All classes, 6A unless otherwise shown, Districts 3, 4, 5, 6, 9
1 Harrisburg (1-1)
Archbishop Hoban of Akron scored on the first play from scrimmage then went on to thump Harrisburg 42-12. Down 35 to 6 at the half, Harrisburg had nothing against the bigger, faster Knights who outgained them 383 total yards to 196 while rushing for 231 yards and allowing 51. Arizona State recruit Deamonte Trayanum led all rushers with 141 yards on 21 carries. Hoban Qb Shane Hamm completed 8 of 18 for 158 yards while Naraci Williams completed 5 of 12 for 108 yards as John McNeil connected on 4 of 6 for 38 yards for the Burg. Hoban moves on to play Cardinal Mooney while Harrisburg goes to West Shore Stadium to play Cedar Cliff (1-1) who is also coming off a bad loss to LL-2 power Cocalico, 43-15. Talk about a score (43-15) that got your attention, especially for Manheim Central who plays Cocalico the 20th in Denver! About Harrisburg; they’re more than Cedar Cliff but the Colts have one of the better backs in central PA in Jaheim Morris who tagged Cocalico last week for 215 yards rushing.
2 State College (2-0)
State College scored with 6:39 left in the game after recovering a fumble at St, Augustine Prep’s seven yard line to defeat the Hermits 20-17 at the Lion’s temporary field (South Track) in their home opener. Isaiah Edwards took a direct snap in for the score. Qb Brady Dorner had a three yard run while Dresyn Green added a 68 yard run for the other score. One of St. Augustine’s scores came on a one yard burst by Texas A&M commit Isaiah Raikes (6-1, 315, sr). It’s been a good series with the two battling long and hard last year in Richland, NJ before SC pulled away for the 19-7 win. The Golden Tigers of Hollidaysburg are next and what a surprise they are at 2-0 after big graduation losses. Junior quarterback Bryce Martellacci (6-1, 170) stepped in effectively for the graduated Brady Walters (1684-56%, 1124r), completing 14 of 19 for 152 yards and rushing for 58 more in last week’s 27-0 win against Mifflin County (0-2, 6A, D6). Senior FB Trent Paddock (6-6, 230) rushed for 127 yards on 27 carries as the young defense (sophs/jrs) held the Huskies to 220 total yards. That won’t hold up to State’s speed and physicality but they could make it exciting.
3 Manheim Township (2-0)
Township blitzed the rebuilding Wildcats of Dallastown getting nine TFLs and four turnovers while surging to a 42-0 half time score! Dtown had no answer, held to 108 rush yards and 130 through the air while the Blue Streaks rolled out 472 (404r) total yards of offense. Jaden Floyd ran for 208 yards with two Tds. Senior Qb Harrison Kirk didn’t have to throw but stayed loose with four completions in ten attempts for 89 yards and a Td pass while rushing for two Tds. After beating CD East and Dtown by a combined score of 99-13, they finally get a test with Central Dauphin (1-1) in Friday night. CD’s getting it together, opening with a 21-13 loss at Wilson then bouncing back last week at home against Berks Catholic (1-1, 4A) 31-6. Township won last year’s regular season game 22-12 before getting blanked in the postseason 27-0. Similar teams, big, physical, legit, although Township is farther along under center and 4-1 each of the last five years at home.
4 Wilson (2-0)
Wilson had a surprisingly easy time last week against fading Governor Mifflin winning 56-7 at Mifflin! Evidently high expectations were premature as the Mustangs now appear a year away. Flip that for Wilson who seems to have all the right pieces in all the right places now. Qb Caleb Brown (6-0, 175, jr) is a pleasant surprise showing a good arm connecting with Brady Gibble for 104 yards and two scores on three receptions. Speedster Mason Lenart (5-6, 160, jr) zipped for 110 yards on three carries for two scores while Avanti Lockhart (6-2, 215, sr) does the heavy lifting with two carries for 45 yards. Brutal dude at MLB too, with 12 tackles. The OL is firing with the return of All-League Nate Keller (6-0, 275), OL/DL Jean Ventura (5-9, 220), OL/DL Anthony Koper (6-0, 240) and C/DL Adam Vanino (6-1, 255). This week finds them in Royersford playing Spring Ford (1-1) who just stuffed Truman 56-19. Wilson and the Rams have history with Coach Chad Brubaker (9th year 82-27) the former OC at Wilson (12 total yrs at Wilson) for four years prior to Spring Ford. He worked with Coach Cantafio and Doug Dahms. Fortunately a series grew from this relationship that has been both entertaining and impactful, with real influence in their respective districts. Although Wilson won all three games, last year’s 33-22 win was the widest margin. 2017’s was a 28-21 win with 2016 seeing a 41-40 double overtime game go Wilson’s way. Wilson is starting to look special but the Rams will test them with a capable receiver corps led by Dante Bonanni (6-1, 185, Sr, 14/192p) and someone who can get it to him in Ryan Engro (6-1, 185, Sr, 538p-88r, 63%, 6/2). At 6-1, 210 pounds, running back Amante Haynes (33/196r) can gash you. Should see an active scoreboard especially if Spring-Ford’s secondary hasn’t tightened up since CB South.
5 Central Dauphin (1-1)
It’s never a good thing coming to Landis after the Rams suffered a loss, especially to bitter rival Wilson in the opener 21-13. But Berks Catholic is no normal program, striking out the last two years scheduling Malvern Prep, McDonogh, Central Dauphin and Exeter with playoff experience against Southern Columbia, Cathedral Prep and Bishop McDevitt who they beat in 2017’s playoff 45-24. So they get around for a smaller school, amassing a record of 88-16 since becoming Berks Catholic in 2011. But none of that helped them Friday with a fired up Ram bunch lowering the boom for a 31-6 rout against the overwhelmed Saints. This was total shutdown, leading 24-0 at the half, holding star running back Abdul MacFoy to 36 yards on nine carries and the team to 128 total yards of offense. The Rams found their back in Tim Smith who ran for 219 yards on 16 carries for three touchdowns. Up next is a road trip to Manheim Township before getting into conference action at Cumberland Valley.
6 Southern Columbia (2-0, 2A)
The Tigers smothered Mount Carmel last week holding a decent offense to seven first downs, 149 total yards of offense and 35 rushing. The D also forced seven punts in the first half alone! After shutting out South Carolina’s top private school Hammond 36-0 two weeks ago and now MCA 48-0, no wonder Coach Roth says this could be his best defense ever. As always, the offense was a juggernaut, churning out 291 yards on the ground with Gaige Garcia at 94 yards on 9 carries and Gavin Garcia at 86 yards on 5 carries. Wide out Julian Fleming had 66 yards on 6 catches with quarterback Preston Zachman throwing for 85 yards on 8 completions in 11 attempts. Maybe undefeated Montoursville (2-0, 3A) averaging 58ppg, allowing 9 or Jersey Shore (2-0, 4A) averaging 46 a game allowing 18, will develop over the coming weeks, not playing SCA until the 9th and 7th week respectively. The sorting out process begins Saturday as the two facing off Friday in Montoursville. In the interim, SCA travels to Selinsgrove (1-1, 4A) who got shellacked by a powerful and veteran Jersey Shore team last week 36-0 where JS’s Qb Tanner Lorson passed for 268 yards and rushed for another 132.
7 Warwick (2-0, 5A)
Quarterback Joey McCracken completed 13 of 19 passes for 248 yards and four touchdowns as the Warriors swamped Garden Spot 56-13. McCracken had Td tosses of 56, 9, 56 and 7 yards, with Caleb Schmitz snagging four for 99 yards and Justin Gerhart getting four for 69 more. Conor Adams had a 60 yard punt return for a score and three receptions for 34 yards. All three caught a touchdown pass. A 35-0 halftime score settled it with Warwick getting 420 total yards of offense to G-Spot’s 351. There’s a big LL1-LL2 crossover game (mandated) this week with Manheim Central (2-0, 5A) in for what promises to be one of the more exciting games in south central PA. The Barons won last year 27-20 in Manheim. This one should be at least as tight as these neighboring rivals are but five miles from each other, what we call “next door” in rural America.
8 Manheim Central (2-0, 5A)
Manheim Central survived another close call but fell in the rankings from 5th to 8th after edging a Hempfield team still figuring out who their quarterback is. Two weeks ago saw MC edge Susquehanna Township 16-7, rushing for a mere 96 yards while being out-distanced 266 total yards to 183. Last week’s effort against a weaker but respected opponent in the midst of a serious rebuild saw them get 10 first downs with another poor rushing outcome of 92 yards on 32 attempts. Once again they came up short in total yardage 231 to 243. Although they lost 24-14, Hempfield’s effort vaulted them into the Top 20 at #20. The Barons move on to Warwick in Lititz where they’ll need to show much more than shown the previous two weeks if they hope to survive against one of the most explosive offenses in the state and come home with a win.
9 Cocalico (2-0, 5A)
Cocalico is showing why they may be the best 5A in the mid-state, with impressive road wins at Conrad Weiser 42-15 and Cedar Cliff 43-15. Their “Mr Everything” quarterback Noah Palm (All-State, two way talent) is doing it all, rushing for 98 yards on 18 carries for three scores, completing three of four passes for 75 yards and a touchdown, and returning a fumble 92 yards for another score last week. He accounted for 214 total yards of offense the week before! What’s strange about the Cedar Cliff game is you’d think Cocalico lost looking at stats alone that show the Colts out-distancing Cocalico 472 to 239 in total yards. No misprint, 472 to 239. CC’s Qb Gannon McCusker completed 19 of 32 passes for 235 yards while running back Jaheim Morris gained 215 yards on 25 carries. Cocalico finished with 264 rush yards and 75 passing. The defense is flush with first year starters and will need to take the next opponent, winless Governor Mifflin (0-2), seriously. Then comes currently undefeated Elizabethtown, Manheim Township and Manheim Central, all 2-0. Mifflin has too much talent to say winless much longer while Etown’s Bears will sling it, even with a sophomore Qb in Patrick Gilhool (6-1, 180). Last year’s starter Cole Patrick threw for 2572 yards with 27 Tds under first year coach Andy Brenuit, a former Bear record holding Qb and standout at Kutztown. Then comes Manheim Township and Manheim Central back to back. Better tighten up!
10 Chambersburg (2-0)
Top 10 ranking should be reserved for the very best, making it a little strange putting Chambersburg here. They’re good, but come with asterisks. Realistically, once you get past the 6th and 7th teams in a local or state poll (not national), you’ll often encounter teams with clear flaws or what’s perceived as flaws, such as Manheim Central’s inability to establish a running game, Cocalico’s lack of balance and a youthful defense, and in the case of Chambersburg, while talented with much of last year’s team back fueled by a superior talent at running back, they haven’t been tested. But they’re doing what you’re supposed to do against a weak slate, blowing em out. They defeated Greencastle Antrim 56-13 in the opener and South Western 35-7 last week behind senior quarterback Brady Stumbaugh (6-0, 165, sr), two talented backs in Keyshawn Jones (5-9, 190, sr) and Jayden Jones (6-0, 180, jr), and quick receivers in Terrell Williams (6-2, 230, sr) and Kevin Lee (5-8, 150, jr). They held South Western to 174 total yards, allowing but 51 rush yards (1.2 ypc) with DTs Tyrion Hodges (6-0, 260) and Wyatt Hull (6-0, 230) plus DE Terrell Williams each getting a sack and numerous hurries. The quality level ramps up considerably this week in Red Lion, playing the unbeaten Lions. Could be a tough spot for the Trojans, this being RL’s home opener after defeating them last year in Chambersburg 28-19.
11 Cumberland Valley (2-0)
How about Cumberland Valley who has run the Wing-T since forever, going to the air to get the win in the final three minutes of the game by overcoming a 12-6 deficit to pull it out. Qb Alex Kovach (8-14/166) went on a tear through the air, driving the Eagles 81 yards in a minute and a half while completing six passes. A 20 yard strike to SE Logan Ramper (4/69) knotted the score following a 4th and two conversion a few moments before. Tim Kissinger booted the extra point for the 13-12 win, with 28 and 42 yard field goals in the first half. Special Teams! Same for Central York where a busted play blew a 2-pt conversion (looked like a low snap) to help set up CV’s one point victory. Logan Ramper picking off Beau Pribula at CV’s 45 yard line to seal it. What a battle; even stats at 266-CV to 243-CY, excepting Central York’s six turnovers, showing the expected stress in the hostile environment of Chapman Field for the sophomore quarterback who fumbled three time and threw three picks. Not to rain on anyone’s parade but CV still has a lot of work to do. Always great beating McDevitt in the opener and the improved program at Central York if factoring in both are total rebuilds, not veteran, senior laden adversaries. You expected a bounce coming off last year’s 3-7 campaign and we’ll see how high that bounce takes them with a meat grinder of a schedule ahead, playing Coatesville, Central Dauphin, Harrisburg and Chambersburg consecutively, starting Friday vs Coatesville.
12 Shippensburg (2-0, 5A)
Shippensburg had no trouble getting past York-Adams II teams, beating Dover (0-2, 5A) 41-7 in the opener and West York (0-2, 4A) 38-0 last week. The Greyhounds have a stable of backs running behind a big line with Alex Sharrow getting 156 yards (140 last week), Max Kalb at 79 on seven carries and fullback Jacob Foy blasting for 78 yards on eleven carries. Zac Manning throws as needed completing 7 of 10 on the year for 138 yards. Bermudian Springs (1-1, 3A) is next. Coach Jon DeFor built a program in York Springs in his 18th season, fielding competitive teams, with a 93-34 record the last 11 years. Problem is, they’re in the same neighborhood as historic powerhouse Wyomissing and more recent powers at Middletown and Berks Catholic. Ship beat them last year 37-17 and will name it here after a hard fought 1st, maybe 2nd quarter. Its country football back there (use to play them) with the smaller rural towns/teams lining up and just pounding you, as if throwing the football was cheating.
13 Middletown (2-0, 3A)
Middletown led 28-0 in the 3rd quarter against Northern before the Polar Bears got a 58 yard Pick-6 in a 34-7 loss to the Blue Raiders. Speaking of lining up and pounding it, that’s Middletown. And with a back like Jose Lopez (1st Team All-State) getting 246 yards with scores of 66, 32, 64 and 13 yards, whose blaming them for not slinging it. They are working in two new Qbs in Tony Powell (5/13/98) and Julio Rodriguez (1/1/64). Rodriguez’s pass went for 64 yards to Tim Wagner for six. Bottom line, Middletown has the speed and backs to get it done on the ground with a defense and special teams that often put them in good field position. This week sees them at McDevitt (1-1) seeing if they can atone for last year’s 40-14 home loss. McDevitt had an awesome lineup last year that had significant grad losses especially on offense. This one should be far more competitive.
14 Berks Catholic (1-1, 4A)
Berks Catholic plummeted in the rankings from 8th to 14th following last week’s 31-6 loss at Central Dauphin after escaping Exeter the week before, 14-10. Against Central Dauphin, all their primary weapons were neutralized by the larger more athletic Rams who held them to 128 total yards of offense and running back Abdul MacFoy to 36 yards. CD did what CD does; pounding you with versatile, athletic backs behind a big line, tossing it a few times to keep you honest, then beating the crap out of you with aggressive/active defense and special teams. Ram ball! It doesn’t get any better this week for BC traveling to McDonogh School (1-0, MD) who just beat Malvern Prep 34-13 at MP. Their line is as physical as CD’s but bigger/better, knowing they gouged the Friars for 486 yards on the ground. BC will win out if they get past McDonogh healthy, with the possible exception of a good, possibly undefeated Wyomissing team at the end of the year.
15 Susquehanna Twp (1-1, 4A)
Susquehanna Township had another strong performance from their defense and enough offense to get a 20-13 road win against a talented Milton Hershey team (1-1, 4A). Meanwhile, “Hanna” continues to impress. Two weeks ago saw them lose at Manheim Central 16-7, getting six sacks while keeping the Barons out of the end zone with scores coming on field goals and a recovered fumble in the end zone. This week against a more athletic (but young) team, they held MH to 79 rush yards and 192 up top. Spartans Qb Tigere Mavesere completed 16 of 31 passes but threw three picks. Sophomore Dion Bryant rushed for 106 yards as split end Avohn Cross collected eight passes for 118 yards. But with six turnovers, little of that reached the scoreboard. Rashaan Carlton found BIG holes in the Spartan defense, completing just 9 of 22 passes but for 234 yards. 234 yards! Bilal Weidler caught four of them for 184 yards and Td strikes of 74 and 95 yards. Bottom line, the Indians outdistanced MH 344 to 272 total yards. Huntingdon (1-1, 3A) is next from District-6’s Mountain Conference. ST won last year 26-21.
16 Exeter Township (1-1, 5A)
A 21 point 2nd quarter did in the Bears of Boyertown who put up little resistance in a 37-0 rout. The Eagles garnered 357 yards in offense (190r, 167p) while Boyertown got 130, (108r, 22p) and only six first downs. Tough home opener for the Bears. Exeter has quality skill people back and will challenge in the Berks-1 this year with a solid running back in Jeremiah Nixon rushing for 154 yards on 17 carries; 9.05ypc last week. Qb Gavin McCusker (6-2, 190, jr) stepped into the starting role this year replacing Kolby Haag. Tough job as Kolby threw for 1653 yards at 64% with a Td/Pik ratio of 16/2. To date, Gavin has four touchdown passes, and a completion percentage of 69, good on 25 of 36 passes. They have a sure handed weapon on the outside in Alex Javier (6-1, 175, sr) who can scoot. He had five receptions for 98 yards and two Tds last week after leading the team with 35 catches for 708 yards last year. Then there’s Devon Scott (5-7, 155, sr) who can also motor, leading the team with 11 receptions for 140 yards. The only reason they’re not 2-0 is the 19 penalties for 150 yards in the opener against Berks Catholic, a game they lost 14-10. Lower Dauphin (1-1, 5A) is next for Exeter’s home opener that should see them lighting things up!
17 Bishop McDevitt (1-1, 4A)
When Gettysburg and McDevitt get together you know it’s going to be a wild game. McDevitt is unquestionable more talented but the Warriors manage to find a way to keep it close, at least for a while, giving the Crusaders a non-conference wakeup call before conference action. Last year’s team took them to the limit before losing 48-35. This year’s team minus critical parts of last year’s 8-3 York-Adams-II title team, jumped on McDevitt early, with a safety and short field touchdown providing a 9-0 first quarter lead. This served to get McDevitt’s attention as they “woke up” for the first time this year after losing to Cumberland Valley 21-7 in the opener. 28 unanswered points later, the Warriors were looking at a 28-9 home loss. Junior Lek Powell got hot, throwing for 226 yards and two scores with wide outs Mario Easterly snagging eight for 153 yards and Julian Jordan five for 62 and two scores. Like CV, McDevitt in no way is back. But they are improved while still in search of a running game that was nonexistent at Warrior Field. Road trips to Cedar Cliff and especially the year ender at Susquehanna Township will decide the Mid Penn-Keystone as they often do. Note: Gettysburg (1-1, 4A) looks legit to repeat as YA-II champ if they can get past a significantly improved York Suburban team.
18 Central York (1-1) Nice effort by the talented Central York team that gave Cumberland Valley a good game, losing 13-12 in the closing moments. See Cumberland Valley above. Their well-regarded quarterback Beau Pribula had a tough night, completing 8 of 19 passes for 119 yards. The problem was his turnovers were profound and impactful, throwing three interceptions and losing two of three fumbles. It just wasn’t their night, before a monster crowd, crowds the size Coach Oswalt of York says they don’t get in the York-Adams. Who knows the impact on a young team but it was loud with a standing room only crowd. Other factors in the loss was Central York missing a field goal, a Pick-6 called back and too many drive stalling penalties. But hey, give the young Panthers credit. They came to play, holding CV to 100 rush yards and 266 total offense. Both defenses played well with Central York held to 246 total yards, 136r, 110p. Despite Central York’s shortcomings they are a solid group that will be a load perhaps this year, definitely next. So here they are in the Top 20 despite the loss, with their home opener this week against a dangerous Hempfield (1-1) team. Tough one, but one the Panther’s should take if anything is left in the tanks.
19 Lancaster Catholic (2-0, 3A)
Lancaster Catholic dropped from 15th following lackluster performances against Camp Hill in the opener and at Columbia last week. In the former, the Crusaders won 39-25 but allowed Camp Hill’s quarterback to complete 28 of 48 passes for 396 yards and three Td tosses. Against Columbia last week where they won 35-19, they allowed their quarterback Gavin Sullivan to be sacked six times while generating a scant 204 total yards of offense. That’s a shaky performance against struggling AA programs where Columbia suits 33 players. This week’s game is at ELCO (East Lebanon County) against the 0-2 Raiders. They lost their opener to Susquenita 21-19 on a failed 2-point conversion with no time left on the clock, then lost again last week at Lebanon High where the Cedars 12 yard touchdown pass with five seconds in the game was the difference in a 14-9 loss. Talk about hard luck. This is a team with a lot of last year’s parts back from an 8-3 season including junior Qb Braden Bohannan who threw for 498 yards and rushed for another 696. Luke Williams returns with 808 rush yards, TE Eric Williams with 18 receptions for 290 yards and at least three lineman. ELCO has more weapons than Columbia that could make it interesting the way LC has been playing.
20 Hempfield (1-1)
The Black Knights make their first appearance in the rankings after beating Dallastown 26-3 to open the season, then taking Manheim Central to the brink before losing 24-14 in Manheim. Nice effort knowing they switched quarterbacks mid-game from senior Colin Peters, to junior Tanner Hess (5-10, 170). But Tanner got them moving, rushing for 110 yards on 17 carries (87r game 1) and completing three of eight passes for 62 yards. Not a bad response, coming off the bench during a game against last year’s 5A semi-finalist! Curious if the change is permanent (no injury mentioned) knowing the senior had a good opener vs Dallastown, throwing for 128 yards at 65% and rushing for 72 yards. Running back Luke Miller (5-11, 180, sr) had a big night as well, rushing for 105 yards on ten carries. It’s not too often you see anyone field two 100 yards rushers against Manheim Central including Cocalico with that Veer of theirs. Hempfield is that “other” team in the LL-1, dwarfed in the shadow of Wilson who has a four year 25-2 won-loss in conference games then Manheim Township at 23-4. But the Knights are third at 17-10 and never anyone to take for granted. Central York is next, coming off their all out at Cumberland Valley losing 13-12. CY won last year 35-31. And this one looks to be just as tight with both doing well after significant graduation losses.
Honorable Mention:
Cedar Cliff (1-1, 5A) home to Harrisburg 1-1
York Suburban (2-0, 4A) home to East Pennsboro 0-2, 4A
Mount Carmel (1-1, 3A) home to Lewisburg 1-1, 3
Hollidaysburg (2-0, 5A) at State College 2-0
Governor Mifflin (0-2, 5A) at Cocalico 2-0, 5A
Milton Hershey (1-1, 5A) at Hershey 1-1, 5A
York (1-1, 5A) home to Cedar Crest 1-1, 5A
Northeastern (2-0, 5A) home to Mifflin County 0-2
Jersey Shore (2-0, 4A) at Montoursville 2-0, 3A
Red Lion (2-0) home to Chambersburg 2-0
West Perry (2-0, 4A) home to Camp Hill 1-1, 2A
Cedar Crest (2-0) at York 1-1, 5A
1 Harrisburg (1-1)
Archbishop Hoban of Akron scored on the first play from scrimmage then went on to thump Harrisburg 42-12. Down 35 to 6 at the half, Harrisburg had nothing against the bigger, faster Knights who outgained them 383 total yards to 196 while rushing for 231 yards and allowing 51. Arizona State recruit Deamonte Trayanum led all rushers with 141 yards on 21 carries. Hoban Qb Shane Hamm completed 8 of 18 for 158 yards while Naraci Williams completed 5 of 12 for 108 yards as John McNeil connected on 4 of 6 for 38 yards for the Burg. Hoban moves on to play Cardinal Mooney while Harrisburg goes to West Shore Stadium to play Cedar Cliff (1-1) who is also coming off a bad loss to LL-2 power Cocalico, 43-15. Talk about a score (43-15) that got your attention, especially for Manheim Central who plays Cocalico the 20th in Denver! About Harrisburg; they’re more than Cedar Cliff but the Colts have one of the better backs in central PA in Jaheim Morris who tagged Cocalico last week for 215 yards rushing.
2 State College (2-0)
State College scored with 6:39 left in the game after recovering a fumble at St, Augustine Prep’s seven yard line to defeat the Hermits 20-17 at the Lion’s temporary field (South Track) in their home opener. Isaiah Edwards took a direct snap in for the score. Qb Brady Dorner had a three yard run while Dresyn Green added a 68 yard run for the other score. One of St. Augustine’s scores came on a one yard burst by Texas A&M commit Isaiah Raikes (6-1, 315, sr). It’s been a good series with the two battling long and hard last year in Richland, NJ before SC pulled away for the 19-7 win. The Golden Tigers of Hollidaysburg are next and what a surprise they are at 2-0 after big graduation losses. Junior quarterback Bryce Martellacci (6-1, 170) stepped in effectively for the graduated Brady Walters (1684-56%, 1124r), completing 14 of 19 for 152 yards and rushing for 58 more in last week’s 27-0 win against Mifflin County (0-2, 6A, D6). Senior FB Trent Paddock (6-6, 230) rushed for 127 yards on 27 carries as the young defense (sophs/jrs) held the Huskies to 220 total yards. That won’t hold up to State’s speed and physicality but they could make it exciting.
3 Manheim Township (2-0)
Township blitzed the rebuilding Wildcats of Dallastown getting nine TFLs and four turnovers while surging to a 42-0 half time score! Dtown had no answer, held to 108 rush yards and 130 through the air while the Blue Streaks rolled out 472 (404r) total yards of offense. Jaden Floyd ran for 208 yards with two Tds. Senior Qb Harrison Kirk didn’t have to throw but stayed loose with four completions in ten attempts for 89 yards and a Td pass while rushing for two Tds. After beating CD East and Dtown by a combined score of 99-13, they finally get a test with Central Dauphin (1-1) in Friday night. CD’s getting it together, opening with a 21-13 loss at Wilson then bouncing back last week at home against Berks Catholic (1-1, 4A) 31-6. Township won last year’s regular season game 22-12 before getting blanked in the postseason 27-0. Similar teams, big, physical, legit, although Township is farther along under center and 4-1 each of the last five years at home.
4 Wilson (2-0)
Wilson had a surprisingly easy time last week against fading Governor Mifflin winning 56-7 at Mifflin! Evidently high expectations were premature as the Mustangs now appear a year away. Flip that for Wilson who seems to have all the right pieces in all the right places now. Qb Caleb Brown (6-0, 175, jr) is a pleasant surprise showing a good arm connecting with Brady Gibble for 104 yards and two scores on three receptions. Speedster Mason Lenart (5-6, 160, jr) zipped for 110 yards on three carries for two scores while Avanti Lockhart (6-2, 215, sr) does the heavy lifting with two carries for 45 yards. Brutal dude at MLB too, with 12 tackles. The OL is firing with the return of All-League Nate Keller (6-0, 275), OL/DL Jean Ventura (5-9, 220), OL/DL Anthony Koper (6-0, 240) and C/DL Adam Vanino (6-1, 255). This week finds them in Royersford playing Spring Ford (1-1) who just stuffed Truman 56-19. Wilson and the Rams have history with Coach Chad Brubaker (9th year 82-27) the former OC at Wilson (12 total yrs at Wilson) for four years prior to Spring Ford. He worked with Coach Cantafio and Doug Dahms. Fortunately a series grew from this relationship that has been both entertaining and impactful, with real influence in their respective districts. Although Wilson won all three games, last year’s 33-22 win was the widest margin. 2017’s was a 28-21 win with 2016 seeing a 41-40 double overtime game go Wilson’s way. Wilson is starting to look special but the Rams will test them with a capable receiver corps led by Dante Bonanni (6-1, 185, Sr, 14/192p) and someone who can get it to him in Ryan Engro (6-1, 185, Sr, 538p-88r, 63%, 6/2). At 6-1, 210 pounds, running back Amante Haynes (33/196r) can gash you. Should see an active scoreboard especially if Spring-Ford’s secondary hasn’t tightened up since CB South.
5 Central Dauphin (1-1)
It’s never a good thing coming to Landis after the Rams suffered a loss, especially to bitter rival Wilson in the opener 21-13. But Berks Catholic is no normal program, striking out the last two years scheduling Malvern Prep, McDonogh, Central Dauphin and Exeter with playoff experience against Southern Columbia, Cathedral Prep and Bishop McDevitt who they beat in 2017’s playoff 45-24. So they get around for a smaller school, amassing a record of 88-16 since becoming Berks Catholic in 2011. But none of that helped them Friday with a fired up Ram bunch lowering the boom for a 31-6 rout against the overwhelmed Saints. This was total shutdown, leading 24-0 at the half, holding star running back Abdul MacFoy to 36 yards on nine carries and the team to 128 total yards of offense. The Rams found their back in Tim Smith who ran for 219 yards on 16 carries for three touchdowns. Up next is a road trip to Manheim Township before getting into conference action at Cumberland Valley.
6 Southern Columbia (2-0, 2A)
The Tigers smothered Mount Carmel last week holding a decent offense to seven first downs, 149 total yards of offense and 35 rushing. The D also forced seven punts in the first half alone! After shutting out South Carolina’s top private school Hammond 36-0 two weeks ago and now MCA 48-0, no wonder Coach Roth says this could be his best defense ever. As always, the offense was a juggernaut, churning out 291 yards on the ground with Gaige Garcia at 94 yards on 9 carries and Gavin Garcia at 86 yards on 5 carries. Wide out Julian Fleming had 66 yards on 6 catches with quarterback Preston Zachman throwing for 85 yards on 8 completions in 11 attempts. Maybe undefeated Montoursville (2-0, 3A) averaging 58ppg, allowing 9 or Jersey Shore (2-0, 4A) averaging 46 a game allowing 18, will develop over the coming weeks, not playing SCA until the 9th and 7th week respectively. The sorting out process begins Saturday as the two facing off Friday in Montoursville. In the interim, SCA travels to Selinsgrove (1-1, 4A) who got shellacked by a powerful and veteran Jersey Shore team last week 36-0 where JS’s Qb Tanner Lorson passed for 268 yards and rushed for another 132.
7 Warwick (2-0, 5A)
Quarterback Joey McCracken completed 13 of 19 passes for 248 yards and four touchdowns as the Warriors swamped Garden Spot 56-13. McCracken had Td tosses of 56, 9, 56 and 7 yards, with Caleb Schmitz snagging four for 99 yards and Justin Gerhart getting four for 69 more. Conor Adams had a 60 yard punt return for a score and three receptions for 34 yards. All three caught a touchdown pass. A 35-0 halftime score settled it with Warwick getting 420 total yards of offense to G-Spot’s 351. There’s a big LL1-LL2 crossover game (mandated) this week with Manheim Central (2-0, 5A) in for what promises to be one of the more exciting games in south central PA. The Barons won last year 27-20 in Manheim. This one should be at least as tight as these neighboring rivals are but five miles from each other, what we call “next door” in rural America.
8 Manheim Central (2-0, 5A)
Manheim Central survived another close call but fell in the rankings from 5th to 8th after edging a Hempfield team still figuring out who their quarterback is. Two weeks ago saw MC edge Susquehanna Township 16-7, rushing for a mere 96 yards while being out-distanced 266 total yards to 183. Last week’s effort against a weaker but respected opponent in the midst of a serious rebuild saw them get 10 first downs with another poor rushing outcome of 92 yards on 32 attempts. Once again they came up short in total yardage 231 to 243. Although they lost 24-14, Hempfield’s effort vaulted them into the Top 20 at #20. The Barons move on to Warwick in Lititz where they’ll need to show much more than shown the previous two weeks if they hope to survive against one of the most explosive offenses in the state and come home with a win.
9 Cocalico (2-0, 5A)
Cocalico is showing why they may be the best 5A in the mid-state, with impressive road wins at Conrad Weiser 42-15 and Cedar Cliff 43-15. Their “Mr Everything” quarterback Noah Palm (All-State, two way talent) is doing it all, rushing for 98 yards on 18 carries for three scores, completing three of four passes for 75 yards and a touchdown, and returning a fumble 92 yards for another score last week. He accounted for 214 total yards of offense the week before! What’s strange about the Cedar Cliff game is you’d think Cocalico lost looking at stats alone that show the Colts out-distancing Cocalico 472 to 239 in total yards. No misprint, 472 to 239. CC’s Qb Gannon McCusker completed 19 of 32 passes for 235 yards while running back Jaheim Morris gained 215 yards on 25 carries. Cocalico finished with 264 rush yards and 75 passing. The defense is flush with first year starters and will need to take the next opponent, winless Governor Mifflin (0-2), seriously. Then comes currently undefeated Elizabethtown, Manheim Township and Manheim Central, all 2-0. Mifflin has too much talent to say winless much longer while Etown’s Bears will sling it, even with a sophomore Qb in Patrick Gilhool (6-1, 180). Last year’s starter Cole Patrick threw for 2572 yards with 27 Tds under first year coach Andy Brenuit, a former Bear record holding Qb and standout at Kutztown. Then comes Manheim Township and Manheim Central back to back. Better tighten up!
10 Chambersburg (2-0)
Top 10 ranking should be reserved for the very best, making it a little strange putting Chambersburg here. They’re good, but come with asterisks. Realistically, once you get past the 6th and 7th teams in a local or state poll (not national), you’ll often encounter teams with clear flaws or what’s perceived as flaws, such as Manheim Central’s inability to establish a running game, Cocalico’s lack of balance and a youthful defense, and in the case of Chambersburg, while talented with much of last year’s team back fueled by a superior talent at running back, they haven’t been tested. But they’re doing what you’re supposed to do against a weak slate, blowing em out. They defeated Greencastle Antrim 56-13 in the opener and South Western 35-7 last week behind senior quarterback Brady Stumbaugh (6-0, 165, sr), two talented backs in Keyshawn Jones (5-9, 190, sr) and Jayden Jones (6-0, 180, jr), and quick receivers in Terrell Williams (6-2, 230, sr) and Kevin Lee (5-8, 150, jr). They held South Western to 174 total yards, allowing but 51 rush yards (1.2 ypc) with DTs Tyrion Hodges (6-0, 260) and Wyatt Hull (6-0, 230) plus DE Terrell Williams each getting a sack and numerous hurries. The quality level ramps up considerably this week in Red Lion, playing the unbeaten Lions. Could be a tough spot for the Trojans, this being RL’s home opener after defeating them last year in Chambersburg 28-19.
11 Cumberland Valley (2-0)
How about Cumberland Valley who has run the Wing-T since forever, going to the air to get the win in the final three minutes of the game by overcoming a 12-6 deficit to pull it out. Qb Alex Kovach (8-14/166) went on a tear through the air, driving the Eagles 81 yards in a minute and a half while completing six passes. A 20 yard strike to SE Logan Ramper (4/69) knotted the score following a 4th and two conversion a few moments before. Tim Kissinger booted the extra point for the 13-12 win, with 28 and 42 yard field goals in the first half. Special Teams! Same for Central York where a busted play blew a 2-pt conversion (looked like a low snap) to help set up CV’s one point victory. Logan Ramper picking off Beau Pribula at CV’s 45 yard line to seal it. What a battle; even stats at 266-CV to 243-CY, excepting Central York’s six turnovers, showing the expected stress in the hostile environment of Chapman Field for the sophomore quarterback who fumbled three time and threw three picks. Not to rain on anyone’s parade but CV still has a lot of work to do. Always great beating McDevitt in the opener and the improved program at Central York if factoring in both are total rebuilds, not veteran, senior laden adversaries. You expected a bounce coming off last year’s 3-7 campaign and we’ll see how high that bounce takes them with a meat grinder of a schedule ahead, playing Coatesville, Central Dauphin, Harrisburg and Chambersburg consecutively, starting Friday vs Coatesville.
12 Shippensburg (2-0, 5A)
Shippensburg had no trouble getting past York-Adams II teams, beating Dover (0-2, 5A) 41-7 in the opener and West York (0-2, 4A) 38-0 last week. The Greyhounds have a stable of backs running behind a big line with Alex Sharrow getting 156 yards (140 last week), Max Kalb at 79 on seven carries and fullback Jacob Foy blasting for 78 yards on eleven carries. Zac Manning throws as needed completing 7 of 10 on the year for 138 yards. Bermudian Springs (1-1, 3A) is next. Coach Jon DeFor built a program in York Springs in his 18th season, fielding competitive teams, with a 93-34 record the last 11 years. Problem is, they’re in the same neighborhood as historic powerhouse Wyomissing and more recent powers at Middletown and Berks Catholic. Ship beat them last year 37-17 and will name it here after a hard fought 1st, maybe 2nd quarter. Its country football back there (use to play them) with the smaller rural towns/teams lining up and just pounding you, as if throwing the football was cheating.
13 Middletown (2-0, 3A)
Middletown led 28-0 in the 3rd quarter against Northern before the Polar Bears got a 58 yard Pick-6 in a 34-7 loss to the Blue Raiders. Speaking of lining up and pounding it, that’s Middletown. And with a back like Jose Lopez (1st Team All-State) getting 246 yards with scores of 66, 32, 64 and 13 yards, whose blaming them for not slinging it. They are working in two new Qbs in Tony Powell (5/13/98) and Julio Rodriguez (1/1/64). Rodriguez’s pass went for 64 yards to Tim Wagner for six. Bottom line, Middletown has the speed and backs to get it done on the ground with a defense and special teams that often put them in good field position. This week sees them at McDevitt (1-1) seeing if they can atone for last year’s 40-14 home loss. McDevitt had an awesome lineup last year that had significant grad losses especially on offense. This one should be far more competitive.
14 Berks Catholic (1-1, 4A)
Berks Catholic plummeted in the rankings from 8th to 14th following last week’s 31-6 loss at Central Dauphin after escaping Exeter the week before, 14-10. Against Central Dauphin, all their primary weapons were neutralized by the larger more athletic Rams who held them to 128 total yards of offense and running back Abdul MacFoy to 36 yards. CD did what CD does; pounding you with versatile, athletic backs behind a big line, tossing it a few times to keep you honest, then beating the crap out of you with aggressive/active defense and special teams. Ram ball! It doesn’t get any better this week for BC traveling to McDonogh School (1-0, MD) who just beat Malvern Prep 34-13 at MP. Their line is as physical as CD’s but bigger/better, knowing they gouged the Friars for 486 yards on the ground. BC will win out if they get past McDonogh healthy, with the possible exception of a good, possibly undefeated Wyomissing team at the end of the year.
15 Susquehanna Twp (1-1, 4A)
Susquehanna Township had another strong performance from their defense and enough offense to get a 20-13 road win against a talented Milton Hershey team (1-1, 4A). Meanwhile, “Hanna” continues to impress. Two weeks ago saw them lose at Manheim Central 16-7, getting six sacks while keeping the Barons out of the end zone with scores coming on field goals and a recovered fumble in the end zone. This week against a more athletic (but young) team, they held MH to 79 rush yards and 192 up top. Spartans Qb Tigere Mavesere completed 16 of 31 passes but threw three picks. Sophomore Dion Bryant rushed for 106 yards as split end Avohn Cross collected eight passes for 118 yards. But with six turnovers, little of that reached the scoreboard. Rashaan Carlton found BIG holes in the Spartan defense, completing just 9 of 22 passes but for 234 yards. 234 yards! Bilal Weidler caught four of them for 184 yards and Td strikes of 74 and 95 yards. Bottom line, the Indians outdistanced MH 344 to 272 total yards. Huntingdon (1-1, 3A) is next from District-6’s Mountain Conference. ST won last year 26-21.
16 Exeter Township (1-1, 5A)
A 21 point 2nd quarter did in the Bears of Boyertown who put up little resistance in a 37-0 rout. The Eagles garnered 357 yards in offense (190r, 167p) while Boyertown got 130, (108r, 22p) and only six first downs. Tough home opener for the Bears. Exeter has quality skill people back and will challenge in the Berks-1 this year with a solid running back in Jeremiah Nixon rushing for 154 yards on 17 carries; 9.05ypc last week. Qb Gavin McCusker (6-2, 190, jr) stepped into the starting role this year replacing Kolby Haag. Tough job as Kolby threw for 1653 yards at 64% with a Td/Pik ratio of 16/2. To date, Gavin has four touchdown passes, and a completion percentage of 69, good on 25 of 36 passes. They have a sure handed weapon on the outside in Alex Javier (6-1, 175, sr) who can scoot. He had five receptions for 98 yards and two Tds last week after leading the team with 35 catches for 708 yards last year. Then there’s Devon Scott (5-7, 155, sr) who can also motor, leading the team with 11 receptions for 140 yards. The only reason they’re not 2-0 is the 19 penalties for 150 yards in the opener against Berks Catholic, a game they lost 14-10. Lower Dauphin (1-1, 5A) is next for Exeter’s home opener that should see them lighting things up!
17 Bishop McDevitt (1-1, 4A)
When Gettysburg and McDevitt get together you know it’s going to be a wild game. McDevitt is unquestionable more talented but the Warriors manage to find a way to keep it close, at least for a while, giving the Crusaders a non-conference wakeup call before conference action. Last year’s team took them to the limit before losing 48-35. This year’s team minus critical parts of last year’s 8-3 York-Adams-II title team, jumped on McDevitt early, with a safety and short field touchdown providing a 9-0 first quarter lead. This served to get McDevitt’s attention as they “woke up” for the first time this year after losing to Cumberland Valley 21-7 in the opener. 28 unanswered points later, the Warriors were looking at a 28-9 home loss. Junior Lek Powell got hot, throwing for 226 yards and two scores with wide outs Mario Easterly snagging eight for 153 yards and Julian Jordan five for 62 and two scores. Like CV, McDevitt in no way is back. But they are improved while still in search of a running game that was nonexistent at Warrior Field. Road trips to Cedar Cliff and especially the year ender at Susquehanna Township will decide the Mid Penn-Keystone as they often do. Note: Gettysburg (1-1, 4A) looks legit to repeat as YA-II champ if they can get past a significantly improved York Suburban team.
18 Central York (1-1) Nice effort by the talented Central York team that gave Cumberland Valley a good game, losing 13-12 in the closing moments. See Cumberland Valley above. Their well-regarded quarterback Beau Pribula had a tough night, completing 8 of 19 passes for 119 yards. The problem was his turnovers were profound and impactful, throwing three interceptions and losing two of three fumbles. It just wasn’t their night, before a monster crowd, crowds the size Coach Oswalt of York says they don’t get in the York-Adams. Who knows the impact on a young team but it was loud with a standing room only crowd. Other factors in the loss was Central York missing a field goal, a Pick-6 called back and too many drive stalling penalties. But hey, give the young Panthers credit. They came to play, holding CV to 100 rush yards and 266 total offense. Both defenses played well with Central York held to 246 total yards, 136r, 110p. Despite Central York’s shortcomings they are a solid group that will be a load perhaps this year, definitely next. So here they are in the Top 20 despite the loss, with their home opener this week against a dangerous Hempfield (1-1) team. Tough one, but one the Panther’s should take if anything is left in the tanks.
19 Lancaster Catholic (2-0, 3A)
Lancaster Catholic dropped from 15th following lackluster performances against Camp Hill in the opener and at Columbia last week. In the former, the Crusaders won 39-25 but allowed Camp Hill’s quarterback to complete 28 of 48 passes for 396 yards and three Td tosses. Against Columbia last week where they won 35-19, they allowed their quarterback Gavin Sullivan to be sacked six times while generating a scant 204 total yards of offense. That’s a shaky performance against struggling AA programs where Columbia suits 33 players. This week’s game is at ELCO (East Lebanon County) against the 0-2 Raiders. They lost their opener to Susquenita 21-19 on a failed 2-point conversion with no time left on the clock, then lost again last week at Lebanon High where the Cedars 12 yard touchdown pass with five seconds in the game was the difference in a 14-9 loss. Talk about hard luck. This is a team with a lot of last year’s parts back from an 8-3 season including junior Qb Braden Bohannan who threw for 498 yards and rushed for another 696. Luke Williams returns with 808 rush yards, TE Eric Williams with 18 receptions for 290 yards and at least three lineman. ELCO has more weapons than Columbia that could make it interesting the way LC has been playing.
20 Hempfield (1-1)
The Black Knights make their first appearance in the rankings after beating Dallastown 26-3 to open the season, then taking Manheim Central to the brink before losing 24-14 in Manheim. Nice effort knowing they switched quarterbacks mid-game from senior Colin Peters, to junior Tanner Hess (5-10, 170). But Tanner got them moving, rushing for 110 yards on 17 carries (87r game 1) and completing three of eight passes for 62 yards. Not a bad response, coming off the bench during a game against last year’s 5A semi-finalist! Curious if the change is permanent (no injury mentioned) knowing the senior had a good opener vs Dallastown, throwing for 128 yards at 65% and rushing for 72 yards. Running back Luke Miller (5-11, 180, sr) had a big night as well, rushing for 105 yards on ten carries. It’s not too often you see anyone field two 100 yards rushers against Manheim Central including Cocalico with that Veer of theirs. Hempfield is that “other” team in the LL-1, dwarfed in the shadow of Wilson who has a four year 25-2 won-loss in conference games then Manheim Township at 23-4. But the Knights are third at 17-10 and never anyone to take for granted. Central York is next, coming off their all out at Cumberland Valley losing 13-12. CY won last year 35-31. And this one looks to be just as tight with both doing well after significant graduation losses.
Honorable Mention:
Cedar Cliff (1-1, 5A) home to Harrisburg 1-1
York Suburban (2-0, 4A) home to East Pennsboro 0-2, 4A
Mount Carmel (1-1, 3A) home to Lewisburg 1-1, 3
Hollidaysburg (2-0, 5A) at State College 2-0
Governor Mifflin (0-2, 5A) at Cocalico 2-0, 5A
Milton Hershey (1-1, 5A) at Hershey 1-1, 5A
York (1-1, 5A) home to Cedar Crest 1-1, 5A
Northeastern (2-0, 5A) home to Mifflin County 0-2
Jersey Shore (2-0, 4A) at Montoursville 2-0, 3A
Red Lion (2-0) home to Chambersburg 2-0
West Perry (2-0, 4A) home to Camp Hill 1-1, 2A
Cedar Crest (2-0) at York 1-1, 5A
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