Parity is defined as equality, as in amount, status, or character. In our world of high school football, no Mid-Penn Conference neighborhood offers more than the suddenly spry Keystone Division.
Take these early-season observations, for example:
*A program that allowed 33 points per game during a 1-9 season in 2011 has produced three consecutive shutouts.
*A program thought to be rebuilding along the line of scrimmage has outscored its opponents 159-54.
*A program that returned the highest number of starters is one of just two Keystone Division teams that have suffered a loss through three action-packed weeks.
That’s right, six of the eight Keystone combatants are 3-0. You were warned that making an accurate forecast behind de facto No. 1 Bishop McDevitt could prove difficult.
Fresh unbeatens Lower Dauphin, Hershey, Red Land and Mechanicsburg have made that task impossible. Frankly, with the beginning of division play just hours away, the Keystone Division’s entertainment value has never been higher.
Here’s a closer look at each Keystone challenger and their road ahead.
McD (3-0), following victories over Harrisburg, Central Dauphin and Cumberland Valley, is the clear favorite. Palmyra (0-3) is severely understaffed and angling towards the future. It’s that pocket inbetween that’s up for grabs.
CEDAR CLIFF (3-0)
Good news: Jim Cantafio’s quick-hit offense, under the direction of QB Andrew Ford, has made three overmatched defenses look silly. Although the Colts can ill-afford to look past Hershey on Saturday afternoon, those mid-October battles with Susquehanna Twp. and Bishop McDevitt should determine Cedar Cliff’s final rank.
Bad news: There’s still plenty of work to be done on the defensive side of the football. Strong rushing attacks could disrupt the progress of Cantafio’s relatively new, and thin, defensive front. So far, it’s been relatively easy against fragile Conestoga Valley and South Western.
HERSHEY (3-0)
Good news: Nothing has come easy yet the Trojans appear to have a bit of luck on their side. To date, Hershey has outlasted Milton Hershey (14-7), Elizabethtown (36-32) and Cedar Crest (42-31) in successive weeks. QB Zack Drayer is a solid leader that knows how to handle drama.
Bad news: Nothing has come easy. Despite the sensible work by an active defensive front, the Trojans’ second-line of defense is allowing yards by the truckload. Gifting more than 300 passing yards to Cedar Crest is troubling considering Ford and the Colts come to town Saturday.
LOWER DAUPHIN (3-0)
Good news: Opened the season with three straight shutout decisions over Middletown, Cedar Crest and Elizabethtown. That last one is most interesting, considering the Bears near-miss with Hershey. RBs Travis Morrill and Kenton Heinbaugh have stretched beyond expectations.
Bad news: The Falcons will entertain Red Land, Mechanicsburg, Susquehanna Twp., Bishop McDevitt and Cedar Cliff over the next five weeks. Will Lower Dauphin’s developing pass game deliver when called upon? A one-dimensional offense won’t make it through that mine field.
MECHANICSBURG (3-0)
Good news: Senior-dominated offensive line has paid dividends while skipper Chris Hakel continues to tinker at the skill positions. A lot of hands have gained valuable reps. The result has been 91 points — the ‘Cats only scored 200 a season ago — and solid wins over Carlisle and Northern.
Bad news: Already playing without injured linemen Jake Trump and Thomas Heenan, the Wildcats can’t absorb another setback upfront. Platooning QBs Mitchell Ramsey and Tyler Schubert must be carefully handled down the stretch. Will learn plenty Saturday at the Rock Pile.
RED LAND (3-0)
Good news: The Patriots have carried over the momentum generated in the 2011 postseason. Survived a hard dust-up with Carlisle around two dominating wins against West Perry and Dover. RB John Ford is off to a fast start, evidence that Chad Weaver’s senior line is setting a confident pace.
Bad news: Red Land will need to finish a few house-cleaning chores before officially joining the contenders lists. Duel-threat QB Kyle Biddle has been effective on the ground, but not through the air. Careless mistakes will be magnified from this point forward. Only one breather in final seven weeks.
SUSQUEHANNA TWP. (2-1)
Good news: The Indians rushing attack, paced by tireless Colby Grant, has flourished. Not far behind is a run-stopping defense that plays fast and reckless. Dominated Spring Grove and Greencastle-Antrim, mixing in speedy wide receiver set.
Bad news: Susquehanna Twp. would be 3-0 if not for a half-dozen special teams’ breakdowns against CD East in week 2. A little predictable on offense at the moment, hot-and-cold QB play has simplified the approach. Big tests against McD and Cedar Cliff approaching fast.
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