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From workhorses to pass catchers: YAIAA offensive football players to watch in 2023

matt allibone, york daily record
·7 min read

This could be seen as a transitionary year for YAIAA football.

The top quarterback from last year? Off to the PSAC.

The top running back — perhaps in league history? Off to West Virginia.

One of the top wide receivers in the state? Now catching passes in Pittsburgh.

A mighty mite running back who put up numbers so absurd they seemed created in a video game? Now at a different college in Pittsburgh.

But there's talent left in York and Adams counties. In fact, some kids with the potential to be among the best in league history are still here.

Here are five YAIAA football players to watch this season at each offensive position group.

Quarterback

Aric Campbell, Dover, sr.

Dover quarterback Aric Campbell prepares to throw during a YAIAA football game against South Western on Friday, September 2, 2022, in Dover.
Dover quarterback Aric Campbell prepares to throw during a YAIAA football game against South Western on Friday, September 2, 2022, in Dover.

One of the most underrated players in the YAIAA last season. Campbell threw for 2,439 yards, 22 touchdowns and 11 interceptions while rushing for 261 yards and nine touchdowns in 12 games. He led Dover to a 9-3 turnaround season and shined in a playoff win over Garden Spot (213 passing yards, four total scores). Now the 6-foot-1 senior will look to recapture that magic with a few familiar faces but also some new ones.

Chris Price, Red Lion, sr.

Red Lion quarterback Christopher Price (14) keeps the ball as he runs toward the end zone to score a touchdown during a YAIAA Division I football game against Central York at Central York High School on Friday, Oct. 14, 2022.
Red Lion quarterback Christopher Price (14) keeps the ball as he runs toward the end zone to score a touchdown during a YAIAA Division I football game against Central York at Central York High School on Friday, Oct. 14, 2022.

Another quarterback who went under the radar last season. Red Lion has almost always had a senior quarterback under Jesse Shay, but Price got his chance as a junior and made the most of it. The dual threat completed 66% of his passes for 1,341 yards, 14 touchdowns and five picks while rushing for 580 yards and five scores in nine games. He'll be a key player for a Lions team hoping to improve from a 4-6 record.

Rylan Bratton, York Suburban, jr.

York Suburban quarterback Rylan Bratton is pressured by a defender during a YAIAA Division II football game against Dover at York Suburban High School, Friday, September 30, 2022. The Eagles won, 35-21.
York Suburban quarterback Rylan Bratton is pressured by a defender during a YAIAA Division II football game against Dover at York Suburban High School, Friday, September 30, 2022. The Eagles won, 35-21.

He didn't make the leap last season that some expected. After starting as a freshman, Bratton threw for over 1,400 yards but just nine touchdowns and 13 interceptions last season as York Suburban focused on its ground game. Still, he started two playoff games and remains arguably the most talented quarterback in the league. The 6-foot-2 junior has the potential to play at the NCAA Division I level.

Tyson Carpenter, Bermudian Springs, sr.

Bermudian Springs football players Tyson Carpenter (3), Brodie Smith (55) and Kayden King (58) pose for a photo with head coach John Livelsberger during YAIAA football media day on Tuesday, August 1, 2023, in York.
Bermudian Springs football players Tyson Carpenter (3), Brodie Smith (55) and Kayden King (58) pose for a photo with head coach John Livelsberger during YAIAA football media day on Tuesday, August 1, 2023, in York.

As a junior, Carpenter threw for over 1,100 yards, 15 touchdowns and just three interceptions as Bermudian's offense was much more balanced than past years. Carpenter will try to lead the Eagles to a winning season after a 4-6 campaign last year.

Alex Popoff, Littlestown, sr.

Littlestown's Alex Popoff (8) passes the ball during the first half of a football game between the Hanover Nighthawks and Littlestown Thunderbolts, Saturday, Sept. 17, 2022, in Littlestown Borough. Littlestown was ahead at the half, 42-6.
Littlestown's Alex Popoff (8) passes the ball during the first half of a football game between the Hanover Nighthawks and Littlestown Thunderbolts, Saturday, Sept. 17, 2022, in Littlestown Borough. Littlestown was ahead at the half, 42-6.

Littlestown might have a new coach, but Popoff gives the Bolts the ability to keep throwing downfield like they did under Mike Lippy. The 6-foot-3 quarterback passed for over 1,600 yards and added 22 touchdowns to 12 picks for a 6-4 team last year.

Running back

Juelz Goff, Central York, sr.

Central York's Juelz Goff runs toward the end zone for a touchdown. Central York defeats York High 51-44 in a District 3 Class 6A quarterfinal football game in Springettsbury Township, Friday, November 11, 2022.
Central York's Juelz Goff runs toward the end zone for a touchdown. Central York defeats York High 51-44 in a District 3 Class 6A quarterfinal football game in Springettsbury Township, Friday, November 11, 2022.

He rushed 195 times for 1,611 yards last year. He caught 24 passes for 335 receiving yards and scored 31 total touchdowns. And his Week 10 performance against York High (34 times, 232 yards, four touchdowns) without a quarterback in the lineup was truly special. But while the numbers speak for themselves, Red Lion head coach Jesse Shay summed up Goff's talents the best. "He will be the best running back of the last decade in this league. He will be. Strength is what set Jahiem (White) apart and it will for (Goff), too. Both Jahiem and (Goff) play faster in person than on film. I watch a lot of film. I can count on one hand the amount of running backs I've watched who I said, 'Wow, they're faster than I thought they were.' And he's one of them."

Dain Strausbaugh, Red Lion, sr.

Red Lion's Dain Strausbaugh scores on a long touchdown run. Red Lion defeats West York 45-32 in football at West York Area High School, Friday, September 2, 2022.
Red Lion's Dain Strausbaugh scores on a long touchdown run. Red Lion defeats West York 45-32 in football at West York Area High School, Friday, September 2, 2022.

He's missed significant time from broken collarbones the past two seasons, but Strausbaugh is one of the most dynamic playmakers in the league. He rushed for over 700 yards, compiled over 1,000 all-purpose yards and scored eight touchdowns in five and a half games last season. He had four games with over 100 rushing yards.

Brady Dettinburn, Delone Catholic, sr.

Delone Catholic's Brady Dettinburn runs with the ball. Delone Catholic defeated Hanover, 51-31, in football at Delone Catholic High School in McSherrystown, Friday, October 21, 2022.
Delone Catholic's Brady Dettinburn runs with the ball. Delone Catholic defeated Hanover, 51-31, in football at Delone Catholic High School in McSherrystown, Friday, October 21, 2022.

Delone uses multiple running backs in its Wing-T offense, but the powerful Dettinburn is the centerpiece. The reigning YAIAA Division III Offensive Player of the Year rushed for 1,125 yards and 12 touchdowns while averaging 7.1 yards per carry last season. He's also a standout linebacker

Michael Fox, Susquehannock, sr.

Susquehannock's Michael Fox drives the ball down the field at a football game at West York High School on Friday Oct. 21, 2022.
Susquehannock's Michael Fox drives the ball down the field at a football game at West York High School on Friday Oct. 21, 2022.

He had a breakout season last year — rushing for 1,023 yards and 11 touchdowns and averaging 6.2 yards per carry. He'll be counted on again as Susquehannock tries to improve from a 3-7 mark.

Amani Bones, York High, so.

York High freshman running back Amani Bones (2) follows offensive lineman Jalen Walker (71) while carrying the ball against Red Lion at Small Athletic Field on Friday, September 23, 2022. Bones made it into the end zone but the play was called back due to a penalty.
York High freshman running back Amani Bones (2) follows offensive lineman Jalen Walker (71) while carrying the ball against Red Lion at Small Athletic Field on Friday, September 23, 2022. Bones made it into the end zone but the play was called back due to a penalty.

Could York High have another superstar tailback on its roster? Perhaps. Bones picked up an early offer from Charlotte this offseason. That doesn't mean much for a young player — but it does prove he has the talent. The 5-foot-11, 200-pound Bones started at linebacker last season and will now fill the void left by Jahiem White.

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Wide receiver

Michael Scott, Dallastown, jr.

Dallastown's Michael Scott makes a catch during a YAIAA Division I football game against York High at Small Athletic Field on Saturday, Oct. 8, 2022, in York.
Dallastown's Michael Scott makes a catch during a YAIAA Division I football game against York High at Small Athletic Field on Saturday, Oct. 8, 2022, in York.

He caught 29 passes for 359 yards and two touchdowns last season. But Scott has the ability to be one of the best players in the league at any position. The 5-foot-9 junior has dynamic speed that has already earned him five Division I offers. He will likely stand out much more this season following the graduation of Kenny Johnson.

David Warde, York High, jr.

York High's David Warde (1) throws up a stiff arm on Red Lion's David Clippinger (24) while returning a punt at Small Athletic Field on Friday, September 23, 2022.
York High's David Warde (1) throws up a stiff arm on Red Lion's David Clippinger (24) while returning a punt at Small Athletic Field on Friday, September 23, 2022.

The league's breakout star last season. He had five games with over 100 yards and finished with 63 catches for 933 yards and 10 touchdowns. He's already earned an offer from Charlotte and will likely rack up more opportunities. He will be counted on to help new Bearcats quarterback George Banks mature into the role.

Joey Wilkinson, Hanover, sr.

Hanover's Joey Wilkinson (2) completes a 70-yard pass from Hanover's Chase Roberts (3) for a touchdown during the second half of a football game between the Hanover Nighthawks and York Tech Spartans, Saturday, Oct. 29, 2022, at Sheppard-Myers field in Hanover. The Nighthawks won, 35-25.
Hanover's Joey Wilkinson (2) completes a 70-yard pass from Hanover's Chase Roberts (3) for a touchdown during the second half of a football game between the Hanover Nighthawks and York Tech Spartans, Saturday, Oct. 29, 2022, at Sheppard-Myers field in Hanover. The Nighthawks won, 35-25.

While Hanover struggled last season, Wilkinson put up huge numbers alongside record-setting quarterback Chase Roberts. He caught 54 passes for over 900 yards and scored 14 touchdowns. He'll play with another talented quarterback, junior Gavin Trish, under new coach Jarrel Burnett this season.

Thomas Smyser, Dover, sr.

Dover's Thomas Smyser runs with the ball. Dover defeats Garden Spot 40-21 in football in a District 3 Class 5A first round game in Dover, Friday, November 4, 2022.
Dover's Thomas Smyser runs with the ball. Dover defeats Garden Spot 40-21 in football in a District 3 Class 5A first round game in Dover, Friday, November 4, 2022.

A star on both sides of the ball, Smyser put up huge numbers with Aric Campbell last season and will look to repeat that success. In 12 games, he caught 59 passes for 1,170 yards and nine touchdowns and racked up 500 return yards.

Brennan Holmes, New Oxford, sr.

New Oxford wide receiver Brennan Holmes (4) sprints to the end zone to score his third receiving touchdown of the game against Kennard-Dale at New Oxford High School on Friday, Oct. 7, 2022.
New Oxford wide receiver Brennan Holmes (4) sprints to the end zone to score his third receiving touchdown of the game against Kennard-Dale at New Oxford High School on Friday, Oct. 7, 2022.

New Oxford has had a number of standout receivers in recent years and Holmes is continuing that tradition. The dynamic 6-foot athlete caught 35 passes for nearly 700 yards and scored 12 total touchdowns last season.

Offensive line

Michael Hershey, Spring Grove, sr.

Spring Grove defensive lineman Michael Hershey (71) looks to the sideline for the sign during a non-league home game against Waynesboro on Friday, August 26, 2022, in Jackson Township.
Spring Grove defensive lineman Michael Hershey (71) looks to the sideline for the sign during a non-league home game against Waynesboro on Friday, August 26, 2022, in Jackson Township.

A stud on both sides of the ball, Hershey carries himself with a presence that matches his 6-foot-4, 260-pound frame. The University of Maryland commit will likely play interior offensive line in college but remains an elite high school offensive tackle for now.

Michael McMonigle, York High, sr.

York High junior offensive lineman Michael McMonigle (center) warms up with the rest of the Bearcats before taking on Woodland Hills in the Chambersburg Peach Bowl football showcase on Saturday, August 27, 2022.
York High junior offensive lineman Michael McMonigle (center) warms up with the rest of the Bearcats before taking on Woodland Hills in the Chambersburg Peach Bowl football showcase on Saturday, August 27, 2022.

Another Maryland commit. The 6-foot-6, 290-pound McMonigle is a three-year starter who has blocked for two outstanding offenses already. He will now lead a unit with a lot of untested players.

Trevor Wentz, Central York, sr.

Wentz is undersized at 6-foot and about 200 pounds, but he was a first-team YAIAA Division I all-star at guard last season. The senior will lead a small but quick offensive line tasked with opening holes for Juelz Goff.

Micah Smith, New Oxford, sr.

New Oxford football players Micah Smith (56) and Tyler Arigo (9) pose for a photo during YAIAA football media day on Tuesday, August 1, 2023, in York.
New Oxford football players Micah Smith (56) and Tyler Arigo (9) pose for a photo during YAIAA football media day on Tuesday, August 1, 2023, in York.

The 6-foot-3, 270-pound senior is a two-way starter for the Colonials and was a second-team YAIAA Division II all-star last season. He'll be a key leader for an offense that has big expectations this season.

J.D. Sieg, Delone Catholic, jr.

The 6-foot-3, 260-pound junior is likely the top returning linemen in YAIAA Division III. He was a first-team all-star on both sides of the ball last season.

Matt Allibone is a sports reporter for GameTimePA. He can be reached at 717-881-8221, mallibone@ydr.com or on Twitter at @bad2theallibone. 

This article originally appeared on York Daily Record: YAIAA offensive players to watch in the 2023 football season