Each week during the 2021 season we’ll offer some news, notes, tidbits and opinions from each of the five divisions in the Mid-Penn Conference.
Commonwealth Division
A week of big games
This is marquee matchup week in the Commonwealth. And it’s not just about one game, either. I see two games on the slate that fit the bill for me as elite games. The headliner, obviously, is CD East paying a visit to Severance Field to face Harrisburg. Combined, the Panthers and Cougars are 10-2 overall with a non-conference loss. Neither has lost in the division, so there’s that underlying factor, as well.
What strikes me more than anything is how similar these two clubs are in 2021. They don’t boast run-it-up-on-the-scoreboard offenses, but they have enough zip and bite to make it difficult to defend. They are physical up front and defense has been a staple all season. Points will be very hard to come by.
Don’t sleep on the Central Dauphin at Carlisle game. This one has the potential to be sneaky good. The Rams are the favorite and are playing their best football of the season. Carlisle has learned a lot about what they can do and who they are the last three weeks.
Eagles getting their wings
There’s a very good argument to be made that Cumberland Valley played its best game of the season last week and lost to CD East. The Eagles are finding their way, and to have any shot at finishing .500 or better in order to take that next step forward CV needs to take out State College at home.
This won’t be an easy task, but it feels like the Eagles are in a good spot for this matchup. They still have Harrisburg and Central Dauphin left on their schedule, so this one is a must-have.
