Games of the Week (April 13-17)

Here is our first installment of what should be a weekly look at the top games in the coverage area.

Red Land at Central Dauphin, Wednesday, 4 -- Rams open their division slate with the three-time defending champs, who beat conference-favorite Chambersburg last week. Red Land is 4-1 with a baffling loss to West York. Central Dauphin, the 3-AAAA runner-up last spring, seems a bit down this year but is still 4-2.

Hershey at Mechanicsburg, Wednesday, 4 -- These teams are off to surprising starts. Mechanicsburg was supposed to be rebuilding but is 5-1 while Hershey was expected to run away with the division and contend for a 3-AAA title. But the Trojans are 2-3 and badly need a win at Shirley/Rickenbach Field for a boost of confidence. Mechanicsburg, the reigning division champion, is king until someone says otherwise.

Chambersburg at Cedar Cliff, Thursday, 4:15 -- Trojans are the favorites to win the division and the conference but Cedar Cliff is the team off to an unbeaten start (6-0). The Colts have been shaky of late with narrow wins against Cumberland Valley and Spring Grove so this should be a nice test.

Shippensburg at Susquenita, Thursday, 4:15 -- The young Greyhounds are playing well despite a 2-3 record. The pitching is a tad suspect, which isn't a good thing against a Susquenita team that kills the ball. The Blackhawks (above) are our division favorites so if Shippensburg pulls out a win, we'll be impressed.

Milton Hershey at West Perry, Friday, 4:15 -- Entering Tuesday, Milton Hershey had a 1-2 record and West Perry was 2-4, but don't be fooled by the records. Each team badly needs a win here to keep postseason hopes alive, which should make for a fun game. West Perry can't afford to lose many more outside of the Colonial if it wants to return to the 3-AAA field after missing out last season. A win against the Spartans is crucial.