This post will serve as a rolling update of Week 6 football action across LebCo. With all six county teams in action this weekend, we’ll be compiling the latest details and highlights as the games unfold.
Be sure to check back often for updates on your favorite teams.
The Northern Lebanon recap was written by Braydin Adams.
The ELCO recap was written by Asher Parham.
The Cedar Crest recap was written with information provided by assistant editor Gavin Sweeney.
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.
Friday
Annville-Cleona 34, Pequea Valley 0
The Annville-Cleona Dutchmen traveled to Kinzers on Friday night to take on the Pequea Valley Braves in a matchup between two teams looking to improve their standing as the season continued. Both teams entered the night at 3-3, making the contest an important opportunity for the Dutchmen to get back on track and earn their fourth win of the season.
What followed was a wild start, with turnovers setting the tone before Annville-Cleona’s rushing attack took over. By the end of the night, the Dutchmen had piled up 345 yards on the ground while their defense turned in one of its most impressive performances of the season.
Pequea Valley was set to receive the opening kickoff, but the Dutchmen recovered a squib kick to take possession immediately. The early opportunity did not last long, as the Braves forced a fumble on Annville-Cleona’s third play from scrimmage.
Pequea Valley then threatened to score, but Maddox White halted the momentum with an interception. Annville-Cleona took over at its own 15-yard line with 4:25 remaining in the first quarter.
The teams traded turnovers, and neither offense found the end zone in the opening period. The score remained 0-0 heading into the second quarter.
The Dutchmen’s defense continued to hold firm, and after Pequea Valley turned the ball over on downs, Annville-Cleona made the Braves pay. Senior running back Devon Englehart powered into the end zone on a one-yard touchdown dive with 8:51 remaining in the first half. The extra point was missed, but the Dutchmen had taken a 6-0 lead.
Annville-Cleona extended its advantage with another productive drive. Englehart broke loose for a 43-yard run, setting up Danny Shay to finish the possession with a one-yard touchdown run. The extra point was good, giving the Dutchmen a 13-0 lead with 4:26 left before halftime.
Annville-Cleona headed into the locker room with a two-score advantage after its defense kept the Braves off the scoreboard. The Dutchmen were beginning to find success with their ground game, which would eventually account for 345 of their 351 total offensive yards.
The Dutchmen continued to lean on their rushing attack after the break. Englehart shook off a swarm of defenders before tiptoeing 24 yards down the sideline for a touchdown, extending Annville-Cleona’s lead to 20-0 with 7:47 remaining in the third quarter.
The senior finished with an impressive 102 rushing yards and two touchdowns on just eight carries, averaging 12.8 yards per attempt.
Senior Yamaliel Navarro then helped power another Dutchmen drive, carrying the ball six times as Annville-Cleona moved down the field. Shay capped the possession with another one-yard touchdown run, pushing the lead to 27-0 with 1:19 remaining in the third quarter.
Annville-Cleona carried its 27-0 advantage into the final period.
Navarro was rewarded for his work in the backfield with a touchdown of his own. The senior helped dictate another Dutchmen drive before finishing it with a one-yard touchdown run, putting Annville-Cleona ahead 34-0 with 6:14 remaining.
Navarro finished the night with 193 yards and a touchdown on 30 carries, averaging 6.4 yards per attempt. Combined with Englehart’s production, the two seniors accounted for 295 of Annville-Cleona’s 345 rushing yards.
The Dutchmen shut out Pequea Valley the rest of the way to secure the 34-0 victory. Englehart and Shay each scored twice on the ground, while Navarro added the fifth rushing touchdown as Annville-Cleona averaged an impressive 7.5 yards per carry.
As dominant as the rushing attack was, the defensive effort may have been even more impressive.
Annville-Cleona held Pequea Valley to just 83 yards of total offense and two first downs, according to Head Coach Matt Gingrich. The Dutchmen were particularly effective at disrupting plays behind the line of scrimmage, recording 14 tackles for loss and keeping the Braves from developing any consistent offensive momentum.
Daniel Shuey led the defensive effort with 11 tackles, including two for loss. Tyler Gingrich, Shay, and Dominic Nasheach finished with 10 tackles, with Gingrich adding a team-high three tackles for loss.
The Dutchmen also received strong contributions from Logan Radocha, who recorded eight tackles, while White finished with six tackles, an interception and two passes defended. Kaidavin Ginting added a sack and two tackles for loss, while Max Ortwein forced a fumble and Englehart recovered one.
Altogether, Annville-Cleona recorded 77 tackles, 14 tackles for loss, a sack, an interception and a fumble recovery. The performance reflected a complete defensive effort, with contributions coming from the defensive line, linebackers and secondary.
The shutout was especially encouraging for a Dutchmen defense that had struggled at times earlier in the season. After allowing several late touchdowns in previous games, Annville-Cleona delivered a complete four-quarter performance against the Braves.
Offensively, the Dutchmen controlled the game with their rushing attack, running the ball 46 times for 345 yards and five touchdowns. Quarterback John Ditzler completed his only pass attempt for six yards to Levi Kreider, as A-C had little reason to move away from what was working on the ground.
The win improves Annville-Cleona to 4-3 on the season, while Pequea Valley also falls to 4-3. More importantly, the Dutchmen responded to last week’s narrow loss to Berks Catholic with a convincing performance on both sides of the ball.
Annville-Cleona will look to build on the shutout victory next Friday when the Dutchmen return home to host Kutztown, with a chance to earn their fifth win of the season.
Annville-Cleona Stats
Passing: John Ditzler – 1/1, 6 yds, 0 TD, 0 INT; Team – 1/1, 6 yds, 0 TD, 0 INT
Rushing: Yamaliel Navarro – 30 carries, 193 yds, 1 TD; Devon Englehart – 8 carries, 102 yds, 2 TD; John Ditzler – 4 carries, 27 yds; Levi Kreider – 1 carry, 21 yds; Danny Shay – 2 carries, 2 yds, 2 TD; Tyler Gingrich – 1 carry, 0 yds; Team – 46 carries, 345 yds, 5 TD
Receiving: Levi Kreider – 1 reception, 6 yds; Team – 1 reception, 6 yds
Defensive Leaders: Daniel Shuey – 11 tackles (5 solo, 6 assists), 2 TFL; Tyler Gingrich – 10 tackles (6 solo, 4 assists), 3 TFL, 1 pass defended; Danny Shay – 10 tackles (5 solo, 5 assists), 1 TFL; Dominic Nash – 10 tackles (4 solo, 6 assists), 1 TFL; Logan Radocha – 8 tackles (5 solo, 3 assists); Maddox White – 6 tackles (3 solo, 3 assists), 1 INT, 2 passes defended; Devon Englehart – 6 tackles (4 solo, 2 assists), 1 TFL, 1 fumble recovery; Kaidavin Ginting – 4 tackles (2 solo, 2 assists), 2 TFL, 1 sack; Jaxon Speece – 3 tackles (2 solo, 1 assist), 2 TFL; Lane Peters – 2 assists; Jaylynn Moyer – 1 assist; Gabriel Stern – 1 solo tackle; Landen Loehr – 1 solo tackle; Austin Gingrich – 1 assist; Isaac Morse – 1 solo tackle, 1 TFL; Tanner Copenhaver – 1 assist; Max Ortwein – 1 solo tackle, 1 TFL, 1 forced fumble; Team – 77 tackles (40 solo, 37 assists), 14 TFL
Sacks: Kaidavin Ginting – 1 sack, 4 yds lost; Team – 1 sack
Defensive Plays: Maddox White – 1 INT, 2 passes defended; Tyler Gingrich – 1 pass defended; Devon Englehart – 1 fumble recovery; Max Ortwein – 1 forced fumble; Team – 1 INT, 3 passes defended, 1 fumble recovery, 1 forced fumble
Scoring: Devon Englehart – 2 rushing TD; Danny Shay – 2 rushing TD; Yamaliel Navarro – 1 rushing TD; Bennett Putt – 4/5 PAT; Team – 5 TD, 34 points
Special Teams: Kick Returns: Devon Englehart – 1 return, 14 yds; Punt Returns: Dominic Nash – 2 returns, 30 yds, 15.0 avg; Punting: Max Ortwein – 2 punts, 63 yds, 31.5 avg; Kicking: Bennett Putt – 4/5 PAT
Team Totals: 351 total offensive yds (345 rushing, 6 passing); 46 carries for 345 yds and 5 TD; 1/1 passing for 6 yds; 395 all-purpose yds; Defense – 77 tackles (40 solo, 37 assists), 14 TFL, 1 sack, 1 INT, 1 fumble recovery, 1 forced fumble
Key Numbers: Annville-Cleona rushed for 345 yards in its 34-0 shutout of Pequea Valley, averaging 7.5 yards per carry. Navarro led the Dutchmen with 193 yards on 30 carries, while Englehart added 102 yards and two touchdowns on just eight carries. Together, they accounted for 295 rushing yards. Defensively, A-C recorded 14 tackles for loss, led by Gingrich with three, while Shuey finished with a team-high 11 tackles.
Coach Gingrich’s Post-Game Thoughts
On adjusting to Pequea Valley’s defense:
“It took us a while to figure out their defense. They were in this weird front, and we struggled with it for about two drives. Then we figured it out, and we were pretty good to go. We were also much better in the second half.”
On the rushing attack:
“It was a very weird game for us where we ended up running almost the same play over and over. Yama had 193 yards, and Devo had over 100. We did well there.”
On the defensive performance:
“The star was the defense, though. I think after halftime, they only ran about 10 plays, so that’s a compliment to our offense controlling the ball and also our defense getting off the field. We held them to 83 yards of offense and only two first downs. That was really impressive.”
On the secondary and defensive front:
“I think our DBs played their best game since last year. We’ve been struggling a little bit back there, and they looked better than they have in a while. Our front four did a great job, and our linebackers really filled. Between Englehart, Shay and Gingrich, our DBs with Nash, Maddox White, Radocha and Moyer, and the defensive line, they were just everywhere.”
On the scout team’s preparation:
“Our scout team was phenomenal this week. I think our scout team ran their offense as well as they ran their own offense, and they deserve a lot of praise. That whole scout team was phenomenal.”
ELCO 55, Octorara 42
It was Homecoming Night in Myerstown on Friday as the ELCO Raiders welcomed the Octorara Braves for another important Section 4 matchup. The Raiders entered the night looking to build on their victory over Daniel Boone the week before, but standing in their way was an Octorara team ready to make things difficult.
What followed was an offensive explosion, especially in the second half, as both teams traded big plays and touchdowns in a game that featured a combined 97 points.
The Braves struck first, finding the end zone on a rushing touchdown with 3:19 remaining in the opening quarter. The two-point conversion attempt was unsuccessful, giving Octorara a 6-0 lead.
ELCO looked to respond, but Gavin Yeiser was stopped for a three-yard loss shortly after the Braves’ touchdown.
Octorara continued to find success on the ground, breaking loose for a 60-yard run with just over a minute remaining in the first quarter. Despite the big play, the Raiders kept the Braves from adding to their lead before the period ended.
The Braves extended their advantage early in the second quarter, scoring on a 15-yard touchdown with 9:29 remaining. Another unsuccessful two-point conversion left ELCO facing a 12-0 deficit.
Octorara continued to move the ball, including a 23-yard run with 8:23 remaining, but the Raiders were finally ready to get their offense going.
With 7:48 left before halftime, Noah Williams broke loose for a 15-yard rushing touchdown, putting ELCO on the scoreboard and giving the Homecoming crowd something to cheer about.
The Raiders’ defense followed with a tackle for loss, helping ELCO continue to build momentum.
With 2:42 remaining in the half, senior quarterback Brinley Donmoyer found the end zone on a four-yard rushing touchdown, helping the Raiders complete their comeback from an early two-score deficit.
ELCO wasn’t finished creating opportunities. Daryl Legrande picked up 16 yards on a flea-flicker play with 1:05 remaining, helping move the Raiders into position for another scoring opportunity.
Brayden Goodison finished the half with a field goal, giving ELCO a 16-12 advantage heading into the locker room.
After a relatively quiet first half by the standards of what was to come, the second half turned into an offensive fireworks show.
The Raiders wasted almost no time getting things started.
Just 26 seconds into the third quarter, Yeiser exploded for an 83-yard rushing touchdown, giving ELCO a huge boost and extending its advantage.
Octorara answered with a touchdown of its own at the 7:27 mark, showing the Braves were not going to go away quietly.
But the Raiders had an immediate response, and this one came on special teams.
Just 16 seconds after Octorara’s score, Legrande took the ensuing kickoff and raced 97 yards to the house for a touchdown, sending the Homecoming crowd into a frenzy.
The Braves continued to respond, scoring another touchdown with 4:38 remaining in the third quarter. This time, Octorara successfully converted the two-point attempt to keep the pressure on ELCO.
The Raiders answered again.
With 2:06 remaining in the third, Yeiser found the end zone for his second rushing touchdown of the quarter. ELCO followed with a successful two-point conversion, continuing an incredible stretch of offensive production.
By the time the third quarter ended, the Raiders had built a 40-27 advantage. After scoring 16 points in the first half, ELCO had erupted for 24 more in the third quarter alone.
And the fireworks weren’t finished.
Octorara opened the fourth quarter with another touchdown at the 11:00 mark, cutting into the Raiders’ advantage and keeping the outcome in doubt.
ELCO needed another big play, and Williams delivered.
With 9:55 remaining, Williams broke loose for a 35-yard rushing touchdown, his second score of the night. The Raiders successfully converted the two-point attempt, extending their lead and giving themselves some breathing room.
The Braves continued to fight, scoring again with 6:13 remaining to keep the pressure on the home team.
But once again, ELCO had an answer.
Just 22 seconds later, Dale Kohr took a kickoff all the way back for a touchdown, providing another electrifying special teams moment and putting the finishing touches on an unforgettable Homecoming performance.
The Raiders held on from there to secure the 55-42 victory.
For ELCO, the story of the night was the explosive second-half offense and the team’s ability to answer whenever Octorara threatened to swing the momentum.
Yeiser delivered two huge rushing touchdowns in the third quarter, including his 83-yard sprint to open the half. Williams also scored twice on the ground, including a 35-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter that helped the Raiders maintain their advantage.
Donmoyer provided a rushing touchdown in the first half as ELCO erased an early 12-0 deficit, while Goodison added an important field goal before the break.
Just as impressive were the contributions from special teams. Legrande’s 97-yard kickoff return and Kohr’s fourth-quarter kickoff return gave ELCO two touchdowns without the offense ever taking the field, providing crucial answers during a second half when the two teams seemed to be trading scores at every opportunity.
The Raiders scored 39 points after halftime, turning a four-point halftime lead into a 13-point victory. With both offenses producing big plays throughout the second half, ELCO’s ability to answer quickly proved to be the difference.
It was the kind of performance that gave the Homecoming crowd plenty to celebrate, with the Raiders showing their big-play ability on offense and special teams while continuing to build momentum through their Section 4 schedule.
ELCO will look to carry that momentum into another major challenge next Friday night when the Raiders return home to host Lampeter-Strasburg.
Cedar Crest 41, McCaskey 6
Cedar Crest 41, McCaskey 6
The Cedar Crest Falcons returned home Friday night for their Homecoming game against the J.P. McCaskey Red Tornado, looking to snap a two-game losing streak and get back on the winning side. After opening the season with four consecutive victories, the Falcons had dropped their last two contests against perennial powers Manheim Township and Wilson. Friday night presented an opportunity for Cedar Crest to regain its momentum in front of the home crowd.
The Falcons wasted no time delivering a response.
McCaskey received the opening kickoff, but Cedar Crest struck on its first play from scrimmage. Senior running back Isaiah Zimmerman broke free for a 44-yard touchdown run, giving the Falcons a 7-0 lead with 10:38 remaining in the first quarter.
Cedar Crest’s defense forced a stop on McCaskey’s next possession, and the offense quickly capitalized. Junior quarterback Steven Reyes connected with senior wideout Kai Speaks for a 37-yard touchdown pass, extending the lead to 14-0 with 5:49 remaining in the opening quarter.
The Falcons weren’t finished making big plays.
Senior Antonio Tirado came up with one of the biggest defensive highlights of the night, intercepting a McCaskey pass and returning it for a touchdown. The pick-six pushed Cedar Crest’s advantage to 21-0 with 3:51 remaining in the first quarter.
After two difficult weeks on the road, the Falcons had come out firing on both sides of the ball, building a three-touchdown advantage before the opening quarter was over.
Cedar Crest continued its offensive success in the second quarter. Reyes connected with junior receiver Jackson Smithfor a nine-yard touchdown pass, extending the Falcons’ lead to 28-0 with 8:20 remaining before halftime.
The Falcons added another score late in the half when senior tailback Eddiel Nunez powered his way into the end zone on a three-yard touchdown run with 1:35 remaining.
Cedar Crest headed into the locker room firmly in control, leading 35-0 after a dominant first half that featured explosive plays through the air, on the ground and defensively.
The Falcons picked up where they left off after halftime.
With 4:55 remaining in the third quarter, Reyes found Tirado for a seven-yard touchdown pass. The extra point was unsuccessful, but Cedar Crest had extended its advantage to 41-0.
The touchdown was Reyes’ third passing score of the evening, while Tirado had now found the end zone on both sides of the ball after his first-quarter interception return.
Cedar Crest carried its commanding lead into the fourth quarter, but McCaskey eventually broke through. Junior tailback Bruszavion Baisch found the end zone with 6:50 remaining, ending the Falcons’ shutout bid. The extra point was missed, making it a 41-6 game.
The Falcons maintained control the rest of the way, closing out an impressive 41-6 Homecoming victory.
For Cedar Crest, the win was exactly the kind of response the Falcons needed following two difficult Section 1 matchups. The offense showed its ability to strike quickly, while the defense created opportunities and kept McCaskey from establishing any consistent momentum.
Zimmerman set the tone with his 44-yard touchdown run on Cedar Crest’s first offensive play. Reyes directed the passing attack with three touchdown throws, connecting with Speaks, Smith and Tirado. Meanwhile, Tirado’s interception return provided another example of the Falcons’ ability to create game-changing plays.
However, there was also a concerning development for Cedar Crest during the victory. Zimmerman, the Falcons’ standout senior running back and West Point commit, sustained a leg injury and had to be helped from the field. The extent of the injury was not immediately known, but his status will certainly be something to watch as Cedar Crest moves toward the final stretch of the regular season.
Zimmerman has been a major part of the Falcons’ offensive success throughout the season, and his availability moving forward could have a significant impact as Cedar Crest continues its push toward the postseason.
Despite that concern, Friday night’s performance provided plenty of reasons for optimism. After facing two of the toughest programs on their schedule, the Falcons returned home and put together a complete effort, scoring 35 first-half points and getting contributions from multiple players on both sides of the ball.
The victory improves Cedar Crest to 5-2 on the season and puts the Falcons back in the win column with three regular-season games remaining.
Cedar Crest will look to carry that momentum into next Friday night’s home matchup against Dallastown, while also hoping for positive news regarding Zimmerman’s injury.
Cedar Crest Stats
Passing: Steven Reyes – 11/17, 182 yds, 3 TD, 0 INT; Ben Danz – 1/1, 1 yd, 0 TD, 0 INT; Team – 12/18, 183 yds, 3 TD, 0 INT
Rushing: Isaiah Zimmerman – 9 carries, 96 yds, 1 TD; Steven Reyes – 5 carries, 34 yds; Eddiel Nunez – 7 carries, 29 yds, 1 TD; Jewelz Hernandez – 4 carries, 20 yds; Jackson Smith – 2 carries, 7 yds; Rocky Mercado – 2 carries, 2 yds; Team – 29 carries, 188 yds, 2 TD, 0 fumbles
Receiving: Kai Speaks – 4 receptions, 86 yds, 1 TD; Antonio Tirado – 5 receptions, 79 yds, 1 TD; Jackson Smith – 1 reception, 9 yds, 1 TD; Mason Cevette – 1 reception, 8 yds; Cayden Cruz – 1 reception, 1 yd; Team – 12 receptions, 183 yds, 3 TD
Scoring: Isaiah Zimmerman – 1 rushing TD (44 yds); Kai Speaks – 1 receiving TD (37 yds); Antonio Tirado – 1 receiving TD (7 yds), 1 interception return TD (33 yds); Jackson Smith – 1 receiving TD (9 yds); Eddiel Nunez – 1 rushing TD (2 yds); Steven Reyes – 3 passing TD; Gabe Kaighn – 5/6 PAT; Team – 6 TD, 41 points
Kicking: Gabe Kaighn – 5/6 PAT
Team Offensive Totals: 371 total offensive yds (188 rushing, 183 passing); 47 offensive plays; 29 carries for 188 yds and 2 TD; 12/18 passing for 183 yds, 3 TD and 0 INT; 5 offensive TD; 0 recorded offensive fumbles
Defensive Leaders: CJ Hallman – 7 tackles (2 solo, 5 assists), 5 TFL, 0.5 sack, 1 QB hurry; Kasen Dudek – 7 tackles (1 solo, 6 assists), 1 TFL, 2 QB hurries; Max Funderburk – 6 tackles (2 solo, 4 assists), 1 TFL, 0.5 sack, 1 QB hurry; Antonio Tirado – 4 tackles (1 solo, 3 assists), 2 TFL, 1 INT returned for TD; Caleb Stehman – 4 tackles (1 solo, 3 assists); Mason Cevette – 4 assists, 1 TFL, 0.5 sack, 2 QB hurries; Garrett Starry – 3 tackles (2 solo, 1 assist), 1 TFL, 3 QB hurries; Eli Beard – 3 tackles (1 solo, 2 assists); Calvin Dash – 3 tackles (1 solo, 2 assists); Damyen Derr – 2 assists, 1 QB hurry; Ben Garland – 2 assists; John Sherk – 2 tackles (1 solo, 1 assist); Jackson Chernich – 2 assists; Jordan Pfaff – 2 assists; Hayden Moore – 2 assists; Griffin Schomp – 1 assist, 1 TFL, 1 QB hurry; Skyler Sherman – 1 assist; Rocky Mercado – 1 assist; Adam Mathana – 1 QB hurry
Sacks: CJ Hallman – 0.5 sack; Max Funderburk – 0.5 sack; Mason Cevette – 0.5 sack; Combined individual credits – 1.5 sacks
Defensive Plays: Antonio Tirado – 1 INT returned for a 33-yard TD; Garrett Starry – 3 QB hurries; Kasen Dudek – 2 QB hurries; Mason Cevette – 2 QB hurries; CJ Hallman, Max Funderburk, Damyen Derr, Griffin Schomp and Adam Mathana – 1 QB hurry each; Team – 1 INT, 1 defensive TD, 12 QB hurries
Team Defensive Totals: 58 tackles (15 solo, 43 assists); 12 TFL; 1.5 combined individual sack credits; 12 QB hurries; 1 INT returned for a TD
Lampeter-Strasburg 38, Northern Lebanon 0
On Friday, October 9, the Northern Lebanon football team traveled to Lampeter-Strasburg to take on the Pioneers. This was a huge matchup for the Vikings, as they currently sit in the last playoff spot in Class 4A and looked to get a road win while giving the Pioneers their second loss of the season. Northern Lebanon entered the game looking to bounce back after a loss to Conrad Weiser.
After struggling last week, the Vikings’ defense got off to a great start, with Landon Copenhaver coming away with a fumble recovery to give Northern Lebanon the ball in Pioneer territory. The Pioneers’ defense also remained strong, keeping the score at 0-0 and getting the ball back at their own 29-yard line.
The Pioneers struck first as Asher Jones completed a 34-yard touchdown pass to Parker Jones, giving Lampeter-Strasburg a 7-0 lead with 4:47 remaining in the first quarter. From there, Northern Lebanon really struggled to develop an offensive rhythm, keeping the score at 7-0 at the end of the first quarter.
The Pioneers continued to put points on the board as Asher Jones connected with Andre Flaud on a 10-yard touchdown pass to extend the lead to 14-0.
Things only got worse for the Vikings. Quarterback Trystan Dorritte threw a 50-yard pick-six to Easton Cunningham, making it 21-0 with 3:10 left to play in the first half. The bleeding continued as the Pioneers scored yet again, this time on a seven-yard quarterback keeper by Asher Jones to make it 28-0 heading into halftime.
A comeback for the Vikings would be miraculous, but they almost pulled one off against Wyomissing earlier this season. Northern Lebanon went into the locker room looking to regroup and find a way to get back into the game.
The second half started in the Vikings’ favor as Brady Ryan returned the kickoff to the 49-yard line. Northern Lebanon had its best chance to put points on the board but let the opportunity go to waste, remaining scoreless.
The nightmare for the Vikings continued as Asher Jones rushed for an 89-yard touchdown on a quarterback keeper, making the score 35-0 with little hope left for Northern Lebanon.
The Pioneers did not completely take their foot off the gas, adding a 30-yard field goal to make it 38-0 with 1:38 remaining in the third quarter. The score remained unchanged the rest of the way, as the Vikings were unable to get on the board.
Northern Lebanon is now on a two-game losing streak, and the Vikings will need to regroup quickly as they continue fighting to stay in the playoff hunt.
Northern Lebanon (4-3) will travel to Octorara next Friday night, looking to avoid falling to .500 and keep its postseason hopes alive.
Lampeter-Strasburg improves to 5-2 and has now built a four-game winning streak. The Pioneers will look to keep their hot streak rolling next Friday night when they travel to ELCO.
Northern Lebanon Stats
Passing: Trystan Dorrittie – 8/12, 40 yds, 0 TD, 1 INT, long 10; Team – 8/12, 40 yds, 0 TD, 1 INT
Rushing: Brady Ryan – 17 carries, 42 yds, long 12; Sam Kline – 1 carry, 7 yds; Trystan Dorrittie – 3 carries, 6 yds; Christian Spencer – 3 carries, 4 yds; Dante McFarland – 1 carry, -1 yd; Team – 25 carries, 58 yds, 0 TD
Receiving: Landon Copenhaver – 2 receptions, 12 yds, long 10; Bryce Yocum – 2 receptions, 12 yds, long 7; Ryan Clemmer – 2 receptions, 8 yds, long 6; Chase Birkhead – 1 reception, 1 yd; Team – 7 receptions, 33 yds, 0 TD
Defensive Leaders: Brady Ryan – 10 tackles (7 solo, 3 assists); Vinny Moyer – 7 tackles (2 solo, 5 assists), 1 TFL, 1 sack; Bryce Yocum – 7 tackles (3 solo, 4 assists), 1 QB hurry; Christian Spencer – 7 tackles (4 solo, 3 assists); Landon Copenhaver – 6 tackles (1 solo, 5 assists), 1 TFL, 1 sack, 1 pass defended; Johnny Hilton – 5 tackles (1 solo, 4 assists); Landon Graby – 4 tackles (2 solo, 2 assists); Jaxin Bush – 3 tackles (1 solo, 2 assists), 1 QB hurry; Johnny Appleton – 3 assists; Bentley Humphrey – 3 tackles (1 solo, 2 assists); Owen Dohner – 3 assists; Justin Bennethum – 3 tackles (2 solo, 1 assist); Sam Kline – 2 tackles (1 solo, 1 assist), 1 TFL; Connor Wallish – 2 assists; Kian Gibson – 1 solo tackle; Team – 66 tackles (26 solo, 40 assists), 3 TFL
Sacks: Landon Copenhaver – 1 sack, 5 yds lost; Vinny Moyer – 1 sack, 5 yds lost; Team – 2 sacks, 10 yds lost
Defensive Plays: Vinny Moyer – 1 forced fumble; Landon Copenhaver – 1 pass defended; Jaxin Bush – 1 QB hurry; Bryce Yocum – 1 QB hurry; Team – 1 forced fumble, 1 pass defended, 2 QB hurries
Scoring: Northern Lebanon was held scoreless in the 38-0 loss to Lampeter-Strasburg.
Special Teams: Kick Returns: Chase Birkhead – 3 returns, 61 yds, 20.3 avg; Ryan Clemmer – 3 returns, 42 yds, 14.0 avg; Brady Ryan – 1 return, 31 yds; Team – 7 returns, 134 yds, 19.1 avg; Kickoffs: A. Wanyo – 1 kickoff, 60 yds, 1 touchback; Punting: Johnny Hilton – 7 punts, 195 yds, 27.9 avg, long 39, 1 inside the 20
Team Totals: 98 total offensive yds (58 rushing, 40 passing); 25 carries for 58 yds; 8/12 passing for 40 yds and 1 INT; 225 all-purpose yds; Defense – 66 tackles (26 solo, 40 assists), 3 TFL, 2 sacks, 1 forced fumble, 1 pass defended, 2 QB hurries
Coach Monroe’s Post-Game Thoughts
On preparing for next week:
“We need to have a great week of practice and refocus. We need to execute on both sides of the ball.”
On the team’s remaining goals:
“All of our goals are still ahead of us. We just need to play our brand of football.”
On getting back to the Vikings’ strengths:
“We need to get back to running the ball and flying around on defense. If we do that and a couple of other things, we’ll be okay.”
Mechanicsburg 14, Palmyra 13
Back in Mechanicsburg for a major Mid-Penn Keystone Division bout Friday night, the 4-2 Wildcats hosted the 3-3 Palmyra Cougars in a matchup with significant divisional implications. With both teams looking to remain in the hunt, the Cougars needed a road win to keep their hopes alive.
After an early three-and-out, Palmyra put together an 11-play drive, eventually resulting in a pooch punt that was downed at the one-yard line. Mechanicsburg’s next possession quickly turned disastrous when a bad snap resulted in a fumble recovery deep in Wildcat territory for the Cougars.
Palmyra took over with first-and-goal at the four-yard line and, after declining an illegal batting penalty, needed just one play to capitalize. Roman Russek ran it in from four yards out for a touchdown, giving Palmyra a 7-0 lead with 2:54 remaining in the first quarter.
The Wildcats responded in the second quarter, putting together a drive that reached fourth-and-goal from the three-yard line. Freshman Landon Zimmerman rolled to his left and found Danny Kurtz for the touchdown, tying the game at 7-7 with 9:59 remaining in the half.
Neither team found the end zone again before halftime, as both defenses continued to hold their ground.
The defensive battle continued after the break. Palmyra punted on its first possession of the second half, but the Cougars quickly got the ball back when Wyatt Fogleman came up with an interception. Palmyra took over at its own 44-yard line with 7:47 remaining in the third quarter, looking to break the tie.
However, neither team managed to score in the third quarter, and the game remained deadlocked at 7-7 entering the final period.
The Wildcats finally broke through after a costly Palmyra turnover. On the first play of the fourth quarter, the Cougars fumbled, and Jacob Kuhn recovered for Mechanicsburg. Four plays later, Anthony Francis finished the drive with a six-yard touchdown run, giving the Wildcats a 14-7 lead with 10:09 remaining.
Palmyra needed an answer, and the Cougars delivered a crucial drive of their own. After converting several fourth-down opportunities, Russek powered into the end zone on a one-yard touchdown run with 4:58 remaining.
The extra point was blocked, leaving Palmyra trailing by just one point, 14-13.
The Cougars’ defense needed one more stop to give the offense a chance to take the lead. But after back-to-back quarterback keepers by Russek went nowhere, Palmyra faced fourth down and could not convert, as the pass fell incomplete.
Mechanicsburg took over with a 14-13 lead and 1:36 remaining. The Wildcats picked up a first down, allowing them to run out the clock and secure the victory.
For the Cougars, it was another frustratingly close result in a season where small moments have made a major difference. Palmyra had a chance to tie or take the lead late, but the blocked extra point and the final fourth-down stop proved decisive.
Palmyra falls to 3-4 on the season and will look to bounce back next Friday when the Cougars return home to host Lower Dauphin.
Palmyra Stats
Passing: Roman Russek – 9/13, 89 yds, 0 TD, 0 INT, long 17; Other Palmyra passers – 7/11, 65 yds, 0 TD, 0 INT, long 18; Team – 16/24, 154 yds, 0 TD, 0 INT
Rushing: Alex Csongradi – 21 carries, 123 yds, long 24; Roman Russek – 23 carries, 87 yds, 2 TD, long 10; Jaxin Robinson – 2 carries, -2 yds; Other Palmyra rushers – 5 carries, 6 yds; Team – 51 carries, 214 yds, 2 TD
Receiving: Mason Kyper – 4 receptions, 23 yds, long 10; Sid Harrison – 1 reception, 20 yds; Anthony Pinko – 1 reception, 17 yds; Jaxin Robinson – 2 receptions, 17 yds; Alex Csongradi – 1 reception, 12 yds; Other Palmyra receivers – 7 receptions, 65 yds; Team – 16 receptions, 154 yds, 0 TD
Defensive Leaders: Anthony Pinko – 8 tackles, 1 sack; Jaxin Robinson – 6 tackles; Louis Loew – 6 tackles; K. Sparks – 3 tackles; Sid Harrison – 2 tackles; C. Jones – 2 tackles; Joshua Tshudy – 1 tackle; G. Stoak – 1 tackle; J. Kipp – 1 tackle; C. Varney – 1 tackle; G. Doone – 1 tackle; B. Basehore – 1 tackle; Mason Kyper – 1 tackle; Chris Kleinfelter II – 1 tackle; Wyatt Fogleman – 1 tackle; N. Krupko – 1 tackle
Sacks: Anthony Pinko – 1 sack
Defensive Plays: Wyatt Fogleman – 1 INT; G. Stoak – 1 fumble credited; Team/other players – 1 additional INT and 1 additional fumble credited in Hudl’s summary
Scoring: Roman Russek – 2 rushing TD; Team – 13 points
Team Totals (Reported by Hudl): 75 offensive plays; 576 total yds (422 rushing, 154 passing); 18 first downs; 6/13 on third down (46%); 1/5 on fourth down (20%); 0 turnovers recorded in the team summary
Coach Pavone’s Postgame Thoughts
On the team’s effort despite another close loss:
“We are obviously disappointed in the end result, but I continue to be impressed by our guys and proud of them. They keep showing up to work each day and aren’t letting these close, heartbreaking results define them.”
On how close the team has been to a different record:
“We very well could be 6-1 or 7-0 at this point if a few small things had gone the other way. We just need to finish and find ways to win.”
On the final three weeks of the regular season:
“There is still plenty to play for, and our goals are still attainable with three weeks left in the regular season.”
Exeter Township 69, Lebanon 18
Lebanon hosted Exeter Township Friday night hoping to build on recent offensive positives despite a difficult 2026 season. Instead, the Eagles capitalized on turnovers and special teams mistakes to build a commanding lead. Still, the Cedars continued competing and reached the end zone three times.
Trouble began when an errant punt snap gave Exeter a short field, leading to a rushing touchdown less than two minutes into the game. Lebanon showed promise on its next possession but fumbled, and senior Donovyn Alvarez turned the takeaway into another Eagles touchdown.
Quarterback Henne Cortes connected with Chris Robles for a 13-yard gain, but the drive stalled. After penalties forced a re-punt, Braylon Reinert blocked the kick, setting Exeter up at Lebanon’s eight-yard line. Sophomore Jaiheer Dasilvio scored on the ground, and a two-point conversion made it 22-0 with 8:05 remaining in the first quarter.
Exeter followed with an interception return for a touchdown to make it 29-0. A false start disrupted Lebanon’s next possession, and junior Brady Adams added another pick-six, pushing the lead to 36-0 with 5:12 left in the quarter.
Another bad fourth-down snap gave Exeter the ball at the Lebanon 12. Despite an illegal substitution penalty, the Eagles scored on a pass to Reinert to make it 43-0 with 3:19 remaining.
Lebanon finally found some rhythm late in the quarter. Cortes hit Robles for 16 yards and then connected with him again to reach the Exeter seven-yard line. On the first play of the second quarter, Cortes found freshman Adrian Acosta for a seven-yard touchdown, cutting the deficit to 43-6.
Exeter answered immediately to make it 49-6. Another Lebanon fumble gave the Eagles possession at the Cedar 33. Sophomore Michael Stryjak had a touchdown erased by holding, but Exeter scored from 43 yards out on the next opportunity to extend its lead to 56-6.
A further Cedar fumble put Exeter at the Lebanon 31, but the Eagles eventually surrendered the ball on downs after taking consecutive knees near the goal line. Lebanon could not capitalize: another interception led to an Exeter touchdown and a 63-6 halftime advantage.
The Cedars responded with a more sustained offensive effort after halftime. A lengthy third-quarter drive ended when quarterback Trae Quinones connected with Robles for a short touchdown pass, making it 63-12.
Exeter’s Andrew Dauble answered with a rushing touchdown to push the score to 69-12, but Lebanon was not finished. Late in the fourth quarter, Quinones found a hole, bounced outside and ran for the Cedars’ third touchdown. The 69-18 score stood as the final.
Turnovers and special teams miscues repeatedly handed Exeter short fields, making it difficult for Lebanon to establish an offensive rhythm. Yet Cortes‘ touchdown pass to Acosta and Quinones‘ passing and rushing scores gave the Cedars some encouraging moments, especially in the second half.
For the second straight week, Lebanon scored multiple touchdowns against a difficult opponent. The Cedars will look to build on those positives, clean up the mistakes and keep searching for their first victory when they travel to Fleetwood in Week 8.
LebCo High School Football: Week 6 Results
2026 LebCo Football Team-by-Team Season Outlooks
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