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 6 Results
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High School Sports: Growing Importance and Growing Cost
This debate has been ongoing for a long time. In the past, it usually focused on the excessive emphasis on winning. However, in recent decades, the discussion has become more complex and pervasive.
Even though, in some high schools, basketball, soccer, or wrestling compete with football for fan support, football remains the dominant sport. The core issue is not that football has historically attracted sizable community support; the question is whether the increasing cost of supporting a football program diminishes funds available for academic programs. These educational programs are at the heart of a school’s mission and are intended to benefit all students—not just those involved in sports.
Many would be surprised by the rising cost of outfitting a high school football team. Currently, a typical football helmet with face mask costs between $400 and $1,000. Given the importance of protecting players from concussions, the least expensive helmet may not be the best choice. Shoulder pads cost between $150 and $500.
By most estimates, the cost of outfitting a single high school football player—including home and away uniforms, additional pads, and cleats—is over $1,000. Additional funding is required to recondition equipment after the season, which generally has a life expectancy of three to four years. Considering the number of athletes involved at the middle school, freshman, and varsity levels, total participation can easily exceed 100 players.
There are additional expenses beyond equipment. Practice gear such as blocking dummies and sleds, game and practice field maintenance, officials’ fees, transportation, insurance, and coaches’ salaries all add to the cost.
This is not only an issue of cost but also of priorities. At what point does the financial burden of supporting a high school football team detract from effectively educating all students?
It is possible that the pandemic and its impact—including online instruction—have highlighted the dual role of public high schools: to educate while providing sports and other extracurricular activities. Often, we do not fully appreciate something until it is taken away.
If the state of Texas is any indication, the football frenzy shows no sign of diminishing. Texas leads the nation in expensive high school football stadiums. Allen High School’s stadium, opened in 2012, cost $82.2 million; Katy Stadium, opened in 2017, cost $90 million; and McKinney ISD’s stadium, built in 2018, cost $87 million and seats 12,000 people.
The most expensive high school stadium in the country, however, is located in Ohio. Georgia, California, and Florida also host costly stadiums and programs. In some cases, these high school facilities even surpass collegiate stadiums.
Over time, the pressure to build consistently winning high school football programs has intensified, especially at schools with a long tradition of success. Pennsylvania programs such as Berwick and Saint Joseph’s Prep have cultivated long-standing traditions, and each new season is measured against past accomplishments.
An occasional championship season is one thing; building a consistently winning program is the real litmus test. Achieving this requires absolute commitment. If a championship football program is the goal for taxpayers and school administration, financial investment is necessary to provide adequate facilities, a respectable stadium, and the best coaching staff.
Another factor in recent decades is the shift from team-focused competition to individual achievement and pursuit of major college (D-I) scholarships. Being rated as a 3-, 4-, or 5-star recruit by MaxPreps, ESPN, or 247Sports can sometimes outweigh loyalty to a single high school program.
It has become increasingly common for standout athletes to transfer to higher-profile schools. Programs like St. Joseph’s Prep attract talent away from other schools. High school football teams and individual players are now ranked at the state and national levels, moving the focus of high school sports from a local community nucleus to state or even national exposure.
The future of high school sports is uncertain. Will we continue to expand the importance and cost of these programs, attempt to scale back to smaller, community-based activities, or follow the lead of many European nations and dissolve school-based sports entirely in favor of independent club programs?
Lancaster Lebanon League Football
Week 7 Breakdown
Annville-Cleona Dutchmen
Last week, the Dutchmen (5-1, 3-0 League) earned a narrow victory over Kutztown, 42-39, getting key plays when they counted most.
The Dutchmen have had their share of close, hard-fought games this season. I have always felt that a close game, where a team is forced to play four quarters of hard-hitting football, is far more valuable than winning in a blowout. Knowing a team can pull out the close games builds confidence.
The surprising statistic within their victory over Kutztown is the fact that the Dutchmen defense gave up 455 yards on the ground. Kutztown running back Ian Bahr single-handedly gained 253 yards on 20 carries. Normally, giving up that many yards on the ground would spell doom for most teams, but not the Dutchmen. They answered with their own strong running game. The Dutchmen had two running backs who broke the 100-yard barrier: Deven Englehart ran for 150 yards on 15 carries, while Yama Navarro added 124 yards on 11 carries. In addition, Jon Moran chipped in with 62 yards and two touchdowns.
This week, A-C will travel to play the Lancaster Catholic Crusaders (3-3). The Crusaders have had an up-and-down season. Offensively, they have struggled at times. There doesn’t appear to be a clear statistical advantage for either team—the Dutchmen have had more success running the ball, while the Crusaders boast a stronger passing attack.
Prediction: Based on the tough, hard-fought victories the Dutchmen have shown this season, the advantage goes to Annville-Cleona.
Dutchmen Hold Off Late Surge to Stay Unbeaten in Section 5
Photo by Travis Boyd
Cedar Crest Falcons
Last week, the Falcons (3-3, 2-1 League) defeated winless Reading, 42-6, giving them a chance to apply lessons ahead of this week’s matchup against Manheim Township.
The Falcons have plenty to feel positive about at this point in the season: a speedy and shifty running back in Isaiah Zimmerman, who has rushed for 734 yards and currently leads all backs in L-L League Section 1; an opportunistic defense led by Garrett Starry, Kasen Dudek, Connor McCracken, Landen Kline, and Eli Beard; a bevy of athletic receivers; and a talented young quarterback in Steven Reyes.
On Friday night, the Falcons will travel to face the Manheim Township Blue Streaks. The Falcons have not beaten Township in 19 straight games. The Blue Streaks feature a balanced offensive attack, averaging 349 yards per game, while the Falcons average a respectable 279 yards. Defensively, Township has been solid, allowing just 257 yards per game, while the Falcons give up 286 yards per contest. Statistically, Township holds the edge, but not by a margin the Falcons cannot overcome.
This has the makings of a very interesting game—closer than many might expect. It could come down to emotion and momentum. If the Blue Streaks seize momentum early, they could cruise to victory. But if the Falcons can strike first, play with emotion, and maintain control, they have the talent to pull off the upset. While Township’s defense is strong, it has shown vulnerability, and that could prove to be their Achilles’ heel.
Prediction: Every indication, including history, gives the advantage to Manheim Township. Still, this game has the feel of a potential upset and could be the shocker of the season.
Cedar Crest Finds Rhythm in Win Against Reading
Photo by Rachelle Isgriggs
ELCO Raiders
In Week 7, the Raiders (2-4, 1-2 League) defeated Daniel Boone, 44-28, in somewhat dominant fashion.
In their first conference victory, Gavin Yeiser was a one-man wrecking crew. The standout running back gained 156 yards on only 11 carries, averaging over 14 yards per attempt with three touchdowns against Daniel Boone. It should also be noted that Yeiser is the team’s leading pass catcher this season, with 11 receptions for 211 yards. To say he is the engine that drives the ELCO offense is an understatement.
This week, the Raiders will travel to face the Octorara Braves (3-3, 1-2 League). Even though their records are similar, the Braves boast a more productive offense. Octorara has totaled 1,654 yards this season, averaging 396 yards per game. ELCO, meanwhile, is averaging 184 yards per game, with a season total of 1,108 yards of offense.
Prediction: If the Braves can find a way to contain Gavin Yeiser, the edge goes to Octorara. However, ELCO has shown before that they do not back down easily from a fight.
Lebanon Cedars
In Week 7, the Cedars (0-6, 0-3 League) came up short against Conestoga Valley, falling 49-15. The loss nearly doubled the Buckskins’ total points allowed for the entire season.
In that matchup, quarterback Anthony Klish went 2-of-14 passing for 50 yards and one touchdown. Camron Buchmoyer carried the ball seven times for 35 yards and a score, while Malachi “The Rocket” Briddell hauled in two catches for 50 yards and a touchdown. Through six games, Briddell has totaled 21 receptions for 366 yards and three touchdowns.
This week, the Cedars will travel to Elizabethtown (3-3, 0-2 League) to take on the Bears. Last week, Elizabethtown lost to undefeated Muhlenberg after holding a 15-14 lead going into the fourth quarter, eventually falling 35-21.
Prediction: Elizabethtown could be a better team than their record indicates, as they have been competitive even in their losses. The advantage goes to Elizabethtown.
Northern Lebanon Vikings
The Vikings (1-5, 0-3 League) endured a tough outing last week, as Twin Valley rolled to a 67-0 victory.
It was a long day for the Vikings, who trailed by 56 points at halftime. The lone highlight came from Bryce Yocum, who had two receptions for 57 yards. Quarterback Bryan Mitzel went 5-of-15 through the air for 62 yards.
This week, the Vikings will host the Lampeter-Strasburg Pioneers (5-1, 3-0 League). The Pioneers’ only blemish this season was a narrow 14-7 loss to Warwick. They are led by quarterback Asher Jones, who has completed 63% of his passes for 777 yards and 10 touchdowns, while also adding 314 rushing yards. For the Vikings to have any chance, they must find a way to contain Jones both through the air and on the ground.
Prediction: The Vikings have continued to struggle offensively, and injuries have taken their toll. Against Twin Valley, they managed just three rushing yards on 22 attempts. The advantage leans heavily toward Lampeter-Strasburg.
Last Edition: Coach’s Corner – The Decline of Teacher-Coaches in High School Sports
For more Week 6 Coverage, check out: LebCo High School Football: Week 6 Results
2025 LebCo Football Team-by-Team Season Outlooks
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