Tackling machine Adam Trump and QB Tyler Schubert are back to bolster Mechanicsburg's chance at a postseason bid. Below is Mechanicsburg's Countdown to kickoff preview.
School Name:Mechanicsburg Wildcats
Coach: Chris Hakel
Last Year: 5-5, 2-5 in Keystone
Last 5 years: 20-32
Returning Starters: 7 on offense, 8 on defense
Key Players: RB-CB Shyheim Brown; QB Tyler Schubert; WR-CB Jeray Anderson; OLB-TE Breon Coke; WR-CB Takeno Scales; OLB Adam Trump; OG-LB Kysheem Johnson; OG-DT Jeremy Kirk.
Offense Overview: Quarterbacks are supposed to crank up team morale, but this was genuine excitement on the face of Schubert, Mechanicsburg's leader. At media day, Schubert, who passed for more than 2,100 yards and fired 20 TDs a year ago, had nothing but great expectations for his supporting cast.
It makes sense with Brown, a tough ball carrier, and outside weapons Anderson, Coke and Scales returning. All three bettered 20 catches in 2013 and will help fill in a huge gap left by Swahneek Brown (IUP). The younger Brown nearly topped 1,000 rushing yards, so the nucleus is good. Mechanicsburg's O-line did stumble against some of the top run defenses (LD, McD) a year ago, so shoring up that end is high priority.
Defense Overview: If you're looking for a point of attack by Hakel's coaching staff, here it is. Now, it's not has bad that opening sentence suggests, but somewhere around midseason the Wildcats lost their traction and had to limp home.
It's true the victory over Susquehanna Twp. gave Mechanicsburg some hope to make the playoffs, but that's all it turned out to be. We think the Wildcats are set at linebacker. Trump knocked down 113 tackles a year ago and has trusted partner Johnson, with 83 stops, at his side. Coke also slides in to close up shop. With the secondary in good shape, it will up to Kirk and his mates to bring the pressure. Far too many opposing QBs sat comfortably at key moments last year.
Biggest Game: October 17 vs. Red Land. The Patriots handed the Wildcats a 24-14 setback last year. And with away games slotted against Susquehanna Twp. and Hershey to close the regular season, all three are going to mean something.
More Mechanicsburg Wildcats: 2014 schedule | 2014 roster
EPLER'S CRYSTAL BALL: Mechanicsburg doesn't have the luxury of playing an all-Quad A schedule, so it must start with a bang – the Wildcats have a real chance to open the season 3-0 – and keep the mojo going against the team chasing you know who.
No way does this senior class want to finish a fraction shy of the D3-AAAA playoffs again. It should be noted that 21 players have varsity experience, so a full year's lessons will go a long way. And we're penciling in some bonus football for M-Burg because of it.
More: Complete Countdown to Kickoff coverage