This feature recaps last weekend’s action from the youth football organizations that chose to partner with LebCoSports.com. Much of the reporting below is written by the dedicated volunteers within these organizations.
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Falcon Youth Football
Red Rose Midget Football League Age group information
v Donegal
B (3-4) Cedar Crest over Donegal
C (7-0) Cedar Crest 26, Donegal 14
D (3-4) Cedar Crest 30, Donegal 13
The Falcon “B” Team engaged in a dog fight from the start, showing their hunger early on. The Falcons scored on their first drive with Jewelz Hernandez rushing into the endzone to grab the early lead. Donegal responded with a score of their own, but the Falcons quickly regained the lead with Hernandez’s 2nd rushing touchdown of the day. Rory Smyth and Chase Boger were both key players on offense, but also loomed large on defense providing big tackles for losses. Nate Marley and Justus Padilla had two fumble recoveries caused by a relentless effort by the entire Falcon defense. The outcome of the game was deal when Ben Kleinfelter handed the ball to Jaden Truss, who ran for a 45-yard touchdown before Kleinfelter connected with him again for the two-point conversion.
The Falcon “C” Team stuck to their winning ways as they visited Donegal on Sunday. Torrence Hubbard put the Falcons on the scoreboard first when he took a Tate Speraw pass 45 yards to the endzone. On the first play of the Falcons second possession, Jojo Malandra rumbled 60 yards for his first touchdown of the season. In the 2nd quarter, the speedy Hubbard took a sweep for a 14-yard touchdown. Speraw and Hubbard connected again just before halftime for a 22-yard passing touchdown to give the Falcons a 26-0 halftime lead. The Falcons put forth a great team effort on both sides of the ball. The offensive line was stellar again led by Draden Adams, Conner McCauley, Nate Metzger,Blake Bargsley, Cam Wamsher, and Kyler Fees. The defense was led by Greg Harris, who had multiple touchdown saving tackles. Jaden Rosenthal, Malandra, Kayden Martinez and Caden Kane anchored the defense from their linebacker positions. The Falcons would give up two late touchdowns in the second half but hung on for the 26-14 victory, keeping them undefeated at 7-0.
The Falcon ”D” Team bounced back this week with a decisive 30-13 win over Donegal. The ground game was dominated by Mason Kleinfelter, Chase Reesman, and Boston Speece, a newcomer to the backfield rotation. Speece broke off a long run up the middle and scored a touchdown on his very first carry this year. Reesman added to his touchdowns with a long screen pass from Kleinfelter that was executed in picture perfect fashion, complete with great blocking by the wide receivers.
Up Next: On Saturday, the Falcons are on the road as they look to continue their winning ways against Manheim Central.
Lebanon Friendship Cedars
Red Rose Midget Football League Age group information
@ Lancaster Catholic
B (2-4) Lancaster Catholic 28, Lebanon 0
C (3-3) Lebanon 13, Lancaster Catholic 7
D (1-4-1) Lebanon 0, Lancaster Catholic 0
The Cedars “B” Team didn’t quite have the energy to keep their win streak alive. Unfortunately, it was a tough 28-0 loss to Lancaster Catholic. The Cedars are hoping to get back on track in their next game against Octorara.
The Cedars “C” Team got back on track and came out victorious (13-7) against a very good Lancaster Catholic squad. The Cedars were led by Jae Crespo and Grayson Painter, both running through the defense for large gains all game long. The offensive line had some standout performances with Ayden Hinds and Gabriella Santiago both dominating the competition and allowing the running game to take over. Both of Lebanon’s touchdowns were scored by Crespo, with the extra points being run in by Painter. The Cedar defense really came together in the 2nd half, limiting the ability of the Catholic offense to mount any sustained drives. Catholic had the final drive of the game with the chance to tie/win, but the defense came up big and really stymied their ability to move the ball. Defensively, the Cedars were led by Jaiden Sisco, Hinds, Painter, and Jordan Barlow, all making key stops and big tackles.
The Cedars “D” Team had a hard-fought scoreless tie with Lancaster Catholic. The defenses for both teams really locked down the offenses.
Up Next: The Cedars play Octorara and hope to avenge earlier Week 2 losses.
The “D” team talking defensive strategy.
Grayson Painter cuts it to the outside for a big gain.
Quintin Sisco cuts it down the sideline.
Lebanon Raiders
CFA – Federal Conference Age group information
v Steelton – Forfeit
Midgets (1-6) Raiders over Steelton via forfeit
Ponies (2-5) Raiders over Steelton via forfeit
Peewees (1-6) Raiders over Steelton via forfeit
Smurfs Exhibition/Skill Development
Steelton had to forfeit each of their games, giving the Raiders an unexpected off week. The Raiders used it as a family day, with parents playing against the kids in a game of flag football. The parents came out on top.
Up Next: On Saturday, the Raiders will travel to take on Lower Dauphin in the final game of the season.
Myerstown Panthers
Berks Area Youth Football League Age group information
@ Schuylkill Valley
Midget (3-2) Schuylkill Valley 12, Myerstown 6
Mites (1-4) Schuylkill Valley 19, Myerstown 0
Mighty Mites (2-2-1) Schuylkill Valley 14, Myerstown 0
Myerstown traveled to Schuylkill Valley on Sunday, and it turned out to be a rough trip that would offer several learing opportunities.
The Myerstown Midgets scored on the opening play from scrimmage on 56-yard touchdown run by Dale Kohr Jr. to take an early 6-0 lead. Schuylkill Valley quickly answered to tie the contest late in the 1st quarter. The game remained tied through halftime. Schuylkill Valley returned the opening kickoff of the 2nd half to take a 12-6 lead. Myerstown was unable to answer and lost by the 12-6 margin. The Panthers are currently the 4th and final spot in the playoffs of BAYFL.
The Myerstown Mites lost 19-0 to Schuylkill Valley.
The Mighty Mites suffered a 14-0 loss to Schuylkill Valley.
Up Next: The Panthers will travel to Pequea Valley for the regular season finale.
Northern Lebanon Vikings
CFA – Federal Conference Age group information
v Swatara Tigers
Midgets (5-2) Vikings 40, Tigers 12
Ponies (7-0) Vikings 36, Tigers 6
Peewees (3-4) Tigers 19, Vikings 0
Smurfs Exhibition/Skill Development
This was a very busy weekend for the Northern Lebanon Midget Football Association. On Saturday, the PeeWee, Pony, and Midget JV squads competed in the CFA JV Jamboree at Cumberland Valley’s Stony Ridge Park. Although the weather did not cooperate for the massive 54 team event, the kids had a great experience and memories were made. On Sunday, it was a celebration of the NLMFA’s youngest and oldest Vikings with the 9th annual Itty Bitty Bowl and the 8th grade Recognition Game for the midget level. The teams hosted the Swatara Tigers for the varsity games.
The Itty Bitty Bowl was once again a spectacular game. This game event features athletes aged 4-6. The Vikings were once again victorious, defending their championship, and running their Itty Bitty Bowl record to 9-0 all time. In this game, touchdowns are scored quite rapidly and sometimes unexpectedly. The defenses struggled but the Vikings were able to pull out the victory by a score of 99-98.
The Viking Midget squad celebrated their 8th grade midget players that will be moving on after this season prior to the game. The midgets found a spark in this recognition as they played lights out defeating the Tigers by a score of 40-12. Defensively, Ryan Clemmer came up big for the Vikings with 2 interceptions in the 1st half. Quarterback Blake Burdick, threw 3 touchdown passes in the game. One of those touchdowns was to Landon Copenhaver (10 yds), one was to Christian Anspach (25 yds), and the third was to Johnny Hilton (30 yds). Running back Christian Spencer scored two rushing touchdowns from 3 and 4 yards out. Kicker Van Winters also had an outstanding day as he went 5 for 5 on his two-point kick conversion attempts.
The Northern Lebanon Pony team improved their record to 7-0 and clinched a division title by beating the Tigers 36-6. Defensively, Blayze Kimm led the team in tackles as part of a standout performance, highlighted by a forced fumble and recovery on a sack of Swatara’s quarterback. The defense also recorded a safety early in the game to contribute on the scoreboard. Offensively, scoring for the Ponies were running backs Sam Kline (6 yds), Luke Copenhaver (46 yds), Luke Bennethum (3 yds), and Liam Good (10 yds). Kline also threw a 44-yard touchdown pass to Markus Miller who made a beautiful play on the ball. The Viking special teams had a big day that is worthy of recognition, as they made the first successful 2-point kick conversion in Northern Lebanon history for the Pony level. For the historic play, Greyson McQuaide was the snapper, Jacob Anspach was the holder, and Chris Camasta was the kicker.
The Northern Lebanon Peewees were defeated by Swatara 19-0. Isaiah Stokrp, Lucas Hart, and Braiden Harris led the team in tackles.
Up Next: Looking ahead, the Vikings travel to Palmyra on Sunday afternoon to battle the Cougars for the Bologna Bowl traveling trophy. Not only is the Bologna Bowl at stake but all three levels are battling for playoff positioning in the regular season finale. It should be a fantastic day of youth football and a friendly rivalry game.
Smiles are always during the Itty Bitty Bowl.
Touchdown… Itty Bittys!!!
Photos by Susan Dengler
Palmyra Cougars
CFA – Federal Conference Age group information
@ Red Land Patriots
Midgets (5-2) Patriots 23, Cougars 0
Ponies (5-2) Patrios 19, Cougars 0
Peewees (5-2) Patriots 13, Cougars 0
Smurfs Exhibition/Skill Development
This past Saturday your Palmyra Youth Football Cougars slogged it out with the Patriots at the Red Land Midget Football Field on the muddy west shore.
The Midget Cougars dropped their second game this season. The 13U Cougars looked as though they were running on jello rather than mud. This team is playoffs bound but face a week 9 contender that’s a must win for a better seed.
The Pony Cougars struggled to find their footing. The 11U team played showed some sparks just before halftime but the rain snuffed it out. Also playoffs bound, the only question remaining is their opponent.
The Peewee Cougars played a solid game but came up short. The 9U team was holding their own for the majority of the game but ran out of time to strike again as the game came to a close. Still headed to playoffs but now as a lower seed; this upcoming weekend can go a long way to shape their road ahead.
The Smurf Cougars was soaked to the bone and fell to a stout Red Land defense. The 7U squad was a little undersized in the trenches but the great thing about young kids is the grow!
Up Next: The Cougars will be home versus a fellow Lebanon County team also in the Federal Conference of the CFA (see above) The Northern Lebanon Vikings for the Bologna Bowl. The Bologna Trophy goes to the organization with the best 2 out 3 from Peewee, Pony, and Midget game. 2019 Palmyra took it and 2021 Northern Lebanon has held it. This weekend will the Trophy change hands and move west down 422 or will it remain in the north by 22? The first game kicks off at noon on Sunday.
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