2025 Lancaster-Lebanon High School League Football Preview

CRUSADERS’ WAY FORWARD

L-L IS READY TO BEGIN AGAIN

Engines revving, teams are lining up at the new season’s starting gate

When we last left LancasterLebanon League football, Lampeter-Strasburg was hoisting the PIAA runner-up trophy after the Class 4A championship game.

L-S also won the District Three title during an unforgettable 14-win season. Wilson, in 6A, Wyomissing, in 4A, and Lancaster Catholic, in 2A, also reached district championship games. Three quarterbacks had 2,000-yard passing seasons. A pair of running backs had 2,000-yard rushing seasons. And dozens of players earned all-star and All-State honors on multiple lists. It was a banner season for L-L League football.

The calendar has now flipped to 2025. Some teams took some heavy graduation hits. Some teams will be bringing back plenty of all-star talent. And with the season in the starting gates, all five section races appear to be wide open.

It is Year Two of the current twoyear scheduling cycle, so the section slates look the same. Things might look completely different a year from now; league officials will vote later this fall to approve the 2026-27 alignment, and L-L football could — could — go to four sections next year. That’s the scuttlebutt.

Stay tuned for that. In the meantime, here’s getting you ready for what’s ahead in 2025.

Section One

Wilson captured its 30th L-L League section crown last fall, knocking off Manheim Township in Neffsville in Week 10 to add another title to the Bulldogs’ hefty list.

Wilson is set to return ample talent from that team — All-State TE Michael Glover, speedy backs Correll Akings and Monty Greer, and punishing LB E.J. Brownback to name a few — so the bull’s-eye will land on the Bulldogs’ backs this time around.

Stop us if you’ve heard that one before.

Manheim Township suffered some graduation gut-punches, but they don’t rebuild in Neffsville. They reload. And Blue Streaks coach Mark Evans listed

L-L BREAKDOWN

SECTION ONE

n Cedar Crest, Hempfield, Manheim Township, McCaskey, Penn Manor, Reading, Wilson

SECTION TWO

n Conestoga Valley, Elizabethtown, Ephrata, Exeter, Governor Mifflin, Lebanon, Muhlenberg

SECTION THREE

n Cocalico, Conrad Weiser, Fleetwood, Garden Spot, Manheim Central, Solanco, Warwick

SECTION FOUR

n Daniel Boone, Donegal, Elco, Lampeter-Strasburg, Northern Lebanon, Octorara, Twin Valley, Wyomissing

SECTION FIVE

n Annville-Cleona, Berks Catholic, Columbia, Hamburg, Kutztown, Lancaster Catholic, Pequea Valley, Schuylkill Valley

27 newbies to watch. That includes QB Jack Kenneff, a baseball standout who is ready to take the reins of Manheim Township’s offense.

Evans, by the way, is set for his 28th season on the sidelines, making him the graybeard among Lancaster County coaches.

Cedar Crest is coming off back-toback playoff trips, and the Falcons are primed to challenge Wilson and Manheim Township for section glory. Cedar Crest returns multiple defensive stalwarts — including 100-tackle

ON THE COVER

No doubt about it, Lancaster Catholic football is home for Brandon Way. Entering his senior season, the standout running back has been around the program since childhood. As a boy, he tagged along to practices with his father, Brandon Sr., a coach, and never shied away from stepping in to workouts with the big kids. Way developed drive, work ethic and sharp skills. He came in to LNP | LancasterOnline’s Lancaster city offices in July to pose for this year’s cover photo, and is looking forward to Week One action this Friday.

linebackers Garrett Starry and Landyn Kline and edge-rusher Wyatt Fox — plus 1,500-yard rusher Isaiah Zimmerman to ignite the offense.

Hempfield was back in the playoffs last fall, and the Black Knights should keep the usual suspects on their toes, with 2,000-yard passer Derek Katch returning to fill the air with footballs in Landisville.

There are two new coaches in Section One: Todd Mealy returns to the sidelines at McCaskey after he had great success guiding Penn Manor and Lancaster Catholic. And Jordan Clark is in charge at Penn Manor, as the Comets

look to shimmy their way up the charts. McCaskey is replacing multiple starters. Penn Manor has some new schemes. And Reading appears to be retooling after the Red Knights lost some key cogs to graduation.

Section Two

Conestoga Valley survived a fabulous battle with Exeter last fall to win its first section championship since 2006. The Buckskins had an exhilarating 11-0 start before falling to the Eagles in the District Three Class 5A semifinals. OVERVIEW, page 3

— Photo by Chris Knight, cover design by Abby Rhoad

JEFF REINHART L-L FOOTBALL

L-L LEAGUE FOOTBALL 2025

IN THIS ISSUE

n Season Overview: A look at the new season, with new challenges and some new faces Page 2

n Feature Story: Lancaster Catholic looks to Brandon Way for a winning spark in 2025 Page 4

n Section One: Capsule previews of Cedar Crest, Hempfield, Manheim Township, McCaskey, Penn Manor, Reading and Wilson Pages 6-7

n 2025 Schedule: Team-by-team grid Pages 8-9

n Section Two: Capsule previews of Conestoga Valley, Elizabethtown, Ephrata, Exeter, Governor Mifflin, Lebanon and Muhlenberg Pages 10-11

n Section Three: Capsule previews of Cocalico, Conrad Weiser, Fleetwood, Garden Spot, Manheim Central, Solanco and Warwick Pages 12-13

n Section Four: Capsule previews of Daniel Boone, Donegal, Elco, Lampeter-Strasburg, Northern Lebanon, Octorara, Twin Valley and Wyomissing Pages 16-17

n Section Five: Capsule previews of Annville-Cleona, Berks Catholic, Columbia, Hamburg, Kutztown, Lancaster Catholic, Pequea Valley and Schuylkill Valley Pages 18-19

SPECIAL SECTION EDITORS

Brian Smith and Laura Eckert Thompson

SPECIAL SECTION WRITERS

Jeff Reinhart and Jason Guarente

PHOTOS

Andy Blackburn, Logan Gehman, Chris Knight and Mark Palczewski

ONLINE EXCLUSIVE: DEEPER DIVES INTO EACH TEAM

Stories about each Lancaster-Lebanon League squad, plus media day video clips from the teams’ 2025 media day player representatives, will appear at LancasterOnline.com/ Sports.

PREVIEW WRITERS

Dave Byrne, Mike Drago, Christian Eby, Jason Guarente, Andrew Heller, Brian Markley, Logan Moyer and Jeff Reinhart

Overview

CV returns 2,000-yard passer Sawyer Esbenshade, and he’ll have a stable full of playmakers at his disposal. If the Bucks can quickly replace some line stalwarts, they should challenge for another title.

Exeter is in really good shape, with plenty of beef due back in important spots. Tack on the return of dual-threat QB Riley Martinez — healthy after missing a good chunk of last season — and the Eagles have the goods to KO CV and claim section supremacy.

There is an interesting chase pack here:

Ephrata returns a nice nucleus, just two years removed from going to the district title game. Governor Mifflin is always strong in the trenches, and the Mustangs’ option game is never any fun to prep for. And Muhlenberg, fresh off a win in the Eastern Conference big-school champi-

onship game last fall, returns 2,000-yard rusher Cameron Small.

There are two new coaches in Section Two: Tom Gallagher has touched down at Elizabethtown, and Brett Sylve is serving as the interim coach at Lebanon, which is out to snap a maddening 42game losing streak, dating to 2020.

Section Three

There’s never a dull moment here, with plenty of old-school L-L League backyard rivals on board.

Conrad Weiser had a 10-0 run and won its first section title last fall. Then the Scouts were wiped out on graduation night.

That could leave the door open for any number of Lancaster County outfits, including:

Solanco, which returns the most talent in the section, including FB Johnny Garcia, a slew of speed demons and a battalion of line-of-scrimmage patrollers.

Exeter quarterback Riley Martinez participates in L-L football media day on Aug. 1.

CHRIS KNIGHT | STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

LEAVING A LEGACY

Way wants to close his Lancaster Catholic career in championship style

JASON GUARENTE JGUARENTE@LNPNEWS.COM

Brandon Way’s first football practice at Lancaster Catholic didn’t happen when he was in ninth grade. It was many years earlier.

The 5-foot-10, 180-pound senior who is now one of the Lancaster-Lebanon League’s leading rushers was once the little kid hanging around the Crusaders.

Way didn’t just watch the workouts as a kid. He put on his cleats and participated. He finished some of the drills ahead of the linemen.

“I remember all the guys treating me like I was part of the team,” Way said. “I would look up to those guys. I always wanted to be like them.”

One of the perks of being an assistant coach’s son, and the namesake of a former McCaskey great, was early access to high school sports. Way spent his summers hanging around his father, Brandon Sr. Catholic football has been part of Way’s life for as long as he has memories. To become one of the Crusaders’ greats is more than an achievement. It’s a dream come true.

“He grew up with it,” Way Sr. said. “He takes pride in it. He just loves it. We plan our vacation around football workouts. There’s a whole attitude if he’s not there with his teammates.”

Way was the standout ev-

eryone at Catholic saw coming. That’s because everyone knew him when he was 8 years old.

‘A natural’

Way Sr. had no intention of giving his son the same name. That idea came from Tameeka, Brandon’s mom.

The couple agreed that Mom named Brandon and Dad could name their next child, a daughter who became Brionne.

Athleticism permeates the family. Way Sr. was a wide receiver at McCaskey in the early 2000s. Tameeka excelled in track and field.

It didn’t take long for the parents to notice their oldest child had inherited some of their talents. The first clue came in rec soccer.

“He scored a lot of goals,” Way Sr. said. “He was faster than a lot of kids. He kicked the ball way out and just ran and got it. That was the first time we were like, ‘OK, he might be an athlete.’ ”

Way enjoyed soccer, even if he didn’t always follow the rules.

“I remember being a goalie,”

B-Way has been very quiet. All he does is put in the hard work. He grinds like no other. He knew from a young age this is what he was gonna do.

— Koby Myers, on Lancaster Catholic teammate Brandon Way

he said. “One time, I caught the ball and just ran with it the whole way to the other goal, put it on the ground and kicked it in.”

To the best of Way’s memory, the goal counted.

If anyone was looking for a sign directing Way’s sports future, that was it. He needed to have the ball in his hands.

Way Sr. initially thought his son’s best chance to succeed was at defensive back.

That’s where Way excelled as a freshman. By his sophomore year, it was apparent he was destined to be on offense.

“When I saw him play running back, he was a natural,” Way Sr. said. “He loved it.”

Way, wearing No. 2 like his dad, was a backup behind Elijah Cunningham as a 10thgrader. He became the go-to guy as a junior.

Having been around Lancaster Catholic football from a young age, Brandon Way is entering his senior season with the Crusaders wanting “to win it all.”

CHRIS KNIGHT | STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Way: Running back has lofty goals for last season with Crusaders

Once considered a change-of-pace option, Way proved he could shoulder a heavy workload. The running back rushed for 1,816 yards and 26 touchdowns. He averaged 8.4 yards per carry.

The future had arrived.

“We always knew that he was a special talent,” Catholic head coach Chris Maiorino said. “You never know what happens after guys start developing more physically. He has capitalized.”

Once known for his breakaway speed, Way showed he didn’t have to run past guys. He could run over them.

‘He sees things that are not there’

Catholic’s All-State back can’t tell you what he sees or thinks after he’s given the ball. Something inside of him takes over. An instinct.

All the senior knows is where he wants each carry to end.

“I’m not gonna lie,” Way said. “I’m trying to score every time. I’m looking at whatever gets me to the end zone.”

Way’s most important gift, according to his dad, is something that’s difficult to measure: his vision. He can navigate the chaos around him.

“He sees things that are not there,” Way Sr. “Then he has the speed to get there.”

Two of Way’s teammates have been with him since the beginning. Koby Myers, the center, has opened holes. Colton Hegener, a quarterback in his younger years, has taken snaps.

Those two watched Way’s evolution. They’ve seen him grow into an NCAA Division I prospect. None of Way’s accomplishments are surprising.

“B-Way has been very quiet,” Myers said. “All he does is put in the hard work. He grinds like no other. He knew from a young age this is what he was gonna do.”

Hegener, who played wide receiver for Catholic last season, was often the last block that allowed Way to go the distance.

“He was faster than everyone else,”

Hegener said. “He started to grow and get stronger. I knew he was gonna be something special.”

Once Way breaks free, Hegener tries to catch him before he reaches the goal line. The wide receiver never does.

Myers said those long touchdown runs are a highlight for every lineman. It’s a rush of adrenaline when it all comes together.

“There’s nothing like springing a 75-

yard touchdown like he does almost every game,” Myers said. “He gets the angle and he’s gone.”

When Way was at Catholic’s practices as a fourth-grader, he ran 110s, a grueling set of sprints across the entire field. The little guy either got tired or bored with the exercise and tried to stop.

That wasn’t allowed. The rule was if you start, you must finish. Way finished.

“I don’t know if I’ve ever been around a

player who has worked as hard,” Maiorino said. “Nobody outworks him.”

‘I want to win it all’

Way had a surreal experience at Creative Touch Barbershop earlier this summer. An aspiring football player approached and asked for a picture.

It was a full-circle moment. The boy who once looked up to the starters was now a young man holding someone else’s admiration.

“I never expected it to be me,” Way said. “But it was great.”

This is Way’s final ride at Catholic. The end of high school football hits everyone hard. It’ll hit Way even harder because his connection to the program is so deep. Way Sr. said he hopes to make the days count, not count the days.

“For me, it gets emotional now,” he said. “It’s the last time I’m gonna coach him. We’re only guaranteed 10 games.”

Way, who also competes in basketball and track, has committed to Villanova, where he plans to study sports marketing. He said he hopes to become an agent after he puts away his helmet and shoulder pads.

Catholic is a Section Five power that’s expected to contend for another title. Way’s goals extend beyond the regular season.

The Crusaders lost to Steelton-Highspire in the District Three Class 2A championship game last year. They fell to West Perry in the Class 3A semifinals the previous two seasons.

Playoff success has eluded Way and his teammates to this point.

“I want to win it all,” he said. “For the school, not just for myself. This school means everything to me.”

Way said he’s trying to enjoy all the moments of his senior season. The summer workouts, the two-a-day practices and, when Week One arrives, the games.

It’s the end of a decade-long story. Way’s last chance to wear purple and gold.

Lancaster Catholic’s Brandon Way takes off for the end zone against Camp Hill during a District Three Class 2A semifinal at Crusader Stadium on Nov. 1, 2024.

CHRIS KNIGHT | STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

L-L SECTION ONE: TEAM BY TEAM

CEDAR CREST FALCONS

THE PLAYBOOK

n PIAA: Class 6A.

n Head coach: Nick Lambros (second season, 8-4).

n Base offense: Spread.

n Base defense: 4-2-5.

n 2024 results: 8-4 (4-2 Section One).

n Key players returning: DB-K-KR Eli Beard, OT-DE Wyatt Fox, RB-LB-P Landyn Kline, DB-PR Luke Oriel, QB-DB Kai Speaks, TE-LB Garrett Starry, C-DT Jayden Storm, WR-KR Cameron Tirado, RB-LB-KR Isaiah Zimmerman.

OUTLOOK

n Back-to-back playoff trips for the Falcons, who have some good mojo flowing in their program. The

HEMPFIELD BLACK KNIGHTS

THE PLAYBOOK

n PIAA: Class 6A.

only real downer to report is that Cedar Crest lost 22 seniors from last year’s roster. That’s a bunch. But the cupboard is hardly bare. Safe to say the Falcons will lean heavily on their defense early on, with Fox, a full-steam-ahead edge rusher, and hit-machine linebackers Kline and Starry back in the mix. They both had 100-plus tackles in 2024. Oriel, who pirated six interceptions last season, spearheads the secondary. Storm also returns to anchor the line — a line that will block for a shifty 1,500-yard rusher (Zimmerman, fresh off a breakout sophomore season) and for a newbie QB (Speaks and Steven Reyes are vying for snaps).

CRYSTAL BALL

n Which team will step up and challenge Manheim Township and Wilson in this race? Don’t nap on Cedar Crest, especially with so many key D kids coming back. The Falcons will make you earn every yard, and if they’re turning people over like last year — and if Zimmerman is busting tackles — watch out.

n Head coach: George Eager (sixth season, 27-26).

n Base offense: Pro Style.

n Base offense: 3-4.

n 2024 results: 4-7 (3-3 Section One).

n Key players returning: WR-LB-KR Orion Abrams, K-P Brady Biscoe, OT-DE Cadyn Buckwalter, TE-DE Jordan Burkhart, WR-DB-KR-PR Zion Caban, RB-LB Ethan Caldwell, QB-DB Derek Katch, WR-DB-KRPR P.J. Poole, OT-DE Nate Swanger, TE-LB Lucas Weisglass, WR-DB Gabe Williams.

OUTLOOK

n Hempfield righted its ship and was back in the postseason last fall. But you get the feeling the Knights want to be bigger factors in the section hunt. They have some pieces to make that happen, including Katch, a 2,000-yard passer last fall, back behind center to wing the rock. More playmakers to know include Abrams, Caldwell, Poole and Caban, who is a special teams fiend. Keep an eye on the O-line, which will need a few new additions.

Must also mention Biscoe, one of the top returning specialists in the league. He’s a big weapon.

CRYSTAL BALL

n The Knights are three years removed from a spirited section-title run, and they’re hungry to get back in that winner’s circle. If Manheim Township and Wilson are the preseason favorites — some things never change — then Hempfield has to be right there in that next pack. A break here or a bounce there, and maybe the Knights can wedge their way into the front row. For now, a return trip to the postseason is certainly attainable.

STREAKS

THE PLAYBOOK

n PIAA: Class 6A.

n Head coach: Mark Evans (14th season, 110-43; 184-114 overall including a stint at Elco).

n Base offense: Spread.

n Base defense: 3-stack.

n 2024 results: 10-2 (5-1 Section One).

n Key players returning: WR-DB-KR-PR Daryus Dixon, WR-DB-KR-PR Allan Feliciano, RB-LB Marcos Fernandez, QB Jack Kenneff, RB-DE Dehvyn Lauano, LB Brady McCracken, OG-DE Will Millazzo, TE-DE Malaki Minguez, DB Riley Rontal, RB-DT Taylor Veilleux, TE-LB Luke Wagner.

OUTLOOK

n Graduation wasn’t particularly kind to the Streaks, who

watched a boatload of all-star and All-State performers exit stage right. But there is a nice nucleus due back, including Kenneff, a baseball standout who is prepped and ready to show his stuff at QB. Two key D stalwarts are set to return; Veilleux at the line of scrimmage and Fernandez making sticks from his linebacker spot. Dixon and Feliciano are veteran playmakers, and Lauano is a baller. Priority No. 1 is revamping the O-line. Evans listed — get this — 27 newcomers who are ready for their varsity debut. Now that’s what you call a pipeline.

CRYSTAL BALL

n Some stinger grad hits for sure. But the goals never change in Neffsville: Improve every week. Get to that Week 10 showdown against Wilson in a position to capture section gold. Make a spirited playoff run. Wash, rinse, repeat. A bunch of new faces, yes. But the Streaks will surely find a way to be there at the tape. It’s what they do.

CAPSULES BY JEFF REINHART

MANHEIM TOWNSHIP BLUE

Derek Katch

Manheim Township’s Dehvyn Lauano goes to Harrisburg’s Messiah Mickens for a tackle during first-half action of a District Three Class 6A semifinal game at Manheim Township High School in Neffsville on Friday, Nov. 15, 2024.

ANDY BLACKBURN | STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Hempfield’s Orion Abrams scores against McCaskey on Sept. 13, 2024.

MARK PALCZEWSKI | FOR LNP/LANCASTERONLINE

Garrett Starry

Marcos Fernandez

L-L SECTION ONE: TEAM BY TEAM

THE PLAYBOOK

n PIAA: Class 6A.

n Head coach: Jordan Clark (first season).

n Base offense: Air Raid.

n Base defense: 4-3.

n 2024 results: 2-7 (2-4 Section One).

n Key players returning: WRDB-KR-PR Jalen Dupree, RB Randy Guthrie, OT-DT Elijah Hess, WR-DB Collin Robinson, TE-LB Tristan Ronan, QB-P Connor Smeigh, C Jordan Suarez.

OUTLOOK

n Another new coach in the section here in Clark, who cut his teeth in District Four, north of Williamsport way. He was on Manheim Township’s staff the last three years, so Clark certainly knows his way around the Section One highways and byways. The Comets have some key chess pieces back, including Smeigh behind center; he’ll pilot Penn Manor’s shiny new Air Raid attack, after a more option-oriented run game the last couple of years. Athletic playmakers like Dupree, Guthrie and Robinson — Penn Manor’s former QB — will be reliable targets for Smeigh. Hess, an L-L League javelin bombardier, is one to watch in the trenches. There will be some tweaking to do here, including the gotta-have line department. Keep an eye on that.

CRYSTAL BALL

n Penn Manor is itching to compete, and run with the Manheim Townships, Wilsons, Cedar Crests and Hempfields of the world. Give Clark some time to sprinkle in his schemes and have his voice heard around the facility, as the Comets angle for an uptick in their program.

WILSON BULLDOGS

THE PLAYBOOK

n PIAA: Class 6A.

n Head coach: Doug Dahms (20th season, 19644).

n Base offense: Zone Read.

n Base defense: 3-4, 4-3.

n 2024 results: 11-2 (6-0 Section One).

n Key players returning:

Avery Manara

RB-DB-KR-PR Correll Akings, LB E.J. Brownback, WR-DB Jaiden Carpenter, WR Eli Dean, OT-DE Jesse Etchberger, DE Rahmel Gaston, TE-DE Michael Glover, RBDB-KR-PR Monty Greer, LB Ethan Harding, DB Chase Herb, OT Avery Manara. OUTLOOK

n There is a lot to like in West Lawn. And the Bulldogs are feeling frisky after beating rival Manheim Township in Week 10 last year to garner section gold — and then make a joy ride to the district championship game.

The graduation list is, well, a tad daunting. But playmakers aplenty are due back, like Akings and Greer, a couple of scatback runners; O-line vets Etchberger and Manara; Glover, an All-State stud TE; Herb, a secondary fiend; flank burners Carpenter and Dean; and punishing linebackers Brownback and Harding. The new QB — from all indications, it will be Mason Young — seems poised to hit the ground running

THE PLAYBOOK

n PIAA: Class 6A.

n Head coach: Troy Godinet (fourth season, 6-24).

n Base offense: Shotgun.

n Base defense: Multiple.

n 2024 results: 2-8 (1-5 Section One).

n Key players returning: RB-DB Jeremiah Camara, DE Jamier Jacob, P Cam Kauffman, WR-DB Ashton Linsinbigler, QB-LB Jason Plylaharn, OG-DE Cyrus Rinkevich, OG-DT Isiah Ruiz, WR-DB Idris Weaver, DT Emere Woods.

OUTLOOK

n A lot of new faces in the Knights’ camp, after the latest round of graduation roulette put a dent in Reading’s roster. Hey, it happens. Some returning names to know include Plylaharn, who has some big-game experience behind center. Camara could emerge as a feature back, and he’ll have trench vets Rinkevich and Ruiz leading the charge up front. Call it a retool season for Reading; Godinet lists seven newcomers ready for prime time, so there will be a lot of kids getting their feet wet on the fly for the Knights.

CRYSTAL BALL

n Be patient, Knights faithful. Reading might take some lumps. But sometimes you need to take said lumps to come out better for it on the other side. We’ll see if the Knights can shell out some lumps of their own, and keep everyone honest this time around — and emerge more chiseled for what’s ahead.

after getting some random snaps last year.

CRYSTAL BALL

n Go ahead and put the bull’s-eye on the Bulldogs. Stop us if you’ve heard that one before. Hey, they won at Township in crunch time last fall, and Wilson is set to return ample talent off that squad, so they’re the preseason pick. Streaks at Bulldogs in Week 10. Be there.

Penn Manor’s Randy Guthrie runs against McCaskey on Oct. 25, 2024. MARK PALCZEWSKI | FOR LNP/LANCASTERONLINE

Wilson’s Correll Akings runs against Harrisburg during the first half of the District Three Class 6A football championship game on Nov. 23, 2024.

Jalen Dupree

Jason Plylaharn

2025 HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL SCHEDULE

NEW YEAR OF L-L FOOTBALL? BRING IT ON!

Starting with this special capsule edition, plus full season previews appearing online this week, we’ll have you covered for your L-L football needs this season. Each week will bring readers several ways to find football content alongside our traditional previews, features and game coverage. Midweek, go online for the L-L Football Roundtable, where writers Jeff Reinhart, Jason Guarente, Christian Eby and Brian

Markley interview players and coaches, recap the previous week and preview the coming week’s matchups.

Also, keep an eye out for LNP’s L-L football podcast with Jeff Reinhart, back for an another season.

We’ll also have our weekly live scoreboard every Friday night at LancasterOnline, and seven days a week you can have the “L-L Football Exclusive” newsletter, curated by

Jeff Reinhart, sent right to your email inbox. Each entry brings you news, notes and more.

Or, if you want ALL the sports and stats, you can sign up for our LNP Sports Pass — a sports-only digital subscription — for just $4 a month or $40 a year. For more information or to sign up, visit LancasterOnline.com/sports

2025 HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL SCHEDULE

L-L SECTION TWO: TEAM BY TEAM

CONESTOGA VALLEY BUCKSKINS

THE PLAYBOOK

n PIAA: Class 5A.

n Head coach: Jon Scepanski (fourth season, 25-9).

n Base offense: Spread Wing-T.

n Base offense: 3-3 Stack. n 2024 results: 11-1 (6-0 Section Two).

Teagan Ruble

n Key players returning: WR-DB Cordell Bair, RB-LB-P-KR-PR Jaden Conaway, K Colson Erb, QB Sawyer Esbenshade, WR-DB Konnor Fisher, WR-DB JoJo Garcia, DT Sam Matoni, OT-DE Liam Price, RB-LB Teagan Ruble.

OUTLOOK

n Happy days at CV, which has made back-to-back playoff trips and is coming off its first section title since 2006 after its torrid 11-0 start last fall. Then graduation happened, and 10 all-star performers from 2024 — trench linchpins, defensive stalwarts and skill kids alike — sashayed across the stage, diplomas in hand. So CV will have

ELIZABETHTOWN BEARS

THE PLAYBOOK

n PIAA: Class 5A.

n Head coach: Tom Gallagher (first season).

n Base offense: Gun-T.

n Base defense: 3-4, 4-3.

n 2024 results: 2-8 (2-4 Section Two).

n Key players returning: LB Porter Avers, WR-DB-K Matt Beck, WR-DB Kyle Capello, DT Dom Derstler, OT Connor Frey, LB Luke Heckman, QB-DB Trent Kauffman, OG-DE Cole Kreider, C Noah Lloyd, WR-DB Amann N’Dikwe, DE Rocky Perez, QB-DB Gannon Shank, RB-DB-KR-PR Prince Wratto, TE-LB Brody Yohn.

OUTLOOK

n Just two victories — by a total of eight

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some areas to button up, particularly up front. Other areas are in terrific shape, like: Esbenshade, a pinpoint passer and field general, returns after a 2,000-yard passing season. And he’ll have several sure-handed pass-catchers at his disposal, like Bair, Fisher, Garcia and Conaway, who is a real special teams demon. Ruble returns as a reliable runner, and Price and Matoni will be line pillars. Two new names to know in the trenches: Connor High and JonJon Serrano will help protect Esbenshade, which is a must. One defensive tweak for the Bucks: They’ll go 3-stack this season, jettisoning a 4-3 scheme.

CRYSTAL BALL

n CV withstood Exeter in a Week Nine donnybrook last year to earn the section hardware, then picked up a playoff win. The Eagles got some revenge in the district quarterfinals, knocking out the Bucks. That should provide plenty of motivation for this bunch. The rematch is Week Nine in Witmer. Gotta believe the winner there will have the inside track to section gold. With so much O firepower back, CV — if the newbie trench grunts come together quickly — has the goods for a repeat.

points — last fall for the Bears, who have hit the reset button with the addition of Gallagher in the captain’s chair. He brought plenty of passion to his first summer on the job and he’s determined to get E-town back on the straight and narrow. There are certainly some good pieces to build around. Shank and Kauffman have both taken ample varsity snaps. Wratto is a breakaway threat out of the backfield. Capello is a sure-handed target on the flanks. And three veteran linemen — Frey, Kreider and Lloyd — are due back. Sprinkle in some newbies, including a trio of O-line performers, and the Bears hope they have the right recipe to challenge.

CRYSTAL BALL

n Gallagher brings a winning attitude to E-town. His Blue Mountain teams went 25-18 over the last four seasons, and he’s known for his motivational tactics, while stressing teamwork and fundamentals. The gut-hunch here is that Gallagher’s be-agreat-teammate-and-rep-your-community approach will rub off on the Bears and E-town will cause a lot of headaches this season.

EPHRATA MOUNTAINEERS

THE PLAYBOOK

n PIAA: Class 5A.

n Head coach: Kris Miller (10th season, 44-47).

n Base offense: Spread.

n Base defense: 3-4.

n 2024 results: 6-4 (4-2 Section Two).

n Key players returning: RB Jayden Artis, WR-DB Austin Bryant, OT-DE Bryson Carpenter, C-DE Ian Ellis, TE-LB Eli Frain, K-P Evan Honberger, RB-LB Dustin Hoover, QB-LB Carson Martin, OG-DT Daniel Mendoza, OT-DE Jackson Nolt, OG-DE Alex Ortiz, RB-LB Chase Prange, LB Caleb Rice, WR-DB Aaden Shuman, WR-DB Micah Springs, WR-DB Aaron Young.

OUTLOOK

n One year after playing in the district championship game, the Mounts just missed out on a return trip to the playoffs last fall. That should motivate this crew for sure, as Ephrata continues an amazing resurgence in its program. Plenty of good news to go around here, with a lengthy key-players-returning list. Prange, last year’s Section Two Linebacker of the Year, is back to spearhead the defense. Hoover and Rice also return to mop things up from their linebacker slots. Artis is ready for the big stage coming out of the backfield. Honberger is automatic in the kicking game. And all eyes on Nolt, a dynamite two-way line-of-scrimmage performer who is back after missing a sizable chunk in 2024.

Evan Honberger reacts after a field goal against Elizabethtown on Sept. 20, 2024.

There’s a lot to like at Ephrata, where home games at War Memorial Stadium — with it’s concert-like atmosphere, fireworks, awesome tunes blaring and one of the best snack bars around — will be the place to be.

CRYSTAL BALL

n Plenty of talent oozing on the Mounts’ sideline. Exeter and CV will probably get a bulk of the preseason headlines. But do not overlook Ephrata. There will be a new QB — hello, Mr. Martin — but the Mounts have all the other areas covered. Playoffs or bust for this bunch.

CAPSULES BY JEFF REINHART

Conestoga Valley quarterback Sawyer Esbenshade runs during a 28-21 win over Governor Mifflin on Friday Oct. 4, 2024.

CHRIS KNIGHT | STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Connor Frey

Jackson Nolt

Ephrata’s

ANDY BLACKBURN | STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Elizabethtown’s Prince Wratto runs against McCaskey on Sept. 6, 2024.

ANDY BLACKBURN | STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

L-L SECTION TWO: TEAM BY TEAM

EXETER EAGLES

THE PLAYBOOK

n PIAA: Class 5A.

n Head coach: Matt Bauer (17th season, 125-58).

n Base offense: Multiple.

n Base defense: 4-2-5.

n 2024 results: 12-2 (5-1 Section Two).

n Key players returning:

RB-DB-KR Leo Brown, TE-

Riley Martinez

LB Aiden Dauble, K-P Jake Franek, QB-WR Jake Hafer, QB Riley Martinez, OG-DE Andre Osborne, OT-DT Kevin Oswalt, C-DE Joel Ummarino, WR-DB Jayden Ware.

OUTLOOK

n Exeter is coming off its third district championship game appearance in the last four years, so the good times are rolling for the Eagles. Their key-players-lost list kind of makes you wince. But then you immediately

see who is due back. Like Martinez behind center. He missed a good chunk of 2024 with an injury, so he’s juiced for a redemption tour. Like Osborne, Oswalt and Ummarino in the trenches. They’ll make you earn every inch. Like Dauble, a punishing linebacker. Like Ware, a sleek receiver and return man. Plus, Jackson Kozik, a two-way power-puncher, transferred from Berks Catholic. Will Exeter miss Jayden Zandier, a 2,000-yard rusher and an All-State pick last year? Of course. But there are a lot of heavy hitters in Reiffton.

CRYSTAL BALL

n This section derby, once again, could turn into a two-horse race between Exeter and CV. Which squad will navigate the stretch drive and hit the tape first? The preseason nod from this corner goes to Exeter. Go ahead and circle the Eagles’ Week Nine trip to Witmer. That very well could be for all the section marbles. Again.

THE PLAYBOOK

n PIAA: Class 6A.

n Head coach: Nick Morrissey (second season, 5-6).

n Base offense: Triple Option.

n Base defense: 4-4. n 2024 results: 5-6 (3-3 Section Two).

n Key players returning: TE-LB Derek Dinatale, RB Nick Kalis, K Lance Koenig, QB-LB-P Lebron Leaf, WR Joe Murray, DB Cam Overlay, WR-LB Pat Stuer, RB-DB-KRPR Chris Susana, OG-LB Dylon Worley.

OUTLOOK

n The Mustangs kicked up a fuss in the section hunt and went to the district playoffs last fall. And then Mifflin

MUHLENBERG MUHLS

THE PLAYBOOK

n PIAA: Class 5A.

n Head coach: Rob Flowers (second season, 4-7; 49-93 overall, including stints at Reading, Daniel Boone).

n Base offense: Spread.

n Base defense: 4-3.

n 2024 results: 4-7 (1-5 Section Two).

THE PLAYBOOK

n PIAA: Class 6A.

n Head coach: Brett Sylve (first season; he carried the interim tag into the preseason).

n Base offense: Spread.

n Base defense: 4-2-5.

n 2024 results: 0-10 (0-6 Section Two).

Brett Sylve

n Key players returning: OG-DE Elis Bentez, OG-DE Derryck Brickle, WR Malachi Briddell, LB Camron Buchmoyer, DB Jamil Gordon, WR-DB Anthony Klish, ATH Elijah Read, WR Juan Rivera.

OUTLOOK

n We’ll get the gloom-and-doom stuff out of the way first. Lebanon’s losing skid is at 42 straight, dating to 2020. The Cedars are hoping to avoid the state record, which is 56 setbacks in a row, set by South Philadelphia

between 1990-96. And this: Because of construction at Alumni Field — which is getting a snazzy makeover, including a turf surface — Lebanon will play 10 road games this season. That includes two neutral-site matchups, when the Cedars will get hometeam status on the scoreboard. Lebanon will also set sail into this nomad-mode season with an interim coach in Sylve, last year’s O-coordinator. That’s a lot to digest.

CRYSTAL BALL

n A lot of background noise for the Cedars to cope with. Ten bus rides. This maddening L skid. What’s up with the head-coaching position? And there are just a handful of returning starters on board, including Briddell, a sleek receiver and headachecauser on the flanks. And Buchmoyer will stick you from his linebacker spot. Pretty much everyone else will be new, as the Cedars strive for some stability — and a W — in their program.

got cleaned out, losing 15 starters to graduation. That’s a whole lot of holes to spackle in Shillington. Some good news: Worley returns to anchor the O-line, and he, Stuer, Leaf and Dinatale give the Mustangs four hard-sticking linebackers. Speaking of Leaf, it looks like he’ll make the switch from breakaway back to pitchman QB in Mifflin’s option game. A name to remember: Susana is ready for his closeup coming out of the backfield.

CRYSTAL BALL

n A retooling season of sorts for the Mustangs, who will be mixing in a plethora of new starters; Morrissey listed 10 key newcomers in his preseason notes, so there will be a lot of fresh faces in key places for Mifflin. Still, the Mustangs will fight like heck to win the trench battles. And their option game is never easy to prep for. Stuck behind Exeter and CV for now. But never sleep on this crew.

squad, including Small, a 2,000-yard rusher in 2024. More good news: Baez returns behind center, and he’ll have shifty playmakers Miller and Lacey at his disposal. Collado, Ferreira, Kantner and Otero are back to do the all-important grunt work up front. And Flowers listed 10 key newcomers in his preseason notes, so Muhlenberg’s pipeline is producing varsityready talent. That’s a big plus.

CRYSTAL BALL

n Key players returning: QB Adriel Baez, TE-LB Cooper Burr, TE Danny Buzydlowski, OG-DE Jeffrie Collado, OT-DT Tony Ferreira, C Conner Kantner, WR-DB-KR Freddy Lacey, WR-DB Michael Miller, OG-DT Zavier Otero, DE Jediah Quinones, RB-LB Cameron Small.

OUTLOOK

n Plenty of optimism in Laureldale, after the Muhls picked up an Eastern Conference postseason win last fall — and with 15 starters due back from that

n Sleeper team alert. There is definitely momentum in camp for the Muhls, after a postseason trip and Small’s incredible rushing season last fall. And don’t underestimate this: Road warriors because of construction in their home stadium last year, Muhlenberg gets eight home games — including seven in a row, and all six section clashes — this time around. Take advantage of that home cooking, and the Muhls have a legit shot to be in the lead pack at the finish line. Cameron Small

Posing from Lebanon at Lancaster-Lebanon League media day are, from left, Camron Buchmoyer, Malachi Bridell and Elis Bentez.

CHRIS KNIGHT | STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Dylon Worley

L-L SECTION THREE: TEAM BY TEAM

COCALICO EAGLES CONRAD WEISER SCOUTS

THE PLAYBOOK

n PIAA: Class 5A.

n Head coach: Bryan Strohl (sixth season, 40-20).

n Base offense: Flexbone.

n Base defense: 4-3.

n 2024 results: 8-4 (5-1 Section Three).

n Key players returning: WR-DB David Betz, RBDB-KR-PR Chase Breneman, RB-LB Dane Horning, RB-LB Logan Horning, OT-DE Nate Laudenslager, OG-DE Nick McArdle, RB-LB Rocco Rigney, OG-DT Aidan Sola, C-DT Kendall Weaver, RB-DB-KR-PR Brendon Zimmerman.

OUTLOOK

n All good things must come to an end, and Cocalico’s two-year reign in District Three Class 5A came to a halt last fall. And then some key kids exited stage left on graduation night. But the cupboard isn’t bare in Denver; Dane Horning returns to do damage on D and be the feature back in the triple-option. His brother Logan Horning is also back after piling up nearly 100 tackles in his breakout freshman season last fall. A third Horning — Connor — is duking it out with Jaxon Keffer, another newbie, for fulltime QB honors; those guys might share the duties early on. Stay tuned. Laudenslager, McArdle and Sola return to anchor the line. After that, some fresh faces. This is not a rebuild. That’s a dirty word in Denver. Call it a reload. This is one program we never worry about.

CRYSTAL BALL

n Cocalico certainly will be geared up for the section slog after scrimmaging Wyomissing and getting heavyweights New Oxford and Lampeter-Strasburg in nonleague testers. It will look a tad different at the outset in Denver, but the reinforcements are coming; Strohl listed 13 key newcomers in his preseason notes, and he and his trusty staff won’t be shy about throwing them right in the deep end. Even with so many new faces, Cocalico will challenge and — somehow, some way — will be there at the finish. Book it.

THE PLAYBOOK

n PIAA: Class 5A.

n Head coach: Alan Moyer (23rd season, 148-96).

n Base offense: Pro Style, 1-back.

n Base defense: 4-4.

n 2024 results: 10-1 (6-0 Section Three).

n Key players returning: DT Eugene Booth, OT Nate Gilfert, WR-DB Dylan Parr, RB Javien Rivera.

OUTLOOK

n It was a cloud-nine season in 2024 for the Scouts, who ran the table and hoisted section gold. Eventual PIAA champ

Bishop McDevitt slowed Conrad Weiser’s roll in the district quarterfinals, but nobody can take away that 10-0 joy ride or the trophy in the case. Graduation was not kind to this crew; just four full-time contributors are due back — line stalwarts Booth and Gilfert and playmakers Parr and Rivera — so there will be a lot of fresh faces in key places this time around. Reboot season of sorts on tap in Robesonia. And hey, that’s not always a bad thing.

CRYSTAL BALL

n Won’t say a section repeat is completely out of the cards, but the Scouts are going to be wet behind the ears pretty much across the board. New QB. New O-line protectors. New skill kids. New D stoppers. New special teams contributors. That’s a lot of slots to fill. Moyer’s key newcomer list was 11 deep heading into camp. Those guys will need to get up to speed. And fast. The sledding is anything but smooth in this section.

GARDEN SPOT SPARTANS

THE PLAYBOOK

n PIAA: Class 5A.

n Head coach: Matt Zamperini (16th season, 83-82).

n Base offense: Spread.

n Base defense: 4-2-5.

n 2024 results: 4-5 (2-4 Section Three).

FLEETWOOD TIGERS

THE PLAYBOOK

n PIAA: Class 5A.

n Head coach: Steve Pangburn (fourth season, 11-20).

n Base offense: Multiple Gun.

n Base defense: 4-2-5.

n 2024 results: 3-7 (0-6 Section Three).

n Key players returning: WR-DB Chase Adams, K-P Gryffin Cappellano, OG-DT Colin Dragan, ATHDB Beau Fegely, RB-DB Nate Kummerer, QB Chase McMonagle, OT-DT Shane Pekuri, WR-DE Bryce Ryan, LB Tanner Zornek.

OUTLOOK

n The Tigers lost 16 full-timers off last year’s squad, including a reliable runner, some trench studs and a couple sure-handed, bigplay receivers. Some good news: McMonagle, a 1,300-yard passer last fall, returns to pilot the ship. And he’ll have Dragan and Pekuri back to anchor the line. Keep an eye on Fegely, who could be ticketed for more carries. Pangburn listed 10 key newcomers in his preseason notes, so Fleetwood has some kids ready to be plugged in. How quickly they mesh and learn on the fly will be key for the Tigers in what promises to be a Section Three race full of jostling, elbows to the ribs and solar-plexus punches.

CRYSTAL BALL

n An awful lot of talent to replace here, plus that grinder section slate to cope with. Fleetwood’s goal: Get the new kids up to speed. Keep the program moving forward. Compete like crazy. And make everyone earn it — especially in those gnarly section showdowns.

n Key players returning: OG-DT Brycen Clark, DE Joe Cruz, OGDT Hunter Fry, WR-LB Welles Harrell, LB Addison Heist, OT-DT Chase Hoover, RB-LB

Gabe Martin, K-P Zach Martin, C-DE Ryan Miller, QB-DB Seth Musselman, RB-DB-KR Andrew Pemberton, WR-LB Owen Sauder, WR Nick Smucker.

OUTLOOK

n The key-players-lost list theme continues with the Spartans, who saw 10 all-stars depart on graduation night. That’s a lot. But there is plenty of good news to go around in New Holland. Start up front, where Clark, Fry, Hoover and Miller all know their way around a line of scrimmage. Gabe Martin — who has taken snaps in the past — can tote the rock. Smucker is a deep threat. Pemberton emerged as an ace return man and game-breaker last fall. And Musselman should settle in nicely at QB. Plus, allstar DB Corde Douglas has transferred in from Lancaster Catholic and should fit in nicely in the backfield and especially in the secondary.

CRYSTAL BALL

n The grad hits will sting a little. But there is definitely enough in the tank for Garden Spot to be a squad to be reckoned with. Do not sleep on the Spartans. If this crew picks up some steam — and wins the little-things battles like limiting turnovers, field position, special teams, etc. — heads up.

CAPSULES BY JEFF REINHART

Dane Horning

Eugene Booth Beau Fegely

Brycen Clark

Garden Spot’s Gabe Martin takes off on a long run against Manheim Central on Oct. 18, 2024.

MARK PALCZEWSKI | FOR LNP/LANCASTERONLINE

L-L SECTION THREE: TEAM BY TEAM

MANHEIM CENTRAL BARONS

THE PLAYBOOK

n PIAA: Class 5A.

n Head coach: Dave Hahn (11th season, 94-28).

n Base offense: Spread.

n Base defense: 4-2-5.

n 2024 results: 3-7 (1-5 Section Three).

n Key players returning: TE-DE Cole Bretz, RB-LB Jevin Carbonneau, TE-LB Malik Cornish, OGNG Adrian Cruz, RB Logan Geib, OG-DT Dan Gertler, TE-LB Logan Hamil, WR-DB-KR-P Cody Hess, QB Gavin Jahnigen, OT-DT James Magot, WR-DB-KR-P Jayvior Morales, RB Caleb Moyer, OT-DT Cooper Nied, WR-DBKR Isaiah Oxceva, DB Lynkin Quigley, TE-DE Noah Templin, TE-DE David Thies, TE-LB Deacon Weaver, DB Dylan Werner, OG-DE Ryan Wissler.

OUTLOOK

n It was a head-scratching 2024 in Manheim. It was flat-out weird watching the Barons struggle to get much going. Take away the truncated pandemic year in 2020, and Central had its first losing campaign in a full season since 1971. Safe to say the Barons are in flush-it mode and would love a payback tour this time around. There were some grad jabs, yes. But there is a really long list of returning starters and key newbies, too. The players are here and they should be plenty motivated. Now the Barons must get locked in and rediscover win mode. That’s something you don’t hear coming out of Manheim very often.

CRYSTAL BALL

n Gut-hunch is that Central won’t go 3-7 again. This is way too proud a program to let that happen and Hahn spent the offseason hammering home the little things — fundamentals, teamwork — and getting guys in the right spots to succeed. Will that add up to a patented Barons’ bullrush to a section title and playoff run? Tough to say. But there will be happier times in Manheim this fall. Take that to the bank.

SOLANCO GOLDEN MULES

THE PLAYBOOK

n PIAA: Class 5A.

n Head coach: Tony Cox (12th season, 62-62).

n Base offense: Triple Option.

n Base defense: 4-2-5.

n 2024 results: 5-5 (3-3 Section Three).

n Key players

returning: RB-DB Wesley Bard, WR-LBK-P Tristin Brown, RB-DB-KR-PR Kris Burgos-Wise, TE-DE Bryce Cox, OG-DT Desmond Ferguson, RB-DB Gabe Forren, RB Johnny Garcia, OG-DT Noah Gote, LB Vincent Henry, RB-LB Kali Hines, WR-KRPR Eric Koch, OT Tyler Kreider, DE Evan Kurtz, WR-DB-P Schneider Lenhart, DT Frank Lucarino, RB-DB Anderson Miller, QB Chase Sensenig.

OUTLOOK

n Which team returns the most talent in shark-infested Section Three waters? That would be Solanco, which has a laundry list of returning all-stars on both sides of the ball. That includes Garcia, a two-time 1,000-yard rusher and bruising fullback; speed demons Bard, Burgos-Wise and Miller darting out of the backfield; Forren, a secondary ball-hawker; Cox, a D-end enforcer off the edge; line stalwarts

WARWICK WARRIORS

THE PLAYBOOK

n PIAA: Class 5A.

n Head coach: Bob Locker (25th season, 126-125).

n Base offense: 1-back.

n Base defense: 3-4.

n 2024 results: 5-6 (4-2 Section Three).

n Key players returning: LB Koen Adams, NG Vinny Bagonis, TE-DE Markus Brown, OT Wes Brunken, WR-LB Jace Conrad, OG Calvin Dent, C-DE Ty Eckert, WR-LB Rowen Greenway, OT-DE Preston Landis, WR-DB Grant Lugar, WR-DB-PR Bode Madara, QB Thomas Myers, WR-DB Ty Musser, K Tyler Schoffstall.

OUTLOOK

n The Warriors got things done via their defense last fall, with some ball-hawker linebackers and opportunistic D-backs. Might Warwick flash more offense this time around? The crew is here to do it, and it starts up front with the trio of Brunken, Dent and Landis to blow open holes and keep Myers, a veteran passer, upright in the pocket. He’ll have some holdover receivers in Conrad, Greenway, Lugar, Madara and Musser to play pitch and catch with. And don’t forget about Schoffstall, who will be one of the top specialists in the league. There is a lot to like in Lititz.

CRYSTAL BALL

Ferguson, Gote and Kreider; and pitchman QB Sensenig, who made a big splash last year. And that’s just to name a few. A lot of eyes on Quarryville this fall.

CRYSTAL BALL

n The Mules have the talent and the experience to put Section Three under lock and key, so Solanco gets the preseason bull’s-eye tag. They’ll certainly make no bones about what’s coming — that punishing triple-option attack with Garcia following some big boys up front — plus some big stickers on defense. There will be a new-look 4-2-5 scheme on D, by the way. Either way, the time in now for this pack of Mules.

n If that O-line can do some damage and win the trench battles, Warwick is going to be a tough out, especially if the Warriors can defend like last year. A few holes need to be spackled — Locker listed 14 key newcomers ready for varsity action — and the headache-inducing Section Three slate awaits. Looking for a sleeper team to crash the party and be right there in Week 10? Say hello to the Warriors.

Cody Hess

Johnny Garcia

Solanco’s Kris Burgos-Wise runs against Manheim Central on Oct. 4, 2024.

Manheim Central’s Jayvior Morales has his eyes in the backfield against Solanco on Oct. 4, 2024.

MARK PALCZEWSKI | FOR LNP/LANCASTERONLINE

Wes Brunken

Warwick’s Thomas Myers goes for yardage against Cocalico on Sept. 20, 2024.

LOGAN GEHMAN | FOR LNP/LANCASTERONLINE

MARK PALCZEWSKI FOR LNP/LANCASTERONLINE

Overview: L-L teams ready for 2025 football season to take off

Warwick, which was gnarly on defense last year, and has the weapons to challenge. And Cocalico, which saw its two-year reign over District Three Class 5A end last year, but the Eagles have retooled.

All eyes are on Manheim Central, which is looking to rebound after last year’s unBarons-like 3-7 finish. There should be plenty of motivation in Central’s camp for a revenge tour this time around.

Don’t count out Garden Spot, which is set to return some key pieces. And Fleetwood welcomes back QB Chase McMonagle, so the Tigers should keep everyone honest.

Section Four

L-S ran the table here last year, then beat section foes Elco, Twin Valley and Wyomissing in the district playoffs, including that memorable OT win over Wyo in the final.

Can the Pioneers repeat? It won’t be easy.

Wyo is set to return pretty much its

looking to put 2024’s unusual 3-7 finish in the rear-view mirror.

entire crew, including bullish two-way standouts Tyler Niedrowski and Chase Eisenhower and multi-purpose standout Justice Hardy — plus some serious big boys up front.

Twin Valley should also be in the mix, with speedy RB Drew Engle back after he missed most of 2024 with an injury. Engle rushed for 1,599 yards two years ago and he’s poised for a big senior season.

L-S must replace a bunch of all-stars, including Caileb Howse, who was the 4A Player of the Year in the state last fall, when he became the face of the league. Elco has the goods to make another postseason run. Octorara was in the district playoffs last fall. Donegal, Daniel Boone and Northern Lebanon — all in retool mode and looking for bounceback seasons — will play spoiler. But don’t sleep on any of them.

Section Five

playoff team, figure to be in the lead pack come October.

Keep an eye on Annville-Cleona and Hamburg — with freshman QB Isaac McFadden at the wheel and rookie coach Tyler Hartranft at the helm — to push the leaders. Kutztown always gives everyone fits with its powerful ground game. And Pequea Valley is feeling frisky after going to the postseason — the Eastern Conference 3A title game — for the first time in program history last fall.

There is another new coach here: Columbia has welcomed in former Conestoga Valley standout Nate Bagley, who inherited a Crimson Tide squad looking to snap an 11-game losing skid and start making its way back up the section standings.

Schuylkill Valley climbed the mountain last fall, and the Panthers will go for three titles in a row. They’ll have to do it without 2,000-yard passer and All-State QB Logan Nawrocki. But Logan Cammauf, who piled up 193 tackles last year, will spur SV.

Lancaster Catholic, with 1,800-yard rusher and Villanova commit Brandon Way coming back to dazzle out of the backfield, and Berks Catholic, which returns a strong crew from last year’s

n Sports writer Jeff Reinhart covers LancasterLebanon League football for LNP | LancasterOnline. Email him at jreinhart@lnpnews.com, and follow him on X (formerly Twitter) at @JeffReinhart77.

UPPER LEFT: Pequea Valley quarterback Anthony Stoltzfus hands off the ball on Sept. 27, 2024. ABOVE: Manheim Central’s Isaiah Oxceva, left, runs for a first down against Solanco’s Wesley Bard in a Week Seven game in Quarryville on Oct. 4, 2024. Oxceva and the Barons are

ANDY BLACKBURN | STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

2024 L-L FOOTBALL STATISTICAL LEADERS

Here were the leading rushers, passers and receivers for L-L League football’s 2024 regular season:

RUSHING

n Cameron Small, Muhlenberg — 230 carries for 1,842 yards, 8.0 avg., 21 TD

n Brandon Way, Lancaster Catholic — 185 carries for 1,665 yards, 9.0 avg., 24 TD

n Declan Clancy, Manheim Township — 218 carries for 1,611 yards, 7.4 avg., 18 TD

n Jayden Zandier, Exeter — 117 carries for 1,473 yards, 12.6 avg., 23 TD

n Isaiah Zimmerman, Cedar Crest — 140 carries for 1,300 yards, 9.3 avg., 12 TD

n Johnny Garcia, Solanco — 199 carries for 1,298 yards, 6.5 avg., 18 TD

n Grady Garner, Governor Mifflin — 209 carries for 1,296 yards, 6.2 avg., 19 TD

n Caileb Howse, Lampeter-Strasburg — 104 carries for 1,159 yards, 11.1 avg., 19 TD

n Dane Horning, Cocalico — 206 carries for 1,031 yards, 5.0 avg., 8 TD

n Dominic Brown, Lampeter-Strasburg — 164 carries for 1,050 yards, 6.4 avg., 19 TD

n Jonathan Shay, Annville-Cleona — 140 carries for 1,030 yards, 7.4 avg., 10 TD

n Josh Myer, Cocalico — 157 carries for 1,024 yards, 6.5 avg., 11 TD

n Evan Myers, Twin Valley — 96 carries for 867 yards, 9.0 avg., 13 TD

n Correll Akings, Wilson — 141 carries for 851 yards, 6.0 avg., 9 TD

n Kris Burgos-Wise, Solanco — 64 carrier’s for 806 yards, 12.6 avg., 6 TD

n Bryce Gumby, Berks Catholic — 84 carries for 789 yards, 9.4 avg., 11 TD

n Nate Rose, Berks Catholic — 130 carries for 786 yards, 6.1 avg., 9 TD

n Brayden Brown, Ephrata — 132 carries for 768 yards, 5.8 avg., 10 TD

n Drew Tibbins, Pequea Valley — 146 carries for 753 yards, 5.2 avg., 12 TD

n Steven Rosado, Elco — 121 carries for 745 yards, 6.2 avg., 13 TD

n Justice Hardy, Wyomissing — 76 carries for 728 yards, 9.6 avg., 11 TD

n Evan Johnson, Twin Valley — 87 carries for 728 yards, 8.4 avg., 11 TD

n Brenden Ackley, Kutztown — 135 carries for 711 yards, 5.3 avg., 9 TD

n Brayden Eppinette, Cocalico — 75 carries for 707 yards, 9.4 avg., 4 TD

PASSER EFFICIENCY RATING

(Per NFL formula; minimum 50 attempts)

n Riley Martinez, Exeter — 47 of 69 for 847 yards, 14 TD, 0 INT — 150 rating

n Zach Suski, Berks Catholic — 81 of 115 for 1,286 yards, 16 TD, 3 INT — 136 rating

n Sawyer Esbenshade, Conestoga Valley — 101 of 159 for 1,845 yards, 24 TD, 3 INT — 135 rating

n Donovan Gingrich, Conrad Weiser — 97 of 141 for 1,360 yards, 16 TD, 2 INT — 132 rating

n Logan Nawrocki, Schuylkill Valley — 147 of 220 for 2,154 yards, 30 TD, 4 INT — 131 rating

n Caileb Howse, Lampeter-Strasburg — 80

of 120 for 1,215 yards, 11 TD, 0 INT — 130 rating

n Carson Weisser, Manheim Township — 100 for 171 for 1,682 yards, 22 TD, 2 INT — 127 rating

n Madyx Gruber, Wilson — 111 of 169 for 1,581 yards, 20 TD, 5 INT — 123 rating

n Tyler Shuey, Hamburg — 86 of 148 for 1,390 yards, 12 TD, 1 INT — 114 rating

n Evan Myers, Twin Valley — 98 of 158 for 1,421 yards, 20 TD, 8 INT — 110 rating

n Bryce Keller, Annville-Cleona — 36 of 55 for 704 yards, 8 TD, 6 INT — 109 rating

n A.J. Hurst, Garden Spot — 99 of 158 for 1,384 yards, 16 TD, 8 INT — 107 rating

n David Stefanow, Lancaster Catholic — 99 of 171 for 1,280 yards, 14 TD, 3 INT — 101 rating

n Jackson Custer, Cedar Crest — 55 of 104 for 895 yards, 15 TD, 7 INT — 94 rating

n Caleb Grant, Ephrata — 79 of 152 for 1,226 yards, 13 TD, 6 INT — 91 rating

n Haydn Moyer, Daniel Boone — 100 of 169 for 1,586 yards, 12 TD, 10 INT — 90 rating

n Derek Katch, Hempfield — 148 of 255 for 1,773 yards, 12 TD, 10 INT — 79 rating

n Javien Pletz, Governor Mifflin — 46 of 91 for 846 yards, 5 TD, 5 INT — 78 rating

n Chase McMonagle, Fleetwood — 84 of 170 for 1,384 yards, 10 TD, 9 INT — 75 rating

n Jalen Cintron, McCaskey — 109 of 208 for 1,295 yards, 8 TD, 5 INT — 74 rating

n Kayson Fritz, Reading — 42 of 79 for 684 yards, 3 TD, 4 INT — 74 rating

n Collin Wood, Octorara — 87 of 157 for 897 yards, 7 TD, 5 INT — 74 rating

n Brandyn Castro, Lebanon — 77 of 170 for 1,236 yards, 11 TD, 9 INT — 70 rating

n Brayden Huber, Elizabethtown — 57 of 102 for 635 yards, 5 TD, 6 INT — 66 rating

n Anthony Stoltzfus, Pequea Valley — 35 of 71 for 429 yards, 5 TD, 5 INT — 62 rating

n Ray Lewis, Manheim Central — 69 of 145 for 725 yards, 5 TD, 6 INT — 57 rating

n Thomas Myers, Warwick — 75 of 174 for 854 yards, 6 TD, 7 INT — 53 rating

n Steven Rosado, Elco — 50 of 95 for 650 yards, 4 TD, 12 INT — 49 rating

n Gannon Shank, Elizabethtown — 71 of 145 for 577 yards, 4 TD, 7 INT — 49 rating

n Chase Marshall, Donegal — 28 of 56 for 346 yards, 3 TD, 6 INT — 48 rating

n Blake Burdick, Northern Lebanon — 20 of 51 for 284 yards, 3 TD, 4 INT — 45 rating

n Conner Smeigh, Penn Manor — 52 of 120 for 481 yards, 3 TD, 6 INT — 42 rating

n Wyatt Stoess, Kutztown — 26 of 77 for 594 yards, 4 TD, 10 INT — 40 rating

n Adriel Baez, Muhlenberg — 28 of 83 for 349 yards, 3 TD, 5 INT — 35 rating

n Cameron McClair, Columbia — 64 for 180 for 641 yards, 5 TD, 10 INT — 33 rating

n Kael Erdman, Northern Lebanon — 19 of 54 for 147 yards, 0 TD, 5 INT — 5 rating

RECEPTIONS

n Luke Spotts, Schuylkill Valley — 50 catches for 849 yards, 17.0 avg., 8 TD

n Brayden Charles, Hempfield — 44 catches for 574 yards, 13.1 avg., 3 TD

n Malachi Briddell, Lebanon — 42 catches for 910 yards, 21.7 avg., 9 TD

n Jace Conrad, Garden Spot — 40 catches for 521 yards, 13.0 avg., 6 TD

n Colton Hegener, Lancaster Catholic — 38 catches for 434 yards, 11.4 avg., 5 TD

n Alexis Cintron, Elizabethtown — 36 catches for 452 yards, 12.6 avg., 4 TD

n Kowen Gerner, Schuylkill Valley — 36 catches for 629 yards, 17.5 avg., 8 TD

n Ben Grundy, Twin Valley — 36 catches for 511 yards, 14.2 avg., 7 TD

n De’Andre Jones, McCaskey — 36 catches for 432 yards, 12.0 avg., 2 TD

n Max Heffner, Daniel Boone — 35 catches for 531 yards, 15.2 avg., 2 TD

n Evan Rittle, Conrad Weiser — 35 catches for 561 yards, 16.0 avg., 9 TD

n Ty Werley, Hamburg — 35 catches for 637 yards, 18.2 avg., 5 TD

n Harrison Delissaint, Daniel Boone — 34 catches for 564 yards, 16.6 avg., 6 TD

n Cam Margeson, Hempfield — 33 catches for 416 yards, 12.6 avg., 3 TD

n Tristin McFarland, Fleetwood — 32 catches for 446 yards, 13.9 avg., 3 TD

n Alisay Ramos, McCaskey — 31 catches for 466 yards, 15.0 avg., 4 TD

n Mike Glover, Wilson — 29 catches for 468 yards, 16.1 avg., 4 TD

n Dillon Lackner, Schuylkill Valley — 29 catches for 432 yards, 14.9 avg., 7 TD

n Chandler Stoltzfus, Octorara — 28 catches for 284 yards, 101. avg., 0 TD

n Charlie Warren, Lancaster Catholic — 27 catches for 418 yards, 15.5 avg., 6 TD

n Trenton Hoober, Garden Spot — 26 catches for 334 yards, 12.9 avg., 6 TD

n Davyan Moore, Fleetwood — 26 catches for 488 yards, 18.8 avg., 3 TD

n Carter Redding, Exeter — 26 catches for 433 yards, 16.7 avg., 5 TD

n Orion Abrams, Hempfield — 25 catches for 303 yards, 12.1 avg., 3 TD

n Michael Miller, Muhlenberg — 25 catches for 312 yards, 12.5 avg., 3 TD

L-L SECTION FOUR: TEAM BY TEAM

DANIEL BOONE BLAZERS DONEGAL INDIANS ELCO RAIDERS

THE PLAYBOOK

n PIAA: Class 5A.

n Head coach: J.D. Okuniewski (third season, 2-18).

n Base offense: 1-back zone.

n Base defense: 3-4.

n 2024 results: 1-9 (1-6 Section Four).

n Key players returning: RB-LB Brad Floria, OG Trent Lenker, QB-DB Haydn Moyer, OT-DE Grant Pingatore, OG-DT Jabrae Pratt, TE-DE Tiegan Rickard, OTDT Maddox Roy, TE-LB Jayden Salata, QB-LB Dominic Stoudt.

OUTLOOK

n The Blazers are out to make amends for last year’s 1-9 finish, and they’ll certainly be ahead of the curve in the QB department with Moyer, a 1,500-yard passer last fall, back. More good news: Lenker, Pingatore, Pratt and Roy return to anchor the line, giving Boone some veteran muscle up front. That’s always a good thing. But the Blazers must replace electric flank playmakers Harrison Delissaint, Max Hefner and Anthony High, who could all go up and get it. Could be some retooling in the skill-kid department here, with a fresh batch of playmakers set for their debut.

CRYSTAL BALL

n A lot of new faces for the Blazers; Okuniewski listed 11 newbies who will be vying for full-time snaps. That includes five O-line kids, so there is some size coming up through the program. That’s a plus. But Boone needs to find some playmakers — pronto — for Moyer to jibe with, because this section will chew you up and spit you out.

THE PLAYBOOK

n PIAA: Class 4A.

n Head coach: Anthony Sottasante (third season, 4-16; 43-48 overall, including stints at Columbia, Tussey Mountain, Mount Union).

n Base offense: Flex Option.

n Base defense: 4-3.

n 2024 results: 1-9 (0-7 Section Four).

n Key players returning: OG-DT Brady Allessie, RB-DB Leelan Baughman, OTDT Ryan Cantero, OT-DT Cole Farley, RB-LB Colton Houck, QB Chase Marshall, WR-DB Angel Mendez, RB-LB Quinn Weymers, C-NG Owen Winters.

OUTLOOK

n The Indians are looking to flush a frustrating 2024 campaign, which featured just one win and too many injuries to count. The good news first: A trio of playmakers — Marshall behind center, Baughman, a whirling dervish out of the backfield, and go-getter Mendez on the flanks — are due back. And vets Farley and Winters return to anchor the line. After that, there will be a lot of new faces in important places. Sottasante listed eight newbies to watch in his preseason notes, including all-important O-line protectors Zach Greider, Parker Foye and Dawson St. Victor. Remember their names, as Donegal looks to turn the page and get pointed in the right direction — and out off the trainer’s room — this time around.

CRYSTAL BALL

n The only way to go is up for the Indians, who got zero momentum last season, playing in a rugged section that sent five teams to the playoffs — including the eventual state runner-up in LampeterStrasburg. Priority No. 1 for this crew is staying healthy, followed closely by all of those newcomers carving out spots and making names for themselves. Odd saying baby steps at Donegal. But after last season, the Indians need a reboot, and to just get things back to neutral.

THE PLAYBOOK

n PIAA: Class 4A.

n Head coach: Bob Miller (14th season, 70-63).

n Base offense: Option.

n Base defense: 4-3.

n 2024 results: 6-6 (4-3 Section Four).

n Key players returning: DT Ethan Bretzius, OGDT Collin Carpenter, QB-LB-K-P Brinley Donmoyer, RB-LB-K-P Ellis Gensamer, WR-DB-KR-PR Griffin Kreider, OG-DT Cody Landis, TE-DE Dalton Pyszka, OT-DE Tyler Shaak, WR-DB Kaden Tillison, OT-DE Paul Williams, RB-DB-KR-PR Gavin Yeiser.

OUTLOOK

n Some graduation hits in Myerstown, yes. But a terrific nucleus is set to return for a Raiders’ team that survived the rigors of the Section Four slate and won a district playoff game last fall. It all starts with Williams, an

O-line veteran and a menace off the edge on D. He’ll make Elco tick. Donmoyer, who took some snaps last year, slides into the full-time pitch-man role behind center. Gensamer is another name to know. As is Pyszka, another D-end hammer who will team with Williams to wreak plenty of havoc. There are a lot of nice pieces here. No sleeping on the Raiders.

CRYSTAL BALL

n It’s easy to overlook Elco sometimes. After all, the Raiders are wedged in a section full of upper-cut specialists. But Elco has made a habit out of making the playoffs, and there’s no reason to believe this crew can’t make that happen. The Raiders will have to hang tough early on — their first five games are against playoff qualifiers from 2024 — and win the games they should win. Do so, and don’t be surprised if Elco gives the usual suspects fits and ends up back in the postseason picture. It’s what they do — often under the radar and lugging around the underdog tag — in Myerstown.

LAMPETER-STRASBURG PIONEERS

THE PLAYBOOK

n PIAA: Class 4A.

n Head coach: Victor Ridenour (fifth season, 43-9).

n Base offense: Spread.

n Base defense: 3-stack.

n 2024 results: 14-1 (7-0 Section Four).

n Key players returning: OG-DT Javon Brisma, RB Brady Cunningham, TE-LB Keegan Curtis, K-P Peter Fiorello, QB Asher Jones, WR-DB Cole Lopez, TE-LB Alex Salaki, OT-DT Collin Shelley, RB-LB Mitchell Swarr, OT-DT Thad Wolf.

OUTLOOK

n It will be awfully tough to top 2024 for L-S, which had its best season in program history, culminating with a trip to the PIAA title game. No gold trophy there. But there’s certainly nothing wrong with state silver. The key-players-lost list is a who’s-who of all-star and All-State players — 15 section all-stars departed in all — including Caileb Howse, who had an otherworldly season from his QB and DB spots. All of those guys will be missed and they’ll be heroes in the program and in the L-S community forever. That said, it’s not a rebuild in Lampeter. There are plenty of pieces due back, including the 1-2 O-tackle punch of Shelley and Wolf, plus Fiorello, an All-State kicker last year.

CRYSTAL BALL

n We picked L-S to finish third in Section Four last season, and the Pioneers jammed that prediction right back in our face — and then went on a magical journey all the

Lampeter-Strasburg’s Thad Wolf tackles Thomas Jefferson’s Tyler Eber during the PIAA Class 4A semifinal on Nov. 29, 2024.

way into December. Can L-S successfully defend its section and district titles? Can the Pioneers make another PIAA run? There are tons of good vibes flowing in the program, so you never know. How about this: Let this group — with 16 newcomers on board — be their own crew and create their own identities. And we’ll see where L-S lands at the end this time around.

CAPSULES BY JEFF REINHART

Haydn Moyer

Owen Winters

Paul Williams

Collin Shelley

Donegal’s Leelan Baughman looks to run against Wyomissing on Sept. 27, 2024.

LOGAN GEHMAN | FOR LNP/LANCASTERONLINE

CHRIS KNIGHT | STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

L-L SECTION FOUR: TEAM BY TEAM

NORTHERN LEBANON VIKINGS

THE PLAYBOOK

n PIAA: Class 4A.

n Head coach: Jason Rice (fifth season, 13-28).

n Base offense: Spread Wing.

n Base defense: 4-3.

n 2024 results: 3-7 (2-5 Section Four).

Brady Ryan

n Key players returning: WR-DB Ryan Clemmer, QB-RB-DB-K-P Kael Erdman, C-DE Landon Graby, QB-DB Bryan Mitzel, WR-DB-KR-PR Brady Ryan, TE-LB Bryce Yocum.

OUTLOOK

n Northern Lebanon fought the good fight, took and threw plenty of punches, and made it out the other end of the grueling Section Four schedule without too many scratches last fall. The Vikings are hoping that schedule has them prepped and ready for the road ahead. NL must navigate said rocky road with a revamped O-line — Graby is the lone veteran there — but a few familiar faces are back. Erdman and Mitzel have both taken snaps behind center and Ryan is a flank threat and ultra dangerous in the return game. The Vikings are also in the market for a new feature back. There are some holes to plug here, particularly up front.

CRYSTAL BALL

n Starting over in the trenches is never easy, especially at a smaller school where there are only so many kids to go around. So No. 1 on the Vikings’ to-do list is finding and breaking in some big boys up front. Gotta have them, because there are some playmakers here — playmakers who are looking to thrive in NL’s new-look Spread Wing scheme. We’ll call this a transition season of sorts in Fredericksburg. Be patient.

OCTORARA BRAVES TWIN VALLEY RAIDERS WYOMISSING SPARTANS

THE PLAYBOOK

n PIAA: Class 4A.

n Head coach: Ed Smith (third season, 7-14).

n Base offense: Hybrid Wing-T.

n Base defense: 3-4.

n 2024 results: 5-6 (3-4 Section Four).

n Key players returning: RB-LB Nate Dow, ATH Mehkai Lambert, RB-DB-PR Brayden Mastrippolito, OT-DE Shaun Myrick, QB-LB-P Mason Prokay, C-DL Lucas Reid, WR-DB-KR Brayden Remphrey, OG-LB Josh Ross, TE-LB Logan Smith.

OUTLOOK

n The Braves went postseason dancing last fall, putting a stamp on a program that continues to improve and turn heads since joining the league in 2018. And with multiple playmakers due back, Octorara has the goods to make another playoff push. Names to know include Prokay, the L-L League javelin wizard, who hopes to show off his big arm behind center this season. Dow, Lambert, Mastrippolito and Remphrey are all experienced playmakers. And Myrick and Reid return to anchor the line. Bummer news: Shifty QB Collin Wood suffered a shoulder injury in wrestling last winter and he’ll miss his entire junior season. Enter Prokay. And two players transferred out of the district, which will eat into Octorara’s depth.

CRYSTAL BALL

n Some nice pieces due back in Atglen. The Braves will have to replace some personnel in the trenches. And overcome the loss of Wood, last year’s trusty pilot. If Prokay can make a smooth transition to QB and, more importantly, get protection, Octorara will give everyone fits. And maybe bully its way back into a playoff bracket. The Section Four grind certainly will have the Braves prepped and ready for whatever is next.

THE PLAYBOOK

n PIAA: Class 4A.

n Head coach: Brett Myers (fourth season, 26-10; 120-80 overall, including stints at Pottstown and Middletown).

n Base offense: Spread.

n Base defense: 4-2-5.

n 2024 results: 9-3 (5-2 Section Four).

n Key players returning: DB James Alexy, OT Andrew Boswell, OT-DT Joey Buckley, C Noah DiGiacomo, RB-DB Drew Engle, QB-DB Maverick Foster, WR-DB-KR Ben Grundy, OG-DT Greyson Miller, NG Mark Minardi, QB-LB Grant Moser, RB-LB Lucas Myers, TE Chase Oliver, WR-DB Chase Reilly, RBLB Ryan Rementer, K Nate Schaffer.

OUTLOOK

n It’s a terrific time to be in TV’s program. The Raiders have cut a rug in the district playoffs four straight years, and despite some heavy graduation gut-punches — seven section all-stars flew the coop — they have a nice nucleus due back for another section run. That includes Miller to anchor the trenches; Rementer and Myers to spark the D; Grundy, the Section Four Receiver of the Year last fall, making plays downfield; and especially the return of Engle, who rushed for 1,599 yards two years ago, before missing pretty much all of 2024 with an injury.

CRYSTAL BALL

n Must replace a couple thumpers up front, but the Raiders certainly have the weaponry to be with the lead pack come October. Keep an eye on the QB spot, where TV must replace Evan Myers, a record-setting passer and dual-threat machine. Moser and Foster are vying to step into that role. They’ll have plenty of playmakers at their disposal. If TV is winning the trench battles, watch out. Could be another fun fall in Elverson.

THE PLAYBOOK

n PIAA: Class 4A.

n Head coach: Bob Wolfrum (39th season, 372-92-1).

n Base offense: Wing-T.

n Base defense: 3-4.

n 2024 results: 10-3 (6-1 Section Four).

n Key players returning: RBDB Marcus Armistead, OG Jack Bennethum, OT-LB Andrew Bresnahan, DB Daniel Delp, WR Andrew DeFabrisio, QB-DB Brady Eisenhower, RB-LB Chase Eisenhower, RB-DB Danny Fleischood, RB-DB-KR-PR Justice Hardy, OT-DE Parker Laferriere, OG Jossiah LopezSanchez, K-P Keegan Maher, RB-LB Tyler Niedrowski, DB Wayne Reason, TE-LB Diamante Strong, RB-LB Zander Westwood, QB-DB Teddy White.

OUTLOOK

n Perhaps no team in the L-L League is set to return more talent than Wyo, which will be itching for some revenge after runner-up finishes in the section and in the district playoffs last fall. Too many names to mention here — including a whopping 11 section all-star selections from last fall due back — but the ringleaders figure to be Hardy, the uber-talented, multi-purpose threat; rugged runners Chase Eisenhower and Niedrowski; line punishers Bennethum, Bresnahan, Laferriere and Lopez-Sanchez; plus Maher, who should be one of the best specialists in the district.

CRYSTAL BALL

n Go ahead and put the bull’s-eye on Wyo’s back. There’s so, so much to like here, with athletes and trench muscle aplenty. Keep an eye on the QB slot in the Spartans’ powerful Wing-T attack; Brady Eisenhower might get more snaps this time around. Either way, Wyo is the team to beat. Come and get ’em.

CAPSULES BY JEFF REINHART

Nate Dow

Greyson Miller

Justice Hardy

Wyomissing’s Chase Eisenhower runs against Lampeter-Strasburg on Oct. 26, 2024.

CHRIS KNIGHT | STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

L-L SECTION FIVE: TEAM BY TEAM

ANNVILLE-CLEONA DUTCHMEN

THE PLAYBOOK

n PIAA: Class 3A.

n Head coach: Matt Gingrich (11th season, 58-46).

n Base offense: Veer.

n Base defense: 4-3.

n 2024 results: 4-6 (3-4 Section Five).

n Key players returning:

RB-LB Devon Englehart, OG-DT Kadavin Ginting, K Cian Soliday, OG Blaine Leitz, WR-DB Jonathan Moran, RB-DB Yama Navarro, TE-DE-P Max Ortwein, QB-DB Lane Peters, RB-LB Hudson Sellers, OG-DT Jaxon Speece, C-LB Luke Wentling.

OUTLOOK

n The first thing that jumps out like a sore thumb is the key-players-lost list. Gone is rugged RB-DE Jonathan Shay, a dynamic two-way standout, All-State performer, and one of the best athletes to ever

BERKS CATHOLIC SAINTS

THE PLAYBOOK

n PIAA: Class 3A.

n Head coach: Dave Stahler (second season, 7-5).

n Base offense: Wing-T.

n Base defense: 4-2-5.

n 2024 results: 7-5 (5-2 Section Five).

Palmer Reber

n Key players returning: OG-DE Eric Bennethum, RB-DB-PR Aidan Curley, OT-DT Damoni Daglis, WR-DB Gio Disabatino, RB-DB Xavier Gerald, QB Cole Harter, OT-DT Palmer Reber, LB Johnny Sauppee, ATH-DB-KR-PR Owen Schalk, TE-LB Ryan Spatz, WR-DB Gavin Welker, OT Anthony Zatorski, DE Faith Zudie.

OUTLOOK

n Plenty of muscle up front for the Saints, including hulking O-tackles Daglis, Zatorski and Reber — the reigning Section Five

come through A-C. He’ll be missed. The Dutchmen also must replace three stalwart O-linemen, plus find a new QB and a reliable, durable lead back in their option game. Sounds like a lot, but there are some key pieces due back, and A-C has a knack for doing more with less.

CRYSTAL BALL

n Some newbies, yes. But also a lot of familiar names and faces. Englehart can run the ball; Moran is a major two-way flank threat; Sellers and Wentling can clean things up from their linebacker slots; Ginting, Leitz and Speece know their way around a line of scrimmage; and Peters has taken some snaps in the past, and he’s set to steer A-C’s Veer. Plus, Gingrich’s key-newcomers list is about a dozen deep, so the Dutchmen should have some muchneeded depth. A quick start — with some new pieces in key places — would behoove this group. Do so, and there’s no reason to believe A-C can’t run with the lead pack into October.

COLUMBIA CRIMSON TIDE

THE PLAYBOOK

n PIAA: Class 2A.

n Head coach: Nate Bagley (first season).

n Base offense: Pistol.

n Base defense: Multiple. n 2024 results: 0-10 (0-7 Section Five).

n Key players returning: OT-NG Carson Arnold, RBLB Tyler Brommer, TE-LB Xavion Jones, QBDB-K-P Cameron McClair, RB-DB Kareem Nichols, WR-DB Miguel Ocasio, C-DE Luke Rupp, WR-DB Xzavion Stallworth, OG-DE Gage Wolf.

OUTLOOK

Offensive Lineman of the Year — and O-guard Bennethum. That’s a terrific start for a squad that must replace accurate QB Zach Suski and multiple playmakers, including Bryce Gumby, a multi-purpose back, and Nate Rose, a 1,000-yard rusher who transferred to Germantown Academy. Four returning playmakers to know: Curley, Gerald and Schalk should spark the running game, and Welker can beat you deep. Sauppee and Zudie will spearhead the defense.

CRYSTAL BALL

n With so much talent due back in the trenches, it’s hard not to put some preseason targets on Berks Catholic — even with some new faces in the skill-kid department. That includes Harter at QB; remember his name. Keep those menacing line guys out of the trainer’s room and in the trenches, and the Saints should contend for section supremacy and make a playoff push.

n The Tide are in reboot mode, and welcomed in Bagley — a former player for Conestoga Valley and Kutztown University, plus a professional stint in the arena league — to continue the process as Columbia tries to snap an 11-game skid after a 0-10 finish in 2024. The good news: McClair returns for his third season behind center to pilot Bagley’s new-look pistol scheme. He’s a 2,300-yard passer heading into his junior year. Ocasio, Stallworth and Jones are back to help out in the pass-catching department, Nichols and Brommer are experienced ballcarriers, and Rupp is a two-time all-star in the trenches who will anchor the line. As usual, it will come down to numbers — or lack thereof — for Columbia, which usually fields one of the smallest rosters in the league. Bagley did list seven newbies who are ready to contribute now — two linemen and five skill kids — in his preseason notes, and he was hoping to have 30-plus kids out for camp. That’s a good thing.

HAMBURG HAWKS

THE PLAYBOOK

n PIAA: Class 4A.

n Head coach: Tyler Hartranft (first season).

n Base offense: Spread.

Columbia’s Cameron McClair, back for his third season at quarterback, gets set to throw in a nonleague game against Donegal on Aug. 30, 2024.

CRYSTAL BALL

n Talent and especially the hunger are here for Columbia to snap this L streak, and Bagley, a football lifer, should inject plenty of adrenaline into the program. Enough to get the Tide out of the basement and back in the lead pack? Hey, baby steps. But here’s thinking that losing streak will go by the wayside, and Columbia will start making bigger strides this time around.

n Base defense: Multiple.

n 2024 results: 6-5 (4-3 Section Five).

n Key players returning: WR-DB-PR Owen Bentz, RB-KR Blaise Ernst, TE-DB-KR Ethan Horvath, DT Will Marciano, OG-DT Cayden Mason, OT-DE Astian Reppert.

Tyler Shuey, an all-star QB, and two of his favorite targets, Daniel Brady and Ty Werley, the reigning Section Five Receiver of the Year. But the cupboard is hardly empty; Bentz and Horvath are reliable passcatchers, Ernst is an experienced ballcarrier, and Reppert, Mason and Marciano are line stalwarts. Here’s a name to know: Isaac McFadden, an incoming freshman QB, has a very bright future. Put that in your memory banks.

CRYSTAL BALL

OUTLOOK

n An interesting offseason on Hawk Hill, as Hamburg welcomed in Hartranft — a former Hawks assistant coach — to steer the ship. His first order of business was replacing

n It might look a tad different at the outset, with potentially an untested ninth-grader at the wheel and a new coach patrolling the sidelines. There might also be some growing pains up front; keep an eye on the trenches. But these Hawks certainly have enough in the tank to do plenty of squawking in the section race — and be in the conversation for another postseason trip.

CAPSULES BY JEFF REINHART

Hudson Sellers

Blaise Ernst

Xavion Jones

MARK PALCZEWSKI | FOR LNP/LANCASTERONLINE

L-L SECTION FIVE: TEAM BY TEAM

KUTZTOWN COUGARS

THE PLAYBOOK

n PIAA: Class 3A.

n Head coach: Larry Chester (12th season, 30-77).

n Base offense: Power-T.

n Base defense: 3-4.

n 2024 results: 1-9 (1-6 Section Five).

Wyatt Stoess

n Key players returning: RB-LB Ian Bahr, OG Gavin Hallock, TE-NG Tallan Fitzsimmons, DE Jayden Martin, RB-LB Mason Sherry, OG-LB Aiden Showers, QB Wyatt Stoess, RB-DBKR-PR Ryan Walters, TE-DE Tyler Wicke.

OUTLOOK

n The Cougars have been giving everyone fits with their powerful Power-T running attack. Yes, Kutztown lost Brenden Ackley, a 1,000-yard rusher. But some serious playmakers are due back in the backfield, like Bahr, Sherry and Walters, the Cougars’ jack-of-all-trades performer. More good news: Stoess returns to pilot the Power-T behind center, and he’ll have O-guards Hallock and Showers back to man the line and help blow open holes. Two names to know: Newbies T.J. Englehart and Jacob Koehler are set to slide into all-important O-tackle slots. One tweak for the Cougars: Chester switched his defense from a 3-5 look to a 3-4 scheme this time around. Kutztown must stop people. Period.

CRYSTAL BALL

n The good folks in Kutztown are probably tired of hearing about rebuilding and retooling in the football program. The biggest thing for the Cougars is simply improving and being competitive. The pieces are certainly here for that. If the O is firing on all cylinders, and if the D is stopping people, Kutztown will be an extremely tough out; the Cougars dropped five games by seven points or less in 2024. Don’t overlook this crew. They’ll make you earn it.

THE PLAYBOOK

n PIAA: Class 2A.

n Head coach: Chris Maiorino (sixth season, 32-21).

n Base offense: Spread.

n Base defense: 4-4.

n 2024 results: 7-5 (5-2 Section Five).

n Key players returning: TE Colton Baddick, TE-KR Chris Baumler, C-LB Seamus Connor, OT-DT Max Gochenauer, WR-DB-KR-PR Colton Hegener, DE Trenton Moore, OL-LB Koby Myers, K Will O’Malley, WR-LB Ethan Shank, RB-DB-KR-PR Brandon Way.

OUTLOOK

n There should be plenty of good vibes flowing for the Crusaders after last year’s spirited ride to the District Three Class 2A title game. Some

THE PLAYBOOK

n PIAA: Class 3A.

n Head coach: Mike Choi (ninth season, 27-54).

n Base offense: Wing-T.

n Base defense: 4-4.

n 2024 results: 5-6 (3-4 Section Five).

n Key players returning:

OG Andrew Blank, WR-LB

Austin Blank, RB-LB Buddy Esh, OT-DE Sterling Furches, OG-DE Micah LaCorte, C-DT Grae Lankford, RB-LB-P Drew Tibbins, QB Anthony Stoltzfus, OT-DT Justin Wiggins, RB-DB-KR-PR Lebran Woods.

OUTLOOK

n It’s a great time to be in the Braves’ program, which has plenty of momentum after making its first postseason appearance last fall with a trip to the Eastern Conference Class 3A title game. More good news: There’s a lot back in the tank, including Stoltzfus behind center to operate the Wing-T; Woods flashing his speed game; Tibbins, a slugger FB, returning to get the

key pieces have departed from that squad — QB David Stefanow, flank patroller Charlie Warren, and hard-hitting linebacker Zach Dresch, to name a few — and Lancaster Catholic took a hit when Corde Douglas, an all-star two-way standout, transferred to Garden Spot. But here’s the great news: Way, an 1,800-yard rusher and All-State performer last year, returns to inflict more damage. He’ll be flanked by Hegener, who is a real Swiss Army knife; trench studs Connor and Gochenauer; and Moore, a D-end enforcer who is a ticking time bomb off the edge.

CRYSTAL BALL

n Some graduation hits, sure. Hey, it happens. But don’t call it a rebuild; the Crusaders have more than enough weapons in their cache to be there in late October. Don’t miss Way — a Villanova commit — and his dazzling breakaway abilities. And keep an eye on the QB slot, where newbies Rowan Demarco and Travis Toaltoan were vying for snaps in camp. Don’t be surprised if Week 10 vs. Schuylkill Valley settles this race.

tough yards between the tackles; and, perhaps most importantly, some vet trench pluggers — Blank, Furches, LaCorte, Lankford, Wiggins — are back to do the heavy lifting. Is a repeat postseason performance in the cards for PV? The Braves sure hope so.

CRYSTAL BALL

n A fast start like last year would do wonders for this crew, which is feeling fine after having a Week 11 for the first time in program history last year. Stick to their own business, win the games they should win, keep riding that momentum, and the Braves have the moxie to keep making history.

CAPSULES BY JEFF REINHART

SCHUYLKILL VALLEY PANTHERS

THE PLAYBOOK

n PIAA: Class 3A.

n Head coach: Bruce Harbach (fifth season, 26-20; 165-75 overall, including a stint at Lancaster Catholic).

n Base offense: Spread.

n Base defense: 4-4.

n 2024 results: 9-3 (7-0 Section Five).

n Key players returning: WR-DE Faud Abdullateef, QB Alex Aletras, QB-WR-DB Anthony Batista, RBLB Logan Cammauf, TE-LB Hunter Durland, WR-DB Alex Gehret, RB-DE Tristan Goda, OT-DT Gabe Kier, OG-DT Nate Kier, OG-DT Weston McBride, C-DT Spencer Mountz, OG-DT Nick Moyer, RB-LB-KR Brandon Pyle, OGDT Noah Sonon, K-P Reece Wamsher.

OUTLOOK

n Tons to like in the Panthers’ camp, as SV goes for its third straight section championship. Graduation wasn’t overly kind — Logan Nawrocki, a career 5,000-yard passer, fellow All-State pick Luke Spotts, and wily playmakers Kowen Gerner, Cooper Hohenadel, John Kowalski and Dillon Lacker all exited — but Harbach, who has completely overhauled this program, has ample talent ready to go. That includes Cammauf, an All-State pick who should get plenty of touches. He also had a jawdropping 193 tackles from his linebacker slot last fall. The time is definitely now for SV, which has had football fever since Harbach took the job.

CRYSTAL BALL

n Need to replace the QB — Aletras is a name to know — and some home-run flank threats. But six veteran O-linemdn are due back, and Wamsher will be one of the top kickers in the league, giving the Panthers the edge in special teams. Insert bull’s-eye here. All roads to the Section Five title go through Leesport.

Logan Cammauf

Colton Hegener

Drew

Tibbins Pequea Valley’s Grae Lankford pressures Columbia’s Xzavion Stallworth on Sept. 27, 2024.

ANDY BLACKBURN | STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

PAST LANCASTER-LEBANON LEAGUE SECTION CHAMPIONS

2024

n Section One: Wilson

n Section Two: Conestoga Valley

n Section Three: Conrad Weiser

n Section Four: LampeterStrasburg

n Section Five: Schuylkill Valley

2023

n Section One: Manheim Township

n Section Two: Manheim Central

n Section Three: Ephrata, Garden Spot, Twin Valley

n Section Four: Cocalico

n Section Five: AnnvilleCleona, Lancaster Catholic, Schuylkill Valley 2022

n Section One: Hempfield

n Section Two: Exeter

n Section Three: Solanco

n Section Four: Wyomissing:

n Section Five: Lancaster Catholic

2021

n Section One: Wilson

n Section Two: Cocalico, Manheim Central, Warwick

n Section Three: LampeterStrasburg

n Section Four: Columbia 2020

n Section One: Wilson

n Section Two: Warwick

n Section Three: Lampeter-Strasburg

n Section Four: Elco

2019

n Section One: Manheim Township

n Section Two: Manheim Central

n Section Three: Lancaster Catholic 2018

n Section One: Manheim Township, Warwick, Wilson

n Section Two: Manheim Central

n Section Three: Lancaster Catholic

2017

n Section One: Manheim Township

n Section Two: Manheim Central

n Section Three: Northern Lebanon 2016

n Section One: Wilson

n Section Two: Manheim Central

n Section Three: AnnvilleCleona, Lancaster Catholic 2015

n Section One: Wilson

n Section Two: LampeterStrasburg, Manheim Central, Solanco

n Section Three: Northern Lebanon

2014

n Section One: Wilson

n Section Two: LampeterStrasburg

n Section Three: Northern Lebanon 2013

n Section One: Wilson

n Section Two: Manheim Central

n Section Three: Donegal 2012

n Section One: Wilson

n Section Two: Cocalico

n Section Three: Garden Spot

2011

n Section One: Wilson

n Section Two: Lampeter-Strasburg

n Section Three: Lancaster Catholic 2010

n Section One: Wilson

n Section Two: Lampeter-Strasburg

n Section Three: Lancaster Catholic 2009

n Section One: Wilson

n Section Two: Manheim Central

n Section Three: Lancaster Catholic

2008

n Section One: Wilson

n Section Two: Manheim Central

n Section Three: Lancaster Catholic 2007

n Section One: Manheim Township

n Section Two: Elizabethtown, Solanco

n Section Three: LampeterStrasburg, Lancaster Catholic 2006

n Section One: Wilson

n Section Two: Conestoga Valley

n Section Three: Lancaster Catholic 2005

n Section One: Hempfield, Manheim Township

n Section Two: Manheim Central

n Section Three: Lancaster Catholic 2004

n Section One: Wilson

n Section Two: Manheim Central

n Section Three: AnnvilleCleona 2003

n Section One: McCaskey, Reading

n Section Two: Manheim Central

n Section Three: Lampeter-Strasburg 2002

n Section One: Wilson

n Section Two: Manheim Central

n Section Three: Cocalico, Columbia, Lampeter-Strasburg 2001

n Section One: Cedar Crest, McCaskey

n Section Two: Manheim Central

n Section Three: Columbia 2000

n Section One: Cedar Crest, Reading, Wilson

n Section Two: Manheim Central

n Section Three: Cocalico, Elco

1999

n Section One: Cedar Crest

n Section Two: Wilson

n Section Three: Donegal 1998

n Section One: Hempfield, Reading

n Section Two: Manheim Central

n Section Three: Columbia, Donegal, Lancaster Catholic 1997

n Section One: Wilson, Warwick

n Section Two: Cedar Crest, Conestoga Valley

n Section Three: Cocalico 1996

n Section One: Governor Mifflin, Wilson

n Section Two: Manheim Central

n Section Three: Cocalico

1995

n Section One: Wilson

n Section Two: Manheim Central

n Section Three: Cocalico 1994

n Section One: Hempfield

n Section Two: Manheim Central

n Section Three: Cocalico 1993

Section One: Hempfield, Wilson

Section Two: Manheim Central

Section Three: Garden Spot

1992

Section One: Hempfield, Reading, Wilson

Section Two: Manheim Central

Section Three: Cocalico 1991

n Section One: McCaskey

n Section Two: Conestoga Valley, Solanco

n Section Three: Northern Lebanon

1990

n Section One: McCaskey

n Section Two: Solanco

n Section Three: AnnvilleCleona

1989

n Section One: Wilson

n Section Two: Manheim Central

n Section Three: Donegal

1988

n Section One: McCaskey

n Section Two: Manheim Central

n Section Three: Columbia

1987

n Section One: Hempfield, Wilson

n Section Two: Elizabethtown, Ephrata

n Section Three: Donegal

1986

n Section One: Cedar Crest, McCaskey

n Section Two: Elizabethtown

n Section Three: Northern Lebanon

1985

n Section One: Wilson

n Section Two: Conestoga Valley

n Section Three: Cocalico, Donegal

1984

n Section One: Hempfield, McCaskey

n Section Two: Conestoga Valley, Penn Manor

n Section Three: Cocalico

1983

n Section One: McCaskey

n Section Two: Conestoga Valley

n Section Three: AnnvilleCleona

1982

n Section One: Manheim Township, McCaskey

n Section Two: Conestoga Valley, Manheim Central

n Section Three: Garden Spot, Lebanon Catholic

1981

n Section One: Wilson

n Section Two: Conestoga Valley

n Section Three: Cocalico

1980

n Section One: Wilson

n Section Two: Manheim Central

n Section Three: Garden Spot

1979

n Section One: Wilson

n Section Two: Warwick

n Section Three: AnnvilleCelona, Elco, Garden Spot

1978

n Section One: Wilson

n Section Two: Warwick

n Section Three: Donegal

1977

n Section One: Manheim Township

n Section Two: Warwick

n Section Three: Lebanon Catholic 1976

n Section One: Manheim Township

n Section Two: Elizabethtown

n Section Three: Cocalico, Elco

1975

n Section One: Cedar Crest

n Section Two: Manheim Central

n Section Three: AnnvilleCleona, Elco

1974

n Section One: Conestoga Valley

n Section Two: Penn Manor

1973

n Section One: Manheim Township

n Section Two: Elco, Manheim Central 1972

n Section One: Cedar Crest, Conestoga Valley

n Section Two: AnnvilleCleona

Note: 2022 was the first year of the LL-Berks Football merger