This post will serve as a rolling update of Week 1 football action across LebCo. With all six county teams in action this weekend, we’ll be compiling the latest details and highlights as the games unfold.
Be sure to check back often for updates on your favorite teams.
The Annville-Cleona/Hanover recap was written using information provided by Annville-Cleona student Jackson Hanley.
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Annville-Cleona 10, Hanover 7
The Dutchmen opened their 2025 campaign with an 18-9 win over Biglerville. On Thursday night, Coach Gingrich’s squad looked to keep the momentum rolling as they traveled to Hanover.
The Nighthawks entered the game after a 31-13 loss to Kennard-Dale in Week 1 and carried a ten-game losing streak. Even so, Annville-Cleona knew they would be facing a hungry, improving Hanover team while also recognizing the opportunity a 2-0 start could bring for their own season.
Annville-Cleona struck first when quarterback Lane Peters connected on a long pass to Hudson Sellers, setting up the offense deep in Hanover territory. A few plays later, Peters pushed across the goal line on a quarterback sneak from the 1-yard line. Kicker Cian Soliday added the extra point, giving the Dutchmen a 7-0 lead with 2:34 left in the first quarter.
Hanover answered early in the second quarter, capitalizing on a drive extended by Annville penalties before punching in a 3-yard touchdown run to even the score at 7-7 with 10:05 remaining.
With time running down in the half, the Dutchmen moved into field goal range. Soliday drilled a 34-yard kick as time expired, sending Annville-Cleona into the break ahead 10-7.
Hanover had its chances after halftime, including a third-quarter drive deep into Dutchmen territory. However, sophomore Jaylyn Moyer ended the threat with an interception at the 3-yard line. The Nighthawks pressed again in the fourth, but another sophomore, Danny Shay, came up with a clutch interception with 3:14 left to play.
The Dutchmen held the ball for the remainder of the contest, sealing a hard-fought road victory.
Annville-Cleona (2-0) will look to keep things rolling when they host Littlestown next Friday night.
Coach Gingrich’s Postgame Thoughts
“I’m very proud of the kids after tonight. It was a two-hour trip here that felt like forever, but the kids overcame that and then some adversity on the field. Hanover is very physical and has talent all over the place, but we were able to overcome that.
On offense, Lane Peters played very well — six of seven passing for 100 yards — and Hudson Sellers made a lot of big catches.
Defensively, our D-line played really well. Kaidavin Ginting was really good, along with Jackson Speece and Hudson Sellers. Our linebackers did a good job, and our DBs stepped up too. Sophomore Danny Shay had an interception, and Jaylen Moyer also came away with a pick.
Special teams were also very good, especially with the field goal that put us up 10-7.
We’re a super young team. Any win is a good win, so to be 2-0 heading into a long season — it doesn’t matter how it looks. You can’t beat that.
I’m also very proud of the scout team. With a short week to prepare, they were awesome. They were the MVP for us.”
Conrad Weiser 28, ELCO 14
After a tough Week 1 loss to West York, the young ELCO Raiders had little time to regroup before hitting the road Thursday night for a showdown with neighboring Conrad Weiser. The matchup carried extra meaning, as it marked the Raiders’ first game since the passing of long-time assistant coach John Carley, who was honored with a moment of silence prior to kickoff.
The Raiders faced a tall task against a Scouts squad coming off a season-opening 29-22 victory over Abington. A year ago, Weiser claimed a 31-7 win on their way to a 10-1 season, so on paper, the odds leaned heavily toward the home team. But from the opening whistle, ELCO proved they were ready to battle.
Weiser struck first with a passing touchdown midway through the first quarter to go up 7-0. The Raiders wasted no time answering, as junior Griffin Kreider scooped up a forced fumble and rumbled 32 yards to the end zone to tie the game with 3:42 remaining in the quarter. Moments later, junior Nathaniel Zimmerman intercepted a pass—his second pick of the young season—sending a message that the Raiders’ defense came to play.
Though the offense struggled to capitalize on opportunities, ELCO’s defense refused to back down. Senior Paul Williams forced another fumble late in the second quarter, giving the Raiders four first-half takeaways and keeping the game locked at 7-7 heading into halftime.
The Scouts regained momentum in the third quarter, finding the end zone on the ground to take a 14-7 lead. ELCO’s answer came early in the fourth when quarterback Brinley Donmoyer broke free for a 35-yard touchdown run to even things at 14-14.
The game hung in the balance until the final minutes. With just 1:11 left, Weiser powered in a short rushing score to reclaim the lead. On the Raiders’ final possession, a desperation drive ended with a pick-six that sealed the 28-14 result.
Despite the loss, ELCO’s inspired performance—fueled by heart, toughness, and the memory of Coach Carley—stood out as a step forward for the program.
The Raiders (0-2) will return home next Friday, September 5, when they host Lancaster Catholic.
Coach Miller’s Postgame Thoughts
“The scoreboard doesn’t dictate who those men are. 48 minutes of honoring the game and Coach Carley with their heart, relentless effort, and emotion. We are so close to being a team that reaches their full potential.
We just need to clean up little mistakes with things that stopped some key drives, I’m really proud of them.”
Upcoming Games
Friday
Oxford @ Northern Lebanon
Cedar Crest @ Spring Grove
Lebanon @ Garden Spot
Saturday
Mechanicsburg @ Palmyra (@ Northern Lebanon)
Week One Coverage
Palmyra Explodes in Second Half to Defeat Lebanon
Ryan, Mitzel Lead Northern Lebanon to Dominant Season-Opening Win Over Pine Grove
Annville-Cleona Avenges Last Year’s Heartbreaker with Strong Opener
ELCO’s Young Raiders Show Grit in Hard-Fought Loss to West York
Cedar Crest Rallies to Defeat Lower Dauphin in Battle of the Falcons
2025 LebCo Football Team-by-Team Season Outlooks
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