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 4 Results
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A Bygone Tradition: Turkey Day Football Memories
Sometimes I miss Thanksgiving high school football games. The weather was unpredictable, to say the least. Kickoff was usually around 10:00 in the morning. Some Turkey Days were mild and fall-like. Others were cold and rainy, and a little snow or ice was not uncommon. No matter how Mother Nature dressed the day, the game was played.
Let’s be honest—sometimes the game itself could get a little boring. But luckily we had the marching band, color guard, majorettes, and cheerleaders to fill the enthusiasm gap. The field and stands became an ocean of hair ribbons and corsages, all decked out in school colors.
Those Turkey Day football games were unique. As the hometown team ran onto the field, players and fans knew that for most of them, this would be the last time they wore a football uniform. That’s sad, but that was life. Down the road from this game were school studies, Christmas, the winter sports season, and finally, high school graduation. After graduation, the sense of security provided by the walls of our neighborhood high school was replaced by the uncertainty of adult life. With the passing of years, our high school yearbooks, tucked away in the attic, would revive our sentimental memories.
But for that moment, all of that was put aside, because this Turkey Day game was typically a cross-town rivalry—a game packed with tradition. Grown men in the stands seized the opportunity to reminisce about their time wearing the school colors. Back when it was their press clippings that adorned the barbershop windows. Recollections of past glory days gave them a well-earned day off from the drudgery of working in the coal mines or local mills. They truly deserved that day of enjoyment and memories.
But Mom—well, she didn’t get the day off. She was up early preparing the turkey and side dishes. The hot stuffing, sweet potatoes, and pumpkin pie aromas filled the house and made your stomach growl. As fun and exciting as the football game was—and regardless of who won—the family sitting down to eat that meal was really what Thanksgiving was all about. After that delicious meal, we all helped clean up, and then it became a day of rest and creating family memories that would last a lifetime.
I guess by writing this I’m proving just how old I’ve become. Even if we brought back Turkey Day football games, it would never be the same. People often say, “life was different then,” and it was. Our version of social media was the party line we dealt with every time we used the phone on the kitchen wall. Very few people could afford expensive vacations, and so maintaining holiday traditions and creating memories was a very important part of family life.
My father had a saying—actually, he had a lot of sayings he pulled out of his bag for various occasions. He used to say, “the more things change, the more they stay the same.” But somehow I think if he were alive today, he would agree: life has surely changed. For those of us who lived through those simpler times, we can only share our memories with the younger generations. In their own way, I hope today’s generations will experience equally special high school memories—just as we had with our Turkey Day football games.
Lancaster Lebanon League Football
Week 5 Breakdown
Annville-Cleona Dutchmen
The Dutchmen made quite a statement in their conference opener last week, shutting out Hamburg 42-0.
It was an impressive offensive showcase, as the Dutchmen racked up 392 total yards. Devon Englehart led the charge with 155 rushing yards and 2 touchdowns, while Jon Moran added 95 yards, Yama Navarro contributed 93 yards, and Hudson Sellers chipped in 45 yards and a touchdown. Through the air, James Garney made the most of his lone reception, hauling in a 52-yard touchdown.
This week, the Dutchmen hit the road to take on the Columbia Crimson Tide, who enter on a two-game win streak during which they have outscored opponents 78-7. Defense has been the foundation of Columbia’s success, as they currently sit atop the Section 5 rankings in total defense, allowing just 189 yards per game.
Prediction: While the numbers this year point toward Columbia, the recent history between these two programs tells a different story. The Dutchmen have dominated this matchup over the past three seasons. Expect Annville-Cleona to once again be ready for the challenge. Annville-Cleona is the favorite in this year’s clash.
Dutchmen Dominate Hamburg Behind Rushing Attack and Stout Defense
Cedar Crest Falcons
Last week, Cedar Crest overwhelmed Penn Manor 40-15 in their first conference matchup of the season.
The Falcons’ offense unveiled a new weapon in sophomore quarterback Steven Reyes. Until now, opposing defenses keyed heavily on Isaiah Zimmerman, who has been the team’s consistent offensive threat. But that game plan may no longer hold with Reyes emerging as a playmaker.
In his first career start, Reyes completed 7 of 12 passes for 131 yards and 2 touchdowns, while also adding 26 rushing yards. Zimmerman, meanwhile, continued his dominant season with 10 carries for 101 yards and 3 touchdowns. He currently leads all Section 1 running backs with 474 yards on 59 attempts and 7 scores.
Other key contributors included Luke Oriel, who had 2 receptions for 75 yards and a touchdown, and Liam Setcavage, who added a 17-yard touchdown catch.
The defense also turned in a strong performance, led by:
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Landyn Kline: 11 tackles, 5 TFL, 1 sack
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Garrett Starry: 10 tackles, 1 TFL
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Connor McCracken: 9 tackles, 2 TFL
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Kasen Dudek: 8 tackles, 1 TFL
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Jackson Chernich: 6 tackles, 2 TFL
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Mason Copenhagen: 7 tackles
This week, the Falcons host conference rival Wilson. Last season, Wilson defeated Cedar Crest twice—once in the regular season and again in the playoffs.
Prediction: Wilson, the reigning Section 1 champion, carries a dominant history in this matchup, holding a 20-0 all-time record against the Falcons. The Bulldogs remain the favorite, but the rise of Reyes alongside Zimmerman gives Cedar Crest a new look that could make things interesting.
Zimmerman Scores Three, Crest Defense Forces Six Turnovers in Win Over Penn Manor
Photo by Rachelle Isgriggs
ELCO Raiders
In Week 4, ELCO was overwhelmed by a cutthroat Twin Valley looking to make a statement with their 60-0 victory.
The Raiders gave up a 90-yard kickoff return for a touchdown on the opening play, and Twin Valley never looked back. The Raiders’ special teams surrendered three touchdowns, while the Raiders’ defense allowed another five scores on the ground and through the air. Twin Valley built a 53-0 lead by halftime to send ELCO to 1-3.
For ELCO, the focus now shifts to this week’s opponent, another undefeated squad in Wyomissing. The key will be whether the Raiders’ defense can contain the Spartans’ powerful running game. Through four games, Wyomissing has piled up 1,355 rushing yards and 265 passing yards, averaging 405 yards of offense per game. Meanwhile, ELCO has struggled to stop the run, ranking near the bottom of Section 4 by allowing 328 rushing yards per game.
Prediction: With Wyomissing’s strength lining up directly against ELCO’s weakness, the advantage clearly goes to the Spartans. However, Wyomissing is a team that will beat you, but will not look to destroy you.
Lebanon Cedars
Last week, the Cedars fell to Muhlenberg 55-21, dropping to 0-4 on the season.
Despite the loss, the Cedars showcased a relatively balanced offense, finishing with 135 rushing yards and 153 passing yards. Camron Buchmoyer led the ground game with 86 rushing yards, while Anthony Klish added 54 yards on the ground.
The offensive standout once again was speedy receiver Malachi “The Rocket” Briddell, who hauled in 6 catches for 83 yards and a touchdown. Elijah Read also contributed with 2 receptions for 40 yards.
Prediction: This week, the Cedars hit the road to take on the undefeated Exeter Eagles (4-0). There’s no doubt Exeter is the favorite, but don’t take the improving Cedars lightly.
Northern Lebanon Vikings
The Vikings ran into a powerhouse last week, falling 42-0 to undefeated Wyomissing.
The defense struggled against the run, giving up four long touchdown runs of 43, 42, 34, and 38 yards. In total, the Vikings allowed 345 rushing yards. Offensively, the Vikings once again had difficulty establishing their ground game, finishing with just 26 rushing yards.
Standouts for the Vikings included Vinny Moyer, who rushed for 25 yards on 13 attempts, along with Ryan Clemmer, who had 2 receptions for 26 yards, and Christian Anspach, who added 1 catch for 26 yards.
This week, the Vikings travel to face the Donegal Indians (1-3). While both teams enter with identical records, Donegal has displayed a more consistent offense. Last week, the Indians fell to Lampeter-Strasburg 30-20, but fought back after trailing by 23 points in the first half.
Prediction: Statistically, Donegal has the edge—particularly in rushing defense. Through four games, the Indians have allowed only 414 rushing yards, compared to the 835 yards the Vikings have surrendered. If the Vikings are to win, it will need to come through the air. The advantage goes to Donegal, but if Brady Ryan return from injury, Northern Lebanon may have their offensive spark back.
Last Edition: Coach’s Corner – Insights on LL League Football, Week 4 Predictions
For more Week 4 Coverage, check out: LebCo High School Football: Week 4 Results
2025 LebCo Football Team-by-Team Season Outlooks
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