Football

Football: Northern Lebanon Goes Toe-to-Toe with Oxford in Fierce Home Opener

by
LebCoSports Staff
August 31, 2025

Written by Gavin Sweeney

Sweeney is a local high school student and aspiring sports journalist & entrepreneur.

Photos by Susan Dengler of Owlcatraz Photography

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The Northern Lebanon Vikings hosted the Oxford Hornets Friday night under the lights in their home opener, looking to build on a big Week 1 win over Pine Grove. The matchup was a marquee one: Oxford, hailing from Chester County, came in after a Week 1 victory over Great Valley. Northern Lebanon and Oxford also met a year ago in a defensive battle, with the Hornets eking out a 7-0 victory on their way to putting together a winning campaign that ended in the District 1 5A playoffs. Friday night’s game promised to be another tightly contested showdown between the two teams looking to improve their records to 2-0.

Adding to the atmosphere, it was Youth Night, with several members of the Northern Lebanon Midget Football program in attendance—an organization that has produced many of the current varsity players (pictured below: Landon Copenhaver & Ryan Clemmer).

Oxford struck early. Star running back and kick returner Joel McClain broke free for a 69-yard touchdown on the Hornets’ opening drive, giving them a 7-0 lead. The Vikings’ defense responded immediately, forcing two fumbles and an interception from sophomore Landon Copenhaver, but the offense struggled to find traction. A high snap led to a sack and a safety, extending Oxford’s lead to 9-0 after the first quarter.

The second quarter showcased Northern Lebanon’s defensive resolve. After Oxford started a possession deep in Vikings’ territory, DT Landon Graby recorded a tackle for loss (TFL), LB Bryce Yocum delivered multiple key tackles, and DB Kael Erdman deflected a pass (PD), pushing Oxford into a missed field goal attempt. On offense, the Vikings found some rhythm with consecutive completions to Landon Copenhaver and Ryan Clemmer, but the Hornets’ defense stifled progress. A misplayed punt gave Oxford excellent field position at the 25-yard line, yet the Vikings’ defense held strong again, with Copenhaver recording his second interception and sophomore Ryan Clemmer snagging another.

By halftime, the Vikings had limited Oxford to just 45 total yards on possessions that all started in Vikings’ territory, forcing three interceptions and a fumble recovery—a testament to Northern Lebanon’s defensive toughness.

Coming out of the break, the offense finally struck. Bryan Mitzel connected with Ryan Clemmer on a 63-yard touchdown, cutting the deficit to 9-7. Yocum continued to shine on both sides of the ball, contributing key blocks, catches, and tackles. Momentum seemed to be swinging Northern Lebanon’s way, but Oxford answered with a blocked punt at the close of the third quarter.

The fourth quarter brought a flurry of action. McClain powered in another rushing touchdown to push the Hornets ahead 16-7, but the Vikings weren’t done. Mitzel found Yocum in the end zone to make it 16-13 with just four minutes remaining. Graby recovered a fumble, giving Northern Lebanon a final chance—but Oxford’s relentless secondary forced a turnover on downs to end the game.

Despite the narrow loss, the Vikings displayed grit and resilience. Mitzel finished 14-of-16 for 200 yards and two touchdowns, while Clemmer led receivers with four catches for 77 yards and a score. Copenhaver added 51 receiving yards and two interceptions on defense, with Brady Ryan tallying nine tackles, two TFL, and two assists. Yocum’s nine tackles, four TFL, and two quarterback hurries exemplified the Vikings’ hard-nosed style.

Coach Rice reflected after the game:

“It was a tough one tonight, but you know what? We really got to see a side of this team that is exciting as a coach to see — and that’s their relentlessness… Our boys show up, they play hard football, they play fast, physical, and they have fun. They want to do good things for each other, and that’s one of my favorite things: they play for one another.”

Rice also praised the team’s adjustments and individual standout moments:

“We didn’t move the ball too well in the first quarter; Oxford came out strong and physical against us. But we figured it out… Bryan Mitzel rises to the occasion, and Landon Copenhaver makes plays for us on offense and defense. That core group up front doesn’t get the recognition they deserve, but they grind and play hard. I’m so proud of the boys.”

Northern Lebanon falls to 1-1 on the season but will look to rebound when they travel to face Delone Catholic next week.

Oxford 16, Northern Lebanon 13

Northern Lebanon Stats

Passing

- Bryan Mitzel – 14-16, 200 yards, 2 TD

Rushing

- Bryan Mitzel – 10 carries, 9 yards

Receiving

- Ryan Clemmer – 4 receptions, 77 yards, 1 TD
- Bryce Yocum – 4 receptions, 39 yards, 1 TD
- Landon Copenhaver – 4 receptions, 51 yards
- Johnny Hilton – 1 reception, 28 yards

Defensive Leaders

- Landon Copenhaver – 3 tackles, 2 INT
- Brady Ryan – 9 tackles, 2 TFL, 2 assists
- Bryce Yocum – 9 tackles, 4 TFL, 2 QB hurries
- Landon Graby – 5 tackles, 3 TFL, fumble recovery
- Kael Erdman – 3 tackles, 1 PD

Coach Rice’s Full Postgame Thoughts

“It was a tough one tonight, but you know what? We really got to see a side of this team that is exciting as a coach to see — and that’s their relentlessness. They’re great, their willingness to compete for four straight quarters, no matter who our opponent is.

I’m sure if you put things on paper between us and Oxford, there would probably be some predictions that wouldn’t have a 16-13 ball game. But nonetheless, that’s why you gotta play the game. Our boys do that. They show up, they play hard football, they play fast, physical, and they have fun — they enjoy it. You can see their willingness, and they want to do good things for each other too. That’s one of my favorite things: they play for one another.

We had some bumps and bruises along the way. We decided to pull Brady Ryan out in the third quarter — he should be fine. Then we had a guy step up: Johnny Hilton. He started on defense for us last week and was our extra point/kickoff guy, so we knew he was a good athlete. But then we put him out in that situation — a 35-40 yard ball down the field — and the young man lays out for it and keeps our drive alive. We ended up scoring to get those 13 points.

On that same drive, I saw Landon Copenhaver get two turnovers on defense in situations where it was either he gets the ball or the other guy. And just being able to turn around on the sideline, point, and say, “Go do this,” and they know what their job is — that makes me really happy.

We were also able to figure things out. We didn’t move the ball too well in the first quarter; Oxford came out strong and physical against us. But we figured it out, got some ball movement going a little in the second quarter, and a whole lot in the second half. We kind of found our rhythm, and I’m really proud of it.

Brian Mitzel, again, rises to the occasion. That guy just has the moxie and willingness to compete in difficult situations. Then you gotta love Copenhaver, who also makes plays for us on offense. You got Ryan Clemmer, plays on offense, and then that core group up front — they don’t get the recognition they deserve, but they grind and play hard. I just appreciate that overall.

Yeah, it’s not the outcome we wanted, but nonetheless, to be in a position to still compete to win in the fourth quarter — that’s our intention as a program: to play in the fourth quarter with a chance to win the football game. And we almost had it. I’m so proud of the boys.”