2024 high school football preview: Ranking the top three teams in Division II this season

The 2024 high sch ool football season kicks off in just over a week.

New Oxford has held a grasp on the Division II championship for the past two years, winning back-to-back titles and having not lost a division game since 2021. But other programs are still on the rise, and others have broken through over the past year. Therein lies a chance to put the Division II title back into play

Here are our rankings and breakdowns for the top three teams in YAIAA Division II this season, as well as overviews for every other remaining team throughout the division.

3. Eastern York Golden Knights

The Golden Knights know they won’t be able to surprise anyone two seasons in a row. So they are hoping to build on the success that gave them a winning record for the first time in nearly a decade and launched them into the District 3 Class 4A playoffs.

“We have seen an improvement in their commitment,” third-year coach Bud Kyle said. “They have really stepped up a lot. We gave them a week off before heat acclimatization, and they still practiced on their own.”

Senior wide receiver Draven Becknauld, who caught a dozen passes for nearly 200 yards last year, credits Kyle with turning things around.

“We were tired of losing,” he said. “Coach Bud brought new energy and guys put a lot of work in with that.”

Junior quarterback Quinn Bramble threw for nearly 1,400 yards last year in his first year as a starter. But he finished with as many interceptions as he did touchdowns, something he will have to correct if the Knights hope to battle for the division title or return to postseason.

He has a strong returning cast to help him do just that.

Senior wide receiver Quez Robinson averaged nearly a dozen yards for each of his 28 receptions and finished with three touchdowns.

Junior Nuhsi Valenti led the Knights in rushing last year with 14 touchdowns and 869 yards on 183 carries. He also hauled in 17 passes for 114 yards.

Senior center Gavin Corwell, who has been going through extra snaps with Bramble after every practice this summer, has been impressed with how the underclassmen have stepped up.

“They seem to want it even more than us,” Corwell said. “We have been working together as much as we could in the offseason.”

Eastern York might not surprise anyone this year, but that first taste of success in a while has made them eager to eat a bit more.

IN THE GOLDEN KNIGHTS' HUDDLE

Key returnees: Quinn Bramble, jr., QB; Draven Becknauld, sr., WR/CB; Gavin Corwell, sr. C/DE; Quez Robinson, sr., WR/CB; Ethan Sgrignoli, jr., ML; Cole Staker, jr., DE

Newcomers: Kammal Brown, fr., RB

Head coach: Kyle Bud (third season)

Last season: 4-2 in division, 7-4 overall

Offense/defense: Spread/4-3

Classification: 4A

Last YAIAA division title: 1990

Last District 3 appearance: 2023

Last District 3 playoff win: none

District 3 titles: none

2. Susquehannock Warriors

It might be going out on a limb to pick a team that won two division games last year and lost a running back who finished with more than 1,200 yards.

But third-year coach Joe Sorice has confidence in his returning players and in the culture that is taking shape at Susky.

“The pressure is on me,” Sorice said. “I’ve never seen a team work out like this. And with the number of players we have out, I had to get more helmets.”

Having Josh Pecunes back under center for another year is one of the reasons the Warriors will make noise in the division this year. The senior threw for nearly 1,100 yards last year and ran for another 600. He completed 57 percent of his passes and threw just four interceptions. Three of those picks came in the first two games.

“We’ve been there time and time again, inches from the playoffs,” Pecunes said. “This year we have guys willing to do whatever it takes. We’ve been together since we were freshmen. We are older, more mature and we aren’t going to quit.”

Sorice doesn’t expect his team to be air heavy, even with the graduation of running back Michael Fox. He wants to run an evenly balanced offense that could lean one way or the other depending on what the defense shows.

Pecunes’ primary targets will be seniors Joe Fuller in the air and Dawson Zorbaugh on the ground. Zorbaugh was Fox’s lead blocker last year, so he knows the plays and what is expected of him to get the ground game moving.

Fuller and Zorbaugh are far from the only weapons at Pecunes’ disposal. He will also count on wideouts Nicolas Burns and Brooks McKnight and tight end Ben Lippy to fuel the offense.

The Warriors also return a strong contingent from the defense that held all but one team to under 30 points last year. Junior Donavin Jordan-Brown leads that group with four sacks last year.

IN THE WARRIORS' HUDDLE

Key returnees: Nicolas Burns, sr., WR/S; Cam Butler, sr., OL; Gabe Clabaugh, jr., OL/DL; Joe Fuller, sr., WR/DB; Allen Jones, sr., OL/DL; Donavin Jordan-Brown, jr., OL/DL; Ben Lippy, sr., OLB; Brooks McKnight, sr., WR; Josh Pecunes, sr., QB; Kelson Richardson, sr., DB; Dawson Zorbaugh, sr., RB/DL/LB

Newcomers: Dylan Legore, fr., athlete; Ian Bailey, fr., athlete

Head coach: Joe Sorice, third year

Last season: 2-4 in the division, 4-6 overall

Offense/defense: Run and gun/multiple

Classification: 4A

Last YAIAA division title: 2017

Last District 3 appearance: 2017

Last District 3 playoff win: 2006

District 3 titles: none

1. New Oxford Colonials

A program that graduated 12 starters and ended the year 9-2 with a perfect division record is bound to hit bumps along the way as it moves to fill gaps in the line between seasons. New Oxford coach Jason Warner knows, however, that the offseason training and throughout the weeks of preparation his players put in has been the key to his program's success as of late.

"We really overemphasize to our kids you don't win games on Friday," Warner said. "You win games on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday. You're gonna need that level of preparation that's required to be to be ready for Friday nights."

The Colonials, despite the losses, still hold multiple key pieces from last season. Brayden Billman, who had five interceptions and 55 total tackles last year at safety, heads a secondary unit. Not to mention a line punctuated by returners Braeden Bowman, Dylan Brougher and BJ Jimenez maintains a line of stability from previous years. With a new quarterback, a strong line has been crucial toward the Colonials' efforts.

Luke Frey takes over under center for 1,000-plus yard passer Idriz Ahmetovic following the latter's graduation. Frey will have help in the backfield from running back Clayton Nieves, who helped the Colonials to much of their success on the ground. Nieves closed out his junior year with near 700 yards rushing and eight touchdowns, all while adding on 129 receiving yards.

Frey and Billman are both still juniors. But they have seen and contributed to New Oxford's back-to-back division titles. They know what works, and they believe a third-straight championship is in their sights, but only if their work pays off.

"We're confident," Billman said. "It's a lot of pressure winning back-to-back and going for a three-peat, but all of our guys honestly accept the challenge. We respect everybody, but we're coming for it again."

INSIDE THE COLONIALS' HUDDLE

Key returners: Carter Houck, sr., LB; Dylan Brougher, sr., OL/DL; BJ Jimenez, sr., OL; Clayton Nieves, sr., RB; Brady Miller, sr., K/P; Braeden Bowman, jr., OL/DL; Brayden Billman, jr., FS; Brogan Klunk, jr., DB

Newcomers: Ryan Vargas, sr., WR; Alex Brown, jr., RB; Blake Shelley, sr., DL; Luke Frey, jr. QB; Travis Covington, so., OL/DL; Luke Watkins, jr., OL; Brody Holmes, jr. WR/DB

Head coach: Jason Warner, seventh season

Last season: 9-2 overall, 6-0 in division

Offense/defense: Spread/4-2-5

Classification: 5A

Last YAIAA division title: 2023

Last District 3 appearance: 2023

Last District 3 playoff win: 2019

District 3 titles: none

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Dover Eagles

Wayne Snelbaker has been leading the Eagles’ program for a decade, and he didn’t mince words when comparing last year’s team to this year’s squad.

“We lost a lot, I’ll put it right out there,” he said. “We are going to be playing a lot of freshmen and sophomores, but we are reloading, not rebuilding.”

Even without the league’s leading passer and two receivers in the top dozen, Snelbaker said the goals are the same, the expectations are the same.

Senior running back Drew Jones, who finished with 444 yards last year, said the team is still playing for a district slot.

“Everyone has to do their jobs,” he said. “Personally, I would like to get 1,000 yards rushing, 100 tackles and at least five sacks.”

The job of going under center will fall to sophomore Lincoln Decker. He mostly played on JV last year but did get some varsity time. Senior Noah Wentz, who finished with 548 yards receiving last year, will be his primary target.

Senior linebacker Reese Husson leads a defense with its share of holes to fill. Those players who put up big stats on offense also made things happen on the other side of the ball.

The good news for the Eagles is sack leader Robmyre Borders is back for his sophomore season.

“We’re just looking at Dover, making sure we can be the best we can be,” Snelbaker said. “We can’t control what everyone else does.”

IN THE EAGLES' HUDDLE

Key returnees: Robmyre Borders, so., DT; Reese Husson, sr., LB; Drew Jones, sr., RB; Ace Looks, jr., OLB; Hunter Matthews, sr., OG; Nathan Miller, jr., K; Bryler Poteet, sr., OT; Noah Wentz, sr., WR

Newcomers: Lincoln Decker, so., QB; Malik Dickens, sr., RB; Jalen Fitchett, jr., NG; Ayden Foro, so., WR; Xander Miller, so., OT; Dan Smith, sr., WR

Head coach: Wayne Snelbaker Jr. (10th season)

Last season: 5-1 in division, 7-4 overall

Offense/defense: spread/3-5

Classification: 5A

Last YAIAA division title: 2013

Last District 3 appearance: 2023

Last District 3 playoff win: 2022

District 3 titles: none

York Suburban Trojans

Head coach Josh Fry is anticipating a shakeup in how the Trojans approach the offense this year. Fry brought on a new offensive coordinator this season, and he has seen a new energy from his offensive players, particularly quarterback Rylan Bratton, as the season kicks off.

"He's done a great job of building some excitement within our offense," Fry said. "I think you're gonna see with Rylan, we're gonna see a little bit more vertical passing game this year out of that."

Bratton passed for over 750 yards last season and will have key returning skill players in CJ Rissmiller, Elisha Dennis and Aiden Lubadika back as well. With his senior year on the horizon, Bratton hopes to capitalize on his final campaign and help the Trojans improve from a 4-6 record in 2023.

"I'm just looking for a good experience," Bratton said. "I've seen all my older friends have their senior years be a great season, so I'm just looking for a good season, have fun with my friends and just have a good time."

INSIDE THE TROJANS' HUDDLE

Key returners: Rylan Bratton, sr., QB; Elisha Dennis, sr., TE/LB; CJ Rissmiller, jr., RB/DB; Gehret Gentzyel, jr., WR/DB; Patrick Glennon, jr., TE/LB; Tyrese Carr, jr., OL/DL; Taza Sweeney, jr., RB/CB; Aiden Lubadika, sr., WR/FS

Newcomers: Jacob Blount, so., QB/DL, Trevor Lee, jr. OL/DL, Truett Miller, so., TE/DL

Head coach: Josh Fry, fourth season

Last season: 4-6 overall, 2-4 in division

Offense/defense: Multiple

Classification: 4A

Last YAIAA division title: 2019

Last District 3 appearance: 2022

Last District 3 playoff win: 2022

District 3 titles: 1986

Kennard-Dale Rams

One of the biggest priorities for head coach Chris Grube when heading into the Rams' 2024 season was figuring out a path to developing his younger players. The Rams' roster is chock full of youth this season and is working with a senior class of six players. Of the six offensive starts lost to graduation last year, five of them were on the offensive line.

Grube does see potential in his players though. What's stuck out to him most is the cohesion that had already built up in the months prior.

"The big thing for me this summer was really watching our younger guys develop," Grube said. "I only have six seniors this upcoming season, so we're using their leadership to try to guide these guys. And it's a big, big, big jump for these younger guys going from junior high football to high school football."

Plus, the Rams return a solid chunk of their skill position players. Senior David Smith and Noah Tarbert are back at wide receiver, and Brigg Seaks takes over under center following the graduation of Jessup Sharp.

"We're just missing the upfront stuff," Grube said. "We have a lot of discipline in the backfield, a lot of discipline in our secondary ... Our biggest thing is how can we do how are we getting out of the trenches this year, and we've got some nice pieces up front that I think can make an impact."

INSIDE THE RAMS' HUDDLE

Key returners: Brigg Seaks, sr., QB/CB; Noah Tarbert, jr., WR/DB; David Smith, sr., WR/DB; Desmond Warne, sr., RB/LB; Jack McShane, sr., RB/LB; Ryan Green, jr., RB/LB; Avery Chenoweth, so., DE; Dylan Logue, sr., K/P

Head coach: Chris Grube, eighth season

Last season: 3-7 overall, 2-4 in division

Classification: 4A

Last YAIAA division title: 2021

Last District 3 appearance: 2022

Last District 3 playoff win: 2021

District 3 titles: none

West York Bulldogs

Last season wasn’t the welcoming return Ron Miller was looking for in his second stint at the Bulldogs’ helm. The first time around he led West York to a district title and numerous division titles.

Miller is still looking for his first win this time around. And he doesn’t think it will take long to get it.

“The season was the season,” he said. “We went 0-1 on 10 Fridays. But we have a year of growth, maturity wise, and they have had an entire offseason with the coaching staff.”

Senior quarterback Isaac Roberts said that year of working together has made a big difference. He sees a change in players’ attitudes, which has led to improvements in practice that he hopes follows them into games.

“We are getting more done in a shorter time,” Roberts said. “We have come together like more of a team, pushing each other more.”

Roberts threw for 1,200 yards and eight touchdowns last year and is armed with some new receivers who Miller is excited about.

“We have a very special crop of freshmen,” Miller said. “We were so young last year. There were times where no player on the field was old enough to drive a car.”

IN THE BULLDOGS' HUDDLE

Key returnees: Wykeem Martin, sr., CB; Isaac Roberts, sr., QB/FS; Jayden Welch, sr., LB/FB

Newcomers: Jensen Ferber, fr., QB; Jamen Gannett, fr., DE/TE; Tavon Thomas, fr., WR/FS; Janziel Torres, fr., WR/CB; Aiden Wagner, fr., RB/OLB

Head coach: Ron Miller (second year of second tenure)

Last season: 0-6 in the division, 0-10 overall

Offense/defense: multiple/4-4

Classification: 4A

Last YAIAA division title: 2014

Last District 3 appearance: 2018

Last District 3 playoff win: 2014

District 3 titles: Three (2008, 1991, 1988)

This article originally appeared on York Daily Record: 2024 high school football preview: Ranking the top three teams in Division II this season