They seem to have alot of underclassmen talent walking the halls these days according to what I gather from offer lists on the web. I dont really know anything about them other than the 1 game I watched them play last year and what I read on the internet. Can they challenge at all in the PCL? Is it a forgone conclusion that Prep is the favorite the next couple years? I assume Roman is way behind in the coaching department which always plays a big factor at the HS level.

On a side note... I hope people get out to see Tyseer Denmark of Roman play live. I'm "only" in my 40s, but Denmark is on the very very very short list of best sophomores I have EVER seen play. He is special. As electric and dynamic as any HS player I've seen play no matter the class. He is worth the price of admission. As an impressive offer list as you will see for anyone in the country

7-7 with 455 left in 1st. Game on ESPN

Great to see the show is back for another season. Hit the link for all games which include:

Easton-Parkland
Emmaus-Freedom
Roman-Wilson
LaSalle-NP
Pennsbury-Coatesville
DTEast-Pennridge
Spring-Ford-Gov Mifflin

There was a bizarre play in the Pennridge game. East punts and the ball comes to rest and a Pennridge player put his hand on it, East picked it up and ran it in for a TD.

Anyone heading to a scrimmage Saturday ? Im going to CB West/Parkland/Souderton tri scrimmage.

North Penn 11-1 at home (vs) LaSalle 9-2

Real quick hit here on a makeup call thanks to Matern Deii Warrior reminding I forgot this one.

North Penn is again looking like the real deal despite some big grad losses of RB Khalani Eaton (1798, 27 Tds) and wide out Levi Carroll (44/842). That’s a big hit from a team that averaged 40pppg. But they return one of the top quarterback in the area and East in 4-year starter Ryan Zeltt (6-4, 210, sr) who completed 65% (24/6 ratio) of his passes for 1848 yards. Somebody beefed up unless a misprint! They also return most of their O-Line featuring the following; Kevin Pownall (6-0, 225, sr), Rymir Gray (6-2, 300, sr), Evan Schaub (6-2, 275, jr) and Makai Green (6-2, 300, sr). Not to trivialize Eaton’s value, but the Knights always seem to find a good running back and a linebacker or two for the heavy work. The wide outs look good despite losing Carroll with Neumann Goretti standout Yahzeed Haynes (6-2, 175, sr) transferred in. He ran a 4.39/40 and caught 26 passes for 488 yards last year for Neumann. Other receivers got time in seniors Nick Hoffman and Xaxier Bryan, cut from the same cloth at 6-2 180. I imagine some of the O-Line translate to D lineman although Coach Beck said they were smallish this year. Quick? The LBs are veteran in Luke Cody (6-3, 195, sr) and James Mangine (5-9, 185, Safety..?) with well-regarded Dave Dawes (6-1, 235, sr) returning from injury after missing last year. So with a vet QB, O-Line, highly rated wide receiver transfer and Coach saying his linebackers and DBs are a team strength, they look to be a major force again this year. They look like the best team in the district on paper.

Less here on LaSalle except to say they had severe graduation losses. Severe, including Abdul Carter Sam Brown, most of the OL and the Qb. But they do return defensive lineman Darold Dengobe (6-3, 275, sr) along with running back/LB Sean McFadden (6-0, 200, sr) and Stevie Davis (5-7, 180, jr) with WR Ryan Sorge (6-3, 190, sr). They were one of the more underrated teams in the state last year with wins against Bishop McDevitt-Harrisburg 21-0, Malvern Prep 10-7, Imhotep 13-8, McDonogh 38-14 and St. Joseph’s Prep 28-21. Unfortunately, the 6-0 start was followed by a 3-2 finish that included a 27-20 ‘upset’ by Roman before St. Joe’s 35-7 payback. This game against North Penn renews a rivalry that began in 2010 with 2019 being their last encounter where they routed the Knights 42-6.

1. SJP
2. Seneca valley
3. Imhotep
4. Erie prep
5. Aliquippa
6. Bishop mckdevitt
7. Pittsburgh central Catholic
8. North Penn
9. Penn Trafford
10. Gateway.

HS football season is just two sleeps away. So what game or games will you be attending this opening weekend? The Warrior will be at Crawford on Friday to watch NP welcome LaSalle at 7:00.

Saturday MDW will be at Ocean City HS and Carey Stadium for four games!!
Wayne Valley vs. Delran, 10:30 a.m.
Toms River North vs. Washington Twp., 1:30 p.m.
St. Peter’s Prep vs. St. Augustine, 4:30 p.m.
St. John Vianney vs. Red Bank Catholic, 7:30 p.m.

See ya at the games!!!!

Great Openers, Aug 26th and 27th
Here are the best games I could find that may be of interest in the various districts. It’s a mixed bag of stats, returning players, general info and more. No particular format with the games listed by district in ascending order. There are some great opening games and special matchup across the Commonwealth this season!

District 1 (home on left)
Garnet Valley 6A 14-1 vs Central Bucks West 6A 9-3
This doesn’t happen too often where you open the season against the team you ended the previous season against where Central Bucks West lost 41-13 to Garnet Valley in the quarterfinals. The Bucks have enough back that should keep them competitive especially with G-Val graduating all their offensive firepower at QB, RB and all their receivers. Add to that Coach Mike Ricci retiring to see this is probably as good as it gets for the Bucks to come in and steal a big season opening win on the road.
Quakertown 6A 13-1 vs Southern Lehigh 5A D11 4-7
Here’s a similar case like GVal-CB West in a rematch where Quakertown throttled SL last year 42-7 at SL. The Panther’s had a team last year that doesn’t get enough credit for being one of if not their best ever at 13-1, scoring 38ppg while allowing 13. Southern had an off year going 4-7 but are usually right there at 108 and 41 the previous 13 years. Nice program.
Pennridge 6A 7-5 vs Downingtown East 6A 9-3
Here’s another rematch with Rams looking to avenge last year’s 14-7 loss at home to the Cougars with one of the best 7-5 teams in the eastern portion of the state. East looks a little ahead at this point with a great running back at +1700 yards and a senior quarterback over 2000. And with MLB like Sam Barton back they’ll be a factor against everyone.
Neshaminy 6A 2-8 at Ocean City-NJ 12-1
Skins should bounce back from 2-8 (not a typo!) but need to take the Raiders seriously with their experienced skill back. But they look small along the lines where a typical Skins bunch should control things if they don’t get too distracted by all the shore sights.
Downingtown West 6A 5-5 at Highlands Regional-NJ 4-5
Two straight .500 seasons (2-2, 5-5) gets your attention for the Whippets with Highlands also in a mild slump the last two at 2-5 and 4-5. But they have a lot of skill back including the QB and a good one in Amori Rodriguez rushing for 1392 last year.

District 2 (home on left)
Berwick 4A 7-5 vs Southern Columbia 2A D4 15-1
The Dawgs opened last season at Catawissa losing 43-0 to the eventual (and perpetual) state champion Tigers. Pay back? Doubt it with SCA a glittering 140-6 the last 10 with 6 state titles.
Old Forge 1A 11-1 1A vs Dunmore 2A 5-7
Old Forge is one of the small school bad asses in the state (43-9 last 5), largely dominating things up in the northeast. This one sees them matched against an old and familiar foe in Dunmore. They’re another D2 power that went 112-24 from 2010 to 2019 before tailing off the last 2 years.
Lakeland 2A 10-2 vs Scranton Prep 3A 11-1
Only losses for the Lakeland crew last year were to Wyoming Area (10-2) 19-14 and 35-32. Prep fielded one of their finest until running into Wyomissing’s buzz saw, losing 35-14. This year sees the return of one of the top running backs in the state for them in London Montgomery (5-11, 195, sr), with 2356 rush yards last year. 15 starters back for the Cavs puts Lakeland in a bad spot. But, it is the opener and the Chiefs are a proud bunch.

District 3
Harrisburg 6A 12-2 vs St. Vincent Pallotti-MD 5-6
(At the Peach Bowl Showcase in Chambersburg)
Of course something always seems to happen at Harrisburg and this year is no different with Coach Cal Everett suspended the first 3 games? Harrisburg is still loaded with almost everyone back and Pallotti always has good personnel. They have to to stay competitive in the MIAA-A playing Calvert Hall, Archbishop Spalding, Mount St. Joseph’s and others. This should be a good opening test for both.
Central York 6A 10-1 vs Central Dauphin 6A 5-3
Beau Pribula is at Penn State with his 6076 career passing yards and 1304 rushing along with 108 career touchdowns! Can’t say that won’t be missed! But they were winning games before him and will continue with a loaded backfield of returning backs, wide out Parker Hines (36-619) and the entire OL. They’ll have a dual threat at QB again in Nasir Stills (5-8, 180, sr). Vets in the secondary, LB and DT will have them more than competitive and a BIG surprise if the QB comes through. CD is similar graduating QB Max Mosey (4118 career pass yards) with junior Qb Key’Ron Plummer (6-0, 160) likely stepping in. 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 at LB. WR/LB 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. Last year’s weakness 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) in the LB Corps. The DB looks solid and Luke Zlogst (6-1, 280) is back on the line. Upset special here with Central York fielding another good team.
Shippensburg 5A 11-1 vs Cedar Cliff 5A 10-3
Shippensburg returns almost the entire offense from a group that scored 29ppg. However, last year’s defense that allowed 10ppg returns but 3 starters. But this is a strong program, winning 3 of the last 4 Mid Penn-Colonial titles, suggesting they’ll challenge again in a stacked division. They open with the team that ended their season last year in Cedar Cliff who beat them 10-7 in the postseason. Unlike the Greyhounds, Cedar Cliff has a solid D core while the offense looks to replace Jontae Morris’s production of 2131 rush yards; a tall order. Having QB Ethan Dorrell back (132/231, 57%, 1690, 19/9 ratio) helps. This would be a big feather in Ship’s hat for them to take down a program more locally heralded than the Hounds.
Cumberland Valley 6A 5-5 vs Manheim Township 6A 6-5
Cumberland Valley is in year three of coach Josh Oswalt restructure with almost everyone back to get the Spread purring, three years removed from the Wing-T. Manheim Township is also expecting significant improvement with their abundance of talent if the O-Line comes together. Look for both to make a lot of noise if they can survive brutal schedules.
Wilson 6A 9-4 vs Roman Catholic 5A D12 3-7 Parts previously posted July 5th.
This has to be one of the more exciting openers for both programs with Wilson coming off another 4 loss season (3rd in 5 years), while Roman experienced their 9th consecutive losing season. 9th! Still, it should be an 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 but it’s Wilson, where you know Coach Doug Dahms in year 17 at 170-35 will field a good team. 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 look 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. 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). This should be a good matchup of a projected good offense from Roman challenging a talented Bulldog D.
Bishop McDevitt 4A 12-2 vs Imhotep Charter 5A 11-2 D12
(At the Peach Bowl Showcase in Chambersburg) Parts previously posted July 5th.
Both of these teams 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. 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. McDevitt also 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). Stone Saunders (6-2, 190) completed 146/230/64% for 3037 yards, 46/5 ratio. They return quality receivers in 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. Their tandem running backs are two of the best in the state; 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. 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.
Steelton Highspire 1A 9-3 vs Bishop Canevin 1A D7 13-2 Parts previously posted July 5th.
(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. The opener is last year’s 1A WPIAL champ (Finals Preview?) and state semifinal loser Bishop Canevin Catholic (13-2) of Pittsburgh (Westwood). Then its Westinghouse (10-2), who has 3 consecutive Pitt City titles. Last year’s Roller team was young. This year they return 7 fulltime starters to both sides led by QB Alex Erby (6-4, 205, jr) who threw for 3265 yards 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) and WR Daquan McGraw (6-3, 190, sr, 12-283).
Bishop Canevin lost to Redbank Valley 23-14 in the 1A state semifinal last year. Like Steel High, they return big numbers with 9 on both sides 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). Marquis Carter (5-10, 170, jr) who rambled for 550 yards on 94 carries returns. 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. Canevin is a super athletic team that will present everyone including Steelton with a major, major challenge!
Governor Mifflin 5A 10-1 vs Spring Ford 6A D1 6-5 Parts previously posted July 5th.
Governor Mifflin was one of the top teams in the state last year, crushing 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 getting upset in the postseason rematch to 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 a QB in Delsin McNeil who was a co-starter last year. 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.
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 about them early in the season playing three District-3 teams in their first 4 games; Governor Mifflin, Cumberland Valley and Manheim Township.
York (Wm. Penn) 6A 7-3 vs Woodland Hills 5A D7 5-6 Parts previously posted July 5th.
The York High Bearcats will be a load again at least offensively with QB 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 that allowed a woeful 30ppg couldn’t handle teams like Governor Mifflin losing 55-6, Central York 60-14 and Wilson who handled them 50-32. That should change this year with 6 returning and a decent LB/Front in Mikey Gray (6-1, 245, jr), Mier Green (6-2, 195, sr) and Montrese Jackson (5-11, 225, sr).
Woodland Hills is a true 3A with the newly released numbers but will continue playing up in the 5A classification. Their OL should give them every reason to compete starting Kellen McDonough (6-5, 265, sr), Tyre Young-Grimes (5-11, 270, sr), LeAnthony Smith (6-1, 265, sr), Mejaun Rose (6-5, 280, jr) and Pierce Cannon (6-5, 306, jr). Behind them is another talented running back in Brandon Jones, their second leading rusher last year at 552 yards. The top rusher was quarterback Deontae Williams who rushed for 736 yards and passed for 498. Woody always has a pile of athletes and will challenge York mightily if they get Jones going behind that O-Line to keep Stoner and White on the sidelines.

District 4
Jersey Shore 13-1 vs Pottsville 4A D11 8-3
Jersey Shore has transformed its program from a perpetual loser going 39-119 from 1999 through 2013, to a 4A power in the district with 8 consecutive winning seasons and a 78-24 won-loss! Pottsville has also recovered from their weird slump from 2012-2015 (9-32) to a far more respectable 45-22 the last 6. Jersey ran off 13 straight wins last year before getting thumped by Aliquippa in the semifinal 41-16.

District 5 N/A, couldn’t find a good opener

District 6
State College 6A 8-6 vs Williamsport 6A D4 6-6
Like Forest Gump’s box of chocolates, you never know what you’re going to get with State College. They got pummeled by Central Dauphin East 34-13, Downingtown East 42-21 and Central Dauphin, also 42-21, then knock off Harrisburg 16-13 in the playoffs last year before getting trounced by Mt. Lebanon in the semifinal 49-28. At 27-26 the last 5 years, Williamsport shares some identity issues as well so it should be a good one. That said, bigger things are expected from State this season to follow up on last year’s 17-14 win.
Juniata 4A 10-2 vs Clearfield 3A D9 11-1
One of the newer members of the Mid Penn got it together last year to win the Liberty Division and 4A districts for the second straight year before falling to Meadville 34-27 in a tough one. Clearfield is one of the most successful programs in the state at 94-21 the last 10 years and 87-30 the 10 before that, but rarely move very deep in the postseason. Here’s a chance for the Bison to step it up a notch as a 3A to beat 4A Juniata.

District 7
Pittsburgh Central Catholic 6A 9-3 vs St. Edward-OH 15-1, #11 HSFA
Not a bad year for the Vikings beating Penn Hills, Pine Richland, North Allegheny and Seneca Valley by an average score of 41-18 despite losing to powerful Imhotep (11-2) and Mt. Lebanon (15-0) 35-14 and 47-7. Tough losses but they came against the 5A runner up in ICS and Lebo who won the 6A crown. It looks good this year with the quarterback and at least 2 experienced receivers back and another typical Central defense headed by D-1 recruit Anthony Speca (6-3, 220) at linebacker. They opener against St. Eds puts them up against one of the top programs in the country with a 53-10 W/L the last 5 years. Their schedule is close to unbelievable playing Elder, Menton, Benedictine, Moeller, Rock Creek Christian Academy, Washington-Massilon, St. Ignatius, AB Hoban, on and on!
Pine Richland 5A 7-5 vs Pickerington North-OH 10-3
It’s a new day in Gibsonia with first year coach Jon LeDonne moving over from Penn Hills where he went 46-13. Got to like that and his experienced OL plus a linebacker like Max Heckert (6-1, 225, sr) returning after a stellar junior season getting 98 tackles and 16 TFL. Pine Richland’s record looks dismal for them until considering it was against one of the more difficult schedules in the state playing 9 teams over .500 with a combined record of 75-33. Pickerington North had a young team last year starting a sophomore Qb (1145, 59%) and freshman back (923r). Many return from a team that lost to New Albany (12-1) 20-19, Lincoln (7-3) 28-20 and Pickerington Central (12-2) in a rematch 28-7 after beating them in overtime in the regular season.

District 8
Westinghouse 2A 10-2 vs Clairton 1A D7 7-3
Donte Green (4th season) is turning the program around going 8-4, 7-0, 10-2 his first three years (2 City titles!) and is looking for more with the return of QB Keyshawn Morsillo (1,413p, 733r, 15 total Tds) and good skill numbers. They upped their schedule the last few going out of town to defeat Seton LaSalle 38-0 and Butler 44-34. The pplayoffs saw them defeat D5 powers Chestnut Ridge (6-5) 42-28 and Windber (10-1) 35-34 before falling to Farrell (11-1, D10) 24-7. Clairton is Clairton with no losing seasons since 2005 and a 197-22 record since then with 4 state titles and 4 runner ups. Westinghouse’s schedule is not yet at Clairton’s (Steel Valley 11-1, Washington 9-1, Bishop Canevin 13-2, OLSH 9-4) but they’re getting there, opening with the Bears followed by a road trip to Steelton to take on the Rollers.

District 9 N/A, couldn’t find a good opener

District 10
McDowell 6A 9-3 vs Walsh Jesuit-OH 11-3
McDowell is like State College, often fielding big, physical teams with loads of talent that come up a little short. But they’ll play and travel anywhere (fun!) as evidenced by games against St. Francis-NY (7-4), Rock Creek Christian Academy-MD (7-1) and a pile of Ohio schools. They also play Cathedral Prep (11-2) annually who they smacked last year 31-12 making them as always a dangerous foe. Walsh made a deep run last year with a special senior team losing to Bishop Hoban 35-34 in overtime along the way, making this a rebuild and one the Trojans could take.
Cathedral Prep 4A 11-2 at Archbishop Hoban-OH 12-4
This is a great opener with both being perennial state powers finding out at the very top of the season where they stand. Prep would love to remove the bad taste of last year’s disaster against Imhotep (11-2) in the quarterfinals, losing 42-7, while Hoban would also like to remove the sting of losing to Winton Woods (13-3) in the OHSAA Div II final 21-10.

District 11
Parkland 6A 9-2 vs Easton 6A 6-4
Great opener with the two historic powers of the area (EPC) facing off. Parkland is the winningest EPC team over the last 5 years at 43-12 with Easton at 34-22. It’s been a one-sided series recently with Parkland winning 7 of the last 8 and 11 of the last 15 (!!) going back 10 years, including 6 post season games.
Freedom 6A 11-3 vs Emmaus 6A 9-4
Freedom got people’s attention last season if they hadn’t already (45-15 last 5 years) with a competitive loss to national power St. Joseph’s Prep 24-21. They’ll be competitive again (when aren’t they?) with enough back as will Emmaus who is coming off a season of mixed reviews winning 7 of their first 8 before tailing off to 2-3 despite road wins at Nazareth and Parkland. They split with Freedom last year losing to them in the district final 28-14.
North Schuylkill 3A 11-2 vs Mount Carmel 2A D4 10-3
The Spartans are always one of the top 3As in the east at 48-9 the last 5 years and 2007 being their last losing season. With at least 7 back to both sides they’ll be a tough out again. The took care of MCA last year 33-14 and were rolling before Neumann Goretti got them 26-21. The Red Tornado had two losses to Southern Columbia last year 40-14 and 41-14 plus the NS loss while bouncing back from a 2-4 season for their third 10-win campaign in the last 4 years. Look for a major push this year with almost the entire team back keyed by a massive O-Line averaging 6-4, 285.

District 12
St. Joseph’s Prep 6A 11-3 at St. Thomas Aquinas-FL 14-1
St. Joe’s young group from last year is looking to improve on the 2021 season where they lost to Mt. Lebanon in the 6A state final 35-17. Despite the loss, you know you’ve ‘arrived’ when a few express concern following a 11-3 season and a loss in a state final, forgetting that was their 8th appearance in the last 9 years. They’ll take the field again this year with another brutal schedule as the 58th rated team by HSFA against 9th rated St. Thomas Aquinas of Ft. Lauderdale. STA had significant grad losses last year that evidently are never a problem knowing they went 91-10 the previous seven years while winning five 7A titles the last seven years! Like the Hawks, they have an awesome coaching staff headed by Roger Harriott (Master of Athletic Administration, Villanova) who arrived in 2015 from FAU (2-year assistant) after an 8 year stint at 3A University School-Broward County going 78-15 with a state title in 2012. STA’s only loss last year was Tampa Jesuit (15-0, 58-7 last 5) 24-21, the 6A champ who the Hawk’s beat 22-7 in 2017. The Raiders aren’t shy about going out of state and getting after people, defeating St. Frances Academy-Baltimore last year 38-23, De La Salle-CA the year before 24-14 and DeMatha 30-7 the year before that. They won their 3rd straight title last year beating Tampa Bay Tech (14-1) in the final 42-14 and have a total of 13 state titles through 2021 and 8 runner ups! The game is scheduled for August 27th at noon on ESPN at STA’s Brian Piccolo Memorial Stadium. After that comes St. Peters-NJ (8-4, #68-HSFA) and 3-time defending city champ Erasmus Hall-Brooklyn (9-0), one of the areas pipelines to Rutgers.
Northeast 6A 6-4 at Winslow Township 9-4
Public school 6A D12 champ Northeast will go for their 6th straight title and hopefully bounce back from a 6-win campaign with a nice core on both sides of the line featuring quarterback Sabor Stevens (6-0, 190, sr), running back Terail Greene (5-10, 180, sr) and OG Tasir Davis (6-2, 295), along with a few of his mates from last year. It’s a big, physical team with senior DEs Kion Wright (6-3, 230) and Ronel Nukah (6-2, 230) spearheading the defense. Things should settle down from an emotional 2021 season with this being Coach Eric Clark’s second year at the helm. The opener is in central New Jersey where Winslow just graduated their best team in over a decade and quarterback Hamas Duren’s 2894 passing yards and 355 rushing.

I don't see Buford on the schedule? STA, Erasmus Hall of Brooklyn (?), St Pete and Zaga are there with 9/16 slot open. Is that official, it's off? I know they were on earlier.

There's hazing and then there's hazing!​

(by reprehensible, they mean sexualized)

​

Middletown cancels high school football season after finding more hazing videos: superintendent​

• Updated: Aug. 24, 2022, 5:48 p.m.|
• Published: Aug. 24, 2022, 1:00 p.m.

Dr. Chelton L. Hunter, Superintendent of Schools, speaks during a Middletown school board meeting on the high school football hazing incident. August 16, 2022. Sean Simmers | ssimmers@pennlive.com
Linder | blinder@pennlive.com
The Middletown Blue Raiders will not be playing football this season.

Superintendent Chelton Hunter made that announcement Wednesday in a written statement after he said the district obtained additional video showing a hazing incident, which is being investigated by Dauphin County police, was more widespread than previously believed.

“In light of this, we have made the decision to cancel the 2022 football season,” he wrote. “I know this decision will be met with many different opinions and will impact many students and families.”


Hunter called the incidents “reprehensible.”

Did the move from Chesmont to Pioneer Athletic Conference get pushed back another year? Thanks

Just saw a post by James Heard on Twitter saying "with a heavy heart" that he is transferring from SJP to the Big Picture Learning Academy and will be playing football for Camden High School. The post was full of praise for his teammates (who he says embraced him "on and off the field" from day one) and his coaches. If you're on Twitter you can read the whole post.

A few thoughts: 1) Heard was a terrific player last year and he should have lots of good football ahead of him. I'm assuming his many offers from top D1 schools are still there. His being able to play only a small part of the championship game against ML clearly weakened the Prep's defense. I'm not saying the Prep would have won if he had been healthy--just that he was a very big part of their defense and his injury obviously made a difference. 2) While I know nothing for sure about the reasons for this transfer, his post makes it clear he was more than happy with the Prep. Maybe he found the commuting difficult--though if he lives in Camden it's not that much of a commute. More likely, he struggled with the academic demands, likely not because of a lack of effort and very possibly not because of a lack of ability. Transferring into the Prep after sophomore year is especially hard. The curriculum is different and the expectations are high. 3) IF Heard is leaving because of academics, he won't be the first very good or very promising player to do so. Going back to the discussion on here about all the unfair advantages the Prep is supposed to have over public schools, I hope people realize that this case points to an advantage public schools have over a school like SJP.

My buddy was talking to an Easton coach, and was told CB South handled the Rovers pretty easily in their scrimmage. Did anyone see the scrimmage?

How have things been going this football season?
“Things have been off to a great start, [our] team is coming together and developing great chemistry.”

What are you trying to improve on most this season?
“Technique, and off the ball quickness.”

How do you feel your football team can reach their full potential?
“Repetitions, hard work, and keeping a great attitude.”

Have you been pleased with how you have been playing as of late?
“In practice we are coming along great, Week 1 we will find out what our weak areas are.”

Who is your opener against and how do you feel about them?
“Our opener is Shaler. I feel confident we are going to come and smack them in the mouth and play a good game.”

Do you want to play sports in college? If so, which one?
“I do, I'm bouncing back and forth between football and wrestling, but leaning more towards football.”

What colleges have been recruiting you?
“I have talked to some coaches from West Liberty University, Edinboro, Thiel, and Allegheny College.”

What school is recruiting you the hardest?
“Edinboro is the school that I have talked to the most.”

Have you made any college trips yet?
“I have visited Westminster on a game visit, and I am going to Edinboro in October for another visit.”

Did you have a favorite college growing up?
“I always have been a big Pitt fan being so close and it was always on Tv so I just naturally gravitated towards them.”

How have things been going this football season?
“The work in the off-season this team has put in is incredible, on and off the field we’re all getting it done.”

What are you trying to improve on most this season?
“This season I will be starting outside linebacker for the first time so I'm just trying to play that position to the best of my abilities.”

How do you feel your football team can reach their full potential?
“We can reach our full potential by just keep putting in the work and keep getting better.”

Have you been pleased with how you have been playing as of late?
“I’ve been very happy with the play calling and the outcomes, we’re all getting the looks we’re asking for.”

Who is your opener against and how do you feel about them?
“Our opener is Greencastle and we play to just go out there and have a game.”

Do you want to play sports in college? If so, which one?
“I would love to play football in college at the next level, however, I am currently undecided where.”

What colleges have been recruiting you?
“Some colleges that have reached out to me are Juniata, Grove City, Ursinus, and a few others.”

What school is recruiting you the hardest?
“Juniata I would have to say is recruiting me the hardest by how much they check on me and ask how it’s going.”

Have you made any college trips yet?
“I have taken a visit to Juniata but plan to go on multiple game day visuals in the fall.”

Did you have a favorite college growing up?
“My favorite college growing up would have to be Penn State. I am still a hardcore fan for them and will be forever.”

How have things been going this football season?
“Things have been going great this season.”

What are you trying to improve on most this season?
“Trying to improve on my pass blocking.”

How do you feel your football team can reach their full potential?
“Our team is really good this year, we have athletes all over and we just all must do our role.”

Have you been pleased with how you have been playing as of late?
“Yeah I have been very pleased, I feel like I got a lot better since last year.”

Who is your opener against and how do you feel about them?
“Our opener is against Imhotep Charter and I feel like they're a good team, they’re very fast.”

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

What colleges have been recruiting you?
“I have been recruited the hardest by Old Dominion and Bowling Green.”

What school is recruiting you the hardest?
“N/A.”

Have you made any college trips yet?
“No I haven’t.”

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

How have things been going this football season?
“Things have been going pretty smoothly, just been in the gym this summer and putting in work on the field.”

What are you trying to improve on most this season?
“I want my hands to be better so I can get off blocks quicker.”

How do you feel your football team can reach their full potential?
“My football [team] can reach its full potential by everyone doing their job to the best of their abilities at all times.”

Have you been pleased with how you have been playing as of late?
“I am pleased but there’s always more to be done and more to accomplish.”

Who is your opener against and how do you feel about them?
“Our opening game is against Green Castle, it's been a team I’ve studied and worked for since our team’s schedule was released.”

Do you want to play sports in college? If so, which one?
“Yes I am planning on playing football in college.”

What colleges have been recruiting you?
“Albright, Wooster, Kutztown, Ithaca, Allegheny, and Ursinus.”

What school is recruiting you the hardest?
“[It’s] between Wooster and Albright.”

Have you made any college trips yet?
“Yes, my whole summer was made of college trips.”

Did you have a favorite college growing up?
“I’ve been a huge Oregon Ducks fan growing up.”

How have things been going this football season?
“So far things have been going great, we had a very successful summer with 7on7 and everyone has been working really hard so far during camp to get ready for week 1.”

What are you trying to improve on most this season?
“I am trying to improve on my downfield blocking.”

How do you feel your football team can reach their full potential?
“I feel we can reach our full potential by just remaining calm when adversity hits and to build each other up when mistakes do happen.”

Have you been pleased with how you have been playing as of late?
“Yes, the work in the off-season has helped tremendously, but there is always room for improvement.”

Who is your opener against and how do you feel about them?
“We play Oil City week one, and they are always a great opponent, but we think our hard work over the summer will help us win that week 1 game.”

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

What colleges have been recruiting you?
“I have been recruited by: Grove City College, Westminster College, St. Vincent, Waynesburg, Thiel, and Alfred.”

What school is recruiting you the hardest?
“All of the schools have shown similar high interest.”

Have you made any college trips yet?
“Yes, I have made trips to all of the schools listed above.”

Did you have a favorite college growing up?
“Growing up I have always loved the Oregon Ducks.”

Find out what colleges are recruiting Cayden Wright, Jay Roberds, Cyncir Bowers, Andrew Witter, and Ethan Babay now!


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

Q&A with Warren wide receiver Cayden Wright​

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

What colleges have been recruiting you?
“I have been recruited by: Grove City College, Westminster College, St. Vincent, Waynesburg, Thiel, and Alfred.”

What school is recruiting you the hardest?
“All of the schools have shown similar high interest.”

Have you made any college trips yet?
“Yes, I have made trips to all of the schools listed above.”

Did you have a favorite college growing up?
“Growing up I have always loved the Oregon Ducks.”


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

Q&A with Big Spring defensive end Jay Roberds​

Do you want to play sports in college? If so, which one?
“Yes I am planning on playing football in college.”

What colleges have been recruiting you?
“Albright, Wooster, Kutztown, Ithaca, Allegheny, and Ursinus.”

What school is recruiting you the hardest?
“[It’s] between Wooster and Albright.”

Have you made any college trips yet?
“Yes, my whole summer was made of college trips.”

Did you have a favorite college growing up?
“I’ve been a huge Oregon Ducks fan growing up.”


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

Q&A with Bishop McDevitt athlete Cyncir Bowers​

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

What colleges have been recruiting you?
“I have been recruited the hardest by Old Dominion and Bowling Green.”

What school is recruiting you the hardest?
“N/A.”

Have you made any college trips yet?
“No I haven’t.”

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


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

Q&A with Big Spring wide receiver Andrew Witter​

Do you want to play sports in college? If so, which one?
“I would love to play football in college at the next level, however, I am currently undecided where.”

What colleges have been recruiting you?
“Some colleges that have reached out to me are Juniata, Grove City, Ursinus, and a few others.”

What school is recruiting you the hardest?
“Juniata I would have to say is recruiting me the hardest by how much they check on me and ask how it’s going.”

Have you made any college trips yet?
“I have taken a visit to Juniata but plan to go on multiple game day visuals in the fall.”

Did you have a favorite college growing up?
“My favorite college growing up would have to be Penn State. I am still a hardcore fan for them and will be forever.”


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

Q&A with Butler defensive tackle Ethan Babay​

Do you want to play sports in college? If so, which one?
“I do, I'm bouncing back and forth between football and wrestling, but leaning more towards football.”

What colleges have been recruiting you?
“I have talked to some coaches from West Liberty University, Edinboro, Thiel, and Allegheny College.”

What school is recruiting you the hardest?
“Edinboro is the school that I have talked to the most.”

Have you made any college trips yet?
“I have visited Westminster on a game visit, and I am going to Edinboro in October for another visit.”

Did you have a favorite college growing up?
“I always have been a big Pitt fan being so close and it was always on Tv so I just naturally gravitated towards them.”


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

Find out what some of the top players in the state are saying about football now!


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


Q&A with Warren wide receiver Cayden Wright
How have things been going this football season?
“So far things have been going great, we had a very successful summer with 7on7 and everyone has been working really hard so far during camp to get ready for week 1.”

What are you trying to improve on most this season?
“I am trying to improve on my downfield blocking.”

How do you feel your football team can reach their full potential?
“I feel we can reach our full potential by just remaining calm when adversity hits and to build each other up when mistakes do happen.”

Have you been pleased with how you have been playing as of late?
“Yes, the work in the off-season has helped tremendously, but there is always room for improvement.”

Who is your opener against and how do you feel about them?
“We play Oil City week one, and they are always a great opponent, but we think our hard work over the summer will help us win that week 1 game.”

......................................................................................................
Q&A with Big Spring defensive end Jay Roberds
How have things been going this football season?
“Things have been going pretty smoothly, just been in the gym this summer and putting in work on the field.”

What are you trying to improve on most this season?
“I want my hands to be better so I can get off blocks quicker.”

How do you feel your football team can reach their full potential?
“My football [team] can reach its full potential by everyone doing their job to the best of their abilities at all times.”

Have you been pleased with how you have been playing as of late?
“I am pleased but there’s always more to be done and more to accomplish.”

Who is your opener against and how do you feel about them?
“Our opening game is against Green Castle, it's been a team I’ve studied and worked for since our team’s schedule was released.”

......................................................................................................
Q&A with Bishop McDevitt athlete Cyncir Bowers
How have things been going this football season?
“Things have been going great this season.”

What are you trying to improve on most this season?
“Trying to improve on my pass blocking.”

How do you feel your football team can reach their full potential?
“Our team is really good this year, we have athletes all over and we just all must do our role.”

Have you been pleased with how you have been playing as of late?
“Yeah I have been very pleased, I feel like I got a lot better since last year.”

Who is your opener against and how do you feel about them?
“Our opener is against Imhotep Charter and I feel like they're a good team, they’re very fast.”

......................................................................................................
Q&A with Big Spring wide receiver Andrew Witter
How have things been going this football season?
“The work in the off-season this team has put in is incredible, on and off the field we’re all getting it done.”

What are you trying to improve on most this season?
“This season I will be starting outside linebacker for the first time so I'm just trying to play that position to the best of my abilities.”

How do you feel your football team can reach their full potential?
“We can reach our full potential by just keep putting in the work and keep getting better.”

Have you been pleased with how you have been playing as of late?
“I’ve been very happy with the play calling and the outcomes, we’re all getting the looks we’re asking for.”

Who is your opener against and how do you feel about them?
“Our opener is Greencastle and we play to just go out there and have a game.”

......................................................................................................
Q&A with Butler defensive tackle Ethan Babay
How have things been going this football season?
“Things have been off to a great start, [our] team is coming together and developing great chemistry.”

What are you trying to improve on most this season?
“Technique, and off the ball quickness.”

How do you feel your football team can reach their full potential?
“Repetitions, hard work, and keeping a great attitude.”

Have you been pleased with how you have been playing as of late?
“In practice we are coming along great, Week 1 we will find out what our weak areas are.”

Who is your opener against and how do you feel about them?
“Our opener is Shaler. I feel confident we are going to come and smack them in the mouth and play a good game.”

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

2021-2022 Season: SJP had access to athletes from at least 66 different high schools/districts!!!

18 Philly Public Programs: John Bartram, Thomas A. Edison, Samuel Fels, Frankford, Benjamin Franklin, Horace Furness, Kensington, Martin Luther King, Abraham Lincoln, Northeast, Overbrook, Penn Treaty, Roxborough, William L. Sayre, South Philadelphia, Strawberry Mansion, George Washington, West Philadelphia

21 athletes from 19 New Jersey Programs: Runnemede, Wayne, Greenville, Cinnaminson, Voorhees, Woolwich Township, Vineland, Camden, Little Egg Harbor, Moorestown x3, Collingswood, Blackwood, Westampton, Delran, Sicklerville, Mt. Laurel, Williamstown, Logan Township, Hainesport

27 Greater Philly Area Programs: Wallingford, Phoenixville, Aston, Yardley, Merion Station, Elkins Park, Collegeville, Drexel Hill, Cheltenham, Wayne, Glen Mills, Ambler, Reinholds, Bryn Mawr, Newtown Square, Norristown, Penn Valley, Springford, Jeffersonville, Broomall, Lower Gwynedd, Lafayette Hill, Havertown, Wyncote, Media, Bristol, Berwyn

This does not include several other NJ and greater Philly area programs or even transfers from the 14 other Catholic/Charter Programs – Imhotep, LaSalle, Archbishop Wood, Conwell-Egan, West Catholic, Lansdale Catholic, Bishop McDevitt, Cardinal O’Hara, Bonner Prendergast, Neumann-Goretti, Roman Catholic, Father Judge, Arch Bishop Ryan, Arch Bishop Carroll.

So that is a minimum of exposure to 80 different high schools/districts and actually closer to 100 schools

Mount Lebanon had exposure to athletes from - 1 - Mount Lebanon school district

In high school football, if you can recruit one very good athlete from say 30 different programs, let alone 66 different programs, and work with them as one-way players – You have the makings of a high school powerhouse that continues to reload. Not sure how anyone can look at the numbers and not scratch their head that this thing at SJP is wrong for HS football. Sure all schools have transfers. NOT 21 from NJ and 27 from other suburban districts all on the same team!!!! Coaching only goes so far. Tuition at SJP - $26,000! St. Joe's has plenty of money to take a “travel team” on the road to a few places and play a national schedule where they belong. Most contests would be day trips – Bergen Catholic, St. Francis, St. Johns, Don Bosco, etc. May have to take 2 big trips per year. Just like the other all-star teams do it.

Pennsylvania’s 2022 high school football preseason rankings

Updated: Aug. 11, 2022, 10:36 a.m.|

By
Eric F. Epler | eepler@pennlive.com
We are closing fast on opening weekend in Pennsylvania high school football.
Regular season action begins August 26, so it’s time to identify some of the state’s top programs in each classification with our preseason rankings, sponsored by Renewal by Andersen of Central Pa.
During the season, PennLive will publish updated state rankings every Tuesday through the PIAA Championships in December. Cumberland Valley High School is the new host for all six championship games.
Teams below are listed with district, final 2021 record and ranking. NR-not ranked. HM-honorable mention.

CLASS 6A

Rank – Team – District – ‘21 record – ‘21 final rank

1. St. Joseph’s Prep (12) – 11-3 – 2

2. Pittsburgh C.C. (7) – 9-3 – HM

3. Harrisburg (3) – 12-2 – 7

4. North Penn (1) – 11-1 – HM

5. Bethlehem Freedom (11) – 12-3 – 4

6. Garnet Valley (1) – 14-1 – 3

7. Mt. Lebanon (7) – 15-0 – 1

8. Seneca Valley (7) – 7-4 – NR

9. State College (6) – 8-6 – 6

10. McDowell (10) – 9-3 – 10

Teams to watch: Central York (3) 11-1, Downingtown East (1) 9-3, Emmaus (11) 9-4, Parkland (11) 9-2, Wilson-West Lawn (3) 9-4.


CLASS 5A

Rank – Team – District – ‘21 record – ‘21 final rank

1. Imhotep Charter (12) – 11-2 – 2

2. Cathedral Prep (10) – 11-2 – 8

3. Delaware Valley (2) – 9-4 – NR

4. Penn-Trafford (7) – 13-2) – 1

5. Upper Dublin (1) – 9-3 – 6

6. Penn Hills (7) – 8-4 – NR

7. Exeter Township (3) – 10-4 – 3

8. Governor Mifflin (3) – 10-1 – 5

9. Pine-Richland (7) – 7-5 – NR

10. West Chester Rustin (1) -- 11-2 -- 7

Teams to watch: East Stroudsburg South (11) 9-4, Gateway (7) 7-4, Shippensburg (3) 11-1, Strath Haven (1) 13-2, Unionville (1) 10-2.


CLASS 4A

Rank – Team – District – ‘21 record – ‘21 final rank

1. Aliquippa (7) – 13-1 – 1

2. Bishop McDevitt (3) – 12-2 – 2

3. Jersey Shore (4) – 14-1 – 3

4. Thomas Jefferson (7) – 8-3 – 8

5. Allentown C.C. (11) – 9-4 – HM

6. Central Valley (7) – 15-0 – 1 (3A)

7. Lampeter-Strasburg (3) – 11-2 – 6

8. Meadville (10) – 9-4 – 10

9. McKeesport (7) -- 9-3 -- 9

10. Valley View (2) – 12-2 – 7

Teams to watch: Bishop Shanahan (1) 11-4, Manheim Central (3) 9-2, Pope John Paul II (1) 7-3, Selinsgrove (4) 8-4.


CLASS 3A

Rank – Team – District – ‘21 Record – ‘21 final rank

1. Belle Vernon (7) – 10-1 – 5 (4A)

2. Wyomissing (3) – 15-1 – 2

3. Neumann-Goretti (12) – 12-2 – 5

4. Danville (4) – 8-5 – 4

5. Central Martinsburg (6) – 14-1 – 3

6. Elizabeth Forward (7) – 9-3 – NR

7. Hickory (10) – 7-4 – NR

8. North Schuylkill (11) – 10-2 – 9

9. Scranton Prep (2) – 11-1 – 4

10. Grove City (10) – 10-3 – 8

Teams to watch: Avonworth (7) 9-3, Berks Catholic (3) 7-5, Clearfield (9) 11-1, Loyalsock (4) 7-5.


CLASS 2A

Rank – Team – District – ‘21 Record – ‘21 final rank

1. Southern Columbia (4) – 15-1 – 1

2. Farrell (10) – 11-1 – 3

3. Beaver Falls (7) – 9-4 – HM

4. Sto-Rox (7) – 12-1 – 4

5. Mount Carmel (4) – 10-3 – 9

6. Richland Township (6) – 11-3 – 5

7. Bishop Guilfoyle (6) – 11-4 – 1 (1A)

8. Lakeland (2) – 10-2 – HM (3A)

9. Wilmington (10) – 7-3 – NR

10. York Catholic (3) – 11-1 – 10

Teams to watch: Berlin Brothersvalley (5) 8-3, Serra Catholic (7) 14-2, Sharpsville (10) 7-3, South Williamsport (4) 7-4, Steel Valley (7) 11-1, Washington (7) 9-1.


CLASS 1A

Rank – Team – District – ‘21 Record – ‘21 final rank

1. Bishop Canevin (7) – 13-2 – 5

2. Old Forge (2) – 11-1 – 4

3. Steelton-Highspire (3) – 8-3 – 7

4. Canton (4) – 13-1 – 3

5. Our Lady of the Sacred Heart (7) – 9-4 – 9

6. Reynolds (10) – 7-5 – NR

7. Homer-Center (6) -- 8-4 -- HM

8. Tri-Valley (11) -- 9-2 -- HM

9. Muncy (4) -- 10-2 -- HM

10. Redbank Valley (9) -- 13-2 -- 2

Teams to watch: Clairton (7) 7-3, Leechburg (7) 9-3, Northern Bedford (5) 9-4, Northern Lehigh (11) 11-4, Rochester (7) 9-3.

Chambersburg Peach Bowl Football Showcase vies to be top week 1 event in central Pa.​

• Updated: Aug. 17, 2022, 5:03 a.m.|
• Published: Aug. 17, 2022, 5:00 a.m.

Marquese Williams and Bishop McDevitt are slated to open the season against Imhotep in the Chambersburg Peach Bowl Showcase. Mark Pynes | pennlive.comMark Pynes | mpynes@pennlive.com


Want to see a wide receiver with offers from the Georgia Bulldogs and Alabama Crimson Tide take on a team that has a running back that also has an offer from the defending national champs?

Or maybe you want to see a Big Ten-bound running back who was once compared to LeSean McCoy or a trio of Pennsylvania’s top quarterbacks. It might typically take a traveling football fan darn near an entire season to check off that list.


Not this year though.

Folks can get that done in just one weekend thanks to the slate that has been put together and the Chambersburg Peach Bowl Football Showcase.


Twelve teams will take part in the two-day affair — slated for Friday, Aug. 26 and Saturday, Aug. 27 — at Chambersburg.

“I’m really excited about the event,” Chambersburg athletic director Ron Coursey said. “I think it gives an opportunity to get matchups of teams that normally wouldn’t play one another or who may not even have known about each other. It allows you to get different teams from different regions to see what style of play is actually more competitive and more successful.”

Steel-High, featuring strong-armed junior quarterback Alex Erby, a PennLive second-team preseason All-PA pick with some nice Division 1 offers will open the action against a talented Bishop Canevin team at 5:30 on Friday.

Harrisburg, led by Temple commit Kyle Williams Jr. at running back, will then close out that first night against a stacked St. Vincent Pallotti team from Maryland. That game is slated to begin at 8:30 p.m., and Pallotti’s roster includes 6-foot-5, 190-pound receiver Nathan Stewart, a Temple commit, who is rated as a three-star commit by 247 Sports. Safety Alex Moore (6-1, 180) is a Maryland commit, and a pair of linebackers Mitchell Garner (6-3, 205) and Daniel Wingate (6-3, 205) are ranked among the top prospects in the state by 247 Sports.



The Chambersburg Peach Bowl Football Showcase features 12 top teams and will take place from August 26-27.


Among the highlights of the second day will be York, featuring quarterback Sam Stoner and running back Jahiem White, a West Virginia commit, taking on a talented Woodland Hills team at 2:30 p.m.

The 5:30 game will feature a pair of stacked state runners-up from a season ago. Bishop McDevitt, which made it to the 4A state title, has that big-time junior receiver — Rico Scott — with the Alabama and Georgia offers to go along with a list that also includes Penn State. His quarterback, sophomore Stone Saunders, was PennLive’s preseason All-PA first-team pick, and he also has a nice list of offers which includes Texas A&M. Crusaders running back Marquese Williams is a Minnesota commit, office tackle Gabriel Arena is a Virginia Tech commit and defensive tackle Riley Robell is headed to James Madison. Meanwhile, Imhotep, which made it to the 5A state title game a season ago, Imhotep’s offense is led by junior running back Jabree Wallace-Coleman, a Georgia commit. Its defense is loaded with Michigan commit Semaj Bridgeman at linebacker, Pitt commit Jahsear Whittington at defensive tackle, and one of the nation’s top safeties, Rahmir Stewart, patrolling the secondary with heralded corner Kenny Woseley Jr. Also, 6-foot-6, 230-pound sophomore defensive end Zahir Mathis is considered among the best in the country for his class.


Aside from providing folks with quality football that encompasses some top tier talent, Coursey said he feels that the showcase will benefit Chambersburg in a few other ways, like serving as a fundraiser to help its athletic facilities and bringing good exposure to the school district.

And he is optimistic that with the teams and players competing in this showcase the event will draw a lot of attention and become an annual one for the Trojans.

“The goal when we do events like this is that we want not only competitive matchups, we want them to be attractive matchups,” he said. “And in the end, I think we have six great games for everyone to see.”

Check out the schedule below:

FRIDAY, AUGUST 26

5:30 p.m.— Steel-High vs. Bishop Canevin

8:30 p.m.— Harrisburg vs. St. Vincent Pallotti

SATURDAY, AUGUST 27

11:30 a.m.— Fairfield Area vs. Windber Area

2:30 p.m.— William Penn-York vs. Woodland Hills

5:30 p.m.— Bishop McDevitt vs. Imhotep Charter

8:30 p.m.— Chambersburg vs. Central Bucks East

I was hoping that someone would give us an update on Pennbury with legendary Coach Snyder coming back into the fold. I realize it may take a year or two for the Falcons to return to where they were, but with the fullback they have, could they be .500 this season?