Standings:
Name, Week 1, Overall:
Andy Shay: 21-10, 21-10
Andy Sandrik 21-10, 21-10
Adam 19-12, 19-12
Friday, August 23
Week 1:
Hollidaysburg 27 Altoona 14:
Andy Shay: Altoona 27, Hollidaysburg 17: Like the way the Mountain Lions charged into the offseason and brought back a solid group of experienced seniors. Defense needs to be better and finding an answer at RB will be vital to success.
Andy Sandrik: Altoona 28, Hollidaysburg 21: I’ll give the Mountain Lions the benefit of the doubt in their home opener, but they still have a lot of questions that need to be answered before they can start climbing the ladder in the Commonwealth Division.
Adam Kulikowski: Altoona 21, Hollidaysburg 14: Look for the Mountain Lions to lean on a defense that features a pair of returning all-star linebackers, Mark Harrington and Logan Wukovich.
Mechanicsburg 34, Carlisle 6:
Andy Shay: Mechanicsburg 31, Carlisle 20: Not much is expected of this Thundering Herd outfit and the Wildcats have more quality-developed talent than normal. First game for Dave Heckard as the M’Burg skipper. Feels like he gets victory No. 1.
Andy Sandrik: Mechanicsburg 28, Carlisle 13: I’m going to be hounded at Carlisle Elementary School pick-up for taking the ‘Cats over the Herd in the season opener, and when that happens I’ll talk about all the things I like about this Mechanicsburg team until they get annoyed and walk away.
Adam Kulikowski: Mechanicsburg 28, Carlisle 14: In what should shape up as a wide-open Keystone Division look for the Wildcats to get win No. 1 under coach Dave Heckard.
Cedar Cliff 50, Red Land 30:
Andy Shay: Cedar Cliff 42, Red Land 7: Very few in the MPC have been as solid as the Colts the last half-decade. That’s expected to continue with several horses up front and a veteran QB. Skill positions need answers, but rival Red Land has way too many questions that require answers to make this WSSD match-up tight.
Andy Sandrik: Cedar Cliff 44, Red Land 10: Now that the Colts have a team that can win the Keystone Division, they get moved to the Commonwealth. Look for CC to take some of that frustration out on WSSD rival and Keystone representative Red Land.
Adam Kulikowski: Cedar Cliff 48, Red Land 14: The Colts haven’t lost to the Patriots since 2012. Look for that trend to continue.
Central York 47, Central Dauphin 0
Andy Shay: Central York 34, Central Dauphin 17: Last season ended with a Rams loss to CY, and all indicators are CD will start 2024 in a similar fashion. Not sure the CD offense can keep pace with the York County kingpin offensively, so any whiff of an upset will be fueled by the Rams defense.
Andy Sandrik: Central York 32, Central Dauphin 14: Too many question marks on the CD side for me to justify picking the Rams to win a high-tilt matchup like this.
Adam Kulikowski: Central York 45, Central Dauphin 14: Rams are looking to break in new talent at nearly every position on offense. I’ll need to see what the youngbloods can do at all the skill positions before picking coach McNamee’s crew against powerhouse Central York.
Central Dauphin East 40, William Penn 6:
Andy Shay: CD East 33, William Penn 29: Everything tells me York High is better equipped to win this game over an emerging talent base at CDE that hasn’t shown enough consistency at this level. I’m taking the Panthers to take the first next step anyway!
Andy Sandrik: CD East 28, William Penn 21: Call me a Mid-Penn homer (I am) but I have a good feeling about the Panthers in their opener.
Adam Kulikowski: William Penn 32, CD East 31: The Panthers possess two home-run hitters in all-stars in Jared Porter (RB) and wideout Zach Brown. The question is if they have enough support pieces to notch win No. 1 of the season.
Chambersburg 24, Gettysburg 17:
Andy Shay: Gettysburg 28, Chambersburg 20: Warriors have one of the top quarterbacks and a way better-than-average running back to unleash on opposing defenses. Firepower will not be a problem for Gettysburg. Holding the opposition in check will be the key to next-level success. Not sure the Trojans have the pop to push the envelope here.
Andy Sandrik: Gettysburg 24, Chambersburg 14: The best shot at victory for the Trojans would be not allowing this game to turn into a shootout. That’s a pretty tall ask for a team facing an offense as potent as Gettysburg’s.
Adam Kulikowski: Gettysburg 41, Chambersburg 13: Warriors QB Brady Heiser racked up nearly 2,000 passing yards last season. That experience should pay dividends against a Trojan defense that will be leaned on heavily if Chambersburg is to make strides this season.
Manheim Township 42, Cumberland Valley 14:
Andy Shay: Cumberland Valley 28, Manheim Township 21: Well this is just a fun Week 1 matchup in Class 6A. Eagles just have better football bones in their arsenal right now and that should show. Blue Streaks will be learning on the fly while CV knows exactly who they are.
Andy Sandrik: Manheim Township 20, Cumberland Valley 17: These teams have met four times over the last two years and the Blue Streaks have won all four of those games. This is a winnable game for CV, but Manheim Township is a proud program that won’t bow out quietly.
Adam Kulikowski: Cumberland Valley 27, Manheim Township 17: Don’t call it a redemption game for the Eagles who were knocked out of the District 3 6A playoffs by the Blue Streaks (37-27) last year, but there’s no doubt it’ll feel good to start the season on a high note against Manheim Township
State College 49, Gateway 14:
Andy Shay: State College 24, Gateway 21: Quality WPIAL foe for the Little Lions, who lost a superstar at RB to transfer. Still think State College has the muscle to endure what promises to be a slugfest.
Andy Sandrik: State College 21, Gateway 14: The Little Lions always seem to be a team that’s deep at every position, and I think that will go a long way for SC to stay fresh as it takes Gateway’s toughest shots for four quarters.
Adam Kulikowski: State College 28, Gateway 7: Yes, the Little Lions lost a tremendous talent to transfer at running back, but this is still a team with plenty in the cupboard to contend in the refreshed Commonwealth.
Hershey 28, Milton Hershey 0:
Andy Shay: Hershey 27, Milton Hershey 20: Nothing like a little Cocoa Bean Bowl action in August to stir up the competitive juices. The Trojans have a massive offensive hole to cover up at RB and everyone knows it. The Spartans have some dangerous weapons, but for me, Hershey’s defense is key to victory.
Andy Sandrik: Milton Hershey 25, Hershey 23: If the Spartans win this game, it will be because of their work in the trenches. This is a big group capable of bullying some teams.
Adam Kulikowski: Hershey 31, Milton Hershey 30: Trojans aim to make it three straight Cocoa Bean Bowl championships. Think that doesn’t mean something to this crew? Think again.
Cedar Crest 45, Lower Dauphin 16:
Andy Shay: Lower Dauphin 35, Cedar Crest 14: Just feels like the Falcons and all those weapons have enough to overpower the other “Falcons” in this tilt.
Andy Sandrik: Lower Dauphin 34, Cedar Crest 10: I took LD to win the Keystone Division this fall, so I would be remiss to pick against Josh Borreli’s Falcons in Week 1.
Adam Kulikowski: Lower Dauphin 28, Cedar Crest 21: You have to go all the way back to 2013 when LD last topped the Keystone Division standings. If we’re correct, the Falcons can again reach the top of the mountain.
Mifflin County 42, Central Mountain 6:
Andy Shay: Mifflin County 34, Central Mountain 13: All indicators are the Huskies could have a little more zip offensively than a year ago and the Wildcats aren’t quite ready to go up and down the field at this point.
Andy Sandrik: Mifflin County 28, Central Mountain 16: The Huskies have plenty of questions to answer this season, but they should have more than a puncher’s chance against this depleted Central Mountain squad.
Adam Kulikowski: Mifflin County 21, Central Mountain 20: Call this a hunch with the Huskies reloading nearly all of its skill position starters.
Spring Grove 31, Northern York 14:
Andy Shay: Northern York 27, Spring Grove 24: Coming off a losing season and replacing a do-everything RB will be a challenge for the Polar Bears. Good first test before diving into the Keystone Division pond.
Andy Sandrik: Spring Grove 21, Northern York 14: There’s no longer such a thing as “easing” into your schedule thanks to the formation of four super conferences in the Mid-Penn. This is a tough opening assignment for the Polar Bears, who would love to build some confidence going into a tough Keystone slate.
Adam Kulikowski: Spring Grove 28, Northern York 13: Spring Grove has big ambitions to reach the postseason in coach Tom Trone’s second circuit at the helm. A win against the rebuilding Polar Bears would be a good way to start.
Palmyra 43, Lebanon 8:
Andy Shay: Palmyra 30, Lebanon 6: Look the Cougars are not a powerhouse, but the Cedars have a whole new staff and precious few varsity veterans to build with. Cougars offense should spread its wings here.
Andy Sandrik: Palmyra 28, Lebanon 7: The fruits produced from dedicated offseason labor will taste sweet for Palmyra this week before games start getting much tougher in Keystone Division play.
Adam Kulikowski: Palmyra 21, Lebanon 6: The Cougars have some nice pieces returning to build on a two-win season. Can Chris Pavone’s crew see dividends on the experience gained last year?
Shippensburg 28, Big Spring 7:
Andy Shay: Shippensburg 27, Big Spring 14: The biggest difference in this tilt for me is the Bulldogs will be a work in progress up front. Big Spring has the offensive weapons to compete. Trenches will be where the Greyhounds show their mettle.
Andy Sandrik: Shippensburg 24, Big Spring 18: Little Brown Jug game seems like a 50-50 call to me. Both teams have weapons that can turn the tide in their favor. I’m leaning toward Ship, but this is nothing more than an educated guess.
Adam Kulikowski: Shippensburg 31, Big Spring 20: Greyhounds aim to rebound from an uncharacteristic 4-6 campaign in 2023. Claiming the Little Brown Jug would be a great way to start.
Waynesboro 30, Greencastle-Antrim 27:
Andy Shay: Waynesboro 28, Greencastle-Antrim 27: Not sure which way to lean on this one. Feels like the Blue Devils have less known weapons than the Indians, but G-A is coached to play inside a comfortable box that allows it to win those close games.
Andy Sandrik: Waynesboro 35, Greencastle-Antrim 28: I expect this to be one of the feistiest matchups we’ll see in the opening week. The Indians have a nice group of hardened returners, and that gives them the advantage.
Adam Kulikowski: Greencastle-Antrim 31, Waynesboro 24: Our crew sees this game as one of the tightest matchups of Week 1. I agree, but lean toward the Blue Devils.
Lancaster Catholic 42, Camp Hill 41 (2OT):
Andy Shay: Camp Hill 31, Lancaster Catholic 20: Four vital ingredients return for a Lions squad that won District 3 gold and showed up in the PIAA quarterfinals. Sure they lost some dudes, but LC isn’t ready for a mature offense at this point.
Andy Sandrik: Camp Hill 28, Lancaster Catholic 24: From where I’m sitting — the reclining chair in my living room — it seems like the Lions have a core group of guys that just live and breathe for these heart-stopping games that come down to the last possession. That is a good thing, because I think Camp Hill is going to be in more than a few of those games this fall.
Adam Kulikowski: Camp Hill 35, Lancaster Catholic 21: The Lions brand of football is built on slinging the rock–and with all-state QB Drew Branstetter back for another circuit at the helm, the Lions should feel good even as they search for the next set of receivers to compliment its offense.
Minersville 39, Halifax 0:
Andy Shay: Minersville 35, Halifax 14: Too many questions at the skill positions for a Halifax side that took some steps forward a year ago but was hit pretty hard by graduation. Tough opening matchup for the Wildcats no way around it.
Andy Sandrik: Minersville 32, Halifax 9: The Miners return way too many varsity-seasoned guys for me to see this matchup going any other way.
Adam Kulikowski: Minersville 45, Halifax 14: Experience pays and the Miners have it while the Wildcats are looking to rebuild again.
James Buchanan 15, York County Tech 14:
Andy Shay: York County Tech 21, James Buchanan 14: Still feels like a toss-up game but until JB wins one of these 50-50 affairs going with the winner of this close tilt from a year ago.
Andy Sandrik: York County Tech 19, James Buchanan 7: This is probably the most winnable game on the schedule. For both teams.
Adam Kulikowski: York County Tech 27, James Buchanan 6: Both clubs likely have circled this one on their calendar as a moment where they could potentially enjoy some celebratory root beers.
Lewisburg 26, Line Mountain 23:
Andy Shay: Line Mountain 27, Lewisburg 14: I expect the Green Dragons to offer some serious resistance and give the Eagles a stern test. Just the firepower and defensive prowess of what is known about LM pushes them to favorites status.
Andy Sandrik: Line Mountain 30, Lewisburg 17: This pick is less about what I think about Lewisburg and more about what we know about Line Mountain. The Eagles have all the pieces to put together a splendid season, and could very well seize this opener.
Adam Kulikowski: Line Mountain 41, Lewisburg 14: It wasn’t long ago that we were waiting for this group of young bucks to find their footing. They did that last year, ticking off nine victories. Can this club make the next step this year?
Steelton-Highspire 69, Fairfield 0:
Andy Shay: Steelton-Highspire 35, Fairfield 14: After a four-year run where 40 points were expected, a lot has changed for the Rollers entering 2024. This season will be a grind and might include as many losses as wins perhaps. This game still feels like vintage Rollers, though.
Andy Sandrik: Steelton-Highspire 45, Fairfield 9: The Rollers just graduated their best class in school history, but it won’t seem that way when this game goes final.
Adam Kulikowski: Steelton-Highspire 48, Fairfield 13: Expectations might not be as high for the Roller this season, but on this day that high-octane offense will look just fine.
West Perry 58, Susquenita 0:
Andy Shay: West Perry 28, Susquenita 7: Mustangs suffered some massive production losses, but have enough meat on the bone to be very intriguing and competitive for sure. The Blackhawks lost practically all of their offensive firepower and once again are breaking in a new coaching staff.
Andy Sandrik: West Perry 36, Susquenita 7: The Mustangs will be playing with 12 men on the field — the 12th being the spirit of former player Tyler Wonders, who passed suddenly this week — so it’s hard to imagine the Blackhawks staying in this ballgame for any extended period of time.
Adam Kulikowski: West Perry 34, Susquenita 7: Even with a slew of losses to graduation, the Mustangs program simply has more firepower and a more established coaching staff.
Boiling Springs 35, Littlestown 7:
Andy Shay: Littlestown 32, Boiling Springs 14: Yeah the T-Bolts have some losses to overcome, but right now the Bubblers seem behind the York County squad in terms of the power curve. BoS defense has to be better to be competitive, that’s the bottom line.
Andy Sandrik: Littlestown 23, Boiling Springs 14: The Thunderbolts lost some talent to graduation, much like everyone else, but they have been a consistent program with seven winning seasons over the last eight years. A win is possible for the Bubblers, but they’ll have to earn it.
Adam Kulikowski: Littlestown 30, Boiling Springs 21: Ok, I’m speculating a bit here as we know Littlestown will be reloading at many of its skill positions. Call it recency bias, but I’ll run with the team with more recent success–and that is Littletown.
Bethlehem Catholic 28, East Pennsboro 14:
Andy Shay: Bethlehem Catholic 31, East Pennsboro 14: A year ago this would have been a tough tilt for the Panthers with all their talent and experience. A good bit of that is gone and BC is reloading and that will show.
Andy Sandrik: Bethlehem Catholic 28, East Pennsboro 14: Whether East Pennsboro is in a rebuilding or reloading season, it might not make a difference against BC, the defending District 11 4A champion.
Adam Kulikowski: Bethlehem Catholic 48, East Pennsboro 21: Last year Bethlehem Catholic streaked from a five-game winning streak to a five-game losing streak to a District 11 4A championship. Steadying the ups and downs will help BC make a run at defending its title.
Middletown 31, Donegal 24:
Andy Shay: Middletown 21, Donegal 14: Not sure the Blue Raiders are going to be relevant in the division, but this is an opportunity where it feels like they are on more equal footing. Have to be better up front to have any shot.
Andy Sandrik: Middletown 21, Donegal 20: Middletown has to like its chances at home against an Indians squad that lost most of its skill players from last fall’s three-win season.
Adam Kulikowski: Middletown 28, Donegal 14: Can the Blue Raiders begin to reestablish themselves as a contender? The jury is still out. But a win in Week 1 would be a good way to set the tone for the season.
Allentown Central Catholic 18, Trinity 0:
Andy Shay: Allentown Central Catholic 28, Trinity 7: Yeah these two clubs are embarking on “seasons of change” but the T-Rocks have simply been turned upside down this offseason.
Andy Sandrik: Allentown Central Catholic 18, Trinity 10: The Vikings have been ravaged by graduation losses and the transfer of their starting QB and top receivers. Trinity, a team replacing a blue-chip RB and a head coach, can relate.
Adam Kulikowski: Allentown Central Catholic 33, Trinity 10: These are uncertain times at Trinity where a their stud running back transferred and their esteemed head coach departed after the conclusion of last season. It’ll take some time to regain their footing.
Saturday, August 24
Selinsgrove 14, Juniata 7:
Andy Shay: Selinsgrove 28, Juniata 17: Make no mistake about it, the Indians are going to make some noise in the Capital Division this season. Playing a team of this caliber will only help, but winning would be an upset. I could be wrong, often am.
Andy Sandrik: Selinsgrove 21, Juniata 14: Talk about getting thrown into deep waters! This is a tough matchup for Juniata, but the Indians have a defense that can keep this game much closer than most folks might expect.
Adam Kulikowski: Selinsgrove 35, Juniata 28: If Juniata plays up to its potential, this matchup will be a one-score difference in the final stanza.
Williams Valley 21, Upper Dauphin 7:
Andy Shay: Williams Valley 27, Upper Dauphin 25: Both these squads are looking to find answers to serious production questions on the offensive side of the ball. True flip the coin game for me here.
Andy Sandrik: Upper Dauphin 39, Williams Valley 34: Gosh, this matchup has me feeling nostalgic about the old TVL. I have no idea who’s going to win, but I get the sense there could be a thousand TDs on the board before the end of the night.
Adam Kulikowski: Upper Dauphin 34, Williams Valley 27: The Vikings relied so much on Alex Achenbach last year that it makes you wonder how quickly they will be able to turn the page in 2024.
Bishop McDevitt 45, Mount St. Josephs 15:
Andy Shay: Bishop McDevitt 32, Mount St. Joseph 14: The league the Gaels play in is high quality and they will ask some interesting questions of the Crusaders. I’m riding McD enjoying an advantage up front to pull away and separate.
Andy Sandrik: Bishop McDevitt 30, Mount St. Joseph 21: I don’t think this is necessarily a blowout kind of game for the Crusaders, who have to reload at several defensive positions before they can officially be considered a contender for the top spot in the Commonwealth Division.
Adam Kulikowski: Bishop McDevitt 35, Mount St. Joseph 24: Stone Saunder’s quest to top recently-graduated Steel-High QB Alex Erby’s career passing record of 13,562 begins tonight for the senior Kentucky commit. Saunders enters play in Week 1 with 10,142 yards.
La Salle College 45, Harrisburg 7:
Andy Shay: Harrisburg 28, La Salle College 21: Before the first real snap is taken the Cougars are facing major adversity as Pitt recruit and starting QB Shawn Lee Jr. was ruled ineligible for the 2024 season earlier this week. Not like the Cougars are a one-trick pony by any stretch, but La Salle is no easy out, either.
Andy Sandrik: Harrisburg 34, La Salle College 21: I wouldn’t recommend ever picking against Harrisburg this regular season, but if you’re insistent on doing so, make sure it’s early while the Cougars are still working on ironing out the kinks.
Adam Kulikowski: Harrisburg 28, La Salle College 27: Look for the Cougars to lean on their highly touted transfers at running back as they adjust to life without QB Shawn Lee Jr.
Juniata Valley 35, Newport 7:
Andy Shay: Juniata Valley 36, Newport 7: Being competitive over four quarters is a stretch for the Buffaloes recently and this JV squad has some bark to its bite.
Andy Sandrik: Juniata Valley 30, Newport 12: The Hornets bring back too many returners from their 7-4 season to have me believe the Buffs can stay in this game for a full four quarters.
Adam Kulikowski: Juniata Valley 45, Newport 7: No one likes to predict blowouts, but the reality is that the Buffaloes face another uphill battle as they look to regain their form.
Susquehanna Township 36, Penn Hills 30:
Andy Shay: Susquehanna Township 27, Penn Hills 14: This won’t be a soft opener for the Tribe, but the stability at QB and an elite weapon on the outside will be a difference-maker on the road.
Andy Sandrik: Susquehanna Township 28, Penn Hills 21: Penn Hills has to start over at QB thanks to the graduation of Julian Dugger, now a freshman for the Pitt Panthers. Hanna’s stability at QB with TD Evans, combined with a deadly receiver in Lex Cyrus, gives me plenty of reason to believe the Tribe can steal a win on the road.
Adam Kulikowski: Susquehanna Township 45, Penn Hills 28: Our odds-on favorite to win the Colonial Division, Twp. will showcase the firepower on offense that makes them a fearsome bunch.
