Scroll down if you're interested in the District-3 6A writeups that follow the Top 20. There are some great games in the district and across the Commonwealth in all the classifications.
District 3 Playoffs: 6A and Top 20
1 Bishop McDevitt 9-1 4A
Bishop McDevitt got a bye week with the top seed then quickly disposed of 8th seeded East Pennsboro (5-7) 42-7. Quarterback Stone Saunders had first half touchdowns of 7, 47, 53, 55 and 62 yards, and 343 total pass yards all in the first half where they raced out to a 42-0 halftime lead. He finished with 14 completions of 20 attempts for 360 yards. Marquese Williams ran for 82 yards and a score and caught a 62-yard strike for another score. Rico Scott led all receivers with 5 catches for 135 yards and a 47-yard Td reception. Jeff Penn caught 3 passes for 69 yards and scores of 7 and 55 yards, with Tyshaun Russell pulling down 2 receptions for 62 yards, one, a 53-yard touchdown. McDevitt’s defense held East Pennsboro to 7 first downs and 67 total yards of offense, while they churned out 483 total yards to secure their ninth straight win. They won those games by an average score of 52-9. Therein lies the concern. They have not had a challenge in any shape or form since the opening 19-14 loss to Imhotep. LaSalle two weeks later was a ‘no show’ at 56-7. That won’t be a problem this week against Twin Valley (7-4, 4th seed, see below) but could be the following week against whoever survives in the Lampeter Strasburg (9-2) - Manheim Central (10-1) game.
2 Harrisburg 8-2 6A
See 6A write up below
3 Exeter 11-0 5A
Mason Rotelli threw touchdowns of 61, 19, 10, 11 and 15 yards as the Eagles scorched Dover (9-3) 42-12. Four of those 5 touchdowns were thrown in the first half where they outscored Dover 35-0. Dover didn’t know if they were coming or going with Richie Karstien bowling over them for 205 yards on 22 carries. The defense held them to 46 yards rushing and 9 first downs while Exeter gashed them for 412 total yards, 280 on the ground. Exeter moves on to the district semifinal against Northern York. See below.
4 Central York 10-1 6A
See 6A write up below
5 Wyomissing 11-0 3A
Wyomissing shut down 4th seeded Hamburg (9-3) who came in averaging 44ppg with a big defensive effort that limited running back Pierce Mason to 66 yards. He came in with 1304. Wyo’s stats seem low at 279 total yards because of points scored off turnovers providing good field position or scores, and strong special teams doing the same through their punt and kick return units. Nice having short fields! Hamburg also lost 2 fumbles and had Logan Hyde’s 55-yard Pick-6 in the first quarter, putting them at a 14-0 deficit they never recovered from, losing 49-14. And with Jven Williams (6-5, 310, Penn St commit) and Caleb Brewer (6-5, 305, Md, Syra interested) opening huge holes up front, the yards came easy for their stacked backfield of Charlie McIntyre (66/781/10 Tds), Matt Kramer (93/754/21 Tds) and Drew Eisenhower (64/650/9 Tds). West Perry (11-1, 3rd seed, see below) is next in the 3A championship game Saturday at 1 o’clock in Wyomissing.
6 Hempfield 9-2 6A
See 6A write up below
7 Manheim Township 8-3 6A
See 6A write up below
8 Cumberland Valley 7-4 6A
See 6A write up below
9 Wilson 8-3 6A
See 6A write up below
10 Steel High 10-1 1A
The Rollers are home vs Windber (11-1) after defeating Belmont Charter (7-4) 46-6 in a regional playoff game. It was 40-0 at the half. Windber is one of the old powers from District-5 (46-18 last 6), having a special year with 7 shutouts while allowing 49 points the entire season. They beat previously unbeaten Northern Bedford (11-1) last week 14-0. John Shuster is their primary weapon, rushing for 2615 yards with 3 other backs over 400 yards. Steel high knows how to play smash mouth and has the bodies to do it. The question is, does Windber have the athletes to keep up as the Rollers can gas you early with that passing game.
T I E
York 6-4 6A
See 6A write up below. Tough year for the Bearcats losing close encounters with Woodland Hills 28-24 in the opener, Hempfield 35-32 and two nail biters to conference rival Central York, 43-38 in the regular season finale and 51-44 in the playoffs
11 Manheim Central 10-1 4A
The 2nd seeded Barons are home in the district semifinal after trouncing York Suburban (7-5) 63-14, playing Lampeter Strasburg (9-2, 3rd seed) who beat Susquehanna Twp (6-5) 52-6. MC’s only loss was a respectable one to undefeated Exeter 21-17. LS’s losses were to top seeds Solanco (11-0, 5A) 40-35 in the opener and Wyomissing (11-0, 3A) 21-0 Oct 29th where the Spartans held them to 5 first downs and 78 total yards.
12 Solanco 11-0 5A
The Golden Mules are home as the top seed after defeating Shippensburg (8-4, 8th seed) 42-35. Their opponent this week is 12th seeded Cocalico (8-4) who
“upset” 4th seeded Gettysburg (8-3) 23-13, if you believe holding a team to 6 first downs and 129 total yards is an upset!
13 West Perry 11-1 3A
Third seeded West Perry had no trouble with 2nd seeded Lancaster Catholic (10-1), defeating the previously unbeaten Crusaders 63-20 in Lancaster while rolling out 520 yards of offense, 468 on the ground. They’re a talented bunch with dual threat Qb Marcus Quaker at 64% for 2100 yards and a 23/7 ratio, while rushing for 1067 yards and 24 more touchdowns. Trent Herrera has 971 yards rushing with Derek Snook at 562. Ian Goodling pulls down most of the throws, catching 70 for 1270 yards and 15 touchdowns. Perry’s only loss this year was to Steelton Highspire 53-34. They advance to play top seeded Wyomissing (11-0) in the district final at Wyo Saturday.
14 Lampeter Strasburg 9-2 4A
The Pioneers crushed Susquehanna Township (6-5, 6th seed) last week 52-6, holding them to 140 total yards and 3 first downs while their balanced offense produced 428 yards. They’re at 2nd seeded Manheim Central who they’ve played off and on over the years depending on the configuration of the LL that year. This looks like one of the most competitive games of the weekend.
15 Trinity 8-4 2A
Trinity’s wicked opening slate of Roman Catholic 8-2, Wyomissing 11-0 and West Perry 11-1 seemed to pay dividends going on a 7-1 run after a 1-3 start, getting them here as the district champ after pounding top seeded Annville Cleona (8-4) 58-27. West Catholic (4-7) is next coming off a 52-7 win against Bristol (8-2) in the 1/12 sub-regional. Like Trinity, they’re well prepared by a rugged PCL schedule of Roman, Neumann, CE, Bonner and others.
16 Northern York 8-4 5A
Nasty bunch of Polar Bears here, separated from a 12-0 record by 6, 1, 3 and 1 pt (ot) losses. But they got it right the last four, winning out, including last week’s 20-7 win at New Oxford (8-2, 3rd seed) as the 4th seed to play 2nd seeded Exeter (11-0). Cole Bartram’s 1554 rush yards makes it interesting but Exeter has too many weapons to hold down.
17 Shippensburg 8-4 5A
Ship’s up and down season came to an end in Quarryville losing a tough one to Solanco 42-35. The game mirrored the season, falling behind 28-7 at halftime before rallying in the second half where the 28-14 comeback fell short. Still, heck of a performance as the 8th seed against the physical well regarded Mules.
18 Cocalico 8-4 5A
12th seeded Cocalico beat 4th seeded Gettysburg (8-3) at Gburg 23-13 with a defense that came in as advertised, holding the Warriors to 129 total yards. Gettysburg’s offense did NOT reach the end zone, scoring on 2 field goals and an 85-yard kick return for the other score. Meanwhile, Cocalico ate up the clock with punishing drives, grinding out 417 yards on the ground with none passing. They travel to Solanco for the second time this season after losing 21-7 Sept 2nd in a game where they out gained them in total yardage 262 to 207. This one could get interesting and a ‘upset special if on neutral ground. Who knows! They’re a mirror image of run heavy Solanco, rushing for 3707 yards and passing for 282. Solanco rushed for 3565 yards while throwing for 564. Solanco is more but Cocalico can play!
19 Carlisle 6-5 6A
See 6A write up below
20 Twin Valley 7-4 4A
TV is a sneaky good 4 seed with 3, 5 and 7 point losses preventing more. Their first year coach, Bret Myers led Middletown to 3 straight 3A title games (2016-2018) and a 73-22 record. Last week saw them pound out 556 total yards, beating Milton Hershey (6-5, 5th seed) 43-29. They have a mountain of a challenge this week traveling to Harrisburg to play #1 seed Bishop McDevitt.
District 3: 6A Semifinal playoffs
Hempfield 9-2 (1) vs Manheim Township 8-3 (5)
Top seeded Hempfield had no trouble getting past 8th seeded Carlisle, holding the Herd to 54 rush yards and 190 total in a 30-14 first round win in Landisville. Quarterback Jackson Landis accounted for 223 of Hempfield’s 398 total yards throwing for 134 yards (61%, 1/1 ratio) and rushing for 89, scoring on a 41 yard run. He used 5 different receivers while Grant Hoover rushed for 92 yards in the first half, sidelined in the second following concussion protocol. Carlisle could get nothing going with the Black Knights holding their top back Jeremiah Hargrove to 48 yards on 10 carries. Ezeekai Thomas’s 90-yard Pick-6 in the fourth quarter made it look close. It’s easy missing that Hempfield has held 8 opponents to two scores or less. The loss sends Carlisle home at 6-5 while the Knights move on to the district semifinal against conference rival Manheim Township in a rematch. Township got here after winning their rematch with Cumberland Valley 37-31 at CV. This was an epic struggle with Township getting 377 total yards of offense to CV’s 444. The game involved a series of lead changes and surges right up to the very end where a Cumberland Valley’s pass on fourth down was batted away in the end zone with 3 ticks left on the clock. This is an exciting aspect of District 3 football where quarterbacks often dominate with their arms, legs and foot! Isaac Sines of Cumberland Valley completed 22 of 29 (76%) passes for 238 yards, throwing 2 touchdowns and rushing for 2. He rushed for 90 yards on 15 carries and kicked a 39-yard field goal. Hayden Johnson of Township completed 17 of 20 passes (85%), with touchdowns of 47 and 37 yards. He ran for 22 yards, scoring on 1, 2 and 3 yard carries. Exciting football! The game ended in a flurry of scores with Sines kicking the field goal with 1:42 left in the game for a 31-29 lead. Township received the kickoff with Johnson leading the Streaks downfield, scoring on a 32-yard toss to Landon Kennel with 51 seconds showing on the clock. CV followed suit, barging downfield only to have a pass batted away in the end-zone with 3 seconds left in the game.
Being a rematch, these two met back on Sept 23rd at Township (game #5) where Hempfield won 17-14. Township beat them almost every way you can beat a team, throwing for 238 yards (70%) and rushing for 123 yards (not a strong suit) on 23 carries. They held Hempfield to 151 yard passing and 46 rushing on 15 attempts. Adding more spice to a game beyond the typical conference rivalry/rematch aspect, one of Hempfield’s touchdowns was a trick play ‘Hail Mary’ where receiver Gabe Benjamin tossed a 32-yarder to running back Stephen Katch for a touchdown to end the first half. Special teams did their part with Hempfield getting a 93-yard kickoff return and a 25-yard field goal by Cannon Briscoe that proved to be the difference. It will be interesting to see how Hempfield steps up here after 3 easy wins against lesser comp, while Township takes on their third straight game against a powerful team having played Wilson and Cumberland Valley the last two weeks.
Central York 10-1 (2) vs Harrisburg 8-2 (3)
Central York extended their winning streak to 9 games with last week’s 51-44 win over conference rival York High (William Penn), the same York team they defeated 43-38 two weeks ago securing the York-Adam title. This one was every bit as exciting with Central York stopping York on a fourth and goal with 25 seconds remaining. A healthy Nasir Still was on fire for Central, passing for 162 yards and 3 touchdowns while running for 84 yards and another score. That’s 246 total offense for the first year starting quarterback. Juelz Goff also had a monster game, rushing for 172 yards and 2 touchdowns and catching 3 passes for 105 yards and 2 more scores. That’s 277 total yards of offense! York’s great running back, Jaheim White, had one of his all-time great games in a long list of great games, rushing for 328 yards and 3 touchdowns on 32 carries. He’ll be at West Virginia next season, ending the year at 1918 rush yards. Seventh seeded York finishes the year at 6-4 while Central York moves into the semifinal against Harrisburg.
The Cougars are here after finishing 2nd in the Mid Penn-Commonwealth (6-1) behind undefeated State College and defeating 6th seeded Wilson (8-3) 32-21 last week for the fourth time in the last 5 years. Wilson took a 14-12 lead into the half but could not hold on, gradually wearing down with Harrisburg outdueling them 20-7 in the second half. Their diverse weapons will wear many teams down. None more than Mehkai Hopkins, the 6-2, 215 full-back who allows them to control the clock and protect leads. He rushed for 163 yards and 2 scores on 23 carries. They kept it on the ground, rushing 50 times for 312 yards while holding Wilson to 109 rush yards. Sophomore quarterback Shawn Lee is another weapon, completing 7 of 9 passes for 38 yards and a touchdown while rushing for 84 yards on 15 carries for another score. Another weapon is RB/WR Kyle Williams, rushing for 70 yards on 11 attempts and a touchdown and catching 5 passes for 26 yards for another score. A big plus for the Cougar D was controlling Wilson’s explosive Cam Jones, holding him to 51 yards rushing while managing Tommy Hunsicker’s solid outing. He had his best game of the year completing 13 of 22 passes for 223 yards and rushing for 74 more. He had 2 touchdowns passes but 2 interceptions, both to Zakaii Curry-Jones. Hopkins 23-yard touchdown with 3:43 iced it at 32-21.
For the upcoming game, Central York has won 9 straight since losing to Cumberland Valley Sept 2nd. The closest they’ve come to facing an opponent like Harrisburg is York, who doesn’t play near the level of defense the Cougars do. A review of Harrisburg’s schedule shows State College as the best comparison to Central York with a talented dual threat quarterback and a running back that can scoot. Again, and unlike Central York, while SC has a big and multiple offense at 38ppg, they also play defense allowing 14ppg. Both will likely score a lot of points with the question being, who will get the most stops and carry the day in terms of special teams.
District 3 Playoffs: 6A and Top 20
1 Bishop McDevitt 9-1 4A
Bishop McDevitt got a bye week with the top seed then quickly disposed of 8th seeded East Pennsboro (5-7) 42-7. Quarterback Stone Saunders had first half touchdowns of 7, 47, 53, 55 and 62 yards, and 343 total pass yards all in the first half where they raced out to a 42-0 halftime lead. He finished with 14 completions of 20 attempts for 360 yards. Marquese Williams ran for 82 yards and a score and caught a 62-yard strike for another score. Rico Scott led all receivers with 5 catches for 135 yards and a 47-yard Td reception. Jeff Penn caught 3 passes for 69 yards and scores of 7 and 55 yards, with Tyshaun Russell pulling down 2 receptions for 62 yards, one, a 53-yard touchdown. McDevitt’s defense held East Pennsboro to 7 first downs and 67 total yards of offense, while they churned out 483 total yards to secure their ninth straight win. They won those games by an average score of 52-9. Therein lies the concern. They have not had a challenge in any shape or form since the opening 19-14 loss to Imhotep. LaSalle two weeks later was a ‘no show’ at 56-7. That won’t be a problem this week against Twin Valley (7-4, 4th seed, see below) but could be the following week against whoever survives in the Lampeter Strasburg (9-2) - Manheim Central (10-1) game.
2 Harrisburg 8-2 6A
See 6A write up below
3 Exeter 11-0 5A
Mason Rotelli threw touchdowns of 61, 19, 10, 11 and 15 yards as the Eagles scorched Dover (9-3) 42-12. Four of those 5 touchdowns were thrown in the first half where they outscored Dover 35-0. Dover didn’t know if they were coming or going with Richie Karstien bowling over them for 205 yards on 22 carries. The defense held them to 46 yards rushing and 9 first downs while Exeter gashed them for 412 total yards, 280 on the ground. Exeter moves on to the district semifinal against Northern York. See below.
4 Central York 10-1 6A
See 6A write up below
5 Wyomissing 11-0 3A
Wyomissing shut down 4th seeded Hamburg (9-3) who came in averaging 44ppg with a big defensive effort that limited running back Pierce Mason to 66 yards. He came in with 1304. Wyo’s stats seem low at 279 total yards because of points scored off turnovers providing good field position or scores, and strong special teams doing the same through their punt and kick return units. Nice having short fields! Hamburg also lost 2 fumbles and had Logan Hyde’s 55-yard Pick-6 in the first quarter, putting them at a 14-0 deficit they never recovered from, losing 49-14. And with Jven Williams (6-5, 310, Penn St commit) and Caleb Brewer (6-5, 305, Md, Syra interested) opening huge holes up front, the yards came easy for their stacked backfield of Charlie McIntyre (66/781/10 Tds), Matt Kramer (93/754/21 Tds) and Drew Eisenhower (64/650/9 Tds). West Perry (11-1, 3rd seed, see below) is next in the 3A championship game Saturday at 1 o’clock in Wyomissing.
6 Hempfield 9-2 6A
See 6A write up below
7 Manheim Township 8-3 6A
See 6A write up below
8 Cumberland Valley 7-4 6A
See 6A write up below
9 Wilson 8-3 6A
See 6A write up below
10 Steel High 10-1 1A
The Rollers are home vs Windber (11-1) after defeating Belmont Charter (7-4) 46-6 in a regional playoff game. It was 40-0 at the half. Windber is one of the old powers from District-5 (46-18 last 6), having a special year with 7 shutouts while allowing 49 points the entire season. They beat previously unbeaten Northern Bedford (11-1) last week 14-0. John Shuster is their primary weapon, rushing for 2615 yards with 3 other backs over 400 yards. Steel high knows how to play smash mouth and has the bodies to do it. The question is, does Windber have the athletes to keep up as the Rollers can gas you early with that passing game.
T I E
York 6-4 6A
See 6A write up below. Tough year for the Bearcats losing close encounters with Woodland Hills 28-24 in the opener, Hempfield 35-32 and two nail biters to conference rival Central York, 43-38 in the regular season finale and 51-44 in the playoffs
11 Manheim Central 10-1 4A
The 2nd seeded Barons are home in the district semifinal after trouncing York Suburban (7-5) 63-14, playing Lampeter Strasburg (9-2, 3rd seed) who beat Susquehanna Twp (6-5) 52-6. MC’s only loss was a respectable one to undefeated Exeter 21-17. LS’s losses were to top seeds Solanco (11-0, 5A) 40-35 in the opener and Wyomissing (11-0, 3A) 21-0 Oct 29th where the Spartans held them to 5 first downs and 78 total yards.
12 Solanco 11-0 5A
The Golden Mules are home as the top seed after defeating Shippensburg (8-4, 8th seed) 42-35. Their opponent this week is 12th seeded Cocalico (8-4) who
“upset” 4th seeded Gettysburg (8-3) 23-13, if you believe holding a team to 6 first downs and 129 total yards is an upset!
13 West Perry 11-1 3A
Third seeded West Perry had no trouble with 2nd seeded Lancaster Catholic (10-1), defeating the previously unbeaten Crusaders 63-20 in Lancaster while rolling out 520 yards of offense, 468 on the ground. They’re a talented bunch with dual threat Qb Marcus Quaker at 64% for 2100 yards and a 23/7 ratio, while rushing for 1067 yards and 24 more touchdowns. Trent Herrera has 971 yards rushing with Derek Snook at 562. Ian Goodling pulls down most of the throws, catching 70 for 1270 yards and 15 touchdowns. Perry’s only loss this year was to Steelton Highspire 53-34. They advance to play top seeded Wyomissing (11-0) in the district final at Wyo Saturday.
14 Lampeter Strasburg 9-2 4A
The Pioneers crushed Susquehanna Township (6-5, 6th seed) last week 52-6, holding them to 140 total yards and 3 first downs while their balanced offense produced 428 yards. They’re at 2nd seeded Manheim Central who they’ve played off and on over the years depending on the configuration of the LL that year. This looks like one of the most competitive games of the weekend.
15 Trinity 8-4 2A
Trinity’s wicked opening slate of Roman Catholic 8-2, Wyomissing 11-0 and West Perry 11-1 seemed to pay dividends going on a 7-1 run after a 1-3 start, getting them here as the district champ after pounding top seeded Annville Cleona (8-4) 58-27. West Catholic (4-7) is next coming off a 52-7 win against Bristol (8-2) in the 1/12 sub-regional. Like Trinity, they’re well prepared by a rugged PCL schedule of Roman, Neumann, CE, Bonner and others.
16 Northern York 8-4 5A
Nasty bunch of Polar Bears here, separated from a 12-0 record by 6, 1, 3 and 1 pt (ot) losses. But they got it right the last four, winning out, including last week’s 20-7 win at New Oxford (8-2, 3rd seed) as the 4th seed to play 2nd seeded Exeter (11-0). Cole Bartram’s 1554 rush yards makes it interesting but Exeter has too many weapons to hold down.
17 Shippensburg 8-4 5A
Ship’s up and down season came to an end in Quarryville losing a tough one to Solanco 42-35. The game mirrored the season, falling behind 28-7 at halftime before rallying in the second half where the 28-14 comeback fell short. Still, heck of a performance as the 8th seed against the physical well regarded Mules.
18 Cocalico 8-4 5A
12th seeded Cocalico beat 4th seeded Gettysburg (8-3) at Gburg 23-13 with a defense that came in as advertised, holding the Warriors to 129 total yards. Gettysburg’s offense did NOT reach the end zone, scoring on 2 field goals and an 85-yard kick return for the other score. Meanwhile, Cocalico ate up the clock with punishing drives, grinding out 417 yards on the ground with none passing. They travel to Solanco for the second time this season after losing 21-7 Sept 2nd in a game where they out gained them in total yardage 262 to 207. This one could get interesting and a ‘upset special if on neutral ground. Who knows! They’re a mirror image of run heavy Solanco, rushing for 3707 yards and passing for 282. Solanco rushed for 3565 yards while throwing for 564. Solanco is more but Cocalico can play!
19 Carlisle 6-5 6A
See 6A write up below
20 Twin Valley 7-4 4A
TV is a sneaky good 4 seed with 3, 5 and 7 point losses preventing more. Their first year coach, Bret Myers led Middletown to 3 straight 3A title games (2016-2018) and a 73-22 record. Last week saw them pound out 556 total yards, beating Milton Hershey (6-5, 5th seed) 43-29. They have a mountain of a challenge this week traveling to Harrisburg to play #1 seed Bishop McDevitt.
District 3: 6A Semifinal playoffs
Hempfield 9-2 (1) vs Manheim Township 8-3 (5)
Top seeded Hempfield had no trouble getting past 8th seeded Carlisle, holding the Herd to 54 rush yards and 190 total in a 30-14 first round win in Landisville. Quarterback Jackson Landis accounted for 223 of Hempfield’s 398 total yards throwing for 134 yards (61%, 1/1 ratio) and rushing for 89, scoring on a 41 yard run. He used 5 different receivers while Grant Hoover rushed for 92 yards in the first half, sidelined in the second following concussion protocol. Carlisle could get nothing going with the Black Knights holding their top back Jeremiah Hargrove to 48 yards on 10 carries. Ezeekai Thomas’s 90-yard Pick-6 in the fourth quarter made it look close. It’s easy missing that Hempfield has held 8 opponents to two scores or less. The loss sends Carlisle home at 6-5 while the Knights move on to the district semifinal against conference rival Manheim Township in a rematch. Township got here after winning their rematch with Cumberland Valley 37-31 at CV. This was an epic struggle with Township getting 377 total yards of offense to CV’s 444. The game involved a series of lead changes and surges right up to the very end where a Cumberland Valley’s pass on fourth down was batted away in the end zone with 3 ticks left on the clock. This is an exciting aspect of District 3 football where quarterbacks often dominate with their arms, legs and foot! Isaac Sines of Cumberland Valley completed 22 of 29 (76%) passes for 238 yards, throwing 2 touchdowns and rushing for 2. He rushed for 90 yards on 15 carries and kicked a 39-yard field goal. Hayden Johnson of Township completed 17 of 20 passes (85%), with touchdowns of 47 and 37 yards. He ran for 22 yards, scoring on 1, 2 and 3 yard carries. Exciting football! The game ended in a flurry of scores with Sines kicking the field goal with 1:42 left in the game for a 31-29 lead. Township received the kickoff with Johnson leading the Streaks downfield, scoring on a 32-yard toss to Landon Kennel with 51 seconds showing on the clock. CV followed suit, barging downfield only to have a pass batted away in the end-zone with 3 seconds left in the game.
Being a rematch, these two met back on Sept 23rd at Township (game #5) where Hempfield won 17-14. Township beat them almost every way you can beat a team, throwing for 238 yards (70%) and rushing for 123 yards (not a strong suit) on 23 carries. They held Hempfield to 151 yard passing and 46 rushing on 15 attempts. Adding more spice to a game beyond the typical conference rivalry/rematch aspect, one of Hempfield’s touchdowns was a trick play ‘Hail Mary’ where receiver Gabe Benjamin tossed a 32-yarder to running back Stephen Katch for a touchdown to end the first half. Special teams did their part with Hempfield getting a 93-yard kickoff return and a 25-yard field goal by Cannon Briscoe that proved to be the difference. It will be interesting to see how Hempfield steps up here after 3 easy wins against lesser comp, while Township takes on their third straight game against a powerful team having played Wilson and Cumberland Valley the last two weeks.
Central York 10-1 (2) vs Harrisburg 8-2 (3)
Central York extended their winning streak to 9 games with last week’s 51-44 win over conference rival York High (William Penn), the same York team they defeated 43-38 two weeks ago securing the York-Adam title. This one was every bit as exciting with Central York stopping York on a fourth and goal with 25 seconds remaining. A healthy Nasir Still was on fire for Central, passing for 162 yards and 3 touchdowns while running for 84 yards and another score. That’s 246 total offense for the first year starting quarterback. Juelz Goff also had a monster game, rushing for 172 yards and 2 touchdowns and catching 3 passes for 105 yards and 2 more scores. That’s 277 total yards of offense! York’s great running back, Jaheim White, had one of his all-time great games in a long list of great games, rushing for 328 yards and 3 touchdowns on 32 carries. He’ll be at West Virginia next season, ending the year at 1918 rush yards. Seventh seeded York finishes the year at 6-4 while Central York moves into the semifinal against Harrisburg.
The Cougars are here after finishing 2nd in the Mid Penn-Commonwealth (6-1) behind undefeated State College and defeating 6th seeded Wilson (8-3) 32-21 last week for the fourth time in the last 5 years. Wilson took a 14-12 lead into the half but could not hold on, gradually wearing down with Harrisburg outdueling them 20-7 in the second half. Their diverse weapons will wear many teams down. None more than Mehkai Hopkins, the 6-2, 215 full-back who allows them to control the clock and protect leads. He rushed for 163 yards and 2 scores on 23 carries. They kept it on the ground, rushing 50 times for 312 yards while holding Wilson to 109 rush yards. Sophomore quarterback Shawn Lee is another weapon, completing 7 of 9 passes for 38 yards and a touchdown while rushing for 84 yards on 15 carries for another score. Another weapon is RB/WR Kyle Williams, rushing for 70 yards on 11 attempts and a touchdown and catching 5 passes for 26 yards for another score. A big plus for the Cougar D was controlling Wilson’s explosive Cam Jones, holding him to 51 yards rushing while managing Tommy Hunsicker’s solid outing. He had his best game of the year completing 13 of 22 passes for 223 yards and rushing for 74 more. He had 2 touchdowns passes but 2 interceptions, both to Zakaii Curry-Jones. Hopkins 23-yard touchdown with 3:43 iced it at 32-21.
For the upcoming game, Central York has won 9 straight since losing to Cumberland Valley Sept 2nd. The closest they’ve come to facing an opponent like Harrisburg is York, who doesn’t play near the level of defense the Cougars do. A review of Harrisburg’s schedule shows State College as the best comparison to Central York with a talented dual threat quarterback and a running back that can scoot. Again, and unlike Central York, while SC has a big and multiple offense at 38ppg, they also play defense allowing 14ppg. Both will likely score a lot of points with the question being, who will get the most stops and carry the day in terms of special teams.
