District 3 playoff races: Who’s in, who’s on the bubble and who has work left to do
The PIAA released its weekly District 3 Power Rankings on Sunday, so we’re breaking down who’s in, who’s on the bubble and who has work left to do to make the District playoffs. Schools are listed by classification and only Hanover-Adams teams are included.
Class AAAA--Top 16 teams qualify for the District 3 M&T Bank Championships.
Work left to do: South Western (2-4, 2-1, 21st out of 29, .521)
Last week's 20-0 win over Red Lion (17th in Class AAAA) was HUGE. The Mustangs jumped up nine percentage points and three places. It wasn't quite enough to put them on the bubble, but it put them in a more realistic place to reach the playoffs. They've looked much better in recent weeks, especially the defense, and if a call or a play against Central had gone the other way, they could very well be 3-3 right now. Coach Poalucci wanted them to be more physical and they have been. South Western still realistically needs to win three out of its last four most likely and a road match against powerhouse Dallastown (10th in class AAAA) is up next. Can the Mustangs pull off the upset?
Class AAA--Top 16 teams qualify for the District 3 M&T Bank Championships.
In: Gettysburg (5-1, 2-1, 10th out of 40, .684)
The Warriors' 24-7 win over Eastern York kept Gettysburg firmly in the top ten. They travel to Kennard-Dale this week before hosting Conrad Weiser (11th in Class AAA). Winning three out of their last four could potentially allow Gettysburg to host a first-round game.
On the bubble: Spring Grove (3-3, 1-2, 17th out of 40, .573)
A stunning 21-17 loss to winless William Penn bumped the Rockets back out of the final playoff spot, down to 17th, one spot out of the playoffs. The Rockets are healthier than they have been in recent weeks and Papermakers Stadium welcomes a familiar foe this week. Coach Stoner's former team, Central York, comes to town with a three-game winning streak. A number of story lines will be in play there on Friday night.
Work left to do: New Oxford (0-6, 0-3, 38th out of 40, .291)
The good news: The Colonials scored 20 or more points for just the second time this season.
The bad news: New Oxford lost, 41-22, to Central, sealing a sub-.500 season in their first campaign back in YAIAA division I.
Class AA--Top 8 teams qualify for the District 3 M&T Bank Championships.
In: Bermudian Springs (6-0, 3-0, 3rd out of 14, .716)
The Eagles just keep rolling along. After a 46-0 shutout at York County Tech, the Eagles defense has given up just 27 points in six games. They have avoided injuries, the run game has been as good as advertised and the passing game has been solid. Division-rival Delone Catholic will have its chance to ruin Bermudian's winning streak this week.
On the bubble: Biglerville (3-3, 1-2, 7th out of 14, .476)
Coach Ramos was not happy with the officiating or the result against Delone. The Canners have lost a few close games to division opponents that could've drastically changed their record. But the defense has looked strong and Scott Cooper has been a legitimate threat at running back. Biglerville needs two wins among games against York Catholic, Littlestown, Hanover and Bermudian to finish the regular season with a .500 record.
Work left to do: Littlestown (1-5, 0-2, 12th out of 14, .316) and Hanover (1-5, 0-3, 13th out of 14, .299)
While Littlestown's misery continued with a 56-18 loss at York Catholic, Hanover nearly pulled off an upset at Fairfield, 18-14. These two teams meet this week in Hanover and one team will walk away with its first division victory.
Class A--Top 4 teams qualify for the District 3 M&T Bank Championships.
In: Fairfield (4-2, 2-1, 2nd out of 10, .536)
The Green Knights bounced back from an ugly loss to Bermudian by squeaking by Hanover, 18-14. It wasn't exactly a convincing victory but Hanover has been stingy this season and a win is a win, right?
Fairfield actually ran the ball well and scored all three touchdowns on run plays, which is rare for a pass-first team. It could've been the rain, but it's still a good sign for the Green Knights' offense.
On the bubble: Delone Catholic (3-3, 2-1, 4th out of 10, .483)
Another team that won ugly in the rain. That's two wins in a row for the Squires and 100 career victories for coach Wiles. His reward? A game at Bermudian for his first opportunity at win no. 101.
The Squires are in the last playoff spot, percentage points ahead of Steelton Highspire, and if the rankings stay intact, their first-round matchup would be a rematch with York Catholic.