Week 10 recap

Susquenita is the only local team that didn’t play Friday night, the Blackhawks are at Kennard-Dale this afternoon. That said, I’m posting the Week 10 recap a day early to focus on the District 3 playoff pairings, which are expected to be released Sunday morning.

Biggest winners:
Northern – A 35-21 win over Shippensburg assured the Polar Bears of their fourth straight Mid-Penn Colonial title and, thanks to Elizabethtown’s loss to Cocalico, a top seed in the upcoming District 3-AAA playoffs. With Michael Davies and Bubba Smith running hard in the backfield and quarterback Jordan Rutherford playing his best ball of the year, Northern is going to be a tough out.
Red Land – The Patriots emerged from a physical war against Hershey victorious to stake their claim to a share of the Mid-Penn Keystone crown with Gettysburg. Junior Rodriguez (20 carries for 99 yards) led a Red Land attack that was focusing on the run in anticipation for the upcoming 3-AAA playoffs. Chad Christen booted two field goals – 42 and 22 yards – while all 13 Red Land points came off turnovers in the 10-point win.
Trinity – A Boiling Springs touchdown in the final minute foiled the Shamrocks’ bid for their seventh shutout and were the first points Trinity allowed at home. But the Shamrocks still polished off an unbeaten season and a Mid-Penn Capital championship with the 48-6 rout behind Rod Trevino's 127 yards and three touchdowns. Trinity also earned the top seed in the 3-AA playoffs.
Cumberland Valley – The Eagles will host a playoff game next week thanks their 41-7 win over Cedar Cliff and Muhlenberg’s 35-24 loss to Governor Mifflin. CV may need to rely on its home field advantage because either opponent – Central Dauphin or Muhlenberg – will pose a huge challenge.
Mechanicsburg – A frustrating season ended with a thrilling 28-21 win over Palmyra to snap a seven-game losing streak. It was a good, positive way to put an end to very emotional season at Memorial Park. Tarik Leftenant, a sophomore, scored on an 89-yard kickoff return, rushed for 189 yards on 22 carries and scored once on the ground. The future looks bright for Mechanicsburg.

Biggest losers:
Big Spring – Allowing 444 offensive yards in a 65-0 loss to East Pennsboro wasn’t the best way to follow up the program’s first win since 2004. The Bulldogs gave up 32 first-quarter points and allowed the Panthers to find the end zone 10 times. Blake Wheeler scored half of East Penn's touchdowns.
Boiling Springs – It was surprising to see the Bubblers blown out by Trinity. That’s not a good note to end a frustrating season on.