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Mifflinburg Wildcats
PIAA DISTRICT 4 CLASS 4A HEARTLAND DIVISION 2
Mix of youth, experience leads ’Cats
BY BRETT R. CROSSLEY
Abig portion of Mifflinburg’s success in 2021 will hinge on players’ ability to transition to new positions and to lead a young group of guys behind them.
It sounds typical, but this year for Mifflinburg will be pivotal. Mifflinburg coach Jason Dressler says the Wildcats must attempt to rebuild the offensive line and protect two seasoned running backs and a new quarterback.
“We have quite a few guys returning with experience and that makes a world of difference,” Dressler said. “One of the parts we are concerned about is having a good offensive line. It’s important to have a good line in front of the experience.”
One area where Mifflinburg will have plenty of experience is running back. Andrew Diehl led the Wildcats in carries, rushing yards, and 100-yard performances in 2020. He finished the year with 552 yards and three scores on 102 carries.
His two years of experience in the offense will help players make the adjustment, including Carter Breed, who, Dressler said will have a stepped-up role within the offense. Breed finished with 105 receiving yards and 35 total tackles last year.
“Having Andrew coming back with two years of experience, we are certainly looking to him in the backfield as well as Carter Breed,” Dressler said.
“Breed mainly played defense for us last year but we are looking to him to contribute big time on the offensive side of the ball. We are looking for both of them to share time in the backfield this year.”
The running backs will have a new partner in the backfield.
Troy Dressler will be
EMMANUEL ULRICH
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We have quite a few guys returning with experience and that makes a world of difference. It’s important to have a good line in front of the experience.
2021 SCHEDULE
Aug 27 Danville* Sept. 3 Central Columbia* Sept. 10 at Midd-West* Sept. 17 at Hughesvile Sept. 24 Shamokin Oct. 1 at Milton Oct. 8 at Montoursville* Oct 15 Central Mountain Oct. 22 Shikellamy Oct. 29 at Lewisburg*
*-PHAC-2 GAME
2020 RESULTS (5-5)
L Danville 49-7 W at Lewisburg 17-14 L at Montoursville 53-0 L Central Columbia 17-0 W at Midd-West 35-33 W at Warrior Run 49-14 W at Hughesville 28-0 W Shikellamy 13-7, OT L at Line Mountain L, 42-34 D4 4A Semifinals L at Jersey Shore 48-7
5-YEAR WIN TREND
3
2 2 5* 5*
2016 2017 2018 2019 2020
3 *-PLAYOFFS; &-DISTRICT CHAMPION #-PIAA CHAMPION
2020 STAT LEADERS
PASSING C-A Int TD Yds Jacob Reitz 91-163 9 3 1,101 RUSHING Att Yards TDs Andrew Diehl 102 552 3 Colin Miller 40 367 5 Jacob Reitz 93 284 8 RECEIVING Rec Yards TDs Colin Miller 22 253 1 Jacob Bingaman 15 156 0 Carter Breed 12 105 0
RETURNEES IN BOLD
making a unique jump as he moves from offensive line to quarterback this year. Dressler was a starting guard as a freshman in 2020.
From understanding the blocking schemes to standing behind the line will be a transition no doubt, but it will be one Dressler should be able to make. He is a gifted athlete that will have the backing of two experienced players running behind him.
“It is definitely a different experience than playing offensive line,” Troy Dressler said. “However, I am learning the position and becoming more comfortable with it.”
Mifflinburg will get a boost as it opens the season at home against Danville. It will be the first time the stadium will be at full capacity since 2019, which will surely give the Wildcats some extra juice as they take on the Ironmen.
“We are certainly hoping we can return to a traditional season this year,” Jason Dressler said. “That’s the plan right now. There’s really nothing like having a full crowd, the band, and the student section. It just creates such a great environment for not only the team, but the community.”
Everyone will enjoy the first fully stocked Friday in two seasons a little more if the Wildcats manage to pull out a win.
The Wildcats open the season with PHAC-2 games in each of the first three weeks — Danville, Central, at Midd-West — and then close the season at rival Lewisburg in their final league game.
Regardless of the outcome, players will likely benefit the most from the added encouragement.
“It will be wild and fun to have a crowd, band, cheerleaders, and a student section all cheering the team on,” Troy Dressler said. “It will be exciting to be able to play in front of a full stadium.”
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