2024 high school football preview: Ranking the top three teams in Division I this fall

One week remains until the high school football season begins again.

YAIAA teams are in the final stages of prep for the first week of the 2024 campaign. Central York is in position to defend its fifth consecutive Division I title and make another run at the District 3 playoffs. South Western is fresh off one of its best seasons in recent memory. Every other team in the division is looking to upend the standings and take their shot at a title this year.

Here are our rankings for the top three teams in YAIAA Division I this year, as well as overviews and breakdowns for every single team in the division.

3. South Western Mustangs

With the graduation of last year’s Div. I Defensive Player of the Year, the Mustangs know they will have to put points on the scoreboard.

It’s a good thing they return a lot of weapons on offense.

First is senior quarterback Bryce Graham, who threw for 1,649 yards, which is tops among returning QBs. He recorded 10 passing touchdowns against 10 interceptions but put the offense in good position to attack the end zone on the ground.

And that’s exactly what senior Austin Rollman did. He is second among returning running backs with 1,191 yards and was the second-leading scorer last season with 16 touchdowns. Graham will be without one of his top targets, Declan Smith, for the first few games as he recovers from injury.

“We have a lot of the same guys as last year,” Graham said. “I have three seniors I can count on, guys who were very productive, and we have been building on that.”

The Mustangs were tied with Dallastown and York High for second place in the division, two games behind Central York. They opened division play with losses to the Panthers and Wildcats, but won the rest of their games until running into Cedar Cliff in the second round of districts.

“We hope for a better start this year than last year,” Graham said. “We want to take the momentum and use our hard work to keep us rolling.”

A better start might be a tough ask for the Mustangs, as they once again open division play with Dallastown and Central York. They lost to the Wildcats by four points last year before falling to the Panthers by three touchdowns.

“Teams are going to have to mark us on the calendar as a team they can’t take lightly,” fourth-year coach Tony Shermeyer said. “Our success down the stretch last year came from maturity. We have some guys who can cause trouble offensively and we like to run the football.”

IN THE MUSTANGS' HUDDLE

Key returnees: Mason Currey, sr., OL; Bryce Graham, sr., QB; Ben Klein, sr., CB; Ayden McMillion, sr., TE/LB; Austin Rollman, sr., RB; Declan Smith, sr., WR/S; Tanner Trulove, sr., QB

Head coach: Tony Shermeyer (fourth year)

Last season: 4-2 in the division, 8-4 overall

Offense/defense: spread/3-4

Classification: 5A

Last YAIAA division title: 2011

Last District 3 appearance: 2023

Last District 3 playoff win: 2023

District 3 titles: none

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2. Dallastown Wildcats

Few other years have lined up for the Wildcats like 2024 has thus far. Head coach Levi Murphy has had an idea of what his team would look like since last Christmas, and he doesn't consider it a far cry from last year's squad.

If anything, he calls it an enhancement.

"Obviously, a lot of our dudes are, a year older, a year bigger, a year stronger, a year faster," Murphy said. "These guys got to their sophomore year the first year I had the job, and it's been special growing with them, learning alongside them, and growing great relationships with them over these last few years."

The Wildcats' receiving corps needs little introduction. First team all-stars Jalen Cook and Michael Scott, who combined for over 1,000 receiving yards last year, are bound to see success with Kody Kissner back under center. Colby Laughman and Jack Mahoney both also provide some defensive prowess in the mix as they both return to the line after all-star seasons.

According to Murphy, even running back Chris Cromartie has shown remarkable growth in the weight room ahead of his sophomore year. Cromartie already amassed 377 rushing yards in his first year, and Murphy anticipates him stepping into a larger role.

It's all a part of Dallastown's all-in strategy. All options are on the table. Seven years have passed since the Wildcats last pulled out a division title. But this year, as the pieces fall into place, the Wildcats feel a shift on the horizon.

"Obviously, we'd love to play games in November," Murphy said. "That's cold weather games. That's where we're looking to go, and I think these kids have put themselves in a position to do that. Personally, it's a goal of mine to give these kids the best high school football experience I can. They've put so much time into this. They're parts of my family, and I want to give them the best possible experience I can as a football coach."

INSIDE THE WILDCATS' HUDDLE

Key returners: Michael Scott, sr., ATH/DB; Jalen Cook, sr., WR/DB; Colby Laughman, sr., OL/DL; Jack Mahoney, sr., TE/DE; Aidyn Garner, sr., OL/LB; Matthew Muniz, jr., OL/DL; Christopher Cromartie, so., RB; Riley Rohrback, sr., OLB; Andre Weist, sr., OLB; Kody Kissner, jr., QB

Newcomers: Jason Usow, jr., OL/DL; Ryan Grim, jr., OL; Aiden Grim, jr., LB; Darius Williams, sr., DB

Head coach: Levi Murphy, third season

Last season: 5-5 overall, 4-2 in division

Offense/defense: Multiple/3-4

Classification: 6A

Last YAIAA division title: 2017

Last District 3 appearance: 2017

Last District 3 playoff win: 2013

District 3 titles: none

1. Central York Panthers

It’s not hard to see why the Panthers had so much success in 2023. Aside from a selection of Division I commits on either side of the ball, the Panthers benefitted just from pure, unfiltered talent and depth in multiple positions.

Even after the losses of six offensive and five defensive starters, Central York is still in prime position to take the reins in Division I once again.

But that level of success has drawbacks. The Panthers are marked as the team to beat in Division I

“The program for the last five years hasn’t lost a league game, which is really hard to do,” Panthers coach Gerry Yonchiuk said. “I've been a part of that for the last four so it's exciting, but also it puts the bullseye on your back. But that's a good thing because it's a motivating tool.”

The pieces are all there to keep the streak alive. Brooklyn Nace returns as the Panthers’ quarterback after passing for almost 1,700 yards. He’ll have the benefit of returning receiver Nasir Ruppert and flexible options in Malachi Ramnath and Colin Gurley, and a few rising running backs in Legend Johnson, Jeremiha Hunter and Cameron Diehl gives the Panthers options in the backfield.

Saxton Suchanic, who committed to UConn back in June, headlines a secondary that helped shut out four opponents last year. Plus, the Penn State-bound kicker Matthew Parker still has another year under his belt.

The Panthers are in prime position to keep their league unbeaten streak alive. Yonchiuk has seen his players commit to the mission they’ve set out on throughout his entire tenure. His seniors this year have only been coached by him, and they’re prepared to keep winning under him.

“Our improvement as a team, as football players, individually and even as young men, our coaches really set us up successfully in that category,” Suchanic said. “We would love to win a championship, win a district championship, even a state championship. But I think just becoming better people, becoming better football players, and becoming a better football team every day, every week, is our most important piece, and that's our main goal.”

INSIDE THE PANTHERS' HUDDLE

Key returners: Brooklyn Nace, jr., QB; Saxton Suchanic, sr., DB; Matthew Parker, sr., K/P; Colin Gurley, jr., TE; Malachi Ramnath, sr., TE/DE; Micah Bowers, sr., ILB; Quintin Dolly, jr., NT; Tyler Frey, sr., SS; Bridy Wright, sr., OT; Nasir Ruppert, sr., WR

Newcomers: Brendyn Smith, jr., WR; Dwayne Morgan, jr., FS; Legend Johnson, so., RB/LB; Jeremiha Hunter, jr., RB/LB; Ali Johnson, Fr., RB/LB; Cameron Gates, sr., WR/DB; Cameron Diehl, sr., RB/LB; Trent Hamel, sr., G; Caden Solomon, jr., T; Kaden Graham, jr., G; Matthew McKinley, C; Myles Groman, jr., G/DL; Josh Conrad, sr., WR

Head coach: Gerry Yonchiuk, fifth season

Last season: 11-1 overall, 6-0 in division

Offense/defense: Air raid/Multiple

Classification: 6A

Last YAIAA division title: 2023

Last District 3 appearance: 2023

Last District 3 playoff win: 2023

District 3 titles: 2020

York High Bearcats

Head coach Russ Stoner has preached to his team the importance of helping bring up the younger players on the Bearcats' roster. A significant number of offensive linemen will be stepping into the starting spot, and Stoner and his staff have tasked many of his other players to help coach up those stepping up.

"We were gonna do what we do," Stoner said. "We have a fantastic offensive line here. The boys, they've been working their tails off, and we have plenty of leadership around those guys. And I'm excited to see what they do."

It won't be hard with the talent that the Bearcats have returning. Division I all-star Shavane Anderson is the top returning rusher in the league after accumulating 1,183 yards last season and putting up six touchdowns. Wide receiver Wa'Nieq Scott averaged over 13 yards per catch on his 27 receptions last year, and returning Division I all-star David Warde has the athleticism to keep the Bearcats moving downfield.

"At the end of the day, it's going to come down to team chemistry," Stoner said. "It's going to come down to execution on the field, and we know we're going to make mistakes. There's no doubt about it. We're going to make mistakes, but one of our big things has been since 2016 is we're always looking forward to the next play."

INSIDE THE BEARCATS' HUDDLE

Key returners: Shavane Anderson, jr., RB; Wa’Nieq Scott, sr., WR/S; David Warde, sr., WR/CB; Amani Bones, jr., RB/MLB; Sajiy Jenkins, sr., DT; Carmelo McKenzie, jr., DT; Najee Still, jr., QB

Newcomers: Samir Gwynn, so., RB/MLB;

Head coach: Russ Stoner, ninth season

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

Offense/defense: Multiple

Classification: 6A

Last YAIAA division title: 2018

Last District 3 appearance: 2022

Last District 3 playoff win: 2018

District 3 titles: none

Spring Grove Rockets

The Rockets have had a full year of work under second-year coach Tom Trone, and senior linebacker Brayden Harris believes that will make all the difference this year.

“He knows what we are capable of and has reasonable expectations for us,” Harris said.

With a huge hole to fill on both lines and a new quarterback under center, senior linebacker Holden Gobrecht said players have had to pull together. And that will only make the team stronger.

“Everyone’s working hard,” he said. “The people who are stepping into the role, know what it takes to make up for [Michael Hershey].”

Trone points to junior David Czapp as helping to make the transition to the new line and a new quarterback. The O-line will have to work together to give junior Davis Baum time to get the ball outside.

“We will run a true spread this year,” Trone said. “We have a lot of quick guys, and we want to provide the ability to stretch the field.”

IN THE ROCKETS' HUDDLE

Key returnees: Kayleb Allen, jr., WR; Davis Baum, jr., QB/DB; Tucker Bosley, so., G; Kody Burnham, jr., T; David Czapp, jr., C; Holden Gobrecht, sr., OLB/S; Brayden Harris, sr., LB; Adam Herbst, so., S; Hayden Johnson, sr., DT; Zane Lawrence, jr., DB/WR; Bredon Smith, jr., slot; Carter Smith, sr., RB;

Newcomers: Mason Baumgardner, T/DE; Braydon Black, G; Christian Braxton, LB; Malik Cain, CB; Jordan Eisenhart, WR/DB; Brady McMaster, LB; Daveon Reed, CB; Devaris Thompson, RB; Romello Torres, G; Bryce Yohe, DE

Head coach: Tom Trone (second season)

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

Offense/defense: spread/4-3

Classification: 5A

Last YAIAA division title: 2012

Last District 3 appearance: 2021

Last District 3 playoff win: 2021

District 3 titles: none

Red Lion Lions

It can be hard for some programs to reorient themselves with an offense that is filling in eight starting spots. Red Lion coach Jesse Shay, as a result, has tweaked his program to ensure that his players can get as acquainted to the job as possible before stepping out under the lights in Week 1.

"It can be a deer in headlights experience if the coaching staff doesn't handle it correctly," Shay said. "So, our job with the relative inexperience we'll have in certain positions, is just to go ahead and make sure we put them in the best position to be successful early on."

That answer to inexperience begins with Red Lion's offensive line. Many of its key returning starters will be on the line, including Joey Bryant, Sean Tanner and Hunter Urey. As new starting quarterback Mason Hollingshead settles into the job, Shay has tasked the line with helping keep him in a stable pocket and opening holes for fresh running back Octavius Thompson.

"So much is going to be placed on our offensive defensive lines," Shay said. "So much of our success, especially early on, is going to rest on their shoulders. And I think that's by focusing so much more on the strength aspect of the offseason program, our goal is that that pays dividends."

INSIDE THE LIONS' HUDDLE

Key returners: Hunter Urey, sr., OL/DT; Sean Tanner, sr., OL; Joey Bryant, sr., OL/DT; Austin Dillon, sr., DE; Jackson Harris, sr., LB; David Clippinger, sr., LB; Zyaire Shelby, sr., CB

Newcomers: Mason Hollingshead, sr., QB; Octavius Thompson, jr., RB/DE; Colton Koons, jr., OL; Mason Platts, jr., QB/S; Evan Smith, so., FB/LB

Head coach: Jesse Shay, 12 ^th season

Last season: 4-6, 1-5 in division

Offense/defense: Run-pass option/4-3

Classification: 6A

Last YAIAA division title: 2018

Last District 3 appearance: 2018

Last District 3 playoff win: 2010

District 3 titles: none

Northeastern Bobcats

It takes a certain mindset when your team is rebounding from an 0-10 season and there are no games off in the division.

“The biggest thing we have to do is get the players focused on the here and now,” third-year coach Kirby Brubaker said. “We have to build to be better every single day, and then stack those days on top of each other.”

The Bobcats will do that with a mix of returning players around the field.

They return the key combo on offense in junior center Oji Numa and senior quarterback Houston Morder. Numa said last year was a learning experience for him, going up against some of the league’s top defensive linemen.

“I’m excited to see the work of the past year show on the field, knowing there is always room to improve,” he said. “I know we are 100 percent better than last year.”

Brubaker is hoping to see the flashes of effective play he saw last year extend to more consistent work this season. Especially on the offensive line where he played five sophomores.

IN THE BOBCATS' HUDDLE

Key returnees: Connor Bissinger, so., LB/S; Aiden Cebula, so., DL; Ryley Dufault, sr., WR/OLB; Josh Green, sr., OLB; Tyler Hash, jr., OL/DL; Houston Morder, sr., QB/FS; Oji Numa, jr., OL; Cole Phillips, jr., OL; Emilio Sanchez, jr., OL/DL;

Newcomers: Caeden Foster, jr., WR/OLB; Steven Hutchins, so., RB/OLB; Jack Patterson, so., QB/FS; Alex Richards, jr., OL/LB

Head coach: Kirby Brubaker (third season)

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

Offense/defense: multiple spread/multiple 3-4

Classification: 5A

Last YAIAA division title: 2011

Last District 3 appearance: 2019

Last District 3 playoff win: 2015

District 3 titles: none

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