2023 Season outlook for the Mid-Penn Commonwealth
Tagged under: Conference Previews, District 3, District 6, News
Billy Splain | August 23, 2023
Make no mistake, winning this conference is one tough feat. The Commonwealth is always, in our opinion, one of the toughest conference divisions in the state if not the toughest. Last year Harrisburg and State College battled it out with the Little Lions getting the title with a perfect 13-0 record before bowing out to Harrisburg in the state semis. It looks like that battle will replay this season. Or will it? Could there be a dark horse? We’ll see in November. For now, here’s the skinny on the division:
Altoona
Head Coach: Vince Nedimyer
Last year: 6-6
The Mountain Lions are a team that has a chance to improve on last seasons record, but it won’t be east. T+They have to replace Tyson Reid and Alexander Yost on offense and DE Manny Miller, three studs that kept Altoona competitive. QB Brennen Freiwald contributed over 900 yards of offense but he’ll be looking for new targets and a RB to give the ball to. Their line was young so they’ll be leaning on them to stay competitive.
Carlisle
Head Coach: Brandon Cook (first season)
Last season: 6-5
The Herd lost some studs from last season. Jeremiah Hargrove has moved to a different school, and they’ll have to replace their quarterback. Lucas Smith appears to be the next man up. He’s a lefty so that might give a few defenses fits. Carson Swartz should have a great year at receiver if Smith can find him. It’s hard to tell if Carlisle can improve on what was considered a very good year.
Central Dauphin
Head Coach: Glen McNamee
Last year: 3-7
After an unusually tough season, the Rams appear to have the players to turn things around. And for the Rams, it all starts up front with 6-6, 260 lb Maryland commit Andrew Robsock and 6-8, 280 lb JMU commit Evan Bushong. The rest of the CD line isn’t much smaller with Jr. Zach Coleman coming in at 6-2, 260. Returning is QB Key’Ron Plummer, though he missed a good portion of the season with injury. Mateo Crummel is the lone returning starter at wide receiver but should receive help from TE Jeff Franz. Rounding out the offense is returning RB Kyle McCullough.
Defensively CD looks stout with 7 returning starters including Franz, I’Zhior Moon and Joey Bass on the line. McCullough leads the LB corps.
“The 2023 team will have a mix of returning starters and newcomers who will have to establish chemistry quickly considering the extremely difficult schedule” said coach McNamee.
Central Dauphin East
Head Coach Lance Deane
Last season: 3-7
Coach Deane is looking for more consistency this year. He should get that from running back Jared Porter who has the speed and athleticism to move the ball. QB Demaj Jalloh will have to improve on his game last year. With three linemen returning the Panthers will have some time to move the ball around.
Chambersburg
Head Coach: Mark Luther
Last season: 3-7
The Trojans open the season with powerhouse Pope John Paul II out of district 1. Last year they opened against another power from D1, CB East. Luther hopes this years opener has a better result. “Our strength going into the season will be with our skill positions. We return a number of starters, as well as, other players with significant playing time last season”. Where they fall short heading into 2023 is the offensive line. All but one starter is gone to graduation. QB Jermere Jones returns as wo Rhaigeon Parker and Jean-Baptiste at wide receiver. They need to move the ball through the air quickly until the line gels.
Com Barbagallo and Dayre Senft lead a defense with 7 returning starters.
Cumberland Valley
Head Coach: Josh Oswalt
Last season: 7-4
In 2023 the Eagles lived up to their expectations. This year is a rebuilding year of sorts. Gone is one of the best quarterbacks in the Mid Penn, Isaac Sines. JD Hunter, Ty King and Bryce Beutler also graduated leaving big holes to fill. One saving grace for the incoming QB is Caiden Pine returns at WR. He’s the lone returning starter there. Running the ball will be Bryce Staretz who had a respectable year, but, the “distraction” of Sines won’t be there so he’ll be keyed on early. Luckily for Oswalt, he returns a seasoned line that should give the new QB time and plenty of room for Staretz to run. Tyler Merrill has two hands full of FBS offers and will lead on both sides of the ball.
Harrisburg
Head Coach: Cal Everett
Last season: 11-3
They made it to the title game last season, but ran into a juggernaut from Philly. Coach Everett has the horses to make another run at “the Chap”. Shawn Lee returns to lead the offense. Lee has really improved since his campaign at QB began. Elias Coke will be a favorite target and look for tight end Ryan Epps to contribute as well. A seasoned line led by Kevin Brown, Trentin Moffitt and Tayvon Williamson should provide plenty of space. Defensively Raytel Bryant and Kymir Williams will give opposing quarterbacks fits. It the line that will lead the way. Brown, Kayne venable and Ryan Epps should provide a speedy pass rush that the Cougars are hoping will result in many three and outs.
State College
Head Coach: Matt Lintal
Last season: 13-1
The Little Lions got their perfect season suffocated by a Harrisburg team that they battled and beat early in the season. Gone are a whole host of all stars including John Scott, Stephen Scourtis, the Dinchers, Donte Nastasi, Fin Furmanek, Ian Brandt and more. Many of them are on to the next level. So what do the Little Lions have returning? How about a sophomore running back that accumulated over 1,700 yards, 24 scores, 17 receptions and holds offers from the likes of Pitt, Virginia Tech and Syracuse. Holding down the line for State is Jake Hohenshelt and his several D1 offers. Ty Salazer and Michael Gual will give the incoming quarterback some relief, but we don’t know who that QB is going to be. Owen Yerka shared time with Furmanek last year but he’s out with an injury.
Defense is where it’s at this year for Lintal’s group. Justin Castro-Dixon, Gaul, Salaser, Cooper Brushwood, Eli Espinoza and Sam Mayer all return. This will be an important piece of the puzzle if the Little Lions want to return to the semifinals for a third year.
Follow PA Football News on Twitter @PaFootballNews
You must be logged in to post a comment.