tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23879123373987697292024-03-13T17:16:45.368-04:00Inside the Red ZoneThis blog is used as a supplement to my coverage of high school football, wrestling and baseball for The Sentinel, located in Carlisle, Pa.
Other interesting tidbits from around the commonwealth will also be discussed.Travishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11609685477770481875noreply@blogger.comBlogger538125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2387912337398769729.post-70591704303135982332011-08-26T23:14:00.004-04:002011-08-26T23:31:06.921-04:00Top Games No. 5: Harrisburg at Cumberland Valley<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikpFX6_aU930I2K8OOPrdw9-gDSIOq3M8-qsfqWeDI1Bg5LOXfI01ozTj05EjdRaGMOU0-xpXJIQmY51YVjaq0kF6fxOHW2cz4VEB7YFQ5YlZdwosZz27dlpQsUFuDXvVD6vkl_UDeN0ZX/s1600/CV.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 224px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5645372962811395698" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikpFX6_aU930I2K8OOPrdw9-gDSIOq3M8-qsfqWeDI1Bg5LOXfI01ozTj05EjdRaGMOU0-xpXJIQmY51YVjaq0kF6fxOHW2cz4VEB7YFQ5YlZdwosZz27dlpQsUFuDXvVD6vkl_UDeN0ZX/s320/CV.jpg" /></a>The last two years these teams have put on quite a show. Both encounters were at Severance Field. This time around the battle will at Chapman Field on Oct. 28 at 7 p.m.
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<br />While this still might be a thrilling game, we're doubtful that it will have Commonwealth Division title implications.
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<br />CV (12-3 in 2010) lost most of its starters to graduation and Harrisburg (9-3), which was also hit hard in June, is replacing legendary coach George Chaump, who bolted for the greener grass at Central Dauphin East.
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<br />Still, we're excited for this game.
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<br />Harrisburg, the defending division champion, looked good in the second half of its scrimmage Friday against J.W. Robinson, Va., and always has speed.
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<br />CV won't beat itself and will play fundamentally-sound football. Whether a division crown is on the line or the only thing to play for is a better spot in the 16-team District 3 Class AAAA playoffs, this is one game to see.
<br />Travishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11609685477770481875noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2387912337398769729.post-21576631954623288882011-08-25T15:57:00.002-04:002011-08-25T16:00:36.577-04:00Pennsylvania Football News preseason rankingsLate last night, the Pennsylvania Football News released its <a href="http://www.pafootballnews.com/Rankings_11.htm">preseason rankings</a>.
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<br />The only area team to crack the top 10 in any of the four classes was Trinity, which checks in at No. 5. The Shamrocks open the season next Friday at 7 p.m. against No. 2 Lancaster Catholic at COBO Field.
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<br />Cumberland Valley is listed in the Others to Watch category in Class AAAA.
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<br />Pittsburgh Central Catholic (AAAA), Allentown Central Catholic (AAA), West Catholic (AA) and Clairton (A) are the top-ranked teams.
<br />Travishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11609685477770481875noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2387912337398769729.post-64381558420769568092011-08-24T19:51:00.004-04:002011-08-24T20:02:52.032-04:00Top Games No. 6: Red Land at Cedar Cliff<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaOZbhVlFQ9AJQs-nGt0uLtMAsSXgBKsx06qqfXpc57PLZZbQYrirRvK5aseOIAoKF9GzNW6M_vGh5wxV20iKWmXt32jHDR-H59pY9Cz_jXDmSw10cepsSkHPEbVzXV6md9lZ6HjW2h51l/s1600/RL14.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 151px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644576939401183442" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaOZbhVlFQ9AJQs-nGt0uLtMAsSXgBKsx06qqfXpc57PLZZbQYrirRvK5aseOIAoKF9GzNW6M_vGh5wxV20iKWmXt32jHDR-H59pY9Cz_jXDmSw10cepsSkHPEbVzXV6md9lZ6HjW2h51l/s320/RL14.jpg" /></a>Really, what else is there to say?
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<br /><div>It's a game between Red Land and Cedar Cliff. Maybe not as heated as some other sports, the annual football game is not one of miss. The rivalry returns to West Shore Stadium on Sept. 30.</div>
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<br /><div>On the surface, this one looks like it could be a blowout. Cedar Cliff, literally, has everyone back on offense. The defense won't be too shabby either.</div>
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<br /><div>Red Land, on the other hand, is in a transition period. The Patriots are coming off back-to-back losing seasons and are under the guidance of first-year coach Chad Weaver. Hopefully by the time this game rolls around, the Patriots have worked out the kinks because we expect Cedar Cliff to be firing on all cylinders from the start.</div>
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<br /><div>The good news for Red Land and junior quarterback Kyle Biddle, above, is that it does boast veteran offensive and defensive lines. Those guys could keep Cedar Cliff's offense off-balance and, if the running game clicks, Red Land could keep the ball away from the Colts' powerful offense.</div>
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<br /><div>Don't sleep on Red Land for a minute. The Patriots are a tough bunch who could pull the upset. Whether they do or not is yet to be seen.</div>
<br />Travishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11609685477770481875noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2387912337398769729.post-18055180935917279052011-08-19T19:42:00.002-04:002011-08-19T19:50:56.948-04:00Thumbs up to Mifflin CountyIt will be years until we know whether the addition of District 6 schools State College and Mifflin County as full-time Mid-Penn Conference members works or not.
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<br />And, at least in terms of Mifflin County, it will be quite some time until it's clear whether or not the Huskies can compete in the difficult Mid-Penn Commonwealth Division.
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<br />But the school is OK in our book because it went above and beyond to design its own logo. And, the school's <a href="http://pahelmetproject.com/team.php?id=623">football helmet</a> looks amazing.
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<br />We haven't seen photos of the football team's uniforms so we have no opinion on them. If you've read this blog over the last few years, you know we love to discuss uniforms, helmets and game hats. Mifflin County's helmet is one of the most unique and creative that we've come across.
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<br />We absolutely love the fact that the school didn't go down the generic path and slap a big white or purple paw on the helmet, an interlocked MC or just leave it plain white or purple.
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<br />Good job, Mifflin County, and welcome to the Mid-Penn.
<br />Travishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11609685477770481875noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2387912337398769729.post-13424414444055909892011-08-19T18:48:00.003-04:002011-08-19T19:01:40.551-04:00Top Games No. 7: Boiling Springs at Milton Hershey<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio2EJLdnZeFudX5i4XZykI5RcJW8HPwgUtBNOurpsU9PUWpe7HQ_BLTYGRvPpV1VKjhHGbPeX7u6qdO5ctDKOomMZZNANbriW-oOnwCGd4ItPcHTgvvQYd0yVWpiqK7BpvWMjS9Wpsp92z/s1600/BoS.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 204px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642705800779948290" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio2EJLdnZeFudX5i4XZykI5RcJW8HPwgUtBNOurpsU9PUWpe7HQ_BLTYGRvPpV1VKjhHGbPeX7u6qdO5ctDKOomMZZNANbriW-oOnwCGd4ItPcHTgvvQYd0yVWpiqK7BpvWMjS9Wpsp92z/s320/BoS.jpg" /></a>Last year was a little bit different than what we're used to when the Bubblers and Spartans tangle.
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<br /><div>For the first time since 2004, the annual meeting between these teams was decided by more than seven points. Boiling Springs won at home, 20-7, it snap its four-game losing streak against Milton Hershey.</div>
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<br /><div>Expect things to tighten back up this fall when the rivals meet Sept. 16 at Spartan Stadium.</div>
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<br /><div>Milton Hershey, always an athletic bunch, figures to be improved from last year's 3-7 record. It's not often that a team coached by Jeff Boger suffers through a losing season and it's very hard to imagine that happening again.</div>
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<br /><div>But, the Capital is expected to be a very balanced league this year. The common opinion is that Trinity is the favorite, but beyond the Shamrocks whoever comes in second is any one's guess.</div>
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<br /><div>That's why this early-season game is so important.</div>
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<br /><div>Boiling Springs and running back Drew Hunter, above, dropped its season opener last year before running off seven straight wins. The Bubblers staged a huge rally in Week 2 to upend Palmyra before taking out the Spartans. Don't think for a second that win over Milton Hershey didn't do wonders for that the team's confidence.</div>
<br />Travishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11609685477770481875noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2387912337398769729.post-64825375653021516472011-08-17T22:43:00.003-04:002011-08-17T22:51:52.926-04:00USA Today high school football rankingsMuch like the season-ending baseball polls, Pennsylvania is without a team in the <a href="http://www.highschoolsports.net/super25/football/">USA Today Super 25 preseason high school football poll</a>.
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<br />But, there is hope.
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<br />Normally, the Pennsylvania Class AAAA champion cracks the rankings by season's end. We'll see if that's the case this year.
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<br />If you're looking for the favorite to win that title, check out <a href="http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/11219/1165569-365.stm">Pittsburgh Central Catholic</a>. It appears that the Vikings are going to be very good this year. Now, whether they escape the WPIAL is something else altogether.
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<br />And, here's a really cool <a href="http://www.highschoolsports.net/sports/preps/football/2011-08-16-red-lion-christian-delaware-football_n.htm">story</a> about Delaware private school Red Lion Christian and it's hopes of building a national football power.
<br />Travishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11609685477770481875noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2387912337398769729.post-30180789196971245622011-08-17T17:11:00.003-04:002011-08-17T17:25:38.285-04:00Top Games No. 8: Lampeter-Strasburg at Cedar Cliff<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZGa2oq6Fn45BL5MbmrYw8JMqDExvqFM7UawDBNhKY3hnCgfzJQgMGkPRNa39FgBQ9-8kLrUBobF6AlkHLqe1tzVut1DKSKB2hsmVJzgLAVQWMWtd8CyN1o_FadwH9TUJfKNQ2ApMXPwas/s1600/CC.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 238px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641939067490597074" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZGa2oq6Fn45BL5MbmrYw8JMqDExvqFM7UawDBNhKY3hnCgfzJQgMGkPRNa39FgBQ9-8kLrUBobF6AlkHLqe1tzVut1DKSKB2hsmVJzgLAVQWMWtd8CyN1o_FadwH9TUJfKNQ2ApMXPwas/s320/CC.jpg" /></a>Last season, this game was a measuring stick for the up-and-coming Colts.
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<br />This year, it's a game Cedar Cliff and senior quarterback Tyler Orris, left, will be expected to win. The teams meet Sept. 16 at West Shore Stadium.
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<br />The Colts were on a roll last season after winning their first two games by an average of 33-14 before being blasted by Lampeter-Strasburg, 28-7, at Pioneer Field.
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<br />Lampeter-Strasburg, mind you, was no slouch last season. The Pioneers finished 11-2 and advanced to the District 3 Class AAA semifinals before falling to Bishop McDevitt.
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<br />But there's no hiding the fact that Cedar Cliff has a ton of talent returning and will be expected to challenge for the Keystone Division title and make some noise in the District 3 Class AAAA playoffs.
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<br />Colts coach Jim Cantafio hasn't won a playoff game in two trips to the postseason at Cedar Cliff. He's worked wonders by building this program into a respectable one, but until if the Colts want respect across the board, they'll need to beat Lampeter-Strasburg and then win at least one 3-AAAA playoff game.
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<br />If anyone can help a team reach its expectations, it's Cantafio. We expect big things out of the Colts and would be surprised if they fail to deliver.
<br />Travishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11609685477770481875noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2387912337398769729.post-46331621521716734022011-08-16T16:24:00.004-04:002011-08-16T16:41:21.848-04:00Top Games No. 9: Trinity at Camp Hill<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjV7mMem3F5Q3Ur2y_6_WrdqCk0HENemURoCLoIe8O_7OtjsyrGNtPPSYhypmIBypZUHENFapjpbkY_poZBZVmLAbDMNFo95jpmHyof51gLq9ABDajocC-0lBJWz3m1AFYJ8tZY5x_54ta/s1600/Trinity.BLOG.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 198px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641554974091251090" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjV7mMem3F5Q3Ur2y_6_WrdqCk0HENemURoCLoIe8O_7OtjsyrGNtPPSYhypmIBypZUHENFapjpbkY_poZBZVmLAbDMNFo95jpmHyof51gLq9ABDajocC-0lBJWz3m1AFYJ8tZY5x_54ta/s320/Trinity.BLOG.jpg" /></a>In recent years, this backyard rivalry, which returns Sept. 9 at Camp Hill's Seibert Memorial Park, hasn't been much of a game.
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<br /><div>When Camp Hill has solid teams, the Lions compete with Trinity, but when they experience lean years, this game is usually one-sided.</div>
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<br /><div>Last season, Trinity and quarterback Patrick Dill, right, ran roughshod over Camp Hill in a 49-0 rout. That was the first of 12 straight wins for the Shamrocks on their way to a second District 3 Class AA title. Trinity, which lost to Lewisburg in the PIAA Class AA quarterfinals, finished with a 12-2 record last season.</div>
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<br /><div>In the offseason, veteran Camp Hill coach Frank Kindler resigned after an ugly 1-9 season. Frank Gay, the former Red Land coach, stepped in to lead the Lions.</div>
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<br /><div>How Gay fares with the small numbers at Camp Hill is yet to be seen, but remember that Gay's Red Land teams were always a hard-nosed bunch. If he brings that mentality to Camp Hill, the Lions will definitely compete.</div>
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<br /><div>Now, for Trinity. The Shamrocks are still on the short list of 3-AA favorites despite the lingering cloud stemming from an alleged hazing incident during the team's visit to Lebanon Valley College for a team camp in July.</div>
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<br /><div>The outcome of the police and the school's investigation could determine how far this talented team goes.</div>
<br />Travishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11609685477770481875noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2387912337398769729.post-13850067082454962392011-08-15T16:40:00.005-04:002011-08-15T17:02:23.876-04:00Top Games No. 10: Big Spring at Shippensburg<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJAiMzRR3lKnnD2A5AGVn4XZR0Zrr5rhiEL92yF8rL8lCq7MNAL3XN0jojs1ByzGvviwEOUheKrvVy_3yfIYbXTHWuk2iEocb-KFwkQmX6XZd5Bi-tYOigzcM2aPUKCDGHyowPCACa1JvU/s1600/Big.Spring.WEB.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 246px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641188378065410002" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJAiMzRR3lKnnD2A5AGVn4XZR0Zrr5rhiEL92yF8rL8lCq7MNAL3XN0jojs1ByzGvviwEOUheKrvVy_3yfIYbXTHWuk2iEocb-KFwkQmX6XZd5Bi-tYOigzcM2aPUKCDGHyowPCACa1JvU/s320/Big.Spring.WEB.jpg" /></a>The annual battle for the Little Brown Jug returns to Shippensburg on Sept. 23.
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<br /><div>The Greyhounds are no doubt seeking some revenge from last year when Big Spring stole a 20-19 victory in Newville.</div>
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<br /><div>Shippensburg scored with 1:54 remaining on Branson Allen's 3-yard run and coach Eric Foust elected to go for two and the win. On the play, Big Spring defensive lineman Dakota Matthews stopped Shippensburg quarterback Marshal Witmer short of the goal line to preserve the victory.</div>
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<br /><div>It was Big Spring's first win over Shippensburg since 2004 and helped the Bulldogs reach the District 3 Class AAA playoffs for the first time.</div>
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<br /><div>"One of our goals was the win back the Little Brown Jug," Big Spring coach Brent Stroh said in the days following last year's game. "For the community, it's a pride thing, but it's still just one game. The bottom line was, win or lose, this game wouldn't determine the fate of our season."</div>
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<br /><div>Big Spring went on to finish the regular season with a 5-5 record. The Bulldogs then lost to Lampeter-Strasburg, 41-13, in the 3-AAA first round. Shippensburg ended with an 8-2 regular-season record and lost to Hershey, 15-6, in the 3-AAA first round.</div>
<br />Travishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11609685477770481875noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2387912337398769729.post-13088474730579629312011-08-14T13:20:00.002-04:002011-08-14T13:23:29.525-04:00Top Football Games 2011 coming soonWe're putting the finishing touches on our list of what we expect to be the most meaningful football games of the upcoming season.
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<br />Please check back over the next two weeks of the preseason (camps open tomorrow) morning as we go through the 10 games -- we're planning to post one or two each day.
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<br />By the middle of the season, some games we're talking about in August probably won't look as good by Halloween while some that missed the cut will surprise us.
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<br />Please stay tuned.
<br />Travishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11609685477770481875noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2387912337398769729.post-79732876955564791212011-08-14T13:05:00.002-04:002011-08-14T13:14:39.589-04:00Baltimore captures AAABA crownIf you've never been to the <a href="http://www.aaabatournament.com/">All-American Amateur Baseball Association</a> national tournament in Johnstown, you're missing out.
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<br />This season, the Baltimore franchise won its second title in a row and 28th overall by <a href="http://www.aaabatournament.com/Articles/110813_Championship.html">beating Livonia and New Orleans</a> on Saturday to finish the double-elimination tournament with a 6-0 record.
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<br />Now for the reason we're talking AAABA baseball today: we would love to see the Harrisburg area at the very least apply for a franchise.
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<br />A team comprised of former and current Mid-Penn Conference players would no doubt compete for a national championship and we would like nothing more than to see that happen.
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<br />An ideal setup would have the Harrisburg franchise competing in either the East Shore Twilight League or the West Shore Twilight League in the regular season before partaking in the AAABA postseason.
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<br />Hopefully one day, we'll see this happen.
<br />Travishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11609685477770481875noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2387912337398769729.post-52917078968934028712011-08-06T16:30:00.003-04:002011-08-06T16:33:45.212-04:00Gateway Kickoff Classic's date changedBishop McDevitt's season-opening return trip to Gateway High School in suburban Pittsburgh will now take place Sunday, Sept. 4 at noon, according to <a href="http://www.easternpafootball.com/">Easternpafootball.com</a> blogger Joshua Funk.<br /><br />McDevitt and the host Gators are the first game of a doubleheader in the Gateway Kickoff Classic. The other matchup features Philadelphia Catholic League power Archbishop Wood against WPIAL heavyweight Pittsburgh Central Catholic. That game begins at 3:30.<br /><br />Now, if only we could find a way to get a season-opening event like this at Hersheypark Stadium.Travishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11609685477770481875noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2387912337398769729.post-56484996695348716432011-08-05T19:35:00.004-04:002011-08-05T19:46:38.512-04:00Top football games this fall (honorable mention)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRQUy2A8saV8KkF7YikjIUmni7NKv-dDHR5CUj5AnP7HHXfA9L2OGxKj90Pc0KHqkVMctRsZZ839LAlxnvOIkao1tuzRrkBt5EFX8GUAAalwrwaKpR20sTWTo4-bQsnwzGX4NcIxTJJFE1/s1600/vs.RedLion.9.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 228px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5637522280534449042" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRQUy2A8saV8KkF7YikjIUmni7NKv-dDHR5CUj5AnP7HHXfA9L2OGxKj90Pc0KHqkVMctRsZZ839LAlxnvOIkao1tuzRrkBt5EFX8GUAAalwrwaKpR20sTWTo4-bQsnwzGX4NcIxTJJFE1/s320/vs.RedLion.9.jpg" /></a>Here is our list of the top football games this year. These are the honorable mention games. The Top 10 Games of the Year will be announced next week right here. These games are listed by week.<br /><br /><br /><div><strong>Cumberland Valley at Red Lion, Sept. 2 (Week 1) --</strong> Eagles won two games vs. Lions last year by a combined count of 80-13, including a 35-7 rout in the District 3 Class AAAA final in December (left). We figure this season opener might be a little closer. <strong>Note:</strong> This game could be moved to Chapman Field if the new artificial surface at Horn Field isn't ready in time.</div><br /><div><strong></strong></div><br /><div><strong>Bishop McDevitt at Cedar Cliff, Oct. 7 (Week 6) --</strong> We think the Colts could have a big season and this game will tell us more. If they want to win the Keystone Division, the Colts must beat McDevitt.</div><br /><br /><div><strong>Chambersburg at Carlisle, Oct. 14 (Week 7) --</strong> Recently, there hasn't been anything on the line when these rivals play. That probably won't change this year, but it's usually fun when these two get together.</div><br /><br /><div><strong>East Pennsboro at Boiling Springs, Oct. 28 (Week 9) --</strong> A nice rivalry game near the end of the season. East Penn got its mojo back by beating the Bubblers, 35-7, late last season. Revenge could be in order.</div><br /><br /><div><strong>Trinity at Milton Hershey, Oct. 28 (Week 9) --</strong> As long as former Trinity coach Jeff Boger is coaching the Spartans, this game will make the list. Trust us, Boger will have Milton Hershey among the district's best before long.</div><br /><br /><div><strong>Carlisle at Cumberland Valley, Nov. 4 (Week 10) --</strong> Former CV player Josh Oswalt's first test as Carlisle head coach against his former team was ugly. The Eagles cruised to a 48-7 win last November at Ken Millen Stadium. By the time this game rolls around, the slew of new faces at CV should be finding their rhythm. Carlisle better be ready.</div>Travishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11609685477770481875noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2387912337398769729.post-17276390983022512612011-08-03T23:18:00.002-04:002011-08-03T23:26:19.521-04:00Crazy schedule for Mifflin CountyIt won't be easy for Mifflin County when the new, merged high school enters the Mid-Penn as a full-time, varsity-only member.<br /><br />But, in terms of scheduling, the Commonwealth Division might offer some relief for the Huskies.<br /><br />This year, <a href="http://www.westernpafootball.net/db/schedules/viewteam.php5?id=836">Mifflin County</a> starts with five road games before hosting Ohio powerhouse Cardinal Mooney on Oct. 7 at 7 p.m.<br /><br /><a href="http://lewistownsentinel.com/page/content.detail/id/528037/People-s-choice--The-Mifflin-County-Huskies.html?nav=5010">The Huskies</a> do close with five straight home games, but they have two more odd-ball opponents in Maryland Christian and Blue Mountain.<br /><br />At least next year, the fans of Mifflin County will start to see a more balanced schedule filled with opponents who will become familiar.Travishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11609685477770481875noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2387912337398769729.post-64897387073775066862011-08-02T21:41:00.002-04:002011-08-02T21:47:13.445-04:00Livingston resigns at CarlisleCarlisle High School varsity baseball coach Brett Livingston recently resigned from his post, he told The Sentinel on Monday night.<br /><br />Livingston said it was time for a change, both for him and the players on the team.<br /><br />Livingston leaves the program in stable condition. The Thundering Herd finished the last two seasons with idential 10-10 records and qualified for the District 3 Class AAAA playoffs both years.<br /><br />In six years as the head coach, Livingston went 42-74. It must be noted that in three of his six years, Livingston guided the Herd to the 3-AAAA playoffs.<br /><br />Livingston, who was named The Sentinel's Coach of the Year following the 2010 season, will remain a health and physical education teacher at Carlisle's Lamberton Middle School.<br /><br />For more on this story, visit <a href="http://www.cumberlink.com/">www.cumberlink.com</a> or pick up a copy of The Sentinel on Wednesday.Travishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11609685477770481875noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2387912337398769729.post-89488197091548205652011-07-29T21:21:00.002-04:002011-07-29T21:27:57.028-04:00Local connections in Sports IllustratedThis week's edition of Sports Illustrated is worth picking up.<br /><br />Tom Verducci wrote an interesting <a href="http://cnnsi.printthis.clickability.com/pt/cpt?expire=&title=The+game%27s+future+is+biding+his+time+in+-+08.01.11+-+SI+Vault&urlID=457254542&action=cpt&partnerID=289881&fb=Y&url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1188679/index.htm">feature story</a> about Harrisburg Senators left fielder Bryce Harper, who the Washington Nationals took with the first overall pick in last year's Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft.<br /><br />Also mentioned in the magainze is <a href="http://www.cumberlink.com/sports/article_c4ef99f1-d144-542e-8937-c9b62522721f.html">Devin Mesoraco</a>. Mesoraco is from Punxsutawney and helped lead the Chucks to the 2007 PIAA Class AAA baseball title. Mesoraco, who plays for Class AAA Louisville in the Cincinnati Reds' farm system, is said to be potential trade bait for the club.Travishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11609685477770481875noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2387912337398769729.post-15860451372833199892011-07-29T16:44:00.004-04:002011-07-30T19:15:22.186-04:00American Legion baseball scores, scheduleFinal day of action in West Lawn. Blackhawk plays host West Lawn for Pennsylvania's final bid into next week's Mid-Atlantic Regional Tournament at Boyertown's Bear Stadium.<br /><br /><strong>Friday</strong><br />Bristol 5, Boyertown 2 (Bristol clinches berth in Mid-Atlantic Regional Tournament)<br />Boyertown 13, West Lawn 5 (West Lawn eliminated)<br />Bristol 10, Blackhawk 5 (Blackhawk eliminated)<br /><br /><strong>Saturday</strong><br />Blackhawk 9, West Lawn 6 (Mid-Atlantic Regional Play-in Game)<br />Boyertown 5, Bristol 1<br />Bristol 11, Boyertown 3Travishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11609685477770481875noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2387912337398769729.post-53614538755982659792011-07-28T09:23:00.002-04:002011-07-28T09:42:41.514-04:00Football: Bad news keeps comingSuddenly, a dark cloud is hanging over the area high school football scene.<br /><br />Coming off one of the best years in recent memory for area teams -- Cumberland Valley and Trinity won district titles -- two shocking events were reported over the span of four days.<br /><br />First, Boiling Springs senior two-way lineman <a href="http://www.cumberlink.com/sports/high-school/football/article_17efc73c-b846-11e0-9635-001cc4c03286.html">Sam Gitt tragically died</a> after a football practice at Albright College's camp Friday night. No one will know how or why Gitt died until lab tests come back in several weeks, Berks County chief deputy coroner Charles Sweitzer told The Sentinel on Tuesday.<br /><br />Heat has not been ruled out as a contributing factor, Sweitzer said.<br /><br />Also on Tuesday, news broke that a <a href="http://www.cumberlink.com/sports/local/article_687d312a-b7e8-11e0-ab83-001cc4c002e0.html">hazing incident involving the Trinity High School football team</a> took place at Lebanon Valley College's camp, which ended July 20.<br /><br />Trinity's administration has been rather quiet about the situation as the Annville Township Police Department are continuing their investigation.<br /><br />Depending on what the police find, there could be suspensions and/or expulsions from the team. Remember, the Shamrocks open the season against perennial district and state power Lancaster Catholic at COBO Field on Sept. 2 at 7 p.m.<br /><br />And, if you've forgotten, <a href="http://www.easternpafootball.com/db/schedules/viewteam.php5?id=131">Trinity</a> will already be shorthanded. Running back-linebacker Jack Miller was thrown out of Trinity's PIAA Class AA quarterfinal game against Lewisburg for throwing a punch and is suspended for the first game of the season.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.easternpafootball.com/db/schedules/viewteam.php5?id=129">Boiling Springs</a>, which went 7-4 last year and qualified for the 3-AA playoffs where it lost to Trinity, opens the season at home Sept. 2 against Littlestown at 7 p.m. The Thunder Bolts finished the regular season 10-0 last year before losing their 3-AA opener.<br /><br />Trinity, the defending district champion, is coming off a 12-2 season.Travishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11609685477770481875noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2387912337398769729.post-28614731132724487182011-07-28T00:41:00.004-04:002011-07-28T00:46:56.169-04:00American Legion baseball scores, scheduleAll games at Owls Field, West Lawn.<br /><br /><strong>Wenesday</strong><br />Red Land 13, Plains 12 (Plains eliminated)<br />Millcreek 10, West Hempfield 3 (West Hempfield eliminated)<br />Boyertown 4, Blackhawk 3 (10)<br />Bristol 8, West Lawn 1<br /><br /><strong>Thursday</strong><br />Millcreek vs. Blackhawk, noon (elimination game)<br />West Lawn vs. Red Land, 3 (elimination game)<br />Bristol vs. Boyertown, 7Travishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11609685477770481875noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2387912337398769729.post-8801168079731857992011-07-27T23:53:00.003-04:002011-07-28T00:07:11.955-04:00Red Land erasing bad memoriesThe night is probably still fresh in their minds.<br /><br />In the first round of the District 3 Class AAAA playoffs third-seeded Red Land tried to win via the comeback route again. This time, the Patriots fell short in an 8-7 loss to upstart No. 14 seed Spring Grove at Memorial Field in Hershey.<br /><br />Red Land trailed, 8-3, entering the seventh inning before rallying within one run. But, the Patriots stranded the tying run on third when Ben Dunmire struck out.<br /><br />These days, that loss seems like a distant memory.<br /><br />In the Pennsylvania American Legion State Tournament on Wednesday morning, Red Land Post 974 staged a huge rally at Owls Field in West Lawn to dump Plains Post 558, 13-12, in a wild elimination game.<br /><br />Red Land Post 974, which has many of the same players that went 16-5 in the high school season, won the Cumberland County and Section 4 titles to earn a bid in the double-elimination state tournament.<br /><br />The team, which has a 21-6 record, took another step Wednesday morning to erase the bad memories from that night in late May and they have a chance to make more noise Thursday. Red Land meets host West Lawn at 3 p.m. in an elimination game. West Lawn fell to Bristol, 8-1, Wednesday night.<br /><br />A win Thursday and Red Land will be one of the final four American Legion baseball teams still playing in Pennsylvania. That's not a bad way to rebound from the sudden end of the high school season.Travishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11609685477770481875noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2387912337398769729.post-44635483513222171272011-07-20T15:39:00.002-04:002011-07-20T15:42:14.556-04:00Iowa baseball team sets markThe Martensdale-St. Marys baseball team set the record for most consecutive wins last night when the Blue Devils <a href="http://www.desmoinesregister.com/article/20110719/SPORTS08/110719031/0/NEWS09/?odyssey=nav%7Chead">thumped Twin Cedars, 10-0, in an Iowa Class 1-A substate final</a>.<br /><br />Martensdale-St. Marys broke the previous record of 83 straight wins set earlier this year by the Portsmouth (N.H.) squad.<br /><br />The Blue Devils, who haven't lost since 2009, advance to next week's Iowa state tournament.Travishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11609685477770481875noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2387912337398769729.post-58679331900912751352011-07-19T17:08:00.004-04:002011-07-19T17:14:10.369-04:00Baseball team going for recordFile this under the hard-to-believe category.<br /><br />The Martensdale-St. Marys baseball team is gunning for its <a href="http://www.desmoinesregister.com/article/20110719/SPORTS08/110719031/Martensdale-St-Marys-aims-national-record-tonight?odyssey=mod_sectionstories">84th straight win</a> tonight when the Blue Devils meet Twin Cedars in the Iowa Substate 6 Finals at 7 p.m.<br /><br />But, that's not what's so hard to believe.<br /><br />The strange thing is, earlier this year, Portsmouth (N.H.) set the national record of 83 straight wins.<br /><br />If Martensdale-St. Marys wins tonight, Portsmouth's record would have stood for less than two months.Travishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11609685477770481875noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2387912337398769729.post-43506591266872413792011-07-19T16:58:00.002-04:002011-07-19T17:01:06.142-04:00Big-name QB selects Penn StateSkyler Mornhinweg, a senior at Philadelphia's St. Joseph's Prep, has announced his intention to continue his football career at Penn State, the <a href="http://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/inq-pennstate/Mornhinweg-picks-Penn-State.html">Philadelphia Inquirer</a> reported Tuesday afternoon.<br /><br />According to the report, Mornhinweg originally verbally committed to Stanford, but soured on the Cardinal when former coach Jim Harbaugh left for the San Francisco 49ers.<br /><br />Mornhinweg's father, Marty, is the offensive coordinator for the Philadelphia Eagles.Travishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11609685477770481875noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2387912337398769729.post-80704584334105283092011-07-16T17:10:00.004-04:002011-07-16T17:17:21.982-04:00The buzz is beginningAlready, the season-opening game between Lancaster Catholic and defending District 3 Class AA champion Trinity is starting to draw attention.<br /><br />Recently, former Lancaster Newspapers writer Jeff Reinhart, who owns and operates <a href="http://llleaguesports.com/">Lancaster-Lebanon League News</a>, broke down his Top 10 Games to Watch for the upcoming L-L football season.<br /><br />Checking in at <a href="http://llleaguesports.com/l-l-league-football-2011-schedule-notebook/3847/">No. 9</a> is Lancaster Catholic at Trinity.<br /><br />The two private schools have quite a history and each has something to prove when they butt heads in Week 1 at COBO Field. Last year, Lancaster Catholic pounded Trinity, 35-7, and took an 11-0 record in the 3-AA semifinals. That's where the season ended with a 21-14 loss to Wyomissing.<br /><br />Meanwhile, Trinity cruised to the 3-AA title and played Lewisburg, a team we thought was the second-best Class AA team in Pennsylvania last year, tough before falling in the state quarterfinals, 35-21.<br /><br />This season-opening game could very easily be a preview of the 3-AA final.Travishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11609685477770481875noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2387912337398769729.post-75414073781380454062011-07-15T20:15:00.002-04:002011-07-15T20:21:28.961-04:00First tests for new coachesWhen preseason practice kicks off for high school football in a little over a month, two area teams will be under new leadership.<br /><br />Former Red Land coach Frank Gay took over the reigns at Camp Hill for Frank Kindler and was replaced in Lewisberry by rookie head coach Chad Weaver.<br /><br />The first time both coaches face live competition with their new teams will be in scrimmages Aug. 20. Red Land will meet Northeastern in a 9 a.m. start while Camp Hill ventures to perennially dreadful York Vo-Tech.<br /><br />Six days later, the Lions go back on the road for a 6 p.m. start against Newport while Red Land travels to Hanover for a 6 p.m. date with South Western. Both of those scrimmages should give both coaches a better understanding of the teams they'll have.<br /><br />The Patriots open the season Sept. 2 at home against East Pennsboro; Camp Hill hosts Biglerville the same night. Both games kick off at 7 p.m.Travishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11609685477770481875noreply@blogger.com0