This post will serve as a rolling update of Week 5 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 Cedar Crest/Wilson recap was written by Gavin Sweeney, a local high school student and aspiring sports journalist.
The Annville-Cleona/Columbia 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
Saturday
Wyomissing 42, ELCO 7
On Saturday afternoon, the ELCO Raiders traveled to face the Wyomissing Spartans, entering the toughest stretch of their schedule. Coming off back-to-back games against perennial powerhouses Twin Valley and ELCO, the Raiders were hoping to find positives to build on over the next five weeks. A Week 5 upset against the 4-0 Spartans, who opened the season with a win over Southern Columbia, would have been monumental—but the Spartans were determined to extend their perfect start.
Wyomissing wasted little time asserting control. Less than five minutes into the game, Justice Hardy capped a traditional ground attack with a 14-yard touchdown run. Chase Eisenhower followed with a rushing score of his own late in the opening quarter to make it 14-0. The Spartans kept their ground game rolling, adding touchdowns by Marcus Armistead (19 yards) and Dominic Arguelles, before Eisenhower connected with Hardy for a passing score just before halftime. By the break, Wyomissing held a commanding 35-0 lead.
The second half saw a considerable slowdown in the pace of the game, although Wyomissing continued to show that they are one of Pennsylvania’s best teams. A methodical 78-yard drive consumed nearly ten minutes off the clock and ended with a Teddy White pass to Ethan Betances, pushing the lead to 42-0.
Despite the deficit, ELCO refused to go quietly. Quarterback Brinley Donmoyer scored on an 11-yard run with just over nine minutes left, giving the Raiders a hard-fought touchdown. The game ended shortly thereafter, with Wyomissing emerging victorious, 42-7.
ELCO (1-4) matches last year’s record, a result of a challenging, front-loaded schedule. The Raiders now turn their attention to the second half of the season, beginning with next Friday night’s Homecoming game against Daniel Boone—the school, not the legendary pioneer.
Coach Miller’s Postgame Thoughts
“It’s a recurring theme—we didn’t execute against a high-quality opponent. I and we as coaches have to prep them better. This will be a huge week for us to be back at home and show mental toughness and resiliency against a hungry opponent in Daniel Boone.”
Friday
Palmyra 9, Waynesboro 7
After a narrow 13-12 loss to Shippensburg last week that showed glimpses of progress, the Palmyra Cougars proved Friday night that they’re ready to turn a corner. Traveling to Waynesboro, the Cougars faced an Indians squad also eager to end a three-game skid.
The tone was set early as Palmyra’s defense stifled the Waynesboro attack. The Cougars intercepted a pass to stall an early scoring chance in the first quarter, then repeated the feat with nine minutes left in the second. The turnover set up Palmyra with prime field position at their own 45-yard line, and the Cougars capitalized by marching to the Indians’ 5-yard line. Though the drive stalled, a field goal gave Palmyra a 3-0 lead with six minutes remaining in the half.
That score held until the fourth quarter, when quarterback Roman Russek broke through for a touchdown, extending the Cougars’ advantage to 9-0. Waynesboro, however, wasn’t ready to fold. The Indians executed a hook-and-ladder play to set up their first touchdown of the night, trimming the margin to 9-7 with 2:34 left to play.
Despite the late push, Palmyra’s offense managed the clock and sealed the win by keeping possession until the final whistle.
The victory snapped a 27-game Keystone Division losing streak for the Cougars, marking a milestone for a program hungry to prove it’s better than its record suggests. Now 2-3 on the season, Palmyra will enjoy the satisfaction of a breakthrough win before pivoting to preparation for next Friday’s away game against the Mifflin County Huskies.
Coach Pavone’s Postgame Thoughts
Coach on the win:
“It was a great win for our kids and our football program. I’m extremely proud of their heart, grit, and toughness to pull out a great win in a tough place to play. Our kids deserve moments like these, with the time, effort, and energy they have put into our program each day.”
The effort on both sides of the ball:
“The defense was lights-out and continues to show that we can hang our hat on them to put our team in the position to win any game. The offense made some great, key plays to move the ball, check the clock, and grind out a win on the road.
The impact of the recent efforts made by his players:
“I fully believe that last week was a turning point, and tonight was just another step in our process to change the culture and narrative of Palmyra Football.”
Palmyra Stats
Passing: Roman Russek – 9/16, 59 yds; Jaxin Robinson – 0/2
Rushing: Travis McDannell – 16 carries, 33 yards; Alex Csongradi – 2 carries, 42 yds; Braxtin Risser – 2 carries, 36 yds; Roman Russek – 7 carries, 26 yds, 1 TD; Aaron Villafane – 3 carries, 22 yds; Jaxin Robinson – 3 carries, -8 yds
Receiving: Talon Speck – 4 receptions, 30 yds; Braxtin Risser – 4 receptions, 30 yds; Alex Csongradi – 1 reception, 15 yds
Defensive Leaders: Jake Schelhorn – 8 tackles (6 solo, 2 assists); Kyler Sparks – 7 tackles (4 solo, 3 assists); Nate Holt – 5 tackles (2 solo, 3 assists); Aaron Villafane – 4 tackles (3 solo, 1 assist); Anthony Pinko – 3 tackles (2 solo, 1 assist); Travis McDannell – 4 tackles (2 solo, 2 assists); Greg Stoak – 4 tackles (0 solo, 4 assists); Braxtin Risser – 3 tackles (0 solo, 3 assists); Peter DiGuardia – 2 tackles (1 solo, 1 assist); Louis Loew – 2 tackles (1 solo, 1 assist); Mason Kyper – 2 tackles (2 solo, 0 assists); Justus Maina – 4 tackles (2 solo, 2 assists); Wyatt Fogleman – 1 tackle (1 solo, 0 assists); Sid Harrison – 1 tackle (1 solo, 0 assists); Chris Kleinfelter – 1 tackle (0 solo, 1 assist); Garrison John – 1 tackle (0 solo, 1 assist)
Turnovers: Mason Kyper – 1 INT; Chris Kleinfelter – 1 INT; Garrison John – 1 INT
Scoring: Roman Russek – 1 rushing TD
Special Teams:
Kick Returns: Alex Csongradi – 1 KR, 18 yds; Brenden Crout – 3 KO, 130 yds
Punt Returns: Alex Csongradi – 4 PR, 32 yds (8 avg, long 24)
Punting: Nate Holt – 5 punts, 170 yds, long 40 (34.0 avg)
Ready for your next getaway?
Annville-Cleona 35, Columbia 26
In recent weeks, Annville-Cleona has shown that they have moved beyond their youth and early season jitters. Carrying a 3-1 record into Week 5, the Dutchmen were eager to face a much-improved Columbia team coming off a 43-0 rout of Lancaster Catholic. Annville was also fresh off an impressive 42-0 shutout at Hamburg, looking to improve to 4-1 while extending their winning streak over the Crimson Tide to four straight. To do so, the Dutchmen knew they would need to execute their game plan, limit mistakes, and overcome the hostile atmosphere of Columbia’s home field.
Just past the midway point of the 1st quarter, Devon Englehart finished off an Annville drive with a 5-yard touchdown run. Cian Soliday converted the PAT for a 7-0 lead. Columbia wasted little time responding, tying the game just two minutes later with 3:05 left in the quarter.
The Dutchmen regained the advantage at the 7:30 mark of the 2nd quarter when Englehart scored from short yardage to make it 14-7. However, Columbia struck again as time expired in the half, sending the teams to the locker room tied at 14.
Englehart was the engine of the first half, carrying the ball 21 times for 105 yards and two touchdowns as Annville controlled the ground game. Out of the break, he kept rolling, breaking free for a 35-yard touchdown—his third of the night—to put the Dutchmen ahead 21-14.
Following a Columbia fumble recovery at the 7-yard line, quarterback John Ditzler pushed across the goal line on a short-yardage sneak, extending the lead to 28-14. Columbia answered at the 3:31 mark of the 3rd, but the blocked extra point left the score 28-20. Less than a minute into the 4th quarter, the Crimson Tide struck again, trimming the margin to 28-26.
Annville responded with composure, driving the field before once again calling on Ditzler to sneak in for the touchdown. Soliday’s extra point made it 35-26 with 4:35 remaining. From there, the Dutchmen defense held firm, shutting down Columbia’s comeback hopes and securing a key road win.
Annville-Cleona (4-1, 2-0 Section 5) will return home next week to host Kutztown.
Written with information provided by Jackson Hanley
Coach Gingrich’s Postgame Thoughts
“The kids did a good job tonight, going into a tough place to play against a team that was coming off a big win. I’m thankful we were able to come out with a win. It wasn’t pretty—there are a lot of things we need to fix—but a win is a win, especially for a young group. Engelhart had a lot of rushing yards on offense. Hudson Sellers continues to anchor the defense. In the end, our defense came through; the last two possessions they played really well and ultimately won the game for us. We’re very happy with the effort and pumped to be 4-1, starting the second season.”
Annville-Cleona Stats
Passing: John Ditzler – 3/7, 28 yds, 1 INT
Rushing: Devon Englehart – 33 carries, 205 yds, 3 TD; Jonathan Moran – 9 carries, 54 yds; John Ditzler – 5 carries, 7 yds, 2 TD; Hudson Sellers – 2 carries, 5 yds; Lane Peters – 2 carries, 1 yd
Receiving: Hudson Sellers – 1 reception, 20 yds; Logan Radocha – 2 receptions, 7 yds
Defensive Leaders: Hudson Sellers – 11 tackles (7 solo, 4 assists), 5.0 TFL; Logan Radocha – 8 tackles (4 solo, 4 assists); Luke Wentling – 8 tackles (4 solo, 4 assists); Kaidavin Ginting – 8 tackles (4 solo, 4 assists), 2.0 TFL; Armani Santos – 6 tackles (4 solo, 2 assists), 1.0 TFL; Jonathan Moran – 5 tackles (4 solo, 1 assist); Maddox White – 5 tackles (3 solo, 2 assists); Levi Kreider – 5 tackles (2 solo, 3 assists); Dan Bright-Walck – 5 tackles (3 solo, 2 assists); Jaxon Speece – 5 tackles (2 solo, 3 assists), 1.0 TFL; Cory Weiss – 4 tackles (2 solo, 2 assists); Dominick Smith – 3 tackles (2 solo, 1 assist), 1.0 TFL; Devon Englehart – 3 tackles (2 solo, 1 assist), 1.0 TFL
Scoring: Devon Englehart – 3 rushing TD; John Ditzler – 2 rushing TD; Cian Soliday – 7 kick pts
Turnovers: Maddox White – 1 fumble recovery; Yamaliel Navarro – 1 fumble recovery; Dominick Smith – 1 blocked FG
Special Teams:
Kick Returns: Jonathan Moran – 3 KR, 82 yds (27.3 avg)
Kickoffs: Cian Soliday – 5 KO, 3 TB
Punting: Max Ortwein – 1 punt, 42 yds (42.0 avg)
Wilson 62, Cedar Crest 20
Friday Night Lights featured an L-L Section 1 matchup between powerhouse program the Wilson Bulldogs and the Cedar Crest Falcons. Cedar Crest entered the Week 5 matchup following an impressive 40-15 Week 4 win over Penn Manor. The Falcons hoped to carry that momentum into their home game against the Bulldogs, who came in with a 3-1 record and fresh off a 49-0 win over Reading. Cedar Crest was also eager to challenge their old foe, which had defeated them twice last season, including in the 2nd round of Districts.
In the 1st quarter, the Falcons received the ball looking to take down the #42 ranked team in Pennsylvania, Wilson. The Falcons knew this was going to be a tough game, and the Bulldogs didn’t waste any time showing it. DB Chase Herb started it off with an interception, and RB Correll Akings rushed into the end zone to make it 7-0. The Bulldogs’ defense was to be feared, and they proved it again with an interception from LB EJ Brownback, who returned it for a 40-yard pick-six, making it 14-0.
The Falcons didn’t let this stop them, though. Isaiah Zimmerman hit a nasty cut and run that resulted in a 74-yard rushing touchdown, cutting the lead to 14-7. Both the Falcons and the student section were fired up after that run, and the momentum shifted to the defense. Garrett Starry picked off a pass after a tipped ball, returning it for a touchdown to tie the game 14-14. The drama continued as QB Mason Young scrambled in the pocket and connected with WR Eli Dean for a 40-yard touchdown, giving Wilson a 21-14 lead heading into the 2nd quarter.
The Bulldogs extended their advantage with an 11-yard touchdown from Young to WR James Carpenter, making it 28-14. The Falcons looked to respond, but the Bulldogs’ defense was too much. Wilson’s offense added touchdowns from Correll Akings and Eli Dean to push the score to 42-14 at halftime.
Wilson opened the 3rd quarter with the ball, but the Falcons’ defense got a stop and handed it to their offensive star. Zimmerman delivered again, scoring his second touchdown of the night to cut the deficit to 42-20. The Bulldogs answered right back as Young connected with TE Michael Glover for a 14-yard touchdown to extend the lead to 49-20.
The 4th quarter was all Bulldogs, as Mason Young added another touchdown before backup QB Ligan Pettit connected with WR Jackson Becker to seal the 62-20 final score.
The Falcons will look to bounce back next week when they take on Reading.
Written by Gavin Sweeney
Donegal 44, Northern Lebanon 22
The Vikings hoped to rebound after a limited performance in Week 4 against Wyomissing when they traveled to take on Donegal on Friday night. The Indians entered the matchup with a single win, a victory over Columbia, but had recently battled Lampeter-Strasburg in a 30-20 loss. On paper, it promised to be an excellent matchup—and despite the score, it was.
Donegal struck first, scoring on their opening drive and converting a two-point attempt to take an early 8-0 lead. Early in the 2nd quarter, the Indians extended their advantage to 14-0.
Northern Lebanon, however, refused to fold. At the 4:45 mark of the 2nd quarter, quarterback Bryan Mitzel scored on a 2-yard run. Then, with seconds left before halftime, Mitzel found Brady Ryan on a 25-yard touchdown pass to knot the game at 14-14 heading into the break.
The third quarter saw Donegal reclaim the lead with a touchdown, moving ahead 22-14—a margin that held through the quarter. In the 4th, the Indians pushed their advantage to 30-14. The Vikings responded once again, with Mitzel connecting with Ryan on an 18-yard strike, followed by Bryce Yocum converting the two-point attempt to make it 30-22.
Northern Lebanon’s comeback attempt fell short after an unsuccessful onside kick, as Donegal recovered and used the short field to add two late touchdowns, finishing the game 44-22.
Despite the final score, the game was competitive until late in the 4th quarter, and the return of Brady Ryan from a sprained ankle clearly provided a boost to the Vikings’ offense.
Northern Lebanon (1-4) now looks ahead to a Week 6 road matchup at Twin Valley.
Coach Rice’s Postgame Thoughts
“That was a tough one last night. You look at it as two halves of a football season, and in four of our first five games we were hoping to be competitive—meaning those 50/50 toss-ups that could go either way. To come out of those at 1-4 is just tough. Looking at our schedule, it’s going to be a rough second half of the season. But we’ll keep coaching the boys up. There’s no doubt those guys go out, fight, and give it their all—I love them and commend them for that.
Last night, though, we had zero control of the line of scrimmage on either side of the football. We got a little momentum heading into halftime, tying things up at the end of the first half, but then they came out, kicked an onside kick, got the ball back, and from there it was all on their side the rest of the way.
They played very fast, physical, and downhill, and we didn’t—that’s just how it went. We’ve got a couple of tough games coming up with Twin Valley and LS, so we’re going to turn the page, get back up, and keep working. We’ll see what we need to do to continue improving as a football team each day and each week, and we’ll go from there.”
Exeter 64, Lebanon 6
The Lebanon Cedars have shown fight in recent weeks, including scoring three touchdowns last week against Muhlenberg, who had been seeking their third straight shutout. Standing at 0-4, Lebanon has done their best to overcome the challenges of being outmanned by larger opponents.
Traveling to face undefeated Exeter on Friday night, the Cedars were once again up against a formidable roster, including thirty-five players who stand 6’ or taller. Yet, Lebanon’s grit and determination meant they were not going to back down from what seemed like an improbable challenge.
Exeter quickly established dominance, storming to a 22-0 lead by the midway point of the 1st quarter. Lebanon, however, slowed the advance and held the score steady through the end of the quarter.
Early in the 2nd quarter, the Cedars got on the scoreboard on a long pass from Anthony Klish to Malachi Briddell, showing that they could compete even against a physically imposing team.
From there, Exeter broke away, building a 57-6 lead by halftime and adding another score in the second half.
Despite the 64-6 loss, Lebanon (1-4) again refused to be shut out by an intimidating opponent, continuing to show resilience and determination in the face of a steep challenge.
Week 4 Results
2025 LebCo Football Team-by-Team Season Outlooks
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