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.
The Annville-Cleona/Trinity recap was written by Gavin Sweeney, a local high school student and aspiring sports journalist.
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
Trinity 42, Annville-Cleona 21
Annville-Cleona Falls to Trinity in District 3 Semifinal
After going 8-2 during the regular season, the Annville-Cleona Dutchmen entered the District 3 (AAA) Playoffs as the #2 seed. Following a first-round bye, Friday night marked the team’s first action since taking Berks Catholic to overtime in a thrilling Week 10 battle.
Their opponent was the #3-seeded Trinity Shamrocks (8-3), who were coming off a dominant 35-7 win over Schuylkill Valley in the opening round. As strong as Trinity looked on paper, if there’s one team that’s proven unfazed by challenges, it’s the Dutchmen.
Under the lights and a steady rain, the stage was set for a hard-fought District 3 Semifinal matchup in Annville.
The Shamrocks won the coin toss and deferred to receive the ball in the second half.
The Dutchmen didn’t waste any time, showing exactly why they earned a first-round bye in the playoffs. Jonathan Moran weaved through tackles for an 85-yard kickoff return touchdown, setting the tone early and putting Annville-Cleona up 7-0.
As the rain began to fall, the Shamrocks quickly answered. On their opening drive, Mason Boyer connected with Maddox Jarzynski for a 32-yard touchdown, evening the score at 7-7.
The Dutchmen looked to regain momentum from the opening kickoff, but a miscommunication proved costly. Jarzynski jumped a screen route and returned it 69 yards for a pick-six, giving Trinity a 14-7 lead to close the first quarter.
The second quarter opened with the Shamrocks marching down the field once again, as Boyer found Jarzynski for a 27-yard touchdown to extend the lead to 21-7.
Refusing to back down, the Dutchmen answered on the next drive. A well-executed option pitch to Moran resulted in a 16-yard touchdown, cutting the deficit to 21-14.
But Trinity continued to lean on their go-to playmaker. Jarzynski hauled in another touchdown—this time a 25-yarder—completing a hat trick on offense and recording four total touchdowns on the night to push the Shamrocks ahead 28-14.
Early in the third quarter, Trinity threatened again, but Jaylynn Moyer came up with a clutch interception in the end zone to keep Annville-Cleona’s hopes alive. The Dutchmen tried to establish their normally potent run game, but the Shamrocks’ defense held firm, forcing a punt. On the ensuing drive, Brandon Harris broke through for a 17-yard touchdown, making it 35-14 heading into the fourth.
With a chill in the air and the lights shining bright, the Shamrocks continued to capitalize on their chances. Harris struck again, rumbling through the Dutchmen defense for a 59-yard touchdown to make it 42-14.
Even knowing their season was winding down, the Dutchmen refused to quit. They controlled the ball late into the fourth quarter, and with just 14 seconds left, Yamaliel Navarro powered into the end zone to give the home crowd one final cheer. The game ended with Trinity on top, 42-21.
The Shamrocks advance to the District 3 Championship, while Annville-Cleona’s season comes to a close on a positive note. The Dutchmen showed tremendous growth and resilience throughout the year, setting the stage for an exciting 2026 campaign.
A good reminder for all teams in November: it’s always better to play in the playoffs than not at all.
Susquehanna Township 50, ELCO 13
ELCO’s Playoff Run Ends Against Top-Seeded Susquehanna Township
In the first round of the District 3 Playoffs, the ELCO Raiders earned a road victory over Kennard-Dale, showcasing the resilience that made them not only a playoff team but one built to compete deep into the postseason. That same mindset carried into the District 3 Class 4A Quarterfinals as the Raiders looked to extend their run.
With a 6-5 record, ninth-seeded ELCO traveled Friday night to face top-seeded Susquehanna Township. The Black Bears (formerly known as the Indians) entered the matchup undefeated at 10-0, having captured the Mid Penn Colonial Conference title while outscoring their opponents 413–111 during the regular season.
Susquehanna Township’s speed and overall athleticism presented obvious matchup challenges, but the Raiders’ players have shown all year that they believe in themselves no matter the scoreboard. Regardless of the game’s outcome, that mentality was going to define how they competed.
To have a chance, ELCO needed to play mistake-free football — a tall task made even more difficult by the rain that began falling as the game kicked off.
Hanna struck first, marching 62 yards on the opening drive and scoring on a Rakhi Seville rushing touchdown less than three minutes into the game.
As ELCO tried to answer, a fumble was recovered and returned for a defensive touchdown by Jarrett Kern, extending the lead to 14-0 midway through the first quarter. Another turnover late in the period gave Hanna another opportunity, and they capitalized with a 56-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Torin Evans to Raymond Sweatt.
Early in the second quarter, another ELCO fumble set up Hanna with a short field. On the very next play, Sincere Littlejohn scored from 11 yards out to make it 28-0.
The ELCO defense managed to slow Susquehanna Township momentarily, but midway through the quarter a penalty for intentional grounding in the end zone resulted in a safety, pushing the deficit to 30-0. On the ensuing drive, Evans broke loose for a 19-yard touchdown run to make it 37-0.
Moments later, Kern intercepted a pass and returned it for his second touchdown of the night, giving Susquehanna Township a commanding 43-0 lead with just over two minutes remaining in the first half.
Still, the Raiders refused to fold. With 24 seconds left before halftime, Ellis Gensamer capped off a determined ELCO drive with a 7-yard touchdown run to make it 43-6 — a score that reflected the team’s continued fight despite the early setbacks.
Hanna answered before the break, as Evans connected with Kern on another touchdown to send the teams to halftime with the score 50-6.
The pace slowed in the second half. ELCO’s defense held firm, and the Raiders added one more highlight late in the fourth quarter when Brinley Donmoyer found the end zone on a rushing touchdown to make it 50-13, which would stand as the final score.
ELCO (6-6) finishes the season with a campaign defined not by the loss to a talented Susquehanna Township squad, but by the Raiders’ perseverance and growth. This group overcame adversity throughout the year, including the challenges of a young roster and the sudden loss of longtime assistant coach John Carley.
As the team turns its focus to the offseason, the program will say goodbye to several key seniors, including Paul Williams and Ellis Gensamer. However, a strong core of returning players will provide a solid foundation as the Raiders look ahead to 2026.
Week 11 Results
First Round Recap: Raiders Overcome Adversity, Ground Out Playoff Win Over Kennard-Dale
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