Aaron Swinton, Junior WR, J.P. McCaskey – One of the top returning receivers in the McCaskey aerial assault from one season ago, Swinton snagged 19 passes for 264 yards and scored two touchdowns, averaging more than 14 yards per catch. Swinton was part of a Red Tornado football team that rebounded under first-year head coach Rob Monzon to win seven games and reach the District 3 AAAA playoffs.
Adam Berryman, Senior RB/DB, Bermudian Springs – A force on defense and special teams for the 8-4 Eagles, Berryman rolled up 77 tackles and three interceptions, returning one of the picks 77 yards for a touchdown in the District 3 AA playoffs against previously-unbeaten Littlestown. He also averaged 30.1 yards per punt on 23 attempts and returned a combined 24 kickoffs and punts for 315 yards.
Adam Breneman, Junior WR/DB, Cedar Cliff – The featured target in Cedar Cliff’s aerial assault that averaged more than 160 yards per game last season, Breneman used his 6’4, 210-pound frame to haul in 59 passes for 860 yards and eight touchdowns, averaging 14.6 yards per catch and finishing eight games with at least 60 receiving yards, including three 100-yard performances. Breneman caught at least five passes in seven of the Colts’ 11 games in 2010. A surefire D-1 prospect in the 2013 recruiting class, Breneman already holds eight verbal scholarship offers and is being recruited as a tight end.
Adam DePietro, Senior OT, Lancaster Catholic – A Northwestern recruit and one of the anchors of the Lancaster Catholic offensive line, DePietro helped pave the way for a purple and gold offensive unit that averaged 241.3 rushing yards, 157.3 passing yards and 39.9 points per game. The Crusaders scored 67 offensive touchdowns last season – 44 rushing, 23 passing. DePietro is regarded as one of the top returning offensive linemen in Section 3 of the Lancaster-Lebanon League. He finished his recruiting process with a dozen offers and the #18 ranking among offensive guard prospects, as per Scout.com.
Adam Geiger, Junior RB/FS, Camp Hill Trinity – The leading rusher in the Shamrocks’ spread offensive attack, Geiger finished with 1,868 all-purpose yards (1,419 rushing, 316 receiving, 133 kick/punt returns) and scored 16 total touchdowns (15 rushing). He averaged over 10.3 yards per carry and nearly 15.1 yards per reception. He ran for a season and career-best 302 yards against Bermudian Springs in the District 3 AA semifinals. Defensively, Geiger added 40 tackles, one sack, two deflected passes and a fumble recovery.
Adam Haas, Junior TB/LB, Garden Spot – The featured tailback in Garden Spot’s rushing attack that averaged over 154 yards per game in 2010, Haas finished with 844 yards on 155 carries and caught another nine passes for 95 yards, scoring seven total touchdowns (6 rushing, 1 receiving). Haas averaged 5.5 yards per carry and 10.6 yards per reception, running for 100+ yards three times. Defensively, Haas tallied 48 tackles, a half a sack, an interception, a deflected pass and a fumble recovery, posting a pair of games with 12+ tackles.
Adam Sahd, Junior QB, Penn Manor – A year ago, Penn Manor was fresh off of an impressive 10-win season. The Comets went through some growing pains in 2010, but Sahd was one of the Comets’ players who put up respectable statistical numbers. He threw for 1,306 yards and 10 touchdowns, completing 83-of-176 passes, and added 101 yards and five additional touchdowns on the ground. Sahd helped lead PM to a five-win season and a berth in the District 3 AAAA playoffs.
A.J. Nally, Senior RB/CB, Wyomissing – The fourth-leading rusher in the Spartans’ Wing-T offense, Nally tallied 446 rushing yards on just 47 carries, averaging nearly 9.8 yards per rush. He also caught four passes for 38 yards, averaging 9.5 yards per reception. Nally scored four total touchdowns for Wyomissing.
Alec Werner, Junior QB, Bishop McDevitt – Werner is next in line to inherit the reins of McDevitt’s offensive arsenal following the graduation of senior Matt Johnson, who threw for an impressive 7,959 yards and 85 touchdowns in his McDevitt career, leading the Crusaders to an overall record of 35-7 and an appearance the PIAA AAA championship game in that span. In limited action as a sophomore, Werner connected on 4-of-8 passes for 31 yards without a touchdown or an interception.
Alex Cooley, Junior RB, Eastern York – Cooley had a solid sophomore season for the Golden Knights, running for a team-best 1,204 yards and 19 touchdowns on 189 rushes and catching another six passes for 77 yards and one additional touchdown, averaging 6.4 yards per carry and 12.8 yards per reception. Cooley surpassed the 200-yard rushing mark in four Eastern York games and also scored five rushing touchdowns in a loss to Delone Catholic.
Alex Cramer, Junior K, Camp Hill Trinity – Cramer handled the placekicking duties for the Shamrocks last season, and he converted 70 extra points and five field goals, scoring a total of 85 points. Cramer’s season scoring total accounted for 14.9 percent of Trinity’s school-record 567 points scored in 2010.
Alex Dale, Senior QB, Northern York – Dale directed a Polar Bear Wing-T offense that averaged 280 yards and 20.7 points per game in 2010, finishing 5-5 overall. Dale connected on 44-of-109 passes (40.4 percent) for 621 yards and three touchdowns. He averaged 62.1 of Northern’s 90.1 passing yards per game last season.
Alex Pstrak, Senior FB/LB, Ephrata – Playing in just seven games last season, Pstrak put up solid numbers, amassing 66 tackles, two sacks, two deflected passes and a fumble recovery. He averaged 9.4 tackles per contest, posting a 20-tackle game against border rival Cocalico and 12 tackles against Penn Manor. Offensively, Pstrak ran for 275 yards and three touchdowns on 42 carries, averaging 6.6 yards per carry. Pstrak ran for a season-best 178 yards against Manheim Township.
Alex Trautman, Senior QB, Lebanon – Among all of the returning District 3 quarterbacks in 2011, Trautman has the most career passing yards, with 4,048. The Cedars’ field general amassed more than 2,700 yards of total offense last season, throwing for 2,389 yards and 18 touchdowns on 180-of-345 passing and adding 433 yards and seven additional touchdowns on 88 rushing attempts. Trautman averaged 4.92 yards per carry and completed 52.2 percent of his passes.
Alexander Anzalone, Junior HB/CB, Wyomissing – A rushing and receiving threat, Anzalone finished with 448 all-purpose yards of offense (315 rushing, 133 receiving) and scored seven total touchdowns for the Spartans. He averaged nearly 4.4 yards per carry and exactly 19 yards per reception. Between rushing attempts and receptions, Anzalone totaled 79 touches.
Alexander Downs, Senior RB/DL, Daniel Boone – Downs was a force on the defensive side of the ball for the 11-2 Blazers, amassing 68 tackles (50 solo) and a pair of fumble recoveries, averaging a little more than five tackles per game for the District 3 AAAA semifinalists. He also caught three passes for 19 yards, averaging 6.3 yards per reception.
Allan Kauffman, Junior DEF, Halifax – The leading tackler on the Wildcats’ defensive unit, Kauffman chalked up 79 tackles (61 solo), a sack and a fumble recovery, averaging 8.8 tackles per game. He posted three games of 11+ tackles, including a season-best 15 tackles against Tri-Valley and 12 stops against Pottsville Nativity BVM.
Allen Holman, Senior LB, Bishop McDevitt – One of 10 defensive starters returning from the Crusaders’ PIAA AAA runner-up team, Holman posted a solid junior season. The 6’0, 190-pound wrecker of a linebacker chalked up 85 tackles (44 solo), seven sacks (for a total of 41 yards lost), an interception, a deflected pass, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery. He averaged 5.3 tackles per game and finished one game with multiple sacks.
Andrew Burkholder, Senior RB/DB, Ephrata – Burkholder did a little bit of everything for the Mountaineers last season, accumulating 810 all-purpose yards (67 passing, 77 rushing, 90 receiving, 576 kickoff returns) and accounted for three total touchdowns (1 passing, 1 rushing, 1 receiving). He completed 1-of-3 passes and averaged 4.3 yards per carry, 18 yards per reception and 19.9 yards per kick return. Defensively, Burkholder recorded 29 tackles (17 solo), two deflected passes, a forced fumble, two fumble recoveries and a blocked field goal.
Andrew Heird, Senior ATH, Dallastown – Heird had a solid junior season for the 11-1 Wildcats, amassing 736 all-purpose yards (4 rushing, 171 receiving, 244 punt returns, 317 kickoff returns) and scored a pair of touchdowns (1 receiving, 1 punt return). He averaged four yards per carry, 14.3 yards per reception, 18.8 yards per punt return and 21.1 yards per kickoff return. Defensively, Heird added 28 tackles (22 solo), three interceptions and 10 deflected passes.
Andrew Kauffman, Senior TE/LB, Manheim Central – The leading returning tackler from the Barons’ 2010 defensive unit, Kauffman tallied 125 tackles (52 solo), 3.5 sacks and recovered a fumble for the maroon and grey. He averaged 10.4 tackles per game and finished six games with double-digit tackle totals, including a pair of 16-tackle games against Solanco and Elizabethtown.
Andrew Spanos, Junior ATH, Mechanicsburg – Spanos was primarily a weapon on special teams for the Wildcats, returning a combined 29 kickoffs and punts for 626 yards, averaging six yards per punt return and 22.1 yards per kickoff return. He also caught six passes for 121 yards (20.2 yard avg.) and recorded 24 tackles (22 solo) and a fumble recovery on defense.
Angle Cruz, Junior RB/DB, Conrad Weiser – Cruz had a solid sophomore season for the District 3 AAA semifinalist Scouts, tallying an impressive 99 tackles (59 solo), three sacks, an interception, a fumble recovery and a blocked field goal, averaging 7.6 tackles per game with three games of 10+ tackles. Cruz also caught four passes for 49 yards and returned seven kickoffs for 35 yards.
Anthony Gelbaugh, Senior QB, Susquehanna Township – Gelbaugh had a respectable junior season for the Indians, helping lead the red and black to the District 3 AAA quarterfinals. The transfer from Central Dauphin East connected on 84-of-155 passes (54.2 percent) for 1,366 yards and 15 touchdowns, averaging nearly 114 yards per game. Gelbaugh was in control of the reins of an Indian offensive unit that averaged 348 yards and 28.2 points per game.
Aris Scott, Senior QB/S, Central Dauphin East – A dual-threat athlete leading the reins of a Panther offense that averaged 285 yards of offense per game (227 rushing), Scott registered 1,058 yards of total offense (610 rushing, 448 passing) and accounted for 12 total CD East touchdowns (7 rushing, 5 passing). He connected on 25-of-61 passes (41 percent) and averaged 5.9 yards per rush on 103 carries. CD East finished 3-7 overall.
Austin Felts, Junior WR/DB, Bermudian Springs – One of the leading returning targets from Bermudian Springs’ seldom-used passing attack, Felts hauled in eight passes for 103 yards and three touchdowns, averaging 12.9 yards per reception. He finished with a season-high 51 yards in a loss to Delone Catholic.
Austin Johnson, Senior WR/DB, New Oxford – A key returning presence to the Colonials’ defensive backfield, Johnson recorded 69 tackles (37 solo), a half a sack, a deflected pass and two forced fumbles, averaging 6.9 tackles per game. He finished three of New Oxford’s 10 games with 10+ tackles.
Austin Noss, Senior OL, Wilson-West Lawn – A returning starter on the offensive line from the Bulldogs’ 11-1, District 3 AAAA quarterfinalist team a season ago, Noss helped to pave the way for a Bulldog offensive unit which averaged 415.5 yards (286.2 rush, 129.3 pass) and 38.2 points per game, producing two backs with at least 525 rushing yards and two quarterbacks who passed for at least 450 yards each. Wilson-West Lawn scored 62 total offensive touchdowns (43 rushing, 19 passing).
Austin Owens, Senior TE/LB, Bermudian Springs – A defensive weapon for the red and white, Owens accumulated 48 tackles, three sacks and three fumble recoveries, averaging four tackles per game for the District 3 AA semifinalists.
Austin Scott, Junior QB/DB, Greencastle-Antrim – In limited action last season for the Blue Devils, Scott amassed 305 all-purpose yards of offense (95 passing, 60 rushing, 150 receiving) and scored five total touchdowns (3 receiving, 1 rushing, 1 interception return). He completed 5-of-14 passes, averaged five yards per carry on 12 rushes and 30 yards per catch on five receptions. Defensively, Scott posted nine tackles, three interceptions and a pair of deflected passes. He replaces field general Dylan Schaeffer, who racked up 1,370 yards of offense (734 passing, 636 rushing) and 18 total touchdowns (10 passing, 8 rushing).
Austin Wilson, Junior QB/DB, East Pennsboro – The back-up to senior dual-threat field general Kelvin White last year, Wilson saw limited action at the helm of the Panthers’ offensive scheme. He connected on 20-of-35 passes for 293 yards and three touchdowns against two interceptions, completing a cool 57.1 percent of his passes. Wilson saw the most action against District 3 AA champion Trinity, in which he threw for 194 yards and a touchdown. He steps up to replace White, who posted 2,211 yards of offense and 27 total touchdowns in his senior season.
Averee Robinson, Senior OL/DL, Susquehanna Township – A potential Division-1 prospect in the Class of 2012, Robinson has received interest from Nebraska, Northwestern, Penn State, Pitt, Temple and Vanderbilt. He was part of a Susquehanna Township defensive unit that allowed an average of 16.2 points per game, holding seven of 12 opponents to 18 points or less, with two shutouts. Robinson posted 50 tackles for the Indians.
Benttion Hendricks, Senior WR/DB, Gettysburg – The featured target in Gettysburg’s aerial assault, Hendricks was the only Warrior receiver with a double-digit total of receptions. He finished the season by snagging 18 passes for 395 yards and a trio of touchdowns, averaging 21.9 yards per reception and finishing six games with multiple catches and three games with at least 60 receiving yards. Defensively, Hendricks added 31 tackles (25 solo), an interception and seven deflected passes. He also returned eight punts for 57 yards.
Brandon Baker, Senior QB, Central York – Baker ended the 2010 season with 1,019 yards of total offense (921 passing, 98 rushing) and had a hand in seven total touchdowns (5 passing, 2 rushing). He completed 75-of-170 passes and averaged 2.3 yards per carry. In the last two seasons, Baker has thrown for more than 2,000 yards.
Brandon Hollister, Senior RB/LB, Lancaster Catholic – The second-leading rusher in Lancaster Catholic’s balanced offense, Hollister finished with 1,164 yards from scrimmage (1,015 rushing, 149 receiving) and scored 21 total touchdowns (18 rushing, 3 receiving). Hollister averaged over 7.9 yards per carry and 14.9 yards per reception, finishing five of the Crusaders’ final six games with more than 100 rushing yards. Hollister also returned four kickoffs for 59 yards.
Brandon Lavia, Junior QB, Central Dauphin – Lavia had quite a successful sophomore season, leading Central Dauphin to a 10-win season and a berth in the District 3 AAAA quarterfinals. The Rams’ field general completed 110-of-192 passes for 1,648 yards and 17 touchdowns against only eight interceptions. He finished eight games with more than 100 passing yards, posting a pair of 200-yard performances and finishing five games with at least two touchdown passes. Lavia is on pace to throw for nearly 5,000 yards and 54 touchdowns. Lavia also ran for 297 yards and a pair of touchdowns on 61 attempts, averaging more than 4.8 yards per carry.
Brandon Robinson, Senior RB/DB, East Pennsboro – Robinson did a little bit of everything for East Pennsboro in their 7-4 campaign from a season ago, amassing 765 all-purpose yards (145 rushing, 324 receiving, 296 kickoff returns) and scoring four total touchdowns (3 receiving, 1 rushing). He averaged 4.8 yards per carry, 17.1 yards per reception and 22.3 yards per kick return. He posted a 100-yard receiving game against Susquenita. Defensively, Robinson added 15 tackles (11 solo).
Brandon Wallace, Senior RB, Susquehanna Township – The leading returning rusher from an Indians’ ground game that averaged more than 195 yards per game in 2010, Wallace posted 699 yards and four touchdowns on 83 carries, averaging more than 8.4 yards per carry. Wallace was one of four Susquehanna Township backs with at least 265 rushing yards and one of five players with at least 30 rushing attempts.
Brandon Webster, Senior WR/CB/K, Susquehannock – Webster handled the kickoff and placekicking chores for the Warriors, finishing with 11 converted extra points and three field goals, accounting for 20 percent of Susquehannock’s season scoring output. Webster averaged 37.2 yards per kickoff on 23 attempts, with one touchback.
Branson Allen, Senior FB/SS, Shippensburg – Primarily a defensive weapon for the Greyhounds during their 8-3 season in 2010, Allen racked up 68 tackles (37 solo), two sacks, two interceptions and a deflected pass. He averaged 6.8 tackles per game with two 11-tackle performances against Kennard-Dale and Northern York. Offensively, Allen is the top returning Greyhound rusher, posting 112 yards and three touchdowns on 20 carries, averaging 5.6 yards per rush.
Brendan Forrest, Senior HB/DL, Hamburg – Forrest only had 29 total touches on offense last season for the Hawks, but he made the most of them, racking up 386 total yards (169 rushing, 217 receiving) and scoring six total touchdowns, averaging 8.9 yards per carry and 21.7 yards per reception.
Brennan Scott, Junior QB, Manheim Township – One of the top returning passers to Section 1 of the Lancaster-Lebanon League, Scott connected on 145-of-264 passes for 2,036 yards with 15 touchdowns against nine interceptions. Scott completed 54.9 percent of his passes and threw for no fewer than 103 yards in any game. He finished five games with multiple touchdown passes and four games with 200+ passing yards. Scott also added one rushing touchdown on 33 keepers.
Bret Niederriether, Senior OL/DL, Red Land – A potential Division-1 prospect along the defensive line in the 2012 class, Niederreither holds a verbal scholarship offer from West Virginia and has received interest from several other FBS programs. He helped to pave the way for a Patriot offensive unit that averaged 219.7 yards (115.4 rush, 104.3 pass) and averaged 12 points per game, scoring 16 total offensive touchdowns (12 rushing, four passing). Defensively, Niederreither amassed 27 tackles (17 solo), one sack, a forced fumble and two fumble recoveries.
Brett Riser, Senior LB, New Oxford – A key returning presence at linebacker for the Colonials, Riser accumulated 71 tackles (46 solo), a sack, two deflected passes and three forced fumbles, averaging 7.1 tackles per game, including a season-best 14 stops in New Oxford’s season opening game against Delone Catholic. Offensively, Riser recorded 15 carries for 17 yards and caught two passes for 48 yards.
Brett Smith, Junior ATH, Delone Catholic – What didn’t Smith do for the Squires during his sophomore season? Maybe man the concession stand. Otherwise, he was all over the place. As the field general of the Delone offense, Smith tallied 632 yards of offense (525 passing, 107 rushing) and had a hand in 10 total touchdowns (9 passing). He completed 32-of-67 passes and averaged 2.8 yards per carry. Defensively, he amassed 67 tackles and a team-leading five interceptions. On special teams, Smith averaged 37 yards per punt on 16 attempts, booted 69 kickoffs (4 for touchbacks) and converted 41 extra points. He scored 53 of the Squires’ 407 total points on the season.
Brian Lemelle, Junior WR, Bishop McDevitt – An Associated Press Class AAA 1st-team All-state selection at wide receiver, Lemelle had quite the breakout season for the Crusaders, hauling in a team-leading 70 passes for 1,223 yards and 11 touchdowns, averaging 17.5 yards per reception. Lemelle finished 10 McDevitt games with at least four catches and eight games with at least 80 receiving yards, including a trio of 100-yard receiving performances. The bulk of Lemelle’s playoff damage came in the District 3 AAA semifinals and title game – he snagged 18 passes for 316 yards and six touchdowns in those two games. He also returned four punts for 59 yards and 10 kickoffs for 236 yards. Lemelle is a potential Division-1 prospect in the 2013 class.
Brock Dean, Senior LB, Bishop McDevitt – A veteran presence at linebacker, Dean was an integral part of a Crusaders’ defensive unit that held 11 of 16 opponents to 17 points or less, with two shutouts. He racked up 93 tackles (47 solo), four sacks, an interception, four deflected passes and three forced fumbles, averaging 5.8 tackles per game. Dean posted a season-high 13 tackles in a Week 2 loss to Central Dauphin and scored a touchdown on an interception return against Red Land. In limited offensive action, Dean ran for 31 yards and a touchdown on five carries. Dean is a Maryland recruit.
Brock Snellbaker, Junior RB/S, West York Area – The second-leading rusher on the team in 2010, Snellbaker finished with 342 yards and a pair of touchdowns on 68 attempts, averaging more than five yards per carry. Snellbaker finished three games with at least 74 yards rushing. He also caught one pass for 10 yards, registered eight tackles in limited defensive action and returned three kickoffs for 33 yards.
Brock Snyder, Senior OL/LB, Upper Dauphin Area – A key returning defensive presence for the Trojans, Snyder tallied 113 tackles and one sack in 2010, averaging 11.3 tackles per game. He finished UDA’s final seven games with 10+ tackles, including a 19-tackle performance against Williams Valley and 18 tackles against Pottsville Nativity BVM.
Brooks Arnold, Senior OL/DT, Red Lion – A defensive force for the Lions, Arnold chalked up 56 tackles, 3.5 sacks and recovered a fumble. He averaged better than four tackles per game and had a season-best 1.5 sacks against South Western.
Bryan Garlitz, Senior K, Schuylkill Valley – Garlitz handled the kicking chores for the Panthers, converting 41 extra points and three field goals, accounting for 50 of SV’s 332 points scored last season.
Bryant Myer, Senior K, Manheim Central – A weapon with a very strong leg, Myer handled the punting, kickoff and placekicking duties for the Barons last season. Myer averaged more than 37.5 yards per punt on 26 boots, pinning nine inside the 20 yard line. He booted 70 total kickoffs – 23 of which went for touchbacks. Myer also converted 50 extra points and one field goal, scoring 53 of the Barons’ 416 points last year, or 12.7 percent of the team’s output. Rutgers, Virginia Tech and Virginia have all shown interest.
Bryton Barr, Senior WR/LB, Mechanicsburg – One of Mid-Penn’s top returning linebackers, Barr was all over the place defensively for Mechanicsburg, amassing 175 tackles (96 solo), two sacks and two interceptions, averaging 17.5 tackles per game. He finished nine of Mechanicsburg’s 10 games with 15+ tackles, including performances of 24 tackles against Northern York, 22 tackles against Bishop McDevitt and 21 tackles against Lower Dauphin. Barr didn’t stop there. He also averaged 35.1 yards per punt on 10 kicks and hauled in a team-leading eight touchdown receptions out of 16 total catches for 521 yards, averaging 32.6 yards per reception.
Caleb Pardun, Senior OL/LB, Donegal – A 230-pound wrecking ball at linebacker for the green and white, Pardun racked up 50 tackles (30 solo), a team-leading four sacks, a deflected pass and a fumble recovery, averaging five tackles per game. Nearly 40 percent of Pardun’s season tackle total came against Eastern Lebanon County – he posted 19 tackles and a sack in that game. He also had a three-sack game against Annville-Cleona.
Cameron Strause, Sophomore RB/LB, ELCO – Strause primarily made his impacts on the defensive side of the ball for the Raiders, racking up 73 tackles, two interceptions, three deflected passes, a fumble recovery and two blocked field goals. He averaged 7.3 tackles per game, finishing a pair of games with 10+ tackles and returning a fumble 38 yards for a touchdown against Camp Hill. Between offense and special teams, Strause racked up 439 all-purpose yards (161 rushing, 14 receiving, 264 kickoff returns) and scored two total touchdowns (both rushing). He averaged 3.4 yards per carry, 14 yards per reception and 20.3 yards per kick return.
Carnie Fryfogle, Senior HB/LB, South Western – Primarily a defensive force for the Mustangs, Fryfogle recorded 62 tackles (37 solo), three sacks, an interception, a deflected pass and a fumble recovery, averaging 6.2 tackles per game, including a season-best 15 stops against Central York. Offensively, in limited action, he ran for 22 yards on seven carries and caught one pass for 46 yards.
Chad Reed, Senior OL/DL, Dover Area – An imposing figure for the Eagles along the offensive line, Reed, who checks in at more than 300 pounds, helped to pave the way for a Dover Area offensive unit which averaged 320.7 yards (260.2 rush, 60.3 pass) and 30.6 points per game en route to the opening round of the District 3 AAA playoffs opposite Manheim Central. The Eagles’ offensive arsenal included seven backs with between 175 and 1,330 rushing yards and a 500-yard passer. Dover Area scored 43 total offensive touchdowns (35 rushing, eight passing).
Chad Tyson, Senior WR, Pequea Valley – A potential Division-1 prospect, Tyson had a successful junior season, chalking up 59 receptions for 782 yards and scoring six touchdowns as a part of Pequea Valley’s spread-out aerial attack. Tyson averaged more than 13 yards per reception, and has received interest from D-1 programs like Bowling Green, Central Michigan, Maryland, Pitt, Syracuse and Temple, among others.
Charles Sweigert, Senior WR/DB, Lancaster Catholic – A threat as a pass catcher and kick returner, Sweigert amassed 649 all-purpose yards (321 receiving, 159 punt returns, 169 kickoff returns) and scored three touchdowns in his junior season. He averaged 17.8 yards per reception, 9.9 yards per punt return and 28.2 yards per kick return. He scored two receiving touchdowns and the other on a punt return in the District 3 playoffs against Schuylkill Valley.
Chase May, Sophomore WR, West Perry – The leading receiver in the Mustangs’ aerial assault that averaged just under 115 yards per contest, May was one of two West Perry receivers with 20 or more catches. May snagged 23 passes for 469 yards and six touchdowns, averaging 20.4 yards per catch. May finished two games with four or more catches and four games with at least 60 receiving yards, including a pair of 100+-yard performances. May posted a three-touchdown performance in the Mustangs’ season finale against Susquenita.
Chase Whiteman, Senior QB, Gettysburg – The field general that helped lead Gettysburg to the opening round of the District 3 AAA playoffs last season, Whiteman connected on 42-of-91 passes (46.2 percent) for 787 yards and seven touchdowns against six interceptions. He threw for 100+ yards four times and multiple scoring passes in two games. The Warriors lost to Susquehanna Township in the opening round of the D3 playoffs, 53-14.
Chris Schmid, Senior RB, Pequea Valley – Pequea Valley had been known for putting up gaudy passing numbers, but don’t overlook Schmid’s ability as a rusher. As a junior, Schmid racked up 1,162 yards on 206 attempts, averaging more than 5.6 yards per carry and 100 yards per game for the Braves. He also caught 24 passes for 153 yards, averaging more than six yards per catch. All told, Schmid scored nine total touchdowns for the Braves (eight rushing).
Christian Wenner, Senior K, Millersburg – Wenner handled the kickoff and placekicking chores for Millersburg last season, booting 56 kickoffs with four touchbacks and converting 17 extra points. He accounted for 17 of Millersburg’s 290 points on the season. He also added 10 tackles (9 solo) on defense.
Christopher Lenz, Senior WR/DB, Camp Hill Trinity – The featured target in the Shamrocks’ aerial assault in 2010, Lenz hauled in a team-leading 34 passes for 675 yards and 11 touchdowns, averaging more than 19.8 yards per catch. Lenz finished 12 of Trinity’s 14 games with at least two catches and went over the 100-yard receiving mark once – in a 53-7 victory over Steelton-Highspire. Defensively, Lenz chipped in with 11 tackles, two interceptions and nine deflected passes.
Clayton Schannauer, Senior OL, Wilson-West Lawn – A returning starter on the offensive line from the Bulldogs’ 11-1, District 3 AAAA quarterfinalist team a season ago, Schannauer helped to pave the way for a Bulldog offensive unit which averaged 415.5 yards (286.2 rush, 129.3 pass) and 38.2 points per game, producing two backs with at least 525 rushing yards and two quarterbacks who passed for at least 450 yards each. Wilson-West Lawn scored 62 total offensive touchdowns (43 rushing, 19 passing).
Cody Enders, Senior RB/DEF, Halifax – Enders had a solid junior season for the 3-7 Wildcats, beginning defensively, where he notched a team-leading 10 sacks for a total of 64 yards lost and also added 35 tackles (32 solo) and a fumble recovery. He averaged 3.9 tackles per game and recorded four games of at least two sacks. Offensively, Enders racked up 594 all-purpose yards (10 passing, 524 rushing, 60 receiving) and scored six total touchdowns (5 rushing, 1 receiving). He completed his only pass attempt, averaged 5.2 yards per carry on 100 rushes and 6.7 yards per reception on nine catches.
Colby Grant, Junior RB, Susquehanna Township – A super speed demon with big-time home run and game breaking ability, Grant got hit feet wet at the varsity level in 2010, primarily playing in the Indians’ backfield and on special teams. When the dust settled on ST’s 9-3 season, Grant finished with 544 yards and five touchdown on 71 carries and caught another four passes for 42 yards and one additional touchdown. He averaged 7.7 yards per carry and 10.5 yards per reception.
Colby McMaster, Senior FB/OLB, Delone Catholic – The top returning rusher to the Squires’ run-centric offense, McMaster chalked up 958 rushing yards on 122 carries and caught five passes for 108 yards. He averaged 7.8 yards per carry and 21.6 yards per reception and scored 14 total touchdowns (13 rushing). Defensively, McMaster added 40 tackles and an interception and also returned nine kickoffs for 200 yards.
Cole Boyer, Senior ATH, Millersburg – A key returning presence in the Indians’ defensive backfield, Boyer racked up 47 tackles, a team-best five interceptions, two deflected passes, two forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries. He averaged 3.9 tackles per game, including a season-high 11 stops against Williams Valley. Additionally, Boyer tallied 275 all-purpose yards of offense (26 passing, 74 rushing, 175 receiving) and accounted for three total touchdowns (2 receiving, 1 passing). He completed 1-of-4 passes, averaged 3.4 yards per carry and 25 yards per reception.
Collin Harrop, Senior WR/DB, Wilson-West Lawn – Harrop is one of the top returning defensive backs to a Wilson-West Lawn defensive unit that pitched four shutouts in 2010 and held a total of five opponents to seven points or less. Harrop finished the year with 32 tackles, four deflected passes and four fumble recoveries, averaging just under three tackles per game.
Colton Ryan, Senior RB, Northern Lebanon – The second-leading rusher for the Vikings in 2010, Ryan finished his junior season with 803 rushing yards and five touchdowns on 137 carries. He averaged 5.8 yards per carry and more than 80 yards per game, part of a Northern Lebanon offense that averaged more than 200 yards rushing per game.
Connor Maloney, Junior K, Bishop McDevitt – One of District 3’s top returning placekickers, Maloney had a solid sophomore season, converting 66-of-76 extra points and 9-of-9 field goal attempts, scoring 93 of Bishop McDevitt’s 561 points on the season, or 16.6 percent of McDevitt’s season point total. He was the Crusaders’ second-leading scorer in 2010, trailing only Cincinnati-bound running back Jameel Poteat. Maloney has scored 166 points in his career, accounting for 73 extra points during his freshman season. He also averaged 32.4 yards per punt on nine boots.
Connor Moran, Senior RB/LB, Solanco – One of three Golden Mule backs with at least 400 rushing yards on the season, Moran contributed 405 yards and two touchdowns on 81 carries for a Solanco rushing attack that averaged nearly 210 yards per game in 2010. He averaged exactly five yards per carry and ran for 100+ yards once – in a win over Oxford. He also caught 14 passes for 140 yards, and, defensively, tallied 65 tackles (45 solo) and half a sack. Moran posted a season-best 11 tackles against Central Dauphin East.
Connor Snyder, Senior QB/DB, Dover Area – One of the keys to Dover’s run-centric offense, Snyder was the man at the helm of the Eagles’ system. He tallied 731 yards of total offense (505 passing, 226 rushing) and had a hand in 10 total touchdowns (7 passing, 3 rushing). Snyder completed 30-of-69 passes and averaged 4.7 yards per carry. #15 helped lead the Eagles to the District 3 AAA playoffs as Dover posted a 6-5 overall record.
Corey Unger, Junior QB, Fleetwood Area – The leader of the Fleetwood offense, Unger more than doubled his passing yardage and touchdown pass totals from his freshman season. He completed 125-of-250 passes for 1,815 yards and 17 touchdowns with 17 interceptions, averaging more than 180 passing yards per game. Unger has thrown for 2,662 career yards.
Corie Butler, Senior WR/DB, Conrad Weiser – The top returning receiver from a Conrad Weiser aerial assault that netted more than 2,000 yards last season, Butler hauled in nine passes for 189 yards and four touchdowns, averaging 21 yards per reception. He also added nine rushes for seven yards and returned four kickoffs for 104 yards. Defensively, Butler chipped in with 19 tackles (13 solo).
Cornell Yarde, Senior WR, Schuylkill Valley – The featured receiver in Schuylkill Valley’s aerial assault, Yarde was the only Panther receiver to have more than 20 receptions in 2010. Yarde caught 26 passes for 524 yards, averaging more than 20.1 yards per catch. He scored six touchdowns.
Coy Quivers, Senior QB, James Buchanan – Quivers was the primary offensive catalyst for the Rockets during their 1-9 campaign a year ago, amassing 1,148 yards of offense (823 passing, 325 rushing) and accounting for six total touchdowns (3 rushing, 3 passing). Quivers connected on 61-of-154 passes (39.6 percent) and averaged 3.6 yards per carry on 91 rushes.
Dakota Matthews, Senior OL, Northern York – Matthews is one of the top returning offensive linemen among the Mid Penn Conference’s Capital division, helping to pave the way for a Polar Bear offensive unit that averaged 280 yards (189.9 rush, 90.1 pass) and 20.7 points per game. Northern’s offensive arsenal included three backs with 300+ rushing yards (including one with more than 1,000) and a 600+-yard passer.
Dan Neff, Senior RB, Lampeter-Strasburg – One of several athletes featured in the Pioneers’ Wing-T offense that averaged more than 200 yards rushing per game, Neff finished with 579 combined rushing and receiving yards and scored eight touchdowns, all rushing. He finished as the Pioneers’ third-leading rusher with 476 yards on 80 attempts, averaging more than 5.9 yards per carry. Neff also caught eight passes for 103 yards, averaging 13 yards per catch and finishing as the sixth-leading receiver on the team.
Danny Jackson, Junior ATH, Camp Hill Trinity – Jackson had a productive sophomore season for Trinity, totaling 795 all-purpose yards (443 receiving, 352 kick/punt returns) and scoring six total touchdowns (5 receiving, 1 punt return). Jackson averaged more than 19.2 yards per reception and went over 100 yards against Lewisburg in the PIAA AA quarterfinals. The Lewisburg game was one of two games in which Jackson finished with five or more catches. He also averaged nearly 12.9 yards per punt return and 18 yards per kick return. Defensively, Jackson registered 14 tackles and deflected a pass.
Darnell Holland, Junior RB/DB, Bishop McDevitt – Holland had a solid sophomore season for the PIAA AAA runners-up, recording 64 tackles (34 solo), 1.5 sacks, an interception, four deflected passes and two fumble recoveries, averaging four tackles per game and posting a season-best 13 tackles against Cumberland Valley. Also used as a backup to feature running back Jameel Poteat, Holland ran for 162 yards and two touchdowns on 29 carries, averaging 5.6 yards per carry. He also caught two passes for 27 yards.
Darrell Scott, Senior RB/DB, Daniel Boone – The featured running back in Daniel Boone’s balanced offense, Scott had a solid junior season, rushing for 1,669 yards and 15 touchdowns on 217 carries and catching 13 passes for 108 yards and one additional touchdown. Scott averaged 7.6 yards per carry and 8.3 yards per reception. He finished three games with 235 rushing yards or more, and posted six games with at least a pair of rushing touchdowns.
Daulton Parmer, Junior FL, Penn Manor – Parmer finished the 2010 season as Penn Manor’s leader in receptions, with 29. He converted those 29 receptions into 339 yards and a pair of touchdowns, averaging more than 13 yards per catch. He finished second on the team in receiving yards, trailing only vertical threat Demetrius Dixon (22 rec., 451 yards).
David Telp, Senior RB/DE, Red Lion – Telp had a solid defensive season for Red Lion. He finished with 41 tackles, six sacks, four forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and a blocked punt. He averaged more than four tackles per game and had two games with multiple sacks. Telp also returned a punt 42 yards for a touchdown against New Oxford – it was his only touchdown scored on the season.
DeAndre Lawson, Senior OL, Bishop McDevitt – A 6’0, 244-pound frame in the trenches for the Crusaders, Lawson helped pave the way for a Bishop McDevitt offensive unit that averaged 187.9 passing yards, 159.5 rushing yards and 35.1 points per game en route to a 13-3 record and berth in the PIAA AAA championship game opposite Allentown Central Catholic. Lawson was part of a Crusader line that helped produce a 1,700-yard rusher and 2,900-yard passer last season. McDevitt’s offensive unit, as a whole, scored 71 total touchdowns (45 rushing, 26 passing). Defensively, Lawson added 25 tackles, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery.
Denton Cordell, Senior RB/S, Greencastle-Antrim – Cordell may be one of the best returning defensive backs among the District 3 AAA classification after putting up solid numbers as a junior. He finished with 49 tackles (28 solo), a team-best nine interceptions and four deflected passes. He posted a season-high 11 tackles against Shippensburg and had multiple interceptions against James Buchanan. Cordell also totaled 654 all-purpose yards (218 rushing, 241 receiving, 208 punt/kickoff returns) and scored nine total touchdowns (4 rushing, 2 receiving, 3 misc.). He averaged 6.6 yards per carry, 26.8 yards per reception, 20.4 yards per punt return and 15 yards per kickoff return.
Denver Cordell, Senior RB/LB, Greencastle-Antrim – One of Franklin County’s top returning all-around athletes, Cordell had quite a solid season for the 11-1, District 3 AAA quarterfinalists, totaling 1,678 all-purpose yards (1,013 rushing, 167 receiving, 232 punt returns, 266 kickoff returns) and scored 19 total touchdowns (14 rushing, 2 receiving, 3 misc.). Cordell averaged 9.2 yards per carry on 110 carries, 18.6 yards per reception on nine catches, 17.9 yards per punt return and 26.6 yards per kickoff return. Cordell teamed up with fullback Tyler Szaflarski to form one of 26 backfields with a pair of 1,000-yard rushers across the Keystone State last season.
Derek Horst, Senior OL/DL, Ephrata – A key returning presence along the Mountaineers’ defensive line, Horst chalked up 60 tackles, 4.5 sacks, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries. He averaged six tackles per game for Ephrata, finishing games against Cocalico and Cedar Crest with 10 tackles and also posting an eight-tackle, 1.5-sack performance against J.P. McCaskey.
Derek Nye, Senior RB/DB, Governor Mifflin – Nye had a solid junior season for the Mustangs in their 9-3 campaign, finishing as the team’s third-leading rusher and featured receiver. Nye finished the season with 1,029 total yards of offense in Governor Mifflin’s double-slot offense (620 rushing, 409 receiving) and scored 11 total touchdowns. He averaged 7.9 yards per carry and 19.5 yards per reception. He amassed the 1,000+ yards on 99 total touches (78 carries, 21 receptions).
Devacio McGowan, Senior WR/DB, Bishop McDevitt – McGowan is a veteran presence in the Crusaders’ defensive backfield, having played a role as a part of McDevitt’s 2010 defensive unit that held 11 of 16 opponents to 17 points or less, with two shutouts. He amassed 21 tackles (15 solo), two interceptions and eight deflected passes, averaging 1.5 tackles per game and posted a pair of games with multple pass deflections. McGowan scored his lone touchdown of 2010 on an interception return against Hershey.
Diante Cherry, Junior WR, J.P. McCaskey – A threat both rushing and receiving, Cherry finished his sophomore season with 506 total yards (105 rushing, 401 receiving) on just 42 total touches, averaging nearly eight yards per touch. Cherry scored one rushing touchdown and averaged 6.2 yards per carry and was the featured target in the Red Tornado aerial assualt, snaring 25 passes and averaging just over 16 yards per catch. All told, Cherry scored four total touchdowns for the Tornado.
DeVaughn Lee, Sophomore ATH, Manheim Central – Lee, who died tragically in a January car accident, gets an honorary nod on the list of top returning athletes in District 3. He was destined to be one of the next great all-around athletes to come from the Manheim Central football program. Lee was able to contribute in all three phases of the game for the Barons as a freshman. He amassed 482 all-purpose yards (134 rushing, 348 kickoff returns) and scored five total touchdowns (3 rushing, 2 KO ret.), averaging 7.9 yards per carry and 34 yards per kick return. He also averaged close to 39 yards per punt on seven attempts, and contributed 90 tackles (41 solo) and 1.5 sacks on defense. Lee finished three games with double-digit tackle totals.
Dom Faiola, Senior RB/DB, Palmyra – Primarily a defensive weapon for the Cougars, Faiola tallied 63 tackles, a sack, an interception, four deflected passes and a forced fumble, averaging 6.3 tackles per game, including a season-best 14 stops against Boiling Springs. Offensively, Faiola ran for 169 yards on 21 carries, averaging 8.1 yards per rush, including a 100-yard effort against Susquenita.
Dominic Salamone, Senior RB/LB, Northern York – The second-leading rusher in the Polar Bears’ rushing attack that averaged more than 185 yards per game, Salamone registered 338 yards and five touchdowns on 67 carries and caught another 14 passes for 200 yards, averaging a little more than five yards per carry and 14.3 yards per reception.
Drew Hunter, Senior FB/LB, Boiling Springs – The second-leading rusher in the Bubblers’ ground attack that averaged more than 179 yards per game, Hunter ran for 468 yards and three touchdowns on 78 carries and caught another six passes for 42 yards. He averaged exactly six yards per carry and seven yards per reception.
Dustin Mcvey, Senior RB/LB, Solanco – One of three Golden Mule running backs with at least 400 yards on the season, Mcvey ran for 421 yards and six touchdowns on 93 carries, averaging 4.5 yards per carry. He also added one reception for five yards. He finished six games with at least 55 rushing yards for Solanco. Defensively, Mcvey added 20 tackles (11 solo), two sacks, an interception and a deflected pass.
Dylan Hinckernell, Senior RB/LB, ELCO – Hinckernell was a beast defensively for the Raiders, amassing 112 tackles, 2.5 sacks, an interception, a forced fumble and a blocked punt, averaging 11.2 tackles per game and finishing six games with 10+ tackles, including 16 tackles against Lancaster Catholic and a pair of 15-tackle games against Northern Lebanon and Annville-Cleona. Offensively, Hinckernell was the featured back in ELCO’s offensive arsenal, rushing for 659 yards and six touchdowns on 107 carries and adding another seven receptions for 71 yards, averaging 6.2 yards per carry and 10.1 yards per reception.
Dywan Blanding, Junior WR/DB, Steelton-Highspire – The second-leading receiver in the Rollers’ aerial assault that averaged more than 140 yards per game, Blanding snared 18 passes for 387 yards and three touchdowns, averaging an impressive 21.5 yards per reception.
Eddie Lazowski, Senior FB/LB, Donegal – One of the backs featured in Jeff Polites’ Wing-T offensive arsenal last season, Lazowski ran for 584 yards and three touchdowns on 105 carries, averaging 5.6 yards per rush. He finished seven games with at least 50 rushing yards, including a pair of 100+ yard rushing performances against Pequea Valley and Annville-Cleona. Defensively, Lazowski added 79 tackles (45 solo) and deflected three passes, posting a trio of 11+ tackle games against Fleetwood, Conrad Weiser and Lancaster Catholic.
Erik Althoff, Senior WR/CB, Red Lion – Between rushing attempts, receptions, punt returns and kickoff returns, Althoff registered 69 total touches and amassed 910 all-purpose yards (45 rushing, 296 receiving, 569 punt/kickoff returns) and scored four total touchdowns. He averaged 3.7 yards per carry, 11.8 yards per reception, 14.7 yards per punt return and 21.2 yards per kickoff return. Defensively, Althoff added 40 tackles, tied for the team lead in interceptions with five and deflected 10 passes.
Ethan Snyder, Senior OL/DE, Twin Valley – Snyder had a solid defensive season for the Raiders, totaling 82 tackles (all solo), four sacks, four forced fumbles and three blocked field goals. He averaged 8.2 tackles per game for Twin Valley, posting four games of 10+ tackles, including a season-best 14 stops against Governor Mifflin.
Evan Weaver, Senior WR/DB, Ephrata – One of the key returners in the Ephrata defensive backfield, opposing quarterbacks regularly saw passes headed in Weaver’s direction getting redirected away from their intended targets. He recorded 36 tackles (22 solo), a team-leading 10 deflected passes and a fumble recovery. He averaged 3.6 tackles and one deflected pass per game, finishing three games with multiple pass deflections. As a receiver, Weaver snared three passes for 96 yards and a touchdown, averaging 32 yards per catch.
Freddie Hess, Senior RB/DE, Annville-Cleona – A key returning presence along the defensive line for the Little Dutchmen, Hess accumulated 69 tackles, five sacks, an interception and a fumble recovery, averaging 6.9 tackles per game. Hess did the majority of his damage against Williams Valley, posting 15 tackles and two sacks. He also posted a two-sack performance against Pequea Valley. Offensively, Hess amassed 333 total yards (215 rushing, 118 receiving) and scored three total touchdowns (2 receiving, 1 rushing), averaging 4.3 yards per carry and 9.1 yards per reception.
Garrett Levengood, Senior QB, Cedar Crest – Levengood was the main offensive catalyst for a one-win Cedar Crest team during the 2010 season, amassing more than 2,000 yards of total offense. He completed 93-of-183 passes for 1,768 yards with 16 touchdowns against eight interceptions and added 239 rushing yards and five additional touchdowns on 93 attempts. Levengood directed a Falcon offensive unit that scored 20+ points in six of 10 games last season, including a season-high 40 points against Manheim Township.
Grayson Helm, Senior QB, Wyomissing – One of the key pieces of the Spartans’ District 3 AA runner-up last season, Helm handled the reins of Wyomissing’s Wing-T offense. He chalked up more than 1,600 yards of offense, throwing for 1,143 yards and 14 touchdowns and adding 516 rushing yards and four additional scores on 84 attempts. Helm averaged more than 6.1 yards per carry. He enters his senior season having thrown for 2,841 yards and 33 touchdowns.
Harold Brantley, Senior RB/DT, Hershey – A potential Division-1 prospect in the 2012 recruiting class at defensive tackle, the 265-pound Brantley has heard from programs like Connecticut, Michigan, Penn State, Pitt, Rutgers and West Virginia, among others. He ran for 307 yards and five touchdowns on 74 carries, averaging 4.1 yards per carry. Defensively, he added 21 tackles (14 solo).
Hunter Robb, Senior RB/LB, Carlisle – One of two backs in the Thundering Herd’s offensive arsenal to rush for more than 400 yards last season, Robb finished with 409 yards and three touchdowns on 103 carries, averaging 3.9 yards per carry. Carlisle finished 3-7 overall in 2010 and averaged 224 yards of offense per game (119 rushing).
Ian Spencer, Senior FB/LB, Greencastle-Antrim – A key presence at linebacker for the Blue Devils, Spencer chalked up 91 tackles, five sacks and a fumble recovery, averaging 7.6 tackles per contest. Spencer finished three games with 11+ tackles, including a season-best 14 stops against Northern York and a three-sack performance against James Buchanan. Spencer was part of a G-A defensive unit that held 11 of 12 opponents to 17 points or less, with three shutouts.
Isaac Dori, Senior OT/DT, Littlestown – Dori, a 375-pound specimen in the trenches for the Thunderbolts, racked up 66 tackles and one sack in just eight games, averaging 8.3 tackles per game and finishing four games with 10+ tackles. Offensively, Dori helped to pave the way for a potent Littlestown offense that averaged 420 yards (227 rushing, 193 passing) and 43.5 points per game.
Isaiah Baker, Senior WR, Lebanon – The fourth-leading receiver in the Lebanon Cedars’ air-raid offense, Baker snagged 15 passes for 340 yards and five touchdowns, averaging more than 23 yards per catch during the 2010 season.
Jack Margavitch, Senior S/WR, Dallastown – A key returning presense in the Dallastown defensive backfield, Margavitch racked up 63 tackles (42 solo), four interceptions and 11 deflected passes, averaging 5.3 tackles per game, including a season-best 11 stops in a 38-36 shootout victory over Red Lion.
Jack Miller, Senior RB/LB, Camp Hill Trinity – Miller proved to be quite an important catalyst on both sides of the ball for the Shamrocks. Offensively, he chalked up 1,357 total yards (1,087 rushing, 270 receiving) and scored 25 total touchdowns (22 rushing, 3 receiving). He averaged 9.5 yards per carry and nearly 16.9 yards per reception, posting four 100-yard rushing performances. Defensively, he contributed 86 tackles (68 solo), four sacks, six deflected passes, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery, with two performances of 10+ tackles.
Jacob Morgan, Senior WR/DB, Wilson-West Lawn – A threat on offense and special teams, Morgan amassed 479 all-purpose yards (315 receiving, 164 kick/punt returns) and scored four receiving touchdowns. He averaged 12.1 yards per reception, 11.7 yards per punt return and 59 yards per kick return. Morgan finished three games with five or more receptions and two games with more than 65 receiving yards.
Jacob Wood, Senior FB/LB, Hamburg – The third-leading rusher in Hamburg’s rushing attack that racked up more than 2,900 yards last season, Wood ran for 536 yards on 103 carries and caught another three passes for 50 yards, averaging 5.2 yards per carry and 16.7 yards per reception. He scored six total touchdowns.
Jake Bingham, Senior QB, Camp Hill – A dual-threat athlete for the Lions, Bingham amassed 627 total yards of offense (425 rushing, 202 passing) and accounted for three total touchdowns (2 rushing, 1 passing). He connected on 16-of-31 passes (51.6 percent) and averaged 4.5 yards per carry on 97 rushes.
Jalil Ford, Senior WR/DB, Central York – Ford was quite the all-around athlete for Central York last year, totaling 1,222 all-purpose yards (26 rushing, 517 receiving, 519 punt returns, 160 kickoff returns) and scored nine total touchdowns (7 receiving). Ford was the only Panther receiver with more than 20 receptions, averaging 12.9 yards per catch, 21.6 yards per punt return and 20 yards per kickoff return. Defensively, Ford chipped in with 54 tackles, two deflected passes, two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery.
Jamal Scott-Williams, Senior OL/DL, Steelton-Highspire – Scott-Williams was part of a Steamroller offensive line that helped pave the way for a unit that averaged 315 yards (173 rushing, 142 passing) and 27.8 points per game. The Rollers’ offensive arsenal included a 1,600-yard rusher and 1,700-yard passer. Steel-High finished 7-5 overall and reached the District 3 Class A semifinals.
Jared Bliss, Senior QB, Boiling Springs – Bliss was the leader of a Bubbler offense that averaged a hair under 246 yards (179 rushing) and 20 points per game, connecting on 50-of-89 passes (56.2 percent) for 613 yards and three touchdowns. Bliss also scored one rushing touchdown on 38 keepers, helping lead BS to a 7-4 overall record and berth in the District 3 AA playoffs.
Jared Myers, Senior WR/DB, Newport – One of three Buffalo receivers with more than 20 catches in 2010, Myers hauled in 23 passes for 538 yards and two touchdowns, averaging 23.4 yards per reception. Myers led the Buffaloes in receiving yards and was part of a Newport aerial assault that averaged more than 145 yards per game.
Jared Shipley, Senior RB/DE, Dover Area – The second-leading rusher in Dover’s run-centric offensive scheme, Shipley finished with 646 all-purpose yards of offense (540 rushing, 106 receiving) and scored three total touchdowns (all rushing). Shipley averaged 6.2 yards per carry and nearly 11.8 yards per reception. In limited defensive action, Shipley recorded 14 tackles and a pair of sacks.
J.C. Brandt, Senior WR/DB/KR, Steelton-Highspire – The featured target in the Steamrollers’ aerial assault that averaged more than 140 yards per game in 2010, Brandt hauled in a team-leading 49 passes for 810 yards and five touchdowns, averaging a cool 16.5 yards per catch and nearly 68 receiving yards per game. Brandt was also a key home run threat on special teams for the Rollers.
Jeff Pickel, Junior OL/LB, Lampeter-Strasburg – One of the catalysts of the Lampeter-Strasburg defense, Pickel finished as the Pioneers’ leaders in tackles last year, with 93, an average of 7.2 tackles per game. He was part of a Pioneer defensive unit, including reserves, that held six opponents to seven points or less, with two shutouts, and twice defeated traditional L-L League and state AAA power Manheim Central.
Jeremy DePietro, Senior RB/DB, Cumberland Valley – DePietro might be the best returning multi-purpose athlete in the Mid Penn. He burst onto the scene as a junior, totaling 2,207 all-purpose yards between offense and special teams (1,278 rushing, 160 receiving, 769 kickoff/punt returns) and scored 18 total touchdowns (13 rushing, 1 receiving, 4 misc.). DePietro was a first-team Associated Press All-state selection. He averaged 8.9 yards per carry, 12.3 yards per catch, 17.1 yards per punt return and 22.7 yards per kick return. Defensively, DePietro tallied 45 tackles, three interceptions, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery.
Jeremy Franck, Senior QB, Ephrata – The ringleader of the Mountaineers’ newly-installed flexbone offense, Franck totaled more than 1,000 yards of offense. He threw for 826 yards and seven touchdowns, completing 57-of-117 passes and ran for 330 yards and seven touchdowns on a team-high 134 attempts. Ephrata opened the 2010 season 2-1, with victories over Cocalico and Conestoga Valley, before ending the season on a seven-game losing streak.
Jeremy Stauffer, Senior WR/CB, West York Area – One of the key returners to the West York defensive backfield, Stauffer tallied 36 tackles (26 solo) and four interceptions in 2010, averaging a little more than two tackles per game and posting one game with multiple interceptions.
Jerrin Toomey, Senior WR/DB, West York Area – A force both offensively and defensively for the Bulldogs, Toomey figures to be a key two-way player for the blue and white in his senior season. Offensively, Toomey totaled 491 all-purpose yards (83 rushing, 408 receiving) and scored four total touchdowns (all receiving). He averaged 3.9 yards per carry and nearly 14.1 yards per reception, surpassing the 100-yard mark in receiving against Spring Grove. Defensively, Toomey added 94 tackles and a team-leading five interceptions, posting four double-digit tackle games, including an impressive 22 tackles against South Western.
Jesse Good, Senior QB, South Western – The leader of a Mustang offensive attack that averaged more than 300 yards and 20 points per game, Good connected on 54-of-114 passes (47.4 percent) for 809 yards and six touchdowns against nine interceptions, throwing for 100+ yards three times and finishing two games with multiple scoring passes. He also scored one rushing touchdown on 44 keepers.
Jesse Orr, Senior TE/LB, Daniel Boone – Seldom-used on offense, Orr made the bulk of his impacts on the defensive side of the ball for the Blazers. He tallied 78 tackles (53 solo), picked off a pass, forced a fumble and recovered a fumble, averaging more than six tackles per game. Orr finished one game with double-digit tackles – it came in a narrow 16-14 victory over Pottsville. Orr also scored one touchdown – it came on a 6-yard reception against Donegal. Orr caught three passes for 14 yards and returned three kickoffs for 26 yards.
Joe Julius, Sophomore K, Lower Dauphin – Julius has an incredibly strong leg, a weapon Lower Dauphin will likely be glad to have the services of for the next three football season. He booted 18 kickoffs for an average of 58.5 yards, with 12 touchbacks (66.7 percent of kickoffs). Julius finished four of LD’s final seven games with multiple touchbacks. He also converted three field goals for the Falcons.
Joe Welk, Senior RB/DB, Solanco – Welk had an impressive junior season for the Golden Mules, racking up 1,762 all-purpose yards (931 rushing, 101 receiving, 730 kickoff returns) and scored 12 total touchdowns (9 rushing, 3 kickoff returns), averaging 7.5 yards per carry, 5.3 yards per reception and 33.2 yards per kickoff return. Welk ran for 100+ yards in five Solanco games and finished six games with 90+ kick return yards. Defensively, Welk added 48 tackles (29 solo), an interception, six deflected passes, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery.
John Armbrust, Senior QB, Garden Spot – Armbrust had a respectable junior season for the Spartans, helping lead the blue and gray to a 4-6 overall record. He connected on 88-of-186 passes for 1,086 yards and 11 touchdowns against six interceptions and ran for another 473 yards and five touchdowns on 115 carries. He posted a completion percentage of 47.3 and averaged 4.1 yards per carry, throwing for 100+ yards five times and running for 100+ yards once.
John Griffith, Senior WR/DB, Manheim Central – Griffith, like Lee, gets an honorary nod on the list of top returning District 3 athletes, as he would have been one of the Barons’ top returning leaders in the defensive backfield. Tragically, Griffith was killed in a January car crash. He had missed the bulk of the month of September for the Barons in 2010, yet still turned in a respectable 57 tackles, team-leading four interceptions and one fumble recovery. He averaged more than six tackles per game and posted a multiple interception game against Garden Spot.
Johnnie Adgers, Junior RB/DB, Waynesboro – The leading rusher for the Indians, Adgers posted 497 yards and four touchdowns on 77 carries, averaging 6.5 yards per carry and a hair under 50 yards per game.
Johnnie Martin, Senior RB/DB, Donegal – Martin is the Indians’ best statistical returning player from the 2010 squad after finishing as the team’s leading rusher and receiver. He ran for 730 yards on 86 carries and caught another 21 passes for 357 yards, averaging 8.5 yards per carry and 17 yards per reception. He scored 12 total touchdowns (7 rushing, 5 receiving). He posted a pair of 100-yard rushing and 100-yard receiving performances. Defensively, Martin rolled up 56 tackles (39 solo), three interceptions, six deflected passes and a fumble recovery, posting a season-best 11 tackles against Lancaster Catholic.
Jon Hicks, Senior LB, Palmyra – A Connecticut recruit, Hicks, a 6’3, 235-pound wrecking ball of an athlete, has received interest from programs like Akron, North Carolina State, Penn State, Pitt, Rutgers and West Virginia, among others. Hicks had an incredible junior season, statistically speaking, posting a team-best 138 tackles, 6.5 sacks (a team-best), an interception, two deflected passes, a forced fumble and two blocked field goals, averaging 15.3 tackles per contest in nine games. He posted a pair of 19-tackle performances against Steelton-Highspire and East Pennsboro and 18 tackles against Milton Hershey.
Jonathan Hulyo, Senior QB, J.P. McCaskey – The field general who helped lead the Red Tornado to a 7-4 record and berth in the District 3 AAAA playoffs ended his junior season with 1,119 passing yards and 12 touchdowns and 220 yards rushing and three additional touchdowns. Hulyo completed 79-of-164 passes and averaged 3.79 yards per carry.
Jonah Plymire, Senior LB, Central York – Plymire was a wrecker for the Panthers from his linebacker position, amassing 85 tackles, 2.5 sacks and a pair of fumble recoveries. He averaged 8.5 tackles per game and finished three of Central York’s first four games with 10+ tackles, including a season-best 14 stops in a loss to Cumberland Valley. Offensively, Plymire chalked up 23 total yards combined rushing and receiving and scored two total touchdowns.
Jordan Groff, Senior RB/WR, Lampeter-Strasburg – Quite the multi-purpose athlete for the Pioneers, Groff did a little bit of everything on offense for the Lancaster-Lebanon League Section 2 champions in 2010. When the dust settled on L-S’ 11-2 season, Groff finished with 802 total yards of offense (45 passing, 480 rushing, 277 receiving) and scored 13 total touchdowns (9 rushing, 4 receiving). Groff was 1-of-1 passing, averaged 6.7 yards per carry and 13 yards per reception, finishing as the second-leading rusher and receiver on the Pioneers’ team.
Jordan Harro, Senior WR/DB, Palmyra – The leading returning receiver from a Cougars’ aerial assault that averaged more than 160 yards per game in 2010, Harro snagged 22 passes for 350 yards and two touchdowns, averaging 15.9 yards per reception. He finished two games with four or more receptions and two games with 75+ receiving yards. He also recorded a 34-yard rush against Susquenita. Defensively, Harro chipped in with 19 tackles (10 solo), an interception and two deflected passes.
Joseph Cacchione, Junior WR, Wyomissing – The leading receiver in Wyomissing’s aerial assault, Cacchione caught 23 passes for 446 yards and scored five touchdowns as a sophomore. He averaged more than 19.3 yards per catch, and was the only Wyomissing player with more than 20 receptions. Cacchione also completed two passes for 26 yards and one touchdown and averaged five yards per carry on two rushing attempts.
Joseph Fencel, Senior C/DT/LS, Cumberland Valley – One of the key returners to the CV defensive line, Fencel racked up 69 tackles, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery. He posted a season-best 10 tackles against Central Dauphin East. Fencel also served as the long snapper on special teams for the Eagles.
Josh Good, Senior WR/DB, Manheim Central – The top returning receiver to the Barons’ offensive unit in 2011, Good snagged 21 passes for 342 yards and a touchdown, averaging more than 16.4 yards per catch. He posted one game with five or more catches and four games with more than 50 receiving yards. Defensively, Good chipped in with 27 tackles and an interception.
Josh Writer, Senior RB/K/P, Northeastern – Writer played in only eight games for the Bobcats last season, but he made the most of them, racking up 61 tackles, two interceptions and six deflected passes, averaging 6.8 tackles per game and finishing with a pair of 11-tackle games against New Oxford and Kennard-Dale. Writer also showed off a strong leg, booting 21 punts for an average of 43.9 yards, with 11 punts downed inside the 20 yard line and a long of 58 yards. He also booted 25 kickoffs for an average of 41.2 yards, with three touchbacks.
Joshua Howard, Junior QB/DB, Millersburg – One of the better dual-threat quarterbacks returning to the Twin Valley Conference, Howard helped lead Millersburg to the District 3 Class A championship game, amassing 1,758 yards of offense (1,077 rushing, 681 passing) and accounting for 19 total touchdowns (14 rushing, 5 passing). He completed 44-of-98 passes (44.9 percent), throwing for 100+ yards twice and averaged 5.6 yards per carry on 191 rushes, surpassing the 100-yard rushing mark in five games. Defensively, Howard added 58 tackles (39 solo), two interceptions, three deflected passes and a fumble recovery.
Junior Joseph, Junior TE/LB, Wilson-West Lawn – In limited defensive action last season, Joseph finished with 19 tackles, four sacks, a deflected pass and a forced fumble. Joseph had a season-high six tackles against Warwick and a two-sack game against J.P. McCaskey. Joseph’s four sacks, good enough for second on the team, totaled 35 yards lost, which led the team.
Justin Kline, Senior WR/OLB, Daniel Boone – Kline did a little bit of everything for the Blazers in their 11-2 season a year ago. He finished with 444 all-purpose yards (minus-7 rushing, 227 receiving, 224 KO returns) and scored five total touchdowns (4 receiving). Kline averaged 11.9 yards per reception and 16 yards per kick return. Defensively, Kline added 49 tackles, a forced fumble, a fumble recovery and three blocked punts. He also handled the punting chores for DB, averaging 30.1yards per boot on 41 attempts, with six of those punts being downed inside the 20.
Justin Olney, Senior TB/S, Susquehannock – Olney holds the distinction of finishing as the Warriors’ leading rusher last season. He totaled 465 rushing yards and one touchdown on 125 attempts and caught three passes for 46 yards and another touchdown. Olney averaged 3.7 yards per carry and 15.3 yards per reception. Defensively, he chipped in with 25 tackles and deflected three passes.
Justus Phalen, Senior OL/ILB, Kennard-Dale – Phalen was a key presence at linebacker for the Rams last season, racking up 56 tackles (51 solo), four sacks, two interceptions and a blocked field goal, averaging 5.6 tackles per game. He posted a two-sack game in the District 3 AAA playoffs against Bishop McDevitt.
Kaden Hepler, Senior QB, West York Area – Hepler operated the reins of a Bulldog offense that averaged more than 30 points per game. He completed 105-of-188 passes for 1,625 yards and 18 touchdowns against only eight interceptions, averaging more than 140 passing yards per game. He threw for 100+ yards in nine of West York’s 11 games. He added 80 yards and a touchdown on 60 rushing attempts.
Keenan Edmond, Senior RB/WR, Columbia – Edmond finished his junior season with 571 all-purpose yards of offense (435 rushing, 136 receiving) and scored seven total touchdowns on 78 total touches. He was the Crimson Tide’s leading rusher, averaging 6.13 yards per carry and led the team in rushing touchdowns scored, with five. As a receiver, he averaged 19 yards per catch and scored two additional touchdowns.
Keith Witmer, Senior RB/LB, Annville-Cleona – Witmer returns to man one of the Little Dutchmen’s linebacker positions after posting 71 tackles (40 solo) and a sack as a junior, averaging 8.9 tackles per game for A-C. He posted a pair of 12-tackle games against Williams Valley and Hamburg.
Kevin Lytle, Senior RB/LB, Northern York – The third-leading rusher for the Polar Bears last season, Lytle finished with 328 yards and five touchdowns on 52 carries, averaging 6.3 yards per carry.
Kevin O’Grady, Senior TE/DE, Central York – O’Grady had quite a solid junior season for Central York, posting a team-leading 10 sacks (totaling 71 yards lost) to go along with 71 total tackles, a deflected pass and a blocked punt. O’Grady averaged 7.1 tackles per game and posted consecutive games of 2.5 sacks against Susquehannock and Spring Grove.
Kevin Stago Jr., Senior RB/LB, East Pennsboro – The top returning rusher in the East Pennsboro backfield from a year ago, Stago ran for 650 yards and nine touchdowns on 142 carries, averaging 4.6 yards per carry and running for 100+ yards in four of East Penn’s 11 games. Defensively, he added 39 tackles (21 solo).
Khaliq Coleman, Senior WR, Milton Hershey – The only Spartan receiver with at least 20 catches last season, Coleman wound up finishing with 21 receptions for 335 yards and four touchdowns, averaging 15.9 yards per catch. Coleman was the primary receiving target in a Milton Hershey aerial assault that averaged 94.3 yards per game last year.
Kwe Parker, Senior RB/DE, Central York – A force from his position at defensive end, Parker spent a lot of time in opposing backfields last year. He tallied 7.5 sacks for a total of 56 yards lost, posting three games of at least 1.5 sacks. He also contributed 74 total tackles (31 solo), two deflected passes and a blocked punt. Parker averaged 7.4 tackles per game and finished three games with at least 10+ tackles.
Kyle Biddle, Junior QB, Red Land – Red Land struggled mightily in 2010, winning just two games, but Biddle was one of the Patriots’ top statistical leaders. He amassed 997 yards of offense (807 passing, 190 rushing) and accounted for five total Patriot touchdowns (3 passing, 2 rushing). Biddle completed 66-of-143 passes (46.2 percent), but did throw 13 interceptions. He threw for 100+ yards in a game on three occasions, and averaged 2.9 yards per carry on 66 rushes.
Kyle Connel, Senior RB/LB, Garden Spot – A key returner at linebacker for the Spartans, Connel posted 70 tackles, a half a sack and a fumble recovery, averaging seven tackles per game. He also ran for 95 yards and one touchdown on 14 carries, averaging 6.8 yards per carry and running for a season-best 88 yards in the Spartans’ season opener against Twin Valley.
Kyle Felpel, Senior ATH, Cocalico – Felpel was a weapon on defense and special teams for the 8-6 Eagles, averaging 35.5 yards per punt on 21 boots, with eight of those kicks downed inside the 20 yard line and a long of 45 yards. On kickoffs, he averaged 32 yards per kickoff on 30 boots, with a pair of touchbacks. Defensively, Felpel tallied 43 tackles, 4.5 sacks and a forced fumble, averaging 3.3 tackles per game and posting a two-sack performance in the District 3 AAA semifinals against Conrad Weiser.
Kyle Friend, Senior T/DT, Cumberland Valley – An Associated Press All-state selection, Friend posted a solid season along the defensive line for Cumberland Valley, registering 95 tackles (17 solo), six sacks and a forced fumble. He posted seven games with seven or more tackles, including a season-best 17 stops against Central Dauphin East. A 265-pound athlete, Friend might be a potential Division-1 prospect.
Kyle Yocum, Junior QB, Exeter Township – Yocum went over the 1,000 yard mark passing as a sophomore, connecting on 62-of-145 passes for 1,044 yards and 10 touchdowns against 13 interceptions, averaging more than 104 yards per game for the 4-6 Eagles. He also added 220 rushing yards and a pair of touchdowns on 129 carries, averaging 1.7 yards per rush. For his career, Yocum has thrown for 1,532 yards and 13 touchdowns, and is on pace to throw for more than 3,000 yards in his career for Exeter.
Kyree Ross, Senior OL/DL, Bishop McDevitt – A 6’0, 253-pound athlete in the trenches for the Crusaders, Ross helped pave the way for a Bishop McDevitt offensive unit that averaged 187.9 passing yards, 159.5 rushing yards and 35.1 points per game en route to a 13-3 record and berth in the PIAA AAA championship game opposite Allentown Central Catholic. Ross was part of a Crusader line that helped produce a 1,700-yard rusher and 2,900-yard passer last season. McDevitt’s offensive unit, as a whole, scored 71 total touchdowns (45 rushing, 26 passing).
Lance Geesey, Senior K, Cumberland Valley – Geesey might be the best returning kicker in District 3’s AAAA classification. Of his 85 kickoffs last year, 30 of them (35.3 percent) went for touchbacks. Geesey’s average kickoff traveled more than 55.2 yards. He converted 57 extra points and six field goals, scoring 75 of CV’s 501 points on the season (14.9 percent of team scoring output). Geesey also handled the Eagles’ punting chores, averaging 34.3 yards per boot on 40 attempts, with nine of those punts downed inside the 20 yard line.
Leroy McClain, Senior WR, Susquehanna Township – One of four Indian receivers with at least 10 receptions in the 2010 season, McClain finished the season with 11 receptions for 276 yards and three touchdowns, averaging 25.1 yards per reception. One of McClain’s best games came in Week 3 against Greencastle-Antrim – he finished with 130 receiving yards and a pair of touchdowns.
Logan Brosius, Senior ATH, Millersburg – Brosius did a little bit of everything for the District 3 Class A runners-up, totaling 19 tackles (17 solo), a team-best five interceptions and four deflected passes on defense and adding 77 yards and two touchdowns on nine carries and 283 yards and another touchdown on 15 catches. He averaged 8.6 yards per carry and 18.8 yards per reception.
Logan Neff, Senior T/DT, Central York – Neff had himself a solid junior season, totaling 75 tackles, nine sacks and a forced fumble. Neff averaged 7.5 tackles per game, finishing with a season high 12 tackles against Susquehannock and posting four games of at least 1.5 sacks. Neff’s nine sacks, good enough for second-best on the Panthers’ defensive unit, accounted for 56 yards lost.
Luke Bitner, Junior K, Greencastle-Antrim – Bitner was an integral part of the Blue Devils’ special teams unit last season, converting 55 extra points and six field goals, accounting for 73 of Greencastle-Antrim’s school record 488 points (14.9 percent). The 488 Blue Devil points is unofficially the 43rd-highest single season team scoring output in District 3 history.
Luke Casamassa, Senior OL, Conrad Weiser – Casamassa helped to pave the way for a Conrad Weiser offensive attack that averaged 364 yards (201 rushing, 163 passing) and 33.4 points per game. CW’s offense produced a 2,000-yard passer and a pair of 1,000-yard rushers. The Scouts scored 61 offensive touchdowns (39 rushing, 22 passing).
Mac McCafferty, Junior QB, Lancaster Catholic – In limited action backing up senior John Roda, McCafferty completed 3-of-8 passes for 47 yards. The race to replace career 8,500-yard passer Kyle Smith before the start of the 2010 season included Roda, Sean Gibbons and McCafferty, and now either Gibbons or McCafferty will look to replace the outgoing Roda, who threw for 1,837 yards and 23 touchdowns, leading LC to an 11-1 record.
Marques Fells, Junior TB/DB, Central York – The top returning rusher to the Panthers’ team, Fells finished with 542 all-purpose yards (327 rushing, 35 receiving, 180 kickoff returns) and scored six total touchdowns in his sophomore season. Fells averaged four yards per carry, seven yards per reception and 25.7 yards per kickoff return. Defensively, #10 registered 47 tackles (25 solo), three interceptions, a forced fumble and three fumble recoveries.
Matt Lehr, Junior RB/DB, York Catholic – Lehr keyed a Fighting Irish rushing attack that averaged more than 210 yards per game last season, rushing for a team-best 1,134 yards and nine touchdowns on 168 carries, averaging 6.8 yards per carry and more than 100 yards per game. He finished six games with at least 100 rushing yards and two games with multiple rushing touchdowns.
Matt McCrudden, Senior RB, Lampeter-Strasburg – McCrudden finished the 2010 season as the only L-S running back with more than 100 rushing attempts and was one of seven different running backs with at least 169 yards in the Pioneers’ Wing-T offense. When the dust settled on L-S’ season, McCrudden finished with 114 rushes for 522 yards and five touchdowns, averaging a little more than 5.2 yards per carry. The Pioneers averaged more than 200 rushing yards per game during their 11-2 season and run to the District 3 AAA semifinals.
Matt Vincent, Senior FB/ILB, Kennard-Dale – The leading rusher for the Rams a season ago, Vincent racked up 657 yards and four touchdowns on 112 carries and caught another seven passes for 104 yards, averaging 5.9 yards per carry and 14.9 yards per reception. He ran for 100+ yards three times. Defensively, Vincent added 67 tackles (62 solo) and a pair of sacks. He also averaged 31.2 yards per punt on 24 kicks, with three of those punts downed inside the 20 yard line and a long of 48 yards.
Max Ward, Senior QB, Middletown – The top returning career passing yardage leader among quarterbacks from District 3 Class A schools, Ward has thrown for nearly 3,800 yards and 38 touchdowns in his career. When the dust settled on his junior season, Ward had completed 110-of-221 passes (49.7 percent) for 1,710 yards and 10 touchdowns, averaging more than 140 passing yards per game. He also ran for 110 yards and two touchdowns on 76 keepers. Steel-High finished 7-5 last season, reaching the District 3 Class A semifinals.
Micah Anderson, Senior OL/DL, Susquehanna Township – A key returning presence in the trenches for the Indians, Anderson helped to pave the way for a Susquehanna Township unit which averaged 348.5 yards (196.3 rush, 152.2 pass) and 28.2 points per game, reaching the District 3 AAA quarterfinals opposite Cocalico. The Indians produced three backs with between 425 to 700 rushing yards and a 1,360-yard passer in 2010.
Michael Burke IV, Senior ATH, Columbia – Burke is one of District 3 Class A’s top returning wide receivers. He had quite the productive junior season as the featured target in Columbia’s passing attack, catching 72 passes for 1,185 yards and scored a team-leading 16 touchdowns. Burke averaged more than 16 yards per reception and 100 yards receiving per game. He also completed his only pass attempt for 42 yards and registered 13 carries in the Tide’s spread offense.
Mick Straub, Senior FB/DE, Cumberland Valley – A force on the defensive line for the Eagles during their run to a third consecutive 12-win season, Straub chalked up 55 tackles, seven sacks and deflected a pass. He averaged more than four tackles per game and had two games of double-digit tackle totals – 13 stops against Central Dauphin East and 11 tackles against Wilson-West Lawn.
Mike Felton, Senior ATH, South Western – You name it, Felton did it last season for South Western. He was all over the gridiron for the silver and black, amassing 1,552 all-purpose yards (722 rushing, 378 receiving, 452 kickoff/punt returns) and scored 98 total points (12 extra points, 14 touchdowns, 1 two-point conversion) to finish as South Western’s leading scorer. His 14 touchdowns were split 10 rushing and four receiving. He averaged 6.5 yards per carry, running for 100 yards twice; 16.4 yards per reception; 15.3 yards per punt return; and 23 yards per kick return. Defensively, Felton added 74 tackles (53 solo), an interception and nine deflected passes. On special teams, he averaged 39.04 yards per punt on 28 kicks with two punts downed inside the 20 yard line and a long of 71 yards. He also booted 30 kickoffs for an average of 45.1 yards and one touchback.
Mike Houseal, Senior OL/LB, Donegal – Houseal was Donegal’s leading tackler on defense last season, amassing 95 tackles (64 solo), a deflected pass and a fumble recovery, averaging 9.5 tackles per game. Houseal finished five games with 11+ tackles, including 18 stops against Eastern Lebanon County and 14 tackles against Conrad Weiser.
Mike Lopresti, Senior LB, Dover Area – The Eagles’ leading returning tackler, Lopresti put up a very solid season defensively. He racked up 132 tackles, a sack, a deflected pass and a fumble recovery, averaging a cool 12 tackles per game, finishing eight of Dover’s 11 games with double-digit tackle totals. Lopresti also finished with 175 yards and a touchdown on 28 rushing attempts and caught a 13-yard touchdown pass and had a 17-yard kickoff return as well.
Mike McNellis, Senior RB, Lampeter-Strasburg – One of the numerous running backs to be featured in the Pioneers’ Wing-T offensive scheme, McNellis finished with 290 rushing yards and six touchdowns on 55 carries, averaging nearly 5.3 yards per attempt and a rushing touchdown every ninth carry. The L-S ground game, which averaged more than 200 yards per game, featured seven backs who posted season rushing totals between 169 and 522 yards.
Mike Robinson, Senior QB, Donegal – The Indians’ field general from a season ago, Robinson helped lead Donegal’s Wing-T offense that averaged 287 yards and 19 points per game. He completed 66-of-120 passes (55 percent) for 948 yards and 10 touchdowns against nine interceptions, averaging nearly 95 yards per game. He threw for 100+ yards five times and had two games with multiple touchdown passes. Defensively, Robinson chipped in with 53 tackles, a sack, two deflected passes, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery.
Miles Williams, Senior DB, Bishop McDevitt – A weapon on defense and special teams for the District 3 AAA champions, Williams registered 42 tackles (23 solo), a sack, three interceptions and three deflected passes. In games against Erie Cathedral Prep and Allentown Central Catholic, Williams returned a pair of interceptions a combined 72 yards and scored a touchdown. He also returned three kickoffs for 86 yards for McDevitt, including a 71-yard kickoff return against Kennard-Dale.
Mitch Crouse, Senior OL/DL, Littlestown – A two-way player in the trenches for Littlestown, Crouse totaled 50 tackles, two sacks and a fumble recovery for the Thunderbolts, playing a role on a defensive unit that held seven of 11 opponents to seven points or less, with one shutout. He averaged 4.5 tackles per game. Offensively, Crouse helped to pave the way for a wickedly efficient Thunderbolt offense that averaged 420 yards (227 rushing, 193 passing) and 43.5 points per game, scoring 70 total touchdowns (47 rushing, 23 passing).
Mitch Nebrosky, Senior QB, Halifax – He only played in Halifax’ first five games of the 2010 season, leading the Wildcats to a 3-2 record in that span. He completed 30-of-57 passes (52.6 percent) for 455 yards and four touchdowns and added 96 yards and three additional touchdowns on 44 carries, averaging 2.2 yards per rush. He threw for 100+ yards twice and had two games with multiple passing touchdowns. Defensively, Nebrosky added 13 tackles (10 solo) and an interception.
Nate Hamilton, Senior LB, Central Dauphin – The only returning CD defensive player with more than 60 tackles in 2010, Hamilton posted a 63-tackle, three-sack season for the Rams, averaging just under five tackles per game. Against Warwick in the opening round of the District 3 AAAA playoffs, Hamilton posted a 13-tackle game. He also had a pair of sacks against PIAA AAA runner-up Bishop McDevitt. Hamilton also forced a fumble and recovered a fumble.
Nate Shank, Senior QB, Lampeter-Strasburg – The ringleader of the Pioneers’ Wing-T offense, Shank has been lining up under center for the blue and white since his freshman year. Shank finished his junior season completing 75-of-130 passes for 1,317 yards with 11 touchdowns against seven interceptions, helping lead L-S to an 11-2 record and a berth in the District 3 AAA semifinals. He also added 270 yards and four additional touchdowns on 65 rushing attempts. For his varsity career, Shank has thrown for 3,091 yards and 33 touchdowns.
Neftali Valentin, Senior OL/DL, Steelton-Highspire – A 285-pound behemoth in the trenches for the Steamrollers, Valentin helped pave the way for a 1,600-yard rusher (Clayton McNair) and a 1,700-yard passer (Max Ward). In all, the Steel-High offensive line helped to pave the way for a team that averaged 315 yards and 27.8 points per game last season.
Nick Kocman, Senior OT/DL, Red Lion – A force on the defensive line for Red Lion, Kocman registered 30 tackles, six sacks, forced a fumble and recovered a fumble. He averaged just over two tackles per game. In two meetings against Cumberland Valley last year, Kocman tallied a combined eight tackles and three sacks.
Nick Martin, Senior HB/S, Garden Spot – The featured receiver in the Spartans’ aerial assault that averaged just under 110 yards per game, Martin hauled in 25 passes for 328 yards and four touchdowns, averaging 13.1 yards per catch. He finished two games with six or more catches and had a season-best 118 yards against Solanco. Martin also completed 1-of-2 passes for 38 yards, ran 14 times for 23 yards, recorded a tackle, an interception, two forced fumbles, a fumble recovery and a blocked punt on defense and also returned three combined kickoffs and punts for 32 yards.
Nick Slonac, Senior DL, Camp Hill Trinity – An Associated Press Class AA 2nd-team All-state selection on the defensive line, Slonac is Trinity’s top returning sack artist, posting 54 tackles (40 solo), a team-leading seven sacks, an interception, two deflected passes, two forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries and two blocked punts. He averaged 3.9 tackles and half a sack per game for the District 3 AA champion Shamrocks. Offensively, Slonac completed 7-of-11 passes for 98 yards and ran for 106 yards and three touchdowns on 19 carries. He connected on 63.6 percent of his passes and averaged 5.6 yards per carry.
Nick Small, Junior QB, Northeastern – Small had a respectable sophomore season for the Bobcats, connecting on 73-of-153 passes (47.7 percent) for 1,028 yards and nine touchdowns against 10 interceptions. He threw for 100+ yards in five Northeastern games and finished three games with multiple touchdown passes. Small also added 231 yards and a touchdown on 53 carries, averaging 4.4 yards per rush. In limited action at punter, he averaged 33.7 yards on 10 kicks, with a long of 53 yards.
Noah Spence, Senior TE/DE, Bishop McDevitt – A 5-star prospect at defensive end in the 2012 recruiting class, Spence has 20 Division-1 scholarship offers from all across the country, and may be the best defensive line prospect in the nation. The senior-to-be amassed 102 tackles (61 solo), an eye-popping 22 sacks for a total of 191 yards lost, three deflected passes, 10 forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries. He averaged 6.4 tackles and 1.4 sacks per game, finishing three games with 10+ tackles and six games with at least two sacks. For his career, Spence has racked up an impressive 37.5 sacks
Pat Narus, Junior OL, Bishop McDevitt – A 6’5, 280-pound monster in the trenches for the Crusaders, Narus helped pave the way for a Bishop McDevitt offensive unit that averaged 187.9 passing yards, 159.5 rushing yards and 35.1 points per game en route to a 13-3 record and berth in the PIAA AAA championship game opposite Allentown Central Catholic. Narus was part of a Crusader line that helped produce a 1,700-yard rusher and 2,900-yard passer last season. McDevitt’s offensive unit, as a whole, scored 71 total touchdowns (45 rushing, 26 passing).
Patrick Dill, Senior QB/K, Camp Hill Trinity – Dill had quite the junior season on both offense and special teams for Trinity. As the field general of the Shamrocks’ spread offense, he completed 145-of-240 passes for 2,315 yards and 24 touchdowns against 15 interceptions and added 134 rushing yards and six additional touchdowns on 87 keepers. Dill, who has thrown for 3,098 career yards, surpassed the 100-yard passing mark in 12 of Trinity’s 14 games and posted seven games with multiple touchdown passes. On special teams, Dill averaged more than 34 yards per punt on 28 boots, with eight downed inside the 20, and 11 of his 93 kickoffs went for touchbacks.
Patrick Montgomery, Senior SE/LB, York Catholic – The second-leading receiver in York Catholic’s aerial assault, Montgomery was one of two Irish flankers with at least 20 catches last season, hauling in 23 passes for 373 yards and three touchdowns, averaging 16.2 yards per catch. He caught at least two passes in 10 of York Catholic’s 11 games and finished four games with at least 45 receiving yards. Montgomery also returned six punts for 32 yards and one kickoff for 15 yards.
Patrick Murphy, Senior HB/DB, Hamburg – The second-leading rusher in Hamburg’s ground and pound offense that amassed more than 2,900 yards on the ground last year, Murphy finished with 645 yards on 53 carries and caught another four passes for 77 yards, averaging 12.2 yards per carry and 19.3 yards per catch. He scored seven total touchdowns.
Patrick Wise, Senior QB, Kutztown Area – The Cougars struggled, winning just one game last season. Wise led a Cougar offensive unit that averaged 264 yards and 20.5 points per game. The Kutztown field general completed 103-of-226 passes for 1,515 yards with 10 touchdowns against 10 interceptions.
Pete Pitilis, Senior K, Red Lion – Pitilis handled the kickoff and placekicking chores for the Lions last season, booting 62 kickoffs for an average of 41.6 yards with two touchbacks and converted 37 extra points and one field goal. He scored 40 of Red Lion’s 385 total points on the season.
Philip Norris, Senior ATH, Susquehannock – Primarily a threat on special teams, Norris contributed 519 all-purpose yards (116 rush, 20 receiving, 383 kickoff/punt returns) and scored two rushing touchdowns for the Warriors. He averaged 18.5 yards per punt return and 20.6 yards per kickoff return. Defensively, Norris added 24 tackles and deflected a pass.
Preston Bare, Senior RB/LB, Palmyra – The featured rusher in the Cougars’ offensive arsenal that averaged more than 300 yards per game last season, Bare racked up an impressive 1,106 yards of total offense (934 rushing on 112 carries and 172 receiving on 11 catches) and scored 14 total touchdowns (10 rushing, 4 receiving). Bare averaged 8.3 yards per carry and 15.6 yards per reception, running for 100+ in four Palmyra games. Defensively, #7 amassed 79 tackles, 1.5 sacks, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery, averaging 7.9 tackles per game.
Quinn Starner, Senior QB/DB, New Oxford – A dual-threat athlete at the helm of the Colonials’ offensive arsenal, Starner rolled up 976 yards of offense (500 rushing, 476 passing) and had a hand in eight total New Oxford touchdowns (4 passing, 4 rushing). Starner threw for 100+ yards once and ran for 100+ yards once, helping lead the Colonials to a 3-7 record overall.
Rob King, Senior TE/LB, Garden Spot – Another key returner to the Spartan linebacking corps, King racked up 72 tackles, 1.5 sacks, an interception, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery, averaging 7.2 tackles per game. He finished with a season high 13 tackles against Cocalico.
Robbie Moretz, Junior DEF, Halifax – A key returning two-way player for the Wildcats, Moretz amassed 505 all-purpose yards (108 rush, 150 receiving, 247 kickoff/punt returns) and scored three total touchdowns (2 receiving, 1 rushing), averaging nine yards per carry, 18.8 yards per reception, 9.9 yards per punt return and 11.1 yards per kick return. He ran for a season-high 89 yards against Line Mountain and had 79 receiving yards against Upper Dauphin. Defensively, Moretz added 54 tackles (44 solo) and a pair of interceptions
Rodney Gillin, Senior RB/DB, Wilson-West Lawn – Gillin is, without question, one of the top returning running backs in all of the Lancaster-Lebanon League. He finished his junior season with 1,890 rushing yards and 27 touchdowns on 183 carries to go along with five receptions for 55 yards on the offensive side of the ball, averaging 10.3 yards per carry and 11 yards per reception. He ran for no fewer than 118 yards in each of the Bulldogs’ 12 games last year and finished nine games with at least two rushing touchdowns. He accounted for 168 of Wilson’s 462 points scored on the season. Defensively, Gillin added 20 tackles, eight deflected passes, an interception and a fumble recovery. He has run for 1,961 career yards.
Roman Clay, Junior RB, Lancaster Catholic – One of the major components of the Crusaders’ ground attack, Clay tallied 1,544 yards and 20 touchdowns on 171 carries, averaging more than nine yards per rush and over 140 yards per game. Clay finished seven games with more than 100 yards rushing, and in a three-game stretch ran for 680 yards and eight scores. Clay also caught two passes for 22 yards. He is on pace to run for more than 4,600 yards in his career. Lancaster Catholic has never had a 4,000 yard career rusher in school history.
Ryan Daub, Senior RB/WR, Northern Lebanon – A threat to both run the ball and catch an occasional pass out of the backfield, Daub finished his junior season with 752 combined rushing and receiving yards and scored nine total touchdowns for the Vikings. Daub ran for 557 yards on 67 carries and caught six passes for 195 yards, averaging more than 8.1 yards per carry and 33 yards per reception. He finished as NL’s third-leading rusher and receiver.
Ryan Greene, Senior RB/DE, Mechanicsburg – The featured rusher in Mechanicsburg’s offensive arsenal last season, Greene ran for 529 yards and three touchdowns on 136 carries and caught another 14 passes for 156 yards, averaging 3.9 yards per carry and 11.4 yards per reception. He finished games against Susquehanna Township and Cedar Cliff with more than 135 yards rushing each. Defensively, Greene added 27 tackles and recovered a fumble.
Ryan Herr, Junior WR, Camp Hill – The featured target in the Lions’ aerial assault that averaged a little more than 100 yards per game last season, Herr snared 35 passes for 595 yards and five touchdowns, averaging 17 yards per catch. Herr was the only Camp Hill receiver with more than 20 catches and more than 200 receiving yards.
Ryan Miller, Senior RB/DB, Boiling Springs – The Bubblers’ leading rusher in 2010, Miller posted a team-best 790 yards and four touchdowns on 126 carries, averaging 6.3 yards per carry. Miller helped Boiling Springs to a 7-4 overall record and berth in the District 3 AA playoffs.
Ryan Troup, Senior DL, Central York – A force on the defensive line for Central York, Troup tallied 63 tackles, 5.5 sacks, a forced fumble and a blocked punt. He averaged 6.3 tackles per game and finished with a season high 11 stops against Cumberland Valley. Troup’s 5.5 sacks accounted for a total of 37 yards lost.
Ryan Vaughn, Senior G/ILB, Littlestown – Vaughn had a respectable season at linebacker for the Thunderbolts, posting 62 tackles (33 solo), three sacks and two fumble recoveries. He averaged 6.2 tackles per game, posting three games with 10 tackles in the Bolts’ 11-game season.
Sam Putt, Senior RB/DB/P, East Pennsboro – Putt handled the punting chores for the Panthers over its final six games of the 2010 season, and he did very well in the role, averaging 35.6 yards per punt on 20 kicks, with seven of those 20 punts (35 percent) being downed inside the 20 yards line and a long of 58 yards. In limited action in the East Pennsboro backfield, Putt registered seven carries for 21 yards.
Scott Salade, Senior RB/WR/LB, Manheim Township – The leading returning rusher to the Blue Streaks’ razorback offense from a season ago, Sallade ran for 555 yards and five touchdowns on 114 carries, averaging just under 4.8 yards per carry. He finished three games with more than 100 rushing yards, including a season-high 157 yards in a 27-21 loss to Red Lion and 127 yards and three touchdowns against Cedar Crest.
Sean Orner, Senior QB, Milton Hershey – A dual-threat field general that rotated in and out as part of a two-quarterback rotation for the Spartans last season, Orner amassed 823 yards of offense (502 passing, 321 rushing) and accounted for nine total Milton Hershey touchdowns (5 rushing, 4 passing). Orner connected on 29-of-84 passes (34.5 percent) and averaged 4.6 yards per carry on 70 rushes.
Sean Seif, Senior WR/DB, Bishop McDevitt – One of three Crusader receivers with at least 25 catches last year, Seif finished his junior season by snaring 50 passes for 710 yards and six touchdowns, averaging 14.2 yards per catch. Seif went over the 100-yard receiving mark against Lower Dauphin, finishing seven of McDevitt’s 16 games with four or more receptions. Seif also returned 25 punts for 283 yards (11.3 yard avg.) and nine kickoffs for 225 yards (25 yard avg.).
Sean Titus, Junior ATH, Lancaster Catholic – Titus didn’t touch the ball much during his sophomore season, but he made those 21 touches count. He registered one rushing attempt, nine receptions, four punt returns and seven kickoff returns, finishing with 434 all-purpose yards and scored five total touchdowns (1 rushing, 4 receiving). Titus averaged more than 24.6 yards per reception and 26 yards per kickoff return for the Crusaders.
Seth Klein, Senior ATH, Wilson-West Lawn – Klein did a little bit of everything for the Bulldogs last season, whether it was starting at quarterback when senior Zach Zweizig was injured or running the football or catching passes. All told, Klein finished his junior season with 650 all-purpose yards of offense (455 passing, 101 rushing, 94 receiving) and threw nine touchdown passes. Klein twice surpassed the 150-yard mark in passing in a game, and threw four touchdown passes against Hempfield. He averaged 4.8 yards per carry and caught 12 passes as a receiver.
Seth Lefever, Senior ATH, Columbia – He shifted from quarterback to wide receiver in Columbia’s spread offensive scheme, and put up respectable numbers as the #2 featured receiver, snaring 29 passes for 369 yards and a quartet of touchdowns, averaging 13 yards per reception. The Crimson Tide’s aerial assault in 2010 averaged more than 205 yards per game.
Shelby Wilkerson, Senior WR/DB, Central Dauphin East – A potential Division-1 prospect at wide receiver in the 2012 recruiting class, Wilkerson has received interest from programs like Cincinnati, North Carolina, Penn State, Pitt and Wisconsin. He was the featured receiver in the Panthers’ aerial assault, hauling in 11 passes for 200 yards and three touchdowns, averaging more than 19 yards per catch.
Spencer Moser, Sophomore QB, Cocalico – Of all of the different Cocalico quarterbacks to line up under center last season for the District 3 Class AAA runners up, Moser finished as the overall statistical leader. He amassed 819 yards of offense (477 rushing, 342 passing) and accounted for nine total Eagle touchdowns (6 rushing, 3 passing). Moser connected on 22-of-42 passes (52.4 percent) and averaged 4.7 yards per carry on 102 rushes. He threw for 100+ yards once and ran for 100+ yards twice.
Tanner Dresch, Senior QB, Northern Lebanon – The spark of the Northern Lebanon offense, Dresch finished his junior season with more than 1,700 yards of total offense. He threw for 947 yards and 10 touchdowns against only six interceptions, completing 51-of-117 passes and added a team-leading 815 yards and 10 touchdowns on the ground on 154 attempts. NL averaged more than 327 yards of offense per game in 2010, and Dresch accounted for an average of 176 of those total offensive yards per game.
Tanner Klinefelter, Senior QB, Red Lion – Klinefelter helped lead the Lions to a 10-win season and berth in the District 3 AAAA championship game by completing 146-of-236 passes for 1,983 yards and 22 touchdowns against five interceptions. He averaged over 140 passing yards per game and had seven games with multiple touchdown passes. Klinefelter also ran for 297 yards and five touchdowns, caught one pass for 15 yards and a touchdown and averaged 30.1 yards per punt on 53 attempts.
Tanner Link, Senior RB/LB, Dover Area – Link is a solid two-way player who made significant impacts both offensively and defensively in the Eagles’ run to a District 3 AAA playoff berth. Link ran for 1,332 yards on 157 carries and caught nine passes for 90 yards, scoring 19 total touchdowns (18 rushing). He averaged 8.4 yards per carry and 10 yards per reception, posting six 100+ yard rushing performances and two four-touchdown games (York-William Penn & Northeastern). Defensively, Link chalked up 64 tackles, an interception, three deflected passes and a fumble recovery.
Taylor Steinbauer, Senior RB/DB, Cedar Crest – The top returning target in Cedar Crest’s aerial assault in 2011, Steinbauer snagged 22 passes for 333 yards and a trio of touchdowns. He averaged 15 yards per reception.
Teddy Kolva, Senior K/P, Wyomissing – Kolva handled the placekicking chores for the Spartans last season, converting 47 extra points and four field goals. He scored 59 total points, finishing as the second-leading scorer on the Wyomissing team, trailing only outgoing FB Tyler Rank (108 points). Kolva accounted for 15.2 percent of Wyomissing’s season scoring output.
Thomas Bonitz, Senior G/MLB, Susquehannock – The leading tackler on the Warriors’ defensive unit in 2010, Bonitz finished the season with 75 tackles, a forced fumble, a fumble recovery and a deflected pass. He averaged 7.5 tackles per game and finished each of the Warriors’ final four games of the season with 10+ tackles, including a season-best 13 tackles in the season finale against Dover Area.
Tom Bodolus, Senior QB, Daniel Boone – A member of the Blazers’ wide receiving corps as a sophomore, he proved to be one lethal quarterback operating Daniel Boone’s balanced offensive attack. Bodolus completed 140-of-260 passes for 2,130 yards with 28 touchdowns against 16 interceptions. He threw for 100+ yards in 10 of DB’s 13 games and for 200+ in four. He finished six games with at least two touchdown passes, including three games of five scoring passes within the season’s first nine weeks. He also ran for 484 yards and six touchdowns on 160 attempts, averaging just over three yards per carry. Defensively, he posted 44 tackles, three interceptions, a forced fumble and two fumble recoveries.
Travis Lamereaux, Junior RB/LB, Millersburg – Lamereaux had a solid sophomore season for Millersburg, amassing 761 all-purpose yards (477 rushing, 42 receiving, 242 kickoff/punt returns) and scored seven total touchdowns (6 rushing, 1 punt return). He averaged 4.7 yards per carry, 14 yards per reception, 21 yards per punt return and 14.4 yards per kickoff return. Defensively, he chipped in with 91 tackles (53 solo), six sacks, a deflected pass and a fumble recovery, averaging 7.6 tackles per game with a pair of 13-tackle performances against East Juniata and Big Spring. Lamereaux also averaged 35.6 yards per punt on 28 boots, with nine of those punts downed inside the 20 yard line.
Tre Brown, Sophomore QB, Milton Hershey – The second half of the Spartans’ two-quarterback platoon employed last season, Brown accumulated 608 yards of offense (441 passing, 167 rushing) and accounted for six total Milton Hershey touchdowns (4 passing, 2 rushing). Brown connected on 28-of-68 passes (41.4 percent) and averaged 3.2 yards per carry on 53 rushes.
Trevor Topper, Senior TE/DE, Littlestown – Topper returns to his spot along the Thunderbolts’ defensive line after posting 63 tackles, two sacks and a fumble recovery in his junior season. He averaged 6.3 tackles per game.
Tyler Antal, Senior WR, Lebanon – In terms of yardage and receptions, Antal was the second-leading receiver in Lebanon’s air-raid offensive scheme last season. Antal hauled in 43 passes for 593 yards and scored a pair of touchdowns, averaging 14 yards per reception. Antal was one of four Lebanon receivers to finish the season with at least 20 catches and one of four receivers to finish the season with more than 300 receiving yards. Of the Cedars’ 363 total offensive yards per game in 2010, 249 of them came through the aerial department.
Tyler Donahue, Senior WR/LB, Twin Valley – The featured target in the Raiders’ aerial assault last season, Donahue used his 6’1 frame to haul in 22 passes for 345 yards and four touchdowns, averaging 15.7 yards per reception. He finished with a season-best seven catches for 127 yards and three touchdowns against Exeter Township. Donahue also returned six kickoffs for 93 yards and recorded 25 tackles (all solo) and a fumble recovery on defense.
Tyler Fitzkee, Senior RB/LB, Bermudian Springs – Fitzkee was a wrecker on both sides of the ball for the Eagles as a junior. He finished with 1,666 all-purpose yards of offense (1,391 rushing, 275 receiving) and scored 21 total touchdowns (18 rushing). He averaged nearly 7.3 yards per carry and exactly 11 yards per reception. Defensively, Fitzkee led Bermudian in tackles with 123, adding 6.5 sacks and a fumble recovery. He posted six games with 10+ tackles. He also handled the kickoff chores for the Eagles, averaging 36 yards per boot on 58 attempts. He also converted 28 PATs and three field goals, accounting for 163 of Bermudian Springs’ 358 points scored in the 2010 season.
Tyler Harrison, Senior QB, Columbia – Statistically, Harrison had a solid junior season, leading an improved Crimson Tide football team to a 4-win season and a playoff berth. Harrison completed 153-of-252 passes for 2,112 yards with 23 touchdowns against nine interceptions, averaging more than 200 yards passing per game. Harrison also registered 304 yards and four touchdowns on the ground on 85 carries, averaging over 3.5 yards per rush attempt. He’s on pace to throw for more than 4,200 yards in his career.
Tyler Kessler, Senior RB/LB, Eastern York – A 215-pound wrecker for the Golden Knights, Kessler led the defense in tackles last season, with 65 (45 solo), an interception and a forced fumble. He played in seven games, averaging 8.1 tackles per game, including a season-best 18 stops in Eastern York’s season opener against Columbia.
Tyler Orris, Senior QB, Cedar Cliff – Orris had a solid junior season for the Colts, comprising one-half of a two-quarterback platoon that saw both field generals throw for 930+ yards. Orris was the leading passer of the duo, throwing for 1,009 yards and six touchdowns against three interceptions while connecting on 54.4 percent of his passes (81-of-149). He threw for 100+ yards five times and had one game with multiple touchdown passes. For his career, Orris has thrown for 2,484 yards. He also added 175 rushing yards and a touchdown on 47 keepers.
Tyler Schmitt, Senior WR, Pequea Valley – The featured target in Pequea Valley’s potent spread-out passing oriented offense last season, Schmitt snared 75 passes for 874 yards and 12 touchdowns, leading the Braves in all three categories. He averaged more than 12 yards per catch, as well as an average of seven receptions and 87 yards per game last season.
Tyler Smith, Senior RB/DB, Delone Catholic – Smith did damage rushing, receiving, and returning kickoffs and punts for Delone Catholic, totaling 91 touches between the four statistical categories. He amassed 1,022 all-purpose yards (446 rushing, 281 receiving, 295 punt/kickoff returns) and scored 13 total touchdowns (9 rushing, 3 receiving, 1 misc.). Smith averaged 6.9 yards per carry, 17.5 yards per reception, 29.5 yards per punt return and 26.2 yards per kickoff return. Defensively, Smith chipped in with 45 tackles and a pair of interceptions.
Tyler Stitz, Senior WR/DB, Solanco – One of the Lancaster-Lebanon League’s top returning defensive backs, Stitz recorded 41 tackles (33 solo), an impressive eight interceptions and four deflected passes. He averaged 4.1 tackles and eight-tenths of an interception per game, finishing with four interceptions against Lebanon and two interceptions against Penn Manor. He was also the featured wide receiver in the Golden Mules’ Wing-T offense, hauling in 22 passes for 362 yards and two touchdowns, averaging 16.5 yards per catch. Stitz finished with a season-best 120 receiving yards against Conestoga Valley.
Tyler Szaflarski, Senior FB/LB, Greencastle-Antrim – A battering ram of a fullback in G-A’s punishing Wing-T offense that averaged 383 yards (311 rushing) and nearly 41 points per game, Szaflarski ran for an impressive 1,195 yards on 165 carries and caught another three passes for 41 yards, scoring 17 total touchdowns (15 rushing, 1 receiving, 1 interception return). He averaged 7.2 yards per carry and 13.7 yards per reception, running for 100+ yards in six of the Blue Devils’ 12 games. Defensively, he added 57 tackles, a sack, an interception and two deflected passes.
Tyson Hayes, Senior QB, Annville-Cleona – The Dutchmen field general didn’t have to air things out much with an offense that averaged more than 180 yards per game on the ground, but when Hayes was called upon, he was effective. Hayes finished his junior season completing 75-of-154 passes for 804 yards and 13 touchdowns against only five interceptions. He averaged more than 80 passing yards and seven completions per game.
Vic Shenoy, Senior OL, Camp Hill Trinity – A 290-pound frame on the offensive line for the Shamrocks, Shenoy helped to pave the way for a Trinity unit that averaged 392.1 yards (217.8 rushing, 174.3 passing) and 40.5 points per game. Trinity’s offense produced a pair of 1,000-yard rushers and a 2,300-yard passer and scored 73 total touchdowns (48 rushing, 25 passing).
Vincent Spinelli, Senior LB, Camp Hill Trinity – Spinelli was listed as a quarterback/linebacker on Trinity’s roster last season, but he did all of his damage on the defensive side of the ball. Spinelli finished with 57 tackles (43 solo), four sacks, an interception, three deflected passes, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery. He finished with a season-best 12 tackles in the District 3 AA semifinals against Bermudian Springs.
Wyatt Dungan, Junior K, Cocalico – Dungan split the kickoff chores with Kyle Felpel, averaging 40.3 yards per kick on 30 attempts, with a long of 55 yards. He also converted 46 extra points and one field goal, scoring 49 total points. He accounted for 13.1 percent of Cocalico’s season scoring output.
Xavier Baney, Junior RB, Cedar Cliff – The second-leading rusher in the Colts’ ground attack, Baney finished with 297 yards and eight touchdowns on 76 carries and caught another seven passes for 12 yards. He averaged 3.9 yards per carry and 1.7 yards per reception. Baney finished two Cedar Cliff games with at least 70 rushing yards and had three games with multiple rushing touchdowns.
Zach Hurst, Junior QB, Warwick – After losing field general Tyler Farnan in the opening game of the season against Dallastown, Hurst stepped up to take the reins of the Warriors’ offense. Aided by 2,100-yard rusher Deron Thompson, Hurst only attempted 85 passes, completing 41 of them for 678 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Hurst helped lead the Warriors to a 6-3 record for the remainder of the regular season and a berth in the District 3 AAAA playoffs opposite Central Dauphin.
Zach Smith, Junior QB, West Perry – Smith saw the bulk of the action at the helm of West Perry’s offensive attack last season, connecting on 56-of-116 passes (48.3 percent) for 889 yards and 12 touchdowns against six interceptions. He averaged a hair under 99 passing yards per game, throwing for 100+ yards on six separate occasions and throwing multiple scoring passes in five Mustang games. Defensively, Smith also made some impact, contributing 14 tackles, a deflected pass, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery.
Zach Smith, OL/DL, Lower Dauphin – A returning starter from the Falcons’ offensive line a season ago, Smith helped to pave the way for a blue and white offensive unit which averaged 268.4 yards (174.2 rush, 94.2 pass) and 12.3 points per game, producing three backs with between 220 to 995 rushing yards and a 750+-yard passer. Lower Dauphin scored 16 total offensive touchdowns (14 rushing, two passing).
Zach Wilk, Junior OL, Central Dauphin – Wilk was part of a physically dominant Ram offensive line that helped pave the way for an offensive unit that averaged 345 yards (212 rushing, 133 passing) and 30.4 points per game. The Rams finished 10-3 overall, reaching the District 3 AAAA semifinals opposite Cumberland Valley. Wilk and the Rams’ line helped produce a 1,600-yard rusher (one of five backs with more than 200 rushing yards) and 1,600-yard passer and score a total of 52 total touchdowns (35 rushing, 17 passing).
Zachary Robinson, Senior OL/DL, Daniel Boone – A key returning presence in the defensive trenches for Daniel Boone, Robinson tallied 82 tackles (56 solo) and forced a fumble, averaging more than six tackles per game for the District 3 AAAA semifinalists. He was part of a Blazer defensive unit that held eight of 13 opponents to 16 points or less, with one shutout.
Zayd Issah, Junior RB, Central Dauphin – The featured tailback in Central Dauphin’s offense, Issah finished the 2010 season as District 3’s leader in rushing yards among sophomores. He ran for an impressive 1,653 yards and 21 touchdowns on 253 carries, averaging more than 6.5 yards per rush and 127 yards per game. Issah surpassed the 100-yard mark in seven games and the 200-yard mark in two. He also caught 17 passes for 152 yards (8.9 avg.) and one touchdown and returned six kickoffs for 122 yards (20.3 avg.), with a long of 30.
A week of bonding with buddies, appearances, promotions and practice culminated with the PSFCA Big 33 game Saturday Night at Landis Field. Pennsylvania came in with a 4-1 advantage in the recently renewed rivalry with Maryland. In a game dominated by the defenses, Maryland Kicker Cooper McGeehan nailed a 37-yard field goal with 10.5 seconds left to propel the visitors to a 9-6 victory over Pennsylvania Saturday Night.
“It’s been an exciting journey, I want to thank God for blessing me with the ability to play football. Want to thank my mom and dad for everything they did. All the trips to different colleges and believing in me. My brother is my biggest motivator, my sisters have always been behind me and keeping me on task. Wanna thank Coach Gueriera, and the rest of my coaches. My trainer who made sure my game is at the top. With that being said, I’m committing to Clemson University.”
For the second straight year, Dunmore and Ligonier Valley met in the PIAA AA tournament. In a battle of unbeatens, Dumore came out on top in a back and forth battle 23-20.
The first meeting between Berks Catholic and Bishop McDevitt was a big one. They faced off at the Mecca of Pennsylvania football Hershey park Friday afternoon for a District Championship. The Saints jumped out early and pulled away late. Berks Catholic claimed the 4A District Three crown 45-24 over Bishop McDevitt.
At the beginning of the football season, the Gov Mifflin coaches sat down and talked about the two games they lost last year, Wilson and Harrisburg. The coaches felt that the reason the Mustangs lost those games was an inability to break their opponent mentally. So to symbolize this “breaking an opponent mentally” strategy the team used “The Russians cut, and it’s a bad one” line from the Rocky movie series as the message for the season.
If you ask any fan who the top high school football program in the Lehigh Valley is…it’s real easy, Parkland!
For the second straight season Berks Catholic and East Pennsboro faced off in a District Three playoff game. The Saints had no trouble with the Panthers last year. Fast forward to 2017 and on a five game win streak and a great season from running back Onassis Neely, Pennsboro came in to the tonight’s matchup brimming with confidence. Berks Catholic would have none of that. The Saints excelled in all three phases and sent East Pennsboro packing 48-7 Friday night in Reading.
The Middletown Raiders came into the 2017 season with many question marks. How could this team who graduated several stars from a 3A state runner up squad expect to top last years performance? Well they are certainly on their way. The Raiders are undefeated and again District Three AAA champs. Middletown trounced Wyomissing Area in the District Three 3A title game in Hershey 49-0 Thursday night.
In one of the biggest turn arounds in District Three football history, William Penn went from a 1-9 2016 to a stellar 9-1 2017 season. The number five seed Bobcats met up with perennial playoff participant Governor Mifflin Friday night in Shillington. The Mustangs imposed their will on the Bobcats early and often. Governor Mifflin scored touchdowns on each of their first half possessions and ran all over William Penn 56-7.
The ear to ear smile on Exeter Twp. Head Coach Matt Bauer said it all. The Eagles have been through a lot this season: a three game losing streak, defeat in the Berks league de facto title game to a cross town rival, and a loss of a senior leader due to injury. But Friday night after Exeter’s dominating 42-18 win over Reading High, the bad times seemed a long way off.
Whether the Cumberland Valley Eagles told you or not, the game with Lower Dauphin was circled on the calendar in the off season. The Falcons surprise win over CV last year obviously gave the Eagles extra motivation. Led by its powerful running game, Cumberland Valley ground past Lower Dauphin 24-14 Friday night.
Wilson WL seems to be hitting its stride at the right time of year. An uncharacteristic slow start by the Bulldogs has now 180’d . Wilson added to its Lancaster-Lebanon league win streak legacy by dispatching Lebanon 46-11 Friday night.
Last week the Little Lions found themselves in a situation they didn’t respond well to a tough running game and they gave up chunks of yardage, eventually getting their first loss of the season. Last night at Memorial Field, the State College again found themselves in that situation. Central Dauphin East came at the State College defense in a similar fashion, with their versatile and athletic quarterback Kane Everson and bruising running back Mike Jones pounding away at the center of the Little Lion defense for big gains. The the Little Lions made the adjustment, and with the help of some big plays and a monster game from Tristen Lyons and Cohen Russell out of the backfield, were able to pull away in the second half for a 34-14 win.
Undefeated Wyomissing Area faced off against a rejuvenated Twin Valley program Friday night in Elverson. The Confident Raiders were riding a two game winning streak. The Spartans fresh off a by were coming off a hard fought win at Mifflin County. Wyomissing’s big plays and tough defense dominated all the way.
The Berks Catholic Saints only blemish on last year’s stellar regular season was a 35-20 week five defeat to the Exeter Twp Eagles. It was pretty clear that the Saints had this year’s matchup with the Eagles circled on the calendar all off season. Berks Catholic came out fired up and focused. In a one-sided affair, Berks Catholic Saints marched through the Exeter Eagles 48-7 Friday night in Reading.
Exeter Twp and Governor Mifflin have been the class of Berks Section One for the last decade. In recent years the matchup between the Eagles and Mustangs has been the de facto Berkshire One Title game. The 2017 winner was surely in the drivers seat for a league title and playoff berth. In a hard hitting battle Governor Mifflin came out on top 28-14 in Shillington Friday Night.
Shikellamy Brave Head Coach Todd Tilford broke his teams post-game huddle, walked two yards and bent over. He stood there at the 40 yard line like that for about thirty seconds, then he stood up, turned around to look at the scoreboard, turned backed to me and let out a winded “WHEW”, That was a classic game man, we just came up a little bit short.” The class 4A Braves traveled to Williamsport and arrived in the roll of the mighty David, about to take on a recently awakened Goliath, the 6A Millionaires. The battle lasted 3 hours, only this time David left without the win, but their heads were held high after a 45-38 double overtime loss.
ROCKAWAY, N.J. (September 19, 2017) – Micah Parsons (Harrisburg, Pa./Harrisburg High School), the nation’s No. 4 overall recruit in the class of 2018, was officially selected today as a 2018 U.S. Army All-American during a celebratory selection event at his school. Having been selected to play in the eighteenth edition of the U.S. Army All-American Bowl Presented by American Family Insurance, Parsons will play in the annual East vs. West matchup on Saturday, January 6, 2018 in the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas. The Bowl will be nationally televised, live on NBC at 12:00 Noon CST, and will feature the nation’s top 100 high school football players.
“Dreams are not wishes; dreams are not achieved without a plan, a lot of hard work and dedication,” said Telisa Yancy, chief marketing officer for American Family Insurance. “American Family Insurance is honored to celebrate the achievements of these All-Americans who pursue their dreams tirelessly and make the commitment to do whatever it takes to make them come true.”
Central Dauphin Head Coach Glen McNamee and Wilson WL Head man Doug Dahms lead two of the preminnent programs in District Three. When these two teams match up it is an event. CD came in with a two game win streak over the Bulldogs. The Rams jumped out fast then quelled a late Wilson rally to defeat the Bulldogs 28-20.
It was another Berks League Section 1 vs Section 2 non league matchup this weekend, as a senior laden Muhlenberg Mule squad traveling across town to face an undefeated Wyomissing Area. The Spartans first home game of the year proved to be their best performance of the year to date. Wyomissing Area’s consistent offense and stingy defense dispatched Muhlenberg 28-0 Saturday afternoon.
The Governor Mifflin Mustangs and Wilson Bulldogs face off every year to determine Berks County football supremacy. It had been since 2012 since the Mustangs beat the Bulldogs and Mifflin had never brought home the Gurski-Linn trophy which now signifies the winner of this cross town rivalry matchup. Friday night in Shillington, Governor Mifflin bolted to a big lead and then hung on to defeat Wilson WL 21-14.
Two teams with great 2017 expectations met at Severance Field in Harrisburg on Saturday. Both Harrisburg and Imhotep Charter came up short in their respective state championship games last year. Both teams returned with tons of talent. Both teams ere trying to send a statement to the state of PA. Harrisburg’s strong defense and big play offense proved too much for Imhotep. The Cougars triumphed 33-14 Saturday in Harrisburg.
Governor Mifflin entered the realm of week zero football with a matchup against York Adams opponent West York. The Mustangs had their way with the Bulldogs last year in York. This year in Shillington no problems for the Mustangs again as Governor Mifflin came out on top 48-13.
For 25 years I have lived in one of the quiet neighborhoods that surround Alvernia University. Even though I live only four blocks from the campus, I often have had difficulty giving directions to the campus. The most popular tee shirt sold in the book store for many years has been, “Alvernia Football, Undefeated Since 1958.”Making light of the fact that the school has not had a football team since it’s founding in 1958. Not being able to find Alvernia U. and not having a football team are coming to an end rather quickly. Last fall The university announced a major east campus expansion and that Alvernia would field a NCAA Division III football team beginning in 2018.
Joe Namath is a very happy man today. His alma mater, the Beaver Falls Tigers, won their first PIAA state football championship in their first appearance by defeating the Middletown Blue Raiders 30-13 at Hersheypark Stadium on Saturday. Beaver Falls claimed the Class 3A title by playing outstanding, opportunistic defense, and a ball control, but explosive offense. “These guys are a coach’s dream. They don’t question, they just go and do it,” commented winning head coach Ryan Matsook.
The first ever PIAA 6A State Championship between St. Josephs Academy and Pittsburgh Central Catholic was a match-up that seemed to have been predetermined since July, when both teams found themselves nationally ranked by several publications like Jeff Fishers “High School Football America”, who had the Hawks 34th and the Vikings 11th. The two teams were also ranked #1 or 2 in the state depending on which paper you read, our website had PCC ranked #1 and our EasternPAFootball.com site had the Hawks Ranked #1 in the east.
When the Imhotep Panthers took the second half kickoff and rammed it into the endzone on a 31 yard pass from Nasir Boykin to Aamir Brown, Rambler Head Coach Mike Mischler called his team to the sidelines. “I told them we can’t give up, we have to keep fighting.” Fight they did as Erie Cathedral Prep completed their comeback that started when they lost to the same Imhotep in the finals last year. “We’ve been working for this all year. They’ve been working just so hard, everyone kept telling us we couldn’t win but we believed in ourselves.” The 27-20 win for the PIAA Class 4A State Championship was their reward for all that work.
Micah Parsons carried the ball ten times for 140 yards and two TDs and chipped in a touchdown reception to lead the Cougars over West Allegheny which earned them a trip to Chocolate town with a 41-10 blowout. “It’s amazing,” said the versatile Penn State commit. “I am just so happy to be a part of this.”
by Sykotyk
To say that the Bishop Guilfoyle Marauders have been on a roll is a huge understatement. The two time defending PIAA Class A State Champions are in the midst of a 45-game winning streak. The Marauders have out scored their three playoff opponents this year by a combined score of 165-12.
Guilfoyle took charge. A dominant drive ended with an Andrew Irwin TD making it 7-0 Marauders. The next BG possession was productive as well. A Nathan Callahan 11 yard TD made it 14-0 at the 4:58 mark of quarter one. Steelton High could not move the ball again. Andrew Irvin’s second TD culminated the next Marauder drive. It was 20-0 as quarter one ended.
Pittsburgh Central Catholic looked like a well oiled machine offensively as they hammered Williamsport 62-21 Saturday afternoon at Altoona’s Mansion Park Stadium. The state’s #2 ranked 6A team scored seven touchdowns in the first half and led 49-14 at the break invoking the ‘Mercy Rule’ of a constant running clock for the second half. J.J. Younger, the diminutive, but speedy Viking tail back was at the forefront of the first half surge by scoring four TDs and rushing for 212 yards on only ten carries.
Bethlehem Catholic’s helmet is similar in design to one worn by Oregon during the Chip Kelly era and the Hawks’ offense ran at a pace that would look similar to fans in the northwest. They ran a no-huddle, up-tempo attack en route to a 42-12 victory over Johnstown in a PIAA quarterfinal game held in Chambersburg on Saturday afternoon.
HERSHEY – The District Three AAAA final was a tale of two programs. Berks Catholic came into the season with lofty expectations. The (11-1) Saints are a perennial powerhouse in AA. District titles in 2013 and 2015 sandwiched a title game loss in 2014. The only question mark was how the Saints would fare against some larger programs this season. The Greyhounds of Shippensburg have been a team searching for respect all season. An (11-1) regular season mark got the Greyhounds a #2 playoff seed. A last minute quarterfinal win over District Three royalty in Bishop McDevitt got the Greyhounds to Hershey for the first time. Something had to give. Berks Catholic jumped out quickly. Then the Saints methodically grounded and pounded Shippensburg in the second half. Berks Catholic claimed the PIAA District Three title 37-13 over Shippensburg Saturday afternoon in Hershey.
Berks Catholic was led by Cooper Lutz. Coming back from a broken leg sustained during the regular season, Lutz had two TD runs of 56 and six yards. Cooper also played a great defensive game by locking down on key Shippensburg receivers in the second half.
Adversity is something almost every good team faces at least once in a season. Up to this point, the Rams of Ligonier Valley hadn’t seen themselves on the losing end in any game. The Bucks had just scored on a six-yard TD pass from quarterback Gavin Darcy to Jordan Petrowski to go up 13-10 giving the Rams their first deficit of the season. That drive was created by an interception by Michael Dougherty of Dunmore that gave the Bucks the ball at the Ligonier nine.
Experience over the years has told me that the weather way up on the mountain where Williamsport High School and STA Stadium are located can be tricky at times, leading to interesting gametime experiences. Little did I know, (well, I may have had a slight idea thanks to our official weather sponsor, 
The last and only time that Harrisburg and Governor Mifflin faced off was back in the the District 3 4A final won by the Cougars in 2007. Friday night in Shillington, the Cougars and Mustangs met once again. This time the winner would move on to Hershey for a chance at the District 3 5A title. A hard fought first half turned in to a third quarter blow out by Harrisburg. The Cougars punched their ticket to Hershey by throttling #1 seeded Governor Mifflin, 46-21 in Shillington Friday night.
Wyomissing Area (8-3) and Middletown (11-0) faced off in Hershey Thursday night for the District Three 3 A title. The Spartans have made the District final in six of the last seven years. The Blue Raiders were making their first appearance in Hershey since 2008. Middletown scored first and pulled away in quarter two. The Blue Raiders defeated Wyomissing Area 48-20 to win the District Three 3A title and advance to the PIAA Football Tournament
midget football together. Now we are all bonded together and proving we can change everything.” Middletown Head Coach Brett Myers said, “Our seniors have worked so hard, it was really hard thinking about them possibly not practicing tomorrow. This means an awful lot to the players. This means an awful lot to the community.”
The Harrisburg Cougars and Exeter Twp. Eagles faced off for the first time in a District Three quarterfinal playoff game on Friday Night. Both teams had momentum going into the post season. Harrisburg was coming off an impressive road win over perennial District Three powerhouse Cumberland Valley. Exeter Twp was on a six-game win streak going into the playoffs Something had to give. Both teams started slowly, but the Cougars took control in the second quarter and never looked back. Harrisburg defeated Exeter Twp. 36-10 Friday night.
To truly make a football rivalry it requires competitive balance between the two opponents. Since Berks Catholic and Wyomissing added the Keeley-Wolfrum Trophy to signify the champion of the Berks Football League “Backyard Brawl” each team had captured the Trophy twice. It seems a bit secondary, but the outright Section Two Title is usually also on the line when these two schools, that are barely a mile apart, square off in the last week of the regular season. In a tough, hard fought battle, Berks Catholic (9-1) jumped out to a quick lead and hung on for a 21-12 victory over Wyomissing Area (7-3) in Wyomissing Saturday afternoon.
Mustangs. We moved into the fourth quarter, with a stellar 62-yard TD catch and run by AJ Sczepkowski, that made the score to 49-7 Governor Mifflin. Some back and forth by the reserves closed out the game. The final was Governor Mifflin 49 Conrad Weiser 7.
The Exeter Twp. and Reading school districts adjoin one another. Yet the two schools only began playing football against one another when Reading High joined the Berks Football League in 2010. The Red Knights took the first matchup, but the Eagles were riding a five game win streak in the brief series. Exeter took control of this year’s contest early and cruised to a 40-0 win over Reading High Friday night.
The Wilson Bulldogs came into their matchup with Manheim Twp. riding high off a 68-point, week seven offensive outburst. Manheim Twp. was the last team to beat the Bulldogs in Lancaster Lebanon League Section One play in 2007! Wilson WL stretched their league win streak to 62, but it was not easy. In a hard hitting battle, Wilson WL defeated Manheim Twp. 17-10.
Wilson then got the ball back on their own 33 with a chance to win the game. Quarterback Connor Uhrig ran and passed the Bulldogs down the field. Uhrig had key third down completions to Alex Twiford and Mason McElroy to keep the drive alive.
After a season opening defeat to Wilson WL, the Governor Mifflin Mustangs have reeled off five straight impressive wins. Friday night in Shillington, the Berks 1 leading Mustangs faced cross town rival Muhlenberg. After a slow first half, Governor Mifflin dominated second half action to easily move past Muhlenberg 35-0.
The Berks Catholic Saints came into Saturday’s game following a rare mid season loss. Hamburg coming off a bye was riding high on a two-game winning streak. This was the Berks Section Two opener for both teams. Berks Catholic scored on every first half possession. The Saints never punted or turned the ball over in a dominating 55-8 win over Hamburg in Reading on Saturday morning.
The Governor Mifflin Mustangs entered Friday night action on a four game win streak. Mifflin’s victory over Exteter Twp. last week put the Mustangs in control of Section One of the Berks Football League. Next up was a road non-league game with West York. Some teams might have difficulty in getting up for this type of game, not Governor Mifflin. The Mustangs scored early and often in the first half, and cruised to a 49-20 victory over the West York Bulldogs.
When the Wilson Bulldogs begin Lancaster Lebanon League section one play its all about numbers. Gaudy numbers. Thirteen straight wins over McCaskey. Eight consecutive league titles. 58 straight league wins. Make that 14 straight over the Red Tornadoes and 59 straight league wins. Friday night, Wilson WL had no problem with J.P. McCaskey by blowing away the Red Tornadoes 55-0.
Exeter Twp ended Governor Mifflin dominance of section one of the Berks football League last year. The Eagles 35-21 victory over the Mustangs stopped a 35 game league win steak and five straight league titles. Both teams entered Friday night’s action as the favorites to capture the 2016 Berks 1 league title. Governor Mifflin scored the first 28 points and held off a furious second half Eagles comeback. The Mustangs prevailed 28-21 over Exeter Twp. Friday Night.
Central Dauphin and Wilson WL clashes have become so fierce that the Great American Rivalry Series highlighted this year’s game in Harrisburg as a marque matchup. Between regular and post season meetings, CD has a rare overall advantage against the Bulldogs. This year’s game was just as hard hitting and emotionally charged as the previous seven match ups. The CD defense took control of this game early and never let up. Central Dauphin prevailed over Wilson WL 24-6.
With the top high school stars of Maryland and Pennsylvania face off in the Big 33 classic, it was only a matter of time before premier regular season matchups would follow between the states. Nationally ranked Dematha Catholic from Hyattsville, MD made the trek north Friday night to the home field of one of the perennial powerhouses Bishop McDevitt in Harrisburg PA. Loaded with D1 talent and ranked #5 by USA Today, the Stags were put to the test by the Crusaders. In the end, Dematha prevailed 35-7 over Bishop McDevitt in a hard fought, entertaining contest.
Thanks to poor Dematha punts, and a tough Crusader defense, most of the second quarter was played in the Dematha end of the field. The Dematha D showed some tenacity to keep the McDevitt offense totally bottled up. The second quarter was scoreless and the game went to the half with Dematha holding only a 14-0 advantage.
Cross town rivals Governor Mifflin and Wilson West Lawn have played for Berks county football supremacy for 59 years. The holder of the Gurski Linn Trophy now symbolizes the winner of the kick off classic of Berks County high school football Wilson scored on every first half possession and never looked back. The Bulldogs made it look easy downing Governor Mifflin 38-7.
The Crimson Tide and Spartans were two programs on the opposite end of the football spectrum last year. Wyomissing’s veteran team made the district final. Pottsville’s rebuilding program struggled to gain consistency in a 2-8 campaign. Turn the page to 2016. It is now Pottsville with the veteran team and Wyomissing in rebuilding mode. In Pottsville Friday night, the Crimson Tide showed they will be a contender in Schuylkill League 1 with a resounding 32-7 thrashing of Wyomissing Area.
Matt Stankiewitch graduated from Blue Mountain High School in Pennsylvania in 2008. Stankiewitch was a 2 time all-state football player after his junior and senior session. He started at left guard in the Under Armour All-America Game and started at center in the Big 33 Football Classic.
was a finalist for the Rimington Trophy. He was a 1st team ALL Big Ten center.
High school football players from across the state are vying for the title of Mr. PA Football 2015, and are counting on their fans’ support in order to win it! The contest, which pits well known names on the football field against each other, has fans voting for their favorite athlete in order to determine who will hold the distinction of being Mr. PA Football for the next year.
If you’ve never experienced a state championship football game and you’re a high school football fanatic, shame on you. The thrill of being there is an undescribable feeling. The anticipation of the opening kick coupled with the enthusiasm of just being there is invigorating. Make it a point next year to witness history when the PIAA will institute, for the first time, 6 state championship football games! Next are some recaps of the games. For a more detailed story see Billy Splain’s awesome reports on all 4 games.
HERSHEY – “You get points up on the board, and everything changes. I knew it would give our kids a little spark, a little lift. And then you get the onside kick and the ball starts going the other way.”
battling over field position. Finally, after four punts, an interception, and a turnover on downs, the Viking defense seemed win that war just ten seconds into the second quarter. Starting at the Trojan 40-yard line, Head Coach Terry Totten decided to give the ball to an emerging star, Jr running back JJ Younger. This paid dividends as the 5-8, 160 pound grinder broke loose for the largest gain by either team at this point. His was a 22-yard run to the 11 yard line. Senior Ronnie Jones finished the drive on a six-yard touchdown run. Kicker Jacob Rocchi made it 7-0 with 9:31 left in the second.
Parkland performed a perfect onside kick and drove 53 yards in just over one minute, scoring on a Devonte Cross 33-yard touchdown pass to Zach Bross. Cross then found Kenny Yeboah for the two-point play to make it 21-11 and the comeback attempt was in full gear.
HERSHEY – Jim Roth has been to the title game with the Tigers 13 times before, but as a Class 1A representative, winning six of those games. Today was their 14th trip to the title games. It turned out to be a sweet trip as the Tigers won their First PIAA Class 2A State Title in convincing fashion, forcing a record seven turnovers, turning five of them into points. “This one is so special,” said Roth. “We haven’t been here in a while and to win with such a talented group of kids, it just feels great.”
turn the ball over to a team like that,” said Mike Zmijanac, Head Coach for the Quips. “I’m very proud of this team and I wouldn’t trade places with 588 high schools that didn’t get this far.”
“It is really nice to have three backs to turn to for the running game,” said Coach Roth. “It keeps those legs fresh.” Steve Toczylousky picked up the second interception for the Tigers with nine minutes left in the second quarter at the Quips 19. Three plays later QB Nick Becker made it 14-6 with a 
HERSHEY – “We won this game despite ourselves, but I couldn’t be more proud of my team” said Imhotep’s Head Coach Albie Crosby. Despite having one interception, two turnovers on five fumbles and ten penalties for 71 yards, the Panthers rattled off 40 unanswered points while amassing 514 net yards en route to a 40-3 win to capture the PIAA 3A State Title on a cold, blustery night in Hershey.
man Aamir Brown took the kick and promptly turned the ball over to Prep at the 36. Quarterback Joe Mischler threw three straight incomplete passes, one that probably should have been caught for a score, and Prep gave the ball back to Imhotep. The drive would be a sign of what was to come for the Ramblers.
Waters would later atone for that mistake, running for 201 yards and three touchdowns on 16 carries but in the next series it was Sophomore Isheem Young who would impress. Young started off with a carry for a three yard loss, but then rattled off runs of 35, 11 and the drive ending five-yard touchdown dash. He ran for the two-pointer making it 8-3 with just under a minute left in the quarter. “The biggest surprise for me? If you told me we’d score 40 points against a team THAT good while making that many mistakes, yeah, that’s a surprise,” said Crosby.
HERSHEY – Every week someone different takes the lead in helping Bishop Guilfoyle win their game. This week, the final week of the year, quarterback Josh Trybus was the star. The 5-10, 165 pound Jr. played about ten inches and 100 pounds heavier than his listed weight on the program, grinding out short runs, scampering for touchdowns and running interceptions to the end zone to lead the Marauders to their 2nd PIAA Class 1A Title in as many years.
ate up nearly the first five minutes of the game. Evan Chadbourn carried the ball six times for 32 yards, and Trybus finished the drive on a 
The teams traded punts until Alex Myers threw an ill-advised pass to the left that sailed high and Chadbourn leapt for the interception just before the half ended. Bishop Guilfolye drove the remaining 34 yards with Chadbourn carrying the ball in from 
