2020 Preview: Carlisle Thundering Herd

By Jake Adams: 

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

Classification: 6A

Division: Mid-Penn Commonwealth

2019 season: 2-8 (1-6)

Postseason: did not qualify

RETURNING LEADERS

Passing: Comp-Att, Yards, TD

Ezeekai Thomas: 9-21, 93, 0

Rushing: Att-Yards, Avg, TD

Braydon Keller: 49-184, 3.8, 2

Receiving: Rec-Yards, Avg, TD

Matt Trolinger: 16-239, 14.9, 2

Ezeekai Thomas: 6-71, 11.8, 0

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

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

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

3 Things to Know:

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

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

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

2020 Preview: Pine Grove Cardinals

By Michael Bullock: 

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

Classification: 3A

League/Division: Schuylkill League

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

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

                                            RETURNING LEADERS

Passing: Comp-Att, Yards, TDs

Josh Leininger: 17-49, 340, 4

Rushing: Att-Yards, Avg, TDs

Josh Leininger: 33-314, 9.5, 7

Receiving: Rec-Yards, Avg, TDs

Shea Morgan: 24-402, 16.8, 4

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

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

3 Things to Know:

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

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

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

2020 Preview: Middletown Blue Raiders

By Adam Kulikowski: 

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

Classification: 3A

Division: Mid-Penn Capital

2019 season: 10-2 (6-1 Capital)

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

RETURNING LEADERS

Passing: Comp-Att, Yards, TD

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

Rushing: Att-Yards, Avg, TD

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

Receiving: Att-Yards, Avg, TD

Tajae Broadie: 32-438, 13.6, 7

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

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

3 Things to Know:

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

2020 Preview: Chambersburg Trojans

By Adam Kulikowski: 

Coach: Mark Luther (5th year, 14-28)

Classification: 6A

Division: Commonwealth

2019 Season: 6-5 (4-3 Commonwealth)

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

RETURNING LEADERS

Passing: Comp-Att, Yards, TD

Maliki Blair: 1-3, 12, 0

Rushing: Att-Yards, Avg., TD

Jaden Jones: 40-327, 8.1, 5

Receiving: Rec-Yards, Avg, TD

Kevin Lee: 15-211, 14, 0

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

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

3 Things to Know:

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

2020 Preview: Lower Dauphin Falcons

By Adam Kulikowski:

Coach: Rob Klock

Classification: 5A

Division: Mid-Penn Keystone

2019 season: 0-10 (0-6 Keystone)

Postseason: did not qualify

Key returners: Braden Landis, jr., QB; Matt Piermattei, sr., WR; Ameer Hunter, sr., OL: Luis Armenta, sr., OL-DL; Adam Bonawitz, sr., QB; Ethan Miller, jr., RB-LB; Ryan Angerer, jr., TE-DE.

Outlook: Rebuilds are never easy. Lower Dauphin knows that after suffering through an 0-10 season in 2019. But there’s reason to be hopeful in an abbreviated 2020 season. Jacob Kauffman, a burner with 4.4 speed will provide plenty of zip on jet sweeps while Braden Landis and a handful of others provide the Falcons with some added athleticism. This isn’t a team that will contend for a District championship — not yet — but LD certainly will take steps forward in 2020. “Our kids are realistic,” Klock said. “They know that this is a process and that it isn’t going to change overnight. Last year, unfortunately with our numbers, we just didn’t have the size or speed that we typically do. This year, we feel a lot more confident. Numbers alone are much better and then we just do seem to be more athletic. We know we aren’t there yet, but we are moving in the right direction. We learned a lot from last year. No one likes going 0-10. It’s a good motivator. We don’t want to repeat that. The future looks much brighter.”

3 Things to Know:

  1. In the classroom: Lower Dauphin’s squad capitalized on the pause COVID-19 caused across the commonwealth. Without the added pressure of weight room sessions and on-field practices, the Falcons invested in a ton of “classroom” time via Zoom. Teaching schemes and reads, the Falcons closed the knowledge gap that seemed evident at times during last year’s campaign. “This time has really been very productive for us,” Klock said. “I’m actually pleased with what we have gotten done. When we did the Zoom calls this year, I was very simplistic. We really explained things — and we are still doing that — we simplified our whole system so the kids that haven’t had a ton of football exposure, they are much further along and understand what we are trying to accomplish schematically and just philosophically.”
  2. Different looks under center:  Expect the Falcons to vary the looks they show opponents under center. While Braden Landis remains No. 1 on the QB depth chart, the Falcons plan to showcase several weapons under center in 2020. Adam Bonawitz, a senior with a strong arm, Ellis Snow, a sophomore, and Charlie Fortney all might get looks as Klock works to get his best athletes on the field in a number of positions. “We’re going to have some set where Braden either rotates out or he jumps to a receiver position,” Klock said. “All of our quarterbacks this year have a skill set where they can do other things. Adam learned tight end and h-back. These are some of our best athletes, so to not be on the field is kind of silly. For them to be on the sidelines standing next to me just because they happen to play that position. We’ve got in the preseason here with the notion that these guys may line up at three or four different positions in a game.”
  3. Working the hash marks: Lower Dauphin’s typical smash-mouth, power football brand under Klock’s tenure will look different this year. With more speed at his disposal and less up-the-middle bulls on the roster, more jet sweep-type plays will find their way into the huddle, taking advantage of 4.4-burner Jacob Kauffman. “I think you are going to see us as a more perimeter team this year,” Klock said. “We’re going to do some of the zone read, some of the counter of the jet look with our talented quarterbacks. We’ve had to tailor to our strength because we can’t line up like we did several years ago and punch the ball down the field because we don’t have those types of kids right now.”

Bonus note: When a pandemic brings you seclusion — and withholds haircuts — what do you do? Make it a contest. That’s how the Falcons added a moment of levity to the spring months before anyone in the commonwealth was able to get haircuts. While the Falcons were holding regular Zoom chats, teammates noticed each other’s wildly growing hair. So, who sported the best “COVID locks” on the Falcons? Aidyn Gingrich. Hands down. “His hair was crazy,” Klock said. “He had an awesome do — really fluffy red hair. It really grew out. It was excellent.”

2020 Preview: West Perry Mustangs

By Adam Kulikowski: 

Coach: Bob Boden, 7th season (20-42)

Classification: 3A

Division: Colonial

2019 season: 6-4 (3-3 Colonial)

Postseason: did not qualify

RETURNING LEADERS

Passing: Comp-Att, Yards, TD

Eli Puchalsky: 3-4, 146, 2

Rushing: Att-Yards, Avg, TD

Eli Puchalsky: 13-99, 7.6, 1

Receiving: Rec-Yards, Avg, TD

Hunter Thoman: 3-77, 25.7, 1

Key Players: Rosenberry, sr., OL/FB-LB; Laszio Ternay, sr., OL-DL; Dan Dress, sr., OL-DL; Ty Wonders, sr., OL-LB; Eli Puchalsky, sr., QB-ILB; Zach Coldren, sr., OL-DL

Outlook: The Mustangs are searching for a new sparkplug to replace the dynamic quarterback Kenyon Johnson who now sports the colors of Slippery Rock. Who steps up to carry the load and how quickly they can find their footing will determine how successful the Mustangs can be in 2020. “We need to find out who our hitters are,” Boden said. “Especially at our skill positions. We’re very young there. We need to find out who can deliver a hit and who can take one.”

3 Things to Know:

1. Strength up front: One area where Bob Boden can pencil in his starters without much thought is along the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball. The Mustangs didn’t lose a single player up front due to graduations. That’s a good foundation to build from when your team is breaking in a number of new skill position players. The group of big eaters is anchored by Laszio Ternay (5-foot-9, 250 pounds), Dan Dress (6-2, 230) and Zach Coldren (6-2, 220) with Ryan Long, Josh Trostle and Trevor Kelly vying for the other starting roles.

2. Next man (men) up: Bob Boden knows coaches don’t get to pencil in guys like Kenyon Johnson in their starting lineup very often. Replacing a young man who amassed nearly 4,000 rushing yards during his final two circuits in green and white isn’t that easy. “You just move on and work to find some other pieces that can share the load,” Boden said.  That starts at quarterback where Eli Puchalsky, now recovered from a torn ACL, will take the reins of the offense when the Mustangs kick off their season Sept. 25 against Mechanicsburg. Beyond Puchalsky, a new group of playmakers must emerge from a contingent that includes Seth Rosenberry, a left tackle who is transitioning this year to fullback; Ian Goodling, a 6-1, 150-pound receiver with good hands, speed and the ability to run good routes; Marcus Quaker, Gunner Taylor and Bryce Smith. Hunter Thoman, Isiah Weller and Trent Herrera are all in the mix to split carries in the backfield.

3. Young on the back end: Boden’s defensive unit returns a healthy dose of talent including seven starters. The line, like on offense, is a strength with the full gambit of starters back for another circuit. Among the group, look for Coldren, an incoming senior who moved from defensive end to tackle last year, to take another step forward. Tyler Wonders and Seth Rosenberry, a duo that combined for nearly 100 tackles last season, anchor the linebackers. And Puchalsky slides down from safety to help out at inside linebacker. “Our secondary is our biggest question mark,” Boden said. “We’re very young there, and the same guys that are fighting to help on offense, we will need them to step up on defense as well.”

2020 Preview: Steel-High Rollers

By Adam Kulikowski: 

Head coach: Andrew Erby, 7th 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:

  1. 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.”
  2. 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.
  3. 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

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:

  1. 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.”
  2. 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.”
  3. 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

By Michael Bullock:

Coach: Tim Savage, 9th 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

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.