LebCo Male Athletes of the Week: Justin Kaplan & Brady Stoops (Week Ending October 20, 2024)

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Justin Kaplan

In a Week 9 clash with Red Land, Palmyra Football was led by running back Justin Kaplan. Despite the loss, the senior was once again electric as he tallied 132 all-purpose yards, including 6 receptions, and scored the Cougars’ lone touchdown. Kaplan was also extremely effective on defense as he recorded 9 tackles, including 2 tackles that resulted in negative yards for the Patriots. As a result of this performance, Kaplan was voted as a LebCo Male Athlete of the Week.

“Kap” has been a leader for the Palmyra Cougars all season and has helped to make them competitive. Despite a 1-9 record, Kaplan looked at the larger picture of playing sports when he told LebCoSports.com, “My main goal is to grow as a person, grow as an athlete, and learn life skills.”

When it comes to his skills on the football field, Coach Chris Pavone said of Kaplan, “One of the best ways to describe Justin Kaplan on the football field is versatile. On the offensive side of the ball, the only spot he has not taken any snaps at is on the offensive line. Just this year alone, he has played running back, wide receiver, tight end, and even taken snaps at quarterback, and he does them all well as he is just an all-around competitor.”

Kaplan’s skills resulted in 7 touchdowns this season, coming through a variety of ways, including 3 touchdowns that were scored on special teams. In Week 10, Kaplan had his biggest rushing performance as he carried the ball 15 times for 160 yards.

His head coach went on to praise him further, saying, “He’s also one of the best kids that I have had the privilege to coach with his leadership, attitude, effort, and determination. Outside of football, he does well in the classroom, is an exceptional rugby player (plays in national tournaments), and helps our local community in various ways. He’s everything that you would want in a football player and as a leader in your football program.”

Rugby? Yes, that is the sport in which Kaplan excels the most. He is a member of the Hempfield Knightmare, a club that has won back-to-back State Championships.

A serious student as well, Kaplan plans to go to college to major in athletic training. He would like to someday have his own practice. While he did not mention continuing his athletic career in college, the senior has conducted some gameday visits, the most recent being at Millersville.

Kaplan, whose favorite color is pink, has genetics that support his ability to do well in sports. His father was a very good tennis player until an ankle injury derailed his career. The younger Kaplan has used that lesson to stay grounded.

In terms of overcoming adversity, a tenacious Kaplan reminds himself, “If you think the road ends, it doesn’t. You just have to find a path.”

We congratulate Justin on a job well done this season and wish him all the best as he forges ahead on his next path.

Photo provided by Palmyra Football

Brady Stoops

As the ELCO Raiders moved closer to the District 3 Football Playoffs with a Week 9 win over Donegal, Brady Stoops provided solid play on both sides of the ball. Playing fullback, the senior rushed 5 times for 31 yards and added a reception that went for 35 yards. Defensively, the edge rusher registered 4 tackles, including a tackle for a loss. The overall play by Stoops that has helped the Raiders qualify for the postseason was rewarded by the LebCoSports.com faithful, who chose to honor him as a LebCo Male Athlete of the Week.

When asked about his performance, Stoops said, “I thought the defense effort by our team could be described as locked down. Our offense moved the ball well, and we were able to stop their run game to limit them to one touchdown.”

About the contribution that Stoops has made to the Raiders, Coach Bob Miller said, “Brady has been a terror on the edge for us all season, and each week he has performed better and better; he’s been relentless in his play. Recently, at the Donegal game, we were able to incorporate him into the offensive game plan as well at the fullback position, and he was outstanding as a blocker and ball carrier.”

However, Miller points out that it is not just on the field that Stoops has had an impact. Miller said, “He is one of the senior athletes who made a huge commitment to lifting weights and to working on his speed with Coach Avery Cole at Parisi Speed School. He is a big film junkie and spends a lot of time breaking down the opponents and studying NFL players who excel at defensive end to learn new moves and techniques.”

When asked about his role on the team, Stoops stated that he “tries to be the best leader he can be.” Much of this has come by setting an example for his teammates.

While he is a serious worker, Miller pointed out that “McDouble” has quite the personality. The head coach said, “Brady has a great sense of humor and really works well with our underclassmen. He is a ton of fun to coach.”

While he is a fun person, the preparation for his senior season was anything but fun and games, as he could not get over a hamstring injury that he pulled five times before he was good to go. He has overcome the adversity and has provided a high level of play for the 5-5 Raiders.

Stoops has a lot of family support. One of his supporters is his older brother Dylan, who was a tight end for ELCO. In addition, his father, Todd, was a D3 collegiate basketball player.

Like his father, Stoops plans to compete in college and is currently weighing his options to play football at the next level. Once in college, Stoops intends to major in criminal justice.

One thing to know about Stoops is that he is a big fan of the Philadelphia Eagles (he did not comment on Nick Sirianni’s hair). Regarding the college football scene, he cheers for the UNC Tar Heels.

While next weekend will be complete with watching his favorite football teams, Stoops will be entirely focused on Friday night, when he will take to the field for another ride in the District 3 Playoffs as the Raiders host Octorara.

We wish Stoops, along with his teammates, the best of luck as ELCO competes to continue their season as long as they can.

Photos by Heather Daub

Read about this week’s LebCo Male Athletes of the Week: Kenzie Long

For a full list of this week’s nominees, check out: Athlete of the Week Voting: October 14-20

Previous Winners

Myles Watson (Week of August 19th)

Isaiah Zimmerman (Week of August 19th)

Bryce Keller (Week of August 26th)

Steven Rosado (Week of September 2nd)

Jozef Shkreli (Week of September 2nd)

Jackson Custer (Week of September 9th)

Mitchell Frederick (Week of September 16th)

Luke Oriel (Week of September 23rd)

Camron Buchmoyer (Week of September 30th)

Bryce Hoglund (Week of September 30th)

Dylan Ramsey (Week of October 6th)

Jonathon Shay (Week of October 6th)