Football: Annville Earns Eighth Win Behind Defense and Ground Game; Sets Up Title Shot

Photos by Travis Boyd

The article was written using information provided by Annville-Cleona student Jackson Hanley, a proud member of student body & serves as the school’s Student Sports Media Director.

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Entering the season, there were questions about whether the youth of the Annville-Cleona roster would hinder the team’s ability to find success. Instead, the Dutchmen have defied expectations, winning seven of their first eight games. On Friday night, they looked to keep that momentum going as they hosted Schuylkill Valley — and once again, the young team found a way to win.

Both teams started slow offensively. Annville’s first drive ended with a missed long field goal from usually reliable kicker Cian Soliday, while Schuylkill Valley later came up empty on its own scoring chance. Soliday’s reliability would come into play with his two extra points that would later add to Annville’s lead.  The opening quarter ended scoreless, and it stayed that way until late in the second.

With just over a minute left in the half, quarterback John Ditzler capped off a steady drive with a 6-yard touchdown run. Soliday’s extra point made it 7-0 heading into halftime. Ditzler finished the game completing 2 of 3 passes for 17 yards and added 2 carries on the ground, including that key scoring play.

Midway through the third quarter, the Dutchmen broke the game open. Jonathan Moran, who finished with 118 yards on just six carries, exploded for a 97-yard touchdown run — a play that electrified the home crowd and gave Annville a 14-0 cushion. Devon Englehart also powered the offense with 27 carries for 134 yards and a touchdown, as Annville piled up 311 yards on the ground.

“The kids played another great game tonight and found a different way to win,” said Coach Matt Gingrich. “Offense did just enough — Jon Moran had that huge 97-yard touchdown run in the third quarter, and Devon ran the ball tough all night. We just couldn’t quite finish some other drives.”

Defensively, Annville was dominant for nearly the entire contest. Armani Santos led the team with 12 tackles, while Danny Shay and Hudson Sellers each recorded 11 tackles, combining for four tackles for loss and two sacks. Kaidavin Ginting added three tackles for loss and two sacks, while Jonathan Moran contributed ten tackles of his own.

“Defense played great — they only gave up a touchdown late after we gave up a blocked punt,” Gingrich said. “Our kids continue to battle and make plays. They’re a fun group to coach.”

The Panthers finally found the end zone with 1:36 remaining, but the Dutchmen recovered the ensuing onside kick and ran out the clock for the 14-7 victory.

With the win, Annville-Cleona improved to 8-1 on the season and now turns its attention to next week’s trip to Berks Catholic, where the Section 5 Championship will be on the line.

“It’s a big win to be 8-1,” Gingrich said. “Really cool for a young team to do this. We’ve got a big game this week with a chance to win a Section championship.”

Annville-Cleona 14, Schuylkill Valley 7

Coach Gingrich’s Postgame Thoughts

“The kids played another great game tonight and found a different way to win. Defense played great — only gave up a touchdown late after we gave up a blocked punt.

Offense did just enough to win. Jon Moran had a 97-yard touchdown run in the third quarter. The offense played well but just couldn’t score.

It’s a big win to be 8-1. Really cool for a young team to do this. We’ve got a big game this week with a chance to win a Section championship.”

Annville-Cleona Stats

Passing:

• John Ditzler – 2/3, 17 yds

Rushing:

• Devon Englehart – 27 carries, 134 yds, 1 TD

• Jonathan Moran – 6 carries, 118 yds, 1 TD

• Yamaliel Navarro – 8 carries, 50 yds

• John Ditzler – 2 carries, 0 yds

• Hudson Sellers – 1 carry, 9 yds

• Team Total – 44 carries, 311 yds, 2 TD

Receiving:

• James Garney – 1 rec, 7 yds

• Hudson Sellers – 1 rec, 10 yds

Defensive Leaders:

• Armani Santos – 12 tackles (8 solo, 4 ast)

• Danny Shay – 11 tackles (6 solo, 5 ast), 2 TFL

• Hudson Sellers – 11 tackles (5 solo, 6 ast), 2 TFL, 2 sacks

• Jonathan Moran – 10 tackles (6 solo, 4 ast)

• Jordan Nickens – 8 tackles (4 solo, 4 ast), 2 TFL, 1 sack

• Jaxon Speece – 8 tackles (4 solo, 4 ast), 1 sack

• Kaidavin Ginting – 7 tackles (2 solo, 5 ast), 3 TFL, 2 sacks

• Devon Englehart – 6 tackles (2 solo, 4 ast)

• Maddox White – 6 tackles (4 solo, 2 ast)

• Jaylynn Moyer – 5 tackles (4 solo, 1 ast), 2 TFL

• Logan Radocha – 4 tackles (1 solo, 3 ast)

• Dominick Smith – 4 tackles (1 solo, 3 ast), 1 TFL, 1 sack

• Dan Bright-Walck – 3 tackles (2 solo, 1 ast)

• William Green – 1 tackle (1 ast)

Turnovers:

• Maddox White – 1 FR

• Danny Shay – 1 FR

• Hudson Sellers – 1 FR

• Kaidavin Ginting – 1 blocked punt

Returns:

• Yamaliel Navarro – 2 KR, 36 yds (18.0 avg), 1 PR, 30 yds

Scoring:

• Devon Englehart – 1 rushing TD (6 pts)

• Jonathan Moran – 1 rushing TD (6 pts)

• Cian Soliday – 2/2 PAT (2 pts)

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