District 3 Football Midseason Review

Tagged under: District 3, News

Dontrell Mitchell | September 26, 2024

We are halfway through the season. While it’s a bit early to talk playoffs, we can talk who’s hot, who’s not and who could be a surprise in District III. Let’s dive in!

6A Teams That Are No Surprise to Make a Deep District 3 Run

Manheim Township (5-0)

Manheim Township is off to a hot start this season. Senior running back Declan Clancy has been outstanding, averaging 173 yards per game and reaching the end zone 12 times. This marks the second consecutive year Township has won their first five games, winning 17 of their last 18 overall. They aim to return to the District 3 6A Final after a nail-biting overtime loss to Harrisburg last year (34-28) that ended their undefeated streak. Can the Blue Streaks overcome all odds? We shall see.

Harrisburg (4-1)

Harrisburg faced some early-season challenges, including the eligibility of star quarterback Shawn Lee Jr., a Pittsburgh Panthers commit. They started the season with a tough loss to LaSalle College and suffered a blow with the loss of offensive lineman Kevin Brown, a Penn State commit, to injury. However, the Cougars have bounced back and won four straight games, showcasing their midseason form. To claim a District 3 Title, any challenger will have to get past Harrisburg. Will they achieve a four-peat? The story continues to unfold.

Midseason Surprise

CD East Panthers (5-0)

Coach Lance Dean’s CD East Panthers are the big surprise of the 2024 season. Starting off with an impressive 5-0 record, the Panthers are ready to prove they are a legitimate contender. Their upcoming schedule is tough, featuring opponents with a combined record of 17-8. This will test their mettle as they aim to dispel any doubts about their capabilities.

Slowly Rising: A Full Moon Team to Watch For

Dallastown (5-0)

Dallastown appears to be a legitimate contender this season, averaging 28 points per game and recording two shutouts in their first five games. They will face another test as they host Central York this Friday night at 7 PM. Can Dallastown maintain their momentum?

5A Teams That Are No Surprise to Make a Deep District 3 Run

Bishop McDevitt (4-1)

Under Hall of Fame Coach Jeff Wechter, Bishop McDevitt has made a successful transition to 5A after winning the 2022 State Championship. Their Senior quarterback, Kentucky commit Stone Saunders, has been remarkable throughout his career and has a chance to break the career touchdown record set by former Roller QB Alex Erby during Friday’s game against Altoona. The Crusaders have won three consecutive games and are positioned to finish strong in the coming weeks.

Exeter Township (5-0)

Exeter Township is enjoying a solid 5-0 start for the second consecutive year. This Lancaster Lebanon team is averaging 35 points per game and has recorded three shutouts, keeping opponents under 10 points on average. After a heartbreak in last year’s playoffs, Exeter is determined to make a deep run for the District 3 5A Title. They will host Ephrata this Friday at 7 PM.

 Midseason Surprise

Conestoga Valley (5-0)

Currently sitting at 5-0, Conestoga Valley is my midseason surprise. As the number two team in the conference, they are averaging over 30 points a game in their first five contests. To solidify their reputation as a contender in the District 3 5A playoffs, they must continue to improve. They’ll host Lebanon this Friday night at 7 PM.

Team to Keep Eyes On

Conrad Weiser

After a challenging last season (2-8), Conrad Weiser is experiencing one of their best starts in years, averaging over 30 points per game while holding opponents to just one touchdown. They are looking to assert themselves in the rest of the 2024 season. This Friday, they will play at home against Solanco at 7 PM as they embark on what could be a magical season. Let’s see how things pan out for this team!

4A Teams That Are No Surprise to Make a Deep District 3 Run

Wyomissing

It’s clearly no surprise that Wyomissing is the favorite to win the District 3 4A title, currently boasting a 4-1 record in their first five games and coming off an impressive 12-2 season in 2023. They are one of my top picks to make it to the District 3 title game. There is no doubt in my mind that they will continue to keep their foot on the pedal as they travel on the road tomorrow night to take on Donegal.

West York

After a winless 2023 campaign, going 0-10, West York has rebounded impressively and is off to one of the best starts in school history. This team is hungry and aims to establish their presence in the District 3 4A Playoffs. They will face another undefeated team, Eastern York, this Friday night at 7 PM in what promises to be a significant matchup.

West Perry

After a deep run in the 2023 season, finishing 11-2 before running into Wyomissing, this West Perry team is playing great ball during the first five games of the season. It was surprising that they lost a close game last week to Middletown, 14-9, but I don’t think that will stop this team from making a promising run to conquer the District 3 4A title. West Perry is still no surprise to me; I believe they mean business. Can they keep it going? We shall see this Friday night at 7 PM as they look to get back to winning ways against East Pennsboro.

Midseason Surprise:

Eastern York

My midseason surprise team is Eastern York. This York Adams team is 5-0 and has been blazing through their first five games, scoring 257 points to their opponents’ 69 points. Fifty of those points came last week in a barnburner against Solanco, finishing 57-50. I believe this team could make a deep run in the District Playoffs, and we might see an early preview of the District 3 4A championship this Friday night as they host West York, who is also undefeated. Will Eastern York be able to keep it going? We shall see on Friday night.

A Team To Not Overlook:

Susquehanna Township

Coming off a 7-4 record in 2023, Coach Joe Headen has Susquehanna Township rocking and rolling, currently sitting at 4-1 in their first five games. With a recent impressive 41-20 win over the defending Single A champs, Steel High Rollers, Township is looking to stake their case in the District 3 4A race for the title. Of course, there is still a long way to go, but they have been impressive thus far. Township will host Middletown this Friday night at 7 PM as they look to keep things rolling.

3A Teams That Are No Surprise to Make a Deep District 3 Run!

Trinity

Trinity is off to a solid start at 4-1, with their only defeat coming in week one. They have bounced back with four wins in a row, the most recent being a 35-25 victory over Milton Hershey last week. This Trinity team is under the leadership of Interim Coach Kevin Yarnevich, who replaced Jordan Hill after he stepped down in May 2024. The team has faced some hurdles during the off-season, including the loss of one of their star running backs, Messiah Mickens, who is now with Harrisburg. However, this hasn’t stopped the Shamrocks as they look to make a deep run, and they are no surprise to me as contenders for a District Championship. Trinity aims to make it five wins in a row as they hit the road against Greencastle-Antrim Friday night at 7 PM.

Bermudian Springs

Bermudian Springs also holds a 4-1 record in their first five games and is looking to make a statement at the midway point of this season after finishing 6-5 in 2023. This team seems poised to make a strong run and compete deeply in the District 3 playoffs as long as they maintain their momentum. However, the road ahead won’t be easy, as they have a few tough opponents left on their schedule over the next five games. Can they keep it going? That remains to be seen, but they will have another opportunity to showcase their abilities tomorrow night as they take on Upper Dauphin on the road.

Midseason Surprise:

Biglerville

My midseason surprise team is Biglerville, which is off to a hot start with a 4-1 record at the midseason point. Biglerville secured a forfeit win last week due to Fairfield forfeiting the remainder of their season. Despite not having played in the last week and a half, this team has been playing great football, with their only loss coming from Delone Catholic. Biglerville will look to get back to their winning ways tomorrow night at 7 PM as they take on Bermudian Springs to solidify their position in the race!

Don’t Overlook Them:

James Buchanan

James Buchanan is off to an impressive start at 4-1, marking a significant turnaround from their dismantling 1-9 campaign in 2023. This team is not to be overlooked. They have posted three shutouts, although they have also experienced one shutout loss. With that said, they are a team to keep an eye on. Can they continue their success? We shall find out tomorrow night at 7 PM as they take on Halifax at home!

2A Teams That Are No Surprise to Make a Deep District 3 Run

Steel High Rollers

The clear favorite to win the District 3 2A Championship is the 3-2 defending state champs, the Steel High Rollers. Although they lost many key players from last year’s title team, this is a squad that can find a quick rhythm and make a deep run in the playoffs. We will see if they can maintain their poise as they host Line Mountain this Friday night.

In the Mix:

Lancaster Catholic

Lancaster Catholic is off to a decent start with a 3-2 record, having bounced back after losses in weeks two and three. They are currently on a winning streak and look to make it three in a row tomorrow night against Hamburg.

1A Teams That Are No Surprise to Make a Deep District 3 Run:

Delone Catholic

Delone Catholic holds a 3-2 record over their first five games. They lost their last contest, but if this team can click on all cylinders, they have a solid chance to make a run for the District Title. Delone Catholic will take on Hanover tomorrow night at 7 PM. The only other 1A team is Lancaster Catholic at 2-3. Fairfield forfeited the rest of their season due to lack of numbers.

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