Kevin Lee (photo courtesy Pictures Plus)

As you are probably aware, life has not been kind to the Chambersburg football program in recent years … until this year, of course.

This week the 3-0 Trojans — ranked, ahem, No. 1 in the latest District 3 Class 6A power rankings — travel to Altoona’s Mansion Park to take on the Mountain Lions for both team’s initial Mid Penn Commonwealth game of the season.

And Altoona will come into the game under similar circumstances.

The Mountain Lions, since their last foray in the Commonwealth, have been playing in the WPIAL of District 7 in recent years, and not having much success. But after falling 42-27 to Hollidaysburg to open this season, they’ve defeated Williamsport 38-0 and Allderdice 27-9.

Chambersburg coach Mark Luther said, “I think Altoona is in the same boat we’re in. Their program has struggled to get wins lately, too. But they’ve won two in a row and they’re getting their confidence, just like us.”

The Trojans earned a 28-19 win over a quality program (Red Lion) last week, that had to be a real shot in the arm for the team.

Mixing big plays on offense along with excellent special teams play and a stingy defense, especially on the ground, turned out to be a winning formula.

In three games, Chambersburg has scored 127 points and has piled up 10 scoring plays of at least 40 yards. The majority have been by running back Keyshawn Jones, but four other players have gotten involved.

“I’m absolutely surprised by that many big plays,” Luther said. “The good thing is we are scoring on those plays. The bad news is, that puts our defense on the field a lot. I’d like to see if we can put together a 10-12 play scoring drive. I’d like to know we can do that if we have to.”

Luther mentioned that on Jones’ 96-yard run last week, the key block came from wideout Kevin Lee, who had earlier opened the scoring with a 70-yard TD catch and run.

Chambersburg’s defense held Red Lion to just 61 yards on 32 carries last week, and Luther cited free safety Tyeshawn Worrell for his role.

Tyeshawn Worrell (photo courtesy Pictures Plus)

“He was phenomenal at coming down and filling in the alley,” Luther said. “He helped us get a lot of zero and negative yardage plays. And DaQuan Rogers is getting more comfortable at cornerback as he gets to play more.”

The best player for Altoona appears to be senior Mitchell Lawhead (6-foot-0, 190),. who is the top rusher (51 carries, 230 yards, 4.5 avg., 2 TDs), has 10 catches for 154 yards and two scores and is tied for the team lead in tackles with 15.

Luther said, “He plays a rover for them, like a strong safety, and he can pressure you. They’ve also got a defensive tackle who is 6-4, 280 (Gaige Hill) who has gotten some college offers.”

The Mountain Lions run the same defensive scheme as Chambersburg, which made it a little easier to practice against this week.

“We know they’ll have eight guys in the box and will focus on stopping Keyshawn,” Luther said. “The key for is always: Can we throw the ball successfully and open up the other team’s defense?”

NOTES: The Mountain Lions are coached by Nick Felus, who was a player at Lock Haven when Luther was the head coach … Altoona’s other stat leaders: passing — Conner McCarthy (42-for-62, 68%, 496 yards, 6 TDs, 3 int); rushing — Marcus Day (23-145, 6.3 avg., 2 TDs); receiving — Connor Adams (14-178, 2 TDs); Isaiah Barnes (10-117, 2 TDs).

TROJAN STATS: Chambersburg has averaged 407 yards per game and allowed 304 … Chambersburg is plus-6 in turnovers … Leaders: Passing — Brady Stumbaugh 27-49 (55%), 580 yards, 8 TDs, 3 int; Rushing — Jones 42-461 (10.9 avg.), 5 TDs; Receiving — Terrell Williams 8-185, 2 TDs; Lee 4-152, 2 TDs; Kicking — Tyler Luther 15-17 PATs.