LebCo Male Athlete of the Week: Bryce Keller (Week Ending September 1, 2024)

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Bryce Keller

In Week 2 of High School Football, Annville-Cleona literally raced by Hanover in a 48-20 victory in which the Dutchmen racked up 435 yards on the ground. In this effort, they were led by Bryce Keller, their senior quarterback, who rushed for 162 yards on 15 carries. Keller found the end zone five times in the contest and threw another touchdown to Jonathon Shay. In the game, he also had ten tackles on defense. With a six touchdown performance and a strong defensive effort, it is no wonder Keller was voted as the LebCo Male Athlete of the Week.

Though Keller had a spectacular individual performance, he quickly turned the attention away from himself when asked about it. “It was a phenomenal team effort, which put me into positions to excel on the field,” Keller said.

Keller, who unexpectedly took over the role of quarterback following a preseason injury to Wyatt Mase, has stepped up after being the team’s #2 rusher last season (behind Cael Harter). This is the hallmark of a leader and is something that Keller prides himself on after watching his brother Gavin lead the 2022 team from the quarterback position as they played in the District 3 Championship game.

Annville Head Coach Matt Gingrich told LebCoSports.com about his senior quarterback, “I’m very proud of him for his effort and leadership skills. The best part right now for him is his decisiveness, being very quick with decisions and making the best of a situation whether it’s an OK situation or great situation.”

According to Keller, his drive and determination come from being undersized for most of his life. Through this journey, he learned that with a “big heart and grit,” he could put himself in a position to succeed. He credits this with his willingness “to never give up and to keep pushing.”

Outside of Football, Keller uses his athletic skills as a member of the school’s Basketball and Baseball teams. However, his willingness to push has led him to become one of the executive producers of Annville-Cleona’s news program. Additionally, he is very active in the service realm, having logged over 150 hours of community service.

Gingrich called Keller a “Very tough kid who is very coachable and does everything. He volunteers all over and is an official for our flag football league.”

When it comes to volunteer mindset, it is likely part of the reason that Keller serves as Annville-Cleona’s long snapper, a crucial position on special teams. Gingrich said, “We couldn’t ask anything more of him.”

Keller would like to play Football at the collegiate level but has yet to make any decisions. Unfortunately, in Week 3 against Littlestown, Keller had to leave the game with an injury. We wish him a speedy recovery but also know that with his leadership skills, he will continue to drive Annville-Cleona’s success this season whether or not he is on the field.

Photos provided by the Keller Family

Read about this week’s LebCo Female Athletes of the Week: Cameron Blouch & Scarlett Meyer

For a full list of this week’s nominees, check out: Athlete of the Week Voting:  August 26 – September 1

Previous Winners

Myles Watson (Week of August 19th)

Isaiah Zimmerman (Week of August 19th)