Week one is pointless in the East Penn Conference. The mandatory crossover games does nobody any favors, the South beat the North by a combined score of 424-123. Only East Stroudsburg South was a winner for the North, beating Whitehall 41-28. It’s not a fun week, and everybody misses out by being able to schedule more competitively appropriate games. But it’s not going anywhere anytime soon I guess.

We get into the meat of the season this week. While none of the 6A teams are going to beat St. Joseph’s Prep, this has the makings of a fun and competitive year in the Lehigh Valley. Freedom, the defending league and 6A champ, brings back a wealth of skill position talent, Bethlehem Catholic is looking poised to make another state final four run in 4A, Parkland should be much improved, and Nazareth is a popular choice to make a leap. Onto the rankings!

1. Freedom Patriots (1-0)
Last Week: Beat East Stroudsburg North 58-0
State Rankings: 6 (6A)
This Week: Bethlehem Catholic
Freedom raced out to a 51-0 halftime lead against East Stroudsburg North in a game that wasn’t even that close. The Patriots are the favorite because they have the best quarterback in the league and one of the best in the state. Jared Jenkins went over 50 touchdown passes for and 5,000 yards his career in the week one win. The senior three year starter was 7-8 for 194 yards and 4 touchdowns in the win. He’s not the only star – Jalen Stewart at running back and outside linebacker and Bowling Green commit Kaden Moore at offensive and defensive tackle are two of the best players in the Valley. Vince Reph and Gabe Caton are also back at receiver and give Jenkins solid weapons in the passing game.

2. Bethlehem Catholic Golden Hawks (1-0)
Last Week: Beat Dieruff 48-7
State Rankings: 3 (4A)
This Week: @Freedom
The Golden Hawks are breaking in a new quarterback and four new offensive linemen, but that didn’t stop All State running back Tavion Banks from running for 116 yards and 4 TDs on ten carries in a runaway win over Dieruff. The Hawks, who named sophomore quarterback Jared Richardson the starter, will go as far as Banks can take them. Jerry Lyons (6’3 300) is the only returning lineman, but the line is massive, with George French (6’8 315), Dalton Kucher (6’3 250), Justin Kanyuk (6’5 290), and Mike Maldonado (6’0 260) all plugged in as starters. Banks, who ran for 1,603 yards and 30 touchdowns as a junior, could push for a 2,000 yard season if the big uglies gel. And if they get a passing game, they could make a run into December.

3. Parkland Trojans (1-0)
Last Week: Beat Northampton 49-14
State Rankings: Team to Watch
This Week: Allentown Central Catholic
Parkland had their worst season in a decade last year, going 7-5 and getting knocked out in the semifinals of the District 11 playoffs. The big problem for the Trojans in 2018 was their dearth of skill position talent. That looks significantly improved this season with the health of junior running back Isiah Rico. Rico broke his leg in week three last season, and the Trojan offense clearly wasn’t the same. He looked healthy last week, rushing for 209 yards and three touchdowns on 31 carries. Rico is a bowling ball at 5’9 195 and has one of the best offensive lines in the Valley blocking for him. The real star of this team is Nick Dawkins, the left tackle who is headed to Penn State next fall. They also have an outstanding set of linebackers, led by Angel Santos, who also chipped in 106 yards rushing last week. Quarterback Tanner Lewis also looked much improved, going 12-14 passing in his second turn as the starter. Expectations are significantly higher in Orefield than they were a year ago.

4. Easton Red Rovers (1-0)
Last Week: Beat Pocono Mountain West 40-21
This Week: Whitehall
Don’t know what to think about the Easton game last Saturday. On one hand, Pocono Mountain West is a North Division school and the Red Rovers were clinging to a 26-21 lead entering the fourth quarter. On the other hand, PMW is a chic pick to win the division thanks to a pair of running backs who combined for 2,900 yards last year, and Easton got stellar performances out of a bunch of first time starters. Nahjee Adams, who played mostly slot receiver as a sophomore, got the start at running back and busted out for 239 yards on 19 carries and three touchdowns. He missed a chunk of the second quarter with dehydration issues, and when he was out the offense sputtered. But he was electric, particularly in the fourth quarter, where he broke off touchdown runs of 36 and 56 to ice the game. After playing around 170 as a sophomore, he’s bulked up to 195 as a junior and showed both power and his game breaking speed in the performance. Sophomore Cole Transue also earned his first career start at quarterback, and responded with a 20-24 day for 206 yards and a pair of touchdowns. The 6’2 185 pounder showed off good touch on a 51 yard deep ball and really flashed arm strength in some of the intermediate routes he was asked to throw. We might have something here, particularly as he learns to get the ball out quicker.

5. Nazareth Blue Eagles (1-0)
Last Week: Beat Pocono Mountain East 48-0
This Week: @ Emmaus
There’s always drama with Rob Melosky. The former Nazareth and current Pocono Mountain East head coach cancelled his scrimmage with Muhlenberg, then the entire PME staff showed up to watch the Nazareth scrimmage. There were also allegations that somebody from PME showed up to tape Nazareth’s practice from the parking lot on Tuesday. It did not matter, as the Blue Eagles pounded the Cardinals 48-0. Nazareth is getting a lot of preseason love thanks to three year starting QB Anthony Harris and a much improved defense, led by defensive end Jake Wilson, an FCS recruit.

6. Notre Dame (GP) (1-0)
Last Week: Beat Northwestern Lehigh
State Rankings: 10 (3A)
This Week: Bangor
Phil Stambaugh is one of the best football coaches in eastern Pennsylvania. The former Lehigh All American and Jacksonville Jaguar looks like he has yet another awesome quarterback in sophomore Collin Quintano. Quintano was a wide receiver coming up through the Easton system, and was moved to QB upon enrolling at Notre Dame last summer as a freshman. He debuted last week, replacing All State QB Cole DeFranco, and hit the ground running. He threw for 283 yards and four touchdowns against Northwestern Lehigh, the defending Colonial League champion. He even outshined Tiger quarterback Devon Bollinger, who was widely considered the best player in the Colonial League. Quintano started at third base on Notre Dame’s baseball team last year, which advanced to the 3A state finals, so he’s already experienced big stages. But in his first start, he already has beaten a top 10 team in the state (in a bigger classification no less) and put the Crusaders in the driver’s seat for the Colonial League regular season title.

7. East Stroudsburg South (1-0)
Last Week: Beat Whitehall 41-28
State Rankings: 10 (5A)
This Week: Pocono Mountain West
East Stroudsburg South has a sneaky streak of excellent skill players. From Dan Cason to Sam Bergen to Kyshoen Jarrett to Changa Hodge to Ryan Clark, there always is a big weapon on the Cavalier offense. Running back Christian Arrington showed flashes last year when Clark, who was All State after a 1,900 yard, 30 touchdown season, hurt his ankle in the playoffs. Arrington ran for over 100 yards in the 5A semifinals and finals, and kept that momentum going in a season opening win over Whitehall. Arrington outdueld Ali Barkley (with Saquon watching on the sideline). Although Barkely ran for 135 yards and a pair of TDs, Arrington was unstoppable with 207 yarsd and 3 TDs, including a 91 yard score in the second quarter. Quarterback WIllam Fish also looked good, throwing for 238 yards and three touchdowns in his varsity debut. The Cavaliers are the heavy favorite to win the EPC North, particularly after getting a win over a South foe. It was also the first career win for new head coach Matt Walters, who is replacing the legendary Ed Christian, who spent 40 years on the Cavaliers’ sidelines. This week’s match up with Pocono Mountain West, the sleeper, will likely decide the division.

8. Liberty Hurricanes (1-0)
Last Week: Beat Pleasant Valley 70-0
This Week: @Pocono Mountain East
Liberty is breaking in 18 new starters on both sides of the ball. They also have revamped their offensive scheme, going fast-break no huddle behind senior QB Dallas Holmes. Week one was a rousing success, as the Hurricanes overwhelmed Pleasant Valley, 70-0 in the opener. The Liberty defense forced five turnovers and blocked a punt in the win. Liberty, who is looking to finish above .500 for the first time since 2015, has another scrimmage type game to ease into the season with Pocono Mountain East this weekend before a stretch of Bethlehem Catholic, Easton, and Parkland will really give us a clue as to where they stand.

9. Northwestern Lehigh Tigers (1-1)
Last Week: Lost to Notre Dame (GP) 42-35
State Rankings: Team to Watch (4A)
This Week: Beat Salisbury 38-17 (Thursday)
Delaware recruit Devon Bollinger threw for 244 yards and ran for 76 in a loss to Notre Dame. The Tigers were a popular pick to win the Colonial League, though they’ll have to dig out of a hole after a week one loss to the Crusaders. Bollinger is the headliner here – he’s probably a defensive back or slot receiver in college, but he’s a really good athlete and the ball is in his hands on every play. While the final score was close in the Notre Dame game, the Tigers found themselves falling behind by multiple touchdowns, then Bollinger willed them back into the game before Notre Dame repeatedly pulled away. Still, the Tigers are one of the best teams in the Colonial League, and are right around a top ten team in the state in 4A. They’ll be favored the rest of the regular season. Last night, the Tigers dispatched Salisbury 38-17 after opening their new turf stadium and honoring the 1995 District 11 Championship team, notably led by Brett Snyder (2,376 yards and 31 TDs), older brother of current head coach Josh Snyder. Brett passed away from ALS last spring. In the week two win, Bollinger threw for 165 yards and five touchdowns and ran for another 94 yards. Justin Rodda caught four of those five touchdowns and had 116 yards receiving.

10. Pocono Mountain West Panthers (0-1)
Last Week: Lost to Easton 41-20
This Week: @East Stroudsburg South
The Panthers hung around before two back breaking fourth quarter TDs by Nahjee Adams put the game out of reach. Still, there was a lot to build on for the North division contenders. Kaleb Monaco is the leading returning rusher in 6A, coming off of a 1,754 yard, 26 touchdown junior season. He did not miss a beat, running for 127 yards and a pair of touchdowns on 16 carries against the Red Rovers, who were the only team to bottle him up a year ago. The West passing game also showed flashes, with Lawson Bray throwing for 207 yards, a bulk coming to Bevuan Rowland, a big, physical wideout who broke a 67 yard TD in the first half. The Panthers lack the depth of their EPC South brethren, but they have a solid base on top end skill players and are extremely improved in the last few years under head coach Jim McCaroll, the only coach in school history.


Game of the Week
#2 Bethlehem Catholic at #1 Freedom
Last season, Freedom raced out to a 21-0 lead on the Golden Hawks, piling up 422 yards of total offense in a 37-20 win. The win jumpstarted the Freedom season, which would culminate in East Penn Conference and District 11 6A titles. The bulk of the Freedom squad is back this year, while Becahi is replacing eight starters on offense and seven on defense.

When Freedom Has the Ball: Jared Jenkins is the triggerman, who has a shot at breaking the 7,000 career passing yard barrier this season. The Patriot League/Ivy League recruit (offers from Lafayette, Holy Cross, Princeton, Penn, and Brown) has a slew of skill guys back, including favorite targerts Vince Reph (32 catches and 11 touchdowns as a junior) and Gabe Caton (38 catches for 589 yards and 9 TDs). Jalen Stewart is a bull of a running back (6’1 225) and has received offers from Army, Navy, Towson, and Kent State as a linebacker. The offensive line has three new starters, including two sophomores, but is anchored by left tackle and four year starter Kaden Moore (6’3 305; Bowling Green commit). The Patriots have as much balance offensively as any team in the Valley. Bethlehem Catholic counters with a very green defense. They do have athletes in the secondary to match the skill guys from Freedom, led by safety Tavion Banks and corners Bryant Finney and Matt Stianche, this group can really run and get physical with good receivers. They’ll need to find a way to stop Stewart, particularly with the youth at linebacker for the Hawks.

When Bethlehem Catholic Has the Ball: Tavion Banks is in his third year as starter in the Becahi backfield and is the best running back in the Lehigh Valley. After an injury plagued sophomore season, he exploded for 1,603 yards and 31 touchdowns as a junior and earned All State honors. He’s a slasher, with good size (5’10 195) and soft hands where he’ll really contribute in the passing game. Matt Stianche is the other returning skill player, who caught 38 balls for 587 yards as a junior. Both will need to step up for sophomore quarterback Jared Richardson, who was not asked to do much last week against Dieruff in a route. Banks also will be aided in the backfield by Malik Thomas, who ran for 87 yards last week. The Hawks like to go with a two headed backfield and Thomas looks like a more than capable second option. The offensive line, while returning just Jerry Lyons at guard, is massive and should be a strength, even against a good defensive front from Freedom. The Patriots 3-3-5 is anchored by Moore at defensive end, and his battles against the left side of the Hawk offensive line will be something to watch. Freedom is replacing their linebackers, and will particularly miss All State middle linebacker Tristan Wheeler (now at Richmond) but Stewart is a star as a hybrid linebacker/safety and Judah Rock looks like he’ll fill in nicely for Wheeler in the middle. The Patriots recent run has been anchored by a ball hawking, turnover forcing defense, and that will be key against a young Becahi offense.

The Pick: Freedom has a lot of experience and while Banks is the best player on the field, the Patriots have too much depth, particularly at the top end. Freedom 35-21.

what game or games will you be attending this Labor Day weekend?

MDW will be back at the friendly confines of Crawford Stadium as LaSalle welcomes the NP Knights on Friday night. (Game is a LaSalle ‘home’ game).

https://www.inquirer.com/high-schoo...t-ever-pennsylvania-high-school-20190829.html

Unless I missed something this article needs to be better researched! Here’s a quote. “Former Coach Gabe Infante believed better competition would propel his program to another level. That philosophy has paid off as the Hawks enter the season as the #11 team in USA Today Super 25….etc, etc”

In truth the program was elevated to another level before Infante got there by Gil Brooks (1992….162-57-2, 18 yrs), making it his philosophy, not Infante’s “that paid off for the Hawks.” No horse in the race being from D3 but let’s give credit where credit is due. Coach Brooks should get all the credit, others for continuing his philosophy.

Coach started early in his career at SJP playing Gonzaga in 96 and North Penn in 99 before expanding in 2001 to play CB West, Malvern and Holy Cross-NJ. 2002 saw the same opponents before adding Beca and Poly (Brooklyn)….also HC-NJ again in 2003. Here’s a few more examples.

2004 Pitt CC, St. Ignatius, Poly-Brooklyn
2005 Nesh, Iggy, Gilman School when GS was good
2006 Nesh, Don Bosco Prep, Davidson-OH
2007 North Penn, DBP
2008 Parkland, St Ants-NY, North Penn
2009 McKees, St. Peters-NJ, NP

35-6

Here's the article I researched the beginning of the year.

Marietta info….2/24/19
Their Head Coach Richard Morgan is known as the guy to turn programs around, doing as much at Alcoa, TN, going 38-6 in three years and at Oscar Smith in Chesapeake, VA, taking them from a mediocre team to one of the best in Virginia from 2002 to 2015, going 164-20, the winningest team in 8A at that time. In 2009 he began scheduling state and national powers including Venice-FL, Pickerington Central-OH, Gilman School, Byrnes-SC and Booker T. Washington-FL. He did the same last year at Marietta in his third year going 0-4 against state powers Rome (13-1, 5A, 41-51 score, state champ 2017, 2016, runner-up 2018) and Grayson (10-3, 7A, 31-38, ¼ finals loss to Lowndes), Good Counsel-MD (6-4-1, 28-40) and St. Johns-DC (9-1, 14-21, won Washington Catholic regular season, lost to Zaga in final). No one shut them down with a super young group that really got it together the 5th game of the year against St. John’s on the road, showing real improvement and almost winning. Games/highlights are on You Tube.

Coach’s record to date is 3-7 in 2016, 8-5 in 2017 and 5-6 last year, with a stated goal of becoming a national power.

For 2019, key returnees are Qb Harrison Bailey (6-4, 220, sr, 64%, 2809, 29/6, Tenn), TE/DE Arik Gilbert (6-5, 250, sr, 88/1210, 64 tackles, AL, GA, Clem, MI, FL, everyone has offered), WRs Taji Johnson (6-3, 210, sr, 51/661), Kobe Stewart (6-2, 180, sr, 33/473) and running back Kimini Vidal (5-9, 200, sr, 152/954), OT Jake Wray (6-5, 300, sr, Ohio St), OL/DE BJ Ojulari (6-2, 230, sr, 104 tackles, UGA), OG/DT Labarron Kennedy (6-1, 215, sr, 37 tackles) and OL Will Pieroni (6-0, 250, sr). Other starters are LB/SS Peter Warrick (6-3, 190, sr, 63 stops), LB/CB Andre Stewart (6-0, 175, soph, 24 tackles), FS Rashun Bass (6-0, 180, sr, 49 tackles), SS/CB Daniel Martin (6-1, 170, sr, 31 stops), Davarian Harvey (5-9, 170, sr, 15 tackles). They played a lot of sophomore and junior lineman; Matt Castaldo (5-11, 280, jr) and Clay Doyle (6-1, 220, jr). Graduations of note are LBs Kareem Hobbs (6-0, 225, 42 stops), CJ Swan (6-0, 220, 64 stops) and DT John Dollar (6-1, 215, 17 tackles). Bottom line on bodies, they appear to return the entire offense and seven starters to the defense, both DEs and a DT, the entire secondary and one backer.

Once again Marietta was selected for the 2019 Corky Kell Classic against Rome in the opener despite going 5-6 last year, albeit against a National schedule. The CK is in its 28th year, viewed as a prestigious classic featuring powers like Colquitt County 14-1, Rome 13-1, Walton 10-2, Milton 13-2, North Gwinnett 10-3 et al. Go to http://www.corkykell.com/ for more. (Georgia cousins need all the help they can get!)

About their quarterback Harrison Bailey, he’s committed to Tennessee but everyone is after him including LSU, Bama, OSU, OU, Fla, UGA, Michigan and others. Coach Richt (UGA, now retired from the U), offered him a scholarship as a freshman where he completed 57% for 2812 with a 21/7 Td to Pick ratio in 10 games. In 2017 in only six games he completed 62% for 1824, 20/5 ratio, missing the last seven games with a shoulder. Last year he played in ten games, was injured (upper body?) vs Hillgrove (Week #9, now 100%) yet completed 63% for 2809 yards with a ratio of 29/6. 247 Sports has him at #4 nationally at Pro Style, behind DJ Uiagalelei (6-4, 240, St. John Bosco, CA-Clemson), Jay Butterworth (6-6, 190, Liberty HS, Brentwood, CA-Stanford) and Jack Miller (6-4, 210, Chaparral, AZ-Ohio St).

Marietta is going to air it out vs St. Joe’s and will have a game up on them playing Rome Aug 22nd (Thursday) in the CK opener. But the Hawks have a veteran front returning with three of four defensive lineman and two linebackers. Both Corners, Zach Bouggess and Michael Alexander will have graduated plus Safety Nicolas Rios. Almost the entire offense returns. See the SE PA Final Power Ratings for more. Marietta’s defense was sieve-like last year allowing 30ppg. But it was against a SJP like National Schedule (Rome, OLGC, Grayson, St. Johns). Otherwise they were 5-2 against teams with a combined 44-35 record scoring 35ppg while allowing 25. Against the very best played they were 0-5, losing to Rome (13-1) 51-41, Good (6-4-1, tied AB Spaulding) 40-28, Grayson (10-3) 38-31, St. John’s (9-1) 21-14 and Hillgrove (12-1) 48-24 by an average score of 40-28. They’re not there but were close last year.

Linkage: Here are linkage games meaning results of teams Marietta played that link to SJP. Eg, Marietta lost to Good Counsel 40-28 who lost to St. Joe’s 34-27. As a point of comparison to surmise how they may tie in to other teams Nationally, OLGC also beat Gonzaga 38-31 while losing to St. John’s 31-10 and DeMatha 32-2. Another team Marietta lost to is Grayson 38-31, who lost to Bergen Catholic 34-22, who lost St. Peters 34-7 who lost to SJP 35-27, etc, etc, etc. Marietta also played St. John’s who don’t link directly but played a brutal National Schedule to give you other comparisons, beating Johns Creek-GA (9-2), Hoover-AL (9-4), Central-Miami (11-3) and Christian Brother’s-MO (13-1). Hawks should take this one unless they misfire offensively in their game #1 against an explosive team at home who is one up on them.

Tennent may now have the best RB in the SOL, don't care what their line is, he runs hard. If he can stay healthy and they use him right look out.....

Wood will be down even more after losing very large senior class, Bishop, Colyar, Urbanowski, Gross, Cook, Otto's, etc

(All classes, Districts 3, 4, 5, 6, 9)

1 Harrisburg (1-0)
Harrisburg jumped State College, Central Dauphin and Manheim Township in the Mid State rankings as a result of dominating Coatesville at their place Friday by the score of 14-6. They pressured/contained Qb Ricky Ortega (101p, 75r) with good DE-line pressure. And how about Donte Kent et al shutting down star wide out Dapree Bryant. If it wasn’t known before it may be now that the Mid Penn-Commonwealth heavy weights (CD, State Hi, Hburg, CV) will sling it when opportunity presents. Rotating Qbs Nacari Williams and John McNeil threw for 74 yards and 102 yards respectively with a young and sizeable line (2 platoons) performing well. Williams was Harrisburg’s back up last year before transferring to neighboring Steelton Highspire, then subsequently transferring back to Harrisburg, giving them two strong arm options at the position. Up next is one of Ohio’s top powers, Archbishop Hoban (Akron, 0-0), winners of four consecutive Ohio State championships at Div-II the last two years (15-0, 14-1) and Div-III in 2016 going 14-1 and 2015, also 14-1. Harrisburg’s win elevated them to #9 in USA Today’s Regional Rankings where St. Joseph’s Prep is #3 behind St. Frances (Balt-Md) and top rated St. John’s (DC).
2 State College (1-0)
State fielded another fast and physical team that was as good as advertised, rushing for 242 yards and passing for 162 while holding Mifflin County to 159 total years in a 42-6 tout. Senior Brady Dorner (6-0, 180) finally got the nod after back up roles under center and playing wide out and did not disappoint, completing seven of ten passes for 162 yards. Two 1000-yd rushers in Dresyn Green (5-9, 160, jr) and Isaiah Edwards (6-0, 215, sr) got 116 and 76 respectively. St. Augustine Prep-NJ (0-0, 7-4 last year) is next in State’s home opener. SC beat them last year at their place 19-7.
3 Manheim Township (1-0)
There were a lot of jitters in week one that saw Township and CD East turn the ball over five times apiece. But Township still managed a 26-0 half time lead over outmanned East while cruising to a 43-6 season opening win. Second year starter Harrison Kirk (Colgate) completed 14 of 18 passes for 156 yards and two Td tosses while Jaden Floyd ran for 118 yards on 12 carries. All totaled the Streaks generated 367 yards of offense while holding East High to 194. Dallastown is next in their home opener after suffering a 26-3 loss at Hempfield last week. Dtown had a much better team last year that lost to the Streaks 38-0, making this look like a long night for the Wildcats but a great tune up for Township with Central Dauphin the following week.
4 Wilson (1-0)
Ricky Ortega wasn’t the only quarterback facing pressure against a quality opponent opening night as Wilson’s Bulldog defense chased and harassed Central Dauphin quarterback Max Mosey all night, then won it with special teams play and a goal line stand. Barely a minute into the game they blocked a punt, scooping it then ran it in from 20 yards out. Special teams downed a punt on CD’s 2 yard line, then essentially won it by stopped the Rams on 4th and goal late in the fourth quarter. The offense also stood out, converted two fourth downs from punt formations with completed passes. It’s always difficult winning at Wilson’s Gurski Stadium but in truth you rarely see another team beat Central Dauphin with superior special teams play. Interesting dynamic this week with Wilson coming off CD to play fired up rival Governor Mifflin off a mild home upset by another Mid Penn team, Cedar Cliff, 18-13. And Wilson beat them last year 42-28. Both will be sore after this one as it is one of the district’s most heated rivalries where no prisoners are taken.
5 Manheim Central (1-0, 5A)
Manheim Central escaped with a 16-7 win at home last week as Susquehanna Township nearly pulled a major upset. They had more total yards at 266 (75r, 191p) to 183 (96r, 87p) and 1st downs, 17 to 11. Hanna’s fumble in the end zone was Central’s only touchdown. But Nate Reed came to the rescue with field goals of 20, 26 and 30 to secure the win. As noted in the Preseason Report, mid rung Mid Penn teams can be a bear! And Hanna was their usual physical selves. But Central looked bad, with Qb Evan Simon completing 7 of 20 passes for 87 yards and an offense that never got it going. Hempfield (1-0) is next in a mandated game with the Black Knights of the Lancaster Lebanon-1 (MC is LL-2), coming off a 26-3 Dallastown win. MC beat them 28-7 last year in Landisville. After what should be a rough week of practice in Manheim, expect the Barons to come out with a purpose in their second straight home game where there is often significant improvement. The Knights don’t bring the talent MC saw last week but do have a senor Qb with some weapons.
6 Central Dauphin (0-1)
The Rams lost in their opener to rival Wilson 21-13 largely as a result of special team’s failures. See Wilson above. With Wilson’s Qb Kaleb Brown completing 10 of 13 for 84, there’s some work to do, although holding running back Avanti Lockhart to 77 yards is a mild win for the D. And it wasn’t all bad for the Rams with Nick Chimienti having six receptions for 144 yards. Look for a bounce back Friday when another tough Reading team visits in Berks Catholic (1-0), who eked out a 14-10 win against Exeter Township last week. CD won last year 7-0.
7 Southern Columbia (1-0, 2A)
The Tigers rose in the rankings after visiting South Carolina’s top private school Hammond and ending their 25 game winning streak in a 36-0 nationally televised blowout. The hard hitting and disciplined Tiger D forced 6 turnover while holding Hammond to 96 yards on the ground and 88 above. SCA had their way running the ball with 255 total rushing yards with Gaige Garcia getting 78 yards on 12 carries and brother Gavin 66 on 9 attempts. In winning, they extended their winning streak to 33 games and the regular season game winning streak to 72! A Saturday night game is next at home against a good Mount Carmel (1-0) team.
8 Warwick (1-0, 5A)
Qb Joey McCracken picked up where he left off last year at Air Warwick throwing for 332 yards and four Tds plus one rushing as the Warriors overwhelmed Ephrata 61-0. Caleb Schmitz (6-3, 190, jr) was his primary target, having five receptions for 118 yards. Look for another big night from him and the team with a game in New Holland against Garden Spot (0-1) who lost to Boone 20-14 last week and to Warwick 61-0 last year. Warwick gets to skate these first two games before facing Manheim Central week three.
9 Berks Catholic (1-0, 4A)
The game with Exeter wasn’t as impressive as the faithful were used to but 1-0 looks pretty good this time of year. Exeter had to be feeling alright about this one holding a 10-0 lead going into the 4th quarter. By game’s end they led in first downs 18-6 and total yardage 330 to 176. BC’s Qb Ryan Madrak was held to zero completions in five attempts. Abdul MacFoy was held to 80 yards on six carries with Nolan Harkin getting 78 on five carries. No bad! But the penalties killed them, with the flag thrown 19 times in their direction for 150 yards, making the field look like a laundry room floor on a Saturday night. 14 fourth quarter points allowed the Saints to come marching home with a 14-10 win. They’ll need to improve BIG time this week at Landis Field playing a fired up Central Dauphin team off a hard loss to rival Wilson. CD won last year 7-0.
10 Chambersburg (1-0)
Chambersburg used a 28 point 2nd quarter and a 2nd half kick-off return to blow the game open as they swamped rival Greencastle-Antrim 56-13. Qb Brady Stumbaugh was good enough, completing 6 of 18 for 122 yards and three scores. Jayden Jones rushed for 102 yards complimented by Keyshawn Jones’s 92 as the Trojans showed their speed and size in this one. They have always been a sleeping giant and appear now to have both the staff and facilities to “approach” the power teams of the conference. Upcoming road games against York-Adams teams may tell us if they’re ready to take on the alphas of the Mid Penn-Commonwealth with games at South Western (0-1) who they defeated last year 51-26 followed by Red Lion (1-0). Then they’re home vs Altoona before the big one, State College, for Homecoming. Talk about chutzpah! That should get the Lions attention.
11 Cedar Cliff (1-0, 5A)
A rebuilding Cedar Cliff team went into Shillington Friday night to battle a young but more established Governor Mifflin group and came away with a 18-13 upset, albeit a mild one. Mifflin had a solid core back that won 7 of their last 9 following a 0-3 start, while Cedar Cliff was missing a lot of last year’s key parts. But they made the most of opportunities, scoring twelve 1st quarter points then hanging on with only seven 1st downs and 238 total yards of offense. Their talented back, Jaheim Morris led the way, rushing for 156 yards. That, with the resultant ability to control the clock combining with four Mifflin turnovers made all the difference. Both are big, physical teams that should win a lot of games this year if they can manage a difficult early schedule that sees Cedar Cliff playing Mifflin, Cocalico, Harrisburg and McDevitt their first four games while Mifflin wrestles Wilson and Cocalico the next two weeks. Cocalico (1-0) is next at Cedar Cliff, allowing us to see if the Colts can corral QB Noah Palm and avenge last year’s 31-21 loss.
12 Cocalico (1-0, 5A)
Cocalico opened the season with a resounding 42-15 win against defending Berks-1 champ Conrad Weiser. They have an extraordinary quarterback in Noah Palm (New Hampshire) but are otherwise a young team, starting a number of sophomores and a few freshman on offense and defense. Realistically Palm seems to do much of the damage himself on both side of the line, passing for 120 yards and rushing for 94 for four touchdowns. His fifth came on a 3rd quarter pick-6. Two of the top 5A teams in the district duke it out this week when Cocalico travels to Cedar Cliff. Add in Governor Mifflin, Exeter, Manheim Central, York and Warwick to see District 3’s 5A post season will be one of the best “classification” playoffs in the state, along with the 5A Wpial teams like Peters Twp, Woody, USC, McKeesport, Gateway. West A, even Penn Hills who always has the athletes despite tremendous graduation losses.
13 Cumberland Valley (1-0)
All us biased District-3 natives knew CV would be back after the disappointment of last year’s 3-7 campaign. But few thought they’d nearly shutout McDevitt 21-7 on their home field in the opener. Doing that at Rocco Ortenzio is a statement! But a word of caution to the diehards that McDevitt is going through a MAJOR rebuild having graduated some of the top offensive talent to come through the school. See last season’s post season review. They’re not hurting by any stretch and will likely develop into another powerful edition. But for CV, what a start, getting the power running game going and shutting McDevitt down. Maximos Dell’Anno (6-3, 210) is the proto-typical CV back, strong, athletic and smart. He had two touchdowns rushing for 166 yards on 21 carries. Now we’ll see if they can sustain that with Central York in and their hot shot sophomore quarterback Beau Pribula (6-2, 200) trying to replace big brother Cade (2725, 30/7, 66%) now at Delaware. Beau went 6 for 10 for 82 and a Td while rushing for 60 yards with scores of 40 and 5 yards. Central York won last year 31-14 so look for a fired up CV team and a better than expected Panther squad to go at it with real emotion. It’ll be SRO where the younger Central team may not be quite ready for an aggressive, physical CV team looking to get some. Chapman Field is no joke for a young team.
14 Governor Mifflin (0-1, 5A)
Mustangs and Colts! That’s what we had last week when Cedar Cliff’s Colts came calling and beat the Mustangs 18-13. It was quite a game, one they could, perhaps should have won knowing they had advantages in most of the stats including total yards at 241 to 238 (big, physical Ds for both) while out-rushing CC 187 to 144. Qb Kolbie Reeser never got going completing 8 of 15 for 54 yards with Nicholas Singleton held to 88 yards on 24 carries. Nice job Cedar Cliff! Add to that three fumbles and a pick to know why they are 0-1 with hated Wilson up next. The Bulldogs are up the road two miles in Reading’s western burbs known as West Lawn while Mifflin is from the Southwest side in Shillington. Wilson won last year 42-28 so look for some extra intensity especially with GM losing a tough one last week.
15 Middletown (1-0, 3A)
Middletown began their quest for a 4th straight 3A finals appearance with a thorough 34-12 win against neighbor Lower Dauphin. The new OL performed admirably (5 new starters) paving the way for +200 rushing yards with senior standout Jose Lopez getting 152 yards on 15 carries and rising sophomore Tajae Brodie (6-4, 225) snagging 2 Td passes of 34 and 35 yards and returning a kickoff 75 yards for another score. Northern (1-0) is next at Middletown after beating East Pennsboro 20-14. The Polar Bears ae expected to challenge in the Mid Penn-Capital along with West Perry, Mifflin County, Waynesboro and Ship while Middletown is strongly favored to win another MP-Colonial with possible pressure from Milton Hershey.
16 Mount Carmel (1-0, 3A)
Much was expected from MCA’s defense this season and they did not disappoint, shutting out Central Columbia 23-0 on the road in Bloomsburg. Actually the Blue Jays were smoked, held to minus four rush yards and 65 through the air. Meanwhile, the Red Tornadoes were anything but organized on offense with quarterback Tommy Reisinger throwing two picks before settling down to complete 11 of 18 tosses for 144 years and a touchdown. Many went to TE Jack Chapman (6-3, 220) who caught 8 for 108 yards. He along with senior lineman OT Colin Herb (6-1, 275), C Brad Shurock (6-2, 250), OG Connor Krakpwski (5-11, 210), OG Michael Makowski (6-1, 225), OT Michael Gresh (6-1, 250, jr) and others plowed ahead for 148 yards rushing with Shane Weidner getting the lion’s share at 98 yards. Southern Columbia is next in their home opener after taking apart Hammond School-SC 36-0.
17 Shippensburg (1-0, 5A)
An early explosion of 35 first half points put Shippensburg’s Greyhounds on cruise control at Dover where they throttled the Eagles of the York-Adams-II, 41-7. Jacob Foy and Max Kalb had 109 and 102 rush yards respectively as they ran at will. Shippensburg is absolutely loaded this year, and could be a sleeper amidst a district of powerful “name” 5A teams with a veteran, senior laden group near mid-season form already. They were 10-2 last year losing to York 22-6 in the quarterfinals. Historically they’re a run oriented team. But with a veteran quarterback, 4 of 5 back on the O-Line with newcomer Dalton Foore (6-3, 305) filling in….and a bruiser at TE in Nick Gustafson (6-6, 230) and Anthony Smith (6-6, 240), and speed demons Isaiah Houser (5-10, 155) and RB/WR Alex Sharrow (5-6, 140) plus three on the team from Ship’s state qualifying 4x100 team….they may have to go to the air more, regardless of historic trends. Up next is the Hounds home opener against West York (0-1), coming in off a 60-0 loss to city rival Central York. This one could get ugly.
18 Exeter Township (0-1, 5A)
See Berks Catholic above where Exeter lost in a tight one 14-10. But there were bright spots as they owned the stat sheet 330 to 172 in total yards with quarterback Gavin McCusker completing 18 of 31 for 206 yards, well distributed to six receivers. Devon Scott led with 8 receptions for 52 years followed by Alex Javier with 72 yards on 4 catches and running back Jeremiah Nixon snagging 4 for 48 yards. Nixon was their leading rusher with 99 yards on 24 attempts. Boyertown (1-0) is next after breaking a nine game losing streak defeating Upper Perkiomen 35-27. The Bears won, but allowed 428 total yards, 264 rushing on 27 carries. That’s 9.78 yards per rush attempt. Could be a wild one like last year where Exeter blew out the Bears 48-27. One thing for sure looking at Upper Perk’s stats, Exeter will have no trouble putting points on the board.
19 Lancaster Catholic (1-0, 3A)
LC dropped in the rankings after a mediocre showing against Camp Hill despite defeating the Lions 39-25. It took a third quarter outburst of 35 points to finally grind down the smaller Lions. Camp Hill is a 2A playing in the Mid Penn-Capital with Middletown, Milton Hershey and Steel High. And they came to play with quarterback Dan Shuster (6-1, 180, sr) tearing up LC’s secondary, throwing for 396 yards. After going 1-9 last year, scoring 12 a game while allowing 42, this is some kind of turnaround. But Catholic was their same old selves on the ground, pounding out 278 yards with a stable of backs led by Tony Cruz, Nevin Roman, Jeff Harley, even Qb Gavin Sullivan. They face another gunslinger this week traveling to Columbia (1-0, 2A) who just defeated Eastern York in the River Rivalry 35-28. Crimson Tide Qb Matt McCleary (6-1, 200, sr) threw for 214 and three Tds after throwing for 1899 yards and 17 Tds last year. No way LC should lose but the Tide returns everyone from a 3-7 team including their four leading receivers with over 1700 yards in receptions.
20 Susquehanna Twp (0-1, 4A)
Susquehanna Township lost the game to Manheim Central 16-7 but gained respect by keeping it tight and showing a lot of talent and skill in the process. Despite losing, the effort against a highly ranked team on the road got them into the rankings. Qb Rahsaan Carlton (6-3, 205, sr) dented Central for 193 yards, completing 15 of 28 passes while RB/LB Jacob Seigle (6-0, 200, sr, Yale) rushed for 123 on 23 carries. The defense nearly won it for them, holding Central to 185 total yards. But Hanna has some people that are special in LB Tyshawn Stewart (6-1, 215, jr, Maine), DT Fatorma Mulbah (6-3, 270, sr, PSU), DE/DT Kylee Page (6-0, 225, jr), the aforementioned Seigle (Yale) and LB Owen Weiner (5-10, 185, jr). Milton Hershey (1-0) is next after blowing out a veteran Annville Cleona team 48-16. They beat Hanna twice last year, 14-8 in the regular season and 14-6 in the district quarterfinals and return six to both sides.

Honorable Mention:
Milton Hershey (1-0, 5A) beat Annville 48-16, home to 0-1 Susquehanna Twp
Bishop McDevitt (0-1, 4A) lost to Cumberland Valley 21-7, at 1-0 Gettysburg
York (0-1, 5A) lost at Pittsburgh Central Catholic 42-7, at 0-1 McCaskey
Northeastern (1-0, 5A) won at Solanco 55-35, at 1-0 Carlisle
Jersey Shore (1-0, 4A) won at Bellefonte 49-28, home to 1-0 Selinsgrove
Northern (1-0, 5A) won at East Pennsboro 20-13, at 1-0 Middletown
Waynesboro (1-0, 5A) won at Red Land 26-17, home to 1-0 Red Lion
Central York (1-0) won at West York 60-0, at 1-0 Cumberland Valley
West Perry (1-0, 4A) won at home vs Juniata 42-12, at 1-0 York Tech
Hempfield (1-0) won at home vs Dallastown 26-3, at 1-0 Manheim Central
Cedar Crest (1-0) won at home vs Lebanon 28-6, home to 1-0 Hershey

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Head Coach: Art Walker
Record: 15-1
Points Per Game: 31.6
Points Allowed Per Game: 7.9
Margin of Victory: 23.7
Margin of Victory (Playoffs): 16.0

Schedule
State College (7-7): 42-7
Butler (0-9): 48-0
Upper St. Clair (8-3): 27-0
Erie McDowell (7-3): 21-10
Seneca Valley (3-6): 47-10
Kiski (2-8): 49-7
Pine-Richland (3-7): 35-7
Shaler (5-4): 45-0
North Hills (10-2): 16-21
Peters Township (5-5): 38-7 (WPIAL First Round)
Bethel Park (5-6): 23-13 (WPIAL Quarterfinals)
Pittsburgh Central Catholic (11-2): 17-7 (WPIAL Semifinals)
Woodland Hills (9-4): 21-14 (WPIAL Finals)
State College (7-7): 21-6 (State Quarterfinals)
Cumberland Valley (12-3): 35-17 (State Semifinals)
LaSalle (13-2): 21-0 (State Finals)

AP All State Selections
Alex Papson (RB – 1st), Vinny Czerniewski (OL – 1st), Justin Haser (DE – 1st), Rob Kugler (DE – 1st)

PA Football News All State
Vinny Czerniewski (OL - 1st), Alex Greenblatt (K - 1st), Alex Papson (RB - 1st), Rob Kugler (TE - 1st), Justin Haser (DL - 1st/DPOY), Michael Buchert (QB - 2nd), Kevin Cope (LB - 3rd), Dan Slivka (WR - HM)

NFL Players
Rob Kugler (Buffalo Bills)
FBS Players
Rob Kugler (Purdue), Justin Haser (Ohio), Patrick Kugler (Michigan)
FCS Players
Matt Steinbeck (Bucknell), Dan Silvka (Columbia), Peter Thistle (Delaware), Vince Czeniewski (Duquesne)
Division II Players
Nick Passodelis (University of Charleston), Kevin Clemens (University of Charleston)
Division III Players
Michael Buchert (John Carroll), Alex Papson (Gannon), James Kleinhampl (John Carroll), Zach Harvey (Allegheny), Lucas Hook (John Carroll), Kevin Cope (John Carroll)

After week 1

SOL way down, which is worse, Nesh defense or Pennsbury D????

Here's the 2018 post season wrap up of Southern plus some info on Hammond.

Southern Columbia (16-0, 2A)
Like St. Joseph’s Prep and Downingtown West, and to a lesser degree State High and Manheim Central, they return a pile of starters for 2019. While Qb Stone Hollenback is gone after completing 64% for 1737 yards with a 28/4 Td/Pick ratio, their #2 is back in Preston Zachman (6-2, 205, 29/44/597, 66%, 8/1 ratio), who stepped in for Hollenback who missed almost half the year. All the backfield returns; Gaige Garcia (5-10, 210, 205/2042, 13/284 pass yards, Michigan), his younger brother Gavin Garcia (5-8, 165, 101/ 1179, 6/139 pass yards), Ty Roadarmel (5-11, 190, 74/417) and super receiver Julian Fleming (6-3, 210, 78/1524, OSU) who also had a 41 punting average. Two starting lineman return in OL/DL Lear Quinton (6-2, 220), OL/DL Cole Schankweiler (6-0, 280), two to the secondary and quality senior linebackers Cal Halladay (6-1, 190, 131 tackles, Mich St) and Max Tiller (6-0, 190, 123 tackles) plus Wade Kerstetter (5-11, 180, 74 tackles), their outstanding sophomore backer of last year. 6 (7?) O starters return and a quick group of 9 on defense. Unless another Double-A rises to the occasion, it looks like Southern will be the strong favorite to snag yet another state title.

**** They’re stepping up this year traveling to South Carolina to play the top private school in the state, Hammond, owner of 16 state titles. They’re a 3A in the SCISA (SC Independent School Asso.), almost always ranked in SC’s Top 20 with a 10 year won-loss of 117-10. Not as up on SC ball as GA-FL but they have been ranked among the best in state, including 6A Brynes (Duncan), Gaffney, South Pointe, Dutch Fork, Dorman, etc. Last year’s freshman back CJ Stokes (5-10, 175) is already turning heads and was offered by SC while senior DT Alex Hunley (6-4, 270) already committed to the Gamecocks. Senior DE Jordan Burch (6-5, 250) is the #1 ranked prospect by major services with all the SEC teams (visited Bama) lining up for a shot. Their Qb is Jackson Muschamp, son of USC’s head coach Will Mischamp. Williams-Brice stadium is maybe 5 miles from Hammond School. They’ve won 25 straight while Southern has won 32 so something has to give. SCA is quality stuff that would fit into the higher classifications in Pennsylvania in my view. But they need to brace for real speed and physicality not seen in the Heartland Conference vs Shamokin, Shikellamy and Central Columbia. Doesn’t mean they can’t play with these guys. This is a good group. Go Tigers.

He was what covering HS athletics is supposed to be: fair, honest, always put the kids in a positive light, unlike the hacks at the local Delaware County newspaper. Hope his health is okay. He did a great job. I also see his twitter is no longer active, unless he changed his handle. Shame.

Anyone going to this game? I have a feeling it will be a wild one. Both teams are trying to replace a lot of talent and experience. I am sure Ortega will have the D ready. Anyone have any thoughts on this game?

Find out what colleges are recruiting Dante Mahaffey, Enai White, Ken Talley, Isaiah Rogers, and Sean McTaggart now!

......................................................................................................

Saucon Valley quarterback Dante Mahaffey
What colleges have been recruiting you?
“So far, just Lehigh University has been recruiting me.”

Have you made any college trips yet?
“No visits yet.”

What camps did you do this summer and how did they go?
“I went to Lauren’s First and Goal at Lafayette and a Lehigh University camp as well.”

Did you have a favorite college growing up?
“My favorite college is Penn State.”

......................................................................................................

Imhotep Charter tight end/defensive end Enai White
Have any colleges offered you?
“Yes, I have 22 offers.”

What school is recruiting you the hardest?
“Penn State so far.”

Have you made any college trips yet?
“Yes, I have visited Penn State, Temple, and Rutgers.”

Do you have plans for more trips soon?
“Not as of right now. I am just focusing on the season.”

Did you have a favorite college growing up?
“Yes, Clemson.”

......................................................................................................

Northeast defensive end Ken Talley
What colleges have been recruiting you?
“Every college that’s has offered me, plus Notre Dame, Rutgers, and Syracuse.”

What school is recruiting you the hardest?
“Penn State and Notre Dame.”

Have you made any college trips yet?
“Yes, I have made trips to Penn State, Pitt, Temple, and Maryland.”

Do you have plans for more trips soon?
“Yes, I will be attending a few games this year at Maryland, Notre Dame, Penn State, Pitt, Syracuse and more.”

What camps did you do this summer and how did they go?
“I went to Maryland and Penn State camp. I dominated both, met both coaches, and left with offers.”

Did you have a favorite college growing up?
“Yes, my dream schools are Georgia and Alabama.”

......................................................................................................

Academy Park defensive tackle Isaiah Rogers
What colleges have been recruiting you?
“West Virginia University, Michigan State University, and Syracuse University. I received mail from other schools.”

What colleges are you trying to visit this fall?
“I plan on visiting West Virginia, Michigan State, Rutgers, Liberty, and whichever other schools invite me out. I’m just excited about the process.”

Did you have a favorite college growing up?
“LSU was always my favorite program. I went to camp at Clemson over the summer and really enjoyed the experience there.”

......................................................................................................

Lampeter-Strasburg quarterback Sean McTaggart
What sport do you want to play in college?
“Football.”

What colleges have been recruiting you?
“Private information.”

Have any colleges offered you?
“No.”

What colleges are you trying to visit this fall?
“Any that want me to come visit.”

Did you have a favorite college growing up?
“Yes, Penn State.”

......................................................................................................

How has everything been going football wise so far for the season?
“Very good and I’m excited to see what this season has in store for us. We can be a special team this year.”

What are the keys for your team having success this season?
“Having a tough defense and being strong up front.”

Who is your opponent in the season opener and what do you know about them?
“Spring Grove. They have some guys returning and some big guys up front.”

What are your goals for this season?
“Taking It one game at a time and everything will go well.”

What sport do you want to play in college?
“Football.”

What colleges have been recruiting you?
“Private information.”

Have any colleges offered you?
“No.”

What colleges are you trying to visit this fall?
“Any that want me to come visit.”

Did you have a favorite college growing up?
“Yes, Penn State.”

How has everything been going football wise so far for the season?
“So far, so good. We’ve been doing everything to prepare for the season since January. I would say the biggest highlight so far is being recognized as preseason 1st team all-state defense. It is a challenge I’m going to work hard to fulfill.”

What are the keys for your team having success this season?
“I think we have a group and we all get along pretty good, which I think is important. We all have each other’s back and that goes a long way. When we add that to coach Vo’s vision, I think we’ll have success if we stay dialed in.”

Who is your opponent in the season opener and what do you know about them?
“Our season opener is home against Pennsbury High School out of New Jersey. I played against them last year in the season opener, which happened to be my first varsity game. They have a big offensive line with a pretty balanced attack.”

Who is the toughest opponent this season on your schedule?
“I would say everyone we play is our toughest opponent. We have to work to be better than each opponent each week.”

What are your goals for this season?
“Team goal is to go to states at Hershey. Personally, I set a number of goals with the 2 most important to me becoming a better pass rusher than last season and earning an athletic scholarship.”

What colleges have been recruiting you?
“West Virginia University, Michigan State University, and Syracuse University. I received mail from other schools.”

What colleges are you trying to visit this fall?
“I plan on visiting West Virginia, Michigan State, Rutgers, Liberty, and whichever other schools invite me out. I’m just excited about the process.”

Did you have a favorite college growing up?
“LSU was always my favorite program. I went to camp at Clemson over the summer and really enjoyed the experience there.”

How has the preparation been going for this upcoming season?
“The preparation for the season has gotten really harder knowing I have a target on my back, so I had to work even harder.”

What are your goals for the season?
“15 plus sacks, 20 plus tfls, and 75 plus tackles.”

What areas do you feel your team needs to improve on?
“I feel as though the team is really good and we’ll achieve our goal of being state champs.”

Who is your opponent in the season opener and how do you feel about them overall?
“Abington. I think they’re not very good and it will be easy getting sacks since they pass a lot.”

Who do you feel is the toughest individual player you will play against this season?
“Kyle McCord is the QB at St. Joes. He’ll give my team the hardest game.”

What colleges have been recruiting you?
“Every college that’s has offered me, plus Notre Dame, Rutgers, and Syracuse.”

What school is recruiting you the hardest?
“Penn State and Notre Dame.”

Have you made any college trips yet?
“Yes, I have made trips to Penn State, Pitt, Temple, and Maryland.”

Do you have plans for more trips soon?
“Yes, I will be attending a few games this year at Maryland, Notre Dame, Penn State, Pitt, Syracuse and more.”

What camps did you do this summer and how did they go?
“I went to Maryland and Penn State camp. I dominated both, met both coaches, and left with offers.”

Did you have a favorite college growing up?
“Yes, my dream schools are Georgia and Alabama.”

How has the preparation been going for this upcoming season?
“Great so far. We have been working hard all off season.”

What are your goals for the season?
“To win a state chip.”

What areas do you feel your team needs to improve on?
“We need to improve in learning how to finishing. That’s something we worked hard on all off season.”

Who is your opponent in the season opener and how do you feel about them overall?
“We open up with LaSalle and they’re pretty good. It should be a good one.”

Who do you feel is the toughest individual player you will play against this season?
“I not sure, but I approach every player and team the same way.”

Have any colleges offered you?
“Yes, I have 22 offers.”

What school is recruiting you the hardest?
“Penn State so far.”

Have you made any college trips yet?
“Yes, I have visited Penn State, Temple, and Rutgers.”

Do you have plans for more trips soon?
“Not as of right now. I am just focusing on the season.”

Did you have a favorite college growing up?
“Yes, Clemson.”

How has the preparation been going for this upcoming season?
“The preparation for this season has been great. I love the grind and can’t wait.”

What are your goals for the season?
“My personal goals for the season are to have 1,500 passing and 600 rushing yards. Goals for the team are to win the league and the district. Also, I want to have 20 passing and 10 rushing touchdowns.”

What areas do you feel your team needs to improve on?
“My team needs improvement on defense in coverage and we have been working to fix that.”

Who is your opponent in the season opener and how do you feel about them overall?
“Our season opener is against our rival Southern Lehigh. I feel that they are a well-coached football team and we need to come out swinging.”

Who do you feel is the toughest individual player you will play against this season?
“Devin Bollinger from Northwestern Lehigh will be a tough player since he is a great quarter back and big asset on defense as well.

What colleges have been recruiting you?
“So far, just Lehigh University has been recruiting me.”

Have you made any college trips yet?
“No visits yet.”

What camps did you do this summer and how did they go?
“I went to Lauren’s First and Goal at Lafayette and a Lehigh University camp as well.”

Did you have a favorite college growing up?
“My favorite college is Penn State.”

Dont have any details, but just checked on twitter and DWest hammered GV 42-19

As bad as the National was, the Continental sure passed the opening night test, sans William Tennent.

NP: huge win over Neshaminy

CB-South: Maybe the most impressive win at Spring-Ford

CB-East: Solid win on the road at Quakertown

Souderton: Great win for their program over 5A state semi-finalist Pottsgrove

CB-West: On the road spoils the debut of Mark Schmidt at H-H

Pennridge: Rams throw the shutout after a long road trip to Delaware Valley in D2 country

With the Albie Crosby experiment?. That seemed to blow up in a hurry.

1:08 in the 2nd Q.. LC 17 Judge 14

.

Nice Pennsylvania showing in tonight’s major college opener. Pair of PA natives in the Florida lineup, with Chris Bleich from Wyoming Valley West starting at left guard for the Gators and Kyle Pitts from Archbishop Wood at tackle. We all remember Pitts, he was a huge name on those state title teams, but Bleich was a MONSTER for the Spartans on some of the best District 2 teams this decade (the 2015 team where the was the left tackle as a sophomore was excellent)