Photo courtesy of MIFFLIN COUNTY TOMAHAWKS Timmy Beck, shown here racing into the endzone, is one of the Tomahawks' top receivers.

LINGLESTOWN — Offensively, it’s no secret what the Dauphin County Comanche liked to do with the football. The Comanche try to keep it in the hands of quarterback – and leading rusher – Landon Johnson.

At least that’s what veteran Mifflin County Tomahawks head coach Bryan Rodgers is expecting when the two teams square off in the Great Eastern Football Association playoffs at 1 p.m. today in Linglestown. Mifflin County (6-4) meets Dauphin County (9-1), while the Moshannon Valley Vikings (8-2) travel to the Central PA Legends (9-1) in the other semifinal matchup.

“I think the difference in the game will be whether or not we can stop their run game,” said Rodgers, whose team lost to Dauphin County 44-30 during the regular season. “If we can get them behind the sticks and force some bad throws, we think good things will happen.”

Johnson connected on just 37 of 78 passes for 481 yards, 15 touchdowns and one interception to date. He was one of four Upper Dauphin rushers to gain at least 150 yards this season.

Johnson has rushed 41 times for 358 yards and 10 touchdowns. He was followed by Jonathan Dodson, who had 50 carries for 343 yards and seven TDs and Caseem Johnson with 26 rushes for 158 yards and four scores. Rounding out the list is Anthony Maurent, who ran 24 times for 152 yards and seven TDs.

“Defensively, we need to stop the run and prevent big players,” Rodgers added. “Play Tomahawk defense and get after the ball. Our tackling must be better.”

Controlling the football would also keep the Comanche’s stable of runners on the sidelines. Mifflin County’s top ground-gainer was Jamal Albro with 57 carries for 198 yards and three touchdowns. Quarterback Robert Albro was next at 160 rushing yards and 13 TDs.

Mifflin County definitely put the ball in the air more as Robert Albro completed 95 of 215 passes for 1,200 yards, 27 touchdowns and 13 interceptions.

Robert Albro had three talented receivers to target with Isaiah Edwards, who racked up a team-best 32 receptions for 469 yards and 15 scores; Cohen Russell, with 22 catches for 326 yards and six TDs; and Timmy Beck, with 18 balls for 223 yards and six scores.

“We have to execute better,” Rodgers said of his offense. “Blocking upfront, crisper routes and long-sustained drives, keeping their offense off the field.”

Dauphin County’s two top ball catchers are Devin Pryer with eight catches for 142 yards and four touchdowns and Devon Prince Postel added 10 receptions for 114 yards and two scores.

Defensively, the Tomahawks will need a big day from stalwarts Chase Pitts, Michael Tiernan and Jordan Cruz. Pitts led the Tomahawks with 63 tackles and turned in four forced fumbles, three sacks and one interception. Tiernan had 38 tackles, two interceptions and one sack, while Cruz added 27 tackles, two forced fumbles and four sacks.

The Comanche defense is anchored by Jones Mensah and John Stump, who have combined for 47 tackles. Adrien Otero added 21 tackles and 4 ½ sacks.

Dauphin County has certainly had bigger numbers as the Comanche scored 555 points in 10 regular season games to the Tomahawks’ 409 points. The same is true defensively as the Comanche surrendered only 222 points in 10 games to Mifflin County’s 298 points.

“They actually lost last Saturday on the last play of the game,” said Rodgers, alluding to the Comanche’s 42-40 loss to Central PA which foiled their bid for a perfect 10-0 campaign. “I wouldn’t say their record is intimidating; we’ve played them decent already. We respect them and know we have to play better to have a chance to win.”

The winners of the semifinal games advance to the Keystone Bowl XXI to be held the weekend of June 28. This year’s game will take place at Central Columbia High School in Bloomsburg. This will be the first time the Keystone Bowl has been held there since 2020. The Vikings are the defending champions after beating the Bedford County Buffaloes in 2024.