation begins in the Mid-Penn Conference. “Brycen has really developed well over the summer,” Sechler said. “Just his presence in the pocket, his comfort level has really grown leaps and bounds. He’s developing a great rapport with Jackson. It was a lot of work with his technique, his footwork, his vision. Just being able to read his keys and what combination of possibilities we had out there.”
One to watch: On a defense loaded with returning talent, one man to watch resides on Mifflin’s defensive line. Kaden Bartley, an incoming senior, rotated in along the line last year. The 6-2, 230-pound lineman is already opening eyes heading into camp. “He’s a lot stronger than he was last year, and his speed is much better with his foot quickness,” Sechler said. “His hand motion and the way he is able to free himself is really phenomenal.”

2020 Preview: Williams Valley Vikings

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July 15, 2021

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By Michael Bullock:

Coach: Tim Savage, 9^th season (77-23)

Classification: 1A

2019 record: 10-3 (7-2 Tri-Valley League)

Postseason: Beat Tri-Valley 36-7 in District 11 Class 1A championship; lost to Lackawanna Trail 44-30 in PIAA Class 1A first round.

RETURNING LEADERS

Passing: Comp-Att, Yards, TDs

Bryce Herb: 140-285, 2,688, 37

Rushing: Att-Yards, Avg, TDs

Jesse Engle: 37-139, 3.8, 1

Receiving: Rec-Yards, Avg, TDs

Jesse Engle: 40-803, 20.1, 13

Key returning players: Bryce Herb, sr., QB-S; Jesse Engle, sr., TE/HB-ILB; Jake Herman, sr., DB-WR; Jackson Yoder, jr., C-ILB; Ezi Hite, so., LT-DT; Hunter Wolfgang, jr., TB/WR-DE; Brayden Shadle, so., LG-DT; Owen Shoop, jr., LG-DT.

Outlook: With a sizable front returning and ready to go after absorbing growing pains and learning experiences, Savage & Co. remain optimistic despite the departures of several productive skill-position players. The return of Herb — especially if the big eaters can keep him clean and upright — and Engle should ease the pressure on the Vikings’ squadron of youthful backs and otherwise inexperienced receivers. Bottom line is this group has more than enough pop to keep those along U.S. 209 fully engaged and plugged in as the Vikings pursue yet another winning season and playoff gold.

3 Things to Know:

1. Herb, Vikings hope to keep attack at full boil: Assuming Williams Valley can log enough game action — and veteran skipper Tim Savage doesn’t believe it’ll take long, even though his program is on hold until after Labor Day due to a COVID-19 flare-up — returning all-state quarterback Bryce Herb could own every one of the school’s passing marks before he turns in his No. 6 jersey. The 6-foot, 180-pound senior, who last season in 12 outings racked up nearly 2,700 yards and 37 scores, needs roughly 1,500 passing yards to unseat his father, Paul, as the school’s all-time leader and seven TD tosses to move past the 53 scores predecessor Levi Engle posted. “Out of all my quarterbacks, he’s probably the smartest,” Savage said. “He understands everything that’s going on. He doesn’t have the athleticism Levi had and his arm strength’s not the same as [Stephen] Sedesse, but he’s close in those two categories. What puts him over the top is the ball’s almost always going where it should go. And that’s great.” Despite the departures of productive tailback Brady Miller and the wideout tandem of Bo Raho and Jayden Cruz, Herb will operate behind an offensive front that returns four starters and welcomes first-year senior Mason Evans (6-2, 240). The return of tight end Jesse Engle is another huge plus for the Vikings’ quick-strike attack.

2. Engle will get plenty of opportunities: Speaking of Engle, the 6-1, 225-pounder undoubtedly will draw plenty of attention from Schuylkill League defenses after grabbing 40 passes for just over 800 yards and 13 touchdowns a year ago. And if the Vikings have some difficulty establishing the ground game they need, don’t be surprised if Engle gets a few touches running the football. Engle also is a fixture on the defensive side of the football, starting his career as a freshman at defensive end before moving to inside linebacker prior to last season. Those early opportunities have benefited the versatile senior greatly, as he’s logged more snaps than any of his teammates. “Everyone ran at Jesse his freshman year. Everybody avoided Devon [Rabuck]; and it didn’t matter whether the team was 9-0 or 0-9, no one ran at Devon. So, Jesse got thrown into the fire and he held his own. He made mistakes and he did things wrong as a freshman, but he held his own. And that just pushed him to mature faster,” Savage said. “Moving him to the middle ‘backer spot, he’s running better than he has and he’s got some nice help in front of him. He’s got some big [butts] in front of him trying to take on blocks.”

3. Vikings fully immersed in Schuylkill League: While football is football to those who reside on either side of U.S. 209, Williams Valley partisans still may need a little time to adjust to a regular diet of Schuylkill League adversaries rather than the Upper Dauphins, Line Mountains and Millersburgs they subsisted on for decades. At the same time, Savage’s program could see another plus as all of the squads on the Vikings schedule could be in play when the District 11 Class 1A playoffs finally arrive — even though Williams Valley has been a perennial contender for postseason gold. “Everyone would always say that the Schuylkill League was more physical and had more talent and I had to listen to that for years, so we’ll see that we now have to play each other,” Savage said. “We’ll find out on the field who the best small school is in the area, so that’s where we’re at right now. We’ve always thought that was us and teams like [perennial 2A hammer Schuylkill] Haven are now on the schedule — so now we’re going to find out.”

2020 Preview: Trinity Shamrocks

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July 15, 2021

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By Jake Adams:

Head coach: Todd Ryan, 3rd season (6-14)

Classification: 2A

Division: Mid-Penn Capital

2019 season: 5-5 (2-5)

Postseason: did not qualify

RETURNING LEADERS

Passing: Comp-Att, Yards, TD

Cooper Manley: 7-10, 50, 0

Rushing: Att-Yards, Avg, TD

Tyler Rossi: 40-250, 6.3, 3

Receiving: Rec-Yards, Avg, TD

Trey McAuliffe: 22-458, 20.8, 5

Tyler Rossi: 1-15, 15.0, 0

Key returners: Trey McAuliffe, sr., WR; Peyton Warner, sr., RB-LB; Tommy Cloak, sr., OL-DL; Tyler Rossi, jr., RB-LB; Ryan Dalton, jr., OL-DL; Jason Wewer, jr., RB-OLB.

Outlook: The Shamrocks took an important step forward last year after unleashing the complete arsenal of their fully operational spread offense. It was fun, it racked up yards and it scored plenty of points. Now, the task is to replace their quarterback, several talented receivers and running back, and continue the upward trajectory. But the hope is another year in the system will give the young guys stepping into starting roles more comfort and make the jump easier.

Consistency will also be key. Two years ago, the Shamrocks started winless, than ripped off a couple wins late to build momentum. In 2019, it was the opposite as they started hot and then lost four of the last five. It’s something Ryan recognizes, and the team, but a strong start to the offseason before the pandemic shuts things down gives the third-year coach hope the team maintains strong play all year.

1. A new arsenal to work with: Last year’s Shamrocks racked up a hearty 2,300 passing yards and nearly 1,500 rushing thanks to an RPO scheme that fully unleashed QB Danny Scott, RB Daniel Kosinski and receivers like D’Amonte Porter, Ryan Berrigan and Connor McCarthy. Points were no longer hard to come by. But all of those faces have graduated in the year of the pandemic, leaving head coach Todd Ryan to replace an explosive arsenal with new pieces. A cog from the 2019 group that’s back, though, is Trey McAuliffe, who caught 22 passes for 458 yards and and five scores. He missed time with injuries last year, but the ‘Rocks expect big things from him. Tyler Rossi, who is faster, but “not as shifty,” as Kosinski, Ryan said, is the likely lead back. And Jason Wewer and Max Schlager should see more time out wide. The QB race is down to sophomores Cooper Manley — who got a quick taste of the varsity life last year — and Landon Kuntzleman, Ryan said. “We’ve changed up my quarterback manual knowing that I had these two [and some incoming freshman] … to really slow down their learning curve,” Ryan said. “We really broke out the quarterback manual a lot better for them.”

2. Getting faster on defense: The coach said a major theme this offseason has been improving the defense. And primarily by getting faster. That doesn’t mean just physically, though — Ryan also had the defense focus on mental speed, working to improve player reaction times. “Defensively, we really focused our offseason this year on defense,” he said. “We really hit it strong in January through the shutdown, really working on the speed.” Trinity last year allowed more than 300 yards a game but was most vulnerable through the air, where it allowed 8 yards per pass attempt.

3. Deep in the trenches once again: Ryan, who has been with the program for more than five years, was pleased last year with the amount of big bodies on the roster. A program that hovers in the 30s and 40s had about 15 linemen to start or develop, a number he was happy with. That has carried over to 2020, where he figures to rotate 7-8 of his maulers all season, anchored by returning junior left tackle Ryan Dalton and senior Tommy Cloak. Not all of the linemen are varsity ready, but that also means they have a developmental pipeline to work with. “We had some new kids show up,” Ryan said. “Right now, we’re sitting three deep across the line.” A big boy to watch for is 6-foot-7, 250-pound Tommy Kelucha, who didn’t play football until he was a freshman. “You don’t miss him, that’s for sure,” the coach said.

2020 Preview: Boiling Springs Bubblers

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July 15, 2021

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By Jake Adams:

Head coach: Brad Zell, 3rd season (3-17)

Classification: 4A

Division: Mid-Penn Capital

2019 season: 0-10 (0-7)

Postseason: did not qualify

RETURNING LEADERS

Passing: Comp-Att, Yards, TD

Colin Lunde: 28-84, 233, 2

Rushing: Att-Yards, Avg, TD

De’Von James: 59-342, 5.8, 0

Doug Bear: 47-219, 4.7, 2

Receiving: Rec-Yards, Avg, TD

Doug Bear: 4-123, 30.8, 2

Key returners: Doug Bear, sr., FB-LB; De’Von James, sr., RB. Patrick Garvey, sr., WR-DB; Carson Garvey, jr., WR-S; Colin Lunde, jr., QB-P; Joey Menke, jr., RB-OLB; Aidan Metzger, jr., FB-MLB; Trey McCardell, so., WR-DB

*Returning roster information based on team’s MaxPreps roster from 2019-20.

Outlook: Eleven games have come and gone since the Bubblers last walked off a field with a win. It’s a streak this team desperately wants to end. Boiling Springs took its lumps last year with a young lineup at almost every position. Now, Zell’s crew is a year older at several important spots and itching to snap the skid and build some momentum. It’s not uncommon to see a team get its first win in a while and immediately rip off one or two more — the Bubblers are hoping to do just that.

The Battle of the Springs survives COVID-19 this year thanks to Big Spring joining the Capital Division, plus the Bubblers get a crossover with the new Liberty Division. Wins never come easy in the Mid-Penn, but the Bubblers will have chances to reverse the streak.

1. Youth movement might pay off: Last year, head coach Brad Zell ran with a young, untested lineup. Boiling Springs took its lumps, going 0-10 while struggling to put points on the board. The Bubblers are still young, but a year of varsity experience could go a long way to building some success in 2020. At least, that’s the hope. “We played a lot of freshman and sophomores last year, and juniors,” Zell said. “This year we’re still playing a lot of sophomores and juniors, with seniors sprinkled in there. … We made that decision last year to go young. … Sometimes getting pushed around a little isn’t a bad thing. It has a way of motivating kids.” Boiling Springs loses a sizable presence in lineman Landon Billman, and it’ll have to replace lead back Quentin Jones, but there aren’t many losses after that.

2. Defense has nowhere to go but up: The offense did no favors for the defense in 2019, but the Bubblers’ stoppers struggled last year. The pass defense in particular suffered, allowing 9.7 yards per pass attempt. Zell said the group loses two starters. And now in the third year under Zell, familiarity with the system is much more obvious. So, instead of rebuilding, the unit is simply building. “So, again, a lot of game reps coming back, which is, again, something we really haven’t had the luxury of before,” Zell said. “I think our defense will be a strong suit.” Boiling Springs wasn’t gashed for a ton of yards (309.8 per game), but they could certainly improve on the 10 or so turnovers they forced.

3. Competition at QB, RB: Colin Lunde is the incumbent under center in the Bubblers’ Wing-T, but he’s facing competition from Carson Garvey, Zell said. “I think our expectation for the quarterback position, not necessarily Colin, is to make good decisions,” Zell said. “If something’s not there, tuck the ball and run.” Lunde (or Garvey) will not be asked to shoulder the load, but seven interceptions and a completion percentage around 30% doesn’t typically cut it. And there’s a quartet of ball carriers that could see sizable carries in a system that requires several in order to excel. RB De’Von James is the only senior of the group, and he’ll share time with Joey Menke. A junior (Aiden Metzger) and sophomore (Trey McCardell) expect to see the bulk of the time at fullback. Whatever combination lines up in the backfield, there’s an expectation to improve on the 129.3 yards per game rushing. The Wing-T works best when it’s grinding down opponents, and that requires lots of carries and lots of yards on the ground. Expect more now that the group behind the offensive line is a little more seasoned.

2020 Preview: Juniata Indians

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July 15, 2021

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By Michael Bullock:

Coach: Kurt Condo, 2^nd season (4-7)

Classification: 4A

League/division: Mid-Penn Liberty

2019 record: 4-7 (4-5 Tri-Valley League)

Postseason: Lost to Clearfield 35-7 in District 6/9 Class 4A semifinals.

RETURNING LEADERS

Passing: Comp-Att, Yards, TDs

Jacob Condo: 82-161, 1,209, 14

Rushing: Att-Yards, Avg, TDs

Jacob Condo: 115-490, 4.3, 7

Receiving: Rec-Yards, Avg, TDs

Manny O’Donell: 23-368, 16.0, 4

Key returning players: Caleb Seeger, sr., RB-CB; Jacob Condo, jr., QB-OLB; Trent Martin, jr., RB-NG; Manny O’Donell, sr., WR-OLB; Mason Sheaffer, sr., OG-DL; Jace White, sr., FB-ILB; Billy Dressler, sr., WR-S; Josh Rivas, sr., OG-DL; Zach Hart, sr., OT-DL.

Outlook: With a number of veterans still on hand, Condo’s Indians hope to reverse some recent trends and make a legitimate run at whatever Mid-Penn Liberty crown is contested since not everyone is playing one another. Having Jacob Condo directing traffic is one bonus because he can beat you with his legs and his arm, yet don’t be surprised if the wonderfully athletic Manny O’Donell has plenty of success catching the ball against Liberty corners and safeties. A battalion of squat linemen — a Juniata constant — also returns even though the Indians likely will line up with two guard-sized backs ready for short-yardage duty or to create space for Condo and all-purpose back Caleb Seeger. If Juniata can ride out a four-game road trip at season’s start that includes Middletown, Lower Dauphin and Newport, the Indians will be OK.

3 Things to Know:

1. Now in Year 2, Condo slowly making changes: Entering his second campaign in charge following nearly two decades working alongside Gary Klingensmith — Klingensmith won 300-plus games during his 50 seasons at Juniata — Condo admits to altering a few things as his transition to skipper continues. Yet, while COVID-19 has made getting the preseason underway similar to the stops and starts that used to make driving through the Lewistown Narrows nothing short of a nuisance, Condo & Co. are trying to persevere by adjusting a few things, including some schematic redesigns on both sides of the football. “I learned quite a bit my first year as a head coach, and I spent a lot of time with my staff during the offseason sort of evaluating what our goals were and how we were going to get there,” Condo said. “One of the things I think we did pretty quickly was just sort of simplify things for the kids in terms of the X’s and O’s. To be successful at the high school level, I think you’ve just got to let the kids play. Let them play. Let them do what they’re good at doing, and don’t let them overthink. At the end of the day, high school kids are just high school kids. These aren’t all college athletes, they’re not NFL athletes. You’ve just got to give them opportunities to do what they do well. So, that was our main thing — how can we make these kids try to truly play to their potential?” One particular example is Condo and his staff implementing a route tree, providing opportunities for receivers to choose Option No. 2 and Option No. 3 if the primary option is defended well and unavailable. Film will show some other wrinkles.

2. Another Condo ready to go at a prominent position … and then some: Full of want-to and a desire to succeed, junior quarterback Jacob Condo will be parked atop defensive coordinators’ must-stop lists as they try to design schemes intended to slow down a kid who can run it and throw it. What ups the degree of difficulty considerably is the younger Condo is about to go behind center as starting QB for the third straight season. And that’s quite a luxury for coaches at the high school level — whether he’s the skipper’s son or not. “What I’ve seen from him the past two seasons is he’s very calm and he can make rational decisions. And generally, he’s usually right decision-wise with what he does on the field. He’s also very smart. He’s like having a coach on the field,” the elder Condo said. “He’s been around football his entire life. He went to his first college football game when he was like four or five weeks old.” The Mid-Penn Liberty coaches also know what they’re about to encounter, because the younger Condo was tagged the seven-team loop’s preseason offensive player of the year, according to PennLive. “It’s nice to get that little bit of respect and recognition, but my words to him were ‘preseason does not mean squat,’” Kurt Condo said. “I know one of his goals this year is to make more of an impact on the team defensively. That’s one thing that he didn’t do a lot of the last two years, but he’d probably play every two or three series on defense. … He wants to win and I can appreciate that. He would trade in any yards passing or any yards rushing or any touchdowns for a victory.” Just guessing that’s his DNA bubbling to the surface.

3. Plenty of Friday night bus rides still on tap: While COVID-19’s presence impacted Juniata’s preseason preparations — even dating back to last spring when schools were shut down — a peek at the Indians’ regular-season slate displays a heavy load of difficulty. Try four straight road games starting with a jaunt to suburban Harrisburg to scrap with three-time Class 3A state finalist Middletown. For a Juniata program that last season returned home from seven road scraps with just one positive result, that’s a significant nugget that needs to be reversed, and Condo hopes to do so quickly. “I think we just need them to believe in themselves. We need them to come together and gel together and sort of fight for one another and with one another. We just want everyone to have good positive thinking and vibes,” Kurt Condo said of trying to erase the sting of two straight losing seasons. “Last year we didn’t play real well on the road, so that is a concern starting the season playing four straight road games and two home games overall at the end of the year. It’s gonna be a test. That’s the nature of it, that’s the challenge of it. Hopefully, these guys will rise up to it.”

2020 Preview: Camp Hill Lions

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July 15, 2021

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By Jake Adams:

Head coach: Tim Bigelow, 4th season (8-22)

Classification: 2A

Division: Mid-Penn Capital

2019 season: 3-7 (2-5)

Postseason: did not qualify

RETURNING LEADERS

Passing: Comp-Att, Yards, TD

Daniel Shuster: 161-302, 2,077, 17

Rushing: Att-Yards, Avg, TD

Peter Chelap: 51-143, 2.8, 3

Christian Doi: 35-136, 3.9, 2

Receiving: Rec-Yards, Avg, TD

Peter Chelap: 16-217, 13.6, 1

Elijah DeArment: 12-158, 13.1, 1

Key returners: Daniel Shuster, sr., QB-DB; Ben Mullin, sr., OL-LB; Patrick Becker, jr., DB; Max Delaye, sr. FB/OL-LB; Peter Chelap, sr., WR-DB; Grant Bayesa, sr., FB/OL-LB; Elijah DeArment, sr., WR-LB; Paul Parise, sr., OL-DL; Patrick Becker, sr., WR-DB; Eric Dick, jr., OL-DL; Christian Doi, jr., RB-DB.

Outlook: Smaller, faster, smarter, better. That’s the hope, at least, at Siebert Park. The Lions enter 2020 small, agile, versatile and more comfortable with their identity under fourth-year coach Tim Bigelow. They have a veteran QB, Daniel Shuster, a deep offensive line with positional versatility (including fullback) and speed to spare at several positions. “Our team speed is one of the best we’ve had in a very long time,” Bigelow said.

Can that mix lead to more wins in the Capital? Well, Middletown is still the division’s juggernaut and will be tough to upset. And the arrival of Big Spring, and Liberty Division crossover matchups against Line Mountain and Upper Dauphin, present new challenges.

3 Things to Know:

1. A boon for the little guys: Bigelow has a rather counterintuitive stance on how the coronavirus pandemic has impacted his football team, which has between 27-29 rostered players — it’s been a “benefit.” On the surface, that doesn’t seem possible when the Lions lost precious time in the weight room and didn’t have the same on-field workout time to put new pieces together, like everyone else. But look a little deeper. Camp Hill and its small-school brethren don’t have the same social-distancing challenges during workouts. They need fewer pods in the weight room, and on the field they aren’t as spread out as schools like Cumberland Valley. “It’s actually kind of helped us, so we can actually be together, socially distanced, all at the same time,” Bigelow said. “I think the smaller schools have actually benefited for the first time ever in the history of the world.”

2. A wrestler’s world: Wrestling and football are deeply intertwined sports, regardless of school size. But Bigelow has a soft spot for his grapplers, who make up a disproportionate part of his roster. “I really do love wrestlers, they’re some of my favorite football players,” he said. There’s Max Delaye, the reigning District 3 Class 2A 160-pound champ, a senior fullback/lineman and linebacker. There’s Christian Doi, who claimed silver at districts in February in a banner year for Lions wrestling, a scat-back type that is expected to improve on his 136 rushing yards. There’s Paul Parise and Ben Mullin, district medalists on a wrestling team that finished fifth, who will have key roles on the offensive line and defensive front. All are filling important spots on a roster that needs to be fast, agile, and in some of their cases, must fill a gaping hole left by departed RB/LB Frank Shartle II. “The one common denominator is they’re all really good wrestlers,” Bigelow said.

3. Shuster, QB and coordinator: The Shuster name carries weight in Camp Hill Country. Daniel, the younger brother of Michael, a walk-on at Penn State who led the Lions to multiple District 3 crowns, enters his senior year after a productive junior campaign in which he tossed for 17 scores and 2,077 yards. He also threw 14 picks and completed 53.3% of his passes. He’s being pushed by some young backups the Lions are high on in the future, but it’s Shuster’s job to lose. He has an improved arm that, Bigelow said, allows him to hit deep corner routes from the pocket more consistently now. Bigelow also likes to have a QB who is an extension of the coaching staff, which Shuster is. “With Daniel, it’s he’s just got command of the offense,” the coach said. “My quarterbacks I want to be an extension of myself.”

2020 Preview: Halifax Wildcats

4thdownmagazine

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July 15, 2021

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By Michael Bullock:

Coach: Earl Mosley, 3^rd season (11-12), 14^th season overall (66-73-2)

Classification: 1A

League/division: Mid-Penn Liberty

2019 record: 0-10 (0-9 Tri-Valley League)

Postseason: did not qualify

RETURNING LEADERS

Passing: Comp-Att, Yards, TDs

Micah Deitrich: 149-261, 1,660, 11

Rushing: Att-Yards, Avg, TDs

Bryce Enders: 120-435, 3.6, 3

Receiving: Rec-Yards, Avg, TDs

Ryan Stahl: 41-347, 8.5, 1

Key returners:Gyron Reynolds, sr., OT-DT; Ryan Stahl, sr., WR-SS; Quinton Masser, sr., C-DT; Zander Conrad, sr., RB-OLB; Micah Deitrich, sr., QB-DB; Bryce Enders, jr., RB-OLB; Anthony Adams, so., OG-DE; Judah Miller, so., WR-FS; Cameron Zimmerman, so., WR-DE.

Outlook:Going from one end of the proverbial high school football spectrum to the other in a mere 12 months meant the Wildcats went from celebrating several championships to dealing with a winless campaign. Well, here comes the hard part and that’s embarking on the grind necessary to return to prominence — and grind is the operative word here as the rebuilding project begins in earnest. Skipper Earl Mosley likes this group and he has some capable players, but keeping everyone upright is a must if the Wildcats hope to compete — and relocate that winning feeling.

3 Things to Know:

1. ‘Cats counting on Enders to make a season-long impact … again: About to embark on his junior season — that’s right, he’s merely a junior — 5-foot-9, 185-pound Bryce Enders appears poised and ready to accomplish plenty before the 2020 campaign comes to a close. Halifax’s leading returning rusher and a player who last season wound up third on the Wildcats’ receiving list, Enders also is the top tackler still in the fold. Not too shabby for a youngster that last season landed all-conference honors on both sides of the football. The son of former Halifax skipper Ritchie Enders, the younger Enders also was a defensive regular in 2018, when the ‘Cats captured a District 3 Class 1A crown and collared their first win at the state level. Despite his level of productivity, third-year head coach Earl Mosley believes Enders’ intangible contributions are just as critical to what his latest club is capable of achieving. “Bryce is a consummate leader, and I really mean that,” Mosley said. “He keeps us in line, he keeps everything going, he keeps people encouraged. He’s phenomenal, and it would be great to have 10 others like him. Not that we don’t have other leaders, but he’s a constant leader. … He’s a worker. Sometimes we’ve got to tell him to slow it down and save something for the games.”

2. Improved Deitrich’s return means ‘Cats have more possibilities at QB: Starting for the first time a season ago, senior Micah Deitrich threw for nearly 1,700 yards. He has his top three receivers — Ryan Stahl, Judah Miller and Bryce Enders — returning on the flanks and in the backfield. Naturally, Deitrich’s growth at the position should result in some tweaks to the Wildcats’ attack and some more pre-snap freedom since the 6-1 senior’s ability to recognize what opposing defenses have in mind also has expanded significantly. What also could help is if Halifax can add some muscle to its running game, a dimension that would allow Mosley’s Wildcats to be less predictable and potentially more lethal. “We’re doing a few things differently that take advantage of his skills. Perhaps we’re not going to be five-stepping as much and dropping back, but maybe we’re looking to move the pocket with him and making quick passes,” Mosley said. “He has a full grasp of the offense, having been in it for four years. Like I said, we have cut some things down yet we want to give him more opportunity to make audibles at the line of scrimmage because he does understand defenses better. That’s a big plus when I call something and he sees something that’s better and he’ll call it. He’s doing a really good job in practice because he’s also a great leader.”

3. Lack of numbers spells concern with a capital C: While erasing the sting remaining from last season’s 0-10 finish definitely is a major priority for Mosley’s driven Wildcats, a remarkably small roster doesn’t allow for much flexibility. Although several would-be regulars opted out for a variety of reasons, COVID-19’s presence has played a role since kicking specialist Tai Lehman opted to compete only for Halifax’s soccer team since a positive test within either side could put both programs on pause. So even though Mosley and his staff believe the Wildcats have improved, a single injury to one of the regulars could cause all sorts of chaos. “It would be like a domino effect. Let’s say a key starter like Bryce goes down [and that would be huge], because he’s such a key at so many positions. So, it’s imperative that we stay healthy,” Mosley said. “There’s days when we pull them back because we need to make sure we have fresh legs for game day. … It’s simply staying healthy. I think the kids have grasped the defense and the offense that we’re running, and they’re playing fast, which is pretty good. We have some young kids out there and they’re learning on the go, but [minimizing injuries is] the most important thing for us right now.”

2020 Preview: Susquenita Blackhawks

4thdownmagazine

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July 15, 2021

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By Michael Bullock:

Coach: Scott Acri, 6^th season (21-29)

Classification: 2A

League/division: Mid-Penn Liberty

2019 record: 4-6, 3-6 in Tri-Valley League

Postseason: Did not qualify

RETURNING LEADERS

Passing: Comp-Att, Yards, TDs

None

Rushing: Att-Yards, Avg, TDs

Austin Kenny: 117-689, 5.9, 4

Receiving: Rec-Yards, Avg, TDs

Austin Kenny: 4-2, 0.5, 0

Key returning players: Slade Figard, sr, OL-DL; Austin Kenny, sr, RB-ILB; Grant McGuire, sr, OL-DL; Michael Kurtz, sr, WR-DB; Lawrence Rossman, sr, WR-DB; Brandon McKensie, sr, WR-DB; Mason Figard, so, OL-ILB; Laiken Miller, so, RB-OLB.

Outlook: Heavily dependent on the running game the past few seasons, Acri & Co. is optimistic that freshman quarterback Derek Gibney can provide the Blackhawks with an assortment of offensive options while preventing opposing defenses from stuffing the box against the Susquenita rushing attack. If Gibney can get comfortable quickly, that should create running lanes for the productive Austin Kenny and others. Since the Blackhawks have a number of inexperienced upperclassmen and 16 freshmen on their roster, Acri is hoping all of the youngsters mature quickly. If so, success may follow.

Three Things to Know:

1. Blackhawks counting on a pair of experienced two-way stalwarts: Buoyed by the return of dependable running back Austin Kenny — he’s an inside backer on defense — and two-way lineman Slade Figard, Acri believes his Blackhawks have two cornerstones that can help a group flush with youngsters and inexperienced performers gel rapidly. Both landed on the Tri-Valley League’s final all-conference squad, with Kenny a first-team pick on offense and a second-team choice defensively. Figard, meanwhile, landed a first-team nod on offense and was tagged honorable mention on D. Kenny averaged just south of six yards per carry while running behind a front featuring Figard. “Kenny’s a quiet guy. He kinda of does his own things and keeps to himself,” Acri said. “Figard is the one that does most of the talking and does most of the (stuff) from a camaraderie standpoint. You have one guy that shows up, does his job and competes at a high level and you have another guy that kind of complements that with his play but with his words also. I think they complement one another well. They’re two different personalities, but the way they go about their business has allowed the younger kids (to fit in nicely).”

2. Speaking of those aforementioned younger kids: Since the Blackhawks are packing 16 freshmen into a 44-man roster — the largest collection of players in Acri’s six seasons as Susquenita chief — a number of those youngsters have impressed the staff with their efforts and are likely to play early. Acri, in fact, admits that he could have three to six freshmen in the opening-night lineup at Boiling Springs. And one of those first-year performers, 6-3, 190-pound freshman Derek Gibney, likely will be the guy directing traffic when Susquenita takes over on offense. Yet while Acri indicates Susquenita will continue to utilize plenty of triple-option stuff, Gibney’s ability to throw the ball may enable the Blackhawks to stretch the field and limit the number of defenders creeping toward the line of scrimmage. In other words, the Blackhawks won’t be as predictable. “With Gibney, No. 1 he’s just football smart,” Acri said. “He’s really smart and he picks up things really quickly. He’s a bigger kid, solid kid that runs really hard, He doesn’t have quite the speed (that some of our other quarterbacks had), but he does the right things. It’s now getting him caught up from playing midgets a year ago to playing against 3A and 4A football teams. … He has the frame of a high school quarterback that we haven’t seen here at Susquenita. Already he’s done some things in our small camp here, he’s made some throws and some reads and some decisions that have put us in some spots that we haven’t had the luxury of being able to do in the last couple years.”

3. Susquenita returning to the Mid-Penn Conference: A charter member of the Mid-Penn Conference when it was formed in 1982, Susquenita is returning to the sprawling circuit for football only after relocating following the 2013-14 campaign. While the original plan was for Mid-Penn Liberty programs to play crossover games against those in the Mid-Penn Capital, schedules were reworked once COVID-19 concerns bumped the start of the season back several weeks. While Susquenita will open 2020 at former Mid-Penn playmate Boiling Springs, the Blackhawks and Bubblers also collided frequently when they both played in the Blue Mountain League. “It’s funny. You go to these meetings and you see the schools that I played against back when Susquenita was in the Mid-Penn,” said Acri, a Red Land grad. “I’m really excited to see how it works, because it allowed the Tri-Valley League teams, as much as we could, to stay together — because those are competitive games. … They’re a roulette wheel every week. They’re competitive as heck. They’re really well-coached and they have really good athletes. And we’ve developed some really good rivalries. Now we’re able to kind of take that tradition, per se, and morph it in the Mid-Penn and add some other hometown rivalries with some schools that are close to us that we play in some other sports and be able to continue to build that relationship under the Mid-Penn umbrella. I think it’s good for everybody.”

2020 Preview: Central Dauphin Rams

4thdownmagazine

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July 15, 2021

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By Adam Kulikowski:

Coach: Glen McNamee

Classification: 6A

Division: Commonwealth

2019 season: 12-3 (7-0 Commonwealth)

Postseason: Defeated Harrisburg 27-20 in District 3 Class 6A championship; lost to St. Joseph’s Prep 35-13 in PIAA Class 6A championship.

RETURNING LEADERS

Passing: Comp-Att, Yards, TD

Max Mosey: 145-236, 2062, 15

Rushing: Att-Yards, Avg, TD

Timmy Smith: 196-1,356, 6.9, 17

Receiving: Rec-Yards, Avg, TD

Timmy Smith: 26-279, 19, 10

Key returners: Timmy Smith, sr., RB-LB; OL-DL Blaise Heshler, sr., OL-DL; WR-DB Malachi Bowman, sr., WR-DB; Paul Clark, sr., LB; Dan Ficca, sr., RB-LB; Max Mosey, jr., QB.

Outlook: After a storybook run to the PIAA Class 6A title game, it is easy to look at this team as a favorite to make another deep run into the postseason. But head coach Glen McNamee is quick to point out that this is a new chapter, not a continuation of last year. Still, it’s hard not to like the Rams, even after losing emotional leaders like Elijah Vargas, Nick Chimienti, and Chad Layton (just to name a few) to graduation. Key to another deep run might how the big eaters put front fare, especially on defense where the green and white will replace its entire line.

3 Things to Know:

Building a lasting legacy: Max Mosey has the potential to be the best quarterback to ever grace the halls of Central Dauphin, according the McNamee. As just the second sophomore quarterback to start for Central Dauphin (bonus points if you can name the other, see the end of this preview for the answer) all the 6-foot-1, 180-pound Mosey did was toss the rock for nearly 2,100 yards, 15 TDs. Oh, and he led the team to the state championship against perennial powerhouse St. Joe’s. “Last year, he really checked all the boxes as a sophomore, and that’s kinda scary,” McNamee said. “The biggest thing is just size and strength. He physically looks bigger and stronger, and it shows in the arm strength. He has a better command, as good as it was last year. … He is so competitive. He naturally has a great understanding and can absorb things quicker and better than most kids. When you combine that fierce desire to win along with a gift, you get Max. He hasn’t played a snap yet as a junior and he is already at an extremely high level. Max has an opportunity to leave here as potentially the best quarterback that we have ever had.”
Finding stoppers: Perhaps the biggest question mark for the Rams entering 2020 is who will emerge along the defensive line as opening day approaches. McNamee must find replacements for a full complement of defensive linemen who played their final circuit in 2019. Among the names to watch as the pads pop include Jamaal Bellamy (6-1, 285 pounds, sr.). Quentin Hatcher (6-0, 265), Darrion Thomas (5-10, 225) Myles Wallace (6-1, 235) and Tim Dao (5-9, 210). “You can work in theory and on protections all you want, but whenever you have a bunch of guys graduate and you have open spots, you have to put the pads on to find out who the guys are going to be,” McNamee said. “There is no substitute up front.”
Strength at linebacker: Year after year Central Dauphin produces a crop of linebackers that could be the envy of other schools across the Mid-Penn. This year carries true with a trio of returning starters in Paul Clark, Dan Ficca and Timmy Smith all back. It’s a combination that tallied 273 tackles collectively while providing a bruising brand of football. Add in senior Shamarr Joppy, who has a bead on an impact role on the second level, and this is another group that has the composition to strike fear into opponents. “Those three returners plus Shamarr can really get after it,” McNamee said. “And that’s huge because we put a lot on them in the run game and the passing game, a lot of different types of blitzes. People know we like to throw different things at opponents.”

(Answer: The only other CD quarterback who started as a sophomore was Brandon LaVia)