What we learned: Week 4

First off, Big Spring is a legimate threat. Maybe not for a division or a district title, but if any team sleeps on Brent Stroh's Bulldogs, they'll bite. Big Spring came up short to Red Land on Friday, 23-20, in overtime. That result is more impressive than the 56-7 rout of West Perry last week. It wasn't a win but the boys from Newville represented well.

We only have one thing to say for Central Dauphin East: wow. We understand the program is in a downward cycle but allowing 73 points is just awful. Knowing the type of person, not just coach, that CV's Tim Rimpfel is, we can promise you he wouldn't deliberately run up the score. East might just be that bad this year.

Another area feel-good story, Susquenita, took one on the chin tonight in a 47-7 loss to Trinity. How the Blackhawks respond is key with a trip to Palmyra on the horizon.

Arrow up: East Pennsboro and Northern. The Panthers took a rivalry win from Camp Hill (26-7) while the Polar Bears did likewise against Mechanicsburg in a 26-22 win. Being the victor in these emotional games means good vibes all week.

Arrow down: Boiling Springs, Carlisle, Cedar Cliff, West Perry. We'll start with Carlisle and Cedar Cliff. Tough losses tonight as both teams were looking to start 3-1. That makes next week's collision at Ken Millen Stadium between the two huge.

Boiling Springs showed heart in a seven-point loss to Milton Hershey but it's unlikely that four losses will allow the Bubblers to make the 3-AA palyoffs.

As for West Perry, this might be Al Ream's toughest assignment yet. How he convinces this team to show up every day and compete is vital after losing its last three games by a combined 166-32. Even worse news is that the team has allowed more points and scored fewer in consecutive games since Week 2. Short memories on key with a trip to Northern on tap Friday.