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W2W4 in Hanover-Adams: Week of April 4


Two weeks into the spring sports season, we're starting to identify the contenders.

Of course, it's still the beginning of the season. There's plenty of time for teams to heat up or tail off.

With that in mind, here’s a look at watch to watch for this week in the Hanover-Adams area.

Baseball

West York at Spring Grove, 4:15 p.m. Tuesday: 

After winning the Division I regular season title and reaching the District 3 championship game last season, Spring Grove entered 2016 as the team to beat in the YAIAA. Off to a 2-1 start, the Rockets have a test next week in West York. The Bulldogs won the YAIAA tournament title last season, beating the Rockets in a semifinal on a walk-off hit.

But the Bulldogs graduated a number of key players from last season and are off to a 0-2 start under new head coach Scott Erickson. With most of its lineup from last season still intact, Spring Grove will have the opportunity to further prove they are the class of the league.

Gettysburg at Eastern York, 4:15 p.m. Thursday:

The Warriors entered this season with high expectations and started 1-1. They'll get a major test on Tuesday, when they face last season's Division III champion Eastern York. The Golden Knights have a tremendous pitching staff and are off to a 2-1 start.

But Gettysburg has a very good lineup, led by Michael Tempel, David Buxton and P.J. Cosden. If the Warriors don't get completely shut down offensively, this one should be a very good game.

Softball

South Western at Dallastown, 4:15 p.m. Thursday:

After going 12-7 and finishing in third place in Division I last season, South Western is 0-2 so far in 2016. While the Mustangs have a young roster, they also have six returning starters and one of the league's best catchers in Kaitlyn Chell.

Thursday's matchup against Dallastown will be an opportunity for the Mustangs to get back on track. The Wildcats are one of the most talented teams in Division I this season and are off to a 2-1 start. A win over them would be huge for South Western.

Track and Field

Littlestown at Bermudian Springs, 3:45 p.m. Tuesday:

When the Eagles and Thunderbolts met last season at the end of April, both boys' teams were undefeated and competing with a Division III title on the line. But there would end up being little suspense once the meet started, as Littlestown cruised to a 101-49 victory to win the division for the fifth time in six years.

Tuesday's rematch is taking place too early in the season to have the same ramifications, but it could still prove to be a match between two of the division's best. Littlestown is currently 1-0 while Bermudian is 1-1.

Boys' lacrosse

Spring Grove at Red Lion, 4:15 p.m. Tuesday:

An up-and-coming program, the Rockets are just 1-2 so far this season but have a chance to make a statement when they face Red Lion on Tuesday. The Lions are coming off a 13-4 season.and led by the dynamic scoring duo of Sam Emig and Jac Gemmill.  If Spring Grove is going to pull off the upset, it'll need big performances from senior Bryce Kephart and junior Tanner Bolton. It won't be easy for the Rockets to win, but playing competitively with the Lions would still say a lot.

NFL connection

Harris to speak at Hanover Area YMCA

Former New Oxford football player Erik Harris, now a member of the New Orleans Saints will share his story at 7 p.m. Wednesday night at the Hanover Area YMCA.

After graduating from high school, Harris joined the California University of Pennsylvania team as a preferred walk-on. He's spent the last three years playing for the Canadian Football League's Hamilton Tiger-Cats before signing with the Saints in February.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. The first 100 kids in attendance will receive an autographed photo.

— Zach Miller