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Game of the Week: Mifflin Co. at Greencastle


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If you were judging after just one week, you'd probably think Mifflin County was going to pass this Mid Penn Colonial Division test with flying colors.

But don't be too hasty.

No doubt the Huskies got off to a great start in their new division with a romp over James Buchanan, but the winless Rockets may not have been the greatest starting point. This week, Mifflin County heads to Greencastle-Antrim for what should be a much better indicator of what's to come.

"We still don't know what to expect," Mifflin County coach Brent Hartman said. "Our first three games were State College, Cedar Cliff and Williamsport, which are still all undefeated. It's hard to tell with (JB) being our first game in, but I think this game will suit us much better."

G-A coach Chuck Tinninis mirrored those sentiments.

"It's hard to get a grip on where they are," he said. "Playing in a big school division (MPC Commonwealth) and moving down, I think they're going to be a really tough team. They'll be a competitive team and give people problems."

The teams are both coming off their first wins of the season, and much of Greencastle's success was due to its strength on the lines of scrimmage. That may not be the case this week.

"They are pretty big up front, and they have some nice-sized skill people," Tinninis said. "We don't match up well with anyone size-wise, but we like to work on being quick and being sound with techniques. I see us getting better each week."

Tinninis said he will look to Jacob Hockman to be an anchor on both the offensive and defensive lines.

Greencastle's secondary defense will be put to the test against a seriously pass-heavy team. The Huskies have 681 yards through the air and a mere 95 rushing yards through the first four games.

"David Shear has been outstanding at linebacker all year, and (Logan) Shifflet, he has had two really solid games," Tinninis said. "He's getting his feet underneath him as well, and I think our secondary is getting better. We had a couple blown assignments last week, but overall, we played well."

Drew Williams is the Huskies' main quarterback. He has a completion percentage of 49.3 percent, and his top targets this season have been Malik Sechler (9 catches, 187 yards), Trey Milligan (8, 133), Nathan Bargo (6, 96) and Isaac Maclay (10, 86).

For the Blue Devils, Demetrius Burton has been the mainstay of the offense. In just three games, Burton has gained 312 yards on 45 carries. He has scored three touchdowns and has rushed for more than 100 yards in each of the last two games.

"I thought Demetrius Burton has played really well the last two weeks, and he's the main cog in our team," Tinninis said. "When he does well, we do well, so it's important to get him going."

Huskies-Blue Devils at a glance

Game data: Mifflin County Huskies at Greencastle-Antrim Blue Devils ... Friday, 7 p.m. at Kaley Field ... Mid Penn Colonial Division game.

Media: Follow @NoahShatzer on Twitter for live updates ... Livestream will be available on GameTimePA.com and midpennbroadcasting.com.

Teams: Mifflin County and Greencastle are both 1-3 (1-0 MPC) ... The Huskies earned their first win of the season with a 61-0 defeat of James Buchanan ... Greencastle is also coming off its first win, beating West Perry, 35-21. 

P.O. pick: Greencastle by 3.