District-3 Top 20: (Sept 24-25 games 2021)
All are 6A unless marked otherwise, last week’s rank in parenthesis
1 Governor Mifflin 5A 4-0 (1)
With wins against York, Wilson, Cocalico and now Harrisburg by a combined score of 202 to 33, Mifflin is in the conversation as the best team in the state in any classification. They piled up 328 rush yards last week against a good Harrisburg defense in a 49-13 win. It was 14-7 at the half then 21-13 midway through the third quarter when their balanced attack and new found passing game overwhelmed the Cougars, outscoring them 28-0 for the win. Qbs Delsin McNeil and Eden Johnson completed 5 of 6 passes for 146 yards and three touchdowns. These were devastating events of 8, 21 and 51 yards that caught Harrisburg off guard, focused as they were on stopping Nicholas Singleton, et al. 474 total yards later with Singleton getting 178 yards, scoring on runs of 8, 46 and 53 yards, it was over. Lost in all the hoopla surrounding their running back is the reality of a suffocating, athletic defense that held Harrisburg to 78 rush yards. Undefeated Episcopal Academy (3-0) of the Inter-Ac is next. Southeast PA fans get a chance to see Governor Mifflin with the game in Newtown Square Friday at 7PM.
2 Central York 3-0 (2)
Central York’s game with Red Lion was cancelled per information found on Red Lion sites due to a “convergence of health issues”. Central was unable to find a substitute. They play Dover (5A, 1-3) next who is coming off losses to Northern 31-0, Shippensburg 47-20 and York 60-20.
3 Bishop McDevitt 4A 2-1 (3)
McDevitt powered over punch less Palmyra (1-3), rolling out 626 total yards in an embarrassingly easy 75-7 win. It was 55-7 by the half. Palmyra has now been outscored 136-28 in their three losses. Freshman Stone Saunders continued his progress, completing 9 of 15 passes for 210 yards and 5 touchdowns. The ground game was there with Marquese Williams gaining 240 yards on 9 carries for three scores. Cyncir Bowers had 108 rushing and two scores with Christian Roy gaining 72 on 3 carries and a score. At some point McDevitt needs a competitive game (Cedar Cliff?) if they hope to advance in the postseason, playing more non-league games like LaSalle. Unfortunately, covid struck Sept 11th, forcing the cancelation of the Harrisburg game, leaving them with a less than challenging schedule. Their opponents from last week’s Palmyra game through the end of the regular season have a combined record of 5-18 excluding Cedar Cliff (3-1). Mifflin County (0-4), who scored 11 points all year is next. Looking at other 4A programs; Berks Catholic is playing Malvern Prep and already played Central Dauphin and Cocalico has played Governor Mifflin.
4 Manheim Central 5A 4-0 (5)
Manheim Central’s game at Perkiomen Valley was all it was touted to be in last week’s write up (got one right!?) going down to the wire in a 43-40 win for the Barons. You knew the Vikings were a District-1 contender swamping Downingtown East 55-20 then losing competitively at Coatesville 35-27. This one was a similar slugfest, except that is was an inter-district game between a District-1 6A power and a District-3 5A power. It didn’t disappoint, mirroring in some ways the Coatesville game where Perkiomen Valley couldn’t protect a 27-21 third quarter lead. Against Manheim Central, PV led 34-28 through three quarters before the Baron’s relentless ground game powered in two fourth quarter scores, highlighted by Jaden Weit’s 1-yard run with 3:25 to go for the win. What a game, Central gaining 490 total yards to Perk Val’s 374. The win propelled the Baron’s to 4th in the rankings, overtaking Central Dauphin who has been sidelined per covid concerns. They get another opportunity to support their high ranking Friday traveling to West Lawn to play Wilson (2-2) who trounced outmanned Martin Luther King (0-2, Philly Pub) last week 50-8.
5 Central Dauphin 1-1 (4)….did not play.
Dropped Central Dauphin from 4 to 5 following Manheim Central’s strong road win at Perkiomen Valley and CD’s inactivity the last two weeks. The next scheduled game is at Chambersburg (2-2) Friday.
6 York (William Penn) 3-1 (8)
Since losing to Governor Mifflin in the opener 55-6, the Bearcats turned things around with wins against McCaskey (2-2) 54-7, Coatesville (3-1) 44-39 and last week in the York Adams-1 opener against Dover (1-3) 60-20. While they are on a roll, so too is their opponent this week, undefeated Spring Grove (4-0). They haven’t played teams near the caliber York played (Governor Mifflin, Coatesville), but they have shown a big and balanced offense, winning by an average score of 39-12. And they have road wins against Mid Penn teams Waynesboro 25-20 and Northern 39-7, with good skill players in twins Tyree Brooks and Zyree Brooks. Zyree rushed for 226 last week against Northeastern and 214 the week before against Northern. We’ll see if that’s enough to keep up with York’s greyhounds.
7 Central Dauphin East 3-1 (9)
East High continues to impress with a 27-10 win at Altoona which followed home wins against Warwick 28-21 and Cedar Cliff 20-7 after opening with a 24-21 loss at Manheim Township. East has some good skill people in quarterback Terrence Jackson-Copney, in for the injured Tony Powell, completing 6 of 9 passes for 218 yards. Mehki Flowers was as unstoppable as ever catching 5 passes for 152 yards and two touchdowns. It was a balanced offense with running back Marcel McDaniels gaining 188 yards on 22 carries. 410 is a nice total yardage number anywhere, especially on the road in your conference opener while holding the home team to 240 yards. State College (3-1) is in town Friday, evidently recovered from their 42-21 home loss to undefeated Downingtown East (4-0) with wins against Hollidaysburg and Chambersburg.
8 Harrisburg 3-1 (6)
Harrisburg fought the good fight well into the third quarter, down 21-13 before succumbing to Governor Mifflin’s relentless attack, losing in Shillington to the powerful Mustangs, 49-13. Quarterback Shawn Lee was out with junior Zakii Lewis replacing and completing 5 of 12 throws for 120 yards with a 63-yard touchdown pass to Kyle Williams. Now that Mifflin is behind them they can concentrate on division games knowing they won’t face anything like Governor Mifflin again this season. But they do face an improved Carlisle (3-1) team that will match their intensity coming off a hard fought 27-24 home division loss to Cumberland Valley, not wanting to go 0-2. Conversely, Harrisburg’s goal is always to win the Commonwealth, then the District and then States.
9 Manheim Township 2-2 (11)
Township rebounded from the Harrisburg loss with a good road win at Spring Ford, 28-13. As mentioned last week, they’re a young team playing a number of sophomores with a bright future. They make sophomore mistakes, mistakes that if reversed would see them at 4-0 with the road loss at Dallastown 41-38 three weeks ago, taking nothing from Dtown. Sophomore quarterback Hayden Johnson completed 25 of 32 (78%!) for 280 yards and 4 touchdowns against Spring Ford. The unstoppable Anthony Ivey who will soon be thrilling crowds at Penn State caught 13 passes for 178 yards, scoring on 19 and 24 yard throws. Township played well defensively, holding the Rams to one first down and 74 yards rushing. They’re at Cocalico (2-2) Friday to see if they can slow down the Lancaster-Lebanon leading rusher Anthony Bourassa who had 314 yards last week in a 31-20 win at Garden Spot.
10 Steelton Highspire 1A 4-0 (10) Upper Dauphin cancelled their game with SHHS per covid. The Rollers are looking for a replacement game.
Steel High blew out 4A Juniata (2-2) 53-19 in front of a big home crowd watching the Rollers win their 14th straight game. This includes last year’s 10-0 team that won the Single-A championship, defeating Jeannette 32-20. This year’s team is following a similar script, winning by an average score of 65-8. Sophomore quarterback Alex Erby (6-1, 190) has matured beyond his years, completing 20 of 28 passes for 290 yards. Running back Daivin Pryor (5-9, 160, sr) has replaced in speed what last year’s team had in muscle, rushing for 168 yards and 3 touchdowns. An added dimension is his pass catching ability, pulling down 3 for 89 yards and another touchdown, plus a 75-yard kickoff return in the first quarter. Jaeion Perry at 6-0, 170 had 89 yards on 3 carries. Wide outs Tyrone Moore had 10 receptions for 94 yards with Rell Ceasar adding 107 yards on 5 catches. They may have lost Penn State commit Mehki Flowers via transfer to CD East but aren’t showing it. All totaled the Rollers had 535 total yards to Juniata’s 238. Upper Dauphin (3-1) is next, fresh off a 42-14 dismantling of 2-2 Camp Hill.
11 Wyomissing 3A 4-0 (14)
The Spartans are marching through this season the same way they did last year, unopposed. So far they are just crushing people, averaging 41ppg while giving up 11 against teams with a combined record of 10-6. Pottsville (3-1) was supposed to be a strong team but were dismantled 42-14, with Wyo sitting players at the half leading 36-0! Last week’s opponent was Hamburg (3-1) who sailed in undefeated, leaving with a 47-7 loss and 86 total yards of offence to show for it. They’re on the road this week at Fleetwood (2-2) who is coming off a 52-38 loss at Conrad Weiser. With a good dual threat quarterback in Tanner Maddock, a Villanova Commit, they could keep it interesting, giving the Spartans some competition before the following week’s game at Southern Columbia (4-0). Maybe Southern will give them a game?
12 Berks Catholic 4A 3-1 (13)
Berks Catholic may have lost quarterback Brad Hoffman to Wilson (transfer) where he starts, but you wouldn’t know it by their on-field performance where they are winning with offence, outscoring opponents 39-31. After they took what looked like a safe 34-14 lead at the half, Pope John Paul 2nd roared back with the big play, a 50 Td pass followed by three straight third quarter scores to knot it at 34 all. BC’s new quarterback Mitchell Gatz (6-0, 195, sr) then connected with their top play maker Christian Cacchione for a 45-yard strike, allowing the Saints to regain the lead. He would score again with 4:15 to go as BC turned back the always tough Golden Panthers of District-1, 47-40. Quarterback/linebacker Gatz is throwing well, completing 18 of 27 passes for 283 yards at 57%. But in their system it’s all about the running backs where Christian Cacchione leads the way with 574 yards, followed by Josiah Jordan’s 320 yards and Luke Williams with 202. They host Malvern Prep (2-1) next. BC is a competitive team. But with D yields at astronomic levels, they are not to be confused with earlier editions. They had championship caliber teams from 2012 to 2018, going 73-10. In 2012 with a 9-2 team, they lost to Wyomissing (16-0) 14-0, with Wyo going on to win the state title, beating Imhotep Charter School 35-13 in the semi and Aliquippa 17-14 in the final. Their 2013 14-1 team lost to ICS 20-0, who lost in the final to South Fayette’s great 16-0 team 41-0. 2016’s team went 12-2, losing in the semifinal to Cathedral Prep 28-14. They have had some teams!
13 Hempfield 2-2 (17)
The Black Knights showed what they are made of last week after falling behind Exeter 14-3 at the half then coming back for an exciting inter-conference win between postseason contenders. Understanding the power of scoring before going to the locker room, Cannon Briscoe booting a 31-yard field goal cutting Exeter’s lead to 14-3 was BIG. That momentum showed up early in the second half when Cam Harbaugh connected with Braylon Felsinger for a 77 yard scoring strike, cutting the deficit to 14-9. And it all came together early in the fourth quarter when they executed a 76-yard drive, with Stephen Katch running in from 8 yards out. Harbaugh then completed a 2-pt conversion to sophomore Micah Gates for a 17-14 lead that appeared to ice it. But, Exeter being Exeter, went down the field in the last few seconds where a 32-yard field goal was blocked by Grant Hoover and Adam Acker. Up next is another battle, traveling to Warwick in a LL cross over game where the Warriors will be pumped coming off a 30-28 upset to Penn Manor.
14 Exeter Township 5A 2-2 (7)
One week after getting everyone’s attention by mauling Wilson’s Bulldogs 42-14, Exeter visited another Lancaster-Lebanon League power where they weren’t as fortunate, losing to Hempfield’s Black Knights in a grinding 17-14 game. They won the stat sheet, rushing for 174 yards while holding Hempfield to 61, and quarterback Colin Payne completed 13 of 23 passes for 128 yards. But Hempfield’s quarterback Cam Harbaugh topped that, completing 16 of 26 passes for 196 yards. One was a 77-yard strike giving the Knights great momentum in the third quarter. Following Hempfield’s go ahead touchdown in the fourth quarter, Payne led them down field within striking distance where a 32-yard field goal was blocked. Credit Hempfield for holding them scoreless in the second half. See Hempfield above for more. They’re on the road again this week at West York (0-4) where the Bulldogs are struggling against a less than formidable schedule.
15 Warwick 5A 2-2 (12)
Penn Manor quarterback Eli Warfel heaved a 31-yard Hail Mary with 4 seconds left in the game, finding Clark Wagstaff in the end zone as the Comets upset Warwick at Warwick 30-28! Stats support the road win with their veer totaling 250 rush yards, with Ethan Adelman getting 104 yards. They only completed 4 of 9 passes but the last one was special. Can’t forget Peter Skiadas’s 26-yard field goal in the second quarter that was key. Warwick’s Jack Reed had a solid game completing 13 of 20 for 180 yards with two Td passes to Cooper Eckert. Like Reed, Christian Royer had stats that typically get the win, rushing for 192 yards on 28 carries. Taking nothing from Penn Manor, no one saw this coming! Earlier games saw them eke out a 16-12 win at home against Conestoga Valley (1-3), then just get past Northeastern (1-3) 21-9, also at home. Sandwiched between was a 31-0 disaster at Lampeter Strasburg (3-1) whose only loss was at Warwick 45-22. Go figure. Hempfield (2-2) is next bringing Warwick’s “preseason” to a close before the Section-2 opener at Manheim Central.
16 Wilson 2-2 (15)
As expected Wilson had no trouble with Martin Luther King, racing out to a 21-0 first quarter lead that expanded to 36-0 at the half. Top running back Jadyn Jones did not play with Jaison Beckford filling in with 92 yards. Quarterback Brad Hoffman who was out last week against Exeter, completed 9 of 16 for 174 yards and 3 Touchdowns. Wilson piled up 394 total yards with starters going to the sidelines early, while MLK was held to 5 yards of total offense. 5! Talented Cam Jones (5-11, 180, jr) who is liable to line up almost anywhere rushed for 26 yards and a touchdown on 4 carries and caught 4 passes for 74 yards, scoring on a 36 yard pass from Hoffman. Other big plays saw TJ Flite pull down a 50-yard strike from Hoffman and Nathan Capitano rumble 45 yards with a recovered fumble. Wilson has one more non-league game before getting into the Section-1 action when Manheim Central’s undefeated bunch rolls in Friday night fresh off their 43-40 win over Perkiomen Valley. Wilson needs to bring their very best to keep up with the Barons. And just might!
17 Cedar Cliff 5A 3-1 (16)
Rival Red Land brought it good the entire game but couldn’t do more than match scores in a 14-14 fourth quarter as Cedar Cliff held on for a 35-21 win. A 42-yard third quarter scoop and score by CC’s KC Robinson was demoralizing as was their inability to stop star running back Jontae Morris who battering them for 226 yards and three touchdowns. His 1-yard plunge pretty much broke it open in the fourth quarter. This was a big win for the Colts, coming on the heels of a 20-7 slugfest-loss at CD East the week before, and by winning their division opener. Lower Dauphin (2-1) is next at LD.
18 Dallastown 6A 3-1 (19)
Dylan Lease (6-0, 195, sr) at Qb/MLB combined with Rb/OLB Coleton Mahorney (6-2, 210, sr) give the Wildcats a potent one-two punch given Lease’s dual threat ability. He may be the most underrated Qb in the district, completing 64% of his passes for 610 yards with a 6/0 ratio. Add 232 rush yards with 5 scores to understand his offensive value. Defensively, he’s a hitter at mike, leading the team with 34 stops. Mahorney has 335 yards on 72 carries. Underclassmen also shine, in some cases standing out like freshman receiver Michael Scott (5-11, 165, 12/188, 2 Tds) and Kenny Johnson (6-2, 190, jr, 20/390, 4Tds) who the majors are checking out. Junior running back Caleb Fox at 5-10, 190 is another weapon with 49 carries for 265 yards. All this combined to overwhelm previously unbeaten South Western (3-1) 47-14 in a key York Adams-1 encounter. Few expected Dtown to win so convincingly. Northeastern (1-3) is next at their place before the big one with York High (3-1) in Dallastown.
19 Conrad Weiser 4A 3-1 (20)
Conrad Weiser got their second impressive win in a row beating Fleetwood last week 52-38 in a back and forth game. The week before saw them edge ELCO 35-32. This one was exciting featuring two of the best dual threat quarterbacks in District-3; Tanner Maddocks of Fleetwood who committed to Villanova and Conrad Weiser’s Logan Klitsch who committed to Dartmouth. But Klitsch was the star here, completing 15 of 19 passes for 316 yards with 3 touchdowns and rushing for 145 yards on 19 carries, scoring four more touchdowns! This brings his season total to 1054 yards at 66% with a 6/3 ratio and 347 rush yards with 11 more touchdowns. Look for Dartmouth to field some exciting teams in the coming years. 5A Twin Valley is next, doing well at 3-1 under first year coach Chris Olsen. They have some good skill and a big OL but can’t trade points with the Scouts.
20 Cumberland Valley 2-2 (HM)
After starting the season with a thud heard around the state, losing at Manheim Central 35-7, Cumberland Valley has shown great resiliency, rebounding with three strong performances. It started after Manheim when they stressed out Central York (3-0) in a misleading 21-3 loss. Central led 7-3 with 10:23 left in the fourth quarter. The next game saw them get a 23-19 win against a good Spring Ford (2-2) team before last week’s 27-24 win against previously unbeaten Carlisle. The Herd is no joke this year. So here they are back in the rankings. CV jumped on Carlisle early, getting a 27-6 lead, fueled by junior quarterback Isaac Sines completing 10 of 22 passes for 166 yards and two scores….and kicking field goals of 38 and 36 yards. Carlisle held JD Hunter in check except for a 64-yard punt return in the first quarter. They didn’t get to 3-0 without some players, scoring 18 fourth quarter points and nearly pulling it out. Ezeekai Thomas led the charge rushing for 78 yards and two scores, with quarterback Louis Shank throwing 30 and 5 yard touchdowns. Altoona (3-1) is next, coming off a 27-10 loss to CD East in the Mid Penn-Commonwealth opener after skating through the preseason beating Hollidaysburg, Williamsport and Allderdice. This is a bad spot for the Mountain Lions coming to Chapman Field with all the momentum CV has going their last three games.
Honorable Mention
All are 6A unless marked otherwise, last week’s rank in parenthesis
Mid Penn
Carlisle 3-1 (18) at Harrisburg 3-1
Both coming off loses as Carlisle ascends behind legit talent. Could get interesting with Harrisburg coming off the Mifflin rout in a big Mid Penn-Commonwealth game.
East Pennsboro 4A 3-1 (HM) at Northern 4A 2-1
If track and football speedster Sy Burgos gets loose, look out. He already has 661 yards while missing a game. And with Northern coming off a bad home loss to Spring Grove plus this being the Mid Penn-Colonial opener, they’ll be intensity.
Shippensburg 5A 4-0 (HM) home to Waynesboro 5A 3-1
Here’s another MP-Colonial opener. Waynesboro has a productive run game at 38ppg vs legit comp (Spring Grove, Gettysburg) and a dual threat Qb in Louis Lindsay. Both come in hot, Waynesboro winning last three, Ship four straight.
Boiling Springs 3A 3-1 (HM) at Susquenita 2A 2-1
The Bubblers lost a cross-over with 5A Mechanicsburg 39-34, getting picked off in the end zone at the end of the game. Look for a big bounce back here as they assert themselves as one of the top 3As in the district behind Wyomissing. Nita is coming off a 60-20 loss to 4A Big spring (3-1).
Mechanicsburg 5A 3-1 (NR) at West Perry 3A 2-2
Parker Sample’s 242 rush yards was a big reason the Wildcats beat Boiling Springs last week 39-34. Things are going their way since losing to Carlisle in the opener 27-14. West Perry lost at Waynesboro last week 29-6.
Lancaster-Lebanon
Ephrata 5A 3-1 (NR) home to Boone 5A 2-2 (Columbia cancelled)
As long as Andre Weidman stays healthy, the Mounts are a threat per his 632 yards rushing. Even Warwick who routed them 42-14 couldn’t stop him, allowing 190 yards. Boone plays in the Berks League with Governor Mifflin, Wyomissing, Weiser and others. But with covid cancelling games, teams who never play each other are happy with the opportunity to play anyone. They won two straight and are better than their 2-2 record. They’ll score points!
Octorara 4A 3-1 (HM) at Lebanon 5A 0-4
Last week’s upset special! Octorara lost at Phoenixville 36-33. But the scoreboard is the only place this was close with the Phantoms outdistanced Octorara 510 to 340 in total yards. Look for a BIG bounce back this week at poor Lebanon who has lost all their games by an average score of 42-7.
Cocalico 4A 2-2 (18) home to Manheim Township 2-2
Anthony Bourassa is the man for Cocalico, leading the Lancaster Lebanon (LL) with 714 yards rushing. But they’ll need big upgrades on defense to stay with Township who has run the gauntlet playing CD East (3-1), Dallastown (3-1), Harrisburg (3-1) and Spring Ford (2-2). But, you can never leave your guard down against the Eagles, especially at home.
Lampeter Strasburg 4A 3-1 (NR) at Northern Lebanon 3A 3-1
LS is back to their winning ways reeling off three straight since the opening debacle at Warwick (45-22 loss) with no challenge in sight before Ephrata Oct 22nd. NL’s Vikings are improved over last year but will need a special effort here against the Pioneers.
Penn Manor 3-1 (NR) at Solanco 5A 2-2
The Mules also run the option meaning it could be a difficult road game for the Comets after upsetting Warwick last week.
York-Adams
New Oxford 5A 3-1 (HM) home to Eastern York 4A 0-4
New Oxford has had issues getting the offense in gear but not the defense that will swallow up winless Eastern York and finally get their offense going.
South Western 5A 3-1 (HM) home to Red Lion 5A 0-3
The Mustangs ran into a buzz saw last week losing at Dtown 47-14. But not this week at home in The Corral where Red Lion will feel the wrath.
Spring Grove 5A 4-0 (HM) at York 3-1
Spring Grove gave York a game last year, losing 21-7. But they haven’t seen anything like them this year while York has already battled Governor Mifflin and Coatesville. And after three straight road game, the York crowd will be upbeat and loud, welcoming home their road weary Bearcats.
Kennard Dale 4A 3-1 (NR) at Suburban 5A 1-3
KD is smoking their last three opponents by an average score of 44-7, while Suburban has struggled against a more difficult slate losing to East Pennsboro, South Western and York Catholic until breaking into the win column last week against Eastern York 35-33.
Berks Inter County
No entries.
Dropped out
ELCO 4A 1-2 (HM)
Hamburg 3A 3-1 (HM)
All are 6A unless marked otherwise, last week’s rank in parenthesis
1 Governor Mifflin 5A 4-0 (1)
With wins against York, Wilson, Cocalico and now Harrisburg by a combined score of 202 to 33, Mifflin is in the conversation as the best team in the state in any classification. They piled up 328 rush yards last week against a good Harrisburg defense in a 49-13 win. It was 14-7 at the half then 21-13 midway through the third quarter when their balanced attack and new found passing game overwhelmed the Cougars, outscoring them 28-0 for the win. Qbs Delsin McNeil and Eden Johnson completed 5 of 6 passes for 146 yards and three touchdowns. These were devastating events of 8, 21 and 51 yards that caught Harrisburg off guard, focused as they were on stopping Nicholas Singleton, et al. 474 total yards later with Singleton getting 178 yards, scoring on runs of 8, 46 and 53 yards, it was over. Lost in all the hoopla surrounding their running back is the reality of a suffocating, athletic defense that held Harrisburg to 78 rush yards. Undefeated Episcopal Academy (3-0) of the Inter-Ac is next. Southeast PA fans get a chance to see Governor Mifflin with the game in Newtown Square Friday at 7PM.
2 Central York 3-0 (2)
Central York’s game with Red Lion was cancelled per information found on Red Lion sites due to a “convergence of health issues”. Central was unable to find a substitute. They play Dover (5A, 1-3) next who is coming off losses to Northern 31-0, Shippensburg 47-20 and York 60-20.
3 Bishop McDevitt 4A 2-1 (3)
McDevitt powered over punch less Palmyra (1-3), rolling out 626 total yards in an embarrassingly easy 75-7 win. It was 55-7 by the half. Palmyra has now been outscored 136-28 in their three losses. Freshman Stone Saunders continued his progress, completing 9 of 15 passes for 210 yards and 5 touchdowns. The ground game was there with Marquese Williams gaining 240 yards on 9 carries for three scores. Cyncir Bowers had 108 rushing and two scores with Christian Roy gaining 72 on 3 carries and a score. At some point McDevitt needs a competitive game (Cedar Cliff?) if they hope to advance in the postseason, playing more non-league games like LaSalle. Unfortunately, covid struck Sept 11th, forcing the cancelation of the Harrisburg game, leaving them with a less than challenging schedule. Their opponents from last week’s Palmyra game through the end of the regular season have a combined record of 5-18 excluding Cedar Cliff (3-1). Mifflin County (0-4), who scored 11 points all year is next. Looking at other 4A programs; Berks Catholic is playing Malvern Prep and already played Central Dauphin and Cocalico has played Governor Mifflin.
4 Manheim Central 5A 4-0 (5)
Manheim Central’s game at Perkiomen Valley was all it was touted to be in last week’s write up (got one right!?) going down to the wire in a 43-40 win for the Barons. You knew the Vikings were a District-1 contender swamping Downingtown East 55-20 then losing competitively at Coatesville 35-27. This one was a similar slugfest, except that is was an inter-district game between a District-1 6A power and a District-3 5A power. It didn’t disappoint, mirroring in some ways the Coatesville game where Perkiomen Valley couldn’t protect a 27-21 third quarter lead. Against Manheim Central, PV led 34-28 through three quarters before the Baron’s relentless ground game powered in two fourth quarter scores, highlighted by Jaden Weit’s 1-yard run with 3:25 to go for the win. What a game, Central gaining 490 total yards to Perk Val’s 374. The win propelled the Baron’s to 4th in the rankings, overtaking Central Dauphin who has been sidelined per covid concerns. They get another opportunity to support their high ranking Friday traveling to West Lawn to play Wilson (2-2) who trounced outmanned Martin Luther King (0-2, Philly Pub) last week 50-8.
5 Central Dauphin 1-1 (4)….did not play.
Dropped Central Dauphin from 4 to 5 following Manheim Central’s strong road win at Perkiomen Valley and CD’s inactivity the last two weeks. The next scheduled game is at Chambersburg (2-2) Friday.
6 York (William Penn) 3-1 (8)
Since losing to Governor Mifflin in the opener 55-6, the Bearcats turned things around with wins against McCaskey (2-2) 54-7, Coatesville (3-1) 44-39 and last week in the York Adams-1 opener against Dover (1-3) 60-20. While they are on a roll, so too is their opponent this week, undefeated Spring Grove (4-0). They haven’t played teams near the caliber York played (Governor Mifflin, Coatesville), but they have shown a big and balanced offense, winning by an average score of 39-12. And they have road wins against Mid Penn teams Waynesboro 25-20 and Northern 39-7, with good skill players in twins Tyree Brooks and Zyree Brooks. Zyree rushed for 226 last week against Northeastern and 214 the week before against Northern. We’ll see if that’s enough to keep up with York’s greyhounds.
7 Central Dauphin East 3-1 (9)
East High continues to impress with a 27-10 win at Altoona which followed home wins against Warwick 28-21 and Cedar Cliff 20-7 after opening with a 24-21 loss at Manheim Township. East has some good skill people in quarterback Terrence Jackson-Copney, in for the injured Tony Powell, completing 6 of 9 passes for 218 yards. Mehki Flowers was as unstoppable as ever catching 5 passes for 152 yards and two touchdowns. It was a balanced offense with running back Marcel McDaniels gaining 188 yards on 22 carries. 410 is a nice total yardage number anywhere, especially on the road in your conference opener while holding the home team to 240 yards. State College (3-1) is in town Friday, evidently recovered from their 42-21 home loss to undefeated Downingtown East (4-0) with wins against Hollidaysburg and Chambersburg.
8 Harrisburg 3-1 (6)
Harrisburg fought the good fight well into the third quarter, down 21-13 before succumbing to Governor Mifflin’s relentless attack, losing in Shillington to the powerful Mustangs, 49-13. Quarterback Shawn Lee was out with junior Zakii Lewis replacing and completing 5 of 12 throws for 120 yards with a 63-yard touchdown pass to Kyle Williams. Now that Mifflin is behind them they can concentrate on division games knowing they won’t face anything like Governor Mifflin again this season. But they do face an improved Carlisle (3-1) team that will match their intensity coming off a hard fought 27-24 home division loss to Cumberland Valley, not wanting to go 0-2. Conversely, Harrisburg’s goal is always to win the Commonwealth, then the District and then States.
9 Manheim Township 2-2 (11)
Township rebounded from the Harrisburg loss with a good road win at Spring Ford, 28-13. As mentioned last week, they’re a young team playing a number of sophomores with a bright future. They make sophomore mistakes, mistakes that if reversed would see them at 4-0 with the road loss at Dallastown 41-38 three weeks ago, taking nothing from Dtown. Sophomore quarterback Hayden Johnson completed 25 of 32 (78%!) for 280 yards and 4 touchdowns against Spring Ford. The unstoppable Anthony Ivey who will soon be thrilling crowds at Penn State caught 13 passes for 178 yards, scoring on 19 and 24 yard throws. Township played well defensively, holding the Rams to one first down and 74 yards rushing. They’re at Cocalico (2-2) Friday to see if they can slow down the Lancaster-Lebanon leading rusher Anthony Bourassa who had 314 yards last week in a 31-20 win at Garden Spot.
10 Steelton Highspire 1A 4-0 (10) Upper Dauphin cancelled their game with SHHS per covid. The Rollers are looking for a replacement game.
Steel High blew out 4A Juniata (2-2) 53-19 in front of a big home crowd watching the Rollers win their 14th straight game. This includes last year’s 10-0 team that won the Single-A championship, defeating Jeannette 32-20. This year’s team is following a similar script, winning by an average score of 65-8. Sophomore quarterback Alex Erby (6-1, 190) has matured beyond his years, completing 20 of 28 passes for 290 yards. Running back Daivin Pryor (5-9, 160, sr) has replaced in speed what last year’s team had in muscle, rushing for 168 yards and 3 touchdowns. An added dimension is his pass catching ability, pulling down 3 for 89 yards and another touchdown, plus a 75-yard kickoff return in the first quarter. Jaeion Perry at 6-0, 170 had 89 yards on 3 carries. Wide outs Tyrone Moore had 10 receptions for 94 yards with Rell Ceasar adding 107 yards on 5 catches. They may have lost Penn State commit Mehki Flowers via transfer to CD East but aren’t showing it. All totaled the Rollers had 535 total yards to Juniata’s 238. Upper Dauphin (3-1) is next, fresh off a 42-14 dismantling of 2-2 Camp Hill.
11 Wyomissing 3A 4-0 (14)
The Spartans are marching through this season the same way they did last year, unopposed. So far they are just crushing people, averaging 41ppg while giving up 11 against teams with a combined record of 10-6. Pottsville (3-1) was supposed to be a strong team but were dismantled 42-14, with Wyo sitting players at the half leading 36-0! Last week’s opponent was Hamburg (3-1) who sailed in undefeated, leaving with a 47-7 loss and 86 total yards of offence to show for it. They’re on the road this week at Fleetwood (2-2) who is coming off a 52-38 loss at Conrad Weiser. With a good dual threat quarterback in Tanner Maddock, a Villanova Commit, they could keep it interesting, giving the Spartans some competition before the following week’s game at Southern Columbia (4-0). Maybe Southern will give them a game?
12 Berks Catholic 4A 3-1 (13)
Berks Catholic may have lost quarterback Brad Hoffman to Wilson (transfer) where he starts, but you wouldn’t know it by their on-field performance where they are winning with offence, outscoring opponents 39-31. After they took what looked like a safe 34-14 lead at the half, Pope John Paul 2nd roared back with the big play, a 50 Td pass followed by three straight third quarter scores to knot it at 34 all. BC’s new quarterback Mitchell Gatz (6-0, 195, sr) then connected with their top play maker Christian Cacchione for a 45-yard strike, allowing the Saints to regain the lead. He would score again with 4:15 to go as BC turned back the always tough Golden Panthers of District-1, 47-40. Quarterback/linebacker Gatz is throwing well, completing 18 of 27 passes for 283 yards at 57%. But in their system it’s all about the running backs where Christian Cacchione leads the way with 574 yards, followed by Josiah Jordan’s 320 yards and Luke Williams with 202. They host Malvern Prep (2-1) next. BC is a competitive team. But with D yields at astronomic levels, they are not to be confused with earlier editions. They had championship caliber teams from 2012 to 2018, going 73-10. In 2012 with a 9-2 team, they lost to Wyomissing (16-0) 14-0, with Wyo going on to win the state title, beating Imhotep Charter School 35-13 in the semi and Aliquippa 17-14 in the final. Their 2013 14-1 team lost to ICS 20-0, who lost in the final to South Fayette’s great 16-0 team 41-0. 2016’s team went 12-2, losing in the semifinal to Cathedral Prep 28-14. They have had some teams!
13 Hempfield 2-2 (17)
The Black Knights showed what they are made of last week after falling behind Exeter 14-3 at the half then coming back for an exciting inter-conference win between postseason contenders. Understanding the power of scoring before going to the locker room, Cannon Briscoe booting a 31-yard field goal cutting Exeter’s lead to 14-3 was BIG. That momentum showed up early in the second half when Cam Harbaugh connected with Braylon Felsinger for a 77 yard scoring strike, cutting the deficit to 14-9. And it all came together early in the fourth quarter when they executed a 76-yard drive, with Stephen Katch running in from 8 yards out. Harbaugh then completed a 2-pt conversion to sophomore Micah Gates for a 17-14 lead that appeared to ice it. But, Exeter being Exeter, went down the field in the last few seconds where a 32-yard field goal was blocked by Grant Hoover and Adam Acker. Up next is another battle, traveling to Warwick in a LL cross over game where the Warriors will be pumped coming off a 30-28 upset to Penn Manor.
14 Exeter Township 5A 2-2 (7)
One week after getting everyone’s attention by mauling Wilson’s Bulldogs 42-14, Exeter visited another Lancaster-Lebanon League power where they weren’t as fortunate, losing to Hempfield’s Black Knights in a grinding 17-14 game. They won the stat sheet, rushing for 174 yards while holding Hempfield to 61, and quarterback Colin Payne completed 13 of 23 passes for 128 yards. But Hempfield’s quarterback Cam Harbaugh topped that, completing 16 of 26 passes for 196 yards. One was a 77-yard strike giving the Knights great momentum in the third quarter. Following Hempfield’s go ahead touchdown in the fourth quarter, Payne led them down field within striking distance where a 32-yard field goal was blocked. Credit Hempfield for holding them scoreless in the second half. See Hempfield above for more. They’re on the road again this week at West York (0-4) where the Bulldogs are struggling against a less than formidable schedule.
15 Warwick 5A 2-2 (12)
Penn Manor quarterback Eli Warfel heaved a 31-yard Hail Mary with 4 seconds left in the game, finding Clark Wagstaff in the end zone as the Comets upset Warwick at Warwick 30-28! Stats support the road win with their veer totaling 250 rush yards, with Ethan Adelman getting 104 yards. They only completed 4 of 9 passes but the last one was special. Can’t forget Peter Skiadas’s 26-yard field goal in the second quarter that was key. Warwick’s Jack Reed had a solid game completing 13 of 20 for 180 yards with two Td passes to Cooper Eckert. Like Reed, Christian Royer had stats that typically get the win, rushing for 192 yards on 28 carries. Taking nothing from Penn Manor, no one saw this coming! Earlier games saw them eke out a 16-12 win at home against Conestoga Valley (1-3), then just get past Northeastern (1-3) 21-9, also at home. Sandwiched between was a 31-0 disaster at Lampeter Strasburg (3-1) whose only loss was at Warwick 45-22. Go figure. Hempfield (2-2) is next bringing Warwick’s “preseason” to a close before the Section-2 opener at Manheim Central.
16 Wilson 2-2 (15)
As expected Wilson had no trouble with Martin Luther King, racing out to a 21-0 first quarter lead that expanded to 36-0 at the half. Top running back Jadyn Jones did not play with Jaison Beckford filling in with 92 yards. Quarterback Brad Hoffman who was out last week against Exeter, completed 9 of 16 for 174 yards and 3 Touchdowns. Wilson piled up 394 total yards with starters going to the sidelines early, while MLK was held to 5 yards of total offense. 5! Talented Cam Jones (5-11, 180, jr) who is liable to line up almost anywhere rushed for 26 yards and a touchdown on 4 carries and caught 4 passes for 74 yards, scoring on a 36 yard pass from Hoffman. Other big plays saw TJ Flite pull down a 50-yard strike from Hoffman and Nathan Capitano rumble 45 yards with a recovered fumble. Wilson has one more non-league game before getting into the Section-1 action when Manheim Central’s undefeated bunch rolls in Friday night fresh off their 43-40 win over Perkiomen Valley. Wilson needs to bring their very best to keep up with the Barons. And just might!
17 Cedar Cliff 5A 3-1 (16)
Rival Red Land brought it good the entire game but couldn’t do more than match scores in a 14-14 fourth quarter as Cedar Cliff held on for a 35-21 win. A 42-yard third quarter scoop and score by CC’s KC Robinson was demoralizing as was their inability to stop star running back Jontae Morris who battering them for 226 yards and three touchdowns. His 1-yard plunge pretty much broke it open in the fourth quarter. This was a big win for the Colts, coming on the heels of a 20-7 slugfest-loss at CD East the week before, and by winning their division opener. Lower Dauphin (2-1) is next at LD.
18 Dallastown 6A 3-1 (19)
Dylan Lease (6-0, 195, sr) at Qb/MLB combined with Rb/OLB Coleton Mahorney (6-2, 210, sr) give the Wildcats a potent one-two punch given Lease’s dual threat ability. He may be the most underrated Qb in the district, completing 64% of his passes for 610 yards with a 6/0 ratio. Add 232 rush yards with 5 scores to understand his offensive value. Defensively, he’s a hitter at mike, leading the team with 34 stops. Mahorney has 335 yards on 72 carries. Underclassmen also shine, in some cases standing out like freshman receiver Michael Scott (5-11, 165, 12/188, 2 Tds) and Kenny Johnson (6-2, 190, jr, 20/390, 4Tds) who the majors are checking out. Junior running back Caleb Fox at 5-10, 190 is another weapon with 49 carries for 265 yards. All this combined to overwhelm previously unbeaten South Western (3-1) 47-14 in a key York Adams-1 encounter. Few expected Dtown to win so convincingly. Northeastern (1-3) is next at their place before the big one with York High (3-1) in Dallastown.
19 Conrad Weiser 4A 3-1 (20)
Conrad Weiser got their second impressive win in a row beating Fleetwood last week 52-38 in a back and forth game. The week before saw them edge ELCO 35-32. This one was exciting featuring two of the best dual threat quarterbacks in District-3; Tanner Maddocks of Fleetwood who committed to Villanova and Conrad Weiser’s Logan Klitsch who committed to Dartmouth. But Klitsch was the star here, completing 15 of 19 passes for 316 yards with 3 touchdowns and rushing for 145 yards on 19 carries, scoring four more touchdowns! This brings his season total to 1054 yards at 66% with a 6/3 ratio and 347 rush yards with 11 more touchdowns. Look for Dartmouth to field some exciting teams in the coming years. 5A Twin Valley is next, doing well at 3-1 under first year coach Chris Olsen. They have some good skill and a big OL but can’t trade points with the Scouts.
20 Cumberland Valley 2-2 (HM)
After starting the season with a thud heard around the state, losing at Manheim Central 35-7, Cumberland Valley has shown great resiliency, rebounding with three strong performances. It started after Manheim when they stressed out Central York (3-0) in a misleading 21-3 loss. Central led 7-3 with 10:23 left in the fourth quarter. The next game saw them get a 23-19 win against a good Spring Ford (2-2) team before last week’s 27-24 win against previously unbeaten Carlisle. The Herd is no joke this year. So here they are back in the rankings. CV jumped on Carlisle early, getting a 27-6 lead, fueled by junior quarterback Isaac Sines completing 10 of 22 passes for 166 yards and two scores….and kicking field goals of 38 and 36 yards. Carlisle held JD Hunter in check except for a 64-yard punt return in the first quarter. They didn’t get to 3-0 without some players, scoring 18 fourth quarter points and nearly pulling it out. Ezeekai Thomas led the charge rushing for 78 yards and two scores, with quarterback Louis Shank throwing 30 and 5 yard touchdowns. Altoona (3-1) is next, coming off a 27-10 loss to CD East in the Mid Penn-Commonwealth opener after skating through the preseason beating Hollidaysburg, Williamsport and Allderdice. This is a bad spot for the Mountain Lions coming to Chapman Field with all the momentum CV has going their last three games.
Honorable Mention
All are 6A unless marked otherwise, last week’s rank in parenthesis
Mid Penn
Carlisle 3-1 (18) at Harrisburg 3-1
Both coming off loses as Carlisle ascends behind legit talent. Could get interesting with Harrisburg coming off the Mifflin rout in a big Mid Penn-Commonwealth game.
East Pennsboro 4A 3-1 (HM) at Northern 4A 2-1
If track and football speedster Sy Burgos gets loose, look out. He already has 661 yards while missing a game. And with Northern coming off a bad home loss to Spring Grove plus this being the Mid Penn-Colonial opener, they’ll be intensity.
Shippensburg 5A 4-0 (HM) home to Waynesboro 5A 3-1
Here’s another MP-Colonial opener. Waynesboro has a productive run game at 38ppg vs legit comp (Spring Grove, Gettysburg) and a dual threat Qb in Louis Lindsay. Both come in hot, Waynesboro winning last three, Ship four straight.
Boiling Springs 3A 3-1 (HM) at Susquenita 2A 2-1
The Bubblers lost a cross-over with 5A Mechanicsburg 39-34, getting picked off in the end zone at the end of the game. Look for a big bounce back here as they assert themselves as one of the top 3As in the district behind Wyomissing. Nita is coming off a 60-20 loss to 4A Big spring (3-1).
Mechanicsburg 5A 3-1 (NR) at West Perry 3A 2-2
Parker Sample’s 242 rush yards was a big reason the Wildcats beat Boiling Springs last week 39-34. Things are going their way since losing to Carlisle in the opener 27-14. West Perry lost at Waynesboro last week 29-6.
Lancaster-Lebanon
Ephrata 5A 3-1 (NR) home to Boone 5A 2-2 (Columbia cancelled)
As long as Andre Weidman stays healthy, the Mounts are a threat per his 632 yards rushing. Even Warwick who routed them 42-14 couldn’t stop him, allowing 190 yards. Boone plays in the Berks League with Governor Mifflin, Wyomissing, Weiser and others. But with covid cancelling games, teams who never play each other are happy with the opportunity to play anyone. They won two straight and are better than their 2-2 record. They’ll score points!
Octorara 4A 3-1 (HM) at Lebanon 5A 0-4
Last week’s upset special! Octorara lost at Phoenixville 36-33. But the scoreboard is the only place this was close with the Phantoms outdistanced Octorara 510 to 340 in total yards. Look for a BIG bounce back this week at poor Lebanon who has lost all their games by an average score of 42-7.
Cocalico 4A 2-2 (18) home to Manheim Township 2-2
Anthony Bourassa is the man for Cocalico, leading the Lancaster Lebanon (LL) with 714 yards rushing. But they’ll need big upgrades on defense to stay with Township who has run the gauntlet playing CD East (3-1), Dallastown (3-1), Harrisburg (3-1) and Spring Ford (2-2). But, you can never leave your guard down against the Eagles, especially at home.
Lampeter Strasburg 4A 3-1 (NR) at Northern Lebanon 3A 3-1
LS is back to their winning ways reeling off three straight since the opening debacle at Warwick (45-22 loss) with no challenge in sight before Ephrata Oct 22nd. NL’s Vikings are improved over last year but will need a special effort here against the Pioneers.
Penn Manor 3-1 (NR) at Solanco 5A 2-2
The Mules also run the option meaning it could be a difficult road game for the Comets after upsetting Warwick last week.
York-Adams
New Oxford 5A 3-1 (HM) home to Eastern York 4A 0-4
New Oxford has had issues getting the offense in gear but not the defense that will swallow up winless Eastern York and finally get their offense going.
South Western 5A 3-1 (HM) home to Red Lion 5A 0-3
The Mustangs ran into a buzz saw last week losing at Dtown 47-14. But not this week at home in The Corral where Red Lion will feel the wrath.
Spring Grove 5A 4-0 (HM) at York 3-1
Spring Grove gave York a game last year, losing 21-7. But they haven’t seen anything like them this year while York has already battled Governor Mifflin and Coatesville. And after three straight road game, the York crowd will be upbeat and loud, welcoming home their road weary Bearcats.
Kennard Dale 4A 3-1 (NR) at Suburban 5A 1-3
KD is smoking their last three opponents by an average score of 44-7, while Suburban has struggled against a more difficult slate losing to East Pennsboro, South Western and York Catholic until breaking into the win column last week against Eastern York 35-33.
Berks Inter County
No entries.
Dropped out
ELCO 4A 1-2 (HM)
Hamburg 3A 3-1 (HM)
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