2022: District 3 vs Southeast PA (District 1 and 12), and a few vs D2, 7, 11.
This started off as a simple listing of inter-district games, District -3 vs the state, then got (as always) out of hand as I researched selected teams for a fuller account. So here’s what was originally a short write up on some interesting inter district games
. A mixed bag of inter-district games.
8/26 Roman Catholic 3-7 D12 at Wilson 9-4 D3
This has to be one of the more exciting openers for both programs with no history between them that I can find.
Wilson is coming off another 4 loss season, their 3rd in 5 years. This is unprecedented. It was also their worst defense at 21 ppg since 2005’s 7-3 team that allowed 24 a game. It’s still strong football with a 41-15 record the last 5, but not the Wilson football many are used to. In their defense, the comp has improved, adding Central Dauphin to the schedule and historic rival Governor Mifflin who, in GM’s case, fielded
inordinately strong teams the last 2 years, beating them 48-7 in 2020 and 42-14 last year. Ditto Exeter Township going 10-4 last year and pummeling Wilson 42-14. Nevertheless, it should be another interesting year in West Lawn despite significant losses at most skill positions from both sides. The defense has a nice core of OT/DT Jack Dendall (6-3, 285, primarily OL), LB Landen Farrell (6-2, 220), DE Nick Weitzel (6-2, 210), LB Ryan McMillan (6-0, 220), S Nate Capitan (6-0, 185), plus a pile of sophs and frosh from last year that got time. The offense is a near total rebuild with losses at quarterback Brad Hoffman (846 passing, 1080 rushing), running back Jadyn Jones (1390) and their top 3 receivers. But it’s Wilson, where you know Coach Doug Dahms in year 17 at 170-35 will field a good team. Last years was good enough to beat Central Dauphin (5-3) 27-21, Manheim Township (6-5) 21-14, York (7-3) 50-32 and Central York (10-1) 14-11 before losing to Harrisburg (12-2) 14-10.
Roman is coming off a year where a play or two here or there made all the difference knowing they lost by 4 points to Neumann Goretti (13-2), 5 to Bonner (9-3), 8 to Episcopal (6-4) and 1 to Father Judge (7-5). They were that close to flipping their record. And it looks like they’re poised for more improvement this year with Qb John Ingram back and WR Tymeer Denmark, last year’s super soph. Mao Howell also returns to the backfield, all 5-5, 160 pounds of him. Other sophs making waves are DB Julian Green (6-1, 200, West Va, BC interested), OL/ DL Kahlil Stewart (6-4, 280), SS Wm. Felder (6-1, 165, BC interested) and RB Sahmir Mosley (5-7, 160). I believe Walt Claymore is still on the roster, 6-0, 175, athlete (QB, WR/DB). Other key people back are OL Austin Ramsey (6-6, 360, sr), DLs Samier Speights (6-1, 270, jr) and Jamieal Lyons (6-4, 240, jr) and LB Jordan Montgomery (6-2, 235, sr).
**** See their video below against LaSalle to know more about their potential this year. Looks promising!
Also see 9/2 Roman vs Trinity below.
La Salle College High School vs. Roman Catholic High School Football Game Broadcast (10/9/2021) - YouTube
8/26 Manheim Central 9-2 D3 at West Chester East 2-8 D1
It was a disappointing season for
Manheim Central with a veteran group that couldn’t stop the big and balanced teams on their schedule like Warwick (6-5), losing 35-28 and Exeter (10-4), losing 43-26. Their big losses entering this season are quarterback Judd Novak (1898py, 606ry), running back Chris Heffernan (808ry) and wide out Owen Sensenig (57/871py). Those are significant losses knowing the Barons averaged 37ppg with wins against Cumberland Valley, Perkiomen Valley and Wilson. They’ll rebuild as they always do with a 99-25 record the last 10 years and a 107-25 the 10 before that. But it all got a little harder merging with the Berks League that sees them ending the season at Governor Mifflin and home to Exeter.
East High just didn’t have it last year with an 0-7 start and little to no offensive support averaging 12ppg! The Eastie boys have had 3 winning season the last 15 years and are probably in trouble here. But it is the opener for both and they are home.
8/26 Spring Ford 6-5 D1 at Governor Mifflin 10- 1 D3
** Spring Ford….see 9/9 Cumberland Valley vs Spring Ford
** Governor Mifflin….see 9/9 GM vs Boyertown
8/26 Steelton Highspire 8-3 D3 vs Bishop Canevin 13-2 D7
(At the Peach Bowl classic in Chambersburg)
Steel High hopes to rebound from an off year that saw them go 8-3 following their 10-0 title run of 2021, in part by beefing up the front end of their schedule. They open with last year’s 1A WPIAL champ and state semifinal loser Bishop Canevin Catholic (13-2) of Pittsburgh (Westwood) at the Peach Bowl Showcase in Chambersburg. Then they battle Westinghouse (10-2), who has 3 consecutive Pitt City League titles. Last year’s Roller team was young. And despite an abundance of talent that allowed them to win 8 games by an average score of 54-13, they had trouble with quality teams, losing to Boiling Springs (11-2) 29-28, and Canton (13-1) 32-27. It all came apart in a conference game against Big Spring (11-2) who got got a big lead early then cruised to an easy 49-14 win. For this year, it looks like they return 7 fulltime starters to both sides. Sit down for this one. Quarterback Alex Erby (6-4, 205, jr) threw for 3265 yards last year at 83%. His ratio was 42/6. At least 6 of their starters were sophomores last year, including Erby, WR/FS Rell Ceaser (6-1, 170, 47/695), WR/LB Jaeion Perry (6-1, 170, 22/495), LB Amari Williams (6-2, 190), DE Eugene Green (6-3, 210, 3 sacks) and DT/OL Andrew Erby (6-4, 280). Also returning are running back/LB Jakhai Noss (6-1, 190, 60/610), OL/DE Tyshawn Holland-Alli (6-2, 240, sr), WR Daquan McGraw (6-3, 190, sr, 12-283) and more! In what could be a preview of the 1A final, they’ll play
Bishop Canevin (13-2), who lost last year to Redbank Valley 23-14 in the 1A state semifinal. Like Steel High, they return big numbers with 9 to the offense and defense to a team that averaged 33ppg and allowed 8. Junior Qb Jason Cross (6-0, 160) threw for 1655 yards at 50% with a 19/5 ratio while rushing for 482 more. He likely has the edge on Kole Olszewski who threw for 705 yards at 54% (43/80, 11-3 ratio). Their receivers return and they’re burners, including Xavier Nelson (5-9, 160, sr, 41-949!), Lesae Lacks (5-8, 170, 40/795) and Jayden Lindsey (5-8, 136, jr, 15/220). Another sophomore from last year returns at running back in Marquis Carter (5-10, 170) who rambled for 550 yards on 94 carries. The O-Line returns intact after breaking in 2 sophs and a frosh. The D will be veteran as well after breaking in 4 sophomores with key returnees at DE Jaiden Torres (5-10, 225, sr) and DT Jaden Collins (5-11, 285, jr). There only losses last year were to Clairton (7-3) 28-18 and Redbank per above. Canevin is a super athletic team that will present everyone including Steelton with a major,
major challenge!
8/26 Loyalsock Township 7-5 D4 at Berks Catholic 7-5 D3
The
Loyalsock Lancers are one of the District 4’s powers over the years with a 67-36 record since 2013. They hail from Williamsport with one of the youngest teams in that part of the state last year. At their best, they beat two-time running District-4 3A champ Danville (8-5) 26-21, while losing to well established district powers such as Southern Columbia (14-1) 51-15 and Mount Carmel (10-3) 60-41. Managed to average 33ppg with a porous defense allowing 26. This year they return one of the district’s most exciting quarterbacks in Tyler Gee (5-11, 185), a sophomore last year who emerged to throw for 2019 yards at 70% with a 22/2 touchdown to interception ratio. Some of his best games came against winning teams like Danville (8-5) 11/18/132 and 20/30/241 in their 2 games, Mount Carmel (10-3) 19/24/289 and with limited stats, 142 against Southern Columbia. They also return an exciting running back in Davion Hill (6-1, 180. sr) who rushed for 1180 yards on 205 carries and a +1000-yard receiver in Ryan Glunk (6-1, 185, 60/1132). At least 7 fulltime starters return to both sides with many backups. The key returners on defense are their top 4 tacklers in MLB Gavin Rice (5-9, 170, 125 stops), OLB Cy Cavanaugh (6-0, 190, 106 stops), DEs Logan Bastian (6-0, 155, 97 stops) and Will Burdett (6-0, 190, 55 tackles). OT Ian Hornberger (6-0, 205), DE Carter Secora (6-0, 210, 32 tackles) also return. Did a slightly deeper dive on LT as they look to be very improved this year. Their front loaded schedule will tell the story facing Berks Catholic (7-5), Southern Columbia (14-1), Danville (8-5) and Williams Valley (9-3) in their first 5 games.
Berks Catholic; See vs Pope John Paul II 9/10
8/26 Abraham Lincoln 8-2 D12 at Cedar Crest 5-4 D3
Lincoln of the Philadelphia Public League may have gone unnoticed the last few years putting together four straight winning seasons at 28-11 and a 21-7 log the last three years. But Northeast is still the kingpin by far in the PPL having defeated them 38-16 last year, 42-0 in 2019 and 49-14 in 2018. Still, Lincoln has made strides. Last year’s team got out the gate well at 8-0 before reality set in losing to Northeast (6-4) per the above and Father Judge (7-5) 38-0. They’ll be WAY out of bounds in this one traveling to Lebanon to play the Falcons who could be an exciting team this year. Whatever the outcome, it will be good thing for the players getting out of the city and into new circumstance.
Cedar Crest from Lebanon plays in the Lancaster-Lebanon-Berks League and will present Lincoln with problems as a balanced team, who like many District-3 teams, aren’t afraid to air it out. Last year’s first year starting quarterback Jay Huber (6-2, 190, jr) completed 54% for 1259 yards with a 13/5 ratio. Most of his receivers and a pile of experienced backs return from a young team (scored 26ppg) that was all over the board last year. On a good day, they’d stomp Gettysburg (7-4) 52-14 and edge Hempfield (7-5) 20-13, only to slip up at home losing in an upset to a 4-6 Elizabethtown team 13-12. Against any kind of muscle from the Mid Penn or LL, they faltered, losing to Carlisle (7-4) 45-0 and being routed by LL powers Wilson (9-4) 49-24 and Manheim Township (6-5) 42-7.
8/27 Central Bucks East 6-5 D1 at Chambersburg 2-8 D3
(At the Peach Bowl classic in Chambersburg)
Good seeing the SOL
get out of town (!) and play someone….anyone….in what could be an interesting game.
Central Bucks East has nearly all their skill people back including a solid returning senior quarterback in Patrick Keller at 6-4, 190, 58%, 1266, 14/1 ratio. The line had a pile of sizeable lineman last year (sophs) who should fill in some positions now as juniors. And if the line holds up, the Pats should make a move knowing they were competitive last year with Ridley (11-3) losing 34-29, Pennridge (8-5) 17-7 and North Penn (22-2) 29-2, all away games. They lost their last 4 games but so too would many teams facing the likes of Pennridge, North Penn, CB West (9-3) and Perk Val, also 9-3. East is going to make noise this year. But first they have to get past a Mid Penn opponent who mimics them in some ways returning a young team that’s a year behind them in development. That’s where the comparison ends with
Chambersburg nose diving after a 2-1 start losing their last 7. No way you’re getting through the MP Commonwealth Division with youth and a questionable line against Harrisburg 13-2, Cumberland Valley 5-5, CD East and Carlisle both 7-4, State High 8-6 and Central Dauphin 5-3. The 48-0 road loss to Spring Ford’s quality program revealed as much in non-conference action. Last year’s youthful line returns (minus two) featuring seniors Center Carter Flory 6-2 230, LG Lucas Lohman 5-10 225, LT (?), Avery Kuhns 6-0 240 (also NG), G/T Serick Vessah 6-3 260 and Nathaniel Stroman 5-10, 215. The offense is back largely intact from a group that averaged 12ppg, giving the defense no chance, resulting in a 33ppg yield. This looks like a good spot for CB East High to get off to a good start like last year’s team that opened at 6-1.
8/27 Imhotep Charter School 11-2 D12 vs Bishop McDevitt 12-2 D3
(At the Peach Bowl Showcase in Chambersburg)
Wow, what a super charged headliner this one is. Both got to the state finals last year with Imhotep dropping a 17-14 overtime decision to Penn Trafford in the 5A final and McDevitt doing the same in the 4A final, losing to Aliquippa 34-27.
And with both expecting strong seasons again, this one could be special.
Imhotep Charter has much of their offensive firepower back with quarterback Mikal Davis and running backs Tre McLeod, Jabree Wallace-Coleman and Rahmir Stewart. But they graduated their two leading receivers and the
entire O-Line that weighed in at 318 pounds. And while the defense looks good on the surface, returning DTs David Johnson (5-11, 265), Jah’Sear Whittington (6-2, 255) and soph standout DE Zahir Mathis (6-6, 230, GA, FL, MI, TexAM, etc, etc), their WLB and 2 DBs (believe DB Naim Dantzler in wings),
they graduated two of the premier DEs in the country in Enai White to Texas A&M and Keon White to Penn State. Talik Birton and Maurice Beverly are notable LB losses. That was an impressive team with a strong resume that included wins against Pitt CC (9-3) 12-6 and DeMatha (7-3) 14-10 in particular, as well as Cathedral Prep (11-2) 42-7, Strath Haven (13-2) 36-0 and rival Northeast (6-4) 14-0.
Bishop McDevitt. McDevitt seems poised for a special year. They were an
extremely young group last year, but still have to replace key personnel in wide outs Kamil Foster (36/907yds) and Mario Easterly (57/1071). How important was it for a freshman starting quarterback to have them around? After all, they snagged 63% of his passes and 65% of his yardage. Stone Saunders (great name) completed 146 of 230 for 3037 yards. That’s 64% with only 5 interceptions and 46 touchdowns. Heck of a frame too at 6-2, 195 as a frosh. And they still return good receivers headed by Rico Scott (6-0, 185, jr, 25-538), Jeffrey Penn (6-3, 190, sr, 6/209) and burners Samuel Smalls (5-8, 150, jr, 3/82) and Nevan Hopkins (5-10, 150, jr, 2/43). Excepting the two senior receivers, they started or extensively played 3 freshmen, 3 sophomores and 3 juniors. In the backfield, their tandem running backs are two of the best in the state featuring Marquese Williams (5-10, 195, sr, 170-1897yds) and Cyncir Bowers (5-11, 190, sr, 86-1004). Returning senior lineman include standout starters Gabriel Arena (6-5, 285), Riley Robell (6-3, 285), Dimitri Chacon (6-4, 310) and Kam Zaengle (6-1, 270, ctr), with Zachariah Brown (6-0, 265), Ethan Straining (6-3, 260), Jayden Finney (5-11, 290, jr) and others. Now that’s a Mid Penn Line! This is a unit that scored 46ppg. The defense is reasonably stacked with returning talent at DB Tyshawn Russell (6-3, 180, sr, 29 tackles), SS/LB Ty Kephart (6-0, 190, jr, 50 stops), DE Zachary Hare (6-2, 210, sr, 28 stops), LBs Kade Werner (5-11, 210, sr, 81 tackles) and Venny Brooks (5-10, 185, so, 31 tackles), Robell with 84 stops and others. But they’ll miss LBs Ryan Russo (6-2, 195) their top tackler at 135 and Bryce Enders (5-10, 210) with 73 stops and DT Jamani George-Heron (6-0, 260) and his 58 stops. McDevitt is trying to make a statement this year opening with Imhotep at neutral site Chambersburg followed by West Toronto Prep then LaSalle at Wissahickon game #3.
Heads up District 7
8/27 Woodland Hills 5-6 D7 at York High (William Penn) 7-3 D3
Woodland Hills is a true 3A with the newly released numbers but will continue
playing up in the 5A classification. At the risk of getting punched out by my ‘West’ friends, maybe it’s time to reassess. They’ve fallen on hard times….and are less of a factor in the WPIAL power structure knowing their record the last 4 years is 24-29 with 3 losing seasons. This is a program that went 75-23 (77%) the preceding 8 years. But that’s the reality and a lot of it is because they have
not been able to win the close games. Here’s a fast look at the losses.
2021, 7-6 McKeesport, 14-13 Penn Hills, 21-13 Moon
2020, 21-16 Gateway
2019, 45-51 Upper St. Clair, 30-27 Baldwin, 21-20ot West Allegheny
2018, 15-14 Upper St. Clair, 14-13 West A, 14-13 West A again in postseason
2017, 22-21 Fox Chapel, 7-0, West A
This also reflects the competitive nature of the WPIAL. Whatever they put on the field and its always good stuff despite the narrow losses, it will be more difficult without all everything Qb Deontae Williams.The
York High Bearcats will be a load again this year at least on offense with underrated quarterback Sam Stoner coming off an excellent season combining with one of the top running backs in the state in Jaheim White to have them again as one of the most explosive teams in the state. They averaged 44 points a game last year but didn’t have a defense to match, allowing 30ppg! Qb Stoner played in the shadow of conference mate Beau Pribula over at Central York despite having an outstanding campaign, completing 66% for 1960 yards. His Td/Ratio was 23/5. To a lesser degree, it was the same scenario for Jaheim White sharing the spotlight with Nicholas Singleton at Governor Mifflin. White followed up 2020’s covid shorted season where he rushed for 1332 yards (8 games!) with 2128 last year. About that defense. Last year’s group couldn’t handle teams like Mifflin losing 55-6, Central York where they lost 60-14 and Wilson who handled them 50-32. But they could handle Coatesville in an impressive 44-39 win at Coatesville with White going wild at 235 yards, Stoner throwing for 308 yards and Ja.Nas Simms pulling in 176 yards on 8 receptions. Woody better bring it when they come East or these Bearcats will run them right out of the stadium.
9/2 State College (8-6) D6 at Downingtown East (9-3) D1
*(Included SC from D6 as member in the Mid Penn Commonwealth)
State College has put many good teams on the field over the year including the last seven with a 64-22 record and 4 double digit winning seasons. Last year’s schedule was representative as always facing 11 teams at .500 (2) or above (9). And they were all over the place getting pounded by Downingtown East 42-21, CD East 34-13, Central Dauphin 42-21 and Mt. Lebanon in the state semifinal 49-28, yet came away with an overtime win at Cumberland Valley 21-18 and 3 postseason wins including Williamsport (6-6) 17-14, Delaware Valley (9-4) 28-19 and Harrisburg (12-2) 16-13, avenging a regular season loss at Harrisburg 15-13. Rematches!
With a second year starting quarterback in Finn Furmanek (6-4, 195, sr, 54% 834, 7/1) lineman Michael Dincher (6-3, 295, sr, Coastal, Mass, Buf, BG, etc) and bookend DEs John Scott (6-2, 230, sr, 130 tackles) and Stephen Scourtis (6-4, 240, sr, 102, Navy, Buf, Rich, etc) returning with a solid line backing corps, they should be ready to improve on last year’s woeful 23ppg D and 24ppg offense. We’ll find out in the opener at Downingtown. Few teams faced a schedule as difficult as
Downingtown East last year playing only one losing team, Avon Grove (3-7), and surviving the rest who had a combined record of 104-39! How many occasions can you find a team that played 5 double digit winning teams, beating Bishop Shanahan 11-4 and Unionville 10-2 while losing to Rustin 11-2, Coatesville 12-2 and Quakertown 13-1. Others along the way weren’t too shabby getting wins against Pennridge (7-5) 14-7, State College (8-6) 42-21, Spring Ford (6-5) 21-14, Delaware Valley (9-4) 39-14 and Academy Park (9-3) 25-20. Coming into this season, they return a great core of quarterback Jamy Jenkins, OL Adham Abourya (6-7, 275), RB Bob Horvath, RB/DB Mike Waite, TE/DE Chad Lovenguth and LB Sam Barton. Like all the top programs they had some big losses. But at 92-28 the last 10 years, it’s almost a given the Cougars will be in the thick of it or affecting who is. State can throw 3 quarterbacks at you and always have good size. The Cougars have to be ready for a team that can match their physicality but perhaps not their speed.
9/2 Roman Catholic 3-7 D12 at Trinity 3-6 D3
See RC vs Wilson 8/26
Roman sure looks like they have a promising core with last year’s standout sophomores wide-out/athlete Tymeer Dunkirk (5-11, 180) back catching throws from quarterback John Ingram, and sophomore running back Mao Howell. At their best last year, they defeated LaSalle 27-20, with narrow losses to Neumann Goretti (13-2) 22-18, Bonner (9-3) 12-7 and Episcopal (6-4) 34-26. Flipping those plus the 1-point loss to Father Judge (7-5) 21-20, changes the record to 7-3. If not good enough to win the PCL-Red, they look good enough to influence who can.
Trinity is a AA from Camp Hill that looks WAY out of their league here. But it is early and they’ll be home with an experienced offensive team. They return their quarterbacks, a few running backs and the receiver corps. Top back Tyler Rossi (6-1, 205, 824) graduated, along with OL/DLs Ryan Dalton (6-1, 280). Michael Karr (6-2. 245) and the LB corps of Jason Weaver (5-9, 180, 72 tackles), Jacob Shull (5-11, 190, 56 tackles) and Dalton Gerveer (5-10, 185, 45 stops). Second year coach Jordan Young played a lot of people so the D will have experience. He played at Steel High (All-State), won a state title then made All-Big Ten in 2012 at PSU (09-12). He also won a Super Bowl with Seattle so it could get interesting seeing what he does with the Shamrocks! Also, they have a running back Texas A&M is after who hasn’t taken a varsity snap!
9/2 Westinghouse 10-2, 2A D7 at Steel High 8-3, 1A D3
Steel High….see 8/26 SHHS vs Bishop Canevin.
Westinghouse comes into the 2022 season with a strong core that went unchallenged their first 8 games against teams with a combined won-loss of 28-45, averaging 38ppg allowing 10. None had a winning record. Thereon they went 2-2, losing to Allderdice (4-6) in the Pittsburgh City League championship 14-0. The soft schedule barely prepared them for the rigors of the PIAA playoffs. But, they got past District 5 powers Chestnut Ridge (6-5) 42-28 and Windber 35-34 before succumbing to state powerhouse Farrell (11-1, Dist10) 24-7. Head Coach Donte Green has done a great job getting them to new levels, going 25-6 his first 3 years. Back in the day, they were one of the Pitt city powers, winning 12 of 13 City Titles from 1954 to 1966. For this season, they have a real threat at quarterback in Keyshawn Morsillo (6-3, 195, sr) who threw for 1551 yards and rushed for 778! With Alex Erby returning for Steel High after throwing for 3274 yards last year at 83% (!) we could see an awesome aerial display for so early in the season. The Bulldogs return at least 3 to the O-Line and 6 to the defense headed by NG Donte Taylor (5-11, 265, sr). Roderick Jeter (6-0, 195, sr) is a returning linebacker and running back Kahlil Taylor (5-9, 185, sr) also returning at linebacker. Bur before the Rollers comes another historic power in Clairton coming off a bad year for them at 7-3 with a record of 197-22 since 2006 along with 4 gold medals and 4 silver.
9/2 Wyomissing 15-1 D3 at Pottsville 8-3 D11
Wyomissing is coming off another trip to the 3A final, their second in a row where they again lost to Central Valley (15-0) 7-0. Close but no cigar for the Spartans while CV collected their second straight having defeated Wyo 35-21 in 2020. For this season, like many teams in the district, they return a good if incomplete core, starting with quarterback Ben Zeckman (6-3, 185, sr, 794, 59%). Running back Drew Eisenhower (116/871) is also back with Colin Niedrowski, Ryker Jones and William Delp. The line returns D1 prospect J/ven Williams (6-5, 300, sr) and Pacen Ziegler (6-3, 265, sr) with many others who got time. 4 return to the defense Coach Bob Wolfrum called one of his best ever, allowing 8ppg. So the core is there and so is the schedule that is competitive but doable opening at home with Kennard Dale, then to Pottsville followed by Trinity and Berks Catholic. They’re going for their fourth consecutive district championship.
Pottsville had one of those teams last year that was stocked with talent but fell short, losing to Allentown Central Catholic (9-4) 35-21, Northwestern Lehigh (11-1) 22-14 and Wyomissing 42-14. Still, this was good stuff with a 12-0 win against Selinsgrove (8-4) and a 20-12 overtime win against North Schuylkill (11-2). They enter this season with their offense wiped clean, graduating quarterback Jazce Carabello-Snowell (1182 pass yards, 582 rush yards), lead rushers Travontai Davis (1305 yards) and Amari Dunn (590 rushing, 357 passing), and wide out Raeff Dicello (482 pass yards). They also lose their 3 leading tacklers in linebackers Jason Fermaintt (6-0, 215) with 111 stops, Amari Dunn (5-9, 210) with 74 and Travontai Davis (5-10, 195) with 68. They open with real tests in Jersey Shore and Wyomissing right out the gate.
9/2 Boyertown 4-7 D1 at Exeter Township 10-4 D3
Boyertown has had one winning season the last 9 years at 7-4 going 28-51 since then. And they’ve had absolutely nothing going for them against their powerful neighbor Exeter, 10 miles to the West, losing all 7 games in the series going back to 2014 by an average score of 37-8; outscored 261 to 59! So it’s not likely they’ll nab a win here on the road in
Exeter’s home opener. To be certain, Exeter just graduated their record setting and best ever offense that scored 38ppg. At their best, they defeated previously unbeaten Governor Mifflin (10-1) 31-28 in the 5A district quarterfinals before losing to Penn Trafford (13-2) in the semifinal 49-14. Along the way, they beat Wilson (9-4) 42-14, Manheim Central (9-2) 43-26 and Cedar Cliff (10-3) 42-35, with narrow losses to Central York (10-1) 35-28 and Hempfield (7-5) 17-14, and the regular season loss to Governor Mifflin 54-21. That was a nice team with Qb Colin Payne (60%, 2381), Rb Eric Nangle (1814r, 220p), TE J.R. Strauss (28/289), Carson Schmidt (19/402) and Ty Yocum (13/3160). TE Joey Shlaffer (6-6. 210, 48/822) returns. ASU, BC and Cincy offered with him recently committing to PSU. They return a great D core of LBs and DLs that will have to carry them while the offense rebuilds.
9/2 Connellsville 0-10 D7 at Hempfield 7-5 D3
This is a strange one with Hempfield scheduling
Connellsville from District-7, a team that hasn’t won a game in two years. They won only 15 games since 2013. 15! Central Valley, Southern Columbia, Mount Lebanon and Wyomissing each won that many games last year alone. So it’s unimaginably hard time in Connellsville. Their teams have been uncompetitive, losing last year’s games by an average score of 44-7. They’ll be in Landisville with a game under their belt to play
Hempfield in their third game. The Black Knights will have played a well improved Dallastown team in the opener and York High’s explosive Bearcats the following week. One of Cville’s problems is the Knights could come into this one 0-2 with major rebuilding and two tough opening opponents. Last year’s team ended a disappointing 7-5 with an exciting team led by one of the area’s top quarterbacks. Cam Harbaugh (6-1, 210) threw for 1949 yards, had a 14/5 ratio and rushed for 672 more with 6 touchdowns. But they faced a schedule that left no room for error, playing Harrisburg (12-2), Exeter (10-4), Central York (10-1), Wilson (9-4), Manheim Central (9-2), CD East (7-4) and two of the best 6-5 teams in the state in Warwick and Manheim Township. McCaskey at 2-8 was the only sub .500 team on the schedule. They’ll rebuild around lineman Deyvid Palepale (6-3, 290), leading rusher Stephen Katch (121/690) and their top receiver in Andy Garcia (23/476) while looking for someone to replace Qb Cam Harbaugh who signed with Valpariaso.
9/9 Bishop McDevitt 12-2 D3 at LaSalle College 9-2 D12
** McDevitt will have played Imhotep on 8/27 in Harrisburg so we’ll all have a better feel for this game after that.
See 8/27 McDevitt vs-ICS
Bishop McDevitt returns the team that lost to LaSalle last year 21-0 and Aliquippa (13-1) 34-27 in the 4A final, making them one of the favorites to nab the title this year. LS had big wins last year vs McDevitt and St. Joe’s (11-3) 28-21 but fell to Roman Catholic (3-7) 27-20 and St Joe’s in the rematch/D-12 semifinal 35-7. Last year’s game with McDevitt was the first the two played since 1943 where LaSalle won 19-0 against what was then called Harrisburg Catholic. While McDevitt returns most of last year’s team intact,
LaSalle has severe grad losses (Abdul Carter, Sam Brown, OL, Qb) but return three that impressed last year in Harrisburg in running back Stevie Davis, DL Darold Dengohe and WR Ryan Sorge. Check it out.
La Salle College High School vs. Bishop McDevitt (Harrisburg) High School Football Broadcast - YouTube
9/9 Central Dauphin 5-3 D3 at Coatesville 12-2 D1
Central Dauphin was a major disappointment last year with a veteran team losing to Wilson (9-4) 27-21, CD East (7-4) 31-14 and Cumberland Valley (5-5) 24-17. They’ll rebuild this year on offense where the slate was wiped clean after averaging 33ppg. With Max Mosey gone (4118 career py), junior Qb Key’Ron Plummer (6-0, 160) will be the new Qb. The big news is the transfer of LB/RB Devin Shepherd (6-0, 190, sr)
back to CD from East Pennsboro where he rushed for 662 yards and had 69 tackles. LB/WR David Chase (6-1, 205, sr) is also back contributing at running back. The problem last year was a defense that allowed 27ppg, the worst since their
last losing season in 1995 (2-8) where they allowed 30ppg. About that defense; last year’s weakness per youth may be this year’s strength with DE/LBs David Chase (6-1, 205, 61 stops), Seth Sauers (5-11, 210, 56 tackles), Andrew Heyeh (5-11, 180, 16 tackles), Devin Shepherd and three good looking sophomores from last year in Kyle McCullough (5-10 210, 34 stops), DE Jett Franz (6-2, 215, 50) and Xander Tolander (5-10, 195, 68 stops). The DB looks solid and Luke Zlogst (6-1, 280) is back on the line.
Coatesville returns their quarterback Harrison Susi and the usual cast of skill players from a team that lost at home to York (7-3) 44-39 and Garnet Valley (14-1) 54-15 in the D1 6A title game. Like CD, the Raiders had issues on defense allowing such scoring, finishing at 21 a game, their worst since 2009. CD always plays a tough, front loaded schedule, this year playing Central York and Wilson before Coatesville while the Raiders open with Pennsbury and Academy Park.
9/9 Cumberland Valley 5-5 D3 at Spring Ford 6-5 D1
Mixed bag here with
Cumberland Valley’s youthful team beating Spring Ford 23-19 and Central Dauphin 24-17 but getting blown out by Manheim Central 35-7 and Harrisburg (12-2) 45-7. In between were tough losses to State College (8-6) 21-18 and CD East (7-4) 17-10 and a deceptive loss to Central York (10-1) 21-3, done in by late scores after a tight game. They return huge numbers and will be led by Qb Isaac Sines (1020p, 409r), JD Hunter (534r, 200p) and wide out Kaden Pines. Last year’s promising group will be a MAJOR factor in the Mid Penn and districts this year.
Spring Ford had a disappointing season with a veteran offensive team that had numerous close call losses to all the quality opponents on their schedule; Cumberland Valley 23-19, Manheim Township (6-5) 28-13, Perk Val (9-3) 28-22, Pottsgrove (8-3) 14-13 and Downingtown East (9-3) 21-14. They return a promising sophomore quarterback in Matt Zollers (6-3, 195, 542, 57%, 8/3) who got time although dependable Ryan Freed (70%, 1628, 17/3) graduated with their leading rusher and top 3 receivers. The D returns a good core especially up front with a NG, DT, 2 DEs, 2 LBs and a SS. Two sophomores got your attention last year in OLB Mike Bendowski (5-11, 195, 40 tackles) and DT Evan Strzeminski (6-2, 240). You’ll know early in the season if the Rams have it playing three District-3 teams in their first 4 games; Governor Mifflin, Cumberland Valley and Manheim Township.
9/9 Governor Mifflin 10-1 D3 at Boyertown 4-7 D1
Governor Mifflin was one of the top rated teams in the state, crushing good football teams like Wilson (9-4) 42-14, Harrisburg (12-2) 49-13, Episcopal (6-4) 54-21, Warwick (6-5) 63-35 and Exeter (10-4) 54-21 by an average score of 52-21 before being upset in the postseason rematch with conference rival Exeter 31-28. Nick Singleton has moved on to Penn State, taking 2049 rush yards with him, plus the quarterback, fullback and a slew of others. But they have a core and REAL talent at the skill positions with a potentially great one coming up in the backfield. Delsin McNeil was a co-starter at quarterback. And with a mix of veterans and some outstanding young talent coming up on defense, especially sophomore Mykell Ford (6-1, 240) combining with LBs Ayden Martin (6-0, 180) and Aiden Young (60-195) and OL/DL Kennedy Arias Hernandez (6-3, 305), Matthew Chute (6-2, 235), Aden Krause (6-4, 265), Ethan Hoffman and Devin Johnson (6-1, 240), they look to be ok.
Boyertown completed their 8th straight non-winning season and have had but one winning season the last 9 years, going 7-4 in 2013. Since then, 28-51.
9/9 Martin Luther King 2-7 D12 at Wilson 9-4 D3
MLK is a mid-rung Philadelphia Public League 5A, coming off a 2-7 season. Their 5-year record is 25-21 with a 10-year mark of 52-52. They were not competitive against better competition last year with losses to Northeast 26-0, Imhotep 44-3 and Wilson 50-8. But they do have a promising player in sophomore DE/LB Khalid Bueno (6-2, 220) and enjoy getting out of the city enough to schedule back-to-back games in West Lawn.
Wilson….see 8/26 vs Roman. The Bulldogs scheduled Roman and MLK this year in part to work out scheduling kinks as a result of the merger with the Berks County League. Importantly, Roman is a 6A. Evidently they could not schedule another 6A as MLK is a 5A.
9/10 Berks Catholic 7-5 D3 at Pope John Paul II 7-3 D1
By
Berks Catholic’s standards, they’ve been in a 3-year slump going 8-5, 5-3 then 7-5 last year. That, compared to an 88-16 run since their inception in 2011. They are known in the district for their rugged non-conference scheduling, playing Central Dauphin, Harrisburg, McDonogh, Malvern Prep, Cedar Cliff, Pope John Paul II and Northwestern Lehigh out of conference the last 3 years and Governor Mifflin, Exeter and Wyomissing in conference! They graduated good talent in Christian Cacchione (1137ry) and Qb Mitchell Gatz (58%, 755, 13/4), but will rebuild around Josiah Jordan (812ry) and lineman Jacob Collazo (6-3, 290). They dropped to 3A this year but still face a brutal, more local schedule since merging with the Lancaster Lebanon League this season. Non-conference foes include D4 Loyalsock (7-5, 34-22 last 5) and D1 Pope John Paul-II (7-3, 35-13 last 5). League games include Wyomissing (14-1), Lampeter Strasburg (11-2), Donegal (7-3), Octorara (8-3) and Conrad Weiser (7-4). Like Berks Catholic,
PJP is rebuilding without their quarterback. But theirs is a greater loss in DJ Clark completing 75% for 1564 yards with a 19/5 ratio. Top running back Josh Little (975) also graduates. They’ve had something of a rebirth the last 5 years logging a 35-13 record. Last year’s game in Reading saw them overcome a 34-7 half time deficit only to come up short, losing 47-40 with no clue how to handle Christian Cacchione (28/220ry, 2/63py) or Josiah Jordan (1/115ry).
9/16 Manheim Township 6-5 D3 at Spring Ford 6-5 D1
** See Spring Ford vs CV 9/9 for more info on Spring Ford.
Manheim Township will be well ranked in the District 3 Top 10 as they have good potential for a run at districts. Last year’s young team was right there despite the youth, losing to Dallastown (6-4) 41-38, Harrisburg (12-2) 20-17ot, Hempfield (7-5) 17-14 and Wilson (9-4) 21-14 before losing at Central York (10-1) 26-14. They played a tough schedule facing one losing team with a talented group of sophs, frosh and juniors on offense last year. We’ll see how they come into the Spring Ford game in Royersford after rugged encounters with veteran teams at Cumberland Valley in the opener, Dallastown game two then Harrisburg. Some holes to fill on defense plus 4-star wide out Anthony Ivey is now at Penn State after 112 receptions and 2043 yards as a 4-year starter. They still return a pile including last year’s starting sophomore quarterback Hayden Johnson who threw for 2019 yards at 66% with a 25/8 ratio. The Streaks will make a lot of noise this year and be a handful for the Rams. It’s in Royersford so check it out.
Spring Ford; see 9/9, Spring Ford vs Cumberland Valley
9/23 Plymouth Whitemarsh 10-2 D1 at JP McCaskey 2-8 D3
Plymouth Whitemarsh survived back-to-back 1-8 seasons in 2017 and 2018 to go 21-7 since then. Covid-2020 yielded a 2-3 campaign with the 2019 team improved to 9-2 and last year’s team looking special at 10-2. At 38ppg while allowing 16, they were special, but still got tipped by Rustin (11-2) in the district semifinal 19-14. This year’s team lost some players but return last year’s starting quarterback Aiden O’Brien (5-9, 160, sr) and 7 other starters who made the SOL-American All Am 1st, 2nd or HM team. Their game with McCaskey is an odd time to be on the road in a non-conference game especially being their third straight road game after playing Ridley and Quakertown. For
McCaskey, they’ll be proven having played CD East, Elizabethtown, Cedar Cliff and Hempfield with a veteran quarterback in Matthew Remash (6-5, 230, 45%, 1051, 8/6, sr), some skill back and a defense with a lot of holes. Last year’s allowed 38ppg. But they had to have played a lot of subs losing their last 7 games by a score of 43-11. And in year two for Coach Ben Thompson, maybe we see a turnaround. Last year’s team snapped a 26-game losing streak. Former coach Sam London
left last August (!) a couple weeks before the start of the season. Coach Thompson is a Coatesville grad who earned a scholarship offer to Florida A&M and also playing at Cheney.
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