EXPLAINING OUR PICKS: It’s the third week of the PIAA football playoffs, and the state tournaments officially begin Friday night while much of District 3 continues to determine its six champions. And the 4th Down Magazine team is here to tell you who will win the District 3, 4, 6 and 11 playoff games this weekend, most of which kick off at 7 p.m. Friday. 

This year’s group of experts includes veteran reporters Andy Shay and Andy Sandrik, as well as 4th Down owner and manager Adam Kulikowski.

Here’s who we think will win each game and why, with the kind of analysis you won’t find anywhere else. Stick with us all the way through the PIAA state championships in December.

2023 Standings

Picker: Last Week — Overall — Perfect Picks

Adam Kulikowski: 15-3 — 218-63 — 2

Andy Sandrik: 15-3 — 218-63 — 0

Andy Shay: 13-5 — 205-76 — 1

* Records in parentheses after school name; District and seed in parentheses before school name.

Watch: This week’s edition of 4th & Goal with Andy Shay and Jake Adams features an interview with Juniata’s Jasper Shepps plus we dive into Camp Hill’s upset victory over Trinity, Cumberland Valley’s turnaround season, which Mid-Penn teams could claim District titles and previews of this week’s action.

PIAA CLASS 6A FIRST ROUND

FRIDAY, NOV. 17

6-1 State College at 10-1 McDowell, 7 p.m.

Andy Shay: State College 20, McDowell 17: Based on the offensive output the last month by the Little Lions — averaging only two touchdowns per outing — is going to be a struggle. McDowell has an offense with some pop — will it be enough to rock the State College defense?

Andy Sandrik: State College 21, McDowell 14: This is my benefit-of-the-doubt pick with State College, a proven PIAA playoff team with a solid defense, but I’d be lying if I said that McDowell offense doesn’t have me second-guessing my pick.

Adam Kulikowski: State College 28, McDowell 21: Our crew’s collective worry gives me pause making the call to go with the Little Lions. But the pedigree of this program and its coaching staff says they will have an answer for the team’s recent offensive woes. 

PIAA CLASS 4A FIRST ROUND

FRIDAY, NOV. 17

6-1 Juniata at 10-1 Meadville, 7 p.m.

Andy Shay: Juniata 29, Meadville 27: This is a toss-up game for me all the way. What I can’t get away from is the quality of competition Juniata has faced this season. Meadville has enjoyed recent success in this matchup, though.

Andy Sandrik: Juniata 34, Meadville 24: When comparing the records, it seems like Meadville should be favored, but I’ve been saying it all season: Juniata’s schedule will have the Indians more than ready for this moment.

Adam Kulikowski: Meadville 31, Juniata 28: The Bulldogs possess a dynamic trio of runners — each with more than 940 stripes in 2023 — that could flex their collective muscles against the Indians.  

PIAA CLASS 2A FIRST ROUND

FRIDAY, NOV. 17

11-1 Williams Valley vs. 2-1 Dunmore, at Schuylkill Haven HS, 7 p.m.

Andy Shay: Dunmore 28, Williams Valley 26: Two hammer running backs going head-to-head in a power struggle. Look inside the trenches, and that is where the Bucks have a decisive advantage they have to take advantage of. Otherwise, the Vikings win.

Andy Sandrik: Williams Valley 28, Dunmore 21: Alex Achenbach is the star running back for Williams Valley, I think we all know that much. But after completing 4 of 4 passes for 147 yards and three TDs last week, Achenbach now also leads the Vikings in TD passes — with eight.

Adam Kulikowski: Williams Valley 34, Dunmore 23: Both teams sport a tough rushing attack led by the Vikings’ Achenbach and Dunmore’s Danny Pigga. The size of the Bucks’ line has created matchup challenges for foes all season and could be an X-factor Friday night.

12-1 West Catholic at 3-1 Camp Hill, 7 p.m.

Andy Shay: Camp Hill 42, West Catholic 0: Talk about the Lions’ offense all you want, and that winning drive was nothing short of football perfection last week to win a District 3 crown. But for me, this is about a tough-as-nail Camp Hill defense in full bloom.

Andy Sandrik: Camp Hill 38, West Catholic 7: This Camp Hill squad hasn’t faced an “easy” team since September, which should play to the favor of the Lions, who are heavy favorites in this PIAA opener.

Adam Kulikowski: Camp Hill 45, West Catholic 6: The Burrs have one win this season. One. 1. Uno. After knocking off Trinity to claim the District 3 Class 2A title last week, this game should feel like a warm up for the Lions. 

PIAA CLASS 1A FIRST ROUND

FRIDAY, NOV. 17

5-1 Northern Bedford County vs. 3-1 Steel-High, at Claysburg Kimmel HS, 7 p.m.

Andy Shay: Steel-High 49, Bedford County 35: This one has all the prime ingredients for a shootout where mistakes get lost in big play after big play. Bedford won’t mind the pace, but the Rollers thrive in these situations at another level.

Andy Sandrik: Steel-High 46, Northern Bedford County 28: By all accounts we have two terrific teams lining up Friday night, but I think the “been there, done that” factor will pay dividends for the Rollers in a game that could appear to be a 50-50 affair late.

Adam Kulikowski: Steel-High 45, Northern Bedford County 41: If you like offense, this just might be the ticket to purchase Friday evening. Both clubs feature dynamic weapons at the skill positions and strong supporting casts. I fully expect the last team to hold the rock will win. 

DISTRICT 3 CLASS 6A SEMIFINALS

FRIDAY, NOV. 17

No. 4 Cumberland Valley at No. 1 Manheim Township, 7 p.m.

Andy Shay: Manheim Township 42, Cumberland Valley 17: This is not the same Eagles team the Blue Streaks faced in Week 1 and dispatched by 28 points with relative ease. It’s the same Township outfit, just more polish on the brass.

Andy Sandrik: Manheim Township 40, Cumberland Valley 14: Most of CV’s big wins have been unexpected, but if the Eagles find a way to win this one, that would be infinitely more unexpected than all of those other wins combined. 

Adam Kulikowski: Manheim Township 43, Cumberland Valley 23: Yes, this is likely the final stop for the Eagles in 2023, but what an incredible journey it has been for Josh Oswalt’s team — one that will pay huge dividends in 2024. 

SATURDAY, NOV. 18

No. 3 Central York at No. 2 Harrisburg, 1 p.m.

Andy Shay: Harrisburg 40, Central York 38: Give me some points and the last team that has the ball. If this turns into a defensive battle, then something has gone sideways big time. Panthers are better equipped for a close shave, though. They know how to win this type of game.

Andy Sandrik: Harrisburg 39, Central York 21: A lot of folks are calling for this one to be a slobberknocker, but not me. With the Cougars playing at Severance Field with Shawn Lee Jr. behind center, I’ll go ahead and go as far as calling this my lock of the week. 

Adam Kulikowski: Central York 39, Harrisburg 37: One of the best matchups on the docket this week, the Panthers figure to provide the biggest challenge since Harrisburg’s Week 3 tussle with Manheim Township. 

DISTRICT 3 CLASS 5A SEMIFINALS

FRIDAY, NOV. 17

No. 8 Hershey at No. 5 Ephrata, 7 p.m.

Andy Shay: Hershey 29, Ephrata 28: Riding the Trojans Train. Why not?

Andy Sandrik: Hershey 30, Ephrata 27: Angel Cabrera is having a postseason that none of us could have imagined. Except for 4th Down Magazine, that is, which recognized Cabrera as Hershey’s “One Player to Watch” way back in 2022.

Adam Kulikowski: Hershey 35, Ephrata 31: Mettle. Grit. Resilience. Pick the adjective you like best. They all fit a Trojans team that simply has refused to allow their 2023 circuit to end. 

No. 3 Cocalico at No. 2 Cedar Cliff, 7 p.m.

Andy Shay: Cocalico 35, Cedar Cliff 27: I believe the Colts can win this game if some dominos fall their way. They need a little help, though. I don’t think Cocalico needs that help and have earned the role of favorites. Tough draw for Cliff.

Andy Sandrik: Cocalico 28, Cedar Cliff 14: Both teams come in with 10-1 records, but if you count the number of quality wins possessed by Cocalico, it’s not hard to tell Cedar Cliff is the team that’s going to need a few breaks to stay in this one.

Adam Kulikowski: Cedar Cliff 27, Cocalico 24: Call it a contrarian pick. But a tough draw won’t deter a Colts team that possesses the weapons to win a tight battle. 

DISTRICT 3 CLASS 4A SEMIFINALS

FRIDAY, NOV. 17

No. 5 Lampeter-Strasburg at No. 1 Bishop McDevitt, 7 p.m.

Andy Shay: Bishop McDevitt 41, Lampeter-Strasburg 14: The L-S defense has earned respect. Pretty sure they haven’t seen an offense like this, and I still think the McD defense gets overlooked a bit this time of year.

Andy Sandrik: Bishop McDevitt 42, Lampeter-Strasburg 14: There’s nothing about Lampeter-Strasburg’s résumé that suggests the Pioneers are going to do the thing to McDevitt that 11 other teams have failed to do. 

Adam Kulikowski: Bishop McDevitt 45, Lampeter-Strasburg 14: The 9-2 Pioneers sport a formidable defense that has yielded less than 100 points this year. Is that enough to slow the Crusaders and keep this a game close for a full four quarters? Tall task. 

No. 3 Manheim Central at No. 2 Twin Valley, 7 p.m.

Andy Shay: Twin Valley 27, Manheim Central 21: The better offense in this matchup belongs to the Barons. On the other side of the ball, this Twin Valley defense has grown into a big part of the keys to victory. I’m taking the defense in this one.

Andy Sandrik: Manheim Central 23, Twin Valley 20: Something tells me the Barons have just enough to outlast fellow L-L power Twin Valley. 

Adam Kulikowski: Manheim Central 33, Twin Valley 14: I’ll place my chips on Barons senior gunslinger Zac Hahn (2,600 yards, 37 touchdowns) and his dynamic weapons in running back Brycen Armold (1,275 stripes, 17 scores) and wideout Aaron Enterline (1,415 yards, 24 touchdowns).

DISTRICT 3 CLASS 3A CHAMPIONSHIP

SATURDAY, NOV. 18

No. 3 West Perry at No. 1 Wyomissing, 1 p.m.

Andy Shay: Wyomissing 35, West Perry 28: The Mustangs are better equipped for the Class 3A beast of District 3. I can see a path to victory for them. Just not prepared to pick them to shock the Spartans until somebody does it. Wyomissing demands 48 minutes of excellence from a team and can grind on you like very few can.

Andy Sandrik: Wyomissing 42, West Perry 35: Even the most hardcore of West Perry fans will acknowledge the Mustangs have their work cut out for them this weekend. It’s going to take some kind of effort just to stay competitive. 

Adam Kulikowski: Wyomissing 45, West Perry 24: This might not be one of those classic Wyomissing clubs that will drop a 60-spot on you like they did last year to the Mustangs, but the Spartans still pack a big punch.

For more content from Eric F. Epler, visit Pennlive.

CLASS 6A 

Rank – Team – District – Record – Previous 

1. St. Joseph’s Prep (12)          — 9-1 – 1 

2. Parkland (11)                       — 12-0 – 2 

3. Manheim Township (3)       — 11-0 – 4 

4. Central Bucks West (1)        — 12-0 – 3 

5. Central York (3)                   — 11-0 – 5 

6. Pittsburgh C.C. (7)               — 10-1 – 6 

7. Downingtown East (1)        — 11-0 – 7 

8. North Allegheny (7)            — 10-1 – 8 

9. Nazareth (11)                      – 11-1 – 9 

10. Harrisburg (3)                    — 10-1 – 10 

Teams to watch: Central Bucks South (1) 11-1, Cumberland Valley (3) 7-4, Downingtown West (1) 10-2, State College (6) 7-3. 

CLASS 5A 

Rank – Team – District – Record – Previous 

1. Imhotep Charter (12)          — 11-0 – 1 

2. Peters Township (7)            — 12-0 – 2 

3. Cocalico (3)                         — 10-1 – 3 

4. Roman Catholic (12)           – 8-2 – 4 

5. West Chester Rustin (1)      — 10-1 – 5 

6. Springfield-Delco (1)           — 11-1 – 6 

7. Chester (1)                          — 11-1 – 7 

8. Cedar Cliff (3)                      — 10-1 – 8 

9. Pine-Richland (7)                — 9-3 – NR 

10. Cathedral Prep (10)           — 7-3 – 10 

Teams to watch: Delaware Valley (2) 9-3, Ephrata (3) 11-1, Hershey (3) 9-3, Strath Haven (1) 11-1, Whitehall (11) 8-4. 

CLASS 4A 

Rank – Team – District – Record – Previous 

1. Bishop McDevitt (3)            – 11-0 – 1 

2. Aliquippa (7)                       – 10-0 – 2 

3. Pope John Paul II (1)           – 12-0 – 3 

4. Selinsgrove (4)                    – 11-0-1 – 5 

5. McKeesport (7)                   – 10-1 – 7 

6. Manheim Central (3)          — 10-1 – 8 

7. Dallas (2)                             — 12-0 – 9 

8. Montour (7)                        — 10-1 – 10 

9. Lampeter-Strasburg (3)       — 9-2 – NR 

10. Twin Valley (3)                  — 10-1 – NR 

Teams to watch: Bethlehem Catholic (11) 7-5, Juniata (6) 7-5, Mars (7) 10-2, Meadville (10) 9-2, Valley View (2) 10-2. 

CLASS 3A 

Rank – Team – District – Record – Previous 

1. Belle Vernon (7)                  – 9-1 – 1 

2. Wyomissing (3)                   – 10-1 – 2 

3. Avonworth (7)                     – 11-0 – 3 

4. Neumann-Goretti (12)        – 10-1 – 4 

5. Danville (4)                          — 11-1 – 5 

6. Northwestern Lehigh (11)  — 12-0 – 6 

7. Palmerton (11)                    — 12-0 – 7 

8. Central (6)                           — 11-0 – 8 

9. Elizabeth-Forward (7)         — 10-1 – 9 

10. West Perry (3)                   — 11-1 – 10 

Teams to watch: Clearfield (9) 8-3, East Allegheny (7) 9-2, Hickory (10) 9-2, Loyalsock (4) 9-3, Scranton Prep (2) 11-1, Sharon (10) 9-2. 

CLASS 2A 

Rank – Team – District – Record – Previous 

1. Farrell (10)                           – 10-1 – 1 

2. Westinghouse (8)                – 10-0 – 2 

3. Central Clarion (9)               — 11-0 – 3 

4. Southern Columbia (4)        – 11-1 – 4 

5. Troy (4)                                — 12-0 – 6 

6. Steel Valley (7)                    — 9-1 – 7 

7. Richland (6)                         – 11-1 – 8 

8. Mercyhurst Prep (10)          — 10-0 – 9 

9. Williams Valley (11)            — 10-2 – NR 

10. Bald Eagle Area (6)            — 11-1 – NR 

Teams to watch: Beaver Falls (7) 7-5, Camp Hill (3) 7-5, Dunmore (2) 10-2, Mohawk (7) 10-2, Washington (7) 11-1. 

CLASS 1A 

Rank – Team – District – Record – Previous               

1. Steelton-Highspire (3)         — 12-0 – 1 

2. Lackawanna Trail (2)           – 12-0 – 2 

3. Northern Bedford (5)          — 12-0 – 3 

4. Fort Cherry (7)                    — 12-0 – 4 

5. Bishop Canevin (7)              — 10-1 – 5 

6. South Side (7)                     — 12-0 – 6 

7. Muncy (4)                            — 10-1 – 7 

8. Clairton (7)                          — 10-2 – 8 

9. Cambridge Springs (10)      — 11-1 – 9 

10. Redbank Valley (9)            — 10-1 – 10 

Teams to watch: Lakeview (10) 9-2, Minersville (11) 10-2, Port Allegany (9) 10-2, Purchase Line (6) 9-3, South Williamsport (4) 9-2. 

We see you, Hershey Trojans.

One week after an improbable and thrilling come-from-behind victory to open the Trojans’ 2023 playoff ledger, Hershey went out and took care of District 3 Class 5A No. 1-seed New Oxford 34-28.

Hershey is a win away from playing for a D3 championship.

The win over the Colonials was clearly not as dramatic as the opener, but the winning formula at its core was the exact same.

Give the ball to Angel Cabrera 30-plus times and see if the defense can hold up just enough to give that power-running game that features two fullbacks and pulling guard and tackles a chance to take over.

Against New Oxford, Cabrera, a vintage north-south runner who isn’t shy about taking on contact, had 38 carries for 231 yards and three touchdowns. He’s now carried the ball 30-plus times in three straight games and six times this season. That’s Hershey’s main ingredient in its formula for success — you know it, we know it, everybody knows it.

Can you stop them is the question they are going to ask the opponent each and every quarter.

Hey, it’s one thing to pull off a staggering victory for the memory bank. The Trojans, though, went to the next level by validating that triumph in style and in their likeness and image.

A road trip to 11-1 Ephrata in the semifinal awaits.

We see you, too, Cumberland Valley

Tip of the cap to the Cumberland Valley Eagles. If you saw this coming from the 2023 squad, you are lying.

The Mid-Penn Conference Coach of the Year award has to go to Josh Oswalt and his staff. Sure, it was a tough three-game opening stretch to the season that was expected. But after 12 quarters CV wasn’t in shambles, it was ashes. Some good defense in spots was the only small sign of hope.

This convocation of Eagles stuck together and didn’t hang their heads, and that fueled their leaders to keep pushing buttons and pulling strings. And now this squad, a shocking No. 4 seed, has a feather in its cap after powering past Wilson 20-14.

As expected, the CV offense was in full grind mode, led by 138 yards on a whopping 33 carries and two touchdowns from running back Bryce Staretz and 11 short completions to wideout Caiden Pines.

Remember that defense we mentioned as the early foothold for the Eagles? It took over this game, limiting the Bulldogs to 40 rushing yards and fewer than 125 yards of total offense.

Undefeated Manheim Township is up next. The Eagles already know the drill, having played the Blue Streaks in that early stretch. All I know is one team is very different now.

Defense, Camp Hill’s defense, wins championship

That final drive by Camp Hill quarterback Drew Branstetter was next level. Every single snap mattered as the Lions marched 56 yards in 81 seconds to cement the District 3 Class 2A championship over rival Trinity.

You can read more about the Lions’ triumph in my Making The Grade recap.

The offense grabbed the moment, but overall it was the Lions’ defense that earned the No. 4 seed a district crown. One touchdown was surrendered to Trinity Friday night. In eight quarters against the Shamrocks, the total was three touchdowns.

We’ve all heard the saying defense wins championships. Now you know exactly what that looks like.

West Perry back in the saddle again

For the second year in a row West Perry will play for the District 3 Class 3A championship. And it will be powerhouse Wyomissing on the other side of the ball again.

This was different for the Mustangs, though. This was kind of what the expectation was for this team since the season began, unlike last year when they were a surprise championship contender. And as the regular season trudged along, it became more and more difficult for the Mustangs.

Even last week was a real grind for West Perry. The win over Bermudian Springs was well short of its own expectations.

That was not the case in taking out No. 2-seed Lancaster Catholic on the road this week. West Perry was explosive and dominant in a commanding 49-20 victory. This team is now in the perfect spot to play the Spartans for a title again.

Quarterback Marcus Quaker and running back Brad Hockenberry combined for more than 300 total yards and were part of all seven West Perry touchdowns.

This Cedar Cliff team is quite good

Honestly, I have to keep reminding myself Cedar Cliff is a one-loss team.

This team has sort of quietly put together a killer 10-win campaign that might lack some high-end sheen, but the bones are rock solid.

Cedar Cliff simply overpowered South Western in the Colts’ Class 5A opener 31-7. That 31 isn’t unexpected. What stands out is the 7 for the Mustangs. This screams complementary football all the way.

Quarterback Bennett Secrest had a splendid dual-threat outing, totaling 175 yards through the air, 79 on the ground and threw a pair of touchdown passes. Nathan Lusk hauled in seven catches for 75 yards and a TD, and RB Erik Schriver again went over 100 yards with his efficient and sneaky good running style.

Winning in the trenches is what is driving this train, and that will get a next-level test against Cocalico. Remember, both teams are 10-1.

Bishop McDevitt: Same as it ever was

Bishop McDevitt could not avoid another member of the Keystone Division for its 2023 playoff opener. Milton Hershey earned its second bite of the Crusaders apple, and as expected the result was almost the same.

Quarterback Stone Saunders threw six touchdown passes, three to fellow FBS recruit Rico Scott, and McDevitt posted a 54-14 victory to stay unbeaten. Saunders threw for nearly 400 yards, and Scott averaged 27.9 yards per catch on seven grabs. Crazy, but again, not unexpected numbers for McDevitt.

Both Milton Hershey touchdowns came in the fourth quarter after the Crusaders built a 54-0 cushion. Lampeter-Strasburg is up next, and I’m sure McDevitt is looking forward to facing somebody outside of the Keystone Division.

One District 3 champion has been crowned (see: Steel-High). Another will be crowned this week, and more will follow shortly.

The second week of the PIAA high school football postseason brings up a fantastic rivalry game in the D3 Class 2A title game: Camp Hill at Trinity. The Lions pulled off an impressive upset in the semifinals, while the Shamrocks seem to have a healthy Messiah Mickens for the first time in months. It’s going to be a good one.

And while the Rollers have a bye week before the PIAA Class 1A tournament begins, the rest of District 3’s classifications will be in the quarterfinals or semifinals. 4th Down’s coverage area also includes the District 4, 6 and 11 tournaments, and we’ll be following those games closely as well.

As always, bookmark this page on your phone, laptop or tablet to follow every matchup and see every highlight from the Mid-Penn and some of the teams in the Colonial-Schuylkill League. We’ll update scores throughout the night on this page (refresh the page to see new updates), and you can follow our Twitter feed below for minute-by-minute updates.

PIAA football playoffs: District 3 football championships analysis, staff picks and previews

Each week 4th Down Magazine will preview the weekend slate, predict the winners and provide extra analysis. Here’s everything to get you ready for the District 3 Class 2A championship game, Class 3A semifinals and quarterfinals in 4A through 6A:

• Who’s gonna win? The 4th Down crew picks winners in this week’s district playoff matchups
• See the full District 3 playoff brackets
• PIAA football rankings: See Eric Epler’s state rankings from Class 6A to 1A
• See who is the latest Mid-Penn Player of the Week
• See who is the latest Colonial-Schuylkill Player of the Week

PIAA football playoffs schedule and scores: 

Looking for the latest updates and final scores from this weekend’s games around the Harrisburg area? We have you covered:

Friday, Nov. 10

DISTRICT 3 CLASS 6A QUARTERFINALS

• No. 8 York 8, No. 1 Manheim Township 44 Final
• No. 5 Wilson 14 No. 4 Cumberland Valley 20 Final
• No. 6 Central Dauphin 34, No. 3 Central York 42 Final

DISTRICT 3 CLASS 5A QUARTERFINALS

• No. 8 Hershey 34, No. 1 New Oxford 28 Final
• No. 5 Ephrata 31, No. 4 Garden Spot 10 Final
• No. 7 South Western 7, No. 2 Cedar Cliff 31 Final
• No. 6 Conestoga Valley 10, No. 3 Cocalico 42 Final

DISTRICT 3 CLASS 4A QUARTERFINALS

• No. 8 Milton Hershey 14, No. 1 Bishop McDevitt 54 Final
• No. 5 Lampeter-Strasburg 23, No. 4 East Pennsboro 20 (Final 2OT)
• No. 7 Elco 7, No. 2 Twin Valley 35 Final
• No. 6 Susquehanna Township 34, No. 3 Manheim Central 45 Final

DISTRICT 3 CLASS 3A SEMIFINALS

• No. 3 West Perry 49, No. 2 Lancaster Catholic 20 Final

DISTRICT 3 CLASS 2A CHAMPIONSHIP

• No. 4 Camp Hill 20, No. 2 Trinity 13 Final

DISTRICT 4 CLASS 2A SEMIFINALS

• No. 4 Line Mountain 0, No. 1 Troy 44

DISTRICT 6 CLASS 6A CHAMPIONSHIP

• No. 3 Altoona 6, No. State College 16 Final

Saturday, Nov. 11

DISTRICT 3 CLASS 6A QUARTERFINALS

• No. 7 Cedar Crest at No. 2 Harrisburg, 1 p.m.

DISTRICT 3 CLASS 3A SEMIFINALS

• No. 4 Schuylkill Valley at No. 1 Wyomissing, 7 p.m.

DISTRICT 11 CLASS 2A CHAMPIONSHIP

• No. 2 Williams Valley at No. 1 Schuylkill Haven, 6 p.m.

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