Aaron Achey, Senior QB, ELCO – Achey returns to the Raiders for his senior season after putting together the best year of his career. He ran for 1,183 yards and 18 touchdowns while adding 941 passing yards and seven more touchdowns. He averaged 192 yards of offense per game, throwing for 100 or more yards four times and running for 100 or more yards six times. Achey’s run for 2,475 yards and thrown for 2,302 yards in his career, totaling 53 combined touchdowns. Defensively, Achey added 71 tackles, a sack, and four interceptions.
Aaron Sye, Senior WR/DB, Bishop McDevitt – Sye doubles as a receiver and a defensive back for the Crusaders, but he did 99 percent of his damage offensively. He finished second on the team in receiving yardage last year, chalking up 469 yards and four touchdowns on 30 receptions. He averaged 15.6 yards per reception and just under 43 yards per game, surpassing 100 yards against Altoona Area.
Adam Sentz, Junior QB, York Catholic – Sentz opened the year with a bang, running up 347 yards of total offense in a game against Shenandoah Valley. After that game, he cooled off a bit. He finished his sophomore campaign with 716 passing yards, 276 rushing yards, and nine total touchdowns (eight passing). He surpassed 100 yards passing in a game three times and 100 yards rushing once.
Alex George, Senior QB, West York Area – George will be one of the top returning quarterbacks in all of York County this 2009 season. He helped lead West York to its third District 3 championship, and directed an offense that averaged 42.1 points per game. He completed 93-of-170 passes for 1,641 yards with 18 touchdowns against eight interceptions, adding 237 yards and five additional scores on the ground. He threw for 100 yards or more in a game seven times, twice surpassing the 200-yard mark.
Alex Patchin, Senior WR, Camp Hill – Patchin figures to become a feature target in Camp Hill’s aerial attack next season. He finished as the Lions’ third-leading receiver, hauling in 26 passes for 335 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Patchin averaged nearly 12.9 yards per reception.
Andrew Burkholder, Senior DB, Ephrata – Burkholder finished the ’08 season as Ephrata’s leading tackler, registering 104 tackles (57 solo) and three blocked field goals. He averaged 10.4 tackles per game, and posted a season-high 18 tackles against Solanco. One week later, Burkholder had a 17-tackle game against Elizabethtown, and added three other games in which he recorded 12 tackles.
Andrew Pacana, Senior RB, Donegal – Pacana finished as the Indians’ second-leading rusher behind Kyle Witmer, who ran for over 1,300 yards. Pacana totaled 529 yards and five touchdowns on 89 carries, averaging 5.9 yards per carry and nearly 53 yards per game. He surpassed 100 rushing yards in a game once, against Annville-Cleona.
Anthony Defabio, Senior LB, Dallastown – Defabio was a two-way threat for the Wildcats, averaging 5.8 yards per carry and scoring three touchdowns on offense, but he did the majority of his damage defensively. He finished with 93 tackles, four quarterback sacks, two interceptions, and a fumble recovery. He averaged 8.5 tackles per game, helping lead Dallastown to the “AAAA” playoffs, where the Wildcats fell to Penn Manor.
Arthur Doakes, Senior OL, Lebanon – Doakes might be the largest returning lineman to the Lancaster-Lebanon League. Listed at 6’6, 320 pounds, he helped pave the way for one of Lebanon’s most successful offenses ever – one that averaged 442 yards and 35.7 points per game a season ago. He recently committed to Pittsburgh.
Artie Rowell, Junior OL/DL, Central Dauphin – A future Division-1 prospect in the Class of 2011, Rowell gained experience on the defensive side of the ball last season, racking up 43 tackles (18 solo), two sacks, and a fumble recovery. He averaged 3.9 tackles per game, and finished the year with a seven-tackle game in the District 3 playoffs against Governor Mifflin. Rowell had three games of five or more tackles last season.
Austin Hartman, Junior FB, Cocalico – Hartman could, when his career is all said and done, put a serious assault on the school’s career rushing yardage record, currently owned by Tab Musser. Hartman toted the rock 200 times for 1,587 yards and 10 touchdowns last season, averaging 7.9 yards per carry and 132 yards per game. His best game of the ’08 season came in the District 3 playoffs against Susquehanna Township – 23 carries, 344 yards, four touchdowns.
Ben Dupree, Senior QB, Susquehanna Township – Dupree could be regarded as one of the top-5 returning quarterbacks in District 3. He’s a dual-threat quarterback, throwing for over 2,500 yards the last 2 years. In 2008, Dupree threw for 1,267 yards and 11 touchdowns, adding 777 yards and 10 touchdowns on the ground. He averaged over 4.5 yards per carry and nearly 127 passing yards per game.
Ben Meyers, Junior QB, Pequea Valley – Yardage-wise, Meyers had a successful season for the winless Braves. He completed 155-of-298 passes for 1,762 yards and 11 touchdowns. He averaged 251.7 passing yards per game after replacing Mike Rice as the starter. If he continues this pace, Meyers will become the first Pequea Valley quarterback to ever throw for 5,000 yards. He’s on pace to throw for 5,286 yards in his career.
Bernie Roell, Senior K, Daniel Boone – Roell converted 48 extra points and kicked four field goals, scoring 60 of Daniel Boone’s 400 points on the season.
Brad Medellin, Senior QB, Red Land – He didn’t put up big numbers, but take away the six interceptions he threw between West Perry and York-William Penn combined, and Medellin was efficient. Medellin completed 74-of-113 passes (65.5 percent) for 745 yards and six touchdowns, but he threw eight picks. He averaged 67.7 yards passing per game, and twice threw for over 100 yards in a game.
Brandon Kenney, Senior DB, Central York – Kenney is the top returner to the Panthers’ defensive backfield. Last season, he totaled 46 tackles (19 solo), picked off four passes, and deflected 12 others. He intercepted two passes against Harrisburg in the opening round of the District 3 playoffs.
Brandon Varner, Senior RB/WR, West Perry – Varner helped the Mustangs as a dual-threat, running and pass-catching. He ran for 550 yards and a pair of touchdowns on 95 carries, and caught 23 passes for 484 yards and three additional touchdowns. Varner averaged 5.8 yards per carry and over 21 yards per reception.
Brian Reese, Senior QB, Chambersburg Area – Division-1 prospects don’t always need to play for winning football teams – Reese’s Trojans won just one game last season, and haven’t had much to write home about in the football department in many a recent year. Reese is a 6’2, 220-pound prospect with interest from Arkansas, Cincinnati, Louisville, Michigan State, NC State, Temple, Virginia, and East Carolina.
Brock Snider, Senior RB/WR, Solanco – Snider served as a threat both as a runner and a pass catcher. He ran for 304 yards and one touchdown while adding 17 receptions for 342 yards and two additional touchdowns. Snider ran for a season-high 73 yards against Lebanon, and had 106 receiving yards and both receiving touchdowns against Ephrata. He averaged over four yards per carry and 20 yards per reception.
Brody Myers, Senior LB, Ephrata – Myers is a 6’1, 225-pound athlete, and he did the majority of his damage defensively. When the dust settled on the ’08 season, Myers had tallied 86 tackles (44 solo), a sack, and an interception. He averaged 8.6 tackles per contest, and twice surpassed 10 tackles in a game.
Casey Ebersole, Senior DB, Manheim Central – Ebersole did a load of damage on the defensive side of the ball for Manheim Central last season, chalking up 60 tackles (39 solo) and picking off a team-best seven passes. Ebersole, who averaged 4.3 tackles per game, had a single game in which he posted 10 tackles – it came against “AAAA” western finalist Wilson-West Lawn.
Chad Tyson, Sophomore WR, Pequea Valley – Tyson figures to be the feature target of the future for the Braves once two-time All-state receiver Sean Persch graduates. The 6’0 wideout snared 52 passes for 529 yards and three touchdowns. Tyson averaged 10.1 yards per reception and 58.8 receiving yards per game.
Chad Wisniewski, Senior LB, Muhlenberg – He finished as the team leader in tackles last season, with 90 of them, including 62 solo stops. Wisniewski also added a sack and two interceptions to his stat line. He posted a season-best 16 tackles against Governor Mifflin and 14 tackles against Wyomissing.
Charles Kyeremeh, Senior RB, Cedar Crest – He finished as the Falcons’ leading rusher last season, tallying 97 carries for 597 yards and nine touchdowns, averaging 5.9 yards per carry and just under 58 yards per game. Kyeremeh scored a season-high three touchdowns against Conrad Weiser, and ran for a season-best 143 yards against Reading.
Chaz Sheaffer, Senior FB, West Perry – Sheaffer finished the season as the Mustangs’ leading rusher, totaling 677 yards and 11 touchdowns on 163 carries. He averaged 4.2 yards per carry and did not top 100 yards rushing in any game last year. Sheaffer did have 183 all-purpose yards and scored one touchdown against Northern York, which ended in a 43-16 loss.
Chris Stremmel, Senior LB, Lower Dauphin – Stremmel finished the season as one of the Falcons’ leading tacklers last season, totaling 83 tackles (33 solo), two sacks, and an interception. He averaged 8.3 tackles per game and had three games of 10+ tackles, including a season-high 14 tackles against Altoona Area.
Codie Butler, Senior RB, Conrad Weiser – Butler finished as the Scouts’ leading rusher last year, topping 1,000 yards rushing for the second consecutive season. He finished the year with 177 carries for 1,065 yards and 23 touchdowns, averaging 6.1 yards per carry. Butler ran for 100 yards or more in a game five times. In a three week stretch, he ran for 481 yards and eight touchdowns against Holy Name, Governor Mifflin, and Pottsville.
Cody Cooper, Senior LB, Upper Dauphin Area – Cooper finished the season with 84 tackles (19 solo) and a pair of sacks. He averaged 7.6 tackles per game, and had three games in which he posted 10 total tackles.
Cody Waltimyer, Senior RB, York Suburban – Suburban only reported its first seven games to Maxpreps.com. In those seven games, Waltimyer ran for 794 yards on 100 carries. He torched Columbia for 227 rushing yards in a Week 2 game. YS finished the ’08 season 7-4 overall, and qualified for the District 3 “AA” playoffs, falling the first round to Delone Catholic.
Colton Charles, Senior DB, Central Dauphin – Charles proved you don’t need gaudy numbers to be a Division-1 prospect. He registered just two tackles and recovered a fumble on defense, but has drawn interest from Michigan State, Oklahoma, Penn State, Purdue, and Boise State. Charles runs a 4.41 40-yard dash, according to Rivals.com. He was more of an offensive threat than anything else last season, running for 148 yards and one touchdown.
Corey Ford, Senior DB, Bishop McDevitt – Ford will be one of the leaders in the McDevitt defensive backfield this coming season after he registered 36 tackles (25 solo) and picked off three passes. Ford had a season-best nine tackles against Cedar Cliff, and finished seven games with three or more tackles. He’s another potential Division-1 prospect for the Crusaders, who will field one of their best teams ever in 2009.
Corey Harris, Senior RB/CB, West York Area – Harris is a Division-1 prospect for the Bulldogs, and had generated interest from schools like Arkansas, Michigan State, Louisville, and Pittsburgh. Offensively, he totaled 765 all-purpose yards (491 rushing) and scored six total touchdowns. Defensively, he added 48 tackles, intercepted four passes, and recovered a fumble.
Dakota Royer, Senior ATH, Manheim Central – Royer might be one of the highest-profile Division-1 recruits to ever come out of Manheim. The 6’3, 220-pound athlete ran for 271 yards and four scores, hauled in a team-best 56 passes for 1,099 yards and five scores, and racked up 81 tackles and 11 sacks. For his career, Royer has totaled 198 tackles and 21.5 sacks.
Dan Thomas, Senior DL, Biglerville – The 6’0, 220-pound Thomas tallied 48 tackles (35 solo), finished second on the team in sacks with six, and recovered two fumbles. Her averaged 4.3 tackles per game, and had two games (Spring Grove and Hanover) with multiple sacks. Thomas was part of a Canner defense that allowed an average of 15.1 points per game.
Dan Trafford, Senior RB/WR, Manheim Central – If you want to compile a list of the better multi-purpose athletes in District 3, Dan Trafford had better be on the list. The senior-to-be ran for 198 yards, hauled in 34 passes for 679 yards, and returned 32 kicks/punts for 490 yards, scoring 10 total touchdowns. Defensively, he added 65 tackles, two interceptions, a fumble recovery, blocked punt, and blocked field goal.
Darion Bundy, Senior LB, West York Area – Bundy was a defensive force for the Bulldogs last season, racking up 45 tackles (25 solo), 3.5 quarterback sacks, a team-best seven interceptions, and two fumble recoveries.
Derec Suave, Senior QB, Susquenita – Susquenita struggled, posting just two wins last year, but its field general had a pretty successful season, stats wise. Suave completed 121-of-234 passes for 1,567 yards and 13 touchdowns against 11 interceptions. He averaged nearly 196 passing yards per game, and led a Blackhawks offense that averaged 15.1 points per game.
Derek Hart, Junior WR, Manheim Central – He missed the majority of Central’s season with an injury, but this 6’4 target, along with Dakota Royer and Dan Trafford, will make the Barons’ passing attack even tougher to defense. He caught 13 passes for 173 yards and a touchdown in limited action last season.
Dimitri Ovid, Junior LB, Muhlenberg – Ovid was an avid tackler on defense last season, racking up 81 tackles (50 solo). He averaged 7.4 tackles per contest last season, twice topping 10 tackles in a game. Ovid had 13 tackles against Governor Mifflin and 11 against Twin Valley.
DJ Robinson, Junior WR, Conrad Weiser – For only being a sophomore, Robinson sure played big, finishing as the team’s second-leading rusher and leading receiver. He totaled 84 carries for 660 yards and seven touchdowns, averaging nearly 7.9 yards per carry. Robinson also added 35 receptions for 394 yards and four more touchdowns, averaging close to 11.3 yards per reception.
Drew Zebertavage, Junior QB, Reading Central Catholic – Just a sophomore last season, Zebertavage led RCC to a 5-5 record and helped the team average close to 21 points per game. He threw for 611 yards and 10 touchdowns, completing just under 50 percent of his passes. Zebertavage threw for a season-best 167 yards against Scotland School.
Dustin McFarland, Junior LB, Cedar Crest – McFarland had a successful statistical season despite being part of a defense that allowed over 30 points per game. He registered 80 tackles (32 solo), one sack, two fumble recoveries, and blocked a punt. McFarland had three games with 10 or more total tackles, including a season-high 14 stops against Manheim Township. Two weeks prior, he posted 12 tackles against Warwick.
Dusty Reed, Senior RB, Delone Catholic – Reed, like the Squires, had a pretty successful 2008 season. He toted the rock 112 times for 1,082 yards and 12 touchdowns and added 10 receptions for 150 yards and five additional touchdowns. He averaged 9.66 yards per carry, 15 yards per reception, and 112 all-purpose yards per game. Impressively, Reed finished seven games averaging more than 10 yards per carry.
Eric Ondo, Junior DB, ELCO – A two-way threat for the Raiders, Ondo contributed as a wide receiver in addition to defensive back. He hauled in 9 passes for 204 yards and a pair of touchdowns, averaging over 22 yards per reception. Defensively, Ondo racked up 56 tackles, a sack, and four interceptions. Ondo had four games with seven or more tackles.
Ethan Hornbarger, Senior FB, Kennard-Dale – Hornbarger was one of the driving forces behind Kennard-Dale’s offensive success last season. He finished as the Rams’ leading rusher, tallying 1,097 yards and 11 touchdowns. The 6’2, 220-pound fullback helped lead K-D to its first-ever District 3 playoff appearance, a narrow 42-39 loss to Greencastle-Antrim. Defensively, he added 54 tackles, seven quarterback sacks, and three fumble recoveries.
Ethan Noss, Senior DB, Red Land – Noss will be one of the Patriots’ key returning leaders in the defensive secondary after he tallied 32 tackles (19 solo) and picked off five passes. He had two of those interceptions against Big Spring. He also broke up seven other passes.
Gary Laucks, Junior WR, York Catholic – Laucks is a 6’2, 170-pound target. He hauled in 25 passes for 440 yards and seven touchdowns last season, averaging 17.6 yards per catch and a hair under 49 yards per game. He had his best game of the year against Shenandoah Valley, snaring four passes for 110 yards and scoring three touchdowns.
Gary Gristlick, Senior P, Cedar Crest – Gristlick also served as the Falcons’ quarterback last season in addition to handling the punting duties. He threw for 796 yards and nine touchdowns and added 253 yards on the ground. Gristlick threw five touchdown passes on just six completions against McCaskey. As a punter, he averaged 40.3 yards per punt on 31 kicks, pinning five inside the 20 yard line.
George Murray, Senior RB, Ephrata – Murray did a little bit of everything for Ephrata last season, throwing for 65 yards and a touchdown, running for a team-best 691 yards and four scores, and hauling in 17 passes for 169 yards and another touchdown. He averaged over four yards per carry, and finished the season with three straight 100-yard rushing performances. Against Solanco, Murray totaled 258 all-purpose yards and had a hand in three touchdowns.
Ian Smith, Senior FB/LB, Waynesboro – Smith led the Indians in rushing yardage last season, racking up 803 yards and eight touchdowns on 163 carries. He averaged just under five yards per carry, and started the year off with a bang, running for 316 yards and a trio of touchdowns against Gettysburg and New Oxford combined.
Jack Miller, Sophomore SS, Camp Hill Trinity – Watch out for Mr. Miller. As the years go by, he might be the next in line of great football players to come through Trinity. Offensively, he ran for 119 yards and three scores, and that workload should increase as time goes by. Defensively, he registered 79 tackles (32 solo) and picked off a pass. On special teams, he returned nine kicks for 219 yards.
Jaffee Washington, Senior KR, Hershey – Washington is a multi-purpose athlete for Hershey. Offensively, he totaled 260 all-purpose yards (211 rushing) and scored two touchdowns. Defensively, he chipped in with 51 tackles and recovered a fumble, posting three double-digit tackle games against Mechanicsburg, Greencastle-Antrim, and Palmyra. Finally, on special teams, Washington returned 12 kickoffs for 311 yards (25.9 average), with a long of 43 yards.
Jake Myers, Senior LB, South Western – Myers finished the season as South Western’s leading tackler, racking up 101 stops (52 solo) to go along with three sacks and two interceptions. He finished five games with 14 or more tackles, including a season-high 18 tackles against District 6 “AAA” champion Hollidaysburg. Myers followed up that game with 16 tackles and a sack against Bermudian Springs.
Jameel Poteat, Junior RB, Bishop McDevitt – Poteat is a future Division-1 prospect in the Class of 2011, according to Rivals.com, and his season output a year ago certainly warrants the attention. He finished his sophomore season with 1,308 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns on 197 carries, averaging over 6.6 yards per carry and 100 rushing yards per game. Poteat also added 25 catches for 373 yards and two additional touchdowns. He had seven 100-yard rushing games and one 100-yard receiving performance, and is on pace for 3,924 career rushing yards.
Jason Cline, Senior LB, Bermudian Springs – Cline finished the season with 76 tackles (30 solo) and a pair of fumble recoveries. He averaged 6.9 tackles per game, and recorded 10 tackles in the Eagles’ 21-14 victory over Susquehannock. Cline also plays tight end on offense, but is seldom-used in that capacity as a receiver.
Jason Rice, Junior QB, Palmyra – Rice fared pretty well in his sophomore year, leading Palmyra to a .500 record and leading an offense that averaged close to 24 points per game. He completed 72-of-138 passes for 1,177 yards and 11 touchdowns, surpassing 100 yards passing in a game seven times. In a five week stretch that began with Susquenita and ended with Trinity, Rice went 40-of-69 for 720 yards and six scores. Rice added 149 yards and four scores on the ground.
Jawon Chisolm, Senior RB, Harrisburg – Chisolm played in nine games last season, and he finished as Harrisburg’s leading rusher, totaling 1,061 yards and 10 touchdowns on 113 carries while adding nine catches for 107 yards and one additional score. He averaged 9.39 yards per carry and over 96 yards rushing per game. Chisolm finished five games with over 100 rushing yards, including a season-high 195 yards against Central Mountain.
Jeff Goyette, Senior DT, Camp Hill Trinity – Goyette was disruptive on the defensive front, tallying 42 tackles (22 solo), 6.5 quarterback sacks and one interception. He averaged 3.8 tackles per game and had two games of multiple sacks.
Jeisson Lloret, Senior RB, Bermudian Springs – Lloret finished the season as the Eagles’ third-leading rusher, totaling 75 carries for 473 yards and four touchdowns. He averaged 6.3 yards per carry and exactly 43 rushing yards per game. He ran for a season-best 172 yards and three touchdowns on just 14 carries in a Week 9 rout of York Catholic.
Jeremy Cornelius, Senior WR/S, Bishop McDevitt – Cornelius caught 20 passes for 333 yards and a pair of touchdowns last year, averaging 16.7 yards per catch and just under 26 yards per game. Defensively, he added 18 tackles, an interception, and a fumble recovery, and he returned six kickoffs for 156 yards. Maryland, Penn State, Pitt, and Buffalo are showing interest.
Jesse Mowen, Senior QB, Waynesboro – Success is a relative term, and for Waynesboro, four victories can be viewed as a somewhat successful season. Mowen didn’t throw much, averaging just 8.4 attempts per game, but he did throw for 523 yards and seven touchdowns. His best game of the year came against Gettysburg. In a 35-7 victory, Mowen threw for 136 yards and three touchdowns.
Jimmy Forgrave, Senior LB, Hempfield – Forgrave finished the season with 88 tackles and two fumble recoveries. He averaged 8.8 tackles per contest.
Joe Gruber, Senior FB, Manheim Central – Gruber finished the ’08 season as the Barons’ leading rusher, totaling 149 carries for 814 yards and nine touchdowns. As a receiver out of the backfield, he added nine catches for 84 yards. Gruber averaged 5.5 yards per carry, 9.3 yards per reception, and 58.1 rushing yards per game. He surpassed 100 rushing yards twice – he had 125 yards against Elizabethtown and 180 yards against ELCO. Defensively, Gruber added 86 tackles and 2.5 sacks.
Joe Tuschak, Junior QB, Northern York – Northern has been one of York County’s more successful “AAA” programs the last few years. Tuschak inherited the starting quarterback role as a sophomore, and he posted decent numbers, completing 54-of-142 passes for 827 yards and six touchdowns. He averaged over 100 passing yards per game, and led a Polar Bears’ offense that averaged 27.8 points per game.
Jon Montiero, Senior QB, Daniel Boone – He’s coming off of a very successful first season as a varsity starting quarterback. Montiero completed 188-of-316 passes for 2,969 yards and 34 touchdowns. He held the reins of the Blazers’ potent offense which averaged over 410 yards of offense and 33 points per game. Montiero is just 1,031 yards shy of 4,000 career passing yards and just 30 TD passes shy of a tie for 12th place in state history.
Jordon Giffing, Junior DL, Solanco – Giffing finished with four sacks, one of the top totals on the team in that category. He added 20 tackles and a fumble recovery, posting his best game against Kennard-Dale, in which he recorded six tackles and two sacks.
Jordan Stewart, Junior RB, Lancaster Catholic – A transfer from Ohio, Stewart had quite a successful sophomore season for Lancaster Catholic. He finished the season as the team’s leading rusher, racking up 1,001 yards and seven touchdowns on 170 carries. Stewart averaged 5.8 yards per carry and twice surpassed 100 yards rushing in a game, including a career-high 152 yards in a state playoff victory against Mount Carmel.
Jose Gomez, Junior DL, JP McCaskey – Gomez, a 6’1, 210-pounder, only played in five games as a sophomore, but he made the most of them, registering 39 tackles and four quarterback sacks. Had he played a full 10-game season, he would have finished with 78 tackles and eight sacks. McCaskey did not report assisted tackles on Maxpreps.com.
Josh Bauer, Junior DB, York Catholic – Bauer tied for the team lead in interceptions last season, with three. He also added 18 tackles (13 solo).
Josh Kurtz, Junior QB, Twin Valley – Take away the high interception total, and Kurtz had a successful sophomore season for the Raiders. He completed 103-of-211 passes for 1,402 yards and 11 touchdowns, but threw 16 interceptions, six of which came against Governor Mifflin. Kurtz threw for 100 yards or more six times, and twice surpassed 250 yards passing in a game. He’s on pace to throw for 4,206 career yards.
Josh Shearer, Senior WR, Susquenita – Shearer was the top target for Derec Suave in the Blackhawk’s passing attack. He hauled in 29 passes for 501 yards and six touchdowns last season, averaging nearly 17.3 yards per reception and 63 yards per game.
Jon Duckett, Senior LB, Bishop McDevitt – McDevitt only lists eight games of recorded statistics for Duckett, who wrecked opponents from his linebacker position last season. He finished with 52 tackles (32 solo), a fumble recovery, and a blocked punt. Duckett is a potential Division-1 prospect, having generated interest from schools like UCONN, Maryland, Michigan State, Penn State, Pitt, and Rutgers.
JR Mummert, Senior RB, South Western – Mummert led the Mustangs in rushing attempts, yardage, and touchdowns last season, with 155 carries for 868 yards and seven touchdowns. He averaged 5.6 yards per carry and nearly 87 rushing yards per game. Mummert began the year with four straight 100-yard rushing performances, adding a fifth against Spring Grove later in the season.
Justin Gorman, Senior QB, Manheim Central – Gorman had to step up to replace the injured Jeremy Knosp and direct the Barons’ potent, spread offense. He started the Barons’ final five games, completing 60-of-109 passes for 929 yards and six touchdowns. A dual threat, he added 69 carries for 280 yards and seven more touchdowns, including a 99-yard scoring run against Cocalico. Gorman lit up ELCO in the District 3 playoffs for 271 yards and three touchdowns.
Justin Richardson, Senior WR, Ephrata – Richardson was a multi-purpose athlete for the Mountaineers last season, contributing in all three phases of the game. Richardson corralled 36 passes for 337 yards and a touchdown, tallied 41 tackles and an interception on defense, and returned 19 kickoffs for 361 yards. He averaged 9.9 yards per reception and 19 yards per kick return.
Justin Weatherholtz, Senior RB, ELCO – Weatherholtz finished the ’08 season as ELCO’s second-leading rusher. He toted the rock 129 times for 709 yards and nine touchdowns, averaging 5.5 yards per carry and 64 yards per game. Weatherholtz surpassed 100 yards rushing in a game twice. One of those efforts was a season-high 169 yards and two scores against Columbia.
Kyle Baublitz, Senior TE/LB, Central York – Baublitz, a 6’5, 253-pound beast, caught 11 passes for 167 yards and two touchdowns as a tight end last year. He made his living, though, defensively, recording 166 tackles (53 solo), 1.5 sacks, five deflected passes, and three blocked punts. He averaged 13.8 tackles per game, and finished four games with 16+ tackles. Baublitz has received numerous Division-1 offers, including Florida State, Michigan, Penn State, Pitt, and Wisconsin.
Kyle Rissell, Senior LB, Cocalico – Rissel served mainly as a defensive player, but he did contribute a bit on the offensive side of the ball. He caught six passes – four went for touchdowns – and averaged 22 yards per reception. Defensively, Rissel tallied 100 tackles, a sack, and a team-best six interceptions. In two games against Manheim Central, he racked up 22 tackles and intercepted a pair of passes.
Kyle Smith, Senior QB, Lancaster Catholic – The Crusaders’ blue-chip quarterback had a phenomenal junior season, helping set the school record for wins in a season. Smith completed 181-of-278 passes for 3,192 yards and 42 touchdowns, becoming only the fourth known quarterback in state history to throw for 3,000 yards in a season, joining Zach Frazer (Mechanicsburg), Bill Stull (Seton-LaSalle), and Chad Kroell (Clearfield Area). He could set state career records for passing yardage and touchdown passes.
Kyle Wenger, Senior K, ELCO – In addition to playing both offense and defense, Wenger served as the kicker for ELCO. He averaged 35 yards per punt, 38 yards per kickoff attempt, and booted two touchbacks. In addition, he converted 34 extra points and a pair of field goals.
Kyle Wolfe, Senior LB, Central Dauphin – Wolfe played both offense and defense last year for Central Dauphin, and he put up some decent numbers on both sides. The 5’11, 218-pounder served as the team’s wrecking ball of a fullback, gouging out 43 carries for 401 yards and two scores while adding six catches for 44 yards and two more scores. Defensively, he contributed 41 tackles, and one sack, interception, and fumble recovery. He also deflected three passes.
Lance Kopp, Senior QB, Ephrata – The 2008 season was a struggle for Ephrata, as the Mountaineers didn’t win a single game. Kopp, though, put up decent numbers – he completed 123-of-250 passes for 1,402 yards and 12 touchdowns. Kopp threw for 100 yards or more eight times, and twice, against Warwick and Conestoga Valley, the senior-to-be eclipsed 200 passing yards.
Logan Gerst, Junior QB, West Perry – Gerst, a 6’1, 210-pound athlete, started the final four games at quarterback for the Mustangs, who may have just found their feature guy. Gerst went 38-of-74 for 616 yards and nine touchdowns, helping West Perry upset Red Land along the way. He threw three touchdown passes against Shippensburg, and added a 209-yard, two-score effort against Gettysburg.
Lowen Johnson, Senior LB, Manheim Central – Johnson tied for the team lead in tackles last season, ripping off 117 stops (38 solo). He averaged 8.6 tackles per game, posting 12 games with seven or more tackles, including a season-high 15 tackles in the District 3 “AAA” championship game against West York.
Luke Etter, Senior QB/DB, Big Spring – Etter played in only eight games for the Bulldogs last season, and if he’s to play in all 10 in 2009, he’ll need to cut down on the interceptions. Other than the picks, he posted respectable statistics. Etter completed 64-of-154 passes for 795 yards and seven touchdowns, surpassing 100 yards in a game three times. He opened the season with 41 pass attempts against Boiling Springs, and remarkably, he did not throw an interception in that game.
Marshall Martin, Senior OL/DL, Gettysburg – Martin provided blocking for a Gettysburg team that averaged 262 yards and 18.9 points per game last season. Defensively, he tallied 75 tackles, three sacks, and recovered a fumble, finishing eight games with at least seven tackles. Included among those eight games was a season-best 10 tackles against Big Spring.
Matt Carty, Senior QB, Cocalico – Carty directed a Cocalico offense that rolled to 443 points, which is believed to be a school record. He ran for 808 yards and 13 touchdowns while adding 578 passing yards and seven more touchdowns through the air. For his career, Carty has run for 1,004 yards and thrown for 1,316 yards, totaling 32 touchdowns in the last two years.
Matt Connors, Senior FB, Camp Hill Trinity – Connors finished the season as the Shamrocks’ second-leading rusher, piling up 671 yards and five touchdowns on 95 carries. He averaged 7.1 yards per carry and 61 rushing yards per game. Connors only topped 100 yards rushing in a game once – it came in the form of a 163-yard effort against Camp Hill, in a 20-7 Shamrock victory. Defensively, he added 88 tackles and 1.5 sacks. Connors had two 13-tackle games – one against Delone Catholic, the other against Milton Hershey.
Matt Heilig, Senior LB, Central Dauphin – Heilig is a 6’4, 215-pound prospect who has generated a lot of Division-1 interest to date. Arizona State, UCONN, Michigan State, NC State, Pitt, Rutgers, Temple, and Delaware are just some of the colleges that are showing interest. Heilig finished the season with 59 tackles, three sacks, and a fumble recovery. He had 10 tackles against Altoona Area, a season-high in that category.
Matt Johnson, Junior QB, Bishop McDevitt – Johnson is another Division-1 prospect for the Crusaders, and in his first season as a varsity starter, he piloted McDevitt’s offense to a school-record 490 points, the fourth time since the mid-1980s that McDevitt has topped the 470-point plateau. Johnson compeleted 121-of-186 passes for 2,010 yards and 22 touchdowns. He averaged nearly 168 passing yards per game, and had eight games with two or more touchdown passes.
Matt Moyer, Senior LB, Conrad Weiser – Watch out for this guy – Moyer is one of the top statistical defensive returners in Berks County. He registered 116 tackles (78 solo) to go along with a sack, an interception, and a fumble recovery. Moyer finished with a season-high 15 tackles against Blue Mountain, and also had a 14-tackle game against Northern Lebanon.
Matt Rohrbacher, Senior DL, Conrad Weiser – Rohrbacher contributed both ways for the Scouts last season, averaging over seven yards per carry from his fullback position and tallying 107 tackles and six sacks from his spot on the defensive line. His best all-around game came against Muhlenberg – he ran for 108 yards on just four carries and posted nine tackles and a pair of sacks. Rohrbacher also had a 15-tackle game against Northern Lebanon and 14 tackles against Blue Mountain.
Mike Betsill, Senior OL, Susquehanna Township – Betsill, a 6’4, 305-pound monster up front, helped to pave the way for a Susquehanna Township offense that averaged 245 yards and 25.3 points per game last year.
Miller Dalton, Junior QB, Red Lion – He played the final four games at quarterback for the Lions, completing 31-of-65 passes for 464 yards and eight touchdowns. In his first two games, New Oxford and Central York, Dalton threw for 294 yards and seven touchdowns. He averaged 116 passing yards per game.
Mitch Kaehler, Senior LB, Delone Catholic – Kaehler easily led the Squires in tackling, totaling 103 stops (68 solo) and recovering a fumble. He averaged 9.4 tackles per game, finishing five games with 10 or more tackles, including an impressive 20-tackle performance against Bermudian Springs. Thirteen of those 20 stops were solos.
Moyo Oluleye, Senior LB, Manheim Township – His name is a mouthful to pronounce, and he was a handful for opponents last season, racking up 85 tackles (67 solo), three sacks, three forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery. Oluleye averaged 8.5 tackles per game for the Blue Streaks, which allowed an average of 18.2 points per game.
Nate Shank, Sophomore QB, Lampeter-Strasburg – Shank was thrust into the spotlight of the Lancaster-Lebanon League Section 3 play as a freshman, and he didn’t do too badly. Shank completed 43-of-97 passes for 723 yards and 10 touchdowns against only three interceptions. If he gets more of a chance to throw in the Pioneer’s Wing-T scheme, could be become the second 4,000-yard passer the school has seen under head coach John Manion? Only time will tell.
Nate Zidik, Senior WR, Lebanon – Zidik finished as the third-leading receiver for the Cedars last season, grabbing 30 passes for 367 yards and a pair of touchdowns. He averaged 12.2 yards per catch and a hair over 33 yards per game. Zidik opened the season with seven catches for 89 yards against Cedar Crest.
Nate Wilkinson, Senior LB, Kennard-Dale – Wilkinson finished the season as the Rams’ leading tackler, recording 91 tackles to go along with two sacks, an interception, and two fumble recoveries. He averaged 9.1 tackles per game.
Nick Rebert, Senior RB, New Oxford – The Colonials won just one game a season ago and averaged 11.6 points per game. Rebert was one of the featured weapons in the NO offense, registering 154 carries for 552 yards and a team-best seven touchdowns scored. He averaged just under four yards per carry and just over 55 yards per game. Rebert ran for a season-high 120 yards against Dover.
Noah Spence, Sophomore TE/DE, Bishop McDevitt – If Spence were considering art as a major when he goes on to college, he’d make a very good sack artist. The McDevitt sophomore-to-be racked up 40 tackles and an impressive 8.5 sacks last season. His best game last season came against Altoona Area – he had six tackles and 4.5 sacks. Spence finished four games last season with five or more tackles in a game.
Paul Coleman, Senior FS, Central Dauphin – Coleman is yet another Division-1 football prospect for the Rams, who plays on the defensive side of the ball for the traditional Mid Penn power. Coleman racked up 58 tackles and finished as one of the team leaders in interceptions with four. Coleman had a 10-tackle game against Lower Dauphin, a 28-14 victory for CD. Thus far, Coleman has interest from Pitt, but that list should be expanding as things wear on.
Pat Evans, Senior LB, Cedar Cliff – Evans didn’t quite have the statistical explosion as his teammate Tate Moore-Jacobs, but he was a model of consistency, tallying 87 tackles (60 solo). He averaged 8.7 tackles per contest, and only finished one game below eight tackles all of last season. Evans’ best game of the season came against Altoona Area – he posted 11 tackles in that game.
PJ Rehm, Senior QB, Penn Manor – Rehm helped lead Penn Manor to one of its most successful football seasons in school history, which included a run to the second round of the District 3 “AAAA” playoffs. He threw for 856 yards and seven touchdowns, thrice surpassing 100 yards passing in a game. Rehm’s best game came against Exeter Township, in which he threw for 141 yards and three touchdowns. He added 460 rushing yards and seven scores on the ground.
Quinn Houser, Senior RB, Lancaster Catholic – Houser finished as the Crusaders’ second-leading rusher last season, totaling 99 carries for 608 yards and five touchdowns. He averaged 6.1 yards per carry and just over 43 yards per game. Houser didn’t top 100 yards rushing in any game, but did have five games with 60 or more rushing yards.
Reese Seekford, Senior DE, Bermudian Springs – Seekford’s tackle total won’t jump off the page at you. He finished the season with just 21 stops (10 solo). He made this list for racking up 6.5 quarterback sacks, recording three games – Fairfield, Hanover, and York Catholic – with multiple sacks. Seekford also recovered a fumble.
Richard Greene, Senior WR, Susquehanna Township – Greene finished the year as the Indians’ leading receiver, hauling in 21 passes for 411 yards and four touchdowns. He averaged 19.6 yards per reception and just over 51 yards per game.
Ricky Snyder, Junior RB, Annville-Cleona – Snyder finished as the second-leading rusher for the Dutchmen, totaling 70 carries for 545 yards and a trio of touchdowns. He averaged 7.8 yards per carry and 68.1 yards per game.
Robert Thomas, Jr., Senior RB/WR, Exeter Township – Thomas was a dual-threat on offense, both running and catching passes. He ran for 588 yards and three touchdowns on 104 carries, adding 23 catches for 385 yards and three scores as a receiver. Thomas averaged 5.6 yards per carry, 16.7 yards per reception, and 97.3 all-purpose yards per game.
Rodney Ramsey, Junior RB, Middletown – Ramsey led the Raiders in rushing yardage last season, surpassing the 1,200-yard mark. He’s on pace to eclipse 3,600 rushing yards in his career, assuming he keeps production levels just like last year.
Ryan Clarke, Senior WR, Pequea Valley – Clarke finished the season as the Braves’ third-leading receiver after grabbing 36 passes for 385 yards and three touchdowns. He averaged 10.6 yards per reception and just under 39 receiving yards per contest.
Ryan Kuntz, Senior DL, Bishop McDevitt – Kuntz plays defensive end for McDevitt, and he’s yet another potential Division-1 prospect for the Crusaders. Kuntz finished the ’08 season with 35 tackles, two sacks, and two fumble recoveries, posting a season-best eight tackles against Carlisle and six tackles against Cedar Cliff. He averaged just over three tackles per game. Kuntz has generated interest from schools like Boston College, UCONN, Penn State, Pitt, and Rutgers, just to name a few.
Salath Williams, Senior WR, Bishop McDevitt – Williams was the primary feature target in McDevitt’s receiving corps, which featured four receivers over 300 yards at season’s end. He hauled in 49 passes for 899 yards and 11 touchdowns, averaging 18.4 yards per catch and 69 yards per game. Iowa and Pitt have extended offers, and Maryland, North Carolina, and Penn State are showing interest.
Sean Barowski, Junior FB, Bishop McDevitt – The fullback is a position that’s fast disappearing from football given the rise in spread-out offenses over the recent years, but Barowski is a Division-1 prospect at the position. He didn’t gain a lot of yardage last season, gaining only 99 yards on 30 carries, but he scored five touchdowns. Maryland, Penn State, Pitt, and Rutgers are interested in the 6’2, 227-pound athlete.
Sean Doherty, Junior ILB, Littlestown – Doherty was a threat both offensively and defensively for the Thunderbolts. As a running back, he totaled 556 all-purpose yards (434 rushing) and scored eight total touchdowns. Defensively, he finished with 85 tackles, a sack, and a fumble recovery. Doherty finished the year with five straight games of 10+ tackles, including a season-high 14 against Delone Catholic.
Shayne Witmyer, Senior K, Wilson-West Lawn – Witmeyer converted 67 extra points and booted four field goals for the PIAA semifinalist Bulldogs last season. He scored 79 total points – that accounted for 13.2 percent of Wilson’s season output.
Spencer Lehr, Junior LB, Hempfield – Just a sophomore last season, Lehr finished with 78 tackles (39 solo), picked off three passes, and recovered a fumble. He averaged 7.8 tackles per game.
Stefan Belle, Senior DL, Bishop McDevitt – Belle is a hulking 6’1, 260-pound defensive lineman, and he’s also generating some Division-1 interest from schools like UCONN, Maryland, Pitt, and Rutgers. Belle finished the 2008 season with 34 tackles (9 solo) and a sack. He had a season-high six tackles against Carlisle, and finished seven of McDevitt’s 13 games last season with at least three tackles.
Steve Mosey, Senior DL, Bishop McDevitt – Mosey is a potential Division-1 prospect for the Crusaders, according to Rivals.com. The 5’11, 240-pound defensive tackle finished the season with only 17 tackles. Mosey’s best game came against Carlisle, in which he amassed six tackles.
Tajh Turner, Senior WR, Susquehanna Township – Turner finished the season as the Indians’ second-leading receiver after snaring 21 passes for 316 yards and three touchdowns. He averaged over 15 yards per reception and 45 yards per game.
Tarik Leftanent, Senior RB, Mechanicsburg – One of the top returning running backs in the Mid Penn, regardless of division, Leftanent ran for 1,217 yards and helped guide Mechanicsburg to the District 3 “AAA” semifinals. In the last two seasons, Leftanent has run for over 1,900 yards, and barring any unforeseen circumstances, he’ll eclipse 3,000 rushing yards for his career.
Tate Moore-Jacobs, Senior LB, Cedar Cliff – Moore-Jacobs is one of the better returning linebackers in the Mid-Penn, statistically speaking. He tallied 143 tackles (105 solo), a sack and an interception last season, finishing each of the Colts’ 10 games with double-digit tackle totals. Moore-Jacobs posted a season-best 20 tackles (16 solo) against District 6 “AAA” champion Hollidaysburg, and had three additional games of 15 tackles against Carlisle, Altoona Area, and Cumberland Valley, respectively.
Stephonte Doby, Junior RB, York-William Penn – Doby finished the season as the Bearcats’ leading rusher, racking up 876 yards and 14 touchdowns on just 90 carries. He averaged 9.7 yards per carry and 73 rushing yards per game, topping the 100-yard mark in a game three times. Doby had a season-best 166 yards and two scores against New Oxford. He finished five games with multiple rushing touchdowns.
Tim Kelly, Junior QB, Cedar Cliff – Kelly was part of a two-quarterback rotation at Cedar Cliff last season, and he put up the better statistical numbers of the duo, completing 71-of-139 passes for 688 yards and four touchdowns. Kelly thrice surpassed 100 yards passing or more in a game, including a season and career-best 229 yards against State College. Kelly also added 308 rushing yards and two scores, giving him nearly 1,000 yards of total offense for the season.
Travis Friend, Senior ILB, Cumberland Valley – Friend finished the season as the second-leading rusher for the District 3 “AAAA” runners-up, totaling 151 carries for 713 yards and 12 touchdowns to go along with six receptions for 124 yards and one additional touchdown. He averaged 4.7 yards per carry, 50.9 rushing yards per game, and over 20 yards per reception last season. Defensively, Friend added 130 tackles and an interception. He finished six games with 10+ tackles, including a season-best 16 stops against State College.
Travis Mease, Senior RB, Carlisle – Mease finished the season as the leading rusher for the Thundering Herd, totaling 679 yards on 134 carries and scoring three touchdowns. He averaged just under 5.1 yards per carry and 85 yards rushing per game last year.
Trevor Harman, Senior CB, Cumberland Valley – Harman finished the season as the team leader in interceptions, with six. He also added 45 tackles and a fumble recovery. Harman averaged 3.2 tackles per game, and figures to be one of the better-returning defensive backs in the Mid Penn Conference this season.
Ty Raubenstine, Senior WR, Upper Dauphin Area – Raubenstine finished 2008 as Upper Dauphin’s leading receiver, chalking up 41 catches for 509 yards and five touchdowns. He averaged 12.4 yards per catch and over 40 yards per game. Raubenstine closed the season with a seven-catch, 101-yard, one-touchdown performance against Reading Holy Name, and had three other games of five or more catches.
Tyler Baum, Senior WR/KR, Big Spring – Baum, a 6’3, 210-pounder, did everything short of running the concession stand last year. He was the featured target at wide receiver, hauling in 21 passes for 317 yards and one touchdown. Defensively, he tallied 53 tackles, picked off two passes, and recovered two fumbles. As a member of the special teams unit, Baum averaged 31.5 yards per punt in 15 attempts, and returned 18 kicks for 418 yards, with a long of 91 yards. With his height and weight, if he were in a bigger media coverage area, he’d be at least a Division-II recruit.
Tyler Beck, Senior TE/DE, Wilson-West Lawn – A 6’3, 210-pounder, Beck is a lethal two-way player. He hauled in 21 passes for 335 yards and a pair of touchdowns last year, posting two of his best games in the playoffs – two catches for 77 yards against Bishop McDevitt and five catches for 64 yards against Bethel Park. Defensively, Beck registered 45 tackles, 10 quarterback sacks, two interceptions, a fumble recovery, a blocked punt, and a blocked field goal.
Tyler Benton, Senior OLB, Central York – Benton finished the season with 77 tackles (20 solo), two sacks, two fumble recoveries, and a blocked punt. He averaged 7.7 tackles per game, and had a 14-tackle, one-sack performance against Dover.
Tyler Fodor, Senior ILB, Littlestown – Fodor, like his teammate Sean Doherty, was a two-way threat for Littlestown. He averaged 8.1 yards per carry and scored seven touchdowns as a running back. From his linebacker spot, he totaled 76 tackles, five quarterback sacks, an interception, and two fumble recoveries. Fodor had three games in which he recorded 10 tackles. His best game came against Hanover – he had 10 tackles and three sacks.
Tyler Grosser, Senior RB, Upper Dauphin Area – Grosser was a threat mostly as a runner, but he also could catch passes out of the backfield. He totaled 1,334 all-purpose yards (1,163 rushing) and scored eight total touchdowns. Grosser averaged 5.6 yards per carry and nearly 11 yards per reception. He opened the season against Pequea Valley and Halifax running for 348 yards. He also had a 230-yard, one-touchdown performance against Tri-Valley.
Tyler Koppenhaver, Senior QB, Upper Dauphin Area – Koppenhaver helped guide the Trojans to a District 3 “A” playoff berth against Reading Holy Name by completing 104-of-181 passes for 1,214 yards and 13 touchdowns. He averaged over 110 passing yards per game, throwing for 100 or more yards seven times, including a season-high 181 yards versus Pine Grove. Koppenhaver also had 149 yards and three touchdowns against Halifax.
Tyler Purvis, Senior WR, Lancaster Catholic – Purvis was one of Kyle Smith’s two favorite targets last season, as he hauled in 54 passes for 1,158 yards and four touchdowns. He averaged over 21 yards per reception, and had four games of 100 receiving yards or more. One of those games was an impressive 10-catch, 211-yard performance against Ephrata.
Vincent Garipoli, Junior QB, Governor Mifflin – Garipoli played in 10 games last year, and put up respectable numbers in Mifflin’s double-slot offense. The junior-to-be threw for 634 yards and four touchdowns while adding 648 rushing yards and 18 touchdowns on the ground. He helped lead Mifflin to seven of its 10 wins last year.
Waddie Lattimer, Senior DL, Carson Long – Lattimer finished as one of the leading tacklers on the Warriors’ defense last season, posting 78 tackles (45 solo). Lattimer averaged 8.7 tackles per game, and had three games of 10+ tackles, including a season-best 13 stops against Northwest Area.
William Rozman, Senior C/DL, Steelton-Highspire – Rozman is the lone returning starter on the offensive line from Steel-High’s state championship team a season ago. He helped pave the way (no pun intended) for Steel-High’s potent offense that averaged 35 points and over 360 yards per game.
Zack Groft, Senior WR, New Oxford – Groft was a very important asset to the Colonials’ passing attack last season, as he hauled in 35 passes for 551 yards and four touchdowns. He accounted for 44.3 percent of the team’s season reception total and 61.6 percent of New Oxford’s receiving yardage. Groft twice surpassed 100 receiving yards in a game. He had eight catches for 101 yards against Dallastown, and seven catches for 121 yards against Spring Grove.
Zach Stuart, Senior RB, Palmyra – Stuart finished 2008 as the Cougars’ leading rusher, totaling 1,049 yards and 10 touchdowns on 185 carries. He averaged 5.7 yards per carry and just under 105 yards rushing per game. Stuart topped 100 yards rushing in a game six times, including five consecutive weeks from September to October.
Zach Zwezig, Junior QB, Wilson-West Lawn – Zwezig had to start the first four games of the 2008 season for an injured Steve Huber, and the sophomore filled in admirably. He completed 63 percent of his passes for 502 yards and seven touchdowns against only two interceptions. Zwezig twice threw for over 150 yards in a game. He threw for 159 yards against Governor Mifflin and 155 yards against Downingtown East.
