We're targeting five players, coaches or teams to keep an eye on heading into week 3 of the high school football season. Here we go.
1. Chris Galbraith, QB, Cumberland Valley: Everyone knows the the Eagles are more than content to run it 75 times in a row if they were guaranteed four yards a tote. But Galbraith and Cumberland Valley's passing attack, virtually nonexistent through the first two weeks of the season, has to chip in against the taxing pressure of Bishop McDevitt. The Eagles have leaned heavily on rushers Tyler Updegraff and Tyler Heisey, and why not? Yet there's a strong probability that CV will be staring at key third-and-6 situations against the Crusaders. That's when you need your starting QB to make a play. A lot is riding on the guys protecting Galbraith, too.
2. CD East secondary: The Panthers are trying to secure a 3-0 start, thanks partly to a secondary that has shutdown Shippensburg and Susquehanna Twp. on consecutive weeks. The combination of Gevante Elam, Quinton Smith, Malik Thomas, Jahad Neibauer and Chase Edmonds have played top notch. That said, Class AAAA No. 4 Coatesville presents a whole new set of problems. The Red Raiders are breaking in a new quarterback, sophomore Jordan Young, but skipper Matt Ortega has yet to fully unleash some of those skill position guys that helped Coatesville reach the PIAA Class AAAA final in 2012. Aside from their regular chores, the Panthers defensive backfield will be vital in run support, too.
3. Richard Settle, LB, Northern: Settle is one of the few seniors running point for first-year skipper Garrett Mowery. He's a good one, too. Still, you have to figure the Polar Bears are a bit frustrated after dropping a 12-7 match to Middletown last week. Now, Settle and his defensive mates have to refocus for Mechanicsburg. Northern's on-field leader as to be all over the field, generating pressure and dropping into coverage in hope of cluttering passing lanes for Wildcats QB Tyler Schubert. It's a tough assignment, but Mowery knows his defense has to supply a few big plays for Northern to get back on track.
4. Chase May, WR, West Perry: May has done a little bit of everything, but the Mustangs are still searching for the elusive first win. The 6-0, 180-pound senior is averaging nearly seven yards per carry and has hauled in 17 receptions for 184 yards and a touchdown. Middletown, coming off the momentum-building win over Northern, does have some playmakers in the secondary. But May is both talented and savvy, two characteristics that should produce some impressive numbers on Friday night.
5. Lower Dauphin's defense: We know Cedar Crest is much improved, and the Lancaster-Lebanon rep was a shade more athletic than Lower Dauphin's week 1 opponent. Still, Rob Klock's team is about to slide into the meaty portion of the Mid-Penn Keystone Division next week. That means squaring off with athletic offenses will be normal operating procedure. The Falcons are 2-0. That's the good news. But Klock still would love to keep that momentum going with a crisp and convincing effort against Elizabethtown.
Epler on Twitter: @threejacker
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