District-3 Top 20: (Week #4 Sep 17-18 games 2021)
All are 6A unless marked otherwise, last week’s rank in parenthesis
1 Governor Mifflin 5A 3-0 (1)
Governor Mifflin’s 509 total yards of offense swamped Cocalico 56-0, holding the overwhelmed Eagles to 102 total yards. Nicholas Singleton was the big gun rushing for 154 yards and 5 touchdowns with Chase Rapp (5-11, 160, soph) getting 98 yards on 2 carries, Eden Johnson contributing 64 and Trey Rock 50. Delsin McNeil added a new dimension to the attack however small as a passing threat completing 2 of 2 passes for 30 yards. Coach Lang is constantly adding new wrinkles and new talent, eg Rapp. They’re home this week playing Cedar Crest (2-1) who started strong before getting thumped at Carlisle last week 45-0. Note: Singleton became the all-time Berks County rush leader at 4778 yards.
2 Central York 3-0 (2)
The Panthers broke the game open early scoring on a 17 yard blocked punt return by Nigier DeWitt followed by a fumbled snap/short field for another score providing a 14-0 first quarter lead. 21 unanswered second half points sealed it as Central York defeated Hempfield 35-21. The Black Knights looked like one of the few remaining teams on the schedule who could beat them until York October 8th. Up next is struggling Red Lion (0-3!?) in the York-Adams, Division One opener.
3 Bishop McDevitt 4A 1-1 (3)
McDevitt cancelled their game with Harrisburg per covid concerns. If they’re back on the field they’re scheduled to play Palmyra (1-2) in the Mid Penn-Keystone Division opener. Palmyra just got their first win beating West York 24-12 with Richie Kowalski rushing for 244 yards!
4 Central Dauphin 1-1 (4)
The Rams highly anticipated game with Manheim Township was cancelled when school administrators announced the football team is temporarily shut down due to a number of positive covid cases on the team.
Update 9/15/21: CD’s season has been suspended indefinitely?
5 Manheim Central 5A 3-0 (5)
A 30-0 lead at the half buried Susquehanna Township who fell to 0-3 with Manheim Central rolling 60-0. Hanna is struggling, being outscored the first three games 156-20. Central is just the opposite, with an ever developing and balanced offense supported by a quick defense, outscoring their opponents 109-7. The Barons are back. Qb Judd Novak is a great leader and dual threat, completing 11 of 15 for 164 yards with a touchdown throw and rushing for 40 yards and two more scores. His favorite target, Owen Sensenig caught 6 passes for 74 yards, with 52 and 35-yard punt returns for scores. Jeff Heffernan is their lead rusher with 111. 90 and 58-yards vs Cumberland Valley, Hempfield and Hanna. One of the top games in the eastern half of the state is this week when they travel to Collegeville to play Perkiomen Valley (2-1), who just routed Downingtown West 55-20 after playing Coatesville tough, losing 35-27. It’s gonna be a good one!
6 Harrisburg 3-0 (6)
When McDevitt cancelled their game with Harrisburg because of covid concerns, and because Central Dauphin did the same, Manheim Township was also left without a game, allowing them and Harrisburg to play each other Saturday. It didn’t disappoint. Township had the home field and crowd while Harrisburg had the stifling defense and weapons for a road win; defense, an emerging quarterback and a fullback. They were deadlocked the end of regulation 14-14. These are two really good teams with talent throughout their lineups. Township has wide out Anthony Ivey, who is impossible to cover, getting scores of 12 and 8 yards, and a developing quarterback in Hayden Johnson. Harrisburg has that defense and a fullback who no one has stopped in Mahki Hopkins (6-1, 240, jr). Township also has Matt O’Gorman who stepped up in overtime to boom a field goal from 40 yards out. Impressive. Just as impressive was Harrisburg going on one of their (more recent) patented drives, feeding fullback Mahki Hopkins four straight times for the winning score. He was the story for the Cougars rushing for 144 yards and two scores on 22 carries, plus the defense that held MT to 31 yards rushing. More quietly, freshman quarterback Shawn Lee completed 19 of 31 passes for 204 yards. The scared kid throwing pop ups in the first quarter against Pine Richland has grown up. Almost forgot speedster Justin Cook scorching the Streaks with a first quarter 91-yard kickoff return. They move on to another challenge Friday in the Mid Penn-Commonwealth opener at Central Dauphin.
Update 9/15/21: CD’s season has been suspended indefinitely leaving Harrisburg without an opponent. I’ll post on the board is Harrisburg finds an opponent.
7 Exeter Township 5A 2-1 (7)
Exeter and Wilson played each other last week with the winner coming away with a 42-14 win. Pretty convincing stuff. Most of the state thought the winner had to be Wilson, especially seeing them take a 14-0 first quarter lead. And that made sense unless you knew something about Exeter. With the final scoreboard showing Exeter winning 42-14, you also knew Exeter scored 42 unanswered points. That is some kind of domination that showed up not only on the scoreboard but on the stat sheet with Exeter accumulating 408 total yards of offense to 147 for Wilson. The Eagle ground game chewed up the Bulldogs to the tune of 274 yards to 100. I mentioned running back Eric Nangle in the 5A reports as being a solid back. He was a force in this one, rushing for 210 yards with 3 touchdowns. Qb Colin Payne completed 11 of 16 for 134 yards, five going to Joey Schlaffer for 80 and 2 yard touchdowns.
The enforcers on defense were LBs J.R. Strauss (6-3, 215) and Ty Yocum (6-0, 220), OLB Richie Karstien (6-1, 225), DT Kyle Lash (6-3, 215), OLB Lucas Palange (6-1, 210) and SS Kellen Boyer (6-4, 215) with 9, 7, 8, 7, 6, and 6 tackles respectively. Exeter now plays another LL-1 team at Hempfield (1-2) who along with Manheim Township are two of the best 2-loss teams in the district, perhaps beyond.
8 York (William Penn) 2-1 (12)
York rose in the rankings on the strength of a road win in District-1 where they stunned powerful Coatesville (2-1) 44-39. Typically, an out of district game has little impact. But a Coatesville win upgrades anyone’s resume. This one was back and forth with multiple lead changes, big plays, turnovers and red zone stops making it a near classic. Maybe it was. York went right down the field, scoring on a 93-yard drive for an 8-0 lead. Nothing like sticking it in their face going for 2 on your first possession! Then it exploded with Coatesville countering immediately as quarterback Harrison Susi got loose for a 68-yard touchdown sprint on their first play. York hung on to a 24-19 half time lead that Coatesville erased by the end of the third quarter taking a 26-24 lead. That was the quiet quarter with one score before the Bearcats got hot again outscoring the Red Raiders 20-13 in the fourth quarter for the win. Qb Sam Stoner was on the mark, completing 22 of 35 passes for 310 yards and 4 touchdowns, all to Quez Simmons. Ja’Nas Simms caught 8 for 178 yards while one of the best running backs in the state, Jaheim White (5-9, 190), ran for 238 yards on 26 carries and 2 scores. Why don’t we hear more about this guy? He rushed for 1332 yards last year in 8 games! Dover (1-2) is next where they will name the score.
9 Central Dauphin East 2-1 (13)
Junior quarterback Terrence Jackson-Copney was cool under fire, stepped in for the injured Tony Powell with a strong performance rushing for 136 yards, one for a 51-yard score, while completing 12 of 21 passes for 94 yards. Unheralded running back Marcel McDaniels rushed for 122 on 24 carries and 3 receptions for 8 yards, while Mehki Flowers pulling down 6 for 64 yards. The defense clamped down on Cedar Cliff (2-1), holding them to 156 total yards in a 20-7 win. Don’t look now but the East High Panthers have rejoined the ranks of strong Mid Penn-Commonwealth teams with impressive wins against Warwick and now Cedar Cliff. And with Carlisle, Altoona and Harrisburg all 3-0, CD, East High, State High and Chambersburg at 2-1, all that’s left is for Cumberland Valley (1-2) to continue improving as shown in the narrow loss to Central York 21-3 two weeks ago (late Tds by CY) and last week’s 23-19 win over Spring Ford for the Commonwealth to be firing on all cylinders. Altoona is next coming to Landis Field before the grind of State High, Cumberland Valley and Harrisburg.
10 Steelton Highspire 1A 3-0 (11)
Steel High erupted for 42 second quarter points on the way to a 68-7 rout of Newport (1-2, 2A). The Buffaloes were held to 38 total yards of offense, 22 rushing 16 passing, while the Steamrollers churned out 522 yards, mostly in the first half. Sophomore quarterback Alex Erby completed 12 of 14 passes for 330 yards (27.5 yds per catch) with wide out Tyrone Moore catching 5 for 236 yards. Daivin Pryor rushed for 122 on 5 carries. A look at their schedule doesn’t show a team appearing capable of beating them, even competing with them. Middletown is a shell of last year’s group, especially with quarterback Tony Powell transferring to CD East plus the stress and strain of a new coach and staff. Conference member Boiling Springs (3-0, 3A) who they play at the end of the year has some veteran pieces that have impressed, outscoring opponents 162-16. It looks like they too will go undefeated setting up a showdown of 9-0 teams October 30th. 4A Juniata (2-1, Dist-6) is next in Steelton coming off a 25-14 loss to West Perry. They were leading 14-0 in the first quarter when 3-year starter and senior Qb Jacob Condo went down with a non-throwing arm injury. His status is unknown.
11 Manheim Township 1-2 (6)
Central Dauphin cancelled their game with Manheim Township per covid concerns allowing Township to play Harrisburg Saturday since McDevitt also bailed on their game with the Cougars per covid concerns. See Harrisburg above. Some notes on Township: Qb Hayden Johnson had a game of mixed reviews completing 21 of 31 passes for 190 yards but throwing 2 interceptions with the 3 touchdowns. Anthony Ivey (PSU commit) had two touchdowns on 12 and 8 yard passes from Johnson and Matt O’Gorman booted a 40-yard field goal in overtime (no pressure there!) that did not hold up with Harrisburg scoring on their possession. Heads up District-1 fans with Township coming this way Friday at 7PM to play Spring Ford. After easy 44-0 and 48-0 wins against West Chester East and Chambersburg, they may have taken 0-2 Cumberland Valley lightly, losing 24-19. CV is always CV, well coached and hard-nosed, well prepped for the Rams having played a top 5A state power in Manheim Central and 6A in Central York. The Rams will be difficult at home coming off a loss and who knows what’s left in Township’s tanks following two 3 points losses.
12 Warwick 5A 2-1 (14)
Although Warwick (Lititz) and Ephrata are neighbors that play each other every year, the speed and skill of the Warrior attack must have come as a surprise to Ephrata after playing Muhlenberg (0-3) and Palmyra (0-2) their first two games. Warwick powered out 425 total yards, 200 on the ground, led by Christian Royer’s 128 yards. He scored on runs of 1, 7 and 3 yards with Colin Winter’s running in two from 6 and 4 yards, finishing with 30 yards. Jack Reed led the air assault completed 14 of 28 for 225 yards with Cooper Eckert catching 6 for 95 yards and Ryan Fink 5 for 110 yards. Ephrata played a lot of underclassman and look like next year is their year. The one that always stands out is junior Andre Weidman who ran for 196 yards on 21 carries. Penn Manor (2-1) is next as Warwick settles in for two homers (Penn Manor and Hempfield) before the Section-2 match at Manheim Central, another neighborhood rivalry game, 8 miles away.
13 Berks Catholic 4A 2-1 (11)
Reading’s Berks Catholic paid a visit to Delco last week running up a 39-14 third quarter lead at Chichester then coasting to a 39-29 win. Christian Cacchione did the most damage rushing for 156 yards with 3 touchdowns. Josiah Jordan had a 56-yard pick-6 and quarterback Mitchel Gatz who gets few opportunities to sling it completed 3 of 5 passes for 36 yards. Chi was held to 11 rush yards and 8 first downs while the Saints pounded out 234. Another District-1 teams visits this week in Pope John Paul II (2-1). They are the result of a merger of Kennedy Kenrick and St. Pius X, and are one of the hottest teams from the PAC, going 28-10 the last 4 years. Other egs from same period show Spring Ford at 28-12, Perk Val 31-11, Owen J Roberts 25-14 and Pottsgrove at 30-12. PJP-II lost a tough one last week to Springside-Chestnut Hill Academy (2-1, Inter-Ac) 32-27 and come in with weapons, primarily quarterback DJ Clark and the versatile Josh Little who had 68 yards rushing and 77 in receptions vs S-CHA.
14 Wyomissing 3A 3-0 (16)
Up 21-7 at the half despite playing a sloppy game, Wyomissing had no trouble with disappointing Boyertown, winning 35-7, holding them to 142 total yards of offense. Wyo is going through a substantial rebuild while Boyertown (1-2) returns many, especially their skill. But, they are young, starting many that were freshman and sophomores last year. Qb Ryder Gehris is a sophomore with most of the skill and O-Line returning. Thought they’d get real impetus from last year’s season ending 20-9 win against perennial power and rival Pottsgrove. Then again, their losses are to Exeter and Wyo! Hamburg is up next. Unfortunately, they’re 3-0. Nothing could get Wyomissing’s attention more than a perceived threat coming to Spartan Stadium and Field in the form of undefeated Hamburg, especially in the conference opener. Scoring 115 points and allowed 26, they need to take them seriously!
15 Wilson 1-2 (7)
For the second week in a row, Wilson was manhandled, losing to Governor Mifflin and Exeter by identical 42-14 scores. They were out-yardaged 408 to 147. All considered, Jadyn Jones had a strong game, rushing 16 times for 68 yards. Gannon Brubaker, in for the injured Hayden Johnson, completed 5 of 16 passes for 47 yards. There is not much breathing room on an LL schedule but they get a non-league game this week where they could regroup against Martin Luther King (0-1) from the Philadelphia Public league. They come in off their first game of the year, a loss to Chester (3-0) 18-6. Following MLK is a major test against Manheim Central (3-0) before getting into to LL-1 action.
16 Cedar Cliff 5A 2-1 (19)
The Cedar Cliff Colts kept it close on the scoreboard, down 13-7 at the half at Central Dauphin East, but were overwhelmed statistically, losing 362 to 156 in total yards and 20-7 on the scoreboard. They had no answer for quarterback Terrence Jackson-Copney who accounted for 230 total yards, 94 passing, 136 rushing. CC’s porous defense allowed 268 rush yards while quarterback Ethan Dorrell felt pressure the entire game, completing 8 of 19 passes for 66 yards. Trenton Smith had 3 receptions for 29 yards after having 9 for 132 yards the week before. They move on to play their sister school Red Land (0-3) who is coming off losses to mid-level teams Northern (2-1, 4A) 42-28 of the Mid Penn-Colonial, Northeastern (1-2, 5A) from the York Adams-1 and Mechanicsburg (2-1, 5A), also from the MP-Colonial. With Red Land, Lower Dauphin and Hershey up next, the Colts should roll with division wins before playing McDevitt at Rocco Ortenzio Stadium across the river in a game that will decide the Mid Penn-Keystone.
17 Hempfield 1-2 (15)
Once again the Black Knights came up short, losing competitively to undefeated Central York 35-21. Turnovers killed them with a blocked punt leading to a touchdown and a fumbled snap leading to another score. All totaled, 4 drive altering fumbles hit the ground, 2 recovered by Central York. And the inability to establish a ground game hurt, gaining but 110 yards. Cam Harbaugh was effective enough, completing 8 of 14 for 128 yards with Td tosses of 7 and 43 yards. And the D sealed up Penn State commit Beau Pribula well enough, holding him to 7 of 11 for 52 yards with touchdown throws of 9 and 27 yards, and a 7 yard scoring run. A highlight was Grant Hoover returning a kickoff 90 yards in the fourth quarter. As if Manheim Central (3-0) and Central York (3-0) weren’t big enough challenges, undefeated Exeter is next. But it is home where they’ll try to even the score from last year’s 41-34 overtime loss to Exeter before traveling to Warwick.
18 Carlisle 3-0 (HM)
It looks like the Thundering Herd (what a great name) are back. If not back, they are definitely thundering, winning the season opening road game at rival Mechanicsburg 27-14 before crushing Hershey 49-0 and Cedar Crest 45-0. The CC Falcons were totally shut down, held to 8 first downs and 145 total yards, 42 rushing. Carlisle came out looking for some, scoring 21 first quarter points aided by a defense that forced 5 turnovers, 4 of which were fumbles they recovered. Qb Louis Shank has been the man, completing 11 of 20 for 152 yards. Multiple backs got carries with Ezeekai Thomas out, gaining 264 on the ground; 70 for JC Smith, 68 for JaQueece Morrell. It was a dominating performance. That’s it for the preseason with super rival Cumberland Valley (1-2) up next in the Mid Penn-Commonwealth opener. The Herd left some points on the field last year in a 20-14 loss at CV that prevented a 4-2 campaign. Forget last year as they better buckle up for this battle hardened group that played Manheim Central (3-0), losing 35-7 and Central York (3-0), a 20-3 loss before turning the tables on Spring Ford (2-1) last week 23-19.
19 Dallastown 6A 2-1 (20)
Dallastown kept it going last week with a 20-13 road win at Hershey. Two weeks ago against Manheim Township, they were rotating quarterbacks Dylan Lease and Owen Stouse. Not last week where Lease got the nod, completing 12 of 17 for 146 yards with a 50-yard touchdown strike while rushing for 68 yards and two more scores. Nice having a dual threat under center. Coleton Mahorney and Caleb Fox are the backs with Mahorney getting the yeoman’s work, rushing 22 times for 122 yards. Kenny Johnson, the York Suburban transfer of such promise, caught 5 passes for 82 yards, one a 50-yard Td from Lease. That’s his forte, getting open for the big one. The York Adams-1 opener is next, playing another surprise in undefeated South Western (3-0) of Hanover. The difference is the Mustangs haven’t been tested the way Dtown has (Hempfield and Township), although their 14-7 road win at New Oxford (2-1) was impressive. It’s still a talented bunch so look for a high scoring free-for-all with the edge going to Dallastown, the home team.
20 Conrad Weiser 4A 2-1 (18)
Conrad Weiser passed a test last week beating ELCO (1-1) who came to play, coming back from a 28-18 halftime deficit but falling short, losing 35-32. Both cranked out a lot of yardage with Weiser up 444 to 339 in total yards. ELCO’s veer was almost unstoppable, netting 313 yards on 52 attempts. But it paled against Weiser’s dual threat senior quarterback Logan Klitsch who completed 15 of 21 passes for 245 yards and a touchdown while rushing for 124 yards with three more scores. Not a bad day, getting 369 total yards of offense all rolled up in one player. Aanjay Feliciano caught 9 passes for 196 yards and a 3-yard touchdown reception with Cole Rothermel rushing for 86 yards. Klitsch, Feliciano and Rothermel are a tough threesome to keep up with. Now it’s on to the Berks Inter-County-Section 2 games with Fleetwood (2-1) coming in. They have some players in dual threat Qb Tanner Maddock (Villanova commit!) and Rb Gavin Morris, a real hard tackle at 5-9, 195. Can’t let up even a little bit against this bunch.
Honorable Mention
All are 6A unless marked otherwise, last week’s rank in parenthesis
Mid Penn
East Pennsboro 4A 2-1 (HM) home to Greencastle Antrim 4A 2-1
EP has some holes but not at running back where Sy Burgos has 452 yards in two games (missed wk #2). Beat Milton Hershey last week 30-26 where Dion Bryant got 368 yards rushing. How is MH 1-2? GA beat Delone Catholic 34-13 as the Squires struggle with depth playing the bigger schools.
Shippensburg 5A 3-0 (HM) at Susquehanna Twp 3A 0-3
Ship is a nice surprise with serious grad losses but they’re outscoring opponents 88-34 while Hanna has fallen off the radar, outscored 156-20.
Boiling Springs 3A 3-0 HM) idle
Boiling Springs is looking for a game this weekend with Line Mountain cancelling. Because they’ve rolled everyone including Littlestown 69-8, Bermudian Springs 35-0 and James Buchanan 58-8, that might be difficult.
Cumberland Valley 1-2 (NR) at Carlisle 3-0
CV is getting it together losing to Central York on late 4th quarter scores then surprising Spring Ford 23-19 last week. See Carlisle above.
Lancaster-Lebanon
ELCO 4A 1-1 (19) home to Ephrata 5A 2-1
Luke Williams got 177 rushing and 2 Tds in a 35-32 loss to Weiser while Ephrata lost to Warwick 42-14. Andre Weidman is legit for Ephrata rushing for 499 yards so far to lead the Lancaster Lebanon League in rushing.
Octorara 4A 3-0 (HM) at Phoenixville 5A 0-2, D1
Phoenixville played a rugged schedule of Bishop Shanahan (3-0) and Upper Moreland (3-0), losing to Shanahan 34-6 before showing real improvement at Upper Moreland, losing 21-19. Shanahan has a lot of bodies back and Moreland has a dual threat Qb and their top back. Octorara’s is far easier with easy wins against York Tech (0-3) 48-0 and Pottstown (0-3) 55-13. Upset special? The Purple Gang will show up!
Cocalico 4A 1-2 (18) at Garden Spot 4A 0-3
Cocalico lost their last two (Cedar Cliff, Mifflin) but doubt G-Spot can handle Anthony Bourassa who at 398 rush yards this season (8.1ypc), is hard to bring down.
Lampeter Strasburg 4A 2-1 (NR) home to Solanco 5A 2-1
A lot of new parts on the team that looks recovered from 45-22 season opening loss to Warwick with consecutive shutouts of Penn Manor 31-0 and Conestoga Valley 19-0. Solanco’s Golden Mules will run over you with a stable full of backs running the ball 92% of the time, coming off a 42-0 win against Muhlenberg.
York-Adams
New Oxford 5A 2-1 (HM) at Susquehannock 4A 2-1
Let’s see how Ox responds coming off a tough 14-7 home loss to South Western against Susquehannock who lost 31-14 at Bermudian Springs. Susquehannock is undefeated at home so far.
South Western 5A 3-0 (HM) at Dallastown 2-1
This will be one of the top games in York County with two legit contenders for good seeds in the postseason. See Dallastown above at #19.
Spring Grove 5A 3-0 (HM) home to Northeastern 5A 1-2
The Rockets are looking like they mean it at 3-0 with road wins against new opponents. Not always easy, especially Waynesboro and Northern where they pack em in. Still, they trounced Northern last week 39-7 while Northeastern lost at Penn Manor 21-9.
Kennard Dale 4A 2-1 (NR) at Muhlenberg 5A 0-3
Rams are powering over people beating Solanco 33-15 and Biglerville last week 65-7 after getting nipped by Octorara in the openers 18-16. Muhlenberg is next and they’re hurtin, getting outscored 121-27. Tough times for the Muhlies.
Berks Inter County
Fleetwood 5A 2-1 (NR) at Conrad Weiser 4A 2-1
Fleetwood may be underrated with a Qb committed to Villanova (as Qb not Db) and the offense rolling. Tanner Maddocks resembles Logan Klitsch of Conrad Weiser as an effective dual threat, passing for 441 yards (59%) and rushing for 280. This should be one of the most exciting games in Berks County and a key game as the Berks Section-1 opener.
Hamburg 3A 3-0 (NR) at Wyomissing 3A 3-0
Big wake up call for undefeated Hamburg especially with Wyo coming off a sloppy (per coach) win vs Boyertown.
Dropped out
Ephrata 5A 2-1 lost at home to Warwick 42-14
Cedar Crest 2-1 lost at Carlisle 45-0
All are 6A unless marked otherwise, last week’s rank in parenthesis
1 Governor Mifflin 5A 3-0 (1)
Governor Mifflin’s 509 total yards of offense swamped Cocalico 56-0, holding the overwhelmed Eagles to 102 total yards. Nicholas Singleton was the big gun rushing for 154 yards and 5 touchdowns with Chase Rapp (5-11, 160, soph) getting 98 yards on 2 carries, Eden Johnson contributing 64 and Trey Rock 50. Delsin McNeil added a new dimension to the attack however small as a passing threat completing 2 of 2 passes for 30 yards. Coach Lang is constantly adding new wrinkles and new talent, eg Rapp. They’re home this week playing Cedar Crest (2-1) who started strong before getting thumped at Carlisle last week 45-0. Note: Singleton became the all-time Berks County rush leader at 4778 yards.
2 Central York 3-0 (2)
The Panthers broke the game open early scoring on a 17 yard blocked punt return by Nigier DeWitt followed by a fumbled snap/short field for another score providing a 14-0 first quarter lead. 21 unanswered second half points sealed it as Central York defeated Hempfield 35-21. The Black Knights looked like one of the few remaining teams on the schedule who could beat them until York October 8th. Up next is struggling Red Lion (0-3!?) in the York-Adams, Division One opener.
3 Bishop McDevitt 4A 1-1 (3)
McDevitt cancelled their game with Harrisburg per covid concerns. If they’re back on the field they’re scheduled to play Palmyra (1-2) in the Mid Penn-Keystone Division opener. Palmyra just got their first win beating West York 24-12 with Richie Kowalski rushing for 244 yards!
4 Central Dauphin 1-1 (4)
The Rams highly anticipated game with Manheim Township was cancelled when school administrators announced the football team is temporarily shut down due to a number of positive covid cases on the team.
Update 9/15/21: CD’s season has been suspended indefinitely?
5 Manheim Central 5A 3-0 (5)
A 30-0 lead at the half buried Susquehanna Township who fell to 0-3 with Manheim Central rolling 60-0. Hanna is struggling, being outscored the first three games 156-20. Central is just the opposite, with an ever developing and balanced offense supported by a quick defense, outscoring their opponents 109-7. The Barons are back. Qb Judd Novak is a great leader and dual threat, completing 11 of 15 for 164 yards with a touchdown throw and rushing for 40 yards and two more scores. His favorite target, Owen Sensenig caught 6 passes for 74 yards, with 52 and 35-yard punt returns for scores. Jeff Heffernan is their lead rusher with 111. 90 and 58-yards vs Cumberland Valley, Hempfield and Hanna. One of the top games in the eastern half of the state is this week when they travel to Collegeville to play Perkiomen Valley (2-1), who just routed Downingtown West 55-20 after playing Coatesville tough, losing 35-27. It’s gonna be a good one!
6 Harrisburg 3-0 (6)
When McDevitt cancelled their game with Harrisburg because of covid concerns, and because Central Dauphin did the same, Manheim Township was also left without a game, allowing them and Harrisburg to play each other Saturday. It didn’t disappoint. Township had the home field and crowd while Harrisburg had the stifling defense and weapons for a road win; defense, an emerging quarterback and a fullback. They were deadlocked the end of regulation 14-14. These are two really good teams with talent throughout their lineups. Township has wide out Anthony Ivey, who is impossible to cover, getting scores of 12 and 8 yards, and a developing quarterback in Hayden Johnson. Harrisburg has that defense and a fullback who no one has stopped in Mahki Hopkins (6-1, 240, jr). Township also has Matt O’Gorman who stepped up in overtime to boom a field goal from 40 yards out. Impressive. Just as impressive was Harrisburg going on one of their (more recent) patented drives, feeding fullback Mahki Hopkins four straight times for the winning score. He was the story for the Cougars rushing for 144 yards and two scores on 22 carries, plus the defense that held MT to 31 yards rushing. More quietly, freshman quarterback Shawn Lee completed 19 of 31 passes for 204 yards. The scared kid throwing pop ups in the first quarter against Pine Richland has grown up. Almost forgot speedster Justin Cook scorching the Streaks with a first quarter 91-yard kickoff return. They move on to another challenge Friday in the Mid Penn-Commonwealth opener at Central Dauphin.
Update 9/15/21: CD’s season has been suspended indefinitely leaving Harrisburg without an opponent. I’ll post on the board is Harrisburg finds an opponent.
7 Exeter Township 5A 2-1 (7)
Exeter and Wilson played each other last week with the winner coming away with a 42-14 win. Pretty convincing stuff. Most of the state thought the winner had to be Wilson, especially seeing them take a 14-0 first quarter lead. And that made sense unless you knew something about Exeter. With the final scoreboard showing Exeter winning 42-14, you also knew Exeter scored 42 unanswered points. That is some kind of domination that showed up not only on the scoreboard but on the stat sheet with Exeter accumulating 408 total yards of offense to 147 for Wilson. The Eagle ground game chewed up the Bulldogs to the tune of 274 yards to 100. I mentioned running back Eric Nangle in the 5A reports as being a solid back. He was a force in this one, rushing for 210 yards with 3 touchdowns. Qb Colin Payne completed 11 of 16 for 134 yards, five going to Joey Schlaffer for 80 and 2 yard touchdowns.
The enforcers on defense were LBs J.R. Strauss (6-3, 215) and Ty Yocum (6-0, 220), OLB Richie Karstien (6-1, 225), DT Kyle Lash (6-3, 215), OLB Lucas Palange (6-1, 210) and SS Kellen Boyer (6-4, 215) with 9, 7, 8, 7, 6, and 6 tackles respectively. Exeter now plays another LL-1 team at Hempfield (1-2) who along with Manheim Township are two of the best 2-loss teams in the district, perhaps beyond.
8 York (William Penn) 2-1 (12)
York rose in the rankings on the strength of a road win in District-1 where they stunned powerful Coatesville (2-1) 44-39. Typically, an out of district game has little impact. But a Coatesville win upgrades anyone’s resume. This one was back and forth with multiple lead changes, big plays, turnovers and red zone stops making it a near classic. Maybe it was. York went right down the field, scoring on a 93-yard drive for an 8-0 lead. Nothing like sticking it in their face going for 2 on your first possession! Then it exploded with Coatesville countering immediately as quarterback Harrison Susi got loose for a 68-yard touchdown sprint on their first play. York hung on to a 24-19 half time lead that Coatesville erased by the end of the third quarter taking a 26-24 lead. That was the quiet quarter with one score before the Bearcats got hot again outscoring the Red Raiders 20-13 in the fourth quarter for the win. Qb Sam Stoner was on the mark, completing 22 of 35 passes for 310 yards and 4 touchdowns, all to Quez Simmons. Ja’Nas Simms caught 8 for 178 yards while one of the best running backs in the state, Jaheim White (5-9, 190), ran for 238 yards on 26 carries and 2 scores. Why don’t we hear more about this guy? He rushed for 1332 yards last year in 8 games! Dover (1-2) is next where they will name the score.
9 Central Dauphin East 2-1 (13)
Junior quarterback Terrence Jackson-Copney was cool under fire, stepped in for the injured Tony Powell with a strong performance rushing for 136 yards, one for a 51-yard score, while completing 12 of 21 passes for 94 yards. Unheralded running back Marcel McDaniels rushed for 122 on 24 carries and 3 receptions for 8 yards, while Mehki Flowers pulling down 6 for 64 yards. The defense clamped down on Cedar Cliff (2-1), holding them to 156 total yards in a 20-7 win. Don’t look now but the East High Panthers have rejoined the ranks of strong Mid Penn-Commonwealth teams with impressive wins against Warwick and now Cedar Cliff. And with Carlisle, Altoona and Harrisburg all 3-0, CD, East High, State High and Chambersburg at 2-1, all that’s left is for Cumberland Valley (1-2) to continue improving as shown in the narrow loss to Central York 21-3 two weeks ago (late Tds by CY) and last week’s 23-19 win over Spring Ford for the Commonwealth to be firing on all cylinders. Altoona is next coming to Landis Field before the grind of State High, Cumberland Valley and Harrisburg.
10 Steelton Highspire 1A 3-0 (11)
Steel High erupted for 42 second quarter points on the way to a 68-7 rout of Newport (1-2, 2A). The Buffaloes were held to 38 total yards of offense, 22 rushing 16 passing, while the Steamrollers churned out 522 yards, mostly in the first half. Sophomore quarterback Alex Erby completed 12 of 14 passes for 330 yards (27.5 yds per catch) with wide out Tyrone Moore catching 5 for 236 yards. Daivin Pryor rushed for 122 on 5 carries. A look at their schedule doesn’t show a team appearing capable of beating them, even competing with them. Middletown is a shell of last year’s group, especially with quarterback Tony Powell transferring to CD East plus the stress and strain of a new coach and staff. Conference member Boiling Springs (3-0, 3A) who they play at the end of the year has some veteran pieces that have impressed, outscoring opponents 162-16. It looks like they too will go undefeated setting up a showdown of 9-0 teams October 30th. 4A Juniata (2-1, Dist-6) is next in Steelton coming off a 25-14 loss to West Perry. They were leading 14-0 in the first quarter when 3-year starter and senior Qb Jacob Condo went down with a non-throwing arm injury. His status is unknown.
11 Manheim Township 1-2 (6)
Central Dauphin cancelled their game with Manheim Township per covid concerns allowing Township to play Harrisburg Saturday since McDevitt also bailed on their game with the Cougars per covid concerns. See Harrisburg above. Some notes on Township: Qb Hayden Johnson had a game of mixed reviews completing 21 of 31 passes for 190 yards but throwing 2 interceptions with the 3 touchdowns. Anthony Ivey (PSU commit) had two touchdowns on 12 and 8 yard passes from Johnson and Matt O’Gorman booted a 40-yard field goal in overtime (no pressure there!) that did not hold up with Harrisburg scoring on their possession. Heads up District-1 fans with Township coming this way Friday at 7PM to play Spring Ford. After easy 44-0 and 48-0 wins against West Chester East and Chambersburg, they may have taken 0-2 Cumberland Valley lightly, losing 24-19. CV is always CV, well coached and hard-nosed, well prepped for the Rams having played a top 5A state power in Manheim Central and 6A in Central York. The Rams will be difficult at home coming off a loss and who knows what’s left in Township’s tanks following two 3 points losses.
12 Warwick 5A 2-1 (14)
Although Warwick (Lititz) and Ephrata are neighbors that play each other every year, the speed and skill of the Warrior attack must have come as a surprise to Ephrata after playing Muhlenberg (0-3) and Palmyra (0-2) their first two games. Warwick powered out 425 total yards, 200 on the ground, led by Christian Royer’s 128 yards. He scored on runs of 1, 7 and 3 yards with Colin Winter’s running in two from 6 and 4 yards, finishing with 30 yards. Jack Reed led the air assault completed 14 of 28 for 225 yards with Cooper Eckert catching 6 for 95 yards and Ryan Fink 5 for 110 yards. Ephrata played a lot of underclassman and look like next year is their year. The one that always stands out is junior Andre Weidman who ran for 196 yards on 21 carries. Penn Manor (2-1) is next as Warwick settles in for two homers (Penn Manor and Hempfield) before the Section-2 match at Manheim Central, another neighborhood rivalry game, 8 miles away.
13 Berks Catholic 4A 2-1 (11)
Reading’s Berks Catholic paid a visit to Delco last week running up a 39-14 third quarter lead at Chichester then coasting to a 39-29 win. Christian Cacchione did the most damage rushing for 156 yards with 3 touchdowns. Josiah Jordan had a 56-yard pick-6 and quarterback Mitchel Gatz who gets few opportunities to sling it completed 3 of 5 passes for 36 yards. Chi was held to 11 rush yards and 8 first downs while the Saints pounded out 234. Another District-1 teams visits this week in Pope John Paul II (2-1). They are the result of a merger of Kennedy Kenrick and St. Pius X, and are one of the hottest teams from the PAC, going 28-10 the last 4 years. Other egs from same period show Spring Ford at 28-12, Perk Val 31-11, Owen J Roberts 25-14 and Pottsgrove at 30-12. PJP-II lost a tough one last week to Springside-Chestnut Hill Academy (2-1, Inter-Ac) 32-27 and come in with weapons, primarily quarterback DJ Clark and the versatile Josh Little who had 68 yards rushing and 77 in receptions vs S-CHA.
14 Wyomissing 3A 3-0 (16)
Up 21-7 at the half despite playing a sloppy game, Wyomissing had no trouble with disappointing Boyertown, winning 35-7, holding them to 142 total yards of offense. Wyo is going through a substantial rebuild while Boyertown (1-2) returns many, especially their skill. But, they are young, starting many that were freshman and sophomores last year. Qb Ryder Gehris is a sophomore with most of the skill and O-Line returning. Thought they’d get real impetus from last year’s season ending 20-9 win against perennial power and rival Pottsgrove. Then again, their losses are to Exeter and Wyo! Hamburg is up next. Unfortunately, they’re 3-0. Nothing could get Wyomissing’s attention more than a perceived threat coming to Spartan Stadium and Field in the form of undefeated Hamburg, especially in the conference opener. Scoring 115 points and allowed 26, they need to take them seriously!
15 Wilson 1-2 (7)
For the second week in a row, Wilson was manhandled, losing to Governor Mifflin and Exeter by identical 42-14 scores. They were out-yardaged 408 to 147. All considered, Jadyn Jones had a strong game, rushing 16 times for 68 yards. Gannon Brubaker, in for the injured Hayden Johnson, completed 5 of 16 passes for 47 yards. There is not much breathing room on an LL schedule but they get a non-league game this week where they could regroup against Martin Luther King (0-1) from the Philadelphia Public league. They come in off their first game of the year, a loss to Chester (3-0) 18-6. Following MLK is a major test against Manheim Central (3-0) before getting into to LL-1 action.
16 Cedar Cliff 5A 2-1 (19)
The Cedar Cliff Colts kept it close on the scoreboard, down 13-7 at the half at Central Dauphin East, but were overwhelmed statistically, losing 362 to 156 in total yards and 20-7 on the scoreboard. They had no answer for quarterback Terrence Jackson-Copney who accounted for 230 total yards, 94 passing, 136 rushing. CC’s porous defense allowed 268 rush yards while quarterback Ethan Dorrell felt pressure the entire game, completing 8 of 19 passes for 66 yards. Trenton Smith had 3 receptions for 29 yards after having 9 for 132 yards the week before. They move on to play their sister school Red Land (0-3) who is coming off losses to mid-level teams Northern (2-1, 4A) 42-28 of the Mid Penn-Colonial, Northeastern (1-2, 5A) from the York Adams-1 and Mechanicsburg (2-1, 5A), also from the MP-Colonial. With Red Land, Lower Dauphin and Hershey up next, the Colts should roll with division wins before playing McDevitt at Rocco Ortenzio Stadium across the river in a game that will decide the Mid Penn-Keystone.
17 Hempfield 1-2 (15)
Once again the Black Knights came up short, losing competitively to undefeated Central York 35-21. Turnovers killed them with a blocked punt leading to a touchdown and a fumbled snap leading to another score. All totaled, 4 drive altering fumbles hit the ground, 2 recovered by Central York. And the inability to establish a ground game hurt, gaining but 110 yards. Cam Harbaugh was effective enough, completing 8 of 14 for 128 yards with Td tosses of 7 and 43 yards. And the D sealed up Penn State commit Beau Pribula well enough, holding him to 7 of 11 for 52 yards with touchdown throws of 9 and 27 yards, and a 7 yard scoring run. A highlight was Grant Hoover returning a kickoff 90 yards in the fourth quarter. As if Manheim Central (3-0) and Central York (3-0) weren’t big enough challenges, undefeated Exeter is next. But it is home where they’ll try to even the score from last year’s 41-34 overtime loss to Exeter before traveling to Warwick.
18 Carlisle 3-0 (HM)
It looks like the Thundering Herd (what a great name) are back. If not back, they are definitely thundering, winning the season opening road game at rival Mechanicsburg 27-14 before crushing Hershey 49-0 and Cedar Crest 45-0. The CC Falcons were totally shut down, held to 8 first downs and 145 total yards, 42 rushing. Carlisle came out looking for some, scoring 21 first quarter points aided by a defense that forced 5 turnovers, 4 of which were fumbles they recovered. Qb Louis Shank has been the man, completing 11 of 20 for 152 yards. Multiple backs got carries with Ezeekai Thomas out, gaining 264 on the ground; 70 for JC Smith, 68 for JaQueece Morrell. It was a dominating performance. That’s it for the preseason with super rival Cumberland Valley (1-2) up next in the Mid Penn-Commonwealth opener. The Herd left some points on the field last year in a 20-14 loss at CV that prevented a 4-2 campaign. Forget last year as they better buckle up for this battle hardened group that played Manheim Central (3-0), losing 35-7 and Central York (3-0), a 20-3 loss before turning the tables on Spring Ford (2-1) last week 23-19.
19 Dallastown 6A 2-1 (20)
Dallastown kept it going last week with a 20-13 road win at Hershey. Two weeks ago against Manheim Township, they were rotating quarterbacks Dylan Lease and Owen Stouse. Not last week where Lease got the nod, completing 12 of 17 for 146 yards with a 50-yard touchdown strike while rushing for 68 yards and two more scores. Nice having a dual threat under center. Coleton Mahorney and Caleb Fox are the backs with Mahorney getting the yeoman’s work, rushing 22 times for 122 yards. Kenny Johnson, the York Suburban transfer of such promise, caught 5 passes for 82 yards, one a 50-yard Td from Lease. That’s his forte, getting open for the big one. The York Adams-1 opener is next, playing another surprise in undefeated South Western (3-0) of Hanover. The difference is the Mustangs haven’t been tested the way Dtown has (Hempfield and Township), although their 14-7 road win at New Oxford (2-1) was impressive. It’s still a talented bunch so look for a high scoring free-for-all with the edge going to Dallastown, the home team.
20 Conrad Weiser 4A 2-1 (18)
Conrad Weiser passed a test last week beating ELCO (1-1) who came to play, coming back from a 28-18 halftime deficit but falling short, losing 35-32. Both cranked out a lot of yardage with Weiser up 444 to 339 in total yards. ELCO’s veer was almost unstoppable, netting 313 yards on 52 attempts. But it paled against Weiser’s dual threat senior quarterback Logan Klitsch who completed 15 of 21 passes for 245 yards and a touchdown while rushing for 124 yards with three more scores. Not a bad day, getting 369 total yards of offense all rolled up in one player. Aanjay Feliciano caught 9 passes for 196 yards and a 3-yard touchdown reception with Cole Rothermel rushing for 86 yards. Klitsch, Feliciano and Rothermel are a tough threesome to keep up with. Now it’s on to the Berks Inter-County-Section 2 games with Fleetwood (2-1) coming in. They have some players in dual threat Qb Tanner Maddock (Villanova commit!) and Rb Gavin Morris, a real hard tackle at 5-9, 195. Can’t let up even a little bit against this bunch.
Honorable Mention
All are 6A unless marked otherwise, last week’s rank in parenthesis
Mid Penn
East Pennsboro 4A 2-1 (HM) home to Greencastle Antrim 4A 2-1
EP has some holes but not at running back where Sy Burgos has 452 yards in two games (missed wk #2). Beat Milton Hershey last week 30-26 where Dion Bryant got 368 yards rushing. How is MH 1-2? GA beat Delone Catholic 34-13 as the Squires struggle with depth playing the bigger schools.
Shippensburg 5A 3-0 (HM) at Susquehanna Twp 3A 0-3
Ship is a nice surprise with serious grad losses but they’re outscoring opponents 88-34 while Hanna has fallen off the radar, outscored 156-20.
Boiling Springs 3A 3-0 HM) idle
Boiling Springs is looking for a game this weekend with Line Mountain cancelling. Because they’ve rolled everyone including Littlestown 69-8, Bermudian Springs 35-0 and James Buchanan 58-8, that might be difficult.
Cumberland Valley 1-2 (NR) at Carlisle 3-0
CV is getting it together losing to Central York on late 4th quarter scores then surprising Spring Ford 23-19 last week. See Carlisle above.
Lancaster-Lebanon
ELCO 4A 1-1 (19) home to Ephrata 5A 2-1
Luke Williams got 177 rushing and 2 Tds in a 35-32 loss to Weiser while Ephrata lost to Warwick 42-14. Andre Weidman is legit for Ephrata rushing for 499 yards so far to lead the Lancaster Lebanon League in rushing.
Octorara 4A 3-0 (HM) at Phoenixville 5A 0-2, D1
Phoenixville played a rugged schedule of Bishop Shanahan (3-0) and Upper Moreland (3-0), losing to Shanahan 34-6 before showing real improvement at Upper Moreland, losing 21-19. Shanahan has a lot of bodies back and Moreland has a dual threat Qb and their top back. Octorara’s is far easier with easy wins against York Tech (0-3) 48-0 and Pottstown (0-3) 55-13. Upset special? The Purple Gang will show up!
Cocalico 4A 1-2 (18) at Garden Spot 4A 0-3
Cocalico lost their last two (Cedar Cliff, Mifflin) but doubt G-Spot can handle Anthony Bourassa who at 398 rush yards this season (8.1ypc), is hard to bring down.
Lampeter Strasburg 4A 2-1 (NR) home to Solanco 5A 2-1
A lot of new parts on the team that looks recovered from 45-22 season opening loss to Warwick with consecutive shutouts of Penn Manor 31-0 and Conestoga Valley 19-0. Solanco’s Golden Mules will run over you with a stable full of backs running the ball 92% of the time, coming off a 42-0 win against Muhlenberg.
York-Adams
New Oxford 5A 2-1 (HM) at Susquehannock 4A 2-1
Let’s see how Ox responds coming off a tough 14-7 home loss to South Western against Susquehannock who lost 31-14 at Bermudian Springs. Susquehannock is undefeated at home so far.
South Western 5A 3-0 (HM) at Dallastown 2-1
This will be one of the top games in York County with two legit contenders for good seeds in the postseason. See Dallastown above at #19.
Spring Grove 5A 3-0 (HM) home to Northeastern 5A 1-2
The Rockets are looking like they mean it at 3-0 with road wins against new opponents. Not always easy, especially Waynesboro and Northern where they pack em in. Still, they trounced Northern last week 39-7 while Northeastern lost at Penn Manor 21-9.
Kennard Dale 4A 2-1 (NR) at Muhlenberg 5A 0-3
Rams are powering over people beating Solanco 33-15 and Biglerville last week 65-7 after getting nipped by Octorara in the openers 18-16. Muhlenberg is next and they’re hurtin, getting outscored 121-27. Tough times for the Muhlies.
Berks Inter County
Fleetwood 5A 2-1 (NR) at Conrad Weiser 4A 2-1
Fleetwood may be underrated with a Qb committed to Villanova (as Qb not Db) and the offense rolling. Tanner Maddocks resembles Logan Klitsch of Conrad Weiser as an effective dual threat, passing for 441 yards (59%) and rushing for 280. This should be one of the most exciting games in Berks County and a key game as the Berks Section-1 opener.
Hamburg 3A 3-0 (NR) at Wyomissing 3A 3-0
Big wake up call for undefeated Hamburg especially with Wyo coming off a sloppy (per coach) win vs Boyertown.
Dropped out
Ephrata 5A 2-1 lost at home to Warwick 42-14
Cedar Crest 2-1 lost at Carlisle 45-0
