What teams throughout history do you think underperformed? I'll call out my alma mater for this question.

2019 Central Catholic kind of grinds my gears to this day. This team was stacked. Nearly every starter on the line went d1, Including Elliot Donald, nephew of Aaron Donald. Combine that with RB Eddy Tillman (Cornell), The dominated most Wpial Teams. they eventually made it to the semi finals, where they found themselves playing a very injured St.Joes prep team with out their QB and linebacker.

We were up 7 with about 2 minutes left in the game. Our defense couldn't make a stop, and we ended up losing in OT. St. Joes went on to win the state championship easily. I will always feel like we missed out on that opportunity.

So, What other teams do you thing under preformed?

The Zephyrs edged the Parkland Trojans in OT. Whitehall tied the game on a 39 yd field goal with :09 left, 24-24.
Parkland scored and kicked PAT. Whitehall scored then went for 2. A roll right, throw back to an uncovered receiver won the game.
Final score, Zephyrs 32, Trojans 31.

Here you go Tiger. Would love to hear more about NA personnel this season. Don't know much besides the Boyd kid.

I’ve seen many post on here saying “what’s the best game you’ve watched?” Well I want to know what’s your best/favorite game you have played in. I assume most if not all of you have played high school football.

I’ll go first: my favorite was playing in the 1973 WPIAL championship. We (Lebo) played New Castle. We lost 3-0 on a last minute field goal. But it was a great experience playing at Pitt stadium.

I give Armstrong a lot of credit putting together a team after all the transfers and coaching changes that occurred there this summer. I watched the game vs Northeast on U tube and Woods team was competitive with great discipline . They still have some studs and a new Soph, QB who played well. Im not sure they will win many ,but Armstrong has done a really fine job with what was left.

Updated rankings for Week 5…

1. St. Joe’s Prep 3-1 (12)
2. Bishop McDevitt 2-1 (3)
3. Aliquippa 3-0 (7)
4. Roman Catholic 4-0 (12)
5. Erie Cathedral Prep 2-1 (10)
6. Imhotep Charter 1-2 (12)
7. Cumberland Valley 4-0 (3)
8. Harrisburg 2-1 (3)
9. North Alleghany 4-0 (7)
10. Garnet Valley 4-0 (1)

Honorable Mention (no order): Exeter Twp. (3), Wyomissing (3), Emmaus (11), Manheim Township (3), Upper Dublin (1), Pittsburgh Central Catholic (7), Coatesville (1)

Being a district 10 guy here will be all the winners from district 10.
6A McDowell
5A Erie cathedral prep
4A meadville
3A oil city
2A Farrell
1A Renoylds
I'm always biased towards ecp being a graduate but they remind me a lot of last year's Mt Lebo team. Both had a new coach, are senior heavy, and their major D1 guys are their QB, RB, WR, and LT. Oil city probably has the biggest O line in the state in 3A and their running back Ethan knox has speed and oh yeah he leads the entire nation in rushing. Farrell is already #1 team in the state in 2A. They have a huge game against sharpsville in a few weeks and the winner of that game has a good shot of representing the west in cumberland valley this year. All 3 of these d10 teams have a legit shot of bring home gold this year.

9/16 7PM Roman (3-0) @ Perkiomen Valley (3-0)
This matchup in my opinion will be the game of the week by far, pitting two undefeated teams from D12 & 1 against each other. This will be Roman's toughest matchup to date, and the same could be said about PV. Roman has been playing a stifling defense that has allowed a total of 296 yards and 29 points through their first 3 games. On the offensive side of the ball Roman has an explosive running game featuring their two-headed monster of Mao Howell and Jamir Roberston, coupled with the passing duo of Freshman QB Semaj Beals and 4-star WR recruit Tyseer Denmark. While Roman will have more talent and speed, PV will have the experience with a senior QB leading the way. In my opinion this game will come down to the line of scrimmages, and it will be interesting to see whose O/D Lines can control the game. One thing to watch is that while both teams are undefeated PV has played a tougher 3 games to date beating Dtown West and Cheltenham. They also have experience coming from behind and winning close games like they did vs a good Dtown West team, which will give them an edge if this game is close in the 4th quarter. I feel like this game will be a good barometer to see how Roman will finish in the PCL standings this year with teams like Lasalle and Wood looking weaker than recent years. I anticipate a raucous crowd at PV on Friday night which should make for a great atmosphere in this big matchup.
9/16 6PM Judge (1-2) vs Frankford (1-2)
Judge coming off their first win of the season where they blew out their bitter rivals Archbishop Ryan. Frankford also coming into this matchup off of a win vs Ben Franklin high school. Judge will have the upper hand in this matchup, seeing as Ryan beat Frankford 34-0 a couple of weeks ago, and Judge just blew Ryan out, my feeling is that this game could get out of hand early, but it will be interesting to see we will get Judge team from week 0 who lost to Olney Charter, or the team of the past two weeks who lost in OT to PJPII and beat Ryan in convincing fashion.
9/16 3PM Wood (0-1) @ Northeast (2-0)
This is another game I will have a close eye on for this weekend and should be a great matchup between two pretty evenly matched, talented D12 teams. Wood lost to Malvern Prep in their opener last week 21-3, while Northeast beat Chesnut Hill last week 14-12. Wood is still a bit of unknown to me at this point in the season, seeing as they have only played one game, and it was vs a Malvern team who looks like one of the best in the state regardless of classification. Northeast on the other hand has won two close games to date vs Cheltenham and Chestnut Hill and will be hungry to knock off this PCL power at their home field on Friday afternoon. Wood was able to run the ball on Malvern (42 carries for 155 yards), but their passing game was pretty non-existent (6 completions for only 24 yards), so it will be interesting to see if they can get that going vs Northeast. This feels like another game that will come down to the wire this weekend where penalties and turnovers could be the ultimate decider.
9/16 7PM Lasalle (1-2) vs The Haverford School (2-0)
Lasalle coming off of a blowout 56-7 loss vs a talented Bishop Mcdevitt squad out of Harrisburg. Haverford on the other hand is coming off of a 32-18 win vs Academy Park. This is the game where Lasalle needs to get back on track in my opinion if they want a chance to make any noise in PCL play. While I am not totally surprised that Lasalle lost the last two weeks seeing as they played two very tough opponents, it was the nature of the losses that shocked me and leads me to believe if they can't get a win this week they will be in for a long season. Haverford will have momentum coming into this game winners of their last two, but Lasalle has played a much tougher schedule thus far, and I feel this will give them an edge for this game. Will be interesting to see if Lasalle's defense can step up this week seeing as they've allowed 119 points thru their first 3 games and a whopping 1137 yards.
St Joes Prep (2-1) BYE

As always let me know your thoughts on these big matchups in the PCL Red this weekend, including any additional commentary or predictions you may have for this slate of games.

For the first time since 1981 and second time is ever, Easton is 0-4 after melting down in the second half and losing to Whitehall 37-14.

Jeff Braido has lost at least four games in all six of his seasons as head coach. There has never been a six year stretch of four plus losses in the history of the football program.

Published: Sep. 20, 2022, 5:00 a.m.
Eric F. Epler | eepler@pennlive.com

Each week the Pa. high school football landscape changes. And there’s always high drama at all corners of the Commonwealth. Below are the updated Pa. football rankings through Sept. 17.
PennLive will publish state rankings every Tuesday through the PIAA Championships at Cumberland Valley High School in December. Teams are listed with district, record, and previous ranking.

CLASS 6A

Rank – Team – District – Record -- Previous

1. St. Joseph’s Prep (12) – 2-1 – 1

2. Garnet Valley (1) – 4-0 – 2

3. Emmaus (11) -- 4-0 – 4

4. State College (6) – 4-0 – 5

5. North Allegheny (7) -- 4-0 – 6

6. Coatesville (1) -- 4-0 – 7

7. Cumberland Valley (3) -- 4-0 – 8

8. Manheim Township (3) -- 3-1 – 9

9. Harrisburg (3) – 2-1 – 10

10. McDowell (10) -- 3-1 – NR

Teams to watch: Central Bucks East (1) 4-0, Central York (3) 3-1, Downingtown East (1) 3-1, Hazleton (2) 4-0, Mt. Lebanon (7) 2-2.

CLASS 5A

Rank – Team – District – Record -- Previous

1. Upper Dublin (1) – 4-0 – 2

2. Imhotep Charter (12) – 1-2 – 1

3. Exeter Township (3) – 4-0 – 4

4. Cathedral Prep (10) – 3-1 – 5

5. Roman Catholic (12) -- 4-0 – 6

6. Penn Hills (7) – 3-1 – 7

7. Strath Haven (1) -- 4-0 – 9

8. Upper St. Clair (7) -- 4-0 – 10

9. Penn-Trafford (7) -- 3-1 – NR

10. Peters Township (7) -- 4-0 – NR

Teams to watch: Archbishop Wood (12) 1-1, Chester (1) 4-0, Great Valley (1) 4-0, Solanco (3) 4-0.

CLASS 4A

Rank – Team – District – Record -- Previous

1. Aliquippa (7) – 3-0 – 1

2. Bishop McDevitt (3) – 2-1 – 2

3. Jersey Shore (4) – 4-0 – 3

4. Central Valley (7) – 4-0 – 4

5. Allentown C.C. (11) – 3-1 – 5

6. Thomas Jefferson (7) – 3-1 – 6

7. Meadville (10) – 4-0 – 7

8. McKeesport (7) – 4-0 – 8

9. Manheim Central (3) -- 4-0 – 9

10. Pope John Paul II (1) -- 4-0 – 10

Teams to watch: Armstrong (7) 3-1, Bethlehem Catholic (11) 3-1, Dallas (2) 4-0, Lampeter-Strasburg (3) 3-1, West Allegheny (7) 4-0.

CLASS 3A

Rank – Team – District – Record -- Previous

1. Wyomissing (3) – 4-0 – 1

2. Danville (4) – 4-0 – 3

3. Oil City (10) -- 4-0 – 6

4. Elizabeth Forward (7) – 4-0 – 4

5. Belle Vernon (7) – 1-2 – 2

6. Loyalsock (4) -- 3-1 – 5

7. Avonworth (7) -- 3-1 – 7

8. Penn Cambria (6) -- 4-0 – 8

9. Lancaster Catholic (3) -- 4-0 – 9

10. North Schuylkill (11) -- 3-1 – 10

Teams to watch: Hamburg (3) 4-0, Neumann-Goretti (12) 1-1, Northwestern Lehigh (11) 3-1,

Tyrone (6) 4-0, West Perry (3) 4-0.

CLASS 2A

Rank – Team – District – Record -- Previous

1. Farrell (10) – 3-1 – 1

2. Mount Carmel (4) – 4-0 – 2

3. Southern Columbia (4) – 3-1 – 3

4. Richland Township (6) – 4-0 – 4

5. Lakeland (2) – 4-0 – 5

6. Sharpsville (10) -- 4-0 – 6

7. Steel Valley (7) -- 3-0 – 7

8. Berlin Brothersvalley (5) -- 4-0 – 9

9. Bedford (5) -- 4-0 – NR

10. Beaver Falls (7) -- 3-1 – NR

Teams to watch: Bishop Guilfoyle (6) 2-2, Neshannock (7) 4-0, Serra Catholic (7) 3-1, Westinghouse (8) 4-0, Wilmington (10) 3-1.

CLASS 1A

Rank – Team – District – Record -- Previous

1. Canton (4) – 4-0 – 1

2. Steelton-Highspire (3) – 2-1 – 2

3. Bishop Canevin (7) – 3-1 – 3

4. OLSH (7) – 4-0 – 4

5. Northern Lehigh (11) -- 4-0 – 5

6. Tri-Valley (11) -- 4-0 – 6

7. Reynolds (10) – 3-1 – 7

8. Muncy (4) – 3-0 – 8

9. Redbank Valley (9) -- 4-0 – 9

10. Windber (5) -- 4-0 – 10

Teams to watch: Eisenhower (10) 4-0, Leechburg (7) 3-1, Northern Bedford (5) 4-0, Penns Manor (6) 4-0, Rochester (7) 2-1.

Fast tracked this per out of town for a few. Heading home! I apologize for any typos. As always, feel free to swing away. Thx.

District 3 Top 20 (Sept 23, 24, 2022)

(The number in parenthesis is last week’s rankings)
1 Bishop McDevitt 2-1 4A (1) Mid Penn-Keystone Division
McDevitt began Keystone Division action with a 49-3 win at Palmyra who was never in the game, down 42-3 at the half. Stone Saunders continues to wow people completing 17 of 25 passes for 220 yards and two Tds, with Marquese Williams doing the same at tailback rushing for 218 yards and 3 scores on 11 carries. Cyncir Bowers had 134 all-purpose yards (75r, 59p) with Rico Scott and Tyshawn Russell at 94 and 82 receiving yards. The Crusader D was just as impressive holding Palmyra to 48 total yards of offence. Now that they’re into division games, the major challenges, for better or worse, are behind them with no apparent challengers looming. Cedar Cliff is up next. Although they’re a rival, often fielding good teams, they’re a disappointing 2-2 thus far, losing last week to previously winless Hershey 21-20 at home!

2 Cumberland Valley 4-0 6A (2) Mid Penn-Commonwealth Division
In a mild surprise, Cumberland Valley got little resistance from CD East, dominating the Panthers 45-14. East was in it through the half down 21-7 until the Eagles blew it open with a 21-0 third quarter. Duel threat quarterback Isaac Sines rushed for 132 yards and two scores while throwing for 64 yards. Running back Bryce Staretz had a solid game rushing for 84 yards while the team ended at 302 rush yards. Up next is the game that will have great impact in the division and district, crossing the river for a showdown with Harrisburg High. CV hasn’t won since 2015’s 12-3 team that lost to Pittsburgh Central Catholic (15-1) 24-7 in the semifinal. Harrisburg has dominated the series, winning the last five by an average score of 44-9. CV’s schedule is impressive, beating Township, Central York, Spring Ford and CD East. But this one will tell us if they have the team speed and physicality to hang with a team like Harrisburg who has that is spades.

3 Manheim Township 3-1 6A (3) Lancaster Lebanon League, Section 1
Manheim Township and Spring Ford got into a good last week, locked in a tight quarters fist fight at 7-7 by the half. Neither side could run against the other with defense largely prevailing; Township held to 17 rush yards, Spring Ford to 35! Fortunately for the Blue Streaks, they’re a pass heavy team with a sharpshooter in Hayden Johnson who completed 24 of 33 passes, 73%, for 282 yards. He spread it around to eight receivers getting two touchdowns. Nick Good had 91 total yards (65p) with Charlie Kingsbury catching 5 for 63 yards. Spring Ford’s coach Chad Brubaker, a Wilson-West Lawn assistant of 12 years (last 4 OC) really gets after District 3 teams, with a 4-6 record the last 5 years. Many were tight game like this one and the week before to Cumberland Valley, losing 28-16. Township moves onto another major challenge this week at home in the LL-1 opener against 3-1 Hempfield.

4 Harrisburg 2-1 6A (4) Mid Penn-Commonwealth Division
Coach Cal Everett’s return to the sideline after a three game suspension saw Harrisburg respond with a 30-0 halftime bulge that ballooned to a 44-15 win at Carlisle, bouncing back from the Manheim Township loss the previous week. Saw this one and it was a crush job where Harrisburg’s defense dominated with two interceptions and DE Terrell Reynolds impressing with 4 sacks. Lewis Zakii snagged a 45-yard Pick-6. All Everything Kyle Williams made an impossible catch in triple coverage ending the game with 2 receptions for 55 yards and 106 rushing with 3 touchdowns. Quarterback Shawn Lee threw for 135 yards and showed another less heralded aspect of his game rushing for 78 yards. He can motor! Carlisle’s grass field didn’t slow down the Cougars who had 373 total yards of offense to Carlisle’s 213. They’ll need every bit of that this week at home against Cumberland Valley’s best team since 2017’s that went 10-3. This one will go a long way to deciding the division race and post season placement although both have yet to play a pretty good team up north at State College. Look for Harrisburg to be sky high after losing to Manheim Township in the final 4 seconds of the game at Severance Field two weeks ago.

5 Wyomissing 4-0 3A (5) Lancaster Lebanon League, Section 4
Nothing beats these neighborhood rivalries especially when you can walk from one campus to another with the schools maybe two miles apart. Berks Catholic came into this one winless and left that way. But they didn’t play like an 0-3 team, actually holding a 10-7 lead at the half. Two of their running back gouged Wyomissing for over a hundred yards rushing; Nafis Blythe at 122 and Josiah Jordan at 120. It wasn’t enough and they were eventually overwhelmed by a 34-14 second half onslaught. But it was still a good showing. Wyo’s workhorse running backs Matt Kramer had four touchdowns and 121 yards rushing with Drew Eisenhower getting 183 yards on 10 attempts. They rolled in the second half, scoring on all five possessions. It was a heck of an effort by the Saints who drop to 0-4 with unscathed Wyo staying in LL-4 action at ELCO (3-1).

6 Central York 3-1 6A (6) York Adams, Division 1
Central York continued showing they are much more than record setting-graduated quarterback Beau Pribula (PSU) alone, winning their third game of the year by manhandling Spring Grove 42-7. For Spring Grove, it’s a hard rebuild coming off a 10-2 season with tremendous grad losses and a new head coach in Will Thompson. Meanwhile, Central York is managing their losses with a deeper core that includes 4 returning lineman, wide out Parker Hines, an emerging star running back in Juelz Goff and a first year starting duel threat at quarterback in Nasir Still. This core allowed them to beat Central Dauphin 36-19, Hempfield 30-20 and now Spring Grove, with the only loss being a 2-point heartbreaker to Cumberland Valley 35-33. YA-1 action continues at home against South Western (3-1) who was stunned last week at home in the final minute of play, losing to Dallastown 20-13.

7 Wilson 3-1 6A (8) Lancaster Lebanon League, Section 1
Wilson used special teams and defense (powerful combination) to overwhelm Reading 48-6. Makih Cooper had a blocked punt for a score with Cam Jones returning punts 57 and 61 yards for scores. Jones also had 58 yards rushing and two more scores to finish with four touchdowns and another super game. The good news for Wilson sees Cleveland Harding back in the lineup (injury) rushing for 40 yards on 6 carries and a score and catching an 18-yard touchdown. Nice return! A 35-0 second quarter blew this one wide open. Eight running backs got touches as the Bulldogs stayed on the ground while the defense kept Reading out of the end zone until the fourth quarter, holding them to 193 total yards, 54 rushing. Cedar Crest is next as they go for their fourth win since the season opening 46-15 disaster against Roman Catholic.

8 Exeter Township 4-0 5A (9) Lancaster-Lebanon Section 2
Exeter had little trouble with rival Governor Mifflin following a scoreless first quarter. Thereon, Exeter rolled with first year starting quarterback Mason Rotelli (6-1, 175, sr) completing 6 of 9 passes for 93 yards and a touchdown. He showed another dimension and emerging weapon for the Eagles rushing for 90 yards and a score on 13 carries. Their powerful running back Richie Karstien (6-1, 220, sr) bulled his way to 138 yards on 19 carries. Add to that tight ends Joey Schlaffer (6-6, 215, sr) and Zack Zandier (6-5, 215) to a strong line to see they are a threatening team offensively. The schedule to date while not challenging has allowed them to work in new players, reps, smooth out the newness and average 36ppg. The D has two shutouts and allows 7ppg. Winless Lebanon allowing 37ppg is next in Lebanon.

9 York-William Penn 2-2 6A (10) York-Adams Division 1
Here is yet another in a long line of blowouts last week with York rocking overmatched Northeastern (Manchester) 54-9. It was 48-3 at the half. The average score of the Top 10 teams this week was 42-11. Running back Jaheim White had 4 touchdowns and 160 yards rushing in limited duty setting the York County record for rush yards. Quarterback Sam Stoner also set the county record for pass yards. But the big news is York got back to .500 after losing their opening two games in the closing seconds to Woodland Hills 28-24 and Hempfield 35-32. YA-1 action continues this week at home against Red Lion (2-2) who’ve lost their last two games and are here in their fourth straight road game.

10 Manheim Central 4-0 4A (13) Lancaster Lebanon Section 2
Surging Central showing no ill effects of severe grad losses embarrassing outmanned Susquehannock (2-2), rushing out to a 35-0 lead at the half before calling off most of the troops in a 49-0 rout. Brycen Arnold (5-7, 175) with 608ry to date, and one of seven running backs used, had 174 yards on 9 carries and two touchdowns. Zac Hahn was hitting 6 targets with accuracy, completing 7 of 8 passes for 210 yards with 4 touchdown tosses! By games end, the Barons bludgeoned Susquehannock with 546 total yards to 124. They’ll face an entirely different reality Friday with neighbor Warwick (2-2) in town. The Warriors bring a big attack, led by senior quarterback Jack Reed (60%, 895py), a gang of receivers and two solid backs. Warwick edged them last year 35-28 so look for intensity in this one that will go a long way to deciding the LL-2.

11 Steelton Highspire 2-1 1A (12) Mid Penn-Capital Division
Here’s another smash job with the Rollers bursting the Bubbler’s bubble to the tune of 74-30. I guess losing to Westinghouse 34-18 at home lite a bonfire with quarterback Alex Erby throwing for 502 yards and 7 touchdowns. Da’Quan McGraw had 5 catches for 146 yards and Durrell Ceaser another 122 yards on 5 receptions. Running back Jahkai Noss ran for 122 yards. The win kicked off Mid Penn-Capital Division action and avenged the 29-28 loss to Boiling Springs who falls to 2-2. Look for more pay-back Friday at home against Big Spring (3-1) who walloped the Rollers last year 49-14 in a shocker. Big Spring is more than Boiling Springs but don’t be surprised to see the Rollers flip last year’s score.

12 Hempfield 3-1 6A (14) Lancaster Lebanon Section 1
In yet another seemingly unending string of blowouts, Hempfield jumped JP McCaskey early, getting a 35-0 lead at the half that ended in a 42-7 Section-1 win. The defense pitched in with DB Brian Williams recovering a fumble in the 1st period for a score and linebacker Brody Gebhard doing the same the next quarter, putting McCaskey in an early hole. JPM drops to 1-3. Of note, Jackson Landis of Hempfield is rounding into a solid quarterback, completing 4 of 6 passes for 76 yards and rushing for 48 yards with two more touchdowns. Remember, they’re doing this without graduated quarterback Cam Harbaugh who threw for 1949 yards at 60% with a 17/8 ratio and ran for another 7 scores and 670 more years. Next up is a ‘make-or-break’ Section-1 game on the road at Township. Hempfield won last year 17-13 meaning they’ll be extra incentive in this, the LL-Section-1 opener for Township who has not been home since Sept 2nd.

13 Solanco 4-0 5A (16) Lancaster Lebanon Section 3
Solanco’s option attack batters you for four quarters, holds you down with defense, and all of a sudden, 364 rush yards later, the game is over, quickly. The Mules threw 2 passes, preferring to pound you with 58 rushing attempts while eating up the clock. Ephrata ran 34 plays to Solanco’s 60, but only lost 25-17. Solanco assisted Ephrata with an un-Mule like 11 penalties for 90 yards. By the end of the day, Ephrata ran for 52 yards and that’s not going to win many games. They completed 10 of 14 passes of the popgun variety for 105 yards. Solanco’s gang of backs were impressive, with Brody Mellinger getting 2 touchdowns and 106 yards on 24 carries, Cole Harris getting 118 yards and 2 scores on 21 carries and Elijah Cunningham with 75 yards on 6 carries. Non-section opponent Conestoga Valley (2-2) of the LL-2 is next at Quarryville where the Mules can be stubborn!

14 Carlisle 2-2 6A (7) Mid Penn-Commonwealth Division
Carlisle had nothing to offer Harrisburg last week, losing 44-15 while managing a paltry 70 yards rushing. The score could have been worse except Harrisburg was flagged 10 times for 85 yards. After taking a 30-0 halftime lead, you could see Harrisburg let up in the third quarter until snapping out of it to score 14 fourth quarter points. The last two games have seen the Herd’s D go south, allowing 98 points with the 54-47 loss at York two weeks ago. They need to address that especially with the revived program at Chambersburg coming up next. Carlisle is more, but their archrival at 2-2 could easily be 3-1 after failing to hold a fourth quarter lead (35-28) at Central Dauphin last week, losing 42-35. Junior quarterback Riley Harmon was on fire, hitting 21 of 28 for 236 yards and 4 touchdowns against CD. Carlisle needs to regroup with surging Chambersburg coming in.

15 Lampeter Strasburg 3-1 4A (17) Lancaster-Lebanon Section 4
Lampeter Strasburg is rounded into another strong group (as always), getting their second shutout of the year and first on the road, dominating Donegal 35-0. Their balanced attack had Donegal’s defense on its heels, with quarterback Trent Wagner completing 10 of 13 passes for 130 yards (77%) and a touchdown toss while rushing for 37 more on 8 carries. At the same time, Carson Coleman rushed for 92 yards and Jonathan Mellinger 91. Both had a touchdown. Running back Hunter Hildenbrand had a big night rushing for 45 yards and a touchdown on 4 carries and catching a touchdown of 49 yards from Wagner. The defense was front and center, shutting Donegal down to 14 total yards of offense. Cocalico is next at home.

16 West Perry 4-0 3A Mid Penn-Capital Division
West Perry crushed Trinity in a Capital game, running rough shod over the Shamrocks 329 rush yards to 94 in a 40-14 win. It was 20-0 at the half. Trent Herrera rushed for 164 yards on 23 attempts with 2 touchdowns while quarterback Marcus Quaker added 85 yards and a score on 9 carries. He also completed 8 of 11 passes for 97 yards as the Mustangs rolled up 25 first downs to Trinity’s 5. Ian Goodling added a 96-yard Pick-6 to put an exclamation mark on it for the D with 4 turnovers. To date, they’ve outscored opponents 154 to 26. James Buchanan is next at a surprising 3-1. But they’re not ready for this group in their first road game of the year against the best team on their schedule.

17 Greencastle Antrim 4-0 5A Mid Penn-Colonial Division
Greencastle finally ended the 8-year draught, getting a win against rival Waynesboro, 35-21. The Blue Devils like to pound it, churning out 287 yards on the ground and 422 total yards. Tavon Cooper led the way and was awesome, rushing for 231 yards on 29 carries. Junior quarterback Logan Alvey was just enough, completing 6 of 14 passes for 135 yards to keep them honest. The win keeps them in the running for what looks like a five team race in the Colonial between Gettysburg (3-1), Shippensburg (3-1), Northern (2-2), themselves and East Pennsboro (3-1), where they play Friday.

18 Central Dauphin 1-3 6A (20) Mid Penn-Commonwealth Division
Central Dauphin got their first win of the season (how weird does that sound?) defeating a game Chambersburg team 42-35. But it wasn’t easy despite holding a 28-14 halftime lead. The Rams talented ground game finally exploded, netting 418 rush yards! Devin Shepherd had a pile of it running for 228 yards and touchdowns of 86 and 2 yards while David Chase had 182 yards, scoring on 8, 22 and 2-yard runs. Defensive end Jett Franz (6-3, 220) showed his stuff on a 26-yard scoop and score. Travis Linn (6-0, 185, sr) got the nod at quarterback with zero completions on 7 attempts. Have to mention Riley Harmon of Chambersburg who had one of those games, completing 21 of 28 passes for 236 yards and 4 touchdowns. Undefeated State College (4-0) is next at SC. They’re scoring at will averaging 44ppg against an easy schedule excepting Downingtown East (3-1), a team they edged in Downingtown 32-31.

19 Shippensburg 3-1 5A (11) Mid Penn-Colonial Division
The Greyhounds plummeted in the rankings after being dominated by Northern (2-2) 17-6 in the Colonial Division opener for both. They could only muster 192 total yards of offense to Northern’s 285. Perhaps the 21-14 showing at rebuilding Spring Grove 9/9 (2-2) who lost last week to Central York 42-7 should have suggested things were not clicking for them. It was a division game but Northern had been struggling with a largely veteran team at 2-2, losing close games to Chambersburg 23-16 and Dover 29-28, teams some felt they should have defeated. Susquehanna Township (1-2) is up next in a homer before they get a severe test at Gettysburg (3-1). So far, the G-Burg Warriors are having their way at 3-0 against Mid Penn teams since their return to the conference from the York-Adams this year.

20 Elizabethtown 4-0 5A Lancaster Lebanon Section-3
Elizabethtown got off to a strong start against teams with a combined won-loss of 5 and 10, defeating Donegal, JPM, Lower Dauphin and Red Lion. But they’re cranking it out, scoring 42 a game allowing 22. Quarterback Josh Rudy has been as good as any, completing 66 of 88 throws for 1088 yards with a 11/0 ratio. That’s 75% completion percentage. Logan Lentz is barreling away at 6.9ypc on 87 carries with 10 touchdowns while Rudy has three reliable receivers in Braden Cummings with 610 yards and 23 receptions, Cade Capello at 221 yards and 23 receptions and Brady Breauly at 275 yards on 15 receptions. Cummings is Rudy primary when it counts with 10 touchdown receptions. So the Bears are rolling but now face their toughest opponent to date in underrated Twin Valley (3-1) coming off a road win at Fleetwood (2-2) 42-14.

Mid Penn Conference teams not in District-3
State College 4-0 6A D6 Mid Penn-Commonwealth Division
Home to Central Dauphin 1-3
Altoona 3-1 6A D6 Mid Penn-Commonwealth Division
At CD East 2-2
Mifflin County 3-1 6A D6 Mid Penn-Keystone Division
Home to Palmyra 1-3
Juniata 3-1 4A D6 Mid Penn-Liberty Division
At Halifax 1-3
Line Mountain 2-2 2A D4 Mid Penn-Liberty Division
At Susquenita 1-3

OTHERS;
Mid Penn Conference
Central Dauphin East 2-2 6A (15) Mid Penn-Commonwealth Division
Home to Altoona 3-1
East Pennsboro 3-1 4A Mid-Penn Conference- Colonial Division
Home to Greencastle-Antrim 4-0
Gettysburg 3-1 5A Mid Penn-Colonial Division
At Mechanicsburg 1-3
Northern 2-2 5A Mid Penn-Colonial Division
At Waynesboro 1-3
Chambersburg 2-2 6A Mid Penn-Commonwealth Division
Home to Carlisle 2-2

Lancaster Lebanon
(Includes recently merged Berks Inter County League teams)
Warwick 2-2 5A Lancaster Lebanon Section-2
At Manheim Central 4-0
Ephrata 2-2 5A Lancaster Lebanon Section-3
At Boone 1-3
Cedar Crest 2-2 6A (15) Lancaster Lebanon Section 1
At Wilson 3-1
Hamburg 4-0 3A Lancaster Lebanon Section-5
Home to Kutztown 1-3
Lancaster Catholic 4-0 3A Lancaster Lebanon Section 5
Home to Northern Lebanon 2-2
Twin Valley 3-1 4A Lancaster Lebanon Section-3
Home to Elizabethtown 4-0

York Adams
Dallastown 2-2 6A York Adams, Division 1
Home to Northeastern 1-3
South Western 3-1 5A York Adams, Division 1
At Central York 3-1

Pennsbury grounded and pounded its way to 370 rushing yards and its third straight victory, 26-21 over CB West. FB #24 Mulbah started the scoring with a 43-yard first quarter TD run (missed PAT), but West responded with an 89-yard kickoff return TD (refs forgot to mark off 15 for facemask on TD run, might have resulted in touchback instead). Mulbah capped off Pennsbury's next drive with a 13-yard TD run to put PHS up 13-7. After trading punts, CB West threw a short hitch, with the WR making a nice spin to the sideline and outrunning the Falcons for a 90-yard TD. Pennsbury's final possession of the half/first pass attempt was tipped at the line and picked, setting up West at around the PHS 20 with about :30 left. But a few plays later, a strip sack by OLB #29 Mullery (3 sacks on the game) led to a scoop and long score by MLB #9 Gabbett to put the Falcons up 19-14 (2-pt no good) at the half.

Mulbah plunged in from 1 yard out to extend the lead to 26-14 late third. Later, West got a nice punt return to the Falcons 48 with 3:19 left in the game. Three completions/33 seconds later, the score was 26-21. Pennsbury recovered the ensuing onside kick, but had to punt as West burned its final 2 timeouts. The punt went out at the 3 with a minute and change left. After gaining some breathing room with a couple completions and a roughing the passer, West just missed taking the lead on a deep ball down the sideline. Pennsbury's CB, in single coverage, was beat by a step and a half, but the ball was a step and a half too long. West's final catch and lateral failed to gain a first down and McGurrin kneeled one time for the win.

Pennsbury rushed 54 times for 370 on the game, with Mulbah going 31 for 240 and 3 TDs (often carrying 2 or 3 defenders with him for extra yards - the kid is strong), and QB #12 McGurrin chipping in with 15 for 103. Most of Mulbah's damage was done up the gut, with McGurrin running change-of-pace options with the WB for the first time this year. McGurrin was 0-3 passing with the INT. Defensively, the Falcons held West's running game in check for the most part. West tallied around 200 yards of total offense, but a majority was through the air.

Up next for the 3-1 Falcons: at 3-1 CB South. West (1-3) travels to 2-2 North Penn.

Conestoga 15 vs Haverford 14
GV 35 vs Ridley 7
Marple 32 vs Radnor 6
Penncrest 41 vs Harriton 13
Strath Haven 41 vs Springfield 14

Threw this together fast. But, quickies can be fun!?

District 1
CB East 3-0 at CB South 3-0
Going to be tough at South but East has more at QB and especially at running back in Ethan Shine who rushed for 272 yards with 4 Tds last week. Both are blowing people away scoring 37ppg.
Ridley 2-0 at Garnet Valley 3-0
Have a Qb in Ryan Carroll (176/4Tds) but allowed Ply White 247rushing? Matt Mesaros also slinging it for G-Val at 59%, 311 yards, 6/1. Neither well tested unless counting CB West (1-2) for G-Val and the Crestview loss for Ridley, Crestview’s only win to date.
Roman 3-0 at Perk Val 3-0
RC is crushing everyone including rebuilding Wilson and weak Double-A teams the last two, Trinity and West Catholic. Perk Val’s wins over Downingtown West and Cheltenham a lot more than that!
Manheim Township 2-1 at Spring Ford 2-1
Good time to catch Township coming off the Harrisburg win. And Spring Ford is no slouch losing last week to Cumberland Valley 28-16 with sophomore Qb Matt Zollers (6-4, 205) denting CV for 191 yards, rushing for 65. Junior QB Hayden Johnson the real deal too for the Streaks, completing 27 of 35, 77%, 198 yds at Harrisburg!

District 2
Scranton 3-0 at Scranton Prep 2-1
Scranton is kicking-A and taking names at 5A but as yet untested. That all changes this weekend playing rival Scranton Prep. The Cavaliers will have to rely on their veteran D to carry them with all-state PSU commit London Montgomery going down with a knee just before the regular season.

District 3
Harrisburg 1-1 at Carlisle 2-1
Great spot to see how Harrisburg responds to the 24-20 loss to Manheim Township here on the road in the division opener against the Thundering Herd also coming off their first loss 54-47 against York.
CD East 2-1 at Cumberland Valley 3-0
East’s loss at Cedar Crest (2-1) 29-22 was a mild surprise despite rebuilding many areas. And they haven’t played anyone like Cumberland Valley who defeated district hopefuls Manheim Township 31-27 and Central York 35-33 and D-1 PAC and postseason aspirant Spring Ford 28-16.

District 4
Danville 3-0 at Loyalsock 3-0
Danville has outscored opponents 179 to nothing who have a combined won-loss of 3-6 while the Lancers are off two notable road wins at struggling Berks Catholic and Southern Columbia 27-10.
Milton 3-0 at Mount Carmel 3-0
Like Danville above, Milton’s D has been special, allowing one touchdown while MCA has shown they are one of the very best in the state beating North Schuylkill at NS 25-17 and Dunmore 42-14.

District 5 N/A

District 6
State College 3-0 at Altoona 3-0
Head coach Vince Nedimyre now back at his alma mater since 2019 building a program! Wars the last two years with SC winning last year 21-7 and Altoona the year before 22-21. Schedule shows some edge to State having defeated Downingtown East 32-31 in Dtown. Both have outstanding running backs.
Bishop Guilfoyle 2-1 at Penn Cambria 3-0
Two strong teams here led by dual threat Qbs in Karson Kiesewetter for the Marauders and Garrett Harrold for PC. Guilfoyle won 1A last year (now 2A) while PC continues building its program under Joe Franco (Tyrone, Altoona). Beat BG last year when Marauders had a number of injuries and just off impressive win against Central 42-28.

District 7
Mt. Lebanon 1-2 at Central Catholic 2-1
Remember when Central Catholic used to play defense? It’s ‘must win’ time for Lebo who’ll bring it but still hard overcoming Catholic at home with Payton Wehner warming up (206py last week) and some bad taste from the blowout losses (35-14, 47-7) last year.
Penn Trafford 2-1 at Belle Vernon 1-1
Like Central above, BIG intensity here with Belle Vernon one of two teams that beat Penn Trafford (5A state champion) last year 27-7. Similar stats vs McKeesport who was fortunate getting both at home says home field may be the difference. Coaching?

District 8 N/A

District 9
Keystone 3-0 at Redbank Valley 3-0
Like Penn Trafford and Central Catholic above, revenge could factor in with Redbank’s only loss before the final (1A runner up to Guilfoyle) being the season opener at Keystone 22-20. Thereon they won 13 straight!

District 10
Solon-OH 3-1 at Cathedral Prep 2-1
Wild one last year where Ramblers won 45-33 at Solon. Probably their toughest opponent with Solon losing to Hudson and edging Stow (Munroe Falls) and Strongville. Hopefully ECP gets a little more from their quarterback with McDowell, the New York schools (Canisius, St, Francis) looming, even Benedictine presently 0-4 against a brutal slate of power teams.

District 11
Allentown Central Catholic 2-1 at Parkland 2-1
We’ll see what Parkland has after physical, competitive encounters with Nazareth, losing 28-10 and defeating Freedom 21-13 in a hard one; Luke Spang at 168 passing, 38 rushing being the difference. At 2-1 with a 12-7 road loss at Emmaus, Central Catholic is looking real good! Strength on strength with ACC line battering Parkland’s defense.
Nazareth 3-0 at Freedom 1-2
Balancing out the emotion n this one is tough. Will Freedom, the best 1-2 team in the state (!) lose two in a row at home, ending up 1-3, or Nazareth be extra stoked per last year’s 38-21 loss at home? Sonny Sasso and company look pretty good to eke out a win. Barily!

District 12
Imhotep 1-1 at Malvern Prep 2-0
Someone got cocky! There is no way Imhotep losses to Archbishop Spalding 21-13 after beating McDevitt the week before. Maybe last year’s Spalding! They better bring the ‘McDevitt’ intensity if they want to stay with or simply score on this unit that shutout LaSalle 35-0 and nearly blanked Archbishop Wood 21-3.
Roman at Perk Val….above.

.

Anyone have insight into this matchup? I believe both teams are 3-0. Can RC get the W on the road?

CR South actually led this game 6-0 after a nice opening KR and mid-range TD pass down the right sideline. But Pennsbury's D got things together and delivered the following results on South's remaining drives: pick 6, punt, downs, downs, punt, downs, punt, downs, end of game.

The Falcons' O looked a lot like last week vs. Tennent, doing all damage in the first half and taking a 41-6 lead into the break. FB #24 Mulbah ran 11 for 105 and 2 scores, WB #7 Beighley added a 73-yd TD run and QB #12 McGurrin went 2 of 2 for 54 yards and 2 TDs.

Pennsbury steps up significantly in competition next Friday at CB West.

ACCHS. 21
Parkland 14

Whitehall 37
Easton. 14

Becahi. 24
Liberty. 19

The only one in my area that sticks out this week is Belle Vernon taking on defending 5A state champs in Penn Trafford. Both teams have one loss to McKeesport by a touchdown so should be a good game.

Here are the state championship scores in 6A since it started in 2016.

2016: SJP-42 PCC-7
2017: PR-41 SJP-21
2018: SJP-40 HBURG-20
2019: SJP-35 CD-13
2020: SJP-62 CY-13
2021: LEBO-35 SJP-17

The average margin of victory in theses games is 27! The closest margin was last years at 18 points. Where are the down to the wire games?

im here to tell you don’t worry, because I’m going to predict that the 6A championship game this season will go to overtime. NA vs SJP. I had a dream that this will occur, and I believe it to be a prophecy.

Just saw a tweet that Saquon Barkley was the NFC Offensive Player of the Week and Jahan Dotson was the NFL Rookie of the Week. Not a bad showing from the Lehigh Valley. How often two we think two guys from the same division and the same league win major weekly awards like that?

Updated rankings for Week 4…

1. St. Joe’s Prep 2-1 (12)
2. Bishop McDevitt 1-1 (3)
3. Imhotep Charter 1-1 (12)
4. Aliquippa 2-0 (7)
5. Pittsburgh Central Catholic 2-1 (7)
6. Gateway 3-0 (7)
7. Roman Catholic 3-0 (12)
8. Erie Cathedral Prep 1-1 (10)
9. Harrisburg 1-1 (3)
10.Garnet Valley 3-0 (1)

Honorable Mention (no order): Exeter Twp. (3), Wyomissing (3), Emmaus (11), Coatesville (1), Manheim Township (3), Upper Dublin (1), Cumberland Valley (3)

Pennsylvania high school football week 3 rankings



By Eric F. Epler | eepler@pennlive.com



CLASS 6A

Rank – Team – District – Record -- Previous

1. St. Joseph’s Prep (12) – 2-1 – 1

2. Garnet Valley (1) – 3-0 – 3

3. Pittsburgh C.C. (7) – 2-1 – 4

4. Emmaus (11) -- 3-0 – 5

5. State College (6) – 3-0 – 6

6. North Allegheny (7) -- 3-0 – 10

7. Coatesville (1) -- 3-0 – 9

8. Cumberland Valley (3) -- 3-0 – NR

9. Manheim Township (3) -- 2-1 – NR

10. Harrisburg (3) – 1-1 – 2

Teams to watch: Central Bucks East (1) 3-0, Central York (3) 2-1, McDowell (10) 2-1, Nazareth (11) 3-0, Parkland 2-1.



CLASS 5A

Rank – Team – District – Record -- Previous

1. Imhotep Charter (12) – 1-1 – 1

2. Upper Dublin (1) – 3-0 – 2

3. Gateway (7) -- 3-0 – 3

4. Exeter Township (3) – 3-0 – 4

5. Cathedral Prep (10) – 2-1 – 5

6. Roman Catholic (12) -- 3-0 – 6

7. Penn Hills (7) – 2-1 – 7

8. West Chester Rustin (1) – 2-0 – 8

9. Strath Haven (1) -- 3-0 – 9

10. Upper St. Clair (7) -- 3-0 – 10

Teams to watch: Chester (1) 3-0, Penn-Trafford (7) 2-1, Peters Township (7) 3-0, Shippensburg (3) 3-0, Solanco (3) 3-0.



Class 4A

Rank – Team – District – Record -- Previous

1. Aliquippa (7) – 2-0 – 1

2. Bishop McDevitt (3) – 1-1 – 2

3. Jersey Shore (4) – 3-0 – 3

4. Central Valley (7) – 3-0 – 4

5. Allentown C.C. (11) – 2-1 – 5

6. Thomas Jefferson (7) – 2-1 – 6

7. Meadville (10) – 3-0 – 7

8. McKeesport (7) – 3-0 – 8

9. Manheim Central (3) -- 3-0 – 9

10. Pope John Paul II (1) -- 3-0 – 10

Teams to watch: Armstrong (7) 2-1, Bethlehem Catholic (11) 2-1, Dallas (2) 3-0), Lampeter-Strasburg (3) 2-1, West Allegheny (7) 3-0.



CLASS 3A

Rank – Team – District – Record -- Previous

1. Wyomissing (3) – 3-0 – 2

2. Belle Vernon (7) – 1-1 – 1

3. Danville (4) – 3-0 – 3

4. Elizabeth Forward (7) – 3-0 – 4

5. Loyalsock (4) -- 3-0 – 6

6. Oil City (10) -- 3-0 – 7

7. Avonworth (7) -- 2-1 – 9

8. Penn Cambria (6) -- 3-0 – NR

9. Lancaster Catholic (3) -- 3-0 – 10

10. North Schuylkill (11) -- 2-1 – NR

Teams to watch: Freeport (7) 3-0, Hickory (10) 2-1, Neumann-Goretti (12) 0-1, Northwestern Lehigh (11) 2-1, Sharon (10) 2-1.



CLASS 2A

Rank – Team – District – Record -- Previous

1. Farrell (10) – 2-1 – 2

2. Mount Carmel (4) – 3-0 – 3

3. Southern Columbia (4) – 2-1 – 1

4. Richland Township (6) – 3-0 – 4

5. Lakeland (2) – 3-0 – 5

6. Sharpsville (10) -- 3-0 – 6

7. Steel Valley (7) -- 2-0 – 7

8. Bishop Guilfoyle (6) – 2-1 – 8

9. Berlin Brothersvalley (5) -- 3-0 – 9

10. Williams Valley (11) -- 3-0 – 10

Teams to watch: Beaver Falls (7) 2-1, Bedford (5) 3-0, Camp Hill (3) 3-0, Neshannock (7) 3-0, Westinghouse (8) 3-0.



CLASS 1A

Rank – Team – District – Record -- Previous

1. Canton (4) – 3-0 – 1

2. Steelton-Highspire (3) – 1-1 – 2

3. Bishop Canevin (7) – 2-1 – 3

4. OLSH (7) – 3-0 – 4

5. Northern Lehigh (11) -- 3-0 – 10

6. Tri-Valley (11) -- 3-0 – 8

7. Reynolds (10) – 2-1 – 5

8. Muncy (4) – 2-0 – 9

9. Redbank Valley (9) -- 3-0 – NR

10. Windber (5) -- 3-0 – NR

Teams to watch: Leechburg (7) 2-1, Northern Bedford (5) 3-0, Penns Manor (6) 3-0, Rochester (7) 1-1.

District 3 Top 20 (Sept 16, 17, 2022)
(The number in parenthesis is last week’s rankings)
1 Bishop McDevitt 1-1 4A (2) Mid Penn-Keystone Division
McDevitt rose to the top spot as a result of dismantling LaSalle 56-7 (not a typo) and Harrisburg’s upset tho mild by Manheim Township 24-20. In a word McDevitt’s game with LaSalle was a rout, leading 42-7 at the half and totaling 460 yards of offense to LaSalle’s 112 by game’s end. The Explores were held to eight first downs, 64 yards rushing and 48 passing. McDevitt’s outstanding sophomore quarterback Stone Saunders completed 9 of 13 passes for 248 yards and 3 touchdowns. Running back Cyncir Bowers was the lead rusher and receiver at 116 yards rushing and 2 touchdowns with a 08 yards on 4 receptions for another score. Marquese Williams had 92 yards rushing with Tyshawn Russell having touchdowns of 55 and 57 yards on his two receptions. DT Dallas Davenport had a 48-yard Pick-6. Woeful Palmyra (1-2) who McDevitt beat last year 75-7 is next to kick off the Mid Penn-Keystone Division race.
2 Cumberland Valley 3-0 6A (3) Mid Penn-Commonwealth Division
Cumberland Valley continued their run though a challenging road schedule defeating Spring Ford 28-16 last week in Royersford. The week before saw them beat Central York 35-3 in York. Rising start quarterback Isaac Sines was again in the spotlight completing 8 of 14 passes for 140 yards and a touchdown while rushing for 59 yards where he got two more touchdowns. Bryce Staretz ran for 50 yards and three scores with Griffin Hoffman pulling down four receptions for 66 yards. The Eagle D was held the Rams to 75 yards rushing. Mid Penn-Commonwealth action opens Friday at home against Central Dauphin East (2-1). It promises to be a good one with CV on the wrong end of last year’s 17-10 decision.
3 Manheim Township 2-1 6A (4) Lancaster Lebanon League, Section 1
The Blue Streaks ascend to the three spot on the strength of a last second 24-20 road win at Harrisburg. Junior quarterback Hayden Johnson found Asher Wolfe in the back of the end zone from the 3-yard line with 4 seconds left in the game to pull it out. Johnson was unstoppable, completing 77% for 198 yards (27/35-1/1) with a balanced distribution to four receivers; Asher Wolfe caught 6 for 50 yards, Nick Palumbo with 4 for 57, London Kennel 5 for 29 and running back Nick Good catching 8 passes for 42 yards. Good also had 53 yards rushing. With the Streaks ranked 4th coming in, losing only to Cumberland Valley 31-27 at CV and loaded with return starters, the game had all the markings of a great one. Don’t be surprised to see these two again in districts. This week has them at Spring Ford (2-1) whose only loss was also to Cumberland Valley 28-16 last week. They too have a hot young quarterback in sophomore Matt Zollers (6-4, 205) who completed 22 of 40 for 190 yards last week against CV.
4 Harrisburg 1-1 6A (1) Mid Penn-Commonwealth Division
Harrisburg dropped in the rankings after losing at home to Manheim Township 24-20 when quarterback Hayden Johnson connected with Asher Wolfe for a 3-yard toss with 4 seconds left on the clock. It was a tight game, with Township leading 10-6 at the half and 17-14 after the third quarter before falling behind 20-17 late in the fourth. The Cougars won the stat battle 348 to 258, holding the Streaks to 60-yards rushing. But they had no answer for Hayden Johnson who completed 77% of his passes for 198 yards. Credit the Streaks for blocking two punts and holding fullback Mahkai Hopkins to 58 rush yards on 20 carries. Quarterback Shawn Lee lit em up for 228 yards, completing 21 of 34 passes at 62% and rushing for two scores. But it wasn’t enough. The challenge this week will be as severe going to Carlisle to play the revived Thundering Herd (2-1), coming off a heartbreaking 54-47 loss to York last week. The Cougars won last year 34-14 but this is a whole other team that scores points by the bushels.
5 Wyomissing 3-0 3A (5) Lancaster Lebanon League, Section 4
Seems like the Spartans should be advanced this week after another impressive win. But it was Trinity, a rebuilding Double-A program and a predictable rout of 35-14 with two fourth quarter scores making that so. Wyo eased up at 35-0 in the third quarter with nine backs getting touches. Charlie McIntyre had 162 yards rushing on only seven carries, scoring on 80, 14 and 3 yard runs with Drew Eisenhower at 79 yards on nine carries and two scores. Wyo’s massive and talented line, maybe the best in the district is bulldozing opponents behind returning lineman Jven Williams (6-5. 310, sr), Caleb Brewer (6-5, 280, jr), Pacen Ziegler (6-3, 265, sr) and a deep and talented backfield. There does not appear to be a loss on the schedule with Berks Catholic down and Cocalico and Lampeter Strasburg managing serious rebuilds. They’re at Berks Catholic (0-3) Friday in what is typically a bitter rivalry. Maybe the Saints come marching in. It’s not likely but you never know.
6 Central York 2-1 6A (7) York Adams, Division 1
Central York rebounded from a tough home loss to Cumberland Valley 35-33 with a road win against previously undefeated Hempfield (2-1) 30-20. Juelz Goff set the tone, scampering for an 80-yard touchdown on the first play from scrimmage, ending the night with 180 yards and 3 scores. Saxton Suchanic added a 90-yard Pick-6 in the fourth quarter to help put it away. At one point it appeared Central had it locked up, racing out to a 23-7 lead before Hempfield rallied with 13 fourth quarter points. Central’s defense held the Knights to 86 yards rushing. They op0en York Adams Conference action Friday at Spring Grove (2-1) whose coming off a 21-14 loss at home to undefeated and 10th ranked Shippensburg (3-0).
7 Carlisle 2-1 6A (6) Mid Penn-Commonwealth Division
Carlisle dropped in the rankings but only a notch after a narrow 54-47 road loss at York High. Everyone knows York was much more than their 0-2 record given the nature of 4 and 2 point losses to Woodland Hills and Hempfield. This game showed the parity that again exists in the district with Harrisburg losing, and this one decided with 16 seconds left in the game. Carlisle racked up 484 total yards of offense in defeat! Although star running back Jeremiah Hargrove did not play, Jaqueece Morell stepped up with 20 carries for 175 yards rushing and a touchdown. Quarterback Louis Shank completed just 4 of 11 passes but for 123 yards and a touchdown. He rushed for 53 yards. Three other backs had just over 50 yards rushing. But York also gouged the Herd, pounding out 400 yards of offense themselves. And with 16 seconds left in the game, quarterback Sam Stoner of York topped off the 28 point fourth quarter comeback with an 8-yard flip to Jaheim White for the winning score. We’ll see if they have anything left playing at home against Harrisburg Friday night.
8 Wilson 2-1 6A (8) Lancaster Lebanon League, Section 1
As expected, Wilson got an easy win defeating outmanned Martin Luther King High of Philadelphia 37-0. Still, it allowed first year starting quarterback Tommy Hunsicker to unwind, completing 11 of 18 passes for 108 yards and a touchdown toss while leading the team in rushing for 68 yards on 8 carries. Running back Cam Jones had 4 touchdowns on 9 carries for 48 yards. All totaled, Wilson outgained MLK 302 to 53. The game this week has them at Reading. The Knights opened with a 31-12 road loss at CD East in Harrisburg, followed by a win at Muhlenberg 33-20 and last week’s home win against Red Lion 42-35. Look out if anyone ever wakes up this sleeping giant up. They were putting good teams on the field not all that long ago and winning Section titles.
9 Exeter Township 3-0 5A (9) Lancaster-Lebanon Section 2
Once again Exeter has a boatload of talent that started the season red hot with three wins by an average score of 36-7. Keeping perspective shows the wins came against Boone (1-2), Boyertown (1-2) and West York (0-3). Last week’s opponent, West York, offered little competition, rushing for zero yardage. They passed for 158 yards, had 8 first downs and 14 penalties for 144 yards. Like Wilson against MLK, games like this at least allow the offense to get into a flow. First year starter Mason Rotelli benefited, completing 9 of 14 passes for 168 yards. Richie Karstien had two touchdowns rushing for 112 yards while PSU commit TE Joey Schlaffer had 103 yards on 3 receptions. This week’s opponent is Governor Mifflin (1-2) who is struggling. But they’ll likely remember the 31-28 loss to Exeter in the 5A District Final last year that stunned the district and state.
10 York-William Penn 1-2 6A (14) York-Adams Division 1
What a game this was with Carlisle and York arguably putting more quality athletes on the field than any team in the state last week, lighting the place up with 884 total yards of offense. West Virginia commit Jaheim White shined for the Bearcats rushing for 118 yards and 2 scores while snagging seven passes for 61 yards and three more touchdowns. Wide out David Wardle had seven receptions for 115 yards and two scores with Quentin Price pulling down five passes for 75 yards and a touchdown. Quarterback Sam Stoner was nearly an unstoppable force, completing 19 of 29 passes for 250 yards and throwing six touchdowns, the last, an 8-yard toss to Jaheim White for the 54-47 win. York ended the game with 400 total yards of offense, 250 passing and 150 rushing as Carlisle stacked up 484, 124 passing, 360 rushing. It was a game of firsts with Carlisle getting their first loss of the season and York their first win. With the preseason behind them, York moves on to conference action where they’ll name it against 1-2 Northeastern.
11 Shippensburg 3-0 5A (10) Mid Penn-Colonial Division
The Greyhounds escaped previously unbeaten Spring Grove (2-1) at SG in a competitive 21-14 win. Statistically it was a draw, with turnovers deciding the game. Ship recovered a first quarter fumble at the Rocket’s 30 they converted for a score. In the third quarter, they stopped a Spring Grove drive with an interception at their 2-yard line before driving 98 yards for a score. Amari Kerr’s fourth quarter 10-yard score provided the final score. The Hounds once again escaped with a one dimensional attack led by Trae Kater’s 154 yards rushing and Diesel Koser’s 67. Quarterback Tucker Chamberlain completed 1 of 3 passes for 20 yards. They move on to the Mid Penn-Colonial opener at disappointing Northern who has lost two straight.
12 Steelton Highspire 1-1 1A (11) Mid Penn-Capital Division
In a somewhat familiar theme, Steel High once again could not fill a schedule vacancy last week. Too bad as they were willing to travel anywhere to play a game, especially after an embarrassing 39-18 loss to Westinghouse (3-0). Circumstance now has them on the road in the Mid Penn-Capital opener against Boiling Springs who will be fired up after their first loss of the season to Gettysburg 35-20. But the Rollers will be pumped as well remembering last year’s 29-28 loss to them. The Bubblers looked like good last year at 11-2 before going down hard to the Wyomissing 55-14 in the 3A district final.
13 Manheim Central 3-0 4A (12) Lancaster Lebanon Section 2
Manheim Central continued the rebuild that looks particularly strong offensively beating Cocalico 35-19, rolling out 440 total yards of offense. Quarterback Zac Hahn has been solid completing 14 of 24 passes for 290 yards and throwing 4 touchdown passes. Running backs Bryce Arnold rushed for 158 yards and a score on 30 carries while receivers Aaron Enterline and Bode Sopel had 118 and 70 yards respectively. Cocalico rushed for 332 rushing but was held to zero yards passing. Their bend but don’t break defense held the score to 19 points at 17.47 yards per point. Not bad. Susquehannock of the York-Adams League is next. They’re 2-1 against a schedule that has not prepared them for the Barons big and balanced attack.
14 Hempfield 2-1 6A (13) Lancaster Lebanon Section 1
The Black Knights lost for the first time last week in a non-conference game against Central York 30-20 at Hempfield. It was an exciting game with Central York outscoring them 17-13 in the fourth quarter to get the win. As mentioned above (#6), Central York set the tone when Juelz Goff went 80 yards on the first play from scrimmage for a touchdown. Jackson Landis’s third start did not match the previous week where he completed 12 of 18 passes for 174 yards against York. Here against CY he completed 18 of 35 for 194 yards, but threw a 90-yard Pick-6 in the fourth quarter. All their scores were short bursts of 1 and 5 yards with none coming through the air. Credit Central York with holding Grant Hoover to 53 yards rushing. Total yards went to Central York, 328 to 280. Conference action begins Friday for Hempfield against McCaskey (1-2) whose only win was in overtime against Bartram of the Philly Public League.
15 Central Dauphin East 2-1 6A (16) Mid Penn-Commonwealth Division
CD East rebounded from the 29-22 loss at Cedar Crest by dismantling Northeastern (1-2) of the York Adams League 34-7. It was 20-0 at the half. Quarterback Terrence Jackson Copney threw for 194 yards and three scores. He also had a Pick-6. Junior Xavier Armstrong had a strong game picking off two passes as the Panther’s shined on both sides of the ball. This week sees them in their toughest game to date at Cumberland Valley to open divisional play. CV is looking to get some here knowing East High ending their three game winning streak last year in a hard fought 17-10 slugfest. Look for the same here in CV’s first home game in three weeks.
16 Solanco 3-0 5A (17) Lancaster Lebanon Section 3
Solanco has been tearing it up so far, getting out to a great start with wins of note against Lampeter Strasburg and Cocalico. But the most revealing win may be last weeks against Penn Manor from the ‘large school’ LL-1. This one saw Penn Manor take a 26-14 lead into the fourth quarter (19-7 at the half), before Solanco’s Golden Mules battled back behind a strong ground game, scoring 15 while the D held PM scoreless. The Mules just pounded away behind Josiah Forren’s 128 yards and two touchdowns, Cole Harris’s 78 yards and a touchdown and quarterback Brody Mellinger rushing for 85 yards and a score on 25 carries. All totaled, 294 of their total yards came on the ground with Penn Manor getting 230 total yards. LL-3 action begins Friday at Ephrata (2-1) who like other LL-2 teams are either undefeated or 2-1 at this point, pumped with early season aspirations.
17 Lampeter Strasburg 2-1 4A (18) Lancaster-Lebanon Section 4
Here’s another team firing on all cylinders with big wins after the home opening loss to Solanco 40-35. Since then, they destroyed Penn Manor 35-0 and Kennard Dale 54-7 last week. They showed their typical balance throwing for 98 yards while relying on a strong ground game that generated 275 yards and six touchdowns. Quarterback Trent Wagner completed 9 of 16 passes for 98 yards and two touchdowns with Carson Coleman rushing for 138 yards and two scores. Jonathan Mellinger and Louis Malaesta added 78 and 55 each. Wide out Hunter Hildenbrand had 5 receptions for 63 yards and a touchdown plus a 47yards Pick-6 in the first quarter where LS blew out Kennard Dale 20-0. KD ended the game with 9 penalties for 181 yards and 82, repeat, 82 total yards of offense. Hard time in Kennard Dale who were 10-2 last year. The LL-4 opens Friday with the Pioneers traveling to Mount Joy to play 1-2 Donegal, a team they routed 55-0 last year.
18 Cedar Cliff 2-1 5A (20) Mid Penn-Keystone Division
The Colts are re-emerging on the district scene with sophomore quarterback Bennett Seacrest evidently replacing last year’s starting quarterback Ethan Dorrell after co-starting in the opener at Shippensburg. Seacrest was outstanding last week completing 13 of 15 passes for 160 yards and five touchdowns in a 44-0 rout of J.P. McCaskey. Seven backs had carries, led by Preston Dent with 92 yards in a balanced offense that churning out 170 yards on the ground. Carter Enders caught five passes for 90 yards with Nathan Luck and Daniel Schrader both getting 26 yards in receptions. JPM was held to 10 rush yards and 148 total yards. The Colts enter Keystone action Friday at home against winless Hershey. The Bears to date have shown no ability to handle a big attack like Cedar Cliff’s, losing last week to Dallastown 44-30 and to Gettysburg’s more conservative ground game 25-14 in the opener.
19 Cedar Crest 2-1 6A (15) Lancaster Lebanon Section 1
Cedar Crest took a tumble last week from 15 to 18 losing to Warwick 26-20. Unfortunately for the Falcons, Warwick’s veteran quarterback Jack Reed had his best game of the season completing 23 of 31 tosses for 260 yards and 3 touchdowns. Brendon Snyder was his primary catching 13 for 138 yards and three scores. It was a balanced attack with Colin Winters carrying 14 times for 94 yards. All totaled Warwick had 416 yards of offense. Warwick also shut down Cedar Crest’s running game to 35 yards on 23 carries. No one’s winning with those stats even with quarterback Jay Huber completing 21 of 30 passes (70%) for 232 yards and touchdowns of 8 and 18 yards. All in all, a 2-1 mark against non-league foes Lincoln, CD East and Warwick isn’t bad. LL-1 action starts Friday at Penn Manor whose coming off a bitter 29-26 loss to Solanco. Cedar Crest is almost in a ‘must win’ situation at 2-1 with Wilson, Hempfield and Manheim Township yet to come.
20 Central Dauphin 0-3 6A (19) Mid Penn-Commonwealth Division
How improbable is this seeing Central Dauphin at 0-3? And if there was a worthier team, they wouldn’t be ranked here! The Rams are in the midst of a major rebuild facing one of their tougher non-conference schedule in years against teams capable of winning districts. Central York and Wilson at 2-1 are in the thick of a District-3 dogfight alongside Cumberland Valley, Harrisburg, Manheim Township, even Carlisle, York and CD East. And if Coatesville isn’t the’ favorite to win District-One! Makes you wonder how bad CD can be losing 34-28 at Coatesville after Cville routed Pennsbury and Academy Park? But, they are prideful and well coached if not talented. Looking at the schedule, it’s hard finding more than a handful of wins. But who knows. Few expected them to battle Coatesville as they did. Conversely, it’s hard finding many challengers on Coatesville’s schedule. The Rams open Mid Penn-Commonwealth play Friday at home against Chambersburg who is a surprising 2-1 with renewed energy winning their last two games.

Mid Penn Conference teams not in District-3
State College 3-0 6A D6 Mid Penn-Commonwealth Division
At Altoona 3-0. SC has some big guns. Enough to win by an average score of 40 to 16, get a 32-31 road win at Downingtown East and another one here at Altoona.
Altoona 3-0 6A D6 Mid Penn-Commonwealth Division
Home to State College 3-0. Let’s see what Altoona has after dusting off Hollidaysburg, Allderdice and Mifflin County by a combined score of 92-23.
Juniata 2-1 4A D6 Mid Penn-Liberty Division
Home to Newport 0-3. West Perry shut em out last week 24-0 with the Indians likely doing the same here,
Line Mountain 1-2 2A D4 Mid Penn-Liberty Division
Home to Marian Catholic 2-1. MC’s vet bunch probably too much for Line Mountain allowing 93 points through three games.

OTHERS……..
Mid Penn Conference
East Pennsboro 3-0 4A Mid-Penn Conference- Colonial Division
At Gettysburg 2-1. Haven’t played each other in over a decade and a tough call with the guys from Enola undefeated against a soft slate.
Greencastle Antrim 3-0 5A Mid Penn-Colonial Division
Home to Waynesboro 1-2. Greencastle is storming teams 116-20 combined vs decent teams and now playing their neighbor of 8 miles in 3rd straight home game.
West Perry 3-0 3A Mid Penn-Colonial Division
Home to Trinity 1-2. Trinity coming off blowout losses to Roman and Wyomissing vs Mustangs who’ve outscored opponents 114-12!
Gettysburg 2-1 5A Mid Penn-Colonial Division
Home to East Pennsboro 3-0. Been a while with Gettysburg rejoining the Mid Penn after a 9-year absence so no familiarity.

Lancaster Lebanon
(includes recently merged Berks Inter County League teams)
Reading 2-1 6A Lancaster Lebanon Section-1
Home to Wilson 2-1. Dawgs should roll but Reading put up 33 and 42 the last two which is unheard of from them. Have a solid QB (hoops star) that could make it interesting throwing and running.
Elizabethtown 3-0 5A Lancaster Lebanon Section-3
Home to Red Lion 2-1. Etown rolling, scoring 43, 50 and 41 in blowout wins but in unfamiliar role here hosting a York-Adams team that plays no defense but scores a lot of points behind a plodding monster line.
Warwick 1-2 5A Lancaster Lebanon Section-2
Home to Conestoga Valley 2-1. Jack Reed can pick you apart (23/31/260-74%, 3/0 last week) and Conestoga Valley is one dimensional; a heavy runner. Should get win #2 here before more stout comp in Manheim Central, Exeter and a weird road game at Souderton the 30th.
Ephrata 2-1 5A Lancaster Lebanon Section-3
Home to Solanco 3-0. Unheralded QB in Sam McCracken (45/74/752-61%-8/4) with solid running backs. Enough here to give the Mules and run for the money.

York Adams
South Western 3-0 5A York Adams, Division 1
Home to Dallastown 1-2. Dallastown is as much a surprise not being more as South Western is at being undefeated. But it’s Dtown so the Mustangs will be fired up at The Corral.
Spring Grove 2-1 5A York-Adams Division 1
Home to Central York 2-1. Spring Grove just lost the physical, pounding Greyhounds of Shippensburg 21-14 and now face the jackrabbits from Central York who are becoming scary good.