By Andy Shay:
Each week during the 2020 season we’ll offer some news, notes, tidbits and opinions from each of the five divisions in the Mid-Penn Conference.
Carlisle playing tough against Commonwealth foes:
Carlisle gave State College all it could handle in the Mid-Penn Conference version of Monday Night Football. The game was moved because of possible COVID-19 issues around the State High program that made playing last Friday a no-go. All knotted up at 21 at the half, Little Lions QB Conrad Moore accounted for a pair of touchdowns to open up a 35-21 cushion on their way to a 38-29 victory. Carlisle was powered by Ezeekai Thomas and Sean Smith, who combined for nearly 250 yards on the ground. Smith had a game-high 145 yards and also added 43 yards through the air with a rushing TD. The Thundering Herd acquitted themselves admirably the last eight quarters against Central Dauphin and State College.
Harrisburg searching for one more game:
As of writing this, Harrisburg is still in search of a fourth game to possibly qualify for the District 3 Championships. The Cougars played Williamsport on Tuesday evening, winning 41-0. Harrisburg has until the Oct. 26 deadline to find opponent No. 4. Commonwealth Division mate Carlisle had an opening after the Thundering Herd lost its scheduled game with Altoona to the District 6 Championships. Carlisle opted to play Cedar Cliff instead of Harrisburg with its open date.
Offensive firepower limiting several Commonwealth teams:
Only three teams in the Commonwealth Division own winning records ﹘ Central Dauphin, Harrisburg and State College. The other five are .500 or below. Offense has been the big problem. CD East and Cumberland Valley have scored a combined 59 points in eight games, and Chambersburg has only 64 points in its four outings. It’s impossible to compete scoring fewer than 10 points a game.
Rams’ Shamarr Joppy making an impact:
Central Dauphin’s Shamarr Joppy had himself a game against Altoona. The senior carried only twice but led the Rams in rushing with 86 yards and a touchdown. He also had three tackles, two tackles for a loss, 1.5 sacks and forced a fumble on defense. That’s some major impact right there. CD had nearly 300 yards rushing, but nobody had more than Joppy’s 86 in the win over Altoona. The Rams have so many options and spread it around.
