Under the radar: Eastern York
The award for the 2-1 YAIAA team creating the least buzz goes to Eastern York.
Part of that is the Golden Knights' two victories have come against Columbia and Fairfield squads that have combined for only a single victory this year. And they're loss was a 36-7 blowout at home against Donegal. Plus, Eastern finished 1-9 last season and struggled in Division II play.
Nonetheless, there are reason to believe this year might be different. Below are three of them.
1. Making history can be a powerful springboard: Beating Columbia for the first time in the 31-year history of the series has got to have an impact on the Golden Knights. They accomplished something that none of their predecessors were able to achieve. Doesn't that make pretty much anything possible? Why wouldn't they be able to make a run to the playoffs? Confidence has to be high.
2. The running game is working: The Golden Knights have not one, but two players averaging more than 100 yards per game in Jared Smeltzer and Andy Siple. Increasing his total each week, Siple tallied a season-high 185 yards and three touchdowns last week. Success on the ground often means controlling the clock and wearing down opponents and Eastern has done that well enough so far.
3. The schedule is favorable: If the Golden Knights can beat Kennard-Dale on Saturday, they will have tripled the win total from last season. Other potential victories include winless Susquehannock and York County Tech and first-year varsity program Northeastern. That's six wins if the Golden Knights can come through and a decent chance at making the District 3 Class AAA playoffs.
Is Eastern York underrated? Overrated? None of the above? The comments section below is ready for your input.
