Early look: Key YAIAA football games
It's only five and a half weeks before high school football season kicks off and there's really not much more for your reliable YDR/SN prep sports reporter to think about other than the fast approaching Friday night action. After spending some time pouring over the schedules of the 22 YAIAA football teams, I've come up with these six contests over the season's first seven weeks that should be pivotal for one reason or another.
See the full list after the jump. Utilize the comments section to critique my choices and/or add another game you deem worthy for the list.
Fri. Aug. 29: East Juniata at Northeastern, 7 p.m.
A win in its first varsity game could have a lasting effect for a Northeastern program that is still trying to attract the best athletes in the school and the Bobcats have a decent shot against EJ -- the Tigers went 3-8 last season and lost their final six games.
Fri. Sept. 5: West York at Dallastown, 7 p.m.
The Bulldogs won 10 games in a row last season, including a first-round playoff victory over Solanco, before dropping a heartbreaker at Gettysburg. The Wildcats are coming off a 5-1 campaign in Division I and a Class AAAA playoff berth. A win for either club in this one sets the right tone heading into division play.
Fri. Sept. 12: William Penn at Susquehannock, 7 p.m.
The week before they begin their Division I slate, the Bearcats have to travel down I-83 to face a Susquehannock program that has had plenty of success over the last few years. The Warriors missed out on the playoffs last year and a win over William Penn would provide a definite boost in the rankings.
Fri. Sept. 26: Littlestown at Susquehannock, 7 p.m.
The Thunderbolts finished second in Division III last season with a 5-1 record, but will have more talented opponents in Division II this fall. A win over the Warriors would send a clear message that the Adams County school doesn't need an adjustment period.
Fri. Oct. 3: Red Lion at Dover, 7 p.m.
The Eagles also have a tough task ahead of them this year, moving up to Division I. The Lions barely made the playoffs last season after a Week 10 loss to Dallastown and went 2-4 in the division. The loser of this one will be hard-pressed to finish in the top half of the division standings.
Fri. Oct. 10: Dallastown at William Penn, 7 p.m.
The Bearcats beat the Wildcats twice last season, including in the first round of the District 3 Class AAAA playoffs. Dallastown may have beat the odds last season by reaching the playoffs, but are still have plenty to prove against a talented William Penn team that coach Matt Ortega will almost certainly have at the top of the division again this year.
Chad · July 22, 2008 4:21 PM
Red Lion will probally never be that great with the coach they have.. Kids dont wont to play for him, so they dont try, Red lion the past 3 years had great players and they werent used right and they didnt care because of the coach
Todd M. · July 28, 2008 2:58 PM
Chad, that statement certaintly has some truth to it. They should be competing year in and year out at Red Lion, just like they do in most other sports. They have been really bad since Conrad has taken over. If they dont get it done this year, he should be long long gone!
Todd M. · July 28, 2008 3:00 PM
I agree Chad. No reason they shouldnt be competing in their division year in and year out, just like most other RL sports. They have fallen really far from the days of Coach Shue. Conrad doesnt know how to relate to his players and if he doesnt figure something out this year, he should be long long gone!
I love football · July 28, 2008 6:57 PM
There is a kid out of Maryland that goes to Dunbar High. His name is Tavon Austin and this guy is the truth. If you don't believe me youtube his name and you will see. Penn State is looking at the kid now. He is something to write about in the YDR if you can. He is the baddest running back in the Country. I have never seen anything like this besides Barry Sanders. I truly believe the kid is better than Barry Sanders.
Joe · August 1, 2008 5:49 PM
Although the Bobcats will be fielding its first Varsity team this fall. I believe that Northeastern will impress many of the teams it will be facing. Don't take these cats lighty.
Jim · August 12, 2008 4:14 PM
Has anyone been paying attention? The Bulldogs will be the elite team in York Co. this yr. They return most of it's squad from a team that should've beat Gettysburg last year! (thanx to a blown call late!) This team will be strong, fast and aggressive! Everybody else... try and keep up!!!
RL 04 · August 23, 2008 7:34 AM
I had a pleasure in playing for George Shue in his final season, my senior year in 03. We won the county championship with pretty much the same team that played for Shue the following year with conrad. Conrad did a TERRIBLE job, and the record showed it. Something needs to be done..and quick..The AD needs to find a solution and quick!!
RL 04 · August 23, 2008 7:38 AM
I had a pleasure in playing for George Shue in his final season, my senior year in 03. We won the county championship with pretty much the same team that played for Shue the following year with conrad. Conrad did a TERRIBLE job, and the record showed it. Something needs to be done..and quick..The AD needs to find a solution and quick!!