District-3 Top 20: (Week #2 Sep 3-4 games 2021)
(All are 6A unless marked otherwise, last week’s rank in parenthesis)
1 Governor Mifflin 5A 1-0 (1)
Governor Mifflin sent the state a strong message that they are a force again this season with a 55-6 shocker over York High in York. This one was over early, with the Mustangs jumping out to a 14-0 first quarter score that ballooned to 28-0 by the half. No surprise in winning but the magnitude was revealing. Nicholas Singleton was spectacular, ripping off 282 yards on 18 carries for touchdown runs of 8, 8, 32, 50 and 70 yards. That tells you the O-Line which was a concern coming in except for the tight end is not an issue and was well replaced. And with their usual set of athletic linebackers with a wholly veteran secondary that hits like linebackers, it’s going to be a long season for many opponents. York’s outstanding running back Jaheim White (5-9, 190) who got 1332 rush yards last year was held to 92. GM gets another test Friday in their home opener playing rival Wilson (1-0), fresh off a 27-21 victory over Central Dauphin. Wilson and Governor Mifflin is a fierce neighborhood rivalry with Wilson 3 miles north in the western burbs. Look for a typical physical encounter here with added incentive knowing GM blasted Wilson last year 48-6 at Wilson.
2 Central York 1-0 (2)
The Panthers pulled out a tough one at Exeter who was as good as advertised in the preseason poll as Central York barely nipped them 35-28. Penn State commit Beau Pribula completed 17 of 24 passes for 338 yards with four Td tosses while rushing for another score. Imeire Manigault (former Rb) collected four tosses for 146 yards with Parker Hines at 68 yards on four catches and Treshawn Smith pulling in six for 92 yards. They came out near mid-season form offensively with 402 total yards, but not on the other side where they allowed Exeter 450! They’re at Cumberland Valley this week who is coached by Josh Oswalt, the same Josh Oswalt who was their head coach until moving to CV last year. They’ll be some emotion! But the Eagles are going to need a lot more than attitude after last week’s setback at Manheim Central, losing 35-7.
3 Wilson 1-0 (4)
The Bulldogs are up a notch from last week after defeating rival Central Dauphin in a 27-21 nail biter at West Lawn. Their bruising fullback Jadyn Jones (6-0, 220, sr) pounded CD for 110 yards on 16 carries. Brad Hoffman got his first start completing 5 of 12 passes for 63 yards and contributing to the running game gaining 72 yards on 13 carries. Although the Rams made a valiant comeback from a 27-7 deficit in the fourth quarter, it was big plays and special teams failures that did them in earlier, allowing TJ Flite a 51-yard Td run and Cam Jones a 71-yard punt return for another six. If they thought the Rams were a handful, wait until Governor Mifflin comes in Friday night sky high from their destruction of previously well regarded York High. And like the Central York - Cumberland Valley game, this annual rivalry is packed with added incentive after GM plastered them last year 48-7, their only loss of the year.
4 Bishop McDevitt 4A 0-1 (3)
Hard taking McDevitt down too far knowing the opponent was LaSalle who throttled them 21-0 and is from beyond the district. But it was still a surprise seeing McDevitt with only 20 yards rushing and 238 total yards to LaSalle’s 303 on home turf. McDevitt’s freshman quarterback Stone Saunders was a bright spot for the Crusaders completing 13 of 23 passes for 218 yards. Some props to the D as well who battled hard with little help from the offense. LaSalle’s defense shut down highly recruited running back Marques Williams, holding him to 28-yards on 13 attempts. Mario Easterly got loose for 113-yards on five receptions as did Jeff Penn for 72 yards on two catches. Alan Paturzo was effective for the Explorers, completing 11 of 19 passes for 141-yards and a 23-yard touchdown toss. Ryan Moore stood out with nine carries for 68 yards and catching six of Paturzo’s throws for 119-yards and the touchdown. Moore also did damage rushing for 68-yards on nine carries. Soph Steve Davis also stood out for LaSalle with a 82 yard kick return plus a 50 yard touchdown run. Running back Samuel Brown (Rutgers commit) and linebacker Abdul Carter (PSU commit) did not play for LaSalle. The Explorers move on to greater challenges this week playing a loaded Malvern Prep team in Ocean City while McDevitt looks to get things right against Middletown in their season opener.
5 Central Dauphin 0-1 (5)
Nice comeback by the Rams down 27-7 with just over seven minutes left in the game, losing a tight one 27-21. But it wasn’t enough on the road in West Lawn against an opponent of Wilson’s caliber. Plus, you can’t have special team’s failures or allow the big play as they did on the road against quality. Both these allowed the Bulldogs to jump Central Dauphin, putting them in a early hole. Qb Max Mosey was his usual steady self, completing 10 of 16 for 132-yards and rushing for 76-yards on twenty carries. Tyrell English ran well for 92 yards on twenty carries while David Chase caught five passes for 90 yards. This week’s opponent is another Reading team from the city in Berks Catholic, coming in off their 46-12 win against first year start up Executive Education Academy of Allentown. BC’s game was called at the half because of lightening.
6 Manheim Township 1-0 (6)
Senior Matt O’Gorman kicked a 26-yard field goal with 1:38 to go in the game lifting the Blue Streaks to a hard fought 24-21 home win against Central Dauphin East. But it wasn’t over there with East High’s Tony Powell connecting with 6-5 Tymere Thornton (6/100) for a 42-yard completion to Township’s 8-yard line where a botched snap ended it for the Panthers. Township found a quarterback in this one with Hayden Johnson completing 13 of 16 passes for 122 yards and a touchdown. The ground game was snuffed by both defenses with Township gaining 88 yards to East’s 106 yards. With Township residing in the Lancaster Lebanon-Section One and East High in the Mid Penn-Commonwealth, the lack of a running game will prove fatal. But the air attack was there and well distributed with Johnson using eight receivers. Penn State commit Anthony Ivey dazzled the home crowd with a 99-yard kick-off return in the 3rd quarter. They move on to Dallastown (has some weapon!) who lost a hard fought 28-21 game at Hempfield last week.
7 Manheim Central 5A 1-0 (8)
In the first ever meeting between these two historic powers, Manheim Central had no trouble handling punch less Cumberland Valley in a 37-7 rout, rolling out 405 total yards of offense. The Valley boys were held to 86 total yards while Baron’s quarterback Judd Novak alone accounted for 306 yards, completing 24 of 31 passes for touchdowns of 1, 18, 34 and 45-yards. Top receiver Owen Sensenig hauled in seven for 128 yards on scores of 45 and 34 yards while running back Justin Heffernan ran for 102 yards. As a reminder, the Barons are coming off a 3-5 season, their first losing season since 1971! Look for them to be in the thick of it, seriously challenging Governor Mifflin, Exeter and Warwick for district honors at the 5A classification. Hempfield (1-0) is up next in a crossover game between the LL-2 and LL-1, fresh off their 28-21 against Dtown’s Wildcats.
8 Harrisburg 1-0 (10)
Harrisburg moves up two pegs after defeating Pine Richland 26-21 at Woodland Hills High outside Pittsburgh. Early on, Pine looked like they might run away with it, jumping out to a 14-0 lead. Thereon it was all Harrisburg who began pounding the ball behind their strong line, outscoring the Rams 26-7. Sloppy play early on by the Cougars (botched fake punt, poor passing) and four PR turnovers in the red zone impacted the game, preventing more scoring. It took freshman Shawn Lee just over a quarter to settle in. When he did, he was effective, throwing for 108 yards and two touchdowns while scoring on a 7-yard draw. Kyle Williams was special, rushing for 116 yards on 19 carries and a touchdown while snagging three passes for 76 yards and two scores. Bruising running back Mahkai Hopkins (6-2, 230) rushed for 72 yards on 13 carries. What wasn’t a surprising was Harrisburg’s trademark dominance along the lines where they wore down PR’s D-front, rushing for 228 yards. About defense, the Cougar’s held the Rams to 54 yards on the ground. Sophomore DL Micah Chambers and junior DE Terrell Reynolds with LB Samir Wilkerson applied BIG pressure most of the game. Hazleton (0-1) is next up at their place coming off a 35-7 loss to 3A Wyoming Area who looks like they’re ready for another deep run in the postseason.
9 Berks Catholic 4A 1-0 (9)
The Saints had no trouble routing a first year program out of Allentown when they defeated Executive Education Academy 46-12 in Reading. Christian Cacchione picked up where he left off last year rushing for 140 yards on six carries and four touchdowns. First year starter Mitchell Gatz had a solid game completing all foru passes for 62 yards and two touchdowns. Hard measuring BC knowing EEA is a first year school. Plus, the teams were pulled off the field with a minute and a half left in the first half due to lightning when the game was ruled final. Look for things to get much tougher this weekend in Harrisburg against the Central Dauphin Rams who are coming off a 27-21 loss to Wilson.
10 Steelton Highspire 1A 1-0 (11)
How good is Alex Erby who completed 12 of 15 passes for 504 yards, repeat….504 yards and eight touchdowns in a 77-0 win at Morrisville? Maybe the question should be how good is Morrisville. The good news is Morrisville won’t face another team this year that resembles the Rollers. 504 yards on 12 completions averages out to 42 yards per catch! Tyrone Moore led them with two touchdowns and 208 yards (2 Tds) followed by Rell Ceaser at 112 (3 Tds) and DaQuan McCraw at 105 yards (2 Tds). Jaieon Perry, Jakhai Noss and Taeyon Bratton rushed for 82, 84 and 63 yards respectively. Like BC’s win against a non-competitive team, it was at least live action and better than a scrimmage. This week’s game looks like more of the same but it is home on Cottage Hill against Belmont Charter (1-0, 1A) of Philadelphia who beat Lower Moreland last week 26-12. Then comes Newport (1-0, 2A) and Juniata (1-0, 4A) also at home. Both are from the old Tri Valley Conference now merged with the Mid Penn as the Liberty Division. Newport’s Buffaloes have some wide bodies to battle Steelton’s physicality, maybe slow it down some while 4A Juniata has more depth, speed and finesse and a veteran dual threat quarterback.
11 Exeter Township 5A 0-1 (12)
When the final pass of the game with :38 to go falls incomplete in the end zone from the 8-yard line, you know you’ve given your all, especially when the opponent is last year’s 6A runner up Central York. In a nutshell that’s how it went when first year starting quarterback Colin Payne’s fourth down toss hit the ground in a gut wrenching 35-28 loss. Statistics say this was Exeter’s game outgaining Central 450 to 402 in total yards but failing to score in five red zone appearances. Hats off to the Panther D! A holding penalty wiped out a 26-yard touchdown run in the 2nd quarter plus there were two missed field goals. And that’s how you lose a game! But they found a quarterback in senior Colin Payne who completed 16 of 23 passes for 294 yards and three touchdowns. TE JR Strauss had eight receptions for 160 yards while Joey Schalffer finished with five receptions for 97 yards. Boyertown (1-0) is next in their home opener after beating Upper Perk 35-12. They’re on a three game roll winning their last two of 2020 and return most of that team making this the wrong place for Exeter to letdown with Wilson looming.
12 Warwick 5A 1-0 (14)
Jack Reed stepped right in under center replacing Joey McCracken (6154 career, 65/11 Td/Pick-Shippensburg) to complete 15 of 23 passes for 322 yards with three touchdowns and no picks in a surprisingly easy 45-22 win against Lampeter Strasburg. Senior wide out Cooper Eckert who had twelve receptions for 96 yards last year showed what he could do as their primary, hauling in eight passes for 228 yards and all three of Reed’s touchdowns. The win takes Warwick’s winning streak to nine, going 8-0 last year with the covid forfeit loss to end the season. Who counts losses to a virus? No one beat them on the field. Next is a road game that went from one you’d automatically check off as a win in the preseason to a far more competitive game against improved Central Dauphin East. All they did was take Manheim Township to the brink last week before losing on a field goal with under two minutes left in the game. East will have to buckle up against the big Warwick attack that generated 448 total yards last week but this looks like one of the more impactful non-conference games the week.
13 York (William Penn) 0-1 (7)
York plummeted in the rankings falling from seven to thirteen after being routed in their home opener by Governor Mifflin 55-6. While they graduated some key people last year from both sides, the D losing OL/DL Shakir Wright (6-2, 325) and Saumir DeShield (6-1, 240), three linebackers and half the secondary, few expected a loss of this magnitude. The offense returned a nice core including quarterback Sam Stoner who threw for 1268yds and 16 touchdowns last year (2 picks) and running back Jaheim White who had 1332 rushing. Impressive! That was evidently not enough against Governor Mifflin with Nicholas Singleton running wild for 282 yards. So it’s back to the drawing board for the Bearcats with a major focus on J. P. McCaskey (1-0) to put this one behind them. JPM snapped a 26 game losing streak last week beating Reading 27-20. They’re a veteran LL-1 6A, weighing in at 254 pounds across the senior line with a 6-5, 220 Qb in Matt Ramash. The Bearcats should gobble them up but can’t look past them to Coatesville the following week.
14 Central Dauphin East 0-1 (18)
CD East’s “new” team featuring talented transfers from Middletown in quarterback Tony Powell and Penn State commit Mehki Flowers from Steelton Highspire put up a valiant fight last week but lost in the final moments to Manheim Township 24-21. Township is always a tough road opener and despite having another Penn State commit in Anthony Ivey, they lost a lot of bodies and were perceived as vulnerable. In the end, first year starter Hayden Johnson delivered (13/16/122py) and Ivey did his thing as always returning a kickoff 99 yards for a touchdown. That’s depressing, especially as it countered a touchdown by CD East the previous play! Qb Tony Powell had a good outing completing 19 of 35 passes for 188 yards while the big guy Tymere Thornton (6-5, 215, sr) caught 6 passes for 102 yards. Mehki Flowers (6-2, 195, sr) who caught 60 passes for 1006 yards last year at Steel High pulled down six passes for 56 yards. Special teams won this one for Township and lost it for CD East. See Township write up above. East might have a rare sizeable crowd at Landis Field (CD and CD East’s home field) to check out the new players in the home opener against Warwick. While it looks like Warwick has another team this year, East is certainly rejuvenated by the transfers and a decent core making them once again relevant.
15 Hempfield 1-0 (17)
Hempfield started the season with an exciting 28-21 rivalry win at home against Dallastown. It began maybe too easy with the Black Knights racing out to a 21-7 halftime lead. That’s when Dtown came alive behind Caleb Fox (5-10, 190, jr) who rambled for 100 yards on 18 carries and Coleton Mahorney (6-2, 210, sr) who did the dirty work, with 59 hard yards on 15 carries. Dtown has some hard-nosed runners! But Hempfield has quarterback Cameron Harbaugh (6-1, 210, sr) who threw for 1173 yards last year at 59% and opened this year completing 13 of 20 for 190 yards with a touchdown, while rushing for 86 yards and two key touchdowns. Great start taking down your rival but now it gets much harder traveling to Manheim to play powerful Central who just waxed Cumberland Valley 37-7.
16 ELCO 4A 0-0 (16)
ELCO opens the season as the defending Lancaster-Lebanon Section 4 champ. They went undefeated in the regular season last year before beating Northern 42-7 in the 4A opener then losing to Lampeter Strasburg the following week 20-3 to finished 7-1. They open on the road at Schuylkill Valley who’s a game up on them but in a losing cause to Springfield-Montco 35-7. ELCO (Eastern Lebanon County, Myerstown) lost some key people including Qb Braden Bohannon who led the LL with 990 rush yards. But they return a great nucleus including an experienced quarterback in Cole Thomas, three linemen and their backs to again be a force with their veer….and co-favorites with the revitalized Octorara program. They look to be better this year. But we won’t know until seeing how they come out of the game at Conrad Weiser (after SV) then their home opener the following week against an improving Ephrata.
17 Cocalico 4A 1-0 (19)
Cocalico got their option offense rolling behind South Carolina recruit Ryan Brubaker (6-6, 285), Jared Stauffer (6-3, 235), Chuckie Drain (6-1, 230) et al to manhandle Conrad Weiser’s D-front to the tune of 334 yards rushing. The final score of 36-21 is a little misleading as it was initially a shootout. Their veteran backfield (last year’s stats) of Anthony Bourassa (5-8, 170, sr, 757ry), Brycen Flinton (5-9, 150, sr, 201ry), multi-talented Stephen Flinton (5-0, 165, sr, 468ry, 353py) and FB Austin Vang (5-8, 180, jr, 77ry) was just too much. Bourassa rushed for 208 yards on 21 attempts, getting three touchdowns as Stephen Flinton got 83 on ten carries plus a 74-yard touchdown catch from first year starting quarterback Blayke Taddei. All totaled, the Eagles churned out 414 total yards of offense. When Cocalico has a line and it appears they do, they are difficult to stop. They move on to play what appears as a much improved Cedar Cliff (1-0) team that blew out Red Lion last week 56-35.
18 Conrad Weiser 4A 0-1 (15)
Conrad Weiser dropped in the rankings after losing to Cocalico 36-21 and allowing 414 total yards of offense. This, despite a standout performance from quarterback Logan Klitsch who kept them in the game with rushing touchdowns of 4 and 22 yards and an 18-yard touchdown toss to Trey Dianna giving them a brief 14-7 lead in the second quarter. In fact, he scored all their touchdowns, rushing for 63 yards. With a veteran receiver corps of 1st team All-Berks Aanjay Feliciano (6-2, 170, sr, 28/596), Trey Dianna (5-10, 165, 10/94, jr) and Evan Traynor (6-2, 170, sr). the problem may be the new lines that graduated center Luke Capozzi (5-10, 200), guard Max Pacheco (6-0, 255, 1st team All Berks) end Ty Kissling (5-11, 180). And with such a yield in the opener, they didn’t replace defensive standouts LBs Eric Moyer (6-0, 210, 34 tackles, 1st team All Berks), Gabe Trevena (5-10, 185, 38 stops) and Pacheco. Muhlenberg (0-1) is next where Logan Klitsch and the Scouts should have a banner day.
19 Cedar Cliff 5A 1-0 (HM)
The Cedar Cliff Colts exploded out the gate, running down a good Red Lion team in Red Lion to secure a 56-35 free-for-all where neither side seemed capable of stopping the other. Red Lion got out to a 21-14 lead at the half. But a regrouped and fired up Colt team responded by outscoring the Lions in the second half 42-14! Fortunately for Cedar Cliff, they had the horses to pull this one out, showing more weapons than many felt they had. So here they are with a new quarterback in Ethan Dorrell (6-0, 170, jr) who starred in his debut, completing 13 of 15 passes for 256 yards and three touchdowns. He also ran for 94 yards getting another score. Another weapon was found in senior Trenton Smith (6-0, 170) who caught seven passes for 172 yards and two touchdowns. The running game was already felt to be strong with the return from injury of Jontae Morris (5-9, 160, sr, ACL). He did not disappoint, rushing for 152 yards on 17 carries and two touchdowns. And how about big Michael Jones (6-2, 195, soph) getting 65 yards on six carries. That was a significant win against a strong team that will still compete for the York-Adams with Central York and York High. They have some weapons. Cocalico is next for the Colts in their home opener. The Colts were stomped by them not once but twice in 2019. CC had a good group that year that went 10-3 with a 41-7 loss to Harrisburg (9-4) and the Cocalico losses, one in the regular season 43-15, the other in the 5A district final 45-7. But Cocalico had greatness that year, going 11-3, losing to Cheltenham in the 5A semifinal 56-49.
20 Wyomissing 3A 1-0 (HM)
Wyomissing returns many experienced players and a solid core of starters to again field a strong team. Wasn’t sure of this until seeing them against a veteran Daniel Boone teams stocked with seniors. The game started slow with Wyo up 14-7 at the half before erupting for three third quarter scores to blow it open, winning 41-14. Here are some of the players seen against Boone. The lines were impressive with J’ven Williams (6-4, 310, sr), OL/DE Pacen Ziegler (6-3, 255, jr), Caleb Brewer (6-4, 250, soph), Preston Aikman (6-0, 250, sr) and Jack Miller (6-0, 200, sr). Other starters: TE Aiden Mack (6-4, 225, sr, Richmond), Tommy Grabowski (6-0, 210) at LB/RB, Jack Miller at LB, DT Julien DiMaio (5-9, 200, sr), LB/RB Matt Kramer (6-0, 200, jr), CBs Nevin Carter (6-4, 195, sr) and Amory Thompson (6-0, 180, sr and HB). Juniors Charlie McIntyre (5-10, 190) and Drew Eisenhower (5-10, 190) played HB and S positions. Ben Zechman (6-3, 190, jr) who looked good was the quarterback, brother of last year’s starter Zech. If game #1 means anything, it looks like Coach Bob Wolfrum has built himself another legitimate team. They get a test this week at Pottsville (1-0) who while well regarded were not impressive offensively against Selinsgrove despite pounded out 252 yards rushing, winning 12-0. They’ll probably need to bring more than Travontai Davis, Amari Dunn and Jacze Snowell who had 108, 75 and 69 yards rushing respectively. Wyo is big, physical and fast!
TIE
Cumberland Valley 0-1 (13)
The Eagles took a deep dive in the rankings after the no-show in Manheim last week losing 37-7. It’s hard finding positives from the game unless it’s that these losses can serve as a wake-up call to a team. Or not! Cumberland Valley had nothing against the Barons, rushing for 63 yards, passing for 23. That’s 86 total yards of offense and only eight first downs that left Coach Oswalt complaining about intensity. Too bad that left the locker room! All the while Central did whatever they wanted to do, particularly in exposing CV’s lack of pressure/coverage, completing 24 of 31 passes for 304 yards with touchdowns of 1, 18, 34 and 45 yards. They ended with 405 total yards of offense. CV’s opponent this week features another team that will be super pumped in the form of Central York. This is the Central York team Oswalt coached from 2013 through 2019 going 30-13 before leaving them to take the position at CV.
Honorable Mention
Mid Penn
Carlisle 1-0
Louis Shank relieved Ezeekai Thomas and threw three touchdowns in a 27-14 win at Mechanicsburg.
East Pennsboro 4A 1-0
Sy Burgos had Td runs of 23, 62, 71 and 72 yards totaling 366 rushing to rout York Suburban 42-21 in York.
Shippensburg 5A 1-0
Qb Tucker Chamberlin scored on a 6-yard keeper with 26 seconds left in the game for a 7-0 win against Hershey at Hershey Park Stadium.
Boiling Springs 3A 1-0
Boiling Springs Bubblers blasted the Bolts in Littlestown 69-8? After taking a 55-0 lead at the half. Wow!
Lancaster-Lebanon
Octorara 4A 1-0
Qb Weston Stoltzfus threw a touchdown to Mason Ellingsworth with 2:14 left in the 4th to beat a game Kennard Dale 18-16.
Ephrata 5A 1-0
Qb Hunter Mortimer completed 6 of 8 for 116 yds as running back Andre Weidman rushed for 149 yards defeating Muhlenberg 41-20.
Penn Manor 1-0
Noah Bolin’s 22-yard scoring run with 4:21 left in the game got the Comets past Conestoga Valley 16-12.
Cedar Crest 1-0
Qb Jay Huber threw for three scores and 212 yards in his first varsity start as the Falcons beat Lebanon in the 49th Cedar Bowl 38-0.
York-Adams
New Oxford 5A 1-0
A 62-yard screen from Jett Moore to Brittyn Eakins accounted for all scoring as Ox beat Bermudian 7-0.
South Western 5A 1-0
Shilo Bivins had breakout performance in a 47-12 win over Milton Hershey going 12 of 16 for 228 yards four touchdowns plus 54 on the ground.
Red Lion 5A 0-1
Qb Ryley Knaub completed 11-of-20 for 187 yards in a 56-35 loss to Cedar Cliff.
Dallastown 6A 0-1
Qb Dylan Lease completed 9 of 14 for 115 yards in a 28-21 loss to Hempfield.
Spring Grove 5A 1-0
Zyree Brooks rushed for 130 yards while brother Tyree had 98 yards on as Spring Grove opened with a 25-20 win at Waynesboro.
Dropped out
Susquehanna Township 3A 0-1
Mechanicsburg 5A 0-1
Littlestown 3A 0-1
Delone Catholic 1A 0-1
Lampeter Strasburg 4A 0-1
(All are 6A unless marked otherwise, last week’s rank in parenthesis)
1 Governor Mifflin 5A 1-0 (1)
Governor Mifflin sent the state a strong message that they are a force again this season with a 55-6 shocker over York High in York. This one was over early, with the Mustangs jumping out to a 14-0 first quarter score that ballooned to 28-0 by the half. No surprise in winning but the magnitude was revealing. Nicholas Singleton was spectacular, ripping off 282 yards on 18 carries for touchdown runs of 8, 8, 32, 50 and 70 yards. That tells you the O-Line which was a concern coming in except for the tight end is not an issue and was well replaced. And with their usual set of athletic linebackers with a wholly veteran secondary that hits like linebackers, it’s going to be a long season for many opponents. York’s outstanding running back Jaheim White (5-9, 190) who got 1332 rush yards last year was held to 92. GM gets another test Friday in their home opener playing rival Wilson (1-0), fresh off a 27-21 victory over Central Dauphin. Wilson and Governor Mifflin is a fierce neighborhood rivalry with Wilson 3 miles north in the western burbs. Look for a typical physical encounter here with added incentive knowing GM blasted Wilson last year 48-6 at Wilson.
2 Central York 1-0 (2)
The Panthers pulled out a tough one at Exeter who was as good as advertised in the preseason poll as Central York barely nipped them 35-28. Penn State commit Beau Pribula completed 17 of 24 passes for 338 yards with four Td tosses while rushing for another score. Imeire Manigault (former Rb) collected four tosses for 146 yards with Parker Hines at 68 yards on four catches and Treshawn Smith pulling in six for 92 yards. They came out near mid-season form offensively with 402 total yards, but not on the other side where they allowed Exeter 450! They’re at Cumberland Valley this week who is coached by Josh Oswalt, the same Josh Oswalt who was their head coach until moving to CV last year. They’ll be some emotion! But the Eagles are going to need a lot more than attitude after last week’s setback at Manheim Central, losing 35-7.
3 Wilson 1-0 (4)
The Bulldogs are up a notch from last week after defeating rival Central Dauphin in a 27-21 nail biter at West Lawn. Their bruising fullback Jadyn Jones (6-0, 220, sr) pounded CD for 110 yards on 16 carries. Brad Hoffman got his first start completing 5 of 12 passes for 63 yards and contributing to the running game gaining 72 yards on 13 carries. Although the Rams made a valiant comeback from a 27-7 deficit in the fourth quarter, it was big plays and special teams failures that did them in earlier, allowing TJ Flite a 51-yard Td run and Cam Jones a 71-yard punt return for another six. If they thought the Rams were a handful, wait until Governor Mifflin comes in Friday night sky high from their destruction of previously well regarded York High. And like the Central York - Cumberland Valley game, this annual rivalry is packed with added incentive after GM plastered them last year 48-7, their only loss of the year.
4 Bishop McDevitt 4A 0-1 (3)
Hard taking McDevitt down too far knowing the opponent was LaSalle who throttled them 21-0 and is from beyond the district. But it was still a surprise seeing McDevitt with only 20 yards rushing and 238 total yards to LaSalle’s 303 on home turf. McDevitt’s freshman quarterback Stone Saunders was a bright spot for the Crusaders completing 13 of 23 passes for 218 yards. Some props to the D as well who battled hard with little help from the offense. LaSalle’s defense shut down highly recruited running back Marques Williams, holding him to 28-yards on 13 attempts. Mario Easterly got loose for 113-yards on five receptions as did Jeff Penn for 72 yards on two catches. Alan Paturzo was effective for the Explorers, completing 11 of 19 passes for 141-yards and a 23-yard touchdown toss. Ryan Moore stood out with nine carries for 68 yards and catching six of Paturzo’s throws for 119-yards and the touchdown. Moore also did damage rushing for 68-yards on nine carries. Soph Steve Davis also stood out for LaSalle with a 82 yard kick return plus a 50 yard touchdown run. Running back Samuel Brown (Rutgers commit) and linebacker Abdul Carter (PSU commit) did not play for LaSalle. The Explorers move on to greater challenges this week playing a loaded Malvern Prep team in Ocean City while McDevitt looks to get things right against Middletown in their season opener.
5 Central Dauphin 0-1 (5)
Nice comeback by the Rams down 27-7 with just over seven minutes left in the game, losing a tight one 27-21. But it wasn’t enough on the road in West Lawn against an opponent of Wilson’s caliber. Plus, you can’t have special team’s failures or allow the big play as they did on the road against quality. Both these allowed the Bulldogs to jump Central Dauphin, putting them in a early hole. Qb Max Mosey was his usual steady self, completing 10 of 16 for 132-yards and rushing for 76-yards on twenty carries. Tyrell English ran well for 92 yards on twenty carries while David Chase caught five passes for 90 yards. This week’s opponent is another Reading team from the city in Berks Catholic, coming in off their 46-12 win against first year start up Executive Education Academy of Allentown. BC’s game was called at the half because of lightening.
6 Manheim Township 1-0 (6)
Senior Matt O’Gorman kicked a 26-yard field goal with 1:38 to go in the game lifting the Blue Streaks to a hard fought 24-21 home win against Central Dauphin East. But it wasn’t over there with East High’s Tony Powell connecting with 6-5 Tymere Thornton (6/100) for a 42-yard completion to Township’s 8-yard line where a botched snap ended it for the Panthers. Township found a quarterback in this one with Hayden Johnson completing 13 of 16 passes for 122 yards and a touchdown. The ground game was snuffed by both defenses with Township gaining 88 yards to East’s 106 yards. With Township residing in the Lancaster Lebanon-Section One and East High in the Mid Penn-Commonwealth, the lack of a running game will prove fatal. But the air attack was there and well distributed with Johnson using eight receivers. Penn State commit Anthony Ivey dazzled the home crowd with a 99-yard kick-off return in the 3rd quarter. They move on to Dallastown (has some weapon!) who lost a hard fought 28-21 game at Hempfield last week.
7 Manheim Central 5A 1-0 (8)
In the first ever meeting between these two historic powers, Manheim Central had no trouble handling punch less Cumberland Valley in a 37-7 rout, rolling out 405 total yards of offense. The Valley boys were held to 86 total yards while Baron’s quarterback Judd Novak alone accounted for 306 yards, completing 24 of 31 passes for touchdowns of 1, 18, 34 and 45-yards. Top receiver Owen Sensenig hauled in seven for 128 yards on scores of 45 and 34 yards while running back Justin Heffernan ran for 102 yards. As a reminder, the Barons are coming off a 3-5 season, their first losing season since 1971! Look for them to be in the thick of it, seriously challenging Governor Mifflin, Exeter and Warwick for district honors at the 5A classification. Hempfield (1-0) is up next in a crossover game between the LL-2 and LL-1, fresh off their 28-21 against Dtown’s Wildcats.
8 Harrisburg 1-0 (10)
Harrisburg moves up two pegs after defeating Pine Richland 26-21 at Woodland Hills High outside Pittsburgh. Early on, Pine looked like they might run away with it, jumping out to a 14-0 lead. Thereon it was all Harrisburg who began pounding the ball behind their strong line, outscoring the Rams 26-7. Sloppy play early on by the Cougars (botched fake punt, poor passing) and four PR turnovers in the red zone impacted the game, preventing more scoring. It took freshman Shawn Lee just over a quarter to settle in. When he did, he was effective, throwing for 108 yards and two touchdowns while scoring on a 7-yard draw. Kyle Williams was special, rushing for 116 yards on 19 carries and a touchdown while snagging three passes for 76 yards and two scores. Bruising running back Mahkai Hopkins (6-2, 230) rushed for 72 yards on 13 carries. What wasn’t a surprising was Harrisburg’s trademark dominance along the lines where they wore down PR’s D-front, rushing for 228 yards. About defense, the Cougar’s held the Rams to 54 yards on the ground. Sophomore DL Micah Chambers and junior DE Terrell Reynolds with LB Samir Wilkerson applied BIG pressure most of the game. Hazleton (0-1) is next up at their place coming off a 35-7 loss to 3A Wyoming Area who looks like they’re ready for another deep run in the postseason.
9 Berks Catholic 4A 1-0 (9)
The Saints had no trouble routing a first year program out of Allentown when they defeated Executive Education Academy 46-12 in Reading. Christian Cacchione picked up where he left off last year rushing for 140 yards on six carries and four touchdowns. First year starter Mitchell Gatz had a solid game completing all foru passes for 62 yards and two touchdowns. Hard measuring BC knowing EEA is a first year school. Plus, the teams were pulled off the field with a minute and a half left in the first half due to lightning when the game was ruled final. Look for things to get much tougher this weekend in Harrisburg against the Central Dauphin Rams who are coming off a 27-21 loss to Wilson.
10 Steelton Highspire 1A 1-0 (11)
How good is Alex Erby who completed 12 of 15 passes for 504 yards, repeat….504 yards and eight touchdowns in a 77-0 win at Morrisville? Maybe the question should be how good is Morrisville. The good news is Morrisville won’t face another team this year that resembles the Rollers. 504 yards on 12 completions averages out to 42 yards per catch! Tyrone Moore led them with two touchdowns and 208 yards (2 Tds) followed by Rell Ceaser at 112 (3 Tds) and DaQuan McCraw at 105 yards (2 Tds). Jaieon Perry, Jakhai Noss and Taeyon Bratton rushed for 82, 84 and 63 yards respectively. Like BC’s win against a non-competitive team, it was at least live action and better than a scrimmage. This week’s game looks like more of the same but it is home on Cottage Hill against Belmont Charter (1-0, 1A) of Philadelphia who beat Lower Moreland last week 26-12. Then comes Newport (1-0, 2A) and Juniata (1-0, 4A) also at home. Both are from the old Tri Valley Conference now merged with the Mid Penn as the Liberty Division. Newport’s Buffaloes have some wide bodies to battle Steelton’s physicality, maybe slow it down some while 4A Juniata has more depth, speed and finesse and a veteran dual threat quarterback.
11 Exeter Township 5A 0-1 (12)
When the final pass of the game with :38 to go falls incomplete in the end zone from the 8-yard line, you know you’ve given your all, especially when the opponent is last year’s 6A runner up Central York. In a nutshell that’s how it went when first year starting quarterback Colin Payne’s fourth down toss hit the ground in a gut wrenching 35-28 loss. Statistics say this was Exeter’s game outgaining Central 450 to 402 in total yards but failing to score in five red zone appearances. Hats off to the Panther D! A holding penalty wiped out a 26-yard touchdown run in the 2nd quarter plus there were two missed field goals. And that’s how you lose a game! But they found a quarterback in senior Colin Payne who completed 16 of 23 passes for 294 yards and three touchdowns. TE JR Strauss had eight receptions for 160 yards while Joey Schalffer finished with five receptions for 97 yards. Boyertown (1-0) is next in their home opener after beating Upper Perk 35-12. They’re on a three game roll winning their last two of 2020 and return most of that team making this the wrong place for Exeter to letdown with Wilson looming.
12 Warwick 5A 1-0 (14)
Jack Reed stepped right in under center replacing Joey McCracken (6154 career, 65/11 Td/Pick-Shippensburg) to complete 15 of 23 passes for 322 yards with three touchdowns and no picks in a surprisingly easy 45-22 win against Lampeter Strasburg. Senior wide out Cooper Eckert who had twelve receptions for 96 yards last year showed what he could do as their primary, hauling in eight passes for 228 yards and all three of Reed’s touchdowns. The win takes Warwick’s winning streak to nine, going 8-0 last year with the covid forfeit loss to end the season. Who counts losses to a virus? No one beat them on the field. Next is a road game that went from one you’d automatically check off as a win in the preseason to a far more competitive game against improved Central Dauphin East. All they did was take Manheim Township to the brink last week before losing on a field goal with under two minutes left in the game. East will have to buckle up against the big Warwick attack that generated 448 total yards last week but this looks like one of the more impactful non-conference games the week.
13 York (William Penn) 0-1 (7)
York plummeted in the rankings falling from seven to thirteen after being routed in their home opener by Governor Mifflin 55-6. While they graduated some key people last year from both sides, the D losing OL/DL Shakir Wright (6-2, 325) and Saumir DeShield (6-1, 240), three linebackers and half the secondary, few expected a loss of this magnitude. The offense returned a nice core including quarterback Sam Stoner who threw for 1268yds and 16 touchdowns last year (2 picks) and running back Jaheim White who had 1332 rushing. Impressive! That was evidently not enough against Governor Mifflin with Nicholas Singleton running wild for 282 yards. So it’s back to the drawing board for the Bearcats with a major focus on J. P. McCaskey (1-0) to put this one behind them. JPM snapped a 26 game losing streak last week beating Reading 27-20. They’re a veteran LL-1 6A, weighing in at 254 pounds across the senior line with a 6-5, 220 Qb in Matt Ramash. The Bearcats should gobble them up but can’t look past them to Coatesville the following week.
14 Central Dauphin East 0-1 (18)
CD East’s “new” team featuring talented transfers from Middletown in quarterback Tony Powell and Penn State commit Mehki Flowers from Steelton Highspire put up a valiant fight last week but lost in the final moments to Manheim Township 24-21. Township is always a tough road opener and despite having another Penn State commit in Anthony Ivey, they lost a lot of bodies and were perceived as vulnerable. In the end, first year starter Hayden Johnson delivered (13/16/122py) and Ivey did his thing as always returning a kickoff 99 yards for a touchdown. That’s depressing, especially as it countered a touchdown by CD East the previous play! Qb Tony Powell had a good outing completing 19 of 35 passes for 188 yards while the big guy Tymere Thornton (6-5, 215, sr) caught 6 passes for 102 yards. Mehki Flowers (6-2, 195, sr) who caught 60 passes for 1006 yards last year at Steel High pulled down six passes for 56 yards. Special teams won this one for Township and lost it for CD East. See Township write up above. East might have a rare sizeable crowd at Landis Field (CD and CD East’s home field) to check out the new players in the home opener against Warwick. While it looks like Warwick has another team this year, East is certainly rejuvenated by the transfers and a decent core making them once again relevant.
15 Hempfield 1-0 (17)
Hempfield started the season with an exciting 28-21 rivalry win at home against Dallastown. It began maybe too easy with the Black Knights racing out to a 21-7 halftime lead. That’s when Dtown came alive behind Caleb Fox (5-10, 190, jr) who rambled for 100 yards on 18 carries and Coleton Mahorney (6-2, 210, sr) who did the dirty work, with 59 hard yards on 15 carries. Dtown has some hard-nosed runners! But Hempfield has quarterback Cameron Harbaugh (6-1, 210, sr) who threw for 1173 yards last year at 59% and opened this year completing 13 of 20 for 190 yards with a touchdown, while rushing for 86 yards and two key touchdowns. Great start taking down your rival but now it gets much harder traveling to Manheim to play powerful Central who just waxed Cumberland Valley 37-7.
16 ELCO 4A 0-0 (16)
ELCO opens the season as the defending Lancaster-Lebanon Section 4 champ. They went undefeated in the regular season last year before beating Northern 42-7 in the 4A opener then losing to Lampeter Strasburg the following week 20-3 to finished 7-1. They open on the road at Schuylkill Valley who’s a game up on them but in a losing cause to Springfield-Montco 35-7. ELCO (Eastern Lebanon County, Myerstown) lost some key people including Qb Braden Bohannon who led the LL with 990 rush yards. But they return a great nucleus including an experienced quarterback in Cole Thomas, three linemen and their backs to again be a force with their veer….and co-favorites with the revitalized Octorara program. They look to be better this year. But we won’t know until seeing how they come out of the game at Conrad Weiser (after SV) then their home opener the following week against an improving Ephrata.
17 Cocalico 4A 1-0 (19)
Cocalico got their option offense rolling behind South Carolina recruit Ryan Brubaker (6-6, 285), Jared Stauffer (6-3, 235), Chuckie Drain (6-1, 230) et al to manhandle Conrad Weiser’s D-front to the tune of 334 yards rushing. The final score of 36-21 is a little misleading as it was initially a shootout. Their veteran backfield (last year’s stats) of Anthony Bourassa (5-8, 170, sr, 757ry), Brycen Flinton (5-9, 150, sr, 201ry), multi-talented Stephen Flinton (5-0, 165, sr, 468ry, 353py) and FB Austin Vang (5-8, 180, jr, 77ry) was just too much. Bourassa rushed for 208 yards on 21 attempts, getting three touchdowns as Stephen Flinton got 83 on ten carries plus a 74-yard touchdown catch from first year starting quarterback Blayke Taddei. All totaled, the Eagles churned out 414 total yards of offense. When Cocalico has a line and it appears they do, they are difficult to stop. They move on to play what appears as a much improved Cedar Cliff (1-0) team that blew out Red Lion last week 56-35.
18 Conrad Weiser 4A 0-1 (15)
Conrad Weiser dropped in the rankings after losing to Cocalico 36-21 and allowing 414 total yards of offense. This, despite a standout performance from quarterback Logan Klitsch who kept them in the game with rushing touchdowns of 4 and 22 yards and an 18-yard touchdown toss to Trey Dianna giving them a brief 14-7 lead in the second quarter. In fact, he scored all their touchdowns, rushing for 63 yards. With a veteran receiver corps of 1st team All-Berks Aanjay Feliciano (6-2, 170, sr, 28/596), Trey Dianna (5-10, 165, 10/94, jr) and Evan Traynor (6-2, 170, sr). the problem may be the new lines that graduated center Luke Capozzi (5-10, 200), guard Max Pacheco (6-0, 255, 1st team All Berks) end Ty Kissling (5-11, 180). And with such a yield in the opener, they didn’t replace defensive standouts LBs Eric Moyer (6-0, 210, 34 tackles, 1st team All Berks), Gabe Trevena (5-10, 185, 38 stops) and Pacheco. Muhlenberg (0-1) is next where Logan Klitsch and the Scouts should have a banner day.
19 Cedar Cliff 5A 1-0 (HM)
The Cedar Cliff Colts exploded out the gate, running down a good Red Lion team in Red Lion to secure a 56-35 free-for-all where neither side seemed capable of stopping the other. Red Lion got out to a 21-14 lead at the half. But a regrouped and fired up Colt team responded by outscoring the Lions in the second half 42-14! Fortunately for Cedar Cliff, they had the horses to pull this one out, showing more weapons than many felt they had. So here they are with a new quarterback in Ethan Dorrell (6-0, 170, jr) who starred in his debut, completing 13 of 15 passes for 256 yards and three touchdowns. He also ran for 94 yards getting another score. Another weapon was found in senior Trenton Smith (6-0, 170) who caught seven passes for 172 yards and two touchdowns. The running game was already felt to be strong with the return from injury of Jontae Morris (5-9, 160, sr, ACL). He did not disappoint, rushing for 152 yards on 17 carries and two touchdowns. And how about big Michael Jones (6-2, 195, soph) getting 65 yards on six carries. That was a significant win against a strong team that will still compete for the York-Adams with Central York and York High. They have some weapons. Cocalico is next for the Colts in their home opener. The Colts were stomped by them not once but twice in 2019. CC had a good group that year that went 10-3 with a 41-7 loss to Harrisburg (9-4) and the Cocalico losses, one in the regular season 43-15, the other in the 5A district final 45-7. But Cocalico had greatness that year, going 11-3, losing to Cheltenham in the 5A semifinal 56-49.
20 Wyomissing 3A 1-0 (HM)
Wyomissing returns many experienced players and a solid core of starters to again field a strong team. Wasn’t sure of this until seeing them against a veteran Daniel Boone teams stocked with seniors. The game started slow with Wyo up 14-7 at the half before erupting for three third quarter scores to blow it open, winning 41-14. Here are some of the players seen against Boone. The lines were impressive with J’ven Williams (6-4, 310, sr), OL/DE Pacen Ziegler (6-3, 255, jr), Caleb Brewer (6-4, 250, soph), Preston Aikman (6-0, 250, sr) and Jack Miller (6-0, 200, sr). Other starters: TE Aiden Mack (6-4, 225, sr, Richmond), Tommy Grabowski (6-0, 210) at LB/RB, Jack Miller at LB, DT Julien DiMaio (5-9, 200, sr), LB/RB Matt Kramer (6-0, 200, jr), CBs Nevin Carter (6-4, 195, sr) and Amory Thompson (6-0, 180, sr and HB). Juniors Charlie McIntyre (5-10, 190) and Drew Eisenhower (5-10, 190) played HB and S positions. Ben Zechman (6-3, 190, jr) who looked good was the quarterback, brother of last year’s starter Zech. If game #1 means anything, it looks like Coach Bob Wolfrum has built himself another legitimate team. They get a test this week at Pottsville (1-0) who while well regarded were not impressive offensively against Selinsgrove despite pounded out 252 yards rushing, winning 12-0. They’ll probably need to bring more than Travontai Davis, Amari Dunn and Jacze Snowell who had 108, 75 and 69 yards rushing respectively. Wyo is big, physical and fast!
TIE
Cumberland Valley 0-1 (13)
The Eagles took a deep dive in the rankings after the no-show in Manheim last week losing 37-7. It’s hard finding positives from the game unless it’s that these losses can serve as a wake-up call to a team. Or not! Cumberland Valley had nothing against the Barons, rushing for 63 yards, passing for 23. That’s 86 total yards of offense and only eight first downs that left Coach Oswalt complaining about intensity. Too bad that left the locker room! All the while Central did whatever they wanted to do, particularly in exposing CV’s lack of pressure/coverage, completing 24 of 31 passes for 304 yards with touchdowns of 1, 18, 34 and 45 yards. They ended with 405 total yards of offense. CV’s opponent this week features another team that will be super pumped in the form of Central York. This is the Central York team Oswalt coached from 2013 through 2019 going 30-13 before leaving them to take the position at CV.
Honorable Mention
Mid Penn
Carlisle 1-0
Louis Shank relieved Ezeekai Thomas and threw three touchdowns in a 27-14 win at Mechanicsburg.
East Pennsboro 4A 1-0
Sy Burgos had Td runs of 23, 62, 71 and 72 yards totaling 366 rushing to rout York Suburban 42-21 in York.
Shippensburg 5A 1-0
Qb Tucker Chamberlin scored on a 6-yard keeper with 26 seconds left in the game for a 7-0 win against Hershey at Hershey Park Stadium.
Boiling Springs 3A 1-0
Boiling Springs Bubblers blasted the Bolts in Littlestown 69-8? After taking a 55-0 lead at the half. Wow!
Lancaster-Lebanon
Octorara 4A 1-0
Qb Weston Stoltzfus threw a touchdown to Mason Ellingsworth with 2:14 left in the 4th to beat a game Kennard Dale 18-16.
Ephrata 5A 1-0
Qb Hunter Mortimer completed 6 of 8 for 116 yds as running back Andre Weidman rushed for 149 yards defeating Muhlenberg 41-20.
Penn Manor 1-0
Noah Bolin’s 22-yard scoring run with 4:21 left in the game got the Comets past Conestoga Valley 16-12.
Cedar Crest 1-0
Qb Jay Huber threw for three scores and 212 yards in his first varsity start as the Falcons beat Lebanon in the 49th Cedar Bowl 38-0.
York-Adams
New Oxford 5A 1-0
A 62-yard screen from Jett Moore to Brittyn Eakins accounted for all scoring as Ox beat Bermudian 7-0.
South Western 5A 1-0
Shilo Bivins had breakout performance in a 47-12 win over Milton Hershey going 12 of 16 for 228 yards four touchdowns plus 54 on the ground.
Red Lion 5A 0-1
Qb Ryley Knaub completed 11-of-20 for 187 yards in a 56-35 loss to Cedar Cliff.
Dallastown 6A 0-1
Qb Dylan Lease completed 9 of 14 for 115 yards in a 28-21 loss to Hempfield.
Spring Grove 5A 1-0
Zyree Brooks rushed for 130 yards while brother Tyree had 98 yards on as Spring Grove opened with a 25-20 win at Waynesboro.
Dropped out
Susquehanna Township 3A 0-1
Mechanicsburg 5A 0-1
Littlestown 3A 0-1
Delone Catholic 1A 0-1
Lampeter Strasburg 4A 0-1
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