District 3 Playoffs; games of Nov 17, 18.
6A: Semifinals, Nov 17, 18
#1 Manheim Township 11-0 vs #4 Cumberland Valley 7-4
Manheim Township manhandled York last week in a 44-8 rout after building a 28-0 lead by the end of the first quarter where Hayden Johnson threw three touchdown passes. He finished with 232 yards as the Blue Streaks rolled out 430 total yards of offense. As impressive was the defense allowing 78 rushing yards; 238 total. Up next in the District Semifinal is Cumberland Valley (7-4) in a rematch of the opener for both won by Township 35-6. The Streaks dominated that one as they have all games this year, holding CV to 182 yards and seven first downs. But CV is a different team now, winning their last six games by an average score of 26-14 since the 1-4 start. The streak includes Central Dauphin, State College and Wilson (7-4) last week 20-14 in the first round. Their big guns are running back Bryce Staretz (269/1408), quarterback Grant Shepley (50/82/568) who has started since halftime of the CD game and receiver Caiden Pines with 461 yards. However you look at it, it’s going to be a stiff challenge with Township’s record setting offense averaging 47ppg. What may have gone unnoticed is an equally overwhelming defense allowing 9ppg with four shutouts and three others held to six points. This comes against legitimate comp including Harrisburg who they defeated 38-6, Spring Ford who was routed 63-28, Wilson 49-34, York 44-8 and CV in the opener 35-6. The game is at Manheim Township at 7pm, Nov 17th.
#2 Harrisburg 10-1 vs #3 Central York 11-0
Harrisburg beat Cedar Crest (8-3) in first round action last week 54-28. The Falcons were as feisty as expected, down just 21-14 until Harrisburg exploded in the third quarter with a 20-0 run. In fact, they scored on their first four possessions of the second half ending the game with a 465 to 266 total yardage advantage. Quarterback Shawn Lee had a stellar performance, completing 10 of 11 passes for 244 yards with three touchdown passes. He also rushed for 110 yards. Good luck defending that! That’s not to say the Crest doesn’t have some studs. They do, especially running back Fernando Marquez (6-2, 215, sr) banging out 149 yards and the big guy, tight end Aden Schomp (6-6, 230, sr) cathcing eight throws for 99 yards. He’s a brute! But the Cougars got past them to play undefeated Central York (11-0) Saturday at home. As expected, Central York got a game from Central Dauphin in the rematch, winning 42-34 after taking the season opener 45-35, also in York. This was a wild one with no punts and no defense. And it was decided with a minute and a half left in the game where the Panthers goal line stand stopped CD who had a first and goal at the nine! Central’s sophomore quarterback Brooklyn Nace deserves BIG props in his first playoff game completing 12 of 15 passes for 192 yards and two scores. Unheralded Ethan Carlos caught eight passes for 202 yards and two scores while Pitt commit Juelz Goff rushed for 103 yards with three touchdowns. So buckle up for the Central York-Harrisburg game that will likely see 80 to 90 points scored in a game that could mimic Central-CD; decided on a goal line stand or last possession play. If it matters, Harrisburg won last year 44-7. The game is at Harrisburg High, Severance Field at 1pm, Nov 18th.
5A: Semifinals, Nov 17, 18
#5 Ephrata 11-1 vs #8 Hershey 9-3
Ephrata took the eight-mile bus ride to New Holland where they shocked Garden Spot (9-2) in a revenge-rematch game 31-10. Then again, how hard is it to get up for districts, especially against a team in the same section (division) that gave you your only loss of the season? The key to defeating Garden Spot is controlling quarterback Kye Harting. That’s what they did, holding him to season lows of 122 passing and 48 rushing. Offensively, they beat them with the big play. Quarterback Sam McCracken threw for 271 yards with touchdown tosses of 35, 44, 47 and 44 yards to Angel Collazo (5/101, 2 Tds) and Nick Keller (3/87, 2 Tds). Brayden Brown rushed for 101 yards. The defense held the big Spartan attack to 255 yards and 10 points. They move on to host eighth seeded Hershey who got a 34-28 road win at top seeded New Oxford (9-2) last week, scoring the go-ahead with 45 second left in the game. New Oxford then drove the field to score an apparent touchdown pass to reclaim the lead only to see a flag saying the quarterback crossed the line of scrimmage before making the throw. What a way to lose a home game! Still, they had no answer for Hershey’s bull of a running back Angel Cabrera (6-0, 230) who gashed them for 231 yards on 38 carries, scoring three touchdowns to take his season total to 1822 yards. Hershey outmuscled the Colonials on their own turf, 397 yards to 177. 372 were rushing yards! That’s Ephrata’s issue in the semifinal. Seeing if they can slow the 8-seed that is rolling over good stuff from Exeter (9-2) two weeks ago with Cabrera getting 175 yards (413 total O) and top seed New Oxford last week. Hershey’s task is also substantial, tackling a well balanced offense that is on a six game winning streak. The game is at Ephrata at 7pm, Nov 17th.
#2 Cedar Cliff 10-1 vs #3 Cocalico 10-1
Cedar Cliff’s Colts looked strong coming off a bye week to harness South Western’s Mustangs 31-7. They looked real strong, holding South Western (Hanover, York County) to 160 total yards while piling up 432. It doesn’t get much worse than this, going on the road facing a bone crushing defense (50 rush yards) and a balanced offense rushing for 242 yards. Erik Schriver had 107 of those yards while quarterback Bennett Seacrest completed 13 of 19 for 189 yards. The Colts offense has been peaking the last few weeks averaging 42ppg on a six game winning streak since losing to McDevitt 48-9 week-5. At the same time, Cocalico was also coming off a bye week to crush Conestoga Valley (9-3) 42-10. But unlike the Colts, Cocalico does it was a jarring Veer offense that runs over people with a pile of backs plus a suffocating defense. They did not attempt a single pass while taking their time in a clock eating 53-carry effort producing 279 yards rushing. A 21-0 flurry in the third quarter sealed it. Aaryn Longeneceker led them with 101 yards rushing followed by Sam Steffey with 80 yards. Quarterback Josh Myer chipped in with 47 on the ground. The swarming Eagle D held CV to 146 total yards. They’ll need that same effort this week at Cedar Cliff against their balanced attack that will throw six quality receivers at you, all 6 feet or over, plus a quality running back in Erik Schriver with 1243 rush yards. And don’t forget dual threat quarterback Bennett Seacrest with 1269 passing at 58% and 482 rushing on 75 carries. That will keep any defense busy. The game is at West Shore Stadium (Cedar Cliff) 7pm, Nov 17th.
4A: Semifinals, Nov 17, 18
#1 Bishop McDevitt 11-0 vs #5 Lampeter Strasburg 9-2
For the second time this season, Bishop McDevitt routed Milton Hershey 54-14 after beating them in Mid Penn-Keystone division action 55-14. This one went the same as the first, racing out to an insurmountable first half lead before resting the starters. It was 28-0 in the first quarter, featuring quarterback Stone Saunders (Kentucky) completing 17 of 25 passes for 394 yards and six touchdowns. 394 yards! Rico Scott (Alabama) caught seven passes for 194 yards and three scores with Chase Regan catching four for 124 yards and a score. 526 yards later, they had their 24th straight win going back to last year’s 19-14 loss to Imhotep. Like all the great teams, they have a suffocating defense that held Milton Hershey to 36 rush yards. That doesn’t bode well for Lampeter Strasburg, coming in off a 23-20 double-overtime win at fourth seeded East Pennsboro (9-2). LS prides themselves on a robust ground game averaging 231 yards a game. Before last week, they were 0-2 against ‘quality’, losing to Cocalico 24-10 and Wyomissing 18-13. But they are well balanced with strong quarterbacking from Trent Wagner (1416-64%), a solid running back in Jonathan Mellinger at 1446 for the year, and three receivers with 20 or more receptions for 1171 yards and 18 touchdowns. Two years ago saw them nearly upset McDevitt losing 7-0 with McDevitt going on to lose to the Quips 34-27 in the final. LS is one of Pennsylvania’s best kept secrets with one losing season the last 25 years and an 86-34 record the last 10 years; 49-12 the last five. The game is at McDevitt’s Rocco Ortenzio Stadium (Steelton native) Nov 17th, 7pm.
#2 Twin Valley 1-1 vs #3 Manheim Central 10-1
2nd seeded Twin Valley swamped 7th seeded ELCO (8-4) last week 35-7 with school record setting Drew Engle running wild for 196 yards and two touchdowns, bringing his season total to 1436 yards. Evan Johnson added 46 yards bringing his total to 1089 yards, giving the Raiders a powerful 1-2 punch. They run behind an O-Line averaging 6-3, 280 pounds, centered around tackle Artis Drake (6-6, 295), guard Paul McClune (6-4, 295) and tight end Ian Winchester (6-2, 265). Quarterback Evan Myers also stood out with 92 yards rushing and 95 passing. He’s probably the quietest dual threat in the district with 1315 yards passing and 494 rushing. The opponent this week is 3rd seeded Manheim Central, coming in hot on an eight game winning streak. It may surprise some to know they had their hands full last week defeating Susquehanna Township (7-4) 45-34. With a running back like Dorian Smith motoring for 172 yards, Hanna didn’t flinch, even holding the Baron’s ground game to 56 yards. But they had no answer for their excellent passing game that saw Zac Hahn complete 24 of 31 passes for 362 yards and four touchdowns. Athletic as Hanna is, they couldn’t defend Aaron Enterline who caught seven passes for 170 yards with Bode Sipel catching three for 114! So that’s Twin Valley’s challenge this week, managing Manheim’s passing attack. Manheim’s challenge is to slow TV’s ground game. Something they didn’t do too well against Cocalico week-3 allowing 475 yards rushing (no misprint) despite throwing for 317 yards in a 48-28 loss at Cocalico. The game is at Twin Valley at 7pm, Nov 17th.
3A: Final, Nov 17, 18
#1 Wyomissing 10-1 vs #3 West Perry 11-1
Wyomissing’s quest for a fifth straight District-3 title got off to a flying start last week after taking Schuylkill Valley (9-3) apart 48-0. Just about everyone played in this one with Wyomissing using 13 ball carries who rushed for 308 yards on 41 carries. It was over at the half with a 34-0 lead. Quarterback Logan Hyde actually threw a few passes in their vaunted Wing-T offense, completing four of five tosses for 113 yards. Heady stuff at Wyo! The defense has also jelled, holding SV to 67 total yards that includes negative nine yards rushing! They’re allowing 12ppg that includes the 34-14 loss at Cocalico. Anomaly? West Perry is next. The only blemish on their record is a 33-12 loss to Steel High. Otherwise they’re rolling, blowing out Bermudian Springs (6-5) 42-21 and Lancaster Catholic (9-2) 49-20 in postseason games. Against LC, quarterback Marcus Quaker threw for 47 yards and rushed for another 188 with three touchdowns. The illusive Brad Hockenberry was close to unstoppable, rushing for 187 yards and three touchdowns. They’ll bring their third seed to Wyomissing Saturday hoping for better results than last year’s 63-7 disaster. Both are Wing-T teams. The game is at Wyomissing, 1pm, Nov 18th where the Spartans are close to unbeatable.
2A: PIAA First Round States, Nov 17
Camp Hill 7-5 vs West Catholic 1-9
It will be interesting seeing what Camp Hill has left in the tanks after defeating crosstown rival Trinity 20-13 last week in the 2A District Final. Trinity won the regular season-division game 14-13. Last week’s game matched that one in intensity where Camp Hill drove the field to score the winning touchdown with a minute and 15 seconds left to play. The win secured their 11th district crown. Junior quarterback Drew Branstetter had a strong game, completing 17 of 24 for 160 yards and two touchdowns. With so many quality receivers on the team, he had no trouble finding open receivers, completing eight passes for 47 yards to Noah Doi, four for 38 yards to Tommy Corbin and three for 57 to Alex Long. Kobe Moore also had two receptions for 18 yards plus 28 yards rushing. Trinity got theirs, going up and down the field but didn’t convert yardage to points as Camp Hill held them to their lowest point total of the season. That’s quite an accomplishment knowing Wyomissing scored 34 on them and Steel High 37. Moving on to States, West Catholic (1-9) is next, playing out of the PCL-Blue. The Burrs may have fallen on hard times (last +.500 team 2018), but still put athletes out there. Their schedule is more difficult than many, playing Northeast (7-4), Steel High (12-0), O’Hara (7-4), Neumann (10-1), CE (6-5) and Bonner (9-2); some of the better teams in the state. They gave Steel High one of their best games losing 29-22. When playing more equal competition, they rout teams like Bristol last week 48-0 in the District 1/12 Final. They won’t show the Lions anything they haven’t seen this year knowing they too played a difficult schedule including Steel High, Trinity x2, and West Perry. The game is at Camp Hill, 7pm, Nov 17th.
1A: PIAA First Round States, Nov 17.
Steelton Highspire 12-0 vs Northern Bedford County 12-0
Steelton Highspire breezed past Belmont Charter School (D12, 3-7) with a 49-8 halftime lead ending in a 49-28 first round win to extend their winning streak to 22 games. The opponent this week is undefeated Northern Bedford County, last week’s winner against Windber (8-4) 27-7 in the District-5 Final. The Rollers and Northern will play at District 6’s Claysburg-Kimmel High School, 7pm, Nov 17th. This is essentially a home game being 13 miles from NBC where the Panthers will pack em in. They’re a veteran, senior team that could be a problem especially as it’s a rare night game for Steelton. While there is no way they can match Steelton’s speed, they could present problems with a dual threat in Eion Snider (6-2, 190, sr) with 1732 passing yards at 61% and 599 rushing on 88 carries. Running back Adam Johnson (5-10, 195) has 1016 rushing with receivers Aaron Bowers and Ben Gable at 624 and 623 respectively, each with 40 receptions. They have some beef up front (agility, quickness?) and on the DL in Mason Baumbaugh (6-3, 285), Dustin O’Brien (6-1, 230), Josiah Bowser (6-4, 270) and Brock Beach (6-1, 265). The best team they played was historic and state power Berlin Brothersvalley (10-2), beating them 24-16. Berlin lost last week to a team similar to Steel High in Westinghouse (10-0) 31-20 from the Pitt City League in the 2A playoffs.
6A: Semifinals, Nov 17, 18
#1 Manheim Township 11-0 vs #4 Cumberland Valley 7-4
Manheim Township manhandled York last week in a 44-8 rout after building a 28-0 lead by the end of the first quarter where Hayden Johnson threw three touchdown passes. He finished with 232 yards as the Blue Streaks rolled out 430 total yards of offense. As impressive was the defense allowing 78 rushing yards; 238 total. Up next in the District Semifinal is Cumberland Valley (7-4) in a rematch of the opener for both won by Township 35-6. The Streaks dominated that one as they have all games this year, holding CV to 182 yards and seven first downs. But CV is a different team now, winning their last six games by an average score of 26-14 since the 1-4 start. The streak includes Central Dauphin, State College and Wilson (7-4) last week 20-14 in the first round. Their big guns are running back Bryce Staretz (269/1408), quarterback Grant Shepley (50/82/568) who has started since halftime of the CD game and receiver Caiden Pines with 461 yards. However you look at it, it’s going to be a stiff challenge with Township’s record setting offense averaging 47ppg. What may have gone unnoticed is an equally overwhelming defense allowing 9ppg with four shutouts and three others held to six points. This comes against legitimate comp including Harrisburg who they defeated 38-6, Spring Ford who was routed 63-28, Wilson 49-34, York 44-8 and CV in the opener 35-6. The game is at Manheim Township at 7pm, Nov 17th.
#2 Harrisburg 10-1 vs #3 Central York 11-0
Harrisburg beat Cedar Crest (8-3) in first round action last week 54-28. The Falcons were as feisty as expected, down just 21-14 until Harrisburg exploded in the third quarter with a 20-0 run. In fact, they scored on their first four possessions of the second half ending the game with a 465 to 266 total yardage advantage. Quarterback Shawn Lee had a stellar performance, completing 10 of 11 passes for 244 yards with three touchdown passes. He also rushed for 110 yards. Good luck defending that! That’s not to say the Crest doesn’t have some studs. They do, especially running back Fernando Marquez (6-2, 215, sr) banging out 149 yards and the big guy, tight end Aden Schomp (6-6, 230, sr) cathcing eight throws for 99 yards. He’s a brute! But the Cougars got past them to play undefeated Central York (11-0) Saturday at home. As expected, Central York got a game from Central Dauphin in the rematch, winning 42-34 after taking the season opener 45-35, also in York. This was a wild one with no punts and no defense. And it was decided with a minute and a half left in the game where the Panthers goal line stand stopped CD who had a first and goal at the nine! Central’s sophomore quarterback Brooklyn Nace deserves BIG props in his first playoff game completing 12 of 15 passes for 192 yards and two scores. Unheralded Ethan Carlos caught eight passes for 202 yards and two scores while Pitt commit Juelz Goff rushed for 103 yards with three touchdowns. So buckle up for the Central York-Harrisburg game that will likely see 80 to 90 points scored in a game that could mimic Central-CD; decided on a goal line stand or last possession play. If it matters, Harrisburg won last year 44-7. The game is at Harrisburg High, Severance Field at 1pm, Nov 18th.
5A: Semifinals, Nov 17, 18
#5 Ephrata 11-1 vs #8 Hershey 9-3
Ephrata took the eight-mile bus ride to New Holland where they shocked Garden Spot (9-2) in a revenge-rematch game 31-10. Then again, how hard is it to get up for districts, especially against a team in the same section (division) that gave you your only loss of the season? The key to defeating Garden Spot is controlling quarterback Kye Harting. That’s what they did, holding him to season lows of 122 passing and 48 rushing. Offensively, they beat them with the big play. Quarterback Sam McCracken threw for 271 yards with touchdown tosses of 35, 44, 47 and 44 yards to Angel Collazo (5/101, 2 Tds) and Nick Keller (3/87, 2 Tds). Brayden Brown rushed for 101 yards. The defense held the big Spartan attack to 255 yards and 10 points. They move on to host eighth seeded Hershey who got a 34-28 road win at top seeded New Oxford (9-2) last week, scoring the go-ahead with 45 second left in the game. New Oxford then drove the field to score an apparent touchdown pass to reclaim the lead only to see a flag saying the quarterback crossed the line of scrimmage before making the throw. What a way to lose a home game! Still, they had no answer for Hershey’s bull of a running back Angel Cabrera (6-0, 230) who gashed them for 231 yards on 38 carries, scoring three touchdowns to take his season total to 1822 yards. Hershey outmuscled the Colonials on their own turf, 397 yards to 177. 372 were rushing yards! That’s Ephrata’s issue in the semifinal. Seeing if they can slow the 8-seed that is rolling over good stuff from Exeter (9-2) two weeks ago with Cabrera getting 175 yards (413 total O) and top seed New Oxford last week. Hershey’s task is also substantial, tackling a well balanced offense that is on a six game winning streak. The game is at Ephrata at 7pm, Nov 17th.
#2 Cedar Cliff 10-1 vs #3 Cocalico 10-1
Cedar Cliff’s Colts looked strong coming off a bye week to harness South Western’s Mustangs 31-7. They looked real strong, holding South Western (Hanover, York County) to 160 total yards while piling up 432. It doesn’t get much worse than this, going on the road facing a bone crushing defense (50 rush yards) and a balanced offense rushing for 242 yards. Erik Schriver had 107 of those yards while quarterback Bennett Seacrest completed 13 of 19 for 189 yards. The Colts offense has been peaking the last few weeks averaging 42ppg on a six game winning streak since losing to McDevitt 48-9 week-5. At the same time, Cocalico was also coming off a bye week to crush Conestoga Valley (9-3) 42-10. But unlike the Colts, Cocalico does it was a jarring Veer offense that runs over people with a pile of backs plus a suffocating defense. They did not attempt a single pass while taking their time in a clock eating 53-carry effort producing 279 yards rushing. A 21-0 flurry in the third quarter sealed it. Aaryn Longeneceker led them with 101 yards rushing followed by Sam Steffey with 80 yards. Quarterback Josh Myer chipped in with 47 on the ground. The swarming Eagle D held CV to 146 total yards. They’ll need that same effort this week at Cedar Cliff against their balanced attack that will throw six quality receivers at you, all 6 feet or over, plus a quality running back in Erik Schriver with 1243 rush yards. And don’t forget dual threat quarterback Bennett Seacrest with 1269 passing at 58% and 482 rushing on 75 carries. That will keep any defense busy. The game is at West Shore Stadium (Cedar Cliff) 7pm, Nov 17th.
4A: Semifinals, Nov 17, 18
#1 Bishop McDevitt 11-0 vs #5 Lampeter Strasburg 9-2
For the second time this season, Bishop McDevitt routed Milton Hershey 54-14 after beating them in Mid Penn-Keystone division action 55-14. This one went the same as the first, racing out to an insurmountable first half lead before resting the starters. It was 28-0 in the first quarter, featuring quarterback Stone Saunders (Kentucky) completing 17 of 25 passes for 394 yards and six touchdowns. 394 yards! Rico Scott (Alabama) caught seven passes for 194 yards and three scores with Chase Regan catching four for 124 yards and a score. 526 yards later, they had their 24th straight win going back to last year’s 19-14 loss to Imhotep. Like all the great teams, they have a suffocating defense that held Milton Hershey to 36 rush yards. That doesn’t bode well for Lampeter Strasburg, coming in off a 23-20 double-overtime win at fourth seeded East Pennsboro (9-2). LS prides themselves on a robust ground game averaging 231 yards a game. Before last week, they were 0-2 against ‘quality’, losing to Cocalico 24-10 and Wyomissing 18-13. But they are well balanced with strong quarterbacking from Trent Wagner (1416-64%), a solid running back in Jonathan Mellinger at 1446 for the year, and three receivers with 20 or more receptions for 1171 yards and 18 touchdowns. Two years ago saw them nearly upset McDevitt losing 7-0 with McDevitt going on to lose to the Quips 34-27 in the final. LS is one of Pennsylvania’s best kept secrets with one losing season the last 25 years and an 86-34 record the last 10 years; 49-12 the last five. The game is at McDevitt’s Rocco Ortenzio Stadium (Steelton native) Nov 17th, 7pm.
#2 Twin Valley 1-1 vs #3 Manheim Central 10-1
2nd seeded Twin Valley swamped 7th seeded ELCO (8-4) last week 35-7 with school record setting Drew Engle running wild for 196 yards and two touchdowns, bringing his season total to 1436 yards. Evan Johnson added 46 yards bringing his total to 1089 yards, giving the Raiders a powerful 1-2 punch. They run behind an O-Line averaging 6-3, 280 pounds, centered around tackle Artis Drake (6-6, 295), guard Paul McClune (6-4, 295) and tight end Ian Winchester (6-2, 265). Quarterback Evan Myers also stood out with 92 yards rushing and 95 passing. He’s probably the quietest dual threat in the district with 1315 yards passing and 494 rushing. The opponent this week is 3rd seeded Manheim Central, coming in hot on an eight game winning streak. It may surprise some to know they had their hands full last week defeating Susquehanna Township (7-4) 45-34. With a running back like Dorian Smith motoring for 172 yards, Hanna didn’t flinch, even holding the Baron’s ground game to 56 yards. But they had no answer for their excellent passing game that saw Zac Hahn complete 24 of 31 passes for 362 yards and four touchdowns. Athletic as Hanna is, they couldn’t defend Aaron Enterline who caught seven passes for 170 yards with Bode Sipel catching three for 114! So that’s Twin Valley’s challenge this week, managing Manheim’s passing attack. Manheim’s challenge is to slow TV’s ground game. Something they didn’t do too well against Cocalico week-3 allowing 475 yards rushing (no misprint) despite throwing for 317 yards in a 48-28 loss at Cocalico. The game is at Twin Valley at 7pm, Nov 17th.
3A: Final, Nov 17, 18
#1 Wyomissing 10-1 vs #3 West Perry 11-1
Wyomissing’s quest for a fifth straight District-3 title got off to a flying start last week after taking Schuylkill Valley (9-3) apart 48-0. Just about everyone played in this one with Wyomissing using 13 ball carries who rushed for 308 yards on 41 carries. It was over at the half with a 34-0 lead. Quarterback Logan Hyde actually threw a few passes in their vaunted Wing-T offense, completing four of five tosses for 113 yards. Heady stuff at Wyo! The defense has also jelled, holding SV to 67 total yards that includes negative nine yards rushing! They’re allowing 12ppg that includes the 34-14 loss at Cocalico. Anomaly? West Perry is next. The only blemish on their record is a 33-12 loss to Steel High. Otherwise they’re rolling, blowing out Bermudian Springs (6-5) 42-21 and Lancaster Catholic (9-2) 49-20 in postseason games. Against LC, quarterback Marcus Quaker threw for 47 yards and rushed for another 188 with three touchdowns. The illusive Brad Hockenberry was close to unstoppable, rushing for 187 yards and three touchdowns. They’ll bring their third seed to Wyomissing Saturday hoping for better results than last year’s 63-7 disaster. Both are Wing-T teams. The game is at Wyomissing, 1pm, Nov 18th where the Spartans are close to unbeatable.
2A: PIAA First Round States, Nov 17
Camp Hill 7-5 vs West Catholic 1-9
It will be interesting seeing what Camp Hill has left in the tanks after defeating crosstown rival Trinity 20-13 last week in the 2A District Final. Trinity won the regular season-division game 14-13. Last week’s game matched that one in intensity where Camp Hill drove the field to score the winning touchdown with a minute and 15 seconds left to play. The win secured their 11th district crown. Junior quarterback Drew Branstetter had a strong game, completing 17 of 24 for 160 yards and two touchdowns. With so many quality receivers on the team, he had no trouble finding open receivers, completing eight passes for 47 yards to Noah Doi, four for 38 yards to Tommy Corbin and three for 57 to Alex Long. Kobe Moore also had two receptions for 18 yards plus 28 yards rushing. Trinity got theirs, going up and down the field but didn’t convert yardage to points as Camp Hill held them to their lowest point total of the season. That’s quite an accomplishment knowing Wyomissing scored 34 on them and Steel High 37. Moving on to States, West Catholic (1-9) is next, playing out of the PCL-Blue. The Burrs may have fallen on hard times (last +.500 team 2018), but still put athletes out there. Their schedule is more difficult than many, playing Northeast (7-4), Steel High (12-0), O’Hara (7-4), Neumann (10-1), CE (6-5) and Bonner (9-2); some of the better teams in the state. They gave Steel High one of their best games losing 29-22. When playing more equal competition, they rout teams like Bristol last week 48-0 in the District 1/12 Final. They won’t show the Lions anything they haven’t seen this year knowing they too played a difficult schedule including Steel High, Trinity x2, and West Perry. The game is at Camp Hill, 7pm, Nov 17th.
1A: PIAA First Round States, Nov 17.
Steelton Highspire 12-0 vs Northern Bedford County 12-0
Steelton Highspire breezed past Belmont Charter School (D12, 3-7) with a 49-8 halftime lead ending in a 49-28 first round win to extend their winning streak to 22 games. The opponent this week is undefeated Northern Bedford County, last week’s winner against Windber (8-4) 27-7 in the District-5 Final. The Rollers and Northern will play at District 6’s Claysburg-Kimmel High School, 7pm, Nov 17th. This is essentially a home game being 13 miles from NBC where the Panthers will pack em in. They’re a veteran, senior team that could be a problem especially as it’s a rare night game for Steelton. While there is no way they can match Steelton’s speed, they could present problems with a dual threat in Eion Snider (6-2, 190, sr) with 1732 passing yards at 61% and 599 rushing on 88 carries. Running back Adam Johnson (5-10, 195) has 1016 rushing with receivers Aaron Bowers and Ben Gable at 624 and 623 respectively, each with 40 receptions. They have some beef up front (agility, quickness?) and on the DL in Mason Baumbaugh (6-3, 285), Dustin O’Brien (6-1, 230), Josiah Bowser (6-4, 270) and Brock Beach (6-1, 265). The best team they played was historic and state power Berlin Brothersvalley (10-2), beating them 24-16. Berlin lost last week to a team similar to Steel High in Westinghouse (10-0) 31-20 from the Pitt City League in the 2A playoffs.
