Week 2 of Reinhart’s Rankings … I usually go with the top 5, but since there are 6 undefeated teams still standing around the L-L League, I thought I’d bump it up to my top 6 this week.
I’m so gracious.
Remember – this is for entertainment purposes only. I don’t care about classification or section or strength of schedule or state rankings. I do this strictly for fun. Period. So don’t go overboard, and don’t start tacking this up on any bulletin boards (in locker rooms or otherwise).
Reinhart’s Rankings … Week 2 style …
1. Wilson – Here me now and believe me Nov. 1 … the Bulldogs will go 10-0. Wow, such a bold prediction for Sept. 6, Jeff. I’m not sure if the good folks in West Lawn are happy to hear that or not – I might have just jinxed their team for the next eight weeks. But I really, really, really, really, really, really like Wilson … especially the ‘Dawgs’ gnarly D, which came up huge in Wilson’s 20-15 win over Manheim Central. Yes, the Dawgs’ gave up 239 passing yards (Barons’ QB Jeremy Knosp launched it 34 times). But they allowed just 64 rushing yards, and stopped the Barons countless times in crunch time. These guys are scary – and they’re doing it with a second-string (sophomore) quarterback – but with a plethora of skill kids who can all carry the ball and catch it. And since I have your attention, let me drop this name: Jordan Holbert. He’s about 5-5 or 5-6, but he’s one of the toughest kids I’ve ever been around (and he’s got a sweet Mohawk haircut). He’s a firecracker, and makes tons of big plays. He made a few gigantic sticks against Central. Beware of the Bulldogs, who travel to Downingtown East on Friday.
2. Hempfield – I know it was ‘only’ 28-14, but the Black Knights put up another impressive win on Friday, this time over a pesky Garden Spot team that was coming off a win over another Section 1 foe (Warwick) the week before. How good is Jarvis Cummings, by the way? The senior QB is off to a fabulous start. Against the Spartans he completed 7-of-10 passes for 144 yards and 2 TDs, and he rushed for 177 yards on 21 keepers and scored 2 TDs. Incredible. Also hearing good things about WR Manny Mendez, who missed a good chunk of time last year because of an injury. He’s back, to the tune of 10 catches (2 for TDs) in two games. Looking forward to seeing the Knights in action live in the very near future. When’s that Wilson game? Hempfield’s next game is Friday at Carlisle. I’m sniffing 3-0.
3. Lebanon – Cedars are No. 3 in my poll after “Air Raid” went crazy for the second week in a row. One week after bombarding cross-town rival Cedar Crest 39-7, the Cedars survived a shootout against Spring Grove, winning 38-32 and spoiling the Rockets’ opener in their spiffy new home stadium. Senior QB James Capello has been outstanding, and he was up to his old tricks against Spring Grove. Check these numbers out: He completed 15-of-23 passes (no picks) for 218 yards and 3 TDs, and he rushed for 158 yards on 10 keepers, including a 90-yard TD run. Capello has passed for 100 or more yards and rushed for more than 100 yards in both of Lebanon’s games (that’s a tongue-twister). Up next for the Cedars is the ‘Bologna Bowl’ against backyard foe Elco on Friday. The Raiders’ secondary guys better limber up.
4. Cocalico – The Eagles’ Veer attack has been potent. After knocking off reigning District 3 Triple-A champ L-S in the opener, Cocalico went to its ground attack early and often in Week 2 at Exeter. Cocalico piled up 323 rushing yards in its 35-21 victory. The Eagles have now won by that identical score two weeks in a row (for all of you stat geeks). Double-barreled backfield attack of TB Kyle Fisher (11 carries for 165 yards, 2 TDs – on 71 and 44-yard gallops) and FB Austin Hartman (17 carries, 167 yards, 2 TDs, both 1-yard plunges) were a total handful for Exeter. Final non-league game (don’t forget) is Thursday at Annville-Cleona, in a homecoming game for Cocalico coach Dave Gingrich, who played for the Little Dutchmen – under Terry Lehman, who is still calling the shots for A-C. That should be a fun night … maybe not for the A-C defenders trying to catch Fisher and Hartman. But it should be fun, nonetheless.
5. Penn Manor – How cool is this story? The Comets are 2-0, and both victories were against district playoff teams from a year ago. After edging Solanco 14-13 in Week 1, Penn Manor proved that win was no fluke, shutting out reigning District 3 Triple-A champ L-S 17-0 in Week 2. That one really caught my attention. I did read that QB Mike Treier got hurt, which is a bummer. He’s been injury-prone his entire career. We’ll have to see if he misses any time. But P.J. Rehm did just fine when he came in against L-S, tossing a 21-yard TD pass to Cody Booth (who is one of the top tight ends in the league, by the way). Penn Manor will try and go to 3-0 on Friday, when the Comets visit Exeter – which is coming off the loss to Cocalico. Thrilled for this bunch – which has now topped last year’s win total (1-9). I need to place a few calls to Millersville – the Comets need some ink.
6. Northern Lebanon – Another solid start for the Vikings, who went to 2-0 with a 28-12 win over New Oxford. Remember, Northern Lebanon roared to a 6-0 start a year ago. Through two games, the Vikings are allowing just 130 yards a game, which is impressive. And senior QB Matt Nolan has been ultra efficient, completing 10-of-13 passes for 139 yards (no picks) and 2 TDs. Vikings are doing exactly what they should be doing – feasting at home. They’ll get all three non-league games in Fredericksburg (Hamburg, which is 1-1, comes to town on Friday) before Section 3 road games at Annville-Cleona and at Elco. You know the Section 3 race will be goofy. Northern Lebanon is building some serious momentum for that derby.
