Coach Weider’s Notebook
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Every Monday after High School football games I will be writing a coach’s notebook. The notebook will contain different news, notes, and other items from High School Football in District 3. Team of the week: West Perry. West Perry last…
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Continue ReadingEvery Monday after High School football games I will be writing a coach’s notebook. The notebook will contain different news, notes, and other items from High School Football in District 3.
Team of the week:
West Perry. West Perry last year looked good when they beat a good Lancaster Catholic team in the playoffs. This year they have brought back a ton of players back off last year’s team, West Perry was looking to start the year off on the right foot and they have done that exactly. They are now 4-0 on the year after a 19-16 win against Trinity on Friday night. Most people would assume they struggle against a talented team, but West Perry showed they were up for the task and got a huge win for them.
Coach of the week:
John Denniston East Pennsboro. Denniston was hired in 2020 and went 3-4 in a Covid short season. They went 5-5 in 2021, and 5-7 last year. Well in his 4th year as Head Coach East Pennsboro has gone 4-0 and is poised to be a favorite in the Colonial Division of the Mid-Penn Conference. Denniston shows you why need to give coaches time to rebuild a program.
Play of the week:
Post-wheel passing concept. One of the best passing concepts to run for a passing offense is the post-wheel concept. The read can be simple for the quarterback as the QB is reading the safety or deepest corner. This concept works especially well when you have a good deep threat at wide receiver.
Prospects of the week:
Highlights
Hayden Johnson Hayden Johnson 5'10" | 190 lbs | LB Trinity | 2027 PA and Landon Kennel Landon Kennel 6'3" | 200 lbs | WR Manheim Township | 2024 State PA Manheim Township. In Manheim Township’s dismantling of Sping-Ford 63-28 Johnson and Kennel connected on 5, yes 5 touchdown passes. Manheim Township is a Senior-laden team that has played together for a long time. They are led by Johnson and Kennel.
Jackson Landis Jackson Landis 6'1" | 185 lbs | QB Hempfield | 2024 State PA Hempfield. Hempfield has been up and down during the year, but Jackson Landis Jackson Landis 6'1" | 185 lbs | QB Hempfield | 2024 State PA had continued to play at a high level for the black nights. On Friday against McCaskey, he threw for 150 yards and 2 touchdowns. On the ground, he rushed for 110 yards and 2 touchdowns. Landis continues to show the ability to play at a high level.
Ryan Epps Ryan Epps 6'1" | 235 lbs | DL Harrisburg | 2024 State PA Harrisburg. Epps is a dominant player for Harrisburg at the defensive line. On Saturday’s win against Carlisle Epps was all over the backfield against them. He had 3 sacks on the day as he was dominant all day. Epps is a good combination of strength and speed as a defensive lineman. He also has a motor that never stops.
Highlights
Justice Hardy Justice Hardy 5'9" | 160 lbs | RB Wyomissing | 2027 State PA Wyomissing. Hardy is a dynamic two-way player for Wyomissing and is making an impact on a talented and deep team as a Freshman. Hardy scored 3 touchdowns on Saturday to help defeat Berks Catholic. Hardy scored on a 5-yard run, a 31-yard reception, and a pick-six. Hardy is a talented player and is just starting off in his high school career.
Highlights
Michael Scott Michael Scott 5'9" | 155 lbs | WR Dallastown | 2025 State PA Dallastown. Scott is one of the best wide receivers in the state of Pennsylvania. Dallastown finally got him loose when he had 175 yards receiving and 2 touchdowns in the 1st win of the season for Dallastown. Scott is a talented player who should continue to shine for Dallastown.
Nobody asked me, but … I think this is a special team at Manheim Township. They remind me of a Mount Lebanon team from a few years ago when they were super talented and senior-heavy and they were able to defeat St. Joe’s Prep for a State Championship. I am not sure they will repeat that performance but their performance in the first 4 weeks has been super impressive.
Nobody asked me, but … Cedar Crest is 4-0 on the year and has played at a high level. They might not defeat Manheim Township down the road, but they still have a chance to have a strong season the rest of the way.
Nobody asked me, but … Central York is another good team that has played well this year. Led by superstar running back Juelez Goff Central York has won every game by double digits. I expect them and 3-1 York High to have a dogfight at the end of the season.