Games of Sept 1, Sept 2: Week #1
1 Bishop McDevitt 4A 1-0
McDevitt got all they could handle from Mount St. Joseph (Baltimore) of the Maryland Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA-A), needing a late rally to defeat the talented Gaels 20-14. The Gaels led 14-6 entering the fourth quarter before Stone Saunders found Rico Scott on touchdown strikes of 9 and 42-yards to pull it out. One of MSJ’s scores was a 46-yard scoop and score. Otherwise, the Crusaders bottled them up to 1-yard rushing. 1!....and 132 passing to their 255 passing and 68 rushing. Credit the Gaels for shutting down McDevitt’s rushing game. Their coach Dominic Damico is one of Maryland’s top coaches, currently in his 4th year at 25-8, with an overall record of 189-106. Next up for McDevitt is a road trip to Jersey to play DePaul Catholic.
2 Harrisburg 6A 1-0
Harrisburg unveiled two new running backs to compliment an already lethal passing attack when Nehemiah Ewell rushed for 207 yards and two scores and Zymere Hill rushed for 157 yards and three scores. QB Shawn Lee finished with 12 completions of 17 attempts for 183 yards while rushing for 94 more. Soph sensation Elias Coke had four receptions for 77 yards and two scores as the big Cougar machine rolled out 665 yards in a 50-20 rout of York High at York Suburban’s field. Looks like Harrisburg will have an even more balanced and diverse attack this year! Next up is Delaware Valley (0-1, D2) who lost a tough one to District-4 power Selinsgrove (1-0) 28-21 and to Harrisburg last year 32-3. The Warriors are well coached and will be full of fight in their home opener.
3 State College 6A 1-0
State High broke in a new quarterback in junior Eddie Corkery who completed 6 of 11 passes for 188 yards to help lead the Lions over Williamsport 49-20. He evidently beat out last year’s co-starter Owen Yerka. A 28-0 first quarter explosion put this one out of reach for the Millionaires and showed how explosive the Lions attack can be. Sophomore running back D’Antae Sheffey started where he left off last year rushing for 112 yards on 17 carries with five touchdowns and snagging three passes for another 72 yards. The magnitude of the win suggests State is ready for a run at the Mid Penn-Commonwealth and post season fireworks. It also sets up a great inter-district match between Downingtown East (1-0) who pays a visit after throttling Pennridge last week 43-0, holding the listless Rams to 19 total yards of offense.
4 Manheim Township 6A 1-0
The Blue Streaks flexed their considerable muscle against Cumberland Valley in an eye popping 35-6 rout of the once high flying Eagles who now hold a 24-27 record the last six years. In stark contrast (changing of the guard?), Township compiled a 42-14 record the same period. Last week saw them dominate CV, racing out to a 27-0 half time lead. Star quarterback Hayden Johnson was sharp as ever (73% last year), completing 16 of 22 passes for 261 yards and four touchdowns. His favorite receiver Landen Kennel caught seven passes for 94 yards with Declan Clancy rushing for 33 yards and pulling down two receptions for 74 yards. The Blue Streak D held CV to 182 total yards to affirm they are a major player this year. They get a chance to confirm that at dangerous Dallastown (0-1) whose coming off a tough 16-14 loss at Hempfield last week. So the Wildcats should be ready to play (capable?) with the added incentive of losing to Township last year 40-0.
5 Manheim Central 4A 1-0
Manheim Central played a way overmatched team from West Chester where they humbled East High 56-0, getting everyone in the game after a 42-0 blowout first half. Quarterback Zac Hahn went 13 for 14 for 230 yards and five touchdowns, throwing mostly to Aaron Enterline who caught seven passes for five scores and 156 yards. Their other weapon, Brycen Arnold, rushed for 256 yards and three touchdowns on 20 carries. That’s quite an attack that brings back almost everyone from last year’s 11-2 team. East was held to 95 yards of offense. They get a much greater challenge this week at Smyrna, DE, the defending 3A State Champ (12-1) in the Mid Atlantic Pigskin Classic at Salesianum’s field. They had major grad losses so we’ll see how they reload. At 41-13 the last five years, they’re a player.
6 Hempfield 6A 1-0
Quarterback Jackson Landis scored on a 1-yard plunge with :30 left in the game allowing the Black Knights to come back from a 14-3 deficit for a hard fought 16-14 win in their home opener against Dallastown. Landis finished at 64%, completing 21 of 33 passes for 123 yards and 44 rushing. His problem was two picks thrown in the end zone. The ground game was there at 223 yards with the D allowing only 92 yards rushing and 188 passing. Not bad for an opener with nine new starters. Wide out Cam Margeson was outstanding, pulling down nine throws for 156 yards. Micah Gates had eight receptions for 74 yards. Elijah Walls got it done on the ground rushing for 82 yards on 17 carries. They keep it in the York-Adams League traveling to York High (0-1), a team they edged last year 35-32.
7 Wilson 6A 0-1
Once again Wilson was humbled by Roman Catholic 49-14 after losing to them last year 46-15, also in the opener. With decent numbers back this year for Wilson, the thought is that Roman is that good. And because this is a ‘district’ ranking, they are here at the 7 slot, down a peg since the loss was to an out of district team. But however you look at it, they were thumped, out-distanced 408 to 264 total yards. Roman took a 20-7 lead at the half then exploded for 22 3rd quarter points. The Bulldogs will try to rebound at home against a good Central Dauphin team who also lost their opener to explosive Central York 45-35.
8 Steelton Highspire 1A 1-0
Steel High got a test from Imani Christian Academy (27-27 into the 3rd) in the York Rose Bowl Classic at York Suburban where they needed late scores in the 3rd and 4th quarter to pull out a 42-27 win over a tough group from Pittsburgh. Qb Alex Erby was on top of things completing 18 of 25 passes for 238 yards and two rushing scores, while Ronald Burnette had runs of 50 and 34 for scores en-route to 158 rush yards on 23 carries. Their excellent wide out Durrell Ceasar caught 10 passes for 138 yards as the Rollers piled up 470 yards of offense. At 428 total yards, Imani was a hard slog, a tough AA the Pittsburgh crowd should keep an eye on. Steelton’s next opponent is Eastern-DC (0-0).
9 Lampeter Srasburg 4A 1-0
The Pioneers ground pounding offense scored on 3, 33, 1, 2, 10 and 10 yard runs, chewing up clock while gouging out 344 yards rushing in a 45-7 rout of last year’s LL-3 champ Solanco. LS wore them out, as evidenced by 17 fourth quarter points and, maybe something to do with last year 40-35 loss (mild upset) at home to them in the opener. Solanco’s head must have been spinning with seven players scoring for LS. Carson Coleman led them with 156 yards on 16 carries supported by Jon Mellinger’s 70 yards. The Pioneer defense held the Mules to 178 total yards. Staying with the larger schools, they’re on the road again at LL-1 6A Penn Manor who stumbled out the gate last week against Conestoga Valley in a 27-0 loss.
10 Trinity 2A 1-0
The Shamrocks used the big play to take apart rival Delone Catholic, scoring on pass plays of 54, 66 and 32 yards, plus Messiah Micken’s runs of 36 and 72 yards. He finished with 185 yards on 11 carries while quarterback Celeb Wray completed just three passes but for 208 yards. 208 yards! All were touchdowns. Cole Cappawana’s 95-yard kick return helped lead the Rocks to a 35-12 half time lead where they coasted to a 49-12 season opening win. Moore Catholic is next. They’re a solid program (35-11 last 5) from Staten Island coming off a 9-3 season. For the Philly/SE PA guys as comparison, they beat Conwell Egan last year 20-7. Trinity is a legit Double-A and defending District-3 champ. But Moore Catholic should test them.
11 Wyomissing 3A 1-0
Wyomissing kept the streak going with a 56-7 road win against Kennard Dale for their 36th straight regular season win! They just keep getting better at Wyo who featured 15 ball carriers totaling 402 rush yards. They broke in some new players (heavy grad losses) in freshman Justice Hardy (5-9, 160) impressing with 82 rush yards on five carries, scoring on 35 and 20 yard runs. First year starting quarterback Logan Hyde was solid completing 4 of 6 passes for 123 yards. Just enough to keep KD honest. Senior Marvin Armistead (5-9, 155) gained 74 yards on four carries while veteran Colin Niedrowski (6-0, 200) had two touchdowns rushing for 103 yards on 10 carries. Pottsville (0-1) is next in Pottsville, coming off a disastrous 68-13 home opening loss to Jersey Shore. Talk about a reload of last year’s 12-1 team. Jersey Shore graduated Qb Brady Jordan (1233py, 1011ry) and Haydn Packer (1217ry) and more but still rocked the Tide in their first ever visit to Pottsville.
12 Central York 6A 1-0
Feeling rankings need to be reactive-fast acting, Central York jumps to the 12 spot from honorable mention on the strength of their 45-35 road win at Central Dauphin. That was quite a win that revealed two explosive teams. And it looks like Coach Gerry Yonchiuk, known in some circles as the district’s ‘Qb horse whisperer’ has done it again with sophomore Brooklyn Nace being a big reason they won, completing 14 of 18 for 123 yards. But the biggest reason was running back Juelz Goff (Pitt commit) who was unstoppable, rushing for 223 yards and touchdowns of 45,11,4,1,65 and 45-yards. At 5-9 190, he’s a low center of gravity back that’s hard to tackle. The win establishes them as a contender for post season honors especially if they can mimic last week’s performance this week in Mechanicsburg against Cumberland Valley (0-1).
13 Central Dauphin 6A 0-1
Central Dauphin had a disappointing season opening loss at home to Central York‘s big and balanced attack, losing 45-35. The defense had no answer for Juelz Goff who ran for 228 yards while quarterback Brooklyn Nace completed 78% of his passes. But they did score 35 points with quarterback Key’Ron Plummer back in health completing 4 of 9 passes for 114 yards and rushing for 62 after missing seven games last year with injury. Mateo Crummel was a dual threat with 83 rush yards and 77 on three receptions with Miles Cooper (6-2, 190) chipping in 47 hard yards on 15 carries. Central York is always good stuff but to allow 45 points at home is a problem. They better bring it this week with a road trip to old rival Wilson (0-1), coming off a 49-14 loss to Roman Catholic. How often do you see CD and Wilson give up 45 and 49 points respectively in their openers?
14 Cedar Cliff 5A 1-0
The Colts let their defense do most of the talking holding Shippensburg to 32 yards rushing in their season opening 29-13 win against the Greyhounds. Running back Eric Shriver stood out with 21 carries netting 136 yards rushing. Quarterback Bennett Secrest was solid, throwing for 107 yards and rushing for 25. That was a big win for the Colts who lost twice to the Greyhounds last year. Mechanicsburg is next, coming off a tough 35-28 loss at home to Carlisle. The Colts need full focus here as their neighbor is often a very difficult out, going 4-7 last year with 1, 4 and 7 point losses.
15 Twin Valley 4A 1-0
Once first game jitters went away, Twin Valley took care of business, scoring 30 4th quarter points to bury Schuylkill Valley 44-13. The big OL that averages 6-3 280 did its job, opening holes for 258 rush yards, led by veteran Evan Johnson’s 252 yards on just 14 carries. His breakaway speed led to 26 and 58 yard touchdowns. Drew Engle also had a huge game rushing for 180 yards on 17 carries. Quarterback Evan Myers was efficient, completing 5 of 8 passes for 124 yards. At 7-5, they were a diamond in the rough last year scoring 32ppg while allowing 27. If they stay healthy, they have the skill and the muscle up front, headed by OT Artis Drake (6-6, 295, OG Paul McClune (6-4, 295) and TE Ian Winchester (6-2, 265). We’ll get a peek into their development this week at Lower Dauphin who beat them last year in Elverson 17-14. They’re off and running this year with a 45-0 win at Middletown. Ok TV, let’s see how you stack up against a mid-level Mid Penn team with some speed and athletes!
16 West Perry 3A 1-0
West Perry kept constant pressure on Susquenita, scoring 10, 14 and 14 points in the first three quarters in a 45-22 win at home. 15 4th quarter points by Susquenita tightened it up, But the Mustangs controlled this one with QB Marcus Quaker throwing for 123 yards and rushing for 54 with their stable of backs Caleb Gutshall and Brad Hockenberry gaining 89 and 96 yards respectively. Gushall ended with 3 Tds, Hockenberry with 2. Hats off to ‘Nita’s’ Qb Derek Gibney (6-4, 225, Colgate interested) who was steady as ever, completing 30 of 45 passes for 238 yards and 3 touchdowns. Non-conference action continues for West Perry taking a road trip to Newport where the Buffs are 0-1 off a 21-0 loss at Camp Hill.
17 Central Dauphin East 6A 1-0
East High got off to a rollicking start in Reading, racing out to a 28-6 halftime lead on the way to a 55-6 rout of the overmatched Red Knights. Jared Porter (106, 2Tds) and Nayquan Prather (96ry, 3Tds) paced the Panther’s running game that had 226 yards rushing. Bad special teams play resulting in super short punts served to kill the Knights in conjunction with two early fumbles deep in their own territory East converted to scores. The Panther D was quick, holding Reading to 170 total yards of offense while their balanced attack produced 225 yards on the ground and 167 up top. Their next opponent won’t be so easy, knowing Cedar Crest is coming in off a 24-0 win against Northeast High of Philadelphia.
18 Warwick 5A 1-0
Warwick made a big splash last week with a rebuilt team defeating largely veteran Cocalico, the defending 5A district champ 17-14. Both sides showed strong defenses and misfiring offenses with Cocalico scoring on two field goals, a Pick-6 and a 2-point conversion. Warwick put together a good passing attack completing 12 of 19 passes for 163 yards and two scores on Trevor Evans tosses. Tyler Schoffstall’s 22-yard field goal nailed it down with 5:51 left in the game. Neither side ran the ball well with Warwick gaining 38 yards on 27 carries and Cocalico at 106 yards on 48 carries. But, it was a decent start for the new quarterback and strong effort by the defenses of both. Dangerous Ephrata (1-0) is next, off a 34-32 win over Red Lion.
19 Cocalico 5A 0-1
QB Josh Myer completed 5 of 12 passes for 66 yards while star running back Sam Steffey was held in check (1823 last year) at 63 rush yards on 18 carries in a tough 17-14 loss against Warwick last week. See Warwick above. They’ll go for their first win this week in the home opener against Solanco (0-1).
20 Berks Catholic 3A 0-1
Despite Loyalsock Township turning the ball over four times, they managed to eke out a win in Williamsport over Berks Catholic with a 4th quarter score giving them the 25-21. This was a tough loss for BC who rushed for 284 yards (!),holding LT to 80 rush yards. But Tyler Gee had his moments, completing just 7 of 21 passes for 234 yards. Executive Education Academy is next at 1-0 after defeating Salem-NJ last week.
TIE
Milton Hershey 4A 1-0
Milton Hershey opened with a big road win at Susquehanna Township winning on a successful 2-point conversion late in the game to pull out a 35-34 win. The win was the Spartans third in a row over the Indians and snaps a two game losing streak from last year. They/re home this week against East Pennsboro who beat York Suburban 57-14 at Suburban High.
TIE
Dover 5A 1-0
Dover’s home opener was impressive, getting 460 total yards in a 41-7 romp against Northeastern. Senior quarterback Aric Campbell was solid, completing 9 of 12 passes for 204 yards and 3 touchdown tosses. Garon Quillen led all backs with 94 yards rushing and 2 touchdowns while Thomas Smyer made the most of two receptions for 100 yards and a touchdown. They’re at South Western next who defeated Susquehannock 19-7. The SW-Mustangs won last year 41-17 so look for a pile of emotion in this one that often gets dicey at the Corral.
Others:
Gettysburg 5A 0-1 at New Oxford
Hershey 5A 1-0 at Waynesboro
Susquehanna Township 4A 0-1 at Northern Lebanon
Lower Dauphin 5A 1-0 home to Twin Valley
Northern 5A 1-0 at Chambersburg
Mifflin County 6A 1-0 at Shikellamy
Cumberland Valley 6A 0-1 home to Central York
Carlisle 6A 1-0 at Governor Mifflin
Exeter Township 5A 1-0 at Boyertown
Ephrata 5A 1-0 at Warwick
Cedar Crest 6A 1-0 at CD East
Garden Spot 5A 1-0 at Lebanon
1 Bishop McDevitt 4A 1-0
McDevitt got all they could handle from Mount St. Joseph (Baltimore) of the Maryland Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA-A), needing a late rally to defeat the talented Gaels 20-14. The Gaels led 14-6 entering the fourth quarter before Stone Saunders found Rico Scott on touchdown strikes of 9 and 42-yards to pull it out. One of MSJ’s scores was a 46-yard scoop and score. Otherwise, the Crusaders bottled them up to 1-yard rushing. 1!....and 132 passing to their 255 passing and 68 rushing. Credit the Gaels for shutting down McDevitt’s rushing game. Their coach Dominic Damico is one of Maryland’s top coaches, currently in his 4th year at 25-8, with an overall record of 189-106. Next up for McDevitt is a road trip to Jersey to play DePaul Catholic.
2 Harrisburg 6A 1-0
Harrisburg unveiled two new running backs to compliment an already lethal passing attack when Nehemiah Ewell rushed for 207 yards and two scores and Zymere Hill rushed for 157 yards and three scores. QB Shawn Lee finished with 12 completions of 17 attempts for 183 yards while rushing for 94 more. Soph sensation Elias Coke had four receptions for 77 yards and two scores as the big Cougar machine rolled out 665 yards in a 50-20 rout of York High at York Suburban’s field. Looks like Harrisburg will have an even more balanced and diverse attack this year! Next up is Delaware Valley (0-1, D2) who lost a tough one to District-4 power Selinsgrove (1-0) 28-21 and to Harrisburg last year 32-3. The Warriors are well coached and will be full of fight in their home opener.
3 State College 6A 1-0
State High broke in a new quarterback in junior Eddie Corkery who completed 6 of 11 passes for 188 yards to help lead the Lions over Williamsport 49-20. He evidently beat out last year’s co-starter Owen Yerka. A 28-0 first quarter explosion put this one out of reach for the Millionaires and showed how explosive the Lions attack can be. Sophomore running back D’Antae Sheffey started where he left off last year rushing for 112 yards on 17 carries with five touchdowns and snagging three passes for another 72 yards. The magnitude of the win suggests State is ready for a run at the Mid Penn-Commonwealth and post season fireworks. It also sets up a great inter-district match between Downingtown East (1-0) who pays a visit after throttling Pennridge last week 43-0, holding the listless Rams to 19 total yards of offense.
4 Manheim Township 6A 1-0
The Blue Streaks flexed their considerable muscle against Cumberland Valley in an eye popping 35-6 rout of the once high flying Eagles who now hold a 24-27 record the last six years. In stark contrast (changing of the guard?), Township compiled a 42-14 record the same period. Last week saw them dominate CV, racing out to a 27-0 half time lead. Star quarterback Hayden Johnson was sharp as ever (73% last year), completing 16 of 22 passes for 261 yards and four touchdowns. His favorite receiver Landen Kennel caught seven passes for 94 yards with Declan Clancy rushing for 33 yards and pulling down two receptions for 74 yards. The Blue Streak D held CV to 182 total yards to affirm they are a major player this year. They get a chance to confirm that at dangerous Dallastown (0-1) whose coming off a tough 16-14 loss at Hempfield last week. So the Wildcats should be ready to play (capable?) with the added incentive of losing to Township last year 40-0.
5 Manheim Central 4A 1-0
Manheim Central played a way overmatched team from West Chester where they humbled East High 56-0, getting everyone in the game after a 42-0 blowout first half. Quarterback Zac Hahn went 13 for 14 for 230 yards and five touchdowns, throwing mostly to Aaron Enterline who caught seven passes for five scores and 156 yards. Their other weapon, Brycen Arnold, rushed for 256 yards and three touchdowns on 20 carries. That’s quite an attack that brings back almost everyone from last year’s 11-2 team. East was held to 95 yards of offense. They get a much greater challenge this week at Smyrna, DE, the defending 3A State Champ (12-1) in the Mid Atlantic Pigskin Classic at Salesianum’s field. They had major grad losses so we’ll see how they reload. At 41-13 the last five years, they’re a player.
6 Hempfield 6A 1-0
Quarterback Jackson Landis scored on a 1-yard plunge with :30 left in the game allowing the Black Knights to come back from a 14-3 deficit for a hard fought 16-14 win in their home opener against Dallastown. Landis finished at 64%, completing 21 of 33 passes for 123 yards and 44 rushing. His problem was two picks thrown in the end zone. The ground game was there at 223 yards with the D allowing only 92 yards rushing and 188 passing. Not bad for an opener with nine new starters. Wide out Cam Margeson was outstanding, pulling down nine throws for 156 yards. Micah Gates had eight receptions for 74 yards. Elijah Walls got it done on the ground rushing for 82 yards on 17 carries. They keep it in the York-Adams League traveling to York High (0-1), a team they edged last year 35-32.
7 Wilson 6A 0-1
Once again Wilson was humbled by Roman Catholic 49-14 after losing to them last year 46-15, also in the opener. With decent numbers back this year for Wilson, the thought is that Roman is that good. And because this is a ‘district’ ranking, they are here at the 7 slot, down a peg since the loss was to an out of district team. But however you look at it, they were thumped, out-distanced 408 to 264 total yards. Roman took a 20-7 lead at the half then exploded for 22 3rd quarter points. The Bulldogs will try to rebound at home against a good Central Dauphin team who also lost their opener to explosive Central York 45-35.
8 Steelton Highspire 1A 1-0
Steel High got a test from Imani Christian Academy (27-27 into the 3rd) in the York Rose Bowl Classic at York Suburban where they needed late scores in the 3rd and 4th quarter to pull out a 42-27 win over a tough group from Pittsburgh. Qb Alex Erby was on top of things completing 18 of 25 passes for 238 yards and two rushing scores, while Ronald Burnette had runs of 50 and 34 for scores en-route to 158 rush yards on 23 carries. Their excellent wide out Durrell Ceasar caught 10 passes for 138 yards as the Rollers piled up 470 yards of offense. At 428 total yards, Imani was a hard slog, a tough AA the Pittsburgh crowd should keep an eye on. Steelton’s next opponent is Eastern-DC (0-0).
9 Lampeter Srasburg 4A 1-0
The Pioneers ground pounding offense scored on 3, 33, 1, 2, 10 and 10 yard runs, chewing up clock while gouging out 344 yards rushing in a 45-7 rout of last year’s LL-3 champ Solanco. LS wore them out, as evidenced by 17 fourth quarter points and, maybe something to do with last year 40-35 loss (mild upset) at home to them in the opener. Solanco’s head must have been spinning with seven players scoring for LS. Carson Coleman led them with 156 yards on 16 carries supported by Jon Mellinger’s 70 yards. The Pioneer defense held the Mules to 178 total yards. Staying with the larger schools, they’re on the road again at LL-1 6A Penn Manor who stumbled out the gate last week against Conestoga Valley in a 27-0 loss.
10 Trinity 2A 1-0
The Shamrocks used the big play to take apart rival Delone Catholic, scoring on pass plays of 54, 66 and 32 yards, plus Messiah Micken’s runs of 36 and 72 yards. He finished with 185 yards on 11 carries while quarterback Celeb Wray completed just three passes but for 208 yards. 208 yards! All were touchdowns. Cole Cappawana’s 95-yard kick return helped lead the Rocks to a 35-12 half time lead where they coasted to a 49-12 season opening win. Moore Catholic is next. They’re a solid program (35-11 last 5) from Staten Island coming off a 9-3 season. For the Philly/SE PA guys as comparison, they beat Conwell Egan last year 20-7. Trinity is a legit Double-A and defending District-3 champ. But Moore Catholic should test them.
11 Wyomissing 3A 1-0
Wyomissing kept the streak going with a 56-7 road win against Kennard Dale for their 36th straight regular season win! They just keep getting better at Wyo who featured 15 ball carriers totaling 402 rush yards. They broke in some new players (heavy grad losses) in freshman Justice Hardy (5-9, 160) impressing with 82 rush yards on five carries, scoring on 35 and 20 yard runs. First year starting quarterback Logan Hyde was solid completing 4 of 6 passes for 123 yards. Just enough to keep KD honest. Senior Marvin Armistead (5-9, 155) gained 74 yards on four carries while veteran Colin Niedrowski (6-0, 200) had two touchdowns rushing for 103 yards on 10 carries. Pottsville (0-1) is next in Pottsville, coming off a disastrous 68-13 home opening loss to Jersey Shore. Talk about a reload of last year’s 12-1 team. Jersey Shore graduated Qb Brady Jordan (1233py, 1011ry) and Haydn Packer (1217ry) and more but still rocked the Tide in their first ever visit to Pottsville.
12 Central York 6A 1-0
Feeling rankings need to be reactive-fast acting, Central York jumps to the 12 spot from honorable mention on the strength of their 45-35 road win at Central Dauphin. That was quite a win that revealed two explosive teams. And it looks like Coach Gerry Yonchiuk, known in some circles as the district’s ‘Qb horse whisperer’ has done it again with sophomore Brooklyn Nace being a big reason they won, completing 14 of 18 for 123 yards. But the biggest reason was running back Juelz Goff (Pitt commit) who was unstoppable, rushing for 223 yards and touchdowns of 45,11,4,1,65 and 45-yards. At 5-9 190, he’s a low center of gravity back that’s hard to tackle. The win establishes them as a contender for post season honors especially if they can mimic last week’s performance this week in Mechanicsburg against Cumberland Valley (0-1).
13 Central Dauphin 6A 0-1
Central Dauphin had a disappointing season opening loss at home to Central York‘s big and balanced attack, losing 45-35. The defense had no answer for Juelz Goff who ran for 228 yards while quarterback Brooklyn Nace completed 78% of his passes. But they did score 35 points with quarterback Key’Ron Plummer back in health completing 4 of 9 passes for 114 yards and rushing for 62 after missing seven games last year with injury. Mateo Crummel was a dual threat with 83 rush yards and 77 on three receptions with Miles Cooper (6-2, 190) chipping in 47 hard yards on 15 carries. Central York is always good stuff but to allow 45 points at home is a problem. They better bring it this week with a road trip to old rival Wilson (0-1), coming off a 49-14 loss to Roman Catholic. How often do you see CD and Wilson give up 45 and 49 points respectively in their openers?
14 Cedar Cliff 5A 1-0
The Colts let their defense do most of the talking holding Shippensburg to 32 yards rushing in their season opening 29-13 win against the Greyhounds. Running back Eric Shriver stood out with 21 carries netting 136 yards rushing. Quarterback Bennett Secrest was solid, throwing for 107 yards and rushing for 25. That was a big win for the Colts who lost twice to the Greyhounds last year. Mechanicsburg is next, coming off a tough 35-28 loss at home to Carlisle. The Colts need full focus here as their neighbor is often a very difficult out, going 4-7 last year with 1, 4 and 7 point losses.
15 Twin Valley 4A 1-0
Once first game jitters went away, Twin Valley took care of business, scoring 30 4th quarter points to bury Schuylkill Valley 44-13. The big OL that averages 6-3 280 did its job, opening holes for 258 rush yards, led by veteran Evan Johnson’s 252 yards on just 14 carries. His breakaway speed led to 26 and 58 yard touchdowns. Drew Engle also had a huge game rushing for 180 yards on 17 carries. Quarterback Evan Myers was efficient, completing 5 of 8 passes for 124 yards. At 7-5, they were a diamond in the rough last year scoring 32ppg while allowing 27. If they stay healthy, they have the skill and the muscle up front, headed by OT Artis Drake (6-6, 295, OG Paul McClune (6-4, 295) and TE Ian Winchester (6-2, 265). We’ll get a peek into their development this week at Lower Dauphin who beat them last year in Elverson 17-14. They’re off and running this year with a 45-0 win at Middletown. Ok TV, let’s see how you stack up against a mid-level Mid Penn team with some speed and athletes!
16 West Perry 3A 1-0
West Perry kept constant pressure on Susquenita, scoring 10, 14 and 14 points in the first three quarters in a 45-22 win at home. 15 4th quarter points by Susquenita tightened it up, But the Mustangs controlled this one with QB Marcus Quaker throwing for 123 yards and rushing for 54 with their stable of backs Caleb Gutshall and Brad Hockenberry gaining 89 and 96 yards respectively. Gushall ended with 3 Tds, Hockenberry with 2. Hats off to ‘Nita’s’ Qb Derek Gibney (6-4, 225, Colgate interested) who was steady as ever, completing 30 of 45 passes for 238 yards and 3 touchdowns. Non-conference action continues for West Perry taking a road trip to Newport where the Buffs are 0-1 off a 21-0 loss at Camp Hill.
17 Central Dauphin East 6A 1-0
East High got off to a rollicking start in Reading, racing out to a 28-6 halftime lead on the way to a 55-6 rout of the overmatched Red Knights. Jared Porter (106, 2Tds) and Nayquan Prather (96ry, 3Tds) paced the Panther’s running game that had 226 yards rushing. Bad special teams play resulting in super short punts served to kill the Knights in conjunction with two early fumbles deep in their own territory East converted to scores. The Panther D was quick, holding Reading to 170 total yards of offense while their balanced attack produced 225 yards on the ground and 167 up top. Their next opponent won’t be so easy, knowing Cedar Crest is coming in off a 24-0 win against Northeast High of Philadelphia.
18 Warwick 5A 1-0
Warwick made a big splash last week with a rebuilt team defeating largely veteran Cocalico, the defending 5A district champ 17-14. Both sides showed strong defenses and misfiring offenses with Cocalico scoring on two field goals, a Pick-6 and a 2-point conversion. Warwick put together a good passing attack completing 12 of 19 passes for 163 yards and two scores on Trevor Evans tosses. Tyler Schoffstall’s 22-yard field goal nailed it down with 5:51 left in the game. Neither side ran the ball well with Warwick gaining 38 yards on 27 carries and Cocalico at 106 yards on 48 carries. But, it was a decent start for the new quarterback and strong effort by the defenses of both. Dangerous Ephrata (1-0) is next, off a 34-32 win over Red Lion.
19 Cocalico 5A 0-1
QB Josh Myer completed 5 of 12 passes for 66 yards while star running back Sam Steffey was held in check (1823 last year) at 63 rush yards on 18 carries in a tough 17-14 loss against Warwick last week. See Warwick above. They’ll go for their first win this week in the home opener against Solanco (0-1).
20 Berks Catholic 3A 0-1
Despite Loyalsock Township turning the ball over four times, they managed to eke out a win in Williamsport over Berks Catholic with a 4th quarter score giving them the 25-21. This was a tough loss for BC who rushed for 284 yards (!),holding LT to 80 rush yards. But Tyler Gee had his moments, completing just 7 of 21 passes for 234 yards. Executive Education Academy is next at 1-0 after defeating Salem-NJ last week.
TIE
Milton Hershey 4A 1-0
Milton Hershey opened with a big road win at Susquehanna Township winning on a successful 2-point conversion late in the game to pull out a 35-34 win. The win was the Spartans third in a row over the Indians and snaps a two game losing streak from last year. They/re home this week against East Pennsboro who beat York Suburban 57-14 at Suburban High.
TIE
Dover 5A 1-0
Dover’s home opener was impressive, getting 460 total yards in a 41-7 romp against Northeastern. Senior quarterback Aric Campbell was solid, completing 9 of 12 passes for 204 yards and 3 touchdown tosses. Garon Quillen led all backs with 94 yards rushing and 2 touchdowns while Thomas Smyer made the most of two receptions for 100 yards and a touchdown. They’re at South Western next who defeated Susquehannock 19-7. The SW-Mustangs won last year 41-17 so look for a pile of emotion in this one that often gets dicey at the Corral.
Others:
Gettysburg 5A 0-1 at New Oxford
Hershey 5A 1-0 at Waynesboro
Susquehanna Township 4A 0-1 at Northern Lebanon
Lower Dauphin 5A 1-0 home to Twin Valley
Northern 5A 1-0 at Chambersburg
Mifflin County 6A 1-0 at Shikellamy
Cumberland Valley 6A 0-1 home to Central York
Carlisle 6A 1-0 at Governor Mifflin
Exeter Township 5A 1-0 at Boyertown
Ephrata 5A 1-0 at Warwick
Cedar Crest 6A 1-0 at CD East
Garden Spot 5A 1-0 at Lebanon
