2022 Football: post season quick hits. DISTRICT-3
District 3
The Mid Penn Conference
Commonwealth Division
State College 6A 13-1
State College won the division undefeated then tore through post season comp until the 57-50 ot win against McDowell before the rematch with Harrisburg for almost predictable results in losing 27-7. But they beat some impressive teams along the way, winning at Downingtown East (9-4) 32-31, at Harrisburg (11-3) 20-6, McDowell (10-3) 57-50 and North Allegheny (11-2) 28-7. For 2023, they return dual threat quarterback Owen Yerka (51%-479, 4/2, 50-348ry), but graduate their primary Finn Furmanek (6-4 195, 60%-1593, 15/6, 96-592ry) who is a BIG loss. Three of their top receivers are back with freshman standout D’Antae Sheffey (1728ry) and big numbers from the D that started three sophomores.
Harrisburg 6A 11-3
The Cougars had another nice run, getting to the 6A final for the second time in five years. You knew they had jelled when they beat Wilson 32-21, Central York 44-7, Manheim Township 44-6 and State High 27-7 in the postseason before losing to St, Joseph’s Prep 42-7. For the coming season, they graduate key offensive and defensive players, but return a strong core starting on offense with sophomore quarterback Shawn Lee (68%, 1744py, 17/8, 584ry) and wide out Elias Coke. The lines return OT/DT Trentin Moffitt (5-11, 245), Sirkayne Veneable (6-4, 290) and at least 5 other starters on defense.
Cumberland Valley 6A 7-4
CV really ramped up the offense last season in year three of coach Josh Oswalt’s Spread offense (dumped Wing-T) scoring 31ppg from 17ppg the year before. It was a veteran offense with a three year starting quarterback. But the defense was a liability at 25ppg yield, their highest yield since 2012. It failed them down the stretch after a 7-1 start beginning with a home loss to Carlisle 26-20 and State College 48-31 at SC, then losing at home to Manheim Township 37-31 in yet another ‘rematch-revenge-rivalry’ game after beating them in the opener 31-27. They face a major rebuild for 2023.
Carlisle 6A 6-5
Carlisle had a scrappy team with all kinds of athletes that had only their second winning team in 18 years. They hung with York High losing 54-47 and upset Cumberland Valley 26-20. Some key elements of that offense return in Lucas Smith who got time under center, and one of the most exciting backs in the area in Jeremiah Hargrove (5-9, 190, 575ry, 282py), lead receiver Carson Swartz (692) and Elijah Hargrove. The big issue entering 2023 is head coach Bret Ickes’s retirement after 26 years in the program and ten as head coach. Former D-Line coach at Shippensburg University, Brandon Cook, takes over.
Central Dauphin 6A 3-7
With one of their thinner groups returning (4-O/5-D starters), they began last season with a thud, losing the first three to Central York (10-2) 36-19, Wilson (8-3) 17-10, then at Coatesville (8-1) 34-28 before defeating Chambersburg 42-35, then losing again at State College (13-1) 19-8. Excepting Central York, they weren’t getting embarrassed; just didn’t have the players. And that’s rare at CD knowing their last losing season was 1995. Qb was an issues playing four; two return. Maybe the D gets them going this year with senior LBs, DE’s and DLs returning; quality players like OL/DL I’Zhior Moon (6-3, 280), Evan Bushong (6-5, 280), Joseph Bass (6-2, 260) and Kaiden Palmer (6-2, 300). It’s CD so don’t be surprised if they come out with a purpose.
Altoona 6A 6-6
Altoona got to .500 last year rebounding from a 4-7 season. But is still struggling against the better teams, losing to State College twice, 55-14 and 28-7, plus Harrisburg 48-0, Central Dauphin 34-14 and Cumberland Valley 37-6. Still, there has been a definite upgrade since Vince Nedimyer took over as coach in 2019 despite the 1-9 season. From there, they’ve gone 4-3, 4-7 and 6-6 last year. This follows 11 years of ten losing seasons and a 32-75 record.
Central Dauphin East 6A 3-7
Coach Lance Deane enters his third year at the helm coming off a 3-7 season on the heels of a 7-4 outing. But you’ve got to like the former Steel High D-cord’s attitude saying their goal is a state title every year. This, from a program recovering from a three-year 6-20 record. They were young last year but still lost some key people on the line and at linebacker. Highly talented sophomores in Demaj Jolloh are back under center with Jared Porter at running back.
Chambersburg 6A 3-7
Hard times continue at Chambersburg. But they had their moments, upsetting a good Northern York (8-5) team 23-16 in Dillsburg (22 north of Gettysburg) and CD East 7-3 also on the road. A tight 42-35 loss to Central Dauphin was a bitter pill to swallow. Despite losing 38-21 and getting dominated at the LOS (Ethan Shines 17 for 146yds), it was good seeing them play Central Bucks East (8-3). They played a lot of sophomores last year that could pay dividends this year although they graduate four of five starting linemen.
Keystone Division
Bishop McDevitt 4A 13-1
At 49ppg average, the Crusaders fielded their highest scoring offence last year, with a record setting defense at 9ppg, allowing only Imhotep and Aliquippa to score more than seven points on the first unit. That got them to their 5th finals appearance since 2010 where they finally won a Gold Medal, routing previously undefeated Aliquippa (13-1) 41-18. For 2023, they return record setting quarterback Stone Saunders (69%-3583, 54/5) entering his junior year, two standout freshman from last year in running backs Maurice Barnes and JC Crummel and receivers Rico Scott, Nevin Hopkins, Samuel Smalls and TE/DE Nick Slogik 6-5, 240, sr). Both lines took big, big hits, notable Gabriel Arena (6-5, 285, Va Tech) from the offense and Riley Robell (6-5, 295, J.Mad) from the defense. Some of those returning are sophomores Tay’Qujuan Hughes (6-2, 295) and Thomas Godhart (6-5, 275), both well regarded, et al. The D returns at least 8 starters and co-starters. This sets up the possibility of a rematch with Aliquippa who also returns a strong group.
Cedar Cliff 5A 7-4
The Colts return much of last year’s team that was way too youthful with sophomores spread throughout the lineup, including Qb Bennett Secrest who wrestled the starting spot away from Ethan Dorrell early. Mike Jones (6-2, 200, soph) is a key member on both sides with 502 rush yards, 198 receiving and 39 tackles. He’s back with eight on defense and multiple co-starters who were adequate at 17ppg yield given the nature of the schedule. Against stiff comp like Shippensburg (8-4) and Bishop McDevitt (13-1), they faltered, losing twice to the Hounds 28-10 and 32-14, and 48-7 to McDevitt. Lots of work to do but a good core returns.
Hershey 5A 5-5
The Trojans were much improved over 2022 on offense and defense lifting the team to a 5-5 record from 1-9. But they were inconsistent, losing winnable games at home to Waynesboro (3-7) 13-7 and Mifflin County (6-5) 24-20, while winning at Cedar Cliff 24-20. Go figure. That’s been the story since 2014 with only one winning season. Most of the skill graduate for 2023 along with major pieces of the defense.
Mifflin County 6A 6-5
In 2010, Lewistown and Indian Valley merged to form Mifflin County High School. Known as the Huskies, they got off to a great start going 7-4 in their inaugural season. Thereon, things took a turn for the worst with only two winning seasons since then. Last year’s 6-5 team was special as it snapped two straight winless seasons. They improved across the board and should improve with their quarterback, leading rusher and three of their top four receivers back. The defense lost 5 starters but return both DE’s, two linebackers and two DBs.
Milton Hershey 4A 6-5
With a 79-43 record the last eleven years (DNP 2020), the Spartans have to be the best kept secret in the Mid Penn. Their 62-43 mark the previous nine years shows they’ve been a constant winner over the years. Last year’s team bounced back from a 4-6 season, their first losing season since 2010. Another accomplishment was getting to the playoffs where they lost to Twin Valley 42-29, allowing 455 yards rushing to show there is work to be done. With a good numbers returning on both sides, they should pick up a few more wins in 2023. They get Cedar Cliff home in what shapes up as a battle for second place in the Keystone behind McDevitt.
Lower Dauphin 5A 4-6
Lower Dauphin is in Hummelstown, abutting Hershey where they’ve been in a seven-year funk at 23-43. This followed a strong four years starting in 2012 where they fielded quality teams going 39-11. The 2013 team at 13-2 got to the semifinal before losing to Pittsburgh Central Catholic 45-0. Central went on to lose to St. Joseph’s Prep 35-10; the Hawk’s first state title. LD could be interesting in 2023 with a new cast on offense while returning most of an extremely young defense that had seven starters/co-starters and freshman leading in tackles at 90. This was the appropriately names Hunter Strohm, their MLB at 6-1 190. Imagine what he might grow into.
Red Land 5A 2-8
Like many others in the Keystone Division, Red Land has been down, with only two winning seasons the last ten years. Last year’s was their worst of record on offense, averaging 9ppg, with a defense allowing 34ppg. But they played a lot of youth including quarterback Quinlin Shearer (6-3, 185, jr) and running back Colton Hoffman (5-11, 205, so). And this will be coach Eric DePew’s 2nd year at the helm after guiding York Catholic to a 83-40 record in ten year.
Palmyra 5A 1-9
Here’s another slumping Keystone team without a winning season in the last four years. Last year’s team averaged 8ppg (8!). Their only win was at home against Lebanon. Even that was a struggle against a program with back-to-back 0-10 seasons, winning 14-6.
Colonial Division
Gettysburg 5A 8-3
Gettysburg moved back to the Mid Penn from the York-Adams last year and won the division, losing only to their neighbor Northern York just up Rt-15, 24-23. Great seeing G-Burg and the Polar Bears in their purple uniforms playing again. They’ll have to rebuild around sophomore quarterback Brady Heiser (6-1, 195) and running back freshman Preston Burnett (5-10, 185, 398ry), with almost everyone else graduating. Heiser threw for 1612 yards and rushed for 458.
Northern York 5A 8-5
Two losing seasons in the last 24 years says the Bears rebuild around powerful running back Cole Bartram (5-10, 195) and his 1642 rush yards. He and a good core return on defense with Cole leading the team with 138 tackles. Two one-point losses, a three point and a seven-point loss kept them from a memorable season.
Shippensburg 5A 8-4
Ship lost their 3 Ks with Trae Kater (1082ry, 18/355py), Amari Kerr (694, 14-192) and Diesel Koser (455) graduating. Add in quaerterback Tucker Chamberlin (54%, 1624, 17/8) and leading receiver Erby Weller (39/765) to see it’s a full rebuild. With a 68-21 mark since 2015 and no losing seasons since 2006, they’ve done that well in the past.
Mechanicsburg 5A 4-6
The Wildcats remain stuck in the mud, albeit in a competitive division at 4-6 with only two winning seasons the last thirteen years. Last year saw competitive losses to Gettysburg, Ship and Northern with 14 returning starters. Strange with all the talent in the area. Everyone in Mechanicsburg doesn’t go to Cumberland Valley!
Greencastle Antrim 5A 5-5
The Blue Devils impressive 4-0 start was rocked by a 1-5 ending, then saved with a 42-26 upset at Shippensburg (8-5) in the highly balanced Mid Penn-Colonial. This was coach Devin McCauley’s best team since taking over in 2018 where they’ve gone 2-8, 1-9, 2-5, 4-6 and finally into positive numbers statistically at 29ppg on offense and 23 on defense last year.
Waynesboro 5A 3-7
Despite returning three linemen, a back-up quarterback with two winning starts and a solid running back, Waynesboro plummeted from a historic high of a 9-win season, to last year’s depths where they averaged a 12-year low of 10ppg from the previous year’s 29ppg. Head coach Josh Sprenkle will likely turn that around after taking over the program in 2019, replacing Steve Myers, who went 26-15 from 2015-18. Sprenkle has gone 22-19 in his four years.
East Pennsboro 4A 4-7
The Panthers were young last year starting four sophs on defense and offense. Topping that, running back Devin Shepard transferred to Central Dauphin where he rushed for 810 yards. Key pieces of last year’s team return on offense in quarterback Keith Oates (6-0, 190 dual threat) and running back Aaron Angelo (754ry, 64 tackles). Most of the D is back to a team that lost two double overtime games and a three pointer that if reversed, would have flipped their record. A lot of rebuilding in the Colonial makes Pennsboro a legit contender.
Capital Division
Steelton Highspire 1A 14-1
Steel High rolled to their fourth state title (2022, 2020, 2008, 2007), defeating Union (12-4) 22-8, out of District-7. Their only loss came against Westinghouse (14-1, D8), the 2A runner up who lost to Southern Columbia 37-22. What’s scary about the Rollers is they return their principal weapons in quarterback Alec Erby (66%-2098, PSU, et al), running back Ron Burnette (689ry), with receivers Durrell Ceasar (45/687) and Jaeion Perry (44/661). The D returns 5 starters, keyed by Andrew Erby (6-4, 275, PSU, et al). They should light things up again after averaging 43ppg on offense last year.
West Perry 3A 11-2
The Mustangs had their best season last year with a record setting 11 wins (10-2 in 1999) getting them to the District-3 title game where they were swamped by Wyomissing (13-1) 63-7. Welcome to the BIGS Perry! They return talented quarterback Marcus Quaker (64%-2049, 22/7, 1066ry) and wide out Ian Goodling (71/1236) plus half the defense to again be a contender in the division and beyond.
Trinity 2A 9-5
The Shamrocks rebounded from a 1-3 start to finish 8-2. After getting thumped by Wyomissing 35-14, West Perry 40-14 and Roman Catholic 41-14, they took Steel High to overtime before losing 35-28. Then they beat Delone and Annville Cleona to win districts before advancing to defeat West Catholic and Executive Education Academy before losing to Southern Columbia 42-7 in the state semifinal. Much of the team returns for 2023 including freshman Messiah Mickens (877ry) with offers from Michigan, Alabama, Ohio St et al.
Big Spring 4A 4-7
Big Spring has been a mid-tier team for some time with a 43-58 log the last ten years. Last year’s team showed two capable running backs in junior Connor Green (943ry) and soph Carter Hall (684). Returning starting quarterback Ethan Eisenberg never got it going with a 43% throwing percentage for 1371 yards and a 8 to 13 Td-Pick ratio. The defense started four sophomores, and returns three starters and three co-starters for 2023.
Boiling Springs 4A 3-6
Boiling Springs had an extraordinary season in 2021 going 11-2. No one in the Mid Penn could handle them including Middletown or Steel High. At 41ppg, they were scorching people, all the way to the district final where ever-present Wyomissing brought them back to Earth in a 55-14 rout. Last year’s team was then a rebuild that returned enough offensive fire power to average 28ppg. Unfortunately, the defense returned to their historic norm, allowing 32ppg.
Camp Hill 2A 5-6
Camp Hill had strong football teams from 2014 through 2016, going 10-3, 11-2 and 7-3. Since then it’s been all downhill without a winning season.
Liberty Division: formed from the old Tri Valley League in 2020
Upper Dauphin 3A 8-3
The former TVL power with consecutive title in 2018 at 10-1 and 2019 at 12-1 has been a steady program for the last five years going 36-12. They started a sophomore under center in Aidan Bingaman who threw at 58% for 1264 yards with a 15/3 ratio, but need to rebuild the receiving corps and defense for 2023.
**UDA merged with Millersburg for football 2020.
Juniata 4A 8-4
Juniata is from District-6 along with three other members of the Mid Penn in Altoona, State College and Mifflin County. Defense was their forte last year allowing 10ppg. But they couldn’t get past the better teams, losing to Selinsgrove (9-3) 17-14, West Perry (11-2) 24-0, Upper Dauphin (8-3) 20-13, then Meadville (12-2) in the playoffs 27-14. Thought they’d beat Meadville but could not hold a 14-6 halftime lead.
Susquenita 4A 5-5
The Blackhawks from Duncannon had one winning season (2015, 6-4) the last ten years, going 35-62 since 2013.
Line Mountain 2A 4-7
The Eagles are from Herndon in District-4 where they’ve compiled a 43-63 record the last ten years with winning seasons in 2020, 2017 and 2016.
Newport 2A 2-8
The Buffalo’s in Newport have fielded some good teams in their recent history going 10-2, 9-2, 10-2 and 9-3 from 2017 back through 2014. But they’ve fallen off the last five years with two winning seasons and a 17-36 record.
James Buchanan 4A 3-7
Buchanan has not had a winning season going back to where I started keeping records in 1999. Their won-loss is 34-197 over that span.
Halifax 1A 1-9
Like many teams from the old TVL, Halifax has struggled with a 27- 73 mark the last ten years. But they did have their one shining moment with a 11-2 season in 2018, losing only to Williams Valley (9-3, Tower City) 16-14 and to Lackawanna Trail’s historic team (14-2) 28-6, who advanced to the final before losing to Farrell (15-0) 55-20.
Lancaster Lebanon League-Section 1
Hempfield 6A 9-3
The Black Knights had a historic year, winning the LL-1 at 6-0, defeating league heavyweights Wilson 20-16 and Manheim Township 17-14 at their respective stadiums. Oddly, their only losses were at home to Central York 30-20 and in the dreaded playoff revenge-rematch against conference foe Manheim Township who trounced them 42-7. Coach George Eager is in his 4th season with improvement shown each year at 4-4, 7-5 then 9-3 last year. That should continue with Jackson Landis back (6-1, 180, sr, 60%-1767py, 13/10) for his second year as a starter. OL/DL Deyvid Palepale (6-4, 290) is back after deciding not to transfer to IMG. Hempfield is District-3’s sleeping giant.
Wilson 6A 8-3
Rough year for the Bulldogs breaking in junior quarterback Tommy Hunsicker (55%-1065. 11/9, 107-525ry), especially opening with Roman Catholic who throttled them 46-15. Thereon they went 8-2, closing out with a 32-21 loss at Harrisburg in the playoffs. Qb has a good arm and could be the focal point with Cam Jones graduated after five punt/kick returns, 999 rush yards and 490 receiving and 28 Tds. Four of five return to the OL with good experienced behind them. The D looks like a rebuild
Manheim Township 6A 9-4
Township may finally be ready for a legit run at Section-1 and beyond with a seasoned team returning almost everyone including quarterback Hayden Johnson (6-1, 185, jr, 73%, 2621, 26/8), four of his top five receivers and their lead back in Declan Clancy. Eight starters return to the defense that allowed 18ppg.
Penn Manor 6A 5-5
The Comets snapped a six season losing streak with back-to-back 5-5 seasons. Coming off six consecutive losing season from 2015 through 2020 (11-47), 5-5 is real progress. Last year’s team was senior laden. But they beat the teams they were supposed to beat and almost knocked off Solanco (11-1, LL-3 champ) losing 29-26. Looks like a big rebuild for 2023.
Cedar Crest 6A 5-5
Cedar Crest has turned the corner the last seven years going 38-30. That’s a big upgrade from the preceding ten years where they only won 15 games! Last year’s team lost a heartbreaker at home to Warwick 26-20 they should have won, and a road clash at Penn Manor 14-9. That’s the difference between 5-5 and 7-4. Qb Jackson Custer (6-0, 175, so) returns after getting time with graduated Jay Huber and three of the top receivers led by TE/DE Aiden Schomp (6-6, 230, jr, 22/308). Speedy Alex Abreu is back at running back with the D returning seven starters.
Reading 6A 3-7
Reading had three winning seasons the last 19 years where they’ve compiled a 56-127 record.
JP McCaskey (Lancaster High) 6A 1-9
The 2022 season was the Red Tornado’s 12th consecutive losing season where they compiled a 25-95 record. Their only win came against Bartram (5-6) of the Philadelphia Public League in overtime 30-24.
Lancaster Lebanon League-Section 2
Exeter Township 5A 12-1
Exeter got off to a red hot 7-0 start against a soft schedule of teams that would end the year with a 19-54 won-loss. But there were no doubts after they pummeled Hempfield (9-3, LL-1 champ) 44-22 at their place, then edging Manheim Central (11-2) 21-17, also at their place. So it came as some surprise when they were handled by Cocalico’s (10-5) veer 34-14 in the district final. That was a good team that will now rebuild after graduating Qb Mason Rotelli (63%-1545, 22/8), Richie Karstien (1624ry), TE/DE Joey Schlafer (39/888, PSU), and big numbers from the defense.
Manheim Central 4A 11-2
Manheim Central looked like they were a year ahead of schedule with a young offense that averaged a program record 48ppg. They jelled, with a big assist from a senior laden defense that was largely of the shutdown variety allowing 15ppg. For 2023, seven starters graduate taking 492 tackles with them. But a core of seven starters/co-starters returns to keep them in the hunt. Plus, many from the offense return including most of their skill. With a ten-year record of 101-24, they are and have always been one of the district’s most consistent programs.
Warwick 5A 5-5
Warwick was again at the margins with a 5-5 group following 2021’s 6-5 team. Little went well for the Warriors losing to quality comp like Cocalico, Manheim Central, Exeter and Souderton by the combined score of 181-71. Much of last year’s offense that scored 27ppg graduated including quarterback Jack Reed. At 27ppg yield, the defense was one of their most porous. Bottom line, this is a successful program with a 52-24 record the last seven years.
Conestoga Valley 5A 5-5
Who knew back on Sept 9th that a 41-35 overtime upset in New Holland against a competitive Garden Spot (7-4) team would allow the Buckskins to salvage a 5-5 season with blow out losses yet to come against Solanco 41-21, Manheim Central 48-0 and Exeter 38-10. Still, it’s a struggle at CV with only one winning season in the last 14 years.
Governor Mifflin 5A 3-7
The Mustangs had their first losing season since 2003 after heavy graduations left the cupboard bare. The schedule was a quality schedule, facing six teams that ended the season above .500. This was their least productive offense at 22ppg since 2009’s 17ppg edition. Same with the defense at 29ppg, their worse since 2003’s 36 a game. Bear in mind this is one of the winningest programs in south central Pennsylvania at 165-56 from 2004 through 2021 with nine seasons at ten wins or more. So look for a rebound with big numbers returning on defense to help the rebuilt offense.
Muhlenberg 6A 2-8
It’s hard times for the ‘Muhls’ winning just four games the last five years and fielding just two winning teams the last ten years. Their year ending points for-points against average the last five years starting in 2018 is 13-41, 9-41, 8-45, 9-38 and 14-38 last year.
Lebanon 6A 0-10
The Cedars of Lebanon had their second 0-10 season in a row following what for them was a highpoint, going 6-5, 7-4 and 3-3 the preceding three years. Still, it’s hard times in Lebanon with a program that had four winning teams since 2003.
Lancaster Lebanon League-Section 3
Solanco (Southern Lancaster County) 5A 11-1
Solanco won the section undefeated and hit the eleven game mark with the uncanny ability to win the close ones, winning by five, three, eight, ten, three and seven points. One of their “easier” wins was against Cocalico (10-5) 21-7, with a predictable loss to Cocalico in the rematch-revenge game in the district semifinal 32-8. For 2023, they face a major rebuild losing quarterback Brody Mellinger (569py, 858ry), Josiah Forren (1008ry), Cole Harris (1011ry) and the versatile Elijah Cunningham (582ry, 327py).
Elizabethtown 5A 8-3
E-town had their first winning season since 2018, following a dismal run of 4-6, 2-6 and 4-6 teams the previous three years. They face a major rebuild with Josh Rudy graduating (66%-2868, 26/7), Logan Lentz (1037ry) and the top three receivers who accounted for 2617 yards receiving. This was their best team since the 2007 10-2 team.
Garden Spot 5A 7-4
The Spartans were close last year with an 41-35 overtime loss to Conestoga Valley and a 37-29 loss to Twin Valley, both at home. That may tip off the fact they were starting four sophomores on defense and a junior at quarterback who started the last 6 games of 2021, going 5-1 as a sophomore. He was special last year throwing at 54% for 1970 yards, 20/10 ratio and rushing for 1108 yards (quick) with 13 more touchdowns. A lot of his skill people graduate but they return a veteran defense of three DLs, two LBs and two DBs.
Ephrata 5A 6-4
Ephrata has a run of athletes coming through allowing them to escape a profound losing streak and string together five non-losing seasons. 26-21 may not sound like much. But when you know this followed a run of five straight 0-10 seasons, it’s eye opening. For 2023, graduating running back Andre Weidman (1262ry, 344py) is a BIG loss. But they return senior quarterback Sam McCracken (57%-2002, 21/11) and five of his receivers who combined for 83 receptions and 1353 yards. Linemen Weston Nolt (6-3, 270) and Evan Sensenig (6-1, 310) are losses to the defense that returns a solid nucleus.
Twin Valley 4A 7-5
Head coach Bret Myers enters his second season after a seven year run at Middletown where he guided the Blue Raiders to a 73-22 record and three consecutive appearances in the 3A final from 2016 through 2018. The played a lot of youth last year with sophomores having a major role at quarterback in Evan Myers (50%-1204, 7/3, 82-502ry, coach’s son) and Evan Johnson (993ry, 160py), plus Drew Engle, a freshman getting 35 carries for 227 yards. Two of the top three receivers return and most of the defense.
Daniel Boone 4A 2-8
Boone entered 2022 with a good core of seniors looking to follow up the success of 2021 that saw them get their first winning season since 2018. But it came apart early, opening with a 35-0 loss to Exeter followed by a 42-7 loss to Conestoga Valley in game two. A 39-15 win at Muhlenberg was followed by six straight losses before ending with a 35-8 win at Fleetwood. Still, they may be competitive in the section with their quarterback, lead running back and top two receivers returning.
Fleetwood 4A 2-8
A promising 2-1 start ended with a thud, losing their last seven games by an average score of 40-13 (281-92). The town of Fleetwood is half way between Reading and the PA Turnpike where they have struggled in the Berks League before transitioning to the LL last year going 40-64 the last ten years.
Lancaster Lebanon League-Section 4
Wyomissing 3A 13-1
Wyomissing strung together four straight one-loss seasons, going a remarkable 49-4 with consecutive finals appearances in 2020 and 2021, and a 20-17 loss to Neumann Goretti in the semifinal preventing a third. Neumann, Wyomissing and Danville, the team Wyo beat the week before, looked like the best teams in the state. And the only reason Danville wasn’t playing Neumann was their missed 32-yard field goal the week before in a 21-19 loss to Wyomissing with 8 ticks left on the clock. For 2023, they graduate their top three rushers (run the Wing-T), with a combined 3050 yards. Add to that quarterback Ben Zechman (63%, 951, 12/1), linemen Jven Williams (6-5, 295, PSU) and Pacen Ziegler (6-4, 275, Sacred Heart) to see it’s a major rebuild.
Lampeter Strasburg 4A 9-3
The Pioneers are a highly successful Lancaster area team with one losing season the past 24 years and an 82-38 mark the last ten. They won nine games last year in a major youth movement that brings most starters back for 2023. That includes quarterback Trent Wagner (60%, 1668, 21/5, 67-268ry) their leading rushers Carson Coleman (1110) and Jonathan Mellinger (290), and two of their top three receivers. The D returns all but four. With an offense cranking out 35ppg supported by a D at 14ppg, they look to be formidable.
Cocalico 5A 10-5
The Eagles were much like Lampeter above starting a relative young group of juniors with a few seniors, sophomores and a freshman mixed in that made it work to the tune of a 10-win season and the 5A district title! Oddly, they lost to most of the winning teams on their schedule including Solanco, Manheim Central, Lampeter Strasburg and Wyomissing before rallying from a 3-4 start to a 7-1 finish, losing in the state semifinal to Pine Richland (13-3) 34-12, another team that recovered from a rough start. Look for some of the losses shown above to be reversed with most of last year’s team returning including the entire backfield with senior running back Sam Steffey (309-1829ry) headlining.
Berks Catholic 3A 5-6
Since their inception in 2011 (Reading CC, Reading Holy Name merger), BC has been a load, building a 108-29 record with no losing seasons until last year. The schedule included opening season losses to Loyalsock Twp (11-2, D4-3A runner up), Executive Education Acad (8-4, D11-2A champ), Pope John Paul II (10-2, D1-4A runner up) and Wyomissing (13-1, D3-3A champ). A somewhat easier slate than their typical Malvern Prep, Central Dauphin, Governor Mifflin and McDonogh types! But still a rough bunch. While they’ll miss Josiah Jordan (1225ry, 219py) and OL/DL Jacob Collazo (6-3, 295), a lot of last year’s team is back with the quarterback, the #2 and #3 rushers and their #2 wide out. Eight return to the defense that has been porous the last four years allowing (2019 onward) 20, 32, 25 and 23ppg.
Donegal 4A 4-7
Donegal of Mount Joy, southeast of Steelton-Harrisburg about 23 miles, has been a .500 program for ten years with a 55-49 record and six winning seasons. So it was a hard slog battling through Lampeter Strasburg, Berks Catholic, Cocalico and Wyomissing their first year in the LL-4, finishing 5th at 3-4 with a young team coming on the heels of last year’s 8-3 team, their best outing in over 20 years.
Conrad Weiser 4A 3-7
Here is another well-kept secret with only four losing seasons in the last 22 years. One of them was last year after graduating their best offense in over 24 years at 38ppg, then fielding their worst at 16ppg since 2003! The D at 29ppg was also their worst since 2003’s 36ppg. As bad as things were breaking in a new group, the schedule gave them no breaks, playing bash ball with Berks Catholic’s pounding attack, losing 45-0, falling to the machine at Wyomissing 49-10, getting schooled by Lampeter Strasburg 51-17, and finally going down hard to Cocalico in the finale 49-0, all in the last five games by a total score of 194-27.
ELCO (Eastern Lebanon County) 4A 4-6
ELCO’s another .500 program over the last ten years with a 50-51 record but only three winning seasons. Last year’s team started off 3-0 before finishing 1-6. The only thing that kept the Raiders in any game was their great Veer back Jake Williams carrying the load with 197 carries for 1792 yards. With the passing game at 41% for 378 yards, Williams was their offense. Losing two road games by one point with him returning plus a good core says they improve on last year’s record and probably reverse it.
Octorara 4A 1-9
Thinking they’d fair better in the Lancaster-Lebanon League, Octorara left the Ches-Mont League in 2018 then went 2-8 their first two years in. They seemed to be making progress the following two seasons at 6-2 and 8-3 until falling back last season with a 1-9 outing, scoring 12ppg and allowing 39. They struggled on both sides of the ball with a passing attack at 46% for 647 yards with a Td/Interception ratio of 4 to 7 while rushing for 1701 yards. Lead back Colton Focht (80-511) is back with Qb Braeden Wood (stats above plus 312ry) to give them a more positive outlook for the coming season.
Lancaster Lebanon League-Section 5
Lancaster Catholic 3A 10-1
Had a good year winning their 12th section title behind Wilson and Manheim Central with a balanced attack featuring Will Crawford (63%-1952, 22/5) throwing to Jaevon Parker (52-1035) and Elijah Cunningham rushing for 1098 yards. They opened with wins against rivals York Catholic (5-5) 22-14 and Delone Catholic (7-4) 33-21, then beat Hamburg (9-3) 38-35 and Schuylkill Valley (6-5) 44-41, coached by their former great coach Bruce Harbach who won state titles in 2009 and 2011. They had to expend a lot of emotion in that one. Then in the playoff’s 1st round at 10-0, they ran into West Perry (11-2, Mid-Penn) who flooded the field with athletes and speed, routing them 63-20. While all the backs and second and third leading receivers return, Cunningham and Crawford are gone.
Hamburg 3A 9-3
Hamburg made some history having their second winning season in a row after going 7-4 the year before. The 507 points scored is a record (42ppg) that saw them getting after people, beating Annville (8-4) at their place 39-26 and barely losing at Section-5 champ Lancaster Catholic 38-35. No one shut them down until the district semifinal where Wyomissing beat them 49-14. They had once in a decade talent (if that!) in quarterback Xander Menapace (6-5, 215, Columbia) throwing for 1833 yards at 63% with a 16/4 ratio while rushing for 594 yards! Pierce Mason added 1367 rushing with David Ruiz another 511. All three graduate as the Hawks rebuild
Annville-Cleona 2A 8-4
AC snapped a rare two season losing streak with a breakout 8-4 campaign scoring a record high 442 points for their seventh winning season in the last ten years. This takes their ten-year record to 80-46. They had trouble with other high end teams of the section losing to Hamburg 39-26 and in a heartbreaker at home to Lancaster Catholic 14-13. Still, it was quite an accomplishment advancing to the district final where Trinity’s revived program throttling them 58-27.
Schuylkill Valley 3A 6-5
Schuylkill Valley had their first winning season in ten years in large part with the hiring of one of the state’s great coaches in Bruce Harbach, in his second year. Coach Harbach had a 16-year career at Lancaster Catholic, going 139-55 with state titles in 2009 and 2011. Looks like the rebuild of everything including culture (23-53 last 8 years) is taking effect.
Kutztown 3A 3-7
Kutztown’s three win season last year was the most wins they’ve had since 2008’s 5-6 season. From then to now they’ve had no winning seasons, seven winless seasons for a 15 year won-loss of 19-129!
Pequea Valley 3A 2-8
PV like Kutztown is struggling with one winning season the last ten years, two winless seasons and a ten-year record of 26-72.
Columbia 2A 3-7
The Crimson Tide’s 3-7 season came after one of their very best seasons of recent history where they went 8-2 in 2021. Otherwise, they’ve only had that one winning season the last ten years with a ten-year record of 29-68. But that 2021 team was special with Robert Footman (6-1, 180) as quarterback, throwing for 2548 yards at 60% with a 29-9 ratio and rushing for 482 yards. He currently plays at Millersville.
Northern Lebanon County 4A 2-8
NLC won 41 games the last ten years. The problem is 33 of them came from 2013 to 2017, meaning they’ve been in a severe drought, going 8-41 the last five years.
York-Adams Conference (YAIAA)
Division 1
Central York 6A 10-2
Central survived the graduations of the Pribula brothers, Cade (DE, Sacred Heart) and Beau (PSU, last year) plus the departure of coach Josh Oswalt to go 10-2 with the new quarterback Nasir Still (67%-1362, 18/6) along with wide out Parker Hines (645), running back Juelz Goff (164ry, 324py) and other returning seniors. But it was still a disappointing season losing to Oswalt’s CV team at home 35-33 then getting hammered by Harrisburg in the district semifinal 44-7. All their key skill people shown above graduate leaving them with a serious rebuild for 2023.
William Penn (York High) 6A 6-4
Despite having one of the top running backs in the state in Jaheim White (1918ry, 428py) and strong quarterbacking in Sam Stoner (68%-2051, 25/6), the Bearcats fell well short of expectations with a defense that had trouble stopping anyone, losing to Woodland Hills 28-24, Hempfield 35-32, and rival Central York 41-36 and again in the playoffs 51-44. Anything better than a defense allowing 33ppg would have won a few of those games. Like Central High above, it looks like a big rebuild losing Stoner and White to graduation.
South Western 5A 7-4
The Mustangs have improved significantly the last two years going 6-5 and 7-4 after a losing streak of five consecutive seasons winning 14 games and losing 33. The largest upgrade was on defense dropping from 31ppg to 19ppg. But they still couldn’t beat the muscle, losing to Central York 30-28 in one of their best performances of the year, then York High 52-14 and finally Northern York 21-20 in the playoffs. Much of what made that happen including a underrated dual threat QB in Max Wisensale (56%-1512, 623ry) his top receiver and the team’s leading running back graduate.
Dallastown 6A 4-6
Like most YA teams, Dallastown likes to fling it, score a pile of points and play little defense. That defines the Wildcats last year scoring 30ppg with Owen Strouse at 59% for 1799 yards and a 13/5 ratio throwing to Kenny Johnson who caught 43 balls for 659 yards. He’ll play at Pitt. Despite that level of talent, they lost to the top teams on the schedule; Hempfield 30-13, Manheim Township 40-0, Central York 35-21, York 66-49 and Dover 28-25 and could be in for a long season with graduation of Strouse and Johnson. 26 years old Mike Murphy is the youngest head coach in the league entering his second season.
Spring Grove 5A 5-5
Heavy grads meant there was little chance the Rockets were going to repeat 2021’s success winning 10 games against two losses. But they did surprise, getting out to a 5-2 start before the 0-3 finish where the D collapsed, losing to York 40-37, Dallastown 60-40 and South Western 36-30. Like many in the YA, any improvement on defense knowing they lost games by 3 (York), 6 (South Western) and 7 (Shippensburg) points would have elevated them. Maybe this year with Qb Cowan Ruhland (58%-695, 7/2) back with lead receiver Nizeah Mummert (23-474), although the loss of Andrew Osmun (983ry) is significant.
Red Lion 6A 4-6
After being a competitive, steady team for years, the Red Lion program went south with back-to-back losing seasons at 2-7 and 4-6 following 16 non-losing season the previous 22 years. Defense has disappeared from the team allowing 36ppg the last two years. Part of the reason was youth, starting three sophomores. The good news is at least eight are back on defense along with an exciting quarterback in Chris Price (6-1, 190, jr…2022) who threw for 63% for 1341 yards with a 15/5 ratio. He also rushed for 580 yards on 82 carries. He along with LeDainian Strausbaugh should have them far more competitive in 2023.
Northeastern 5A 1-9
Northeastern had another disappointing season, their fourth losing season in the last five years. What’s especially noticeable is the apparent lack of any emphasis on defense, allowing 43ppg in 2020, 37 in 2021 and 42ppg last year. This is only the 16th year they’ve fielded a team with head coach Kirby Brubaker in his second year.
Division 2
Dover 5A 9-3
After winning two games the last two years, you could say the Eagles exploded onto the scene with a nine-win season, a quarterback leading the YA in yardage in Aric Campbell (55%-2439, 22/2), a receiver doing likewise in Thomas Smyser (59-1180) and a dual threat in Gavin Mullins (1250ry, 424ry). For 2023, all their skill returns except Mullins. Seven back on defense including the entire line-backing corps with 415 tackles gets your attention too. Being new to the scene with extreme youth in starting roles saw them overwhelmed against more mature teams like South Western 41-13, New Oxford 36-18 and Exeter 42-12. But they had their moments, beating Northern York (8-5) 29-28, Garden Spot (7-4) 40-21 and York Suburban (7-5) 35-21. They may not sneak up on people this year!
New Oxford 5A 8-3
The Colonials had a rebirth the last four years with a 27-14 log after a bad run of 11-50 from 2013-2018, featuring three 0-10 seasons! The highlights of last season were beating their neighbor Gettysburg (8-3) 28-14, Dover (9-3) 36-18 and York Suburban (7-5) 27-18. They fielded a good defense at 15ppg and a balanced offense headed by quarterback Jett Moore (61%-1661, 19/6), receivers Brennen Holmes (36-692) and Evan Schriver (39-508), and running backs Riley Killen (107-503) and Brittyn Eakins (85-500). They all graduate except Holmes and five starters and a few co-starters from the defense. They won the division last year, then were eliminated by Northern in the playoffs 20-7.
York Suburban 4A 7-5
Suburban reversed a 2-4 start with a 5-1 finish, losing to Manheim Central (11-2) in the postseason 63-14. Other losses of note came against New Oxford 27-18 and Dover 35-21. Sophomore quarterback Rylan Bratton (53%-1418, 9/13) was a pleasant surprise. And few expected running back Mikey Bentivegna (5-9, 185, St. Francis) to rush for 2385 yards at 9.7ypc. He graduates but the Qb is back with the leading receiver in Jakhi Beatty (24-284) and six starters to the defense that was a liberal 25ppg.
Kennard Dale 4A 4-7
KD came back to the pack last year with a four-win season following 2021’s record setting 10-2 mark that won the division title. It ended in the district semis losing to Lampeter Strasburg 31-0. Last year’s offense was shaky at 21ppg while the defense was a disaster, allowing 32ppg with overwhelming losses to Wyomissing 49-0, Lampeter Strasburg 54-7 and New Oxford 46-6. The 43-0 collapse against a 5-7 East Pennsboro in districts was revealing.
West York 4A 2-8
Hard believing the Westies used to be a real force in the district, going 65-13 from 2007 to 2012 with a storied past. Since then they’ve dropped 33 of 99 games with six straight losing seasons (14-53!). There’s hope with an offense that improved 8ppg with sophomore quarterback Isaac Roberts at the controls. But the D remains porous, allowing 33ppg, after allowing 32 in 2021, 45 in 2020 and 37 a game in 2019.
Eastern York 4A 2-8
Eastern York is in Wrightsville, downriver from Harrisburg 26 miles and west of Lancaster 14 miles. They haven’t had much success on the gridiron with a 34-65 record the last ten years and one winning season. With a defense allowing 37ppg the last two-year that should continue. But, there’s always next year!
Susquehannock 4A 3-7
Like all the teams in Division-2 except York Suburban, Susquehannock has a struggling program (-.500 last ten years) that rarely win with a 36-61 mark the last ten years. But they did face a trying schedule losing to South Western (8-3) 35-3, Manheim Central (11-2) 49-0, Dover (9-3) 29-15, New Oxford (8-3) 29-7 and Suburban (7-4) 42-14 with a REAL young group. The offense started three sophomores the defense four plus a freshman. Almost everyone returns for 2023 to give them every chance of a strong rebound.
Division 3
Delone Catholic 2A 7-4
Delone is in McSherrystown on the eastern edge of Adams County abutting Hanover in York County where they’ve been a tough-as-nails resilient program since I was a kid. This year is the perfect example when after starting out 0-3, losing to Trinity (2A 9-5) 35-7, Lancaster Catholic (3A 10-1) 33-21 and Greencastle-Antrim (5A 5-5) 35-0, they went on a seven game winning streak before losing to Trinity again 56-17 in the playoffs. They’re 36-16 the last five years and 123-51 the last 16 years. With their tradition, they will always be in the hunt.
Littlestown 3A 7-4
The Thunderbolts are another power in the area, seven miles down the road from Delone which makes them a neighbor in rural America. Like Delone, they had a hard start going 1-4 before recovering for a 6-0 finish! Along the way they beat the other alpha in the division York Catholic 29-24. For 2023, the Bolts return most of their skill; quarterback Alex Popoff (6-2 170, 57%-1654, 22/6), center Jeff Prawdzik (5-10 220), receiver Zyan Herr (28-701) and others. With a record of 62-42 the last ten years and 146-73 back to 2004, you know they’ll be there like last year’s rebuilding group that came in second to Delone Catholic, losing 27-21 at Delone in their typical neighborhood brawl.
York Catholic 2A 5-5
It was a tough year for the Fightin Irish going 5-5 after losing their 10-year coach Eric DePew to Red Land, where he graduated in 1989. He went 83-40 at Catholic with district titles in 2016, 2018 and 2021. Like Delone and Littlestown, they opened poorly at 0-3, then rallied for a 5-2 finish in Coach Brad Hayek’s first year. They battled rival Delone losing 31-28 and Littlestown losing 29-24. The openers were tough games against Lancaster Catholic (10-1), losing 22-14 on two special teams Tds and Camp Hill in overtime, 24-17. So they were competitive which suggests good things in 2023 with frosh Qb Mason Boyer back (49%-479, 7/3) and lead receiver Jack Lawrence (18-225). They will miss their primary in LeVan McFadden (40%-340, 0/3, 85-574ry) clearly more as a runner than a thrower and their leading tacklers Nick Creisher with 142 and Colin Faust at 110.
Bermudian Springs 3A 4-6
Bermudian Springs (great name) has been down the last three years with a 13-15 record. This misleads as their recent past was significant, going 101-38 the previous 12 years. John Livelsburger (longtime asst.) was named Coach in 2020, replacing the retiring Jon DeFoe who compiled a 152-78 record. Coach went with youth last year and got rocked in a number of games. But he returns almost the team to make a move at regaining their place as one of the top small schools in southern Pennsylvania.
Hanover 3A 3-7
With one winning season the last ten years for a 35-65 mark, football does not seem to be the priority at Hanover. Still, they battled, taking York Catholic to the ropes in a 17-14 road loss. For 2023 they graduate a strong Qb in Chase Roberts (57%-1756, 16/3), a big loss, but return their leading back Jayden Stanfield (144-765) and receiver Joey Wilkinson (54-971). Coach Will Rider was not with the team for the opening of the 2022 season? With no interim assigned, they were coached by the assistants.
Fairfield 1A 2-8
The Green Knights are another struggling program with a 33-66 record the last ten years and two winning seasons. Last year’s defense allowed 32ppg following the previous year’s record low yielding defense (last ten years) of 18ppg. But hey, it’s beautiful country at the base of Jack’s Mountain just off the Appalachian Trail.
Biglerville 3A 4-7
Biglerville is in a seven-year slide since their last winning season in 2015 (8-4) showing a won-loss of 11-55! But the Canners (apple country, processing plants) did show real improvement last year winning as many games as they did the previous three years combined. They have some big losses on offense but return good numbers to a defense that played many sophomores and freshman.
York County Technological 6A 1-9
If you thought things were tough at Biglerville, Fairfield and Hanover, poor York Tech has managed only 13 wins the last ten years with 87 losses. At 19ppg, they fielded their most productive offense since 2013’s 3-7 team scored 27ppg. Last year’s team had an outstanding senior running back in Anthony Torres (6-1, 190), also their MLB who rushed for a school record 1933 yards, delivering body blows from both sides of the ball! Good luck replacing him!
District 3
The Mid Penn Conference
Commonwealth Division
State College 6A 13-1
State College won the division undefeated then tore through post season comp until the 57-50 ot win against McDowell before the rematch with Harrisburg for almost predictable results in losing 27-7. But they beat some impressive teams along the way, winning at Downingtown East (9-4) 32-31, at Harrisburg (11-3) 20-6, McDowell (10-3) 57-50 and North Allegheny (11-2) 28-7. For 2023, they return dual threat quarterback Owen Yerka (51%-479, 4/2, 50-348ry), but graduate their primary Finn Furmanek (6-4 195, 60%-1593, 15/6, 96-592ry) who is a BIG loss. Three of their top receivers are back with freshman standout D’Antae Sheffey (1728ry) and big numbers from the D that started three sophomores.
Harrisburg 6A 11-3
The Cougars had another nice run, getting to the 6A final for the second time in five years. You knew they had jelled when they beat Wilson 32-21, Central York 44-7, Manheim Township 44-6 and State High 27-7 in the postseason before losing to St, Joseph’s Prep 42-7. For the coming season, they graduate key offensive and defensive players, but return a strong core starting on offense with sophomore quarterback Shawn Lee (68%, 1744py, 17/8, 584ry) and wide out Elias Coke. The lines return OT/DT Trentin Moffitt (5-11, 245), Sirkayne Veneable (6-4, 290) and at least 5 other starters on defense.
Cumberland Valley 6A 7-4
CV really ramped up the offense last season in year three of coach Josh Oswalt’s Spread offense (dumped Wing-T) scoring 31ppg from 17ppg the year before. It was a veteran offense with a three year starting quarterback. But the defense was a liability at 25ppg yield, their highest yield since 2012. It failed them down the stretch after a 7-1 start beginning with a home loss to Carlisle 26-20 and State College 48-31 at SC, then losing at home to Manheim Township 37-31 in yet another ‘rematch-revenge-rivalry’ game after beating them in the opener 31-27. They face a major rebuild for 2023.
Carlisle 6A 6-5
Carlisle had a scrappy team with all kinds of athletes that had only their second winning team in 18 years. They hung with York High losing 54-47 and upset Cumberland Valley 26-20. Some key elements of that offense return in Lucas Smith who got time under center, and one of the most exciting backs in the area in Jeremiah Hargrove (5-9, 190, 575ry, 282py), lead receiver Carson Swartz (692) and Elijah Hargrove. The big issue entering 2023 is head coach Bret Ickes’s retirement after 26 years in the program and ten as head coach. Former D-Line coach at Shippensburg University, Brandon Cook, takes over.
Central Dauphin 6A 3-7
With one of their thinner groups returning (4-O/5-D starters), they began last season with a thud, losing the first three to Central York (10-2) 36-19, Wilson (8-3) 17-10, then at Coatesville (8-1) 34-28 before defeating Chambersburg 42-35, then losing again at State College (13-1) 19-8. Excepting Central York, they weren’t getting embarrassed; just didn’t have the players. And that’s rare at CD knowing their last losing season was 1995. Qb was an issues playing four; two return. Maybe the D gets them going this year with senior LBs, DE’s and DLs returning; quality players like OL/DL I’Zhior Moon (6-3, 280), Evan Bushong (6-5, 280), Joseph Bass (6-2, 260) and Kaiden Palmer (6-2, 300). It’s CD so don’t be surprised if they come out with a purpose.
Altoona 6A 6-6
Altoona got to .500 last year rebounding from a 4-7 season. But is still struggling against the better teams, losing to State College twice, 55-14 and 28-7, plus Harrisburg 48-0, Central Dauphin 34-14 and Cumberland Valley 37-6. Still, there has been a definite upgrade since Vince Nedimyer took over as coach in 2019 despite the 1-9 season. From there, they’ve gone 4-3, 4-7 and 6-6 last year. This follows 11 years of ten losing seasons and a 32-75 record.
Central Dauphin East 6A 3-7
Coach Lance Deane enters his third year at the helm coming off a 3-7 season on the heels of a 7-4 outing. But you’ve got to like the former Steel High D-cord’s attitude saying their goal is a state title every year. This, from a program recovering from a three-year 6-20 record. They were young last year but still lost some key people on the line and at linebacker. Highly talented sophomores in Demaj Jolloh are back under center with Jared Porter at running back.
Chambersburg 6A 3-7
Hard times continue at Chambersburg. But they had their moments, upsetting a good Northern York (8-5) team 23-16 in Dillsburg (22 north of Gettysburg) and CD East 7-3 also on the road. A tight 42-35 loss to Central Dauphin was a bitter pill to swallow. Despite losing 38-21 and getting dominated at the LOS (Ethan Shines 17 for 146yds), it was good seeing them play Central Bucks East (8-3). They played a lot of sophomores last year that could pay dividends this year although they graduate four of five starting linemen.
Keystone Division
Bishop McDevitt 4A 13-1
At 49ppg average, the Crusaders fielded their highest scoring offence last year, with a record setting defense at 9ppg, allowing only Imhotep and Aliquippa to score more than seven points on the first unit. That got them to their 5th finals appearance since 2010 where they finally won a Gold Medal, routing previously undefeated Aliquippa (13-1) 41-18. For 2023, they return record setting quarterback Stone Saunders (69%-3583, 54/5) entering his junior year, two standout freshman from last year in running backs Maurice Barnes and JC Crummel and receivers Rico Scott, Nevin Hopkins, Samuel Smalls and TE/DE Nick Slogik 6-5, 240, sr). Both lines took big, big hits, notable Gabriel Arena (6-5, 285, Va Tech) from the offense and Riley Robell (6-5, 295, J.Mad) from the defense. Some of those returning are sophomores Tay’Qujuan Hughes (6-2, 295) and Thomas Godhart (6-5, 275), both well regarded, et al. The D returns at least 8 starters and co-starters. This sets up the possibility of a rematch with Aliquippa who also returns a strong group.
Cedar Cliff 5A 7-4
The Colts return much of last year’s team that was way too youthful with sophomores spread throughout the lineup, including Qb Bennett Secrest who wrestled the starting spot away from Ethan Dorrell early. Mike Jones (6-2, 200, soph) is a key member on both sides with 502 rush yards, 198 receiving and 39 tackles. He’s back with eight on defense and multiple co-starters who were adequate at 17ppg yield given the nature of the schedule. Against stiff comp like Shippensburg (8-4) and Bishop McDevitt (13-1), they faltered, losing twice to the Hounds 28-10 and 32-14, and 48-7 to McDevitt. Lots of work to do but a good core returns.
Hershey 5A 5-5
The Trojans were much improved over 2022 on offense and defense lifting the team to a 5-5 record from 1-9. But they were inconsistent, losing winnable games at home to Waynesboro (3-7) 13-7 and Mifflin County (6-5) 24-20, while winning at Cedar Cliff 24-20. Go figure. That’s been the story since 2014 with only one winning season. Most of the skill graduate for 2023 along with major pieces of the defense.
Mifflin County 6A 6-5
In 2010, Lewistown and Indian Valley merged to form Mifflin County High School. Known as the Huskies, they got off to a great start going 7-4 in their inaugural season. Thereon, things took a turn for the worst with only two winning seasons since then. Last year’s 6-5 team was special as it snapped two straight winless seasons. They improved across the board and should improve with their quarterback, leading rusher and three of their top four receivers back. The defense lost 5 starters but return both DE’s, two linebackers and two DBs.
Milton Hershey 4A 6-5
With a 79-43 record the last eleven years (DNP 2020), the Spartans have to be the best kept secret in the Mid Penn. Their 62-43 mark the previous nine years shows they’ve been a constant winner over the years. Last year’s team bounced back from a 4-6 season, their first losing season since 2010. Another accomplishment was getting to the playoffs where they lost to Twin Valley 42-29, allowing 455 yards rushing to show there is work to be done. With a good numbers returning on both sides, they should pick up a few more wins in 2023. They get Cedar Cliff home in what shapes up as a battle for second place in the Keystone behind McDevitt.
Lower Dauphin 5A 4-6
Lower Dauphin is in Hummelstown, abutting Hershey where they’ve been in a seven-year funk at 23-43. This followed a strong four years starting in 2012 where they fielded quality teams going 39-11. The 2013 team at 13-2 got to the semifinal before losing to Pittsburgh Central Catholic 45-0. Central went on to lose to St. Joseph’s Prep 35-10; the Hawk’s first state title. LD could be interesting in 2023 with a new cast on offense while returning most of an extremely young defense that had seven starters/co-starters and freshman leading in tackles at 90. This was the appropriately names Hunter Strohm, their MLB at 6-1 190. Imagine what he might grow into.
Red Land 5A 2-8
Like many others in the Keystone Division, Red Land has been down, with only two winning seasons the last ten years. Last year’s was their worst of record on offense, averaging 9ppg, with a defense allowing 34ppg. But they played a lot of youth including quarterback Quinlin Shearer (6-3, 185, jr) and running back Colton Hoffman (5-11, 205, so). And this will be coach Eric DePew’s 2nd year at the helm after guiding York Catholic to a 83-40 record in ten year.
Palmyra 5A 1-9
Here’s another slumping Keystone team without a winning season in the last four years. Last year’s team averaged 8ppg (8!). Their only win was at home against Lebanon. Even that was a struggle against a program with back-to-back 0-10 seasons, winning 14-6.
Colonial Division
Gettysburg 5A 8-3
Gettysburg moved back to the Mid Penn from the York-Adams last year and won the division, losing only to their neighbor Northern York just up Rt-15, 24-23. Great seeing G-Burg and the Polar Bears in their purple uniforms playing again. They’ll have to rebuild around sophomore quarterback Brady Heiser (6-1, 195) and running back freshman Preston Burnett (5-10, 185, 398ry), with almost everyone else graduating. Heiser threw for 1612 yards and rushed for 458.
Northern York 5A 8-5
Two losing seasons in the last 24 years says the Bears rebuild around powerful running back Cole Bartram (5-10, 195) and his 1642 rush yards. He and a good core return on defense with Cole leading the team with 138 tackles. Two one-point losses, a three point and a seven-point loss kept them from a memorable season.
Shippensburg 5A 8-4
Ship lost their 3 Ks with Trae Kater (1082ry, 18/355py), Amari Kerr (694, 14-192) and Diesel Koser (455) graduating. Add in quaerterback Tucker Chamberlin (54%, 1624, 17/8) and leading receiver Erby Weller (39/765) to see it’s a full rebuild. With a 68-21 mark since 2015 and no losing seasons since 2006, they’ve done that well in the past.
Mechanicsburg 5A 4-6
The Wildcats remain stuck in the mud, albeit in a competitive division at 4-6 with only two winning seasons the last thirteen years. Last year saw competitive losses to Gettysburg, Ship and Northern with 14 returning starters. Strange with all the talent in the area. Everyone in Mechanicsburg doesn’t go to Cumberland Valley!
Greencastle Antrim 5A 5-5
The Blue Devils impressive 4-0 start was rocked by a 1-5 ending, then saved with a 42-26 upset at Shippensburg (8-5) in the highly balanced Mid Penn-Colonial. This was coach Devin McCauley’s best team since taking over in 2018 where they’ve gone 2-8, 1-9, 2-5, 4-6 and finally into positive numbers statistically at 29ppg on offense and 23 on defense last year.
Waynesboro 5A 3-7
Despite returning three linemen, a back-up quarterback with two winning starts and a solid running back, Waynesboro plummeted from a historic high of a 9-win season, to last year’s depths where they averaged a 12-year low of 10ppg from the previous year’s 29ppg. Head coach Josh Sprenkle will likely turn that around after taking over the program in 2019, replacing Steve Myers, who went 26-15 from 2015-18. Sprenkle has gone 22-19 in his four years.
East Pennsboro 4A 4-7
The Panthers were young last year starting four sophs on defense and offense. Topping that, running back Devin Shepard transferred to Central Dauphin where he rushed for 810 yards. Key pieces of last year’s team return on offense in quarterback Keith Oates (6-0, 190 dual threat) and running back Aaron Angelo (754ry, 64 tackles). Most of the D is back to a team that lost two double overtime games and a three pointer that if reversed, would have flipped their record. A lot of rebuilding in the Colonial makes Pennsboro a legit contender.
Capital Division
Steelton Highspire 1A 14-1
Steel High rolled to their fourth state title (2022, 2020, 2008, 2007), defeating Union (12-4) 22-8, out of District-7. Their only loss came against Westinghouse (14-1, D8), the 2A runner up who lost to Southern Columbia 37-22. What’s scary about the Rollers is they return their principal weapons in quarterback Alec Erby (66%-2098, PSU, et al), running back Ron Burnette (689ry), with receivers Durrell Ceasar (45/687) and Jaeion Perry (44/661). The D returns 5 starters, keyed by Andrew Erby (6-4, 275, PSU, et al). They should light things up again after averaging 43ppg on offense last year.
West Perry 3A 11-2
The Mustangs had their best season last year with a record setting 11 wins (10-2 in 1999) getting them to the District-3 title game where they were swamped by Wyomissing (13-1) 63-7. Welcome to the BIGS Perry! They return talented quarterback Marcus Quaker (64%-2049, 22/7, 1066ry) and wide out Ian Goodling (71/1236) plus half the defense to again be a contender in the division and beyond.
Trinity 2A 9-5
The Shamrocks rebounded from a 1-3 start to finish 8-2. After getting thumped by Wyomissing 35-14, West Perry 40-14 and Roman Catholic 41-14, they took Steel High to overtime before losing 35-28. Then they beat Delone and Annville Cleona to win districts before advancing to defeat West Catholic and Executive Education Academy before losing to Southern Columbia 42-7 in the state semifinal. Much of the team returns for 2023 including freshman Messiah Mickens (877ry) with offers from Michigan, Alabama, Ohio St et al.
Big Spring 4A 4-7
Big Spring has been a mid-tier team for some time with a 43-58 log the last ten years. Last year’s team showed two capable running backs in junior Connor Green (943ry) and soph Carter Hall (684). Returning starting quarterback Ethan Eisenberg never got it going with a 43% throwing percentage for 1371 yards and a 8 to 13 Td-Pick ratio. The defense started four sophomores, and returns three starters and three co-starters for 2023.
Boiling Springs 4A 3-6
Boiling Springs had an extraordinary season in 2021 going 11-2. No one in the Mid Penn could handle them including Middletown or Steel High. At 41ppg, they were scorching people, all the way to the district final where ever-present Wyomissing brought them back to Earth in a 55-14 rout. Last year’s team was then a rebuild that returned enough offensive fire power to average 28ppg. Unfortunately, the defense returned to their historic norm, allowing 32ppg.
Camp Hill 2A 5-6
Camp Hill had strong football teams from 2014 through 2016, going 10-3, 11-2 and 7-3. Since then it’s been all downhill without a winning season.
Liberty Division: formed from the old Tri Valley League in 2020
Upper Dauphin 3A 8-3
The former TVL power with consecutive title in 2018 at 10-1 and 2019 at 12-1 has been a steady program for the last five years going 36-12. They started a sophomore under center in Aidan Bingaman who threw at 58% for 1264 yards with a 15/3 ratio, but need to rebuild the receiving corps and defense for 2023.
**UDA merged with Millersburg for football 2020.
Juniata 4A 8-4
Juniata is from District-6 along with three other members of the Mid Penn in Altoona, State College and Mifflin County. Defense was their forte last year allowing 10ppg. But they couldn’t get past the better teams, losing to Selinsgrove (9-3) 17-14, West Perry (11-2) 24-0, Upper Dauphin (8-3) 20-13, then Meadville (12-2) in the playoffs 27-14. Thought they’d beat Meadville but could not hold a 14-6 halftime lead.
Susquenita 4A 5-5
The Blackhawks from Duncannon had one winning season (2015, 6-4) the last ten years, going 35-62 since 2013.
Line Mountain 2A 4-7
The Eagles are from Herndon in District-4 where they’ve compiled a 43-63 record the last ten years with winning seasons in 2020, 2017 and 2016.
Newport 2A 2-8
The Buffalo’s in Newport have fielded some good teams in their recent history going 10-2, 9-2, 10-2 and 9-3 from 2017 back through 2014. But they’ve fallen off the last five years with two winning seasons and a 17-36 record.
James Buchanan 4A 3-7
Buchanan has not had a winning season going back to where I started keeping records in 1999. Their won-loss is 34-197 over that span.
Halifax 1A 1-9
Like many teams from the old TVL, Halifax has struggled with a 27- 73 mark the last ten years. But they did have their one shining moment with a 11-2 season in 2018, losing only to Williams Valley (9-3, Tower City) 16-14 and to Lackawanna Trail’s historic team (14-2) 28-6, who advanced to the final before losing to Farrell (15-0) 55-20.
Lancaster Lebanon League-Section 1
Hempfield 6A 9-3
The Black Knights had a historic year, winning the LL-1 at 6-0, defeating league heavyweights Wilson 20-16 and Manheim Township 17-14 at their respective stadiums. Oddly, their only losses were at home to Central York 30-20 and in the dreaded playoff revenge-rematch against conference foe Manheim Township who trounced them 42-7. Coach George Eager is in his 4th season with improvement shown each year at 4-4, 7-5 then 9-3 last year. That should continue with Jackson Landis back (6-1, 180, sr, 60%-1767py, 13/10) for his second year as a starter. OL/DL Deyvid Palepale (6-4, 290) is back after deciding not to transfer to IMG. Hempfield is District-3’s sleeping giant.
Wilson 6A 8-3
Rough year for the Bulldogs breaking in junior quarterback Tommy Hunsicker (55%-1065. 11/9, 107-525ry), especially opening with Roman Catholic who throttled them 46-15. Thereon they went 8-2, closing out with a 32-21 loss at Harrisburg in the playoffs. Qb has a good arm and could be the focal point with Cam Jones graduated after five punt/kick returns, 999 rush yards and 490 receiving and 28 Tds. Four of five return to the OL with good experienced behind them. The D looks like a rebuild
Manheim Township 6A 9-4
Township may finally be ready for a legit run at Section-1 and beyond with a seasoned team returning almost everyone including quarterback Hayden Johnson (6-1, 185, jr, 73%, 2621, 26/8), four of his top five receivers and their lead back in Declan Clancy. Eight starters return to the defense that allowed 18ppg.
Penn Manor 6A 5-5
The Comets snapped a six season losing streak with back-to-back 5-5 seasons. Coming off six consecutive losing season from 2015 through 2020 (11-47), 5-5 is real progress. Last year’s team was senior laden. But they beat the teams they were supposed to beat and almost knocked off Solanco (11-1, LL-3 champ) losing 29-26. Looks like a big rebuild for 2023.
Cedar Crest 6A 5-5
Cedar Crest has turned the corner the last seven years going 38-30. That’s a big upgrade from the preceding ten years where they only won 15 games! Last year’s team lost a heartbreaker at home to Warwick 26-20 they should have won, and a road clash at Penn Manor 14-9. That’s the difference between 5-5 and 7-4. Qb Jackson Custer (6-0, 175, so) returns after getting time with graduated Jay Huber and three of the top receivers led by TE/DE Aiden Schomp (6-6, 230, jr, 22/308). Speedy Alex Abreu is back at running back with the D returning seven starters.
Reading 6A 3-7
Reading had three winning seasons the last 19 years where they’ve compiled a 56-127 record.
JP McCaskey (Lancaster High) 6A 1-9
The 2022 season was the Red Tornado’s 12th consecutive losing season where they compiled a 25-95 record. Their only win came against Bartram (5-6) of the Philadelphia Public League in overtime 30-24.
Lancaster Lebanon League-Section 2
Exeter Township 5A 12-1
Exeter got off to a red hot 7-0 start against a soft schedule of teams that would end the year with a 19-54 won-loss. But there were no doubts after they pummeled Hempfield (9-3, LL-1 champ) 44-22 at their place, then edging Manheim Central (11-2) 21-17, also at their place. So it came as some surprise when they were handled by Cocalico’s (10-5) veer 34-14 in the district final. That was a good team that will now rebuild after graduating Qb Mason Rotelli (63%-1545, 22/8), Richie Karstien (1624ry), TE/DE Joey Schlafer (39/888, PSU), and big numbers from the defense.
Manheim Central 4A 11-2
Manheim Central looked like they were a year ahead of schedule with a young offense that averaged a program record 48ppg. They jelled, with a big assist from a senior laden defense that was largely of the shutdown variety allowing 15ppg. For 2023, seven starters graduate taking 492 tackles with them. But a core of seven starters/co-starters returns to keep them in the hunt. Plus, many from the offense return including most of their skill. With a ten-year record of 101-24, they are and have always been one of the district’s most consistent programs.
Warwick 5A 5-5
Warwick was again at the margins with a 5-5 group following 2021’s 6-5 team. Little went well for the Warriors losing to quality comp like Cocalico, Manheim Central, Exeter and Souderton by the combined score of 181-71. Much of last year’s offense that scored 27ppg graduated including quarterback Jack Reed. At 27ppg yield, the defense was one of their most porous. Bottom line, this is a successful program with a 52-24 record the last seven years.
Conestoga Valley 5A 5-5
Who knew back on Sept 9th that a 41-35 overtime upset in New Holland against a competitive Garden Spot (7-4) team would allow the Buckskins to salvage a 5-5 season with blow out losses yet to come against Solanco 41-21, Manheim Central 48-0 and Exeter 38-10. Still, it’s a struggle at CV with only one winning season in the last 14 years.
Governor Mifflin 5A 3-7
The Mustangs had their first losing season since 2003 after heavy graduations left the cupboard bare. The schedule was a quality schedule, facing six teams that ended the season above .500. This was their least productive offense at 22ppg since 2009’s 17ppg edition. Same with the defense at 29ppg, their worse since 2003’s 36 a game. Bear in mind this is one of the winningest programs in south central Pennsylvania at 165-56 from 2004 through 2021 with nine seasons at ten wins or more. So look for a rebound with big numbers returning on defense to help the rebuilt offense.
Muhlenberg 6A 2-8
It’s hard times for the ‘Muhls’ winning just four games the last five years and fielding just two winning teams the last ten years. Their year ending points for-points against average the last five years starting in 2018 is 13-41, 9-41, 8-45, 9-38 and 14-38 last year.
Lebanon 6A 0-10
The Cedars of Lebanon had their second 0-10 season in a row following what for them was a highpoint, going 6-5, 7-4 and 3-3 the preceding three years. Still, it’s hard times in Lebanon with a program that had four winning teams since 2003.
Lancaster Lebanon League-Section 3
Solanco (Southern Lancaster County) 5A 11-1
Solanco won the section undefeated and hit the eleven game mark with the uncanny ability to win the close ones, winning by five, three, eight, ten, three and seven points. One of their “easier” wins was against Cocalico (10-5) 21-7, with a predictable loss to Cocalico in the rematch-revenge game in the district semifinal 32-8. For 2023, they face a major rebuild losing quarterback Brody Mellinger (569py, 858ry), Josiah Forren (1008ry), Cole Harris (1011ry) and the versatile Elijah Cunningham (582ry, 327py).
Elizabethtown 5A 8-3
E-town had their first winning season since 2018, following a dismal run of 4-6, 2-6 and 4-6 teams the previous three years. They face a major rebuild with Josh Rudy graduating (66%-2868, 26/7), Logan Lentz (1037ry) and the top three receivers who accounted for 2617 yards receiving. This was their best team since the 2007 10-2 team.
Garden Spot 5A 7-4
The Spartans were close last year with an 41-35 overtime loss to Conestoga Valley and a 37-29 loss to Twin Valley, both at home. That may tip off the fact they were starting four sophomores on defense and a junior at quarterback who started the last 6 games of 2021, going 5-1 as a sophomore. He was special last year throwing at 54% for 1970 yards, 20/10 ratio and rushing for 1108 yards (quick) with 13 more touchdowns. A lot of his skill people graduate but they return a veteran defense of three DLs, two LBs and two DBs.
Ephrata 5A 6-4
Ephrata has a run of athletes coming through allowing them to escape a profound losing streak and string together five non-losing seasons. 26-21 may not sound like much. But when you know this followed a run of five straight 0-10 seasons, it’s eye opening. For 2023, graduating running back Andre Weidman (1262ry, 344py) is a BIG loss. But they return senior quarterback Sam McCracken (57%-2002, 21/11) and five of his receivers who combined for 83 receptions and 1353 yards. Linemen Weston Nolt (6-3, 270) and Evan Sensenig (6-1, 310) are losses to the defense that returns a solid nucleus.
Twin Valley 4A 7-5
Head coach Bret Myers enters his second season after a seven year run at Middletown where he guided the Blue Raiders to a 73-22 record and three consecutive appearances in the 3A final from 2016 through 2018. The played a lot of youth last year with sophomores having a major role at quarterback in Evan Myers (50%-1204, 7/3, 82-502ry, coach’s son) and Evan Johnson (993ry, 160py), plus Drew Engle, a freshman getting 35 carries for 227 yards. Two of the top three receivers return and most of the defense.
Daniel Boone 4A 2-8
Boone entered 2022 with a good core of seniors looking to follow up the success of 2021 that saw them get their first winning season since 2018. But it came apart early, opening with a 35-0 loss to Exeter followed by a 42-7 loss to Conestoga Valley in game two. A 39-15 win at Muhlenberg was followed by six straight losses before ending with a 35-8 win at Fleetwood. Still, they may be competitive in the section with their quarterback, lead running back and top two receivers returning.
Fleetwood 4A 2-8
A promising 2-1 start ended with a thud, losing their last seven games by an average score of 40-13 (281-92). The town of Fleetwood is half way between Reading and the PA Turnpike where they have struggled in the Berks League before transitioning to the LL last year going 40-64 the last ten years.
Lancaster Lebanon League-Section 4
Wyomissing 3A 13-1
Wyomissing strung together four straight one-loss seasons, going a remarkable 49-4 with consecutive finals appearances in 2020 and 2021, and a 20-17 loss to Neumann Goretti in the semifinal preventing a third. Neumann, Wyomissing and Danville, the team Wyo beat the week before, looked like the best teams in the state. And the only reason Danville wasn’t playing Neumann was their missed 32-yard field goal the week before in a 21-19 loss to Wyomissing with 8 ticks left on the clock. For 2023, they graduate their top three rushers (run the Wing-T), with a combined 3050 yards. Add to that quarterback Ben Zechman (63%, 951, 12/1), linemen Jven Williams (6-5, 295, PSU) and Pacen Ziegler (6-4, 275, Sacred Heart) to see it’s a major rebuild.
Lampeter Strasburg 4A 9-3
The Pioneers are a highly successful Lancaster area team with one losing season the past 24 years and an 82-38 mark the last ten. They won nine games last year in a major youth movement that brings most starters back for 2023. That includes quarterback Trent Wagner (60%, 1668, 21/5, 67-268ry) their leading rushers Carson Coleman (1110) and Jonathan Mellinger (290), and two of their top three receivers. The D returns all but four. With an offense cranking out 35ppg supported by a D at 14ppg, they look to be formidable.
Cocalico 5A 10-5
The Eagles were much like Lampeter above starting a relative young group of juniors with a few seniors, sophomores and a freshman mixed in that made it work to the tune of a 10-win season and the 5A district title! Oddly, they lost to most of the winning teams on their schedule including Solanco, Manheim Central, Lampeter Strasburg and Wyomissing before rallying from a 3-4 start to a 7-1 finish, losing in the state semifinal to Pine Richland (13-3) 34-12, another team that recovered from a rough start. Look for some of the losses shown above to be reversed with most of last year’s team returning including the entire backfield with senior running back Sam Steffey (309-1829ry) headlining.
Berks Catholic 3A 5-6
Since their inception in 2011 (Reading CC, Reading Holy Name merger), BC has been a load, building a 108-29 record with no losing seasons until last year. The schedule included opening season losses to Loyalsock Twp (11-2, D4-3A runner up), Executive Education Acad (8-4, D11-2A champ), Pope John Paul II (10-2, D1-4A runner up) and Wyomissing (13-1, D3-3A champ). A somewhat easier slate than their typical Malvern Prep, Central Dauphin, Governor Mifflin and McDonogh types! But still a rough bunch. While they’ll miss Josiah Jordan (1225ry, 219py) and OL/DL Jacob Collazo (6-3, 295), a lot of last year’s team is back with the quarterback, the #2 and #3 rushers and their #2 wide out. Eight return to the defense that has been porous the last four years allowing (2019 onward) 20, 32, 25 and 23ppg.
Donegal 4A 4-7
Donegal of Mount Joy, southeast of Steelton-Harrisburg about 23 miles, has been a .500 program for ten years with a 55-49 record and six winning seasons. So it was a hard slog battling through Lampeter Strasburg, Berks Catholic, Cocalico and Wyomissing their first year in the LL-4, finishing 5th at 3-4 with a young team coming on the heels of last year’s 8-3 team, their best outing in over 20 years.
Conrad Weiser 4A 3-7
Here is another well-kept secret with only four losing seasons in the last 22 years. One of them was last year after graduating their best offense in over 24 years at 38ppg, then fielding their worst at 16ppg since 2003! The D at 29ppg was also their worst since 2003’s 36ppg. As bad as things were breaking in a new group, the schedule gave them no breaks, playing bash ball with Berks Catholic’s pounding attack, losing 45-0, falling to the machine at Wyomissing 49-10, getting schooled by Lampeter Strasburg 51-17, and finally going down hard to Cocalico in the finale 49-0, all in the last five games by a total score of 194-27.
ELCO (Eastern Lebanon County) 4A 4-6
ELCO’s another .500 program over the last ten years with a 50-51 record but only three winning seasons. Last year’s team started off 3-0 before finishing 1-6. The only thing that kept the Raiders in any game was their great Veer back Jake Williams carrying the load with 197 carries for 1792 yards. With the passing game at 41% for 378 yards, Williams was their offense. Losing two road games by one point with him returning plus a good core says they improve on last year’s record and probably reverse it.
Octorara 4A 1-9
Thinking they’d fair better in the Lancaster-Lebanon League, Octorara left the Ches-Mont League in 2018 then went 2-8 their first two years in. They seemed to be making progress the following two seasons at 6-2 and 8-3 until falling back last season with a 1-9 outing, scoring 12ppg and allowing 39. They struggled on both sides of the ball with a passing attack at 46% for 647 yards with a Td/Interception ratio of 4 to 7 while rushing for 1701 yards. Lead back Colton Focht (80-511) is back with Qb Braeden Wood (stats above plus 312ry) to give them a more positive outlook for the coming season.
Lancaster Lebanon League-Section 5
Lancaster Catholic 3A 10-1
Had a good year winning their 12th section title behind Wilson and Manheim Central with a balanced attack featuring Will Crawford (63%-1952, 22/5) throwing to Jaevon Parker (52-1035) and Elijah Cunningham rushing for 1098 yards. They opened with wins against rivals York Catholic (5-5) 22-14 and Delone Catholic (7-4) 33-21, then beat Hamburg (9-3) 38-35 and Schuylkill Valley (6-5) 44-41, coached by their former great coach Bruce Harbach who won state titles in 2009 and 2011. They had to expend a lot of emotion in that one. Then in the playoff’s 1st round at 10-0, they ran into West Perry (11-2, Mid-Penn) who flooded the field with athletes and speed, routing them 63-20. While all the backs and second and third leading receivers return, Cunningham and Crawford are gone.
Hamburg 3A 9-3
Hamburg made some history having their second winning season in a row after going 7-4 the year before. The 507 points scored is a record (42ppg) that saw them getting after people, beating Annville (8-4) at their place 39-26 and barely losing at Section-5 champ Lancaster Catholic 38-35. No one shut them down until the district semifinal where Wyomissing beat them 49-14. They had once in a decade talent (if that!) in quarterback Xander Menapace (6-5, 215, Columbia) throwing for 1833 yards at 63% with a 16/4 ratio while rushing for 594 yards! Pierce Mason added 1367 rushing with David Ruiz another 511. All three graduate as the Hawks rebuild
Annville-Cleona 2A 8-4
AC snapped a rare two season losing streak with a breakout 8-4 campaign scoring a record high 442 points for their seventh winning season in the last ten years. This takes their ten-year record to 80-46. They had trouble with other high end teams of the section losing to Hamburg 39-26 and in a heartbreaker at home to Lancaster Catholic 14-13. Still, it was quite an accomplishment advancing to the district final where Trinity’s revived program throttling them 58-27.
Schuylkill Valley 3A 6-5
Schuylkill Valley had their first winning season in ten years in large part with the hiring of one of the state’s great coaches in Bruce Harbach, in his second year. Coach Harbach had a 16-year career at Lancaster Catholic, going 139-55 with state titles in 2009 and 2011. Looks like the rebuild of everything including culture (23-53 last 8 years) is taking effect.
Kutztown 3A 3-7
Kutztown’s three win season last year was the most wins they’ve had since 2008’s 5-6 season. From then to now they’ve had no winning seasons, seven winless seasons for a 15 year won-loss of 19-129!
Pequea Valley 3A 2-8
PV like Kutztown is struggling with one winning season the last ten years, two winless seasons and a ten-year record of 26-72.
Columbia 2A 3-7
The Crimson Tide’s 3-7 season came after one of their very best seasons of recent history where they went 8-2 in 2021. Otherwise, they’ve only had that one winning season the last ten years with a ten-year record of 29-68. But that 2021 team was special with Robert Footman (6-1, 180) as quarterback, throwing for 2548 yards at 60% with a 29-9 ratio and rushing for 482 yards. He currently plays at Millersville.
Northern Lebanon County 4A 2-8
NLC won 41 games the last ten years. The problem is 33 of them came from 2013 to 2017, meaning they’ve been in a severe drought, going 8-41 the last five years.
York-Adams Conference (YAIAA)
Division 1
Central York 6A 10-2
Central survived the graduations of the Pribula brothers, Cade (DE, Sacred Heart) and Beau (PSU, last year) plus the departure of coach Josh Oswalt to go 10-2 with the new quarterback Nasir Still (67%-1362, 18/6) along with wide out Parker Hines (645), running back Juelz Goff (164ry, 324py) and other returning seniors. But it was still a disappointing season losing to Oswalt’s CV team at home 35-33 then getting hammered by Harrisburg in the district semifinal 44-7. All their key skill people shown above graduate leaving them with a serious rebuild for 2023.
William Penn (York High) 6A 6-4
Despite having one of the top running backs in the state in Jaheim White (1918ry, 428py) and strong quarterbacking in Sam Stoner (68%-2051, 25/6), the Bearcats fell well short of expectations with a defense that had trouble stopping anyone, losing to Woodland Hills 28-24, Hempfield 35-32, and rival Central York 41-36 and again in the playoffs 51-44. Anything better than a defense allowing 33ppg would have won a few of those games. Like Central High above, it looks like a big rebuild losing Stoner and White to graduation.
South Western 5A 7-4
The Mustangs have improved significantly the last two years going 6-5 and 7-4 after a losing streak of five consecutive seasons winning 14 games and losing 33. The largest upgrade was on defense dropping from 31ppg to 19ppg. But they still couldn’t beat the muscle, losing to Central York 30-28 in one of their best performances of the year, then York High 52-14 and finally Northern York 21-20 in the playoffs. Much of what made that happen including a underrated dual threat QB in Max Wisensale (56%-1512, 623ry) his top receiver and the team’s leading running back graduate.
Dallastown 6A 4-6
Like most YA teams, Dallastown likes to fling it, score a pile of points and play little defense. That defines the Wildcats last year scoring 30ppg with Owen Strouse at 59% for 1799 yards and a 13/5 ratio throwing to Kenny Johnson who caught 43 balls for 659 yards. He’ll play at Pitt. Despite that level of talent, they lost to the top teams on the schedule; Hempfield 30-13, Manheim Township 40-0, Central York 35-21, York 66-49 and Dover 28-25 and could be in for a long season with graduation of Strouse and Johnson. 26 years old Mike Murphy is the youngest head coach in the league entering his second season.
Spring Grove 5A 5-5
Heavy grads meant there was little chance the Rockets were going to repeat 2021’s success winning 10 games against two losses. But they did surprise, getting out to a 5-2 start before the 0-3 finish where the D collapsed, losing to York 40-37, Dallastown 60-40 and South Western 36-30. Like many in the YA, any improvement on defense knowing they lost games by 3 (York), 6 (South Western) and 7 (Shippensburg) points would have elevated them. Maybe this year with Qb Cowan Ruhland (58%-695, 7/2) back with lead receiver Nizeah Mummert (23-474), although the loss of Andrew Osmun (983ry) is significant.
Red Lion 6A 4-6
After being a competitive, steady team for years, the Red Lion program went south with back-to-back losing seasons at 2-7 and 4-6 following 16 non-losing season the previous 22 years. Defense has disappeared from the team allowing 36ppg the last two years. Part of the reason was youth, starting three sophomores. The good news is at least eight are back on defense along with an exciting quarterback in Chris Price (6-1, 190, jr…2022) who threw for 63% for 1341 yards with a 15/5 ratio. He also rushed for 580 yards on 82 carries. He along with LeDainian Strausbaugh should have them far more competitive in 2023.
Northeastern 5A 1-9
Northeastern had another disappointing season, their fourth losing season in the last five years. What’s especially noticeable is the apparent lack of any emphasis on defense, allowing 43ppg in 2020, 37 in 2021 and 42ppg last year. This is only the 16th year they’ve fielded a team with head coach Kirby Brubaker in his second year.
Division 2
Dover 5A 9-3
After winning two games the last two years, you could say the Eagles exploded onto the scene with a nine-win season, a quarterback leading the YA in yardage in Aric Campbell (55%-2439, 22/2), a receiver doing likewise in Thomas Smyser (59-1180) and a dual threat in Gavin Mullins (1250ry, 424ry). For 2023, all their skill returns except Mullins. Seven back on defense including the entire line-backing corps with 415 tackles gets your attention too. Being new to the scene with extreme youth in starting roles saw them overwhelmed against more mature teams like South Western 41-13, New Oxford 36-18 and Exeter 42-12. But they had their moments, beating Northern York (8-5) 29-28, Garden Spot (7-4) 40-21 and York Suburban (7-5) 35-21. They may not sneak up on people this year!
New Oxford 5A 8-3
The Colonials had a rebirth the last four years with a 27-14 log after a bad run of 11-50 from 2013-2018, featuring three 0-10 seasons! The highlights of last season were beating their neighbor Gettysburg (8-3) 28-14, Dover (9-3) 36-18 and York Suburban (7-5) 27-18. They fielded a good defense at 15ppg and a balanced offense headed by quarterback Jett Moore (61%-1661, 19/6), receivers Brennen Holmes (36-692) and Evan Schriver (39-508), and running backs Riley Killen (107-503) and Brittyn Eakins (85-500). They all graduate except Holmes and five starters and a few co-starters from the defense. They won the division last year, then were eliminated by Northern in the playoffs 20-7.
York Suburban 4A 7-5
Suburban reversed a 2-4 start with a 5-1 finish, losing to Manheim Central (11-2) in the postseason 63-14. Other losses of note came against New Oxford 27-18 and Dover 35-21. Sophomore quarterback Rylan Bratton (53%-1418, 9/13) was a pleasant surprise. And few expected running back Mikey Bentivegna (5-9, 185, St. Francis) to rush for 2385 yards at 9.7ypc. He graduates but the Qb is back with the leading receiver in Jakhi Beatty (24-284) and six starters to the defense that was a liberal 25ppg.
Kennard Dale 4A 4-7
KD came back to the pack last year with a four-win season following 2021’s record setting 10-2 mark that won the division title. It ended in the district semis losing to Lampeter Strasburg 31-0. Last year’s offense was shaky at 21ppg while the defense was a disaster, allowing 32ppg with overwhelming losses to Wyomissing 49-0, Lampeter Strasburg 54-7 and New Oxford 46-6. The 43-0 collapse against a 5-7 East Pennsboro in districts was revealing.
West York 4A 2-8
Hard believing the Westies used to be a real force in the district, going 65-13 from 2007 to 2012 with a storied past. Since then they’ve dropped 33 of 99 games with six straight losing seasons (14-53!). There’s hope with an offense that improved 8ppg with sophomore quarterback Isaac Roberts at the controls. But the D remains porous, allowing 33ppg, after allowing 32 in 2021, 45 in 2020 and 37 a game in 2019.
Eastern York 4A 2-8
Eastern York is in Wrightsville, downriver from Harrisburg 26 miles and west of Lancaster 14 miles. They haven’t had much success on the gridiron with a 34-65 record the last ten years and one winning season. With a defense allowing 37ppg the last two-year that should continue. But, there’s always next year!
Susquehannock 4A 3-7
Like all the teams in Division-2 except York Suburban, Susquehannock has a struggling program (-.500 last ten years) that rarely win with a 36-61 mark the last ten years. But they did face a trying schedule losing to South Western (8-3) 35-3, Manheim Central (11-2) 49-0, Dover (9-3) 29-15, New Oxford (8-3) 29-7 and Suburban (7-4) 42-14 with a REAL young group. The offense started three sophomores the defense four plus a freshman. Almost everyone returns for 2023 to give them every chance of a strong rebound.
Division 3
Delone Catholic 2A 7-4
Delone is in McSherrystown on the eastern edge of Adams County abutting Hanover in York County where they’ve been a tough-as-nails resilient program since I was a kid. This year is the perfect example when after starting out 0-3, losing to Trinity (2A 9-5) 35-7, Lancaster Catholic (3A 10-1) 33-21 and Greencastle-Antrim (5A 5-5) 35-0, they went on a seven game winning streak before losing to Trinity again 56-17 in the playoffs. They’re 36-16 the last five years and 123-51 the last 16 years. With their tradition, they will always be in the hunt.
Littlestown 3A 7-4
The Thunderbolts are another power in the area, seven miles down the road from Delone which makes them a neighbor in rural America. Like Delone, they had a hard start going 1-4 before recovering for a 6-0 finish! Along the way they beat the other alpha in the division York Catholic 29-24. For 2023, the Bolts return most of their skill; quarterback Alex Popoff (6-2 170, 57%-1654, 22/6), center Jeff Prawdzik (5-10 220), receiver Zyan Herr (28-701) and others. With a record of 62-42 the last ten years and 146-73 back to 2004, you know they’ll be there like last year’s rebuilding group that came in second to Delone Catholic, losing 27-21 at Delone in their typical neighborhood brawl.
York Catholic 2A 5-5
It was a tough year for the Fightin Irish going 5-5 after losing their 10-year coach Eric DePew to Red Land, where he graduated in 1989. He went 83-40 at Catholic with district titles in 2016, 2018 and 2021. Like Delone and Littlestown, they opened poorly at 0-3, then rallied for a 5-2 finish in Coach Brad Hayek’s first year. They battled rival Delone losing 31-28 and Littlestown losing 29-24. The openers were tough games against Lancaster Catholic (10-1), losing 22-14 on two special teams Tds and Camp Hill in overtime, 24-17. So they were competitive which suggests good things in 2023 with frosh Qb Mason Boyer back (49%-479, 7/3) and lead receiver Jack Lawrence (18-225). They will miss their primary in LeVan McFadden (40%-340, 0/3, 85-574ry) clearly more as a runner than a thrower and their leading tacklers Nick Creisher with 142 and Colin Faust at 110.
Bermudian Springs 3A 4-6
Bermudian Springs (great name) has been down the last three years with a 13-15 record. This misleads as their recent past was significant, going 101-38 the previous 12 years. John Livelsburger (longtime asst.) was named Coach in 2020, replacing the retiring Jon DeFoe who compiled a 152-78 record. Coach went with youth last year and got rocked in a number of games. But he returns almost the team to make a move at regaining their place as one of the top small schools in southern Pennsylvania.
Hanover 3A 3-7
With one winning season the last ten years for a 35-65 mark, football does not seem to be the priority at Hanover. Still, they battled, taking York Catholic to the ropes in a 17-14 road loss. For 2023 they graduate a strong Qb in Chase Roberts (57%-1756, 16/3), a big loss, but return their leading back Jayden Stanfield (144-765) and receiver Joey Wilkinson (54-971). Coach Will Rider was not with the team for the opening of the 2022 season? With no interim assigned, they were coached by the assistants.
Fairfield 1A 2-8
The Green Knights are another struggling program with a 33-66 record the last ten years and two winning seasons. Last year’s defense allowed 32ppg following the previous year’s record low yielding defense (last ten years) of 18ppg. But hey, it’s beautiful country at the base of Jack’s Mountain just off the Appalachian Trail.
Biglerville 3A 4-7
Biglerville is in a seven-year slide since their last winning season in 2015 (8-4) showing a won-loss of 11-55! But the Canners (apple country, processing plants) did show real improvement last year winning as many games as they did the previous three years combined. They have some big losses on offense but return good numbers to a defense that played many sophomores and freshman.
York County Technological 6A 1-9
If you thought things were tough at Biglerville, Fairfield and Hanover, poor York Tech has managed only 13 wins the last ten years with 87 losses. At 19ppg, they fielded their most productive offense since 2013’s 3-7 team scored 27ppg. Last year’s team had an outstanding senior running back in Anthony Torres (6-1, 190), also their MLB who rushed for a school record 1933 yards, delivering body blows from both sides of the ball! Good luck replacing him!
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