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Featuring photos by Susan Dengler (Owlcatraz Photography)
Ryan Clemmer
Making a position change in the middle of a football season is never easy, especially when that change involves taking over as the starting quarterback. For Northern Lebanon junior Ryan Clemmer, the challenge presented an opportunity to step up when his team needed him most.
After spending much of the season at wide receiver, Clemmer moved under center for the Vikings’ Week 8 matchup against Octorara on Friday, October 16th. His first start at quarterback would become a memorable one, as Northern Lebanon overcame a 14-0 halftime deficit to earn a dramatic 22-14 victory.
Clemmer completed 9-of-13 passes for 105 yards, helping the Vikings move the ball while settling into his new position. He also continued contributing defensively, recording 2 tackles, a pass defended, and a crucial third-quarter interception that helped Northern Lebanon protect its second-half lead.
The Vikings scored 22 unanswered points after halftime, with senior Brady Ryan finding the end zone on runs of 15, 1, and 8 yards. The comeback improved Northern Lebanon to 5-3, kept its District 3 playoff hopes alive, and earned Clemmer recognition as a LebCo Athlete of the Week.
For first-year Northern Lebanon head coach Nate Monroe, Clemmer’s willingness to take on the responsibility has been particularly impressive.
“Ryan is a great kid who has stepped up for our team,” Monroe said. “Moving from WR to QB midseason is no easy task, but he has taken it on well. He manages the game, makes good decisions, and plays with a ton of confidence.”
Clemmer followed his first start with another important performance during the Vikings’ Senior Night matchup against Daniel Boone on October 23rd. Northern Lebanon initially struggled to find its offensive rhythm, falling behind 7-0 in the opening quarter, but Clemmer helped provide the spark the team needed.
With less than 2 minutes remaining before halftime, the junior connected with Ryan on a 32-yard touchdown pass to tie the game at 7-7. Clemmer finished the night completing 10-of-16 passes for 111 yards and a touchdown, helping the Vikings earn a 23-7 victory and improve to 6-3.
The performance was not without its challenges. Clemmer threw 2 first-half interceptions, but he was able to move past those mistakes and continue directing the offense as Northern Lebanon took control after halftime.
Monroe praised the way his young quarterback handled those difficult moments.
“Ryan Clemmer did another good job of managing the game,” Monroe said following the Daniel Boone victory. “Even after throwing a couple of interceptions early, he was able to keep his head up and keep our offense together. I was really pleased with how he handled that adversity.”
The back-to-back victories have been particularly important for a Northern Lebanon team looking to return to postseason competition. After consecutive losses to Conrad Weiser and Lampeter-Strasburg, the Vikings have responded with 2 straight wins to put themselves in position for a strong finish.
For Clemmer, the ultimate goal is to help Northern Lebanon reach the playoffs and establish itself as a District 3 contender. While his responsibilities have changed, his approach remains centered on the teammates around him.
“I’ve fit into the team’s overall goals by making sure we play as a family and listening to Coach Monroe,” Clemmer said.
That commitment to the team has become even more important as he adjusts to directing the offense. Clemmer credits his coaches and teammates for pushing him to improve each day and helping him prepare for the challenges that come with playing quarterback.
The junior is no stranger to competition throughout the school year. In addition to football, Clemmer plays basketball and baseball at Northern Lebanon, giving him opportunities to compete alongside his classmates in different settings.
Looking beyond high school, Clemmer hopes to attend a technical school and continue playing football.
Away from athletics, he enjoys spending time with family and friends, playing video games with his buddies, and listening to hip-hop music. But the relationships he has developed through sports remain one of the biggest reasons he enjoys competing.
Clemmer said his favorite part of athletics is “playing with my teammates and learning a bunch of life lessons,” an outlook that reflects the team-first mentality he has brought to his new role.
With the regular season nearing its conclusion, Northern Lebanon now faces another significant challenge. The Vikings will travel to ELCO for their Week 10 finale, with both Lebanon County programs looking to strengthen their postseason positioning.
For Clemmer, the past 2 weeks have demonstrated how quickly circumstances can change and how important it is to be ready when an opportunity presents itself. After stepping into an unfamiliar position at a critical point in the season, he has helped the Vikings put together 2 victories that could prove pivotal to their postseason hopes.
Congratulations to Ryan on earning LebCo Athlete of the Week honors, and best of luck to him and the Vikings as they prepare for their regular-season finale against ELCO and pursue a spot in the District 3 playoffs.
Photos by Susan Dengler (Owlcatraz Photography)
LebCo Female Athlete of the Week: Amelia Valle
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