2023 DISTRICT 3 Preseason Top 20
Here we are again at the front end of what promises to be another exciting season. The offseason work on all the classifications showed some good looking newcomers mixed in with the usual blue bloods. Here’s a view of one of those districts that always has something to say about how it all shakes out. I mention some previously covered material but tried not to overdo that with the substantial amount of information already posted in the off-season.
Below are last year’s district winners with a brief overview of ‘ranked’ teams with their first few games of the season listed. 19 of the top 20 have returning quarterbacks, all but Cumberland Valley.
2022 District winners
6A Harrisburg (11-3) beat Manheim Township (9-4) 44-6
Looks like another tight race especially in the Lancaster Lebanon with three strong teams battling it out. And it’s never a cakewalk in the Mid Penn with teams like Harrisburg, State College, Central Dauphin and Cumberland vying for post season honors. The York-Adams looks down but who knows with the good coaches at Central York, York and some of the prolific offenses the league is known to produce.
5A Cocalico (10-5) beat Exeter (12-1) 34-14
Cocalico has the horses to repeat with Dover fielding a veteran bunch and the Colts at Cedar Cliff looking like they’re ready for a run. Garden Spot in New Holland has a good looking team and Exeter and Warwick have a way of always showing up. 5A looks strong across the state with Imhotep, Pine Richland and Cathedral Prep leading the way. The WPIAL is loaded with potential. See the 5A write ups done a few months ago.
4A Bishop McDevitt (13-1) beat Manheim Central (11-2) 40-0
Hard arguing against Bishop McDevitt but Manheim Central, Lampeter Strasburg and Twin Valley will all field much better teams this year with the foundations laid last year. Others across the state will challenge especially Eastern teams Bonner and Pope John Paul II. Out West are the ever present Aliquippa Quips and a well underrated Mars teams, shown as the #9 teams in the 4A rankings two months ago. Same for McKeesport and North Catholic. The West looks strong!
3A Wyomissing (13-1) beat West Perry (11-2) 63-7
Wyo is definitely coming back to the pack but that doesn’t mean they won’t field another solid team by year’s end. They will. The question is if West Perry can close the gulf between these programs with a largely veteran team. The classification looks competitive across the state with 3A champ Belle Vernon again strong and Eastern teams like Notre Dame and Neumann Goretti looking the same.
2A Trinity (9-5) beat Annville-Cleona (8-4) 58-27
Trinity is just going to get better and better and they were pretty good last year. Hopefully they make it through the physical Mid Penn-Capital battling Steel High, West Perry, Boiling Springs and others while surviving a rugged non-conference slate shown below. The classification shows strength across the state; SCA, Farrell, Steel Valley, Mount Carmel, Berlin Brothersvalley and more.
1A Steelton Highspire (14-1) beat Fairfield (2-8) 62-6
These guys are loaded again but the classification has a few good teams throughout the state who will challenge. Out west is a strong contingent from District-7 of Union, Bishop Canevin, Greensburg Central Catholic and Rochester. Here in the East is a loaded Loyalsock Township team from D2.
1 Bishop McDevitt 4A 13-1
Once again, Bishop McDevitt looks like one of the best teams in the state with superior skill people and big numbers back on defense. That’s pretty scary knowing they fielded their highest scoring offence ever last year at 49ppg and a record setting defense at 9ppg. That got them their 5th finals appearance since 2010 where they beat Aliquippa (13-1) 41-18. One of the top quarterbacks in the country returns in Stone Saunders (69%-3583, 54/5, jr) with a great supporting cast of standout freshman from last year in running backs Maurice Barnes and JC Crummel, plus receivers Rico Scott (66/1184-18Tds), Nevin Hopkins, Samuel Smalls and TE/DE Nick Slogik (6-5, 240, sr). Both lines took hits, notably Gabriel Arena (6-5, 285, Va Tech) from offense and Riley Robell (6-5, 295, J. Mad) from the defense. Some of those returning are juniors Tay’Qujuan Hughes (6-2, 295) and Thomas Godhart (6-5, 275), both well regarded. The defense returns at least eight starters and co-starters. They open at home against Mount St. Joseph-Md (7-4-MIAA-A) then a tough one at DePaul Catholic-NJ (7-5, Super-United White League) with their hot shot freshman quarterback from last year then home against LaSalle (5-6) looking to settle a score from last year’s 56-7 thrashing.
2 Harrisburg 6A 11-3,
The Cougars had another nice run, getting to the 6A final for the second time in five years before losing to St, Joseph’s Prep 42-7. For the coming season, while graduating key offensive and defensive players, they return a strong core starting on offense with sophomore dual threat quarterback Shawn Lee (68%, 1744py, 17/8, 584ry) and wide out Elias Coke (6-3, 190, 24/409, FSU, Mich, Iowa St, etc) and Quincy Bannon. The lines return OT/DT Trentin Moffitt (5-11, 245), Sirkayne Veneable (6-4, 290), Kevin Brown (6-5, 245, soph, put on 20 in offseason) and Ryan Epps (6-1, 245, 63 tackles 18TFL). At least six other starters and co-starters return. The BIG losses on offense are FB/MLB Mahkai Hopkins (6-1, 240, 1300ry, 38 tackles) and especially Kyle Williams (1118ry, 688py) and Ameer Grandberry (34/411py, 64 tackles). The defense lost record setting DE Terrell Reynolds (6-2, 230, 116 tackles-35TFL) and two-way player, WR/DB/ LB/QB Zakii Curry-Lewis (6-1, 185, 82 stops) with SS Amir Jones (99 tackles) and LB Amarion McMillan (30 tackles). But they return good numbers on defense with at least seven starters. A savvy third year starting quarterback throwing to one of the top receivers in the East with their typical array of running backs should have them ready for the opening slate of three straight road games. First is York High (6-4) then up to District-2 for Delaware Valley (7-6), then one of their chief competitors for the district crown in Manheim Township (9-4) who they split with last year. For the Cougars, it’s all about the O-Line, depth and health.
3 Manheim Township 6A 9-4
Township slugged their way through a brutal schedule last year splitting games with Cumberland Valley and Harrisburg. Another tough non-conf was a 17-14 road win at Spring Ford. Then came the Section-1 wars of the Lancaster-Lebanon League (The LL) where they came in third at 4-2. Harrisburg ended their season with a 44-6 payback in the district final for an early season 24-20 loss at Harrisburg. But now they may be ready for a legit run at Section-1 and beyond with a seasoned team returning almost everyone including quarterback Hayden Johnson (6-1, 195, sr, 73%, 2621, 26/8), four of his top five receivers (Landon Kennel, 65/738, Asher Wolf 35/479) and their lead back and LB in Declan Clancy (848ry, 127 tackles) and Nick Goode from a team that averaged 31ppg. Eight starters return to the defense that allowed 18ppg; DE Eli Rodriguez (6-0, 220) and Julian Larue (6-2, 260) standing out. So if they can negotiate another tough opening five games of Cumberland Valley, Dallastown, Harrisburg, Spring Ford and Hempfield, they’ll make another deep run in Districts, perhaps States.
4 Wilson 6A 8-3
Rough year for the Bulldogs breaking in junior quarterback Tommy Hunsicker (6-3, 190, 55%-1065. 11/9, 107-525ry), especially opening with Roman Catholic who throttled them 46-15. Taking nothing from Roman, Wilson had a weirdly uncharacteristic game with four fumbles, three picks and five starters out by the 4th quarter with injuries. Roman (9-3) was one the best teams (the best?) the rest of the state didn’t get an opportunity to see in the 5A postseason. After Roman, Wilson went 8-2, closing out with a 32-21 loss at Harrisburg in the playoffs. For 2023, Cam Jones is the big loss after scores on five punt/kick returns, 999 rush yards and 490 receiving with 28 Tds. Along with the quarterback, they return four of five linemen, led by T-Jack Dendall (6-2, 270), , C-Logan Kurzweg (6-0, 275) and G-Ryan McMillan (5-11, 220). And because the Qb has a good arm and running skills, he’ll likely be the focal point of the attack with Cam Jones gone and the defense rebuilding with six starters back although receiver Ed Case returns (25/492). They get tested right away opening at Roman Catholic then home against Central Dauphin before another road trip to Philly playing Martin Luther King.
5 Hempfield 6A 9-3
Coach George Eager is one of the bright young coaches on the district scene in his 4th season with improvement shown every year, going 4-4, 7-5 and 9-3 last year where they won the LL-Section 1. The Black Knights had a historic year, winning the LL-1 at 6-0, defeating league heavyweights Wilson 20-16 and Manheim Township 17-14 at their respective stadiums. That could continue with Jackson Landis back (6-1, 180, sr, 60%-1767py, 13/10) for his second year as a starter and receiver Micah Gates. Landis is one of the league’s top punters. OL/DL Deyvid Palepale (6-4, 290, SC) is back after deciding not to transfer to IMG with a decent core including Michael Shaffer (6-3 320). They open 2023 taking on the crèam of the crop of the York-Adams League in consecutive road games at Dallastown, York High and Central York. If they survive that, they should be in good shape for a real run getting Manheim Township and Wilson at home.
6 Central Dauphin 6A 3-7
Last year saw Central Dauphin with their first losing season since 1995. Four years ago they were beating Harrisburg twice in the same season and blowing past a pretty good Downingtown West (13-2) team 65-44 (475ry!) quarterbacked by Will Howard (2022 starter Kansas St) in the semifinal before losing to St. Joseph’s Prep (12-2) 35-13. A few years before that they won it all in 2011 (15-1), beating North Penn (13-3) 14-7. For 2023 they return three of the top lineman in Central PA in Evan Bushong (6-5, 295-J. Madison) and Anthony Robsock (6-6, 285-Md), plus I’Zhior Moon (6-3, 280-?, also DL). Others like DL Joseph Bass (6-2, 260, 34 tackles) and Kaiden Palmer (6-2, 300) will play key roles. The word on quarterback Keyron Plummer is he is vastly improved with a cannon. The defense returns two DLs (Moon, Bass) and one of the state’s top DE’s in Jeff Franz (6-3. 225, 80 tackles, 24TFL). The secondary returns three starters and two co-starters. The schedule is what you expect at CD opening at home against Central York, away at Wilson then home to Coatesville. State College comes in Sept 22nd.
7 Steelton Highspire 1A 14-1
How do you rank a high end Single-A team who has at least eight players who will play at the next level and would start for any team in the Mid Penn’s most prestigious division the Commonwealth? Last year saw them win their fourth state title (2007, 2008, 2020, 2022), defeating Union (12-4) 22-8, out of District-7. What’s scary about the Rollers is they return their principal weapons in quarterback Alec Erby (82%-2-3/247/3389-40/6, PSU, et al), running back Ron Burnette (108-1012-18Tds) who didn’t start until game seven, with two of the top receivers in the Mid Penn in Durrell Ceasar (66/1108-13Tds) and Jaeion Perry (50/799-9Tds). They should light things up again this year after averaging 43ppg on offense last year. The D returns five starters, keyed by Andrew Erby (6-4, 275, PSU, et al), DE Eugene Green (6-2, 220, 60 tackles, 20 TFL) and DL Amari Williams (6-2. 215). They open at York Suburban playing Imani Christian Academy, then home against Eastern-DC before traveling to West Catholic of the PPL Sept 9th.
8 Manheim Central 4A 11-2
Manheim Central looked like they were a year ahead of schedule last season with a young offense that averaged a school record 48ppg. They jelled, with a big assist from a senior laden defense that was largely of the shutdown variety allowing 15ppg. For 2023, seven starters graduate taking 492 tackles with them. But a core of seven starters/co-starters returns to keep them in the hunt. Plus, many from the offense return including most of their skill, including Quarterback Zac Hahn (2210-68%, 29/4), running back Bryce Arnold (2242ry-34Tds!) and their leading receivers Aaron Enterline (47-994) and Bode Sipel (42-635). With a ten-year record of 101-24, they are and have always been one of the district’s most consistent winners. They open at home against West Chester East, then a hard one at Delaware power Smyrna before going to Denver to play what could be the best 5A in the district in Cocalico, the defending 5A district champ.
9 Cumberland Valley 6A 7-4
CV ramped up the offense last season in year three of coach Josh Oswalt’s Spread (dumped the Wing-T) scoring 31ppg from 17ppg the year before. He did it with a veteran offense and a three year starting quarterback in Isaac Sines (1246py, 1007ry). But the defense was a liability at 25ppg yield, their highest yield since 2012. It failed them down the stretch after a 7-1 start with a 0-3 finish, culminating in a home playoff loss to Manheim Township 37-31. Sines is gone along with seven other starters giving them a serious rebuild for 2023. But they have a good core that will reload around one of the best OT’s in the country in Tyler Merrill (6-5, 305, sr) with offers from Michigan, Ohio St et al. No. 2 quarterback Deagan Rardain (6-1, 190, sr) returns with receivers Caiden Pines (6-0, 180, sr) and Adam Somerville (6-3, 195, sr), plus running back Bryce Staretz (104/539) and Caden Lloyd (6-1, 195, sr). The defense looks good with seven starters /co-starters back. But the schedule will test them, opening at highly regarded Manheim Township, the team that ended their 2022 season, then home games against Central York before an exciting contest against one of District-1’s top teams in Spring Ford.
10 Lampeter Srasburg 4A 9-3
The Pioneers are a highly successful Lancaster area team with one losing season the last 24 years and an 82-38 mark the last ten. They won nine games last year in a major youth movement that brings most starters back for 2023. That includes quarterback Trent Wagner (60%, 1668, 21/5, 69-302ry) their leading rushers Carson Coleman (1110) and Jonathan Mellinger (290), and two of their top three receivers including Dean Herr (19/485) and TE Drexton Frank (18/128). The D returns all but four. With an offense cranking out 35ppg supported by a D at 14ppg, they look to be formidable. Jackson Heeter (6-0, 210) is a missile at MLB with 99 tackles with DL Eugene Lukusa (6-1, 210, 72 stops) where five of their top seven tacklers return. They open at Solanco then Penn Manor before their home opener against Kennard Dale.
11 Trinity 2A 9-5
The Shamrocks rebounded from a 1-3 start to finish 8-2. After losing to Wyomissing 35-14, West Perry 40-14 and Roman Catholic 41-14, they took Steelton Highspire to overtime before losing 35-28. Then they beat Delone Catholic and Annville Cleona to win districts before defeating West Catholic of Philadelphia and Executive Education Academy of Allentown, then finally losing to Southern Columbia 42-7 in the State Semifinal. Much of the team returns for 2023 including sophomore Messiah Mickens (123/961ry) with offers from Michigan, Alabama, Ohio St et al, Christian Joy (59/666ry) and quarterback Caleb Wray (56%-64/114/1057-13/7). The schedule reflects Coach Jordan Hill’s efforts to build the program against quality comp, opening with historic Double-A power Delone Catholic (7-4), Moore Catholic (9-3) of Staten Island who are one of the top teams in the Catholic AA-1 (35-11 last 5), plus one of the top Triple-A’s in the state in Wyomissing (13-1). Then there’s well regarded West Perry (11-2) who is loaded this year. Coach Hill is a Steel High alum who made All State and won a state title, an All-Big Ten’er for Penn State and a super bowl winner with Seattle in 2014.
12 Wyomissing 3A 13-1
A fast note on Coach Bob Wolfrum who has a career record of 350-87-1, making him the winningest coach in the District-3. They presently hold the Berks County longest regular season winning streak at 36 games. They’ve strung together four straight one-loss seasons, going a remarkable 49-4 with consecutive finals appearances in 2020 and 2021, and a 20-17 loss to Neumann Goretti in the semifinal last year preventing a third. For 2023, they graduate their top three rushers (run the Wing-T), with a combined 3050 yards. Add to that quarterback Ben Zechman (63%, 951, 12/1), linemen Jven Williams (6-5, 295, PSU) and Pacen Ziegler (6-4, 275, UPenn) to see it’s a major rebuild. But it’s Wyo, where they always return a good nucleus of RB/LB Ryker Jones (6-0. 190, sr), LB/FB Colin Niedrowski (6-0, 195, sr), LB Andrew Forrey (6-2, 195), RB Chase Eisenhower (5-10, 210, jr), DBs Ethan Brower (6-1, 185) and Jake Neff (5-9, 165, sr), OT/NG Caleb Brewer (6-5, 280, sr, NDame), center Isaas Focht (6-2, 235, sr), OT Wm. Weller (6-2, 200, sr) and TE/DE Evan Blickley (6-3, 190, sr); all starters/co-starters. Last year’s sophomores will move into more prominent roles in Caleb Beane (6-2, 230), Max Tipton (6-2, 265) and Jordan Gwyn (5-10, 240). It appears Logan Hyde (6-0, 190, sr) will be the quarterback. They’ll go for their 12th district title and 20th league championship with three consecutive road games to open the season; Kennard Dale, Pottsville, Trinity. Look for a war at Trinity.
13 Cocalico 5A 10-5
The Eagles like Lampeter Strasburg above started a young group that made it work to the tune of a 10-win season and the 5A district title! They rallied from a 3-4 start to a 7-1 finish, losing in the state semifinal to Pine Richland (13-3) 34-12, another team that recovered from a rough start. Look for some of last year’s losses to be reversed with most of the team returning including the entire backfield with senior running back Sam Steffey (5-11, 190, 309-1829ry) headlining. That’s impressive in the LL-4 (Wyomissing, Berks Catholic) while also playing Manheim Central and Lampeter-Strasburg in non-conf games. Quarterback Josh Myer (342py, 576ry) with Aaryn Longenecker (100-774), Brayden Eppinnette (33/288) and Dane Horning (26-248) also return. Longenecker also has 556 yards in kick returns and 292 more in punt returns. They scored 30 a game with the young group allowing 17 on defense. Eight return to the defense headed by their #1 tackler Dane Bollinger with 122 stops and C/DT Adam Laudenslayer (6-1, 245). The schedule opens at Warwick followed by home games against Solanco then the big one against Manheim Central.
14 Cedar Cliff 5A 7-4
The Colts return much of last year’s team that was way too youthful with sophomores spread throughout the lineup, including Qb Bennett Secrest who wrestled the starting spot away from return starter Ethan Dorrell early. Mike Jones (6-2, 200) is a key member on both sides with 502 rush yards, 198 receiving and 39 tackles. He’s back with eight others on defense with multiple co-starters who were stubborn at 17ppg yield given the nature of the schedule. The line backing corps looks particularly strong with the return of seniors Nathan Lusk (6-0, 180), Evan Ziegler (5-10, 180) and Mike Jones (6-2, 200). The line has Guner Hiller (6-2, 285, jr), Bo Hiller (5-10, 270, sr) and Josh Garcia (6-0, 255, sr). Against stiff comp like Shippensburg (8-4) and Bishop McDevitt (13-1), they faltered, losing twice to the Hounds 28-10 and 32-14, and once to McDevitt 48-7. Lots of work to do but a good core returns. They open on the road at Shippensburg then get home games against neighboring Mechanicsburg and JP McCaskey.
15 West Perry 3A 11-2
When West Perry was ‘on’ last year they’d blow you off the field, beating solid teams like Juniata (8-4, 4A) 24-0, Trinity (9-3, 2A) 30-14 and Lancaster Catholic’s previously undefeated Crusaders (10-1, 3A) 63-20. When not, they’d go down swinging as against Steelton Highspire (14-1, 1A) 53-34 or collapsing against a power-blueblood like Wyomissing (13-1, 3A) 63-7. But it was a fun ride ripping off nine straight before running into the 1A state champion Rollers. And it was a record setting year getting to 11 wins while averaging 41ppg. They return half of last year’s team and most of the firepower in quarterback Marcus Quaker (64%-132/206/2021-22/8, 139/1249ry!). How often do you see a player get 3270 total yards of offense against their schedule? 3270! One of the top receivers in the mid-state also returns in Ian Gooding (71/1239-14Tds). If they can replace a few lineman and find a back to replace super quick Trent Herrera (917ry, 260py), they’ll be fine. Their schedule is home to Susquenita’s veteran bunch, at Newport then home to Juniata. Game #4 is at Trinity where a more mature Shamrock team will be waiting to avenge last year’s 40-14 loss.
16 Twin Valley 4A 7-5
Head coach Bret Myers enters his second season after a seven year run at Middletown where he guided the Blue Raiders to a 73-22 record and three consecutive appearances in the 3A final from 2016 through 2018. The played a lot of youth last year with sophomores having a major role at quarterback in Evan Myers (50%-1204, 7/3, 82-502ry, coach’s son) and Evan Johnson (993ry, 160py), plus Drew Engle, a freshman getting 35 carries for 227 yards. Two of the top three receivers return and most of the defense setting the stage for a breakout season. They were 3, 5 and 7 point losses away from a 10-2 season last year. Coach knows how to win! They open at home against Schuylkill Valley then road games at Lower Dauphin and Conrad Weiser.
17 Berks Catholic 3A 5-6
Berks Catholic has been a major player in the district building a 108-29 record since the merger in 2011 of Reading CC and Reading Holy Name. Last year was their first losing season. As always, it was a difficult schedule that included early season losses to Loyalsock Twp (11-2, D4-3A runner up), Executive Education Academy (8-4, D11-2A champ), Pope John Paul II (10-2, D1-4A runner up) and Wyomissing (13-1, D3-3A champ). A somewhat easier slate than their typical Malvern Prep, Central Dauphin, Governor Mifflin and McDonogh types! For 2023 they return much of last year’s team; the quarterback, the #2 and #3 rushers and their #2 wide out. Owen Reber (6-1, 265) and Joey Polinsky (6-5, 260) are back on the lines. Eight return to the defense that has been porous the last four years allowing 20, 32, 25 and 23ppg from 2019-2022. The schedule is again challenging, mimicking last years at Loyalsock Township then home games against Executive Education Academy and Pope John Paul II before going across town to play Wyomissing.
18 Central Dauphin East 6A 3-7
Tough year for the Panthers coming off a 7-4 outing falling to 3-7. But Lance Deane (former Steel High D-cord) has them believing with the stated goal each year to win the state title. This, from a program recovering from a three-year 6-20 record. Only in the Mid Penn! They were young last year and just didn’t have it against the big boys losing at Cumberland Valley 45-14, at Harrisburg 52-0 and home to State College 42-14. For 2023 they return highly talented sophomores from last year in quarterback Demaj Jolloh under center with Jared Porter (W.Va, Cent Mich) at running back and underrated Zack Brown (6-1, 195, soph, Neb, Syra, Toledo) at linebacker. The first three games give them an opportunity for a fast start opening at Reading, then a tough one at home against Cedar Crest before a trip to Northeastern.
19 Milton Hershey 4A 6-5
The Spartans return a ton from last year with an experienced quarterback in Jason Burney, running back Elijah Johnson (169/936) and receivers Angel Roberts (40/614) and Mohamed Koroma (40/532). With few exceptions, this group put points on the board, averaging 25 a game. Unfortunately, the defense did the same, allowing 26ppg. That should improve on both counts with so much skill returning to the offense and a defense returning eight starters spread throughout the defense (2-DLs, 3-LBs, 3-DBs). For the most part they were not competitive against the better teams, going 2-3 and losing an odd one to East Pennsboro (5-7) 17-8. They’ll need a hot start this year opening at improved Susquehanna Township, then Middletown coming off a self-imposed hiatus (hazing) before returning home for to East Pennsboro.
20 Dover 5A 9-3
The Eagles exploded onto the scene with a nine-win season, a quarterback leading the York-Adams League in yardage in Aric Campbell (55%-2439, 22/2), a receiver doing likewise in Thomas Smyser (59-1180) and a dual threat back in Gavin Mullins (1250ry, 424ry). For 2023, all their skill returns except Mullins. Seven back on defense including the entire line-backing corps with 415 tackles gets your attention too. Being new to the scene with extreme youth in starting roles saw them overwhelmed against more mature teams like South Western 41-13, New Oxford 36-18 and Exeter 42-12. But they had their moments, beating Northern York (8-5) 29-28, Garden Spot (7-4) 40-21 and York Suburban (7-5) 35-21. They may not sneak up on people this year but should get out the gate quick opening at home against Northeastern followed by road games at South Western and Northern.
Others:
Gettysburg 5A 8-3
Susquehanna Township 4A 5-5
Northern 5A 8-5
Mifflin County 6A 6-5
Carlisle 6A 6-5
Central York 6A 10-2
Exeter Township 5A 12-1
Warwick 5A 5-5
