High Hopes and Big Questions Surround Pennsylvania High School Football Season
The Pennsylvania high school football season is set to kick off this weekend, bringing with it high hopes and big expectations for all 22 York-Adams League teams. After weeks of previewing each team in the league, it’s time to step back and take a look at the big picture, asking some important questions about the upcoming campaign. Some of these questions may be answered right away, while others may linger throughout the fall. With so much time between now and November, anything can happen.
One team that has been dominant in recent years is Central York. The Panthers have only lost one Division I game in the last three regular seasons, boasting an impressive 25-1 record. Although they have lost quarterback Nasir Still and a few other all-stars, they still have all-state running back Juelz Goff and eight starters on defense returning. Central York is aiming to run the table once again and capture their own district title.
In Division II, the question is whether another team can claim back-to-back championships. It has been a decade since any team in this division has achieved this feat, and with New Oxford facing the challenge of replacing most of their starting lineup, teams like Dover, Susquehannock, Suburban, and Kennard-Dale are all looking to make a breakthrough this season.
Two teams facing the task of replacing record-breaking stars are York High and York Suburban. Last year, Sam Stoner and Jahiem White broke the career passing and rushing records for York High, respectively. Both are now playing at West Virginia, leaving big shoes to fill. At Suburban, Mikey Bentivegna rushed for over 2,000 yards and scored 38 touchdowns in 2022, and his absence will be felt. These teams will need to find new leaders to step up and carry the load.
The new season also brings new quarterbacks to Division I. With only two returning starters under center, teams like Red Lion, Northeastern, York High, Dallastown, and Spring Grove are all relying on new faces to lead the offense. A breakout season from one of these quarterbacks could make a significant impact on their team’s success.
Several teams in the league are fortunate to have veteran skill groups that can carry their teams. Dover, Susquehannock, Littlestown, Bermudian Springs, and Delone Catholic all have talented quarterbacks, running backs, and wide receivers returning. Red Lion, with quarterback Chris Price and running back LaDainian Strausbaugh, stands out among the Division I teams.
On the defensive side of the ball, there are standout players who can wreak havoc. Central York, Spring Grove, South Western, Dover, Delone Catholic, Littlestown, and Susquehannock all have key players who excel on defense. These players will be crucial in stopping opposing offenses and making big plays for their teams.
With six new coaches in the league this season, it will be interesting to see which one can engineer the biggest turnaround for their team. Coaches at Littlestown, Spring Grove, York Tech, Hanover, Fairfield, and West York have all taken on new roles and will be looking to make a positive impact on their respective programs.
Many teams in the league will be aiming to re-enter the playoff picture after missing out last year. Dallastown, Spring Grove, Susquehannock, Littlestown, and York Catholic were all on the bubble but fell just short. These teams will be motivated to secure playoff berths this season.
Finally, this weekend’s York Rose Bowl will feature three home games for York Suburban, York Tech, and York High. All three teams will be looking to start the season off on the right foot and showcase their talents in front of their home fans.
As the Pennsylvania high school football season begins, there are high hopes and big questions surrounding each team. It will be an exciting and competitive season as these teams battle it out on the field, aiming to achieve their goals and make their mark in the league. Stay tuned for all the action and see which teams rise to the occasion.
