Annville-Cleona Dutchmen Football – 2024 Season Outlook

Below, you will find several pieces of information about the upcoming season for Annville-Cleona Football, including our Outlook, the Schedule, and the full Team Roster.

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Lancaster Lebanon League – Section 5 (AA)

Head Coach: Matt Gingrich – 11th season

Top Returners: Preston Bomgardner (Sr., OL/DL); Dominic Casciotti (Sr., WR/DB); Jack Getty (Sr., WR/DB); Alex Hemperly (Sr., OL/DL); Bryce Keller (Sr., RB/LB); Ivan Kreider (Sr., TE/LB); Jonathon Shay (Sr., RB/DL); Malacai Victa (Sr., OL/DL); Luke Wentling (Jr., RB/LB); Wyatt Mase (Jr., QB/DB); Jonathan Moran (Jr., RB/DB); Hudson Sellers (Jr., RB/LB); Jaxon Speece (So., OL/DL)

Key Losses: Mina Elzek (Seton Hill University; K); Cameron Connelly (QB/DB); Tim Montijo (DL); Anthony Gardner (OL/DL); Cael Harter (RB/DB); Darrian Holloway (OL/LB); Damien Miller (OL/DL); Liam Pulaski (WR/DB); Alec Tetzlaff (OL/DL); Cash Watson (WR/DB)

2023 Results: 7-4 District 3 qualifier

On the Radio: Annville-Cleona Dutchmen Football can be heard on WLBR/Froggy Valley twice during the regular season: September 13th when they host Hamburg and October 4th at home against Lancaster Catholic. Click for the full radio schedule.

Annville-Cleona Football Season Outlook

Last season, the Dutchmen gelled together at the midway point and began asserting themselves defensively while their offense started clicking on all cylinders. This resulted in a five-game win streak on their way to a 7-3 regular season. In league play, Annville went 6-1 on their way to claiming a share of the Section 4 title while outscoring opponents 217-95.

They enter 2024, having lost several key seniors from last year’s squad. Among the most notable losses is Cael Harter, who was dynamic in Annville’s ground game, amassing 1,109 yards and 13 touchdowns, and was also stellar with hard-nosed play in the defensive backfield that earned him honors as the Section 5 Defensive Back of the Year. Also, in the mix of now departed seniors was the Section 5 Outstanding Lineman of the Year, Darrian Holloway, who helped clear the way for the Dutchmen running backs that combined for over 3,000 yards. Holloway also made over 100 tackles, 64 of which were solo.

The good news for Coach Matt Gingrich is that there is another talented crop of players ready to step in to continue the success Annville has found in recent years. Jonathon Shay, the Section 5 Defensive Lineman of the Year, will continue to be a leader for the Dutchmen on both sides of the ball, sharing carries on offense with another talented corps of running backs.

Much of the success of the team will depend on senior Bryce Keller‘s transition to the quarterback position following Cameron Connelly’s graduation and an season-ending injury to the expected starter Wyatt Mase. Make no mistake, Annville’s offensive scheme relies on having a strong run game and Bryce Keller rushed for 810 yards out of the backfield during his junior year, so he should offer a spark playing under center.  That said, personnel losses in the trenches could impact Annville’s ability to run the ball. However, the line does have veteran experience led by seniors Preston Bomgardner, Alex Hemperly, and Malacai Victa that could translate into a flawless transition into the new season.

On defense, expect additional help to come in the form of Hudson Sellers and Luke Wentling, the junior linebacker duo that combined for over 120 tackles last year.

Annville-Cleona has a roster full of individuals who give it their all and play through every whistle. When one group of seniors graduates, the next group is always seemingly ready to answer the call. On Friday night, the Dutchmen faithful will get their first look at how ready this year’s team is when they travel to Biglerville. If they start strong and continue an upward trajectory, expect Annville to be playing for the Section 5 Championship when they meet Berks Catholic in Week 10.

2024 Annville-Cleona Football Schedule

8/23     @ Biglerville  7:00 PM

8/29     v Hanover 7:00 PM

9/6       @ Littlestown  7:00 PM

9/13      v Hamburg*    7:00 PM

9/20     v Columbia*  7:00 PM

9/27     @ Kutztown*  7:00 PM

10/4      v Lancaster Catholic* 7:00 PM

10/10    @ Pequea Valley*  7:00 PM

10/18    @ Schuylkill Valley* 7:00 PM

10/25    v Berks Catholic*  7:00 PM

* Section 5 game

2024 Annville-Cleona Football Roster

LebCo Football Season Outlooks

Annville-Cleona

Cedar Crest

ELCO

Lebanon

Northern Lebanon

Palmyra