Cedar Crest Falcon Football – 2025 Season Outlook

Outlook written by Gavin Sweeney

Sweeney is local student-writer getting ready to enter his sophomore year of high school. An aspiring journalist, he has a passion for sports and is constantly working to hone his skills.

Below, you will find several pieces of information about the upcoming season for Cedar Crest Football, including our Outlook, the Schedule, and the full Team Roster.

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.

Lancaster Lebanon League – Section 1 (AAAAAA)

Head Coach: Nicholas Lambros – 2nd season

Top Returners: Wyatt Fox (Sr., DE); Landyn Kline (Sr., LB); Luke Oriel (Sr., CB); Jayden Storm (Sr., OL); Cameron Tirado (Sr., WR/Slot); Garrett Starry (Jr., LB); Isaiah Zimmerman (Jr., RB)

Emerging Game Changers: Travis Kemberling (Sr., WR); Conner McCracken (Sr., OL/DL); Conner Shanaman (Sr., OL/DL); Jimmy Trump (Sr., OL/DL); Landen Weaber (Sr., DB); Antonio Tirado (Jr., WR); Caden Wolfe (Jr., OL/DL); Eli Beard (Jr., RB/SS); Kasen Dudek (Jr., LB); Mason Copenhaver (Jr., LB); Kai Speaks (Jr., QB/ATH); Skyler Sherman (Jr., DB); Steven Reyes (So., QB/ATH)

Key Losses: Ahmed Mohammed (OL/DL); Aiden Arnold (OL/DL); Carter Eisenhauer (OL/DL); Cole Stephenson (TE/DE); Cristhian Viveros (WR); Jackson Custer (QB); Jack Waranavage (WR); Kaeleb Fees (DB); Kayden Tirado (DB); Malachi Victor (LB); Nate Harbaugh (OL/DL); Seth Warren (TE/DE); Tre Wamsher (DB); Tristan Long (OL/DL) add college

On the Radio: Cedar Crest Football can be heard on WLBR/Froggy Valley three times this season: When they host Wilson on September 19th; October 17th on the road against Hempfield; October 23rd when they will host Lebanon this year’s edition of the Cedar Bowl. Click for the full radio schedule.

Cedar Crest Football Season Outlook

Last season, the Cedar Crest Falcons enjoyed one of their best years in recent memory, finishing 8-3 overall with a 4-2 conference record. They earned a spot in the District 3 playoffs and broke through with their first postseason win in 27 years before being eliminated in the semifinals by perennial powerhouse Wilson. The run capped back-to-back 8+ win seasons for only the second time in school history and was highlighted by the program’s first playoff victory since 1997. Adding to the momentum, Cedar Crest once again dominated the Cedar Bowl rivalry, extending its streak over Lebanon to 11 straight wins and improving the all-time series lead to 35-15-1.

That success has set the stage for high expectations in 2025 under second-year head coach Nick Lambros.

The Falcons bring back a strong core of playmakers, including RB Isaiah Zimmerman, WR Cameron Tirado, OL Jayden Storm, DE Wyatt Fox, LB Landyn Kline, LB Garrett Starry, and CB Luke Oriel Each of these returning players played a key role in last year’s success and will be counted on to lead the way again. Players who will look to increase their roles will be RB/SS Eli Beard and QB Kai Speaks, who will be battling for the role as the team’s starting quarterback.

Of course, success also means saying goodbye to proven leaders. The Falcons graduated several standouts, including QB Jackson Custer, WR Jack Waranavage (Muhlenberg), DB Kaleb Fees, DB Kayden Tirado, and LB Malachi Victor (Alvernia). Their production on the field and their mentorship off it will be missed as Cedar Crest transitions into a new era.

In talking with returners Zimmerman, Fox, and Kline at the Lebanon County Football Media Day, one theme came through clearly: confidence in their abilities. When asked which teammate they were most excited to watch this season, they pointed to Zimmerman. It makes sense that he headlines the talent, since he rushed for more than 1,500 yards and scored 19 total touchdowns last fall as a sophomore—and is handling the high expectations for 2025 very well.

While Zimmerman is a dynamic rusher, his teammates cannot be overlooked. Kline anchored the defense with over 100 tackles and three defensive touchdowns. Fox wreaked havoc in the trenches, piling up 19 tackles for loss, three sacks, and an impressive 31 quarterback hurries. All three are hungry for more.

The team’s personal and collective goals reflect that drive. Zimmerman wants to build on last year with 25 touchdowns and even more rushing yards. Fox is gunning for Cedar Crest’s all-time tackles-for-loss record. Kline is focused on improving his tackling efficiency and pass coverage.

The trio described a demanding offseason filled with weight room sessions and skill work, often splitting time between morning workouts and field drills. Their goal has been simple: keep raising the standard while developing chemistry as a group.

While they’re optimistic, they recognize the challenges ahead. Graduation left holes up front, particularly along the offensive and defensive lines. As Coach Lambros explained, “That’s the area we need to grow and figure out who we’re going to be. No team is the same from year to year—and that’s a good thing. The challenge is finding out what makes this team special.”

Defensively, the Falcons know they’ll look different, but the players believe this year’s group will be stronger than many expect. Lambros added: “We might not have the 260-pound guys like last year, but we’ve got tough, athletic players who can make an impact.”

For Coach Lambros, the mission is bigger than wins and losses: “I really just want the kids to have the best football experience possible. If they’re developing as players and enjoying the journey, the results will take care of themselves.”

To stay grounded under high expectations, players say they lean on their families and faith, which help them manage pressure and stay positive. They also want the community to know what this team is all about—aggressive, hard-working, and determined to outlast opponents with toughness and unity.

And when it comes time to take the field? The Falcons have a go-to hype track. As Zimmerman, Kline, and Fox put it: “Dreams and Nightmares” by Meek Mill—always gets us going. 

With all of the work they have put in, the Falcons are ready to chase their dreams, while creating long, restless nights for their opponents throughout the 2025 season.

Cedar Crest opens the 2025 campaign on Friday, August 22, at 7:00 PM against Lower Dauphin. With confidence, leadership, and momentum from back-to-back strong seasons, the Falcons believe they’re ready to make this fall another one to remember.

Cedar Crest Grad Chad Ryland Turns Heads With 72-Yard Kick in Warmups

2025 Cedar Crest Football Schedule

8/22.  @ Lower Dauphin (@ Hersheypark Stadium)

8/29   @ Spring Grove

9/5      vs Warwick

9/12    vs Penn Manor*

9/19    vs Wilson*#

9/26    @ Reading*

10/3    @ Manheim Township*

10/10   vs JP McCaskey*

10/17   @ Hempfield*#

10/23   vs Lebanon# – Cedar Bowl

• All games are slated for 7 pm unless otherwise noted

* Section 1 game

# Wilbur 99.7 FM Broadcast

2025 Cedar Crest Football Roster