Each week Mr. PA Football brings you a preview of the top high school football action in Pennsylvania. Here’s what you need to know about the biggest games this weekend, including Spring Grove at #8 Central York.
Spring Grove (3-0) @ #8 Central York (3-0) 07:00 PM District-3
A huge and exciting game in York County out of District-3.
The Rockets and the Panthers are the only two undefeated teams remaining in York-Adams League Division-1. Both teams are coming off respectively dominant wins in Week 3, as well.
Central York has had two hard-fought victories over Central Dauphin and Manheim Township. The Panthers finished its early nonconference schedule with a 46-21 win over Delaware Valley. The quarterback-receiver duo of Brooklyn Nace and Brendyn Smith has been dynamic for the Panthers’ offense.
Meanwhile, Spring Grove’s junior RB Malik Cain has been a dominate force in their rushing attack. The Rockets offense is anchored by a veteran offensive line. Spring Grove had an overpowering 61-8 shellacking against Kennard-Dale last Friday.
Central York has a 38-game divisional winning streak on the line in this match-up.
- Panther Stadium on Friday
- Two experienced coaches in this match-up, Spring Grove’s Tom Trone and Central York’s Gerry Yonchiuk
Key Players to watch:
Spring Grove:
- Junior RB Malik Cain
- Senior QB Davis Baum
- Senior C/DT David Czapp
Central York:
- Senior QB Brooklyn Nace
- Senior WR Brendyn Smith
- Junior RB/LB Legend Johnson
- Senior DE/TE Colin Gurley
Keys to the game:
Spring Grove Head Coach Tom Trone has circled this matchup for his team. Can the Rockets finally get the elusive win? This battle will be won in the trenches and it could be decided by Spring Grove’s two-way standout lineman David Czapp and Central York’s DE/TE Colin Gurley. They were both all-state selections last season. If both lines can handle their business it will give the explosive playmakers their opportunities to win the game. Also, the defense could be the deciding factor because both teams have been forcing turnovers.
We think this will be another fantastic game this week. The Panthers defense takes advantage of the turnover battle and Nace and company come up with a huge victory. Central York wins 41-20!
Quick Hitters Preview
Big School Class 4A-6A
West Perry (3-0) @ #10 Susquehanna Township (3-0) 07:00 PM District-3
Both teams have a lot of momentum early in the season. Susquehanna Twp. hammered Boiling Springs 55-0 last week and West Perry cruised by Upper Dauphin 49-14 last Friday. Indians Head Coach Joe Headen is aiming to continue the hot start for Susquehanna Twp.
#8 Bishop McDevitt (1-2) @ Cedar Cliff (2-1) 07:00 PM District-3
The Crusaders got back on track last week with a victory over Chambersburg Area 41-7. The Colts defeated Central dauphin East last week 14-3. Bishop McDevitt is looking to even their record this week against Cedar Cliff junior QB Jalen Hinton and company. Hinton has managed games well this season thus far.
#7 Jersey Shore (3-0) @ #6 Shamokin (3-0) 07:00 PM District-4
Jersey Shore trounced Selinsgrove last week 49-6. Head Coach Marc Persing and the Indians smacked Shikellamy 52-21 last Friday. Bulldog Head Coach Tom Gravish has his team firing on all cylinders early this season, but they face a stiff test this Friday on the road at Shamokin.
#10 Easton Area (3-0) @ Bethlehem Catholic (3-0) 07:00 PM Saturday District-11
The Rovers and Head Coach Matt Senneca had an impressive 44-32 victory over Erasmus Hall (NY). Bethlehem Catholic outlasted Berks Catholic 48-41 last week. These two storied programs meet again on Friday night.
St. Frances Academy (MD) (1-1) @ #3 St. Joseph’s Prep (0-2) 07:00 PM Saturday
The Hawks look to bounce back this week against powerhouse St. Frances Academy (MD). St. Joseph’s Prep had a bye last week and St. Frances Academy lost to St. John Bosco (CA) 21-14 last week. This is a tall task for Head Coach Tim Roken and his Hawks.
DeMatha Catholic (MD) (2-0) @ #1 Roman Catholic (2-1) 07:00 PM
This is the third Philadelphia Area team in a row that DeMatha Catholic has faced. Roman Catholic beat Springside Chestnut Hill Academy 21-12 last Friday and the Stags defeated Imhotep Charter 30-14 last week. Can Roman Catholic and QB Semaj Beals get a breakthrough win?
Imhotep Charter School (1-2) @ Malvern Prep (1-1) 07:00 PM
Imhotep Charter looks to bounce back after losing to DeMatha Catholic (MD) 30-14 last Friday. The Friars defeated Delbarton School (NJ) 29-0. Both teams have a lot of talent and keep a close eye on Malvern Prep senior DE/TE Jackson Ford. Ford is a Penn State recruit.
Hempfield (3-0) @ #6 North Allegheny (3-0) 07:30 PM District-7
Hempfield throttled Kiski Area 43-10 and North Allegheny shutout Penn Hills 35-0 last week. The Spartans are hoping for a huge road victory against Art Walker, Jr. and his Tigers Friday night.
Big School/Small School Crossover
#5 Thomas Jefferson (3-0) @ #2 Avonworth (3-0) 07:00 PM
Thomas Jefferson scored two late touchdowns to pull out a 16-7 victory at McKeesport Area on Friday night. Avonworth had an impressive 23-7 road victory at Aliquippa last week. The Antelopes look to keep rolling at home Friday night.
Small School Class 1A-3A
Wyoming Area (3-0) @ #9 Lakeland (3-0) 07:00 PM District-2
A match-up of undefeated teams in District-2 here on Friday night. The Chiefs earned a huge 33-23 road victory at Riverside. Wyoming Area blanked Western Wayne 50-0 last week and the Warriors are anticipating a big road win this week.
#3 Hickory (3-0) @ #7 Sharon (2-1) 07:00 PM District-10
A top ten match-up in this rivalry game Friday night. Hickory crushed Conneaut 55-7 and Sharon pounded Slippery Rock 49-6 last week. Hickory Head Coach Bill Dungee is looking forward to this one!
#3 Williams Valley (3-0) @ Minersville Area (3-0) 07:00 PM District-11
A big-time matchup of quarterbacks here with Williams Valley senior Brady Shomper and Minersville Area senior Dante Carr. The Vikings shutout Nativity BVM 49-0 and Minersville Area thumped Mahanoy Area 42-6.
#10 Mifflinburg (3-0) @ Montoursville (3-0) 07:00 PM District-4
Mifflinburg routed Mount Carmel Area 48-20 and Montoursville beat Danville 33-21 last week. Warriors Head Coach Joe Hanna hopes to keep rolling Friday night at home.
Bloomsburg (3-0) @ Warrior Run (3-0) 07:00 PM District-4
Bloomsburg defeated Lewisburg 35-24 and Warrior Run clobbered Midd-West 48-20 last week. Bloomsburg Head Coach Mike Kogut is eyeing another major road victory.
