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

Dover Area quarterback William Logan
How has everything with the football season been going so far?
“It started off rocky in the preseason, but things are working more in my favor now.”

Have you been pleased with how you have played this season?
“I’ve been pleased but never satisfied. always something to be fixed.”

How do you feel your team has played?
“We are playing better than expected but still not good enough. too much team potential that has yet to be found.”

What do you feel your team can improve on?
“Not giving up on a play/drive and not being a spectator on the field.”

What are the keys for your team being successful going forward?
“Controlling only what we can control to our fullest potential.”
......................................................................................................
Cedar Cliff quarterback Ethan Dorrell
How has everything with the football season been going so far?
“So far everything has been great. We’ve played in two great games. Practice has been good. Everyone is working hard.”

Have you been pleased with how you have played this season?
“I am pleased with how I’ve played. There are always things I can do better and improve on but so far I think I am doing well overall.”

How do you feel your team has played?
“We’ve played well. In two games we’ve fought hard and we’ve done what we need to do to win. Everyone has come together when we’ve gotten in tough situations and done their job which has led to success.”

What do you feel your team can improve on?
“I think we can improve our discipline. Sometimes we make mistakes that shouldn’t be made.”

What are the keys for your team being successful going forward?
“Our keys to success are being disciplined and executing plays on offense and defense as well as we can.”
......................................................................................................
Central Dauphin linebacker David Chase
Have you been pleased with how you have played this season?
“I have not been pleased with how I’ve played. I definitely have a couple of things i would like to clean up to improve my game.”

How do you feel your team has played?
“I feel as though as a team we have played well but there are always things to improve on.”

What do you feel your team can improve on?
“I feel as though my team needs to improve on finishing tackles. If we finish tackles teams would barely be able to get a first down.”

What are the keys for your team being successful going forward?
“Keys for my team being successful are great defense, great special teams, and ball security.”
......................................................................................................
Waynesburg Central athlete Nate Kirby
How has everything with the football season been going so far?
“The season has been going pretty well. We got back in the win column and are off to a decent start.”

Have you been pleased with how you have played this season?
“Overall I’d say yea, I’ve been able to make some good plays but I need to keep improving.”

How do you feel your team has played?
“In Week 0 we had some letdowns but we bounced back in week 1 with a pretty good performance.”

What do you feel your team can improve on?
“We need to be more consistent and keep improving.”

What are the keys for your team being successful going forward?
“We need to stay focused and play hard for 4 quarters and the success will come.”
......................................................................................................
Hazleton linebacker Raimon Abreu
How has everything with the football season been going so far?
“The season started off rocky; but I believe myself along with each member of my team will excel in the coming weeks.”

Have you been pleased with how you have played this season?
“As a player I never feel one hundred percent pleased; I’m always looking to improve and get better. Statistically, I’m very proud of what I have accomplished.”

How do you feel your team has played?
“I know every player from the top roster spot to the bottom roster spot plays with all their hearts. Everyone always has room for improvement, but I know that the players I call a family play every snap with everything they have.”

What do you feel your team can improve on?
“With a lot of young starters; many players have had little to no varsity experience: I feel a lot of us can improve on shaking off nervousness.”

What are the keys for your team being successful going forward?
“The keys for our team being successful is establishing stronger run blocking with my fellow offensive linemen, along with stopping the run with my defensive line members.”
......................................................................................................

Find out what colleges are recruiting William Logan, Ethan Dorrell, David Chase, Nate Kirby, and Raimon Abreu now!


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

Q&A with Dover Area quarterback William Logan​

Do you want to play sports in college? If so, which one?
“Yes, it’s between football and basketball. 65% football 35% basketball.”

What colleges have been recruiting you?
“Since I'm in the class of 2023, coaches just started getting back to me as of 5 days ago, but interstate d2&3 colleges have interest in me.”

Have you made any college trips yet?
“Not yet, but in the next 3 months I have at least 3 visits set up.”

Do you have plans for game day trips?
“1 is confirmed and 2 are in the making at the moment.”

Did you have a favorite college growing up?
“Ohio State, Maryland, and Oregon.”


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

Q&A with Cedar Cliff quarterback Ethan Dorrell​

Do you want to play sports in college? If so, which one?
“Yes, I’m not sure which sport I’d prefer between football and track and field but either one would be awesome.”

What colleges have been recruiting you?
“No colleges have been recruiting me.”

Have you made any college trips yet?
“I have not made any college trips yet but I plan to start soon.”

Do you have plans for game day trips?
“I don’t have plans for game day trips as of now but hopefully I will sometime this season.”

Did you have a favorite college growing up?
“Penn State.”


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

Q&A with Central Dauphin linebacker David Chase​

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

What colleges have been recruiting you?
N/A

What school is recruiting you the hardest?
N/A

Have you made any college trips yet?
N/A

Do you have plans for game day trips?
N/A


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

Q&A with Waynesburg Central athlete Nate Kirby​

Do you want to play sports in college? If so, which one?
“I’d like to either play football or wrestle in college, depending on which school is a good fit for me.”

What colleges have been recruiting you?
“It has been pretty open right now, I haven’t had a lot of discussions with schools yet.”

What school is recruiting you the hardest?
“No.”

Have you made any college trips yet?
“Yes, I’ve made unofficial visits to Case Western, Grove City, and Waynesburg.”

Do you have plans for game day trips?
“As of right now, no.”

Did you have a favorite college growing up?
“I was a Pitt fan when I was younger.”


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

Q&A with Hazleton linebacker Raimon Abreu​

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

What colleges have been recruiting you?
“Juniata College.”

What school is recruiting you the hardest?
“Juniata College.”

Have you made any college trips yet?
“Yes, to Juniata College.”

Do you have plans for game day trips?
“Currently, I don't have a specific date, but I am supposed to be working out a date with Juniata.”

Did you have a favorite college growing up?
“Penn State has always been one of my favorites.”


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

How has everything with the football season been going so far?
“The season started off rocky; but I believe myself along with each member of my team will excel in the coming weeks.”

Have you been pleased with how you have played this season?
“As a player I never feel one hundred percent pleased; I’m always looking to improve and get better. Statistically, I’m very proud of what I have accomplished.”

How do you feel your team has played?
“I know every player from the top roster spot to the bottom roster spot plays with all their hearts. Everyone always has room for improvement, but I know that the players I call a family play every snap with everything they have.”

What do you feel your team can improve on?
“With a lot of young starters; many players have had little to no varsity experience: I feel a lot of us can improve on shaking off nervousness.”

What are the keys for your team being successful going forward?
“The keys for our team being successful is establishing stronger run blocking with my fellow offensive linemen, along with stopping the run with my defensive line members.”

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

What colleges have been recruiting you?
“Juniata College.”

What school is recruiting you the hardest?
“Juniata College.”

Have you made any college trips yet?
“Yes, to Juniata College.”

Do you have plans for game day trips?
“Currently, I don't have a specific date, but I am supposed to be working out a date with Juniata.”

Did you have a favorite college growing up?
“Penn State has always been one of my favorites.”

How has everything with the football season been going so far?
“The season has been going pretty well. We got back in the win column and are off to a decent start.”

Have you been pleased with how you have played this season?
“Overall I’d say yea, I’ve been able to make some good plays but I need to keep improving.”

How do you feel your team has played?
“In Week 0 we had some letdowns but we bounced back in week 1 with a pretty good performance.”

What do you feel your team can improve on?
“We need to be more consistent and keep improving.”

What are the keys for your team being successful going forward?
“We need to stay focused and play hard for 4 quarters and the success will come.”

Do you want to play sports in college? If so, which one?
“I’d like to either play football or wrestle in college, depending on which school is a good fit for me.”

What colleges have been recruiting you?
“It has been pretty open right now, I haven’t had a lot of discussions with schools yet.”

What school is recruiting you the hardest?
“No.”

Have you made any college trips yet?
“Yes, I’ve made unofficial visits to Case Western, Grove City, and Waynesburg.”

Do you have plans for game day trips?
“As of right now, no.”

Did you have a favorite college growing up?
“I was a Pitt fan when I was younger.”

Have you been pleased with how you have played this season?
“I have not been pleased with how I’ve played. I definitely have a couple of things i would like to clean up to improve my game.”

How do you feel your team has played?
“I feel as though as a team we have played well but there are always things to improve on.”

What do you feel your team can improve on?
“I feel as though my team needs to improve on finishing tackles. If we finish tackles teams would barely be able to get a first down.”

What are the keys for your team being successful going forward?
“Keys for my team being successful are great defense, great special teams, and ball security.”

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

What colleges have been recruiting you?
N/A

What school is recruiting you the hardest?
N/A

Have you made any college trips yet?
N/A

Do you have plans for game day trips?
N/A

How has everything with the football season been going so far?
“So far everything has been great. We’ve played in two great games. Practice has been good. Everyone is working hard.”

Have you been pleased with how you have played this season?
“I am pleased with how I’ve played. There are always things I can do better and improve on but so far I think I am doing well overall.”

How do you feel your team has played?
“We’ve played well. In two games we’ve fought hard and we’ve done what we need to do to win. Everyone has come together when we’ve gotten in tough situations and done their job which has led to success.”

What do you feel your team can improve on?
“I think we can improve our discipline. Sometimes we make mistakes that shouldn’t be made.”

What are the keys for your team being successful going forward?
“Our keys to success are being disciplined and executing plays on offense and defense as well as we can.”

Do you want to play sports in college? If so, which one?
“Yes, I’m not sure which sport I’d prefer between football and track and field but either one would be awesome.”

What colleges have been recruiting you?
“No colleges have been recruiting me.”

Have you made any college trips yet?
“I have not made any college trips yet but I plan to start soon.”

Do you have plans for game day trips?
“I don’t have plans for game day trips as of now but hopefully I will sometime this season.”

Did you have a favorite college growing up?
“Penn State.”

How has everything with the football season been going so far?
“It started off rocky in the preseason, but things are working more in my favor now.”

Have you been pleased with how you have played this season?
“I’ve been pleased but never satisfied. always something to be fixed.”

How do you feel your team has played?
“We are playing better than expected but still not good enough. too much team potential that has yet to be found.”

What do you feel your team can improve on?
“Not giving up on a play/drive and not being a spectator on the field.”

What are the keys for your team being successful going forward?
“Controlling only what we can control to our fullest potential.”

Do you want to play sports in college? If so, which one?
“Yes, it’s between football and basketball. 65% football 35% basketball.”

What colleges have been recruiting you?
“Since I'm in the class of 2023, coaches just started getting back to me as of 5 days ago, but interstate d2&3 colleges have interest in me.”

Have you made any college trips yet?
“Not yet, but in the next 3 months I have at least 3 visits set up.”

Do you have plans for game day trips?
“1 is confirmed and 2 are in the making at the moment.”

Did you have a favorite college growing up?
“Ohio State, Maryland, and Oregon.”

Week #4 - what game(s) will you be attending this weekend?
MDW will be back at Crawford as the Knights welcome Upper Dublin.
Sunday - the Linc for Eagles Vs 49ers.

The Falcons finally generated some offense (and points) out of the flex-bone, scoring 4 TDs and an opening-drive FG. However, the defense couldn't stop Truman's O, especially dynamic WR #23, who repeatedly killed them with big plays. I'll watch the video tomorrow morning and add some stats to the thread.

Thanks to 16th & Georgetown for the score, he was there. That's a big win for the Explorers.

How about these two working around covid to bring us the game of the week in the state with powerhouse District-3 teams going at it. I give Cougars a punchers chance since they punch so well behind a big line and a developing passing game. Gov Mifflin has a few more weapons and a heck of a lot more depth with Harrisburg looking like a Single-A on sidelines per numbers. GM has at least three options with Delsin McNeil adding the pass dimension to the Mid Line, plus FB Trey Rock and the man, Nicholas Singleton. When QB Eden Johnson is in, they have another great runner. Pretty scary the way Mifflin blew out good York and Wilson teams. Monster crowd will be loud. Hopefully televised but Reading (Shillington) is not that far if tickets available.


By Brian Linder | blinder@pennlive.com
Calvin Everett has taken the stance that he and his Harrisburg Cougars will play anyone, anywhere as they work to schedule around COVID-19 cancellations.

And he has certainly lived up to that this week — booking what might be the top, high-school game in Pennsylvania.

“We’ve got a game Friday,” Everett told PennLive Wednesday. “Here’s a hint: ‘Who is the best running back in the country?’”


Everett said his Cougars (3-0), ranked ninth in 6A, are hitting the road to take on the top-ranked team in 5A, Governor Mifflin (3-0), and star tailback and Penn State commit, Nicholas Singleton, Friday at 7 p.m.

“The opportunity presented itself, and it’s a great opportunity for us,” Everett told PennLive. “We get to play against the number-one running back in the country … that’s just a great opportunity. I know they are a seasoned team, and, at the end of the day, we want the best.”

Mifflin is more than a seasoned team, though.

With Singleton, a Penn State commit, leading the way, they are legitimate title contenders. And, somehow, in two days, Everett will have to figure out how to stop the star runner — he is averaging 13.5 yards per carry — if the Cougars hope to stay undefeated.

“Obviously, getting ready for them in two days is extremely difficult,” he said. “We are behind the eight-ball. It doesn’t play to our advantage having to prepare for such a talent like that, but at the end of the day, our kids needed an opportunity to play a game.”

Harrisburg was left looking for an opponent when Central Dauphin, which has shut down due to COVID-19 issues, announced it had cancelled this week’s game. Governor Mifflin was slated to play Cedar Crest.

“We are very thankful for the opportunity,” Everett said. “Just a half hour ago, I had no clue that we would be playing. Now, we have someone to look forward to, to game-plan for, and to have an opportunity to go against a team and a player like this is exciting.”

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District-3 Top 20: (Week #4 Sep 17-18 games 2021)
All are 6A unless marked otherwise, last week’s rank in parenthesis

1 Governor Mifflin 5A 3-0 (1)
Governor Mifflin’s 509 total yards of offense swamped Cocalico 56-0, holding the overwhelmed Eagles to 102 total yards. Nicholas Singleton was the big gun rushing for 154 yards and 5 touchdowns with Chase Rapp (5-11, 160, soph) getting 98 yards on 2 carries, Eden Johnson contributing 64 and Trey Rock 50. Delsin McNeil added a new dimension to the attack however small as a passing threat completing 2 of 2 passes for 30 yards. Coach Lang is constantly adding new wrinkles and new talent, eg Rapp. They’re home this week playing Cedar Crest (2-1) who started strong before getting thumped at Carlisle last week 45-0. Note: Singleton became the all-time Berks County rush leader at 4778 yards.
2 Central York 3-0 (2)
The Panthers broke the game open early scoring on a 17 yard blocked punt return by Nigier DeWitt followed by a fumbled snap/short field for another score providing a 14-0 first quarter lead. 21 unanswered second half points sealed it as Central York defeated Hempfield 35-21. The Black Knights looked like one of the few remaining teams on the schedule who could beat them until York October 8th. Up next is struggling Red Lion (0-3!?) in the York-Adams, Division One opener.
3 Bishop McDevitt 4A 1-1 (3)
McDevitt cancelled their game with Harrisburg per covid concerns. If they’re back on the field they’re scheduled to play Palmyra (1-2) in the Mid Penn-Keystone Division opener. Palmyra just got their first win beating West York 24-12 with Richie Kowalski rushing for 244 yards!
4 Central Dauphin 1-1 (4)
The Rams highly anticipated game with Manheim Township was cancelled when school administrators announced the football team is temporarily shut down due to a number of positive covid cases on the team.
Update 9/15/21: CD’s season has been suspended indefinitely?
5 Manheim Central 5A 3-0 (5)
A 30-0 lead at the half buried Susquehanna Township who fell to 0-3 with Manheim Central rolling 60-0. Hanna is struggling, being outscored the first three games 156-20. Central is just the opposite, with an ever developing and balanced offense supported by a quick defense, outscoring their opponents 109-7. The Barons are back. Qb Judd Novak is a great leader and dual threat, completing 11 of 15 for 164 yards with a touchdown throw and rushing for 40 yards and two more scores. His favorite target, Owen Sensenig caught 6 passes for 74 yards, with 52 and 35-yard punt returns for scores. Jeff Heffernan is their lead rusher with 111. 90 and 58-yards vs Cumberland Valley, Hempfield and Hanna. One of the top games in the eastern half of the state is this week when they travel to Collegeville to play Perkiomen Valley (2-1), who just routed Downingtown West 55-20 after playing Coatesville tough, losing 35-27. It’s gonna be a good one!
6 Harrisburg 3-0 (6)
When McDevitt cancelled their game with Harrisburg because of covid concerns, and because Central Dauphin did the same, Manheim Township was also left without a game, allowing them and Harrisburg to play each other Saturday. It didn’t disappoint. Township had the home field and crowd while Harrisburg had the stifling defense and weapons for a road win; defense, an emerging quarterback and a fullback. They were deadlocked the end of regulation 14-14. These are two really good teams with talent throughout their lineups. Township has wide out Anthony Ivey, who is impossible to cover, getting scores of 12 and 8 yards, and a developing quarterback in Hayden Johnson. Harrisburg has that defense and a fullback who no one has stopped in Mahki Hopkins (6-1, 240, jr). Township also has Matt O’Gorman who stepped up in overtime to boom a field goal from 40 yards out. Impressive. Just as impressive was Harrisburg going on one of their (more recent) patented drives, feeding fullback Mahki Hopkins four straight times for the winning score. He was the story for the Cougars rushing for 144 yards and two scores on 22 carries, plus the defense that held MT to 31 yards rushing. More quietly, freshman quarterback Shawn Lee completed 19 of 31 passes for 204 yards. The scared kid throwing pop ups in the first quarter against Pine Richland has grown up. Almost forgot speedster Justin Cook scorching the Streaks with a first quarter 91-yard kickoff return. They move on to another challenge Friday in the Mid Penn-Commonwealth opener at Central Dauphin.
Update 9/15/21: CD’s season has been suspended indefinitely leaving Harrisburg without an opponent. I’ll post on the board is Harrisburg finds an opponent.
7 Exeter Township 5A 2-1 (7)
Exeter and Wilson played each other last week with the winner coming away with a 42-14 win. Pretty convincing stuff. Most of the state thought the winner had to be Wilson, especially seeing them take a 14-0 first quarter lead. And that made sense unless you knew something about Exeter. With the final scoreboard showing Exeter winning 42-14, you also knew Exeter scored 42 unanswered points. That is some kind of domination that showed up not only on the scoreboard but on the stat sheet with Exeter accumulating 408 total yards of offense to 147 for Wilson. The Eagle ground game chewed up the Bulldogs to the tune of 274 yards to 100. I mentioned running back Eric Nangle in the 5A reports as being a solid back. He was a force in this one, rushing for 210 yards with 3 touchdowns. Qb Colin Payne completed 11 of 16 for 134 yards, five going to Joey Schlaffer for 80 and 2 yard touchdowns.
The enforcers on defense were LBs J.R. Strauss (6-3, 215) and Ty Yocum (6-0, 220), OLB Richie Karstien (6-1, 225), DT Kyle Lash (6-3, 215), OLB Lucas Palange (6-1, 210) and SS Kellen Boyer (6-4, 215) with 9, 7, 8, 7, 6, and 6 tackles respectively. Exeter now plays another LL-1 team at Hempfield (1-2) who along with Manheim Township are two of the best 2-loss teams in the district, perhaps beyond.
8 York (William Penn) 2-1 (12)
York rose in the rankings on the strength of a road win in District-1 where they stunned powerful Coatesville (2-1) 44-39. Typically, an out of district game has little impact. But a Coatesville win upgrades anyone’s resume. This one was back and forth with multiple lead changes, big plays, turnovers and red zone stops making it a near classic. Maybe it was. York went right down the field, scoring on a 93-yard drive for an 8-0 lead. Nothing like sticking it in their face going for 2 on your first possession! Then it exploded with Coatesville countering immediately as quarterback Harrison Susi got loose for a 68-yard touchdown sprint on their first play. York hung on to a 24-19 half time lead that Coatesville erased by the end of the third quarter taking a 26-24 lead. That was the quiet quarter with one score before the Bearcats got hot again outscoring the Red Raiders 20-13 in the fourth quarter for the win. Qb Sam Stoner was on the mark, completing 22 of 35 passes for 310 yards and 4 touchdowns, all to Quez Simmons. Ja’Nas Simms caught 8 for 178 yards while one of the best running backs in the state, Jaheim White (5-9, 190), ran for 238 yards on 26 carries and 2 scores. Why don’t we hear more about this guy? He rushed for 1332 yards last year in 8 games! Dover (1-2) is next where they will name the score.
9 Central Dauphin East 2-1 (13)
Junior quarterback Terrence Jackson-Copney was cool under fire, stepped in for the injured Tony Powell with a strong performance rushing for 136 yards, one for a 51-yard score, while completing 12 of 21 passes for 94 yards. Unheralded running back Marcel McDaniels rushed for 122 on 24 carries and 3 receptions for 8 yards, while Mehki Flowers pulling down 6 for 64 yards. The defense clamped down on Cedar Cliff (2-1), holding them to 156 total yards in a 20-7 win. Don’t look now but the East High Panthers have rejoined the ranks of strong Mid Penn-Commonwealth teams with impressive wins against Warwick and now Cedar Cliff. And with Carlisle, Altoona and Harrisburg all 3-0, CD, East High, State High and Chambersburg at 2-1, all that’s left is for Cumberland Valley (1-2) to continue improving as shown in the narrow loss to Central York 21-3 two weeks ago (late Tds by CY) and last week’s 23-19 win over Spring Ford for the Commonwealth to be firing on all cylinders. Altoona is next coming to Landis Field before the grind of State High, Cumberland Valley and Harrisburg.
10 Steelton Highspire 1A 3-0 (11)
Steel High erupted for 42 second quarter points on the way to a 68-7 rout of Newport (1-2, 2A). The Buffaloes were held to 38 total yards of offense, 22 rushing 16 passing, while the Steamrollers churned out 522 yards, mostly in the first half. Sophomore quarterback Alex Erby completed 12 of 14 passes for 330 yards (27.5 yds per catch) with wide out Tyrone Moore catching 5 for 236 yards. Daivin Pryor rushed for 122 on 5 carries. A look at their schedule doesn’t show a team appearing capable of beating them, even competing with them. Middletown is a shell of last year’s group, especially with quarterback Tony Powell transferring to CD East plus the stress and strain of a new coach and staff. Conference member Boiling Springs (3-0, 3A) who they play at the end of the year has some veteran pieces that have impressed, outscoring opponents 162-16. It looks like they too will go undefeated setting up a showdown of 9-0 teams October 30th. 4A Juniata (2-1, Dist-6) is next in Steelton coming off a 25-14 loss to West Perry. They were leading 14-0 in the first quarter when 3-year starter and senior Qb Jacob Condo went down with a non-throwing arm injury. His status is unknown.
11 Manheim Township 1-2 (6)
Central Dauphin cancelled their game with Manheim Township per covid concerns allowing Township to play Harrisburg Saturday since McDevitt also bailed on their game with the Cougars per covid concerns. See Harrisburg above. Some notes on Township: Qb Hayden Johnson had a game of mixed reviews completing 21 of 31 passes for 190 yards but throwing 2 interceptions with the 3 touchdowns. Anthony Ivey (PSU commit) had two touchdowns on 12 and 8 yard passes from Johnson and Matt O’Gorman booted a 40-yard field goal in overtime (no pressure there!) that did not hold up with Harrisburg scoring on their possession. Heads up District-1 fans with Township coming this way Friday at 7PM to play Spring Ford. After easy 44-0 and 48-0 wins against West Chester East and Chambersburg, they may have taken 0-2 Cumberland Valley lightly, losing 24-19. CV is always CV, well coached and hard-nosed, well prepped for the Rams having played a top 5A state power in Manheim Central and 6A in Central York. The Rams will be difficult at home coming off a loss and who knows what’s left in Township’s tanks following two 3 points losses.
12 Warwick 5A 2-1 (14)
Although Warwick (Lititz) and Ephrata are neighbors that play each other every year, the speed and skill of the Warrior attack must have come as a surprise to Ephrata after playing Muhlenberg (0-3) and Palmyra (0-2) their first two games. Warwick powered out 425 total yards, 200 on the ground, led by Christian Royer’s 128 yards. He scored on runs of 1, 7 and 3 yards with Colin Winter’s running in two from 6 and 4 yards, finishing with 30 yards. Jack Reed led the air assault completed 14 of 28 for 225 yards with Cooper Eckert catching 6 for 95 yards and Ryan Fink 5 for 110 yards. Ephrata played a lot of underclassman and look like next year is their year. The one that always stands out is junior Andre Weidman who ran for 196 yards on 21 carries. Penn Manor (2-1) is next as Warwick settles in for two homers (Penn Manor and Hempfield) before the Section-2 match at Manheim Central, another neighborhood rivalry game, 8 miles away.
13 Berks Catholic 4A 2-1 (11)
Reading’s Berks Catholic paid a visit to Delco last week running up a 39-14 third quarter lead at Chichester then coasting to a 39-29 win. Christian Cacchione did the most damage rushing for 156 yards with 3 touchdowns. Josiah Jordan had a 56-yard pick-6 and quarterback Mitchel Gatz who gets few opportunities to sling it completed 3 of 5 passes for 36 yards. Chi was held to 11 rush yards and 8 first downs while the Saints pounded out 234. Another District-1 teams visits this week in Pope John Paul II (2-1). They are the result of a merger of Kennedy Kenrick and St. Pius X, and are one of the hottest teams from the PAC, going 28-10 the last 4 years. Other egs from same period show Spring Ford at 28-12, Perk Val 31-11, Owen J Roberts 25-14 and Pottsgrove at 30-12. PJP-II lost a tough one last week to Springside-Chestnut Hill Academy (2-1, Inter-Ac) 32-27 and come in with weapons, primarily quarterback DJ Clark and the versatile Josh Little who had 68 yards rushing and 77 in receptions vs S-CHA.
14 Wyomissing 3A 3-0 (16)
Up 21-7 at the half despite playing a sloppy game, Wyomissing had no trouble with disappointing Boyertown, winning 35-7, holding them to 142 total yards of offense. Wyo is going through a substantial rebuild while Boyertown (1-2) returns many, especially their skill. But, they are young, starting many that were freshman and sophomores last year. Qb Ryder Gehris is a sophomore with most of the skill and O-Line returning. Thought they’d get real impetus from last year’s season ending 20-9 win against perennial power and rival Pottsgrove. Then again, their losses are to Exeter and Wyo! Hamburg is up next. Unfortunately, they’re 3-0. Nothing could get Wyomissing’s attention more than a perceived threat coming to Spartan Stadium and Field in the form of undefeated Hamburg, especially in the conference opener. Scoring 115 points and allowed 26, they need to take them seriously!
15 Wilson 1-2 (7)
For the second week in a row, Wilson was manhandled, losing to Governor Mifflin and Exeter by identical 42-14 scores. They were out-yardaged 408 to 147. All considered, Jadyn Jones had a strong game, rushing 16 times for 68 yards. Gannon Brubaker, in for the injured Hayden Johnson, completed 5 of 16 passes for 47 yards. There is not much breathing room on an LL schedule but they get a non-league game this week where they could regroup against Martin Luther King (0-1) from the Philadelphia Public league. They come in off their first game of the year, a loss to Chester (3-0) 18-6. Following MLK is a major test against Manheim Central (3-0) before getting into to LL-1 action.
16 Cedar Cliff 5A 2-1 (19)
The Cedar Cliff Colts kept it close on the scoreboard, down 13-7 at the half at Central Dauphin East, but were overwhelmed statistically, losing 362 to 156 in total yards and 20-7 on the scoreboard. They had no answer for quarterback Terrence Jackson-Copney who accounted for 230 total yards, 94 passing, 136 rushing. CC’s porous defense allowed 268 rush yards while quarterback Ethan Dorrell felt pressure the entire game, completing 8 of 19 passes for 66 yards. Trenton Smith had 3 receptions for 29 yards after having 9 for 132 yards the week before. They move on to play their sister school Red Land (0-3) who is coming off losses to mid-level teams Northern (2-1, 4A) 42-28 of the Mid Penn-Colonial, Northeastern (1-2, 5A) from the York Adams-1 and Mechanicsburg (2-1, 5A), also from the MP-Colonial. With Red Land, Lower Dauphin and Hershey up next, the Colts should roll with division wins before playing McDevitt at Rocco Ortenzio Stadium across the river in a game that will decide the Mid Penn-Keystone.
17 Hempfield 1-2 (15)
Once again the Black Knights came up short, losing competitively to undefeated Central York 35-21. Turnovers killed them with a blocked punt leading to a touchdown and a fumbled snap leading to another score. All totaled, 4 drive altering fumbles hit the ground, 2 recovered by Central York. And the inability to establish a ground game hurt, gaining but 110 yards. Cam Harbaugh was effective enough, completing 8 of 14 for 128 yards with Td tosses of 7 and 43 yards. And the D sealed up Penn State commit Beau Pribula well enough, holding him to 7 of 11 for 52 yards with touchdown throws of 9 and 27 yards, and a 7 yard scoring run. A highlight was Grant Hoover returning a kickoff 90 yards in the fourth quarter. As if Manheim Central (3-0) and Central York (3-0) weren’t big enough challenges, undefeated Exeter is next. But it is home where they’ll try to even the score from last year’s 41-34 overtime loss to Exeter before traveling to Warwick.
18 Carlisle 3-0 (HM)
It looks like the Thundering Herd (what a great name) are back. If not back, they are definitely thundering, winning the season opening road game at rival Mechanicsburg 27-14 before crushing Hershey 49-0 and Cedar Crest 45-0. The CC Falcons were totally shut down, held to 8 first downs and 145 total yards, 42 rushing. Carlisle came out looking for some, scoring 21 first quarter points aided by a defense that forced 5 turnovers, 4 of which were fumbles they recovered. Qb Louis Shank has been the man, completing 11 of 20 for 152 yards. Multiple backs got carries with Ezeekai Thomas out, gaining 264 on the ground; 70 for JC Smith, 68 for JaQueece Morrell. It was a dominating performance. That’s it for the preseason with super rival Cumberland Valley (1-2) up next in the Mid Penn-Commonwealth opener. The Herd left some points on the field last year in a 20-14 loss at CV that prevented a 4-2 campaign. Forget last year as they better buckle up for this battle hardened group that played Manheim Central (3-0), losing 35-7 and Central York (3-0), a 20-3 loss before turning the tables on Spring Ford (2-1) last week 23-19.
19 Dallastown 6A 2-1 (20)
Dallastown kept it going last week with a 20-13 road win at Hershey. Two weeks ago against Manheim Township, they were rotating quarterbacks Dylan Lease and Owen Stouse. Not last week where Lease got the nod, completing 12 of 17 for 146 yards with a 50-yard touchdown strike while rushing for 68 yards and two more scores. Nice having a dual threat under center. Coleton Mahorney and Caleb Fox are the backs with Mahorney getting the yeoman’s work, rushing 22 times for 122 yards. Kenny Johnson, the York Suburban transfer of such promise, caught 5 passes for 82 yards, one a 50-yard Td from Lease. That’s his forte, getting open for the big one. The York Adams-1 opener is next, playing another surprise in undefeated South Western (3-0) of Hanover. The difference is the Mustangs haven’t been tested the way Dtown has (Hempfield and Township), although their 14-7 road win at New Oxford (2-1) was impressive. It’s still a talented bunch so look for a high scoring free-for-all with the edge going to Dallastown, the home team.
20 Conrad Weiser 4A 2-1 (18)
Conrad Weiser passed a test last week beating ELCO (1-1) who came to play, coming back from a 28-18 halftime deficit but falling short, losing 35-32. Both cranked out a lot of yardage with Weiser up 444 to 339 in total yards. ELCO’s veer was almost unstoppable, netting 313 yards on 52 attempts. But it paled against Weiser’s dual threat senior quarterback Logan Klitsch who completed 15 of 21 passes for 245 yards and a touchdown while rushing for 124 yards with three more scores. Not a bad day, getting 369 total yards of offense all rolled up in one player. Aanjay Feliciano caught 9 passes for 196 yards and a 3-yard touchdown reception with Cole Rothermel rushing for 86 yards. Klitsch, Feliciano and Rothermel are a tough threesome to keep up with. Now it’s on to the Berks Inter-County-Section 2 games with Fleetwood (2-1) coming in. They have some players in dual threat Qb Tanner Maddock (Villanova commit!) and Rb Gavin Morris, a real hard tackle at 5-9, 195. Can’t let up even a little bit against this bunch.

Honorable Mention
All are 6A unless marked otherwise, last week’s rank in parenthesis
Mid Penn
East Pennsboro 4A 2-1 (HM) home to Greencastle Antrim 4A 2-1
EP has some holes but not at running back where Sy Burgos has 452 yards in two games (missed wk #2). Beat Milton Hershey last week 30-26 where Dion Bryant got 368 yards rushing. How is MH 1-2? GA beat Delone Catholic 34-13 as the Squires struggle with depth playing the bigger schools.
Shippensburg 5A 3-0 (HM) at Susquehanna Twp 3A 0-3
Ship is a nice surprise with serious grad losses but they’re outscoring opponents 88-34 while Hanna has fallen off the radar, outscored 156-20.
Boiling Springs 3A 3-0 HM) idle
Boiling Springs is looking for a game this weekend with Line Mountain cancelling. Because they’ve rolled everyone including Littlestown 69-8, Bermudian Springs 35-0 and James Buchanan 58-8, that might be difficult.
Cumberland Valley 1-2 (NR) at Carlisle 3-0
CV is getting it together losing to Central York on late 4th quarter scores then surprising Spring Ford 23-19 last week. See Carlisle above.

Lancaster-Lebanon
ELCO 4A 1-1 (19) home to Ephrata 5A 2-1
Luke Williams got 177 rushing and 2 Tds in a 35-32 loss to Weiser while Ephrata lost to Warwick 42-14. Andre Weidman is legit for Ephrata rushing for 499 yards so far to lead the Lancaster Lebanon League in rushing.
Octorara 4A 3-0 (HM) at Phoenixville 5A 0-2, D1
Phoenixville played a rugged schedule of Bishop Shanahan (3-0) and Upper Moreland (3-0), losing to Shanahan 34-6 before showing real improvement at Upper Moreland, losing 21-19. Shanahan has a lot of bodies back and Moreland has a dual threat Qb and their top back. Octorara’s is far easier with easy wins against York Tech (0-3) 48-0 and Pottstown (0-3) 55-13. Upset special? The Purple Gang will show up!
Cocalico 4A 1-2 (18) at Garden Spot 4A 0-3
Cocalico lost their last two (Cedar Cliff, Mifflin) but doubt G-Spot can handle Anthony Bourassa who at 398 rush yards this season (8.1ypc), is hard to bring down.
Lampeter Strasburg 4A 2-1 (NR) home to Solanco 5A 2-1
A lot of new parts on the team that looks recovered from 45-22 season opening loss to Warwick with consecutive shutouts of Penn Manor 31-0 and Conestoga Valley 19-0. Solanco’s Golden Mules will run over you with a stable full of backs running the ball 92% of the time, coming off a 42-0 win against Muhlenberg.

York-Adams
New Oxford 5A 2-1 (HM) at Susquehannock 4A 2-1
Let’s see how Ox responds coming off a tough 14-7 home loss to South Western against Susquehannock who lost 31-14 at Bermudian Springs. Susquehannock is undefeated at home so far.
South Western 5A 3-0 (HM) at Dallastown 2-1
This will be one of the top games in York County with two legit contenders for good seeds in the postseason. See Dallastown above at #19.
Spring Grove 5A 3-0 (HM) home to Northeastern 5A 1-2
The Rockets are looking like they mean it at 3-0 with road wins against new opponents. Not always easy, especially Waynesboro and Northern where they pack em in. Still, they trounced Northern last week 39-7 while Northeastern lost at Penn Manor 21-9.
Kennard Dale 4A 2-1 (NR) at Muhlenberg 5A 0-3
Rams are powering over people beating Solanco 33-15 and Biglerville last week 65-7 after getting nipped by Octorara in the openers 18-16. Muhlenberg is next and they’re hurtin, getting outscored 121-27. Tough times for the Muhlies.

Berks Inter County
Fleetwood 5A 2-1 (NR) at Conrad Weiser 4A 2-1
Fleetwood may be underrated with a Qb committed to Villanova (as Qb not Db) and the offense rolling. Tanner Maddocks resembles Logan Klitsch of Conrad Weiser as an effective dual threat, passing for 441 yards (59%) and rushing for 280. This should be one of the most exciting games in Berks County and a key game as the Berks Section-1 opener.
Hamburg 3A 3-0 (NR) at Wyomissing 3A 3-0
Big wake up call for undefeated Hamburg especially with Wyo coming off a sloppy (per coach) win vs Boyertown.


Dropped out
Ephrata 5A 2-1 lost at home to Warwick 42-14
Cedar Crest 2-1 lost at Carlisle 45-0

It was a rough week for the top 30 teams in last week’s HSSN state football rankings.

Eight of them tasted defeat in Week 2.

The strange part is, only five of those eight teams fell out of the state top five.

Coatesville in Class 6A, Penn-Trafford in 5A and Clairton in A all lost their place among the elite in the state after their losses.

However, St. Joe’s Prep, Imhotep Charter, Aliquippa, Monsignor Bonner/Archbishop Prendergast and Wilmington all lost but maintained their spot in the HSSN state weekly rankings.

Southern Columbia has now won its first three games of the season. The Tigers have won 63 straight games, the second-longest streak in PIAA football history. They are three wins away from tying the record of 66, held by Clairton from 2009-2013.

Here is the latest HSSN PIAA top five in each of the six classifications. Teams are listed with overall record, last week’s ranking and district.

Class 6A

1. St. Joseph’s Prep (1-1) (1) (D-12): The defending state champion Hawks lost to Milton (Ga) in Week 2, 28-21. They host Gonzaga (DC) on Friday.

2. Central York (3-0) (2) (D-3): The Panthers defeated Landisville Hempfield in Week 2, 35-21. They visit Red Lion on Friday.

3. McDowell (2-0) (3) (D-10): The Trojans games against General McLane was postponed in Week 2. They host Butler on Saturday on HSSN.

4. Archbishop Wood (3-0) (NR) (D-12): The Vikings defeated Cheltenham in Week 2, 46-0. They visit Malvern Prep on Saturday.

5. Harrisburg (3-0) (5) (D-3): The Cougars defeated Manheim Township in Week 2, 20-17 in overtime. They visit Central Dauphin on Friday.

Out: Coatesville (D-1)

Class 5A

1. Cathedral Prep (2-0) (2) (D-10): The Ramblers defeated Warren in Week 2, 55-6. They visit Solon (Oh) on Friday.

2. Imhotep Charter (2-1) (1) (D-12): The Panthers lost to LaSalle College in Week 2, 13-8. They host Simon Gratz on Saturday.

3. Governor Mifflin (3-0) (3) (D-3): The Mustangs defeated Cocalico in Week 2, 56-0. They host Dedar Crest on Friday.

4. Upper Dublin (3-0) (4) (D-1): The Cardinals defeated Bensalem in Week 2, 23-12. They visit North Penn on Friday.

5. Whitehall (3-0) (NR) (D-11): The Zephyrs defeated Bethlehem Liberty in Week 2, 30-6. They visit Emmaus on Friday.

Out: Penn-Trafford (D-7)

Class 4A

1. Thomas Jefferson (2-0) (1) (D-7): The defending state champion Jaguars defeated South Fayette in Week 2, 27-0. They host Trinity on Friday.

2. Jersey Shore (3-0) (2) (D-4): The Bulldogs defeated Montoursville in Week 2, 27-20 in overtime. They visit Lewisburg on Saturday.

3. Belle Vernon (2-0) (5) (D-7): The Leopards defeated 5A No. 5 Penn-Trafford in Week 2, 27-7. They visit West Mifflin on Friday.

4. Aliquippa (1-1) (3) (D-7): The Quips lost to 3A No. 1 Central Valley in Week 2, 21-12. They visit Ambridge on Friday.

5. Monsignor Bonner/Archbishop Prendergast (2-1) (4) (D-12): The Friars lost to Delaware Military Academy (De) Week 2, 42-14. They host Conwell-Egan on Friday.

Out: None

Class 3A

1. Central Valley (3-0) (1) (D-7): The defending state champion Warriors defeated 4A No. 3 Aliquippa in Week 2, 21-12. They visit Blackhawk on Friday.

2. Wyomissing (3-0) (2) (D-3): The Spartans defeated Boyertown in Week 2, 35-7. They host Hamburg on Saturday.

3. Danville (3-0) (3) (D-4): The Ironmen defeated Lewisburg in Week 2, 51-7. They visit Loyalsock Township on Friday.

4. Neumann-Goretti (1-1) (4) (D-12): The Saints did not play in Week 2. They host Archbishop Ryan on Thursday.

5. Bedford (3-0) (5) (D-5): The Bisons defeated Chestnut Ridge in Week 2, 34-16. They host 2A No. 5 Richland on Friday.

Out: None

Class 2A

1. Southern Columbia (3-0) (1) (D-4): The defending state champion Tigers defeated Loyalsock Township in Week 2, 51-15. They visit Wyoming Area on Friday.

2. Sto-Rox (3-0) (3) (D-7): The Vikings defeated McGuffey in Week 2, 36-0. They host Avonworth on Friday on HSSN.

3. Farrell (3-0) (4) (D-7): The Steelers defeated Lakeview in Week 2, 58-6. They host Reynolds on Friday.

4. Wilmington (1-1) (2) (D-10): The Greyhounds lost to Liberty-Benton (Oh) in Week 2, 35-14. They visit Greenville on Saturday on HSSN.

5. Richland (3-0) (5) (D-6): The Rams defeated Class A No. 2 Bishop Guilfoyle in Week 2, 28-3. They visit 3A No. 5 Bedford on Friday.

Out: None

Class A

1. Steelton-Highspire (3-0) (1) (D-3): The defending state champion Steamrollers defeated Newport in Week 2, 68-7. They host Juniata on Saturday.

2. Canton (3-0) (2) (D-4): The Warriors defeated South Williamsport in Week 2, 21-7. They host Wyalusing Valley on Friday.

3. Rochester (2-0) (3) (D-7): The Rams defeated Mohawk in Week 2, 34-3. They visit Union on Friday on HSSN.

4. Old Forge (3-0) (5) (D-2): The Blue Devils defeated Carbondale in Week 2, 41-10. They visit Northwest Area on Friday.

5. Tri-Valley (3-0) (NR) (D-11): The Bulldogs defeated Pine Grove in Week 2, 34-0. They host Schuylkill Haven on Friday.

Out: Clairton (D-7)

Pennsylvania high school football COVID cancellations, postponements, rescheduled games​

Published: 5:00 a.m.



23
Top high school football photos from week 2
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By Dan Sostek | dsostek@pennlive.com
While many hoped COVID-19 wouldn’t impact the 2021 football season like it did a year ago, that now appears to be wishful thinking.

• Sign up for PennLive’s new high school sports newsletter here

The third week of regular season football has seen a handful of cancellations across the state, including a couple thwarting some big Mid-Penn matchups.

3739 new COVID cases were recorded in the state on September 8.


Here’s a comprehensive list of what has been called off.


Bishop McDevitt vs. Harrisburg (Bishop McDevitt COVID concerns, Harrisburg will now travel to Manheim Township)


Manheim Township vs. Central Dauphin (Central Dauphin positive COVID case, Manheim Township rescheduled to host Harrisburg)


St. James vs. Fairfield (Fairfield positive COVID case)


Conemaugh Valley vs. North Star (North Star will now host Hughesville)


Hughesville vs. Wellsboro (Hughesville rescheduled to play North Star)


Tussey Mountain vs. Mount Union (Mount Union will now face Berlin)


Northern Lehigh vs. Tamaqua Area (Game moved from Friday to Monday)


Northwestern vs. Cambridge Springs


Bangor vs. Blue Mountain


Beaver Falls vs. OLSH


East Stroudsburg North vs. Pocono Mountain East

In the summer of 1958, La Salle head coach John “Tex” Flannery, age 36, was a disciple of the offense of Colonel “Red’ Blaik, Army’s head coach, and Tex ventured up to West Point to learn something new.

The “something new” was the Lonesome End, where the split end lined up just one yard from the sideline, sometimes not to be seen, but mainly to take a defensive back out of a play to the inside.

In the fourth quarter, La Salle, trailing by one, drove to the Panther 12, and faced a third down and 7, within field goal range. They lined up in a “trips left” formation, and wide receiver Ryan Moore, also the wildcat quarterback, was wide to the right on his own. Though he wasn’t way out as a lonesome end, he wasn’t within 20 yards of a defender when the ball was snapped; maybe he had a garlic and onion wrap for lunch. QB Alan Paturzo spotted Moore waving frantically, and the 12-yard TD pass put La Salle ahead to stay in a 13-8 victory over a tough Imhotep team. Here’s how the game went down:

La Salle won the toss, and deferred to the second half, trusting their defense to keep the Panthers from scoring. Santi Stula’s booming kickoff found the end zone. QB Mikal Davis came out throwing, but he had to scramble for 3 yards on right side, with stop by Daniel Ford. Davis threw to Amir Valentine on the left side, but CB Amir Anderson jumped the route and the pass fell incomplete. On third and 7 at the 23, Davis was sacked for an 8-yard loss by the rampaging duo of linebackers Abdul Carter and Chris Thompson, who would have great games. Will Robinson tried to punt, but the kick was shanked. However, La Salle was called for a running into the kicker, and Robinson got to punt again, but it came off his foot like one of my pitching wedge shots, out of bounds at the Imhotep 30, with 10:02 left in the initial stanza.

La Salle came out with a seven-man front, eliminating the ends and trying to run the ball down the throat of the Panthers. Sam Brown went up the middle with some power for 8 yards. Brown gained two yards and a first down at the 20 with another middle run. Stevie Davis came in and gained a yard up left tackle. La Salle went for it all as Alan Paturzo threw an alley-oop to the left corner of the end zone to Brown, but the pass was intercepted by a leaping Rashaan Wright, and the great field position went for naught.

Again at their own 20, Imhotep this time ran the ball, as Corey Wright-Downing went off left tackle and found a lot of open space to the Panther 47. Tre McLeod went up the middle for 4 yards, with stops by Thompson and Sean McFadden. La Salle then jumped on a hard count, bringing up a second and one. McLeod went up the middle for three yards and a first down on the La Salle 41, as Matt Wills and Thompson combined on the tackle. McLeod was stopped for no gain off left tackle by Ford. Davis ran an option keeper up the middle for 4 yards, knocked down by Carter. On third and 6 at the La Salle 37, on play action, Davis was blasted down for a 5-yard loss on a blitz by Carter. Davis’s punt rolled out of bounds at the Explorer 5, with 4:19 left in the first period.

Paturzo, on possibly a busted play, kept the ball for a 2-yard loss. Brown went off right tackle for 2, setting up a third and 10 at the 5. Ryan Moore came in at wildcat, and zig-zagged for a first down at the 15. Brown went off left tackle and cut back for 6 yards. On play action, Paturzo found EJ Wentz on a slant-in for a first down at the La Salle 40, and the Explorers were moving. Brown stepped left, then went right for just a yard. Off of a fake jet sweep, Paturzo threw wide left to Moore, who dropped the ball, and just as well because Imhotep was right on him. On third and 9 at the 41, Paturzo tossed to Brown in the left flat for a 9-yard gain and a first down at midfield. Brown gained two up the middle. The wildcat Moore ran an option up the middle for 6 yards as the scoreless first quarter ended. Brown ran off right tackle, and cut up for 6 yards and a first down at the Panther 36. Brown was hit immediately for a three-yard loss on the left side. Paturzo found Wentz in the left flat for 6 yards. On third and seven at the Panther 33, under a rush, Paturzo calmly threw a post pattern to Brown crossing from the left, and Brown scored from 33 yards out, finishing off a 95-yard, 16-play drive. Sturla’s extra point was true, and La Salle had a 7-0 lead, with 10:03 left in the half.

Sturla found the end zone again on the kickoff. Robinson hit the middle for 3 yards, with Thompson taking him down. Robinson went off right tackle, and broke a tackle before being brought down by DB Mekhi Johnson at the 33 for a first down. Robinson was brought down roughly by Carter up the middle for no gain. Davis bootlegged to the left, and tossed a pass downfield that was broken up by the ubiquitous Thompson. On third and 10 at the Panther 33, Davis’s pass fell harmlessly incomplete, as Carter and McFadden hit him during the throw. Talik Burton punted, and the ball was either shanked, deflected, or both, and the ball rolled dead on the La Salle 38, with 7:46 left in the half.

Brown swept the left side for 8 yards, but La Salle was flagged for one of their several holding penalties. Paturzo faked a jet sweep, and threw out to Moore, and the pass again was incomplete, and happily so, as the ‘Tep was all over this play. Paturzo was sacked for a 2-yard loss, as no one was open. On third and 23 at the La Salle 49, a screen to the right to Wentz gained about 10 yards, but the Explorers held again, setting up a lovely third and 38 at the La Salle 34. Paturzo threw an arcing medium-range pass to Ryan Sorge, who bobbled the ball up high, and Imhotep’s Maurice Beverly intercepted the ball at the Panther 47, with 5:54 left in the half.

Good field position benefited the ‘Tep here. McLeod gained a yard, with tackle by Thompson. McLeod swept the right side, but Darold Dengohe and Sam Ross belted him down for no gain. On third and 9 at the Panther 48, Davis threw deep to Wright-Downing, and the pass was broken up, but La Salle was tagged for a ticky-tack pass interference, and Imhotep had a first down at the La Salle 37. Jabree Wallace-Coleman broke through a hole at right tackle for 14 yards, but now Imhotep was called for holding. ‘Tep called time out, with 3:10 remaining in the half. Wallace-Coleman found a hole up the middle for 11 yards, with stops by McFadden and Brennen Miller. Wallace-Coleman gained two up the middle for a first down, as Carter made another tackle. McLeod powered up the middle through a big hole to the La Salle 3, with Carter and Del Jackson on the TD-saving tackle. McLeod blasted up right guard for a 3-yard touchdown. Imhotep would go for two, and McLeod continued his surge through the La Salle line with a 2-point play, and Imhotep led La Salle, 8-7, with 1:57 left in the tense first half.

The kickoff went to the 13, and Stevie Davis ran it out to the 31, and he was blasted out of bounds with Imhotep garnering a roughness penalty. On their own 46, La Salle’s Wentz got no gain up the middle. Paturzo kept the ball on the right side, but was stopped for a 4-yard loss, as Imhotep called a time out with 54 seconds left, and a third and 14 at the La Salle 42. Paturzo found Brown across the middle on a drag pattern, but the ball was dropped. Sturla’s punt to the 13 was returned by Wright-Downing to about the 39, but Imhotep was flagged for a block in the back, and would start at their own 20, with 42 seconds left.

Robinson found an opening up the middle for 13 yards, with Miller on the stop, and Imhotep hurried off another play, with Robinson finding a hole on the right side for 9 yards before Carter brought him down fiercely. Imhotep called time out, with 21 seconds left. Robinson scrambled up the middle to the La Salle 47, and Imhotep spiked the ball. Robinson scrambled for no gain, with tackle by soph Kieran Campbell. A procedure call while the clock ran to zero caused some consternation with the officials, but the half was over, and the Panthers were clinging to an 8-7 lead.

La Salle’s offense was bitten by two interceptions on seemingly good throws by Alan Paturzo, but they seemed able to move the ball. The Blue and Gold defense were tested by the powerful Imhotep offense, but they kept the Panther running game from breaking any big play, and they stormed the quarterback in passing situations. One concern was that the Panthers seemed to have found a spot on the line to attack with their rushing game.

Keon Wylie kicked off for ‘Tep to start the second half, and McFadden returned the ball from the 18 to about the 25. Moore started the second half in the wildcat position, but La Salle was flagged for procedure before getting a play off. Moore bootlegged right, and lost two yards. Paturzo got back in the saddle, and threw a bubble screen to Moore on the right side for 8 yards. On third and nine at the 26, Paturzo was sacked on the blind side, and fumbled the ball, but he recovered it. Sturla’s punt was almost blocked, but he got a great roll to inside the Imhotep 40, but the ball was ruled touched by La Salle at the Panther 45, where they would take over.

Robinson tested right guard for two, tackled by Miller and Dengohe. Robinson went off left tackle for two more, as Carter and Kevin Hawley, subbing for the injured Thompson, combined on the hit. On third and 6 at their own 49, McLeod went up the middle for 6 yards and a first down, as Campbell and Dengohe brought him down. Wallace-Coleman gained 5 off the right side, as Hawley and Carter made the stop, but Imhotep was driving. Wallace-Coleman swept the left side, but Hawley made a great ankle tackle for a 2-yard loss. On third and 7 at the La Salle 42, Imhotep was called for procedure. Davis then hit Rohjhli Atkinson in the left flat for a first down to the La Salle 33, as Matt Wills made the takedown. Robinson tested the middle for two with tackles by Dengohe and Hawley, but the Panthers were flagged for holding, sending them back to the La Salle 45. The next snap to Davis occurred earlier than expected, and he was sacked for a 5-yard loss by Ross and Wills. Then Davis was sacked again, on a roll to the right by Dengohe, for a 6-yard loss. On third and 33 at the Imhotep 44, Robinson ran up the middle for good yardage to the La Salle 41, with Anderson on the tackle, but the Panthers would have to punt. Asir Moore punted to the La Salle 9 where it was downed, with 2:51 left in an increasingly tense game.

Brown gained three up left tackle. Paturzo dropped the snap, and was stopped for no gain. On third and 7 at the 12, Brown ran a jet sweep to the right for just three yards, and La Salle would have to punt. Sturla’s punt to the Imhotep 43 was returned by Wright-Downing to that La Salle 46, as Mille made the stop. With 52 seconds left in the third period.

Robinson was stopped for a one-yard loss up right guard by Hawley, who really stepped up in Thompson’s absence. Robinson went over right guard again, gaining 4, with Dengohe on the hit. On third and 6 at the La Salle 42, Wallace-Coleman was knocked down for a 1-yard loss by Dengohe, who was stepping up his game. Moore’s punt was returned by Moore from the 16 to the 21, with 11:08 left, and Imhotep clinging to a 1-point lead.

Stevie Davis entered the game with a blast of energy. He went off left tackle with power for 6 yards. He gained just a yard off the left side, setting up a third and 3 at the 28. With Brown in a deep position and Davis lined up as an H-back, Paturzo handed off quickly to Davis, who caught Imhotep by surprise, gaining a first down to the La Salle 45. Davis then went off the left side, tight-roping the sideline until he got to the Imhotep 33. Davis gained a yard up the middle, and gave way to Brown. Brown went up right guard, then veered to the left to the 25. On third and two at the 25, Brown found a hole up the middle for a 10-yard gain to the 15 for a first down, and La Salle was now in the red zone. La Salle was running in a no-huddle offense, and the Imhotep defense was getting tired, as they called time out with 8:55 remaining in the fourth. Davis was back in, and swept the right side for 3 yards. Brown went up the middle for no gain. On third and 7 at the 12, La Salle was now in field goal range for Sturla. They lined up in a trips left formation, with Moore out wide right. The ball was snapped to Paturzo, who saw Moore heading all by himself into the end zone. Paturzo’s careful pass was secured by the lonesome Moore for a 12-yard touchdown, and La Salle had regained the lead. They would go just for one, but Sturla’s boot was blocked, and the Explorers would have to protect the 5-point lead, 13-8, with 7:28 left in the game.

Sturla got on top of his kickoff, but the ball took a crazy deep bounce into the end zone. Now was the time for the La Salle defense, stout all game long, to step up one more time. Davis scrambled up the middle for no gain, with stop by Ford. Rahmir Stewart came in as a wildcat quarterback for the Panthers, and he gained 9 yards up the middle, with Wills on the stop. He tested the right side, but lost a yads on a tackle by McFadden. It was now fourth and 2 at the 28, and Imhotep would go for it. Stewart gained 10 yards to the 38 and a first down, with tackle by Johnson. Robinson bootlegged left for 2 yards, as Dengohe and Carter pinned him down. Imhotep called time out, their second, with 4:24 left. Stewart bootlegged to the left, and got another first down to the Panther 48, as Hawley and Ford combined on the stop. Stewart then wound up and threw a bomb down the left side, but it was well past Atkinson. Robinson wildcatted to the right, but was slammed down for a one-yard loss by the rampaging Dengohe. On third and 11 at the Panther 47, La Salle called a time out with exactly 3 minutes left. Stewart scrambled, but gained just a yard, as Hawley and McFadden stopped him. On fourth and 10 at the Imhotep 48, the game was on the line. Davis was back in at quarterback, and he scrambled, but Wills nailed him with a big hit for a one-yard loss, and La Salle could probably run out the clock with just one first down, with 2:02 left.

Brown swept the left side, and found room along the sideline, gaining 10 yards and a first down despite going out of bounds. Brown swept the right side for about 7, but La Salle was called for yet another holding penalty. They were then flagged for a procedure penalty, and things suddenly were getting tense again. But what can Brown do for you? Brown went off the left side again, got the edge on the sideline, and was pushed out of bounds on the Imhotep 10-yard line for a 41-yard gain and a first down, with 1:37 left. Wentz gained three up right guard, as the clock kept running after the tackle. Brown gained up left tackle for two yards, and Imhotep used their last time out, with 47 seconds remaining. Moore wildcatted his way to the 1-yard line. On fourth and goal at the 1, La Salle would have to run another play. Wentz was stopped for no gain, and the ball went over to Imhotep, with the clock stopped at 6 seconds.

La Salle dropped back into the ultimate prevent defense, with only 2 rushers. Imhotep used a hook and lateral play that gained a lot of yardage, but La Salle stayed in position, as Anderson made the tackle around the Imhotep 42, with Carter looming large from behind the tackle. The game was over, and La Salle had come back to defeat a tough Imhotep team, 13-8, to go 3-0 on the young season.

Notes

The game was a real treat to a jam-packed Homecoming crowd, and again the student section really rocked as the team came over after the handshakes. This team has a lot of energy and enthusiasm, and steps up in key situations to make some tremendous plays on both sides of the ball.

Next game – Friday night, September 17 at 8 PM versus The Haverford School at Wissahickon High School. Let’s get out to Wissahickon on Friday to cheer on this exciting 2021 team

Important Notes

It was the 20th anniversary of 9/11, and La Salle came out of the locker room with 2 players on the flanks waving American flags. Everyone in Springfield’s stadium was very respectful of the commemoration of the event, which featured a young La Salle trumpeter playing “Taps”, and then the band playing the Star-Spangled Banner, and a rendition of God Bless America after the first quarter.

A very notable scenario, but that came in number 2. Number 1 occurred about 300 yards away to the west, where a kid’s soccer game was being played. They were so far away I couldn’t tell if they were boys or girls. While Taps was being played, I looked to the west, up on a hill, and I saw every soccer player in line, along with the refs and the coaches, and facing our field at attention while Taps and the National Anthem were being played. That was awe-inspiring to me, and those little soccer players provided the best example of respect imaginable. And, amidst all of the turmoil our country has gone through in the last 20 years, maybe that image of those little soccer players standing at attention makes me realize that there is great hope after all.

Wasn’t at game - just posting score

Third straight mercy-rule shut-out for Pennsbury. Score was 35-0 at half and NP starters were done. Pennsbury starting QB benched for oversleeping on Labor Day (early practice). Started Soph RB at QB (2 passes, 2 INTs). Will update thread with game stats later. Per game program, PHS starting OT's are Sophs weighing 145 and 165 pounds.

How has everything with the football season been going so far?
“Everything is going well. I am hoping to continue to stay healthy and continue to perform to the best of my ability.”

Have you been pleased with how you have played this season?
“I am pleased, I have goals I have set and am on the right track right now to achieve them.”

How do you feel your team has played?
“I feel my team has played good, just a couple minor mistakes to fix, we are playing a lot more like a family just trusting each other and trusting the coaches, once the minor mistakes are fixed this team will have a bright future.”

What do you feel your team can improve on?
“As I said in the previous question just fixing minor mistakes, in both weeks we’ve left too many points on the board through not scoring in redzone, just have to communicate better on defense and offense just gotta put points on the board.”

What are the keys for your team being successful going forward?
“Just to remain calm and focused, don’t listen to the outside noise as the team and coaches is all that matters, continue getting better week by week, and the Wins will come.”

Do you want to play sports in college? If so, which one?
“I do indeed want to play sports in college, and Football.”

What colleges have been recruiting you?
“I haven’t had any major interest but I’ve been in touch with multiple colleges through my junior season and summer going into my senior season.”

What school is recruiting you the hardest?
“I have gotten quite a bit of Love from Bryant, Columbia, and Lehigh.”

Have you made any college trips yet?
“I have.”

Do you have plans for game day trips?
“I’m just going with the flow at the moment but will probably go to quite a few this season.”

Did you have a favorite college growing up?
“I did the Florida Gators.”

How has everything with the football season been going so far?
“Pretty good I’m really happy with the way we are looking this year.”

Have you been pleased with how you have played this season?
“So far yes still some things to work on to get to where I want to be though.”

How do you feel your team has played?
“Good so far we lost to Kiski but it was all just little mistakes that we can fix.”

What do you feel your team can improve on?
“I think we could become a really good team if we started trusting each other more and not getting so frustrated when something doesn’t go right.”

What are the keys for your team being successful going forward?
“Like I said, just trusting each other becomes more of a team, everyone knowing what they are doing in the play and relaxing and not freaking out.”

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

What colleges have been recruiting you?
“None so far but I’ve only played 2 games this year and I’m only a sophomore so I’m not in a hurry to get recruited. I just want to win football games with my team.”

What school is recruiting you the hardest?
“None so I’d love to get my name out there while our season is still young.”

Have you made any college trips yet?
“Nope.”

Do you have plans for game day trips?
“Nope, just when we step on the bus it’s a business trip and we have to get to work.”

Did you have a favorite college growing up?
“I like LSU but Pitt has also been on my mind just because I’ve gone to a 7on7 there.”