LebCo Male Athlete of the Week: Luke Oriel (Week Ending September 29, 2024)

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Luke Oriel

In their Week 6 matchup, Cedar Crest defeated a pesky Reading team, 42-20. There were several key defensive performances that aided the Falcons, as they created five turnovers and swung the game in their favor. Defensive back Luke Oriel had three interceptions to lead the way. The junior added seven tackles on the evening. For his efforts, he was honored by the LebCoSports.com voters in being named the LebCo Male Athlete of the Week.

When asked about his performance, Oriel credited the entire defensive unit and the game plan that was put in place. He said, “We had a good defensive scheme for their offense, and it worked with having 5 turnovers.”

Oriel’s fit within the defensive scheme has a common thread throughout the season. He has taken advantage of the opportunity by nabbing six pass attempts that were intended for the other team’s receivers. This also resulted in one pick-six for Oriel.

“Oriel has been an absolute ball hawk this year,” said Coach Nicholas Lambros.

The first-year head coach went on to praise Oriel’s ability to overcome adversity. Lambros said, “All of this comes after missing eight weeks of his sophomore season with a knee injury, which, in my opinion, gives a great snapshot into his determination and work ethic. He is pound for pound one of our toughest football players and a leader in our secondary.”

Through seven games, the first-year starter has added 35 tackles, making it difficult for the opposition to break big plays against Crest. In seeing his role as “helping with turnovers and red zone D,” Oriel is doing his part for the 4-3 Falcons.

Football is not the only sport in which Oriel excels. He is a member of the Cedar Crest Baseball Team. His athleticism is a family trait, as his siblings compete at the college level, following in the footsteps of their father, who was also a collegiate athlete. At this point, Oriel is looking at the possibility of joining their ranks but is still deciding.

For now, Oriel and his teammates have three weeks remaining in the regular season as they make a push to qualify for the District 3 Playoffs. We wish Luke and the rest of the Falcons all the best as they take on McCaskey, Hempfield, and Lebanon.

Photos by Rachelle Isgriggs

Read about this week’s LebCo Female Athlete of the Week: Kenadie Dunsworth

For a full list of this week’s nominees, check out: Athlete of the Week Voting:  September 23-29

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)