Searching for its second consecutive Mid-Penn Commonwealth Division championship — and its third in four seasons — Cumberland Valley’s soccer-playing Eagles checked into preseason camp in terrific physical condition and determined to make that happen. Much more, too. And for a club returning plenty from the 2012 group that reached the state quarterfinals, nailing down another Commonwealth crown would not be a surprise. Won’t be a walk, as State College, Cedar Cliff, Carlisle and Chambersburg also have experienced groups on hand and all of them want a piece of the Commonwealth, too. Could be one of those seasons where just about everyone has the ability to knock off just about everyone.
COMMONWEALTH DIVISION PLAYERS TO WATCH
Damian DiFlorio — Central Dauphin, sr, midfielder
Will Edwards — State College, sr, forward
Sid Ewell — Carlisle, sr, defender
Marc Furfaro — Chambersburg, jr, midfielder
Joey Gallucci — Cedar Cliff, jr, forward
Conor Gest — State College, sr, defender
Riley Katshir — Cumberland Valley, jr, defender
Bryant “Bubba” Pellish — Cedar Cliff, sr, forward
Kareem Riley — CD East, sr, forward
Hunter Scott — Carlisle, sr, forward
Willie Staz — Red Land, sr, forward/midfielder
Leo VanBuskirk — Cedar Cliff, sr, midfielder
Jesse Zimmerman — Cumberland Valley, sr, forward/midfielder
CUMBERLAND VALLEY Eagles
Coach: Matt Billman. 2012 record: 22-4 (14-2 in Commonwealth Division, finished second in District 3-AAA playoffs, advanced to PIAA Class AAA quarterfinals). PIAA classification: AAA.
Restarts: Fit and frisky when training camp began, a CV program resolute about playing in November cranked up the pace and competitive level during workouts in an effort to install the mindset needed to tough out victories. The Eagles also traveled to western Pennsylvania during the run-up to the regular season, using scraps with suburban Pittsburgh’s Seneca Valley and Upper St. Clair to sharpen form. Lots of talented pieces in place — as there always is — but the feisty Zimmerman is one of those players with the clutch gene who always seems to find a way to get important things done in important games. Will be at or near the top of the Commonwealth and should be a District 3-AAA player yet again.
Returnees: Jesse Zimmerman (sr F/MF, 14 goals, 10 assists in 2012, first-team all-star), Riley Katshir (jr D, 0g, 1a, second-team all-star), Ben Zambetti (sr MF, 1g, 3a), Jack Abom (jr MF, 0g, 0a), Cole Smith (sr MF/F, 5g, 1a), Sam Pasewark (sr F, 5g, 7a), Cam Avery (sr GK, had a hand in seven of CV’s 12 shutouts), Brendan Amanto (sr MF/F, 0g, 0a in 2011), Tom Schlarp (sr D, 1g, 0a), Greg Armbrust (sr D, 0g, 1a). Newcomers: Stephen Thompson (fr MF), Gerry Garcia (fr MF/F).
STATE COLLEGE Little Lions
Coach: Danny Orton. 2012 record: 12-6-2 (9-5-2 in Commonwealth Division, won District 6-AAA championship, advanced to PIAA Class AAA round of 16). PIAA classification: AAA.
Restarts: Undoubtedly more at ease with their remarkably competitive Commonwealth surroundings than they were a season ago — when first-year coach Orton was still getting comfortable himself — the Little Lions should be more prepared for the constant wear-and-tear league brings. After all, State High was an independent for so long those three-games-in-five-days stretches were nonexistent. Not any more. And with eight starters returning along with several others who logged valuable playing time, Orton’s Lions have the personnel and chops to make a run at the Commonwealth crown. Everyone around them knows it, too.
Returnees: Will Edwards (sr F, 8g, 4a, second-team all-star), Jake Garrigan (sr F, 5g, 3a), Conor Gest (sr D, 0g, 1a), Matt Selfe (sr D, 0g, 0a), Robby Waite (sr F, 7g, 0a), Mark Pauley (sr F, 0g, 1a), Tucker Wheeler (sr MF, 0g, 4a), Kevin Rahn (sr D, 0g, 0a), Shawn Lingenfelter (sr D, 0g, 0a), Mason Post (sr F, 0g, 0a), Ty LeWay (jr GK, Little Lions pitched 6 shutouts in 2012), Phil Betz (jr D, 0g, 1a), Ben Stout (jr F, 1g, 0a), Eli Smith (jr MF, 0g, 1a). Newcomers: Mac Schailey (jr MF), Enrique DelCastillo (jr MF), T.D. Hunter (jr D), Chris Vidic (jr D), Mike Rury (jr F), Luke Charles (jr MF), Lucas Calvert (jr D), Paul McDermott (jr D).
CEDAR CLIFF Colts
Coach: Jeff Dapp. 2012 record: 14-5 (12-4 in Commonwealth Division, reached District 3-AAA round of 16). PIAA classification: AAA.
Restarts: With their early dismissal from last season’s District 3-AAA playoffs serving as constant motivation, Dapp’s high-octane Colts are full of giddy-up and anxious to get going. And since much of their attack returns — the all-star trio of Pellish, Gallucci and the powerful VanBuskirk has the ability to cause all sorts of problems for opposing defenses and goalkeepers — the Cliff could be in the middle of the Commonwealth title chase and has a chance to land a solid postseason seed. The key? Getting a readjusted defensive backfield up to speed in front of Heasley, who shipped in from Northern. Quality side that should be fun to watch.
Returnees: Bryant “Bubba” Pellish (sr F, 14g, 5a, first-team all-star), Leo VanBuskirk (sr MF, 10g, 1a, second-team all-star), Joey Gallucci (jr F, 7g, 5a, second-team all-star), Luke Dugan (sr MF, 1g, 5a), Neil Painter (jr MF, 2g, 2a), Collin Kindig (jr D, 1g, 1a), Owen Shenk (jr D, 0g, 2a). Newcomers: Michael Lopez-Ortiz (fr MF), Matt Lebo (jr D), Brendan Heasley (sr GK, part of eight shutouts in 2012 at Northern), Antonio Hebert (jr D), Andrew Schrock (so D).
CARLISLE Thundering Herd
Coach: Brandon Eiserman. 2012 record: 12-10-1 (8-7-1 in Commonwealth Division, lost in District 3-AAA third-place game). PIAA classification: AAA.
Restarts: Needing a superb regular-season finish (5-1-0) last fall just to squeeze into the District 3-AAA playoff field at No. 19, Eiserman’s fast-closing Herd took full advantage of their postseason opportunity and nearly reached states. So, with that in mind and a host of returning veterans still parked in the Carlisle lineup, Eiserman is hoping his youngsters can get things moving quickly and not wait until things become desperate. With Ewell at center back and anchoring the D for a second consecutive season, Carlisle should be difficult to finish against. So, if the Herd can find a finish or two or more consistently, these guys should fare just fine.
Returnees: Sid Ewell (sr D, 1g, 2a, first-team all-star), Hunter Scott (sr F, 3g, 1a, second-team all-star), Christian Pavlovich (sr GK, 6 shutouts), Ben Wagner (sr D, 3g, 0a), Zach Mitchiner (sr MF, 1g, 1a), Evan Collins (so MF, 4g, 3a), Martin Riggins (so MF, 2g, 3a), Matt Levy (sr F, 7g, 5a), Zach Loudon (sr F, 2g, 1a). Newcomers: Trevor Weis (fr MF), Colin Wallace (sr D).
CHAMBERSBURG Trojans
Coach: Guy Furfaro. 2012 record: 12-7 (10-6 in Commonwealth Division, reached District 3-AAA round of 16). PIAA classification: AAA.
Restarts: Blessed with an abundance of attacking players, the adventurous yet astute Furfaro is going to try to get as many of those goal-sniffing midfielders and forwards on the field as he possibly can. That’s why the hard-working Trojans may line up and go after opponents with up to four forwards at once. If Furfaro’s scheme is successful and it works — and the Trojans have a chance to make it go since Furfaro’s talented son, Marc, will be at the midfield controls playing facilitator — Chambersburg’s playmates may have difficulty preparing for the explosive Franklin Countians. Particularly since Commonwealth Division clubs frequently play three times in five days. Check back in a couple of weeks.
Returnees: Marc Furfaro (jr MF, 6g, 7a, second-team all-star), Josh Brenize (sr F, 4g, 7a), Ian Berrier (jr F, 7g, 4a), Matt Porter (sr F, 2g, 2a), Clayton Cox (sr MF, 2g, 0a), Effren Amezquita (sr MF, 0g, 1a), Nick Lombardozzi (sr D, 3g, 0a). Newcomer: Erik Espinoza (so F).
CENTRAL DAUPHIN Rams
Coach: Gregg Davis. 2012 record: 7-9-1 (6-9-1 in Commonwealth Division). PIAA classification: AAA.
Restarts: Last season’s absence from postseason action — the first for the remarkably successful CD program since 1995, or two seasons before Davis returned home to take over — has the Rams itching to reverse the series of one-goal losses that pestered them in 2012 and return to their customary place among the District 3-AAA elite. Can that happen? If Davis can muster up his defensive magic and construct a solid backfield in front of new keeper Cleary, he believes this group can pinch some tight results and be right back in play. Filling the sizable void left when energetic midfielder Evan Davis departed is another prerequisite for this outfit.
Returnees: Damian DiFlorio (sr MF, 0g, 2a), Matt Baer (sr MF, 0g, 0a), T.J. Yurkovic (sr F, 5g, 2a), Nick Gigliotti (so D, 0g, 0a), Danny Zhmurkin (jr F, 4g, 1a), Sam Anderson (jr D, 0g, 0a), Julius Illiano (jr MF, 1g, 1a), Hayden Rowe (sr MF/F, 2g, 0a), Mac Mulroy (jr F, 1g, 0a). Newcomers: Bryan Cleary (sr GK), Noah Krampe (sr F), Nate Smith (jr F/MF/D), Alex Cray (jr D).
RED LAND Patriots
Coach: Brent Brockman. 2012 record: 8-8-2 (8-6-2 in Commonwealth Division). PIAA classification: AAA.
Restarts: Easily the early surprise last season — riding all-state and divisional player of the year Ben Kunkel, Red Land zipped to victories in each of its first five Commonwealth fixtures — Brockman’s dangerously thin Patriots tailed off as the season played out. So with Kunkel gone, what’s next? Might be attack by committee, but the hope is the talented Staz can pick up where he left off as a sophomore. And if Staz has recovered from the horrific knee injury that kept him out last season, the kid’s a horse who can carry a club when he gets hot. Much like the gritty Kunkel, another thoroughbred, did for most of the 2012 campaign. Tough out that’s kind of an unknown.
Returnees: Willie Staz (sr F/MF, 11g, 9a in 2011), Tristan Haring (sr MF, 2g, 3a), Bryan Jackson (sr D, 0g, 0a), Austin Miller (jr D, 0g, 3a), Keegan Willson (jr F/MF, 5g, 1a), Shane Gill (jr MF, 3g, 0a). Newcomer: Chad Stout (fr MF).
CENTRAL DAUPHIN EAST Panthers
Coach: Dave Kern. 2012 record: 2-16 (1-15 in Commonwealth Division). PIAA classification: AAA.
Restarts: Entering his third season as Panthers skipper — and still working with many of the youngsters he greeted for the first day of camp several years back — Kern is hoping East’s continuity and cohesiveness can lead to a few more results. And with a veteran group that’s been through plenty of Commonwealth skirmishes, that’s possible since the Panthers showed last season they could hang with a lot of teams. The problem was East spent so much time defending in front of Saltos, the Panthers managed just eight divisional finishes. So finding a way to get a lead and stay in front is a primary objective, one that could bring home a few more victories before the Panthers pack up at the end of the season and head for the Keystone.
Returnees: Kareem Riley (sr F, 4g, 1a, second-team all-star), Rotman Saltos (jr GK, 1 shutout), Hassan Ndigejeje (so MF, 3g, 2a), Kasey Bowers (sr D, 0g, 0a), Ali Demiri (so MF, 3g, 1a), Karan Dhungel (so F/MF, 1g, 0a), Oscar Lopez (jr MF, 2g, 4a), Andrew Gerhards (jr D, 0g, 0a), Josh Antolick (jr D, 0g, 0a), Chimi Chinatu (sr F, 4g, 0a). Newcomers: Adam Stonebracker (jr D), Rinor Hashani (so F/MF), Niko Zervanos (fr MF), George Owusu (jr D).
MIFFLIN COUNTY Huskies
Coach: Bob Lepley. 2012 record: 1-17 (1-15 in Commonwealth Division). PIAA classification: AAA.
Restarts: Elevated to skipper after several seasons as the Huskies’ junior varsity coach — and a handful more at other levels — the enthusiastic Lepley decided to implement a possession-minded scheme after getting a first-hand look at what most of the other Commonwealth sides were doing. Essentially, Lepley’s thoughts are to hang on to the ball longer while going forward, develop a cohesive approach and take the pressure off the D. And that makes plenty of sense since Mifflin County’s rearguard got roughed up quite a bit during its first Mid-Penn tour. Since numbers are a bit thin (24), the Huskies can ill afford to fall behind and start chasing.
Returnees: Kyle Bodtorf (sr MF, 0g, 0a), Levi Sunderland (sr F, 2g, 0a), Weston Shugarts (jr MF, 0g, 0a), Evan Zewe (jr MF, 2g, 0a), Andrew Traxler (jr D, 0g, 0a), Hunter Wray (sr D, 0g, 0a), Ben Renninger (sr D, 0g, 0a). Newcomers: Caleb Neff (jr D), Zack Bonson (so MF), Andrew Larson (fr F).
MICHAEL BULLOCK:mbullock@pennlive.com
BULLOCK ON TWITTER: @thebullp_n