Week 3: Picks and Predictions

RECORDS (Last week — Overall):

Andy Shay: 23-6 — 42-15

Andy Sandrik: 22-7 — 38-19

Adam Kulikowski: 20-9 — 36-21

Geoff Morrow: 18-11 — 35-22

Friday:

Big Spring at Halifax, 7

Andy Shay: Big Spring 42, Halifax 7: This is a layup game for the Bulldogs. Their job is to make it so.

Geoff Morrow: Big Spring 49, Halifax 7: There will be some individual statistical bright spots for the Wildcats this year, which will have to suffice since victories will be difficult to accumulate. Good chance for Bulldogs to bark.

Andy Sandrik: Big Spring 35, Halifax 0: This game is a mismatch, which has been a common theme for the Liberty in these Mid-Penn crossover matchups.

Adam Kulikowski: Big Spring 38, Halifax 7: This Wildcats team has plenty of heart and fight entering each week knowing that they are severely undermanned. Bulldogs just have more tools at their disposal. No shame in that.

Boiling Springs at James Buchanan, 7

Andy Shay: Boiling Springs 49, James Buchanan 0: Like the fact the Rockets come into this on the heels of a win; however, that feeling will be erased quickly by the Bubblers.

Geoff Morrow: Boiling Springs 60, James Buchanan 14: Bubblers have amassed 100+ points already, while the Rockets have nearly surrendered that many through two weeks. Not a good sign if you’re hunting a competitive contest.

Andy Sandrik: Boiling Springs 44, James Buchanan 0: Pressure will be on the backups to preserve the shutout.

Adam Kulikowski: Boiling Springs 50, James Buchanan 6: Cheers to JB notching a ‘dub last week against Halifax. The chore this week is Herculean.

Camp Hill at Susquenita, 7

Andy Shay: Camp Hill 33, Susquenita 19: So Camp Hill likes to throw the ball a bit, and while ‘Nita has some elements that are working well, playing pass defense isn’t one of them. And that is the ol’ matchup problem.

Geoff Morrow: Camp Hill 39, Susquenita 13: Good on the Blackhawks for making all four of us look like dolts picking against them last week. Granted, that’s not always difficult. But defending the Lions’ aerial attack is.

Andy Sandrik: Camp Hill 24, Susquenita 14: Over the years, the ‘Hawks have made a habit of making me look bad for picking against them, but then losing when I pick them the following week. I’m not falling for it this year. Camp Hill to the moon!

Adam Kulikowski: Camp Hill 30, Susquenita 13: The Lions got a firsthand view Monday of what to expect from the ‘Hawks, as many on the team were in Herndon to witness Susquenita’s season-opening victory against Line Mountain. What they saw was a team that could be vulnerable against a good passing attack. That’s the Lions’ whole M.O.

Cedar Cliff at CD East, 7

Andy Shay: CD East 28, Cedar Cliff 27: This one is going to be very interesting. The Colts and Panthers each have faced two quality opponents, so they have been in the fire aplenty. I like the CD East defense to be a difference maker.

Geoff Morrow: CD East 33, Cedar Cliff 30: The first matchup between these programs since 2009 promises to be a doozy. And the fact that I just used the word “doozy” means I might have leapfrogged AShay as the oldest picker in the bunch.

Andy Sandrik: Cedar Cliff 33, CD East 28: Whoever can find the most defensive consistency will have the advantage in this game. But from where I’m sitting, I’m taking the “over” this week.

Adam Kulikowski: Cedar Cliff 30, CD East 27: Both teams turned in outstanding performances in Week 2. The key to this matchup might be the health of Panthers starting QB Tony Powell, who suffered an ankle injury in East’s win against Warwick and appears to be out this week. Without their No. 1, the Panthers may need to find creative ways to get Penn State recruit Mehki Flowers involved in the offense.

Cedar Crest at Carlisle, 7

Andy Shay: Carlisle 21, Cedar Crest 14: I think the balance of the Thundering Herd’s offense helps them navigate what is sure to be the most complete test they have faced to date.

Geoff Morrow: Cedar Crest 25, Carlisle 24: At this point, I have no way of knowing which 2-0 record is legit, which isn’t. Maybe both are. Maybe neither. But I think there’s a good chance of some excitement at Ken Millen Stadium.

Andy Sandrik: Carlisle 28, Cedar Crest 21: Great measuring stick game for both teams. I’m riding the hot arm of Carlisle QB Louie Shank.

Adam Kulikowski: Cedar Crest  28, Carlisle 21: I initially pencilled in the Thundering Herd here, but after taking a look at what the Falcons did to their first two opponents — 90 points and more than 800 total years — I’m signing a different tune.

Dallastown at Hershey, 7

Andy Shay: Dallastown 35, Hershey 0: The struggles for the Trojans on offense continue as they search for their initial points this season. Dallastown has not had any trouble making the scoreboard roll.

Geoff Morrow: Dallastown 29, Hershey 13: Trojans get their first points; Wildcats get their second victory.

Andy Sandrik: Dallastown 34, Hershey 7: The Wildcats just gave two L-L teams all they could handle, even earning a rare scalp over Manheim Township last week. None of this is good news for Hershey.

Adam Kulikowski: Dallastown 38, Hershey 6: The Trojans’ offense hasn’t generated a point in eight quarters of play so far this season. With limited bullets in the chamber, the climb will be a tough one in Chocolate Town. 

Dover at Shippensburg, 7

Andy Shay: Shippensburg 35, Dover 0: Defense has been a bright spot for the ‘Hounds in the early going, and it appears that trend will continue against a Dover squad that was blanked by Northern last week.

Geoff Morrow: Shippensburg 27, Dover 7: Gotta hand it to Shippensburg’s defense. Well, I mean, I guess you don’t. Maybe the Greyhounds don’t need handouts. Maybe they’ll just take what they want from you and leave you depleted.

Andy Sandrik: Shippensburg 28, Dover 0: This game would have been harder to pick if Dover didn’t just take a thrashing from Ship’s Colonial playmate, Northern.

Adam Kulikowski: Shippensburg 38, Dover 6: The pieces are coming together just as they always do in Franklin County for Eric Foust’s crew.

East Pennsboro at Milton Hershey, 7

Andy Shay: Milton Hershey 27, East Pennsboro 20: Spartans are just getting the wheels oiled back up and running after sitting out the 2020 pandemic season. RB Dion Bryant will create some problems for sure. Don’t know the status of Panthers RB Sy Burgos. He didn’t play last week, and EP was blanked.

Geoff Morrow: Milton Hershey 30, East Pennsboro 14: Obviously a lot can change depending on who does — or doesn’t — suit up. But the Spartans’ bounce-back domination of the ‘Hanna was enough to sell me.

Andy Sandrik: Milton Hershey 28, East Pennsboro 21: No idea whether or not we’ll see Sy Burgos, who set East Penn’s single-game rushing record in Week 1 but was absent from the field in Week 2. Milton Hershey is going to be a tough out either way. 

Adam Kulikowski: Milton Hershey 35, East Pennsboro 28: Like my amigos above stated, the status of Burgos is the big question mark. Either way, I think it is a tough road to stop a Spartans offense that will continue to get better each week after their lengthy hiatus.

Greencastle-Antrim at Delone Catholic, 7

Andy Shay: Greencastle-Antrim 28, Delone Catholic 20: Eight solid quarters from the Blue Devils despite the 1-1 record. They have some cooking in Antrim Township. Squires are struggling, too.

Geoff Morrow: Greencastle-Antrim 19, Delone Catholic 8: It feels like an eternity ago when all of us picked Delone to spank Trinity in Week 1. Now we’re all casually like, “No worries, G-A, you got this.” But it could be a tight battle.

Andy Sandrik: Greencastle-Antrim 21, Delone Catholic 14: Nice rebound win for the Blue Devils last week, and I think they’ve got the tools to outlast Delone this week.

Adam Kulikowski: Greencastle-Antrim 24, Delone Catholic 21: The Blue Devils only have a 1-1 record, but this is a team that has performed well. G-A reaps the rewards again in Week 3.

Juniata at West Perry, 7

Andy Shay: West Perry 26, Juniata 19: So all indications are the Mustangs have more than enough weapons to keep a defense honest. The Indians don’t have a “dynamic” offense, but they do bring strong D to the table.

Geoff Morrow: West Perry 21, Juniata 7: The Indians’ defense (3 points allowed) has been impressive, but, goodness gracious, what the heck got into the Mustangs last week? I’m riding that momentum with this pick, though I don’t think the sailing will be quite as smooth for the hosts.

Andy Sandrik: West Perry 30, Juniata 14: The Mustangs left no doubts when they put the hammer down in what was supposed to be a competitive game against Newport, the favorite to win the Liberty. WP can absolutely do the same thing to Juniata this week.

Adam Kulikowski: West Perry 34, Juniata 28: The Mustangs rule Perry County after knocking off Newport last week. Why not conquer neighboring Juniata as well?

Line Mountain at Middletown, 7

Andy Shay: Middletown 42, Line Mountain 7: Blue Raiders had a very rough welcome to their 2021 season for new head coach Scott Acri. This will be a better opportunity to learn a few things about this Middletown team as the playing field won’t be slanted. Eagles are struggling to score points.

Geoff Morrow: Middletown 29, Line Mountain 6: I’m trying to think of when else a team (like Middletown) might go from playing Bishop McDevitt one week to Line Mountain the next. Playoff baseball maybe? Wrestling? Whatever. This just feels weird. Congrats (probably) to Scotty Acri on Victory No. 1 with the Blue Raiders.

Andy Sandrik: Middletown 30, Line Mountain 7: After McDevitt last week, the Blue Raiders should have a little more room to breathe against Line Mountain. The Eagles are still seeking their first TD of 2021.

Adam Kulikowski: Middletown 28, Line Mountain 7: If the Eagles can clean up the missed opportunities that plagued their Week 2 battle against Susquenita, this could have the makings of a closer battle. A short turnaround after playing on Monday, however, doesn’t leave the folks in Herndon much time to correct.

Lower Dauphin at Elizabethtown, 7

Andy Shay: Elizabethtown 14, Lower Dauphin 7: Neither offense is going to light it up, so you follow the defense, and the Bears have performed at a higher level than the Falcons on that side of the ball. If one team gets to 21, that’s your winner.

Geoff Morrow: Elizabethtown 17, Lower Dauphin 10: For a couple of schools just 13 miles apart, this is the first meeting since 2013. The bigger question — for me, anyway — is do you take 283, 230 or 743 to get there?

Andy Sandrik: Elizabethtown 10, Lower Dauphin 0: Tough loss last week for the Bears, who were less than 11 minutes away from shutting out Mechanicsburg. In a game that screams defense, I think E-Town’s unit holds up just a little bit better than LD’s.

Adam Kulikowski: Elizabethtown 28, Lower Dauphin 6: Two teams that are searching for their footing in ‘21. Sign me up for the Bears.

Manheim Central at Susquehanna Township, 7 

Andy Shay: Manheim Central 45, Susquehanna Township 7: Barons’ defense has surrendered seven points in eight quarters. The Tribe is struggling to move the ball with any consistency offensively. It’s a bad matchup for ‘Hanna.

Geoff Morrow: Manheim Central 40, Susquehanna Township 13: Offensive struggles for young programs are certainly understandable, but the Indians have surrendered A LOT of points already. That’s a bit disconcerting with a powerhouse like Central coming to town.

Andy Sandrik: Manheim Central 42, Susquehanna Township 14: If you’re Township, you really, really don’t want to enter division play at 0-3, but I don’t see how the Indians are going to avoid that with the Barons coming to town.

Adam Kulikowski: Manheim Central 34, Susquehanna Township 14: One team presents a stifling defense. The other struggles to put crooked numbers on the scoreboard.

Mechanicsburg at Red Land, 7

Andy Shay: Mechanicsburg 17, Red Land 14: All I know is the Wildcats have a defense that keeps them in games. Mechanicsburg could easily be 0-2 and searching for answers; instead, it’s 1-1 and only has to focus on the offense getting better. Patriots can win this game on merit, but confidence matters. And, at 0-2, belief is easier talked about than found.

Geoff Morrow: Mechanicsburg 20, Red Land 18: After losing to Northern York and Northeastern, at least the Patriots aren’t facing a directional school. So they have THAT going for them. Wildcats have won two straight in the series.

Andy Sandrik: Mechanicsburg 21, Red Land 14 (OT): Points could be hard to come by in this one as both offenses continue to find their way. This is a 50-50 game to me that might take longer than regulation to settle.

Adam Kulikowski: Red Land 24, Mechanicsburg 21: I feel like the Patriots are starting to put the pieces together. Will that be this week?

Mifflin County at Williamsport, 7

Andy Shay: Williamsport 28, Mifflin County 7: There’s some pop to the Millionaires’ offense that the Huskies simply can’t muster right now.

Geoff Morrow: Williamsport 33, Mifflin County 14: If you combined these programs and formed a Millionaire Husky, what would it spend its money on? Endless supply of dehydrated salmon treats? Enough KONG balls to fill a swimming pool?

Andy Sandrik: Williamsport 27, Mifflin County 7: The Millionaires have to be eager for redemption after playing within a touchdown of Altoona last week. Something tells me they find it against MiffCo on Friday.

Adam Kulikowski: Williamsport 20, Mifflin County 7: The Huskies continue to search for the right mix of youngsters entering Week 3. In eight quarters of play so far, Mifflin County has just six points to show for the grass stains on their pants.

Red Lion at Chambersburg, 7

Andy Shay: Red Lion 28, Chambersburg 20: The Trojans actually own a victory this season, and that is a factor; however, the more pop on offense belongs to Red Lion, and that should be enough to get them victory No. 1 this season.

Geoff Morrow: Chambersburg 20, Red Lion 14: It doesn’t feel like an upset to be picking the Trojans at home. I’m more surprised by the Lions’ lopsided loss to Waynesboro last weekend than C-burg’s inability to hang with a really solid Spring-Ford lineup.

Andy Sandrik: Red Lion 28, Chambersburg 14: Both of these squads are coming off crushing losses, so it could very well come down to who has the shorter memory. Red Lion has had a little more offensive pop, so I think the Lions have the edge here.

Adam Kulikowski: Red Lion 31, Chambersburg 14: The gents from Red Lion are licking their wounds a bit after a surprisingly lopsided loss to Waynesboro. Expect a rebound against a soul-searching Trojans squad.

Schuylkill Haven at Williams Valley, 7

Andy Shay: Williams Valley 28, Schuylkill Haven 13: Vikings are back to the pound-it-on-the-ground ways, and that’s just fine with the kin up in Williamstown.

Geoff Morrow: Williams Valley 20, Schuylkill Haven 7: I was going to write something semi-intelligent about the Vikings being an outstanding small-school program, but I’ll instead spend my time here warning you NOT to read Sandrik’s joke directly beneath me.

Andy Sandrik: Williams Valley 24, Schuylkill Haven 7: Alex Achenbach has been a workhorse for WV, accounting for 50 of the Vikings’ 72 carries. Guess after all that, you could say he might have an achin’ back. … I’ll show myself to the door.

Adam Kulikowski: Williams Valley 30, Schuylkill Haven 27: A key injury limited the playbook for the Vikings last week against Pine Grove. It didn’t seem to bother Alex Achenbach, who, by the way, earned 4^th Down Magazine’s Small School Player of the Week honors. WV will need another huge night from its back to keep the root beer flowing.

Spring-Ford at Cumberland Valley, 7

Andy Shay: Spring-Ford 31, Cumberland Valley 3: The Rams have not allowed a single point this season, and through eight quarters the Eagles have one touchdown and one field goal. Defense will put up a fight for CV, but the math just doesn’t add up for anything but a result like this.

Geoff Morrow: Spring-Ford 27, Cumberland Valley 14: This was a battle last year (20-14 Rams), and you have to figure something is going to spark the Eagles’ offense soon. But it’s naive to think they’ve earned the upset pick yet.

Andy Sandrik: Spring-Ford 33, Cumberland Valley 10: Even if the Eagles play an unbelievable defensive game, they’re still going to need their offense (5 ppg) to score on the Rams, who have yet to allow a point this season.

Adam Kulikowski: Spring-Ford 28, Cumberland Valley 14: The Eagles’ offense is firing like an ‘70s Pinto. Against a Rams club that has yet to yield a single point, that’s trouble.

Spring Grove at Northern York, 7

Andy Shay: Spring Grove 28, Northern 21: The Rockets will push the Polar Bears in a different kind of way than they’ve experienced so far this season. How they respond matters. A toss-up game in my book.

Geoff Morrow: Northern York 23, Spring Grove 21: Two teams with impressive starts to the young season. I also think it’s appropriate for Rockets to visit the place we — for a long time — called Area 51 because Epler swears he witnessed aliens invading Dillsburg one year during another sporting event.

Andy Sandrik: Spring Grove 24, Northern York 21: The Polar Bears have done a remarkable job on their prove-the-world-wrong tour, but make no mistake, Spring Grove will be Northern’s toughest test yet.

Adam Kulikowski: Northern York 24, Spring Grove 21: Do-it-all kid Mason Yohe can be a difference-maker in what should be a very close matchup. If you need a late field goal, he’s the young lad I’m taking to make the kick in the Mid-Penn.

State College at Hollidaysburg, 7

Andy Shay: State College 38, Hollidaysburg 20: Turnovers and explosive plays will play key factors in this game. Little Lions’ defense will turn the tide of this one.

Geoff Morrow: State College 39, Hollidaysburg 16: I’m rummaging through the series history here, and it’s been absolutely dominated by State High. Last close contest was 2004, and the Little Lions still won it.

Andy Sandrik: State College 32, Hollidaysburg 27: For this pick, I once again turned to my shiv-wielding friend from Altoona. Had nothing nice to say, of course, but he did reveal State should have the advantage this week.

Adam Kulikowski: State College 38, Hollidaysburg 14: Do you ever have one of those words that you consistently misspell — even when it’s easy? Yep, that’s Hollidaysburg for me!

Taylor Allderdice at Altoona, 7

Andy Shay: Altoona 42, Taylor Allderdice 0: Mountain Lions are feeling very good about themselves at 2-0, and this opponent won’t pose a threat to those good-feeling vibes.

Geoff Morrow: Altoona 41, Taylor Allderdice 14: Can’t tell you much about the Dragons. But they did rack up a forfeit victory over a school from West Virginia last weekend. That’s at least according to Allderdice’s schedule. The Oak Glen (WV) site simply lists the game as cancelled. Regardless, Mountain Lions feast.

Andy Sandrik: Altoona 35, Taylor Allderdice 7: Two teams seemingly headed in opposite directions. I’m taking the Mountain Lions.

Adam Kulikowski: Altoona 34, Taylor Allderdice 14: Vince Nedimyer and his Mountain Lions knew they needed to capitalize on their non-conference schedule before they entered league play. So far, so good.

Trinity at Upper Dauphin, 7

Andy Shay: Trinity 42, Upper Dauphin 21: Tight spot for the T-Rocks in terms of momentum. Huge win in the opener and then lost a game to COVID. Not easy to validate two weeks apart, but opportunity knocks.

Geoff Morrow: Trinity 33, Upper Dauphin 14: Surely would have been a very different prediction a few weeks ago, but Trojans couldn’t find the end zone against Juniata, and the Shamrocks probably benefited from the unexpected extra week of practice. This could get ugly.

Andy Sandrik: Trinity 44, Upper Dauphin 12: Considering all the losing Trinity has been through in recent years, my preseason expectations were low for new coach Jordan Hill and his ‘Rocks staff. And, wow, all it took was one game, and now I expect the green machine to win by 30 every week.

Adam Kulikowski: Trinity 28, Upper Dauphin 13: Shamrocks got an unexpected week off but return with momentum still on their side. Tyler Rossi is the key to unlocking Jordan Hill’s second career varsity victory as a head coach.

Tri-Valley at Pine Grove, 7

Andy Shay: Tri-Valley 21, Pine Grove 14: This one is going to be a lot closer than most think it will be. I have one of those feelings about this game. A Pine Grove upset will not surprise me at all, but T-V has earned the pick.

Geoff Morrow: Tri-Valley 25, Pine Grove 16: Cardinals aren’t the type to get run over, but Bulldogs are bouncing right now, and they’ll need turnovers or some kind of early spark to swing momentum. Otherwise, T-V moves to 3-0.

Andy Sandrik: Tri-Valley 28, Pine Grove 7: T-V is clicking on all cylinders right now. Bulldogs all the way.

Adam Kulikowski: Tri-Valley 35, Pine Grove 20: I got to see Pine Grove play last week against Williams Valley. Loved the fight in the Cardinals. Just not sure there’s enough firepower to hang with the Bulldogs.

Waynesboro at Gettysburg, 7

Andy Shay: Waynesboro 21, Gettysburg 14: This Indians team has me all confused after eight quarters. Still think they are a quality squad. Looked the part a week ago. Gettysburg will demand another game at that level.

Geoff Morrow: Gettysburg 20, Waynesboro 19: This is the proverbial throwing-numbers-into-a-hat type of pick. It’s almost like each of these programs is purposefully writing their game plans in hieroglyphics just to keep people guessing.

Andy Sandrik: Gettysburg 21, Waynesboro 14: Someone got mad in the ‘Boro last weekend. I don’t think any of us were expecting the beatdown the Indians gave Red Lion. Waynesboro is going to need that same effort to knock off Gettysburg. It’s a tough ask against the Warriors, though, especially on the road.

Adam Kulikowski: Gettysburg 21, Waynesboro 20: You have to love the way the Indians took it to Red Lion last week if you are a fan of Waynesboro. Can they do it two weeks in a row against another quality opponent?

West York at Palmyra, 7

Andy Shay: West York 20, Palmyra 17: This one is truly a coin flip for me. Heads was Palmyra, tails was West York. My guess here is West York.

Geoff Morrow: Palmyra 14, West York 6: I have three colleagues who live in West York, but our office is nearly 30 miles away from the borough. This isn’t relevant to my prediction, but I just think it’s weird.

Andy Sandrik: Palmyra 24, West York 14: I’m giving Palmyra the benefit of the doubt because it has put a few more points on the board, but this game has a coin-flip feel to it.

Adam Kulikowski: West York 21, Palmyra 13: Both teams are still looking to find their footing. Palmyra has been outscored by a combined 40 points in their first two contests.

Saturday:

Newport at Steel-High, 10 a.m.

Andy Shay: Steel-High 49, Newport 7: This is not where you go to find answers after getting bulldozed in your opener. Bad spot for the Buffaloes.

Geoff Morrow: Steel-High 55, Newport 13: Good morning. Welcome to Cottage Hill. Now take your shellacking and go home, please.

Andy Sandrik: Steel-High 35, Newport 7: Getting trucked by West Perry, and then seeing Steel-High next on the calendar, has to be the Mondayist back-to-work feeling ever.

Adam Kulikowski: Steel-High 56, Newport 7: What happened to Newport in Week 2 against West Perry + what the Rollers did to those poor souls from Belmont Charter = deja vu all over again, Yogi.

Manheim Township vs. Central Dauphin, 7

Andy Shay: Central Dauphin 28, Manheim Township 17: This matchup has been a benefit to both programs over the last few seasons. The Blue Streaks are a step shy of the Rams right now is how I see it. Doesn’t mean it won’t be a heckuva game, though.

Geoff Morrow: Manheim Township 27, Central Dauphin 24: Skipping last year for COVID reasons, these programs have met TWICE — both regular season and playoffs — in 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019. Head-to-head record over those eight meetings? 4-4. A round of applause for supplying this region with some outstanding non-conference football, y’all!

Andy Sandrik: Central Dauphin 28, Manheim Township 24: The Rams and Blue Streaks have been dominant in recent years, but every minute of football this season has been tense and down to the wire. I expect that trend to continue this week.

Adam Kulikowski: Central Dauphin 24, Manheim Township 20: Fun fact. Max Mosey currently has more rushing attempts (31) than passing attempts (29) through eight quarters of play. Just a hunch, but that changes this week. 

POSTPONED: None

CANCELED: Bishop McDevitt at Harrisburg