District 3 Top 20 (Sept 30, Oct 1, 2022)
(The number in parenthesis is last week’s rankings)
Projected district winners
6A Harrisburg 3-1
5A Exeter Township 5-0
4A Bishop McDevitt 3-1
3A Wyomissing 5-0
2A York Catholic 2-3
1A Steelton Highspire 3-1
1 Bishop McDevitt 3-1 4A (1) Mid Penn-Keystone Division
McDevitt jumped all over Cedar Cliff with three quick first quarter scores followed by three more in the second quarter to put the Colts away early, winning 48-7 in Keystone divisional action. Quarterback Stone Saunders completed 13 of 16 passes for 216 yards with scoring throws of 8 and 75 yards. As ever, Marquese Williams was a hard tackle, rushing for 144 yards on 11 carries, scoring on 11, 15, 3, 6 and 71 yard runs plus a 25-yard Td pass. Tyshawn Russell led all receivers with 108 yards on 4 receptions but left the game with an ankle injury. It’s all coming together for the Crusaders with the offense generating 436 total yards of offense while holding Cedar Cliff to 63 total yards. 63 total yards! Milton Hershey (2-2) is next coming off their 28-21 rivalry game loss to Hershey in the Cocoa Bean Classic.
2 Harrisburg 3-1 6A (4) Mid Penn-Commonwealth Division
In a district loaded with good 6A teams, Harrisburg established itself as the ‘current’ alpha with a thorough 30-14 win against previously undefeated Cumberland Valley 30-14. Defense was the difference, holding the Eagles to 5 first downs and 171 total yards. A 5-play 79-yard drive where Kyle Williams scored with 2:04 to go iced it for Harrisburg, coming on the heels of JD Hunter returning a kick-off 85-yards for CV, cutting the lead to 8 with 6:43 remaining. Shawn Lee was special for Harrisburg, completing 16 of 19 passes for 98 yards and rushing for 16 yards and a touchdown. Kyle Williams and Mahkai Hopkins were close to unstoppable rushing for 140 and 138 yards respectively with 2 touchdowns each. 386 total yards of offense shows Harrisburg’s development on that side. Division action continues in Altoona Friday against the surprising 4-1 Mountain Lions who are feeling pretty good about themselves following a 28-14 road win at CD East.
3 Wyomissing 5-0 3A (5) Lancaster Lebanon League, Section 4
Like McDevitt above, Wyomissing overwhelmed ELCO with defense, shutting the Raiders out in a 42-0 rout, while holding them to 81 total yards of offense. Their stable of running backs (11 got touches) wore them down with 40 carries netting 348 rush yards. Charlie McIntyre led the way with 80 yards on 11 carries. Quarterback Ben Zechman stayed sharp completing all 6 passes for 85 yards and 2 touchdown passes. ELCO (Eastern Lebanon County-Myerstown) falls to 3-2 with a road game at Cocalico (2-3) while the Spartans travel to Mt. Joy to play Donegal (1-4).
4 Exeter Township 5-0 5A (8) Lancaster-Lebanon Section 2
Exeter continued its climb in the rankings and march through the LL-2 with a 69-22 win at Lebanon. It’s hard times for sure at Lebanon at 0-5. But to allow 42 first quarter points speaks to something else. With a 57-0 half time lead, Exeter rested a lot of people. Special Teams and defense added scores with sophomore Genuine Stutzman recovering a fumble for 6 while another soph, Jayden Zandier, had a 63-yard Pick-6. Nine players had carries with Zaymar Paschell, another sophomore, leading the way with 68 yards and a score on 11 carries. And yet another sophomore, Gavin Miller, had 56 yards on 4 carries and 2 touchdowns. First year starter Mason Rotelli continued his development completing 5 of 7 passes for 149 yards and 2 touchdown tosses. Warwick (2-3) is next as LL-2 action continues with Exeter at home after two weeks on the road,
5 Cumberland Valley 4-1 6A (2) Mid Penn-Commonwealth Division
Cumberland Valley took a dive in the rankings with a ‘convincing’ 30-14 loss at Harrisburg in a key showdown between Mid Penn powers. The ‘convincing’ part was how inept CV’s offense was against Harrisburg’s defense, gaining 171 total yards. They definitely had their moments, one of their scores was by special teams when JD Hunter went 85 yards to the end zone on a kickoff return with 6:43. (See Harrisburg). They were led by Bryce Staretz’s 88 rush yards. Harrisburg’s coverage and pressure held quarterback Isaac Sines to 2 completions on 5 attempts for 19 yards. No ever said it was easy taking on Harrisburg’s DE Terrell Reynolds (6-2 245) and MLB/FB Mahkai Hopkins (6-1, 240). Chambersburg is next at 2-3, clawing their way back from the season opening 38-21 loss to Central Bucks East (5-0).
6 Central York 4-1 6A (6) York Adams, Division 1
Central York relied on a big first half, outscoring South Western 23-14 (23 unanswered), then hung on for a 30-28 YA-1 win. Juelz Goff had touchdowns of 16, 2 and 32 yards. His last of 32 yards came late in the fourth quarter to give Central a 9-point lead. But South Western came to play, scoring in the last minute of the game for the final score. CY’s star wide-out Parker Hines had a 6-yard touchdown reception in the first quarter with Matthew Parker’s 34-yard field goal in the second quarter proving to be decisive. Although SW gouged them for 222 yards up top, their run game was shut down to 71 yards. Central moves onto what should be a wild one at Dallastown Friday with the Wildcats on a three-game winning streak since opening losses to Hempfield and Township. Look for a hard-fought division game with both at 2-0, tied with York atop the YA-1. Keep in mind Central York has not lost a Division-1 game since 2018.
7 York-William Penn 3-2 6A (9) York-Adams Division 1
The Bearcats have it going now, rolling out 506 yards of offense in a 46-14 win last week against Red Lion. All the key players contributed with quarterback Sam Stoner (coach’s son) completing 9 of 14 passes for 220 yards and 3 scores, while super back Jaheim White rushed for 208 yards on 12 carries. Sophomore standout receiver David Warde had 4 receptions for 114 yards and a score. They have a bye this week before playing Dallastown. Gettysburg’s departure for the Mid Penn Conference left YA-1 teams (7) with an extra non-conference week on the schedule. Unfortunately, York was unable to fill the slot, leaving them an extra week at midseason to get healthier, or, to lose momentum of a three-game winning streak where they’ve outscored opponents 154 to 70.
8 Wilson 4-1 6A (7) Lancaster Lebanon League, Section 1
Quarterback Tommy Hunsicker continues to develop, completing 8 of 12 passes for 128 yards and 3 touchdowns. He also rushed for 81 yards on 10 carries. Mega talented Cam Jones had another strong game, rushing for 114 yards and 2 scores on 8 carries, and snagging 3 throws for 54 yards and another touchdown. All totaled, Wilson showed a sizeable offense at 398 total yards with a stubborn defense allowing Cedar Crest 178 total yards in a 36-13 win. Bitter rival Governor Mifflin is next at Mifflin. They’re a shell of last year’s team at 2-3 with running back Nicholas Singleton now starring at Penn State. But it’s Mifflin and it’s at their place. Unfortunately, it’s on a Saturday (?) at 1PM rather than a night game in Shillington with all the atmosphere that brings to the game.
9 Hempfield 4-1 6A (12) Lancaster Lebanon Section 1
Hempfield held off Manheim Township in a heated rivalry to come away with a 17-14 Section win at Township! The Black Knights had a 17-0 lead at one point. And while Township won the stat sheet 362 yards to 200, stats don’t win football games. End of the day, Hempfield’s defense and special teams won the game. Grant Hoover had a 93-yard kickoff return to start the second half for Hempfield (talk about a downer) while Cannon Briscoe’s 25-yard field goal in the first quarter ended up being decisive. Jackson Landis was effective enough completing 12 of 24 passes for 115 yards. One, a ‘Hail Mary’ at the end of the first half for a score caught by the wrong receiver! Nothing wrong with a little luck. With wins over York and now Manheim Township (lost to Central York 30-20), the Knights are proving to be formidable, and a legitimate challenger for the LL-1 crown and a high postseason seed.
10 Manheim Township 3-2 6A (3) Lancaster Lebanon League, Section 1
The Blue Streaks suffered a mild upset and drop in the rankings not so much because they lost to Hempfield 17-14, but because the loss came at home in Neffsville. That said, it’s as fierce a rivalry as there is when they play their neighbors from Landisville. Qb Hayden Johnson was steady as always, completing 31 of 44 (70%) for 238 yards with a touchdown and two painful interceptions given the nature of the game. Heck of a thing when you outgain your opponent by 162 yards and 24 first downs to 8 and lose the game. And they had a chance to tie it at the very end, driving from their 2-yard line to Hempfield’s 13 where they missed a game tying field goal. The loss drops them significantly in the poll with two losses despite beating Harrisburg 24-20 three weeks ago. JP McCaskey (1-4) is next, coming off a 46-0 loss to Plymouth Whitemarsh (3-2), an upper mid-level 5A from District-1.
11 Manheim Central 5-0 4A (10) Lancaster Lebanon Section 2
Manheim Central remained undefeated with an impressive 47-13 blowout of fading Warwick (2-3). It was a good game for a half with Central leading 20-13 before unloading for 27 unanswered second half points. The Barons won with the big play, scoring on 80 and 50-yard runs, and 40, 55 and 26-yard touchdown tosses, pounding out 265 yards rushing and 120 up top in the process. Zac Hahn had another solid game completing 8 of 13 passes to 5 receivers for 120 yards and 3 touchdowns. Brycen Arnold lifted his five-game rushing total to 801 yards with a 202-yard effort on 21 carries for 2 scores. They’re averaging 46ppg and allowing 16. This counts the Immaculata-NJ game won by the Barons 44-43 win. Minus that, they’re allowing 8 a game. Muhlenberg (2-3) is next, coming off their 42-8 home loss to Governor Mifflin.
12 Steelton Highspire 3-1 1A (11) Mid Penn-Capital Division
Steel High stayed in revenge mode for the second week blowing away Big Spring 61-7. This follows the 74-30 thrashing given Boiling Springs the previous week as they avenged losses from last year. Big Spring did themselves no favors with 7 fumbles, losing 4, and a porous defense that allowed 499 yards of offense. Steelton’s Eugene Green added a 35-yard scoop and score. Quarterback Alex Erby lit things up, throwing for 193 yards (65%) and 4 touchdowns, while rushing for another score. The ‘big play’ was on full display, scoring on runs of 31, 24 and 71 yards and through the air on 29, 37 and 27-yard scores. Jakhai Noss and Nazier Fuller topped the 70-yard mark in rush yards while Durrell Ceaser and Daquan McCraw topped 80-yards each in receptions. They’re idle next week but seem well recovered from the 39-18 Westinghouse loss 4 weeks ago.
13 Solanco 5-0 5A (13) Lancaster Lebanon Section 3
Much of this one was about Solanco’s quarterback Brody Mellinger who had an outstanding game. Although he completed only 2 of 5 passes for 71 yards, both went for touchdowns of 45 and 26 yards. Not bad for an option attack. Better still, he rushed for 91 yards on 10 carries, getting three more touchdowns. Elijah Cunningham edged him out with 95 yards rushing. That balance provided for 430 total yards with 360 coming on the ground in a 41-21 victory against Conestoga Valley in a non-section game. The Golden Mule D held them to 8 first downs and 222 total yards. They return to LL-3 action Friday at Twin Valley (3-2) where they could get a challenge from a group that showed some pluses last week against Elizabethtown despite losing 47-42. But they’ll have to tighten up a rush defense that allowed E-town 268 yards rushing if they want to hang with Solanco.
14 Carlisle 3-2 6A (14) Mid Penn-Commonwealth Division
Nice bounce back by the Herd beating rival Chambersburg at their place 18-7 after a bitter loss to York High 54-47 and home vs Harrisburg 44-15, catching both coming off losses. Quarterback Louie Shank was the man, completing 12 of 17 passes for 126 yards and rushing for 50 more. Jeremiah Hargrove returned from injury, rushing for 27 yards on 6 carries and a score, plus catching 5 passes for 46 yards. Jaqueece Morell led all runners with 84 yards. The offense showed good balance at 140 passing and 156 rush yards. And the D really stepped up holding the Trojans to 152 total yards and 6 first downs. The win keeps them in the divisional and postseason conversation especially if they beat Central Dauphin (1-4) Friday. A brutal schedule of Central York (4-1), Wilson (4-1), Coatesville (5-0), and State College (5-0) might mislead about CD’s potential. Still, they’re struggling. And with blood in the water, this is Carlisle’s opportunity to get a notable division win for postseason concerns.
15 Lampeter Strasburg 4-1 4A (15) Lancaster-Lebanon Section 4
Cocalico opened the game with a 79-yard run that evidently got Lampeter Strasburg’s attention as they proceeded to outscore the Eagles 23-7 for a key 23-14 LL-4 win. The win was key as it’s apparent Wyomissing, also in Section-4, is not likely to lose a regular season game. At least not until they tangle with LS in the regular season final....from LS’s perspective! Quarterback Trent Wagner allows them to be balanced, completing 10 of 15 for 176 yards and touchdown tosses of 9 and 79-yard. He’s just enough of a running threat to get Cocalico’s attention, gaining 26 yards on 8 carries. Octorara (1-4) is next, struggling in rebuild mode coming off an 8-3 season.
16 West Perry 5-0 3A (16) Mid Penn-Capital Division
The schedule has been soft but the Mustangs are at full gallop, averaging 41ppg with a D allowing 7. All their skill people retuned this season and it’s showing. Quarterback Marcus Quaker made it look easy completing 10 of 13 passes for 172 yards and 3 touchdowns and running for 76-yards for two more scores. Running back Trent Herrera had two touchdowns, Ian Goodling 96 yards in receptions and a score and Holden Bassett a 5-yard scoop and score in a 51-8 rout of James Buchanan (3-2). They return to Mid Penn-Capital Division action Friday at Boiling Springs (2-3), losers of their last 3 games by an average score of 45-21.
17 Shippensburg 4-1 5A (19) Mid Penn-Colonial Division
Ship got its act together last week against Susquehanna Township (1-3), beating the Indians 34-13 after a disappointing 17-6 loss to Northern the week before. But it wasn’t easy with Township battling, down 14-7 at the half. Fortunately for the Greyhounds, quarterback Tucker Chamberlain had one of his best games, completing 11 of 14 passes for 178 yards. He threw 2 touchdowns and a pick. And the triumvirate that is Diesel Koser (11/108), Trae Kater (13/62) and Amari Kerr (11/64), pounded ST into submission the second half, outscoring them 20-6. Ship ended with 418 total yards but Township did damage, rushing for 198 yards. Erby Weller (6-1, 155) had 7 receptions for 128 yards and a score. They need to tighten up the rush defense this week traveling to Gettysburg (4-1) who looks to be the division front runner after beating Boiling Springs, East Pennsboro and Mechanicsburg. We’ll see what defending champ Shippensburg has to say about that.
18 Elizabethtown 5-0 5A (20) Lancaster Lebanon Section-3
Elizabethtown showed off a HUGE offense last week at Twin Valley (3-2), winning 47-42, churning out 540 yards of total offense. Quarterback Josh Rudy was red hot, completing 13 of 17 passes for 318 yards with no touchdowns and 2 picks. Braden Cummings had 5 receptions for 229 yards (!) with Logan Lentz leading the ground assault with 126 yards on 25 carries, getting touchdowns of 1, 16, 5 and 2 yards. Cade Capello had 78 total yards of offense, 62 rushing and a touchdown. Twin Valley stayed with the Bears, albeit with a smaller but more efficient attack (9.04 to 11.48 yds per pt) at 380 yards; 184 passing, 196 rushing. Boone (1-4) is next before the real test at Solanco in what is shaping up as a decisive LL-3 game. There’s a lot of exciting football in Section-3 with Garden Spot (4-1, 2-0) waiting in the wings.
19 Gettysburg 4-1 5A (NR) Mid Penn-Colonial Division
Congrats to the Warriors, back in the thick of it since rejoining the Mid Penn this year after a 9-year absence in the York-Adams League. Things are looking good at 2-0 in division play with Shippensburg coming in Friday. They shut out Mechanicsburg last week 14-0 on the road, relying on their always tough defense. That, combined with the 27-11 win against East Pennsboro (4-1) says they have the talent to play in the Mid Penn-Colonial. They’re led by sophomore quarterback Brady Heiser (6-1, 195), completing 62% for 429 yards and Jayden Johnson (5-6, 160, sr), their principle running back with 638 yards. The D-Line is anchored by Dunn Kessel at 6-3 270, along with Jeremy Drechsler at 5-9 230. Jaceb Dickerson 6-2 240 and Landon Felix at 6-2 225. LBs Cody Furman 5-10 195, Aden Baker 6-0, 215 and Wyatt Heistand 6-0 210 complete a pretty respectable looking defensive front. They’ll need it as Ship will test them!
20 Garden Spot 4-1 5A (NR) Lancaster Lebanon Section-3
Garden Spot exploded onto the scene and into the rankings after walloping Fleetwood 44-0. It was 37-0 at the half. Spartan quarterback Kye Harding had one of those games, completing 6 of 16 passes for 160 yards with a 3/2 Td-Pick ratio while rushing for 179 yards on 10 carries. He had touchdown tosses of 62, 61 and 14 yards and rushing touchdowns of 79 and 33 yards, personally accounting for 339 yards of offense. All totaled, they had 478 yards of offense to Fleetwood’s 124 yards. Have to mention their weapon in kicker Nick Gleeson who had field goals of 25, 40 and 32-yards last week. Makes you wonder how they ever lost at home to Conestoga Valley (2-3) 41-35 in overtime. They have a dangerous road game this week, one of those 50-50 calls at Ephrata (3-2) who also has some talented athletes in junior quarterback Sam McCracken (6-0, 190, 58%, 1098, 12/6), and senior running back Andre Weidman (6-1, 220, 96/412).
Mid Penn Conference teams not in District-3
State College 5-0 6A D6 Mid Penn-Commonwealth Division
At CD East
Altoona 4-1 6A D6 Mid Penn-Commonwealth Division
Home to Harrisburg
Mifflin County 4-1 6A D6 Mid Penn-Keystone Division
At Cedar Cliff
Juniata 4-1 4A D6 Mid Penn-Liberty Division
Home to James Buchanan
Line Mountain 2-3 2A D4 Mid Penn-Liberty Division
Home to Newport
OTHERS:
Mid Penn Conference
Central Dauphin 1-4 6A (18) Mid Penn-Commonwealth Division
At Carlisle 3-2
East Pennsboro 4-1 4A Mid-Penn Conference- Colonial Division
At Mechanicsburg 1-4
Greencastle Antrim 4-1 5A (17) Mid Penn-Colonial Division
At Northern 2-3
Chambersburg 2-3 6A Mid Penn-Commonwealth Division
At Cumberland Valley 4-1
Lancaster Lebanon
(includes recently merged Berks Inter County League teams)
Ephrata 3-2 5A Lancaster Lebanon Section-3
Home to Garden Spot 4-1
Hamburg 5-0 3A Lancaster Lebanon Section-5
Home to Lancaster Catholic 5-0
Lancaster Catholic 5-0 3A Lancaster Lebanon Section 5
At Hamburg 5-0
Twin Valley 3-2 4A Lancaster Lebanon Section-3
Home to Solanco 3-2
York Adams
Dallastown 3-2 6A York Adams, Division 1
Home to Central York 4-1
South Western 3-2 5A York Adams, Division 1
At Red Lion 2-3
New Oxford 4-1 5A York Adams-2
At Susquehannock 2-3
(The number in parenthesis is last week’s rankings)
Projected district winners
6A Harrisburg 3-1
5A Exeter Township 5-0
4A Bishop McDevitt 3-1
3A Wyomissing 5-0
2A York Catholic 2-3
1A Steelton Highspire 3-1
1 Bishop McDevitt 3-1 4A (1) Mid Penn-Keystone Division
McDevitt jumped all over Cedar Cliff with three quick first quarter scores followed by three more in the second quarter to put the Colts away early, winning 48-7 in Keystone divisional action. Quarterback Stone Saunders completed 13 of 16 passes for 216 yards with scoring throws of 8 and 75 yards. As ever, Marquese Williams was a hard tackle, rushing for 144 yards on 11 carries, scoring on 11, 15, 3, 6 and 71 yard runs plus a 25-yard Td pass. Tyshawn Russell led all receivers with 108 yards on 4 receptions but left the game with an ankle injury. It’s all coming together for the Crusaders with the offense generating 436 total yards of offense while holding Cedar Cliff to 63 total yards. 63 total yards! Milton Hershey (2-2) is next coming off their 28-21 rivalry game loss to Hershey in the Cocoa Bean Classic.
2 Harrisburg 3-1 6A (4) Mid Penn-Commonwealth Division
In a district loaded with good 6A teams, Harrisburg established itself as the ‘current’ alpha with a thorough 30-14 win against previously undefeated Cumberland Valley 30-14. Defense was the difference, holding the Eagles to 5 first downs and 171 total yards. A 5-play 79-yard drive where Kyle Williams scored with 2:04 to go iced it for Harrisburg, coming on the heels of JD Hunter returning a kick-off 85-yards for CV, cutting the lead to 8 with 6:43 remaining. Shawn Lee was special for Harrisburg, completing 16 of 19 passes for 98 yards and rushing for 16 yards and a touchdown. Kyle Williams and Mahkai Hopkins were close to unstoppable rushing for 140 and 138 yards respectively with 2 touchdowns each. 386 total yards of offense shows Harrisburg’s development on that side. Division action continues in Altoona Friday against the surprising 4-1 Mountain Lions who are feeling pretty good about themselves following a 28-14 road win at CD East.
3 Wyomissing 5-0 3A (5) Lancaster Lebanon League, Section 4
Like McDevitt above, Wyomissing overwhelmed ELCO with defense, shutting the Raiders out in a 42-0 rout, while holding them to 81 total yards of offense. Their stable of running backs (11 got touches) wore them down with 40 carries netting 348 rush yards. Charlie McIntyre led the way with 80 yards on 11 carries. Quarterback Ben Zechman stayed sharp completing all 6 passes for 85 yards and 2 touchdown passes. ELCO (Eastern Lebanon County-Myerstown) falls to 3-2 with a road game at Cocalico (2-3) while the Spartans travel to Mt. Joy to play Donegal (1-4).
4 Exeter Township 5-0 5A (8) Lancaster-Lebanon Section 2
Exeter continued its climb in the rankings and march through the LL-2 with a 69-22 win at Lebanon. It’s hard times for sure at Lebanon at 0-5. But to allow 42 first quarter points speaks to something else. With a 57-0 half time lead, Exeter rested a lot of people. Special Teams and defense added scores with sophomore Genuine Stutzman recovering a fumble for 6 while another soph, Jayden Zandier, had a 63-yard Pick-6. Nine players had carries with Zaymar Paschell, another sophomore, leading the way with 68 yards and a score on 11 carries. And yet another sophomore, Gavin Miller, had 56 yards on 4 carries and 2 touchdowns. First year starter Mason Rotelli continued his development completing 5 of 7 passes for 149 yards and 2 touchdown tosses. Warwick (2-3) is next as LL-2 action continues with Exeter at home after two weeks on the road,
5 Cumberland Valley 4-1 6A (2) Mid Penn-Commonwealth Division
Cumberland Valley took a dive in the rankings with a ‘convincing’ 30-14 loss at Harrisburg in a key showdown between Mid Penn powers. The ‘convincing’ part was how inept CV’s offense was against Harrisburg’s defense, gaining 171 total yards. They definitely had their moments, one of their scores was by special teams when JD Hunter went 85 yards to the end zone on a kickoff return with 6:43. (See Harrisburg). They were led by Bryce Staretz’s 88 rush yards. Harrisburg’s coverage and pressure held quarterback Isaac Sines to 2 completions on 5 attempts for 19 yards. No ever said it was easy taking on Harrisburg’s DE Terrell Reynolds (6-2 245) and MLB/FB Mahkai Hopkins (6-1, 240). Chambersburg is next at 2-3, clawing their way back from the season opening 38-21 loss to Central Bucks East (5-0).
6 Central York 4-1 6A (6) York Adams, Division 1
Central York relied on a big first half, outscoring South Western 23-14 (23 unanswered), then hung on for a 30-28 YA-1 win. Juelz Goff had touchdowns of 16, 2 and 32 yards. His last of 32 yards came late in the fourth quarter to give Central a 9-point lead. But South Western came to play, scoring in the last minute of the game for the final score. CY’s star wide-out Parker Hines had a 6-yard touchdown reception in the first quarter with Matthew Parker’s 34-yard field goal in the second quarter proving to be decisive. Although SW gouged them for 222 yards up top, their run game was shut down to 71 yards. Central moves onto what should be a wild one at Dallastown Friday with the Wildcats on a three-game winning streak since opening losses to Hempfield and Township. Look for a hard-fought division game with both at 2-0, tied with York atop the YA-1. Keep in mind Central York has not lost a Division-1 game since 2018.
7 York-William Penn 3-2 6A (9) York-Adams Division 1
The Bearcats have it going now, rolling out 506 yards of offense in a 46-14 win last week against Red Lion. All the key players contributed with quarterback Sam Stoner (coach’s son) completing 9 of 14 passes for 220 yards and 3 scores, while super back Jaheim White rushed for 208 yards on 12 carries. Sophomore standout receiver David Warde had 4 receptions for 114 yards and a score. They have a bye this week before playing Dallastown. Gettysburg’s departure for the Mid Penn Conference left YA-1 teams (7) with an extra non-conference week on the schedule. Unfortunately, York was unable to fill the slot, leaving them an extra week at midseason to get healthier, or, to lose momentum of a three-game winning streak where they’ve outscored opponents 154 to 70.
8 Wilson 4-1 6A (7) Lancaster Lebanon League, Section 1
Quarterback Tommy Hunsicker continues to develop, completing 8 of 12 passes for 128 yards and 3 touchdowns. He also rushed for 81 yards on 10 carries. Mega talented Cam Jones had another strong game, rushing for 114 yards and 2 scores on 8 carries, and snagging 3 throws for 54 yards and another touchdown. All totaled, Wilson showed a sizeable offense at 398 total yards with a stubborn defense allowing Cedar Crest 178 total yards in a 36-13 win. Bitter rival Governor Mifflin is next at Mifflin. They’re a shell of last year’s team at 2-3 with running back Nicholas Singleton now starring at Penn State. But it’s Mifflin and it’s at their place. Unfortunately, it’s on a Saturday (?) at 1PM rather than a night game in Shillington with all the atmosphere that brings to the game.
9 Hempfield 4-1 6A (12) Lancaster Lebanon Section 1
Hempfield held off Manheim Township in a heated rivalry to come away with a 17-14 Section win at Township! The Black Knights had a 17-0 lead at one point. And while Township won the stat sheet 362 yards to 200, stats don’t win football games. End of the day, Hempfield’s defense and special teams won the game. Grant Hoover had a 93-yard kickoff return to start the second half for Hempfield (talk about a downer) while Cannon Briscoe’s 25-yard field goal in the first quarter ended up being decisive. Jackson Landis was effective enough completing 12 of 24 passes for 115 yards. One, a ‘Hail Mary’ at the end of the first half for a score caught by the wrong receiver! Nothing wrong with a little luck. With wins over York and now Manheim Township (lost to Central York 30-20), the Knights are proving to be formidable, and a legitimate challenger for the LL-1 crown and a high postseason seed.
10 Manheim Township 3-2 6A (3) Lancaster Lebanon League, Section 1
The Blue Streaks suffered a mild upset and drop in the rankings not so much because they lost to Hempfield 17-14, but because the loss came at home in Neffsville. That said, it’s as fierce a rivalry as there is when they play their neighbors from Landisville. Qb Hayden Johnson was steady as always, completing 31 of 44 (70%) for 238 yards with a touchdown and two painful interceptions given the nature of the game. Heck of a thing when you outgain your opponent by 162 yards and 24 first downs to 8 and lose the game. And they had a chance to tie it at the very end, driving from their 2-yard line to Hempfield’s 13 where they missed a game tying field goal. The loss drops them significantly in the poll with two losses despite beating Harrisburg 24-20 three weeks ago. JP McCaskey (1-4) is next, coming off a 46-0 loss to Plymouth Whitemarsh (3-2), an upper mid-level 5A from District-1.
11 Manheim Central 5-0 4A (10) Lancaster Lebanon Section 2
Manheim Central remained undefeated with an impressive 47-13 blowout of fading Warwick (2-3). It was a good game for a half with Central leading 20-13 before unloading for 27 unanswered second half points. The Barons won with the big play, scoring on 80 and 50-yard runs, and 40, 55 and 26-yard touchdown tosses, pounding out 265 yards rushing and 120 up top in the process. Zac Hahn had another solid game completing 8 of 13 passes to 5 receivers for 120 yards and 3 touchdowns. Brycen Arnold lifted his five-game rushing total to 801 yards with a 202-yard effort on 21 carries for 2 scores. They’re averaging 46ppg and allowing 16. This counts the Immaculata-NJ game won by the Barons 44-43 win. Minus that, they’re allowing 8 a game. Muhlenberg (2-3) is next, coming off their 42-8 home loss to Governor Mifflin.
12 Steelton Highspire 3-1 1A (11) Mid Penn-Capital Division
Steel High stayed in revenge mode for the second week blowing away Big Spring 61-7. This follows the 74-30 thrashing given Boiling Springs the previous week as they avenged losses from last year. Big Spring did themselves no favors with 7 fumbles, losing 4, and a porous defense that allowed 499 yards of offense. Steelton’s Eugene Green added a 35-yard scoop and score. Quarterback Alex Erby lit things up, throwing for 193 yards (65%) and 4 touchdowns, while rushing for another score. The ‘big play’ was on full display, scoring on runs of 31, 24 and 71 yards and through the air on 29, 37 and 27-yard scores. Jakhai Noss and Nazier Fuller topped the 70-yard mark in rush yards while Durrell Ceaser and Daquan McCraw topped 80-yards each in receptions. They’re idle next week but seem well recovered from the 39-18 Westinghouse loss 4 weeks ago.
13 Solanco 5-0 5A (13) Lancaster Lebanon Section 3
Much of this one was about Solanco’s quarterback Brody Mellinger who had an outstanding game. Although he completed only 2 of 5 passes for 71 yards, both went for touchdowns of 45 and 26 yards. Not bad for an option attack. Better still, he rushed for 91 yards on 10 carries, getting three more touchdowns. Elijah Cunningham edged him out with 95 yards rushing. That balance provided for 430 total yards with 360 coming on the ground in a 41-21 victory against Conestoga Valley in a non-section game. The Golden Mule D held them to 8 first downs and 222 total yards. They return to LL-3 action Friday at Twin Valley (3-2) where they could get a challenge from a group that showed some pluses last week against Elizabethtown despite losing 47-42. But they’ll have to tighten up a rush defense that allowed E-town 268 yards rushing if they want to hang with Solanco.
14 Carlisle 3-2 6A (14) Mid Penn-Commonwealth Division
Nice bounce back by the Herd beating rival Chambersburg at their place 18-7 after a bitter loss to York High 54-47 and home vs Harrisburg 44-15, catching both coming off losses. Quarterback Louie Shank was the man, completing 12 of 17 passes for 126 yards and rushing for 50 more. Jeremiah Hargrove returned from injury, rushing for 27 yards on 6 carries and a score, plus catching 5 passes for 46 yards. Jaqueece Morell led all runners with 84 yards. The offense showed good balance at 140 passing and 156 rush yards. And the D really stepped up holding the Trojans to 152 total yards and 6 first downs. The win keeps them in the divisional and postseason conversation especially if they beat Central Dauphin (1-4) Friday. A brutal schedule of Central York (4-1), Wilson (4-1), Coatesville (5-0), and State College (5-0) might mislead about CD’s potential. Still, they’re struggling. And with blood in the water, this is Carlisle’s opportunity to get a notable division win for postseason concerns.
15 Lampeter Strasburg 4-1 4A (15) Lancaster-Lebanon Section 4
Cocalico opened the game with a 79-yard run that evidently got Lampeter Strasburg’s attention as they proceeded to outscore the Eagles 23-7 for a key 23-14 LL-4 win. The win was key as it’s apparent Wyomissing, also in Section-4, is not likely to lose a regular season game. At least not until they tangle with LS in the regular season final....from LS’s perspective! Quarterback Trent Wagner allows them to be balanced, completing 10 of 15 for 176 yards and touchdown tosses of 9 and 79-yard. He’s just enough of a running threat to get Cocalico’s attention, gaining 26 yards on 8 carries. Octorara (1-4) is next, struggling in rebuild mode coming off an 8-3 season.
16 West Perry 5-0 3A (16) Mid Penn-Capital Division
The schedule has been soft but the Mustangs are at full gallop, averaging 41ppg with a D allowing 7. All their skill people retuned this season and it’s showing. Quarterback Marcus Quaker made it look easy completing 10 of 13 passes for 172 yards and 3 touchdowns and running for 76-yards for two more scores. Running back Trent Herrera had two touchdowns, Ian Goodling 96 yards in receptions and a score and Holden Bassett a 5-yard scoop and score in a 51-8 rout of James Buchanan (3-2). They return to Mid Penn-Capital Division action Friday at Boiling Springs (2-3), losers of their last 3 games by an average score of 45-21.
17 Shippensburg 4-1 5A (19) Mid Penn-Colonial Division
Ship got its act together last week against Susquehanna Township (1-3), beating the Indians 34-13 after a disappointing 17-6 loss to Northern the week before. But it wasn’t easy with Township battling, down 14-7 at the half. Fortunately for the Greyhounds, quarterback Tucker Chamberlain had one of his best games, completing 11 of 14 passes for 178 yards. He threw 2 touchdowns and a pick. And the triumvirate that is Diesel Koser (11/108), Trae Kater (13/62) and Amari Kerr (11/64), pounded ST into submission the second half, outscoring them 20-6. Ship ended with 418 total yards but Township did damage, rushing for 198 yards. Erby Weller (6-1, 155) had 7 receptions for 128 yards and a score. They need to tighten up the rush defense this week traveling to Gettysburg (4-1) who looks to be the division front runner after beating Boiling Springs, East Pennsboro and Mechanicsburg. We’ll see what defending champ Shippensburg has to say about that.
18 Elizabethtown 5-0 5A (20) Lancaster Lebanon Section-3
Elizabethtown showed off a HUGE offense last week at Twin Valley (3-2), winning 47-42, churning out 540 yards of total offense. Quarterback Josh Rudy was red hot, completing 13 of 17 passes for 318 yards with no touchdowns and 2 picks. Braden Cummings had 5 receptions for 229 yards (!) with Logan Lentz leading the ground assault with 126 yards on 25 carries, getting touchdowns of 1, 16, 5 and 2 yards. Cade Capello had 78 total yards of offense, 62 rushing and a touchdown. Twin Valley stayed with the Bears, albeit with a smaller but more efficient attack (9.04 to 11.48 yds per pt) at 380 yards; 184 passing, 196 rushing. Boone (1-4) is next before the real test at Solanco in what is shaping up as a decisive LL-3 game. There’s a lot of exciting football in Section-3 with Garden Spot (4-1, 2-0) waiting in the wings.
19 Gettysburg 4-1 5A (NR) Mid Penn-Colonial Division
Congrats to the Warriors, back in the thick of it since rejoining the Mid Penn this year after a 9-year absence in the York-Adams League. Things are looking good at 2-0 in division play with Shippensburg coming in Friday. They shut out Mechanicsburg last week 14-0 on the road, relying on their always tough defense. That, combined with the 27-11 win against East Pennsboro (4-1) says they have the talent to play in the Mid Penn-Colonial. They’re led by sophomore quarterback Brady Heiser (6-1, 195), completing 62% for 429 yards and Jayden Johnson (5-6, 160, sr), their principle running back with 638 yards. The D-Line is anchored by Dunn Kessel at 6-3 270, along with Jeremy Drechsler at 5-9 230. Jaceb Dickerson 6-2 240 and Landon Felix at 6-2 225. LBs Cody Furman 5-10 195, Aden Baker 6-0, 215 and Wyatt Heistand 6-0 210 complete a pretty respectable looking defensive front. They’ll need it as Ship will test them!
20 Garden Spot 4-1 5A (NR) Lancaster Lebanon Section-3
Garden Spot exploded onto the scene and into the rankings after walloping Fleetwood 44-0. It was 37-0 at the half. Spartan quarterback Kye Harding had one of those games, completing 6 of 16 passes for 160 yards with a 3/2 Td-Pick ratio while rushing for 179 yards on 10 carries. He had touchdown tosses of 62, 61 and 14 yards and rushing touchdowns of 79 and 33 yards, personally accounting for 339 yards of offense. All totaled, they had 478 yards of offense to Fleetwood’s 124 yards. Have to mention their weapon in kicker Nick Gleeson who had field goals of 25, 40 and 32-yards last week. Makes you wonder how they ever lost at home to Conestoga Valley (2-3) 41-35 in overtime. They have a dangerous road game this week, one of those 50-50 calls at Ephrata (3-2) who also has some talented athletes in junior quarterback Sam McCracken (6-0, 190, 58%, 1098, 12/6), and senior running back Andre Weidman (6-1, 220, 96/412).
Mid Penn Conference teams not in District-3
State College 5-0 6A D6 Mid Penn-Commonwealth Division
At CD East
Altoona 4-1 6A D6 Mid Penn-Commonwealth Division
Home to Harrisburg
Mifflin County 4-1 6A D6 Mid Penn-Keystone Division
At Cedar Cliff
Juniata 4-1 4A D6 Mid Penn-Liberty Division
Home to James Buchanan
Line Mountain 2-3 2A D4 Mid Penn-Liberty Division
Home to Newport
OTHERS:
Mid Penn Conference
Central Dauphin 1-4 6A (18) Mid Penn-Commonwealth Division
At Carlisle 3-2
East Pennsboro 4-1 4A Mid-Penn Conference- Colonial Division
At Mechanicsburg 1-4
Greencastle Antrim 4-1 5A (17) Mid Penn-Colonial Division
At Northern 2-3
Chambersburg 2-3 6A Mid Penn-Commonwealth Division
At Cumberland Valley 4-1
Lancaster Lebanon
(includes recently merged Berks Inter County League teams)
Ephrata 3-2 5A Lancaster Lebanon Section-3
Home to Garden Spot 4-1
Hamburg 5-0 3A Lancaster Lebanon Section-5
Home to Lancaster Catholic 5-0
Lancaster Catholic 5-0 3A Lancaster Lebanon Section 5
At Hamburg 5-0
Twin Valley 3-2 4A Lancaster Lebanon Section-3
Home to Solanco 3-2
York Adams
Dallastown 3-2 6A York Adams, Division 1
Home to Central York 4-1
South Western 3-2 5A York Adams, Division 1
At Red Lion 2-3
New Oxford 4-1 5A York Adams-2
At Susquehannock 2-3
