The opening week has passed by, and so we're officially in the midst of football season. Three teams earned wins to begin the season, and so the second week will see some looking to stay undefeated and others fighting for their first victory.
With most of the action set for Friday night this weekend, let's look at how each Week 2 matchup stands.
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Thursday's games
Hanover (0-1) at Annville-Cleona (0-1)
Following a 39-36 loss to Biglerville, the Dutchmen are looking to get in the win column in a Thursday home game. Despite a big performance from multiple leaders on offense, Annville-Cleona's defense allowed 247 yards through the ground and 470 in total to the Canners. The good news is seniors Jonathon Shay and Bryce Keller combined for 268 rushing yards and four scores on offense, so there's plenty of promise heading into the matchup with Hanover.
After a 38-7 loss to Kennard-Dale in Week 1, the Nighthawks will be road visitors versus the Dutchmen. Hanover gave up plenty of big plays on defense, including a 61-yard touchdown run by the Rams quarterback. The Dutchmen have the talent to run up the scoreboard, so Keller and Shay should be heavy targets on Friday night. Their biggest focus should be about the defensive unit limiting big plays, so that the offense's run game can take over.
Conrad Weiser (1-0) at ELCO (0-1)
The Raiders are coming off of a wide-margin loss to West York and need a bounce back performance all around. The Raiders couldn't manage to score in the 33-6 loss but led time of possession by about nine minutes despite constant penalties and a 21-0 deficit through halftime.
Conrad Weiser enters the matchup after a 21-7 win versus Abington that saw the Scouts' defense earn five sacks and two forced turnovers. If coach Robert Miller's team is going to compete in its next game, seniors Steven Rosado and Mitchell Frederick will need to lead the Raiders' run game for a chance to begin with momentum in their favor.
Palmyra (1-0) at Mechanicsburg (1-0)
The Cougars jumped out to their first home win since 2022 and saw playmakers step up in the process. This week, Palmyra will see the Wildcats after they put up 439 yards of offense in a 34-6 win versus Carlisle. Mechanicsburg brings a strong passing game to the table, led by dual-threat quarterback Eli Reider. In Week 1, the senior quarterback tallied three passing touchdowns on 15-of-21 attempts, while adding 62 yards and another score on the ground. Palmyra did well in containing Lebanon's spread offense, but the Wildcats bring an efficient attack and have shown not to turn it over easily.
On defense, Mechanicsburg is led by its front seven. The Wildcats put together almost 60 tackles versus Carlisle, along with three sacks and five tackles for loss. Palmyra's triple-headed running attack should help its offense moving forward, but the Cougars will need a repeat performance on the line of scrimmage this week. It should also be a test for the secondary, as starting cornerbacks Charlie Stewart and Aaron Villafane will be targeted more than last week.
Northern Lebanon (1-0) at Oxford (0-1)
After a shutout victory to open the season, the Vikings have an opportunity to stay undefeated while on the road. Coach Jason Rice's squad is coming off of a 10-0 win against Pine Grove that saw 200-plus yards of rushing, along with multiple forced turnovers on defense.
In Week 2, the Vikings will see an Oxford team that most recently lost 34-22 to Great Valley despite having no turnovers on offense. The Hornets are led by senior quarterback Aiden Kane along with junior running back Joel McClain, who combined for 214 yards versus Great Valley. Oxford held a 15-15 tie score in Week 1, before allowing three consecutive touchdowns in the second half to break it. Oxford allowed almost 200 yards on the ground, so the Vikings could look to focus on their rushing attack once again this week. If the O-line can bring double-digit pancakes once again this week, Northern Lebanon has a chance to lead with its rushing game and stout defense once again.
Lebanon (0-1) at Garden Spot (0-1)
The Cedars are coming off of a blowout loss in Week 1 but have some bright spots to show from it. Senior Kai Rivera and junior Camron Buchmoyer have stepped up as leaders on the field and contributed to all aspects versus Palmyra. This week, Lebanon will take on Garden Spot on the road after its 71-64 loss to Notre-Dame Green Pond last week.
The Spartans' offense scored nine times in Week 1 and was led by senior quarterback AJ Hurst. Garden Spot's passer went 21-of-34 for 462 yards on the day and walked away with six touchdowns and two interceptions. Other than Hurst, the Spartans totaled seven carries, so their rushing game hasn't developed much to this point. If the Cedars' defense is going to contain the Spartan offense, their defensive line is going to need to make plays. The team is still looking for its identity, but the focus should be coming out of the gate fast on Friday night.
Friday's games
Spring Grove (1-0) at Cedar Crest (1-0)
Following their 45-16 domination of Lower Dauphin, the Falcons looked like a team with few weaknesses. The squad rushed for 313 yards and added 127 passing yards and two scores from senior quarterback Jackson Custer. Along with its efficient offense, Cedar Crest brought home two sacks and a 45-yard interception returned for a score by junior DB Luke Oriel. The Falcons have lots to show from Week 1, but its next opponent is also coming off of a wide-margin victory.
Spring Grove defeated Northern York, 31-14, and most notably put up big numbers through the passing game. Davis Baum, the Rockets junior quarterback, threw for 366 yards and two scores while completing 18-of-26 passes. Baum spread the ball out, but junior receiver Kayleb Allen led the charge with six catches for 197 yards and both of the team's receiving touchdowns. The Rockets' offense saw a balanced plan last week after rushing the ball 23 times, but its passing threat is real as Baum managed more than 20 yards per completion. After only allowing 185 passing yards in Week 1, Cedar Crest's defense will need a repeat performance to contain Spring Grove's passing attack.
Although sophomore running back Isaiah Zimmerman had a monster game last week, senior Jack Waranavage could be a player the Falcons look to this week. Waranavage plays safety, so he's likely going to be targeted by the Rockets' big-play attack at some point. The Falcons' senior led the team in receiving in Week 1, with 84 yards and a touchdown. His playmaking abilities will be equally as important and could be the difference maker if Custer needs to throw it more this week.
This article originally appeared on Lebanon Daily News: Week 2 football preview: Cedar Crest faces tougher test when Spring Grove comes to town
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