GAME NIGHT IN-DEPTH LOOKS AT TEAMS IN AND OUTSIDE THE VALLEY MOUNT CARMEL HEAVY HITTERS READY ON DEFENSE MILTON, WARRIOR RUN ANXIOUS FOR NEW STADIUMS $5.00GAME NIGHT 2022 Always OPEN Danvilleʼs Persingready to capprolific career
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GAME NIGHT
Last yearʼs edition proved our Game Night edition is a natural fit. We hope you enjoy the expanded version just as much.Ifyou have suggestions for future editions of Inside Pennsylvania — not just the football edition, but our five other editions as well — reach out to us at editor@ insidepennsylvania.com.
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The cover of the second Inside Pennsylvania Game Night features Danvilleʼs all-state wide receiver Carson Persing on the cover. Persing, the son of former Shikellamy standout Chris Persing and grandson of long-time city mayor David Persing, already owns all of Danvilleʼs receiving records and enters his final year of high school with a shot at breaking the state record in the same categories.
Check out the Preseason All-Star on page 70 which has more than a handful of all-state players littering the squad.
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Inside you will find previews, schedules, trends and statistics to digest for 15 Valley teams heading into the new season, along with more than a dozen canʼt-miss games for this fall. Who are the best players returning in the area?
High school football is part of life in Pennsylvania, including in this region, which boasts of the stateʼs all-time winningest program (Mount Carmel), the stateʼs all-time winningest coach (Jim Roth) and the program that has won more state titles than any (Southern Columbia). Thousands of fans flock to the stands on Friday night to watch their hometown teams, enjoy the tremendous high school bands we have here and cheer with their favorite cheerleaders.
Well, I guess this is going to be a thing from now on. For the second consecutive fall, Inside Pennsylvania will feature a Game Night magazine to preview the upcoming high school football season in the Valley.
EDITOR’S NOTE: Helmet logos throughout magazine are courtesy of easternpafootball.com. William Bowman, Editor
This yearʼs edition has 18 more pages, features three more teams and is filled with everything you need to know about high school football in the Central Susquehanna Valley.
There is also a look at new state-of-the-art facilities in Milton and Warrior Run, which both return home after playing all of the 2021 season on the road. Donʼt miss the feature on Mount Carmelʼs two Division I prospects: Matt Kelley and Matthew Schicchitano.
FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK INSIDE PENNSYLVANIA GAME NIGHT | AUGUST 2022 3
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INSIDE PENNSYLVANIA GAME NIGHT | AUGUST 2022 5 contents 42 Publisher Fred Scheller Editor William Bowman Magazine editors Kurt Ritzman, Jean Knouse Design editor Aron Agerton Magazine advertising director Lori Seebold Writers/contributors Todd Hummel, Harold Raker, Dan Angell, Michael Bullock Photo staff Robert Inglis INSIDE PENNSYLVANIA: (570) 988-5473 offi ce (570) 988-5347 Advertising Sales (570) 988-5464 Subscriptions Inside Pennsylvania (ISSN 1935-4738) is published at 200 Market St., Sunbury, PA 17801. Inside Pennsylvania magazine is not responsible for unsolicited submissions. Reproduction or use of editorial or graphic content in any manner, without permission, is prohibited. Copyright 2017 by Community News Group LLC. All rights reserved. Single issue: $3.95. Subscription: $10 annually (U.S. only). POSTMASTER: Send address change to Inside Pennsylvania magazine, 200 Market St., Sunbury, PA 17801. Advertising rates and specifications available online at InsidePaMagazine.com. Inside Pennsylvania was founded March 2007. A publication of The Daily Item, a member of Community News Group LLC. CONNECT WITH US! /InsidePA1 / editor@insidepamagazine.comInsidewww.insidepamagazine.com@InsidePA1PennsylvaniaMagazine200MarketStreetSunbury,PA17801 A publication of The Daily Item always open DANVILLE’SPROLIFICREADYPERSINGTOCAPCAREER 12 Danville Ironmen 20 Lewisburg Green Dragons 26 Line Mountain Eagles 30 Midd-West Mustangs 34 Mifflinburg Wildcats 38 Milton Black Panthers 46 Mount Carmel Red Tornadoes 48 Selinsgrove Seals 56 Shamokin Indians 62 Shikellamy Braves 70 Southern Columbia Tigers 74 Warrior Run Defenders 78 Bloomsburg Panthers 81 Central Columbia Blue Jays 82 Upper Dauphin Trojans GAME NIGHT 8 MOUNT CARMEL HEAVY HITTERS READY ON DEFENSE 6 BUILDING NEW PLACES TO PLAY TEAM PREVIEWS
Ayear ago, Milton’s rapid rise from also-ran to playoff contender had the elements of a pure joyride. There was only one thing missing: A boisterous crowd at the Black Panthers’ home stadium.
BUILDING NEW PLACES TO PLAY
At Warrior Run, life on the road proved a lot more difficult than for Milton. The Defenders also spent 2021 without a home field, but they finished the year at 0-9 and have now gone two seasons without an on-field victory (they won once via forfeit in 2020).
Because of construction, Milton didn’t get to play at its home field in 2021, spending its entire 12-game season on the road as it morphed into a program that learned how to win and expected success on Friday nights.
6 AUGUST 2022 | INSIDE PENNSYLVANIA GAME NIGHT
The Black Panthers are set to return home on Aug. 26 against South Williamsport. They’re hoping they can show their friends and neighbors what everyone missed a year ago.“Ithink we’re excited to just be at home,” Milton coach Phil Davis said. “They never complained last year, but it takes a toll, 13 weeks on the road. So I think they’re just excited to play at home and be on the new field.
While the Black Panthers hope to pick up in their new facility where they left off, the Defenders hope that a new home can help usher in a new era for their program.
“We didn’t have a field to play on, and the practice field Milton, Warrior Run anxious to christen new stadiums Story by Dan Angell
“I think it’ll be great for the kids and for our community, too,” Davis added. “It’s not easy to travel every week to go watch your town play if you don’t have somebody in (the game). But somebody who lives in Milton and wants to go to a game, now we have a new facility. I think it’s going to generate a lot more excitement, and I’m hoping we can perform favorably and keep everybody around.”
“WE DIDN’T HAVE A FIELD TO PLAY ON, AND THE PRACTICE FIELD WASN’T IN THE GREATEST CONDITION. OUR KIDS HAVE BEEN THROUGH A LOT, NOT JUST WITH THE GAMES BUT WITH THE PREPARATION AND THE PRACTICES, NOT KNOWING WHERE YOU’RE GOING TO PRACTICE DAY-TO-DAY.”
At Warrior Run, Zechman is using the new digs to try to add to his program’s numbers.
Like Milton, Warrior Run is set to open its new stadium Aug. 26, hosting Muncy. There’s another thing the traditional rivals have in common. Both teams are thrilled with what they’ve seen from their new facilities and they’re looking forward to the opportunity to use them.
INSIDE PENNSYLVANIA GAME NIGHT | AUGUST 2022 7
“It’s been a great job (by) the school board and administration to make this possible,” he said. “There are a lot of positive things going on with our new facilities, and, hopefully, we get some more kids out who might have been on the fence. We’re really preaching to them that we want them to play multiple sports at Warrior Run. We’re a smaller school and we need all the kids out we can get, especially for football.”
“Our biggest thing will be how do we control those emotions early in the year and not get ourselves so hyped up that we’re spent before the game even starts,” Davis said. “I think it’s going to be nice for us not to have to get on a bus every week and to play in a beautiful, brand-new facility that is really going to be a special place for us.”
wasn’t in the greatest condition,” said Warrior Run coach Derrick Zechman, who takes over the Defenders after serving as an assistant coach last year. “Our kids have been through a lot, not just with the games but with the preparation and the practices, not knowing where you’re going to practice day to day.
For both schools, that starts opening night with what’s sure to be an emotionally charged evening at each stadium. All Davis and Zechman can hope for is that their respective teams use that emotion in the right way to get off to a positive start in their new homes.
“I think our kids just need to understand, ‘You’ve been given some things that a lot of people don’t have, including yourselves in previous years. So take advantage of it, enjoy it, and make the most of it.’”
While the Defenders haven’t yet been able to use their new field, the Black Panthers got a taste of what playing at home would be like last season thanks to their playoff run. By the time Milton faced Montoursville in the second round of the district tournament, construction was far enough along that the Black Panthers held two practices on their turf, which Davis said was as advertised.“Idon’tgo to every school or go to everyone’s facility, but it’s close to second-to-none around here right now,” Davis said. “We might have the top facility in the area. I know a lot of schools have some nice facilities, but I would put ours up against anybody’s.
— DERRICK ZECHMAN, WARRIOR RUN HEAD COACH
“I think the stability of knowing we have a field to play on and knowing we’re going to have home games again is definitely going to help matters.”
“There isn’t a group of guys that I’ve been around in the offseason, probably, that worked as hard to get there. All the younger kids are working hard, and I think we’re going to do everything in our power to get overScicchitanoit.’’ has already committed to play at Division I Coastal Carolina.
“I want to get over the hump by beating teams like North Schuylkill and Southern — those are some of our main objectives,” he said. “We want to go undefeated, get in the playoffs and make a run to the state championship game, and we’re capable of that.
MATTKELLEY
To do that, the Red Tornadoes would have to be seeded higher, which would likely mean beating the Tigers during the regular season.
“My goal is to get the best education
8 AUGUST 2022 | INSIDE PENNSYLVANIA GAME NIGHT
“HITTERSHEAVYT
Meanwhile, Kelley, a four-year starter for coach John Darrah, is still making visits and weighing his options. Temple, Maine, Duke and Davidson are among the schools he’s visited, along with taking part in camps at Buffalo, Army and Monmouth. He has a few more visits scheduled, he said, adding that he has offers from Clarion and Wheeling.
Kelley, Scicchitano motivated by Mount Carmel's state drought Story by Harold Raker
he Tank” is preparing for battle one more time as a RedTheTornado.6-foot-4, 325-pound two-way lineman, otherwise known as Matt Kelley, and fellow senior Matt Scicchitano, a 6-4, 275-pound defensive tackle/tight end, will try to give Mount Carmel’s state playoffstarved fans a few more reasons to cheer this Althoughfall.they have mapped different paths regarding their football futures, Kelley and Scicchitano have one common goal. The two big men on campus are determined to do all they can to lead the Red Tornadoes back to the state playoffs, which the program last experienced in 2011. “I want to go all the way this year. It’s my last chance,” Kelley said. “I think we have the team that we should be able to do it. We have a good group of guys; we have a bunch of kids coming back. There’s no doubt in my mind that we have a good chance to go all theTheway.”Red Tornadoes’ only losses last season were to Southern Columbia (twice) and their season opener to Class 3A power North Schuylkill as they posted their third 10-3 record in the last four years. Kelley said: “I have never played Southern at home in my career. I would really love to play Southern at home in the district championship. That’s really a big goal for me.”
Scicchitano is equally determined.
and play the best football possible,” he said. “Education is really important.”Kelleyplans to go into pre-med. He said most schools have shown interest in him as an offensive player, although a couple have talked to him about playing defense.
a three-year starter (he also saw varsity time as a freshman), said he is relieved to have nailed down his destination for next year.
“He is a kid who has great size. He’s been big since he was born,” Darrah said. “One of the questions with big kids is do they have the body physically capable based on their body type, and as a freshman he was ready to play from the time he got Darrahhere.”added, “He is very athletic for his size.” As is Scicchitano, who will leave early for college in January, foregoing his final track season. He placed fifth in the state in the discus in the spring. His focus in his final semester at Mount Carmel will be to complete some unfinished business.“Firstoff
”When the time comes, I want to be ready for it,” he said. Last year he caught five passes for 94 yards and three touchdowns, one for 38 yards.
“He is a work-ethic kid who tirelessly works in the weight room but also on speed and agility and anything he can do to get better. That rubs off on the kids,” Darrah said. “He is really committed.”
Last year, Scicchitano made 46 tackles (22 solo) with 6.5 sacks, 11 tackles for loss and 9 hurries. Kelley, from his nose guard spot, had 35 tackles (11 solo) with 2.5 sacks, an interception, and a team-high 14 tackles for loss.
Darrah said Kelley entered his freshman season ready to play varsity football.
His top three choices came down to Coastal Carolina, Syracuse and Temple. A major draw was the stability of the Chanticleers’ coaching staff and recent success of the“Theyprogram.wina lot; they were in bowl games the last two years; and they won their conference (Sun Belt) last year,” he said. “It was also the coaches, definitely. They’ve been there for a while together, which is something you don’t see in college football a “(Coastal)lot.coach
Kelley has been a right tackle since Day One as a freshman, Darrah said, and he’s the starting nose guard on defense. His favorite spot? “It depends on the game,” Kelley said. “There’s more you need to know on offense. In my opinion, defense is just more (like) you go andScicchitano,attack.“
Jamey Chadwell said, ‘If you took away football, where would you like to be?’ and I said, ‘I wouldn’t want to be anywhereScicchitanoelse.’”will be playing on the defensive line for the Chanticleers.
I want to do everything I can go help my team win a championship, that’s the most important thing,’’ he said. That means playing better than he has in previous seasons, he said. “Last year was the first year that I really got serious about playing.
MATTHEWSCICCHITANO
In the second half of the year, I became more locked-in and more focused, and I want to keep the momentum going from where I ended last year,” he said. “I want to improve in all aspects of the game — offense, defense — and I hope that what I bring helps my team win.”Scicchitano said he wants to improve his work at tight end in the passing game, where he occasionally catches defenses off guard and rumbles into the end zone untouched. He wants to improve running routes and catching balls, even though the Tornadoes don’t pass often.
“The recruiting process is a lot of fun, but it was also stressful at times,” he said, “and to put an end to it and have a sure future ahead of me is definitely a relief.”
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Ironmen have sights on larger goals
In fact, Danville has a semifinal and quarterfinal appearance in each of the last two seasons, and is a strong favorite to win its third straight district title. Coach Mike Brennan isn’t afraid of the expectations that kind of returning talent with that kind of success brings.
12 AUGUST 2022 | INSIDE PENNSYLVANIA GAME NIGHT DANVILLE
Tailback Ty Stauffer ran for 1,400 yards and is headed to West Point to play for Army.
here is a long list of talent returning for the Danville High football team for the 2022 season. Multiple all-state selections Carson Persing and Mason Raup return at wide receiver and linebacker respectively, and are entering their fourth-year starting.
“There is a certain expectation, and it’s a really mature, highly-intelligent group that understand the challenges in front of us.”
One of those examples comes from a renewed effort in the weight room during the offseason. The Ironmen wanted to get bigger and stronger because their biggest issue in their losses last season came from being pushed around.“Theteams we had problems with over the last few years — Southern Columbia, Mount Carmel, Jersey Shore, Wyomissing, Goretti — they were physically more mature,” Brennan said. “That’s the kind of football that wins late in theDanvilleseason.”doesn’t have a lot of question marks entering the season, but it’s biggest one is a big one. Who will be under center — Zach Gordon or Madden Patrick — when the season kicks off on Aug. 26? through high “The teams mature,” Danville doesn’t have a lot of question marks entering the be
Story by Todd Hummel breaking through T
Whoever the quarterback may be — senior Zach Gordon or sophomore Madden Patrick — developed plenty of experience during last season’s district title run, which lost to Neumann-Goretti in the state quarterfinals last season.
“I think it’s a unique challenge. As a coach you can say ‘every position is open.’ Carson Persing, Ty Stauffer — all those guys know they are going to start, so we have to have an intrinsic motiavtion,” Brennan said. “We have high expectations. The best team’s I’ve coached have had highlevel accountability that’s player driven.
Defensive standouts Raup and Cameron Kiersch will split time at the X-back spot for the Ironmen. Aaron Johnson will split time between relief for Stauffer and at slot receiver. Johnson ran for 369 yards and four scores, caught 21 passes and another four touchdowns, plus made 45 of 48 extra points along with two field goals.
The biggest question marks come up front for Danville. Colin Findura, Gabe Benjamin and Jesse Davis all graduated. Declan Aikens and Justin Kutcher return up front, while Brennan said Joe Shipe played enough as a part-timer to be considered almost a third starter.Brennan, who doubles as offensive line coach, feels like this is the most depth he’s had up front in his three seasons at the helm at“IDanville.feellike we have the potential to have 10 guys that can play on the offensive line. We’ll miss Gabe and Jesse, but I feel like we’ve upgraded in the size department, and depth,” Brennan said. “We have three different guys that have played center, and I don’t think I’ve ever had that in my career.”
Raup is one of the top linebackers in the state, and has the all-state honors to prove it. He’s had at least 120 tackles in each of his first three seasons, and led the Ironmen with 160 tackles, and 27 tackles for a loss last year. Raup enter his senior season with 410 career tackles. He did lose his running mate — Benjamin — to graduation, but sophomore Cameron Kiersch will move down inside to replace Benjamin.“Heplayed safety last season, and he’s fast enough to play in the back of the defense, but big enough to play inside,” Brennan said. “Mason is up to 210 pounds, and with Cam, it’s going to give us two inside guys that move exceptionally well.” Gordon returns to anchor the back of the defense at safety, while Patrick and Cole Duffy will split cornerback duties with Persing.Andthat’s the biggest difference for Brennan. He relied on a lot of two-way stars last season, but the Ironmen depth is much better this season. Whoever wins the quarterback battle, having Johnson behind Stauffer and the ability to keep Kiersch and Raup fresh for defense, the 10-deep offensive line and the improvement of players like Johnson, Hayden Winn and Duffy all provide Brennan and his coaching staff the ability to keep players healthy for what they believe will be a deep playoff run.
IN
14 AUGUST 2022 | INSIDE PENNSYLVANIA GAME NIGHT DANVILLE | IRONMEN PIAA DISTRICT 4 CLASS 3A HEARTLAND DIVISION 2 2022 RESULTS (8-5) 2022 SCHEDULE Aug. 26 at Bloomsburg Sept. 2 at Line Mountain Sept. 9 Central Columbia* Sept. 16 at Loyalsock* Sept. 23 Southern Columbia* Sept. 30 Lewisburg* Oct. 7 at Montoursville* Oct. 14 Berwick Oct. 21 Bellefonte Oct. 28 Huntingdon*-PHAC-2GAME W at Mifflinburg 42-7 W vs Midd-West 62-6 W vs Hughesville 51-7 L at Loyalsock 26-21 W vs Central Columbia 47-6 W vs Montoursville 35-14 L at Mount Carmel 34-21 L at Jersey Shore 42-21 W vs Shamokin 42-21 L vs Southern Col. 55-3 W vs Loyalsock 42-21 W vs Montoursville 35-28 L vs Neumann-Goretti 28-0 5-YEAR WIN TREND9*& 4* 10* 9* *-PLAYOFFS &-DISTRICT CHAMPION #-PIAA CHAMPION 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2021 STAT LEADERS RETURNEES IN BOLD PASSING C-A Int TD Yds M. Patrick 81-148 9 12 1,266 RUSHING Att Yards TDs Ty Stauffer 230 1,477 18 Aaron Johnson 29 368 4 RECEIVING Rec Yards TDs Carson Persing 67 1,118 14 Aaron Johnson 16 328 4 8*&
“I FEEL LIKE WE HAVE THE POTENTIAL TO HAVE 10 GUYS THAT CAN PLAY ON THE OFFENSIVE LINE. WE’LL MISS GABE AND JESSE, BUT I FEEL LIKE WE’VE UPGRADED THE MIKE BRENNAN, DANVILLE HEAD COACH
Both had their moments last season.
Gordon proved to be one of the most accurate passers in the area, but was sidelined for most of the second half of the season with an injury. Gordon, a senior, threw for 843 yards, while completing 68.9 percent of his passes with 12 touchdowns and five interceptions. He also ran for four touchdowns in the district semifinal win over Loyalsock. Patrick played in 12 games, throwing for 1,357 yards and 12 touchdowns as a freshman. He threw for 159 yards and four scores in the district championship win over Montoursville. “They are both going to play a lot of football for us this season. It’s a very fluid situation,” Brennan said. “They are very similar players, and we’ll be a really good football team, whoever is under center. They’ll both do whatever is best for the team.”Whoever is under center will have a plethora of weapons. Persing’s been one of the top receivers in the area since he stepped on the field as a freshman. He’s had at least 60 catches, more than 1,000 yards and exactly 14 touchdown catches in each of the last two seasons. He should graduate as the second-most prolific receiver in District 4 history behind former Southern Columbia standout Juilan Fleming. Stauffer ran for 1,496 yards and 18 touchdowns last season. The senior has a strong shot to leave Danville as the school’s all-time leading rusher.
SIZEANDDEPARTMENT,DEPTH.” —
INSIDE PENNSYLVANIA GAME NIGHT | AUGUST 2022 15 Service1sthaslocationsin: Bloomsburg,Danville,Elysburg, Lewisburg, Loyalsock,Mifflinburg, Montandon,ShamokinDam, Sunbury& Wilkes-Barre! gameon! EqualHousingLender| FederallyInsuredby NCUA www.service1.org | 800.562.6049 Haveagreat2022season! All-time PIAA Football Champions
CLASS A 2021: Bishop Guilfoyle 2020: Steelton-Highspire 2019: Farrell 2018: Farrell 2017: Jeannette 2016: Bishop Guilfoyle 2015: Bishop Guilfoyle 2014: Bishop Guilfoyle 2013: North Catholic 2012: Clairton 2011: Clairton 2010: Clairton 2009: Clairton 2008: Steelton-Highspire 2007: Steelton-Highspire 2006: Southern Columbia 2005: Southern Columbia 2004: Southern Columbia 2003: Southern Columbia 2002: Southern Columbia 2001: Rochester 2000: Rochester 1999: South Side 1998: Rochester 1997: Sharpsville 1996: Farrell 1995: Farrell 1994: Southern Columbia 1993: Duquense 1992: Scotland School 1991: Schuylkill Haven 1990: Marian Catholic 1989: Dunmore 1988: Camp Hill CLASS 2A 2021: Southern Columbia 2020: Southern Columbia 2019: Southern Columbia 2018: Southern Columbia 2017: Southern Columbia 2016: Steel Valley 2015: Southern Columbia 2014: South Fayette 2013: South Fayette 2012: Wyomissing 2011: Lancaster Catholic 2010: West Catholic 2009: Lancaster Catholic 2008: Wilmington 2007: Jeannette 2006: Wilson 2005: South Park 2004: Lansdale Catholic 2003: Aliquippa 2002: Mount Carmel 2001: Washington 2000: Mount Carmel 1999: Tyrone 1998: Mount Carmel 1997: South Park 1996: Mount Carmel 1995: Bishop McDevitt 1994: Mount Carmel 1993: Dallas 1992: Valley View 1991: Aliquippa 1990: Hanover Area 1989: Hickory 1988: Bethlehem Catholic CLASS 3A: 2021: Central Valley 2020: Central Valley 2019: Wyoming Area 2018: Aliquippa 2017: Quaker Valley 2016: Beaver Falls 2015: Imhotep Charter 2014: Archbishop Wood 2013: Archbishop Wood 2012: Cathedral Prep 2011: Archbishop Wood 2010: Allentown CC 2009: Selinsgrove 2008: Thomas Je erson 2007: Thomas Je erson 2006: General McLane 2005: Franklin Regional 2004: Thomas Je erson 2003: Manheim Central 2002: Hopewell 2001: West Allegheny 2000: Strath Haven 1999: Strath Haven 1998: Allentown CC 1997: Berwick 1996: Berwick 1995: Berwick 1994: Berwick 1993: Allentown CC 1992: Berwick 1991: Erie Strong Vincent 1990: Bethlehem Catholic 1989: Perry Academy 1988: Berwick CLASS 4A 2021: Aliquippa 2020: Thomas Je erson 2019: Thomas Je erson 2018: Cathedral Prep 2017: Cathedral Prep 2016: Cathedral Prep 2015: Cathedral Prep 2014: St. Joseph’s Prep 2013: St. Joseph’s Prep 2012: North Allegheny 2011: Central Dauphin 2010: North Allegheny 2009: LaSalle COllege 2008: Bethlehem Liberty 2007: Central Catholic 2006: Upper St. Clair 2005: McKeesport 2004: Central Catholic 2003: North Penn 2002: Parkland 2001: Neshaminy 2000: Cathedral Prep 1999: Central Bucks West 1998: Central Bucks West 1997: Central Bucks West 1996: Downingtown 1995: Penn Hills 1994: McKeesport 1993: North Hills 1992: Cumberland Valley 1991: Central Bucks West 1990: North Allegheny 1989: Upper St. Clair 1988: Central Catholic CLASS 5A 2021: Penn-Tra ord 2020: Pine-Richland 2019: Archbishop Wood 2018: Penn Hills 2017: Archbishop Wood 2016: Archbishop Wood CLASS 6A 2021: Mount Lebanon 2020: St. Joseph’s Prep 2019: St. Joseph’s Prep 2018: St. Joseph’s Prep 2017: Pine-Richland 2016: St. Joseph’sSOURCE:PrepPIAA
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20 AUGUST 2022 | INSIDE PENNSYLVANIA GAME NIGHT LEWISBURGCAMMICHAELS
ric Wicks wasn’t quite sure what to expect last year. He knew there would be a big difference between coaching in college like he did with Bucknell, and taking over at Lewisburg.Itwasstill a big adjustment for Wicks.
E
“The biggest thing I took away is the kids have to learn different in high school football. In college, you get so much time with the kids,” Wicks said. “I was very specifically detailed early in the season, went into detail in each specific thing I wanted done.
“High school kids just don’t have the time for something like that.”
So what Wicks did this summer is conduct more of an overview of what he expects on both sides of the ball, not getting into the minutia of foot work for specific formations, and he says the transformation in his style for his second year has already paid“I’vedividends.alreadyseen a drastic change in how much we’ve learned over this summer,” Wicks said. It was an interesting first year for other reasons for Wicks. The Green Dragons got off to a slow start, starting 0-3 and scored just 18 points in that span, before grabbing their first win over Midd-West in Week 4, scoring 62 points in the victory. However, a light clicked on for the Green Dragons, who finished the regular season 5-2, and beat rival Mifflinburg in the driving rain in the final game of the season to clinch a District 4 Class 4A playoff berth.
INSIDE PENNSYLVANIA GAME NIGHT | AUGUST 2022 21
Green Dragons ready to build on Wicks’ first season BRICK BY BRICK
Story by Todd Hummel
“Some of the success came last year when some of the alpha males in the senior class started to buy in. It started from me having
“Both Lance and Mason have been amazing working with the kids. I played defensive back, and I think only a big man that’s played up front truly understands how to develop the chemistry you need up there to be successful,” Wicks
freshmancombosafety/linebacker—Lafayettedefensivetwo-timereplaceDragonsthetheinexperiencedFarmerMichaelsoffenseinexperienceSomesaid.ofthaton—QuentinandShane—isn’tsoondefensivesideofball.TheGreenwillhavetoOrdonez—aall-stateendandfreshmanandDominick—aandBucknell—butthe
22 AUGUST 2022 | INSIDE PENNSYLVANIA GAME NIGHT LEWISBURG | GREEN DRAGONS PIAA DISTRICT 4 CLASS 3A HEARTLAND DIVISION 2 2022 SCHEDULE Aug.26 Shamokin Sept. 2 Jersey Shore Sept. 9 at Montoursville* Sept. 16 at Southern Col.* Sept. 23 Central Col.* Sept. 30 at Danville* Oct. 7 Loyalsock* Oct. 14 Midd-West Oct. 21 at Bloomsburg Oct. 28 at Mifflinburg**-PHAC-2GAME 2021 RESULTS (5-5) L at Shamokin 6-3 L at Montoursville 41-7 L vs Jersey Shore 47-8 W at Midd-West 62-6 W at Central Columbia 26-3 W vs Shikellamy 42-7 W at Milton 52-14 L at Loyalsock 48-24 W vs Mifflinburg 12-6 L at Jersey Shore 48-7 5-YEAR WIN TREND25* 7* 4* *-PLAYOFFS &-DISTRICT CHAMPION #-PIAA CHAMPION 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2021 STAT LEADERS RETURNEES IN BOLD PASSING C-A Int TD Yds Wade Young 69-117 7 8 1,022 RUSHING Att Yards TDs Ethan Dominick 130 717 11 Jeremiah Davis 37 136 1 RECEIVING Rec Yards TDs Owen Ordonez 19 405 4 Cam Michaels 32 390 3 Logan Callison 10 154 2 5* to blow a whistle to get everybody to quiet down to having two or three kids quiet the kids down when I entered the room,” Wicks said. “When they became my biggest advocate and started to become leaders is when we really took off.”
“I had to understand for myself what gives a high school kid issues week-to-week as a defensive play caller,” Wicks said. “It’s a little bit different in high school, and that was part of the adjustment. The details in how you stop the run in college are different in high school just because of the
— ERIC WICKS, LEWISBURG HEAD COACH
“WE LOST A LOT OF GREAT PLAYERS THAT CONTRIBUTED ON BOTH SIDES OF THE BALL, BUT WE PLAYED A LOT OF YOUNG GUYS AS WELL. WE’RE STILL GOING TO BE A YOUNG TEAM, BUT THAT YOUTH HAS PLENTY OF EXPERIENCE.”
Four-year starter Cam Michaels has done a little bit of everything over his four seasons on offense. He’s going to move around the field again for Wicks’ offense. Last year, Michaels did the bulk of his work as a receiver. He caught 32 passes for 390 yards and three scores. He’s also an all-state selection as a defensive back, and had three interceptions in playoff clinching victory overAlsoMifflinburg.expecttosee all-state kick returner Jeremiah Davis play a larger roll on offense as a sophomore along with fellow sophomore Quentin Michaels, who started on defense as a freshman with br4other Cam. “We are going to be able to spread the ball around to a lot of great athletes,” Wicks said.Upfront
“We lost a lot of great players that contributed on both sides of the ball, but we played a lot of young guys as well,” Wicks said. “We’re still going to be a young team, but that youth has plenty of experience.”WadeYoung is entering his junior year with plenty of experience — he’s started for Milton and Lewisburg in each of the last two seasons. He threw for 1,022 yards and eight touchdowns last season for the Green Dragons.“Ireally feel like we’ll be able to throw the ball this year. Wade’s been to a bunch of camps,” Wicks said. “He really impressed the coaches when we were at Bloomsburg University team camp.”
Defensive play calling was another adjustment for Wicks. With the advent of the passing game in college, Wicks had to adjust some of his style of defense.
Dylan Croner returns for the Green Dragons, but maybe more importantly two former Lewisburg offensive linemen have returned to help coach up front. Lance Klinepeter and Mason Weuderman both played at Grove City after graduating.
Michaels brothers, Farmer and Davis are strong building blocks. “I think the defense should always be in control of the team. I really think our strength is going to be our ability to mix it up,” Wicks said. “We have a bunch of athletes, and should be able to do a bunch of things.”
Last year’s group of seniors led by Ethan Dominick, Owen Ordonez and Logan Callison provided great play and leadership for the Green Dragons, but don’t think Lewisburg’s cupboard is bare entering the 2022Theseason.GreenDragons still played plenty of young players last season, and that should pay off in 2022.
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26 AU22 | INSIDE PENNSYLVANIA GAME NIGHT MOUNTAINLINE
“We are young, and it’s important for our young guys to go out the right way, and it’s important for our seniors to go out the right way,” Carson said after the Eagles’ convincing 41-13 victory over their Mid-Penn Liberty foes. “We just want to make sure we finish playing well.” Fast forward to the start of Carson’s seventh preseason camp at his alma mater, where the former Line Mountain quarterback is hoping his Eagles can build early momentum against a daunting non-league slate.The positive? Line Mountain didn’t graduate too many influential seniors. The negative? This flock of Eagles doesn’t have many influential seniors, either. So Carson’s bunch is still mighty, mighty young heading into early-season games against Penns Valley, reigning District 4 Class 3A champ Danville, defending District 11 Class A winner Tri-Valley, and perennial District 3 Class 3A and Mid-Penn Capital hammer Middletown.
tanding at the edge of soggy Ressler Field last October, just after his Line Mountain Eagles won a second consecutive game by popping James Buchanan, Brandon Carson talked candidly about momentum.
Youthful Line Mountain must mature quickly S
Story by Todd Hummel
“It’s a killer (group),” Carson quipped. Nonetheless, the youthful Eagles have plenty of ability, experience all over the yard, and size where size is needed. If Line Mountain can channel its pentup frustrations from a year ago into positive energy and grab an early win or two, big things could be on the“It’shorizon.confidence in themselves, really,” said Carson, whose team finished 2-8 (2-3 Mid-Penn Liberty) following a loss to eventual state champion Southern Columbia in a District 4 Class 2A playoff. “They have to believe they can do it. The ability is there.”TheEagles will need to fill voids left by departed two-way standouts such as OL/DL Wyatt Shaffer, RB/ LB Beau Keim and WR/DBs Aidan Herb and Aidan Kritzer.Carson & Co. are counting on all-league returnees such as TE/DE/PK Brayden Boyer, OL/DL Yari Johnson, LB/RB Chandon Maurer and RB/DB Nolan
GROWING PAINS
INSIDE PENNSYLVANIA GAME NIGHT | AUGUST 2022 27
Finlan (two interceptions), Baumert (three) and sophomore Quinn Dunkelberger (two) boast plenty of experience in the secondary or at outside ‘backer. Bates is another possibility, while other spots could be filled by sophomores and freshmen. Boyer, Yari Johnson and Rebuck combined for 27.5 tackles for loss, with Johnson posting three quarterback sacks. Shingara and Max Johnson also could join that crowd up“Thesefront.freshmen and sophomore classes are pretty special, I think,” Carson said, “but you can’t wait for them to click in for two more years before they start realizing their potential and what kind of football players they could be. It has to come sooner than that.”
Although Shaffer’s departure left a sizable chasm up front, the Eagles do return bulky sophomores Colby Rebuck and Kohen Shingara at center and guard, respectively. They also have Yari Johnson and Scott ready for the tackle spots.
GOING TO HAVE TO
“He’s added good muscle, and he’s acting like a leader — and Chandon’s taking some of that on. I’m looking at those two guys as two who will do a great job for us.”
“We’re going to have to establish the run,” said Carson, who is 28-36 overall. “We’re going to have to move people up front; we’re going to have to be able to move the ball. To win games, we need to keep it close, eat up some clock and give (ourselves) a Withchance.”NickSnyder
Sophomore Ian Bates, injured much of his freshman year, may be ready to flash his backfield skills, as well. The sure-handed Finlan (13 catches, 117 yards) provides the Eagles with a dependable target on the flanks, while Boyer (16 catches, 230 yards, 1 TD) is a threat between the hashes. Max Johnson, a 6-foot-4 freshman, is pushing hard for time at tight end.
opting not to return, and sophomore Blake Readinger (690 yards, 5 touchdowns passing; 160 yards and 2 scores running) slowed by an offseason injury, the Eagles have an intriguing quarterback derby. Kaiden Maurer, just a freshman, is pushing hard for the starting nod, while it’s possible Baumert could slide in at QB.
“WE’RE ESTABLISH RUN.
THE
While Maurer spent most of his sophomore season pursuing the ball from his inside linebacker spot, he could line up alongside or in front of Baumert.
WE’RE GOING TO HAVE TO MOVE PEOPLE UP FRONT; WE’RE GOING TO HAVE TO BE ABLE TO MOVE THE BALL. TO WIN GAMES, WE NEED TO KEEP IT CLOSE, EAT UP SOME CLOCK AND (OURSELVES)GIVEACHANCE.” — BRANDON CARSON, LINE MOUNTAIN HEAD COACH
28 AUGUST 2022 | INSIDE PENNSYLVANIA GAME NIGHT LINE MOUNTAIN | EAGLES PIAA DISTRICT 4 CLASS 2A MID-PENN CONFERENCE/Liberty2022SCHEDULE Aug. 26 at Penns Valley Sept. 2 Danville Sept. 9 at Tri-Valley Sept. 16 Middletown Sept. 23 at Susquenita Sept.30 Newport Oct. 7 at Halifax Oct. 14 James Buchanan Oct. 21 at Juniata Oct. 28 Upper Dauphin *-MID-PENN LIBERTY GAME 2021 RESULTS (2-8) L at Juniata 6-3 L vs Susquenita 22-3 L vs Middletown 28-6 L vs Camp Hill 19-17 L vs Upper Dauphin 36-6 L at Exec. Ed. 26-0 L at N. Penn-Man. 20-19 W at Newport 13-10 W vs James Buchanan 41-13 L at Southern Col. 62-14 5-YEAR WIN TREND5* 3 4* 7* *-PLAYOFFS &-DISTRICT CHAMPION #-PIAA CHAMPION 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2021 STAT LEADERS RETURNEES IN BOLD PASSING C-A Int TD Yds B. Readinger 44-100 9 5 646 Nick Snyder 35-80 7 1 469 RUSHING Att Yards TDs Nolan Baumert 70 523 5 Beau Keim 75 333 3 RECEIVING Rec Yards TDs Aidan Herb 14 448 4 Brayden Boyer 16 251 1 2 Baumert to do plenty of heavy lifting. Of those four, Boyer is the lone senior. WR/DB Connor Finlan and two-way lineman Josh Scott are seniors who played a good bit in 2021. Youngsters will be everywhere else. “We have three or four (juniors) who have started since they were freshmen,” Carson said. “A couple others are two-year starters. So, I would expect them to play more like seniors. “We have some talent, but we have young talent, and (we) have to play older than what we are.”Baumert churned out 100-yard efforts in each of Line Mountain’s final three saiddefensivegamepassesBaumertand7.3withrushinggames.regular-seasonHewoundupfor525yardsanaverageofyardspercarry,scoredfivetimes.alsocaught10for54yards.“Hestartedhisfirstasafreshmanatback,”Carsonofthediminutiveplaymaker.
“We could have three quarterbacks, and different packages for each one,” Carson stated.Ondefense, Maurer returns at thelinebackerinsideafterleadingEagleswith118 stops (9.5 for loss). The ball-hawking junior also registered two sacks, and his athletic tip of a fourth-down throw preserved a narrow victory at Newport in Week 9. Carson said they’re still auditioning to fill the other inside role vacated by Keim.
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“I don’t know if I could say we would have had momentum — we played a very good Danville team the next week — but I do think we would have had more confidence the rest of the season,” Adams said. So in addition to some on the field changes offensively and defensively, which we’ll get into in a bit, Adams thinks Midd-West has to learn some things on the mental side of the game as well to become successful.
“We have to develop the mindset in the fourth quarter that it is our game to win. It’s something we have to instill in our younger kids so that by the time they are juniors and seniors, they believe it,” Adams said. “But it’s the chicken or the egg thing. Do you need to have success to develop that mentality in the fourth quarter? or do you develop that mentality, and it delivers that success.”
A MINDSETNEW Story by Todd Hummel
New division brings hope of improvement to Mustangs MIDD-WEST M
30 AUGUST 2022 | INSIDE PENNSYLVANIA GAME NIGHT
It is questions like these that Lance Adams pondered most of the off season after his first year as head coach of Midd-West.
idd-West won just one game last season, but the Mustangs and their fans were left to wonder “what if” at times. What if in the opener against Central Columbia, the Mustangs didn’t give up two quick touchdowns in a game they played pretty well in after that three-minute stretch to open the season?DoesMidd-West develop the confidence in itself to overcome the mistakes it would make later in the season?
SCHLIEFETHAN
“We went back to the basics, really worked on our fundamentals,” Adams said. “We also simplified things a bit, so they can be aggressive, and react, rather than think.”
the
One thing that will help the Mustangs find that answer is a switch in divisions in Heartland Athletic Conference. Dropping from Division II where they played the likes of Danville (Class 3A champion in 2020 and 2021) and Montoursville (Class 3A runner up the last two seasons), down to a Division III that has Warrior Run, Hughesville and Bloomsburg.
All of these changes on the field and the divisional change, could help the Mustangs improve from last year’s one-win season. Midd-West opens with a tough Mifflinburg program, but a win in the second week against Halifax — the only team it beat last season — could go a long way in helping the Mustangs develop that confidence.
“WE HAVE TO BE ABLE TO RUN THE FOOTBALL, AND NOT GET BEHIND THE STICKS. OUR BIGGEST ISSUE LAST SEASON WAS PENALTIES AND NEGATIVE PLAYS.”
Adams and the staff thought the fundamental work was necessary because of the amount of big plays Midd-West defense gave up last season.
“We want to keep things in front of us, and rally people to the ball to make plays.”
Adams feels like if the Mustangs are going to be successful this season, it’s going to come down to their ability to run the football. Midd-West’s strength is its lines on both sides of the ball led by Landon Lauver and Miles Aurand along with Dom Andretta, who missed most of last season with an injury. “We have to be able to run the football, and not get behind the sticks. Our biggest issue last season was penalties and negative plays,” Adams said. “We’re going to need our running game to be successful to stretch teams with our running game.
Senior Austin Dorman will be the Mustangs’ workhorse as Midd-West looks to develop its younger depth at the position early in the season.
“We are going to have to be able to run the football when teams know we are going to run the football.”
“I think it would help because we have a greater margin of error. If we can take care of business (in the second game),” Adams said. “I think it will go a long way in our confidence.”
On the other side of the ball, the Mustangs’ coaching simplifiedstaffthings a bit.
“I know this is coach speak, but I believe if we worry about ourselves things will take care of itself,” Adams said. “If we do that, we’ll more competitive in the division, and more competitive in ourNowgames.”tothe schematic shifts, nothing too dramatic, but Adams wanted to find a way to get more big plays offensively, especially in the passing game, while stopping the big plays themselves on the defensive end. The Mustangs will be looking for a new quarterback with the graduation of C.J. Regester. The battle is between junior Colby Brower and sophomore Jasher Wolf. Both have varsity experience, but not at quarterback. Brower attempted four passes, but played almost execlusively defense, while Wolf was a tight end before his season ended with an injury midway“Whoeverthrough.winsthe job, it’s going to be a baptism by fire, neither has much experience,” Adams said. “They both were on the jayvee team last year, but we didn’t get a chance to play many junior varsity games last season. “We’re going to have to move the pocket, and work off our play-action.”
— LANCE ADAMS, MIDD-WEST HEAD COACH
“We can’t work on tackling until we get into the season, but we worked a lot on pursuit angles and keeping things in front of us,” Adams said. “So many of our problems at times last season were giving up one long pass or one long run.
32 AUGUST 2022 | INSIDE PENNSYLVANIA GAME NIGHT M IDD-WEST | MUSTANGS PIAA DISTRICT 4 CLASS 3A HEARTLAND DIVISION 3 2021 RESULTS (1-9) 2022 SCHEDULE Aug. 26 at Mifflinburg Sept. 2 Halifax Sept. 9 at Milton Sept. 16 Bloomsburg* Sept.23 Hughesville* Sept. 30 at Mount Carmel* Oct. 7 Warrior Run* Oct. 14 at Lewisburg Oct. 21 Penns Valley Oct. 28 at Selinsgrove*-PHAC-3GAME L at Central Columbia 21-7 L at Danville 62-6 L vs Mifflinburg 48-7 L vs Bloomsburg 40-21 L vs Lewisburg 62-6 L at N. Penn-Man. 35-14 L at Juniata 44-0 L vs Montoursville 42-6 L at Central Mountain 45-6 W vs Halifax 49-12 5-YEAR WIN TREND 5* 4* 1 *-PLAYOFFS &-DISTRICT CHAMPION #-PIAA CHAMPION 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2021 STAT LEADERS RETURNEES IN BOLD PASSING C-A Int TD Yds C. Regester 49-141 14 6 689 RUSHING Att Yards TDs Ethan Schlief 101 423 4 Austin Dorman 54 262 3 CJ Regester 72 172 2 RECEIVING Rec Yards TDs Corey Reinard 28 492 5 James Troup 11 96 1 1
“He’s going to be carrying the ball the majority of the time,” Adams said. “He’ll be the feature back, and he’ll be doing a lot of the heavy lifting.”
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“We had some ups and downs last season, but one of the biggest things I want us to learn from last season is consistency — showing up for every game, no matter the opponent,” Mifflinburg coach Jason Dressler said. “We have to have a competitive mindset, no matter the opponent. To compete at the highest level we have to get more consistent.”Makenomistake, this is a talented group of Wildcats led by an experienced and talented senior class. It’s a group like senior lineman Emmanuel Ulrich, who medaled in a national wrestling tournament this summer and quarterback Troy Dressler, who committed to play baseball at Wake Forest this summer, that have had successes in other sports. Jason Dressler is leaning on that experience to help the
MIFFLINBURG
ll Mifflinburg had to do was beat rival Lewisburg in the final week of the season to claim the final Class 4A playoff berth in District 4. However we all know the story — the Wildcats struggled in the rain, the Green Dragons’ Cam Michaels picked off three passes, and Lewisburg got the playoff berth. It could be a learning experience for a Mifflinburg team that also dropped a game to Milton that it led by two scores in the second half, but lost on a touchdown and a two-point conversion with less than three minutes left, turning a possible 8-2 season in to a 6-4 year without a playoff berth.
34 AUGUST 2022 | INSIDE PENNSYLVANIA GAME NIGHT
BUILDING MOMENTUM
End of season propels Wildcats into 2022 A
ULRICHEMMANUEL
Story by Todd Hummel
INSIDE PENNSYLVANIA GAME NIGHT | AUGUST 2022 MOMENTUM INSIDE PENNSYLVANIA GAME NIGHT | AUGUST 2022 35
36 AUGUST 2022 | INSIDE PENNSYLVANIA GAME NIGHT 3 MIFFLINBURG | WILDCATS PIAA DISTRICT 4 CLASS 3A HEARTLAND DIVISION 1 2022 SCHEDULE Aug. 26 Midd-West Sept. 2 at Central Columbia Sept.9 at Shamokin* Sept. 16 Central Mountain* Sept. 23 at Jersey Shore* Sept. 30 Selinsgrove* Oct. 7 at Shikellamy* Oct. 14 at Milton Oct. 21 Warrior Run Oct. 28 Lewisburg*-PHAC-1GAME 2021 RESULTS (6-4) L vs Danville 42-7 W vs Central Columbia 28-0 W at Midd-West 48-7 W at Hughesville 25-12 L vs Shamokin 34-27 L at Milton 15-14 W at Montoursville 29-27 W vs C. Mountain 42-13 W vs Shikellamy 43-14 L at Lewisburg 12-6 5-YEAR WIN TREND5*5* 22 *-PLAYOFFS &-DISTRICT CHAMPION #-PIAA CHAMPION 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2021 STAT LEADERS RETURNEES IN BOLD PASSING C-A Int TD Yds Troy Dressler 125-22814 16 1,845 RUSHING Att Yards TDs Andrew Diehl 102 610 6 Carter Breed 53 579 7 Troy Dressler 58 139 5 RECEIVING Rec Yards TDs Jacob Bingaman 28 523 4 Andrew Diehl 24 432 7 6 Wildcats change their mindset.
“Both Lucas and Emmanuel have had outstanding summers, and both look great,” Jason Dressler said. “Emmanuel has been wrestling all summer, and he might be in the best shape he’s ever been in. They’ll both cause some fits thisTheseason.”athletes in the receiving corps will lead the secondary. Diehl returns for his fourth year starting at safety, while the group of
— JASON
“We have to get some of those younger kids coached up because we are thin in the middle grades,” Jason Dressler said.
DresslerwantsdepthlooktheGriffithGrodotzke,Zimmerman,Millerandwillrotateinsecondary.TheWildcatswilltodevelopmoreatlinebacker.JasonDresslertokeepTroyawayfrom the defensive side of the football — Dressler played the majority of his defensive snaps at inside linebacker. Breed will be an outside linebacker, while sophomores Ben Reitz and Ben Melendez along with freshman Chad Martin should all see playing time at linebacker.Thebiggest issue for the Wildcats over the last three seasons has been depth at times. Jason Dressler feels like at the skill positions and the back of the defense, they might be as deep as they’ve been.
“WE’RE STILL WORKING ON LINE DEPTH. WE DON’T HAVE AS MUCH DEPTH THERE, BUT I WOULD SAY WE HAVE BETTER DEPTH THAN WE DID THE LAST TWO YEARS.” DRESSLER, MIFFLINBURG HEAD COACH
“We’ve got athletes, and there are certain expectations for us, and we have expectations of ourselves this season. We are anxious to get this season started,” Jason Dressler said. “We did lose a senior class that provided a lot of leadership, and now I’m expecting this group to use their experience and success in other sports to show the other guys in football what we have to do to compete at the highest level.”
Talent level goes a long way in helping slay the ghosts of the past, and Mifflinburg has plenty of that. Troy Dressler led the area in passing with 1,842 yards and 16 touchdown passes, and though his top two receivers graduated — Jacob Bingaman and Cannon Griffith — the Wildcats will have no shortage of weapons. Andrew Diehl and Carter Breed are both back, and both will move all over the field on offense for Mifflinburg.Diehlranfor 589 yards and caught 23 passes for 409 yards, and seven scores. Breed led the team with 609 yards on the ground and also had 16 catches. Expect Zach Wertman, who played football for the first time last year, to have a bigger role. He caught 23 passes for 383 yards and two scores. Kyler Troup makes the move from right tackle to tight end this season. He’ll be a big target — literally. He stands 6-foot-7, and has “great hands” according to Jason Dressler.
Dressler also expects bigger contributions from senior Tanner Zimmerman, juniors Sean Grodotzke and Jarrett Miller and freshman Jackson Griffith — the youngest of the Griffith clan, which includes twins Reagan and Riley, and Cannon — to contribute.“Thekind of athletes Andrew and Carter are, we move them around to give the defense fits. They’ll be at running back, they’ll be out at wide receiver, so teams will have to worry about them (as they do Milton’s) Xzavier Minium,” Jason Dressler said. “There are some guys (on this offense) that people don’t know much about that I expect the (media) will be asking me about later in the season.”
With all the explosiveness on offense, the Wildcats’ defensive talent can be overlooked. Ulrich and Lucas Whittaker were both outstanding last season up front. Whittaker led the team in tackles, while Ulrich was a force against the run.
“We’re still working on line depth. We don’t have as much depth there, but I would say we have better depth than we did the last two years,” Jason Dressler said. Mifflinburg should be an interesting mix of his 14 seniors, and Jason Dressler said that 15 or 16 freshmen will be on the varsity roster.
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nside the Milton High School football program, the upcoming season feels like business as usual for Phil Davis and his players. Outside the locker room and in the Milton community, it’s a different story.Ayear ago, the Black Panthers surprised everyone but themselves with a 7-5 season and a first-round district playoff win over North Penn-Mansfield, their first playoff victory since 2012. After ending the campaign with a loss to district runner-up Montoursville, the secret was out: Milton’s got a good football team, and now everyone in the Susquehanna Valley knows it. As long as the Black Panthers remain focused on their goals, Davis doesn’t mind that one bit. “We don’t really ever talk about last year, but I do feel there’s a little bit more confidence and some higher expectations from the school and the community,” Davis said. “I think we had a pretty positive mindset prior to (last year), but it didn’t translate to them getting the results that they wanted. They’re understanding that they’re not going to get overlooked now, so they’re going to have to be prepared and ready to go.”
So far, Davis likes what he’s seen from his squad in workouts, particularly on the offensive side of theTheball.Black Panthers changed their attack a year ago, and found it suited the strengths of both quarterback Story by Dan Angell
MILTON
READYTOGO
Black Panthers gearing up to make an impact in 2022
INSIDE PENNSYLVANIA GAME NIGHT | AUGUST 2022 39 XZAVIER MINIUM
“With that comes new challenges, and we’ll have to face those and learn how to deal with those. My kids seem like they’re a lot more confident than they have been in the past, and rightfully so. We’ve struggled with learning how to win, and now we’ve won a little bit. So how do we sustain that and keep that moving forward?”
“WHEN YOU GET TO THAT LEVEL AND TEAMS ARE THAT GOOD, IT’S THE LITTLE THINGS HERE AND THERE. THERE’S NO TIME OFF, AND YOU’VE GOT TO BE SHARP ALL THE TIME. THAT GAME CAME DOWN TO THREE PLAYS, AND THEY MADE THOSE THREE PLAYS AND WE DIDN’T. EVERY PLAY IS IMPORTANT AND EVERY PLAY MATTERS, AND IF YOU GIVE YOUR BEST EFFORT EVERY SINGLE PLAY, GOOD THINGS WILL HAPPEN.”
— PHIL DAVIS, MILTON HEAD COACH
“When you get to that level and teams are that good, it’s the little things here and there,” he said. “There’s no time off, and you’ve got to be sharp all the time. That game came down to three plays; (Montoursville) made those three plays and we didn’t. Every play is important and every play matters, and if you give your best effort every single play, good things willForhappen.”themost part, that’s exactly what the Black Panthers did a season ago, and it’s why this year really doesn’t feel like much has changed to Davis and his staff. As far as he’s concerned, the only real difference from past Milton teams is now the Black Panthers have seen their work pay off on Friday nights. That has helped them appreciate that bigger and better things are very much within their reach.Otherwise, this is the same kind of team Davis has always enjoyed coaching. “I’ve always had kids that are committed to trying to be good and get better, and I have the same thing this year,” Davis said. “I think they’re ready to hopefully build off what they did last year, because they created a lot of excitement and a lot of energy.
40 AUGUST 2022 | INSIDE PENNSYLVANIA GAME NIGHT MILTON | BLACK PANTHERS PIAA DISTRICT 4 CLASS 3A HEARTLAND DIVISION 3 2022 SCHEDULE Aug. 26 South Williamsport Sept. 2 at Towanda Sept. 9 Midd-West* Sept. 16 at Mount Carmel* Sept. 23 at Holy Redeemer Sept. 30 Hughesville* Oct. 7 at Bloomsburg* Oct. 14 Mifflinburg Oct. 21 Cowanesque Valley Oct. 28 at Warrior*-PHAC-3Run*GAME 2021 RESULTS (7-5) W at Nativity BVM 39-28 W vs Warrior Run 48-14 W vs Holy Redeemer 30-12 W at Townada 30-0 L at Central Mountain29-20 W vs Mifflinburg 15-14 L vs Jersey Shore 62-7 L at Shamokin 27-14 L vs Lewisburg 52-14 W at Shikellamy 27-20 W vs N. Penn-Man. 35-0 L vs Montoursville 17-14 2021 STAT LEADERS RETURNEES IN BOLD PASSING C-A Int TD Yds X. Minium 53-89 3 4 686 RUSHING Att Yards TDs Chris Doyle 173 1,184 19 Xzavier Minium 135 809 12 Ashton Canelo 82 421 3 RECEIVING Rec Yards TDs Peyton Rearick 15 252 2 Dylan Reiff 15 203 2 5-YEAR WIN TREND10 3* *-PLAYOFFS &-DISTRICT CHAMPION #-PIAA CHAMPION 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 1 7 Xzavier Minium and running back Chris Doyle incredibly well. Minium generated nearly 1,500 yards of total offense and 16 touchdowns at quarterback, while Doyle rushed for 1,184 yards and 19 TDs in his freshman season. With both of them back, as well as a host of other talented returners, the Black Panthers have started this year far ahead of where they were at the same juncture a year“It’sago.been a much easier transition this offseason,” Davis said. “So I’ve seen the refreshing and relearning going much smoother and a lot easier. We can understand things a lot better and maybe take it to the next step. The kids that have been there in the camps, I think they’re doing a really good job of picking it up.” On the other side of the ball things aren’t as withstraightforward,Miltonadding a few new wrinkles to its defense. However, Davis’ main concern is that the Black Panthers remember lessons that came late in the season, particularly in the playoff loss to Montoursville. In that game, the Black Panthers were the statistically stronger team in several areas, but the Warriors came away victorious because of an extra possession they created with a big special teams play, in addition to a few other key moments. That, Davis stressed, is one of the differences that helps good teams get to the next level.
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T here is a joke around the Danville locker room, usually during film study. Once again Carson Persing — three-year starter and the security blanket for three Danville quarterbacks — is behind the defense alone and open.
Persing begins his senior season with 172 catches for 3,124 yards and 36 touchdowns. He’ll be just the second receiver in District 4 history to top 4,000 career yards. Once he hits 28 catches this season, Persing becomes just the sixth player in PIAA history with 200 career catches. His 36 career receiving TDs are 10th all-time in PIAA history. For the record, Fleming’s district records are 256 catches, 5,481 yards and 78 touchdowns. All but career catches is a state record as well. Brian Lemelle of Bishop McDevitt caught 269 career passes.Fleming’s numbers seem outrageous, and the fact that a player who overlaps with the Southern Columbia standout (Persing was a freshman in 2019) is going to come close to some of those numbers seems unbelievable.
Different football players as Fleming’s physical talents overwhelmed foes, Persing — the son of Chris and Betsy Persing — is quite fast, but has superior short-area quickness, and similar to Fleming has the absolute uncanny knack to be wide open.“Ithink the first part of it is just the mental part of it. You have to know what you’re doing when you’re out there. I watch football — I love football — so I feel like I know what’s going on, and exactly where I need to be,” Persing said. “When you’re smaller in size, that stuff is more important. Julian was a great athlete, probably one of the best, if not the best athlete I’ve ever seen.“Iknow I want to be just as great or greater, but I have to do it a little differently (than Julian) did.”
42 AUGUST 2022 | INSIDE PENNSYLVANIA GAME NIGHT Always OPEN
“It’s kind of a joke on our team. Whenever somebody leaves him wide-open like that one of our coaches — Marty Palm — says ‘That Persing guy’s pretty good, you might want to cover him,’” senior quarterback Zach Gordon said. That’s not a reflection on local defensive coordinators, it’s more an example of how good Persing is as a receiver. So good in fact, he’s already Danville’s all-time leading receiver, and he’ll end his career as the second-best receiver in District 4 history behind former Southern Columbia standout Julian Fleming, who holds most of the state career receiving yards. “He’s a bailout for our quarterbacks. He always manages to get open. If he’s not getting open, that means somebody is scheming specifically to take him out of the game, and that means that they are neglecting something else on the defensive side of the ball,” Danville coach Mike Brennan said. “It’s never a bad throw in our offense to target Carson Persing.”
Danville’s Persing ready to cap prolific career
Persing’s love wasn’t always football, though. Growing up as the son of a baseball coach — Carson’s dad is a former Shikellamy standout, who graduated as Susquehanna University all-time hits leader, and coaches baseball at Muncy — Carson was more into baseball than anything else as youngster.
Persing grew up the youngest of three brothers who all gravitated toward football. Peyton graduated from Danville in 2018, and after a year away from football, is now a sophomore wide receiver at IUP. Ian was a key cog in the 2020 district championship team as a captain from his linebacker and tight end position. Ian is a freshman wide receiver at Bloomsburg University.“Theydefinitely inspire me, seeing the success that they had,” Carson said. “I want to follow in their footsteps, and then be greater than what they were. “It’s something for me to shoot to accomplish.”
That emphasis on football, and the graduation of Peyton — the leading rusher and receiver in 2018 — had then-Danville coach Jim Keiser bring Persing up to varsity as a freshman. It certainly doesn’t surprise the current coach, who mentioned that his first exposure to his star wideout when watching Persing on film when he came to Danville in February 2020 was some footage from his eighth grade year.
“Growing up, I was a baseball kid more than I was a football player,” Persing said. “I loved football, but until middle school, baseball was always my first love growing up.”
Story by Todd Hummel
“He made some amazing plays as a eighth grader. I actually saw his junior high tape when I got here,” Brennan said. “He was one of those kids after I watched just a little bit, ‘Who’s that kid?’”
INSIDE PENNSYLVANIA GAME NIGHT | AUGUST 2022
“It’s definitely an adjustment. You’re in new place, a new building. You’re seeing a lot of new things,” Persing said. “You just have to be prepared. You have to keep a level head and realize what you are getting into. You can prepare and prepare before the season.“Butit’s still something different when you step on the field.”
When Persing heads to the line of scrimmage, he’s already surveying who is lining up where and which — and how many — defenders are joining him in the formation.
“Carson’s leadship really helped. Working out in the offseason, I don’t really think we skipped a beat,” Patrick said. “We really just talked a lot during that first week. Madden got thrown into the fire, and as young kid that can be hard,” Persing said. “Quarterback is probably the hardest position to play on the field, so to go in there, and be as successful as we were (last season) was a credit to him. “I just wanted to talk things through, and make sure that he was seeing the same thing I was seeing, so we could get on the same page,That’squickly.”something he and Gordon already had to start last season.“Ithink since we were 6 or 7, we’ve played football, basketball and baseball, together,” Gordon said. “We spent a lot of practices and games hanging out with each other, and even get-togethers with our families. It’s been building for 10-11 years.” That bond off the field translates perfectly in the quarterbackwide receiver dynamic.
Persing had 45 catches for 761 yards and eight scores in his freshman year, but being a freshman on a veteran team was a different experience.
“I’ll say it, ‘State championship,’” Persing said. “We won two straight district champions, and that’s hard — really hard — to do. But the whole goal is to take that next step.”
“We can look at the defense, and it really only takes a look,” Gordon said. “We both usually know if the route is going to get him open. He can look and give me nod, and we both know he can beat his guy.
“I usually know already I’m going to him on this throw.”
“One of his biggest assets is he make everyone around him better, because he creates mismatches for quarterbacks to make throws. He creates loose boxes so Ty Stauffer and Aaron Johnson can make plays in the running game,” Brennan said. “Because we can move him around, he’s a totally different receiver from your regular (No. 1) on-the-ball receivers.”
“When I was growing up, I watched my brothers lose three straight district finals, and that sucked for them,” Persing said. “I never want to feel that personally.”
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This experienced group of Ironmen has lofty goals for this season.“Weknow what it took to get the district championship last year. We went through a lot of adversity last year, and in 2020 with COVID and being in-and-out of school. We know the work we need to put in, and what kind of work we need to put in to reach that goal,” Persing said.
Along with Persing, there are a lot of seniors on the Danville team. It’s an experienced group. Persing and Raup have started since they were freshman. Gordon has played since his freshman season, and Johnson has three years of experience as a junior.
Moving to varsity wasn’t all that tough on the football field
Persing’s experience as a freshman paid off last season. Madden Patrick entered last year as the backup to Zach Gordon, but was quickly thrust into the starting spot when Gordon got hurt in the fourth week of the season.
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Persing wasn’t afraid to articulate the goal of these Ironmen.
“Timing with the quarterback is key, and we work a lot on that to be Gordonsuccessful.”isgoing through the same process as he sets up as well, and said that silent communication is key against the defense.
“Growing up, we’ve always really had a strong class of athletes,” Persing said. “We’ve always felt if we grew together and stayed together as a team, we’d have a really good chance to be successful.”Theywitnessed the struggles of the program that lost three straight district title game, before the Ironmen won two straight district titles with a state semifinal appearance in 2020 and a state quarterfinal appearance in 2021.
“With our offense, I try to see what coverage they are in and based on the route that’s called, I figure out where I need to be for the quarterback to find me,” Persing said. “Most of the times I have a specific route to run, but sometimes we do have choice routes, where I pick the route based on what the defense does.
One of the keys to the 2022 season for the Ironmen is the fact that the Persing and Gordon combination isn’t the only way that Danville can attack a defense. Senior Ty Stauffer ran for more than 1,400 yards, and before he leaves for West Point to play at Army he should break Sam Dressler’s school career rushing record. Senior Mason Raup and sophomore Cameron Kiersch at tight end, along with junior Aaron Johnson — an underrated twoway threat — give the Ironmen other weapons.
“I feel Zach and I’ve had the connection for a long time, even when he was the backup to K.J. (Riley). We’ve always had it from playing together since we were young,” Persing said. “I felt Zach and I had a connection. We don’t even have to talk with each other. It’s just a look.”
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John Darrah will need his veteran players to lead the way to overcome the graduation loss of the dynamic quarterback-running back combination of Pedro Feliciano and Julien Stellar.
However, the current Red Tornadoes seem to have at very good leaders. In general, I think we have a very well-ledAlthoughteam.”Feliciano took most of the snaps last year,
hey have the most wins in Pennsylvania history and own five state championship banners. Yet despite finishing 10-3 in three of their last four seasons, the Mount Carmel Red Tornadoes haven’t appeared in the state playoffs since 2011. They reached the District 4 Class 2A championship game last season, but lost to neighboring rival Southern Columbia, the five-time defending state champion with 12 overall titles since 1994.
However, the current Red Tornadoes seem to have the best chance in years of taking the next step. Mount Carmel returns eight starters on defense, six on offense, plus several other players who saw a lot of action.
Story by Harold Raker
ON THE HUNT T FARRONATOMICHAEL 46
Red Tornadoes looking for post-season return after playoff drought
CARMELMOUNT
On a team that ran the ball 89% of the time last season, Feliciano and Stellar combined to gain 1,860 yards, while fellow senior Thomas Davitt contributed another 391 on the ground.
“This year, looking at the returning starters, we definitely have some good leadership,’’ Darrah said. “A lot of them have played for several years, and they are very good leaders. In general, I think we have a very well-ledAlthoughteam.”Feliciano took most of the snaps last year, Darrah believes in getting other players experience, not only for the future but in the event of an injury to the starter. Last year that player was Cole Spears, now a junior, who will battle rising sophomore Matt Balichik for the starting quarterback spot. “(Spears) was getting most of the reps, and he’s been doing really well,’’ Darrah said. “He is our most veteran
Jacob Shultz (6-2, 185), a junior, made nine catches for 195 yards and four TDs last year, while senior Matt Scicchitano (6-4, 275) had five for 94 and three scores. “(Shultz) is a little bit more like a modernday tight end. He’s a good blocker, but he is also more of a receiver, and he’s a tough kid,” Darrah said. “Scicchitano is more like a ‘90s tight end, with a bigger body but with good hands as a receiver. We usually keep him closer to the formation.”Fourof the five linemen return on offense, led by mammoth right tackle Matt Kelley (6-4, 325), right guard Nick Nestico (6-2, 285) and center Kelin Geary (6-0, 250) — all seniors. Battling for time — along with filling the left tackle spot vacated by graduate Michael Keer — are senior Michael Langton (6-1, 245), junior Maddox Lamas (6-1, 210), freshman Logan Herb (6-4, 247) and sophomore Jagr Delaney (6-2, 220).Mount Carmel’s veteran defensive front at times will feature three down linemen, with Kelley at nose guard and Scicchitano and Nestico at tackle. They will occasionally use Scicchitano at end, while Geary and 6-5, 290 sophomore Noah Shimko will also be in the rotation.
The entire secondary returns with Spears and Diaz at the corners, and Farronato (three interceptions) and Varano at safety. Yagodzinskie, a sophomore, is expected to replace record-breaking kicker Stellar. Darrah has lots of speedy options to return kicks and punts in Diaz, Farronato, Varano and Zarski.
“THIS YEAR, LOOKING AT THE DEFINITELYSTARTERS,RETURNINGWEHAVESOMEGOODLEADERSHIP.” — JOHN DARRAH, MOUNT CARMEL HEAD COACH 10*
Darrah said the Red Tornadoes are blessed with backfield talent. He said, “We feel we have a good stable of backs to carry the ball from different positions.” That starts with speedy tailback Xander Diaz. Darrah said the 5-foot-9, 160-pound junior, who is the reigning District 4 100-meter champion, came a long way last season.“Itwas his first year playing,” Darrah said of the transfer from the Lehigh Valley. “By the middle of the year he was dominating the (junior varsity) games, and then he scored a bunch of touchdowns when he got to (varsity). We’re expecting big things from“He’shim.”notas big as Stellar (5-9, 195), but he’s really fast.” In limited varsity action, Diaz was the team’s most dynamic skill player, rushing for 545 yards and six touchdowns on 32 carries (17 yards per carry). The return of junior running backs Michael Farronato to and Garrett Varano bolsters the backfield. Farronato ran for 495 yards and five TDs last season, while Varano had 325 yards and a score.
Senior Liam Bradley returns to lead the linebacker corps. Darrah said there will be competition among sophomores Drew Yagodzinskie, Maddox Reed, Al Bailey, Hunter Boblick and Ben Miller.
“We share time with them, and they both do a great job. Both play defense, as well,” Darrah said. “They are both a little bit different in what they bring to the table, but they both have been doing well and we’re pretty excited about what they can do.”Farronato and Varano are also Mount Carmel’s top retuning receivers. Varano had 11 catches for 150 yards and a touchdown; Farronato added eight catches for 67 yards.
Sophomore Luke Blessing, who is returning from an ACL injury, and senior Jacob Zarski are also in the mix to run the ball.The Red Tornadoes primarily use two tight ends to help pave the way for the running game and also to surprise defenses with the occasional play-action pass.
INSIDE PENNSYLVANIA GAME NIGHT | AUGUST 2022 47 MT C ARMEL | RED TORNADOES PIAA DISTRICT 4 CLASS 2A HEARTLAND DIVISION 3 2021 RESULTS (10-3) 2022 SCHEDULE Aug. 26 at North Schuylkill Sept. 2 Dunmore Sept. 9 at Warrior Run* Sept. 16 Milton* Sept. 23 at Bloomsburg* Sept. 30 Midd-West* Oct. 7 at Hughesville* Oct. 14 at Southern Col. Oct. 21 Shikellamy Oct. 28 *-PHAC-3ShamokinGAME L vs North Schuylkill 33-14 W at Hughesville 48-20 W at Shikellamy 28-6 W vs Montoursville 21-7 L at Southern Col. 40-14 W vs Bloomsburg 40-12 W vs Danville 34-21 W at Loyalsock 60-41 W vs Warrior Run 68-9 W at Shamokin 49-21 W vs Bloomsburg 54-13 W vs Troy 35-7 L at Southern Col. 41-14 5-YEAR WIN TREND210*10* 8* *-PLAYOFFS &-DISTRICT CHAMPION #-PIAA CHAMPION 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2021 STAT LEADERS RETURNEES IN BOLD PASSING C-A Int TD Yds P. Feliciano 33-69 9 7 472 RUSHING Att Yards TDs Pedro Feliciano 145 993 13 Julien Stellar 142 890 15 Xaviar Diaz 29 539 6 RECEIVING Rec Yards TDs Michael Balichick 6 107 1 Tyler Owens 2 24 0 Damon Dowkus 2 22 0 quarterback, and he got in every game.’’
t’s been five seasons — quarterback Logan Leiby’s senior year — since Derek Hicks has gone into a season with little concerns about his offense. He’s got a trio of playmakers back in quarterback Mark Pastore, running back Tucker Teats and wide receiver Gavin Bastian. He can’t stop raving about his returning offensive linemen.
Two all-staters are among those six that need replaced.SafetyTeague Hoover was a four-year starter in the back of Hicks’ defense, and earned all-state honors for three consecutive seasons. Brandon Hile was one of the most versatile players in the area last season, leading Selinsgrove in sacks and rushing yards. His play earned a spot in the Big 33 game, and he’ll continue his career at Kutztown University.
I
Story by Todd Hummel
The other odd thing, Hicks, who doubles as defensive coordinator, can’t say the same about his“It’sdefense.arolereversal for us from previous years. Normally, I’m feeling pretty good about our defense, but of our back 8 (five linebackers and three defensive backs), I think we graduated six,” Hicks said. “It’s definitely a different feeling.”
Seals question marks on ‘D’ a new puzzle to solve
48 AUGUST 2022 | INSIDE PENNSYLVANIA GAME NIGHT
SELINSGROVE YOUNG DEFENSE
Bastian is expected to step in for Hoover at free safety.“He’s a 6-foot, 6-1, 190-pound kid that can motor as long as (defensive backs coach) Chip (Moll) can get him to recognize some things, the athleticism is certainly there,” Hicks said.
The Seals might not have a lot of experience in
Bastian will also play a larger role on the offense this season as well. In his freshman season, he had 21 catches for 423 yards and four scores. With the loss of Nate Aument to graduation, Bastian is the lone returning pass catcher for Selinsgrove.
Senior Steven Miller had 43 tackles, 12 for a loss last season and returns at defensive tackle. The Seals will have to find a replacement for Damian Catherman and the younger Miller at nose guard, but Hicks is confident that he has enough depth to develop a rotation upfront.
Hicks expects Nick Rice to help in the slot, and Selinsgrove baseball center fielder Josh Domaracki returned to football, and is expected to be another deep threat for Selinsgrove. Hicks also said the Seals had a transfer from Academy Park in the Pittsburgh area in Michael Miller who will contribute, but his eligibility for the playoffs has yet to be determined.“Withallof our new faces, I expect a new threat will emerge,” Hicks said. “All of the depth in the secondary, plays receiver, you just never know who is going to step up.”
“WE
DON’T HAVE FIVE STARTERS BACK, BUT WE HAVE FIVE EXPERIENCED GUYS BACK. ALL FIVE OF STRONG,BENCH,ERSPROJECTEDTHESTART-ARESTRONGANDINTHE1,000-POUNDCLUB(COMBINEDDEADLIFTANDSQUAT),ANDTWOAREINTHE1,200-POUNDCLUB.THEIRBIGANDNOWWEJUSTHAVETOGETTHEMMOREAGGRESSIVE.” — DEREK HICKS, SELINSGROVE HEAD COACH
Hicks sees an offensive keyed behind the offensive line and Teats, who finished second on the team to Hile in rushing yards as sophomore last season with 628 yards and nine scores.“(Tucker) is going to get his carries,” Hicks said. “Hopefully that combined with an improved offensive line, I don’t think a 1,000yard season is unattainable for (Tucker).”
“We don’t have five starters back, but we have five experienced guys back,” Hicks said. “All five of the projected starters are strong and in the 1,000-pound club (combined bench, deadlift and squat), and two are in the 1,200-pound club. Their big and strong, now we just have to get them more aggressive.”
“He’s pound for pound one of the strongest kids on the team. He’s big enough to be our possession guy and fast enough to get over the top of the defense,” Hicks said.
“I think the biggest thing is his decision making has improved. He’s more comfortable with the speed of the high school game,” Hicks said. “If he gets time, he’s gotten better at going through his progressions. He didn’t make many mistakes at the 7-on-7s this“Hesummer.lookedreally good.”
Pastore returns for a second year under center. He threw for 1,207 yards and 11 touchdowns, but with a year of seasoning, Pastore should take another step forward this season.
50 AUGUST 2022 | INSIDE PENNSYLVANIA GAME NIGHT RETURNEES IN BOLD SELINSGROVE | SEALS PIAA DISTRICT 4 CLASS 4A HEARTLAND DIVISION 1 2021 RESULTS (8-4) 2022 SCHEDULE Aug. 26 at Bellefonte Sept. 2 Juniata Sept. 9 at Jersey Shore* Sept. 16 Shamokin* Sept. 23 Shikellamy* Sept. 30 at Mifflinburg* Oct. 7 Central Mountain* Oct. 14 at Hollidaysburg Oct. 21 at Montoursville Oct. 28 Midd-West*-PHAC-1GAME L at Pottsville 12-0 L at Jersey Shore 9-7 W at Shamokin 33-0 W vs Berwick 42-14 W at Muhlenberg 20-3 W vs Shikellamy 40-0 W at Central Mountain33-23 W vs Central Columbia 44-0 L vs Southern Col. 49-7 W at Montoursville 21-10 W vs Shamokin 49-13 L at Jersey Shore 41-0 5-YEAR WIN TREND4*7* 6* 11*& *-PLAYOFFS &-DISTRICT CHAMPION #-PIAA CHAMPION 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2021 STAT LEADERS PASSING C-A Int TD Yds Mark Pastore 73-150 9 11 1,225 RUSHING Att Yards TDs Brandon Hile 95 883 13 Tucker Teats 110 636 9 RECEIVING Rec Yards TDs Nate Aument 28 470 4 Gavin Bastian 22 421 4 Brandon Hile 9 192 1 8* the secondary, but Hicks feels they have plenty of depth. Hicks’ son Caleb, Ryan Gavason, Caleb Geipel and Reece Fellman are all expected to play big roles in the defensive backfield. Hicks feels more confident in the linebacker spot and up front. Senior Corey Rumberger led the team in tackles last year with 119 stops, while finishing with five sacks. Ethan Miller had 3.5 sacks as a defensive lineman last year, and will move back to his natural position of inside linebacker. Logan Outhoudt also returns at inside linebacker, and Hicks has been impressed with senior Garrett Paradis in the offseason.Teatsplayed some outside linebacker last season and is expected to fill one of those spots for experience,Selinsgrove.“Wehavesomebutwe’re going to be green in the secondary and at one of the outside linebacker positions,” Hicks said.
The offensive side of the ball is much more settled, and it all starts with the aforementioned offensive line.
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56 AUGUST 2022 | INSIDE PENNSYLVANIA GAME NIGHT SHAMOKIN NYEBRETT
Nye began the 2021 season as The Daily Item’s Preseason All-Star quarterback. After missing Shamokin’s first two games due to an injury, he didn’t live up to the lofty expectations. In eight games, Nye completed just 40 of 96 pass attempts (42%) for 652 yards. He threw four touchdowns and seven interceptions, compiling an underwhelming passer rating of 48. Shamokin coach Henry Hynoski is excited about the player fans are going to see on the field this fall, one who isn’t defined by those numbers.
Indians banking on QB Nye Story by Harold Raker
OUT STEPPING OUTS
“Last year’s statistics don’t reflect his abilities,” Hynoski said. “Brett’s doing phenomenal,” Hynoski added. “He’s everything you want from a quarterback from a talent standpoint, arm strength standpoint and accuracy standpoint. He’s really stepped it up a notch this year, watching him in (seven-on-seven workouts). He’s working hard, really busting his butt.”Hynoski added, “I don’t know if I’ve ever seen a kid want to succeed like he does. He’s right there with (recent Indian standouts) Blake Zalar and NateHynoskiMiller.”has heard from others, including college coaches, who believe Nye “is the real deal.”
hamokin senior Brett Nye may never have heard of 19th century British politician Benjamin Disraeli. But Disraeli’s most well-known quotation may resonate with the Indians’ quarterback. Disraeli said, “There are three types of lies: lies, damned lies and statistics.”
INSIDE PENNSYLVANIA GAME NIGHT | AUGUST 2022 57
“I think he’s primed for a very good year,” Hynoski said. “We just have to do our part to put all the pieces together to keep him up and keep him protected. He needs to stay untouched and clean in the pocket. That’s where we had a lot of issues last year.”
The coach said Shamokin’s staff has made some changes to protections that should benefit Nye and give him better opportunities to make plays.
“We have a plethora of speed and talent out at wide receiver with five of those guys can play. They give us a lot of speed and athleticism on the perimeter.
— HYNOSKI,
58 AUGUST 2022 | INSIDE PENNSYLVANIA GAME NIGHT SHAMOKIN | INDIANS PIAA DISTRICT 4 CLASS 4A HEARTLAND DIVISION 1 2021 RESULTS (5-6) 2022 SCHEDULE Aug. 26 at Lewisburg Sept. 2 Southern Columbia Sept. 9 Mifflinburg* Sept. 16 at Selinsgrove* Sept. 23 Central Mountain* Sept. 30 Shikellamy* Oct. 7 at Jersey Shore* Oct. 14 at Central Columbia Oct. 21 Nanticoke Oct. 28 at Mount*-PHAC-1CarmelGAME W vs Lewisburg 6-3 L at Cen. Mountain 35-34 L vs Selinsgrove 33-0 W at Grt. Nanticoke 40-13 W at Mifflinburg 34-27 L vs Jersey Shore 38-0 W at Shikellamy 21-7 W vs Milton 27-14 L at Danville 42-21 L vs Mount Carmel 49-21 L at Selinsgrove 49-13 5-YEAR WIN TREND5* 3* 6* 1 *-PLAYOFFS &-DISTRICT CHAMPION #-PIAA CHAMPION 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2021 STAT LEADERS RETURNEES IN BOLD PASSING C-A Int TD Yds Brett Nye 47-124 6 5 650 RUSHING Att Yards TDs Max Madden 264 1,488 18 Aaron Frasch 66 310 0 Tyler Whary 24 124 1 RECEIVING Rec Yards TDs Collin Seedor 17 313 2 Tyler Whary 10 117 1 5*
HENRY
Nye was hampered last year by the loss of his two top receiving targets from the 2020 season. Billy Delbaugh graduated, and Ryder Zulkowski transferred. Zulkowski, now a junior, has returned. Hynoski believes if everyone stays healthy, Nye will have a lot of options.
SHAMOKIN HEAD COACH
A strong season from Nye would help pick up any slack from a running game that will be without bellcow Max Madden for the first time in four years. Last year, Madden virtually carried the team on his back, rushing for 1,507 yards and 18 touchdowns on 215 carries while the Indians finished 5-6.Hynoski believes Knowledge Artis-Jones, a different kind of running back, may be ready to succeed the hard-charging Madden.“Wesaw glimpses of Knowledge last year, and he was outstanding. He could be really special,” Hynoski said. “He has explosion and a quick step, and the kid is stillHelearning.”addedthat the Artis-Jones brothers are “super-athletic kids” who will start on both sides of the ball. Neither played organized football until arriving in Shamokin as freshmen, and “the game is finally starting to come to them.”
Mumford,”(senior)ColtonZulkowski,WisdomChase(sophomore)Pensyl,(seniorArtis-Jones,(senior)LynchandIsaiahhesaid.“All
The Indians’ defensive front will consist of Hockenbroch, Romanoski, Wertz and Brock Nye, among others. Vying for time at outside linebacker/ defensive end will be Lynch, Zalar and Hockenbroch while Adams, Knowledge Artis-Jones and Lynch will play middle linebacker.WisdomArtis-Jones and Mumford are expected to play cornerback, with Pensyl, Zulkowski, senior Brian Jovel-Martinez and junior Brad Latsha handling the safety spots.“We also have a healthy group of young players that may be able to fill the bill, but, if they don’t contribute this year, it will make it nice for the future,” Hynoski said. “Right now, we are solid everywhere,” he added, “but we just really need a tight end and another lineman to step up, and this could be a potent football team.”
Hynoski is also expecting a good year from senior fullback Corey Adams, who saw time last season behind graduates Aaron Frash and Tyler Whary.
“WE’RE NOT SHORT ON SKILL
Up front, Hynoski is counting on a pair of returning starters in senior Eric Zalar (6-foot-3, 220 pounds) and junior Hunter Wertz (6-4, 355). They’re tasked with keeping Nye upright, as is sophomore Blake Hockenbroch (6-1, 230), who moved from tackle to guard. “He’s such a big, strong, athletic kid, and he will be great at that position, pulling and getting out in front of Knowledge,’’ said Hynoski, who added his staff also end.HockenbrochlikesattightSeniorCamSmith is the No. 1 tight end, but the Indians need more depth at the position. Depth is also a concern in the middle of the line, and several players are competing at center and guard. The front-runners, Hynoski said, are Ty Kurtz (6-0, 220), senior Brock Nye (5-4, 190) and senior Maddox Romanoski (5-8, 210). Hockenbroch returns at punter. The kicking job was vacated by graduate Carson Ososkie.
SUMMERPLAYERS.POSITIONTHEHASBEENFUNTOWATCH.”
“We’re not short on skill position players. The summer has been fun to watch.”
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62 AUGUST 2022 | INSIDE PENNSYLVANIA GAME NIGHT
Former Selinsgrove standout Logan Leiby, who graduated as the thirdleading passer in state history, joined the Shikellamy staff this offseason. Schaffer-Neitz ran for 449 yards and three scores last season, while Keiser’s been excited about Snyder’s potentional since his freshman season. The junior hasn’t played since the middle of the year because of injuries. Morgan had just seven carries last season, but set the school record in the 100, 200 and 400 meter dashes. Martin was one of the top hurdlers in the area. Keiser was so excited by his offense, he took the Braves to several higher level 7-on-7 camps this summer. At Penn State, Shikellamy matched up with Winter Park, Florida, John Paul XXIII and defending Class 4A state champion Aliquippa. “We had some comparable speed to those teams,” Keiser said. “We feel like if Braves confident they will be improved
Story by Todd Hummel
SHIKELLAMY REACHING GOALS
Some of the names back for the Braves offense — Chase Morgan, Isaac ShafferNeitz, Rashawn Martin and Luke Snyder — dotted each of the top eight of the sprint events at the District 4 Class 3A meet this spring.
C oming off a 1-9 season with an offense that topped 14 points just twice in 10 games, Shikellamy coach Jim Keiser is surprisingly bullish on his offensive firepower heading into the 2022 season.
So, Shikellamy has plenty of weapons, plus Keiser is excited about his freshman quarterback Brody Rebuck.
“He doesn’t look like a freshman,” Keiser said of his 185-pound signal caller. “I think he’s one of the better young quarterbacks in the area. He was fantastic at 7-on-7s, and it helps we’ve got a pretty good quarterback coach.”
MORGANCHASE
Schaffer-Neitz is the top returning tackler with 44, but Snyder started at defense from day one as a freshman, and Keiser pointed to Elijah Fernandez as a strong defender last year.
KeiserAnothersaid.big factor in the Braves’ improvement this season will be the turnover. Shikellamy had a minus 17 in the turnover battle last year, and is looking to force more the 11 turnovers this season.Keiser also said some of the Braves have a bit of chip on their should this season.
“The offensive line is the key to everything,” Keiser said. “With our talent and an outstanding young quarterback, I think we have a chance to be a factor, but the O-line is key to all of that.”
stronganddivisionfour-yearintrackaforementionedThestandoutsarethemidstoftherunaschampions,Shikellamyhadacoregroupall working-hard all summer. “I think all of that work will help us. We’ve had 15-20 kids that have work their tails off all summer. They are sick of losing (4-15 the last two seasons),” Keiser said. “They really want to build the program, and have been focused on the football field.
“We’ve not had a lot of luck these last two years. Hopefully the football gods smile on us, and we get a couple of breaks.”
HOPEFULLY THE FOOTBALL GODS SMILE ON US, AND WE GET A COUPLE OF BREAKS.”
“WE’VE NOT HAD A LOT OF LUCK THESE LAST TWO YEARS.
“That kind of work should translate all over the field.”
The Braves expected three guys back up front, but had a returning starter not come out. Sophomore John Rosinski started as a freshman last season, and Mason Rebuck will move over to center for the KeiserBraves.saidthat the Bradigan twins — juniors Nick (5-foot11, 205 pounds) and Nate (5-11, 230) — will man the right side of the offensive line, while Cooper Rouse and Ozzie Baez are battling to work beside Rosinski.
— JIM KEISER, SHIKELAMY HEAD COACH
Shikellamy other issue besides its inexperienced line, will be depth once again. Any improvements the Braves have made in the past two seasons have been stymied by injuries, and with 35 players out for the team, Shikellamy is going to have eight or nine two-way starters.“Wehad some kids decide not to play because we thought we could have six or seven kids going just one way,” Keiser said. “But we’ll get everybody in shape, and be ready to go.
“A lot of our kids have made themselves better,” Keiser said.
“Isaac and Luke are going to be our mike and sam linebackers, and play a big role on that side of the ball as well,”
The Braves are one of five Class 4A teams this season in District 4, and with four teams qualifying, Shikellamy should get berth again with just one or two wins. However, Keiser believes this Shikellamy team shouldn’t back into a playoff berth, but should earn it.
64 AUGUST 2022 | INSIDE PENNSYLVANIA GAME NIGHT SHIKELLAMY | BRAVES PIAA DISTRICT 4 CLASS 4A HEARTLAND DIVISION 1 2022 SCHEDULE Aug. 26 Central Columbia Sept. 2 at Mifflin County Sept. 9 at Central Mountain* Sept. 16 Jersey Shore* Sept. 23 at Selinsgrove* Sept. 30 at Shamokin* Oct. 7 Mifflinburg* Oct. 14 Bloomsburg Oct. 21 at Mount Carmel Oct. 28 Southern Col. *-PHAC-1 GAME 2021 STAT LEADERS RETURNEES IN BOLD PASSING C-A Int TD Yds B. Wertman 48-109 7 5 681 RUSHING Att Yards TDs Coltyn Sempko 109 539 2 I. Schaffer-Neitz 74 449 3 Gage Wolfe 65 412 5 RECEIVING Rec Yards TDs Kaden Hoffman 14 279 2 John Peifer 18 257 2 2021 RESULTS (1-9) L vs Central Mountain 12-0 L at Loyalsock 42-13 L vs Mount Carmel 28-6 W vs Exec. Ed. 28-14 L at Jersey Shore 56-20 L at Selinsgrove 40-0 L vs Shamokin 21-7 L at Lewisburg 42-7 L at Mifflinburg 43-14 L vs Milton 27-20 5-YEAR WIN TREND 4* 1* 9*9* *-PLAYOFFS &-DISTRICT CHAMPION #-PIAA CHAMPION 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 3 1 we can get those guys in space, we can be explosive.”Oneofthings missing from the 7-on-7 summer stuff is the offensive line, and the Braves success will hinge on how a young group develops.
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68 AUGUST 2022 | All-StarPreseasonTeam OFFENSE POS NAME CLASS SCHOOL QB Troy Dressler jr. Mifflinburg RB Ty Stauffer sr. Danville RB Chris Doyle so. Milton RB Braeden Wisloski sr. Southern Columbia WR Carson Persing sr. Danville WR Gavin Bastian so. Selinsgrove TE Mason Raup sr. Danville OL Matt Kelley sr. Mount Carmel OL Nick Nestico sr. Mount Carmel OL Chris Treshock sr. Southern Columbia OL Emmanuel Ulrich sr. Mifflinburg OL Justin Kutcher jr. Danville K Aaron Johnson jr. Danville DEFENSE POS NAME CLASS SCHOOL DL Matt Scicchitano sr. Mount Carmel DL Lucas Whittaker sr. Mifflinburg DL Steven Miller sr. Selinsgrove DL Colden Bloom jr. Southern Columbia LB Garrett Garcia jr. Southern Columbia LB Mason Raup sr. Danville LB Cory Rumberger sr. Selinsgrove LB Chandon Maurer jr. Line Mountain DB Cam Michaels sr. Lewisburg DB Zach Gordon sr. Danville DB Michael Farronato sr. Mount Carmel DB Cameron Kiersch so. Danville P Isaac Carter jr. Southern Columbia TROY DRESSLER, MIFFLINBURG 309 N5thStreet,Suite E|Sunbury,PA17801 570-286-7462 shipephysicaltherapy.com Mon, Wed:8AM –6PM |Tues,Thurs:7AM –1PM |Fri:8AM –4PM •Balancedisorders •PediatricDevelopmentalDelays, Torticollis •Orthopedic /Sportsinjuries •Vestibular /BenignParoxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) •TemporomandibularJoint(TMJ) •Handinjuries •Amputations •NeurologicalConditions –Stroke, Parkinsons, MultipleSclerosis,etc. DonShipe, PT,DPT,CMP Wishingallathletes agreatandhealthyseason. Ifinjurydoesstrike,thinkofShipe. We treatallagesandconditionsinanindividualizedsetting. Seewhywearedifferentthanthe rest. MERTZMEATS 1177Susquehanna Trail,Northumberland 570-473-7363 •Mon -Sat9amto5pm STOPINTOSTOCK UPONALLYOUR TAILGATINGNEEDS! We have the LARGEST amount of IN STOCKPARTS inthe area. 348 CourtStreet•Sunbury(rearofPeter’s Appliances) 570.286.7109 • Oven • Washer • Dr yers • MORE Pa rt sf or Ma jo rA pp li an ce s A.P.W.Inc.
INSIDE PENNSYLVANIA GAME NIGHT | AUGUST 2022 69 SEPTEMBER 2021 | HO ME S 17 JULY2021| HOM ES 9INSIDE PENNSYLVANIA GAME NIGHT | AUGUST 2022 69
It isn’t just the loss of somebody like Gavin Garcia (182 carries, 2,447 yards, 41 TDs), it’s the sense of danger he brought to the Southern Columbia offense, and special“Gavinteams.wasjust so explosive. He averaged 15 or 17 yards per carry, and it’s unrealistic to expect somebody to replace that,” Roth said. “It isn’t just that, though. If it was a close game, you could almost count on him to break off a big run, and putting the ball in the end zone, even against the best teams we played. Teams knew he was getting the ball, and he was able to do that.”
“That’s just not an aspect that can be easily replaced.”
GA PS
COLUMBIASOUTHERN
However,points.withgraduation losses and some general uncertainity around its returning stars, Pennsylvania’s all-time winningest coach has some holes to fill before the season starts.
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F or the last five seasons, the Southern Columbia football team has dominated Class 2A like no other.Five straight state titles and wins in every game except a loss to Class 3A state champion Wyomissing last season that snapped a 64-game winning streak have put the Tigers on another level. They still haven’t lost to a District 4 foe in 10 years, and nobody came close to the Tigers in the playoffs — the two championship games were the closest as Mount Carmel and Serra Catholic both lost by 36
That brings us to another question mark for the Tigers: The health of its star running backs. A healthy Braedon Wisloski — a University of Maryland commit — has all the tools to provide those plays — check out his SportsCenter Uncertainty surrounds Tigers quest for sixth title in a row Story by Todd Hummel
FILLING IN THE
“It’s probably a year that we do have quite a few question marks,” Roth, who enters 2022 with a 471-64-2 career record, said. “We have a more experienced group at the skill players.”
INSIDE PENNSYLVANIA GAME NIGHT | AUGUST 2022 71 WES BARNES
72 AUGUST 2022 | INSIDE PENNSYLVANIA GAME NIGHT SOUTHERN COLUMBIA | TIGERS PIAA DISTRICT 4 CLASS 2A HEARTLAND DIVISION 2 2021 RESULTS (12-0) 2022 SCHEDULE Aug. 26 at Berwick Sept. 2 at Shamokin Sept. 9 Loyalsock* Sept. 16 Lewisburg* Sept. 23 at Danville* Sept. 30 Montoursville* Oct. 7 at Central Columbia* Oct. 14 Mount Carmel Oct. 21 Wyoming Area Oct. 28 at Shikellamy*-PHAC-2GAME 2021 STAT LEADERS PASSING C-A Int TD Yds Blake Wise 35-55 5 11 547 RUSHING Att Yards TDs Gavin Garcia 182 2,447 41 Wes Barnes 131 974 14 Braeden Wisloski 82 897 13 RECEIVING Rec Yards TDs Jake Rose 27 533 8 Gavin Garcia 12 226 5 W vs Berwick 43-0 W at Bloomsburg 41-0 W vs Loyalsock 51-15 W at Wyoming 37-30 W vs Mount Carmel 40-14 L at Wyomissing 41-21 W at Central Columbia 49-0 W vs Hughesville 41-7 W at Selinsgrove 49-7 W at Danville 55-3 W vs Line Mountain 62-14 W vs S. Williamsport 41-7 W vs Mount Carmel 41-14 W vs Richland 62-20 W vs Northern Lehigh 56-14 W vs Serra Catholic 62-25 5-YEAR WIN TREND12*&# *-PLAYOFFS &-DISTRICT CHAMPION #-PIAA CHAMPION 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 16***&# 15*&# top-10 grab from last year’s state title win and his gold medal from his 100-meter title as a sophomore and fullback Wes Barnes isn’t far behind. Wisloski missed the last half of the track season with an injury. Barnes had a shoulder issue in wrestling. Both backs missed most of the middle of the regular season, not returning until a game with Selinsgrove in the ninth week of the season.“That’s probably another question mark: We have two outstanding running backs, but they’ve had some injury issues,” Roth said. “Braedon certainly has the big-play ability, and Wes does to a degree, but Wes wasn’t ever 100 percent last year. “If both are healthy, that is certainly one way we can make up for some of Gavin’s production.”Barnesran for 974 yards and 14 touchdowns, while Wisloski had 897 yards and 13 scores. The other halfback spot will be filled by some combination of Louden Murphy, Carter Madden and Garrett Garcia. The third of four Garcia brothers has been exclusively a linebacker — he broke Michigan State linebacker Cal Haladay’s single-season tackle record last season — in the first two years of his high school career, and played a bit of receiver last year.Blake Wise was forced into action before he was ready after senior Liam Klebon was injured in the regular season game against Mount Carmel on Sept. 30 of last season. Wise’s first start was the Wyomissing game, but he bounced back to guide the team to the state title. He didn’t throw much, but Roth says the rising junior is ready for more on his plate.“Heworks real hard at it. He’s been to a lot of camps to work on his technique, whatever is available. He’s going to something all the time,” Roth said. “His throwing is very consistent. He got thrown in there as a sophomore when he wasn’t ready, but the forunate part is now he has over half a season of experience as a starter. “I just think he’ll be more confident this year.”The Tigers top receiver from last year — Jake Rose — is headed to the University of Pennsylvania for track, but another Jake is ready to step in that position — Toczylousky.
“He’s somebody we thought would contribute there last year, but he had a rough year with injuries,” Roth said. “He’s got the size and the ability to be a No. 1 receiver if he can stay healthy.”
“It’s a couple of different factors, but to be honest, the biggest one is our class sizes are smaller,” Roth said. “We used have to 50 players on the roster in 10 through 12 grade. This is the first year we won’t have a ninth-grade team, so all of those kids will be on the varsity roster, and I don’t think we’ll have 50 this season.” WE HAVE
And that might be another question mark for the Tigers this season, depth. One of the hallmarks of the Tigers’ program has been its depth, and ability to go single-way for the most part. However, for the second straight season, some important Tigers like Barnes and Wisloski might be forced to play both ways.
“...
— JIM ROTH, SOUTHERN COLUMBIA HEAD COACH
RUNNINGOUTSTANDINGTWOBACKS,BUTTHEY’VEHADSOMEINJURYISSUES.”
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74 AUGUST 2022 | INSIDE PENNSYLVANIA GAME NIGHT RUNWARRIOR
Defenders return home, eyeing improvement under new coach Story by Dan Angell
ONE GAME
D
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errick Zechman isn’t promising any quick fixes in his first year running the Defenders’ program. After two difficult seasons of nothing but road games, he knows it’s going to take longer than one summer to get the Defenders on track. Instead, his focus is to position his team to have a chance on game day. Too often during a string of 17 on-field losses (Warrior Run won once in 2020 via forfeit), the Defenders found themselves overwhelmed on the field and on the scoreboard. Of their 17 games over the past two seasons, only once — a 27-26 loss to Central Columbia last year — did the Defenders have a chance to win in the fourth quarter, something Zechman hopes to change as soon as possible.
“We’ve got to be able to compete, and that starts in practice,” Zechman said. “Executing, knowing the playbook, playing as a team, and doing the little things daily means things will take care of themselves on Friday night.
“It’s been tough (the past two years while Defender Stadium was unavailable due to campus construction),” he added. “We have some young kids that have been with us since they played midget football, and we need to be able to compete. Our goal is to AT A TIME
“THEY KNOW WHAT I’M LOOKING FOR AND THEY KNOW HOW I COACH. I THINK THE TRUST IS A BIG THING, AND I THINK THAT’S GOING TO BE HUGE. IT ALWAYS HELPS WHEN YOU KNOW WHO YOU’RE DEALING WITH, AND EVEN THOUGH IT’S A NEW HEAD COACH OUT THERE, THEY’RE DEALING SOMEONEWITHTHATTHEYKNOW.”
“Obviously, we’d like to get more kids out, and we’ve got a handful of kids out who didn’t play (last year), so we’re excited about that. Since Day One, the kids have been excited and are working really hard in the weight room and at practices. We’re looking to get some things going and get things turned around.”
“You’d like to have seasoned kids back, but it gives opportunities for kids to step up,” Zechman said. “We had some young players who got playing time last year, and that’s definitely going to help. It’s a challenge, but it’s a good challenge.
Having an experienced quarterback in Ryan Newton should help, as will the return of wide receiver Carter Marr. Newton spent his first full season in the offense after taking over at the end of 2020. He passed for 1,063 yards and nine touchdowns last year. With a full year of varsity football under his belt, and a proven connection with Marr (12 catches, 149 yards, 1 TD), the Defenders have a couple of solid pieces to build around and provide leadership.WarriorRun has a few nearby schools to look at as models for a potential turnaround. A year ago, rival Milton posted its first playoff win in nine years, while withturnedLewisburgan0-3startafirst-year coach into an eventual winning season and a playoff appearance. Postseason play is more of a long-term goal for Warrior Run, though. Zechman wants to build on daily successes and learn from setbacks in an effort for the Defenders to put their best foot forward on“It’sFridays.onething to lose some games, but when you get the continuous clock and the mercy rule going, you don’t want that to happen,” he said. “We want to be able to compete every night we step out on Friday night, and we’re stressing that every day in practice. If we come out and compete every day in practice, you’ll get the results. You might not get them overnight, but Rome wasn’t built in a day.”
With only six seniors on this year’s team, Warrior Run will have to rely on younger players to fill holes and start rebuilding the program.
76 AUGUST 2022 | INSIDE PENNSYLVANIA GAME NIGHT WARRIOR RUN | DEFENDERS PIAA DISTRICT 4 CLASS 3A HEARTLAND DIVISION 3 2021 RESULTS (0-9) 2022 SCHEDULE Aug. 26 Muncy Sept. 2 at Hamburg Sept. 9 Mount Carmel* Sept. 16 at Hughesville* Sept. 23 Northwest Sept. 30 Bloomsburg* Oct. 7 at Midd-West* Oct. 14 at Montgomery Oct. 21 at Mifflinburg* Oct. 28 *-PHAC-3MiltonGAME L at Milton 48-14 L at Montgomery 46-13 L at C. Columbia 27-26 L vs Hughesville 46-7 L vs C. Mountain 64-6 L at Northwest 42-7 L vs Bloomsburg 42-7 L at Mount Carmel 68-9 L vs Loyalsock 49-0 5-YEAR WIN TREND 7* 3*3 *-PLAYOFFS &-DISTRICT CHAMPION #-PIAA CHAMPION 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2021 STAT LEADERS RETURNEES IN BOLD PASSING C-A Int TD Yds R. Newton 83-174 25 9 1,063 RUSHING Att Yards TDs Sam Hall 51 113 2 Thomas Royles 25 104 1 RECEIVING Rec Yards TDs Derek Thomas 33 506 7 Carter Marr 12 149 1 Sam Hall 7 99 0 1 0 compete and get better week by week, and the kids’ buy-in has been great so far.”Although in his first year as the varsity coach, Zechman’s transition should be smooth because of how familiar he and his players are with each other. Zechman served as an assistant on Chris Long’s staff last season, and he’s coached several of his current players in other“Theysports.know what I’m looking for, and they know how I coach,” Zechman said. “I think the trust is a big thing, and I think (that familiarity is) going to be huge. It always helps when you know who you’re dealing with. Even though it’s a new head coach out there, they’re dealing with someone that they know.”
— DERRICK ZECHMAN, WARRIOR RUN HEAD COACH
SEPT. 16 Milton at Mount Carmel
CAN’T-MISS Story by Todd Hummel
MuncyatWilliamsportMilton;atWarriorRun
SEPT. 2 Danville at Line Mountain As best as I can tell, this is the first meeting between the two schools since 1984. The Ironmen have one of the top teams in the area in 2022, while the Eagles made some big improvements as the season went on last season. Moving Nolan Baumert to tailback played a large role in that improvement on the offensive side. Will it be enough for the Eagles to make noise in the Conference-LibertyMid-PennDivision.
GAMES DOYLECHRIS
INSIDE PENNSYLVANIA GAME NIGHT | AUGUST 2022 77 FULLSERVICEPRINTING •BUSINESS CARDS •CARTRIDGE REFILLS •MAGNETIC SIGNS •COLOR COPIES •LAMINATION •MORE AUG. 26
South
Both Milton and Warrior Run get a chance to open their beautiful new facilities. Both schools spent last season on the road, and playing home games in places in like Danville, Bloomsburg and Loyalsock, so it will be a relief for both teams to have their newPlusstadiums.thisisthe debut of new Warrior Run coach Derrick Zechman as head coach of the Defenders.
Halifax at Midd-West The Mustangs open their home portion of their schedule with its lone win of the 2021 season. Midd-West is hoping the switch to the Wildcats in the second week can give them an early shot of confidence. With Warrior Run and Hughesville on the schedule as well, the Mustangs might be one of the most improved teams this season. Southern Columbia at Shamokin Could this be former Southern Columbia star Henry Hynoski’s best chance to beat his alma mater? Brett Nye is a senior and has looked the part this summer. He’s looking to bounce back from a season in which he didn’t top 1,000 yards passing after doing it in the shortened-2020 season. Sophomore Chase Pensyl should be his top target, but the big question mark is who will replace the production of Max Madden?
Most likely a preview of the District 4 Class 4A championship game (though with Milton moving up to Class 4A, the Black Panthers might have something to say about that), both teams have plenty of talent from the teams that met in last year’s title game won by the Bulldogs. Will the Seals have enough offense this season to break six-game losing streak to the Bulldogs?
An early test for the Black Panthers as they head to the Silver Bowl. Mount Carmel has its holes to fill — Julien Stellar at running back, linebacker and kicker along with quarterback Pedro Feliciano — but the Red Tornadoes have athletes for days — Michael Farronato, Garrett Varano and Xavier Diaz to name a few — behind two of the top offensive linemen in Pennsylvania — all-starter Matt
SEPT. 9 Lewisburg Montoursvilleat The Green Dragons really came on at the end of last season, but what could have been for Lewisburg if they converted two touchdown chances early last year against the Warriors? Another factor in this game for Lewisburg, it will be the Green Dragons first road trip of the season after home games with Shamokin and Jersey Shore. With the depth of the Class 3A this season, there will be little margin for error even early in the season. Selinsgrove at Jersey Shore
Southern Columbia at Berwick It will be the first time we’ll get a look at the Tigers, who has won the state championship the last five seasons. But while certainly not a down year for Southern Columbia, this might be the first year in this five-year stretch where there are more questions about the Tigers than any other time. Still have a Big 10 recruit in Marylandbound Braeden Wisloski, and fullback Wes Barnes, and both will probably have to play both ways this season. How quickly sophomore Dominic Fetterolf recovers from an injury in the state title games to join Garrett Garcia on the defensive side of the ball will go a long way in determining if the Tigers win another state title.
OCT. 7 Danville at Montoursville These two teams met for the Class 3A title after the 2020 season, and in the district semifinals in 2021, both wins for the Ironmen. Wouldn’t expect any less than a great game between these teams.. Loyalsock at Lewisburg Should be another game for seeding in Class 3A, especially this late in the season. Both expect to be in the hunt for a home game in the playoffs, and certainly think they can contended for a title.
Shikellamy at Selinsgrove Can forget one of the best rivalries in the area, though it’s pretty one-sided over the last three years. The Braves have one of the top young players in the area in Luke Snyder, but they need improved quarterback play to have a more successful season.
OCT. 21 Selinsgrove Montoursvilleat Always a fun contest with two of the better programs in the state. The Warriors and Seals usually play a close contest. Fun fact, Selinsgrove superintendent Frank Jankowski pulled off an upset of the Seals when he was a freshman quarterback at Montoursville, and Selinsgrove was undefeated late in the 2000 season to claim the Central Susquehnna ConferenceDivision I title.
78 AUGUST 2022 | INSIDE PENNSYLVANIA GAME NIGHT
Kelley and Coastal Carolinabound Matt Schicchitano — so points probably won’t be a problem. Barring an upset, Milton should be 3-0 coming into this game. Danville at Loyalsock Should be an offensive slugfest. If Danville’s Carson Persing isn’t best receiver in the district, Loyalsock’s Rian Glunk probably is. If Ty Stauffer isn’t the best running back in the district, Loyalsock’s Davion Hill probably is. If Loyalsock’s Tyler Gee isn’t the best quarterback in the district than well you get the picture.
SEPT. 23 Southern Columbia at Danville Things don’t get any easier for the Ironmen which follows a road trip to Loyalsock with a home game against the five-time defending state champions. Danville has big plans for this season, and a win over Southern (no District 4 team has beaten the Tigers in nearly 10 years in the regular season) would be huge.
Mifflinburg at Jersey Shore A measuring stick game for the Wildcats. A trip to the grass at Thompson Street Stadium isn’t easy for anybody, but Mifflinburg just missed a Class 4A playoff berth last year and feels like it’s a contender in a deep Class 3A field. Quarterback Troy Dressler has plenty of weapons returning, a defense keyed by Emmanuel Ulrich and Lucas Whittaker should be plenty good as well.
SEPT. 30 Selinsgrove at Mifflinburg
It’s been five years since these former league-mates have tangled. It will be quite an interesting matchup for a potent Mifflinburg offense and Selinsgrove’s 3-5 defense.
Another game added to the schedule for this two-year cycle. The Bulldogs struggled early in the season last year, but quarterback Matt Lonczynski and linebacker Spencer Kishbaugh are among the returners for Berwick. Mifflinburg at Milton This was one of the most entertaining games of the season last season, a game the Black Panthers rallied in the fourth quarter to win at “home” in Bloomsburg. The loss cost Mifflinburg a playoff spot. I’m sure the Wildcats will remember. Mount Carmel at Southern Columbia Should be another fun matchup between these two schools. The Red Tornadoes haven’t won this game since 2011, and believe this could be the year with their offensive line and offensive weapons.
OCT 14 Berwick at Danville
OCT. 28 Lewisburg at Mifflinburg We’ll start rivalry week with the Little Brown Jug. The two teams met in the rain at Bucknell University with a Class 4A playoff berth on the line, and the Green Dragons rallied for the win. Shamokin at Mount Carmel 1995 is the last time the Indians won this game, and last season’s game wasn’t without controversy. One of these years, Shamokin is going to break through, but to do it in 2022, it would be an upset.
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T
BLOOMSBURG After Bouncebacka
Panthers want better season after injuries derailed 2021 campaign
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o sum up Bloomsburg’s football season, one just has go back to its final game of the year, a loss to Mount Carmel in the District 4 Class 2A quarterfinals. Decimated by injury, the Panthers were down to their third quarterback — senior Michael Widom — against the secondseeded Red Injury-riddledTornadoes.Bloomsburg tried to stay in the game — Widom ran for 65 yards, and threw for another 165 yards and a score — and the Panthers were within two touchdowns late in the third quarter before Mount Carmel ran away for a 54-13 victory.Bloomsburg was in games all year in a 4-7 season, but sometimes just didn’t have the horses late in the season.
Brady Horan and Luke Zeisloft to play biggerHoran,roles.who played linebacker for most of the final month of the season thanks to injuries was forced onto offense in the quarterfinal game against Mount Carmel, and the youngster caught a 50-yard touchdown in the game. Zeisloft, who was second on the team with 344 rushing yards as a fullback, should be the starting tailback this season for theSeniorPanthers.Nick Wharton should also see action in the backfield. He had a career-high 81 yards in a victory over Midd-West. With plenty of options offensively at the skill positions, the Panthers will still be young up front. Bloomsburg graduated four of five offensive linemen, and juniors Graden Thomas and Jimmy Lyons are the only returners with starting experience.Bloomsburg’s defense played well at the end of the season. In its final six games of the season — removing the two losses to Mount Carmel — Bloomsburg allowed only more than one score once — two to Williams Valley in a 13-6 loss to the Vikings in the game Zentner left with an injury. The Panthers had 24 sacks and 14 interceptions last season, but most of that production has graduated. Cole Stobo had 80 tackles and 4.5 sacks from his defensive tackle position, while Guzevich (five intercpetions) and Rasmussen (four picks) combined for nine of the 14 interceptions. The cupboard isn’t bare on the defensive end, though. Junior linebacker Jake Fogelsanger was the team’s leading tackler as season ago with 85 tackles.
Locke might be a bigger factor on defense than he is on offense for the Panthers. In just eight games last year, Locke finished with 71 tackles (8.9 per game) and a team-high 11 tackles for a loss. Zeisloft tied with Stobo with for the team-high with 4.5 sacks.
Locke and Zeisloft, who has grown to 5-foot-11, 200-pounds, should provide some strong building blocks for a team that needs to replace seven defensive starters from a season ago. Bloomsburg is one of the teams helped by realignment in the Heartland Athletic Conference. Other than Mount Carmel, the Panthers matchup pretty well with the other programs in Division III. They beat three of the teams last season — Hughesville, Warrior Run and Midd-West. Milton will certainly provide a test as well. The crossover schedule isn’t quite as kind. The Judy Price Trophy returns to the schedule after a year away as the Panthers host Danville to open the season, and the Panthers have crossover games with Class 5A Central Mountain and Class 4A Shikellamy.
Story by Todd Hummel
Quarterback Liam Zentner went down after throwing just one pass against Williams Valley in the fifth week of the season. Widom started the final six games of the season for theZentnerPanthers.returns for his senior season. That should be a shot in the arm for the Bloomsburg passing game. Zentner threw for three touchdowns in the opening game against Loyalsock, and had five touchdown passes on the season when he left the game against the Vikings. Bloomsburg will have to replace its top two playmakers from last season. Dean Rasmussen led the team in rushing yards and was second on the team in receptions. Daniel Guzevich was another do-everything type on offense for the Panthers last season. He threw 24 passes on gadget plays, rushed for 170 yards and tied for the team lead in touchdown receptions with four. Bloomsburg’s top receiver does return, and he’s one of the top athletes in the area as people who have seen Madden Locke on the basketball court can attest. However, Locke is another Panther coming off an injury, missing the playoff game with Mount Carmel. Locke had 331 yards and four touchdowns.Alsolooksophomores
TCOLUMBIACENTRAL
he 2021 season certainly wasn’t a typical Central Columbia football year. The young Blue Jays won just three games, and long-time assistant coach EJ Smith looks to get Central Columbia going thisSmithseason.replaces Scott Dennis, who coached Central Columbia for six seasons. Smith has been an assistant on Dennis’ staff most of the time, and played at Berwick under legendary coach George Curry. Smith returned to Berwick to coach under Gary Campbell and during Curry’s second stint at Berwick.Itwillbe Smith’s first head coaching job, and he will be looking to get a perennial playoff team back in the District 4 hunt. Central Columbia has missed the playoffs the last two seasons, but 2021 was Dennis’ first losing season since his first year of Central2015.Columbia endured all the growing pains one would expect from a team that had seven freshmen or sophomores on either side of the ball last season. All that experience should pay off in improvement this season, building behind sophomores Cordell Hegenstellar at center and Cole Hummer at left tackle. Junior Aiden Hidlay is also back up front, give Central Columbia three returning starters on the offensive line. That’s a good starting point for an offense that scored just 16 total points in its seven losses and was shut out four times. That includes a stretch of 12 straight quarters without a touchdown, netting a field goal against Lewisburg, and then being shut out in three straight games, before bouncing back to beat rival Bloomsburg, 8-6 in the final game of the season. That experience also transfers over to the offensive backfield. Greyson Shaud and Logan Welkom split time at quarterback last season when neither could grab control of the job. Shaud was more of the running quarterback last season — leading the team in rushing — while Welkom led the team in passing. Whoever wins the job this season will have both running backs returning in Lincon Hubler and Nathan Smith, along with second-leading receiver Dylan Gregory. Gregory caught 15 passes last season.Gonewill be the I-formation, though. Expect Central Columbia to join the spread revolution in the fall as a way to combat the struggles they had last season in running the ball.The same young experience returns on the defensive side of the ball. Heggenstellar and Hummer made the key play to clinch the victory over the Bloomsburg last season. Another freshman with a familiar surname also played a big role last season — Alex Zeisloft. He will return at linebacker.
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New coach, young Jays after improvement Story by Todd Hummel
82 AUGUST 2022 | INSIDE PENNSYLVANIA GAME NIGHT
One player the Trojans are counting on is senior running back/safety/return specialist Brady Morgan. Last season, he rushed for 873 yards (9.2 yards per carry) and 13 touchdowns. He also caught 17 passes for 152 yards.
“I hope the standard’s been set,” said Smeltz, who is 36-16 at UDA. “Every senior class that comes through is trying to meet that standard or exceed that standard.”
DAUPHINUPPER
The coaching staff needs to sort out a few things up front, where only gigantic Peyton Wentzel (6-foot3, 265 pounds) and Sean Wenrick return. Leading candidates include Aidan Ritter, Chase Grassmyer and Keatin Dieffenbach, all of whom have played most of their varsity snaps on defense. Smeltz readily admits the biggest question mark is at quarterback. Laskowski gained nearly 1,200 yards from scrimmage and accounted for 18 TDs in his lone varsity season.
NEW STANDARDS “GUYS WHO WERE MAYBE
Smeltz, Trojans remodling not rebuilding
Hoping to play at the next level, the elusive Morgan has squatted 400-plus pounds and been timed at 4.45 seconds in the 40-yard dash, according to Smeltz. “Brady’s going to be a big focal point of our offense,” Smeltz said, “but he’s not going to carry the ball on every Experiencedplay.”
Since five recent graduates were tagged first-team all-stars last fall by the Mid-Penn Liberty Division coaches (QB/DB Wil Laskowski, OL Colin Dreibelbis, DL Dillon Johns and LBs Chase Lentz and Christian Snyder) Smeltz & Co. have some work ahead of them. Yet it’s more remodeling than rebuilding.“Guyswho were maybe on a rotational-type basis last year, we’ve got to look to them to step up and be an impactful-type player for us,” said Smeltz, who played collegiately at Mansfield.
“We’re so inexperienced at quarterback,” said Smeltz, who won the Tri-Valley League’s final title in 2019.Defensively, the Trojans return Wenrick and Grassmyer at the ends — they combined for 24 tackles for loss and seven sacks — while Wentzel will assume a larger role inside with the departure of undersized nose guard Johns (16 TFL, 5 Leadingsacks).tackler Lentz (25 TFL, 9 sacks) leaves a sizable void at linebacker, but Hepler can put heat on the QB (13 TFL, 4 sacks). Ritter and Dieffenbach played some at the second level, and Brandon Snyder may be a factor. Sophomore Caleb Snyder is another possibility. Morgan (three interceptions) and Landon Mace (four) will handle the safety positions, while Walker, Wallace and Farence will get time at the corners. ON
— KENT
Story by Michael Bullock W hen Kent Smeltz took command of Upper Dauphin’s football program prior to the 2017 season, his objective was to restore the Trojans to the greatness they enjoyed during the 1960s and 1970s when they tormented Twin Valley Conference foes. About to enter his sixth season in charge, the former Line Mountain standout’s program has awakened many of those memorable echoes with an entertaining and oftdominant style of play. Appearances in two of the past three District 3 Class 2A championship games — the Trojans won in 2019 and advanced to states; they fell to Delone Catholic in last season’s final — provide resultsdriven proof of consistency while boosting the level of expectations.
Sophomore Aidan Bingaman, the better passer, and senior Brandon Snyder, the better runner, are vying for the starting nod, although it’s likely both will play. Bingaman saw spot duty in mop-up situations as a freshman, while Snyder was injured didn’t play at all.
STEPLOOKBASISROTATIONAL-TYPEALASTYEAR,WE’VEGOTTOTOTHEMTOUPANDBEANIMPACTFUL-TYPEPLAYERFORUS.” SMELTZ, UPPER DAUPHIN COACH
backs Konner Walker and Alex Hepler should get carries after combining for nearly 500 rushing yards and nine scores a year ago. Cole Wallace, Eli Farence and Branden Fetterhoff also should get looks. They also could get plenty of reps as receivers on the flanks.
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