This post will serve as a rolling update of Week 2 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/Oxford recap was written by Gavin Sweeney, a local high school student and aspiring sports journalist.
The Annville-Cleona/Hanover recap was written using information provided by Annville-Cleona student Jackson Hanley.
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
Mechanicsburg 35, Palmyra 7
On Saturday, the Palmyra Cougars faced the Mechanicsburg Wildcats at Northern Lebanon, marking their second consecutive week playing at the venue. After a commanding 30-0 victory over Lebanon in Week 1 as the visiting team, Palmyra kicked off their nine-week Mid Penn Keystone schedule with this non-league matchup against Mechanicsburg.
The Wildcats entered the game with momentum, having crushed the Carlisle Thundering Herd 38-7 in their season opener. Mechanicsburg aimed to build on last season’s impressive 11-1 record, which included a 35-14 home win over Palmyra and ended with their only loss in the 5A District 3 Semifinals to Bishop McDevitt. Palmyra, meanwhile, looked to carry forward the offensive spark they showed in the second half against Lebanon but knew they needed near-flawless execution to compete with the Wildcats.
Mechanicsburg struck first, with running back Rece Miller breaking free for a 29-yard touchdown run. A missed extra point kept the score at 6-0. With two minutes left in the first quarter, a passing touchdown followed by a successful two-point conversion extended the Wildcats’ lead to 14-0. Despite their early dominance, Mechanicsburg didn’t score again until midway through the second quarter, when Drake Dawson powered in a 17-yard rushing touchdown, making it 21-0 at halftime.
The Wildcats continued their physical assault in the third quarter. On their first drive, Miller scored his second rushing touchdown of the game, pushing the score to 27-0. With under a minute left in the quarter, Anthony Francis added another rushing touchdown, bringing the score to 35-0.
Showing a don’t quit attitude, Palmyra fought back late, with Travis McDannell scoring a touchdown to make give his Cougars their first points of the game.
Mechanicsburg’s four rushing touchdowns highlighted their physical dominance, a hallmark of their status as one of District 3’s top teams in recent years. The Wildcats’ ground game and overall physicality was just too much and should be commended.
Now standing at 1-1, Palmyra will look to regroup and apply lessons from this matchup as they prepare to face rival Hershey on the road next Friday night.
Palmyra Stats
Passing: Roman Russek – 12/19, 59 yds, (long 12); J. Robinson – 0/1, (long )
Rushing: Travis McDannell – 18 carries, 64 yds, TD (long 9); Aaron Villafane – 1 carry, 3 yds (long 3); Roman Russek – 8 carries, -30 yds (long 5)
Receiving: Braxtin Risser – 8 receptions, 31 yds (long 12); Talon Speck – 2 receptions, 15 yds (long 9); Aaron Villafane – 1 reception, 8 yds (long 8); Nate Holt – 1 reception, 5 yds (long 5)
Defensive Leaders: Nate Holt – 6 tackles, 1 assist, 1 TFL; Kyler Sparks – 6 tackles, 1 TFL; Aaron Villafane – 4 tackles, 3 assists; Jake Schelhorn – 3 tackles, 1 assist; P. DiGuardia – 3 tackles, 2 assists; J. Robinson – 1 tackle, 1 assist; C. Smith – 1 tackle, 1 assist; G. Stoak – 1 tackle; L. Vanatta – 1 tackle; R. Craig – 1 assist; Anthony Pinko – INT
Friday
Spring Grove 27, Cedar Crest 13
Following last week’s thrilling fourth-quarter comeback, the Cedar Crest Falcons entered Week 2 eager to keep their unbeaten start alive. To move to 2-0, they would need to overcome the Spring Grove Rockets on the road—a team that also entered Friday’s matchup riding high after a dominant 34-0 win over Northern York in their opener.
The two programs met last season when Cedar Crest rolled to a 45-7 victory. This time, the Falcons knew they would need a steadier effort to come out on top.
Spring Grove struck first and struck fast, connecting on a 59-yard touchdown down the sideline just three minutes into the contest. The Rockets added another score late in the first quarter on a quarterback run, building a 13-0 advantage.
Cedar Crest answered early in the second quarter when Isaiah Zimmerman turned a screen pass into a 36-yard touchdown to cut the deficit to 13-6. Momentum appeared to be swinging, but Spring Grove responded with a lengthy 98-yard drive capped by a touchdown just before halftime. The Falcons entered the break trailing 20-6.
The defense gave Cedar Crest new life late in the third quarter when Garrett Starry jumped a pass and returned it for a pick-six, narrowing the gap to 20-13. However, the Rockets delivered the knockout blow early in the fourth quarter, punching in another touchdown to extend their lead to 27-13. From there, Spring Grove’s defense sealed the win with a pair of late interceptions that thwarted Falcon comeback attempts.
Cedar Crest (1-1) will regroup after the loss and look to bounce back next Friday when they return home for their opener against Warwick.
Oxford 16, Northern Lebanon 13
The Northern Lebanon Vikings opened their season home opener against the Oxford Hornets on Friday Night Lights in a competitive matchup between two underrated teams. The meeting came a year after Oxford won a defensive battle, 7-0, and Friday night’s contest proved to be just as hard-fought.
The Hornets wasted no time in the first quarter, as their star RB and kick returner Joel McClain broke free for a 69-yard touchdown, making it 7-0. The Vikings’ defense responded, forcing two fumbles and getting an interception from sophomore SS Landon Copenhaver. However, the Vikings’ offense struggled against Oxford’s tough defense. A high snap and sack resulted in a safety, giving the Hornets a 9-0 lead at the end of the first quarter.
In the second quarter, the Hornets opened with the ball looking to extend their lead, but the Vikings’ defense held firm. A tackle for loss (TFL) by DT Landon Graby, key tackles from LB Bryce Yocum, and a pass deflection by DB Kael Erdman forced Oxford into a missed field goal. On offense, the Vikings found some rhythm with consecutive completions to Landon Copenhaver and Ryan Clemmer, but the Hornets’ defense once again came up with a stop. A misplayed Vikings punt gave Oxford great field position at the 25-yard line, but the defense held strong again with two more interceptions—Copenhaver’s second of the night and another from sophomore Ryan Clemmer.
Halftime Notes: Since Oxford’s opening 79-yard TD drive, every Hornet possession began in Vikings’ territory, yet Northern Lebanon’s defense held them to just 45 total yards while forcing three interceptions and a fumble recovery. An impressive showing from the Vikings’ defense.
Coming out of halftime, the Vikings knew they needed points and got them on a 63-yard touchdown connection from Bryan Mitzel to Ryan Clemmer, cutting the deficit to 9-7. Bryce Yocum continued to shine on both sides of the ball, contributing key offensive plays and clutch tackles. The Vikings built momentum, but Oxford answered with a blocked punt to close out the third quarter.
The fourth quarter brought chaos. Oxford immediately capitalized with a rushing touchdown from Joel McClain, extending the lead to 16-7. The Vikings battled back as Mitzel connected with Yocum for a score, making it 16-13 with just four minutes remaining. The defense delivered with another fumble recovery by Landon Graby, giving Northern Lebanon a final chance to take the lead.
However, Oxford’s physical secondary and relentless pressure held strong, forcing a turnover on downs to end the game, 16-13.
The Vikings fought with passion and resilience all night but ultimately came up short. Now 1-1, Northern Lebanon will look to bounce back next week when they travel to Delone Catholic.
Coach Rice’s Postgame Thoughts
“It was a tough one tonight, but you know what? We really got to see a side of this team that is exciting as a coach to see — and that’s their relentlessness. They’re great, their willingness to compete for four straight quarters, no matter who our opponent is.
I’m sure if you put things on paper between us and Oxford, there would probably be some predictions that wouldn’t have a 16-13 ball game. But nonetheless, that’s why you gotta play the game. Our boys do that. They show up, they play hard football, they play fast, physical, and they have fun — they enjoy it. You can see their willingness, and they want to do good things for each other too. That’s one of my favorite things: they play for one another.
We had some bumps and bruises along the way. We decided to pull Brady Ryan out in the third quarter — he should be fine. Then we had a guy step up: Johnny Hilton. He started on defense for us last week and was our extra point/kickoff guy, so we knew he was a good athlete. But then we put him out in that situation — a 35-40 yard ball down the field — and the young man lays out for it and keeps our drive alive. We ended up scoring to get those 13 points.
On that same drive, I saw Landon Copenhaver get two turnovers on defense in situations where it was either he gets the ball or the other guy. And just being able to turn around on the sideline, point, and say, “Go do this,” and they know what their job is — that makes me really happy.
We were also able to figure things out. We didn’t move the ball too well in the first quarter; Oxford came out strong and physical against us. But we figured it out, got some ball movement going a little in the second quarter, and a whole lot in the second half. We kind of found our rhythm, and I’m really proud of it.
Brian Mitzel, again, rises to the occasion. That guy just has the moxie and willingness to compete in difficult situations. Then you gotta love Copenhaver, who also makes plays for us on offense. You got Ryan Clemmer, plays on offense, and then that core group up front — they don’t get the recognition they deserve, but they grind and play hard. I just appreciate that overall.
Yeah, it’s not the outcome we wanted, but nonetheless, to be in a position to still compete to win in the fourth quarter — that’s our intention as a program: to play in the fourth quarter with a chance to win the football game. And we almost had it. I’m so proud of the boys.”
Northern Lebanon Stats
Passing: Bryan Mitzel – 14/16, 200 yds, 2 TD
Rushing: Bryan Mitzel – 10 carries, 9 yds
Receiving: Ryan Clemmer – 4 receptions, 77 yds, TD; Bryce Yocum – 4 receptions, 39 yds, TD; Landon Copenhaver – 4 receptions, 51 yds; Johnny Hilton – 1 reception, 28 yds
Defensive: Leaders Landon Copenhaver – 3 tackles, 2 INT; Brady Ryan – 9 tackles, 2 TFL, 2 assists; Bryce Yocum – 9 tackles, 4 TFL, 2 QB hurries; Landon Graby – 5 tackles, 3 TFL, fumble recovery; Kael Erdman – 3 tackles, 1 PD
Garden Spot 38, Lebanon 0
In Week 1, the Lebanon Cedars showed signs of progress, battling Palmyra for a full half before eventually falling late. That effort gave the program optimism heading into Friday night’s matchup, where they looked to build on that foundation.
Their opponent, Garden Spot, entered the game hungry for its first win after a 21-3 loss to Notre Dame-Green Pond just six days earlier. The Spartans wasted little time making their intentions clear.
Lebanon fumbled on its opening possession, and three plays later Garden Spot cashed in for a touchdown. The next drive unfolded almost identically—another fumble, another quick score. Less than four minutes into the contest, the Cedars trailed 14-0.
The Spartans extended the lead to 21-0 on a 28-yard touchdown run later in the first quarter. After another stalled Lebanon drive, the defense finally stood tall, forcing a punt and showing resilience despite the deficit. At the end of one, the Cedars trailed by three scores, but their effort suggested they weren’t about to fold.
Lebanon’s defense held Garden Spot to just two field goal attempts in the second quarter, with one good and one missed. That stretch of toughness sent the Cedars into halftime down 24-0, still within striking distance of respectability.
The third quarter, however, quickly tilted the game out of reach. Garden Spot struck on a 64-yard touchdown pass and, moments later, added another long scoring run to go up 38-0 just two minutes into the half. With the mercy rule enacted, the Cedars were left to fight for pride the rest of the way.
And fight they did. Though the scoreboard never changed again, Lebanon’s defense refused to let the game spiral further, holding Garden Spot in check and avoiding a repeat of last year’s 56-0 defeat.
While the Cedars (0-2) left the field with another loss, the effort showed progress. There are lessons in resilience and discipline that Coach Sylve and his staff can use to continue shaping this young team. Lebanon will look to put those lessons into practice next Friday when they travel to Conrad Weiser in search of their first win of the season.
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Thursday
Annville-Cleona 10, Hanover 7
The Dutchmen opened their 2025 campaign with an 18-9 win over Biglerville. On Thursday night, Coach Gingrich’s squad looked to keep the momentum rolling as they traveled to Hanover.
The Nighthawks entered the game after a 31-13 loss to Kennard-Dale in Week 1 and carried a ten-game losing streak. Even so, Annville-Cleona knew they would be facing a hungry, improving Hanover team while also recognizing the opportunity a 2-0 start could bring for their own season.
Annville-Cleona struck first when quarterback Lane Peters connected on a long pass to Hudson Sellers, setting up the offense deep in Hanover territory. A few plays later, Peters pushed across the goal line on a quarterback sneak from the 1-yard line. Kicker Cian Soliday added the extra point, giving the Dutchmen a 7-0 lead with 2:34 left in the first quarter.
Hanover answered early in the second quarter, capitalizing on a drive extended by Annville penalties before punching in a 3-yard touchdown run to even the score at 7-7 with 10:05 remaining.
With time running down in the half, the Dutchmen moved into field goal range. Soliday drilled a 34-yard kick as time expired, sending Annville-Cleona into the break ahead 10-7.
Hanover had its chances after halftime, including a third-quarter drive deep into Dutchmen territory. However, sophomore Jaylyn Moyer ended the threat with an interception at the 3-yard line. The Nighthawks pressed again in the fourth, but another sophomore, Danny Shay, came up with a clutch interception with 3:14 left to play.
The Dutchmen held the ball for the remainder of the contest, sealing a hard-fought road victory.
Annville-Cleona (2-0) will look to keep things rolling when they host Littlestown next Friday night.
Coach Gingrich’s Postgame Thoughts
“I’m very proud of the kids after tonight. It was a two-hour trip here that felt like forever, but the kids overcame that and then some adversity on the field. Hanover is very physical and has talent all over the place, but we were able to overcome that.
On offense, Lane Peters played very well — six of seven passing for 100 yards — and Hudson Sellers made a lot of big catches.
Defensively, our D-line played really well. Kaidavin Ginting was really good, along with Jackson Speece and Hudson Sellers. Our linebackers did a good job, and our DBs stepped up too. Sophomore Danny Shay had an interception, and Jaylen Moyer also came away with a pick.
Special teams were also very good, especially with the field goal that put us up 10-7.
We’re a super young team. Any win is a good win, so to be 2-0 heading into a long season — it doesn’t matter how it looks. You can’t beat that.
I’m also very proud of the scout team. With a short week to prepare, they were awesome. They were the MVP for us.”
Annville-Cleona Stats
Passing: Lane Peters – 6/7, 100 yds
Rushing: Devon Englehart – 16 carries, 64 yds; Lane Peters – 10 carries, 46 yds, TD; Jonathan Moran – 4 carries, 9 yds; Yamaliel Navarro – 1 carry, 4 yds; Maddox White – 1 carry, 2 yds; Hudson Sellers – 1 carry, 0 yds
Receiving: Hudson Sellers – 4 receptions, 95 yds; Jonathan Moran – 2 receptions, 5 yds
All-Purpose Yards: Hudson Sellers – 95 yds; Devon Englehart – 64 yds; Lane Peters – 46 yds; Julie Goss – 40 yds; Jaylynn Moyer – 30 yds; Jonathan Moran – 14 yds; Yamaliel Navarro – 8 yds; Danny Shay – 4 yds; Maddox White – 2 yds
Defensive Leaders: Danny Shay – 12 tackles; Hudson Sellers – 12 tackles, 4 TFL, 1.0 sack; Jonathan Moran – 10 tackles, 2 TFL; Logan Radocha – 7 tackles, TFL; Kaidavin Ginting – 7 tackles, TFL; Jaxon Speece – 7 tackles, 2 TFL; Devon Englehart – 6 tackles; Dominick Smith – 6 tackles; Jaylynn Moyer – 5 tackles, INT (30 yds); Luke Wentling – 5 tackles; Armani Santos – 2 tackles, 3 QB hurries; Jordan Nickens – 2 tackles, TFL, 1.0 sack; Levi Kreider – 2 tackles; Cory Weiss – 3 tackles, QB hurry; Daniel Shuey – 1 tackle; Maddox White – 1 tackle; Tanner Copenhaver – 1 tackle; Max Ortwein – 1 tackle
Turnovers: Jaylynn Moyer – INT (30 yds); Danny Shay – INT (4 yds)
Kicking: Cian Soliday – 1/1 PAT, 1/1 FG (33 yds), 4 pts
Punting: Max Ortwein – 3 punts, 84 yds (28.0 avg)
Kick/Punt Returns: Julie Goss – 2 KR, 40 yds (20.0 avg); Yamaliel Navarro – 1 PR, 4 yds
Scoring: Lane Peters – 1 rushing TD (6 pts); Cian Soliday – 1 FG, 1 PAT (4 pts)
Conrad Weiser 28, ELCO 14
After a tough Week 1 loss to West York, the young ELCO Raiders had little time to regroup before hitting the road Thursday night for a showdown with neighboring Conrad Weiser. The matchup carried extra meaning, as it marked the Raiders’ first game since the passing of long-time assistant coach John Carley, who was honored with a moment of silence prior to kickoff.
The Raiders faced a tall task against a Scouts squad coming off a season-opening 29-22 victory over Abington. A year ago, Weiser claimed a 31-7 win on their way to a 10-1 season, so on paper, the odds leaned heavily toward the home team. But from the opening whistle, ELCO proved they were ready to battle.
Weiser struck first with a passing touchdown midway through the first quarter to go up 7-0. The Raiders wasted no time answering, as junior Griffin Kreider scooped up a forced fumble and rumbled 32 yards to the end zone to tie the game with 3:42 remaining in the quarter. Moments later, junior Nathaniel Zimmerman intercepted a pass—his second pick of the young season—sending a message that the Raiders’ defense came to play.
Though the offense struggled to capitalize on opportunities, ELCO’s defense refused to back down. Senior Paul Williams forced another fumble late in the second quarter, giving the Raiders four first-half takeaways and keeping the game locked at 7-7 heading into halftime.
The Scouts regained momentum in the third quarter, finding the end zone on the ground to take a 14-7 lead. ELCO’s answer came early in the fourth when quarterback Brinley Donmoyer broke free for a 35-yard touchdown run to even things at 14-14.
The game hung in the balance until the final minutes. With just 1:11 left, Weiser powered in a short rushing score to reclaim the lead. On the Raiders’ final possession, a desperation drive ended with a pick-six that sealed the 28-14 result.
Despite the loss, ELCO’s inspired performance—fueled by heart, toughness, and the memory of Coach Carley—stood out as a step forward for the program.
The Raiders (0-2) will return home next Friday, September 5, when they host Lancaster Catholic.
Coach Miller’s Postgame Thoughts
“The scoreboard doesn’t dictate who those men are. 48 minutes of honoring the game and Coach Carley with their heart, relentless effort, and emotion. We are so close to being a team that reaches their full potential.
We just need to clean up little mistakes with things that stopped some key drives, I’m really proud of them.”
ELCO Stats
Passing: Brinley Donmoyer – 6/11, 54 yds, 2 INT
Rushing: Brinley Donmoyer – 15 carries, 98 yds (53 long), TD; Gavin Yeiser – 8 carries, 32 yds (18 long); Ellis Gensamer – 4 carries, 14 yds (13 long)
Receiving: Gavin Yeiser – 2 receptions, 26 yds; Ellis Gensamer – 1 reception, 10 yds; Matthew Gass – 1 reception, 8 yds; Kaden Tillison – 1 reception, 5 yds; Hunter Showalter – 1 reception, 5 yds; Dalton Pyszka – 1 beautiful reception that was negated by a penalty
Defensive Leaders: Dalton Pyszka – 14 tackles, 1 TFL; Jonathan Zimmerman – 13 tackles; Paul Williams – 11 tackles, 5 TFL, 3 forced fumbles, 1 sack; Avery Shenk – 10 tackles, 2 TFL; Riley McDonald – 10 tackles, 1 TFL; Griffin Kreider – 10 tackles, 1 TD; Ethan Bretzius – 10 tackles, 1 TFL; Cody Landis – 7 tackles; Blake LeGrande – 5 tackles; Nathaniel Zimmerman – 3 tackles, 1 INT; Conner Showalter – 3 tackles; Cameron Tillison – 3 tackles; Gavin Yeiser – 3 tackles; Alejandro Weister – 3 tackles; James Kuhne – 2 tackles; Cooper Eberly – 1 tackle, 1 sack, 1 fumble recovery; Hunter Mehaffey – 1 tackle; Kayden Wagner – 1 tackle
Upcoming Games
Saturday
Mechanicsburg @ Palmyra (@ Northern Lebanon)
Week One Coverage
Palmyra Explodes in Second Half to Defeat Lebanon
Ryan, Mitzel Lead Northern Lebanon to Dominant Season-Opening Win Over Pine Grove
Annville-Cleona Avenges Last Year’s Heartbreaker with Strong Opener
ELCO’s Young Raiders Show Grit in Hard-Fought Loss to West York
Cedar Crest Rallies to Defeat Lower Dauphin in Battle of the Falcons
2025 LebCo Football Team-by-Team Season Outlooks
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