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.
LebCo High School Football: Week 3 Results
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Football Concussion Protocol: Necessary and Effective
Decades ago, the standard approach to football-related head injuries was very different. The dangers of concussions were often minimized, and even the language used downplayed their seriousness. A player who showed signs of dizziness or disorientation after a helmet-to-helmet hit was said to have “his bell rung,” been “dinged,” or was “seeing stars.” Once on the bench, his “evaluation” might consist of a coach holding up a hand and asking how many fingers he saw. Hardly a comprehensive medical assessment. The expectation was simple: tough it out, shake off the dizziness, and get back in the game.
Thankfully, our understanding—and our response—has come a long way since then. In 2007, the NFL introduced the first formal concussion protocol. Around the same time, the NCAA required its member institutions to create concussion management plans by 2010. These steps were driven by research from as early as 1994 that linked football-related concussions to Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE).
That research was later reinforced by a 2017 study from the National Institutes of Health and Boston University, which found that 91% of college football players and 21% of high school players studied showed evidence of CTE. The findings made it clear: concussions were not isolated injuries but potential gateways to long-term brain disease.
As a result, football at all levels has had to adapt. Coaching methods now emphasize safer tackling and blocking techniques, using the shoulder and chest to initiate contact and teaching players to keep their heads up and eyes open. Weight training programs have also shifted to focus on strengthening the neck and shoulders, helping athletes better absorb impact.
Equipment has evolved as well. Today’s helmets are designed with advanced materials that improve impact absorption and dissipation. Some even use padded covers that function like airbags, adding another layer of protection against concussive blows.
Of course, even the best coaching and equipment can’t eliminate every risk. That’s why rule changes have been equally important. Strict enforcement against dangerous plays—such as spearing, targeting, and helmet-to-helmet contact—has become a cornerstone of concussion prevention.
For those of us who grew up with the game—or simply love it as fans—football’s positive qualities are undeniable. Yet passion for the sport must be balanced with responsibility. Protecting young athletes from the lifelong, debilitating effects of head injuries isn’t just necessary—it’s the only way to ensure the game we love continues to thrive.
Lancaster Lebanon League Football
Week 4 Breakdown
Annville-Cleona Dutchmen
In what was considered an upset, Annville-Cleona were defeated by Littlestown, 21-13 last Friday night. The Dutchmen are now 2-1.
The Bolts built a 21-7 halftime lead, and the Dutchmen couldn’t close the gap after the break. Despite the loss, Jon Moran provided a spark, rushing for 135 yards and a touchdown on 14 carries. He also caught one pass for 13 yards.
This Friday, the Dutchmen begin conference play against Hamburg (1-2). Statistically, the two teams are similar offensively—A-C averages 224 yards per game, while Hamburg averages 219. The Dutchmen hold the defensive edge, giving up 281 yards per game compared to Hamburg’s 325.
Prediction: Moran’s ability to carry the load gives Annville-Cleona an offensive anchor, and the Dutchmen’s defense looks stronger than Hamburg’s. If A-C avoids falling behind early, they have the tools to control the game. Expect Moran to play a central role in grinding out a Dutchmen win.
Photo by Travis Boyd
Cedar Crest Falcons
On Friday night, Cedar Crest were defeated by Warwick, 34-13. The Falcons are now 1-2.
Not all losses are created equal. Despite the final score, the Falcons produced plenty of highlight-worthy moments. Defensively, several players stood out against a highly underrated Warwick offense. So far this season, defensive standouts have included Garrett Starry, Kaden Dudek, Luke Oriel, Antonio Tirado, Skyler Sherman, Connor McCracken, Landyn Kline, and Eli Beard.
Warwick, now three weeks into the season, has quickly become the surprise team of the Lancaster-Lebanon League. The Warriors showed strength on both sides of the ball, led by a tough north-south running back in Heath Schnipke (27 carries, 177 yards, 1 TD) and steady quarterback Thomas Myers (11-for-18, 132 yards, 1 TD). Myers’ stats may not leap off the page, but his poise and field leadership make him the key ingredient in Warwick’s offense. He handled the Falcon blitz with composure and delivered accurate passes to his receivers.
For Cedar Crest, the offense revolves around quarterback Kai Speaks, who has shown improvement with game experience and flashes of executing the system effectively. Behind him, the Falcons also have a young, talented backup in Steven Reyes. Still, the most reliable component of the offense continues to be running back Isaiah Zimmerman. Each week, opposing defenses scheme to stop him, yet Zimmerman consistently breaks tackles and finds ways to do damage.
This Friday, Cedar Crest begins conference play at home against Penn Manor. The Comets enter winless at 0-3, though their losses have come against quality opponents. Head Coach Nick Lambros knows the importance of this matchup and will not take Penn Manor lightly.
Prediction: With Cedar Crest showing defensive grit and having the steady play of Zimmerman to lean on, they should be able to match up well against a Penn Manor squad still searching for its first win. Expect a close game, but the Falcons’ balanced approach gives them the edge.
Photo by Rachelle Isgriggs
ELCO Raiders
Last Friday, ELCO defeated Lancaster Catholic, 28-14. The Raiders are now 1-2.
The Crusaders entered with momentum and an undefeated record, boasting a balanced, dangerous offense that had already earned dominant wins over Camp Hill and Delone Catholic. ELCO, on the other hand, was winless and searching for an identity. By the final whistle, the Crusaders were no longer undefeated, and the Raiders had found a winning formula.
Quarterback Brinley Donmoyer earned the game ball. He rushed 21 times for 103 yards and 2 touchdowns while completing 3 of 7 passes for 86 yards—an average of more than 28 yards per completion. All three of those passes went to Gavin Yeiser, who also carried 7 times for 85 yards and a touchdown. Adding to the ground attack was Ellis Gensamer, who had 7 carries for 53 yards and a score. After struggling to establish the run in previous games, the Raiders found success on the ground when it mattered most.
This Friday, ELCO hosts undefeated Twin Valley, which has averaged 58 points per game across its first three victories. The Raiders will face a tall task: Twin Valley leads Section 4 both offensively (468 yards per game) and defensively (allowing just 89 yards per game).
Prediction: ELCO proved last week that they can rise to the challenge, finally establishing their running game against a strong opponent. However, Twin Valley’s high-powered offense and stingy defense make them an overwhelming favorite. For the Raiders to pull off the upset, Donmoyer, Yeiser, and Gensamer will need to replicate last week’s production—and then some.
Defense, Rushing Touchdowns Fuel ELCO’s Victory Over Catholic
Photo by Heather Daub
Lebanon Cedars
Last week, Lebanon fell to Conrad Weiser, 28-6. The Cedars are now 0-3, but continue to show fight.
The Cedars found some offensive success despite the final score. Camron Buchmoyer rushed 9 times for 62 yards, Elijah Read carried 9 times for 26 yards and a touchdown, and Malachi Briddel added 24 yards on 6 carries. Briddelhas also been a consistent downfield threat this season with 11 catches for 151 yards. Against Conrad Weiser, Henne Cortes contributed with 3 receptions for 31 yards, averaging more than 10 yards per catch.
While the Cedars remain winless, they have been competitive in the first half of two of their three losses. Their struggles have come after halftime, likely due to fatigue from low roster numbers. With many players taking snaps on offense, defense, and special teams, depth becomes a major issue.
This Friday, Lebanon begins conference play on the road against Muhlenberg (3-0). The Muhls enter undefeated, having shut out their last two opponents while outscoring teams 144-14 this season.
Prediction: The Cedars have shown flashes of offensive ability and compete well early, but their lack of depth has cost them in the second half. Against a dominant Muhlenberg team, Buchmoyer, Read, and Briddel will need big performances to keep it close. Realistically, the Muhls remain heavy favorites.
Northern Lebanon Vikings
Last week, Northern Lebanon fell to Delone Catholic, 21-13. The Vikings are now 1-2.
For the second straight week, Northern Lebanon’s run game was virtually nonexistent. In the latest game, the Vikings were playing without playmaker Brady Ryan, further hindering these efforts. After managing just 16 rushing yards against Oxford, the Vikings produced only 3 yards on the ground versus Delone. Playing as a one-dimensional passing team has made wins difficult to come by.
Still, quarterback Bryan Mitzel turned in a gritty performance, throwing for 168 yards on 6-of-20 passing. Two of his completions went to Bryce Yocum, who turned them into 97 yards and both Viking touchdowns.
This Friday, Northern Lebanon hosts Wyomissing, an undefeated powerhouse fresh off a commanding win over perennial state contender Southern Columbia.
Prediction: With a running game that has totaled just 19 yards over the past two weeks, the Vikings will struggle to keep pace with a Wyomissing squad ranked No. 3 in the state. The Mitzel-Yocum connection can produce big plays, but unless Northern Lebanon establishes balance, the Spartans hold a decisive advantage.
Photo by Susan Dengler
Last Edition: Coach’s Corner – Insights on LL League Football, Week 3 Predictions
For more Week 3 Coverage, check out: LebCo High School Football: Week 3 Results
2025 LebCo Football Team-by-Team Season Outlooks
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