Football Game Preview: Harrisburg Cougars vs. Central Dauphin Rams

The Harrisburg Cougars will be playing at home against the Central Dauphin Rams at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday. Harrisburg will come into the matchup with an undefeated record on the line.

It was a proper cat-fight when Harrisburg faced off against Central Dauphin East last Saturday. The Cougars were the clear victors by a 28-6 margin over the Panthers. Considering the Cougars have won six games by more than 21 points this season, Saturday's blowout was nothing new.

Mikal Shank Jr

Rushing Yards (Career)

10/25/25 vs Central Dauphin East	10
08/30/25 vs Bishop McDevitt	8
10/04/25 vs Altoona	5
10/18/25 vs Central Dauphin	4
08/23/25 vs Imhotep Charter	4

Mikal Shank Jr looked great while leading his team to the win, throwing for 180 yards and one touchdown, while also punching in one score on the ground. The dominant performance also gave him a new career-high in rushing yards (ten). Harrisburg also got a significant boost from Princeton Dent, who ran away from the competition to the tune of 85 yards.

Harrisburg didn't go easy on the quarterback and picked off three passes before the game was over. The team can thank three different players for their defensive prowess: Rick Brown, Trays Walker, and Ja'Auan Johnson, who each picked up one interception apiece. Johnson got in on the action too, converting a pick into a touchdown.

Central Dauphin hadn't beaten Cumberland Valley on the road since September 13, 2019 but that history sure didn't bother them on Friday. The Rams pulled ahead with a 7-6 photo finish over the Eagles.

Harrisburg better focus on containing Isaac Hodgson and Mark Lebo as the pair were huge in Central Dauphin's win. Hodgson rushed for 82 yards and one TD, while Lebo rushed for 61 yards. Hodgson was even better on defense, picking up a sack, making ten total tackles, and defending one pass.

Harrisburg's record now sits at 10-0. As for Central Dauphin, their record is now 5-6.

Everything came up roses for Harrisburg against Central Dauphin when the teams last played back in October, as the team secured a 27-0 win. Will the Cougars repeat their success, or do the Rams have a new game plan this time around? We'll find out soon enough.