LANCASTER-LEBANON LEAGUE HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW

SPECIAL REPORT AUG. 25, 2021

TOE T H E LINE COCALICO’S BRUBAKER, L-S’ DEL GRANDE CONTINUE L-L TREND OF SUCCESSFUL O-LINEMEN

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LANCASTER-LEBANON LEAGUE 2021 SEASON OVERVIEW L-L LEAGUE Football Looking for normalcy 2021 Players, coaches and fans want to get back to a typical, competitive L-L season IN THIS ISSUE:

JEFF REINHART • Season Overview: [email protected] What’s in store this year...... 2 t’s the golden anniversary for Lan- • Cover Story: Cocalico’s caster-Lebanon League football, as Brubaker, L-S’s Del Grande help the league’s 24 teams get set for the I raise O-line profile ...... 3 50th season of L-L action. This will also be the last season of L-L • 2021 Schedule: League football as we know it; the 13 Berks Team-by-team grid...... 23 County gridiron squads will join the L-L as associate members in 2022, forming a TEAM CAPSULE PREVIEWS 37-team, five-section power conference. Perhaps the most pressing nugget SECTION ONE on the table is this: After a COVID- Hempfield...... 4 19-ravaged 2020 season, which saw the Manheim Township...... 5 nonleague games canceled and the play- Cedar Crest...... 6 off brackets sliced and diced, will things McCaskey...... 6 Penn Manor...... 8 return to normal this fall? Wilson...... 8 Will teams be able to finish their 10- SECTION TWO game schedules? Will there be 100% Cocalico...... 10 fan capacity in local stadiums? Will the Conestoga Valley...... 10 playoff brackets expand? What are the Elizabethtown...... 11 protocols going to look like if there is Manheim Central...... 12 another outbreak? Warwick...... 13 This we know: Teams had a normal Solanco...... 14 summer, with camps and 7-on-7 compe- SECTION THREE titions, plus a full week of heat acclima- CHRIS KNIGHT | STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Donegal...... 15 tization practices. Cocalico’s Steven Flinton dives in for a touchdown as Manheim Township’s Isaiah Jones Ephrata...... 15 The teams are ready. The kids are defends during a game in Neffsville on Oct. 30, 2020. Garden Spot...... 16 ready. The coaches are ready. The fans Lamp.-Strasburg...... 16 are certainly ready, after spending last ship banners for the Bulldogs — and Hempfield had a .500 season under Lancaster Catholic...... 17 season glued to livestreams on their there should be plenty of motivation in first-year coach George Eager last fall, Lebanon...... 17 computer screens. West Lawn, after Wilson went 6-1 last and despite some heavy graduation SECTION FOUR Here’s to a golden — and hopefully season but missed out on the playoffs subtractions, the Black Knights are still Annville-Cleona...... 19 stoppage-free — 50th L-L League sea- on what amounted to be a technicality. thinking big with gunslinger QB Cam Columbia...... 20 son, with one eye looking ahead to next Keep an eye on Wilson RB Jadyn Jones, Harbaugh back in the saddle. Elco...... 21 year’s big changes. who can really make you miss. It’s been a good stretch for Cedar Northern Lebanon...... 21 How are the four section races shaping With three returning all-star offensive Crest, which also figures to be in the Octorara...... 22 up? Here’s a look. linemen and Penn State recruit Antho- race, especially with athletic RB-LB Pequea Valley...... 22 ny Ivey due back to inflict more damage Aadyn Richards returning for his senior Section One on the flanks, it’s safe to say Manheim season. Plus, Falcons’ QB Jay Huber EDITOR Township has the weaponry and the has some varsity time under his belt, so Laura Eckert Thompson Wilson is the defending champ — motivation to challenge Wilson for Sec- Cedar Crest’s is in good hands. WRITERS that’s 28 L-L League section champion- tion One supremacy. OVERVIEW, page 18 David Bohr Dave Byrne Philip Glatfelter ON THE COVER Mike Gross Andrew Kehe Cocalico’s Ryan Brubaker and Lampeter-Strasburg’s Nick Del Grande have the hard part done. The Steve Navaroli two offensive linemen have already committed to their colleges — Brubaker to South Carolina and Del Grande to Coastal Carolina, both NCAA Division I schools. Now they can just play their senior Jeff Reinhart seasons, which begin Friday, Aug. 27. Joel Schreiner John Walk Photo by Chris Knight, design by Chris Emlet. PHOTOS Andy Blackburn Special thanks to Brubaker and Del Grande for their patience and cooperation in this year’s cover photo shoot, as well as to Jeff Pittenger, Vinny Tennis and John Walk, who helped Chris Knight faciliate the event. Missi Mortimer Mark Palczewski LANCASTER, PA | LNP HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL GUIDE AUGUST 25, 2021 3

COVER STORY FACE

Division I O-line berths await L-S’s COCALICO’S RYAN Del Grande, Cocalico’s Brubaker BRUBAKER

JOHN WALK [email protected] yan Brubaker and Nick Del Grande boarded the same airplane at Harrisburg International Airport in early RJune. The trip hadn’t been coordinated between them. “The flight was from Harrisburg to Charlotte,” Del Grande recalled. “We both had a layover in Charlotte.” Brubaker, a 6-foot-6, 290-pound Cocalico senior, was headed for a recruiting visit with football coaches at the University of South Carolina. Del Grande, a 6-4, 280-pound Lampeter-Strasburg senior, was headed for a similar trip with the staff at Coastal Carolina University. Given that Brubaker and Del Grande — both being recruited as O-linemen — were among the largest people on the plane, it was easy for them to spot each other.

“I knew it was Ryan,” Del Grande said. “I thought it was CHRIS KNIGHT | STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER PHOTOS pretty cool. It was the first time we had interacted off the field.” Shortly after those college visits, Del Grande committed to collegiate programs are located in South Carolina, about a Coastal Carolina of the Sun Belt Conference, soon followed three-hour drive apart. by Brubaker committing to South Carolina in the SEC. Both TO Struggling for notice

While there have been plenty of skill position, defensive players and even specialists come out of the Lancaster-Leba- non League and go on to play at the NCAA Division I-A level (now commonly referred to as the Football Bowl Subdivision or Football Championship Subdivision), you can count on two hands the number of L-L O-linemen who have earned full athletic scholarships to play at college football’s highest levels since 1990. Of those, nearly half have come in the last couple of years: Brock Gingrich (Cocalico to Delaware), Nolan Rucci (War- wick to Wisconsin) and now Brubaker and Del Grande. “One of the college coaches that tried to recruit me blatantly LAMPETER- said to my face, ‘Good prospects never come out of Lancaster STRASBURG’S County,’” Del Grande recalled. NICK While that college coach will remain nameless, he’s an as- DEL GRANDE sistant at a program that had a starting from the L-L about 15 years ago. “It was a punch to the gut,” Del Grande said. Brubaker had similar experiences. FACE TO FACE, page 9 FACE 4 AUGUST 25, 2021 HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL GUIDE LNP | LANCASTER, PA HEMPFIELD BLACK KNIGHTS THE OUTLOOK THE PLAYBOOK BRIAN MARKLEY n L-L: Section One FOR LNP | LANCASTER ONLINE The Black Knights of Hempfield had an n PIAA: Class 6A experimental season in 2020. George Eager implemented many new, n Head coach: George Eager different schemes in his first season as (second season, 4-4) head coach, and the Black Knights look to gain a better grasp on them going into this n Base offense: Pro Style season. “We have had more time to teach and n Base : 3-4 understand both schemes,” Eager said of the normal preseason he and his team n 2020 results: 4-4 (3-2 L-L) have had in 2021. Now, after a full year with a more nor- n Key players returning: WR-DB Adam mal offseason, there is reassurance that Acker, OL-LB Kaleb Elslager, QB Cam CHRIS KNIGHT | STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER returning Hempfield personnel will have Harbaugh, WR-DB Eli Hinton, OL Lucas Hempfield players, from left, Adam Acker, Cam Harbaugh and Eli Hinton pose during this had plenty of time to digest Eager’s play- Miller, WR-LB Tommy Minnich. year’s Lancaster-Lebanon League football media day in Manheim on July 29. book heading into the 2021 season. “We are a better football team now solely To fill his shoes, the Black Knights have 2020 campaign who combined for 811 re- because of being able to have more time a position battle between Evan Smith, ceiving yards and five touchdowns. together,” Eager said. “(The players) can Grant Hoover and Stephen Katch. The offensive line will have two key piec- tell you our offense to a T. They can tell you “Being outside on the field, getting men- The Knights also lost all-state kicker es returning in Kaleb Elslager and Lucas the intricacies, they can tell you the splits.” tal reps and learning that way. Knowing Spencer Biscoe, who is now attending Col- Miller, and they will look to provide pro- As a bonus, Hempfield is one of the few where to make your steps and where to gate University. tection for Harbaugh. teams in the Lancaster-Lebanon League make your reads,” and de- Another question mark coming into that has retained its starting quarterback fensive back Eli Hinton said of the differ- summer drills for the Black Knights was About the defense from last season — Cam Harbaugh. ence between 2020 and ’21. commitment. The Black Knights will run 3-4 on de- Harbaugh was fifth in passing efficiency The Black Knights lost 16 players from “Many of our players have been commit- fense, keeping the same formation they among QBs last season with a 103 rating. last season, eight of them key cogs, such as ted the entire offseason, but we have yet to had last season. They’ve lost a lot of talent He completed 82 of 138 attempts for 1,173 L-L first team Tanner Hess, reach consistently high numbers that are on the defensive side of the ball, including yards with eight touchdowns and one pick. who has moved on to play for Shippens- needed to compete year in and year out L-L first-team defensive lineman Gordy “We have more time to work on it,” Har- burg. Hess was seventh among running- in Section One and District Three,” Eager Hoover and first-team inside baugh said of the offense. “We had a full backs last season, rushing for 663 yards said. “Last year, not everyone was all in. Devon Shorter. offseason to work together.” and 11 touchdowns. I’m looking forward to going into the battle Minnich is expected to be one of the with guys that I know truly have my back.” highlights of the defense this season. The outside linebacker is incredibly physical About the offense and will play a key role. ALDEMAN Hempfield will stick with the Pro Style Hinton will lead the defensive backs, H Good offense it ran in 2020, going with multiple along with being the . MECHANICAL looks when it comes to formations. NC. Service Since 1939 Luck Harbaugh will look to capitalize on his Intangibles I successful season last year as he continues It comes down to buying in. 717-665-6910 Black to spearhead the offense. There are new faces starting in many po- Sales and 24-Hour Service Hempfield has two returning wideouts sitions for Hempfield. www.haldemanmechanical.com Knights! in Tommy Minnich and Hinton, who will But Eager wants the buy-in and com- be tasked with filling the holes left by Jadin mitment from his players, and that will LANDISVILLE: (717) 898-3889 PLUMBING - HEATING - COOLING Jimenez and David Almodovar-Cora, both be key to how the Black Knights move second-team wide receivers from the week in and week out. WATER CONDITIONING HOTZPIZZA.COM PA7777

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quarterback Chris Danz will be Jay “He’ll be all over the place,’’ Wilda- CEDAR CREST Huber, a 6-foot-2, 195-pound junior sin said of Zerbe. “I’m expecting him FALCONS with promise. He played a little last to have a big season.’’ year and completed 12 of 15 passes for Kohler made all-section last year 107 yards and two touchdowns. as a . He’ll be joined THE OUTLOOK THE PLAYBOOK Senior tailback Aadyn Richards, at safety by precocious sophomore n MIKE GROSS L-L: Section One who only seems like he’s been in high Owen Chernich. [email protected] school since the Obama Administra- The sophomore class, overall, has As the smallest Class 6A school in not n PIAA: Class 6A tion, should be one of the league’s best been touted for a while, and not just only the Lancaster-Lebanon League but two-way players. He’ll take a pound- in football. Expect to see the sophs also District Three, Cedar Crest is used n Head coach: Rob Wildasin ing, at about 195 pounds, as the chief having some impact as the year rolls to punching up, especially in L-L Section (eighth season, 36-34) ball carrier and middle linebacker. on. One. His health, an issue the past couple One more guy with a heavy work- Last year, the Falcons punched up with n Base offense: Spread Zone Option years, will be again. load: Junior Nolan Groff, who’ll play two freshmen, two sophomores and a ju- The receivers, led by veterans Ethan and wide receiver and nior getting starts on the offensive line. n Base defense: 4-3 Heisey and Brayden Kohler, should handle the punting. As of L-L Media A 2-5 season, 2-3 in the section, and just also be good. Day, Wildasin was still in search of a 81 rushing yards per game were predict- n 2020 results: 2-5 (2-4 L-L) Nine offensive starters return. A kicker. able results. sizable leap is possible here, if Crest “I think we should play wherever the n Key players returning: OT-DT Connor can physically hold up on the line of One more thing (enrollment) numbers say we should,’’ Daubert, WR-DE-P Nolan Groff, WR Ethan scrimmage against the Section One The Falcons will have to hit the veteran coach Rob Wildasin said. “I’ve Heisey, QB Jay Huber, WR-DB Brayden big boys. ground running. By Sept. 10, they will never complained. You’ll never hear Koehler, RB-LB Aadyn Richards, LB Trayvon have scrimmaged perennial power anything like that from me. I think ev- Zerbe. About the defense Bishop McDevitt, played neighboring eryone should play where the numbers Richards, who had 100 tackles three rival Lebanon and traveled to Gover- say they should.’’ years ago as a freshman, remains the nor Mifflin, last year’s Class 5A dis- anchor. Wildasin also likes another LB, trict champ and a state semifinalist. About the offense tably two-way interior anchor Con- Treyvon Zerbe, who, like Richards, re- That’s all before they even delve into All those linemen are back, most no- nor Daubert. Replacing graduated ceived all-section honors last year. Section One.

THE PLAYBOOK McCASKEY RED TORNADO n L-L: Section One

Thompson’s ascension to the position n PIAA: Class 6A THE OUTLOOK was affirmed in a letter sent home with DAVE BYRNE the players at the close of heat acclimatiz- n Head coach: Ben Thompson FOR LNP | LANCASTER ONLINE tion week. (first season) A visitor asked McCaskey athletic di- “It is with great confidence that we have rector Jon Mitchell if he was caught off asked Coach Ben Thompson to take the n Base offense: Multiple guard, or if he saw it coming. reins of our program for the 2021 fall sea- “Football starting?” he responded. “I son,” Mitchell wrote. “We are confident n Base defense: 4-3 knew it was coming.” in the direction of our program and feel That was not the direction the ques- that continuing in this direction is the n 2020 results: 0-9 (0-5 L-L) tion was pointed, but Mitchell’s point was right decision.” made. Which he reinforced later in the Five days before heat acclimation prac- n Key players returning: OG-DT Ja-Hid conversation. tices began and less than three weeks Brown, WR-DB Isaac Burks, WR-DB Zaire McCaskey will play football Friday before the start of his third season at Corteguera, RB Shymere Covington, RB-DE night, Aug. 27, at Reading. That the head McCaskey, London resigned to take the Jose Garcia, WR-DB Josiah Gray, OT-DT coach will be Ben Thompson and not Sam position of offensive coordinator and re- Bobby Lischner, QB Matt Remash. London means little in the grand scheme. cruiting coordinator at NCAA Division III Waynesburg University. Unaware of his friend’s change of pro-

Lancaster’s #1 Cheesesteak! fessional direction, Thompson was sur- LNP FILE PHOTO prised — but not surprised — when the McCaskey’s Josiah Gray runs the ball myself,” he said. “Everything we do is by news came out. against Harrisburg on Oct. 17, 2020. committee. I need a strong coaching staff. “When people come for sports they I’ll be leaning on them and we’ll be work- leave for sports and it’s a day-to-day degree from Cheyney University. He ing collaboratively.” thing,” he said. “It happened. We have went on to complete work on his Master’s There’s plenty of work to be done, as the practice tomorrow and we have to be at Wilkes University. Tornado have lost 26 games in a row dat- ready for the kids. It’s how football goes.” Thompson previously coached running ing back to the 2018 season. So Thomp- Serving Lancaster Thompson, a special education teacher backs, , was the Red Tornado son and his staff approach this season Since 1968 in the School District of Lancaster since head JV coach and was set to take over as with rolled-up sleeves. 600 W. Orange St. 2015, graduated from Coatesville in 2004 defensive coordinator this season. Now in “We’re looking to accomplish great Lancaster • 717-392-9929 and attended Florida A&M on a football charge overall, he won’t necessarily wear things,” he said. GOOD LUCK MCCASKEY! scholarship before earning his bachelor’s two hats this year. “I can’t do anything by MCCASKEY, page 11 LANCASTER, PA | LNP AUGUST 25, 2021 7 WE SUPPORT LOCAL TEAM SPORTS! Annville-Cleona • Cedar Crest • Cocalico • Columbia • Conestoga Valley • Donegal • ELCO • Elizabethtown Ephrata • Garden Spot • Governor Mifflin • Hempfield • Lampeter-Strasburg • Lancaster Catholic Lancaster Country Day School • Lancaster Mennonite • Lebanon • Manheim Central • Manheim Township McCaskey • Northern Lebanon • Octorara • Penn Manor • Pequea Valley • Solanco • Warwick • Wilson

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160 NORTH POINTE BLVD., SUITE 200 LANCASTER Managed by (717) 358-0800 • ARGIRESMAROTTI.COM 8 AUGUST 25, 2021 HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL GUIDE LNP | LANCASTER, PA PENN MANOR COMETS WILSON BULLDOGS THE OUTLOOK THE PLAYBOOK THE OUTLOOK THE PLAYBOOK PHILIP GLATFELTER n L-L: Section One JEFF REINHART n L-L: Section One [email protected] [email protected] Matching the size and numbers of its n PIAA: Class 6A Time was not on Wilson’s side last foot- n PIAA: Class 6A opposition, especially in Lancaster-Leb- ball season. anon League Section One, has often been n Head coach: John Brubaker Literally two hours after District Three n Head coach: Doug Dahms an issue for the Penn Manor football (seventh season, 11-47) officials approved the pigskin playoff (16th season, 161-31) team. brackets and said no teams would be This year, Comets head coach John n Base offense: Spread Option added if a squad had to forfeit because of n Base offense: Spread Zone Option Brubaker feels his squad will be on more COVID-19, lo and behold Harrisburg had equal footing. n Base defense: Odd Stack an outbreak, and the Cougars opted out n Base defense: Multiple “Over the years, we’ve had some good of the four-team Class 6A bracket. skill kids, but we were asking our full- n 2020 results: 2-6 (1-4 L-L) Wilson, the fifth seed and the first team n 2020 results: 6-1 (5-0 L-L) backs and linebackers to be offensive out, could — could — have slid in for Har- linemen,” said Brubaker, entering his n Key players returning: OT Pedro risburg and taken on York in the semi- n Key players returning: QB Gannon seventh season at the helm. “If we’re go- Gomez, WR-LB Q.J. Hanna, DB Erik Hinkle, finals. The Bulldogs would have had all Brubaker, DB Josh Drake, WR-LB T.J. Flite, ing to battle with the best in the league, OG Jordan Martin, C Peyton Witmer. week to prep. But District Three stuck RB-LB Gavin Lenart, DB Erick Jackson, WR- and the section, certainly, a little more to its freshly minted plans, meaning no DB Cam Jones, RB-LB Jadyn Jones, DT Elian size would help sometimes.” postseason trip for the Bulldogs. Rodriguez, WR-DB Spencer Thenga. Three starters return to the offensive That didn’t go over so well in West line from last year’s team. Those and oth- Lawn, which is a football hotbed, to say ers on the O-line will also be needed on tainly provide some depth and com- the least. defense, where the entire defensive line petition for positions, which is always The Bulldogs, who never lack in the and inside linebackers graduated. good,” Brubaker added. motivation department, hit 2021 with some trench experience. Wilson must also Like every team, the Comets had to Sebastian Rivera (5-6, 205) is also bat- some added drive — not only to defend replace all-star QB Kaleb Brown, a Penn deal with the coronavirus last year. tling for a spot on the line. “He‘s prob- their Section One crown, but to earn State recruit, and all-star kicker Jack Wag- “Coming off a COVID year, we certainly ably the strongest kid on the team,” their way into the district bracket. ner, so skipper Doug Dahms and his staff feel like we’re a little more back to nor- Brubaker said. “There’s a sense of urgency,” senior have been super busy. mal in our everyday operations,” Brubak- But most of the rest of the personnel two-way threat Gavin Lenart said. “We “We’re going to have 10 new faces on of- er said. “That’s been a big positive, I think in the Spread Option offense will be all have the same kind of groove right fense,” Dahms said. “So they haven’t had with the kids’ morale and everything.” new. That will include at quarterback, now, and that’s working hard and win- much time to build that chemistry yet be- While things are a little more back to where Brubaker says there are two or ning. We all trust each other, and we’ll be cause they’re still learning. Skill level we’re normal, Brubaker is hoping some things three athletes in the running for the ready to go.” OK. We just have to do it on a Friday night.” are different as the Comets look to im- starting spot. Dropping a 48-7 decision to backyard prove on last year’s 2-6 record (1-4 in L-L rival and eventual District Three Class About the defense Section One). About the defense 5A champ Governor Mifflin last fall will If there is one unit in the L-L League that Players such as Martin, Gomez and also drive the Bulldogs who, it’s safe to nobody ever worries about, it’s Wilson’s About the offense Witmer will be needed to fill in on the say, will be playing with chips on their defense. And the Bulldogs have some vet Jordan Martin (5-11, 214 pounds), Pe- line for a defense that lost nine starters. shoulders. players due back on that side of the ball, dro Gomez (6-1, 228) and Peyton Witmer “We’re going to need some kids to step including Elian Rodriguez, (5-10, 224) are the returning starters on up and replace the graduating kids, but About the offense Lenart blowing stuff up at LB, and D-backs the line, giving the Comets experience again, I think we have the nucleus to do There is one full-time player due back Josh Drake, Erick Jackson, Spencer Then- there. But the addition of Evan Jur- that,” Brubaker said. in Wilson’s spread scheme, and that’s RB ga and all-star Cam Jones. gensen (6-6, 320) and Jael Cruz (6-2, Erik Hinkle returns as a Section One Jadyn Jones. He’s a good one. A 500-yard There are a lot of familiar names in Wil- 275) adds some extra beef. first-team pick at safety and QJ Hanna rusher last fall, he has the skills to double son’s camp; there are also a lot of vacancies Martin anchors the line after being a started every game at outside lineback- that number this time around. in the starting-gig department. That’s usu- Section One first team all-star selection er. “He should do a ton of damage,” said ally not a problem for the Bulldogs, but the at guard last fall. Eli Warfel got playing time at corner; Lenart, who will share the backfield with pressure is on with nonleague showdowns “We have 22 linemen, which will cer- he is also in the battle for starting QB on Jones. “His versatility is what sets him against powerhouses Central Dauphin offense. apart. If he wants to, he can break your and Governor Mifflin in the near future. ankles. But if he wants to, he can also run “We have to get better and be more con- The last word right over you. He’s not a slow guy. He’s fident up front on both sides of the ball,” GO COMETS! “I’m optimistic at this point,” said just scary.” Dahms noted. “And our secondary has to Brubaker. “Barring anything major, I There was a camp battle for the QB be a bit more aggressive. But right now, ev- like where we’re at. ... I understand it’s spot, with holdover Gannon Brubaker eryone is still learning.” preseason and we really haven’t proved and Berks Catholic transfer Brad Hoff- that in the past, but as the season goes man vying for the starting gig. Brubaker Final word on, I hope that we can prove that we de- was slowed by an injury this summer; “I worry about how hungry we are,” serve to be mentioned among the better Hoffman was getting up to speed with Dahms said. “Sometimes teams that win teams in Section 1.” Wilson’s spread package after piloting a lot aren’t necessarily hungry. Hopefully The Comets open the season against the Saints’ Wing-T scheme the last cou- they’re hungry because of the whole play- Conestoga Valley, “so our No. 1 goal is ple of years. off scenario thing last year. And hopefully 717-393-7879 to come out and have a great opening The O-line will be revamped, although they’re hungry because Mifflin kind of em- DominionPestControl.com game,” Brubaker said. Jack Dendall and Kyle Hassler have barrassed us last year.” LANCASTER, PA | LNP HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL GUIDE AUGUST 25, 2021 9

former NFL Europe player who now on Saturdays during the high school day. For now, we’ll point to the pair Face to face works as a personal trainer. Daniel cut football season, when Jeff Brubaker being senior leaders for high school Del Grande’s 40-yard dash time down watches the Cocalico game film from football programs that have been at Continued from 3 to 4.89 seconds, a blazing speed for the night before and grades his son on or near the top of the L-L in recent “We run the triple-option (at Co- an O-lineman — only two at the 2021 each play. seasons. calico). At the Division I level, the only NFL combine posted 40-yard dash The grades are broken down into Brubaker was a sophomore starter teams that run a triple-option are the times under 4.90 seconds. three categories: alignment, assign- for Cocalico’s 2019 District Three military academies,” Brubaker said. Del Grande also credits his footwork ment, effort. Class 5A championship squad. Del “I had a lot of people say, ‘You’re not from his days playing basketball, pick- “There are no pulled punches,” Ryan Grande has started on both sides of going to be recruited as highly because ing up post moves from Kevin Black- Brubaker said. “It’s not easy to accept the ball over the last two years during of that.’” hurst, a former Delaware hoopster his coaching or his critiques, but it’s the Pioneers’ runs to back-to-back Both players kept plugging away. who now teaches at Hempfield and necessary.” District Three Class 4A crowns. Since his sophomore year, Del trains basketball players on the side. Following the 2020 season, Brubak- Cocalico and L-S did square off two Grande has added 70 pounds to his Brubaker, meanwhile, has grown er was named a Pennsylvania Football years ago — the Eagles won 41-13 6-foot-4 frame, partly by eating a three inches and added more than News Class 5A all-state selection and — but will not face each other this bunch, but also by lifting weights with 100 pounds since his sophomore year, Del Grande was a Class 4A all-state season. There is a good likelihood older brothers Mike Del Grande and partly by eating thousands of calories pick as a linebacker. Brubaker and Del Grande will line up Tyler Phenegar over the COVID-19 and hitting the weight room nearly By this summer, Del Grande had alongside each other in the 2022 Big pandemic. every day. about 30 scholarship offers before 33 game. “They’re the guys who pushed me He now benches 340 pounds, squats choosing Coastal Carolina, where he’ll And then there’s this: Coastal on the days I didn’t want to lift,” Del 500 pounds and deadlifts 515 pounds. study elementary education. Carolina is scheduled to play at South Grande said. “All of a sudden, we’re He wears size 15 shoes and double-XL Brubaker had 35 scholarship of- Carolina in 2025. out in the garage together for three gloves. fers in all before settling on South “I’ll be curious as to how that game hours in 95-degree weather.” Brubaker is the son of Jeff Brubaker, Carolina, where he’ll study political goes,” Brubaker said. “I’ll certainly Del Grande now benches 375 the Conestoga Valley alum and former science. be happy to meet at the 50-yard line, pounds, squats 455 pounds and Penn State O-lineman who served as shake his hand and see how things are deadlifts 555 pounds. He wears size 14 Wilson’s O-line coach for more than Common threads going for him. shoes and double-XL gloves. 20 years. While Jeff Brubaker has “That’s wild to think our paths will He’s maintained his mobil- mostly taken a hands-off approach There are several more common- cross again in a different state be- ity through speed work with Darryl with his son when it comes to foot- alities between Brubaker and Del tween a pair of schools not far from Daniel, a Conestoga Valley alum and ball, there is one exception. It comes Grande. Those are stories for another each other.”

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About the offense yards, two TDs; 14 receptions, 353 yards, COCALICO The run-heavy Flexbone offense should four TDs) and Brycen Flinton (14 carries, EAGLES have one of the strongest O-line units in 201 yards, two TDs; two receptions, 24 the league, as seniors Ryan Brubaker, Jar- yards). Coming off the District Three Class 5A ed Stauffer and Damien Wolf, and junior All of that experience should pave the THE OUTLOOK championship season of 2019, Cocalico Chuckie Drain return up front. Brubaker transition at quarterback, where senior JOHN WALK started out 4-1 in 2020. The Eagles then is the 6-foot-6, 290-pound South Caro- Blayke Taddei will assume the first-team [email protected] ran into a buzzsaw of Warwick, Man- lina recruit coming off an all-state selec- snaps. You might expect struggles from a heim Township and Hempfield down the tion last fall. Stauffer and Wolf were L-L “We don’t need him to be Noah Palm to football team with a new head coach stretch. honorable mentions a year ago. take over the game,” Strohl said of Tad- that spent little time with his players on Manheim Township and Hempfield Junior Chase Tucker will move from dei. “If he can get the ball to some of our the field during the previous offseason. are Class 6A programs. Warwick reached to offensive guard to fill the- fi playmakers and make the right decisions Yet, Cocalico had no such issues in the District Three Class 5A title game. nal O-line spot, and senior Luke Angstadt is the biggest thing we’re looking for from 2020. Bryan Strohl, then the first-year Cocalico, a 5A school, lost to all three to will move from wide receiver to tight end. him to do.” head coach, and his staff made the best finish 4-4. Those mentioned above will open holes of teaching their guys over virtual meet- “It ended poorly,” Strohl said. “But for senior fullbacks Anthony Bourassa About the defense ings coming into last fall. The latter was look at who we played.” (2020 L-L second-team all-star, 90 car- There’s lots to like about Cocalico’s 4-3 necessitated by the COVID-19 pandem- With the Eagles now in Year Two un- ries, 752 yards, eight touchdowns) and defense, especially at linebacker, where ic. It also helped that the Eagles didn’t der Strohl, and returning nine offensive Austin Vang (16 carries, 77 yards), and se- Luke Angstadt (L-L second-team all- change much with the offensive and de- starters and nine defensive starters, nior running backs Steven Flinton (2020 star, 63 tackles, 10 tackles for loss), Vang fensive schemes. things are looking up in Denver. L-L first-team all-star, 58 carries, 468 EAGLES, page 14

THE PLAYBOOK CONESTOGA VALLEY BUCKSKINS n L-L: Section Two

to be this season. They’ve set the standards n PIAA: Class 5A THE OUTLOOK higher and that’s a good thing because it’s JEFF REINHART not coming from me.” n Head coach: Gerad Novak [email protected] (21st season in second stint, 82-90) All was right again in the football uni- About the offense verse at Conestoga Valley last fall. Start with the return of junior QB Ma- n Base offense: Spread No, the COVID-19-delayed, 1-2 start coy Kneisley, who had a breakout sopho- wasn’t much fun. But those last five weeks more season piloting CV’s spread attack n Base defense: 4-3 were glorious for the Buckskins, who last fall with 800-plus passing yards, and ripped off five wins in a row — including he showed some serious moxie and play- n 2020 results: 6-2 (3-2 L-L) an unforgettable victory over longtime ri- making abilities during the Bucks’ win- val Manheim Central — for a second-place ning streak. n Key players returning: OG Noah finish in Section wo,T while earning a ton “From his freshman year to his sopho- Admassu, TE-LB Michael Burnett, QB of respect and street cred for getting out of more year, he grew so much,” Novak not- Macoy Kneisley, DE Josue Marente, C-DT an early jam. ed. “He’s really come on, and he’s very fa- Carter May, OG Kyle McGallicher, WR-DB That also means plenty of good vibes in miliar with what we’re doing and how we Jaiyell Plowden, OT Thomas Ripson, Witmer, where CV is set to return plenty do things. We’ve finally got the offense to WR-DB Avery Tran, RB-DB Nick Tran. of top-shelf talent this time around, as the where I wanted it to be.” Bucks hope to ride the momentum and Former Hempfield coach Ron Zeiber has run with the lead pack yet again. been working with Kneisley this summer, “The kids sense it,” longtime CV coach and the Bucks’ QB has some familiar faces Gerad Novak said. “They have some high at his disposal, like fleet wideout Jaiyell The ringleaders of CV’s 4-3 scheme are aspirations and they’ve been saying some Plowden and RB Nick Tran. Burnett at LB and D-end Josue Marente, things to each other as a group. They know There is some great news in the trenches who were all-star picks last fall. what they’d like to do and where they’d like with all-stars Noah Admassu, at guard, and “You can’t just say that you want to be Carter May, at center, back in the fold, and at the top of the section, you have to work

OG Kyle McGallicher, who missed his en- LNP FILE PHOTO for it,” Novak said. “They have some goals tire junior season with an injury, returns, Conestoga Valley QB Macoy Kneisley drops and some aspirations, and now we have Go Conestoga Valley! as well as holdover OT Thomas Ripson. back to pass vs. Cocalico on Oct. 9, 2020. to push them along and make sure they’re “Up front, I feel like we’re pretty solid working hard to attain that.” there,” May said. “We’re still finalizing so Novak and his staff are still plugging Since 1952 some things, but our line is just as solid, if some holes. Final word not better, than last year. We could really “The kids are really excited about the be- take off there this year. I know I have some About the defense ginning of the season, and the possibilities Home for Funerals high hopes for the line this season.” Novak has some question marks here, of what’s to come because we have a lot of CV must replace sure-handed receiver with a multitude of players to replace on guys back on the offensive side of the ball,” Modest Funerals • Plain Coffins Zach Fisher and multi-purpose back Bo- this side of the ball, including both de- Novak said. “I think we’re going to be able Philip W. Furman, F.D. oper Johnson — WR Avery Tran and TE fensive ends (Charles Janvrin, Spencer to score points. It’s going to come down to 59 W. Main St. · Leola, PA 17540 Michael Burnett are two names to remem- Gehman) and both safeties (Fisher, Coo- keeping the other team from scoring more 717-656-6833 · FurmanFuneralHome.com ber — as well as reliable kicker Nate Heck, per McCloud). points. That’s our big question.” LANCASTER, PA | LNP HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL GUIDE AUGUST 25, 2021 11 McCaskey ELIZABETHTOWN BEARS Continued from 6 In recent seasons, the Tornado has been in the unenviable position of THE OUTLOOK playing seasoned opponents with line- JOHN WALK ups largely comprised of freshmen and [email protected] sophomores. This year that changes. A relatively young Elizabethtown “This year we’re looking at close to football team plus injuries, a new of- 20 seniors,” Thompson said. “We’re fensive coordinator and limited off- playing kids the same age as us; we are season work because of the COVID-19 the old kids.” pandemic added up to a 2-6 record for The unbalance of age and experience the Bears last fall. showed up graphically in control of the Despite those challenges, E-town line of scrimmage last year, on both still had a chance to finish .500, con- sides of the ball. The Tornado allowed, sidering two of the six losses were by on average, over 200 yards more total one-score margins, while the remain- offense than it mustered, per game. ing four came against opponents load- ed with talent. About the offense After back-to-back six-loss seasons, The offensive line, anchored by re- the Bears hope the necessary growing turning seniors Bobby Lischner and pains are things of the past. Ja-Hid Brown on the right side, is “We have a lot of people who are senior-heavy and ready to prove it- tired of losing,” E-town senior line- self. Its task is to give time for junior man Jake Heckman said. “That’s go- quarterback Matt Remash to find skill ing to be huge.” players — of which there are many — in space and let them create havoc. About the offense Remash, who is beginning his third Expect to hear the names Logan year of varsity, completed 20 of 76 Lentz and Patrick Gilhool a bunch. CHRIS KNIGHT | STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER pass attempts for 355 yards and three Gilhool accounted for 852 total Elizabethtown players Jake Heckman and Patrick Gilhool pose during the Lancaster-Leba- touchdowns in 2020. He also threw yards last season across the quarter- non League football media day at Enck’s Catering in Manheim on July 29. seven interceptions. “I still have to back, running back and wide receiver prove myself,” he said, “But I believe positions. “We’ll have some quarterback pack- covery) and Brock Belmont (38 tack- I’m the guy. I want to win. I want our “He’ll probably be running the ball ages for him during games.” les, two tackles for loss), while sopho- team to win.” some,” fourth-year E-town head That running attack will be spear- mores Hayden Haver and Zach Steffe “The game has really slowed down coach Andy Breault said of Gilhool. headed by Lentz (54 carries, 247 will see time at linebacker as well. for me since my freshman year,” he yards, three TDs) and Cade Capello The defensive backfield will be made said. “I’m more calm, more able to ad- (26 carries, 106 yards, three TDs). up of Braden Cummings (11 tackles, just to the situation, to fight through “We expect a thunder and light- two tackles for loss), Elijah Macfar- adversity.” ning thing from Lentz and Capello,” lane (47 tackles), Gilhool, Capello, “It’s a skill you gain from reps,” Breault said. Brady Breault and Braxton Cicero. Thompson said. “You need that game THE PLAYBOOK Gilhool said he expects the Bears to speed.” n L-L: Section Two use the run to set up the pass. Speak- Final word Junior running back Shymere Cov- ing of which, second-year QB Josh Asked how he’s grown as a head ington (65 rushes, 264 yards 1 TD; 4 n PIAA: Class 5A Rudy (38 for 76, 438 yards, four TDs) coach, Breault said, “I might be more catches, 11 yards), senior Jo- is expected to take most of the snaps. lenient now. I was harder on them siah Gray (38-109, 1 TD rushing; 6-64 n Head coach: Andy Breault Tight end Brandonn Frey (16 recep- the first year or two. ... I came in and receiving) and wide receiver Isaac (fourth season, 12-17) tions, 202 yards, two TDs) is also due tried to crack the whip. But these guys Burks (18 catches, 366 yards, 3 TDs) back at some point, as he’s still re- haven’t given me a reason to get upset. pace the skill corps. n Base offense: Spread covering from a knee injury from the ... At a team camp at Lebanon Valley spring baseball season. College, everyone acted like young About the defense n Base defense: 3-4 E-town has two returning starters men.” Many of the same names and faces on the O-line in Zackary Lippold and will remain on the field when the op- n 2020 results: 2-6 (0-5 L-L) center Brayden Burkholder, while ponent goes on offense, as Thomp- guard Riley Runnels has some varsity son’s philosophy is, “You want your action under his belt. ALDEMAN n Key players returning: WR-LB Brock H best athletes on the field.” Belmont, WR-DB Brady Breault, C-DT ECHANICAL The Tornado’s success will stand on About the defense M those athletes being at their best. Brayden Burkholder, RB-DB Cade The Bears’ 4-3 defense has expe- INC. Service Since 1939 “I’ve been with these kids the last Capello, WR-DB Braxton Cicero, WR-DB rience at every level. Up front are three years. I believe in these kids,” Braden Cummings, TE-DE Brandonn D-tackles Lippold (16 tackles) and 717-665-6910 said Thompson. “We’re really coming Frey, QB-WR-DB Patrick Gilhool, TE-DE Brayden Burkholder (15 tackles) and Sales and 24-Hour Service together. Jake Heckman, RB-LB Logan Lentz, OT- D-ends Runnels (14 tackles, four tack- www.haldemanmechanical.com “We’re going to do our best as a DT Zack Lippold, DB Elijah MacFarlane, les for loss, two sacks), Heckman (one coaching staff to put them in the po- K Chaz Mowrer, OG-DE Riley Runnels, fumble recovery) and Frey. PLUMBING - HEATING - COOLING sition to accomplish whatever they QB Josh Rudy. Returning at the linebacker spots WATER CONDITIONING want to accomplish.” are Lentz (36 tackles, one fumble re- PA7777 12 AUGUST 25, 2021 HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL GUIDE LNP | LANCASTER, PA THE PLAYBOOK MANHEIM CENTRAL BARONS n L-L: Section Two

n PIAA: Class 5A

n Head coach: Dave Hahn (seventh season, 60-15)

n Base offense: Spread

n Base defense: 4-2-5

n 2020 results: 3-5 (1-4 L-L)

n Key players returning: RB-LB Rocco Daugherty, OT-DT Tyler Fahnestock, C-DT Ryland Fittery, OG-DT Cole Groff, WR-DB Brady Harbach, OG-DT Jeff Hauser, RB-LB Justin Heffernan, OT-DE Wyatt Kupres, RB Larry Marley, WR-DB Landon McGallicher, QB Judd Novak, TE-DE Logan Saunders, WR-DB Owen Sensenig, WR-DB Mason Weaver, RB Jaden Weit.

Wyatt Kupres return, giving the Barons plenty of beef and stability in the trenches. “The O-line is the heart and soul of any team,” Hauser said. “We don’t always get CHRIS KNIGHT | STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER the glamour and the recognition; the quar- Manheim Central’s Owen Sensenig hauls in a pass and runs in for a touchdown against Warwick on Oct. 2, 2020. terbacks and the running backs and the receivers score all the touchdowns. But Hahn said. “We’ve worked awfully hard last year. But they’ll be back. And I know without the O-line, that doesn’t happen at THE OUTLOOK in the offseason. The kids have put in the we are. I know we’re better. I just don’t all. We have a pretty good O-line, so we’re JEFF REINHART time. We’re in a much better place now know how that will translate into wins and going to have a lot of versatility with our [email protected] than we were last year at this point. It’s losses.” offense.” The object is never to dwell on the past, kind of an unspoken thing, but you can tell but it has to be said up front that Manheim by the way they’re working that they don’t About the offense About the defense Central is coming off a funky football sea- want a repeat (of 2020).” Plenty to like here, with QB Judd Novak, The Barons are also in pretty good shape son — by the Barons’ lofty standards. The good news in Baron Nation: Hahn trusty sidekick wideout Owen Sensenig, on this side of the ball, with heavy hitters Central, battling COVID-19 concerns, has a lot of veteran players back in tow, and brute between-the-tackles slasher like LB Rocco Daugherty, DT Tyler Fahne- a truncated schedule and lack of all-im- both in the trenches and in the skill-kid RB Jaden Weit all due back in the Barons’ stock, DE Logan Saunders and safety Ma- portant practice time, went 3-5 last fall. It department. So it would surprise no one spread attack. son Weaver all back in the mix to spear- was the first time the Barons: had a losing if last year was just a blip and that Central Brady Harbach should be another reli- head Central’s 4-2-5 look. record since 1971, had a four-game losing will be back to being, well, Central. able target at wideout, and Larry Marley “Depth is our question mark,” Hahn said. streak since 1977 and had missed the post- “I don’t worry about what other people and Justin Heffernan both have multiple “Other than that, I feel really good about season in 29 years. might be thinking about us,” Hahn said. “If varsity carries under their belts, so there’s what we have across the board on both The top priority in 2021: Flushing 2020 you sleep on us, you sleep on us. But I don’t a lot of flexibility and firepower here. sides of the ball.” and getting back to doing Barons things. think anybody will sleep on us. I think More good news: O-line stalwarts Ry- “That’s the goal,” Central coach Dave some people might say, OK, that was them land Fittery, Cole Groff, Jeff Hauser and Intangibles Central must replace all-star kicker Lo- gan Shull and all-star Nate Reed. Special teams have always been an integral HALDEMAN part of the Barons’ success, so keep an eye GOOD LUCK BARONS! MECHANICAL on those spots moving forward. INC. Service Since 1939 Final word “Last year is already out of my head, and 717-665-6910 it’s made me work a lot harder,” Hauser Sales and 24-Hour Service said. “We’ve talked about staying commit- www.haldemanmechanical.com ted and being in here every day. We’ve done as much as we can to come in here to be as PLUMBING - HEATING - COOLING prepared as possible for the season. We’ve WATER CONDITIONING GO BARONS! done a lot and it’s been non-stop, because PA7777 we do not want to go back there again.” LANCASTER, PA | LNP HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL GUIDE AUGUST 25, 2021 13 WARWICK WARRIORS THE OUTLOOK THE PLAYBOOK BRIAN MARKLEY n L-L: Section Two FOR LNP | LANCASTER ONLINE n PIAA: Class 5A Warwick finished first in the Lancast- er-Lebanon League Section Two race n Head coach: Bob Locker last season, sealing the deal with a per- (21st season, 106-102) fect 5-0 section mark. That team, which went 8-1 overall, was n Base offense: 1-back loaded with talent, so the big question surrounding the Warriors for the 2021 n Base defense: 3-4 season is this: How do they fill the cleats of the 17 starters they’ve since lost to n 2020 results: 8-1 (5-0 L-L) graduation? These are not easy spots to fill, either. n Key players returning: WR-DB Cooper However, this year’s seniors have made Eckert, C-LB Aaron Hess, QB Jack Reed, RB- it perfectly clear: This is a new team, and LB Christian Royer, RB-LB Brendon Snyder, this is their team. DB Tanner Weik, OT-NG Nate Young. “That team is gone forever,” defensive lineman and nose guard Nate Young said. “It was a great team, but we have a special group of guys. We’re all brothers.” Three big names lost from 2020 pop touchdowns on 48 carries in the 2020 off the page instantly. Big 33 selections season. He split carries with all-section Nolan Rucci (OT-DE), Caleb Schmitz and all-state running back Colton Miller,

(WR-S) and Joey McCracken (QB) are but showed glimpses of what he can do CHRIS KNIGHT | STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER all headed for college ball. when given the ball. Warwick’s Cooper Eckert, right, runs the ball after making a catch against New Oxford dur- “They’re great leaders,” wide receiver The Warriors have some other good ing a District Three Class 5A semifinal in Lititz on Nov. 7, 2020. Warwick won 14-12. and defensive back Cooper Eckert said. “I upsides for 2021, too. think we learned a lot of leadership skills.” “Our work ethic,” said coach Bob Lock- our quarterback,” Young said. “We go on defense. The Warriors do retain eight starters er, whose team can also count physical out every Friday night and we don’t in- They retain their tackles leader in from the 2020 campaign, including Eck- strength as a top attribute. “I think our tend on giving up any sacks. We don’t let Hess, along with Royer. They also re- ert, who started every game last season understanding of our offense and defen- anyone touch our quarterback.” tain inside linebacker Brendon Sny- and had nine catches for 97 yards. sive schemes going into the season is go- Not only will they need to protect the der, who recorded 26 tackles last sea- Quarterback Jack Reed was solid in his ing to be a real benefit.” quarterback, but they must also open son. two starts last season, made in place of holes for Royer, who averaged about six Young is the only returning defensive an injured McCracken. Reed was 21 of 38 About the offense yards per carry last year. lineman. for 320 yards and one touchdown. Going Warwick runs a single-back formation Reed takes the reins as the QB for the Defensive back Tanner Weik returns forward, Reed will look to be a solid suc- with double tight end sets and four wide Warriors, but this time he’s not being as well. He tallied 24 tackles in 2020 and cessor to McCracken, who was top three sets. thrown in. He comes into 2021 with reps looks to surpass that tally this season. last season in passing efficiency. Obviously, the big difference for the under his belt he’ll use to lead the offense. The defense was very good last season, Inside linebacker and center Aaron Warriors is their O-line. The question mark is the line, with its only allowing 1,734 total yards. Hess also returns. He was an all-section Rucci, Owen Campbell and Caleb Goss three new starters. But Hess and Young selection in 2020 and led the Warriors anchored a senior-heavy line in 2020, understand the responsibility of being Intangibles in tackles with 76. Hess is joined by run- and it will be up to Hess and returning the unit’s leaders, having learned from How this year’s seniors deal with the ning back and outside linebacker Chris- nose guard Young, who started every the likes of Rucci, Campbell and Goss. shadow of the 2020 team and make it tian Royer, who had 47 tackles of his own game last season on the offensive side of known that this is their team will be cru- last season. the ball, to provide protection for Reed. About the defense cial for the Warriors this season, given all Royer rushed for 246 yards and five “We take so much pride in protecting The Warriors run with a 3-4 formation the new starters they have.

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www.sylvanbrandt.com PA7515 WATER CONDITIONING PA7777 14 AUGUST 25, 2021 HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL GUIDE LNP | LANCASTER, PA SOLANCO GOLDEN MULES Eagles Continued from 10 (L-L second-team all-star, 51 tackles, THE OUTLOOK nine tackles for loss) and Tyler Ang- STEVE NAVAROLI stadt (25 tackles) return. FOR LNP | LANCASTER ONLINE “Angstadt, Angstadt and Vang. I Being a physical, tough team has been feel like that’s a law firm,” Strohl said. the tradition at Solanco for decades, es- “They started a lot two years ago as a pecially under the guidance of coach Tony group in the run to the district cham- Cox, who is entering his eighth season at pionship.” the helm. Brubaker, Wolf (L-L second-team Why would anything change entering all-star, 36 tackles, 12 tackles for loss) the 2021 season? and Drain (L-L first-team all-star, 29 “My goal is always to go into a game as tackles, five sacks, 10 tackles for loss) the strongest, toughest team,” Cox said. anchor the D-line, where Bourassa, “Our summer workouts are very intense. Stauffer and Tucker will also see ac- The kids have been working hard in the tion. weight room and they know what the level Returning in the defensive back- is in Section Two and know how to com- field are the Flinton brothers and ju- pete against those types of teams.” nior Ethan Brown (L-L second-team The Golden Mules are coming off a 3-2 all-star, 32 tackles). Section Two and 3-4 overall season. That included back-to-back wins against tradi- Final word tional section powers Cocalico and Man- On top of a competitive L-L Section heim Central. Two, Cocalico’s nonleague schedule is Plus, Cox knows that playing in front of brutal. Week One will feature Conrad fans again will quickly ease the sting of the Weiser, which has a QB and wide re- three-game losing streak that closed the ceiver both getting D-I looks. abbreviated 2020 season. Week Two will be at Cedar Cliff be- “That is going to be exciting again,” Cox tween a pair of programs that last said. “Having the Black Hole, the fans, the CHRIS KNIGHT | STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER squared off in a district final. community coming out and watching the Solanco’s Elijah Cunningham, left, makes a catch in front of Lampeter-Strasburg’s Giovani Week Three features Governor Mif- game. To me, that’s the memories these Malatesta during the second half of a Sept. 18, 2020, game. flin running back and Penn State kids create that will be with them the rest commit Nick Singleton. Week Four of their lives.” linger under center. Senior lineman Cole Gladfelter agrees. is against 6A heavyweight Manheim “We have a lot of kids that are fast and “I don’t see it as much of a challenge be- Township. About the offense athletic and can move. They are at the next cause Coach Cox prepares us well and all Said Strohl, “Right now, our focus is Make no mistake, with the Triple Op- level already,” Revolorio said. of our coaches are very good at teaching us on us. If we improve what we do, then tion, the Mules are a running team. How- what to do,” he said. the rest will take care of itself.” ever, that doesn’t mean there won’t be About the defense That’s something else not changing at some wrinkles, especially with talented Solanco is looking to improve on the per Solanco. junior receiver Elijah Cunningham. game average of 32-plus points allowed “Our goal is to run the football and do last season. Expect Forren (46 tackles), THE PLAYBOOK some play action off of it. We’ve got some Revolorio (27) and John Sankus (25), who n pretty good receivers this year,” Cox said. were among the 2020 leading tacklers, to THE PLAYBOOK L-L: Section Two “We are going to be doing a lot, prob- have a big part in slowing down the opposi- n ably trying some different formations and tion. Forcing more than two turnovers will L-L: Section Two n PIAA: Class 4A change things up a little bit and see how it go a long way to helping as well. works out for us. n PIAA: Class 5A n Head coach: Bryan Strohl Josiah Forren, Elijah Reimold and Jon Intangibles (second season, 4-4) Revolorio will see carries in the backfield Cox said this season will be more special n Head coach: Tony Cox with a new quarterback, likely Brody Mel- for one obvious tangible and intangible (eighth season, 11-47) n Base offense: Flexbone reason. “My biggest thing is having fans back n Base offense: Flexbone n Base defense: 4-3 in the crowd,” he said. “Playing last year Best of Luck and not hearing the fans yelling when you n Base defense: 4-3 n 2020 results: 4-4 (3-2 L-L) scored a touchdown or coming out before SOLANCO! the game starts.” n 2020 results: 3-4 (3-2 L-L) n Key players returning: WR-LB Luke Angstadt, RB-LB Tyler Angstadt, Final word n Key players returning: RB Robert RB-LB Anthony Bourassa, DB Ethan Dottie’s Snack Bar While Cox will miss those that gradu- Castagna, WR-DB Elijah Cunningham, Brown, OT-DT Ryan Brubaker, OG-DT Steaks • Subs • Burgers • Fries ated, there will be plenty to fill the shoes. C-LB Nick DeFrancesco, RB-DB Josiah Chuckie Drain, RB-DB Brycen Flinton, Soft Serve Ice Cream “It has a lot to do with the senior leader- Forren, OT-DE Cole Gladfelter, QB Brody RB-DB Steven Flinton, C-DT Jared Sundaes • Shakes • Banana Splits ship we have,” he said. “We always have Mellinger, K-P Trent McDowell, RB-LB Stauffer, QB-DB Blayke Taddei, OG- younger kids coming up. We have a big Johnny Morales, DT John Sankus, OT-DT DE Chase Tucker, RB-LB Austin Vang, 425 W. Fourth St., Quarryville, PA junior class this year which is going to be Connor Smith, RB Zach Turpen. OT-DE Damien Wolf. 717-786-7274 good for us.” LANCASTER, PA | LNP HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL GUIDE AUGUST 25, 2021 15 DONEGAL INDIANS THE OUTLOOK THE PLAYBOOK JOHN WALK n L-L: Section Three [email protected] After a 2-0 start to the 2020 cam- n PIAA: Class 4A paign, Donegal linemen dropped like flies during a eekW Three loss at Gar- n Head coach: Chad Risberg den Spot. (fourth season, 15-12) “Three linemen went down,” Indians coach Chad Risberg recalled. “All got n Base offense: Wing-T hurt during the game, including our best senior lineman.” n Base defense: 4-3/3-4 All three were still out the next game — a lopsided loss to eventual District n 2020 results: 3-4 (2-3 L-L) Three Class 4A champion Lampeter- Strasburg. n Key players returning: QB-DB Landon Donegal finally got healthy for a Week Baughman, RB-DB Ian Brown, C-DT Owen Five win over Lebanon, only for CO- Champ, OG-LB Brandon Coco, OG-DE VID-19 quarantines to take players out Gavin Creek, TE-DE Owen Fisher, RB-LB of action over the final two weeks, con- Jon Holmes, RB-LB Connor Hyle, WR-DE tributing to losses to Ephrata and Berks Josh Myers, RB-LB-K Noah Rohrer, RB-DB Cody Stough, OT-DT Casey Tippett, OT-DT MISSI MORTIMER | LANCASTER COUNTY WEEKLIES Catholic. Brandon Witmer. Ephrata’s Andre Weidman gestures toward the bench after he scored a touchdown against All of that is to say many of the players Elco on Sept. 18, 2020. who filled in last year are returning. “We have a lot of younger guys who know what it’s like to play the varsity EPHRATA game,” Donegal lineman Owen Champ 190 yards, one TD in 2020), Noah Rohrer MOUNTAINEERS said. “That should help us this year.” (26 carries, 91 yards) and Connor Hyle (16 carries, 79 yards, 2 TDs), along with Cody About the offense Stough and Jon Holmes. THE OUTLOOK THE PLAYBOOK Champ, Gavin Creek and Brandon n PHILIP GLATFELTER L-L: Section Three Coco return along the offensive line, a About the defense [email protected] unit that will be filled out by newcom- Risberg is most excited about the line- Looking to “raise the bar” for the Eph- n PIAA: Class 5A ers Brandon Witmer and Casey Tip- backers in Donegal’s 4-3/4-4 defensive rata football team, an appropriate place pett. Tight end Owen Fisher is also scheme, a unit led by Rohrer (55 tackles) to start is the offensive and defensive n Head coach: Kris Miller back. and Hyle (36 tackles). They’ll play along- lines. (sixth season, 15-32) The rest of the offense will have fresh side Holmes and Coco. It wasn’t too difficult to raise the bar faces. Junior Landon Baughman will Champ (26 tackles) and Creek (11 tack- not long ago, with a 52-game losing n Base offense: Pistol Spread Option be the first-year varsity quarterback in les) return on the D-line, leading varsity streak that was snapped in 2018. The line Donegal’s Wing-T attack. While he saw newbies Witmer, Tippett, Fisher and Josh play will go a long way to continuing the n Base defense: 4-3 a ton of action on defense, Baughman Myers. more recent success for head coach Kris threw just two passes a year ago. It’s Baughman (33 tackles, one intercep- Miller’s Mountaineers, who are coming n 2020 results: 4-3 (3-2 L-L) worth noting he’s the younger brother tion) and Brown (15 tackles) are returning off a 4-3 season, 3-2 in Lancaster-Leba- of sister Kiera Baughman, a former Do- to the defensive backfield, where Stough is non League Section Three. n Key players returning: WR-DB negal all-state basketball player. also expected to see some playing time. “We have a good mix of guys on the of- Evan Boley, C-DE James Ellis, TE- “He’s a heck of an athlete,” Risberg fensive and defensive lines,” Miller said. DE Cole Freeman, QB-WR-DB Joey said of Baughman. “He’s picked up Special teams “That’s going to be the strength of our Gunzenhauser, OG-LB Seth Heinsey, OT- things well.” Rohrer returns after earning an L-L Sec- team.” DT Deric Hoover, RB-LB Devon Litten, Shouldering the load in the running tion Three honorable mention as a place- Also helping in Ephrata’s success is WR-DB Elijah Knowles, WR-DB Jaydin game will be Ian Brown (39 carries, kicker last year. the fact that while there are new play- Mabry, C-LB Travis Martin, QB-WR-DB ers filling in the 15 starting spots vacated Hunter Mortimer, OT-DT Weston Nolt, by graduating seniors, it won’t be like OG-DT Cole Sieger, OG-DT Ben Slider, they’re starting from scratch. RB-LB Anthony Stidham, RB-LB-DB HALDEMAN “One thing that I want to emphasize Andre Weidman. ECHANICAL is that even though we’re bringing in M some new guys, with our terminology INC. Service Since 1939 on offense and defense, we’re running the same scheme so the kids have some Connect with us 717-665-6910 Sales and 24-Hour Service familiarity,” Miller said. “It’s just getting in Week One,” he said. “I think it’s been Facebook, Twitter www.haldemanmechanical.com them the game reps and ready to go.” since 2003 or 2004 that Ephrata started & Instagram And Miller is hoping they are indeed a season 1-0. It just adds a completely dif- ready to go when Ephrata opens against ferent feel to the season if you’re able to PLUMBING - HEATING - COOLING Muhlenberg. “Our focus right now is get that first win right away.” WATER CONDITIONING we’ve got to find a way to beat Muhlenberg EPHRATA, page 19 PA7777 16 AUGUST 25, 2021 HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL GUIDE LNP | LANCASTER, PA GARDEN SPOT SPARTANS THE OUTLOOK THE PLAYBOOK STEVE NAVAROLI n L-L: Section Three FOR LNP | LANCASTER ONLINE The expectations are raised quite a bit n PIAA: Class 5A at Garden Spot heading into the 2021 season. n Head coach: Matt Zamperini While getting a win last season was key, (12th season in second stint, 58-66) getting more of them is the new goal. It all changed on Oct. 2, 2020, when the n Base offense: Spread Spartans topped Donegal 28-7 for their first win since 2017. n Base defense: 4-3 “It was an irreplaceable feeling, I tell you that,” said now-senior Derrick Lambert. n 2020 results: 2-4 (2-3 L-L) “That fire it lit inside of us made us hungry for more this season. Us being seniors we n Key players returning: RB Jadon now know what that feels like and we help Burkholder, RB-LB Tyler Gillenwater, OT- lead the future to have that feeling too.” DT Tyler Hurst, WR-DB Derrick Lambert, Garden Spot closed the season with a WR-DB Joel Martin, OT-DE Aiden 31-8 win against Lancaster Catholic, fin- McCloud, K Walker Martin, RB Gavin ishing with a 2-4 overall record, 2-3 in Miller, TE-LB Blake Weaver. MARK PALCZEWSKI | FOR LNP / LANCASTER ONLINE Section Three. Derrick Lambert of Garden Spot returns a Warwick kickoff on Aug. 30, 2019. To help keep things moving in the right direction, the Spartans return 10 com- is a returning weapon as well. tans have that going for them. bined starters from last season. There will be some early tests, starting protection he needs to stay in the pocket About the defense with the Aug. 27 opener at Twin Valley. About the offense and not scramble and take the hits he Last year’s leading tackler, Tyler Gil- The program looks forward to playing on Replacing dynamic dual-threat quar- doesn’t need to.” lenwater, is back for his senior season. its newly re-done turf at some point this terback Jesse Martin will be the chal- Sadowski has a number of targets to The linebacker made 55 stops and re- season. lenge on this side of the ball. Martin led throw to, including second-team all- covered a fumble in 2020. Tyler Hurst the team in rushing yards and ran for six league Joel Martin, who led the team recorded 28 tackles with three sacks as a Final word touchdowns. with 17 catches last year. Lambert also sophomore. Perhaps Gillenwater and McCloud put However, the Spartans have 6-foot-1 figures to be a bigger part of the offense, The two were second-team all-league it best. senior Tristan Sadowski back with the although that’s not a priority for him. selections last season. “I think this year we are going to have program and former teammates are ex- “I played with him before, so we al- Expect McCloud (18 tackles, two sacks) a better chance of getting more wins on cited about the prospects. ready have a good chemistry going,” he to do his part as well. the table,” Gillenwater said. “Last year, “Tristan is a good quarterback and has said. “I am here for the team, whatever An experienced defensive backfield getting our first win really put things in a real good arm,” said Aiden McCloud. they need me there for.” figures to be a strength for the Spartans. perspective on how it feels.” “He’s not as mobile as Jesse, but I think All-Section Three kicker Walker Mar- “That one win we needed sparked the we have a chance with Tristan to do well tin, who was 15 of 16 in conversions and 3 Intangibles fire to understand we can win,” McCloud and make a run. We have to give him the of 4 in field goals, including a 46-yarder, Belief means a lot and, finally, the Spar- added.

THE PLAYBOOK LAMPETER-STRASBURG PIONEERS n L-L: Section Three

The only bummer news about this Changes aplenty in Lampeter, yes. But n PIAA: Class 4A THE OUTLOOK two-year clip in Lampeter: The Pioneers there’s still a gnarly nucleus in the Pio- JEFF REINHART fell in the PIAA state semifinals the last neers’ locker room and they’ll get the pre- n Head coach: Victor Ridenour [email protected] two years, losing by a whisker to Jersey season nod as Section Three favorites. (first season) It’s an unbelievable time to be in Lam- Shore last fall. “We’re always aiming high for our peter-Strasburg’s football program, and Graduation was not kind last spring to goals, but we know that we have to work n Base offense: Spread the Pioneers are thinking big once again the Pioneers, who lost some top-shelf hard for it every single day,” L-S senior this fall after everything came up roses talent, including all-state QB Sean Mc- two-way threat Giovanni Malatesta said. n Base defense: 3-3 Stack the last two years. Taggart and a bevy of powerful, veteran “It’s still one play at a time for us. That’s In 2019, L-S put together an amazing O-linemen. how we’ll get to our goals. We don’t mind n 2020 results: 9-1 (5-0 L-L) run in the District Three Class 4A play- Now would also be a good time to men- having that heat on us. It gets us more offs, beating powerhouse Berks Catho- tion that L-S has a new coach. Longtime motivated to show the other teams out n Key players returning: OT-LB Nick lic for the crown. Last fall, the Pioneers assistant Victor Ridenour has taken over there what we have.” Del Grande, TE-LB Beau Heyser, RB- successfully defended that title, beating the reins from John Manion, who guided The Pioneers’ “key players lost to grad- DB Giovanni Malatesta, K Andrew Lancaster-Lebanon League neighbor the Pioneers to 177 wins and eight sec- uation” list is pretty daunting. But L-S Reidenbaugh, QB-DB Berkeley Wagner. Elco for gold on the way to a 9-1 season. tion championships in 23 seasons. PIONEERS, page 19 LANCASTER, PA | LNP HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL GUIDE AUGUST 25, 2021 17 THE PLAYBOOK LANCASTER CATHOLIC CRUSADERS n L-L: Section Three

n PIAA: Class 3A THE OUTLOOK It’s my senior year, so I kind of have a chip on my shoulder. JOEL SCHREINER I want to go out knowing I did everything I possibly could. n Head coach: Chris Maiorino (second FOR LNP | LANCASTER ONLINE season, 2-6) — Isaiah Caine, In varying ways, what’s old is new again Lancaster Catholic defensive lineman these days at Lancaster Catholic. n Base offense: Spread From players returning from injury to new-look players, the Crusaders are anx- better as a team this year.” ial targets is Mason McClair, who hauled n Base defense: 4-2-5 ious to return to their winning ways fol- Caine, a force on the defensive line, sat in 15 catches for 228 yards and a touch- lowing an uncharacteristic 2-6 season. out most of last year with an injury and down last year. n 2020 results: 2-6 (1-4 L-L) In addition to injuries, there was a is back with a new look as he dropped 40 new coach in 2020 and the COVID-19 pounds in the offseason. About the defense n Key players returning: DT Isaiah pandemic delayed the start of summer “I’m really excited to come back out When it came to passing yards allowed, Caine, QB-DB Will Cranford, RB-LB Tony workouts until late July. It all added up this year,” Caine said. “It’s my senior the Crusaders were the stingiest unit in Cruz, TE-LB J.J. Keck, WR-DB Mason to six straight losses to start the season, year, so I kind of have a chip on my Section Three, yielding only 88 yards per McClair, K-P Daniel Mueller, OT-DE Ben but the Crusaders gained momentum shoulder. I want to go out knowing I did game. On the flip side, teams rushed for Reigner. with a two-game winning streak to close everything I possibly could.” 167 yards a game. Caine’s return up front the schedule. should help lower that number. “I feel really good about the experience About the offense that we got on the field last year and I The Crusaders mustered only 95 Intangibles feel good about those guys coming back points in eight games a season ago. The Crusaders have a not-so-secret really thrive when the pressure is on. and being able to lead a different way Will Cranford returns under center af- weapon in kicker/punter Daniel Muel- When the game is on the line, I think with that experience, which is some- ter taking over midway through the 2020 ler, who is among the best in the coun- that’s really when I’m at my best because thing we did not have last year,” coach campaign. He completed 51 of 108 passes try. His kicking can help the offense put it’s my time to show up and I feel like I Chris Maiorino said. for 817 yards and three touchdowns. points on the board, while his punting always deliver when I need to.” Seniors J.J. Keck and Isaiah Caine are “He doesn’t miss a beat and he’s al- can help flip the field for the defense. back in camp and should provide a boost ways trying to stay ahead of the curve,” Mueller, a senior, has the attention of Final word to the Crusaders’ cause this fall. Maiorino said. “He just has to execute many college programs and picked up “This school is known for having a lot Keck, a linebacker and receiver, missed and do what we’re asking him to do.” offers this summer from Villanova and of success and I want to keep that going,” all of 2020 with a shoulder injury. Tony Cruz returns in the backfield Cornell. Cruz said. “I want to make sure when I “It’s amazing, I’m so excited,” Keck after rushing for 369 yards and three “I just go out, do my job and help the leave here, I leave in a good spot where said of his return. “I think we’ll do a lot touchdowns. Among Cranford’s top aer- team any way I can,” Mueller said. “I they can keep it rolling.”

THE PLAYBOOK skill-position players. LEBANON There may not be much dropoff up CEDARS n L-L: Section Three front, where veteran C Thomas Hershey is the anchor, alongside tackle Tre’Quell regular season, the Cedars had a shot at n PIAA: Class 5A Ruffin and guard Josiah Wright, who THE OUTLOOK their first win over archrival Cedar Crest started last year as a freshman. MIKE GROSS in eight years wiped out by COVID-19 on n Head coach: Frank Isenberg [email protected] the day of the game. (second season, 3-3) About the defense Everybody thinks they were uniquely So second-year coach Frank Isenberg Isenberg listed a 3-3-5 as his base de- affected by the pandemic. has some work to do, but he’s doing it n Base offense: Spread fense a year ago. This time it’s a 3-4, An argument could be made that Leba- from a better foundation than this pro- probably to feature a linebacker corps non’s football program actually was. gram had not long ago. For one thing, n Base defense: 3-4 that includes De’Arce, Figueroa and The Cedars came into the season look- Lebanon’s athletes now have strength Emanuel Mason. ing ready to culminate what the Lancast- training built into the school day. As is n 2020 results: 3-3 (2-3 L-L) Hershey and Wright make a quality er-Lebanon League had in mind when it the case at many bigger high schools, the pair of defensive ends. The two QB can- realigned a couple years back, moving weight room is now a gym-class elective. n Key players returning: WR-LB Adam didates, Pizarro and Selman, will help on long-struggling big schools Lebanon “A culture has been put in place for our Bowers, RB-LB Pedro De’Arce, RB-LB this side of the ball at safety. and Ephrata into small-school Section kids in the weight room and in terms of Xavier Figueroa, C-DE Thomas Hershey, If you’re noticing a lot of projected two- Three. expectations,’’ Isenberg said. “We’ve had WR-LB Emanuel Mason, OT Tre’Quell way players, you’re noticing correctly. Seventeen starters returned from a great turnout throughout the offseason, Ruffin, OG-DE Josiah Wright. seven-win team, including an elite play- and for team camp, so we’re very opti- The skinny maker (all-state WR Alex Rufe), a quar- mistic.’’ Lebanon has a lot of holes to fill, but it terback (Isaiah Rodriguez) who ended wasn’t that long ago that this program up throwing for 5,000 career yards, solid About the offense was struggling just to put enough bodies contributors everywhere and an entire, Isenberg is a spread guy. That won’t role, much as Rufe did last year when in uniform. No longer. intact offensive line. change. He hopes a clear winner emerg- Rodriguez was injured. The early schedule looks manageable But Lebanon only got to play six games es from a QB battle between Sebastian Either way, De’Arce, RB Xavier enough to build some belief. And yes, the last season (going 3-3 overall, 2-3 in L-L Pizarro and Julien Selman. If not, RB Figueroa and WR Adam Bowers lead Cedar Bowl will happen this year. Week Section Three). On the last week of the Pedro De’Arce may have to step into that what should be a dangerous group of One, in South Lebanon. 18 AUGUST 25, 2021 HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL GUIDE LNP | LANCASTER, PA Overview: A look around the L-L League for the 2021 season

Continued from 2 Two teams looking to make up some ground are Penn Manor and McCaskey. Here’s a fun fact from Comets’ camp: It looks like the QB spot will go to McCabe Kreider, son of former Manheim Cen- tral and Pittsburgh Steelers standout Dan Kreider. There will also be plenty of eyes on McCaskey, where the Red Tornado had to replace coach Sam London, who stepped down just three weeks before the start of the season. Ben Thompson has stepped into that role, as McCaskey tries snapping a hair-pulling 26-game losing streak. Section Two

Warwick, the defending champ, is hoping that the more things change, the more they stay the same. The Warriors took an uppercut gradu- ation punch — DI commits and Big 33 performers Nolan Rucci, Joey Mc- Cracken and Caleb Schmitz all exited MARK PALCZEWSKI | FOR LNP / LANCASTER ONLINE stage left — but there should be plenty Mason McClair (2) of Lancaster Catholic is tackled by Emanuel Mason (16) of Lebanon in L-L League football action on Oct. 30, 2020. of motivation after a COVID-induced forfeit to Governor Mifflin in last year’s 0-5 section run last fall. Plenty of skill Cruz and Isaiah Caine — are poised to FINAL 2020 L-L LEAGUE STANDINGS District Three Class 5A title game. kids return to Bears camp — including make a run up the charts. SECTION ONE Conestoga Valley was the talk-of-the- QB Josh Rudy — so E-town might light League Overall W L W L town team last year when the Buckskins up some scoreboards. Section Four Wilson...... 5 0 6 1 shook off a COVID-wrecked 1-2 start Manheim Township...... 4 1 5 2 for five wins in a row. Junior QB Macoy Section Three Defending champ Elco has been on Hempfield...... 3 2 4 4 Kneisley returns to pilot CV, which has a roll, with three playoff trips in a row, Cedar Crest...... 2 3 2 5 to be thinking big after last year’s suc- Lampeter-Strasburg steamrolled to including last year’s District Three Penn Manor...... 1 4 2 6 cess. the title last fall on the way to defending Class 4A finale appearance, where the McCaskey...... 0 5 0 9 Cocalico is loaded. The Eagles are set its District Three Class 4A crown and Raiders had a 3-0 halftime lead over SECTION TWO League Overall to return a plethora of talent on both another trip to the PIAA state semifi- L-S before the Pioneers pulled away. W L W L sides of the ball, including their top nals. Then graduation whisked away Braden Bohannon graduated — finally Warwick...... 5 0 8 1 Veer rushers in Anthony Bourassa and a boatload of talent. Victor Ridenour — but the cupboard is hardly bare in Conestoga Valley...... 3 2 6 2 Steven Flinton. And their top O-line has stepped into the coaching duties, Myerstown. Cocalico...... 3 2 4 4 protector is none other than South replacing John Manion. Can Ridenour Octorara had its L-L League break- Solanco...... 3 2 3 4 Manheim Central...... 1 4 3 5 Carolina recruit Ryan Brubaker. Tons to keep the Pioneers on the right track? out season last fall with six wins and a Elizabethtown...... 0 5 2 6 like in Denver. The short answer is yes. second-place finish behind Elco. With SECTION THREE Solanco is another team that has the Ephrata and Lebanon both have much QB Weston Stoltzfus, RB Mike Trainor League Overall goods to be in this race, as the Golden firmer footing after the league let the and some rugged linemen due back, the W L W L Mules return some solid trench kids up Mountaineers and the Cedars play Braves should again be players in this Lampeter-Strasburg...... 5 0 9 1 front, plus two-way playmakers Elijah down a section over the last two cycles. race. Ephrata...... 3 2 4 3 Cunningham and Josiah Forren. If Ephrata returns multi-purpose threat Columbia has had back-to-back close Lebanon...... 2 3 3 3 Donegal...... 2 3 3 4 newbie QB Brody Mellinger can master Andre Weidman; Lebanon had a QB calls for District Three Class 2A playoff Garden Spot...... 2 3 2 4 Solanco’s pitch game, watch out. battle throughout camp. invites. Being denied two years in a row Lancaster Catholic...... 1 4 2 6 Is there a hungrier team in the L-L There will also be some changes at Do- should provide plenty of motivation for SECTION FOUR League than Manheim Central? Just a negal, as the Indians retool their Wing-T the Crimson Tide, which returns QB League Overall hunch, but last year’s 3-5 finish — the look with some fresh troops. Same thing Robert Footman and playmakers J’von W L W L Barons’ first losing season since 1971 at Garden Spot, where the Spartans — Collazo and Steven Rivas. Elco...... 5 0 7 1 and snapping a 29-year postseason run who snapped a 26-game losing skid last Expect Annville-Cleona to jump back Octorara...... 4 1 6 2 Columbia...... 3 2 4 4 — isn’t sitting very well in Manheim. season — are looking for a new QB. in the race, especially with the Veer trio Annville-Cleona...... 2 3 3 5 With QB Judd Novak, trusty wideout All eyes on New Holland on Sept. 10 of Rogan Harter, Chase Maguire and Pequea Valley...... 1 4 1 6 Owen Sensenig and four returning O- when Garden Spot unveils its new turf Alex Long getting plenty of touches Northern Lebanon...... 0 5 0 8 line people-movers all due back, here’s field against Daniel Boone. out of the backfield. And Pequea Valley thinking Central gets back in the lead It’s Year 2 for coach Chris Maiorino at hopes to build on last year’s momentum, pack in this payback season. Lancaster Catholic and the Crusaders when the Braves snapped a 24-game Can Elizabethtown muscle its way — who are set to return the pitch-and- losing skid. their last 28 games, and they’ll set sail back into contention? The Bears cer- catch combo of Will Cranford and Ma- Northern Lebanon is hoping to get this season with a new skipper, former tainly hope so after an un-E-town-like son McClair, plus top defenders Tony out of its funk; the Vikings are 2-26 in Palmyra standout Jason Rice. LANCASTER, PA | LNP HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL GUIDE AUGUST 25, 2021 19

defense, led again by Weidman. The Ephrata Section Three first-team all-star was a ANNVILLE-CLEONA jack-of-all trades last year, playing a hy- Continued from 15 brid safety/OLB spot. He had 67 tackles, About the offense including 5.5 for losses, three picks and DUTCHMEN Leading the way is running back An- three forced fumbles. dre Weidman, who last season rushed Ellis, Nolt, Hoover, Slider and Sieger for 262 yards and a touchdown, caught anchor the line. THE OUTLOOK THE PLAYBOOK n 11 passes for 157 yards and two scores, The defensive backfield is untested, with MIKE GROSS L-L: Section Four and had 740 all-purpose yards. Weid- Gunzenhauser, Mortimer and Elijah and [email protected] man earned a Section Three first-team Jeremiah Knowles as expected starters. Annville-Cleona went 7-5 and won n PIAA: Class 3A all-star nod as an athlete. a District Three playoff game in James Ellis, who made a name for him- Final word 2019, but was as wiped out by gradu- n Head coach: Matt Gingrich self on defense last year, anchors the of- “It’s a very competitive section,” Miller ation as any L-L team in 2020, los- (seventh season, 36-26) fensive line at center. Tackles are Deric said of L-L Section Three. “I think right ing 22 seniors and 30 overall play- Hoover and Weston Nolt; guards are Ben now we’re all chasing (Lampeter-Stras- ers to graduations, transfers and the n Base offense: Veer Slider and Cole Sieger. burg). It’s up to us to try to close that gap closing of Lebanon Catholic School, “Right now, we have a quarterback bat- by the time we play them.” with which it had a co-op agree- n Base defense: 4-3 tle between Hunter Mortimer and Joey And as for raising that bar: “The past ment. Gunzenhauser,” Miller said. “And then three or four classes have done that. We “Last year would have been a great n 2020 results: 3-5 (2-3 L-L) we have some skill guys we’re excited had a class being part of the first win, we year to have a summer, and to have about, but we’re young out there. Elijah had a class with five wins, we had a class a spring,’’ seventh-year coach Matt n Key players returning: RB Alex Knowles is probably our most experi- with 11 wins,” Miller continued. “We’re Gingrich said at L-L media day last Correa, RB-DB Rogan Harter, DB Braden enced receiver coming back.” excited about the progress that we’re month. Haulman, QB Gavin Keller, OG Josh Gunzenhauser threw for 345 yards and making. But we’re not satisfied. You may recall that last year, no one four TDs last year. “We want to ... be playing some mean- had a summer or a spring. Lindsay, RB-LB Alex Long, RB-LB-DB ingful games in late October. We want a The Dutchmen lost their first two Chase Maguire, DB Jake Mills, WR-DB About the defense chance to maybe play for a section title games by a combined 82-24, but the Ethan Missimer, RB-LB-DB Phoenix The front seven will be the anchor on and play for a district playoff berth.” final verdict, 3-5 overall and 2-3 in Music, C-LB Ethan Schriver, TE Brad L-L Section Four, was respectable. Smith. “The last four games, we actually played very well,’’ Gingrich said. “We were very happy with the season.’’ Some trench names to remember mov- This edition will be much more ex- Pioneers ing forward: Trey Spahr, Tristen Showers, perienced, especially at the skill posi- should be among Section Four’s better Luke Hines, Evan Sellars, Wayne Brown, tions. But with 12 starters lost, there two-way players. Continued from 16 Jeremy Reed and Eric Lukusa. Sounds like are still holes to fill, especially along still has plenty in the tank for another all of those guys will be contributing along the line of scrimmage. About the defense exciting season, as the bar is still raised the line of scrimmage. The Dutchmen yielded over 3,000 very high in Pioneers’ camp. Wagner will have bruising all-star TE About the offense yards in eight games last year. Beau Heyser at his disposal in the air game, Gingrich runs the Veer, as his broth- If those numbers improve in 2021, About the offense plus all-star kicker Andrew Reidenbaugh er Dave did during his long, successful Schriver, Smith and two-way lineman L-S will miss McTaggart, but in Berke- returns to handle the special teams duties. run at Cocalico. Although it’s a very Josh Lindsay will have a lot to do with ley Wagner, the Pioneers will have a QB run-oriented scheme, it requires as it. who has played under the spotlight before. About the defense much decision-making by the quar- All those skill position guys — Magu- Wagner got the start behind center in the Del Grande is the reigning Section Three terback as any offense. ire, Long, Correa, Music, Harter, DB/ Pioneers’ win over Elco in the 2019 district Linebacker of the Year, and he’ll absolutely Junior Gavin Keller was earmarked WR Ethan Missimer, along with senior playoffs as a sophomore. He’ll step back be the D ringleader in the Pioneers’ 3-stack for that job as a sophomore last year, CB Jake Mills, et al — will man what into that role of piloting L-S’s spread at- look. Del Grande will be flanked by Heyser, but early in the year, Gingrich said, should be a versatile, athletic back sev- tack this season. another tackle machine at LB. “He would take a snap, and by the en. “We have full faith in Berkeley at QB,” Wagner, an all-star safety, will patrol size of his eyeballs, you could see he Malatesta said. “He’s probably the smart- the secondary while also handling the wasn’t ready.’’ About the special teams est football player I’ve ever known. He QB duties, as Ridenour and Co. look to fill A month or so in, Keller was ready. Worthy of note is the loss of Mac Plum- knows the offense so well and what to do some slots on this side of the ball. Again, Until then, natural running back mer, an elite kicker who booted an L-L in every situation.” the talent is here; now the newbies have Chase McGuire ran the show. This record 54-yard field goal and is now at Wagner will get plenty of protection up to shine as first-time full-timers on Fri- year, Keller and sophomore Cam St. Francis. front from all-star OT Nick Del Grande, day nights. Connelly will compete for it. Anthony Lucera and Sam Domencic who has verbally committed to Division I McGuire will join a deep, versatile will compete to replace him. Coastal Carolina. He’ll be flanked by sever- Final word group of fullbacks and tailbacks in- al first-time starters up front, but no wor- “I’ve always said that if you have a good cluding Rogan Harter, Alex Correa, Final word ries, according to Ridenour. locker room, you have a good chance to the wonderfully named Phoenix Mu- With Elco, Octorara and Colum- “I think the O-line could be the strength have a really good team,” Ridenour said. sic and Alex Long. bia coming off big seasons, it could get of our team,” the Pioneers’ rookie coach “Right now, we have a really good locker Harter ran for nearly 500 yards crowded at the top of Section Four. said. “We have seven or eight guys that can room. These kids have been on two (dis- (12.6 per carry) in just four games last But A-C will almost certainly be better. rotate in. The five starters there last year trict) championship football teams, so year. How much better depends on an age-old really worked well together. These newer they know what it takes. And they’re Gingrich said he has just one line- high school football challenge — devel- guys are already making adjustments, and willing to put the work in, and demand man over 200 pounds, although se- oping linemen and winning the line of they’re athletic. They’re all big kids, but that kind of work from their teammates nior center Ethan Schriver, also a scrimmage with what looks like an un- they can really move.” as well.” fine linebacker, and end Brad Smith, dersized group. 20 AUGUST 25, 2021 HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL GUIDE LNP | LANCASTER, PA COLUMBIA CRIMSON TIDE THE OUTLOOK THE PLAYBOOK JOHN WALK n L-L: Section Four [email protected] A year ago, Columbia started off the n PIAA: Class 2A 2020 football campaign by winning four of its first five games. The loss sand- n Head coach: Bud Kyle wiched in between was a 27-20 home de- (fifth season, 11-27) feat to Lancaster-Lebanon Section Four opponent Octorara in Week Three. The n Base offense: Spread Tide had held the lead with five minutes remaining. n Base defense: 4-4 “That’s a game I still think about,” fifth- year Columbia coach Bud Kyle said. “If we n 2020 results: 4-4 (3-2 L-L) win the game there, we have nothing less than sharing a section championship.” n Key players returning: WR-LB Additionally, Columbia likely Jaydon Boone, WR-DB J’von Collazo, would’ve qualified for the District QB Robert Footman, OG-DT Joel Ober, Three Class 2A playoffs with one more OT-DE Colin McCarty, OG Dom Nell, RB- win. Instead, the Crimson Tide finished LB Steven Rivas, DB Demari Simms. 4-4 overall, 3-2 in Section Four. They were again left on the outside, knocking on the door of the district playoffs for the third year in a row. “I just always remind them of how Carty (6-2, 205) and junior Dom Nell (5- short we’ve come to making the playoffs 9, 220). the last couple of years,” Kyle said. “If “Those guys have been playing now for that’s not enough to motivate you, then a couple years on both sides of the ball,” nothing will.” Kyle said of the returning O-linemen. “That helps us out. We may not be the About the offense tallest, but as far as strength-wise,we can Columbia is one of a few teams in the go up against anybody.” league with a returning QB. And it’s a Those road-graders will open up holes good one in 6-foot, 170-pound senior for junior Stevan Rivas (67 carries, 435 Robert Footman (passing: 97 for 185, yards, seven TDs) and Collazo (24 car- 1,516 yards, 14 TDs; rushing: 66 carries, ries, 248 yards, three TDs). 154 yards, five TDs). But the Tide’s spread attack will have About the defense new options at wide receiver, where On the defensive side of the ball, Kyle last year’s top three pass-catchers have is most excited about the D-line in Co- since graduated. Stepping up will be De- lumbia’s 4-4 setup. Ober, end McCarty metrius Diaz-Ellis (eight receptions, 94 and tackle Nell (5-9, 220) return up yards), J’von Collazo (seven receptions, front. 56 yards) and Jayden Boone (two recep- “The D-line always gets everything go- tions, 56 yards), among others. ing for us,” Kyle said. “Our D-line will be “We have the weapons on the outside the strength again for us.” who will enable us to get the ball down Boone and Rivas will anchor the line- the field,” Kyle said. backer unit, while Collazo and Demari Three linemen return in senior Joel Simms will take the lead in the defensive Ober (5-10, 210), sophomore Colin Mc- backfield.

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ers like Bohannon, Tice, (Ben) Wargo ty. Sam Balsbaugh (so.), Alden Stickler THE OUTLOOK THE PLAYBOOK and (Owen) Kahl,” Elco head coach (jr.), Jackson Conners (so.) and Groy n DAVID BOHR L-L: Section Four Bob Miller said. “But we have a strong will all have time at corner. SPECIAL FOR LANCASTER ONLINE group of linebackers returning and Cole Thomas (sr.) will be under cen- It may have appeared that there was n PIAA: Class 4A several linemen, as well as two Wil- ter on offense, a spot he took several little good news to be found in 2020. liams brothers in the backfield.” times in 2020. However, he only had But if one looked around, there were n Head coach: Bob Miller The Williams brothers — Jake and the occasional passing attempt, try- bright spots for most communities. (10th season, 48-41) Luke — were the top runners behind ing just two shots through the air. A In Myerstown, one such bright spot Bohannon last season. Jake Williams, year ago, he was often handing off to was the Elco football team, which n Base offense: Veer a 5-foot-9, 165-pound sophomore, had Bohannon in the Veer offense. Though brought some smiles to the locals with 660 yards with five touchdowns, while the system is largely unchanged, now a 7-1 season, including a Lancaster- n Base defense: 4-4 Luke, a 6-3, 210-pound senior, had 449 Thomas will be sharing the rushing Lebanon League Section Four title and yards and five touchdowns. load with the Williams brothers and an appearance in the District Three n 2020 results: 7-1 (5-0 L-L) But on defense, Luke led the Raider Cameron Martin (jr.). Class 4A final. linebacking corps and the entire team When they are throwing the ball, the Now that things are looking brighter n Key players returning: OG-DT Colin with 91 tackles. Raiders’ targets will be tight end Aid- in 2021, the Raiders will have to try Daub, TE-LB Aidon Fritsch, OT-DE Nate “We will have our work cut out for en Fritsch (jr.) and wideouts Stickler, harder to stand out. And that’s not Henson, K Rheece Shuey, QB-LB Cole us in the secondary, losing our leader Groy, Conners, Balsbaugh and Sara just because other signs of joy have Thomas, C-DT Cody Sky, RB-LB Jake in Braden,” Miller said. “We will need Miller (so.). returned — it’s because Braden Bohan- Williams, RB-LB Luke Williams. to develop along the defensive line as Sky will anchor the line at center. On non will not. well if we want to be able to utilize our his right will be guard Daub and tackle Few absences will be felt more in the experience at linebacker.” Henson. The left guard and tackle po- L-L than Bohannon’s. The defensive ends in the 4-4 align- sitions will shift through Drupp, Gar- Now at Lebanon Valley College, Bo- ment will be Jaron Garcia (jr.) and cia and Lebron. hannon was Elco’s leading rusher in The Raiders will also be without all- Nate Henson (sr.). Matt Drupp (jr.), Rheece Shuey (sr.) returns to take both 2020 with 990 yards and 17 touch- state offensive lineman and defensive Colin Daub (jr.), Eddie Bean (sr.), Cody the placekicking and punting duties. downs. Though the Raiders only rarely back Logan Tice, who is now at McDan- Sky (sr.) and Ricardo Lebron (jr.) will Elco will open the season Aug. 27 went through the air, Bohannon still iel. rotate in at . against Susquenita. The Raiders’ first had three touchdown passes and a “We will be working to refill a lot of In the secondary, Dom Thorton (jr.) league game will be at Pequea Valley passer’s rating of 132.0. big holes left by multi two-way start- and Jaxon Groy (sr.) will line up at safe- on Oct. 1.

THE PLAYBOOK NORTHERN LEBANON VIKINGS n L-L: Section Four

said at L-L Media Day last month. “I sophomore Luke Shaffer. The guy who n PIAA: Class 4A THE OUTLOOK had some expectations that have been doesn’t win the starting QB battle will MIKE GROSS met and others that have had to come be on the field, as a running back or re- n Head coach: Jason Rice [email protected] down a little bit.’’ ceiver. (first season) High school sports are by nature cy- Rice said he’s learning that Northern Also returning is well-named run- clical, but Northern Lebanon’s recent Lebanon serves a community of work- ning back Blaze Watson. n Base offense: Spread football history has been something ers, so that many of his players have Rice is installing the now-familiar beyond that. jobs and/or play multiple sports. spread offense, which will ideally mini- n Base defense: 4-2-5 The Vikings won three Lancaster- “I’m easily accommodating to that, mize the Vikings’ need to steamroll op- Lebanon League section titles and as long as they’re active and getting ponents on the line of scrimmage. n 2020 results: 0-8 (0-5 L-L) qualified for the District Three playoffs involved in stuff,’’ he said. “What we three times in a four-year stretch from don’t want is guys going home and About the defense n Key players returning: OG-LB Kalani 2014-17. playing video games. We want them to The Vikings were relatively decent Adams, QB-DB Grady Stichler, RB-DL They’ve gone 2-26 since, and are cur- come out and work out, train and move on this side of the ball last year. Rice Blaze Watson. rently on a 12-game losing streak. their bodies.’’ plans to use a 4-2-5 base look. A lot of Enter the youngest head coach in the guys will be going both ways, including L-L, Jason Rice, 28, replacing Roy Wall, About the offense Stichler and Watson. who has departed after 11 seasons. Rice faces a considerable challenge The anchor, and perhaps one of Sec- Rice played quarterback at Palmyra, here. tion Four’s best two-way players, will (middle linebacker), and he may play a where his offensive coordinator was The Vikings managed just 422 rush- be senior Kalani Adams. bit of (strongside) for us. That’s where Matt Nagy, now the head coach of the ing yards and 52 first downs in eight “He’s already a star,’’ said Rice of the he’ll shine.’’ NFL’s Chicago Bears. Rice played at Al- games last year. They lose eight start- 6-2, 200 linebacker and offensive line- As for a no-longer-secret weapon, bright College, and has coached at Mil- ers to graduation. man who camped as Pitt and Villanova Rice mentioned the potential of Moi- ton Hershey, Lebanon Valley College There is some good news. Grady this summer, and is getting recruiting ses Gonzalez, a sophomore who has and Methodist University in North Stichler, who shared the quarterback attention from PSAC and FCS schools. never played football before, but could Carolina. job last year and had some moments, “We may float him around,’’ Rice fit in right away at wide receiver, safety “It’s been a good turnout so far,’’ Rice is back. He’ll compete for the job with said. “We’ll have him in the box at or linebacker. 22 AUGUST 25, 2021 HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL GUIDE LNP | LANCASTER, PA

multiple Wing-T sets and will again at- OCTORARA tempt to dictate the pace of the game BRAVES with a hurry-up attack. Teams will see plenty of Trainor, who rushed for 817 yards and 12 TDs a year ago. THE OUTLOOK THE PLAYBOOK Stoltzfus rushed for 435 yards and sev- n ANDREW KEHE L-L: Section Four en TDs and threw for another 1,058 and [email protected] 10 TDs — all while never letting anyone If ever there was a year. n PIAA: Class 4A see him sweat. Coming off a reversal-of-fortunes sea- “He never gets flustered,” King said. son, during which Octorara posted a 6-2 n Head coach: Jed King “He plays not knowing his own emo- record and challenged Elco for the Sec- (14th season, 32-89) tions.” tion Four title, coach Jed King and his Adding depth to the offense will be ju- Braves have reason to believe their first n Base offense: Multiple nior tight end Mason Ellingsworth and championship in 14 seasons is at hand. senior receivers Cory Di’Antonio and Entering their third season in the Lan- n Base defense: 4-3 Steele Wrigley. caster-Lebanon League, the Braves will field a senior-dominant team, friends n 2020 results: 6-2 (4-1 L-L) About the defense who have been playing together since The Braves will again present a 4-3 look they were 8 years old. Longevity and n Key players returning: WR-DB Cory with outside pressure coming primarily togetherness worked for all those great Di’Antonio, TE-LB Mason Ellingsworth, from sack leader Kaden King, who also Soviet hockey teams, right? Why not the RB-DB Daryl Jones, C-DT Kaden King, anchors the offense from the center po- Braves? OG-DT Andrew Koennecker, OG-LB sition, and big-hitting linebacker Paulie “It’s a huge advantage,” said King, en- Angel Mauricio, LB Paulie Murray, RB-LB Murray. tering his 14th season at the helm. “They Zion Raison-Peters, QB-DB Weston CHRIS KNIGHT | STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER know each other so well, they love each Stoltzfus, OT-DT Wes Thompson, RB-DB Octorara quarterback Weston Stoltzfus The final word other and they want to play for each oth- Mike Trainor, OT-DE Josh Wentz, WR- scrambles out of the pocket against Elco on The talent is there, as is the skill, the er. That’s so big in football. DB Steele Wrigley. Oct. 9, 2020. belief and the experience. King knows “So, yeah, it’s going to be a good year, none of that matters without desire. but how good? We can do amazing things The Braves lost key positions to gradu- “I think the word for us is we need if the work ethic is there.” ation on both sides of the ball, but the to live up to our potential,” he said. “I Back to see to it that it’s there are se- voids, King said, are being filled with ca- think our guys believe in what we have nior running back/defensive back Mike output last season. pable talent. now. There’s a lot of talk about purpose Trainor and senior quarterback Weston “Those two are the heart and soul of and potential. Potential is great, but Stoltzfus, who together accounted for this team,” King said. About the offense we’re not going to reach it if we don’t about two-thirds of the Braves’ offensive Up front are four returning starters. The Braves will again operate out of work for it.”

THE PLAYBOOK PEQUEA VALLEY BRAVES n L-L: Section Four

Temple, can the more savy Braves move “We’re already better than we were, n PIAA: Class 3A THE OUTLOOK the needle from tough out to the biggest much quicker,” said Hollenbaugh, the left ANDREW KEHE n [email protected] hit in Section Four? tackle. “We know what we’re doing now, Head coach: Jeff Werner “No doubt,” fourth-year coach Jeff Wer- instead of tinkering with everything.” (third season, 1-16) To borrow a baseball term, “tough out” ner said. “That’s the message I’m sending pretty well characterizes Pequea Valley our players. About the defense n Base offense: Multiple football in 2020. “I spent 26 years at Cocalico, so I come Former Ephrata defensive coordinator How can that be? The Braves were 1-6 from a winning program. I know the road Dave Fedorshak takes over as the Braves’ n Base defense: Multiple and yielded on average 35 points a game. map to get to where we need to be. We’re DC, reuniting with Werner. He will guide a But a deep numbers dive reveals a team definitely on the right road.” defense that will present numerous looks n 2020 results: 2-5 (2-4 L-L) that was persistent in mounting attacks, in 4-4 and 4-3 schemes. scored fewer than 14 points only once, About the offense “He adds a lot of life, he’s intense,” n Key players returning: DT Bobby lost one game in overtime and another by The Braves will present a multiple Werner said of Fedorshak. “He simpli- Broomell, WR Jon Carter, RB Anderson four points, put up 27 against Lancaster- spread look, challenging defenses with fies things. It’s going to be something to Cuz, OT-DE Zach Hollenbaugh, C Logan Lebanon League Section Four runner-up predominantly the ground game, featur- watch.” McGraine, TE Zach Ostot, OG-LB Evan Octorara two days after a nine-day CO- ing an experienced offensive line and Stoltzfus, K-P Nevin Stoltzfus, RB VID-19 layoff, and posted its first win in junior running back Orlando Stoltzfus. The final word Orlando Stoltzfus, QB Peyton Temple, three seasons — a 14-0 shutout of North- Senior Drew White, and juniors Zach Werner appears to be doing all he can to WR Dom Wallace, OG-DE Drew White. ern Lebanon. Hollenbaugh and Evan Stoltzfus anchor fully jettison the “easy out” version of the The inexperienced Braves rushed for the line. Braves’ teams of the recent past. more than 1,000 yards and trended up- “Offensive line working together, just “The players are buying into what I’m wards in just about all meaningful catego- being able to run the ball down the field, I selling now, “Werner said. “There’s much ries. With half its roster of 30 returning, think that’s something we did really good more participation in the weight room and and we’ll be good.’ We want to take it game a new defensive coordinator and a high- last year that we can do again,” said White, in the offseason. I don’t want my players by game, focus on every game. Snap by football-IQ junior quarterback in Peyton a right guard and defensive end. thinking, ‘Let’s just win a couple of games snap, let the chips fall where they may.” LANCASTER, PA | LNP HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL GUIDE AUGUST 25, 2021 23

Denotes HOME games 2021 HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL SCHEDULE ALL GAMES START AT 7 P.M. UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED

SECTION ONE AUG. 27 SEPT. 3 SEPT. 10 SEPT. 17 SEPT. 24 OCT. 1 OCT. 8 OCT. 15 OCT. 22 OCT. 29

Manheim CEDAR CREST Lebanon Gettysburg Carlisle Gov. Mifflin Elizabethtown Hempfield Wilson Penn Manor McCaskey FALCONS Township

Manheim HEMPFIELD Dallastown Manheim Central Central York Exeter Warwick McCaskey Cedar Crest Wilson Penn Manor BLACK KNIGHTS Township

Central Dauphin MANHEIM TWP. CD East Dallastown Spring-Ford Cocalico Cedar Crest Penn Manor Hempfield McCaskey Wilson BLUE STREAKS (Sept. 11, 6 p.m.)

Manheim McCASKEY Reading York Lebanon Elizabethtown Conestoga Valley Hempfield Wilson Penn Manor Cedar Crest RED TORNADO Township

Lampeter- Manheim PENN MANOR Conestoga Valley Northeastern Warwick Solanco Wilson McCaskey Cedar Crest Hempfield COMETS Strasburg Township

Martin Luther WILSON Central Dauphin Gov. Mifflin Exeter Manheim Central Penn Manor McCaskey Cedar Crest Hempfield Man BULLDOGS King SECTION TWO AUG. 27 SEPT. 3 SEPT. 10 SEPT. 17 SEPT. 24 OCT. 1 OCT. 8 OCT. 15 OCT. 22 OCT. 29

Cedar Cliff Manheim COCALICO Conrad Weiser Gov. Mifflin Garden Spot Solanco Conestoga Valley Elizabethtown Warwick Manheim Central EAGLES (Sept. 2, 7 p.m.) Township

Lampeter- Solanco CONESTOGA VALLEY Penn Manor Garden Spot Daniel Boone McCaskey Elizabethtown Cocalico Manheim Central Warwick BUCKSKINS Strasburg (7:30 p.m.)

ELIZABETHTOWN Donegal Mechanicsburg Lower Dauphin McCaskey Cedar Crest Conestoga Valley Warwick Cocalico Manheim Central Solanco BEARS

Cumberland Susquehanna Perkiomen @Conestoga MANHEIM CENTRAL Hempfield Wilson Warwick Solanco Elizabethtown Cocalico BARONS Valley Township Valley Valley

Lampeter- Conestoga Valley SOLANCO Palmyra Kennard-Dale Muhlenberg Penn Manor Cocalico Manheim Central @Warwick Elizabethtown GOLDEN MULES Strasburg (7:30 p.m.)

Lampeter- CD East WARWICK Ephrata Penn Manor Hempfield Manheim Central Elizabethtown Solanco Cocalico Conestoga Valley WARRIORS Strasburg (Sept. 2, 6 p.m.) SECTION THREE AUG. 27 SEPT. 3 SEPT. 10 SEPT. 17 SEPT. 24 OCT. 1 OCT. 8 OCT. 15 OCT. 22 OCT. 29

Lampeter- Lancaster DONEGAL Elizabethtown Columbia Eastern York Annville-Cleona Elco Garden Spot Ephrata Lebanon INDIANS Strasburg Catholic

Lancaster Lampeter- EPHRATA Muhlenberg Palmyra Warwick Elco Columbia Lebanon Donegal Garden Spot MOUNTAINEERS Catholic Strasburg

Lampeter- Lancaster GARDEN SPOT Twin Valley Conestoga Valley Daniel Boone Cocalico Pequea Valley Donegal Lebanon Ephrata SPARTANS Strasburg Catholic

Northern Lancaster LAMP.-STRASBURG Warwick Penn Manor Conestoga Valley Solanco Donegal Garden Spot Ephrata Lebanon PIONEERS Lebanon Catholic

Archbishop Lampeter- LANC. CATHOLIC York Catholic Delone Catholic Columbia Annville-Cleona Ephrata Lebanon Garden Spot Donegal CRUSADERS Carroll Strasburg

Northern Lancaster Lampeter- LEBANON Cedar Crest Reading McCaskey Octorara Ephrata Garden Spot Donegal CEDARS Lebanon Catholic Strasburg SECTION FOUR AUG. 27 SEPT. 3 SEPT. 10 SEPT. 17 SEPT. 24 OCT. 1 OCT. 8 OCT. 15 OCT. 22 OCT. 29

Fleetwood Lancaster Northern ANNVILLE-CLEONA Schuylkill Valley Littlestown Donegal Pequea Valley Columbia Octorara Elco DUTCHMEN (Sept. 2, 7 p.m.) Catholic Lebanon

Lancaster Northern COLUMBIA Eastern York Donegal Hanover Ephrata Octorara Annville-Cleona Elco Pequea Valley CRIMSON TIDE Catholic Lebanon

Northern ELCO Susquenita Schuylkill Valley Conrad Weiser Ephrata Donegal Pequea Valley Octorara Columbia Annville-Cleona RAIDERS Lebanon

York County Lampeter- NOR. LEBANON Pine Grove Hamburg Lebanon Annville-Cleona Columbia Elco Pequea Valley Octorara VIKINGS Tech Strasburg

York County Tech Northern OCTORARA Kennard-Dale Pottstown Phoenixville Lebanon Columbia Elco Pequea Valley Annville-Cleona BRAVES (Sept. 4, 11 a.m.) Lebanon

Biglerville Northern PEQUEA VALLEY Hanover Kutztown Jenkintown Garden Spot Elco Annville-Cleona Octorara Columbia BRAVES (ppd. to Nov. 5) Lebanon 24 AUGUST 25, 2021 LNP | LANCASTER, PA

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