Youth Football Weekly Round-Up: September 11, 2024

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 Elizabethtown

B (1-1)   E-Town 16, Cedar Crest 8

C (2-0)    Cedar Crest 6, E-Town 0

D (1-1)    E-Town 27, Cedar Crest 0

It was a tough loss for the Falcon “B” Team that included several simple mistakes that the coaches feel can be corrected ahead of next week.

After a slow start from the Falcon “C” Team, Nolan Polite ignited the team with a great run on 4^th down. The Bears defense responded and the game went to halftime with the score 0-0. In the 2^nd half, the Falcon defense went on full lockdown mode, stymying E-Town’s efforts to move the ball. All eleven players were keyed in. The defensive spark led to an offensive drive that was capped off by a 15-yard touchdown run by Chase Reesman. The defense did the rest. The players of the game for the Falcons were Jeremiah Mercado, Boston Speece, Cameron Wamsher, and Luke Helwig.

The Falcon “D” Team fumbled on the first play from scrimmage, and E-Town picked it up, taking it for a 40-yard touchdown. After the rough start, the Falcons struggled to recover. Though being down 21-0 at halftime, the Falcons kept fighting against a bigger E-Town team. While the final score was 27-0, the coaches are confident that this game will be used as a learning opportunity for the young group of Falcons.

Up Next: This Sunday, Cedar Crest will be at home for a Week 3 match-up against Donegal.

 Photos provided by Falcon Youth Football

v Swatara Tigers

Midgets (0-2)    Tigers 13, Raiders 7

Ponies (0-2)       Tigers 35, Raiders 0

Peewees (0-2)   Tigers 41, Raiders 0

Smurfs                

Up Next: In Sunday’s Week 4 action, Lower Dauphin will visit the Raiders 

      Myerstown Panthers

Berks Area Youth Football League Age group information 

v Muhlenberg Muhls

Midget (1-1)     Muhlenberg 34, Myerstown 12

Mites (2-0)         Myerstown 14, Muhlenberg 0

Mighty Mites (1-1)  Muhlenberg 20, Myerstown 0

The Panther Midgets fell behind early on account of a series of big plays from Mulenberg. A 4th quarter pick six by Muhlenberg made it 28-12, sealing the deal for the Muhls.  Myerstown was led with solid play on both sides of the ball from Hunter Lebo, Bentley Landis, Wyatt Ness, Braiden Harris and Isaiah Gillespie.

The Panther Mites continued their winning streak with a commanding 14-0 victory over the Muhlenberg Muhls, fueled by an exceptional defensive performance. From the opening kickoff, the Panthers’ defense set the tone, and they never looked back. Kaiden Vincent immediately made an impact by recovering a fumble on the opening kickoff, putting the Panthers in excellent field position. Corbin Showalter capitalized on the turnover, scoring the first touchdown of the game to give the Panthers a 7-0 lead by halftime.

In a pivotal moment late in the game, Tucker Roberts came through with a clutch 4th down conversion, picking up more than five yards to extend the drive. Owen Hall then powered through the middle for a touchdown, and he followed it up by running in the extra point, pushing the score to 14-0. Paxton Shepler put the finishing touch on the win by recovering a fumble in the final minutes, securing the shutout for the Panthers.

The defense remained impenetrable throughout the game, denying the Muhls any opportunity to score. The offensive line also had a stellar performance, providing solid protection and creating opportunities for the Panthers’ ground game. However, it was the defense that stole the show, with key plays that kept the Muhls’ offense off balance and contributed to a well-earned victory.

The Panther Mighty Mites faced a tough challenge against an athletic Muhlenberg Muhls squad, falling 20-0 in a hard-fought game. The Muhls took control early, leading 6-0 after the first quarter and extending their advantage to 12-0 by halftime. Despite strong defensive efforts, the Panthers couldn’t contain Muhlenberg’s offense, which pushed the lead to 20-0 by the end of the third quarter. In the final quarter, Lucas Witmer provided a bright spot for the Panthers with a fumble recovery, but the team was unable to capitalize.

Up Next: The Panthers will hit the road on September 15th to take on the Kutztown Cougars.

  Northern Lebanon Vikings

CFA – Federal Conference Age group information 

@ Hershey

Midgets (3-0)   Vikings 18, Trojans 14

Ponies (1-2)        Trojans 19, Vikings 6

Peewees (2-1)    Vikings 14, Trojans 6

Smurfs               Exhibition/Skill Development

The Viking Midgets engaged in battle with the Hershey Trojans on Sunday afternoon. Both teams displayed remarkable determination throughout the game. The Vikings played without two of their star linemen, both of whom are team captains, Blayze Kimm and Greyson McQuaide. Jayden George, Jackson Walter, Cam Kramer, Connor Wallish, and Justin Bennethum took center stage on the Vikings’ offensive line. They played commendably, shielding quarterback Markus Miller‘s 8-yard pass to wide receiver Nolan Anspach, which propelled the Vikings to a 6-0 lead in the early stages of the second quarter. On the subsequent possession, linebacker Luke Bennethum thwarted a Trojans drive by intercepting a pass over the middle. This ensured the score remained at 6-0 at the halftime break.

Hershey opened the second half with a touchdown on the ground. Their extra point conversion was successful and the Trojans claimed a 6-8 lead. Midway through the third quarter, running back Vinny Moyer found the end zone for the Vikings on a toss play. This was one of many forceful runs he executed throughout the game. At this juncture, the Vikings held a 12-8 advantage. On the ensuing kickoff, linebacker Dante McFarland recovered an onside kick for the Vikings. However, the drive ended with a blocked punt that was returned for a Trojans touchdown. By the middle of the fourth quarter, the score stood at 12-16, favoring the Trojans.

On the Vikings’ final drive, Miller threw a 40-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Jonathan Zimmerman on a post route. The Trojans were granted two minutes for their final drive to salvage the situation. With 45 seconds remaining, linebacker Sam Kline plucked a ball out of the air for the Vikings’ second interception of the day, sealing the Vikings’ victory. The Midget Vikings emerged victorious with a score of 18-16.

The Viking Smurfs were faced with a new challenge taking on the Susquehanna Tribe. Despite struggling to move the ball on offense, the young Vikings showed their determination. Alex Simaska and Jeremiah Nolan demonstrated grit on both sides of the ball, and Jayden Torres and Lincoln Werner provided a spark for the defense. The Viking Smurfs will continue their development as they head into their next matchup against the Swatara Tigers.

Up Next: The Vikings will spend Sunday afternoon in a tough Week 4 battle at the home of the Swatara Tigers.

Moyer cuts to get around defender

Markus Miller gets in-game coaching

The Viking defense clamps down on Hershey

Great catch by Anspach

Photos by Susan Dengler

 Palmyra Cougars

      CFA – Federal Conference    Age group information 

v Middletown

Midgets (1-2)    Cougars 26, Blue Raiders 8

Ponies  (3-0)     Cougars 14, Blue Raiders 0

Peewees (2-1)    Cougars 26, Blue Raiders 7

Smurfs               Exhibition/Skill Development

In a dominant display of skill and determination, the Palmyra Cougars youth football teams swept the visiting Middletown Blue Raiders across all four age levels at Buck Swank Stadium on Saturday.

The day began with the Cougar Smurfs (K-2nd grade) taking the field in a developmental game, focusing on fundamental skills and sportsmanship. While no official score was kept, the young Cougars showed promising talent and enthusiasm.

As the day progressed, the competition intensified. The Cougar Peewees (3rd-4th grade) kicked off their game with a bang, with Palmyra securing a convincing 26-7 victory over Middletown. The Cougars’ offense was unstoppable, with multiple touchdowns scored throughout the game.

The Cougar Ponies (5th-6th grade) followed suit, with Palmyra shutting out Middletown 14-0. The Cougars’ defense was impenetrable, while their offense continued to shine.

In the final matchup of the day, the Cougar Midgets (7th-8th grade) took to the field, with Palmyra emerging victorious once again, 26-8. The Cougars’ dominance was evident across all aspects of the game, solidifying their sweep of the Blue Raiders.

This impressive display of teamwork and skill has set the bar high for the Palmyra Cougars as they continue their season. It was an outstanding effort from all of the players, coaches, and supporters on an incredible day of youth football!

Up Next: The Cougars will host the Middletown Blue Raiders on Sunday.