Districts 3, 4, 5, 6
16 Red Lion 6A 4-1
Senior quarterback Zach Mentzer isn’t making them forget last year’s signal caller Zach Throne who threw for 1356 yards (67%) and ran for 1508 yards. But he’s not doing bad completing 64% with a Td/Pick ratio of 8/2 and over 600 yards passing plus another 302 rushing. They’re 4-1 with what now appears to be a respectable 28-19 loss at Chambersburg (4-1), atop the York-Adams at 2-0 with York and Dallastown. Y-A action continues Friday at Northeastern (2-3).
17 Central York 6A 4-1
The Panthers rebounded from the 58-26 debacle to Red Lion two weeks ago to do likewise against New Oxford 60-21. Qb Cade Pribula reset the career passing mark at CY to 5618 yards while throwing for over 300 yards for the fourth time this year. They’re at the Corral this week to play South Western who has been outscored 170-53 in a winless season. The Mustangs just aren’t what they used to be when not so long ago few wanted to get near the Corral.
18 Dallastown 6A 3-2
Make that 3 straight for Dallastown following the 0-2 start after beating Northeastern. The Wildcats have gone fast paced-no huddle to make things even more difficult trying to slow running back Nyzair Smith. He had another breakout game last week rushing for 324 yards on 34 carries. Following a 27-25 Dtown lead at the half, the bus carrying the defensive players showed up to shut down the Bobcats in the 2nd half, allowing the Wildcats to come home with a 41-25 victory. Speaking of cats, the big cat fight is this Friday 4 miles up the road in York taking on the undefeated York High Bearcats.
19 Exeter Township 5A 3-2
Exeter is back in the Top-20 after 4 impressive games where they blew out Boyertown, Lower Dauphin and Muhlenberg by an average score of 44-14, with a 33-27 overtime loss at Spring Ford (4-1) preceding last week’s 42-6 win over Muhlenberg. The game was at First Energy Stadium, formerly Reading Municipal Stadium (home of the Fightin Phils) and the first of 6 in the Gridiron Classic series. This was the first time the stadium hosted football since 1982! How cool is that for the players being in such a great venue! Talk about cool, a 14 year old got his first start for the Eagles when Colin Payne (#3 on the depth chart) got the nod with the others injured. He responded, completing 12 of 17 passes for 175 yards and 2 touchdowns. The 420 to 138 total yardage figure says the defense came to play too. 5A just got a whole lot more interesting with Exeter in the playoff picture alongside Manheim Central, Cocalico, York and Cedar Cliff and others. They’re at Conrad Weiser Friday to start sorting things out.
20 Conrad Weiser 4A 4-1
Weiser had no trouble at First Energy Stadium in Reading defeating Twin Valley 35-7. Qb Alex Mackenzie continues having a strong season rushing for 134 yards and completing 4 of 7 passes for 38 yards. Dalton Moyer had 86 yards rushing as the Scouts totaled 312 rush yards while holding TV to 58. The win keeps them atop the Berks-1 with Governor Mifflin and Exeter. They’re at home Friday vs Exeter.
21 Hollidaysburg 5A 2-3
How about the Golden Tigers taking on a rugged slate of State College, Cedar Cliff and Ft. Hill-MD (1A champs, 2013, 14, 15, 16) instead of laying in the weeds out in District-6. They lost at Ft. Hill last week 19-7 with Brady Walters held to 9 of 22 for 122 yards and the team to 48 yards rushing. The 3-0 Sentinels totaled out at 270 yards, 259 rushing. McDowell (3-2) is next with losses to Seneca Valley (WPIAL 4-1, lost to Pitt CC 20-14) and Boardman (3-1, lost to Jackson-Massillon 21-7) of Youngstown, Ohio. McDowell won last year 42-38.
22 Williamsport 6A 3-2
A 27-0 3rd quarter broke open a tight 15-14 game allowing Williamsport to cruise to an easy 49-26 win over Crestwood. The offense was in high gear at 404 total yards with running back Treyson Potts in game shape rushing for 134 yards (4 scores) and catching 6 passes for 119 yards. QB Joe Fagnano completed 10 of 15 passes for 216 yards and 3 Tds giving him 8 on the year with only 1 interception. But the D has been a sieve allowing 38ppg with essentially little up front knowing 1-4 Crestwood gashed them for 322 yards rushing. Scranton (1-4) is next at Williamsport in a inter-conference game won last year by the Millionaires 38-34.
23 Governor Mifflin 5A 2-3
Look whose back from the dead after a 0-3 start to win two straight by a combined score of 90-26, beating Muhlenberg and Reading the last two weeks. The win keeps them tied in first place with Exeter and Conrad Weiser against whom they hope to defend their conference title. Exeter is at Weiser this week with Governor Mifflin playing both the last two weeks of the regular season where it will likely be decided. They’re home to Twin Valley (3-2) Friday.
24 Hempfield 6A 2-3
Welcome to the LL-1 Cedar Crest. While they’ve been winning against a slate of 1-4 teams including Lebanon, Hershey and McCaskey, with a 42-14 loss to York, Hempfield was playing Dallastown 3-2, Manheim Central 5-0 and Central York 4-1, prepping for conference action that actually started 2 weeks ago against Warwick 4-1. So it’s little wonder the Falcons struggled last week especially on the ground trying to slow Matt Hueston who ran for 142 yards and 4 scores that allowed the Black Knights to snap a 3 game losing streak with a 38-14 win. They’re at Lampeter Strasburg (4-1) who like Cocalico has been the other forgotten District 3, Section-2 power over the years.
25 Mount Carmel 2A 3-2
Mount Carmel ran into one of the top Triple-A teams in the state in undefeated North Schuylkill (D-11, 3A, 5-0) at home in the Silver Bowl losing 33-21. Qb Jaden Leiby was more than they could handle as he riddled them for 260 yards and 4 touchdowns. Mitch Wagner gashed them for 122 yards. The Spartans move on to play undefeated Jim Thorpe for control of the Schuylkill FB League looking for revenge after JT thumped them last year 42-18. MCA travels to 2-3 Mifflinburg Friday where they need to get it together with 2 losses at midseason.
26 Central Dauphin East 6A 2-3
East High was up 10-0 in the 3rd then hung on in overtime to defeat competitive Altoona 17-16 on a blocked extra point attempt. They did this with their #1 quarterback out/injured and running back Shawn Brown filling in with the depth chart thinned since Kane Everson’s transfer to Harrisburg. He completed 2 of 5 for 25 yards and rushed for 103 yards on 9 carries. They once again take to the road where they’ve encountered Archbishop Stepinac, Harrisburg and now State College!
27 Carlisle 6A 3-2
Carlisle’s 3-0 start got a wake-up call the last two weeks in losing to State College 56-17 and Central Dauphin 35-17 in divisional play. But they have some nice parts in Trystin Sulich who rushed for 84 yards on 12 carries and maybe a new quarterback with junior Owen Hacker (6-1, 195) spelling the senior Cole Wolaver (3-13-36yds, 0/1) where Hacker went 9 of 17 for 92 yards and a touchdown, all in the 2nd half. The running game got 170 yards. Interesting seeing if Hacker gets the start this week at home against Altoona.
28 Altoona 6A 2-3
The Mountain Lions failed to score on 5 attempts inside CD East’s 20 yard line in the last minute of regulation, settled for a field goal for the tie then lost in overtime 17-16 on a blocked extra point. 3 lost fumbles and 2 picks hurt although for the most part Qb Connor McCarthy kept them in it with 146 yards passing and 63 key rushing yards. They’re at Carlisle Friday where they’ll have to ramp it up a notch to keep pace with the Thundering Herd who are vastly improved.
29 Conestoga Valley 5A 4-1
Conestoga Valley showed they’re to be taken seriously with a 31-27 win at home over previously unbeaten Solanco. CV went on a drive for the winning score with just under 2 minutes left in the game as Keegan Martin (6-1, 240) took it in from 2 yards out following Solanco’s score at the 2:23 mark giving them what appeared to be the winning score at 27-24. Lancaster-Lebanon Section One action continues Friday at 0-5 Garden Spot where CV’s Qb Bradley Stoltzfus at 65% and 896 yards passing should have a field day.
30 Solanco 5A 4-1
Solanco’s big guns (avg 461 rush/g) were there but it wasn’t enough with quarterback Joel McCarthy rushing for 196 yards and Rasul Moore adding 152 in a 31-27 loss at Conestoga Valley. Solanco’s defense failed them, allowing a late CV drive and score. But the Golden Mules weren’t finished yet, driving down the field in the waning moments with a McCarthy pass falling incomplete in the end zone. Wow, what a game. They return to LL-2 action Friday at home to Elizabethtown (2-3) who is swooning after consecutive losses to Weiser, Cocalico and Manheim Central by a combined score of 120-20. The Mules won last year at Etown 28-27 in double overtime.
OTHERS:
District 3 Teams
Mid Penn Conference....First 4 haven't played anyone, CV's played everyone!
Milton Hershey 4A 5-0
Northern 5A 4-1
West Perry 4A 5-0
Palmyra 5A 5-0
Cumberland Valley 6A 0-5
Berks Inter Country-Section 2....Will play Berks Catholic last game of year.
Wyomissing 3A 4-1
Lancaster Lebanon League....A lot of good, maybe not great teams in the LL this year.
Cedar Crest 6A 3-2
Lampeter Strasburg 4A 4-1
Lancaster Catholic 4A 5-0
York Adams Division-3....These two will play each other later in year.
Delone Catholic 2A 5-0
York Catholic 2A 5-0
D4....Have 2 good losses if there's such a thing.
Central Columbia 3A 3-2
D5/6....There are a number of good small school teams in 5 and 6 this year.
Bald Eagle 3A 5-0
Ligonier Valley 2A 5-0
Bellefonte 4A 5-0
Chestnut Ridge 2A 5-0
Conemaugh Township 1A 5-0
Richland Township 2A 5-0

Surprised at this weekend's upset of HST over Neshaminy.

Are the Tigers for real or are Skins just down this year?

Do the Tigers have a shot of beating Pennsbury and a possible league title?

Would be interested in what others think.

https://abcnews.go.com/Lifestyle/wi...orry-bailout-58021717?cid=social_twitter_abcn

So much winning. So Conservative.

Not in any order per say:
1. North Penn
2. CR South
3. Cheltenham
4. Truman
5. Quakertown
6. Garnet Valley
7. Haverford High
8. Upper Darby ????
9. Coatesville
10. DEast
11. DWest.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
Guess I think I have 11. Who else gets in? Neshaminy, Pennsbury, Abington, Souderton, Avon Grove. C.B East. Who am I missing? Did I mention someone who won't get in?

I see yesterday GA beat Kip Dubis 49-0. Is this the same GA who backed out on NG last year because they had fears of their players being injured? Hypocrites!

How has the season been going so far?
“The season has been going pretty good so far, except for a last-minute loss to South Allegheny. Since then, we've made some adjustments and plan on coming up with a win this week.”

What do you feel your team can improve on?
“I think we’re fine. With some minor adjustments, we should be good to go.”

What are the keys for your team being successful going forward?
“I think if we stay within our game plans and pay attention to detail, we'll be just fine.”

Do you want to play sports in college? If so, which one?
“Yes, of course want to play college football. It’s a must in my family. My brother plays at WVU and my cousin plays for Lackawanna. His name is Tevin Thrift and my cousin Javon Thrift is a senior at Norwin and is being recruited from everywhere. So, it’s a must for me to play college ball.”

What colleges have been recruiting you?
“I don’t have any offers yet, but I did a lot of camps this summer at RMU, Duquesne, Pitt, St. Francis, Dayton, and Toledo just to name a few.”

Have you made any college trips yet?
“Yes, there were a lot of visits with my 7/7 Team Evolve. We were ranked like 13th in the country and we have been to Rutgers, Maryland, Pitt, Syracuse, and Howard just to name a few.”

Do you have plans for game day trips this fall?
“Yes, I plan on going up to RMU, Toledo, Pitt, WVU, and Howard for one of their games.”

Did you have a favorite college growing up?
“My favorite college would probably be Miami U.”

How has the season been going so far?
“The season has been going well so far. We picked up a good win last week and things are really starting to come together.”

What do you feel your team can improve on?
“I feel our team needs to work on eliminating mistakes, myself included. In a lot of scenarios, we end up shooting ourselves in the foot and we can't do that if we want to beat good teams.”

What are the keys for your team being successful going forward?
“The keys for us moving forward is to maintain our running game accompanied with our dangerous game in the air. Also playing solid defense and keeping everybody healthy.”

Do you want to play sports in college? If so, which one?
“Yes, I want to play sports in college. I have been recruited for both wrestling and football so in the near future, I will have a clearer picture on which route I will take.”

What colleges have been recruiting you?
“I have talked to many smaller schools over the spring about playing football in college. For wrestling, my choices include American, UVA, Pitt, and Bucknell.”

Have you made any college trips yet?
“I have made trips to all of the schools on my wrestling list. I hope to do all my football trips sometime soon this year.”

Do you have plans for game day trips this fall?
“I have talked with multiple schools about this type of visit, but so far, I have solidified a gameday visit to St Francis.”

How has the season been going so far?
“The season has been great starting off. It is a great feeling.”

What do you feel your team can improve on?
“I feel my team needs to improve on ball security because during the last three games we had at least one fumble each game.”

What are the keys for your team being successful going forward?
“I feel for us to be successful later on, it is just to continue getting stronger and doing what we do best.”

Do you want to play sports in college? If so, which one?
“Yes, I would like to continue playing football in college.”

What colleges have been recruiting you?
“I’ve spoken to and received letters from Temple, Toledo and Notre Dame College. Those are the main ones.”

Have you made any college trips yet?
“I’ve visit lots of school with 7-on-7 but haven’t made any official visit.”

Do you have plans for game day trips this fall?
“Yes, I am going to the Pitt game against Georgia Tech and I plan on attending a Temple game.”

Did you have a favorite college growing up?
“Yes, it was always Oregon and then it recently switched to Temple.”

How has the season been going so far?
“The season has been great so far starting off.”

What do you feel your team can improve on?
“I feel our team can improve on the pre-snap penalties. We seem to have quite a few of those every game.”

What are the keys for your team being successful going forward?
“The keys to our success is going to be our line moving forward. They have the potential to be a good line, but sometimes gets lazy.”

Do you want to play sports in college? If so, which one?
“Yes, I want to play sports in college. It’s been my dream to play Division I football for any program that is willing to give me a chance.”

What colleges have been recruiting you?
“I’ve emailed coaches and received some answers back. I have also visited some colleges with my 7 on 7 team and talked to the coaches from the colleges we visited.”

Have you made any college trips yet?
“I have visited Penn State, Temple, and Michigan State with my 7 on 7 team.”

Do you have plans for game day trips this fall?
“I have plans to attempt to get some game day visits this fall so I can hopefully earn a scholarship and find a college that’s right for me.”

Did you have a favorite college growing up?
“My favorite college growing up was Ohio State.”

How has the season been going so far?
“It’s been good so far. We have gotten off to a good start as a team and plan on keeping it up.”

What do you feel your team can improve on?
“I feel like we could improve on our blocking a little more. If we can get that down, I don’t see anyone stopping us.”

What are the keys for your team being successful going forward?
“They key is to stay healthy. If we have a healthy team and stay on the same page, Heinz should be calling our name.”

Do you want to play sports in college? If so, which one?
“Yes, I want to play football in college and hopefully make it to the NFL.”

What colleges have been recruiting you?
“Ball State, Howard, Kent State, Eastern Michigan, and RMU. There is much more but them are the main ones.”

What school is recruiting you the hardest?
“Ball State and Howard.”

Have you made any college trips yet?
“Yeah, I went to Howard, Toledo, and Kent State.”

Do you have plans for game day trips this fall?
“Not really, but I’m going to start looking for plans.”

Did you have a favorite college growing up?
“Yes, I always liked Ohio State and Pitt.”

Our breakdown includes top games from the weekend, elite performers, what to watch this week, and more!

Here is what stood out to us:

Best Win

Clairton 25, Laurel 12

Biggest Upset

Shade 56, Portage 39

Most Exciting Game

Shade 56, Portage 39

Offensive Dominance

Farrell 63, Cambridge Springs 0

Defensive Dominance

Jeannette 58, Springdale 0

Elite Performances

Brady Fyfe, Shade - 253 yards passing

Coleman Good, Muncy - 259 yards passing

Devin Burkhart, Blairsville - 194 yards passing

Eric Wilson, Sto-Rox - 239 yards passing

Israel Reed, Imani Christian Academy - 354 yards passing

Matthew Leonard, Tussey Mountain - 220 yards passing

Did we miss anyone? Let us know by replying here now!

Rankings

1 .) Farrell 5-0 (Previous: # 1 )

2 .) Jeannette 5-0 (Previous: # 2 )

3 .) Our Lady of Sacred Heart 5-0 (Previous: # 3 )

4 .) Bishop Guilfoyle 4-1 (Previous: # 4 )

5 .) Clairton 4-0 (Previous: # 5 )

6 .) Lackawanna Trail 5-0 (Previous: # 6 )

7 .) Rochester 4-1 (Previous: # 8 )

8 .) Muncy 5-0 (Previous: # 9 )

9 .) Conemaugh Township 5-0 (Previous: # 10 )

10 .) Tussey Mountain 5-0 (Previous: # Not Rated )

Games to Watch

Southern Columbia Area vs. South Williamsport

Redbank Valley vs. Smethport

Homer-Center vs. Northern Cambria

Shade vs. Conemaugh Township

Clarion-Limestone vs. Otto-Eldred/Oswayo Valley

Muncy vs. Canton

Tri-Valley vs. Halifax

Our breakdown includes top games from the weekend, elite performers, what to watch this week, and more!

Here is what stood out to us:

Best Win

Delone Catholic 27, Littlestown 7

Most Exciting Game

Chestnut Ridge 23, Cambria Heights 8

Offensive Dominance

Charleroi 69, Carmichaels 7

Defensive Dominance

Clarion Area 42, St. Mary's 0

Elite Performances

Aaron Tobias, Penns Valley Area - 339 yards passing

Daniel Shuster, Camp Hill - 299 yards passing

Derek Johncour, Avonworth - 186 yards passing

Joe Hauser, Richland - 271 yards passing

Nick Wheeler, Mohawk Area - 157 yards passing

Did we miss anyone? Let us know by replying here now!

Rankings

1 .) Southern Columbia 5-0 (Previous: # 1 )

2 .) Clarion 5-0 (Previous: # 2 )

3 .) Ligonier Valley 5-0 (Previous: # 3 )

4 .) West Catholic 4-1 (Previous: # 4 )

5 .) Wellsboro 5-0 (Previous: # 5 )

6 .) Chestnut Ridge 5-0 (Previous: # 6 )

7 .) Wilmington 4-1 (Previous: # 7 )

8 .) Charleroi 4-0 (Previous: # 8 )

9 .) Delone Catholic 5-0 (Previous: # 9 )

10 .) Shady Side Academy 4-0 (Previous: # 10 )

Games to Watch

Bermudian Springs vs. York Catholic

Southern Columbia Area vs. South Williamsport

Steelton-Highspire vs. Palmyra

Wellsboro vs. Athens

Charleroi vs. Bethlehem Center

Our breakdown includes top games from the weekend, elite performers, what to watch this week, and more!

Here is what stood out to us:

Best Win

Lancaster Catholic 27, Lebannon 21

Biggest Upset

Southern Lehigh 40, Palisades 15

Most Exciting Game

Middletown 48, Steelton-Highspire 40

Offensive Dominance

Mercyhurst Prep 47, Harbor Creek 0

Defensive Dominance

Tamaqua 28, Blue Mountain 0

Elite Performances

Brady Callahan, Grove City - 281 yards passing

Cole DeFranco, Notre Dame-Green Pond - 298 yards passing

Kayden Riley, Danville - 186 yards passing

Lane Voytik, Sharon - 292 yards passing

Did we miss anyone? Let us know by replying here now!

Rankings

1 .) Aliquippa 5-0 (Previous: # 1 )

2 .) Conwell-Egan 5-0 (Previous: # 2 )

3 .) Mercyhurst Prep 5-0 (Previous: # 3 )

4 .) Scranton Prep 4-1 (Previous: # 4 )

5 .) Grove City 5-0 (Previous: # 5 )

6 .) Tamaqua 5-0 (Previous: # 7 )

7 .) Lancaster Catholic 5-0 (Previous: # 8 )

8 .) Wyomissing 4-1 (Previous: # 9 )

9 .) Middletown 4-1 (Previous: # 10 )

10 .) Pope John Paul II 5-0 (Previous: # Not Rated )

Games to Watch

Tamaqua vs. Pottsville

North Pocono vs. Scranton Prep

Pope John Paul II vs. Pottsgrove

Derry vs. Elizabeth Forward

North Schuylkill vs. Jim Thorpe

Palisades vs. Notre Dame-Green Pond

Tyrone vs. Bald Eagle Area

Wellsboro vs. Athens

Bermudian Springs vs. York Catholic

Conneaut Area vs. Sharon

Wyoming Area vs. Lake-Lehman

Lancaster Catholic vs. Annville-Cleona

Our breakdown includes top games from the weekend, elite performers, what to watch this week, and more!

Here is what stood out to us:

Best Win

Bellefonte 31, Tyrone 14

Biggest Upset

Cedar Cliff 50, Bishop McDevitt 43

Most Exciting Game

Malvern Prep 42, Berks Catholic 32

Offensive Dominance

Boys' Latin Charter 47, Abraham Lincoln 8

Defensive Dominance

Pottsgrove 45, Pottsgrove 6

Elite Performances

Corey Wise, West York Area - 160 yards passing

Isaac Rumery, Clearfield - 173 yards passing

Michael Starbuck, Dallas - 218 yards passing

Sean McTaggart, Lampeter-Strasburg - 164 yards passing

Trevor Seitz, Eastern York - 181 yards passing

Did we miss anyone? Let us know by replying here now!

Rankings

1 .) Bellefonte 5-0 (Previous: # 2 )

2 .) Valley View 5-0 (Previous: # 4 )

3 .) Berwick 5-0 (Previous: # 5 )

4 .) Bishop McDevitt 4-1 (Previous: # 1 )

5 .) Boys' Latin Charter 4-0 (Previous: # 6 )

6 .) Berks Catholic 3-2 (Previous: # 3 )

7 .) Imhotep Charter 2-2 (Previous: # 7 )

8 .) Cathedral Prep 3-2 (Previous: # 9 )

9 .) Pottsgrove 5-0 (Previous: # 10 )

10 .) Thomas Jefferson 4-0 (Previous: # Not Rated )

Games to Watch

Boys' Latin Charter vs. Jules E. Mastbaum Vo-Tech

North Pocono vs. Scranton Prep

Pope John Paul II vs. Pottsgrove

Tamaqua vs. Pottsville

Blackhawk vs. South Fayette

Saucon Valley vs. Bangor

Valley View vs. Berwick

Bellefonte vs. Clearfield

West Perry vs. Northern York

Find out what colleges are recruiting Parrish Parker, Jake Miller, Tyree Brown, Max Shaw, and Shane Thrift now!

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

West Mifflin safety Parrish Parker
Do you want to play sports in college? If so, which one?
“Yes, I want to play football in college and hopefully make it to the NFL.”

What colleges have been recruiting you?
“Ball State, Howard, Kent State, Eastern Michigan, and RMU. There is much more but them are the main ones.”

What school is recruiting you the hardest?
“Ball State and Howard.”

Have you made any college trips yet?
“Yeah, I went to Howard, Toledo, and Kent State.”

Do you have plans for game day trips this fall?
“Not really, but I’m going to start looking for plans.”

Did you have a favorite college growing up?
“Yes, I always liked Ohio State and Pitt.”

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

Shaler Area linebacker Jake Miller
Do you want to play sports in college? If so, which one?
“Yes, I want to play sports in college. It’s been my dream to play Division I football for any program that is willing to give me a chance.”

What colleges have been recruiting you?
“I’ve emailed coaches and received some answers back. I have also visited some colleges with my 7 on 7 team and talked to the coaches from the colleges we visited.”

Have you made any college trips yet?
“I have visited Penn State, Temple, and Michigan State with my 7 on 7 team.”

Do you have plans for game day trips this fall?
“I have plans to attempt to get some game day visits this fall so I can hopefully earn a scholarship and find a college that’s right for me.”

Did you have a favorite college growing up?
“My favorite college growing up was Ohio State.”

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

North Catholic wide receiver Tyree Brown
Do you want to play sports in college? If so, which one?
“Yes, I would like to continue playing football in college.”

What colleges have been recruiting you?
“I’ve spoken to and received letters from Temple, Toledo and Notre Dame College. Those are the main ones.”

Have you made any college trips yet?
“I’ve visit lots of school with 7-on-7 but haven’t made any official visit.”

Do you have plans for game day trips this fall?
“Yes, I am going to the Pitt game against Georgia Tech and I plan on attending a Temple game.”

Did you have a favorite college growing up?
“Yes, it was always Oregon and then it recently switched to Temple.”

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

Thomas Jefferson running back Max Shaw
Do you want to play sports in college? If so, which one?
“Yes, I want to play sports in college. I have been recruited for both wrestling and football so in the near future, I will have a clearer picture on which route I will take.”

What colleges have been recruiting you?
“I have talked to many smaller schools over the spring about playing football in college. For wrestling, my choices include American, UVA, Pitt, and Bucknell.”

Have you made any college trips yet?
“I have made trips to all of the schools on my wrestling list. I hope to do all my football trips sometime soon this year.”

Do you have plans for game day trips this fall?
“I have talked with multiple schools about this type of visit, but so far, I have solidified a gameday visit to St Francis.”

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

Seton La-Salle wide receiver Shane Thrift
Do you want to play sports in college? If so, which one?
“Yes, of course want to play college football. It’s a must in my family. My brother plays at WVU and my cousin plays for Lackawanna. His name is Tevin Thrift and my cousin Javon Thrift is a senior at Norwin and is being recruited from everywhere. So, it’s a must for me to play college ball.”

What colleges have been recruiting you?
“I don’t have any offers yet, but I did a lot of camps this summer at RMU, Duquesne, Pitt, St. Francis, Dayton, and Toledo just to name a few.”

Have you made any college trips yet?
“Yes, there were a lot of visits with my 7/7 Team Evolve. We were ranked like 13th in the country and we have been to Rutgers, Maryland, Pitt, Syracuse, and Howard just to name a few.”

Do you have plans for game day trips this fall?
“Yes, I plan on going up to RMU, Toledo, Pitt, WVU, and Howard for one of their games.”

Did you have a favorite college growing up?
“My favorite college would probably be Miami U.”

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

Our breakdown includes top games from the weekend, elite performers, what to watch this week, and more!

Here is what stood out to us:

Best Win

Archbishop Wood 20, Archbishop Spalding 7

Biggest Upset

Bayard Rustin 43, Penn Wood 28

Most Exciting Game

Malvern Prep 42, Berks Catholic 32

Offensive Dominance

Penn Hills 64, Kiski Area 28

Gateway 62, Ringgold 0

Defensive Dominance

Manheim 50, Elizabethtown 0

Elite Performances

Christian Cole, Oil City - 353 yards rushing

Desman Johnson Jr., Penn Wood - 326 yards passing

Jaheim Morris, Cedar Cliff - 142 yards rushing

Jeremiah Nixon, Exeter Township - 106 yards rushing

Kennedy Poles, Penn Wood - 106 yards receiving

Matt O'Connor, Lower Merion - 151 yards passing

Nick Kurtz, Twin Valley - 104 yards receiving

Tyler Flick, Manheim Central - 103 yards rushing

Did we miss anyone? Let us know by replying here now!

Rankings

1 .) Gateway 5-0 (Previous: # 1 )

2 .) Springfield 5-0 (Previous: # 2 )

3 .) Manheim Central 5-0 (Previous: # 3 )

4 .) Malvern Prep 4-0 (Previous: # 5 )

5 .) William Penn 5-0 (Previous: # 6 )

6 .) Cocalico 4-1 (Previous: # 4 )

7 .) Archbishop Wood 2-2 (Previous: # 7 )

8 .) McKeesport 4-1 (Previous: # 8 )

9 .) Penn Hills 5-0 (Previous: # 9 )

10 .) Palmyra 5-0 (Previous: # Not Rated )

Games to Watch

Boys' Latin Charter vs. Jules E. Mastbaum Vo-Tech

Chartiers Valley vs. Baldwin

Downingtown East vs. East

Fort LeBoeuf vs. General McLane

Upper Dublin vs. Cheltenham

Radnor vs. Strath Haven

Manheim Central vs. Cocalico

Armstrong vs. Penn Hills

Warwick vs. Cedar Crest

North Hills vs. Gateway

Garnet Valley vs. Springfield

Steelton-Highspire vs. Palmyra

Upper Darby vs. Martin Luther King

Our breakdown includes top games from the weekend, elite performers, what to watch this week, and more!

Here is what stood out to us:

Best Win

Manheim Township 36, Cocalico 24

Most Exciting Game

North Penn 31, Central Bucks East 21

Offensive Dominance

Coatesville 55, Henderson 14

Defensive Dominance

Downingtown East 41, Bishop Shanahan 4

Elite Performances

Ben Maenza, North Allegheny - 129 yards rushing

Damon Horton, Hazleton - 146 total yards

Dominic Ferraro, McDowell - 155 yards rushing

Elijah Morales, Wilson - 169 yards rushing

Harry Kirk, Manheim Township - 233 yards passing

Jacob Hunsinger, Hazleton - 190 yards receiving

Ryan Engro, Spring-Ford - 230 yards passing

Ryan Wolk, Hazleton - 277 yards passing

Tyriq Lewis, Downingtown West - 157 yards rushing

Will Howard, Downingtown West - 281 yards passing

Did we miss anyone? Let us know by replying here now!

Rankings

1 .) St. Joseph’s Prep 2-0 (Previous: # 1 )

2 .) Coatesville 5-0 (Previous: # 2 )

3 .) Pine-Richland 4-1 (Previous: # 3 )

4 .) State College 5-0 (Previous: # 4 )

5 .) North Penn 5-0 (Previous: # 5 )

6 .) Manheim Township 5-0 (Previous: # 6 )

7 .) North Allegheny 5-0 (Previous: # 7 )

8 .) Downingtown East 5-0 (Previous: # 8 )

9 .) Garnet Valley 5-0 (Previous: # 9 )

10 .) Freedom 5-0 (Previous: # 10 )

Games to Watch

Upper Darby vs. Martin Luther King

Downingtown East vs. East

North Penn vs. Council Rock South

Central Catholic vs. Pine-Richland

Garnet Valley vs. Springfield

Harrisburg vs. Central Dauphin

Warwick vs. Cedar Crest

Seneca Valley vs. North Allegheny

Northampton vs. East Stroudsburg South

They are awaiting formal approval from member ADs but a great fit. Why don’t they have football and will this move them too add this sport? Will Pope John Paul 2 and Shanahan follow? With hostile response they are getting from public schools and not so favorable news articles from the county papers will these last two schools join?

Quakertown loses in the American Conference to Cheltenham? Banas can't move to a lower conference again?

Upper Darby 41 vs Strath Haven 28 FINAL

Pa Preps predicts the big games this weekend. Our picks are in bold.

Armstrong vs. Penn Hills
Bellefonte vs. Clearfield
Bermudian Springs vs. York Catholic
Blackhawk vs. South Fayette
Boys' Latin Charter vs. Jules E. Mastbaum Vo-Tech
Central Catholic vs. Pine-Richland
Charleroi vs. Bethlehem Center
Chartiers Valley vs. Baldwin
Clarion-Limestone vs. Otto-Eldred/Oswayo Valley
Conneaut Area vs. Sharon
Derry vs. Elizabeth Forward
Downingtown East vs. East
Fort LeBoeuf vs. General McLane
Garnet Valley vs. Springfield
Harrisburg vs. Central Dauphin
Homer-Center vs. Northern Cambria
Lancaster Catholic vs. Annville-Cleona
Manheim Central vs. Cocalico
Muncy vs. Canton
North Hills vs. Gateway
North Penn vs. Council Rock South
North Pocono vs. Scranton Prep
North Schuylkill vs. Jim Thorpe
Northampton vs. East Stroudsburg South
Palisades vs. Notre Dame-Green Pond
Pope John Paul II vs. Pottsgrove
Radnor vs. Strath Haven
Redbank Valley vs. Smethport
Saucon Valley vs. Bangor
Seneca Valley vs. North Allegheny
Shade vs. Conemaugh Township
Southern Columbia Area vs. South Williamsport
Steelton-Highspire vs. Palmyra
Tamaqua vs. Pottsville
Tri-Valley vs. Halifax
Tyrone vs. Bald Eagle Area
Upper Darby vs. Martin Luther King
Upper Dublin vs. Cheltenham
Valley View vs. Berwick
Warwick vs. Cedar Crest
Wellsboro vs. Athens
West Perry vs. Northern York
Wyoming Area vs. Lake-Lehman

I've had a chance to see the top 3 teams in person and have heard/read quite a bit about the others. Here's a rundown.

1. Pine-Richland: They are number one until they are beaten. Their defense is GOOD. Better than last year. The secondary hasn't been tested much, but have done well. The front 7 is big, fast, and strong. It looks like they have found a couple additional interior DL so that Kristofic and Katic don't have to play both ways very much.Besides those two and King, defense is all one-way players. Offense looks very different from last year. Much more run oriented. OL is massive - 6'0" 260 is "smallest" and none of them are sloppy. They can all run. Pass game looks good, however, they don't use it much. They are mercy ruling teams faster than last year - mainly because of the defensive getting quick stops and scores. 2 of past 3 games have been at the 35 point mark by 8 min in second quarter.The biggest thing to watch going forward is if young offensive skill can make one or two plays a game against good teams.

2. North Allegheny: Their defense looks faster than last year, but not as big up front. Still talented and well coached. The defensive secondary is strength of the team lead by Joey Porter, Jr. He's the real deal. LB core plays downhill, but not great side to side. Offensively, its the same old stuff and executed well. Not as big with the Devine boy. Younger Lugg is a work in progress from what I saw. Not as much wing T when I saw them play PCC, but some. QB got hurt that game but have capable backup. Maenza at RB looked like their best offensive player. Pass game is undeveloped.

3. PCC: Their defensive line is very big and active. Best part of their defense. Played a lot of 5 man front with 2 LB's vs. NA. LB's are hard nosed kids. #2 Sunseri is best of the bunch. Not a lot of 2 way players, but #5 Gavin Thompson does go both ways. Offensively, they are very challenged. OL is average at best. Pass game needs work - best play was to throw it deep to #5 and let him make a play. They are a power, counter, trap team. Biggest concern is it literally looks like 2 teams on sideline - offense vs. defense. Have heard rumblings of that being an issue. But I'm sure Coach T will get them straight. Very close games to Seneca Valley and Hempfield have people wondering just how good they really are.

4. Seneca Valley: Played PCC tough on the scoreboard. People saying that they are big and solid on defense. Offense is OK up front, but skill guys are suspect. Need more consistent QB play. They are the largest school in the WPIAL and should be better IMO.

5. Mt. Lebanon: Lost to Seneca this past week which was a little bit of a shocker. Have a really nice QB, but not much else. Head Coach took over defense, but haven't shown to really be able to stop anyone. Need to find OL and DL that can play before they can take the next step.

6. Norwin: Lots of pre-season talk, but after a thumping by NA in Week 1, they turned out to be the same old Norwin. QB Salopek is good. Rizzo and Thrift are other playmakers, but they don't have enough up front to make a difference. Salopek offered by PItt.

7. Canon-McMillen: Improved team and played both Seneca Valley and NA very close. Well coached but need more talent to get over the hump. Should be able to build off strong NA effort and push for 6th playoff spot. Need to beat Hempfield and Norwin.

8. Hempfield: Saw them play P-R. Play hard, but not much talent. Very young. Took it to PCC last week though - time will tell if they played over their head or PCC just isn't that good.

9. Butler: Not good. They are years away from winning a 6A game IMO. They do have some big kids, but aren't close to anyone else I've seen.

Shocking that everyone wants to be quiet about this topic so I'll try to start a discussion.
To all the Ridley faithful do you now understand what a horrendous hire this was! I am talking about the AD!! It all started with him and the rest of the new administration. Brought in to restore Pride & Tradition to this once great program. Since he took over as AD he has gotten rid of several head coaches and their assistants in various sports. Brought in his people and they have very little to show for it! One Central League Tri Championship in football and a basketball crown. He thinks he is a coach on the football staff and has gotten more sideline penalties than anyone I have ever seen! He frequently mischedules buses for the other sports, especially the girls sports, because he simply doesn't care.

He got his choice for the football HC (Wood) because he was his college coach. What happened to the "Super Coaching Staff" that was supposed to be assembled? Did anyone stop to think why a college coach would take a high school job? He was obviously very qualified. But has he ever had to deal with 14 & 15 year olds? Their parents & unrealistic expectations? You can't treat them like college kids who can be replaced with the next recruiting class. You have to nurture and build these relationships. I fear he has lost he players, parents, & soon the community.

The principal (Another Dope) got his choice to be the OC & got him a job in the district! The principle came from Garnet Valley and wanted a Garnet Valley guy on the staff. News flash Garnet Valley isn't Ridley! You can't just take someone from another program that has resources and participation numbers like that and assume they'll be successful. If that was the case the principles from all the top achieve high schools would be able to just go in and turn around a poor district! The OC's (Green) conveluted bastardized Garnet Valley offense is run poorly. Maybe they don't have the horses? Maybe their just young? Regardless he won't adapt his scheme to fit the personnel to be succesful. Isn't that the sign of a good coach? Playing to your strengths? Bottom line. He is a backstabbing, conceited, arrogant A@$ who is starting to miss practices like the previous HC. Maybe that's why it's poorly run?

What do they have to show for it now? These are all of "their kids", they have only known their leadership and they look like they have no clue what is going on. Preparation falls on the coaching staff not the kids, you can't expect them do do things they've never been taught to do.

Does any of this sound familiar Ridley fans?

Looking back, maybe a head coach who bellied up to the bar at a local establishment wasn't the worst thing in the world. After all under his guidance they never lost to Radnor, gave up 42 points in a half or 63 points in a game! But then again he wasn't a defensive genius like they have now. I guess those other guys before weren't so bad after all. You reap what you sow.