By Robert Griffiths
With over 25 years of high school coaching experience in Toms River, NJ, South Lebanon resident Griffiths brings his insight to provide perspective.
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Week 1 of this football season is behind us. As a coach, whether you win or lose, you still face more questions than answers. Without a doubt, some aspects of your team become clear as you and your staff study the game film. Still, there’s always that nagging question: Are we really as good—or as bad—as we looked in this opening game?
Regardless of the outcome of the first game, coaches must turn their attention to two essential goals in the coming week. First, fix what didn’t work in the opener. Often this comes down to basic football skills like improving alignment, tackling, or blocking techniques. But it may also involve correcting more complex aspects of the playbook. Maybe there was miscommunication on pass coverages, the offensive line struggled with blitz pickup, or special teams mistakes proved costly. Whatever the issue, game film makes clear what must be retaught.
At the same time, while shoring up weaknesses, coaches must also prepare their teams for the next opponent—adjusting defenses to counter their strengths and drilling offensive schemes to handle new defensive looks.
Most weeks, coaches have just three full days of practice to get all of this done. Typically, by Sunday after a Friday night game, the coaching staff has already met to study film. Together, they break down the last game and review whatever film is available of the upcoming opponent. A game plan must be in place by Monday’s practice. The heavy work of correcting mistakes and preparing for the next challenge happens between Monday and Wednesday. Thursday is usually a lighter walk-through, leading into the next Friday night game.
Bear in mind, this routine repeats every week for the rest of the season. The more successful the team, the longer the grind, stretching into December with state playoffs. This is the life of a football coach. When you take the job, you accept a heap of responsibility. And keep in mind—high school football coaches are not full-time coaches. They teach school or work other jobs, all while trying not to neglect their families. During football season, time becomes the most critical shortage of all.
Lancaster Lebanon League – Week 2 Breakdown
Annville-Cleona Dutchmen
The Dutchmen opened their season with an 18-9 win over Biglerville, relying almost exclusively on their running game. They piled up 196 rushing yards compared to just one yard passing.
While many teams focus on spreading the field and pushing vertical passing, the Dutchmen force opponents to stop the run. A major factor in their victory was their discipline—no fumbles and very few penalties. That kind of mistake-free football is rare in an opener. The concern, however, was their defense, which allowed 240 passing yards. Expect an emphasis on tightening coverage this week in practice.
On Thursday, the Dutchmen travel to Hanover to face the Nighthawks, who fell 31-13 to Kennard-Dale in their opener and are now riding a 10-game losing streak.
Prediction – Annville’s powerful ground game and disciplined play will be too much for Hanover. With improved pass coverage and momentum from Week 1, the Dutchmen should extend the Nighthawks’ skid.
Annville-Cleona Avenges Last Year’s Heartbreaker with Strong Opener
Photo by Travis Boyd
Cedar Crest Falcons
The Falcons edged Lower Dauphin 25-21 in their opener, thanks to late-game heroics from both sides of the ball. Lower Dauphin’s strategy was clear: stop the run and force Cedar Crest to throw. For three quarters it worked, with blitz-heavy schemes bottling up star back Isaiah Zimmerman. But containing a speedy, dynamic runner for four quarters is a tall order—Zimmerman broke loose in the final frame for two touchdowns that secured the win.
The defense also deserves major credit. Standouts included defensive back Luke Oriel, one of the conference’s top players and a potential state-level star, and Garrett Starry, a relentless ball hawk with next-level talent.
This Friday, the Falcons travel to face Spring Grove, who opened with a commanding 34-0 win over Northern York. This won’t be a game Cedar Crest can steal late—it will require four full quarters of execution.
Prediction – With Zimmerman’s big-play ability and defensive leaders like Oriel and Starry, the Falcons have the weapons to rise to the challenge. But they’ll need a relentless effort from start to finish to leave Spring Grove with another win.
Cedar Crest Rallies to Defeat Lower Dauphin in Battle of the Falcons
Photo by Rachelle Isgriggs
ELCO Raiders
ELCO fell 42-7 to West York in Week 1, giving up more than 400 yards of offense while managing just 50 rushing yards and 117 passing yards themselves. Turnovers further stalled the Raiders’ offense. A bright spot came from Gavin Yeiser, who hauled in three passes for 73 yards.
This week, ELCO travels to Conrad Weiser on Thursday. The Scouts opened with a 29-22 win over Abington and are coming off a 10-1 season in 2024, with their only loss coming to Bishop McDevitt in the state playoffs.
Prediction – ELCO faces a tall task against Conrad Weiser. To compete, they’ll need to protect the football and find consistency on offense. The margin for error is razor-thin, but if the Raiders can build on their few bright spots, they can keep things competitive.
ELCO’s Young Raiders Show Grit in Hard-Fought Loss to West York
Photo by Heather Daub
Lebanon Cedars
Lebanon dropped their opener to Palmyra, 30-0. The Cedars hung around in the first half but unraveled after the break, with turnovers and special teams miscues putting the game out of reach.
Right now, it’s less about wins and losses and more about progress—cutting mistakes, competing, and showing growth each week. Playing every game on the road due to facility challenges adds to the adversity, but this young group is learning to persevere. That, simply put, is courage.
The Cedars now face Garden Spot, who fell 21-3 to powerhouse Notre Dame–Green Pond in their opener.
Prediction – For Lebanon, progress will be measured in limiting mistakes and battling for four full quarters. Wins may be hard to come by, but continued growth in the face of challenges will be the true sign of success.
Northern Lebanon Vikings
The Vikings opened with a 35-8 win over Pine Grove. While Pine Grove has struggled in recent years, Northern Lebanon’s performance showed real promise. Quarterback Bryan Mitzel went 6-of-8 for 92 yards and a touchdown while also rushing for 62 yards. The ground game shined with 223 total rushing yards, led by Brady Ryan’s 141 yards on 16 carries (8.8 yards per carry) and three touchdowns. The lone blemish: six penalties for 55 yards.
This Friday, the Vikings host Oxford, who opened their season with a 16-14 win over Great Valley.
Prediction – If Mitzel continues to lead a balanced attack and Ryan powers the run game, Northern Lebanon has the formula to keep rolling. Cutting down penalties will be key, but the Vikings look poised to build on their momentum.
Ryan, Mitzel Lead Northern Lebanon to Dominant Season-Opening Win Over Pine Grove
Photo by Susan Dengler
For more Week 1 Coverage, check out: LebCo High School Football: Week 1 Results
2025 LebCo Football Team-by-Team Season Outlooks
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