Patriot Games

Defending AAA champion Red Land has its hands full with a strong field of contenders
By Matt Blymier, SPORTSfever
In the role of defending District 3 Class AAA champions, Red Land understood that it would draw the very best effort from each of its opponents throughout the 2007 season.

When they scan the teams that have filled out the 16-team bracket, the Patriots expect nothing less in the District 3 playoffs.

The Patriots have had their hands full already, to be sure. Mid Penn Conference Keystone Division rival Gettysburg handed them their first loss of the season 40-7 after the Patriots opened the season with eight straight wins. Red Land and Gettyburg, whose only loss was to Hershey 42-35, ended up sharing the Keystone championship.

Now they see serious challengers from all parts of the region in what has shaped up to be the most wide-open playoff race of the four District 3 class tournaments.

First, there’s Gettysburg, with its dynamic do-it-all QB Evan Lewis (1,655 yards passing this season and 5,058 yards passing in his career) eager for a rematch along with another Keystone Division challenger Hershey, with another playmaker at QB in Mike Wagner (1,246 yards passing). Wagner, however, may not be available for the post season after coming down with mono.

There’s Northern, a dominating team in the Mid Penn Colonial Division that has struggled from time to time to measure up to the Keystone AAA teams. Last season, Northern, the No. 1 seed in the tournament, ran into Red Land in the quarterfinals with an 11-0 record but was emphatically shown the door by the Patriots 45-7.

The Polar Bears did upset Lower Dauphin in the first round of the 2005 tournament and then got wacked by Manheim Central 42-14. This season the Bears, with paybacks on their mind, set out to soften up opponents with the physical ground game led by Michael Davies, who rushed for 1,373 yards on 156 carries and scored 27 TDs in the first nine games, and then go up top with QB Jordan Rutherford, who has 1,166 yards passing and 10 TD throws.

There’s more Bears in the woods for Red Land and the rest of the contenders to be wary of. Elizabethtown extended its perfect season to 9-0 by thumping nemesis Manheim Central 56-14. Only Cocalico stood in the way of E-town’s first undefeated regular season in 50 years.

No longer overshadowed by Lancaster-Lebanon League Section 2 power Manheim Central, which has won 15 (by far the most in any class) District 3 AAA championships but whose reign as kingpin has come to an end, Elizabethtown has emerged as one of the surprise teams of 2007.

These Bears, who have adopted “The 50-Year Pass” as the theme to their season, like to keep the pressure on opponents with a platoon-style offense. Bears coach Jeff Polites alternates four running backs and two quarterbacks in their Wing-T offense.

Sr. Preston Faith (533 yards passing) is the starting quarterback and is spelled by Jr. Kyle McNeil (399 yards passing). Versatile Sr. Jordan Hallman has scored touchdowns passing, running, receiving and returning kicks. He rushed for 1,017 yards and scored 11 TDs through nine games. Srs. Andrew Weller (591 yards), Conrad Heisey (632 yards rushing) and Shane Rosenberry are also in the backfield rotation. WR Nate Koach has 529 yards on 31 receptions.

Challengers abound but it won’t be an easy task to take out Red Land. Veteran QB Skyler Hunt had 1,711 yards passing and 17 TD passes through nine games. For his career, he has 4,146 yards passing. WR Teed Wertz has 537 yards on 38 receptions. Dan Klein (26 receptions, 341 yards) and Kyle Otstot (19 receptions, 219 yards) are other frequent options for Hunt in the passing attack. Aubrey Moore and Carl Sheaffer make their presence felt on the line of scrimmage.

District 3 Class AAA Playoff Team Profiles
1. NORTHERN YORK POLAR BEARS (10-0)
COACH: Rick Mauck (9th season)
2006 PLAYOFFS: No. 1 seed, Won 35-6 over Donegal, Lost 45-7 to Red Land in quarterfinals to finish 11-1
FINAL REGULAR SEASON GAME: Northern 35, Shippensburg 21 (Mid Penn Colonial Champions)
PLAYERS TO WATCH: Srs. Mike Davies (6-1, 225, RB), Jordan Rutherford (6-2, 175, QB), Jake Scott (6-4, 245, OL), Eddie Stephenson (5-8, 160, DB), Tim McAleer (6-0, 215, DL), Alex Potteiger (5-10, 170, DB), Dylan Pennington (6-4, 325, OL) and Donnie Bell (5-10, 160, WR) and Jrs. Robbie Bleiller (6-2, 190, WR) and Antonio Myers (6-1, 220, DL)
LOOK OUT FOR: Jrs. Will Roller (6-3, 245, OL) and Robert James (5-8, 200, RB)
PLAYOFF PERSPECTIVE: Now with six consecutive division championships, the Polar Bears have no problem with the Colonial Division competition. They won’t be satisfied until they pounce on their first district championship. They’re getting closer.

2. ELIZABETHTOWN BEARS (9-1)
COACH: Jeff Polites (8th season)
2006 PLAYOFFS: 5-5, did not qualify
FINAL REGULAR SEASON GAME: Cocalico 35, Elizabethtown 21 (Lancaster-Lebanon Section 2 Co-Champions)
PLAYERS TO WATCH: Srs. Andrew Weller (5-11, 175, RB-LB), Preston Faith (6-1, 180, QB), Nate Koach (6-5, 185, WR-DB) and Jordan Hallman (6-1, 180, RB) Evan Gallagher (6-0, 170, WR-DB) and Sean McMullen (6-0, 200 OL-DL and jr. Shane Rosenberry (5-10, 165, RB).
LOOK OUT FOR: Sr. Chris Burger (5-10, 180, OG) and Jrs. Conrad Heisey (5-10, 160, RB-DB), Alex Kirchner (6-0, 190, OL-LB), Anthony Durente (6-2, 200, OL-DL) and Chris Distasio (5-6, 170, OL-DL).
PLAYOFF PERSPECTIVE: The Bears, 0-3 in district finals, relish an opportunity to win their first District 3 football championship and erase the heartbreak of the 15-14 loss to rival Manheim Central in the 1989 championship game. There’s reason to believe they can continue to surprise the popular contenders. They are physical and execute and own wins over AAAA playoff teams Manheim Township and Lower Dauphin.

3. RED LAND PATRIOTS (9-1)
COACH: Frank Gay (5th season)
2006 PLAYOFFS: No. 8 seed, Won 35-14 over West Perry, Won 45-7 over Northern, Won 21-17 over New Oxford, Won 21-12 over South Western in District 3 championship game. Lost 17-7 to Pottsville in PIAA semifinals to finish 13-2
FINAL REGULAR SEASON GAME: Red Land 13, Hershey 3 (Mid Penn Keystone Co-Champions)
PLAYERS TO WATCH: Srs. Skyler Hunt (6-0, 190, QB), Kyle Otstot (6-0, 170, WR-DB) and Aubrey Moore (6-1, 260, OL-DL), Dan Klein (6-0, 180, WR-DB), Teed Wertz (6-1, 170, WR), Alan Proper (5-8, 210, WR), Junior Rodriguez (5-10, 190, RB) and Carl Sheaffer (6-1, 240, DL) and Jr. Chad Christen (6-1, 180, DL).
LOOK OUT FOR: Jrs. Dan Yenger (6-0, 170, RB) and Mike McCullough (6-1, 230, OL)
PLAYOFF PERSPECTIVE: The Patriots, who reached a district championship football game for the first time in school history and made it count last season, were ranked among the top five AAA teams in the state by SPORTSfever for the first eight weeks of the season but tumbled after suffering their first loss of the season to Gettysburg. The District 3 tournament offers the Pats the opportunity to validate that respect. They have as many athletes as any of the top contenders.

4. GETTYSBURG WARRIORS (9-1)
COACH: Sam Leedy (23rd season)
2006 PLAYOFFS: No. 14 seed, Lost 30-3 to Daniel Boone in the first round to finish 6-5
FINAL REGULAR SEASON GAME: Gettysburg 24, Lower Dauphin 17 (Mid Penn Keystone Co-Champions)
PLAYERS TO WATCH: Srs. Evan Lewis (6-0, 170, QB), Zach Michael (6-1, 180, WR), Tony Spangler (6-1, 230, OL), Logan Shultz (6-5, 275, OL), Storm Woerner (6-2, 180, WR), Cody Trail (6-0, 195, RB), Sean Manahan (5-11, 175, WR), Brian Irvin (6-3, 220, LB), D.J. Cool (6-1, 200, LB) and Justin Jones (6-0, 215, LB-RB).
PLAYOFF PERSPECTIVE: RBs Justin Jones and Cody Trail benefit from the dual-threat QB Evan Lewis. The Warriors administration lobbied and convinced the District 3 committee that their home field was suitable to host a district playoff game for the first time. Gettysburg has reached a AAAA and AAA championship game and lost both. The Warriors are ready to change that.

5. WEST YORK BULLDOGS (9-1)
COACH: Ron Miller (2nd season)
2006 PLAYOFFS: No. 11 seed, Lost 57-13 to Manheim Central in the first round to finish 7-4
FINAL REGULAR SEASON GAME: West York 42, Eastern York 14 (York-Adams Section 2 Champions)
PLAYERS TO WATCH: Srs. Jay Hess (5-8, 165, LB) and Dan Haverstock (6-1, 175, QB-DB) and Jrs. Brandon Real (5-8, 160, RB-DB), Blake Campbell (6-0, 175, DE), Nate Jacobs ( 6-0, 170,WR), Dan Zeiler (5-7, 180 LB) and Blaine Fissel (5-10, 160, DB).
PLAYOFF PERSPECTIVE: After a 23-19 loss to Central York in the season opener, the Bulldogs won nine straight, beating up on inferior competition in York-Adams League Division 2. Still the Bulldogs showcase and array of talented athletes who can be a handful for opponents. QB Dan Haverstock is on the doorstep of joining the elite club of players who have rushed for 1,000 yards and passed for 1,000 yards in a season. Through nine games he has 854 passing and 731 rushing. He has scored 11 TDs and thrown 11 TD passes. RB Brandon Real rushed for 1,004 yards (9.2 average) in the first nine games. DE Blake Campbell has 14 sacks and one more gives him a school record that has been on the books for 23 years. The Bulldogs won’t know where they stand in the playoff mix until they play their 11th game.

6. HERSHEY TROJANS (8-2)
COACH: Gump May (33rd season)
2006 PLAYOFFS: 3-7, did not qualify.
FINAL REGULAR SEASON GAME: Red Land 13, Hershey 3 (Mid Penn Keystone 2nd place)
PLAYERS TO WATCH: Srs. Tyler Neal (5-9, 180, RB), Wallace Jamison (6-0, 160, WR/DB), Erick Marinelli (5-9, 185, LB), Mike Wagner (6-0, 180, QB), Chris Boyer (5-8, 160, WR/DB), Tim Parker (5-8, 290, OL), Pat Otey (6-1, 165, DB) and Doug Erickson (6-0, 165, DB).
LOOK OUT FOR: Srs. Kevin Kettl (6-5, 200, WR), Brandon Teezak (6-5, 260, OL) and Bobby Jefferies (5-10, 210, OL)
PLAYOFF PERSPECTIVE: The Trojans are one of the comeback teams of the year but veteran coach Gump May won’t allow his team to be satisfied with just reaching the playoffs. A district championship would exceed even the most optimistic expectations but wins over Manheim Central and Gettysburg prove the Trojans are a dangerous draw. RB Tyler Neal rushed for nearly 1,000 yards through the first nine games. QB Mike Wagner has hooked up with WR Chris Boyer 35 times for 599 yards and seven touchdowns. Pat Otey has eight sacks through nine games. Hershey won its only district championship game in 1984.

7. LAMPETER-STRASBURG PIONEERS (8-2)
COACH: John Manion (10th season)
2006 PLAYOFFS: No. 10 seed, Lost 31-6 to Susquehanna Township in the first round to finish 8-3
FINAL REGULAR SEASON GAME: Lampeter-Strasburg 55, Donegal 7 (Lancaster-Lebanon Section 3 Co-Champions)
PLAYERS TO WATCH: Srs. Justin Taylor (6-1, 175, RB-PK, KR), Blair Stevens (5-7, 205, OG-LB), Rob Zimmerman (5-10, 180, RB-LB), Seth Rolko (6-0, 185, TE-DE) Nick Yingst (6-1, 295, OL-DL), Chris Eldredge (6-2, 230, OL-DL) and Brett Graeff (5-10, 165, QB).
LOOK OUT FOR: Srs. Peter Baker (6-2, 215, OL), Blair Stevens (5-7, 205, OG) and Abe Mellinger (6-0, 160, WR)
PLAYOFF PERSPECTIVE: Four more points and the Pioneers have an undefeated season. A 35-34 setback to Cocalico in the season opener and a 26-24 loss to Lancaster Catholic are the only blemishes for L-S. Mr. Everything Justin Taylor can score running, catching and returning and is also the punter and kicker. After nine games, Taylor had 886 yards on 60 carries, 19 TDs, four field goals and 30 extra points (156 total points). QB Brett Graeff has 986 yards passing and nine TD passes. Rob Zimmerman has 501 yards rushing. Outclassed in the playoff opener last season, the Pioneers are anxious to gain some respect for the caliber of its team and L-L Section 3 competition.

8. GREENCASTLE-ANTRIM BLUE DEVILS (8-2)
COACH: Chuck Tinninis (20th season)
2006 PLAYOFFS: No. 12 seed, Lost 31-13 to Susquehannock in first round to finish 7-4
FINAL REGULAR SEASON GAME: Greencastle-Antrim 34, West Perry 24 (Mid Penn Colonial 2nd place)
PLAYERS TO WATCH: Srs. Ben Gates (6-0, 220, OL), Jesse Lennhar (6-0, 210, DL), Matt Copenhaver (6-0, 195, LB), Jared Smith (6-5, 250, DL) Tyler Ackerman (6-1, 210, WR) and Rusty Cordell (6-0, 180, LB-RB) and Jrs. Dustin Barry (5-7, 170, RB) and Adam Ritchey (6-1, 180, QB-RB-WR-DB)
LOOK OUT FOR: Jr. Jared Doyle (5-10, 220, DL) and Sophs. Brett Meyers (6-1, 190, QB-DB) and Stephon Walker (5-11, 185, FB)
PLAYOFF PERSPECTIVE: The Blue Devils’ playmakers on offense are underclassmen so it would be easy for G-A to settle simply for qualifying for the playoffs and look to make a serious charge for a district championship game next season. But their losses are to Northern and Jefferson, West Virginia and they have flourished under the radar. Along with triple-threat Adam Ritchey, who produces offense as a running back (460 yards, seven TDs), quarterback (269 yards passing, two TDs) and wide receiver (176 yards, four TDs) and is a playmaker in the secondary (three interceptions, 1 TD return), special teams and the defense have produced points. Brett Myers, whose steady improvement throughout the season at QB, enabled coach Chuck Tinninis to replace Ritchey with Myers at QB midway through the season, freeing up Ritchey to play a number of positions. G-A has a chance to win nine games in a season for only the second time (9-2 in 1998) and the Devils have no intentions on allowing the chance pass them by.

9. DANIEL BOONE BLAZERS (7-3)
COACH: Dave Bodolus (5th season)
2006 PLAYOFFS: No. 3 seed, Won 30-3 over Gettysburg in opening round, Lost 26-19 (OT) to Manheim Central in the quarterfinals to finish 10-2
FINAL REGULAR SEASON GAME: Daniel Boone 20, Exeter 19 (Berks Inter-County Section 1 3rd place)
PLAYERS TO WATCH: Srs. Saeed Khateeb (6-4, 245, DL), Josey Orr (5-10, 175, WR-DB), Anthony Heimbach (5-9, 175, QB-DB) Anthony Fortwangler (5-10, 205, LB), Josh Sheriff (5-9, 200, FB-DL), Ken Guarino (6-1, 240, OL ), and Gavin Williams (5-9, 165, WR-DB) and Jr. Zach Keeley (5-8, 175, WR-DB).
LOOK OUT FOR: Srs. Tim Hessels (LB), Mark Rutkowski (5-9, 175, WR-DB) and Ryan Ecker (5-10, 215, OL-DL) and Jrs. Kyle Yarmush (6-2, 225, OL), Nate Greene (5-10, 185, RB-DB), Anthony Ciatto (5-9, 175, LB), Nick Ciatto (5-9, 205, OL-DL) and Tim Evans (6-2, 260, OL-DL).
PLAYOFF PERSPECTIVE: The Blazers continue to develop big and strong linemen and playmakers in the skill positions. Sure to be a tough first-round draw, they’re accustomed to tight games against playoff-caliber opponents. They own a 24-21 OT win over Donegal and a 10-7 victory over Conrad Weiser. They came up just short to Blue Mountain 7-6 and Mulhlenberg 12-7. Through nine games, LB Tim Hessels tormented opponents on offense with 105 tackles, six sacks and nine tackles for losses. QB Anthony Heimbach passed for 806 yards and eight TDs. RB Nate Greene rushed for 876 yards and 10 TDs. WR Zach Keeley had 399 yards on 28 receptions. The Blazers have never reached a district championship football game.

10. CONRAD WEISER (7-3)
COACH: Alan Moyer (4th season)
2006 PLAYOFFS: 4-6, did not qualify.
FINAL REGULAR SEASON GAME: Pottsville 24, Conrad Weiser 21 (Berks Inter-County Section 1 3rd place)
TOP PLAYERS TO WATCH: Srs. Alex Buchert (6-1, 240, C), Mike Kalinofski (6-4, 300, DL) and Zack Shirey (6-3, 220, TE), Jordan Fisher (DE-FB) and Jrs. Jim Debiec (6-0, 170, QB) and Nate Monderewicz (6-2, 220, P).
LOOK OUT FOR: Srs. Ryan Bachman (5-10, 170, LB), Nate Hafer (DT, Tyler Lovenstein (DT), Matt Rohrbacher (LB) and Ben Fulton (5-11, 180, LB), Jr.. Clay Clements (6-0, SS), Soph. Codie Butler (5-11, 175, RB) and Fresh. D. J. Robinson (WR).
PLAYOFF PERSPECTIVE: Weiser’s return to the playoffs revolves around its defense, which limited opponents to 185 yards per game through the first nine games, and the emergence of underclassmen such as Soph. RB Codie Butler and Fresh. WR D. J. Robinson as playmakers on offense. QB Jim Debiec passed for 799 yards and seven TDs. RB Codie Butler led Berks County teams in rushing with 1,077 yards after nine games. Robinson has 193 yards rushing and 270 yards in receptions. The Scouts may be in the playoff mix a year early. In its only district championship appearance, CW lost to Bishop McDevitt 53-34 in the 1996 AA final.

11. COCALICO EAGLES (7-3)
COACH: Dave Gingrich (4th season)
2006 PLAYOFFS: 2-8, did not qualify.
FINAL REGULAR SEASON GAME: Cocalico 35, Elizabethtown 21 (Lancaster-Lebanon Section 2 2nd place)
TOP PLAYERS TO WATCH: Srs. Zeb Rineer (5-8, 210, OL-DL), Tim Olsen (5-9, 195, OL-LB), Guye Weber (6-3, 185, WR-DB) and Jr. Joe Monjiovi (5-11, 170, OL-LB).
LOOK OUT FOR: Srs. Kyle Keller (6-1, 190, RB) and Trevor Kling (5-6, 165, QB-LB) , Jr. Kyle Fisher (5-11, 160, RB-DB) and Soph. Matt Carty (5-10, 165, QB)
PLAYOFF PERSPECTIVE: Despite a lineup dominated by first-year starters, the Eagles pulled off the biggest turnaround among the District 3 playoff teams (along with Hershey and Dallastown in AAAA) by winning five more games this year than last. With RBs Kyle Keller (1,087 yards) and Kyle Fisher (1,034 yards) both rushing for more than 1,000 yards and scoring a combined 23 touchdowns in the first nine games, the Eagles Veer rushing attack is a hand full for any playoff opponent. QB Matt Carty had 475 yards passing on 22 completions on 40 attempts. After a 14-7 loss to Manheim Central, Cocalico finished strong with four straight wins. The Birds can’t be taken lightly. Cocalico is 2-2 in District 3 AA championship games and 0-1 in AAA championship games.

12. SOLANCO GOLDEN MULES (7-3)
COACH: Joe Pearson (2nd season)
2006 PLAYOFFS: 4-6, did not qualify.
FINAL REGULAR SEASON GAME: Solanco 25, Lebanon 16 (Lancaster-Lebanon Section 2 Co-champions)
TOP PLAYERS TO WATCH: Srs. Mike Brooks (5-7, 155, RB-DB), Josh Waters (5-11,185, OL), Dustin Collins (6-1, 170, WR-DB) and Jrs. Ben Miller (5-11, 175, QB-DB), Neil McGettigan (6-1, 195, RB-LB), Pat Nieto (5-11, 200, RB-LB), Zac Chubb (6-0,220,OL), Jordan Elvey (5-11, 185, RB-LB) and Bryan Boulden (5-11, 240, OL-DL).
LOOK OUT FOR: Srs. Jim Kalupson (6-1, 240, OT), Alex Goveo (5-11, 215, OT), Henry Glackin (6-5, 240, TE), Austin Marsh (6-2, 165, DB) and Jr. Sam Johnson (6-0,180, LB).
PLAYOFF PERSPECTIVE: The Mules could have been satisfied with their season after they had finally gained some measure of payback on Manheim Central when they defeated the Barons 28-7. In an infamous game in Pennsylvania high school football history, Manheim Central ran up a 96-0 score on Solanco in 1999. The Mules had not beaten Manheim since 1991. Instead, Solanco used the victory as a springboard to earn a share of the L-L Section 2 championship and a ticket to the playoffs for the first time since 1991. The Mules finished the season on a four-game win streak and it’s all unchartered waters from here on out. QB Ben Miller passed for 586 yards and six touchdowns through nine games. RB Mike Brooks rushed for 513 yards on 70 carries.

13. NORTHERN LEBANON VIKINGS (7-3)
COACH: Jack Beidler (9th season)
2006 PLAYOFFS: 4-6, did not qualify.
FINAL REGULAR SEASON GAME: Northern Lebanon 17, Lancaster Catholic 14 (Lancaster-Lebanon Section 3 3rd place)
TOP PLAYERS TO WATCH: Srs. Travis Dresch (5-9, 175, RB), Austin Hormel (6-2, 255, OL-DL), Brad Beidler (5-10, 150, WR-DB) Jason Nolan (5-9, 175, RB), Nate Ulm (5-11, 150, WR-DB), Bob Cunningham (6-0, 270, OL-DL) and Jrs. Matt Nolan (5-10, 170, QB), Robert Dzwonchyk (5-11, 210, OL-LB) and Nick Dzwonchyk (5-11, 200, OL-DL).
LOOK OUT FOR: Sr. Kerry Beamesderfer (6-1, 175, WR/DB) and Jr. Chris Scotto (6-0, 225, OL)
PLAYOFF PERSPECTIVE: The Viking started out strong with six straight wins against less-than-challenging competition before losing three in a row. Facing elimination and determined to advance to the playoffs, NL pulled off one of the biggest upsets of the season when it knocked off Lancaster Catholic 17-14 in the final regular season game to earn a playoff berth. Workhorse RB Travis Dresch rushed for 1,098 yards and scored 12 touchdowns in the first nine games of the season. For his career, he has rushed for 3,062 yards. QB Matt Nolan passed for 467 yards and rushed for 669 yards in the first nine games. The defense has kept the Vikings in games. Nate Ulm has four interceptions and Austin Hormel has four sacks. On paper, the Vikes look to be overmatched by the rest of the AAA playoff teams, but they faced underdog odds to reach the playoffs and they found a way to win.

14. MANHEIM CENTRAL BARONS (6-4)
COACH: Mike Williams (27th season)
2006 PLAYOFFS: No. 6 seed, Won 57-13 over West York, Won 26-19 (OT) over Daniel Boone, Lost 20-15 to South Western in the semifinals to finish 11-2
FINAL REGULAR SEASON GAME: Manheim Central 28, Conestoga Valley 7 (Lancaster-Lebanon Section 2 2nd place)
TOP PLAYERS TO WATCH: Srs. Tony Ferrari (5-8, 165, RB-DB), Scott Garber (5-8, 170, RB-LB), Ryan Snavely (5-9, 280, OL-DL), Justin Myer (6-0, 185, PK), Mike Stum (6-2, 175, WR-DB) and Jr. Riley Clugston (6-0, 245, C) and Soph. Dakota Royer (6-2, 210, DL) and Fresh. Billy Beecher (5-11, 160, QB)
PLAYOFF PERSPECTIVE: Their 6-4 record alone indicates that the Barons are not even close to the teams they have been for the past 20 years. Their unmatched dominance of District 3 AAA football finally may have fizzled but what they have accomplished was phenomenal and unlikely never to be matched again. Since 1988, Manheim reached the District 3 AAA championship game 16 out of a possible 19 times and won 15 of them. They have found themselves in quite different surroundings this season. After a 28-7 loss to Solanco dropped their record to 2-3, the Barons had a losing record through five games for the first time since Mike Williams became head coach in 1981. This is the first time under Williams that the Barons have lost more than three games in a season. But the Barons dug in and rebounded to earn a trip to the playoffs for the 16th consecutive season. Injuries have played a major role in the Barons struggles this season. Starting Jr. QB Jeremy Knosp (414 yards passing) suffered a dislocated shoulder early in the season. He was replaced by Soph. Justin Gorman, who suffered a broken collarbone in the final regular season game. Third-string freshman Billy Beecher is now the QB. RBs Scott Garber and Tony Ferrari, who has missed some games to injury, haven’t produced a lot of rushing yards but need to be playmakers along with WR Mike Stum (32 receptions, 451 yards) if the Barons can pull off a first round surprise. Except for the 56-14 loss to Elizabethtown, the Barons have been able to lean on their defense led by DL Dakota Royer, who had 9.5 sacks and 86 tackles through nine games. Stum had three interceptions.

15. SHIPPENSBURG GREYHOUNDS (7-3)
COACH: Eric Foust (6th season)
2006 PLAYOFFS: 4-6, did not qualify.
FINAL REGULAR SEASON GAME: Northern 35, Shippensburg 21 (Mid Penn Colonial 3rd place)
TOP PLAYERS TO WATCH: Srs. Craig Van Scyoc (6-3, 205, QB), Loren Horst (6-4, 180, WR), Justin Gentile (5-10, 215, LB) and Shayne Clark (6-3, 260, OL-DL) and Jr. Ethan Naylor (5-10, 190, RB), Brandon Bock (6-4, 260, OL-DL), Cody Lehman (6-0, 230, OL) and Cody Hellman (6-0, 215, OL).
LOOK OUT FOR: Sr. Tim Saphore (6-2, 270, OT) and Jrs. Jermayne Weber (5-11, 175, RB), Mark Cramer (5-11, 155, DB) and James Wenger (6-2, 180, WR)
PLAYOFF PERSPECTIVE: The Hounds started the season 6-0 for the first time since 1986 before losing three of their last four but still qualified for the playoffs for the first time since 1988. QB Craig Van Scyoc passed for 1,050 yards through the first nine games. RB Ethan Naylor rushed for 1,076 yards. The Hounds’offense has enough options to hold its own against stiffer competition in the district tournament but the defense is overmatched.

16. HAMBURG HAWKS (7-3)
COACH: Joe Sinkovich (3rd season)
2006 PLAYOFFS: No. 13 seed, Lost 28-27 to New Oxford in the first round to finish 8-3
FINAL REGULAR SEASON GAME: Hamburg 37, Schuylkill Valley 19 (Berks Inter-County Section 2 2nd place)
TOP PLAYERS TO WATCH: Srs. Zach Koop (5-8, 175, RB), Derick Dupree (FB), Dustin Adam (6-0, 190, LB-TE), Hank Miller (6-1, 190, OL-DL), Jake Esterly (5-10, 215, OG), Brandon Cooper (5-10, 250, OL-DL), Jake Dell (5-9, 185, OG), and Matt Ruppert (5-8, 185, OL-DL) and Jrs. Jordan Ernst (5-11, 190, QB-RB-DB), Jared Ruppert (QB), Nate Shefter (LB) and Tyler Garcia (6-3, 285, DT) and Soph. Marvin Cottrell (RB)
PLAYOFF PERSPECTIVE: After a 35-7 loss to Wyomissing dropped the Hawks to 4-3, QB Jordan Ernst (308 yards passing, 459 yards rushing, 202 yards receiving, 13 TDs) moved to RB to bolster the rushing attack and Jared Ruppert (274 yards passing) took over at QB. They are 3-0 since the change. RB Zach Koop has rushed for 593 yards on 97 carries and scored six TDs. RB Marvin Cottrell has 571yards on 81 carries. The Hawks have reenergized their attack and are peaking at the right time. A first round upset is not a long shot.