Milton Hershey football standouts Jaidyn Parris, Na’eem Cross make college decisions

Susquehanna Township plays Milton Hershey in D3, 4A football playoffs

Milton HersheyÕs Jaidyn Parris tries to pivet away from Susquehanna Twp.'s Emmanuel Holley Jr. and Milton Hershey leads Susquehanna Township 14-6 at the half in the 2nd round of the PIAA, District 3, Class 4A football playoffs, Nov. 9, 2018. Mark Pynes | mpynes@gmail.com

Two more Milton Hershey standouts have recently added their names to NCAA football programs.

Seniors Jaidyn Parris and Na’eem Cross, both instrumental in guiding the Spartans to their first District 3 semifinal appearance since 2007, are bound for Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference programs.

Parris, a talented wide receiver and defensive end, picked California University while Cross will continue his career at Kutztown. Each signed letters of intent Monday.

It was a successful 2018 campaign for the Spartans (10-2), who finished second to Middletown in the Mid-Penn Capital Division before hitting the District 3 Class 4A bracket.

Parris, a 6-2, 197-pounder, was Milton Hershey’s top target and aided a defense that held opponents to 15.3 points per game.

Susquehanna Township plays Milton Hershey in D3, 4A football playoffs

Milton Hershey quarterback Na'eem Cross is shoved out of bounds after a long run by Susquehanna Twp. defender Shawn Washington Jr. and Milton Hershey leads Susquehanna Township 14-6 at the half in the 2nd round of the PIAA, District 3, Class 4A football playoffs, Nov. 9, 2018. Mark Pynes | mpynes@gmail.com

Cross starred as a running back and linebacker, using his 5-11, 190-pound frame to rush for more than 500 yards and 14 touchdowns. He chipped in 26 tackles and was a division all-star and Mr. PA Football nominee.

Parris will join defensive end and teammate Levi Wheagar at California. Wheagar was among five Spartans to sign earlier this month, including RB Chiago Anyanwu (Princeton), OL Stanford Maison (Georgetown), DL Josiah Gibbs (Seton Hill) and safety Tykeer Gibson (Millersville).

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