Eminent Domain; District 3-6 subregion AAAA playoff team profiles

Mid Penn Commonwealth’s turf includes District 3 AAAA playoffs but domination slips beyond region

By Matt Blymier, SPORTSfever
There is no question which conference in District 3 will produce the AAAA playoff champion this year.

Any year, for that matter.

Since the District 3 playoffs began in 1982, Mid Penn Commonwealth Division teams have won all but three of the largest classification playoffs.

That’s 22 of 25 district championships—AAA 1982 through 1984 when there were only three classes and AAAA since—for Mid Penn Commonwealth teams. Only Wilson, one of two Berks County teams in the Lancaster-Lebanon League Section 1, in 1989, 1990 and 1999 interrupted the Mid Penn Commonwealth’s domination.

But for that exception, teams from Lancaster-Lebanon Section 1 and York-Adams Division 1 have not measured up. And there’s no reason to expect that to change in this AAAA tournament. Of the 16 teams in the tournament, six are from the Commonwealth Division (1. Harrisburg, 5. Altoona, 6. Bishop McDevitt, 8. Cumberland Valley, 10. Central Dauphin, 14. State College).

And the way the brackets filled out, four Commonwealth Division teams have a realistic opportunity to advance to the semifinals.

This regional domination has cultivated a sense of superiority among the Commonwealth Division coaches who, when the opportunity presents itself, are quick to repeat their claim that the Commonwealth Division is among the toughest AAAA leagues in Pennsylvania. There’s no doubt that there’s a tradition of competitive, high-profile rivalries that produce an exciting brand of football and a steady stream of major college football recruits. Presently, there are 12 former Commonwealth Division players playing NCAA Division I football. There are five more on NFL rosters

Unfortunately, the Commonwealth Division’s rule over District 3 hasn’t held up in PIAA inter-district state playoff competition. Only Cumberland Valley in 1992 and Bishop McDevitt, as an AA team in 1995, have won state championships. Cedar Cliff lost the first-ever AAAA state championship game in 1988.

Since the District 3-6 subregional champion was matched up against the WPIAL champion in the PIAA State semifinals, the WPIAL champion has twice defeated Bishop McDevitt and State College once. Based on state championships, the WPIAL has a record of 9-7 in AAAA state finals and District 1 has a 7-5 record. District 10 and District 11 teams are both 1-2.

But back home in District 3, the Mid Penn Commonwealth Division remains as dominant as ever. Commonwealth teams owned a 12-5 record against non-conference teams this season.

Conference competition is more of a challenge. And the district playoffs provide another opportunity for teams to gain revenge for a regular season loss.

Harrisburg, which won its first Commonwealth Division championship in 2006 and followed that with a championship this season, is the top seed in the tournament and only has faced challenges from Altoona in a 24-14 loss and Bishop McDevitt in a 20-16 come-from-behind win. In the other six wins against Commonwealth Division opponents, the Cougars’ mercy rule-like average winning margin was 34.8 points.

Still, the Cougars are far from invincible. Harrisburg lost to Altoona. Altoona lost to CV and Bishop McDevitt. McDevitt was beaten by Central Dauphin and Harrisburg. Central Dauphin dropped decisions to Harrisburg, CV and Altoona. CV bowed to McDevitt, Central Dauphin East and Altoona. State College lost close games to CD, Altoona and McDevitt before Harrisburg dominated in a 38-16 win.

The only question is which Commonwealth Division team will win the District 3-6 Subregional championship.

District 3-6 subregion Class AAAA Playoff Team Profiles
1. HARRISBURG COUGARS (8-1)
COACH: George Chaump (5th season)
2006 PLAYOFFS: No. 1 seed, Won 51-0 over Red Lion, Lost 20-16 to Bishop McDevitt in the subregion quarterfinals to finish 10-2
FINAL REGULAR SEASON GAME: Harrisburg 38, State College 16 (Mid Penn Commonwealth Champions)
PLAYERS TO WATCH: Srs. Adrian Robinson (6-2, 215, LB), Shariff Blake (6-0, 195, LB), Shane Ross (6-1, 290, C), Josh Potts (5-10, 190, DB), Brandon Ware (6-4, 350, OT-DT) and Quincy Roberts (6-4, 200, WR-QB)
LOOK OUT FOR: Srs. T.J. Armstead (5-9, 185, QB), Niko Peterson (5-11, 185, RB), Anthony Pollard (6-2, 225, OL), Cameron Artis-Payne (5-11, 200, RB) and Jrs. Todd George (6-3, 310, OL), Ronnie Baltimore (6-0, 290, OL), Cyle Wilmington (6-4, 220, DT) and Anthony Holmes (6-2, 190, DB).
PLAYOFF PERSPECTIVE: Opponents’ problems with hanging with the Cougars begin on the line scrimmage. The Cougars offensive line of Tyrell Stanback (6-4, 320, Sr., OT), Anthony Pollard (5-11, 250, Sr., OG), Shane Ross (5-10, 320, Sr., C), Brandon Ware (6-5, 340, Sr., OG) and Todd George (6-2, 320, Sr., OT) averages 6-1 ½ 310 pounds per man. Athletes, size and speed throughout the lineup, RB Cameron Artis-Payne has emerged as an offensive threat with 1,249 yards and 22 touchdowns on 146 carries. Sharif Blake and Adrian Robinson form as good a LB tandem as there is in Pennsylvania. Division 1 basketball recruit Quincy Roberts, who rejoined the team after the season began, and Josh Potts are big play threats. Roberts at WR and Potts, who returned an interception 100 yards for a touchdown against York, in the secondary. QB T.J. Armstead is a first year starter but has provided a steady hand running the offense. Legendary coach George Chaump’s teams (158-38) at John Harris in the 1960s, Central Dauphin in the 1990s and early 2000s and Harrisburg the past five seasons, have won a lot of games and their share of conference and district championships. Only a state championship has eluded Chaump. The Cougars missed the playoffs in 2005 and last season were upset by rival McDevitt in the quarterfinals. Always stocked with athletes, the Cougars reached the District 3 championship game just one time. In 1992, they lost a thriller to eventual state champion Cumberland Valley 10-7. The Cougars’ toughest opponent is the Cougars. But that’s nothing new. If they remain focused, a PIAA state semifinal game awaits.

2. MANHEIM TOWNSHIP BLUE STREAKS (9-1)
COACH: Mike Melynk (9th season)
2006 PLAYOFFS: No. 6 seed, Lost 13-12 to McCaskey in the first round to finish 8-3
FINAL REGULAR SEASON GAME: Manheim Township 45, Penn Manor 7 (Lancaster-Lebanon League Section 1 Champions)
PLAYERS TO WATCH: Srs. David Soldner (6-1, 175, PK), Mike Gillespie (5-11, 225, NG), Robert De La Rosa (6-2, 240, DT), Nick Sizemore (6-0, 180, LB), Nate Pagan (5-6, 155, WR), Tim Farley ( 6-3, 285, C), Dan Kauffman (6-1, 175, CB), Justin McCarthy ( 5-11, 190, OLB), Ben Stabler (6-4, 270, DT), Doug Minnick (5-11, 225, ILB), Dan Wertz (6-2, 170, OLB), Tim Hahn ( 6-2, 245, C), Frank Ranalli (6-0, 275, OG), Gene Gross (5-10, 210, OT).
LOOK OUT FOR: Jay Robinson (6-2, 185, FS), Mike Kilpatrick (6-2, 215, OLB), CJ Adams (5-10, 175, CB), Dan Lefever (6-0, 170, WR), Matt Lurcio (6-0, 170, WR), Justin McCarthy (5-11, 190, TB), Adam Bostick (6-1, 225, TE)
PLAYOFF PERSPECTIVE: Despite an injury to their starting QB and an offensive lineman, the Streaks managed to win nine games and the Lancaster-Lebanon League Section 1 championship. After losing starting QB Mark Mellinger early in the season to a shoulder injury, MT coach Mike Melnyk was forced to cut down on his always creative playbook, lean on a veteran and hefty offensive line and run the ball. RB Dan Wertz (885 yards and seven TDs rushing on 167 carries through nine games) has emerged as a productive offensive threat along with shifty Nate Pagan (34 receptions, 537 yards, six TDs) providing big play after big play. Mellinger (603 yards passing) is expected to start during the playoffs which will result in a more versatile offense. OL Tim Farley has a scholarship offer from Towson. After a number of years when winning seasons were few and far between, the Streaks developed into a playoff-caliber team and finally qualified in 2005 but have stumbled in the first round of the district playoffs the past two seasons. They are ready to play well into November this season.

3. GOVERNOR MIFFLIN MUSTANGS (9-1)
COACH: Mic Vecchio (17th season)
2006 PLAYOFFS: No. 2 seed, Won 14-13 over Penn Manor, Won 35-20 over Conestoga Valley, Won 47-13 over Wilson, Lost 21-0 to State College in the District 3-6 Subregional Championship game to finish 12-2
FINAL REGULAR SEASON GAME: Governor Mifflin 35, Muhlenberg 24 (Berks Inter-County Section 1 Champions)
PLAYERS TO WATCH: Srs. Chris Carabello (5-10, 215, LB-OL) Sam Eagleson (6-1, 185, QB-DB), Cory Chwiecko (6-5, 260, OL-DL), Travis Frees (6-0, 240, OL), George Schmidt (6-0, 190, S-RB), Pat Haggerty (FB-LB) and Casey Casantini (WB)
PLAYOFF PERSPECTIVE: Steadily, the Mustangs have climbed into the upper echelon of District 3 AAAA football. Co-champions of Inter-County Section 1 in 2006. Their first district playoff win in school history and first Subregional championship game in 2006. Champions of I-C 1 in 2007. With 12 returning starters, Mifflin is no longer navigating unchartered waters in the playoffs. A playmaker on both sides of the ball, QB-DB Sam Eagleson has passed for 768 yards and 11 TDs, rushed for 679 yards and scored 11 TDs on a team-high 109 carries and has six interceptions. RB George Schmidt has 712 yards rushing and 17 TDs. WR Casey Casantini has 17 receptions for 355 yards and also has 421 yards rushing on 42 carries for a 13.2 yards per touch average. Strong and tenacious on both sides of the ball, the Mustangs average 370 yards offense and allow 210 yards per game. The Mustangs didn’t have to play a Mid Penn Commonwealth Division team until the subregional championship game. They start with one this time.

4. YORK WILLIAM PENN BEARCATS (9-1)
COACH: Matt Ortega (3rd season)
2006 PLAYOFFS: No. 14 seed, Lost 40-13 to Wilson in the first round to finish 5-6
FINAL REGULAR SEASON GAME: York 49, New Oxford 24 (York-Adams Section 1 Champions)
PLAYERS TO WATCH: Srs. Mike Kinard (6-0, 185, RB), Robert Richardson (6-3, 205, RB), Jaime Escobar (6-3, 300, OG-DL), Dominic Gould (6-0, 240, DT), Sterling Daniels (5-10, 200, SS), Carl Barnes (6-1, 170, FS) and Brad Engle (6-2, 230, LB) and Jrs. Jordan Davis (5-10, 165, QB), Malik Generett (6-5, 205, QB), Brandon Walker (6-0, 215, FB), Andre Callum (5-10, 170, WR) and Wilfredo Martinez (5-9, 180, LB).
LOOK OUR FOR: Sr. Zach Zielinski (6-9, 300, OL)
PLAYOFF PERSPECTIVE: Ortega, a former assistant coach to George Chaump, wasted little time getting Bearcats headed in the right direction, who now have a York-Adam Division 1 championship to show for it. The Bearcats defense shut out its first four opponents but after a 34-0 loss to Harrisburg has surrendered 21.6 points per game over the last five regular season games. The offense has continued to click. QB Jordan Davis passed for 1,508 yards through the first nine games. He has 16 TD passes and only two interceptions. RBs Mike Kinard (613 yards rushing) and Brandon Walker (470 yards rushing) combined for 1,083 yards rushing through nine games. WRs Robert Richardson (18 receptions, 461 yards) and Andre Callum (17 receptions, 230 yards) have emerged as playmakers on offense. The Bearcats were too much to handle in their league but the loss to Harrisburg and a high-scoring shootout with Dallastown raises questions about their ability to hand with the top AAAA teams in the district. The Bearcats have never reached a district championship game.

5. ALTOONA LIONS (8-2)
COACH: Phil Riccio (9th season)
2006 PLAYOFFS: No. 9 seed, Lost 24-21 to Bishop McDevitt in the first round to finish 7-4
FINAL REGULAR SEASON GAME: Altoona 34, DuBois 13 (Mid Penn Commonwealth 2nd place)
PLAYERS TO WATCH: Srs. A.J. Alexander (5-11, 190, RB-DB-QB-WR-KR), Jarryd Burkett (QB), Cory Becker (RB), Joe Mummert (6-0, 190, RB), Derek Gallardy (6-0, 190, LB), Alphonso Lewis (6-2, 215, LB-WR) and Tyler Futrell (6-1, 165, DB-WR).
PLAYOFF PERSPECTIVE: While opponents’ defensive coordinators have devised ways to keep the Mountain Lions’ explosive and speedy Division 1 recruit A.J. Alexander in check, Altoona has developed an array of weapons on offense to make those defenses pay. Alexander has still piled up impressive offensive stats (18 TDs), but QB Jarryd Burkett (11 TD passes), RB Cory Becker and WR Tyler Futrell have emerged as playmakers also. LBs Derek Gallardy, Alphonso Lewis and Joe Mummert are centerpieces on defense. The Mountain Lions won’t have to face a fellow Mid Penn Commonwealth opponent until the semifinals.

6. BISHOP McDEVITT CRUSADERS (8-2)
COACH: Jeff Weachter (10th season)
2006 PLAYOFFS: No. 8 seed, Won 24-21 over Altoona, Won 20-16 to Harrisburg, Lost 34-20 State College in the quaterfinals to finish 9-4
FINAL REGULAR SEASON GAME: Bishop McDevitt 42, Carlisle 14 (Mid Penn Commonwealth 2nd place)
PLAYERS TO WATCH: Sr. Mike Comasco (5-10, 185, WR-DB-PK), Julian Harrell (6-3, 205, WR-DB), Mike Jones (6-2, 210, RB-DB), Tyrell Harris (6-2, 195, WR-DB), Evan McGovern (6-2, 195, WR-DB) and Jared Henley (6-2, 250, OL-DL) and Jrs. Kyle Koncar (5-11, 190, QB), Dante Ushery (6-1, 215, LB) and Vince Sullivan (6-1, 250, OL).
LOOK OUT FOR: Jr. Terahje Gratkowski (6-5, 255, DE-TE) and Soph. Salath Williams (6-3, 170, WR-DB)
PLAYOFF PERSPECTIVE: The Crusaders have the playmakers on offense and defense to win the subregional championship for the third time in the past four years. RB Mike Jones has 1,225 yards rushing, 309 yards receiving and scored 21 TDs. RB Derrell Holland has 380 yards. QB Kyle Koncar has 1,327 yards passing and 15 TD passes. Mike Camasco is simply one of the best all-around players in the state. He has five field goals, three interceptions and 19 receptions for 293 yards and two TDs. WR Julian Harrell has 457 yards on 37 receptions. Not for two poorly played second halves against rivals Harrisburg and Central Dauphin, McDevitt would be undefeated. McDevitt, which has qualified for the AAAA playoffs the past four seasons, is 7-1 in district championship games (2-0 in both AAAA and AAA and 3-1 in AA).

7. WARWICK WARRIORS (9-1)
COACH: Bob Locker (7th season)
2006 PLAYOFFS: No. 12 seed, Lost 31-17 to Central Dauphin on the first round to finish 6-5
FINAL REGULAR SEASON GAME: Warwick 21, McCaskey 20 (Lancaster-Lebanon Section 1 2nd place)
RETURNING ALL-STARS (3): Srs. Jason Griffith (6-1, 245, LB), Jon Resch (6-0, 175, QB) and Zach Snyder (5-10, 170, WR-DB) Joe Cunningham (6-2, 205, DE), Matt Fitzpatrick (6-1, 180, WR-DB), Sean Hoffman (6-2, 215, LB) and Randy Yost (5-9, 160, WR) and Jr. Eric Resch (5-11, 170, RB).
PLAYOFF PERSPECTIVE: The Warriors return to the playoffs for the second straight season, host their first district playoff in school history and it’s a rematch with Central Dauphin in the first round. A three-year starter, QB Jon Resch completed the regulars season with 1,938 yards passing and 23 TD passes. He has 3,794 yards passing in his career. His brother Eric rushed for 1,062 yards and scored 15 TDs. WRs Zach Snyder (55 reception, 908 yards, seven TDs in nine games) and Matt Fitzpatrick (19 receptions, 325 yards, seven TDs) are playmakers. The Warriors’ only loss was 38-0 to Manheim Township. The passing attack will need to have a big game for the Warriors to get through the playoff opener.

8. CUMBERLAND VALLEY EAGLES (7-3)
COACH: Tim Rimpfel (19th season)
2006 PLAYOFFS: 4-6, did not qualify.
FINAL REGULAR SEASON GAME: Cumberland Valley 41, Cedar Cliff 7 (Mid Penn Commonwealth 5th place)
PLAYERS TO WATCH: Srs. Taylor Guise (6-1, 190, RB-DB), Matt Brown (6-2, 245, OL-DL), Ryan Beam (6-0, 250, OT), Chris Jordan (6-2, 180, QB), Cody Page (5-9, 165, RB), Logan Sheely (6-0, 165, WR-DB), Joel Lauer (6-2, 190, WR), Juan Steward (5-10, 160, WR) and George Panagos (5-10, 195, LB) and Jrs. Mike Frenette (5-10, 175, RB) and Caleb Boyer (6-0, 250, OL-DL) and Soph. Travis Friend (6-3, 225, LB)
PLAYOFF PERSPECTIVE: The Eagles have been a mainstay in the district playoffs until last season. They have reached 14 district championship games and won 10, more than any other AAAA team. RB Tyler Guise rushed for 719 yards in the first nine games of the season. QB Chris Jordan passed for 1,209 yards and 13 TDs through 10 games. PK Andrew Reierson has three field goals. Coach Tim Rimpfel’s formula for success has been a power Wing-T rushing attack. For the Eagles to stick around in the tournament, they need Jordan and WR Logan Sheely to make big plays in the passing attack and the defense to stiffen.

9. MUHLENBERG MUHLS (8-2)
COACH: John Yocum (19th season)
2006 PLAYOFFS: No. 10 seed, Lost 35-21 to Conestoga Valley in the first round to finish 7-4
FINAL REGULAR SEASON GAME: Governor Mifflin 35, Muhlenberg 24 (Berks Inter-County Section 2nd place)
PLAYERS TO WATCH: Srs. Vaughn Carraway (6-3, 190, WR), Jeremy Rodriquez (6-2, 200, LB-WR), Mike Kellum (6-4, 215, OL-DL), Morgan Bright (5-11, 210, LB-OL), Tom Entzminger (6-3, 190, DE), Nate Rivera (RB-CB) and Daniel Vallejo (WR-LB) and Jr. Nathan Daniels (QB).
PLAYOFF PERSPECTIVE: First-year starting QB Nathan Daniels has 1,852 yards passing and 17 TD passes.
RB Jeremy Rodriquez has 848 yards rushing and scored seven TDs. Division 1 WR recruit Vaughn Carraway has 40 receptions for 613 yards and scored 20 TDs. WR Daniel Vallejo has 27 receptions for 504 yards. Like many of the AAAA playoff teams, the Muhls offense has piled up a lot of passing yardage. But their receivers aren’t accustomed to defensive secondaries who can cover them like Mid Penn Commonwealth DBs who are battle-tested every game. Muhlenberg, which qualified for the district playoffs for the fourth straight season, has played in two AAA championship games and lost them both to Manheim Central.

10. CENTRAL DAUPHIN RAMS (7-3)
COACH: Glen McNamee (2nd season)
2006 PLAYOFFS: No. 5 seed, Won 31-17 over Warwick, Lost 29-26 to Sate College in the quarterfinals to finish 9-3
FINAL REGULAR SEASON GAME: Central Dauphin 21, C.D. East 15 (Mid Penn Commonwealth 4th place)
PLAYERS TO WATCH: Srs. Derek Day (5-10, 185, RB), Ricky Cirilo (5-10, 215, FB), Dylan Simon (5-10, 195, DL-OL), Christian Spriggs (6-1, 185, WR-DB) and Jrs. Jack Lippert (6-5, 225, TE-DL), Justin Shirk (6-1, 210, QB) and Dan Fisher (6-2, 185, PK).
LOOK OUT FOR: Srs. Da-Laine Beverly (5-10, 160, WR-DB), Matt Egenreider (5-10, 175, RB-DB) and Eric Bechtel (6-0, 180, LB) and Fresh. Artie Rowell (6-3, 265, OL-DL)
PLAYOFF PERSPECTIVE: The Rams have started slow and finished strong under coach Glen McNamee in his first two seasons as head coach. Last season the Rams lost two of their first three games and then won seven straight to qualify for the playoffs. This season they lost their first two to games to Harrisburg and Cumberland Valley and then won seven of the next eight to roll into the playoffs. Dual-threat QB Justin Shirk, WR Christian Spriggs (47 receptions for 755 yards and seven TDs) and RB Derek Day form an explosive offensive combination. Day exploded for 227 yards on 16 carries and scored two TDs in a 38-29 win over McDevitt. Jr. PK Dan Fisher has nine field goals. Freshman two-way lineman Artie Rowell already has climbed onto major college football recruiting lists. Should they remain hot, the Rams won’t see a Mid Penn Commonwealth team until the semifinals. Central Dauphin, making its fourth straight trip to the playoffs, is 2-1 in district AAAA championship games, all under coach George Chaump.

11. CENTRAL YORK PANTHERS (7-3)
COACH: Brad Livingston (26th season)
2006 PLAYOFFS: 4-6, did not qualify.
FINAL REGULAR SEASON GAME: Central York 38, Spring Grove 13 (York-Adams Division 1 3rd place)
PLAYERS TO WATCH: Srs. Kaleb Roth (6-2, 225, OL), Wayne Tribue (6-4, 290, OT), Tly Schildt (5-9, 200, FB), Taylor Gray (5-11, 195, RB), Ryan Wolf (6-3, 190, WR), Bryce King (6-0, 195, LB), James English (5-11, 160, LB) and Jr. L’Mar Calhoun (6-1, 170, DB), Alex Kelly (6-0, 175, PK) and Sophs. Parrish Fells (5-5, 135, RB) and Kyle Baublitz (6-5, 240, TE-LB).
LOOK OUT FOR: Srs. Seth Shoemaker (6-3, 165, DB), Joe Mundel (5-9, 160, DB), Eric Spahr (6-1, 220, DL) and Drew Horn (5-9, 185, OL) and Jrs. Blaine Liggins (6-1, 155, WR/RB), Brandon Workinger (5-11, 165, QB), D.J. Parrison (5-9, 150, DB), Brenan Inch (6-1, 170, LB/DE), Tom Bly (5-9, 185, OL) and Chris Johnson (6-1, 230, OL) and Soph. Jaime Colt (5-11, 165, DB).
PLAYOFF PERSPECTIVE: Veteran coach Brad Livingston pieced together another playoff qualifier with a blend of seniors and an emerging group of underclassmen who are playmakers, which lays the foundation for another strong season in 2008. Jr. QB Brandon Workinger passed for 868 yards and seven TDs over the first nine games. Soph. RB Parrish Fells rushed for 501 yards. WR Ryan Wolf had 30 receptions for 422 yards and Jr. WR Blaine Liggins had 27 receptions for 195 yards. OT Wayne Tribue has given a verbal declaration to Temple. The Panthers knocked off Carlisle in their district playoff opener two seasons ago but sat out the playoffs last season. They have reached one AAA and AA district championship game and lost them both.

12. WILSON BULLDOGS (7-3)
COACH: Doug Dahms (2nd season)
2006 PLAYOFFS: No. 3 seed, Won 40-13 over York High, Won 42-7 over McCaskey, Lost 47-13 to Governor Mifflin in semifinals to finish 11-2
FINAL REGULAR SEASON GAME: Wilson 34, Reading 10 (Lancaster-Lebanon Section 1 3rd place)
PLAYERS TO WATCH: Srs. Jake Stopper (5-10,195, RB), Craig Birdsell (6-0, 235,OL-DL), Marc Little (6-1, 190, RB), Ryne Eversgerd (5-9, 155, PK-P) and Jrs. Colton Weaver (6-0, 215, LB), Dylan Stopper (5-11, 200, FB), Alex Fegley (6-0, 150, WR-DB), Rodney Hill (6-0, 260, DL) and Steve Huber (6-1, 175, QB).
LOOK OUT FOR: Srs. Chris Hartzell (6-1,170, WR) and Mark Daniels (6-6, 230, TE-DE)
PLAYOFF PERSPECTIVE: The Bulldogs rushing attack hasn’t lived up to the established expectations but the defense has answered the call, allowing just 86 yards rushing and 58 yards passing a game for a total of 144 yards per game, by far the best among District 3 AAAA teams. RB Jake Stopper, who missed a number of games with a an injury, rushed for 692 yards on 153 carries and scored eight TDs. QB Steve Huber passed for 1,264 yards and 13 TDs. WR Chris Hartzell has 31 receptions for 343 yards and WR Alex Fegley has 22 receptions for 321 yards. PK Ryne Eversgerd has four field goals. The last time the Bulldogs missed the district playoffs was in 2003. If the Bulldogs can find a way to move the football and score, their long trip back from their playoff opener in Altoona won’t seem as long.

13. DALLASTOWN WILDCATS (6-4)
COACH: Kevin Myers (3rd season)
2006 PLAYOFFS: 1-9, did not qualify
FINAL REGULAR SEASON GAME: Dallastown 22, Red Lion 21 OT (York-Adams Division 1 2nd place)
PLAYERS TO WATCH: Srs. Andy Le (5-11, 180, DB), Justin Zelger (5-10, 215, OL-DL), Matt Rae (6-4, 230, RB-DE), Kevin Frisby (6-3, 190, QB-DB), Steve Arnold (5-11, 200, LB), Chris Bream (5-10, 180, DB) and Jon Heird (6-2, 200, WR-LB) and Jrs. Owen Reinalda (6-1, 220, OL-DL) and Chris Abrahamsen (6-2, 215, OL-DL).
LOOK OUT FOR: Jrs. Eric Shoff (6-1, 165. WR), Kole Kraut (5-11, 180, RB-DB) and Sophs. Miles Glatfelter (5-10, 180, RB-LB), Anthony DeFabio (5-10, 200, RB-LB) and Tyler Imhoff (5-11, 175, RB-LB) and Fresh. Ben Kline (6-2, 180, TE/DE).
PLAYOFF PERSPECTIVE: After an 0-3 start against AAA playoff teams Red Land and West York and AAAA playoff team Wilson, the Wildcats pulled off the biggest turnaround of any team in the district playoffs and qualified for the first time for the tournament. Along with Hershey and Elizabethtown, the Wildcats won five more games than they did last season and they did it over their last seven regular season games. The offense revolves around veteran QB Kevin Frisby and his leadership. RB Kole Kraut rushed for 775 yards over the first nine games. WR Eric Shoff had 19 receptions for 383 yards and WR Andy Le had 19 receptions for 224 yards. Dallastown lost to its playoff opening opponent York High 48-35 but hasn’t lost since, finishing the season on a four-game winning streak. First playoff trip or not, a first round upset win is not out of the question.

14. STATE COLLEGE LIONS (6-4)
COACH: Al Wolski (4th season)
2006 PLAYOFFS: No. 4 seed, Won 56-21 over Lower Dauphin, Won 29-26 over Central Dauphin, Won 34-20 over Bishop McDevitt, Won 21-0 over Governor Mifflin in the District 3-6 Subregional championship game. Lost 28-20 to Upper St. Clair (2006 State Champs) in PIAA State Semifinals to finish 12-3
FINAL REGULAR SEASON GAME: Harrisburg 38, State College 16 (Mid Penn Commonwealth 6th place)
PLAYERS TO WATCH: Srs. Larry Ryland (5-9, 160, QB-DB), Keith McGrory (6-3, 280, OL-DL) and Andrew Sharpe (6-0, 200, LB) and Terna Ityokumbui (6-0, 225, RB) and Jrs. Jake Reeder (6-3, 235, TE-DE), Emmitt Terrell (6-0, 235, OT-DE) and Soph. Alex Kenney (6-0, 180, RB-WR-DB) and Levi Norwood (6-0, 165, WR).
LOOK OUT FOR: Jrs. Robby Stupar (6-0,. 225, RB) and Jamar Smack (QB).
PLAYOFF PERSPECTIVE: Defending District 3-6 Subregional champions, the Little Lions, with the deepest depth chart in Mid Penn Commonwealth, absorb their share of losses during the regular season but have proven to be a tough draw in the playoffs. The Lions averaged 313 yards per game rushing the first nine games until Harrisburg’s defense shut them down for seven yards on 33 carries. QB Larry Ryland rushed for 880 yards during the regular season. But coach Al Wolski turned to backup QB Jamar Smack in the season finale loss to Harrisburg and he responded by completing 11 of 21 passes for 138 yards. RBs Terna Ityokumbui and Alex Kenney see their share of touches. Younger brothers of Penn State players, TE Rob Stupar and WR Levi Norwood on in the mix. PK Russell Nye (5-11, 160, Sr.) has seven field goals. Ryland also has seven interceptions, including three in the Williamsport game.The Little Lions have qualified for the playoffs five straight seasons, dating back to a District 6 championship in 2003. They never go easy.

15. RED LION LIONS (6-4)
COACH: Pat Conrad (4th season)
2006 PLAYOFFS: No. 16 seed, Lost 51-0 to Harrisburg in the first round to finish 5-6
FINAL REGULAR SEASON GAME: Dallastown 22, Red Lion 21 OT (York-Adams Division 1 4th place)
PLAYERS TO WATCH: Srs. Ethan Becker (6-1, 185, QB), Paul Innerst (6-3, 280, OT), Chris Liggitt (6-0, 165, CB) and Justin Hedrick (6-2, 265, DT) and Jrs. Todd Maciejewski (6-3, 190, WR), Brett Fishel (5-7, 180, RB), Mike Malloy (6-1, 220, C), Max Horka (6-3, 185, TE), Jake Hagan (6-2, 210, LB), Keith Dalheimer (6-1, 190, LB), Casey Raver (6-1, 180, DB) and Joe Ross (5-7, 170, DB).
PLAYOFF PERSPECTIVE: Chances are one of two Lions will touch the ball on each offensive play. Dual-threat QB Ethan Becker passed for 958 yards and nine TDs (57 completions, 126 attempts, 12 interceptions) and rushed for 778 yards and six TDs on 146 carries through nine games. RB Brett Fishel has 769 yards and 10 TDs on a 148 carries. In their four losses, the Lions committed 18 turnovers. The Lions have the expanded playoff format to thank for back-to-back playoff berths.

16. LOWER DAUPHIN FALCONS (6-4)
COACH: Rob Klock (6th season)
2006 PLAYOFFS: No. 13 seed, Lost 56-21 to State College in the first round to finish 7-4
FINAL REGULAR SEASON GAME: Gettysburg 24, Lower Dauphin 17 (Mid Penn Keystone 2nd place)
PLAYERS TO WATCH: Srs. Brad Miller (5-11, 235, OL), Nick Breon (6-1, 225, OL) and Mike Rissmiller (6-0, 180, DB-WR), Derrek Thomas (6-0, 215, FB-LB), Carl Basehore (6-1, 170, DB), Jeremy Hauck (6-0, 170, WR), Francis Hall (6-2, 245, DL) and Ryne Johnson (6-0, 230, DL) and Jr. Jordan Rosario (5-10, 180, RB).
LOOK OUT FOR: Sr. Matt Consevage (6-3, 215, QB) and Jrs. Nick Atanasoff (6-0, 170, QB-DB) and Nick Caruso (6-2, 190, QB-DB).
PLAYOFF PERSPECTIVE: Coach Rob Klock switched QBs during the 20-14 win over Hershey in the seventh game of the season, replacing Sr. Matt Consevage with Jr. Nick Atanasoff, who has passed for 513 yards and five TDs since the switch. RB Jordan Rosario has been a steady workhorse in the rushing attack with 888 yards and six TDs through the first nine games. Since Atanasoff became the starter at QB, the Falcons are 3-1 against Keystone Division competition. First round opponent Harrisburg is a different pedigree. Lower Dauphin, making its third straight trip to the playoffs, has won AAAA (1995 36-19 win over Cedar Crest) and AAA (2002 31-7 win over East Pennsboro) district championships. In the other district championship game appearance, the Falcons lost to Manheim Central 38-0 in 2003.