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LebCo High School Football: District Playoffs – Round 1

 

 

This post will serve as a rolling update of the first week of District 3 Playoff action across LebCo. We’ll be compiling the latest details and highlights as the games unfold, then updating throughout the weekend as stats are finalized.

Be sure to check back often for updates on your favorite teams.

 

 


 

If you like this type of coverage, please let us know by Following us on social media: Twitter/X – @lebcosports1 and Facebook.
For any questions, comments, or discrepancies, please reach out to dan@lebcosports.com.

 

 


 

The LebCo Scoreboard

 


 

ELCO 28, Kennard-Dale 21

After winning four of their last five regular season games, the ELCO Raiders once again punched their ticket to the District 3 Class 4A Playoffs, entering as the #9 seed. Their reward was a long road trip to southern York County to face #8 Kennard-Dale, a team riding a three-game winning streak after finishing 6–4.

The host Rams struck first, driving down the field on their opening possession to take a 7–0 lead just five minutes into the game. But ELCO settled in and began to assert its ground game. Midway through the second quarter, Ellis Gensamerbroke loose for a 24-yard touchdown run, cutting the deficit to 7–6 with 7:40 left before halftime.

The Raiders weren’t done. Quarterback Brinley Donmoyer capped off another sustained drive with a 1-yard touchdown plunge, and a successful two-point conversion gave ELCO a 14–7 advantage. A key interception by Darryl Legrandejust before halftime helped preserve that lead heading into the break.

Three minutes into the second half, the Raiders extended their lead when Gensamer found the end zone again—this time from 22 yards out. Donmoyer converted another two-point try to make it 22–7. The ELCO defense continued to apply pressure, with Legrande snagging his second interception of the night to halt another Rams drive.

Kennard-Dale finally broke through early in the fourth quarter to cut the margin to 22–14. But as they’ve done all season, the Raiders responded immediately. Chandler Gass sprinted 36 yards for a touchdown less than 30 seconds later to restore a two-score cushion at 28–14.

The Rams managed one final touchdown with under six minutes remaining, but ELCO’s defense stood tall the rest of the way, securing a 28–21 victory—the Raiders’ third straight opening-round playoff win.

With the victory, ELCO advances to the District 3 Quarterfinals, where they’ll face top-seeded Susquehanna Township next Friday night.

 

AAAA Bracket

 

 


 

 

Cedar Cliff 35, Cedar Crest 6

The Cedar Crest Falcons entered the District 3 Class 6A Playoffs as the #9 seed, earning a Halloween night matchup on the road against #8 Cedar Cliff. Both teams came into the postseason with 5–5 records after navigating difficult regular season schedules. While Cedar Crest annually faces the likes of Manheim Township and Wilson, Cedar Cliff’s Mid Penn slate includes Harrisburg and Bishop McDevitt, setting the stage for a competitive opening-round showdown.

Cedar Cliff struck first midway through the opening quarter, capitalizing on a series of Falcon penalties to take a 7–0 lead on a touchdown pass. In the second quarter, Cedar Crest appeared poised to respond with a strong drive, but a tipped pass led to an interception, halting their momentum. The Colts quickly took advantage, extending their lead with a short touchdown through the air.

Just before halftime, misfortune struck again for the Falcons when another tipped pass was intercepted and fumbled — only for Cedar Cliff to recover the ball in the end zone to make it 21–0 with just over a minute left before halftime.

Despite the deficit, the Falcons showed resilience. After a roughing-the-punter penalty extended their next drive, Steven Reyes connected with Isaiah Zimmerman for a 51-yard touchdown, getting Cedar Crest on the board before the break. The halftime score stood at 21–6.

In the third quarter, the Falcons’ defense delivered a highlight when Jackson Smith intercepted a pass at the goal line, keeping hope alive. However, Cedar Cliff managed to regain control, pulling off a fake punt touchdown on the final play of the third quarter to make it 28–6.

Early in the fourth quarter, the Colts added one more passing touchdown, closing out the scoring in what became a 35–6 final.

While the loss ended Cedar Crest’s season, the Falcons can take pride in another District 3 playoff appearance — this one accomplished despite significant roster turnover. With a large group of starters expected to return in 2026, the Falcons will look to build on this postseason experience as they set their sights on next fall.

 

 

 


 

Ready for your next getaway?

 


 

Week 10 Results

 


2025 LebCo Football Team-by-Team Season Outlooks


 

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