Mid State Preseason Report: District 3, Lancaster-Lebanon, Sections 1, 2, 3
Lancaster Lebanon-Section 1
Warwick (9-3, 5A) Expectations are sky high in Lititz with the return of junior gunslinger Joey McCracken who completed 59% for 1974 yards with a 27/3 Td-Pick ratio. Incredibly, this is after co-starting with the graduated Adams Ricketts who threw for another 1344 yards with a 62% completion rate! It was and is a full on aerial assault taking on these guys with super quick Trey Glass snagging 74 throws for 1342 (school single season record) yards and Conor Adams with 12 for 241 yards. Glass went down with a knee at Cedar Cliff last season with his status unknown for the opener. Rb Sean Bedessa (45/253) can motor but Nick Fucci’s 898 rushing yards and 266 receiving yards will be missed. But the larger loss is TE/DT Hayden Rucci (6-5, 250, 30/645, 28 tackles), off to Wisconsin and T/DT Nick Coomer (6-4, 285, 50 tackles) to Delaware. That was a lot of fire power and stopping power up front. . The O-Line returns Hayden Benner (6-2, 240), Hunter Diebler (6-0, 230) and All-Everything Nolan Rucci (6-8, 280, jr) playing both ways. Everyone wants him including Pitt, PSU, MSU, Syra, VaTech, etc, etc. Most of the defense returns with DB Justin Gerhart grabbing 6 picks where 3 of 4 return plus LBs Austin Bufis (6-0, 195), Jonathan Forbes (6-0, 210) and David Hanesko (5-10, 190) with Thatcher Miller (6-3, 210) at DE. It’s scary thinking what this group is capable of offensively knowing they averaged 43ppg each of the last two year! As noteworthy is their recent penchant for defense, allowing an eye catching 12ppg last year. All this with a schedule that included games at Manheim Central (14-1), a 27-20 loss, and Manheim Township (10-2) a 28-20 loss, homers to Wilson (8-4) who they stuffed 38-12 and the playoff win vs Palmyra (8-3) 64-0 before losing at Cedar Cliff (10-3) 33-23. They broke ground last year going two deep in the postseason which will serve as tonic this year for an even deeper run. So long as Trey Glass is back and healthy.
Wilson (8-4) After not having more than two losses in a season from 2008 through 2016, going 97-12 in the process, Wilson’s back-to-back 8-4 campaigns are out of character for one of the top programs in the state. They’ve been a power for years, but not at the level coach Doug Dahms achieved in his 13 years, garnering 145 wins against 28 losses. Playing in the LL-1 has its challenges (Manheim Township, Warwick, Hempfield) especially with the recently mandated cross over games against Manheim Central plus non-conference games against Spring Ford, Central Dauphin and another Reading power and rival, Governor Mifflin. 2018’s team was sluggish by their standards, averaging 26ppg, the lowest year ending average since 2007. Defensively, they’ve been well off their averages from 2016 through last year allowinged on average 20, 19 and 18 a game. By Bulldog standards, quarterbacking was an issue with Anthony Futrick completing only 54% of passes for 1494 years with a 14/9 Td-Pick ratio. This is pop gun stuff for Wilson that was masked to a degree with a decent rushing attack spearheaded by Elijah Morales and Avanti Lockhard at 1125 and 407 yards respectively, and Coach Dahms spreading the ball around to five primary receivers getting at least 21 receptions each. That, combined with an aggressive not great defense got them past Governor Mifflin, Spring Ford, Manheim Township, Hempfield and Red Lion, but not Warwick (9-3) 38-12, Central Dauphin (9-4) 23-7 and Harrisburg (13-2) 36-12. Coach played a lot of young talent last year giving them a solid nucleus on defense (8 return) and the lines with the priority in 2019 being the quarterback. 7 are back on offense. RB Avanti Lockhart (6-2, 205, 64/462, sr, recovered) is back with many receivers; Brady Gibble (21/446), Troy Corson, Matt Fry (20/229). The lines look good with All-League Nate Keller (6-0, 275) back plus OL/DL Jean Ventura (5-9, 220), OL/DL Anthony Koper (6-0, 240) and C/DL Adam Vanino (6-1, 255). But they’ll miss Ryan Silvious (6-5. 260). Also returning to the D are RB/LB Lockhart (6-0, 210, 40 stops), OLB Nate Hoekstra (6-0, 200, 62 tackles) and 3 who started as sophomores in DT Jeff Colacin (5-10, 255, 25 stops), Ethan Capitano (5-11, 195, 22 stops) and Adrian Santana (6-0, 215, 26 tackles). The secondary returns at least 2 starters, Corson and Fry. At Qb no one has separated through the spring with juniors Kaleb Brown (6-1, 175), Ryan Moseman (6-1, 180) and senior Nick Williams 5-10, 180 battling. K Jack Wagner and P Kaleb Brown return. You’ll know much about the district power structure with the Bulldogs opening at home to Central Dauphin then away at Governor Mifflin and Spring Ford before returning home for Manheim Central. Phew!
Manheim Township (10-2) Almost everyone returns meaning the Blue Streaks are primed for a significant run in the LL and Districts, making it a 3 horse race with always favored Wilson and upstart Warwick. This is based on last year’s team beating Central Dauphin (9-4), Cocalico (10-3), Warwick (9-3) and Chambersburg (7-4) before falling to CD in the rematch. Lost to Wilson (8-4) in regular season 16-14. Last year’s team averaged 27ppg while allowing 14, against a legit schedule. But, there are no favors with this year’s schedule playing Cocalico, Wilson and Warwick on the road. A few commits are Qb Harrison Kirk (Colgate), TE/DE Ben Mann (Yale) and DB John Engle (Lafayette). Kirk completed 161 of 283 (57%) last year for 2300 yards with a 19/8 ratio. Senior running back Jaden Floyd (154/729) is back with receiver Brett Benjamin (37/595) who is also a solid DB and kick returner with Mickey Stokes snagging 19 for 281 yards. Last year’s freshman Anthony Ivey (6-1, 180) wowed em good with 17 catches for 265 yards until going down but is expected back. He has already received offers from WV, Va Tech, Marshall, etc. The defense will be anchored by brothers LBs Josh and Sam Emge, Tyler Kurtz and OG/DT Justin Herr (5-11, 220), OT/DT Grayson Kuhns (6-1, 230) and TE/DE Ben Mann (6-1, 205) plus DB Jon Engle and Matt Mikulka who had 7 picks last year. Coach Mark Evans is building a program at Township entering his 7th season with a 48-24 record.
Cedar Crest (5-5)
Most people don’t realize that Cedar Crest use to play serious football, putting good stuff on the field consistently and as recently as the last 90s and early 00s under Coach Gene “Spike” Fuhrman. Their new coach Rob Wildasin seems cut from the same cloth; tough, old school, in a younger form. He’s been there since 2014, going 27- 25 (19-12 last 3) in the challenging Lancaster-Lebanon League. This is notable improvement from a program that went 16-64 the previous 8 years. Last year’s highlight was beating city rival Lebanon High in the Cedar Bowl 42-19 and a close call loss to Manheim Township in overtime, 16-10. The quest this season is replacing Section One’s 1st team quarterback Logan Horn who passed for 1398 yards while rushing for 550 with 18 Tds. Chris Danz is projected to replace him with great help from Rb Tyler Cruz ( 5-10, 195, 131/658), OT T.J. Moore (6-0, 225), C/DT Andrew Foltz (5-9, 240), TE/DE Eric Wawrzniak (6-3, 200), OT/DE Cade Rambleer (6-1, 215) and OG/DT Owen Kreider (6-0, 240). Chris Rios (5-10, 180) is back at WR/S after snagging 16 for 224 yards with FL/SS Cole Miller (6-1, 175) back with 17 receptions for 367 yards. Last year’s standout freshman Aadyn Richards (5-9, 185) is back at MLB. With a back-loaded schedule playing Warwick, Township and Wilson the second half of the season, look for the Falcons to get off to a good start at home their first two games. It all begins against city rival Lebanon in the annual Cedar Bowl.
Hempfield (5-6)
When most people think about the LL-1, they usually think about Wilson and Manheim Township. Rightly so with Wilson going 25-2 the last 4 years in conference play while Township went 25-2. It may surprise some to know that Hempfield has gone a respectable 17-10 over that same stretch. So don’t be surprised if the Black Knights surprise a few people this year despite heavy grad losses knowing they return senior Qb Colin Peters (6-1, 170) after throwing for 1459 yards (54%, 12/9) and rushing for 428 yards. And it’s always good seeing the center back, Aiden Power (6-1, 245, jr). Receiver/LB Jackson Shand (6-5, 210, 21/212) and running back Luke Miller (22/144r, 17/142p) will try to replace Matt Hueston’s 696 rush yards and Mike Kurt’s 699. Darien Ressler is another loss with 42 receptions for 778 yards. So they’ll have to step it up from last year’s edition that lost to Manheim Central, Warwick, Wilson, Township and Harrisburg by a combined score of 171 to 36. Clearly the D is an issue as is rebuilding the O-Line that lost one of the better linemen in the league in Riley Good (6-3, 220). Qb Peters will likely be looking for 6-5 Jackson Shand to loosen things up for the new backs and OL. Coach Ron Zeiber is in his 9th year with a 48-41 record.
Lancaster Lebanon-Section 2
Manheim Central (14-1, 5A)
Manheim Central rolled out 13 straight until losing to Penn Hills 36-31 in the 5A state title game last year. Excepting Warwick and Wilson from the well regarded Lancaster-Lebanon Section One, they breezed through the schedule, winning by an average score of 42-13 until Penn Hills. For the second straight year they made a strong run, having lost to Gateway 31-28 the year before in the semifinal. 5th year head coach Dave Hahn has it going with a 48-7 won loss. This year looks to be another in a long line of strong seasons with the return of quarterback Evan Simon (Rutgers) after passing for 2753 yards and rushing for 661. Top receiver Colby Wagner returns after snagging 26 for 832 yards with his brother Ben who caught 22 for 449 yards. TE/DE Jake Martin (5-11, 190) is back. Tyler Flick (all-time rusher 3913) is gone along with his 1831 rush yards plus wide-out Will Rivers’ 708 yards on 33 receptions. The line needs rebuilt, graduating Cayden Warner (5-10, 250,), Tyler Dougherty (5-10, 295), Brett Wolgemuth (6-1, 260) and Josh Painter (6-0, 280). LT/DL Troy Kolk (5-11, 225, 78 tackles) returns With DEs Jake Harbach (5-9, 215) and Tyler Hartl (6-1, 190), plus two to the secondary and 3 LBs. With 25 LL-Section titles and 18 district titles in 22 appearances, you know they’ll make their presence felt once again in the district, perhaps beyond.
Cocalico (10-3, 5A)
With a record of 87-37 (71%) the last ten years and a 22-6 mark the last 4 in conference action, the Eagles are the only credible conference threat to Manheim Central (25-2 in LL-2 games) in the LL-2. Coach Dave Gingrich is entering his 16th season at the helm with a 119 and 57 record running that wicked Veer Flex-Bone of his. They had an exciting team last year that got your attention, opening with wins against Conrad Weiser (9-3) 21-13, Cedar Cliff (10-3) 31-21 and Governor Mifflin (7-5) 35-21. Weiser’s Scouts were a veteran team while explosive Cedar Cliff went on to beat McDevitt (12-2) 50-43, Exeter (6-5) 50-6 and Warwick (9-3) 33-23 before losing to Manheim Central. Cocalico lost to Manheim Township (10-2) 36-24 and Manheim Central (14-1) 41-23, before blowing out the next six by an average score of 51-17 including York High’s Bearcats (11-2) 61-35 before losing in the rematch to Manheim Central 48-14. For 2019 look for them to get off to another good start with the return of most of their offense, particularly Qb Noah Palm (New Hampshire) who rushed for 1310 yards and passed for 773 more with Ronald Zalm returning to one of the running back positions after rushing for 636 yards on 73 carries and catching 11 passes for 272 yards. A big loss is FB/MLB Garrett Longenecker (key in the Flex) who rushed for 1259 yards while being their #2 tackler with 107. Good luck replacing that! #1 tackler Cody Shay (6-1, 215, sr) proved his durability with 133 stops and will likely get first shot at that. And don’t forget Qb Palm with 100 tackles from his Safety position. Another concern is replacing four studs upfront; LT Colin Hall (6-0, 280), RG/DT Josh Hoover (6-0, 240, 36 tackles), C Chase Ochs (6-2, 240) and RT/DT Tristan Motter (6-3, 290, 39 tackles). But their top lineman, LG/DT Brock Gingrich (6-3, 280. 68 tackles) returns. Six starters return to the defense that needs to tighten up from last year’s 23ppg yield. Like to see them with more balance but they should be solid with a good core on offense to again challenge for Section-2 honors and another high seed in the postseason.
Lancaster Lebanon Section-3
Lancaster Catholic (10-1, 3A)
The Crusaders are coached by Todd Mealy (former star at McDevitt) who had unheard of success a few years ago at Penn Manor of the LL-1, going 56-35 from 2007 through 2014. At LC he replaced a legend when Bruce Harbach retired after his 16th season (at LC) with a 138-54 record, winning 2A state titles in 2009 (15-1) and 2011 (16-0). Back to Mealy, pure and simple the man knows how to coach, guiding Catholic to an undefeated regular season in his first season before losing to Bermudian Springs (9-4) 20-10 in last year’s post season opening round. They’ll probably tear things up again this year with 3 year starter Gavin Sullivan back (6-2, 165, sr, 888p, 63%, 121/604r), Rbs Jeff Harley (80/928) and Nevin Roman (35/274) with FB Alex Cruz (6-2, 205, 34/338) again blasting holes. 3 OL’ers return in OT/DT Liam Besecker (6-4, 230) and OG/DT Trey Wells (6-5, 280) with all everything Andrew Miklos (6-5, 230) playing almost any position especially on defense, and already signed with Delaware. With a lot of last year’s skill back they’ll probably match last year’s performance offensively where they averaged 34ppg. The defense was one of the best in south central PA allowing a meager 9ppg. Look for big strides in year two of the Todd Mealy regime as they challenge Middletown for district supremacy.
Lancaster Lebanon-Section 1
Warwick (9-3, 5A) Expectations are sky high in Lititz with the return of junior gunslinger Joey McCracken who completed 59% for 1974 yards with a 27/3 Td-Pick ratio. Incredibly, this is after co-starting with the graduated Adams Ricketts who threw for another 1344 yards with a 62% completion rate! It was and is a full on aerial assault taking on these guys with super quick Trey Glass snagging 74 throws for 1342 (school single season record) yards and Conor Adams with 12 for 241 yards. Glass went down with a knee at Cedar Cliff last season with his status unknown for the opener. Rb Sean Bedessa (45/253) can motor but Nick Fucci’s 898 rushing yards and 266 receiving yards will be missed. But the larger loss is TE/DT Hayden Rucci (6-5, 250, 30/645, 28 tackles), off to Wisconsin and T/DT Nick Coomer (6-4, 285, 50 tackles) to Delaware. That was a lot of fire power and stopping power up front. . The O-Line returns Hayden Benner (6-2, 240), Hunter Diebler (6-0, 230) and All-Everything Nolan Rucci (6-8, 280, jr) playing both ways. Everyone wants him including Pitt, PSU, MSU, Syra, VaTech, etc, etc. Most of the defense returns with DB Justin Gerhart grabbing 6 picks where 3 of 4 return plus LBs Austin Bufis (6-0, 195), Jonathan Forbes (6-0, 210) and David Hanesko (5-10, 190) with Thatcher Miller (6-3, 210) at DE. It’s scary thinking what this group is capable of offensively knowing they averaged 43ppg each of the last two year! As noteworthy is their recent penchant for defense, allowing an eye catching 12ppg last year. All this with a schedule that included games at Manheim Central (14-1), a 27-20 loss, and Manheim Township (10-2) a 28-20 loss, homers to Wilson (8-4) who they stuffed 38-12 and the playoff win vs Palmyra (8-3) 64-0 before losing at Cedar Cliff (10-3) 33-23. They broke ground last year going two deep in the postseason which will serve as tonic this year for an even deeper run. So long as Trey Glass is back and healthy.
Wilson (8-4) After not having more than two losses in a season from 2008 through 2016, going 97-12 in the process, Wilson’s back-to-back 8-4 campaigns are out of character for one of the top programs in the state. They’ve been a power for years, but not at the level coach Doug Dahms achieved in his 13 years, garnering 145 wins against 28 losses. Playing in the LL-1 has its challenges (Manheim Township, Warwick, Hempfield) especially with the recently mandated cross over games against Manheim Central plus non-conference games against Spring Ford, Central Dauphin and another Reading power and rival, Governor Mifflin. 2018’s team was sluggish by their standards, averaging 26ppg, the lowest year ending average since 2007. Defensively, they’ve been well off their averages from 2016 through last year allowinged on average 20, 19 and 18 a game. By Bulldog standards, quarterbacking was an issue with Anthony Futrick completing only 54% of passes for 1494 years with a 14/9 Td-Pick ratio. This is pop gun stuff for Wilson that was masked to a degree with a decent rushing attack spearheaded by Elijah Morales and Avanti Lockhard at 1125 and 407 yards respectively, and Coach Dahms spreading the ball around to five primary receivers getting at least 21 receptions each. That, combined with an aggressive not great defense got them past Governor Mifflin, Spring Ford, Manheim Township, Hempfield and Red Lion, but not Warwick (9-3) 38-12, Central Dauphin (9-4) 23-7 and Harrisburg (13-2) 36-12. Coach played a lot of young talent last year giving them a solid nucleus on defense (8 return) and the lines with the priority in 2019 being the quarterback. 7 are back on offense. RB Avanti Lockhart (6-2, 205, 64/462, sr, recovered) is back with many receivers; Brady Gibble (21/446), Troy Corson, Matt Fry (20/229). The lines look good with All-League Nate Keller (6-0, 275) back plus OL/DL Jean Ventura (5-9, 220), OL/DL Anthony Koper (6-0, 240) and C/DL Adam Vanino (6-1, 255). But they’ll miss Ryan Silvious (6-5. 260). Also returning to the D are RB/LB Lockhart (6-0, 210, 40 stops), OLB Nate Hoekstra (6-0, 200, 62 tackles) and 3 who started as sophomores in DT Jeff Colacin (5-10, 255, 25 stops), Ethan Capitano (5-11, 195, 22 stops) and Adrian Santana (6-0, 215, 26 tackles). The secondary returns at least 2 starters, Corson and Fry. At Qb no one has separated through the spring with juniors Kaleb Brown (6-1, 175), Ryan Moseman (6-1, 180) and senior Nick Williams 5-10, 180 battling. K Jack Wagner and P Kaleb Brown return. You’ll know much about the district power structure with the Bulldogs opening at home to Central Dauphin then away at Governor Mifflin and Spring Ford before returning home for Manheim Central. Phew!
Manheim Township (10-2) Almost everyone returns meaning the Blue Streaks are primed for a significant run in the LL and Districts, making it a 3 horse race with always favored Wilson and upstart Warwick. This is based on last year’s team beating Central Dauphin (9-4), Cocalico (10-3), Warwick (9-3) and Chambersburg (7-4) before falling to CD in the rematch. Lost to Wilson (8-4) in regular season 16-14. Last year’s team averaged 27ppg while allowing 14, against a legit schedule. But, there are no favors with this year’s schedule playing Cocalico, Wilson and Warwick on the road. A few commits are Qb Harrison Kirk (Colgate), TE/DE Ben Mann (Yale) and DB John Engle (Lafayette). Kirk completed 161 of 283 (57%) last year for 2300 yards with a 19/8 ratio. Senior running back Jaden Floyd (154/729) is back with receiver Brett Benjamin (37/595) who is also a solid DB and kick returner with Mickey Stokes snagging 19 for 281 yards. Last year’s freshman Anthony Ivey (6-1, 180) wowed em good with 17 catches for 265 yards until going down but is expected back. He has already received offers from WV, Va Tech, Marshall, etc. The defense will be anchored by brothers LBs Josh and Sam Emge, Tyler Kurtz and OG/DT Justin Herr (5-11, 220), OT/DT Grayson Kuhns (6-1, 230) and TE/DE Ben Mann (6-1, 205) plus DB Jon Engle and Matt Mikulka who had 7 picks last year. Coach Mark Evans is building a program at Township entering his 7th season with a 48-24 record.
Cedar Crest (5-5)
Most people don’t realize that Cedar Crest use to play serious football, putting good stuff on the field consistently and as recently as the last 90s and early 00s under Coach Gene “Spike” Fuhrman. Their new coach Rob Wildasin seems cut from the same cloth; tough, old school, in a younger form. He’s been there since 2014, going 27- 25 (19-12 last 3) in the challenging Lancaster-Lebanon League. This is notable improvement from a program that went 16-64 the previous 8 years. Last year’s highlight was beating city rival Lebanon High in the Cedar Bowl 42-19 and a close call loss to Manheim Township in overtime, 16-10. The quest this season is replacing Section One’s 1st team quarterback Logan Horn who passed for 1398 yards while rushing for 550 with 18 Tds. Chris Danz is projected to replace him with great help from Rb Tyler Cruz ( 5-10, 195, 131/658), OT T.J. Moore (6-0, 225), C/DT Andrew Foltz (5-9, 240), TE/DE Eric Wawrzniak (6-3, 200), OT/DE Cade Rambleer (6-1, 215) and OG/DT Owen Kreider (6-0, 240). Chris Rios (5-10, 180) is back at WR/S after snagging 16 for 224 yards with FL/SS Cole Miller (6-1, 175) back with 17 receptions for 367 yards. Last year’s standout freshman Aadyn Richards (5-9, 185) is back at MLB. With a back-loaded schedule playing Warwick, Township and Wilson the second half of the season, look for the Falcons to get off to a good start at home their first two games. It all begins against city rival Lebanon in the annual Cedar Bowl.
Hempfield (5-6)
When most people think about the LL-1, they usually think about Wilson and Manheim Township. Rightly so with Wilson going 25-2 the last 4 years in conference play while Township went 25-2. It may surprise some to know that Hempfield has gone a respectable 17-10 over that same stretch. So don’t be surprised if the Black Knights surprise a few people this year despite heavy grad losses knowing they return senior Qb Colin Peters (6-1, 170) after throwing for 1459 yards (54%, 12/9) and rushing for 428 yards. And it’s always good seeing the center back, Aiden Power (6-1, 245, jr). Receiver/LB Jackson Shand (6-5, 210, 21/212) and running back Luke Miller (22/144r, 17/142p) will try to replace Matt Hueston’s 696 rush yards and Mike Kurt’s 699. Darien Ressler is another loss with 42 receptions for 778 yards. So they’ll have to step it up from last year’s edition that lost to Manheim Central, Warwick, Wilson, Township and Harrisburg by a combined score of 171 to 36. Clearly the D is an issue as is rebuilding the O-Line that lost one of the better linemen in the league in Riley Good (6-3, 220). Qb Peters will likely be looking for 6-5 Jackson Shand to loosen things up for the new backs and OL. Coach Ron Zeiber is in his 9th year with a 48-41 record.
Lancaster Lebanon-Section 2
Manheim Central (14-1, 5A)
Manheim Central rolled out 13 straight until losing to Penn Hills 36-31 in the 5A state title game last year. Excepting Warwick and Wilson from the well regarded Lancaster-Lebanon Section One, they breezed through the schedule, winning by an average score of 42-13 until Penn Hills. For the second straight year they made a strong run, having lost to Gateway 31-28 the year before in the semifinal. 5th year head coach Dave Hahn has it going with a 48-7 won loss. This year looks to be another in a long line of strong seasons with the return of quarterback Evan Simon (Rutgers) after passing for 2753 yards and rushing for 661. Top receiver Colby Wagner returns after snagging 26 for 832 yards with his brother Ben who caught 22 for 449 yards. TE/DE Jake Martin (5-11, 190) is back. Tyler Flick (all-time rusher 3913) is gone along with his 1831 rush yards plus wide-out Will Rivers’ 708 yards on 33 receptions. The line needs rebuilt, graduating Cayden Warner (5-10, 250,), Tyler Dougherty (5-10, 295), Brett Wolgemuth (6-1, 260) and Josh Painter (6-0, 280). LT/DL Troy Kolk (5-11, 225, 78 tackles) returns With DEs Jake Harbach (5-9, 215) and Tyler Hartl (6-1, 190), plus two to the secondary and 3 LBs. With 25 LL-Section titles and 18 district titles in 22 appearances, you know they’ll make their presence felt once again in the district, perhaps beyond.
Cocalico (10-3, 5A)
With a record of 87-37 (71%) the last ten years and a 22-6 mark the last 4 in conference action, the Eagles are the only credible conference threat to Manheim Central (25-2 in LL-2 games) in the LL-2. Coach Dave Gingrich is entering his 16th season at the helm with a 119 and 57 record running that wicked Veer Flex-Bone of his. They had an exciting team last year that got your attention, opening with wins against Conrad Weiser (9-3) 21-13, Cedar Cliff (10-3) 31-21 and Governor Mifflin (7-5) 35-21. Weiser’s Scouts were a veteran team while explosive Cedar Cliff went on to beat McDevitt (12-2) 50-43, Exeter (6-5) 50-6 and Warwick (9-3) 33-23 before losing to Manheim Central. Cocalico lost to Manheim Township (10-2) 36-24 and Manheim Central (14-1) 41-23, before blowing out the next six by an average score of 51-17 including York High’s Bearcats (11-2) 61-35 before losing in the rematch to Manheim Central 48-14. For 2019 look for them to get off to another good start with the return of most of their offense, particularly Qb Noah Palm (New Hampshire) who rushed for 1310 yards and passed for 773 more with Ronald Zalm returning to one of the running back positions after rushing for 636 yards on 73 carries and catching 11 passes for 272 yards. A big loss is FB/MLB Garrett Longenecker (key in the Flex) who rushed for 1259 yards while being their #2 tackler with 107. Good luck replacing that! #1 tackler Cody Shay (6-1, 215, sr) proved his durability with 133 stops and will likely get first shot at that. And don’t forget Qb Palm with 100 tackles from his Safety position. Another concern is replacing four studs upfront; LT Colin Hall (6-0, 280), RG/DT Josh Hoover (6-0, 240, 36 tackles), C Chase Ochs (6-2, 240) and RT/DT Tristan Motter (6-3, 290, 39 tackles). But their top lineman, LG/DT Brock Gingrich (6-3, 280. 68 tackles) returns. Six starters return to the defense that needs to tighten up from last year’s 23ppg yield. Like to see them with more balance but they should be solid with a good core on offense to again challenge for Section-2 honors and another high seed in the postseason.
Lancaster Lebanon Section-3
Lancaster Catholic (10-1, 3A)
The Crusaders are coached by Todd Mealy (former star at McDevitt) who had unheard of success a few years ago at Penn Manor of the LL-1, going 56-35 from 2007 through 2014. At LC he replaced a legend when Bruce Harbach retired after his 16th season (at LC) with a 138-54 record, winning 2A state titles in 2009 (15-1) and 2011 (16-0). Back to Mealy, pure and simple the man knows how to coach, guiding Catholic to an undefeated regular season in his first season before losing to Bermudian Springs (9-4) 20-10 in last year’s post season opening round. They’ll probably tear things up again this year with 3 year starter Gavin Sullivan back (6-2, 165, sr, 888p, 63%, 121/604r), Rbs Jeff Harley (80/928) and Nevin Roman (35/274) with FB Alex Cruz (6-2, 205, 34/338) again blasting holes. 3 OL’ers return in OT/DT Liam Besecker (6-4, 230) and OG/DT Trey Wells (6-5, 280) with all everything Andrew Miklos (6-5, 230) playing almost any position especially on defense, and already signed with Delaware. With a lot of last year’s skill back they’ll probably match last year’s performance offensively where they averaged 34ppg. The defense was one of the best in south central PA allowing a meager 9ppg. Look for big strides in year two of the Todd Mealy regime as they challenge Middletown for district supremacy.
